Jake Giles NetterHalestorm, Korn and Five Finger Death Punch will head to the Mile-High City this fall to play the High Elevation Rock Festival, held September 22-23 in Denver, Colorado.

The lineup also includes Stone Sour, A Day to Remember, In This Moment, Black Veil Brides, Asking Alexandria, Starset, P.O.D., All That Remains and Beartooth, among others.

For the full lineup and ticket info, visit HighElevationFestival.com.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Delhi High Court has restrained two driver unions from disrupting services of cabs run by Ola and Uber in the city.

By Mail Today Bureau: Commuters in Delhi-NCR may face hardship in hiring taxis today as the drivers of two app-based cab aggregators Ola and Uber have threatened to go off roads for a day against low fares.

They had gone on a major strike in February, which had lasted for 13 days, causing inconvenience to commuters.

However, the Delhi High Court on Monday restrained two taxi-driver unions from disrupting services of cabs run by Ola and Uber in the NCR. Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw passed a decree "permanently injuncting" the two unions and anyone associated with them from blocking cabs of Ola and Uber.

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According to the agitating Sarvodaya Drivers' Association, the strike might hit private transport service in Delhi and other neighbouring cities as some groups of tourist taxi providers, autorickshaw union have extended their support to it. The association, which claims to represent around 1.25 lakh app-based taxis in the the Delhi-NCR, demands that fares be increased from existing Rs 6 per km to around Rs 20 per km. It also demands abolition of 25 per cent commission the drivers are charged by companies.

SARVODAYA DRIVERS' ASSOCIATION TO TAKE OUT PROTEST MARCH

Ravi Rathore, vice-president of the Sarvodaya Drivers' Association, said drivers will take out a protest march against the Delhi government which, he alleged, is not intervening to resolve the issue.

"The protest march will be taken out from Majnu-ka-Tila to the CM's residence in North Delhi's Civil Lines area.

"There is grievance among drivers that government is not intervening in raising their issues with Ola and Uber," Rathore said. He said the association has called for the one-day strike in favour of the demands and if companies and government do not pay heed, they will go on an indefinite strike.

According to the association, app-based cab companies made tall promises to drivers - like they would earn as much as Rs 1.5 lakh every month. "But the situation is different. They are making us run taxis at Rs 6 per km while they charge 25 per cent from us," Rathore also said.

Contrary to the association's claim that most autorickshaw and tourists associations have decided to lend their support to the strike, Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union (yellow-black taxis) said they will not participate in it.

Also Read:

Bengaluru: 20 Ola, Uber drivers begin indefinite fast making charter of demands

Chandigarh: Commuters hit as auto-rickshaw drivers launch indefinite strike against Uber, Ola

Gurgaon: Auto unions on strike force city to a standstill

Ola cab's Twitter account hacked, funny tweets flow

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin Khristian Ibarrola (Inquirer.net/Asia News Network)  Tue, April 18, 2017 17:34 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9aaf35 2 Science & Tech Snapchat,India,Evan-Spiegel Free

Snapchat has taken the world by storm since its initial release in 2011.

However, the famed image messaging app may slowly lose its following in India, after allegedly insensitive comments made by Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel way back in 2015.

This app is only for rich people, Spiegel reportedly said two years back during discussions about Snapchats overseas growth.

I dont want to expand into poor countries like India and Spain, he added, according to Mashable.

The allegedly insensitive remarks were divulged by the former employee Anthony Pompliano, who recently filed a lawsuit against the company for supposedly falsifying its user metrics.

Indian Snapchat users fumed over the statement and expressed their disdain by claiming theyd be deleting the app.(Twitter via Inquirer.net/File)

Read also: Galaxy S8 under fire for reddish display panel

Although it was not the focal point of the suit, the disgruntled Pompliano detailed how Spiegel dismissed poor countriesmainly Indiaduring these meetings.

As expected, Indian Snapchat users fumed over the statement and expressed their disdain by claiming theyd be deleting the app.

Meanwhile, the #UninstallSnapChat trend is utterly similar to the #DeleteUber fad back in January, during which users chastised the ride-hailing app for allegedly jacking up prices. Snapchat, on the other hand, has denied claims of faking their metrics, but has yet to address Spiegels supposed comments on India.

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This article appeared on the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 11:00 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde991ec6 1 City runoff,2017JakartaElection,#2017JakartaElection,#JakartaGubernatorialElection,TNI,Indonesian-Military Free

As many as 2,400 Indonesian Military personnel from the Jakarta Military District Command (Kodam Jaya) and the West Java and Banten Military District Command (Kodam Siliwangi) arrived in West Jakarta on Monday afternoon to help secure the April 19 runoff election.

The soldiers are being prepared as a last resort and will only be deployed if an emergency situation develops as residents cast their votes in the Jakarta gubernatorial election.

The military personnel gathered at Cendrawasih Stadium in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, to receive directives from West Jakarta Military District Command (Kodim) commander Lt.Col. Wahyu Yudhayana.

This [deployment] shows that the state is present and able to guarantee the security of its citizens, Wahyu said as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com during his speech to welcome the personnel.

(Read also: Muslim leaders join call for peaceful poll)

He further said during election day, half the personnel would be stationed in Kalideres, West Jakarta, while the rest would remain at Cendrawasih Stadium.The TNI personnel will work in accordance with the security level and on the polices request, he said.

Wahyu asserted that the militarys presence was not intended to scare the citizens but to make them feel safe instead. (dea/ebf)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 15:49 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9a12c0 1 City ahok,#2017JakartaElection Free

The campaign team of Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama and Djarot Saiful Hidayat has urged supporters who have not yet received a voting invitation, or C6 form, for tomorrows runoff election, to meet with polling station officers (KPPS) today to ask for it.

The campaign team spokesman, I Putu Artha, said at a press conference on Tuesday that around 1,872 people had reported to the team that they had faced difficulties obtaining the C6 form.

Some, who had received the voting invitation, also reported that the Identification Card Number (NIK) written on the form did not match with their original ID.

Weve asked the voters to come together to the KPPS if they have not received the C6 form. If there are irregularities in the form, they should urge the KPPS to revise the form today, Putu said in Jakarta.

(Read also: KPU Jakarta to engage campaign teams in distributing C6 forms)

Putu said the team was disappointed that the C6 form had not been distributed correctly in several areas, such as apartments and residential complexes, which have become part of their supporter base.

Hundreds of residents in Cakung Barat Apartment, Parkview Sunter Apartment, Taman Modern Cakung Complex, Green Lake City residential, Cengkareng, and Puri Mansion residential, Kembangan, West Jakarta, have not received the C6 form.

In Jatinegara apartment, East Jakarta, 50 people who had exercised their voting rights in the first round of the election on Feb. 15, were not included in Final Voter List (DPT), Putu said.

Many residents also reported receiving a false NIK in the C6 form, which suggests these errors may be intentional and not simply human error.

The team worried the KPPS would complicate the voting process for voters due to the incorrect data, Putu said.

Even though voters can vote without the C6 form, the team suggests voters obtain the form, as it can be misused by others to cast illegal votes.

Putu said that such fraud occurred in the first round when the forms were used by some people to vote on another persons behalf.

This fraud led to re-voting in polling stations in Kalibata, South Jakarta and Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. (dan)
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Linkedin Yoriko Yasukawa and Annette Sachs Robertson (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18 2017

As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) approaches its 50th anniversary this year, a momentous milestone, the region is at a crossroads more than ever on several fronts, including the rights, health and wellbeing of millions of women and girls.

Policies and decisions taken now by individual countries and ASEAN as a whole can propel Southeast Asia toward greater prosperity grounded in human rights and genuine gender equality  helping fulfill the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) whose collective pledge is to leave no one behind.

Or, amid the growing tendency toward conservatism, and in some cases violent extremism, gains made in improving the health and fulfilling the rights of women and young people  especially girls  could be eroded.

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Over the past few years, the government has firmly vowed to curb spending as the budget deficit widens amid falling revenues from tax and export earnings.

However, the latest audit by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) shows that despite such avowed fiscal rectitude in the state budget, irregularities across dozens of government institutions, regional administrations, state-owned as well as provincial-owned enterprises have cost the country trillions of rupiah.

In its 2016 second-half report, the agency reported that 5,810 irregularities, mostly comprising violations of prevaling laws and regulations, caused potential losses of Rp 12.59 trillion (US$949 million), up 27.5 percent from the Rp 9.87 trillion recorded in the July-December period a year earlier.

As we did with the House of Representatives and the Regional Representatives Council [previously], we have asked the President as the head of the government to follow up on our recommendations. If the recommendations are not followed through, there will continue to be state losses or potential state losses, BPK chairman Harry Azhar Azis told reporters after meeting President Joko Jokowi Widodo at the State Palace.

Harry pointed out three key issues the agency was most concerned about, namely the national health insurance (JKN) program, a lack of coordination between the central and regional administrations in the education sector, and the monitoring of taxpayers.

The healthcare services at Puskesmas [community health centers] and general hospitals are not supported by a large number of qualified human resources. Furthermore, there are around 155 regional health insurance programs that have not been integrated with JKN, Harry said.

The education-related irregularities were attributed to a lack of regulations that managed coordination between the central government and regional administrations.

Another concern the BPK raised was related to unpaid value-added tax (VAT) worth Rp 910.06 billion from four tax offices, with potential administrative sanctions of Rp 538.13 billion.

Following the meeting at the palace, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said Jokowi had vowed to address the concerns expressed by the BPK in order to improve his administrations transparency and credibility.

Despite several improvements in the rating of financial reports by regional administrations in 2015 as revealed by the report, Jokowi was not satisfied and called on his government to continue amending the financial information, he added.

As much as 58 percent of financial reports earned an unqualified opinion, the highest mark the agency offers, last year, higher than the 47 percent in 2015.

The report also showed that the percentage of regional administration financial reports earning that status had risen exponentially from just 13 percent in 2011.

However, the government still hopes that this can continue to increase, Pramono said.

House Commission XI overseeing the fiscal and financial sector plans to review the BPKs report to evaluate whether any problems should be treated as crimes.

We need to discuss the issues first at Commission XI. So far, there has yet to be any discussion [of the summary], Johnny G. Plate of the NasDem Party told The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 11:33 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde99392c 1 Business bumi-resources,limited-public-offering,debt-restructuring Free

Indonesia's largest thermal coal mining company, PT Bumi Resources, has announced that its planned rights issue will take place from May 26 to June 8. The move is part of the companys efforts to restructure commercial debt amounting to US$4.2 billion.

Bumi will issue 28.75 billion pre-emptive rights to subscribe securities (HMETD), each with a nominal value of Rp 100 (1 US cent). Those pre-emptive rights are expected to be listed in the bourse on June 12.

The politically-wired Bakrie family's company will also issue 9.13 billion mandatory convertible bonds (MCB) with an annual coupon rate of 6 percent and a maturity period of seven years.

(Read also: Bumi Resources expects higher coal sales in 2017)

The reference price for equity and MCB is reconfirmed at Rp 926.16 per share, Bumi director and corporate secretary Dileep Srivastava told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

With that reference price, Bumi expects to collect a total of Rp 26.6 trillion from the rights issue and Rp 8.45 trillion from the MCB.

In addition to the rights issue, Bumi also plans to issue tradable contingent value rights (CVR) worth $100 million for creditors of its new senior secured bond. The CVR will be due in five years.

The company aims to replace its debts from China Development Bank (CDB) with a new senior secured bond or a tranche C facility.

If the restructuring goes as expected, Bumi will be able to reduce its commercial debt to $1.6 billion. (bbn)
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Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang, Central Java  Tue, April 18, 2017 21:03 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9b4a44 1 National marijuana,drug-dealer,extracted-marijuana,Facebook,Yayasan-Sahabat-Herbal,#marijuana,#drugs,drugs,drugs-distribution Free

Central Java Police have detained the creator of Facebook account Sahabat Herbal (Herbal Friends) Foundation for allegedly attempting to sell marijuana as an effective cure for cancer.

It was announced on Monday that officers arrested Septiandi Wibisono at his home in Bergas District, Semarang regency, Central Java, on April 12.

He has been named a suspect for allegedly distributing drugs, said Central Java Police Narcotics Directorate head Sr.Comr. Krisno H.Siregar. He did not sell dried marijuana leaves, but processed the leaves into extracts by mixing and boiling them with 96 percent ethanol.

[Septiandi] sold the marijuana extracts for Rp 750,000 [US$56.39] per 300 milliliters.

During the raid, police confiscated 444 grams of marijuana packaged in labeled plastic bags that read Ganjalah Kesehatan, (Marijuana is Health), a play on the slogan Jagalah Kesehatan (take care of your health).

He bought the marijuana from Jakarta using a courier service. We are pursuing RN, his colleague, said Central Java Police spokesperson Djarod Padakova.

Under investigation: Central Java Police spokesperson Djarod Padakova (right) holds up a weapon confiscated from an alleged drug dealer in Semarang, Central Java, during a press conference on April 17.(JP/Suherdjoko)

Septiandi claimed he bought the marijuana at Rp 2 million per 800 grams. He said he joined Facebook communities to advertise his product, which went on smoothly for two years.

He learned the techniques to make marijuana extracts from the internet, he added. You can drop it directly onto your tongue or drink it with tea, he explained.

Djarod said that police had also confiscated two firearms during Septiandis arrest: one military-issued weapon and one handmade weapon.

The suspect said his friend entrusted those weapons to him, [but] we dont believe him. Moreover, we found 100 active bullets of various calibers. We will investigate this case further. (ebf)
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Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan  Tue, April 18 2017

The alleged mastermind behind the killing of a family in Medan, North Sumatra, claimed to have committed the crime because one of the victims owed him money.

The North Sumatra Police have said that based on Andi Lalas statements, Riyanto, one of the victims, bought methamphetamine worth Rp 5 million (US$376) from Andi but failed to make the payment.

This is what the suspect claimed. We will examine it further, North Sumatra Police Insp. Gen. Rycko Amelza Dahniel said on Monday.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 20:19 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9b3614 4 National KPK,novel-baswedan,anti-corruption Free

Ten people wearing costumes depicting Dead Pool, Batman, Power Rangers, Kamen Rider Black and six other superheroes descended on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) headquarters on Monday with the mission of assuring the commission of its public support.

The cosplayers acted as guardians of the KPK, which has received a wave of public sympathy following an acid attack on one of the commissions most senior investigators, handling major cases implicating politicians and entrepreneurs, Novel Baswedan, last week.

They carried placards with messages of support like Dont Be Afraid, KPK, Beat Back Public Fund Stealers and We are ready to Safeguard the KPK.

Behind the scenes, Indonesia Corruption Watchs (ICW) Tibiko Zabar, an ICW researcher, said the theatrical demonstration was held to show popular support for the KPK and especially Baswedan who was attacked by unknown assailants as he returned from a mosque in his neighborhood last Tuesday.

Today, we, the guardians of KPK, came here to assure everyone that people are ready to defend KPK, Tibiko said as quoted by tribunnews.com.

Baswedan has been undergoing medical treatment in a hospital in Singapore. The attack on him has been seen as an act of terror against the KPK, which is handling a host of high profile cases. (hol)
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 21:33 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9b54cf 1 National Philippines,exclusive-economic-zone,maritime-border,maritime-security Free

The government and the House of Representatives are set to ratify a historic maritime agreement pertaining to an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between Indonesia and the Philippines to safeguard the two countries maritime security from threats such as the Abu Sayyaf group.

The maritime deal, signed in 2014 after 20 years of negotiations, draws a boundary between Indonesia and the Philippines overlapping EEZ in Mindanao Sea and Celebes Sea.

In a hearing with representatives of the Coordinating Legal, Political and Security Affairs Ministry, Law and Human Rights Ministry, Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Indonesian Navy on Tuesday, lawmakers of the House of Representatives Commission I overseeing defense and foreign affairs agreed to ratify the maritime deal.

"If this [agreement] benefits Indonesia and its people, there is no reason for the House not to ratify it," Commission I deputy chairman and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) lawmaker TB Hasanuddin, who presided over the hearing, said.

NasDem Party lawmaker Supiadin Aries Saputra said he expected the government to follow up the ratification with concrete programs that would enhance maritime defense and boost Indonesia's economy, including eradicating illegal fishing, empowering local fishermen and addressing threats from the Philippine-based Abu Sayyaf group.

"If the ratification is not followed up by concrete programs, the EEZ boundary will just serve as a concept," Supiadin said.

Commission I is set to summon related ministers on April 25 to ratify the agreement. (rin)
By Press Trust of India: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Apr 18 (PTI) Pakistans National Assembly has passed an unanimous resolution to condemn the "barbaric and cold-blooded murder" of a 23-year-old university student who was lynched by a violent mob over alleged blasphemy.

Mashal Khan, a journalism student, in Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan was killed by an enraged mob last week, blaming him of passing anti-Islam remarks.

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The tragedy has sparked an outrage and demands to reform the laws dealing with blasphemy.

Meanwhile, Pakistans Senate or upper house of parliament has sought changes in the blasphemy laws to avert its misuse after the lynching.

Dawn reported that the Senators in yesterdays session called for amending the blasphemy law to punish those who concoct blasphemy accusations against others and demanded a campaign against those taking the law into their own hands.

Pakistan Peoples Party senator Farhatullah Babar said a religious scholar had proposed that those who levelled false accusations should suffer the same sentence as provided for a blasphemer.

He recalled how a federal Shariat Court decision had prompted the maximum punishment for blasphemy to be increased from life imprisonment to death, reminding the house that Raja Zafarul Haq ? the current leader of the House ? was the chairman of law and justice committee at the time.

He said the committee had made some suggestions while approving the bill and called for that report to be made the basis of any further action.

"The assassination of Mashal Khan should make us think about concrete measures to prevent the misuse of the blasphemy law; we need to revisit this law," he remarked.

Retired Gen Abdul Qayyum of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) also called for flaws in the blasphemy law to be addressed.

He stressed that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance and prohibits any excesses, even against animals.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Siraj-ul-Haq said that the rule of law was what defined a civilised society and that even if someone was guilty of a crime, no individual or organisation had the right to punish that individual unilaterally.

"This shows an imbalance and lack of tolerance in society," he remarked.

Winding up the discussion, Minister of State for Interior Baleeghur Rahman said there was clarity on the issue at a political level as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the heads of political parties had condemned the incident.

However, he admitted that there was a need to check intolerance and revealed that work on a new curriculum was under way.

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The controversial blasphemy laws were enacted in 1980s when military dictator Ziaul Haq was in power.

There are reports that the laws are misused to settle personal issues.

An allegation of blasphemy makes the people vulnerable to violence by extremists who have so far thwarted efforts to reform these laws. PTI SH UZM AKJ UZM

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Mataram  Tue, April 18 2017

More than 500 people staged a rally in Mataram on Monday, demanding the police investigate an Indonesian man for allegedly insulting West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Governor Muhammad Zainul Majdi when the two were queueing in front of a check-in counter at Changi Airport in Singapore on April 9.

Grouped under the NTB Sovereign Indigenous People Movement (GRPB), they gathered in front of the NTB police headquarters carrying banners and pamphlets protesting an alleged insult reportedly committed by a private Indonesian citizen named Steven Hadisurya Sulistyo.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 09:00 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde98d8a4 1 City #JakartaElection2017,Al-Maidah,mobilization Free

The Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) has denies claims that it allowed a pressure group against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama to observe the upcoming gubernatorial election runoff.

The organizer of the Tamasya Al Maidah (Al Maidah Tour), which is being facilitated through an Android application that encourages Indonesians to guard 13,032 polling stations in the capital, said KPU Jakarta head Sumarno had given the group permission.

Sumarno gave us permission during a meeting last Wednesday, said Eggi Sudjana, the organizers advocate, during a press conference on Monday.

Eggi added that M. Sidik Sabri, a commissioner with the KPU Jakarta, had also been present during the meeting.

Al Maidah is named after a verse in the Quran that is often used by conservative Muslim political groups to urge Muslims not to vote for political leaders of other faith.

Sidik confirmed that a meeting between the commission and the pressure group had occurred last Wednesday. However, he said the organizer had only asked about the requirements that had to be fulfilled to become an observer of the runoff.

We didnt give any permission, Sidik told The Jakarta Post.

Sidik said he had yet to learn whether the organizer of Al Maidah Tour had submitted all the required documents. (kuk)
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Linkedin Theresia Sufa (The Jakarta Post) Bogor, West Java  Tue, April 18, 2017 09:15 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde98d8b3 1 National #enterostomal-therapy,enterostomal-therapists,enterostomal-therapy,enterostomal-therapy-nurses,bogor,APETNA Free

The unbalanced distribution of nurses experienced in handling wounds, stoma and incontinence in Indonesia hampers the treatment of people with those medical problems, experts have said.

Asia Pacific Enterostomal Therapy Nurse Association (APETNA) president Widasari Sri Gitarja said Indonesia had around 8,000 wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nurses. However, she added, they were not evenly distributed across the country, while in fact each hospital must have at least two or three nurses with those skills.

Geographical challenges have hampered the distribution of WOC nurses, whereas wound treatment has become a priority in the national health program, said Widasari during a two-day APETNA conference at Botani Square in Bogor, West Java, which ended on Saturday.

WOC nurses are those who have an Enterostomal Therapy Nurse (ETN) certificate. People needing enterostomal care include patients who suffer from diabetes mellitus with chronic wounds and clients who have a wet, irritated and painful stoma. Patients with bladder control problems and clients who seek foot and skin treatment also need enterostomal therapy.

Sharing experience: Carmen George (left), an enterostomal therapy expert from Australia, Asia Pacific Enterostomal Therapy Nurse Association (APETNA) president Widasari Sri Gitarja (center) and Indonesia Cancer Foundation (YKI) chairman Aru Sudoyo (right) speak in a press conference during the APETNA conference in Bogor, West Java.(JP/Theresia Sufa)

Under the stop amputations slogan, enterostomal therapists from Asia Pacific countries highlighted the importance of early wound treatment to prevent amputations and the need for closer cooperation with other health workers.

As many as 658 WOC nurses from 16 countries attended the conference. They included Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and the US.

We still need extra health workers to fulfill our need for wound, ostomy and continence nurses. We have developed a network to meet the demand, said Asrizal from the APETNA Conference organizing committee. (ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 16:28 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9a3260 1 Business foreign-workers,VITAS-limited-stay-permit,IMTA-expatriate-employment-permit Free

Many foreign workers who have obtained limited stay permits (VITAS) are still working in Indonesia without an expatriate employment permit (IMTA), a Manpower Ministry official has said.

With the change in the foreign employment regulation in 2015, VITAS holders can no longer work without a permit, director of foreign employment supervision at the Manpower Ministry Wisnu Pramono said in Jakarta on Monday.

Under the new foreign employment regulation, foreign workers can obtain VITAS only if they have already received an IMTA.

(Read also: Seven foreign workers deported from Bali)

He said nearly 800 of the 74,000 foreign workers in Indonesia had worked without IMTAs. There could be more because, with the limited number of our inspectors, we are unable to oversee all of the workers, Wisnu said.

Wisnu further said that his office had reported the illegal workers to the immigration office and asked them to deport the expatriates.

To be able work in Indonesia, foreign citizens must have a work permit (IMTA), which is issued by the Manpower Ministry based on a request from their employers. Only after obtaining an IMTA can they apply for a limited stay permit (VITAS) and limited stay permit card (KITAS) from the immigration office. (dra/bbn)
With sectarian tension running high in the run-up to the Jakarta gubernatorial runoff election, President Joko Jokowi Widodo gathered on Monday top security and intelligence officials for a meeting to discuss an extensive security measure that would include the deployment of more than 60,000 security personnel in the capital.

In another move to ease political tension, Jokowi held a meeting on Monday with Islamic leaders and senior Muslim clerics, urging them to promote unity ahead of election day on Wednesday, when Jakarta voters will choose between incumbent pair Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama and Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat and rivals Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno.

In an apparent gesture to show that his government would handle the election-related security problems seriously, Jokowi made a choreographed appearance on the veranda of the State Palace together with Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto, State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Gen. Budi Gunawan, National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian and Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gatot Nurmantyo.

Jokowi said when voters exercised their political rights on Wednesday they should be able to do so without facing intimidation from any parties.

All residents of Jakarta have to be able to vote freely without any intimidation. I have instructed the TNI and National Police to ensure safety on voting day, Jokowi told reporters on Monday.

The President said the TNI and police personnel would guard all polling stations on Wednesday and would crack down on any efforts to intimidate voters.

Speaking after Jokowi, Wiranto urged voters to exercise their rights independently and not be swayed by the results of public opinion polls, saying that pollsters could be biased.

We encourage people to not be influenced by survey results that claim to present the truth, Wiranto said.

Four out of five surveys released last week showed Anies in the lead, albeit with small margins, with a recent survey by Indikator Politik Indonesia showing the margin to be a razor thin 0.8 percent.

Following his meeting with the top security officials, Jokowi held a meeting with a number of Muslim clerics at the State Palace, during which the President asked for their help to ease tension ahead of election day.

Among the Muslim clerics at the meeting were Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) chairman Maruf Amin, former Constitutional Court chief Jimly Asshiddiqie, former court justices Hamdan Zoelva and Mahfud MD and popular Muslim preachers Arifin Ilham and Yusuf Mansur.

Speaking after the meeting, Maruf said the Muslim clerics had agreed to help reduce tension ahead of voting day by urging supporters of both candidates to not gather around polling stations, as such a move could be seen as an effort to intimidate voters.

The President asked us to help keep the situation peaceful in Jakarta so that the country could remain united. There shouldnt be any efforts to mobilize people to Jakarta, Maruf said.

A number of Islamic groups were reportedly planning to conduct the Tamasya Al-Maidah (AlMaidah Tour), a movement that encouraged large numbers of people, including those from outside Jakarta, to flood the capital and guard polling stations.

Police have said they would crack down on any efforts to mobilize people on election day.

Separately, leaders from interfaith groups also called for a peaceful election.

Joining the call were leaders from the countrys largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the Indonesia Bishops Conference (KWI), the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI), the Nichiren Shoshu Indonesia (NSI), the Indonesian Parisada Hindu Council (PHDI) and the Confucian Supreme Council of Indonesia (Matakin).

During the interfaith meeting, leaders from the organizations called for calm and urged candidates and their supporters to accept the outcome of the election.

We need to remain calm, resolute and clearheaded in dealing with the situation. We must support the governments efforts in handling the runoff election. We must also safeguard the unity of the nation, representatives of each organization said in a joint statement made at the NU headquarters in Central Jakarta.

NU chairman Said Aqil Siradj said he denounced the Al-Maidah Tour.

That is unnecessary. We already have election bodies that organize and supervise the elections. We also have witnesses dispatched by both candidates. Lets just trust them, he said.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 19:25 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9b2413 1 National police,BoyRafliAmar,Boy-Rafli-Amar,National-Police,Papua,Papua-Police Free

National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar will soon step down to assume a new position as Papua Police chief, as part of a wider reshuffle that will see 127 officers moved or be promoted to new positions.

Boy will replace current Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Paulus Waterpauw, according to an internal National Police telegram issued on Tuesday.

Paulus is set to replace Insp. Gen Setyo Wasisto as deputy chief of the National Polices Intelligence and Security Agency, while Setyo will take Boys post as spokesman.

Before becoming National Police spokesman in 2016, Boy served as Banten Police chief from 2014. He also held the position of Jakarta Police spokesman and Padang Police chief in West Sumatra.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 18:45 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9b15ad 1 National AMSI,hoax,fake-news,Indonesian-Cyber-Media-Association,digital-media,#FakeNews Free

The Indonesian Cyber Media Association (AMSI) declared a commitment on Tuesday to combat the spread of fake news. The commitment, entitled Media Professionalism to Combat Hoax News was declared following concerns over the impact fake news.

AMSI presidium chairman Wenseslaus Manggut said the association had invited all relevant parties to band together to combat fake news, especially on social media.

This declaration aims to restore the digital media ecosystem so it is more positive for public consumption, with the hope that the media can gain more trust from the public," Wenseslaus said during the declaration, which was held at the Indonesian Press Council in Central Jakarta on Tuesday.

(Read also: Each regency to have broadband connection by 2019: Minister)

He further explained the declaration was the first phase of the establishment of AMSI and it was expected that local officials could be recruited from across Indonesia. AMSI will hold its first congress within three months of the establishment of its leadership.

Wenseslaus said as of April 17, 170 online media companies had registered to become a member of AMSI. To be a member, a media company must be a legal press institution and comply with the press code of conduct, he said.



The AMSI declaration event was also attended by Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara, Indonesian Press Council chairman Yosep Adi Prasetyo, the National Polices cybercrime director, Brig. Fadli Imran, and Twitter Indonesia lead public policy director Agung Yudha. The event was moderated by tirto.id editor-in-chief A. Sapto Anggoro. (dis/ebf)
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Linkedin Edith M. Lederer (Associated Press) United Nations  Tue, April 18, 2017 07:45 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9871cd 2 World North-Korea,Nuclear,NuclearTest,#NorthKorea,#NorthKoreaNuclear,US,UN,missile,missile-launch,missile-test Free

North Korea's deputy UN ambassador accused the United States on Monday of turning the Korean Peninsula into "the world's biggest hotspot" and creating "a dangerous situation in which a thermonuclear war may break out at any moment."

Kim In Ryong told a news conference that "if the US dares opt for a military action," North Korea "is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the US."

He said the Trump administration's deployment of the Carl Vinson nuclear carrier task group to waters off the Korean Peninsula again "proves the US reckless moves for invading the DPRK have reached a serious phase of its scenario."

Kim stressed that US-South Korean military exercises being staged now are the largest-ever "aggressive war drill" aimed at his country, formally the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The prevailing grave situation proves once again that the DPRK was entirely just when it increased in every way its military capabilities for self-defense and pre-emptive attack with a nuclear force as a pivot," he said.

Tensions have escalated over North Korean moves to accelerate its weapons development. The North conducted two nuclear tests and 24 ballistic missile tests last year, defying six Security Council sanctions resolutions banning any testing, and it has conducted additional missile tests this year including one this past weekend that failed.

Kim spoke on a day that US Vice President Mike Pence traveled to the tense zone dividing North and South Korea and warned Pyongyang that after years of testing the US and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, "the era of strategic patience is over."

After 25 years of trying to deal patiently with North Korea over its nuclear program, Pence said, "all options are on the table" to deal with threat. And he warned that any use of nuclear weapons by Pyongyang would be met with "an overwhelming and effective response."

Kim said the Trump administration is "trumpeting about 'peace by strength'" by deploying "one strategic striking means after another in South Korea." But he said the "the DPRK remains unfazed."

Kim said the DPRK's policy is shaped by the Trump administration's push for "high intensity sanctions" against the country, deploying tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea and launching military action aimed at "beheading" the North's leadership headed by Kim Jong Un.

He said rolling back the hostile US policy toward the DPRK "is the precondition to solving all the problems in the Korean Peninsula."

Kim called the press conference to "categorically reject" the US decision to hold an open meeting of the Security Council on April 28 on North Korea's nuclear program which is scheduled to be chaired by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

He called it "another abuse of authority" by the United States, which holds the Security Council presidency this month, and a violation of the DPRK's sovereignty.

Kim ignored questions about the DPRK's relationship with China and reports that the government didn't respond to requests from Chinese officials for a meeting.

Instead he reiterated two Chinese proposals that the US rejected.

One called for "dual-track" talks on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula  the top priority of the United States  and replacing the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War with a formal peace treaty, a key demand of Pyongyang. The other called for a freeze on U.S.-South Korean military exercises and a freeze on DPRK missile and nuclear tests. (**)
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Linkedin Agus Maryono (The Jakarta Post) Kebumen, Central Java  Tue, April 18, 2017 08:55 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde98d41c 1 National NU,Nahdlatul-ulama,NahdlatulUlama,Jokowi,Jokowi-administration,NKRI,#NahdlatulUlama Free

A representative of Indonesias largest Islamic organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has deplored President Joko Jokowi Widodos administrations stance against radical groups in Indonesia, suggesting it is too soft to deal with groups that pose a direct threat to the government.

NU central executive board member Asad Ali said anti-government attacks had been clearly stated in the ideological movements of radical groups, although they had not yet been realized through physical action.

This is the problem: Our government does not dare to take tough measures against groups that have called for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate or those that oppose the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), stating that all of those calls are just ideas, said Asad Ali in front of around 16,000 NU cadres at an event in Petanahan Beach, Kebumen, on Sunday.

He said the government had repeatedly stated it could not take legal action against anti-government groups, because so far they had not been proven to commit an attack against the government. There was no law allowing the government to launch pre-emptive strikes, he added.

In the absence of tough government measures, radical groups have continued to expand their movement and spread their anti-government propaganda. This is dangerous for the solidity of the NKRI, said the NU board member, who is also the former deputy chairman of the National Intelligence Agency (BIN).

Therefore, Asad Ali said, there should be clearer and tougher laws on assaults against the government. Dont let the state make a move only after bloody conflicts occur in this country, he said. (ebf)

Against radicalism: Thousands of cadres of Indonesia's largest Islamic organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), from areas across Central Java call on the government to take tougher measures against radical groups at a mass gathering in Kebumen on Sunday.(JP/Agus Maryono)
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Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Surabaya  Tue, April 18, 2017 12:13 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde995a24 1 Business palm-oil,talks,European-Parliament,Palm-oil-producing-countries Free

Ministers from member nations of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) are scheduled to meet European Union officials in May to discuss objections to the EU parliaments recent resolution that the CPOPC fears will disadvantage the palm oil trade.

The CPOPC will send a ministerial mission to the EU in May to report that local palm oil is produced according to ISPO [Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil] and [market-driven, multiple-stakeholder] RSPO [Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil] standards, said Panggah Susanto, the Industry Ministrys agro industry director general at a media workshop on Monday.

The countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia  the worlds largest and second largest palm oil producers  have repeatedly stated their objections to the non-binding resolution that calls on EU nations to only import sustainable palm oil after 2020 and adopt a single set of international sustainability standards.

(Read also: Toward constructive approach on palm oil)

The mission to the EU was decided on latest CPOPC meeting on Apr. 11 attended by Indonesia Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution and Malaysia Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong.

Businesspeople under the Indonesian National Palm Oil Board (DMSI) have urged Indonesian leaders and President Joko Jokowi Widodo to approach the EU commission directly to address the matter.

Exports of palm oil, the nations biggest contributor to non-oil-and-gas exports, reached almost US$18.23 billion last year, 13.8 percent of the years total export value of $131.3 billion, Central Statistics Agency (BPS) data shows. (bbn)
The decision was made in view of the Prime Minister's call during his recent 'Mann ki baat' programme to conserve oil to save the environment.

By India Today Web Desk: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to conserve oil, fuel outlets in eight states, beginning May 14, will be shut every Sunday, a fuel pump owners' body said today.

"We had planned to shut our outlets on Sundays a few years back. But oil marketing companies had then requested us to reconsider our decision. Now we have decided to shut the outlets on Sundays," said Suresh Kumar, an executive committee member of the consortium of Indian petroleum dealers.

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He said the association's decision was made in view of the Prime Minister's call during his recent 'Mann ki baat' programme to conserve oil to save the environment.

Kumar, also the vice-president of Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers Association, said nearly 20,000 outlets in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Haryana would be shut for 24 hours on Sundays, starting May 14.

"In Tamil Nadu, we expect a business loss of Rs 150 crore if we do not operate on a Sunday. But we have been seeing a decline in sales on Sundays by upto 40 per cent," he said.

Asked if the association's decision was supported by the OMCs, he said, "We will communicate our decision to them shortly."

Kumar said the fuel outlets which normally have about 15 staff each would have one staff member on the holidays to provide fuel if there was an emergency situation.

On the issue of OMCs hiking the margins to petroleum outlets, he said the association was discussing it and would soon make an announcement in this regard.

"That struggle is going on. We are meeting our association members shortly. We will announce our decision soon," he said.

ALSO READ:Changing petrol, diesel prices daily is a gamble, say petrol pump associations

Beginning May 1, petrol, diesel prices to change every day in 5 cities

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18 2017

The government is drafting a presidential regulation that will serve as a legal basis to improve the Indonesian Sustainability Palm Oil (ISPO) scheme, to accelerate the certification process and enable it to be accepted worldwide.

First introduced in 2011, the certification scheme was made mandatory for oil palm plantations in 2015.

Since then, however, only 264 oil palm plantation firms out of an estimated 1,600 have been certified, while more than 300 are still in the process. In addition, two farmers groups have also been certified despite not being obliged to do so.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18 2017

The Jakarta gubernatorial election runoff is shaping to be one of the most intense and tightly guarded race in the capital, as the National Police announced that they will dramatically increase security for polling day on April 19.

National Police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar said on Monday that more than 60,000 personnel from the National Police and the Army would secure election day, more than double the 29,000 deployed for the first round of the election in February.

He said the police would implement more extensive security measures. We will secure Jakarta in layers. More police patrols will be mobilized to monitor activities outside polling stations.

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Linkedin Nethy Dharma Somba (The Jakarta Post) Jayapura, Papua  Tue, April 18, 2017 16:23 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9a253e 1 National bootleg-liquor,alcohol,death,Papua Free

Six men from Kamu, Dogiyai regency, in Papua died after allegedly consuming bootleg liquor on Friday.

The six men were identified as Yosep Yobee Ekari (40), Marthinus Goo Ekari (20), Yulianus Anouw (22), Anthon Kegakoto (21), Bertus Yobee (22) and Mesak Pekei (20). They allegedly drank the concoction together on Friday before returning to their respective houses, Papua Police spokesman Sr. Comr. AM Kamal said.

When they returned to their homes, [their respective] families reported to Dogiyai Police that the men had died. Some died on Friday evening and others on Saturday morning, Kamal said on Monday.

Their families admitted them to Kamu local health clinic, however they passed away before health officers had taken measures to save their patients.

The local police questioned three witnesses related to the case, Kamal said, adding that the police were looking for the seller of the moonshine concoction.

We are conducting investigations to find who sold the liquor to them. Kamu Police has also stepped up security to prevent disturbances to public order, he said adding that the police laboratory also probed the ingredients in the concoction,

Chairman of Dogiyai Indigenous People Group (LMA) Aleks Koga lambasted the weak monitoring from security officers, which allowed the bootleg liquor to enter the regency.

The security officers should increase control and checks of goods entering Dogiyai, he said. (rin)
The government has begun to have second thoughts about its free-visa policy, saying it has not been working as expected to boost the number of foreign tourists visiting the country.

The Tourism Ministry, the Law and Human Rights Ministry and the Foreign Ministry have therefore decided to reduce the number of countries that enjoy the privilege, which had been granted to 169.

Each ministry claimed to have listed countries that were under consideration to be removed from the list.

The Tourism Ministry, for instance, has said that 49 of the 169 countries would likely be excluded from the free-visa list as fewer than 100 tourists came from them in about the first six months after the policy was launched for each.

Some even contributed zero arrivals throughout 2016, including Puerto Rico.

Other countries on the list include Algeria, the Marshall Islands, Cuba, the Bahamas, Kiribati, Jamaica, Namibia and Vanuatu.

According to our evaluation, we should shortlist which countries deserve the free visa and the ones to be given visas-on-arrival instead, the ministrys deputy minister for international marketing, I Gde Pitana, said on the sidelines of a hearing with members of the House of Representatives on Monday.

He quickly added that the free visa policy was not completely useless as it had helped increase the total number of foreign visitors by 19.43 percent from 2015 to 2016. Egyptians represented the highest increase with 53.35 percent, followed by Bahrainians with 41.63 percent, Indians with 28.78 percent, British people with 27.56 percent and Saudi Arabians with 26.91 percent.

The Law and Human Rights Ministry went further by proposing to remove 82 countries from the list as they contributed less than 1 percent, less than 1,000 tourist arrivals, to the total of 9,9 million arrivals in 2016.

Most of those countries are in Latin America and Africa.

These countries are worth being considered to be excluded for our list of free-visa receivers, immigration authoritys director for immigration traffic, Maryoto Sumadi, told the hearing.

Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly admitted that the government should have been more selective in deciding which countries should have been given a waiver of visa fees. When their people never come to Indonesia, why should they keep enjoying the free visa? Yasonna said.

The Foreign Ministry has also pushed for a review of the policy, but for a different reason. Some countries should be removed from the list not only because they have made only a small contribution to Indonesias tourist industry but also because they had not made reciprocal gestures.

A free visa is not the only instrument to attract tourists, the ministrys director general for protocol and consular affairs, Andri Hadi, told lawmakers.

The government started to implement the free-visa policy in 2015 as an attempt to attract up to 20 million foreign tourists to the countrys vacation destinations by 2019.

The citizens of about 15 countries, including ASEAN countries, have actually enjoyed free visas since 2003, but the government decided to open the door for 30 more countries in June 2015, welcoming people from China, Russia, South Korea, Japan and the United States without charging them for visas.

Three months later, the government waived the visa fees for the citizens of 45 more countries, mostly people from Europe and the Middle East. In March 2016, tourists from 79 more countries, including many African nations, also started to enjoy the privilege.

Consequently, the country lost about Rp 1.2 trillion in non-tax revenues last year. Critics, meanwhile, have claimed that many foreigners have misused the policy and contributed to the rise of transnational crimes.

Lawmakers have supported the governments plan to take some countries off the list, arguing that the policy had brought no significant benefits to the country. This policy definitely needs an evaluation, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) lawmaker Evita Nursanty said. (dra)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post)  Tue, April 18 2017

Very recently, a 13-year-old unmarried girl in the small West Java town of Majalaya became pregnant. The news spread rapidly by word of mouth, but hardly surprised Entoy, a 57-year-old midwife who has helped countless women in such a predicament.

They say her pregnancy is entering the seventh month, Entoy said while taking care of another patient at the Ebah Hospital.

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Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 12:33 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde997374 1 National KPK,novel-baswedan,house-of-representatives,acid-attack,#novel,graft,corruption,#acid-attack Free

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) deputy chairman Laode Muhammad Syarif has said the extending of medical treatment funds from the state for KPK investigator Novel Baswedan aimed to protect the antigraft body from any potential financial irregularities as health coverage provided for the bodys commissioners and staff members does not cover specific treatments, such as the one Novel must undergo.

When we're sick and need to go abroad for medical treatment, our insurance doesnt cover that. So, we asked for help from the state, Laode said late Monday, during a hearing at the House of Representatives' Commission III, which oversees human rights, security and legal affairs.

Medical treatment abroad is not included in the KPKs health coverage, so if we keep using our budget, we're afraid that it will lead to findings of irregularities by the BPK [Supreme Audit Agency], he added.

(Read also: Novel in good condition despite injuries: Presidential spokesperson)

As earlier reported, the KPK asked the government to cover the medical treatment costs for Novel, who suffered severe burns and eye injuries in an acid attack last week and has gone to Singapore to receive treatment. President Joko Jokowi Widodo approved the request, which has led to suspicion among House members, who are curious about why the KPK asked Jokowi for financial assistance.

Why did they ask Jokowi for money? We give you a large budgetary allocation every year. You can come to us if you need more," Commission III chairman Bambang Soesatyo of the Golkar Party said.

"The KPK shouldnt beg for sympathy like this, said Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) lawmaker Masinton Pasaribu. (ebf)
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Linkedin Ken Thomas and Jill Colvin (Associated Press) Panmunjom, South Korea  Tue, April 18, 2017 08:00 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9880d6 2 World Mike-Pence,DonaldTrump,Donald-Trump,North-Korea,#NorthKorea,#NorthKoreaNuclear,kim-jong-un,US,White-House Free

The White House displayed a tough and unyielding approach to North Korea and its nuclear ambitions Monday, with President Donald Trump warning that Kim Jong Un has "gotta behave" and Vice President Mike Pence sternly advising Kim not to test America's resolve and military power.

Trump, in Washington, and Pence at the tense Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea, signaled a forceful US stance on North Korea's recent actions and threats. But no one was predicting what might come next.

Behind the heated rhetoric, in fact, Trump's strategy in the region looks somewhat similar to predecessor Barack Obama's  albeit with the added unpredictability of a new president who has shown he's willing to use force.

Pence, inspecting the DMZ, warned Pyongyang that after years of testing the US and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, "the era of strategic patience is over." Appearing later with South Korea's acting president, Hwang Kyo-ahn, the vice president pointed to Trump's recent military actions in Syria and Afghanistan as signs that the new administration would not shrink from acting against the North.

"North Korea would do well not to test his resolve  or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region," Pence said at the start of a 10-day trip to Asia.

Pence's remarks also came with hope for a diplomatic path. Washington, he said, was looking for security "through peaceable means, through negotiations."

In the meantime, North Korea's deputy UN ambassador accused the United States of turning the Korean peninsula into "the world's biggest hotspot" and creating "a dangerous situation in which a thermonuclear war may break out at any moment."

Kim In Ryong told a news conference Monday that US-South Korean military exercises being staged now are the largest-ever "aggressive war drill." He said North Korea's measures to bolster its nuclear forces are self-defensive "to cope with the US vicious nuclear threat and blackmail," and he said his country "is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the US."

America's implied threat of force isn't new, nor is hope for engagement. Previous presidents have repeatedly left all options on the table while trying to enlist China's help to pressure North Korea to pursue diplomatic solutions. The Trump administration has labeled this policy "maximum pressure and engagement," although officials acknowledge there is no current engagement with Pyongyang.

Until recently, it has been Trump's confrontational tone that has drawn attention rather than his action. But then he ordered the unilateral missile strike against Syria, even after dismissing talk of deeper US involvement in that nation's civil war.

"There is both greater unpredictability and decisiveness from President Trump," said Victor Cha, the director of Asian Studies at Georgetown University and a former adviser to President George W. Bush. Cha noted Pence's reference to "strategic patience," an Obama administration strategy in which diplomatic and economic pressure from sanctions were given time to change the North's behavior.

"Strategic patience signaled indecision and predictability  not a good combination in Trump's eyes," Cha said.

The White House did not offer a sense of when Trump's patience might run out.

"I don't think that you're going to see the president drawing red lines in the sand, but I think that the action that he took in Syria shows that, when appropriate, this president will take decisive action," White House spokesman Sean Spicer said.

North Korea's latest missile test fizzled over the weekend, but its weapons development has appeared to make steady progress in recent years. The North conducted two nuclear test explosions and 24 ballistic missile tests in 2016, and experts predict it could have a nuclear-tipped missile capable of reaching the US mainland within a few years.

Pence said after meeting with South Korea's acting president that the US and its allies have attempted to "peacefully dismantle North Korea's nuclear program" for more than two decades. "But at every step of the way, North Korea answered our overtures with willful deception, broken promises and nuclear and missile tests."

Former President Obama, too, tried to persuade China to use its influence over Pyongyang.

It remains unclear the extent to which China might step up. Trump and his advisers have pointed to Beijing's move to restrict coal imports from North Korea as a sign Beijing is listening, and the US says China has turned back some shipments in recent days. But some of those restrictions merely put in place UN sanctions passed last year with China's support  before Trump took office.

In a phone call with reporters Monday, Susan Thornton, the acting assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, said the president has "made clear to the Chinese that they should view North Korea as a liability, not as an asset, and that this is an urgent global threat that must be addressed by all peace-loving nations, but especially by China, when they have so much leverage."

"We've seen some tangible indications that they're working toward this end, but it's still quite early," she said.

Trump himself appeared to reinforce the stern US message at the White House, replying "Gotta behave" when a CNN reporter asked what message he had for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

China also made a plea for a return to negotiations, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang saying Beijing wants to resume the talks that ended in stalemate in 2009. He suggested that US plans to deploy a missile defense system in South Korea were damaging its relations with China.

___

Colvin reported from Washington. Edith Lederer, Matthew Lee, Josh Lederman and Darlene Superville contributed to this report.

Follow Ken Thomas on Twitter at https://twitter.com/KThomasDC (**)
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Linkedin Sebastian Partogi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18 2017

A new film by new director Wicaksono Wisnu Legowo brings us an intimate, immersive portrait of the lives of the poor.

Structural violence refers to a form of violence inflicted by social structures or institutions by preventing people from receiving their basic needs.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 18:40 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9b07ef 1 City undocumented-worker Free

A new method of transporting undocumented Indonesian workers abroad, using a private jet, has been foiled, an official has said.

South Jakarta Immigration Office head Cucu Koswala said a Malaysian palm oil businessman allegedly attempted to use the private jet to fly 13 undocumented Indonesian workers to work in Malaysia.

According to statements from two Malaysians [who were assigned to pick the Indonesian workers], the jet belongs to the businessman, Cucu said on Monday as quoted by kompas.com.

Cucu added that the planes use was a new method uncovered by his office and he would carry out further investigations before taking appropriate action.

The workers, 12 male and one female, had planned to depart on Sunday from Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport, but were intercepted by officials because they had not undergone proper documentation procedures, Cucu said. (fac)
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Linkedin Ganug Nugroho Adi (The Jakarta Post) Karanganyar, Central Java  Tue, April 18, 2017 22:24 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9b608a 1 National Karanganyar,Central-Java,2017JakartaElection,#2017JakartaElection,#JakartaGubernatorialElection,mass-mobilization Free

The Karanganyar Police in Central Java staged on Tuesday the unannounced examination of vehicles bound for Jakarta to prevent any mass mobilization during Wednesdays gubernatorial runoff election in the countrys capital.

The search was conducted for one hour in the morning, at noon and in the afternoon in several locations along the Karanganyar-Solo highway.

Police personnel stopped and examined all public transportation, private cars and trucks during the raid. They examined not only driving licenses but also the identities of passengers and their belongings. The police also asked their travel destinations and purposes.

In the raid, the police informed the travelers about the National Police chiefs directive, which bans any parties staging a mass mobilization during Jakartas election day. Fifteen minibuses, 10 private cars and three buses were ordered to turn back.

A directive issued by the Elections Supervisory Agency [Bawaslu], the Jakarta General Elections Commission [KPU], and the Jakarta Police has stated the gubernatorial election is the concern of Jakarta voters only. Hence, with regard to any mass mobilization, we will order them to return home. Moreover, the National Police chief [Gen.Tito Karnavian] himself has issued such an order, said Karanganyar Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Ade Safri Simanjuntak.

During the operation, the police randomly examined goods carried by trucks. Ade said the search was aimed at preventing the delivery of dangerous materials, which might affect security.

Theres no need for people from other areas to directly witness the election. Mass mobilization will only create an unconducive situation, said Ade. (ebf)
Here's how Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna is helping the needy take charge and become entrepreneurs.

By India Today Web Desk: Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna (PMMY), a scheme to provide loans to the unfunded, successfully disbursed loans worth Rs 1.8 crore in 2016-2017, a tweet from the official handle of the Bharatiya Janata Party said.

Funding the unfunded : Loans worth Rs. 1.8 lakh crore disbursed in 2016-17 under #PMMY, 70% beneficiaries are women. pic.twitter.com/KBCA4J2M5N- BJP (@BJP4India) April 18, 2017

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Through the scheme, the government was able to disburse money to the underprivileged and claimed that 70 per cent of the beneficiaries were women.

With the help of banks and PMMY scheme launched in 2015, people who earlier used to struggle in getting loans can now easily opt for loans. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna is said to have helped 58 million small business owners in our nation.

Also read: Women need not change their names in passport after marriage, says PM Narendra Modi

How PMMY is helping women and the underprivileged:

A majority of the small scale businesses aren't supported by banks as they remain outside the ambit of bank credits.

Unorganised management of credit facility never reached small business owners. PMMY helped in fulfillment of small entrepreneurs' needs.

The scheme provided transparency to both financial institutions and entrepreneurs for solving issues related to repayment by creating a single platform for both.

The scheme has three options for the beneficiaries:

Shishu (loans up to Rs 50,000) Kishore (loans up to Rs 50,000-5 lakh) Tarun (loans up to Rs 10 lakh)

This means the scheme can benefit a wide range of people, from women who want to start business at home to businesses that would require an investment of up to Rs 10 lakh.

Localisation:

Mudra Bank partners with local coordinators and provides finance to small businesses who faced issues earlier due to limited branch presence.

Does Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna only benefit SC/ST/OBC?

In the last year, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna has loaned money worth Rs 1.8 crore to small businesses out which 35 per cent of the recipients belonged to OBC, 20 per cent belonged to SC and 5 per cent fell in the category of ST.

While many appreciated the success of the scheme that claims to cater to the needy, some argued that it can be provided to those who fall under the General category as well.

There are arguments that people who belong to the General class have ideas and passion for ventures but are denied bank loans.

Funding the unfunded : Loans worth Rs. 1.8 lakh crore disbursed in 2016-17 under #PMMY, 70% beneficiaries are women. pic.twitter.com/KBCA4J2M5N- BJP (@BJP4India) April 18, 2017

The BJP's tweet announcing the success of PMMY received immense support from people but there were some who believed that belonging to reserved classes is a privilege in India.

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This is how a few people reacted:

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 17:49 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9ac50e 1 National Yogyakarta,Central-Java,Ganjar-Pranowo,semen-indonesia,Semen-Rembang,Kendeng-farmers,UGM,Gadjah-Mada-University,#Kendeng Free

Around 25 activists from the rights movement, Jogja Solidarity Against Cement Factory, staged a rally on Tuesday to protest the visit of Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo to the University of Gadjah Mada (UGM) campus in Yogyakarta.

Learning from the fighting spirit of the mother of Kendeng, Yu Padmi, who died in her struggle against the construction of the cement factory in Kendeng, we are here reject the visit of Ganjar, the cement governor, rally coordinator Ahmad Haedar said on Tuesday.

Padmi passed away on March 21 after a week-long rally against the construction of the Rembang cement factory in front of the State Palace in Jakarta. At the rally, Padmi and several other female farmers from Kendeng, buried their feet in concrete blocks to show their resistance to the project.

Pitra Hutomo, a female activist, asked Ganjar to cease mining activities on Kendeng Mountain, which could deplete water reserves in the area.

If the water resources here are depleted, can we drink cement? she said. The activists showed posters emblazoned with various messages against the cement factory, such as Stop the Confiscation of Peoples Land, Reject Ganjar and Kendeng Lestari (Everlasting Kendeng).

The protesters later marched to the Wisma Kagama meeting hall and asked Ganjar, who was attending a seminar there, to meet with them. Disappointed by Ganjars refusal, the protesters later blocked the governors way as he left the building.

Haedar told Ganjar that by permitting the construction of the cement factory, the government would kill Kendeng residents because of the projects impact on water resources and agricultural activities in the area. (ebf)
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie and Tama Salim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, April 19 2017

Nearly three years after being inked by Indonesia and the Philippines, a historic agreement to settle the two nations overlapping exclusive economic zones (EEZ) will be ratified by the House of Representatives next week.

The border delineation agreement, signed in 2014 after 20 years of negotiations, draws a line across the overlapping EEZs of the Philippines Mindanao Sea and Indonesias Sulawesi Sea, and is regarded as an important milestone in the two partners relations.

During a hearing at House Commission I overseeing defense and foreign affairs on Tuesday, officials and lawmakers agreed to ratify the agreement to provide stronger law enforcement and maritime security; and better protection of natural and mineral resources.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post)  Wed, April 19 2017

The plan to withdraw the free-visa facility for citizens of dozens of countries is the latest display of not only inconsistency but also lack of prior study on the governments part when it comes to policy-making.

Consider this. In a bid to meet its target of 20 million tourist arrivals by 2019 the government generously offered in 2015 the free-visa privilege to many countries without taking into account reciprocity.

Lesser-known countries were granted the same privilege awarded to countries that have consistently contributed greatly to tourist arrivals. The more countries, the bigger the revenue Indonesia would earn from foreign tourists spending during their stay in our tourist destinations, ran the theory.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 17:24 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9aa766 1 News labuan-bajo,travel,Tourism-Ministry,Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Komodo-Island,East-Nusa-Tenggara,tourism,#tourism Free

In addition to advertising and social media campaigns, the Tourism Ministry is also promoting domestic tourist destinations by reaching out to diplomats.

The Foreign Ministry is conducting a training visit to East Nusa Tenggara from last Sunday until Saturday, with participants including senior Indonesian diplomats as well as diplomats from Australia, China, Myanmar, Fiji, Laos, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea.

The places that will be visited during this event are Padar, Komodo, Manta Point, Heritage Walk Kampung Ujung, pearls cultivation and education at Pungu Island, the Papagarang fishing village, Kanawa island, Sunset Kalong Rinca, Liang Ndara and Amelia Sea View, said Shana Fatina from the Tourism Ministry's prioritized tourist destinations team. The diplomats are also invited to join activities like a beach clean-up, youth forum, womens forum and culture forum.

Read also: Five must-visit places in Komodo National Park

Participants are required to upload their activities throughout this event on social media, added Fatina.

In Labuan Bajo, the government unveiled plans to build a tourism community academy in West Manggarai regency, which has been approved by the Research, Technology and Higher Education Ministry. The Komodo airport is also undergoing a management shift, with state-owned airport operator PT. Angkasa Pura I to take full control of future development. Airlines have also been encouraged to open new flight routes to Labuan Bajo.

Read also: Komodo National Park expects to welcome more cruise ships

The Tourism Ministry also plans to highlight Labuan Bajo tourism at the upcoming Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) slated for May 12-14 at the PWTC Kuala Lumpur. The expo is a hub for diving equipment, courses and diving destinations.

Singapore and Malaysia are the top two countries of origin of overseas divers, said Fatina. (kes)
Char siu, the Cantonese technique of roasting meats over fire, is the inspiration behind a new restaurant that just opened at 119 Essex St. The chef is Matt Rojas, who won praise at Rouge et Blanc in Soho and worked in the kitchens at Eleven Madison Park and Degustation.

According to a press release we received today, the menu is influenced by the flavors of Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisine. Rojas comes from a Mexican American family in Arizona, but his mom made Chinese dishes when he was a kid, and Rojas has had a passion for Asian cooking ever since.

Menu items include roast duck rubbed with Sichuan spices, five spice duck wings, curried lamb neck and mapo pork belly. Prices range from $7-$17. Theres a beer and wine menu. Craft beers include selections from Kent Falls Brewery, Equilibrium Brewery and Half Acre Beer Company. You can see the full menu here.

Char Sue is open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday.
The Punjab government tried to fulfill two promises - one by removing the red beacons from the official vehicles and other by launching a crackdown against drug mafia in Punjab.

By Manjeet Sehgal: Captain Amarinder Singh's government has completed its first month in office. The first month of the Congress-led government was completed by forming various panels to fulfill the promises made in the election manifesto.

The first month has been full of controversies, flip-flops and instances in which party MLAs and ministers openly threatened officials and Opposition party leaders.

The government tried to fulfill two promises - one by removing the red beacons from the official vehicles and other by launching a crackdown against drug mafia in Punjab. However, both the initiatives backfired as removing the red beacons from the cars did not end the VIP culture. While party MLA Ramanjit Singh Sikkii openly threatened a DSP over a loudspeaker issue so as not to annoy his men failing which he will face the consequences, Forest and SCST Welfare Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot publically scolded a school principal after he noticed that his name figured at number three on an inauguration plate. These examples clearly show that just removing red beacons will not end arrogance of politicians, sdspite the chief minister having issued orders that names of ministers will not be mentioned on the inauguration or foundation stone plaques.

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Although registration of FIRs against drug smugglers and 1468 arrests could be termed a good start but the so called 'big fish' are still beyond the reach of the police.

Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, who refused to take an official vehicle and even stopped serving tea to visitors, flew in a helicopter on Baisakhi to Talwandi Sabo. National president of youth Congress and Gidarbaha MLA Amarinder Singh Raja Warring's aides indulged in violence after the government came to power.

OPPOSITION SLAMS GOVERNMENT

Opposition Akali Dal and the BJP has termed one month of Captain Amarinder's government in office as new era of Congress' hooliganism, oppression and misgovernance.

"Suicide by fifteen farmers, desecration of Guru Granth Sahib at six places, forcible occupation of truck unions at seven places, gang wars inside Kapurthala Jail and outside SSP Batala's residence, unabated illegal mining all over Punjab, jailbreak attempt in Gurdaspur, U-turns by ministers, pan Punjab protest by parents against private schools, auctioning of farmers' land and physical assault on Akali-BJP workers - all these incidents have marred the first month of Captain Amarinder Singh's chief ministership," BJP Secretary, Vineet Joshi told India Today.

However, the Punjab government's ministers termed the allegations as baseless and claimed that the government was moving in the right direction to fulfill the election promises.

"The government is moving in the right direction. We have started a massive crackdown against the people involved in drug smuggling. The operation continues and the STF will soon nab the big fish. The backbone of the supply chain has been broken. The addicts are not able to get the drugs and have knocked at the doors of rehab centres. The government will fulfill all the promises made during the elections," Punjab Technical Education Minister, Charanjit Singh Channi said.

Also read: Punjab: Amarinder government's biggest crackdown on drug mafias, 1468 people arrested in a month

Also read: Fight against 'VIP culture': Punjab govt bans names of ministers, MLAs' on foundation stones

--- ENDS ---
When a 17-year-old Muslim was told by a friend of a friend that her dad would beat her if she took her headscarf off, she wanted to prove him wrong.

After Lamyaa, who was born in Saudi Arabia but moved to the United States when she was seven, received the abuse in a group chat, she messaged her father telling him she wanted to take off her hijab.

(@lxmyaa/Twitter)

(@lxmyaa/Twitter)

And when he responded in a loving and supporting way, Lamyaa decided to share his reaction on Twitter to show that oppression isnt what the hijab symbolises to her  and its had thousands of retweets.

Since this is a mentality a lot of you seem to have pic.twitter.com/CQn5L8zibS  l a m y a a (@lxmyaa) April 15, 2017

The message I had received was in a group chat that someone had made, said Lamyaa, when explaining the abuse directed at her. One of my friends added a bunch of people and I was one of them. We were having a discussion about several things, then the conversation was shifted to shed light on the presidency and the current tension.

I, personally, had very strong views considering the presidency did impact me because I am an Arab, Muslim woman.

I brought up the fact that I was Muslim and that guy didnt feel comfortable so he said what he said.

Lamyaa, who lives in Pennsylvania, said over the years she has experienced a lot of backlash for wearing a headscarf, which she said only made her grow as a person, and more importantly as a Muslim woman, Arab woman.

However, I did feel the need to prove him wrong, she explained. And thats where messaging my dad came in. I didnt consider taking off my scarf, I just wanted to have a response from my dad to prove that what he said is false.

(@lxmyaa/Twitter)

She added: I did not expect my dad to respond in such a loving way. I expected him to be supportive but not concerned. It felt great to know that I had him and his love and support.

The tweet has since gained a lot of attention, and Lamyaa has found herself having to explain that she wasnt saying that no women are forced to wear the hijab.

Yes, a lot of women are forced to wear the hijab, she wrote in a note shared in a separate tweet. That oppression however isnt what the hijab symbolises, its not why women wear it.

I personally chose to wear the hijab, for myself and for god.

And Lamyaa says when it comes to people who have misconceptions about Islam, she wants them to speak to a Muslim and have a conversation with them.

She said: Many of us are willing to answer any questions and clear up any misconceptions.

(Joe Giddens/PA)

Muslims are not some separate group, we are a part of America. We are people. Your doctors, lawyers, teachers, bus drivers, neighbours, etc. This country has freedom, and that doesnt stop at religion.

Just because someone believes in a different religion or dresses differently it does not mean that they are deserving of hate. At the end of the day, we are all people and all we want to do is live in peace.

One of Donald Trumps most controversial moves since becoming president was his so-called travel ban, which has also been described by some as a Muslim ban.

The executive orders put a temporary ban on people from a number of Muslim-majority entering the US but have been repeatedly challenged by judges.
A faction of the sevaits at Puri's Jagannath Temple feel that Mamata has stood by those who eat meet and hence they are protesting against her being allowed inside the shrine.

By Manogya Loiwal : Ahead of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's visit to Puri later this week, some sevaits of the Jagannath temple in the city are protesting against her coming here for reportedly standing by with non-vegetarians.

A faction of the sevaits at Puri's Jagannath Temple feel that Mamata has stood by those who eat meet and hence they are raising questions on her being allowed inside the temple.

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Mamata will be on a three-day visit to Odisha starting today evening.

During her three-day visit, Mamata will offer prayers at the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri.

ONE SEVAIT DETAINED FOR PROTEST

The police under whose jurisdiction the Jagannath Temple falls have also detained a sevait named Somanath Khuntia for protesting against her visit.

Jagannath Temple sevait Somanath Khuntia detained in Puri. Photo: Sourabha Harichandran. Jagannath Temple sevait Somanath Khuntia detained in Puri. Photo: Sourabha Harichandran.

According to Khuntia, Mamata has offended the feelings of several Hindus by allowing eating of cow and buffalo meat.

As Puri temple is a Hindu Sanatan Temple, he said if Mamata entered its premises, the sevaits might go on a large-scale protest too.

On the other hand, there are other sevaits who are all set to welcome her.

Daitapati Sevak of Jagannath Temple Swain Mohapatra said, "Mamata Banerjee will arrive at Puri temple. I will welcome her by giving Khandua. Mamata will stay at the temple for around an hour. Those who are protesting against her visit are not projecting the shrine in the correct light."

Meanwhile, the district administration and police have tightened security ahead of her visit.

(WITH SOURABHA HARICHANDRAN IN PURI)

Also read | West Bengal: Saffron burst on Bengal map puts Mamata in a spot

Also read | Odisha is new laboratory of Narendra Modi's pro-poor schemes, says Dharmendra Pradhan

--- ENDS ---
On the 13th of April, the website of the Chechen government announced that Ramzan Kadyrov, the political leader of Chechnya, had received a horse as a gift from the Crown Prince of Dubai.

Of course, the website contains no mention of the rounding up and torturing of gay and bisexual men in concentration camps being conducted by the Dear Leaders forces. But at least Mr Kadyrov has a nice new pet whose name, as it happens, is Leonardo (historys most noteworthy Leonardo, da Vinci, would be on the receiving end of electric shocks were he a 21st Century citizen of Chechnya).

Mr Kadyrov, who resembles a Mountain Dew drinking, basement dwelling teenager who has nothing better to do than play Call of Duty all day, is a deeply unpleasant little man. He has been implicated in the murder of people who have spoken against his barbarous regime and shows all the signs of the cliched dictator: he is quick to anger, inspires fear in those who work for him, keeps exotic pets, presents himself as a big strong man and Chechen television seems to be Kadyrov TV, according a 2007 profile of him by the Independent (well worth a read to be informed on the perversities of our dear Ramzan).

Of course, there is a rather complicated backstory to our heroic megalomaniac. He fought against Russia in the cause of Chechen independence, and then jumped sides, and now is the political leader of a Chechen republic within Russia. He has a cosy relationship with another demented homophobic authoritarian who goes by the name of Vladimir Putin (you may have heard of him). In short, Mr Kadyrov is another of historys pathetic strongmen. The Chechen people seem oddly in favour of him (but then, is this surprising, given what happens to those who openly speak against him?) yet he is a burden on them. Most of all, he has become a burden on his countrys gay population.

This is to understate the situation. There are now, once more, concentration camps in Europe. This is not something that should be accepted or taken lightly. Hundreds of gay men are being held and tortured, at least three have died, and those who are released face immense danger in returning to their families in a country where homosexuality is detested in the extreme.

The government has denied that this is even happening - a spokesman for Kadyrov seemed to suggest that it could not happen, because gays would be taken care of (i.e. murdered) by their families before state-sponsored persecution could even occur. Wonderful logic, and a sufficient demonstration of the status gay people hold in Chechnya.

Now, I will venture a guess as to why these awful events are happening. Russia, Putin, Chechnya, Kadyrov - what do these have in common? They are led by ultra-conservative leaders and have highly religious populations. Both Putin and Kadyrov are close to the conservative religious forces in their country. Putin is close to the Russian Orthodox Church (as was, ahem, Stalin) and Kadyrovs father was an imam (Chechnya is mostly Muslim). Kadyrov protested the publishing of the Charlie Hebdo cartoons after the Paris attacks in 2015. Both Russia and Chechnya are falling under a tide of homophobia, and LGBT rights in both countries are in a sorry state (though Russia is slightly better - at least they dont have the death penalty for homosexuality, unlike in Chechnya, even if it is suspended there). Of course, Kadyrov has been implicated in numerous scandals, and is deeply materialistic and most likely a hypocrite (a video was released by his enemies in 2006 allegedly showing him with prostitutes in a sauna). He supports honour killings for women who are, of course, property of their husbands. The list could go on.

In short, in Chechnya and the wider region, we are faced with entrenched ultra-conservative attitudes towards homosexuality, inspired and enforced by deranged leaders and hard line religious beliefs. The state is sponsoring these killings. What is required is the intervention of the international community to put pressure on Russia and Chechnya, as Kyle Knight has stated in the Guardian.

If I was in Chechnya I would possibly be under detention and torture right now for nothing more than being gay. This is no way to treat human beings, and it must be opposed. However, short-term solutions will only go so far. What is needed is a complete overhaul in attitudes, politics and morals in the region - until the ultra-conservative attitudes so prevalent there have been overcome, there will always be a risk to those who do not fit in, to minorities and people who do not wish to be ruled by pathetic dictators with too much time on their hands and too few ideas in their minds.
I do not know Mark Regev personally, mores the pity. He has always struck me as a canny and capable media performer and an intelligent and erudite spokesman.

SOAS

He is undoubtedly used to cold receptions and unpleasant interrogations. Still, one is inclined to wonder at his boldness. Having last year ceased to be Netanyahus spokesman in order to become Israels ambassador to the UK, he would have been forgiven for enjoying the relative peace and quiet afforded by his new, (ostensibly) less public role. You would not, perhaps, have expected him to take up an invitation to speak at SOAS, the University of Londons unofficial madrassa and School of Protest.

Mr. Regev has been to SOAS before, and witnessed the violent reaction provoked by the mere fact of his presence. So he will have been expecting the torrent of vile abuse, the announced protests, the petitions, and the angry demonstrations that began almost as soon as some fool deigned to inform the SOAS community of the planned visit. Given the violence which resulted from similar protests at UCL late last year, and the threats issued at the last round of protests at SOAS (the trans and gender-identity officer from SOAS SU tweeted that err xbrey would be around later on to fuck shit up) we find ourselves in the absurd situation where an ambassador from an allied nation speaking at an English university must be praised for his bravery.

I should declare an interest before wading further into the mire.

I consider myself a friend to Israel. It is a modern state, more progressive and tolerant than it is fashionable to admit (and certainly more so than any of its neighbours). A large part of its population is sane and generous and secular; it is this faction which has raised wealth from barren and oil-less deserts, creating and maintaining and improving the only democratic state between Cyprus and India, and doing much to fight against reactionary overreach by their own nation even whilst Islamist crypto-fascists fire rockets at them.

They deserve our thanks. Instead, they are subjected to boycotts, divestment and sanctions; a BS movement (or was that BDS?), led by our own supposedly tolerant, progressive and enlightened students, which could not tell and does not care about the difference between Yesh Atid and the Hasidic lobby, and which would rather side with the racist, fanatical and rejectionist Hamas than the Muslim democratic reformers in The Joint List. The SOAS set claims to protest apartheid. It is curious, then, that they should ally themselves with a faction which states in its founding charter that its territory, and indeed the world, must be judenrein.

It is because I support the state of Israel that I strive to be a stern critic of the Likud-UTJ-Jewish Home coalition government. The constant and undignified obeisance paid to the ultra-Orthodox right undermines Israels great potential, and is almost the sole reason that Israels secular population lacks the support of a written constitution. And no sane person can claim that Israels handling of the Palestinian question is beyond reproach.

The SOAS community has helpfully published a whole litany of objections to Mr. Regevs presence in the form of a mini-manifesto, signed by everyone from the Decolonising Our Minds society to the SOAS Herb Society. Mr. Regev, if he is allowed to speak at all, will almost certainly be too polite and measured to address them specifically. I, on the other hand, am not a diplomat, and I have one or two questions for the SOAS community that I thought I would share with you.

First, its statement boasts of a landslide 73% vote in favour of an academic boycott of Israel. I should like to know the turnout of this vote. Given that the SOAS SU claims to stand for truth and integrity, I am sure it would not countenance misrepresenting the views of the whole SOAS community. Let it, then, be proved that no such misrepresentation has been propagated.

Second, if the turnout is high and the support as unanimous as the community claims, does it not rather undermine the argument that allowing Mr. Regev to speak amounts to an act of oppression against a marginalised group? Either Palestinians at SOAS are an embattled minority or they are not.

Third, in what conceivable sense does an unpopular speaker threaten academic freedom, as the community claims? Surely the opportunity to hear and to question an opponent, especially one as important as Mr. Regev, shows that SOAS has a healthy respect for academic freedom. Surely shutting down the event, which is the communitys aim, is a blow against academic freedom and freedom of speech, both of which the community claims (ludicrously) to uphold?

Fourth, does not the landslide vote and alleged popular support for the communitys position disprove the assertion that Mr. Regevs presence is a threat to Palestinian students? The fact that the event will be policed by the Israeli embassys own security team is a legitimate point of concern, but has anyone in the community paused to ask why such measures are deemed necessary?

Might it not have something to do with the fact that supposedly pro-Palestinian demonstrations at analogous events have in fact been violently anti-Israel? Were it not the case that the sort of majority opinion claimed by the community has so often been aggressive and tyrannous in nature, I suggest that the Israeli ambassador would not feel so threatened as to require the presence of an armed detail. In other words, arent the community responsible for the very measures against which they now protest? And if the community is as committed to upholding the rights of minorities as it claims to be, should it not wholeheartedly support the presence on campus of a man speaking in defence of Israel?

Fifth, the statement says that SOAS management cannot guarantee that this event will take place within the acceptable boundaries of academic freedom and free speech, free from intimidation of all participants. Now, that sounds to me like a threat. So, see fourth; the fact that such stringent and drastic and alarming security measures are in place is testimony to the vile and violent nature of the protesters whom the community supports.

Finally, to claim, as the community does, that Mr. Regevs presence means that SOAS management has ignored the concerns of students is evidence of nothing but entitlement. Shocking though this may be to students of a certain nature, it is possible to listen to an argument and disagree with its conclusion. I, for example, have read  carefully  the statement issued by the community; it is because I have read it carefully that I can be confident in essaying my opposition to it. The attitude and tacit assumptions of the community, which presumes that no one who reads its prospectus could possibly disagree with its conclusions, is evidence of the very privilege which I dont doubt it abhors in other people.

So no, I cannot see the force of their claims. The SOAS communitys opposition to Mark Regev is deeply suspect; evidence, I suggest, of a suspicious and unedifying animus against Israel. Contra what they would have you believe, it is possible to disagree with Israeli policy whilst supporting the Israels right to exist; further, it is possible to object to Israeli policy and yet welcome the opportunity to hear, and to confront, a man whose job it is to defend said policy.

Mark Regevs visit is an opportunity to engage an emissary of the Netanyahu regime in dialogue and argument. It is something to be welcomed, not opposed. I sincerely hope that the visit will go ahead, and that sensible students will take the opportunity to find value in it. In other words, I sincerely hope that SOAS belies the image its own union sets before the world.
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By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Apr 18 (PTI) Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today called on Nepals President Bidya Devi Bhandari and discussed various issues concerning India-Nepal bilateral relations.

"Had a fruitful meeting with President of Nepal Ms Bidya Devi Bhandari. We discussed a range of issues pertaining to India-Nepal relations (sic)," he tweeted.

Bhandari, who arrived here yesterday on a five-day visit and was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, is slated to meet President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other Indian leaders.

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During her stay in India, she is also expected to travel to Gujarat and Odisha. PTI ACB KUN

--- ENDS ---
Talking to reporters in Chennai, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam made it clear that he would settle for nothing less than removal of both Sasikala and TTV Dinakaran from the party if AIADMK's factions have to unite.

By Pramod Madhav: Amid talks of merger between the two warring factions of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (AIADMK), former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has made it clear that he would settle for nothing less than ouster of VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran from the party.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Panneerselvam played the 'Amma' card and said it was important that members of the Mannargudi family be evicted if the AIADMK has to survive.

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Panneerselvam reiterated his demand for a probe into J Jayalalithaa's death and said details regarding her treatment should be made public.

"Sasikala has betrayed Amma. The treatment and medicines given to Amma should be made public. A thorough investigation must be done into Jayalalithaa's death," Panneerselvam said.

"We have to follow the path which Amma (Jayalalithaa) laid out for us. The way Sasikala brought back Dinakaran into the party and her own elevation as AIADMK general secretary...everything was unconstitutional," Panneerselvam, who revolted against Sasikala in February after stepping down from the CM's chair, said.

"That family (Mannargudi family) was not supposed to be in the party. Amma never wanted them in the party, they have betrayed her. Betrayers will have to go," Panneerselvam added.

REVOLT IN EPS CAMP

On the other hand, the revolt inside the EPS (CM Edappadi Palaniswami) camp has spiralled out of control with senior ministers seeking deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran and interim general secretary Sasikala Natarajan's removal.

Sources said Dinakaran has also lost support of influential party leaders Jayakumar, SP Velumani, Thangamani and Vaithyalingam - who helped him enter AIADMK again after Jayalalithaa's death. The four leaders are apprehensive of their names being associated with health minister Vijaybhaskar who was raided by the Income Tax department earlier this month.

"They've completely surrendered to the Center as they are trapped now. If TTV quits his position within the party, they are likely to be saved," claimed a party leader.

PANNEERSELVAM AS CM, EPS AS DEPUTY CM?

As per negotiations tabled, Cabinet is ready to accept Panneerselvam as chief minister if Palaniswami is made his deputy. Palaniswami had reportedly asked for the role of general secretary as well. Madhusudhanan will remain as the presidium chairman.

Surprisingly, a plan has also been formulated to bring Sasikala out of prison in 4 months if ahe quits the general secretary post Dinakaran is to not involve himself into party decisions but can be a party worker.

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Members of EPS camp led by education minister Sengottaiyan is likely to meet Panneerselvam tonight and will try and barter the deal. Dinakarana having lost the support of his close aides is ready to resort to any move to save himself.

WATCH: Exclusive: No split within AIADMK, only difference of opinion, says Thambidurai

ALSO READ:

Tamil Nadu: AIADMK factions meet for merger talks. Sasikala, nephew Dinakaran to be kicked out?

Have Panneerselvam and Sasikala patched up? Decision on merger of AIADMK factions likely today

AIADMK's TTV Dinakaran charged with offering Rs 50 crore to middleman to buy party's 'two leaves' symbol

Sasikala in jail but 'mafia from Mannargudi' is here to stay. Who are they?

Sasikala's nephew Dinakaran takes charge as new deputy general secretary, opens the door for OPS

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Apr 18 (PTI) It is "unfortunate" that someone has to knock the doors of the court for ensuring respect to the national flag and national anthem, government told the Supreme Court today, asserting that respect for them was "non-negotiable".

As the governnment stated its position on the issue, an apex court bench, comprising Justices Dipak Misra, A M Khanwilkar and M M Shantanagoudar, modified its earlier order to exempt those with disability from standing up at cinema halls when the national anthem is being played.

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"We are inclined to modify the orders and direct that the persons who are wheel-chair users, those with autism, persons suffering from cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities, parkinsons, multiple sclerosis, leprosy cured, muscular dystrophy and deaf and blind be treated not to be within the ambit of the orders passed by this Court," the bench said.

At the outset, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench "it is unfortunate that someone has to approach this court for ensuring due respect to national flag and national anthem but what is most unfortunate that some section is opposing it.

"Respect for national anthem and national flag is non- negotiable and every citizen is bound to show due respect to the symbols of national pride."

The apex court had in its December 9 order clarified that a physically-challenged person, who goes to the cinema hall to watch a film, need not stand up if he is incapable of standing but must show such conduct which is commensurate with respect for the national anthem.

The apex court also sought a response from the Centre in four weeks on a plea seeking framing of a policy to promote the national anthem and the national song.

The petition, filed by Delhi BJP spokesperson and advocate Ashwini Upadhaya, also sought to direction for mandatory singing of national anthem and the national song in Parliament, assemblies, courts, schools and colleges on working days.

The courts order had come on a PIL filed by one Shyam Narayan Chouksey seeking directions that the national anthem should be played in cinema halls across the country before a film begins and proper norms and protocol be fixed regarding its playing and singing at official functions and programmes where those holding constitutional posts are present.

During the hearing, senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi appearing for Chouksey, said a direction should be issued to the government to amend the law as there were penal provisions for those who disrespect the national flag, but there are no such provisions for those who show disrespect to the anthem.

Senior advocate C U Singh, appearing for Kerala Film Society, sought recall of the earlier order making playing of the national song in cinema halls mandatory before screening of films saying that courts should not venture into the field of the legislature.

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"We show utmost respect to the national flag and national anthem. But it should not be considered anti-national to argue against this petition or seeking recall of the order," Singh said.

Mehta intervened and said that he never used the word anti-national but citizens should show due respect to national flag and national anthem.

To this, the bench asked "is showing respect to national flag and national anthem not inherent in our Constitution?"

Singh said they were not against showing respect to the flag but it does not mean that the courts order was beyond the scope of challenge.

He said the petition is not maintainable as it was Parliaments or the governments job to ensure that cinema halls play the anthem before the screening of a film.

"There are separation of power. This is executive domain and by PIL court cannot assume power of legislation," the senior advocate said adding that court cannot compel anyone to play the national anthem at a particular time.

The bench asked petitioner to file an amended petition with additional grounds within two weeks and allowed intervention application of Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

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It clarified that the plea of Kerala film society seeking recall of earlier order will be heard along with the main petition and posted the matter for August 23.

On February 17, the apex court had refused to go into the debate for making singing of the national song mandatory in schools and clarified that it has "kept alive" such a plea only for the national anthem without expressing any views.

The apex court had on November 30 last year ordered cinema halls across the nation to mandatorily play the national anthem before screening of a movie when the audience must stand and show respect.

The apex court, while passing a slew of directions, had also observed that "time has come when citizens must realise they live in a nation and are duty-bound to show respect to the national anthem which is a symbol of constitutional patriotism and inherent national quality". PTI MNL ABA SJK ARC

--- ENDS ---
By India Today Web Desk: The world is full of wonders and we all love to explore them. While we would want our journeys to be full of thrill and adventure, we would simultaneously want to be safe while travelling.

And now that this beautiful country has been declared the safest destination in the world, why don't you put on your shoes and head to this destination?

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The World Economic Forum recently released a comprehensive list of the safest destinations in the world, as part of 2017 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report. And Finland has been named the safest destination in the world.

In Pics: Finland: Designed to perfection

This is one of the most prestigious accolades for any destination to win. United Arab Emirates and Iceland bagged the second and third position respectively. The other destinations that featured in the top 10 were Oman, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, Norway, Switzerland, Rwanda and Qatar.

India, unfortunately, ranked 114 among a total of 136 countries.

Known for the Northern lights, Finland offers you a panoramic variety of topographical features, including clear waters, Baltic sea islands and a canopy of forests. Rich in flora and fauna, the country boasts of more than 30 national parks. Besides, the lush greenery and the peaceful, fresh ambience of the countryside can be your ultimate escape from a bustling city life.

This year, Finland is celebrating its hundredth year of independence and are offering tourists diverse experiences to indulge in. So, why not see for yourself what the country has in store for you?

--- ENDS ---
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By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Apr 18 (PTI) The Supreme Court today asked the government whether a Special Investigation Team (SIT) should be constituted to probe the offshore accounts of Indians revealed in the Panama paper leaks.

A bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) P S Narasimha to seek instruction on whether a separate SIT can be tasked to probe the Panama Papers leak, besides Multi-Agency Group (MAG) set up by the government to probe into the black money cases.

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The court asked Narasimha to file the seventh report of MAG within three days and took on record six reports filed in sealed cover with regard to the investigation in the black money cases.

The bench, which also comprised Justices A M Khanwilkar and Justice M M Shantanagoudar, asked the ASG to inform about the decision and posted the matter for hearing in July.

At the outset, the ASG said that investigation into the names leaked by a website was not simple and multiple agencies were probing and trying to ascertain the details.

"The investigations into such names is still going on and all cases will be thoroughly investigated," he said, adding that the MAGs report had a complete chapter on the Panama paper leaks.

Narasimha, while opposing separate investigation, said the probe into these cases were not like normal crime incidents as it involved various aspects, like treaties with foreign countries, agreement for disclosures etc.

He said each of the transactions spanned different jurisdictions and may involve multiple entities and individuals for which the probe by MAG was needed.

The bench, told advocate M L Sharma who has sought independent probe into the Indian offshore account holders named in Panama paper leaks, "they (multi-agencies) are investigating into the matter and we will see in due course what is the outcome of their investigation".

The Centre had constituted MAG consisting of officers of the Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Enforcement Directorate and Financial Intelligence Unit to investigate black money cases and is also probing the Panama Paper leaks.

The apex court had on March 7 asked the Centre to place before it in a sealed cover all the six reports of MAG after it was informed that sixth report has been completed and the government was prepared to place all reports before the court.

The Centre had sought dismissal of the PIL, saying MAG has already been set up to ensure "speedy and coordinated" probe against Indians whose names have figured in the Panama papers.

The reports have already been submitted by MAG to the apex court-appointed Special Investigation Team on black money, led by Justice (Retd) M B Shah, and to a Supreme Court bench hearing the case.

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The Centre had on October 3, 2016 informed the court that Rs 8,186 crore, illegally kept in offshore banks by Indians, has been brought under tax ambit despite constraints like non-sharing of information by Swiss authorities.

Seeking dismissal of the PIL, it had said the SIT on black money has been kept informed on regular basis about the development made in the probe.

Sharma in his PIL had sought a court-monitored independent probe into the Panama papers leak which contained an unprecedented amount of information, including more than 11 million documents covering 2,10,000 companies in 21 offshore jurisdictions.

The petition had alleged that Panama papers included the names of nearly 500 Indians, including celebrities and industrialists, who have allegedly parked funds in offshore accounts in transactions brokered by the law firm. PTI MNL ABA SJK ARC

--- ENDS ---
Woman dies in two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 12 west of Milbank

One person is dead and two more are injured after a two-vehicle crash Monday morning near Milbank.
By Press Trust of India: Ahmedabad, Apr 18 (PTI) The police today seized scrapped currency notes with face value worth Rs 2.37 crore from three vehicles here and detained seven persons in this connection.

On a tip off that some people were to visit Thaltej circle to meet a person to exchange their demonetised currency notes for a commission of 15 per cent, police kept a watch and caught them when they arrived on three separate vehicles, the police said.

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A Vastrapur police station official said 13,700 notes of Rs 500 and 16,900 notes of Rs 1,000 were seized from these vehicles at around 1.30 am.

"They had come from Vadodara and Himmatnagar and were looking to exchange demonetised currency notes with new notes for a commission of 15 per cent," he said.

Seven persons were detained and the Income Tax Department was informed about the seizure, he said. PTI KA PD NRB RAX

--- ENDS ---
By India Today Web Desk: Like every 16-year-old, Shah Rukh Khan's daughter Suhana takes a break from everything else once in a while and just lets her hair down with her friends. A photo of Suhana surfaced on social media where she can be seen chilling with her squad.

Photo: Instagram

Photo: Instagram

Photo: Instagram

It is no secret that Suhana is interested in pursuing a career in acting. However, in an exclusive interview with India Today's Koel Purie, Shah Rukh Khan said that her Bollywood plans would have to wait a few years. "You need to be minimal qualification of a graduate before you even think of coming and learning any way. Go out, do some theatre, finish your schooling, finish your college, then study for a couple of years about acting. (sic)," he said.

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"If she gets into the field that I already am in, somewhere, even without wanting, even though I would like to avoid it, the life lessons will permeate on to her through me. And I've already done it. Why would you want to learn from something that has been seen, I've been there, done that; find something new, go beyond. I'm not saying go beyond me and learn and come back and all only, I don't think she needs this kind of a shadow over her. So go out. (sic)" Shah Rukh added.

ALSO WATCH: SRK's daughter Suhana turns Cinderella for a school play, video goes viral

Watch the exclusive interview of Shah Rukh Khan here:

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The vast flowing Slims River in Canada vanished in just four days due to climate change.

The vast flowing Slims River in Canada vanished in just four days due to climate change. (Image via Wikipedia Commons)

By Vishakha Saxena: A vast river flowing from one Canada's largest glaciers vanished in just four days last year, due to the glacier's meltdown propelled by climate change.

Canada's Slims river which, according to a Guardian report, spanned up to 150 metres at its widest points had been flowing for hundreds of years, carrying water from the massive Kaskawulsh glacier.

Between 26 to 29 May 2016, spurred by a massive heat wave, the glacier began melting at a much faster pace. The severe meltdown ended up changing the flow of its water, which now started heading to the Gulf of Alaska -- thousands of miles to the opposite of Slims river.

How a sudden intense meltdown of Kaskawulsh glacier changed the fate of Slims River. (Image via Nature Geoscience)

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This dramatic effect of global warming was documented by team of experts who had been following the glacier and its steady retreat. There observations were published in the journal Nature on Monday.

"We went to the area intending to continue our measurements in the Slims river, but found the riverbed more or less dry. The delta top that we'd been sailing over in a small boat was now a dust storm. In terms of landscape change it was incredibly dramatic," James Best, a geologist at the University of Illinois, told Guardian.

These scientists are now calling this phenomenon a case of 'river piracy' -- wherein the flow of one river is suddenly diverted into another.

According to the report, "river piracy can dramatically change the routing of water and sediment, with a profound effect on landscape evolution." Experts also observed that though stream piracy has been investigated in glacial environments in the past, it has usually occurred over longer timescales.

In this case, however, Slims River was reduced to a thin stream in mere four day, while the south-flowing Alsek river (where water from Kaskawulsh glacier is now heading) became 60 to 70 times larger than the Slims. Both rivers had earlier been comparable in size.

The report also noted how the effect of river piracy is not limited to the immediately affected lake. In the case of Slims River, for example, two other rivers that Slims flowed into -- the Kluane river and the Yukon river -- have also been affected.

The biological effects of these rivers drying can be quite profound for neighbouring ecosystems. Scientists have already recorded massive sediment erosion in these areas, and are now worried about the long term implications on surrounding human and biological communities.

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It's our annual Labour Weekend tradition ...The Sound 'Hall Of Fame' Countdown... Where we honor the greatest 500 songs of all time as voted by you.
By Press Trust of India: Guwahati, Apr 18 (PTI) Stating that the Smart City project implementation in Guwahati is "not satisfactory", Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu today said the North East states have to improve implementation of central government schemes to catch up with the rest of the country in development.

"The North Eastern states have to catch up with the rest of the country. The region needs to improve implementation in all schemes," the Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation said addressing a press conference here.

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Pointing out that eight cities have been initially shortlisted for the 100 Smart Cities programme, the Minister said the states and selected cities need to expedite the pace of putting in place institutional arrangements and project preparation.

He expressed dissatisfaction at the progress made in the Smart City project in Guwahati, which was selected in the first round on January 28, 2016.

Naidu today reviewed the progress of schemes in all eight North East states at a secretary-level meeting yesterday and a ministerial-level meeting here today.

He said the Centre has launched four major missions - AMRUT, SBM, Smart Cities and PMAY during 2014-15, and there are special schemes for the North East region that include ten per cent lump sum scheme for all urban local bodies (ULBs) of the NE and Asian Development Bank (ADB) assisted programme for five NE state capitals.

On Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) implementation in the NE region, Naidu said there is a potential to vastly improve coverage of piped water supply and provide 24x7 drinking water.

The Minister stated that in the missions, the Centre has provided greater flexibility to states and no individual project are examined, and said "All decision making, including final projects approvals, is in the hand of the state government. Provisions of capacity building is at the state and city levels in all missions to strengthen planning and implementation."

On Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), Naidu expressed satisfaction that Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh have been able to show good progress in toilet construction programmes, achieving 60 per cent of their targets. PTI ESB DKB

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Its been 58 years since the migration of Tibetans to India in 1959 after China started campaign for taking control of Tibet. To commemorate the long journey, former ministers in Tibetan government-in-exile has released a journal to relive the history.

Former minister Tenzin Geche Tethong (Kasur) and Gen Lobsang Tenzin la, who served the first Tibetan Nursery (later TCV) since 1960s launched the 155 paged journal titled Exile and it is categorised into five sections, Arrival, Democracy, Survival, Education, and Religion and Culture.

The journal, through images documents the survival story of Tibetans in exile through pictures from the total occupation of Tibet in 1959 to 1989, the year His Holiness the Dalai Lama received the Nobel Prize for Peace.

The pictures that have been included in the journal has been captured by various photographers, many of them are unknown. The Editor of the journal, Lobsang Gyatso Sither said the book showcases the sacrifices and hard work of the first generation of Tibetan refugees under the guidance of spiritual leader Dalai Lama and with help from the Government of India in those difficult times.

Gyatso says the photo journal, which was prepared in two years, will help the younger generation of Tibetans to understand and appreciate the history and origins of the Tibetan community, living in exile.

The journal includes certain uniqueness in it as it is based on historical pictures and pictures express more about difficult periods for they help people to visualize the challenges faced by the first generation of Tibetans in exile.

The book also serves not just as a reminder of the difficult past, but also as a reminder of how the Tibetans survived and remained ever true to their beliefs in the most difficult of times, he said.

The journal focuses on the evolution of the exile history from its first educational institute to the first settlement and others, the book comprises of 262 photos out of over 40,000 photos received from various institutions and individuals.

The journal has been funded by Geographic Legacy Fund at National Geographic Society and the Committee of 100 for Tibet for Fiscal sponsorship which had archived and digitised all photographs and can be viewed through their website tibetansinexile.org.
As the merger of the largest public sector bank, State Bank of India, with its subsidiaries gets completed, the Centre is now exploring the possibility of merging three general insurance public sector units before hitting the capital markets.

The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (Dipam) has initiated consultations on a possible merger of Oriental Insurance, National Insurance and United India Insurance and the combined entity would be then taken to the market for listing. It is estimated the combined entity will have around 35 per cent share of the domestic general insurance market while underwriting total direct premium of over Rs.30,000 crore.

Senior officials in the disinvestment department of the Finance Ministry said, "It is not possible for the general insurance companies to hit the capital markets at the moment since the solvency ratio of these companies are below the IRDA mandate. Hence, we are considering a proposal to merge them and make a larger entity and then hit the capital markets."

The government is also actively looking at companies for consolidation with the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) keen on having one or two larger entities rather than several smaller ones.

According to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) annual report 2015-16, the market share of Oriental Insurance declined to 8.63 per cent in 2015-16 from 8.75 per cent in 2014-15 period and that of National Insurance also fell to 12.43 per cent from 13.27 per cent in 2014-15.

While the solvency ratio of National Insurance (1.26 per cent) and Oriental Insurance (1.1 per cent) is less than the threshold of 1.5 per cent mandated by IRDAI, United India Insurance has suffered huge losses (Rs.429 crore) in the first half of the current fiscal. Both Oriental and National Insurance have also lost market share in the last financial year. The governments assessment is that these entities are unlikely to get good valuation if listed separately.

The Union Cabinet in January approved listing of five state-owned general insurance firms on the stock exchanges. The government plans to bring down its stake in these companies to 75 per cent in tranches through a combination of issuance of fresh equity shares and offer for sale, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in the briefing after the Cabinet meeting.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave its approval for listing five state-owned General Insurance Companies ~ New India Assurance Company, United India Insurance, Oriental Insurance Company, National Insurance Company and General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC). Senior ministry official said, "We are considering the merger for these three entities and the other two re-insurance entities GIC and New India Assurance will be hitting the capital markets once the details and timings are finalised."

The most recent consolidation exercise has been in the process of completion of merger of State Bank of India with its five associate banks ~ State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala and the State Bank of Travancore.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday cautioned about loans given to companies in sectors in difficulty such as telecom and may witness rising bad loans.

Banks were asked to put in place a board-approved policy for making provisions for standard assets at rates higher than the regulatory minimum, based on evaluation of risk and stress in various sectors.

"The telecom sector is reporting stressed financial conditions, and presently interest coverage ratio for the sector is less than one," an RBI notification said.

"Board of directors of the banks may review the telecom sector latest by June 30, 2017, and consider making provisions for standard assets in this sector at higher rates so that necessary resilience is built in the balance sheets should the stress reflect on the quality of exposure to the sector at a future date," it said.

"Besides, banks should also subject the exposure to the sector to closer monitoring," it added.

According to RBI, its standard rules for monitoring of loans include periodic reviews of its assets which combine quantitative and qualitative aspects of the loans. These include debt-equity ratio, interest coverage ratio, profit margins of each of the company.
In a sudden turn of events, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister D. Jayakumar on Tuesday announced that ministers have decided to keep out jailed AIADMK leader V.K. Sasikala, her nephew T.T.V. Dinakaran and his family out of the party.

Jayakumar also said a committee will be formed to run the party when queried about the General Secretary's position.

Sasikala was elected as AIADMK's General Secretary last December.

Jayakumar, who made the announcement after meeting Chief Minister K. Palaniswami, told reporters that the AIADMK was bowing to the wishes of party cadres, people, lawmakers, ministers and others to keep Dinakaran, the Deputy General Secretary, and his family members out of the party.

"We will run the party and the government," he said. "We want to save the party and the government from the clutches of one family."

Reacting to the announcement, Sasikala faction legislator Vetrivel told a television channel that Jayakumar did not have the power to make such an announcement.

The AIADMK split into two after former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa's death. One faction is led by Sasikala and the other by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam.
The BJP West Bengal state executive is scheduled to hold a two-day brainstorming session in Burdhaman on 1-2 May to work out the partys game plan for next years Panchayat elections in the state.

Sources told The Statesman that the party central leadership in tandem with the state unit would leave no stone unturned to cash in on the gains made in West Bengal in recent months, especially in the wake of the partys impressive showing in the Kanthi Dakshin (Contai South) Assembly seat, where it came second, capturing 31 per cent vote share and relegating the Left to the third spot.

Ahead of the state executive meeting, BJP president Amit Shah is slated to camp in Siliguri in north Bengal for three days beginning 25 April. He is expected to engage with the state and local leadership with the aim of mobilising grassroots support for the party ahead of the Panchayat polls.

The BJP, which has never been a political force of any consequence in West Bengal, has been planning to take on Trinamul Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Left Front on their home turf. But that will be easier said than done, given the partys minimal presence in the state.

The BJP was in the eye of a political storm early this year when its general secretary Jalpaiguri Mahila Morcha Juhi Chowdhury was accused of hobnobbing with child traffickers. The Central leadership has since blamed the incident on poor screening of persons and instructed its state unit to thoroughly screen persons before they are taken on board.

Unfazed by the incident, the BJP is set to embark on a mass mobilisation movement across the state in order to garner support for the party. The party has planned a door-to-door campaign. It is also working out a UP-like strategy aimed at booth-level penetration. The party is also likely to join the chorus for a separate Gorkhaland, a demand of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), a BJP ally.

Unlike the Trinamool Congress and Left Front, the BJP is at a disadvantage owing to the absence of grassroots level network across the state. The party is hoping to fan out to various constituencies. The coming state executive is likely to work out a plan towards that goal. The central leadership is also keen to maintain the momentum in a build-up to the Panchayat polls. After the 25 April visit to the state, Amit Shah is slated to tour West Bengal on two more occasions in the span of the next three months.
In the next couple of years, Delhi, considered among the most polluted cities, is expected to get green power from Madhya Pradesh to run its Metro trains. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) would start getting not only green but cheap electricity at almost half the current rate.

This becomes possible as a result of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), signed in Bhopal on Monday between the DMRC and parties concerned to buy green energy from the upcoming 750-MW Rewa Ultra Mega Solar (RUMS) project in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh.

According to officials, the project is possibly the largest ultra-mega solar power project in the world. It would have three phases with the first phase being completed already with the remaining two phases to be completed in the next 18 months.

As per official reports, the cost of the project covering an area over 1,500 hectares at Bandwar region in Gudh tehsil of Rewa district would be around `4500 crore.

Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal, Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu, MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other dignitaries were present during the signing of the PPA at a function held at Hotel Marriot in Bhopal.

Naidu said he was delighted that the DMRC, which comes under his ministry, will get green energy for around `3.30 (levelised tariff) per unit from RUMS. The current rate is `6 per unit.

Piyush Goyal said that Indias solar power generation capacity has galloped to 12,200 MW and hoped that it will climb to one lakh MW by year 2022.

MP CM Chouhan said that clean and green energy was a priority of the state adding that his government is promoting sustainable development keeping in mind the environment. We dont want our future generations to face hardship due to pollution, he added.

According to MPs New and Renewable Energy Department (NRED) Principal Secretary Manu Shrivastava, the RUMS project is a joint venture of Solar Energy Corporation of India and MP Urja Vikas Nigam (MPUVN), wherein both parties have 50 per cent stake.

At present, the worlds largest solar power project  Ivanpah Solar Power Facility of 392 MW, is at Mojave deserts in California, US.
India and Canada on Tuesday sought to strengthen security ties as Defence Minister Arun Jaitley held detailed discussions on the issue with his Canadian counterpart Harjit Singh Sajjan.

Sajjan, who is on a week-long visit to India, was also given a Guard of Honour at South Block, which houses the Defence Ministry. He laid a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, which is a memorial dedicated to unnamed soldiers.

His formal welcome came after some confusion over the Guard of Honour, a ceremonial practice to honour domestic or foreign dignitaries, being cancelled after an advisory from the Defence Ministry. It was later clarified by sources that the communique announcing cancellation of the Guard of Honour was a mistake.

Sajjan arrived here yesterday on a seven-day India visit, his first after assuming charge as Canada's Minister of National Defence.

A Sikh, he will also travel to Amritsar, Chandigarh and Mumbai.

On allegations that he was a Khalistan supporter, Sajjan refused to comment saying that he was proud to have been born in India.

"I have been given many labels through my life," Sajjan said.

"I don't want to be sucked into the internal politics of a province of a nation. My goal is to build relationships. I am proud of the fact that I was born here," he said.

Sajjan was dubbed a Khalistan sympathiser by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who has said he would not meet the Canadian minister.
In what is seen as having long-term implications for conservation of forests, the Union Environment Ministry has decided to review the status of pending forest clearance and expedite the process. Forest clearance is a key component of environment clearance required for several projects in key sectors. Because of this, projects, particularly in sensitive zones such as wildlife sanctuaries, have been held up.

Following a meeting held by the Union Environment Secretary Ajay Narayan Jha last week, a decision has been taken to review the status of pending forest clearance and expedite the process, an official communique said here today. Special Secretary in the Environment Ministry R R Rashmi will hold a meeting, in which all officers concerned from the ministry, nodal officer, regional officer and project proponents will be invited. The meeting will review the cases where the projects have been apprised by the Expert Appraisal Committees (EAC) and recommended the grant of environmental clearance, but are being held up because of Forest Clearance-Stage I.

The ministry has also decided that all EACs will hold at least two meetings in April and May for the appraisal of projects, with special emphasis on those pertaining to different ministries, the communique said.

Forest clearance has been a sticky issue with environment activists and local communities often opposing it. Development project proponents have, on the other hand, been pressing for early clearance quoting huge delays on this account.

The Centre for Science and Environment had in an analysis of two years of the Union government, indicated that the average rate of forestland diversion has reduced when compared to UPA-II tenure. However, the rejection rate of projects continues to be very low ~ rejection of projects coming up in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks has reduced under this government.

The mining and infrastructure sector remains a focus of green clearances, the CSE report said. More than 300 projects (new and expansion) combining coal and non-coal mining have been given ECs by the present government in its two years in power. Among these are 68 coal mining projects. Similarly for forest clearances, the highest share of total forestland diversion is for mining projects ~ of about 47,473 hectares of land diverted (combining in-principle and final approvals), 29 per cent is for mining.

Similarly, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund that was passed by Parliament last year will make available more than Rs 6,000 crore per annum for forest and wildlife resources of the country. Many environmentalists have also termed this as a "fig leaf" to cover up the increasing diversion of forests in the name of development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that those who had looted the poor and the middle classes in the past will have to return what they had looted.

"Indeed. There is no place for corruption in India. Those who looted the poor and middle classes will have to return what they have looted," Modi said on Twitter in response to a tweet by a follower.

Modi's remarks came on a day liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for defaulting on over Rs 8,000 crore in bank loans, was arrested in London but later granted bail by a court.

Modi's Twitter follower had written that "corruption not only robs us of hard-earned money but also of our dignity".

Mallya, 61, was arrested following an extradition warrant from India.

"Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud," a Metropolitan Police statement said.
Gigi Hadid is all set to come to India on April 27, and while she's here, Sonam Kapoor will be chilling with her. So why shouldn't the two fashionable ladies get a whiff of India's wonderful street markets?

By India Today Web Desk: For those who don't know, currently one of world's most renowned supermodels, Gigi Hadid, is coming to India end of this month. What brings her to India, you ask? Well, Hadid's collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger,TommyXGigi spring 2017, is making all the right kind of noise across the globe, so why should India not join the celebration, right?

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And any guesses who Hadid will be chilling with while in Mumbai? Who else but India's very own fashionista, Sonam Kapoor!

Hadid and Kapoor will reportedly, greet their fans at Mumbai's Palladium Mall post which, they'll address a press conference at the St Regis Hotel on April 27.

While it's rather wishful and laughable to think Hadid will actually find time to venture out and discover India, one can always give her the option, (and write a piece of fiction in the bargain) right?

Also Read: 8 things you must know about Justin Bieber's India visit next month

yesterday / @tommyhilfiger meetings !! more @tommyxgigi on its way for you guys :) :) x A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid) on Apr 12, 2017 at 3:04pm PDT

Of course Sonam and Gigi are known for their high-end fashion choices but those who've explored the street markets in India know mighty well how big a treasure trove they are. So here's a list of India's most affordable and eclectic street markets Hadid (and you) should probably get a whiff off:

1. Colaba Causeway: Colaba Causeway is one big party. From brass jewellery and clothes to shoes and other accessories--Colaba houses it all. Stroll around, get your hands on the latest fashion and basically be content with life.

2. Sarojini Nagar: Dirt cheap fashion that seems anything but that. With merely Rs 2000 in your pocket, be assured you're going to come home with more than a few packets of clothes and other things. Latest fashion trends take a new shape in Delhi's Sarojini Nagar and allow you to embrace all things stylish without costing you a bomb.

Sarojini haul... #neverstopexploring#urbanphotography#streetphotography#streetexploration#streetmagazine#instamagazine#nikond3300#nikon#delhi#delhistreethunt#exploredelhi#traveldairies#traveller#flashesofdelight#theoutbound#my_365#peoplescreatives#justgoshoot#instalike#instadaily#instagoodmyphoto#photography#photographer#like#jootis#exploretocreate#colours#delhidairies#sarojininagar A post shared by Sharmita Sawant (@simply_being_awesome) on Apr 18, 2017 at 4:16am PDT

3. Linking Road: This particular market in Mumbai houses fashion for all pocket sizes. From high-end boutiques to duplicate-yet-realistic versions of those oufits your favourite movie star wore, Linking Road is your saviour.

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4. Lajpat Nagar: A heaven for textile lovers, Lajpat Nagar might be a strenuous experience but is totally worth it. Not just material of every shape and colour, Lajpat is also ideal for those willing to furnish their house from the scratch.

5. Hill Road: Scarves, nightwear, blingy outfits, Indianwear--what doesn't Mumbai's Hill Road have? Wait, don't answer that for it has everything your shopping-craved hearts have been dreaming off.

6. Janpath: It might just be one long stretch of crammped up stalls, but Janpath is a hit among students in Delhi who dig affordable fashion and accessories besides also being fond of quaint lamps, lanterns, mirror among other things. And if you happen to get tired with all the venturing around turn to DePauls and have that sinful cold coffee.

India you colourful beauty... #amazingindia #indianadventures #colourburst #authentic #janpathmarket A post shared by Chane Cardoso (@chanecardoso) on Apr 5, 2017 at 1:28am PDT

Of course there are many more street markets that are waiting for Gigi, Sonam and your exploits but then, let's just make do with these.

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The arrest of the Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya in London by Scotland Yard on Tuesday made waves in top government and political circles here, with the Narendra Modi government highlighting that the fugitive tycoon was arrested on India's request to the UK authorities for his extradition on fraud charges. A proclaimed offender, Mallya was released on bail a few hours after his arrest.

"Legal process in this regard is under way in the UK. The two governments are in touch in this context," the MEA spokesperson said in response to a query on the issue.

India had given a formal request to the UK for Mallya's extradition through a note verbale on 8 February in accordance with the Extradition Treaty between the countries.

Mallya, whose now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines owes over Rs 9,000 crore loans to a slew of banks, fled India on 2 March 2016. The Indian Government has since revoked his Indian passport. He, however, has rejected all allegations against him.

In January this year, a CBI court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case. Earlier that month, the Debt Recovery Tribunal in Bengaluru had passed orders in favour of a SBI-led consrotium of banks to recover over Rs 9,000 loans from the Kingfisher Airlines.

Mallya's arrest came weeks after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley took up the matter of his extradition with the UK Chancellor Philip Hammond during his recent visit to London.

The Modi government is now "assessing" how to bring Mallya back to India and start judicial proceedings against him, Union Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar reportedly said. He said the government would leave no stone unturned to bring to justice anyone involved in financial irregularities.

A top government source said Mallya's arrest was in connection with his IDBI loan default case, asserting that the extradition process against him has now begun.

"India needs to set precendents, the myth of crossing the boundaries and being out of bounds should be shattered. In Mallya's case, the overwhelming public opinion is that such people should be taught a lesson," the source said, adding "tax havens around the world are increasingly becoming less safe for wrong-doers".

The principal Opposition Congress, however, accused the Modi government of "hoodwinking" the people of India over Mallya's arrest, asking it to spell out a timeline for recovering his loans and for bringing him back to face the Indian courts.

The Congress asked why the Modi government sought Mallya's extradition and not deportation which, it claimed, would have ensured his immediate custody for India.

Claiming that the Congress's "relentless campaign" led to Mallya's temporary detention, the party's chief spkesman Randeep Surjewala questioned how could he be released simultaneously.

Accusing the Modi dispensation of allegedly letting Mallya escape from India, Mr Surjewala asked PM Modi and FM Jaitley to tell the people of the country when Mallya and another fugitive based in London, Lalit Modi, could be brought to face justice in India.
HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday said states have been told that they can detain students in Classes V and VIII and that 25 states have agreed to withdraw the no-detention policy.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of National Conference on Innovations in School Education (Navonmesh) organised by the NCERT, Javadekar said the no-detention policy has led to deterioration of quality of education.

Javadekar said the students will get two chances to clear the Class V and VIII exams. "There will be an annual examination. If the student fails, he will be given another chance by the school after giving the student remedial classes. But the school will have the liberty to detain the students if he fails in this additional exam also."

The RTE Act makes it mandatory for schools to pass students till Class IX and taking Class X board exams was also optional. An amendment has to be made in the RTE Act so that the schools can lawfully detain students. "A Bill has been prepared and it will soon go to the Cabinet," said Javadekar.

To improve the quality of school education, the HRD Ministry is also going to notify learning outcomes in the RTE Act. A handbook has been prepared by the NCERT which will be circulated among the teachers. The handbooks have been printed in regional languages also. Pamphlets of learning outcomes will be distributed among the parents. "Learning outcomes were already a part of RTE Act. But, they were not notified till now," said Javadekar, adding that they will be put up on the walls of all schools.

Notifying learning outcomes is essential as this will make the teachers accountable and responsible. In addition, the parents should also know about the level of learning that a child must achieve in each class.

Javadekar emphasised that the parents should become part of the School Management Committees to ensure proper grooming of the child.

The HRD minister expressed his concern over the falling standards of education. "In a survey it has been found that students of Class VI are not comfortable with lessons of Class III and a Class VII student were not comfortable with Class IV lessons," said Javadekar.
With an effort to enhance the bilateral ties, US National Security Adviser (NSA) HR McMaster on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. McMaster also held talks with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar.

Apart from this, he is expected to meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj later in the day.

According to informed sources, the two sides are expected to discuss bilateral issues as well as the developments in the region against the backdrop of the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and Pakistans continued support to terrorists operating against India and Afghanistan.

On whether the Kashmir issue could also come up, sources said Indias position on it was very clear that it was a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan and there was no room for mediation by a third party.

This is General Mcmasters first high-level visit from the US to India under the Donald Trump administration.

Earlier in January this year, in a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump had said that the US considers India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world.

McMaster on Monday held talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Prime Ministers Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Pakistan NSA Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi.
A day after doing some plain-speaking with Pakistan on the issue of terrorism, US National Security Advisor Lt Gen H R McMaster on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the situation in the region as well as Indo-US relations.

Describing the meeting, at which NSA Ajit Doval was also present, as productive, informed sources said they discussed security issues concerning South Asia and how the two sides could cooperate in countering the threat from the Taliban and ISIS to the unity of Afghanistan. Gen Mcmaster reaffirmed India's designation as a 'Major Defence Partner' of his country. He had a separate detailed meeting with Mr Doval later.

Gen McMaster is the first top US official to visit India after the inauguration of President Donald Trump in January. His visit to the region comes at a time when the security situation in Afghanistan has further worsened and relations between India and Pakistan are at an all-time low in the wake of a Pakistan military court awarding death sentence by dubbing former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav as a RAW agent. The visit is also important in the context of a proposed visit by Mr Modi to the US later this year at the invitation of President Trump. However, there was no word available on whether Gen McMaster had extended an invitation to Mr Modi on behalf of his President.

Gen McMaster, who was in Pakistan yesterday on an unannounced visit, had firmly told Islamabad to give up its policy of selective action against terror groups. He had earlier visited Afghanistan to review the security situation in the embattled nation.

A PMO release said Mr Modi recalled his positive telephonic conversations with President Trump that reaffirmed the importance attached by both sides to the strategic partnership and to stepping up India-US engagement across the board. The NSA shared his perspective with the PM on the security situation in the extended region, including in Afghanistan, West Asia and North Korea.

During the conversation, they exchanged views on how both countries could work together to effectively address the challenge of terrorism and to advance regional peace, security and stability, the release added.

A statement issued by the US Embassy said Gen McMaster departed India after productive meetings with the PM, Mr Doval, and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar. He emphasised the importance of the US-India strategic relationship. The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counter-terrorism cooperation.
China has an obligation to use its "enormous leverage" to bring nuclear-armed North Korea back from the brink, Australia's prime minister said on Tuesday, toughening Canberra's position on the escalating crisis.

Malcolm Turnbull's remarks came after the North's latest failed missile test and ahead of a visit to Australia by US Vice President Mike Pence, who is in Asia to signal Washington's commitment to regional security.

"The North Korea regime is a reckless and dangerous threat to peace and stability in our region and, indeed, in the world," Turnbull told reporters in Canberra.

"The real obligation  the heaviest obligation  is on China."

Beijing has "enormous leverage over North Korea" and "the ability to bring, to pull North Korea back into at least the position where it is not threatening to rain down devastation on its neighbours," Turnbull said.

"So what we're now looking forward to is action from China."

A close US ally, Australia nonetheless enjoys a good relationship with China, its biggest trading partner.

Beijing is under intense pressure, particularly from the US, to do more to rein in Pyongyang, which has defied international pressure over its quest to develop a nuclear- tipped ballistic missile capable of reaching the US mainland.

But China has long opposed dramatic action against the North, fearing the regime's collapse would send a flood of refugees across its border and leave the US military on its doorstep.

Yet US threats to take unilateral action have rattled Chinese leaders, pushing them to pursue a tougher line against their neighbour, including suspending coal imports from the country for the remainder of the year.

Pence is due to meet Turnbull in Sydney on Saturday.
Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan vowed on Tuesday not to negotiate with hundreds of Palestinian detainees on the second day of a hunger strike led by popular leader Marwan Barghouti.

More than 1,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons launched the hunger strike on Monday, issuing a list of demands ranging from better medical services to access to telephones.

Issa Qaraqe, head of prisoner affairs for the Palestinian Authority, said on Monday that around 1,300 prisoners were on hunger strike and the number could rise.

The Palestinian Prisoners' Club had put the number at 1,500.

A spokesman for the Israel Prisons Service said around 1,100 prisoners started the hunger strike and roughly the same number were believed to be continuing on Tuesday.

Erdan vowed that Israeli authorities would not negotiate with the prisoners and said Barghouti had been moved to another prison and placed in solitary confinement.

"They are terrorists and incarcerated murderers who are getting what they deserve and we have no reason to negotiate with them," Erdan told army radio.

He said Barghouti had been placed in solitary confinement because calling for the hunger strike was against prison rules.

Some 6,500 Palestinians are currently detained by Israel for a range of offences and alleged crimes.

Of those, 62 are women and 300 are minors.

Some 500 are held under administrative detention, which allows for imprisonment without charge.

Palestinian prisoners have mounted repeated hunger strikes, but rarely on such a large scale.

Barghouti's call for the strike has given it added credibility, with the 57-year-old serving five life sentences over his role in the second Palestinian intifada or uprising.

He was convicted of attacks that killed five people.

He is popular among Palestinians, with polls suggesting he could win the Palestinian presidency.

"Decades of experience have proved that Israel's inhumane system of colonial and military occupation aims to break the spirit of prisoners and the nation to which they belong, by inflicting suffering on their bodies, separating them from their families and communities, using humiliating measures to compel subjugation," Barghouti wrote in a New York Times opinion piece.

"In spite of such treatment, we will not surrender to it."(AFP)
Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday that the US government will review the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in 2012 with South Korea, a media report said.

The review would be aimed at looking for ways to improve the trade deficit between the two countries, Efe news reported.

Pence made the remark during a meeting with representatives of the US Chamber of Commerce here before leaving for Japan, the second stopover in his 10-day Asia-Pacific tour.

The Vice President praised the good economic relations between the two countries but stressed the need to "be honest about where our trade relationship is falling short".

The remark was referring to the growing US trade deficit derived from excessive barriers for US businesses in the South Korean market.

"Our businesses continue to face too many barriers of entry which tilted the playing field against the American workers and American growth," Pence said.

The Vice President also pointed out that it was necessary to "level that playing field between our two countries" and assured that the US will work together with South Korea to reform the agreement.

The US trade deficit with South Korea in 2016 amounted to $27.6 billion.

The 2016 figure was twice that of 2011, a year before the FTA was signed.

Since taking office in January, the new US administration has called for a turnaround in the US trade policies to be in line with Trump's policy of "America first".

In addition to abandoning the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the world's largest FTA, Washington has criticised a number of Asian trading partners, such as China, Japan or South Korea, saying they have worked together to devalue their currencies to gain competitive advantages over the US.
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The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday exempted the categories of disabled persons from standing during national anthem before screening of a film.

By Praveen Shekhar: The Supreme Court today exempted disabled persons from standing during playing of the national anthem before screening of a film.

The disabled category includes people suffering from cerebral palsy, Parkinson disease, muscular dystrophy and other categories of disability.

"Having heard learned counsel for the parties, we are inclined to modify the orders and direct that the persons who are wheel chair users, those with autism, persons suffering from cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, leprosy cured, muscular dystrophy and deaf and blind be treated not to be within the ambit of the orders passed by this Court. As far as the other categories, which we have not referred to mentioned in the application, are concerned, the same may be considered by the Union of India", said the Bench.

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The Centre had earlier submitted before the court that the home ministry on the directions of the court has issued guidelines on how people with disabilities can show respect when the national anthem is being played in movie halls or public functions, saying they should not move and position themselves "maintaining the maximum possible alertness physically".

In November the apex court had made it mandatory to play national anthem in movie halls before every screening with the image of the national flag displayed on the screen. Delivering the order, the SC had observed that standing up for the national anthem in movie halls will "instill a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism" in people's minds.

It had later clarified people need not stand up if the national anthem was played as part of the film.

The verdict had however resulted in cases of disabled people being attacked by fellow moviegoers for not standing up for the national anthem. In a number of cases, people with disabilities and those with small children and elderly people also faced the wrath of the people trying to enforce patriotism.

Meanwhile, the SC also issued a notice to the Centre on Tuesday over a plea that sought to make the singing of 'Vande Mataram' essential in all educational institutions. The court has asked the Central government to respond to the plea within four weeks.

ALSO READ:

No need to stand up for national anthem if it is part of a film: Supreme Court

Exempt us from following national anthem guidelines, say differently-abled in response to MHA advisory

--- ENDS ---
No more Monday to Friday, nine to five? Why these N.L. businesses are choosing a four-day-a-week work model

When it comes to those who work nine-to-five jobs, most will tell you the same thing: the weekends are never long enough. In recent years, especially since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been more talks of hybrid workweek models.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Apr 18 (PTI) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today discussed bilateral ties with visiting Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.

"Shaping our shared historical and cultural linkages. EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on President Bidya Devi Bhandari at @RashtrapatiBhavan," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.

Bhandari, who arrived here yesterday on a five-day visit and was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, is slated to meet President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other Indian leaders.

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This is Bhandaris first visit abroad after assuming office in 2015. She was scheduled to have visited India last May, but the trip was cancelled after the then cabinet in Nepal said it was not adequately prepared for it.

During her stay in India, she is also expected to travel to Gujarat and Odisha. PTI PYK BDS

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Coalition spokesman US Air Force Colonel John Dorrian said the coalition tried to avoid civilian deaths in its bombing campaign against Islamic State militants in Syria and neighbouring Iraq.

By Reuters: Air strikes, thought to be by planes from a US-led military coalition, killed at least 30 people in the eastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zor on Monday, including women and children, residents and activists said.

Coalition spokesman US Air Force Colonel John Dorrian confirmed that the US-led coalition had conducted strikes in the vicinity of the town of al-Bukamal, but said he could not "confirm the veracity of allegations of civilian casualties".

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He told Reuters the coalition tried to avoid civilian deaths in its bombing campaign against Islamic State militants in Syria and neighbouring Iraq.

The border town has been a haven in recent years for thousands of displaced Syrians from Aleppo and from other areas, including Iraq, where its residents have strong tribal ties across the border.

CIVILIANS HIT, AGAIN

An activist in touch with relatives in al-Bukamal said at least three homes had been flattened in the residential Hay al Masriya district of the town and at least 30 people, mostly women and children from six families, had been killed.

A second former resident of the town gave a similar figure and said it was likely to rise, with several critical cases among the scores of people injured.

Amaq news agency, which is affiliated to the militants, released a video that it said showed extensive damage to a whole string of houses inside the city with rescuers treating children.

There were other casualties in raids on several villages near al-Bukamal.

The IS-linked Aamaq news agency said the strike of Boukamal killed six people and wounded 15 - all of them women and children. It did not say whether any IS fighters were also killed.

3 MILITANTS KILLED BUT 13 CIVILIANS DEAD TOO

Earlier the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that jets "believed to belong to the international coalition" had struck al-Bukamal on Monday, killing three militants and 13 civilians including children.

The monitor said strikes also killed seven civilians in the town of al-Husainiyah further north along the Euphrates river.

Islamic State militants control most of Deir al-Zor province, which links territory they hold in Syria and Iraq, and parts of the provincial capital, which has the same name.

The Syrian government still controls some parts of Deir al-Zor city, including a nearby military air base, where Islamic State has besieged about 200,000 people lacking food and medicine for around two years.

Syrian government forces and their allies, backed by Russian air power, have been fighting back against Islamic State assaults in the area.

The US-led coalition has in recent months stepped up targeted raids on the province to rupture the militants' supply lines across Iraq and Syria.

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Also read: Toilet paper thieves rob 1,500 rolls from China park

Also read: America to Pakistan: Confront terrorism in all forms

Also read: Turks vote in historic referendum on expanding President Erdogan's power

--- ENDS ---
Why an acceptable leadership issue would present a lasting solution than just merger of Sasikala, OPS factions.

By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: The last word is far from being said in the ongoing AIADMK faction war in Tamil Nadu. The AIADMK Amma faction leader VK Sasikala, who, at one point in time, was on the threshold of getting sworn in as the Tamil Nadu chief minister, is now on the brink of getting thrown away from the party itself.

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The Sasikala and the rival O Panneerselvam factions of AIADMK are reportedly holding talks for their merger and retrieving the frozen "two leaves" election symbol. The chance of merger got brighter when former chief minister Panneerselvam himself talked about such a possibility.

However, more than the merger, an acceptable leadership would present a solution to AIADMK's travails. The two factions would have to iron out several issues related to leadership for a long-standing merger to take place between Sasikala-led AIADMK Amma and Panneerselvam-led AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma factions.

OUSTER OF SASIKALA AND DINAKARAN FROM AIADMK

As the first step towards merger, OPS (O Panneerselvam) has put the condition of ouster of Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran who was recently elevated to the post of AIADMK general secretary.

OPS has said that AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran (MGR) and Jayalalithaa were always against family rule. Hence, his faction would not rest until the Sasikala's family is thrown out of the AIADMK. They are vehemently against Sasikala and Dinakaran having a grip over the party.

The revolt inside the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) camp is spiralling out of control. Even senior ministers are the removal of Dinakaran and Sasikala.

Dinakaran has lost support of influential party leaders such as Jayakumar, SP Velumani, Thangamani and Vaithyalingam. They had helped him enter AIADMK again after Jayalalithaa's death. The four leaders are apprehensive of their names being associated with health minister Vijaybhaskar who was raided by the Income Tax department earlier this month.

Also, the elevation of Dinakaran as party general secretary has only heightened the feeling among the party leaders and cadres that AIADMK would stand to lose in the long run under the Mannargudi family.

There is a growing feeling in the EPS camp that they are trapped now. They are likely to be saved if Sasikala and Dinkaran quit their positions within the party.

CBI PROBE INTO JAYALALITHAA'S DEATH

Panneerselvam's another core demand is instituting an inquiry by the CBI into the "mysterious" death of former chief minister Jayalalithaa. OPS faction seeks to keep the issue of Amma's mysterious death burning in order to put Sasikala on the back foot.

The two issues of the ouster of Sasikala and Dinakaran and instituting a probe into Amma's death may not be too difficult to be agreed upon. There is a growing dissidence in the Sasikala faction, particularly after the Delhi Police booked Dinakaran for trying to bribe the Election Commission to get the 'two leaves' election symbol.

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WRANGLING OVER ACCEPTABLE LEADERSHIP

The main differences which would take time to be ironed out are over the holding of posts in the government and the party.

For a merger of the two factions to take place, the senior leaders would have decide mainly over the posts of the chief minister and AIADMK general secretary.

There is one possibility of Panneerselvam being made the chief minister and Palaniswami his deputy.

However, it would materialise only if Palaniswami would be ready to get demoted.

Alternatively, while OPS can become the CM, EPS may be asked to accept the role of AIADMK general secretary.

Madhusudhanan will remain as the AIADMK presidium chairman.

A plan is also being formulated to bring Sasikala out of prison in four months if she and Dinakaran quit the party posts and agree not to involve themselves in party decisions but can be party workers.

The two camps are holding hectic parleys to find an amicable solution to the vexed leadership issue.

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Members of the EPS camp led by education minister Sengottaiyan is likely to meet Panneerselvam tonight and will try and barter the deal.ALSO READ|Remove Amma betrayers Sasikala, Dinakaran from AIADMK: O Panneerselvam steps up attack

ALSO READ | Tamil Nadu: AIADMK factions meet for merger talks. Sasikala, nephew Dinakaran to be kicked out?

ALSO WATCH | AIADMK: After I-T raids, EPS camp discusses OPS' merger offer

--- ENDS ---
Organization: Marie Stopes

International

Duty Station: Kampala,

Uganda

Reports to: Chief of Party

About US:

Marie Stopes International exists to bring quality family planning and

reproductive healthcare to the worlds poorest and most vulnerable people.

Weve been delivering family planning, safe abortion, and maternal health

services for over 35 years. Millions of women worldwide turn to us for help

each year, whether in limiting the size of their families, or avoiding

dangerous complications in pregnancy or unsafe abortion.

Job Summary: The Head Public

Sector Support will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the work of

75 Dedicated Providers stationed in HC4 centres and hospitals. Dedicated

Providers are central to our strategy to support the Government of Ugandas

vision of increased family planning prevalence. The Head of Public Sector

Support will use his or her excellent understanding of public health services

in general and family planning services in particular as they serve community

needs to develop and execute clear strategies that increase access to family

planning in Ugandas underserved communities. The jobholder will also work in

collaboration with Marie Stopes channel leaders supported by Quality Assurance,

Finance and Procurement teams. The post holder is responsible for ensuring that

a high-performing team of Dedicated Providers are providing services,

supporting the public sectors training needs and creating a sustainable

network of providers across Uganda able to meet and exceed MSI global minimum

standards for quality and fully comply with all MSI Uganda policies and

procedures.



Responsibilities: Key Duties andResponsibilities:



& 75 Dedicated Providers delivering results through; Oversight, guidance and supervision of a team of 1 Operations Officer& 75 Dedicated Providers delivering results through;

Weekly tracking of MarieTXT reporting

(with remedial actions).

Monthly tracking of DP monthly reports

(with remedial actions).

Weekly planning with the Operations

Officer for issues that need attention.

Carrying out regular field visits.

Contributing to the quarterly performance

review meetings & quarterly donor reports.



training modules Development & consolidation of the mentorship program with coretraining modules

Ensuring the mentorship tracker is updated

every month & analyzed every quarter (with remedial actions).

Work in liaison with the Chief of Party to

implement competency assessments & certification of PHWs who have

completed mentorship.

Implementing a supportive supervision work

plan (including preparing DPs for the external QTA).

Creating a supportive and enabling environment for FP.

Working with the Chief of Party & the

Head of RME  to support the execution of the Evaluation of the DP

model.

Working with the DPs to maintain good

relations with the districts (being responsive to their needs).

Working with the COP to participate in MOH

technical working groups and maintain strong relations with the MOH 

Reproductive Health Division.



evidenced by the programme. Advocacy on task shifting and public health strengthening needs asevidenced by the programme.

Participate in key fora discussing task

shifting as requested

Tasked with the collation and presentation

of evidence in support of task shifting

Relationship building with key allies

Responsible for the development of

relevant messages in relation to changes needed



Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience:

The ideal candidate should preferably hold

a Bachelors Degree in medicine, nursing or midwifery preferred,

Possession of a Masters degree in Public

health is a MUST

Project cycle Management training

desirable

At least five years experience which

includes at least 3 years of relevant medical experience; 1 year project

management experience and 2 years at management level.

Prior NGO experience is a great advantage.

Personal experience and knowledge of

Ugandan public health sector from working in it

Experience managing large teams operating

at a distance

Demonstrated ability to identify and set

performance deliverables

Good budget management skills

Excellent understanding of donor deliverables

and contract requirements

Demonstrated ability in facilitating

capacity development in more junior staff

Excellent communicator to others on key

strategic issues

Patience in dealing in a matrix situation

across the health Sector

Ability to demonstrate a can-do attitude,

and be able to handle conflicting priorities.

Ability to work under pressure.

Computer literacy skills i.e. proficiency

in Ms. Word. Excel and office 365.

Knowledge of clinical procedure and

minimum standards essential.

Excellent verbal, written and presentation

skills.

In all his/her dealings with clients and staff, the post-holder

demonstrates MSUs core values of

Accountability of all staff to each other

and our clients and stakeholders.

Equality of opportunity and access.

Value for money in the management of our

resources

How to Apply:

All candidates who wish to join Marie Stopes are strongly encouraged to

send an updated CV, cover letter, certified copies of academic documents to the

Senior Manager Human Resource via email to: vacancies@msiu.or.ug quoting the

position reference number.

NB: Please do not attach

transcripts

st

April 2017 by 12:00 Noon Deadline: Friday, 21April 2017 by 12:00 Noon
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 ...
But the tribe has a long way to go
The United States National Security Advisor Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster is in Delhi to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval.

He is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

McMaster met Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif yesterday and discussed bilateral ties, Afghan situation and rising tensions between India, Pakistan. He also met Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad.

Aziz briefed McMaster on the policies being pursued by the Pakistan government that have resulted in improved security environment and economic turnaround in the country.

Pakistan media quoted Aziz as saying that Pakistan remains determined to continue its fight as part of the National Action Plan until terrorism is completely eliminated from the country.

Expressing Pakistan's concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, Aziz reaffirmed Islamabad's commitment to working with the international community to support peace efforts in Afghanistan.

He also stressed on the importance of effective border management to achieve sustainable peace in the region.

McMaster thanked Aziz and acknowledged Pakistan's sacrifices in combating extremism and terrorism. He renewed the commitment of the new administration to work closely with Pakistan in strengthening mutually beneficial relations and towards the shared objectives of peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.
In an alleged act of vengeance, Chief Information Commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad and his wife Shivaganga Gaikwad were attacked by supporters of Dr B.R. Ambedkar's grandson Prakash Ambedkar in Aurangabad on Monday.

Gaikwad, also the former chief secretary of Maharashtra, was on an official tour to the city and was staying at the Subhedari guest house along with his wife when they were attacked.

Gaikwad, who had just returned to the guest house from his visit to Kokanwadi information office in Aurangabad on Monday, was first thrown a slipper at by Bhartiya Republican Party District President Amit Bhuinal. Other party workers, who were hiding at the guest house, soon joined in and surrounded the CIC and started beating him up.

Meanwhile, Shantabai Dhule and Rekha Ujgare, women party workers of Bhartiya Republican Party, assaulted Shivaganga Gaikwad.

The attack continued until policemen stationed at the guest house reached to the couple's rescue. They were immediately taken to the Aurangabad airport by the police.

Apparently, the attack was to avenge Ratnakar Gaikwad's decision to demolish offices of Prakash Ambedkar, Anandraj Ambedkar and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, which were situated at the historic Ambedkar Bhavan in Mumbai. Gaikwad had demolished these offices in June 2016 with the help of 300 bouncers.

The officer has filed a formal police complaint with the airport police in Mumbai. We will transfer the complaint to Aurangabad police, said DCP Vasant Pardeshi.

Begumpura police station in Aurangabad have registered the crime under section 307 (attempt to murder) and Sec 147, 148 and 149 of the IPC against Amit Bhuinal, Dinesh Salve, Shrirang Sasane, Gautam Gavli, Shantabai Dhule, Rekha Ujgare, Sandip Waghmare and Pradip Ingale.

However, the party justified its stance and backed the attackers. This was ought to happen as the Ambedkarites in the state were extremely angry over the demolition of the historic building built by Dr Ambdekar himself. The heritage printing machine, offices, etc, were destroyed in the demolition. Ratnakar Gaikwad himself is responsible for this attack on him, said Adv B.H. Gaikwad, senior leader of Bhartiya Republican Party.

The state government and the Bombay Municipal Corporation had categorically denied giving any such order to demolish the structure. Ratnakar Gaikwad not only demolished the historic structure but also ridiculed Ambedkar family in a shameless manner during his press conference. This was not tolerable at all, alleged Prof Avinash Dolas of Bhartiya Republican Party.

Ratnakar Gaikwad and Prakash Ambedkar could not be reached for their comments.
The Indian government, looking to gain access to Kulbhushan Jadhav arrested in Pakistan, will tone down the rhetoric and get down to some tangible action. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is learnt to be in touch with his Pakistani counterpart Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua. Senior government sources disclosed that some behind-the-scene talk is essential at this stage to know the whereabouts of Jadhav and ensure his well-being. Doval will try to arrive at an understanding so that Jadhav's case can be dealt with "softly". At the same time, the Indian government is preparing to file an appeal against his death sentence ordered by a military court in Pakistan.

Jadhav's death sentence had sparked outrage in India. Backed by hawkish retired Pakistani army officials, Pakistan called Jadhav a ''terrorist''. In New Delhi, there was a growing chorus for his immediate release, with candle light marches and circulated petitions.

Sources in government said that, while the clamour against Pakistan drew much-needed attention to the issue, it was now in the interest of New Delhi to tone down the rhetoric and ensure a quiet dialogue with the Pakistani establishment.

Speaking to THE WEEK, former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief A.S.Dulat said that it was a good development if both NSAs talked at this juncture.

"I think sanity should prevail. No country will benefit with such an action. Both the NSAs should maintain an open communication channel. After External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj warned of dire consequences if it carried out the death sentence, we must ask ourselves. What next? Ultimately, both countries will need to talk and resolve the issue," Dulat said.

Top sources in the government said that Doval has not achieved success in reaching an understanding, but efforts are on to break the ice.

Efforts are on to get a copy of the chargesheet and the judgement of the Pakistani military court, demand consular access (for the 15th time) and file an appeal. A mercy plea can be filed in the court either by Jadhav or his family members or by the Indian government .

Meanwhile, as Islamabad continues to deny consular access or any information about Jadhav's condition, saying his was a case of espionage, New Delhi has acted tough and deferred the bilateral talks between the coast guards of India and Pakistan, scheduled for Monday.
Beleaguered liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for defaulting loans worth Rs 9,000 crore, was arrested in London by the Scotland Yard.

A statement issued by the London Metropolitan Police said he would be produced before the Westminster Magistrate Court.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit have this morning, Tuesday 18 April, arrested a man on an extradition warrant. Vijay Mallya, 61, was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud, the statement said.

Mallya was declared a wilful defaulter in India. After he fled to to Britain in March 2016, Indian government made a formal extradition request to the UK.

Despite several warrants from courts, Mallya refused to return to India. In January 2017, the CBI filed a chargesheet against him, alleging that part of a Rs 900 crore loan given by IDBI Bank in 2009-10 was diverted outside the country.

In all, Mallya has been wanted in India for defaulting on loans worth Rs 9,000 crore owed by his now defunct Kingfisher Airlines. The airline has been grounded since the Directorate General of Civil Aviation suspended its license in 2012. It owes Rs 9,091 crore to 17 public sector banks.

Amid mounting debts, Mallya sold majority stake in his flagship liquor company United Spirits (USL) to Diageo Plc of London. Diageo completed the takeover of USL in 2013. In February this year, he was asked to step down from the board of United Breweries, which is part-owned by global beer giant Heineken NV.

A consortium of lenders led by State Bank of India have been trying to liquidate some of his assets to recover some of the money, with little success.

After three failed attempts, Mallya's Kingfisher Villa in Goa was sold to actor-producer Sachin Joshi for Rs 73 crore. The amount was lower than the reserve price of around Rs 90 crore.

The lenders, though, haven't been able to sell-off the Kingfisher House, the airline's corporate office in Mumbai.
In its budget for 2017-18, passed in February, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation announced that it will set up an English medium school in each ward, science clubs in primary schools, and centres where illiterate parents of students will be taught. The budget also provided for a web based app to track student info, recruitment of yoga teachers, life insurance of Rs 1 lakh per studentup from Rs 50,000, a crane to lift and clear abandoned cars, open air gyms in municipal parks, over a lakh of LED street lights, and digital process for issuing general and factory trade licences. Also mentioned were two diagnostic centres with collection facilities in every dispensary. There were other things alsotoilet blocks for women, mobile toilets, and CCTVs. The budget slashed conversion charges for residential properties under 41.81 square metre from Rs 192 per sq metre to Rs 100.

All this, when the EDMC has no funds, not even to pay salaries. It was a Rs 2,000 crore deficit budget. The idea, clearly, was to woo voters in an election that is turning out to be campaigned hot and contested keenly. And in keeping with that, the value of promises made was way more than what the Delhi government had provided for development works, to all the 3 corporations put together.

Ironically, the garbage dumping all over the place and the strike by sanitation workers who did not receive their salaries, were not seen worth addressing and as something that would actually make a difference to the people.

The EDMC standing committee chairman Jitendra Chaudhary was an angry man then. He charged the Delhi government with not cooperating with the civic bodies. The government owes the EDMC about Rs 5000 crores as recommended by the Delhi Finance Commission, he said.

But Manish Sisodia, the finance minister of Delhi government asserted they are committed to support the municipal corporations. We have been in touch with them constantly, telling them to increase their resources and rationalise their expenditure. We said so in the assembly, while presenting the budget as well says Sisodia.

The AAP government, in its budget 2017-18, allocated Rs 7571 crores 15.8 % of the total budgetto the local bodies. This was also about 15 % higher than the previous financial year. And, in view of the poor financial position of North and East Municipal Corporations, the government did not deduct the principal and interest of the outstanding loans of 2015-16 and 2016-17, from these grants.

The three corporations that come under the MCDNorth Delhi MC, South Delhi MC and East Delhi MChave similar complaints. They were created when the MCD was trifurcated, for better delivery of civic services and to give more people representation, in 2012. Like the EDMC, the others too are facing financial crunch.

While the South Delhi MC, catering to affluent people who pay higher taxes, the other two municipal corporations are the poor cousins. The municipal corporation of north includes localities in West Delhi, and so is the biggest, according to the Election Commission. The one in charge of civic amenities in East Delhi, which includes most of the unauthorised colonies of the capital, has to constantly battle with more civic work and less funds.
Talking of why the Congress cannot have a president from outside of the Nehru-Gandhi family, a few days ago, one senior member of the grand old party observed that the Congress was, unlike the BJP, a huge mass of people from all corners of the country, come together on their ownunlike the enrollment by the BJP or its parent organisation, the RSSbased on an affection for independent India's first prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, then his daughter Indira Gandhi, her son Rajiv Gandhi, and his widow Sonia Gandhi. He was not quite sure how the party will be without one of them leading these people. But he was sure that these people will stay loyal to the party and its vice president Rahul Gandhi, and would like him to "lead the party as soon as possible".

Another leader had rubbished the claims that there was disenchantment or frustration with Rahul's style of leadership worth noticing in the party. "It is not there. If anyone says, not Rahul Gandhi, then, let them tell us, who then? Is there anyone?".

In fact, nobody in the Congress really cares when Prime Minister Narendra Modi says that to lead the Congress one has to be born in the Gandhi family, while "an ordinary chaiwala like me" can become the prime minister, thanks to the democratic nature of the BJP.

The Congress is not bereft of leadership, but it goes without saying, the party's senior members to grass roots level workers are waiting for Rahul Gandhi to come out of his mother Sonia Gandhi's shadow, and take over as president of the party. Many of them fear Rahul will not be like his mother. Sonia Gandhi's open style of decision makingconsulting many and deciding by consensushad endeared her to many. Yet, as one leader put it, "She had to learn everything, step by step, considering she was a foreigner for a start, and a reluctant politician next".

Rahul, who has been waiting in the wings for the top job in the party, may finally get it, come October. It will be in good time, as elections to the state legislatures of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh are scheduled to be held in December. While there are many in the party who would like Sonia Gandhi to continue as their president, party sources indicated that she may have already begged off on health grounds.

For over two years now, voices in the party have favoured the elevation of a youthful Rahul Gandhi to take on Modi. Point by point, he may not measure up to Modi. But as one source said, "It is not about one individual here, it is about the party that Rahul is leading".

Rahul's Congress may not be vastly different from that of Sonia, though there will be a perception of that, particularly from senior and very senior party leaders. "This is a party with a history and practices," said party leader Janardhan Dwivedi. What he did not say was the fact that Rahul Gandhi may not even want much change in the party, which has "modernised constantly and remained contemporary all the time"

Though he has been treated as a "baba" by many, Rahul Gandhi has made all the right political interventions and has been at the hot spots to show the people that his party is with them. He has taken on the government in Parliament and stood with the people outside. The recent victory in Punjab, the good showing in Manipur and Goa, as well as the wins in the byelections in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh can be attributed to him if the losses elsewhere are.

The Congress Working Committee is expected to meet early May to take up the matter of organisational elections, said party sources. The high command has directed all the Pradesh Congress Committees to complete their membership drive by mid-May, in view of the elections to the crucial post of party president between mid-September and mid-October.

The Election Commission of India had directed the party to complete its organisational elections by December.

According to sources in the party, "Though Sonia Gandhi is back to lead us, the time is right for Rahulji to take charge." These sources ruled out the possibility of a surprise in the form of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra .
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Apr 18 (PTI) Tata Housing today announced plans to expand to the African property market and will invest Rs 1,000 crore to develop two projects in Kenya and Tanzania.

The real estate arm of the Tata group plans to raise USD 200 million through private equity to fund the overseas operations.

It recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Housing Bank and a private real estate firm to develop more than 4.5 million sq ft of mixed used townships in Kenya and Tanzania.

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The two mixed use development projects are expected to be launched by January 2018 in a price range of USD 75,000 ? 1,00,000 per unit catering to the mid-income segment.

"The investment in both projects is expected to be more than Rs 1,000 crores across both the phases over the next 3-4 years," the company said in a statement.

Tata Housing MD & CEO Brotin Banerjee said, "Our early success in Sri Lanka and the Maldives gave us the impetus to further expand our international footprint. Starting with Kenya and Tanzania, we will cater to the mid-income segments and fulfil their demand for superior quality housing."

With 60 per cent of urban population living in informal housing, there is consistent growth in demand for housing across both Kenya and Tanzania.

Tata Housing has recently handed over the government housing project to the Government of Maldives and launched two high-end project at Odeon and Nadhee in the capital city - Male. PTI MJH SA

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A defiant Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan denounced the West's "crusader mentality" on Monday after European monitors criticised a referendum in which he won sweeping new powers.

Erdogan, whose narrow victory laid bare the nation's divisions, told flag-waving supporters that foreign election observers should "know their place" and Turkey did not "see, hear or acknowledge" criticism that the vote did not live up to international standards.

Sunday's vote ended all debate on forging a stronger presidency, said Erdogan, who argues that concentration of power is needed to prevent instability.

Opponents accuse him of leading a drive towards one-man rule in Turkey, a NATO member that borders Iran, Iraq and Syria and whose stability is of vital importance to the United States and the European Union.

The main opposition party rejected the result and called for the vote to be annulled. Thousands of people marched through at least three neighbourhoods of Istanbul, some chanting "Thief, Erdogan," "no to the presidency" and "this is just the beginning" after calls on social media for protests in several cities.

Late on Monday, the cabinet extended a state of emergency by three months, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told reporters. It was the third such extension since a failed coup attempt last July.

Election authorities said preliminary results showed 51.4 percent of voters had backed the biggest overhaul of Turkish politics since the founding of the modern republic.

US President Donald Trump called Erdogan to congratulate him on his referendum victory and to thank him for supporting a US missile attack on Syria in response to a chemical attack by Syrian government forces on April 4, the White House said in a statement.

Trump and Erdogan also agreed on the importance of holding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accountable for the chemical attack and discussed the campaign against the Islamic State, the statement said.

But the narrowness of his victory could add to volatility in a country that has lately survived an attempted coup, attacks by Islamists, a Kurdish insurgency, civil unrest and war across its Syrian border.

The result laid bare the deep divide between the urban middle classes who see their future as part of a European mainstream and the pious rural poor who favour Erdogan's strong hand. Erdogan reiterated his readiness to restore the death penalty at several appearances on Monday, which would effectively end Turkey's decades-long quest to join the EU.

He said it was not important if the EU suspended Turkish accession talks.

"The crusader mentality in the West and its servants at home have attacked us," Erdogan told a crowd as he arrived at Ankara airport, referring to the foreign monitors' assessment.

"We neither see, hear, nor acknowledge the political reports you'll prepare," he said later at the palace. "We'll continue on our path. Talk to the hand. This country has carried out the most democratic elections, not seen anywhere in the West."

The mission of observers from the 47-member Council of Europe, the continent's leading human rights body, said the referendum was an uneven contest. Support for "Yes" dominated campaign coverage, and the arrests of journalists and closure of media outlets silenced other views, the monitors said.

"In general, the referendum did not live up to Council of Europe standards. The legal framework was inadequate for the holding of a genuinely democratic process," said Cezar Florin Preda, head of the delegation.

While the monitors had no information of actual fraud, a last-minute decision by electoral authorities to allow unstamped ballots to be counted undermined an important safeguard and contradicted electoral law, they said.

Turkey's foreign ministry dismissed the observers' criticism as lacking objectivity and impartiality.

The US State Department said it had taken note of the European monitors' concerns and looked forward to a final report, urging the Turkish government to protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens, however they voted.

Erdogan, a populist with a background in once-banned Islamist parties, has ruled since 2003 with no real rival, while his country emerged as one of the fastest-growing industrial powers in both Europe and the Middle East.

He has also been at the centre of global affairs, commanding NATO's second-biggest military on the border of Middle East war zones, taking in millions of Syrian refugees and controlling their further flow into Europe.

He vowed Turkey's recent incursion into northern Syria would not be its last such venture in the region, saying it would carry out as many military operations as necessary, wherever necessary, in its fight against terrorism.

The two largest opposition parties both challenged the referendum, saying it was deeply flawed.

The pro-Kurdish opposition Peoples' Democratic Party said it presented complaints about unstamped ballots affecting 3 million voters, more than twice the margin of Erdogan's victory.

The main secularist opposition People's Republican Party said it was still unclear how many votes were affected.

"This is why the only decision that will end debate about the legitimacy (of the vote) and ease the people's legal concerns is the annulment of this election," deputy party chairman Bulent Tezcan said.

The president survived a coup attempt last year and responded with a crackdown, jailing 47,000 people and sacking or suspending more than 120,000 from government jobs such as teachers, soldiers, police, judges or other professionals.

The changes could keep him in power until 2029 or beyond, making him easily the most important figure in Turkish history since state founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk built a modern nation from the ashes of the Ottoman empire after World War One.

Germany, home to several million Turks, said it was up to Erdogan himself to heal the rifts that the vote had exposed.

"The tight referendum result shows how deeply divided Turkish society is, and that means a big responsibility for the Turkish leadership and for President Erdogan personally," said Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel in a joint statement.

Relations with Europe were strained during the referendum campaign when Germany and the Netherlands barred Turkish ministers from holding rallies. Erdogan provoked a stern German response by comparing those limits to the actions of the Nazis.

Under the changes, most of which will only come into effect after the next elections, due in 2019, the president will appoint the cabinet and an undefined number of vice-presidents, and will be able to select and remove senior civil servants without parliamentary approval.
North Korea will continue to regularly test missiles and any military action against it by the US would prompt "all out war", a senior North Korean official told the media on Monday.

North Korea has conducted several missile and nuclear tests in defiance of UN sanctions and has said it has developed a missile that can strike the US mainland. Its latest missile test on Sunday failed a few seconds after launch.

"We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis," media quoted Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol as saying in an interview. "If the US is reckless enough to use military means it would mean from that very day, an all out war."

US Vice President Mike Pence warned North Korea on Monday that recent US strikes in Syria, one of Pyongyang's few close allies, and Afghanistan showed that the resolve of President Donald Trump should not be tested.

North Korean state media last week warned of a nuclear attack on the US at any sign of American aggression, but the White House said there was no evidence it possessed that capability.

Media also reported that Han also said North Korea believed its nuclear weapons protect it from the threat of military action by the US.
As soon as the mother of the newly-born learnt about his missing son she raised an alarm and informed the hospital authorities.

By Ashish Pandey: In a shocking case, a five-day-old infant boy was kidnapped by an unknown woman aged about 35 years from the maternity ward of Chalmeda Hospital in Karimnagar district of Telangana on Tuesday morning.

As soon as the mother of the newly-born learnt about his missing son she raised an alarm and informed the hospital authorities.

Further a police complaint was lodged and investigation revealed that the little kid was kidnapped by a lady in connivance with a man.

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CCTV cameras installed in the vicinity also revealed that the kidnappers used a black-coloured car to escape.

Karimnagar rural police has registered a case and has requested common public to share the information with police.

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President Donald Trump asserted on Sunday that China was working with the United States on the North Korea problem, and his vice president told American and South Korea service members that the Norths latest provocation, a failed missile launch shortly before his arrival in Seoul, laid bare the risks they face.

While the North did not conduct a nuclear test, the specter of a potential escalated U.S. response trailed Pence as he began a 10-day trip to Asia amid increasing tensions and heated rhetoric. Trumps national security adviser cited Trumps recent decision to order missile strikes in Syria after a chemical attack blamed on the Assad government as a sign that the president is clearly comfortable making tough decisions.

But at the same time, H.R. McMaster said, its time for us to undertake all actions we can, short of a military option, to try to resolve this peacefully.

In a broadcast interview that aired on Sunday, McMaster said the U.S. would rely on its allies as well as on Chinese leadership to resolve the issues with North Korea. I mean, North Korea is very vulnerable to pressure from the Chinese, McMaster said on ABCs This Week.

The bottom line, McMaster said, is to stop the Norths weapons development and make the Korean Peninsula nuclear-free: Its clear that the president is determined not to allow this kind of capability to threaten the United States. And our president will take action that is in the best interest of the American people.

After a two-month policy review, officials settled on a policy dubbed maximum pressure and engagement, U.S. officials said Friday. The administrations immediate emphasis, the officials said, will be on increasing pressure on Pyongyang with the help of Beijing.

The officials werent authorized to speak publicly on the results of the policy review and requested anonymity.

Pence will be tasked with explaining the policy in meetings with leaders in South Korea and Japan at the start of his trip, which will also include stops in Indonesia and Australia. He will also aim to reassure allies in South Korea and Japan that the U.S. will take appropriate steps to defend them against North Korean aggression.

Pence was aboard Air Force Two flying over the Bering Sea when a North Korean missile exploded during launch on Sunday, U.S. and South Korean officials said. The high-profile failure came as the North tried to showcase its nuclear and missile capabilities around the birth anniversary of the Norths late founder and as a U.S. aircraft carrier neared the Korean Peninsula.

A White House foreign policy adviser traveling with Pence said no U.S. response to the missile launch was expected because there was no need for the U.S. to reinforce the failure. The adviser spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the administrations initial understanding of the launch.

Trump, spending the Easter weekend at his Florida resort, reinforced his commitment to the armed forces under his control. Our military is building and is rapidly becoming stronger than ever before, he tweeted.

More directly on North Korea, the president returned to a theme of placing much onus on China for reining in the North. Last week, he said he would not declare China a currency manipulator, pulling back from a campaign promise, as he looks for help from Beijing, which is the Norths dominant trade partner.

Why would I call China a currency manipulator when they are working with us on the North Korean problem? We will see what happens! Trump tweeted on Sunday.

Deputy national adviser K.T. McFarland briefed the president on the failed missile launch. She advised patience with China on the issue.

North Korea is a liability to everybody and its a threat not just to the United States, not just to South Korea, not just to Japan, not just to Russia, but its actually a threat to China as well, McFarland said Sunday on Fox News Sunday.

Into this tense environment, Pence made his first trip to the region since taking office in January. After arriving in the South Korean capital, he placed a wreath at Seoul National Cemetery and then worshipped with military personnel at an Easter church service at the U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan.

During a fellowship meal after the services, he said the tensions on the Korean peninsula had put into sharp focus the importance of the joint U.S.-South Korean mission.

This mornings provocation from the North is just the latest reminder of the risks each one of you face every day in the defense of the freedom of the people of South Korea and the defense of America in this part of the world, said Pence. Your willingness to step forward, to serve, to stand firm without fear, inspires the nation and inspires the world.

Along with the deployment of the U.S. aircraft carrier and other vessels into waters off the Korean Peninsula, thousands of U.S. and South Korean troops, tanks and other weaponry were deployed last month in their biggest joint military exercises. That led North Korea to issue routine threats of attacks on its rivals if they show signs of aggression.

The White House foreign policy adviser traveling with Pence told reporters that the type of missile that North Korea tried to fire on Sunday was medium-range, and that it exploded about 4 to 5 seconds after it was launched.

The North regularly launches short-range missiles, but is also developing mid-range and long-range missiles meant to target U.S. troops in Asia and, eventually, the U.S. mainland.

The failed launch will sting in Pyongyang because it came a day after one of the biggest North Korean propaganda events of the year celebrations of the 105th birthday of late North Korea founder Kim Il Sung, the current leaders grandfather.

According to the White House adviser, the test had been expected and the U.S. had good intelligence both before and after the launch. The official said, without elaborating, that had it been a nuclear test, other actions would have been taken by the U.S.

North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, including two last year. Recent satellite imagery suggests the country could conduct another underground nuclear test at any time.

(AP)
Israel Police spokespersons report that in a predawn wave of arrests in a number of cities around the country; 28 leaders and activists of the Peleg Yerushalmi faction have been arrested. The raid took place on isru chag in Eretz Yisrael Pesach, as police, Yassam commandos, border police and detectives armed with arrest and search warrants arrived at homes and offices of the suspects. In some cases, documents and computers were confiscated. The streets of chareidi areas of Yerushalayim were abuzz with people during the predawn hours as police vehicles arrived in Meah Shearim, Nvei Yaakov and other communities.

Targeted in the arrests were senior Peleg Newspaper officials as well as faction leaders. Some of the charges include incitement (referring to factions Peleg affiliated newspaper) while others will face charges related to the many illegal protests nationwide in recent weeks as well as assault against chareidi soldiers as well as police during the recent protests. There are also charges of threatening and attempting to extort senior officials in large Israeli companies by newspaper officials in an effort to get them to advertise.

Also in custody are operators of the Kav HaMaavak (the factions hotline phone) as well as faction leaders and organizers.

About 250 police were involved in the operation and arrests were made in Yerushalayim, Bnei Brak, Beit Shemesh, Modiin Illit, Ashdod, Rechasim, and Hadera. Some of the suspects are being questioned by officers in the 433 Unit, Israels equivalent of the FBI.

Among those taken into custody are; HaPeles Editor Nati Grossman, Assistant Editor Yeshayahu Wein, Shmuel Yavrov, Shraga Yavrov, Shmuel Elyashiv, Moshe Viner, Yisrael Tropper, Mordechai Krauss, and Shabtai Fein. Menachem Carmel was injured.

A protest followed the arrests made in Bnei Brak. Stormy protests are expected during the day in response to the widespread police action.

Published on isru chag in Eretz Yisrael.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: Media Resource Group)
By Press Trust of India: Sumir Kaul

Srinagar, Apr 18 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir police has begun an operation to identify moles within, who are suspected to be leaking vital operational information to terror outfits as their families are being threatened by the militants.

While the J and K Police top brass is silent on the issue, sources in the security establishement say some policemen have been earmarked for carrying out a thorough probe into the cases where militants, mainly belonging to the banned Hizbul Mujahideen, have threatened the families of policemen engaged in counter-insurgency operations.

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A recent incident in which militants barged into the house of a policeman at Shopian, who is posted as the personal assistant to an officer in Pulwama, raised eyebrows within the security establishment in the Valley.

The militants, while firing warning shots and threatening the family members with dire consequences, told them that the policeman (identity not disclosed) was responsible for the death of their fellow terrorists as he had tipped off the establishment about their whereabouts.

The incident sounded an alarm bell as the matter about the alleged tip-off was highly classified, the sources said.

They said the terror groups have been increasingly targeting the policemen, their families and political workers in the recent past.

While the families of policemen have been receiving threats since March this year, such incidents have reached an alarming level last weekend when as many as 14 families of cops engaged in counter-insurgency operations were targeted in Shopian and Kulgam areas of South Kashmir, they said.

The sudden spurt in such incidents has prompted the police headquarters to issue an advisory whereby the policemen were asked not to visit their homes for a few months.

"In view of these unfortunate incidents, police personnel, particularly from South Kashmir, are advised to exercise extreme caution while visiting their homes. They should preferably avoid visiting their homes for the next few months as their personal security is of paramount importance," the advisory issued on Sunday said.

On Friday and Saturday last week, as many as 14 families of police personnel were threatened in the Kulgam and Shopian belt, sending a shockwave among officers and men involved in counter-insurgency operations for over two decades, the sources in the security establishment said.

Two constables, including one posted with the Special Security Group guarding Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, were beaten up in Shopian.

One of the constables, currently posted in a battalion, was dragged publicly to a local mosque and forced to make an announcement of his resignation on a loudspeaker in Shopian, the sources said.

The family of a station house officer, now posted in Srinagar, was also attacked a couple of weeks ago after he had stopped an ambulance, following an intelligence tip-off that militants could use such vehicles to sneak into the city, they said.

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The house of an Additional Superintendent of Police, who is currently posted in North Kashmir, was also ransacked at Khudwani in earlier this month, they said.

Some posters and messages in social media have appeared showing militants asking policemen to announce their resignations on the social media or through local newspapers.

This act is a reminiscent of 1990s when many of the Valleys political workers had announced their resignations through the local newspapers. PTI SKL ARC

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Vodafone has confirmed it will ditch roaming charges for using your mobile abroad in 40 countries from 15 June - with the launch of a Brexit-friendly deal.

But there's one major catch, the perk is only offered to new customers, or those upgrading an existing pay monthly contract.

The Roam Free deal from Vodafone launches just as new rules from the EU mean mobile users wont have to hand over extra to their network for calls, texts and data use within Europe.

But when Britain leaves the EU, those rules will no longer apply and customers fear bills for using phones in Europe will rocket back up.

Use your mobile abroad for free: Vodafone won't charge you extra in 40 holiday destinations

The Vodafone offer indicates protection against that, but rather than rewarding loyalty it is using it to tempt in new customers or get existing ones to upgrade.

Vodafone has extended its list of free-use regions to include non-EU holiday hotspots such as the Channel Islands, Switzerland and Turkey.

You can view a full map of free use destinations here.

Those heading further afield can pay 5 a day for unlimited use of their mobiles if travelling in one of the 60 additional destinations on Vodafones list, including far-away locations such as South Africa, Indonesia and New Zealand.

Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at uSwitch, said: 'With EU roaming charges due to be abolished for UK customers as of 15 June and with uncertainty over what Brexit will mean for roaming charges in the longer term, Vodafone is firing the starting gun ahead of time, keen to steal a march on its rivals and put their current customers at ease.

'Its also an interesting echo of when networks under public, regulatory and price pressure abandoned charging for texts which were a significant expense when mobile phones first shot to popularity in the late 1990s.

'This will also affect the new VAT charge added to non-EU roaming as Vodafone is effectively cancelling the tax for its customers using data in countries such as Turkey, Switzerland and the Channel Islands. An impressive move  and one that raises the bar for other providers.'

40 VODAFONE FREE-ROAM DESTINATIONS Albania (4G) Estonia (4G) Italy (inc Vatican City) (4G) Portugal (incl. Madeira) (4G) Austria (4G) Finland (4G) Latvia (4G) Republic of Ireland (4G) Belgium (4G) France (4G) Liechtenstein (4G) Romania (4G) Bosnia French West Indies Lithuania (4G) San Marino (4G) Bulgaria (4G) Germany (4G) Luxembourg (4G) Slovakia (4G) Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey) (4G) Gibraltar Malta Slovenia (4G) Croatia (4G) Greece (4G) Monaco (4G) Spain (incl. Canary Islands) (4G) Cyprus (4G) Hungary (4G) Netherlands (4G) Sweden (4G) Czech Republic (4G) Iceland (4G) Norway (4G) Switzerland (4G) Denmark (inc Faroe Islands) (4G) Isle of Man (4G) Poland (4G) Turkey (4G)

Surf the web: Until 15 June it will still cost up to 4p per MB within Europe

Is it worth switching?

Data from comparison site uSwitch suggests that around a quarter of bill payers have been met by a nasty surprise when they check their bill after returning home, handing over an average 52 extra to pay for roaming charges.

Network coverage, contract prices and calls, texts and data allowances should be your top consideration when hunting for a new mobile deal. However, frequent travellers might want to consider a provider with an attractive overseas option.

But remember, holidaymakers won't pay any extra cash on top of their contract charges to use their mobile within Europe after June 15. If you are heading abroad before then you will pay extra.

Currently it costs up to 4p on top of your contract costs to make a call within Europe, an extra 1p to receive calls, 2p per text and 4p per MB of data you download. To put that into perspective a MB of data would be enough to browse the web for just four minutes.

Free Roam is only available on Vodafone's new range of contracts.

This means existing customers will have to upgrade and therefore pay an early upgrade fee (typically the cost of the rest of the contract) unless you are on one of its Red or Red Value deals which allows you to switch 60 days early.

Standard Bundle customers are allowed to upgrade 30 days before the end of their contract.

There are however some networks which extend their fee-free areas further afield too (see below).

Vodafone isn't the only network to have scrapped roaming fees

Three Mobile offers a similar feature called Feel at Home which wont charge you extra to use your mobile in 42 countries.

It offers the feature to anyone on a pay-as-you-go or pay monthly contract, unless you are signed up to its Essential Plans where Feel At Home is not available.

These include places like the US, Australia and Hong Kong.

You could also consider iD, owned by the Carphone Warehouse, which piggy-backs off the Three Mobile network.

It offers a Takeaway plan which covers 29 countries including Australia, USA on top of popular European destinations. Check the list here.

Most other networks offer bolt-on deals you can activate while abroad which offer limited amounts of data, calls and texts for a flat-rate fee.
Investors should prepare for increased volatility on UK markets before the election on June 8, but snap mid-term polls haven't derailed stocks in the past, say City pundits.

Hold fast to your long-term savings goals, set aside some cash to act if you see opportunities, and don't lose sight of wider world markets because of parochial politics, investors are being told today.

Prime Minister Theresa May's announcement of a snap election knocked UK stocks, but the pound rose against both the US dollar and the euro - and one currency expert reckons sterling could be back up at $1.30 over the next couple of months.Read more here about the immediate reaction on financial markets.

Trading trends: News of a snap election knocked UK stocks today, but the pound rose against both the US dollar and the euro

From a historical perspective, previous mid-term elections - albeit back in 1966 and 1974 - didn't cause any damage to UK markets.

The FTSE All-Share also tends to fare better under the Tories, the anticipated winners of the pending poll, according to historical market analysis. We round up the views of investing experts below.

Expect volatility, and hold back some cash to exploit opportunities

'Politically the timing might not get any better for the Conservative Party to win a general election and increase their majority,' says Adrian Lowcock, investment director at Architas.

'The UK economy has remained strong following the EU referendum and stock markets have rallied to new highs. At the same time the opposition parties are lagging behind in the polls.

'General elections create uncertainty and markets do not like uncertainty. The market has begun to price this in and there is likely to be an "uncertainty discount" on the UK stock market until the election result is known.

'Given that the FTSE 100 is trading close to all-time highs and we are seeing an increase in geo-political uncertainty investors should prepare for increased volatility over the coming weeks and hold a diversified portfolio of equities and bonds as well as property and gold.

'Having some cash set aside at times of uncertainty will give investors the flexibility to act as more information becomes known.'

Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, says: 'Markets can get a case of the jitters in the run up to elections, but this one may be different seeing as it comes in the wake of the Brexit vote, and the polls suggest the incumbent government is likely to remain in power and gain more seats.

'Nonetheless a snap election does potentially open the door to some market volatility in the coming months, though investors shouldnt let their investment decisions be dictated by swaying polls.

'The household saving ratio is currently at its lowest level since the 1960s, and the big risk investors face from an election is that they let it disrupt their financial plans.

'In the short term market sentiment can be driven by political events, but investors should look beyond any noise as politicians hit the campaign trail, and keep focused on their own long term savings goals.'

Looking ahead: FTSE All-Share tends to fare better under Tory Prime Ministers, and Theresa May is the anticipated winner of the pending poll

Keep sights fixed on wider world, not parochial politics

'Just as the world of politics around the world appears to have lost the plot, up pops Theresa May and says "politics is not a game", says Brian Dennehy, managing director of FundExpert.co.uk.

'Before the parochial UK media loses sight of the wider world for the next two months, lets focus on the much bigger, global, concerns. You cant make this up. A gameshow host becomes US President, and a man nick-named "Mad Dog" is put in charge of US defence.

'Of course, "defence" is a bit of a misnomer as "Mad Dog" (AKA General James Mattis) was at the helm when around $50million worth of missiles were launched against a Syrian airfield, the Mother Of All Bombs was dropped in Afghanistan, and North Korea was put on notice of a pre-emptive strike by American forces.

'Meantime Europe remains on a knife-edge. The immediate focus is the French election, the first round of which is this weekend. The polls are extraordinarily tight, and the two winners who will proceed to the second round are a toss of a coin right now.

'Now for some perspective. None of this means the end of the world is nigh, but it is a world going through fundamental adjustments which will take years more to unfold and have already been years in the making (preceding the 2008/9 crisis on which so many talking heads focus).'

Dennehy goes on: 'There are intractable problems for the ageing, indebted, developed world  and a UK general election is not one of them. But the world will not stop spinning, people will still go to work, companies will trade, bright people will research and innovate, and there will continue to be a world of opportunities.

'There are some markets and sectors which hold out great potential right now  you just need to hold steady in the face of a barrage of scary headlines (and perhaps one or two genuinely scary events yet to unfold).'

His firm's stance is to avoid the expensive US, stick to value funds in the UK, and look to attractive opportunities in Asia over politically risky Europe. Dennehy notes that China looks cheap, and his two 'Trades for the Decade' are Japanese small caps and India.

Snap elections: Previous mid-term polls didn't damage markets (Source: AJ Bell)

Mid-term elections of 1966 and 1974 failed to derail stocks

Stock markets are unlikely to be rattled for long by the snap election, assuming opinion polls and history prove a reliable guide, says AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould.

'Analysis of general election results since the inception of the FTSE All-Share in 1962 shows that the index has tended to do better, on average, under Conservative Prime Ministers.

'This may offer some comfort to investors who are nervous, especially as Mrs May has a big lead in the polls. In addition, the historic data also show how the mid-term elections of 1966 and 1974 failed to derail stocks.' See the charts below.

'In this case the UK stock market seemed unconcerned by either the party affiliation of the person in charge or the size of their majority  so while Mrs May will want to add to her partys haul of seats in Westminster this may be less of a concern for investors, relative to the overall result.

Previous Prime Ministers: FTSE All-Share index has tended to do better, on average, under Tory leaders (Source: AJ Bell)

'History also suggests that the market prefers a win for the incumbent Prime Minister, again irrespective of their political leanings, perhaps as this means they are dealing with a known quantity, although the performance differential over a full term is in this case relatively minor.

'However, the opinion polls recent sketchy record and the dangers of using historical performance as a guide to the future mean stock market investors are unlikely to take too much on trust and may remain edgy until the result becomes known on 9 June, given that policy on such huge issues as Brexit and Scottish independence, as well as the state of the nations finances and economy, are set to be a source of fierce debate once more.'

Pound could be back up at $1.30 by the time of election

'It was sell the rumour and buy the fact for the pound after the "shock" announcement that Theresa May will call a snap general election on June 8,' says Kathleen Brooks, research director at City Index Direct.

'This was always a possibility after she triggered Article 50, although she had denied she would call one. The latest YouGov poll on UK voting intentions gives the Conservatives the widest margin over Labour for 34 years, with the Conservatives polling 44 per cent of the vote, in contrast to 23 per cent for Labour. Who can blame Theresa May for calling an election that appears to be hers to lose?

'The initial sell off in the pound was likely a bit of nervousness that Theresa May could be about to resign, once that fear was put to bed we have seen the pound surge to fresh highs above $1.26, the highest level since early February.

'The market may also have changed its view on Brexit, after the massive pound sell off on the back of the referendum last year, today the market seems to be welcoming Theresa Mays decision to try and solidify her leadership at the helm of the UKs Brexit mission.

If the market is taking the view that it is better the devil you know, and with the odds massively in Theresa Mays favour that she will win this election, we could see the pound catch a bid as we lead up to June 8, and our $1.30 forecast for GBP/USD [pound versus the US dollar] doesnt seem that outlandish.

'The pound may also be rising on the back of expectations that Labour will be obliterated by this election, which could drag the party away from the far left.

'At this juncture, one of the only risks to Mays leadership is if the Labour Party join forces with the Lib Dems as some anti-Brexit alliance, however, with less than two months to go before the election it is hard to see how any opposition to May can organise themselves to stand as a true challenge to the Prime Minister. Thus, this could be a fairly easy ride for Theresa May, and maybe for the pound too.'
American predator PPG has launched a fresh attack to take over Dulux owner Akzo Nobel

American predator PPG has launched a fresh attack on the maker of Dulux.

The boss of PPG, which has been relentless in its bid to take over Akzo Nobel, published an open letter yesterday urging shareholders to back his proposal.

Slough-based Akzo bought the paints and coatings division of British chemicals giant ICI in 2008, which included Dulux, and has staff spread across the North East, Glasgow, Suffolk and the Midlands.

It dismissed a 19billion bid from PPG last month, claiming it would lead to job losses.

But Michael McGarry, chief executive of the US rival, claimed yesterday that the companies would be 'stronger together' and PPG would be willing to make commitments to address concerns about employee overlap.

His comments come as Akzo's chief executive, Ton Buchner, prepares to unveil a 'strategy update' alongside its first-quarter results on Wednesday and is believed to be spinning off its chemicals business.

But McGarry wrote: 'Only after rejecting our offer did Akzo Nobel change its strategic course... which we believe will be more risky.'
London stocks took a heavy hit this session after Prime Minister Theresa May called a snap General Election for June 8.

Records were smashed on the markets as the FTSE 100 lost 180 points , or 2.46 per cent, at 7,147.5 - its worst performance since the Brexit vote last year.

But the pound soared, up 1.5 per cent higher at $1.28 against the dollar - its highest point for four months.

Volatile: The pound has spiked but shares have tanked this session after May's announcement

Joshua Mahony, analyst at IG, said: 'The decision from Theresa May to call a general election in June came from left-field, given her previous desire to reject any suggestions to do so.

'On the face of it this is about strengthening her negotiating hand ahead of the Brexit discussions. Certainly this general election is expected to be fought on Brexit grounds, with the Hard-Brexit (Tories), Soft-Brexit (Labour) and anti-Brexit (Lib Dems) all likely to be offered.'

May stated that an early election was the only way to guarantee political stability for years ahead as the UK negotiates its way out of the European Union.

She said: 'I have just chaired a meeting of the cabinet where we agreed that the government should call a General Election to be held on the 8th of June.'

'It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond.'

May added that she would introduce legislation tomorrow to pave the way for the early election.

Under current legislation, the next election was not scheduled to take place until 2020.

May said this was a one-off chance to get an election done while the EU was agreeing on its negotiating position.

She said the government had the right plan to negotiate Brexit, and there would be no change of course.

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Hush money: Former Fox News talent booker Laurie Luhn

Rupert Murdoch's 11.7billion bid to take over Sky may be derailed by a sexual harassment scandal brewing in America.

The claims have engulfed US television station Fox News, which is owned by Murdoch, sparking concerns the fallout could thwart his bid to snap up the 61pc of Sky he does not already own.

Prosecutors are understood to be investigating whether payments made to alleged victims broke securities laws as they were not declared in annual reports or to investors in 21st Century Fox, the network's parent company.

Roger Ailes, the founder and former chairman of Fox News, was fired last summer following allegations he harassed former colleagues, including former star presenter Megyn Kelly.

Prosecutors are focusing on a payment made to Laurie Luhn, a former Fox News talent booker, who was given 2.5million by the channel in 2011 in exchange for her silence.

Particular attention is also being paid to allegations against Fox News pundit Bill O'Reilly.

Five women received payouts totalling about 10million in exchange for agreeing to not pursue litigation or speak about their accusations.

It is the latest scandal to hit the Murdoch family, which was forced to abandon its bid to take back full control of Sky in 2011 amid allegations of phone hacking at its Sunday paper, the News Of The World.

James Murdoch, the youngest son of Rupert Murdoch, was ultimately forced to oversee the closure of the paper as well as the withdrawal of the then 7.8billion bid.

Former chairman of Fox News Roger Ailes (left), was fired last summer following allegations he harassed former colleagues including former star presenter Megyn Kelly (right)

The 44-year-old resigned as chairman of Sky in 2012 after Ofcom said that he 'repeatedly fell short' of the conduct expected of him.

Reports of a federal probe at Fox comes as the British regulator decides whether 21st Century Fox would be a 'fit and proper' owner for Sky.

European regulators have already given their approval to the deal, saying it 'raised no competition concerns'.

Fox News, owned by Rupert Murdoch, is at the centre of a sexual harassment scandal

But last month, Culture Secretary Karen Bradley confirmed she was referring the takeover to Britain's communications regulator Ofcom amid concerns the company would control too much of Britain's media.

As well as owning 39 per cent of Sky, Murdoch owns The Times and The Sun newspapers through his News Corp business.

Ofcom is carrying out a public interest test on the deal.

If it has concerns by the deadline of May 16, Bradley will ask 21st Century Fox to address any issues and decide whether to accept what it suggests.

She could then send the bid to the Competition and Markets Authority for a full review, which could take up to six months.

A 21st Century Fox spokesman said: 'We take our regulatory and compliance obligations very seriously. We have a strong record of compliance in all our markets.

'We are confident that our proposed transaction to acquire the shares of Sky we don't already own will be approved following a thorough review by regulators.'
The pound shot higher as Theresa May called for a snap General Election on 8 June, but London's stock market plunged into the red today.

Sterling had dropped 0.3 per cent this morning on news of a surprise announcement by the Prime Minister, falling to $1.251, but as she gave her speech it recovered and then shot up to trade higher at $1.276.

In contrast with the pound, the FTSE 100 stock market index, which was already trading down this morning, did not bounce back. At the close it was down 181 points, or 2.5 per cent, at 7,147.5.

After Theresa May made her speech, the pound regained the ground it lost against the US dollar this morning and then rocketed higher

The pound's rise is being regarded as a show of strength for the Prime Minister, but it spelt bad news for investors who have seen London's FTSE 100 stock market index move in the opposite direction to sterling since the Brexit vote.

Traders are expecting a volatile seven weeks before voters go to the polls with the Tories expected to win a majority in the election, but there is also the outside possibility that they could lose ground and Brexit be stalled.

The pound rose off the back of an expected result of a stronger Tory government with an increased majority for the Prime Minister. This is something seen as meaning Brexit negotiations would move forward more smoothly, with May better insulated from both the heavily euro-sceptic and europhile elements of her party.

But shares fell further after the announcement. London's biggest listed companies are dominated by international firms, which have seen profit figures boosted by sterling's decline since the Brexit vote, as overseas earnings translate back into a larger amount in pounds.

May will introduce legislation in parliament tomorrow to pave the way for the early election. Under current legislation, the next election was not scheduled to take place until 2020.

Justin Urquhart Stewart, co-founder of Seven Investment Management said the snap election highlighted why investors need to ensure all their eggs arent in one basket, because until now the broad expectation had been for a weak pound and rising stock market.

For investors, the course of this election will only underline the need for broad diversification across asset classes and currencies, he said.Good investment is about managing the risks of the unexpected, and here is a great example. The consensus view has been for a weaker pound, which would benefit the overseas heavy FTSE 100 as we headed towards a harder and harsher Brexit.

However, just when everyone is facing one way (the consensus way), then it is usually the time to look the other way and manage the risks of exactly the opposite.

This scenario could be a higher pound and a falling FTSE 100 - it seemed so unlikely, but so did the UK referendum and US Presidential election results last year. But how many investment managers have learnt from it?

The pound also regained the ground it had lost earlier this morning against the euro and rocketed higher against the common currency too



Analysts said that the movements in the pound indicate that markets believe May will beat Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and the Liberal Democrat's Tim Farron in a General Election.

Peter Ashton, managing director of Eiger FX, said: 'The markets were quick to price in greater economic and policy stability under what they expect will be a significant majority given the weakness of the opposition.

'There is still huge uncertainty surrounding the implementation of Brexit but a strong majority party will help to provide a degree of stability while we negotiate the choppy waters ahead.'

Most recent polls suggest Mrs May could get a sizeable Commons majority of 100 or more from a General Election.

Naeem Aslam, analyst at Think Markets, added: 'A snap election means Theresa May has all the confidence that she is going to win. She has been under immense pressure from backbenchers.

'She wants to create unity and gain more power. She wants to show that she has the ultimate power on this and she would like to sail the Brexit ship in a way that she likes to do. The process of general election would strengthen her hand.'

Downing Street had previously denied Theresa May would call a vote before the next scheduled poll in 2020.

But in a shock announcement on the steps of number 10, May said an early election was the only way to guarantee political stability for years ahead as the UK negotiates its way out of the European Union.

The Prime Minister stated this was a one-off chance for an election while the EU was agreeing on its negotiating position.

She remained adamant that government had the right plan to negotiate Brexit, and there would be no change of course.

May said: 'I have just chaired a meeting of the cabinet where we agreed that the government should call a General Election to be held on the 8th of June.'

'It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond.'

While the pound leapt today on the news of a fresh election it remains down substantially on where it was a year ago, before the Brexit vote

While the pound leapt today on the news of a fresh election it remains down substantially on where it was a year ago, before the Brexit vote. Before the EU referendum the pound was trading at about $1.45 - it is currently down 12.4 per cent on that level.

Adrian Lowcock, investment director at Architas, said: 'The UK economy has remained strong following the EU referendum and stock markets have rallied to new highs. At the same time the opposition parties are lagging behind in the polls.

General elections create uncertainty and markets do not like uncertainty. The market has begun to price this in and there is likely to be an uncertainty discount on the UK stock market until the election result is known.

Given that the FTSE 100 is trading close to all-time highs and we are seeing an increase in geo-political uncertainty investors should prepare for increased volatility over the coming weeks and hold a diversified portfolio of equities and bonds as well as property and gold.

'Having some cash set aside at times of uncertainty will give investors the flexibility to act as more information becomes known.
Gay romance finally comes out of the closet in Ekta Kapoor's web series Romil and Jugal, and we can't be happier.

By Parmita Uniyal: Boy meets boy, they fall in love and live happily ever after.

Romil and Jugal--a modern-day adaptation of Shakespeare's classic Romeo & Juliet--has been brought to you by none other than the mother of all things sanskari on Indian Television Ekta Kapoor and you can't help but thank her to finally give us the first heartfelt gay romance from her stable, albeit on web, directed by Nupur Asthana of Hip Hip Hurray and Mahi Way fame.

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There have been episodics like MTV The Big F, MTV Webbed on TV and Untagged on web in the past that portrayed homosexual love, but didn't do complete justice to it. You have a lesbian character here, and a gay character there, but not a love story completely centred on them that goes through the ups and downs and the trials and tribulations of a regular love story.

Also read: Are you ready for a gay Romeo and Juliet?

The lead characters in Romil and Jugal are not ashamed of their sexuality, though at times they have to wear a mask for the society.

Jugal is not in denial of his sexual orientation, but thanks to peer pressure of proving his 'mardangi', he flirts with a girl; the date ends with a slap on his face after he refuses to get cosy with the girl. But that's it. He learns from his mistakes and resolves to look for the right person.

Soon, his 'Romeo' enters his life and he falls head-over-heels in love with him. But there is a third angle to this love story. Jugal's sister too falls for Romil. And then begins the wooing game.

Also read: Bra, booze, and expletives: Dev DD's heroine tries hard to be a rebel with a cause, but fails

The good thing about the web series is that it normalises gay love in the sense that it is also about the feelings and emotions of the people in love and not just physical intimacy.

You must watch Romil and Jugal, it's a cute and hatke love story that will make you smile.

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The ATS team is also tightening the noose around such unlicensed internet service provider as they are potential security threat.

By Shashank Shekhar: The chances are high that the high speed internet service at a low cost in your locality may be 'illegal' and posses a major 'security threat.'

Teams of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) are raiding across Noida to crack down on unlicensed broadband service provider causing huge revenue loss to the government.

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A senior official said many unlicensed broadband companies have mushroomed in Delhi and NCR and majority of it are in Noida, which are further distributing internet network to household but without getting recognition from the government. These small companies buy bandwidth from major telecom giants to set-up internet service in a small community but fraudulently start selling to household and corporate.

HOW DO THEY OPERATE

According to an estimate, such fake service providers have around 15,000 user base in Noida itself which neither maintain the weblog of their customers nor did they have any regulatory and monitoring facility available with them. The incident came to light after monitoring wing of TRAI, Telecom Enforcement, Resource and Monitoring (TERM) found fraudulent usage of internet in large number. As these illegal connections also possessed a national security threat, they roped in ATS in a joint operation.

On Monday, raids were conducted on six premises where six people were arrested who were operating like broadband service provider but were not registered with any government body. "To become an internet service provider each player needs to get licence from the government. These shady companies were buying bandwidth from telecom giants but were evading paying a licence fee. As they were not registered, so they were also not paying eight-10 per cent tax on the revenue made," said a senior ATS officer.

Earlier, a licence fee for a small player was around Rs 20 lakh but it was slashed to around Rs 10-12 lakh to boost internet penetration in the country. There is a renewal fee which needs to be paid each year which these companies were evading. "They must have caused loss of several crore to the government by not paying fee and taxes. We are yet scanning their user base which stand around 15,000 connections and checking the bank accounts," said the officer.

The ATS team is also tightening the noose around such unlicensed internet service provider as they are potential security threat.

"These players are not recognised so they violated all the checks and measures which are part for mandatory guideline for all the service providers. They have no log of searches made by their users. They were not maintaining any monitoring facility, making it easy for any antinational element to misuse the internet, without coming under scanner," added the officer. Police have seized several documents and equipment from them which will be further scanned. Experts claimed this is just a tip of iceberg as large numbers of internet connection are illegal and unmonitored. Delhi NCR alone has dozens of illegal service providers. There are three kind of licences available depending up the area they cover.

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Also read: Internet users in India to reach 730 million by 2020: Govt

Also read: Supreme Court to issue order to block Sardar jokes on internet

Watch the video: Jio Summer Surprise offer withdrawn, but free Jio is still available

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LOBAMBA  Swaziland will overcome low job creation, alleviate poverty and have generally happier families in 2017.



The King prophesied that strife was over in the country before christening 2017, a season of prosperity. This was during his 40-minute electrifying sermon at the Somhlolo National Stadium.

The King had the crowd in the palm of his hand as he encouraged discipline, dedication and loyalty.

He made this prophesy by referring to the Bible where he noted that the digit seven represented success.



The year 2017 is a year of blessings. Every unemployed person, starving families, those engulfed in problems  shall be freed from all troubles.

He also referred to the Bible during the times of Noah, where there were floods for over 150 days. The Monarch said during these times, God revealed how the digit seven was essential through the promise he made with the rainbow.

The sevenfold colours of the rainbow are: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.



During the days of Noah, on the 17th day of the seventh month, the water levels descended. Following this, Noah sent a dove to check on the water levels and the dove brought back a tree branch. From then, he sent it every seven days, the King preached.

He noted that according to the scripture, on the last incident, Noah sent the dove and it never returned and it dawned on him that the water levels had subsided. This, the King noted, meant that the number seven represented success.

Furthermore, the King quoted the story of Abednigo, Meshack and Shadrack during the times of King Nebuchadnezzar.



He asserted that King Nebuchadnezzar in the Bible was quoted to have passed laws that banned Christianity. The Monarch said these laws did not deter the trio from their faith. With this, the King, noted that it was essential for one to take a decision and follow it through as these men did.

The Monarch said the resolve of the trio to worship God was strong such that when they were thrown into an inferno, they rejoiced and praised the Lord.

They did not burn but instead a fourth man was seen in their midst. Instead, those who were affected by the fire were those sent to start it.
By Press Trust of India: New York, Apr 18 (PTI) In a first, scientists have identified HIV reservoir cells where the virus can persist despite treatment, a finding that may pave the way for new therapies to effectively treat the disease.

HIV cure research to date has focused on clearing the virus from T cells, a type of white blood cell that is an essential part of the immune system, researchers said.

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They found the virus persists in HIV-infected macrophages - large white blood cells found in tissues throughout the body including the liver, lung, bone marrow and brain.

"These results are paradigm changing because they demonstrate that cells other than T cells can serve as a reservoir for HIV," said Jenna Honeycutt of University of North Carolina in the US.

Researchers demonstrated the ability of tissue macrophages to support HIV replication in vivo in the total absence of human T cells.

However, how macrophages would respond to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and whether macrophages represented a reservoir for HIV after treatment were unknown.

Using a humanised myeloid-only mouse (MoM) model devoid of T cells, researchers showed that ART strongly suppresses HIV replication in tissue macrophages.

Yet when HIV treatment was interrupted, viral rebound was observed in one third of the animals. This is consistent with the establishment of persistent infection in tissue macrophages, researchers said.

"The fact that HIV-infected macrophages can persist means that any possible therapeutic intervention to eradicate HIV might have to target two very different types of cells," Honeycutt said.

"This is the first report demonstrating that tissue macrophages can be infected and that they respond to antiretroviral therapy," Honeycutt said.

"In addition, we show that productively infected macrophages can persist despite ART; and most importantly, that they can reinitiate and sustain infection upon therapy interruption even in the absence of T cells - the major target of HIV infection," she said.

The study was published in the journal Nature Medicine. PTI APA MHN MHN

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By Patrick Donachie

The best way to confront the fear and apprehension in New Yorks immigrant communities is to ensure that information on their rights is readily available and accurate, representatives of state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said during a forum on immigrant rights last week in Richmond Hill.

The most important thing is to have a plan, ReNika Moore, the attorney generals Labor Bureau chief, said regarding the question of what to do if officials from the Immigration and Custom Enforcement Agency approach immigrants with a warrant.

The forum, held at the Boys and Girls Club at 110-04 Atlantic Ave. on April 7, was attended by state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), as well as representatives of numerous other elected officials and assorted community leaders. Comrie said the forum was a substantial step towards ensuring better communication between Schneidermans office and Queens communities like Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park, which have substantial immigrant populations.

Moore was joined by Nancy Trasande, an assistant attorney general in Schneidermans Civil Rights Bureau, and Najah Farley, an assistant attorney general in the departments Labor Bureau. The panelists detailed the bureaus approach to investigations and prosecutions of unfair labor practices. The attorneys said they often seek out patterns of questionable practices that, if alleviated, could lead to the greatest potential impact for workers around the state.

Moore stressed that it was vital for community members, like those who attended, to be the bureaus eyes, ears and advertisers.

We know were not going to reach every worker  and often the most marginalized workers will never walk into our offices, Moore told attendees. We are trying to make sure we reach the people who can reach the people, and make sure the information is accurate.

The panelists also supplied copies of the attorney generals guidance about how local authorities must participate in federal immigration enforcement actions. The panelists stressed that police officers would not question someones immigration status, and that people who were questioned or approached by ICE officials only had to submit to a warrant if it was a judicial warrant signed by a judge, as opposed to an administrative warrant.

One attendee suggested that Schneidermans office could make more inroads with community and ethnic media, as well as faith-based organizations in the area, in order to better reach immigrant populations. Dr. Neeta Jain, the Democratic district leader in the 25th Assembly District, expressed her concern that the fear enveloping immigrant communities was already having severe emotional and economic implications.

They dont want to come from Queens to Manhattan, so its affecting their mental health, Jain said regarding immigrants anxious about rumors of ICE officials apprehending people. They are frightened.
British Prime Minister Theresa May called on Tuesday for an early election on June 8, saying she needed to strengthen her hand in divorce talks with the European Union by bolstering support for her Brexit plan.

Standing outside her Downing Street office, May said she had been reluctant to ask parliament to back her move to bring forward the poll from 2020. But, after thinking "long and hard" during a walking holiday, she decided it was necessary to try to stop the opposition "jeopardizing" her work on Brexit.

Some were surprised by May\s move  the Conservative prime minister has repeatedly said she does not want to be distracted by campaigning  but opinion polls give her a strong lead and the British economy has so far defied predictions of a slowdown.

Growth is faster than expected, consumer confidence is high and unemployment low, but the economy may be poised to pass its peak as consumers start to feel the strain from rising prices.

Sterling rose to a four-month high against the U.S. dollar after the market bet that May would strengthen her parliamentary majority, which Deutsche Bank said would be a "game-changer" for the pound.

But the stronger pound helped push Britain\s main share index to close down 2.3 percent, its biggest one-day loss since June 27, days after Britain voted to leave the EU.

"It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond," May said.

"Before Easter I spent a few days walking in Wales with my husband, thought about this long and hard, and came to the decision that to provide that stability and certainty for the future that this was the way to do it, to have an election," she told ITV news.

May called U.S. President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other European leaders after the announcement, a spokesman said, without giving details of the conversations.

Britain joins a list of western European countries scheduled to hold elections this year. Votes in France in April and May, and in Germany in September, have the potential to reshape the political landscape around the two years of Brexit talks with the EU expected to start in earnest in June.

May is capitalizing on her runaway lead in the opinion polls and she could win around 100 additional seats in parliament.

A survey conducted after May\s announcement put her Conservative Party 21 points ahead of the main opposition Labour Party. The ICM/Guardian poll of 1,000 people showed Conservative support at 46 percent, with Labour on 25 percent and the Liberal Democrats on 11 percent.

May\s personal ratings also dwarf those of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, with 50 percent of those asked by pollster YouGov saying she would make the best prime minister. Corbyn wins only 14 percent.

May, a former interior minister, was appointed prime minister after Britain\s vote to leave the European Union forced the resignation of her predecessor David Cameron. The election will be a vote on her performance so far.

She is counting on winning the support of British voters, who backed Brexit by 52-48 percent. Some Britons questioned on social media whether they wanted to cast yet another ballot less than a year after the June referendum and two years after they voted in the last parliamentary poll.

However, the ICM/Guardian poll found that around three in five respondents said May was right to call an election.

Her spokesman said she had the backing of her top team of ministers and had informed Queen Elizabeth of her plans on Monday.

Business groups largely welcomed the move, while expressing concern that the government\s focus may stray away from the economy, which May said had defied "predictions of immediate financial and economic danger".

Underlining divisions the vote is unlikely to mend, however, Nicola Sturgeon, first minister of the Scottish government, described the decision as a "huge political miscalculation" that could help her efforts to hold a new independence referendum.

The government of the Irish Republic also expressed concern that the early election could damage the chances of resolving a political crisis in the British province of Northern Ireland.

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny was among the leaders called by May, along with European Council President Donald Tusk.

Tusk, who is running the negotiations with Britain, said in Brussels that the election was a Brexit plot twist worthy of Alfred Hitchcock  the late film director known as the master of suspense.

Before holding the early election, May must win the support of two-thirds of the parliament in a vote on Wednesday, which looked certain after Labour and the Liberal Democrats said they would vote in favor.

Labour\s Corbyn welcomed the election plan, but some of his lawmakers doubted whether it was a good move, fearing they could lose their seats. At least two said they would not run.

If the opinion polls are right, May will win a new mandate for a series of reforms she wants to make and also a vote of confidence in a vision for Brexit which sees the country outside the EU\s single market.

"The decision facing the country will be all about leadership," May said. "What they are doing jeopardizes the work we must do to prepare for Brexit at home, and it weakens the government\s negotiating position in Europe."

SOURCE: REUTERS
Ibraheem was married to Mudassir Ahmed Khan in February 2016 and she received a divorce message through Whatsapp in September 2016.

By Ashish Pandey: While a debate on triple talaq is on, one more case of divorce through Whatsapp has come in to light in Hyderabad. Badar Ibraheem, an MBA graduate was divorced by her husband through Whatsapp.

Ibraheem was married to Mudassir Ahmed Khan, a resident of Tolichowki in 2016. Khan works in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in an investment bank as a software analyst.

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The couple got married on February 7, 2016 and Khan stayed in Hyderabad for 20 days with his wife. He left for Riyadh and everything between the couple was fine for 6 months. He regularly used to talk with his wife on phone. Suddenly in September 2016, Khan sent a message of talaq to Ibraheem on Whatsapp.

Seeing the message, she went to her in-laws house where her her father-in-law stopped her from entering the house. He told her that his son has given her talaaq and that the marriage was an accident.

Even when Ibraheem insisted on knowing the reason of divorce, the in-laws or her husband did not respond. But after few days, she received a talaaq nama issued along with a notice from the lawyer.

Ibraheem said they complained against her husband and in-laws but till now police did not take any action.

She is now demanding that government of India should bring a strict law against these type of people who are misusing triple talaaq. "This type of people should be jailed and court should not release them on bail," she added.

Also read: Don't interfere please: Over 5 crore Muslim men and women sign declaration supporting triple talaq

Also read: Yogi Adityanath compares triple talaq to Draupadi's cheer-haran, calls for common civil code

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Heres what to know in Beaver County this Election Day

If youre a registered voter in Beaver County planning to vote in person today, heres what you need to know.
By Mail Today Bureau: At a time when the debate on validity of triple talaq has hotted up, the All India Muslim Personal Board (AIMPLB) wants to submit to the Law Commission two truckloads of declarations -nearly five crores- signed by men and women belonging to the community supporting the controversial practice and urging the panel not to interfere with their personal law by proposing a uniform civil code. Maulana Mohammad Wali Rahmani, General Secretary of the AIMPLB told Mail Today that a total of 4 crore 83 lakhs 47 thousand 596 of signatures were received from across various states.

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The Law panel has embarked on a gigantic exercise of inviting public opinion on the contentious UCC though a detailed questionnaire and has already received more than 40,000 responses During a recent meeting with Law Commission Chairman Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan, a AIMPLB delegation headed by Rahmani handed over a hard disk containing the scanned copies of all the signed survey forms with details of all signatories. Rahmani offered to submit the originals of all declarations by transporting them in two trucks.

Also read: Triple talaq: Muslim law board assures end of practice within 18 month, asks government not to intervene

Also read: Those silent on triple talaq are as guilty as those practising: Yogi Adityanath

Watch video: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath compares triple talaq to 'cheer haran' of Draupadi

--- ENDS ---
Kenosha, Wis.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday added his comments to an ongoing dispute over milk exports to Canada that could imperil New York dairy farmers, then threatened to get rid of the trade agreement at the center of the two countries' spat.

The issue, which was exacerbated last week after a Wisconsin-based dairy processor that supplies Canadian customers said it'd stop buying milk from more than 70 U.S. farms, revolves around what's called "ultra-filtered milk" that companies use in cheese and other dairy products. In February - and after months of warnings from New York and federal lawmakers - Canada moved forward with a policy that makes it more difficult for U.S. dairy producers to sell their products across the border. Dairy farmers have already been crippled by years of stagnating milk prices, and one Central New York milk producer  Cayuga Milk Ingredients  has said it could lose 25 percent of its sales after investing more than $100 million in an ultra-filtered milk processing plant.

"We are going to stand up for our dairy farmers in Wisconsin... that demands really, immediately fair trade with all our trading partners, and that includes Canada," Trump said during an appearance in Wisconsin, which along with New York could lose hundreds of millions of dollars if the dispute is not resolved. "Because in Canada, some very unfair things have happened to our dairy farmers. And we're going to start working on that."

"We're going to call Canada and we're going to say 'What happened?' We're going to get the solution," he said before turning his attention to the North American Free Trade Agreement that's the source of at least some of the U.S.-Canada dispute.

"NAFTA has been very, very bad," Trump said."The fact is that NAFTA has been a disaster for the United States and a complete and total disaster."

"We're going to make some very big changes or we're going to get rid of NAFTA once and for all," he said.

Trump's address follows days in which lawmakers and farm leaders have increased their demands for his intervention into the matter. In a joint letter with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday urged Trump to "address Canada's protectionist dairy trade policies so that they honor their international commitments under NAFTA and other trade agreements."

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"Wisconsin and New York dairy farmers are only the first victims of Canada's illicit dairy trade

restrictions," the two governors wrote. "Nearly one year ago, we, along with other state and U.S. dairy officials, warned our federal partners - and Canadian industry and government representatives at all levels - that protectionist regulations would harm U.S. dairy producers."

New York Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin offered similar pleas to Trump last week.
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Albany

Thousands of upstate retired Teamsters have dodged a potential pension cut  at least for now  thanks to a recent decision by the federal government.

And the retirees may face smaller cuts than the original plan's call for a reduction in benefits of almost a third.

Still, the respite could be short-lived as the timetable for possible cuts has been pushed from July 1 to Oct. 1.

"We need to file another application to the Treasury Department," said Tom Baum, volunteer retiree representative for the Teamsters' Local 294.

Also known as the Upstate Teamsters, Local 294 represents about 16,500 retirees and another 18,500 who are currently employed.

Many are or were truck drivers or other employees of UPS, as well as drivers who worked for car haulers transporting new vehicles from train depots to auto dealerships across the region. Most are in upstate New York, though a few reside in New Jersey.

Like a number of private sector unions, the Teamsters over the years have seen their membership dwindle due in part to federal deregulation of the trucking industry.

With fewer members to support retirees, the pension fund hit rocky financial waters following the 2008 economic crash. Fund administrators say if cuts aren't made, the system could become insolvent by 2025.

Any cuts, though, must be approved by the federal Treasury Department. Earlier in April, the agency sent back the Upstate Teamster's blueprint to regain solvency.

The agency offered several suggestions, including an updating of the fund's actuarial mortality tables. Federal officials also wanted the fund operators to make a more optimistic assumption about their annual rate of return, which was pegged at 6.75 percent for the next decade.

"The Fund's investment earnings during the last few months have been better than expected, which could help make deeper cuts unnecessary," according to a website, http://nysteamstersfundretireerep.com, set up by Baum. "It's still possible, however, that the new proposed cuts will be deeper than 31 percent."

In the meantime, UPS has offered a plan of its own which would enact across-the-board cuts of 20 percent rather than the deeper cuts contemplated in the recently rejected proposal.

Under the current plan, cuts would vary based on a worker's length of service and age, as well as disabilities.

The UPS plan, though, would give no preference to disabled retirees.

It would also enact a $10 monthly employee fee. The fix would also seek low-interest loans from the government in order to shore up pension fund finances.

UPS spokesman Steve Gaut said that was just one of several options the company was exploring in efforts to help deal with the problem.

"The company is working with stakeholders to explore legislative solutions which could help minimize the impact of required restructuring of multi-employer plans facing critical funding problems," he said in a statement. "However, there is no single proposal or agreed solution to comment on at this time."

A number of other union pension plans have run into financial problems in recent years. They can seek to lower payouts, but if the Treasury Department says no, then the plans can be placed at risk of folding.

That means that many of the most endangered plans need to eventually devise a proposal for benefit cuts that the Treasury Department agrees with.

At least one Teamsters fund has already become insolvent: the New York City-based Teamsters Local 707 system.

The federal Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp. stepped in to offer assistance, but it is only paying $570 per month, which was less than half of most pensions.

The cuts were enabled by Congress in 2014 as part of that year's budget resolution to fund the federal government.

The pensions in question are "multi-employer" plans that cover employees such as union truck drivers who may have worked for a variety of employers over the years.

"A lot of retirees are very nervous about this," said Joellen Leavelle, communications and outreach director at the Pension Rights Center, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that advocates for pensioners.

Leavelle said U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont has proposed cutting tax loopholes to help shore up pension funds. She said that proposal is expected to be offered again in May. Its prospects are dubious with Republicans controlling the levers of power at the federal level.

rkarlin@timesunion.com  518-454-5758  @RickKarlinTU
The first three of 20 citywide ferries arrived at the New York Harbor on Monday to much fanfare  and some jeers.

As Mayor Bill de Blasio and his entourage of city officials arrived at the Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 1 aboard the Lunchbox on Monday morning, he was greeted by taunts from a New York Water Taxi floating nearby, honking its horn as the press awaited the mayor's announcement.
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Schenectady-based Price Chopper has agreed to settle an overtime pay dispute that involved workers and former employees at its stores in New York, Pennsylvania and New England.

Attorneys involved in a federal lawsuit brought against Price Chopper back in 2014 in U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mass., informed the judge overseeing the case on Monday that an agreement has been reached.

"The parties have reached an agreement in principal to resolve this matter," William Anthony, an Albany-based attorney for Price Chopper, wrote to U.S. District Judge Mark Mastroianni.

Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

"The parties were able to reach a mutually acceptable resolution of this matter, and Price Chopper denies any wrongdoing," Price Chopper spokeswoman Mona Golub said.

Price Chopper and its next-generation brand,. Market 32, are part of Schenectady-based Golub Corp., which operates more than 130 stores in New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire.

Industry estimates are that Golub Corp. has roughly $3.5 billion in annual revenue, making it the largest company headquartered in the Capital Region.

The suit had been initiated by Shelly Davine, who worked at Price Chopper's now-closed North Adams, Mass., location from 1983 to 2014.

Davine claimed she and others were classified as "team leaders" and "department managers" to evade government regulations that protect non-management workers from working more than 40 hours a week without overtime pay.

Davine's lawsuit, which was joined by other workers, claimed that she and hundreds of others like herself would work 45 to 50 hours a week while only being paid for 40 hours  and no overtime - from 2011 to 2014.

The North Adams, Mass., store where she worked has since been closed.

Davine could not be reached for comment. Her attorney, Justin Swartz of Outten & Golden of New York City, declined to comment as well.
Royal Meadery of Schoharie County is moving its operation to Delmar's Four Corners, next to The Real McCoy Beer Co.

Royal Meadery, which makes fermented honey beverages, was launched in 2015 in by Gregory Wilhelm, a SUNY Cobleskill graduate who originally put his operation in Richmondville under the state's Start-Up New York program.
The state Commission on Judicial Nomination has begun the formal process of filling the seat on the state Court of Appeals left empty by the death of Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam, whose body was retrieved from the Hudson River west of her home in Harlem last Wednesday.

In a Monday release, the commission said it received formal notification of Abdus-Salaam's "untimely passing" on Friday. Investigators have not determined what led to her death, though suicide has not been ruled out.

"Judge Abdus-Salaam was a remarkable human being who exhibited singular warmth to all who knew her, and was a distinguished jurist who epitomized the scholarship and collegiality that are hallmarks of the Court of Appeals," the release states.

The commission is tasked by the state Constitution with evaluating candidates for the Court of Appeals, and then providing the governor with a list of three to seven possible nominees for him to choose from. To be considered, a candidate must have practiced law in New York state for at least 10 years.

Candidates can download an application from the commission's website or contact Henry M. Greenberg of the Albany-based firm Greenberg Traurig, who serves as the commission's counsel. The deadline to submit applications is May 19.

Filling Abdus-Salaam's seat will almost certainly require the state Senate to return after the scheduled June 21 end of the 2017 session to vote on Gov. Andrew Cuomo's nominee  if, that is, he and the legislative chamber wish to stick to the statutory deadline, something that they have not done uniformly in recent years.

The commission has until Aug. 15 to submit its list to Cuomo, after which he is required to name his pick within 15 to 30 days. The Senate then has 30 days to accept or reject his nominee.

State judiciary law sets different timelines for planned vacancies, such as in the case of an expected departure that occurs in years in which the governor or the Senate (or both) are up for election. The time frame to fill unplanned vacancies is shorter.

Abdus-Salaam arrived on the high court after just such an unplanned vacancy: the loss of Judge Theodore Jones, who died after suffering a heart attack in November 2012.

Cuomo has named all of the current members of the Court of Appeals.

cseiler@timesunion.com  518-454-5619
Albany

President Donald Trump is expected to take aim Tuesday at the so-called H-1B visa program that is relied upon by GlobalFoundries and other Capital Region companies to fill engineering and IT jobs.

Trump is supposed to travel to Snap-on Tools in Kenosha, Wisc. to announce a new executive order that would likely make it harder for companies to use the H-1B program to displace U.S. workers with cheaper labor.

There are hundreds of foreign workers in the Capital Region on H-1B visas, ranging from software programmers that do coding for state agency contracts, to engineers working at GlobalFoundries' Fab 8 computer chip factory in Saratoga County. More than 1,800 H-1B visas were approved in the region 2014, and, more than 93,000 workers were approved in New York last year, according to the Office of Foreign Labor, with an average salary exceeding $81,000.

Many of the workers are Indians in the software development sector, but universities have come to rely on the H1-B program to attract top professors as well. "We like to think about the classic Indian programmer," but many of those visas are used to attract faculty to Capital Region universities, Rey Koslowski, a University at Albany professor who studies immigration, said in March. "When we search for political scientists or professors, it's worldwide."

The federal government has an annual 85,000 cap on H1-B issuances, but colleges and universities are not counted in that total. It's still unclear if or how Trump's forthcoming policy change will affect the non-profit and academic sectors. Nor is it clear if the changes will survive legal challenges.

Opponents of the program, including Trump, say it undercuts American labor with foreign workers who, because they have to be employed to stay in the country, have very little bargaining power but are still paid the regional prevailing wage. That's true to a degree, but the positive economic impacts may outweigh the negatives: Conservative estimates show every issued H-1B worker creates up to three additional American jobs, though most studies are based on differing assumptions about worker productivity and talent, or whether companies would simply outsource labor if they lose access to H1-B workers.

Conversely, when the visa supply is slowed, cities are hurt. The 375 H-1B visas denied to tech workers in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area in 2007 cost the region an additional 545 jobs and $5.3 million in wage growth, according to the Partnership for a New American Economy, a group spearheaded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Over the same period, New York City missed out on 28,000 jobs worth $470 million in wages.

Here's our previous coverage of the ongoing changes to the American immigration system:

-Colleges, hotels, farms wait in limbo amid immigration reforms

-State farmers fear ICE raids could have chilling effect on crucial supply of workers

-Trump's stance on trade, workers could harm high tech sector

-Some state contracts going to overseas workers

-GlobalFoundries' hiring of skilled foreign workers boosts H-1B requests
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Albany

A revamped stretch of downtown Albany is set for a splash of local history.

The new owner of the Fort Orange General Store announced Monday he'd relocate the storefront to the first floor of the Argus Building on Broadway, where a spate of renovation and construction projects has turned the corridor into a retail hot spot.

"We're bringing (the store) downtown because with the growth in the residential population that's growing there ... and the investments made at the Capital Convention Center, it's really important to involve a retail location," said Schuyler Bull, who bought the popular retailer last year and, with supporting grants from the Capitalize Albany Corp., is relocating from the original Delaware Avenue location.

"The central location (in Albany) is downtown, and I wanted the new store to really fit that bigger picture," said Bull, who also works as the assistant director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District.

The location, which is a 5-minute walk from the original Fort Orange, built by the Dutch West India Company in 1624, will help customers "connect with the history of the city of Albany" and its once-vibrant downtown retail sector, he said.

The Argus Building itself is no stranger to renovation, with 40 apartments added there since 2014.

The move comes amid a growing focus on downtown by local development officials, who have staked out the area near Times Union Center as the epicenter of redevelopment plans. The stretch had over time become dotted with dilapidated and vacant buildings but has in recent years had new life breathed into it by private and public ventures.

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The store serves as a "destination in Albany's newest neighborhood ... providing high quality goods that today's downtown residents and conventiongoers desire," Georgette Steffens, executive director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, said in a news release announcing the store's new location. "Investment like this is a proven economic driver."

Bull said he'll still sell the local accessories and home decor products from the old Fort Orange store, and has plans to host events and workshops in the new space.

rdownen@timesunion.com  518-454-5018  @RobertDownenTU
TVF CEO Arunabh Kumar in his statement to the Mumbai Police has rubbished the allegations of sexual harassment made against him.

By Saurabh Vaktania: A day after being granted anticipatory bail by Dindoshi Sessions Court, The Viral Fever's (TVF) CEO Arunabh Kumar's has claimed that he was being victimised in the case.

In his statement to the Mumbai Police, Arunabh Kumar rubbished the sexual harassment charges levelled against him by a woman who had worked with him.

After a month-long absence, Arunabh surfaced on Monday to appear before the court for the hearing on his anticipatory bail.

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Sources from the police said that Arunabh had been to the MIDC police station for about eight times after the allegations were made against him.

Police said that apart from Arunabh, they also took statements of about six other people. Arunabh also submitted two pictures of him with the victim, which he claimed were clicked on June 8, 2016.

It was almost a fortnight ago, when two cases related sexual harassment were filed against him. While the first case was filed on March 29, another complaint was lodged on the following day.

He was booked under IPC sections 354 A (causing sexual harassment) and 509 (intending to outrage a woman's modesty by indecent words, gesture or acts) in both the complaints.

HERE ARE SOME EXCERPTS FROM ARUNABH'S STATEMENT: "I met her (the victim) on May 26, 2016. She is a director and had come for a shoot of a promo that was meant for programme where people who became successful in a short time were interviewed. For this shoot the contract was given to another company where the victim used to work." "We were to shoot in my office at three different spots. For the first shot she had selected the ground floor, for second the first floor and for the third she chose our office terrace area. She asked me to change clothes for every shot. Since I am a busy person, with regular meetings with several officials and other concerned persons, so I asked her to get the shoot done fast as I was getting late." "She gave me three clothes - two t-shirts and a kurta and I was asked to wear each of them for the three shoots. As soon as own shoot was over, I changed my clothes at the spot and she was not alone as there were other crew members present. I have never stripped in front of her nod did I pose any wrong gestures. I changed the clothes because I was getting late, I have no wrong intention. I neither massaged her not communicated with her through any electronic medium, " read the statement. "When our shoot got over we held a small party on June 8, 2016. The party was organised at the spot that she chose. After the shoot, they started partying as decided and I clicked a selfie with her, but at that time she never reacted nor did she say that anything wrong was done."

Also read:

TVF molestation case: Arunabh Kumar gets anticipatory bail

Another case against TVF's Arunabh Kumar? 'Indian Fowler' says she has lodged formal complaint

After TVF's Arunabh Kumar, ScoopWhoop co-founder Suparn Pandey accused of sexual harassment

WATCH | The Viral Fever CEO Arunabh Kumar gets anticipatory bail

--- ENDS ---
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.
A three-month-old baby was interrogated for being a terrorist after toddler's grandfather marked him as one on his visa form.

By India Today Web Desk: Sabotaging nothing more than his diapers, a three-month-old was summoned by the US Embassy in London.

Yes, they did.

According to a report in The Guardian, a three-month-old baby -- Harvey -- who can barely speak (for obvious reasons) was summoned by the US Embassy in London for an interrogation.

The infant was summoned after his grandfather marked him as the terrorist by mistake in Harvey's visa application form.

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Kids can terrorize in their own innocent ways but marking them as terrorists is a bit too much. No?

Harvey's 62-year-old grandpa Paul Kenyon marked 'yes', by mistake, on the form which asked, "Do you seek to engage in or have you ever engaged in terrorist activities, espionage, sabotage, or genocide?"

After the kid's family was questioned by the officials, the baby was given a clean chit and the visa.

Harvey's family had to wait for 10 hours to board a flight and it cost them 3,000 pounds (Rs 2.5 lakh approximately) extra.

"I couldn't believe that they couldn't see it was a genuine mistake and that a three-month-old baby would be no harm to anyone," the 62-year-old told The Guardian.

"Baby Harvey was good as gold for the interview and never cried once. I thought about taking him along in an orange jumpsuit, but thought better of it. They didn't appear to have a sense of humor over it at all and couldn't see the funny side," he said.

And if we put on our thinking caps, why would someone, who is a terrorist, or plans to be one, admit it on a visa form anyway?

--- ENDS ---
By Manjeet Negi: US National Security Adviser HR McMaster and Indian NSA held a two-hour long meeting in New Delhi today.

According to sources from the government - the issue of terrorism and Indo-US Cooperation was prominently discussed. India and US agreed to increase military cooperation and more active information exchange on counter terror operations.

McMaster also discussed regional security issues with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval.

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Indian side emphasized that the terrorism emanating from Pakistan is posing serious threat to regional stability and security. India and US have very good cooperation.

McMaster also to met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lok Kalyan Marg. He may also meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

McMaster arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday, barely a day after the United States reinstated its tough stance on Pakistan.

Incidentally, this was the first visit by a top member from the Donald Trump administration. McMaster arrived in Pakistan after a brief stop in Afghanistan.

Following the meet in Pakistan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's office issued a statement saying that McMaster had assured the PM that the Trump administration was dedicated to strengthening bilateral relations and working with Pakistan.

With HR McMaster in Delhi, India hopes to get a clarity on US President Donald Trump's stand on the police for South Asia.

New Delhi hopes discussions with Herbert Raymond McMaster will provide clarity on US President Donald Trump's policy for South Asia.

Also read:

America tells Pakistan to confront terrorism in all forms but praises democratic, economic development

US Secretary of State Tillerson stops short of accusing Russia for plotting Syrian poison gas attack

Watch:

US NSA HR McMaster holds talks with PM Modi

--- ENDS ---
The Samsung Galaxy S8 is a very good value because of its captivating infinity display, strong performance and long battery life for under $500.

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

The Galaxy S8 has been around for a couple of years, but it's still a strong choice for those looking for flagship-level design and solid performance for under $500. The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ boast 5.8- and 6.2-inch infinity displays, which go from edge to edge, and these handsets feature Qualcomms relatively zippy Snapdragon 835 processor for speedy performance.

Were still not fans of the fingerprint sensors location. But when you add in excellent battery life and improvements to a camera that was already very good, you have two winning handsets with the Galaxy S8 and S8+.

See our best phones list for all of our top picks.

Galaxy S8 price and release date

The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ were released in April of 2017. You can now get the Galaxy S8 starting at $499 with 64GB of storage. The larger Galaxy S8+ isn't as readily available, but it retails for about $589. However, we've seen this phone for as low as $364 on Amazon (opens in new tab).

You may want to keep an eye out for Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals to see if these phones get discounted during the holiday season.



Design: It feels like the future

The Galaxy S8 exemplifies a nearly bezel-free phone done right. Samsung didnt just take away the bezels on this phone; it crafted a space-age work of art with a new infinity display that stretches from edge to edge. The Galaxy S8 not only has a slightly bigger screen-to-body ratio than LGs phone but also looks sleeker because of the way the Gorilla Glass curves toward the edges on the front and back. Other Android phones look like blah, flat slabs by comparison. The S8 is also thinner and narrower than the G6.

The screen on the S8 is 5.8 inches, versus 6.2 inches on the S8+. But other than the difference in display size, the S8 and S8+ have the same design. Overall, we prefer the bigger screen on the S8+, but if you have small hands, youll likely find yourself repositioning the phone in your hand to reach certain buttons, including the home button, which is now a virtual button instead of a physical key. The button worked well in our testing, providing solid haptic feedback. Its flanked by the Recent Apps and Back buttons.

Whats remarkable about the Galaxy S8 is how much more screen real estate it gives you compared with the S7, while still offering a compact and lightweight design. The S8s 5.8-inch screen is housed in a 5.5-ounce, 2.7-inch-wide chassis, whereas the 5.1-inch S7 weighed 5.4 ounces and had the same width. The S8 is taller, but its still easy to use with one hand.

With its 6.2-inch screen, the 6.1-ounce S8+ is heftier than the 5.5-ounce, 5.5-inch S7 Edge. But the S8+ makes the iPhone 8 Plus (6.2 x 3.1 x 0.29 inches, 7.13 ounces) look positively bloated. Plus, unlike the latest iPhones, the S8 and S8+ have headphone jacks.

No matter which size you choose, it wont be long before you see fingerprint smudges on the back of the phone. The smudges were especially prominent on the midnight black version of the S8 and S8+, but you can also choose the lighter orchid gray or arctic silver, which dont show smudges as easily.

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Galaxy S8 Galaxy S8+ Price

From $499

From $589

Display (Pixels) 5.8 inches (2960 x 1440) Super AMOLED 6.2 inches (2960 x 1440) Super AMOLED Camera (Back) 12 MP, f /1.7 aperture 12 MP, f /1.7 aperture Camera (Front) 8 MP, f/ 1.7 aperture 8 MP, f/1.7 aperture Biometric Scanning Facial recognition, iris scanner, fingerprint reader Facial recognition, iris scanner, fingerprint reader CPU Snapdragon 835 Snapdragon 835 RAM

4GB 4GB Storage 64GB 64GB microSD

up to 256GB up to 256GB Battery

3,000 mAh 3,500 mAh Battery Life (4G) 10:39 11:04 Size

5.9 x 2.7 x 0.3 inches 6.3 x 2.9 x 0.3 inches Weight

5.5 ounces 6.1 ounces Colors

Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver Android Version 7.0 Nougat 7.0 Nougat Charging USB Type-C USB Type-C Wireless Charging WPC and PMA WPC and PMA

About that fingerprint sensor

We were worried that the fingerprint sensors placement right next to the camera on the back of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ might be a problem. And it was, initially. Because the sensor is fairly narrow, its difficult to target it without looking. We got used to it after a couple of days, but we still wish it were below the lens.

If you dont want to reach around the S8 to unlock your phone, you can choose from a couple of other biometric options that Samsung gives you. Theres facial recognition, as well as iris scanning. Iris scanning unlocks your phone faster and even works in the dark, but it doesnt work in direct sunlight; your eyes need to be fully open, so squinting isnt an option. The facial recognition is not only slower but also had trouble in direct sunlight and doesnt work in the dark.

Our advice? Use the iris scanning everywhere except in the sun, and when there is bright light, just use the fingerprint scanner.

Display: The perfect screen is here

Apple is bringing an OLED screen to the iPhone X, but you have to pay a grand for the privilege. Sporting a resolution of 2960 x 1440 pixels, both the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+ turned in nearly perfect scores on our tests, offering a very bright picture, amazingly vivid colors and near-perfect color accuracy.

The extra-wide 18.5:9 aspect ratio doesnt work well with some apps, but overall, we like how immersive the experience is when watching video and playing games.

When watching the new Star Wars: The Last Jedi trailer, we could make out every wrinkle in Reys hands as she seemed to levitate the rocks around her with the Force, as well as every rising ring of smoke around Kylo Rens smoldering mask. As the camera panned around to the island where Luke was training Rey, it was hard not to be impressed by the golden sunshine that reflected off the water, as well as the lush, green foliage dotting the mountains.

The S8 backed up our experience by reproducing a superb 183 percent of the sRGB color gamut. That blows away the LG G6s 134 percent, but the AMOLED screen on the Google Pixel scored an even higher 191 percent. (However, when you turn on Adaptive Display mode on the Galaxy S8, it can reach as high as 255 percent.)

If youre looking for accurate color, the S8 can deliver that, too. In its AMOLED photo mode, the display notched a Delta-E score of 0.28 (0 is perfect). The LG G6 was closest, at 1.01, but the Pixel XL was way behind, with 5.88. Like the LG G6, the Galaxy S8s screen is HDR certified, which means you can enjoy a wider range of colors and better contrast on videos that support the standard. Amazon, Netflix and YouTube offer a growing variety of HDR-ready movies and shows.

The 18.5:9 aspect ratio doesnt work well with every app. For instance, in Super Mario Run, we noticed unsightly bars above and below the game. But Samsungs own apps are optimized, and you can fill the screen by pushing a button while watching YouTube and Netflix, even if the video looks a bit stretched out.

Since our initial review, some users complained about a red tint appearing on their S8 screens, but Samsung has released a fix.



Audio: Poppin

For a small speaker, the Galaxy S8 pumps out pretty sweet sound. When we listened to Justin Timberlakes Cant Stop the Feeling, on this phone, the lyrics were clearer, and the volume was louder, than the same track on the LG G6.



The latter handset sounded slightly muffled by comparison. However, you dont get stereo sound from the Galaxy S8 as you do from the HTC U Ultra.



The S8's Snapdragon 835 muscle blitzes every other Android phone on the market.

Performance: A handheld powerhouse

The Galaxy S8 goes boldly forward into a new era of speed, thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 system on a chip (at least in the U.S.; in other regions, the S8 will have Samsung's Exynos 8895 chip). The S8 also comes with a healthy 4GB of memory, 64GB of storage (twice the amount you get from base models of the LG G6 and the Google Pixel) and microSD card expansion for people who need even more space.

When you put it all together, the S8's muscle blitzes every other Android phone on the market, but it falls short of the iPhone 8's A11 Bionic chip. The S8 almost always feels exceedingly snappy, no matter if you're vaulting over Goombas in Super Mario Run or mowing down aliens in N.O.V.A. Legacy. We didnt experience any lag when using multiwindow mode for chatting with friends while streaming video on YouTube. If you pay close attention, you may notice that some of the transitions when switching between apps aren't 100 percent smooth, but that seems mostly cosmetic.

In terms of benchmark performance, the Galaxy S8s multicore score of 6,295 in the Geekbench 4 overall performance test was more than 50 percent higher than that of its closest Android competitor, the Snapdragon 821-powered Google Pixel XL (4,146). However, the iPhone 8 scored above 10,000 on this test.



The Galaxy S8's graphics power was also quite impressive, as it hit 36,508 on 3DMark's Ice Storm Unlimited test. Other Android adversaries, like the LG G6 (29,611) and the Google Pixel XL (28,182), were farther behind. But the iPhone 8 scored a much higher 64,532.



New for the S8 is Samsung's Device Management tab, which is best accessed by swiping in from the Edge tab. It offers a quick look at the status of your device, including battery status, power mode (optimized, performance, game or entertainment), available storage and your current memory usage. There's even an optimization button that cleans up any lingering apps and clears your cache, which is a handy tool for people who go weeks or months without actually turning off their devices.

Cameras: Better on both the front and back

When we first found out that the S8's 12-megapixel rear camera is ostensibly the same as the one on last year's S7, we were a bit disappointed. But that rush of emotion was a bit premature, because under the hood, Samsung made some important software enhancements. And then you toss in a new, higher-resolution, 8-MP front cam, and you get a phone that produces noticeably better pictures no matter which shooter you're using.

The most important tweak comes in the form of Samsung's new multi-image photo processing, which mimics the operation of the Google Pixel's HDR+ mode by taking multiple pictures when you press the shutter, selecting the best one, and enhancing that image with extra details and info from the remaining two pics.

When we took both the S8+ and a Pixel XL out for some side-by-side testing, it was clear that Samsung's adjustments have had a pretty positive effect. At a nearby farmer's market, the S8 captured a crate full of apples with better contrast, richer colors and better details than the Pixel XL.



And when I continued down the street, the S8+ topped the Pixel XL again when I snapped a pic of some flowers, this time offering better white balance than Google's phone, as evidenced by the greenish hue on the white flower's petals.



But it wasn't a clean sweep for the S8+. When I really tried to push both cameras to the limit by shooting a backlit scene pointing straight at the sun, the Pixel XL stunned us with a shot featuring big, bold colors and sharp details, even though there was some serious lens flare going on.



Inside, in pretty much ideal conditions, the S8+ and the Pixel XL were again neck and neck. The one difference is that the Pixel's cool color tone brought out the green in the pistachio macaroon, while the pic from the S8 sported a more neutral white balance, which led to a more pleasing overall photo.



Finally, at a local bar with even less light to work with, both the Pixel XL and the Galaxy S8 impressed us with photos that were brighter than the scenes in real life. Small differences included less blown-out highlights in the S8's pic, which was countered by more detail in the darker areas of the scene in the Pixel's photo.

When it comes to tweaking your photos or changing modes, Samsung has added new Snapchat-like filters that let you decorate faces with various animal masks, hats and other silly emojis. But if that doesn't strike your fancy, the camera also comes with modes for shooting panoramas, food, slow-mo and more. And as with all good camera apps, there's also a Pro mode that lets you adjust settings manually.

As for selfies, the S8 and S8+ sport new 8-MP cams with a wide-angle lens, which makes it easy to snap you and all your besties at once. However, compared with the Pixel XL's 8-MP camera, the S8's selfies can sometimes be a little lacking.



We compared photos shot by the S8 and the Pixel XL outside on a sunny day. The Pixel XL's photo had an extra level of sharpness and detail we didn't get from the S8+. Our face looked a little too smooth and perfect on the Samsung, to the point where we were wondering whether Beauty Mode was kicking in even when we had it set to 0.

The Galaxy S8s camera can shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second and slow-mo video at up to 240 frames per second at 720p. (In comparison, the LG G6 shoots at just 60 fps in slow-mo.)

To test the Galaxy S8s video quality, we shot some footage of a pond with fish swimming about in 4K. The S8s footage looked crisper and more vibrant than what the iPhone 7 Plus captured, even if the colors looked a bit oversaturated. However, when we put both phones on a mount to test image stabilization, the iPhone 7s video looked smoother; we saw a bit of stuttering in the S8s footage as we walked up a grassy hill.

For a hallmark feature on a flagship phone, Bixby feels pretty half-baked right now.

Bixby: Still a work in progress



The Galaxy S8 introduces a new personal assistant, Bixby, to take on the likes of Apple's Siri and Microsoft's Cortana. And for a hallmark feature on Samsung's flagship phone, Bixby feels pretty half-baked right now, even after Samsung has rolled out voice controls to its virtual assistant.

The main difference between Bixby and other digital assistants is that it lets you use voice commands to control your phone in lieu of tapping the screen, which can save you time and energy. You can also use Bixby to tell you the weather or look up the definition of quixotic, but its real purpose is giving you a whole new way to control your phone. For instance, you can ask Bixby to show you emails from a specific person by name, and it will slickly pull up all your conversations in just a couple seconds. That's way faster than tapping to open the email app, hitting search and then typing in that person's name.

Bixby can also understand complex commands with contextual language, so you can do things like ask Bixby to post the last photo you took to Instagram and add a caption, all with one command. You can also change almost any setting on the S8 using your voice, which is often much faster than trying to dig through a modern phone's increasingly complex array of menus and tabs.

Or at least, that's how things should work. The big problem is that Bixby's voice-command functionality, while now available, was pretty erratic when we tested it.

Sometimes Bixby will fail to understand your language at all, while other times, Bixby will get confused and try to open the wrong app or adjust incorrect settings. But every once in a while Bixby will get everything right and you won't even be able to tell that its voice commands are still a work in progress. Currently, simple commands have the best success rate.

MORE: 11 Coolest Things Bixby Voice Can Do on the Galaxy S8

As of August 22, Samsung announced that the Bixby voice command feature is now available in more than 200 countries and territories, though you'll still need to use either English or Korean to make it work. Support for additional languages, as well as more third party apps, is in the works.



Then there's Bixby Vision, which leverages the S8's camera along with object recognition to identify items in the world. We found this worked pretty well when we pointed the S8 at various household items, such as shampoos, snacks and aluminum foil. It also works for books. After pointing the Galaxy S8's camera at any object, we could check prices online on Amazon.

Say you're at the liquor store and want to know the rating of that wine or what food to pair it with. Bixby has also partnered with Vivino to identify that bottle and spit back information. However, at a wine store in New York, the feature was more miss than hit, as it seemed to have trouble with the bright lights. At home, however, Bixby identified three wines correctly, though we were greeted with a home server error.

Bixby's other talents include the ability to set reminders and a Bixby Home tool with a card-based interface that shows you your schedule, what's trending on Facebook, the weather, news and other info.

All told, Bixby is a frustrating mix of success and failures, though there is a lot of potential should Samsung work out all the kinks. Thankfully, though, you can turn to the Google Assistant, which also comes preloaded on the S8.

Software: Feature-rich but accessible

Running Android 7.0 Nougat, the Galaxy S8 still has a skin on top of Android, but its fairly intuitive, and Samsungs minimalist, line-drawn icons are easy to understand. We like that you dont have to tap a button to see all of your apps from the home screen; just swipe down from the middle of the screen, and then swipe left to see more apps.

If you swipe down from the very top of the screen from wherever you are, youll see your notifications and Samsungs quick-settings shortcuts. Finally, swiping in from the left provides access to Edge screen shortcuts, such as a customizable list of apps, a device maintenance screen (for battery, choosing performance mode, etc.) and a Smart Select tool for selecting an area of the screen and sharing it or pinning it to the top of your display.

Youll also find a ton of advanced features. The ones at the top of our list include a one-handed mode that you can activate by tapping the home button three times to shrink the screen, as well as the ability to quickly launch the camera by pressing the power key twice.

At least on the T-Mobile S8 we tested, there was minimal bloatware. T-Mobile included just five of its own apps: Device Unlock, T-Mobile, T-Mobile Name ID, T-Mobile TV and Visual Voicemail.

Accessories: Way beyond Gear VR

The Galaxy S8 works with the new Gear VR for those who want to experience virtual-reality games and content, but thats not the only interesting accessory. The new DeX ($149) is a dock that lets you use the S8 and S8+ as a mini PC. The dock can connect to a full-size monitor via its HDMI port, as well as a keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth. It also has an Ethernet jack and a USB port.

Out of the box, the Samsung Connect app will let you access and control various Samsung-branded smart home gear. For instance, you can start your Samsung robot vacuum ($549) or peek inside your Samsung Family Hub fridge (about $2,900) to see what you need from the store while youre out. But youll get a lot more possibilities if you buy Samsung's $169 Samsung Connect Home  a combination mesh Wi-Fi router and SmartThings hub that will let you control other items, such as Philips Hue lights and Netgears Arlo security camera.

Samsung offers a slew of other accessories, including an LED View cover for always having the time in view, a wireless charging stand and more. Check out our roundup of the Best Galaxy S8 accessories and Galaxy S8 cases.

Battery Life

One concern about a phone with this much screen is how that extra real estate might impact battery life. The Galaxy S8+ has a slightly smaller battery than last years S7 Edge (3,500 mAh versus 3,600 mAh), and yet the S8+ improved almost 1 hour, to 11 hours and 4 minutes, on the Tom's Guide Battery Test (continuous web surfing on 4G LTE using T-Mobile's network). The standard Galaxy S8s 3,000-mAh battery endured for 10:39 on the same test, improving on the Galaxy S7's (8:47) time by nearly 2 hours.

We obtained these results with the phones resolutions set to their max 2960 x 1440 pixels. They come with the less demanding 2220 x 1080 setting on by default.

MORE: Smartphones with the Longest Battery Life

Compared to the Galaxy S8+, the Pixel XL's battery life was just a bit longer, at 11:11. The iPhone 8 Plus hit 11:16, while the smaller iPhone 8 lasted 9:54. LG G6 finished way behind, with a time of just 8:39.

On top of that, the S8 has battery smarts that let it learn about your usage patterns to help extend its longevity even further. And when you need to juice the phone back up, you can take advantage of the S8s fast-charging capabilities via its included USB Type-C cable or use one of Samsung's slick wireless chargers (available separately).

Bottom Line

Its clear that, with the Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung set out to create more than a phone. Its trying to build a more Apple-like ecosystem, with devices ranging from the Gear VR and the DeX dock to the new Samsung Connect app for controlling smart home gear and the Bixby assistant. Its also evident that Samsung hasnt yet reached that goal, as Bixbys voice features can be hit or miss.

But even with that shortcoming, the Galaxy S8 still beats the Android competition while surpassing the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in terms of design, display quality and features. The iPhones are better, though, when it comes to sheer speed and their cameras.



Some shoppers will prefer a newer Android phone in the same price range, like the $479 Pixel 3a XL, but overall the Galaxy S8 and S8+ remain good values for those who prefer Samsung handsets.

Credit: Jeremy Lips/Tom's Guide; Comparisons: Samuel Rutherford/Tom's Guide.
A woman was chased, shot dead by a mob just outside a police station in Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh. Cops inside the police station turned spectators as the woman was attacked.

A mob chased a woman and shot her dead outside a police station in Mainpuri. (Photo/ANI)

By India Today Web Desk: One of the first things that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath promised after assuming charge on March 19 was to improve law and order scenario of the state. Little seems to have changed since which is evident from the incident where a woman was chased and shot dead inside a police station in Mainpuri on Monday (April 17) night over a land dispute.

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The accused who shot the woman was caught by locals and beaten up before being arrested by the police along with 11 others.

HERE'S HOW THE CRIME UNFOLDED:

The victim Fatima was involved in a land dispute with one Haji Khan. The disputed plot, which is said to be worth crores, is situated right infront of the Agra Gate police station. A fight erupted between the two families on Monday night. Several people from both sides joined in worsening the situation. As the fight escalated, Fatima ran towards the police station which is just a few yards away. A mob involving people from the rival family chased and fired at her right outside the police station. Fatima was rushed to a local hospital but couldn't survive. The policemen were outnumbered by the mob. The attacker and 11 others were arrested later. Mainpuri, which has been a pocket borough of the Samajwadi Party, is around 250km from state capital Lucknow. Immediately after taking oath, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had asked police officials to change the way they work to instill a sense of safety among the public and fear among criminals. "The police must establish a direct communication with people and must take cognizance of even the most minor incident," Adityanath had said after a review meeting in Lucknow.

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--- ENDS ---
Here's a test: Click on "https://xn--80ak6aa92e.com". (Don't worry, it's safe.) Now look in the browser address bar. What is the URL now?

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

If you're on Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, it will probably look very much like "https://www.apple.com". But those letters in "apple" are in fact Cyrillic characters reading "arrIe" with an uppercase "i", and the website, as you can see, has nothing to do with Apple.

Your browser has been fooled by a "homograph" attack, in which letters in a URL are replaced with similar-looking letters, often from non-Latin writing systems. Criminals and pranksters have been trying to trick web users with this for years, and web browsers have fought back, but Chrome and Firefox still are vulnerable in certain cases.

A malicious attacker could very easily have used the look-alike Apple URL to create a very convincing replica of the Apple login page as part of a phishing scam, and used it to steal thousands of Apple IDs and passwords. That could in turn have led to iPhones hijacked and held for ransom, private photos being released online, and other mayhem.

(Image credit: Tommaso Lizzul/Shutterstock)

So we have to thank Xudong Zheng, a New York-based software developer and college student, for registering the fake Apple domain and bringing this issue to the attention of Google and Mozilla. Mark Maunder, CEO of the WordPress security firm Wordfence, also explained the problem on his company blog.

MORE: Best Antivirus Software and Apps

Because the internet was developed largely by Americans, it uses the Latin alphabet for web addresses. That's not much help to the billions of people who use other writing systems, so workarounds exist to display certain addresses in Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, and so on.

Such addresses look like gibberish in the Latin alphabet. But Firefox and Chrome will display them in those languages in which they make sense  as long as the characters in a URL all belong to the same writing system. Internet Explorer and Safari won't do this, and may not even open the pages.

As a result, you get look-alike URLs such as the one above. (Here's another: "https://www.xn--e1awd7f.com/".)

Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Internet Explorer are immune to this, and the problem will be fixed in the next version of Chrome, due out by the end of April. But it's not clear when Firefox will fix this problem. For now, you can tweak your Firefox settings to display the true "Latin" URL by doing this:

1. Type "about:config" into the address bar and hit Enter or Return.

2. Click the button marked "I accept the risk!"

3. Type "punycode" into the search bar at the top of the resulting page, and hit Enter or Return.

4. Double-clock the resulting line, which should be named "network.IDN_show_punycode". The Value column should change from "false" to "true".

After this, your Firefox browser should render the fake Apple URL as the original https://xn--80ak6aa92e.com.
Google added support for Oculus Touch controllers to the popular Google Earth VR application. The company also added a search function so you don't need to be a geography whiz to find your favorite vacation spot on the map.

Google Earth VR debuted in November 2016, and it quickly became one of the most beloved things to do in VR. But sadly, you had to own an HTC Vive to enjoy the experience. The initial release didnt support the Oculus Rift because it required motion controllers and, at that point, Touch wasnt available yet. Google took an extra half-year to add support for the Touch controllers, but the day is finally here.

In addition to including Rift and Touch support, Google added a search feature to Google Earth VR. The first iteration of Google Earth VR didnt include a way to search for specific locations. Google set the app up to make it simple to find new places that you didnt know exist, but short of a manual search of the globe, you couldnt pinpoint a specific location. If you wanted to find a spot you visited on vacation in the past, you had to hope you knew where it was located on the map. Now, you can simply type in the name of where you want to go, and Google Earth VR will take you to that destination. Of course, you can still explore unknown locations by pointing at a spot on the globe and zooming in, if you want.

The new version of Google Earth VR also includes an updated caching system, which lets you select a customized region to keep pre-loaded so you can explore it without having to wait for images to load. The original version had predetermined locations and sizes; the new version lets you define both parameters. Google said it improved caching performance, too.

The company also took the time to highlight 27 locations to help you discover the worlds most incredible places and create a new introductory tour. Googles featured locations include the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina, the top of Table Mountain in South Africa, and the German castle that inspired the castle in Disneys Sleeping Beauty.

Google Earth VR is a free application which you can download from Steam. With the added support for Oculus Touch, Google also released the app on the Oculus Store. (opens in new tab)
AMD's Radeon RX 580 uses the same Ellesmere GPU as its predecessor at higher clock rates. The new cards should start around $230 and compete against Nvidia's GeForce GTX 1060 6GB. We like the extra performance, but could do without AMD's proclivity for re-branding existing products.

Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

That's right: the Radeon RX 580 8GB isn't new by any meaningful measure. It's an updated version of last year's Radeon RX 480, based on the same Ellesmere GPU under AMD's Polaris umbrella. If your memory of last June's launch is a little hazy, our AMD Radeon RX 480 8GB Review covers the architecture in detail. It predates Nvidia's response, though, so let's get caught up with the state of mainstream gaming in 2017.

Editor's Note: While still widely sold and a reasonable buy, the RX 580 is a little long in the tooth. Check out our up-to-date list of the best graphics cards for more recent picks.

A couple of weeks after AMD debuted its RX 480, Nvidia followed up with GeForce GTX 1060 6GB, which outperformed Polaris in most of our benchmark suite. But it was also more expensive. And as time went on, a wider selection of DirectX 12 games showed that Nvidia's advantage really only applied to DirectX 11. These days, Radeon RX 480 8GB and GeForce GTX 1060 6GB are priced fairly competitively to reflect the fact that they trade blows, depending on what you play.

AMD wants something a little more decisive, though. So it's turning up the core clock on Ellesmere, dialing its starting price to $230, and slapping a new name on the tweaked configuration: Radeon RX 580. This is a familiar move from AMD's playbook. Old favorites like the 2012-era Pitcairn GPU span as many as four generations of Radeon products, after all.

Swipe to scroll horizontally Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 Founder's Edition AMD Radeon RX 480 (Reference) Sapphire Nitro+ RX 580 LE Sapphire Nitro+ RX 580 GPU (Codename) GM204 (Maxwell) GP106 (Pascal) Ellesmere XT (Polaris 10) Ellesmere XT (Polaris 10) Ellesmere XT (Polaris 10) Shader Units 1664 1280 2304 2304 2304 Base & Boost Clocks 1050 MHz / 1178 MHz 1506 MHz / 1709 MHz 1120 MHz / 1266 MHz 1450 MHz/1411 MHz 1411 MHz/1340 MHz Memory Size & Type 4GB GDDR5 6GB GDDR5 8GB GDDR5 8GB GDDR5 8GB GDDR5 Memory Clock 1750 MHz 2027 MHz 2000 MHz 2000 MHz 2000 MHz Memory Bandwidth 224 GB/s 192.2 GB/s 256 GB/s 256 GB/s 256 GB/s Fans Radial Radial Radial (2) 95mm Axial (2) 95mm Axial Ports (3) DP, (1) DVI-I, (1) HDMI 2.0 (3) DP, (1) DVI-D, (1) HDMI 2.0 (3) DP, (1) HDMI 2.0 (2) DP, (1) DVI-D, (2) HDMI 2.0 (2) DP, (1) DVI-D, (2) HDMI 2.0 Power Connectors (2) 6-pin (1) 6-pin (1) 6-pin (1) 8-pin, (1) 6-pin (1) 8-pin, (1) 6-pin Dimensions (LxHxD) 26.7 x 11.1 x 3.5cm 25.4 x 10.7 x 3.5cm 24.2 x 10.5 x 3.5cm 26.2 x 13.2 x 3.5cm 26.2 x 13.2 x 3.5cm Weight ?? 845g 685g 974g 974g Warranty 3 Years 3 Years N/A 2 Years 2 Years

The question now is whether Radeon RX 580 changes the narrative in any way. Does the performance, pricing, and power of "Polaris, Enhanced" strike hard at Nvidia's GP106 processor, or does it only serve to obfuscate the mainstream market with a new name on something old?

AMD didn't bother with a new reference design this time around, and the old one wasn't suitable for RX 580 due to issues we exposed in our Radeon RX 480 launch story and follow-up coverage. Instead, AMD's partners were tasked with designing their own Radeon RX 580s and sending out overclocked versions for sampling ahead of launch. In response, we set aside our reference boards and sought out factory-overclocked models of competing products to compare.

Sapphire Nitro+ Radeon RX 580 Limited Edition

The Tom's Hardware U.S. and German labs received Sapphire's Nitro+ Radeon RX 580 Limited Edition card. It boasts two BIOSes with different clock rates: one sets an ambitious 1450 MHz boost clock and 1411 MHz silent mode, while the other employs a 1411 MHz boost frequency and 1340 MHz silent mode. All of our performance, power, temperature, and acoustic measurements are taken at the 1450 MHz setting, though that latter configuration is in line with what you'll see from most other partner boards.

Consequently, our launch coverage of Radeon RX 580 is more a review of Sapphire's specific implementation than an evaluation of Ellesmere, revamped. But it should still address what AMD's "new" cards are capable of. Don't expect to find this board anywhere near AMD's $230 starting price. Rather, we're told the aggressively-overclocked model will sell for $275, making it the priciest RX 580 at launch time.

The diagram below illustrates Sapphire's design. It's quite a bit different than the Nitro+ Radeon RX 480 that precedes it.

From the outside, this card's understated appearance is neither gaudy nor cheap-looking. It's classy, but not plain. The plastic fan shroud resembles polished metal. Once you touch it, though, the cover's composition is immediately apparent.

On the other hand, Sapphire's sturdy backplate is made of metal. It's also quite a bit flashier with a clean mix of black, grey, and aluminum.

Image 1 of 2

The Nitro+'s length, from the outer edge of its slot bracket to the end of the cooler, is 26.2cm. Its height, from the motherboard slot's top edge to the cooler's protruding heat pipes, is 13.2cm. A depth of 3.5cm makes this a medium-size dual-slot card. Roughly 0.5cm of the depth measurement is attributable to that backplate though, which could affect compatibility with large CPU coolers or mini-ITX-based form factors.

Two 8mm heat pipes made of nickel-plated composite material, an illuminated Sapphire logo, and two power connectors (one eight- and one six-pin) are visible from above the card.

Underneath, you get a good look at Sapphire's heat sink and the thermal solution's two 6mm heat pipes. We also catch a glimpse of the sink responsible for drawing heat away from the MOSFETs.

The coolers fins are arranged horizontally, and the end of the card is open to promote air flow. There should be some ventilation possible through the slot bracket as well. Unfortunately, only one small area allows air to escape. The rest of the bracket is monopolized by display outputs, including a big DVI-D port that's slowly going out of vogue.

Image 1 of 2

Interestingly, Sapphire deploys two HDMI 2.0 connectors, likely a nod to enthusiasts with VR headsets, and a pair of DisplayPort 1.4-ready outputs.

Specifications

Test System and Methodology

We introduced our new test system and methodology in How We Test Graphics Cards. If you'd like more detail about our general approach, check that piece out.

Specifically, for this review, we split testing between our U.S. (performance) and German (power, acoustics, thermal) labs. As mentioned, we set aside our reference-class boards in favor of factory-overclocked models that better represent today's selection of available products. After experimenting with the Windows 10 Creators Update, we were forced to uninstall it after discovering compatibility issues between several games and our measurement software. We're working to address this. However, all results are generated using the latest drivers, including AMD's Crimson ReLive Edition 17.4.2 package, the 500-series press driver, and Nvidia's 381.65 Game-Ready driver.

Special thanks goes to AMD for ensuring our two labs received the same hardware for evaluation, Gigabyte for replacing our Founders Edition card with its GeForce GTX 1060 G1 Gaming 6G, and MSI for replacing our AMD Radeon RX 480 8GB with its own Radeon RX 480 Armor 8G OC. The full list of contenders includes:

Asus ROG Strix Radeon RX 570 4GB

The hardware used in our German lab includes:

Swipe to scroll horizontally Test Equipment and Environment System - Intel Core i7-7700K- MSI Z270 Gaming M7- Corsair Vengeance DDR4-3200 @ 2400 MT/s- 1x 1TB Toshiba OCZ RD400 (M.2, System SSD)- 2x 960GB Toshiba OCZ TR150 (Storage, Images)- Be Quiet Dark Power Pro 11, 850W PSU- Windows 10 Pro (All Updates) Cooling - Alphacool Eispumpe VPP755- Alphacool NexXxoS UT60 Full Copper 360mm- Alphacool Cape Corp Coolplex Pro 10 LT- 5x Be Quiet! Silent Wings 3 PWM- Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut (Used when Switching Coolers) PC Case - Lian Li PC-T70 with Extension Kit and Mods- Configurations: Open Benchtable, Closed Case Power Consumption Measurement - Contact-free DC Measurement at PCIe Slot (Using a Riser Card) - Contact-free DC Measurement at External Auxiliary Power Supply Cable - Direct Voltage Measurement at Power Supply- 2 x Rohde & Schwarz HMO 3054, 500MHz Digital Multi-Channel Oscilloscope with Storage Function - 4 x Rohde & Schwarz HZO50 Current Probe (1mA - 30A, 100kHz, DC) - 4 x Rohde & Schwarz HZ355 (10:1 Probes, 500MHz) - 1 x Rohde & Schwarz HMC 8012 Digital Multimeter with Storage Function Thermal Measurement - 1 x Optris PI640 80Hz Infrared Camera + PI Connect- Real-Time Infrared Monitoring and Recording Noise Measurement - NTI Audio M2211 (with Calibration File, Low Cut at 50Hz)- Steinberg UR12 (with Phantom Power for Microphones)- Creative X7, Smaart v.7- Custom-Made Proprietary Measurement Chamber, 3.5 x 1.8 x 2.2m (L x D x H)- Perpendicular to Center of Noise Source(s), Measurement Distance of 50cm- Noise Level in dB(A) (Slow), Real-time Frequency Analyzer (RTA) - Graphical Frequency Spectrum of Noise



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Throughout the history of music, there have been been some pretty amazing musical parings; Simon & Garfunkel, Lennon & McCartney, Captain & Tennille, the list goes on. But some of the greatest pairings have come from the coming together of vocalists of different genders in a way that they complement each other brilliantly and maintain some gorgeous harmonies that would otherwise be unheard.

There have been plenty of acts that have utilised this male and female dynamic, creating some brilliant tunes in the process. Of course, Australia isnt excluded from this either, with plenty of these groups coming from our fine country. Acts such as The Seekers, Angus & Julia Stone, and San Cisco are all notable Aussie examples of this.

So weve decided to take a look back at some of the greatest bands that employ a healthy mix between female and male vocalists.

San Cisco

Fremantles San Cisco broke onto the Aussie music scene in 2011 thanks to their infectious hit Awkward. Fresh from capturing the hearts and minds of music fans around the country, the group kept in the public eye by releasing their debut, self-titled record in 2012, and their follow-up, Gracetown, in 2015.

Featuring Scarlett Stevens and Jordi Davieson tackling vocal duties, San Cisco have managed to make a name for themselves not only in Australia, but internationally as well, after their famous cover of Daft Punks Get Lucky went viral. With their third record, The Water, in the pipeline, the Western Australian quartet are set to dominate the airwaves yet again as they continue to do what we love to see them doing.

Sonic Youth

Undoubtedly one of the most famous alternative rock groups of all time, Sonic Youth formed in 1981, and throughout their 30 year career, managed to become one of the most influential and well-known groups of the last few decades. With a penchant for experimenting with odd time signatures, varied guitar tunings, and heavily experimental rhythmic structures, the group also pushed the boundaries of what was expected of a rock group by having two vocalists.

Often seen as being fronted by Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon frequently took on vocal duties throughout the history of the group, appearing as the lead vocalist in some of the groups biggest hits, such as Kool Thing, and Bull In The Heather. Sadly, the group split up in 2011 at the same time as Moore and Gordons marriage, but who knows if theyll reconcile and if well see another Sonic Youth tour.

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The Dead Weather

The Dead Weather are known to a casual music listener as one of Jack Whites bands, but to the discerning music fan, theres more to it than just that. The Dead Weather are a supergroup consisting of Jack White (The White Stripes, The Raconteurs), Alison Mosshart (The Kills), Dean Fertita (Queens Of The Stone Age), and Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs, City And Colour).

Formed in 2009 after White lost his voice before a Raconteurs show, the group is fronted equally by White and Mosshart, featuring vocal contributions from both musicians. One of the most charismatic performers alive, Alison Mosshart frequently overshadows Jack Whites performances, adding an extra level of intensity to her live shows, and blowing away concert crowds in the process.

Angus & Julia Stone

Angus & Julia Stone are a brother and sister duo who started making music in 2006, much to the future delight of legions of fans around the worldwide. The group saw success almost immediately thanks to the intoxicating voice of Julia, and the chilled out voice of Angus. The duos success kept on growing, culminating in them reaching the top spot in the triple j Hottest 100 for 2010 with Big Jet Plane.

Both Angus and Julia have embarked on solo journeys, with Angus solo career taking on three different names, once as Lady Of The Sunshine, once as Angus Stone, and most recently as Dope Lemon. Meanwhile, Julia has seen her fair share of success, and has recently been a featured vocalist on many songs by artists such as Golden Features and Jarryd James.

Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac are one of the most successful rock groups of all time, with their magnum opus, 1977s Rumours, having gone on to sell more than 45 million copies. Originally having formed in 1967 by drummer Mick Fleetwood, the group added Christine McVie in 1970, and Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks in 1974. With a well established lineup, the group began to record a number of hits before they hit gold with Rumours.

The vocal interplay between Buckingham and Nicks was one of the key factors in the albums success, with the emotion and variety apparent between the two vocalists being very apparent. Arguably, Fleetwood Macs status as a group that employs both female and male vocals appears to be one of main reasons that the group became as famous as they did, especially considering the lukewarm critical reception their earlier record garnered.

Chymes

Indie pop duo Chymes are the perfect example of a male and female vocal dynamic that works so perfectly, it almost seems like two halves of a single voice. Having met working on an earlier project, the Central Coast duo of lead vocalist Kierstan Nyman and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Cameron Taylor discovered that their writing styles meshed, allowing them to develop dark and intimate lyrical themes, and deliver them as one.

The pair have impressed with last years Grow EP, and their delicate new single Bloom shows us the songwriting partnership has plenty left in the tank.

The B-52s

The B-52s have long been considered as one of the most well-known new wave bands that emerged during the 1970s. Formed in Athens, Georgia in 1977, the groups debut single Rock Lobster was released the following year and took music fans by surprise due to its kooky nature. The song features a typically new wave approach to songwriting, but with Fred Schneiders unconventional vocals, backed by the equally adventurous vocals of Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson, music fans were cautiously fanatical about the group.

Sadly, original guitarist and older brother of Cindy, Ricky Wilson passed away in 1985, with the group continuing as a four piece. The infectious vocal styles of Schneider, Wilson, and Pierson still remain, becoming one of the most well-known and beloved aspects of the group.

Arcade Fire

Forming in Montreal, Canada in the early 00s, Arcade Fire quickly rose to prominence as one of the most beloved indie-rock collectives of recent years. With the success of their debut record Funeral, in 2004, the group toured internationally, receiving awards and acclaim for their work, before eventually settling down to work on their follow-up, Neon Bible, in 2007. Their 2010 record, The Suburbs, won the Grammy award for album of the year, leading many fans to seriously question Who the fuck are The Suburbs?

But the heart and soul of the band can be traced back to its members, most notably its dual lead vocalists, the husband and wife team of Win Butler and Regine Chassagne. The duos vocals complement each other in such a way that while one sings lead, the other is able to perfectly accompany the other in such as way that their vocals sound almost like another instrument in the mix, rather than another vocalist.
Dave Helling: United Airlines, Schlitterbahn are reminders that regulations aren't all bad Travelers of a certain advanced age may remember something called the Civil Aeronautics Board. The CAB, as it was known, regulated air travel in the U.S. - air routes, fares, access to airports, even passenger rights.

Here's a newspaper attempt to normalize one of the horrific tragedies in Kansas Cityarea history with a comparison to a national social media kerfuffle that really isn't that important in the grand scheme of things. Take a look:
"The FBI has set up a hotline for anyone to use if they believe they know a victim or have any information that may help investigators in this case. If you have information about this ongoing investigation or believe you or someone you know may have been a victim, you are asked to call the FBI at 816-805-5138. The hotline will be staffed by members of the child exploitation task force."
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -- The Independence Police Department says they are still looking for a man wanted in connection to a December murder case. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Maurice T. Jones, known as "Mo," for second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death Sharrieff Omar Muhammad, a 37-year-old male, from Independence, Mo.
Federal judge: Ferguson-inspired painting won't be reinstalled in US Capitol Updated at 2:30 p.m. April 18 with judge rejecting reinstallation efforts - A federal judge rejected efforts Tuesday to reinstall in the U.S. Capitol a painting some lawmakers and police groups found offensive. David Pulphus, a student artist from Missouri, and Rep.

A controversial bit of self-expression was dismantled amid Jeff City controversy and it won't be coming back . . . Ever. Read more:
Former Missouri Governor Details Time in Office in Booklet Former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has released a nearly 90-page booklet detailing his time in office in his official last act as leader of the state. The News Tribune reports that Missouri law requires the governor to give the Legislature a report at the end of each session and at the close of his term of office.

Actually . . . This could be one of the best books in Missouri since Mark Twain if it offers any insight at all into how Ferguson racial rioting destroyed an otherwise promising political career . . .
THE KANSAS CITY TOY TRAIN STREETCAR CLAIMS TWO MILLION RIDERS DESPITE STATS THAT DON'T MATCH BIGGER, BETTER CITIES!!!

KC Streetcar = 6,800 daily riders

Seattle = 2,419 daily riders

Washington DC = 2,285 daily riders

Dallas = 300 daily riders

Atlanta = 1,000 daily riders

Salt Lake City = 1,000 daily riders

Cincinnati = 1,664 daily riders

"2nd highest #kcstreetcar ridership day so far...14,965 on Sat, 4/15/17. Thank you, Kansas City!"

OUR TKC BLOG COMMUNITY HAS PERFORMED A RIDERSHIP COMPARISON WITH SIX DIFFERENT CITIES AND FOUND KANSAS CITY NUMBERS SUSPECT!!! MEANWHILE, STREETCAR CHEERLEADERS DEMAND PUBLIC TRUST BASED ONLY ON TWEETS!!!

Juxtaposition: Kansas City still touts a 24 million annual tourist count that defies reality.

Kansas City has a counting problem and a lack of transparency and oversight is making things worse as social media cheerleading substitutes for real local governance.To wit . . .Here's afor locals who aren't on the streetcar payroll and want to garner a bit of perspective:Meanwhile, locals are supposed to believe that MMA fighting on Easter weekend inspired toy train winning:Never mind that local small Downtown biz receipts don't seem to reflect this uptick in Downtown tourism given by the meager increases in local job growth numbers.Forget that most of the development along the streetcar line is also taxpayer subsidized.And we'll pretend not to notice all of the empty storefronts along Main St. along with continued small biz controversy over parking slap fights with horrible tourists . . .But here's the fact that stings even worse than. . .And once again, an army of supporters on the payroll propagates this myth while taxpayers across KCMO are expected to pick up the tab for a tourist adventure mostly built around hype.You decide . . .
India had signed extradition treaty with Britain way back in 1992 and it came into force in 1993 but Britain had not extradited or deported anyone before Samirbhai Patel.

By Santosh Chaubey: It had taken Britain 23 long years to extradite someone wanted in India when it had extradited a Gujarat riots accused, Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, on October 18, 2016 to face trial in India after a Red Corner Notice was issued against him. He is currently in a jail in the Anand district of Gujarat and is facing trial in the case of riots in Ode village where on March 1, 2002, 23 people of a community were burnt alive.

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India had signed extradition treaty with Britain way back in 1992 and it came into force in 1993 but in spite of India's repeated demands, Red Corner notices and warrants, Britain had not extradited or deported anyone before Samirbhai Patel. And he is still the only one.

Be it musician Nadeem, who is wanted in Gulshan Kumar's murder case, or Tiger Hanif, who is wanted in a 1993 Gujarat blast case, or naval war room leak case accused Ravi Shankaran or former IPL Czar Lalit Modi, who is wanted for committing financial crimes, arguments of the Indian authorities could not convince the British government or its courts to rule in favour of the Indian government.

So when Samirbhai Patel's extradition was finally approved from Britain, Indian agencies felt a sense of achievement, in spite of the fact that Patel had not opposed his extradition and, in fact, his consent had helped the British authorities to take a decision in the matter.

While everyone else on India's most wanted list has fought tooth and nail to oppose his extradition from Britain, be it Nadeem or Tiger Hanif or Lalit Modi or Vijay Mallya, who was arrested today and granted bail within an hour, as a part of his routine extradition case hearing.

OPTIONS WITH MALLYA

And going by the historical precedent as well as the legal technicalities of the extradition process that the UK follows, it may take years before Mallya exhausts his legal options. If the district court, where the case hearing began today, rules against him, Mallya has options to move to the British High Court and place an appeal before the UK Home Secretary.

In case of a negative ruling, Mallya will then move to the UK Supreme Court. And no one can say how much time this whole process will take. Then the Indian agencies will also have to ensure the sanctity of criminal charges against Mallya assuring the British authorities that there is no political vendetta involved and there will be no compromise with Mallya's human rights.

Dawood Ibrahim's aide Tiger Hanif is a classic example of this labyrinthine process. A UK district court had allowed his extradition in May 2012.

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The UK High Court upheld the district court ruling in April 2013. He then appealed to the then UK Home Secretary Theresa May, who is now the prime minister, against the district court ruling. His application is still stuck at that level, waiting for May's Home Secretary Amber Rudd's approval or disapproval. If Rudd rules against him, he will certainly appeal against it in the UK Supreme Court.

Mallya knows it very well. That is why he keeps on challenging and daring Indian agencies that there are no cases against him and that he is a victim of witch hunting. Mallya after today's court hearing tweeted that he is not worried and is "thanking God for an impartial and robust justice system in the UK".

@andrewbensonf1 Thank God for an impartial and robust justice system in the UK

Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 18, 2017

@F1Racing_mag No worries...I am continuing to lead my team and passionately

Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 18, 2017

Also, when India has not been able to convince the British authorities to extradite people charged with serious criminal offences like terrorism, murder and espionage, what chance do the the financial crimes have.

ALSO READ:

On Vijay Mallya, government says need to set precedent, London can't become new haven for offenders

Vijay Mallya arrested in London, gets bail; usual Indian media hype, he says

--- ENDS ---

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- Residents are concerned that so many School Board members have been appointed rather than elected.





- Declining enrollment and lower capacity threaten the future of the district.





- Political pressure and special interest advocacy now dominate the focus of leadership and far outweigh concerns over student performance.

"Townsend got up at the school board meeting and walked out and quit on Thursday."

Faster than local mainstream media can keep up with it . . . Special thanks to our blog community forfollowup on the dismal education prospects in South Kansas City.Remember that longtime school board member Darrell Curls was recently named the new board president. Now, less than six months later,There are so many problems with public education in Hickman Mills that we're just going to have to do a quick summary . . .The list goes on but this trio of topics for Tuesday offer a peek and guide as our blog community leads the discussion in yet another embattled public education institution.Update fun fact . . .Developing . . .
Tamkeen, Bahrains labour fund, announced that 60 teams, out of 110 teams, have been qualified to continue on to the Business Planning phase of a youth business plan competition after completion of the Orientation Training Programme.



Mashroo3i is a national platform for Bahraini youth aimed at promoting entrepreneurial values and supporting them in transforming their business ideas and dreams into feasible business plans.



The competition targets youth aged between 18 to 30 years old who are passionate about entrepreneurship in order to cultivate and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and support the overall growth of the Kingdoms economy.



Mashroo3i aims to prepare the next generation and help them become successful entrepreneurs. We are proud of the calibre of teams involved in this years edition and are closely monitoring their progress as they creatively convert their ideas into businesses, said Mohammed Ahmadi, manager of Youth Schemes at Tamkeen.



This is the fourth edition of the competition and we are happy with the response received so far from the teams. All participating teams, which total up to 110 teams, have successfully completed the Orientation Training phase; out of which 60 teams were shortlisted to continue on to the Business Planning Phase of the competition. The teams were shortlisted based on set guidelines including evaluation of business ideas and individuals characteristics, he added.



During this stage of the competition, the teams will be working very closely with the mentors for the duration of two months in order to develop their business plans. Thirty teams will make it to the next stage which is the Prototype Phase. The prototypes will then be exhibited during an event held in one of the shopping malls in July.  TradeArabia News Service
Gulf Bank sponsored Injaz Kuwaits recent Entrepreneurship Masterclass Competition for high school students in government schools.



The two-day competition at the Community Development Centre in Bayan named the top entrepreneurial teams in the boys and girls categories.



The Entrepreneurship Masterclass Competition is a one-day event organized by Injaz Kuwait and delivered by 30 volunteers including several Gulf Bank employees. The competition follows a series of workshops which introduced the high school students to the concept of self-employment and entrepreneurship and afforded them the opportunity to meet volunteers who are pioneers in the business community.



The interactive workshops also enabled students to engage in thought-stimulating activities to help them expand their horizons, while also considering their future professional careers. These series of workshops were followed by multiple competitions between teams of students during the academic year of 2016-2017, leading to the selection of different teams to participate in the final competition.



As a result, Entrepreneurship Masterclass Competitions for boys and girls were held to select top winners. The two-day competitions convened 19 teams of 250 students and showcased their business projects. A panel of judges, which included five managers from Gulf Bank, selected the winners. The criteria for winning was based on creativity and feasibility of the students projects.



In the boys category, Jaafar bin Abi Talib was selected as the winning school for their project entitled Eventkom, which is an event planning application designed to assist with party planning.



As for the girls competition, Asmas Bnt Abi Bakr was selected as the winning school for their project entitled Global Aid which is a mobile application that arranges wheelchair services for clients across airports, hotels, malls, and other locations.



Salma Al-Hajjaj, general manager of Human Resources at Gulf Bank said: Gulf Bank is delighted to have sponsored the exciting two-day competition for governmental high school students. The Bank is proud of its longstanding partnership and support of Injaz Kuwait who is dedicated to training the youth of Kuwait to help them build successful careers.



Last year our employees participated in over 50 Injaz programs and impacted over 1,500 students. We also the Financial Literacy Champions leading 14 personal finance courses for hundreds of students in public and private schools across Kuwait. We are committed to continuing to support these vital programs and work of Injaz Kuwait.



Injaz Kuwait has contributed to the education of 9,000 students for the academic year 2015-2016. This was made possible with the contributions over 800 volunteers from the Kuwait private sector, where 413 students in schools and universities have successfully completed the Company Program in 2015-2016.  TradeArabia News Service
Russia and Saudi Arabia will launch joint projects worth $3 billion by the end of the year, speaker of Russias Federation Council said on Monday, according to a media report.



Valentina Matviyenko was speaking at a meeting with members of the Russian-Saudi Business Council, the official Russian news agency TASS reported.



"Although Saudi Arabia ranks second among the Arab states in terms of trade with Russia, the volume of mutual trade turnover in the past year has significantly decreased, Matviyenko was quoted as saying in the report, which cited the press service of the Federation Council.



"This does not correspond to the potential that our countries have, we are interested in expanding economic ties," the speaker highlighted.



According to Matviyenko, the most promising areas of cooperation are energy, geological exploration, mining, petrochemicals, tanker construction, investment cooperation, and the training of personnel.



She reiterated that Russia offers its partners great opportunities for business development and investment. "The parliament adopted the laws improving the investment and business climate," she said.



Matviyenko noted that "the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Sovereign Fund of Saudi Arabia successfully cooperate."



"Thanks to them, projects totalling about $600 million have been implemented and projects worth $3 billion should be launched by the end of this year," she said.
The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale worth $1.06 billion to Iraq for pilot and maintenance training, contractor logistical support (CLS) for trainer aircraft, and base support, said a report.



The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 11, added the Iraq Business News report.



The principal contractor is Spartan College, Tulsa, Oklahoma. At this time, there are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale, it said.



The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of pilot training; maintenance training; and contractor logistical services support for C-172, C-208, and T-6 aircraft for up to five years to include contractor aircraft modification; repair and spare parts; publications; aircraft ferry; and miscellaneous parts, along with training base operation support, base life support, security, construction, and other related elements of programme support.



The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to provide for a stable, sovereign, and democratic Iraq, capable of combating terrorism and protecting its people and sovereignty, the state department said.



Iraq currently owns 12 C-172, five C-208, and 15 T-6 training aircraft.



The training pipeline will allow the Iraqi Air Force to tailor pilot training for several US-origin operational aircraft.



The C-172s and T-6s are Iraqs training platforms for their mobility and fighter attack fleets. The C-208s are Iraqs platform of choice for training its Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) pilots.



The proposed sale of training and support services will improve the Iraqs ability to train its pilots and maintenance technicians. By training its own pilots and maintenance technicians in-country, Iraq will decrease its overseas training requirements, significantly reduce its training costs, and will enhance its ability to take over the sustainment of its aircraft.



Iraq will have no difficulty absorbing this support. In addition to its primary mission  pilot and maintenance training for Iraqi Air Force personnel  this proposed sale includes Contractor Logistical Support costs for the trainer aircraft, as well as possible future construction and base operation support costs.



The proposed sale of this training and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Bahraini companies of all sizes have learned of the unique opportunities to grow their business in the lead-up to, during and after Expo 2020 Dubai, the first World Expo to be staged in the Arab World and Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.



Building on the UAEs close ties with Bahrain, a team from Expo 2020 Dubai visited the country as part of its wider GCC Roadshow  designed to encourage business engagement and growth across the region and highlight the lasting benefits of working with Expo 2020  to outline the opportunities available to Bahrains business community, said a statement.



The visit, which took place from April 17 and 18, saw the Expo 2020 Dubai team meet key entities including Bahrains Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bahrain Economic Development Board and Tamkeen, as well as engaging in dialogue with key industry figures and the wider business community, it said.



The Expo 2020 Dubai team also presented to members of Bahrains business community at an event hosted by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities on April 17  including representatives from the industrial, manufacturing, retail, financial services, media, government, and real estate sectors  highlighting specific opportunities for integration into the Expo 2020 supply chain.



They also spoke to the wider business community, including small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), at a workshop organised by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry the following day to outline expos transparent and inclusive procurement process.



SMEs are a key driver of Bahrains economy, contributing approximately 30 per cent of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) in 2015. Expo 2020 Dubai is committed to integrating SMEs and tapping into their innovation and agility, with 20 per cent of Expos budget  equating to more than Dh5 billion ($1.36 billion)  to be spent with SMEs, said a statement.



Expo runs from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021 and will attract millions of visitors from around the world. A large proportion of visitors are expected to come from the GCC, which is the UAEs largest source market for tourism - with 3.4 million visitors to Dubai alone from the Gulf in 2016.



Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and commissioner general of the Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: These meetings are instrumental in raising awareness among the various sectors about the commercial, economic and cultural opportunities of this international celebration.



I commend the organisers of Expo 2020 Dubai for their high level of preparations to ensure the success of this international congregation in the GCC region. I also note the role of the GCC nations and the UAE in particular in promoting the Arab and Gulf culture and the values of openness, coexistence and respect for the differences that distinguish our countries, she added.



Zayed Bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Bahrain, said: The kingdom is proud of its strong presence in various international events and expos, and has a clear footprint in most of them thanks to the governments leadership and continuous support to promote the country as a preferred destination for global investments and projects.





Expo 2020 Dubai is an exceptional event in an exceptional country. In Bahrain, we always seek to share with our GCC brothers the cultural and future image of our country, which our government looks to draw through the Bahrain Vision 2030. Participation in the expo is a qualitative leap and an experience which the Bahraini business community should take advantage of, he added.



Manal AlBayat, senior vice president, business development and integration, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: Bahrains thriving business community has an important role to play in supporting Expo 2020 Dubai, and we want to ensure that companies are aware of the opportunities that exist and the mechanism of how they can be involved in helping us deliver a remarkable World Expo, which leaves a meaningful legacy for generations.



For businesses, both large and small, Expo 2020 Dubai is a chance to showcase their capabilities on a global stage and benefit from an environment that will encourage the fostering of partnerships and offer greater access to new markets, he added.



Expo 2020 Dubai will also offer GCC countries with a platform to showcase their national branding and culture  as well as their achievements and future vision  to the millions attending Expo.



This year alone, Expo 2020 Dubai will award more than 140 contracts, worth over Dh11 billion ($2.99 billion). Many of these contracts are for goods and services of particular relevance to firms across the GCC, such as the 5,000 unique products that will be sold as part of Expo 2020s licensing programme, it said.



Through its GCC Roadshow, which successfully launched in Oman in March, Expo 2020 Dubai is visiting countries across the region, including Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in the coming months, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
A Black Hawk helicopter of the Saudi Armed Forces crashed on Tuesday morning while on a mission in Marib, Yemen, resulting in the martyrdom of four officers and eight rank officers, reported state news agency Wam, citing the Coalition Forces Command in Support of Yemen Legitimate Government.



Investigations are on to determine the cause of the accident, the report added.
ON THE MOVE: DB, JPM, Triad Land Senior Execs

Deutsche Bank has reversed the exodus of staff that have departed the bank over the last several weeks with two new senior new hires in its Global Markets Americas business. Lori Arndt onboarded as Global Head of Client Strategy in Equities, where she will run equities client strategy, resource allocation, management reporting, reference data and monitoring tools across all equities product lines. Arndt previously worked at Surveyor Capital, a unit of Citadel, and also worked at Goldman Sachs and Nomura.

Also, Chris McCarthy was hired as a Director in Global Credit Trading, and Ronnie Shah, as a Director in Research, specializing in Quantitative Equity Strategy. Shah joins the bank from Gerstein Fisher Funds and previously served in senior quantitative research roles at BlackRock and Dimensional Fund Advisors.

If you have a new job or promotion to report, let me know at jdantona@marketsmedia.com

Matt Mallgrave, head of US equity flow trading at Credit Suisse, resigned, according to people familiar with the matter. Mallgrave, according to reports, is said tobe joining rival JPMorgan. Also at JPM, Marco Dion, head of the central risk book trading desk in Europe for equities, is departing after almost a decade at the US bank. He reported to Tim Johnston, head of equities cash trading in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Axioma, a provider of enterprise market risk and portfolio analytics solutions, has hired ex-BlackRock strategist Christopher Woida as Managing Director and head of its Index Business. He is responsible for strategy, development and sales in Axiomas indexing initiative. Woida, who was with BlackRock for the last seven years, was one of the managers investment strategists and a founding member of the Factor-Based Strategies Group. While there he helped to build the companys smart beta and factor-based platforms. He contributed to the design of the companys first fixed income smart beta ETF, and its quantitative fixed income liquid alternatives mutual fund. More recently, he was the lead investment strategist for BlackRocks flagship style factor hedge fund. Prior to that he was with Deutsche Bank Securities for two years, specializing in fixed income structured sales. He began his career at Intel Corporation, where he was a Senior R&D Engineer.

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A new kind of travel app introduced to the market just might overhaul the way tourist companies serve as tour agents. With Zeeno, travelers of all types can now book a local guide who speaks the language they want and offers the type of tours they wantall these with just a click of the fingers.

Real travelers know that there's so much more to traveling than just sightseeing and the convenience of getting to such tourist destinations. Traveling should not just be about the sights and trivia that one can easily look up to on the internet. It should also be about connecting with the locals, mixing with people of different backgrounds and sharing experiences together that all constitutes to building memories worth keeping for a lifetime - exactly what Zeeno, the new travel app, aims to achieve.

This mobile travel app gives the power of flexibility and control back to travelers. Once again, travelers can choose the schedule, place, and the type of activities they'd rather do, even the local guide who speaks their preferred language. Zeeno's reminding the traveling community there's no more need to book a tour in advance, stick to a predetermined schedule or put up with the overplayed transactional tours set up by tour companies.

Just like most of this year's best travel apps listed by Forbes, Zeeno can be downloaded via Apple Store and Google Play for free. It's also easy to use. Once you've had it downloaded, you just need to choose your preferred type of local tour and then book a local guide based on user reviews, the guide's biography and customized tours. You can then give instructions on where the guide should pick you up and make payments through the app. While different online tools serve to enhance the traveling experience, Zeeno redefines how traveling should be done.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Vijay Mallya insisted that he is innocent and all the buzz about the extradition case is just the usual media hype.

By Devina Gupta: Its beginning of the end of his good times, as Vijay Mallya is arrested by Scotland yard in London on charges of fraud. Indian government which has been working the diplomatic channel pressing the Indo-UK extradition treaty, has said its a 'big win'.

"We are working continuously to ensure that guilty are punished and are not let off", said Santosh Gangwar, Mos Finance to India Today.

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The absconder businessman who escaped to London last year when faced with pressure to repay his debt of Rs 9000 crore to public banks, Vijay Mallya has refused to co-operate with the Indian investigation agencies so far. He has ignored repeated summons from Enforcement Directorate (ED) and CBI, even cried 'witch-hunt' blaming the media for maligning him but now he faces the long awaited legal proceedings.

ED has tried to raise red corner interpol notice against him and the Centre sought his deportation from London, but both were rejected.

That's when Indian government took the Mutual legal assistance treaty route last may, flagging off concerns of the financial fraud of Vijay Mallya. It was the key meeting in London between the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and UK premier Theresa May in March this year that pushed the case. Infact at an event at London School of Economics, Arun Jaitley had even commented that "democracy is liberal enough to permit defaulters to stay".

Scotland Yard confirmed in a statement that "Metropolitan Police's extradition Unit arrested Vijay Mallya on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud"

The centre is already mulling the next step which is to extradite Vijay Mallya, but it is easier said than done. The first step has been taken after UK ratified India's request on February 21 for Mallya's extradition and Westminster Magistrates Court has issued a warrant for his arrest. Although he got bail today, the Indian authorities will now have to help the prosecution to present water tight evidence against Mallya.

"Government is following all legal procedures to ensure that he is brought back, we will not spare him", said Santosh Gangwar, MoS Finance exclusively to India Today.

For now Vijay Mallya has claimed that he is innocent and tweeted "Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected"

ALSO READ:

Vijay Mallya arrested in London, gets bail; usual Indian media hype, he says

The flight and fall of Mallya

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Honeymoons come in different forms. For some, it's a safari trip or a beach vacation, but for others, it's just spending a nice relaxing time getting pampered at a luxurious hotel or resort. Whatever you fancy, here are some of the best hotels in the world that would offer you the perfect honeymoon experience.

The Resort At Pedregal (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico). According to The Resort At Pedregal website, this gorgeous place is carved into a cliff at the base of towering mountains and is surrounded by pristine beaches. Located in Mexico's Baja Peninsula, the resort has 118 rooms that come with a private terrace and a hot tub overlooking the ocean. It's really a dreamy place for couples to spend quality time with each other.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives At Landaa Giraavaru. Four seasons has a couple of resorts in Maldives, but the one in Landaa Giraavaru is the perfect spot for honeymooners. The place offers private romantic candlelight dinners on a sandbank, couple massages and sunset cruises that would take you to the Biosphere Reserve.

Amangiri (Utah, USA). If you prefer a little bit of adventure, head out to the vast deserts of Utah and spend your honeymoon at Amangiri. Its 34 suites, private courtyards, and stunning views of the dessert will give that perfect honeymoon ambiance for newlyweds.

Helena Bay Lodge (New Zealand). According to CNN, the Helena Bay Lodge in New Zealand offers the most intimate and romantic experience for honeymooners. The place only accommodates 10 guests at maximum so couples are assured that they would have privacy as much as possible. It has five villas with terraces that have breathtaking views of Helena Bay.

Four Seasons Resort Serengeti (Tanzania). For couples who love wildlife, head out to the Four Seasons resort in Serengeti and get lost in the wilderness with your significant other. It has 77 luxurious rooms that blend in with the vast wilderness of the surrounding environment. It also offers couples spa treatments that use local herbal plants and minerals.

Whether it's a honeymoon, anniversary or just a romantic time with your partner, these hotels are the perfect holiday destinations. It will really be a memorable trip of a lifetime going to these places.



See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
It seems that United Airlines is never short on controversies. The "passenger dragging" issue is still blowing up on social media, but yet another issue is being faced by United. This time, a bride and groom who they were kicked off their flight.

Michael Hohl and Amber Maxwell were flying from Houston to Liberia, Costa Rica, on a connecting flight. They had a layover at George Bush International Airport, and when they boarded their plane, they found a man sleeping in their designated seats, according to NBC News. Rather than waking the man, they decided to sit in Row 21, since they saw that nobody's sitting on them.

The couple said they did not think it was a big deal since their flight was only half-full and had a couple of empty rows. But when Michael and Amber sat in their seats, a flight attendant asked them if they are sitting in their designated seats, and when they told her no, she asked them to return to their ticketed seats.

Michael and Amber did not know that Row 21 are composed of "economy plus" seats, and when they asked for an upgrade, the flight attendant didn't agree. They immediately proceeded to go back to their ticketed seats but a US Marshal boarded the flight and told the couple to get off.

According to Fox News, the couple was afraid they are going to be treated the same way as the passenger involved in the United Airlines scandal, so they immediately got off the flight. "They said that we were being disorderly and a hazard to the rest of the flight, to the safety of the other customers," Michael said. "I think customer service and the airlines has gone real downhill. The way United Airlines handled this was really absurd."

But according to United, the couple's story is not true as there were no federal marshals involved in the incident. The couple was asked to deplane because they wouldn't follow the crew's instructions and kept on sitting the upgraded seats they did not purchase.

As a compensation, United Airlines rebooked the couple the following day, but according to Michael and Amber, it's likely they wouldn't choose to fly with United ever again.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
To be able to keep up with the demands of the growing tourism industry, Santo Domingo, the oldest colonial city in Latin America, is currently under an extensive renovation project. The project involves millions of dollars' worth of reparations and innovations, a plan to make this historic city more appealing to tourists.

NBC News reported that the funding involved in the restoration project was due to a $120 million loan courtesy of Inter-American Development Bank, something that would still have to be approved by the Dominican Republic's Congress 100 percent. When done, Santo Domingo would be a bustling city restored to its former splendor, for the benefit of the tourists as well the local residents.

Although this project is great news for business owners, it is not wholeheartedly supported by the city's residents. Some of them were afraid that they are going to be priced out with the new businesses coming into the area, and that more tourists coming into their old city are going to be traumatic for them.

A large part of the funding goes to the installation of new streetlights, repairing old streets, and restoring centuries-old buildings. The Dominican Republic welcomes 5 million tourists each year, and part of the restoration project is to entice the visitors to spend time in the capital's historic center as well instead of just spending time on the beach.

Official figures showed that new investments and business are slowly pouring in Santo Domingo over the past five years. More than 300 new condominiums, cafes, and restaurants are opening left and right in the colonial center.

The government reassures its residents that the restoration is not purely for economic development but also for the betterment of their lives. Despite all this, most residents aren't reassured.

Santo Domingo is the capital of Dominican Republic and is the first European City of the New World, according to Wiki Travel. Bartolome Columbus, Christopher Columbus's brother, founded the city in 1496.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
The force was strong in Orlando, Florida, over the weekend as 50,000 fans of all ages from all over the world gathered for the 2017 Star Wars Celebration. Those present at the four-day annual convention were also the first to see the trailer for the upcoming film "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."

The annual gathering in Orlando that ran from Thursday to Sunday saw a convergence of fans in costumes appearing as Jedi, Rebels, droids, Ewoks and galactic beings. What creator George Lucas intended to be "a film for 12-year-olds" spawned the pop-culture phenomenon and became a favorite cosplay costume, a lucrative merchandise and even inspired real-world robotics. The fun-filled event also offered fans with plenty of exclusive treats that's all things "Star Wars."

One of those treats is seeing together the stars of the film such as Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Liam Neeson and Samuel L. Jackson trading banters with Lucas during Thursday's Star Wars Celebration Day 1. The moment when the fans together with the cast and crew stood at attention while listening to John Williams and the Orlando Philharmonic play the film's celebrated theme song made the opening ceremony as touching as it could get, according to Chicago Tribune. Billie Lourd's also made an appearance Thursday, adding a nostalgic mood as Carrie Fisher, her mother and the actress who played Princess Leia, passed away last year.

It's been 40 years since the release of the "Star Wars" film that started it all but the force still continues to remain strong across generations of fans. Lucas' brainchild about "a galaxy far, far away" became one of the most successful film franchises with a total of seven released films to date. "It connects people, it binds people, it brings the Force together, that's what makes 'Star Wars' fans, 'Star Wars' fans," abc7 quoted a fan who attended the celebration in Orlando as saying.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
The month of April does not only mark spring break. It is also the time of the year when the United States of America celebrates the National Park Week. To give you a quick guide on this celebration, here are some of the national parks in the US that you can visit for free.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Located in the southeastern part of Alaska, the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve stores some of the world's most incredible sceneries, snow-capped mountains and forests. This national park is also considered as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. Aside from the thick glaciers coming from the mountains, the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is also a perfect place to those who love to discover an amazing terrestrial and marine life.

Lassen Volcanic National Park. This national park in Mineral, California, is abundant with resources and activities that enable the visitors to enjoy the positive effects of several eruptions of the volcanoes housed within its premises. Whether it is summertime or winter, the Lassen Volcanic National Park has a lot of adventures and outdoor activities stored for guests. You can also bring your kids and let them join a Volcano Club where they will be able to learn everything about the Lassen Volcanic, Ecophiles says.

Virgin Islands National Park. If you want to be stunned by beautiful beaches, hills and valleys, the Virgin Islands National Park is the perfect match for you. This paradise covers approximately 60 percent of Saint John's island in the US Virgin Islands. According to the National Park Service, a trip to the Virgin Islands National Park will take you back to the history of the island where both slaves and freemen lived. This culturally and historically rich place has many activities for guests of all ages. You can take a short hike, go snorkeling, or discover its wildlife and marine life.

Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone National Park is the world's very first national park. It covers Wyoming as well as other parts of Idaho and Montana. Here you can find the breathtaking view of the Upper Geyser Basin and the Lamar Valley where you can actually witness an amazing wildlife with bison, elks, antelopes, bears and wolves. But the most popular catch in the Yellowstone National Park is the eruption of the Old Faithful Geyser. It was the first geyser in the Yellowstone National Park to receive a name and is also known for its eruption which happens every 44 to 125 minutes.

Yosemite National Park. Situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, Yosemite National Park is popularly known for its ancient and huge sequoia trees and waterfalls, more particularly the Yosemite Fall. You can take the Mist Trail or the Tioga Road for a totally rewarding experience once you have reached the summit. Guests are also allowed to hiking in the High Sierra Camps for a day or even more.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
"Game of Thrones" fanatics should be able to identify some of Iceland's most spectacular locations. The views don't just look breathtaking, they will also remind fans of the land beyond The Wall where Jon Snow used to serve as a member of the Night's Watch.

Dmitry Bubonets, a Russian photographer and videographer, captured a drone footage that revealed the heart-stopping "Game of Thrones" locations in Iceland. Bubonets said of the Nordic island nation that the "landscape is not totally from this Earth," citing how it holds even more volcanoes than its total population. "And that moss is so green compared to the gloomy cloudy weather outside that you may think that everything is photoshopped," the 26-year-old told Lonely Planet.

The hit HBO series certainly pumped tourism in Iceland and boosted its number of annual tourists from 566,000 in 2011, when "Game of Thrones" first aired, to over a million in 2015. Jon Thor Benediktsson, a local guide for The Travelling Viking, told The Telegraph that the "Game of Thrones effect" raised their once-tiny company "to new heights" and that most tours navigate around the series' filming locations. He added that most of the tourists "come dressed for the occasion, in fake animal skins and furs - so they look like Jon Snow."

Benediktsson starts off his tours in Iceland's northern coast town of Akureyri and around Lake Myvatn, also known by "Game of Thrones" buffs as the land beyond The Wall. The itinerary features filming locations such as the frozen lava fields of Dimmuborgir, the Hverastrond Sulphur Springs and the Grjotagja cave where tourists most eagerly want to see because it's supposed to be where Jon Snow and Ygritte made love.

Iceland's "Game of Thrones" filming locations also include the Svinafellsjokull glacier for shots of scenes beyond The Wall and the Hofabrekkuheii as part of northern Westeros. Vatnajokull, the largest ice cap in Europe, featured in season two while the Thingvellir National Park witnessed the battle between Brienne and the Hound in season four.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
China had hoped for at least some senior Western leaders to attend the summit, including British Prime Minister Theresa May, to burnish the plan's international credentials and make it less China-centric.

By Reuters: Only one leader of a big Western country is attending China's most important diplomatic event of the year, a summit next month on President Xi Jinping's New Silk Road strategy, as China's foreign minister denied it had been snubbed.

Xi has championed what China formally calls the "One Belt, One Road" or OBOR initiative to build a new Silk Road linking Asia, Africa and Europe, a landmark programme to invest billions of dollars in infrastructure projects including railways, ports and power grids.

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China has dedicated $40 billion to a Silk Road Fund and the idea was the driving force behind the establishment of the $50 billion China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Diplomatic sources in Beijing said China had hoped for at least some senior Western leaders to attend the summit, including British Prime Minister Theresa May, to burnish the plan's international credentials and make it less China-centric.

But a list of attendees announced by Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday included only one leader from the Group of Seven (G7) industrialised nations, Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, who took over in December after his predecessor quit following a crushing defeat in a reform referendum.

28 LEADERS TO ATTEND THE SUMMIT

Wang confirmed the presence of the presidents of Russia and the Philippines as among 28 leaders coming, along with the Spanish, Greek, Hungarian, Serb and Polish prime ministers and Swiss and Czech presidents.

"This is a positive, cooperative agreement, and we don't want to politicise it," Wang told reporters when asked if China was upset at the absence of most major Western leaders.

"This is an economic cooperation forum, an international cooperation platform that everyone is paying attention to, supports and hopes to participate in," he said, adding representatives of 110 countries would come.

British finance minister Philip Hammond will come as May's representative, while Germany and France are having elections at the time and will send high-level representatives, Wang said.

"They have explained to us many times, France has elections in May, as does Germany about then, so their leaders originally were really willing to attend. This is not a platitude, it's the real information we got."

China is sensitive to any suggestion that what it sees as its benign intentions do not have a receptive global audience, especially in Western capitals.

China was privately upset in 2015 after most Western leaders rebuffed invitations to attend a big military parade through Beijing marking 70 years since the end of World War Two. Western leaders were unhappy that the guest list that included Russian President Vladimir Putin and wary of the message China would send with the show of strength.

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GLOBAL FRIEND

While China has portrayed the New Silk Road as a genuine effort to share the bounty of China's economic development and to fund infrastructure gaps, many Western countries are concerned about a lack of detail and transparency in the project and are suspicious about China's broader political intents.

Diplomatic sources said the presence of Putin and other leaders from countries with dubious human rights records, like the Philippines and Central Asian states, had contributed to a reluctance among Western leaders to attend.

"What Western leader wants to sit on the same stage as Putin?" said one senior Beijing-based Western diplomat who is familiar with the planning for the summit, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Still, at a time of uncertainty about the US place in the world following President Donald Trump's pledges to put America first, China sees an opportunity to become more of a global leader and has found a receptive audience for its New Silk Road.

Leaders from countries that would appear to have little, if any, connection to the plan are coming to the summit, including Chile and Argentina.

"Everyone wants to be China's friend now with Trump in office," said a senior Asian diplomat in Beijing.

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While China says the New Silk Road is not political, it has run into opposition from India due to a section of it in Pakistan, known as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, where some projects run through the disputed Kashmir region.

Wang dismissed those concerns, saying the Pakistan project had nothing to do with the dispute and India was welcome to participate in the New Silk Road.

A senior Indonesian government official said China was aiming for a "spectacular" summit."The Chinese are gunning for ... global leadership so I think this OBOR summit is going to be huge," the official said.

ALSO READ:

China says India to attend Silk Road summit, but no change in its stand on PoK

China accuses India of violating Tibet commitments, warns of actions

--- ENDS ---
Azores Airlines is launching new flights for summer 2017, with service from the Bay Area to Portugal. And there is a deal: Oakland to the Azores (from $449) and from Oakland to Lisbon (from $549) this summer.



(TRAVPR.COM) USA - April 17th, 2017 - Oakland, CA -- Azores Airlines is launching new flights for summer 2017, with service from the Bay Area to Portugal. And there is a deal: Oakland to the Azores (from $449) and from Oakland to Lisbon (from $549) this summer.

The campaign is valid until April 30 for flights on August 9, 16, 23 and September 6. Azores Airlines considers August the perfect time to both visit family and/or explore Terceira Island or Lisbon.

CNN named Lisbon the coolest city in Europe due to its nightlife, experimental cuisine, beaches and castles, design, art and streets. Now combine all this with cheap prices, nice people, good weather and good hotels.

August is the best month for tourists because everyone who lives in Lisbon is on vacation which gives the feeling that they have the all city for themselves, to explore as they please. Theres less traffic and a feeling of calmness in the air. The warm temperatures allow people to enjoy the white sand at Portinho da Arrabida in Setubal or go for a walk in Sintra. And since August is also known for its warm nights, its the perfect time to have dinner at a tasca and try the famous bitoque and then go to Cais do Sodre and dance the night away.

Terceira is the culture capital of Azores and is known for the traditional equestrian bullfight (in the ring) and the popular bull running on a rope (touradas a corda) that happen on the streets and sometimes on the beach. You can also go inside a lava tube, its called Algar do Carvao (coal pit) and its one of the few volcanoes in the world you can visit and the only one in which visitors can explore a volcanic chimney and secondary magma chambers.

The capital is Angra do Heroismo and its historic center was declared World Heritage Site due to its importance in the maritime explorations of the 15th and 16th centuries, representing a link between the New World and Europe.

For some wine go to Biscoitos. This little town is covered with green pastures and small vineyards protected by black basalt walls. The coast is marked by many deep breaches and coves, often creating beautiful natural swimming pools and there are platforms and steps for those who feel tempted to swim in the clear waters. Theres also a small wine museum with the Verdelho grape history.

This campaign has a limited number of seats and its not combinable with any other offer, discount or promotion. The prices are one way. Azores Airlines, part of the SATA Group, has connected New England with the Azores and mainland Portugal for more than 35 years and now is also connecting the Bay Area. For more information about booking flights visit http://www.azoresairlines.pt or call 800-762-9995.

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Vietnam is a beautiful country of rice paddies, cyclos, water buffaloes and tasty food. When people first travel to the country, they know very little about it all but in a couple of days in Vietnam, people will learn quickly. However, there are few things if you know about before packing your bag to travel to Vietnam will make your trip so smooth and trouble-free.



(TRAVPR.COM) HANOI - April 18th, 2017 - A motorbikes paradise

There are millions of motorbike in Vietnam, some even says If you dont have a motorbike here, you are nobody. So the traffic in Vietnam is extremely dense and complicated. Parking space for motorbikes in Vietnam is at a premium and some pavements have become parking lots. Sometimes this mean that pedestrians have no option but to share the road with traffic. In that case, be on high alert.

Vietnamese can carry almost everything on their motorbikes. If there were a competition for how much things can be carried on a motorbike, I bet Vietnamese would be the first to win. In fact, the one thing that makes

Moreover, you will also have to accept the honking in Vietnam. Youll hear a lot of car, truck and motorbike honking in Vietnam. Not kidding at all. That is the habit of Vietnamese drivers. Are you a light sleeper and booked a street view room from your hotel? Think again.

Walk slowly when crossing the street



Watch your belongings

Violent crime is rare, but like any large city, both have their fair share of pickpockets, be very aware in Hanois Old Quarter and Saigons Pham Ngu Lao. Keep your phone and wallet out of sight, use your bag or camera strap. A loose strap is like a moth to a flame for motorbike thieves. So make sure to put your bag or camera across your chest over your shoulder to make it a less obvious target. There is no need to be overly cautious, simply be aware of your belongings and surroundings.

Dont trust the taxi meter

Ripping off unsuspecting passengers is an art form of dishonest taxi drivers. Not all taxi drivers are dishonest but to be safe, stick with reliable companies such as Hanoi Taxi, Mai Linh and Vinasun. Always remember to take your hotels business card to make your return to the hotel much easier by handing it to your taxi, motorbike taxi (xe om) or cyclo driver. If possible, you can ask someone (receptionist, bellboy, local people) for the idea of how far your hotel is or how much it should cost to avoid trouble of being overcharged.

Take a break in the afternoon

Dont forget Vietnam is a tropical country, it can be very hot and humid sometimes with temperature around 38  40 degree Celsius and above 80% humidity. Break up your sightseeing and go early in the morning and the late afternoon. It can get quite hot visiting the attractions so taking a nice long break in the middle of the day can keep you refreshed for the afternoon activities. However, it gets cold in

Cover up

When visiting temples and pagodas, make sure to pack a shawl or extra shirt to cover your shoulders. Remember that you are visiting a piece of history so show it some respect and cover up those shoulders. If you are unsure before entering an attraction, just follow what the locals do.

Be a sensitive snapper

Most people in Vietnam love having their photo taken and will ask to have one with you, but do ask wisely before you take your photo. There are some places like

Bargain

Remember that negotiating is not rude but expected, even if a fixed price is advertised. Haggle for the best price or risk paying well over the actual price of an item. Try the walking away to get a better price. If that doesnt work, you can always go back to the vendor later. Many things in Vietnam are also handmade, so if you like an item and you can afford it, just buy it! Because you may not see the same thing again.

Eat everything

Vietnamese food is so delicious and you will want to try it all. Go ahead and buy a kilo of that strange looking purple fruit or sit down and eat that bowl of whatever noodle, but be aware of hygiene when you are eating street food. To be cautious, opt for vendors who already have customers.

Food Safety Tips: Always eat from stalls where the food is prepared on the spot and cooked hot. Never eat raw, uncooked meats or cut/peeled fruits. Avoid salads, as you dont know if its been washed with tap water. Pho is a good dish to try at a stall, if its made hot. Always go to stalls that you see many Vietnamese at. Observe how they clean their utensils. For tips on water, remember to drink bottled water only, stay away from tap water even though you are staying in a 5 star hotel.

Finally, remember that you are on holiday

There is so much to do and see, but dont forget to stop every once in a while to pull up a small plastic chair, order a cup of traditional Vietnam cafe, and take it all in. While sights and activities hold interest, sometimes you can throw away your guide-book or forget the fixed itinerary, you will learn more about the culture by adjusting to the local pace.

By: Nadova Tours

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Visit.org, the worlds leading platform for social impact travel experiences, has partnered with Photographers Without Borders, world leaders in photography and documentary services with social impact, to benefit both Companies partners.



(TRAVPR.COM) USA - April 18th, 2017 - NEW YORK,NY., April 18, 2017 -- Visit.org, the worlds leading platform for social impact travel experiences, has partnered with Photographers Without Borders, world leaders in photography and documentary services with social impact, to benefit both Companies partners. PWBxVisit.org is a result of the necessity to provide social ventures (nonprofits and other community-based enterprises) the means to have a substantial presence in the digital age. Quality still imagery and video will enhance social ventures digital presence while mainstream tourism products will financially support their missions.

This groundbreaking collaboration will launch with 65 social ventures and is monumental for both parties. Photographers Without Borders will be able to vastly expand their network of nonprofit partners while Visit.org will be able to provide their established partners with professional photographers to capture their missions. The joint effort is a natural extension of both Companies missions to generate awareness for do-good organizations around the world. Both parties promote and support sustainable experiences that focus on local communities all over the world. The joint effort supports a shared common goal of increasing positive travel to local communities all over the world.



Founded in 2015 by social entrepreneur Michal Alter, Visit.org is changing global access to impactful travel by offering over 500 tours in 64 countries. Visit.org is the debut marketplace for social impact travel experiences hosted by social ventures around the world. The platform offers users authentic activities that are unique to the partner organizations cause and can be added to any trip itinerary. 100% of hosts revenue is invested back into the local community.

Photographers Without Borders is a perfect pairing for the Visit.org platform as they have a network of over 500 incredible photographers who are passionate about social issues and are eager to donate their time and talents to benefit our partner organizations. Our partners are creating paradigm shifts in their local communities and now Photographers Without Borders will be there to help capture their efforts, Michal Alter, Visit.org CEO.

Photographers Without Borders was established nearly a decade ago by Founder Danielle Da Silva. Visual materials are an important tool for sharing, exchanging, and connecting communities around the globe. Providing this service pro-bono has had a massive impact for grassroots NGOs that could not otherwise afford quality multimedia. The nonprofit operates with a strict code of ethics to ensure professionalism. Images captured on Photographers Without Borders projects have been shared by the United Nations and have been published in National Geographic and Asian Geo.



Through the PWBxVisit.org partnership Photographers Without Borders will select talented artists based on their skills, personality and dedication to the relevant humanitarian cause. The selected photographers will spend 10-14 days on the ground with the specific organization. This time period will allow the talent to understand the mission of the project and how the group is working to alleviate their chosen issue. They will constantly be capturing footage and will edit and package everything within two weeks to send back to the host organization. The photos and video will be used as storytelling tools to help the selected missions garner awareness and support.

Photographers Without Borders CEO, Danielle Da Silva said, there is strong synergy between PWB and Visit.org. I spend the majority of my time visiting NGOs and documenting their work. I know how meaningful and enriching impactful experiences can be for travelers which is what initially grabbed my attention about Visit.org. We are fortunate to have Visit.org supporting our goals by connecting us with more charitable partners around the globe.

About Photographers Without Borders:

Photographers Without Borders (PWB) is a registered, volunteer-run not-for-profit organization based in Toronto, Canada and a registered charity in the United States with 501(c)(3) status. PWB Canada was founded by Danielle Da Silva in 2009 while PWB USA was founded by Phil Spitze in 2006. The organization now operates as one entity with Danielle Da Silva as the CEO. We are over 500 photographers strong, have worked in over 30 countries and have completed over 100 projects to date. Our images are published in places such as United Nations Handbooks and National Geographic.

About Visit.org Inc.:

Visit.org is a NY-based startup founded in 2015 and is the worlds leading platform for social impact travel experiences hosted by do-good organizations. 100% of hosts' revenue is invested back into the local communities. The platform offers 545 immersive and impactful travel experiences in 65 countries. Visit.org won Columbia Business Schools 2015 fund for Social Entrepreneurship, the Inc. Magazine and Salesforce Small Business Big Impact competition 2016 and the Accenture ConsumerTech Award 2017. Key business partnerships include Expedia and TripAdvisor. Visit.org, meet the world in person! Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn and the Visit.org Blog.





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American fans of Irelands famous dark stout may soon be able to visit the site where the delectable brew is made without having to book a trip to Dublin. This fall, Guinness plans to open a brewery in Baltimore County, Md., the first of its kind in the United States.

Construction is already underway on the brewery/taproom in the Maryland town of Relay, approximately nine miles southwest of the city of Baltimore. Although the brewery will use similar brewing methods to those employed at St. Jamess Gate in Dublin, the Maryland location will not brew the dark brown stout on site, but instead will develop its own Americanized beer in the form of a lager. Visitors who crave the traditional stout will still be able to consume it at the U.S. location, but it will be shipped from Ireland, just like every other Guinness pint in the world. Thats how much value the Guinness brand places in authenticity and the perfect pour.

Brewers will continuously experiment with ingredients and methods to develop other signature brews catered to the American consumer, all of which will be on tap at the brewery.

Scheduled to open on the 200th anniversary of Guinnesss arrival in America, this will also be the first brewery to open in the state of Maryland since before Prohibition.
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A culture festival centralized on Mongolian ethnic customs was held in Berlin from April 16 to 17, with the purpose of promoting Inner Mongolian traditions and increasing art exchanges between China and Germany.

A performer from Inner Mongolia plays the horsehead fiddle (a special musical instrument unique to Inner Mongolia) in Berlin, Germany on April 16. [Photo/CRI]
Yash Goyal

Jaipur, April 18

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) today said it would set up a refinery-cum-petrochemical complex of 9 million metric tonne per annum (MMTPA) capacity at a cost of Rs 43,129 crore at Pachpadra in Barmer district in a joint venture with the Rajasthan Government in the next 4-5 years.

An MoU in this regard was signed by Aparna Arora, Senior Secretary, Rajasthan Government, and Vinod S of HPCL at a function attended by Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Gas Dharmendra Pradhan and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

Mukesh Kumar Surana, CMD, HPCL, said the complex would have a state-of-the-art technology with best combination of process units for maximising the value and refinery will produce petrol and diesel meeting BS-VI specifications and petrochemicals such as polypropylene, polyethylene and other products. The refinery will have flexibility to process a mix of locally available Rajasthan crude and other types of local and imported crudes, he said.

The project is expected to be completed within four years from the last date of receipt of all statutory approvals. The state has allotted 4,800 acres at Pachpadra for this project.

Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the project would be set up by a joint-venture company named "HPCL Rajasthan Refinery" in which HPCL will hold 74% equity and Rajasthan Government 26%.

The Rajasthan Government will provide viability gap funding of Rs 1,123 crore per year for 15 years starting from the year of commercial production in the form of interest-free loan which shall be refunded by the JV company to the state government in the next 15years, the minister said.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said the project would offer a huge potential for developing downstream industries and other service sectors in and around the region and provide opportunities for direct and indirect employment.

Project likely to complete in four years

HPCL will hold 74% equity and the Rajasthan Government 26% in the project

The state government will provide viability gap funding of Rs 1,123 crore per year for 15 years starting from the year of commercial production in the form of interest-free loan

It will produce petrol and diesel meeting BS-VI specifications and petrochemicals such as polypropylene, polyethylene and other products

The refinery will have flexibility to process a mix of locally available Rajasthan crude and other types of imported crude

The project is expected to be completed within four years from the last date of receipt of all statutory approvals

Cairn to invest Rs 27,000 crore in Rajasthan
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 18

Air India will not take off in a new direction, at least for the time being. The much-awaited flight to Bangkok is likely to get delayed as a slot for the same is not available, the Punjab and Haryana High Court was informed this afternoon.

The Bench was told that the only slot it was getting was late night. It was added that the matter was being taken up with the authorities concerned. In February, Air India had made it clear that it would start its Chandigarh to Bangkok flight in May. As the case hovering around making the Chandigarh international airport fully functional came up for resumed hearing before the High Court, the airlines informed the Bench of its decision.

Air India was to initially launch the flight in April, but a delay in the delivery of two new aircraft resulted in deferring the launch till May. The developments took place during the hearing of a petition filed by the Mohali Industries Association against the non-operation of the Chandigarh international airport.

The Bench, on a previous date of hearing, was told that the Centre was going to hold a meeting with the Dubai authorities on a bilateral agreement regarding air operations. The authorities were hopeful that an agreement would be reached on the allotment of the Chandigarh-Dubai slot. FlyDubai was willing to launch Chandigarh-Dubai flights, but the Centre had refused to give permission because of non-availability of slots on this route in view of the bilateral agreement between the two countries.

FlyDubai was, rather, willing to launch the Chandigarh-Dubai flight twice a day within three weeks of getting the necessary approvals. However, its application seeking approval for launching operations from the Chandigarh airport is pending before the Centre since June 14 last year. Information to this effect was furnished by senior advocate Manmohan Lal Sarin on a previous date of hearing.
Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 18

In what raises doubts over the investigation of the UT police, three women arrested last year in a case of theft of heritage furniture from Le Corbusier Centre, Sector 19, in which a security guard committed suicide and his family alleged police harassment, were today acquitted by the court of Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Jagmeet Singh.

Rekha (35), Seema (40) and Hasheena (30), all residents of a colony in Sector 25, walked free. Deepika Gandhi, Director, Le Corbusier Centre, Sector 19, had complained that eight V-shaped cushion chairs and two tables were stolen from the centre late on September 23 night in 2015.

Sukhchain Singh Gill, the then UT SSP, had claimed that after the accused in the theft of heritage furniture from the storeroom of the Government College of Art, Sector 10, were arrested, the police got a tip-off regarding three women involved in thefts in Sectors 18 and 19, and nearby areas. Based on the tip-off, the three accused were arrested. The furniture was recovered from their houses. According to the police theory, the women entered the campus of Le Corbusier Centre around 3.30 am and went to the place where the furniture was kept to commit the theft. They brought the furniture from the centre to the road and hired a vehicle to transport it.

Delay in arrest: Defence

Defence counsel Randeep S Rana contended that there was a delay of four and a half months in the arrest and "there was no name of the accused in the case". A "missing case" was registered and there was no theft case. The police stated that they arrested them on the basis of the interrogation of Sunil and Fakir Chand, accused in a similar theft case. However, the two were later let off by the police, then how come their co-accused were found to be involved, said Rana. It was stated that it was a false recovery imposed on them and the recovered furniture was not produced in the court; so there was no clarity that it was actually the heritage furniture stolen that day.

Citys heritage auctioned abroad

Heritage furniture from Chandigarh went under the hammer at an auction held in February this year in Paris and was sold for Rs 60 lakh. There have been several auctions of heritage furniture from the UT at foreign auction houses since 2007. The UT Administration has failed to stall these auctions. The authorities there told the Administration that they purchased these items from dealers and had the receipts. Ironically, most of these items were sold as scrap in Chandigarh for a few thousand bucks.
Chandigarh, April 18

Two snatching incidents were reported from the city on Monday night.

Pankaj, a resident of Deep Complex, Hallo Majra, complained that four unidentified boys, all pedestrians, snatched his mobile phone and purse from near a temple at Hallo Majra. The accused then fled from the spot. The police were informed, who visited the spot. A case has been registered at the Sector 31 police station. In the other incident, Ram Kishore, a resident of Sector 47, reported that six unknown boys riding two motorcycles stopped him and snatched Rs 500 from him near the Sector 46/47 small chowk.  TNS

Snatcher arrested

A day after a pedestrian snatched a gold chain from a 78-year-old woman at Sector 41, the police managed to arrest the accused and recover the chain.

Victim Narinder Kaur, a resident of Badheri village, had gone to a park near her house for a walk when the accused snatched her gold chain.

Sources said while fleeing from the spot, the accused dropped his mobile phone that was recovered by the police, leading to his arrest.

The accused was identified as Dharm Chand, alias Dharma, a resident of Attawa village. Police sources said the accused was earlier also arrested in a case of snatching.
Hasan Suroor

LAST week, the gaffe-prone White House spokesman Sean Spicer was forced to apologise following widespread outrage over his remark that Hitler never used chemical gas. Around the same time, at the European end of the pond, French politician Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Front and a front-runner in next weeks presidential election, was facing accusations of rewriting history after she claimed that France was not responsible for the 1942 roundup of thousands of Jews and their deportation to Hitlers gas chambers during the pro-Nazi Vichy regime. Her remarks, which she has refused to withdraw despite a continent-wide row, fed into memories of her father and NF founder Jean-Marie Le Pens history of anti-semitic rants at a time when she is trying hard to distance herself from him as part of an image makeover.

Marine Le Pen, it must be noted, is a big admirer of Donald Trump who himself has been guilty of casual anti-semitism. Her gushing praise for his policies has earned her the sobriquet Trump in skirts. She feels an ideological affinity with the Trump camp that goes beyond their coincidental Nazi gaffes. Her presidential election campaign is straight from the Trump playbook  anti-immigrant, anti-EU, anti-Muslim, isolationist, France first.

As the election approaches, the debate inevitably has turned on the question: what, if  a la her American hero  she wins the presidency? Liberal France is passing through the same anxious period that liberal America did six months ago. A group of alarmed writers, academics, and actors warned in a joint op-ed in the Left-wing Liberation that she was on the threshold of power, and called on saner voices to come together in the name of freedom of thought and creativity. Commentators have described her as a genuine peril  a threat to the French ideals of liberte, egalite, and fraternite. One newspaper even published an imaginary black scenario of the first 100 days of her hypothetical presidency. And high-profile people are talking about going into exile if she wins. French ambassador to Japan, Thierry Dana, was slapped down by his bosses after he threatened to shelve all diplomatic duties if Le Pen won because he cannot loyally defend her positions.

Anxiety is mounting as polls show that she is set to win the first round on April 23 being comfortably ahead of her two main rivals  the charismatic Emmanuel Macron, who quit the Hollande government to launch his own centrist party, En Marche; and Francois Fillon of Nicholas Sarkozys centre-right Republican Party which has effectively disowned him since he was dragged into a criminal investigation into corruption allegations. Le Pen is said to be unstoppable despite facing allegations of misappropriation of EU funds, and the threat of prosecution over a controversial tweet linked to images of ISIS violence.

These are not setbacks...in electoral terms. Le Pens followers see them as attempts by the system to cheat their leader out of office, wrote British writer Jeremy Harding in the London Review of Books amid breathless media reports of her rallies drawing large and enthusiastic crowds, especially in the poorer regions.

Optimists, however, are hoping that pundits and pollsters, predicting her win, will prove as wrong as they did over Brexit and Trump. But what if they dont? What if they do prove right and she does go into the final round on May 7?

Well, theres one last hope: that she could meet the fate that her father met in 2002, when after winning the first round, he lost the final run-off as rivals got together to see him off with their supporters transferring their votes to Jacques Chirac to save France from falling into the hands of a racist demagogue.

The conventional wisdom is that history will most likely repeat itself. The argument is that as the full implications of her victory sink in, voters are likely to desert her. Its said about the two-round French election process that it allows people to vote with their heart in the first round, and with their head in the second. According to this scenario, many  guided by their heart  will vote for Le Pen in the first round, but in the second goaded by their hard-headed common sense  they will plump for Macron. As they did for Chirac against her dad in 2002.

But 2017 is not 2002. For one thing, National Front under Le Pen has sought to shed some of its rougher edges to make it acceptable to a wider constituency, and she seems to have had some success in marketing its new softer image. Secondly, the national mood today is very different with the country facing a strong anti-establishment backlash, especially among the growing army of unemployed youth and the struggling working class. So, dont be surprised if France wakes up on May 8 with Le Pen in the Elysee Palace.

But lets not get ahead of ourselves. At its heart, Europe is still mainly liberal (I dare say, more liberal than America); and some solace can be had from the outcome of recent elections in Austria and the Netherlands. In both countries, voters decisively rejected far-right candidates despite poll predictions to the contrary. The defeat of Geert Wilders (known as the Dutch Le Pen) after a huge build-up was particularly surprising. Notably, in Germany where elections are due later this year, the front-runner against Angela Merkel is a Leftist: Martin Schulz of the Socialist Democratic Party, former president of the European Parliament.

For all this, however, mainstream liberal politics is in crisis. Otherwise, a divisive and polarising figure like Le Pen wouldnt be so close to becoming President of France. It is a measure of the extent to which the post-war liberal order has been eroded that she is even in the reckoning. Yet, barely five years ago, the same France elected a Socialist President amid scenes of euphoria. The Socialists victory after a gap of 20 years was credited with turning the tide on a rightwards and xenophobic lurch in European politics, as The Guardian wrote describing Hollandes win as a boost to the left in a continent that has gradually swung rightwards. Five years later, Socialist candidate Benoit Hamon is so far behind in the race that he barely counts. It must have required an extraordinary feat of incompetence to squander away such a big mandate in such a short period.

What we are witnessing is a battle for the soul of the French Republic and, for now at least, the Devil, it seems, has all the right tunes.

The writer is a London-based commentator
Arun Joshi

THE Kashmir situation is going from bad to worse. In the current situation, almost every household has become a grooming centre for the would-be warriors, where children sing the songs calling for martyrdom to boost their morale These are uploaded on social media and get the intended response. A message of hatred against India is spread and that translates into anger on the streets.

Homes, schools and streets peddle this narrative of Islam and liberation. The tales that parents, teachers and the youngsters bring about the real or imagined or exaggerated versions of the atrocities of the security forces reinforces the thinking that they are living in a besieged land. The talk of the village corners has shifted from devastating militancy of the 1990s to state terrorism. It is something that separatists had been saying for long, now the mainstream leaders, too, have joined the chorus. They are unanimous in demanding restraint from the security forces but are shy of telling the misguided youth to go to schools instead of stoning the security personnel. That has made this narrative of state terrorism more pronounced. A recent video showing the Army using a youth as a human shield has further given credence to this version to the youth.

Conditioned minds

They are conditioned by the mindset of resistance not only for the liberation of Kashmir but also as their religious obligation. Kashmiri nationalism is just a cover, as always. The militancy was guided by the goal of setting up an Islamic Republic in Kashmir. The situation is dreadful  the fear of the Army is over; crowds gather in a matter of seconds and start throwing stones, political workers are either being killed or threatened to declare their disassociation with the political groups that they belong to. The disclaimers broadcast on social media, combined with real-time blood spilling, has infused the atmosphere with extreme fear for commoners. The police department's advisory to its personnel that they should not visit their homes for the next few months is seen an admission of the deteriorating situation where policemen have been told to be extremely cautious. That means that the threat to them is real.

Alongside, there are youth drawn from villages, schools and colleges who are manifesting their anger on the streets using stones, each stone cast with a message that they were ready to face bullets. And, once the bullets are fired, the cycle of funerals, burials, new vows and martyrdom move at an unimagined pace. This cements the feelings that a final battle has to be fought.

A striking factor was that there was a deep element of fear of the search-and-cordon operations. People would sit for hours during search operations. There was an awe. Now such operations are near-impossible. There is no forbidden zone for the stone-throwers or gunmen.

Deadly trio

A new deadly trio has emerged of gunmen, stone-throwers and the crowds offering moral support to them. In 1990, it was hoped that Army would reverse the situation and that it did, making it possible for the politicians to contest elections and form the governments. Then the vested interests in Delhi started playing games  a fair assessment of the situation was dumped as a bad idea because the threats from across the border had not vanished and militancy was not over as yet. The breathing space was scotched.

Nowadays, public anger and hate against India is too pronounced to be ignored. The politicians, who are now calling for restraint by the security forces, were the ones who never bothered to deliver on governance. The basic needs of the people were ignored with contempt. They ruled with the backing of Delhi, and the Centre never held them accountable for their waywardness. They started hiding their failures by claiming that they were working for the larger goal of a political solution to the Kashmir crisis. The new generation did not trust these politicians, who promised sadak, bijli, paani during the election campaign but shifted their narrative to the honourable and dignified solution of the Kashmir crisis. Their flip-flop and mishandling of small incidents snowballed into a bigger crisis of confidence. The political class is seen as opportunistic, collaborators, exploiters and corrupt to core.

Religious identity

Now they suspect that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-backed BJP is trying to undermine their religious identity. Religion is a very sensitive issue in the exclusively Muslim Kashmir. This is the most uniting factor as the pro-freedom leadership started its campaign by driving Kashmiri Pandits out of the Valley. That was in 1990. The 2017 visual realities of the Muslim world clashing with the West and their own youth heckling, slapping, kicking the CRPF jawans has given them the power of aggression. They are sensing a new revolution that would make India retreat.

That is where the situation is not only uncontrollable but also defining new dangers of disintegration of the state that can have a ripple effect on the rest of the places as well. This mindset of resistance is the real challenge for the country now.

ajoshi57@gmail.com
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has managed to register a narrow victory in Turkeys referendum to transform the country as a presidential system. President Erdogans critics  in and out of Turkey  suspect him of staging the referendum for the sole purpose of aggrandising for himself more and more executive powers. The election itself was held in far from ideal conditions; the country is under an emergency regime and the media and the opposition parties found themselves under considerable restraint. This was an election our Nirvachan Sadan would not have conducted. The Turkish voters were given a simple yes or no choice, and only 51.4 per cent of votes were yes, giving President Erdogan a technical win  but not the kind of comprehensive victory that brings with it legitimacy and respectability. It has been noted that Turkeys two largest cities  Istanbul and Ankara, otherwise invariably supportive of the President  voted no.

In a way President Erdogan should feel somewhat frustrated that he has been denied a clean political endorsement in his desire to become the new Sultan of Turkey. And though President Donald Trump has complimented the Turkish leader on his victory, the European leadership is clearly uncertain about the nature of the referendum verdict. The European leaders take the view that the referendum has shown Turkey to be a much more divided a country than believed so far, and they have accordingly urged President Erdogan to seek respectful dialogue with all political and societal powers to find a way forward. In any case, the future of Turkeys relationship with the European Union remains as problematic, if not more, as it was before the referendum vote.

Yet it needs to be acknowledged that President Erdogan is an artful politician who has mastered the current global nationalist game  and has wrapped himself in the colours of Turkish nationalism. He would feel entitled to proceed ahead with his Islamisation time-table, as also restore capital punishment, a move that would make it hugely difficult for the European Union to admit Turkey as a full member. None of this will ease the already entangled geo-politics of the region.
A US immigration visa that allows American companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers, in case US workers are not available for specialised jobs, is now being tweaked. President Donald Trump has acted on his electoral promises to target the H-1B visas, which have been widely used by Indian technical workers to work in the US. It will not be an exaggeration to say that this visa has been the backbone of the IT influx from India to the US. The programme also found support from various corporations and Silicon Valley companies that used it extensively. Along the way, inevitably, came some abuses, and often it became a tool that allowed US companies to hire foreigners ready to work for less. This, combined with a general rise in unemployment, has led to a populist backlash that fuelled the Trump campaign rhetoric.

The H-1B visa system, however, has been especially beneficial for the US IT industry, and even the outsourcing aspects that rile some voters find votaries in the business community. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services recently issued advisories that ratchet up the requirements for issuing these visas. Thus workers at the bottom end of the pool, basically computer programmers, are now not considered eligible. It has also undertaken a slew of measures, including workplace inspections, which would keep a check on such workers.

Presidential fiats have a limited validity. Other than optics and buzz, it is not clear how much Mr Trump will achieve  or, wants to achieve. The processing of this years visa applications is already under way, and there are bound to be various challenges in implementation. Real reforms, if any, will have to be routed through the Congress. The Indian IT industry, will, no doubt, have to relook at the changes that take place in the US and adapt accordingly. On the whole, there is little doubt about its ability to be able to do so. Even though the process could be painful, it would force Indian companies to move up the food chain, away from the low-hanging fruit.
Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 18

The meritorious candidates, who are competing for Class III and Class IV government jobs and have no recommendations from a higher-up, can now heave a sigh of relief as there will be no interviews for Class-III and IV posts in all departments after May 31.

The Department of Personnel issued a notification today in which it has been pointed that if the ongoing recruitment process, including written test and interview, is not complete by May 31, then there will be no interviews.

The Cabinet had, at its last meeting, given the approval for doing away with interviews for Class III and IV posts.

As per the notification, the written examination in case of Class III posts will be of 85 marks. In case of Class IV posts, the percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying exams to be calculated out of 85 marks. It is after the recommendations of the Central Government that the Himachal Government has finally done away with this procedure where very often those having political links would manage to get full marks in interviews despite scoring very low in written test.

One mark each will be given for Class III posts to those belonging to the backward area or notified panchayat, landless family having less than one hectare land and certified by the revenue authority, non-employment certificate where no family members in government job, differently-abled persons with more than 40 per cent disability, NSS (one year)/NCC (certificate holders)/Bharat Scouts or national player, single daughter or orphan, widow/divorced/destitute or single woman and training of six months related to the job applied for. All these add up to eight marks.

The maximum of 2.5 marks will be given for experience, up to a maximum of five years in government or semi-government organisation, relating to the post applied for.

Similarly, 2.5 marks will be given for the minimum educational qualification as per Recruitment and Promotion Rules. Two marks weightage will be given to those belonging to a BPL family with less than Rs 40,000 annual income.

In case of Class IV posts, the maximum of 2.5 marks each will be given to those who belong to the BPL category, have nobody from their families in government job or have experience up to a maximum of five years in government or semi-government organisation, relating to the post applied for. Those who are from landless families will get two marks and those who are widow/divorcee/destitute or single woman will get 1.5 marks.
Ishfaq Tantry

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 18

Three days before violence erupted in Pulwama Degree College on Saturday, triggering Valley-wide protests on Monday, it is learnt that an Army vehicle came under attack on the campus last Wednesday.

There was intense stone-throwing by students on an Army vehicle on April 12, when an Army officer of the Rashtriya Rifles arrived in the college to discuss a proposal with the principal for conducting a seminar on the campus.

At that time, the Army showed exceptional restraint and moved out their Casspir vehicle within 10 minutes of arriving in the college, Pulwama Degree College principal Abdul Hameed told The Tribune.

Earlier, the Army officer concerned had called me on phone to seek permission for conducting a seminar in the college. I told him that I would get back after discussing the proposal with the senior staff of the college, Hameed said while refusing to identify the officer. As the principal was discussing the proposal with the staff after the phone call, he heard some noise outside. As I came out of my office, I saw an Army Casspir vehicle entering the college premises and students resorting to intense stone-throwing as they mistook it as a raid on the college, the principal said while narrating the incident on April 12, which he said became the precursor to the police action later on Saturday.

Exhibiting immense restraint, the Army vehicle retreated and calm was restored in the college within half an hour. The students even resumed their classes afterwards, the principal said, adding that for the next two days, that is April 13 and 14, the college was closed on account of gazetted holidays.

As soon as the college reopened on April 15, I saw two police vehicles entering the college premises around 11.30 am. This provoked the students, who resorted to stone-throwing. The police retaliated by resorting to intense shelling inside the college with nearly 5,000 students, the principal said, alleging that the police entered the college premises without seeking permission or intimating about their arrival. The principal, who rang up the local Superintendent of Police and Inspector General of Police as the commotion broke out in the college, said he pleaded with the police personnel accompanied by the local SHO and a DSP-rank official to leave the college as the situation was getting out of control.

They yelled at me and started firing tear-gas shells, he said. In the clashes between the police and the students, who were later joined in by outsiders, over 50 pupils of the college were injured.

The police, however, maintained that the clashes erupted when a normal naka was established around 200 metres away from the college and some miscreants started throwing stones at the personnel manning the checkpost.

In principals words...
Tribune News Service

Jammu, April 18

The National Secular Forum continued its protest against the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC) demanding a separate body for the Jammu division.

National Secular Forum state president Vikas Sharma said statehood for Jammu was the only way out to end the 67-year- long discrimination with the people of the Jammu region.

The forum flayed the PDP-BJP coalition government for meting out step-motherly treatment to the people of Jammu. He particularly took to task BJP MLAs for maintaining silence on the issue and reiterated the demand for statehood to Jammu. He alleged that people of Jammu were facing worst kind of discrimination at the hands of Kashmiri rulers and asked them to get united to launch a comprehensible struggle to get rid of all the ills.

Sharma informed that of the total 59 posts of 10+2 chemistry lecturer, 41 candidates have been selected from Kashmir and 18 have been selected from Jammu. In the RBA category, of the total 21 posts, 16 candidates are from Kashmir province while five are from Jammu.

Also, of the total 34 posts of 10+2 Urdu lecturer, 30 candidates have been selected from Kashmir and four candidates have been selected from Jammu. In the RBA category, of the total 11 posts, seven candidates are from Kashmir province while four are from Jammu. Of the total 29 posts of 10+2 English lecturer, 25 candidates have been selected from Kashmir and four from Jammu. In the RBA category, of the total 10 posts, seven candidates are from Kashmir province while three are from Jammu.

Pertinently, earlier the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission had announced the results of Urdu, history, commerce, geography, zoology, BBA, mathematics, physics, sericulture and English, in which most of the selected candidates were from Kashmir province, he said.
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 18

The J&K Youth National Conference (JKYNC) today staged an anti-government protest against yesterdays police action against students.

The opposition party members were led by NCs youth wingprovincialpresident Salman Sagar. They marched from the party headquarters to Press Colony in the city here. The demonstrators wore black suits to mark their protest against the recent civilian killings and the police action against students yesterday in which more then a dozen persons were injured.

Being a political party, it is our duty to express solidarity with students. Today, we held a symbolic protest and will continue to do so if the government keeps this attitude towards students, Sagar said.

The youth wing took to streets a day after students across all colleges and universities of the Kashmir valley held protests and clashed with the police against last weeks incident of police action against students of Government Degree College,Pulwama, in which nearly 50 students were injured.

Sagar said the youth wings demonstration was against the state government and against the indiscriminate use of force. Yesterday, we saw students being beaten up. Even girls were not spared, he said.

We want to tell the government that it should not take our protest lightly. Before the situation gets out of hand, the government should wake up from its deep slumber, the youth wing leader of the National Conference said.
Rifat Mohidin

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 17

There were demonstrations in colleges and universities across the Kashmir valley today with students clashing with the police in Srinagar, Bandipora, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kupwara, Kulgam and Shopian districts.

At least 60 students and several security personnel were injured in the clashes that began early morning and continued through the day. The students were protesting against a police raid on a college in South Kashmirs Pulwama district last week following clashes with security forces over the setting up of a checkpoint near Government Degree College (Boys), in which 50 students were injured.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Angered over the incident, the students today gathered outside their colleges. Their attempts to hold protests were foiled by the police, leading to clashes. In Srinagar, the police fired tear gas shells as students from two colleges, including a girls college, tried to march towards Lal Chowk, the citys commercial hub.

The state government has ordered that all universities, colleges and higher secondary schools in the Valley will remain closed tomorrow (Tuesday). We condemn all kind of violence. Students have the right to protest peacefully within the college premises, said Altaf Bukhari, Education Minister.

He said he had held a meeting on the Pulwama incident and the college principal had filed an FIR for trespass. The forces are not allowed to go inside educational institutions. We have told the principals to talk to the students and the police to exercise utmost restraint, the minister said.

The police today reportedly barged into colleges in South Kashmirs Kulgam and Shopian districts as well as Srinagars SP College, where the protests first began. Students of SP College blocked the Maulana Azad road. The police used tear gas shells to disperse them. The students resorted to stone-pelting, resulting in injuries to the Station House Officer of the Kothibagh police station and his two guards. The students kept regrouping to engage the police on the streets.

Girls from a womens college in Srinagar also joined the protests as the police battled to tackle the situation.

The University of Kashmir has postponed all exams scheduled for tomorrow. With videos and pictures of protests on the social media stoking public outrage, the Mehbooba Mufti government has ordered that Internet services in the Valley be suspended.
Srinagar, April 18

Jammu and Kashmir Police have begun an operation to identify moles within, who are suspected to be leaking vital operational information to terror outfits as their families are being threatened by the militants.

While the J and K Police top brass is silent on the issue, sources in the security establishement say some policemen have been earmarked for carrying out a thorough probe into the cases where militants, mainly belonging to the banned Hizbul Mujahideen, have threatened the families of policemen engaged in counter-insurgency operations.

A recent incident in which militants barged into the house of a policeman at Shopian, who is posted as the personal assistant to an officer in Pulwama, raised eyebrows within the security establishment in the Valley.

The militants, while firing warning shots and threatening the family members with dire consequences, told them that the policeman (identity not disclosed) was responsible for the death of their fellow terrorists as he had tipped off the establishment about their whereabouts.

The incident sounded an alarm bell as the matter about the alleged tip-off was highly classified, sources said.

They said the terror groups had been increasingly targeting the policemen, their families and political workers in the recent past.

While the families of policemen had been receiving threats since March this year, such incidents had reached an alarming level last weekend when as many as 14 families of cops engaged in counter-insurgency operations were targeted in Shopian and Kulgam areas of South Kashmir, they said.

The sudden spurt in such incidents has prompted the police headquarters to issue an advisory whereby the policemen were asked not to visit their homes for a few months.

In view of these unfortunate incidents, police personnel, particularly from South Kashmir, are advised to exercise extreme caution while visiting their homes. They should preferably avoid visiting their homes for the next few months as their personal security is of paramount importance, the advisory issued on Sunday said.

On Friday and Saturday last week, 14 families of police personnel were threatened in the Kulgam and Shopian belt, sending a shockwave among officers and men involved in counter-insurgency operations for over two decades, sources in the security establishment said.

Two constables, including one posted with the Special Security Group guarding Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, were beaten up in Shopian.

One of the constables, currently posted in a battalion, was dragged publicly to a local mosque and forced to make an announcement of his resignation on a loudspeaker in Shopian, sources said.

The family of a station house officer, now posted in Srinagar, was also attacked a couple of weeks ago after he had stopped an ambulance, following an intelligence tip-off that militants could use such vehicles to sneak into the city, they said.

The house of an Additional Superintendent of Police, who is currently posted in North Kashmir, was also ransacked at Khudwani in earlier this month, they said.

Some posters and messages in social media have appeared showing militants asking policemen to announce their resignations on the social media or through local newspapers.

This act is reminiscent of 1990s when many of the Valleys political workers had announced their resignations through the local newspapers. PTI
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 18

Fearing more protests, the government today extended the closure of colleges across Kashmir by one more day even as the University of Kashmir witnessed protests by girl students over police action at Government Degree College, Pulwama, on Saturday.

All colleges and SP Higher Secondary School (in Srinagar) will remain shut on Wednesday, said Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Baseer Khan. All schools will, however, reopen tomorrow, he said.

After widespread protests by students on Monday, which left nearly 60 of them injured across the Valley, the government had decided to shut universities, colleges and higher secondary schools in the region as a precautionary measure to prevent further protests.

While the educational institutions remained closed today, a protest was held by girls students at the University of Kashmir over the forces action against students of the Pulwama college. The students putting up at the varsitys girls hostel staged a peaceful demonstration for many hours. The protesters were not allowed to move out of the hostel campus. The students later dispersed off peacefully.

On Monday, boarders of the universitys boys hostel took out a candlelight march against the police action on Pulwama college students.

PROof the University of Kashmir said all campuses of the varsity shall remain closed on April 19, but all examinations would be held as per schedule.

The latest series of student protests in Kashmir erupted after over 50 students of Government Degree College, Pulwama, were injured in forces action while objecting to setting up of a checkpost near the college.

Meanwhile, dozens of protesters blocked the Srinagar-Jammu national highway in Banihal town over the alleged harassment and thrashing of students by security personnel.

Sources said a group of students were allegedly thrashed by CRPF men near Banihal town when a CRPF convoy was travelling from Kashmir to Jammu. The students later marched to Banihal town and blocked the highway. The police used force to disperse them.

However, this aggravated the situation and students and locals staged a protest and blocked the national highway for at least six hours.

After the authorities assured the protesters of a probe into the incident, they dispersed off peacefully.

Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Mohammad Aijaz said he had already ordered a probe into the issue.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Banihal, will hold an inquiry into the whole issue, the Ramban Deputy Commissioner said.

Meanwhile, the District Magistrate, Shopian, said all higher secondary schools of the district and Degree College, Shopian, shall remain closed on April 19 in order to maintain law and order situation.
New Delhi, April 18

Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan was on Tuesday accorded a tri-service guard of honour outside South Block lawns in Raisina Hills.

There was confusion yesterday over whether a guard of honour will be given to the Canadian Defence Minister today.

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Late in the night, MoD spokesperson Nitin Wakankar clarified that the advisory on cancellation of the guard of honour was issued erroneously.

Sajjan arrived in New Delhi today and shall be going to India Gate tomorrow.

When contacted, the Canadian High Commission refused to comment.

Earlier in the day, an official invitation was sent to the electronic media for coverage of the event.

Sajjan also held wide-ranging talks with Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on a host of bilateral issues, particularly on ramping up defence and security ties.

A guard of honour is a ceremonial welcome for dignitaries when troops in full uniform and regalia lower their weapons and the visiting dignitary inspects the guard. It ends in a salute.

In Chandigarh, meanwhile, carrying forward the tough stance against Sajjan, the Capt Amarinder Singh government has decided that no minister would accompany the dignitary during his visit to various places in the state.

Sources said only the DC and SSP concerned of the district would facilitate Sajjans visits. The Canadian Defence Minister is scheduled to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple on April 20. He is also expected to visit his native village near Hoshiarpur.  TNS

On Agenda
Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 18

Responding to Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh's allegations on his being a Khalistani sympathiser, visiting Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan on Tuesday said, I don't promote the breaking up of any country.

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Speaking at a function organised by think-tank Observer Research Organisation in New Delhi, he said, I don't want to get sucked into internal politics of any province or nation.

My job is to build relationship with India, he said.

The Punjab CM has said Sajjan was a sympathiser of the Khalistan movement which talked about a separate Sikh state carved out of India.

Read:

Sajjan was asked about India's concerns over Khalistanis to which he had responded and also said over the years he has been given many labels.

I have been involved in uniform  either police or military uniform. India and Canada have great opportunity to build a defence relationship. We want to move things forward. India has tremendous experience in conflict resolution, Sajjan said.

On Taliban, the Canadian defence minister said it needs to be studied how it grew. During his days in the Canadian Military Sajjan has served in Afghanistan.

Speaking about the ISIS, he said the bigger concern is not just Iraq but to prevent them from building up further.
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 18

The government today scored a victory over many naysayers when the police in London arrested on an extradition warrant the embattled tycoon Vijay Mallya, who has been declared a proclaimed offender in India over unpaid loans.

India had on February 8 sent a formal extradition request as per the Extradition Treaty between India and the UK and todays arrest follows from that.

A few hours later, 61-year-old Mallya was granted conditional bail for 6.5 lakh (Rs 5.3 crore) after he appeared before the Westminster Magistrates Court in London.

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Sources in the government said while they expected Mallya to be extradited to India eventually, a legal battle in the British courts would play out first. Todays arrest was the first step in ensuring his eventual extradition.

A Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said Mallyas arrest was in connection with the request by the government to the UK authorities, and that the legal process in this regard is under way in the UK. The two governments are in touch in this context.

Mallyas passport has already been cancelled and even though he does have British residency, the arrest will limit his ability to travel outside the UK.

The flamboyant businessman, however, couldnt stop himself from taking a dig at the media and soon after getting bail tweeted, Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in court started today as expected.

Mallyas companies owe Rs 9,000 crore to various Indian banks. In January, an Indian court ordered a consortium of lenders to start the process of recovering the loans from Mallya, who had fled India in March last year. A CBI court had also issued a non-bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case.

The MEA, while giving the formal extradition request to the UK, had stressed that India had a legitimate case against Mallya and the UKs honouring of Indias requests would show British sensitivity towards Indias concerns.
New Delhi, April 18

It would not be easy to extradite controversial industrialist Vijay Mallya, who went to the UK a year ago and did not return despite summons to him by the courts here for defaulting on loans, legal experts on Tuesday said.

Senior advocates K T S Tulsi and Dushyant Dave were of the view that the courts in the UK are very independent and do not grant extradition easily.

Tulsi said though the Indian government has sent the evidence against Mallya to the UK courts while requesting his extradition, the courts there will "evaluate it independently to see if the evidence is sufficient" to send him back here.

He also said Mallya's arrest today by Scotland Yard and his subsequent release on bail the same day shows it may not be easy to get him back here.

Tulsi said when there is a request for extradition then normally bail is granted only after 60 days, but Mallya was given the relief on the same day.

He also said in the past 50 requests for extradition sent to the UK, the courts there have granted only one.

Dave was also of a similar view as he said courts there are independent and "do not grant extradition so easily".

He, however, refused to comment further on it saying he was not fully versed with the procedure followed by the courts there.

This reason was cited by several other senior lawyers who wished not to be named.

India will make strong case for Mallya's extradition: Source

A top government source, meanwhile, said India will make a strong case for extradition of Vijay Mallya from the UK as he "squandered" public money, did not pay employees and defaulted on bank loans.

The government, he said, wants to break the myth that a law breaker is out of bound once he is out of country.

"Squandering public money, you don't pay employees, you don't pay banks and you maintain a lavish lifestyle and give the system a damn. I think there's a hunger in Indian public opinion to see such people in prison," the source said.

The arrest, the source said, was in connection with default on an IDBI loan.

The time taken by the UK court to decide on the extradition request will be less than Indian courts, the source said adding New Delhi will have to present strong proof as extradition request involves offence committed only in one country.

Anyone facing extradition can resist the process on grounds that he may not get a fair trial in India or that the judicial system is biased against him or is politically motivated.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had made a case for extradition of Mallya when British Prime Minister Theresa May dropped in on a meeting between him and his UK counterpart in London last month.

The source said Indian authorities will have to present a case for extradition of Mallya.

"Extradition process now starts," he said. "There is a myth that I will cross the geographical boundaries and take refuge and be out of bounds. India needs to set this precedent".

Earlier, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar said the government was "assessing the facts (as to) how we can bring him back into the country and start judicial proceedings against him."

The government, he said, will leave no stone unturned to bring to justice anyone indulging in financial irregularities.

"During Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had talked about bringing black money back... and of strong steps against economic offenders," he said.

He said the loan extended to Mallya were under previous UPA regime and the present government has taken steps to recover the loans and "what happened today is part of that move".

"We are taking stringent steps and will not protect any offender," he emphasised.

Asked about bringing other offenders to India, he said it is in process.

"The Modi government will leave no stone unturned if anyone is indulging in misappropriation of funds. We are entering into treaties with other countries so that offenders cannot flee. We are on a path to bring the matter within the judicial purview and will assess it further," he said.

Explaining the process, the source said deportation is not a preferred route in case of Mallya as the UK takes such action only in cases when someone lands without a valid travel document.

Once an extradition request is made, the British government considers merit and India has crossed that hurdle in Mallya's case, the source said.

"If they think it is a request worth considering, then they refer it to the court and then the UK government steps out. So this step has been crossed now and the court issues a warrant.

"After the warrant is issued, depending on the nature of the case, the court decides whether to give him bail or not.

Since it is a monetary offence, they have given bail. Maybe if it was a murder case, they wouldn't have given a bail but the bail has some conditions," he said.

Now, in the court, the Indian authorities will have to present a case for extradition. "And in extradition, you have to present the facts that he is liable to be tried in India."  PTI
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 18

India and the US today exchanged views on how both countries could work together to effectively address the challenge of terrorism and advance regional peace, security and stability.

Conversation on the issues figured when US National Security Adviser Lt Gen HR McMaster called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. The US NSA, who arrived here from quick tour to Kabul and Islamabad, shared his perspective with the PM on the security situation in the extended region, including in Afghanistan, West Asia and North Korea.

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The US said the two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counter-terrorism cooperation. The visit was part of regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad.

He emphasised the importance of the India-US strategic relationship and reaffirmed Indias designation as a major defence partner. The outgoing Obama administration had declared India a major defence partner that took forward the growing engagement in the field of defence, including ambitious partnership in defence manufacturing and co-development.

The US National Security Adviser conveyed the greetings of President Donald Trump to the Prime Minister, who recalled the positive telephonic conversations with the US President that reaffirmed the importance attached by both sides to the strategic partnership and to stepping up India-US engagement across the board.

Gen McMaster left India after meetings with the PM, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar.

His visit was the first by a senior official of the Trump administration. In Islamabad, the relations between India and Pakistan figured in McMasters discussions with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Indias major defence partner status reaffirmed

US National Security Adviser Lt Gen HR McMaster emphasised the importance of the India-US strategic relationship and reaffirmed Indias designation as a major defence partner

The Obama administration had declared India a major defence partner that took forward the growing engagement in the field of defence, including ambitious partnership in defence manufacturing and co-development
Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 18

India on Tuesday told Canada that a resolution passed in the Ontario provincial assembly terming the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as genocide was unreal and exaggerated.

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Earlier this month, the Ontario assembly in Canada passed a resolution terming the anti-Sikh riots in India as genocide. The riots had broken out in the aftermath of assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984 across several north Indian cities and more than 3,500 Sikhs lost their lives.

Today, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley at his official meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Harjit Singh Sajjan, raised the matter saying there was disquiet in India over the resolution and it was unreal and exaggerated in it words, sources in the Indian Defence Ministry said.

The Ministry of External Affairs had protested to Canada on terming the riots as genocide and today the matter was taken up at the political level.

Sajjan reportedly told Jaitley that the Canadian government disassociates itself from the resolution passed in the provincial assembly, saying it does not reflect the view of the Canadian government.

Jaitley emphasised that as liberal democracies the resolution was not good for India and Canada, sources said, adding that there was no heated debate over the matter and its not as if that was only thing discussed.

A private members motion was moved by Harinder Malhi, the Member of provincial Parliament (equal to an MLA in India), terming the riots as genocide. She belongs to the same Liberal Party of Canada that is led by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Jaitley and Sajjan held delegation-level talks where it was discussed how the Canadian defence policy review was coming up and both sides agreed that defence should become a more important part of the relationship.

Canada produces parts and sub-systems of several weapons and military equipment manufactured in the US and Europe.
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 18

Ever heard of the Supreme Court setting aside a high court verdict for its sheer inability to comprehend it due to poor quality of language?

Well, the Supreme Court has done it with a judgment of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in a tenant-landlord dispute after the judges could not understand it because of its incomprehensible language.

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Such was the quality of the English language used in the verdict that even the lawyers representing both the parties could not understand or assist the judges understand it.

Heres a portion of the high courts verdict in question:

(The)...tenant in the demised premises stands aggrieved by the pronouncement made by the learned Executing Court upon his objections constituted therebefore...wherewithin the apposite unfoldments qua his resistance to the execution of the decree stood discountenanced by the learned Executing Court.

Sample more:

However, the learned counsel...cannot derive the fullest succour from the aforesaid acquiesence... given its sinew suffering partial dissipation from an imminent display occurring in the impunged pronouncement hereat wherewithin unravelments are held qua the rendition recorded by the learned Rent Controller...

Having failed to understand it despite its best of efforts, a bench of justices MB Lokur and Deepak Gupta set the verdict aside.

We will have to set it aside because one cannot understand this, the bench commented, though it did not record it in the written order remanding it back to the high court judge for re-drafting.

The dispute started in November 1999 when the landlord filed an eviction suit against his tenant on the ground of non-payment of rent.

After 12 years, the landlord got a warrant of possession in 2011. However, it could only be partly executed and the tenant was evicted only from the portion of the rented property where he ran a shop.

But the High Court stayed the subordinate courts order and the tenant continued with the possession of the residential premises. In December 2016, the High Court set aside the eviction order holding that the rent amount was received by the landlord  who then moved the Supreme Court.
Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 18

India today told Canada that a recent resolution passed in the Ontario provincial assembly terming the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as genocide was unreal and exaggerated.

Riots had broken out in the aftermath of the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984 across several North Indian cities, particularly Delhi, and more than 3,500 Sikhs had lost their lives.

Today, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley during his meeting with Canadian counterpart Harjit Singh Sajjan raised the matter, saying there was disquiet in India over the resolution and it was unreal and exaggerated in its words, sources said. The Ministry of External Affairs had protested to Canada on the genocide terminology and today the matter was taken up at the political level.

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Sajjan reportedly told Jaitley that the Canadian government disassociates itself from the resolution passed in the provincial assembly, saying it does not reflect the view of the Canadian government. Jaitley emphasised that as liberal democracies, the resolution was not good for India and Canada, said the sources, adding that there was no heated debate on the matter and its not as if that was the only thing discussed.

Jaitley and Sajjan held delegation-level talks where it was discussed how the Canadian defence policy review was coming up and both sides agreed that defence should become a more important part of the relationship.

Canada produces parts and sub-systems of several weapons and military equipment manufactured in the US and Europe.
New Delhi, April 18

Canadas Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan today emphasised he would not get dragged into local politics, reiterating the visit is aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties with India.

I have to be respectful as I represent my government, the visiting minister said, adding that if the Chief Minister (Capt Amarinder Singh) chooses not to meet him, it is his choice. Yet, he said, that would not prevent him from coming to the assistance of the Punjab Government if any work is needed from me.

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Stating that he is looking forward to visiting his village in Hoshiarpur and the house in which he was born, the minister said he cherished his childhood memories and Indian roots but remained a proud Canadian.

Sajjan, who will travel to Amritsar and Chandigarh during this week, said the relationship between Canada and Punjab was based on people. No one can take away my village from me, he said and preferred not to respond to questions about the Punjab Chief Minister describing him as a Khalistani supporter.

The minister said over the years he had been given different labels when he donned the uniform  that of a police officer who went after organised crime or as an army officer doing combat duty in Afghanistan.

Besides holding talks with Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, the visiting dignitary today delivered a talk on Conflict prevention and peacekeeping in a changing world at the Observer Research Foundation event.  TNS
New Delhi, April 18

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday discussed bilateral ties with visiting Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.

Shaping our shared historical and cultural linkages. EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on President Bidya Devi Bhandari at @RashtrapatiBhavan, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.

Bhandari, who arrived here on Monday on a five-day visit and was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, is slated to meet President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other Indian leaders.

This is Bhandaris first visit abroad after assuming office in 2015. She was scheduled to have visited India last May, but the trip was cancelled after the then cabinet in Nepal said it was not adequately prepared for it.

During her stay in India, she is also expected to travel to Gujarat and Odisha. PTI
New Delhi, April 18

The US on Tuesday reaffirmed Indias designation as a Major Defence Partner and emphasised the importance of its strategic relationship as its National Security Adviser HR McMaster met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held talks with his counterpart Ajit Doval.

The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counter-terrorism cooperation, the US embassy said in a press statement after the meetings here.

NSA McMaster emphasised the importance of the US-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed Indias designation as a Major Defence Partner, it said and noted that the meetings were productive.

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McMaster, whose trip here marks the first visit by a top official of the Trump Administration, also met Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar.

The visit was a part of the regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad, the statement said.

During the US officials meeting with the Prime Minister, the two sides discussed key bilateral and regional issues, including defence and counter-terrorism cooperation.

Doval, Jaishankar and several key officials were present in the meeting that took place at the Prime Ministers residence.

Earlier, McMaster and Doval held detailed discussions on Indo-US relations, especially the security aspect of the ties, sources said.

The US NSA arrived here on Monday evening from Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and some top officials.

In Islamabad, the relations between India and Pakistan figured in McMasters discussions with Sharif. PTI
Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 18

As AIADMK inner party politics plays out in Tamil Nadu, two non-players in the arena--Congress and BJPare engaged in their own individual battle on the sidelines.

While the Congress has accused the Central leadership of the BJP of having a hand in the high drama in Chennai, the saffron party leadership has dismissed the charge, calling it a figment of its imagination.

However, there is no confusion in the BJP over whom to support in the two camps that emerged in the AIADMK, post J Jayalalithaa.

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As the two factions--EPS and OPS camps--work out a peace formula, perhaps at the cost of Sasikala, sources talk of tacit support by the BJP for the OPS camp.

Trying to spread wings in Tamil Nadu, for the BJP the four-time Chief Minister O Paneerselvam, who also had the blessings of late J Jayalalithaa, is a better option to support than the current CM K Palaniswami, anointed by the current AIADMK general secretary Sasikala.

The Mannargudi mafia, as Sasikala and her extended family are referred to, is not acceptable to the BJP, sources say even as party leader Subramanian Swamy claims there is no case against Sasikalas nephew TTV Dinakaran.

Dinakaran was appointed AIADMK deputy general secretary by Sasikala hours before she was jailed and is facing several charges. For the BJP, a united AIADMK minus the Manargudi clan, is a better option, say the sources, adding that even the central leadership also is supporting the uniting of two factions and a stable government in Tamil Nadu.
Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 18

The Canadian National Minister of Defence Harjit Singh Sajjan is looking forward to visit his ancestral village in Hoshiarpur.

"I cherish my memories as a child and my Indian roots but I am also proud Canadian, he said on Tuesday afternoon while speaking at function organised by the think-tank Observer Research Organisation in New Delhi.

Before he delved into his topic is 'Conflict prevention and peacekeeping in a changing world', Sajjan spoke about his childhood and how his grandfather had told him that he would be going to Canada.

Sajjan was four years of age when his father, then serving with the Punjab Police, opted to move to Canada.

Sajjan, is an India born Sikh, who has served in the Canadian armed forces. He was elected from Vancouver South constituency and appointed as Defence Minister.
Sanjiv Kumar Bakshi

Hoshiarpur, April 18

Union Minister of State Vijay Sampla has written to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) about the case of an Indian, who was allegedly sodomised by four Pakistani nationals in Saudi Arabia.

The victims family from Garhshankar has met Sampla in this connection.

His family said he (the victim) had lent 1,000 Saudi Riyals to some Pakistanis there. When he asked for his money, they asked him to come to their house and take back the money.

When he went there, the accused (4 Pakistani nationals) gave him something to drink that made him unconscious. They sodomised him later, the family alleged.

The Saudi police had arrested the accused, but there were released on bail. After being released, they threatened the victim. He fears for his life. We want that him back home, the family said.

Hoshiarpur MP Sampla told The Tribune over phone, I have raised the matter with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, seeking help for the victim. I also requested her to help the family bring him home. The minister has assured me that the matter will be raised with the Saudi Arabia Government and justice will be done.
Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, April 18

Punjab Police have booked a Congress worker, his son and three others for allegedly looting, damaging property and criminal intimidation on the complaint of a 28-year-old vegetable vendor who attempted self-immolation in Gidderbaha on Monday evening.

The victim, a Dalit, along with a large number of vegetable sellers had on Monday visited the Gidderbaha police station to lodge a complaint, seeking action against the accused. When the cops allegedly did not act on his complaint till about 8 pm, he tried to immolate himself in full public view.

While setting himself on fire, Manish had accused some Congress activists, including Rajesh Kumar Bittu Gandhi (husband of a municipal councillor), Radheshyam Chhabra (owner of a shop along his kiosk), Jaspreet Singh (personal assistant of MLA Raja Warring), Binta Arora and Neeta of threatening him. He had been running the kiosk for about a decade.

He was taken to Civil Hospital, Gidderbaha, where the doctors declared that he had 40 per cent burns. After first aid, he was referred to Civil Hospital, Bathinda, where Sumeet Jarangal, Deputy Commissioner, Muktsar, and Lakhmir Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Muktsar, visited the place to record his statement.

Deepak Kumar, a cousin of Manish, alleged: Our kiosk was situated at the rear of a shop owned by the Municipal Council, but Radheshyam Chhabra forcibly opened a gate of the shop that side a few days ago. Since then, he along with other Congressmen was threatening us to remove the kiosk.

When contacted, Rajpal Singh, DSP, Gidderbaha, said: A case has been registered against the father-son duo and three other unidentified people for allegedly vandalising and looting money from the vegetable kiosk. We are trying to nab them. Besides, we are waiting for the directions from the magistrate probing Mondays incident of self-immolation bid to take further action.

Raja Warring has refuted the allegations, saying: Neither the victim spoke to me, nor did he complain against any Congress worker of harassing or threatening him. I demand a fair probe into the incident. If someone is found guilty, I will recommend strict action against him.

Even Bittu Gandhi has termed it a politically motivated case and denied having any role in it.
Deepkamal Kaur

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, April 18

Dubbed a Khalistani sympathiser by Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan has refused an invite by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Leader of the Opposition HS Phoolka had invited Sajjan for coffee with the party MLAs at Chandigarh during his visit to the state capital on April 21.

Phoolka said, My office had sent an invitation to him via the Canadian High Commission. We have been told that his schedule is already very hectic and such a meet will not be possible.

Party insiders said the refusal indicated that Sajjan didnt want to be drawn into a controversy, considering some AAP leaders alleged links with Sikh hardliners.

Meanwhile, AAP Chief Whip Sukhpal Singh Khaira said here today that Capt Amarinder had snubbed Sajjan in order to appease his bosses in Delhi following the Ontario Assemblys motion declaring the 1984 riots as genocide.

Addressing mediapersons, Khaira said the Ontario motion seemed unacceptable to the Congress high command.

I urge the CM to reconsider his unjustified statement borne out of petty considerations and welcome Sajjan to Punjab as a state guest, he added.
Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, April 18

Devendra Kumar Sharma, Managing Director of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited, will be the new chairman of Bkakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

The appointment committee of the cabinet has approved the proposal and the Ministry of Power is likely to issue a formal order on Tuesday. The appointment is for a period of three years on deputation basis from the date of assuming charge.

Sharma has over 30 years of association with the power sector, viz Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board, and was instrumental in implementing and commissioning of Tata Hydro Power Station in Bhutan which also opened the Indo-Bhutan association in the hydro power sector.

Sharma was also associated with the industrial giant Larsen & Toubro for long in its infrastructure development projects. He is recognised for his acumen in implementing power stations in the country.
Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, April 18

The Gidderbaha police have booked a Congress worker, his son and three unidentified persons after a vegetable vendor, Manish Kumar (28), set himself ablaze last evening. The latter, who suffered 40 per cent burns, had accused certain aides of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) chief and Gidderbaha MLA Amrinder Singh Raja Warring of threatening him and looting his kiosk on Sunday night.

As per the FIR, Radheshyam Chhabra, his son Manu, and three others have been booked under Sections 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of Rs 50), 379 (theft), 506 (criminal intimidation), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon) and 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object) of the IPC. They are on the run. The police, however, are yet to add Section 306 (abetment of suicide) to the FIR.

The Dalit victim and other vegetable sellers had visited Gidderbaha police station yesterday to lodge a complaint, seeking action against the accused. When the cops allegedly did not act on his complaint till about 8 pm, he tried to immolate himself in public.

Meanwhile, Sub-Inspector Periwinkle Grewal, SHO, Gidderbaha police station, has been transferred to the Police Lines and replaced by Inspector Baljit Singh.

While setting himself afire, Manish had accused some Congress workers, including Rajesh Kumar Bittu Gandhi (husband of a councillor), Radheshyam Chhabra (owner of a shop beside his kiosk), Jaspreet Singh (Raja Warrings personal assistant), Binta Arora (councillor) and Neeta (PPCC secretary) of threatening him. He had been running the kiosk for about a decade. He has named these persons in the statement given to Muktsar ADC Lakhmir Singh, who is probing the case.

A Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) from Bathinda, too, had recorded the victims statement last night.

Gidderbaha DSP Rajpal Singh said: We are trying to nab the accused. We are also awaiting directions from the magistrate probing the self-immolation bid.

Lakhmir Singh said, Tomorrow, I will record the statements of those named by the victim in his complaint and thereafter submit my report to the Deputy Commissioner.

Raja Warring and those accused by Manish have already refuted the allegations.

Meanwhile, Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon, SADs former halqa incharge from Gidderbaha, announced to lodge a protest at Bharu Chowk in Gidderbaha, seeking action against the Congress workers.

We demand immediate arrest of the accused who vandalised and looted Manishs kiosk and drove him to attempt immolation. The new SHO should be transferred as he had lodged a number of fake cases against our workers when he was the SHO at Kotbhai, Dimpy added.
Varinder Singh

Tribune News Service

Toronto, April 18

Canada is no longer a safe haven for the Sikh radicals. India is making all-out efforts to wean away GenX from the ebbing Khalistan movement.

While on the one hand, the control of many gurdwaras has passed into the hands of moderates, on the other hand the Indian government was busy striving to bury the hatchet by adopting Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), including, its Community Outreach Programme.

These initiatives got a jolt in wake of the official recognition of 1984 events as Genocide by Ontarios Provincial Parliament.

Amidst this ongoing battle of wits, Indias Consul General Dinesh Bhatia has emerged as the Architect of the building of the bridges between the new generation of Candaian Sikhs, aging radical elements and the Indian government through his bold personal initiatives.

Bhatia was perhaps, the first Indian diplomat who made a series of whirlwind trips to Khalistani controlled gurdwaras -known to have been Out of bounds for Indian diplomats for years. Some of these were based in Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including the one in DixieOntario Sikh Durbar, Mississauga- considered for long as the epicentre of the Khalistan movement in North America.

Though, a section of radicals were labelling Bhatias efforts as Indian interference in Sikh affairs, he had also been frequenting other Sikh temples in Brampton, Rexdale, Malton and Scarborough attending one or the other community events amidst opposition by the radical Sikh organisations like the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).

The SFJ had dubbed Bhatias acts as aneffort to intimidate Canadian Sikhs.

Such tours by any Indian diplomats could not have been conceived five years ago when these shrines prominently displayed photographs of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, the Legal advisor of the SFJ had even lodged a complaint against Bhatia with the Canadian Foreign Minister.

The recent phenomenon was also indicative of softening of stance of a section of the new generation of Canadian Sikhs who hardly objected to their entry to these Khalistani citadels.

What had invoked the ire of the Sikh radicals, including the SFJ, was the recent Indian gesture of issuing 10- year visas to Sikhs who landed in Canada as refugees with their dependents. This move was aimed at improving ties with the powerful Canada-based Sikh community ahead of PM Justin Trudeaus proposed visit to India in January.
Kulwinder Sandhu

Tribune News Service

Moga, April 18

A 65-year old farmer was charred to death while trying to extinguish a fire in wheat fields at Kahan Singh Wala village in the district this evening.

Standing wheat crop and straw (dry fodder for cattle) on at least 400 acres was burnt at Mahesari, Kahan Singh Wala, Jogewala and its adjoining villages.

SDM Charandip Singh said the deceased had been identified as Harbans Singh, nambardar of Kahan Singh Wala village. Driving a tractor, he was dousing the fire by ploughing the fields when the vehicle caught fire. He jumped off, but was burnt to death on the spot.

He said, I have sent a report of the incident to the state government through the district magistrate, recommending grant of immediate monetary relief to the kin of the deceased as per rules.

Farmers kept the body on the spot and raised slogans against the government, alleging that fire tenders reached the spot more than two hours late despite repeated calls to the fire brigade. They asked the SDM to take legal action against the authorities concerned.

Harbans life could have been saved, had the fire tenders reached on time, alleged Ranjit Singh, a local farmer.

Inquiries revealed that the fire broke out at 3 pm due to sparking in a thresher, which was being used by farmers to prepare dry fodder and separate grain at Mahesari village.

Meanwhile, wheat straw on at least 30 acres at Samalsar village on the Mallke village road and 40 acres at Sekha Kalan village in Baghapurana subdivision was gutted today. At least 6 acres of standing wheat crop was destroyed in a fire due to sparking in the power lines passing above the fields at Dhurkot Ransinh village in Nihalsinghwala subdivision today.

Muktsar: Nearly 150 acres of the standing wheat crop and wheat stubble on 200 acres were gutted in various fire incidents in Muktsar district today. At Bhitiwala village, the fire also caused injuries to a farmer Jagmohan Singh, when he was bringing his produce out from the fields on a tractor-trailer. Sources said some sparking from the tractor had triggered the fire.
Chandigarh, April 18

Two people suspected to belong to a Europe-based terrorist organisation have been arrested, Punjab Police claimed on Tuesday.

Punjab polices Counter Intelligence Unit arrested Palwinder Singh alias Ghodu and Sandeep Kumar alias Kaalu alias Shinda  both from Batala, a spokesperson said.

Investigations have so far shown that the two were asked to fan communal tensions in the state to create political instability.

Police found one 9 mm pistol, along with 2 magazines and 13 live rounds, two 32 bore pistols, along with 4 magazines and 33 live rounds and one 12 bore countrymade gun among ammunition taken from the suspects.

Investigators claim that the organisation was controlled by Shaminder Singh alias Sherry, who operated in Germany. Militants from various parts of Europe  such as Jagdish Singh Bhoora, originally from village Mohi in Ludhiana, in Belguim  were part of the organisation. Several militants are suspected to be facing terrorism charges in Punjab.

Police claim they have arrested Sharminder Singhs mother, Jaswinder Kaur, who was found holding two weapons that police claim were to be delivered according to Singhs instructions

Kaur claimed that her son frequently returned to India, the last time being in January.

Investigations found that Sandeep Kumar had served a sentence in Gurdaspur Jail between 2008 and 2009. It was during this time that he was introduced to Sherry, the spokesperson said.
Sanjiv Kumar Bakshi

Hoshiarpur, April 18

Although the district administration maintains that it has received no official communication regarding Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjans visit to his village, Bambeli, in the district, local residents are gearing up to welcome the dignitary.

Village sarpanch Paramjit Singh said, We are so happy that someone born and brought up in our village is the Defence Minister of Canada.

He said the village was ready to honour Sajjan. The latters father, Kundan Singh Sajjan, was in touch with them and other people were also being consulted on the preparations for his welcome and how he should be greeted when he visits his village, Paramjit said.

Sajjan, the Liberal Party MP from Vancouver South, is expected to come here on April 20 around noon, but there could be a change in the programme, the sarpanch added.

The Defence Ministers sister, Manjeet Kaur, has also reached the village from Canada.

On the other hand, the district administration has not received any intimation regarding Harjit Sajjans visit to Hoshiarpur and his village.

Deputy Commissioner Vipul Ujjwal said, We have no information regarding his visit. The only communication we have received from Jalandhar regarding his visit is that he has no programme in Hoshiarpur. The district is not even mentioned in his tour programme.
THE next meeting of the Punjab Legislative Council will be held in the Council Chamber of the Government House, Lahore, on the 24th April, at 10:30 A.M. The business consists of questions, a resolution and discussion and observations on the Budget 1917-18, and if not finished on that day will continue to the next day, the 25th. The resolution which will be moved by the Honble Rai Bahadur Bakshi Sohan Lal recommends to His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor that he may be pleased to order that 30 years shall be the ordinary term for a Land Revenue settlement now in progress or hereafter to be commented in any district of the Punjab. The proposal contained in the resolution does not represent any excessive or extravagant demand.
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 18

Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) celebrated its 4th Foundation Day at Jollygrant near here today.

The three-day festival was inaugurated by Uttarakhand Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prakash Pant, who was the chief guest on the occasion.

Addressing staff and students, Pant said Swami Rama Himalayan University, which has pioneered in providing health services, had started all education programmes under one roof.

Further, he said SRHU was the states only university, where the medical, nursing, para-medical, management, polytechnic and engineering courses were being run under one roof.

On this occasion, 146 meritorious students of SRHU were given academic awards by chief guest Prakash Pant.

Students of the university performed a colourful cultural programme on the occasion.

Dr Vijay Dhasmana, Vice-Chancellor, said the university had been focusing on job-related courses.
Yangon, April 18

A total of 285 people were killed and 1,073 others injured across Myanmar during a four-day water festival, media reports said.

The deaths were 13 more than that of last year's event.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,200 criminal cases were also registered during the water festival, Xinhua news agency reported.

Among the deaths, 10 were in Nay Pyi Taw, 44 in Yangon, 36 in Mandalay, 26 in Sagaing region, 11 in Tanintharyi region, 37 in Bago region, 11 in Magway region, 20 in Mon state, 17 in Rakhine, 29 in Shan state and 28 in Ayeyawaddy region.

The criminal cases were related to murder, car accident, drug-use, theft, arm possession and group violence respectively.

This year's traditional Thingyan water festival ran from Thursday to Sunday.

During last year's water festival, a total of 272 people were killed and 1,086 others injured.

IANS
Guatemala City, April 17

A former Mexican state governor on the run from police for more than five months who has come to symbolise corruption within the countrys ruling party was arrested on Saturday night in Guatemala and now awaits extradition.

Javier Duarte, wanted on charges of graft and organized crime, was detained in a hotel lobby in the picturesque lakeside town of Panajachel, 80 miles (130 km) west of Guatemalas capital, the national police said in a statement.

Local television footage showed a calm Duarte, formerly governor of Veracruz state, being led by police outside the hotel on Saturday night, his hands cuffed behind his back.

Duarte, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, was at the hotel for a couple of days using an assumed identity along with his wife; she has not been charged with any crimes.

He wanted to pass as a Mexican tourist, said Stu Velasco, deputy director of Guatemalas national police.

Duarte likely entered Guatemala by land sometime in early November, and used private planes within Guatemala while on the run, said Omar Garcia, chief of criminal investigations within Mexicos attorney generals office, at a Sunday news conference at the Mexican embassy in Guatemala.

He declined to detail Duartes travels in the Central American country, or who was helping him, but said he had kept a low profile in Panajachel.

He didnt leave his hotel room, said Garcia.

Duarte, 43, was transferred early on Sunday to the Matamoros prison in downtown Guatemala City, a facility known for holding drug traffickers and former Guatemalan government officials charged with corruption.

Rodrigo Sandoval, a Guatemalan lawyer representing Duarte, visited him at the prison later on Sunday morning.

I had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Duarte, and he says hes waiting for his extradition and for his lawyers in Mexico.

My understanding is that he will accept extradition, said Sandoval.

Agriculture and oil-rich Veracruz, on Mexicos Gulf coast, is one of Mexicos largest states, and it has historically been a stronghold of President Enrique Pena Nietos Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI.

Elected governor in 2010, Duarte presided over a sharp deterioration in security in the state punctuated by the discovery of mass graves and a spate of killings of journalists during his watch.

He has been accused of carrying out massive personal enrichment schemes with illicit resources, potentially totaling in the hundreds of millions of dollars and involving assets in Mexico and abroad.

Duarte is charged with using ghost companies to transfer and hide public funds.

Once seen as a rising young star within the PRI, Duarte was expelled from its ranks in October as accusations of graft mounted.

He resigned as governor that same month, a few weeks before his six-year term was due to end.

In June, Miguel Angel Yunes of the opposition National Action Party won a hotly contested race to succeed Duarte in a stinging defeat for the PRI, long the political party of the states governors.

He plundered our state, and left us in a financial disaster, said Yunes at a news conference in Boca del Rio near Veracruz city, celebrating the arrest.

Yunes said 1.2 billion pesos ($65 million) had been recovered from Duartes illicit diversion of public funds and added that billions of pesos still remain in the possession of Duarte family members, former officials and criminals who posed as businessmen.

Several of Duartes top cabinet officials have been arrested on corruption charges, while others are being investigated.  Reuters
United Nations, April 18

North Korea is preparing for "any mode of war" triggered by US military action, Pyongyang's envoy to the United Nations warned on Monday, saying his country would respond to a missile or nuclear strike "in kind."

The statement from North Korean Deputy Ambassador Kim In Ryong followed warnings from US Vice-President Mike Pence to Pyongyang not to test US resolve following another missile test.

"If the United States dares opt for a military action (...) the DPRK is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the Americans," Kim told a news conference.

"We will take the toughest counteraction against the provocateurs," said Kim.

North Korea has taken "self-defensive" measures in response to US threats of military action and these reflect Pyongyang's determination to "counter nukes and ICBM in kind," he said, referring to intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Pence told a news conference in South Korea that "the era of strategic patience is over" after North Korea test-fired another missile as fears mounted that it may be preparing a sixth nuclear test.

Pyongyang is seeking to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead, and has so far staged five nuclear tests, two of them last year.

US President Donald Trump's decision at the weekend to send the Carl Vinson carrier-led navy strike group to the Korean peninsula shows that the "US reckless moves for invading the DPRK have reached a serious phase," said Kim.

The North Korean deputy envoy asserted that Pyongyang would hold the United States "wholly accountable for the catastrophic consequences to be entailed by its outrageous actions."

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will next week chair a special meeting of the UN Security Council on North Korea.

AFP
Beirut, April 18

Air strikes by the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group killed 20 civilians in Syria's eastern Deir Ezzor province, a monitor said on Tuesday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the deaths came in two separate incidents on Monday.

It also reported 10 civilians, among them nine children, were killed in a suspected Russian air strike today on a town in the rebel-controlled province of Idlib.

The Observatory, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria for its information, says it determines whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used.

The Britain-based monitor said a US strike on Monday night on the Deir Ezzor town of Albu Kamal had killed 13 civilians, among them five children.

The strike also killed three members of Islamic State, which controls the town by the Syria-Iraq border, the monitor said.

Earlier on Monday, a US-led coalition strike killed seven civilians, including a child, in the village of Husseinyeh, the monitor said.

The US-led coalition has been carrying out air strikes against Islamic State in Syria since 2014 and is providing air support for a Kurdish-Arab alliance advancing on the jihadist bastion of Raqa.

Last month, the coalition said its campaign against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq had unintentionally killed at least 220 civilians, but monitors say the real number is far higher.

Most of the oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor, in Syria's east, is held by the Islamic State, including parts of the provincial capital, Deir Ezzor city.

The jihadists have besieged the remaining government-held parts of Deir Ezzor city, trapping civilians inside with limited access to supplies.

More than 320,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began with anti-government protests in March 2011.  AFP
Tokyo, April 18

The US will not relent until it achieves its objective of ensuring the Korean Peninsula is free of nuclear weapons, Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday while visiting Japan.

After meetings with PM Shinzo Abe and other leaders, Pence said President Donald Trump was confident that economic and diplomatic pressure has a chance of compelling North Korea to cooperate.

It is our belief by bringing together the family of nations with diplomatic and economic pressure we have a chance of achieving a freeze on the Korean Peninsula, Pence said. We will not rest and will not relent until we obtain the objective of a denuclearised Korean Peninsula, he said.

Pence struck a stern tone after arriving at a US naval base from South Korea. We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan, he said. We are with you 100 per cent.

The US and Japan also launched economic talks that Pence said could result in a bilateral trade deal.  Agencies
What looks like a Chinese civilian-design tractor-trailer carries a North Korean missile meant for submarine launching. Note the sailors sitting stiffly at attention on the platform behind the cab. Photos: KCNA and wstech.com

As a long-ago soldier, I'm intently watching news stories about North Koreas missiles, some of them launched and some paraded through the streets of the countrys capital. And as a truck guy, I'm wondering where the nasty Commies got the trucks and trailers that carry the fearsome weapons, and just what kind of vehicles they are. Turns out Im not the only one.

On the internet there are reports that the trucks and tractor-trailers were made by friendly Commies, in China, with  yikes!  American and German powertrain components in at least one of them. And the trucks themselves are sparking discussions about breaches of non-proliferation treaties among Communist and western nations.

The camouflage-blue rig is carrying a modest-sized missile reportedly designed for launching from submarines. On a platform behind the cab are white-uniformed sailors sitting stiffly at attention with rifles at arms length  a seated parade rest posture, Id call it. I could find no information on the vehicles specifications, but the tractor looks like a Chinese civilian-type based on European designs.

The huge eight-axle trucks supposedly carrying new intercontinental ballistic missiles (several sources think the big canisters were empty) are definitely Chinese, according to several articles I found. The Wanshan WS51200 chassis are 16x12s (eight axles, six of them driven), resembling (but not related to) Oshkosh heavy equipment transporters used by the American military. Wanshan sold the trucks to North Korea for hauling timber, and the North Koreans illegally converted them to military use, Reuters reports.

North Koreans converted Wanshan 16x12 trucks to missile erector-launchers, reports say. Powertrains include Cummins KTTA-700 and ZF automatic transmissions.

Wanshan is a specialist in off-road military vehicles, according to the Wikipedia page. The builder has looked for civilian uses for its military trucks, and this photo shows a chassis painted in un-military red.

Civilian version of Wanshan's WS51200 is meant for off-road hauling of timber, ore and fuel. But paint it olive-drab and outfit it with an erector-launch body, and the rough-terrain truck becomes a military threat.

To expand a bit on componentry: The WS51200's engine is a 700-hp Cummins KTTA-19, twin turbocharged and aftercooled with a 19-liter (1,161-cubic-inch) displacement. Its based on the KT-450 and KTA-600, which Cummins sold here as Big Power truck engines in the 1970s (I attended the KTs introduction in Columbus, Indiana, in 1973).

Like other American and European companies, Cummins has joint ventures in China. Several years ago it introduced an ISG diesel thats since been produced there. The ISG forms the basis for the new 11.9L X12 diesel destined for North America and to be built in Jamestown, New York.

The big truck's WSK440+16S251 automatic transmission is from Germany-based ZF, which also does business in China (and makes and sells automotive components in the U.S.). The Chinese market is huge and any world-class company worth its mettle (and metal) needs to be there to survive in the global marketplace.

China may be a potential enemy to us, but it is also a huge trading partner. To paraphrase an old saying, where goods cross borders, soldiers do not and President Trump is asking the Chinese to lean on the North Koreans to back off from their belligerency.

Now, lets lighten up. We know that on Easter Sunday, the day after their big parade, the North Koreans tried to test a missile but it exploded on launch. But, who knew that a missile fell off a trailer not long before that, sending their Dear Leader into a rage? The Daily Cardinal, the University of Wisconsins student-run newspaper, did. Ha ha, the Cardinal has a writer who's a real spoofmeister.
Deborah Lockridge

The Mid-America Trucking Show. For decades, a sign of spring as sure as flowering trees and late-season cold snaps. Its undergone some changes the last couple of years but still draws tens of thousands of drivers, owner-operators, small fleet owners and trucking fans to the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center in Louisville. Hundreds of makers and purveyors of everything from belt buckles to trucks and trailers are there, too, enticing visitors into booths with branded swag, games of all types, and attractive women dressed in everything from short shorts to long formal gowns. Truckers, often with kids and dogs in tow, check out the latest trucks, trailers, and electronics, buy tires or radios or trailer tie-downs, attend seminars and concerts, and get autographs signed by race car drivers, trucking radio show hosts, and TV reality show stars.

Last year, no truck makers exhibited, preferring to move to an every-other-year schedule on opposing years to the big biennial IAA international commercial vehicle show in Hannover, Germany, in September. Some came back to MATS this year; others are waiting for the new biennial North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta this September.

That very dynamic points to two things that struck me about the show this year. On one hand is the dichotomy between the increasingly global nature of many of the businesses that supply trucking and on the other, the very evidently patriotic, made-in-America imaging at the Louisville show. Its an increasingly global world, but made in America is still a big selling point.

Kenworth highlighted a T680 branded as The Drivers Truck, with red white and blue and Made in the USA graphics. Mack emphasized that it is the only heavy-duty truck maker that can say that every truck we build and sell and service is still built here in the U.S. At the same time, however, on the show floor, we saw non-U.S. purveyors of everything from replacement parts and tires to reefer units and trailers.

And a second dynamic that stood out to me was that here, the driver is king, whereas the NACV show will be aimed squarely at medium to large fleets.

In Louisville, Kenworth and Peterbilt were at the show with booths just as large as in the past. Kenworth explained that while in recent years it has increased its business with larger fleets, this show speaks to their core base of the owner-operator and small fleet owner. Daimler Trucks North America was not there as a corporate brand, but Freightliners Team Run Smart was there, with two of its business-savvy owner-operators who could share real-world advice on owning and operating the newest Freightliner trucks. And Western Star and Mack, both popular brands with a certain breed of owner-operator and vocational hauler, were there as well.

We noticed quite a few inexpensive electronic logging devices aimed at drivers and owner-operators, in advance of the mandated deadline this December. One company, One20, has dubbed its ELD the F-ELD. They say the F stands for fully compliant and free, but their advertising emphasized the basic message that The mandate may suck, but your ELD doesnt have to.

The driver-centric message was there in discussions about autonomous vehicle technology as well. Despite the visions of some startup companies that are coming at the technology without a trucking background, representatives from Bendix and Kenworth emphasized that a true driverless truck is not a near-future reality.

Bendixs future tech wizard Fred Andersky thinks that for the immediate future, faster communication between various electronic systems on trucks and the advent of more powerful and more integrated safety systems will develop into a series of automated steps that drivers and fleets alike will approve of on the path to more autonomous technologies. The driver is still key in all of these systems, he stressed. And that will be a reality for a long time to come.

Or, as Kenworth Chief Engineer Patrick Dean put it, Kenworth sees a place for the driver in trucks, full stop.
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Trumpler hosts second training course in China

China

Specialty leather chemicals manufacturer Trumpler recently hosted its second leather training course in China in collaboration with the Sichuan University.

Held in Chengdu, five universities participated in the event, which was designed to teach and motivate the countrys leather technicians. This is the second time Trumpler has organised the training course; as previously reported by ILM, in March 2016 around 20 leather technology students from three different universities took part in the training course held at Jiaxing University.

This time, the training course brought together 26 students who are specialising in leather technology. In addition to Sichuan University, the students hailed from Jiaxing University, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Qilu University of Technology and Qiqihar University. Some students undertook a 60-hour train journey to attend the course.

Held over six days, the course covered various aspects of leather manufacture from raw hides and skins to finished leather. Bovine and ovine raw materials and recipes were provided by Trumpler for processing from the raw, wet-blue and crust state. Around 12 Trumpler technicians and scientists were present throughout the week, including from Germany and Spain, to assist with the recipes, products and explanations.

Trumpler China is so pleased to host such a distinctive event and to inspire the next generation of leather technologists and scientists. We look forward to welcoming many of the students into the leather community in the future and to more information sharing and support events, said Trumpler adding that a number of the Universities have already requested to host the event in 2018 and discussions will commence in due course.
Chances for severe weather, including half-dollar sized hail, rain, heavy winds and lightning, are predicted to precede a cold front moving through the area Wednesday.

The National Weather Service predicts the severe weather chances will start after midnight Wednesday. Winds are expected to reach up to 60 miles per hour and a quarter inch of rainfall is predicted.

The marginal risk for severe storms is predicted to effect northern Oklahoma, northwest of Interstate 44, according to the weather service. The severe weather potential will persist throughout Wednesday and Thursday. Severe weather potential will subside Friday as drier air arrives Saturday.

Risk of flooding will follow the severe weather. A flood warning persists Tuesday into the evening for part of Osage County. Bird Creek in Osage County flooded Monday and persists into Tuesday.

The Bird Creek flooding shut down parts of Oklahoma 20 in Osage and Tulsa counties overnight Tuesday after heavy rainfall throughout Sunday and Monday. The flooded portions of the road have since reopened, according to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

Bird Creek near Sperry, Oklahoma is expected to rise above the flood stage, 21 feet, Tuesday morning and fall below that by Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service flood warning.

The weather service advises that the same creek in the area of Owasso may reach near the flood stage Tuesday. The flood advisory for that area is in effect until Wednesday afternoon.
GS Media and the evolving linking regime  Did we just wreck the Internet?





On 8 September 2016 the Court of Justice of the European Union gave its long-anticipated decision in the case GS Media BV v Sanoma Media Netherlands BV and Others (the GS Media case), the latest episode in the line of hyperlinking cases, a subset of the convoluted CJEU case law concerning communication to the public under the InfoSoc Directive.





Introducing a new test for linker liability, and applying this test in the case, the court's finding was that GS Media had effected a communication to the public. As explained by the court, we now know that hyperlinking to protected freely available works can, indeed, constitute copyright infringement if certain conditions are met.





What were the circumstances that led to the court case? Has the risk of copyright infringement by content creators, internet users and publishers increased as consequence of the decision? And is the law concerning hyperlinking now finally settled?





These are some of the topics that will be discussed in the guest lecture by Antti Harmanmaa, head of IPR at Sanoma on the 24th of April at the University of Southampton School of Law. Those who are not members of the University of Southampton will need to email Kat Eleonora Rosati at e.rosati@soton.ac.uk .





Youth participation Easter (holiday...) Kat.





Each year young people (18-30 years old) residing in all European countries are encouraged to proactively represent the European youth throughout the EuroDIG process. There are funds available for travel and hotel costs for a limited number of applicants.





This year there will be two separate programmes: YOUthDIG - is the Youth Dialogue on Internet Governance focusing on the EuroDIG agenda and prepare young people for their participation at EuroDIG; and Copyfighters  is organised by Young Pirates of Europe focusing on a modern copyright reform. S ee more information here .





Join OxFirst or a free webinar on April 20, 2017 - 15.00 BST -- The approach of the European Patent Office to digitalization and the Internet of Things.





With the Internet of Things promising significant job creation and growth rates, the question arises what patent offices can do to promote competitiveness in the digital space. In this talk Prof. Yann Meniere, Chief Economist of the EPO, discusses the EPO's major steps in ensuring high patent quality and fostering transparency in this field. Registration can be done here





Attention! Only registrations undertaken with professional email addresses will be accepted (i.e. registrations from yahoo, gmail or similar private accounts will not be accepted).





The EPO offers grants for academic research





The 10th of April marks the launch of the new EPO Academic Research Programme offering financial support for academic research on patent-related matters. The programme will award grants of up to EUR 100 000 to winning proposals. This initiative will complement the EPO's long-standing commitment to support research on patent data through its Worldwide Patent Statistical Database (PATSTAT).





The deadline for proposals is 15 June 2017. See more details here




Edmond state Rep. Ryan Martinez asked police officers if he should call the governor when they arrested him last week for suspension of driving under the influence, his second such offense since 2014.
he pregnant, homeless 16-year-old sat in the dark on a curb in a north Tulsa park with a phone in hand and a choice to make. She could call 911 for her early contractions, emergency mental health workers for her suicidal thoughts or a dating service to prostitute for a room.

It's not the first time Magenia Parish has faced that decision.



"I'm more suicidal right now than in pain," she sobs to her 30-year-old fiance.



"Watch it," he says. "Please don't say you're suicidal. Not in front of me."



Moments earlier Parish was having a breakdown.



She has no shelter, no money, no bus pass, only Pringles and canned chili to eat and a delicate pregnancy.

  



At 21 weeks into her pregnancy, Parish has called for an ambulance and visited an emergency room at least 20 times.

"I can't say my life's worth living right now," she said. "I'm throwing up my hands. Nobody knows I'm a kid until I tell them. I believe in God and pray and ask for help, but he doesn't seem to listen."

  

Parish has been on the Tulsa streets for nearly three years.



She is one of more than about 1,500 homeless teens in the city, according to Youth Services Executive Director Jim Walker.



Walker said this population is so invisible that most residents have a hard time believing it's a serious issue.



Of the homeless youths, about 30 percent have aged out of foster care, another 30 percent have been kicked out of their homes because of sexual orientation and the rest are a combination of factors, Walker said.



Some parents are fed up helping the teens through mental health needs or ask them to leave at age 18 because they can't afford to take care of them, Walker said.



In Tulsa, the number of homeless youths grew during the recession by up to 20 percent, he said.

  



Sixteen year old Magenia Parish, pregnant and homeless, finally gets drinking water at a gas station.

"In my day as teenagers, we were still considered kids," Walker said.

  

By The Numbers: Tulsa Youth Homeless

1,500 - Number of homeless youths living on Tulsa's streets, as estimated by Youth Services of Tulsa

81 - Number of homeless 18- to 24-year-olds counted by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development on Jan. 30

16 - Number of homeless 13- to 17-year-olds counted on Jan. 30

28 - Number of 13- to 17-year-olds in transitional living, according to HUD

462 - Number of 13- to 17-year-olds in emergency shelters, according to HUD



Youth Services drop-in center

Located across from the Youth Services of Tulsa headquarters at 311 S. Madison Ave.

Open noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Fridays

Serves youths ages 16 to 24. Offers basic services such as access to laundry, online access, clothes closet, lockers, showers and a hot meal.



For fiscal year 2012

329: Youths served

43: Percent female

57: Percent male

64: Percent white

24: Percent black

6: Percent American Indian

5: Percent Hispanic

20: Average age

272: Youths served to date for fiscal year 2013

"Today, they are almost thought of as dangerous adults. Most people believe they need to protect themselves from them rather than seeing them as kids who need protecting."



Homeless youths are created by a convergence of societal factors that are out of a child's control.



There is trauma early in life, limited access to health and mental health care, a lack of education opportunities or achievement and serious disruptions in their family lives, said Community Service Council Associate Director Jim Lyall said.



"As social, health and economic conditions decline for many Oklahomans, it should not be surprising to see an upward trend in the number of homeless youth and young adults," Lyall said. "These conditions may also be indicators for continued growth in future adult homelessness."

Mosquitos, poison ivy

The meltdown started when a man Parish met through that dating service dropped the couple off in the woods near Yale Avenue and Pine Street with a $31 tent, machete, three bottles of water and some snacks.



Hacking through the brush, they find a space to camp but aren't sure how to put up the tent.



Mosquitos are biting, a deafening train rolls nearby and the heat is making Parish sick.



She missed the free meals at the shelter and has eaten only chips and water. She has her antidepressants but lost her vitamins.

  



Magenia Parish, a homeless 16 year old, collapses in her tent after preparing a campsite near East Pine Street and North Yale Ave.

"If I had prenatal vitamins, my baby would be eating healthier than me," she said.

  

Getting frustrated by the tent and finding themselves surrounded by poison ivy, Parish wants to leave.



"To where?" said her fiance. "To bloody where? I don't even know where we're at."



They end up walking about a mile to a convenience store for water, where a woman lets them have a cup for free.



Trekking back in the middle of Pine Street, Parish decides she cannot go any farther.



"I'm hurting," she says. "I shouldn't be hurting like this. I feel like everything is cramping up."



Parish waits in the park while her fiance goes to retrieve items from the camp.



That's when she hits her wall.

  

"We're both fighting to survive," she said while crying. "I want this to end. But, (her fiance) is the only one telling me I'm pretty, telling me I'm smart, telling me it is going to be OK. My hope is we can get through it. I'm going to just keep going."

  

She doesn't want to attract the attention of law enforcement.



"All Tulsa police want to do is put me in the back of car and take me to the youth shelter and put him in handcuffs," she said.



Parish decides to call EMSA, hoping for an overnight stay at a hospital.



At 21 weeks into her pregnancy, it is at least the 20th time she has called for an ambulance and visited an emergency room.



Sometimes, she gets her wish and doctors have her stay overnight.



This time, she was released to the streets at 4 a.m.



"This the hardest night we've had," she said. "My mom tells me I could go to schools and tell them not to do drugs or giving up. I can't even say that about myself. How could I tell other teens not to do drugs or give up when I can't do that?"



Two days later, she was back at the emergency room with contractions and expressions of suicidal and homicidal thoughts, leading to a two-night stay under a psychiatric watch.



Medicaid covers the costs.





Raped at 13

Parish spent her childhood in Missouri not knowing her father.



She was drinking alcohol young and was raped at age 13 while intoxicated. It is one of four rapes in her life, she says.



That's when she began cutting herself, had seizures and was put on a suicide watch in a mental health clinic.



That year, her mother drove her from Kansas City and dropped her off in Tulsa with her father, who is occasionally homeless, living in camps or cheap motels.



Parish was never enrolled in Tulsa schools and ran away almost immediately.



On the streets, she has done methamphetamine and smoked marijuana.



She said the Oklahoma Department of Human Services has made at least three contacts with her father on child neglect complaints.





  



Sixteen year old Magenia Parish, pregnant and homeless, walks to look for drinking water.

"My dad puts me down and doesn't care how I feel," she said. "He tends to disrespect my fiance and that upsets me."

  

Her mother remarried, has three other children and lives with her grandparents in Missouri.



Parish said her mother knows about the homelessness but not the prostitution. She said her grandparents have "disowned" her because of the pregnancy.



"It's killing my mom, but she can't do anything to help me," Parish said. "My mom loves me and was hoping I didn't live like my dad.



"Since I was little, I've raised myself. It wasn't until I got out on my own that I felt safe enough to act like a kid."

'A way to live'

Parish carries two notebooks.



One is a journal, filled with curly-cue handwriting of her thoughts and dreams with hearts around the names of her fiance and baby.



It has poems and a letter to her unborn baby, stating repeatedly, "You are loved."



The other has appointments, addresses and the first names and numbers of the men who have called her dating service.



Parish's dating service message details her body and ends with "call if you want to play."



When she returns a call, it's a negotiation, so they know it's more than a date.



Her growing pregnant belly doesn't stop the men, and none know her real age.





  



Magenia Parish gets on a bus that will take her to the Drop In Center to do laundry.

"Prostitution is always the last resort," she said. "It gets frustrating to have to do it, and I get depressed. But we see it as a way to live right now."

  

Most of the time, sex is in exchange for a motel room.



"I never ask them to pay money, but we get a room and he leaves afterward. Then, we have a room for the night," she said.



"Some guys get paranoid about getting a room so they'll take me to their house and pay me."



The rate is between $60 and $75 and she gets about 20 calls a month.



This didn't happen overnight.



One day a 45-year-old truck driver offered to take Parish with him to Texas in exchange for sex.



She didn't think of it as prostitution, and he didn't know she was barely 15.



"He was respectful of me, and I wanted the adventure," she said. "He bought me clothes and food and brought me back to Oklahoma."



When she returned, her dates evolved into prostitution.



It's dangerous.



"I've taught myself to think of it as being with (her fiance)," she said. "He isn't aggressive. I close my eyes and just let it happen. When a guy is too rough, I seize. My fiance deals with my seizing afterward."



She said her fiance stays close in case the dates get too rough.



"I'm about to lose him because of it," she said. "He said he doesn't like me doing it, but he won't leave me over something so small. It's very stressful."





DHS may take baby

The baby is her source of hope right now.



She said the father is her fiance, whom she met through Facebook and was pregnant after two months of dating.



Her fiance, who asked not to be named, was deemed incapacitated/disabled by a Missouri court in 2007. He receives a monthly Supplemental Security Income allowance from Social Security through a state-appointed guardian and has been diagnosed with the mental capacity of a 16-year-old.



"That upsets me because he's not like that," Parish said "He is the only adult who gives a s--- about me."



This is his second child.



He has given her a simple silver band as an engagement ring. He wants to contest the Missouri court order on his disability to retain control of his finances to support Parish and the baby.



"She's a risk I'm willing to take," he said. "If you love somebody so much, it's worth it."



Social workers have warned her of the possibility that DHS may be called when she gives birth.



Parish said she has made every prenatal appointment and stopped taking drugs or drinking alcohol after finding out she was pregnant.



She is confident the baby will lead to a better life.



"Hopefully, by the time I have the baby, my fiance will have his SSI and a place to go and call home."





$40 motel room

The two spend a lot of time walking.



They spend time near the 31st Street and Memorial Drive intersections, taking the bus downtown for food and medical services. While Parish does laundry at the Youth Services drop-in center, her fiance might be at the downtown library or adult shelter.



Her fiance sells his plasma for money, which brings $50 for the first four visits then drops down to $25.



A motel room costs $40 a night near Admiral Boulevard and Memorial Drive.



The couple say shelters won't take them because of their age difference, with her fiance being too old for the youth shelter and Parish being too young for adult shelters.



But social workers say they have been offered shelter but haven't accepted it.



Parish said life on Tulsa's streets is "extremely dangerous."





  



Magenia Parish feels the hair of her friend Laura Brown while waiting for a bus at the Denver Avenue bus station downtown.

"It's more dangerous for younger people, who tend to be taken advantage of," she said. "A lot of youngsters like myself need help, a place to stay. We put up with a lot of abuse for a place to stay."

  

The couple sometimes panhandles for cash.



"Being pregnant actually helps with that," she said.



Parish had an appointment at a program that would have helped with obtaining a GED and job training.



She skipped it.



"Everything is day by day," she said. "Every time I plan ahead, it tends to collapse."




One very effective way of curbing Syria is to disrupt the Islamic Republics airlifts to the country, and this can easily be achieved with sanctions on the civil aviation sector. Despite the Iran nuclear deal signed in 2015, the US still has the possibility of using sanctions against Iran regarding its support for terrorism.

So far though, this method has not been used as much as it should have been. The Iranian regime is carrying out a large number of airlifts  not just to Syria, but also to its militias in the region, e.g. Hezbollah.

The Iran nuclear deal actually simplified the regimes support of Assad in Syria because it allowed Iran to purchase aircraft. Experts believe that this should be re-sanctioned with immediate effect  not least so that the countrys commercial airliners are not used to fuel the civil war in Syria.

A handful of Syrian and Iranian commercial airlines do regular military airlifts to Syria. This has been happening since 2011. Records show that from the day the nuclear deal was implemented in January 2016 until the end of last month there have been almost 700 flights to Syria from Iran, and only 6 of them were by Irans air force.

Six years ago Mahan Air and Iran Air were blacklisted by the Department of the Treasury for cooperating with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) by carrying out these airlifts. Mahan Air, because of its ongoing support for terrorism, is still under US sanctions, but Iran Air has had its sanctions lifted despite its support for the IRGC. Iran Air was delisted for political reasons including the nuclear deal, but there is no evidence to suggest that the company has cleaned up its practices.

Iran Air has commercial flights to Damascus on a regular basis. There are two flights a week despite the country being in the midst of a war. This is one indication that it is still involved in terrorist activities. Furthermore, the flights between Iran and Damascus cannot be purchased online and Damascus is not listed as a destination on its website. Tellingly, the flights sometimes go via Abadan which is a major logistical hub for the IRGC.

There is more than enough evidence that would justify sanctioning Iran Air again and the United States should stop the sale of more aircraft to Tehran. Details about the Boeing and Airbus deals are very vague, so Congress should demand transparency.

As it has been proven previously that Iran responds well to sanctions, now is the time to impose more to curb the terrorist transfers of military forces and weapons.


Tulsa World Multimedia Producer Mike Simons

Mike Simons graduated from Union High School and went on to attend the University of Central Oklahoma receiving a bachelors degree in journalism/photographic arts in 1995. He worked at the Tulsa World from 1995-2000. During that time he was named Photographer of the Year by the Oklahoma Press Association in 1996, and received the Sweepstakes Award for photography by the Associated Press in 1996 and 2000. In 2000, he became a freelance photojournalist based out of Cincinnati. He worked for many national and international publications, but in 2006 -- after fighting homesickness for more than 5 years  he was able to return to Oklahoma and the Tulsa World. His passion is storytelling, and new advances in video cameras and online delivery have made it possible to tell peoples stories in a more comprehensive way than ever before.



Contact: mike.simons@tulsaworld.com, 918-699-8814



@mikesimonsphoto
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SBS screens Australian documentary The Surgeon and the Soldier which follows the friendship between Iraqi refugee doctor Munjed Al Muderis who helps ex-soldier Michael Swain to walk again.

Directed by award-winning director, screenwriter and producer David Roach (Red Obsession, Beneath Hill 60), The Surgeon and the Soldier is an inspirational new Australian documentary following Iraq-born Australian refugee and pioneering surgeon Dr Munjed Al Muderis as he fights to help ex-British soldier Michael Swain walk again.

In 2009, at just 20 years old, Swain lost both his legs in a horrific landmine explosion while serving his country in Afghanistan. Swain faced the rest of his life confined to a wheelchair.

Dr Al Muderis has also seen the horrors of war. Born in Iraq, the surgeon fled his home in 1999 after refusing to oblige to Saddam Husseins brutal orders to maim rebel soldiers. A decade to the day before Swains tragedy, Munjed landed on Christmas Island after a perilous journey seeking asylum, before being granted an Australian visa. He is now an internationally well-respected pioneering surgeon and humanitarian, who has helped many amputees regain their mobility.

Now the two are joined for a battle to push the boundaries of science. The pair form a unique bond as Al Muderis works to develop never-before used bionic legs  facing controversy in the medical fraternity and meeting scientific challenges along the way.

The Surgeon and the Soldier is a story about overcoming the odds, the incredible work done by refugees in Australia, and the countrys position at the forefront of medical science.

I belong to Australia, Dr Al Muderis says. Australia is home  and because of Australia, I do what Im doing.

The Surgeon and the Soldier is a dramatic  at times confronting  document of this remarkable journey, following two remarkable people who form a special alliance to bring mobility to those who thought they would never walk again.

8.30pm Monday, 24 April on SBS.
This might be a bit of fun.

After watching tonights episode of Wentworth, in which Liz (Celia Ireland) heads to court, I got a surprise when the credits rolled.

I hadnt recognised this actor playing the judge.

Thought I might see if anybody else can pick it? Youll need to know your nostalgia well.

8:30pm tonight on Showcase.
Former Weekend Sunrise news presenter Talitha Cummins will be a guest on Studio 10 today, less than 2 weeks after settling an unfair dismissal case against Seven.

She joins Sarah Harris, Joe Hildebrand, Jo Casamento and Susie Elelman today.

Executive producer Rob McKnight told News Corp, Talitha and Sarah are old mates and we all think shes great talent. Shes a perfect fit for Studio 10 as shes not afraid to open up about her personal life and has strong opinions on hot topics.

Cummins claimed Seven ended her regular gig with them during maternity leave, although the network claimed she was a casual employee, and not entitled to a return-to-work guarantee.

The case was settled out of court.

Studio 10 airs 8:30am weekdays on TEN.
Netflix has grown slower than it expected in the first three months of the year, adding 4.95 million new subscribers in the quarter, fewer than the 5.2 million it had forecast.

In the US, the firm added a third fewer new members than the same period a year ago, while overseas members fell 22%.

Netflix blamed the drop partly on shifting some of its popular shows to the second quarter of the year.

The firm said its House of Cards series, which last year debuted in the first quarter but for this year has been pushed into the second quarter, was the main reason for the lower-than-expected subscriber growth.

Netflix said it still expected to add 8.15 million new members in total for the first half of the year, just below the 8.42 it added in the first half of last year.

Source: BBC
Many in the West are wondering which choice would be the lesser of two evils and what the consequences would be on society, the rest of the Middle East and the rest of the world.

During Rouhanis time in office, the Iran nuclear deal was negotiated in 2015 with the United States and other world powers. Despite this, a large number of fundamentalist activities were carried out in the Islamic Republic. In fact, probably some of the worst behaviour in three decades was displayed.

For example, almost 3,000 people have been executed in the country under the rule of Rouhani. This is more than any other time in recent history in Iran and they were often a punishment for crimes such as insulting religion.

During Rouhanis tenure, Iran has tangled itself up in three wars in the region in Yemen, Iraq and Syria. The state media has also reported that his government has advanced strategic weapons development more in the past few years that has been done in the past ten years.

And this is the president that the West refers to as moderate.

Raisi too has made a career out of supressing the Iranian people. For decades he has been involved in presuming the policies of the Iranian regime and being a faithful follower of the Supreme Leaders interpretation of Islam.

No matter which of these men win the 19th May elections, the situation in Iran will still be the same  the regimes support of terrorism will continue and the people will still be supressed. The pursuit of nuclear weapons will still be a priority for the Iranian regime and human rights violations will still be central to its policies.

What will make a difference is the reaction and treatment of the United States and the wider West. If policies are adopted to end Irans meddling the regime could face a disastrous blow that would end the theocratic regime. The missile strike on the Syrian regimes airbase earlier in the month was a good start.


When he first arrived in Melbourne there were spook similarities for actor Justin Theroux with the Australian experiences for his Leftovers character Kevin Garvey.

Wrapping the third and final season of the drama about the disappearance of 2% of the worlds population in Melbourne, Theroux found the experience slightly unsettling. But he declined to detail the similarities for fear of revealing spoilers.

They literally happened to me in my hotel suite in Melbourne. There were all these weird parallels. I cant really say what they are but (when I looked at the script) I said That happened to me on my first day in Melbourne! he explains.

Some very specific things that went wrong for Kevin Garvey when he arrived, went wrong for me.

Nobody has wanted a Selfie yet!

Theroux and The Leftovers cast shot from July  September 2016, relocating the HBO drama after previous seasons in New York and Austin, Texas. Producer Damon Lindelof and Mimi Leder were heavily influenced by Australian new wave films, Walkabout, Wake in Fright, Picnic at Hanging Rock and The Last Wave. The Leftovers based its third season -both on and off-screen- in Australia for reasons which will become evident as the story unfolds.

After S1 and S2 I learned to trust Damon and Mimi, says Theroux. They were both saying This is where we should go, so I tried not to be a stick in the mud!

The experience of the previous two locations had been so rewarding, so there was no reason to see that it wouldnt be the same.

When we spoke early in his shoot, Theroux was missing the US summer but enjoying a shift from fan attention that follows him in the US. Aussies were far more relaxed about his celebrity.

They say something very sweet or nice and then shuffle along. As opposed to the US where they just point a camera at you. (But here) nobody has wanted a Selfie yet! he laughs.

Season 3 takes place four years after the events in Season 2 and nearly seven years since The Departure. Both the Garvey and Murphy families are desperately grasping for systems of belief to help better explain that which defies explanation. But something big is about to happen as the series barrels headlong towards its climax.

Kevin Garvey has also settled since the events of previous seasons. Theroux had to question some of the shows heightened scenes in order to play them truthfully.

Am I seeing things? Am I suffering a schizophrenic breakdown? he asks. But Damon always said, No, this is actually happening.

I think in his mind the worst has already happened to him.

Its like surviving a crash you either become more frightened by it or you settle and say Life is good. I think thats where we pick him up.

What I love about the show. is that it mimics your life more than you think, with its spiritual elements. Its completely universal in that everyone has to grapple with How long are we here for? Whats the point? Whats the purpose of grinding on?

Damons just chosen to shine this light on it, in an uncomfortable way, at times.

A lot of people just hum along going through life not examining anything beneath the surface. But eventually we all have an existential element either early on, mid-life or late in life.

The stuff that Damon writes is so vastly different to the things I write.

Theroux is a writer himself, having penned screenplays Zoolander 2, Rock of Ages, Iron Man 2 and Tropic Thunder. But on The Leftovers, he lets Damon Lindelof take the reins as showrunner on a drama based on a Tom Perrotta novel.

The stuff that Damon writes is so vastly different to the things I write. These scripts come in so perfect, that you really just want to service them as an actor. I might ask to change a word or drop a line .but nothing thematically, he continues.

We never have that argument. He knows my character as well as I know my character. Sometimes better, obviously. Its that wonderful thing where you get scripts and you start to feel like youre being pushed in the direction where you wouldnt have anticipated you would go, but it makes total sense. Or he puts you in an uncomfortable or compromising position where you think it will be really hard. I see it as a challenge, and its more fun.

If you try and bring scripts to your comfort zone its death to the show, and death to the actor.

The Leftovers returns 8:30pm Thursday on Showcase.
Guide for Returning to Campus

In the current environment, the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff remain our top priority. To that end, we have taken several important steps that are consistent with the requests of government leaders and health officials.
Conor Healy, back when he was just a freshman at Harvard University, enrolled in a seminar class on free speech. Healy was from Toronto and he chose the said program because it seemed popular in the United States.

Healy recently told USA Today that he did learn a lot from his free speech class. Apparently, the students in the course tackled issues like the First Amendment, Holocaust, gender equality, and denialism. Now, Healy met Francisco Trujillo and created the first club dedicated to the freedom of speech at Harvard. The group is called the "Open Campus Initiative".

For the record, Healy became the president while Trujillo took the vice president position. The Open Campus Initiative actually had its first meeting last January. The club then grew with 35 members and six officers.

Unfortunately, not everyone became a fan. As a matter of fact, the club has been targeted by various protesters. Well, one of the reasons for the rallies is the move to invite controversial speakers like University of Toronto Psychology professor Jordan B. Peterson. Peterson is famous for refusing gender-neutral pronouns.

Per the same source, demonstrators swarmed Peterson's lecture holding signs that read "Fight Transphobia". Nevertheless, no one was harmed and the class finished peacefully. While freedom of speech is a good advocacy, Healy and his team recognize the fact that a lot of people would see them as people breaking the status quo. However, people need to feel more comfortable in challenging ideas and speaking up.

With that being said, the Open Campus Initiative will push through despite the protests. Healy added that it is time for students to not fear open conversations on campus. Next semester, the club plans to invite more speakers like the provocative author Charles Murray.

Unfortunately, the protests are not limited to Harvard students alone. As a matter of fact, according to Irish Times, Israeli ambassador Ze'ev Boker was scheduled for a talk in the Trinity University Dublin last February. It was later canceled when demonstrators blocked the door. Lastly, the talk of polemicist Milo Yiannopoulos in Berkeley ended in violent riots.
Rolling Stone magazine has settled a lawsuit filed by a former administrator of the University of Virginia. This was about a story published by the magazine about a rape on campus.

It was previously reported that Rolling Stone magazine published an article claiming that several members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at the school had raped a woman named Jackie. The act was said to have happened during a chapter house party as part of an initiation rite.

There were major discrepancies and led to Rolling Stone issuing multiple apologies for the story. The now-retracted article, which was published on Nov. 19, 2014, was written by Sabrina Erdely.

The retraction of the University of Virginia sexual assault story was recently debated in federal court. UVa dean Nicole Eramo sued Rolling Stone for libel. Eramo argued in court that the article was factually wrong and was based on assumptions that administrators like her are not helpful to rape victims. The dean asked for $7.5 million for damages.

According to the Associated Press, via USA Today College, attorneys representing the publication and the administrator announced this week that they have reached a confidential settlement over the case. It was described by Rolling Stone as an "amicable resolution."

This is not the end of the battle for the publication, though. It still faces a lawsuit of over $25 million filed by the UVa chapter of the fraternity where Jackie was allegedly raped. The trial is scheduled for October.

The settlement came after Rolling Stone challenged a jury's verdict back in November awarding Eramo with $3 million. Back in December, the magazine asked the judge to overturn the jury's decision, claiming that there is no evidence that reporter Sabrina Erdely acted with actual malice.

Media organizations urged the judge to overrule the finding that Rolling Stone "republished" the false claims when it attached an editor's note highlighting the problems with the story to its online platform. They argued that punishing the magazine for trying to alert the public to problems with the story could discourage publications from correcting errors.
Having a master's degree has a lot of benefits, one of which is the opportunity of a higher income. However, those who want to further their education sometimes find themselves not having time enough to go back to school. Fortunately, top universities have collaborated with Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platforms to offer some of these programs online. Here is 6 legitimate online master's degree students can choose from.

Master of Computer Science in Data Science (University of Illinois)

The online Master's Degree of Computer Science in Data Science (MCS-DS) offered by the University of Illinois, costs less than $20K and touches four core areas of computer science. This includes machine learning, data mining, data visualization, and cloud computing. Students will also learn skill sets in information science and statistics. More details about the course can be accessed on Coursera.

Master of Science in Analytics (Georgia Tech)

Georgia Tech has one of the most successful online master's degree programs in computer science and with that, they are offering another program - the Master of Science in Analytics on edX. The program costs $825 per three credit hours and is limited to 250 students only. It also includes three free courses that focus on analytics.

Master of Science in Accounting (University of Illinois)

For those who have an accounting degree and want to proceed to a master's program, the University of Illinois is teaming up with Coursera once again to offer the Master of Science in Accounting. According to the U.S. News & World Report, the university's accounting program is one of the top three in the nation. The whole program is estimated to cost around $27K.

Master of Business Administration (University of Illinois)

The Master of Business Administration was first offered by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2015. According to the course description on Coursera, the program includes personal meet-ups with professors, team projects, and live global classrooms.

Master's in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (HEC Paris)

HEC Paris is one of the highest ranked business schools in Europe. The Master's in Innovation and Enterprise has just been opened this year and costs 20,000.

Cyber Security (Deakin University)

Deakin University in Australia is offering a master's degree program in Cyber Security with the UK-based MOOC provider, FutureLearn. Students will learn digital forensics, analytics, and system security among others when they take the course.
Job interviews have become one of the essential steps in the job application process. This step can either make or break the applicant's chance of bagging the job or not. For those who dread job interviews, they have an ally in a Yale professor who said job interviews are useless.

Jason Dana, an assistant professor of management and marketing at the Yale School of Management, wrote in an article on The New York Times said job interviews are useless because interviewers reveal more about themselves than the person they interview.

His observation was not just taken out-of-the-blue but has been backed by a lot of scientific evidence over the years. One example was a study made in 1979 regarding the 50 rejected students at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston.

That time the Texas Legislature required the school to add 50 more students but after the interview phase, the 50 candidates were rejected. When a team of researchers looked into the data of the students and the ones who were accepted, they found out that all of them have the same abilities in the same areas. That means the interviewers had not clearly made any relevance to the application process.

Dana and his colleagues also made a research to see if they would get the same or different results than previous studies. The process involved students interviewing another group of students and predict what their future performance are in school. One group only based their predictions on the interview while the other group based it on the previous GPA scores of the students. It turned out the GPA scores are more accurate indicators compared to the ones based only on the interview.

Since interviews are unreliable, Dana suggested that interviews should be structured where all the applicants receive the same questions and ask about job-related skills rather than personal questions which are considered counter-productive.
There is an entire crew that gets an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet mission-ready and in the air outside of just the pilot in the cockpit. One of the key members are the weapons loaders who load the munitions, install and remove alternate mission equipment, and perform end-of-runway procedures to assist the jet in takeoff.



Senior Airman Sydney Byrd currently serves in this position with the South Carolina Air National Guard, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

November 22, 2016 - U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sydney Byrd, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons loader, assists in affixing a bomb onto the wing of an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet on the taxiway at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina. The South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing is the only fighter wing in the Air National Guard that is assigned to a stand-alone base, allowing for the capability to store, build, load, and drop live tactical assets from home station. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Megan Floyd) Being a weapons troop, we lift missiles and load bombs, she said. Basically, we get our hands dirty.



Typically, more physically demanding career fields are dominated by males, due to the nature of the work. However, with all jobs being opened to females as of January 2016, it is becoming more common for females to serve in these labor intensive positions. And Byrd doesnt let any stereotypes hold her back.



Maybe as a female you might have to hit the gym a little bit harder, said Byrd. I make sure when it comes to work on the flight line, no one has to hold my hand. I am a crew member, just like anyone else.



With nearly 4 years of service with the South Carolina Air National Guard Byrd has made an impact on her peers and supervisors with her work ethic and positive attitude.



Her ability to take on projects to completion and problem solve with little input from others makes her a valuable asset to the weapons shop, said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Puck, 169th Maintenance Group supervisor.



Puck added, Byrds competence, ambition and desire to learn set her apart when she applied for a fulltime position with the maintenance shop. Byrd continues to showcase her ambition by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Clemson University and by pursuing her commission as a maintenance officer. Additionally, outside of being a weapons loader during the week, Byrd also assists the command chief with the base awards and recognition program during drill weekends.



Throughout her time serving in the South Carolina Air National Guard, Byrd said her favorite part of the job has been the camaraderie of the shop and how her guard unit has become a second family to her. This came naturally, as her brother also previously served in the weapons shop, giving her an opportunity to meet and know the personnel before joining the unit.



For others looking to serve, Byrd has some advice to share from her experiences.



The Guard taught me service before self and, most importantly, improved my self-confidence, said Byrd. The Guard is 100% what you make of itSoak up all the knowledge from your leadership and ask questions and have pride while you wear the uniform. By Capt. Jessica Donnelly, South Carolina National Guard

Provided through DVIDS

Copyright 2017 Comment on this article
Published: April 17, 2017

UT Hosting Sixth Annual Human Rights Day Conference April 22

The University of Tampa will host its sixth annual Human Rights Day Conference on Saturday, April 22. Attendees will explore the theme Migration, Immigration and Refugee Rights through panels, presentations and creative works from UT faculty and students as well as outside speakers.



The event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the ninth floor of the Vaughn Center and is free and open to the public.



The conference will kick off with a screening of Drawing the Tiger. Filmed over seven years, the documentary follows a rural Nepalese family as they try to escape the cyclical debt and poverty of subsistence farming. After the screening, co-directors Amy Benson and Scott Squire will deliver a keynote address on their behind-the-scenes journey of making the film.



In the afternoon, attendees can choose from several concurrent sessions. Room one sessions include:

Contested Borders, Refugees and Human Security: A Case Study of Kashmir , Aurobinda Mahapatra, Fellow at the Center for Peace, Development and Democracy, University of Massachusetts Boston, 2 p.m.

, Aurobinda Mahapatra, Fellow at the Center for Peace, Development and Democracy, University of Massachusetts Boston, 2 p.m. Social Justice Communication and Actuality Media , Christopher Boulton, UT students and a representative from Actuality Media, 3 p.m.

, Christopher Boulton, UT students and a representative from Actuality Media, 3 p.m. Migrant Rights Panel, Scott Solomon, associate professor of government and international affairs at the University of South Florida; Mary Meyer, professor of political science at Eckerd College; and Tara Deubel, assistant professor of anthropology at the University of South Florida, 4 p.m.

Room two sessions include:

Central American Migrants: Social and Economic Causes of Emigration , Harry E. Vanden, professor of government and international affairs at the University of South Florida, 2 p.m.

, Harry E. Vanden, professor of government and international affairs at the University of South Florida, 2 p.m. Florida Institute for Community Studies (FICS) , Alayne Unterberger, FICS founder and research director, 3 p.m.

, Alayne Unterberger, FICS founder and research director, 3 p.m. Fair Food and Human Rights: How the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and Consumer Allies Have Transformed the Agricultural Industry, Coalition of Immokalee Workers representatives, 4 p.m.

The conference will end with a discussion of the CARIBE Refugee Program with coordinator Ronald Alan Cruz at 5 p.m.



The conference is organized by Bruce Friesen and Marcus Arvan of the Human Rights Think Tank, and is sponsored by the UT College of Social Sciences, Mathematics and Education, the UT Department of Philosophy and Religion, the UT Honors Program and UNA-USA Tampa Bay.



For more information, go to www.ut.edu/humanrightsday or contact Friesen at bfriesen@ut.edu or (813) 257-3464, or Arvan at marvan@ut.edu or (813) 257-3674.
Ellbogen $30K Entrepreneurship Competition, Business Summit Thursday at UW

Ten student-led finalists will compete for the chance to earn money for their startup business plans during the annual John P. Ellbogen $30K Entrepreneurship Competition at the University of Wyoming Thursday, April 20.

The entrepreneurial competition awards cash prizes to outstanding teams of student entrepreneurs who submit their business plans for new ventures showing significant business potential. The competition will be held at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, beginning with opening remarks from UW President Laurie Nichols. Student projects will be presented starting at 9 a.m. and will continue throughout the day.

The entrepreneurship competition is part of a daylong UW Entrepreneurship Summit. The UW College of Business hosts both the competition and summit. To view the schedule, click here.

The 10 John P. Ellbogen $30K Entrepreneurship Competition finalists, their projects, team members, majors and hometowns are:

-- Spifty, Neil Neuberger and Paul Bonifas, both dual MBA and petroleum engineering majors, from Casper. The founders have entered the peer-to-peer market with their Wyoming-based labor solutions company, which connects clients who want a job completed, with workers who would like to make extra income. The jobs completed can be anything ranging from house cleaning, to dog walking, to lawn care services. Spifty also offers an option in which workers, in lieu of being paid, can conveniently donate their earnings to a charity or nonprofit of their choice.

Spifty is the only company that seamlessly translates excess volunteer labor into charitable donations. Bonifas says.

-- Levsonic, Levente Pap, chemistry doctoral candidate, from Budapest, Hungary. The companys product is a hardware and software platform that provides a solution for the tedious daily written documentation by a small mobile device that would directly convert speech to digital text via speech recognition. The product also is equipped with safety features such as a gas sensor, is and suitable to improve a safe working environment, save time for employees, improve managers efficiency and develop a companys competitiveness.

-- Microflight, Shane Cornell, from Casper; Travis Dooley, from Powell; Chris Marcum, from Cheyenne; and Brian Potter, from Liberty Hill, Texas. All team members are mechanical engineering majors. Microgravity testing is a common exercise when preparing products for space travel, and companies tend to launch many expensive tests. The MicroFlight team has been developing a new method for microgravity testing that is unique to anywhere in the country, developing a product that provides the closest to space-like testing.

-- Photohound, Keegan Haukaas, MBA, from Evanston; and Jordan Bates, Cheyenne, Jack Murdock, Laramie, and Samuel Robertson, from Wheatland, all computer science majors. The company provides a platform in which users can post photographs called PhotoCaches and challenge other users to find these PhotoCaches and take an equivalent photo. The user is then rewarded in various ways, including discount codes, interesting factoids or a follow-up PhotoCache. The goal is to motivate people to get outside and explore the world around them through the discovery and creation of PhotoCaches.

We are very excited about our app because we see its game and social aspects motivating people to get up, get outside and get moving, unlike todays social media platforms. Users will also be able to more easily find the hidden gems in a new town or a vacation spot, Haukaas says. We envision our app having impact on the way that businesses advertise. In the future, we hope to create jobs in Wyoming and help foster more entrepreneurship through business partnerships with our company.

-- Wyoming Wheels, Nicholas Reh, a dual engineering/MBA student from Aurora, Colo.; James Francis and Scott Ratliff, both from Gillette; Megan Richter, from Sheridan; and Tyler Kissell, from Palisade, Colo. All are mechanical engineering majors. The companys plan will improve the mobility of wheelchair-bound individuals through a new wheel assembly for manual wheelchairs. The modified wheelchair assembly will reduce the likelihood of shoulder and wrist injuries that tend to occur with long-term wheelchair use.

Wyoming Wheels was founded with a purpose: to provide people with life-improving innovations at an attainable price, while growing to positively impact the lives of all, Reh says.

-- Valued Energy Platform, John Lee, energy management MBA, from Dubois, and Greyson Buckingham, dual energy management MBA and law student, from Jackson. The business plan seeks to deliver greater efficiencies in the oil and gas supply chain. The plan is to create an e-marketplace where operators submit RFPs (request for proposals) online and, then, power generation companies, in turn, submit bids. As a result, this open forum will transform the information provided from relevant stakeholders into a valuable asset and a currency for business.

After working power generation sales throughout UW, it became clear to me that common sales methods for power generation providers -- making cold calls or relying on existing relationships -- was extremely antiquated and lacked transparency, Buckingham says. Additionally, it was obvious operators werent maximizing opportunities or recognizing cross-basin purchasing power.

-- Calendar Connect, also a company headed by Buckingham and Lee. The concept seeks to maximize network connectability through an app that leverages location data and syncs with the calendar app on IOS devices to allow for networking and connections between contacts. The app will take user data inputted into the calendar app and sync through blockchain technology to connect peers when they enter the same area.

-- Atmosphere Marketing LLC, Dallin Cooper, business management, from Riverton, and Madison Cooley, dual art and computer science major, from Cheyenne. The company provides a wide variety of digital marketing services to all sizes of businesses, providing websites that fit within any budget. For businesses with low budgets, the company provides customization of premade template-based sites. For higher budget projects, all websites are custom-made and can be fitted with extensive functionalities to fit various industries.

-- AquaLux, Kyle Struna, from Cheyenne; Diego Fronza, from Big Piney; and Justin Oborny, from Oshkosh, Neb., energy systems engineering majors; and Jaimie Wages, from Omaha, Neb., dual energy systems engineering and mechanical engineering major. The team is developing a device that will revolutionize the water purification market. The portable purification system incorporates a dual purification system combining the proven reliability of carbon filtration and the enhanced disinfecting power of UVC light.

-- Harms Way Boarding Company, Tanner Harms, mechanical engineering, and Mason Harms, business management, both from Englewood, Colo.; and Laramies Jonah Henry and Eric Gunderson, both chemical engineering majors. The business is dedicated to creating high-quality, custom longboards (skateboards) from composite materials at an affordable price. The team has developed a vision to build premium quality longboards to distribute to Laramie and the surrounding communities, with three primary models to be designed and prepared for mass fabrication.

For more information about the student competition and the business summit, call Steve Russell, College of Business marketing and external relations director, at (307) 766-4112 or email srusse18@uwyo.edu.
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Almost 45 years after she climbed into the seat of a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun vehicle and smiled for photographers, Jane Fonda, still finds herself targeted by U.S. military veterans.The actress and activist already was one of Hollywood's most outspoken opponents of the Vietnam War when, at 34, she made a two-week trip to Hanoi in July 1972. By then, more than 60,000 U.S. soldiers had lost their lives in the conflict; Vietnamese casualties were close to 1 million.In 2011, Fonda wrote on her website that the photo op  which earned her the nickname "Hanoi Jane" and incensed millions of Americans  came about after Vietnamese soldiers serenaded her with a Communist folk song. "I heard these words: 'All men are created equal; they are given certain rights; among these are life, liberty and happiness,' " she recalled. Then someone led her to a weapon that had shot down countless American aircraft, and flashbulbs went off. "It is possible it was a setup. I will never know."Fonda toldin 2005 that the trip, where she met with peasants, artists and intellectuals, was worthwhile  but the photo was a mistake. "The image of Jane Fonda, Barbarella, Henry Fonda's daughter, sitting on an enemy aircraft gun was a betrayal," she said, "the largest lapse of judgment I can imagine."
A man prepares food at a street stall in the Phrakanong district of Bangkok. (Photo: AFP/LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA)

For months city officials have hemmed in hawkers of all kinds across the metropolis, where hitting the pavement for everything from late-night noodles to fried insects is the closest Thailand has to a national pastime.

"All types of stalls including clothes, counterfeit goods and food stalls will be banned from main city roads," Wanlop Suwandee, a chief advisor to Bangkok's governor, told AFP.

"They will not be allowed for order and hygiene reasons," he added.

Officials insist the city's street vendors clog the foot paths, leaving little space for pedestrians and littering the streets.

But many Bangkokians say this chaos is part of the capital's charm and an affordable option for all with a stick of grilled pork going for 10 baht (US$0.30) while a bowl of chicken noodles costing as little as 35 baht.

"If you want to clean out all the vendors it's like you are cleaning out our culture itself," said Chiwan Suwannapak, who works for a Bangkok tour agency.

Street dining is also a social leveller in a city cut by inequality, with everyone from business execs to motorcycle taxi drivers pulling up plastic chairs to slurp down spicy soups or dig into fried chicken at the roadside restaurants as cars whiz by.

The rich variety of foods ladled out from push carts are also a top draw for tourists, who power the kingdom's economy.

"If they go against the vendors, that will that affect business and it will affect the charm of Khaosan," said Sanga Ruangwattanaku, the president of a business association on Khaosan Road -- a buzzing backpacker hotspot in Bangkok's old town.

Since seizing power in 2014 Thailand's junta has embarked on a sweeping morality and orderliness campaign.

Critics say an attempt is underway to remodel Bangkok into a Singapore-lite, enforcing regulations that have long been abandoned or skirted around by a rampant culture of bribery and a laid back public used to picking its way through the city's messy pavements.
Head of Binh Dinh People's Procuracy Tran Van Sang said local authorities have decided to bring violators to the court.

Based on the Prime Ministers Decision No. 48/2010/QD-TTg on supporting off-shore fishing and aquaculture activities, many fishermen in Binh Dinh Province faked their papers to receive hundreds of millions from the state budget in the form of fuel subsidies.

The fake papers are about the specific times for their fishing activities like when they leave and when they return.

For instance, fishermen N.V.T in Quy Nhon City is accused of forging papers for fishing from March 23 to April 7 in 2015 to receive a VND55-million (USD2,500) subsidy for fuel.

Meanwhile, another local resident named T.V.C also did the same to receive VND75-million (USD3,570) at that time.

A police investigation into the claims revealed the boats of the two fishermen faced some technical problems so they hadnt joined the off-shore fishing activities at the times they had claimed for.

Head of Binh Dinh Province People's Procuracy Tran Van Sang said the accused were fishermen in Hoai Nhon District and Quy Nhon City.
The solar power factory in Con ao Island in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province.-VNA/VNS Photo Ngoc Ha

Under Decision 11/2017/Q-TTg, which takes effective from June 1, 2017, all output produced by solar power projects will be purchased for VN2,086 (US 9.3 cent)/kWh (excluding VAT) - a profitable rate for investors.



The price will be adjusted in line with the VN/USD exchange rate, and only applied to power grid-connected projects with the cell efficiency above 16 per cent or productivity module over 15 per cent.



Investors involved in solar power projects in Viet Nam will be eligible for various incentives, especially support related to land, investment capital and import and corporate income tax.



The decision aims to draw finances to the field, with many investors interested in the industry.



In March, the Central Highlands province of ak Lak granted investment certificates and signed agreements with partners to develop a series of solar power projects with total investment of $3.3 billion.



The US power group AES signed a memorandum of understanding with provincial authorities to construct a $750-million-solar power plant with combined capacity of 300-500 MW.



Also, Xuan Thien ak Lak Ltd, Solar Park Global of the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Long Thanh Infrastructure Investment received approval to implement projects with respective worth of $2.2 billion, $45 million and $308 million.



Meanwhile, the RoKs electricity developer Solkiss signed an agreement with the northern province of Yen Bai to build a 500MW-solar electricity project worth more than $1 billion in Thac Ba Lake.



Many more domestic and foreign investors have been pouring their money into solar energy projects in the central provinces of Binh inh, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Thua Thien  Hue, Ha Tinh, Quang Ngai, and the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang.



However, the number and value of projects invested by foreign firms in the field remains limited.



The Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment said that only 16 foreign-invested green energy projects were operating in Viet Nam as of the end of 2016, with total registered capital of $778 million and only 18 per cent of them invest in solar power.



The decision is expected to pave the way for investors, especially foreign investors, to expand their operation in the power industry.
PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc receives KDB CEO and Chairman Lee Dong-geol, April 17, Ha Noi, 2017

Addressing his reception for KDB CEO and Chairman Lee Dong-geol in Ha Noi on April 17, PM Phuc spoke highly of the KDBs effective operation in Viet Nam as well as the banks cooperation with the Bank for Investment and Development of Viet Nam (BIDV).

Viet Nam and the RoK have developed a strategic partnership, with the RoK currently being the largest foreign investor in Viet Nam, the government leader said.

He stressed the extreme need for businesses of both sides to strengthen their cooperation and exchange activities, hailing the crucial role played by the banking service in facilitating business relations between the two nations.

The KDBs presence in Viet Nam has contributed significantly to encouraging more RoK companies to do business in Viet Nam, PM Phuc said, expressing his wish to welcome more RoK firms in the future.

For his part, KDB CEO and Chairman Lee Dong-geol noted that about 5,000 RoK businesses are currently investing in Viet Nam.

The KDB alone has poured approximately US$8 billion in Viet Nam so far, he said, adding that the bank is planning to embark on a number of important investment projects the Southeast Asian country.

Lee appreciated Viet Nams economic development prospects, noting that the KDB will exert continued efforts to expand investment ties with Viet Nam, including the BIDV.

He asked the Vietnamese government and PM Phuc to continue creating favorable conditions for the KDB in particular and RoK firms as a whole to do successful business in Viet Nam.
The PM assigned the provincial Peoples Committee to work with relevant agencies to devise and submit for approval the adjustment task and blueprint for the Thanh Hoa city master plan in line with legal regulations on construction planning.

The Ministry of Construction is responsible for verifying the adjustment task and blueprint for the Thanh Hoa city master plan until 2025, with a vision to 2035, in accordance with legal regulations on construction planning.

According to the boundary of the adjusted Thanh Hoa city master plan until 2025, with a vision to 2035, approved by the PM in his Decision No. 84/QD-TTg dated January 16, 2009, Thanh Hoa city will cover 15,500 hectares, bordering Hoang Hoa district to the north, Dong Son and Quang Xuong district to the south, Hoang Hoa and Quang Xuong district to the east, and Dong Son and Thieu Hoa districts to the west. The citys population scale is projected to reach roughly 500,000 people by 2025.
The Vietnam Railway Corporation (VNR) will ink a deal with the Saigon Newport Corporation this April to build two inland container depots (ICDs) in Binh Duong Province and Ha Noi.-VNA Photo

New VNR chairman Vu Anh Minh said the two ICDs will be constructed in the Song Than Industrial Park in the southern province of Binh Duong and in Ha Nois Dong Anh District.

Saigon Newport accounts for half of the countrys market share of container shipping services, he noted, adding that it has also gained a large percentage of the container market share - 90 per cent and 70 per cent - in HCM City and the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, respectively.

VNR will also sign an agreement with the Vietnam Tourism Association and the Nha Trang business association in Khanh Hoa to increase the number of rail passengers.
Chap Kungs diplomatic career ended 42 years ago this week with a U.S. Marine airlift out of Cambodia as the Lon Nol regime fell to the Khmer Rouge.

Starting from scratch in a new land, Kungs family began their life as refugees along with their fellow officials from the defeated U.S.-backed administration.

We were all trained to do basic things, cleaning toilets and washing dishes, recalled Kung in an interview with VOA Khmer. There was no diplomats or generals. We were all refugees in a new country.

But more than four decades later Kungs eldest son, Chap Sokunthea has been promoted to the rank of commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in Hawaii, bringing pride to the family, says Kung.

The whole family is very excited, said Kung. Ive never imagined that my son would rise up this high.

Kung was a diplomat in charge of cultural affairs at the Cambodian Embassy in India from 1973 until the Khmer Rouge takeover in April 1975.

When the family was resettled in the U.S., Sokunthea was only 12 years old. He joined the navy in 1984 and completed his training in 1985. He was assigned to a helicopter squadron in San Diego, California, where he served as an anti-submarine warfare operator.

Sokunthea graduated from the National University with a Masters of Science in 1997 and served on numerous assignments.

I came here as a young boy but I knew Im still Khmer, therefore, I had to try my best to promote our Khmer reputation, he said. This made me happy, thats why I tried my best. Here there are more Vietnamese than Khmer and the Vietnamese hold high positions. I have to compete to make sure that Khmers become better, too.

Sokunthea said that support from the family and workplace was crucial to his success.

We have to work hard in this country, he said. Secondly, like in any country, we have to have someone whom we can turn to for support. After you work hard and then you have someone to back you up, you have the opportunity to go higher.

Sokunthea currently lives in San Diego and has two children of his own, a daughter, Vanessa, who is 23 years old, and a son, Beau, 15 years old.

Sokuntheas decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit commendation awards.
A U.S. Court has dismissed a civil case against Prime Minister Hun Sens eldest son, General Hun Manet.

The plaintiffs have vowed to pursue the case at the federal level.

The ruling on Monday, a copy of which was obtained by VOA on Tuesday, granted the defendant Manets motion to dismiss and dismiss Manet from this action.

A review has been scheduled for May 1.

The court on Thursday heard testimonies from two key witnesses and a police detective who were present at the La Lune restaurant on April 9 last year where a representative of the plaintiffs attempted to serve Manet the subpoena, but was attacked and thrown to the ground.

The witnesses were identified as San Kimhong and Nuon Khavy of California.

We asked them a lot of questions, especially San Kimhong, said Bo Uce, lawyer for plaintiffs. We wanted to know his link to the bodyguard team and who attacked Paul Hayes. Its normal that they denied [involvement] because a detective was in the room, too.

Uce added that detective David Turnullo of Long Beach Police Department testified that a criminal case is still under investigation for the attack on Hayes, the process server.

The plaintiffs, Meach Sovannara and his wife, Jamie Meach, filed a complaint against Manet and the Cambodian government on April 8 last year, accusing them of torture, terrorism, and false imprisonment.

We will continue our case in Washington DC. I regret to hear the ruling, said Jamie Meach.

Opposition lawmaker Nhay Chamroeun, who joined the case as a plaintiff early this year, said the process serving against Manet will be attempted when the general makes his next visit to the US.

Whenever General Hun Manet sets his foot on US soil, we will serve him a court subpoena, said Chamroeun.

Chamroeun and another fellow member of parliament were beaten by a group of pro-ruling party protesters, including some members of Prime Minister Hun Sens bodyguard unit, in October 2015.

Both witnesses could not be reached for comment. But Khavy told VOA in an interview before Thursdays hearing that he had no knowledge of the altercation and that he was far from the incident when it took place.
Saying it is the only way to guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead, British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday called for early elections June 8, in a move she hopes will give her a stronger position as she negotiates Brexit, Britains departure from the European Union.



WATCH: May on new elections



The weeks since Britain invoked Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on the European Union and triggered the two-year Brexit process have been marked by protests by Brexit opponents led by the Labor Party and Scottish executive Nicola Sturgeon. Analysts said Mays shock decision to call elections long before their next due date in 2020 was a means to consolidate the Conservatives power and put the bickering behind.



Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has threatened to work to derail Mays plan for negotiating post-Brexit trade deals, and criticized the British leaders calls for reducing taxes and regulations to attract investment after Britain leaves the EU. At the same time, the Scottish National Party has threatened to vote against a bill to formally repeal Britains EU membership.

The opposition threatens to muddy Mays work at a critical time when trade deals are to be negotiated.



Britain is leaving the European Union and there can be no turning back, May said in announcing her call for an early election outside No. 10 Downing Street on Tuesday. We will regain control of our own money, our own laws and our own borders and we will be free to strike trade deals with old friends and new partners all around the world.

This is the right approach, and it is in the national interest. But the other political parties oppose it, she said. At this moment of enormous national significance, there should be unity here in Westminster, but instead there is division."

The British leader challenged opposition parties to band together on June 8, a move analysts say is a risky but calculated move for May, given the Labor Partys worst popularity slump in a century.



This is your moment to show you mean it, to show you are not opposing the government for the sake of it, to show that you do not treat politics as a game, May said.

With a 72 percent turnout in a referendum last year, British voters decided on the question: Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union? Fifty-two percent voted to leave, while 48 percent voted to remain.



Assuming Mays call for early elections gets parliamentary approval when it comes up for a vote on Wednesday, the prime minister hopes June 8 will settle remaining questions.
The U.N. high commissioner for human rights says he is alarmed by a growing, widespread campaign of terror in Burundi being waged by government-backed militia against opponents of President Pierre Nkurunzizas party.

The U.N. human rights office says a chilling video circulating on social media has laid bare the horrifying and alarming nature of the campaign of terror.

Rupert Colville, spokesman for High Commissioner Zeid Ra-ad al-Hussein, says the video shows more than 100 members of the Imbonerakure, the governments youth wing, inciting violence. He says the young men are heard calling for opponents to be impregnated so they can give birth to Imbonerakure or for them to be killed.

These grotesque rape chants by the young men of the Imbonerakure across several provinces across Burundi are deeply alarming  particularly because they confirm what we have been hearing from those who have fled Burundi about a campaign of fear and terror by this organized militia, he said.

When the video surfaced, the ruling CNDD-FDD party initially said it was fake and had been filmed outside Burundi. After admitting the footage was real, the party said youths at one rally sang a song that "does not conform to the morals or ideology" of the party.

However, Colville says the video of this rally, which was released on April 5, is not an isolated incident, but rather the tip of the iceberg. He says his office has documented eight large rallies organized across Burundi where similar slogans inciting rape and violence against opponents have been chanted.

Colville says senior government officials reportedly have been present at some of these rallies.

While the terror campaigns are ongoing, Colville tells VOA rapes, torture and other serious human rights violations are continuing.

Some of the reports of torture are pretty horrendous  people being burnt with hot knives, acid being poured over parts of their body, teeth broken with rifle butts, attacks on sexual organs, etc. So, very grizzly stuff, he said.

Colville says security forces reportedly have participated in the systematic use of torture. High Commissioner Zeid is calling on the authorities in Burundi to prevent the abhorrent practice and to swiftly condemn the incitement to hatred and violence.
China's President Xi Jinping recently unveiled an ambitious plan to turn a massive underdeveloped area southwest of the capital into a technologically advanced economic zone.

The landlocked Xiongan New Area will be three times the size of New York City and is expected to become the next Shenzhen, China's modern southern high-tech hub that is a bridge between Hong Kong and the mainland.

Together with Tongzhou, another new city just east of Beijing, Xi says the two will become the wings of the capital and create new growth engines for the entire area of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.

China's North has long lagged behind the south as an economic driver and innovator in many sectors. And authorities efforts to reshape the capital are aiming to create new models of growth.

Critics, however, argue a state-led, top down approach, instead of allowing market forces full sway, is doomed to fail. Just as quickly as a plan was announced and starting to take off, it is already hitting some turbulence.

Demolition fears

Locally related construction and other stocks initially soared following news of the plans for the new area. But after trading was halted for those shares for several days last week, many plunged on Monday when trading resumed.

News of the plan triggered a spike in housing prices after it was officially unveiled earlier this month. And in response, authorities have completely shut down the housing market and halted all development projects, including home remodeling.

State media say the central government has begun to map out a "high-quality master plan" for the new area.

For local residents, real estate companies, potential investors and homeowners, the situation is nothing but chaotic. And while news of the plan has only surfaced recently, the uncertainty has been going on for months, local residents say.

"Last year, the rumors were already starting to fly," one farmer tells VOA. "We don't know what's going on? At first you couldn't plant crops and now you can't build? This is not normal."

Another resident who drives a small electric tuk tuk for a living says that while his home was recently finished, he has been barred from moving in.

"Authorities haven't said anything yet, but they will definitely demolish it," he says. He also doubts the compensation authorities will offer will be enough.



Online the speculation is that authorities have stepped in to control housing prices to minimize what the government will have to pay for demolitions. How long the restrictions on the real estate sector will last is unclear.

Li Jie, managing director of North China, global real estate company Colliers International, says "it seems that the government is extraordinarily determined to apply the ban permanently."

Li adds that Colliers believes that the central government has put the real estate industry on a negative list.

"In Xiongan there will be no residential development by private companies and no residential units," Li says. In Colliers view, the Xiongan New Area will be different "from the rest of the country, where the real estate industry plays a vital role in economic growth."

In recent comments about the new area, Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli says large scale property development will be prohibited in Xiongan.

What authorities will do with already finished or projects under construction is unclear.

WATCH: Bill Ide's related video report



Closed for business

At one development project not far from the area's key natural attraction, Baiyan Lake, several white strips of paper with the Chinese characters "sequestered" on them, crisscross the door of a sales office for a big development project called Lugang New City.

All of the other offices VOA visited had similar sequestration strips and warnings about the halt of property sales.

Lugang New City's office was deserted. On the wall, a large map of the area that shows a high-speed rail train leading to the city's second airport, which is just south of the capital, and on to Beijing and Tiananmen Square.

Eventually, with such links, travel to the zone would be much more convenient.

Currently, however, it takes about two hours to drive to Xiongan from Beijing. When rail links are complete, it is expected that residents will be able to travel to both Beijing and Tianjin in about 30 minutes.

A red banner that hangs above the entrance to Lugang New City's closed office reads "Maintain financial stability, together create a harmonious society." Across the street, banners call for a crackdown on real estate speculation and the need for complete control of the housing market.

Market or state?

Local residents feel like they are caught in the middle. The surge of real estate prices will mean that it is even more difficult to buy a home. Some say they may have no choice but to move elsewhere.

"All I wanted to do is cry," says one woman, when asked what her reaction was to the news of the new zone. "I haven't been able to sleep or eat for days. I've worked half a lifetime and now I have to throw it all away."

Before she could say more, her friends, quickly pulled her away and another man added. "It's inevitable that some will get emotional."



Online, criticism of the project is becoming heated.

A lengthy post by well-known businessman and blogger Ren Zhiqiang that was taken down from China's Wechat social media app, argues that it is the market that drives the creation of cities, not grand state-led plans like the one that Xiongan is a part of, the merger of Tianjin, Hebei and Beijing.

"An unwillingness to accept these differences and competition, and instead use administrative power to force the creation of a unified city will inevitably fail," Ren says.

The central government has characterized Xiongan as an auxiliary capital and there is talk that schools, universities and non-essential government departments will be relocated there. There are also rumors that state-owned enterprises will be forced to move there as well. But many argue that is highly unlikely.

An opinion piece on the influential Hong Kong based Website Inintium argued that the new zone was crucial for Xi Jinping's legacy and efforts to promote his "Chinese Dream."
The crowd of diehard supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cheered at a referendum-eve rally in the Umraniye district of Istanbul when Turkey's Islamist leader called on them to drive the West, as well as terrorists, mad by voting "yes" in the next day's plebiscite.

"Let's pass such a reform that the West goes crazy," he said.

Western officials may not be going crazy, but they are alarmed by Sunday's vote. The slim majority that backed Erdogan's bid to dramatically expand his executive power has set Ankara and the European Union on a collision course, European officials fear. On Monday, Erdogan challenged Brussels with a renewed demand that Turks be allowed visa-free travel across Europe and a threat to restore the death penalty.

Greek officials have drafted emergency plans to cope with a new migrant crisis. They predict Erdogan won't be cautious about how he governs in the wake of the referendum, and will opt to pick fights with the EU in a bid to rally his divided country. Sunday's "yes" vote for constitutional change marks the biggest shift in the country's governance since the founding of modern Turkey in 1923.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has warned that restoring the death penalty is a "red line" for the EU. He and other senior European officials say reinstating capital punishment would end Turkey's long-standing bid to join the EU.

On Monday, Erdogan shrugged off EU objections, while slamming a European monitoring group's criticism of Sunday's plebiscite. On Turkey's EU candidacy, Erdogan told a crowd of loyalists: "It is also not very important for us either.  They have made us wait at the gates of the EU for 54 years. So, we will sit and talk and hold a referendum on that, too."

EU concerns growing

Most European leaders have been keen to avoid stoking Erdogan's wrath and have been circumspect in reacting to Sunday's vote, hoping that Turkey's deputy prime minister, Mehmet Simsek, was right when he predicted Monday the "noise" between Ankara and Europe would die down soon.

Speaking Monday to Reuters, Simsek said the focus would be on areas of shared interest between Europe and Turkey. The British Foreign Office said it was concerned by the conduct of the vote, but that it would remain an ally of Turkey provided Ankara "enacts these constitutional changes in a way that sustains democracy."

Behind the scenes in EU capitals, the mood is gloomy. Gianni Pittella, the Italian leader of the socialist bloc in the European parliament, said his lawmakers will discuss whether to veto next week a proposal for visa-free travel for Turks. "We've always been very reluctant to ensure a visa-free regime to Turkey as Ankara does not match the democratic criteria," he said in a statement. "Now after the referendum, our concerns are even bigger."

Pittella said the referendum amounted to "yet another decisive step away from Europe." He called for the termination of Turkey's EU accession talks, because "with such a constitution, Turkey cannot join the EU." Erdogan, he warned, "is increasingly turning Turkey into a personal authoritarian regime."

Last Friday, Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned Ankara would tear up the migration deal formed with the EU last year if visa-free travel for Turks is not granted. With the 2016 migration agreement, the Turkish government promised to help curb the flood of migrants into Europe from its territory in return for visa-free travel for Turks to Europe. Turkey also received enhanced EU aid to cope with Syrian and Iraqi refugees.

"If we get a negative response from the EU, we have the right to re-evaluate and suspend all of these agreements," Cavusoglu told a local broadcaster.

Visa-free travel isn't the only issue on which Turkey and the EU are at loggerheads. Brussels has demanded modifications to the country's anti-terrorism law, which it deems as overarching. The Turkish government has used the law against Erdogan's domestic critics, including journalists.

Predictions of restraint

Relations between Turkey and the EU deteriorated sharply in the run-up to Sunday's referendum. There were rhetorical clashes over Turkey's spying activities against Turkish dissidents in Europe. Separately, European officials objected to referendum campaigning across the continent by Turkish ministers seeking expatriate votes. Erdogan repeatedly accused the German and Dutch governments of acting like Nazis after they banned referendum campaign rallies by Turkish officials on security grounds.

"It's high time we disarmed verbally. The Nazi insults are unbearable," German Deputy Foreign Minister Michael Roth told Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

Senior Greek officials say they have drawn up detailed emergency plans to cope with a new refugee crisis. They say their cash-strapped country would find it hard to contain the financial fallout from a renewed flood of asylum-seekers, and would be plunged deeper into debt by an influx. That scenario, in turn, would put pressure on Brussels to assist with funding.

Some analysts believe that Erdogan, for all his threats, will be forced to show restraint both domestically and in relations with Europe.

"This large an opposition is hard for Erdogan to ignore," wrote analysts Aykan Erdemir, a former member of the Turkish parliament, and Merve Tahiroglu, both with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based research institution.

"He may claim to have won a slight majority, but he lost in five of Turkey's six largest cities, including its economic center Istanbul, where he has never lost an election since becoming mayor in 1994," they wrote. "He also lost in Turkey's other economic powerhouses  including the capital Ankara and Izmir  suggesting the country's poor economic performance could become his weak spot in the days and weeks to come."
CHARLESTON -- City Council members will be asked tonight to make a decision on a set of business incentives the city hopes to use as a tool to be a more competitive community for businesses' attention.

The council is set to vote on a list of four incentives the city could use to attract more businesses to Charleston at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. today in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 520 Jackson Ave.

These incentives include two-year abatements of various city taxes for new and expanding businesses coming to Charleston, excluding those in TIF (tax increment financing) districts that already receive city benefits.

Steve Pamperin, city planner, said it became clear that most communities are offering incentives to these businesses and that Charleston should do so as well to remain competitive.

The city on certain occasions has lost a business that might have come to Charleston to another community that incentivized the business, said Deborah Muller, city clerk.

On the list of incentives the city could offer, one covers sales taxes. Pamperin said sales taxes collected from the business that go specifically to the city could be reimbursed to the business for a two-year period. The city's share of the sales tax amounts to 1 percent of the normally 6.75 percent tax on most items.

Another incentive offers an abatement of sales taxes on construction materials used to improve an existing structure for a new business or expanding a business.

These materials would include concrete, lumber, floor coverings, wall coverings and paint, according to a measure that would implement these incentives.

For those looking to build on vacant lots that have been empty for more than two continuous years, the incentive program would offer an abatement of property taxes to the city on a pro-rated scale based on construction costs for two years.

For example, if the cost of construction on the vacant property is between $1 million and $2.5 million, the business may abate or remove up to 90 percent of the property taxes due to the city from the property for two tax years.

The last incentive on the list would discount permit fees, based on a prorated scale.

Pamperin said this would be a guideline of sorts detailing some incentives the city can offer to businesses interested in making Charleston their home.

According to the proposed measure, the guidelines in "no way limits the ability of the city council to offer incentives over and above those outlined in this ordinance if the economic development project is of such size or importance to deserve greater incentives."

Also scheduled for a vote tonight, the council is set to make a decision on a measure the city hopes will level the playing field for local taxi services.

Muller said businesses like Uber, a mobile taxi service that does not require city licensing, are practically impossible to monitor, so the city is offering to remove the need for local services to license with the city.

Currently, there is only one local service licensed as a taxicab service in the city, Coles County Shuttle Service.

The taxicab services still have to license with the state.

Also up for a vote today after being placed on public inspection at past meetings:

Approval of the Charleston city budget, which will have an informational public presentation 10 minutes before the meeting.

Approval of measure implementing no knock list for solicitations

Several other items were on the agenda for today's meeting. The agenda can be found on the city website.
A nationwide manhunt in the U.S. came to an end Tuesday when a man accused of posting a murder video on Facebook shot himself after a short police chase, authorities said.

Steve Stephens allegedly shot and killed seventy-four year-old Robert Godwin in Cleveland, Ohio, on Easter Sunday, before uploading a video of the murder on Facebook and going on the run from police.

Pennsylvania State Police said on Twitter officers had spotted Stephens in Erie County Tuesday morning.

After a brief pursuit, Stephens shot and killed himself," police said.

Stephens was placed on the FBIs most wanted list and attracted a $50,000 bounty for information leading to his arrest.

Stephens allegedly filmed himself committing the murder and published the video on Facebook along with another video in which he claims to have previously murdered an additional 13 people.

Police investigating Stephens, though, say they have found no evidence indicating he actually killed the 13 other people.

In an interview with CNN, Stephens mother said he told her he shot the man because he was mad with his girlfriend.

Police said the victim was a former foundry worker and had 10 children. He was picking up aluminum cans on the side of the road when Stephens allegedly drove up and shot him.



Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Tuesday the company would do all it can to "prevent tragedies like this from happening again."

Speaking at an annual Facebook software conference, Zuckerberg also expressed condolences for Godwins family and friends.
China announced Tuesday that 28 countries will send their heads of government to an international conference on the One Belt, One Road (or OBOR) program to be held next month in Beijing. However, only six G-20 countries are on the list, and government heads in most of the developed world will not attend.

Italy is the only major western country sending its head of government to the conference on the development plan, despite China's effort to give it an international flavor.

Four influential personalities will attend the event at the highest level. Those are Russian President Vladimir Putin; Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni; Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund; and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will inaugurate the conference.

"This is an economic initiative and it deals with economic cooperation, so we do not want it to be politicized," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in reply to a question about whether the Western world was not showing much interest because it had doubts about China's motives.

France and Germany have major elections around the time of the Belt and Road Forum, to be held May 14-15. However, they have agreed to send senior officials.

"This is an economic cooperation forum, an international cooperation platform that everyone is paying attention to, supports and hopes to participate in," Wang said. He said representatives of 110 countries, which include those that are not on the OBOR route, would attend.

A problem of plenty?

China has also signed documents with 56 countries to enlarge support for the program. It has allocated an initial amount of $40 billion for a Silk Road Fund to implement OBOR.

"The contours of OBOR are vast, and its ever-expanding nature has created plenty of discrepancies," Jonathan Hillman, director of the Reconnecting Asia project at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, told VOA. "For example, some infrastructure projects announced years earlier are now covered under the OBOR banner."

British Prime Minister Theresa May was widely expected to attend as part of her efforts to strengthen Britain's business and diplomatic links with China in the post-Brexit era. Instead, she is sending British Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond in her place.

For China, OBOR is an important model to expand political influence while enhancing its infrastructure construction business and exporting its industrial overcapacity. Beijing is also projecting the program as a "win-win solution" to the problem of inadequate infrastructure in developing countries, and economic slowdown in the developed ones.

Guest list

Most of the presidents and prime ministers attending the forum are from countries that have received or expect to obtain financial support from China. They include Greece, Belarus, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Ethiopia. Russia depends heavily on business deals, including a 30-year gas supply contract that it has entered with China.

China has done well in persuading most of the countries linked to the South China Sea dispute, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines, to send their leaders. Seven of the 10 members of the Association of South East Asian Nations are sending the heads of their governments.

China did not distinguish between developed and developing countries, and regarded all as equal members of the international community, Wang said, as one of the goals of the Belt and Road program was to promote equitable development between rich and poor nations.

Recoining a name

Wang dropped the word "one" from the original name of the program, One Belt, One Road. Observers said China is trying to avoid the impression that it wants to control the increasingly international program, and make it a consultative process.

On the other hand, several countries in China's neighborhood  including Japan, South Korea, India and Singapore  have not yet agreed to send their heads of government. Three of China's colleagues on BRICS  Brazil, India and South Africa  are not sending their heads of governments, according to the list released by the Chinese foreign minister. The other two members of BRICS are Russia and China.

"Unsustainable debt is a real concern for certain countries," Hillman said, referring to concerns that expensive infrastructure projects under OBOR can push economically weak countries deeper into debt.
When Bertrand Michauxs father directed one of the largest steel mills in eastern France, his town, Hayange, tucked in the hills of eastern region of Lorraine, was known as a little Texas for its wealth  owed to a mining industry that dated back to Roman times.



This month, Michaux walked with a reporter through the rusted ruins of the shuttered old plant and a town whose collapsed economy triggered discontent that has made it one of Marine Le Pens biggest strongholds.

There were small businesses. People were rich because everyone had a job. Everyone worked here.



The big change came in 2013 when its owner, the Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal, closed the plant despite promises by Socialist President Francois Hollande to defend it. The plant had been functioning for centuries and was the last of the big employers in town.

As business came to a grinding halt, charities like the one run by the group Secours Populaire, on the edge of town, became busy.



It came much faster than they thought. There are people who come here who had very good situations, and a result of the state of things, they lost their jobs, said Anne Duflot-Allievi, the centers director.



Psychological misery

The centers warehouse is piled with donated clothing, boxes of food, and furniture. Those who came for help declined interviews.



There is total psychological misery. People are truly, completely lost. Some really need counseling. It is not easy for them to come to the point of suddenly saying, I am poor. People are sometimes ashamed, said Duflot-Allievi.





The feelings of defeat and despair have made many vulnerable, she said.



They watch TV, they keep up with politics, and they will believe in hope, and they will believe the first one who comes and tells them that tomorrow they will have a job and will get rid of all the foreigners.



Le Pens nationalist, anti-immigration National Front has succeeded in winning over diehard leftists in Hayange. Once a bastion of left-wing unionists, the town changed politically. The towns mayor, Fabien Engelmann, is a former animal rights activist and communist but is now a National Front member and vocal supporter of Le Pen.



Our country is the victim of deindustrialization, mass unemployment, said Engelmann, during a meeting with a reporter outside Hayanges city hall, a hulking, square building reminiscent of socialist architecture with the words Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite emblazoned over the main entrance. Like much of Hayange, the building has seen better days. Its paint is worn and weeds grow through the cracks of its steps.



A problem of massive immigration, Engelmann said, is bringing Islamization of our country and increasing the problem of insecurity.



Growing racism

A few meters away, on the town square, Husein Sinancevic, a Muslim immigrant from Montenegro, draws glares from passing towns people when they see him telling a reporter the story of his familys flight from the former Yugoslavia during the Balkan wars.





I fled fear, he said. When, in 1998, I came to France I said there is no better place in the world than France. Today, it is not France like before. Today, France is seriously racist.



I say to anyone my name is and they hear a Muslim name, and they say, Wait, come back later, and they smile like that, Husein said, faking a grin.



At Hayanges unemployment office, there are few choices for job seekers. In one corner of the waiting area, a rack with pamphlets offers guidance for French citizens who seek jobs in Luxembourg, 30 minutes away.



Laurent Duval, in his 40s, has been unemployed for months. He said he sees little hope in any of the mainstream, centrist candidates. Just have a look at [politician Emmanuel] Macron, who is powered by the system. So that leaves us with what, exactly? he asks.



Duval, like many Hayange residents, does not declare support for the National Front, but said he understands those who support Le Pen and her anti-European Union, anti-immigration stance.



People dont want globalism anymore. Thats why when youve got some politician who promotes values of we stand for what we are, its really appealing to a lot of people, Duval said.



Prosperity as distant memory

At a rally this month in the village of Monswiller in the nearby region of Alsace, more than 1,000 supporters packed an auditorium where Le Pen repeated calls for an end to massive immigration. Her supporters say the message is driven by honesty, not racism.





I dont think she is racist. Shes just a woman who is clear, who says things clearly, said Marie-Bernarde Warnecke. There are many people who support her who are not exactly of French origin, so to say she is racist, I do not think so, said Warnecke, a second-generation French citizen whose parents immigrated to France from Cameroon.



Warnecke said she had always voted for Socialists until now. She cited security as her main concern in these elections.



In Hayange, Bertrand Michaux points to a balcony of what was once his fathers office in a decaying ornate 19th century building that was the steel mills headquarters.



Part of the facility is now a museum. A stone tower in the complex bears an inscription of the year 1767.



Prosperity is a distant memory. Michaux made a living not at the plant, but as a dentist. His sons have moved on to careers elsewhere in France and Hong Kong.



It will never become Texas again, he said. Texas was the steel mills. It was the mines. All that is obsolete. Hayange has been, I will say, sold.



Shut for years, the plant is now so decayed that experts say it would have to be demolished before it could ever be fired up again.



Michaux believes that will never happen.



Marine Le Pens campaign posters promise she will put France back in order. For some, amid the ruins of the French rust belt, that promise is the only hope.
Police in France on Tuesday arrested two radicalized Frenchmen, thwarting what authorities called an imminent attack just days before a presidential election.

French Interior Minister, Matthias Fekl, speaking at a brief news conference, said police confiscated guns and bomb-making materials from the men. He provided no other details about their potential targets or motives, but said he suspected the attack was planned for the eve of the French presidential election.

"These two men, radicalized, born respectively in 1987 and 1993, and of French nationality, intended to commit an attack on the French soil in the very short term, which is to say in coming days, he said.

Fekl said the two men were arrested in the southern city of Marseille by French domestic security agents. He said investigations are currently taking place, and, already, police have found elements that substantiate the terror attack project.

French right-wing presidential candidate Marine Le Pen told the AFP news agency police warned her about the two men last week and her security team received photographs of the two men on Thursday.

President Francois Hollande called the arrests remarkable and praised police for stopping the planned terror attack.

All I can say is that our police services have worked remarkably well to stop two people who will now be put in front of the judges and police officers so that we know exactly what their intentions are, he said while speaking in the central city of Le Creusot.

France has been on a high alert for terrorism since January 2015, when an Islamist gunmen stormed a magazine office and began killing people. Since then, more than 230 people have been killed by terrorists in France.
A flamboyant Indian business tycoon, wanted in India on charges of fraud and defaulting on loans worth over one billion dollars, was arrested Tuesday in Britain on behalf of Indian authorities.

Vijay Mallya was released on bail by a London court a few hours later.

His arrest came a year after he quietly left the country and went to live in London after state-owned banks sued him to recover loans amounting to $1.4 billion.

In New Delhi, the government hailed the arrest of the one-time liquor and aviation baron, saying they will pursue his extradition back to India.

Junior Finance Minister Santosh Gangwar told reporters that Mallya will be brought back to India and the due process of the law will be followed.

Mallya's case is being seen as a litmus test of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pledge to crack down on corruption.

The flashy businessman has become a poster boy for defaults on massive loans piled up by corporate tycoons and for a cozy nexus that many say has existed in India between businessmen and politicians.

After Mallya went to live in London, the government faced huge criticism from the public and from opposition lawmakers for not preventing him from leaving the country and bringing him to trial. He had refused to return to India to appear in court.

Mallya, who owned a liquor business, ran into trouble when a premium airline he launched in 2005 went bankrupt. Despite the massive loans he had accumulated, the man who called himself "the king of good times" continued to lead a lavish lifestyle and was as much in the news for his flashy parties as his debts, prompting huge public anger.

His arrest follows considerable diplomatic lobbying by New Delhi. Britain had turned down the initial request for his deportation last year, saying he entered the country on a valid passport.

In its latest extradition request, India had said that if the request is honored, it would show "British sensitivity toward our concerns."

Soon after his arrest, Mallya tweeted "Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected."

The businessman has repeatedly denied charges of wrongdoing, and calls the collapse of his airline a genuine commercial failure. He has also accused government agencies of pursuing a "heavily biased investigation" and holding him guilty without trial.

However, extraditing Mallya from London to India may not be easy. Indian authorities will have to prove that they have enough evidence to prosecute him, while Mallya is likely to maintain that he will not get a fair trial in India.
A federal judge on Tuesday sentenced an Islamic State sympathizer to life in prison for plotting to bury a remote-controlled bomb on a beach on Key West, Florida.

Harlem Suarez was arrested in 2015 for buying a dummy bomb from FBI agents posing as IS members.

Judge Jose Martinez declared Suarez to be "inept" and "nutty."

Federal prosecutors said Suarez posted "a ton" of pro-Islamic State propaganda, including graphic videos, on the internet. They said he planned to bury the nail-filled bomb on the beach and set it off with a cellphone.

"When told the shrapnel would rip through people faster than bullets, he smiled and said, 'Great, great.' This defendant has shown no remorse, he has demonstrated no sense of responsibility," U.S. Attorney Marc Anton said.
On April 6, Ivanka Trump's company won provisional approval from the Chinese government for three new trademarks, giving it monopoly rights to sell Ivanka brand jewelry, bags and spa services in the world's second-largest economy. That night, the first daughter and her husband, Jared Kushner, sat next to the president of China and his wife for a steak and Dover sole dinner at Mar-a-Lago.

The scenario underscores how difficult it is for Trump, who has tried to distance herself from the brand that bears her name, to separate business from politics in her new position at the White House.

As the first daughter crafts a political career from her West Wing office, her brand is flourishing, despite boycotts and several stores limiting her merchandise. U.S. imports, almost all of them from China, shot up an estimated 166 percent last year, while sales hit record levels in 2017. The brand, which Trump still owns, says distribution is growing. It has launched new activewear and affordable jewelry lines and is working to expand its global intellectual property footprint. In addition to winning the approvals from China, Ivanka Trump Marks LLC applied for at least nine new trademarks in the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Canada and the U.S. after the election.

'Put business on hold,' some say

The commercial currents of the Trump White House are unprecedented in modern American politics, ethics lawyers say. They have created an unfamiliar landscape riven with ethical pitfalls, and forced consumers and retailers to wrestle with the unlikely passions now inspired by Ivanka Trump's mid-market collection of ruffled blouses, shifts and wedges.

Using the prestige of government service to build a brand is not illegal. But criminal conflict of interest law prohibits federal officials, like Trump and her husband, from participating in government matters that could impact their own financial interest or that of their spouse. Some argue that the more her business broadens its scope, the more it threatens to encroach on the ability of two trusted advisers to deliver credible counsel to the president on core issues like trade, intellectual property, and the value of the Chinese currency.

"Put the business on hold and stop trying to get trademarks while you're in government," advised Richard Painter, who served as chief White House ethics lawyer under George W. Bush.

To address ethical concerns, Trump has shifted the brand's assets to a family-run trust valued at more than $50 million and pledged to recuse herself from issues that present conflicts.

"Ivanka will not weigh in on business strategy, marketing issues, or the commercial terms of agreements," her attorney, Jamie Gorelick, said in a statement. "She has retained authority to direct the trustees to terminate agreements that she determines create a conflict of interest or the appearance of one."

In a recent interview with CBS News, Trump argued that her business would be doing even better if she hadn't moved to Washington and placed restrictions on her team to ensure that "any growth is done with extreme caution."

China ties

China, however, remains a nagging concern. "Ivanka has so many China ties and conflicts, yet she and Jared appear deeply involved in China contacts and policy. I would never have allowed it," said Norman Eisen, who served as chief White House ethics lawyer under Barack Obama. "For their own sake, and the country's, Ivanka and Jared should consider stepping away from China matters."

Instead, the first daughter and her husband have emerged as prominent interlocutors with China, where they have both had significant business ties. Last year, Kushner pursued hundreds of millions of dollars in real estate investments from Anbang Insurance Group, a financial conglomerate with close ties to the Chinese state. After media reports about the deal, talks were called off.

Publicly, Ivanka Trump has taken a gracious, charming approach toward Beijing. During the Mar-a-Lago meetings, her daughter, 5-year-old Arabella, stood in a gilded room and sang a traditional Chinese song, in Mandarin, for China's president, Xi Jinping. The video, which was lavishly praised by Chinese state media, played over 2.2 million times on China's popular news portal qq.com.

The week of the summit, 3.4 tons of Ivanka Trump handbags, wallets and blouses arrived in the U.S. from Hong Kong and Shanghai. U.S. imports of her merchandise grew an estimated 40 percent in the first quarter of this year, according to Panjiva Inc., which maintains and analyzes global shipping records.

Painter, the former Bush administration lawyer, recommended full recusal from issues related to trade with China. That is likely to be difficult because trade is so deeply embedded in the U.S.-China relationship and has been linked with other matters, like North Korea.

"The danger is that with any discussion with the Chinese, one party or the other may try to bring up trade," he said. "That's a slippery slope that may require her or Jared to step out of the room."

Gorelick, Ivanka Trump's attorney, said that Trump and her husband would steer clear of specific areas that could impact her business, or be seen as conflicts of interest, but are under no legal obligation to step back from huge swaths of policy, like trade with China.

Under the rules, Trump would recuse herself from conversations about duties on clothing imported from China, Gorelick said, but not broad foreign policy.

"In between, you have to assess it case-by-case," she said.

Trademark questions

Trademarks can be signs of corporate ambition, though many countries  such as China, where trademark squatting is rampant  also allow for defensive filings to prevent copycats from using a brand.

Trademarks pose ethical, and possibly legal, implications for government employees because they are granted by foreign states and confer the monopoly right to sell branded product in a particular country  an entitlement that can be enormously valuable. Intellectual property lawyers say trademarks are also a crucial prerequisite for cutting licensing deals, which form the basis of both Ivanka Trump's and Donald Trump's global business strategy.

Today, Ivanka Trump Marks LLC has 16 registered trademarks in China and 32 pending applications, along with a total of four marks granted preliminary approval since the inauguration, according to China's Trademark Office. Altogether, they cover a wide range of goods and services, including cosmetics, jewelry, leather handbags, luggage, clothes, shoes, retail, spa and beauty services. There is no sign the recent approvals were particularly swift. China's Trademark Office did not respond to a request for comment.

Globally, the company has more than 180 pending and registered trademarks in countries including Canada, India, Japan, Israel, Mexico, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, as well as the U.S. and Europe, public records show. In December, the company applied for five trademarks, covering handbags and wallets in Puerto Rico, and lingerie and other clothes in the U.S. After the inauguration, the company filed four more applications, for branded clothing and shoes in the Philippines, and perfume and other items in Canada.

Trump did not sign off on the new trademark applications, her brand said in a statement, adding that they are "not necessarily an indication that the brand is planning to launch a category or a store in a specific territory."

Growing sales

Whatever the future plans, right now sales are growing  helped, some argue, by the glow of Ivanka Trump's political rise.

The G-III Apparel Group Ltd., which makes Ivanka Trump clothes, said net sales for the collection increased by $17.9 million during the year that ended Jan. 31.

The brand itself claims revenues rose 21 percent last year, with early February seeing some of the "best performance ever," according to a statement by Abigail Klem, president of the Ivanka Trump brand. Because it is privately held, the brand does not have to declare its earnings or where revenues come from. The actual corporate structure of Trump's retail business remains opaque. Kushner's financial disclosure form lists two dozen corporate entities that appear directly related to his wife's brand. Trump herself has yet to file a disclosure.

Data from Lyst, a massive fashion e-commerce platform, indicates some of this growth coincided with specific political events.

The number of Ivanka Trump items sold through Lyst was 46 percent higher the month her father was elected president than in November 2015. Sales spiked 771 percent in February over the same month last year, after White House counselor Kellyanne Conway exhorted Fox viewers to "Go buy Ivanka's stuff." Conway was later reprimanded. The bounce appears somewhat sustained. March sales on Lyst were up 262 percent over the same period last year.

"You can't separate Ivanka from her role in life and from her business," said Allen Adamson, founder of Brand Simple Consulting. "Her celebrity status is now not only being fueled by her wealth and her family connection, but by her huge role in the White House. All that buzz is hardwired to her products." That, he added, is a competitive advantage other brands just can't match  though it does come with risk.

Things could easily cut the other way for the first daughter. Ashley King, 28 of Calabasas, California, bought Ivanka Trump black flats and a cardigan several years ago. But King, who voted for Hillary Clinton, said she believes Trump's role in the White House represents a conflict of interest.

"This is bothering me more and more," she said. As for the Ivanka Trump items in her closet, she said, "I will be donating them."
A federal judge in Detroit has ordered a doctor to stay in jail pending trial for alleged female genital mutilation of two 7-year-old girls.

The judge ruled Monday that Dr. Jumana Nagarwala is a danger and a flight risk.

Authorities arrested Nagarwala last week on charges of carrying out the illegal procedure on two young girls whose families brought them to Detroit after allegedly failing to find anyone in Minnesota to do it.

Nagarwala denies cutting the girls. She says all she did was remove mucus membranes from their genitals in a religious ceremony for a ritualistic burial.

Nagarwala belongs to an exclusive Muslim sect called Dawoodi Bohra, which is primarily concentrated in India.

Female genital mutilation involves cutting some of the most sensitive parts of a young girl's private parts to initiate them into adulthood, control their sexual desire, and the belief it will make them more desirable as marriage partners.

The World Health Organization says the practice is primarily carried out in about 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It has no benefits and can cause severe short- and long-term health problems.

Contrary to what many people believe, female circumcision is not exclusive to Muslims, and many followers of Islam condemn it.

In general, this is simply something that is not done and is found to be extremely repugnant, the Michigan head of the Council of American-Islamic Relations Dawud Walid said. "This is something that is overwhelmingly not acceptable amongst the mainstream Muslim community in America."
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is in Saudi Arabia, his first stop on a sweeping tour across the Middle East and the Horn of Africa to discuss Americas role in regional security.

Speaking to reporters while on route to Riyadh, Mattis called for the crisis in Saudi Arabias neighbor, Yemen, to go before a United Nations-brokered negotiating team in order to politically resolve the countrys raging civil war.

The conflict in Yemen is often viewed as a proxy war between Iran and Saudi Arabia. U.S. officials have signaled that U.S. President Donald Trump wants to further strengthen strategic relations with the Saudis, who have been supporting the fight against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

Mattis said the United States has seen Iranian supplied missiles being fired by the Houthis into Saudi Arabia. He vowed to work with U.S. allies to help the conflict, which has killed thousands of Yemenis, come to an end.

After meeting with Saudi Arabias King Salman and other officials, Mattis will visit top political and military leaders in Egypt, Israel and Qatar this week.

Experts say those leaders are eager to size up the new American administrations take on their regional rival, Iran.

In fact, when I was in Saudi Arabia in February, their top leaders said that they were relieved that the Obama administration was no longer in power, in part because they felt like President [Barack] Obama was too soft on Iran, Brian Katulis of the Washington-based Center for American Progress, told VOA.

Officials say Mattis will also discuss how regional allies can help stabilize war-torn Iraq and Syria, where local forces backed by the U.S.-led coalition are battling Islamic State militants.

Only US military base in Africa

The defense secretary will then travel to Djibouti, home to Camp Lemonnier--the United States only military base in Africa  and where China is also constructing its first overseas military base.

Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Rudy DeLeon told VOA the Chinese base is a bid to increase Beijing's heavy presence in the Horn of Africa.

Its not traditional Western soft power, where it is a humanitarian mission, because Chinas got a clear interest in the resources that are there, DeLeon said.

While many of the people in the region are poor, the lands and coastal floors are rich with petroleum, gold and natural gas.

DeLeon said Chinese interest in developing some of the poorest areas in the region could be constructive, especially as areas in the region are battling a destructive drought.
Archeologists in Egypt have made a major discovery of statues, coffins and several mummies in a 3,500-year-old tomb.

According to the Antiquities Ministry, the tomb, which is on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, was believed to have been built between 1,500 and 1,000 B.C., likely for a judge.

The tomb, which is located in the Draa Abul Nagaa necropolis not far from the Valley of the Kings, is made up of a courtyard that leads to two halls. One hallway had four colorful coffins, while the other had six.

The Associated Press reports that the head of the dig, Mostafa el-Waziri, said another area contains statues depicting royalty from previous ruling dynasties.

"It was a surprise how much was being displayed inside" the tomb, Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Enany told reporters outside the tomb, according to Al Jazeera."We found a large number of Ushabti (small carved figurines), more than 1,000 of them. This is an important discovery."

More discoveries, including more mummies, are expected.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the third of six stories in the JG-TC's "State of the University" series focusing on Eastern Illinois University's recent years of declining enrollment, and financial challenges related to the Illinois state budget impasse. This installment looks at the internal effects on the university of the budget struggle and dip in student numbers.

CHARLESTON -- With a smaller pool of faculty available, the deans of Eastern Illinois University's academic colleges have needed to pay careful attention to scheduling classes in recent years.

Blair Lord, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said these scheduling efforts have included offering more courses on a rotating basis and offering some electives less frequently. He said the goal is to maximize available faculty while ensuring that the courses needed by students are available.

"They have done a really good job of managing their faculty resources wisely," Lord said of the deans. He added that faculty and staff members in all areas of the university have been stepping up to meet the challenges created by the state budget impasse and Eastern's lower enrollment.

Eastern has made many budget cuts in recent years, including workforce reductions via layoffs, early retirements, and leaving vacant positions unfilled. The university also has been streamlining its operations to save money and offering new courses with the aim of increasing enrollment.

"We have cut to levels that have hurt, but we have done all we can to minimize faculty reductions that affect the academic programs," Lord said. "We are doing all the things we can do in this difficult environment."

Paul McCann, interim vice president for business affairs/treasurer, said Eastern's head count of employees is down by almost 400, approximately 20 percent.

Consequently, McCann said departments have been sharing some administrative assistants and other staff members. He said this sharing is not completely efficient, but has helped the departments continue to provide services for students while reducing overall costs.

Eastern's information technology staff levels, in particular, are smaller than in past years. McCann said the IT department has saved time by automating processes, including the electronic storing of documents, but there is still a large demand from students for IT support services.

"We have good people over there," McCann said of the IT department. "They are working hard and they are attempting to get things done as quickly as they possibly can."

Regarding facilities, McCann said Eastern has plans in place for various campus improvement projects but is limited by the lack of state funding.

Still, McCann said Eastern has completed the renovation of the Coleman Hall restrooms and will make a series of classroom updates and sidewalk improvements. He also said they have been able to bring back groundskeepers for mowing and landscaping work needed to keep the campus looking good.

"We are trying to work within our means," McCann said. "Right now we are doing whatever we can to improve the campus and keep it updated."

While Carman Hall remains closed due to the lower enrollment, McCann said Eastern is continuing to look into other options for using this student residence hall.

McCann said a lot of the challenges that Eastern is facing would be resolved by recruiting more students to the university. He said the ongoing Vitalization Project includes proposals for offering new courses that meet the demands of modern students.

For example, Lord said courses for a new bachelor's in criminology and criminal justice will be offered starting this fall. He said EIU has taken an existing minor in criminal justice and expanded it into a program that will serve many prospective students, including transfer students from Lake Land College.

"This is something that students have said they have been interested in for a while," Lord said.

Some of the other new degrees and options are a bachelor's in computer and information technology that includes courses on website and video game designing, a health communication interdisciplinary bachelor's that combines science and business courses, and a master's in cyber security with mostly online classes.

McCann said Eastern is also looking into expanding its nursing program to meet the growing demand for nurses with higher level degrees.

"We are trying to make sure we can be part of that solution for the healthcare industry," McCann said.
A North Korean diplomat at the United Nations said Monday his country would respond with the toughest measures, including ballistic and nuclear missiles, if it is attacked by the United States. Earlier, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence told reporters in South Korea that "the era of strategic patience is over," after North Korea on Sunday test fired another missile.
A 22-year-old Ohio man accused of selling heroin laced with an elephant tranquilizer that led to 28 overdoses in West Virginia on a single day has been sentenced to more than 18 years in federal prison.

"Heroin is like driving intoxicated,'' U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers said. "You may not mean harm to anybody, but you have to serve a sentence commensurate with the harm you did.''

Bruce Lamar Griggs of Akron faced up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine at his sentencing Monday.

Laboratory tests of the victims' blood and urine showed heroin mixed with fentanyl and carfentanil  considered cheaper synthetic opioid alternatives that heroin dealers use to stretch their supplies.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration issued a warning in March 2015 that fentanyl, a powerful prescription painkiller, was a threat to public health and safety. And last September, the DEA warned the public and law enforcement nationwide about the health and safety risks of handling carfentanil, which is considered 10,000 times stronger than morphine. It is used as an elephant tranquilizer and is not approved for human consumption, according to the DEA.

Chambers said no deaths were caused by Griggs' sales. "You're lucky. If that happened, you'd be facing far worse'' penalties, he said.

West Virginia has the nation's highest drug overdose death rate by far, with 41.5 deaths per 100,000 people in 2015, the latest year available, compared with a national average of 16.3.
Pakistans military has rejected allegations that it harbors militant groups engaged in violence against neighboring Afghanistan and India.

The rebuttal was part of a statement the army released Tuesday giving details of a meeting its chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, held a day earlier with visiting U.S. National Security Adviser H.R McMaster.

While Pakistan itself is a victim of state sponsored terrorism it strongly rejects allegations of employing proxies from its soil, Bajwa was quoted as telling McMaster.

The army chief also emphasized that emphasized again that Pakistan's counterterrorism effort is focused against terrorists of all hue and color.

India and Afghanistan have long accused Islamabad of tolerating or supporting militant groups that have carried out attacks across their shared borders. The United States has also pressed Islamabad to do more to crack down on such groups.

The Pakistani military statement said that McMaster acknowledged Pakistan army's efforts in eliminating terrorists and their infrastructure, assuring U.S. support to bring peace and stability in the region and globe.

U.S. officials said that in talks with Pakistani leaders during Mondays visit, McMaster stressed the need to confront terrorism in all its forms. Though they did not elaborate.

But speaking to Afghan media during his Sundays trip to Kabul, the American advisor called on Pakistani leaders to go after militant groups on their soil less selectively than they have in the past.

McMaster said that the best way to pursue their (Pakistans) interests in Afghanistan and elsewhere is through diplomacy not through the use of proxies that engage in violence.

McMaster undertook his first trip to the region this week since taking charge as President Donald Trumps national security advisor. McMaster has been reviewing counter-Taliban operations in Afghanistan and the broader international mission to support the Afghan government in its struggle against militant groups.

Ghafoor, however, noted the do more rhetoric" is subsiding by the day because the wise international community acknowledged Pakistans unprecedented contributions in eliminating terrorism and in conducting operations in volatile border areas in support of Afghan security forcess to help them stabilize Afghanistan.

He also cited increased security and reduction in militancy in Pakistan because of a sustained military-led counterterrorism campaign.

Pakistani officials appeared upbeat about McMasters just concluded visit. They see it as a demonstration that Pakistan enjoys an important place in the regional context and that the U.S. attaches importance to its relations with Pakistan.

On Tuesday, the prime ministers key foreign policy aide, Tariq Fatemi, noted that McMasters visit provided a good opportunity for both sides to engage in meaningful conversation on exploring ways and means to promote regional peace and stability.

He made the remarks in a meeting with visiting U.S. acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Laurel Miller, according to a foreign ministry statement.

Fatemi conveyed Pakistans readiness to work with the U.S. to support efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, it added.

Despite Pakistani assertions with regard to fighting terrorism, critics say Islamabad maintains covert ties to the Taliban because of fears of growing Indian influence in Afghanistan and Kabuls increasing closeness with New Delhi.

We could spend hours on this aspect of the [Afghan] conflict but suffice to say that despite heavy U.S. pressure, and significant blandishments, Pakistan has never abandoned the policy of countenancing the Talibans use of its territory against its western neighbor, said former U.S. diplomat Richard Olson while delivering a public talk in Washington earlier this month.

Olson served as Washingtons ambassador to Kabul and Islamabad respectively before being appointed as special envoy for the two countries by the previous U.S. administration.

He cautioned the Trump administration against using old U.S. pressure tactics to force Pakistan to abandon support for the Taliban.

I think convincing Pakistan to effect a strategic shift is wishful thinking. And please remember that Pakistan controls our air lines of communication [to the Pakistani airspace that the U.S. uses for transporting supplies] into Afghanistan, so ultimately, military leverage flows to their advantage, Olson cautioned

For the Pakistani military, Olson observed, the Afghan policy is about geo-strategic maneuvering against India.

And since the [Pakistan military] establishment views India as the existential threat, all measures against the eastern neighbor are acceptable, noted the former U.S. diplomat.

While the Trump administration is currently conducting a review of U.S. policy towards Afghanistan, Olson emphasized the need to pursue a political settlement of the conflict by involving regional stakeholders, particularly Pakistan. But he sounded skeptical about whether Islamabad still can effectively use of its traditional influence with the Taliban to push them to the negotiating table.

Pakistani officials, have long campaigned for seeking a resolution to the Afghan conflict through peace talks between the Kabul government and the Taliban. They maintain that continued hostilities in Afghanistan add to security challenges to neighboring countries and undermine U.S. interests as well.
Paraguay's President Horacio Cartes says he will not run for a second term next year, after signs that he would try to hang onto power sparked deadly riots.

Cartes made his intentions known in a letter Monday to the Archbishop of Asuncion, saying he always puts Paraguay first.

Pope Francis earlier this month urged all parties in Paraguay to seek a peaceful settlement to their political differences.

Paraguayan presidents have been limited to a single five-year term since 1992, following the brutal 30-year military rule of dictator Alfredo Stroessner.

With little fanfare, the senate passed a bill last month to change the constitution to allow Cartes to run again.

Opposition activists stormed the congress, setting fires and wrecking lawmakers' offices. One protester was killed.

The lower house has yet to pass the bill.

But the Stroessner dictatorship left a bad taste in the mouths of many Paraguayans for anyone who desires to remain in power.
During his visit to South Korea this week U.S. Vice President Mike Pence described the security alliance between the two countries as unwavering, unshakable and ironclad, but in an address to business leaders in Seoul Tuesday, he said the bilateral economic relationship is in trouble.

Despite the strong economic ties between the United States and South Korea, we have to be honest about where our trade relationship is falling short, Pence said.

Deficit doubled

The South Korea/U.S. free trade agreement (KORUS FTA) that took effect in 2012 was the largest trade deal implemented during the administration of former President Barack Obama. Since it was implemented the U.S. trade deficit with South Korea has more than doubled. U.S. exports to South Korea fell by $1.2 billion, while U.S. imports from South Korea grew by more than $13 billion. In 2016, the surplus measured at $23.2 billion, according to U.S. official data.

A recent United States Trade Representative (USTR) Trade Policy Agenda report criticized the U.S. trade deficit with South Korea saying, "This is not the outcome the American people expected from that agreement."

The vice president reiterated concerns voiced by the American business community that South Korea has used non-tariff related environmental and inspection regulations to undermine the FTA.

That's the hard truth of it. And our businesses continue to face too many barriers to entry, which tilts the playing field against American workers and Americans growth, he said.

America First

Pence said the U.S. will seek to renegotiate some terms of the trade agreement with South Korea to give American companies increased and equitable market access.

We will pursue trade that is both free and fair. And that will be true in all of our trade relationships, including KORUS. We are reviewing all of our trade agreements across the world to insure that they benefit our economy as much as our trading partners, Pence said.

U.S. President Donald Trump campaigned on a platform of economic nationalism that he called America First. He promised to overhaul trade agreements that he said hurt U.S. jobs. After taking office he immediately withdrew from the multi-lateral Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal that was to include the U.S., Japan and ten other Pacific Rim countries, that together accounted for 40 percent of the world economy.

The Trump administration has also indicated it intends to revise the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico, and a U.S. trade agreement with Central American countries as well.

KORUS support

While business leaders in Seoul have been critical of the South Korean practice of imposing non-tariff related trade barriers, especially in the auto industry that accounts for 80 percent of the U.S. trade deficit, they are overall supportive of the KORUS FTA.

American Chamber of Commerce leaders have voiced concern that the Trump administration is being overly critical of the trade agreement by putting too much emphasis on a trade deficit that is just one aspect of a complex and evolving economic relationship.

For example, Korean investment in the United States, from companies like Samsung and Hyundai, have created more than 45,000 American jobs. Direct investments Korean companies have made in the United States since KORUS have exceeded trade deficits with Korea, said James Kim, chairman of both GM Korea and the American Chamber of Commerce Korea, in a recent Korea Times interview.

South Korea had much higher tariffs than the U.S. prior to the bilateral free trade deal and Kim Jong-hoon, the former director of the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, says the agreement yielded major concessions and cuts from his country.

Former American Chamber of Commerce Korea Chairman Jeffery Jones also argues the KORUS FTA may have prevented an even bigger drop off of U.S. imports into Korea. He notes that that all foreign imports into South Korea have been in decline in recent years, but U.S. imports dropped by only 2.8 percent, while Japanese imports were down 15 percent, Australian imports were down by 20 percent, and imports from the EU were down almost 10 percent.

On to Japan

After his meeting with business leaders in Seoul Tuesday, Vice President Pence traveled to Tokyo for meetings with Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso on bilateral trade options in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from TPP.

Last year, Japan had a $69 billion trade surplus with the United States, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. Trump has in the past complained that Japan keeps its currency artificially low, though a Treasury Department report last week did not label Japan a currency manipulator.

Tokyo is the second stop on Pence's 10-day tour of Asia, a trip aimed at emphasizing that U.S. President Donald Trump still intends to boost U.S. trade in the region despite his opposition to TPP.

Youmi Kim contributed to this report.
Turkey's status as a bridge between East and West was clear and shaky after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan carved out a narrow victory in a referendum that raises questions about democracy's future in the country.

Erdogans steady path toward authoritarian rule was bolstered by the Sunday election that drew 80 percent of eligible voters. It was decided by support from the rural countryside and Turks living abroad, while the countrys three largest cities voted against the package that will reduce the role of parliament and give most of its powers to the presidency.

The result left Turkey embraced by the Arab world and increasingly estranged from Europe, where leaders walked a fine line between diplomacy and criticism.

The key question now is whether Erdogan, who has moved decisively since an attempted military coup last July to jail and otherwise marginalize his opponents, will make any moves toward reconciliation or will continue to foster animosity among the Kurdish community and other minorities.

Analysts raised the possibility of a further crackdown and a possible backlash.

"The Turkish public seems to have given Erdogan and the (ruling) AKP license to reorganize the Turkish state, and in the process raze the values on which it was built," Steven Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations wrote in Foreign Policy.

Even if they are demoralized in their defeat, Erdogan's project will arouse significant resistance among the various No camps. The predictable result will be the continuation of the purge that has been going on since even more last July's failed coup, including more arrests and the additional delegitimization of Erdogan's parliamentary opposition.

Legal challenge

Erdogan already faces a legal challenge on the election itself, which European monitors said took place on an uneven playing field amid a crackdown on the media and opponents being labeled as terrorists. The referendum also was criticized for boiling down 18 complex issues into a single yes or no ballot.

The result was 51.4 percent in favor of the changes and 48.6 percent opposed, far from the 60 percent clear mandate that Erdogan had hoped for.

While the parliament is required to have two-thirds majority to amend the constitution, (it is strange) to have absolute majority of the people to change the governing style of the Republic of Turkey, one Ankara resident told VOA. But it is now in the past. If the people approved it that way, everyone has to respect it. Let's wish for the best.

European leaders said they respected the decision of the Turkish people, while hoping that Erdogan will pause before starting to implement the changes.

The (German) government expects that the Turkish government will now seek respectful dialogue with all political and social forces in the country, after this tough election campaign, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a joint statement with Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel. The tight referendum result shows how deeply divided Turkish society is, and that means a big responsibility for the Turkish leadership and for President Erdogan personally.

Strange to see democracy restrict democracy, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen added on Twitter.

Defiant to Europe

But Erdogan remained defiant of Europe, which he had accused of meddling in the vote.

The crusader mentality on the West and its servants at home have attacked us, he said. We have put up a fight against the powerful nations of the world. We did not succumb. As a nation we stood strong.

And he appeared ready to put the final nail in the coffin of the country's pursuit of European Union membership by again suggesting legalization of the death penalty a chilling prospect given that about 40,000 people have been jailed since the coup attempt, including the co-leaders and nine other legislators from the second largest opposition party in parliament on allegation of links with Kurdish terrorists.

The president of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, said a death penalty referendum would be a red line for the European Union.

'New partnership

Instead, European officials were talking about cobbling together some kind of new partnership with Turkey and offering whatever support they can provide in the country's ongoing transition.

Several countries in the Arab world, including Pakistan, welcomed Erdogan's victory as a successful democratic experience, reflecting his shift away from the country's history as a secular state.

The result also seemed to reflect a recent global move toward strong leaders after the elections of President Donald Trump, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and others, with France's election looming Sunday and Germany's scheduled for September.
The United States' murder rate has risen over the past two years, driven mostly by violence in a few large cities, a study released Tuesday said.

The report from the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law showed the national murder rate rose 10 percent in 2015 and an estimated 7.8 percent in 2016.

Baltimore, Chicago and Houston accounted for almost half of the increase in murders, the study said. In 2014-16, killings in Chicago accounted for 29 percent of the national murder rate spike, while killings in Baltimore and Houston each made up 10 percent of the rise.

The authors based the 2016 numbers on preliminary FBI data from the first half the year. They used this midyear data to predict what crime rates would look like for the second half of the year.

Even with the recent spike in murders, America's murder rate still remains near the bottom of a 25-year decrease, and the study authors note: "Today's inner cities' are safer than at almost any point in the past."

"In 2016, killings in Chicago accounted for nearly half (43.7 percent) of the increase," the authors write, referring to urban totals. "This is indicative of localized problems in some cities, but not evidence of a national crime."

Despite the increase in murders in several American cities, America's overall violent crime rate is about 49 percent lower than it was in 1991, and the violent crime rate in the nation's 30 largest cities has declined by about 63 percent during that same period.

"These spikes in urban violence are a serious cause for concern," the authors write. "But history shows these trends do not necessarily signal the start of a new nationwide crime wave, and even with these increases, crime and murder rates remain near historic lows."
For nuclear physics graduate student Chelsea Bartram, White House adviser Kellyanne Conway's "alternative facts" were the last straw.

President Donald Trump had disputed photographic evidence of the size of his inauguration crowd. Reporters challenged him. Conway's response  that the administration gave "alternative facts"  has become a widely used hashtag for anything demonstrably untrue.

"A lot of us do care about this notion of an objective reality,"said Bartram, who is pursuing a doctorate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

"Many scientists I know, myself included, spend so many hours in the lab sacrificing enormous amounts of their life for this abstract idea" that understanding reality can benefit human civilization, she said. "And then to have someone say, 'Well, that's not important anymore,' it's so devastating."

So on Saturday, Bartram plans to join the March for Science, a protest in Washington and more than 500 other cities around the world supporting science's role in government decisions on health, safety, the economy and more.

The march has more than 200 co-sponsors, including many major scientific and professional societies, zoos, aquaria and advocacy groups. Organizers have not released crowd size estimates.

"This is pretty remarkable and unprecedented," said geochemist Eric Davidson, president of the 60,000-member American Geophysical Union, one of the march co-sponsors. Many of the group's members did the climate research that the Trump administration disavows.

"I can't think of another example where scientists have organized themselves in as many cities with an event as big as this," he said.





Tipping point

The dispute over crowd sizes was just one small example of what scientists see as a larger pattern. During the campaign, Trump dismissed the scientific consensus about the dangers of human-induced climate change. His appointee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, also does not accept climate science. He has repeatedly clashed with the agency he now heads.

But scientists say their frustration has been building for decades.

"We might have reached a tipping point now, but acting as though this is a new thing is giving too much credit to the current administration," said march co-organizer and public health expert Caroline Weinberg. "It's letting people who have been there for a very long time off the hook."

And it goes far beyond climate change, Weinberg added. "It's about not paying attention to the best research on things like food stamps. It's about cutting things like Head Start and after-school programs," to name a few. "And that all affects health, because that's a time to set kids on the right path."

Critics say a public protest risks further politicizing science, turning scientists into just another interest group.

Bartram sums up a widespread response: on hot-button issues like climate change, opponents have already done it. "I don't think anything we do is going to further politicize it," she said.

Disconnect

But if the goal is to get policymakers to listen, "a march isn't going to change anything. That's the problem," said Rob Young, head of coastal research at Western Carolina University.

Young said much of the problem stems from the growing disconnect between scientists and voters, especially the rural and working-class people who voted for Trump. He said most probably have never met a scientist.

"It's easy to demonize us if those folks don't know who we are," he added.

Scientists need to get out of the lab more, he said, and explain how their work affects people's health and livelihoods.

"I hope that when they're done marching in Washington, that they will come home and that they will march into their local planning board or local town council," he concluded.

That's what march organizers hope, too. Many scientists accept much of the blame for the disconnect with voters.

The American Geophysical Union's Davidson said a major post-march goal is more public engagement. "I think the day is gone when scientists can stay in their ivory towers and assume that everyone is going to recognize their value," he added.
"Houston, we've had a problem here."

The famed, understated words were uttered in April 1970 at least in the Hollywood version  by astronaut John L. Swigert upon hearing the explosion of oxygen tank No. 2 on the spacecraft.

An investigation showed that the normal supply of oxygen, electricity, light, and water had been disrupted. A scheduled moon landing was aborted, and the astronauts and controllers on Earth scrambled to come up with emergency procedures.

The real threat was the loss of power.

The crippled spacecraft continued to the moon, circled it, and began a long, cold journey back to Earth.

Along the way, NASA gave its first press conference:

The astronauts and mission control were faced with enormous logistical problems in stabilizing the spacecraft and its air supply, as well as providing enough energy to the damaged fuel cells to allow successful reentry into Earths atmosphere. Navigation was another problem, and Apollo 13s course was repeatedly corrected with dramatic and untested maneuvers.

Finally, the astronauts figured out that they had to fire the lunar modules big landing engine several times to get back on the right trajectory.

On April 17, the potential tragedy turned to triumph as the Apollo 13 astronauts touched down safely in the Pacific Ocean.

Watch the re-entry as broadcast live on television:

The astronauts became instant heroes.

A Hollywood movie was made in 1995, starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris.
Residents of a Tibetan town have been summoned to meetings by Chinese authorities after the latest incident of self-immolation, according to a former resident of the area now living in India.

The victim, identified as 30-year-old Wangchuk Tseten, set himself on fire Saturday on a busy street in a central area of Kardze, the capital of Kardze Prefecture. Witnesses told their contacts in India that Chinese police put out the fire within two minutes and carried the man away. There has been no official indication whether he died or survived.

One person I spoke with was surprised that the news had already reached outside Tibet, but he didnt want to talk about it, the exiled Tibetan, who asked not to be identified, said Tuesday. He said other residents also were reluctant to discuss the incident.

A video circulated through Tibetan social media on Saturday shows Chinese security officers spraying fire extinguishers over a person on ground and keeping a crowd away. A body can be seen under a dusty cloud produced by fire extinguishers and, barely distinguishable, his feet can be seen to make a small movement.

The exiled Tibetan, who maintains close contact with residents of the area, said Tseten is a father of three children and lives in Zhido Township (also known as Asey Gyechak), in Nyagrong County, also in Kardze Prefecture.

The former resident told VOA the victim self-immolated in the same location that 24-year old Pema Gyaltsen - also from Nyagrong County - set himself afire last month.

Authorities have since imposed tough restrictions on Nyagrong residents seeking to travel to Kardze, the man said. They need three different permits, one from village leader, one from township and one from county, in order to travel to Kardze, he said.

On Monday, the political leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile condemned the Chinese government for failing to address the grievances that have prompted a wave of Tibetan self-immolations beginning in 2009.

It is time the Chinese government heed to the calls of Tibetans in Tibet who long for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama back to Tibet, said Lobsang Sangay, according to the website of the government in exile, based in Dharamsala, India.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the second of six stories in the JG-TC's "State of the University" series focusing on Eastern Illinois University's recent years of declining enrollment, and financial challenges related to the Illinois state budget impasse. This installment looks at the university's efforts to increase its student numbers.

CHARLESTON -- Last month, incoming Eastern Illinois University students and their families filled the concourse at the Doudna Fine Arts Center as they prepared for a day of tours and presentations on campus.

Josh Norman, associate vice president for enrollment management, said this Admitted Student Day on March 4 was part of Eastern's newly expanded schedule of special events in 2016-17 for various categories of students.

Norman said the university also has held open houses for transfer students, undecided students, those bound for specific academic areas, and other groups as part of its ongoing efforts to build stronger connections with students.

"We have some really specialized events designed for those students so they can learn more about those academic interests here," Norman said, adding that the events also help connect students to their extracurricular interests.

"It is that personal connection we are really trying to drive home."

These special events are part of stepped up marketing campaigns, social media outreach and other efforts by Eastern to recruit and retain students to reverse a trend of declining enrollment in recent years.

Figures provided by Eastern last year showed that total enrollment declined from 8,520 in fall 2015 to 7,415 in fall 2016. Figures provided by EIU this year showed that total enrollment decreased from 7,876 students in spring 2016 to 6,673 this spring. Enrollment numbers each spring typically drop compared to the fall due to December graduations.

Norman said Eastern is facing statewide economic and political issues that have resulted in Illinois being the second biggest exporter of students among the 50 states. He said EIU also is vying with universities in Illinois and beyond for students, particularly among the shrinking population downstate.

"You are dealing with an increasingly competitive environment when it comes to recruiting college-bound students," Norman said.

Eastern's efforts to be more competitive include offering new courses to meet student demand as well.

For example, Norman said, the university will expand its criminology minor into a new criminology/criminal justice major this fall to serve students who plan to work in law enforcement. He said this major will be particularly popular with transfer students from Lake Land College in Mattoon.

As another example, EIU spokeswoman Vicki Shaw Woodard said the psychology department began offering more online courses this spring to help undergraduate students fulfill the psychology major requirements.

Woodard said the convenience of taking these courses online will help bring back former students who had halted their education after "life got in the way."

"It really opens new opportunities for them to continue their education," Woodard said. "They are traditionally the courses that fill up the fastest because the students don't have to fit them into their schedule."

Figures provided by Eastern show that the number of students who take some distance education courses -- any class that is online and/or technologically delivered -- increased from 1,119 in fall 2015 to 1,427 in fall 2016. The number of those who exclusively take these courses increased from 576 to 599.

Norman said EIU also has been successful in increasing enrollment of graduate and international students. Figures provided by EIU show that the number of graduate students increased from 1,318 in fall 2015 to 1,458 in 2016 and the number of international students increased from 291 to 433.

An increased variety of courses in technology related fields has helped boost enrollment in these areas, Norman said. These courses include a new bachelor's in computer information systems and a new master's in cyber security program that will both start this fall, he said.

"It continues to grow and grow, and we continue to add courses to meet demand," Norman said of the technology courses.

Eastern also has stepped up its student recruitment efforts through its myeiu portal. Prospective students can use this as their personal portal into EIU to learn about academic programs and extracurricular activities available on campus, plus professional opportunities available to graduates.

Norman said Eastern uses myeiu to funnel information directly to prospective students that lines up with their academic and personal interests.

In addition, Norman said Eastern's staff has increased its outreach to students via calls, texts, and emails. He said university leaders also are sending more representatives to high school sporting events, summer camps, scholastic bowl meets and other events on and off campus.

"We are just trying to engage high school students wherever they are," Norman said.
In the science fiction series Star Trek, a doctor can use a handheld device called a "tricorder" to check a person's vital signs and diagnose illness. What once was imagined is now a reality. The Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE challenged scientists to develop a "tricorder-like" device to improve health care globally. The winners were recently announced in Los Angeles.
President Donald Trump signed an order Tuesday requiring tougher enforcement of rules governing the hiring of foreign workers in the United States and a tightening of the requirement that U.S. government agencies use American-made products.

While visiting a tool manufacturer in the Midwestern state of Wisconsin, Trump said: "We don't have a level field for [American] workers. We're going to send a message to the world that we are going to defend our workers, protect our jobs. America first, you better believe it."

Senior administration officials said lax enforcement and many legal loopholes mean American workers and companies lose jobs and business to foreign competition, which hurts the U.S. economy.

Trump signed the order related to government agencies even though he built a global business empire before running for the White House in which he regularly outsourced the manufacture of dozens of consumer products to overseas locations. Trump-branded products, including ties, suits, dress shirts, furniture, bedding, vodka, home goods and accessories for his luxury hotels, have all been manufactured outside the United States.

Some of Trump's products are made in the U.S., but overall, his goods are made in 12 countries, including China, Mexico, India and Germany.

Business holdings retained

As president, Trump has held on to ownership of his vast real estate and business holdings despite complaints from ethics experts, who say he should divest himself of those financial interests to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Trump has turned over management of his business empire to his two adult sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, and says he will have no contact with them about their business decisions.

Under Trump's order, part of a "Buy American/Hire American" plan, government agencies are being directed to review their procurement practices and require that exceptions to the "buy American" rules be approved by the heads of those agencies.

Officials also said government procurement portions of existing trade agreements would be reviewed to see whether U.S. companies get the same chance to sell products to the governments of U.S. trading partners that foreign firms get in Washington.

Another review is aimed at rules governing visas issued to foreigners with certain skills that are in demand (H-1-B visas). The program is supposed to help employers attract foreign workers with skills that are scarce in the United States. Trump administration officials say they are concerned that companies are hiring foreigners who do the same work as Americans at lower wages.

"This will stop," Trump vowed.

Government agencies are being directed to conduct "top to bottom" reviews of these rules and laws, and report problems and recommendations that could bring about changes.
U.S. political figures, including President Donald Trump, are watching for the outcome Tuesday of a special congressional election in the southern state of Georgia, to see whether there is any groundswell of sentiment emerging against his three-month tenure in the White House.



Trump has not campaigned for any of the 11 Republicans running in the election, being contested in a relatively affluent and conservative district in the suburbs of a major city, Atlanta. It is a seat Republicans have held in the House of Representatives since 1978.



But Trump joined the fray on Twitter as voting started, attacking the leading contender in the 18-candidate field, Democratic political newcomer Jon Ossoff, a documentary filmmaker and former congressional aide.

Trump said it "will be a win" for Republicans if Ossoff is forced into a June 20 runoff if he doesn't garner the necessary 50 percent of the vote in Tuesday's balloting to claim the seat. If he finishes first, but with less than a majority vote, Ossoff would face the second-place finisher in two months, likely a Republican.



"Force runoff and easy win!" Trump declared.

The seat is vacant with the resignation of its long-time Republican congressman, Tom Price, who left Congress when Trump named him as his health and human services chief.



Special elections like the one Tuesday often draw far fewer voters than is normal when there are other contests on the ballot, such as for president or a statewide vote for a Senate seat. But the large field of candidates and the contentious start of Trump's four-year presidency has boosted interest in the outcome 19 months ahead of congressional contests across the U.S. More than $14 million has been spent on advertising in the race.



Trump's approval ratings in national polls are among the lowest ever recorded for U.S. presidents for their first months in office, giving Democrats renewed hope they could capture a congressional seat with Ossoff and embarrass the new president.



Ossoff made one appeal for campaign financing to "Make Trump Furious," but since then, in an appeal to local voters, has declared that the race is more about local economic issues "before it is about the national political circus."
U.S. President Donald Trump has congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his "referendum victory," in a narrow vote that would create a powerful executive presidency from the current parliamentary system.

The White House said in a statement the two leaders spoke by phone, with their conversation also including the need to hold Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accountable for a recent chemical attack, the ongoing fight against Islamic State and "the need to cooperate against all groups that use terrorism to achieve their ends."

Erdogan's opponents are seeking a revote of Sunday's referendum, and international monitors have questioned the fairness of the vote, saying it was contested on an uneven playing field.

At a news conference Monday in Ankara, monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said the "No" campaign faced numerous obstacles including a lack of freedom of expression, intimidation and access to the media. The OSCE also alleged misuse of administrative resources by Erdogan.



The controversial decision to allow the use of ballots that did not have an official stamp was also criticized. The Supreme Election Board issued instructions late in the day, that significantly changed, the validity criteria, undermining an important safeguard and contradicting the law, observed Cezar Florin Preda of the monitoring group at the Ankara press conference



Turkey's Foreign Ministry released a statement saying it was "saddened" by the OSCE's finding that the referendum fell short of international standards. The ministry called it "unacceptable" and accused the OSCE of political bias.



Under Turkeys 2010 electoral law, all ballots require an official stamp as a measure aimed at preventing vote stuffing. The main opposition CHP alleges that as many as one-and-a-half million unstamped ballots could have been used, more than the winning margin in the referendum.

The CHP is now demanding the referendum be held again. The only decision that will end debate about the legitimacy, and ease the peoples legal concerns is the annulment of this election, declared Bulent Tezcan CHP deputy head, speaking at a press conference Monday.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim rejected opposition complaints in remarks to a group of legislators Tuesday. He said the opposition "should not speak after the people have spoken."

Protests were held in several locations across Istanbul and in the capital, Ankara, over the handling of the vote; similar demonstrations were reported in other cities.

The only legal redress the CHP has to overturn the vote is with Supreme Election Board, which made the decision to use the unstamped ballots.



The head of the board, Sadi Guven, strongly defended his decision to allow the controversial ballots, citing high demand for ballots and saying similar procedures had been followed in the past.

This is not some move we've done for the first time, said Guven, speaking to reporters Monday in Ankara. Before our administration took over, there had been many decisions approving the validity of unstamped ballots.



Critics point out the previous use of unstamped ballots was before the introduction of the electoral law banning the practice. Guven said he did not know how many of the ballots were used, and admitted he made the decision after consulting with the ruling AK Party.



Many of the ballots are suspected of being used in the predominantly Kurdish southeast where strict security measures are in force due to an ongoing fight against Kurdish insurgent group the PKK. "No" campaigners in the region, said its observers, were prevented from monitoring many ballot stations. The OSCE also said its monitors too faced restrictions.



While the OSCE refused to be drawn in on whether the shortcomings and difficulties it highlighted were enough to ultimately affect the outcome of the vote, its assessment will likely embolden the opposition and add to growing international concern.

The European politician will refer to the OSCE; even Americans have said it was going to wait for the OSCE report [before commenting on the referendum result], warns political columnist Semih Idiz of Al Monitor website. It's a complication for Erdogan but he will try and turn it to his advantage, by saying the West is up to its old tricks again. Throughout the campaign, Erdogan played the nationalist card, accusing Western countries of conspiring against him and Turkey. Erdogan described the referendum as a victory against the crusaders.

Europe has so far avoided directly addressing the controversy, choosing to look beyond the result with calls on Erdogan to reach out to his opponents to ease the political polarization. The U.S. State Department called on Turkey to protect basic rights and freedoms as authorities work to resolve the contested results.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order aimed at making it harder for companies to hire temporary foreign workers.

The order, called "Buy American  Hire American," will take initial steps to reform the H1-B visa program.

H1-Bs allow employers  mostly high-tech firms  to hire skilled foreign workers to work in the U.S. for three years. There are 85,000 slots available each year, 65,000 for applicants with bachelor's degrees and 20,000 for those with master's degrees or higher.

"We are going to use a tool you all know very well. It's called the sledgehammer," Trump said Tuesday during a speech at Snap-on Tools, a company in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The administration will require companies to demonstrate that the visas are going only to the most highly skilled workers in their fields.

"They [H1-Bs] should be given to the most skilled and highest-paid applicants and not be used to replace Americans," Trump said.

WATCH: H1-B Visas Let US Firms Hire Foreigners for Specialized Jobs

Open to abuse

The administration says the visas, which can be renewed once, have contributed to a slide in American wages; 80 percent of H1-B visa holders are paid less than the median wage in their fields.

Howard University political science professor Ron Hira said the Trump administration is right: "The laws are loose, and so what happens is it's become a way for employers to bring in cheaper, indentured workers as opposed to filling those skills gaps. As a result, the program is oversubscribed, and it's actually undercutting Americans."

When the application season opened for H1-Bs this month, federal offices were quickly flooded. As in recent years, there were so many applications that the U.S. government stopped accepting them within a week. Visa winners will be chosen by a computer-generated lottery.

Hira also said the intent of the program is good in serving as a guest worker program for when there are shortages of American workers. What got in the way? Politics.

Companies are making so much money, he said, that they are able to influence Congress to prevent changes in the H1-B program. And it's all legal.

Fixing H1-Bs

Hira said that if the sledgehammer seemed to be velvet-coated, that's because the executive order is not really intended to change policy so much as to guide policy changes. Federal agencies will have to implement it.

"The idea behind the executive order is to make it merit-based, that the really highly skilled people get preference over the cheap labor that goes on," Hira said.

Overwhelmingly, India has been the biggest recipient of H1-B visas. The Department of Homeland Security reports that 71 percent of H1-Bs went to Indians in 2015. China was a distant second with 10 percent of the visas.

India's success is attributed to its huge outsourcing firms that submit thousands of applications every year, increasing their chances of winning the visa lottery.

Outsourcing firms, which supply services to other companies, are controversial because they are not subject to a federal requirement that they not displace American workers if they pay the H1-Bs at least $60,000 a year.

Hira said the new policy might help high-tech American companies at the expense of the outsourcing firms that abuse the system.

But "expect the Indian government to lobby against the changes," he predicted.

The executive order also called on all federal agencies to buy American. It established a 220-day review on waivers and exemptions to government "Buy American" rules.

VOA's Mil Arcega contributed to this report.
Donald Trump is fast closing in on his first 100 days in office, and his public approval rating continues to hover at around 40 percent, still a low mark for a new U.S. president. Trump's rating on foreign policy has improved slightly in the wake of recent U.S. military strikes in Syria and Afghanistan, but his domestic agenda seems stuck in neutral.

The latest Gallup Daily Tracking Poll has the president's approval rating at 41 percent, with 53 percent disapproval. That is an improvement from about three weeks ago when the approval level had dropped to 35 percent.

The latest Marist College survey found Trump's approval at 39 percent, little changed from before the U.S. strike on Syria. Trump is facing a critical test as commander-in-chief, according to Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. Americans are still looking for President Trump to provide leadership, Miringoff said in a statement that accompanied the latest survey.

Watch: A tough 100 days for President Trump



Growing international focus

After a rough few months on the domestic front, President Trump has increasingly turned his attention to foreign policy concerns including North Korea's missile program and the recent military strikes in Syria and Afghanistan.

Right now, the world is a mess, Trump told reporters at a joint news conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg last week. But I think by the time we finish, I think it is going to be a lot better place to live, and I can tell you that speaking for myself, by the time I'm finished it is going to be a lot better place to live in because right now it is nasty.

The flexing of U.S. military muscle against the Assad regime in Syria was welcomed by Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who called the missile strikes "an interesting message to a lot of our adversaries around the world and our allies around the world that this administration is going to be more assertive than the previous one."

An uncertain domestic agenda

Trump's standing at home remains complicated. Protesters were out in force in recent days demanding that the president release his tax returns, including a violent clash in California between anti-Trump and pro-Trump demonstrators.

Congress returns to work next week, but the president's efforts on health care and other domestic priorities remain stalled, frozen by polarized politics in the view of Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. He'll have trouble constantly unless he moves to the middle. We are waiting for him to do it.

At a recent political round table discussion hosted by Marist College, NBC News senior political editor Mark Murray said presidents have the most political leverage at the beginning of their term. If you don't do health care now, you are not going to get it done over four years. If you don't end up getting tax reform (now), it is never going to happen.

Catering to his base

Another panelist, liberal Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne, said Trump appears to have trouble looking beyond his core supporters. And you can't just govern with your base. No one can. And I think his base has been his obsession and that just doesn't work in the long run.

From the beginning of his presidency, Trump has struggled to broaden his base of support, said Brookings Institution analyst Sarah Binder. Starting with historically low approval ratings, and even those approval ratings remain reasonably high with Republicans but even those numbers have come down a bit. So it is very hard going forward to build big coalitions in American politics from a very narrow base.

Historical partisan divide

To be fair, Trump is also the inheritor of decades of growing political polarization, according to American Enterprise Institute scholar Michael Barone. And we have had a period of about the last 20 years in which we have had very durable, static party divisions, with each party getting approximately equal numbers of votes and many voters just not changing their party.

Trump's best hope for progress on domestic issues may be to enlist support from Democrats, even if it risks angering Republicans, predicted Brookings analyst William Galston. If the administration really wants to move in that direction, they ought to initiate discussions with Democrats on issues such as tax reform and infrastructure (improvement) right away, in my judgment.

Others believe Trump has the capacity to change. Every president learns on the job, said Council on Foreign Relations president Richard Haass in an interview for VOA's Press Conference USA. No president emerges the same after his first crisis.

Haass, who has worked for four presidents, said he believes Trump is likely already a different person from the one who walked into the Oval Office just a few months ago. I don't know exactly what he'll learnbut the potential is there for change.

Fewer than 100 days into his presidency, Trump is now trying to balance the pressing needs of his domestic agenda amid the backdrop of an uncertain and ever-changing world. In order to move his domestic agenda forward, however, he may have to enlist help from Democrats, a politically risky move that could turn off the very core supporters who continue to stand by him today.
Turkey's president has rejected international monitors' criticism of the referendum that approved expanded presidential powers Sunday, saying the vote was the most democratic election seen in any Western country.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told supporters Monday outside his palace in Ankara that international election monitors should know their place.

He said Turkey will ignore findings by monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, calling the reports politically motivated.

Fairness questioned

The monitors have questioned the fairness of Sunday's referendum, saying it was contested on an uneven playing field. At a news conference in Ankara, monitors from the OSCE said the No campaign faced numerous obstacles, including a lack of freedom of expression, intimidation and access to the media.

They also questioned the controversial decision by Turkey's Supreme Court to allow the use of ballots that did not have an official stamp on them. The main opposition CHP alleges that as many as one-and-a-half million unstamped ballots could have been used, more than the winning margin in the referendum.

Opposition calls for new vote

Bulent Tezcan, deputy head of the CHP demanded the referendum be reheld, saying that would be the only decision that will end the debate about the legitimacy and ease people's concerns.

Unofficial election results from Turkey's electoral board said the yes vote took more than 51 percent while the no vote took just under 49 percent. Official tallies were expected to be released within 12 days of the vote.

The approval means the Turkish parliament will be largely sidelined, the prime minister and Cabinet posts will be abolished, and ministers will be directly appointed by the president and accountable to him. The president also will set the budget.

The constitutional amendments also end the official neutrality of the president, allowing him to lead a political party. The president will have the power to dissolve parliament and declare a state of emergency, while enjoying enhanced powers to appoint judges to the high court and constitutional court.

A divided nation

The referendum has divided the nation, with both supporters and opponents arguing that the future of the country is at stake.

Erdogan insists the reforms will create a fast and efficient system of governance that will allow Turkey to face the challenges of fighting terror and the slowing economy. Critics argue the constitutional reforms will usher in an elected dictatorship.

Erdogan spoke by telephone Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump, who according to a White House statement congratulated the Turkish leader on the referendum win. The statement further said the two men talked about the situation in Syria, both the fight against Islamic State and holding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accountable for a chemical attack earlier this month.
Star Trek, the iconic science fiction television and film series, feature a medical device called a "tricorder." In the show, a doctor can use this handheld device to check a person's vital signs and diagnose illness. What was once imagined is now a reality.

The Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE challenged scientists to develop a tricorder-like mobile device to improve health care globally. Out of 300 entries from countries around the world, a team called Final Frontier Medical Devices won first place and $2.6 million.

Im still in shock, still don't believe it, said emergency room doctor Basil Harris, leader of the winning team. It's really been a wild family reunion every weekend, nights and weekends of putting this together over the last five years.

Friends and family approach

Harris and his team of family members range in expertise from computer science and medicine, to engineering and health policy. Harris, his siblings and some friends developed the device they named DxtER.

When I got involved in the competition, it's a crazy idea build a 'tricorder' so who's going to listen to you but your own family? said Harris.

DxtER includes a collection of non-invasive sensors that collect data about a person's vital signs, body chemistry and biological functions, and is able to diagnose numerous illnesses such as anemia, diabetes and pneumonia as a part of the competition's criteria.

Taiwan group places 2nd

Taiwan-based Dynamical Biomarkers Group won 2nd place for developing a mobile diagnostic device for consumers. With members from Taiwan, China and the U.S., and in partnership with HTC, the team received $1 million for developing a device called DeepQ.



Inspired by the traditional Chinese medicine's method of observe, listen, inquire and feel, this device includes the ability to monitor a person's vital signs, has a blood urine test kit, and two camera lenses to allow the device to see, along with a smart phone and application.

There's a mission we want to achieve. That mission is to bring quality health care to everyone, to people maybe in China in rural villages," said Dynamical Biomarkers Group team leader and Harvard Medical School Associate Professor Chung-Kang Peng. "They don't have the resource, so we need money to further develop our system to make it better. We plan to make the system at least five times better than this one.

Hospital respects the need

Dynamical Biomarkers Group would like to work with the Chinese government to bring DeepQ to selected villages in one to two years.

The General Hospital of Maputo in Mozambique, Africa, has committed to having this type of device for its doctors, nurses and patients.

I think the fundamental problem that exists that we wanted to address is that there are hundreds of millions of people around the world who have no access to modern health care, and these people exist in remote places of the world," said Grant Campany, executive director of Health and Wellness at XPRIZE. "They exist right here in the United States in the rural areas."

Answer to doctor shortage

With a lack of doctors, nurses and infrastructure in many parts of the world, Campany said technology provides one solution to the shortage.

This is the type of device that can help level the playing field across the board," said Harris. "From remote villages to urban centers to refugee camps, this stuff can be deployed and really, really make a difference."

Campany said developing a real working medical device out of science fiction is possible because it is a unique time in technological history.

Technologies that existed that were extremely expensive just five or 10 years ago are now being produced at scale that makes them so inexpensive, and it's that fact that provides a lot of these technologies to be accessible to more people and easier to actually incorporate into new devices," said Campany.

Partnering with FDA

In the U.S., the devices need to go through a rigorous approval process with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.



We're talking about devices that are so complex they've never been designed before, and so we're entering new territory here, and that's why we've partnered with the FDA so that we can work together, so that we can understand what it is the FDA's going to be looking at as far as providing the teams with guidance, Campany said.

It is a process Harris said could take five to seven years, before consumers on a wide scale can purchase a tricorder-like device for around $200.
The German government says the leaders of Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France have renewed their commitment to implementing a faltering peace deal for eastern Ukraine.



Chancellor Angela Merkel's office said the German leader spoke by phone Monday night with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and French President Francois Hollande.



A 2015 peace deal brokered by France and Germany has helped reduce the scale of fighting, but violence has continued and attempts at a political settlement have failed.



The German statement early Tuesday said the four leaders stressed their commitment to implementing the security and political aspects of the deal, underlined the importance of respecting a cease-fire and urged progress on the exchange of prisoners.



They voiced hope that the four-country format will continue under France's next president.
U.S. Marines began arriving in Australia's tropical north on Tuesday for a six-month deployment during which they will conduct exercises with Australian and visiting Chinese forces.

The 25-year annual deployment program started by former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2011 is part of the U.S. pivot to Asia at a time of increased assertiveness by China.

I think that the commitment that we've taken to put a task force here with a conversation to get larger over the years says that we do think this is an important region," said Marines' commander Lieutenant Colonel Brian Middleton after the first troops arrived in Darwin in the Northern Territory.

Being close to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, the Indo Pacific position has always been important.

Middleton said the marines would conduct an "important exercise alongside our Chinese partners" and Australia.

The strength of this year's deployment at 1,250 troops lags well behind the initial plan for the deployment to reach 2,500 Marines this year, but it will see the largest U.S. aircraft contingent to Australia in peacetime history.

13 aircraft show commitment

Middleton said the 13 aircraft, including tilt-rotor Ospreys, Super Cobra helicopters and Huey helicopters, triple the four aircraft in past deployments, was a tangible kind of sign of our commitment to the region and to this partnership.

He said the decision to send the aircraft pre-dated the recent escalation in tensions over North Korea. Regardless, I think it is just a good move any time we can strengthen the long standing partnership and alliance between our two countries. We stand ready to fight and win the night always.

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group to sail to near the Korean peninsula as a show of force aimed at deterring North Korea from conducting more missiles tests. Pyongyang launched a failed missile test on Sunday and has warned Washington against taking military action against North Korea.

Australia caught in middle

The Australia-US-China military exercises are also aimed at Australia charting a course between its most important security ally the United States and its biggest trading partner China.

Australia has drawn rebukes from both superpowers as it tries to strike a balanced stance on the disputed South China Sea, with China criticizing Australian freedom-of-navigation flights in the area and a senior U.S. soldier calling on Australia to do more there.
President Donald Trump's national security adviser has discussed the situation in Afghanistan with India's prime minister, nearly a week after the U.S. military dropped a massive non-nuclear bomb in the country that it said killed 94 militants.



H.R. McMaster's meeting Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the first visit by a Trump administration official to India, a key ally in Asia.



The U.S. Embassy says the two also discussed ways to increase defense and counter-terrorism cooperation, and McMaster assured Modi of India's status as a major defense partner in the global fight against terrorism.



Indian TV stations broadcast images of McMaster and Modi, each flanked by officials, sitting together at Modi's home in the Indian capital.



McMaster's visit followed stops in Kabul and Islamabad.
As Venezuelas center-right opposition prepares to stage "the mother of all marches" Wednesday to protest President Nicolas Maduros efforts to consolidate power, the besieged leader has called for a countermarch and declared plans to expand the countrys civilian militias.

Maduro, speaking to thousands of uniformed militia members assembled Monday at the presidential palace in Caracas, said they must determine whether they are "with the homeland or with the betrayal of the homeland."

The president announced a goal to ramp up their ranks to half a million, from the current 100,000, and to arm each with a gun. On Sunday, hed ordered military troops to fan out nationwide.

"We are going to mobilize, to fight, to continue fighting to prevent any intention of the right to subvert the constitutional order," added Diosdado Cabella, vice president of the ruling United Socialist Party.

The Maduro supporter, a lawmaker in the National Assembly, said he expected about 60,000 motorcyclists to ride in support of the government Wednesday.

Recent violence

At least five people have been killed in two weeks of protests, with security forces firing rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons. The turbulence erupted after the Venezuelan Supreme Courts March 30 announcement that it would strip the opposition-controlled National Assembly of its legislative powers. The court  stacked with appointees of Maduro and his predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez  reversed its position in the wake of domestic and international outcries about an attempted power grab.

Thousands of Maduros opponents are expected to turn out in the capital Wednesday at 10 a.m. local time to pressure his administration to respect the assemblys autonomy, schedule long-delayed elections, free political prisoners and restore other democratic norms.

While the main march is planned for Caracas, Unidad Venezuela, a coalition of opposition parties, also is organizing marches in each of the countrys 24 states, according to the groups Twitter account.

Demonstrations also are planned at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington starting at noon local time.

Conflicting messages

On Monday, Maduro called on his followers to defend the country against alleged plans to overthrow him. Do not hesitate for a second, he warned.

Venezuelas defense minister, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, assured Maduro of professional soldiers loyalty. And the countrys foreign minister, Delcy Rodriguez, also expressed solidarity with her boss and against outside forces such as the imperialist United States.

"We will continue defeating them in the international field," Rodriguez tweeted late Monday. "There will be no imperial force on Earth that crushes the spirit of the sovereign people of Venezuela."

But the leftist governments opponents also are appealing to military and civilian troops to back their cause.

"We know that behind those shields are Venezuelans who accompany us in this struggle for a change," the National Assemblys president, Julio Borges, said in a tweet Tuesday.

The National Socialist Party has ruled Venezuela for 17 years. Economic pressures have mounted in recent years, especially since the price of oil  Venezuelas chief export  began falling in 2014. Venezuelans face chronic, severe shortages of food, medicine and other basics in what once was Latin Americas wealthiest country.

Wednesdays mass protest falls on a significant date for Venezuelans: On April 19, 1810, Venezuelans began their quest for independence from Spain.

Concern over bloodshed

Maduro faces intensifying pressure, from internal political foes and from international bodies such as the Organization of American States, to back off from violence.

On Monday, Latin American leaders counseled against further bloodshed.

"We view with serious concern the militarization of Venezuelan society. We call for good sense," Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said in a tweet Tuesday, according to the AFP news service.

Colombia is among 11 Latin American countries  including Brazil, Argentina and Mexico  urging peaceful demonstrations Wednesday. They called upon Venezuelas government to respect the constitutional right to peaceful protest.

On Tuesday, the Venezuelan Penal Forum, an NGO, said security forces in the country have carried out 538 arrests since early April. It said that as of Monday, 241 people were being detained. It also reported multiple instances of torture and cruelty to detainees.

VOA's Carol Guensburg and VOA Spanish service intern Goldy Fogel contributed to this report from Washington.
The World Food Program is sounding the alarm over a severe funding shortfall in Nigeria that could endanger the lives of 4.7 million people affected by hunger in the nation's volatile northeast.

The U.N. agency has received just under 15 percent of the $416 million it needs for its operations in Nigeria this year.

In the next five or six months, says WFP Acting Regional Communications Officer Elizabeth Bryant, the U.N. agency needs $200 million to keep feeding Nigeria's hunger-stricken population.

Experts predict that the annual lean season  usually, the waiting period before the next harvest  could come as early as May, after two years of failed harvests in the agricultural northeast, Bryant told VOA, adding that funding needs are urgent.

"We need it now, " she said from Dakar, "so that  we have food lined up, that we're prepared. And in fact, the food is there, we just need to have the money to be able to buy it and distribute it to people in need."

The agency has contingency plans which include reducing rations, Bryant says, but officials are appealing to donors to act now to prevent the situation from becoming a famine.

"At that point, a lot of lives have already been lost," she said, "and the other thing is it costs a lot more, financially, to react to  a famine, than to try to avoid one."

Nigeria is one of four nations on the brink of famine. Yemen, South Sudan and Somalia are also facing dire hunger, in what U.N. officials say is the largest humanitarian crisis since the international body's creation.

The insecurity and mass displacement caused by the now seven-year Boko Haram conflict in northeastern Nigeria has brought farming to a near halt. Some parts of Borno state have been off-limits to aid workers due to fighting.

The Nigerian government's chief humanitarian coordinator, Dr. Ayoade Alakija, told VOA that this is not just a threat to Africa's most populous nation. It is also a threat to millions of families in Chad, Niger and Cameroon who rely on Nigerian agriculture.

"Because these people would farm, and they would farm their millet and their maize and their beans  and it would be exported to those other countries and that was how they got their livelihoods. But also, that is how those countries got their food," Alakija said.

In an op-ed published Friday in the French newspaper Le Monde, the U.N. deputy humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria warned that a suspension of relief efforts in northeastern Nigeria could render the area more vulnerable to the spread of extremism.
It goes by the name, Liberty Passion. It is an enormous, state-of-the art, US ship of the Ro/Ro type (designed to transport vehicles and cargo on wheels): 200 metres long, it has 12 decks with a total area exceeding 50,000 m2, sufficient to transport cargo equal to 6,500 automobiles.

The ship is owned by the US company Liberty Global Logistics and it was on 24 March that the ship made its first stopover at the port of Livorno. Thus is established an official, regular connection between Livorno and the harbours in Jordan and Gedda in Saudi Arabia and the voyage is carried out every month by Liberty Passion and its sister ships Liberty Pride and Liberty Promise. The launch of such a service was celebrated like a festival at the port of Livorno.

However, not a soul states why the US company has specifically chosen Livorno in Tuscany as the stopover. A US Maritime Administration communication [1] fills the gap with the following explanation:

Liberty Passion and two other ships, linking up Livorno and Aqaba and Gedda, form part of the Programme for Maritime Security, that through a public-private partnership, provides the Department of Defense with a powerful, mobile private fleet which flies the US flag and is equipped with a US crew.

Each of the three ships has the capacity to transport about one hundred vehicles for combat and support. These include tankers, vehicles to transport troops, helicopters and equipment for military units.

And so it becomes clear why the US company has chosen Port Livorno to make the connection with the two southern ports. Port Livorno is linked to Camp Darby, the US armys logistical base, situated at the border of Livorno. Camp Darby in turn supplies US air and land forces in the following zones: the Mediterranean zone, the Southern zone, the African zone and others. It is the only site for the US army where pre-arranged material (tankers, etc.) is placed together with the supplies: its 125 bunkers store all the equipment for two armoured battalions and two mechanized infantry. Also stocked: huge quantities of bombs and missiles for airplanes, together with assembly kits to quickly build airports in the war zone. Two routes can be used so that these and other military materials can be promptly sent to the zone of operation: the first is via Port Livorno, connected to the base of Canale dei Navicelli which has recently been enlarged; and the second, is via Pisas military airport. From here, departed the bombs used in the wars waged against Iraq, Yugoslavia and Libya.

Documentary sources (AsiaNews [2] and others) report that on its inaugural trip, Liberty Passion transported 250 military vehicles from Livorno to Aqaba (the Jordanian port). The ship arrived at Aqaba on 7 April, making its way there via the Suez Canal. Two days before, in Washington, President Trump received King Abdullah for the second time since February thus confirming US support to Jordan against the terrorist threat coming from Syria. However, it is precisely in Jordan, that for year, US, British and French instructors have been training militants belonging to the Free Syria Army for terrorist attacks in Syria.

Various reports indicate that an increasing number of US troops, fitted out with tankers and armoured vehicles, are moving to the Jordan-Syrian border. The objective? To take possession, using even Jordanian troops, of the southern band of the Syrian territory, where special US and British forces are operating in support of the Free Syria Army which is fighting with Isis. As early as February, President Trump had discussed with King Abdullah, the possibility of establishing safe zones in Syria. Safe zones is code for balkanizing Syria, now an option, given that, following Russian intervention, it is no longer possible to control the entire territory.

US arms are used for this and other military operations, which include the Saudi war which causes massacres in Yemen. These arms leave from Livorno, a city which, Pope Francis, on the invitation of Mayor Nogarin (Movimento 5 Stelle), will probably visit. Yesterday, once again, Pope Francis denounced the trafficking of arms which allows money to be made from men and women shedding blood. Meanwhile several residents of Livorno celebrate the fact that their Tuscan port has been chosen as the stopover for Liberty Global Logistics, for this creates huge prospects for development.

As long as the war continues, so does hope [3].
President Trumps radical change in rhetoric concerning his foreign policy was accompanied by the bombing of an air base in Cheyrat, and that of an Afghan mountain.

The world trembled before the deployment of such force - 59 Tomahawk missiles in Syria and one GBU-4/B3 mega-bomb in Afghanistan. Yet the base in Cheyrat was already operational again the following morning, while the  Mother Of All Bombs  certainly caused the collapse of three exits of a natural tunnel, but did not destroy the kilometres of underground passages created over time by the rivers within the mountain. In short, much ado about nothing.

These two operations were clearly intended to convince the US deep state that the White House was once again supporting its imperial politics. They had the desired affect on Germany and France. Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Francois Hollande applauded their lord and master, and called for an end to the Syrian situation. The surprise arrived from elsewhere.

The United Kingdom did not only follow the movement. Their Minister for Foreign Affairs, Boris Johnson, proposed to levy sanctions against Russia, according to him an accomplice in the Syrian  crimes , and responsible in one way or another for the Afghan resistance and a plethora of other evils.

During the meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs at the G7, Johnson announced the cancellation of his trip to Moscow, and invited all his partners to break off their political and commercial relations with Russia. However, though approving the British initiative, these partners prudently stayed in the background. Rex Tillerson, the US Secretary of State, incontrovertibly dismissed this insane proposition and maintained his trip to Moscow. Brazenly, Johnson then declared that the Europeans had appointed Tillerson to go and talk some sense into the Russians.

Although international protocol states that Ministers are to be received by their opposite numbers, and not by the Head of State, the Atlantist Press presented Tillersons welcome by Lavrov as a cooling of Russo-US relations. Before he had the time to salute his guest, Sergey Lavrov was interrupted by a Washington journalist who took him to task. Reminding him of the conventions of basic politeness, the Russian Minister refused to answer him and cut the presentations short..

The meeting, behind closed doors, lasted for more than 4 hours, which seems fairly long for people who have nothing to say to one another. Finally, the two men requested an audience with President Putin, who recieved them for 2 extra hours.

After these meetings, the Ministers gave a Press conference. They declared without irony that they had done little more than take note of their divergences. Sergey Lavrov warned the journalists of the danger that this rupture represented for the world.

However, the next day, the same Lavrov, addressing the Russian Press, indicated that he had concluded an agreement with his guest. Washington had agreed not to continue their attacks on the Syrian Arab Army, and the military coordination between the Pentagon and the Russian army for circulation in Syrian airspace had been re-established.

In appearance, the Trump administration is roaring its power and throwing bombs around, but in reality, it is taking great care not to cause any irreparable damage. The worst and the best are therefore possible.
The political-media spotlight beams in on the nuclear escalation in the Korean peninsula, and lets slip, unnoticed in the shadows, a similar escalation in on the Italian peninsula. On 13 April [2017], The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center communicates that, in the polygon of Nellis in Nevada:

An Air Force F-16 aircraft released an inert B61 nuclear bomb in a test recently, demonstrating the aircrafts capability to deliver the weapon and testing the functioning of the weapons non-nuclear components, including the arming and fire control system, radar altimeter, spin rocket motors and weapons control computer.

What is the significance of this? It indicates that the B61-12, the new US nuclear bomb, meant to replace the B-61 bomb which has been stored in Italy and other European countries, is now in the engineering phase in preparation for mass production. The many components of the B61-12 are planned and tested in the national laboratories of Los Alamos and Albuquerque (New Mexico), Livermore (California), and produced in a series of plants in Missouri, Texas, South Carolina and Tennessee. On top of these is the tail section, manufactured by Boeing, for precision guidance.

The B61-12 is not the B-61 with a few cosmetic updates. Nay, it is far more than that. It is a weapon sui generis with:

 a nuclear head with four power options to choose from, depending on the object you wish to strike;

 a guidance system that permits it to launch not directly above its target, but some distance from it; and

 the capacity to penetrate into the ground to destroy command centre bunkers in a nuclear first strike.

The test confirms that the new nuclear bomb can be launched by the F-16 fighter bomber (model C/D) of the 31st Fighter Wing, the squadron of US fighter bombers stationed at Aviano (Pordenone) which is now ready for attack with 50 (the number estimated by the FAS, the Federation of American Scientists) B 61 bombs. The communique specifies that the B61-12 can be also be launched from Tornado PA-200 bomber fighters, such as those of the 6 Formation of the Italian Air Force stored at Ghedi (Brescia), currently ready for nuclear attack with 20 B61 bombs. While waiting for the F-35 fighter bombers to be delivered to the Italian Air Force, the U.S. Air Force announces that, the B61-12 will be integrated into the F-35.

That the Italian pilots are being trained for nuclear attack under US command reports the FAS [1] is demonstrated by the presence of the 704th Munitions Support Squadron at Ghedi. This is one of the U.S. Air Forces four units stationed in European bases (in Italy as well as Germany, Belgium and Holland) where US nuclear weapons are meant to launch from airplanes of the host state. Pilots from these four European countries and Turkey are being trained to use the B-61, and now the B61-12, in Steadfast Noon. This is Natos annual drill for nuclear war. In 2013, this drill took place at Aviano, and in 2014 at Ghedi.

According to the programme, the B61-12, the cost of which is forecast to be in the range of 8  10 billion dollars for 480 bombs, will begin to be mass manufactured in 2020. Thereafter, they will substitute the B-61 in Italy and in the other European countries. Satellite photos that the FAS released, show that in the bases at Aviano and Ghedi, and in other bases both in Europe and Turkey, changes have already been made to achieve this purpose. We still do not know how many B61-12 have been earmarked for Italy; however, we cannot rule out that, in light of the growing sense of unease with Russia, that their number will exceed the number of B61 bombs that are currently stored. Neither is it ruled out that they will be stored, as well as in Aviano and Ghedi, in other bases  for example - Camp Darby where the U.S. Air Forces bombs are stored.

It is a fact that, in an unprecedented move in 2014, Polish pilots with F-16 C/D fighter bombers took part in the Nato drill for nuclear war carried out at Ghedi. This indicates that in all likelihood, the B61-12 will also be stored in Poland and other countries of the former Eastern bloc. The F-16 fighter bomber and other Nato planes at double capacity, nuclear and conventional, are stationed, in rotation, in the Baltic republics, going right up to the border with Russia.

The B61-12 is defined by the Pentagon as the fundamental element of the US nuclear triad (land, sea and air). Come 2020, and the lining up of the B61-12 in Europe (though it is not ruled out that it could well be prior to this date), Italy, which is officially a non-nuclear country, will be transformed into the firing line for an increasingly dangerous nuclear confrontation between the US/Nato on the one hand and Russia on the other.

It is in fact General James Cartwright, the former US Strategic Command, who warns that

nuclear weapons such as the B61-12 which are less weighty (from 0.3 to 50 kiloton) yet more precise, increase the temptation to use them, which could even be for a pre-emptive nuclear strike rather than in an act of reprisal.

In such a case, it is beyond doubt that Italy would be the first target for an inevitable nuclear reprisal.
Its hard to say what motivates Chuck. What would drive a successful man in his advanced years to be so vindictive and petty? Hed have to be a sociopath. In this case, hes a bitter attorney and divorcee with extraordinary psychosomatic sickness stemming from thoroughly underappreciated big-sibling issues. No wonder Rebecca left you, Jimmy snarls, moments before prying open a desk drawer in Chucks study with a fireplace poker and destroying the tape of his confession. That unspooling polyester reel represented the last straw for Jimmy, and in turn his harsh words cemented Chucks grudge.

Unfortunately for Jimmy, Howard and Chucks wannabe cardsharp private investigator heard them too. Even worse, they were lying in wait until Jimmy thoroughly compromised himself before all but saying, Gotcha! It was a Candid Camera scene gone wrong, and it virtually delineates Jimmys transformation into the jaded criminal-defense performance artist known as Saul Goodman.

Everyones a little crooked in Better Call Saul, so its hard to blame Jimmy  who may never have been tough enough to compete with the alphas on their terms  for eventually breaking bad. Even the initialized wallpaper decal in the waiting area of Kim and Jimmys office is, as new receptionist Francesca notes, a bit askew. (And it was in a zigzag pattern to begin with.) Francesca is this episodes breath of fresh air, taking some of the comic-relief burden off of Jimmy just in time for him to channel some serious rage. At Jimmys behest, the former New Mexico MVD (dont you dare call it the DMV) toiler all but assaults elderly callers with banter about Cracker Barrels biscuits and balmy weather.

Mike, on the other hand, isnt exactly armed with a charm offensive. After surviving first-day Francescas folksy screening (this one really doesnt want to talk about Cracker Barrel, she cautions), Mike calls on Jimmy for a favor, explaining with characteristic heaviness the job at hand: Park at Los Pollos Hermanos at about 7:30 a.m., watch for a green Chevy Blazer to arrive, keep your eyes on the driver and  crucially  his mysterious knapsack. Whoevers on the receiving end of whatevers inside that bag has numerous sets of eyes on Mike, and he needs an inside man to even the odds. And it aint as if Caldera the creepy vet is up for any more odd-hour house calls.

At the end of Jimmys mission, which revealed little more than their perps breakfast preferences (he went bold with the extra salsa), he whines to Mike about wanting in on any ensuing reconnaissance. He cleared his morning, after all  a fact that no doubt thrills Kim back at the office. But hes as yet demonstrably inept at staking out bad guys. In a prolonged and painfully funny sequence, Jimmy fumbles with sugar packets, conspicuously moves from table to table, and does a veritable dumpster dive inside the restaurant garbage can to retrieve any useful evidence. His bumbling Inspector Clouseau routine only serves to arouse a certain hovering managers hunch that this hapless customer came for more than a Pollos Classic and black coffee. (Is anyone really stopping in for the $24.99 per dozen breakfast-burrito special?)

Its just as likely that Mike sent Jimmy on a fools errand as part of an elaborate cat and mouse with this cagey criminal hell soon get to know as cartel rival Gustavo Fring. That would make Jimmy no less a pawn in Mikes stakeout than Ernesto was in Chucks plans to ensnare his brother. So far, that ruse is rounding out exactly as manipulated.

Ernie, as Kim calls him, isnt ready to jeopardize his budding legal career and all the sweet perks that come with it. Admittedly, that blue Mitsubishi with a spoiler does outclass Jimmys two-tone Suzuki Esteem (not to mention makes for a stealthier product placement). Ernie tries to spit out what he heard on the cassette recorder at Chucks house, but hes even more flustered than Jimmy was while playing detective. Also, Kim is arguably shorter on patience than Mike. (Those two would definitely share mutual respect.) Fortunately, Kim is naturally levelheaded. She calls up an old professor and concludes, similarly to Howard, that theres little in the way of conventional courtroom recourse to substantiate the tape as proof of Jimmys wrongdoing. So long as Jimmy keeps cool and doesnt trip on Chucks wires, this should blow over and up in his brothers face. Jimmy assures Kim hes collected, and carries on seeing Mr. Tiller and Mr. Witchell, indulging the formers yarns about bottle caps and presumably trying not to stare in judgment at the latters ponytail.

As the workday winds down, he carries on affixing that initialized wall decal, rolling it off with opposing thumbs, exactly as Chuck would have instructed. Catching himself in that ultimate act of obedience, he finally snaps, barging into Chucks home not quite on cue, but  tragically  at precisely the wrong instant. Next we see Jimmy, hell probably be standing before a judge in his worst prison orange. As for Mike, whos been left momentarily bested in what amounted to a crazy-making goose chase, his next steps may set all our characters on a path thats far from all good, man.

Apart From All That

Pretty incredible suspense-release roller-coaster we were taken on with Gus.

 Welcome back, Jeremiah Bitsui, a.k.a. Victor!

 LWYRUP, indeed.

 Hard to gauge how, or whether, romantically involved Kim and Jimmy still are.

 Personally, I prefer a vintage bentwood rocking chair.

 Nice bit of physical comedy for Patrick Fabian, a.k.a. Howard.

 Etude blue over daydream harvest probably beats the artwork in his Davis & Main digs.

 FWIW, U.S. v. McKeever.
Boseman, Chadwick Boseman. Photo: Marvel Entertainment

Louis DEsposito, the co-president of Marvel Studios, grinned as a group of journalists sat down in a Disney screening room Monday night. The first thing youll be seeing, he told us, is Lupita taking out some bad guys.

The executives at Marvel Studios are known for playing their cards close to the vest, but every so often, when you know youre sitting on a winning hand, you cant help but show off. Thats why the studio summoned reporters to the Disney lot in Burbank to tease several of the movies coming from Marvels wildly successful cinematic universe, including Thor: Ragnarok, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Captain Marvel. Aside from a full screening of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, by far the biggest sneak peek the studio offered was an extensive look at Black Panther, which wraps filming in Atlanta tomorrow and is due out February 16, 2018.

As we watched dailies of Oscar winner Lupita Nyongo ably somersaulting through a Black Panther action sequence, DEsposito beamed. While the fight choreography was straight out of the Marvel playbook  you could imagine Scarlett Johanssons Black Widow going through many of the same motions  as Nyongo flung herself into the scene with steely commitment on her face and a vivid green shroud wrapped around her body, the footage carried with it an undeniable X factor. Thats exactly the sweet spot the studio hopes to hit with Black Panther: The film has to be familiar enough to fit into Marvels ever-expanding cinematic universe while also offering enough spark to jump-start its own singular franchise. A tricky task, but to judge from some of the stunning things that DEsposito and his colleagues showed off last night, it looks like Marvel is on the right track.

Directed by Ryan Coogler (Creed, Fruitvale Station), Black Panther picks up the story of TChalla (Chadwick Boseman) after his well-received introduction in Captain America: Civil War. As he comes to grips with the death of his father, the former king of their African nation Wakanda, TChalla must return home and succeed him. Despite the presence of several strong allies in TChallas corner  including Angela Bassett as his mother, Queen Ramonda, and an all-female group of elite bodyguards known as the Dora Milaje  he soon finds that its not easy to be a head of state and a superhero at the same time, especially when the nation is threatened by several villains including the dangerous Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan).

Coogler was wooed for months by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige before he accepted the Black Panther directing gig; in part, Ive heard, because Coogler wanted to be sure he could put his own personal stamp on the film. Many of the Marvel movies are shot, composed, and edited by the same in-house people, but Coogler wanted to bring over several of his own trusted collaborators, including co-writer Joe Robert Cole, composer Ludwig Goransson, and cinematographer Rachel Morrison. (Indeed, with Black Panther, Morrison becomes the first woman to shoot a film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.)

That unique sensibility appears to have paid off. Black Panther doesnt look like any of the other Marvel movies, and it shouldnt if it wants to pay proper tribute to the impact of the first black superhero in mainstream American comics. Lets start with the costumes by Oscar nominee Ruth E. Carter, making her Marvel Studios debut. Whether TChalla is spending his downtime in a dashiki or the Dora Milaje are marching in warrior suits of rich brown and gold, Carter has found a remarkable way to merge centuries of African culture with the particulars of superhero pop. I died and came back to life when I saw the first footage of Angela Bassett as Ramonda, the actress resplendent in a shimmering honey robe with an enormous headpiece that would send every Sunday church lady home to start over. Lets be honest: If Angela Bassett is your mother, youre beginning the superhero sweepstakes on third base, but TChalla will still have his work cut out for him to earn any attention next to Bassetts queen at her most fierce.

Then theres the fictional setting of Wakanda, which trades the prosaic metropolitan cities of most Marvel movies for something exciting and new. TChallas wealthy nation strikes a balance between high-tech futurism and verdant nature, suggesting an African grassland where technology can enhance what the earth gives us instead of plundering it. We saw dailies and concept art of an African tech castle with a driveway filled by sleek airships, a glowing Vibranium waterfall, a futuristic Wakanda Design Center where TChalla goes to visit his sister Shuri, and a shot so striking  TChalla, deep in the forest, regarding an old tree draped with a dozen panthers  that its been painted as a mural in one of the studios most highly trafficked hallways.

Still, the most exciting thing about the way Black Panther looks is who it presents as powerful. At a time where too many superhero movies are led by blandly handsome white men named Chris, Black Panther celebrates a cast made up almost exclusively of dark-skinned black actors, most of whom rarely get to headline a live-action movie of this size despite their more-than-evident talent. If the movie succeeds on the worldwide scale of most Marvel entries, it will refute the notion espoused by many Hollywood executives that black films dont travel; more importantly, if its a creative breakthrough that launches a new mythology and coaxes underrepresented audiences to dream bigger, it could become a black Star Wars.

Also, the characters fight giant rhino-mechs, Lupita battles with killer discs, and Im pretty sure I caught Danai Guriras character flirting with another member of the Dora Milaje. If this is what the future of superhero movies looks like, deal me in.
Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Steve Harvey, currently the host of The Steve Harvey Morning Show radio program, Steve Harvey the daytime talk show, Family Feud, Little Big Shots, and, occasionally, the Miss Universe pageant, has somehow learned how to slip between the fabric of space and time, freeing up some room in his schedule to host Foxs new weekly Showtime at the Apollo series. Encouraged by viewer reception to two Apollo specials that aired this winter, the networks new show will feature elements of the historic Harlem theaters famous Amateur Night talent competition. In the absence of the late, great American Idol franchise, it sounds like Fox is hoping to fill their reality-competition void with the updated Apollo. We all had such a blast on the two specials that aired earlier this season that we thought it really deserved being a weekly event, Harvey, who first broke into television hosting Showtime at the Apollo from 1993 to 2000, said in a statement. But our mission is a little different this time around: Instead of just putting on a great show, were going to do that and find the next great comic and the next big music star. Thats what the Apollo is all about. Maybe Steve Harvey can use this as an opportunity to discover the next Steve Harvey, then get him or her to take on some of his hosting gigs, because the man has to be exhausted.
Kevin Spacey. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

After an unusually long search for a host, one plagued by refusals and scheduling conflicts, the 71st Annual Tony Awards have announced that Kevin Spacey will be hosting this years ceremony. The awards will be held on June 11 and will be returning to New York Citys famed Radio City Music Hall, with Spacey as a first-time host. I was their second choice for Usual Suspects, fourth choice for American Beauty, and 15th choice to host this years Tony Awards. I think my career is definitely going in the right direction, said Spacey. Maybe I can get shortlisted to host the Oscars if everyone else turns it down. What a guy!
West Family Easter photo. Photo: Kim Kardashian West, Twitter

Before we as a society can prepare for our next three-day weekend and excuse to be drunk on our cousins porch (Memorial Day is only 41 days away!), Kim Kardashian West has some revealing Easter photos to share. Among the pictures dropped on social media of the beautiful West family celebrating the high holy day in style with relatives, barnyard animals, and Chrissy Teigen, there was a shot of the children with the Easter Bunny with the caption Dadye. Does this mean that Kanye is not only a highly successful rapper and father, but also a mythological deliverer of candies? Probably! And really it all makes sense: Weve never seen the Easter Bunny and Yeezy in the same place. So its all adding up. Hope Sean Spicer doesnt mind giving up the gig.
Quantico has done a lot of self-discovery this year. Thinking back on season one, when Alex Parrish was still a wannabe FBI agent with a troubled past facing terrorist accusations, the show feels like it has shredded through six seasons worth of plots in a mere season and a half. Like a teenager returning from summer break with a new haircut, two inches of height, and a sense of style, Quantico has finally figured out what it wants to be. But it is unclear whether that will be enough to save it.

Kumonk continues a string of episodes all pieced together to close out the second season. Our team, as they have been for weeks, continues in a bunker on a top-secret, presidentially endorsed mission to find and reveal the collaborators of a terrorist organization thats trying to topple American democracy, by tracing the pings on a stolen piece of hardware. Got all that? Its a lot. Usually, the team gets one ping and they investigate what (or who) it could be for. But this week, the lead is less clear. There are five different paths pointing in all different directions: Cleveland, Albany, El Paso, Fargo, and Detroit. The collaborators are planning a riot, but the team isnt sure where it will happen.

Quantico, like many other ABC prime-time staples (Greys Anatomy, Scandal, etc.), has started adopting morals for its episodes. This week, the focus is a simple edict: Trust your instincts. Its obvious from the opening scene, where Alex Parrish pushes her former teacher Owen into a pool with his hands zip-tied behind his back, and tells him to tread water for 20 minutes. The CIA values mind over body, she reminds him, but the FBI knows a strong body creates a strong mind.

By the time the collaborators are called to the bunker, Clayton has already given up hope. In a very outdated scene, Clayton wads up pieces of paper in his office, an old version of a creative process that doesnt really hold up in the digital era. Its purpose is to show that Clayton thinks hes exhausted every option already. This is a confusing character flaw that the show keeps exploiting. Clayton is a smart politician (and the Harvard-trained son of a president), but hes not a federal agent. He may think hes explored every option, but he doesnt actually know anything about that kind of investigation.

Rightfully, Alex checks him and says that shell give it a go on her own. As a team, they think of reasons a city could erupt into riots. Detroit is on edge because of a Black Lives Matter case. Fargo could reach a tipping point because of the Standing Rock protesters. But after following their instincts, the team decides Cleveland is the city thats truly in the pressure cooker.

In Cleveland, a jury is deliberating a case. A homeless man broke into a house and sexually assaulted the woman who lived there. When her husband came home, the intruder shot him. But the gun he used is unregistered, and under some law that President Haas has endorsed, he can be convicted on criminal charges. The team believes that the collaborators are trying to pressure the jury to convict this man, so that riots will break out among pro-gun activists in the city. So Shelby, Alex, and Reina (pretending to be Nimah) head to Cleveland to investigate  only to come face to face with Miranda, who is none too happy to see them there.

They interview jurors, get nowhere, and eventually settle on the judge as the one who has been corrupted. As a team, they convince Miranda to give them a chance, and they interrogate the judge. He admits to being corrupted, to accepting a wire transfer of a large sum of money, and to being blackmailed. But they are too late. The jury has already made a decision: The man is guilty, just as the collaborators had hoped.

Meanwhile, Clayton is at the White House, talking to his mother about maybe shutting down this group, when Caleb appears wearing a sombrero. They have some good old-fashioned sibling rivalry that results in a few punches, and Clayton heading to the Hill to call in an old friend and get a meeting with the Speaker of the House, who tells him that America is a deeply divided country, and he believes this has happened because of the two-party system. Despite being a Republican, he espouses some pretty liberal ideas. We have the same issues, we just call them different names now, he says. We had slavery, now we have mass incarceration. We had robber barons. Now we have the one percent.

And then the Speaker reaches the pinnacle of his monologue. He doesnt believe the people should have a say in everything, but that they should trust their elected officials to make decisions for them. He is nothing but a man in the second-highest seat of power trying to get a little bit more power for himself. In the episodes biggest twist, Clayton uses this information to scoop the Speakers plan, and gets his mother to Cleveland to give a unifying speech before the riots begin. Its pretty unrealistic to believe that a president giving a speech could stop a riot, but well let this slide.

Kumonk has two other fairly important side plots working behind the scenes. The first is Sebastians return. He breaks into Claytons office in a black burka and is fought by Owen, who eventually wins, reveals his identity, and demands answers. Turns out, Sebastian is also working on the same case  but on his own because of his ex-wife. More importantly, he has the names of the rest of the collaborators that the team needs. How exactly did one man track down the same amount of collaborators as a team of six did in the same amount of time? I dont know. The show ignores it.

Sebastians work is at least a little believable. Whats not believable is Ryans new sex-buddy source, the life and arts reporter Sasha, who behaves like she also has years of spy experience. She plants a bug on Ryan. She is investigating his case on her own, as if a party reporter with such a dynamite lead wouldnt immediately be given help or reassigned. At one point, she calls a known collaborator moonlighting as a fact-checker, and asks him some fishing questions. He catches on, of course. The episode ends with her getting into her car and it going up in flames. Despite being kind of sad  it was cute to watch Ryan with a new girl, after all  this seems like the only believable portion of Sashas plot.

With Sasha gone and the collaborators all identified, it seems like Quantico may be preparing for a wrap up. There are still several episodes left, but ABC hasnt announced whether the show will be returning for a third season, yet. Early in this second season, I would have understood the delay to pull the trigger, but lately, the show has noticeably improved. It is still messy? Sure, but its riveting, nonetheless.
Richard Gere. Photo: VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images

Theres a reason Richard Gere is sticking to indie fare these days: He has to. After spending years as one of Hollywoods most famous leading men, hes been sidelined from bigger studio projects, and he says its because of his stance on Tibet. There are definitely movies that I cant be in because the Chinese will say, Not with him, Gere told The Hollywood Reporter. I recently had an episode where someone said they could not finance a film with me because it would upset the Chinese. China is a power player in Hollywood  You Cant Make Movies Without China, The Wall Street Journal declared this week  with the countrys $6.6 billion box-office total last year second only to the United States. With Chinas tight hold on big studios purse strings, Gere is now busy with two small budget features: Sony Pictures Classics Norman and the Orchards The Dinner. The Pretty Woman star says hes not itching for big blockbusters anyway  first of all he has enough money (Page Six reported hes worth an estimated $45 million), and second of all, in his words, Im not interested in playing the wizened Jedi in your tentpole. So there you have it.
After his on-set injury on the set of Death Cure, Dylan OBrien is back at it (it being straight-up killing people in movies). In American Assassin, OBrien plays Mitch Rapp, a CIA black-ops recruit who works with Michael Keaton and Sanaa Lathan to stop terror attacks. Taylor Kitsch is also there. Apparently, terrorists once killed Mitchs fiancee, because what better character motivation is there than the love of a dead woman? American Assassin premieres this September.
Arizona-based Empereon Marketing has struck a deal to lease a call center in Lacy Lakeview that General Dynamics Information Technology is leaving May 31, eliminating 840 jobs.

The company, which would hire a minimum of 750 people over the next two years, continues to negotiate with the cities of Lacy Lakeview and Waco over the incentives it may receive.

We have finally come to an agreement today with the landlord, though we are awaiting incentive approvals from the cities involved, said Toby Parrish, senior vice president of inbound operations, speaking by phone Monday.

He said employees of General Dynamics are welcome to apply for positions with Empereon, adding, We hope to move forward with staffing the center as quickly as possible, so there will be little or no disruption in receiving paychecks.

Local real estate agent Brad Davis, who is representing Empereon, confirmed that a deal is in place. He referred additional comment to Parrish, with whom he has worked for four or five months.

Kris Collins, senior vice president for economic development at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, said she could not comment on Empereons entry into the Greater Waco market because of continuing talks relating to incentives.

She said Empereon may qualify for an allocation from the Waco-McLennan County Economic Development Corp., to which the city of Waco and McLennan County contribute. Money from that fund is made available to prospects only with approval from Waco City Council and McLennan County Commissioners Court.

Parrish said Empereon hopes to serve at least two Fortune 500 clients at the call center, which will take inbound calls relating to everything from customer service to technical support.

I feel pretty confident in saying the pay will average more than $12 an hour, including incentives, Parrish said. These are all full-time jobs, no part-time, and we provide health insurance and a retirement plan. I was told the previous company had part-time and seasonal employees. We will be a departure from that.

General Dynamics Information Technology will leave the building by May 31, and Empereon will occupy the facility by July.

We have been in business 20 years, and this is our second location in Texas, the other being in the Houston suburb of Alvin, Parrish said. We love the work ethic and talent the state offers, and our arrival in Greater Waco is part of our Texas initiative.

He said the center will need very little work to accommodate the arrival of Empereon outside of a few cosmetic touches.

Our goal is to have a facility where we can do little more than flip a switch and begin operations, he said. I have a pretty strong feeling that a lot of the folks at the center now would provide a pretty good fit. We would like to try to keep their income stable. They are under enough stress as it is without our adding to it.

He said Empereon has gained a reputation for promoting from within and offering opportunities for career advancement.

Ninety-five percent of our leaders came from the phones, said Parrish, noting that call takers can move up the ranks.

Meanwhile across town, Suzette Mansfield, who manages the C3 Customer Contact Channels call center in McGregor, said the facility soon will ramp up hiring, and she encouraged General Dynamics staffers to apply.

General Dynamics sent a warning notice to the Texas Workforce Commission, informing the agency of its plans to shutter operations that have been ongoing since 2013. The center assists those seeking health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act and has seen employment grow from 440 to more than 800.

It released a statement April 10, saying, As of May 31, we will cease contact center operations performed in support of our customers in Waco, Texas. We regret that the closure of this facility will impact employees, their families and the community at large.

At that time, Karr Ingham, an Amarillo-based economist who prepares a monthly snapshot of local trends, said losing 800 jobs at one time certainly is not good news for the community.

But it should not be an economy killer, Ingham added. Waco has created 2,000 to 3,000 jobs over the past year. This may slow down that number a little bit, but if this had to happen, you would want it to happen in a place that is economically dynamic, growing and adding jobs, which Waco is doing.

Arriving in 2013, General Dynamics Information Technology signed a 31/2-year agreement to have a subsidiary, Vangent Inc., manage the facility under a $28 million government contract.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield invested more than $10 million in the site, converting a former Kmart building at North Loop 340 and Interstate 35 into a call center in 2002. Its lease expired in early 2013, and it chose to let nearly 300 employees work at home with computers.
AUSTIN  In the aftermath of one troubled study on the economic impact of a bathroom bill in Texas, San Antonio tourism officials are returning to the legislative debate with another dire financial outlook.

Legislation viewed by many as discriminatory toward LGBT Texans  including proposals to regulate which bathrooms transgender individuals may use  could cost the state $3.3 billion in annual tourism and more than 35,600 full-time jobs associated with leisure travel and conventions, according to a study by the Waco-based Perryman Group. The study was commissioned by Visit San Antonio and the San Antonio Area Tourism Council.

In other words, what we have been saying all along is absolutely undeniable, Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit San Antonio, said in a statement. These numbers tell us there will be a significant  and long-standing  adverse impact on San Antonio and the state. We urge our legislators to consider these effects in making their decisions.

The new numbers land amid an intense debate over proposed bathroom regulations in Texas, one in which LGBT advocates and the Texas business community have joined forces to oppose legislation they argue is discriminatory and bad for business. The study comes two months after a PolitiFact Texas article identified flaws in some of the numbers used by the Texas Association of Business to produce the states original economic impact report on the bathroom measure.

Citing security and privacy concerns, some Texas Republicans argue such legislation is necessary. The most prominent proposal is Senate Bill 6, a legislative priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick that would regulate bathroom use in government buildings based on a persons biological sex. That would keep most transgender people from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The proposal also would pre-empt local nondiscrimination ordinances that allow transgender Texans to use public bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

The Texas House, which has been largely disinterested in the Senate bill, will wade into the debate itself this week; a panel of lawmakers will consider legislation to ban municipalities and school districts from enacting or enforcing local policies that regulate bathroom use.

On Tuesday, Patrick criticized the idea that the passage of legislation that regulates bathroom use could negatively impact Texas economy, claiming that North Carolina last year set an all-time record for hotel occupancy and tourism.

This is the latest bogus study predicting economic doom if Texas passes a law protecting personal privacy, Patrick said in a statement.

Patrick also reiterated his belief that men will use trans-inclusive policies to enter the womens restroom for nefarious reasons.

The question that must be asked to the tourism council who put out this report is why they believe tourists will want to visit a place where any man can lurk and loiter in the ladies room? he said.

Earlier this year, Patrick shot back at claims of economic fallout, saying there was no evidence whatsoever that the passage of SB 6 would have any economic impact in Texas.

Other proponents of bathroom regulations have claimed that any economic impact would make up a tiny percent of the states economy. San Antonios study found those claims to be accurate but asserted that it still would amount to millions of dollars for local economies.

While its impossible to know with certainty the magnitude of the net effects of the proposed bathroom access policy on travel and tourism in Texas, the report estimates that the initial impact on business activity could cost the San Antonio-New Braunfels area $411.8 million annually.

If the Texas Legislature passes a law viewed as discriminatory against LGBT persons, it is likely that some meetings and events would be canceled and that some leisure travelers will also avoid the state, the study says.

The findings  based on losses experienced in other states and on data from a survey by a national travel association  will likely help boost opposition to the legislation from business and tourism groups. Those groups have already pointed to millions of dollars lost in North Carolina following the passage of that states original bathroom law, which was recently rewritten amid mounting public and economic backlash.
A Dallas attorney representing a biker arrested in the Twin Peaks shootout fired off a series of motions Tuesday, including one to quash the indictment that includes an illustration of a ham sandwich.

Clint Broden, who represents former Scimitar member Matthew Clendennen, is asking 54th State District Judge Matt Johnson to order District Attorney Abel Reyna to identify specific evidence his office intends to use against Clendennen contained in what Broden describes as a three-terabyte document dump of materials collected against 155 bikers indicted.

Broden contends the sheer volume of materials released by prosecutors to defense attorneys, almost all of which appears to have absolutely no relation to Mr. Clendennen, amounts to searching for a needle in a haystack.

While the state cannot be faulted for complying with the Morton Act, due process requires it to go further, Broden wrote. Indeed, this court should not endorse a method of document production that merely gives the requesting party access to a document dump, with an instruction to the party to go fish. 

The Michael Morton Act requires prosecutors to provide defense attorneys with evidence in the case.

Reyna did not return calls Tuesday.

Broden claims it is not possible for defense attorneys to review all the information provided in a timely and efficient manner.

Clendennen, of Hewitt, is set for trial Oct. 9.

In another motion, Broden says that despite the massive document dump by prosecutors, they did not provide the discovery in Clendennens case as soon as practical.

Brodens motion quotes a transcript from the hearing in which Reyna says he instructed Chavez in detail to carefully read over the warrant affidavit and to make sure he could swear that every element was true and correct. Chavez obtained the arrest warrants for the 177 bikers.

Chavez testified he never spoke to Reyna that night.

Manuel Chavez  offered plainly contradictory testimony to the extent that, if Mr. Reynas testimony is truthful, Mr. Chavezs testimony must be perjurious, Brodens motion states.

In a related motion, Broden seeks to suppress what he calls the fruit of the unconstitutional arrest. Broden alleges that Chavez did not have personal knowledge of facts included in the identical arrest warrant affidavits used to arrest the bikers.

Finally, Broden seeks to quash the indictment against Clendennen, punctuating his request with an illustration of a ham sandwich and a citation from a New York case in which a judge is quoted as saying a grand jury would indict a ham sandwich.

The grand jury gave little consideration to each of the bikers cases it indicted, Broden claims, and returned indictments that alleged 10 bikers, not nine, were killed at Twin Peaks.

The grand jury actually indicted Mr. Clendennen, and many of the other motorcyclists indicted on Nov. 10, 2015, for causing the death of William Anderson despite the fact that Mr. Anderson was not killed at Twin Peaks. Mr. Anderson actually died in a motorcycle accident in the state of Nebraska several months after the Twin Peaks incident, Brodens motion says.

In short, there was no more evidence that Mr. Clendennen was involved in the death of William Anderson that there was evidence that he was involved in the death of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, according to the motion.
After a lengthy debate Tuesday, McLennan County commissioners voted 3-2 to move forward with hiring a consultant to determine the best system to manage roads.

Precinct 1 Commissioner Kelly Snell and Precinct 2 Commissioner Lester Gibson attempted to hold off a vote on issuing a request for proposal for consultants but found themselves in the minority. The duo cited a need for more deliberation, while Snell emphasized that hiring a consultant would waste money when the county could do its own research.

A consultant would review the types of road systems a county can have, compare with counties of similar population, road mileage and budget and propose a system for McLennan County. The county now uses a precinct-based system, in which each commissioner manages the roads and bridges in the area that elected him.

State law also allows for superintendent systems and unit road systems. In both cases, one person oversees road work countywide instead of commissioners. However, a unit road system requires a petition signed by voters to be filed with the court to prompt an election.

Commissioners want a consultant to study the fiscal impact of any recommended changes before they adopt a fiscal year 2017 budget, which starts Oct. 1. The court starts budget discussions in June.

County Judge Scott Felton in November first started discussing a move toward the unified road-and-bridge department in an effort to save money and take politics out of road work. Felton is the sole member of the court who does not oversee an individual road and bridge department.

Snell said any move away from a precinct-based road system puts voters at a disadvantage because they dont have a voice on who is hired or fired through an election if they are unhappy with work done in the precinct.

Snell said Tuesday that at the Feb. 21 meeting, a resolution was placed on the courts agenda with no prior discussion that would change the way the county operates. Then, it was almost 3 p.m. the day before the last meeting when commissioners received the 10-page consultant RFP for the first time, Snell said.

I couldnt find in court records where we talked about the proposal or given (Purchasing Director Ken Bass) office approval to work on said proposal, Snell said.

Thats what were doing right now, Felton responded.

Snell asked how Bass knew how to phrase the proposal with no input from commissioners.

Thats his job, is to know how to write proposals, Felton said.

Felton told Snell if he wanted to change the proposal or vote against it, he was welcome to.

Snell reiterated his concern in hiring a consultant to review data. He said county staff could evaluate the different road systems and compare data to similar-sized counties.

Gibson then added he would like more time to review options.

Felton said the point of the RFP is to allow a third-party expert to present unbiased information to allow the court to determine the best course of action.

We dont deliberate enough, Gibson said.

I dont agree with that, Felton replied.

I dont agree with you, Gibson said.

Snell asked why the county would spend time putting together an RFP and spend money to hire a consultant when those funds could be put to better use.

Are you an engineer, commissioner? Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Jones said.

No, but I can do research, Snell said.

Snell then gave a seven-slide presentation comparing other counties road systems to McLennan Countys system. Snell said 155 counties in Texas use the same system as McLennan County, and 68 use the unit road system.

Felton reminded commissioners that at the last meeting, two weeks ago, he asked any commissioner with questions or concerns to present those before Tuesdays meeting but had not heard from anyone.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Ben Perry said since he took office, residents have asked why the county has not moved to a unit road system. The topic comes up every year, and the county needs to make a decision and then let it be, Perry said.

Felton said in the five years he has served on the court, he has heard commissioners say, Im not interested in doing a lot (of road work) in that area because I didnt get a lot of votes there.

Thats the biggest thing against doing it the way were doing it right now, Felton said. The cost of that RFP could be nothing compared to the savings we could potentially have over a long period of time.

In December, commissioners updated the job description for county engineer. They are looking to fill the vacancy left by County Engineer Steve Hendrick, who retired at the end of the year. The new job description asks for candidates who have experience with a unit road system.
As we now carry forward in our daily lives Sundays message of Easter, lets keep in mind to not only celebrate our faith but also honor our sisters and brothers who risk so much to stand for that faith in many nations around this very perilous world.

Only a week ago, many of us read about Christian churches being attacked in Egypt. Twin bombings killed at least 47 people and injured more than 100. And amidst the confusion, I had to ask myself: Would I have attended a church service this Easter if doing so might cost me my life or the life of one of my children? This is no theoretical question in many places .

For four years after graduate school our family served as volunteers for a Dutch ministry called Open Doors that focused on helping persecuted Christians worldwide. These years included many opportunities to directly meet Christians in the firing line for their faith. These encounters taught me volumes. I remember one encounter in Vietnam where we were attending a church service and were about to meet the pastor when a caution came that we should be more careful about a certain pastor. Why?

Because that pastor has never been to prison came the answer.

At Baylor University, where I spend much of my time, people focus on credentials such as who has a doctorate or what book a person has written. In most churches in North America a focus on the pastors credentials would probably refer to where a person attended seminary. But in some parts of the world, a credential for faithfulness to the Easter message can mean whether or not you have gone to prison for your faith.

If youre a Christian in North Korea, you risk facing the fate of those who have been literally thrown under rolling bulldozers. If youre a Christian in Eritrea, you may be thrown in prison for your faith (and, for one Eritrean Christian, prison meant a rough shipping container for many months). If youre a Christian in Northern Nigeria or Egypt or Syria or many other nations , you face tremendous uncertainty about the safety of your family every time you leave your home. Some of you might meet someone of another faith and feel comfortable in sharing a testimony of how God has helped you, but Christians in some Muslim-majority nations might risk imprisonment for such conversations.

In contexts of abundance and privilege, its hard to understand daily experiences of Christians who face great persecution. Perhaps the least we can do for them is pray. The Scriptures remind us that to whom much is given much is required and this might mean that part of our busy lives can include time to pray and remember those who are in prison as if they were our very own family members  because in one divine sense they are.

We can also learn from the examples of others. If you are like me, your home may have more than one Bible. Sometimes when I feel that I am too busy to read the Bible I stop and remember a story I heard once from the founder of Open Doors, Andrew van der Bijl. When visiting China in the 1980s, Brother Andrew gave a Bible to a pastor who had never owned one. When the pastor took Gods Word he immediately turned to a page in the book of Ephesians. When Andrew asked why, he simply explained: Throughout my life as a Christian I have only owned one page of the Bible and it was a page from the book of Ephesians. I always wondered what was on the next page.
Vice President Mike Pence could not have known when he took off from Joint Base Andrews on Saturday that by the time he landed in South Korea, the North Korean regime would have fired off yet another missile, raising tensions on the peninsula to almost unprecedented levels. But his response to the incident was on par with his rising role as the Trump administrations unofficial secretary of reassurance.

On the plane ride over, Pence was informed that the Pyongyang regime had fired off what appeared to be a medium-range missile that exploded only seconds after leaving the launch pad. A White House foreign policy adviser came to the back of the plane to brief reporters on the planned response; since the test was a failure, no response was needed.

For this particular case if they took the time and energy to launch a missile that failed we dont need to expend any resources against that, the adviser said, adding that if the test had been successful or if it had been a nuclear detonation, the U.S. government had a robust response plan at the ready.

Sure enough, the Trump administration issued a short official statement in the name of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, calling Pyongyangs action another failed test and stating that the U.S. government would have no further comment.

That strategy, designed not to reward Kim Jong Un for his provocations by giving him the satisfaction of an angry U.S. government reaction, makes sense as far as it goes. But for the South Koreans and for the thousands of U.S. troops stationed there, each North Korean missile launch is a serious matter that warrants a serious acknowledgment. For them, ignoring Pyongyangs dangerous escalations is simply not an option.

Pence addressed that head-on at the U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan only hours later while speaking to U.S. soldiers as they sat down for their Easter dinner.

This mornings provocation from the north is just the latest reminder of the risks each one of you face every day in the defense of the freedom of the people of South Korea and the defense of America in this part of the world, he said. Let me assure you, under President Trumps leadership, our resolve has never been stronger. Our commitment to this historic alliance with the courageous people of South Korea has never been stronger. And with your help and with Gods help, freedom will ever prevail on this peninsula.

The vice president told of his father, 2nd Lt. Edward Pence, who fought in combat in the Korean War with the 45th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star in 1953 and that commendation is on display in Pences West Wing office. Pence used the anecdote to reinforce his message: The United States and South Korea are bound by history, shared sacrifice and common values.

And so on this day I think of my dad, gone 29 years now, but still enshrined in the hearts of everyone in our family, he said. And I think of what Dad would be thinking about and I believe is thinking about as he looks down to see his third son return to that place that he left so many years ago, and to see that the sacrifices that were made here, and the commitment that endures here has resulted in a free and prosperous South Korea.

Pences four-nation tour of Asia could be called a reassurance tour, meant to both remind Americas Pacific allies where weve come from and let them know that the United States under Trump has a clear sense and firm commitment to where we are going. Theres no doubt that reassurance is both badly needed and welcomed, given the confusion foreign partners have about the Trump administration.

Trump campaigned on accusing Asian allies of not paying their fair share for common defense and U.S. support. He continues to tweet cryptic and often provocative messages about his plans to deal with the North Korean crisis.

Mattis has done his own reassurance tour of Asia, but Pences trip brings a higher level of engagement and carries more weight. Its a role Pence played in Europe in February: letting allies and partners know that the basic tenets of U.S. foreign policy remain intact, even inside the White House.

None of this solves the deep challenges the United States and its allies face in the region. But Pences foreign-policy reassurance efforts are a good start.
Ups and downs

Apparently folks at the appraisal district have decided all of the Greater Waco area is part of some silo district overlay. There is no other sane reason why, two years in a row, they would increase values in amounts like they have.

Yes, Chip and Joanna Gaines have helped Waco, and many thanks for this. They are great people. Yes, values have gone up some because of this. The main area enjoying this boom is the downtown retail area. But even then, I know that most of the increases noted in the notices of appraised value (NOAV) come from some folks punching numbers in and extrapolating the results to all of the Waco area.

Even homes for which I have previously received downward adjustments based on failed foundations which were not repairable or other functional and incurable obsolescence are going right back where they were last year and then getting the new increases. I am talking about increases of 20-plus percent in value this year alone!

I have an attorney to help me. How about homeowners who cant afford an attorney, much less the increases coming at them like a freight train? Some attorneys will take these cases on a contingency basis, so you need to check, folks. All this occurs while MCAD receives its income from the very entities it appraises for.

I know the response to this letter will be something like: Oh, Mr. Cash isnt telling you that tax rates might actually go down when they are set in October. Perhaps so, but rates will never go down as much as your values are going up now. The Realtors Association had a push on this recently and called this the hidden tax Well put.

Finally, we all know who will pay the cost of these new taxes. Its those who really dont deserve it. Yes, rents are going up. Again.

Steven Cash, Waco

Dueling standards

During the 2016 presidential campaign, candidate Donald Trump repeatedly called for the return of jobs to America. He said China had unfair trade practices: We cant continue to allow China to rape our country. There are no jobs because China has our jobs.

Job seekers who helped spur the Make America Great Again campaign must now pause and ask why Trumps daughter is still doing a lot of business in China. Election Day was Nov. 8. Since then there have been 56 imported shipments of the Ivanka Line from China and Singapore.

Since January 2016, the Ivanka clothing line has imported 215 shipments from Asia. Does the Made in America mantra we are all supposed to respect actually mean everyone except President Trump and his family?

It appears we have two policies. One for Ivanka and the Trump family, one for everyone else. How are we supposed to reconcile this obvious disparity? After all, what we hear from Trump supporters is: He means what he says. Really?

Raymond Arsenault, Belton
Division: Global Conservation Program, Asia Program, Greater Mekong Region

Reports to: Regional Director, Greater Mekong

Location: Bangkok, Thailand; or another WCS Country Office in the Region

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is an international conservation NGO headquartered at the Bronx Zoo in New York City working to save wildlife and wild lands and to meet global conservation challenges in over 60 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

WCS has recently re-organised into a set of regional programs, which includes the Greater Mekong Region, covering the Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam programs, in addition to region-wide engagement on a variety of conservation matters.

To support this regional program, WCS seeks a dynamic, well-organized, hard-working, and committed team player to oversee the budget and finances of the region, and to provide direct support to the Regional Director in managing the operations of the Regional Program. The Regional Business Manager will continually assess and document the financial health of the Regional Program and develop both short and long term financial plans for the Region. S/he regularly provides reports for management in the region and headquarters.

This position reports to the Regional Director of Greater Mekong. This position will involve regular travel to WCS Country Offices within the region (Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam) approximately 25% of the time. It is preferred that the position is based out of Bangkok, or another WCS Country Office in the Region.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Management and Planning: Ensure Regional Director has the financial information they require to manage and fundraise for the Region; Provide monthly key performance indicators for each country and all multi-country grants; Work with Regional Controller to resolve any issues with finances in the Region; Annual presentation of short and long term financial plans for each country with detailed variance analysis on prior plans; Report regularly to headquarters about the financial state of the Region.

Budget Leadership: Manage and maintain the Regional Program budget; Lead the annual WCS budgeting process for all countries in the Region; Responsible for working with Country Finance teams to understand and report on full program costs; Responsible to manage the regions Unrestricted allocations; Serve as the budget lead for regional grants; Review country budget adjustments, budget to actual reports, and ensure regular and timely budget updates.

Proposal Review: Working in coordination with NY grant departments, approve all proposal budgets from the Region  ensure budgets are covering costs and are contributing to strengthening the Regional Program; ensure budgets are in line with long-term financial plan for the Region; ensure budgets are developed in compliance with WCS policies and undergo appropriate reviews.

Grant Management: Ensure regional grant administration is on track; Coordinate preparation of financial reports for regional grants; Review and approve grant financial reports prepared by Country Programs; Support Country Programs in understanding WCS grant management processes, systems, tools and donor compliance requirements.

People Management: Work with Regional Director to manage regional staffing; Oversee HR issues in the Region; Support the recruitment and training of grant/finance/administration staff as needed.
The lone remaining veteran of the famed Doolittle Raiders mission of April 1942 and at least 16 B-25 bombers will be part of the raids 75th anniversary commemoration and air show activities at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The 65th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, the Worlds Greatest Aviation Celebration, will be held July 24-30.

The 75th anniversary activities will honor those involved in the daring mission that involved 16 B-25 bombers that departed from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet on April 18, 1942, and bombed military sites in Japan. The Doolittle Raiders, led by legendary pilot Jimmy Doolittle, then faced hardships after their airplanes made forced landings in China and other areas.

The Doolittle Raid 75 years ago was important, not as much for its military gains as it was a morale lift to an American military and public that had been buffeted by bad news in the months immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor, said Rick Larsen, EAAs vice president of communities and member benefits who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. Our activities at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this year will connect our attendees with the importance of this mission, as well as the people and aircraft involved.

Among the highlights of the 75th anniversary commemoration will be a July 26 evening program with 101-year-old Dick Cole, the only remaining member of the 80 original Doolittle Raiders, as well as Jimmy Doolittles grandchildren, Jimmy Doolittle III and Jonna Doolittle Hoppes.

I want to thank EAA for honoring the Raiders at their 75th anniversary, said Cole, who was co-pilot for Doolittle in the lead aircraft. Thank you for paying tribute to us even though we never felt like heroes. We were just doing our job. We can also never forget the men who fought at Wake, Midway, and all across the Pacific. See you at Oshkosh.

Other highlights include:

Arrival of at least 16 B-25 bombers at AirVenture by Tuesday, July 25, with the aircraft parked in AirVentures warbird area. Notable aircraft already confirmed include Panchito (Delaware Aviation Museum); Briefing Time (Mid-Atlantic Air Museum); Yankee Warrior (Yankee Air Museum); Miss Hap (American Airpower Museum); Barbie III (Cavanaugh Flight Museum); Devil Dog (Commemorative Air Force); and Miss Mitchell (Commemorative Air Force  Minnesota Wing).

Several programs at the popular Warbirds of America Warbirds in Review speaker series.

Sixteen B-25s flying in the warbirds air show on Tuesday, July 25, and re-enacting the 1942 Doolittle Raid to start the night air show on Wednesday, July 26.

Other highlights will be announced as they are finalized.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the Worlds Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAAs yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.
Things off the field keep stacking up against Fremantle, with a new setback to comeback plans for top young defender Alex Pearce.

As Dockers management and players come to terms over the latest controversy with troubled recruit Harley Bennell, it has emerged Pearce is headed for a longer recovery from a broken leg than expected.

Further surgery to his broken bone has not been ruled out after scans last week revealed the emerging defender's wound had not healed well.

Another alarming complication for Pearce is a nasty infection in his leg from screws in a plate along the bone intended to assist recovery.
Politics dominates markets and we now have a UK election on 8 June to contend with, while local shares are set to open lower on the back of falls overseas.

1. Currencies: What it does give traders though is some increased volatility in GBP denominated assets, and that has already emerged, with good buying in UK gilts and GBP. In fact, GBP has flown against all G10 currencies and notably against the CAD and AUD, although much of this would be down to a record level of GBP short positions (held by speculative accounts) buying back to close.

2. The gamble: We should see parliament approve the election later today and from here we should see Theresa May's calculated gamble put into action. The market is saying that Theresa May is going to have a strong mandate by which to govern and clearly solidify her position and if the polls are correct then the Tories current majority could increase by six fold to over Labour to 112 seats. There are even suggestions this could be as high as 206 seats if the Labour party well and truly disintegrates.This majority will allow swifter, potentially easier passage for legislative changes over the next two years and Theresa May will have to rely less on outlier groups in her party, or even Labour for support. Recall, the timeline to achieving a deal with the European Union is incredibly aggressive, but this election may give her a stronger hand and a reduced chance of negotiation failure. This is a positive for the UK in some manors of thinking, although there are still huge risks for the UK and this should keep a lid of GBP buying on an ongoing basis.The question then is how hard the Liberal Democrats are going to push to be the party of all things anti-Brexit, which is what we saw working quite successfully in the Richmond by-election back in December. Recall they have a lowly nine MP's in the Commons (out of some 650), so they are not a force for the election, but they offer the UK public something different. For some this election will simply be a re-run of the UK referendum and the Lib Dem's give them an alternative. We are still keen anticipating whether Nigel Farage will run in the election as the leader of UKIP.

3. ASX: It promises to be a fairly lively session in Australia too if we aggregate all the information that has unfolded overnight. Importantly, SPI futures are lower by 37 points and we are calling the ASX 200 cash to test the 5800 level on open. Technically, the top of the former January to late March trading range at 5830, which has been acting as strong support throughout April, has given way and this opens up a move into 5770. I would be using any strength in the market as an opportunity to initiate new short positions.
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I invite anyone who wishes to comment on this blog to do so. I enjoy the comments, whether you agree with what I have said or not. But some people want to abuse the right to comment, and since this is my blog, I have decided to lay down the following rules. If your comment violates these rules, it will not be published.
Trade unions have warned the 457 temporary work visa program will simply be rebadged with a different name and fail to put Australian jobs first.

The federal government will introduce a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa of two to four years to replace the 457 temporary visa for skilled workers.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's announcement was "more spin than substance".

"On the face of it, it looks like a cynical attempt to rebrand a wildly unpopular policy," ACTU president Ged Kearney said.
Soldier On chief executive and co-founder John Bale. Credit:Daniel Munoz "This loss was felt by a large number of the police family who knew the officer as she was an extremely popular member. "I fear that unless we all address this issue openly in the public space, we could see more. "I understand there has been a reluctance to talk about suicide, but we need to discuss it openly and honestly so we can identify the members that need help and support." Mr Tilbury said the issue was not helped by the fact there was a "lack of quality data and statistics about police suicides."

He said "without a doubt" calls received for welfare assistance were increasing and it was one of the "biggest growth areas" for the union. Two weeks ago during a Police Federation of Australia Executive meeting, Mr Tilbury flagged the need for a national inquiry into police suicides. "I strongly believe the issue of police suicide is peaking and a national inquiry is needed because these tragedies are occurring right across Australia," he said. "We need to know what is happening around the country so we can act now and prevent more officers from taking their own lives." Blue Hope, a not for profit group whose aim is to highlight police officers' mental health issues, was in Perth recently to launch a new 24 hour helpline for WA officers.

Within the space of a fortnight, the helpline had already been called 77 times. The 77 phone calls resulted in 53 "engagements" such as physical meetings taking place and assistance provided. "I would suggest that we have been at a critical point for some time now," a Blue Hope spokesman said. "The concept of putting your hand up for help regarding mental health issues has always been frowned upon. "Part of the problem is that the veteran officers around today, who have waded through blood, body parts and their fair share of tears for the past 25 years, are paying the price for not speaking about the unspeakable."

In answers to questions from WAtoday, WA Police acknowledged the mental health of its officers was important to the force. "The psychological health and wellbeing of all WA Police personnel is a significant issue," a spokesman for the force said. "It is acknowledged that a police officer will inevitably face traumatic events in the course of their career which may cause them to experience psychological challenges. "WA Police has a number of strategies to help officers prepare for such experiences as well as providing professional support when officers need it most." The WA Police spokesman said the force "continued to raise awareness of mental health among its staff as well as reduce stigma around psychological challenges."

"This is achieved through integrating targeted training into management courses," the spokesman said. "WA Police also acknowledges the potential impact on officers' families and is seeking to better understand their knowledge of the support services available to officers." An online petition was recently launched by a serving Australian police officer on change.org who says "for too long, management of Australian police forces have silently accepted horrifically high suicide rates among officers." "We demand a national coronial inquiry, seeking answers in a state by state basis," the petition reads. "I am starting this petition on behalf of myself and colleagues who are seeking an inquiry into the cause of suicides by police in each Australian state.

"We need to learn what the primary stressors are among our police to then decide how to minimise more tragic deaths from happening." The petition, which will be sent to various federal and state ministers, has been signed by more than 4700 people. Meanwhile, anecdotal reports have also surfaced in recent weeks of several defence force veterans taking their own lives in the space of one week, in early March. Soldier On, established in 2012 to assist veterans with their mental health, say they are aware of at least four recent cases. "Close friends and associates are saying it was suicide," Soldier On chief executive and co-founder John Bale told WAtoday.

"All indications from the community are that this is the case and that is what we are hearing. "From our perspective...it indicates the broader trend that we are seeing. "Now is the time for action. "Its not just a government responsibility, its absolutely a community responsibility. "We are not in anyway shape or form trying to point fingers, but there are ways that we can all do better in this space."

Soldier On released this statement in mid March. Credit:Phil Hickey An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare study released late last year found between 2001-2014 there 292 deaths by suicide among people with at least one day of ADF service. Most were men. A Senate inquiry was launched last year into the rate of suicides of ex-defence force personnel. The inquiry committee, which will hand down its findings in June, received more than 400 submissions.

In its submission to the inquiry, Soldier On said anecdotal evidence suggested approximately one veteran was taking their own life per week. "We collectively need to do more to ensure veterans stop taking their lives," the submission said. "While Soldier On does believe significant improvements can be made to the compensation and entitlement regulatory frameworks, systems and processes, we do not believe that this will solve the issue." A Department of Veterans Affairs spokesperson said "action to provide mental health support for current and former defence members was being taken." This included a Federal Government announcement that the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC) would review suicide and self-harm prevention services available to veterans and ADF members.
British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced a snap election, to win a mandate for her vision of a "hard" Brexit.

The election will take place on June 8, assuming she wins a vote in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

"It is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond," the Prime Minister said, in an unusual statement on the steps of 10 Downing Street.
The silver mining industry isn't a welcoming place for income investors. That's because mines cost vast sums of money to develop, which often leads miners to divert all their cash flow toward capital expenditures, especially when metal prices are lower. As a result, many of these companies don't even bother paying a dividend, while most that do often only offer a paltry payout to investors.
WSU Commencement Celebrates Class of 2017

April 18, 2017

OGDEN, Utah  Weber State University officials expect the class of 2016-17 to total 5,557 graduates  the largest class on record. So far, 3,196 candidates have applied for spring graduation and will be honored on April 28 during WSUs 149th commencement. Others received their diplomas during winter commencement ceremonies.

This academic year, WSU expects to award a record number of degrees and certificates to graduates who are eager to pursue new dreams, said WSU President Charles A. Wight. Thats something to really celebrate on April 28!

Graduates attending commencement in the Dee Events Center will receive a commemorative medallion to mark the occasion. The ceremonys academic processional begins at 8 a.m., followed by the formal program and keynote address.

Karla K. Bergeson, an accomplished corporate legal executive, will deliver the keynote address and receive an honorary degree.

Bergeson is an Ogden native and BYU Law School graduate. She is the former executive vice president and deputy general counsel for Citigroups credit card business in the U.S., where she worked for 23 years before retiring. Throughout her career, Bergeson worked to support higher education in Northern Utah. At Weber State University, she and her cousins created a scholarship in her mother and aunts names to support students studying to become teachers. She later turned that scholarship into an endowment within the Jerry & Vickie Moyes College of Education. Bergeson also has served on WSUs National Advisory Council since 2014 and was recognized with the universitys Lewis W. Shurtliff Award for Contributions to Education in 2015.

The 2017 Brady Presidential Distinguished Professors also will be honored during the ceremony. This years recipients are Stacy Palen, physics professor and director of the Ott Planetarium, and Michael Stevens, chair of the Department of Business Administration.

Thais Stewart will be the student speaker. She will graduate with bachelors degrees in public relations and political science. During her time at WSU, she served as chapter president of WSUs Public Relations Student Society of America and completed an internship at the Utah State Capitol.

Beginning at 10 a.m., each of WSUs academic colleges will hold individual convocations at various locations, where graduates will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.

Lunch will be served in the Shepherd Union Atrium from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Each graduate received two complimentary tickets to the lunch at the time they picked up their caps and gowns. Additional tickets may be purchased for $11 at the Shepherd Union Information Desk.

Putting Students Through, a short program where graduates honor parents, spouses and friends who supported them, will be held on April 27 in the Shepherd Union Ballroom at 4 p.m.

To watch commencement live, visit weber.edu/commencement. By May 5, the commencement ceremony can be streamed on WSUs YouTube channel at youtube.com/weberstateu.

Parking will be free throughout the day on April 28. Campus shuttle buses will run every five minutes from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. with stops on the east and west side of the Dee Events Center, Val A. Browning Center, Stewart Library and McKay Education Building.

American Sign Language services will be available at the Dee Events Center in Section S at the base of Portal 17. Graduates with special needs should contact the director of Services for Students with Disabilities, Don Guthrie at 801-626-6856.

Visit weber.edu/commencement for more information on WSUs commencement activities.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
WSU Names 2017 Brady Presidential Distinguished Professors

April 18, 2017

OGDEN, Utah  Two Weber State University professors, acclaimed for contributions to their disciplines of physics and business, have been named Weber State Universitys 2017 Presidential Distinguished Professors.

Stacy Palen, physics professor and director of the Ott Planetarium, and Michael Stevens, chair of business administration, will be recognized officially during commencement April 28 at 8 a.m. in the Dee Events Center.

Professors who earn this distinction have contributed to their profession, the university, the community and most importantly to their students, said WSU President Charles A. Wight. Our Brady professors set a great example for their fellow faculty members.

The honor was established in 2006 as a way to recognize WSU faculty members who have demonstrated the highest quality teaching, scholarship, research and community service.

A generous gift from Rodney and Carolyn Mitzi Brady made funding for the recognition possible. The late Rodney Brady served as WSU president from 1978-85.

Stacy Palen

Director of the Ott Planetarium and physics professor Stacy Palen has enabled countless others to reach for the stars.

Through her guidance, the Ott Planetarium has instilled inspiration in thousands of school children and other audiences. In addition, she has written several grants and secured support, including $1 million in NASA funds, to upgrade planetarium facilities and other resources, while creating new outreach opportunities. Palen has also led Science Saturdays in partnership with Weber County RAMP and supported WSUs annual Physics Open House.

Her interactions with the community are not limited to those, however. She has presented Natures Creation Story, at both the Weber State University Storytelling Festival and the universitys TEDx event.

Palen is revered for her ability to make an impact on students from within the College of Science or elsewhere on campus. It is commonplace for her to work with students on various astronomy projects, one of which is to develop the infrastructure and program for two observatories on top of the Tracy Hall Science Center. Her dedication to students was made evident in 2006, when she won the Crystal Crest Master Teacher Award, the highest teaching distinction at the university.

Palen is known for her collaborative spirit, often hosting workshops for other astronomy educators. She co-led trips for educators to visit scientific sites such as observatories, old uranium mines and the rim of the Grand Canyon. She hosts a Women in Physics dinner and seeks to support those who are underrepresented in science. Palen was instrumental in working with other WSU faculty and community members to obtain International Dark Sky Accreditation for Ogden Valleys North Fork Park and she served on WSUs Environmental Issues Committee.

In addition, she has published two editions of two introductory astronomy textbooks through W.W. Norton and a workbook for hands-on learning activities. Her newest text has been adopted by more than 100 university programs.

Palen has been at Weber State University for nearly 15 years.

Michael Stevens

Michael J. Stevens has distinguished himself as an engaged teacher, prolific scholar and dedicated colleague.

Students have credited Stevens, chair of WSUs Department of Business Administration, with broadening their understanding of what makes a good leader and changing their lives for the better.

When hes not nudging students forward, hes equipping the world with increased knowledge. He has produced more than 90 publications, including peer-reviewed articles, monographs, books, book chapters and presentations. Other scholars have cited Stevens articles nearly 800 times. In addition, he has co-developed widely used tools such as the Teamwork-KSA Test, Global Competencies Inventory and Intercultural Effectiveness Scale. More than 100,000 individuals in 170 countries have used these assessments.

For his scholarly efforts, WSUs John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics named Stevens a Smith Fellow from 2008-2015 and then a Buehler Fellow. He was also the 2015 winner of the Outstanding Author Contribution of the Emerald Literati Network Award for Excellence, the 2014 winner of the Outstanding Leadership Award for Scholarly Rigor and Critical Thinking, among other recognitions.

At WSU, he has collaborated with the Womens Studies Executive Committee to aid women in navigating particular challenges in business. He also offers his Leadership Through People Skills course free to WSU faculty and staff.

In the community, Stevens has served with the Sunstone Education Foundation, Howard Park Early Childhood Center, and EnTeam Institute, a nonprofit educational foundation with the goal of building communication through cooperative games and activities.

Stevens has been with Weber State University for nine years.
Jeff Korbelik Features editor Jeff Korbelik is the features editor and covers dining, performing arts, TV and local media. Follow him at @LJSjeffkorbelik. Follow Jeff Korbelik Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

There are people who act and people who try to act.

George Hansen was the former, a local Equity artist who just seemed to masterfully inhabit any role he took on, from the tormented title character in Macbeth to an addled Canadian farmer in Michael Healeys Drawer Boy.

I wasnt alone in my admiration for his stage work.

When news broke last week that Hansen had passed away at the age of 68 on April 10 in Lincoln, stories and tributes spilled onto Facebook pages:

* There was a time, not long ago in Lincoln, where if George Hansen was on a local stage, you knew you were in for a spectacular time at the theatre, wrote Becky Boesen, new Flatwater Shakespeare Company artistic director. There was no question. You simply delighted in attending.

* Not many actors can walk onstage and be completely undeniable, wrote Melissa Lewis, who acted opposite of Hansen in The Taming of the Shrew (Flatwater Shakespeare, 2008), Private Lives (Haymarket Theatre, 2007) and Macbeth (Flatwater Shakespeare, 2006). George Hansen was undeniable. He was SO complete and available as an artist that those around him felt empowered to be every ounce of who they were onstage, as well.

* Those of us who watched his talent deepen over the years saw in his character roles a vulnerability and sensitivity that moved us immeasurably, said David Landis, a former state senator and longtime Lincoln actor.

* I dont think Flatwater Shakespeare would have gotten through its first decade without George, who made the greatest of Shakespearean roles magnificently his own, said Bob Hall, Flatwater co-founder and former artistic director. He could and did play anything: Petruchio, Dogberry, Sir Toby Belch, Gloucester and so many others. His Macbeth was unforgettable.

The first time I enjoyed Hansen onstage was in 1999 in the Nebraska Repertory Theatre production of Ira Levins Deathtrap. Co-starring local actors Peg Sheldrick, Leta Powell Drake and Richard Nielsen and New York actor Gerrit Vooren, the thriller featured Hansen as a down-on-his-luck playwright.

And, boy, was he spectacular, with his performance ranking among my top five of his. Heres my countdown of the others:

4. The Taming of the Shrew -- Ive never seen two actors -- Hansen and Lewis -- who had so much fun playing off of each other. By the end, I wasnt sure who had tamed whom.

3. Drawer Boy -- Hansen's performance ranked as my favorite in 2009, with local director Bobby Bonaventura coaxing a graceful turn from him.

2. Macbeth -- Hall mounted some amazing shows during his tenure with Flatwater Shakespeare. This one was among the best thanks to memorable portrayals from Hansen and Lewis.

1. Much Ado About Nothing (Flatwater Shakespeare, 2002) -- Hansen stole the show in a supporting role as the bumbling, stumbling Dogberry. Thats saying something, because the cast also included the likes of Jeremy and Laura Kendall, the late Joel Story, Brad Boesen and Fred Stuart.

In 2007, I talked acting with Hansen and his longtime friend Stephen Gaines over coffee as a preview to Flatwaters staging of King Lear. Director Hall had cast Gaines as the title character and Hansen as the Earl of Gloucester.

Hansen told me during the conversation that his first production in Lincoln was in 1971 as a bit player in The Balcony, directed by the late William Morgan at the University of Nebraska.

Hansen was hooked. He just couldn't stay off the stage.

When someone asks me to do a show, I always say Im not going to do any more shows," he admitted during the conversation. "Then, I get kind of bored. And then someone will ask me to do something, and Ill think about it, like (King Lear). I do get my eyes poked out in this one, and I thought that would be kind of fun (laughs). So here I am again.

And there he was -- again and again. And for that, George, we thank you.

A remembrance for Hansen will run from 2-4 p.m. April 26 at the Swan Theatre in Wyuka Cemetery, 3600 O St.
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By Adam Morton

Apr. 18, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY

By Adam Morton Apr. 18, 2017 | 04:04 PM | PADUCAH, KY

U.S. Senator and ophthalmologist Dr. Rand Paul was in Paducah on Tuesday to talk about healthcare with local professionals and perform pro-bono eye surgeries.



Paul held a town hall at Baptist Health Tuesday afternoon with area physicians and other medical professionals. He gave a presentation regarding his thoughts on the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. The center of Paul's message was how to lower the cost of insurance.



The senator proposed creating insurance group plans for the individual and small business owner. Paul said, "I would legalize the ability for them to join a coop or a buying group. Imagine if you belonged to AARP, and there are 30 million people in AARP, Imagine if they hired one person to negotiate for them. Talk about leverage." Paul added that the added buying power of having one person negotiate for a large group would bring down the price of health coverage dramatically.



Independent physician and small business owner Dr. Kyle Turnbo attended the town hall, and said the senator's thoughts were outstanding on trying to lower the cost of health care, which Turnbo said is too high. "It got out of hand along time ago," Turnbo said. "There's no reason, as providers, that we can't provide the same healthcare or better at a more reasonable cost, but there's so many nuances to rules and regulations that increase the overhead,"



Turnbo also said it's time to take out some of the hurdles between the patients and doctors.



Prior to the town hall discussion Paul performed cataract surgery free of charge for some area patients. Paul has come to Paducah to perform surgery with Dr. Barbara Bowers several times over the last few years.


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Fatal semi crash on I-57 backed up traffic onto I-24
By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 18, 2017 | 06:30 AM | DRAFFENVILLE, KY

A Graves County woman faces multiple charges after her weekend arrest in Marshall County.

According to the Marshall County Sheriff's Department, deputies were dispatched on Saturday to McDonald's in Draffenville in reference to a possibly intoxicated driver. Deputies found the vehicle and conducted an investigation.

Police say the driver, 33-year-old Crystal Gail Gregory of Mayfield, was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, disorderly conduct, receiving stolen property and carrying a concealed deadly weapon.

Deputies reportedly found a weapon in Gregory's purse that had been reported stolen in Paducah.



Gregory was lodged in the Marshall County Detention Center.
By The Associated Press

By The Associated Press Apr. 18, 2017 | 10:57 AM | ERIE, PA

Pennsylvania State Police say the suspect in the random killing of a Cleveland retiree posted on Facebook has shot and killed himself after a brief pursuit.

State police say Steve Stephens was spotted Tuesday morning by state police in Erie County, in the state's northwest corner. Authorities say police tried to pull Stephens over and, after a brief pursuit, he shot and killed himself.

Stephens was wanted on an aggravated murder charge in the shooting death of a 74-year-old retired man in Cleveland on Sunday.

He posted video of that shooting on Facebook.
A rural-led push to tweak Nebraska's method of funding local school districts is probably dead for the year, barring significant changes.

Sens. Mike Groene of North Platte and Curt Friesen of Henderson acknowledged Tuesday after three hours of debate at the Capitol that they lacked the votes to end a filibuster of the proposal.

Groene is the bill's sponsor. Friesen made it his personal priority this year.

Speaker Jim Scheer has said he will not allow filibusters to continue beyond three hours this year unless a measure's supporters can show they have the 33 votes necessary to end debate and trigger a final vote.

Groene's bill would boost state aid for almost every school district in Nebraska, but he said some districts oppose it because they prefer getting their money from property taxes, over which they have more control.

"They know they have property taxpayers by the neck," Groene said.

Most urban senators oppose the bill because people in many cities, including Lincoln and Omaha, would see their overall property tax bills increase if it passed.

The proposal would use all $224 million each year from the state's property tax credit fund to provide additional aid to schools.

Most rural school districts would get a greater portion of the money from the property tax credit fund than taxpayers in those districts currently receive.

Much of that money currently goes to homeowners and businesses in the cities, and their school districts wouldn't receive enough to offset the loss.

Farm and education groups who oppose the bill said a better option would be to increase the pool of aid money for property owners by raising sales taxes or taxing more services.

"It's time we do something significant for our property taxpayers, and that means finding new revenue," said Sen. Tom Briese of Albion.

Others dismissed that suggestion, arguing the state shouldn't lower one kind of tax by raising another.

"They're both too high, and we have to get them down or the crisis will continue," said Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn.

The property tax credit fund is a pool of money  essentially from income and sales taxes  which the state uses to subsidize the tax bills of every property owner in Nebraska.

The aid appears as a line item on people's property tax bills.

Groene said his bill would put that money to a more meaningful use.

"For once, the property tax credit fund will have a purpose," he said. "It will not just be a coupon on the bottom of your statement."
VIDEO

That's fowl play! Guard goose attacks police officer who tries to fight it off with his bag but trips over before running awayThis police officer was attacked by an angry Canada goose while on his way back to the station and forced to run.The detective, from Clarksville, Indiana, lashed out at the bird with his bag but tripped over before making a swift exit.But that was only after several seconds of being beaten by the goose's wings. Landscapers working in the local area were also attacked by territorial geese wanting to defend their nests.He wrote online: 'Detective Hall forgot his keys. He then attempts to enter the building and is challenged by our local geese. Bad decision.'Canada geese are protected from hunting and capture outside of designated hunting seasons in the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and in Canada under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. In both countries, commercial transactions such as buying or trading are mostly prohibited and the possession, hunting, and interfering with the activity of the animals are subject to restrictions.Geese have a tendency to attack humans when they feel themselves or their goslings to be threatened. First, the geese stand erect, spread their wings, and produce a hissing sound. Next, the geese charge. They may then bite or attack with their wings.
The legislation recognizes and honors Alaska Native people and culture. The Alaska Federation of Natives applauded the bipartisan support that allowed it to pass Sunday.AFN is greatly heartened by the outpouring of support from Alaskans in making Indigenous Peoples Day permanent.We hope the inclusiveness that this bipartisan legislation represents will be carried forward into the efforts by our lawmakers to craft a comprehensive and fair solution to the states fiscal challenges, said AFN President Julie Kitka.For the previous two years a proclamation from Governor Bill Walker and city mayors established the day on the second Monday of October, but only a change to statute would make it permanent and effective statewide. Indigenous Peoples Day falls on the same day as Columbus Day, a federal holiday.Celebrating Columbus Day is a real challenging thing for Native people in the United States. It doesnt recognize and we dont speak about the impact that contact had on the indigenous people of our nation, Said Darlene Trigg with the Social Justice Task Force in Nome.Gov. Bill Walker has proclaimed Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day for the past two years, and states including South Dakota and Vermont have passed laws similar to the one under consideration by the Legislature.Seven Politicians voted against the bill: David Eastman, Wasilla; DeLena Johnson, Palmer; Mark Neuman, R-Big Lake; George Rauscher, R-Sutton; Lora Reinbold, R-Eagle River; Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla; Tammie Wilson, R-North Pole. Two Representatives were absent: Scott Kawasaki, D-Fairbanks and Steve Thompson, R-Fairbanks.Its a great day to be indigenous, said Alaska
Political scientists are often asked to predict the outcome of upcoming elections. Its important to note that I am at the mercy of the polls which are guesses themselves. Pollsters have the unenviable task of anticipating how people will vote and how that will impact the districts electorate. This has
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/04/2017 (2030 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A more stringent mortgage stress test is being blamed for a slight decline in house prices in the first three months of 2017.

In its latest quarterly house prices survey released on Tuesday, real estate company Royal LePage said the aggregate price of a home in Winnipeg declined by 0.9 per cent to $274,844 in the first quarter of the year.

Michael Froese, managing partner of Royal LePage Prime Realty in Winnipeg, said new mortgage rules the federal government introduced last October in a bid to cool down some of the countrys overheated housing markets were a major contributor to the price decline in Winnipeg.

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The aggregate price of a home in Winnipeg declined by 0.9 per cent to $274,844 in the first quarter of the year.

The impact of the new mortgage stress test is impossible to ignore. It has effectively caused a knee-jerk reaction in the market, impacting activity and contributing to declining house prices, Froese said.

However, given that our region is home to a very stable, diverse economy, which has helped insulate the housing market from significant downward price adjustments over the long term, we expect to see market factors bounce back as the year progresses.

Frose said Winnipeg remains the most affordable major city centre in Canada, offering prospective homeowners  particularly first-time buyers  a great deal of value for their dollar. He also noted Winnipegs resale-homes market is coming off its best year on record for unit sales.

Although home values dipped slightly in January and February, March saw a surge of activity, helping to buoy prices in Winnipeg, he added. Sales in the first quarter of 2017 also remain consistent with the same time last year, and are above the 10-year average for the quarter.

Aggregate prices are calculated using a weighted average of the median values of homes in the three main property categories: bungalows, two-storey homes, and condominiums.

The Royal LePage survey found while the median price of a two-storey home was down from a year earlier, the median price for a bungalow and a condo both increased.

It said the price of a two-storey home dropped 4.9 per cent to $278,866, while the price of a bungalow increased 3.3 per cent to $277,377 and the price of a condo inched upwards by 1.9 per cent to $241,126.

Nationally, Canadas residential real estate market saw substantial price growth in the first quarter of 2017, increasing 12.6 per cent year-over-year to $574,103. The price of a two-storey home rose 13.9 per cent year-over-year to $681,728, and the price of a bungalow increased 11 per cent to $490,018. During the same period, the price of a condominium increased 8.9 per cent to $372,638.

Royal LePage said while the majority of housing markets in Canada posted modest gains in Q1, price appreciation across much of Ontario significantly outpaced the rest of the country. However, the pace of year-over-year home price appreciation in greater Vancouver was noticeably lower than the historic highs witnessed in 2016, it added.

murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/04/2017 (2030 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Speedpro Canada may not be the most widely known Winnipeg-based national business, but within the franchising industry its developing a growing reputation as a top-drawer operation.

For the fifth year in a row, the large-format speciality printer franchise company has received the Franchisees Choice award from the Canadian Franchise Association.

The honour is determined by a survey of 60 different franchise platforms where franchisees are asked to assess their franchisor in a number of key areas, including the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee.

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Speedpro franchise owners (from left to right) Quentin MacCharles and Rick Henry are pictured with CEO Stuart Burns. For a fifth consecutive year, Speedpro has received a Franchisees' Choice award from the Canadian Franchise Association.

Speedpro boasts a leading market share in the sector that includes a growing demand for printed vinyl vehicle wraps that advertise every conceivable type of business, with increasingly complex and detailed graphics featuring stunning colours and customized fit.

Speedpro has been around since 1991, but it was acquired in 2005 by Stuart Burns and the head office was moved to Winnipeg.

A few years after he acquired it, Burns, a former partner in the Winnipeg Dodge dealership, realized that in order to create some separation from the competition, something would have to be done.

We made the change very deliberately about eight years ago at an industry convention, Burns said. It seemed like we were competing with everyone as a commodity, on price. We were fighting it out promising discounts and such. Thats a dirty place to be. I said, lets clean up and put on some good clothes rather than fighting clothes. Lets provide the best service anywhere. 

It may still be a commodity  it so happens that there are many operations that can print and install vehicle wraps now  but the attention to customer service allows Speedpro to get out of the cut-rate pricing game as well as to attract the best franchisees.

There were 28 franchises when Burns bought the business and there are now 50, with his modest head office staff looking to add three new franchises per year.

We turn down far more requests for franchises than we award, Burns said. Ive been doing this for too long to just run off to the bank with somebodys cheque. My tag line is We are assembling a network of elite performers. 

Rick Henry and his sister have owned a Winnipeg Speedpro franchise for 17 years thats now located on Scurfield Boulevard. He said the technology has changed so much over the years  large-format colour printers that cost about $500,000 10 years ago now start at $30,000 and do much higher-quality work  but he has remained competitive for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that they get great support from the Speedpro head office.

Stuart and his team do a great job, he said. And like anything else our whole thing is service and quality. We need to warranty the work and service the customer. That is really important in this business because there are so many choices.

Lorraine McLachlan, CEO of the Canadian Franchise Association, said, The true strength of a franchise system lies in the mutually rewarding relationship between a franchisor and its franchisees. Being a Franchisees Choice designee is an honour and a vote of confidence because the high rankings in franchisee satisfaction come directly from the franchisees themselves.

For Speedpro, its meant being able to grab a leading market share and hold onto it. It also means being able to get its franchisees a preferred lending rate from the big banks in Canada, partially because there has not been a Speedpro insolvency since a six-month-old franchise succumbed to the 2008 recession.

We built the brand based on exceptional service, Burns said. And its worked. Our competitors never really followed us. We made the move eight years ago and it has been the best thing for us.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/04/2017 (2030 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Winnipeg man caught up in an international child pornography sweep claims a desire to seek out dark fantasies was behind his behaviour.

Andrew Harrison, 37, pleaded guilty last week and was given a one-year jail sentence and three years of supervised probation as part of a joint-recommendation from Crown and defence lawyers.

Harrison spent years working in the citys film industry prior to his March 2016 arrest, court was told. Police in Switzerland were conducting an online sting when they began chatting with a man offering up photos and videos of young children being sexually abused.

Investigators eventually tracked the IP address to a residence in River Heights. A warrant was obtained, and police ultimately seized 13 videos and 113 images involving unknown children. Harrison did not produce any of the material but had obtained it online and was then sharing it with others. He has admitted to a charge of distributing child pornography.

Members of the internet child exploitation unit also charged Harrison with bestiality after finding two videos of him involved in a sexual act with his dog, court was told. However that charge was stayed last week because it doesnt meet the new definition of bestiality  requiring penetration  as set out by a recent Supreme Court decision, according to the Crown.

Harrison has no prior criminal record and has spent the past 13 months out on bail. A court-ordered pre-sentence report paints him as a medium risk to re-offend.

Harrison told probation officials he wasnt viewing the content for sexual reasons, nor was there ever a desire to actually have any sexual contact with children.

This was a progression of secret dark fantasies for the purpose of having something all his own, defence lawyer Brett Gladstone told court.

Harrison began searching for more and more taboo content online but would quickly delete it once he found it, he said.

He decided the subject matter wasnt for him and deleted it. It shows on his own accord a desire not to become re-involved in this type of behaviour, Gladstone said. This year has been an extremely trying and eye-opening experience. He can finally become a truer version of himself.

Harrison still enjoys strong support from family and friends, including many who were in the courtroom for his sentencing hearing and provided glowing letters of reference.

The best way to ensure the success of Mr. Harrison, and the ongoing safety of society in general, is to focus on his rehabilitation, Gladstone said. Mr. Harrisons ability to succeed is beyond question.

As part of his sentence, Harrison is not to be alone with any children under the age of 16. He must submit a DNA sample for the national databank, and his name will be placed on the federal sex offender registry.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/04/2017 (2030 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg police have a device that can track and listen in on cellphones, but they wont say how theyre using it.

In a statement, the Winnipeg Police Service said it can confirm that it possesses a cell site simulator (CSS).

It is only deployed under judicial authorization, or in exigent circumstances. We are concerned that providing too much information about investigative techniques could jeopardize active investigations and threaten public and officer safety. As such, we will not be providing the number of CSS technicians employed by the WPS, nor the number of investigations conducted using this device in 2015 and 2016.

The StingRay II is a cell site simulator used for surveillance. Winnipeg police confirmed it possesses the technology. (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office / The Associated Press files)

CSS, also popularly known as Stingrays or IMSI catchers, are devices that act as pseudo-cellphone towers. When the device is used in the community, it sends out signals which cause cellphones, which are searching for the nearest cellphone tower, to instead connect with the CSS, giving police the ability to listen in and know where the phone  and therefore the suspect  is.

But the CSS also collects the same information from other phones of people in the area.

A police spokeswoman admitted one of the main criticisms of CSS devices is about loss of privacy to third-party individuals.

The Winnipeg Police Service respects the privacy of innocent bystanders. The collected data does not include phone numbers or any other personal identifying information or data. The collected data relating to third parties is preserved and not accessed by anyone other than the CSS technicians, until ordered otherwise by an appropriate court, she said.

But lawyer Scott Newman, a spokesman for the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association, said hes still concerned about the use of the technology by police.

Whether the technology is used appropriately, whether theres any civilian oversight of the guidelines they follow, and what steps are being taken about concerns of privacy, he said.

Its all well and good for police to say trust us, we are protecting your privacy, but without having seen the guidelines, we dont know if the technology is being used appropriately.

It is important for the public to know what the guidelines for CSS use are and that police are following them, Newman said, noting the use of CSS is similar to when police request approval from judges to wiretap someones phones in the sense that defence lawyers arent at those hearings.

We all know they wont tell us before they use it, but with wiretaps, we find out after, he said. Under the criminal code, when the order ends, you have to divulge to the person.

Do they have the same safeguards here?

Its all well and good for police to say trust us, we are protecting your privacy, but without having seen the guidelines, we dont know if the technology is being used appropriately.-Lawyer Scott Newman

A spokesperson for the B.C. Civil Liberties Association has been quoted in media reports as being concerned that there isnt warrant process specific to CSS, so there arent strict limits on how the technology is being used.

Its nothing but a policy choice for some law enforcement not to use the content interception capabilities, Michael Vonn, the associations policy director, told CBC.

Michelle Falk, executive director of the Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties, said they share the concerns of their B.C. counterparts.

We think (CSS use) is totally fair as long as police have the proper warrants, she said.

My concern is also about privacy, but if they are taking that into consideration, thats satisfactory.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
LA CROSSE  A murder case that spanned a 15-month investigation, seven days of testimony and nine hours of deliberations was over in seconds.
Winonas City Council put a bit of pressure on a downtown business owner to rehabilitate the former Mason Jar building with a threat of having it torn down.

According to the citys inspections department, the building, which has been empty and gutted since a fire in February 2015, is becoming rapidly a public health issue as it deteriorates. The building at 151 E. Third St. is owned by Chase Hoffman and is part of the downtown historic district.

City inspector Greg Karow documented shifts in the structure, moving bricks and fire damage that continues to degrade as the roofless and windowless building is exposed to weather.

Karow said the condition has resulted in ongoing blocked sidewalks and obstructed intersection sightlines, with the potential for bricks to come loose and fall.

It is not only a potential hazard  but theres also impact to neighbors, Karow said. If Mr. Hoffman cant come through in the next 30 to 45 days  we think its appropriate to raze that building.

There are currently plans to reconstruct the inside and retain the historic facade of the building.

Hoffman was granted a conditional-use permit in March allowing residential apartments in the rear half of the building and the plans include apartments in the basement, as well as the first, second and third floors, with 21 units total.

The building is already subject to a variance from August 2015 regarding parking, so it is not subject to the 100 foot setback from public parking areas.

Hoffman said at the meeting that the building has been subject to work.

Conducting a reconstruction with such extensive damage to the building, he said, has been a new experience to both him and the local contractors.

Theres been a lot of design work and a lot of demolition, Hoffman said.

An approved schedule for the reconstruction will require that Hoffman submit structural documentation and other information regarding securing exterior walls to the city by May 8 and begin construction by June 19.

The timeline would require the removal of debris in basement and complete removal of existing floor remnants by June 2.

The council voted unanimously to support imposing the conditions on the building project.

Mayor Mark Peterson said that while they wanted it to become a whole building again, the waiting period had been too long.

We all understand this is a key building in our downtown, Peterson said. I really hope you can stick to this schedule, and we dont have to resort to tearing this building down.

Other council member echoed that sentiment.

Council member George Borzyskowski said he thought the timeline was fair and two months was enough time to get things initiated.

I think thats good leeway, Borzyskowski said. Then well go from there.

The city also moved one step closer to starting construction on the Levee Park Main Street Gateway project.

The council approved the bids for the construction at $2,912,048 with Wapasha Construction Co.

The majority of the costs  $2.4 million  of the construction was paid by the citys recreation bonding, and the funding also included several other sources.

The city approved $550,000 from the utilities fund to complete the utility work associated with the project, $15,000 from the public transportation fund to complete transit items  primarily a bus shelter  and $54,272 from the facilities fund for general costs.

The costs were approved unanimously.

Construction was estimated to begin in May and continue into the fall.

The completed project will include a gateway at Second Street and Main Street, featuring a pedestrian plaza and a new crossing over the railroad tracks to Levee Park, a trail connecting Levee Park to the riverfront trail and improvements to the Levee Park patio, including a water feature, shading and a landscaped lawn.

Chad Ubl, community services director for parks and recreation, didnt anticipate any issues after they finish, if development starts at the vacant area at 60 Main St., currently an open parking lot between Levee Park and the Winona 7 movie theater.

Its certainly the intention not to dismantle or tear up anything we do, Ubl said.

He did note that the work would go slightly into the lots area, so there could be potential for adjustments if work begins there.
A great place for too many geese.

It doesnt sound like the slogan youd want for a park, but thats how Healthy Lake Winona member Eric Nelson described Lake Park.

Nelson spoke with city council members and city staff to ask for more help enforcing a prohibition feeding the geese in the park, and for the city to consider further measures for discouraging the goose population from continuing to grow.

Nelson said that so far the signs put up in 2015 after the adoption of an ordinance banning the feeding havent been having the desired effect, and large numbers of people still feed the birds.

Our observations are we havent really seen that to be very successful, Nelson said.

They have designed potential new signage to explain why the bird feces can be a harmful nuisance, with illustrations of the effect on the lake and park.

Waterfowl droppings contribute to elevated phosphorus, which leads to reduced water transparency and overabundant aquatic plant growth in the lake. The birds excrement can also contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause swimmers itch.

Additionally, feeding them can be bad for the geese themselves, causing malnutrition that can lead to health problems.

Other solutions down the road could include putting up deterrents like dog and coyote silhouettes, fencing or increasing the vegetative buffer around the lake.

Near the airport the city uses noise cannons to scare the birds off.

Other more active steps include rounding the geese up and carting them off, or treating the eggs with oil so that they cannot hatch.

There wasnt discussion of if there would be actual penalties, but agreement to look at creating a further policy.

Immediately, Nelson said reminding people of the rules regarding the geese would be a good first step.

Were just looking at the encouragement of the no feeding, Nelson said. That would be a great thing to get going.

School talks

City Council members also started a discussion with the school district about the next steps for the schools.

The Winona Area Public Schools board has been considering several different options regarding the elementary schools, and are looking into options for retaining an east end school in the city.

Interim superintendent Kelly Halvorsen said they were looking at keeping Goodview and either Jefferson or Washington-Kosciusko elementary school.

With the possibility of keeping the W-K building, the school district said they would expand the school to around 580 students and expand.

The schools ideal plan for keeping it open, if they vote for the plan, would likely involve closing Seventh Street in the area, changing High Forest Street to a one-way between Seventh and Eighth streets of student drop off and pick up, and also acquire several properties across Seventh Street for expansion.

The school board will be discussing the options at working sessions April 18 and 25 with plans to finalize their long-range facilities at the May 4 board meeting.

Halvorsen said eminent domain has never been considered in the process or when talking to property owners, and they also didnt have plans to abut buildings directly to adjacent properties.

Anything we would acquire  would become green space and playgrounds space for students, Halvorsen. At this point we dont have any plans to expand the building to the north.

Mayor Mark Peterson said that despite not wanting to see schools closed, he supported the discussion.

Im certainly willing to consider your proposal with the school board if this is the direction you decide to go, Peterson said.

A city ordinance banning feeding the geese hasnt had the desired effect.
Members of the public will have a chance to weigh in Tuesday on a Georgia timber companys plans to fill more than 16 acres of wetlands in order to build a $65 million frac sand facility in Monroe and Jackson counties.

Meteor Timber, one of the largest private landowners in Wisconsin, wants to build a processing and loading facility along Interstate 94 near the town of Millston to dry and ship frac sand the company will mine from a nearby site it acquired in a 2014 purchase of nearly 50,000 acres.

The company expects to ship about 1.5 million tons of processed sand each year using the adjacent Union Pacific rail line.

Meteor applied last year to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for permission to fill the wetlands, including about 13 acres of pristine hardwood swamp. The DNR, which has made a tentative decision to approve the permit, will hold a public hearing Tuesday in Tomah.

The scope of the plans are massive in comparison to the total of 26 acres of wetlands the DNR has allowed frac sand mining companies to fill since 2008, according to Midwest Environmental Advocates, which says the wetlands in question are a critical ecosystem and habitat for a threatened and endangered species including the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake.

Since the proposal first received media attention, Meteor has proposed to restore and preserve more than 640 acres of other land  including what it calls high quality wetlands  which is roughly 40 times the amount of wetlands the project would destroy.

Thats not an acceptable trade-off for the people of Wisconsin, according to the nonprofit environmental advocacy group, which contends Meteor has not satisfied requirements for exploring alternatives with less impact.

To us it seems like theyre trying to skew the normal regulatory framework and kind of the established guidelines for DNR decision making, said MEA staff attorney Sara Geers.

Wetlands are a key component of the ecosystem, acting as natural water filters and supporting a wide range of wildlife, including a disproportionate number of rare and endangered species. According to the DNR, Wisconsin has only about half the amount of wetlands it did when the first European settlers arrived. Most of those remaining 5.3 million acres are in the northern third of the state.

Both the DNR and Army Corps of Engineers have questioned the projects economic viability, given the precipitous drop in demand for sand since domestic fracking peaked in 2014.

In spite of a recent industry slump, Meteor is in a unique position to have a profitable mining operation, according to an economic analysis prepared by a Pennsylvania consulting firm. Thats because the group owns land with large reserves of fine sands that are now in demand and if allowed to move forward would be able to load entire trains and put them onto the Union Pacific system, which would provide a direct link to Texas oil fields.

Meteor has said it cannot find another location to accommodate such a large plant along the UP rail line.

The company has also said permitting its project is the only way to prevent much of the 752-acre site from being clearcut.

About three quarters of the land is owned by the A&K Alexander Cranberry Co., which was cited in 2013 by the Environmental Protection Agency for illegally filling 5.6 acres of wetlands. As part of the penalty, the EPA required A&K to restore 2.2 acres of the filled wetlands and to get an after-the-fact permit for another 3.63 acres.

According to documents filed in support of the application, A&K managing partner Marty Alexander took out a one-year loan in August for $321,470 to settle the case. In a letter to Meteor, Alexander said if the sale does not go through logging would be his only way to avoid foreclosure.

The company has also said permitting its project is the only way to prevent much of the 752-acre site from being clearcut.
Winona Senior High School officials say there was no substance behind a gun threat made by one of its students last week over social media.

A male sophomore Wednesday morning used SnapChat, an online messaging service, to send his friends a photo of a firearm with a caption telling them not to go to school the next day.

Principal Mark Anderson said he and others met with the student and his family before school Wednesday, and that the student described the message as a joke among friends.

After the meeting, Anderson sent out his own message to staff and students, explaining the situation.

Staff will continue to work with the student, he said, but the matter is otherwise resolved.

The Winona Police Department was not asked by school officials to respond to the threat. Police Chief Paul Bostrack said that, to his understanding, the school had things well under control.

Anderson said he or someone else at the school would have contacted law enforcement had they felt the building was unsafe.

We try to move as fast as we can to get the information we need, he said. This was just a student thinking he was being funny. It was not. We made sure that was clear.

This was just a student thinking he was being funny. It was not. We made sure that was clear. Mark Anderson, WSHS principal
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President Donald Trump, eager to stop rapid advances in North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, is signaling a break with decades of US policy as he looks to coax China into ramping up the pressure on North Korea.
A Baraboo man resolved five criminal cases including multiple drug charges as part of a plea deal with prosecutors Monday.

I dont know how deep a hole this young man is willing to dig for himself, Sauk County Assistant District Attorney Dennis Ryan told a judge during a sentencing hearing. At some point, hes going to hit rock. Hes pretty close.

Johnathan R. Jackson, 22, formerly of Baraboo, sat in an orange jumpsuit next to his attorney as he pleaded no contest to six charges. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss 12 others.

Jackson was sentenced to 190 days in jail with work release privileges, and credited with 86 days of time already served since his arrest. He also must serve three years on probation upon his release, undergo treatment, provide a DNA sample, and pay more than $3,000 in fines.

Jackson has amassed multiple felony convictions since 2015, which his attorney, David Susens of Baraboo, said were mainly the result of serious substance abuse issues.

This is in all likelihood his last opportunity to take advantage of the ladder at the bottom of the hole that Mr. Ryan has referenced, Susens said in court Monday.

He described Jackson as intelligent, charismatic, and friendly, and said he is interested in music production and graphic design. Jackson is preparing to work toward being a contributing member of society, his attorney said.

As part of the deal, prosecutors dismissed 11 bail jumping charges and one count of resisting an officer. Jackson pleaded no contest to felony meth possession, felony marijuana possession, misdemeanor operating a vehicle without a license, resisting an officer, and theft.

As he addressed the court, Jackson said he learned only recently that he is a father, and has found new motivation to get his life in order. He wants to get treatment and stay out of trouble, he said.

Since finding out I have a daughter, I have been taking steps to change everything about myself so that I can at least get partial custody and be in her life in some way, Jackson said.

Sauk County Circuit Court Judge Guy Reynolds told Jackson that children with two parents involved in their lives have a better chance at doing well in life, statistically speaking. He said Jackson will have to work hard to conquer his addictions.

With a prison sentence looming if he fails to uphold his end of the plea deal, Reynolds said Jackson has a chance to turn his life around if he chooses a more responsible path.

People can and do succeed, no matter how deep the hole is that theyve dug for themselves, Reynolds said.
JUNEAU  Jared Spencer was a 17-year-old high school student when he shot an assistant manager at Mills Fleet Farm, 1815 N. Spring St., Beaver Dam, on July 15, 2015.

He is now a convicted felon after being found guilty Tuesday of committing the crime by Dodge County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Sciasia. A sentencing hearing is set for July 21.

Spencer, 19, entered a no contest plea to a charge of attempted first degree intentional homicide. Several other counts, including reckless injury and endangerment were dismissed but were read into the court record.

Spencer had pleaded not guilty twice, once by reason of mental disease or defect. Spencer was committed for psychiatric treatment Feb. 2., 2016, and was determined to be competent to stand trial six months later.

According to the criminal complaint, police were called to Fleet Farm, July 15, 2015, after an assistant manager had been shot while standing in the parking lot and the suspect fled in a vehicle. The assistant manager, a member of loss prevention, and an off-duty DeForest police officer were nearby at the time of the shooting.

Andrew J. Kruse, 31, was shot in the shoulder area and the right wrist after he and other staff spoke to Spencer about the ammunition that was in his pocket. They asked Spencer to go back into the store, but it was clear Spencer was not going to stop so Kruse started to call 911.

Spencer got into his car and was told by the off-duty police officer not to leave before he fired a gun at Kruse. The police officer helped Kruse as Spencer left the scene.

Columbus Police stopped the vehicle Spencer was driving a short time later and found the ammunition in his pocket and the handgun in the vehicle.

Spencer acknowledged that he was at Fleet Farm and shoplifted some ammunition while there. Spencer requested an attorney when asked about the shooting.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled on July 21.
Vandalism  Friday at 7:15 a.m., someone reported seeing graffiti under an overpass on Prospect Avenue.

Accident  Friday at 9:31 a.m., two vehicles collided in the Walkers parking lot, 809 Park Ave.

Accident  Friday at 10:33 a.m., one vehicle was backed into another in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot, 810 Park Ave.

Disorderly conduct  Friday at 11:35 a.m., someone told police that a 26-year-old man was being disorderly in the 200 block of Seippel Boulevard. The man was later taken to jail.

Intoxicated person  Friday at 3:41 p.m., a man reported seeing a man holding a Twisted Tea while driving near the intersection of Highway 151 and Highway 33. The 21-year-old man was later located and admitted to drinking. The driver was sober and was warned not to do it again.

Accident  Friday at 5:41 p.m., a 32-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman were involved in a vehicle accident near the South University Avenue and Park Avenue intersection.

Theft  Friday at 7:23 p.m., a man reported the theft of headphones at Wal-Mart Supercenter, 120 Frances Lane.

Traffic  Friday at 8:39 p.m., a man requested extra patrol in the 100 block of Myrtle Road because vehicles have been doing burnouts in the area.

Fight  Friday at 9:58 p.m., a man told police that two men were fighting in the 100 block of West Third Street.

Suspicious  Friday at 10:44 p.m., a woman reported that a man approached her daughter and friends on Franklin Street.

Intoxicated person  Saturday at 2:18 a.m., a traffic stop near the East Maple Avenue and Lincoln Avenue resulted in police citing a 26-year-old woman with operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Disorderly conduct  Saturday at 3:01 a.m., a woman texted police about a 45-year-old man that wouldnt leave a residence in the 1000 block of North Spring Street. The man was cited with domestic disorderly conduct.

Accident  Saturday at 12:29 p.m., a man reported that a vehicle was backed into his vehicle in the 1600 block of Seippel Boulevard.

Disorderly conduct  Saturday at 1:32 p.m., a Wal-Mart Supercenter, 120 Frances Lane, employee told police that there were two vehicles doing burnouts in the parking lot. A man was cited with disorderly conduct with a motor vehicle.

Accident  Saturday at 2:24 p.m., a man reported that he was involved in a vehicle accident in the 100 block of Gilmore Avenue.

Animal  Saturday at 2:29 p.m., a woman told police a dog in the 100 block of Lakecrest Drive bit her.

Theft  Saturday at 5:21 p.m., a man reported that he placed a box on a porch in the 400 block of Madison Street. He later found out that Fed-Ex never got the box and it was gone.

Drugs  Saturday at 6:09 p.m., a man in the 200 block of North Center Street told police that two suspicious men were talking possibly about drugs.

Disorderly conduct  Saturday at 8:42 p.m., someone reported that a neighbor was trespassing with a radio-controlled car and causing a disturbance.

Disorderly conduct  Saturday at 9:19 p.m., someone in the 900 block of Prospect Avenue told police that two men and a woman were in a vehicle in a ditch.

Disorderly conduct  Saturday at 11:26 p.m., a woman in the 100 block of Gould Street reported a fight with a man. The man was cited with domestic disorderly conduct.

Hit and run  Sunday at 11:54 a.m., a man said he left his vehicle in the Wal-Mart Supercenter parking lot, 120 Frances Lane, and told police his vehicle was struck while he was gone. It appeared that a shopping cart did the damage.

Hit and run  Sunday at 12:26 p.m., someone told police that a hit and run occurred near the Industrial Drive and Highway 151 intersection.

Disorderly conduct  Sunday at 4:37 p.m., a 30-year-old woman was in the Walgreens drive-through, 607 Park Ave., yelling at pharmacists.

Accident  Sunday at 5:06 p.m., a 36-year-old man and a 28-year-old man were involved in a vehicle accident near the intersection of Park Avenue and North Vita Avenue.

Accident  Monday at 1:17 a.m., someone told police that a vehicle ran over a man in a driveway in the 300 block of North University Avenue. The man was transported to jail for bail jumping.

Disorderly conduct  Monday at 2:28 a.m., a woman reported that a 19-year-old man was in her residence in the 100 block of West Davis Street and he would not leave. The man was later cited with possession of marijuana and disorderly conduct.
Eunice W. Caldwell, 98, beloved mother, sister, grandmother and friend, passed away at the home of her son Stephen, Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017, surrounded by her family.

Eunice was born Jan. 1, 1919, in Juneau, the daughter of John and Adela Witte. Upon her graduation from high school in 1936, she was recruited to work as a secretary in the Juneau office of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), later moving to Madison to work in the WPA office there. In Madison, Eunice went on to work for Commonwealth Telephone, and later for the law firm Porter, Jasper.

On March 16, 1944, Eunice married W.J. (Bill) Caldwell and moved to Florida, where her husband was stationed at Eglin Field, a World War II Army Air Corps base near Pensacola, where she was also employed. At Christmastime 1945, they returned to Wisconsin, living first in Juneau, then Baraboo, and finally settling in Beaver Dam. In 1964 Eunice reentered the work force as the secretary at Wilson Elementary School, moving several years later to the position of administrative secretary for the Beaver Dam Unified School District at the Educational Service Center, where she remained until her retirement at the age of 70.

Eunice is survived by her son Stephen (Judi Werner) of Madison; daughter Susan Caldwell Nelson and grandson Alexander Nelson of Westfield, New Jersey; brother Bud Witte of DePere; and niece Ann Lucas of Newport Beach, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her sister-in-law Elisabeth Witte.

A funeral service will be held at St. Stephen Evangelical Lutheran Church, 300 West St., Beaver Dam, at 11 a.m. Monday, April 24. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

Memorials may be made to the Window Restoration Fund or General Memorial Fund at St. Stephens or to a charity of your choice. If you wish to send a card, please direct mail to the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home, N7199 N. Crystal Lake Road, Beaver Dam, WI 53916.

Eunice was a longtime member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church and served over the years in many of their organizations. She was very active for many years with community concerts and the Beaver Dam Womens Club. She enjoyed close friendships with people of all generations and her loss will be felt deeply by many who will remember her kindness and sympathetic ear. Remarkably, until a bad fall several months ago, she was able to remain in her home due to the assistance of Gale and Pam Prinsen, to whom her family can never express enough gratitude.

Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20

Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. For more information or to make an online condolence, visit KoepsellFH.com.
Wisconsins business lobby spoke out publicly Tuesday against a bipartisan legislative proposal to replace thousands of underground pipes that leach toxic lead into drinking water.

Businesses arent against removing lead water lines that can cause permanent brain damage in children, but the current proposal should be changed to make cities  not water utilities  cover costs that will run in the millions of dollars, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce told a state Assembly committee.

Backers of the bill countered that if cities were responsible there would likely be years of additional delays because state limits on local tax revenue have left most straining to pay for basic municipal services.

They just dont have the tools, said Sen. Rob Cowles, a Green Bay Republican who co-authored the bill. What are you going to do? Get rid of the police department?

Water utilities arent dependent on taxes. The state Public Service Commission sets water rates based on each systems needs, which include responding to public health threats.

The presence of lead in drinking water has been known for decades, but awareness increased across the country after news emerged in 2015 about how mismanagement of the drinking water system in Flint, Michigan, caused a public health crisis.

At least 176,000 Wisconsin water customers have lead service lines, with about half in Milwaukee County. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says there is no safe blood lead level in children. Tiny lead particles that flake off into running water can accumulate in the body to cause irreversible brain damage to young children. Lead can also slow growth and, in rare cases, cause death.

Analysis of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency records last year found 64 Wisconsin water systems exceeded limits at least once since Jan. 1, 2013, including those in Lake Mills, Stoughton, Neenah and Racine, as well as several schools.

An obstacle to removing the pipes is that state law allows water utilities to replace lead pipe only from the street to a homeowners property line. Property owners must cover costs on private property from the curb to the house.

Many homeowners  especially those with limited income  are unwilling or unable to pay the average $3,600 it costs. Experts strongly advise against removing only the public section of the pipe, because that can knock loose more lead from the remaining line.

Assembly Bill 78 and Senate Bill 48 would allow water utilities to help water customers remove lead water pipes. The assistance could come in the form of grants and low-interest or no-interest loans that target low-income homeowners.

Cowles said Tuesday that he planned to work with opponents to find a solution because the public health consequences of inaction are too great.

In an effort to win quick passage of the legislation, Cowles had gathered nearly 50 co-sponsors from both parties in the Assembly and Senate by the time a Senate committee held a public hearing on the bill March 8.

WMC didnt speak or even register against the bill during that hearing. But on March 21 the business group filed as an opponent of the legislation with the state ethics commission.

The Senate committee approved the bill unanimously March 29, but Senate leaders didnt bring it to a vote during the Senate floor session April 4.

On Tuesday, WMC environmental policy director Lucas Vebber told the Assembly committee that cities have ample money to replace lead pipes, and he pointed to the city of Madison as an example.

But Madisons $15.5 million project took years to get off the ground as a bruising political battle took place over how to pay for work on private property.

The city began its project before the state placed limits on local property taxes in 2006 and long before the limits were tightened in 2011, said Curt Witynski, assistant director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.

Cost is the reason no other Wisconsin city  and few in the nation  have tried to remove all their lead pipes, Witynski said. Milwaukee has estimated it will take 50 years to do the job there.

High levels of lead were first detected in Madison water in the early 1990s, but the city didnt start replacing pipes until 2001. It offered up to $1,000 per homeowner to help with costs. The effort was completed in 2007.
JUNEAU  Both of the new University of Wisconsin-Extension assistant deans fielded questions from officials of multiple counties in Juneau on Monday. Some questions they could answer; for others, the answers are still being worked out.

Officials from the six member counties of the Intercounty Coordinating Committee  Columbia, Dodge, Green Lake, Jefferson, Marquette and Sauk  asked Matt Hanson, assistant dean for the states southern area, and David Berard, assistant dean for the northern area, for more details on the transition that county Extension offices will experience as a $3.6 million statewide budget cut takes effect.

Alan Anderson of Baraboo, citizen member of Sauk Countys UW Extension, Arts and Culture Committee, was one of many ICC attendees who asked whether adding a new layer of management  the 22 area directors that will soon be hired  truly saves money.

It feels like  tell me if Im wrong  that youre spending more money on administration, he said. Were going to increase our expenses for administration, and face a bigger cut on the program side.

Thats not the intent, Berard said.

The two assistant deans, he said, will replace four regional Extension directors.

Extension officials are now taking applications for area directors to oversee the 22 regions that are being organized for administrative purposes. The area directors will take the place of 97 people who have bits and pieces of administrative responsibility at the local level.

The goal, Berard said, is for the area directors to take on the administrative tasks that typically fall now to educators at the county level, thus freeing local Extension staff to work more on programming.

Among the 22 areas, four are composed of a single, populous county  Brown, Dane, Milwaukee and Waukesha. The remaining counties will be organized into multi-county regions.

Columbia, Dodge and Sauk counties comprise Area 16. Green Lake and Marquette counties are in Area 14 with Waushara, Adams and Juneau counties. Jefferson County is part of Area 19, as are Rock and Walworth counties.

All the ICC counties are in the southern area, where Hanson will be assistant dean.

Berard said the assistant deans and area directors will work together to ensure, to the extent possible, that each county Extension office has the services and programs that local residents and officials want most.

Our primary goal, Berard said, is to ensure that the programming is delivered at the local level, within the financial constraints that affect us all.

Columbia County Board Supervisor Andy Ross of Poynette said he was concerned about the future of successful county-specific Extension programs, such as Columbia Countys Future Leaders Active in Government program for high school students.

I just hope were not at a point where were arranging deck chairs, and nobody knows where the boat is going, Ross said.

Both Hanson and Berard suggested that, when the area directors are in place, perhaps other counties that want to adopt a program similar to FLAG could learn from Columbia Countys experience.

Pattie Carroll, family living educator for UW-Extension Dodge County, said the Extension reorganization presents an opportunity for flexibility.

For example, she noted, the family living educators in Columbia and Sauk counties (Patti Herman and Laurie Boyce, respectively) have both recently retired. The reorganization might make it possible for one family living educator to handle the programming for all three counties, if that is what Extension and county officials determine is the right option to meet all three counties needs.

The area director will hear your needs, and will know your county well, she said. There will be flexibility in the new model.

Other county officials asked about day-to-day office routines for Extension support staff, if the area directors are not going to be in each countys office every day.

Others asked about technology, including whether the state would make specific software available to counties that dont yet have it, to allow them to communicate with Extension regionally and statewide.

Some, including Marquette County Board Chairman Bob Miller of Dalton, asked about when, or whether, counties with vacant Extension positions should fill those posts.

Jon Hochkammer, outreach manager for the Wisconsin Counties Association, said he is hearing, from county officials throughout the state, that they are, by and large, optimistic about the upcoming changes in Extension.

However, he said, The counties want to make sure that their voices are heard in the process.
Patricia M. Smith

Patricia Marie (Wendt) Smith, age 62 years, 1 month, 4 days, passed away April 14, 2017, as a result of recurrent lung cancer. She released her beautiful soul late in the evening, as Good Friday was ending.

Pat was born March 10, 1955, in Portage, to Rodney and Mary Kay (Lennon) Wendt. Pat lived in Pardeeville her entire life except for a period of time that her family was in Fort Lewis, Washington. Pat attended school in Pardeeville, graduating in 1973; a member of a class that kept close ties through the years. She held several jobs in the area, including working at the canning factory. It was there that she met her husband Jack. They were married Feb. 14, 1975, and they had 42 years together. She accepted Jacks son as her own and they went on to have three sons together. As time passed, they were blessed with five beautiful grandchildren.

She worked at home, raising their children until they were in middle school. Pat started working outside the home again, finding her way into child care. She started her own business Once Upon A Time Daycare. There she spent nearly two decades giving loving care to scores of children, feeding, nurturing, and guiding them as if they were her own. She retired at the end of school in 2015. Pat enjoyed her grandchildren tremendously, and loved having her family together nearly every Sunday for dinner and fellowship. She also enjoyed tending her plants, being with friends and relatives, dancing, and going for rides on the motorcycle. Her warm, easy smile and loving nature will be missed forever.

She is survived by her husband, Jack; sons, Aaron Smith, Brandon (Shanna) Smith, Benjamin (Megan) Smith, all local; stepson, Christopher Smith (Rachel OReilly) of Mooresville, North Carolina; grandchildren, Nick, Kelli, and Noelle Smith, Sadie Knak and Elizabeth Smith. She is further survived by her sisters, Linda (Mike) Fonger, and Laurie (Russel) Brenneman; brother, Kory (Theresa) Wendt; aunts, Dorothy Lennon and June Wendt;, uncles, Lawrence Wendt and Junior (Edith) Wendt; Jennifer Wickert; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; mother-in-law; three sisters-in-law; and several aunts and uncles.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 21, at United Methodist Church in Pardeeville, with the Rev. Kerry Wilson officiating. Inurnment will follow at Pardeeville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at Grasse Funeral Home in Pardeeville, and again from 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to the Pardeeville EMS, Pardeeville Area Fire, Pardeeville United Methodist Church Camp Scholarship Fund or the Carbone Cancer Center. We wish to offer our thanks to the Pardeeville EMS, Divine Savior Healthcare, UW Hospital B6/6 and support teams, Agrace Hospice and the staff at Columbia Health Care Center, with special thanks to Nurse Linda, and to all the other caring people who offered support through this time. Grasse Funeral Service of Pardeeville (www.grassefs.com) is serving the family.
ANC military veterans and the threat to South Africas democracy

We may look back and say that it was this moment when it became manifest that Zumas faction of the ANC would be prepared to resort to violence.

We may look back on the days in April 2017 when tens of thousands of South Africans marched demanding that President Jacob Zuma should fall as the beginning of something bigger.

Theres been a wistful glint in the eyes of ageing activists as they gear up for action again, predicting a return to the 1980s. Many have embraced the idea of the reconstitution of a United Democratic Front-style multi-class, non-racial and popular anti-apartheid alliance of NGOs, community movements and religious groups to Save South Africa from the capriciousness and corruption of the Zuma government.

We are told that Friday April 7, the day of the nationwide marches against Zuma, was the day when ordinary people stood up and said to the ANC: Enough is Enough! It was followed by another large demonstration of opposition political parties marching on the governments seat of power in Pretoria, the Union Buildings, on April 12, which was also the presidents 75th birthday.

Yet, while we should in no way underestimate this democratic stirring, we may look back and say that its greater significance was that it was this moment when it became manifest that Zumas faction of the ANC would be prepared to resort to violence to entrench its domination.

Signs of intolerance of dissent

Once the first marchers had marched, the ANC government sought to save face by proclaiming the day a triumph for democracy  which, of course, it was. Yet during the build-up to the march, the ANC had filled the air with threats of violence.

The most explicit warning was delivered by the newly installed Minister of Police, Fikile Mbalula. He did not want another Marikana, he said, but implied the repeat of such an event, when police killed 34 striking miners, if protesters damaged property.

Other ANC officials, notably eThekwini mayor Zondile Gumede, issued not-so-veiled threats against those marching. Others sought to tie up the marchers right to march by denying permission; others referred to marchers as counter-revolutionary.

The most chilling threat was represented by the MK Veterans Association (MKMVA), supposedly former members of the ANCs armed wing uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK). Its press briefing before the marches took place stated that it was mobilising its members, who would be combat ready to defend Luthuli House, the headquarters of the ANC. It was backed up by statements by the ANC Youth League that it was ready to defend the premises with all the weapons at its disposal.

Given that the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) had changed its initial plans to march upon Luthuli House, there was little or no need to defend the ANCs headquarters from anyone. Even so, on the day, some 700 MK veterans assembled outside Luthuli House.

Threat to democracy

Dressed in military fatigues, the MK veterans explicitly presented themselves as the ANCs armed wing ready to go into battle to counter the partys enemies. In the event, they toyi-toyied and demonstrated  and were fortunately denied the opportunity by the police to prove their metal in clashes with the DA or anyone else. Yet the threat of violence was immanent.

The real issue is how MK, as its presently constituted, views itself and is viewed by key elements amongst the ANCs leadership as a militia ready to be deployed against its political opponents  internal as well as external. How many of those who presented themselves outside Luthuli House were genuinely former MK veterans we do not know. But, we can be pretty sure that many if not most - too young to have fought against apartheid  have been more recent recruits, with no genuine claim to membership.

We also know that under the national leadership of Kebby Maphatsoe, the deputy defence minister, the Veterans Association has been deeply corrupted. Major questions posed about its internal finances are the subject of a court case. Its been used to intervene violently in party factional battles on behalf of Zuma. Yet it has reserved its main animus for parties of opposition, regularly referred to by Maphatsoe as the enemy, agents provocateurs, and counter-revolutionaries.

It would be a mistake to dismiss all this as harmless political theatre. Rather, it constitutes a very real and present danger. Its worth recalling that Siphiwe Nyanda, a former leading member of MK who became chief of the South African National Defence Force, has already referred to the veterans under Maphatsoe as a private army. If hes worried, then so should we be. Armed militias aligned to a political party, or a faction within it, have no place in a constitutional democracy.

Shades of Zimbabwe

We have no need to look further than Zimbabwe to recognise the threats to democracy posed by armed militias. Formed in 2000, the National Youth Service was subsequently responsible for the military style training of some 80 000 youths. Many of them went on to join the ruling Zanu-PFs affiliated militias the Green Bomberswhich wreaked havoc upon supporters of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change in the 2008 general election.

Subsequently, many were to be incorporated into security structures such as the military, police and prison service. They remain a major reservoir of violent support for Zanu-PF, which doesnt hesitate to use to intimidate and liquidate its opponents. As we know, Zimbabwean elections have now become a farce.

Following the ousting of Pravin Gordhan as South Africas finance minister in the recent cabinet reshuffle , and the downgrade by ratings agencies, fears that South Africa under Zuma has embarked down a road which leads to Zimbabwe-style authoritarian kleptocracy have gained considerable ground. For the moment at least, such fears are probably exaggerated.

Although Zuma may be dominant within ANC structures for now, and although he will probably survive the forthcoming vote of no-confidence in the House of Assembly, his reshuffle has alienated many within the party. It has threatened his ability to secure the party presidency for his former wife, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, at the partys elective conference in December.

Furthermore, the recent marches may have given backbone to some ANC MPs who fear the electoral consequences of the party continuing to cling to Zumas coattails. Yet the more desperate Zuma and his supporters become, the more the risk that they will turn to the MK Vets to help them. If, in turn, the Zuma faction was to prove triumphant in the leadership battle, its unlikely to hesitate to deploy MK vets (alongside its Youth League) against opponents during the lead up to the 2019 election.

Although the DA would go running to the courts, the militant Economic Freedom Fighters would be likely to respond to violence in kind, rendering the 2019 election campaign the most violent we will have seen since 1994. We are not there yet, and hopefully we never will be.

But, an economy which is about to hit the skids and which offers a massive pool of unemployed youths available for political recruitment, is highly combustible. In such a context, were MKMVA to receive the covert (or not-so-covert) backing of the ANC, the prospect of a Zimbabwean scenario would loom ever larger.

If the white right wing was to reconstitute and parade in public in military uniforms, the ANC and all democrats would be rightly outraged. Equally, there should be no place in our democracy for MKMVA to play the role of soldier: that should be left to the South African National Defence Force.

Roger Southall, Professor of Sociology, University of the Witwatersrand. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
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State Street Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of financial products and services to institutional investors worldwide. The company offers investment servicing products and services, including custody; product accounting; daily pricing and administration; master trust and master custody; depotbank services; record-keeping; cash management; foreign exchange, brokerage and other trading services; securities finance and enhanced custody products; deposit and short-term investment facilities; loans and lease financing; investment manager and alternative investment manager operations outsourcing; performance, risk, and compliance analytics; and financial data management to support institutional investors. It also engages in the provision of portfolio management and risk analytics, as well as trading and post-trade settlement services with integrated compliance and managed data. In addition, the company offers investment management strategies and products, such as core and enhanced indexing, multi-asset strategies, active quantitative and fundamental active capabilities, and alternative investment strategies. Further, it provides services and solutions, including environmental, social, and governance investing; defined benefit and defined contribution; and global fiduciary solutions, as well as exchange-traded fund under the SPDR ETF brand. The company provides its products and services to mutual funds, collective investment funds and other investment pools, corporate and public retirement plans, insurance companies, foundations, endowments, and investment managers. State Street Corporation was founded in 1792 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
The state commission reviewing the proposed route of the contentious Keystone XL pipeline through Nebraska has set a hearing to get public input.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission, an elected five-person board, has set the meeting from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 3 at the Holthus Convention Center in York. The commission is tasked with reviewing and approving the Nebraska portion of the route TransCanada has proposed for its $8 billion pipeline project.

Public comment will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis with each person getting 3-5 minutes to speak. The input will be made part of the public record.

The commission will meet Aug. 7-11 in Lincoln to hear arguments and evidence on the state pipeline application.

Spokeswoman Deb Collins said in a news release on Tuesday that no decision has been made on whether there would be additional public meetings.

The underground pipeline would move oil from Alberta, Canada, across Montana and South Dakota to Steele City at Nebraska's southern border, where it would connect with existing pipelines that feed Texas Gulf Coast refineries.

The project is facing opposition from environmental groups, some landowners and native tribes.

Supporters say it's an infrastructure project that will buoy the economic strength and energy security of the United States.
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.
Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops and provides a portfolio of healthcare products worldwide. The company offers peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis, and additional dialysis therapies and services; intravenous therapies, infusion pumps, administration sets, and drug reconstitution devices; remixed and oncology drug platforms, inhaled anesthesia and critical care products and pharmacy compounding services; parenteral nutrition therapies and related products; biological products and medical devices used in surgical procedures for hemostasis, tissue sealing and adhesion prevention; and continuous renal replacement therapies and other organ support therapies focused in the intensive care unit. It also provides connected care solutions, including devices, software, communications, and integration technologies; integrated patient monitoring and diagnostic technologies to help diagnose, treat, and manage a various illness and diseases, including respiratory therapy, cardiology, vision screening, and physical assessment; surgical video technologies, tables, lights, pendants, precision positioning devices and other accessories. In addition, the company offers contracted services to various pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. Its products are used in hospitals, kidney dialysis centers, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, doctors' offices, and patients at home under physician supervision. The company sells its products through direct sales force, as well as through independent distributors, drug wholesalers, and specialty pharmacy or other alternate site providers in approximately 100 countries. It has an agreement with Celerity Pharmaceutical, LLC to develop acute care generic injectable premix and oncolytic molecules. Baxter International Inc. was incorporated in 1931 and is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois.
GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the creation, discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, and health-related consumer products in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. The company offers pharmaceutical products comprising medicines in the therapeutic areas, such as respiratory, HIV, immuno-inflammation, oncology, anti-viral, central nervous system, cardiovascular and urogenital, metabolic, anti-bacterial, and dermatology. It also provides consumer healthcare products in wellness, oral health, nutrition, and skin health categories. The company offers its consumer healthcare products in the form of nasal sprays, tablets, syrups, lozenges, gum and trans-dermal patches, caplets, infant syrup drops, liquid filled suspension, wipes, gels, effervescents, toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, denture adhesives and cleansers, topical creams and non-medicated patches, lip balm, gummies, and soft chews. It has collaboration agreements with 23andMe; Lyell Immunopharma, Inc.; Novartis; Sanofi SA; Surface Oncology; Progentec Diagnostics, Inc.; Alector, Inc.; and CureVac AG., as well as strategic partnership with IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. and Vir Biotechnology, Inc. The company was formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline plc and changed its name to GSK plc in May 2022. GSK plc was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Brentford, the United Kingdom.
SCHUYLER  A man with a history of drunken driving has been charged with manslaughter and drunken driving in the crash death of a 15-year-old girl in Schuyler.

Angel Lopez, 23, is accused of driving drunk during a brief police chase June 15 and then ramming into a tree in Schuyler, fatally injuring Isabella Brandt.

Online jail records say Lopez remained in custody Tuesday, pending $500,000 bail. His next court appearance is set for April 25.

Court records said Lopez was convicted of driving under the influence three months ago in Platte County and convicted of reckless driving in 2014.




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$1.5 billion estimate to complete Summer

18 April 2017

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Westinghouse Electric Company has informed South Carolina Electric & Gas (SCE&G) that it estimates the additional cost of completing the two VC Summer AP1000 reactors to be about $1.5 billion.

The construction site of Summer units 2 and 3, photographed in January 2017

(Image: SCE&G)

SCE&G parent Scana Corporation told the Public Service Commission (PSC) of South Carolina at an ex parte briefing held on 12 April that Westinghouse had publicly stated the additional costs associated with completing AP1000 projects at Summer and Vogtle, above what it could contractually require the project owners to pay, is about $4 billion. The amount is largely associated with the fixed and firm price option negotiated for the project to build the two AP1000 reactors.

Jimmy Addison, Scana chief financial officer, said Westinghouse had "recently informed" SCE&G that Summer's share of that $4 billion is about $1.5 billion. SCE&G's share, as 55% owner of the plant, would be about $825 million. Those amounts have yet to be validated, he said.

SCE&G had requested the ex parte hearing to inform the PSC of progress at the construction project in Fairfield County, and also to brief the commission on the "status" of Westinghouse, the project's contractor. Westinghouse filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on 29 March.

Scana and SCE&G chairman and CEO Kevin Marsh told the PSC that Westinghouse's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing was a reorganisation filing aiming to isolate Westinghouse's nuclear construction business from its nuclear fuel, components, and services businesses which it intended to continue. He said Scana anticipated any plan to complete the units would include Westinghouse in some capacity, but not in a "leader role" as construction manager. He said the company was in discussions with Fluor - the project's construction manager - and "other potential resources" that could be part of a restructured project to complete the units.

Under an interim agreement reached alongside Westinghouse's bankruptcy filing, SCE&G, together with partner Santee Cooper, are funding continued work on the units during a 30-day period while it evaluates its options. "We may request an extension, if needed, which Westinghouse may agree to grant, or not," Marsh said.

The options being considered are: continuing with the construction of both 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. Marsh said "all other things being equal", the company's preferred option would be to complete the units. However, all the options were being given "full and equal consideration on their merits", and no option was being prejudged, he said.

Marsh said Westinghouse had provided access to information concerning the estimated cost to complete the units and its commercial arrangements with Fluor, other contractors, and vendors. The interim agreement had also given Scana direct access to Fluor and other contractors and vendors to discuss commercial and other issues with them.

SCE&G in 2016 chose a fixed price option for the completion of the Summer units under a 2015 amendment to the plant's engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract. Addison told the commission that bankruptcy gives Westinghouse the ability to reject or walk away from its fixed price obligations. Should Westinghouse do that, he said, SCE&G and Summer co-owner Santee Cooper would have the right to claim damages from the value of Westinghouse's business and assets. In addition, Westinghouse parent company Toshiba has given SCE&G and Santee Cooper a parental guarantee for Westinghouse's payment obligations under the EPC contract, he said.

"In general, the damages we can collect from Westinghouse and, therefore, Toshiba, are capped at 25% of the payments we have made to Westinghouse at the time it breaches the EPC contract. Given the payments made to date, if the breach occurred today, we would expect the amount of the cap to be approximately $1.7 billion for the total project, or approximately $940 million for SCE&G's 55% share," Addison said.

SCE&G chief operating officer Stephen Byrne said the company was now in the process of determining the feasibility of completing the units, including validating Westinghouse's estimates of additional costs needed to do that. It must also evaluate the costs and activities that would be required to cancel the project, he said.

Since the bankruptcy, Westinghouse had been "generally cooperative and responsive" to SCE&G's requests for information, he said. "We believe that it is in Westinghouse's corporate interests for this project to proceed to a successful conclusion and for Westinghouse to be perceived as fully cooperative in the transition. For that reason, we expect this cooperation to continue as long as these interests are in play," he said. "However, 30 days is an extremely short period of time to conduct our evaluations. An extension of the assessment and evaluation period may be in the project's best interest, and we would hope that it would be possible to obtain such an extension if needed."

Byrne said that under the amended EPC contract, SCE&G has required Westinghouse to escrow intellectual property in the form of software and design information necessary to build and operate the units. "Westinghouse has reported that substantially all of the required intellectual property has now been escrowed," he said.

Byrne also used the ex parte briefing to update the PSC on current activities at the construction site. He said that about 90% of major components - and 85% of all components - were now on site. According to figures supplied by the contractor, the overall project was 63.4% complete as of February 2017.

As well as the Summer units, Westinghouse is building two AP1000s at Vogtle for Southern Company's Georgia Power. Four AP1000 units under construction in China - two each at Sanmen and Haiyang - are not expected to be affected by the bankruptcy filing which only applies to Westinghouse's US operations.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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Fusion energy and the UK's industrial strategy

18 April 2017

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Tokamak Energy has highlighted the contribution fusion energy can make to the UK's new industrial strategy and how government policy can support its rapid development and large-scale commercial deployment. In an 'open letter' sent to World Nuclear News, Tokamak Energy's chief executive, David Kingham, outlined his response to the government's Building our Industrial Strategy: Green Paper that sets out how it proposes to build a modern, research and development-led economy for a 'global Britain'.

Tokamak Energy is an Oxfordshire, England-based private company accelerating the development of fusion energy by combining two emerging technologies - spherical tokamaks and high-temperature superconductors.

"At Tokamak Energy, we treat this pursuit of fusion energy as an engineering challenge and a business opportunity. Our business model is based on agility and 'open innovation' - working collaboratively with universities, research laboratories and other businesses whilst ensuring that we retain the ownership of crucial intellectual property," Kingham said.

"This is made possible by our place within a cluster of fusion expertise based around the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy. We have learnt from pioneering research at Culham, using compact spherical tokamaks and have now progressed our research to the stage where we are aiming to generate sustainable fusion energy for commercial deployment by 2030. We are now working closely with colleagues at Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, despite government policy not yet fully recognising the contribution that fusion energy research in the private sector can make in developing a commercially viable source of abundant clean energy."

Such "clusters" of like-minded businesses and research institutes should be a key component of the UK's future industrial strategy, Kingham said, "as they can create positive benefits, especially in the burgeoning fusion industry".

Tokamak Energy has welcomed the comment of Greg Clark, secretary of state for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), that the industrial strategy must be about creating the right conditions for new and growing enterprises to thrive, not protecting the position of incumbents, Kingham said. Through the sharing of facilities, business clusters can attract and develop appropriate skills and build up the critical mass of capabilities necessary to solve big challenges, he added.

The Culham fusion cluster provides an excellent example of how to do this, he said, helping to grow a new industry and create positive benefits for the UK's economy post-Brexit.

"I believe that such a model should be taken and used across many different industries to achieve success and growth in the high-tech industries, where the UK government envisages our future industrial success lies.

"Yet this is quite difficult for the government to achieve as it does require an early commitment to promising new areas. To overcome this difficulty, the government should favour sectors, such as fusion, that are strongly supported by publicly funded science and then add extra support to those ventures that are able attract private investment," Kingham said.

This is being done "to some degree", he said, with the funding of the first wave of challenges from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. "This is a welcome move, but there is a need to ensure that the ISCF does not focus on backing only technologies that are already well advanced in their development."

The ISCF was announced by Prime Minister Theresa May at the 2016 CBI Annual Conference. Innovate UK and Research Councils are now gathering input from industry and the UK research base on how this cross-disciplinary fund can best support UK industries and the country's science base.

Kingham said another effective policy intervention to support the UK's most ground-breaking and innovative clusters would be to allocate additional funding to existing funds that effectively support the priorities of the proposed industrial strategy. For example, the government could build on the success of the Rainbow Seed Fund - an early-stage venture capital fund focused on promising technologies developed at the UK's publicly-funded research establishments, he said.

The Rainbow Seed Fund is backed by BEIS and the fund's partners are eight publicly funded research bodies, including the Science and Technology Facilities Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Natural Environment Research Council and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The fund is independently managed by venture capital company Midven.

The government should also consider enhancements to R&D tax credits for companies with up to 500 employees and should "do away with the arbitrary limits" on the Enterprise Investment Scheme for R&D intensive businesses, Kingham said. For example, R&D intensive businesses are currently allowed to raise only 5.0 million ($6.3 million) per year under the Enterprise Investment Scheme and the "lifetime" total they can receive is limited to 20 million. This unnecessarily limits the growth of some of the UK's most promising companies, he added.

"With government support via these policies, innovative companies and sectors that are still working in the experimental development stage can encourage private investment and improve their ability to raise the capital needed for growth," he said. "With such growth, clusters of expertise can form across the country, forming the foundations of the UK's future R&D-led economy."

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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ASN sets conditions for Creusot Forge restart

18 April 2017

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France's nuclear regulator, the Autorite de Surete Nucleaire (ASN), has defined the preconditions for the resumption of forging operations at Areva's Le Creusot forge. The facility has been out of operation since December 2015 following the discovery of quality assurance issues.

ASN announced in April 2015 the discovery of an anomaly in the composition of the steel in certain zones of the vessel closure head and the vessel bottom head of the Flamanville EPR reactor. The detection of this anomaly led ASN to ask Areva NP and EDF to "learn all possible lessons from this event".

In May 2016, the French nuclear safety regulator said an ongoing quality audit at Areva's Le Creusot forge - which Areva bought in 2006 - had identified "irregularities" in paperwork on some 400 plant components produced there since 1965. The issues "comprise inconsistencies, modifications or omissions in the production files, concerning manufacturing parameters and test results", it said.

There are three processes currently under way, ASN said. Firstly, the search for technical anomalies on other EDF reactor components similar to those detected on the Flamanville EPR vessel, which has enabled EDF to identify similar anomalies on the channel heads of certain steam generators. Secondly, manufacturing quality reviews on parts at Areva NP manufacturing plants, which enabled Areva NP to detect irregularities in the manufacturing files from Creusot Forge. Thirdly, initiation of a review of basic nuclear installation licensee monitoring of their contractors and subcontractors, of ASN oversight and of alert mechanisms.

Areva submitted an action plan to ASN on 1 August 2016 aimed at guaranteeing the quality of future production at the Le Creusot facility. The company has informed ASN of its intention to resume forging operations there.

ASN has conducted several inspections of the forging facility, including a multinational inspection carried out in accordance with the inspection protocol of the Multinational Design Evaluation Program (MDEP). The aim of this inspection - carried out from 28 November to 2 December 2016 - was to examine the review method for the component files already assessed and those currently undergoing assessment. It examined the organisational and technical changes, as well as the changes in terms of quality and nuclear safety culture implemented within the Creusot Forge plant.

In a 31 January letter to Areva, ASN said the inspectors noted Areva's action plan is "in the process of being implemented". The inspectors considered a certain number of subjects needed to be adapted and supplemented, such as management of change, human resources, exhaustiveness of root cause analyses, detection of irregular practices, reviews of manufactured component files, management of current manufacturing processes, internal monitoring by Creusot Forge and the quality and nuclear safety culture.

ASN has now written to both Areva and EDF informing them of the preconditions required for resumption of forging of components for use in French nuclear power plants.

"Prior to the restart of manufacturing, ASN will check that the action plan is complete and that the actions already taken have proved to be effective," ASN said. "Subsequently, ASN will maintain increased oversight and monitoring of Areva's Creusot Forge plant."

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topics
The Wildlife Of Vietnam

Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is rich in biodiversity, including endemic plant and animal species. Its coastal waters contain around 2,000 marine fish species and its freshwater rivers are home to approximately 700 freshwater fish species. On land and in the air, Vietnam is home to 889 bird species, 310 mammal species, 296 reptile species, and 162 amphibian species. Providing shelter, food, and clean air are an estimated 11,400 vascular plant species. This country has such remote habitats that some of these plant and animal species were only discovered as recently as the 1990s.

The Threats To Vietnam's Wildlife

Unfortunately, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has determined that approximately 10% of the biodiversity in this country is at risk of extinction. This number gives Vietnam a ranking of 16 out of 152 in terms of countries with the largest percentage of wildlife at danger. One of the biggest threats facing the wildlife here is habitat degradation. The biggest factors contributing to habitat loss in this country have been the Vietnam War and widespread deforestation. In addition, Vietnam has a significant problem with illegal poaching and illegal trade of wildlife with a demand both on a national and international level. These traded wildlife species are used for several purposes, including as medicine, pets, and food. Many of these illegally traded plants and animals are also considered endangered.

The Need To Protect: Establishment Of National Parks In Vietnam

In response to the pressing threat faced by Vietnams wildlife, the government has moved toward increasing the number of protected land throughout the country. This first began in 1986, when the Cat Ba National Park was established, protecting an area of 102 square miles in the Red River Delta. Since then, the government of Vietnam has established a total of 30 national parks. The most recent of these were founded in 2006: the Phuoc Binh and the U Minh Ha. The national parks protect several ecosystems, including: land, river basins, and coastal and marine areas. These parks can be found in the following regions: Mekong Delta (5 national parks), Red River Delta (4 national parks), Central Highlands (5 national parks), North Central Coastal area (5 national parks), South Central Coastal area (2 national parks), northeastern region (4 national parks), northwestern region (1national park), and southeastern region (4 national parks).

The Current Role Played By Vietnam's National Parks

The national parks of Vietnam play an important role in the countrys wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism industry. These protected areas allow the government to focus its financial and law enforcement resources in specific areas to ensure effective protection efforts concerning natural resources. The government of Vietnam has increased its fight against the illegal logging industry, hunting and poaching, and harvesting endangered plants for medicinal purposes.

Additionally, the government has increased reintroduction programs for endangered species by releasing and replanting certain species. Because many of these parks contain Ramsar designated wetlands and BirdLife International bird areas, the majority of these reintroduction efforts have been successful. Due to these reintroduction efforts, wildlife populations have been strengthened in many forest habitats, mangrove forest areas have increased in size, bird sightings occur more frequently, fish and marine life numbers have increased, and the Siamese crocodile population has returned to previous numbers.
The US and UK governments are stopping passengers from putting electronic devices that are bigger than a smartphone or cell phone in their cabin luggage on flights from certain destinations. The new ban applies to electronics which are larger than 3.7 inches wide, 6.3 inches long and 0.6 inches deep. Such devices include e-readers, tablets, laptops, portable DVD players, cameras, travel printers, Kindles and electronic game units that are larger than a smartphone. The ban represents some of the most strict travel restraints to be implemented since 9/11.

Which Countries Are Affected by the Travel Ban on Electronics?

Reasons Behind the Ban

Citing unspecified threats, the US government officials who had been considering the ban for several weeks before revealing that the decision was made following "evaluated intelligence" concerning ongoing potential threats to airlines bound for the US. The US government is worried that terror groups have implemented new ways of developing bombs that are hard to detect and hiding them inside electronic devices. There are also concerns about explosive devices that are made from materials that are not metallic because most airports in the world lack high-tech screening machines that have the ability to detect such bombs. It is believed that the insurgent groups like the al-Shabaab smuggled an explosive device built in a laptop on a plane out of Mogadishu, Somalia which blew a hole inside of the plane sometime in 2016.

Who is Affected?

The UK ban affects six countries whereas the US ban affects 10 airports in eight countries across the Middle East and North Africa. Specifically, the new ban affects passengers on flights from Kuwait, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Tunisia. In the UK a total of 14 airlines are affected including British Airways, Monarch, Jet 2, Thompson, EasyJet, and Thompson Cook. Other affected carriers include Egyptair, Royal Jordanian, Saudia Airlines, Pegasus Airways, Turkish Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Tunis Air and Atlas Global Airlines. Airports affected by the US ban on large electronics include Dubai International in the UAE, King Khalid International in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, Hamid International in Doha, Qatar, Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, Abu Dhabi International in the UAE, Mohammed V International in Casablanca Morocco, King Abdulaziz International airport in Saudi Arabia, Cairo International Airport in Egypt, Kuwait International Airport, and Queen Alia International in Amman, Jordan.

Implications

Critics of the newly implemented ban argue that it will decrease passenger comfort which will ultimately reduce the number of passenger flying with the affected airlines. Most people who work on their laptops while on the flight will not be able to have that opportunity which is a significant disadvantage. Many activists and journalism worry that they would have to part ways with not only their personal but most likely sensitive data stored on their devices thus putting such information into unknown hands. Issues such as theft of such devices remain a concern to many passengers. Many of the affected airports are among the world's busiest.

Limitations to the ban

The ban aims to maintain security measures without making it impossible to fly, but there are a few limitations. One of the issues raised was what makes it safer for the devices to be stored in the cargo area of the plane while a perpetrator can use a phone to detonate the device. Passengers can also take connecting flights from other unaffected areas before boarding a plane bound for either the US or the UK thus complicating the logistics behind the ban.
Michael Hohl and Amber Maxwell

By: Mason White WorldWideWeirdNews.com

(Scroll down for video) A bride and groom who were heading from Texas to Costa Rica, for their wedding, were kicked off their flight because they sat down in empty seats that were not assigned to them.

Michael Hohl and his fiancee Amber Maxwell, both of Salt Lake City, Utah, were scheduled to fly on United Airlines Flight 1737, from Houston to Liberia.

When they walked over to their assigned seats, they noticed a man sleeping there. The couple then found unoccupied seats and decided to sit there because they did not want to wake the sleeping man.

After a few minutes, a flight attendant asked them to return to their assigned seats as the ones they were occupying, were not the same price as they lower class ticket the couple paid for.

Hohl and his fiancee complied and went to sit in their assigned seats. Suddenly, a U.S. Marshall boarded the plane and ordered the couple to leave.

The soon to be married couple was shocked, but complied with the order. Hohl vowed never to fly United, and slammed the poor customer service of the airline.

He and his fiancee caught another flight to Costa Rica, just in time to celebrate their wedding.

According to Hohl, a spokesperson for United Airlines claimed that the couple was repeatedly told to go back to their assigned seats, and only after repeated requests, did the police remove the couple from the aircraft.

aSince they wouldnt follow crew instructions, the two were being disorderly and a hazard to the rest of the flight and to the safety of the other customers, according to Hohl.

Hohl called the situation aquite strange.a
Dear Doctor: My daughter's school recently sent home a flier about potential exposure to hand-foot-and-mouth disease. How worried should I be?

Dear Reader: Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is very common. It occurs most often in infants and children younger than 7 years of age and is caused by one of 16 types of enterovirus. Outbreaks are more likely in the late summer and early fall, when children are starting a new year of school or preschool.

Because the viruses that lead to HFMD are largely intestinal, they're usually passed via stool. Small amounts of the virus then make it onto the hands of the child or someone changing the child's diaper. The virus passes from one individual to another when it ends up on food, the fingers or the pacifier of another child, ending up in the mouth. The fecal-oral transmission is the most common way the virus infects others, but it can also be passed through oral secretions, through coughing, and through the fluid from the blisters seen in hand-foot-and-mouth disease.

Regardless, the virus makes its way down to the lower intestine, spreading to the lymph nodes and from there to the rest of the body. The typical time that it takes for the enterovirus to be ingested and for the first symptoms to appear is three to five days.

Symptoms of the disease begin with mouth or throat pain or the refusal to eat. The most striking symptom of hand-foot-and-mouth disease is the blisterlike rash that occurs both within the mouth and on the hands and feet; such blisters can also appear on the legs, arms and buttocks. The lesions are normally not painful and resolve in three or four days. Some species of enterovirus also cause fever, nausea and vomiting. Rarely, enteroviruses can lead to dehydration, viral meningitis or heart inflammation.

I can understand the worry that your school -- and you -- have regarding this infection. As I noted, the incubation period is typically three to five days, but one study of an outbreak at a day care showed that children were infectious up to seven days. And, not to make you overly worried, but some enteroviruses can be passed in the stool up to 10 weeks after infection.

I would ask school officials at which date the infected child began having symptoms of HFMD. If it was more than five days ago, I would be less concerned about your child now developing the disease.

However, because the virus can be shed long after disease, I would stress the importance of hand-washing. If your daughter does get hand-foot-and-mouth disease, the symptoms likely will not last long, and any discomfort can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Watch for warning signs of potential complications, such as listlessness, severe headache or neck stiffness. Consult your pediatrician if your child has these symptoms.

Also, if your daughter does become infected, make sure to practice good hygiene at home, so the virus does not pass to you or other family members.
The Pentagon announced the deployment of dozens of US troops to Somalia last week, the first deployment of regular infantry since 1994, to assist the Somali military in the fight against Al Shabaab militants. Coincident with the announcement of the US deployment, a combat contingent from Uganda arrived in Somalias capital city Mogadishu on the weekend.

The Ugandan military contingent, which is one part of a multi-country cooperative offensive, replaces a group of Ugandan forces after that groups one-year tour of duty ended. The Ugandan troops are to augment the US-backed African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) against the Islamist militants.

The Ugandan troops are culled from the Ugandan Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF), that countrys military, and are largely funded by Washington, which has funneled billions of dollars to regional governments in its imperialist effort to secure the installation of a puppet government in Mogadishu. Uganda, along with several East African countries including Ethiopia and Kenya, are key allies in Washingtons efforts.

AMISOM, the multi-country military force operating in Somalia and administered by the African Union with the full backing of the United Nations, is made up of combat forces from Kenya, Burundi, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Djibouti, Nigeria, Zambia, and Sierra Leone. The bulk of its troops come from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti and Sierra Leone. More than 22,000 combat forces are currently deployed to the war-torn Horn of Africa nation. Additionally, the US already has a contingent of Special Forces personnel operating within Somalia.

The increased military offensive in Somalia is being carried out with the aim of supporting the government of Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and its Transitional Federal Government, and neutralizing Al Shabaab, the Somali Al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamist militia.

The US eyes the Horn of Africa as a geopolitical prize due to its strategic importance fronting the waterway for the worlds oil traffic through the Gulf of Aden from the Red Sea in the Middle East.

Al Shabaab, perceived by Washington as a roadblock for its imperialist objectives in dominating Somalia, has vowed to double its response to the increased US military offensive in a statement by the militant organizations news agency Shahada.

On April 9, Somalias military chief General Mohamed Ahmed Jimale survived a car bomb attack, for which Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility. The attack came after the newly sworn-in military chiefs recent declaration he would launch a new offensive in cooperation with Washington targeting the militia. Fifteen people were killed in the attack, including several civilian passengers on a minibus in the vicinity.

A day later, the militant group bombed a military academy in Mogadishu, killing five Somali soldiers.

The increased US offensive follows a sordid and bloody history of Washingtons involvement in the severely impoverished nation, most notably the infamous 1993 US operation on Mogadishu to neutralize Islamist militants which resulted in a debacle for the Clinton administration and culminated in the shooting down of two US helicopters in Mogadishu. Eighteen US Special Forces personnel and hundreds of Somalis were killed in the 15-hour offensive.

Since its rout in 1993, Washington has largely relied on drone and missile attacks on the country, resulting in scores of deaths of civilians, including women and children.

The humiliating 1993 defeat came in the aftermath of the violent US-backed overthrow of the Mohammed Siad Barre government in 1991, which was aligned with the former Soviet Union. Consequently, Somalia fell into complete disarray, with no central government, and the country fractured into various tribal factions.

Washington was irked by the formation of the Islamic Courts Union in 1999, set up in the chaotic aftermath of Siad Barres overthrow as a rival to the US-backed Transitional National Government.

The Islamic Courts Union controlled much of Southern Somalia and Mogadishu until 2006, with its defeat following years of bloody conflict with tribal warlords and US-backed forces supporting the Transitional Federal Government which replaced the Transitional National Government. Al Shabaab grew out of this chaotic stew.

The Transitional Federal Government formed in 2004 and based in Mogadishu is packed with US-backed technocrats and protected by a coterie of East African US-allied military forces. It has never had any popular support in the country.

Since the fall of the Siad Barre government in 1991, the social conditions in the country have deteriorated dramatically, Somalia is today one of the most impoverished nations in the world. In a country which 70 percent of the population is aged 30 and under, youth unemployment is at 67 percent, according to UN figures. The poverty rate for the Somalian masses is at a shocking 73 percent, and life expectancy is 55 years. More than half the population does not have access to clean water sources, resulting in elevated levels of disease.

Decades of war and conflict stoked by US imperialism have taken its toll on the Somalian masses, with thousands left maimed.

Escalating military operations in Somalia also come amidst a devastating famine currently sweeping across Somalia and East Africa, which is expected to afflict tens of millions. The US-backed imperialist violence will only exacerbate the intolerable social crisis afflicted on the Somalian masses and the surrounding region.

The US troop deployment to Somalia is part of Washingtons increasing turn to the use of its massive military power to solve the crisis of the capitalist system, not only in Africa, but across the globe. From the standpoint of the ruling class, they will be satisfied with nothing less than the complete subjugation of the African continents economies under the hegemonic control of US corporate and banking interests.

With the election of a nationalist figure in Donald Trump to the White House, the US ruling class is turning to ever more aggressive and reckless means to hold onto the massive amounts of wealth it has accumulated at the expense of the worlds working class.

Rivals to US domination across the globe such as China and Russia, and increasingly, France and Germany, constitute the ultimate targets in Washingtons drive for global domination of economic resources and markets in order to rid itself of the crisis of capitalism.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Those living in Tallahassee's Frenchtown neighborhood have been pushing back against a proposed $50 million student housing project for weeks.

After a series of meetings, neighbors tell us the developer, Landmark Properties, is willing to make some concessions. However, people in the community say the fight against this project isn't over.

This entire block was originally supposed to be turned into a 900 bed, five story student housing community.

The community was outraged when they heard about this project, because they feel it destroys so much of the historical significance of this neighborhood.

"Much of the historical integrity has been lost over the past 40 years," said community activist Delaitre Hollinger. "So many homes and businesses have been torn down, so we want to hold on to what's left. What our request to the commission would be is to approve an overlay of the area that would preserve what's left."

The developer has also reportedly agreed to scale back the height of the building only on the Macomb Street side, so it matches the height of the Renaissance Community Center. Neighbors say the developer has even agreed to put money toward building a historic display on the site.

However, that still doesn't seem to be enough.

"I'm worried there will be people living here but it won't keep the same sense of community. It won't be Frenchtown anymore," said Frenchtown resident Mercy Miranda.

Although it's not set in stone yet, some community leaders are calling this project a "done deal," which has neighborhood activists looking to the future.

"What I'm hoping is that we move forward in stopping this type of thing," said Mutaqee Akbar, a local Attorney & business owner. "Change the zoning, do an overlay of the Frenchtown area to say what we want it to look like. Whether that's retail or residential, whatever it is, if we do that overlay, then everybody would have to abide by that."

WTXL reached out to Landmark Properties for comment but did not get a response.

The city commission will vote on the details of the updated proposal at their April 26th meeting.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)--A Tallahassee Community College political science professor discusses North Korea's failed missile launch.

Edward Duggan sat down with us to explain the launch and what happens moving forward.
MOUNT PLEASANT  A 15-year-old Racine has been charged after he allegedly shot himself in the stomach last month.

According to the criminal complaint:

Desmond A. Lindsey, 15, of the 2200 block of Layard Avenue, has been charged with felony possession of a firearm by an adjudicated delinquent. He was waived into adult court.

At about midnight on March 25, a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed in Mount Pleasant was pulled over in the area of the Walmart Neighborhood Market, 5625 Washington Ave. Police located a teen in the backseat of the vehicle with a gunshot wound.

Police had originally been told that Lindsey had shown up at the drivers residence with the gunshot wound, but as witnesses were interviewed separately, different stories reportedly began to emerge.

At about 1:32 a.m., one witness said that Lindsey reportedly shot himself while playing with a gun in a spare room.

The witness stated that they didnt tell the truth at first because they were reportedly afraid of Lindsey and his family; knew Lindsey was a felon; shouldnt have a gun and could get into a lot of trouble. When police asked where the gun was, the witness stated it could still be in the apartment or the car.

According to the criminal complaint, in a later story, the same witness said there was a fight going on and Lindsey reportedly went to a back room to get a gun. That was when he reportedly shot himself.

According to his criminal complaint, Lindsey was previously convicted of felony substantial battery, party to the crime, in a case in Milwaukee County.
John B. Reed, 53, right, was captured in Mexico where he allegedly fled after killing two people in Snohomish County. Tony Reed, left, pleaded guilty to helping his brother hide the bodies. (Snohomish County Sheriff Office)
METHOW  A truck driver who was killed in a double-fatality crash on Highway 153 near Methow on July 6 worked for the same company as the truc
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RACINE  Its not unusual for Vera Scekic and Robert Osborne to give their teenage children articles to read before dinner.

There will be an op-ed piece in The New York Times and Ill just tell them Before dinner I want you girls to read this and well talk a little about it,  Vera Scekic said. Im not sure they appreciate it, but they will sometime in their lives.

Self-described newspaper junkies, the family often talks about politics and current events in the house, and it seems like 16-year-old Sofia Osborne Scekic has been bitten by the political bug.

A junior at Walden High School, Sofia said she has an interest in government, especially after the 2016 presidential election. She was recently named a Wisconsin State Senate Scholar, an award thats only given to 33 students in the state.

Sofia and her mother say they learned about the program while reading different newspapers.

It sounded interesting and I looked up more about it, Sofia said. I decided to apply because I (thought) it was something that would help me understand how the state legislature works.

To apply for the program, Sofia had to submit a resume, two letters of recommendation, and answer about 30 questions on Wisconsin history and culture. She also received the endorsement of her state senator, Bob Wirch, D-Somers.

The bulk of this got done over (winter) break, Vera Scekic said. The poor child  instead of having time off she (was) wrestling with this application.

A learning experience

From March 27-31, Sofia was in Madison, where she was immersed in state politics, starting with breakfast in the capital building at 8 a.m. and often finishing around 6:30 or 7 p.m.

I learned a lot about how the government works and all the different jobs people take in government, Sofia said.

As the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee debated the upcoming budget, Sofia and the other students in the program watched it happen in person.

It was interesting to hear them discussing the budget, Sofia said. Just listening to them talk and debate about what some people thought more money should go towards and other people saying where they think money should go.

Passing a bill

As part of the program, Sofia and the other students participated in their own mock process of passing a bill that would lower the age allowed to give blood to 14.

We had fake letters from constituents, Sofia said. We had to come up with our own reasons on why we should lower it or why we shouldnt.

The mock bill passed, Sofia said, and the process had an impact on her.

It was more difficult than I thought, Sofia said. Not everyone agreed with everything.

Robert Osborne said Sofia saw how people with opposing viewpoints managed to get together to discuss issues and move forward.

In todays environment that seems to be (happening) less and less, Robert said.

Sofia said the students met with different state agencies, lobbyists, news media and people who work directly with Gov. Scott Walker.

I was surprised as to how many people work for the state, Sofia said. We had a meeting with the legislative council and they introduced to us how bills were drafted.

Making an impact

Sen. Wirch said he spoke with Sofia briefly and was impressed with her interest in state government.

You could see the twinkle in that she loved the exposure to state government and looked like she learned a lot, Wirch said. She got to see what goes on behind the scenes to prepare legislation and to look at budget items.

Vera said it was good for Sofia to understand how local policy decisions impact them at home.

The decisions that are made locally at the state level can impact you even more than the ones that get made at the federal level, Vera said. This is the tier of government that people dont pay enough attention to.

Vera said other students in the Racine Unified School District with an interest in politics should seriously consider becoming a Wisconsin State Scholar.

I hope more Unified students apply to this program, Vera said. I think this is a fantastic opportunity. Theres so many kids that could qualify for this program  a lot of people dont know that this program exists.
Brotzeit as the best restaurant-bought spaetzle I have tried by far. Recently, I found myself in the company of some of my Manila food blogger friends once again at Brotzeit, enjoying their spaetzle, and then some. On the previous blog post wherein I share an easy recipe for spaetzle made from scratch, I mentioned how I consider the cheese spaetzle atas the best restaurant-bought spaetzle I have tried by far. Recently, I found myself in the company of some of my Manila food blogger friends once again at, enjoying their spaetzle, and then some.





Brotzeit has just launched their new lunch and kiddie menu offerings. Which I believe is a good reason to visit them even outside the happy hour.





If you are one of those who is under thee impression that Brotzeit is only good for those who loves to drink beer and eat sausages (I know some people who do, it's shocking and sad), you gotta believe me that they are so much more than that.





Brotzeit aside from being an awesome place for drinking spree is also a great place to go to to satisfy your hunger. Especially during lunch hours when their meal offerings of great German dishes were tagged with a price that wouldn't put a dent in your pocket. And yes, they got kiddie meal too so you can tag along that kiddie companion of yours. Awesome Brotzeit, as per usual.





There are quite a handful of lunch offerings on the new menu and we tried few of them. First one was one of my favorite at Brotzeit, the spaetzle. This Baked Spaetzle (Php350) boast of plump cheese spaetzle pasta dumpling made all the more palatable by an addition of generous feta cheese and spinach. It's a German version of Mac and Cheese so it is impossible not to love this dish.





Next we tried Jaeger Schnitzel (Php350) which at first bite stole my heart from the get go. Crisp and tender pork cutlet with generous mushroom sauce, just the mere thought of this dish makes me salivate as I write this. I have tried Brotzeit's Schnitzel before and I knew then that it was good but I don't know what they are up to these days because it feels like it has improved a lot. I cannot explain, I just want to eat it again and again and again.





Truth be told, I was a bit deceived by the simplicity of Brathandl (Php265), a roast chicken dish served with green peas rice pilaf. Little did I know, it possess such intricate flavors that may made one think that it isn't just your ordinary roasted chicken. It has a depth in flavor. And while diners can opt for pommes instead of rice pilaf, I still highly recommend having it with rice.





Reisfleisch (Php295) is a stewed pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables and rice. I love it not just because it's downright flavorful but because the generous serving portion fits a hefty eater like myself.





Meaty patty with bacon and caramelized onions on a brezn bun, Brotzeit Burger (Php265) is one good burger dish not to miss when you are one of those who are crazy over burger. The serving size is a tad too small for my liking but that's just because I am a big eater. Nonetheless, the meaty flavor was spot-on and that buns, man it was good.





Another one of my favorites was the Pork Belly Sandwich (Php265). The green apple salad thrown in the mix was a revelation for me. It's a sandwich packed with flavor with teasing interplay of texture brought about by the sourdough bread and everything in between.





Geschnetzeltes (Php350) is pork cutlets with mushroom sauce served with spaetzle, rice with green peas, or mashed potato. I wasn't able to try this one but judging how fellow diners finished the dish in one go, it seems like a really good dish to try on my next visit.





The All-Day Breakfast (Php320) comprised of garlic sausage, egg, bacon, roasted potatoes and Bavarian beans. Seriously, I do not possess the power to say no to an all-day breakfast goodies and this one is not an exemption. That garlic sausage was freaking amazing I tell yah.





Pan Seared Chicken Breast (Php350) the menu says that the chicken breast was stuffed with bacon and onions and it is served with German flat noodles and mushroom sauce. I don't know what happen to me that I missed trying out this dish. But it sounds promising, I must say.





Aside from the affordable lunch meals, the new lunch menu also features side dishes add-ons that go perfectly well with the main. Some of these side dishes include soup, onion rings, and salad. Prices ranges from Php80 to Php110.





The lunch menu selections we tried were good and highly recommend it to those who wants something good and affordable for their lunch. But then, when at Brotzeit, it is highly recommended not to miss the platter. The Brotzeitplatte (Php2,500) is good for 4 to 5 hefty eaters as it comprised of one Schweinshaxn (Pork Knuckles), Pork or Chicken Schnitzel, Signature Sausages, and your choice of two side dishes.





Of course, also not to be missed are German beers. Go for 1 liter because you deserve it, hey.





Now if you, sadly cannot have beer because let's say you're just on lunch break and would still need to go back to your office, there are other good options. There's Eiskaffe (Php180) a Bavarian-style espresso based iced coffee topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and shaved almonds. Best. Iced. Coffee. Ever!





Then, there is also the richest hot chocolate drink you can get your hands on, the Heisse Schokolade.





Now about the kiddie menu. I don't have kids but I am guessing that parents who loves Brotzeit would be very happy that they can now tag along their kids at Brotzeit and not worry about the food choices for their kiddies. Each meal already comes with iced tea and a Kinder Joy treat.





And because me and my food blogger friends are kids-at-heart, we also got to try some items on the Kinder Menu. First one was the Kinder Fladen (Php350) a flatbread topped with cheese and smoked ham. If your kids love pizza, this can be a good choice.





There are also Pancakes (Php350) fluffy pancakes with cream cheese glaze and sprinkles and Chicken Nuggets (Php350) crispy fried chicken fillet served with pommes.





One kiddie dish that we adults went crazy over for was the Corndog (Php350). Reminds us of the good old days.





Now for the Month of May, Brotzeit Philippines has an exciting fun-filled activities for the kids called Brotzeit Junior Chef at Work. This activity will allow your kids to be a junior chef and personally make their very own delicious Brotzeit dishes. Workshop price is Php1,500 per kid.





Brotzeit branches are located at Shangri-La Mall, Glorietta 4 Makati, and Shangri-La at The Fort. For more information about Brotzeit's new lunch and kiddie menu, you may check out their Facebook page (@brotzeitph).




















Two bodies were found in the Kinneret Monday on the sixth day of searches for three young men who went missing amid treacherous currents last week.

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The two bodies were identified as Nachman Itach, 21, and Liron Karadi, 17. Searches are still ongoing for Itamar Ohana, 19.

Bodies of two of the three missing young men (Photo: Efi Schrer)

The bodies were discovered after a fishing vessel fitted with a sonar device from the Israeli Navy identified two human-like objects in the water. Divers discovered the remains at a depth of 20-30 meters roughly 600 meters from the coast.

Photo: Avihu Shapira

Given information about their disappearance last week, the two young men drifted roughly 300 meters from their origin before drowning.

The bodies were transferred to a police post at Kibbutz Degania where commander of the northern district and Deputy Commissioner Alon Asur updated the families.

Nachman Itach and Liron Karadi

The three young men arrived independently of one another during Passover break for vacation. Severe weather swept the three young men, who were on sea-mattresses, into the heart of the Kinneret where they went missing.

The same day the three went missing, police rescued some 80 people who had gone adrift.

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
TOKYO -- In a trip dominated by concerns about North Korea's nuclear intentions, Vice President Mike Pence assured Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Tuesday that the United States is ready to work closely with its Asian allies in the region to achieve "a peaceable resolution and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

"We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan," Pence said after arriving from Seoul for talks with Abe. "We are with you 100 percent," the visiting vice president said. President Donald Trump earlier warned that North Korean President Jong Un has "gotta behave."
BEIRUT -- Syrian opposition activists say an airstrike has killed at least eight people in an eastern town that borders Iraq.

The activists say the airstrike late Monday in Boukamal was most likely carried out by the U.S.-led coalition that has been targeting the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.
The New York Times added an editor's note acknowledging past murder and terrorism convictions of Marwan Barghouti on Monday, who recently wrote an Op-ed explaining the reason for his incarceration and why he had chosen to lead a hunger strike by more than 1,100 Palestinian security prisoners.

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The paper's amendment comes amid heavy criticism for failing to acknowledge his past crimes in the original version.

The initial text of the op-ed referred to Barghouti as a "Palestinian leader and parliamentarian," attracting fierce criticism for the crucial key omissions of Barghoutis past record by many who interpreted the decision as the paper's exercise in intentional deception.

Yesh Atid chairman MK Yair Lapid wrote contemptuously of the article. Barghouti was involved in dozens of terror attacks that made people lose family (members), that maimed innocents, that ruined peoples lives. The New York Times forgot to tell its readers that, Lapid wrote.

Marwan Barghouti (Photo: Reuters)

"This article explained the writers prison sentence but neglected to provide sufficient context by stating the offenses of which he was convicted," the note read. "They were five counts of murder and membership in a terrorist organization. Mr. Barghouti declined to offer a defense at his trial and refused to recognize the Israeli courts jurisdiction and legitimacy."

1,187 Palestinian security prisonersout of a total of 6,200 currently held in Israeli prisons began a hunger strike Monday morning

The Israel Prison Services (IPS) is making efforts to prevent incitement by moving prisoners who they consider to be leading the strike, among them Barghouti, to other prisons in an attempt to prevent them from becoming organized.

Palestinians rioting in support of the hunger strike (Credit: Reuters) X

The IPS is also checking if the Op-ed was transferred from Barghouti by letter to his lawyer or written by Barghoutis wife. They will then decide whether to take disciplinary measures against Barghouti.

On Monday thousands of Palestinians demonstrated in support of the hunger strike. Even though concerns were raised by the defense establishment over possible clashes between protestors and security forces, no such incident occurred aside from one near Bethlehem where two protestors were injured after confronting the police.

(Translated & edited by Lior Mor)
28 suspects were arrested Tuesday on suspicion of being involved in a harassment and extortion scheme against executives of large companies in an attempt to force them to advertise in the ultra-Orthodox newspaper Hapeles.

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The newspaper is affiliated with Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach, whose Jerusalem faction leads demonstrations against Haredi conscription into the IDF.

Protestors during arrests (  )

X

Companies targeted by the scheme include Coca Cola, Shufersal, Materna, Tara, Strauss, Tnuva and Optica Halperin.

In the last six months, police conducted an undercover investigation against the extensive operation that concluded last night with a wave of arrests throughout the country. Police also visited the headquarters of Hapeles in Jerusalem and confiscated computers and other multimedia devices.

Overturned dumpsters in Mea Shearim

Some 250 police officers participated in the arrest operation that took place in the early morning hours of Tuesday. Suspects were detained in Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, Modi'in Illit, Ashdod, Rekhasim and Hadera.

Several of the suspects are expected to be arraigned later Tuesday in the Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court.

During the arrests, police were attacked in several locations by crowds of residents who threw objects and shouted abuse at officers. In the Mea Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem, protestors blocked roads with dumpsters.

The investigation began after police received dozens of complaints from company executives who alleged that they were receiving constant harassment by phone, email and fax.

According to police, suspects presented themselves as those representing a large section of the public that "felt deprived" that the companies were not advertising in a newspaper that represents them, such as Hapeles.

At this point, suspects would begin a ceaseless campaign of calls, faxes and email to the same company executives and their families leading to severe disruption, not only in the company's normal activities, but also those of executives' families.

In some cases, hundreds and thousands of calls, emails and faxes would be received every day, with the goal being to coerce the companies to advertise.

Ultra-Orthodox agitators protesting arrests

According to police, the operation was so extensive that suspects operated a special call line in which dozens of workers would clandestinely receive instructions and details related to the people they were supposed to harass.

Shufersal CEO Itzhak Aberkohen said, "It was the same group of people who would harass every day for weeks from the early hours of the morning until the late hours of the night. It got to the point where we had to turn off the phones or put them on silent. It interfered greatly with our personal and family relationships."

According to another executive, "When I was answering and trying to have a conversation, some of the people were polite and some really threatened me. From the other side of the line were children and adults who cursed, screamed and screamed."

Another executive said that apart from threatening the workers, they would also call their parents at unusual hours.

"My mother told me that one morning they called her and said to her, 'Your son is taking a side and you will pay the price for it, the company will also pay a personal price,'" said the executive.

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
We used to be friends. For me, Marwan Barghouti represented the new generation of realistic Palestinians. Those days, in the 1990s, he genuinely supported the peace process. He meant what he said.

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He didnt say one thing to Israelis and the opposite thing to an Arab audience. When he spoke to Israelis, he issued warnings. When he spoke to Arabs and Palestinians, he praised peace.

We were once in a Spanish city together, and the local Arab community wanted to hold a reception exclusively for Palestinians. Barghouti invited me to a meeting with the communitys representatives. Fatah officials Fares Qadura and Sufian Abu Zaida were there too. At a certain point, he spoke like a leader.

Look at us, he said. Together, we have been in prison for more than 100 years. We paid a price and we have come here with Israelis to present a spirit of peace. We dont need you to throw us back into the conflict. He said what he had to say and walked out of the room.

Marwan Barghouti. Would the New York Times publish a similar op-ed by a Taliban terrorist who murdered American civilians? (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

That was Barghouti of the mid-1990s. Later, things changed. He complained to me that Israel was not upholding its part of the agreement, mainly the part about building more settlements. Nothing, however, justifies his deterioration to terrorism and acts of murder.

Several days ago, the New York Times published an opinion piece written by Barghouti, in which he complained about the Israeli occupation and about the ill-treatment of Palestinian prisoners. The op-ed and the stage he was given raise three problems:

First of all, both Barghouti and the newspaper know that in 1999 Israel offered the Palestinians both a state and a divided Jerusalem. Nevertheless, they responded with terrorand Barghouti was one of the leaders of this response.

Barghouti is not in prison because he fought against the occupation or for freedom and liberation. Barghouti turned to terror to fight Israels actual existence as the Jewish peoples national home.

Second, Barghouti is deliberately lyingand so is this important and established paper, which is knowingly publishing a lie: I doubt there are any other terrorists in the world, in France or in the United States, with such amazing conditions as those received by the terrorists jailed in Israels prisons. The Guantanamo Bay detainees dont even dream of such conditions, and neither do terrorists jailed in Frances prisons.

The third problem is the New York Times. This isnt the first time that the American newspaper has knowingly published blatant lies in the form of an opinion articles.

In recent years, it has repeatedly published articles about Israels apartheid laws. When you click the link, you reach the list of laws published by the Adalah organization. There is not a single apartheid law there, but adding a link always creates a serious impression. We are in the fake news era, and the New York Times is taking part in it.

To add insult to injury, the newspaper failed to mention that Barghouti is a terrorist who was convicted of a series of acts of murder by an Israeli civil court. Would the glorious newspaper publish a similar op-ed by a Taliban terrorist who murdered American civilians? Or perhaps an op-ed by a Guantanamo Bay detainee? I think we know the answer.

Its possible that, one day, Barghouti will go back to being the man he used to be. I wish. Inshallah. That doesnt justify publishing a terrorists op-ed. That doesnt justify publishing lies to justify a hunger strike of murderers. That doesnt justify the leading newspapers double standards. This is not the way to advance peacethis is the way to support terror and lies.
LONDON -- North Korea will continue to test missiles regularly and any military action against it by the United States would prompt "all out war", a senior North Korean official has told the BBC.

"We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis," Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol said in an interview with the BBC released late on Monday.

"If the U.S. is reckless enough to use military means it would mean from that very day, an all out war."
With the hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners entering a second day, Ashraf al-Ajrami, former PA Minister of Prisoners Affairs, warned in an interview with Ynet that the strike could lead to violence on the ground.

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"It can happen, because ultimately, we are talking about Fatah, which is the largest (movement) in the West Bank. When people identify with the prisoners it can cause more public sympathy which can lead to demonstrations and confrontations," said al-Ajrami.

Photo: AFP

Roughly 1,200 out of 6,500 Palestinian prisoners are taking part in the strike over the Israel Prison Service's (IPS) refusal to grant a series of demands made by the prisoners.

Dozens of striking prisoners have been transferred between wings and prisons in order to maintain order. Barghouti himself was moved from Hadarim Detention Center to the Kishon Detention Center.

Ashraf al-Ajrami (Photo: Yaron Berner)

According to al-Ajrami, "This strike is intended to improve living conditions of security prisoners, whether it is regarding a family visit, medical treatment, getting access to public phones, access to university studies and getting food as requested by maintaining a kitchen so that they make cook themselves. There are a lot of things they want to improve on their own terms."

Marwan Barghouti in court (Photo: Reuters)

On the question of whether the strike is a political move for Barghouti, al-Ajrami said, "Barghouti isn't the only one in public opinion polls in Palestinian society. All the prisoner organizations agreed to a strike before elections in Fatah. It was agreed upon in August of last year and I don't think it is related to that."

According to policy set down by Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan, there will be no negotiations with prisoners. Furthermore, two years ago, a law allowing for force feeding of prisoners was approveda possibility the IPS is prepared for.

Protests during Prisoners' Day (Photo: Reuters)

However, according to al-Ajrami, the strike is liable to spell violence for Palestinian society. "When these demonstrations erupt into clashes with the IDF, I think that in the end Israel's security apparatuses will not be interested in getting into this situation. Now they will sit with the prisoners and negotiate and meet their demands.

Photo: AFP

"No one can rule out developments, even the most difficult ones on the ground," al-Ajrami continued. "It is the responsibility of the Israeli authorities to negotiate now with the prisoners and improve their conditions."

Israeli officials from across the political spectrum are weighing in on the strike and Marwan Barghouti himself.

Former Chief Commissioner of the IPS, Orit Adato, is of the opinion that Barghouti is attempting to use the strike as a political opportunity.

"The background is all clear to us and this is a political aspect of Barghouti's attempt to return to the forefront of his movement," said Adato.

Photo: Gil Yohanan

Similarly, Yaron Blum, a former senior Shin Bet official, believes that Barghouti is attempting to acquire political capital for himself. "In recent days, he has been in conflict with Abbas and has called for the termination of intelligence cooperation and any other ties with Israel," Blum said.

"He has built a reputation of being far more extreme than Abbas and he is continuing his efforts to acquire political capital that may, in his dreams, lead to his release."

Even Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined the fray, wryly mocking Barghouti's characterization in the New York Times as a "Palestinian leader and parliamentarian," saying, "It's like calling Assad a pediatrician (sic)."

"These are murderers and terrorists and we will never lose our clarity because we are on the side of justice and morality. This moral clarity and the willingness to fight those who come to destroy us are our great strength," said Netanyahu.

(Translated and edited by Fred Goldberg)
BERLIN -- The UN's top human rights official says he's alarmed by what appears to be a "widespread pattern" of rallies in Burundi in which members of a pro-government youth militia sing about impregnating opponents.

The UN human rights office on Tuesday cited reports of several similar incidents. The high commissioner for human rights, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, said "the grotesque rape chants by the young men of the Imbonerakure across several provinces in various parts of Burundi are deeply alarming."

Zeid welcomed the governing party's condemnation but said reports senior officials were present at other rallies are "very disturbing" and called for an acknowledgement that the rally caught on camera "was not an isolated incident."
RACINE  It wasn't the traffic study she requested, but 15th District Alderman Melissa Lemke got representatives from the Department of Public Works and Racine Police Department to turn their attention to a problematic intersection in her district Monday night.

Lemke brought forth the idea of a study of the intersection of Erie Street and Lombard Avenue, and speeding on Erie in general, before the Traffic Commission on Monday after residents complained to her during a recent canvassing session. Resident Gregg Nelsen reported that two vehicles had crashed onto his property, 601 Lombard St., in the past five years.

City Engineer John Rooney presented several recent studies conducted by DPW staff and police at various intersections near Erie and Lombard that did not show speeding as a major issue for the area. Most of the studies revealed that, on average, drivers follow the speed limit in the area and even speeds recorded above the posted limit were only a few mph above at most.

However, Public Works Commissioner Mark Yehlen spoke to the validity of Nelsen's complaints.

"I walk my dog by that intersection five or six times a week and there are tire tracks in their front yard," Yehlen said.

Charles French, a member of the commission, didn't suggest a study, but asked the Police Department to look into the intersection's history.

"What I would like to see is some police reports from the last two years," French said. "I would think there might have been some impaired driving."

French added a new study wouldn't be justified because the recent analysis mentioned by Rooney took place within the last three to four years. Rooney said Erie and Lombard wouldn't meet the criteria for stoplights or four-way stop signs because other nearby intersections had not.

"This will never meet the warrants for signalization," Rooney said. "It probably will never meet the warrants for a four-way stop if South Street didn't make the warrants for a four-way stop."

Review and monitoring

Rooney added that the city would examine the crash history around the intersection in the past two years in a "cursory review." Racine Police Lt. Dave Wohlgemuth added that police would monitor speed in the area.

Lemke said the decision "seemed reasonable."

"I think that's a great place to start and, depending on what the data shows from the crash history, we'll decide if we need to follow up from there," she said.
ERBIL -- The fighting in the Islamic State-held Old City of Mosul, where hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians are trapped, could turn into the worst humanitarian "catastrophe" in the war against the militants, the United Nations warned on Tuesday.

"If there is a siege and hundreds of thousands of people donat have water and donat have food, they will be at enormous risk," UN humanitarian coordinator for Iraq Lise Grande told Reuters in a telephone interview.

"We could be facing a humanitarian catastrophe, perhaps the worst in the entire conflict," she added.
The 57-year-old murderer of British exchange student Hannah Bladon was described as violent and aggressive in an expert opinion provided by the Kfar Shaul Mental Health Center in Jerusalem.

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Before Jamil Tamimi committed his deadly stabbing attack Friday on Jerusalems light rail, he had been hospitalized in Kfar Shaul. During that time, he engaged in violent behavior, a fact that was noted in the written opinion.

Jamil Tamimi in court (Photo: Liran Levi)

Despite this assessment, Tamimi was discharged from the hospital after a month without any restrictive terms. He was transferred into supportive housing in northern Israel. It was from there that he set out on Friday morning for Jerusalem to carry out the stabbing. He received permission for the trip from supportive housings administrator.

Police are set to look into the conduct of the employees in the mental health institutions to ascertain why Tamimi was left at large without any supervision, despite his violent behavior. The institutions are overseen by the Ministry of Health.

Tamimi has a criminal record, which involves a conviction in 2011 for sexually assaulting daughter in. He also has disturbing episodes in his psychiatric past that include attempted suicide by swallowing a razor blade.

The Ministry of Health has yet to provide a comment on the matter.

Following a psychological evaluation, Tamimi was found on Tuesday to be fit to stand trial.

On Friday morning, the supportive housing residence in the north notified Tamimis family that he had left the premises, to which one of the family members responded that they wanted nothing to do with him.
A senior Hamas official said threats by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cannot force the militant group to cede control in the Gaza Strip.

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Khalil al-Hayya told reporters on Tuesday that Abbas' threat to take "unprecedented steps" to restore political unity to the Palestinian territory will not succeed.

Al-Hayya said "Gaza can't be threatened or terrified and Hamas doesn't accept threats."

The Islamic terrorist group seized Gaza from Abbas' Palestinian Authority in 2007, leaving the Palestinians divided between rival governments in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Repeated attempts at reconciliation have failed.

Seeking to put pressure on Hamas, Abbas has slashed the salaries of thousands of former civil servants in Gaza and imposed a tax on fuel shipments to Hamas-ruled Gaza.

Al-Hayya called on Abbas to reverse the measures.
Two Palestinian youths, who threw a Molotov cocktail at a Border Police jeep in the area of the Tunnels Road in Jerusalem, were arrested.

The bottle had not flared up. Following the incident, the soldiers located the two Palestinian suspects.

In a search carried out by the soldiers, several additional Molotov cocktails were found in one of the suspects' backpack.
CAIROAn attack on security forces near Egypt's Saint Catherine's Monastery in South Sinai has killed at least one, and injured four, state television reported on Tuesday.

The attack comes just a week after two bombings on churches claimed by Islamic State killed 45 people.
One of my top priorities as Governor is to reduce the tax burden on all Nebraskans to grow our state.

The Tax Foundation ranks Nebraska 14th highest for income tax collections per capita and USA Today rates us 5th highest for property taxes. We can, and must, do better.

As I travel Nebraska, people share with me their personal stories about how taxes are hurting their families and businesses. Roxie and her husband run a small restaurant and family farm near Fremont. Last year they took out a second mortgage on their house to pay their property and income tax bill. For Roxie, tax reform is the difference between keeping the business and farm, or shuttering their operation. This is not an isolated situation. I hear these stories from Nebraskans in every corner of our state. Each story deepens my resolve to deliver better tax policy to Nebraskans.

I have been working closely with Revenue Committee Chair Jim Smith and Agriculture Committee Chair Lydia Brasch to put together a tax reform package that will provide meaningful tax relief to families and small business owners now.

Nebraskans in every county want to see a change in how property taxes are assessed, and families want to keep more of the money they earn. This is why this tax reform package reforms both ag land valuations and reduces income taxes.

Property tax reform must be delivered for our farm and ranch families. Income taxes must be reduced to help our hardworking families, grow small business opportunities, and create new and good-paying jobs. To get either one of these goals accomplished, we are going to have to work together and do both.

Last week, the Revenue Committee advanced a comprehensive tax reform package in LB461 that includes both the property and income tax reforms I announced at the beginning of this session. The package will go to the full Legislature very soon. Here are the top five things you should know about the tax plan:

Property Tax Reform First: The plan changes the way ag land is valued for taxation purposes beginning in 2018, moving from a comparable market sales approach to valuing land based on its income potential. Functionally, this plan would have reduced ag land property valuations by $12 billion if it had been in place in 2017. This would have been an average reduction of 12 percent statewide. With flat levies, this would have reduced property tax on ag land by about $147 million in 2017. This plan also protects our K-12 schools with a projected investment of over $30 million each year in the state aid formula.

Incremental Income Tax Relief: Starting in 2020, reduces the top income tax rate incrementally from 6.84 percent to 5.99 percent, but only if state revenues are expected to grow by 3.5 percent or more.

Tax Credits for Low-Income Families: Starting in 2019, the plan provides tax credits for low-income families, increases the personal exemption credit, and expands the existing Earned Income Tax Credit. The plan contains approximately $7 million of new tax credits a year for low-income Nebraska families.

Corporate Tax Relief to Create Jobs: The plan incrementally reduces the top corporate income tax rate from 7.81 percent to 5.99 percent to help make Nebraska more attractive to new companies or companies looking to expand. After an initial reduction to 7.59 percent, the plan makes continued incremental reductions only if state revenues are projected to grow by 4 percent or more starting in 2020.

Tax Relief for All Nebraskans: Nebraskans of all income levels will see tax relief on their income under this plan. Middle and low-income Nebraskans will see the biggest percentage reduction in income taxes.

This is responsible tax reform that delivers relief to the Nebraskans who need it most, and is sustainable even as we work to restrain our growth in spending. Tax reform will grow Nebraska unleashing long-term growth on Main Street and in agriculture by allowing working Nebraskans to keep more of the money they earn.

You might wonder how we can pass tax reform at the same time we are working to balance the budget. None of the proposed reforms would adversely impact the budget, or require cuts to the upcoming two-year budget. This tax reform plan is designed to protect state budget needs and investments in education and public safety.

I urge you to contact your senator immediately and encourage them to control the growth in government and support tax reform this year. Special interests in the State Capitol do not want to see any relief pass this year, because they want to see more government spending. Visit www.NebraskaLegislature.gov for information on how to contact your senator. If you have additional thoughts on tax reform that youd like to share with me, please contact my office at pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or 402-471-2244.
YORK  Jacob C. Johnson, 26, of York, has pleaded not guilty in a case where he is accused of operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest.

His arraignment was held in York County District Court.

According to court documents, the case started on Feb. 16, when the York Police Department received a call from a woman who said her ex-boyfriend was at her place of employment. She said he was tearing the store apart and yelling at her.

When a police officer arrived, he allegedly encountered Johnson in the parking lot of the business.

According to the affidavit filed by the police officer, he came toward me in the parking lot, in an aggressive manner and screaming, Just tase me, over and over. As he continued to come toward me, I was able to push him back. I yelled for him to get on the ground, he did not. As he was getting closer to the witnesses (standing) outside, I attempted to get in front of him. He then ran back to his vehicle, got in and locked the doors. I ordered him to exit the vehicle, he refused. He then began to back out of the stall, narrowly missing the police cruiser and took off at a high rate of speed. Other officers and I began to follow him with our emergency lights initiated. He did not yield.

The affidavit said that the York County Sheriffs Department was informed of the situation, as was the Polk County Sheriffs Department (because he was headed north). He was later located on Highway 81, traveling south back towards York, the officer said in his report. The York County Sheriffs Department attempted to stop him by the Polk/York county line, but he allegedly refused to stop for deputies for several miles. Eventually, according to court documents, he stopped at Benedict and was arrested.

A jury trial has been set for later this year.

If convicted, Johnson could be facing a possible maximum of two years in prison, as this is a Class 4 felony.
GRAND ISLAND  The Nebraska State Fair took a big step Friday to greatly improve its ability to provide security and internet connectivity for visitors and vendors during the fair, which this year is Aug. 25 to Sept. 4.

At its April meeting, the State Fair board approved $265,000 in funding for Pierson Wireless to improve and expand the fairs internet connectivity, along with updating its wireless infrastructure with the latest generation of wireless technology.

Joseph McDermott, State Fair executive director, said the funding will be spent during a three-year period, with the bulk of it in 2017.

The money will go for an improved wireless network across the grounds using the latest technology, McDermott said.

Included in that funding, he said, will be security cameras that will record video to a hard drive.

The Nebraska State Patrol and the Nebraska State Fair are looking to increase the level of safety and security for our fairgoers, McDermott said. That is why we are spending that money. Over the course of the next three-plus years, Im sure that we will be adding cameras that the State Patrol and our own internal security staff can better monitor whos entering the grounds and the activities that are taking place on the grounds.

He said the whole system is designed to make our fairgoers feel safer.

As more and more people are connected with their smartphones and other devices, the fair board felt that increasing the ability of fairgoers and vendors to connect to the internet is vital to provide a better fair experience.

The new system will better reach all areas of Fonner Park during the State Fair and make it easier to get access through the State Fair wi-fi system with a faster signal and wider coverage, especially as the fair expands to the east area of Fonner Park and adds more new attractions and events.

We like to think that we are the most technologically advanced fair in the country, McDermott said. There are fiber optics laid in most areas of the grounds, but the older part of the grounds does not have fiber. What we are looking to do is to improve the wireless signal groundswide, which includes the older part, so as fairgoers are on the grounds, they can connect to the network, post to social media and that type of thing.

He said they want everyone to have a better experience here at the fair.

Of course, the technology is aimed at all fairgoers, but certainly the younger clientele dont go anywhere unless they are connected, he said.

McDermott said this investment will allow the fair to do other things that improve the operations of the event as well.

He said the improved wireless network and the security cameras inside facility buildings and out on the grounds will be installed prior to the 2017 fair.

In other State Fair board developments, Kathleen Lodl, who represents the 4-H program on the board, provided an update about Raising Nebraska and what will be new for the 2017 State Fair and its year-round presence.

Last year, the interactive display on all aspects of Nebraska agriculture that is located in the Nebraska Building had contact with 560,000 people. A total of 1,385 participants received 190 hours of instructional teaching during Raising Nebraskas 44 programs for schools, youth organizations and daycares.

Lodl said that plans are being developed to increase the activities and attractions in the outdoor part of Raising Nebraska during the fair, along with expanding some of the exhibits located inside.

Another goal is increasing the education component of Raising Nebraska during the fair by bringing nationally recognized speakers, such as personalities from the Food Network to give cooking demonstrations.

Kim Pederson, volunteer and program coordinator for the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, also updated fair board members about the volunteer program during the fair.

The chamber coordinates the volunteer program and Pederson said they have a goal of recruiting 800 volunteers for the fair this year. She told the board that she is updating the various volunteer job descriptions and working with area businesses on a program that will allow some of their employees to work as volunteers during the State Fair.

Also, Pederson said the third annual Nebraska State Fair Volunteer Appreciation Kickoff will be held May 8 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena at Fonner Park.

To learn more about the State Fair volunteer program or to volunteer, visit www.statefair.org/p/getinvolved/190
RACINE COUNTY  As the state Legislature faces a number of key state budget decisions, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and state Sen. Van Wanggaard spent Monday afternoon and evening staking their positions and getting feedback from residents.

Vos, R-Rochester, and Wanggaard, R-Racine, held listening sessions on the budget in Burlington, Union Grove and Mount Pleasant as the state budget committee prepares for votes this spring.

Gov. Scott Walker and the Republican-controlled Legislature have already differed on a number of issues, including University of Wisconsin System funding and roads.

This is where the difficulty comes in, in prioritizing where we need to trim dollars or add dollars, said Wanggaard, R-Racine.

Burlington

At the Burlington session, held at Veterans Terrace, 589 Milwaukee Ave., comments from about 40 residents in attendance ranged from weighty issues such as voucher schools to the future of the state Department of Natural Resources magazine, which drew attention when Walker proposed to stop printing it.

Resident Jerry Johnson said the cost savings from killing the magazine would be minimal compared to the benefits of promoting the state and educating readers.

What (Walkers) done with the DNR is just sad and shameful, Johnson said.

Vos said he does not want the state to subsidize the publications writers, but favors selling the magazines membership list so a private entity could pick up where the magazine left off. The DNR needs to prioritize environmental protection and not propagating their own philosophy through the DNR magazine, he said.

Vos also said he favors a bill in the Legislature that would ease regulations on high-capacity wells, saying it would allow already-permitted wells on agricultural properties to be part of any sale of those properties, which he said is reasonable.

Some residents, though, had concerns about the impact on groundwater and whether large farms are using too much of it.

What it takes is a politician, a statesman, of courage and honor to recognize there is a problem ... and we have to start to come to grips with it, said resident Irene Bialas.

Vos also expressed more support for school choice, adding the funding system could be improved, particularly related to dollars following children to the school they attend.

Mount Pleasant

Later Monday, the legislators led a discussion on similar topics at the Mount Pleasant Village Hall, 8811 Campus Drive.

Mount Pleasant residents Dennis and Karen Martin wanted to learn more about how the state plans to fund the transportation system.

They need to finish I-94 in Racine. But how do you do that when Scott Walker doesnt want to raise any gas taxes? Dennis Martin asked.

The Martins favor toll booths on Interstate 94 near the Illinois border.

There needs to be a creative way to fund it, Karen Martin said. Let the nonresidents help pay for our roads.

Vos said economic development is at risk with the transportation woes. Especially when Haribo of America Inc., citing I-94, which has been widened up to Racine, as a reason why the company chose to build its first North American manufacturing facility in Pleasant Prairie.

Transportation is in the governors blind spot, Vos said.

Wanggaard said hes embarrassed and wants to know when I-94 through Racine County will be finished.

I believe its important, Wanggaard said. This should have been started and should have been done by now. So we need to get a commitment on when its going to be done, not dig a hole somewhere else and start another project.

Vos said the state needs to get away from politicizing projects and get back to using the Transportation Projects Commission to set priorities for project dollars.

We have to be smarter how we build our roads, Vos said.

Vos said if toll roads were used in Wisconsin, 20 percent to 25 percent of funds raised would be from nonresidents, and tolls would raise enough money to meet the transportation needs of the Interstate system in Wisconsin.

It requires us to have some foresight and courage, Vos said.

The proposed budget is going through the public hearing process throughout the state, with votes on the budget expected to begin in early May.
This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company.

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VILLANOVA, Pa.  Villanova University celebrates Earth Day all week with a series of events from Tuesday, April 18 through Sunday, April 23. Festivities will include a sustainability fair and farmers market, Kilometers for Climate 5K run/3K walk, Day of Action with federal and state legislators and a keynote lecture from Dominic Frongillo, who was a delegate to UN climate talks on how young people around the world are leading social change through public service, social-responsible enterprises, and community action. The celebration will also include the March for Science on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22 in Philadelphia and the Earth Day of Service on Sunday, April 23, where faculty, staff and students will travel to Sweet Fields in Norristown to plant trees and shrubs.

Our Earth Day celebrations wouldnt happen without the tremendous support of the University community, who dedicate so much time and effort to make this possible, said Liesel Schwarz, Villanovas Sustainability Manager. We are very excited about the additions to this years schedule and expect a great turnout from Villanovans to support our environment.

A full listing of events can be found here.

Following the Earth Day commemorations, students and other members of the Villanova community will also be participating in the Peoples Climate Movement in Washington D.C. on Saturday, April 29.

In 2007, Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. Further advancing the Universitys pledge to sustainability, he established the Presidents Environmental Sustainability Committee on Villanovas campus. This committeecomprised of faculty, staff, and students from across the Universityis charged with taking action on all aspects of campus sustainability and in implementing the Presidents Climate Commitment on behalf of the University. In October 2016, College of Engineering Dean Gary Gabriele signed The White Houses Educators Commitment on Resilient Design pledge to train and educate future leaders about the impacts and preparations needed to address extreme weather events and climate change. Villanova has expanded its sustainability efforts, including the launch of new masters degree programs in Environmental Science and Sustainable Engineeringadding academic programs with an emphasis on the environment and sustainability.

In addition, the University has five LEED certified buildings on campus and has committed to LEED certification for all new construction and major renovation projects. In April 2014, Father Donohue signed the St. Francis Pledge, committing the University to protect God's Creation and advocate on behalf of people in poverty who face the hardest impacts of global climate change.

Villanova continues to be recognized as one of the nations greenest colleges, having received national recognition for its commitment to sustainability by a number of organizations including the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Villanova recycles and composts up to 48% percent of its waste, sending all of its trash to Covanta, an energy-from-waste facility that burns the trash for electricity. The University has installed over 30 hydration stations on campus to make it more convenient to fill up reusable water bottles. The initiative has already saved the equivalent of more than a million water bottles. In 2016, Villanova received a Tree Campus USA recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to promote healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. Villanova also incorporates its commitment to the environment into its community service initiatives. To learn more about Villanovas commitment to environmental sustainability, click here.
Ahmedabad/New Delhi: Ahmedabad-based Jagat Kinkhabwala, better known as 'Chakliwala' for his passion for saving sparrows and bringing the humble bird back to the cityscape, did not expect any response when he sent his book to many in Delhi, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

However, he was stunningly surprised when the PM sent a letter in response to the book 'Save the Sparrows'.

Talking to DeshGujarat, Kinkhabwala, also known as 'sparrow man', said that in the letter, dated April 12, the PM did not only congratulate him but also displayed his sensitivity towards the issue.

Agreeing that the issue needed greater awareness, the PM mentioned in the letter that in our culture, we are taught to live in harmony with birds, plants, and animals.

Here's the copy of the letter:
Islamabad: Pakistan's National Assembly has passed an unanimous resolution to condemn the "barbaric and cold-blooded murder" of a 23-year-old university student who was lynched by a violent mob over alleged blasphemy.

Mashal Khan, a journalism student, in Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan was killed by an enraged mob last week, blaming him of passing anti-Islam remarks.

The tragedy has sparked an outrage and demands to reform the laws dealing with blasphemy.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Senate or upper house of parliament has sought changes in the blasphemy laws to avert its misuse after the lynching.

Dawn reported that the Senators in yesterday's session called for amending the blasphemy law to punish those who concoct blasphemy accusations against others and demanded a campaign against those taking the law into their own hands.

Pakistan Peoples Party senator Farhatullah Babar said a religious scholar had proposed that those who levelled false accusations should suffer the same sentence as provided for a blasphemer.

He recalled how a federal Shariat Court decision had prompted the maximum punishment for blasphemy to be increased from life imprisonment to death, reminding the house that Raja Zafarul Haq the current leader of the House was the chairman of law and justice committee at the time.

He said the committee had made some suggestions while approving the bill and called for that report to be made the basis of any further action.

"The assassination of Mashal Khan should make us think about concrete measures to prevent the misuse of the blasphemy law; we need to revisit this law," he remarked.

Retired Gen Abdul Qayyum of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) also called for flaws in the blasphemy law to be addressed.

He stressed that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance and prohibits any excesses, even against animals.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Siraj-ul-Haq said that the rule of law was what defined a civilised society and that even if someone was guilty of a crime, no individual or organisation had the right to punish that individual unilaterally.

"This shows an imbalance and lack of tolerance in society," he remarked.

Winding up the discussion, Minister of State for Interior Baleeghur Rahman said there was clarity on the issue at a political level as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the heads of political parties had condemned the incident.

However, he admitted that there was a need to check intolerance and revealed that work on a new curriculum was under way.

The controversial blasphemy laws were enacted in 1980s when military dictator Ziaul Haq was in power.

There are reports that the laws are misused to settle personal issues.

An allegation of blasphemy makes the people vulnerable to violence by extremists who have so far thwarted efforts to reform these laws.
Patna: BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Tuesday demanded confiscation of the alleged "benami properties" of RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his family, amassed through their shell business firms and sought legal actions against them.

Former Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Modi asked the Nitish Kumar government to impound the "benami properties" of Prasad and his family members and initiate legal proceedings against them under the Bihar Special Courts Act 2010.

"I have produced documents to substantiate my charges levelled against Prasad and his family and hence Nitish Kumar, who swears by Mahatma Gandhi's principles, should muster the courage and take action against his two ministers - Tej Pratap Yadav (Bihar health minister) and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav (deputy chief minister) on the basis of documentary proof," he said.

Stating that he would not let the matter "die down," the BJP leader, who is also the leader of opposition in the state legislative council, said "I will take the matter to its logical conclusion.

"Apart from the chief minister, I will also write to the agencies like the CBI, the ED and the IT which must have also been keeping a tab on the allegations being levelled against Prasad's family," he said.

For the last few days, the senior BJP leader had been releasing various documents purportedly showing how Prasad's family got the land and shares of AK Infosystems Pvt Ltd, set up in September 2006 by OP Katyal and Amit Katyal.

The Katyals allegedly had also set up a liquor factory at Bihta near Patna in 2003-04 when Rabri Devi was the state chief minister.

The Katyals had handed over the firm's entire shares and its directorship to Prasad's family in 2014 for helping them in setting up the liquor factory, Sushil Modi alleged.

He said AK Infosystems Pvt Ltd had bought 28.57 decimal (also known as 'dismil' with one dismil being equal to nearly 436 square feet) land at Panapur and 43 decimal of land at Chitkohra in Patna in March 2007.

It purchased another plot of 'two kattha one dhur' (one kattha being equal to 1.65 decimal or 720 square ft and 20 dhur being equal to one kattha) with a two-storey building on it at Salempur Dumra at a cost of Rs 70 lakh from Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav in 2010, he said.

The same piece of land worth Rs 14 lakh was gifted to the Yadav brothers by their maternal uncle Prabhunath Yadav in July 2006, Sushil Modi said.

He sought to know as to why would AK Infosystems buy land worth crores of rupees to hand it over to Prasad's family and why would the company's owners give Rs 1.05 crore loan to it to buy the land.

Seeking to know as to how a landless Prabhunath Yadav would gift the land to Tej Pratap and Tejashwi, Modi demanded a probe into the transactions involving the alleged "benami assets."

Sushil Modi had also questioned as to how Prasad's family acquired the ownership of the Delight Marketing Company Pvt Ltd, which owns prime lands, including two acres at Saguna Mor in Patna where the state's biggest mall is being built.

Delight Marketing Company Pvt Ltd was re-christened as 'LARA Projects Pvt Ltd' in which Rabri Devi, Tejashwi and Tej Pratap were allegedly made the sole directors in 2014.

Tej Pratap Yadav had also concealed in his election affidavit and in his annual assets declaration form that he had bought 45.24 decimal land worth Rs 53.34 lakh in 2010 in Aurangabad district, the BJP leader had said last week adding that the Aurangabad land is presently worth over Rs 15 crore.
Amulya Ganguli/IANS

Having failed to delineate a cogent and credible line on secularism, the Congress will have to articulate a new position to find its way back into political reckoning.



For a start, the party will have to realise that its efforts to delink religion from politics, or the church from the state -- the essence of secularism -- went off track because it identified the "church" too closely with Hinduism and did not pay enough attention to keep Islam also at a distance from the state.



Because of this tactical error, the Congress played into the hands of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which made no secret of its closeness to Hinduism and accused the Congress of being partial to Islam for the sake of Muslim votes. This is a factor which A.K. Antony, among others in the Congress, acknowledged in a report on the party`s defeat in the last general election.



However, the report banked on run-of-the-mill explanations for the party`s setback such as infighting, demoralisation among the workers, the absence of pre-poll alliances, the party`s corrupt image and communal polarisation orchestrated by the BJP.



While much of this may be true, the report did not spell out how the Congress could recover its earlier prime position. A suggestion which has been floated in recent weeks is that the Congress can try "soft" Hindutva as a means of wooing voters. This is a line which has long been prevalent in the Congress with V.N. Gadgil (1930-2001) being one of the early proponents.



For Congress M.P. Shashi Tharoor, however, "for Congress, peddling `BJP lite` is like Coke Zero. It will get us zero". Instead, the former Minister of State for External Affairs wants his party to be demonstratively uncompromising on secularism.



Apart from the pursuit of secularism in its pristine form which keeps religion, in all its manifestations, at a far distance from governance, what the Congress can do is to reboot itself as a party of the 21st century which rejects the superstitious medievalism of the saffron brotherhood with its propagation of a milk-drinking Hindu deity -- Ganeshji doodh pi rahein hain -- or the conjuration of a patently fictitious past when Indians were said to have invented everything from stem cell research to cars to planes to television, or astounding claims about cows exhaling oxygen and cow dung providing protection against nuclear radiation.



To rescue the country from such outrageous, antediluvian ideas, the Congress has to present itself as the exact opposite -- a forward-looking, progressive party committed to the development of a rational, scientific temperament so that the common man will not be prone to sectarianism based on hate and prejudice.



To achieve this objective, the Congress itself will have to shed some of its present inhibitions such as a disinclination to take a forthright stand on the crucial issues of the day. These include the country`s economic direction to which the merit versus quotas debate is related and the question of bans.



To start with the last, the Congress will have to set its face against bans of all kinds -- on books, thereby acknowledging that it made a mistake in banning Salman Rushdie`s "The Satanic Verses" in 1988 (P. Chidambaram has done so, though only in 2015); on films; on liquor and on beef. It has to be remembered that the Congress was the first to ban beef in Madhya Pradesh in 1955 when it was in power and the BJP was not even formed. Moreover, even today it is in favour of a nationwide ban on beef, as its senior general secretary Digvijay Singh has said, in line with Rashtriya Swayamsevek Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat`s views.



Yet, this pandering to the Hindu cause has led it nowhere, just as its propagation of "socialism" -- subsided food under the Food Security Act, doles for the rural unemployed under MNREGA -- has been of little help to the party.



The reason is the inherent insincerity in these gimmicks which are seen as populist, vote-catching manoeuvres by an outfit clutching at straws to hold on to power. In contrast, the steps by the BJP against books such as Wendy Doniger`s tract on Hinduism or on beef are seen as driven by convictions even if they are ill-conceived in the eyes of the liberals.



The latter cannot but be disappointed by the palpable cynicism of Jawaharlal Nehru`s party. What is worse for the Congress is that these duplicitous ploys do not deceive anyone. Even if the Congress calls for a nationwide ban on beef, the political advantage will still be the BJP`s just as Rajiv Gandhi`s shilanyas (foundation) for the Ram temple did not fetch the Congress any votes in the 1989 election that it lost.



Instead of indulging in such deceit, the Congress will have to underline its adherence to the principles of liberalism which believe in a free, open society where there are no constraints on what a person reads or eats, or who he or she chooses as a life partner.
Jaag Machindra Gorakh Aya, Gorakh Aya have been fabled lines oft-repeated when telling and retelling the fascinating stories related with sage Gorakhnath.

Originally known as Guru Gorakshanath, the mystery behind the mystic is as timeless as the man himself. Believed to have lived in 11th century, he is said to have been sighted in different centuries and states and known to have met different saints belonging to varied time periods.

A worker of miracles and a representative of Saivite faith, he could raise people from the dead and assume bodies of his choice. He has been made immemorable in folklore through stories whether it is the love story of Hir and Ranjha or those related with Bhagat Puran Singh and Matsyendranath.

He could fly across borders, get magical potion from nether world of snakes, possessed miraculous healing powers and soon gathered a large following across races and castes not just in India but also in large numbers in Nepal.

Not surprisingly, a major temple of his Nath monastic faith was established in Gorakhpur in North India, very close to the Nepal border. And though Gorakhnath temple became a major religious headquarters, unlike most mutts established in the Shankaracharya tradition, it did not and does not have a Brahaminical lineage with head priests having been mostly non-Brahmins.

Over the years, the temple continued to be a Siddha peeth and followed Saivite practices, concerning itself mainly with religious, cultural and social activities.

The change came mainly on the turn of the 20th century when the temple mahant Digvijaya Nath joined the Congress in 1921 and began participating in the Independence movement. However, Gandhis non-violent movement did not hold much appeal for him and he switched to Hindu Mahasabha in 1937 where he openly opposed Gandhi and in fact is believed to have controversially rallied support against him.

The head priest of Nath peeth also made a religious manoeuvre to spearhead an essentially Vaishnav Ram Janmabhoomi movement in Ayodhya in 1949. It was after his highly publicized 9-day Ramcharit Manas recitation that the idols of Gods were placed in the Babri mosque. In 1967, he jumped into politics and got elected as an MP from Gorakhpur. His disciple Mahant Avaidyanath continued in his footsteps and got elected as an MLA and subsequently as an MP from the same constituency, later as a BJP representative.

Yogi Adityanath has inherited this legacy. As much as a firebrand as his predecessors, he too belongs to the Thakur community and had political ambitions from a young age. He first contested and won an election in 1998 at the young age of 26 and has been returned as an MP ever since then.

It is believed that the lower margin in his second victory had shocked the head priest so much that it was then that he decided to shift gears and adopt a more radical avatar. Much of his charisma now stems from his far-right Hindu appeal, his oratory skills and ability to use divisive politics to his advantage. Having launched the Hindu Yuva Vahini, he is believed to have been involved in communal riots in 2005 and 2007 and polarised people on sensitive issues.

Though Adityanath had not been on the best of terms with the BJP and leaders like Amit Shah, the rising star of the saffron party led the Yogi to make peace for future prospects. The social imprint of Gorakhnath mutt  its two dozen schools, colleges, hospitals and poly-tech institutes  only helped matters.

The apex achievement and opportunity has come in the form of the 44-year-old Yogi Adityanath becoming the chief minister of the most populous state of the country. His first month itself has been controversial with illegal slaughter houses being clamped down upon, anti-Romeo squads roaming streets and his equating triple talaq with the attempted disrobing of Draupadi.

However, the CM is also trying to reinvent himself. Claiming to be the leader of the entire state, which includes a substantial minority, it is yet to be seen whether the saffron clad Yogi will keep a check on himself when it comes to provocative statements on Pakistan and making comparisons between Hafiz Saeed and Shah Rukh Khan.

What will be particularly interesting is his strategy considering that the voting pattern of this election is now out in public domain, and it seems only 2% Muslims voted for the BJP, contrary to the perception that the community voted for Modi in the name of development. Obviously, despite populist statements, the message that BJP did not field a single Muslim candidate carried a sting.

The Chief Minister, who was in his erstwhile incarnation know as Ajay Singh, will also face a litmus test when it comes to the Ayodhya issue, considering that Gorakhnath Mutt has been one of the first and most vocal proponents of building a Ram temple. The emotive issue Ayodhya is common to all Hindus and not just the upper segment.

It goes without saying that Yogi will want to keep playing the 'Vrihad Hindu' card as well to keep support from all segments firmly behind him  tact that Gorakhnath mutt leaders have cultivated over the years with its low caste affirmative politics. The cow protection strategy, on the contrary, is meant to keep the upper caste aligned.

The moot point at this juncture however will not just be of consolidation  it is of roadmap and delivery. The Yogi CM has got his task cut out clearly. Uttar Pradesh, despite its advantage of size, continues to languish on all development metrics such as education, healthcare and infrastructure. Even in terms of economic growth, it registered 3.38% growth, lower than the national average of 4.66%.

Modi entrenched himself in Gujarat post spate of divisive politics and communal riots of 2002, but at the end it was development and delivery that kept him in his chair.

It may do Yogi Adityanath a whole lot of good, if he took a leaf out of Modi stylebook of politics.
Mumbai: A number of outsiders have made it big in the film industry without the support of a godfather and one of them is Kangana Ranaut. The curly-haired beauty is fearless and so is Sushant Singh Rajput, who has carved a niche for himself purely on merit.

Kangana, who was on Karan Johars Koffee With Karan show in February to promote her then upcoming film Rangoon had addressed him as the flag-bearer of nepotism. Her comments triggered a controversy and subsequently came a number of reactions.

Sushant, who is himself an outsider, has been associated with a number of prestigious banners for his films. And now, he has expressed his take of the whole issue of nepotism in Bollywood.

According to a report in dnaindia.com, SSR expressed his views of nepotism on being asked about it at the trailer launch of his latest  Raabta.

Heres what Rajput said, Almost all the films I have done and the films I am doing in one and a half years and the films I really want to do are the many options and I had the luxury of choosing these films. So, from a personal point of view, I cannot complain. Having said that, it's not that it is there and it's everywhere in all sorts of industry, not just Bollywood. If you allow new talents from outside also to flourish and encourage them more, then it's good. If you don't allow that, then there's a problem and I think the whole structure of industry would collapse.
Chennai: The talks regarding merger of the two AIADMK factions appeared to have hit a roadblock on Tuesday as the EPS camp rejected O Panneerselvam's call for removing VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran from the party before a reunion.

Former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam earlier broke his silence and claimed that Sasikala has betrayed late AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa. While also claiming that there is no place for Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakakaran in the AIADMK, OPS said that he will continue to fight to protect the legacy of 'Amma'.

Amid talks of merger between the O Panneerselvam and E Palaniswami factions of Tamil Nadu's ruling party - AIADMK - the support for VK Sasikala is apparently thinning and she is under tremendous pressure to resign from her post along with her nephew TTV Dinakar who faces corruption charges.

Here are the latest updates:-

-Hari Prabhakaran, joint secretary, IT wing of the OPS faction, tweets the copy of FIR filed against TTV Dinakaran and S Chandrashekhar.

FIR registered against TTV Dhinakaran & Sukesh Chandrasekar pic.twitter.com/1VmqMKQY8r  Hari Prabhakaran (@Hariadmk) April 18, 2017

-We want Sasikala to continue as general secretary and Dinakaran as deputy general secretary: Vetrivel

-No committee was formed to hold talks with OPS, says Vetrivel

-Who authorised the ministers to convene a meeting on Monday night in the absence of AIADMK Deputy General Secretary TTV Dinakaran? asks party MLA Vetrivel.

-Sasikala and her family have to be kept away, directly or indirectly they shouldn't have any role within party: KC Palanisamy, OPS camp leader.

-No demands have been made by OPS till now, he only said he wants to work unitedly. We are ready to talk whenever he wants to: Shanmugam, TN govt minister.

-We have not deviated from our stand and we stick to our basics. Any change in our stand shall be injustice to people of TN and AIADMK cadres: OPS

-We have been insisting that the family against whom we have waged a war had indulged in activities bringing disrepute to the entire TN: OPS

-We have submitted a petition to EC to follow the bylaws and give justice: OPS.

-Elevation of GS is not as per the bylaws of the party. Sasikala's elevation and inturn her subsequent actions is null and void: OPS.

-The treatment provided to amma should be made transparent with an Enquiry to the same: OPS.

-If we don't follow this path then it shall be injustice to the people: OPS.

-Our founder MGR and Amma created this party as a party for the people and cadres, this is a Democratic Party for people and cadres: OPS.

-AIADMK should not be controlled by one party, Jayalalithaa's death must be probed: OPS.

Party should not be in the hands of a family.  O Panneerselvam (@OfficeOfOPS) April 18, 2017

-AIADMK must be saved from dynastic politics, says OPS.

-TTV faction gave 4000 per voter in the recent byelection at RK Nagar and IT raids were conducted unearthing evidences: OPS.

-TTV Dinakaran tried to bribe voters, alleges OPS.

-There is credible evidence against TTV Dinakaran, claims OPS.

-Both Sasikala and Dinakaran were sacked by 'Amma', there is no place for them in AIADMK: OPS

-The family which betrayed Jayalalithaa will have to go, says OPS.

-I am an ardent follower of Amma, want to tread the path shown by her: OPS.

-MK Stalin of the DMK has lashed out at the AIADMK, says 'the state has become a battleground'.

-There were no talks about the Dinakaran and Sasikala issue. Even the OPS faction has not raised any questions about it, says Sengottaiyan.

There are no talks on the issue of TTV Dinakaran and Sasikala, nor did OPS faction raise any question on the same: KA Sengottaiyan pic.twitter.com/DkMoboSIkT  ANI (@ANI_news) April 18, 2017

-TTV Dinakaran has welcomed OPS' statement about AIADMK merger: KA Sengottaiyan.

-AIADMK leaders' meet onboard INS Chennai still underway, many including D Jayakumar, P Thangamani and CV Shanmugam attending it.

-OPS camp wants VK Sasikala, TTV Dinakaran to resign ahead of proposed AIADMK merger, want Panneerselvam reinstated as Chief Minister.

-O Panneerselvam, who is in Tamil Nadu's Theni district, is expected to arrive in Chennai this afternoon.

-A team consisting of senior ministers formed by us for the process of merger of two factions. We are brothers from same family: TN minister Sellur Raju.

A team consisting of senior mins formed by us for the process of merger of 2 factions. We are brothers from same family: TN Min Sellur Raju pic.twitter.com/xxUlAdOaLa  ANI (@ANI_news) April 18, 2017

-I am happy with the merger move: Tamil Nadu Forest Minister C Srinivasan.

I am happy for the move of merger with the OPS faction: Tamil Nadu Forest Minister C Srinivasan pic.twitter.com/UZXq0xWYaJ  ANI (@ANI_news) April 18, 2017

-We need to protect the party symbol, so all must come together. This is not a question of the CM post; only of Amma's legacy: Thambidurai.

-Tamil Nadu people still support Amma's legacy. AIADMK still has 50 percent vote bank, while the DMK has only 30 percent, says Thambidurai.

-There is no split in the party, only differences in opinion. We are sorting out all issues, says M Thambidurai quoted as saying by News18.

-VK Sasikala is being increasingly isolated as E Palaniswami camp wants her to resign along with nephew Dinakaran who faces corruption charges, claim sources.

-TTV Dinakran is meeting his legal team at his Chennai residence, say reports.

-All MLAs of the VK Sasikala faction are onboard INS Chennai to discuss strategy, say reports.

-TTV Dinakran, facing bribery charges, has reportedly reached his residence in Chennai.

-Sasikala faction of AIADMK has formed a committee to conduct talks on merger, claims O Panneerselvam.

-DMK says merger of 'power-monger' OPS, Sasikala factions will not last.

-Meanwhile, the Delhi Police Crime Branch team, which was supposed to leave for Chennai today has postponed the visit.

-EPS camp has reportedly welcomed the merger talks.



-Some top ministers of the Edappadi Palaniswami camp had an impromptu meeting around midnight on Monday. D Jayakumar, Finance Minister in the Palaniswami government said after the meeting that the group had discussed the party's election symbol issue and Panneerselvam's suggestion at merger.

-Rebel leader and former chief minister O Panneerselvam had earlier hinted at fresh efforts at a unified AIADMK, provided that VK Sasikala and TTV Dinakaran resign from their posts.

-On the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday there were intense speculations of VK Sasikala resigning from her post as the party chief of AIADMK. This was later denied by Tamil Nadu finance minister, D Jayakumar.

-Delhi Police had arrested Dinakaran's alleged middleman Sukesh Chandrashekhar with Rs 1.5 crore cash on Monday. The police also seized a BMW and a Mercedes car from him. Dinakaran and Sukesh had allegedly struck a deal of Rs 50 crore to help the AIADMK Sasikala faction keep the 'two leaves' symbol.

The Midnight AIADMK Merger Drama

Throwing indications of growing dissent against ruling AIADMK chief VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakara, who has been named in a bribery case relating to a tussle over party's frozen symbol 'two leaves', former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Jayalalithaa loyalist O Panneerselvam yesterday hinted that he is open for merger.

In a sudden move, some top leaders from AIADMK and TN govt ministers held an emergency meeting, hinting at the merger of two factions of AIADMK - O Panneerselvam and VK Sasikala camps.

The OPS faction led by Panneerselvam has reportedly set a condition for merger  VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran should resign from their posts. Reports also claim that a lot of leaders from the Sasikala camp too have lost faith in her leadership and ready for a merger inorder to strengthen the party.
New Delhi: Following is the legal twists and turns leading up to the arrest of liquor baron Vijay Vittal Mallya in London. But the extradition hearings in UK courts may take time before he is extradited to India.



April 18, 2017: Scotland Yard announces arrest after Mallya was asked to meet officers at central London police station. Later, gets bail.



February 8: Indian government formally requests the UK to extradite him. The UK Secretary of State sends the request to Westminster Magistrate`s Court.



November 10, 2016: Designated court orders seizure of domestic assets of Mallya and entities controlled by him.



June: Designated ED court issues `proclamation order` asking Mallya to appear before it.



May: UK government takes note of serious allegations against Mallya, suggests request be made under Extradition Treaty (Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty).



May 2: UK government declines request for deportation, saying no requirement of valid passport to remain in the country as long as entry was made on a valid one.



April 28: Formal request made to UK to deport Mallya to India.



April 23: Mallya`s passport revoked on ED`s request.



March-April: ED issues several summons to Mallya to appear before it. Non-bailable warrant issued by designated courts (ED).



March 1: State Bank of India, other banks move application in Supreme Court to impound Mallya`s passport.



March 2: Mallya flees India, leaving behind Rs 8,191 of debts to 17 banks.



January: ED initiates investigations under Prevention of Money Laundering Act based on probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).



July 2015: CBI initiates criminal investigations against Mallya.
London: After liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for defaulting on bank loans of over Rs 8,000 crore, was arrested and granted bail in London on Tuesday, the Indian government said the legal process for his extradition is underway in Britain.



Responding to a query, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Mallya`s arrest in London was in connection with the request by India to British authorities for his extradition



"Legal process in this regard is underway in the UK," Baglay said. "The two governments are in touch in this context."



Metropolitan Police said Mallya, 61, was taken into custody after attending a central London police station.



The Westminster Magistrates` Court later gave him bail on a 650,000-pound bond. The next hearing of the case will be on May 17.



A Metropolitan Police statement said officers from the Extradition Unit arrested Mallya on an extradition warrant from India.



"Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud," the statement said.



After getting bail, Mallya tweeted: "Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in court started today as expected."



Mallya fled to Britain in March 2016 after being pursued in courts by Indian banks seeking to recover Rs 8,191 crore owed by his now defunct Kingfisher Airline.



The banks had been able to recover only Rs 155 crore. Despite multiple injunctions, Mallya failed to appear before investigators -- and then flew out of India.



In February, the Indian government handed over to British authorities a formal request for Mallya`s extradition, saying it had a legitimate case against him on charges of financial irregularities and loan default.
New Delhi: Absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya was arrested in London on Tuesday and is likely to be extradited to India soon.

British authorities have informed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) about the arrest. Mallya was arrested at 9.30 am --London time.

The 61-year-old liquor baron, wanted in India for defaulting on loans, appeared before the Westminster's Magistrates' Court in London for his bail hearing and was released within three hours.

India had applied to Britain to extradite Vijay Mallya to face trial after the liquor and aviation tycoon was charged with conspiracy and fraud over a loan to his defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had last month informed that extradition of absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya was stratified by Secretary of State of the UK Government and soon a warrant would be released against him.

While handing over the request, India had asserted that it has a "legitimate" case against Mallya and maintained that if an extradition request is honoured, it would show British "sensitivity towards our concerns".

Earlier in March, the Supreme Court had fast-tracked the proceedings against Mallya and reserved its order on contempt proceedings against him for allegedly diverting $40 million to his children's accounts in foreign banks in violation of court orders.

The apex court had started proceedings against Mallya a year ago and had issued notice to him on March 8, 2016 on a plea by a consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) for recovery of about Rs. 9,000 crore which the businessman and his companies owed to them.

The liquor baron, however, fled the country days before the apex court took up the case against him.

Earlier in January this year, a CBI court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case.
New Delhi: Absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya was arrested in London on Tuesday and is likely to be extradited to India soon.

British authorities have informed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) about the arrest. Mallya was arrested at 9.30 am --London time.

The CBI and the Indian High Commission in London will present India's case in the UK court for extradition of controversial industrialist Vijay Mallya as the government looks to break the myth that a law breaker is out of bound once he is out of country.

A top source said India is seeking extradition of Mallya for defaulting on loans due to IDBI.

"We want to shatter this myth that by crossing boundaries you are out of bounds. Mallya extradition will act as an important test case," the source said.

Also read: 14 months from Vijay Mallya flight to arrest, extradition may take time

The embattled businessman, who has been declared a proclaimed offender in India, was on Tuesday arrested in London by the Scotland Yard on India's request for his extradition on fraud charges.

The 61-year-old liquor baron, wanted in India for defaulting on loans, was arrested after he appeared at a central London police station this morning.

The flamboyant businessman, who once called himself 'The King of Good Times", was released on bail a few hours later.

"Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit this morning arrested a man on an extradition warrant. Vijay Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud," Scotland Yard told PTI.

The Metropolitan Police said Mallya was arrested after attending a central London police station.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London and was seen walking out with his legal team a few hours later after being granted bail.

"It was a voluntary action. He will be out in a few minutes," said a member of Mallya's team at the court, without giving any further details of the bail conditions.

"Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected," Mallya tweeted soon after getting the bail.

Mallya, whose now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to various banks, had fled India on March 2, 2016. He has repeatedly dismissed the charges against him.

Mallya's reaction

Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 18, 2017

In his first reaction after getting bail, Vijay Mallya played down his arrest saying that it's usual Indian media hype. He also said that extradition hearing in Court has started today as expected.

The absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya was arrested in London on Tuesday. He is likely to be extradited to India soon.

In January, an Indian court ordered a consortium of lenders to start the process of recovering the loans.

Also read: Vijay Mallya's reaction on his arrest: It's usual Indian media hype

India had given a formal extradition request for Mallya as per the Extradition Treaty between India and the UK through a note verbale on February 8.

While handing over the request, India had asserted that it has a "legitimate" case against Mallya and maintained that if an extradition request is honoured, it would show British "sensitivity towards our concerns".

Last month, setting in motion the process of extradition of Mallya, the British government had certified India's request and sent it to a district judge for further action.

The extradition process from the UK involves a number of steps including a decision by the judge whether to issue a warrant of arrest.

Also read: Vijay Mallya arrest: Legal process for extradition underway, says government

In case of a warrant, the person is arrested and brought before the court for preliminary hearing followed by an extradition hearing before a final decision is taken by the secretary of state.

The wanted person has a right to appeal to the higher courts against any decision all the way up to the supreme court.

Earlier in January this year, a CBI court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case.

Political reactions

Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar said, "We are now assessing the facts how we can bring him back into the country and start judicial proceedings against him."

The government, he said, will leave no stone unturned to bring to justice anyone indulging in financial irregularities.

Mallya's arrest by the Scotland Yard in London underlines the Modi government's will to act against people accused of defrauding public resources, the BJP said.

It is a confirmation of the government's relentless efforts and commitment to act against those involved in illegal activities like generation of black money, BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said.

Right from the formation of a Special Investigation Team against black money in the first cabinet meeting under Modi to the current initiation of the extradition process against Mallya, the government has acted at every level, he said.

"Investigation agencies have a free hand to act without fear and favour," he said.

Mallya, whose now defunct Kingfisher Airlines owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to various banks, had fled India on March 2, 2016, and was arrested at New Delhi's request for his extradition on fraud charges.

The Congress, however, assailed the Modi government for seeking Mallya's extradition and not deportation which, it said, would have ensured his immediate custody to India.

"Strange that he is detained and released in the same go...What kind of extradition is this. He is detained for an hour and is honourably granted bail and is defiant.

"Will it take another dozen years, 15 years, 30 years or our entire lifetime before Vijaya Mallya is brought back and Rs 9091 crore of people's money is recovered. These are questions that BJP and Modiji need to answer instead of hoodwinking people of India," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

He claimed that the action against Mallya came after a relentless campaign by the Congress party, its vice president Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders.

Noting that Mallya's detention was first of 9 steps of extradition with 3 possible appeals, the Congress leader asked "when will we have his custody? Why did BJP Govt not move for Mallya's deportation instead of extradition?"

Surjewala also questioned the government over its failure to bring back Lalit Modi, the former IPL commissioner, who is wanted by India for alleged money laundering. "Why is BJP government shying from moving against 'Chhota Modi' (Lalit Modi), who escaped to UK even before Mallya?" he asked.

Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, claimed consistent efforts by the Modi government had resulted in Mallya's arrest.

"Previous governments could not do anything about it. It is certainly the success of this government, particularly Finance Ministry, whose efforts resulted in his (Mallya) arrest," said Singh.

Amid all the political chest-thumping, former employees of Kingfisher Airlines talked about the bread and butter issue of getting their dues paid.

"Our main concern is that the government should get him (Mallya) to India and we should get our dues," former Kingfisher Airlines pilot Rahul Bhasin said in his reaction to Mallya's arrest.

"We appreciate government's efforts. They have done something, finally," Bhasin said.

Anirudha Ballala, another former Kingfisher Airlines pilot, said that the law is taking its course.

"Mallya is perhaps paying for the karmas (deeds) that he has done by not paying to employees," he added.
New Delhi: In his first reaction after getting bail, Vijay Mallya played down his arrest saying that it's usual Indian media hype. He also said that extradition hearing in Court has started today as expected.

The absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya was arrested in London on Tuesday. He is likely to be extradited to India soon.

He tweeted:

Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 18, 2017

British authorities have informed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) about the arrest.

Mallya was arrested at 9.30 am --London time.

India had applied to Britain to extradite Vijay Mallya to face trial after the liquor and aviation tycoon was charged with conspiracy and fraud over a loan to his defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

The 61-year-old liquor baron, wanted in India for defaulting on loans, appeared before the Westminster's Magistrates' Court in London for his bail hearing and was released within three hours.

Apart from the Formula One action, he showed his interest in health matters, retweeting two tweets from Doctify, a health platform in the UK that offers solutions to patients who want to search, compare and book doctors online.

While one was on medical data security and health challenges, his other retweet was on contact lens hygiene routine.

Earlier in the day, Mallya - who has been declared a proclaimed offender - was arrested in London after he appeared at a central London police station.

Mallya is wanted in India for defaulting on loans. His now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to many banks.

He had fled India on March 2, 2016 and has repeatedly dismissed the charges against him.
New Delhi: As many as 173 candidates in the April 23 civic elections face criminal cases while another 116 have serious cases of murder, kidnapping and crime against women pending against them, a report said on Tuesday.



The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said it went through the affidavits filed by 2,315 of the 2,537 candidates from 18 political parties, including six national parties, for the report.



Percentage-wise, candidates with criminal cases pending against them are around seven per cent, with those with serious criminal cases nearly five per cent of the analysed figure.



The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the highest number of candidates with criminal cases -- 35 of the 260 candidates, around 14 per cent of the total.



Among other parties, the Congress had eight per cent candidates with criminal records -- 21 of its 250 contestants. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has seven per cent candidates with criminal cases against them -- 13 out of 191 candidates whose affidavits were analysed.



Around 22 per cent of all analysed candidates hold assets between Rs 1 crore and Rs 5 crore, while five per cent own assets worth between Rs 5 crore and Rs 10 crore. Three per cent nominees had assets of more than Rs 10 crore each.



The BJP has the highest number of candidates with assets worth more than Rs 1 crore, with 163 or around 54 per cent of its candidate in this category.



The Congress has 104 contestants with assets of more than Rs 1 crore, which comes to 42 per cent, while the AAP has 41 such candidates or around 22 per cent of their contesting candidates analysed by the ADR.



The average of assets per candidate contesting in the MCD elections is Rs 1.61 crore.



The average assets held by each of the 260 BJP candidates comes to Rs 2.89 crore, with this figure for 256 Congress candidates coming to Rs 4.36 crore and for 250 AAP candidates to Rs 1.65 crore.
New Delhi: All is not well within the Delhi Congress unit. Party stalwart and former Delhi chief minister Sheila Diksit on Tuesday blamed the functioning style of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), headed by Ajay Maken, the reason behind the exodus of senior party leaders like Arvind Singh Lovely and Amrish Gautam.

While speaking exclusively to news agency ANI, Dikshit, who once headed the PCC said, "The approach which a PCC head should have, of taking everybody together, is not there."

She accused the PCC chief of ignoring Congress party leaders and not paying any heed to their concerns.

"There is some problem with the prevailing system in the PCC. There is an urgent need to amend it," Dikshit told ANI.

"Yes of course. That is the reason (Ajay Maken's way of leadership). What else can be the reason? People worked with me for 15 years when Congress was in power. Did you hear any such news then of people leaving the party?" she said.

In a huge setback for the Congress ahead of MCD elections, former Delhi Congress president and ex-minister Arvinder Singh Lovely joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today.

Recently, three-time Congress MLA, Dalit leader, and ex-Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Assembly, Amrish Gautam, had also joined the BJP.
New Delhi: Commuters in Delhi-NCR will need to brace up for a no-show of taxis on Tuesday as the drivers of two app-based cab aggregators Ola and Uber have threatened to go off roads against "low fares".

The strikers will gather at Mata Sundari Gurudwara off the Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and will march to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's house in Civil Lines.

This is the second round of strike called by the drivers. They had gone on strike in February too, which had lasted 13 days, causing inconvenience to commuters in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, and Faridabad.

As per agitating Sarvodaya Drivers' Association, some groups of tourist taxi providers, autorickshaw union have extended their support to the strike, which means private transport service in Delhi and neighbouring cities will be hit badly. Their demands are:

The Association, which claims to represent around 1.25 lakh app-based taxis in the Delhi-NCR, wants that fares be increased from existing Rs 6 per km to around 20 per km.

It also demands the abolition of 25 percent commission the drivers are charged by companies.

The agitating drivers also demand a stop be put to 'share' service employed by Ola and Uber, where many commuters share a cab to various points in the city lying along one route.

They also want that these taxis be run according to a Delhi government authorised meter, which should be certified by Standardisation Testing and Quality certification (STQC).

Sarvodaya Drivers' Association of Delhi president Kamaljeet Gill told news agency IANS: "These companies are big swindlers. Just as a crook sells movie ticket in 'black', when there are more buyers than there are seats, they too do the same, they only name it 'Surge' pricing or 'peak-hour' pricing. They tell you that you will be charged Rs 6 per kilometre but you end up paying Rs 18-20 instead."

Meanwhile, Ravi Rathore, the vice-president of the Sarvodaya Drivers' Association, said the drivers will take out a protest march against the Delhi government which, he alleged, is not intervening to resolve the issue.

He said the association has called for the one-day strike in favour of the demands and if companies and government do not pay heed, they will go on an indefinite strike.

According to the association, the app-based cab companies made "tall promises" to drivers-- like they would earn as much as Rs 1.5 lakh every month.

"But the situation is different. They are making us run taxis at Rs 6 per km while they charge 25 percent from us," Rathore also said.

Contrary to the association's claim that most autorickshaw and tourists associations have decided to lend their support to the strike, Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union (yellow-black taxis) said they will not participate in it.

"We will not support the strike in Delhi," Rajendra Soni, the general secretary of both the associations, said.

Earlier on Monday, the Delhi High Court restrained two taxi drivers' unions - the Sarvodaya Driver Association of Delhi (SDAD) and the Rajdhani Tourist Drivers' Union - from disrupting services of cabs run by Ola and Uber in the national capital region.

Welcoming the court order, Uber in a statement said it hopes it will enable drivers to stay behind the wheel, without fear or harassment.

"We are hopeful that the order will be effectively enforced and that action is taken against any person who attempts to block cars, confiscate devices or harass riders and drivers and that the safety of everyone using the Uber App in Delhi is ensured.

"We are committed to keeping Delhi moving and ensuring a reliable experience for riders and drivers," Uber said.

(With Agency inputs)
Mumbai: Former Kingfisher Airlines employees have said their main concern is the recovery of their unpaid salaries and extradition of industrialist Vijay Mallya, who was arrested by Scotland Yard in London on Tuesday.

"Our main concern is that the government should get him (Mallya) to India and we should get our dues," former Kingfisher Airlines pilot Rahul Bhasin said in his reaction to Mallya's arrest.

Mallya was today arrested in London by Scotland Yard on India's request for his extradition on fraud charges.

The 61-year-old liquor baron, wanted here for defaulting in payment of bank loans to the tune of over Rs 9,000 crore, was arrested after he appeared at a central London police station this morning.

"We appreciate the government's efforts. They have done something, finally," Bhasin said.

Mallya appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London and was seen walking out with his legal team a few hours later after being granted bail.

Anirudha Ballala, another former Kingfisher Airlines pilot, said the law is taking its course.

"Mallya is perhaps paying for the 'karmas' that he has done by not paying to employees," he added.

Significantly, Ballala along with other employees had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March last year, seeking his intervention in safeguarding the interest of the airline's erstwhile staffers. The employees had written to the Prime Minister after Mallya had sneaked out of the country.

According to an open letter written by the former women employees of the erstwhile airline last year, Mallya owes Rs 300 crore as salaries dues to over 3,000 employees.

"The government is only focussed on its dues. We don't have any hope other than the government, it is our last hope," Bhasin said, adding that he expects the government to do all it can do to recover employees' dues as well.

Ballala said while he has no personal enmity with his former employer, "but by leaving his employees in the lurch was not a good thing. Not looking after his employees and their families and leaving them at the mercy of Almighty has perhaps gone against him."

Hoping for an early extradition of Mallya from the UK, Ballala said, "If the government can get him arrested, it can bring him back as well."

India had given a formal extradition request for Mallya as per the Extradition Treaty between India and the UK through a note verbale on February 8.

While handing over the request, India had asserted that it has a "legitimate" case against Mallya and maintained that if an extradition request is honoured, it would show British "sensitivity towards our concerns."

"I thank this government for taking steps to bring him back to the country," Ballala added.

A Delhi court had last week issued an open ended non- bailable warrant against Mallya in a case of allegedly evading summons in a Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) violation case.

In January this year, the Debt Recovery Tribunal ordered a consortium of lenders to start the process of recovering the loans.

Around the same time, a CBI court too had issued a non- bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case.
New Delhi: Centre-funded top-ranking educational institutions like Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Lady Shri Ram College and Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) are likely to be given full autonomy in terms of operation as well as finance.

As a part of an extensive educational reform, the initiative is powered by a committee which is headed by NITI Aayog's vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya. The move would facilitate the institutions to put up funds individually.
New Delhi: Art of living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has said that authorities should not have given permission if Yamuna was so fragile and instead of blaming AOL, fine should be levied on the National Green Tribunal, Delhi and Central governments.

His remarks came after the report of an expert committee set up by NGT said it would take Rs 42.02 crore and a decade for the ecological rehabilitation of the Yamuna floodplains from adverse damages caused by the festival.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ravi Shankar said the Art of Living (AoL) obtained all the necessary permissions including NGT`s.

"The NGT had the application file for two months and they could have stopped it in the beginning. It defies all principles of natural justice that you give permissions and slap a fine for not violating any rules.

"If the Yamuna was so fragile and pure, they should have stopped the World Culture Festival at the very beginning. A historic programme, deserving of applause and appreciation, is unjustly projected as a crime," he said.

Ravi Shankar added that the event, which saw over three million attendees from 155 countries over a three-day period, polluted neither air, water nor land.

"The world over, cultural programmes are held on riverbanks. The whole idea was to bring awareness to save the river.

"The Art of Living, that has rejuvenated 27 rivers, planted 71 million trees, revived several ponds, is being projected as destroying a dead river," Ravi Shankar said.

The event was held on the left bank of the river between the Barapullah elevated road and the DND flyway between March 11 and 13, 2016.

The report of the seven-member expert committee, headed by former Secretary of Water Resources Ministry Shashi Shekhar, told the National Green Tribunal( NGT) about the ecological damage caused to over 300 acres of floodplains due to the festival last year.

The experts have estimated that some 300 acres of floodplains west (right bank) of the river Yamuna and about 120 acres floodplains of the eastern side (left bank) of the river have been "adversely impacted" ecologically at "different magnitudes".

The AoL has criticised the report stating it was deliberately leaked to the media and that some members of the committee were biased.

The next hearing over the matter in the NGT is on April 20.

(With IANS inputs)
Ahmedabad: A 2002 Naroda Gam massacre case victim wrote to the Gujarat High Court on Tuesday seeking replacement of the special SIT judge hearing the matter with an "impartial" one.

Sharif Malek, whose house was looted and relatives killed on February 28, 2002 during the Naroda Gam massacre, also demanded cancellation of bail to Naroda Patiya convict and former BJP MLA Maya Kodnani, who is an accused in this case also.

Malek is also a witness in the Naroda Gam massacre case. In his letter to the high court, he sought cancellation of the bails to Kodnani and others facing trial in the Naroda Gam case.

Malek said after the judge recently allowed Kodnani's plea to summon BJP national president Amit Shah and 13 others, the families of victims and witnesses like him suspect that the proceedings are being delayed deliberately.

He alleged the SIT court has also not followed the Supreme Court's September 9 order to conclude the trial in the case in six months.

"We, the victims and witnesses of the Naroda Gam case request for cancellation of bail given to Kodnani, sentenced to 28-year in jail following her conviction in the Naroda Patiya case, on the basis of fabricated health certificate," he said.

"We also request the cancellation of bail of all the other accused in the Naroda Gam case, appointment of an impartial judge and shifting of the case to another state, as also initiating independent judicial inquiry into it," he said.

"Special Judge P B Desai is the same who rejected conspiracy angle in Gulberg Society case, and we fear this judge can do the same in this case as well. Kindly replace him with an impartial judge," he said.

Naroda Gam massacre is one of the nine major riot cases investigated by the SIT. Eleven persons of the minority community were killed in Naroda Gam in 2002 riots during a shutdown call given to protest the Godhra train carnage.

A total of 82 persons are facing trial in the case. The Supreme Court had in September last year given the special court six months time to conclude the trial.

Kodnani was a state minister for women and child development in former chief minister Narendra Modi's government.
New Delhi: US National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt Gen HR McMaster on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held separate talks with his counterpart Ajit Doval.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval also attended the meeting at Modi`s official residence, according to a picture released by the Prime Minister`s Office.

Here are the key takeaways:

Informed sources said the officials discussed security issues concerning South Asia and how to better cooperate on countering terror threats emanating from the Taliban and Islamic State`s presence in Afghanistan.

As per the US embassy, McMaster emphasised the importance of US-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed India`s designation as a major defence partner.

"The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counterterrorism cooperation," an embassy statement said.

Doval and McMaster held detailed discussions on Indo-US relations, especially the security aspect of the ties, sources said.

McMaster's visit was a part of regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad.

The US NSA arrived here on Monday evening, the first visit by a senior official of President Donald Trump`s administration.

On his South Asian trip that began over the weekend, McMaster on Monday visited Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz and the Army chief, stressing "the need to confront terrorism in all its forms".

He also visited Afghanistan to review efforts at stabilising the country.
New Delhi: Responding to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's accusation that he was a "Khalistani sympathiser", Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan on Tuesday said, such comments hurt, but he had not come to India for petty politics.

Sajjan who arrived in India on Monday is on a week-long visit. He is also scheduled to visit Punjab.

"It does hurt, but not here for petty politics, my actions speak for me," the Canadian Defence Minister said when asked to comment on charges that he was a Khalistan backer.

"I don't want to be sucked into the internal politics of a province of a nation. My goal is to build relationships. I am proud of the fact that I was born here," he said.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh last week called Sajjan a "Khalistani sympathiser" and said he would not meet him during his expected visit to India later this month.

Speaking during a programme on a channel, the Chief Minister alleged: Harjit Sajjan is a Khalistani sympathiser and so was his father.

"There were, in fact, five ministers in the Justin Trudeau government who were Khalistani sympathisers and I will not have any truck with them," he claimed.

Amarinder's poll campaign in Canada was stalled last year in the run-up to the Punjab Assembly Elections.
Islamabad: A PIL was filed in the Delhi High Court on Tuesday seeking international court's intervention in securing the immediate release of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death over spying allegations by a military court in Pakistan.

The PIL seeks response from the Centre on exploring remedies via International Court of Justice (ICJ) for securing Kulbhushan Jadhav's release.

The move comes a day after Pakistan's Army categorically ruled out consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav despite the Indian government making a strong case for gaining access to the Indian prisoner on death row.

Jadhav, 46, was awarded death sentence by the Field General Court Martial last week, evoking a sharp reaction in India which warned Pakistan of consequences and damage to bilateral ties if the "pre-meditated murder" was carried out.

"Under the law we cannot give consular access to Khubhushan who was involved in spying," Pakistan military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor told reporters.

However, Indian officials maintained that there was no communication from Pakistan on the denial of consular access.

Pakistan has denied India's request for consular access to Jadhav over a dozen times in the last one year.

On Friday, Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad Gautam Bambawale had met Pakistan foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua and demanded a certified copy of the chargesheet as well as the army court order in the Jadhav case, besides seeking consular access to the retired Indian navy officer.

Addressing the media in Rawalpindi on Monday, Maj Gen Ghafoor said that Jadhav was involved in anti-state activities so he had to face court martial.

"It was duty of the Army (to apprehend and punish him). We have not compromised on it and awarded him punishment. We will not compromise on this issue in future also," he said.

He said all legal requirements were fulfilled in the trial of Jadhav which resulted in his conviction.

"The court martial is based on such evidence which cannot be refuted at any forum," he said.

He said the Indian man can appeal against the judgement in the army appellate court and then to the army chief against the decision of the appellate court.

The spokesman said the convict can also file an appeal to the Supreme Court and the president of Pakistan.

"We will defend his conviction at every forum," he said.

Pakistan claims its security forces had arrested Jadhav from the restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran. It also claimed that he was "a serving officer in the Indian Navy."
Mumbai: The Indian Navy has rescued four crew members of a tugboat off the Mumbai coast after the boat ran aground on rocks during low tide, a statement said.



The tugboat Sonika, with four on board, had run aground on rocks in the waters off Raj Bhavan during low tide late on Monday night and had begun to flood.



The site is in the vicinity of the area where a Shivaji statue is planned to be built.



A distress call was received at the Mumbai Main Police Control Room from the tugboat after which a police launch from Mahim reached the site around 9.15 pm on Monday.



But they could not approach the tugboat due to rocks and shallow waters.



The Indian Navy was then approached for assistance and the Joint Operations Centre was also contacted by the police.



"At about 11.20 pm, a naval Seaking C helicopter, with divers on board, was launched from Naval Air Station Shikra. The helicopter was able to extract all four stranded men and returned to base by 11.45 pm," the Indian Navy said in a statement.



The rescued men were provided a medical check up on arrival by a doctor of INS Shikra. The crew was safe and no injury was reported.
276 revisions sought in health edu bill

Lawmakers have filed a total of 276 amendments to the Health Profession Education Bill-2016, with a majority seeking removal of the 10-year moratorium on establishing nursing and medical colleges in Kathmandu Valley.
New Delhi: Inviting Indians investors to her country, Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Tuesday said that after political transformation, socio-economic transformation is Nepal's top priority and it is keen to benefit from India's tremendous progress.



"Nepal has undergone political transformation of historic proportion in recent years. Now socio-economic transformation is our topmost priority. If not backed by economic transformation, political transformation cannot be sustainable," Bhandari said at an event here organised by industry chambers CII, Ficci and Assocham.



She said achievements made by India in economic, social, scientific and other fields are remarkable and Nepal is keen to benefit from India's success.



"For Nepal, India remains the largest trading partner... We are closely engaged in SAARC, BIMSTEC and BBIN and these regional and sub-regional platforms could be made more effective in delivering results," she said.



Emphasising that Nepal treats the private sector as a partner for development, Bhandari pointed out that Nepal has opened up almost every sector for foreign investment, including manufacturing, hydropower, tourism, services, mining and agro-based industries.



"The government is committed to creating a climate conducive to investment. No discrimination is made between Nepali and Indian investors. Numerous similarities make us natural partners.



"BIPPA (Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement) with India is under consideration for ratification while the double taxation avoidance agreement has already been signed," she said.



She said that incentives for investment in Nepal are no less attractive than those in many other countries.



"Ours is a virgin land for investment and any area is profitable. Importantly, location of Nepal in the middle of two thriving economies of the world offers greater advantages to potential investors," she said, adding that the abundance of water resources in her country has tremendous potential of utilisation.



"We can put our efforts together to harness these resources for mutual benefit. Capitalising on this potential we can lead in the sector of cleaner technology and greener growth," Bhandari observed.



Inviting the Indian businesses to invest in her country, Bhandari said a prosperous Nepal will also be "in the interest of our neighbourhood and beyond".



In his address earlier, Nepal Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat tried to allay apprehensions about political stability in Nepal, saying there was a complete consensus over economic issues across political spectrum and that Nepal's economy may achieve a growth rate of 8-10 per cent in next few years.



"You may wonder Nepal has different parties -- Communist Party, Maoist Centre etc. If you have some image, erase that. Left parties or right parties, we have a consensus. I am from Nepali Congress and my Prime Minister is from Maoist party, but we are together and there is a total consensus," he said.



Indian Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh said that India's relations with Nepal are just not historical, they are deep and multi-layered and "cannot be defined in words".



He said bilateral economic cooperation is beneficial for both countries.



The Nepal President arrived here on Monday on a five-day state visit to India at the invitation of President Pranab Mukherjee.



Earlier in the day, she was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan here. Later, she paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.



Following this, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on her.



Later in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Bhandari at Rashtrapati Bhavan where she is staying.



"We are honoured to welcome President Bidya Devi Bhandari of Nepal. Had fruitful talks with her," Modi tweeted.



This is Bhandari's maiden foreign tour after assuming office in October 2015.



She is accompanied by a 33-member delegation that includes Foreign Minister Mahat and Peace and Reconstruction Minister Sita Devi Yadav, five women MPs and senior officials.



She will also visit Gujarat and Odisha before returning to Kathmandu on Friday.


New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that those who had looted the poor and the middle classes in the past will have to return what they had looted.



"Indeed. There is no place for corruption in India. Those who looted the poor and middle classes will have to return what they have looted," Modi said on Twitter in response to a tweet by a follower.



Modi's remarks came on a day liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for defaulting on over Rs 8,000 crore in bank loans, was arrested in London but later granted bail by a court.

Modi's Twitter follower had written that "corruption not only robs us of hard-earned money but also of our dignity".



Mallya, 61, was arrested following an extradition warrant from India.



"Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud," a Metropolitan Police statement said.
Seoul: US Vice President Mike Pence is expected to reassure Japan of American commitment to reining in North Korea`s nuclear and missile ambitions on Tuesday, after warning that US strikes in Syria and Afghanistan showed the strength of its resolve.



Pence took off for Tokyo from a US air base south of Seoul, where he assured leaders of the "iron-clad" alliance with the United States. He also warned the reclusive North, which has conducted a series of missile and nuclear tests in defiance of UN sanctions, that the "era of strategic patience" was over.



He is expected to discuss Korean tensions with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as well as hold economic talks with Finance Minister Taro Aso.



North Korea regularly threatens to destroy Japan, South Korea, and the United States and it showed no let-up in its defiance after a failed missile test on Sunday, a day after putting on a huge display of missiles in Pyongyang.



North Korea`s deputy representative to the United Nations, Kim In Ryong, accused the United States of creating "a situation where nuclear war could break out an any time" and said Pyongyang`s next nuclear test would take place "at a time and at a place where our headquarters deems necessary".



North Korea`s Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol told the BBC that missiles would continue to be tested on "a weekly, monthly and yearly basis".



South Korea`s acting president, Hwang Kyo-ahn, told a cabinet meeting on Tuesday that South Korea would strengthen its alliance with the United States and closely cooperate with China to rein in North Korea.



"We should stay on our toes to protect our territory and people`s lives," Hwang said.



The North has warned of a nuclear strike against the United States if provoked. It has said it has developed a missile that can strike the mainland United States, but officials and experts believe it is some time away from mastering the necessary technology, including miniaturising a nuclear warhead.

TOUGHER SANCTIONS



Pence said on Monday the world had witnessed US President Donald Trump`s resolve in the past two weeks, which saw a US missile attack on a Syrian airfield and the dropping of a powerful non-nuclear bomb on Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan.



"North Korea would do well not to test his resolve or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region," Pence said.



The Trump administration has said military action remains an option for dealing with North Korea.



But, mindful that this would likely trigger massive retaliation and casualties in South Korea and Japan, U.S. officials say the Trump administration`s main focus is on tougher economic sanctions.



Trump, when asked on Monday if he was considering military action, told Fox News Channel he didn`t want to "telegraph" his plans like the previous administration.



US officials say tougher sanctions could include an oil embargo, a global ban on North Korea`s airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks doing business with Pyongyang. They say greater Chinese cooperation is vital.



White House spokesman Sean Spicer said China had taken some "very helpful" steps, although it remained to be seen how effective these would be.



Susan Thornton, acting U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asia, said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and China`s top diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, agreed in a phone call on Sunday on the need for strict enforcement of U.N. resolutions and for international action to press Pyongyang "to cease provocative actions and recommit to peaceful denuclearisation".



Thornton said any new North Korean nuclear test "would draw a pretty significant international response".



Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi repeated China`s standard line that the crisis could only be resolved by diplomacy.



"I`ve seen that the United States has reiterated it is willing to use political and diplomatic means to resolve this, as this is their first choice," he told reporters in Beijing.



"Of course I think that any country will feel that political diplomatic means are of course the first choice."



Pence`s economic discussions in Tokyo will be closely watched to see how hard a line Washington is prepared to take on trade. Trump campaigned on an "America First" platform, and has vowed to narrow big trade deficits with nations like China and Japan.



However, Trump has also shown willingness to link trade to other issues, saying he would cut a better trade deal with China if it exerts influence on North Korea.



China banned imports of North Korean coal, its most important export, in February, and Chinese media have raised the possibility of restricting oil shipments to the North.



Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-1953 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. South Korea hosts 28,500 U.S. troops to counter the threat from the North.
Delhi: It seems that people are paying heed to what Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged them to do a couple of months back.

Addressing a gathering of ex-servicemen, war widows and students in Bhopal on the occasion of inauguration of Shaurya Smarak state war memorial, constructed by the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, Prime Minister on October 14 last year had appealed to the nation to honour and respect soldiers who lay down their lives guarding the borders.

He had said that in foreign countries, often when sitting at airports or railways stations one sees that soldiers are given standing ovation by civilians even when they just pass by.

PM Modi had asked, "Can we make this effort slowly and develop a tradition to show respect to our defence forces?"

He had added that such small factors make a huge difference in "our lives and soldiers' lives."

Praising the armed forces for their bravery, he had said they were also among the first ones across the world when judged on the yardsticks of discipline and concern for fellow human beings.

Given PM's appeal, a recent video of crowds breaking into applause on seeing Indian Army soldiers at Indira Gandhi International Airport will warm many a hearts.

Watch the video below (Courtesy - @majorgauravarya):
Jabalpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the concluding ceremony of Narmada river conservation awareness programme next month at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, according to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

"'Namami Devi Narmade - Sewa Yatra,' would conclude on May 15 at Amarkantak from where it originates, in the presence of the Prime Minister," Chouhan said during a public gathering at Gwari Ghat near Jabalpur yesterday.

Earlier, the state government had announced to conclude the campaign on May 11 after it began on December 11, 2016.

Chouhan also said that the awareness campaign would be started again from July 2 wherein saplings would be planted on the banks of Narmada, flowing across various districts of the state.

"A large number of saplings would be planted alongside banks of Narmada on both sides. An effective system would be evolved to ensure the security of these saplings," he said.

Under the ongoing campaign, the government conducted a drive against liquor shops within five kilometres of Narmada's banks.

A stretch of 1831-km on southern bank comprising 548 villages/towns and 1513-km on northern bank comprising 556 village/towns were covered under the campaign.

The state government claims that this programme is one of the biggest river conservation campaigns in the world.
New Delhi: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday held a strategy meeting with Congress leaders, MLAs and MPs to discuss measures to strenghten the party in states which will go for polls before the next general elections.



According to sources, he had asked the party workers and leaders to focus more on strengthening the party at the grassroots level and internal democracy will be promoted.



Gandhi also stressed on the need to strengthening the party cadres in all the states and revive the party at the panchayat, district, state and national level. He also called for suggestions to revitalise the party.



There will be elections in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya before the next Lok Sabha polls in 2019.



Sources said Gandhi hinted that there will more meetings in groups in future with party leaders



The Congress lost badly in Uttar Pardesh and Uttarakhand in the recently held assembly elections. It also could not form governments in Manipur and Goa despite emerging as single-largest party.



The only solace for Congress came from Punjab where it returned to power after 10 years. The Congress has suffered a series of reverses since 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
New Delhi: Social media is getting flooded with the pictures of a restaurant. The name of the restaurant is 'Postik Restaurant'.

Various media reports are claiming that this is Baba Ramdev's restaurant. Now, it has become a hot topic of social media and people are eager to know whether Ramdev opened this restaurant or is it a FAKE NEWS!

Here is the TRUTH:-

The owner of Postik Restaurant in Chandigarh has clarified that the restaurant is not Ramdev's.

Colonel (Retd) Alok Sharma has denied rejected reports that the restaurant is of Patanjali, according to a report in India Today.

Also, Alok Sharma clarified that they were only using Patanjali products.

MENU

Several media reports and social media user have shared pics of Postik Restaurant in Chandiragh and claimed that it is opened by Baba Ramdev.

Baba Ramdev enters in restaurant business too. pic.twitter.com/X7tupCZnB4  ASHUTOSH MISHRA (@ashu3page) April 18, 2017
New Delhi: One of the most outstanding leaders of Indias First War of Independence, Tatya Tope, was hanged to death on April 18, 1859 at Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh.

The patriot of the highest order was captured by the British Forces on April 07, 1859 and after a hurried trial for waging war against the East India Company, he was hanged on April 18.

On the occasion of his Martyrdom Day today, here are some of the facts about the patriot:
Kabul: Thirteen Indian nationals who had joined Daesh were among those killed in the MOAB bombing in Afghanistan`s Achin district.

Intelligence services in India have confirmed the death of their nationals, according to Tolo News.

Citing a source, Afghanistan based Tolo News reported that alongside dozens of Pakistani nationals, twelve Tajikistanis and thirteen Indian nationals were also killed in the bombing.

The source said that at least 13 Daesh commanders were among the 96 killed in the "Mother of All Bombs".

The report also identified two militants killed in the raid as Commander Mohammad, an Indian national and Geeta, an Indian national.

The report said that intelligence services in Tajikistan and India have confirmed the death of their citizens in the raid.

The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb (MOAB), nicknamed the "mother of all bombs" was dropped last week in Afghanistan`s Nangarhar province to target a network of fortified underground tunnels that ISIS had been using to stage attacks on government forces in the province according to the US administration.

The blast destroyed three underground tunnels as well as weapons and ammunition, but no civilians were hurt, Afghan and US officials claimed.

The 30-foot-long, GPS-guided bomb is capable of destroying an area equivalent to nine city blocks.

The US military previously estimated ISIS had 600 to 800 active fighters in the area.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he approved of the strike, and it was designed to support Afghan and US forces conducting clearance operations in the region.
New Delhi: The US on Tuesday reaffirmed that India remained its "major defence partner" as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump's top security aide Lt Gen HR McMaster met to discuss military and counter-terror ties between the two countries.



The visiting US National Security Adviser (NSA) called on PM Modi at his official residence, a day after he arrived here on the first visit by a senior White House official since President Trump took over in January.



The US embassy said McMaster in his meeting with Modi that was also attended by Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval "emphasised the importance of US-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed India's designation as a major defence partner".



"The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counterterrorism cooperation," an embassy statement said.



McMaster also met separately with Doval and Jaishankar. The embassy noted that the meetings were "productive".



The Prime Minister's Office said in a statement that "McMaster conveyed the greetings of President Trump" to Modi, who recalled "the importance attached by both sides to the strategic partnership and to stepping up India-US engagement across the board".



The PMO statement said Modi and McMaster discussed peace and security in war-torn Afghanistan and the extended region, including the Middle East.



"McMaster shared his perspective with (the) Prime Minister on the security situation in the extended region, including in Afghanistan, West Asia and the DPRK (North Korea).



"During the conversation, they exchanged views on how both countries can work together to effectively address the challenge of terrorism and to advance regional peace, security and stability."



The US official's trip was part of his South Asian sojourn that began over the weekend.



On Monday, he visited Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz and the army chief, stressing "the need to confront terrorism in all its forms".



He also visited Afghanistan to review efforts at stabilizing the country.



"The visit was a part of regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad," said the embassy statement.



The trip assumes significance amid growing US concerns over terror threats emanating from a resurgent Taliban and rising Islamic State's influence in Afghanistan, where America has some 8,400 troops.



On Thursday, the US military dropped what it said was the "Mother of All Bombs" -- the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast -- on suspected Islamic State hideouts in Afghanistan.



The first use of the bomb in a combat killed some 95 militants, the US said.


3 ex-NA officials convicted of killing Maina Sunuwar

Kavre District Court has sentenced three former Nepal Army officials to life for killing Maina Sunuwar in detention in 2004.
New Delhi: This video becomes extremely relevant today as liquor baron and bank defaulter Vijay Mallya has been arrested in London.

Attacking bank defaulters, PM Narendra Modi had said that nobody will be spared.

"Koi bachne wale nahi hai," PM Modi had committed.

WATCH:-





Vijay Mallya case

Industrialist Vijay Mallya, who has been declared a proclaimed offender, was arrested on Tuesday in the UK by Scotland Yard on India's request for his extradition.

Mallya, 61, will be appearing in Westminster Magistrates' Court in London later in the day.

India had given a formal extradition request for Mallya as per the Extradition Treaty between India and the UK through a note verbale on February 8.

While handing over the request, India had asserted that it has a "legitimate" case against Mallya and maintained that if an extradition request is honoured, it would show British "sensitivity towards our concerns".

Last month, setting in motion the process of extradition of Mallya, the British government had certified India's request and sent it to a district judge for further action.

The extradition process from the UK involves a number of steps including a decision by the judge whether to issue a warrant of arrest. In case of a warrant, the person is arrested and brought before the court for preliminary hearing followed by an extradition hearing before a final decision is taken by the secretary of state.

The wanted person has a right to appeal to the higher courts against any decision all the way up to the supreme court.

Earlier in January this year, a CBI court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case.

Mallya, whose now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to various banks, had fled India on March 2, 2016.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted two months to Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to clean up two water tanks at the historic Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Kerala.

A bench, comprising Chief Justice JS Khehar and Justices DY Chandrachud and SK Kaul, recorded the statement of a KWA official of the administrative committee of the famous temple, who said that the cleaning of the ponds would be completed within the stipulated time.

The bench considered the submission of senior advocate Gopal Subramaniam, who is assisting the court as an amicus curiae, that besides cleaning the water tanks, there was a need to take measures to stop sewage and construction debris from flowing into them.

The bench, which has fixed the matter for further hearing on May 3, has also asked the temple administration committee to file its fortnightly status report on or before May 2.

Earlier, the court had asked the amicus curiae to keep tabs on the timely completion of the cleaning work. The government has fixed an estimate of Rs 28 lakh for the work.

The bench had said it wanted the cleaning work to conclude before the onset of monsoon.

Subramanium had submitted that the temple tanks were filled with filth and the priests were finding it increasingly difficult to take a dip before performing the religious tasks.

The state government had told the court that it has sanctioned a project on March 18 to ensure that "drainage, sewerage and construction debris" do not enter the premises of the temple and the two tanks associated with it.

The court had then asked the government not to outsource the task.

"Given the importance of the issue, we hereby direct the Kerala Water Authority to undertake the project on its own, without outsourcing it. Accordingly, it will not be essential for the Kerala Water Authority to notify the tenders.

"To ensure that the contemplated project is completed before the ensuing monsoon, we consider it just and appropriate to direct the Kerala Water Authority to commence the works forthwith," it had said.
Imphal: Unidentified gunmen, suspected to be Kuki tribal militants, opened fire at oil tankers on Tuesday morning in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. The attack caused no casualty, the police said.

Some trucks and tankers coming from Assam towards Imphal were ambushed by the militants using automatic rifles. The personnel of CRPF escorting the convoy opened fire in retaliation. The exchange of fire took place at 5.45 a.m. along the National Highway No. 37, about 60 km from here, the police said.

Two tankers carrying petrol and diesel were hit by the militants' bullets.

Police units were rushed to the spot after the information about the ambush was received. However, the militants managed to escape.

The police officials suspect that it could be an extortion threat to the oil transporters.

"If the fuel had exploded on bullet impact there would have been casualties. We strongly condemn the attack," T. Kipgen, a resident said. Later, the trucks and oil tankers resumed journey towards Imphal.

"A few jeep-loads of CRPF personnel cannot ensure safety to over 600 vehicles along the mountain highway. We had welcomed the government's plan to deploy Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and police commandos along the vulnerable spots of the two national highways," Laishram Chinglien, a driver, said.

"However, the All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) has strongly objected to it and the government cannot say or do anything," he added.

Officials said that the government plan has been staved off. In the past, police commandos and IRB personnel had to be recalled from Ukhrul and some other tribal dominated districts.

ANSAM and other Naga groups say that they object to the government plan to "militarise the lands of the Nagas".

The United Naga Council (UNC) had imposed an economic blockade for more than four months along the two highways which are the lifelines of Manipur.

The UNC was protesting the creation of seven new districts on the "lands of the Nagas" without consulting the stakeholders.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh held a meeting with his cabinet colleagues on Tuesday morning to review the situation.

Official sources said that security along the highways would be beefed up, without which the drivers may refuse to ply. The IRB personnel and police commandos may be deployed shortly.
New Delhi: Indian cinema's biggest star of all times, Amitabh Bachchan has a huge filmography to his credit. Not just that, the megastar is an avid social media user, who keeps his Twitter family happy with recent posts and pictures.

Big B also writes a blog on regular basis and often keeps his fans in the know of what he is doing and that too with pictures. Recently, he wrote in his blog about an advertisement shoot where he bumped into none other than YRF ki 'Malkin' Rani Mukerji.

And shared a picture of the two which is simple adorable! Big B in this blog wrote: And while I go through the myriad expression changes I bump into the malkin of YRF .. the Rani ..Who I meet after ages .. after marriage and child anyway .. And so goes the day and our life .. disguising our shapes and sizes .. hiding the real from the unreal .. never allowing the insides to reveal the outsides .. never .. no matter what the confessions, the honest blurt outs, the compelling circumstances .. there shall always be that inner that no one shall ever discover .. and long may that last .. Good night

How about a film together?




New Delhi: Orbital ATK's Cygnus spacecraft launches aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Cygnus will deliver several tons of cargo including crew supplies and science experiments to the International Space Station.

The unmanned Cygnus cargo craft is carrying more than 7,600 pounds of science research, crew supplies and hardware to the orbiting laboratory in support of the crew members.

NASA Television is providing multiple broadcasts around launch activities, beginning at 10 a.m. EDT on air and streaming at www.nasa.gov/ntv. These events will also stream live on the agencys website at www.nasa.gov/live.

Also, ten minutes prior to liftoff, NASA TVs YouTube channel will debut full, 360 coverage of the launch at http://youtube.com/nasatelevision.

Meanwhile, forecasters predict a 90 percent chance of go conditions for today's launch of Orbital ATK CRS-7 mission, with the possibility of cumulus clouds posing the primary concern.
We all know Burma as a neighbour and friend that was under the British rule along with Colonial India; a country famous for Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, precious stones like rubies, lungis and of course the old Bollywood song  'Mere piya gaye Rangoon'.

However, very few know much about ancient Burma and how the land took its name because of its close association with the Hindu deity Brahma, considered to be the creator of the universe.

In fact, the country was called Brahma Desha till the British turned it into Burma as a phonetic mispronunciation. Also, Myanmar in local parlance is a transliteration of Brahma where the alphabets b and m are interchangeable.

These truths and more were revealed by Ram Katha exponent Morari Bapu, who travelled to Yangon to speak on the subject of Manas Brahma. Shedding fresh light on the Hindu God and our perception of him, the saint related interesting tales to bring out multifaceted aspects of the deitys personality.

Bapu narrated how once Sanat Kumars, the manas putras (sons born out of mind) of Brahma approached their father and put forth a query. The sages, who are perpetually in boyhood stage of life, wanted to know a simple solution for the people of Kaliyuga (fourth and current epoch) to transcend the cycle of birth and death.

Sanat Kumars felt an answer to this basic question would be in the larger welfare of worldly beings, who will find remedies through what Brahma says and which in turn can be sung and communicated by sage Narada.

Surprisingly, what Brahma said in response was simple. But then it is in simplicity that all essence of life can be found. He expounded that the people on earth need not do anything but sankirtan (singing pastimes of the Lord).

The four types of sankirtanas that sadhakas (aspirants) can do were explained as follows:

Guna Sankirtan Devotees can sing about the characteristics of divine personalities like Ram and Krishna. Karma Sankirtan  They can sing about their leelas  the various pastimes and activities that the avatars did during their lifespan on earth. Bhava Sankirtan  Is to just remember with deep feeling the largesse and generosity of God and our Sadaguru. Naam Sankirtan  To constantly chant Gods name is the most important. Brahma explained that while humans may skip doing the aforementioned categories of sankirtan, they must never stop Naam Jap or chanting of the holy name.

The answer to the question also reveals the trait of Bhakti (devotion) that seems to be ingrained in Brahma. As per popular perception, Brahma is observed to be a serious and dry person. He is known more for his Karma  the act of creating this world, and Gyana (Knowledge) because of his high level of intellectual prowess.

But Morari Bapu brought out Brahmas side of devotion by citing instances from Ram Charit Manas. After the battle in Lanka is over and Ravana has obtained Nirvana, deities make a beeline to sing eulogies of Ram. However, after the demigods had finished, Brahma once again began singing the praises of Ram, asking him to grant him love in His lotus feet.

Nripa nayaka de bardanamidam, charan ambuja prema sada subhadam 11 (Lanka .Ch: 111)

(Brahma says: Of King of Kings, grant me this boon that I may cherish loving devotion to your lotus feet, which is a perennial source of blessings.)

Citing earlier episodes when Brahma displayed devotion, Bapu said Bidhi had washed the feet of the Lord with his tears when in Vamana Avatar his foot had reached Brahma Lok (the abode of Brahma).

Stressing on the need for inculcating Bhakti, Bapu insisted that our self cannot be cleansed without tears of love and devotion. Tears wash our inner selves and, slowly, we lose ourselves in divine elixir.

It is when nothing is left for us  no brother, sister, relative, friend, thought, action, words, buddhi (intellect), chit (mind), ego. When there is an experience of complete emptiness, absolute nothingness; it is then that there is something.

That something is Divine Grace. The true love of God  param prem (supreme love).
Chennai: In a big development, an influential section of Sasikala loyalists led by Chief Minister EK Palaniswami on Tuesday revolted against the AIADMK general secretary, resolving to 'delink' the party and the government from her family.

"There was a consensus to delink the government and the party from TTV Dinakaran and the family he belongs to. This is the view of the basic partymen, district secretaries, MLAs and Ministers," Finance Minister D Jayakumar told reporters after a "consultative" meeting chaired by Palaniswami and attended by several ministers.

Dinakaran is deputy general secretary of AIADMK (Amma) faction.

"To put it directly, it is the desire of people and party workers that Dinakaran and his family should be sidelined," Jayakumar said.

He added, "It has been decided to lead the party and government sans Dinakaran and his family and today the aspirations of people and party workers have been fulfilled and we are announcing this to them."

A committee will be formed soon to run the day-to-day affairs of the party, he said.

However, Sattur MLA SG Subramanian, told reporters that Dinakaran was their leader and the party deputy general secretary. The legislators were bound only by his directions, he said.

Earlier in the day, two other MLAs P Vetrivel and Andipatti legislator Thanga Tamil Selvan had voiced support for Dinakaran.

In the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Sasikala faction earlier enjoyed the support of 122 MLAs and Panneerselvam 12. However, the present tally is not clear.

The development came on a day when Panneerselvam, a staunch loyalist of the late CM J Jayalalithaa and leader of the rival AIADMK faction, made merger talks between the two camps conditional to the ouster of Sasikala and her nephew.

Though Panneerselvam commanded the support of just about 12 of the party's 134 MLAs, there has been public anger among the AIADMK supporters who hold Sasikala responsible for Jayalalithaa's conviction in a disproportionate assets case.

She hitherto had the backing of the majority in both the party organisation and among the legislators.

Meanwhile, mooting a patch-up with Panneerselvam, senior party leader M Thambidurai today said it will be in the party's interest if both factions merge to take forward the legacy of late Jayalalitha.

Ruling out any change of CM in the state for this possible patch up, Thambidurai said people from the opposing faction may be included in the organisation.

"I have initiated talks with the Panneerselvam camp. We all want to continue the legacy of late Amma and at the same time want to save the party's symbol of two leaves. So in this largest interest, I think both factions should come together," he said here, adding this is what party workers also want, as per PTI.

Last month, the Election Commission had frozen the 'two leaves' symbol of the AIADMK as part of its interim order.

Both AIADMK factions led by Panneerselvam and Sasikala respectively were asked to come up with new party names as well as party symbols.

Sasikala is in jail in connection with the DA case in which Jayalalithaa was the main accused.

In a related development, the Delhi Police had booked Dinakaran yesterday for allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official for obtaining the party symbol for his faction following the arrest of an alleged middleman.

Dinakaran, who is a nephew of VK Sasikala has denied the allegation against him, calling it false.

The crime branch of the Delhi police has claimed that Dinakaran was trying to ensure that his party was allotted the AIADMK poll symbol of two leaves for the RK Nagar bypolls.

The bypolls to the RK Nagar Assembly constituency was scheduled for April 12, but the EC cancelled it, saying the electoral process had been "seriously vitiated" by parties through the use of money power.

The bypoll was necessitated following the death of Jayalalithaa on December 5.

Dhinakaran was the candidate of the Sasikala faction.

(With Agency inputs)
Chennai: Two months after he was shunted out, Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday brought back senior IPS officer KN Sathiyamurthy, posting him as IG, Intelligence.

He had been earlier kept under 'compulsory wait,' after his transfer on February 12, 2017 at the peak of political churning in the state following former chief minister O Panneerselvam's revolt against AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala.

"KN Sathiyamurthy, IPS, Inspector General of Police, on compulsory wait is posted as Inspector General of Police, Intelligence, Chennai, in the existing vacancy," Additional Chief Secretary Niranjan Mardi said in a police note.

Sathiyamurthy was on February 12 replaced by S Davidson Devasirvatham.

However, Devasirvatham was shunted as IG, Intelligence within 10 days of his appointment.

Sathiyamurthy was appointed as IG of Intelligence in place of Devasirvatham in December 2015 by the AIADMK government.
Lucknow: Yogi Adityanath's government on Tuesday took the decision to name Agra airport after RSS ideologue Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.

On the other hand, the upcoming civil terminal at Gorakhpur Air Force station would be named after Mahayogi Gorakhnath who is known as the founder of the Nath monastic movement.

These decisions were taken in a meeting of the Uttar Pradesh state Cabinet headed by the CM.

"A decision was taken to name the civil terminal being constructed in Gorakhpur Air Force Station after Maha Yogi Gorakhnathji. Likewise, Agra airport will now be named after Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay," the state power minister Shrikant Sharma told reporters.

Significantly, Yogi Adityanth himself is the head priest of the Gorakhnath Mutt, a leading centre of the Nath monastic order.

The state Cabinet also approved another change in nomenclature today.

The 'Viklang Kalyan Vibhag' (Handicap Welfare Department) would be renamed as the 'Divyang Jan Shasaktikaran Vibhag' ('Divyang' Empowerment Department), Sharma said, as per PTI.

'Divyang' is a term used for the differently-abled.

Earlier, on April 11, Yogi had ordered 18-hour power supply in villages, 20-hour at tehsil level and in Bundelkhand region besides deciding to ink a pact with the Centre to ensure electricity in all UP villages by 2019 in a meeting of the state Cabinet chaired by the CM, the second since he assumed office.

At that time, the meeting had also decided that district headquarters would get 24-hour power supply, Sharma had told reporters then after the three-hour-long meeting.

The CM had directed the power department to ensure that defective or burnt transformers were replaced expeditiously in rural areas so that agricultural operations do not suffer.

(With PTI inputs)
RCA RecordsCarly Rae Jepsen is featured on a new song by Jack Antonoffs band Bleachers, called Hate That You Know Me.

She provides backing vocals on the upbeat 80s-inspired track, which was co-written by Julia Michaels. Its the latest song to be shared from Bleachers upcoming sophomore album, Gone Now.

Hate That You Know Me follows the albums lead single, Dont Take the Money, which was co-written by Lorde and features her backing vocals. Jack Antonoff also co-wrote and co-produced Lorde's latest single, "Green Light."

Jack has also co-written hits for Rachel Platten, Sara Bareilles and Taylor Swift, including Taylor's hit duet with Zayn Malik, "I Don't Wanna Live Forever."

Gone Now will arrive in full on June 2.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Aid fragmentation

The Development Cooperation Report 2015-16 published on Sunday by the Ministry of Finance shows that aid agencies working in Nepal have not stopped scattering financial resources in smaller projects. Such fragmentation of financial assistance reduces aid effectiveness and raises transaction costs of projects.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to chair third meeting of his Cabinet on Tuesday.

The meeting will be held at the Lok Bhawan in the state capital at 5 pm.

Ahead of the crucial Cabinet meeting, CM Adityanath has issued a model code of conduct for UP government ministers and asked them to strictly abide by the new regulation.

During today's meeting, the Yogi Adityanath government is expected to formulate states new transfer policy among other key proposals.

Sources claim that the Yogi Adityanath government's new transfer policy may fix the divisional term for state officials to 7 years while the tenure for district-level officials could be reduced to 5 years.

The Chief Minister may seek a detailed report from his ministers about the work done so far in their respective departments.

The UP Cabinet may also fix dates for future state assembly sessions. The Yogi Adityanath Cabinet may also make e-tendering compulsory for procuring government contracts.

The cabinet may also announce changes in the stamp registration procedures during today's meet.

Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government can nominate an agency to study the feasibility of a metro project in CMs home city Gorakhpur.

Earlier in the second Cabinet meet, the government had approved the proposal to supply 24-hour power to district headquarters in the state while in the maiden Cabinet meeting the government unanimously decided to waive off farm loans up to Rs One lakh for small and marginal farmers.
London: British Prime Minister Theresa May called on Tuesday for an early election on June 8, saying she needed to strengthen her hand in divorce talks with the European Union by bolstering support for her Brexit plan.

Standing outside her Downing Street office, May said she had been reluctant to ask parliament to back her move to bring forward the poll from 2020. But, after thinking "long and hard" during a walking holiday, she decided it was necessary to try to stop the opposition "jeopardising" her work on Brexit.

Some were surprised by May`s move - the Conservative prime minister has repeatedly said she does not want to be distracted by campaigning - but opinion polls give her a strong lead and the British economy has so far defied predictions of a slowdown.

Growth is faster than expected, consumer confidence is high and unemployment low, but the economy may be poised to pass its peak as consumers start to feel the strain from rising prices.

Sterling rose to a four-month high against the U.S. dollar after the market bet that May would strengthen her parliamentary majority, which Deutsche Bank said would be a "game-changer" for the pound.

But the stronger pound helped push Britain`s main share index to close down 2.3 percent, its biggest one-day loss since June 27, days after Britain voted to leave the EU.

"It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond," May said.

"Before Easter I spent a few days walking in Wales with my husband, thought about this long and hard, and came to the decision that to provide that stability and certainty for the future that this was the way to do it, to have an election," she told ITV news.

RUNAWAY LEAD

Britain joins a list of western European countries scheduled to hold elections this year. Votes in France in April and May, and in Germany in September, have the potential to reshape the political landscape around the two years of Brexit talks with the EU expected to start in earnest in June.

May is capitalising on her runaway lead in the opinion polls and she could win around 100 additional seats in parliament.

A survey conducted after May`s announcement put her Conservative Party 21 points ahead of the main opposition Labour Party. The ICM/Guardian poll of 1,000 people put Conservative support at 46 percent, with Labour on 25 percent and the Liberal Democrats on 11 percent.

May`s personal ratings also dwarf those of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, with 50 percent of those asked by pollster YouGov saying she would make the best prime minister. Corbyn wins only 14 percent.

May, a former interior minister, was appointed prime minister after Britain`s vote to leave the European Union forced the resignation of her predecessor David Cameron. The election will be a vote on her performance so far.

She is counting on winning the support of British voters, who backed Brexit by 52-48 percent. Some Britons questioned on social media whether they wanted to cast yet another ballot less than a year after the June referendum and two years after they voted in the last parliamentary poll.

However, the ICM/Guardian poll found that around three in five respondents said May was right to call an election.

Her spokesman said she had the backing of her top team of ministers and had informed Queen Elizabeth of her plans on Monday.

Business groups largely welcomed the move, while expressing concern that the government`s focus may stray away from the economy, which May said had defied "predictions of immediate financial and economic danger".

Underlining divisions the vote is unlikely to mend, however, Nicola Sturgeon, first minister of the Scottish government, described the decision as a "huge political miscalculation" that could help her efforts to hold a new independence referendum.

In Brussels, European Council President Donald Tusk, who is running the negotiations with Britain, said the election was a Brexit plot twist worthy of Alfred Hitchcock - the late film director known as the master of suspense.

Before holding the early election, May must win the support of two-thirds of the parliament in a vote on Wednesday, which looked certain after Labour and the Liberal Democrats said they would vote in favour.

Labour`s Corbyn welcomed the election plan, but some of his lawmakers doubted whether it was a good move, fearing they could lose their seats. At least two said they would not run.

If the opinion polls are right, May will win a new mandate for a series of reforms she wants to make and also a vote of confidence in a vision for Brexit which sees the country outside the EU`s single market.

"The decision facing the country will be all about leadership," May said. "What they are doing jeopardises the work we must do to prepare for Brexit at home, and it weakens the government`s negotiating position in Europe."
Beijing: Countries affected by North Korea`s nuclear arms programme will prefer a peaceful resolution of the issue, China`s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.



In a press conference, Wang said China stays committed to the goal of denuclearisation in the Korean peninsula and would prefer the use of peaceful and diplomatic means to resolve the issue, Efe news reported.



"I think this is a common aspiration of the countries and a realistic way to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue," he said.



"In fact, the US has also reaffirmed its willingness to stick to diplomacy and peaceful means in settling this issue. This is the first option although there are other options on the table," Wang added.



The minister China considers the crisis an opportunity to resume dialogue and negotiations.



North Korea`s Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Kim In Ryong, warned on Monday night that the US was pushing the situation to the brink of war.



"It has created a situation where a thermonuclear war may break out at any moment." he said.
Beijing: China today sought to allay India's concerns over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, saying it has "no direct link" with the Kashmir issue and New Delhi was welcome to participate in the 'One Belt One Road' project.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, at press conference on the One belt One Road (OBOR) summit to be held here from May 14-15, said, "Although (an) Indian leader will not be here but India will have a representative" at the OBOR summit.

"We welcome (the) Indian representative, members of the Indian business community and financial community to take part in the discussions at the summit," Wang said.

28 Presidents and Prime Ministers were expected to take part in the summit, he said.

"OBOR is for common development of all participants. So we welcome India to take active part in building the OBOR," he said.

Wang asserted that the purpose of the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was economic.

"It is for the purpose of serving economic cooperation and development," he said.

"It has no direct link with political and boundary dispute. Certain sections of the CPEC have raised concern on the Indian side," Wang said.

These disputes are not the direct result of the economic corridor and economic activities. China has been providing support to Pakistan in these areas for many years, Wang said.

"As for the dispute of Kashmir, China's position remained unchanged. Also, CPEC has no relationship with the dispute in certain regions. I want to reaffirm to the Indian friend if India wants to take part in the OBOR, there are many channels and ways," the Chinese Foreign Minister said.

China has taken note of India's participation in the Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar (BCIM) which is part of OBOR, he said.

"We have taken note of India's positive attitude on this," Wang said.

India has reservations over OBOR as the CPEC is part of it and passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Washington: US President Donald Trump called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to congratulate him hours after his narrow victory in a referendum that will grant him sweeping new powers, the White House announced.



During Sunday`s vote, about 51.35 per cent backed the constitutional changes, compared to 48.65 per cent for the "no" side.



The constitutional reforms are set to grant more powers to Erdogan, effecting a changeover from parliamentary to the presidential form of government in Turkey. The amendments to the constitution are likely to allow him to hold office for two more terms until 2029.



According to a White House statement, Trump spoke on Monday with Erdogan, discussing the developments in Syria, and Washington`s response to the chemical attack. They "agreed on the importance of holding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accountable", the Guardian reported.



Asked during the White House daily briefing to respond to Erdogan`s accumulation of power after the referendum, Press Secretary Sean Spicer echoed the State Department statement and said he would withhold reaction until a final report is published.



"Before we start getting into their governing system, let this commission get through its work," Spicer said.



Trump also spoke to Erdogan in February, reports the Guardian.



On the call, Trump reaffirmed Turkey as a strong NATO ally and a partner in the fight against the Islamic State terror group.



The leaders again discussed the campaign against the group on Monday and agreed on "the need to cooperate against all groups that use terrorism to achieve their ends", the White House added.


Moscow: Officials from Russia's Foreign Ministry have denied knowledge of reports that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State jihadist group, has been arrested in Syria, Kurdish broadcaster Rudaw said on Tuesday.



"We are not aware of the arrest of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, 'caliph' of the Islamic State, and have not received any information or clarification in this regard," staff from the Foreign Ministry's media office were cited as telling Rudaw.



Russian media had earlier cited the European Department for Security and Information (DESI) non-profit organisation as saying it received information that Baghdadi had been arrested in an operation coordinated between Russian and Syrian government intelligence agencies.



Iraqi news site Ara News cited Iraqi military intelligence officials on Monday as saying Baghdadi had recently crossed to Syria from Iraq after being injured in an airstrike by the US-led coalition in the northwest.



The Iraqi military intelligence unit, known as Suqur al-Istikhbarat , said that the recent reports about al-Baghdadi's death were inaccurate and said he is still alive, Ara News reported.


Darwin: US Marines began arriving in Australia`s tropical north on Tuesday for a six-month deployment during which they will conduct exercises with Australian and visiting Chinese forces.



The 25-year annual deployment programme started by former US president Barack Obama in 2011 is part of the US "pivot" to Asia at a time of increased assertiveness by China.



"I think that the commitment that we`ve taken to put a task force here with a conversation to get larger over the years says that we do think this is an important region," said Marines` commander Lieutenant Colonel Brian Middleton after the first troops arrived in Darwin in the Northern Territory.



"Being close to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, the Indo-Pacific position has always been important."



Middleton said the marines would conduct an "important exercise alongside our Chinese partners" and Australia.



The strength of this year`s deployment at 1,250 troops lags well behind the initial plan for the deployment to reach 2,500 Marines this year, but it will see the largest US aircraft contingent to Australia in peacetime history.



Middleton said the 13 aircraft, including tilt-rotor Ospreys, Super Cobra helicopters and Huey helicopters, triple the four aircraft in past deployments, was a "tangible kind of sign of our commitment to the region and to this partnership".



He said the decision to send the aircraft pre-dated the recent escalation in tensions over North Korea.



"Regardless, I think it is just a good move any time we can strengthen the long standing partnership and alliance between our two countries. We stand ready to fight and win the night always."



US President Donald Trump has ordered the USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group to sail to near the Korean peninsula as a show of force aimed at deterring North Korea from conducting more missiles tests. Pyongyang launched a failed missile test on Sunday and has warned Washington against taking military action against North Korea.



The Australia-US-China military exercises are also aimed at Australia charting a course between its most important security ally the United States and its biggest trading partner China.



Australia has drawn rebukes from both superpowers as it tries to strike a balanced stance on the disputed South China Sea, with China criticising Australian freedom-of-navigation flights in the area and a senior US soldier calling on Australia to do more there.
YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Despite Israel denies the Armenian Genocide, the people of Israel stand with Armenians. The Jewish people definitely recognize the Armenian Genocide, Israeli researcher and lecturer, Genocide scholar Yair Auron told Armenpress.

I can say for sure that Israel will not recognize the Armenian Genocide this year and during the upcoming years, which is a deep pain and shame for me. But the people of Israel have the same position as me and stand with us for sure. Still 30 years ago the people had no idea about the Armenian Genocide, but now everybody knows. Since those years this issue has been covered by many news outlets and TV programs. And the people by learning about that have come to the conclusion that the genocide of Armenians has really taken place. Today only the genocide of Jews is a subject of studies at Jewish universities and schools, but the Armenian Genocide is bypassed. But at the university where I am a professor a branch has already been opened where the Armenian Genocide is touched upon and discussed, Yair Auron said, adding that already hundreds of students have graduated from the university who know about the Armenian Genocide.

The genocide scholars interest in the Medz Yeghern (Armenian Genocide) arose when he first read in a news outlet in 1986 that Israel support Turkey and denies the Armenian Genocide. He could not understand the denialism of his country. Yair Auron thinks Armenians should go on with their struggle until other countries and peoples also recognize the genocide.

Referring to the position of the international community Yair Auron noted that nearly 200 countries are UN member states, while only 2-3 dozens of them have recognized the Armenian Genocide, which is a great shame for humanity.

Anna Grigoryan
Another way

The Nepal governments handling of the Tarai issue is like Philippine President Duartes handling of drug addicts:
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. The National Security Council of Turkey decided to extend the state of emergency in the country with another three months.

The state of emergency will be extended from April 19, Turkeys Vice PM Numan Kurtulmus said, according to Anadolu.

The decision will come into force after being confirmed by the Parliament.

A state of emergency was declared in Turkey following the July 15 2016 military coup attempt. The 90-day state of emergency was extended two times by the National Security Council, once on October 11, and again on January 3.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, Anadolu reported.

President Trump congratulated Erdogan on the victory in the April 16 constitutional referendum.

The two Presidents discussed the recent developments in Syria. They expressed their commitment to continue the cooperation in fight against the Islamic State terrorist group.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his anger over the report published by the OSCE observer mission on the constitutional referendum, Anadolu reports.

During an event at the presidential palace, Erdogan urged the OSCE to know its place.

There is an organization called OSCE in Europe. Now they are preparing a report stating that the elections in Turkey passed in this or that way. First you should know your place! We will not consider, see or recognize your political report. We will go on our own way, Erdogan said.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry also issued a statement over the OSCE report, considering unacceptable the reports description that the referendum was not in accordance with international standards.

On April 17 the OSCE issued a statement on Turkeys constitutional referendum results. The statement said the referendum was contested on an unlevel playing field, and the two sides in the campaign did not have equal opportunities. In general, the referendum did not live up to Council of Europe standards. The legal framework was inadequate for the holding of a genuinely democratic process, Cezar Florin Preda, Head of the delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, said.

The referendum took place in a political environment in which fundamental freedoms essential to a genuinely democratic process were curtailed under the state of emergency, and the two sides did not have equal opportunities to make their case to the voters, said Tana de Zulueta, Head of the ODIHR limited election observation mission. Our monitoring showed the Yes campaign dominated the media coverage and this, along with restrictions on the media, the arrests of journalists and the closure of media outlets, reduced voters access to a plurality of views.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Negotiations over a free trade agreement between Iran and the EEU continue.

Anna Ohanyan, spokesperson of Armenias minister of economic development and investments, told ARMENPRESS the talks are in a rather intense phase.

Ohanyan denied media reports saying the Armenian government will step back from the idea of creating a free economic zone on the Armenia-Iran border.

Soon we will witness the signing of the document with the operator of the free economic zone according to the defined procedure, she added.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Ambassador to Iran H.E. Artashes Tumanyan had a meeting on April 16 with Nasrollah Pezhmanfar, chairman of the Culture Affairs Committee of the Iranian Parliament, the foreign ministry told ARMENPRESS.

Pezhmanfar welcomed the Ambassador and mentioned the existing historical and cultural similarities between the Armenian and Iranian peoples create strong grounds for the development of relations in different spheres, and stressed that his committee is willing to assist in enhancing cooperation with Armenia in the cultural sector.

Ambassador Tumanyan was pleased the mention the great attention towards cultural legacies of the two countries by state agencies, which is proved by the mindful attitude towards the Armenian Churches and cultural monuments in Iran and the Blue Mosque in Yerevan.

The meeting also focused on further enhancing the cooperation in the field of culture as well as between relevant committees of the parliaments of Armenia and Iran.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. The demonstrations continued in Turkey in the evening of April 17 against the results of the constitutional referendum held in the country on April 16, reports Armenpress.

Major protests were held in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and Eskisehir.

The protesters especially expressed their complaint that the Supreme Electoral Council considered the ballots with no stamps as valid. They kept posters entitled No, we will win, urging to annul the referendum results.

According to Cumhuriyet newspaper, a large number of people were detained during the protests in Izmir and Antalya.

On April 16 constitutional referendum was held in Turkey. 51.41% of people voted yes, and 48.59% voted no in the referendum on constitutional changes.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. One of the frontrunners in the French presidential election, far-right leader Marine Le Pen, says she would suspend all legal immigration to France, BBC reports.

The National Front (FN) leader told a rally that she wanted to stop "a mad, uncontrolled situation".

Polls suggest she is neck and neck with centrist Emmanuel Macron, ahead of Sunday's first round of voting.

Mr Macron warned voters that choosing far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon would be like Cuba without the sun.

Opinion polls predict that Mr Macron and Ms Le Pen will reach the second round on 7 May. But it looks like a very tight race.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. A group of public figures, including the first Ombudsman of Armenia Larisa Alaverdyan and environmentalist Karine Danielyan, addressed a letter to the UN Secretary General against Polad Bulbuloglu, Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Russia, nominated for the post of UNESCO Director General.

In addition to the UN Secretary General, the letter has been sent to all members of UNESCO council, as well as to those countries which have nominated candidates.

Representatives of another 8 countries are nominated for the position.

Against legal Arbitrariness NGO president Larisa Alaverdyan said this fact is important not only for the UN Secretary General, but also for other states.

UNESCO has gained rather great reputation during decades of work, as a champion of cultural, scientific and other values. With this letter, we expect that in no event a leader be elected who is actively struggling against these values, Alaverdyan said.

According to her, it seems like many are joining in sending the letters, not only organizations but also individuals.

Karine Danielyan, president of the For Sustainable Human Development NGO and member of the Public Council, said Azerbaijanis and Turks are putting all efforts in order to enter international structures, especially the UN staff.

Our organization cooperates with UN structures, and when we go to big events, conferences or discussions, then we always see that the organizer or secretary of the given event is either a Turk or an Azerbaijani. Everywhere, even in case of very little chance, issues are solved in favor of Azerbaijan and to the detriment of Armenia, Danielyan said. She was sad to mention that Armenia, having a big Diaspora, doesnt take action in this direction.

Media expert Samvel Martirosyan urged to bombard the UN, UNESCO head and member-state offices with letters, in order to strengthen impact.

Azerbaijans Ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbuloglu is infamous for his belligerent rhetoric and Anti-Armenianism. In an interview to Govorit Moskva, he said the diplomatic ways of settling the Nagorno Karabakh conflict proved to be ineffective, therefore Baku is ready to choose the military path. In addition, when Bulbuloglu served as Culture Minister of Azerbaijan, the Armenian cross-stones were destroyed in Nakhijevan.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. The overall picture of Turkeys constitutional referendum showed the societys being as separated and polarized, expert on Turkish studies Levon Hovsepyan told reporters, Armenpress reported.

Previously as well that polarization existed, however, now it more intensified. I think that situation will still have various manifestations in future, he said.

Presenting the voting picture, Levon Hovsepyan said this time the ruling party failed in big cities, mainly, in Istanbul and Ankara. Whereas previously the people of both cities have always voted in favor of the ruling party.

Diana Yayloyan  representative of Foreign Policy Department at the Economic Policy Research Foundation, said via skype that the elections differ from the previous ones with a one important factor.

The elections were organized in such a political atmosphere when state of emergency is declared in the country. Previously it was stated that this will be eliminated soon, however, yesterday we were reported that the state of emergency will continue for several months in the country, she said, adding that a major part of the society is disappointed with the referendum results.

Bagrat Estukyan  editor of the Armenian language department of Agos weekly, who also joined the discussion via Skype, said this referendum will not significantly affect the daily life of Turkeys minorities.

These reforms do not create difficulties specifically to us. In other words, the problem relates to the entire country, the state. Turkey took the way to the West, wanted to be closer to the Western customs, however, we see that in recent years it completely reversed from that path. Public as well reacts to this. All these affect both the countrys foreign policy and economy. Investors now are very cautious towards Turkey, the money for tourism significantly decreased. Considering all these, we all have a serious concern over the countrys future, Bagrat Estukian said, adding that majority of Armenians in Turkey are in favor of no.

On April 16 constitutional referendum was held in Turkey. 51.41% of people voted yes, and 48.59% voted no in the referendum on constitutional changes.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet after Alexander Spendiaryan has acquired virtual decorations, Culture Minister Armen Amiryan told reporters on April 18, Armenpress reports.

During this year the Opera Theatre will be presented with virtual decorations which is a significant achievement. Heavy and expensive decors will be replaced by virtual ones which are more accessible. This option is very accepted, and many opera theatres lack it, the Minister said.

The Minister also informed that the Theatre has purchased 5 performances from the European theatres which will be presented soon to the Armenian public.

Commenting on the plan to establish new infrastructures in the Opera building, Amiryan said his plans cannot change. I should call on our public to change its attitude concerning the infrastructures that we plan to build in the Opera Theatre. It is necessary to review the concept of a restaurant. One must not link it only with food, as it is often said in social networks. I understand that people imagine what they have seen, but we want to form a new culture which still doesnt exist in our reality, but which our public deserves, the Minister said, adding that the goal of such programs is not to earn money through a restaurant or adjacent vicinities.

Minister Amiryan said they want to create a beautiful and pleasant atmosphere which will contribute so that people will come to watch a performance with a great pleasure. Money must be earned through performances.
BRB to join forces with Yadav for joint movement

With an aim to muster power for the ongoing struggle against the denial of party symbols for the May 14 local polls, the 68-party front led by the Naya Shakti Nepal is preparing to forge a working alliance with the Sanghiya Gathabandhan that includes the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Dutch-Armenians have submitted a claim regarding the Armenian Genocide issue to the Parliament of Netherlands, Masis Abrahamyan, chairman of the ARF Netherlands Armenian National Committee told ARMENPRESS, who has just completed a meeting with the chairman of the foreign relations committee of the Parliament.

We were received by acting chairman of the foreign relations committee Pieter Omtzigt, who often speaks for the benefit of the protections of our interests. Representatives of all parties were present at the meeting. We presented our claim. Our main issue is that lately the Netherlands has adopted a strange policy for us  using the genocide issue word instead of genocide. This is painful for us. We mentioned how wrong this policy is. It is due to this policy that today Turkey has an even tougher stance for Netherlands. The fact that the Dutch were saying lets not hurt the Turks, lets not say the genocide word, in our belief backfired, he said.

The claim will be discussed and responded soon.

Abrahamyan is hopeful the government will display a turnaround attitude and will call things by their names.

A commemorative week of events will be held by the Armenian community of Netherlands dedicated to the 102nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. A large demonstration will be held on April 22 in Amsterdam.

Abrahamyan said large numbers of Armenians participate in the events since the 100th anniversary. An agreement has already been reached with local law enforcement and the streets where the demonstration will pass through are clarified.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. In case of being elected president French Republican candidate Francois Fillon will mark April 24 as the remembrance day of Armenian Genocide victims as his predecessors did, Armenpress reports Fillon told Nouvelles dArmenie.

Its important not to forget the thousands of victims. Nearly 1.5 million Armenians, 3/4th of the entire Armenian population, living in the eastern part of the Ottoman Empire, in the provinces of Minor Asia, fell victim to that Genocide, the presidential candidate said, recalling that France officially recognized the first Genocide of the 20th century, the Armenian Genocide back on January 29, 2001.

According to him, however, recognition cannot be a final achievement. Its necessary to do the next step. Francois Fillon stressed that the heirs of the victims of the Shoah (Holocaust) are protected from denialism by law, which is not the case with nearly 500 thousands of French citizens of Armenian origin who have often defended France by their blood.

The heirs of the Armenian Genocide victims have encountered a unique phenomenon  state denialism. Turkey commits a huge mistake by not facing its past. Each nation has its shadow and they win by facing it, the presidential hopeful said.

Francois Fillon said that France has to protect its citizens, therefore, legislative process for the criminalization of the Armenian Genocide denialism must be restored. This struggle against denialism must finally come to end by the mobilization of the senators and members of the National Assembly, he concluded.

Presidential elections in France will take place on April 23. If none of the candidates receives more than 50% of votes the second stage will be held on May 7.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Kyrgyz-born Abror Azimov, who was detained by police in the Moscow Region on Monday, was one of the masterminds behind the fatal terror attack on the subway system in St. Petersburg two weeks ago, Armenpress reports, citing TASS, a spokesman for the Russian Investigative Committee said on Tuesday.

"After being detained, Azimov confirmed his involvement in preparing for the terrorist attack," the spokesman said.



Azimovs lawyer Armen Zadoyan told TASS earlier in the day that his defendant had pleaded guilty.



However, Azimov said, "I have no objections at all regarding my detention, but this is not true regarding a statement from an investigator that I had pleaded guilty."



"I do not deny my participation, but I was not directly involved," Azimov claimed. "I did not know what I was doing as I was only executing commands, which I received."

Svetlana Petrenko, Spokesperson for the Russian Investigative Committee, stated earlier that Azimov had been detained in the Moscow Region on Monday is a suspected accomplice in the terrorist act and his exact role in the crime was being established. According to Petrenko, firearms and ammunition were seized during Azimovs detention.



The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) press service reported earlier that Azimov, a native of the Central Asian region, is one of the masterminds behind the terrorist attack in the St. Petersburg subway. According to the FSB, he trained the suicide bomber who detonated the bomb.



On April 3, an explosive device went off in a subway car of the St. Petersburg metro system as the train was en-route between Tekhnologichesky Institut and Sennaya Ploshchad stations. The terror attack killed 14 passengers including the individual who set off the explosive device, in addition to wounding 50 other riders. The Russian Investigative Committee disclosed the suicide bombers name - Akbarzhon Jalilov - born in 1995 and a native of Kyrgyzstan.



On April 6, the Russian Investigative Committee said eight criminal case suspects had been detained. They were arrested the next day.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan had a round table meeting with the Ambassadors of OSCE member states on April 18.

As Armenpress was unformed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office, welcoming this format of meeting that has already become a tradition the President of the Republic noted that the parliamentary elections that took place some days ago is the theme of the meeting, considering that nearly a couple of weeks have passed from the day of the elections its worth to make a reference to that.

Recalling the last meeting in the same format with the Ambassadors of the OSCE member states during the war days in 2016, President Sargsyan hoped that the April lessons were not only for Azerbaijan, but for everyone, as OSCE member states, as one common security zone, so as everyone is more careful towards the warnings and security threats.

In his speech President Sargsyan referred to the National Assembly elections, the assessments given by international observer missions and also answered the questions of the participants of the meeting.

The Ambassadors thanked the President of Armenia for making this format of meeting a tradition, and noted that during a conversation a an open and sincere atmosphere they are able to obtain the answers of the questions they are interested in just from the President of the country. The progress in the elections in my opinion was conditioned by a number of factors and I would like to draw your attention of three of them, Serzh Sargsyan said. I think the first factor is that in the recent years we managed to make the advancement of human rights and fundamental freedoms irreversib, he said.

According to the President, the second factor for the progress in the elections was the consensus reached between the political forces, while the third factor is the very high level of international cooperation. In this context I would like to express my gratitude to the countries the representatives of which participated in the election observation within the missions of the OSCE / ODIHR, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the CIS Secretariat, the CIS Parliamentary Assembly, the European Parliament, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe or just as part of observer missions of the Embassies, Sargsyan said, adding that Armenia granted the OSCE / ODIHR with an opportunity to deploy unlimited number of observers.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Defense Army serviceman Tatul Harutyunyan, 1997, received an injury on April 17 at about 18:20 as a result of Azerbaijani shooting in the northern direction of the contact line.

As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Defense Ministry of the Republic of Artsakh, the injured soldier has been immediately taken to military hospital. His health condition is assessed as critical.

Investigation is underway to find out details.
Tired of pumping public money into Alitalia, the Italian government now says the carrier should go to the highest bidder

Alitalia workers will begin voting this week on a high-stakes restructuring deal drawn up by management and unions to save the ailing carrier, a trade union source said Tuesday.

The company's estimated 12,500 employees cast their ballots from dawn Thursday to midnight Monday at Rome's Fiumicino airport and Malpensa and Linate in Milan, the source said.

Lengthy negotiations ended Friday with a pre-accord approved by the powerful unions but which needs approval of workers.

The deal softens a tough restructuring package unveiled by management in mid-March, reducing job losses and salary cuts.

It would see 980 permanent job contracts axed instead of 1,338 and would trim air crew salaries by eight percent rather than between 24 and 30 percent.

In return, crew would agree to boost productivity by cutting the number of annual rest days to 108 from 120.

"No" campaigners are up in arms, saying employees have been bled dry in previous bids to revive the loss-making airline.

The company is de facto controlled by Etihad Airways, which acquired a 49 percent stake when it saved Alitalia from bankruptcy in 2014.

Nino Cortorillo of the Filt Cgil union said the deal was the best the unions could get after "long and difficult negotiations".

The pressure to find a solution is intense, with Alitalia's liquidity expected to run out this month without emergency funding, leaving its fleet grounded.

Shareholders Etihad and the Italian banks Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit have said they will only inject new funds if the unions agree to the new collective labour agreement and cuts.

The Italian government, which acted as a mediator in the negotiations, warned Tuesday that a "no" victory would be not only costly but potentially fatal for the company.

Alitalia has been hit hard by competition from low-cost companies and has been accumulating losses for years.
Like many of Donald Trump's executive orders to date, the newest decree on worker visas will have little practical impact, but sends a signal for the various government departments to come forward with ideas for reform

President Donald Trump moved Tuesday to make good on his emblematic pledge to "Buy American, Hire American" by tightening skilled-worker visa rules, but his room for maneuver remains limited without wider congressional reform.

Speaking in Kenosha, Wisconsin -- one of the states that carried him to his upset victory last November -- Trump vowed: "We're going to do everything in our power to make sure more products are stamped with those wonderful words, 'Made in the USA.'"

Like many of Trump's executive orders to date, his newest decree will have little practical impact, but sends a signal for government agencies to come forward with ideas for reforming the country's H-1B visa system.

Trump is looking to stamp out "abuses" of the time-limited work permits, which are pervasive in the US high-tech sector, as a first step towards reforming the regime.

Intended for scientists, engineers and computer programmers, H-1B visas have become an important gateway for the many Indians drawn to Silicon Valley. The United States issues 85,000 each year.

Trump's decree namely instructs the Labor, Justice and Homeland Security departments to tackle abuses and draw up reforms aimed at bringing the program back to its original intent: awarding visas to the most skilled and highly paid applicants.

The Trump administration argues that the current system has led to a "flood" of relatively low-wage, low-skill workers in the tech sector -- and in doing so has harmed American workers.

"We believe jobs must be offered to American workers first," Trump said.

The US Chamber of Commerce voiced immediate reservations: While it agreed there was room for improvement of the H-1B program, it warned the Trump administration not to do away with it altogether.

"It would be a mistake to close the door on high-skilled workers from around the world who can contribute to American businesses' growth and expansion and make the US more competitive around the world," the business lobby said in a statement.

Story continues

The White House sees the decree as a way to spur momentum towards a broader congressional reform of the H-1B scheme -- whose outline remains unclear.

"This is a transitional step to get towards a more skill-based and merit-based version," a US official told AFP. "There is a lot we can do administratively, and the rest will be done hopefully legislatively."

In his maiden speech to Congress, on March 1, Trump had proposed introducing an Australian-style merit-based system to reduce the flow of unskilled workers into the United States.

- Seeking momentum -

Trump's new decree also includes a "Buy American" component, calling for stricter implementation of existing laws that are intended to favor US-manufactured goods in public tenders.

Without making specific new announcements, the Republican president once more pointed the finger at the North American Free Trade Agreement between the US, Canada and Mexico, dubbing it "a complete and total disaster."

"It's been very, very bad for our companies and for our workers and we're going to make some very big changes or we are going to get rid of NAFTA for once and for all," he warned.

As Trump's presidency nears the symbolic 100-day mark, the 70-year-old leader is looking to regain momentum on the domestic front after his flagship travel ban was blocked in court, and his vaunted health reform foundered in Congress.

Trump's promise of an ambitious tax reform -- another central campaign pledge that would notably involve slashing corporate taxes -- is also struggling to take shape.

"Our tax reform and tax plan is coming along very well," Trump said in Wisconsin. "It's going to be out very soon."

But Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin acknowledged in the Financial Times earlier Tuesday the reform would likely be delayed, calling the target of getting it through Congress before August "highly aggressive to not realistic at this point."
LAS VEGAS, NVWestboro Baptist Churchyou know; the one that's been in all the papers for years about its anti-gay protests at military funerals and the likewill be marching on Rancho High School and the campuses of the College Of Southern Nevada and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on April 20 after a dawn ceremony in which church leaders will "explain" their interpretation of the Gospel of Jesus and what it has to say about the face of doomed American education. The church members, whose pastor is now Fred Phelps, Jr., will thrust their hate-speech posters high in the Las Vegas sunshine while trying to garner as much media attention as possibleand the Erotic Heritage Museum will be there to protest the protestors.

Created by Fred Phelps, Sr., Westboro Baptist has been spewing hate in the name of Jesus since its founding in 1955. Despite the elder Phelps' death three years ago, and despite the several lawsuits against it, a minuscule membership from the WBC nevertheless pickets six locations daily. They have been present with their creative signs declaring God hates America or Fags Eat Poop, in all 50 U.S. states, picketing the funeral of Matthew Shepard (for which they enjoyed major media attention) and will be out and about on Thursday, April 20, doing what they do best. Their present leader, Phelps son Fred Jr., responded via tweet that he is prepared to meet the Erotic Heritage Museum head on.

I can say with pretty much one hundred percent certainty that if the WBC is against it, the EHM and most of the thousands who come through our doors yearly, are for it whatever it happens to be, Dr. Victoria Hartmann, The Erotic Heritage Museums Executive Director, said. And although I champion Mr. Phelps and his organizations right to express their opinion, I can as easily declare that when a group like this slips into town puking their hatred for sexual freedom and sex positive culture, womens reproductive rights, LGBTIQAA+ rights and sexual free speech, the EHM will be just as vocal in how positively we feel about these issues.

Representatives from The Erotic Heritage Museum will be on hand at both the CSN and UNLV university campuses to lend support to those opposing Westboro Baptist Churchs "American education" message and everything else Fred Phelps, Jr. and his church stand for.

Photo of Westboro Baptist Church protesters at Virginia Holocaust Museum in 2010 by JCWilmore/Wikimedia Commons.
CEC Yadav urges political parties not to make election campaigning extravagant

Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhi Prasad Yadav has urged the political parties not to make the election campaigning extravagant and costly, and maintain financial transparency by abiding the election code of conduct.
ATLANTAThe new reality-based travel show for Playboy TV called Toyride will feature a visit to the Liberator factory on the episode airing Saturday, April 29.

Liberator, the manufacturer of Liberator Bedroom Adventure Gear, will be visited by hosts Nikki and Daniel. Toyride follows the hosts as they travel across the United States exploring different sex toy manufacturers. Episode two has the couple going to Atlanta for a guided factory tour with Liberator CEO and founder Louis Friedman.

We are very proud of manufacturing in the United States and welcome visitors to our factory, said Friedman. Showing people what we do here day in and day out is rewarding and makes all of our hard work worthwhile.

The episode takes place inside the Liberator 140,000-square-foot, vertically-integrated manufacturing plant. While touring the expansive facility, Nikki and Daniel get a first-hand look at the companys assembly process from the fabric and foam cutting to the sewing of materials to adding the final touches.

After a rundown of the factory, the hosts escape to the Liberator showroom for additional product education from Marketing Manager Angela Lieben. Nikki and Daniel get a detailed look at Liberators finished goods as well as a live-action demonstration.

The upcoming Toyride episode is the latest in a string of other media appearances featuring Liberator. The piece will be aired Saturday, April 29, through the Playboy TV cable broadcast channel. Check local cable listing for programming times.
LOS ANGELESScreaming O has debuted Charged Yoga, an affordable rechargeable edition of its Yoga vibrating ring, in a free sample pack so retailers can experience the rumbling vibration firsthand. The free intro kit showcases Screaming Os rechargeable motor and demonstrates why the Charged series has become a popular choice for retailers.

A extra-stretchy cock ring, Yoga reduces constriction and is wearable in three ways. The ring offers 10 functions of versatile pleasure in a comfortable shape, and it serves as a great option for cock ring beginners ready for a rechargeable upgrade. Charged Yogas top ring can be used as a finger ring to help users position the vibrator exactly where they want it. For more advanced users, this loop can be used as an additional cock ring to give him a special vibrating boost with the bonus of cock-and-ball isolation.

Charged Yoga also features a double-sided reversible design with a different texture on the front and back: one side boasts soft extended nubs while the other has a modified jean seam fin that flicks, rubs and rocks against the clitoris. Charged Yoga lets couples flex their way to sex-positive fitness with the comfort of stretchy body-safe SEBS and the power of Screaming Os low-pitch Charged Vooom Bullet.

The Yogas super-stretchy design was such a hit in our testing phase that it only made sense to offer it in entry-level and affordable rechargeable versions, Screaming O Account Executive Conde Aumann said. Charged Yoga is a convenient multi-use cock ring thats so impressive in person that we decided to offer it as part of a free sample pack that includes the Charged Yoga with our best-selling Positive mega-rumbling vibe. Were so confident that customers will love this line that were making it easy and hassle-free to get samples in their handssimply contact your preferred sales rep and well ship one out to you completely free!

Charged Yoga is equipped with a waterproof Charged Vooom Bullet motor that emits 60-plus minutes of high-performance rumbling vibration and powers up fast with a USB cable (included). Charged Yoga is available in Gray, Red and Blue. As with all Screaming O products, Charged Yoga is supported by free full-color marketing materials and graphics upon request.

Charged Yoga is made of flexible SEBS with a vibrating motor encased in ABS plastic, two materials that have been lab tested for a body-safe experience.

For more information about Charged Yoga, the free Charged sample pack and the rest of Screaming Os product line, email [email protected]
British Sandwich Week, running from 1420 May 2017, is a week-long celebration of that iconic British culinary invention, the sandwich.

Britain buys over 3.5 billion sandwiches a year, spending some 7.85bn in the process, according to the British Sandwich & Food To Go Associations (BSAs) 2016 data.

British Sandwich Week is a way of focusing the consumers attention on this fabulous dish. Sandwich manufacturers and retailers across the UK all have their own way of celebrating this fantastic food, many offering special promotions and new ranges during British Sandwich Week, the BSA said in a statement.

Traditionally retailers donate some of their proceeds to charity or hold buy-one-donate-one initiatives for customers to take part in. And the sandwich industry also holds its annual awards, the Sammies, in the build-up to the week (11 May). There, the Best New Sandwich, the Sandwich Retailer of the Year and many more are crowned.
Gluten-free bakery Bells of Lazonby has been ordered to pay more than 70k following two workers suffering hand injuries while operating machinery.

Members of the bakery attended Carlisle Magistrates court and pleaded guilty for breaching two charges of Regulation 11 of the Provision and the Use of Work Equipment Regulation 1998.

The bakery was fined 40,000 for the first incident and 30,000 for the second offence, with an additional 7,990 in costs.

The two incidents occurred in January and March 2016, which resulted in regulator the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launching an investigation. The investigation found that the company failed to install guarding on the machine to prevent the injuries.

Bells of Lazonby said in a statement that the company deeply regretted the unfortunate accidents, in which members of staff were injured.

We take the welfare of our staff extremely seriously. We have an excellent reputation within our industry for all that we do and have never had any previous prosecutions in any area of business  employment, food safety, environmental or health and safety, the statement said.

Improvements have been made at our premises, to ensure they are safe for visitors and staff. These improvements have been reviewed and approved by our regulator. We believe we have done all we can to make sure that a similar incident is prevented. The company provided support and assistance to our injured colleagues and we are pleased to say that both returned to work with us.
Birds Bakery has begun work to build a new shop in Stretton, Staffordshire in response to customer demand from the local area.

The bakery will be 1,000 sq ft and construction work, which started on the site today (18 April), will finish on Thursday 18 May 2017.

The opening will create four new part-time employment opportunities, with plans to increase vacancies in the future.

Mike Holling, head of retail at Birds Bakery, told British Baker the company was always looking for new opportunities.

We have agents looking all the time for sites and this one in Stretton was brought to our attention as its in a good area, Holling told British Baker.

The shop is expected to be extremely popular as we have had numerous requests, and its great to bring a craft bakery onto the high street.

The new store in Stretton will be selling all of the traditional Birds Bakery cakes, sandwiches, pork pies and coffees.

Following the acquisition of the shop in Stretton, Birds Bakery has 58 sites around the UK and will be announcing another site in the area in the coming weeks.
By Roberta Rampton and Minami Funakoshi TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday kicked off talks with Japan that the White House hopes will open doors for U.S. goods and attract infrastructure investment, putting Tokyo on notice that Washington wants results soon. Pence first joined a working lunch with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before meeting Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso for economic talks. U.S. President Donald Trump and Abe arranged the talks between their deputies at a Washington summit in February, soon after Trump took office. "When President Trump agreed to this dialogue, he envisioned this as a mechanism for enhancing bilateral commercial relations between the United States and Japan, and achieving results in the near future. And I share that vision and impatience," Pence told Aso at the start of the talks, comments that could be construed as a warning to Tokyo not to use the dialogue to kick touchy topics down the road. Aso in turn said U.S.-Japan trade friction, which soured ties in the 1980s and 1990s, was a thing of the distant past and the allies were now entering an era of cooperation. In a statement after the talks, the two sides said they had agreed the dialogue should produce "concrete results in the near term" adding that they had "discussed specific sectors where improved commercial relations will promote mutual economic benefits and job creation in both countries". Earlier, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross met Japan's trade minister, Hiroshige Seko. Ross, seen as more hardline on trade, told reporters Washington was eager to increase trade ties with Tokyo through a two-way agreement. Pence landed in Tokyo from South Korea after a trip that included a visit to the heavily fortified border separating the North and South. He described the U.S.-Japan alliance as the "cornerstone" of regional security. Pence's 10-day tour of Asia is aimed at emphasising that U.S. President Donald Trump wants to boost U.S. trade in the region even though Trump has abandoned the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact. Advocates for the TPP, negotiated by former President Barack Obama and supported by Abe, said it would have opened markets for American exports. U.S. business groups supported the deal but U.S. labour unions argued it would hurt American workers. Trump campaigned for office on an "America First" platform, saying he would boost U.S. manufacturing jobs and shrink the country's trade deficit with countries like Japan. Trump also vowed to renegotiate existing regional trade deals to focus on bilateral agreements. Tokyo is wary of a two-way free trade agreement (FTA), fearing it would boost pressure to open up politically sensitive sectors such as agriculture. "Its a little bit early to say just what forms things will take but we are certainly eager to increase our trade relationships with Japan and to do so in the form of an agreement," Ross said when asked about a possible FTA. TRADE IMBALANCES Japan had a $69 billion trade surplus with the United States last year, the U.S. Treasury Department said, expressing concern over what it called the "persistence" of the imbalance. Japanese officials counter that Tokyo accounts for a much smaller chunk of America's deficit than in the past, while China's imbalance is much bigger. Trump has complained that Japan keeps its currency artificially low, although a Treasury Department report last week did not label Japan a currency manipulator. The issue was not expected to be raised in talks on Tuesday. Pence said in Seoul earlier on Tuesday the Trump administration would review and reform a 5-year-old free trade agreement with South Korea. The Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association expressed concern about any review of the pact, which removed tariffs on auto trade between the two countries. Trump and Abe agreed in February to have Pence and Aso, who is also Japan's finance minister, open an economic dialogue. The two sides were expected to agree on principles and a process for further detailed discussions between ministries. "Obviously, the first high-level talk is not going to have an immediate resolution of anything but I think we have a reasonable path forward," Ross said. Aso told reporters before the talks he would not discuss any bilateral free trade deal with Pence. The White House adviser said Tuesday's talks would not prescribe a free-trade deal but talks might eventually lead to such negotiations. Pence developed ties with Japanese business and political leaders as governor of Indiana, a state that is home to Subaru <7270.T>, Honda <7267.T> and Toyota <7203.T> plants, and about 260 Japanese companies employing about 60,000 residents. "To some extent, we want to do for the United States what we did for Indiana," the White House adviser said. The Trump administration wants to attract more foreign direct investment, hoping to lure some with a $1 trillion plan to rebuild U.S. roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Pence will take that message to upcoming stops this week in Jakarta and Sydney. While no immediate announcements are expected from Tokyo, the White House expects a "handful" of investment announcements while Pence is in Australia at the weekend, the adviser said. He is due to meet corporate leaders at each of his stops. (Additional writing by Linda Sieg; Additional reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka, Leika Kihara and Tetsushi Kajimoto in TOKYO, Hyunjoo Jin in SEOUL and David Lawder in WASHINGTON; Editing by Paul Tait)
North Korea military parade

Amid ongoing tensions with the US, North Korea has created special-operations forces "for the first time," according to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency.

Pyongyang announced the Korean People's Army special forces during a military parade over the weekend, which marked the anniversary of the 105th birthday of Kim Il Sung, who founded the country and is the grandfather of current leader Kim Jong Un.

The members of the new forces were reportedly shown marching in the parade, decked out in sunglasses and helmets with night-vision goggles.

Their faces were covered in black and camouflage paint, and they carried rifles with grenade launchers.

"Once Supreme Commander Kim Jong-Un issues an order, they will charge with resolve to thrust a sword through the enemy's heart like lighting over Mt. Paektu," an announced said during the parade broadcast, referring to the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula, according to Yonhap.

North Korea military parade special forces

The forces' debut, and the parade itself, came just a few days before the start of US-South Korea joint military exercises, and analysts who spoke to Yonhap said the formation was related to the exercises  in particular a reported "decapitation attack" simulation to be performed by the US Navy's SEAL Team 6, the unit that killed Osama bin Laden.

The Pentagon has told Business Insider that the US does not train for decapitation attacks of any kind but would not comment on whether SEAL Team 6 was in South Korea.

While the special-operations forces described by Yonhap report were said to have been formed by North Korea "for the first time," previous reports have referred to North Korean special-operations or special-warfare units.

A 2010 report from South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo, citing a defense white paper, said North Korean special forces had grown by 20,000 personnel over the previous two years.

North Korea's special forces, according to the white paper, expanded from 120,000 in 2006 to about 200,000 in 2010, accounting for 17% of Pyongyang's forces at that point.

Story continues

North Korea military parade

Those roughly 200,000 "special troops are primed to carry out combined operations such as attacks on major facilities in South Korea, assassination of VIPs and harassment in the rear by infiltrating the South using underground tunnels."

Tunnels from North Korea into South Korea have been found before, though none have been uncovered since 1990.

In a 2012 Vice interview, a purported South Korean-born NATO soldier detailed South Korean defense planning and said that North Korea had "something like 130,000 well-trained special forces" who would land on the South Korean coast to "promote general chaos" in should a conflict break out.

Recent tensions between Washington and Pyongyang have been focused on the latter's nuclear-weapons program and missile testing.

US Vice President Mike Pence, visiting the demilitarized zone on Monday, said the US had no more strategic patience with North Korea and was considering military force against the regime. North Korean Vice Minister Han Song Ryol responded that if "the US is planning a military attack against us, we will react with a nuclear pre-emptive strike by our own style and method."

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence answers a reporter's question at the truce village of Panmunjom, South Korea, April 17, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

The US has also considered shooting down future North Korean missile tests, according to The Guardian, though experts and former officials warned that such a move risked sparking escalation that the US may not be able to control.

US military officials indicated earlier this month that the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and its support group would sail toward the Korean Peninsula in response to rising tensions and reports of a looming North Korea missile test.

However, on April 15, the carrier was pictured passing through Indonesia toward the Indian Ocean  about 3,500 miles from Korea. The ships are currently operating in the Indian Ocean, conducting exercises with Australian naval forces, according to Defense News.





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Chiraito farmers look for more accessible markets

Difficulties in transporting chiraito plants to China, where there is a huge demand for the medicinal herb, has forced growers in Taplejung to look for alternative markets.
Accreditation

Education Department Database Publishes Accreditation Warnings

The United States Department of Education (ED) last week launched a new database that shows, for the first time, data on accreditation reporting statuses. Now, users can either access the main website or download accreditation data files, search for an institution and view a log of accreditation statuses along with the agencys decision letter.

The accreditation database is run by the EDs Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), which noted that the database is meant to be a public service without warranty or endorsement of any kind. With that in mind, the database delivers on the EDs promise to hold accrediting agencies accountable by ensuring that they enforce standards effectively. Last November, the Obama administration issued guidance to accrediting agencies on establishing the ground rules for the terminology used to report severe actions (i.e. probation and loss of accreditation statuses), requiring agencies to release their decision letters.

This no small feat, said Clare McCann, a senior policy analyst with New America's Education Policy Program, in a blog post. McCann noted that most accrediting agencies are notoriously opaque about the steps they take to oversee and penalize institutions. The database helps to meet a public expectation of tracking institutions at risk of closure, identifying concerning finances and trends in enrollment drop-offs, and holding institutions accountable for poor outcomes for their students, the post stated. Such transparency could prevent institutions from losing their accreditation statuses, like the now-defunct ITT Tech and Corinthian.

A recent report from the Center for American Progress found that 12 of the largest accrediting agencies lack the budgets and staffing necessary to adequately monitor the quality of the colleges they oversee. CAP analyzed tax filings belonging to 12 of the major institutional accrediting agencies, looking at how much they take and spend and comparing the numbers to the federal aid dollars they oversee. CAP found that the agencies altogether have just about $75 million to conduct quality assurance, which pales in comparison to the amount of money flowing from the U.S. Department of Education, the report stated.

The new database can act as an extra safeguard for policymakers, state authorizers, licensure bodies, students, parents or anyone with a stake in knowing what risks exist at an institution. For example, last week it published the Distance Education Accrediting Commissions decision letter to William Loveland College (CO), asking to show why its accreditation should not be withdrawn after a number of moves by institution that flagged financial concerns.

To use the database, visit the EDs Office of Postsecondary Education site.
Policy & Research

Research: Community College Pays Off

Earning a two-year degree pays off. Specifically, completing an associate degree yields an average of $4,640 to $7,160 more per year than entering college and not completing a program.

So concluded a research project by the Center for Analysis of Postsecondary Education and Employment. CAPSEE is a government-funded research center that examines the financial returns on various education pathways.

In this initiative, researchers used "very large datasets" from eight states that merged student transcripts from statewide community college systems with information on transfer college records from the National Student Clearinghouse. Individual-level full college records were then merged with quarterly earnings data from unemployment insurance records spanning a decade in the labor market. The goal was to gain a more detailed understanding of how community college students fare in the labor market and how the college experience varies by field of study.

Source: "Does It Pay to Complete Community College  and How Much?" from the Center for Analysis of Postsecondary Education and Employment.

Among the states examined, the monetary return for achieving an associate degree compared to starting one but not finishing was highest in Kentucky. There, men earned $6,960 more per year, and women earned $11,080 more. The lowest increase for men surfaced in Arkansas, where the difference was $1,160; for women, the lowest difference was in Washington, where the gain was $4,000.

The researchers also calculated the earnings difference for completing a certificate. For that, the average across all states was $2,120 for men and $2,960 for women. Although the increases were more modest, the report stated, it's still a "positive finding" because achieving a certificate doesn't typically require the same commitment as earning a degree.

Even students who start but don't finish their college careers tend to enjoy financial benefits, the researchers found. "More credits lead to higher earnings," they wrote. That's an important consideration, they added, in a time when fewer than half of those who start college earn a credential.

The news should motivate people  both potential students and "taxpayers"  to "invest" in college, the study concluded. Now, the report added, it's time to figure out "why completion rates at two-year colleges are so low."

A research brief and the full report are available on the CAPSEE website here.
Virtual Reality

Speak to Go Allows Voice to Direct VR Experiences

A new web program by Google allows users to explore the world in virtual reality (VR) by just speaking the name of a place.

Speak to Go is activated by a users voice. When a user says the name of a place, Google Street View imagery pops up on ones phone or web browser. For example, Richard Byrne, who writes the blog Free Technology for Teachers, recently spoke the word Maine, and was taken to Acadia National Park in Maine. Had he been more specific and said Portland, Maine, he would have seen imagery of Portland, he said.

Speak to Go is designed to be used with smartphones inside of VR headsets, such as the Google Cardboard. However, it can also be used in the Chrome web browser if the user allows access to his/her microphone. The imagery isnt as immersive in the web version as in the VR version, but it is still decent, Byrne said.

Even in other browsers and without a VR headset, users can explore random locations in the world by clicking on Try it without a headset and tapping the space bar or the phone screen. A location pops up, and a 360-degree view is provided. Users can navigate perspectives either by clicking and dragging on a web browser or moving around with a phone. Clicking on arrows allows further mobility and exploration. Random locations include Niagara Falls, the Taj Mahal and Mont Blanc massif (mountain range) in France.

In education, Speak to Go is a quick and easy option for exploring VR imagery without the need to touch a screen or click a command. In the web version, Speak to Go makes Street View imagery slightly more accessible to the average user.

To try for yourself, visit the Speak to Go website.
IT Trends

Traditional Computers Inch (Barely) Upward in 1st Quarter

Shipments of PCs have inched upward. According to International Data Corp., sales of desktops, notebooks and workstations worldwide totaled 60 million units in the first quarter of 2017, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate in that period of 0.6 percent. While IDC acknowledged that a sub-percentage point increase "was arguably flat," the IT market research firm said it was still noteworthy for being the first sign of expansion for PC sales in five years. IDC originally forecast that shipments would fall by 1.8 percent for the quarter. In fact, the last time growth was recorded was 2012, an era when "many users still considered PCs their first computing device."

The estimates come from IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker and don't cover shipments of tablets or x86 servers.

"The traditional PC market has been through a tough phase, with competition from tablets and smartphones as well as lengthening lifecycles pushing PC shipments down roughly 30 percent from a peak in 2011," said Research Manager Jay Chou, in a prepared statement. While consumer demand for PCs "will remain under pressure," (except for the gaming market), he added, the commercial market is waking up and "beginning a replacement cycle" that's expected to push growth.

In the United States, overall PC shipments for the first quarter tallied 13.3 million units. That's a drop year-over-year, attributed to a slump in notebook sales. While consumer sales especially slowed down domestically, the commercial PC market was bolstered by the growth of Chromebook sales.

During the quarter, HP regained the top spot from Lenovo, experiencing "strong" sales with a "deep portfolio" across all worldwide regions. Shipments for HP were 13.1 million for 1Q17 compared to 11.6 million in 1Q16.

In the U.S. Lenovo had its first decline (4.2 percent) since the third quarter of 2009. Worldwide, the company shipped 12.3 million units in 1Q17 compared to 12.1 million units in 1Q16.

Dell came in third, with 6.2 percent growth year-over-year with "strong notebook volume." Dell shipped 9.6 million PCs in the latest quarter vs. 9 million last year during the same period.

Apple grew 4.1 percent in this quarter from 2016 and retained the fourth position. IDC said Apple shipments for 1Q17 were 4.2 million compared to 4.036 million in 1Q16.

Acer, in fifth place, grew 2.9 percent, in part, the market intelligence firm reported, "due to better comparisons against a challenging 1Q16." While Acer sold 4.121 million units in 1Q17, it sold 4.006 million in 1Q16.

Other companies sold a total of 17 million PCs during the latest quarter, according to IDC.
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New York, April 18, 2017The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on the Maldives prosecutor general to drop the legal case against Raajje TV journalist Mohamed Wisam, who was acquitted last month of obstructing police at an anti-government protest in 2015. The prosecutor general lodged an appeal with the high court on April 5.

Wisam was acquitted on March 28, after Judge Ahmed Shakeel ruled there was insufficient evidence to support the charge brought against him, according to the Maldives Independent. Wisam was at the protest to cover an issue of national importance, according to a statement that Raajje TV emailed to CPJ.

The prosecutor generals insistence on continuing this baseless case against Mohamed Wisam and Raajje TV is clearly intended to intimidate all journalists in the Maldives, said CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Steven Butler. Wisam was merely doing his job as a journalist, and should not be prosecuted.

During the trial, the prosecution said that Wisam scaled barricades and obstructed police officers, but the judge said that a video presented as evidence showed only Wisams arrest, according to the Maldives Independent. The judge noted that other journalists were covering the protests, the article said.

PGs decision to appeal Wisams acquittal embarrassing, must revoke decision: @Raajje_tv | https://t.co/xIZ0YMKZu1  Raajjemv English (@RaajjeEnglish) April 17, 2017

In the statement emailed to CPJ, the independent Raajje TV said it wants the prosecutor general to withdraw the appeal and to cease the merciless attacks on journalism in this country.

A date for the appeal hearing at the Maldives high court has not been set, Aishath Shaany, head of English content at Raajje TV, told CPJ. The maximum sentence for obstruction is six months in prison and a fine of up to 12,000 Maldivian rufiya (US$779), Shaany said.

The prosecutor generals office did not immediately respond to request for comment via email.

Prosecutors used the same video presented as evidence in Wisams trial in a separate trial of Raajje TV cameraman Adam Zareer, who was convicted in February of obstructing police at the March 2015 protest, and fined 3,000 rufiya (US$195), the Maldives Independent reported. Zareers lawyer said that he plans to appeal, according to reports.

Wisam and other Raajje TV journalists have faced multiple charges in recent months. Last month, Wisam and Leevaan Ali Nasir were found guilty of a separate obstruction charge and fined 28,800 rufiya (US$1,868) each, according to the Maldives Independent. Raajje TV has also been fined 2 million rufiya (US$129,584) under the countrys criminal defamation law, the station told CPJ.

[Editors note: The sixth paragraph of this alert has been updated to reflect the maximum sentence for obstruction.]
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New York, April 18, 2017Ecuadoran journalist Fernando Villavicencio, director of the news website Focus Ecuador and a critic of outgoing President Rafael Correa, today filed a petition for political asylum in Lima, Peru. A statement from the regional press group Instituto Prensa y Sociedad (IPYS) said the journalist, who fled to Lima after presidential elections on April 2, is not guaranteed a fair trial in Ecuador, where he faces charges of distributing allegedly confidential emails sent by public officials.

The fact that a well-known journalist like Fernando Villavicencio has been forced to file for political asylum in Peru is a clear reflection of Ecuadors systematic persecution of critics, said Carlos Lauria, CPJs senior program coordinator for the Americas. We ask Peruvian authorities to grant the asylum request and we urge Ecuadoran authorities to drop all charges against Villavicencio immediately and allow him to return home without fear for his freedom to work as a journalist.

The charges against Villavicencio relate to an October 2013 article he wrote with fellow journalist Belen Palma for Ecuadoran website Plan V that was critical of the governments legal battle with U.S. company Chevron. Ramiro Garcia, a lawyer for Villavicencio, told CPJ in November last year that the article was published in the public interest. Ecuador has one of the worst press freedom records in the region, with journalists subject to legal measures, defamation suits, and public insults from officials, according to CPJ research.
Five death penalty bills were heard in a seven-hour-long meeting at the Capitol Monday night.





The death penalty was a hot topic at the Texas Capitol Monday night.





Testimony on five capital punishment bills was heard by the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee in a seven-hour-long meeting that lasted until close to midnight. The bills included two that would stop the practice of sentencing accomplices to death in certain cases and two which would abolish the death penalty altogether.





House Bills 147 and 316, by Democrats Harold Dutton and Terry Canales , respectively, would change how a person could be sentenced to death under Texas law of parties, which holds that those involved in a crime resulting in death are equally responsible even if they weren't the actual killer.





At the end of the day, the logic should be, 'Did you intend to participate in that murder? Were you a part of it?' Canales exclaimed while laying out his bill near the end of the long meeting. Lets cut the nonsense out.





The most prominent case of a current Texas death row inmate sentenced under the law of parties is Jeff Wood . Wood was convicted in the 1996 murder of Kriss Keeran, who was fatally shot by Wood's friend in a Kerrville convenience store while he sat outside in a truck. Last year, Woods case garnered national attention as his execution neared . Texas lawmakers from both parties spoke out against the execution, which was halted days before the scheduled date.





Republican Rep. Jeff Leach has been one of the most adamant supporters of reforming the law of parties. He has taken an interest in Woods case, going so far as to visiting him on death row in February.





I promised Jeff that I and Chairman Dutton and Rep. Canales would do everything that we can this session to ensure that another case like Jeff Woods case would never happen again in the state of Texas, Leach said at a news conference earlier Monday on the bills.





There are two ways to find someone guilty under Texas law of parties. The first puts responsibility on those who help commit or solicit a crime, even if they werent directly involved. The second states that all parties are responsible for one felony that stems from another if the second should have been anticipated. For Wood, the state argued he was willfully participating in a robbery and knew his accomplice would resort to killing if Keeran did not comply, so Wood should have anticipated the robbery would lead to a murder. Wood has maintained he didnt know his friend had a gun on him.





The reform bills focus mainly on the anticipation clause, removing the possibility of a death sentence if someone is found guilty under the second part of the law of parties and automatically granting them a sentence of life without parole. Currently, after being convicted, a jury still must agree the convict intended to kill or anticipated death to issue a death sentence.





Travis County Assistant District Attorney Justin Wood was the lone testifier against the bills, with eight others testifying in support of the bills that were laid out close to 11 p.m. He said the law of parties has been a useful tool for prosecutors, adding that there are a lot of monsters who never get their hands dirty.





But Dutton argued that those people would still be punished, just not to death.





Chairman Joe Moody , D-El Paso, said Woods testimony resonated with him as he has long struggled to strike a balance with the law of parties and the death penalty. In 2009, a similar bill filed in the House made it to the Senate, but died there. Terri Been, Jeff Woods sister, said she has been lobbying against the law of parties for 20 years and pleaded through tears for the Legislature to move it forward this year.





My cries have fallen on mostly deaf ears. Im begging you to be leaders and to lead your constituents in the right direction, she said before wiping her eyes.





It is not common for a jury to sentence someone to death under the law of parties, but it happens. In 2007, prison inmates Jerry Martin and John Ray Falk, Jr., attempted escape. In the escape, Martin hit and killed prison guard Susan Canfield with a van. This March, Falk was sentenced to death as a party to the murder.





And Texas has executed at least five people under the statute, according to the Death Penalty Information Center . Only five other states have executed anyone under similar laws.





Aside from the law of parties, two identical bills to get rid of the death penalty in Texas completely were also heard Monday evening. Dutton and Rep. Jessica Farrar filed House Bills 64 and 1537.





Both lawmakers have repeatedly filed abolition bills in past legislative sessions, and they acknowledged their main goal was to keep up a discussion on the death penalty. In a Republican-led legislature, it is almost certain that the bills will not pass. Dutton clarified to committee members he was asking for them not to vote against the death penalty but to vote to let the House have a debate on this.





This bill might not pass this time, but if it doesnt pass this time, well be right back here next time, fighting the same fight, Dutton said earlier Monday at a press conference on his two death penalty bills.





Fourteen people testified in support of abolishing the death penalty for reasons ranging from arbitrary sentencing to the cost of appeals. One woman tearfully spoke of her death-sentenced husband. No one spoke out against the bill.





The remaining bill focused on the death penalty was one by Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins , a democrat from San Antonio. House Bill 3411 aims to lessen requirements to become the lead defense attorney in capital murder cases to allow for more lawyers to handle the backlog of death penalty cases.





Texas Defender Services Executive Director Amanda Marzullo argued against the lesser requirements, saying she believed it would cause more trouble in the appeals process and that there were other ways to ease the backlog such as creating a public defender office.





Weve got to build the bench, and weve got to move these cases, Gervin-Hawkins responded. These people need their day in court.

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All of the bills were left pending before the committee.Source: The Texas Tribune , Jolie McCullough, April 18, 2017
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's remarks over reinstating capital punishment following the approval of constitutional amendments in the April 16 referendum has triggered a fresh debate, collecting warnings from European allies.





Erdogan said during his arrival to Ankara from Istanbul on April 17 that he would approve the return of the death penalty if the parliament passes such a law to pay respect "to our martyrs."





"If [a bill] comes before me, I will approve it. But if there isn't support [from opposition MPs], then we could have another referendum for that," Erdogan said late on April 16 to a crowd in Istanbul, which chanted for its reintroduction.





A referendum on restoring the death penalty in Turkey would constitute a break from European values, the French president's office warned on April 17.





France said the organization of a referendum on the death penalty would "obviously be a break with values and engagements" that was accepted by Turkey when it first joined Europe's top rights watchdog, the Council of Europe, the presidency said.





The French presidency said it "took note" of the figures and the "disputes" surrounding them, saying they showed "that Turkish society is divided over the proposed deep reforms."





In a separate statement, France's foreign ministry called on the Turkish government to respect the European Convention on Human Rights and its ban on the death penalty.





Although the death penalty had not been in effect since 1984, Turkey abolished the capital punishment in 2004 as a part of reforms to ease Turkey's accession into the European Union.





European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said in March that any return of the death penalty in Turkey would be a "red line" in the country's stalled EU membership bid.





German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, meanwhile, said on April 17 that Turkish authorities needed to address concerns about the content and procedure of the referendum raised by a panel of European legal experts.





"The German government respects the right of Turkish citizens to decide on their own constitutional order," they said in a statement.





"The tight referendum result shows how deeply divided the Turkish society is and that means a big responsibility for the Turkish leadership and for President Erdogan personally," the statement said.





The European Commission said Turkey should seek a broad national consensus on constitutional amendments. In March, the Venice Commission, a panel of legal experts at the Council of Europe, said the proposed changes to the constitution on which Turks voted, namely boosting Erdogan's power, represented a "dangerous step backwards" for democracy.





Austria, which has repeatedly called for halting membership talks, once more called for them to stop.





"We can't just go back to the daily routine after the Turkey referendum. We finally need some honesty in the relationship between the EU and Turkey," said Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, adding the bloc should instead work on a "partnership agreement."





Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on April 17 that the results of the Turkish referendum should be respected. He said the vote was a domestic Turkish matter.





Rached Ghannouch, the leader of Tunisia's Ennahdha Party, said he called Erdogan to congratulate him over the win.





Both Hamas and the Palestinian Liberation Army congratulated Erdogan, according to state-run Anadolu Agency.

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Source: Hurriyet Daily News, April 18, 2017
Americas largest drug wholesaler has re-filed suit against the state of Arkansas to stop the use of dishonestly-obtained medicines in four lethal injection executions between April 20th and 27th.





Lawyers for healthcare giant McKesson had previously filed this suit  a US legal first  on Friday April 14, and were granted a Temporary Restraining Order. The company withdrew the suit when the executions were stayed by US federal court, but retained the option to refile should there be a renewed danger of executions going ahead.





McKesson, which Fortune ranks as Americas 5th most successful company , alleges that Arkansas deliberately misled the firm to obtain its products for use in executions and reneged on an agreement to return them after being provided with a full refund.





The company has tonight refiled its motion in Arkansas court seeking an emergency injunction and the immediate return of its medicine, and suing the Arkansas Department of Correction for rescission based on misrepresentation of a medical license, rescission based on unilateral mistake, replevin, unjust enrichment, and unjust taking.





McKessons complaint to the court requests that its property, the 10 vials of 20mg/25ml Vecuronium, be impounded pending a hearing on its status. Should this request be granted the planned executions could be halted indefinitely, as a key drug in Arkansass lethal injection cocktail expires at the end of April.





McKessons suit alleges that the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC):





purchased the products under the medical license of an Arkansas physician, and represented that the order was placed at the request of a physician and with the intent to use the products for a legitimate medical purpose.;

had the products shipped to the address previously used for its healthcare facilitys orders and asked that the ordering process not be documented via e-mail;

assured McKesson it would return the products, accepted a full refund, then reneged on its pledge and kept both the illegally obtained Vecuronium and the returned funds.





McKessons historic intervention represents only the latest and largest escalation in the healthcare industrys efforts to prevent Americas largest mass execution since the civil rights era. Last week, two global drug makers, Fresenius Kabi and Hikma, filed friend of the court briefs in a suit challenging the states lethal injection protocol.





Maya Foa, an expert at the international human rights group Reprieve said:





In purporting to enforce the law, Arkansas obtained these drugs by deliberately misrepresenting their intended purpose, then violated an agreement to return them even after accepting a full refund from the supplier.





In doing so the state has ignored the rights of the business that made the drugs and put public health at risk.





McKesson has shown that responsible healthcare companies will not tolerate such an assault on life-saving medicines, and will act to prevent this abuse.





McKessons April 18 complaint is here.

The other companies brief is available here.





Source: Reprieve, April 18, 2017





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Complex global challenges

Political transitions are taking place throughout the world. A wave of popular protectionism in the West against immigrations, the non-resolution of the Afghan issue, the growing challenge posed by North Korea, and the rising influence and strategic initiatives of China are features of this transition.
Ivan Teleguz RICHMOND, Va. (WVIR) - Governor Terry McAuliffe will soon announce whether he will grant clemency to a Virginia inmate on death row. RICHMOND, Va. (WVIR) - Governor Terry McAuliffe will soon announce whether he will grant clemency to a Virginia inmate on death row.





Ivan Teleguz is set to die next week. A jury convicted Teleguz of a murder-for-hire plot to kill his ex-girlfriend, Stephanie Sipe, in Harrisonburg in 2001.





There's been a growing push from Teleguz's lawyers, Christian leaders, and other public officials in the commonwealth to halt the scheduled execution.





McAuliffe is reviewing a clemency petition filed by the inmates legal team.





"Clearly issues have come up issues have arisen that I need to look at very closely," said the Democratic governor.





Attorney Elizabeth Peiffer, with the Virginia Capital Representation Resource Center, is fighting to stop the execution.





"No juror could look at the evidence and look at the record as it currently stands and find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt," she said.





Peiffer points out that two of the three key witnesses in the case have recanted their testimony, admitting that they lied about Teleguz's involvement.





The third witness, Michael Hetrick, was the man who was actually convicted of stabbing Sipe to death.





Peiffer also believes Teleguz received the death penalty because of false information given to jurors during the sentencing phase.





"The jurors based their sentencing decision on a fictitious murder. A witness testified that Mr. Teleguz was involved in another murder in Ephrata, Pennsylvania," said the attorney. "But now we know that this murder is a fiction. It never happened.





McAuliffe says he's carefully examining all the information in the case.





"Nothing is more tough for a governor than to have to make this life death decision, and I take it very very seriously, he said.





Lawyers for Teleguz are also working on filing a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court.





The execution is scheduled to take place on April 25.

Virginia Is About To Execute A Man Based On One Unreliable Witness

2 other witnesses have already admitted their original testimony was false.

Whether Ivan Teleguz is put to death in Virginia on April 25 should depend on how much Governor Terry McAuliffe is willing to trust the testimony of confessed murderer Michael Hetrick.





This is so because the Supreme Court of Virginia found that jurors needed to believe the testimony of Hetrick and 2 other witnesses in order to find Teleguz guilty. But the 2 other witnesses have since admitted that their testimony against Teleguz was false - given in exchange for generous deals from the government - and they have no reason to believe Teleguz was involved in the murder.





That leaves only the word of Hetrick. But the manner in which Hetrick's testimony was engineered by police is a serious flaw that should bring the remaining piece of the case against Teleguz tumbling down. Hetrick was fed the prosecution's theory of the case before his statement, and was told he would face the death penalty himself unless he provided a matching account and stuck to that account. Teleguz was sentenced to death for paying Hetrick to kill Stephanie Sipe - according to Hetrick to avoid paying child support. Hetrick avoided a death sentence by agreeing to testify against Teleguz.





As former law enforcement professionals, we have special expertise in, and appreciation for, the fundamental need to maintain integrity in witness interrogations. Improper interrogations can result in unreliable and false statements and confessions that put innocent people behind bars - and sometimes on death row.





The police interrogation of Hetrick violated foundational interrogation principles and makes his resulting statement and testimony against Teleguz unreliable. It certainly should not serve as the sole remaining basis for putting Teleguz to death.





After reviewing the nearly three-hour recording of police questioning Hetrick, we can identify numerous and significant improprieties. These include: tunnel vision, or the investigator's fixation on a result causing him to disregard other evidence; improperly combined maximization/minimization in which the investigator threatens inevitable and dire consequences, then promises assistance in avoiding the inevitable; and contamination, in which the investigators provide details of their theory of the case and investigation to Hetrick prior to getting Hetrick's own account.





Hetrick's interrogation is a case study in what is not supposed to occur in police interviews.





Police set Hetrick up by informing him that they had blood evidence from the crime scene, knew that he had a cut on his hand treated just after the murder, and they planned to take his DNA for comparison. They told him explicitly that he must accuse Teleguz of hiring Ms. Sipe's murderer - before the end of that interview - or Hetrick would face the death penalty. (Hetrick: "This Ivan'd so f*** bad a person, that you're willing to give a guy who should get the death penalty a deal?" Investigator: "I'm telling you that, as sure as we're sitting here.")





Investigators continued the interrogation despite several requests from Hetrick to stop so he could talk to a lawyer. Hetrick was explicitly told the prosecution's theory of the case, and he was even allowed to review the 9-page, single-spaced written summary of the police investigation of the case (Investigator: "I highly encourage you to read through all that and understand the facts of this case that's going on right now.") Investigators also went so far as to interrupt the interrogation in order to put Hetrick on the telephone with the prosecutor so that she could directly assure him that she would seek his execution if he did not cooperate then and there, and that his only way out of an inevitable death sentence was to accuse Teleguz of arranging the murder. This all happened before Hetrick began to give a statement.





Current standards for professional, properly trained law enforcement would not accept this kind of interrogation. In fact, Hetrick's interrogation is a case study in what is not supposed to occur in police interviews because all of these factors increase the likelihood that the resulting evidence will be false. The way in which the evidence was extracted or engineered runs sufficiently afoul of accepted professional police practices to prevent us from knowing what is true. Improper police work, combined with Hetrick's history of drug abuse and criminal behavior, produced a very unreliable witness. Now, this witness serves as the last remaining evidence against Teleguz, who will be executed in just weeks without the intervention of Governor McAuliffe.





As a matter of professionalism, fairness, and justice, Virginia's Governor McAuliffe should commute Teleguz's death sentence, stop his April 25 execution, and prevent the Commonwealth of Virginia from carrying out an execution on so tenuous a basis.





How the Police Generate False Confessions: An Inside Look at the Interrogation Room. Source: The Huffington Post , Gregg McCrary, Jim Trainum, April 17, 2017. Gregg McCrary is a former Supervisory Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and an internationally known expert in investigations, police practices, and interview and interrogation techniques. With nearly 50 years' experience in criminal investigations he provides expert testimony in these matters both nationally and internationally. He is also an adjunct professor in the Forensic and Legal Psychology Program at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. Jim Trainum is a former D.C. Homicide Detective with 27 years on the force, and nationally recognized expert in police interrogation practices, false confessions, and the use of informants and cooperating witnesses. He is the author of

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Source: NBC29 news, Alana Austin, April 17, 2017
The most complex organ in humans is the brain. Due to its complexity and, of course, for ethical reasons, it is extremely difficult to do scientific experiments on it - ones that could help us to understand neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, for example. Scientists at the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) of the University of Luxembourg have now succeeded in turning human stem cells derived from skin samples into tiny, three-dimensional, brain-like cultures that behave very similarly to cells in the human midbrain. In the researchers' petri dishes, different cell types develop, connect into a network, exchange signals and produce metabolic products typical of the active brain. "Our cell cultures open new doors to brain research," says Prof. Dr. Jens Schwamborn, in whose LCSB research group Developmental & Cellular Biology the research work was done. "We can now use them to study the causes of Parkinson's disease and how it could possibly be effectively treated." The team publishes its results today in the prestigious scientific journal "Stem Cell Reports" (DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.03.010).

The human midbrain is of particular interest to Parkinson's researchers: it is the seat of the tissue structure known medically as the substantia nigra. Here, nerve cells - specifically dopaminergic neurons - produce the messenger dopamine. Dopamine is needed to maintain smooth body movements. If the dopaminergic neurons die off, then the person affected develops tremors and muscle rigidity, the distinctive symptoms of Parkinson's disease. For ethical reasons, researchers cannot take cells from the substantia nigra to study them. Research groups around the world are therefore working on cultivating three-dimensional structures of the midbrain in petri dishes. The LCSB team led by stem cell researcher Jens Schwamborn is one such group.

The LCSB scientists worked with so-called induced pluripotent stem cells - stem cells that cannot produce a complete organism, but which can be transformed into all cell types of the human body. The procedures required for converting the stem cells into brain cells were developed by Anna Monzel as part of her doctoral thesis, which she is doing in Schwamborn's group. "I had to develop a special, precisely defined cocktail of growth factors and a certain treatment method for the stem cells, so that they would differentiate in the desired direction," Monzel describes her approach. To do this, she was able to draw on extensive preparatory work that had been done in Schwamborn's team the years before. The pluripotent stem cells in the petri dishes multiplied and spread out into a three-dimensional supporting structure - producing tissue-like cell cultures.

"Our subsequent examination of these artificial tissue samples revealed that various cell types characteristic of the midbrain had developed," says Jens Schwamborn. "The cells can transmit and process signals. We were even able to detect dopaminergic cells - just like in the midbrain." This fact makes the LCSB scientists' results of extraordinary interest to Parkinson's researchers worldwide, as Schwamborn stresses: "On our new cell cultures, we can study the mechanisms that lead to Parkinson's much better than was ever the case before. We can test what effects environmental impacts such as pollutants have on the onset of the disease, whether there are new active agents that could possibly relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's - or whether the disease could even be cured from its very cause. We will be performing such investigations next."

The development of the brain-like tissue cultures not only opens doors to new research approaches. It can also help to reduce the amount of animal testing in brain research. The cell cultures in the petri dishes are of human origin, and in some aspects resemble human brains more than the brains of lab animals such as rats or mice do. Therefore, the structures of human brains and its modes of function can be modelled in different ways than it is possible in animals. "There are also attractive economic opportunities in our approach," Jens Schwamborn explains: "The production of tissue cultures is highly elaborate. In the scope of our spin-off Braingineering Technologies Sarl, we will be developing technologies by which we can provide the cultures for a fee to other labs or the pharmaceutical industry for their research."

###
By Allison Lampert MONTREAL (Reuters) - Air Canada has apologized and offered compensation for bumping a 10-year-old off a flight, the boy's father said on Monday, after the Canadian family's story sparked headlines following a high-profile incident involving overbooking by U.S. carrier United Airlines. Brett Doyle said his family, who first tried unsuccessfully to check in his older son online, was told at the airport there was no seat available for the boy on an oversold flight from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, to Montreal, where they were connecting to a flight to a Costa Rica vacation last month. The entrepreneur from Prince Edward Island said the family of four then drove to Moncton, New Brunswick, to catch a different flight to Montreal only to discover at the airport that it had been canceled. "I thought it was a joke, that there were hidden cameras or something," he recalled by phone from Charlottetown. Doyle said the family contacted Air Canada, the country's largest carrier, in March, but only received an apology and the offer of a C$2,500 trip voucher after the story was published by a Canadian newspaper on Saturday. Air Canada could not immediately be reached by Reuters for comment. An airline spokeswoman told the Canadian Press: We are currently following up to understand what went wrong and have apologized to Mr. Doyle and his family as well as offered a very generous compensation to the family for their inconvenience. Doyle, whose family finally arrived in Montreal and was able to connect to Costa Rica, said he understood the public outcry after a 69-year-old passenger was dragged from his seat on a United plane in Chicago on April 9 to make space for crew members. "People are fed up," he said of airline overbooking. "You shouldn't be able to sell something twice." United's parent company, United Continental Holdings Inc , which is still recovering from the public relations debacle, apologized again on Monday for the passenger's forceful removal, while reporting quarterly earnings. Doyle said the incident on United Flight 3411, which spread rapidly on social media after being shot on video by passengers, resonated with his family. "I ... said things could always be worse," he said after hearing about the United incident. "At least we weren't thrown off the plane." (Reporting by Allison Lampert; Editing by Peter Cooney)
By Nikolaj Skydsgaard COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Uber Technologies [UBER.UL] sees opportunities to expand in the Europe Union, despite withdrawing its ride-hailing service from Denmark and facing the possibility of an EU court ruling that could mean tougher rules for the firm, an Uber executive said. Danes hailed their last rides on the UberPOP app on Tuesday before enforcement of a new law making taxi meters mandatory for drivers and imposing other requirements that meant Uber could no longer operate there. It has already quit Hungary and Bulgaria. "I am ... rather excited about some of the momentum and support I see across the EU, despite the Danish setback," Uber's head of operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Pierre Dimitri Gore-Coty told Reuters. In the past three months, more than 7.5 million people hailed rides in the 21 EU states where Uber operates, five times more people than two years ago, Uber said. The firm said it had more than 120,000 active drivers in the region. "Of course, there is more to do" to expand operations in the region, Gore-Coty said in an telephone interview from Amsterdam. For the final quarter of 2016, Uber's revenues were $2.9 billion but losses were $991 million in the period. Uber has expanded across the world, from Chile to China, but has often faced challenges from local taxi firms, unions and lawmakers complaining about unfair competition and saying Uber did not meet standards required for established taxi firms. Gore-Coty dismissed such criticism. "In every country we operate, we already operate within the transport regulation law that exists today," he said about Uber's operations in the EU. Looming later this year the EU's top court, the European Court of Justice, is due to rule on a dispute between Uber and Barcelona's main taxi operator, which in 2014 accused the company of running an illegal taxi service via UberPOP. The ruling could label Uber a digital service or a transport company. If it is the latter, it could constrain Uber by subjecting it to stricter rules on licensing, insurance and safety in the countries where Uber still operates peer-to-peer services such as UberPOP. Uber says it is a digital platform that connects willing drivers with customers and says it is not a transport service. Supporters of the app say it provides a more flexible work schedule, allowing independent drivers to work when they want. However, some drivers want Uber to recognize them as employees and offer them any associated benefits. To deal with its worldwide expansion, Uber said in March that its international headquarters in Amsterdam would move to a larger building to accommodate an increase in staff to 1,000 from 400. "We are very happy with how our business develops across the EU, but also ... all across the world," Gore-Coty said, adding he also saw promising prospects for a food delivery service called UberEATS. (Corrects spelling of Gore-Coty, location of interview in paragraph 5, spelling of UberEATS in final paragraph. Removes "typically" from quote in paragraph 3, adds clarification in paragraph 10) (Editing by Edmund Blair)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Southern Lithium Corp. (TSX-V:SNL) (FSE:SL5) ("Southern" or "the Company") is pleased to welcome Miguel Angel Tobar Corriales to its recently created advisory board. Southern Lithium and the management view the creation of this advisory board as another tool to advance the companys business agenda in Latin America



Mr. Tobar is a Chilean mining lawyer and engineer with over 36 years experience in the mining industry in Latin America. Currently he is a partner and the general manager of Luthe & Tobar Consultores Asociados Limitada, a private company that provides legal and geological consulting services to natural resource companies in Latin America in the areas of geology, property acquisitions, environmental and drill permitting. Through this work he has developed a strong network of industry professionals and contacts in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Argentina, where he has worked for the past 15 years.

He held the position of topographical engineer with Chevron Corporation of Chile from 1980 to 1988. From 1988 to 1992, Miguel worked at LAC Minerals in mining operations as a topographical engineer as well and was consulting engineer for Empresa Nacional de Mineria (ENAMI), Chilean National Mining Corporation, Placer Dome Plc., and Magma Copper Chile from 1992 to 1994. In 1994, he joined Magma Copper Chile as a topographical engineer in 1996 when it became part of BHP Billiton Copper Group where he also worked as a topographical engineer and land manager until 2004. From 2004 to 2009, Miguel was the land and new business manager of Minera Lejano Oeste, a subsidiary of Far West Mining Ltd. which was eventually acquired by Capstone Mining Corp. in a $725 million deal. In 2010 to 2015, again Miguel became a topographical engineer and in-house counsel in the land department of Minera Mandalay Limitada, a subsidiary of Mandalay Resources Corp.

Miguel has participated on commissions for modifying the mining codes in Chile, as well as the implementation of the National Mining Cadastre using GPS technology for mining concessions in Peru. As both a lawyer and engineer, Miguel is familiar with mining legislation in numerous jurisdictions including Ecuador, Mexico and Canada.

Miguel graduated in 1980 from Universidad Tecnica del Estado, UTE in Civil Topographic Engineering and in 2006 from La Universidad La Republica (ULARE) Facultad de Derecho.

The Company also announces that pursuant to the Company's Stock Option Plan it has granted 1,100,000 stock options at a price of $0.25 per common share to Management, Directors and Consultants of the Company. The option grant will vest immediately. As per the Company's Stock Option Plan, the options granted are exercisable until March 6, 2018. Grant of the options is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About the Cruz Property

Through its partner Millennial Lithium Corp. (TSX.V:ML) (FSE:A3N2) (OTCQB:MLNLF), the Company has executed a formal option agreement with Proyecto Pastos Grandes S.A. (PPG SA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Millennial, for the right to earn up to an eighty percent (80%) interest in the PPG SAs Cruz Property in the Pocitos Salar Basin in Salta Province, Argentina.

The Cruz Property is located in the heart of South Americas Lithium Triangle (northern Chile, northwestern Argentina and southwest Bolivia). The property encompasses 2,500 hectares in the Pocitos Salar Basin in Salta Province, Argentina, and lies 11 kilometres south of ADY Resources Limiteds lithium brine resource in the Salar del Rincon Basin.

The Cruz property is adjacent to the Rincon volcanic center that defines the southern limit of the Rincon Salar Basin, where ADY Resources Limited is extracting lithium brine, and the northern limit of the Pocitos Salar Basin, where the Cruz property is located. Both properties lie along the structural belt that hosts the important lithium resources of the region, and at the junction of a large north-south fault system and the northwest-southeast megastructure along which lies the Rincon volcano, the possible source of the lithium brine in both salar basins.

The 60-kilometre long Pocitos salar basin has previously only been drill tested with a shallow 12-hole program in the 1970s, by an Argentinean government agency Direccion General de Fabricaciones Militares. To date, this is the only confirmed exploration drilling conducted in the Pocitos basin. The hole that produced the best results is near the southeast edge of the Cruz property boundary, and averaged 417 parts per million lithium; note that these results are considered historical and have not been verified by the Company's QP, however the Company considers these results relevant to the future exploration of the property.

About Southern Lithium Corp (TSX-V: SNL FSE: SL5)

Southern Lithium Corp. is a resource exploration company engaged in the business of acquiring and exploring minerals properties. Southern Lithium Corp. has assembled an experienced management team with a growth strategy to develop portfolio of Lithium projects. The Companys main objective is to add shareholder value through exploration and development of high quality resources through strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, and marketing while maintaining a lower risk profile through project diversification and sound, cost-effective financial management. With the potential acquisition of the Cruz property, Southern Lithium intends to establish its presence in the Pocitos basin and further deliver on its mission to secure technically superior lithium projects. The Company is only focusing on projects of the highest technical merit in favorable geopolitical jurisdictions.

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Larry Segerstrom, M.Sc. (Geology), P.Geo., a Director of the Company, who is a "Qualified Person" as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Clive H. Massey

Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Southern Lithium Corp.

Sam Eskandari

Phone: +1.416.918.6785

Email: ir@southernlithium.com

Further information about the Company is available on our website at www.southernlithiumcorp.com or under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within it, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, other than as required pursuant to applicable securities laws.
Latvian English

Olaine, 2017-04-18 15:01 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

March 2017, consolidated sales Sales, thsnd. EUR Changes to March 2016 Share in total sales Russia 2 719 42% 28% Latvia 2 496 12% 25% The Netherlands 845 286% 9% Belarus 721 23% 7% Ukraine 631 -75% 6% Italy 467 268% 5% Turkmenistan 279 -12% 3% Kazakhstan 203 13% 2% Georgia 176 NA 2% Tajikistan 147 NA 1% Other 1 145 17% 12% Total 9 829 9% 100%

Sales of pharmacy chain of SIA Latvijas aptieka during March 2017 were 1.78 million euros, which represents an increase by 9% compared to March 2016. Sixty-five pharmacies were operating during this period. Sales of SIA Silvanols in March 2017 were 0.53 million euros, which represents an increase by 20% compared to March of 2016. Suring this period SIA Silvanols sold its products in five European countries and with the help of AS Olainfarm also to Russia, Lithuania, Belarus and Armenia. Sales of SIA Tonus Elast in March 2017 were 0.96 million euros, and the company sold its products to 19 countries in three continents.

In three months of 2017, according to preliminary results, consolidated sales of AS Olainfarm reached 26.95 million euros, which represents an increase by 3% compared to the same period of 2016. The biggest sales increase during this period was achieved in Georgia, where sales grew by 694%. Sales to The Netherlands grew by 271%, sales to Italy grew by 120% and sales to Germany grew by 99%. The biggest sales reduction took place in Ukraine, where sales dropped by 59%. The major markets of Olainfarm group in three months of 2017 were Russia, Latvia, Belarus and Ukraine.

3 months of 2017, consolidated sales Sales, thsnd. EUR Changes to 3 months of 2016 Share in total sales Russia 7 676 22% 28% Latvia 7 445 12% 28% Belarus 3 202 6% 12% Ukraine 2 000 -59% 7% The Netherlands 1 758 271% 7% Italy 541 120% 2% Kazakhstan 449 -21% 2% Lithuania 402 11% 1% Germany 394 99% 1% Georgia 382 694% 1% Other 2 696 -20% 10% Total 26 945 3% 100%

In three months of 2017 sales of pharmacies of SIA Latvijas aptieka reached 5.17 million euros, which represents an increase by 3% compared to three months of 2016. Sales of SIA Silvanols in three months of 2017 were 1.6 million euros, which represents an increase by 31% compared to three months of 2016. Products of SIA Silvanols were sold to nine European countries and with the help of AS Olainfarm also to Lithuania, Russia, Belarus and Armenia. Sales of SIA Tonus Elast in 3 months were 1.9 million euros, and companys products were sold to 26 countries in four continents.

According to preliminary unconsolidated results for March 2017, sales of AS Olainfarm during this period were 7.58 million euros, which represents a reduction by 6% compared to March of 2016. The biggest sales increase was achieved in The Netherlands, where sales grew by 286%, but sales to Italy grew by 266%. Biggest sales reduction occurred in Ukraine, where sales dropped by 79%. During March 2017, the company also made significant shipments to Georgia and Tajikistan. The biggest sales markets were Russia, Latvia, The Netherlands and Belarus. During March 2017, products of AS Olainfarm were sold to 27 countries in four continents.

March 2017, unconsolidated sales Sales, thsnd. EUR Changes to March 2016 Share in total sales Russia 2 287 19% 30% Latvia 1 193 -3% 16% The Netherlands 845 286% 11% Belarus 683 17% 9% Ukraine 539 -79% 7% Italy 464 266% 6% Turkmenistan 279 -12% 4% Georgia 177 NA 2% Tajikistan 147 NA 2% Lithuania 119 -24% 2% Other 842 -2% 11% Total 7 575 -6% 100%

According to preliminary unconsolidated results for three months of 2017, sales of AS Olainfarm during this period were 21.3 million euros, which represents a reduction by 6% compared to the respective period of 2016. The most rapid sales increase during this period was achieved in Georgia, where sales grew by 596%. Sales to The Netherlands grew by 271%, but sales to Italy increased by 106%. The biggest sales reduction took place in Ukraine, where sales dropped by 61%. Major sales markets of AS Olainfarm during this period were Russia, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine and The Netherlands. In total in three months of 2017, AS Olainfarm sold its products to 37 countries in four continents..

3 months of 2017, unconsolidated sales Sales, thsnd. EUR Changes to 3 months of 2016 Share in total sales Russia 6 915 10% 32% Latvia 3 684 4% 17% Belarus 3 151 4% 15% Ukraine 1 908 -61% 9% The Netherlands 1 758 271% 8% Italy 508 106% 2% Germany 390 97% 2% Georgia 335 596% 2% Lithuania 327 5% 2% Turkmenistan 279 -42% 1% Other 2 045 -36% 10% Total 21 300 -6% 100%

According to preliminary estimates, unconsolidated sales of AS Olainfarm in 2017 might reach 96 million euros, while consolidated sales might reach 127 million euros. According to the preliminary sales numbers published here, during three months of 2017, the company has already made 22% of its unconsolidated sales estimate and 21% of its annual consolidated sales estimate.

JSC Olainfarm is one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in Latvia with more than 40 years of experience in production of medication and chemical and pharmaceutical products. A basic principle of company's operations is to produce reliable and effective top quality products for Latvia and the rest of the world. Products made by the Group are being exported to more than 35 countries of the world, including the Baltics, Russia, other CIS, Europe, Asia, North America and Australia.
LOS ANGELES, April 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hip Cuisine Inc., (PINKSHEETS:HIPC) the global fresh-served food purveyor for health conscious consumers, has completed its acquisition of Rawkin Juice, the popular organic-vegan spot based in Burbank CA. Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement both Hip Cuisine and Rawkin Juice have met all conditions to close the acquisition. Rawkin Juice will operate as Rawkin Juice Inc., a new wholly owned subsidiary of Hip Cuisine.



Now that we have completed the purchase of Rawkin Juice we will start executing our business plan to open additional Rawkin Juice locations throughout Southern California. We entered into the lease of our second Rawkin Juice location on March 1, 2017 in anticipation of closing the acquisition and will open for business on May 1st 2017.

With the combined wholly-owned subsidiaries, Hip Cuisine Panama and Rawkin Juice we now have two production kitchens and four locations and the capability to expand into an additional 10 locations before we reach the current capacity of the combined production kitchens. stated Natalia Lopera, CEO of Hip Cuisine.

About Hip Cuisine

Hip Cuisine is an international nutritional value concepts company and global fresh-served food purveyor for the health-conscious consumer. Based in Miami, Florida, its holdings include fusion restaurants in the Western Hemisphere known for fresh, vegan friendly, on-demand nutritious menus and cold-pressed juices and smoothies. Hip Cuisine opened its first location in Panama City, Panama in 2015 designed to deliver a nutritious menu with super-food ingredients at affordable prices tailored for the on-the-go customer looking for a healthy alternative. The company plans to expand its brands in the U.S. and Latin America.

Hip Cuisine has two locations located at Balboa Boutiques, Ave. Balboa, Local 104, Panama City, Panama and Plaza 770, Main Street, Costa del Este Panama. Our telephone number is 011-507-6501-8105.



@Hip Cuisine Hip Cuisine'sFacebook www.hip-cuisine.com



About Rawkin Juice



Rawkin Juice serves authentic cold pressed juices & smoothies, amazing salads, vegan meals and raw desserts. After years of research Rawkin Juice opened its doors in Burbank in 2014 featuring its state-of-the-art organic-vegan kitchen. The company made its own original, cold-pressed juice and smoothie blends, always made fresh to order, for pick up in person or through online delivery. Its colorful, musical menu creates an upbeat theme and a fun environment for healthy conscious customers. Using local sources for organic fruits and vegetables, the company uses glass bottles exclusively to further demonstrate its commitment to optimum credibility of nutrients.

Rawkin Juice has two locations located at 4201 West Alameda Ave., Burbank, CA and 705 Montana Ave., Santa Monica CA.

Phone: (818) 859.1002. The website is www.rawkinjuice.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward looking statements related to the transaction and business combination between Hip Cuisine and Rawkin Juice, including statements regarding the benefits of the transaction as well as statements regarding the companies products and markets. Forward looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document, including the following: expected synergies and other financial benefits of the transaction may not be realized; integration of the acquisition post-closing may not occur as anticipated; litigation related to the transaction or limitations or restrictions imposed by regulatory authorities may delay or negatively impact the transaction; unanticipated restructuring costs may be incurred or undisclosed liabilities assumed; attempts to retain key personnel and customers may not succeed; the business combination or the combined companys products may not be supported by third parties; actions by competitors may negatively impact results; and, there may be negative changes in general economic conditions in the regions or the industries in which Hip Cuisine and Rawkin Juice operate. Legal filings may identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements set forth in this document. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Hip Cuisine and Rawkin Juice assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ATHENS, Greece, April 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE:DSX) (the Company), a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels, today announced that it has commenced an underwritten public offering of US$70.0 million of common shares. The Company intends to grant the underwriters an over-allotment option for a period of 30 days from the closing of this offering to purchase up to an additional US$10.5 million of common shares.

As part of the offering, entities affiliated with Simeon Palios, the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, executive officers and certain directors, have agreed to purchase approximately US$20.0 million of common shares at the public offering price.



Substantially all of the net proceeds of the offering are expected to be used to fund the acquisition costs of additional dry bulk vessels, including two 2013-built Post-Panamax dry bulk vessels that the Company has agreed to purchase from unaffiliated third parties and one 2013-built Kamsarmax dry bulk vessel that the Company has agreed to purchase from an unaffiliated third party. The acquisition of the three vessels is subject to approval by the Board of Directors of the Company. Any net proceeds from the offering not used for vessel acquisitions will be used for general corporate purposes.

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Clarksons Platou Securities, Inc. are acting as joint book-running managers in the offering and BNP Paribas Securities Corp. is acting as co-lead manager.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. This offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus. A prospectus supplement related to the offering will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and will be available on the SECs website located at www.sec.gov. When available, copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained from Wells Fargo Securities, Attention: Equity Syndicate Department, 375 Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10152, at (800) 326-5897 or email a request to cmclientsupport@wellsfargo.com or Clarksons Platou Securities, Inc., 280 Park Avenue, 21st floor, New York, NY 10019, (or by phone at (212) 317-7080, or by e-mail at prospectuses@clarksons.com).

About the Company

Diana Shipping Inc. is a global provider of shipping transportation services through its ownership of dry bulk vessels. The Companys vessels are employed primarily on medium to long-term charters and transport a range of dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along worldwide shipping routes. Diana Shipping Inc.s fleet currently consists of 48 dry bulk vessels (4 Newcastlemax, 14 Capesize, 3 Post-Panamax, 4 Kamsarmax and 23 Panamax). The Company also expects to take delivery of two 2013-built Post-Panamax dry bulk vessels and one 2013-built Kamsarmax dry bulk vessel during June 2017. As of today, the combined carrying capacity of the Companys fleet, excluding the three vessels not yet delivered, is approximately 5.7 million dwt with a weighted average age of 7.88 years. A table describing the current Diana Shipping Inc. fleet can be found on the Companys website, www.dianashippinginc.com. Information contained on the Companys website does not constitute a part of this press release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words believe, anticipate, intends, estimate, forecast, project, plan, potential, may, should, expect, pending and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, the Companys managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Companys records and other data available from third parties. Although the Company believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond the Companys control, the Company cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in the Companys view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for dry bulk shipping capacity, changes in the Companys operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for the Companys vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other factors. Please see the Companys filings with the SEC for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties.
Couple dead as bus hits motorbike in Kanchanpur

A couple died when a bus hit a motorbike at Suklaphant Municipality-5 in Kanchanpur district on Tuesday.
betterscore wrote:

Physician: The hormone melatonin has shown promise as a medication for sleep disorders when taken in synthesized form. Because the long-term side effects of synthetic melatonin are unknown , however, I cannot recommend its use at this time.



Patient: Your position is inconsistent with your usual practice. You prescribe many medications that you know have serious side effects, so concern about side effects cannot be the real reason you will not prescribe melatonin.



The patient's argument is flawed because it fails to consider that



(A) the side effects of synthetic melatonin might be different from those of naturally produced melatonin

(B) it is possible that the physician does not believe that melatonin has been conclusively shown to be effective

(C) sleep disorders, if left untreated, might lead to serious medical complications

(D) the side effects of a medication can take some time to manifest themselves

(E) known risks can be weighed against known benefits, but unknown risks cannot

Step 1: Identify the Question

flawed

Find the Flaw

Weaken

if true

Step 2: Deconstruct the Argument

Step 3: Pause and State the Goal

Flaw

undermines one of the arguments assumptions

Step 4: Work from Wrong to Right

(E) CORRECT

unknown side effects of melatonin

"Be challenged at EVERY MOMENT."



Strength doesnt come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldnt.



"Each stage of the journey is crucial to attaining new heights of knowledge."



| Please DO NOT post short answer in your post!



Advanced Search : https://gmatclub.com/forum/advanced-search/ Rules for posting in verbal forum | Please DO NOT post short answer in your post! Signature Read More

MelatoninThe wordin the question stem indicates that this is aquestion. Flaw questions are closely related to Weaken questions with one big difference:questions will contain the language, while Flaw questions will NOT.Dr: M = effective, BUT: side effects unknown  cant prescribePa: you prescribe other meds w/ side effects  why not M?The physicians argument is this: Ms side effects are unknown, so he cant recommend using it. The patient counters this argument by claiming that the physician must actually have some other reason to avoid prescribing M. The physician prescribes other medications that have serious side effects, so unknown side effects arent (according to the patient) a valid excuse.Onquestions, the goal is to find an answer choice that. What is the patient overlooking or what bad assumption is he making in drawing his conclusion?.(A) Unless the argument also provides information about natural melatonin, knowing that the two types of melatonin are different from each other doesnt affect the argument, which is purely about synthetic melatonin.(B) This answer choice states that there is another reason that the physician chooses not to prescribe melatoninhe is concerned about its efficacy, rather than its safety. However, this isnt something that the patient has failed to consider. In fact, this type of issue is exactly what the patient is concerned about.(C) Failing to consider the serious medical consequences of sleep disorders is a criticism that would be more appropriately levied at the physician than the patient.(D) The argument deals only with which side effects a medication has, not the time frame in which those side effects make themselves known.. The doctors argument specifically regards the. In the patients response, he draws an analogy between melatonin and other medications with known serious side effects. In doing so, the patient assumesperhaps incorrectlythat known and unknown side effects should be treated in the same way._________________
Tue, 11/8 (10:30am ET): Recession Looming, Applications Down! Is It the Best Time to Get an MBA?
- Beautiful Indian sisters popularly known as the Matharoo sisters are seriously wanted by the Nigerian police for blackmailing Femi Otedola and family

- The sisters were arrested and charged to court for this act but found a way to escape from Nigeria

- They were reported to have been part owner of a malicious site, NaijaGistLive.com

It could be recalled that few months back, two Indian sisters and Canadian citizen Kiran and Jyoti Mathroo were involved in the blackmail of one of Nigerias billionaire, Femi Otedola, his wife and daughter, DJ Cuppy.

Legit.ng gathered that the two sisters were arrested and charged to Magistrate court, Yaba, Lagos, for Cyber bulling, blackmail and extortion alongside their accomplice, Babatunde Oyebode a.k.a Baudex. After realizing their mistake the two sisters made an apology video to Mr Otedola and his family.

READ ALSO: Jamaican citizen, Violet Brown becomes world's oldest woman as she turns 117 (photos)

Watch their apology video below:

However, Politics Nigeria disclosed that these two sisters were said to have escaped from Nigeria, ignoring the fact that their case with the business mogul is still in court.

They added that, trouble started for the Matharoo sisters and Oyebode after Otedola wrote a petition to the Nigerian police on an attempt by the trio to blackmail and extort him. After their first appearance in court, the sisters absconded leaving only Oyebode who has been diligent in making court appearances.

They visited the prosecutors office in Yaba, where it was revealed that the sisters obtained a temporary travel document that aided their escape.

Femi Otedola and the Matharoo sisters

It was further discovered that one was of the sureties; Alhaji Waheed Sobunlo was identified and made to write an undertaking to provide the trio on every date of adjournment. The undertaking was written on 26/12/2016. At a second hearing into the case on in January 2017, tables turned around when the sisters did not appear in court and this prompted the presiding judge to issue a bench warrant for the sisters. The warrants were dated 25/1/2017. A bench warrant was issued for their surety, Sobunlo on 2/2/2017 after he failed to produce the sisters in court.

READ ALSO: Officers give thanks to God after returning safely to Lagos from North-East (photos)

It was later discovered Sobunlo and 2 other sureties had also absconded. Only one of the sureties was arrested and he is currently in prison custody. Unconfirmed reports reveal that Sobunlo escaped to the US. All the issued bench warrants are still in effect.

Read full story HERE.

Watch related video below:

Source: Legit.ng
Fire in Bhaktapur after gases emerge while drilling ground for water

A fire broke out near Pilagaun ward office at Sirutar-1 in Bhaktapur district when gases emerged while drilling the ground for water on Tuesday.
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
Five US states hunt 'Facebook killer'

A US gunman who shot a grandfather on the street apparently at random and posted the footage on Facebook could be anywhere, say investigators.
Geopolitical rivalry in SAsia

As the gap between India and China continues to widen due to several bilateral and international issues, both countries are competing to increase their influence in Saarc countries. India is struggling to retain its influence in these countries, while China is keen to increase its clout.
Publie le 18 avr. 2017 a 8:55

- Avoir signe un accord pour l'acquisition du groupe Luck en Allemagne ; - Que le groupe Luck a realise en 2016 un chiffre d'affaires d'environ 130 millions d'euros ; -Que la transaction devrait etre effective fin mai 2017.

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Only at a North Korean press conference at the United Nations, can you hear a diplomat say he hoped journalists had a good holiday weekend and then warn of possible thermonuclear war, according to CNN.

North Korea has consistently issued threats of war toward the United States in recent decades, but the Trump administrations announced end of a strategic patience policy with Pyongyang has upped the ante in terms of warnings and bellicose rhetoric. North Koreas UN deputy representative, Kim In Ryong, on Monday unleashed at a hastily called UN press conference a torrent of threats, war scenarios and rhetoric aimed at the United States.

The press event was held hours after US Vice President Mike Pence visited the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. Pence warned North Korea not to test the resolve of the United States or the strength of our military forces.

In New York, North Korea returned verbal fire. North Koreas UN ambassador condemned the US naval buildup in the waters off the Korean Peninsula, plus the US missile attacks on Syria.

Kim said, It has created a dangerous situation in which thermonuclear war may break out at any moment on the peninsula and poses a serious threat to world peace and security.

While reporters at the United Nations have heard similar rhetoric from North Koreans before, Mondays forceful wording was on a higher level.

The deputy ambassador, reading from a statement, told reporters, The US is disturbing the global peace and stability and insisting on the gangster-like logic that its invasion of a sovereign state is decisive, and just, and proportionate and contributes to defending the international order in its bid to apply it to the Korean Peninsula as well.

Kim said his country is ready to react to any mode of war from the United States. Any missile or nuclear strike by the United States would be responded to in kind, said the North Korea representative.

The USS Carl Vinson carrier-led Navy strike group was sent to the Korean Peninsula. North Koreas UN representative said the maneuvers show the US reckless moves for invading the DPRK (North Korea) have reached a serious phase.

The United Nations is clearly worried. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric told journalists, Were obviously deeply concerned about the rising tensions that weve seen in the Korean Peninsula. We call on all to redouble their diplomatic efforts. 

The North Korean deputy ambassador was asked to respond to President Donald Trumps comment that North Korea should behave better. He declined, instead wrapping up numerous questions about US policy and Pences visit to the DMZ into a long series of criticisms of the United States.

He denounced the United States for introducing into the Korean Peninsula  what he called the worlds biggest hotspot  its huge nuclear strategic assets, seriously threatening peace and security of the Peninsula and pushing the situation there to a brink of war.

North Korea staged a failed missile launch over the weekend. Dujarric said, I think the latest launch that we saw over the weekend from the DPRK was troubling. We call on the DPRK to take all the steps necessary to deescalate the situation and return to a dialogue on denuclearization.

North Korea is upset that the UN Security Council will hold a meeting on the situation later this month, with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson presiding.

Pyongyang again said it has sent letters demanding its own hearing at the Security Council for alleged US abuses, but they have been ignored by a council which has seen numerous council resolutions violated by North Korean missile and nuclear tests.

To add to the list of warnings, the North Korean diplomat said his country would hold the United States accountable for the catastrophic consequences to be entailed by its outrageous actions.

Journalists were asked to give their names on a sheet passed around by the North Koreans, but the sign-up sheet was left behind apparently when the news conference concluded.
The incredible haul was found in an ancient nobles tomb on the west bank of the Nile River in Luxor, Joinfo.com reports with reference to MailOnline.

Little is known about who the mummies belong to, but the team says it expects to find even more statues as the dig continues.

There are 10 coffins and eight mummies. The excavation is ongoing, said Mostafa Waziri, the head of the archaeological mission.

The 18th Dynasty tomb, discovered in the Draa Abul Nagaa necropolis near the famed Valley of the Kings, belonged to a nobleman named Userhat who worked as the city judge, the ministry said in a statement.

It was opened to add more mummies during the 21st Dynasty, about 3,000 years ago, to protect them during a period when tomb-robbing was common, said Waziri, the head of the archaeological mission, at the site.

It was a surprise how much was being displayed inside the tomb, Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Enany told reporters outside the tomb.

We found a large number of Ushabti (small carved figurines), more than 1,000 of them, Mr Enany said.

This is an important discovery, he added.

Ushabti figurines were often placed with the deceased in ancient Egyptian tombs to help with responsibilities in the afterlife.

Inside the tomb, archaeologists wearing white masks and latex gloves inspected the sarcophagi, which were covered with intricate drawings in red, blue, black, green, and yellow, and featured the carved faces of the dead.

The coffins were mainly well-preserved, though some had deteriorated and broken over the years.

Archaeologists were also examining a mummy wrapped in linen which was inside one of the coffins.

White, orange, green, and patterned pots were also found in the tombs.

It is a T-shaped tomb (which) consists of an open court leading into a rectangular hall, a corridor and an inner chamber, the ministry said in a statement.

A nine-metre shaft inside the tomb held the Ushabti figurines, as well as wooden masks and a handle of a sarcophagus lid, the ministry said.

Another room in the tomb was also discovered, though it has not yet been completely excavated, it said.

Nevine el-Aref, the spokeswoman for the antiquities ministry, said there is evidence and traces that new mummies could be discovered in the future.
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 ...
Govt rolls back Friday holiday decision

Following widespread criticism, the government on Monday rolled back its earlier decision of public holiday on Friday, the day President Bidya Devi Bhandari will return home from her five-day state visit to India.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has warned that the United States has not ruled out using military force to deal with an increasing nuclear threat from North Korea.

He spoke of recent U.S. military strikes in Syria and Afghanistan as evidence of President Trumps strength and resolve.

The warning came as Pence visited South Korea at the start of a four-nation Asia trip. He spoke during a joint appearance in Seoul with South Koreas acting president, Hwang Kyo-ahn.

Pence urged the U.S. to move away from a previous policy of what he called strategic patience. He said this policy had failed to produce lasting progress with North Korea.

For more than two decades, the United States and our allies have worked to peacefully dismantle North Koreas nuclear program, and alleviate the suffering of their people. But at every step of the way, North Korea answered our overtures with willful deception, broken promises and nuclear and missile tests.

Pence noted that during the past 18 months, North Korea had carried out two nuclear tests and more missile tests than ever before.

Kim Jong Uns government conducted its latest missile test on Sunday, just before Pences arrival. The test failed when the missile exploded shortly after launch.

Stopping a North Korean nuclear missile

While Vice President Pence is in Asia, he is expected to seek support for increasing pressure on North Korea to end its nuclear and missile development programs.

All options are on the table, Pence told reporters at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea.

However, U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster said he is not currently considering a military option. On a TV news program, McMaster said U.S. officials are aiming to contain the threat peacefully.

The Trump administration is reportedly considering new economic restrictions on North Korea. These could include an oil embargo, a global ban on its airline, stopping cargo ships, and punishing Chinese banks that do business with North Korean companies.

Other players in the area

China remains an important partner for the U.S. on North Korea. But Chinese officials have not supported strong measures against North Korea, which is a close ally of China. Those measures could cause instability at Chinas border and increase U.S. power in the area.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman called for restarting multi-party talks that ended without agreement in 2009. He also spoke out against deploying the THAAD missile defense system in South Korea. Both Pence and Hwang repeated their support for THAAD as a way to protect against North Korean missile strikes.

In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said a diplomatic effort is important to maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula. But he said dialogue for the sake of having dialogue is useless.

We need to apply pressure on North Korea so they seriously respond to a dialogue, Abe told a parliamentary meeting. He urged the international community, especially China and Russia, to play a bigger role in the issue.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from VOA News, the Associated Press and Reuters. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

resolve  n. determination

patience  n. being able to wait a long time without becoming annoyed or upset

dismantle  v. take something apart or completely get rid of it

alleviate  v. reduce the pain or difficulty of something

overture  n. something offered with the hope that it will improve a relationship, agreement, etc.

deception  n. act of making something seem true that is not

embargo  n. a government order that limits trade in some way

dialogue  n. discussion held between groups in attempt to come to an agreement
For the best information, you will need to ask the consulate or embassy of the country you are interested in visiting. Laws change all the time, especially as countries crack down on illicit drugs. You might just need to carry a doctor's note, but before you book a trip, go to the governmental source with the list of prescriptions. (A travel clinic might not even have this information.)

A 2016 report from Australia did provide these insights: "Anything containing codeine, pseudoephedrine, such as cold and flu tablets, morphine or dexamphetamine is prohibited in Bali, Japan and the United Arab Emirates. Thailand requires travelers to carry a permit for personal medications and people visiting Canada and Vietnam are advised to carry a letter from their doctor listing prescribed medicines and their dosage. The UAE also may ask for documentation for certain medication, and passengers who dont have the right paperwork may face prosecution."
Credit: Rush University Medical Center

If you currently are sexually active, have been sexually active in the past or have sex in the future, there's an extremely high chance that at some point before your sex life is over you will have been infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that is linked to several cancers. Just this month, the National Center for Health Statistics announced that it found that 45.2 percent of men and 39.9 percent of women 18 to 59 years in age were infected with genital HPV during 2013 to 2014.

Even more alarming, the center found that during the same time period 25.1 percent of men and 20.4 percent of women were exposed to high-risk genital HPV, which result in about 31,000 cases of cancer each year.

A viral infection, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and can be spread between partners through anal, vaginal, or oral sex, and even through close skin-to-skin touching. The center's latest figures are a reminder that nearly everyone who is sexually active becomes infected with HPV during some point in their lives, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (which includes the NCHS).

"HPV is very common; up to 80 percent of sexually active people have been exposed at some point in their lives," says Summer Dewdney, MD, a gynecologic oncologist at Rush University Medical Center. "But the vast majority never develop any symptoms, and the body's immune system can usually clear HPV on its own within two years."

HPV causes nearly all cervical and oral cancers

But other times, the infection does not clear up. And since there is no cure for HPV, the virus puts people at risk for potentially serious problemssuch as cancer and genital wartsdown the road. Every year, more than 27,000 women and men are affected by the following cancers linked to HPV:

Anal cancer

Cervical cancer

Oropharyngeal cancer, which includes oral cancer and throat cancer

Penile cancer

Vaginal cancer

Vulvar cancer

Almost all of the more than 11,000 cases of cervical cancers diagnosed in the U.S. each year are caused by HPV. While oral cancers used to be attributed mainly to tobacco and alcohol, now 72 percent of oral cancers (particularly in young men) are caused by HPV.

"There has been significant change in the last decade. The HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer has reached epidemic proportions," says Kerstin Stenson, MD, a head and neck cancer surgeon at Rush.

"By 2020, HPV is projected to cause more oropharyngeal cancers than cervical cancers in the U.S.," adds Karen Lui, MD, a pediatrician at Rush

Protect yourself with HPV vaccine ...

The doctors recommend taking precautions to prevent HPV infection and catch infections that do occur before they become major health problems. "We have a vaccine for cancer," Dewdney says. "Use it!"

Two vaccines, Cervarix and Gardasil, are available to protect against the types of HPV that cause the most cervical cancers, as well as anal cancers in men. A doctor can administer the vaccine in three shots over a six-month period.

Gardasil is recommended for girls and women between ages 9 and 26

Cervarix is recommended for girls who are 9 years of age, plus women of any age who have not previously been vaccinated and have not previously been diagnosed with cervical cancer.

The HPV vaccine is also recommended for boys, starting at age 11.

"If you aren't eligible but your children are the right ages, consider taking them to be vaccinated," Dewdney says. "But the important thing to know is that even if you were not vaccinated as a child, you can still get the vaccine up to age 26."

... get regular pap tests and dental exams ...

Additionally, Lui recommends annual PAP tests for women starting at 21 years of agewhether they've been vaccinated or not. Pap tests enable doctors to detect abnormalitieschanges on the cells on a woman's cervixand take action before cervical cancer develops. "Screening is the best way to catch HPV-related cancers early," Liu says.

"Once you turn 30, we recommend pap smears every five years as long as you have HPV testing with your Pap and the results are negative," Dewdney says. "In addition, any bleeding with intercourse should be evaluated by a gynecologist."

According to the American Cancer Society, between 60 and 80 percent of women in the United States with newly diagnosed invasive cervical cancer have not had a Pap test in the past five years. And, even more alarming, many of these women have never had the exam.

Stenson stresses the importance of regular visits to the dentist. "Dentists play a key role in detecting oral cancer," she says. "You might not see a primary care physician even once a year, but most people see their dentist twice a year. Having regular dental visits can help catch cancers early to help ensure the best outcome."

... also, practice safe sex

Studies have shown that women who have many sexual partners increase their risk of developing HPV and their risk of cervical cancer.

"If you are sexually active, use a condom every time you have sex," Dewdney says. "Unprotected sex leaves you at risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases that can increase your risk of getting HPV and greatly increase your chances of developing precancerous changes of the cervix."

While condoms help to lower the risk of developing HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer, be aware that HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom, so condoms may not fully protect against HPV. That's why it's essential get the HPV vaccine in addition to using condoms.

Though studies have shown that using a condom properly and consistentlymeaning every single time you have sexcan reduce HPV transmission, any area of the penis not covered by the condom can be infected by the virus.

"While the infection is most commonly passed by vaginal or anal sex, you can also transmit it during oral sex and skin-to-skin contact, and in those cases a condom isn't going to protect you at all," Lui says. "That's where the vaccine can help safeguard you."

Protect your children 'for the rest of their lives'

Due to controversy about vaccinating young people against a sexually transmitted infection and parental concerns about possible long-term effects of these relatively new vaccines, many children, teens and young adults aren't getting vaccinated, leaving them vulnerable to future HPV infection.

Lui encourages kids and parents to have an ongoing, open conversation about their wishes when it comes to being vaccinated.

"It's hard for some kids to admit to their parents that they're sexually active or are considering it," says Lui. "But it's important to be honest with your parents and tell them that you want to protect yourself."

Also, research has shown that getting the HPV vaccine does not encourage kids to become sexually active or start having sex at a younger agea common concern cited by parents.

"Parents need to understand that just because their kids want the HPV vaccine, it doesn't mean they're promiscuous, or even that they plan to start having sex right away," Liu says. "They're talking about doing something now that can help keep them safe for the rest of their livesand as parents, that's all we really want for our children."
From left, Agrey Mwakisole, David Downs, Jennifer Downs, Mary Mbago, Mary Fuunay and Lucas Fuunay in Tanzania. Credit: Cornell University

Educating religious leaders in sub-Saharan Africa about male circumcision increases the likelihood that men will undergo the procedure, Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found in a new trial. The results may have profound public health implications, as circumcision has been shown to dramatically reduce the incidence of HIV.

Public health experts have long considered male circumcision to be a vital HIV prevention strategy. But the procedure is deeply entrenched in religious and cultural mores, limiting its prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. In a study published Feb. 14 in The Lancet, Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that educating local religious leaders about circumcision and its benefits led to an increase in the number of men who underwent the procedure. The findings underscore the public health benefits of aligning medicine with religious beliefs.

"The longer I spend in sub-Saharan Africa, the more I realize how strongly people's faith motivates their behavior," said lead author Jennifer Downs, the Friedman Family Research Scholar in Pediatric Infectious Diseases and an assistant professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. "We learned that if people believe that circumcision is consistent with their religious beliefs, they will do it."

Approximately 70 percent of the world's HIV infections occur in sub-Saharan Africa. In an effort to curb the epidemic, the World Health Organization in 2011 committed to increasing the prevalence of male circumcision. It targeted 14 countries in the region with the initial goal of performing 20.8 million male circumcisions by 2016. However, adapting religious beliefs to accept the procedure has been challenging and uptake has been about 50 percent lower than expected, with only 10 million circumcisions completed by the end of 2015.

To determine if more men would undergo circumcision if their religious leaders endorsed it, Downs and her research team, which included Weill Cornell Medicine colleagues Myung Hee Lee and Daniel Fitzgerald, designed a curriculum to teach male and female Christian church leaders in eight northern Tanzanian villages about the procedure's medical, historical, religious and social aspects. They compared subsequent circumcision rates to eight control villages. In all 16 villages, the Tanzanian Ministry of Health offered a voluntary medical male circumcision outreach campaign.

Working with Tanzanian colleagues from Weill Bugando University College of Health Sciences, the researchers found that in the villages in which church leaders received teaching about male circumcision, 52.8 percent of men and boys were circumcised, compared with 29.5 percent in the eight control villages.

In villages that had been randomized to receive intervention, Christian church leaders of both sexes and all denominations were invited to attend an educational seminar about male circumcision. They participated in discussions about ways in which they could encourage male circumcision within their congregations. The standard outreach, which all of the villages received, included community meetings, drama performances, broadcast announcements and distribution of health information brochures, but did not specifically address religious leaders.

Church leaders in the intervention villages who attended the seminars reported a better understanding of male circumcision and a sense of empowerment to teach their congregations about the issue. Many said their congregants sought circumcisions in great numbers after church discussions of the topic.

"We believe a key reason for our study's effectiveness was its attentiveness to structural and cultural factors in promoting behavioral change," Downs said. "This study lays the groundwork for additional efforts to establish the effect of promoting healthy behaviors through religious communities in sub-Saharan Africa."

More information: Jennifer A Downs et al. Educating religious leaders to promote uptake of male circumcision in Tanzania: a cluster randomised trial, The Lancet (2017). Journal information: The Lancet Jennifer A Downs et al. Educating religious leaders to promote uptake of male circumcision in Tanzania: a cluster randomised trial,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32055-4
The University of Manchester is part of a new consortium which will develop new CT and MRI scan techniques and biomarkers to look at the accumulation of compounds in the body caused by drugs and the harm they may causepotentially improving patients' safety and the development of new treatments.

The TRISTAN project, (Translational Imaging in Drug Safety Assessment) is a public-private partnership supported by the Innovative Medicines Initiative involving organisations across Europe. The University of Manchester is a major part of this, receiving funding to develop scanning techniques for so-called imaging biomarkers for drug-induced liver and lung disease.

The researchers believe that by refining these techniques to adapt scans for specific compounds they can spot the early signs of disease, tailor individual treatments and identify problems with new drugs early in their developmentpotentially saving time and money.

One part of the package will be to develop a trial in rheumatology and cancer patients who have drug induced lung toxicity. By scanning them, the researchers hope to refine techniques to spot this early on and identify which patients are most susceptible.

Dr Sarah Skeoch, a National Institute for Health Research Clinical Lecturer in Rheumatology, who is leading this part of the research in Manchester, said: "Some drugs can cause inflammation and damage in the lungs. We hope to develop scans that can identify early lung changes so that quick action can be taken to minimise harm to the patient. The scans may also help identify drugs which are at high risk of causing lung problems so they are not developed further."

Another part of the project will investigate drug interactions and drug-induced liver disease. Specifically the researchers will look for the presence of imaging biomarker gadoxetate in liver cells. This will enable them to develop predictive models to help with the development of new drugs with less safety concerns.

Dr Aleksandra Galetin, principal investigator and Reader in the School of Health Sciences/ Pharmacy, is leading this section of the project. She said: "Quite often drugs are far down the line of development before potential harmful side-effects are discovered. Use of imaging biomarkers and predictive models could help identify a drug that is not a good candidate much earlier, saving a lot of money and research time."

Overall the five-year, European-wide project is budgeted at 24m. TRISTAN is led by Bayer and coordinated by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). The University of Manchester will receive around 1.1m. Partners in this part of the work will be the University of Leeds, University of Sheffield/Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

It will also involve The University of Manchester spin-out company Bioxydyn, a specialist provider of ground-breaking MRI applications and imaging services.

Professor Ian Bruce, a co-investigator and Director of the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) said: "Researchers across Greater Manchester are working towards a more personalised approach that matches individuals to the treatment most likely to work for them. This grant from the European Commission will complement the funding for our new BRC and support research into the use of advanced imaging biomarkers to better predict targeting of treatment and reduce the risk of side effects."
In patients with a sore throat that didn't require immediate antibiotics, a single capsule of the corticosteroid dexamethasone didn't increase the likelihood of complete symptom resolution after 24 hours, and although more patients taking the steroid reported feeling completely better after 48 hours, a role for steroids to treat sore throats in primary care is uncertain, according to a study published by JAMA.

Acute sore throat is one of the most common symptoms among patients presenting to primary care. Adults in the United States made an estimated 92 million visits to doctors for sore throats between 1997 and 2010, an average of 6.6 million visits annually. Antibiotics are prescribed at 60 percent of UK primary care sore throat consultations, despite national guidelines advising against prescriptions. There is a need to find alternative strategies that reduce symptoms and antibiotic consumption.

Gail Hayward, D.Phil., M.R.C.G.P., of the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and colleagues randomly assigned adults with sore throat not requiring immediate antibiotics to a single oral dose of 10 mg of dexamethasone or placebo. The trial was conducted in 42 family practices in South and West England.

Of 565 eligible randomized participants (median age, 34 years), 288 received dexamethasone and 277 placebo. The researchers found that at 24 hours, participants receiving dexamethasone were not more likely than those receiving placebo to have complete symptom resolution. Results were similar among those who were not offered an antibiotic prescription and those who were offered a delayed antibiotic prescription. At 48 hours, more participants receiving dexamethasone than placebo (35 percent versus 27 percent) had complete symptom resolution, which was also observed in patients not offered delayed antibiotics. There were no significant differences in other outcomes such as days missed from work or school and adverse events.

The authors note that uncertainty remains about the role of oral corticosteroids for patients presenting in primary care with sore throat. "Corticosteroids may have clinical benefit in addition to antibiotics for severe sore throat, for example, to reduce hospital admissions of those patients who are unable to swallow fluids or medications. There have been no trials of corticosteroid use involving these patient groups."
JSSK fails to meet book printing deadline, again

The new school session started on Sunday but thousands of students are forced to attend classes without textbooks, thanks to the failure on the part of the Janak Shiksha Samagri Kendra (JSSK) to meet the book printing deadline.
This microscopic image shows human lung epithelial cells treated with a new experimental molecular compound called RCM-1. RCM-1 treatment removes a transcription factor called FOXM1 (shown in green) from the nucleus of cells (blue) to the cell cytoplasm. FOXM1 triggers excess inflammation and mucous in diseases like asthma and COPD. Researchers at Cincinnati Children's report April 18 in Science Signaling that RMC-1 treatment prevents excess inflammation and mucous in mouse models and human respiratory cells. Credit: Cincinnati Children's

Transcription factors, the tiny proteins that switch genes on or off in the nucleus of cells, are considered unreachable molecular targets for drugs attempting to treat medical conditions. Overcoming this challenge, researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered a small molecular compound that successfully blocks a transcription factor and its pro-inflammatory and hyper-mucous activity in asthma.

In a study published online April 18 by Science Signaling, scientists test a new compound they call RCM-1. The substance inhibits the transcription factor FOXM1 and a long downstream chain of pro-inflammatory processes it fuels in asthmatic airways. They show that RMC-1 treatment prevents overproduction of mucous-generating goblet cells in the lungs of mice with asthma and in human airway cell cultures.

Calling their compound a new therapeutic candidate for people with severe asthma and other chronic airway diseases, researchers say with additional research and development their discovery could lead to future clinical trials for asthma, Cystic Fibrosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). All are severe pulmonary diseases associated with increased inflammation and mucous hyper-secretion.

"Traditional targets for drugs are receptors on cell surfaces, which are easy to reach. Transcription factors are inside cell nuclei and difficult to reach," said Vladimir Kalinichenko, MD, PhD, the study's lead investigator and a member of the Division of Pulmonary Biology. "RCM-1 keeps FOXM1 from entering the cell nucleus by activating cell machinery called proteasomes that degrade the transcription factor. This was very efficient at reducing lung inflammation and production of mucous-generating goblet cells in our tests."

Better treatments needed

Kalinichenko said the research is driven by the need to develop more effective treatments for people with severe asthma and other debilitating lung ailments like COPD. Current clinical management for asthma focuses on reducing lung and airway inflammation triggered by allergens, such as house dust mites, mold, etc. Therapeutic agents able to directly affect gene regulatory networks that trigger inflammation and mucous-producing goblet cells would potentially be more efficient at slowing or stopping disease progression.

Leveraging the ongoing research of his laboratory into FOXM1 - which also plays a key role in lung cancer - Kalinichenko's team identified the RCM-1 compound during a computer-supported biological imaging screen of 50,000 small compounds stored at the University of Cincinnati Genome Research Center. The scientists searched specifically for compounds that would target FOXM1 and inhibit its activation of downstream pro-inflammatory molecules that drive overproduction of mucous-generating goblet cells.

Successful lab testing

The research team then tested RMC-1 in cultured human airway epithelial cells and mouse models of asthma (via injection into the animals' peritoneal cavities). The mice were either sensitized with house dust mite allergens or treated with a pro-inflammatory molecule called interleukin 13 (IL-13), which induces mucous production in airway diseases.

Microscopic images show that RMC-1 prevented FOXM1 from entering the nucleus in cultured human airway epithelial cells and in mouse allergen-sensitized respiratory airways. It also decreased airway hyper-responsiveness to allergen, reduced lung inflammation and improved lung function in mice sensitized to house dust mite allergens. FOXM1 also prevented IL-13 from causing goblet cell expansion in mice that were given the pro-inflammatory molecule intra-nasally.

Translating the science

Before the research team's identification of RMC-1 could eventually lead to clinical trials, Kalinichenko said the researchers will first need to test RCM-1 in more sophisticated animal models of respiratory diseases. This will help address issues related to dosage, toxicity, optimal methods of therapeutic delivery, etc.

In their future work, the researchers also want to refine the chemical structure of RCM-1 to make it more efficient and to improve the method of therapeutic delivery. This includes seeing if the compound can be packaged into nanoparticles for intravenous injection. The researchers have applied for a patent on RCM-1, working through the Cincinnati Children's Center for Technology Commercialization.
Working-age people who have fainting spells (a condition known as syncope) have a higher risk of occupational accidents and job loss, compared to adults without the condition, according to new research in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, an American Heart Association journal.

Syncope is characterized by a sudden loss of consciousness followed by spontaneous recovery.

In a Danish study comparing adults age 18 to 64 with recurrent syncope to those without it, those with syncope had:

a 1.4-fold increased risk of occupational accidents; and

a 2-fold higher risk of loss of employment (31 percent vs 15 percent),

Also, patients with recurrent syncope who were young, had poor socioeconomic status, or additional conditions (such as cardiovascular disease or depression), were particularly at high risk of workplace accidents or job termination.

Researchers said the study is the first to show a significant association between syncope and work-related outcomes.

"We believe that our findings shed light on a hidden consequence of syncope," said Anna-Karin Nume, M.D., the study's first author and a research fellow in the cardiology department at Copenhagen University Herlev Gentofte Hospital in Hellerup, Denmark.

"The ability to feel safe at work and maintain a full-time job addresses an indirect effect and cost of syncope beyond the usual clinical parameters such as mortality and hospitalization. Employment is more than a measure of performance status; besides its financial importance, it is crucial for self-esteem and quality of life."

Nume and colleagues identified 21,729 patients who had a first-time diagnosis of syncope that required a trip to the emergency room or hospitalization. Of that number, 49.5 percent were employed at that time and most returned to work within a month of hospital discharge.

Researchers noted that 622 patients had a subsequent occupational accident and 36 involved severe injuries such as fracture, amputation crush or internal bleeding. Accidents were most frequent among those working manual jobs.

The study was based on 2008-2013 data covering residents from Denmark's national population-based registers. The median age was 48, and 49.7 percent were men.

One of the Danish study's limitations is the lack of information on potentially relevant factors such as the individuals' work environment, their habits and health behaviors, or exact circumstances of the syncopal events. Consequently, causal effects cannot be established, only associations, and the results should be interpreted with caution.

The results may apply to similar Western countries, yet researchers advise caution when making comparisons because of differences in health, social security and other policies that may exist.

"People with fainting episodes should be evaluated medically and have appropriate interventions to help them maintain their employment and keep safe at work," Nume said. "In general, syncope can be managed, and workplace risks might be managed by a change in job duties, such as avoidance of operating heavy equipment."

"We hope that our findings will stimulate more research to examine why syncope is associated with adverse employment outcomes and to identify and test preventive strategies," she said. "Until then, we urge physicians to ask patients with syncope about their work to reduce any adverse consequences of syncope and educate them about underlying mechanisms and coping strategies."
In the past, all forms of metastatic prostate cancer have been considered incurable. In recent years, the FDA has approved six drugs for men with metastatic disease, all of which can increase survival. In a study published in Urology, researchers demonstrate for the first time that an aggressive combination of systemic therapy (drug treatment) with local therapy (surgery and radiation) directed at both the primary tumor and metastasis can eliminate all detectable disease in selected patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

While the study is only a first step, one-fifth of the patients treated had no detectable disease, with an undetectable prostate-specific-androgen (PSA) and normal blood testosterone, after 20 months. The results suggest that some men who have previously been considered incurable can possibly be cured; investigators also establish a new paradigm for testing various drug combinations in conjunction with local treatment of the prostate to determine which is the best approach (ie, has the highest undetectable disease rate). Such results could not have been achieved with any single therapy alone.

According to lead investigator Howard I. Scher, MD, Chief of the Genitourinary Oncology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, "The sequential use of the three different modalities helped illustrate the role and importance of each in achieving the undetectable PSA with normal testosterone level end point, which represents a 'no-evidence of disease' status." Longer follow-up is needed to determine whether these patients were in fact cured.

Twenty men with metastatic prostate cancer, five with extra-pelvic lymph nodal disease and 15 with bone with or without nodal disease, were treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), radical surgery that included a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection as needed, and radiation therapy to visible metastatic lesions in bone. ADT was stopped after a minimum of six months if an undetectable PSA was achieved after combined modality therapy. Other patients were treated continuously.

The combined treatment regimen including surgery was well tolerated. Matthew J. O'Shaughnessy, MD, PhD, Urology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, commented "While the role of local therapy in metastatic prostate cancer is still under investigation, aggressive resection of visible disease performed by experienced surgeons was critical to the outcome."
(HealthDay)Although Zika virus is most well-known for the devastating neurological damage it can cause in the womb, a new study reports that some babies infected with Zika also may have lifelong vision impairment.

Forty-three babies born in Colombia and Venezuela suffered damage to both eyes after being exposed to Zika through their pregnant mothers, researchers said. Their mothers showed no signs of eye problems.

The damage mainly involved scar tissue on their retinas and optic nerves. But, five babies also appeared to have congenital glaucoma, said Dr. Fernando Arevalo, chair of ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore.

Congenital glaucoma is a condition that causes increased pressure in the eye, likely because the eye's drainage system didn't develop properly. It can cause damage to the optic nerve, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

Vision loss caused by scarring is irreversible, but it's too early to tell how badly the damage has affected the babies' eyesight, Arevalo said. It's very likely that at least some are permanently blinded.

"Their vision is impaired, but we don't know how much because the babies are just too small at this time," Arevalo said, noting that the average age at time of examination was 2 months old. "We can't tell how much they can see and can't see." The babies in the study were evaluated from October 2015 to June 2016.

All of the babies included in the report were born with microcephaly, the hallmark birth defect of Zika, Arevalo said. Microcephaly causes the skull and brain to be underdeveloped.

But upon examination, Arevalo and his colleagues found that Zika also had done damage to the babies' eyes.

It makes sense, given the impact Zika has on neural tissue, Arevalo said.

"The retina and the optic nerve are prolongations of the brain," he said. "They come from the brain. It is a natural thing that we would have this effect in the eyes."

The scar tissue varied in size from baby to baby.

"There are some babies that have very small lesions in the retina," Arevalo said. "Those babies may be lucky and have less impaired vision."

Researchers will continue to monitor these children, first to establish how badly their eyesight is affected and then to see if their vision continues to deteriorate as they grow older, Arevalo said.

The new report "provides further evidence that Zika can have damaging effects on the developing eyes of fetuses, a manifestation that has been reported previously," said Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior associate at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

As of March 28, 2017, approximately 1,300 American women had completed pregnancies with confirmed Zika infections. Fifty-six babies born to those women had Zika-related birth defects, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus is transmitted mainly by mosquito bite.

Health experts have been concerned that babies born apparently healthy after Zika exposure in the womb might develop some neurological problems later in childhood.

Now that same concern needs to be extended to the vision of these children, Arevalo and Adalja said.

"It will be important to follow all these patients to track the progression of their vision and other ophthalmologic parameters," Adalja said.

"The report underscores the need for early recognition of Zika in newborns," he added.

The study findings were published April 14 in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology.

More information: Fernando Arevalo, M.D., chair, ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore; Amesh Adalja, M.D., senior associate, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Baltimore; April 14, 2017, JAMA Ophthalmology Fernando Arevalo, M.D., chair, ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore; Amesh Adalja, M.D., senior associate, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Baltimore; April 14, 2017, For more on Zika, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Journal information: JAMA Ophthalmology

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
But the decision does carry political risks for Mrs. May. For a politician who has cultivated a reputation as a straight shooter who puts country before party, the about-face on early elections could smack of opportunism. And in a year of election surprises, embittered but highly motivated voters from the Remain camp could coalesce behind one of the parties to register their anger over leaving the bloc.

She presents herself as someone putting the national interest first, before her party, and someone who does not play political games, said Steven Fielding, a professor of political history at the University of Nottingham. It might bite her, but shell play the stability-versus-instability card.

Mrs. May apparently calculated that the risks of an early vote were small compared with the possible payoff from a strengthened Conservative hold over Parliament.

Mrs. May took office less than a year ago, when her Conservative predecessor, David Cameron quit after losing the June 23 referendum on British membership in the European Union. Chosen by the Tories to become prime minister when her most obvious rivals fell away, Mrs. May is now seeking an electoral mandate of her own to deal with her real danger: an unhappy group of anti-European Conservative legislators who are opposed to anything that might smell of compromise with the European Union.

Without an early vote, Mrs. May said, the negotiations with the European Union will reach their most difficult stage in the run-up to the next scheduled election, in 2020. She added, Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit, and it will cause damaging uncertainty and instability to the country.

Analysts generally praised her decision to call early elections. This is the act of a rational politician, but one who had repeatedly promised not to call an early election, Mr. Fielding said. But her lead in the polls can only go down as soon as Brexit negotiations start, so why not go now?
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
New Home Affairs Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize says her department is in need of a much-needed digital overhaul to help speed up applications and root out corrupt practices.

Mkhize, who replaced Malusi Gigaba in President Jacob Zumas mass Cabinet reshuffle on March 31, told News24 that her department was bogged down by its antiquated systems.

Major problems included slow timelines for processing documents and a system that is too reliant on paper, she said on Tuesday.

If people do not get their documents on time, the temptation is to think: Maybe there is something else I can do to get my documents.

As long as we dont adhere to any timelines, the old culture and malpractices will persist, and will undermine the repositioned [Department of Home Affairs].

She said she hoped the digitisation of the system would remove the temptation for both citizens and staff to engage in bribery or other forms of corruption.

The department also hoped to have an implementation plan for new IT infrastructure ready by the time the 2018/19 budget is released in 2018.

The turnaround project would be slow, but is turning, she said.

Leadership training for staff

Mkhize said she had visited various home affairs centres around the country over the Easter weekend.

She said her initial impression was that the department had to tighten mandatory services, such as registration of passports and identity documents.

Problems at one of the centres in Randburg were indicative of the general challenges across the board at the countrys centres.

People in the area were feeling stressed over the number of visits they have to make to the centre before their request is processed.

Most people in those areas though can work online, and its possible to even look at making applications online compulsory.

She said a new system would have to encourage people to apply for their documents online, and make them appreciate the value of technology.

The department would also start training its staff in being leaders in the community, to curb the temptation to sell citizenship.

Mkhize said she would also ask her fellow ministers in the security cluster to start clamping down on illegality at home affairs centres.

News24
YEREVAN.  Pakistani citizen Abrar Zafar, who had illegally crossed into Armenia from Turkey in May 2016, has been sentenced to one year in prison.

The Court of First Instance of the Ararat and Vayots Dzor Provinces of Armenia has reached this verdict.

At court, however, Zafar plead innocent. He testified that he had no intention of crossing the Turkish-Armenian border illegally, he had gone from Pakistan to Turkey to work and save money to be able to head for Europe, but he had come across problems, attempted to flee, but ended up in Armenia.

The court found the 25-year-old Pakistani guilty under the Criminal Code of Armenia, and handed down a one-year prison sentence. The Court, however, set May 14, 2016 as the beginning of this sentence, which means the young Pakistani man will be set free in about a month.

According to the indictment, Abrar Zafar had reached the Turkish-Armenian border on May 14 of the year past. He then had crossed the state border of Armenia without proper authorization. Subsequently, he had headed toward Araksavan village in Ararat Province, but he was detected on the same day at around 1pm, and detained.

During preliminary questioning, Abrar Zafar had said he was a Pakistani citizen born in 1998, and that he wanted to reach Europe via Armenia.
An 86-year-old pensioner in Azerbaijan suffocated herself to death with a plastic bag.

Zarifa Sultanova committed suicide on April 16, according to Haqqin.az news agency of the country.

The elderly woman had pulled a plastic bag over her head to kill herself.

According to available data, no traces of violence were found on Sultanovas body.

It is believed that she had committed suicide due to her illness, as she was unable to move and was on a wheelchair.

The pensioner was living with her daughter, who was at home at the time of the incident.

Zarifa Sultanova had left a suicide note for her daughter, asking for her forgiveness.
US President Donald Trump has congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his victory in the constitutional referendum in Turkey, informed the Reuters news agency sources close to Erdogan.

A US State Department representative, however, noted that there had been irregularities during the referendum campaign season and the actual voting, and which had led to the No supporters being on an unlevel playing field.

According to preliminary results, the Erdogan-led Yes campaign has won the referendum in Turkey on April 16, by garnering 51.2 percent of the votes.

Eighteen constitutional amendments were put to the vote, and according to which Turkey is to transition from a parliamentary to a presidential system of government.

Turkish opposition and international analysts stress, however, that with these amendments, Erdogan is gaining the sole right to govern the country, and that this is perilous for democracy and freedoms in the country.

The president has already announced his plans for reinstating the death penalty in Turkey.
Nepal-US trade talks to focus on boosting output

The third joint council meeting of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (Tifa) between Nepal and the US is scheduled to be held here on Thursday.
U.S. officials secretly ask major banks to continue doing business with some Russian firms

19fortyfive: Is America tired of the war in Ukraine?

EU replaces pipeline Russian gas with imported Russian LNG

Kommersant: China split the 'unity' of the West

Expert estimates level of Azerbaijan's information attack on Armenia in September, comparing it to 44-day war

UK wants to work more with the U.S. on gas supplies

Donald Trump votes in Florida midterm elections

EU admits: It is impossible to set a ceiling on gas prices that will not affect contracts or security of supply

Most valuable metal of year is named

Mehr: Nikolai Patrushev arrives in Tehran

Turkish TV company confesses that Ankara and Israel were arming Azerbaijan against Armenia

Who is Baku threatening? Armenia's former deputy defense minister decodes Aliyev's statements

Army Commander-in-Chief: Even those who claim to be superpowers do not dare to attack Iran

Iran and Russia to build joint pipeline

India to continue buying Russian oil

Businessman Zhong Shanshan becomes richest man in China

Armenia and Poland emphasize OSCE role in promoting stability in South Caucasus

Banks are searched in Germany in case of money laundering by Russian businessman

Armenian President reacts to Aliyev's speech at League of Arab States summit

Armenia increases trade with EEU member states by $1.2 bln

Cavusoglu: Sweden and Finland have not yet fulfilled all Turkey's conditions

Oldest member of Rothschild dynasty die in Britain

Armenian National Security Council head and Polish Secretary of State discuss regional security issues

Stepantsminda-Lars highway faces restrictions

Kyiv realizes if China starts supplying ammunition to Russian troops it will be terrible

State Department: U.S. remains committed to supporting peace in South Caucasus region

Iran condemns thousand protesters and calls for retaliation against rest

Delegation from Israel visits Museum-Institute of the Armenian Genocide

Media: London is close to agreement with Washington on LNG supplies

Aliyev in fact confirms fact of Azerbaijani aggression against sovereign territory of Armenia

Toivo Klaar: Important meeting held in Washington between Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs

Aliyev switches from threatening Armenia to insulting foreign leaders

Karabakh ombudsman: Todays occupation does not change status of Shushi

Envoy briefs Kazakhstan human rights commissioner on consequences of Azerbaijan aggression against Armenia

Dollar, euro continue to rise in Armenia

U.S. Ambassador to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield arrives in Kiev

EU partners welcome justice sector reforms in Armenia

Armenia government to have academic city project development working group

Rybar: Publication of Iranian film about 'skeletons' of Aliyev family is blow to positions of Aliyev family

Zelenskyy to attend G20 leaders' summit

Voting for midterm elections to Congress begins in U.S.

Russian MFA offers Tehran and Riyadh to mediate dialogue

Survey: Georgia residents say Armenia is their friend

Arman Yeghoyan to Poland colleague: Armenia needs support from European platforms

State Department official: American side is impressed by Armenia Police reforms

Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte: I realized that this project is the right one

Heads of general staffs of CSTO countries armies to discuss military cooperation development

President: Climate change agenda continues to remain priority for Armenia despite challenges, security concerns

Armenia discusses issue of EEU citizens' stay in country for more than 180 days

Economy minister: 74% of Diaspora Armenians ready to invest in Armenia

Constitutional Court of Georgia revokes ban on pornography

158 people die in Philippines storm

Close to $7.5M allocated for Armenia scientific infrastructure, material, technical base modernization

Byblos Bank Armenia finances the construction of two major solar parks

Bloomberg: EU mechanism to provide Ukraine with $18 billion implies conditions

Turkey voices its full and unconditional support for Azerbaijan

Ombudsperson attends Armenia-EU Human Rights Dialogue session, presents facts recorded in her ad hoc reports

Israeli embassy congratulates Azerbaijan on 'Victory Day'

World gold prices going down

Ankara offers its storage capacity for Russian grain

Zelenskiy calls key conditions for talks with Russia

Bitcoin price goes down

Copper price goes down

World oil prices dropping

Blinken: Armenia and Azerbaijan are taking courageous steps to achieve peace

Newspaper: What changes expected in "Brussels package" of Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization talks?

13 billion cubic meters of natural gas found off Israel coast

State Security Service of Azerbaijan is scared by YouTube video about situation in Nakhichevan

Newspaper: There were serious problems in organizing Global Armenian Summit

MFA: Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs agree to expedite their negotiations

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
YEREVAN.  The ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) has not yet made a decision on who will be the speaker of the new National Assembly (NA), according to Zhoghovurd (People) newspaper.

Zhoghovurd has learned from well-informed sources that the matter of the NA President, as well as of the NA vice presidents and chairpersons of the standing committees of the parliament, is the topic of discussions these days of [President and RPA Chairman] Serzh Sargsyan and Prime Minister [and RPA First Vice-Chairman] Karen Karapetyan.

Zhoghovurd has learned that there is no final decision yet regarding the composition of the new government. According to our information, Karen Karapetyan wishes to make some changes also in his team of ministers, and some surprises are expected in this regard, wrote Zhoghovurd.
STEPANAKERT.  The adversary violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani opposing forces 55 times, from late Monday night to early Tuesday morning.

During this time the Azerbaijani armed forces fired more than 640 shots toward the position-holders of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR) Defense Army, and with different-caliber shooting weapons, the defense army informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

In addition, the adversary fired 93 shots from sniper rifles, in southerly, easterly, and northeasterly directions of the line of contact.

But the Artsakh defense army vanguard units took actions in response, and they continued to reliably maintain their military positions.
YEREVAN.  The amount of electricity produced in Armenia has increased by 9.3 percent in the first quarter of the current year.

A total of 2.1 billion kWh of electricity has been produced, the Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Electricity exports to neighboring Georgia also have intensified. A total of 75.8 million kWh of electricity was supplied to this country in the first quarter, and this supply is expected to be around 40 million kWh in April.
YEREVAN.  The ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) will be the main target of the opposition Yerkir Tsirani [(Apricot Country)] Party.

Yerkir Tsirani Chairwoman Zaruhi Postanjyan stated the abovementioned, at a press conference on Tuesday, with respect to the forthcoming Yerevan city council elections.

Our target will be the RPA and [incumbent Mayor] Taron Margaryan, stated Postanjyan. We are coming to remove them from the political arena because the actions, which have made Armenia completely vulnerable, took place under that party.

When asked what guarantee is there that the Yerevan Council election will not be rigged, the Yerkir Tsirani Party leader responded as follows, in particular: There is always a chance to both triumph and have accomplishments.

In her words, it is possible to succeed solely by making a political bid.

We [Armenians] need to understand that we need to become a political nation, added Zaruhi Postanjyan.

The Yerevan Council election will be conducted on May 14.

The campaigning for this vote will be held from April 21 to May 12.

Incumbent Mayor Taron Margaryan is the mayoral candidate of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia, Civil Contract Party Chairman and MP Nikol Pashinyan is the respective nominee of the opposition Yelk [(Way Out)] Bloc, and opposition Yerkir Tsirani [(Apricot Country)] Party Chairwoman Zaruhi Postanjyan is the mayoral candidate of this political force.
Compulsory military serviceman Roland Sahakyan, who was wounded in April War last year, has been in the Central Clinical Military Hospital of Armenian Defense Ministry for already a year now.

Roland is receiving rehabilitation treatment, the hospital representatives told Armenian News  NEWS.am.

Sahakyan is the only one of the wounded, who has been in the hospital for over a year now. A month ago the Health Ministry of Armenia issued a positive conclusion on the organization of his treatment abroad. However, as of now, it is yet uncertain when the wounded serviceman will be sent abroad for treatment. The Government is discussing the issue of sending him to Moscow.

Private Roland Sahakyan sustained thoracoabdominal mine explosion wound in April War. He underwent nine operations in the military hospital. Currently, Roland needs rehabilitation treatment.
Nidhis wee-hour tweet sparks concerns over election prospects

A tweet in the wee hours of Monday by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi offered the fodder for criticism the whole day, forcing him to post a series of tweets clarifying his position.
YEREVAN.  Under Erdogans rule, the Justice and Development Party in Turkey, figuratively speaking, directs its ship into the stormy sea, editor of the Armenian department Agos newspaper Pakrat Estukyan said during Armenia-Turkey space bridge.

According to him, moreover, if Turkey holds a referendum on further European integration, the society is likely to say no because of the policies pursued by the authorities.

At the same time, Estukyan reminded that the Turkish economy is connected with the EU.

Now this system is in danger, investors have become much more cautious, the influx of investments has dried up, and tourism is going through hard times. All of us, people of different nations, are concerned about the future of the country. Moreover, as a result of the referendum, the power of Erdogan has doubled, he said.
The European Union urged Turkey to investigate irregularities in Sunday's referendum that were recorded by international observers, European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said.

Earlier the OSCE/ODIHR mission said the referendum did not comply with the standards of the Council of Europe.

We call on the authorities to launch a transparent investigation into these alleged irregularities, Reuters quotes Commission spokesman.

The obersvation mission satted the 16 April constitutional referendum in Turkey was contested on an unlevel playing field, and the two sides in the campaign did not have equal opportunities.
Armenians and Jews of Florida will mark commemorate Yom HaShoah and Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day by organizing the screening of the critically acclaimed film Denial.

The event is organized by Congregation Bnai Israel and the Armenian Genocide Commemoration, Armenian Weekly reported.

The Armenian and Jewish communities have a shared historical pain. Our religions may be different, but our stories are the same. Families broken apart and slaughtered in campaigns of ethnic cleansing that took millions of lives from us, an uprooting of a people and a way of life, our survival and that we have not only survived but thrived, and a vow to remember and never forget commented Arsine Kaloustian, the Chair of Armenian Genocide Commemoration, Inc. We also share the vigilance against any denial of these atrocities, which makes the theme of the film so relevant for both communities, she added.

Local Armenian and Jewish community leaders will then deliver brief remarks and discuss the importance of the film. After the film screening, the evening will conclude with an interfaith candlelit prayer service from local religious leaders.

We human beings, created in the divine image, have a Godly responsibility to speak out and act against the atrocity of the extermination of any people because of their race, religion, or ethnicity. Too often people are complicit in their silence against those who would deny such a holocaust. The lessons of history must be studied and learned so that we might chart a better course for humanity. It does not do justice to our Godly responsibilities to ignore, deny, or reframe human history, stated Rabbi Robert A. Silvers of Congregation Bnai Israel.
YEREVAN.  Tourist visits to Armenia have increased by 18.2 percent during the first three months of the current year, as compared with the same period in 2016.

Zarmine Zeytuntsyan, Chairperson of the State Committee for Tourism of Armenia, stated the aforementioned at a press conference on Tuesday.

In her words, this is a significant indicator.

[A total of] 599,291 tourists visited Armenia during the first quarter of this year, noted Zeytuntsyan.

She added that Iran provided for the main increase in tourist visits to the country, with 17.7 percent, and it was followed by Russia, with 7.5 percent.

China, Germany, and France also are among the top five respective countries.
Washington investigators are trying to determine the cause of death of 20-year-old Turk in custody. Arcan Cetin carried out an attack on the trade Center, which resulted in five deaths. Cetin was found hanged at the Snohomish County Jail.

According to the preliminary data, Cetin committed a suicide. Shortly before the incident, the prisoner had gone a psychiatric examination, the results of which will be published during the public hearing next week. According to the sheriff's office, yet there is no evidence that Cetin was killed, apparently, he committed a suicide.

As of September 23, 2016, Cetin, broke into Burlington Cascade Mall Shopping Center armed with rifles and killed five people. He entered the skin care department, where he started shooting, then he fled. The Police arrested him a short time later. Cetin was not armed when he got arrested and behaved himself strangely.

The investigation did not find out that he had connections with the Islamic extremists. Cetin had been facing the death penalty, although Washington's governor announced a moratorium on executions in the state in 2014. He had complained that other detains had been hostile towards him.
No guarantor needed for West Seti loan: NEA

The Nepal Electricity Authority has told China Three Gorges Corporation (CTGC), its joint venture partner on the West Seti Hydroelectric Project, that it does not need a guarantor to borrow money to implement the scheme.
YEREVAN. - President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Tuesday had a meeting at a tea table with the ambassadors of the OSCE member states.

Welcoming the already traditional meeting format, the President noted that the parliamentary election held in the country served as an occasion for that meeting.

Recalling the last meeting with the ambassadors in this format during the days of April war in 2016, Sargsyan expressed hope that the war served as a lesson not only for Azerbaijan but everyone as an OSCE member state and one common security area so that everyone is very watchful for alarms and security threats. In his opening speech, Sargsyan not only referred to the parliamentary election and its assessment by the international observation missions, but also responded to all the questions of interest to the meeting participants.

The questions of the ambassadors referred to the assessments of the parliamentary election, continuous steps aimed at enhancing democracy in Armenia in the post-electoral period, the agenda of governmental reforms, efforts towards the struggle against corruption, work with the civil society and different strata, including work with youth and development of programs of cooperation with them, as well as the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement process and regional developments.

The ambassadors thanked President Sargsyan for making meetings in such a format regular, noting that during a conversation in an open and frank environment they get an opportunity to receive quite important and detailed information on issues of interest to them directly from the President, as well as listen to different views of the President on specific issues and the ways of the solution thereof.

Referring to the parliamentary election, Sargsyan noted that not only in case of election but also when assessing any phenomena, he tries to avoid giving the description of the most,preferring to give simply contextual assessment to processes.

I would like to note that this election recorded important progress, which Armenia has reached in the sphere of democracy and state-building. I think, the progress in election is conditioned by several circumstances, three of which I would like to draw your attention to.

I think the first circumstance is that in the recent years we have managed to make the advancement of human rights and fundamental freedoms irreversible, he said, at the same time stressing that the human rights and fundamental freedoms are the context, within the framework whereof the elections are held in Armenia. The dissidence in political and social life, which is expressed by political parties and vital political society, has become a reality in the recent decade. By saying this I dont mean that we have no issues to solve here: we have a lot of issues to solve. I mean, the grounds for this are already solid, and we can construct a building thereon, which is necessary to our people, the Armenian President said.

According to Sargsyan, the second circumstance of the progress recorded in the election is the agreement reached between the political forces, the third being the very high level of international cooperation.

From this standpoint, I should express my gratitude to the countries, whose representatives took part in the parliamentary election observation within the composition of the OSCE/ODIHR, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, CIS Secretariat, CIS Parliamentary Assembly, PACE or their respective embassies.

Armenia gave OSCE/ODIHRwhich played a key role in coordinating a number of actions of electoral missionsan opportunity to allocate unlimited number of observers. I am happy to note that the ODIHR significantly increased the number of observers right in the run-up to the election, explaining this by the fact that many countries take interest in our election. We agreed that the number of observers be increased by fifty, Sargsyan noted.

By the end of the opening speech, the President expressed conviction that the cooperation of the OSCE member states with Armenia is mutually beneficial and creates good traditions, this merely being a necessity for the region. We will continue to fulfill our international obligations in full, definitely relying on the support of your countries, he concluded.
French- Armenian are concerned by the situation around Nagorno Karabakh, said the presidential candidate Francois Fillon in his interview with Nouvelles d'Armenie.

According to Fillon, he is also concerned about the situation. "The South Caucasus broke out again in April 2016. In the situation of indifference of the international community, Azerbaijan tried to seize Nagorno Karabakh using force. The deadly attack ended with a shaky truce, "said Fillon.

Fillon also noted, that Nagorno-Karabakh is a powder keg for the region. "We should not forget that the issue of Nagorno Karabakh status quo was set due to Stalin, who arbitrarily cut Karabakh from Armenia and handed it to Azerbaijan in 1921. Now there is no alternative, we should settle it in a peaceful way and seek for a lasting settlement with the help of the UN, " he said.
The North Korea case is a challenge where the U.S. needs Chinese cooperation the most, and where Russia is a marginal and weak actor, Director of the Regional Studies Center (RSC), Richard Giragosian, said in an interview with Armenian News  NEWS.am.

Asked whether he sees any possibility for the deterioration of relations between the United States and Russia against the backdrop of the unsuccessful launch of Pyongyang ballistic missile, Giragosian said: What is most interesting is the fact that despite all expectations, U.S. foreign policy under President Trump is becoming the exact opposite of expectations. And the nuclear threat from North Korea has recently demonstrated this surprising development, with Washington pursuing a much more confrontational policy towards Moscow and a much softer, and even friendlier, approach toward Beijing. This difference is revealed over North Korea because it is a challenge where the U.S. needs Chinese cooperation the most, and where Russia is a marginal and weak actor. In a strategic context, this may be a new U.S. attempt at a policy of a balance of power, moving closer to China to offset or counter a re-assertive Russia.

Referring to the question as to which extent the U.S.-Russian relations may deteriorate, the analyst said: Clearly, Syria is the most obvious example of a continued deterioration in relations between the United States and Russia. For the Trump Administration, unlike Ukraine or the post-Soviet space, Russian moves into the Middle East are not accepted as Moscows sphere of influence. And the tension will only increase as Russia is now becoming even more active in Libya and Afghanistan, suggesting a new collision course of interests between Moscow and Washington.

He also noted that the pressure on the Trump Administration is both domestic, in terms of pressure over his links to Russia, and also external, from American allies that seek a stronger response to Russia and a more clear American commitment to NATO and other security guarantees, including toward Japan and South Korea.

In the night of April 16, North Korea unsuccessfully launched a new missile, which most likely failed almost immediately. The media outlets of North Korea have not disseminated any information on the launch of a new missile. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, who is on a visit to the Korean Peninsula, stated that the era of strategic patience is over with North Korea. Washington will stand by its iron-clad alliance with Seoul and seek peace through strength, he noted. Meanwhile, the North Korean authorities stated about their intention to develop their relations with Russia for joint counteraction to European and American sanctions.
No political activities at Exhibition Road: SC

The Supreme Court has issued an interim order directing the political parties and their sister wings not to carry out political activities at Exhibition Road.
Mitchell Nitschke, a research specialist from Sussex Wisconsin, examines amoeba on a new microscope in the Filutowicz lab. Dictys grow fast enough to be seen in real time. Credit: David Tenenbaum, University Communications

Bacteria have developed an uncountable number of chemistries, lifestyles, attacks and defenses through 2.5 billion years of evolution. One of the most impressive defenses is biofilma community of bacteria enmeshed in a matrix that protects against single-celled predators and antibioticschemicals evolved by competitors through the course of evolution, including other bacteria and fungi.

Now, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor of bacteriology has shown the first proof that a certain group of amoeba called dictyostelids can penetrate biofilms and eat the bacteria within. "This is the first demonstration that dicty are able to feed on biofilm-enmeshed bacteria," Marcin Filutowicz says.

In an article now online in the journal Protist, Filutowicz, first author Dean Sanders of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, and colleagues show time-lapse, microscopic movies proving the amoeba's voracious appetite for five species of bacteria. In the study, the researchers pitted four types of amoeba called dictyostelium (dictys) against biofilm-forming bacteria that harm plants or humans. The target bacteria included:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa , a common, multi-drug resistant bacteria that afflicts people who have, for example, burns or cystic fibrosis;

, a common, multi-drug resistant bacteria that afflicts people who have, for example, burns or cystic fibrosis; Pseudomonas syringae , pathogen of beans;

, pathogen of beans; Klebsiella oxytoca , cause of colitis and sepsis; and

, cause of colitis and sepsis; and Erwinia amylovora, cause of fire blight in apples and pears.

As expected, the results depended on the strain of dicty and species of bacteria; in several cases, the dictys completely obliterated a thriving biofilm containing millions of bacteria within a day or two. The study, Filutowicz says, "contains the first movies ever to show dicty cells moving into a biofilm and devouring the bacteria." Because they form a multi-cellular phase sometimes called a "slug," dictys are sometimes called "social amoeba."

Beyond the visual evidence, spore germination and the subsequent union of single-celled dictys into a multi-cellular "slug" both showed successful attacks against all four species of bacteria.

Filutowicz became interested in dictys after discovering a neglected archive of about 1,800 strains amassed by Kenneth Raper, a bacteriology colleague who started collecting the soil-borne microbes around the world in the 1930s. "Raper was the first to isolate dictys, but after he died, his life work was scattered around the department and neglected," Filutowicz says.

Filutowicz was intrigued, but he knew very little about dictys. Then, the answer to his most fundamental question"How do I grow them?" triggered a mental chain reaction. He found that Raper and his followers were feeding and growing dictys in the lab using bacterial prey, but nobody had apparently pursued their real-world potential as microbe hunters. "If you grow them on E coli [a common resident of the human intestine], I quickly realized, because dictys are not pathogenic, we might use them as a biological weapon against bacteria."

Having previously started Conjugon, a company devoted to developing benign bacteria to defeat pathogenic microbes, Filutowicz says he was "attuned to biological approaches, which were unheard then, and so this idea fell on a very fertile mind."

With bacteria becoming resistant to a growing number of antibiotics, that's welcome news, although using a living organism may add complexity to the task of getting regulatory approval.

Since 2010, Filutowicz has learned a good deal about how dicty "graze" upon bacteria, and which ones they prefer. "We looked at how these cells dismantle biofilms, trying to understand what physical, chemical and mechanical forces deconstruct the biofilms, and how the dictys move in 3-D space. These are phagocytes, and they behave much like our own immune cells," says Filutowicz.

His collaborator, Curtis Brandt, a professor of ophthalmology and visual science at UW-Madison, has produced promising results suggesting that the organisms are harmless to rodents, and is preparing to use dictys to fight bacterial keratitis, an eye infection, first in rodents and then in humans, in research supported by the National Institutes of Health.

"This medical application may not reach the clinic in my lifetime, but it has a lot of promise, and eventually we may be able to advance it in many other medical uses," Filutowicz says.

In 2010, Filutowicz formed Amoebagone, to advance research into use of dictys, starting by trying to fight fire blight and other bacterial infections of fruit trees and vegetables; supported by the National Science Foundation.

Between the far-off human medical potential, and the near-term use in agriculture, Filutowicz is delightedly pulling on the thread left by Ken Raper's beneficial microbes; licensed by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation to AmoebaGone.

"To make a discovery, it needs some level of naivete," he says. "If you know too much, you immediately appreciate why things will not work, cannot work. Otherwise, if it was a good idea, people would have done it already. Colleagues said dictys behaved like human phagocytes, but they never mentioned harnessing them as biological controls. Every day I walk through the departmental hallway and read the inscription: "Discovery consists of seeing of what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought. I was lucky enough to enter this as the foolish innocent."
Next best thing to a hidey-hole box? Credit: Maggie Villiger, CC BY-ND

Twitter's been on fire with people amazed by cats that seem compelled to park themselves in squares of tape marked out on the floor. These felines appear powerless to resist the call of the #CatSquare.

This social media fascination is a variation on a question I heard over and over as a panelist on Animal Planet's "America's Cutest Pets" series. I was asked to watch video after video of cats climbing into cardboard boxes, suitcases, sinks, plastic storage bins, cupboards and even wide-necked flower vases.

"That's so cute  but why do you think she does that?" was always the question. It was as if each climbing or squeezing incident had a completely different explanation.

It did not. It's just a fact of life that cats like to squeeze into small spaces where they feel much safer and more secure. Instead of being exposed to the clamor and possible danger of wide open spaces, cats prefer to huddle in smaller, more clearly delineated areas.

When young, they used to snuggle with their mom and litter mates, feeling the warmth and soothing contact. Think of it as a kind of swaddling behavior. The close contact with the box's interior, we believe, releases endorphins  nature's own morphine-like substances  causing pleasure and reducing stress.

Along with Temple Grandin, I researched the comforting effect of "lateral side pressure." We found that the drug naltrexone, which counteracts endorphins, reversed the soporific effect of gentle squeezing of pigs. Hugs, anyone?

Also remember that cats make nests  small, discrete areas where mother cats give birth and provide sanctuary for their kittens. Note that no behavior is entirely unique to any one particular sex, be they neutered or not. Small spaces are in cats' behavioral repertoire and are generally good (except for the cat carrier, of course, which has negative connotations  like car rides or a visit to the vet).

Kittens get securely snuggled by their mothers. Credit: www.shutterstock.com

One variation on this theme occurs when the box is so shallow that it does not provide all the creature comforts it might.

Or then again, the box may have no walls at all but simply be a representation of a box  say a taped-in square on the ground. This virtual box is not as good as the real thing but is at least a representation of what might be  if only there was a real square box to nestle in.

Nobody has had a more productive day than my mother pic.twitter.com/LK6KX9KM1x  Danielle Matheson (@prograpslady) April 10, 2017

This virtual box may provide some misplaced sense of security and psychosomatic comfort.

The cats-in-boxes issue was put to the test by Dutch researchers who gave shelter cats boxes as retreats. According to the study, cats with boxes adapted to their new environment more quickly compared to a control group without boxes: The conclusion was that the cats with boxes were less stressed because they had a cardboard hidey-hole to hunker down in.

Let this be a lesson to all cat people  cats need boxes or other vessels for environmental enrichment purposes. Hidey-holes in elevated locations are even better: Being high up provides security and a birds's-eye view of the world, so to speak.

Without a real box, a square on the ground may be the next best thing for a cat, though it's a poor substitute for the real thing. Whether a shoe box, shopping bag or a square on the ground, it probably gives a cat a sense of security that open space just can't provide.

More information: Temple Grandin et al. Effect of naltrexone on relaxation induced by flank pressure in pigs, Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior (1989). DOI: 10.1016/0091-3057(89)90479-6

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
A well-studied blind cavefish (bottom), the Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus), is a small, docile, pink-hued fish just a few centimeters long that could easily make its home in an aquarium. ASU evolutionary biologist Reed Cartwright chose this Mexican tetra because there is also a surface-dwelling form (top) that has retained its sight. Credit: Arizona State University

Why do animals that live in caves become blind? This question has long intrigued scientists and been the subject of hot debate.

Clearly, across the animal kingdom, blindness has evolved repeatedly. There are thousands of underground and cave-dwelling species, from naked mole rats to bats, and many have lost their sense of sight.

Charles Darwin originally suggested that eyes could be lost by "disuse" over time. But Reed Cartwright, an ASU evolutionary biologist in the School of Life Sciences and researcher at the Biodesign Institute, may be proving Darwin wrong in a recent publication in the journal BMC Evolutionary Biology.

"We think that blindness in cavefish is indeed Darwinian, but ultimately this disproves Darwin's original hypothesis of 'disuse'," Cartwright said. In new research, he explains that eyes are not lost by disuse, but rather a demonstration of Darwin's fundamental theory of natural selection at workwith blindness selected as favorable and the fittestfor living in a cave.

Go fish

For their work, his research team choose to model a well-studied blind cavefish, the Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus), a small, docile, pink-hued fish just a few centimeters long that could easily make its home in an aquarium.

It's inhabited caves for 2 million to 3 million years, giving it 5 million generations worth of time to evolve blindness. Cartwright's group chose this Mexican tetra because there is also a surface-dwelling form that has retained its sight. And for scientists, this built-in comparative power makes it a good choice for further exploration. They have two populations to study that can interbreed and are polar opposites for physical traits.

So Cartwright's group decided to use computational power to investigate how multiple evolutionary mechanisms interact to shape the fish that live in caves.

"The problem we have in these caves is that they are connected to the surface, and fish that can see immigrate into the cave and bring genes for sight with them," Cartwright said. "Under these conditions, we don't typically expect to find such a difference in traits between surface and cave populations. Unless selection was really, really strong."

How strong? In their model, the selection for blindness would need to be about 48 times stronger than the immigration rate for Mexican tetras to evolve blindness in caves. Cartwright's group estimates that a measure of fitness for blindness, called the selection coefficient, in the tetra is between 0.5 percent and 50 percent.

These coefficients are high enough that laboratory experiments should have detected a difference between surface and cave forms of the fish; however, none have to date.

Blinded by the light

Cartwright's team turned to a hypothesis going all the way back to a letter to the editor of Nature in 1925 by E. Ray Lankester, that essentially stated that the reason you have blindness in caves is because the fish that can see simply leave.

"If sighted fish swim towards the light, the only fish that stay in the cave are blind fish. They aren't trying to get to the light anymore because they can't see it. Which actually is a form of selection, and thus, Darwinian evolution in action," Cartwright said.

According to Cartwright, explaining a fitness difference as big as 10 percent between sighted and blind fish may be difficult, "Iosing eyes might not give you 10 percent more offspring. However, if 10 percent of your seeing-eye fish leave the cave, the migration rate is reasonably low, and that could be enough."

If over time, enough of the seeing-eye fish are systematically being removed, they will also be removed from the gene pool, and that could be enough to drive the evolutionary process.

It could be this sort of habitat preference that maintains the local blind fish population, and the fish that can see are preferentially moving out of the cave. "We found that even a low level of preferential emigration, e.g. 2 percent, would provide a significant boost to local adaptation and the evolution of blindness in caves."

Cartwright's team hopes that field biologists begin to consider Lankester's 90-year old hypothesis when studying cavefish. "It would be great if someone could develop a study to test Lankester's hypothesis and whether it is driving the evolution of blindness in caves. That would really help answer one of the questions that have intrigued biologists for over a century."
Ball and stick model of methane. Credit: Ben Mills/Public Domain

During the early 2000s, environmental scientists studying methane emissions noticed something unexpected: the global concentrations of atmospheric methane (CH4)which had increased for decades, driven by methane emissions from fossil fuels and agricultureinexplicably leveled off.

The methane levels remained stable for a few years, then started rising again in 2007. Previous studies have suggested a variety of potential culprits behind the renewed rise: increasing emissions from high-latitude wetlands, increasing fossil fuel emissions, or the growth of agriculture in Asia.

However, new modeling by researchers at Caltech and Harvard University suggests that methane emissions might not have increased dramatically in 2007 after all. Instead, the most likely explanation has less to do with methane emissions and more to do with changes in the availability of the hydroxyl (OH) radical, which breaks down methane in the atmosphere. As such, the amount of hydroxyl in the atmosphere governs the amount of methane. If global levels of hydroxyl decrease, global methane concentrations will increaseeven if methane emissions remain constant, the researchers say.

Methane is the second most prevalent greenhouse gas, after carbon dioxide. However, the colorless, odorless gas can be difficult to track and derives from a wide range of sources, from decomposing biological material to leaks in natural gas pipelines.

When atmospheric concentrations of methane increase, it may not be correct to chalk it up solely to an increase in methane emissions, says Caltech's Christian Frankenberg, co-corresponding author of a study on the decadal trends of methane concentrations that was published the week of April 17 in the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Frankenberg is an associate professor of environmental science and engineering at Caltech and a research scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is administered by Caltech for NASA. His collaborators on the paper are Paul Wennberg, the R. Stanton Avery Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry and Environmental Science and Engineering at Caltech, and Alexander Turner and Daniel Jacob of Harvard.

"Think of the atmosphere like a kitchen sink with the faucet running," Frankenberg explains. "When the water level inside the sink rises, that can mean that you've opened up the faucet more. Or it can mean that the drain is blocking up. You have to look at both."

In this analogy, hydroxyl represents part of the draining mechanism in the sink. Hydroxyl is the neutral form of the negatively charged hydroxide molecule (OH?). It is described as a "radical" because it is highly reactive and, as such, acts like a detergent in the atmosphere, breaking down methane into oxygen and water vapor.

Tracking decadal trends in both methane and hydroxyl, Frankenberg and his colleagues noted that fluctuations in hydroxyl concentrations correlated strongly with fluctuations in methane.

However, the authors do not yet have a mechanistic explanation for the last decade's global changes in hydroxyl concentrations. Future studies are needed to investigate this further, Frankenberg says. The researchers also would like to see the trends they detected verified with a more detailed study of both methane sources and sinks.

"The tropics are the tricky part," Frankenberg says. "They're very complex in terms of methane emissions and destruction." Methane has the shortest lifetime in the tropics due to the large amounts of water vapor and radiation there. But because tropical areas are often remote and cloud-covered (thwarting satellite observation), they remain understudied, Frankenberg says.

The PNAS study is titled "Ambiguity in the causes for decadal trends in atmospheric methane and hydroxyl." Alexander Turner, graduate student at Harvard University, is the lead author. The co-authors are Christian Frankenberg and Paul Wennberg from Caltech, and Daniel Jacob from Harvard. This research was funded by the Department of Energy and a NASA Carbon Monitoring System grant.

More information: Alexander J. Turner el al., "Ambiguity in the causes for decadal trends in atmospheric methane and hydroxyl," PNAS (2017). www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1616020114 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
One of the studied species, Calinaga sudassana. Credit: Dr. Valentina Todisco

A group of rare Asian butterflies which have once inspired an association with Hindu mythological creatures have been quite a chaos for the experts. In fact, their systematics turned out so confusing that in order to decode their taxonomic placement, scientists had to dig up their roots some 43 million years back.

Now, having shed new light on their ancestors, a team of researchers from the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario at University of Guelph, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and University of Vienna, published their findings in the open access journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.

Together, Drs. Valentina Todisco, Vazrick Nazari and Paul Hebert arrived at the conclusion that the enigmatic genus (Calinaga) originated in southeast Tibet in the Eocene as a result of the immense geological and environmental impact caused by the collision between the Indian and Asian subcontinents. However, the diversification within the lineage was far from over at that point. In the following epochs, the butterflies had to adapt to major changes when Indochina drifted away, leading to the isolation of numerous populations; and then again, when the Pleistocene climatic changes took their own toll.

To make their conclusions, the scientists studied 51 specimens collected from a wide range of localities spanning across India, South China, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Thailand. For the first time for the genus, the authors conducted molecular data and combined it with an examination of both genitalia and wing patterns - distinct morphological characters in butterflies. While previous estimates had reported existence of anywhere between one and eleven species in the genus, the present study identified only four, while confirming how easy it is to mislabel samples based on earlier descriptions.

A picture from Moore (1857) depicting various butterflies species held at the Museum of the Hon. East-India, including a Calinaga species (5). Credit: F. Moore (1857)

However, the researchers note that they have not sampled specimens from all species listed throughout the years under the name of the genus, so they need additional data to confirm the actual number of valid Calinaga species. The authors are to enrich this preliminary study in the near future, analysing both a larger dataset and type specimens in collaboration with the Natural History Museum of London that holds the largest Calinaga collection.

Despite being beautiful butterflies, the examined species belong to a genus whose name derives from the Hindu mythical reptilian creatures Naga and a particular one of them - Kaliya, which is believed to live in Yamuna river, Uttar Pradesh, and is notorious for its poison. According to the Hindu myths, no sooner than Kaliya was confronted by the major deity Krishna, did it surrender.

"It seems that the modern taxonomy of Calinaga is in need of a Krishna to conquer these superfluous names and cleanse its taxonomy albeit after careful examination of the types and sequencing of additional material," comment the authors.

More information: Valentina Todisco et al, Preliminary molecular phylogeny and biogeography of the monobasic subfamily Calinaginae (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae), Zoosystematics and Evolution (2017). DOI: 10.3897/zse.93.10744
In this photo made available by the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, research entomologist Catherine Pruszynski releases male mosquitos in Key West, Fla., testing a new way to kill mosquitoes that carry Zika and other viruses Tuesday, April 18, 2017. The mosquitos bred by a Kentucky-based company are infected with the naturally occurring Wolbachia bacteria. When the lab-bred mosquitoes mate with wild female mosquitoes the offspring don't survive adulthood. (Beth Ranson/Florida Keys Mosquito Control District via AP)

Thousands of bacteria-infected mosquitoes were released in the wild Tuesday near Key West, testing a new way to kill mosquitoes that carry Zika and other viruses.

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District released 20,000 male mosquitoes infected by the Kentucky-based company MosquitoMate with naturally occurring Wolbachia bacteria.

The offspring produced when the lab-bred mosquitoes mate with wild female mosquitoes won't survive to adulthood. Male mosquitoes don't bite, and Wolbachia is not harmful to humans.

"The eggs never even hatch," said Stephen Dobson, MosquitoMate's founder.

The infected mosquitoes were flown in cardboard tubessimilar to ones used in paper towel rollsfrom Lexington, Kentucky, to Key West on Tuesday morning. At the Stock Island test site, about 25 acres with residential and commercial properties just north of Key West, district staff released them by shaking or blowing into the tubes, said Andrea Leal, the district's executive director.

"They liked the humidity," Leal said. "They were very happy mosquitoes."

The trial is expected to last about three months, with twice-weekly releases. Seven Wolbachia-infected males should be released for every one wild male in the field to drive down the mosquito population, Dobson said.

The district has been exploring new ways to suppress Aedes aegypti mosquito populations, which thrive in urban environments and spread Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya.

The Keys trial is MosquitoMate's second U.S. test with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, after a similar trial in Clovis, California, last year. Stock Island is about 130 miles southwest of Miami, where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were blamed for spreading the Zika virus last year.

This photo made available by the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District shows a tube containing bacteria-infected male mosquitos in Key West, Fla., Tuesday, April 18, 2017, testing a new way to kill mosquitoes that carry Zika and other viruses. The mosquitos bred by a Kentucky-based company are infected with the naturally occurring Wolbachia bacteria. When the lab-bred mosquitoes mate with wild female mosquitoes the offspring don't survive adulthood. (Beth Ranson/Florida Keys Mosquito Control District via AP)

Keys officials are still considering a separate test of mosquitoes genetically modified by the British biotech firm Oxitec to produce Aedes aegypti offspring that die outside a lab. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration initially approved a trial in a residential neighborhood near Key West, saying the test would not significantly affect the environment, but outrage from anti-GMO activists and residents forced the district to find a new location.

"We're looking at these sterile insect techniques because our conventional mosquito control methods are costly and labor-intensive," Leal said.

MosquitoMate is awaiting permits from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to sell a related mosquito species, known as the "Asian tiger mosquito," infected with Wolbachia as a pest control service. Though these mosquitoes also can carry viruses, experts consider them less of a threat for triggering outbreaks than Aedes aegypti.

The FDA is seeking public comment on a proposal clarifying which mosquito-related products it regulates and which ones would be regulated by the EPA.

Currently, genetically engineering mosquitoes, as Oxitec does, is regulated by the FDA, while modifying mosquitoes through other techniques, such as MosquitoMate's bacteria, fall under the EPA as pesticides.

According to the FDA proposal, the EPA would regulate any mosquito-related products controlling mosquito populations, while the FDA would regulate products making other claims, such as preventing disease.

Oxitec has publicly supported regulatory changes that would expedite review of its mosquitoes "in light of the ongoing Zika-related public health emergency." It has asked both agencies to clarify how marketing claims would differentiate between suppressing mosquito populations and stopping diseases, "particularly where the vector control product is pesticidal in its action to suppress mosquitoes that transmit human disease."

Dobson said he hopes the regulatory issues will be resolved quickly, so that mosquito controllers will have more tools to keep the viruses carried by invasive mosquito species from spreading, and more flexibility to address the public's concerns about human health.

"It might be in some places that people will say, 'We don't want Wolbachia,' or they'll say, 'We don't want GMO,' or they'll say, 'We don't want planes spraying overhead,'" Dobson said.

 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Social networks are an ideal stage for narcissists to showcase themselves. Accordingly, a lot of people with narcissistic traits are drawn to these platforms as a new study conducted by psychologists from Wurzburg and Bamberg shows.

Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter have become an important part of the lives of many people worldwide. Around two billion users were active on Facebook at the end of 2016; 500 million regularly post photos on Instagram and more than 300 million communicate via Twitter.

Various studies conducted over the past years have investigated to what extent the use of social media is associated with narcissistic tendencies - with contradictory results. Some studies supported a positive relationship between the use of Facebook, Twitter and the likes, whereas others confirmed only weak or even negative effects.

Most comprehensive meta-analysis so far

Fresh findings are now presented by scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories Bamberg and the University of Wurzburg. They were able to show that there is a weak to moderate link between a certain form of narcissism and social media activity. When taking a differentiated look at specific forms of behaviour or at the participants' cultural background, the effect is even pronounced in some cases.

The study is managed by Professor Markus Appel, who holds the Chair of Media Communication at the University of Wurzburg, and Dr. Timo Gnambs, head of the Educational Measurement section at the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories, Bamberg. For their meta-analysis, the scientists summarized the results of 57 studies comprising more than 25,000 participants in total. They have now published their findings in the Journal of Personality.

Forms of narcissism

They think of themselves as being exceptionally talented, remarkable and successful. They love to present themselves to other people and seek approval from them: This is how psychologists describe the typical behaviour of people commonly referred to as narcissists. "Accordingly, social networks such as Facebook are believed to be an ideal platform for these people," says Markus Appel.

The network gives them easy access to a large audience and allows them to selectively post information for the purpose of self-promotion. Moreover, they can meticulously cultivate their image. Therefore, researchers have suspected social networking sites to be an ideal breeding ground for narcissists from early on.

Three hypotheses

The recently published meta-analysis shows that the situation does not seem to be as bad as feared. The scientists examined the truth behind three hypotheses. Firstly, the assumption that grandiose narcissists frequent social networking sites more often than representatives of another form of narcissism, the "vulnerable narcissists". Vulnerable narcissism is associated with insecurity, fragile self-esteem, and social withdrawal.

Secondly, they assumed that the link between narcissism and the number of friends and certain self-promoting activities is much more pronounced compared to other activities possible on social networking sites.

Thirdly, the researchers hypothesized that the link between narcissism and the social networking behaviour is subject to cultural influences. In collectivistic cultures where the focus is on the community rather than the individual or where rigid roles prevail, social media give narcissists the opportunity to escape from prevalent constraints and present themselves in a way that would be impossible in public.

The results

The meta-analysis of the 57 studies did in fact confirm the scientists' assumptions. Grandiose narcissists are encountered more frequently in social networks than vulnerable narcissists. Moreover, a link has been found between the number of friends a person has and how many photos they upload and the prevalence of traits associated with narcissism. The gender and age of users is not relevant in this respect. Typical narcissists spend more time in social networks than average users and they exhibit specific behavioural patterns.

A mixed result was found for the influence of the cultural background on the usage behaviour. "In countries where distinct social hierarchies and unequal power division are generally more accepted such as India or Malaysia, there is a stronger correlation between narcissism and the behaviour in social media than in countries like Austria or the USA," says Markus Appel.

However, the analysis of the data from 16 countries on four continents does not show a comparable influence of the "individualism" factor.

Generation Me

So is the frequently cited "Generation Me" a product of social media such as Facebook and Instagram because they promote narcissistic tendencies? Or do these sites simply provide the ideal environment for narcissists? The two scientists were not able to finally answer these questions.

"We suggest that the link between narcissism and the behaviour in social media follows the pattern of a self-reinforcing spiral," Markus Appel says. An individual disposition controls the social media activities and these activities in turn reinforce the disposition. To finally resolve this question, more research has to be conducted over longer periods.

More information: Timo Gnambs et al, Narcissism and Social Networking Behavior: A Meta-Analysis, Journal of Personality (2017). DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12305 Journal information: Journal of Personality
The clinging jellyfish first appeared in Cape Cod in 1894. Following an eelgrass die-off, the tiny creatures nearly vanished in the 1930s. It wasn't until 1990 that the jellies reappeared in the region and painful stings were first reported. Credit: Mary Carman, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

For such small and delicate creatures, they can pack mighty painful stings. Known as clinging jellyfish because they attach themselves to seagrasses and seaweeds, Gonionemus is found along coastlines in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and in particular in waters near Vladivostok, Russia. Exactly how these jellyfish, long assumed to be native to the North Pacific, became so widely distributed throughout the world has perplexed researchers for decades.

Interest in the jellyfish has renewed in recent years, when stings with symptoms similar to those previously described off of the Russian coastincluding severe pain, respiratory and neurological symptomssuddenly started occurring in Cape Cod and nearby regions.

Now, the first genetic study of the diversity of clinging jellyfish populations around the globe has discovered some surprising links among distant communities of jellies and also revealed there may be more than one species of the infamous stinger. The paper published April 18 in the journal Peer J.

Annette Govindarajan, a biologist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and lead author of the paper, has studied these jellies for the past three years with the ultimate goal of tracing the species' origin off the U.S. East Coast, where it is thought to be invasive.

The clinging jellyfish first appeared in the Cape Cod area in 1894. Scientists in Woods Hole studied the clingers in the early 1900s. Following an eelgrass die-off, their numbers dwindled. Then the tiny creatures, whose sizes range from about the diameter of a dime to a quarter, nearly vanished in the 1930s. Prior to that, says Govindarajan, researchers and others who were handling the jellies in Massachusetts made no reports of stings.

"The Cape Cod populations were assumed to be a variety that didn't cause severe stings," Govindarajan adds. It wasn't until 1990 that the clinging jellyfish re-appeared in Cape Cod and painful stings were first reported. These observations lead Govindarajan and her colleague, WHOI researcher Mary Carman to suggest in a previous paper that an invasion from a toxic population had occurred.

The new study shows that the story is much more complex than previously thought. The researchers uncovered a genetic match between populations of clinging jellyfish in the Vladivostok, Russia-areaspecifically the area well known to cause severe sting reactionsand those found along the U.S. East Coast in the Northwest Atlantic.

"We know the two regions share one genetic variant or haplotype," Govindarajan says. "In the Northwest Atlantic, this variant was actually most frequently found in eastern Long Island Sound. The details about how and when an invasion, or possibly multiple invasions, occurred aren't clear. Interestingly, we also found evidence that both regions may contain native forms."

Working with Carman and colleagues Marat Khaidarov and Alexander Semenchenko from the A.V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far East Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences in Vladivostok, Russia, and John Wares from the University of Georgia, Govindarajan obtained tissue samples for DNA sequencing. The jellyfish samples came from several Atlantic and Pacific locations. Their analysis identified seven variants, some of which were specific to only one location, and others that were shared among communities in distant locations. Interestingly, jellies from the Northeast Pacific and Northeast Atlantic locations shared a haplotype that was sufficiently different from Northwest Atlantic and Northwest Pacific jellyfish, which suggests the possibility that the two related groups may represent different species of Gonionemus.

"In the past, some people have suggested that the Atlantic and the Pacific jellies were different forms," Govindarajan says. "Others have suggested that jellies in the Atlantic were introduced from the Pacific. But what we found doesn't correspond exactly to either hypothesis. And it could be that what we have in the Northwest Atlantic and Northwest Pacific is not Gonionemus 'vertens' at all, as it has been called, but some other species of Gonionemus."

"The study documents what we suspected, that there are different types of Gonionemus jellies and some of these types co-occur in New England," says coauthor Carman. "Some types seem to have a toxic sting to people and some do not."Understanding the relationship between the genetic variants and toxicity is something the researchers would like to pursue in the future. "It could very well be that the toxicity is a function of both genetics and the environment, perhaps something in the environment is triggering the toxicity," Govindarajan says.

While the animals bloom in the summer months, beginning in June through September, Govindarajan says swimmers and beachgoers shouldn't be overly concerned as the fragile stingers are not found along sandy beaches in high-energy areas where there are waves.

"Unlike other jellies, it is unlikely that these would be in open water," she says. "We only see them in areas with eelgrass or seaweeds since they're able to cling to these surfaces with the sticky pads found on their tentacles."The lack of movement in open waters also makes the mystery of how the different varieties have become so widespread even more intriguing. The jellyfish are produced by microscopic polyps that are only about a millimeter or less in size, which Govindarajan says is a stage where they could easily hitchhike on a blade of eelgrass, an oyster shell or even a boat hull.

"At that stage, they're so tiny," she adds. "To find them is like finding a needle in a haystack."

Govindarajan and her coauthors hope to obtain funding to do additional genomic analyses that will give greater resolution and suggest genetic markers to help reveal more about the species and its toxicity. They hope this will lead to a better understanding of how invasive forms of the jellyfish are dispersing, so that further spread can be prevented."With this study, we answered some questions, but it also opened up many others," says Govindarajan. "That's part of the scientific process. It's what makes it for me, personally, very interesting. I feel like I'm solving a mystery."

More information: Annette F. Govindarajan et al. Mitochondrial diversity in(Trachylina:Hydrozoa) and its implications for understanding the origins of clinging jellyfish in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, PeerJ (2017). DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3205 Journal information: PeerJ
Noise pollution: Shhhhh!

I live in Nepal and love most things about the country. But there are some things I dont like much:
Artist Mark Rademaker's concept for the IXS Enterprise, a theoretical interstellar spacecraft. Credit: Mark Rademaker/flickr.com

Forty years ago, Canadian physicist Bill Unruh made a surprising prediction regarding quantum field theory. Known as the Unruh effect, his theory predicted that an accelerating observer would be bathed in blackbody radiation, whereas an inertial observer would be exposed to none. What better way to mark the 40th anniversary of this theory than to consider how it could affect human beings attempting relativistic space travel?

Such was the intent behind a new study by a team of researchers from Sao Paulo, Brazil. In essence, they consider how the Unruh effect could be confirmed using a simple experiment that relies on existing technology. Not only would this experiment prove once and for all if the Unruh effect is real, it could also help us plan for the day when interstellar travel becomes a reality.

To put it in layman's terms, Einstein's Theory of Relativity states that time and space are dependent upon the inertial reference frame of the observer. Consistent with this is the theory that if an observer is traveling at a constant speed through empty vacuum, they will find that the temperature of said vacuum is absolute zero. But if they were to begin to accelerate, the temperature of the empty space would become hotter.

This is what William Unruh  a theorist from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver  asserted in 1976. According to his theory, an observer accelerating through space would be subject to a "thermal bath"  i.e. photons and other particles  which would intensify the more they accelerated. Unfortunately, no one has ever been able to measure this effect, since no spacecraft exists that can achieve the kind of speeds necessary.

According to the theory of the Unruh effect, accelerating particles are subject to increased radiation. Credit: NASA/Sonoma State University/Aurore Simonnet

For the sake of their study  which was recently published in the journal Physical Review Letters under the title "Virtual observation of the Unruh effect"  the research team proposed a simple experiment to test for the Unruh effect. Led by Gabriel Cozzella of the Institute of Theoretical Physics (IFT) at Sao Paulo State University, they claim that this experiment would settle the issue by measuring an already-understood electromagnetic phenomenon.

Essentially, they argue that it would be possible to detect the Unruh effect by measuring what is known as Larmor radiation. This refers to the electromagnetic energy that is radiated away from charged particles (such as electrons, protons or ions) when they accelerate. As they state in their study:

"A more promising strategy consists of seeking for fingerprints of the Unruh effect in the radiation emitted by accelerated charges. Accelerated charges should back react due to radiation emission, quivering accordingly. Such a quivering would be naturally interpreted by Rindler observers as a consequence of the charge interaction with the photons of the Unruh thermal bath."

As they describe in their paper, this would consist of monitoring the light emitted by electrons within two separate reference frames. In the first, known as the "accelerating frame", electrons are fired laterally across a magnetic field, which would cause the electrons to move in a circular pattern. In the second, the "laboratory frame", a vertical field is applied to accelerate the electrons upwards, causing them to follow a corkscrew-like path.

Diagram of the experiment to test the Unruh effect, where electrons are injected into a magnetic field and subjected to lateral and vertical pulls. Credit: Cozzella, Gabriel (et al.)

In the accelerating frame, Cozzella and his colleagues assume that the electrons would encounter the "fog of photons", where they both radiate and emit them. In the laboratory frame, the electrons would heat up once vertical acceleration was applied, causing them to show an excess of long-wavelength photons. However, this would be dependent on the "fog" existing in the accelerated frame to begin with.

In short, this experiment offers a simple test which could determine whether or not the Unruh effect exists, which is something that has been in dispute ever since it was proposed. One of the beauties of the proposed experiment is that it could be conducted using particle accelerators and electromagnets that are currently available.

On the other side of the debate are those who claim that the Unruh effect is due to a mathematical error made by Unruh and his colleagues. For those individuals, this experiment is useful because it would effectively debunk this theory. Regardless, Cozzella and his team are confident their proposed experiment will yield positive results.

"We have proposed a simple experiment where the presence of the Unruh thermal bath is codified in the Larmor radiation emitted from an accelerated charge," they state. "Then, we carried out a straightforward classical-electrodynamics calculation (checked by a quantum-field-theory one) to confirm it by ourselves. Unless one challenges classical electrodynamics, our results must be virtually considered as an observation of the Unruh effect."

If the experiments should prove successful, and the Unruh effect is proven to exist, it would certainly have consequences for any future deep-space missions that rely on advanced propulsion systems. Between Project Starshot, and any proposed mission that would involve sending a crew to another star system, the added effects of a "fog of photons" and a "thermal bath" will need to be factored in.

More information: Virtual observation of the Unruh effect. arxiv.org/abs/1701.03446 Journal information: Physical Review Letters
Credit: Antiquity (2017). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2017.18

(Phys.org)An international team of researchers has used a relatively new facial approximation technique to reconstruct the face of a woman who lived approximately 13,640 years ago in what is now Thailand. In their paper published in the journal Antiquity, the team describes the condition of the remains, where they were found, the methods used to ascertain details about the remains and the technique used to reconstruct the woman's face.

Back in 2002, a team of archeologists discovered human skeletal remains in the Tham Lod rock shelter located in northern Thailand. The remains consisted of skull parts, teeth and some bones. Subsequent study of the remains led to the finding that the body was female and that she was likely part of the first group of people to move into Southeast Asia approximately 13,600 years agoduring the Late Pleistocene. The age of the woman at her death was calculated to be between 25 and 35 years old, and she was found to have stood just five feet tall. In this new effort, the researchers took a relatively new approach to create an image of the woman's face.

The team started with the skull measurements, then to fill in the details, they tapped into a global database that holds statistical information about average physical characteristics of people from around the worldsuch as measurements of the skull, skin tone, muscle and soft facial tissue residing beneath the skin. After filtering, they wound up using data from 720 contemporary women living in 25 countries. They then used averages of what they found to create an imaged representation of the womannot an actual portrait, of course, taking care to ensure that European populations were not over-represented.

The team reports that they deliberately chose to avoid the use of forensic facial reconstruction techniques because they believe it to be scientifically invalid. They also noted that they took into account that that woman would be anatomically modern, including her face, which is why they used statistical data from modern female faces. They also took care to avoid using the particular style that has become popular in depicting facial features of people from the past with wild expressions or appearances.

Credit: Antiquity (2017). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2017.18

More information: Susan Hayes et al. A Late Pleistocene woman from Tham Lod, Thailand: the influence of today on a face from the past, Antiquity (2017). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2017.18 Abstract

Creating a facial appearance for individuals from the distant past is often highly problematic, even when verified methods are used. This is especially so in the case of non-European individuals, as the reference populations used to estimate the face tend to be heavily biased towards the average facial variation of recent people of European descent. To evaluate the problem, a facial approximation of a young woman from the Late Pleistocene rockshelter of Tham Lod in north-western Thailand was compared against the average facial variation of datasets from recent populations. The analysis indicated that the Tham Lod facial approximation was neither overtly recent in facial morphology, nor overtly European. The case is of particular interest as the Tham Lod individual probably belonged to a population ancestral to extant Australo-Melanesian peoples. Journal information: Antiquity

 2017 Phys.org
By Roberta Rampton and Minami Funakoshi

TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday put Japan on notice that Washington wants results "in the near future" from talks it hopes will open markets to U.S. goods, adding that the dialogue could lead to negotiations on a two-way trade deal.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arranged the economic dialogue between their deputies at a Washington summit in February, soon after Trump took office.

"Today we are beginning a process of economic dialogue, the end of which may result in bilateral trade negotiations in the future," Pence told a news conference with Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, his counterpart at Tuesday's talks.

"At some point in the future, there may be a decision made between our nations to take what we have learned in this dialogue and commence formal negotiations for a free trade agreement," he said. "But I leave that for the future."

The comments dash the hopes of Japanese policymakers, who have said they want to avoid use of the economic dialogue as a forum to discuss a bilateral FTA that may put them under U.S. pressure to open up highly-protected areas like agriculture.

They also echo those of U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who told reporters that Washington was eager to increase trade ties with Tokyo through a two-way pact.

Trump campaigned for office on an "America First" platform, saying he would boost U.S. manufacturing jobs and shrink the country's trade deficit with countries like Japan.

Trump also abandoned the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) backed by predecessor Barack Obama and Abe, and vowed to revisit regional trade deals to focus on two-way agreements.

Pence said the TPP was a "thing of the past" and Washington would not wait forever for results from the talks.

"When President Trump agreed to this dialogue, he envisioned this as a mechanism for enhancing bilateral commercial relations between the United States and Japan, and achieving results in the near future. And I share that vision and impatience," Pence told Aso at the start of the talks.

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COOPERATION NOT FRICTION

Aso in turn said U.S.-Japan trade friction, which soured ties in the 1980s and 1990s, was in the distant past and the allies were now entering an era of cooperation.

"In the past, U.S.-Japan economic relations have started from friction, but we're entering a new area where we start from cooperation," he told the news conference. "Instead of one side telling the other what to do, I want to start debate on a relationship that is mutual and strategic."

In a statement after the talks, the two sides said they had agreed the dialogue should produce "concrete results in the near term." They agreed to hold a second round of talks before the end of the year.

Ross, seen as more hardline on trade, was also visiting Tokyo and met Japan's trade minister Hiroshige Seko, a sign a bilateral trade deal was among Washington's top priorities.

"It's a little bit early to say just what forms things will take, but we are certainly eager to increase our trade relationships with Japan, and to do so in the form of an agreement," Ross said when asked about a possible free trade pact.

Pence arrived in Tokyo from South Korea, where he visited the heavily fortified border separating the North and South. He described the U.S.-Japan alliance as the "cornerstone" of regional security.

Pence's 10-day tour of Asia aims at emphasising that U.S. President Donald Trump wants to boost U.S. trade in the region, despite scrapping the TPP.

NO CURRENCY TALK

Japan had a $69-billion trade surplus with the United States last year, the U.S. Treasury Department has said, expressing concern over what it called the "persistence" of the imbalance.

Japanese officials counter that Tokyo accounts for a much smaller chunk of America's deficit than in the past, while China's imbalance is much bigger.

Trump has complained Japan keeps its currency artificially low, although a Treasury Department report last week did not label Japan a currency manipulator.

However, currencies did not figure in Tuesday's talks, a Japanese government official said.

(Writing by Linda Sieg; Additional reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka, Leika Kihara, Stanley White and Tetsushi Kajimoto in TOKYO, Hyunjoo Jin in SEOUL and David Lawder in WASHINGTON; Editing by Paul Tait and Clarence Fernandez)
By Jack Kim and Christian Shepherd SEOUL/BEIJING (Reuters) - The travels and travails of Chinas veteran point man on North Korea underscore Chinas growing frustration in its efforts to broker a negotiated solution to rising tensions between North Korea and the United States. Wu Dawei, 70, spent an unusually long five days in Seoul last week. He met with presidential candidates as well as South Korea's chief nuclear envoy, partly in a bid to ease tensions as a U.S. aircraft carrier group headed towards the region ahead of U.S. Vice President Mike's Pence's visit this week. But Wu had not been able to confirm plans to visit North Korea, South Koreas Yonhap news agency quoted a diplomatic source as saying: I understand the Chinese side is asking but the North is not replying. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Monday he had no information to share about any such visit, adding that China and the DPRK maintain the tradition of friendly exchanges. The last time Wu visited Pyongyang, in early February last year, his job was to urge restraint after North Korea announced a plan to put a satellite into orbit with a long-range rocket. Two days after his return to Beijing, North Korea launched the rocket, widely viewed as a ballistic missile test in disguise, further ratcheting up tensions on the Korean peninsula. China has shown growing willingness to supplement diplomacy with enforcement of United Nations Security Council sanctions against its unpredictable neighbour across the Yellow Sea. It banned all coal imports from North Korea from Feb. 26 as it grows increasingly impatient with North Korea's development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, including a failed missile test-launch on Sunday morning. Officially, however, China supports dialogue above all, leaving Wu the thankless job of trying to coax North Korea and its neighbours and rivals back to the negotiating table. MORE DISTANT TIES U.S. President Trump has asked China's President Xi Jinping to take stronger measures to stop North Korea's programmes to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. North Korea relies heavily on China for food and fuel and the vast majority of its exports go through China. Xi, however, has yet to meet North Korea's young leader Kim Jong Un since the Chinese president took power in 2012 and ties between the two countries have become more distant since Pyongyang began accelerating its missile and nuclear programmes since Kim became leader at the end of 2011. For over a decade, Wu led Beijing's mostly fruitless efforts to denuclearise the Korean peninsula under so-called Six Party talks between China, the United States, North and South Korea, Japan and Russia. They've been suspended since the last round collapsed in 2008 following a failed rocket launch in North Korea. Wu is a career diplomat and Japan expert who, according to South Korean officials, speaks little Korean and no English. Wu has earned a number of friends in South Korea and a reputation as a "credible" diplomat over the years, according to one Asian diplomat who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media. The highlight of the Six Party era came shortly after Wu took up his position, when the sides reached an agreement for phased denuclearisation of the peninsula in September 2005. That deal was soon scuppered, however, when North Korea carried out its first nuclear test in October 2006 then pulled out of the discussions in 2009. Since then, China has been most vocal in calling for their resumption. 'DUAL SUSPENSION' In a rare interview with Hong Kong's Pheonix Television that aired on Friday, Wu conveyed China's position that Washington and Pyongyang should agree to a "dual suspension" of nuclear tests and military drills as a foundation for returning to talks - a stance opposed by both the United States and its ally South Korea. Wu did not mention sanctions during the interview, reiterating China's commitment to a peaceful resolution through dialogue, the same stance Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed to U.S. President Donald Trump in a phone call last week. "If the DPRK and U.S.-Republic of Korea's tit-for-tat posturing and mutual displays of strength fail to fundamentally change, then sooner or later something will go wrong on the Korean Peninsula," Wu told Phoenix, referring to North and South Korea by their official names. The South Korean official said that while Wu was sometimes "abrasive" during the early rounds of Six Party talks, "he was just the person we needed at the time to keep the talks alive." "At times (he would) argue with envoys to keep them on track, at times cajole them, or warn about the fallout if the talks break down and we walk away empty-handed, leaving the North to continue on. He would do that all the while chain-smoking," the official added. Former South Korea nuclear envoy Chun Yung-woo, who later served as vice foreign minister, gave a less flattering assessment, calling Wu China's most incompetent official, citing his lack of English and stalwart adherence to China's party line, according to a 2010 U.S. diplomatic cable released by Wikileaks. Chun could not be reached for comment. (Additional reporting by Heekyong Yang in SEOUL; Editing by Tony Munroe and Bill Tarrant)
The casket of Othman Wok arrives at Sultan Mosque. Photo: Safhras Khan

Dark skies and a heavy downpour marked the final journey of first-generation Singapore leader Othman Wok, who was accorded a state-assisted funeral on Tuesday (18 April).

The main prayer hall of the Sultan Mosque was packed during the final prayer session for Othman, led by Mufti of Singapore Dr Fatris Bakaram. Those present included Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, ministers Yaacob Ibrahim and Masagos Zulkifli, former Members of Parliament, community leaders and members of the public.

Hundreds of attendees started pouring into the mosque from as early as 10a.m., some three hours before the prayer session started. Among those present was driver Saharuden Mohamad, 58, who came to the mosque on his day off.

Saharduen said, I will remember him for all that hes done for not only the Malay community but also for Singaporeans. As one of the pioneers of Singapore cabinet he played an important role in nation building.

Othman, the only Malay minister in independent Singapores first cabinet, died on Monday at the age of 92. He was also one of the 10 men who signed the Independence of Singapore Agreement.

Various leaders in Singapore have paid fulsome tribute to Othman, with PM Lee praising him as one of the multi-racial team of founding leaders who built Singapore.

The heavens opened up as Othmans casket was brought out from the main prayer hall to the main compound of the mosque, where the state flag was placed over it.

Friends and family members accompanied the casket to a waiting gun carriage, which wound its way through various locations in Singapore, before heading to the burial site at Choa Chu Kang Muslim Cemetery.
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MANILA  Three tracker teams from the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) are making rounds in Metro Manila to hunt big-time drug dealer Jun No.

The PNP Drug Enforcement Group PDEG) has also alerted the managements of ports and airports and the Bureau of Immigration.

PDEG is positive that Jun No has not gone far yet since he has fresh wounds after undergoing a surgery for acute appendicitis.

He was supposed to be discharged on the morning of April 15. It was when authorities discovered he had fled.

Our guard did not handcuff him at the hospital bed SPO2 Macarubbo went out for breakfast while the PDEA agent was sleeping beside him, PDEG Legal and Investigation Division chief Atty. Enrico Rigor said.

The big-time drug suspects two guards are now facing criminal and administrative cases.

Authorities have also arrested a woman alleged to have helped No to escape from the hospital.

No is a notorious party drugs supplier. He was arrested in an entrapment operation on April 5 in Pasay City.

The police confiscated 140 tablets of ecstasy from No during his arrest.

For Jun No, it is better that you surrender yourself because very soon the long arms of the law will catch up with you, Atty. Rigor said.

The PNP calls on the public to immediately report through the PDEG hotline any sightings of the suspect.  Grace Casin | UNTV News & Rescue

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The post PDEG hunts for escaped big time drug dealer appeared first on UNTV News.
A court on Tuesday summoned Mariano Rajoy to testify as a witness in a major graft trial, the first time in modern history that any Spanish prime minister has had to take the stand. The so-called Gurtel trial centres on a vast bribery network allegedly involving former members of Rajoy's Popular Party (PP), weakened by repeated accusations of graft. While Spain's 62-year-old leader is not accused of anything, his post as party chief since 2004 means he could provide valuable testimony. "They have called him as witness," a spokesman for the National Court that deals with major corruption cases told AFP, adding that no date had been set yet for the hearing. "Rajoy will be the first acting prime minister who has to appear in court as a witness," said Jaume Munoz Jofre, a historian and author of "Corrupt Spain: a brief history of corruption." The only comparable events since Spain's transition to democracy following dictator Francisco Franco's 1975 death, he added, were the court appearances of two former prime ministers. Felipe Gonzalez, an ex-Socialist leader, and Adolfo Suarez, prime minister during the transition, both testified as witnesses in separate trials in 1998. - 'Not agree' - A source at Rajoy's office, who refused to be named, said the government was "always willing to collaborate with judicial authorities as is normal in a democracy. But the PP said that while it "respects" the court's decision to summon Rajoy, "we cannot agree with it". The lawyers association, ADADE, which has filed the graft case with the court "attributes functions to Rajoy which were not his responsibility", the party said in a statement, before adding that the group is headed by two men with close ties to the main opposition Socialists. The Gurtel case allegedly saw companies shower former PP lawmakers and civil servants with bribes in exchange for contracts. Altogether, 37 defendants face justice including two former party treasurers and businessman Francisco Correa, the alleged head of the network. The case even forced the resignation of Rajoy's health minister Ana Mato in 2014, accused of benefitting from illegally-obtained funds via her then husband who was mayor of the city of Pozuelo de Alarcon near Madrid. According to a confession published by Correa in online daily eldiario.es, companies would give him a commission of two to three percent on the value of public contracts. After taking his share, he would allegedly give politicians involved in awarding contracts some of the money too. He also claimed he gave money to Luis Barcenas, a man also on trial who was PP manager from 1980s to 2008 and then treasurer for a year. - Party slush fund? - Further complicating matters, Barcenas claimed in 2013 that part of that money went into a secret party slush fund. The fund is an ingredient of the current case but not the focus, as a separate trial on it is pending. Barcenas was nevertheless questioned on the subject in January, and acknowledged there existed secret accounts in the PP, pointing to "financial resources that did not appear in official book-keeping." But he said that rather than bribes, businessmen gave donations "generously" without expecting anything in return. "I never received anything from Correa, not for me nor for the PP," he added, blasting the businessman's allegations as "nonsense". When questioned by a judge in 2013, Barcenas had also claimed he had given Rajoy envelopes of cash. But in his January hearing, he defended Rajoy, saying he had given orders not to use Correa's companies anymore in 2003, "because he was told that Correa was engaged in illegal activities." Corruption is a major issue in Spain -- which last year scored its worst ranking in Transparency International's annual corruption perceptions index -- with the PP, rival Socialists and regional politicians hit by scandals. Such is public anger over the issue that many voters have flocked to two relatively new parties -- the far-left Podemos and the centre-right Ciudadanos. As a result, although the PP still won a general election last year, it failed to retain the absolute majority it won in 2011, and Rajoy now heads a minority government.
South Sudanese former rebels on Tuesday released 16 UN staff after holding them hostage for several hours in a camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a UN official said. About 530 former rebels from South Sudan are living in the Munigi camp, just outside of Goma, where they fled when fighting flared in the South Sudanese capital of Juba in July. "We are pleased to confirm that all 16 MONUSCO staff, who were earlier being held in a camp for former combatants in Munigi, have been released," said a UN official. The 16 staff worked for the UN mission, known as MONUSCO, but there were no details about their nationalities. "The camp is quiet and under full control of MONUSCO. All staff have returned safely to their homes," said the official. The official added that there were no casualties from the incident and that the mission had opened an investigation. The combatants, who were disarmed when they entered the camp, have for months demanded to be relocated, but UN officials have been unable to find countries willing to take them in. Rebel leader Riek Machar remains in South Africa and has been prevented from returning to South Sudan. After gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan descended into war in December 2013, leaving tens of thousands dead and 3.5 million people displaced.
North Korea 'will test missiles weekly', senior official tells BBC

North Korea will continue to test missiles, a senior official has told the BBC in Pyongyang, despite international condemnation and growing military tensions with the US.
Singapore Civil Defence Forces HAZMAT vehicles near the Woodleigh MRT station (Photo: Wan Ting Koh/Yahoo Singapore)

The Woodleigh MRT Station is closed temporarily as the police investigate a case of suspicious substance found there.

In a post on Facebook on Tuesday afternoon (18 April), the Singapore Police Force said police and Singapore Civil Defence Forces HAZMAT officers are managing the incident.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the area. Updates will be provided when available, said the police, adding that members of the public are advised not to speculate about the incident.
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...
Automotive industry struggles by lack of labour force and rigid legislature.

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Slovakia is almost for a decade the worldwide No. 1 in car production per capita. Recent figures on 2016 showed, car export exceeded the 20-percent mark on overall Slovak export of goods. Experts warned already years ago, single-sided orientation on automotive brings severe risks to Slovak economy, even though recently the uplift in automotive industry causes new record figures for the branch in the country. Despite all risks, the country continues in attracting further car producers. Jaguar Land Rover should start its production in 2018 with 150,000 cars produced annually, Slovakia also strives for a potential Mitsubishi plant. Besides the single-sided economy threat there is a much more recent problem  labour force.

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Automotive industry struggles by lack of labour force and rigid legislature

Extreme labour force shortage is the case for last two years in Slovakia. The country lacks already 100,000 skilled workers. And it gets worse day by day. For example another 2,800 people are searched for by Land Rover Jaguar for its upcoming plant. The reasons for labour shortage are clear: estimates speak about 300,000 Slovaks who moved abroad in their search for better life and career chances in last two decades and only a small part of them came back.

The situation has two immediate consequences, out of which none really solves the problem. The first  wages in automotive are rising dramatically. The best example is Volkswagen, the largest car producer in the country. Average wage without counting the management exceeds 1,900 (Slovakias average is 980), plus the carmaker paid last two years large annual bonuses. Second consequence is more dramatic. Slovakia is very bureaucratic when it comes to employing foreign, non-EU citizens. The official way to get an official permit lasts six months. But also employing EU-citizens from Romania and Bulgaria is a problem. This derives from the governments strive to decrease the unemployment rate to the lowest level possible. But in fact, given the regional differences and extremely lack of workforce mobility in Slovakia, the country already reached its bottom, despite the official 8.64 percent unemployment rate is optically far from zero. The government attempts to create new jobs, so it can be presented to the voters, but lies behind in measures to solve the problems the companies face. And there seem to be no will to change the state in the near future.

Production companies in Slovakia (not only automotive, but also electronics and others) in their desperate search for labour work with so-called employment agencies who deliver foreign workers for production sites. They made it to use a legislative grey-area to enable mostly Serbs to enter production sites very quickly. They take advantage of more liberal labour law in Hungary, enabling to easily employ foreigners and as employees of a Hungarian company the people are shifted to factories in Slovakia. Of course, the deformations in high salaries distort other sectors, which struggle with outflow of employees towards automotive industry. The vast majority of the missing 100,000 employees are being searched by other producers, not the automotive ones. In my view, low wages of those people in combination with intolerance of local inhabitants towards all foreigners cause an explosive mixture, which might be very disruptive for Slovakia.

Subcontractors are heavily present, causing Slovakia even more dependant of automotive

Slovakia made it to attract the whole automotive ecosystem since 1991, when the first plant of Volkswagen near Bratislava arose. Besides the three car producers, another 310 subcontractors are located in the country, employing altogether almost 100,000 people. Of course, the biggest among them had been attracted to move to Slovakia together with one of the car producers as their main customers. Examples like Faurecia (PSA), Mobis (Kia) and Delphi (VW) speak for itself. Means, each Tier 1 and the majority of all subcontractors are foreign-owned companies and the Slovak ones deliver mostly products with lower added value.

This poses also a clear danger: already today, countries in the region such as Hungary and Poland have lower wage level and lower taxation and social levy levels, not speaking about eastern Europe countries, such as Ukraine. It is probably only matter of time, when the industry moves to a neighbouring country, taking all subcontractors with them. Stronger R&D capacities in the country would be the prevention against the potential dramatic drop. But, in fact, there are only a few in comparison to the mounting capacities. For example the world leader in seating, Adient, is having 400 people in its R&D facility in Trencin (western Slovakia).

To sum it up, in my view, strong focus on automotive is of high risk for Slovakia for the time being and might get fatal consequences in the future. The threats are multifold. I am speaking not only about the biggest (and probably most distant) threat in moving the whole industry out of the country in search for lower production costs. The much closer threats are lack of people and raising labour expenses, financial incentives which are terribly needed elsewhere in the economy and future changes in automotive sector (shift in car production e.g. to electric cars, which are much more simple in construction and require less labour for completion and also heavily automation). Not speaking about potential downturn in the sector caused by any of the potential reasons (not only Brexit and US protectionism, but simply because the economic recovery in Europe is very fragile and any downturn has its impact in less car purchases).

Peter Bukov is the chief analyst of TopForex
The Kosice Regional Court retained two thirds of the U.S. Steel premises in Kosice-Saca in favour of a shell company. The steelworks do not comment on lawsuits.

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USSK, the Kosice-based steelworks with 10,000 employees has a significant problem. The courts have placed restrictions on the sale of its property shortly before the factory is expected to change hands in a forthcoming deal with the Chinese owned Hesteel Group.

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The Kosice Regional Court issued a right of lien in relation to two thirds of the land owned by U.S. Steel Kosice (USSK) in favour of an American shell company, Adams & Co. The courts spokesperson, Marcela Galova, confirmed the information for the Sme daily. The right of lien has also been published as part of the on-line cadastre.

Adams & Co., whose ownership is unclear, is demanding 16 million from U.S. Steel but the value of the lands in question significantly exceeds the total amount claimed.

The two companies have been in dispute since the 1990s when the steelworks, then known by the name Vychodoslovenske Zeleziarne (VSZ) was controlled by a privatisation group under Alexander Rezes, which brought it to the brink of bankruptcy.

Adams & Co. do not currently own any part of the property but do have the right to restrict its sale until the debt they claim is owed to them is discharged. The right of lien on the lands is non binding and U.S. Steel can still appeal the measure.

We do not comment on ongoing lawsuits, U.S.Steel Kosice spokesperson, Jan Baca, told Sme.

The measure issued by the court does not prevent the American company, United States Steel Corporation, from concluding the planned sale of the business to the Chinese.

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Two thirds of the land

The factory has 2,020 plots of land registered on the ownership certificate, of which two thirds have been included within the court ruling. Sme calculations point to 1,872 of them under the lien right, or 5.8 million square metres or 575 hectares of the area, which is almost 64 percent of the whole premises.

Satellite images show that key parts of the steelworks are located on the lands in question, including blast furnaces for the production of iron and rolling mills for the production of sheets.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=13XWjvNy0G82bE-8qqFfB4Y5zWac

Back in the 1990s

The measure is the result of a conflict that emerged 20 years ago. Adams & Co. sued the factory for the first time in 1999, alleging that in the 1990s the steelworks used its intellectual property without proper authorisation.

The trade relations between the shell company and the steelworks came about in the 1990s. At that point they were facing bankruptcy and the banks placed an experienced manager, Gabriel Eichler, at the helm who managed to revitalise the company.

There were contracts at all levels that were clearly disadvantageous for the company - the purchase of raw materials, transport, sale, and exports, Eichler said in 2012 about the state the factory was in when he took over. There were long-term contracts everywhere with companies who were making big money on it.

When Adams & Co. sued the factory in 1999, they demanded USD 9.6 millions. The Bratislava Regional Court blocked the bank accounts of the steelworks for several weeks but later cancelled the order when the shell company failed to produce evidence to support its claims. Furthermore, the Bratislava court's authority to deal with the case has been questioned as it should fall under the jurisdiction of the Kosice court.

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In 2013, Adams & Co. filed another lawsuit in Kosice and this case has resulted in the lien on the lands of the steelworks. The case has not been closed, the court has yet to rule on the obligation of U.S.Steel to pay.

Shell company with debts on taxes

It is not clear exactly what intellectual property is the subject of the suit. It is also not clear who the real owners of the American company are.

The available data suggest that it is a shell company that was founded in 1990 based in an inconspicuous business centre in Wilmington, Delaware which is 200 km from New York. The same address is shared by thousands of other companies.

Since 1993 the register has labelled the company a Tax Deliquent because it has failed to pay the annual tax licence, USD525. The company has also failed to submit the compulsory annual financial reports.

Why did the court do it?

It is not clear, for now, why the Kosice Regional Court put most of the U.S. Steel Kosice lands under the right of lien. The court has not yet published the full reasoning behind its decision. Sme daily requested this, based on the law on free access to information but a few days remain until the deadline elapses

Doubts surround the decision of the court because the law states that property can only be impounded if there are concerns that the distrainment could be threatened but there are no reasons to believe there are such concerns in this case. Even if the company lost, it would not be a big problem for them to pay the amount the shell company demands.

Sixteen millions is not a life-threatening amount for U.S. Steel, Finlord analyst, Boris Tomciak, told Sme and he pointed to its annual revenues exceeding two billions euros.

Aerial view of USSK in 2001. (Source: TASR)

The overall value of the property of USSK is about 1.4 billion based on the latest data from 2015. The account records show that just the lands and buildings alone have a value of 446 million, which is significantly in excess of 16 million.

But if Adams & Co. finally wins the lawsuit, it will be able to call out its right of lien and take ownership of part of the lands under the steelworks.

The law says Adams & Co. can apply the right of lien immediately after the court issues an effective ruling in its favour.

It is not clear if the company would also get the lands if U.S. Steel paid in cash, in the case that the steelworks loses the lawsuit. The measure that the court applied in this case has only been part of the law since July 2016 and it has not been well-established in practice so far.

No reserves

Despite the fact that U.S. Steel does not comment on lawsuits, its accounting suggests that they did not count on ever losing one. In 2013 the company did not put aside any reserves for the purposes of a lost lawsuit.

In 2015, its reserves for lawsuits amounted to 441,000, down by 3 million year-on-year.

Many doubts

The lawsuit has provoked doubts since its very start. At the beginning, U.S. Steel requested the court to order Adams & Co. to put down a deposit for the court fees. The law allows for such measures when the lawsuit in question exceeds 80,000.

The court obliged U.S. Steel and in 2015 ordered that both parties put down a deposit of 590,000 each. While U.S. Steel sent the money to the court, Adams & Co. did not. Thus, the whole proceeding should have been halted in September of that year but it continued. In November 2015 the court issued a decision to free the American company of court fees without providing an explanation. U.S. Steel appealed against this decision at the Constitutional Court but the appeal was dismissed in March 2016.

Just before the sale

The court retained part of the lands under the steelworks only a few days before it is expected to change hands. The information garnered by the Sme daily suggests that the purchase agreement with the Chinese Hesteel Group should be closed after Easter. The sale may not necessarily be affected by the lawsuit.

The measure does not impose limits on the owner to handle the property, the court spokesperson Marcela Galova said.

The buyer must accept the right of lien for Adams & Co., however.

Companies usually solve this kind of situation with a special clause in the sale contract, says Michal Misun from the Redbaenk advisory company.

Sme
The most infamous corruption cases have been halted by the offices of special prosecutor Dusan Kovacik and police chief Tibor Gaspar.

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Was Prime Minister Robert Fico meeting with controversial business tycoon Jaroslav Hascak and discussing backroom politics? The public remains uninformed because Fico refuses to answer and special prosecutor Dusan Kovacik has not summoned him for a hearing in five years.

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Was former Smer MP Vladimir Janos bringing home money from state subsidies for brown coal mines as his wife described in a home-made video? The public does not know because the police led by Tibor Gaspar stated there was no reason to launch a criminal prosecution.

Out of the twenty most infamous corruption cases in Slovakia analysed by the Sme daily, a majority were stopped by Kovacik and Gaspar.

Corruption in Slovakia has reached the point that it is forcing young people to leave the country, according to grammar school students Karolina Farska and David Straka. They decided to organise a student march against corruption on April 18 explaining that they cannot watch one cause replacing another without proper investigation.

They demand that Kovacik and Gaspar, together with Interior Minister Robert Kalinak, step down.

The students correctly named the most problematic persons who hinder the fight against corruption, according to political analyst Grigorij Meseznikov.

What other demands should they have? Meseznikov told The Slovak Spectator. Legislation improves but the situation doesn't because responsible persons remain in their seats.

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How the biggest controversies ended

After Smer became the most powerful party in Slovakia, suspicions were raised that it is financially supported by businessmen that previously supported former prime minister Vladimir Meciar who brought Slovakia to the brink of international isolation.

Those rumours became more specific after the Sme and Novy Cas dailies published a contract between businessman Lubomir Blasko and Fedor Flasik, Smers former election campaign manager in May 2010. The contract stipulated that if Smer created the government, Blaskos people would occupy important seats in the energy sector. Fico responded by saying those contracts were fabricated.

Subsequently, Sme published an audio recording featuring a voice strongly resembling that of Smer leader Robert Fico. The recording suggested that Smer had accepted undeclared campaign contributions from off-the-books sponsors.

Special prosecutor Dusan Kovacik did not, however, give specialists an opportunity to prove whether it was Ficos voice or not. He halted the investigation of Smers funding based on the testimonies of both Flasik and Fico, stating that the signatures and voices on the recording, respectively, are not theirs.

This decision prevents investigation which could prove that those documents are authentic or fabricated, then-police chief Jaroslav Spisiak responded.

It will be possible only to speculate and create theories which will never be the objective truth, Spisiak told then Sme daily.

The special prosecutor's office halted the investigation claiming that the party sufficiently explained its funding.

The reason why Kovacik halts even partial investigations, such as proving the authenticity of an audio recording, is because he is trying to not offend influential people, according to Meseznikov.

The fact that political parties top representatives are involved in those cases prevents Kovacik from taking a standard approach, Meseznikov said.

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Even police stopped causes

Anti-corruption activists also criticise the work of the police. For example, when the Financial Administration had a suspicion that businessman Ladislav Basternak may have committed tax fraud, it notified the National Criminal Agency (NAKA) which is a part of the police, but the complaint was refused in 2014.

The case was reopened only after media reported about it in March 2016 and is still ongoing.

The police also stopped an investigation of the case launched by one of the best-known whistleblowers in Slovakia, Vladimir Suchodolinsky. He is a former Military Intelligence Service (VSS) agent who created a report concerning the alleged embezzlement of intelligence service property.

In the report, Suchodolinsky described the suspected mishandling of the funds and also the property of VSS by its then-representatives. The document, revealed by the Sme daily in 2013, also informed about the transfers and sales of immovable property, and contained other papers, like cadastre statements and orders from VSS representatives concerning the transfers. After writing the report, he had to leave the army. He passed away in October 2010.

The police under Gaspar stopped the investigation without hearing all key witnesses, for example, new VSS head Jan Balciar whose name was mentioned in the report. When Suchodolinsky approached Kovacik, the prosecutor refused to deal with the case.

Dusan Kovacik and Tibor Gaspar are a bottleneck which most cases cannot overcome to make it to court, according to Zuzana Wienk of Fair-play Alliance, the watchdog NGO.

The biggest problem is, however, in political cover and capture of the entire system, Wienk told The Slovak Spectator.

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Fico focuses on legislation

Despite activists pointing to those two prosecutors, the prime minister plans to fight corruption with legislative changes.

He asked the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to carry out an audit of Slovak anti-corruption legislation.

I, as Prime Minister want an objective audit of anti-corruption legislation in Slovakia, said Fico at a press briefing held in Paris. But it will be neither journalists, nor opposition leaders who will get to say: this is bad and this is good.

He also encouraged citizens to inform police when they learn about corruption practices.

In fact, the OECD praised Slovakia for trying to improve its legislation back in 2012 and Transparency International has frequently stated that Slovakia will probably not get higher in its Corruption Index if it focuses solely on legislation.

Slovakia fell to 54th place in the Corruption Perceptions Index 2016 published by Transparency International. Though it kept the score of 51 points out of 100, it dropped by four positions compared with last years edition as the number of surveyed countries increased from 168 to 176.

Slovakia ranked as the seventh worst country in the European Union, leaving only Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria behind.

We adopted enough anti-corruption laws, Gabriel Sipos of Transparency International Slovakia told The Slovak Spectator. Legislation could improve but the main problem is that it is poorly pursued.
The protest march is also supported by President Andrej Kiska.

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While Prime Minister, Robert Fico, praises the Slovak laws put in place to fight corruption, the 18-year-olds have set out to remind him that corruption cases in Slovakia remain unsolved, not due to legislation loopholes but because of the decisions of specific people, the Sme daily reported.

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Secondary school students, Karolina Farska and David Straka, have organised a protest march against corruption which starts in Bratislava on April 18 at 17:00. They are calling for the removal of Interior Minister, Robert Kalinak (Smer), Police Corps President, Tibor Gaspar and Special Prosecutor, Dusan Kovacik, from their posts.

They represent symbols of corruption for us, Straka told Sme, adding that they must immediately leave.

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Some 11,000 people have confirmed, via social network, that they will attend the protest march, while another 21,000 are interested in the event.

The march has already been supported by President Andrej Kiska.

If all of us remain silent, nothing will change here, Kiska told the Dennik N daily. Thus I call on people to be active, not to be afraid of expressing their opinion if they see something wrong is happening. We all want to live in a decent country and everybody should contribute to this.

Several personalities have confirmed they will attend the march, including Zuzana Hlavkova, who pointed to the dubious competitions concerning the cultural events held during Slovakias EU Council Presidency in the second half of 2016 and actor Maros Kramar who has recently appeared in the film, Kidnapping, which describes the events surrounding the abduction of the son of the former Slovak president Michal Kovac, Sme wrote.

The organisers claim that the march has not been organised with the support of opposition politicians, particularly leader of the Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (OLaNO-NOVA) Igor Matovic, as it has been hinted at in some blog posts, Dennik N reported.
The preparations may start after the April 20 meeting.

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Bratislava-based carmaker Volkswagen Slovakia may face a strike as the representatives of their employees, the Modern Trade Unions (MOV), dislike the course and the results of negotiations with the firms management.

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It is striking that the management of Volkswagen Slovakia acts with absolute misunderstanding of the current situation in the company and the state of working and salary conditions of its employees in the collective negotiations, the MOV wrote on social network, as quoted by the TASR newswire.

The conditions presented by the trade unions fully reflect the carmakers economic results as well as the development in Slovakias labour market and economy, they add.

Except for increasing the tariff salaries by 16 percent, the MOV is asking for the merger of the holiday bonus with the Christmas one. They also propose to increase the budget for personal evaluation, the wage surcharge for working shifts and the basic length of holiday, as well as prolonged paid breaks, TASR reported.

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The MOV claimed that if the negotiations, scheduled for April 20, do not move in the direction of conditions advantageous for employees, they are ready to halt the talks. The trade unions will subsequently ask the Labour Ministry to appoint a mediator and will start preparations for a general strike.

The carmakers management has not commented on the strike threat.

We are asking for understanding of the fact that we dont comment on ongoing negotiations, said Volkswagen Slovakias spokesperson, Lucia Kovarovic Makayova, as quoted by TASR.

The collective negotiations on working and salary conditions in Volkswagen Slovakia were restored on March 29, after a two-month break.

The MOV currently represents more than half of the total of 12,300 employees at the carmaker, TASR reported.
The construction works are expected to be finished in September 2017.

The construction site of the new Amazon logistics centre near Sered (Source: MY Trnavske noviny)

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The US company, Amazon, started building its new logistics centre in the industrial zone near Sered (Trnava Region) several weeks ago.

It has already completed the external skeleton which can be spotted from the nearby R1 express double-carriageway. The construction works are expected to be finished in September 2017, the regional weekly MY Trnavske Noviny reported.

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The new Amazon centre will occupy more than 60,000 square metres. One of the reasons which contributed to the companys decision to construct it in Slovakia was the successful operation of Amazon in Bratislava, which was opened in 2011 and currently employs 850 people.

We have real estate teams who identify appropriate places across Europe, Amazon Vice-President for European Operations, Roy Perticucci, told the Sme daily in March 2017.

During the following three years, Amazon plans to employ up to 1,000 people in the new centre but unofficial information indicates that the number may be as high as 3,000.

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Our main task will be to make Amazon the jobseekers first choice, Perticucci told Sme. We offer attractive benefits and several career growth possibilities. We expect that with our offer we will be able to convince employees to commute.
A total of 18 universities and 489 students from various fields of study have participated in the survey.

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Almost 24 percent of Slovak students plan to leave Slovakia either for the long term or permanently, with another 18 percent determined to leave for a shorter duration with the prospect of returning within a year, according to a survey mapping the emigration intents of Slovak university students.

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A total of 18 universities and 489 students from various fields of study have participated in the survey carried out since last year, the TASR newswire reported.

The collected data suggest that 22 percent of students do not plan to leave Slovakia, 36 percent remain undecided and 5 percent have never given the issue any thought.

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The international study into the emigration intentions of university students in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary and the Ukraine is coordinated by the Faculty of Philosophy at the Pavol Jozef Safarik University (FF UPJS) in Kosice.

The survey also showed there are a number of potential socio-psychological factors that influence the emigration decisions of university students, TASR reported.

These include a higher willingness to take risks, openness towards new experiences, the need for change, emotional unhappiness and a negative perception of the economic situation prevailing in Slovakia, said professor Olga Orosova and PhD student Marta Kulanova of FF UPJS, who coordinate the survey, as quoted by TASR.
Police imposter nabbed for extortion

Police on Monday arrested a man for his alleged involvement in extortion pretending to be a policeman.
Coding

Learning.com Partners with Codesters to Develop K-8 Coding Curriculum

Ed tech company Learning.com is partnering with Codesters, a platform for K12 computer science instruction, to develop EasyCode Pillars, an online interactive curriculum that incorporates coding challenges and game design into the classroom to cultivate students coding skills. This digital literacy resource is designed to offer students a dynamic, hands-on coding experience, while providing teachers with an easy instructional solution for use in the computer lab or in the classroom.

In todays world, technology is part of nearly everything we do, said Learning.com CEO Keith Oelrich in a statement. Yet, we find that many of todays students are lacking in even the most basic tech skills necessary for success in school, college and careers. Through our partnership with Codesters, we are extending our commitment to providing students with opportunities to develop powerful computer science skills with the launch of this new project-based, interactive and engaging curriculum.

As an extension of Learning.coms EasyCode computational thinking and coding curriculum for grades K-8, EasyCode Pillars takes a project-based approach and gives students hands-on coding experience via small coding challenges, debugging practice, game design and short quizzes that test comprehension, according to a news release. Students can learn how to animate objects, play sounds and use their mouse and keyboard input, building real-world Python coding skills. A self-paced program, EasyCode Pillars is designed to allow teachers to easily identify and work with struggling students, while more advanced students can move on to increasingly complex projects.

Among the features of EasyCode Pillars is the Drag-to-Text Toolkit, which simplifies syntax and takes students through the transition into full-text coding from block-based coding. Using Python, an industry-recognized programming language, students should be able to see how the skills they are learning are applicable to real-world careers, increasing their level of engagement and interest. By building new projects from the ground up, students can deepen their understanding of the concepts they are learning while demonstrating mastery over the core skills theyve developed.

The step-by-step activities in EasyCode Pillars are designed to help teachers with little to no computer science experience immediately provide quality classroom instruction. Detailed lesson plans are designed to guide teachers through each concept, including answer keys for each activity, ensuring instant solutions for in-class exercises.

EasyCode Pillars aligns with Learning.coms pledge to support Computer Science for All, the Department of Educations call-to-action for more computer science opportunities for all K12 schools and students.

To learn more about EasyCode Pillars and to get a sneak peek, register on this site for the Bring Coding to Your District webinar at noon PST April 27.

To learn more about Learning.com, go to that companys website. For more information on Codesters, visit that companys site.
FILE- In this Friday, April 14, 2017 file photo, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani smiles as he attends at the Interior Ministry to register his candidacy for the May 19 presidential elections, in Tehran, Iran. Over 1,600 people registered to run. Under Iranian law, there's no fee for registering. Hopefuls only must believe in Iran's form of government and be Shiite Muslims. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Iran's upcoming presidential election likely will pit incumbent President Hassan Rouhani against a variety of contenders, but first all must be vetted by a panel as part of the Islamic Republic's one-of-a-kind government.

So how does it all work and what happens next?

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES?

Over 1,600 people registered to run. Under Iranian law, there's no fee for registering. Hopefuls only must believe in Iran's form of government and be Shiite Muslims. That gives gadflies and publicity seekers the chance to smile and wave to gathered journalists. It's still a lot of candidates, though. The last similar turnout was Iran's 2005 election, which saw more than 1,000 register. Some think more people register under moderate or reformist governments as they are less repressive.

WHO ARE THE TOP CONTENDERS?

Rouhani, whose moderate administration negotiated the nuclear deal with world powers, is seeking another four-year term. Former hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who ignored the supreme leader's warning that his candidacy could expose lingering wounds from the unrest surrounding his contested 2009 re-election, registered. Hard-line cleric and judge Ebrahim Raisi, a favorite of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who allegedly was involved in the 1988 mass execution of thousands of prisoners , signed up as well. Others include a brother of late President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Tehran's mayor.

WHAT ARE ROUHANI'S CHANCES?

Though accurate public polling remains difficult in Iran, Rouhani remains the favorite of analysts. Every Iranian president since Khamenei himself took the presidency in 1981 has won re-election. That's not to say it will be easy for Rouhani. The average Iranian still hasn't seen the benefits of the nuclear deal, which saw some international sanctions lifted in exchange for Iran limiting its uranium enrichment. For voters, the economy matters.

Story continues

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

All the candidates will be vetted by the Guardian Council, a 12-member panel half selected by the supreme leader and half nominated by the judiciary and approved by parliament. The council controls elections and must approve all laws passed by parliament. It has never allowed a woman to run for president and routinely rejects candidates calling for dramatic reform. The panel also declared Ahmadinejad won the 2009 election despite widespread fraud allegations.

WHAT POWER DOES THE SUPREME LEADER HAVE?

At the heart of Iran's complex power-sharing government created after its 1979 Islamic Revolution is the supreme leader. The supreme leader also serves as the country's commander in chief over its military and the powerful Revolutionary Guard, a paramilitary force involved in the wars in Iraq and Syria that also has vast economic holdings across Iran. An 88-member elected clerical panel called the Assembly of Experts appoints the supreme leader and can remove one as well, though that's never happened.

SO IS IRAN A DEMOCRACY?

Iran describes itself as an Islamic Republic. It holds elections and has elected representatives passing laws and governing on behalf of its people, though the supreme leader has the final say on all state matters. However, those who led Iran's Green Movement after Ahmadinejad's disputed 2009 re-election remain under house arrest. Iran does not allow international observers to monitor its elections. Security forces answering only to the supreme leader also routinely arrest dual nationals and foreigners, using them as pawns in international negotiations.

___

Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellap. His work can be found at http://apne.ws/2galNpz .
By Luis Jaime Acosta BOGOTA (Reuters) - A Colombian nun who was kidnapped more than two months ago in Mali is being held by the Macina Liberation Front Islamist militant group, Colombian national police said on Tuesday, citing intelligence reports. Gloria Cecilia Narvaez was seized by armed men on Feb. 7 in Mali's southern Karangasso region, where she had been working in a health centre. Four people have been charged in her disappearance. "Intelligence tells us that it is the Macina Liberation Front. We'll have to wait for a statement from that group to know what they will demand," General Fernando Murillo, the head of the national police's anti-kidnapping division, told Reuters. An international unit led by France is looking for the nun, Murillo said, but she may have been moved out of Mali by her captors, perhaps to neighbouring Burkina Faso. The kidnappers have so far sent no proof of life or ransom demands, he added. "We think she was taken by mistake - that she was not the target," Murillo said in an interview. Neither Narvaez's religious order nor her family has the funds to pay a ransom, he said. The incident is the first time that Colombia, known as a kidnapping capital in the 1990s, has been involved in the search and rescue of one of its citizens in another country. Malian prosecutors have declined to provide details about the four people charged in the case, but a security source has told Reuters they are connected to the Catholic parish from which Narvaez was abducted. Investigators previously said they suspected Islamist militants could be responsible. Kidnapping has become a lucrative source of cash for groups like Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and al Mourabitoun. The latter is suspected of kidnapping a French-Swiss aid worker from the northern city of Gao in December. The Macina Liberation Front is composed of Fulanis - cattle herders and farmers from central Mali. Its figurehead, Amadou Koufa, is a fiery cleric whose sermons call on Fulanis to rebuild historic empires like Massina, which once stretched over the Mopti region. Islamist militants, who seized northern Mali in 2012 before being driven back by French forces the following year, have regrouped and are increasingly conducting raids in southern and central Mali, areas previously deemed safe. (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Peter Cooney)
By Noah Browning and Bozorgmehr Sharafedin MANAMA/DUBAI (Reuters) - At a wake in Iran's holy city of Qom in February, a small group of Bahraini emigres and clerics mourned a young militant killed in a gun battle with Bahrain's security forces. The eulogy was delivered by an exiled Bahraini cleric who has called for the island's Shi'ite Muslim majority to uproot the Sunni Al Khalifa monarchy in a holy war. The choice of resistance is widening and spreading on the ground, said the cleric, Murtada al-Sanadi, who has been named by the United States as a "specially designated global terrorist" backed by Iran. The ceremony shines a light on Iran's widening influence over an armed fringe of the opposition in Bahrain, a country with a strategic value that belies its small size. It hosts a U.S. naval base and is a close ally of Saudi Arabia, Iran's main regional rival. A quickening tempo of mostly crude bombing and shooting attacks has accompanied a government crackdown, which culminated last year in the dissolution of the main opposition bloc. The dead 29-year-old militant, Reda al-Ghasra, was shot and killed when security forces ambushed the speedboat carrying him and fellow fugitives at dawn on February 9. Ghasra had just a few weeks earlier escaped from a prison where he was serving a life sentence for terrorism. Ghasra's two brothers, both wanted on militant charges, also appeared at his wake in Qom. They played a recorded phone call of Reda saying his boat was on its way. The Bahraini government has asserted he was fleeing to Iran. A confidential assessment by Bahrain security officials, reviewed by Reuters, names Sanadi as the leader of the Ashtar Brigades, a militant group that has carried out bombings and shootings directed at the kingdom's police. In a statement online, the group hailed Ghasra as a "martyr commander" on his death. According to the security assessment, Sanadi tasked Ghasra with forming militant cells with Iranian help. Iran's foreign ministry called Bahraini government accusations that Iran had any role in supporting Sanadi or the Ashtar Brigades in violent acts "baseless and fabricated." Sanadi did not respond to requests for comment. SUPREME LEADER An uprising by some in Bahrain's Shi'ite majority was quelled in 2011 with the help of a Saudi intervention. Low-level protests followed. Clashes with police killed scores of activists and suspected militants, while Bahrain says 24 of its officers have been killed. Most clashes involve youths throwing rocks and molotov cocktails, but there has been a series of bombings in recent years. Opposition activists say these attacks show that a government crackdown is pushing Shiite youths into the arms of extremists. An analysis of years of statements by Bahrain's public prosecutor on Ashtar Brigades suspects suggests that the group operates in cells of fewer than 10 young men overseen by emigre militants like Sanadi based in Iran. Recruited on religious pilgrimages or study trips to Iran, Bahrain's prosecutor has said, the suspects were given weapons and explosives training in Iran or neighbouring Iraq. Iran denies the accusation. Sanadi has powerful allies in Iran, where he has lived since he went into exile in 2012. The official website of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei published an editorial by Sanadi in December accusing the U.S. of helping repress Shiite activism in Bahrain. The U.S. State Department put Sanadi on its proscribed "terrorist" list on March 17. His name appears alongside leaders in al Qaeda and Islamic State. The U.S. cited Sanadi's links to the Ashtar Brigades which, it said, "receives funding and support from the Government of Iran." Bahrain accuses Sanadi of having organised deadly attacks on police and smuggling arms from Iran. According to Bahraini security dossiers on Ghasra and Sanadi reviewed by Reuters, Bahraini authorities consider the Ashtar Brigades to be the armed wing of Sanadi's Islamic Wafa Movement, a political party that is banned in Bahrain. Wafa and the Ashtar Brigades did not respond to requests for comment about their relationship. A Wafa party representative contacted by Reuters agreed to relay questions to Sanadi but did not ultimately reply. Sanadi, the security documents say, receives funding from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and commissioned Ghasra to organise the military training of Bahraini militants in Iran by the IRGC and in Iraq by the Hezbollah Brigades militia. The Ashtar Brigades announced an alliance with the Iran-backed Hezbollah Brigades via an online statement in February. Sanadi spoke of his relationship with Ghasra in a communication to his followers on messaging app Telegram, dated in March and seen by Reuters. "I found him a lover of (Shi'ites), ready for the highest sacrifice and dedicated to the choice of resistance. Ghasra's brother Yasser, speaking to Reuters from Iran, acknowledged that his brother Reda was a fighter but denied he received Iranian help. He declined to comment on links between his brother and Sanadi. PROUD TO BE AN ENEMY Speaking to Iranian state TV channel al-Alam in March Sanadi said: "I'm proud that America considers me an enemy." While not commenting directly on the state department accusations, he said the U.S. was using "so-called terrorism and ... an imaginary danger they claim is coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran" to sell arms to Gulf allies and maintain influence. Sanadi is the only official of his party to have eluded a long-term jail sentence, though he spent six months behind bars amid 2011 protests on rioting charges. Six months later he departed legally for Iran. Chronicling his experiences in a prison manifesto called "Pain and Hope" published in Iran last year, he said he suffered torture and watched fellow detainees killed at the hands of Jordanian and other foreign officers he scorns as "mercenaries." Bahraini security officials denied to Reuters that Sanadi suffered torture in custody. There have been isolated abuses which have been investigated and addressed but this is not a systematic phenomenon, said one official In January, Sanadi called on Bahrain's opposition to abandon mostly peaceful protests in public squares and to take up arms. "From today and hereafter, the period has changed. We in the Islamic Wafa Movement announce that we have begun a new phase as a tribute to the martyrs: one grip on the squares and one grip on the trigger!" he said in a speech in Qom. Iran's promotion of Sanadi appears to point to an endorsement of his agenda. Next to an Iranian flag and a banner reading "Death to the House of Saud," referring to Saudi Arabias rulers, Sanadi delivered a sermon at Friday prayers in the country's most prestigious mosque in Qom in September - an exceptional honour. Sanadi also took to the main stage at a 2013 conference of Ahl al-Bayt, a Qom-based global fraternity of scholars founded by Khamenei in 1990. The meeting commemorated Bahrain's uprising. "We are truly thankful to the Iranians, especially the leader of all Muslims, Ayatollah Khamenei," Sanadi declared. For his part, Irans Supreme Leader in a speech last summer warned that Bahrain government moves against top opposition figures was removing an obstacle in front of the passionate, heroic Bahraini youth to fight against the ruling system. (edited by Janet McBride))
TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Libyan fishermen found the bodies of 28 migrants who appeared to have died of thirst and hunger after their boat broke down off the coast of Sabratha city, a ministry of interior official said on Tuesday. Since Libya fell into chaos after Muammar Gaddafi's fall in 2011, the North African country has become the main departure point for migrants hoping to reach Europe by sea. More than 150,000 have made the crossing to Italy annually over the past three years. The 28 migrants, including four women, were found after sunset by the fishermen, who towed the vessel to shore, Interior Ministry security unit commander Ahmaida Khalifa Amsalam told Reuters. The victims were buried together in a cemetery for illegal migrants, he said. "Their boat stopped in the middle of the water because the engine was broken," he said. He did not give details on any of the nationalities, but many illegal migrants are from sub-Saharan Africa. Smugglers often pack migrants in flimsy inflatable dinghies, dispatching them to sea to get picked up by rescue ships and other vessels once they reach international waters. Some are intercepted and turned back by the Libyan coastguard. U.N. Libya envoy Martin Kobler sharply criticized conditions in Libyan refugee camps in an interview with German broadcaster Bayerischen Rundfunk. "The camps are in terrible condition. Women are being sexually abused, people are crowded together in small buildings and are being kept like animals. These are intolerable conditions that must be changed," he said. Kobler said it was important to improve conditions in the camps, but the biggest priority should be to address the underlying reasons for the migration flows. The U.N. migration agency last week reported that growing numbers of African migrants passing through Libya are traded in what they call slave markets before being held for ransom, forced labour or sexual exploitation. Libya is the main gateway for migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea, with more than 150,000 people making the crossing in each of the past three years. So far this year, an estimated 26,886 migrants have crossed to Italy, over 7,000 more than during the same period in 2016. More than 600 are known to have died at sea, while an unknown number perish during their journey north through the desert. The German foreign ministry concluded in January that African migrants face executions, torture and other systematic rights abuses in camps in Libya, according to media reports. (Reporting by Ahmed Elumami; writing by Patrick Markey; Editing by Susan Fenton, Larry King)
North Korea has accused the US of creating a situation where nuclear war could break out at any time. Pyongyangs deputy ambassador to the UN slammed Washingtons naval build up in waters off the Korean peninsula, as well as the missile strikes in Syria. The United States is disturbing the global peace and stability and insisting on the gangster-like logic that its invasion of a sovereign state is decisive and just and proportionate, Kim In Ryong, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the United Nations said. His comments came just hours after US vice president Mike Pence visited a demilitarised zone that separates North and South Korea. He issued a warning that the recent strikes in Syria and Afghanistan showed that President Trumps resolve should not be questioned.
FILE PHOTO: Newly recruited Houthi fighters ride on the back or a truck during a parade before heading to the frontline to fight against government forces, in Sanaa, Yemen January 3, 2017. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah/File Photo

Thomson Reuters

Iran wants to turn Yemen into a "missile base" from which it can threaten Saudi Arabia, according to a Saudi general.

Saudi Gen. Ahmed Asiri claimed Saudi Arabia prevented an "Iranian plot" from threatening the countrys security and stability in an interview with Saudi Arabias al-Arabiya news Sunday.

He added that the Iranians planned to use Yemens Houthi rebels to implement their scheme, allowing Iran to deploy missiles and use Hezbollah suicide bombers against the country.

Saudi Arabia "did not need to wait for Yemen to become another missile base that threatens the security and safety of Saudi Arabia, as the Iranians planned to do, to turn Yemen into a military base, from which they could attack the kingdom," said Asiri, who serves as both the spokesman for Saudi operations in Yemen and as advisor to the defense minister.

Houthi rebels have targeted Saudi Arabia with 48 ballistic missiles since the country began joint military operations with other Arab states in Yemen in 2015. He said a total of 138 missiles have targeted either Saudi territory or its forces. It is believed that Iran, which has one of the largest military stockpiles in the Middle East, is supplying Yemens Houthi rebels with military equipment.

The Houthis (also known as Ansar Allah) are a rebel group from Yemens northern region. They have fought against the Yemeni government since 2004, including the current US and Saudi supported government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi. Yemen is currently divided between Hadis government and the Houthi rebels.

Saudi Arabia has been criticized for killing civilians while fighting the Houthis. More than one-third of Saudi strikes in Yemen have hit civilian areas, according to a study by the Yemen Data Project released in September.

Asiri claimed that Saudi Arabia has shown restraint by avoiding a ground-based operation.

"It did not happen for several reasons: First, there would have been be a large deployment of ground forces which would have resulted in a large number of civilian and military casualties. One of the objectives of the coalition is to rid Yemeni civilians of the Houthi rebel presence in their daily lives," said Asiri. "There are around 100,000 Saudi forces stationed on the border that could have occupied Yemen in a few days, but we wanted to support legitimacy in Yemen with the least possible losses on both sides. We are like a technical team in a hostage situation."

Story continues

Asiri said Saudi Arabia aims to support the Yemeni government and prevent Houthi incursions in Saudi territory. He claimed that the Saudi-led coalition has made progress in beating back the rebellion. However, the Yemeni capital of Sanaa is still under Houthi control, while several other cities are in contention.

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Prez Bhandari lands in new Delhi

President Bidya Devi Bhandari arrived in New Delhi on Monday on a five-day state visit at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee.
By Faith Hung TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan said on Tuesday it had apprehended a Chinese activist who had slipped away from his tour group last week, and authorities were deciding whether to deport him or risk fraying relations with Beijing by granting him sanctuary as a political refugee. Officials declined to say whether 48-year-old Zhang Xiangzhong had formally requested asylum, but his case comes at an awkward time as ties with China have been strained since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in Taiwan last year. According to media reports Zhang was released in 2016 after spending three years in jail for his involvement in the New Citizens Movement in China, a group that advocates working within the system to press for change and clean up corruption. Taiwan's immigration authorities said Zhang was picked up on the street on Monday evening. His whereabouts had been unknown since he had left his tour group last week, according to an official of the National Immigration Agency. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, the island's China policy-making body, has said they are ready to review any request from him for asylum, but his case will be vetted first by immigration officers. "He left his group without notice. From the perspective of our tourism regulation, the immigration authorities absolutely have the authority to apprehend him," MAC vice chairman Chiu Chui-cheng told Reuters. "If he intentionally overstays in Taiwan, the immigration authorities can deport him after an investigation," Chiu said, adding that the government must consider agreements between Taiwan and China regarding cross-strait tourism. "We can send him back, according to the tourism agreement between both sides." Defections from China to Taiwan are fairly infrequent as Beijing keeps a tight control on dissidents leaving the country and few would risk sea-crossing over the heavily patrolled strait dividing the mainland from the island. Wary of provoking Beijing's ire, Taiwan does not officially offer asylum to Chinese, but it occasionally allows "long term" stays for political refugees. There are currently about 10 such cases in Taiwan. Zhang, from Shandong province, has said that a source of inspiration for his asylum request was the wife of Taiwanese activist Li Ming-che, Taiwan's media reported. She has been attempting to free her husband, currently held by China on suspicion of activities harmful to national security. China regards Taiwan as a wayward province and it has never renounced the use of force to bring the island back under its control, while proudly democratic Taiwan has shown no interest in being run by Communist Party rulers in Beijing. Defeated Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with the Communists, but since a thaw began in the 1980s cross-straits investment has flourished. Relations ran into problems last year following the election of Tsai, whose Democratic Progressive Party espouses formal independence from China. (Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Japan on Monday started withdrawing its troops from a U.N. mission in war battered South Sudan, according to an official, a move coinciding with escalating violence in a conflict where killings have been described as genocide. The 350-strong Japanese military contingent, which has been based in South Sudan's capital Juba for the past five years, has been mostly helping with infrastructure construction. "The first group is leaving today," Daniel Dickinson, spokesman for the U.N. peace keeping mission called UNMISS, told Reuters moments before the troops were due to board their flight at Juba International Airport. Dickinson said the Japanese contingent would leave in three batches and that the group that was due to leave on Monday had 68 troops. Deadly violence, often driven by ethnic hatred has gripped South Sudan since 2013 when fighting broke out between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and his political foe Riek Machar whom he sacked as vice president. A 2015 peace deal ended that conflict and Machar was early last year restored to his vice presidency position but persistent animus between the two men finally exploded into fresh fighting in July. Episodes of mass violence especially in the equatorial region of south Sudan have been growing, with surviving civilian witnesses reporting government troops turning up in towns and starting shooting rampages. The UK has described the killings and other atrocities in South Sudan as genocide although the U.N. has not yet made that determination. South Sudan government spokesman, Ateny Wek Ateny, said they welcomed Japanese troops' departure because "the government of South Sudan is able to control the country." (Editing by Toby Chopra)
When police arrived at a run-down house in a tidy neighborhood near San Mateo and Prospect NE on Sunday evening they found a woman lying dead on a mattress in the living room next to a handgun and two shotgun shells.

The woman, Mindy Stuart, 30, had been shot in the neck.

And her boyfriend, 32-year-old Scott Wade Bachicha, was standing over her, covered in blood, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. There was a bloody fist-sized hole in the wall and broken glass on the floor.

It wasnt the first time police had been called to the house in the 2400 block of Madeira NE.

The couples next-door neighbor told the Journal she saw police at their house almost every week and had called 911 herself more than 20 times after hearing Bachicha screaming and yelling.

Mable Herrera said Stuart was very timid around Bachicha and always tried to calm him down and keep him from making a scene as he berated her and their children. She said the couple had three daughters and a baby boy and that she believes the Children, Youth and Families Department had removed the children from their care.

She was a very nice woman, and she had three beautiful little girls and another baby afterward, Herrera said. It was hurtful to see her with that fear, and not get out of the relationship. I think a lot of us tried  I tried a lot  just to reach her.

Four police reports and a criminal complaint detail allegations of several incidents of domestic violence dating back to 2011.

In June 2016, Stuart told police Bachicha had pulled her hair and hit her while she was pregnant, according to a police report. Once when neighbors called 911 after hearing a loud quarrel, officers found Bachicha had a handgun tucked into his waistband, according to another police report.

Bachicha was charged with battery on a household member in 2011 after witnesses reported seeing him punch the windshield of her car and try to drag her from it. That case was dismissed because the prosecution was unable to proceed, according to online court records.

Officer Fred Duran, a spokesman for the Albuquerque Police Department, did not respond to questions about the number of times police had been called to the home.

On Sunday, police were called to their home for the final time.

When the officers arrived around 6:30 p.m., Bachichas friends flagged them down. They said he had told them someone had shot and killed Stuart.

Bachicha told police the same thing. He said he saw a shadowy, dark figure flee the house and saw that his girlfriend had been shot and killed.

Neighbors said that as he sat in a police cruiser, he yelled out the window that someone had shot his wife, and that he loved her.

But after further questioning, he told detectives a different story, according to the complaint.

Through tears, Bachicha told them he had been messing around with a shotgun and it suddenly discharged and struck Stuart in the neck.

Scott panicked and began to hold Mindy in his arms, but he advised he knew she was already deceased, a detective wrote in the complaint. Scott took the shotgun and the spent shotgun shell and exited his residence through his back door.

He said he threw the gun and shells onto the roof of a nearby building, according to the complaint. Its unclear where the handgun came from or why it was next to Stuarts body.

Detectives charged him with murder and booked him into the county jail.

Herrera said she and her husband had planned to take Stuart and Bachicha a plate of food left over from Easter dinner. Instead, she got a call saying their block was a crime scene.

She said she cried throughout the night thinking of Stuart and her daughters and wishing something had been done before she was killed.

The girls are going to know that their mom is no longer here, Herrera said. One of the little girls had said to me once, I wish my dad would stop beating my mom. 
Film festivals.

Each one is different and has a specific focus.

And MovieMaker Magazine has named the 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee in 2017.

For the fourth straight year, the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival has made the list.

The Santa Fe Independent Film Festival is an event that focuses on the singular vision of an artist, says Jacques Paisner, SFIFF executive director. So to be highlighted again in MovieMaker Magazine as a festival that celebrates the filmmaker indicates that weve been doing the right thing for the past nine years.

The magazine credits the high-quality SFIFF panels.

A strength of SFIFF is the talent on display at its panels: 2016s edition saw talks with MacGyver creator Lee Zlotoff, director Jay Roach (Trumbo) and editor Paul Barnes (The Thin Blue Line), moderated by producer-screenwriter Kirk Ellis (John Adams), the article stated. Add to that a solid independent line-up (titles like Sherng-Lee Huangs and Livia Ungurs Hotel Dallas and the Oscar-nominated doc Fire at Sea played last October) and historic venues like the Lensic (Performing Arts Center) and Jean Cocteau Cinema, and youve got a winner.

Last year, the festival honored Jacqueline Bisset

The festival runs Oct. 18-22 in Santa Fe.

More information can be found at santafeindependentfilmfestival.com
SANTA FE  The former CEO of the group that puts on the annual Santa Fe Indian Market has admitted embezzling money from a charity fundraising effort and can have his criminal charges dropped if he pays restitution and successfully completes probation.

Thats according to Santa Fe District Attorney Marco Serna, who also said John Torres Nez, 51, is entering a pre-prosecution agreement after admitting embezzling thousands of dollars from the fundraiser. Money from sale of items donated by Indian artists was supposed to go a Red Cross fund to aid victims of the 2011 tsunami that struck Japan.

Although Torres Nez is not legally pleading guilty to the charges, Serna said that as part of the arrangement he must give a full admission to a pre-prosecution diversion officer from the District Attorneys Office, pay $36,918 in restitution within two months, write a public apology and serve two years of probation under supervision the District Attorneys Office.

Serna said the charges can be refiled if Torres Nez doesnt meet those terms and that his office will have a written admission on file if Torres Nez is charged again. An attorney for Torres Nez couldnt be reached for comment.

Torres Nez was indicted on two counts of embezzlement for taking money from the fundraiser from April 2011 to January 2012. Some of the donating artists contacted State Police in October 2014 and voiced concerns over where the money went.

Torres Nez pleaded not guilty in June after a roughly 1-year investigation by State Police. A police search warrant affidavit said there was no sign that money from the art sales was transferred from the PayPal account of the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, which puts on Indian Market, to the intended Red Cross fund. Torres Nez was an administrator with SWAIA at the time of the fundraiser and later became CEO. He subsequently left and helped start the rival Indigenous Fine Art Market.

The police affidavit said SWAIAs financial administrator determined that the money from the fundraiser went into a bank account Torres Nez used to collect his SWAIA paycheck.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump will take aim at information-technology outsourcing companies Tuesday when he orders a review of H-1B visa programs to favor more skilled and highly paid applicants.

An administration official who briefed reporters in advance named Tata Consultancy Services, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. and Mphasis Corp. as examples of outsourcing companies that would likely have fewer visas approved as the administrations changes are adopted. The H-1B work visa program channels thousands of foreign workers to the U.S. technology industry.

Trump will announce the order during a trip to Wisconsin along with instructions to federal agencies to examine their purchasing systems to more effectively favor buying American goods. Two administration officials previewed the orders for reporters on condition of anonymity because they didnt represent the agencies most directly involved in the policies.

Trump campaigned on a promise to use the powers of the presidency to encourage companies to buy American products and hire American workers, and the officials portrayed the order as a step toward fulfilling the pledge. The H-1B visa system has been criticized following high-profile examples of American workers being replaced by lower-paid foreigners through the program.

The new order asks agencies to propose ideas to direct visas  which are currently distributed by lottery  to the most skilled and highly paid applicants. It doesnt dictate any specifics about how to achieve the goal. The administration ultimately would like to get rid of the lottery system, one of the officials said.

How much the president can change the program without Congress involvement is a matter of debate. The administration has significant leeway in deciding how to carry out the law. It could, for instance, give priority to employers who rely less heavily on holders of H-1B visas. Several bills have been proposed in Congress to end the lottery system.

About 6 percent of the visas currently go to the Labor Departments top skill level, while eight in 10 workers on the visa are paid less than the median wage for their fields, the White House said in a fact sheet distributed to reporters.

The Trump administration rolled out policy shifts earlier this month to begin cracking down on the H-1B visa system. They included a promise to pursue more investigations of fraud and abuses and a warning to employers applying for the visas not to discriminate against U.S. workers.



(Joshua Brustein contributed to this report.)
Prez Bhandari meets Indian PM Modi

President Bidya Devi Bhandari, who is currently on a five-day state visit to India, met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

From the time Brian Colon formally announced he was entering Albuquerques mayoral race, it was clear he would be a formidable candidate, already having amassed more than $200,000 in campaign contributions at that point.

Since his announcement in January, Colons campaign war chest has grown even larger, with more than $308,000 cash on hand as of March 31, according to a campaign finance report filed with the City Clerks Office over the weekend. And that doesnt include the $43,000 his campaign has already spent or the $32,000 in contributions he said he has raised since March 31.

My campaign has raised $389,834.53 to date, Colon said Monday in a statement.

I have long valued my community ties in the great city of Albuquerque, and am pleased to have received support from some of the areas key stakeholders, said Colon, former chairman of the state Democratic Party.

But when it comes to cash on hand, Colon has competition from a local businessman who built a national company and just last week filed paperwork with the city to launch a mayoral run.

Ricardo Chaves, founder of Parking Company of America, has $300,000 cash on hand  money he lent to his campaign.

Ive been a taxpayer for 50 years, and Im for the taxpayers, said Chaves, a Republican. He said government wastes too much money.

Of course, to get on the Oct. 3 ballot, Chaves will need to gather at least 3,000 signatures by April 28. He acknowledged Monday that his late start will make that a challenge.

Three mayoral candidates have already secured the necessary signatures to secure a spot on the ballot: City Councilor Dan Lewis, state Auditor Tim Keller and Michelle Garcia Holmes, former chief of staff for the state Attorney Generals Office and a retired Albuquerque police detective.

Besides Colon and Chaves, other mayoral candidates who reported significant cash on hand as of March 31 were Lewis, former Bernalillo County Commissioner Deanna Archuleta and current Bernalillo County Commissioner Wayne Johnson.

Lewis, a Republican, reported a carry-over cash balance of $90,000 and contributions of nearly $101,000 from Jan. 15 to March 31. He spent nearly $45,000 and had a little more than $146,000 in the bank on March 31.

But Lewis points out that because he is already a city councilor, his latest campaign finance report didnt capture a full three-month period. He said he has raised more than $250,000 for his mayoral run as of Saturday.

Our campaign reflects a large grass-roots movement of people from every area of our city and small-business leaders that are concerned about our future, Lewis said in a statement. This sends a strong message that the people in our city are willing to invest in a new leader who will make Albuquerque No. 1 for the worst place in the country to be a criminal, who will create a booming city economy and who will fix our schools.

Archuleta, a Democrat, reported raising nearly $141,000 in cash contributions. She spent $47,000 and had nearly $94,000 cash on hand.

I am honored to have the support of so many people who share my love for our city and who want to make Albuquerque the best it can be, Archuleta said Monday in a statement. My supporters know that experience will be key for the next mayor; and they know that I will be ready on Day 1 to move our city forward.

Johnson, a Republican, raised nearly $89,000 and spent $422. That left him with a balance of $88,500. Johnson also reported in-kind contributions totaling nearly $22,000, more than any other mayoral candidate.

I am pleased and extremely grateful for the support my campaign has received from those who trust in my common-sense, bipartisan leadership to build a safe and prosperous city, Johnson said in a statement. In his campaign announcement earlier this month, he told his supporters, This is going to be a million-dollar race. I need as much financial support as you are willing to give me.

Of the 16 candidates running for mayor, only Keller is running a publicly financed campaign. Keller has received roughly $380,000 in city funds, minus the seed money he raised, to run his campaign.

Before this year, privately financed candidates for mayor who werent already holding public office didnt have to file campaign finance disclosure statements until about 12 weeks before the election. But the City Council last month voted to require candidates for mayor and council to file quarterly reports, with April 15 being the first deadline.

Other mayoral candidates who filed quarterly reports are:

 Garcia Holmes, who reported cash contributions of $6,120 and in-kind contributions of $9,900; she reported cash on hand of $5,532.

 University of New Mexico undergraduate student Augustus Gus Pedrotty, who reported cash contributions of $1,707 and in-kind contributions of $48; he has $1,506 on hand.

 Retired Old Town resident Stella Anne Padilla reported cash contributions of $3,495, expenditures of $2,872 and cash on hand of $622.

 Susan Wheeler-Deichsel, founder of the civic group Urban ABQ, reported cash contributions of $1,583, in-kind contributions of $475 and expenditures of $2,287. Her campaign had a negative balance of $704.

 Elan Colello, CEO of a virtual reality company, reported that he had received no contributions as of March 31. Florida native Jacob Shull and movie theater worker Rachel Golden also reported no contributions.

Garcia Holmes, an independent, said she isnt surprised by the amount of money flowing to some candidates.

People associated with a (political) party tend to raise quite a bit of money, she said. Garcia Holmes said her focus has been on getting on the ballot, and now that she has accomplished that, she will work on raising money.

Mayoral candidates Lamont Davis, Scott Madison and Ian Page, who only recently filed to run, had not submitted a quarterly report as of Monday morning.

Top donors to mayoral candidates

Top contributors to each of the campaigns, as reported by the candidates:

Brian Colon

 Colon received 29 $5,150 contributions from Xcel Protective Services; Belinda Melton of Kubiak & Melton; Gold Mesa Investments LLC; Ernest Martinez, retired; Tonja McMullen of Holmans; Nestor Romero, retired; John Santoru, owner of Holmans; Sam Baca of AUI Inc.; Edward Romero, a retired attorney; Carlos Garcia with Holmans; Emet Rudolfo, attorney; Brandon Writtenberry of AON Risk Solutions; Jack Vigil with Harmonix; Adrian Perez, retired from Heritage Hotels & Resorts; Sherri Perez, a Corrales homemaker; Jill Harney, with Synergy Ventures; Jack Harney with Synergy Ventures; Jocelyn Herig, self employed; Tug Herig with SW Brands; business owner Victor Jury; John Wood, a business owner in Missouri; Robert Kurz, of Kurzsolutions; Marcus Rael of Robles, Rael and Anaya, P.C.; attorney Harold Albert; Steven B. Chavez with ICSI; Mark Cordova with Cordova Contracting & Development; Orae Dominguez, retired attorney; Joe Maez of the Maez Group; and Theresa Rael of Desert Mountain Properties.

 Balderas for New Mexico, Attorney General Hector Balderas political organization, made two contributions totaling $5,150.

 Margaret Branch, of the Branch Law Firm, and the Branch Law Firm Legal Group each donated $2,650.

 Oscar Cisneros, self employed, contributed $5,000.

 Argonaut LLC, an investment company, donated $5,000.

 Rio Cuatro LLC, a development company, donated $5,000.

Deanna Archuleta

 U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., two contributions totaling $5,000.

 Kristina Martinez, no occupation or employer listed, $5,193.

 Karen Ruiz, with Rock House CGM LLC, $5,100.

 Also contributing $5,000 were Wendy York, attorney with Sheehan and Sheehan; Andrew and Martin Farach-Colton, educators; Tom Rothfield, with Presbyterian Health Plan; and Gordon Monaghan, teacher with Albuquerque Public Schools.

Dan Lewis

 Footprints Home Care Inc., $5,000.

 Walking by Faith, $5,000.

 Victor Jury, $5,000.

 Strata Production Co., oil and natural gas, $5,192.

 John Bode Sr. and John Bode Jr., both of Bode Aviation Inc., each donated $2,500.

 Among other contributors also donating $2,500 to Lewis were WisePies owner Steven Chavez and CSI Aviation owner Allen Weh.

Wayne Johnson

 Sherman McCorkle, self-employed, $5,193.

 Dale L. Armstrong, owner of TLC Plumbing, $5,193.

 Linda Scott, homemaker, $5,100.

 Contributing $5,000 to Johnson were D McCall, real estate-Midway Leasing; Kyla McCall, also with Midway Leasing; Tony Pisto with Maranatha Construction; Mason Wells, self-employed in health care; Ty Juana Hise, owner of Cemco Inc.; and NM Endo Specialists PC.

NOTE: The maximum allowed contribution is $5,193, which represents 5 percent of the mayors salary.
A man who police said was behind a series of 71 robberies is now facing significantly fewer charges, including just 10 counts of robbery, according to court documents.

Robert Billie, 39, was indicted in District Court on Friday. His wife, Louise Billie, 37, was indicted on dozens of charges. Both face several conspiracy counts, and their cases are being handled together.

Asked about the discrepancy in charges, District Attorneys Office spokesman Michael Patrick said prosecutors limited the indictment to focus resources on the strongest counts.

In total, Robert Billie now faces 68 counts in his District Court case; 41 of those are aggravated assault charges, and the rest are a mix of battery, conspiracy and firearm charges. Thats down substantially from the 108 listed in his Metropolitan Court case centered on the same series of crimes. His attorney, Edward Bustamante, did not respond to a Journal call seeking comment Monday.

Louise Billie faces 64 charges, also including 41 aggravated assault charges, according to court records. Her Metropolitan Court case listed 74 charges, including 37 counts of armed robbery.

According to their indictments, the two are accused of robbing 10 fast food restaurants over four months. Police said in a criminal complaint that Robert Billie had been under surveillance for months before his arrest in late March.
TOKYO  The U.S. will not relent until it achieves its objective of ensuring the Korean Peninsula is free of nuclear weapons, Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday while visiting Japan.

After meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other leaders, Pence told reporters that President Donald Trump was confident that economic and diplomatic pressure has a chance of compelling North Korea to cooperate.

It is our belief by bringing together the family of nations with diplomatic and economic pressure we have a chance of achieving a freeze on the Korean Peninsula, Pence said.

We will not rest and will not relent until we obtain the objective of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula, he said.

The Trump administration has signaled a more forceful U.S. stance toward North Koreas recent missile tests and threats, including a warning from Trump that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has gotta behave.

So Pence struck a stern tone after arriving at a U.S. naval base from South Korea.

We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan, he said. We are with you 100 percent.

On Monday, Pence traveled to the tense Demilitarized Zone dividing North and South Korea, where he warned North Koreas leaders that after years of testing the U.S. and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, the era of strategic patience is over.

A senior North Korean official then accused the United States of bringing the countries to the brink of thermonuclear war.

Pence, on a 10-day Asia trip that will also take him to Indonesia and Australia, said Trump hopes China will use its leverage to get its longtime ally North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program and ballistic missiles.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a fresh appeal for calm.

Wang told reporters that although U.S. officials have made clear that a military strike remains a possibility, he believes that Washington would still prefer to de-escalate tensions through multi-sided talks.

Abe said Japan likewise hopes for peaceful dialogue with Pyongyang, but at the same time, dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless. Pressure on North Korea is crucial, the prime minister said.

After meeting with Abe, Pence held talks with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on a new U.S.-Japan economic dialogue to be led by the two.

The new forum for trade talks was launched by Trump and Abe during the Japanese leaders visit to the U.S. in February. In part, it is meant to take the place of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the regional trade pact that Trump withdrew from shortly after taking office.

Pence and Aso said they believed the dialogue could yield opportunities to create new jobs on both sides and to fortify the economic aspects of the alliance.

We would like to seek the best shape and forum for our bilateral relationship, Pence said. The TPP is a thing of the past for the United States of America.

He said Trump is certain that negotiating trade deals with individual countries was the best way to ensure they yield win-win situations for both sides.

The talks Tuesday did not delve into sector-by-sector issues such as auto exports. With no U.S. trade representative yet in office and other key positions still unfilled, such nitty-gritty discussions will have to come later.

The loss of U.S. participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership was a blow to Japan following strenuous negotiations, especially over opening its long-protected farm sector to more imports, especially of dairy and meat products.

For now, both sides seem eager to downplay potential for conflict, with Aso repeatedly saying that trade friction has been vanquished in a new era of cooperation.

As Indiana governor, Pence saw firsthand the impact of Japanese automakers Toyota, Honda and Subaru, whose factories employ thousands of people in his home state.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who met with Japans trade minister, Hiroshige Seko, earlier Tuesday, said he hopes to soon begin talks on a free trade agreement with Japan.
HOUSTON  A storm system has dropped up to 10 inches of rain in some parts of Southeast Texas, flooding neighborhoods and closing schools.

The highest rainfall totals were recorded in Brazoria County, south of Houston, where the Danbury school district closed its schools Tuesday following the overnight rain.

Danbury and the Galveston County town of Santa Fe were among the communities contending with flooded neighborhoods, and some waterways, such as the Brazos River just west of Houston, were near flood stage.

The National Weather Service has extended a flash flood watch into Tuesday afternoon for several counties.

Traffic along Interstate 45 and several other routes was slowed and forecasts call for another 3 to 6 inches of rain through Tuesday.
AUSTIN  Texans oppose a border wall and sanctuary cities and think immigrants are more beneficial than harmful to the nation, according to the annual Texas Lyceum poll released Tuesday.

The poll focused solely on immigration this year to get a better gauge of how Texans feel about the always-controversial subject that has been swept into the forefront of discussion by state and federal lawmakers.

The poll questioned 1,000 Texas adults in English and Spanish and conducted half of the interviews by cellphone and half by landline. The poll was conducted April 3-9 and the overall margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

Overall, 27 percent of Texans said that immigration or border security is the states most important problem  beating out other issues like the economy, political corruption and health care. That was not a surprise, as these subjects regularly rank near the top of public opinion polls in the state.

But the survey also revealed stark differences between the heated rhetoric around immigration and the policies lawmakers want to use to address it.

While 72 percent of Texans surveyed said they were extremely or somewhat concerned about illegal immigration, 61 percent opposed a proposal by President Donald Trump to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. And 62 percent said they dont want Trump to deport millions of unauthorized immigrants currently in the country.

Despite the fact that immigration and border security is a perpetual concern, the fact is Texas adults as a whole still see immigration as a good thing, said Joshua Blank, research director for the Texas Lyceum. Theres a commitment to these values of America as a place that immigrants come to.

The Texas Lyceum is a nonpartisan statewide organization focused on identifying young Texas leaders.

The survey found that 62 percent of adults said immigration helps the U.S. more than it hurts, a softening on the issue from last year, when 54 percent answered that way.

The poll also found support for allowing immigrants in the country illegally to become citizens if there were strict conditions attached. On that issue, 90 percent of Texas adults said they either strongly or somewhat supported allowing these immigrants to become citizens after a long waiting period, payment of taxes and a penalty, passage of a criminal background check and learning English.

Roughly equal shares of Democrats and Republicans expressed support for this measure, showing that even in Texas, supporters of the two parties appear to agree far more over the particulars of immigration reform than current debates might suggest, the polls authors wrote.

On state level issues, Texans were more in favor of restrictive immigration policies. They supported keeping state border security funding at current levels despite Republicans in the White House and Congress who have promised to provide more federal funding for border security.

And they expressed opposition to sanctuary policies in which local law enforcement agencies are prevented from asking about a persons immigration status or enforcing immigration law. The Legislature is considering a law that would ban these types of policies in the state.

Respondents split strongly along racial and party lines, with 49 percent saying they were opposed to such policies while 45 percent expressed support. Eighty-six percent of Republicans opposed sanctuary cities, while 69 percent of Democrats supported them. And 62 percent of whites opposed these policies while 56 percent of Hispanics supported them.

The poll also found strong support  72 percent  for requiring businesses to verify a persons immigration status before hiring and creating stiff penalties for those who hire unauthorized immigrants.

But 61 percent of Texans surveyed said they supported allowing unauthorized immigrants studying in state universities to pay in-state tuition, with 31 percent saying they should pay out-of-state tuition. Those sentiments again followed strong partisan lines, with 77 percent of Democrats favoring in-state tuition and 51 percent of Republicans favoring out-of-state tuition fees. Overall support for in-state tuition, however, had increased from when the poll asked the same question in 2011, when only 52 percent favored it.

Overall, Blank said, the results of the study were not surprising but did show a general softening on immigration enforcement. That was partly a result of the methodology behind the survey, which polled Texas adults rather than registered voters who tend to be more conservative on these issues.

But Blank also said that the less restrictive views found in the poll demonstrated a shift among Texas Hispanics and Democrats.

When you look at the moderation on some of these items what you tend to see is that Republican attitudes remain fixed, Blank said. What changes was Democratic and Hispanic attitudes galvanizing toward a more liberal position on immigration.

Blank said that distinction was particularly interesting because Hispanics are not universally liberal in the state, but the recent climate and national discussion around immigration may have pushed them toward more liberal positions.

Younger people also had less restrictive views on immigration enforcement. Eighty percent of respondents between 18 and 29 said immigration helps the U.S. more than it hurts, but that percentage went down among older people. Only 46 percent of those 65 and older said immigrants were beneficial to the U.S.
FRESNO, Calif.  Three people were shot and killed after a man went on a shooting rampage Tuesday in Fresno, randomly shooting at four white men, killing three, before he was taken into custody, Police Chief Jerry Dyer said.

The 39-year-old suspect, identified as Kori Ali Muhammad, is also suspected in the fatal shooting of a security guard outside a Motel 6 in central Fresno on Thursday. He is facing four counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, Dyer said. He said Muhammad had expressed dislike of whites in Facebook posts; all of the victims were white.

Two of the people shot outside Catholic Charities, on Fulton Street just north of downtown, may have been clients of the social service agency, not employees, Dyer said. The third victim was a Pacific Gas & Electric employee riding in a company truck. A fourth man was shot at but not injured.

Dyer said the gunman walked up to the PG&E truck on North Van Ness Avenue about 10:45 a.m. and shot the passenger repeatedly. The driver of the pickup then sped to Fresno police headquarters. The second shooting was only a few seconds later and was at Van Ness and Mildreda Street, where the gunman shot at but missed a resident. The gunman then turned onto Fulton Street and fired several rounds at another man, striking and killing him, Dyer said. After reloading at a bus stop, the gunman then shot and killed a man in the parking lot of Catholic Charities, he said.

Officers responding to the initial shots found Muhammad running south on Fulton. Muhammad dove to the ground and yelled Allahu akbar before he was taken into custody, Dyer said. Although police found rounds of .357 caliber bullets and speed loaders for a revolver when Muhammad was taken into custody, no weapon was found, Dyer said.

Dyer said that its too soon to determine if the shootings involved terrorism.

However, a review of Muhammads social media shows he quoted the phrase Allahu akbar in a tweet. The Arabic phrase translates to God is the greatest.

The FBI and ATF have both been notified about Tuesdays shootings, Dyer said. But Dyer noted that in Thursdays shooting at Motel 6, which was caught on surveillance video, Muhammad did not make any similar statements. What we know is that this was a random act of violence, Dyer said. There is every reason to believe he acted alone.

Muhammad was identified early in the Motel 6 murder, based on the surveillance cameras, and officers had sought him in Madera and other locations in subsequent days. His Facebook page at one point indicated that he was in Atlanta, which was untrue, Dyer said. His Facebook posts indicated that he does not like white people, and he has anti-government sentiments, the chief said.

Witnesses reported the gunman sprayed rounds while reloading and cursing.

A second gunshot victim was reported outside the Fresno Police Department at 10:51 a.m. The victim also was taken to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, Dyer said.

Police are conducting investigations at four separate crime scenes on Van Ness, Mildreda and Fulton, and those areas will remain closed for at least a few hours, Dyer said. At least one shooting victim remained on the scene, and officers with K-9 are searching for the murder weapon.

At 10:54 a.m., a report of a man down was reported on North Fulton Street, about a block from Catholic Charities. That victim died at the scene, county Emergency Medical Services officials confirmed.

Fresno County government offices are on a lockdown alert. People have been urged to shelter in place. Homicide detectives were called to the shooting scenes. At least one agent from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was at the Fulton Street shooting scene, and agents from Homeland Security were outside Fresno police headquarters.

A witness who lives close to Catholic Charities who did not want to be identified, said he watched the chaos unfold from his front yard as the suspect, carrying a large-caliber revolver, shot a man repeatedly in a front yard on the west side of Fulton Street north of Nevada Avenue. Then, he stopped and calmly ejected spent shell casings from the weapon and reloaded near a bus stop south of Nevada.

The shells are still there, the witness said, pointing them out.

The suspect then walked south on Fulton, where he opened fire on a man in the Catholic Charities parking lot, the witness said. A witness said the suspect carried a large-caliber handgun.

He didnt look like a gang-banger or anything, the witness said.

At Catholic Charities, about a dozen distraught people cried, moaned and hugged one another as several undercover police officers worked furiously to keep the shooting victim alive by pumping on his chest. Blood from the gunshot wounds flooded the ground nearby.

It could have been me, moaned one man. I ran. He couldnt get away, he added, pointing to the victim as an ambulance sped toward the shooting, driving the wrong way up Fulton with siren blaring.

Give us some room! Move back, shouted a woman, apparently a worker at the charity, where people line up daily to seek food and necessities.

Arriving police officers jumped from their cars, pushing everyone back and throwing up crime scene tape.

Teresa Dominguez, chancellor for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno, said the diocese is providing support for those who witnessed the shooting.

The diocese will be present to the needs of all those serving as witnesses to this violent and traumatic event, Dominguez said, such as counseling and pastoral care, and Bishop (Armando Xavier) Ochoa asks for the prayer of all the faithful for the victims of this violent crime and their families, and that law enforcement will be successful in the their investigation in identifying the perpetrator.

In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, PG&E spokesman Denny Boyles said: Our hearts are very heavy today, as we have lost a member of our PG&E family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of our employee, and all those impacted by this tragic event.

Imam Seyed Ali Ghazvini of the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno said this attack is against the Muslim faith.

We denounce and reject in the strongest words possible this kind of violence and attack, Ghazvini said, and we request law enforcement agencies investigate the reasons and motivations about the person himself. Hes not known in our community, and we are in touch with other communities to see if he was a member or not. At this time, we are collecting information to see who is this person.  We have a very active relationship with all branches of state and federal law enforcement agencies in the Valley to make them aware of possible extremism within our area.

Fresno Mayor Lee Brand expressed sadness for the families of the victims and noted that the quick response of police officers prevented further senseless violence.

If there were ways to prevent tragedies like this in the future, I would not hesitate in using them. Again, my heart goes out to the families that lost loved ones today, Brand said.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA TERESA  While machinery roars and rows of steel rolls wait to be loaded on trucks headed south of the border, Southwest Steel Coil Inc. awaits the outcome of a promised renegotiation of the major trade deal underpinning its business.

Should President Donald Trump follow through on a vow to reopen talks on the North American Free Trade Agreement, New Mexicos border industrial hub of Santa Teresa will be among the first to feel the effects of changes to the cross-border trade relationship  and Southwest Steel is ground zero. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., toured the plant Tuesday.

Ninety-three percent of our steel ends up in Mexico, Jerry Groen, vice president of operations, told Udall. If all of a sudden Mexico isnt a competitive place for assembly, were in trouble. Our business model doesnt work.

In an effort to glean local perspectives on the future of the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship, Udall also hosted a roundtable of border business leaders in the industrial zone.

Representatives from trucking, manufacturing and rail concerns in Santa Teresa said that while business hasnt slowed in the first near-100 days of the Trump presidency, companies are putting off border investment decisions due to the uncertainty.

Southwest Steel is holding pat on some capital set aside for new equipment, Groen said.

Thats the biggest thing, he said. Whats going to happen?

The Trump administration has made no formal moves to reopen NAFTA negotiations, Udall said. He called the administrations rhetoric on U.S.-Mexico trade reckless talk.

A lot of people say, Were going to tear up NAFTA,  Udall said. New Mexico, I believe, could be the hardest-hit of anyone in a trade war. I believe that, and I was further convinced of that talking with Jerry Groen at Southwest Steel. He feels the uncertainty, and he is very worried about that.

New Mexicos exports to Mexico rose six years straight to an all-time high of $1.683 billion in 2015, before decreasing by $126 million, or 7.5 percent, last year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The 2016 dip was due in part to a weak peso and uncertainty over U.S.-Mexico trade, experts say.

Southwest Steel was one of the companies that drove the export growth. Without specifying, Groen said that the amount of business the company did in a year five years ago, it now does in a month. But the future remains unclear.

The White House states its policy position online: President Trump is committed to renegotiating NAFTA. If our partners refuse a renegotiation that gives American workers a fair deal, then the President will give notice of the United States intent to withdraw from NAFTA.

Udall said of the NAFTA renegotiation, If you are really going to reopen it, I think you ought to do it early. Were almost at 100 days and they havent actually done it.

Union Pacific Corp. has spent roughly $1 billion in recent years to lay double track and upgrade its Sunset Route from Los Angeles to El Paso. It has invested an additional $470 million to build its new railyard in Santa Teresa.

What were seeing in our business levels is a tale of two economies, said Union Pacific public affairs director Ivan Jaime. Overall, the economy since the Great Recession of 2008, hasnt recovered. It has continued to limp along, very slow growth  if any. On the other hand, what has aided us is very robust growth in trade.

Were seeing a lot of confidence for the future, uncertainty for the present, he said.
Five best of advertisers and marketers were conferred with the first ever Champions of Excellence award at the recently concluded Goafest 2017. This award has been conceived and curated by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club for acknowledging and saluting visionary advertisers who have taken the leap of faith and invested resources, ensuring that Great ideas transform into Great advertising.

RS Sodhi, Managing Director, Gujarat Co-Operative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul) was among the first recipients of this new industry award for his role in inspiring great advertising.

Speaking to Adgully on the sidelines of Goafest, RS Sodhi spoke about why the media spends on Brand Amul has been minuscule, the importance of being consistent in communicating the brand message, outdoor and digital advertising plans and more.

Media and marketing spends for Amul have been constant for years, said Sodhi, when asked about how Amul is looking at optimising media spends in a highly fragmented media market.

He further said, Right from the beginning our budget has not been more than 1 per cent, in fact since the last 6-7 years, it has been around 0.8 per cent. I dont think to build a brand or the required positioning, you need a huge budget. If you take our 50-year old campaign for Amul Butter, our spends on that are peanuts. Out of the 0.8 per cent of our total budget, only 5 per cent is spent on Amul Butter.

According to Sodhi, it is not about the money, but how creative the advertiser is with the campaign and how consistent they are in communicating the brand message. If you want to change your positioning and campaign every year or two, you will definitely require a huge budget otherwise consumers will not be able to recall it, he added.

Speaking about Amul, Sodhi said, Our positioning for Amul Butter  Utterly Butterly Delicious  is 50 years old. The Taste of India positioning has been there for the last 27 years. Amul Doodh Peeta Hain India has been there for the last 15 years. They are working well with very minuscule budget.

Amul has been spending extensively on outdoors, especially for Amul Butter, and in the last few years, the brand has also been using digital in its marketing plans. When asked to share his views on gauging the efficacy of outdoor and digital campaigns, given that there are no industry measurement currencies in place currently for the two mediums, Sodhi remarked, I think outdoor is mostly measured by the direct feedback from the consumers and also people in the field who tell us how effective outdoor is. Our budget for outdoor is 3-4 per cent of the total budget. In digital, the measurement is in terms of the views, likes and dislikes. Because most of the youngsters are on digital today, it has become mandatory for marketers to do something or the other on that front.

Meanwhile, speaking about his Goafest experience, Sodhi said, This is the second time that I am attending Goafest. When I see the speakers, the people who come and talk here and discuss topics from across sectors, the talks are very inspiring and insightful. People come here to get the feedback about the work that they do in their fields. It is also a place to know what the market wants.
We can help you make sense of the agribusiness industry, extending from chemicals and fertilizers used as inputs into agriculture, to the commodities, food and by-products that are an output to farming, with policy and regulation applied at every step of the value chain.
In its latest note to clients, financial services firm Credit Suisse named Alphabet as its leading Internet stock choice, Business Insider reports. The company also cited Facebook and Amazon as the rest of the top three consumer Internet stocks to acquire. Analysts from the banking organization said its possible that Alphabet shares are worth an additional one-third of what they are currently trading for, putting their value at approximately $1,100 per share. That target would see the companys market capitalization at $757 billion, and on Monday in New York as of 2:21 pm, Alphabet shares went up to $833.64, up by 1.2 percent, presumably as a result of Credit Suisses statement.

Credit Suisse analyst Stephen Ju explained the reason for Googles parent company currently being their top choice by citing several main pointers where the company is expected to outperform the current expectations of investors. Key areas include the monetization of advertising with Google Search, as well as non-search businesses such as Google Play, Google Cloud, and YouTube. Further aspects mentioned were Googles Other Bets and their likely commercialization, along with other initiatives ripe for monetization such as Maps. A possible risk with Credit Suisses view concerns a fall in the smartphone OS market share and a slow adoption of new Google ad formats.

Although Alphabets Google Search leads the companys business interests, Credit Suisse forecasts that other subsidiaries, including those named above, will expand so that within three years they will form a third of Alphabets business. On a related note, while Facebook trades at 25 times of Credit Suisses 2018 non-GAAP EPS estimate, and Amazon trades at 55 times of the thereof, Alphabet trades at approximately 16 times that estimate. In January this year, Alphabet reported increases of several of its key revenue sources, and in a report of Q4 results for the 2016 fiscal year, the company revealed exceptional growth. Approximately $26 million in revenue was recorded during Q4 2016 compared to $21 million in Q4 2015, marking a year-on-year revenue increase of 22 percent. At that time, Alphabet said that mobile search and YouTube were the main areas of revenue increases while newer investments and Googles Other Bets were other areas of growth, though ones that are yet to become truly profitable.
Prez Bhandari urges Indian entrepreneurs to invest in Nepal

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, who is on a five-day state visit to India, has urged Indian entrepreneurs and investors to invest in Nepal saying that Nepal has a favourable environment business.
Android Pay received support for five more banks in the United States as part of its latest expansion that started on Monday. Googles mobile payments solution now supports cards issued by the O Bee Credit Union, Florence Savings Bank, Barksdale Federal Credit Union, Security State Bank Of Hibbing, and the J.S.C. Federal Credit Union. The move marks Googles latest attempt to expand the Android Pay ecosystem and bring it to as many consumers as possible, at least in the context of the companys home country that also happens to be its key market.

The addition of the banks listed above marks the second expansion of Android Pay in April, as the mobile payments tool already received support for 13 other financial institutions last week. In total, the service extended its reach to more than 150 new banks since the turn of the year, indicating that Google is ramping up its efforts to expand its reach over the course of 2017. Regardless, the Mountain View-based tech giant is still seemingly focused on improving the Android Pay experience in the United States, while Canada and several other countries that were already expected to receive the service still dont have access to it. Previous reports suggested that the Alphabet-owned company is close to launching Android Pay in Canada as some users were even able to get an experimental version of the service to work in early 2017, but theres still no word on the official launch.

Android Pays expansion in officially supported countries like Australia and the United Kingdom also slowed down in recent months, as users in those countries can still only use the service with cards issued by a rather limited number of banks. Its currently unclear when Google is planning to speed up the international expansion of its mobile payments solution, but more details on the matter might be available shortly seeing how the annual Google I/O developer conference is just around the corner and is scheduled to start on May 17. In the meantime, Android Pay is unlikely to extend its reach to users outside of the United States, though its stateside expansion is expected to continue.
Googles Android Pay mobile platform will soon support PayPal as a payment method within the app, the two companies announced on Tuesday. Google and PayPal described the move as yet another step in their continuously growing partnership that already saw them collaborate on a number of different products and services. The firms have yet to clarify when exactly will Android Pay start supporting PayPal as a valid payment option, but the feature is expected to roll out in the coming weeks. All smartphones running Android 4.4 KitKat and newer versions of Googles ubiquitous operating system will support the new functionality, the companies said. This specific software requirement is unsurprising seeing how Android Pay itself officially doesnt work on any older versions of Android.

Once PayPal integration debuts in Android Pay, users of Googles mobile payments solutions will be able to link their PayPal account with Android Pay like any other compatible credit card, meaning theyll be able to make purchases with PayPal at all locations that support the Android-powered platform. Apart from extending the versatility of Android Pay, the newly announced partnership is also expected to benefit PayPal as the popular online payments service continues looking for new avenues of growth in an effort to further solidify its already strong position on the market. In an announcement published on Tuesday, Bill Ready, PayPals Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer implied that the company might collaborate with Google on more projects in the future, though no further specifics have been given.

The announcement of Android Pays support for PayPal comes only hours after Googles mobile payments platform expanded its support to five new banks in the United States. Googles service extended its support to over 150 additional banks this year already, indicating the Alphabet-owned company is now looking to promote Android Pay more aggressively than ever. As the number of Android Pay-enabled devices keeps increasing, Google is expected to try to position the service as the top mobile payments solution in the world, though the company is still facing competition in the form of Samsung Pay and similar solutions that are reportedly also looking to expand to more devices in the future.
Last month a company going by the name of Livermorium Ltd. entered the spotlight on Indiegogo with a physical QWERTY Keyboard Mod for the Moto Z, and yesterday the firm revealed that it has constructed the first functional prototype unit which will be shown to both Lenovo and Verizon Wireless in Chicago on Wednesday, April 19. The QWERTY Keyboard Mod is one of the 50 products participating in the Transform the Smartphone Challenge, and its also one of the ten products chosen by Lenovo and Verizon Wireless who agreed to inspect it further.

Back when physical QWERTY keyboards were more popular in the smartphone world, Motorola was among the only Android smartphone manufacturers to create high-end devices equipped with physical keyboards like the Motorola Droid 4. Today, physical QWERTY keyboards are a rare sight in the market and the only major manufacturer still willing to explore this concept is BlackBerry. However, startup Livermorium might put the Motorola brand back on the QWERTY map with its Moto Mod, which is designed to attach to the back of the Moto Z and offer a full QWERTY or AZERTY slide-out keyboard similar to the Motorola Droid 4. The mod also includes its own 2,100mAh battery which should increase the smartphones battery life considerably, and the slide-out design allows for usage in both landscape mode and tilted mode at 45 degrees. The Moto Mod keyboard has been launched on Indiegogo last month and at the time of writing the project raised $47,171 from a total of 639 backers, i.e. 47 percent of its $100,000 fixed goal.

The campaign still has 15 days left to meet its goal, and the company stresses that the prototype shown below is an engineering sample and that the final product will see more improvements and feature a much better finish. Either way, the prototype will be shown to Lenovo and Verizon Wireless tomorrow as part of the Transform the Smartphone Challenge campaign, and assuming that the Moto Mod at hand manages to impress, it is possible that it could obtain further funding from Lenovo and/or Verizon, which would allow the company to continue improving the concept before the final product ships this July.
Google removed the Free App Of The Week tab from the Google Play Store that was recently launched in the United States and several other countries, numerous users have confirmed, as reported by Phone Arena. The self-explanatory section was introduced by the Alphabet-owned company in late March and was said to be a part of a pilot test that Google was running, with industry sources claiming that the feature will be in testing for four weeks. The latter claim was seemingly inaccurate seeing how Google now scrapped the feature after just over three weeks of testing.

While the Mountain View-based tech giant made no particular announcements on the matter and has simply removed the tab at some point in the last 24 hours, thats in line with how the company launched the functionality in the first place. Its currently unclear whether the Free App Of The Week will return to the Google Play Store in the future, though the fact that it was pulled before its trial period was supposed to end likely isnt a good sign. During the short testing phase that now came to an end, the Free App Of The Week section allowed owners of Android devices to download and play Card Wars  Adventure Time and Chameleon Run free of charge. While neither game is free anymore, users who downloaded them during the promotional period are able to keep them. The Free App Of The Week functionality was reportedly live in the United States and parts of Europe during the aforementioned period, but as of today, the section is down in all of the markets in which it was previously available.

While Google apparently shortened the testing period of the feature, the Internet giant might still relaunch the program at some point in the future. Even if it doesnt, the Google Play Store itself will certainly be updated with additional functionalities over the course of this year seeing how the most popular digital marketplace for Android apps on the planet is one of Googles flagship products that the company is always evolving. More information on the matter should be revealed shortly, possibly during the upcoming Google I/o 2017 conference thats starting in just under a month.
Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer Xiaomi sold 6.3 million handsets in March 2017, known industry insider Kevin Wang revealed yesterday on Weibo. Wang also said that the Beijing-based tech giant has now concluded the process of restructuring its smartphone unit, though no further details on the matter have been given. Regardless, the comments likely refer to the companys recent efforts aimed at increasing the efficiency of its handset-making operations with the goal of making them more profitable. Xiaomi Chief Executive Officer Lei Jun recently confirmed the company will be looking to focus on several core aspects of its core business over the course of 2017  quality, innovation, and delivery. While Juns comments were relatively vague and revealed no specifics regarding the companys plans for the immediate future, the companys top executive still indicated that Xiaomi is serious about changing its general business strategy that recently led him to admit that the Beijing-based consumer electronics manufacturer grew in an unsustainable manner.

If the company truly managed to sell 6.3 million devices over the course of last month, that figure could indicate its finally starting to bounce back from its disappointing 2016 during which it suffered declining sales, partially due to its imperfect supply chains. Previous reports indicated Xiaomi is aiming to sell 70 million Android smartphones in 2017 and the company might be able to hit that mark provided it can maintain its current performance. For reference, the firm shipped approximately 41.5 million handsets in 2016 and just under 65 million units the year before.

While it remains to be seen whether the Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer manages to bounce back from its recent slump, its prospects will likely heavily depend on how successful the upcoming Mi 6 flagship ends up being. Xiaomis latest high-end Android smartphone is scheduled to be officially unveiled tomorrow, April 19, but the firm is also expected to announce a number of other devices alongside the Mi 6. Provided that the Mi 6 manages to offer a user experience thats comparable to that of its premium alternatives while still being priced in a competitive manner, Xiaomi might be able to make up for some of the disappointing results it posted last year. More information on the companys financial performance should follow soon.
Verizon Wireless on Tuesday announced it will purchase $1.05 billion worth of fiber optics solutions including cables and related hardware from Corning Incorporated, a Corning, New York-based industrial components manufacturer. The deal isnt based on a one-time transaction and will instead see Corning provide Verizon with at least 12.4 million miles of optical fiber over a three-year period ending in 2020. The largest mobile service provider in the United States said its newly signed purchase agreement with Corning is meant to facilitate the companys efforts to continue providing adequate coverage and improve the overall quality of its network. Depending on Verizons future prospects, the New Jersey-based wireless carrier might end up paying for more than $1.05 billion worth of fiber optics equipment from Corning, as that figure only represents the minimal amount of equipment Verizon agreed to purchase in the period from 2018 to 2020.

Representatives of Verizon repeatedly stated that fiber optical solutions will play an important role in the implementation of the fifth generation of mobile networks, commonly referred to as 5G. Deploying fiber cables to small and macro cell sites will help facilitate the deployment of 5G wireless networks given how the existing wired alternatives likely wont be able to handle the telecommunications backhaul thats expected once 5G technologies are commercialized. 5G solutions aside, Verizons latest purchase is also expected to positively reflect on the companys consumer-grade broadband offerings that will be improved as a result of the deal with Corning. Following Verizons 2016 launch of One Fiber in Boston, the company concluded its local plans are affected by a lack of fiber supply, which is what directly prompted the decision to purchase more related hardware from Corning.

The network architecture that Verizon is planning to improve with its new purchase will positively reflect on all of its businesses, the wireless carrier said on Tuesday, implying consumers can expect a higher quality of services in the coming years as a direct result of its deal with Corning. In related news, the Big Red was recently hit with a lawsuit filed by the New York City administration that accused the company of failing to deliver on a contract that required it to complete its FiOS network in the city by 2014.
With one day to go before Xiaomi officially unveils its next-generation Mi 6 flagship, the phone made an appearance on benchmarking website GFXBench. This isnt the first time the Mi 6 showed up on GFXBench, but this time around the listing corroborates that the handset will indeed feature a dual camera setup, as many rumors and leaks have already indicated.

According to the current listing, the Xiaomi Mi 6 will debut with a 5.1-inch FullHD (1920 x 1080) display, just like its predecessor. The device is also reportedly set to take advantage of Qualcomms first 10nm system-on-chip (SoC), the Snapdragon 835. According to GFXBench, customers can expect the flagship to come in two variants  the base one with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage and the more advanced one with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of native storage. The dual camera setup listed here consists of two 12-megapixel sensors capable of shooting 4K video recordings, while the selfie snapper is an 8-megapixel one and will also support 4K video capture. Its worth noting that previous rumors have claimed that the Xiaomi Mi 6 would come carrying a slightly different main dual camera made of a 12-megapixel and an 8-megapixel sensor. Regardless, most industry insiders agree that the Xiaomi Mi 6 will run Android 7.1.1 Nougat with Xiaomis MIUI 9 interface out of the box.

A batch of leaked Xiaomi Mi 6 images surfaced out of China yesterday, suggesting the phone might make an appearance with a ceramic back panel and two speaker grills located at the bottom. The pictures also reveal the phone will lack the standard 3.5mm audio port but will feature an USB Type-C port. Alongside the Mi 6, Xiaomi is also expected to unveil a larger version of the flagship dubbed the Mi 6 Plus. If rumors are to be believed, this variant will arrive with a 5.7-inch panel with either FullHD or QHD resolution. Both phones will feature a physical home button located under the display, which will most likely double as a fingerprint scanner. While none of this information has been confirmed by the Chinese company, tomorrows launch event will surely reveal everything there is to know about the Xiaomi Mi 6 and Mi 6 Plus.
Russia's undeclared death toll in Syria battle creeps higher

The death toll among Russian forces in Syria during a period of intense fighting to retake the city of Palmyra now stands at 21, according to evidence gathered by Reuters, after information emerged about the deaths of three military contractors.
India wants early completion of bilateral development projects in Nepal

President Bidya Devi Bhandari, who is currently on a five-day state visit to India, met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi on Tuesday.
NHTSA

ECU

The recall has been notified with the, and it is also present on Canadas transport authority webpage. In the case of the latter, 4,216 units are affected, but things are different in the U.S.According to the companys estimates with the NHTSA , the Japanese brand will have to fix about 33,131 units of the 2017 Impreza sold in the USA The filing announces that the problem that will be tackled by the service campaign leads to stalling the engine. It can also be manifested by the inability to start, or rough idling. Theres also the risk of stalling the engine and not being able to restart the unit for a certain period.While a rough idle is something that may be upsetting, but not a safety issue, the possibility of the engine stalling because of it can become a problem. This could lead to increasing the risk of an accident if a vehicle gets stuck in a place because it could not restart.Subaru of America has no knowledge of any accidents, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. However, the automaker has decided to perform this service action to fix the existing units that manifested the symptoms described above, as well as preventing potential accidents that could happen because of stalling.The car manufacturer has explained that the problem is linked to the winter blend of gasoline used in North America, which will vaporize at a lower temperature. That event could occur under higher ambient temperatures, which could decrease the fuel pressure in the line, thus destabilizing the operation of the engine.The issue will be remedied with a re-flash of thefor the 2017 Impreza, which will be modified to support running on winter blend fuels. The changes will affect the radiator fan, which was also linked to the issue because it kicked in at a temperature that was not low enough with this kind of fuel.
The idea for this brand, officially announced several months ahead of the event, was to reveal a close-to-production vehicle in Europe, and another creation in China. The second model from Lynk & Co is called 03, and it is a sedan that looks like it should be reworked before it gets to the market.As their press release remarks, Lynk will offer a lifetime warranty and free connectivity on every car they make. This unique offer is part of an aggressive market strategy meant for the local market, but it is unclear if it will be replicated in export markets.Before you get excited about an automobile with a lifetime warranty, try to keep in mind that Lynk & Co products are meant for ride sharing. With that objective in mind, the company was supposed to do something to ensure that all customers will get a car that operates accurately every time they get behind the wheel.Most likely, the fleet of shared vehicles will be maintained by dealers in the area where it is deployed. With careful coordination, the marque could have the chance of reducing downtime to a minimum with its future fleet of cars meant for sharing. The other part of the aggressive strategy planned by the company involves offering free connectivity on every car.The decision does make sense in a vehicle that will require a permanent Internet connection, which made this benefit an unexpected plus for clients of these automobiles.Lynk & Co representatives have not explained why the 02 model has yet to be showcased before an audience, but it looks like it inspired the creation of the 03 Sedan The sedan seen in the photo gallery appears to be an original design, but it is not the most beautiful product in the segment if you ask around our newsroom. Then again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
AWD

You are now a step closer to making the right choice, all with the help of Porshe YouTuber Nick Murray. The vlogger, who tried to give up the Zuffenhausen life with the help of a BMW M4, but couldn't, has now switched from his nine-o-lemon 991.1 Carrera S to a 991.2 Carrera 4S.And Nick's latest video shows him comparing his Porscha to a just-as-blue 991.2 Carrera. And while the latter is not an S model, at least it features the seven-speed manual gearbox, just like the YT man's car.The comparo involves the obvious details, letting profanes know that all-wheel-drive models feature more generous rear hips, while their posteriors are adorned with strips that connect the taillights.Nevertheless, many Porschephilles might be surprised to find out that, in its engineering obsession, Porsche gifted with "4" models with larger fuel tanks. And since the efficiency drawback brought by theonly brings for a 1 MPG loss, we end up with the conclusion that all-wheel-drive 911s actually offer a greater driving range than their rear-wheel-drive counterparts.As far as the 911 models that are set to be unveiled by the end of the year are concerned, this comparison is futile. And that's because the German automaker is now preparing to introduce a pair of rear-wheel-drive special.We're talking about the 991.2 GT3 RS (the final units of the 991.1 models are now reaching their owners), which has been recently spied Speaking of spyshots, the 2018 GT2 has been a constant presence in the spy section of our website.And, since the two nearly-baked Neunelfer derivatives follow the recently-unveiled 2018 911 GT3 , which has brought back the manual (yay!), we'll go ahead and open the Neunelfer calendar to mark 2017 as the year of the rear paws.
When this Irkutsk repair crew finally showed up to fix two massive potholes, one of the trucks promptly fell in. https://t.co/0pdUNSlosS pic.twitter.com/IiCU00ZVVn  The Moscow Times (@MoscowTimes) April 14, 2017

It is not uncommon anymore to see entire automobiles swept into ditches, and poor asphalt quality seems to be a global issue. The latest event from this series happened in the town of Bratsk, which is in the remote area of Irkutsk, Russia Apparently, the municipality has been hoping to solve its massive ruptures in the road surface since the summer of 2016, but work has been delayed for various reasons.The mayor of the city explained last year that the installation of drainage pipelines in the area was the reason why workers could not fix the situation encountered with the asphalt. Somehow, the town received funds to repair its problems, which look concerning if the images posted on Twitter are not digitally doctored.According to reports, there are pits as deep as six feet (1.82 meters), and it appears that few improvements are being made to the infrastructure in the remote area of Russia.This month, a repair crew was expected in Bratsk, and it was targeting the large trenches. Unfortunately for the team, it appears that the driver was too focused on correcting the issue, as one of the trucks fell into the ditch. An excavator had to be called to pull it out of the massive pit.Fortunately, nobody was killed or injured in this accident, which could have ended badly for the workers in the truck and the people in the area.The Internet began to modify pictures of the crash, which became popular on the countrys most used social network. As The Moscow Times reports, some images have become more popular than others.With the right legal team, someone who has fallen into one of these ditches could have obtained significant compensation from the state. However, it is better to prevent a personal injury lawsuit than having to fight for your rights with anyone on matters like these.
kW

HP

SUV

This vehicle is an electric SUV with coupe-inspired styling. It is also the first all-electric concept from the Czech brand, and it is scheduled to be revealed at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show.Its creators say that it is capable of Level 3 Autonomous driving, which means relieving the driver of his or her duties in certain conditions, but continual monitoring by a human is required.The Vision E has two electric motors with a total output of 225(306), and it can drive up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) on a full charge of its batteries. Top speed is limited to 180 km/h (111 mph), but acceleration figures have not been revealed.This concept paves the way for future plug-in models from Skoda, which will represent a quarter of the total sales volume by 2025, but hybrids are also included in the goal.Five electric models will be launched by this marque by 2025, and the range will be complemented by several plug-in hybrid versions.The exhibit has an unusual golden shade, but it is less important than the features it has been gifted. The headlights are among the biggest modifications, and a strip of LEDs joins the two elements. The same piece is replicated in the bumper, in the form of a continuous light stripe.The front grille has been closed, but it is still a prominent design feature. This leads us to believe that the design of the concept will inspire production cars with internal combustion engines, which will need that front grille.Skodas concept also has the coolest rims we have ever seen on a car from Mlada Boleslav, but theres no hope of them reaching production in this form.The rear of thecontinues the companys styling cues, and comes as an evolution of existing shapes. The tail lights come in a minimized from of the ones seen on the Kodiaq , while the rear hatch in unusually short. Since this is a concept, the Czechs went ahead and fitted an illuminated logo on its back.
Teenage girl killed as tanker hits bike in Bhaktapur

A teenage girl died after a tanker hit a motorbike at Gatthaghar in Bhaktapur on Monday.
Top officials in the West Wing  including President Trump and Steve Bannon  will closely monitor Tuesday's special election in Georgia's 6th congressional district. (The vote is to replace Tom Price, the new Health and Human Services Secretary.)

Why Trump cares: Whether he likes it or not, the media will portray this election as an early verdict on his presidency. The year's first special election, in Kansas' usually reliable deep-red 4th district, was way closer than it should've been. A loss in Georgia would further weaken Trump and make his legislative agenda  which relies on him holding his popularity like a knife over recalcitrant Republicans  a fair bit tougher.

What Nate Silver thinks will happen on Tuesday:

"If the polls are right, then Democrat Jon Ossoff will receive by far the most votes..."

"But Ossoff will probably finish with less than 50 percent of the vote, which would trigger a runoff between him and the next-highest finisher  most likely the Republican Karen Handel, but possibly one of three other Republicans (Bob Gray, Dan Moody Judson Hill) who are closely bunched behind her in polls."

Complicating matters further: "[T]he combined vote for all Republican candidates will probably exceed the combined vote for Ossoff and other Democrats, although it should be close. And the district has historically been Republican-leaning, although it was much less so in the 2016 election than it had been previously. All of this makes for a fairly confusing set of circumstances and a hard-to-forecast outcome."

What's next? Silver says Tuesday "won't actually resolve that much  unless Ossoff hits 50 percent of the vote and averts the runoff entirely. (That's an unlikely but hardly impossible scenario given the fairly high error margins of polls under these circumstances.)" Even if Ossoff finishes close to 50 percent, he adds, that's no guarantee he'll win the runoff because the district leans red and Republicans will have a chance to regroup for the June 20 rematch.
Turkey seems to have voted yesterday to greatly expand the powers of President Recep Erdogan, choosing to add 18 amendments to its constitution, which in part:

Abolish the role of prime minister in favor of a vice president

Grant the president unilateral power to dismiss parliament, appoint ministers and judges, enact laws, and declare a state of emergency

Reset Erdogan's term limits, allowing him to potentially stay in office until 2029

It's worth asking: As the opposition moves to challenge a huge portion of the vote share and international monitors question the result, how did Turkey get to this point in the first place?




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
Trump congratulates Erdogan on poll win

Donald Trump has congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his victory in Sunday's referendum that gave him sweeping new powers.
Two years after quake Durbar High School continues classes under tin roof

Believe it or not, most of the quake-stricken schools are still continuing classes in makeshift tents in the capital city two years after the massive earthquake struck Nepal.
SunTrust Banks, Inc. operates as the holding company for SunTrust Bank that provides various financial services for consumers, businesses, corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit entities in the United States. It operates in two segments, Consumer and Wholesale. The Consumer segment provides deposits and payments; home equity and personal credit lines; auto, student, and other lending products; credit cards; discount/online and full-service brokerage products; professional investment advisory products and services; and trust services, as well as family office solutions. This segment also offers residential mortgage products in the secondary market. The Wholesale segment provides capital markets solutions, including advisory, capital raising, and financial risk management; asset-based financing solutions, such as securitizations, asset-based lending, equipment financing, and structured real estate arrangements; cash management services and auto dealer financing solutions; investment banking solutions; and credit and deposit, fee-based product offering, multi-family agency lending, advisory, commercial mortgage brokerage, and tailored financing and equity investment solutions. This segment also offers treasury and payment solutions, such as operating various electronic and paper payment types, which comprise card, wire transfer, automated clearing house, check, and cash; and provides services clients to manage their accounts online. The company offers its products and services through a network of traditional and in-store branches, automated teller machines, Internet, mobile, and telephone banking channels. As of December 31, 2018, it operated 1,218 full-service banking offices located in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, South Carolina, and the District of Columbia. SunTrust Banks, Inc. was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Analysis: Fresh start for all parties as PM produces an Easter shock at Westminster

Cynical hacks in an increasingly secular Westminster may largely have ignored the religious element of surprise at Easter over the weekend, but they got the shock of the year this morning when it became clear that the Prime Minister, Theresa May was calling a snap general election on June 8.

One can only speculate to what extent May contemplated her move  which seeks a political fresh start after months of wrangling over Brexit  while attending St. Andrew's church at Sonning, where she still occupies a pew most Sundays.

But perhaps there were clues in her almost monarch-like Easter statement, in which she referred explicitly, as the Queen does, to Christ and somewhat bizarrely portrayed Christians almost as a persecuted minority in Britain.

Critics argued then that she should not be linking her government to Christian values while presiding over cuts to benefits, the NHS, schools and other public services, just as critics today will argue that her 'reluctant' move was sheer opportunism rather than statesmanship.

After all, by blaming the Opposition parties for 'division' and then pulling the rug from under their feet by challenging them to oppose the House of Commons vote tomorrow that is needed to go to the country despite the Fixed Term Parliament Act, May has shown a ruthless streak.

Barely a month ago officials were briefing journalists that there would definitely not be a snap election this year (a move Christian Today predicted at the end of 2016).

But clearly the temptation to destroy the Labour party under Jeremy Corbyn was too great, as May decided to learn from the politically fatal mistake of Gordon Brown in 2007 when he failed to heed the polls and go to the country to gain an early mandate of his own.

And all the polls suggest a Tory victory, with a YouGov survey this morning placing the Conservatives on 44 per cent to Labour's 23 and the Liberal Democrats' 12.

Fevered speculation will surely turn this week to the plight of Labour, and its weak leader Corbyn who was characteristically slow to respond to the announcement today. Moderate and even leftist Labour MPs may be wishing that Corbyn would resign today, but the reality is that, doubtless with deep reluctance, Corbyn will -- unless there can somehow be a coronation  have to face a general election campaign he must know in his heart is doomed to disaster. The party simply does not now have the time for a leadership election. Critics will be cursing the vanity of Team Corbyn this week.

Instead, the Liberal Democrats, led by the evangelical Christian Tim Farron, look like the Opposition party in waiting. In contrast to Corbyn, Farron was quick out of the blocks this morning, declaring this as an opportunity for voters who oppose a 'hard' Brexit to make their voices heard. And as former Labour voters consider whether to lend their vote to the Lib Dems to do just that, the third party looks well placed to increase its share of nine seats, a derisory figure resulting from Nick Clegg's fateful decision to go into coalition with a party  the Tories  diametrically opposed to them on all the majorissues of the day, starting with Europe. An unlikely chance for a fresh start has been gifted to the Lib Dems, so it is unsurprising that they welcome a general election that comes as it does in the midst of troubled Brexit negotiations.

Meanwhile  and this is where May is taking a risk, and arguably putting her own partisan interests ahead of the country's  the SNP looks set to benefit, too. With a second independence referendum off the table for several years, this could be a chance for Scottish voters to register again their own opposition to Brexit, and the general course of what is actually, beneath the surface of Easter messages and the massive distraction of Brexit wrangling, a notably right-wing administration.

Of course, the one set of divisions to which May did not refer were those in her own party, which are considerable, with groups of Tory MPs who back both a hard and soft Brexit circling her and monitoring her every move.

By going to the country, the Prime Minister will be hoping for a mandate of her own for the next five years. And judging by the political landscape, it is almost inconceivable that she won't get it.

Just when we looked to be settling into a period of relatively normal politics, the drama has started up again.

Labour will surely have a new leader by the end of the year. The Lib Dems could be resurrected from the dead. And the Union could be in even greater peril, with Scottish nationalism ever more difficult to argue against in the face of pro-Brexit nationalism south of the border.

For better or worse, all the parties will now get the chance for a fresh start.
Are American Christians really being persecuted  or are they just being manipulated?

There's an enduring narrative among many conservative Christian groups that the downfall and even persecution of Christianity in America is coming. That fearful sentiment provided part of the foundational rationale of the new book the Benedict Option, drew attention to numerous 'studies' by polling organizations, and appeared in various Christian or right leaning news outlets.

Even if many of these fears about persecution and marginalization are largely based on misunderstandings and overreactions, there's good reason to believe that the worst-case projections don't really hold water in light of so many professing Christian leaders in America. Russian electoral interference aside, evangelical Christians can finally tell themselves that, provided enough Christians mobilize for a common interest, they can exercise significant political power in order to advance their interests within the American political system.

There will always be small skirmishes over the definition of religious freedom and its boundaries. Small skirmishes over boundary markers are not the same thing as a full-scale assault to ban a particular religion. Whether there are lawsuits over issuing gay marriage licenses, baking cakes for a gay wedding, setting tax laws for church buildings, or defining the limits of public/private partnerships when churches rent space in public schools, none of these religious freedom battles qualify as an attack on the right to practice a religion. These boundaries concern the nature of separating church and state, not the state attacking the church.

Christians have long enjoyed a privileged position in America and Christians remain a majority religious group. As the overall number of Christians decline and cultural shifts lead to American values no longer being synonymous with a particular Christian group's beliefs, conflicts will be inevitable. Losing a place of privilege is not the same as losing all rights and freedom to read the Bible or to practice one's faith.

Most 'religious freedom' battles are matters of balancing one group's rights against another group's rights. For instance, if a Christian university has policies that restrict gay students/employees, courts will need to rule between the rights of the gay students/employees and the rights of the religious institution. Both sides have their concerns and arguments, but such a case is hardly a concerted attack on Christianity or an attempt to persecute Christians.

Even if a Republican president failed to provide sufficient safeguards for Christians on the federal level, there is no shortage of practicing Christians in the American government. In fact, Christians far outnumber every other faith group in Congress. In addition, the Republicans in the US Congress have by and large campaigned on 'religious freedom' platforms. If they hope to be re-elected, they would be expected by their constituents to take careful note of religious freedom issues  although there are plenty of Christian Democrats who would defend Christians.

With the disputed confirmation of Neil Gorsuch, a conservative justice believed to be further to the right than his predecessor Antonin Scalia, Christians worried about an assault on their religious freedom have yet another confirmed advocate in the court. This is also assuming that justices on the left would stand by if a gross violation of religious freedom occurred in America  a possibility that I highly doubt. It's hard to imagine a pitched battle in America's courts where both parties would alter the laws of the land against Christians.

However, even if the president, Congress and Supreme Court all failed to protect religious freedom in America and the rights of Christians came under fire, there remain state legislatures and governors as a significant line of defense. Republicans control a majority of these legislatures and governorships, the highest in recent history in fact. While there are serious charges of gerrymandering and voter suppression to contend with in the years to come, the fact remains that Republican representatives, who tend to be sympathetic to Christian voters, will have significant power in place to protect the religious freedom of citizens.

Once again, this does not take into account that there are many Christian Democrats as well who would strongly oppose any overt form of persecution or restriction on religious practice. Yes, they are plenty of Democrats who support gay marriage and who may not be as sympathetic to churches in certain court cases, but these issues hardly constitute a spirit of hostility or desire to undermine the freedom of religion in America.

The American Christian persecution complex is a fear-based manipulation tool that is designed to motivate voters for Republicans, to prompt donors to give to ministries, and to convince readers to buy books. There is no doubt about a decline of professing Christians in America, although a great deal of the decline can be explained by marginal or cultural Christians changing their status to unaffiliated.

An unaffiliated former Christian voting for Democrats and supporting same sex marriage is hardly on par with a conspirator working to ban the Bible and to lock up Christians in large numbers. Christians still have significant influence and political power in America. The sooner we use that influence for the causes of justice and restoration of those in need, the better for America and the future of Christianity in America.

Ed Cyzewski is the author of 'A Christian Survival Guide' and 'Pray, Write, Grow'. He writes at www.edcyzewski.com and is on Twitter as @edcyzewski.
'Atheists in the closet': New study suggests US could have twice as many non-believers as previously assumed

There may be more than twice as many atheists in the US than previous studies have found, according to a new study that takes into account people's tendency to lie about whether they believe in God.

The report by two University of Kentucky scholars suggests that because people may be embarrassed to admit they don't believe, the number of Americans who say they are non-believers may be artificially low, according to Religion News Service (RNS).

Polls from Gallup, Pew and Barna have reported that number as being between three and 10 per cent. But the real number of American atheists may be as high as 26 per cent, according to the psychologists Will Gervais and Maxine Najle.

'There's a lot of atheists in the closet,' Gervais told Vox. 'And...if they knew there are lots of people just like them out there, that could potentially promote more tolerance.'

Gervais and Najle's research, which will be published in the next issue of the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, shows that people are less likely to be truthful when answering a direct 'yes or no' question about their faith, such as, 'Do you believe in God?'

Two groups of people were polled, with each asked how many of several statements were true for them, such as 'I am a vegetarian,' 'I own a dog,' and 'I believe in God'.

One group  2,000 people  received questionnaires with no query about God and another group  1,000 people  questionnaires that asked about belief in God, RNS explained.

By comparing the two groups, Gervais and Najle conclude that the number of American atheists is usually under-reported by most polls.

'According to our samples, about one in three atheists in our country don't feel comfortable disclosing their lack of belief,' Najle told Vox.
Canadian church celebrates Easter by hiring helicopter to drop 45,000 chocolate eggs

A Christian charity in Canada hired a helicopter this Easter which dropped 45,000 chocolate eggs to children waiting below.

#WeheartOttawa is the outreach arm of the Kingdom Culture church in Ottawa which puts on free events in the city.

Shawn Gabie and his wife Michelle, who are pastors at the church, booked the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum and rented a helicopter for a free family event on Saturday.

'In 10 days, just through social media, we had 5,500 people register online,' Shawn Gabie said.

'We had to shut down registration. We didn't expect that to happen. We thought we would have a couple thousand people show up, registering up until the last week. Everybody who comes will get an invite to our Easter service, which is the next day. Easter is a time where people who never come to church will come.'

More than 5,000 people attended the event.

Because We Heart Ottawa does not advertise that it is a church brand, they managed to recruit 15 different sponsors, according to the Christian website Spur Ottawa.

'I feel like this will shift paradigms of what church looks like and what other churches feel like they are capable of," said Matt Campbell, one of the organisers before the event. 'We will push the envelope of going big, going outside the idea of having a barbecue on the church grounds.'

The event did not have any overt 'gospel presentation', according to Spur Ottawa, and there was no mention of church on the event's website.

But Campbell said: 'Easter is a time where people who never come to church will come. If we can create life and expectation, it may inspire people to think about what they can do for their city. What can I do for the 2000 homeless people living in my city? What can I do to change the life of my boss?'

Every family attending received a welcome bag with coupons from the sponsors, the biggest of which was Kingdom Culture, and an invitation to go to church on Easter Day.
General Election on June 8 as Prime Minister announces vote

The Prime Minister has announced her desire to call a general election on June 8.

Throwing down a challenge to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and other opposition leaders, Theresa May will ask the House of Commons to back the decision for a snap decision on Wednesday.

Labour have confirmed they will vote with the government and support a general election, giving the Prime Minister the two-thirds majority needed from MPs to overturn the Fixed-Term Parliament Act.

Only a month ago Theresa May said she would not call an early election. She said she had reached her decision ''only recently and reluctantly'.

Justifying her change of mind, May blamed 'division in Westminster' and said she needed a stronger mandate to negotiate a good Brexit deal from the European Union. 'We have a one off chance to get this done,' she said.

In a surprise announcement outside 10 Downing Street on Tuesday she said: 'The country is coming together but Westminster is not.'

She accused the Liberal Democrats and Labour of blocking progress on Brexit negotiations

'What they are doing jeopardises the work we must do to prepare for Brexit at home,' she said.

'Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit.

'We need a general election and we need one now.'

Issuing a challenge to Labour just as a poll gave her a 21-point lead over Jeremy Corbyn, May said: 'I have a simple challenge for the opposition parties.

'This is your moment to show you mean it...to show you don't treat politics as a game.'

She added: 'Let the people decide.'

Jeremy Corbyn said he welcomed the challenge. 'I welcome the prime minister's decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.

'Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS.

'In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country. We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain.'

Indicating the Liberal Democrats would also back the call for an election, leader Tim Farron said: 'This election is your chance to change the direction of our country.

'If you want to avoid a disastrous Hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the Single Market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance.

'Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority.'
How Easter challenges the horrifying injustice of America's death penalty

Holy Week witnessed new levels of protest against America's culture of violence, specifically the State of Arkansas' line-up of eight people to execute in 10 days. The Easter killing spree was designed to make the most of the state's remaining supplies of midazolam, one of three drugs in a lethal execution cocktail, before its use-by date of April 30.

On Good Friday, hundreds of protesters gathered on the steps of the Arkansas Capitol and a petition of over 157,000 signatures was delivered to Republican governor Asa Hutchinson.

The grounds for protesting Arkansas' schedule are many.

Firstly, the risk of executing an innocent person was affirmed by one of Friday's protesters, Damien Echols, released in 2011 after 18 years on Death Row. One hundred and fifty-seven Death Row inmates have been exonerated to date and some have been executed then later proved innocent.

Secondly, the lethal drugs used in executions have come under recent legal challenges in several states for the suffering caused by ghastly botched executions in recent years.

On Maundy Thursday, two of the many pharmaceutical companies that have refused to supply drugs for execution filed a court brief claiming the drugs they supplied to Arkansas were obtained under false pretences, supposedly for medical purposes.

Other states have found ways to circumvent the reputable drug companies' ban. Ohio, which witnessed the lengthy, suffocating death of Dennis McGuire in 2014 and the two-hour torturous attempt to inject Romell Broom in 2009, passed a law last year guaranteeing secrecy for any supplier or compounding pharmacy supplying killer drugs.

Thirdly, objections to the death penalty have been raised on behalf of the executioners. On Wednesday, 23 former corrections officials from different States wrote to Arkansas Governor Hutchinson urging him to halt the killings, on the grounds that committing serial executions causes considerable mental trauma.

The State had even resorted to asking for volunteers from the Rotary Club to initiate some of the executions, to take the strain off prison staff. They had no volunteers, even from professed death penalty supporters.

By Easter Monday, Arkansas' hit list had gone down from eight to five. A parole board recommended clemency for Jason McGehee, who had spent 19 years on Death Row for a violent crime at age 19, following a severely abused childhood. The Governor does not have to accept the board's recommendation but it at least delays the issue until after the lethal drugs run out at the end of the month.

A stay of execution was granted for Bruce Ward based on his mental disability. Then Don Davis  who had already been given his final meal in the execution unit  was granted a last minute appeal by the US Supreme Court due to his 'organic brain damage, intellectual disability, head injuries, fetal alcohol syndrome and other severe mental health conditions'.

The mental health issue was further grounds for the Good Friday protests. Arkansas, which executed a man with schizophrenia in 2004, is one of seven states facing the introduction of a new bill to prohibit the death penalty for people suffering serious mental illness at the time of their crime.

In theory, it is already unconstitutional to execute someone with mental illness but many are not diagnosed until they are in prison, and according to one Death Row inmate, usually the State 'medicates them, says they're OK now, then kills them'.

It is already illegal (following the 2002 Atkins ruling) to execute someone with intellectual disability but states define disability in their own way. Texas has just been ordered by the US Supreme Court to relinquish outdated methods of assessing intellectual disability based on IQ tests and ignoring other data, a practice mirrored by other States.

There are also ongoing protests from forensic scientists regarding the use or misuse of forensic evidence to convict people, and the new Attorney General's proposal to remove review of forensic procedures from the scientific community is causing dismay.

Innocence Projects and attorneys for a number of Death Row inmates claim that their clients' convictions were based on uncorroborated forensic claims, junk science or improperly analysed DNA results.

And lastly, but significantly, protesters are challenging the myth that executing the perpetrator of violent crime constitutes justice, 'closure' or rightful revenge for victims' families.

Among the growing army of Americans joining the protests against state-sanctioned violence are family members of victims, who do not want the last memorial of their loved ones to be another gruesome death.

Easter is a reminder, if Christians ever need one, that redemption does not preclude even the gravest offenders and that  surely  one crucifixion is enough.

For more information see Murder Victims' Families For Reconciliation and Journey of Hope  From Violence to Healing.

An Ohio execution survivor's story can be seen on YouTube.
Unknown group sets fire to Dhobighat Church

An unknown group allegedly set fire to a Catholic Church at Dhobighat, Lalitpur at around 3 am on Tuesday. Two motorbikes and a four-wheeler parked inside the Church of the Assumption were reduced to cinder in the fire.
Inquiry begins into sainthood for Jacques Hamel, killed while celebrating Mass last year

A formal inquiry has begun into the cause for beatification of the French priest Fr Jacques Hamel, who was killed last July while celebrating Mass. The inquiry, which comes less than a year after the murder, is the first step towards possible sainthood.

The Vatican traditionally requires a five-year waiting period after the death of a candidate for sainthood before a cause is opened, but Pope Francis waived the rule in response to pleas from French Catholics.

Hamel was killed on July 26, 2016 as he celebrated Mass at St-Etienne-du-Rouvray Church near Rouen when two young men who claimed allegiance to so-called Islamic State stormed the church. After taking several hostages, the attackers slit his throat and seriously injured another parishioner. Police shot the attackers dead.

The Pope called Hamel a martyr during a special service for the priest in September at the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae at the Vatican.

'Fr Jacques Hamel had his throat slit on the cross, at the exact moment he was celebrating the sacrifice of Christ's cross. A good man, meek, brotherly and who always sought to make peace, was murdered as if he were a criminal. This is the satanic line of persecution,' Pope Francis said.

The inquiry, which was announced by Archbishop Dominique Lebrun of Rouen, is expected to take several years. The beatification of a martyr is a simpler process because there is no need to prove a miracle occurred through his intercession.

A statement from the Archdiocese said that around 50 people will be contacted. The group will include witnesses at the Mass as well as family members, fellow priests and others who knew Fr Hamel.
Middle East's only Christian President says his message is peace

In a region torn by conflict and hate, a Christian political leaderthe only one in the regionlit the light of hope and peace just before Easter, the celebration of Jesus' resurrection.

Michel Aoun, the newly elected President of Lebanon and the only Christian president in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), spoke to SAT-7 on Thursday to relate the message of Jesus' resurrection to the search for peace in the region.

"Resurrection is what we wish for after death. This is the Christian hope based on our faith. Without it, there is no Christianity and no resurrection," he told the news outlet in an interview.

Aoun emphasized the significance of Jesus' resurrection by quoting the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:14, "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith."

Aounwho was elected president by the Lebanese parliament on Oct. 31, 2016, which ended a 29-month power vacuum in the countryemphasized the need for peace, coexistence, and tolerance in the Middle East. "I carry a message of peace," he declared.

Aoun is an ally of the powerful Iran-backed Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah, Reuters noted.

He was prime minister of one of two rival Lebanese governments at the end of the 1975-90 civil war. He fought two wars during that period, one against Syrian forces in Lebanon, and another against a powerful Christian militia, the Lebanese Forces.

The Syrian army ousted him from power in 1990 and he went into exile in France. He returned to Lebanon in 2005 after Syrian troops withdrew following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri.

The following year, Aoun declared an alliance with Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, which has remained in effect.

In the SAT-7 interview, the former army general lamented that the political turmoil in the region is greatly affecting Christians.

He focused on the plight of Christians in Israel who, he claimed, are being evicted from their land. "Christians in Jerusalem once constituted 22 percent of Israel's population. Now, we are left with only about one percent," he said.

Aoun has vowed to turn Lebanon into a regional and global model of peaceful coexistence among people of differing faiths. He said he is seeking "blessing" from the United Nations in his plan to promote Lebanon as the international hub for religious dialogue. "Lebanon encompasses the ultimate mix of cultural, religious, and ethnic groups in the world," he said.

Aoun urged the people of the region, regardless of their faiths, to hold on to their hope of eventually overcoming the many challenges in their lives.

He urged the people not to give in to fear, doubt, and temptation, saying these are the "main reasons of failure in life" as conveyed by Jesus to His disciples.

Meanwhile, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem offered an Easter message to the world that celebrates the resurrection as well as unity in Christ.

"The message of Easter, which was first announced in Jerusalem, and has echoed down the centuries, now resounds again in Jerusalem, the city of the Resurrection," reads the message.

"It is our prayer that the hope established through our risen Lord will enlighten the leaders and nations of the whole world to see this light, and to perceive new opportunities to work and strive for the common good and recognize all as created equal before God," reads the message.

"This light of Christ draws the whole human family towards justice, reconciliation and peace, and to pursue it diligently."

This article was originally published in The Christian Post.
Saeed Abedini finalises divorce from Naghmeh Abedini as accusations of adultery and conspiracy swirl

Just over a year after his celebrated release from prison in Iran, persecuted Pastor Saeed Abedini's marriage to his wife, Naghmeh, came to a bitter end last Thursday under a cloud of whispers and accusations of adultery and conspiracy.

"Naghmeh, today my divorce got finalized legally after one-and-a-half year," Abedini declared last Thursday on his Facebook page.

Officials from the Fourth District Court of Ada County in Idaho, where the divorce documents were filed, said Wednesday they could not discuss the details of the divorce because the documents were sealed. A source familiar with Naghmeh, who now goes by her maiden name Naghmeh Panahi, confirmed that the divorce was finalized.

Since last Thursday, however, Abedini has been posting criticisms of leading religious figures like Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, claiming that they used him for personal gain until media interest in his story waned.

Graham, however, has disputed his claims.

"It is unfortunate that Graham's efforts to secure his (Abedini's) release from an Iranian prison and provide transportation for him from Germany to America, his financial assistance to Saeed and Naghmeh ... his provision of marital counseling at no cost to them, and various offers of employment for Saeed have now been met with a bitter Facebook post about him and his ministry, Samaritan's Purse," Graham's spokesman, Mark DeMoss, said in a statement to The Christian Post.

At least two sources who asked not to be named for this story suggested to CP that Graham began withdrawing his financial support for the persecuted pastor when he learned of Abedini's alleged extra-marital affairs, both before he went to prison in Iran, and in Boise after his return home.

One source said the claims are laid out in sealed divorce documents.

Saeed did not respond to questions from CP regarding the allegations when contacted on Wednesday but he alleged in a Facebook post that Naghmeh took advantage of him and has made "false accusations" about him in the media.

"I gave Naghmeh full power attorney before I got arrested and after she released false accusation against me on media while I was still in prison she sold our properties and made our account empty and asked for protection order on me," he wrote.

"Therefore when I got free I didn't have anything and I couldn't even get close to her and my children to ask why you did all this to me?! But I know why I will share and clarify in my book.

"Franklin Graham is aware of all this evil plan against me and he asked me to write all in my testimony book five weeks ago," he added.

The controversial ex-couple, who have two young children, have been in the public eye since Abedini was placed under house arrest and later imprisoned for three-and-a-half years in his native Iran for participating in Christian home churches in 2012.

While imprisoned, Naghmeh made many public appearances lobbying for her then husband's freedom, including giving a speech to the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2013. She also met privately with former President Obama when he visited the former couple's hometown in Boise, Idaho, in 2015.

But in November 2015, Naghmeh suspended her public advocacy for Saeed, citing continued psychological and sexual abuse in her marriage along with other allegations.

Then, 10 days after Abedini's release from an Iranian prison in January 2016, Naghmeh filed for legal separation from her husband. She told Reuters that Abedini had threatened to end their marriage and that she had taken "temporary legal action to make sure our children will stay in Idaho" until the situation between them had been resolved.

Last October, Abedini filed for divorce from Naghmeh.

Since their divorce was finalized last Thursday, Abedini has been lashing out at the justice system, his ex-wife, and high-profile religious figures.

"My experience in courts both in Iran and in USA was terrible and full of injustice," he said in a post on his Facebook page last Thursday.

"Since I came back from prison my ex-wife Naghmeh never met me personally or even talk to me on the phone about our marriage problems and she didn't let me to see my kids after four years when I got back home from prison in the first day and she told my kids I am criminal and police has problem with me not her who asked for protection order," he wrote.

In another post on Wednesday, he explained that the judge in his divorce matter awarded custody of his two children to his ex-wife. Sources tell CP that the judge was Judge Jill Jurries.

"Iran government got me away from my family for 4 years. U.S. Court got away my kids from me for 1/5 years and forever. Both did because false accusations. Lord will judge both. I know God heard and hears my cry and he saw and he sees my tears," he wrote.

"I [haven't] see them for more than a month now and miss them a lot. Shame on you both. The female judge Jury(sic) said more than a year ago: 'Saeed you have been far from your kids in prison for 5 years and we don't care you have been in prison as criminal or as prisoner for Christ . Our psycologist believes we should not change kids stability and place of living, so we can't give kids to you for overnight sleeping in your apartment,'" he continued.

"Since I got released I could see them less than 10 hours weekly because that's what the Ex want. Court tortured me and my kids and in their fake dreams they think they are protecting them. You got away the father and the kids from each other's and you think this is very Psychologic?! You guys are Psycho. You are trying to change the nature that God created in us by law . This is abusive," he charged.

Abedini claimed his ex-wife manipulated Graham and his professional marriage counselors, and charged that Graham advised him to get a divorce.

"After he talked and tried so many time with Naghmeh and his fallen Pastor Bob Caldwell and Naghmeh's parents tricky involvement, he called me six months ago and said: 'Saeed get divorce, there is no other way,'" Saeed wrote.

He claimed that Graham concluded that his wife was the one who abused him and urged him to move to Lynchburg, Virginia, where sources say he is currently living with his sister.

"Naghmeh called police two times and gave a false report and there is a letter as evidence who proves she did it to hurt me publicly to keep the platform and attention for herself," he wrote.

He also charged that Iranian intelligence officials were actively involved in destroying his reputation.

"Last night was the hardest night of my whole life and couldn't stop crying and crying out to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ but I believe I am fighting with spirit of Jezebel these last years who got control in our beloved country USA and I never give up," he said the day his divorce was finalized.

The persecuted pastor also accused Graham of encouraging him to leave ministry, but said he dismissed the evangelist as an agent of "Satan" for trying to discourage him from pursuing God's calling on his life.

"He told me thing that wasn't biblical while I was working for him like a Mexican worker in Alaska. He told me: leave ministry and preaching of the Gospel forever. God removed His hand from your life. You are finished," Saeed wrote.

"These words were voice of Satan to me when I heard them because Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior appear to me 17 years ago and he told me: Saeed, I am coming back soon, go to preach my Gospel," Abedini said. "And after that I started the largest churches in Iran Christian history, 100 Underground churches in 30 cities.

"And now he was trying to stop me to follow my Lord instead of encouraging me and helping me to follow my calling so I left him and his place and his jets forever and got back to Boise 6 months ago. He stood against God in my life," he contended.

This article was originally published in The Christian Post.
Saeed Abedini hits out at critics again in latest Facebook post

Saeed Abedini, the controversial Iranian pastor imprisoned for his faith, has launched another stinging Facebook attack on his opponents.

Abedini hit back at allegations he abused his ex-wife Nagmeh and accused her of spreading lies. He also renewed criticisms of Franklin Graham, the conservative preacher who hosted him after he was released from jail in 2015, though said this was 'most difficult' and acknowledged Graham had helped him.

The couple, who have two young children, are now divorced and since the separation was finalised last Thursday Saeed has made several Facebook posts defending himself and attacking his critics.

He condemned supporters of Nagmeh, saying they would 'come on my page and accuse me of things they had absolutely no idea were true or not. They did not live with us, therefore they cannot know what went on in our home. Still, they spread these accusations as if it were gospel. I said nothing,' he wrote on Sunday.

'This past week I began trying to answer some of those allegations and also provide some insight into what I have been dealing with privately since my release.'

He accused his former wife of 'telling total strangers lies about me and my family' and of having a 'Jezebel spirit'.

Saeed rose to prominence when he was placed under house arrest and later jailed in his home country of Iran for participating in Christian churches.

During his imprisonment Naghmeh lobbied for her husband's release and even met with President Obama in her hometown of Boise, Idaho , in 2015.

But in November 2015 Naghmeh halted her public advocacy for her husband pointing to ongoing psychological and sexual abuse in their marriage.

Months later when Saeed was released from prison in January 2016, Naghmeh filed for a legal separation, telling Reuters he had had threatened to end their marriage and that she had taken 'temporary legal action to make sure our children will stay in Idaho' until the situation between them had been resolved.

But Naghmeh was not the only target of Saeed's social media attacks. He also turned on Franklin Graham, the conservative preacher and son of evangelist Billy Graham.

Graham had offered Saeed a place to stay when he returned to the US but did not defend him publicly in his dispute, according to the Iranian's accusations.

'I am personally disappointed and hurt because he knew of many of the issues going on behind the scenes and would not speak out on my behalf,' Saeed wrote on Sunday. 'If he did a lot of this would have been avoided. It hurt that I even had to ask for help. But I did. Privately he supported me, and knew there were lies being spread, but would not make a stand for me publicly.

'Then he said I should forget my calling and take a job in fast food. That hurt most of all,' he added in his rambling Facebook message. 'I never intended to disparage any job or act like anything was beneath me. I don't feel that way. It was just so hurtful to be told that the calling of God on my life was now null and void. God's call is irrevocable.'

Graham's spokesman, Mark DeMoss, told the Christian Post: 'It is unfortunate that Graham's efforts to secure his (Abedini's) release from an Iranian prison and provide transportation for him from Germany to America, his financial assistance to Saeed and Naghmeh ... his provision of marital counseling at no cost to them, and various offers of employment for Saeed have now been met with a bitter Facebook post about him and his ministry, Samaritan's Purse.'

In a final sign-off Saeed suggested he would not comment further on the dispute.

'After today I intend to enjoy Easter with my family, and start to rebuild my life. Those who believe will believe. Those who don't never will. I don't intend on spending any more time worrying about it. I do pray God's blessings on them all, and on all of you as well.'
'Star Wars Rebels' latest news: Show to end after four seasons

"Star Wars Rebels" will come to an end after the upcoming season. This was announced by show creator Dave Filoni during the show's panel at the Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Florida.

"This is where I have to tell you that Season 4 is the final season of 'Star Wars Rebels,'" he said, adding that he wants the show to end on a high note, in a place where he was satisfied with. Fans have taken this statement to mean that he was referring to the premature cancellation of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" after its fifth season when Disney bought Lucasfilm. The animated show was eventually picked up by Netflix.

He also said during the event, "Seeing the evolution of this family, [and] these kids, and watching them get older, as a creator of a story I think of these things. I think about where we are going, and what the characters need to go through."

While "Star Wars Rebels" is set to end, it does not necessarily mean the end of the story for the show's characters. For instance, Sabine and Ahsoka have already been revealed to be the protagonists for the upcoming animated series, "Star Wars: Forces of Destiny."

Filoni described season 4 of "Star Wars Rebels" to be "different, a little dark, a little fun."

The trailer of the fourth and final season of "Star Wars Rebels" premiered during the event. It served somewhat as a montage of protagonist Ezra's journey throughout the show's story. However, it also teased at upcoming events, such as the appearance of Imperial hover tanks, which first appeared in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." The panel revealed that the last season will tie into the story of the aforementioned film.

The trailer also showed Bo-Katan Kryze from "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," as well as Grand Admiral Thrawn. Aside from Ezra, Saw Guerrera and Mon Mothma will also be returning for the final season. Meanwhile, Warwick Davis will be joining the cast, voicing Rukh, Grand Admiral Thrawn's bodyguard.

Season 4 of "Star Wars Rebels" will have 15 episodes.
The oldest person in the world is a Jamaican, church-loving Christian aged 117

The oldest person in the world is a Jamaican, church-loving Christian aged 117.

Violet Mosse-Brown, born March 10, 1900, said that her faith, commitment to the church and respect for family have helped her live so long.

'I love the church,' Brown told the Jamaica Gleaner in 2010.

Baptised at 13, she was born in the Duanvale district of Trelawny, Jamaica.

At age 107 she received a plaque from the Trelawny Baptist Association, celebrating her milestone achievement. She received a plaque from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II when she reached her 115th birthday.

Mosse-Brown, known to many affectionately as 'Aunt V' said that her 'faith in serving God, and believing strongly in the teaching of the Bible' has been a key factor in her long life, according to the Violet Moss Foundation.

'Honour your mother and father so your days may be long,' she told the Gleaner, quoting her favourite verse in the Old Testament.

In her early life, Brown served as a plantation worker cutting cane. She later became a businesswoman in her own right, cultivating her own sugarcane. She has also served as a community activist, church secretary, organist, seamstress and music teacher.

She reflected on the relative ease of modern life: 'I tell you, these young people these days have it easy  piped water, taxis and buses to bring them where they want to go, everything to their convenience.

'When I was younger, and even as an adult, I had to work so hard that sometimes when I look back, I cry at how hard I had to work to make a living for my family,' she told the Gleaner.

The oldest person in the world was previously Italian Emma Morano, 117, who died on Saturday. In the video below, Aunt V prays for 'everything and everyone in this world', two days after her 117th birthday.
My American friends often ask if Donald Trumps election has any repercussions for the French presidential election, the first round of which takes place on April 24. Id normally be inclined to say no, because presidential elections remain mainly domestic matters, but the American model is gradually influencing French politics.

Thus, the main right-wing party, originally Gaullist and Christian Democrat, took the name Republican two years agoa direct reference to the Republican Party of the United States. Its candidate, Francois Fillon, appeals at once to social conservatism and to a market economy, which is exactly the American synthesis that the French Republican Party intends to represent.

Another recent and significant borrowing from the American system is the use of primary elections to select party candidates. In France, as in the United States, primaries allow outsider candidates to crack the establishment hold over the nomination process, as happened in the United States with Trump. The French Republicans surprised themselves by choosing Fillon over more establishment candidates, such as Alain Juppe. Similarly, socialist militants nominated the relatively unknown Benoit Hamon, rather than their natural leaderin this case, Manuel Valls, the outgoing prime minister. Finally, the nationalist candidate, Marine Le Pen, coming from an old French tradition that favors turning inward and closing borders, is happy to identify herself with Trump.

We can see in this election a continuation of traditional French trepidation about America, but without its past excesses: the candidate of the extreme Left, Jean-Luc Melenchon, derides American capitalism, but not with the Cold War vocabulary of the 1960s. The conservative candidate, Fillon, and the nationalist candidate, Le Pen, suggest a possible rapprochement with Russias Vladimir Putin, but less from hostility toward the United States than, in the old Gaullist tradition, to restore Frances rightful place midway between the great powers. More generally, the candidates only mild anti-Americanism suggests that French intellectuals are stepping back from their typical hostility toward the United States, capitalism, and a consumer-oriented society. With the exception of Le Pen, French politicians are in the process of reconciling with an American-inflected globalized economy.

The elections most surprising aspect, which no one could have foreseen three months ago, is the rise of the centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron. Traditionally in French politics, the Right confronts the Left and the center is squeezed, forced to join one side or the other. This time, the reverse is happening: Macron, who is neither socialist nor conservative, has emerged as a possible victor, having drawn prominent figures from the Left and Right to his side. His centrist En MarcheOn Our Way is becoming Frances leading party by number of registered members. Macrons charismatic personality and relative youth (at 39, he is about decade younger than the next-youngest competitor) have attracted many voters; many Frenchmen seek a renewal of the political class, which Macron promises. Suddenly, all the other candidates and their parties seem old, including Le Pens National Front. Macrons inexperience doesnt bother his supporters; on the contrary, many young people who ordinarily do not vote are drawn to him.

Another major lesson of this campaign, whatever its final result, is the collapse of the French Left. The Left is divided between two ferociously opposed candidatesthe radical anti-capitalist Jean-Luc Melenchon, an heir of the Jacobin revolution and Communism, and Benoit Hamon, a social democrat with a libertarian side who has proposed legalizing marijuana. Its clear that the French Left cannot renew itself along the lines of German, Swedish, or British social democracy. As for the National Front, one is tempted to say: nothing new here. French nationalism, with its anti-European, anti-immigration, and anti-capitalist views goes a long way back. Since it found a charismatic leader, initially Jean-Marie Le Pen and now his daughter Marine, nationalism has consistently attracted about a fourth of the electorate, but no more. In a majoritarian system like that of French democracy, the National Front is highly unlikely to win because, in the second, runoff round, it invariable provokes an alliance of all the others against it (in the name of republican values). Still, the National Fronts persistent, if limited, appeal demonstrates that a substantial portion of French are not comfortable with their nation being modern and open to the world.

The ultimate example of the Americanization of French politics in this cycle is the personalization of voting. Voters seem less attached to platforms, which are generally seen as window dressing, than to personalities. Who cares about Macrons program, when he is 39 years old? Who cares that Melenchons program is a fantasy, since he is a revolutionary? Why should it matter what Marine Le Pen proposes, as long as she stands firm against the Islamization of France? As for Fillon, who three months ago seemed sure to win, his agendathe most developed among the candidateshas been forgotten since he and his wife were overcome by a financial scandal. It is unprecedented in French politics, incidentally, that the honesty of candidates be so scrupulously analyzed: in the past, the French concerned themselves little with corruption, because it was assumed that all politicians were more or less dishonest. Social media, with its open access and infatuation with connectedness, has doubtless contributed to placing corruption and the candidates wealth at the center of debate.

One big difference with the United States remains, however: the French are not yet ready to vote for a billionaire. Where Donald Trump flaunted his fortune, French candidates tend to make a virtue of their penury. Also, two lesser candidates in France are Trotskyites. That can happen only in France, not in the United States.

Photo by Jeff Mitchell/Getty Images
The mentally ill have it rough in America. For decades now, deinstitutionalization and other well-intended but disastrous policies that sought to empower the mentally ill have left many of the most seriously sick untreatedand that too often means that they wind up homeless or, after committing some criminal act in a brain-fogged state, thrown behind bars, transforming our jails and prisons into de facto mental wards. Gotham mayor Bill de Blasios nearly $1 billion ThriveNYC initiative wants to improve conditions for the mentally ill, but as Stephen Eide shows in Failure to Thrive,the program is utterly misguided. Not only does it rely on a vague definition of mental health and fret excessively about stigma, says Eideas if thats the biggest problem someone suffering visual and auditory hallucinations has to deal with; it also blurs crucial distinctions between serious and mild forms of mental illness. The upshot: ThriveNYC extends services to too many New Yorkers who dont really need help while providing insufficient aid to those who desperately do need it. Theres a better way, Eide maintains, and his important essay limns it.

Howard Husocks Dreams of My Uncle narrates the story of his schizophrenic great-uncle, Wolfe Levine, who spent most of his 92 years in Ohio mental hospitals. Yet as sad as Levines life was, Husock asks, are we treating the seriously mentally ill any better today? Is a life on the streets or in harsh prisons more humane than life in an asylum, for all its recognized deficiencies (and abuses)? Husock thinks not.

The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, aimed at vanquishing discrimination against the disabled and making them fully equal as American citizens, was, like our mental illness policies, noble in intentionand awful in unintended consequences. In The ADA Litigation Monster. Mark Pulliam describes how the law has given rise to mindless mandates, nonstop litigation, scams, and prosperity-killing compliance costs. Now the ADA has set its sights on e-commerce, with the University of California already withdrawing its free online courses because disabled advocates have complained that the content isnt closed-captioned. Expect lots more of the same. Pulliams essay, drawing on research by the Manhattan Institute and others whove studied the ADAs ill effects closely, calls for a return to common sense.

During his successful presidential run, Donald Trump vigorously defended the police and pledged to restore order in American cities, where violent crime has exploded in recent months, as copsunder fire from the elite press and activists for a purported hostility to minoritieshave backed off in many troubled neighborhoods. Heather Mac Donalds How Trump Can Help the Cops offers a step-by-step plan to turn things around. First, and most important, Mac Donald argues, the new administration must rewrite the false Obama-era narrative about the criminal-justice system as irredeemably racist. (For Myron Magnets withering take on the Obama racial legacy, see What Ever Happened to the Civil Rights Movement?) Data-driven proactive policing, not bigoted intimidation, drove Americas 50 percent violent-crime decline, Mac Donald explainsand the primary beneficiaries were the residents of poor minority areas, where crime was highest and fell the most. Trump and his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, should also remember that battling crime is predominantly a local concern, and get federal lawyers to stop micromanaging so many police departments.

No American novelist has focused so much on a single city as Philip Roth has on Newark, where he grew up and continues to have a presence (he recently donated his 4,000-book personal collection to the Newark Library). Steven Malangas Philip Roths Newark notes how the city (where Malanga himself hails from) has shown up in more than half of Roths novels and in his two autobiographies, as well as in some of his shorter essays and interviews. As Malanga details, the authors Newark writings chronicle the citys tragic fate, in which a flourishing blue-collar immigrant environment that propelled strivers like Roth into the American mainstream collapsed into dysfunction, entrenched poverty, and social pathologymaking it the worst American city, as one critic calls it. Roths vivid work shows how literature can capture the truth of urban life, in all its varieties.

Brian C. Anderson
The Information Commissioners Office has said it received over 300 responses to its public consultation to its draft GDPR consent guidance paper.

In a blog on the ICOs website, Jo Pedder, interim head of policy and engagement at the data protection watchdog, said the significant response to the consultation showed that the issue of consent surrounding the use of data has proved to be increasingly high-profile recently with the impending implementation deadline for the EUs General Data Protection Regulation.

Pedder said that the consultation, which closed on the 31 March 2017, had received more than 300 responses from across a variety of sectors, along with interested members of the public.

In her blog, Pedder also said that the guidance around consent was the ICOs first piece of detailed, topic-specific GDPR guidance and said it would be publishing more draft guidance in the future.

The ICO published a discussion paper on data profiling under GDPR earlier in April, and called on stakeholders and interested members of the public to make submissions on the topic. Submissions for consultation on profiling close on 28 April.

Pedder said that the hard work of analysing the feedback is under way and will feed into the final version of the guidance. She said that the ICO is working towards having a final version of our GDPR Consent guidance for publication in June, although that may be dependent on developments at European level.

A spokeswoman for the ICO was unable to confirm how many charities or voluntary sector organisations had made submissions as part of the consent consultation.

Guidance has insufficient clarity says NCVO

In its response to the ICOs guidance on consent, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations said that the document lacks the level of clarity required for regulatory guidance and would benefit from further detail in relation to a number of issues.

NCVOs response was published in a blog on its website written by Elizabeth Chamberlain, head of policy and public services at the umbrella body.

She wrote that the current draft [of the guidance] does not provide a clear distinction or explanation between what the ICO will require as a matter of legal compliance, and what instead the ICO recommends as good practice.

Chamberlain also said there was the potential for confusion with regards to the ICOs use in the draft guidance of the expression opt-in. She said that GDPR requires clear affirmative action, and this does not need to be expressed as an opt-in box.

In Fundraising Magazine

She said that NCVO thought the final guidance would benefit from further detail in relation to issues around the mechanisms that organisations will need to put in place for individuals to withdraw their consent easily; when consent needs to be refreshed and what is the duration of consent and around how specifically the purposes need to be defined for obtaining consent for different processing operations.

Civil Society News reported last week that the Fundraising Regulator had also called on the ICO to make an urgent amendment to the guidance around its wording regarding the Fundraising Preference Service.

Civil Society Media is hosting two breakfast seminars discussing the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ahead of its introduction in May 2018. Tickets are sold out for our event in June, but a limited number of spaces are still available for our event in May: click here to book on to this event
Monday marked the final time Mike Pride took to a lectern in the Columbia Journalism Schools Pulitzer Hall and announced the fabled prizes of the same name. But this ceremonycelebrating the 101st Pulitzersheld special significance for a man who spent three decades working at the 20,000-circulation Concord Monitor. When I was rehearsing this, Pride said later, I teared up when I got to the entry for The Storm Lake Times.

The twice-weekly, family-owned newspaper from a tiny town in northwest Iowa took home the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing on Monday, capping off a strong showing by the very local and regional newspapers most threatened by economic headwinds. The East Bay Times was given the nod for Breaking News Reporting for its coverage of a deadly warehouse party in Oakland, while the Charleston Gazette-Mails series on prescription opioids flowing into West Virginia earned Investigative Reporting honors.

The Storm Lake Times award came for editorials by its editor, Art Cullen, that challenged agricultural interest groups over water pollution. Speaking to reporters after Mondays ceremony, Pride said the paper showcased just how crucial local voices remain.

It shows the power of one journalistor a smaller group of journalistsif they keep their eyes on the prize and dont get too downhearted about whats happening, the turmoil in journalism, but instead focus on what the work at hand is.

Other takeaways:

A big day for Trumps favorite targets

Congrats to this year's Pulitzer Prize winners: The "Failing" New York Times

The "Phony" Washington Post

The "Left-wing blog" ProPublica Sign up for CJR 's daily email  Jordan Uhl (@JordanUhl) April 10, 2017



David Fahrenthold adds another notch to his belt

Was his Pulitzer for National Reporting ever in doubt?

International Consortium of Investigative Journalists ends a tumultuous year on a high note

Just months after the Panama Papers expose shocked the world in April 2016, the small investigative outfit that coordinated the effort was short on cash. ICIJ had to part ways with three contract journalists, and soon after it began spinning off from its parent organization of two decades, the Center for Public Integrity.

Its definitely been an incredible year of ups and downs, ICIJ Senior Editor Michael Hudson said by phone Monday, sometimes at the same time.

The latest upswing came in the form of a Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting shared with publishing partners at the Miami Herald and McClatchy. ICIJ connected hundreds of journalists across six continents to carry out the international leak investigation, which exposed how global elites sheltered wealth through offshore tax havens, among other revelations.

Some stories are too big, too global, too complex for a single news outlet to tackle, Hudson said. When journalists pool their resources and work together, its much harder for bad guys to keep their transgressions secret. Its takes two things that journalists arent really known for: teamwork and patience.

Recently bolstered by an Omidyar Network grant of $4.5 million, the newly independent ICIJ has staffed up past its Panama Papers-era size. Hudson, for one, is optimistic.

These days, a lot of us in journalism feel like were part of this embattled and shrinking tribe, Hudson says. Weve endured, weve seen layoffs, weve seen newspapers going under, and then President Trump comes into office saying were the enemy of the people. But were not dead yet. And the Panama Papers shows that to people all over the world.

TRENDING: 10 podcasts to help you keep up with the news cycle

The full list of 2017 winners

Public Service:

The New York Daily News and ProPublica: For uncovering, primarily through the work of reporter Sarah Ryley, widespread abuse of eviction rules by the police to oust hundreds of people, most of them poor minorities.

Finalists  Chicago Tribune; Houston Chronicle

Breaking News Reporting:

East Bay Times: For relentless coverage of the Ghost Ship fire, which killed 36 people at a warehouse party, and for reporting after the tragedy that exposed the citys failure to take actions that might have prevented it.

Finalists  The Dallas Morning News Staff; The Orlando Sentinel Staff

Investigative Reporting:

Eric Eyre, Charleston Gazette Mail: For courageous reporting, performed in the face of powerful opposition, to expose the flood of opioids flowing into depressed West Virginia counties with the highest overdose death rates in the country.

Finalists  Michael J. Berens and Patricia Callahan of Chicago Tribune; Steve Reilly of USA Today Network, Tysons Corner, Virginia

Local Reporting:

Salt Lake Tribune Staff: For a string of vivid reports revealing the perverse, punitive and cruel treatment given to sexual assault victims at Brigham Young University, one of Utahs most powerful institutions.

Finalists  Jenna Russell, Maria Cramer, Michael Rezendes, Todd Wallack and Scott Helman of The Boston Globe; Michael Schwirtz, Michael Winerip and Robert Gebeloff of The New York Times

National Reporting:

David Fahrenthold, The Washington Post: For persistent reporting that created a model for transparent journalism in political campaign coverage while casting doubt on Donald Trumps assertions of generosity toward charities.

Finalists  Renee Dudley, Steve Stecklow, Alexandra Harney and other members of the Reuters Staff; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Staff

International Reporting:

The New York Times: For agenda-setting reporting on Vladimir Putins efforts to project Russias power abroad, revealing techniques that included assassination, online harassment and the planting of incriminating evidence on opponents.

Finalists  Chris Hamby of BuzzFeed News, New York; International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, McClatchy and the Miami Herald; The Wall Street Journal Staff

Feature Writing:

C.J. Chivers, The New York Times: For showing, through an artful accumulation of fact and detail, that a Marines postwar descent into violence reflected neither the actions of a simple criminal nor a stereotypical case of PTSD.

Finalists  Adam Entous and Devlin Barrett of The Wall Street Journal; Eli Saslow of The Washington Post

Explanatory Reporting:

International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, McClatchy and the Miami Herald: For the Panama Papers, a series of stories using a collaboration of more than 300 reporters on six continents to expose the hidden infrastructure and global scale of offshore tax havens. (Moved by the Board from the International Reporting category, where it was entered.)

Finalists  Joan Garrett McClane and Joy Lukachick Smith of Chattanooga Times Free Press; Julia Angwin, Jeff Larson, Surya Mattu, Lauren Kirchner and Terry Parris Jr. of ProPublica; Staff of National Geographic, Washington, D.C.

Commentary:

Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal: For rising to the moment with beautifully rendered columns that connected readers to the shared virtues of Americans during one of the nations most divisive political campaigns.

Finalists  Dahleen Glanton of Chicago Tribune; Trudy Rubin of Philadelphia Media Network

Criticism:

Hilton Als of The New Yorker: For bold and original reviews that strove to put stage dramas within a real-world cultural context, particularly the shifting landscape of gender, sexuality and race.

Finalists  Laura Reiley of Tampa Bay Times; Ty Burr of The Boston Globe

Editorial Writing:

Art Cullen of The Storm Lake Times: For editorials fueled by tenacious reporting, impressive expertise and engaging writing that successfully challenged powerful corporate agricultural interests in Iowa.

Finalists  Fred Hiatt of The Washington Post; Joe Holley of Houston Chronicle

Editorial Cartooning:

Jim Morin of the Miami Herald: For editorial cartoons that delivered sharp perspectives through flawless artistry, biting prose and crisp wit.

Finalists  Jen Sorensen, freelance cartoonist; Steve Sack of Star Tribune, Minneapolis

Breaking News Photography:

Daniel Berehulak, freelance photographer: For powerful storytelling through images published in The New York Times showing the callous disregard for human life in the Philippines brought about by a government assault on drug dealers and users. (Moved into this category from Feature Photography by the nominating jury.)

Finalists  Jonathan Bachman, freelance photographer; Photography Staff of the Associated Press

Feature Photography:

Jason Wambsgans of Chicago Tribune: For a superb portrayal of a 10-year-old boy and his mother striving to put the boys life back together after he survived a shooting in Chicago.

Finalists  Jake May of The Flint Journal, Flint, Michigan; Katie Falkenberg of Los Angeles Times

Correction: An earlier version of this story misdescribed the topic of The Storm Lake Times editorials.

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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.
The 2016 Presidential election shook the foundations of American politics. Media reports immediately looked for external disruption to explain the unanticipated victorywith theories ranging from Russian hacking to fake news.

We have a less exotic, but perhaps more disconcerting explanation: Our own study of over 1.25 million stories published online between April 1, 2015 and Election Day shows that a right-wing media network anchored around Breitbart developed as a distinct and insulated media system, using social media as a backbone to transmit a hyper-partisan perspective to the world. This pro-Trump media sphere appears to have not only successfully set the agenda for the conservative media sphere, but also strongly influenced the broader media agenda, in particular coverage of Hillary Clinton.

While concerns about political and media polarization online are longstanding, our study suggests that polarization was asymmetric. Pro-Clinton audiences were highly attentive to traditional media outlets, which continued to be the most prominent outlets across the public sphere, alongside more left-oriented online sites. But pro-Trump audiences paid the majority of their attention to polarized outlets that have developed recently, many of them only since the 2008 election season.

Attacks on the integrity and professionalism of opposing media were also a central theme of right-wing media. Rather than fake news in the sense of wholly fabricated falsities, many of the most-shared stories can more accurately be understood as disinformation: the purposeful construction of true or partly true bits of information into a message that is, at its core, misleading. Over the course of the election, this turned the right-wing media system into an internally coherent, relatively insulated knowledge community, reinforcing the shared worldview of readers and shielding them from journalism that challenged it. The prevalence of such material has created an environment in which the President can tell supporters about events in Sweden that never happened, or a presidential advisor can reference a non-existent Bowling Green massacre.

RELATED: Breitbart editor slams mainstream media in Pulitzer Hall

We began to study this ecosystem by looking at the landscape of what sites people share. If a person shares a link from Breitbart, is he or she more likely also to share a link from Fox News or from The New York Times? We analyzed hyperlinking patterns, social media sharing patterns on Facebook and Twitter, and topic and language patterns in the content of the 1.25 million stories, published by 25,000 sources over the course of the election, using Media Cloud, an open-source platform for studying media ecosystems developed by Harvards Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society and MITs Center for Civic Media.

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When we map media sources this way, we see that Breitbart became the center of a distinct right-wing media ecosystem, surrounded by Fox News, the Daily Caller, the Gateway Pundit, the Washington Examiner, Infowars, Conservative Treehouse, and Truthfeed.

Notes: In the above clouds, the nodes are sized according to how often they were shared on Twitter (Fig. 1) or Facebook (Fig. 2). The location of nodes is determined by whether two sites were shared by the same Twitter user on the same day, representing the extent to which two sites draw similar audiences. The colors assigned to a site in the map reflect the share of that sites stories tweeted by users who also retweeted either Clinton or Trump during the election. These colors therefore reflect the attention patterns of audiences, not analysis of content of the sites. Dark blue sites draw attention in ratios of at least 4:1 from Clinton followers; red sites 4:1 Trump followers. Green sites are retweeted more or less equally by followers of each candidate. Light-blue sites draw 3:2 Clinton followers, and pink draw 3:2 Trump followers.

Our analysis challenges a simple narrative that the internet as a technology is what fragments public discourse and polarizes opinions, by allowing us to inhabit filter bubbles or just read the daily me. If technology were the most important driver towards a post-truth world, we would expect to see symmetric patterns on the left and the right. Instead, different internal political dynamics in the right and the left led to different patterns in the reception and use of the technology by each wing. While Facebook and Twitter certainly enabled right-wing media to circumvent the gatekeeping power of traditional media, the pattern was not symmetric.

The size of the nodes marking traditional professional media like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN, surrounded by the Hill, ABC, and NBC, tell us that these media drew particularly large audiences. Their color tells us that Clinton followers attended to them more than Trump followers, and their proximity on the map to more quintessentially partisan siteslike Huffington Post, MSNBC, or the Daily Beastsuggests that attention to these more partisan outlets on the left was more tightly interwoven with attention to traditional media. The Breitbart-centered wing, by contrast, is farther from the mainstream set and lacks bridging nodes that draw attention and connect it to that mainstream.

RELATED: 10 tools to tackle common problems journalists face

Moreover, the fact that these asymmetric patterns of attention were similar on both Twitter and Facebook suggests that human choices and political campaigning, not one companys algorithm, were responsible for the patterns we observe. These patterns might be the result of a coordinated campaign, but they could also be an emergent property of decentralized behavior, or some combination of both. Our data to this point cannot distinguish between these alternatives.

Another way of seeing this asymmetry is to graph how much attention is given to sites that draw attention mostly from one side of the partisan divide. There are very few center-right sites: sites that draw many Trump followers, but also a substantial number of Clinton followers. Between the moderately conservative Wall Street Journal, which draws Clinton and Trump supporters in equal shares, and the starkly partisan sites that draw Trump supporters by ratios of 4:1 or more, there are only a handful of sites. Once a threshold of partisan-only attention is reached, the number of sites in the clearly partisan right increases, and indeed exceeds the number of sites in the clearly partisan left. By contrast, starting at The Wall Street Journal and moving left, attention is spread more evenly across a range of sites whose audience reflects a gradually increasing proportion of Clinton followers as opposed to Trump followers. Unlike on the right, on the left there is no dramatic increase in either the number of sites or levels of attention they receive as we move to more clearly partisan sites.

The primary explanation of such asymmetric polarization is more likely politics and culture than technology.

A remarkable feature of the right-wing media ecosystem is how new it is. Out of all the outlets favored by Trump followers, only the New York Post existed when Ronald Reagan was elected president in 1980. By the election of Bill Clinton in 1992, only the Washington Times, Rush Limbaugh, and arguably Sean Hannity had joined the fray. Alex Jones of Infowars started his first outlet on the radio in 1996. Fox News was not founded until 1996. Breitbart was founded in 2007, and most of the other major nodes in the right-wing media system were created even later. Outside the right-wing, the map reflects a mixture of high attention to traditional journalistic outlets and dispersed attention to new, online-only, and partisan media.

The pattern of hyper-partisan attack was set during the primary campaign, targeting not only opposing candidates but also media that did not support Trumps candidacy. In our data, looking at the most widely-shared stories during the primary season and at the monthly maps of media during those months, we see that Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, and Fox News were the targets of attack.

The February map, for example, shows Fox News as a smaller node quite distant from the Breitbart-centered right. It reflects the fact that Fox News received less attention than it did earlier or later in the campaign, and less attention, in particular, from users who also paid attention to the core Breitbart-centered sites and whose attention would have drawn Fox closer to Breitbart. The March map is similar, and only over April and May will Foxs overall attention and attention from Breitbart followers revive.

This sidelining of Fox News in early 2016 coincided with sustained attacks against it by Breitbart. The top-20 stories in the right-wing media ecology during January included, for example, Trump Campaign Manager Reveals Fox News Debate Chief Has Daughter Working for Rubio. More generally, the five most-widely shared stories in which Breitbart refers to Fox are stories aimed to delegitimize Fox as the central arbiter of conservative news, tying it to immigration, terrorism and Muslims, and corruption:

The Anti-Trump Network: Fox News Money Flows into Open Borders Group;

NY Times Bombshell Scoop: Fox News Colluded with Rubio to Give Amnesty to Illegal Aliens;

Google and Fox TV Invite Anti-Trump, Hitler-Citing, Muslim Advocate to Join Next GOP TV-Debate;

Fox, Google Pick 1994 Illegal Immigrant To Ask Question In Iowa GOP Debate;

Fox News At Facebook Meeting Is Misdirection: Murdoch and Zuckerberg Are Deeply Connected Over Immigration.

The repeated theme of conspiracy, corruption, and media betrayal is palpable in these highly shared Breitbart headlines linking Fox News, Rubio, and illegal immigration.

As the primaries ended, our maps show that attention to Fox revived and was more closely integrated with Breitbart and the remainder of the right-wing media sphere. The primary target of the right-wing media then became all other traditional media. While the prominence of different media sources in the right-wing sphere vary when viewed by shares on Facebook and Twitter, the content and core structure, with Breitbart at the center, is stable across platforms. Infowars, and similarly radical sites Truthfeed and Ending the Fed, gain in prominence in the Facebook map.

These two maps reveal the same pattern. Even in the highly-charged pre-election month, everyone outside the Breitbart-centered universe forms a tightly interconnected attention network, with major traditional mass media and professional sources at the core. The right, by contrast, forms its own insular sphere.

The right-wing media was also able to bring the focus on immigration, Clinton emails, and scandals more generally to the broader media environment. A sentence-level analysis of stories throughout the media environment suggests that Donald Trumps substantive agendaheavily focused on immigration and direct attacks on Hillary Clintoncame to dominate public discussions.

Coverage of Clinton overwhelmingly focused on emails, followed by the Clinton Foundation and Benghazi. Coverage of Trump included some scandal, but the most prevalent topic of Trump-focused stories was his main substantive agenda itemimmigrationand his arguments about jobs and trade also received more attention than his scandals.

While mainstream media coverage was often critical, it nonetheless revolved around the agenda that the right-wing media sphere set: immigration. Right-wing media, in turn, framed immigration in terms of terror, crime, and Islam, as a review of Breitbart and other right-wing media stories about immigration most widely shared on social media exhibits. Immigration is the key topic around which Trump and Breitbart found common cause; just as Trump made this a focal point for his campaign, Breitbart devoted disproportionate attention to the topic.

What we find in our data is a network of mutually-reinforcing hyper-partisan sites that revive what Richard Hofstadter called the paranoid style in American politics, combining decontextualized truths, repeated falsehoods, and leaps of logic to create a fundamentally misleading view of the world. Fake news, which implies made of whole cloth by politically disinterested parties out to make a buck of Facebook advertising dollars, rather than propaganda and disinformation, is not an adequate term. By repetition, variation, and circulation through many associated sites, the network of sites make their claims familiar to readers, and this fluency with the core narrative gives credence to the incredible.

Take a look at Ending the Fed, which, according to Buzzfeeds examination of fake news in November 2016, accounted for five of the top 10 of the top fake stories in the election. In our data, Ending the Fed is indeed prominent by Facebook measures, but not by Twitter shares. In the month before the election, for example, it was one of the three most-shared right-wing sites on Facebook, alongside Breitbart and Truthfeed. While Ending the Fed clearly had great success marketing stories on Facebook, our analysis shows nothing distinctive about the siteit is simply part-and-parcel of the Breitbart-centered sphere.

And the false claims perpetuated in Ending the Feds most-shared posts are well established tropes in right wing media: the leaked Podesta emails, alleged Saudi funding of Clintons campaign, and a lack of credibility in media. The most Facebook-shared story by Ending the Fed in October was ITS OVER: Hillarys ISIS Email Just Leaked & Its Worse Than Anyone Could Have Imagined. See also, Infowars Saudi Arabia has funded 20% of Hillarys Presidential Campaign, Saudi Crown Prince Claims, and Breitbarts Clinton Cash: Khizr Khans Deep Legal, Financial Connections to Saudi Arabia, Hillarys Clinton Foundation Tie Terror, Immigration, Email Scandals Together. This mix of claims and facts, linked through paranoid logic characterizes much of the most shared content linked to Breitbart. It is a mistake to dismiss these stories as fake news; their power stems from a potent mix of verifiable facts (the leaked Podesta emails), familiar repeated falsehoods, paranoid logic, and consistent political orientation within a mutually-reinforcing network of like-minded sites.

Use of disinformation by partisan media sources is neither new nor limited to the right wing, but the insulation of the partisan right-wing media from traditional journalistic media sources, and the vehemence of its attacks on journalism in common cause with a similarly outspoken president, is new and distinctive.

Rebuilding a basis on which Americans can form a shared belief about what is going on is a precondition of democracy, and the most important task confronting the press going forward. Our data strongly suggest that most Americans, including those who access news through social networks, continue to pay attention to traditional media, following professional journalistic practices, and cross-reference what they read on partisan sites with what they read on mass media sites.

To accomplish this, traditional media needs to reorient, not by developing better viral content and clickbait to compete in the social media environment, but by recognizing that it is operating in a propaganda and disinformation-rich environment. This, not Macedonian teenagers or Facebook, is the real challenge of the coming years. Rising to this challenge could usher in a new golden age for the Fourth Estate.

The election study was funded by the Open Society Foundations U.S. Program. Media Cloud has received funding from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Open Societies Foundations.

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Yochai Benkler, Robert Faris, Hal Roberts, and Ethan Zuckerman are the authors. Benkler is a professor at Harvard Law School and codirector of the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard (BKC); Faris is research director at BKC; Roberts is a fellow at BKC and technical lead of Media Cloud; and Zuckerman is director of the MIT Center for Civic Media.
On my first day of work, at my first job in city magazines, Champagne was served in the lobby.

I was in the Indianapolis headquarters of Emmis Communications, home of my new employer, Indianapolis Monthly magazine. Emmis, which was predominantly a radio company, had just been named to a Best Places to Work list. But the bubbly celebration might as well have been a toast to our pillars of paper and ink. It was 2005, and city and regional magazines were fat (sometimes more than 300 pages!) with advertising. Emmis Publishing held the largest portfolio of regional titles in the country, including giants Texas Monthly and Los Angeles. Two years later, the division would post a 17-percent profit marginalmost double that of the national average for all magazines. Raises and bonuses followed.

Cheers, indeed.

I remembered those workday libations a few weeks ago when I read the news that Emmis, having already sold off Texas Monthly last October, unloaded the remainder of its out-of-town titles to Detroit-based Hour Media Group LLC. Four magazinesAtlanta, Cincinnati, Orange Coast, and Los Angeleswere moved for a combined $6.5 million. (Emmis paid $30 million for Los Angeles alone in 2000.)

The fire-sale raised the eyebrows of magazine people across the nation and not just among Emmis alums and expats like me. Emmis has been a leader in both quality of writing and packaging and quality of design, says John Fennell, a magazine professor at the Missouri School of Journalism who also helps run the annual City and Regional Magazine Association awards. When you look at the awards, they have certainly led the way.

And yet, while there is a sense of heightened awareness, if not outright trepidation, among many in the industry, there is also a sort of battle-hardened optimismeven at whats left of Emmis. Greg Loewen, president of Emmiss publishing division, which now consists solely of Indianapolis Monthly, maintains that the radio company was trying to rid its balance sheet of some debt, not betting city magazines are headed for oblivion. When the economy collapsed (in 2008), so did the business, says Loewen. The business certainly recovered. After we hit bottom, we saw pretty consistent year-over-year revenue growth. We havent seen a year that looked like 2007. But things certainly did get betterthe business mix looks different now.

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Though Lowen declined to discuss the sale price of the four magazines, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission indicate that Emmis Publishing revenues dropped by 10 percent in the nine months prior to November 2016, excluding the performance of Texas Monthly, which Emmis sold on the first of that month. The report attributes a significant portion of the lackluster result to Los Angeles, but regardless, the groups bargain-basement sale price does not suggest an industry with stellar prospects.

For the most part, publishers and editors tell me that city magazine circulationhome-delivery subscriptions and newsstand saleshas remained steady. Digital editions have been slow to get off the ground. But the true bedrock of the city-mag business model, print advertising, disappeared with the economic collapse in 2008 and never came back. Between 2008 and 2009, ad-page counts dropped by a whopping 22 percent, according to a City and Regional Magazine Association survey available online; an association representative told CJR it could not provide comparative numbers since 2009 without extensive research. What data is available online is sparse and devoid of context. But anyone who has picked up one of the (quite a bit lighter) magazines lately knows hopes for a full recovery have further dimmed.

RELATED: New editor in chief takes Texas Monthly in a lifestyle direction

The mix of revenue sources is different for each market, but many are still overwhelmingly reliant on print advertising. Ads on the print pages comprised anywhere from 75 to 90 percent of revenue at the titles I surveyed, a stat which underscores the economic unease. And digital prospects dont look much brighter, as more niche pubs, upstart blogs, and websites try to squeeze into a fragmented advertising picture. Nicole Vogel, president of SagaCity Media, whose titles include Seattle Met, Portland, and Houstonia magazines, says that while in 2008, a local media buyer might be called upon by 30 companies, now that number is in the hundreds, maybe even a thousand. And besides local rivals, national competitors such as Facebook and Google offer sophisticated local targeting.

Whether the magazine was in Seattle, Dallas, or New England, it was suddenly fighting for every penny. When I was coming up in this business, you had the big fishnetwork affiliate TV and the newspapersand then the rest of usradio, us, free-rack pubs, burgeoning new websiteswere all guppies, says John Palumbo, owner and publisher of Rhode Island Monthly, who also writes an industry insider column for FOLIO:. There were certain pieces of business that you wouldnt think the big fish would look at. Now were all guppies. Everything is fair game.

Add to that the fact businesses were already slashing, if not jettisoning advertising budgets entirely, and it sent city magazines scurrying to find alternative sources of revenue. While each pub has had to adapt to its unique local market, two streams have emerged into major tributaries for titles across the country: Custom publishing and events.

Producing magazines, books, and travel guides for other companies and agencies was a natural fit. City mags already had the know-how, the production staff, and the relationships with printers and advertisers. We started looking at our magazines as beachheads, says Vogel. When somebody sees something that is well put together, they think I want something like that for my brand or my company. A particularly fruitful market has been putting out guides for city and state visitors bureaus and associations, which still have dollars to spend. Our magazines are love letters to our cities, says Vogel. Were good at illuminating places and what makes them special.

Last year, half of respondents to a Hows Business survey, conducted by the third-party Circulation Verification Council at the behest of the City and Regional Magazine Association, reported that custom content revenue had increased from the previous year. Those that saw an increase reported an average gain of more than 25 percent.

City mags for years have been known for events, like Best of the City and Best Restaurants parties where readers are invited to sample winning goods and grub. We did it because it was a good way to raise the flag and meet people, says Loewen. Now we think it needs to be profitable. Events are a rare bright spot for revenue: More than 57 percent of magazines surveyed by the CVC reported an average 17-percent bump in event revenue in 2016, and 92 percent planned for an increase in 2017. The Hows Business survey did not provide any hard numbers or break out what portion of revenue magazines get from ancillary sources.

Which 2016 Los Angeles magazine Cover Is Your Favorite?: https://t.co/1RKKE3EiHB pic.twitter.com/apFoWg0qHp  Los Angeles Magazine (@LAmag) December 21, 2016

Publishers are finding that they can use a magazines brand to offer more value to advertisers. For instance, in Rhode Island, Palumbo says they had always held a reception for the winners of its Top Doctors special issue, a staple franchise for all city mags. But recently, they had the idea of having the party sponsored by a local Audi dealer. Two hundred physicians and other guests showed up to the dealership to drink, get their plaques and gift bags, and have their pictures taken in front of the photo wallall while an affluent clientele was roaming the showroom of this luxury retailer. Doctors came back to test drive cars, says Palumbo. They sold four cars as a direct result.

Magazines are desperate to imagine or steal new ideas for events: Beer, wine, and whiskey festivals; 5k runs; even creating awards for designers or civic leadersanything that appeals to the core demographic. A mature, affluent market has always been at the core of most city mags: According to a 2016 City and Regional Magazine Association readership study, 83 percent of readers are between the ages of 25 and 64, but the average reader age for many pubs is in the 40s and 50s. Theyre college educated (79 percent), and their median household income is $162,000. Regional mags are having increasing success reaching younger readers on websites, through e-newsletters, and through social mediaand that, too, has become a source of revenue. Between 2015 and 2016, almost 80 percent of city and regional titles reported an average of 61.8-percent gain in digital ad sales. (Again, the CVC report did not include a breakdown of print v. digital revenue.) Vogel says that each of the SagaMedia titles link to their websites through Facebook or Twitter 150 to 300 times each month, and that each post gets an average of around 250 likes, shares, or comments. Talk to brands and say Would you like everything that you post to get an average of 250 responses? says Vogel. Their jaws drop.

RELATED: Magazines find theres little time to fact-check online

So what about the old-fashioned paper and ink? With all these new paths of growth, with titles increasingly becoming custom pub shops and event coordinators with a URL at the bottom of the virtual business card, where does the actual magazine fit in? Is print finally dead?

Far from it, say publishers and editors. The CRMA survey found that the average net circulation of all city mags is 3.6 million, and that 76 percent of readers still have last months issue on the coffee table when the new one arrives. That sort of permanence is supposed to separate the subscription-based city mags from the free-rack glossies and publications that might offer lower ad rates. The newspaper across town is trying to make everything work digitally. Thats their future. Thats not our future, says Tim Rogers, editor of D Magazine in Dallas. We provide a luxury product. Thats how we get subscribers. We dont survive if the magazine doesnt survive.

We provide a luxury product. Thats how we get subscribers. We dont survive if the magazine doesnt survive.

The physical edition is the core of the brand, and its prominence is crucial in making other ventures successful. No one is going to come to Atlanta Magazine Whiskey Festival if Atlanta loses its sheen of prestige and authority; no visitors bureau is going to want 5280, the city magazine in Denver, to put out its travel guide if the monthly issue is lacking in quality.

Another factor helping print editions remain viable is that, in the wake of the 2008 downturn, city mags have emerged as one of the few remaining authorities in key lifestyle categories like dining and shopping. Newspapers have cut back or altogether ceased retail and restaurant reviews, which are costly. And the crowd-sourced upstarts such as Yelp! and most local bloggers dont yet have the cache of credibility that city mags have accrued over the years. Real dining coverage takes so much money, says Rogers. Well eat there several times and write a 1,200-word review. No one else is doing that.

That level of investment also translates to the other, less directly profitable function of the magazinein-depth, long-form journalism. Like dining, this venture can be costly with travel, document acquisition, legal fees, and perhaps most importantly, staff writers and freelancers time to report and write. But like dining, its an area where many mags have found themselves alone at the finish line. I worked in the newspaper business in a time of multipart civic journalism series about the gentrification of a certain part of the city, says Palumbo. That doesnt exist anymore. They dont have the reportorial staff, they dont have the news hole, theyre not going to do it digitally because its not going to give them the clicks they so desperately need. But that doesnt mean the appetite went away.

Palumbo says that, both through reader surveys and personal encounters with people in the community, he hears that the longer, more informative writing about the region is still part of the reason people buy the magazine. I feel that with the nature of longform journalism today, and the fact that we are one of the last bastions of it, as long as theres an appetite for it, its going to keep the magazine alive, he says.

I feel that with the nature of longform journalism today, and the fact that we are one of the last bastions of it, as long as theres an appetite for it, its going to keep the magazine alive.

While the actual success of such lengthy profiles and exposes is difficult to quantify, many in the industry feel those features are part of a city mags civic duty. Rogers says his gutand that of his publishertells him his readers expect nothing less. I have faith in readers that they want to read, he says. And we still do at monthly magazines what no other place can do. We present the material in a way that can beat the computer on your desk and that phone in your pocket.

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Tony Rehagen has written for Pacific Standard, GQ, Bloomberg, and ESPN The Magazine. He is based in St. Louis and is on Twitter @trehagen.
Everything was quiet in New York City the day after the 2016 election. The city was stunned into silence. Matthew Breen remembers people crying randomly on the street, comforted by friends and strangers. We were totally blindsided, Breen says. People were trying to look kindly on one another. It was such a raw and fragile moment.

Breen, now the editorial director of LOGO, was in his final weeks at The Advocate, where he worked for nearly six years as the editor in chief. Having publicly endorsed Hillary Clinton, Breen says his last issue as the publications EIC wasnt the one he expected. The December cover of The Advocate depicted an American flag in which two of the stripes have fallen off. Meanwhile, a man and a woman stare out helplessly into the distance, struggling to figure out whats next.

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The blunt title sums up the sudden and unexpected fear that gripped the LGBTQ community in those early days: Time to panic, it read.

The election of Donald Trump to the White House has radically transformed the relationship between the press and the Oval Office, a shift felt acutely among LGBTQ media as the industry has taken on a more adversarial role. Prior to the Trump presidency, many in the community wondered whether there would be a need for LGBTQ-specific news outlets in the futurethat queer and transgender people would be so fully integrated into society that outlets like Out, NewNowNext, Washington Blade, The New Civil Rights Movement, and LGBTQ Nation would no longer be necessary.

But as publishers and editors tell CJR, that has never been the case. The past five months have illustrated the vital importance of LGBTQ media in US society, as these publications provided support, information, and comfort to a community forced to adapt to a drastically different political landscape. Theres an even greater responsibility to tell the stories of the marginalized, ones that might otherwise get left behind, in a news cycle dominated by Trump. And readers have responded by visiting LGBTQ media outlets more often and sticking around longer, editors tell CJR.

The past three months have been a call to arms for LGBTQ media, but five decades ago, The Advocatethe nations first monthly LGBTQ magazinewas founded in the wake of bar raids in Los Angeles. The first issue acted as a protest newsletter to help the community fight back. As much as the 2016 election was a wake-up call, it also represented a return to the movements roots.

TRENDING: Breitbart-led right-wing media ecosystem altered broader media agenda

The fear of erasure in Trumps America

Merryn Johns knew the election would go badly. Born in Australia, the editor in chief of Curve magazine, a monthly magazine for lesbian and bisexual women in the US, came to the 2016 election as an outsider. While all of her friends went out on the evening of the election expecting to celebrate Americas first female president, she stayed in and began working on an editorial explaining why Trumpwidely expected to lose in a landslidehad won.

Any time I heard Trump speak, I could hear him saying what a certain number of people wanted to have been said, Johns explains. I felt it was going to swing in his favor. He was tapping into a zeitgeist Clinton wasnt.

Johns says that for LGBTQ-focused publications, having Trump in the White House has been a huge reversal from the previous administration.

LGBTQ advocates had been gaining attention and notching wins for the past eight yearsfrom Obama enacting nondiscrimination rights for federal contractors in 2014, to the Supreme Court legalizing marriage equality a year later. Many felt that progress would continue under a Clinton presidency, but feel President Trump has already begun to reverse those gains. On March 27, the POTUS overturned an Obama executive order preventing federal workers from being fired on account of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Many of Trump Cabinet picks, including Secretary of State Jeff Sessions, have noted anti-LGBTQ track records.

What we had under the Obama presidency was that he acknowledged us, Johns says. He mentioned us in his addresses. We were on the website. We were getting legislation pushed through. We were invited to the White House. That is all being rolled back, and its made us feel quite insecure. Its not only a fear of not being seen. Its a fear of being erased.

A changing media landscape

If Johns claims that the very concept of media has changed under the current administration, it has also shifted the role LGBTQ media sees itself playing during a contentious political moment.

Lucas Grindley, editor in chief of The Advocate, says it has been important for LGBTQ publications to reflect what the community is feeling during an emotional time. During the week following the election, Grindley wrote an editorial taking his Republican family members to task for casting their ballot for a politician who campaigned on rolling back same-sex marriage. Ive been betrayed by my own family, Grindley wrote. Odds are, so have you.

People felt like theyd been betrayed and it took awhile for people to be willing to say that.

His op-ed, which was shared more than 20,000 times on Facebook, clearly touched a nerve.

People felt like theyd been betrayed and it took awhile for people to be willing to say that, Grindley tells CJR in an interview. The goal of The Advocate is to make you forward on a story and say, Finally, someones said what Im thinking. I dont feel alone.

Although hard data can be difficult to quantify, LGBTQ publications report that traffic has been up as readers seek out spaces that reflect what theyre feeling about the Trump administration. The Advocate reports a nearly 50-percent increase in overall pageviews for the first quarter of 2017 over the first quarter of 2016, while subscriptions have held steady. (CJR requested subscriber information from other LGBTQ publications, but they declined to provide hard data.)

Given that demand, many LGBTQ publications have shifted greater resources to covering the daily happenings of the Trump administration and telling community members how to take action. In the days after the election, The Advocate started The Resistance, a Friday newsletter listing protests taking place in your area; that newsletter morphed into a video series. NewNowNext created Five Dollars/Five Minutes, a recurring feature that offers quick and easy action steps for readers who want to get involved. Go Magazine, which covers queer and lesbian nightlife, includes demonstrations and political activities in its monthly calendar.

One challenge is striking a balance between taking a hard look at the current reality and offering healthy escapism for readers, says Trish Bendix, editor in chief of GO Magazine.

Its an everyday battle, Bendix says. Theres definitely people out there who arent just interested in going out and dancing, but you dont want to be too depressing and to pump out stories that make us feel things are hopeless. Our community has enough problems with suicide, depression, and self-harm as it is, so there has to be a way to keep it positive while being very clear about what our missions are and what we have to do now.

Our community has enough problems with suicide, depression, and self-harm as it is, so there has to be a way to keep it positive while being very clear about what our missions are and what we have to do now.

Bringing everyones stories to the table

The Advocate has aimed to balance not only levity and advocacy but coverage of topics that arent traditionally viewed as specific to the LGBTQ community. During the 2016 primaries, Grindley sent out a memo to staff to treat Donald Trump as an LGBTQ issue, meaning anything he does is news for Advocate readers. Since that time, the publication has covered the effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, the travel ban on seven Muslim-majority nations, and Trumps stated intent to increase the deportation of undocumented workers.

Because the Trump administration is attacking different marginalized communities, its brought all those communities together, Grindley says. Were all combating mutual opposition.

LGBTQ media has been criticized in recent years for marginalizing issues that affect people of color. #GayMediaSoWhite, a hashtag that went viral in 2016, drew attention to the fact that the covers of Out, The Advocate, and Attitude, a British gay publication, regularly feature straight white celebrities to sell magazines. Critics claimed that bottom line is calculated at the expense of non-white people, women, and transgender people yearning for the same platform. A Fusion survey found that between June 2011 and May 2016, 85 percent of the faces on the covers of these three magazines were white.

Les Fabian Brathwaite, a senior editor at Out who is black, admits that LGBTQ publications have done a terrible job of racial inclusion in the pastand stressed that fixing these issues is crucial to addressing the intersectional problems posed by a Trump presidency.

People are well-intentioned, but if you only have a bunch of gay white men talking about diversity, you have to have other people to in the room to address that as well, Braithwaite says. Our responsibility is to bring everyone to the table, tell everyones story, and make sure, as much as possible, that everyone has a chance to tell their own. To speak truth to power, you have to make sure everyones voices are represented in the conversation.

We need LGBTQ media because no one else is going to speak for us.

RELATED: Whats the right way to ask whether someone is gay?

Its particularly important for LGBTQ publications to be more inclusive watchdogs because, as Breen argues, many stories impacting vulnerable subsections of the community may get lost in a media cycle dominated by Donald Trump. Trump has swamped the news, and it has crowded out stories about all kinds of populations, marginalized or not, he says.

Three months into the new year, eight transgender women have been murdered as hate crimes against the LGBTQ community increase across the country. Nearly a dozen LGBTQ centers have been vandalized in 2017, and an employee of Casa Ruby, which offers support and services to Washington, DCs trans community, was attacked by two men who targeted the building. These stories have received attention in mainstream press, but they have yet to receive the traction such important subjects deserve. It is not only the responsibility of LGBTQ publications to fill that gap, as Johns argues. Its why these outlets will continue to be irreplaceable.

We need LGBTQ media because no one else is going to speak for us, she says. We are planting a flag in the sand to say: Were here, we exist, and you cant get rid of us.

RELATED: Covering gay marriage when its really, really personal

Correction: An earlier version of this story had incorrect online traffic data for The Advocate.

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Nico Lang is an award-winning reporter, essayist, and editor. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Esquire and others. Follow him on Twitter @nico_lang.
To hear journalists tell it, the 84 days since President Donald Trumps inauguration have exposed us to a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. Self-contained storylines that once would have risen and fallen in distinct waves of public attention have given way to information overload and frequent confusion. Time seemingly blurs as new developments flash like strobe lights from all angles. The traditional news cycle has been killed, and I suggest the culprit was Trump, in the White House, with the lead pipe.

Remember alternative facts? It was just Day 3. The news-time continuum still had a semblance of balance then, even if the underlying factors priming it for carnage had already been set: a sensationalist media with an insatiable appetite for content; massive distrust of the mainstream press; a fragmented social web that incentivizes false information; and a political U-turn in Washington. With his predilection for impulsive action and self-contradiction, the tweeter-in-chief was uniquely suited to overload an already strained system.

The question were left with, posed time and again by journalists on Twitter, in stories, and on podcasts that double as support groups for media whiplash, is whether the public can cope. And consensus speculation is that mere mortals cant possibly keep up.

I have covered politics for the last 19 years. I never remember this much news all at once.  Chris Cillizza (@CillizzaCNN) April 6, 2017

I feel like there's a new crazy story about the Trump administration every day. How does a average news consumer even keep up.  andrew kaczynski ? (@KFILE) March 31, 2017

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That was the biggest news week since last week  Farhad Manjoo ? (@fmanjoo) April 7, 2017

Me trying to catch up on all the politics news out of D.C. this morning pic.twitter.com/RyJcwq5mfL  Liam Stack (@liamstack) April 6, 2017

Enterprising news organizations craving new products have not let this potential crisis of public attention go to waste. The Guardians daily CliffsNotes for political news, the self-explanatory Minute, was rolled out with some foresight last year. NBC News has been boiling down each of the Trump administrations first 100 days to a single key moment. Politico has expanded its early morning Playbook newsletter with a midday Power Lunch edition. Should the speed and discombobulation of news continue to accelerate, the franchise may need to detach itself from human eating schedules and align more with that of hobbits: Breakfast Playbook, Second Breakfast Playbook, Elevenses Playbook, and so on.

A new entrant that displays perhaps the most accurate encapsulation of this peculiar moment takes the form of an independent email blast: What The Fuck Just Happened Today? The aptly named roundup does the yeomans work of logging the daily shock and awe in politics.

An abridged recap of the greatest news hits of the not-yet-three-month-old Trump administrationpolicy changes, palace intrigue, military escalationwould read with encyclopedic density. Trumps tweeting and frequent clashes with the media provide a running backdrop, as does the ever-more-complicated inquiry into Russian meddling in last years election. That latter storyline has reached its umpteenth level of complexity, even if we still cant agree on how to pronounce House Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nuness last name.

The president and his retinue, meanwhile, empower the likes of Fox & Friends, conspiratorial blog Gateway Pundit, and alt-right icon Mike Cernovich. Fake news has become an overused and increasingly meaningless insult on all sides of the debate. We are entering a space of total metaphysical and informational confusion, Ezra Klein summarized on a February episode of Voxs policy podcast, The Weeds.

The meta-coverage of this phenomenon has tended to focus on how keeping up with the news may induce stresssome pieces pose solutionsand the head of the American Psychological Association even called the potential effects deeply concerning. But what about news comprehension, ostensibly the first goal of journalism?

A Huffington Post/YouGov poll released this week suggests that worries about information overload may be overstatedor at least more complicated than was previously assumed. Just 30 percent of respondents who try to follow current events say that they feel political news is changing so quickly that they cant keep up, according to the survey of 1,000 American adults. Sixty percent say its not a problem, and about two-thirds of all respondents add that following political news now is either just as manageable or even easier than in years past. Older and more Trump-supportive respondents were more likely to say they could cope.

Of course, surveys also occasionally suggest that Americans may not be as well-versed in current events as they think. Yet there seem to be a few possibilities for the disconnect on the publics perceived ability to keep up. The Huffington Posts primary caveat is that respondents might, in fact, be overwhelmed by the news but say the opposite when polled. The rosier take is that media organizations have risen to the occasion more than they themselves understand.

More plausible is that media professionals, academics, and the political class comprise an informational elite that live in a media universe distinct from that of a large portion of the public. They have the interest, energy, and toolkit to navigate the full scope of political information zooming around the internet. Many others tend to stick to familiar sources of their choosing, popping in and out of news depending on the story or day. During a time of intense discussion of the medias disconnect from the publicby ideology, geography, or formal educationit would add yet another fault line to the mix.

Whats clear is that the digital hamster wheel that journalists inhabit will only continue its acceleration. Less so is whether the rest of the public, bereft of the news cycles that act as a sort of on-ramp by focusing attention, will be able to get back on track.

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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.
Rare is the occasion when digital mobs are unquestionably justified in their thirst for blood. But United Airlines provided more than ample reason Monday when a ticketed passenger on an overbooked flight who declined to leave the plane was yanked out of his seat, slammed against an armrest, and dragged down the aisle. Videos of a screaming and bleeding David Dao quickly ignited on social media, and the United PR shops passive and robotic response to this violence squirted yet more lighter fluid on an already blazing dumpster fire.

The Louisville Courier-Journal was all over the story from the Louisville-bound flight out of Chicago, publishing numerous pieces including an eyewitness account, a column condemning Uniteds actions, and the airline CEOs response, among others. One of its Day 2 takes, however, seemed to resort to a familiar shade-the-victim reflex that many publications have been unable or unwilling to shake despite numerous instances of pushback in recent years.

The lede of the Courier-Journals story:

When airport security yanked David Dao off an overbooked flight Sunday, bloodying him as they dragged him down the aisle, he was thrust into the international spotlight. Dao, an Elizabethtown doctor, is familiar to many Kentuckians who recall his convictions on drug-related offenses in 2004.

The piece goes on to detail how Dao was arrested in 2003 and eventually convicted of drug-related offenses after an undercover investigation. The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure alleged that he was involved in fraudulent prescriptions and was sexually involved with a patient. He was convicted on multiple felony counts in 2004 and forced to give up his medical license, only gaining approval to resume practicing, under certain conditions, in 2015.

TRENDING: 10 podcasts to help you keep up with the news cycle

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Some of the torches and pitchforks seen Monday reappeared in response to the piece. The fact that the Courier-Journal tweeted the item with an all-caps #BREAKINGas if it were some major scooponly added to the outrage.

#BREAKING David Dao, the Elizabethtown doctor yanked from the United flight, has a troubled past in Kentucky https://t.co/pzkLLonJLG pic.twitter.com/FuZYCaLOEl  Courier-Journal.com (@courierjournal) April 11, 2017

The piece delving into victims backstories is a familiar one, and the Courier-Journals conjured memories of some of the genres famously cringeworthy examples. The most controversial case came on the front page of The New York Times, where a sensationalist story marred by racial undertones described Michael Brown, an 18 year old killed by police, as no angel. More recently, New York tabloids zeroed in on the criminal history of a homeless New York man murdered in an apparently racist attack. Such victim-blaming or -shaming pops up in sexual assault reporting as well.

The by-now boilerplate criticism of the genre goes like this: Just because a person falls victim to violence or trauma that piques public interest, journalists do not have license to unearth unrelated bad things that person did previously. The stories surely get attentionhate-reads are clicks, toobut its hard to see what journalistic value is added for audiences in the vast majority of cases. In a time of hand-wringing over trust of media, assignment editors would be wise to think twice.

TRENDING: Headlines editors probably wish they could take back

The pushback to the Courier-Journals piece Tuesday followed the same pattern, with many commenters referring to the no angel description of Brown. In reply to one critic, the storys reporter, Morgan Watkins, responded that her intent was not to justify [Uniteds actions]. Just identifying who he is for the public. Which public?

Executive Editor Joel Christopher added this explanation to CJR Tuesday, in full below:

I want to urge anyone from a national or international perspective to understand the full scope of our coverage here. This is one of dozens of pieces that weve done on the story. Dr. Dao is somebody who is not unfamiliar to people in our coverage area. His original case was pretty high profile. Its a name that doesnt come out of the blue. To not acknowledge that history and context would be unusual, frankly. There are two things here: Some folks are just seeing that piece and not the full scope of our coverage. So if thats the only piece you think weve done, of course youll zero in on it. Secondly, we didnt account for the fact that some people might just hit on that piece, and we didnt put the necessary context for a national or international audience to understand. Weve since done that. Theres information thats pretty vital that you wouldnt immediately understand if youre not from our market.

The breadth of the Courier-Journals coverage doesnt absolve it from the fact that Daos criminal history is irrelevant to this bizarre episode. But Christopher does bring up an interesting wrinkle of local publishing in the digital age. When a story from an outlets backyard goes viral on a global scale, only a tiny fraction of audiences will be familiar with the players, plot, or stage. Should a journalists role be to serve their geographic community, or the global audience cocking back rotten tomatoes?

ICYMI: Breitbart-led right-wing media ecosystem altered broader media agenda, study claims

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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.
To say podcasting is having a moment is an understatement. The team behind Serials latest blockbuster, S-Town, recently broke records with 16 million downloads in the first week. Traditional news outlets like The New York Times and NPR are currently battling it out for the top spot on the daily news podcast beat. And Buzzfeed announced that Ben Smith, its editor in chief, is getting in on the action with the launch of an interview show called NewsFeed.

Radio is the theater of the mind, says Marty Goldensohn, an Emmy award-winning radio and television producer who teaches podcasting to students at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Goldensohn fell in love with the medium as a child while listening to radio greats like the humorists Bob & Ray and acclaimed storyteller Jean Shepherd on a radio the size of half a refrigerator, and went on to become News Director of WNYC and New York Bureau Chief of Marketplace. In contrast to traditional radio, one of best things about podcasting, he says, is you can do-it-yourself.

CJR caught up with Goldensohn to get his tips from more than 30 years in the business on how to capture evocative sound, write for the ear, voice honestly, and edit ethically to create a powerful podcast that will resonate with your audience.



RELATED: 10 podcasts to help you keep up with the news cycle

What kind of podcast is it?

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Once you have a good idea for a great podcast, you need to think about the format:

Conversational : The most lo-fi choice of format is a conversation on a particular topic between experts. It might be a straight interview or a roundtable. Either way, the whole thing can be recorded in a studio, and there is minimal scripting and editing required. The key to success is choosing the right mix of guests.

Documentary : A documentary podcast is composed almost entirely of sound recorded in the field. This approach requires some skill with recording equipment to ensure you get the right levels. Youll also need good editing and mixing skills for the back end.

Monologue : Sometimes the best way to tell a story is to tell it yourself. The story might be complicated, or about a personal experience, or the material you recorded in the field wasnt up to scratch due to poor sound or inarticulate interviewees. To pull off this format, you need to be a great talker and excellent writer.

Hybrid : One of most common types of podcast is a weaving of sound recorded in the field (actuality) and scripted narrative (continuity). Thats the format you hear on shows like This American Life .

Field recording 101

If your podcast contains actuality, there are a few things to keep in mind while youre recording out in the field:

Location : Think about what sort of sounds could add color and context to the topic. For example, if its a story about a person who has a job as a piano builder, find a place where you can capture music, and hammering, and building sounds to weave throughout the story. If youre out on the street interviewing a used book seller on Broadway, the sound of traffic and buses going by will evoke a sense of place.

Levels : Background noise is great for context, but be careful that it doesnt overwhelm the person youre interviewing. Lower your input level and hold your mic close to the person speaking, but not so much that the background noise disappears entirely.

Ambience : Wherever you go, record 30 seconds of ambient soundthe street noise, the room tone, the playground. Dont make it 10 seconds because if you have to loop it you might get a car horn coming up in the background every 10 seconds. If the sound in the location changes over time, capture sound before, during, and after. For example, if youre doing a theater piece, you want the ambience of the people coming in, but you also want the sound when the theater is full. You can use this sound later to liven up your voice track.

Close-ups : Just like in photography, you want close-ups. If youre talking to a hot dog vendor, get your mic up close to the griddle to capture the sizzle. If your story is about squash players, get a close-up sound of the ball hitting the wall.

Take control of the environment : When youre recording in the field, youll come up against background sound that you want to cut out entirely because it doesnt add anything to your story. This often happens when youre interviewing someone in their home. Dont be shy about switching off appliances such as the refrigerator and the air conditioner. Ask your subject if you can leave a note on the front door to notify anyone who might enter the house unexpectedly.

Interviewing

Getting good sound during interviews is essential. People often freeze up at beginning of an interview so you have to find a way to make them comfortable:

Hold the mic under the chin : Placing the mic under the chin rather than in front of the face will not only prevent popping and sibilance, it will help people feel like theyre talking to you rather than to the microphone.

Ask open questions : Keep your questions short, dont interrupt people, and ask open questions. The closed question is Were you there? The open version is What happened there? Avoid giving your subject the answer in the question. Instead ask, How did that feel? What was that like? Could you describe it?

Record your impressions : Before and after the interview, as youre walking along, record what you see so you can write it visually later.

Sit close to your subject : If youre interviewing someone in an office, dont try to reach your recorder across the desk. Ask your subject to sit next to you so you can move the mic back and forth between you. You might have to sit inappropriately close for American cultureget cozy!

Ask your questions on mic : If your questions are recorded at the same quality as the interviewee, youll be able to use it to lead in when you ask a simple question like, Why is that? If you stumble, dont assume youll be able to re-record it later, because the background noise might change. Just apologize and ask again. Using your questions in the edit gives listeners the sense that you were there.

TRENDING: 8 steps to upgrade your everyday news stories with tiny narratives

Writing

Once youve captured your actuality, you need to make a decision about pacing. Are you moving in and out of actuality rapidly? Or are people talking for three-minute chunks and youre just dropping in to describe who they are? The answer might depend on the quality of your interviews and the complexity of the subject. If the story is complicated, more narration will be required. If you find out that youve only got three decent quotes in the whole thing, you might need to tell the whole story yourself. When it comes to writing narration, the key is to stick to conversational language.

Use short, punchy, informal speech : Dont use complex sentencesespecially not sentences with lots of subordinate clauses. When youre recording, you need to breathe.

Cut : Think about how to reduce your points to the fewest number of words possible, without distorting the meaning. Goldensohns mantra is: For every word you remove from your script, you gain a listener.

Use descriptive language : Where appropriate, make your narration visual. Describe what your listener is unable to see.

Voicing

During what has been dubbed the Golden Age of Radio, from the 1920s to the 1950s, announcers were mostly male and they generally spoke in authoritative tones that lacked ambiguity. These days, the most engaging podcast hosts are those who are authentic and confide in the listener as they would a friend. Even so, there are some tips and tricks you can follow to help you sound like your best self.

Turn up the energy : Visual cues like facial expressions and hand signals can add energy to communication. Adjust for their absence by projecting your voice slightly more than you usually would, but dont go so far that you begin to sound fake.

Use a director : A director could be a friend or your roommate, but dont record alone. You may not realize when your energy is falling or that youre skipping words, but someone else will. They can notify you when, 15 minutes in, you find yourself reading at half the pace you started at.

Watch your emphasis : In a bid to sound authoritative, newbies often emphasize the wrong word in the sentence. Theyll say, He went to the store instead of He went to the store . Again, the rule is to speak the way you would everyday.

RELATED: Battle heats up for morning daily podcasts as NPR enters the fray

Editing

Editing and mixing are art forms all their own. This is where you bring together your interviews, narration, the ambient sounds and close-ups youve captured, and add any music you want to use. Goldensohns rule is to edit on headphones and mix on speakers. On headphones, youll pick up the detail. On speakers, you can ensure your levels are correct, and your background sound isnt drowning out the speech.

Cleaning things up : Spoken language is often slow, and halting. People say um or like a lot. Tightening, condensing, and cleaning up stumbles helps lift the energy of a story, but be mindful of overdoing it because you could lose the thoughtfulness and rhythm of the speech.

Keep it ethical : Like other mediums, the ability to manipulate the truth is easy in an editing booth. Its especially true in audio because you dont hear the jump cut. Make sure your honesty detector is on high alert during the edit to ensure you dont distort anything. For example, taking out the key phrase of a sentence where someone says, Of course, thats not always true. The extreme version is interviewing someone who has got Alzheimers, and you make them sound like they dont.

That goes for the ambient sound, too : Dont capture sound in one place and then make it seem like it came from somewhere else.

Get a second opinion : If youve done an interview yourself and then youre editing the story together, it can be difficult to judge whether a quote makes sense out of context. Ask a friend to listen and feedback. Dont fall into the trap of hiding your work from friends and editors until its done.

Music : If you want to use music in your podcast, you must obtain permission. Licensing commercial music is expensive, but you can find music libraries that allow you to use tracks under creative-commons licenses. Better yet, see if musically-inclined friends can give you a fair deal for original music. And remember, the moment in a podcast that is most dramatic can be when the music ends: Its in the silence that follows that words have the most impact.



Update: This story previously referred to Marketplace as a production of National Public Radio. Marketplace is produced by American Public Media.

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Shelley Hepworth , formerly a CJR Delacorte Fellow, is Technology Editor at The Conversation in Australia. Follow her on Twitter @shelleymiranda.
David Layton and Mike Nicholson have been working for four years on their documentary about the great newspaper editor Gene Roberts. But as they approach the finishing kick for their labor of love, it seems that the long wait has a silver lining.

The emergence of Donald Trump, known for his hostility to the press and his fast-and-loose approach to the truth, has brought with it a renewed respect for the importance of ambitious, aggressive, fact-based accountability journalism. Thats a commodity that perfectly sums up Roberts approach.

A former New York Times reporter and editor, Roberts is legendary in journalism circles for masterminding the turnaround of The Philadelphia Inquirer, from one of the worst metro dailies in the country to a journalism superstar, winning 17 Pulitzers in the 18 years Roberts was at the helm from 1972 to 1990.

While its been 27 years since the soft-spoken North Carolinian stepped down from his editing post to teach journalism at the University of Maryland, Roberts remains an inspirational figure in journalism circles, regarded as one of the very best if not the best editor of the second half of the 20th century.

But his rise from the tiny Goldsboro News-Argus to the pinnacle of his craft remains little known to the general public. Layton and Nicholson hope to change all that, and they believe the timing couldnt be better.

Were getting some interest we wouldnt have gotten a year ago, thanks to Trumps animosity to the press, says Layton, whose father, Charles, was an Inquirer mainstay during the glory years. He senses a much deeper appreciation for hard-hitting journalism with a code of ethics that looks under rocks.

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The co-producer/directors detect a sense of urgency in the last few months when they talk about the project, both among film insiders and the general public. At Laytons birthday party last year after the election, Nicholson recalls a woman approached him and said forcefully, Youve got to make this documentary.

Layton and Nicholson, who have a documentary production operation in Austin, have thus far, aside from a $25,000 Knight Foundation grant, funded the project on their own, spending about $35,000. A couple of times a year they hop into a van and travel the country, shooting interviews themselves. Theyve done 31 so far, talking to many key figures from the Roberts era in Philly.

On April 4, they launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $150,000 to hire an editor, an assistant, and an archivist so they can finish up the project in the fall. The goal is to release The Newspaperman in time for next years movie festival season.

Its an all-or-nothing campaign; if they dont raise the full amount by May 3, they dont get to keep any of the money. As of April 11, more than $57,000 had been pledged.

Roberts has been, among many other things, a prodigious fundraiser. (He once spearheaded an effort that brought in a seven-figure haul to keep Columbia Journalism Review and American Journalism Review afloat.) Says Layton, I often get the feeling that Gene thinks if hed been raising the money, this film would already have been made.

***

It was my privilege to have a close-up, at times uncomfortable, view of the the Roberts magic at work.

I started my career at The Philadelphia Inquirer, pre-Gene, so I know just how bad it was. The stories of then-owner Walter S. Annenbergs penchant for using his paper to punish his enemies and reward his friends are legion. It was very clear to me just how heavy a lift it was to raise this daily to greatness.

With my unerring instinct for the good career move, I had left the paper in 1969, about six months before it was sold to Knight Newspapers (later Knight Ridder), to join the then-larger and more prestigious Philadelphia Bulletin, an afternoon paper that offered me the opportunity to join its Washington bureau.

Knight was known for the quality of its newspapers. Its first executive editor at the Inquirer, John McMullan, deserves major credit for starting the rebuilding process, establishing standards, removing dead wood and bringing in talent. When Roberts took over in 1972, his trademarks were soon apparent: hiring and developing excellent journalists; establishing a climate where talent could flourish; thinking big, seriously big; fostering formidable journalism; above all, creating the sense that all things were possible. These were golden days for newspapers, and big spending was always part of the Roberts formula.

As the Inquirer rapidly became better and better, the Bulletin retreated. A painful memory: In 1979, when the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island in central Pennsylvania took place, I was the Bulletins deputy metro editor. We jumped on the story quickly, dispatching reporters to the scene, about 100 miles from Philadelphia. Much to my chagrin, it wasnt long before I was ordered to bring the troops back; Three Mile Island was awfully far away. Meanwhile, Roberts was sending platoons of reporters to the scene, emptying an entire large suburban bureau in the process.The result was superb journalism and one of those Pulitzers.

Without robust journalism, were doomed.

Years later, I got to know Roberts well when I was running American Journalism Review, based at the University of Marylands J-school, where Gene was teaching. A great believer in AJR and journalism reviews in general, Roberts was a tireless and relentless ally. I dont know which impressed me more, his commitment to excellence or his iron will.

In the late 1990s, Roberts raised what ultimately was nearly $2.5 million from the Pew Charitable Trusts for the Project on the State of the American Newspaper, a collection of 18 25,000-word pieces that ran in AJR.

Our one bad moment: AJR was about to go to press with a piece on Washington coverage. Turns out Gene wanted to do a much more extensive article for the Project. He came to my office to talk about it. He was adamant that we hold off for the series. I wanted to run it now. We went back and forth, neither of us giving ground. Finally Generather than point out that he was Gene Roberts and I certainly wasnt and squashing me like a bugturned to me and said, Rem, you can see how passionate I am about this. What are you equally passionate about on the other side? He was right, of course; an examination of DC coverage ran as part of the Project.

Roberts and The Washington Posts late Ben Bradlee are often cited as the two top editors of their time. And they couldnt be more different in style, Bradlee with his riverboat gambler swagger, Roberts with his deceptively quiet manner and long pauses. I remember telling an associate after she met Roberts and remained undazzled, You just had lunch with Michael Jordan.

I asked a couple of journalists who had worked closely with Roberts in Philadelphia what they thought were the keys to his success.

Bill Marimow, who spent 18 years with Roberts, thinks Roberts solid reporting background is a big part of the equation. In towns and cities from Goldsboro, North Carolina, to Saigon, he covered beats like agriculture, the waterfront, labor, the South during the civil rights era and the Vietnam War, says Marimow, until recently the Inquirers top editor and is now editor at large. That experience gave him both the credibility with newsroom staffers of every age  and the experience to mentor younger staffers.

He adds, Gene also knew talent when he saw itwhether it was a colleague or competitorand he had the persuasive power to get others to believe in his dream. Once Roberts had lured the talent to his newsroom, Marimow says, Gene had the wisdom and the confidence in his own leadership ability to give them the latitude to pursue great stories.

Charles Layton, the filmmakers father, says that Roberts practically invented thinking big. He doesnt know how to think small. Ive seldom brought him a story without him telling me how it could be expanded or deepened or clarified. He sees the bedrock importance of stories, and hell tell you how to emphasize that.

Another key, says Layton, is Roberts preparation. Ive never seen him unprepared, says Layton, who spent 22 years at the Inquirer, 16 under Roberts, and wrote major pieces for the Project on the State of the American Newspaper. He came to Philadelphia never having lived there before, but almost from day one he seemed to understand the city better than people whod grown up there.

And theres his gift for assessing people. He reads peoples minds and emotions, and can assess their strengths and weaknesses, Layton says. Its like he has x-ray eyes.

***

When David Layton was a lad, he loved to visit his father at the Inquirer, often sprinting past the security guard and making his way to his fathers desk in the newsroom. It was a magical place, the younger Layton recalls. People were excited about their jobs. There was a lot of wit and jokes. And Roberts was a mythic figure.

Years later, Layton got into the documentary business, and after awhile he wanted to make his own film. By this point he had teamed up with Nicholson. Layton thought about climate change and opioid addiction as potential subjects. But he kept coming back to Gene Roberts.

Nicholson, for his part, was obsessed with doing something on the media. But the potential subjects tended to be bummers, he says, big bitchfests about the media.

Finally, they contacted Roberts, who agreed to meet with them for five days in his redoubt in Bath on North Carolinas Inner Banks, once the home of Blackbeard, the noted pirate. The filmmakers would interview Roberts by day, and at night theyd go through material from the Roberts archives that Genes wife, Sue, had provided. By the time they left, they were hooked.

Since then, theyve conducted more than 30 interviews, talking with many key Inquirer figures, journalists who knew Roberts at the Times, and Tony Ridder, the Knight Ridder honcho who battled with Roberts over budgets at the end of Roberts Inquirer tenure.

Several key players are dead, but Layton and Nicholson have access to interviews from The Unnatural, the film shot in Roberts honor when he left the Inquirer.

Layton and Nicholson plan to use the Inquirer transformation as the movies narrative thread, tying specific events to Roberts previous reporting and editing career, his experiences covering civil rights and Vietnam.

For example, when he was with the Detroit Free Press, Roberts wrote a detailed reconstruction of the Kennedy assassination. After the Three Mile Island accident, in addition to assigning all of those reporters to deal with the fast-moving breaking news, he detailed a separate team to immediately focus solely on putting together a definitive tick-tock.

Although they already have 80-plus hours of material to whittle down, a powerful editing challenge, the filmmakers plan to do a handful of final interviews to fill in the gaps once the structure of the film takes shape.

And Layton and Nicholson are convinced that their baby will have appeal to an audience that goes well beyond journalism junkies, particularly in an era where the truth is challenged by alternative facts.

The stakes couldnt be higher, Nicholson says. Without robust journalism, were doomed.

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Rem Rieder is a former USA Today media columnist and before that the longtime editor and senior vice president of American Journalism Review.
On The Kicker this week, we discuss White House Press Secretary Sean Spicers job performance to date. Spicers gaffe in comparing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to Adolf Hitler was only the latest in a string of controversies emerging from behind the lectern in the Brady Briefing Room. Then, we have some fun imagining the life of a journalist in 2027. The impetus for the conversation was a recently published CJR story on the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism.

Finally, author and Columbia Journalism School professor Todd Gitlin talks with Dave about the medias love affair with war. Gitlin is a fierce critic of the manner in which journalistsboth in print and especially on televisionreport on events like last weeks missile strike in Syria. He and Dave discuss the historical context for this concern, and how the media could better cover military action.

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Pete Vernon is a former CJR staff writer. Follow him on Twitter @ByPeteVernon.
The US government was rocked in 2013 by a series of stories detailing the extent of the surveillance state. Edward Snowden, an NSA contractor who was the source behind those stories, has become famous for his role in leaking information that would eventually be published in The Guardian, The Washington Post, Der Spiegel, and The New York Times. Snowdens collaboration with filmmaker Laura Poitras and journalist Glenn Greenwald has been well-documented.

But last week saw the revelation of a new, as-yet untold chapter in the saga: Writing in Harpers, journalists Dale Maharidge and Jessica Bruder describe their role in the leaks. Its a gripping story, involving cell phones stashed in refrigerators, a box of sensitive material buried under an outhouse and then perched in a tree, and a tribute to the analog beauty of the US Postal Service.

Maharidge and Bruder recently spoke with CJR about their secret role in the Snowden leak, the value of security, and their goals in publishing the piece. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Part of what makes this story so gripping is the seemingly amateur nature of your counter-surveillance tactics. You make up code names for everything and, at one point, bury the Snowden material in a fifty-five-gallon barrel of old shit. What were you thinking during the process?

Maharidge: During the process it was le Carre meets The Three Stooges. It was very analog because I wasnt doing anything encrypted. I was very foolish at that point in my career, so Laura and I came up with all of this code language to use on the phone. Jess became the first sink. The NSA was the co-op board. Anybody whos lived in New York City knows co-op boards are notoriously crazy to deal with. If either of us wrote the co-op board is angry it meant bad shit. It meant the NSA or CIA is on to us and Holy shit. We better deal. We never had to use that code, thank goodness.

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How have you changed your security practices as a result of this experience?

Bruder: I use Signal, even for communications that dont need to be secure. I have the camera on my laptop covered up with a bit of gaffers tape. We showed the folks at Harpers ProtonMail and actually got them to transmit drafts of the story back and forth via PGP. A lot of these technologies have become more integrated in my ordinary life. Part of that is because I needed security in this particular situation. Also, the more Ive learned about the issue, the more Ive wanted to become part of the community around security because the more people who do this sort of thing, the more we normalize it, the harder it is for us all to be spied on.

If a police department or the NSA wanted to surreptitiously watch people via laptop cameras and it was normalized for people to cover their cameras, that tool would not be in their arsenal anymore. I dont think somebodys watching me through my laptop, but I want to be part of the community of people covering their laptop cameras, if that makes any sense.

One of the themes throughout the story is the paranoia you felt not knowing whether the government was on to you. Jess, you went so far as to cover a picnic table on the roof of your building because it was made out of NYPD sawhorses. How else did that paranoia manifest?

Maharidge: Laura [Poitras], in her diary, had a passage from George Orwell about how [paranoia] affects your health and your nervous system. It manifests itself in very funny ways, so theres a physical reaction. It was this timeless period of incredible stress.

I liken it to when my mother was dying, the last weeks, where time didnt exist. It was a single unit, and everything was kind of foggy. Anybody who has lost a loved one can appreciate that. But take that feeling and insert paranoia. When I got home there was a murderer on the loose, and there were 200 police officers roaming the woods where I live on the California coast. There was a helicopter overhead one daywere they looking for the murderer or watching me?

May 2013 was very intense. I condensed that in the story, but like most of life, when we write a story we encapsulate something in a few paragraphs. You cant keep writing about it, but I cant overstate living through it, the PTSD that I had from it. There were several moments doing the story where Jess and I had some heart-to-heart discussions about how it was affecting us, and the paranoia came back. I dont know what Jeff Sessions or Trump are going to do with this knowledge. Two lawyers have told us that the odds are slim, but theyre vindictive people.

Bruder: The phrase the narcissism of paranoia was something I was joking with Dale about because I basically told him, when this story comes out, if nothing happens Ill write an essay called The Narcissism of Paranoia. One of the creepy things about that is that there are so many people I know who arent engaged with privacy and anti-surveillance measures because the attitude is This isnt relevant to me. Nobodys watching me. In my mind, the narcissism of paranoia can be a destructive force in that way because it kind of pushes back against the idea that were a community here. Thats become something of a touchstone for us as we do what we can to be sane and secure but also go on to live our lives. But yeah, I did cover the picnic table again.

In the story, one of the moments that stands out is when the realization hits that Snowden, Poitras, and Greenwald have all left the country, and youre the only ones left.

Bruder: It was very weird and very isolating. You have to go on and keep living your life, but by the same token youre worried about all the things youre not doing. I think my biggest anxiety at the time was Am I anxious enough? You dont know how deep the rabbit hole goes; you just know that youre in it. Whats sane, whats paranoidonly history bears that out. Things that looked paranoid might have been sane if things had worked out in different ways. The knowing, in the moment, that you dont know the full picture and whats going to happenthat lack of control is whats scary. Its why we do small things we can control to make ourselves feel better, realizing that most things are not within our scope.

Whats sane, whats paranoidonly history bears that out.

Neither of you hesitated when you were asked to get involved in this work. In the piece, Dale, you write that you told Laura, This is what we do. Its why were journalists. What did you mean by that?

Bruder: The only thing Dale told me was that it was for the cause of investigative journalism. For me, that was enough. Even though the media is really fragmented these days, and there is fierce competition between news outlets, I do think that on a deeper level there is a sense of solidarity, and its important to maintain it. If I needed something sent to somebody, Im sure I could find people to help me, too. Its important that were part of a community and that we keep that going.

Maharidge: Journalism is not something that I do; its something that I am. Its part of me; its not a job.

Bruder: Its an approach to the world. Its not just a profession.

Maharidge: Its a mindset. So, from the get-go, when Laura said theres a person that wants to send something, I went into secure mode. It was interesting how much I did right without knowing it. She made me paranoid by making me put my phone in the fridge every time I went to her place. I never did that before. So when things got hotter, Jess and I were putting our phones in the fridge. Even before that, when this mysterious person wanted to send us something, I went to Jess and said Dont talk about it on the phone. Call it elk antlers. (A favorite toy of Jesss dog, Max). I had the presence of mind to go into the proper journalism mode. It was part of my life; it wasnt something I had to think about.

Bruder: And even though Dale sounded crazy to me, out of respect for the great world of stuff I did not know, you put your phone in the fridge. It sounded crazy, but what do I know?

Part of telling your role in this tale is to humanize a major international surveillance story. Why did you feel it needed that human touch?

Bruder: So many people think of surveillance and the state and cryptography, and they see these giant unknowable octopi and things that are just not relevant to them in their ordinary lives. Im hoping that by humanizing the backstory here, we can show people that it is relevant and its something we can all play a part in. You dont need to be some super-sophisticated hacker to care and to make a difference.

You dont need to be some super-sophisticated hacker to care and to make a difference.

Maharidge: As Jess wrote, its not the realm of cyber ninjas. With video, everyones a journalist now. Anybody with an iPhone thats near police arresting someone instantly becomes a journalist as soon as they pull out their phone. I just saw another video of police kicking a guy on the ground. It was terrible. But if the police had seen the person recording, they may have gone over and taken the phone. They dont have a right to, but if they did, suddenly that evidence is gone.

You write in the piece that, These are critical issues, relevant to everyone. Was part of your goal to evangelize for better security practices?

Bruder: Yeah, the more people who understand and integrate these tools into their ordinary life and how they communicate, the better it is for the entire community. Its something Ive been encouraging a lot of people who would otherwise think it was narcissistic or weird to do, just to be a part of creating a bigger haystack for the needles. [These practices are] a given to me now, and [theyre] something I learned and thought about a lot throughout this whole process.

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Pete Vernon is a former CJR staff writer. Follow him on Twitter @ByPeteVernon.
The GOPs decision to pull the American Health Care Act, which would have repealed most of the major provisions of Obamacare, reflects in no small measure the groundswell of opposition from local news outlets. The bill would have substantially increased the number of uninsured, including the 13 million or so that gained coverage under Obamacares Medicaid expansion, and would have eliminated the ACAs essential benefits package, which included coverage for maternity care, mental health services, emergency room visits, and prescription drugs.

Editorials and news coverage in numerous American communities responded with a clear message that such measures simply didnt pass muster for their communities. Many in their audiences agreed: A Quinnipiac Poll released yesterday found that only 17 percent of American voters approved of the Republicans bill, while 56 percent didnt. Many editorials found ways to ask the same questionIs this bill good policy?and then answer, conclusively, No.

There are so many things wrong with this plan that its hard to know where to begin, wrote the St. Louis Post Dispatchs editorial board. The Star-Ledger in New Jersey attacked the GOPs plan for Medicaid, calling the $880 billion spending reduction over the next decade a savage cut that will gut the program no matter how they spin it. The Akron Beacon Journals editorial board described the structure of the Obamacare exchanges as sound enough. By comparison, the board noted, Trump, Ryan and the rest are misrepresenting things mostly to justify their ill-conceived intervention.

The Lincoln Journal Star told readers that the AHCA fell far short of Trumps pledge to come up with a new plan thats going to be better health care for more people at a lesser cost. The Virginian-Pilot declared the Republican plan would make things worse for low-income Americans who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to benefit from subsidies. (There are hundreds of thousands of those folks in Virginia alone, the paper noted.) Two papers in Florida whose coverage areas are represented by GOP congressmen spared no criticism of the proposals; the Gainsville Sun recommended that Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Ted Yoho reject the plan in favor of something that fixes problems with Obamacare and not make things worse.

News coverage in many states hinged on similarly blunt statements from sources. The Boston Globe covered a legislative committee meeting where the states Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary, Marylou Sudders, discussed how cutting Medicaid payments would affect Massachusetts residents who relied on Medicaid to pay for nursing home care. (The Ryan plan would force the state to make its requirements to qualify for nursing home assistance even more onerous.) Sudders simply said, The bill, as currently presented, is not good for us.

As editorial boards delivered blunt critiques, many newsrooms delivered sharp stories that brought the impact of the Republican health proposal home. In Montana, Lee Enterprises newspapers like the Billings Gazette and The Missoulian published stories that examined how the loss of Medicaid coverage would affect Native Americans; nearly 10,000 of them had signed up for coverage under Montanas Medicaid expansion. It was really a game-changer, said Dr. David Mark, the CEO of Bighorn Valley Health Center in Hardin, Montana. Its really allowed people to access care in a whole new way.

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In Louisiana, the Times-Picayune brought home the point that many older people would pay more for insurance under the AHCA. Last year, Jefferson Parisha Republican strongholdhad the states greatest number of residents enrolled in Obamacare policies. One of every four people enrolled was between 55 and 64 years old, and the Times-Picayune explained how many of those people would receive less in tax credits under the AHCA:

A 60-year-old resident in Jefferson and Orleans parishes who earns $30,000 a year, for example, stands to lose $4,730 a year in tax credits for health coverage under the GOP plan By contrast, higher-income earners would see their tax credits rise under the GOP plan. A 60-year-old in Jefferson and Orleans parishes who makes $75,000-per-year would see $4,000 more in tax credits under the proposed plan.

Some newsrooms used the opposition from their states Republican officials to strengthen their critical coverage. Earlier this week, Michigan Republican Governor Rick Synder sent letters to each member of the states congressional delegation. Snyders letters all warned that the legislation would reduce federal resources that currently assist 2.4 million Michigandersnearly one-quarter of the states population. For each House member, Snyder provided the number of children, seniors, pregnant women and disabled individuals who are served by traditional Medicare in their districts. As you know, the governor said, these our states most vulnerable citizens, friends and neighbors. The proposed AHCA will adversely impact them.

Michigans news outlets used Snyders letter to cinch their coverage of the AHCAs impact. TV stations in Lansing and Kalamazoo carried the story. So did the Detroit Free Press and Mlive.com, which also provided readers with a map and a search tool so they could learn how many people in each of the states congressional districts would be affected. At the Detroit News, health reporter Karen Bouffard noted the impact of Medicaid reductions on the state and then pushed beyond the numbers to show how one Detroit mother who frequents a family health center would get less care, if any at all. Bouffard also interviewed the executive director of the Michigan Health Policy Forum, who told her:

States are going to have less money to treat more people, and once youre in that situation, there are only a couple things you can do. You can cut the number of eligibles, you can cut the benefits, you can cut provider reimbursements, or you can use state funds to replace where federal funds have fallen short. And none of those options are going to be popular.

That quoteobtained by a dedicated health reporter at a time when we have far too fewgets at the hard truth of the American Health Care Act debacle, a truth that many local newsrooms seized on, too.

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Trudy Lieberman is a longtime contributing editor to the Columbia Journalism Review. She is the lead writer for CJR's Covering the Health Care Fight. She also blogs for Health News Review and the Center for Health Journalism. Follow her on Twitter @Trudy_Lieberman.
CAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS PICK AND CHOOSE which news outlets they give comments and information to? A lawsuit filed by a New Mexico alternative weekly against the governor could expand the states press freedom protections with a broader definition of censorship. Or it could quash a newspaper-led effort at accountability and transparency in state government, giving elected officials license to ignore smaller media outlets asking uncomfortable questions.

During a three-day bench trial in March, lawyers for the Santa Fe Reporter argued that Gov. Susana Martinezs communications staffers discriminated against them because they didnt like the papers viewpointactions that amount to censorship that violates the state constitution. Reporter staff testified that the administration froze them out after the paper published a major story critical of the governor, ignoring their emails and sitting on their public records requests. The Reporters legal argument is that government cant disregard one news outlets routine requests for comment and information; courts have previously held that the government cant exclude reporters it doesnt like from press conferences or news release email lists. (Disclosure: I have done freelance writing for the Reporter, mostly about food. I have not been involved at all with this lawsuit.)

The Reporter filed suit in state district court in 2013, but years of motions filed by the governors contract attorneys kept the case from trial. Now, both sides are laboring over written closing arguments they are expected to submit in early May. There will be time for rebuttals, and then a decision, which is expected in late spring. A victory for the Reporter could limit the abilities of government officials to delay or deny record requests, and force officials to treat all news organizations equally, despite their size or perceived friendliness.

Knell told the court he believed his job was determining the best way to convey the governors message, and that communicating with reporters was only a small part of it.

THE SUMMER OF 2012 BROUGHT WITH IT the revelation that the governor and administration officials had been using private email accounts to conduct state business. One cabinet secretary (who had been fired by Martinez) said she and other administration officials were told to use personal accounts in order to elude public records requests.

A few months after that, a recording surfaced of the governors chief of staff, Keith Gardner, appearing to confirm as much. I never email on my state email anything that can come back to bite my ass. It is all done off-line. I never  use my state email because it is all done on different stuff cause I dont want to go to court and jail, Gardner could be heard saying. In court, he testified that his comments were taken out of context.

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Shortly after, Martinez ordered all executive branch employees to use official email for state business, and open government advocates lauded her for doing so. But Martineza Republican governor in what was then still her first termhad campaigned on bringing ethics, transparency and accountability to Santa Fe. Smelling hypocrisy, the Reporter sank its teeth in and wouldnt let go.

In more than two-dozen stories published that year, staff writers sniffed around and dug into the inner workings of the administration. Their efforts culminated in a December 2012 cover story, which charged that in Martinezs administration, access is often limited to a privileged few; that many decisions are made behind closed doors; and that public officials have at times done more to avoid transparency than to foster it.

The Reporters story was embarrassing in many ways for the governor. The cover featured a full-page illustration of Martinez as a snarling, angry giant, clutching a filing cabinet full of documents and crashing through the burning ruins of Santa Fe. The story mentioned that some of the emails from that private network (released by the former attorney general, a political rival) revealed a few purchases made by the governor: Spanx, 50 Shades of Grey, and songs by the critically maligned band Nickelback. Those details account for fewer than 50 words in what was ultimately a nearly 4,000-word feature.

After that issue was published, there was a noticeable difference in the Reporters relationship with the governors office, former editor Alexa Schirtzinger testified. After becoming frustrated with getting no responses to their queries, staff writer Joey Peters called Gov. Martinezs cell phone and asked for comments on some stories the Reporter was following. With Martinez on speakerphone and a recorder taping the call, Peters, Schirtzinger and another staff writer, Justin Horwath, listened as the governor suggested they call Enrique Knell, her communications director at the time.

Peters protested that Knell hadnt been returning their calls. Well I wonder why, Martinez said before hanging up.

IN COURT, THE REPORTER LAID OUT its evidence for discrimination. Their lawyer presented a tweet by a Martinez spokesman complaining about a story Horwath published in The Santa Fe New Mexican, where he now works. No surprise given his previous reporting for liberal tabloid, the spokesman tweeted. That tweet echoed an official comment from Knell after the paper filed suit:

Its not a surprise that a left-wing weekly tabloid that published stolen emails containing the Governors personal underwear order would file a baseless suit like this. Their public records requests are treated the same as every other citizen in New Mexico.

The paper cited those examples as evidence that Martinez and her staff were intentionally denying access to the paper because they were unhappy with its coverage. But in court, the defense denied that charge and argued that the governors communications staff was simply too busy to respond to all inquiriesand, even if they could, they were under no obligation to do so. Knell told the court he believed his job was determining the best way to convey the governors message, and that communicating with reporters was only a small part of it.

With limited resources, Knell said, he prioritized responding to the Associated Press and newspapers with higher circulation. The defense suggested that smaller news outlets could get all the information they needed from wire services.

During the trial, the governors lawyer tried to paint the Reporter as a lightweight outlet staffed by amateurs. In cross-examination, he asked Schirtzinger, the former editor, about her education and qualifications. After she listed her degrees from Dartmouth and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, he pointedly asked about her brief, post-Peace Corps stint as a dive instructor.

The Reporters lawsuit also charges the governors office with stifling its official records requests and improperly refusing to turn over information about pardon requests and the governors daily calendar. The Associated Press sued for the same records in 2013, and obtained some records as part of a 2015 settlement.

There is this gap between what the retention laws require to be archived and stored and the definition of what has to be released under the public records laws, which are much broader.

The defense suggested reporters from the paper were unreasonably demanding, submitting far more public records requests than other news organizations. Reporter staffers testified that after feeling as though they were shut out, they began submitting requests under the state Inspection of Public Records Act for information they were also requesting via email. Knell said he prioritized the records requests, which the Reporter showed the governors office was able to bunt for months, through extension after extension with no immediate penalty under the law.

The Reporter is also suing for damages in the case, in part to strengthen the enforcement of the public records law, which was weakened by a recent decision requiring that plaintiffs show actual damages.

We hope well win on the idea that if records are improperly withheld you are still able to collect damages, says the Reporters pro-bono lawyer, Daniel Yohalem. And that, in coordination with attorneys fees, will be a disincentive to withholding or delaying documents.

THE CASE MAY ALSO ENABLE REPORTERS to take a bite out of the private email problem. Many public officials have come under fire for using private email accounts and messaging systems, including New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Vice President Mike Pence, who defended discussing government business on his AOL account when he was governor of Indiana. In many states, including New Mexico, it is not explicitly illegal for public officials to use private accounts, provided that public records contained in them are retained and turned over in response to records requests.

During trial questioning about the Reporters public records requests, Martinez administration officials explained that so few emails had been found, even in their official email accounts, because they simply didnt have them. They had been deleted.

As part of its lawsuit, the Reporter asks that the government be required to do more rigorous searches and to discipline employees who improperly delete records.

This is a persistent problem around the country, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press attorney Adam Marshall tells CJR. There is this gap between what the retention laws require to be archived and stored and the definition of what has to be released under the public records laws, which are much broader.

Attempting to prevent public access to the records of government by narrowing the definition in such an extreme way is dangerous, Marshall says. Its hugely detrimental to the public and the form of democratic governance that we generally uphold as being important.

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Gwyneth Doland is a multimedia journalist covering news, politics and culture in New Mexico. A former executive director of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, she is the author of the 2012 and 2015 State Integrity reports for the Center for Public Integrity. She teaches writing, media law and ethics at the University of New Mexico.
President Donald Trump is not the only national figure weighing in on the special House election in a red Georgia district  the race has attracted more money and attention than the area ever has. Trump jabbed at 30-year-old Democratic House candidate Jon Ossoff in a Monday tweet, saying the "super liberal Democrat" wants to "protect criminals, allow illegal immigration and raise taxes." The president's attack comes with Ossoff leading polls in an 18-candidate field as he tries to flip the traditionally Republican seat vacated by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price. The Georgia 6th District election, one of the first for Congress in the Trump era, has attracted more cash from around the country than the district has ever seen. Almost all of that money has gone toward helping  or directly opposing  Ossoff, a former congressional aide.

A mysterious candidate named Rodney Stooksbury spent just $346 to win more than a third of the votes cast in the 2016 general election for the seat. The crowded field in Tuesday's election would love that kind of return on investment. As of March 29, Ossoff had raised $8.3 million and spent $6.1 million  more than double the highest amount Price spent in any one of his seven election campaigns there. The sum does not include funds raised in the more than two weeks since. Price first won the House seat in 2004 and never spent more than $2.5 million in an election. Ossoff's haul is all the more remarkable because Price was no slouch with spending  he spent more than the average Republican and Democratic House incumbent in 2016.

The candidates to replace Price include Ossoff and several Republicans, former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel, businessman Bob Gray and former state Sens. Judson Hill and Dan Moody. Most recent polls have shown Ossoff with roughly 40 percent of support, with the four Republicans trailing him holding more than 50 percent of the support, combined. Ossoff has easily outraised his opponents. As of March 29, Handel raised about $463,000, Hill garnered about $473,000 and Moody about $108,000. If no candidate in Tuesday's election wins 50 percent of the vote, it goes to a June runoff. The top two candidates will advance regardless of party. Ossoff would face a much tougher task in a runoff, as support would likely coalesce around a Republican. The high-profile contest, which some see as an early test of whether Democrats can flip Republican districts in the Trump era, has sparked the interest of outside groups, as well. It is one of four special elections in which a red seat is up for grabs, vacated by a Trump nominee. Republicans held off the first major House challenge in Kansas' red 4th District, as the GOP's Ron Estes beat Democrat James Thompson by 7 points last week. Still, some Democrats are upbeat about the margin, as new CIA Director Mike Pompeo, whose nomination as CIA director opened up the seat, won the district by 31 points last year.
The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) has fined Excellus Health Plans, Inc. $1 million for wrongly denying contraceptive coverage.

A DFS investigation found that the health insurer wrongly denied contraceptive coverage to customers due to internal system and process errors, failed to promptly pay or deny claims, and failed to acknowledge or resolve consumer grievances within time frames required by law.

A DFS market-conduct examination found that Excellus erroneously denied 1,000 claims for contraceptive coverage between 2008 and 2013 due to an error in coding.

DFS is taking this action to ensure that women receive the reproductive healthcare benefits they are entitled to under New York law, Maria Vullo, financial-services superintendent, said in a news release. Health insurers cannot deny New Yorkers of their State-mandated contraceptive coverage for any reason. In addition, consumers are entitled to prompt payment of claims and responses from their health insurers, as required by New York Insurance Law.

Under the consent order, Excellus has agreed to take all steps necessary to correct all violations and to comply with New York State Insurance Law and Regulations in the future, DFS said.

Elizabeth Martin, VP of communication for Excellus eastern markets, provided BJNN with the following statement regarding the DFS fine.

The key findings in the report relate to items from a few years ago. Those issues were addressed when we completed a major transformation project which consolidated several computer platforms down to one. The changes we made have brought about significant improvements to our claims payment system, Excellus said.

Rochesterbased Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is Central New Yorks largest health insurer.

The investigation

DFS is currently investigating whether insurers are complying with New Yorks contraceptive coverage laws, following an undercover sting that found many insurers were giving inaccurate information to consumers.

Under New York State Insurance Law, health insurers must provide contraceptive coverage with no copayments, deductibles or any out-of-pocket costs. They must also provide their members accurate information about their rights to this coverage.

The DFS investigation also found that Excellus did not make prompt payment of certain health-care claims, payment of interest on some claims and failed to deny some claims on a timely basis.

Excellus also failed to acknowledge grievances by 482 customers within 15 business days and failed to resolve 339 grievances within the 30-day period mandated by New York Insurance Law, per the release.

Under state law, health plans in New York are required to provide coverage for all contraceptive drugs and devices. All non-grandfathered health plans must cover at least one form of contraception in each of the FDA-approved contraceptive delivery methods without co-pays, coinsurance or deductibles.

DFS recently issued a report describing an undercover sting investigation that discovered that certain New York health insurers are providing consumers with incorrect information about contraceptive coverage.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com

BJNN file photo by Eric Reinhardt
The South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Pacific Cruise Alliance (SPCA) for greater cooperation on the development of the cruise tourism industry in the greater Pacific Islands region, according to the American Samoa Visitors Bureau. SPCA is a private and public sector cruise alliance made up of members from American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa and Tonga.

The SPTO aims to collaborate with key cruise industry partners, government and private sector members such as SPCA to open up opportunities for existing and new cruise destinations in the Pacific and better coordinate priority areas of marketing and development under the Pacific Cruise Tourism Development Strategy (2015  2019), for the benefit of its members.

Said to be the peak mandated body for tourism development and marketing in 16 Pacific Island Countries, the SPTO will work with its Pacific Islands member governments towards creating enabling environments for the further development of cruise tourism industries.

The American Samoa Visitors Bureau said that the Pacific cruise traffic has grown by 43 percent in the last three years and currently generates around US$640 million per year for the region. New Caledonia and Vanuatu lead the charge, making up 78 percent of the total number of cruise visits in the South Pacific.

American Samoa will have three cruise calls in April. The Noordam will be in Pago Pago Harbor on April 16 and both the Emerald and Sea Princess on April 22. While having two ships visit on one day is becoming an annual event in American Samoa, the visit by the Emerald and Sea Princess ships will be a record with over 8,100 passengers and crew.

The latest available figures (2015) show of the 799 calls in the region, New Caledonia had 429, Vanuatu 256 and Fiji 115.

Cruise tourism is described as an emerging industry in other Pacific Island countries like Tonga, where the Vuna Port in Nukualofa has recently undergone a multi-million dollar upgrade and is attracting more visiting cruise vessels.

Samoa is gearing towards further improvements to the Apia wharf and French Polynesia plans to build a new cruise port terminal by 2020. Small island states such as Tuvalu and Kiribati, which currently receive one or two visiting cruise ships a year, would benefit from the development of expedition segment of the cruise market, involving smaller cruise ships.

Cruise ships are said to bring a much-needed source of additional employment and income to remote communities by linking travelers to outer islands that are not as easily accessed by air. Further, the cruise tourism sector presents opportunities for greater labor mobility in the Pacific, according to the American Samoa Visitors Bureau.
Is your credit union prepared for the next generation gap? Millennials (born 1980 to 1994) have been a topic of focus over the past several years, with good reason. At 83 million strong, millennials deserve your attention. Yet, there is a new generation that is about to hit the workforce. Generation Z (born 1995 to 2012) will begin to graduate from college this spring. At 73 million, the members of Gen Z are still being mistaken for millennials. This comes as no surprise as all young people tend to get lumped into the millennial ranks, even though half of the nations millennials are now parents themselves, according to Time magazine.

What do you know about Gen Z? Remember that millennials were raised by baby boomers who taught them that if everyone pitches in, everyone wins. They were also taught to be themselves, question authority and to chase their dreams. Good advice from a generation that pioneered the new economy. Gen Z is a product of angsty Gen Xers who know that economic bubbles burst, jobs often get cut, 401(k)s dont always grow and no extra points are awarded for participation in Little League. As a result, Generation Z is independent, focused and fiercely competitive. According to the Institute for Corporate Productivity, half of Gen Z would rather work independently than collaborate and would prefer their own office to open environments. Sixty percent say they want a long career with one company and half would rather get a job than create one. I like these kids!

How can your credit union plan to capture the next generation wave? If millennials are the mobile pioneers, Gen Z are mobile natives! Generation Z is the first generation to grow up completely digital. Unlike millennials, they dont remember life before smartphones and constant Wi-Fi. Todays teens had phones when they were in elementary or middle school, compared to high school or college for their older counterparts. As Gen Z enters the workforce be prepared for them to lead the high tech  high touch charge.

Gen Z battle plan:

1. Smartphones. If your credit union is not mobile, stop reading and rethink your technology strategy now! Phones are a life changing event according to a study conducted by Google. The top milestones for teens today are:

Graduating from school Getting a license Getting a phone

2. Devices. User experience should be a focus of your internet banking platform, website and loan products, not just your mobile banking app. Gen Z has more devices at their disposal than any other generation. Teens today use multiple devices:

78% Smartphone 69% Laptop 68% Television 62% Gaming console 52% Tablet 50% Desktop Computer

While todays teens have a reputation as gamers, smartphones, laptops, and TVs still reign supreme.

Source: Google Think

3.Video. Mobile is the new primetime. Watching mobile video is how teens spend a lot of their time. If you want to capture Gen Zs attention consider YouTube video campaigns and social media. Teens spend 3+ hours per day on the following activities:

71% Watching videos online 52% Using messaging apps 51% social networking

Source: Google Think

4.Shopping. Gen Z is a generation of mobile shoppers, which means other activities such as applying for a loan on a mobile device will not feel foreign. 53% of teens make regular purchases on their smartphones and this number is increasing. Why?

61% Its more convenient 49% Find better deals online 41% Its faster

Source: Google Think

5. Connected. They grew up in a connected world, which means your credit union will need technologies to facilitate those connections. Being connected doesnt mean 247 or even expanding Saturday hours. Teens prefer to connect with people via text more than twice as much as messaging apps or in person.

38% Text message 18% App message 15% In-person

Source: Google Think

6. Cool. Gen Z is the only age group that say ads influence their perception of cool products. According to teens here are the top 3 aspects that make a product cool.

Friends talking about it They see an ad about it If something is personalized to them

Source: Google Think

We have all learned the impact and need of technology as we have adjusted to market to millennials. Well, now its time to double-down on that approach as Gen Z comes of age. While an app may be sufficient for your millennial members, keep in mind Gen Z will expect a lot more and you better be cool.
Vodacom Tanzania is considering whether to push back the deadline for parties to register their interest in its upcoming IPO, which is thus far under-subscribed.

With the current deadline set on 19th April, the operator is reportedly also considering allowing international participants, with East Africa a particular area of interest. Vodacom is offering TZS476 billion worth of shares, making the offer Tanzanias biggest IPO to date.

While the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange is banking on the IPO raising its market capitalisation by 2.4% to around TZS20.7 trillion, others are not so optimistic. Fortius Rutabingwa, head of market research at the broker Orbit Securities, noted that the IPO was still below target, while fellow broker Core Securities has only committed to buying half of the shares it had aimed to, pledging TZS100 billion ($44.7 million).

However, Vodacom itself was more upbeat, with head of corporate affairs Rosalynn Mworia saying: We have witnessed increased interest and applications over the past few days, which we hope will see to a successful close of Vodacoms IPO.

All eight of Tanzanias operators are legally compelled to float 25% of their shares, under threat of penalties or losing their licences. Non-domestic parties currently may not bid in the auction, but the Capital Markets and Securities Authority may renege on this if Tanzanian investors do not acquire the available stakes.
The three largest operators in Thailand have been given a one month deadline to install fingerprint scanners to register all subscribers to an online ID database.

AIS, dtac and True have until next month to deploy the scanners at 600 service centres in 200 locations. By the end of 2017, they will need to extend the rollout to 8000 locations across the country, with penalties looming if they fail to hit these targets.

In November, regulator NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) confirmed that it was introducing a fingerprint ID system for registering all SIM cards, with which the countrys operators would need to comply. Mobile users are being encouraged to register voluntarily for security purposes.

NBTCs focus on fingerprint verification comes as a result of several instances of mobile banking fraud during 2016. The regulator will store all registered fingerprints on a central database, with the system tying into operators current obligatory SIM registration systems.

MVNOs will also be required to install fingerprint ID scanners, although the actual number required has not yet been decided, according to NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith. All operators can cover the cost of implementing the ID system by deducting it from their yearly USO (universal service obligation) payment, which is calculated as 3.5% of their annual revenue.
DALLAS, April 18, 2017 -- Working-age people who have fainting spells (a condition known as syncope) have a higher risk of occupational accidents and job loss, compared to adults without the condition, according to new research in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, an American Heart Association journal.

Syncope is characterized by a sudden loss of consciousness followed by spontaneous recovery.

In a Danish study comparing adults age 18 to 64 with recurrent syncope to those without it, those with syncope had:

a 1.4-fold increased risk of occupational accidents; and

a 2-fold higher risk of loss of employment (31 percent vs 15 percent),

Also, patients with recurrent syncope who were young, had poor socioeconomic status, or additional conditions (such as cardiovascular disease or depression), were particularly at high risk of workplace accidents or job termination.

Researchers said the study is the first to show a significant association between syncope and work-related outcomes.

"We believe that our findings shed light on a hidden consequence of syncope," said Anna-Karin Nume, M.D., the study's first author and a research fellow in the cardiology department at Copenhagen University Herlev Gentofte Hospital in Hellerup, Denmark.

"The ability to feel safe at work and maintain a full-time job addresses an indirect effect and cost of syncope beyond the usual clinical parameters such as mortality and hospitalization. Employment is more than a measure of performance status; besides its financial importance, it is crucial for self-esteem and quality of life."

Nume and colleagues identified 21,729 patients who had a first-time diagnosis of syncope that required a trip to the emergency room or hospitalization. Of that number, 49.5 percent were employed at that time and most returned to work within a month of hospital discharge.

Researchers noted that 622 patients had a subsequent occupational accident and 36 involved severe injuries such as fracture, amputation crush or internal bleeding. Accidents were most frequent among those working manual jobs.

The study was based on 2008-2013 data covering residents from Denmark's national population-based registers. The median age was 48, and 49.7 percent were men.

One of the Danish study's limitations is the lack of information on potentially relevant factors such as the individuals' work environment, their habits and health behaviors, or exact circumstances of the syncopal events. Consequently, causal effects cannot be established, only associations, and the results should be interpreted with caution.

The results may apply to similar Western countries, yet researchers advise caution when making comparisons because of differences in health, social security and other policies that may exist.

"People with fainting episodes should be evaluated medically and have appropriate interventions to help them maintain their employment and keep safe at work," Nume said. "In general, syncope can be managed, and workplace risks might be managed by a change in job duties, such as avoidance of operating heavy equipment."

"We hope that our findings will stimulate more research to examine why syncope is associated with adverse employment outcomes and to identify and test preventive strategies," she said. "Until then, we urge physicians to ask patients with syncope about their work to reduce any adverse consequences of syncope and educate them about underlying mechanisms and coping strategies."

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Co-authors are Kristian Kragholm, M.D., Ph.D.; Nicolas Carlson, M.D.; Soren Kristensen, M.D, Ph.D.; Henrik Boggild, M.D., Ph.D.; Mark Hlatky, M.D.; Christian Torp-Pedersen, M.D., DSc; Gunnar Gislason, M.D., Ph.D.; and Martin Ruwald, M.D., Ph.D. Author disclosures are on the manuscript.

The Department of Cardiology at Gentofte University Hospital funded the study.

Additional Resources:

After April 18, view the manuscript online

Researcher photo available on the right column of the release link

Experts Release Guidelines for Evaluating, Managing Syncope

What is syncope?

Follow AHA/ASA news on Twitter @HeartNews.

Follow Circulation CV Quality and Outcomes on Twitter @CircOutcomes

Statements and conclusions of study authors published in American Heart Association scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the association's policy or position. The association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations and health insurance providers are available at http://www.heart.org/corporatefunding.
CINCINNATI - Transcription factors, the tiny proteins that switch genes on or off in the nucleus of cells, are considered unreachable molecular targets for drugs attempting to treat medical conditions. Overcoming this challenge, researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered a small molecular compound that successfully blocks a transcription factor and its pro-inflammatory and hyper-mucous activity in asthma.

In a study published online April 18 by Science Signaling, scientists test a new compound they call RCM-1. The substance inhibits the transcription factor FOXM1 and a long downstream chain of pro-inflammatory processes it fuels in asthmatic airways. They show that RMC-1 treatment prevents overproduction of mucous-generating goblet cells in the lungs of mice with asthma and in human airway cell cultures.

Calling their compound a new therapeutic candidate for people with severe asthma and other chronic airway diseases, researchers say with additional research and development their discovery could lead to future clinical trials for asthma, Cystic Fibrosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). All are severe pulmonary diseases associated with increased inflammation and mucous hyper-secretion.

"Traditional targets for drugs are receptors on cell surfaces, which are easy to reach. Transcription factors are inside cell nuclei and difficult to reach," said Vladimir Kalinichenko, MD, PhD, the study's lead investigator and a member of the Division of Pulmonary Biology. "RCM-1 keeps FOXM1 from entering the cell nucleus by activating cell machinery called proteasomes that degrade the transcription factor. This was very efficient at reducing lung inflammation and production of mucous-generating goblet cells in our tests."

Better treatments needed

Kalinichenko said the research is driven by the need to develop more effective treatments for people with severe asthma and other debilitating lung ailments like COPD. Current clinical management for asthma focuses on reducing lung and airway inflammation triggered by allergens, such as house dust mites, mold, etc. Therapeutic agents able to directly affect gene regulatory networks that trigger inflammation and mucous-producing goblet cells would potentially be more efficient at slowing or stopping disease progression.

Leveraging the ongoing research of his laboratory into FOXM1 - which also plays a key role in lung cancer - Kalinichenko's team identified the RCM-1 compound during a computer-supported biological imaging screen of 50,000 small compounds stored at the University of Cincinnati Genome Research Center. The scientists searched specifically for compounds that would target FOXM1 and inhibit its activation of downstream pro-inflammatory molecules that drive overproduction of mucous-generating goblet cells.

Successful lab testing

The research team then tested RMC-1 in cultured human airway epithelial cells and mouse models of asthma (via injection into the animals' peritoneal cavities). The mice were either sensitized with house dust mite allergens or treated with a pro-inflammatory molecule called interleukin 13 (IL-13), which induces mucous production in airway diseases.

Microscopic images show that RMC-1 prevented FOXM1 from entering the nucleus in cultured human airway epithelial cells and in mouse allergen-sensitized respiratory airways. It also decreased airway hyper-responsiveness to allergen, reduced lung inflammation and improved lung function in mice sensitized to house dust mite allergens. FOXM1 also prevented IL-13 from causing goblet cell expansion in mice that were given the pro-inflammatory molecule intra-nasally.

Translating the science

Before the research team's identification of RMC-1 could eventually lead to clinical trials, Kalinichenko said the researchers will first need to test RCM-1 in more sophisticated animal models of respiratory diseases. This will help address issues related to dosage, toxicity, optimal methods of therapeutic delivery, etc.

In their future work, the researchers also want to refine the chemical structure of RCM-1 to make it more efficient and to improve the method of therapeutic delivery. This includes seeing if the compound can be packaged into nanoparticles for intravenous injection. The researchers have applied for a patent on RCM-1, working through the Cincinnati Children's Center for Technology Commercialization.

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Funding support for this research came in part from: the National Institutes of Health (HL84151, HL123490, HL132849, CA142724); a Research Scholar Grant (RSG-13-325) from the American Cancer Society; the National Health Research Institutes of Taiwan (NHRI-EX105-10309BC); and from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan (MOST102-2628-B-007-003-MY3).
The commonly used antibiotic azithromycin is not linked to an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia, an often life-threatening rapid, irregular heartbeat, according to a large study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Azithromycin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections -- mostly respiratory and urinary tract infections -- in people of all ages. It belongs to a class of drugs known as macrolides, of which at least one other drug, erythromycin, is known to disrupt the heart's normal rhythm, leading to a condition known as ventricular arrhythmia.

Several recent studies have reported conflicting results over whether azithromycin is linked to an increased risk of death from ventricular arrhythmia in people taking the antibiotic. To provide clarity among these conflicting findings, a team of European researchers looked at data on nearly 29 million people in health care databases from Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark to determine if there is a link between azithromycin and ventricular arrhythmia.

Of the more than 14 million new antibiotic users, 0.1% (12 874) people developed ventricular arrhythmia, of whom 30 were new users of azithromycin. When compared to amoxicillin, another commonly used antibiotic, from the penicillin class of drugs, there was no increased risk of this heart condition in people using azithromycin. However, there was an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia in people taking azithromycin compared to people not using antibiotics at all.

"This finding suggests that the risk of ventricular arrhythmia is more likely to be due to a person's poor health and caused by their infection, rather than to azithromycin itself," says Dr. Gianluca Trifiro, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy. "This finding was confirmed in several sensitivity analyses and replicated in single databases participating in the study."

The authors note these findings may not be applied in hospital settings as the health of patients and use of antibiotics is quite different in community settings, from which the data were drawn.

"Current azithromycin use was associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia when compared with nonuse of antibiotics, but not when compared with current amoxicillin use. The decreased risk with an active comparator suggests significant confounding by indication," the authors conclude.

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The study was conducted by researchers from Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands; University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Italian College of General Practitioners, Florence, Italy; PHARMO Institute for Drug Outcomes Research, Utrecht, Netherlands; Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS Gmbh, Bremen, Germany; University of Bologna, Italy; Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and King's College, London, United Kingdom.
The cybersecurity workforce, which is currently struggling to fill seats with qualified talent, may have some newfound optimism. Over the past two weeks, upwards of 18,000 middle and high school students from across the United States learned and honed computer security skills in this year's picoCTF online hacking contest, hosted by Carnegie Mellon University's CyLab Security and Privacy Institute. The competition officially ended Friday, April 14, 2017.

"I am very impressed by the amount of effort the participants put in and how much they accomplished over two weeks," said Marty Carlisle, picoCTF's technical lead and a teaching professor in Carnegie Mellon's Information Networking Institute. "I'm hoping these students will continue to pursue computer security and that I'll get a chance to work with some of them here at Carnegie Mellon."

The winning team, "1064CBread," from Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, CA, will receive their $5,000 cash award at an awards ceremony next month at Carnegie Mellon University's campus in Pittsburgh, PA.

The second place team, "phsst," will receive $2,500 and consisted of students from Naperville North High School (IL), Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (VA), and Montgomery County Public Schools (MD). Team "Thee in/s/ane Potato" will receive $1,500 for finishing in third, and consisted of students from Thomas Jefferson High School (PA) and Stuyvesant High School (NY).

"I think picoCTF is going to change lives here," said Anita Johnson, a teacher at Kealing Middle School in Austin, Texas, who had thirty-two of her students participate in picoCTF. "It has been a tremendous learning experience for all of us. What surprises and pleases me the most is the level of interest from the girls."

During a two-week period beginning March 31, over 12,000 teams of students from across the United States attempted to hack, decrypt, reverse-engineer, and do anything necessary to solve 68 computer security challenges created by Carnegie Mellon's competitive hacking team, the Plaid Parliament of Pwning. Anyone could sign up and participate, but only United States students in grades 6-12 were eligible for prizes.

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Philadelphia, PA, April 18, 2017 - In the past, all forms of metastatic prostate cancer have been considered incurable. In recent years, the FDA has approved six drugs for men with metastatic disease, all of which can increase survival. In a study published in Urology, researchers demonstrate for the first time that an aggressive combination of systemic therapy (drug treatment) with local therapy (surgery and radiation) directed at both the primary tumor and metastasis can eliminate all detectable disease in selected patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

While the study is only a first step, one-fifth of the patients treated had no detectable disease, with an undetectable prostate-specific-androgen (PSA) and normal blood testosterone, after 20 months. The results suggest that some men who have previously been considered incurable can possibly be cured; investigators also establish a new paradigm for testing various drug combinations in conjunction with local treatment of the prostate to determine which is the best approach (ie, has the highest undetectable disease rate). Such results could not have been achieved with any single therapy alone.

According to lead investigator Howard I. Scher, MD, Chief of the Genitourinary Oncology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, "The sequential use of the three different modalities helped illustrate the role and importance of each in achieving the undetectable PSA with normal testosterone level end point, which represents a 'no-evidence of disease' status." Longer follow-up is needed to determine whether these patients were in fact cured.

Twenty men with metastatic prostate cancer, five with extra-pelvic lymph nodal disease and 15 with bone with or without nodal disease, were treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), radical surgery that included a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection as needed, and radiation therapy to visible metastatic lesions in bone. ADT was stopped after a minimum of six months if an undetectable PSA was achieved after combined modality therapy. Other patients were treated continuously.

The combined treatment regimen including surgery was well tolerated. Matthew J. O'Shaughnessy, MD, PhD, Urology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, commented "While the role of local therapy in metastatic prostate cancer is still under investigation, aggressive resection of visible disease performed by experienced surgeons was critical to the outcome."
Scientists to collaborate to characterize Colombia's biodiversity, home to 1 in 10 of the world's plant and animal species

Researchers are embarking on a major collaboration to characterise Colombia's plant and animal life, from densely rich cloud forests to little-seen museum collections.

International research organisations led by Prof Federica Di Palma Director of Science of the Earlham Institute have formed BRIDGE Colombia, a multidisciplinary network, to understand, promote, and preserve Colombia's biodiversity through responsible innovation. The partners met for a workshop in Bogota on 13-15 March to agree new ways to protect and valorize Colombia's natural diversity in this post-conflict era.

Colombia is a "megadiverse" country, home to nearly 10% of the planet's total biodiversity and almost one in 20 of all plant species worldwide. Over half is covered by forest, while wetlands and vast tropical grassland add to the mix. Record numbers of rare species abound including around 100 endangered mammals, 34 species of endangered hummingbird, and 2,500 plant species in danger of extinction.

From an initial team of four people a year ago at the Earlham Institute, Prof Di Palma has galvanised support from 23 UK and Colombian organisations to create a lasting legacy of research to benefit the wildlife, landscape and people.

"As well as being a source of wonder, the abundance of life in Colombia is essential to help end hunger and malnutrition and to achieve economic growth and peace," says Prof Di Palma.

"We would be nothing, eat nothing and breathe nothing, without the diversity of life that exists on this planet. If biodiversity is lost, so is the ability to adapt to challenges like population growth and climate change," she says.

The new network will help build Colombia's research capacity, an opportunity made possible by the peace process signed with armed groups. As well as characterising the country's biodiversity, research is needed to demonstrate the economic value of natural resources and to develop the bioeconomy.

Some of the most remote and richly biodiverse areas of the country were under control of armed groups and inaccessible to researchers. There are now fewer restrictions to conduct studies in the field. Just last year a new species of golden frog was discovered in the high Andes and further discoveries might now be possible. Field studies are also needed to understand the threats to biodiversity so that effective policies can be put in place to curb them.

UK institutions can provide access to technology, such as advanced genetic sequencing and informatics, as well as expertise through exchange programmes and training. The University of Sydney is also involved in the network, sharing experience with species conservation and management programmes. Research projects within the network are helping to establish species' conservation status, improve crop breeding to make farming more efficient and assess socio-economic challenges associated with biodiversity.

At the recent workshop, the partners agreed on resolutions to protect existing biodiversity, to use biological resources in a sustainable way and to improve the technological self-sufficiency of Colombia. Resolutions also focus on reconciliation to help promote economic growth for all.

The new network supports ongoing efforts to build a biodiversity inventory of Colombia. For example, via the Colombia BIO programme launched last year to increase the Colombian inventory and genetic library of biodiversity and to strengthen biological collections.

The Network is strongly aligned with the Colombia BIO initiative (led by COLCIENCIAS), and associated Newton Fund research partnerships (BBSRC, NERC, AHRC). The Network also works to align with the aims of the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Post-Conflict, to guide the priorities and activities.

Felipe Garcia Cardona, Director of Colombia Bio, a joint Colombia-UK bioeconomy research programme, says: "At this very important time in Colombian history, we can connect academic and private institutions in the UK and Colombia to generate the knowledge necessary for stimulating economic and social growth around our rich natural heritage."

Luis Calzadilla from the British Council says: "The historical moment Colombia is going through requires the country to connect with the world's best research practitioners. This is a unique opportunity for Colombia and the UK to work together on science and innovation to create a sustainable bio-economy. This network is a good example of the kind of partnerships that will make it possible."

BRIDGE stands for: Biodiversity, Responsibility, Innovation, Development, Growth, and Education Or: Biodiversidad, Responsabilidad, Innovacion, Desarrollo, Ganancia, y Educacion

BRIDGE Colombia is focused on preserving, restoring, and managing Colombian biodiversity through responsible innovation.

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Massive landslides, similar to those found on Earth, are occurring on the asteroid Ceres. That's according to a new study led by the Georgia Institute of Technology, adding to the growing evidence that Ceres retains a significant amount of water ice.

The study is published in the journal Nature Geoscience. It used data from NASA's Dawn spacecraft to identify three different types of landslides, or flow features, on the Texas-sized asteroid.

Type I are relatively round, large and have thick "toes" at their ends. They look similar to rock glaciers and icy landslides in Earth's arctic. Type I landslides are mostly found at high latitudes, which is also where the most ice is thought to reside near Ceres' surface.

Type II features are the most common of Ceres' landslides and look similar to deposits left by avalanches on Earth. They are thinner and longer than Type I and found at mid-latitudes. The authors affectionately call one such Type II landslide "Bart" because of its resemblance to the elongated head of Bart Simpson from TV's "The Simpsons."

Ceres' Type III features appear to form when some of the ice is melted during impact events. These landslides at low latitudes are always found coming from large-impact craters.

Georgia Tech Assistant Professor and Dawn Science Team Associate Britney Schmidt led the study. She believes it provides more proof that the asteroid's shallow subsurface is a mixture of rock and ice.

"Landslides cover more area in the poles than at the equator, but most surface processes generally don't care about latitude," said Schmidt, a faculty member in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. "That's one reason why we think it's ice affecting the flow processes. There's no other good way to explain why the poles have huge, thick landslides; mid-latitudes have a mixture of sheeted and thick landslides; and low latitudes have just a few."

The study's researchers were surprised at just how many landslides Ceres has in general. About 20 percent to 30 percent of craters greater than 6 miles (10 kilometers) wide have some type of landslide associated with them. Such widespread features formed by "ground ice" processes, made possible because of a mixture of rock and ice, have only been observed before on Earth and Mars.

Based on the shape and distribution of landslides on Ceres, the authors estimate that the upper layers of Ceres may range from 10 percent to 50 percent ice by volume.

"These landslides offer us the opportunity to understand what's happening in the upper few kilometers of Ceres," said Georgia Tech Ph.D. student Heather Chilton, a co-author on the paper. "That's a sweet spot between information about the upper meter or so provided by the GRaND (Gamma Ray and Neutron Detector (GRaND) and VIR (Visible and Infrared Spectrometer) instrument data, and the tens of kilometers-deep structure elucidated by crater studies."

"It's just kind of fun that we see features on this small planet that remind us of those on the big planets, like Earth and Mars," Schmidt said. "It seems more and more that Ceres is our innermost icy world."

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The Dawn mission is managed by JPL for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington, D.C. Dawn is a project of the directorate's Discovery Program, managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. UCLA is responsible for overall Dawn mission science. Orbital ATK Inc., in Dulles, Virginia, designed and built the spacecraft. The German Aerospace Center, Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Italian Space Agency and Italian National Astrophysical Institute are international partners on the mission team. For a complete list of mission participants, visit: http://dawn.jpl.nasa.gov/mission
In recent years scientists, clinicians and pharmaceutical companies have been struggling to find new antibiotics or alternative strategies against multi-drug resistant bacteria that represent nowadays a serious health problem. In a breakthrough study now published in PLOS Biology*, Isabel Gordo and her team at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia (IGC; Portugal) identified a compensatory mechanism in bacteria that might be used in the future as a new therapeutic target against multi-drug resistant bacteria.

As spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria increases, it is important to understand how are they being maintained in populations. Antibiotics target essential bacteria cellular functions. However, bacteria can evolve and become resistant to these drugs by acquiring mutations in genes involved in those functions. This comes at a cost for bacteria, as most drug resistant mutations are prejudicial in the absence of the antibiotic. To overcome this, bacteria can acquire additional compensatory mutations. How these compensatory mutations evolve in multi-drug resistant bacteria was completely unknown, and was what Isabel Gordo's team proposed to study now.

Previous results from Isabel Gordo's laboratory showed that genetic interactions between resistance mutations are frequent and are the driver for multi-resistance. Now, the researchers showed that the pace of the compensatory adaptation in multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains is faster than for strains carrying a single resistance mutation. Most importantly, they were able to identify the key proteins involved in the compensatory mechanism of multi-drug resistant bacteria. These results came from the analysis of E. coli strains with single resistance to rifampicin and to streptomycin antibiotics, and strains with resistance to both antibiotics, grown in antibiotic-free media.

"If we use a very simplistic metaphor and compare bacteria with a car, we would say that many mutations that confer resistance to streptomycin affect the motor of the cell that drives the production of proteins (the ribosome), whereas resistances to rifampicin come from mutations in the accelerator of that motor (a protein called RNA polymerase). We now discovered that the compensatory mechanism of multi-drug resistant E. coli encompasses mutations in the 'clutch', i.e. in proteins that link the cell's 'motor' with the 'accelerator'", explains Isabel Gordo. The IGC researcher further adds: "If we can block the proteins now identified we may be able to kill multi-drug resistant bacteria, since we would be eliminating this compensatory mechanism that favours their growth in the population."

The research team predicts that the mechanism now discovered might be generally used in several other multi-drug resistances, since antibiotics target the same cellular mechanisms. Hence, the proteins now identified can be good candidate targets for the design of therapies against multi-drug resistant bacteria.

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This study was conducted at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia and funded by European Research Council and the Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (Portugal).

*Moura de Sousa J, Balbontin R, Durao P, Gordo I (2017) Multidrug-resistant bacteria compensate for the epistasis between resistances. PLoS Biol 15(4): e2001741. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.2001741
Scientists of the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) have discovered a so far unknown molecular mechanism by which the human immune system activates its immune cells: T cells, a particular type of white blood cells, effectively ward off pathogens if a gene known as Gclc is expressed within them. The Gclc gene encodes a protein instrumental for the production of a substance called glutathione - a molecule that was previously known only to eliminate harmful waste products of metabolism such as reactive oxygen species and free radicals. A team led by LIH researcher Prof Dirk Brenner, FNR ATTRACT fellow and Head of the Experimental & Molecular Immunology research group at the Department of Infection and Immunity, has discovered that glutathione also stimulates T cells' energy metabolism. This way, when in contact with pathogens, T-cells can grow, divide and fight off intruders such as viruses. Glutathione is thus an important molecular switch for the immune system. This discovery offers starting points and perspectives to develop new therapeutic strategies for targeting cancer and autoimmune diseases.

The scientists publish their findings today in the world's most prestigious immunology journal, Immunity (DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2017.03.019.).

"Our body has to keep our immune system in a carefully balanced equilibrium", says Prof Dirk Brenner. "If the body's innate defences are overactive, then they turn against the body. This is what happens in autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis or arthritis, for example. However if the defences are too weak, then infections cannot be handled or body cells can proliferate uncontrolled and grow to form tumours, which can become life threatening." Immune cells such as T cells therefore normally reside in a state of alert hibernation, with their energy consumption reduced to a minimum. If pathogens or parts thereof dock onto their outer envelope, then the T cells wake up and boost their metabolism. This necessarily creates greater amounts of metabolic waste products, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals, which can be toxic for the cells.

When the concentration of these oxidants increases, the T cells have to produce more antioxidants so as not to be poisoned. No previous research group had studied the mechanism of action of antioxidants in T cells to great detail before. In exploring this phenomenon, Prof Brenner's team discovered that the antioxidant glutathione produced by T cells serves not only as a garbage collector to dispose of ROS and free radicals, it is also a key switch for energy metabolism that controls the immune response, and is thus of high relevance to various diseases. "These fascinating results form a basis for a targeted intervening in the metabolism of immune cells and for developing a new generation of immunotherapies," explains Prof Markus Ollert, Director of LIH's Department of Infection and Immunity.

For their investigations, the scientists employed genetically modified mice in whose T cells the Gclc gene was removed and therefore these cells could not produce glutathione. "In these mice, we discovered that the control of viruses is impaired - mice that lack the Gclc gene have an immunodeficiency. But by the same token, this also meant the mice could not develop any autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis." Further tests performed by Prof. Brenner's team demonstrated the reason for this: "The mice cannot produce any glutathione in their T-cells," Prof Brenner continues, "and so a number of other signalling events that directly boost metabolism and increase energy consumption are lacking." As a result, without glutathione, T-cells do not become fully functional; they remain in their state of hibernation and no self-destructive autoimmune response occurs. Prof Karsten Hiller from the Braunschweig University of Technology who collaborated with the Luxembourgish scientists adds: "It is intriguing to see that cellular metabolism and immune activation are so tightly entangled and that a fine-grained interplay is essential to achieve a correct function."

Prof Brenner sees his T cell experiments as a prelude to more in-depth investigation of the energy balance of immune cells in general. A number of different autoimmune diseases, for example, are related to malfunctions in various subgroups of T cells. "If we understand the differences in the molecular mechanisms by which they stimulate their metabolism during defensive or autoimmune responses, then we can discover clues as to possible attack points for therapeutic agents regulating the immune response." The distinguished researcher sees a similar situation in cancer: "In this context too, it is important to know why the immune cells that are actually supposed to fight cancer cells drop to a low metabolic state and in some cases even actively suppress an immune response against the tumour. Counteractive metabolism-stimulating measures could make the immune cells work more efficiently and fight off cancer more effectively."

In follow-up projects, the researchers are planning to gain new indications for potential sites of therapeutic interventions. The groups from Luxembourg and Braunschweig are currently applying for new research funding for a joint project supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR).

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Involved research teams

Prof Dirk Brenner is the Deputy Head of Research & Strategy at LIH's Department of Infection and Immunity. He received a prestigious ATTRACT Consolidator grant from the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR), in 2015 to set up the Experimental & Molecular Immunology research group. The FNR-ATTRACT programme supports the national research institutions by expanding their competences in strategic research areas - by attracting outstanding young researchers with high potential to Luxembourg.

The present study was performed in close collaboration with the former FNR ATTRACT fellow Prof Karsten Hiller from the Metabolomics Group at the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine of the University of Luxembourg (now full Professor at the Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS) of the Braunschweig University of Technology, Germany) and with Prof Tak W. Mak the Director of the Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research at the University of Toronto, Canada.

About the Luxembourg Institute of Health: Research dedicated to life

The Luxembourg Institute of Health is a public research organisation at the forefront of biomedical sciences. With its strong expertise in population health, oncology, infection and immunity as well as storage and handling of biological samples, its research activities are dedicated to people's health. At the Luxembourg Institute of Health, more than 300 individuals are working together, aiming at investigating disease mechanisms and developing new diagnostics, innovative therapies and effective tools to implement personalised medicine. The institution is the first supplier of public health information in Luxembourg, a strong cooperation partner in local and international projects and an attractive training place for ambitious early-stage researchers.

About the Department of Infection and Immunity

LIH's Department of Infection and Immunity is a basic clinical-translational research entity aiming at understanding the complex mechanisms of infectious and inflammatory disease processes to enable new ways to diagnose, prevent and cure human diseases. Building on a highly interdisciplinary research environment, the research strategy of the Department of Infection and Immunity focuses on experimental discovery and validation, bridging to clinical application and technology development to address major unsolved medical needs in the areas of immune-mediated inflammation (such as in allergy, asthma, autoimmunity), cancer and infectious diseases (AIDS, measles and rubella virus infection, amongst others).

http://www.lih.lu

Scientific contact:

Prof Dirk Brenner

Head of Experimental & Molecular Immunology research group

Department of infection and Immunity

Luxembourg Institute of Health

E-mail: dirk.brenner@lih.lu

Availability for interviews: upon request to the Communication Unit

Media enquiries:

Juliette Pertuy

Communication Manager

Luxembourg Institute of Health

Tel: +352 26970-893

E-mail: juliette.pertuy@lih.lu

Dr Malou Fraiture

Scientific writer

Luxembourg Institute of Health

Tel: +352 26970-895

E-mail: malou.fraiture@lih.lu
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- A medical student in Michigan. A nursing student in Ghana. An anatomy professor in Brazil. A researcher in Australia. All need to learn -- or teach -- about the human body at the most basic level.

For all of them, nothing beats a microscope-level view of healthy organs, tissues and cells. That view sets the stage for learning how these structures change because of mutation, disease or the passage of time -- and how to prevent, slow or stop those changes.

Until recently, only those with access to microscopes and libraries of glass slides, each with a tiny sample of preserved tissue, were able to study cells and tissues at the microscopic scale.

Now, students and teachers everywhere can see the human body in fine detail, thanks to "virtual microscopy," which has opened the body's secrets to a much wider audience of students and teachers.

The University of Michigan Medical School was one of the first places to use virtual microscopy for teaching students about normal tissue morphology, a field called histology.

The U-M histology teaching team digitized hundreds of slides from the U-M collection for use by the university's medical and dental students. Later, these images were made freely accessible online on the U-M's histology website and "Histology Lite - SecondLook," a free mobile app.

In any given week, tens of thousands of people from more than 170 countries visit the site. With a few clicks, anyone can zoom in to view images at higher and higher magnification, ranging from an entire organ down to a single cell.

In recent years, other universities and research institutes have also digitized their histology glass slide collections.

A new database

Now, a new website called the Virtual Microscopy Database has launched to bring these collections together and make it easier to find high-quality images of particular structures.

With a grant from the American Association of Anatomists, the VMD is now accepting free registrations from educators or researchers affiliated with an academic institution who want to view, download and use digital microscopic images.

Michael Hortsch, Ph.D., from the U-M Medical School and colleagues from the University of Colorado and Drexel University, led the effort to pull together images from many institutions. They will introduce the new VMD resource at the Experimental Biology meeting in Chicago.

"I want my students to analyze and interpret micrographs they have not encountered previously in lectures, labs or textbooks. The VMD gives me a rich collection of images that I can use for tests and examinations," says Hortsch, an associate professor of cell and developmental biology and of learning health sciences who teaches histology to all U-M medical and dental students as well as graduate and senior undergraduate students.

The global potential of the resource also excites Hortsch.

"I'm frequently asked for help by colleagues from all over the world, who want to use virtual microscopy to teach their students histology, so I realized that there is a great demand for high quality microscopic images in a digital format," he says. Over the past few years, he has shared the entire contents of the U-M virtual microscopy library with colleagues worldwide -- to the tune of more than 200 gigabytes of data each time.

"As no single slide collection is complete and flawless, pooling image collections from many different schools and making them available to all histology educators and researchers in form of an electronic database is a perfect solution."

He hopes that the new resources will help more schools, colleges and universities -- including those in the developing world -- avoid having to purchase and maintain microscopes and glass slides.

"Virtual microscopy is like Google Earth, just at the microscopic scale," he says. "It's not just about looking at pictures. It's also a way to connect structure with function. Because we are visual animals, it's easier for us to understand what is happening inside our bodies if we can see it with our own eyes."

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Visit the Virtual Microscopy Database at http://www.virtualmicroscopydatabase.org/

See virtual slides and other materials available from the University of Michigan at http://histology.sites.uofmhosting.net/

Get the SecondLook mobile applications available from U-M here: http://secondlook.med.umich.edu/
Scrolls ads, a newer style of advertisement designed for mobile screens, show signs of being more effective than older forms of digital advertising, according to a new experimental study conducted by The Media Insight Project, a collaboration between the American Press Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. This new research has significant implications for a news industry that is constantly searching for new revenue models to finance journalism.

"Banner and pop-up ads have been the standard way to advertise online for decades, though they have met consumer resistance, especially in mobile," said Tom Rosenstiel, executive director of the American Press Institute. "Our research into online advertisements finds that formats designed more recently, and with mobile in mind, strike users as less intrusive and more pleasing. To our surprise, compared with ad formats designed for other web environments, scroll ads can also improve recall of the product being advertised and enhance trust in the article where the ad appears."

These are some of the results of the online survey experiment conducted with 1,489 participants between November 9 and December 6, 2016, using AmeriSpeak, NORC's nationally representative survey panel. The online panel interface allows respondents to see and respond to content presented to them digitally, something that is not possible with traditional phone surveys.

Key findings of the experiment include:

The experiment finds that people are more likely to recall the product accurately if it appears in a scroll ad than if it appears in either a pop-up or static ad. Indeed, 34 percent of users accurately recalled the product from the scroll ad versus 26 percent in static ads and 25 percent in pop-up ads. The differences were even more pronounced if you take just those people who say they noticed the ad at all. The majority of all respondents, 57 percent, fell into this group.

People are no more likely to notice pop-up ads than they are scroll ads (61 percent vs. 62 percent for scroll) and are less likely to recall the product in pop-up ads, just 41 percent versus 55 percent in scroll ads and 53 percent in static ads. Pop-up ads also have several negative effects. For instance, 61 percent of people say pop-up ads make the article more difficult to read (vs. 37 percent for scroll ads and 19 percent for static ads).

When readers are interested in the topic of the ad, they are more likely to express some positive evaluations of the article and engage with that article. Overall, people who are interested in the topic of the ad provide more positive evaluations of the article, including that it provides diverse points of view (28 percent vs. 19 percent) and that it is entertaining (32 percent vs. 25 percent). However, those interested in the subject of the ad are no more likely to say the article got the facts right, had a professional appearance, that it was easy to find important information, or that the information was trustworthy.

"Scroll ads should play an even bigger role in online advertising because they appear to be more effective on a range of metrics than pop-up ads and static banners," said Trevor Tompson, director of The AP-NORC Center. "These ads optimized for mobile produce benefits to the advertiser and the news outlet compared to older styles of digital advertising."

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About the Survey

The survey was conducted from November 9 through December 6, 2016. The survey was funded by the American Press Institute (API). Staff from API, NORC at the University of Chicago, and The Associated Press collaborated on all aspects of the study. Data were collected using the AmeriSpeak Panel, which is NORC's probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. household population. During the initial recruitment phase of the panel, randomly selected U.S. households were sampled with a known, nonzero probability of selection from the NORC National Sample Frame and then contacted by U.S. mail, email, telephone, and field interviewers (face-to-face). Interviews for this survey were conducted with adults age 18 and over representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Panel members were randomly drawn from the AmeriSpeak Panel, and 1,489 completed the survey, all via the web. The final stage completion rate is 34.8 percent, the weighted household panel response rate is 32.4 percent, and the weighted household panel retention rate is 95.5 percent, for a cumulative response rate of 10.8 percent. The overall margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level, including the design effect. The margin of sampling error may be higher for subgroups.

A full description of the study methodology for the survey and the qualitative group interviews can be found at the end of the report.

The proper description of the survey's authorship is as follows: This study was conducted jointly by the American Press Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

About the Media Insight Project

The Media Insight Project is a collaboration between the American Press Institute and The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research with the objective of conducting high-quality, innovative research meant to inform the news industry and the public about various important issues facing journalism and the news business. The Media Insight Project brings together the expertise of both organizations and their respective partners, and involves collaborations among key staff at the American Press Institute, NORC at the University of Chicago, and The Associated Press. http://www.mediainsight.org/

About the American Press Institute

Founded in 1946, the American Press Institute (API) conducts research, training, convenes thought leaders, and creates tools to help chart a path ahead for journalism in the 21st century. The American Press Institute is an educational non-advocacy 501(c)3 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Newspaper Association of America. It aims to help the news media, especially local publishers and newspaper media, advance in the digital age. http://www.pressinstitute.org

About The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research

The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research taps into the power of social science research and the highest-quality journalism to bring key information to people across the nation and throughout the world. http://www.apnorc.org

The Associated Press (AP) is the essential global news network, delivering fast, unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and formats. Founded in 1846, AP today is the most trusted source of independent news and information. On any given day, more than half the world's population sees news from AP. http://www.ap.org

NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective and non-partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, NORC has conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with NORC to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge. http://www.norc.org

The two organizations have established The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research to conduct, analyze, and distribute social science research in the public interest on newsworthy topics, and to use the power of journalism to tell the stories that research reveals.

Contacts: For more information, contact Eric Young for NORC at young-eric@norc.org or (703) 217-6814 (cell); Ray Boyer for NORC at boyer-ray@norc.org or (312) 330-6433; Laurie Beth Harris for API at lauriebeth.harris@pressinstitute.org or (571) 366-1044; Tom Rosenstiel for API at tom.rosenstiel@pressinstitute.org or (571) 366-1044; or Lauren Easton for AP at leaston@ap.org.
The breeding grounds of Arctic migratory birds such as the barnacle goose are changing rapidly due to accelerated warming in the polar regions. They won't be able to keep up with this climate change unless they can somehow anticipate it. A research team from the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) employed computer models to assess the future of the geese and their young. Results are being published online by the scientific journal Global Change Biology.

It's the time of year when barnacle geese and many other migratory birds prepare to depart for their breeding grounds above the Arctic Circle. From their wintering grounds in the Netherlands, the geese fly all the way up to the Barentsz Sea in northern Russia, where they should arrive just as the snow has melted. But in the polar regions, the climate is warming much more rapidly than in more temperate areas like the Netherlands - a phenomenon known as 'Arctic amplification'.

It's hard enough for humans to get to grips with the accelerated warming, let alone for barnacle geese, as an earlier NIOO-led study showed. After all, how can they tell from their wintering grounds if the snow has begun to melt thousands of kilometres away? So is it possible for the barnacle geese to advance their spring migration nonetheless, to predict climate change?

First study, fewer young

Ecologist Thomas Lameris and his fellow researchers from NIOO, and also the Swiss Ornithological Institute among other institutions, have tried to find the answer. "This is the first study that tests if migratory birds are in any way able to adjust their timing to the accelerated warming in the polar regions. We used a model to show that the availability of enough edible grass to build up reserves for their journey is not a problem for the barnacle geese. It's the unpredictability of the climatic changes in their breeding grounds that spells trouble for them."

If the geese continue to mistime their arrival, their reproductive success will be reduced. Lameris: "They miss their optimal breeding window and the peak in local food abundance, so fewer goslings will survive." Some compensation for this comes from the fact that as well as starting earlier, the breeding season is becoming longer. This gives the goslings more time to grow. But that's not enough.

To establish the barnacle geese's potential for anticipating climate change, the researchers built a model that tracks individual geese as they fly to their breeding grounds in northern Russia and make stopovers along the route. "In the model, the geese have to make a choice each day: stay in their present location and continue to feed, or fly to the next stopover." The researchers tested the model for various gradations of climatic warming.

Smarter migration strategy?

The barnacle goose is an ideal 'model species' for studying the effects of climate changes, because researchers have been able to study this animal for decades. But it's not just about a single species. Lameris: "Our results are probably valid for many more species of Arctic-breeding migratory birds, and certainly for other geese such as the white-fronted and the brent goose."

On the whole, geese are clever birds. Goslings learn the migration route from their parents, including the best places to stop over and build up fat reserves. "So if they do change the timing of their arrival, it would be easy to pass that on to the next generation", Lameris argues hopefully. "The main question is whether geese and other migratory birds can adapt as fast as the climate changes, to keep up."

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With more than 300 staff members and students, NIOO is one of the largest research institutes of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). The institute specialises in water and land ecology. As of 2011, the institute is located in an innovative and sustainable research building in Wageningen, the Netherlands. NIOO has an impressive research history that stretches back 60 years and spans the entire country, and beyond.
WASHINGTON, D.C. April 18, 2017 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $9.6 million in available funding for projects to support the development of new biobased products and biomaterials from renewable sources such as crops, trees, and waste materials from farmland and forests. Funding is made through NIFA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

"Rural America has the potential to be the economic powerhouse through biofuels and biobased products," said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. "NIFA investments in research and development help to create new economic opportunities in rural communities, protect the environment, and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign energy."

AFRI is America's flagship competitive grants programs for addressing critical societal issues through the food and agricultural sciences. The AFRI Sustainable Bioenergy and Bioproducts Challenge Area supports projects that lead to the commercial production of biobased products such as biochemicals, biomaterials, and products that replace fossil carbon-based products. This challenge area supports three types of projects: research, education or extension projects; integrated projects; and food and agricultural science enhancement grants.

Applications may only be submitted by eligible entities. Eligibility is linked to the project type.

The deadline for applications is June 28, 2017.

See the request for applications for details.

Among previously funded projects, a Cornell University project is helping teachers introduce students to the bioenergy and bioproducts systems being developed in the Northeastern United States. In November 2016, Alaska Airlines landed the first commercial flight powered in part by a new renewable fuel made of wood waste, a fuel developed through NIFA support to Washington State University and the Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA). Launched in 2011, NARA has advanced research into biofuels and biochemicals, fostered the Northwest regional biofuel industry and helped educate tomorrow's workforce on renewable energy.

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NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and extension and promotes transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges. NIFA support for the best and brightest scientists and extension personnel has resulted in user-inspired, groundbreaking discoveries that combat childhood obesity, improve and sustain rural economic growth, address water availability issues, increase food production, find new sources of energy, mitigate climate variability, and ensure food safety. To learn more about NIFA's impact on agricultural science, visit http://www.nifa.usda.gov/impacts, sign up for email updates or follow us on Twitter @USDA_NIFA, #NIFAimpacts.

USDA is an equal opportunity lender, provider, and employer.
Roughly 2 million children experience maltreatment each year in the United States and face the possibility of a lifetime of mental, emotional, behavioral and physical health difficulties. With more than $124 billion spent in the U.S. on child maltreatment-related costs, the importance of mitigating damaging outcomes for victims cannot be overstated. There is a critical need for new research to identify health and developmental solutions, mobilize public investment in child maltreatment prevention and treatment, accelerate science to practice, and spark dynamic system-wide change.

Recognizing this importance, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the NICHD, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently completed a competitive process to fund for the first time ever, an academic institution to function as a "Capstone." Penn State has been selected based on scientific merit to establish the Center for Healthy Children. The award of $7.7 million over 5 years will support the center as a national resource for child maltreatment research and training. To further this effort, Penn State has committed $3.4 million in funds, to total more than $11 million.

"Maltreatment is a critical issue requiring tangible solutions. There needs to be a heightened focus on raising the bar for research in this area so we can develop specific ways to prevent maltreatment and promote health and well-being for survivors," said Jennie Noll, the principal investigator of the NIH award, professor of human development and family studies in Penn State's College of Health and Human Development, and director of the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network, a unit of Penn State's Social Science Research Institute. "We don't yet have a comprehensive understanding of exactly why maltreatment leads to such dire consequences for some, while others may exhibit remarkable resilience. This is why it is vitally important that we identify the mechanisms involved in these health disparities."

The knowledge generated by this research will allow scientists, in conjunction with advocates and practitioners, to develop and implement novel, targeted and optimized interventions that will maximize the ability to impact lives and have relevance nationwide and throughout the world.

This Center grant augments the initial investment Penn State made in 2012 to create and support a network of researchers who have since come together at the University to solve the complex problem of child maltreatment. Through this investment, the network hired nine faculty members across five colleges, each working from distinct, yet complementary, angles in a highly unique trans-disciplinary effort.

"We recruited the best and the brightest researchers to Penn State to create a network and we continue our commitment to work on this critical issue by contributing $3.4 million in support of the new NIH center," said Penn State President Eric J. Barron. "The expertise, passion and dedication of our researchers are unparalleled and this grant exemplifies our strength in successful interdisciplinary collaborations, with leading experts from across the University."

The grant was established to fund cutting-edge research that focuses on child maltreatment and offers practical suggestions for preventative measures and legislative recommendations that can spur legislative action. In one of the research projects, Noll and her team will invite approximately 1,200 children aged 8-13 from around the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to participate in a study focused on eradicating health disparities for children who have experienced the child welfare system. This large cohort study led by Christine Heim, professor of bio-behavioral health at Penn State, will include health screenings, monitoring and education in the areas of emotional and behavioral well-being as well as physical health.

Another research project supported by the grant will be led by Dr. Kent P. Hymel, a child abuse pediatrician at Penn State Children's Hospital. Eight pediatric intensive care units from across the country will participate in a randomized clinical trial designed to assess the impact of a novel, highly sensitive, screening tool for pediatric abusive head trauma. More than 1,500 U.S. children die annually from child abuse, a number similar to the mortality rate from all forms of pediatric cancer combined. Approximately 40 percent of child maltreatment deaths result from abusive head trauma. For the first time in any clinical setting, physicians will apply a recently validated screening tool to guide their decisions to launch or forgo child abuse evaluations in their young, acutely head-injured patients. By improving the accuracy of these difficult clinical decisions, implementing the screening tool could substantially reduce cases of missed or misdiagnosed abusive head trauma, unnecessary abuse evaluations, abusive re-injury and death.

The overarching goal of the center is to translate research into solutions that can enhance how the child welfare system supports families. Moreover, the center grant also supports a team, led by Max Crowley, assistant professor of human development and family studies at Penn State, who will translate knowledge generated by the center's researchers into policy briefs and messages that will resonate with policy makers regarding the fiscal costs of maltreatment and its consequences, to implore larger public investment in prevention and treatment. In a unique partnership between children and youth organizations and University researchers, this team will work in conjunction with Pennsylvania's child welfare system to address pressing questions that are important to frontline social workers and administrators.

"It is an incredible honor to be selected by the NIH as an organization that has the capabilities to make a tangible impact on the lives of children," said Noll. "I'm inspired to be working with this incredibly talented group of world-renowned researchers as we forge this vital path ahead."

In addition to the new support from the NIH and continued support from the University, the center will be given dedicated space provided by the College of Health and Human Development on Penn State's University Park campus.

Researchers working with Noll on this project include Max Crowley, assistant professor of human development and family studies; Christine Heim, professor of biobehavioral health; Kent Hymel, child abuse pediatrician; Diana Fishbein, professor of human development and family studies and director of the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Center; Sarah Font, assistant professor of sociology; Sheridan Miyamoto, assistant professor of nursing; Chad Shenk, assistant professor of human development and family studies; Idan Shalev, assistant professor of biobehavioral health; Hannah Schreirer, assistant professor of biobehavioral health; Emma Rose, research assistant professor, Prevention Research Center; Vernon Chinchilli, Distinguished Professor of Public Health Sciences; Mark Dias, associate professor of neurosurgery; and Ming Wang, assistant professor of biostatistics and bioinformatics.

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For the human body to mount an immune response to a viral infection, host cells must identify the viral invader and trigger a signaling pathway. This signal then prompts the immune system to attack and subdue the pathogen. Using the dengue virus (DENV) as a model, researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have identified the "viral sensor" that initiates an immune response and have also described how the virus counteracts this mechanism and evades immune detection. The paper describing these findings was published in the journal Nature Microbiology.

Along with aiding in the design of future vaccines, understanding how host cells signal the need for an immune response and the sophisticated mechanisms viruses use to avoid recognition can illuminate patient susceptibility to disease severity. It can also inform techniques to dampen unwanted pro-inflammatory responses associated with autoimmune diseases.

"Previous studies have shown that human viruses have acquired specific mechanisms to strategically avoid detection by the innate immune system. Active strategies are used by viruses to minimize the ability of cells to detect and respond to infection, allowing sufficient time for the production of viral progeny," said last author of the study Ana Fernandez-Sesma, PhD, Professor, Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "Our study shows how dengue virus, which affects people around the globe, employs multiple techniques to avoid detection. We shed light on the mechanisms cells use to recognize the traces of viral infection within a cell and the methods viruses have acquired to obstruct them. It is this recognition that eventually leads to an immune response."

Researchers identified cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) as the protein responsible for initially detecting viral infection. cGAS, a cytosolic DNA sensor, recognizes DNA that has escaped the nucleus or mitochondria of a cell and entered the cytoplasm, an unusual occurrence. In the case of DENV infection, cGAS recognizes traces of mitochondrial DNA released into the cytoplasm as a consequence of the beginning stages of the infection; it does not recognize the viral particles themselves. Once cGAS binds to DNA, it activates a series of cascading chemical triggers known as the cGAS/cGAMP/STING sensing pathway, which induces type I interferon (IFN) signaling and begins the immune response. Although cGAS has been characterized as a DNA sensor, it has antiviral properties against different positive-strand RNA viruses, like DENV--a characteristic that has not yet been fully explored.

DENV in turn reduces the likelihood of triggering the cGAS/cGAMP/STING pathway by degrading cGAS and preventing it from binding with mitochondrial DNA in the cytoplasm of the cell. The DENV-encoded protease cofactor NS2B promotes cGAS degradation in an autophagy-lysosome-dependent mechanism. Previous research from this group has shown that DENV cleaves to STING, an endoplasmic reticulum resident host protein, to prevent type I IFN signaling. Uncovering the role DENV plays in degrading cGAS and stopping the preliminary step of the immune-signaling pathway confirms two separate but coordinated mechanisms the virus uses to thwart a host immune response.

The interplay between DENV and the mitochondria is a field of increasing interest, and by exploring that relationship this study describes a novel mechanism by which human cells can detect damage generated during the early stages of an infection. By releasing its genomic DNA inside the cell, the mitochondria initiate the cGAS/cGAMP/STING pathway, type I IFN signaling, and the immune response. However, DENV has learned to counteract this "maternal" protection mechanism by NS2B-induced degradation of cGAS.

"Mapping how cGAS recognizes DENV and the role mitochondrial DNA plays in creating an immune response is another novel insight of this study," Dr. Fernandez-Sesma said. "Until now, it has not been understood how cGAS can play such a critical role in identifying these RNA viruses. Our data strongly suggest that mitochondrial damage and the release of mitochondrial DNA are intrinsic collateral damage during DENV infection and prompt cGAS to activate the necessary immune signaling pathways."

DENV infects close to 400 million people every year, globally, and almost half of the world population lives in areas where the same mosquito species can transmit dangerous viruses like dengue, yellow fever and Zika, among others. Finding new ways to combat DENV and similar viruses can play a crucial role in lessening the enormous global health burden they represent. Further, charting the strategies viruses use to counteract the immune system can be used as a platform for the design of chemical compounds that can mimic this inhibitory effect and address the inflammatory process observed in many autoimmune diseases.

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About the Mount Sinai Health System

The Mount Sinai Health System is an integrated health system committed to providing distinguished care, conducting transformative research, and advancing biomedical education. Structured around seven hospital campuses and a single medical school, the Health System has an extensive ambulatory network and a range of inpatient and outpatient services--from community-based facilities to tertiary and quaternary care.

The System includes approximately 7,100 primary and specialty care physicians; 12 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 140 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. Physicians are affiliated with the renowned Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is ranked among the highest in the nation in National Institutes of Health funding per investigator. The Mount Sinai Hospital is in the "Honor Roll" of best hospitals in America, ranked No. 15 nationally in the 2016-2017 "Best Hospitals" issue of U.S. News & World Report. The Mount Sinai Hospital is also ranked as one of the nation's top 20 hospitals in Geriatrics, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology/Neurosurgery, and Ear, Nose & Throat, and is in the top 50 in four other specialties. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked No. 10 nationally for Ophthalmology, while Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai St. Luke's, and Mount Sinai West are ranked regionally. Mount Sinai's Kravis Children's Hospital is ranked in seven out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report in "Best Children's Hospitals."

For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Katherine Borkovich will be honored June 2 for her research on fungal genomics

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (http://www.ucr.edu) -- Katherine Borkovich, a professor and chair of the UC Riverside Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, has been elected a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology.

The academy, the leadership group within the American Society for Microbiology, recognizes excellence, originality, and leadership in the microbiological sciences. She will be recognized at the annual American Society for Microbiology Conference June 2 in New Orleans.

Borkovich, who is also a professor at UC Riverside's Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, is focused on functional genomics and the signaling pathways used by filamentous fungi to response to the environment, with the goal of identifying genes that control growth, development and pathogenesis.

She is being honored for her research into environmental sensing by heterotrimeric G proteins in fungi, contributions to fungal genomics, leadership of microbiology undergraduate and graduate programs, and for teaching a research-based laboratory course for the microbiology major at UC Riverside.

She was instrumental in establishment of the microbiology undergraduate major and reinstatement of the microbiology graduate program at UC Riverside. She was recognized with the 2016 campus Distinguished Teaching Award for her teaching of a research-based course for the Microbiology major, Experimental Microbiology.

Borkovich received her Ph.D. from UCLA and did postdoctoral work at the University of Chicago and Caltech.

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URBANA, Ill. - What happens when meat scientists get their hands on nearly 8,000 commercially raised pigs? They spend a year running dozens of tests and crunching numbers to arrive at research-backed management recommendations for pork producers.

"We had an opportunity to answer a lot of questions for the pork industry," says Dustin Boler, assistant professor in the animal sciences department at the University of Illinois.

Anna Dilger, an associate professor in the department, explains their approach. "The two main questions were, 'Can I measure quality in one part of the pig and predict quality in the rest of it?' And then, 'What is the true variability in pork quality out there and what's causing it?'"

The team, which also included U of I graduate students, USDA meat science researchers, and a representative from Smithfield Foods, recently published their findings in five articles.

In the first article, the team looked at correlations between loin quality and quality of the belly and ham from the same pig. In this case, quality was defined mostly by color and tenderness. "Color is what drives whether or not a consumer purchases a particular pork chop. It translates into what we think of as purchase intent. Color is always number one," Boler says. "After that, we look at whether a product is tender. If it is tender enough, we think that will translate into a repeat purchase."

Unfortunately, the team found no correlation between loin quality and the quality of other cuts. "Just because a loin has desirable color and is tender doesn't mean the same animal is going to produce a good belly for bacon or a great ham for a special dinner. It didn't. Hypothesis one: scratched," Boler reports.

The remainder of the articles focused on understanding the variability in pork products - how much variability exists, and where it comes from. For example, one of the articles focused on barrows (castrated male pigs) and gilts (young, prebred female pigs).

"We know barrows and gilts are different, but we wanted to know if they differ in how variable they are, or if one produces a more consistent product," Dilger explains. "You can deal with differences. It's harder to deal with variability."

Traits associated with fatness, such as marbling, were more variable in barrows than in gilts, but the sexes varied to approximately the same degree in terms of muscling and lean quality. Based on these results, Dilger says that barrows and gilts probably do not need to be managed differently unless producers are targeting a very specific branded product.

In another article, the researchers admit they had to channel their inner statistics geeks. They looked at every possible aspect of pork quality and tried to pinpoint the major sources of variability in the dataset, from season, production focus, marketing group, and sex to variation within individual animals. In the end, those individual differences accounted for the largest portion of the variability.

"A lot of factors turn a pig into pork," Boler notes. "In the pig's journey from the farm to his ultimate fate, a lot of things happen. Whether he got in an argument with other pigs on the truck, whether he had to walk a long or a short distance, how much rest he was given at the plant, what kind of experience he had during termination, how that carcass was cooled. All these things can independently influence the products derived from that pig."

Finding that the majority of the variability was within individual pigs and not in any particular management practice is good news for producers.

"It means the things they're doing to deal with the variability in their environment are just fine. They don't need to stop doing any of those things," Dilger says. "There are things in the industry that get picked on. One of those is pigs raised in the summer. People think, 'Ah, they're so bad, so slow.' But no, they're fine. Gilts get blamed for a lot of things, too, but in the end, they're fine. We're not going to get rid of young female pigs or the summer. I believe we're stuck with those. Understanding the variability and differences allows you to better manage the system."

The articles discussed here, "Pork loin quality is not indicative of fresh belly or fresh and cured ham quality," "Comparison of variability in pork carcass composition and quality between barrows and gilts," and "Characterization of variability in pork carcass composition and primal quality," are published in the Journal of Animal Science. Two additional articles resulting from the project are also published in the journal. The project was funded by The National Pork Board.

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Homing pigeons may share the human capacity to build on the knowledge of others, improving their navigational efficiency over time, a new Oxford University study has found.

The ability to gather, pass on and improve on knowledge over generations is known as cumulative culture. Until now humans and, arguably some other primates, were the only species thought to be capable of it.

Takao Sasaki and Dora Biro, Research Associates in the Department of Zoology at Oxford University, conducted a study testing whether homing pigeons can gradually improve their flight paths, over time. They removed and replaced individuals in pairs of birds that were given a specific navigational task. Ten chains of birds were released from the same site and generational succession was simulated with the continuous replacement of birds familiar with the route with inexperienced birds who had never flown the course before. The idea was that these individuals could then pass their experience of the route down to the next pair generation, and also enable the collective intelligence of the group to continuously improve the route's efficiency.

The findings, published in Nature Communications, suggest that over time, the student does indeed become the teacher. The pairs' homing performance improved consistently over generations - they streamlined their route to be more direct. Later generation groups eventually outperformed individuals that flew solo or in groups that never changed membership. Homing routes were also found to be more similar in consecutive generations of the same chain of pigeon pairs than across them, showing cross-generational knowledge transfer, or a "culture" of homing routes.

Takao Sasaki, co-author and Research Fellow in the Department of Zoology said: 'At one stage scientists thought that only humans had the cognitive capacity to accumulate knowledge as a society. Our study shows that pigeons share these abilities with humans, at least to the extent that they are capable of improving on a behavioural solution progressively over time. Nonetheless, we do not claim that they achieve this through the same processes.'

When people share and pass knowledge down through generations, our culture tends to become more complex over time, There are many good examples of this from manufacturing and engineering. By contrast, when the process occurs between homing pigeons, the end result is an increase in the efficiency, (in this case navigational), but not necessarily the complexity, of the behaviour.

Takao Sasaki added: 'Although they have different processes, our findings demonstrate that pigeons can accumulate knowledge and progressively improve their performance, satisfying the criteria for cumulative culture. Our results further suggest that cumulative culture does not require sophisticated cognitive abilities as previously thought.'

This study shows that collective intelligence, which typically focuses on one-time performance, can emerge from accumulation of knowledge over time.

Dora Biro, co-author and Associate Professor of Animal Behaviour concludes: 'One key novelty, we think, is that the gradual improvement we see is not due to new 'ideas' about how to improve the route being introduced by individual birds. Instead, the necessary innovations in each generation come from a form of collective intelligence that arises through pairs of birds having to solve the problem together - in other words through 'two heads being better than one'.'

Moving forward, the team intend to build on the study by investigating if a similar style of knowledge sharing and accumulation occurs in other multi-generational species' social groups. Many animal groups have to solve the same problems repeatedly in the natural world, and if they use feedback from past outcomes of these tasks or events, this has the potential to influence, and potentially improve, the decisions the groups make in the future.

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Notes to editors:

Please note that this press release is embargoed until Tuesday 18 April 2017 5:00 AM EST

Images

Supporting images are available to download from the below links: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zp79odykb49lo5u/AAAwGiwf7i1U4XClfAgywHI-a?dl=0

The full paper 'Cumulative culture can emerge from collective intelligence in animal groups' written by Takao Sasaki and Dora Bird, features in the 18th April 2017 edition of Nature Communications. (PDF attached)

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.
Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter have become an important part of the lives of many people worldwide. Around two billion users were active on Facebook at the end of 2016; 500 million regularly post photos on Instagram and more than 300 million communicate via Twitter.

Various studies conducted over the past years have investigated to what extent the use of social media is associated with narcissistic tendencies - with contradictory results. Some studies supported a positive relationship between the use of Facebook, Twitter and the likes, whereas others confirmed only weak or even negative effects.

Most comprehensive meta-analysis so far

Fresh findings are now presented by scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories Bamberg and the University of Wurzburg. They were able to show that there is a weak to moderate link between a certain form of narcissism and social media activity. When taking a differentiated look at specific forms of behaviour or at the participants' cultural background, the effect is even pronounced in some cases.

The study is managed by Professor Markus Appel, who holds the Chair of Media Communication at the University of Wurzburg, and Dr. Timo Gnambs, head of the Educational Measurement section at the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories, Bamberg. For their meta-analysis, the scientists summarized the results of 57 studies comprising more than 25,000 participants in total. They have now published their findings in the Journal of Personality.

Forms of narcissism

They think of themselves as being exceptionally talented, remarkable and successful. They love to present themselves to other people and seek approval from them: This is how psychologists describe the typical behaviour of people commonly referred to as narcissists. "Accordingly, social networks such as Facebook are believed to be an ideal platform for these people," says Markus Appel.

The network gives them easy access to a large audience and allows them to selectively post information for the purpose of self-promotion. Moreover, they can meticulously cultivate their image. Therefore, researchers have suspected social networking sites to be an ideal breeding ground for narcissists from early on.

Three hypotheses

The recently published meta-analysis shows that the situation does not seem to be as bad as feared. The scientists examined the truth behind three hypotheses. Firstly, the assumption that grandiose narcissists frequent social networking sites more often than representatives of another form of narcissism, the "vulnerable narcissists". Vulnerable narcissism is associated with insecurity, fragile self-esteem, and social withdrawal.

Secondly, they assumed that the link between narcissism and the number of friends and certain self-promoting activities is much more pronounced compared to other activities possible on social networking sites.

Thirdly, the researchers hypothesized that the link between narcissism and the social networking behaviour is subject to cultural influences. In collectivistic cultures where the focus is on the community rather than the individual or where rigid roles prevail, social media give narcissists the opportunity to escape from prevalent constraints and present themselves in a way that would be impossible in public.

The results

The meta-analysis of the 57 studies did in fact confirm the scientists' assumptions. Grandiose narcissists are encountered more frequently in social networks than vulnerable narcissists. Moreover, a link has been found between the number of friends a person has and how many photos they upload and the prevalence of traits associated with narcissism. The gender and age of users is not relevant in this respect. Typical narcissists spend more time in social networks than average users and they exhibit specific behavioural patterns.

A mixed result was found for the influence of the cultural background on the usage behaviour. "In countries where distinct social hierarchies and unequal power division are generally more accepted such as India or Malaysia, there is a stronger correlation between narcissism and the behaviour in social media than in countries like Austria or the USA," says Markus Appel.

However, the analysis of the data from 16 countries on four continents does not show a comparable influence of the "individualism" factor.

Generation Me

So is the frequently cited "Generation Me" a product of social media such as Facebook and Instagram because they promote narcissistic tendencies? Or do these sites simply provide the ideal environment for narcissists? The two scientists were not able to finally answer these questions.

"We suggest that the link between narcissism and the behaviour in social media follows the pattern of a self-reinforcing spiral," Markus Appel says. An individual disposition controls the social media activities and these activities in turn reinforce the disposition. To finally resolve this question, more research has to be conducted over longer periods.

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For such small and delicate creatures, they can pack mighty painful stings. Known as clinging jellyfish because they attach themselves to seagrasses and seaweeds, Gonionemus is found along coastlines in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and in particular in waters near Vladivostok, Russia. Exactly how these jellyfish, long assumed to be native to the North Pacific, became so widely distributed throughout the world has perplexed researchers for decades.

Interest in the jellyfish has renewed in recent years, when stings with symptoms similar to those previously described off of the Russian coast -- including severe pain, respiratory and neurological symptoms -- suddenly started occurring in Cape Cod and nearby regions.

Now, the first genetic study of the diversity of clinging jellyfish populations around the globe has discovered some surprising links among distant communities of jellies and also revealed there may be more than one species of the infamous stinger. The paper published April 18 in the journal Peer J.

Annette Govindarajan, a biologist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and lead author of the paper, has studied these jellies for the past three years with the ultimate goal of tracing the species' origin off the U.S. East Coast, where it is thought to be invasive.

The clinging jellyfish first appeared in the Cape Cod area in 1894. Scientists in Woods Hole studied the clingers in the early 1900s. Following an eelgrass die-off, their numbers dwindled. Then the tiny creatures, whose sizes range from about the diameter of a dime to a quarter, nearly vanished in the 1930s. Prior to that, says Govindarajan, researchers and others who were handling the jellies in Massachusetts made no reports of stings.

"The Cape Cod populations were assumed to be a variety that didn't cause severe stings," Govindarajan adds. It wasn't until 1990 that the clinging jellyfish re-appeared in Cape Cod and painful stings were first reported. These observations lead Govindarajan and her colleague, WHOI researcher Mary Carman to suggest in a previous paper that an invasion from a toxic population had occurred.

The new study shows that the story is much more complex than previously thought. The researchers uncovered a genetic match between populations of clinging jellyfish in the Vladivostok, Russia-area -- specifically the area well known to cause severe sting reactions -- and those found along the U.S. East Coast in the Northwest Atlantic.

"We know the two regions share one genetic variant or haplotype," Govindarajan says. "In the Northwest Atlantic, this variant was actually most frequently found in eastern Long Island Sound. The details about how and when an invasion, or possibly multiple invasions, occurred aren't clear. Interestingly, we also found evidence that both regions may contain native forms."

Working with Carman and colleagues Marat Khaidarov and Alexander Semenchenko from the A.V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far East Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences in Vladivostok, Russia, and John Wares from the University of Georgia, Govindarajan obtained tissue samples for DNA sequencing. The jellyfish samples came from several Atlantic and Pacific locations. Their analysis identified seven variants, some of which were specific to only one location, and others that were shared among communities in distant locations. Interestingly, jellies from the Northeast Pacific and Northeast Atlantic locations shared a haplotype that was sufficiently different from Northwest Atlantic and Northwest Pacific jellyfish, which suggests the possibility that the two related groups may represent different species of Gonionemus.

"In the past, some people have suggested that the Atlantic and the Pacific jellies were different forms," Govindarajan says. "Others have suggested that jellies in the Atlantic were introduced from the Pacific. But what we found doesn't correspond exactly to either hypothesis. And it could be that what we have in the Northwest Atlantic and Northwest Pacific is not Gonionemus 'vertens' at all, as it has been called, but some other species of Gonionemus."

"The study documents what we suspected, that there are different types of Gonionemus jellies and some of these types co-occur in New England," says coauthor Carman. "Some types seem to have a toxic sting to people and some do not." Understanding the relationship between the genetic variants and toxicity is something the researchers would like to pursue in the future. "It could very well be that the toxicity is a function of both genetics and the environment, perhaps something in the environment is triggering the toxicity," Govindarajan says.

While the animals bloom in the summer months, beginning in June through September, Govindarajan says swimmers and beachgoers shouldn't be overly concerned as the fragile stingers are not found along sandy beaches in high-energy areas where there are waves.

"Unlike other jellies, it is unlikely that these would be in open water," she says. "We only see them in areas with eelgrass or seaweeds since they're able to cling to these surfaces with the sticky pads found on their tentacles." The lack of movement in open waters also makes the mystery of how the different varieties have become so widespread even more intriguing. The jellyfish are produced by microscopic polyps that are only about a millimeter or less in size, which Govindarajan says is a stage where they could easily hitchhike on a blade of eelgrass, an oyster shell or even a boat hull.

"At that stage, they're so tiny," she adds. "To find them is like finding a needle in a haystack."

Govindarajan and her coauthors hope to obtain funding to do additional genomic analyses that will give greater resolution and suggest genetic markers to help reveal more about the species and its toxicity. They hope this will lead to a better understanding of how invasive forms of the jellyfish are dispersing, so that further spread can be prevented. "With this study, we answered some questions, but it also opened up many others," says Govindarajan. "That's part of the scientific process. It's what makes it for me, personally, very interesting. I feel like I'm solving a mystery."

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This work was supported by grants from the Woods Hole Sea Grant, Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative, the Kathleen M. and Peter E. Naktenis Family Foundation, the Town of Oak Bluffs Community Preservation Committee, and the Russian Science Foundation.

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a private, non-profit organization on Cape Cod, Mass., dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. Established in 1930 on a recommendation from the National Academy of Sciences, its primary mission is to understand the ocean and its interaction with the Earth as a whole, and to communicate a basic understanding of the ocean's role in the changing global environment. For more information, please visit http://www.whoi.edu.
EU farm commissioner Phil Hogan has said he would like to re-authorise glyphosate for 'at least the next 10 years', he told the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

Although there is not yet a formal proposal, Mr Hogan said hopefully a decision would be made in the next few weeks.

He said he wanted glyphosate to have a lengthy re-approval period to 'give legal certainty to the sector'.

The news comes after the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) said that there isn't enough scientific evidence to prove that glyphosate causes cancer.

But 30 MEPs, in a letter to Mr Juncker questioned the trustworthiness of one of the studies used by EFSA for its assessment.

'Sound science'

NFU vice president Guy Smith said: "We are delighted to hear the Commissioner back sound science and recognise the importance of glyphosate to Europes farmers, but we are aware we could have a repeat of the political shenanigans of June 2016. We cannot take anything for granted."

The European Commission granted a temporary licence to glyphosate last June, after EU member states remained deadlocked on the terms of a regular renewal.

British farmers have been urged to get involved by writing to their MEP on the subject with many of them voicing their opinions via social media.

A spokesperson for the EU Commission said a decision on the possible re-authorisation on glyphosate will be taken before the end of the year at the Plants Animals and Feed Committee.
The chairman of protest group Farmers for Action has said the Government must intervene more in the dairy supply chain and make sure farmers benefit from money made at the top.

David Handley, chairman of Farmers For Action (FFA), said average losses for dairy farms have been as much as 90,000 over the last two years.

He told the Shropshire Star: All farmers are asking for is a price that reflects what it costs to produce the milk.We are using all sorts of different tools to improve efficiency and are benchmarking against the very best to see if we can all improve.

The UK is a marvellous place to produce dairy. The people appreciate the product but it comes back to the Government again. Why are they continuing to let this happen year in year out? We start to get some stability and prices start to slip again.

Somebody has to do something to investigate the market and its good to hear the Government are looking at the grocery code adjudicator to see if they can give more powers for those further down the supply chain than just retailers to find out what is going on.

Protests in London and beyond

Last year, protests around Europe - including the UK - took place due to falling incomes for dairy farmers.

Hundreds of farmers arrived in London on 23 March 2016 to pressure the Government to do more to help Britains agricultural crisis.

The protest, organised by FFA, saw the group present a letter of concern to David Cameron at Number 10 Downing Street.

Mr Handley added that the group has received a report from the dairy industry which states the average losses for dairy farms has been as much as 90,000 over the last two years.

Meadow Foods, Arla Foods and Barber's have recently decreased its milk price to owners, ending months of consecutive rises.
The Prime Minister has been urged to take farming into account more when dealing with Brexit, with fears mounting that the sector is being left behind.

Farming groups are being left out in the cold when it comes to meeting with Trade Ministers who are shaping the future of the UK.

The Department for International Trade has held 234 meetings after the day of Brexit and not one has been with a UK farming body.

Instead, the Government is favouring sectors such as finance and defence.

Plaid Cymru has urged PM Theresa May to ensure the UK government departments dealing with Brexit are as "accessible and engaged" as possible to all bodies and sectors impacted by the UK's departure from the EU.

Plaid Cymru has insisted that UK Ministers had "a duty" to engage fully with all organisations set to be impacted by Brexit, and that failure to do so would make a mockery of the Prime Minister's pledge that the devolved nations would have "a direct line" to Brexit departments.

'Set to lose'

Leanne Wood said it is vital that UK government departments are open and accessible to all bodies and sectors impacted by Brexit.

Ms Wood said: "This includes Wales's farming sector which is set to lose a great deal from leaving the EU unless key organisations' concerns and representations are listened to.

"The Prime Minister and her Brexit ministers cannot be allowed to build a wall around Whitehall which gives them immunity from transparency and proper scrutiny. Uncertainty is crippling for business and industry and the farming sector as much as any other deserves answers.

"By refusing to meet with key bodies in Wales and beyond for at least nine months after the referendum, UK government ministers are making a mockery of the pledge made by the Prime Minister last year that all devolved nations would have "a direct line" to Brexit departments.

"Wales's key industries and sectors deserve better than to be treated with such disregard by the Westminster government."
Environmental charity Friends of the Earth has published a new report today (Thursday January 5) at the Oxford Real Farming Conference warning that pesticides must not be used on wheat due to their 'high acute risk' to bees.

In 2013 the European Union restricted the use of three neonicotinoid insecticides following a scientific review that concluded they pose a high risk to honey bees.

The restrictions only applied to certain crops attractive to bees, like oilseed rape. Neonics can still be used on farms. One of these pesticides, clothianidin, was used on over 700,000 ha of wheat in the UK in 2014.

FoE said in the report: High levels of neonicotinoids have been found in wildflowers next to wheat crops, and can enter flowering plants attractive to bees if they are grown after wheat.

Bees can also be exposed to neonics due to dust drifting away from the crop when treated seeds are sown.

Farmers who have been told by pesticide companies that that seeds treated with neonics are a very targetted way of applying a pesticide to a crop have been misled.

Friends of the Earth thinks that to be sure we are protecting bees and other pollinators, the restrictions should be applied to all crops.

NFU vice-president Guy Smith said Friends of the Earths idea to limit the use of neonicotinoids on wheat is 'not justified' by the available scientific evidence.

It could have serious consequences for farmers ability to grow food sustainably.

With no restrictions of this kind anywhere else in the world farmers would be put at an extreme competitive disadvantage without the use of neonicotinoids on wheat.
Scientists have created the most accurate navigation system for the bread wheat genome to date  allowing academics and breeders to analyse its genes more easily than ever before.

Wheat is one of the worlds most important staple cereals but is also the most complex.

Three sub-genomes together contain around five times more DNA than the human genome. Nearly 80% of this genetic material is repetitive, making it even harder to sequence and analyse.

Now, harnessing advanced sequencing technology and computational approaches, scientists from the Earlham Institute, with colleagues at the John Innes Centre, have published the worlds most complete picture of the wheat genome.

It includes the location and detailed annotation of over 100,000 wheat genes. More than a fifth (22%) of these were completely absent from earlier assemblies, or found only as fragments.

Latest techniques

We applied the latest sequencing and bioinformatic techniques we have developed at our institute to the huge and complex wheat genome, says senior author Matthew Clark, Head of Technology Development at the Earlham Institute (EI).

We were able to achieve the best results anyone had seen, including uncovering previously hidden genes.

Moreover, all our methods are open, and available for anyone to use. This is critical as wheat DNA varies across the world, which is key to its success in different environments.

We have already started to sequence many varieties of UK wheat using these methods, and we hope others will sequence the genomes of wheat important in their country, he says.

A better map of the wheat genome is essential for breaking the wheat deadlock

The results, published in Genome Research, focus on the variety called Chinese Spring - the standard cultivar for genomic research.

The genome and annotation have been accessed more than any other resource on the genomic portal Plant Ensembl, where they have been available for a over year for thousands of researchers and breeders to use.

Gene families

The improved genome assembly combined with high quality sequencing data and novel methods allowed EI scientists to more accurately identify genes and areas of the genome with interesting functions.

In previous assemblies, many genes were missing or found only as fragments. By identifying the entire DNA sequences of genes, EI scientists have made it possible to identify more complete sets of similar genes - called gene families - that are important for yield, disease resistance or other qualities important for agriculture.

EI scientists have already used the advances to explore UK varieties and they have released six wheat genomes on the EIs open data website Grassroots Genomics.

They and scientists from the John Innes Centre and The Sainsbury Laboratory have also started to use the results to provide a more accurate picture of where to find disease resistance genes and genes important for the visco-elastic properties of bread - which make it soft and spongy.

More than two billion people worldwide rely on wheat as a staple food, making it a vital crop for global food security.

However, yield increases have stagnated since the mid-1990s. A better map of the wheat genome is essential for breaking the deadlock. It will help reveal the location of important traits that can be bred into elite varieties.

'New level of accuracy'

Lead author Bernardo Clavijo from the Earlham Institute says: Scientists all over the world are already using these new results. But even more importantly, our open methods allow a new level of accuracy for any wheat line, and many other complex genomes.

Assembly for this complexity of genome has always been a bit of a one-off work of art. Now we have a way to do it reliably and to a standard that enables thorough analysis.

We are moving towards a scenario where more and more wheat lines will be sequenced and compared using these and similar techniques. This kind of detail on every wheat line will enable new discoveries and accelerate breeding.

We are already working with the breeding industry as well as other researchers to enable more detailed analysis of elite varieties, which will impact the wheat breeding programs directly.

Ksenia Krasileva, a co-author on the new study, likens the creation of an assembly to navigating using GPS: Breeders might know there is something really useful in wheat, for example for protecting crops against disease or for improving gluten for bread-making, but without a good quality genome assembly its like driving through thick fog.

Full genome assembly and annotating genes provides a sat nav view of wheat genes to signpost the way to useful genes in all varieties of the species.
Five things for farmers to watch out for in Autumn Statement
1. Yes. Taxpayers are funding its operation; they should have a voice in the naming process.

2. Yes. The city should operate with a spirit of inclusivity. Residents will be responsive.

3. No. Public input can be problematic; rejection of suggestions can be divisive for residents.

4. No. Residents elect council members to make decisions on their behalf. No input is needed.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether public input would be more of a benefit or a hindrance.

Vote

View Results
Summary

Company Announcement Date: April 13, 2017 FDA Publish Date: February 08, 2018 Product Type: Food & Beverages

Gravy/Sauces

Food & Beverage Safety Reason for Announcement: Recall Reason Description Risk for Clostridum Botulinum Company Name: TP Food Processing, Inc. Brand Name: Brand Name(s) TPF Product Description: Product Description Lemongrass Satay; and Shrimp Satay Sauces

Company Announcement

TP Food Processing, Inc. of Westminster, CA is recalling Lemongrass Satay; and Shrimp Satay (Lot code 2016) because the acidified sauces were not properly produced making them susceptible to contamination with Clostridium botulinum. No illnesses, customer complaints, or illnesses have been reported to date.



Below are the product descriptions and photographs:

Product Name Container Size Description Lot Code TPF Lemongrass Satay 9 oz Lemongrass satay, 9 oz hexagon glass jar with red lid 2016 TPF Shrimp Satay 6 oz and 9 oz Shrimp Satay, 6 oz & 9 oz hexagon glass jar with red lid 2016

The sauces were distributed at supermarkets located in California.

Symptoms of Clostridium botulinum typically begin with blurred or double vision followed by trouble speaking and swallowing, then progress to muscle weakness starting in the upper body and moving downward. Botulism can lead to life-threatening paralysis of breathing muscles requiring support with a breathing machine (ventilator) and intensive care. http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/Botulism.aspx

People experiencing these symptoms who have recently eaten Lemongrass Satay and Shrimp Satay should seek immediate medical attention.

TP Food Processing, Inc. immediately segregated its entire inventory of Lemongrass Satay and Shrimp Satay is notifying consumers and customers not to consume them. TP Food Processing, Inc wants to ensure its products are safe. Consequently, in addition to its ongoing cooperation with the California Department of Public Health, TP Food Processing, Inc. is voluntarily recalling all Lemongrass Satay and Shrimp Satay from its customers. Consumers in possession of these products should not eat them, rather product should be returned to the place of purchase.

TP Food Processing, Inc will be sending recall notices to all of its direct customers. Please call Philip Ma at 714-891-3838 for further information.

Company Contact Information Consumers: Philip Ma 714-891-3838
Tian Poh Resourceshas signed a memorandum of understanding with the Mongolias Ministry of Energy.The copper and coal mining company says this MOU provides a framework for both parties to collaborate on a number of projects.They include the development of coal to electricity, and coal to gas plants, distribution of electricity and gas, and the construction of the Ulaanbaatar City Gas Pipeline Network.Both parties plan to build a coal to gas plant at or near Tian Pohs existing Nuurst Coal Project, which is 100km from Mongolias capital. Ulaanbaatar.Last Thursday, Tian Poh shares closed steady at 16.5 cents.
We might try to make it again. I usually go every other year but I need some parts from mid fitty and like to touch and feel the part before I buy plus no shipping even though I know it cost me to go there. Last year I bought the tilt hood and now have it on. Plus I need to go back to Honest Chucks just to do it again. If we go I hope to meet some of you guys last year I bought a couple nice prints from a guy with a panel for I think Ohio and a few things from other vendors .




Haiti - FLASH : Roadmap for the OMRH General Coordinator





Josue Pierre Louis, the General Coordinator of the Office of Management and Human Resources (OMRH), with the rank of Minister, held with the institution's management, a planning session of actions to be carried out for the next 6 months in accordance with the roadmap handed over by Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant.



Also took part in the planning : Francoise Brugerolle and Anne Azam-pradeilles of the European Union ; Philippe Canal of the IFMS project, representatives of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Kers Jean, Alphonse Deo Nkunzimana and Marceau Jude Edouard Jr, all three from USAID.



Under the orientations set by the President Moise, translated into roadmaps, handed each minister https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-20507-icihaiti-politics-handing-of-roadmaps-to-ministers.html , Prime Minister Lafontant reminded the OMRH General Coordinator that the deconcentration and decentralization projects remain the cornerstone of an administration closer to the citizen. To do this, you must immediately take all necessary steps to develop an ambitious action plan. To this end, the following activities must be carried out, among others :



OMRH General Coordinator Roadmap (6 months) :



"- Reorganize the OMRH according to its mission in order to optimize and improve its efficiency so that it is more efficient;

- Propose the reorganization and better organization of the Superior Council of Administration and Civil Service (CSAFP);

- Conduct an evaluation of the implementation of the State Reform Framework Program (PCRE) 2015-2017 with a view to updating it for the period 2017-2022, adding new themes if necessary, taking account of the quality of services, and direct services to the public;

- Ensure the performance of the Public Service system through regulatory and evaluation measures as well as the formulation of policies in the field of human resources development;

- Strengthen and modernize the human resources departments of the Public Administration;

- Implement the system of classification of jobs and remuneration within the Administration and the Civil Service;

- Strengthen regulations on the use of Contract Agents in the Public Administration and ensure its application;

- Develop in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the salary grid for Public Service and Public Administration in general;

- Develop and ensure the application of procedures to facilitate decisions relating to the various positions of public servants;

- Regulate career development in the civil service, including the training system for career civil servants;

- Ensure the implementation of the gender policy in Public Administration and Civil Service;

- Ensure the non-discrimination of persons with disabilities with regard to access to the Civil Service;

- Contribute to the establishment of the Territorial Public Service;

- Ensure the adaptation and harmonization of structures and administrative procedures;

- Reform the legal framework of public institutions and ensure the harmonization of the missions of other public bodies with those of the ministries;

- Encourage the development of digital technologies in public administration;

- Ensure the implementation of quality service structures and progressively closer to the population;

- Work towards the implementation of the effective deconcentration of the public services of the State;

- Standardize the national brand;

- Keep the public informed of the reform in general and the different stages of implementation of the roadmap;

- Put all acts necessary for the reform in accordance with the law.



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."



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20683-haiti-flash-feuille-de-route-du-ministre-de-l-interieur.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20659-haiti-flash-roadmap-to-the-minister-of-planning.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20649-haiti-flash-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-social-affairs.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20638-haiti-flash-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-the-environment.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20628-haiti-flash-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-culture.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20617-haiti-flash-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-national-education.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20610-haiti-flash-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-youth.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20601-haiti-flash-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-justice.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20591-haiti-flash-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-public-works.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20581-haiti-flash-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-health.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20569-haiti-flash-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-tourism.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20559-haiti-flash-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-the-diaspora.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20549-haiti-flash-big-roadmap-for-the-minister-of-agriculture.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20544-haiti-politics-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-trade-and-industry.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20529-haiti-politics-roadmap-of-the-minister-of-finance.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20519-haiti-politics-foreign-affairs-roadmap.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20508-haiti-flash-roadmap-for-the-establishment-of-the-haitian-army.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20446-haiti-politics-major-projects-of-the-ministry-of-tourism.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















dormakaba Product Quality, Professional Tech Support, Service Earn Trust of Major National Lock Installation Company

York Access Control, a wholly owned subsidiary of York Industries, Inc., installs thousands of electronic door locks for dozens of major-brand properties each month. Its five install teams are experienced with all lock brands and manage projects across North America, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

We work with several electronic door lock companies and dormakaba is the best in my opinion. I have learned to trust the high quality of their products.

They consistently provide everything we need to finish our installation projects on deadline, said Christopher T. York, president of York Access Control.

dormakaba provides installation and service for the Saflok and Ilco brands of electronic door locks. The company is a service focused best-in-class global leader that combines innovative solutions and professional services to provide the worldwide hospitality industry with electronic locking solutions. Click here for information on electronic door locks from dormakaba.

I have learned to trust the high quality of dormakaba products.

When we first started our business, we installed primarily for builders at new construction hotel projects. Today most of our projects are property lock system transitions from magstripe reader technology to the newest RFID chip and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) solutions for mobile access, York said.

The largest chains are quickly moving into BLE. We are heavily involved in dormakabas mobile access rollout with these companies and having great results!

York said that each hotel project is unique. Retrofit installations are challenging because most properties remain open during the project to maintain full cash flow.

We always accommodate guest and staff needs first while we are upgrading a properties lock system, York said.

dormakaba is the best at supplying everything we need to finish our projects as scheduled. Plus, dormakabas service and tech support is the best in the industry.

They have an excellent toll-free support number to help their strategic partners like us provide consistently great installs and customer satisfaction.

I have seen dormakaba do the right thing for their customers many times, and worry about the costs later. That says a lot to me.

Price is often a major factor in a propertys lock equipment decision. We do not partner with some lock providers. Although their product may be somewhat comparable or even slightly lower in cost initially, they will charge customers much more for after-market components once the installation is completed, York said. We also find that the lowest priced, imported locks are not currently cost effective because their lower quality undercuts operational reliability. We often replace these locks after a short time for customers that try them.

dormakabas lock systems are well built and reliable and they treat their customers very well. I value that greatly for my customers.

Alastair Cush, SVP Global Business Owner, Lodging Systems for dormakaba, said:

York Access Control is a trusted strategic partner for dormakabas hospitality industry installations.

Its field service teams are professional and Yorks repair work is always done to high standards.

Their 25 years experience with dormakaba and our mutual client properties benefits every hotel company they work with, said Mr. Cush.

About dormakaba

dormakaba is one of the top three companies in the global market for access and security solutions. With strong brands such as Dorma and Kaba in our portfolio, we are a single source for products, solutions, and services related to doors and secure access to buildings and rooms. With around 16,000 employees and numerous cooperation partners, we are active in over 130 countries. dormakaba is headquartered in Rumlang (Zurich/Switzerland) and generates an annual turnover of over CHF 2 billion.

SIX Swiss Exchange: DOKA (formerly: KABN / KABNE) Further information at www.dormakaba.com

About York Access Control

York Access Control is a wholly owned subsidiary of York Industries, Inc. of Corpus Christi Texas. The company is a group of experienced Access Control Systems professionals with business integrity grounded in Christian principles and based in the Texas, California and South Carolina regions. It has provided high quality access control systems installation & implementation to the Hospitality and Military industries for over 25 years in North America and the world. Yorks business mission is honest & simple. We strive to obtain customer satisfaction every time by providing high quality services performed by seasoned professionals who value honesty & integrity above all. http://www.yorkaccesscontrol.com

CONTACTS:

dormakaba

Stephen Pollack

Vice President Marketing

Phone: 1-859-253-4744 x3542

Email: stephen.pollack@dormakaba.com

www.kabalodging.com

Media Contact:

Julie Keyser-Squires, APR

Softscribe Inc.

609 SW 8th Street, Ste 600

Bentonville, AR 72712

Phone: 404-256-5512

Email: Julie(at)softscribeinc.com

www.softscribeinc.com
The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner announced the appointment of new General Manager, Tod Morrow, who recently joined the property from The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner announced the appointment of new General Manager, Tod Morrow, who recently joined the property from The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. Tod Morrow is a seasoned professional who brings over twenty-five years of experience in luxury hospitality to his new position, the last eleven of which were spent as a General Manager for hotels within The Ritz-Carlton brand.

"I am extremely thrilled to be the new General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, one of the country's most distinguished properties known for their gracious hospitality, well-appointed guest rooms and dedicated staff," says Morrow. "In the wake of the hotel's 25th anniversary and completion of the Redefinition project, it is a critical time to promote our exceptional talent. I look forward to further enhancing our reputation as a key leader in the luxury hotel division to both locals and visitors alike."

Prior to The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, Tod Morrow served as General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City for nearly six years, following a successful five-year appointment as General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta. Previously, he worked in various executive positions in hotel management for several Ritz-Carlton hotels; The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead as Hotel Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta as Executive Assistant Manager of Rooms, as well as The Ritz-Carlton, Naples as Rooms Division Manager. In addition, Morrow has contributed to the successful hotel openings of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, and The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

While appointed as General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, Morrow maintained active membership in several hospitality and lodging associations including: Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Washington Board of Trade, Virginia Hotel Lodging Association, and the Destination DC Advisory Board.

Tod Morrow's arrival at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner comes at a momentous time, as the property having recently completed an extensive, multimillion-dollar upgrade. project extended to all 398 guest rooms, suites and the club lounge, seamlessly enhancing the overall guest experience. The new guest rooms were unveiled this past fall, just in time for The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner's 25th anniversary.
Leading B2B travel wholesaler selects the Trio analytics platform to gain greater visibility into the performance of its suppliers, customers, distribution channels and operations.

Triometric, the leading provider of real-time API performance monitoring and XML intelligence to the online travel industry, announced today that Destinations of the World (DOTW), the leading Dubai headquartered B2B travel wholesaler, has chosen the Trio Enterprise platform (Trio platform) to optimise the performance of its web services through real-time monitoring and analysis of its API traffic connecting its suppliers and customers.

DOTW secures access to hotel room inventory in different travel destinations and sells hotel room bookings to its multi-regional distribution network of agents and tour operators. Recent acquisitions have spearheaded the companys growth and expansion of travel product offerings across key global markets, including Asia and the Caribbean. The companys proprietary online reservation system, DOTWConnect, seamlessly connects travel agents, tour operators and wholesalers to more than 170,000 hotels in over 10,000 destinations worldwide.

Triometric delivers a real-time operational and business intelligence platform for B2B businesses and distribution channels, where speed and accuracy of data exchange is critical. Triometric recently extended deployment of its API monitoring and analytics platform into cloud based environments, making it easier for companies like DOTW with an existing cloud based infrastructure to deploy the Trio platform. Once fully installed, DOTW will be able to pro-actively monitor in real-time its extensive API connectivity and correct any performance issues as soon as they arise. Using the platforms BI capability, DOTW will also be able to enhance its service to customers and suppliers using rich insights from XML search and booking data streams.

At a time when DOTW is consolidating and expanding its business, we are committed to continuous investment in our technology platform to ensure that our web operations and API networks are performing optimally as our product and client portfolio grows, said Mohammed Malik, Director of Technology at DOTW. We are delighted to be working with Triometric to ensure we keep our operations running optimally and are able to improve our levels of support to our customers.

Trio Enterprise is a proven platform, capturing and analysing lots of information very quickly to allow our customers to see their operational performance and distribution activity. Said Matthew Goulden, CEO of Triometric. We are delighted that DOTW has selected Triometric and we are proud to be working with the company to ensure the platform is deployed quickly, efficiently and remains scalable and robust for future growth.

About Destinations of the World (DOTW)

DOTW established in Dubai in 1993, has grown into one of the world's largest accommodation wholesalers, operating an exclusively B2B distribution model in one of the fastest growing segments of the global travel industry. The company secures access to hotel room inventory in different travel destinations and sells hotel room bookings to its multi-regional distribution network of travel agents, online travel agents, and tour operators. The company has established a solid leadership position across MENA, enjoying a 95% penetration of the region's travel retailer agency market.

DOTW's proprietary online reservation system, DOTW connect, seamlessly connects travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers and to more than 170,000 hotels in over 10,000 destinations worldwide. For more information visit: DOTW.com

About Triometric

Triometric helps online travel companies meet the challenges and opportunities of todays fragmented distribution landscape using XML analytics. Triometric technology is a powerful end-to-end web services monitoring and analytics platform that helps customers manage complex distribution dynamics by giving them deep insight into their search and booking traffic. This actionable intelligence enables online travel intermediaries and suppliers to improve their business performance by reducing costs and increasing revenue.

Triometric is a privately held company based in Surrey, UK. Customers include some of the leaders in the travel industry including GTA, Hotelbeds, Miki Travel, Bonotel and Farelogix. For additional information, visit: www.triometric.net

Contact: Sonja Woodman

Marketing Manager, Triometric

email info@triometric.net or call

Tel: +44(0)1784 270400 / +44 (0) 7802 667865

email: Sonja.woodman@triometric.net
Lucas Group Releases White Paper on New Legal Recruitment Strategy

Posted by Press Releases on Tuesday, 04-18-2017 4:38 am

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Executive recruiting firm outlines changes to traditional recruit-train-retain model and features step-by-step guide for conducting a market analysis on future strategy.Lucas Group announced the publication of the executive recruiting firms newest white paper, Strategic Growth in a Changing Legal Market: How to Make Your Firm the Right Fit for the Right Attorneys.The white paper, authored by Chicago-based Managing Partner Mat Martin, outlines a recruitment roadmap for law firms in todays rapidly evolving legal marketplace.As competition pushes more firms to segment their services and re-think their billing models, the traditional hiring model is also evolving, saysMartin. Firms must consider how each hire aligns with their current marketplace position. Retaining a partner whose practice is incongruous with a firms priorities or onboarding the wrong personnel can have costly financial and strategic consequences.Martins white paper considers how changing market dynamics are im...

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Trucking Businesses Paying By Miles Are Accommodated With Latest EzPaycheck Payroll Software

Posted by Press Releases on Tuesday, 04-18-2017 12:55 pm

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EzPaycheck 2017 payroll software updated to accommodate trucking companies paying by the load or by mileage. Small businesses that want to start computerized payroll processing can test drive at http://www.halfpricesoft.com.DETROIT, MI (PRWEB) APRIL 17, 2017ezPaycheck 2017 payroll software has been updated to give customers in the trucking industry the special paycheck options that were requested. The Halfpricesoft.com developing team now offers pay by mile, by piece, or by weight at no additional charge to users.EzPaycheck 2017 payroll software gives trucking companies an easier solution to paying by mile, piece or weight at no additional cost, said Dr. Ge, the founder of Halfpricesoft.com.Customers seeking a way to simplify payroll processing with more accuracy can go online to http://www.halfpricesoft.com/index.asp and download the payroll accounting software. The download includes the full version of the paycheck software along with a sample database. The sample database allows n...

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Vector Solutions Recognized for Award-Winning Company Culture

Posted by Press Releases on Tuesday, 04-18-2017 4:21 am

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Tampa-Based eLearning Company Named as Finalist Among Citys Best Places to WorkVector Solutions, the leader in eLearning and performance support solutions for the architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), industrial, public safety, IT and education fields, has again been recognized as one of the best place to work in the Tampa Bay area, largely for its outstanding company culture.For the sixth year, Tampa Bay Times Top Workplaces 2017 honors Vector Solutions on its list, which is an annual roundup of the very best organizations to work for in the region. This award comes on the heels of Tampa Bay Business Journal naming Vector Solutions and RedVector, the companys founding brand, as a finalist for the ninth year on its Best Places to Work 2017 list, which is also published annually.We are very proud to be recognized by our peers and employees, said Victoria Zambito, Senior VP of Product, Content and Communication. Fostering a workplace environment that breeds connectivity, ac...

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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
The Drive to War Against North Korea and the Danger of World War III

Date:

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Time:

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Event Type:

Meeting

Organizer/Author:

IYSSE at UC Berkeley

Location Details:

247 Dwinelle Hall, UC Berkeley

Not since the height of the Cold War has the danger of a war between major nuclear armed powers been so great.



In the past two weeks the Trump Administration has fired cruise missiles at a Syrian base with Russian military personal operating out of it, fired the largest non-atomic weapon in history to intimidate its adversaries, and, now, has threatened North Korea with assassinations and a pre-emptive strike. The Democratic Party and media, which has opposed Trump on the basis of his attempt at a rapprochement with Russia, now bursts out in ecstatic praise for Trumps recent spate of warmongering.



Behind the US threat to North Korea lies the more fundamental conflict with China, which American officials and military strategists see as a major long-term economic and geopolitical competitor. At the center of the campaign on the Korean peninsula is the effort to force China, which also possesses nuclear weapons, to accept US hegemony over the Asia-Pacific region.



The war drive of Washington, backed by Seoul and Tokyo, has no progressive content. They have no regard for the suffering of the North Korean people or for the potential of even greater suffering in war. US and Japanese imperialism, backed by South Korea, seek to deepen their hegemony in the region. Pyongyang has commitied numerous crimes against its people, but the historical task of dealing with the Stalinist regime is the duty of the North Korean working class, united with their class brothers and sisters in the South, Japan, China, the United States, and internationally.



Please join the IYSSE to discuss the grave, growing danger of war between the US and its major geopolitical rivals. At the discussion, WSWS journalist and Korean correspondent Ben McGrath will deliver a political report on the events in the Koreas, as well as deeper history of conflict and imperialism in the region.


Burma Australian Mining Firm Abandons Exploration Bid in Contested Karenni State Area

An ethnic Kayaw man walks with a gun in September 2015 in Hpruso Townshipnorth of mineral-rich Hpasawng Townshipin Karenni State. The area, which was once known as one of the biggest tin and tungsten mining areas in the world, is not currently experiencing active conflict, but has a strong military presence by various armed groups. Australian mining firm Eumeralla has decided not to pursue exploration there. / Soe Zayar Tun / Reuters

The new management at the Australian mining firm Eumeralla Resources has decided not to further pursue mining opportunities in eastern Burma, following a three-year wait for permits. The Perth-based firm, which is currently undergoing a restructuring and name change, had been seeking to explore for minerals in a corner of Karenni State that has been beset by decades of conflict.

Eumeralla and its local partner, Myanmar Energy Resources Group (MERG), filled out an application with government officials in July 2013 through their local joint venture company seeking permission to explore a 400-kilometer square area in eastern Karenni States Hpasawng Townshipalso known as Hpahsaung or Pasaungfor tin and tungsten. The firm had claimed that when approved, the exploration lease would be one of the largest foreign held concessions in Myanmar [Burma].

Eumeralla noted in a filing with the Australian Securities Exchange from December that the application had been subject to continuous delays. A prospectus released by Eumeralla in late March noted that its new management do not intend to pursue existing opportunities in Myanmar.

In the prospectus, the firm also stated that intends to divest or relinquish its 70 percent stake in Mawsaki Mining, its local Burmese joint venture which had filed the permit applications. According to Eumerallas filing, its partner MERG owns the remaining 30 percent stake in Mawsaki.

Local Karenni State-based environmental group the Molo Women Mining Watch Network (MWMWN) alleged in a report released in October 2013 that the head of the Karenni National Peoples Liberation Front (KNPLF), a militia group active Karenni State, was behind Mawsaki.

Since 1994, the KNPLF have been in a ceasefire with the central government. Tun Kyaw, who oversaw the official transformation of the KNPLF into a border guard force (BGF) in 2009, is said to hold sway over two KNPLF BGF units that operate in the state, one of which is based in Hpasawng Township.

Hpasawng Township is also home to the Mawchi mine, a site that during colonial times was considered one of the biggest tin and tungsten mining areas in the world. Decades of conflict in Karenni State saw the military and ethnic armed groups vie for control of Mawchi.

News that the Eumerallawhose shares are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX)had decided to forgo its effort to explore in Karenni State will be of little surprise to observers of Burmas mining industry. Hpasawng Township remains a highly militarized area home to both the army, the KNPLF, and the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), an armed group who has yet to sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA). Although none of the groups are currently fighting against the central government, the military also maintains a strong presence in the area. Launching an extensive search for minerals in such an environment would almost certainly have been challenging, in particular because landmines are known to be present throughout the area.

In addition to Eumeralla, several other relatively small Western mining firms have in recent years sought permits to explore for minerals in resource rich parts of Burma that have been home to long-running conflicts. One such firm, Aurasian Minerals, applied in December 2014 for exploration permits in a jade-producing part of Kachin State, where clashes between the military and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) remain ongoing, before eventually withdrawing the following year, citing the security situation.

Asia Pacific Mining Limited, (APML), a Hong Kong-based firm headed by a veteran of the Australian mining industry, submitted permits to explore for lead, zinc and silver in northern Shan State. Days after APMLs exploration permit was approved in October 2014 by Burmese authorities, deadly clashes broke out near the concession area. Much of the countryside in Northern Shan State remains a conflict zone with clashes between army and several armed groups regularly occurring.

A number of activists and environmental organizations have called for Burma to put in place a moratorium on natural resource and development projects in conflict-affected parts of the country, like Karenni, Shan and Kachin states, until a lasting peace is put in place. These calls have so far yet to be heeded by the central government.

Eumeralla announced in December last year that it would acquire Ausmex Mining, a privately held mining firm connected to Australian mining entrepreneur Wayne McCrae. Eumeralla will change its name to Ausmex Mining Group Limited. After the takeover is completed, McCrae is expected to hold a 27.3 percent stake in the newly merged firm.
News Maungdaw Begins Late Thingyan Celebrations

Police guard the central pavilion located near the district administrative office in Maungdaw town. / U Aung Ko / Maungdaw

RANGOON  Despite the Thingyan festival ending throughout Burma on Sunday, conflict-torn Maungdaw in northern Arakan State is celebrating the annual water festival from Monday until Thursday, according to local police major Kyaw Mya Win.

Maungdaw is the only townshipof 17 in Arakan Statethat still celebrates the Buddhist New Year according to the Arakanese calendar, on April 17-20.

Several photos have gone viral on Facebook depicting armed border guard police near the pavilions in Maungdawaround which celebrations are centereda reminder of the increased security presence in the township. Following coordinated attacks on police outposts last October, the Burma Army and police carried out clearance operations in the township in late 2016, resulting in tens of thousands of self-identifying Rohingya Muslims seeking refuge in neighboring Bangladesh.

U Khin Maung Yee, a Muslim resident of Myoma, Maungdaw towns southern quarter, told The Irrawaddy that township government administration departments had instructed village heads to prevent Muslims from visiting the Thingyan pavilions in order to avoid unnecessary violence.

Police official U Kyaw Mya Win rejected such claims, and said that authorities had not implemented such restrictions.

U Khin Maung Yee recalled that up until five years ago, Muslims had regularly joined the annual water festival alongside Buddhists, but that this changed after riots erupted in Arakan State in 2012, displacing nearly 100,000 people.

BeforeMuslims joined the Thingyan festival with Arakanese friends, but now no one is interested in participating in this event, because they are worried about conflict happening again, U Khin Maung Yee said.

Dr. Aye Chan, an Arakanese professor at Japans Kanda University, said that the extended Thingyan period unique to Maungdaw could also be attributed to Arakanese traditions of courtship, because it allows more time for travel between Maungdaw and neighboring townships.
News Revived Thingyan in Naypyidaw

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at Taichitos Pavilion on the last day of Thingyan / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy

NAYPYIDAW  State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi made a special appearance at a pavilion in Naypyidaw during Thingyan, one of the high points that locals say has made this years water festival the best in recent memory for Burmas administrative capital.

The State Counselor joined the celebrations on Thingyan eve at Taichitos Pavilionnamed for her pet dognear her residence on Mya Nan Bon Tha Street in Zabuthiri Township. Other senior leaders soon joined the party at the small pavilion, built from coconut fronds for Daw Aung San Suu Kyis bodyguards.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had the pavilion made for her bodyguards to enjoy the festival, Ko Phyo Ko, head of youth affairs at Napyidaws chapter of the National League for Democracy (NLD), told The Irrawaddy. Then she came to cheer them on.

After her appearance in the afternoon, Naypyidaw Municipality secured the pavilion with an iron frame. Senior leaders who live near the pavilion, including Lower House Speaker U Win Myint and the Commission for the Assessment of Legal Affairs and Special Issues chairman Thura U Shwe Mann, also graced the stage.

No Serious Offenses

Police said there were two crimes and one injury in the city throughout the water festival.

We seized things [from revelers] that could have been used to harm people in front of the water-throwing pavilions, said Naypyidaw Police Col Zaw Khin Aung. This helped a bit to prevent offenses.

Overcrowding at Naypyidaws hotel zone, formerly the only area with large water-throwing pavilions in the city, has been a source of fights and road accidents in past Thingyan festivals, according to locals.

This year, however, every township had water-throwing pavilions, which locals said alleviated the problem of overcrowding and fighting.

There were very few fights in my ward this year, said U Khin Maung Zaw, a resident of Pyinmana Township. I used to see a lot of fights during Thingyan, but this year no one from my ward was hospitalized or arrested.

A Refreshing Thingyan for Old Townships

Naypyidaws liveliest celebrations of Thingyan were once found at the water-throwing pavilions in Zabuthiri Township, which hoteliers said they erected on the orders of authorities.

But this year, they reported not receiving any instructions and so did not build the stages. This pushed the party to Pyinmana, Lewe, and Tatkon and other townships, which were founded long before the establishment of Naypyidaw, where locals declared this years water festival the best in a long time.

Ko Thein Than Oo, chairman of Pyinmana Youth Network, a civil society organization in Pyinmana, said, This years Thingyan was not only lively in the township on the whole, but also in every ward in the township.

Thingyan has been quite lifeless in previous years, but this year every Thingyan day was lively.

There were two big pavilions in the citythe Naypyidaw Mayors Pavilion by Naypyidaw Municipality and the pavilion by the office of Burmas commander-in-chief in Zayarthiri Township.
News Thingyan Deaths Halve in 2017

Emergency rescue members give first aid to a patient during Thingyan in Rangoon. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  The number of deaths during this years water festival Thingyan fell by more than half compared to last year, according to figures revealed by police on Monday.

A total of 208 crimes related to the four-day celebrations of the Burmese New Year claimed 16 lives and injured 194 people, with the highest number of deaths and accidents reported in the former capital Rangoon, where two people died in homicides and three in road accidents, said the announcement.

An initial report by the Ministry of Information on Monday said that 1,200 crimes related to the festivities from April 13-16 killed 285 people and injured 1,073 others. However, these figures were not specific to Thingyan and encompassed all crime that happened in Burma throughout the four days.

As a result, many news outlets reported the erroneous figures. Editor U Than Oo of the state-run Myanmar News Agency told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday the ministry had miscalculated the data and confirmed the polices figures were correct.

Thingyan celebrations were linked to 31 road accidents across all of Burmas 14 divisions and states, killing seven people and injuring 110, according to police data. No deaths related to the festival were recorded in the countrys capital Naypyidaw, or in Karen and Chin states, Tenasserim or Pegu.

A total of 35 people died and 316 others were injured in last years Thingyan, which went on for five days.

According to a press conference held by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Mar. 29, the government deployed around 6,000 police officers for the annual water festival. The fire department, the Red Cross, and the health ministry assigned around 2,000 members to respond to emergency incidents.

Rangoon divisional chief minister U Phyo Min Thein and his cabinet members emphasized before the New Year holidays that the regional government would effectively take action against those who illegally sold alcohol during the festivities.

His ban on for-profit water pavilions was controversial among the public, especially as party stages at the usual flocking grounds for revelersInya Road and around Kandawgyi Lanewere no longer allowed.

He claimed the move was for people who have felt that Thingyan is not for them, encouraging the public to celebrate the festival in a traditional way instead of focusing on drinking alcohol and playing loud music from pavilions.

Mandalays Thingyan Walk along its 26th Street received praise from the public though it also imposed a partial ban on for-profit pavilions during the celebrations.
News Three Die in Cyclone Maarutha

Damage caused by Cyclone Maarutha in Ramree Township, Arakan State. / Prof Win Myat Aye / Facebook

RANGOON  Three people were killed in Irrawaddy Division as Cyclone Maarutha made landfall on Arakan States coast and swept through southern coastal Burma on Sunday.

One person was killed in Hinthada Townshipabout whom no information has yet been releasedand two women died in Labutta Township after being electrocuted by a live wire damaged in the storm, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement.

The cyclone hit the seaside township of Thandwe in Arakan State, crossing Arakan and Shan states, and Magwe and Mandalay divisions on Sunday night, with 45 to 50 kilometers per hour (28 to 32 miles), said U Kyaw Moe Oo, deputy director general of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH).

The storm also brought strong winds and heavy rains to other divisions and states including Irrawaddy, Rangoon, Pegu and Mon. It weakened on Monday morning.

According to the ministrys data, the cyclone blew out the roofs of 81 houses, and a school in Thandwe. In Munaung Township of the same state, about 17 houses, 11 schools and three monasteries suffered damage.

The winds also caused damage in Taungup, Kyaukphyu, Ramree, and Ngapali townships. In Irrawaddy Division, a house collapsed and the roofs of four other houses were blown out. A house also reportedly collapsed in Magwe.

Cyclone Maarutha has faded, said U Kyaw Moe Oo, though a potential storm forming in the Bay of Bengal needs to be watched until mid-May.

There was not a high number of casualties as the cyclones wind speed was not strong enough and also awareness and experience of storms have increased, he added.

As there were quick updates from both state and private media, the news about the storms informed people well and could have helped reduce the damage.
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Several hundred Turks demonstrated in Istanbul on Monday in protest at the referendum result on Sunday transforming Turkey into a presidential system and handing vast powers to right wing politician Tayyip Erdogan.

In contrast, US president Donald J. Trump called Erdogan to congratulate him on his victory. Social media is saying that Trump only wishes he could get the kind of power Erdogan just did.

Trump confidant Lt Gen. (ret) Mike Flynn was hired last summer and fall by a firm close to Erdogan and he appears to have hidden or under-reported his substantial income from Turkish graft. Had he not been forced out, Erdogan would have had a mole in the National Security Council.

In Istanbul, demonstrators shouted Shoulder to Shoulder against Fascism! as the marched on the HQ of the High Electoral Commission.

Another rally was held in Istanbuls Besiktas neighborhood, known as a bastion of secularism.

Leaders of the Peoples Republican Party (CHP) and the pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP), the two opposition parties in parliament who hold about a third of the seats, hastened to reject the outcome of the referendum. They maintained that the High Electoral Commission decided after voting was already underway to count contested ballots, and that it was unfair to change the rules abruptly.

Scattered, smaller demonstrations took place throughout Turkey. Some 13 persons were arrested in Antalya.

France 24 reports that

However, Tana de Zulueta, head of the observer mission of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe specifically criticised a decision by Turkeys electoral board to accept ballots that did not have official stamps, saying it removed key safeguards and undermined the fight against fraud. The system is designed to ensure that only one vote is cast per registered person and to avoid the possibility of ballot box-stuffing.

Also on Monday, Erdogan extended the state of emergency declared after the failed coup of July 15, 2016, for the third time. Under this law, basic civil liberties such as habeas corpus are suspended. Over 100,000 government employees have been fired in the past 8 months, with professors fired or chased out of the country along with journalists.



Related video:

The Young Turks: Was Turkeys Election Rigged? (Spoiler: Probably)
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TeleSur |  

Salutes of Palestinian Prisoners Day. Glory to the martyrs. Freedom for the prisoners of freedom, stated the PFLP in support of the strikers.

On Palestinian Prisoners Day Monday, hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli prisons staged a mass hunger strike, continuing the decades-long resistance of prisoners in the apartheid state.

Maan News Agency reported that prisoners throughout the country have purged all food products from their cells and have shaved their heads. According to Israels prison service, some 1,187 detainees from across the political spectrum are participating, with support from groups as diverse as the Palestine Liberation Organization to the Marxist-Leninist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, known as the PFLP.

In a statement in support of the strike, PLO Executive Committee Member Hanan Ashrawi affirmed on behalf of Palestinian leadership unwavering commitment to ensuring the safe and unconditional release of all 6,500 Palestinian political prisoners.

According to Maan, these prisoners include 57 women, 300 children, 13 members of parliament, 500 administrative detainees, 800 prisoners who require medical care and 18 journalists.

PFLP Prison Branch urges action & unity to support Pal prisoners engaged in the battle for dignity https://t.co/A3lygv1ktm #PrisonersDay     (@PFLP_info) April 17, 2017

Since the Israeli occupation of the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip began nearly 50 years ago, more than 800,000 Palestinians have been kidnapped and imprisoned by Israel, and in the past two years alone, at least 13 discriminatory and racist laws have been enacted by the Israeli government that deliberately target Palestinian prisoners and are in direct violation of international law and conventions, Ashrawi wrote in her impassioned statement.

The entire global community should be alarmed by Israels willful breach and devaluation of the rights and lives of Palestinian political prisoners, especially in regards to the imprisonment and ill-treatment of Palestinian men, women, children, and the elderly," she added.

The PFLP also released a statement in support of the strikers, saying, We salute every prisoner, the heroes and heroines of the battles of will and steadfastness  to the sick prisoners, administrative detainees and imprisoned leaders  and the long line of leaders who represent the national struggle and the prisoners cause.

This 12-yr-old Palestinian girl spent 75 days in Israels prisonu know the"only democracy in the Middle East" #PalestinianPrisonersDay pic.twitter.com/Q2cBvcrgPd  Abbs Winston (@AbbsWinston) April 17, 2017

We hope that the culmination of all of these battles waged by the prisoners inside the prisons, with the popular support inside and outside Palestine, will be to unify the prisoners movement, in light of the traditions and norms established by the prisoners movement for over 50 years, of prisons as revolutionary schools which unite all forces behind revolutionary national ideals, the PFLP concluded.

The group also congratulated the longest-serving woman prisoner, Lena Jarbouni, on her freedom after 15 years in Israeli jails.

Israeli authorities released Jarbouni Sunday, who stressed upon her release the right of Palestinian people to resist the Israeli occupation. She also expressed support for the prisoners strike.

Ahmad Herzallah, a former detainee and now with the Mohjat al-Quds Prisoners Association explained Jarbounis case to teleSUR. "Lina Jarbouni has been subjected to all forms of humiliation and repression practiced by the Zionist enemy against Palestinian detainees," he said. "She is the only female prisoner who remained in Israeli custody after the Gilad Shalits exchange deal between Hamas and Israel in 2011, despite (the fact that) the agreement stipulated the release of all female prisoners under the deal."

Jarbouni was detained on April 18, 2002 after Israeli army troops raided her home in the town of Arraba in Galilee over alleged charges of her affiliation with the Islamic Jihad movement and for housing Palestinian resistance fighters. Known for her advocacy for womens rights inside Israeli jails, Jabrouni was elected to a leadership position of an organization of female Palestinian detainees in the Hasharon Prison.

WATCH: Silencing Palestine, Prison and Repression

The strike, which started Monday, is being led by Palestinian resistance leader Marwan Barghouti, who despite being imprisoned, has been touted as a possible future successor to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Despite the mass uprising, an Israel Prison Service official reportedly said they would not be responding to any of the prisoners demands, according to Maan.

Meanwhile, Israeli Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan has ordered a separate military hospital to be set up so that hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners are not taken to civilian hospitals.These hospitals have so far refused to force-feed hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners, in line with accepted medical ethics that force-feeding is a form of torture.

The Israeli Supreme Court, however, recently ruled that force-feeding hunger-striking prisoners is constitutional.

While the strike began Monday, it is intended to be an open-ended one, with more prisoners expected to take part as the days go on. Protesters in support of the strikers are also staging mass rallies.

Via TeleSur



Related video added by Juan Cole:

Euronews: Inmates begin hunger strike on Palestinian Prisoners Day
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - April 18, 2017) - Asanko Gold Inc. ("Asanko" or the "Company") (TSX:AKG)(NYSE MKT:AKG) is pleased to announce production results for the first quarter of 2017 ("Q1") from the Asanko Gold Mine, located in Ghana, West Africa.

Commenting on the quarter's performance, Peter Breese, President and CEO, said, "I am pleased to report a second consecutive quarter of record production, with over 58,000 ounces produced in Q1 2017, which positions us well to meet our guidance for the year.

Looking ahead, 2017 will be a year of two halves. With the first half focused solely on mining fresh ore from Nkran, production volumes will be lower and costs will be higher compared to H2. In H2, as we bring our second pit, Dynamite Hill, into production, the softer oxide ore is cheaper to both mine and process and we expect that the incremental ore from Dynamite Hill, coupled with the Project 5 Million plant expansion, will deliver increased volumes and lower operating costs enabling us to meet our 2017 production and cost guidance.

Project 5 Million is progressing well and ahead of schedule, with commissioning now expected in Q4 2017. All the long lead items have been ordered and we will be starting the upgrades during this quarter."

Mining

With the strategic stockpile of 1.5 million tonnes, which is equivalent to five months of production, now in place as well as the dual ramp system, ore mining rates dropped during the quarter to more optimal levels.

Ore mining rates for the quarter averaged 339,096 tonnes per month at an average mining grade of 1.8 g/t. Waste mining took place in the north and western sides in preparation for the next sequence of ore mining in the centre of the pit. The next pushback sequence will commence during Q2 2017.

The grade for the quarter was lower as a result of mining through a planned lower grade section of the orebody. The increase in the strip ratio this quarter was driven by the implementation of the new CSA Global resource model mid-way through the quarter. Going forward, the life of mine strip ratio for Nkran is expected to be around 6:1, which will be confirmed by the new life of mine plan that will be included in the Expansion Definitive Feasibility Study due to be published in Q2 2017.

Key Mining Statistics Units Q4 2016 Q1 2017 Total Tonnes Mined 000 t 7,231 6,637 Waste Tonnes Mined 000 t 5,931 5,620 Ore Tonnes Mined 000 t 1,300 1,017 Strip Ratio W:O 4.6:1 5.5:1 Average Gold Grade Mined g/t 2.0 1.8

Processing

The processing plant continued to operate at an annualized rate of 3.6 million tonnes per annum (20% above design) during the quarter. The upgrades to the crushing circuit were commissioned during the quarter, which is now capable of handling the increased throughput requirements to the milling circuit, in anticipation of commissioning Project 5 Million later this year. Metallurgical recoveries continued to exceed design levels at 95%. Gold production for the quarter averaged 19,300 ounces per month.

Key Production Statistics Units Q4 2016 Q1 2017 Ore Treated 000 t 901 908 Gold Feed Grade g/t 2.10 2.05 Gold Recovery % 94 95 Gold Produced oz 57,178 58,187

Sales and Liquidity

Gold production for the quarter was 58,187 ounces with gold sales of 57,812 ounces at an average realized price of US$1,199 per ounce, generating gold sales revenue of US$69.3 million.

At March 31, 2017 the Company's balance sheet had approximately US$48 million in unaudited cash, US$11.5 million in gold receivables and US$5.3 million in dore (with a market value of US$7.7 million). The Company has no significant current long term debt obligations with its first principal repayment on its US$150 million debt facility not due until July 1, 2018. As previously stated, the Company continues to expect to fund Project 5 Million and the development of Esaase, and the associated conveyor, from current balances and future cash flows.

Health and Safety

There was one lost time injury ("LTI") reported during the quarter and the 12-month rolling lost time injury frequency rate ("LTIFR") per million man hours worked is 0.21.

Enquiries:

For further information, please visit: www.asanko.com or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

About Asanko Gold Inc.

Asanko's vision is to become a mid-tier gold mining company that maximizes value for all its stakeholders. The Company's flagship project is the multi-million ounce Asanko Gold Mine located in Ghana, West Africa. Asanko is managed by highly skilled and successful technical, operational and financial professionals. The Company is strongly committed to the highest standards for environmental management, social responsibility, and health and safety for its employees and neighbouring communities.
Vancouver, British Columbia / TheNewswire / April 18 2017 - Wealth Minerals Ltd. (the "Company" or "Wealth") - (TSXV: WML; OTCQB: WMLLF; SSE: WMLCL; Frankfurt: EJZN), announces that it has executed a non-binding Letter of Intent (the "LOI") to enter into an option agreement giving it the right to acquire a 100% royalty-free interest in a portfolio of exploration concessions, comprising approximately 10,500 hectares located in Regions I, II and II in northern Chile (the "Concessions"). The Concessions are divided into five projects, namely: Ascotan, Piedra Parada, Huasco, Lejia, and Siglia (collectively, the "Five Salars Project").

Wealth Minerals intends to maintain its core focus on its flagship Atacama Project over the coming 12 to 24 months. While doing so, the Company has been acquiring an extensive position in other potentially lithium-bearing salars throughout northern Chile. With this latest acquisition, Wealth's lithium project land position totals approximately 64,940 hectares, making Wealth one of the largest holders of lithium brine projects in South America (Table 1 and Figure 1).

Henk van Alphen, Wealth's CEO, commented "The acquisition of the Five Salars Project is a key piece of our ongoing strategy at Wealth. Atacama represents our core project, but with past acquisitions and now the Five Salars Project, we have a front row seat to multiple lithium development projects in Chile. Consolidation of projects throughout South America is underway and we have positioned the Company to be a decisive player in the Chilean lithium industry.

Table 1: Wealth Lithium Brine Projects

Project Salar Hectares Atacama Project Atacama 46,000 Trinity Project Pujsa 1,600 Calientes Norte 2,000 Quisquiro 2,400 Laguna Verde Laguna Verde 2,440 Five Salars Project Ascotan 1,300 Piedra Parada 1,900 Lejia 400 Siglia 1,600 Huasco 5,300

Figure 1: Location of Wealth Minerals Lithium Properties in northern Chile. The properties labelled in yellow are existing properties. The properties labelled in red are new acquisitions comprising the Five Salars Project and the subject properties of this news release.



The lithium-bearing salars in which Wealth currently has land positions includes the Salar de Atacama, which is the only current lithium-producing salar in Chile, which accounts for up to 35% of global lithium production. Servicio Nacional de Geologia y Mineria (Sernageomin) compiled a list of 14 salars with high potential to contain and produce lithium (2014) and Wealth has acquired lithium projects in three of these; Salars de Pujsa, Aguas Calientes Norte, and Quisquiro (together the "Trinity Project"). With the acquisition of the Five Salars Project, Wealth is adding more value to its property portfolio with a package of five strategic land positions, which are described in more detail below.

Ascotan Project

The Concessions include approximately 1,300 hectares in the west portion of the Salar de Ascotan (Figure 2) comprising the "Ascotan Project." Portions of the Salar de Ascotan were historically exploited by Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. ("SQM") for boron and has existing rail and road infrastructure in place. There are no current mining operations in the salar. The Salar de Ascotan is located 165km north of Wealth's Atacama Project in the Salar de Atacama.

Figure 2: Wealth Minerals Ascotan Property, located in the northern portion of the Salar de Ascotan.



Wealth's Ascotan Project is contiguous with Quiborax's land position in the Salar de Ascotan. Quiborax is a Chilean mining company with operations in the Salar de Surire, producing a range of boron products including boric acid, boron granules, fertilizers and insecticides. Corporation Nacional del Cobre de Chile ("Codelco") has a land position located east of the Quiborax position.

Readers are cautioned that the Quiborax's and Codelco's projects are adjacent properties and that Wealth Minerals has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in any part of either project. Mineral deposits on adjacent or similar properties are not in any way indicative of mineral deposits on Wealth's Ascotan Project.

Piedra Parada Project

The Concessions also include approximately 1,900 hectares in the Salar de Piedra Parada (Figure 3) comprising the Piedra Parada Project that is contiguous to the Salares 7 Project ("Seven Salars"), a 50/50 joint venture between Talison Lithium Pty Ltd. ("Talison") and a group of local Chilean entrepreneurs.

Talison's interest in the Seven Salars was acquired by way of acquiring Salares Lithium Ltd. (a TSX-V company) in 2010 for C$58.0 million. Talison's two lithium assets are the Greenbushes hard rock lithium mine in Western Australia and a 50% interest in the Seven Salars lithium brine project. Sichuan Tianqi Lithium Industries Inc. ("Tianqi") owns a controlling 51% interest in Talison and is also the sole distributer of technical-grade lithium concentrate for Talison in China.

Readers are cautioned that the Seven Salars Project is an adjacent property and that Wealth has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in any part of the Seven Salars Project and that mineral deposits on adjacent or similar properties are not in any way indicative of mineral deposits on Wealth's Piedra Parada Project.

Figure 3: Wealth Minerals Piedra Parada Project and the adjacent property, which forms part of the Seven Salars Project



Huasco Project

The Concessions include approximately 5,300 hectares in the Huasco Salar, comprising the Huasco Project. Wealth's land position is contiguous with claims held by notable major mining companies including Freeport McMoRan Inc ("Freeport"), BHP Billiton ("BHP") and Codelco (Figure 4).

Readers are cautioned that the properties held by Freeport, BHP and Codelco are adjacent properties and that Wealth has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in any part of the properties and that mineral deposits on adjacent or similar properties are not in any way indicative of mineral deposits on Wealth's Huasco Project.

Figure 4: Huasco Project showing adjacent properties



Siglia and Lejia Projects

The Concessions include approximately 1,600 hectares in the Siglia Salar and 400 hectares in the Lejia Salar (Figure 1).

Option Terms

The terms of the LOI provide that, subject to the completion of certain conditions, including TSX Venture Exchange acceptance and entry into a definitive option agreement, Wealth (or a subsidiary of Wealth) would be granted the exclusive option to acquire a 100% royalty-free interest in the Concessions comprising the Five Salars Project, free and clear of all liens, charges and encumbrances from an arm's length private Chilean company (the "Vendor") by making the following payments, and issuing the following fully paid and non-assessable Wealth common shares to the Vendor:

Date Cash Payment (USD) Share Issuance Upon Signing Definitive Option Agreement 1,000,000 1,000,000 shares 6 months after signing 1,000,000 1,000,000 shares 12 months after signing 1,000,000 1,000,000 shares 18 months after signing 1,000,000 1,000,000 shares 24 months after signing 2,000,000 2,000,000 shares 28 months after signing 2,000,000 2,000,000 shares Total 8,000,000 8,000,000 shares

About Wealth Minerals Ltd.

Wealth is a mineral resource company with interests in Canada, Mexico, Peru and Chile. The Company's main focus is the acquisition of lithium projects in South America. To date, the Company has positioned itself to develop the Aguas Calientes Norte, Pujsa and Quisquiro Salars in Chile (the Trinity Project), as well as to work alongside existing producers in the prolific Atacama Salar, in addition to the Laguna Verde lithium project acquisition. The Company continues to aggressively pursue new acquisitions in the region, the latest of which is the Five Salars Project. Lithium market dynamics and a rapidly increasing metal price are the result of profound structural issues with the industry meeting anticipated future demand. Wealth is positioning itself to be a major beneficiary of this future mismatch of supply and demand. The Company also maintains and continues to evaluate a portfolio of precious and base metal exploration-stage projects.

For further details on the Company, readers are referred to the Company's website (www.wealthminerals.com) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 18, 2017) - Cornerstone Metals Inc. (TSXV: CCC) ("Cornerstone" or the "Company") announces the appointment of Michael Mracek, P.Eng., to its Advisory Board, effective immediately. Mr. Mracek is a professional mining engineer registered in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. A graduate of the University of Saskatchewan in 1970, he spent his summers working underground at Eldorado, United Keno Hill, and Placer's Craigmont sublevel caving operation. He moved to Thompson, Manitoba in 1970, where he spent 10 years with Inco, learning his craft from the bottom up. In the 1980's, he moved on to Dickenson, Amok Cluff Mining, and Terra Mines, becoming a Chief Engineer, Mine Superintendent, and finally, Mine Manager. In 1990, he moved to Timmins, where he spent 5 years for Royal Oak as General Manager at several mines including: Pamour, Hope Brook, and Colomac. Commencing in 1996, spent 11 years overseas where he worked in Ghana, Armenia, and Tanzania for Ashanti Goldfields, Sterlite Gold, and Barrick Gold in various capacities, including VP and General Manager. He returned to Canada as Chief Operating Officer for Tournigan Gold before returning to Ghana as VP and General Manager of Golden Star's Wassa operation. Since 2011, he has provided consulting services through Mracek Consulting, working for major consulting firms, including SRK and SNC-Lavalin, advising on various studies, including feasibility studies. The Company is pleased to have Mr. Mracek join the group.

Over the past 6 months, the Company has taken significant steps to strengthen its Boards of Directors and Advisors with the addition of experienced, highly regarded professionals in their respective fields of expertise. Collectively, the Company now has the advantage of a deep and broad skill set ranging from financing, to mineral exploration, to mine development, construction and operations, including mining and processing - a unique attribute compared to many of its peers.

About Cornerstone Metals Inc.

Cornerstone's objective is to advance exploration/development stage copper and precious metals properties to production in the Americas. The Company's Management and Board Core Competence is in exploration, permitting, development, construction, and operation of mining projects.

Cornerstone owns 100% (subject to 1.5% NSR) of the West Jerome property, near Jerome, Arizona, on the west side of Freeport McMoRan patented lands. The property, in a Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide camp, is a high-grade, massive sulfide target located 2.4 km south of the past-producing United Verde (32 million tons grading 4.4% copper, 1.5 oz/t silver and 0.04 oz/t gold). The West Jerome property has attractive untested drill targets.
CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - April 18, 2017) - Antioquia Gold Inc. ("Antioquia" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:AGD) is pleased to announce that Mr. Gonzalo de Losada has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in place of Mr. Felipe Ferraro. The Company and its Board of Directors would like to thank Mr. Ferraro for his support and contribution during his tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Ferraro will remain Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors.

Mr. De Losada previously led the health care business and the personal insurance business for Rimac Seguros, the largest insurance company in Peru, where he also was the President of the Board of Clinica International, the largest private sector hospital network in Peru. From 2006 to 2011 he was the Chief Financial Officer of Quimica Suiza, the largest pharmaceutical distributor and second largest retail pharmacy chain in Peru. Mr. De Losada is an Economist from Universidad del Pacifico (Peru), and holds an MBA degree from Columbia University (New York) with over 20 years of experience in banking and business.

For further information on Antioquia Gold Inc., visit our website at www.antioquiagoldinc.com.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 18, 2017) - The Board of Directors of Pancontinental Gold Corporation (TSXV: PUC) ("Pancon Gold", "Pancon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Thomas Layton Croft as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Croft succeeds Mr. Rick Mark who remains a Pancon Director. Mr. Croft continues as President and CEO of Pancon's wholly-owned subsidiary, Palmetto Mining Corporation.

Pancon Gold Chairman Don Whalen stated: "Layton joined the Pancon Gold and Palmetto Mining family in October 2016, and his performance since then has significantly contributed to the successful evolution of our Company and the advancement of our 100%-owned flagship Jefferson Gold Project in South Carolina. Layton brings a wealth of executive leadership, corporate strategy expertise and mining sector experience, combined with strong character and interpersonal skills to take Pancon to the next level. Given Layton's deep roots in the Carolinas and his home base in Charlotte, NC, he is the right person at the right time to take on the role of Pancon President and CEO. The Board is grateful to Rick Mark for his leadership of Pancon since its beginning in 2007 and more recently in the transition to Pancon Gold. This included the acquisition of the Jefferson Gold Project in mid-2016 and the raising of C $1,000,000, Pancon Gold's graduation back to the TSX Venture Exchange and the completion of our initial stage of drilling at the Jefferson Project. Rick will continue to add value for shareholders as a Pancon Director."

Layton Croft has spent the past 15 years in executive and strategic advisory roles in the minerals exploration, mining and energy sectors in North America, Asia and Africa, with companies including Ivanhoe Mines, Rio Tinto, Peabody Energy and Duke Energy.

In his 25 year professional career, Layton has consistently taken on increased levels of executive responsibility. He is a results-focused, team-oriented leader for whom integrity, shareholder value, stakeholder value and environmental stewardship matter most. He is also a Director and strategic advisor of Erdene Resource Development, which has discovered and is developing a greenfield high-grade gold district in southwestern Mongolia.

Layton Croft stated: "I am highly motivated to grow Pancon Gold to become the leading gold exploration company in the southeastern United States. I join everyone at Pancon in our belief that a new bull market for gold has begun, and that the historically gold rich and under-explored Carolina Gold Belt is a premier place to be exploring for and developing gold projects. I deeply believe in core values of transparency, accountability, environmental responsibility and corporate citizenship. While creating and consistently delivering maximum shareholder value will be my number one job responsibility, I know I cannot do that without also creating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our landowners, community members, investors, government agencies, and all other stakeholders. I am honored and proud to be part of our world-class Pancon Gold team of exploration geologists, technical experts, and seasoned business veterans who have demonstrated their ability for more than three decades to discover gold deposits and develop gold mines in North America and around the world."

Advance Royalty Payment

Pancon is also pleased to report that the Company recently received the inaugural, annual AUD $50,000 "non-refundable, advance royalty payment", pursuant to the gross overriding royalty (the "Royalty") agreement made with Essential Mining Resources Pty ("EMR") and Crossland Strategic Metals Ltd. ("Crossland"). On November 26, 2015, Pancon sold its interest in an Australian joint venture (the "Joint Venture") with Crossland to EMR, and retained a one percent (1%) Royalty on production sales from 100% of the properties held by the Joint Venture on closing. The Joint Venture properties are prospective for rare earth elements (REE) and uranium.

About Pancontinental Gold Corporation

Pancontinental Gold Corporation (www.pancongold.com) is a Canadian-based mining company focused on the exploration and development of the Jefferson Gold Project in South Carolina, USA, and on acquiring additional prospective properties. The Company's shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, trading under the symbol PUC. In 2015, Pancon Gold sold its interest in its Australian rare earth element (REE) and uranium properties, formerly held through a joint venture, and retains a 1% gross overriding royalty on 100% of future production.
TORONTO, April 17, 2017 /CNW/ - LSC Lithium Corporation (the "Company" or "LSC") (TSXV: LSC) is pleased to report the recent announcement made by our strategic partner, Enirgi Group Corporation ("Enirgi Group"), on the completion of major construction works and successful commissioning of the first section (the "Separation Plant") of its commercial scale demonstration lithium carbonate processing plant (the "DXP Plant"). The DXP Plant is located at Enirgi Group's lithium project at the Salar del Rincon in Salta, Argentina.

LSC's large portfolio of properties are in close proximity to Enirgi Group's planned DXP Plant. LSC and Enirgi Group are strategically cooperating on lithium development in Northern Argentina pursuant to a Relationship Agreement whereby, among other things, the parties will examine the most economic solution to process LSC's brines which may include supplying LSC's brines for processing at Enirgi Group's planned facility.

Should the economic viability and technical feasibility of the Company's project be established and it proceeds to production, LSC will have exclusive access to provide third party brines for processing at Enirgi Groups planned processing facility. LSC anticipates brine samples from the various LSC projects will be available for process analysis by Enirgi Group's Innovation Division and at the lithium processing facility.

Enirgi Group reported that following full commissioning, the DXP Plant will initially produce 1 metric tonne per day of battery grade lithium carbonate and that it expects to complete full commissioning of the DXP Plant by the end of May 2017. To review Enirgi Group's news release dated April 17, 2017 please visit www.enirgi.com. For an up-close look at the progress being made at Enirgi Group's Lithium Project, please visit Enirgi Group's Lithium Project - Salar del Rincon, Salta, Argentina.

ABOUT LSC LITHIUM CORPORATION:

LSC is an emerging lithium producer that has amassed a large portfolio of tenements on prospective lithium rich salars in Northern Argentina. LSC's six major development plays are on the salars Pozuelos (pending completion of the acquisition), Pastos Grandes, Salinas Grandes (Salta), Salinas Grandes (Jujuy), Rio Grande and Jama, all of which are located in the "Lithium Triangle," an area at the intersection of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile where the world's most abundant lithium brine deposits are found. After completion of announced acquisitions, LSC will hold a land package portfolio totaling approximately 300,000 hectares, which represents extensive lithium prospective tenement holdings in Argentina.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA and JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA--(Marketwired - April 17, 2017) - Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (TSX:PTM)(NYSE MKT:PLG) ("Platinum Group" or the "Company") reports the Company's operating and financial results for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 and provides an operational update and outlook. For details of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and six months ended February 28, 2017 (the "Financial Statements") and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the period ended February 28, 2017, please see the Company's filings on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or on EDGAR (www.sec.gov). Shareholders are encouraged to visit the Company's website at www.platinumgroupmetals.net. Shareholders may receive a hard copy of the complete Financial Statements from the Company free of charge upon request.

All amounts herein are reported in United States Dollars unless otherwise specified. Many of the operating results and forecasts detailed below were reported in an earlier news release by the Company dated April 4, 2017.

Operations at Maseve Mine

Anglo American Platinum Limited reported on April 12, 2017 that the Maseve Mine had delivered 2,598 ounces of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold ("4E") in concentrate during March 2017. Production in March 2017 was the best level achieved since completion of commissioning in 2016 and shows a positive trend. Further improvement in the ramp-up rate is required. The results for March demonstrate improved stoping and tramming as well as the positive effects of Block 11 production coming online. Scheduled conveyor and silo completions are on track for completion at the end of April and are expected to facilitate and continue improved performance.

Mining and Milling Overview

Improvements in stoping tonnes versus development during production ramp-up from Block 11 are in progress at the date hereof. Production levels in December, January and into February 2017 were hampered by the process of changing the primary underground mining contractor, senior management changes, equipment operator performance and slowly improving equipment availability. Production during February 2017 was also hampered by an extraordinary rain event over a period of days around February 20, 2017, which caused regional surface flooding and some underground flooding at the Maseve Mine, resulting in several lost mining and milling days. Production in March was improved, but was below target and did not offset the lower January and February results.

A summary of monthly production for the second fiscal quarter plus the month of March 2017 follows:

Month Dry Tonnes Milled Average Grade gms/tonne Recovery % 4E Ounces in Concentrate December, 2016 39,297 1.51 79.2 1,509 January, 2017 34,661 1.53 79.2 1,351 February, 2017 29,146 1.59 80.3 1,193 March, 2017(1) 51,663 1.88 83.3 2,598(2)

(1) Approximately 7,825 dry tonnes of ore mined in February 2017 were milled in March 2017. (2) Final 4E ounce numbers are based on assay reports from Anglo American Platinum Limited received on April 12, 2017.

Several important operational advancements were completed during the last few months:

Significant advancement into Block 11 in preparation for increased mining from this important mining block was achieved. Double decline roadway access to Block 11 was competed at the end of December 2016. Five development ends and 17 mining faces or "bords" are now active in Block 11, representing an increase of nine mining faces since December 2016. The work focus in Block 11 has changed from predominantly development to mechanized bord and pillar mining.

As of the date hereof the 1 km long conveyor under construction towards Block 11 is more than 60% complete and is on track for completion at the end of April. During January 2017, Redpath Mining South Africa (Pty) Limited ("Redpath") entered a letter of intent whereby they would install, operate and maintain the 1.0 km conveyor, linking into underground silos and the existing 1.4 km conveyor to surface and 1.7 km conveyor into the mill. Cost for the conveyor installation to be borne by Redpath was estimated at Rand 25.0 million (approximately $1.8 million), which Redpath plans to recoup by way of a per tonne charge.

During the second fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2017 a monthly cost reduction program was undertaken through a process of rationalizing and consolidating underperforming and redundant contractors at the Maseve Mine. This process was undertaken cooperatively with the involvement of affected contractors, the National Union of Mineworkers, and on occasion, the Department of Minerals Resources. Many mining services previously provided by several contractors are now consolidated under the management of Redpath. As the changeover process is completed, the Company expects to achieve improved production and cost efficiencies because of these changes.

Block 11

The contribution of mined tonnage from Block 11 is a critical factor to achieving positive cash flow at the Maseve Mine. Block 11 is a large, well-drilled and stable mining block estimated to host 545,000 4E Merensky Reef ounces (3,066,512 tonnes at 5.53 gpt 4E Indicated). This block is modelled as flat dipping at an average of nine degrees, with an average seam thickness of 157 cm (as published in the technical report titled "An Independent Technical Report on the Maseve Project (WBJV Project areas 1 and 1A) located on the Western Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa" dated August 28, 2015, with an effective date of July 15, 2015). The flat dip and good quality of the Block 11 reef has been confirmed with over 150 meters of strike length exposed in underground development.

During 2017, Block 11 is scheduled to build up to 70-80% of mined ore flow. At full production Block 11 is expected to provide up to 76,000 tonnes a month of mined ore flow. Historical monthly mined tonnes for Block 11 are recorded in the table below:

Month Block 11 Mined Tonnes Total Mined Tonnes Percentage December, 2016 8,388 27,559 30.4% January, 2017 16,614 28,733 57.8% February, 2017 20,759 43,742 47.5% March, 2017 29,690 49,610 59.8%

Mine plans have been updated for current underground development positions and stoping tonnes from Block 11 are expected to increase in the months ahead. Management has focussed on equipment maintenance and machine availability is planned to increase in order to achieve increased stope tonnes. The completion of an underground conveyor towards Block 11 by Redpath is also expected to reduce trucking fleet requirements, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and improving machine availability. The resulting improvement in tramming efficiency should allow for faster cleaning of stope faces and facilitate ramp-up.

Results For The Six Months Ended February 28, 2017

During the six-months ended February 28, 2017, the Company incurred a net loss of $58.7 million (six months ended February 29, 2016 - net loss of $2.5 million). During the period the Company recorded a $55.2 million impairment of the Maseve Mine, which was taken primarily to offset capitalized costs applied to Maseve since the prior fiscal year end. The Company thereby maintains approximately the same Rand book value for Maseve as recorded at August 31, 2016. A stock compensation expense of $1.1 million was also recognized in the current period (February 29, 2016 - $0.09 million). General and administrative costs dropped from $3.0 million in the previous comparable period to $2.6 million in the current period, principally from cost cutting measures. The currency translation adjustment recognized in the period is a gain of $52 million (February 29, 2016 - $79 million loss) due to an 11% increase in value of the Rand against the US Dollar in the current period as compared to a 20% decrease in the value of the Rand in the comparable period.

Accounts receivable at February 28, 2017 totalled $5.3 million while accounts payable and accrued liabilities amounted to $15.2 million. Accounts receivable were principally comprised of amounts receivable on sale of concentrate, value added taxes repayable to the Company in South Africa, amounts receivable from partners and tax and other receivables. Accounts payable and other current liabilities included contract development and mining fees, drilling expenses, engineering fees, accrued professional fees and regular trade payables for ongoing exploration, development and administration costs.

During the six-month period ended February 28, 2017 the Company incurred and capitalized approximately $61 million (February 29, 2016 - $58 million) in development, construction, equipment and other costs for the Maseve Mine. Initial proceeds from concentrate sales before commercial production are treated as a reduction in project capital cost with $6.9 million being recognized to development costs in the period ended February 28, 2017. As at February 28, 2017, post impairment, the Company carried total deferred acquisition, development, construction, equipment and other costs related to the Maseve Mine of $525 million.

During the period ended February 28, 2017, approximately $2.65 million was spent at the Waterberg Project for engineering and exploration activities. This work was fully funded by the Company's joint venture partner the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation. At period end, $22.8 million in net costs had been capitalized to the Waterberg Project.

For more information on mineral properties, see Notes 4 and 5 of the Financial Statements.

Loan Facilities Amended

To accommodate the Company for delayed production ramp-up at the Maseve Mine, Sprott Resource Lending Partnership ("Sprott") and Liberty Metals & Mining Holdings, LLC ("LMM") have agreed to provide the following waiver and amendments to their existing loan facilities to the Company:

a two-month extension to the requirement whereby Maseve must reach and maintain a three-month rolling average of at least 60% of planned production for a three-month period (the three-month period will now commence in April 2017);

a two-month extension to the requirement whereby Maseve must reach and maintain a three-month rolling average of at least 70% of planned production for a three-month period, until June 30, 2017;

to waive until May 31, 2017 the covenant to maintain at all times working capital and unrestricted cash or cash equivalents in excess of $5.0 million; and

to postpone from March 31, 2017 to June 30, 2017 the commencement of the requirement to pay the Sprott lenders 50% of the proceeds of equity and debt financings (excluding intercompany financings) of the Company or its subsidiaries having a value exceeding $1.0 million in the aggregate, in partial repayment of the Sprott facility.

Sprott and LMM will not be paid a fee in consideration of the above amendments. Instead the Company will repay $2.5 million from any equity or debt financing (excluding intercompany financings) that close after April 13, 2017, such amount otherwise being due to the Sprott lenders in six equal monthly repayments from July to December 2017.

Outlook

The Company's key business objectives for fiscal 2017 will be to safely improve operational efficiency and advance underground development and production ramp-up at the Maseve Mine with the objective of achieving positive cash flow as soon as possible and to advance the Waterberg Project through feasibility and into preparations for a mining right application.

At the date hereof the Company is working closely with Redpath to improve contractor and labour performance, increase stope mining, reduce contractor redundancy, improve efficiencies and reduce costs. Underground sampling at the Maseve Mine has demonstrated good grade thickness confirmation to block model estimates and the plant has delivered good mill recovery to design specifications. At present, good progress is being made developing Block 11 and mined tonnage is beginning to come on line.

Delays in underground development, stoping rates and planned tonnages have resulted in ounce production delays. Such delays have had, and will continue to have, a negative impact on working capital requirements until sufficient mined stoped material is produced to allow mine operations to generate positive cash flow.

As a result of the production performance for the first calendar quarter, estimated calendar 2017 annual production guidance, based on the current mine plan, is adjusted from 100,000 ounces 4E to 85,000 ounces 4E.

The Company is currently working with BMO Capital Markets and Macquarie Capital to review and assess corporate and asset level strategic alternatives.

At February 28, 2017, the Company held $25.0 million in cash. In order to achieve positive cash flow and to maintain its working capital covenants in 2017 under existing loan facilities, the Company estimates that it will need to source $10 million to $15 million of additional funding by way of refinancing its existing debt, the issuance of new debt, private or public offerings of equity or the sale of project or property interests.

Ongoing advancement of the Waterberg Project towards a Definitive Feasibility Study in 2017 will be funded by the commitment of JOGMEC for a further $5.3 million.

About Platinum Group Metals Ltd.

Platinum Group, based in Johannesburg, South Africa and Vancouver, Canada, has a successful track record with more than 20 years of experience in exploration, mine discovery, mine construction and mine operations.

Formed in 2002, Platinum Group holds significant mineral rights and large scale reserves of platinum and palladium in the Bushveld Igneous Complex of South Africa, which is host to over 70% of the world's primary platinum production. The Company is currently focused on ramping up the Maseve Mine, its first near-surface platinum mine, to commercial production and on expanding reserves.

Platinum Group has delineated new low cost, near surface reserves on the North Limb of the Bushveld Complex on the Waterberg Project. Waterberg represents a new bulk type of large scale, shallow low cost platinum, palladium and gold deposit. Waterberg is one of the only large scale dominantly palladium deposits in the world.

Qualified Person

R. Michael Jones, P.Eng., the Company's President, Chief Executive Officer and a significant shareholder of the Company, is a non-independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and is responsible for preparing the technical information contained in this news release. He has verified the data by reviewing the detailed information of the geological and engineering staff and the Independent Qualified Person reports as well as visiting the site regularly.
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - April 18, 2017) - GoldQuest Mining Corp. (TSX VENTURE: GQC) ( FRANKFURT : M1W) ( BERLIN : M1W) ("GoldQuest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of two important members to the management team to assist with the permitting and development of its assets in the Dominican Republic. Georges Boisse has been appointed as Special Advisor to the Company and Robert Crowley has been engaged as the full time Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager. These appointments reinforce GoldQuest's commitment to active engagement with the Dominican communities at both a national and local level as it advances the permitting process of the Romero Gold/Copper Project and the regional exploration programs.

Mr. Boisse previously served as Canadian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic from 2012 to 2014. He joined the Canadian Foreign Service in 1991 working in Costa Rica, the Philippines, Poland, Tunisia, Paris, New York, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and, before his ambassadorial appointment held a number of senior positions including Immigration Manager in Tunis, New York and Mexico. Originally from Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, he is widely recognized as a proponent of responsible mining.

Mr. Crowley is based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and has 30 years of international leadership and management experience across 15 Latin American, Caribbean and Central Asian nations. His experience includes 12 years of large, multi-national project management and strategic planning, financing and planning to international standards for soil and water conservation, biodiversity, protected area management and financing of natural resources. He also has over 15 years' experience in training, managing and motivating teams in developmental themes for Non-governmental organizations and communities, as well as fundraising skills resulting in US$126.5 million bi-lateral and multi-lateral grants, complementing funding of US$100 million national level co-funding. Specifically in the Dominican Republic, he served as Bi-National Project Director of the Artibonite River Basin Management (Dominican Republic-Haiti), United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/ United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) liaison to forestry planning and USDA liaison to the Secretariat of the Presidency. As USAID's Technical Assistance Specialist to the Dominican Republic, he developed national guidelines for agriculture, forestry and watershed management. Much of this work was carried out in the San Juan Valley and environs, where GoldQuest's Romero Project and other exploration concessions are located.

"We are honoured to have attracted such high profile and skilled personnel to enhance our team as we go through the mine permitting processes," commented Bill Fisher, GoldQuest's Executive Chairman. "These appointments allow us to further engage with the Dominican authorities and stakeholders at all levels. Following our recent C$23 million financing (see March 8, 2017 new release), we are building a first-class team charged with the development of the Romero Project and have doubled our drilling efforts in the surrounding district."

Further to the Company's news release dated April 10, 2017, the board has authorized the grant of an additional 230,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") to certain officers and employees of GoldQuest, at an exercise price of C$0.50 per share. The Options are exercisable for a five-year period from the date of grant and will vest as follows: 1/3rd on the 6 month anniversary from the date of the grant; 1/3 on the first anniversary from the date of the grant and the final 1/3rd on the 18 month anniversary from the date of the grant.

The information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Jeremy Niemi, P. Geo., Vice President, Exploration of GoldQuest and a Qualified Person for the technical information in this press release under NI 43-101 standards.

About GoldQuest

GoldQuest is a Canadian based mineral exploration company with projects in the Dominican Republic. GoldQuest is traded on the TSX-V under the symbol GQC and in Frankfurt/Berlin with symbol M1W.

GoldQuest is actively exploring the favorable Tireo Formation which hosts the Romero deposit discovered in May 2012. Recently the Company released results from the Pre-feasibility study on the Romero project (see the Company's September 27, 2016 news release).
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 18, 2017) - Darnley Bay Resources Limited (TSX VENTURE:DBL) ("Darnley Bay" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of an independent Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") of the 100% owned Pine Point Project ("Pine Point" or the "Project") located near Hay River, Northwest Territories.

The PEA shows a robust economic return with a relatively low capital cost compared to similar projects and an after-tax payback of only 1.8 years. The PEA was prepared under the direction of JDS Energy & Mining Inc. ("JDS"), an industry-leading, international engineering firm, with extensive experience in planning, construction and operation of mining projects in the Canadian north. The study is being summarized into a Technical Report (the "Darnley Technical Report") to be filed on SEDAR in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") within 45 days. The PEA examined several development scenarios and settled on a mining plan where a number of open pit deposits would be developed using dense media separation plants followed by traditional grinding and flotation to upgrade mineralized material into lead & zinc concentrates, similar to the methods employed by Cominco when the mine was in production in the past. The study confirms that the Project has robust economics at the assumed parameters.

Darnley Bay President and Chief Executive Officer Jamie Levy remarked that, "This Preliminary Economic Assessment supports that management's confidence in this project was well-placed when it was purchased this past December. What is also very encouraging is that there are multiple opportunities, including underground mining, to enhance the economics and extend the project life. The Company plans to initiate a feasibility study in the near future while drilling to add additional resources to the mine plan."

Darnley Bay Chief Operating Officer John Key adds, "We had faith that the project would demonstrate healthy economic potential which this very thorough study by JDS supports. Darnley Bay looks forward to working closely with the stakeholders in the South Slave region to advance Pine Point to the benefit of the region."

PEA Study Highlights - Base Case

Pre-Tax Net Present Value (NPV) of $340.8 million at a discount rate of 8%, and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 47.8%, with a payback period of 1.4 years;

After-Tax Net Present Value of $210.5 million and Internal Rate of Return of 34.5%, with a payback of 1.8 years. Sensitivity analyses are included in Tables 5 and 6;

Pre-production capital costs of $153.8 million, including a 15% contingency, with sustaining capex of $117.5 million over the life of the mine. It is assumed that sustaining capex will be entirely funded out of cash flow;

The Pine Point project is envisioned as a series of 10 open pit deposits mined in sequence. Total mineral resources included in the PEA mine plan are 25.8 million tonnes of measured and indicated resources grading 2.94% zinc and 1.12% lead, and an additional 3.7 million tonnes of inferred resources grading 2.90% zinc and 0.77% lead;

A 13-year mine life with total life-of-mine production of 1.35 billion pounds of zinc and 536 million pounds of lead. Total shipments of 1.23 million tonnes (dry) of zinc concentrate grading 58.9% zinc, and 394,000 tonnes (dry) of lead concentrate grading 65% lead. Net of by-products, the average cash cost to produce zinc is US$0.60 per pound;

The assessment estimates net smelter return over the life of the mine at $2,020 million, with gross pre-tax income of $908 million (Table 8);

Total on-site operating costs of $37.64 per tonne processed, and total transport and refining costs of $23.07 per tonne material mined and processed; and

A LOM average manpower of 321 persons including staff and contractors at full production.

Table 1: Summary of Economic Results

Parameter Unit Value Pre-Tax NPV @ 8% C$M 340.8 Pre-Tax IRR % 47.8 Pre-Tax Payback Years 1.4 After-Tax NPV @ 8% C$M 210.5 After-Tax IRR % 34.5 After-Tax Payback Years 1.8

Table 2: Sensitivity Analysis: Pre-Tax NPV @ 8% (C$M)

Parameter -20% -10% Base +10% +20% Price 29 185 341 496 652 CAD:US FX 730 514 341 199 81 Mill Feed Grade 100 220 341 461 582 Recovery 7 181 341 497 652 OPEX 469 405 341 276 212 CAPEX 385 363 341 319 297

Table 3: Sensitivity Analysis: Pre-Tax IRR (%)

Parameter -20% -10% Base +10% +20% Price 13 % 32 % 48 % 62 % 75 % CAD:US FX 81 % 63 % 48 % 34 % 20 % Mill Feed Grade 22 % 36 % 48 % 59 % 69 % Recovery 9 % 32 % 48 % 62 % 75 % OPEX 59 % 53 % 48 % 42 % 36 % CAPEX 62 % 54 % 48 % 42 % 38 %

Table 4: Sensitivity Analysis: Discount Rate

Discount Rate 0% 5% 8% 10% 12% Pre-Tax NPV (C$M) 637 428 341 294 254

Table 5: Sensitivity Analysis: After-Tax NPV @ 8% (C$M)

Parameter -20% -10% Base +10% +20% Price 6 111 211 310 410 CAD:US FX 459 321 211 120 41 Mill Feed Grade 54 133 211 287 364 Recovery -11 108 211 210 410 OPEX 294 252 211 169 127 CAPEX 254 233 211 189 167

Table 6: Sensitivity Analysis: After-Tax IRR (%)

Parameter -20% -10% Base +10% +20% Price 9 % 23 % 35 % 45 % 55 % CAD:US FX 60 % 46 % 35 % 24 % 14 % Mill Feed Grade 16 % 26 % 35 % 43 % 51 % Recovery 6 % 23 % 35 % 45 % 55 % OPEX 43 % 39 % 35 % 30 % 25 % CAPEX 47 % 40 % 35 % 30 % 26 %

Table 7: Sensitivity Analysis: Discount Rate

Discount Rate 0% 5% 8% 10% 12% Post-Tax NPV (C$M) 423 273 211 177 149

Table 8: Pre-Tax and After-Tax Cash Flows

Parameter Unit Value Revenue (net of treatment charges and transportation) C$M 2,020.8 Operating Costs C$M 1,112.1 Capital Costs C$M 271.3 Pre-Tax Cash Flow C$M 637.5 Income Taxes C$M 214.3 After-Tax Cash Flow C$M 423.2

Note: All dollar amounts other than metal prices are quoted in Canadian dollars ("$"). The study assumes a zinc price US$1.10 per pound and a lead price of US$1.00 per pound, and a US$-C$ exchange rate of $0.75-$1.00.

PEA DETAILS

Mineral Resources

Table 9: Summary of Open Pit Resources

Pit Measured & Indicated Inferred Feed (kt) Pb

(%) Zn

(%) Pb

(M Lb) Zn

(M Lb) Feed (kt) Pb

(%) Zn

(%) Pb

(M Lb) Zn

(M Lb) J68 304 2.25 4.90 15 33 - - - - - HZ 1,549 2.76 3.58 94 122 - - - - - W85 3,983 1.98 3.46 174 304 - - - - - X65 5,430 0.80 2.41 95 288 56 0.00 3.67 0 5 O533 81 0.91 2.90 2 5 121 0.83 2.79 2 7 N204 10,005 0.80 2.98 177 657 3,527 0.78 2.89 61 224 M67 1,365 0.84 3.55 25 107 - - - - - K68 1,193 0.81 2.77 21 73 - - - - - L65 1,578 0.70 1.95 25 68 - - - - - M6263 352 1.42 2.13 11 16 - - - - - Total 25,841 1.12 2.94 640 1674 3,703 0.77 2.90 63 236

Notes to Table:

The effective date for the open pit mineral Resource is March 27, 2017. Mineral Resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Resources as an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource category.

The Pine Point Project, located 65 kilometres east of Hay River, N.W.T., was purchased in late December 2016 by Darnley Bay. It was operated as a successful zinc mine for several decades by Cominco Ltd., producing from 49 separate open pit and two underground mines lying along a 35-kilometre trend. Approximately 64 million tonnes of ore at a grade of 7.1% zinc and 3.1% lead were mined between 1964 and 1987. Previous drilling on the property totals approximately 1.3 million metres in 18,422 holes by previous operators.

The PEA envisions the use of conventional open pit mining and processing methods. Mining rates will range from 4,000 to 6,800 tonnes per day of mineralized material for processing over the life of the mine using a fleet of 90-tonne trucks, 8.0 m3 shovels and 8.0 m3 front end loaders.

Mineral processing will include a combination of portable and fixed crushers and dense media separation plants located near each deposit which will concentrate the mineralized material from the initial head grades of 2.93% and 1.08% lead-zinc, and a pre-concentrate will then be trucked to a central 1,800 tonne-per-day milling facility where it will be subject to standard grinding and flotation methods to produce a final concentrate. The concentrate will then be trucked to the Hay River railway facility approximately 65 km west, from which it will be shipped to markets.

JDS engaged Knight Piesold Ltd. (KP) to develop tailings and water management plans for the Project. Tailings will be conveyed from the centralized milling facility and deposited within historic and new open pits. There will be no need to construct a new on-surface tailings facility. Dewatering of the open pits was an important component of the historic mining at Pine Point. The substantial historic site-specific data set related to pit dewatering and pumping tests provided a unique opportunity to calibrate an appropriate pit dewatering and management system for the Project, such that inflow estimates are based on past site experience rather than models. The Project includes $19.7 million in pre-production and sustaining capital costs for water management equipment, and an additional $32.2 million over the life of the project in operating costs directly related to dewatering.

Currently, the company is working with local First Nations groups to identify opportunities of local employment and business opportunities.

The next steps for the project include the launch of a feasibility study and the initiation of permitting. Provided the feasibility study supports the results of the PEA, and subject to financing and permitting, construction of a mine at Pine Point would be expected to take 12-18 months.

Opportunities for Enhancement of the Project

The Company believes there are several potential opportunities to further improve the economics of the Pine Point Project through:

The addition of underground resources into the mine plan. Pine Point has two significant underground deposits, R190 and X25, that have potential to contribute higher grade feed to the process plant. Further evaluation of these deposits is planned during the Feasibility Study, planned to commence in H2 2017. Resources at these two deposits include: R190: 1.0 Mt (Measured & Indicated) grading 5.28% Pb and 10.98% Zn X25: 2.1 Mt (Indicated) grading 2.32% Pb and 6.73% Zn

Conversion of historical resources into Measured and Indicated Resources, through confirmation drilling. Historically there are 46 undeveloped deposits on the Pine Point Project and of these, 10 are included in the PEA. Darnley Bay intends to evaluate the remaining deposits and, where considered appropriate, initiate confirmation drilling programs in an effort to add additional deposits to the mine plan prior to the feasibility study.

Explore for additional deposits. Although more than 100 distinct deposits have been outlined historically in the Pine Point area, there are several portions of the mineralized trends that remain under-explored and Darnley Bay intends to begin exploring this spring to identify additional deposits.

Additional metallurgical testing planned for 2017 could increase either recoveries, concentrate grades, or both.

Additional surface and groundwater studies to determine ways to lower the costs of water handling.

The PEA envisages the use of electric power sourced from a combination of local grid power and natural gas generators on the property. The Company intends to initiate a dialogue with the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to discuss the potential of obtaining more or all of Pine Point's power needs from the grid through upgrades to the Taltson River hydroelectric dam, which would reduce capital and operating costs significantly.

Cautionary Statement

Readers are cautioned that the Pine Point 2017 PEA is preliminary in nature and includes the use of 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. There is no certainty that the PEA will be realised. There is no certainty that the Inferred Resources will be converted to the Indicated or Measured categories, or that the potential Measured or Indicated Resources would be converted to the Proven or Probable Mineral Reserve categories. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

The estimates of Mineral Resources in the PEA and the Mineral Resource statement may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. The Pine Point 2017 PEA recommends that the Project be advanced to a Feasibility level study in order to increase confidence in the estimates.

Darnley will be filing a National Instrument (NI) 43-101 Technical Report on the Pine Point PEA within 45 days of this news release.

Conference Call Details

PEA Study Conference Call

A conference call will be held on April 19, 2016 at 4:15pm EST to discuss the PEA Study.

Dial-In Number: 647-478-7145

Code: 437077

Qualified Persons

The Pine Point 2017 PEA was prepared by JDS and is based on a Mineral Resource estimate for the Pine Point Project published as a NI 43-101 Technical Report with an effective date of March 4, 2017. JDS has a long and successful track record of delivering high-quality technical engineering and economic studies for a wide range of mineral resource companies, both in Canada and internationally. JDS is a specialized, private mineral engineering, consulting and construction company focused on adding value to mineral projects with fit-for-purpose designs and exceptional execution. The JDS team has a long history of northern Canadian and diamond experience including the construction of the Gahcho Kue diamond mine and the Silvertip silver and base-metals mine.

The following Qualified Persons have participated in the development of the PEA, or are responsible for specific inputs into the PEA.
VANCOUVER, April 18, 2017 /CNW/ - NexGen Energy Ltd. ("NexGen" or the "Company") (TSX:NXE, OTCQX:NXGEF) is pleased to report results from 18 drill holes from the on-going winter 2017 drilling program on our 100% owned, Rook I property, Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan.

Highlights:

Northeast A3 Shear

Step out scissor hole AR-17-136c2 (170 m northeast and up-dip from AR-15-57c2 and 70 m northeast and up-dip from the edge of the A3 High Grade Domain) intersected 26.0 m of total composite mineralization including 6.7 m of total composite off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) featuring 5.3 m of continuous massive to semi-massive pitchblende including 2.0 m at a minimum-of-greater-than 61,000 cps within a 59.0 m section (399.5 to 458.5 m). This hole is marked by dense accumulations of massive to semi-massive pitchblende mineralization and is the strongest zone of mineralization encountered in the A3 shear to date. This newly discovered area is open to the northeast.

Infill scissor hole AR-17-121c2 (75 m up-dip from AR-15-57c2) intersected 65.5 m of total composite mineralization including 9.7 m of total composite off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) featuring 0.5 m at a minimum-of-greater-than 61,000 cps within an 86.5 m section (473.5 to 560.0 m).

Infill scissor hole AR-17-121c1 (45 m up-dip from AR-15-57c2) intersected 81.0 m of total composite mineralization including 6.0 m of total composite off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within a 106.0 m section (481.0 to 587.0 m).

Northeast A2 Shear

Step out scissor hole AR-17-118c2 (180 m northeast and down-dip from AR-15-44b) intersected 49.0 m of total composite mineralization including 6.1 m of total composite off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within a 61.0 m section (691.5 to 752.5 m) within a gap in a northeast part of the Mineral Resource domains.

Step out hole AR-17-119c2 (200 m northeast and down-dip from AR-15-44b) intersected 39.0 m of total composite mineralization including 1.65 m of total composite off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to 49,000 cps) within an 80.5 m section (549.5 to 630.0 m).

Step out hole AR-17-127c2 (255 m northeast and down-dip from AR-15-44b) intersected 18.5 m of total composite mineralization including 1.6 m of total composite off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within a 128.5 m section (662.5 to 791.0 m).

Infill scissor hole AR-17-121c1 (172 m northeast and down-dip from AR-15-44b) intersected 58.0 m of total composite mineralization including 5.9 m of total composite off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within a 149.5 m section (636.5 to 786.0 m).

Northeast A4 Shear

Step out scissor hole AR-17-129c1 (90 m northeast and up-dip from AR-15-41 and 30 m northeast of the A4 Mineral Resource domains) intersected 33.5 m of total composite mineralization including 2.7 m of total composite off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) within a 60.0 m section (763.5 to 823.5 m).

Arrow, Activities & Financial

The 2017 winter program comprising a minimum of 35,000 m of drilling with seven drill rigs will continue until the end of April.

None of the drilling completed in 2017 was included in the NI 43-101 Updated Mineral Resource estimate for the Arrow Deposit released on March 6, 2017 .

. The Company has cash on hand of approximately $58 million .

Longitudinal sections and a plan map showing drill hole locations are shown in Figures 1 to 3. A photo of the new high grade mineralization intersected in AR-17-136c2 is included in Figure 4. Table 1 is a summary of the mineralized intervals.

Garrett Ainsworth, Vice-President, Exploration and Development, commented: "Drilling has been very successful in significantly expanding mineralization at Arrow on several fronts. The discovery of massive to semi-massive pitchblende mineralization encountered in hole AR-17-136c2 in the A3 shear looks identical to that found in the A2 Sub-Zone. The higher grade A2 Sub-Zone is located southwest of an interpreted cross cutting structure, and it appears that a similar Sub-Zone may be developing within the A3 shear to the northeast of this same cross cutting structure. Further step outs into the northeast gap of the A2 shear have returned additional high grade intervals, where we expect mineralization to continue further northeast and down-dip to drill hole AR-15-50. Scissor drill holes stepping out and within the A2 and A3 High Grade Domains continues to exceed our expectations."

Leigh Curyer, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Drilling at Arrow continues to highlight how much room remains for material growth within the footprint of mineralization as well to the northeast demonstrated by today's results. Together with ongoing expansion the team is simultaneously undertaking engineering and environmental studies to determine to optimal development scenario for Arrow."

Table 1: Arrow Deposit Drill Hole Data



Drill Hole Athabasca Group - Basement Unconformity Depth (m) Handheld Scintillometer Results (RS-120) Hole ID Azimuth Dip Total Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Width (m) CPS Range AR-17-114c3 327 -70 792.50 130.00 639.00 639.50 0.50 <500 - 520 644.50 651.50 7.00 <500 - 43000 678.50 679.00 0.50 <500 - 1000 685.00 685.50 0.50 <500 - 850 703.50 714.50 11.00 <500 - 32000 723.00 726.50 3.50 <500 - 10500 AR-17-118c2 327 -70 828.50 129.90 458.50 459.00 0.50 <500 - 580 511.50 512.50 1.00 <500 - 1200 524.00 525.00 1.00 <500 - 2200 534.00 537.50 3.50 <500 - >61000 551.50 554.50 3.00 <500 - 50000 568.00 571.50 3.50 <500 - 14000 579.50 588.00 8.50 <500 - >61000 590.50 593.50 3.00 <500 - >61000 602.50 603.50 1.00 1200 - 11500 613.50 641.00 27.50 <500 - >61000 691.50 711.00 19.50 <500 - 31000 714.00 736.00 22.00 <500 - >61000 738.50 743.00 4.50 <500 - >61000 746.50 749.00 2.50 <500 - 1800 752.00 752.50 0.50 <500 - 530 AR-17-119c2 147 -67 1065.50 119.50 381.50 391.50 10.00 <500 - 9500 404.00 404.50 0.50 <500 - 1250 411.50 412.50 1.00 <500 - 1650 461.50 469.00 7.50 <500 - 25000 475.50 479.00 3.50 <500 - 1100 489.00 499.00 10.00 <500 - 8900 507.00 507.50 0.50 <500 - 2650 515.50 516.00 0.50 <500 - 1450 520.50 534.00 13.50 <500 - 9900 540.50 541.00 0.50 <500 - 770 549.50 577.50 28.00 <500 - 49000 603.00 610.50 7.50 <500 - 8000 613.50 614.00 0.50 <500 - 800 627.00 630.00 3.00 <500 - 1700 715.50 726.00 10.50 <500 - >61000 891.00 891.50 0.50 <500 - 1100 970.00 970.50 0.50 <500 - 520 1011.50 1012.00 0.50 <500 - 650 AR-16-120c1 327 -70 846.50 114.80 534.50 535.50 1.00 500 - >61000 620.00 620.50 0.50 <500 - 560 625.50 626.00 0.50 <500 - 1200 635.00 639.00 4.00 <500 - 25000 664.50 665.00 0.50 <500 - 580 AR-16-120c2 327 -70 864.50 114.80 534.50 535.00 0.50 <500 - 610 552.00 552.50 0.50 <500 - 700 633.00 634.50 1.50 <500 - 5900 691.00 691.50 0.50 <500 - 700 717.00 719.00 2.00 <500 - 2900 AR-16-121c1 327 -70 816.50 134.10 455.00 458.50 3.50 <500 - 11000 462.50 463.00 0.50 <500 - 800 481.00 482.00 1.00 <500 - 30000 485.00 496.00 11.00 <500 - 8900 498.50 505.00 6.50 <500 - 36000 509.00 514.00 5.00 <500 - 11000 520.00 548.00 28.00 <500 - >61000 551.50 577.00 25.50 <500 - 47000 580.00 583.00 3.00 <500 - 1050 586.00 587.00 1.00 <500 - 2400 636.50 664.50 28.00 <500 - >61000 669.00 677.50 8.50 <500 - 60000 680.00 681.00 1.00 1100 - 35000 684.00 685.00 1.00 <500 - 35000 687.50 688.50 1.00 <500 - 1250 691.00 693.50 2.50 <500 - 2000 716.50 720.00 3.50 <500 - >61000 722.50 734.00 11.50 <500 - 36000 785.00 786.00 1.00 <500 - 1850 AR-17-121c2 327 -70 813.50 134.10 473.50 474.00 0.50 <500 - 4600 483.50 485.00 1.50 <500 - 7100 487.50 491.00 3.50 <500 - 47000 497.50 535.50 38.00 <500 - >61000 538.00 560.00 22.00 <500 - 2700 616.50 620.50 4.00 <500 - 1600 623.50 624.00 0.50 <500 - 740 628.50 631.00 2.50 <500 - 29000 642.50 648.50 6.00 <500 - 30000 651.00 668.50 17.50 <500 - 55500 689.50 690.50 1.00 <500 - 2700 710.50 712.00 1.50 <500 - 3400 735.00 735.50 0.50 <500 - 1300 754.50 759.50 5.00 <500 - 2200 AR-17-126c1 327 -70 831.00 131.70 397.50 398.00 0.50 <500 - 2000 404.50 405.00 0.50 <500 - 650 408.50 411.50 3.00 <500 - 26800 424.00 424.50 0.50 <500 - 640 429.50 430.00 0.50 1600 - 56000 437.00 440.00 3.00 <500 - 1670 442.50 444.50 2.00 <500 - 7900 447.00 448.00 1.00 <500 - 9100 451.50 453.50 2.00 <500 - 5900 457.50 468.00 10.50 <500 - 56500 470.50 471.00 0.50 <500 - 520 477.50 490.50 13.00 <500 - 2300 561.50 562.00 0.50 <500 - 730 575.00 576.50 1.50 <500 - 1150 584.50 585.50 1.00 <500 - 6000 597.00 602.50 5.50 <500 - 2630 606.00 609.00 3.00 <500 - 1800 612.00 613.00 1.00 <500 - 5650 619.00 622.00 3.00 <500 - 980 625.00 627.00 2.00 <500 - 2400 749.50 756.50 7.00 <500 - 2700 805.00 806.50 1.50 <500 - 1300 AR-17-126c2 327 -70 543.00 131.70 426.50 427.00 0.50 2500 - 58000 429.50 430.00 0.50 <500 - 18800 433.00 433.50 0.50 <500 - 24000 440.50 441.50 1.00 <500 - 10500 444.00 444.50 0.50 3000 - 38000 451.50 452.50 1.00 <500 - 5460 460.00 468.00 8.00 <500 - >61000 479.00 480.50 1.50 <500 - 10800 486.50 508.00 21.50 <500 - >61000 512.50 514.00 1.50 <500 - 600 525.50 526.50 1.00 <500 - 650 AR-17-127c1 147 -67 882.50 117.90 478.00 482.00 4.00 <500 - 28000 486.00 491.00 5.00 <500 - 2900 512.00 515.00 3.00 <500 - 15000 543.00 544.50 1.50 <500 - 10700 554.00 555.00 1.00 <500 - 910 589.50 595.50 6.00 <500 - 4600 602.00 604.50 2.50 <500 - 2200 608.50 609.00 0.50 <500 - 700 611.50 612.50 1.00 <500 - 3300 619.50 620.50 1.00 <500 - 5000 626.50 628.50 2.00 <500 - 3100 641.00 647.00 6.00 <500 - 11000 670.50 671.00 0.50 <500 - 520 675.00 676.00 1.00 <500 - 830 679.00 680.00 1.00 <500 - 950 740.50 741.00 0.50 <500 - 730 757.50 763.50 6.00 <500 - 2900 768.50 772.00 3.50 <500 - 2100 775.00 779.00 4.00 <500 - 1300 782.50 785.50 3.00 <500 - 1100 807.50 810.00 2.50 <500 - 1100 856.00 857.00 1.00 <500 - 2800 AR-17-127c2 147 -67 954.50 117.90 507.00 508.00 1.00 <500 - 850 533.50 534.50 1.00 <500 - 650 568.00 568.50 0.50 <500 - 975 662.50 666.00 3.50 <500 - 2750 668.50 669.00 0.50 <500 - 980 679.50 687.50 8.00 <500 - >61000 761.50 765.50 4.00 <500 - 4000 788.50 791.00 2.50 <500 - 8500 843.50 845.00 1.50 <500 - 1700 849.50 850.00 0.50 <500 - 510 861.00 870.00 9.00 <500 - 2600 872.50 884.50 12.00 <500 - 11000 889.00 891.50 2.50 <500 - 2100 AR-17-129c1 327 -70 1074.50 N/A 670.00 671.00 1.00 <500 - 29000 763.50 775.50 12.00 <500 - 40000 779.50 784.50 5.00 <500 - 46000 791.50 794.50 3.00 <500 - 57000 801.50 808.50 7.00 <500 - >61000 812.00 814.50 2.50 <500 - 16500 819.50 823.50 4.00 <500 - 3800 831.50 833.50 2.00 <500 - 800 846.00 846.50 0.50 <500 - 560 851.00 851.50 0.50 <500 - 760 894.50 896.00 1.50 <500 - >61000 899.00 905.50 6.50 <500 - >61000 913.50 923.50 10.00 <500 - >61000 982.00 982.50 0.50 <500 - 1300 988.50 998.50 10.00 <500 - 2400 AR-17-129c2 327 -70 1002.50 N/A 603.50 604.00 0.50 <500 - 510 641.50 642.00 0.50 <500 - 1260 653.00 657.00 4.00 <500 - 8110 665.00 667.00 2.00 <500 - 3070 671.50 672.00 0.50 <500 - 6870 691.00 692.50 1.50 <500 - 4900 698.50 700.50 2.00 <500 - 57000 720.00 721.50 1.50 <500 - 2500 757.50 758.50 1.00 1500 - 45000 780.00 781.00 1.00 <500 - 4700 783.50 788.00 4.50 <500 - 11000 793.50 798.00 4.50 <500 - 1660 806.00 806.50 0.50 <500 - 600 811.50 812.00 0.50 <500 - 3000 823.50 824.00 0.50 <500 - 920 831.00 832.00 1.00 <500 - 1610 850.50 866.50 16.00 <500 - 17000 873.00 876.50 3.50 <500 - 6600 893.00 894.50 1.50 <500 - 2400 977.00 977.50 0.50 <500 - 560 984.50 985.50 1.00 <500 - 2040 994.50 995.50 1.00 <500 - 2200 AR-17-133c1 147 -67 864.50 110.45 437.00 438.00 1.00 <500 - 750 492.50 504.50 12.00 <500 - 1500 513.00 527.00 14.00 <500 - 5000 532.50 533.50 1.00 <500 - 1000 536.00 537.00 1.00 <500 - 800 604.50 607.00 2.50 <500 - 2400 611.50 615.50 4.00 <500 - 12000 618.00 619.00 1.00 <500 - 1500 631.50 632.50 1.00 <500 - 3800 676.00 678.50 2.50 <500 - 5500 697.00 697.50 0.50 <500 - 1100 732.50 737.00 4.50 <500 - 6300 749.50 751.00 1.50 <500 - 2600 AR-17-133c2 147 -67 981.50 110.45 479.00 479.50 0.50 <500 - 1000 485.00 488.50 3.50 <500 - 2600 495.50 496.50 1.00 <500 - 2200 532.00 533.00 1.00 <500 - 1550 535.50 563.00 27.50 <500 - 5000 567.00 570.50 3.50 <500 - 1350 579.00 583.00 4.00 <500 - 5300 588.00 588.50 0.50 <500 - 2100 593.00 598.00 5.00 <500 - 1200 602.00 605.50 3.50 <500 - 1130 608.50 620.00 11.50 <500 - 4000 624.50 632.00 7.50 <500 - 4000 644.50 658.50 14.00 <500 - 3400 661.50 663.50 2.00 <500 - 1700 666.00 667.50 1.50 <500 - 1150 673.50 677.50 4.00 <500 - 6000 680.00 690.00 10.00 <500 - 21000 710.00 710.50 0.50 <500 - 630 716.00 718.00 2.00 <500 - 4690 721.00 723.00 2.00 <500 - 6400 727.00 729.00 2.00 <500 - 1080 759.50 763.00 3.50 <500 - 3320 771.50 772.50 1.00 <500 - 1250 796.50 799.50 3.00 <500 - 1000 896.50 897.00 0.50 <500 - 520 929.50 930.00 0.50 <500 - 600 AR-17-136c1 327 -70 567.00 128.40 432.50 433.50 1.00 <500 - 1800 442.50 444.00 1.50 <500 - 13000 450.50 451.00 0.50 <500 - 4600 475.50 476.50 1.00 <500 - 34000 485.50 498.50 13.00 <500 - 22000 AR-17-136c2 327 -70 849.00 128.40 399.50 403.00 3.50 <500 - 2200 405.50 408.00 2.50 <500 - 4500 414.00 416.00 2.00 <500 - 8100 429.50 432.00 2.50 <500 - 9500 437.50 441.00 3.50 <500 - 23000 446.50 458.50 12.00 <500 - >61000 539.50 551.00 11.50 <500 - >61000 554.00 554.50 0.50 <500 - 1050 614.50 615.00 0.50 <500 - 575 752.00 756.00 4.00 <500 - 21000 767.50 768.00 0.50 <500 - 610 803.50 804.00 0.50 <500 - 980 AR-17-138c1 147 -70 102.80 936.00 532.00 532.50 0.50 <500 - 1700 559.00 559.50 0.50 <500 - 1400 562.00 563.00 1.00 <500 - 1600 581.00 583.00 2.00 <500 - 1200 613.00 613.50 0.50 <500 - 530 631.00 635.00 4.00 <500 - 1300 639.50 663.50 24.00 <500 - 4000 676.00 712.50 36.50 <500 - 7400 715.00 720.00 5.00 <500 - 1540 725.50 726.00 0.50 <500 - 740 728.50 730.50 2.00 <500 - 1900 743.50 746.00 2.50 <500 - 5500 749.00 766.00 17.00 <500 - 4750 771.50 773.00 1.50 <500 - 1250 777.50 778.00 0.50 <500 - 820 878.50 881.00 2.50 <500 - 2930 885.50 888.50 3.00 <500 - 1750 893.50 894.00 0.50 <500 - 3300 897.00 904.00 7.00 <500 - 5100

Parameters:

Maximum internal dilution 2.00 m downhole

All depths and intervals are meters downhole, true thicknesses are yet to be determined. Resource modelling in conjunction with an updated mineral resource estimate is required before true thicknesses can be estimated.

"Anomalous" means >500 cps (counts per second) total count gamma readings by gamma scintillometer type RS-120

"Off-scale" means >10,000 cps (counts per second) total count gamma readings by gamma scintillometer type RS-120

Where "Min cps" is <500 cps, this refers to local low radiometric zones within the overall radioactive interval

Arrow Deposit Drilling

AR-17-114c3

Hole AR-17-114c3 was a directional scissor hole that departed pilot hole AR-17-114c2 at a depth of 595 m. The hole was designed to test the A2 shear 60 m down-dip of AR-16-96c2 (4.17% U3O8 over 57.5 m in the A2 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 606 m. The A2 shear was intersected at an inclination of -72.

Basement lithologies were intersected beginning at the top of the hole and consisted largely of semi-pelitic and relatively narrow intervals of pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A2 shear). Anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity was intersected in the A2 shear in association with stringers, fracture, and foliation-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 23.0 m including 1.25 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >43,000 cps) was intersected within a 87.5 m section (639.0 m to 726.5 m), all in the A2 shear. The hole was terminated at 792.5 m.

AR-17-118c2

Hole AR-17-118c2 was a directional scissor hole that departed pilot hole AR-17-118c1 at a depth of 207 m. The hole was designed to test the A2 shear 45 m down-dip and northeast of AR-15-53c3 (1.38% U3O8 over 24.5 m, 3.37% U3O8 over 8.5 m, and 1.87% U3O8 over 9.5 m in the A2 shear) and the A3 shear 20 m down-dip and southwest of AR-15-57c2 (5.89% U3O8 over 29.5 m in the A3 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 250 m. The A2 and A3 shears were both intersected at an inclination of -67.

Basement lithologies were intersected beginning at the top of the hole and consisted largely of semi-pelitic gneiss to granofel and relatively narrow intervals of pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A2 through A4 shears). Anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity was intersected in the A2 through A4 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, fracture-controlled, and semi-massive to massive pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 101.5 m including 11.7 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) was intersected within a 294.0 m section (458.5 to 752.5 m). In the A2 shear, 49.0 m of composite mineralization including 6.1 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. In the A3 shear, 46.5 m of composite mineralization including 5.25 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. An additional 6.0 m of composite mineralization including 0.35 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected in the A4 shear. The hole was terminated at 828.5 m.

AR-17-119c2

Hole AR-17-119c2 was a directional hole that departed pilot hole AR-17-119c1 at a depth of 205 m. The hole was designed to test the A2 shear 95 m down-dip and southwest of AR-17-119c1 (1.15 m of off-scale radioactivity in the A2 shear; assays pending). Directional drilling was initiated at 222 m. The A2 and A3 shears were intersected at inclinations of -71 and -70 respectively.

Basement lithologies were intersected beginning at the top of the hole and consisted largely of semi-pelitic gneiss to granofel and relatively narrow intervals of pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A1 through A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A1 through A3 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, foliation-controlled, fracture-controlled, and semi-massive pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 98.5 m including 3.7 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) was intersected within a 630.5 m section (381.5 to 1012.0 m). In the A1 shear, 47.5 m of composite mineralization including 0.2 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. In the A2 shear, 39.0 m of composite mineralization including 1.65 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. In the A3 shear, 10.5 m of composite mineralization including 1.85 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. An additional 1.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected in the A4 shear. The hole was terminated at a depth of 1065.5 m.

AR-17-120c1

Hole AR-17-120c1 was a directional scissor hole collared from the surface at an angled orientation (-70) to the northwest (327 Azimuth). It was designed to test the A2 shear 95 m down-dip and southwest of AR-15-59c5 (0.29% U3O8 over 24.0 m in the A2 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 282 m. The A2 shear was intersected at an inclination of -67.

The hole intersected bleached Athabasca Group sandstones between 106.0 m and the unconformity at 114.80 m. Basement lithologies dominantly consisted of semi-pelitic gneiss with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A2 and A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A3 shear in association with disseminated, foliation-controlled, and fracture-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 6.5 m including 0.6 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) was intersected within a 130.5 m section (534.5 to 665.0 m), all in the A3 shear. The hole was terminated at a depth of 846.5 m.

AR-17-120c2

Hole AR-17-120c2 was a directional scissor hole that departed pilot hole AR-17-120c1 at a depth of 286 m. It was designed to test the A2 shear 65 m down-dip of AR-17-120c1. Directional drilling was initiated at 295 m. The A3 shear was intersected at an inclination of -71.

Basement lithologies were intersected from the top of the hole and dominantly consisted of semi-pelitic gneiss with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A2 through A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous radioactivity in the A3 and A4 shears in association with disseminated and fracture-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 5.0 m was intersected within a 184.5 m section (534.5 to 719.0 m). In the A3 shear, 4.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected. In the A4 shear, 1.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected. The hole was terminated at a depth of 864.5 m.

AR-17-121c1

Hole AR-17-121c1 was a directional scissor hole collared from the surface at an angled orientation (-70) to the northwest (327 Azimuth). The hole was designed to test the A2 shear 25 m up-dip and northeast of AR-16-118c2 (6.1 m of off-scale radioactivity in the A2 shear; assays pending) and the A3 shear 45 m up-dip of AR-15-57c2 (5.89% U3O8 over 29.5 m in the A3 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 249 m. The A2 and A3 shears were both intersected at an inclination of -71.

The hole intersected bleached Athabasca Group sandstones between 122.8 m and the unconformity at 134.1 m. Basement lithologies largely consisted of semi-pelitic gneisses with narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A2 and A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A2 through A3 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, foliation-controlled and fracture-controlled mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 143.0 m including 12.0 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) was intersected within a 331.0 m section (455.0 to 786.0 m). In the A2 shear, 58.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 5.9 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A3 shear, 81.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 6.0 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A4 shear, 4.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 0.1 m of off-scale radioactivity. The hole was terminated at a depth of 816.5 m.

AR-17-121c2

Hole AR-17-121c2 was a directional hole that departed pilot hole AR-17-121c1 at a depth of 262 m. It was designed to test the A3 high-grade domains as a scissor hole immediately adjacent to AR-14-08 (2.51% U3O8 over 10.0 m and 2.94% U 3 O 8 over 6.2 m in the A3 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 387 m. The A3 shear was intersected at an inclination of -68.

Basement lithologies were intersected from the top of the hole and dominantly consisted of semi-pelitic gneiss with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A2 and A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A2 and A3 shears in association with disseminated, fracture-controlled, and foliation-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 104.0 m including 11.6 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) was intersected within a 286.0 m section (473.5 to 759.5 m). In the A2 shear, 33.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 1.9 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A3 shear, 65.5 m of composite mineralization including 9.7 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. An additional 5.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected in the A1 shear. The hole was terminated at a depth of 813.5 m.

AR-17-126c1

Hole AR-17-126c1 was a scissor hole collared from surface at an angled orientation (-70) to the northwest (327 Azimuth). It was designed to test the A3 shear 32 m up-dip and northeast of AR-17-116c1 (6.5 m of off-scale radioactivity in the A3 shear; assays pending). Directional drilling was initiated at 195 m. The A2 and A3 shears were both intersected at inclinations of -67.

The hole intersected strongly bleached Athabasca Group sandstones between 119.5 m and the unconformity at 131.7 m. Basement lithologies largely consisted of semi-pelitic gneisses with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A2 and A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A2 and A3 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, foliation-controlled, and fracture-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 63.0 m including 1.25 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to 56,500 cps) was intersected within a 409.0 m section (397.5 to 806.5 m). In the A2 shear, 17.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected. In the A3 shear, 37.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 1.25 m of off-scale radioactivity. An additional 8.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected in the A1 shear. The hole was terminated at 831 m.

AR-17-126c2

Hole AR-17-126c2 was a directional scissor hole that departed pilot hole AR-17-126c1 at a depth of 207 m. It was designed to test the A3 shear 43 m up-dip and northeast of AR-17-121c2 (9.7 m of off-scale radioactivity in the A3 shear; assays pending). Directional drilling was initiated at 306 m. The A3 shear was intersected at an inclination of -70.

Basement lithologies were intersected from the top of the hole and dominantly consisted of semi-pelitic gneiss with relatively narrow intervals of pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A3 shear). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A3 shear in association with stringers, disseminated, and fracture-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 37.5 m including 3.65 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected within a 100.0 m section (426.5 to 526.5 m), all in the A3 shear. The hole was terminated at a depth of 543 m.

AR-17-127c1

Hole AR-17-127c1 was collared from surface at an angled orientation (-67) to the southeast (147 Azimuth). It was designed to test the gap area to the northeast of the Arrow Deposit resource domains, 40 m down-dip and northeast of AR-17-119c2 (1.65 m of off-scale radioactivity in the A2 shear; assays pending). Directional drilling was initiated at 201 m. The A2 and A3 shears were both intersected at inclinations of -67.

The hole intersected bleached Athabasca Group sandstones between 93.0 m and the unconformity at 117.9 m. Basement lithologies largely consisted of semi-pelitic gneisses with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A1 through A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A1 through A3 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, foliation-controlled, and fracture-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 56.5 m including 0.7 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to 28,000 cps) was intersected within a 379.0 m section (478.0 to 857.0 m). In the A1 shear, 14.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 0.6 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A2 shear, 21.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 0.1 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A3 shear, 20.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected. The hole was terminated at 882.5 m.

AR-17-127c2

Hole AR-17-127c2 was a directional hole that departed pilot hole AR-17-127c1 at a depth of 205 m. It was designed to test the gap area to the northeast of the Arrow Deposit resource domains, 85 m down-dip and northeast of AR-17-119c2 (1.65 m of off-scale radioactivity in the A2 shear; assays pending). Directional drilling was initiated at 205 m. The A2 and A3 shears were both intersected at inclinations of -70.

Basement lithologies were intersected from the top of the hole and dominantly consisted of semi-pelitic gneiss with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A1 through A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A1 through A3 shears in association with disseminated, fracture-controlled, and foliation-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 46.5 m including 1.75 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) was intersected within a 384.5 m section (507.0 to 891.5 m). In the A1 shear, 2.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected. In the A2 shear, 18.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 1.6 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A3 shear, 25.5 m of composite mineralization including 0.15 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected. The hole was terminated at a depth of 954.5 m.

AR-17-129c1

Hole AR-17-129c1 was a scissor hole collared from surface at an angled orientation (-70) to the northwest (327 Azimuth). It was designed to test the A4 shear 90 m up-dip and northeast of AR-15-41 (4.30% U3O8 over 20.5 m in the A4 shear). The A4 shear was intersected at an inclination of -66.

No Athabasca Group sandstones were encountered and basement lithologies largely consisted of semi-pelitic gneisses with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A2 through A4 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A2 through A5 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, foliation-controlled, and fracture-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 66.0 m including 4.4 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) was intersected within a 328.5 m section (670.0 to 998.5 m). In the A2 shear, 10.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected. In the A3 shear, 21.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 1.6 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A4 shear, 33.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 2.7 m of off-scale radioactivity. An additional 1.0 m of composite mineralization including 0.1 m of off-scale radioactivity was intersected in the A5 shear. The hole was terminated at 1074.5 m.

AR-17-129c2

Hole AR-17-129c2 was a directional hole that departed pilot hole AR-17-129c1 at 495 m. It was designed to test the A4 shear 120 m up-dip of AR-15-41 (4.30% U3O8 over 20.5 m in the A4 shear) with an additional A3 intersection 90 m up-dip of AR-15-39 (2.27% U3O8 over 29.5 m in the A3 shear). Directional drilling was initiated at 510 m. The A3 and A4 shears were both intersected at an inclination of -58.

Basement lithologies were intersected from the top of the hole and dominantly consisted of semi-pelitic gneiss with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A2 through A4 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A2 through A5 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, fracture-controlled, and foliation-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 49.5 m including 1.25 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to 57,000 cps) was intersected within a 392.0 m section (603.5 to 995.5 m). In the A2 shear, 6.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected. In the A3 shear, 28.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 0.15 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A4 shear, 8.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 1.1 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A1 and A5 shears, an additional 1.0 m and 5.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected respectively. The hole was terminated at a depth of 1002.5 m.

AR-17-133c1

Hole AR-17-133c1 was collared from surface at an angled orientation (-67) to the southeast (147 Azimuth). It was designed to test the gap area to the northeast of the Arrow Deposit resource domains, 77 m northeast of AR-17-119c2 (1.65 m of off-scale radioactivity in the A2 shear; assays pending). Directional drilling was initiated at 270 m. The A2 and A3 shears were both intersected at inclinations of -65.

The hole intersected bleached Athabasca Group sandstones between 99.0 m and the unconformity at 110.45 m. Basement lithologies largely consisted of semi-pelitic gneisses with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A1 through A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A1 through A3 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, foliation-controlled, and fracture-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 46.5 m including 0.1 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to 12,000 cps) was intersected within a 314.0 m section (437.0 to 751.0 m). In the A1 shear, 29.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected. In the A2 shear, 8.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 0.1 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A3 shear, 9.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected. The hole was terminated at 864.5 m.

AR-17-133c2

Hole AR-17-133c2 was a directional hole that departed pilot hole AR-17-133c1 at 252 m. It was designed to test the gap area to the northeast of the Arrow Deposit resource domains, 60 m up-dip and northeast of AR-17-127c2 (1.6 m of off-scale radioactivity in the A2 shear; assays pending). Directional drilling was initiated at 270 m. The A1 through A3 shears were intersected at inclinations of -70, -69, and -69 respectively.

Basement lithologies were intersected from the top of the hole and dominantly consisted of semi-pelitic gneiss with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A1 through A4 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A1 through A4 shears in association with disseminated, fracture-controlled, and foliation-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 115.5 m including 0.25 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to 21,000 cps) was intersected within a 451.0 m section (479.0 to 930.0 m). In the A1 shear, 46.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected. In the A2 shear, 64.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 0.25 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A3 shear, 4.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected. An additional 0.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected in the A4 shear. The hole was terminated at a depth of 981.5 m.

AR-17-136c1

Hole AR-16-136c1 was a scissor hole collared from surface at an angled orientation (-70) to the northwest (327 Azimuth). It was designed to test the A3 shear 30 m northeast of AR-17-116c1 (6.5 m of off-scale radioactivity in the A3 shear; assays pending). Directional drilling was initiated at 201 m. The A3 shear was intersected at an inclination of -69.

The hole intersected bleached Athabasca Group sandstones between 112.1 m and the unconformity at 128.4 m. Basement lithologies largely consisted of semi-pelitic gneisses with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A3 shear). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A3 shear in association with stringers, disseminated, and fracture-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 17.0 m including 0.9 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to 34,000 cps) was intersected within a 66.0 m section (432.5 to 498.5 m), all within the A3 shear. The hole was terminated at 567 m.

AR-17-136c2

Hole AR-17-136c2 was a directional hole that departed pilot hole AR-17-136c1 at 204 m. It was designed to test the A3 shear 50 m northeast and up-dip of AR-17-116c1 (6.5 m of off-scale radioactivity in the A3 shear; assays pending). Directional drilling was initiated at 216 m. The A1 through A3 shears were all intersected at inclinations of -66.

Basement lithologies were intersected from the top of the hole and dominantly consisted of semi-pelitic gneiss with relatively narrow intervals of pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A1 through A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A1 through A3 shears in association with stringers, disseminated, fracture-controlled, foliation-controlled, and massive pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 43.5 m including 7.35 m of off-scale radioactivity (>10,000 to >61,000 cps) was intersected within a 404.5 m section (399.5 to 804.0 m). In the A1 shear, 4.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 0.15 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A2 shear, 12.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 0.5 m of off-scale radioactivity. In the A3 shear, 26.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected including 6.7 m of off-scale radioactivity anchored by dense accumulations of massive pitchblende. An additional 0.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected northwest of the A1 shear. The hole was terminated at a depth of 849 m.

AR-17-138c1

Hole AR-16-138c1 was collared from surface at an angled orientation (-70) to the southeast (147 Azimuth). It was designed to test the gap area to the northeast of the Arrow Deposit resource domains, 120 m northeast of AR-17-127c2 (1.6 m of off-scale radioactivity in the A2 shear; assays pending). Directional drilling was initiated at 201 m. The A2 shear was intersected at an inclination of -70.

The hole intersected strongly bleached Athabasca Group sandstones between 75.5 m and the unconformity at 102.8 m. Basement lithologies largely consisted of semi-pelitic gneisses with relatively narrow intervals of graphitic pelitic gneiss and mylonite (the A1 through A3 shears). The hole successfully intersected anomalous to strongly anomalous radioactivity in the A1 through A3 shears in association with disseminated and fracture-controlled pitchblende mineralization. A total composite mineralization of 111.0 m was intersected within a 372.0 m section (532.0 to 904.0 m). In the A1 shear, 8.5 m of composite mineralization was intersected. In the A2 shear, 89.5m of composite mineralization was intersected. In the A3 shear, 13.0 m of composite mineralization was intersected. The hole was terminated at 936 m.

Technical Information

Natural gamma radiation in drill core reported in this news release was measured in counts per second (cps) using a Radiation Solutions Inc. RS-120 gamma-ray scintillometer. The reader is cautioned that total count gamma readings may not be directly or uniformly related to uranium grades of the rock sample measured; they should be used only as a preliminary indication of the presence of radioactive minerals. All intersections are downhole.

Split core samples will be taken systematically, and intervals will be submitted to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) of Saskatoon for analysis. All samples sent to SRC will be analyzed using ICP-MS for trace elements on partial and total digestions, ICP-OES for major and minor elements on a total digestion, and fusion solution of boron by ICP-OES. Mineralized samples are analyzed for U 3 O 8 by ICP-OES and select samples for gold by fire assay. Assay results will be released when received and after stringent internal QA/QC protocols are passed.

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by or reviewed and approved by Mr. Garrett Ainsworth, P.Geo., Vice President  Exploration & Development for NexGen. Mr. Ainsworth is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), and has verified the sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained herein by reviewing original data certificates and monitoring all of the data collection protocols.

For details of the Rook I Project including the quality assurance program and quality control measures applied and key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the mineral resource set forth below please refer to the technical report entitled "Technical Report on the Rook 1 Property, Saskatchewan, Canada" dated effective March 31, 2017 (the "Rook 1 Technical Report") prepared by Mark B. Mathisen and David Ross, each of whom is a "qualified person" under NI 43-101. The Rook I Technical Report is available for review under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

About NexGen

NexGen is a British Columbia corporation with a focus on the acquisition, exploration and development of Canadian uranium projects. NexGen has a highly experienced team of uranium industry professionals with a successful track record in the discovery of uranium deposits and in developing projects through discovery to production.

NexGen owns a portfolio of highly prospective uranium exploration assets in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada, including a 100% interest in Rook I, location of the Arrow Discovery in February 2014 and Bow Discovery in March 2015 and the Harpoon discovery in August 2016. The Arrow Deposit's March 2017 Mineral Resource estimate (effective December 20, 2016) comprises an Indicated Mineral Resource of 179.5 M lbs U3O8 contained in 1.18 M tonnes grading 6.88% U3O8 and an Inferred Mineral Resource of an additional 122.1 M lbs U3O8 contained in 4.25 M tonnes grading 1.30% U3O8.
By Lee Sang-ou





The sinking of the RMS Titanic occurred on the night of 14 April, 1912, in the North Atlantic Ocean, during her first voyage from Southampton to New York City. The Titanic had an estimated 2,224 people on board when she struck an iceberg at around 23:40 p.m. Sunday, 14 April, 1912. Her sinking only took two hours and 40 minutes, which was one of the most rapid sinking speeds of a passenger ship at that time. And finally at around 02:20 a.m., 15 April, the sea swallowed one of the strongest and biggest man-made objects. Also, this resulted in the death of more than 1,500 people, which made it one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history.



The whole world over was in great shock. And soon, the movement for an international treaty occurred in order to ensure the safe voyages and safety of ships themselves. So finally in 1914, SOLAS (the Safety of Life at Sea) was legitimized and is still in force today. Also, SOLAS itself is the father to numerous maritime safety regulations.



SOLAS requires to be flagged by states in order to ensure that such ships comply with the minimum safety standards in construction, equipment and operation. Currently, SOLAS has 162 contracting states, which hold oversee than 99 percent of vessels around the globe. After the activation of SOLAS, the number of maritime incidents and accidents decreased to some extent. In relation to this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is continuously enacting regulations and treaties for the sake of prevention of maritime disasters.



What is the similarity of these regulations and treaties? Surprisingly, all of them are motivated by maritime incidents and accidents. Actually, the IMO investigates all kinds of maritime incidents and accidents from huge disasters like the Titanic, to minor incidents just to ensure a safe voyage.



Just like this, the main purpose of a survey of maritime accidents is to prevent similar disasters, not to punish an interested party. The same policy must be applied to the MV Sewol. After the Sewol disaster, we must concentrate on how to prevent this kind of disaster. But sadly, in our society, we totally fail to learn from our errors and take necessary counter-measures. Instead of this, we just blame and criticize each other and punish the related parties without any consideration of the flaws that enabled these tragedies that lie in wait. If you speculate on all of the related policies after the disaster, you are sure to have doubts about their effectiveness. Counter-active measures are the key to prevention.



Finally, the government successfully salvaged the MV Sewol. It is not common in maritime accident history to salvage a civilian ship which has no military affiliation. So, it is an opportunity which rarely comes up. In relation to this, we must prevent similar disasters through a thorough investigation and cause identification without wasting time. We neither have the time nor money for criticism. We cannot repeat the same mistake which took place three years ago. Identifying the cause of the accident and building a recurrence prevention system will be the only way to become a "not-sorry adult" to youngsters.





The writer attends Korea Maritime University, serving as apprentice officer on the motor training ship TS Hanbada. Write to sangou2marine@gmail.com
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by Chase Martin , April 17, 2017

Live 360-degree video broadcasts just gained an aerial perspective, thanks to a new live-streaming virtual reality drone.

The VR drone system was developed by 360 Designs and is set to be introduced and exhibited this week at the annual NAB Show in Las Vegas.

The so-called Flying EYE system comprises a remote-controlled hexacopter with a custom spherical video camera rig and live-stitching components, which can stream 360-degree spherical video to a base-station on the ground in near-real time.

The system is designed for professional use and can stream and record in up to 6K resolution with a range of up to five miles, according to 360 Designs.

We wanted to create a broadcast quality, live 360 drone platform for professionals, so they can create stunning live VR productions, with or without the drone in shot, Alx Klive, CEO of 360 Designs, said in a statement. The sky is no longer the limit.

Flying EYE is the first broadcast-quality live-streaming 360-degree drone platform, according to 360 Designs.

However, spherical video has already been streamed live by at least one other major company at a lower resolution.

For example, Intel streamed spherical video from a quadcopter live to attendees at a press event during CES earlier this year.

That demonstration was streamed in real time to more than 260 Oculus Rift VR headsets at the event. Intel collaborated with live-streaming VR company Orah, for the demonstration. That was the first 4K 360-degree live-stream from a drone, according to Orah.

Most consumer 360-degree cameras, such as Samsungs Gear 360, shoot in 4K resolution.

The camera rig in the Flying EYE system is a 360-degree camera that has been used in projects including the Oscars last year.
by Tanya Gazdik , April 18, 2017



Aflac is partnering with Tough Mudder, an active lifestyle brand and media company.

The financial services company also will be Official Supplemental Insurance Provider for Tough Mudders 2017 events season.

The effort includes a six-month campaign aimed at small businesses. The Aflac Small Business Challenge was designed for teams participating in Tough Mudder events on behalf of small businesses.

Tough Mudder hosts a series of endurance events and obstacle course challenges all over the world. Events aim to promote teamwork, physical activity and fun. Aflac joins a wide range of sponsors including Merrell, Jeep, the U.S. Army, Vega, Olympus, For Goodness Shakes, Bosch, Snapchat, Live Stream, Sky Sports, ESPN Media Distribution, The CW and CBS Sports.

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Aflacs sponsorship was orchestrated by CSE in Atlanta, which has worked with the insurance company for about 10 years.

For young employees working at a small business, camaraderie among the team is crucial, said Gail Galuppo, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Aflac. Participating in an event like Tough Mudder can help improve communication and collaboration while creating a workplace culture that supports healthy and fit lifestyles  all attributes that help small businesses succeed, she adds.

This partnership underscores our brands commitment to promoting corporate team-building no matter how big or small the team may be, Galuppo tells Marketing Daily. Whether its climbing a 15-foot wall or plunging into ice-cold water, both Aflac and Tough Mudder support and celebrate all lifestyles when it matters most  even when they get a little muddy.

Both Aflac and Tough Mudder will promote the partnership through a variety of channels, including social media. Aflac will also promote the partnership to its more than 70,000 licensed agents who sell Aflac supplemental insurance products at small businesses across the country.

Currently, we have a one-year commitment, Galuppo says. We are excited to kick off the partnership and will gauge its success towards the end of the Tough Mudder season.

Aflac is encouraging businesses to take team-building to the next level by having employees participate in Tough Mudder events. To enter a team into the challenge, employees can enter on behalf of their company by simply sharing how teamwork has helped their small business succeed. A Team of the Month will be selected from the entries each month (April to October 2017), winning four complimentary entries into a Tough Mudder event to put their teamwork skills to the test.

Tough Mudder will market that component of the sponsorship through a dedicated landing page on its website as well as email communications to registered participants throughout the year, Galuppo says. To kick off the Aflac Small Business Challenge, Aflac will also have a homepage takeover on Toughmudder.com for the first week of the Challenge, April 18 - 25, she adds.

In the fall, one grand-prize winner will receive four complimentary entries and an all-expenses-paid trip for those four entry ticket holders to Worlds Toughest Mudder, the most extreme, 24-hour endurance race hosted by Tough Mudder, taking place at Lake Las Vegas Nov. 11 - 12.
by Tobi Elkin @tobielkin, April 18, 2017

Pandora on Tuesday launched a brand campaign dubbed Sounds Like You and said its making Pandora Premium, previously available by invitation only since March, available to everyone via the App Store, Google Play, or online. Along with the availability of Premium ($9.99 per month), the streaming music service now offers three tiers of service: the ad-supported service (free) and Pandora Plus ($4.99 per month). With Premium, Pandora offers listeners an Add Similar Songs feature and personalized music recommendations.

The new campaign showcases Pandoras role in offering personalized music experiences, along with the eclectic musical tastes of the artists featured in digital and outdoor creative, with their influences pictured in the "P" in Pandoras logo. Pandora, which devised the effort with in-house creative and design teams, identified a mix of 18 well-known and up-and-coming artists to feature in the campaign, including Big Sean, Gorillaz, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Ziggy Marley, and Questlove.

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The U.S.-only campaign consists of mostly mobile, in-app and digital video advertising. It also includes outdoor billboards and murals painted by the artist and designer MADSTEEZ in New York and Los Angeles.

Pandora is also partnering with Pitchfork and VICE's music channel Noisey on influencer marketing for the campaign, plans a series of digital video shorts with the artists directed by Academy Award winner Michel Gondry, plus social media activations. There are buys on YouTube, Facebook Live, Instagram, Snapchat filters, and more. Pandora declined to put a price tag on the effort. DigitasLBi, San Francisco handled all production and media strategy (buying and planning). In addition, Pandora will reach listeners through Artist Audio Messages on the service.

"This is a transformational moment for Pandora and a moment to re-engage existing and new users, particularly in younger demos across all our ties of service," Nick Bartle, CMO, Pandora, told Real-Time Daily via email. He said the campaign reflect's Pandoras unique ability "to deliver a music experience completely personal to each listener." As for Pandora now having three tiers of service, Bartle said: "We believe that addressing the entire demand curve and meeting consumers where they are with options, be it ad-supported or subscriptions, is the key to Pandora's long-term growth."



Pandora reported full-year 2016 ad revenue of $1.072 billion with 15% year-over-year growth. It will announce Q1 2017 earnings next month.
by Aaron Baar , April 18, 2017

Marketers, be forewarned: Lock up those popular spokescharacters to long-term, no-compete deals or risk having them turn against you.

Nearly a year into a campaign that featured Verizons famous Can you hear me now? character (played by actor Paul Marcarelli) switching to Sprint and declaring there is little difference between their networks, the latter is releasing a series of videos humorously highlighting those who have (fictionally) taken inspiration from him.

Theres no denying that the response Sprint received when Paul switched from Verizon was unprecedented  people love Paul, Tracy Palmer, vice president brand, advertising, and social at Sprint, tells Marketing Daily. Weve seen Paul fans coming out of the woodwork.

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The vignettes take the form of a television news magazine called Your World with Luther North. Each short segment explores a different element of the craze, from people dressing like Marcarelli to naming their babies after him (and getting tiny black-framed glasses and onesies in take-home packages) to erecting 30-foot statues in his honor. At the end of each segment, the newsmagazine catches up with Marcarelli to get his take on the phenomenon (often a mix of flattery and incredulity).

Some of the themes were inspired by real events and some are wild exaggerations, Palmer says. We felt that all of these were in the right spirit based on responses and feedback we received. And we also brainstormed what would be funny if we took it to the next level of obsessiveness.

The videos were created in partnership with Onion Labs, the content studio of the satirical magazine. The Onion is well known for its satirical takes on the news and popular culture and has strong connections with famously hard-to-reach Millennials, Palmer says.

Weve taken some chances lately with our advertising  and its paid off, Palmer says. During the Super Bowl, for example, we had a creative, fun and edgy ad that received a lot of positive feedback. Partnering with Onion Labs is another example of how Sprint is taking chances and moving in new directions in our business and in our advertising/marketing.

Sprint debuted its campaign featuring Marcarelli in June 2016, and the company has declared it is its most popular advertising campaign ever. The original ad has garnered more than 14 million views on YouTube since its debut according to the company.
by Sean Hargrave , Staff Writer, April 18, 2017

Just when you thought the weeks ahead were going to be all about the French election, along comes a bolt of out of the blue -- a UK general election on June 8th. The burning issue that meant this couldn't wait until 2020, when the election was due? You guessed it -- the only game in town: Brexit.

Could adland finally get the reversal of Article 50, which it never wanted? Could the nightmare of a potential ending of free trade with the EU be reversed, could we maybe just carry on with our balance of trade in services firmly in the black? Could we put an end to Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris opening their arms to advertisers who want pan-EU reach without the risk of future tariffs?

To be honest, I very much doubt it. If Theresa May increases her majority, it's Hard Brexit, or the potential for Hard Brexit, all the way. If she fails to gain a majority, that would be interesting, wouldn't it? A "softer" Brexit, even a PM calling for another referendum on Europe? Or maybe, more realistically, the alternative at the end of the negotiations could switch from a "deal, or no deal" vote in parliament to a choice between the deal on offer or staying within the EU.

Today's calling of a snap election runs counter to the new practice, enshrined in law in 2011 that parliaments are supposed to last five years. However, with a slim majority in the Commons, getting the necessary votes to allow a June election will not be a problem. In fact, it is that slim margin that means the election is necessary.

Theresa May knows she will always have a proverbial monkey on her back if an election were not called. She is, after all, a Prime Minister who has inherited the title, rather than won it through the ballot box (just as Gordon Brown from Labour before her). She is also pushing through Brexit, which she stood against, and in so doing, giving those still campaigning for the UK to remain in the UK political ammunition to fire in her direction daily.

A victory for May and Brexit will mean the country has spoken again -- and that would not be good news for Remainers.

More to the point, a general election would appear to make good sense. This is a tactical move as much as anything. The main opposition party, Labour, is in disarray. Young party members love left-winger Jeremy Corbyn, whom they have reaffirmed as leader, much to the chagrin of the parliamentary party, which is perpetually plotting to oust him.

When better to strike at your weakened opponent than when you can claim the moral high ground of ratifying the trust the public has put in you (or words to that effect) to seek a greater majority to implement "the will of the people" (or words to that effect)?

In the UK right now, we have the oddest political setup. Theresa May campaigned for Remain, yet became PM following the Leave vote. Her party's stronghold is the affluent south, which voted to Remain, yet here she is leading Brexit. Then we have Labour, which mostly campaigned to Remain, yet its heartland of Midlands and Northern support (and Welsh, to a lesser extent) pushed through the vote to Leave.

So to recap, the Labour leader was a very quiet Remain campaigner who now faces a core support that wants to Leave, while the PM was a Remain supporter, forced to push through Brexit, despite her power base wanting to Remain. You may need to go back and read that last line again before you realise that it really is as nuts as it sounds.

If you want my one tip as the hustings get underway, watch the Liberal Democrats. Why? Well, while the Labour party has been in turmoil, plotting against its leader and being at odds with its core supporters, the Liberal Democrats, who shared power with David Cameron's first administration, have effectively positioned themselves as the main party speaking out for those who want to Remain or at least Leave with the least noticeable difference to our relationship with the EU.

The Liberal Democrats are strong in the south, where they have a good record in local government. The last general election was not good news for the party, but they're still strong in the south and will be fighting against what is perceived to be a potential "hard" Brexit in the Tory heartland. Trust me -- they might not cause a lot of upsets, but they will run the Conservative party a lot closer than in previous elections. There may even be a shock or two in the post.

Ultimately, however, if you are thinking the June election may change everything and put adland back at heart of the EU, there are three things to consider.

First of all, Article 50 has been fired following a referendum that called for the UK to leave the EU. Secondly, it's unlikely that a party pushing through "the will of the people" will be humiliated in a general election, and so the current path is likely to continue.

Perhaps the most important point, however, is that the UK's relationship with the EU is no longer up to what we Brits want. It's down to what the remaining 27 member states decide to offer us.

Many smart people are missing this very simple truth. We are one country -- they are 27. A general election will not impact this one iota.
by Larissa Faw , April 18, 2017

Ad agency Phelps is naming Tony Stern as chief creative officer, replacing two-time CLIO Hall-of-Famer Howie Cohen, best known for creating the iconic Seventies Alka-Seltzer ads, including I cant believe I ate the whole thing."

Stern brings a wealth of experience to Phelps having helped build many well-known brands including Adobe, Electronic Arts, Google, Hyundai and Smirnoff. Hes worked for several creative agencies, including David & Goliath, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, and J. Walter Thompson.

For the past five years, Stern has played creative consultant to advertisers, agencies and tech startups. Stern reports to president Ed Chambliss and founder/chairman Joe Phelps.

Cohen was actively involved in selecting his successor at the 100% employee-owned agency. Cohen admits Phelps requires "unusual talent" since the CCO must work alongside 70 colleagues where everyone has a voice in the work thats created. Even more than a thick skin, you need an open ear and a lot of flexibility, he says.

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Tony matches the heartbeat and personality of Phelps, said Cohen. He understands how advertising, public relations and social media in all their forms actually work in the world, and hes comfortable working with all of the specialists to make them work synergistically. Thats in line with Phelps, where we put everyone together on work from the beginning, because the linear approach to communications cant keep pace with todays world.

Cohen is retiring after a career that spanned five decades, the last two of them with Phelps where he led defining campaigns for such brands as Petco, Tahiti Tourisme and City of Hope. "As you get older, you feel it in your bones - literally and figuratively," says Cohen. ""At age 74, I just wasn't willing to put in all the time or make the sacrifices it takes to be a strong creative leader. When Tony Stern came along, I knew the agency was in good creative hands and I could leave with confidence. Paris awaits."
by Larissa Faw , April 18, 2017

Luxury advertisers, which as a group spent a little less on media last year (0.5%) will be spending more in the next few years  but shifting a lot more money into digital from off-line media, according to the new edition of Zeniths Luxury Advertising Expenditure Forecasts.

Expenditure on luxury advertising will rise by 2.9% in 2017 and 3.9% in 2018, driven by the U.S., China, and Japan, which together will account for 80% of the growth in luxury ad spend to 2018, per the report.

Although print is currently the top channel for luxury advertising -- accounting for 32.7% of ad spend in 2016, compared to 31.3% for television and 25.8% for Internet advertising  almost all new luxury advertising will go to online spending, projected to account for 87% of ad spend growth between 2016 and 2018.

By 2018, the Internet will receive the majority of ad spend (30.6%), compared to 29.9% for television and 29.7% for print. Still, magazines and print will remain important to luxury advertisers, accounting for more than double the ad spend for the ad market overall: 13.8% of ad spend across all categories will be allocated to print in 2018, down from 16.7% in 2016.

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Advertisers are also adjusting their budgets within select luxury categories. Broad luxury  defined as luxury automobiles, cosmetics and perfumes  is credited with generating most of the growth (74%) within the luxury industry last year. So-called high luxury, defined as watches and jewelry/ fashion and accessories, shrank 3.9% in 2016.

Broad luxury will continue its dominance, forecast to grow by 3.7% in 2017 and 4.6% in 2018, while high luxury ad spend will grow by 0.8% in 2017 and 1.6% in 2018.

Although luxury advertising growth will accelerate to 3.4% a year between 2016 and 2018, it will continue to lag behind the market as a whole, which will grow 4.4% a year across all categories.

Consumers are now looking for luxury experiences that are personal and relevant to them. Targeted brand communication is central to creating this extra brand value," stated Vittorio Bonori, Zeniths global brand president.

Luxury will grow the fastest in Eastern Europe (at an average pace of 10% a year), Latin America (5% a year), and North America and Asia-Pacific (4% a year each). The Middle East and North Africa, suffering from political instability and low oil prices, will continue to shrink, at an average rate of 6% a year.

The third edition of the report tracks 23 markets: Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the U.S.
by Gord Hotchkiss , Featured Contributor, April 18, 2017

I have to confess, I was actually a fan of Googles Dont be evil philosophy. Predictably, once the company went public with it, the cynics were quick to tear it apart.

Was it naive? Of course it was. The minute Google did anything that smacked of ethical transgression, there were scads of people willing to point fingers. But the fact was, at least Google was trying. It gave those inside the Googleplex a common code of conduct. More than one planning meetings blue-sky postulation ran up against the Dont be evil mantra, which caused the conversation to veer in another, hopefully less evil, direction.

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Some columns back, I talked about the corporate rush to embrace morality and voiced my own skepticism about this born-again fervor. Im skeptical because I dont believe that capitalism and morality play very nice together. Its tough to make a profit and make the world a kinder place at the same time. I think you can certainly set your sights in that direction, but as Google found out, if you wear your morality on your sleeve, there are many who look for every opportunity to call bullshit on you. Thats likely why the company downplayed the whole Dont be evil thing in 2015 when Alphabet was formed.

But I still think that Google generally tries to be good. And, perhaps not coincidentally, Google is now the most valuable brand in the world, according to Brand Finance

When youre a huge company you have your finger in a lot of pies -- and some of them, inevitably, will upset someone somewhere. The trick here is that what is evil is in the eye of the beholder. Is Airbnb good because it's enabled a new option for travelers to connect with property owners and find better value accommodations, or is it evil because it's disrupting an established industry and putting thousands of people out of work?

Its hard to combine the church of morality and the state of profitability. Thats why most corporations elect to keep the two separate.

Microsoft is a good example. Under the reign of Bill Gates, Microsoft was even called the Evil Empire because of its predatory and monopolistic business practices. Yet Forbes recently tagged Microsoft as having the second best corporate social responsibility program in the world, right behind -- you guessed it -- Google.

How do you reconcile the two views of Microsoft? Thanks to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates is one of the worlds most generous philanthropists. He really, really, really wants to make the planet a better place. But as head of Microsoft, he also made a shitload of money (some of which he is currently giving away) by being an asshole. He, perhaps more than anyone, personifies the dynamic tension we talk about when we refer to corporate ethics.

Lets go back to the value of corporate brands on the Brand Finance list and the role ethics might play. Its a timely discussion, especially right now. United Airlines was heading in the right direction, 81 on the list, up a whopping 53 spots from 2016. But then the airline gave the thumbs-up to drag Dr. Dao down the aisle in front of an entire plane full of smartphone-equipped passengers. Pepsi was number 33 on the list. But that was before the Pepsi marketing execs gave the green light to the Kylie Jenner abomination masquerading as an ad.

Theres evilness, and then theres just bone-headed, tone-deaf, shake your head in bewilderment stupidity. How the hell do these things happen? Even taking into account the two sides to every story factor, how did the multiple United staff members who must have had a part in the Dao debacle think that this could possibly be the way to treat a paying customer flying the friendly skies? How did the Jenner ad pass through what must have been multiple rounds of approval at Pepsi with no one whispering WTF?

Here, its an issue of culture. Culture is defined by Merriam-Webster as: the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization. And the tone of the culture is generally set from the top down. Corporate ethics depend on the ethics of the founders, CEO and executive management. While having a moral CEO might not be enough to guarantee consistent corporate ethics, its a lead-pipe cinch that if you have a scumbag in the CEO role, the company is probably going to be a pretty sleazy operation.

Culture depends on clearly understood values and practices that adhere to those values. If this is in place, it gives the rank and file the confidence to hold up their hand when off-culture things occur. It would give the United flight attendant the moral obligation to say, What a minute. Maybe we shouldnt drag a paying customer who had already been seated forcefully off the plane like a common criminal. That just doesnt seem right to me.

Things like Googles Dont be evil dictate may seem naive in the corporate world, but it was a value that helped define the culture. Perhaps we shouldnt be so quick to criticize it. Maybe we need more of that particular type of naivete.
by Sara Guaglione , April 18, 2017

Its been a busy week for publishing acquisitions. Modern Luxury has acquired GreenGale Publishing and Bustle has bought

Modern Luxury claims it is now the largest luxury lifestyle publisher in the US, with 84 titles in 24 markets. Formerly Niche Media, GreenGale Publishing owned 17 lifestyle publications, including Ocean Drive, Hamptons and Vegas Magazine.

Modern Luxury is now in the top 20 resort markets in the U.S.

In cities where Modern Luxury and GreenGale publications overlap, such as in the Hamptons and Manhattan, some titles will shift their focus to younger audiences and specific themes, such as weddings, lifestyle and interiors. Modern Luxury says it has no plans to close any of the newly acquired titles.

Our goal is to keep all the magazines up and running and to increase sales staff and editorial staff in those markets, Modern Luxury CEO Michael Dickey told the New York Post.

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Katherine Nicholls, the CEO of Greengale, will retire. Greengale CFO Jonathan Kushnir will become the CFO of the combined company, per the NYP.

Last year, Modern Luxury launched Silicon Valley magazine and rebranded Weddings. The company plans to launch Modern Luxury Palm Beach this November.

Separately, Bustle has acquired Elite Daily from Daily Mail, a surprising move considering Elite Daily has been in trouble for some time now.

The Daily Mail purchased Elite Daily in 2015, when the site had about 40 million monthly unique visitors. The once SEO-driven, click-bait articles were punished by new algorithms on social-media platforms  and its on-site readership was cut in half.

Bustles CEO Bryan Goldberg believes the property is still valuable despite its decline. We see a tremendous opportunity to build off of Elite Dailys strong capabilities in video, social and native advertising, he stated.

Elite Daily produces original videos that generate about 60 million monthly views, Goldberg told Business Insider. Both sites are focused on millennial women.

Bustle is changing the name of its parent company to Bustle Digital Group. Its three properties  Bustle, Elite Daily and young-mom site Romper  could have a combined readership of up to 80 million unique monthly visitors.

Goldberg says Bustle has about 50 million readers, while Romper is nearing 10 million. Elite Daily could add another 20 million.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, April 18, 2017

Omnicom reported today that its first-quarter revenue was up 2.5% to nearly $3.6 billion with a 10.7% gain in net income to $241.8 million. The income boost was partly accelerated by a change in accounting rules that helped the firm nearly double its profit growth to $23.4 million.

Organic revenue growth was 4.4% across the holding company, although North America lagged in growth  just over 1%. Company executives on a conference call Tuesday morning with investors and analysts said part of the issue is underperformance by a number of the firms field marketing, event and branding operations.

The company also said it struck a number of deals in Q1 to sell off many of those operations, which it no longer sees as strategic going forward. This month, the firm sold its print media business Novus to a buyer it did not disclose on the call.

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In the long term, those asset sales should have a positive impact on organic growth. This year, however, asset sales will outstrip acquisitions as the holding company realigns its portfolio. That will have a negative $24 million impact on 2017 revenues, according to company CFO Phil Angelastro who was on the investor call.

Revenue at programmatic firm Accuen was flat. CEO John Wren noted that more clients are opting out of programmatic packages that the unit sells as a product for a fully disclosed alternative where the firm serves more as an agent.

Wren said the company was off to a good start to the year, noting all regions posted positive organic revenue growth, including 8%-plus gains in the UK and Europe, over 9% in Asia Pacific and 5.4% in Latin America.

Wren said while the current macroeconomic and geopolitical atmosphere has clients feeling cautious, for now, the firm is sticking with the 3% to 3.5% organic revenue growth guidance it gave earlier for full-year 2017.

Pivotal analyst Brian Wieser posted a note positing that Omnicoms portfolio pruning is significant:

Specifically, management stated that dispositions should exceed acquisitions by 3.5% to 4.5% for the full year, equal to around $600 million. The majority of this activity appears to relate to the newly announced sale of Novus, one of a handful of specialist agencies within the industry focused on print-based media owners.

"As a business unit which had around 250 employees (per several company job posting sites), we can guess that this division would have generated $40-50 million in net revenue excluding pass through activities, and perhaps $10mm in operating income.

"Because Omnicom books pass-through activity (including principal trading, which occurs at Novus in our understanding) as GAAP revenue, we can see how the disposal of a unit with a significant volume of this activity will have an automatic improvement in profit margins.

Interpreting Omnicoms quarterly results, added Wieser, remains a challenging endeavor when comparing them versus peers given the scaled and mostly non-specified presence of remaining principal-based or pass-through activity in organic revenue figures at Omnicom. These activities extend beyond the companys trading desk, Accuen, to include revenue streams associated with entities such as Icon (barter) and OmNet (proprietary trading of traditional media).
Ameriprise Financial, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services to individual and institutional clients in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Advice & Wealth Management, Asset Management, Retirement & Protection Solutions, and Corporate & Other. The Advice & Wealth Management segment provides financial planning and advice; brokerage products and services for retail and institutional clients; discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory accounts; mutual funds; insurance and annuities products; cash management and banking products; and face-amount certificates. The Asset Management segment offers investment management and advice, and investment products to retail, high net worth, and institutional clients through unaffiliated third-party financial institutions and institutional sales force. This segment products also include U.S. mutual funds and their non-U.S. equivalents, exchange-traded funds, variable product funds underlying insurance, and annuity separate accounts; and institutional asset management products, such as traditional asset classes, separately managed accounts, individually managed accounts, collateralized loan obligations, hedge funds, collective funds, and property and infrastructure funds. The Retirement & Protection Solutions segment provides variable annuity products to individual clients, as well as life and DI insurance products to retail clients. The company was formerly known as American Express Financial Corporation and changed its name to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. in September 2005. Ameriprise Financial, Inc. was founded in 1894 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Bayer Aktiengesellschaft, together its subsidiaries, operates as a life science company worldwide. It operates through Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, and Crop Science segments. The Pharmaceuticals segment offers prescription products primarily for cardiology and women's health care; specialty therapeutics in the areas of oncology, hematology, and ophthalmology; and diagnostic imaging equipment and contrast agents, as well as cell and gene therapy. The Consumer Health segment markets nonprescription over-the-counter medicines, medical products, medicated skincare products, nutritional supplements, and self-care solutions in dermatology, nutritional supplements, pain and cardiovascular risk prevention, digestive health, allergy, and cold and cough. The Crop Science segment offers chemical and biological crop protection products, improved plant traits, seeds, digital solution, and pest and weed control products, as well as customer service for agriculture. This segment also provides breeding, propagation, and production/processing of seeds, including seed dressing. The company has a collaboration agreement with MD Anderson Cancer Center to develop oncology drugs; research and license agreement with Dewpoint Therapeutics, Inc. for the development of new treatments for cardiovascular and gynecological diseases; collaboration agreement with Exscientia Ltd, Foundation Medicine Inc., and Evotec AG; research collaboration with Arvinas Inc.; strategic research partnership with University of Oxford to develop novel gynecological therapies; and Kyoto University to identify new drugs candidates for the treatment of pulmonary diseases. It distributes its products through wholesalers, pharmacies and pharmacy chains, supermarkets, online and other retailers, and hospitals, as well as directly to farmers. Bayer Aktiengesellschaft was founded in 1863 and is headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany.
Core Laboratories N.V. provides reservoir description and production enhancement services and products to the oil and gas industry in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Reservoir Description and Production Enhancement segments. The Reservoir Description segment includes the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock, reservoir fluid, and gas samples to enhance production and improve recovery of oil and gas from its clients' reservoirs. It offers laboratory-based analytical and field services to characterize properties of crude oil and oil delivered products; and proprietary and joint industry studies. The Production Enhancement segment provides services and products relating to reservoir well completions, perforations, stimulations, and production. It offers integrated diagnostic services to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of well completions and to develop solutions to improve the effectiveness of enhanced oil recovery projects. In addition, the company markets and sells its products through a combination of sales representatives, technical seminars, trade shows, and print advertising, as well as through distributors. It operates approximately in 50 countries. The company was founded in 1936 and is based in Amstelveen, the Netherlands.
Morgan Stanley is the 6th largest financial institution in the US. The company is ranked 61st on the Forbes Fortune 500 list and is the 39th largest bank in the world. A financial holding company, Morgan Stanley provides a full range of financial services to clients around the world.

Morgan Stanley was formed in 1935 as a result of the Glass-Steagall Act. Glass-Steagall separated commercial and investment banking in a way that forced the then-largest bank J.P. Morgan & Co to split into two groups. J.P. Morgan & Co. chose to retain the commercial side of the business while partners Henry S. Morga, grandson of J.P., and Harold Stanley took the investment end. In its first year, Morgan Stanley did 24% of the IPO business and maintains a lions share of the market to this day.

The original company existed and grew through acquisitions until 1987 when it merged with Dean Witter Discover & Co. The new Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Discover & Co existed for 14 years until 2001 when the name was shortened back to Morgan Stanley.

The bank is credited in part with both beginning and ending the financial crisis of 2007/2008. The Process Driven Trading unit lost $300 million in one day due to a short-squeeze that popped the bubble in the housing market. After teetering on the brink of failure Morgan Stanley agreed to become a bank holding company regulated by the Federal Reserve, a key factor in the original decision to split from parent J.P. Morgan & Co. Ironically when given the chance, present-day J.P. Morgan refused to buy Morgan Stanley but that was for the better.

Today, Morgan Stanley operates through three segments via offices in 41 countries and employs more than 75,000 people. Revenue in 2021 topped $49 billion and total assets topped $1.15 trillion.

The operating segments are Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments. The Institutional Securities segment is by far the largest and most profitable. It offers a range of services and products for businesses, institutions, and entities that include capital raising, strategic advisory, underwriting, advice on M&A, restructuring, and real estate. The Wealth Management segment provides brokerage and investment advisory services for individuals and employers. The services include brokerage, financial planning, company stock-plan administration, insurance, mortgage loans, lines of credit, and retirement planning. The Investment Management segment provides investment products to a range of institutions, organizations, corporations, and governments.
L3 Technologies, Inc. provides aircraft sustainment, simulation and training, night vision and image intensification equipment, and security and detection systems used on military, homeland security, and commercial platforms in the United States and internationally. It operates in three segments: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems; Communications and Networked Systems (C&NS); and Electronic Systems. The company offers engineering, modernization and sustainment, space avionics and imaging payload, counter unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS) mission, cyber and electronic warfare, special mission command and control, modeling and simulation, and life cycle support services for ISR, airborne sensor, warrior sensor, space and sensor, aircraft, and intelligence and mission systems, as well as for military aviation services and advanced programs. It also provides network and communication systems, secure communications products, radio frequency components, satellite communication terminals and space, microwave and telemetry products, and secure data links in various business areas, such as broadband communication, naval power, space and power, and maritime sensor systems, as well as in advanced communications. In addition, the company offers components, products, subsystems, and systems, as well as related services to military and commercial customers in various business areas, including commercial aviation solutions, precision engagement systems, link training and simulation, and security and detection systems. It serves the United States (U.S.) Department of Defense and its prime contractors, the U.S. Government intelligence agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, foreign governments, and commercial customers. The company was formerly known as L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to L3 Technologies, Inc. in December 2016. L3 Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
The following companies are subsidiares of PepsiCo: Alimentos Quaker Oats y Compania Limitada, Alimentos del Istmo S.A., Amavale Agricola Ltda., Anderson Hill Insurance Limited, Asia Bottlers Limited, BAESA Capital Corporation Ltd., BFY Brands, BFY Brands LLC, BFY Brands Limited, BUG de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Balmoral Industries LLC, Bare Foods Co., Barrhead LLC, Be & Cheery, Beaman Bottling Company, Bebidas Sudamerica S.A., Beech Limited, Bell Taco Funding Syndicate, Bendler Investments II Ltd, Bendler Investments S.a r.l, Beverage Services Limited, Beverages Foods & Service Industries Inc., Bishkeksut OJSC, Blaue NC S. de R.L. de C.V., Blue Cloud Distribution Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arizona Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arkansas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Colorado Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Florida Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Georgia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Illinois Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Indiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Iowa Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Kentucky Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Louisiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Minnesota Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Mississippi Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Missouri Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nebraska Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nevada Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of North Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Ohio Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Oklahoma Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Pennsylvania Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of South Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Tennessee Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Texas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Virginia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Wisconsin Inc., Blue Ridge Sales LLC, Bluebird Foods Limited, Bluecan Holdings Unlimited Company, Bokomo Zambia Limited, Bolsherechensky Molkombinat JSC, Boquitas Fiestas LLC, Boquitas Fiestas S.R.L., Bottling Group Financing LLC, Bottling Group Holdings LLC, Bottling Group LLC, Bronte Industries Ltd, C & I Leasing Inc., CB Manufacturing Company Inc., CEME Holdings LLC, CMC Investment Company, Caroni Investments LLC, Centro-Mediterranea de Bebidas Carbonicas PepsiCo S.L., Ceres Fruit Juices Pty Ltd, ChampBev Inc., China Concentrate Holdings Hong Kong Limited, Chipsy International for Food Industries S.A.E., Chipsy for Food Industries S.A.E., Chitos Internacional y Cia Ltda, Cipa Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cipa Nordeste Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cocina Autentica Inc., Comercializadora CMC Investment y Compania Limitada, Comercializadora Nacional SAS Ltda., Comercializadora PepsiCo Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., Compania de Bebidas PepsiCo S.L., Concentrate Holding Uruguay Pte. Ltd., Concentrate Manufacturing Singapore Pte. Ltd., Confiteria Alegro S. de R.L. de C.V., Copella Fruit Juices Limited, Copper Beech International LLC, Corina Snacks Limited, Corporativo Internacional Mexicano S. de R.L. de C.V., CytoSport Holdings Inc., CytoSport Inc., Davlyn Realty Corporation, Defosto Holdings Limited, Desarrollo Inmobiliario Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Dilexis S.A., Donon Holdings Limited, Drinkfinity USA Inc., Drinkstation Inc., Drinkstation Innovation Co. Ltd., Drinkstation Limited, Dutch Snacks Holding S.A. de C.V., Duyvis Production B.V., EPIC Enterprises Inc., Echo Bay Holdings Inc., Elaboradora Argentina de Cereales S.R.L., Enter Logistica LLC, Environ at Inverrary Partnership, Environ of Inverrary Inc., Eridanus Investments S.a r.l, Evercrisp Snack Productos de Chile S.A., FL Transportation Inc., FLI Andean LLC, FLI Colombia LLC, FLI Snacks Andean GP LLC, Fabrica PepsiCo Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Fabrica de Productos Alimenticios Rene y Cia S.C.A., Fairlight International SRL, Far East Bottlers Hong Kong Limited, Food Concepts Pioneer Ltd., Forest Akers Nederland B.V., Forty-Six Peaks Holding Inc., Fovarosi Asvanyviz es Uditoipari Zartkoruen Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Freshwater International B.V., Frito Lay Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Frito Lay Poland Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay de Guatemala y Compania Limitada, Frito-Lay Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Frito-Lay Dip Company Inc., Frito-Lay Dominicana S.A., Frito-Lay Global Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Inc., Frito-Lay Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Manufacturing LLC, Frito-Lay Netherlands Holding B.V., Frito-Lay North America Inc., Frito-Lay Sales Inc., Frito-Lay Trading Company Europe GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company Poland GmbH, Frito-Lay Trinidad Unlimited, Fruko Mesrubat Sanayi Limited Sirketi, GB Czech LLC, GB International Inc., GB Russia LLC, GB Slovak LLC, GMP Manufacturing Inc., Gambrinus Investments Limited, Gamesa LLC, Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Gas Natural de Merida S. A. de C. V., Gatorade Puerto Rico Company, General Bottlers of Hungary Inc., Golden Grain Company, Goveh S.R.L., Grayhawk Leasing LLC, Green Hemlock International LLC, Grupo Frito Lay y Compania Limitada, Grupo Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Grupo Mabel, Grupo Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Gulkevichskiy Maslozavod JSC, Hangzhou Baicaowei Corporate Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co, Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Tao Dao Technology Co. Ltd., Health Warrior, Health Warrior Inc., Heathland LP, Helioscope Limited, Hillbrook Inc., Hillgrove Inc., Hillwood Bottling LLC, Hogganfield Limited Partnership, Holding Company "Opolie" JSC, Homefinding Company of Texas, Hudson Valley Insurance Company, IC Equities Inc., IZZE Beverage Co., Inmobiliaria Interamericana S.A. De C.V., Integrated Beverage Services Bangladesh Limited, Integrated Foods & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., International Bottlers Management Co. LLC, International KAS Aktiengesellschaft, Inversiones Borneo S.R.L., Inversiones PFI Chile Limitada, Inviting Foods Holdings Inc., Inviting Foods LLC, KAS Anorthosis S.a r.l, KAS S.L., KFC, Kevita Inc., Kinvara LLC, Kungursky Molkombinat JSC, Larragana S.L., Latin American Holdings Ltd., Latin American Snack Foods ApS, Latin Foods International LLC, Lebedyansky, Lebedyansky Holdings LLC, Lebedyansky LLC, Limited Liability Company "Sandora", Linkbay Limited, Lithuanian Snacks UAB, Mabel, Marbo Product d.o.o. Beograd, Marbo d.o.o. Laktasi, Matudis - Comercio de Produtos Alimentares Limitada, Matutano - Sociedade de Produtos Alimentares Lda., Mid-America Improvement Corporation, Mountainview Insurance Company Inc., Muscle Milk, NCJV LLC, New Bern Transport Corporation, New Century Beverage Company LLC, Noble Leasing LLC, Northeast Hot-Fill Co-op Inc., Office at Solyanka LLC, Onbiso Inversiones S.L., One World Enterprises LLC, One World Investors Inc., P-A Barbados Bottling Company LLC, P-A Bottlers Barbados SRL, P-Americas LLC, PAS Luxembourg S.a r.l, PAS Netherlands B.V., PBG Canada Holdings II LLC, PBG Canada Holdings Inc., PBG Cyprus Holdings Limited, PBG Investment Partnership, PBG Midwest Holdings S.a r.l, PBG Soda Can Holdings S.a r.l, PCBL LLC, PCNA Manufacturing Inc., PR Beverages Cyprus Holding Limited, PR Beverages Cyprus Russia Holding Limited, PRB Luxembourg S.a r.l, PRS Inc., PSAS Inversiones LLC, PSE Logistica S.R.L., PT Quaker Indonesia, Papas Chips S.A., Pei N.V., Pep Trade LLC, Pepsi B.V., Pepsi Beverages Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bottling Group Global Finance LLC, Pepsi Bottling Group GmbH, Pepsi Bottling Group Hoosiers B.V., Pepsi Bottling Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bugshan Investments S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Colombia Ltda, Pepsi Cola Egypt S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Panamericana S.R.L., Pepsi Cola Servis Ve Dagitim Limited Sirketi, Pepsi Cola Trading Ireland, Pepsi Logistics Company Inc., Pepsi Northwest Beverages LLC, Pepsi Overseas Investments Partnership, Pepsi Promotions Inc., Pepsi-Cola Advertising and Marketing Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bermuda Limited, Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Holding C.V., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company Of St. Louis Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Ft. Lauderdale-Palm Beach LLC, Pepsi-Cola Company, Pepsi-Cola Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Pepsi-Cola Far East Trade Development Co. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Finance LLC, Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers Poland Sp. z o.o., Pepsi-Cola Industrial da Amazonia Ltda., Pepsi-Cola International Cork, Pepsi-Cola International LLC, Pepsi-Cola International Limited, Pepsi-Cola International Limited U.S.A., Pepsi-Cola International Private Limited, Pepsi-Cola Korea Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Management and Administrative Services Inc., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Company Of Uruguay S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing International Limited, Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Mediterranean Limited, Pepsi-Cola Marketing Corp. Of P.R. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mediterranean Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Metropolitan Bottling Company Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mexicana Holdings LLC, Pepsi-Cola Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Pepsi-Cola National Marketing LLC, Pepsi-Cola Operating Company Of Chesapeake And Indianapolis, Pepsi-Cola Sales and Distribution Inc., Pepsi-Cola Technical Operations Inc., Pepsi-Cola Thai Trading Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola de Honduras S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola of Corvallis Inc., PepsiAmericas Nemzetkozi Szolgaltato Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, PepsiCo ANZ Holdings Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Alimentos Antioquia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Colombia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Ecuador Cia. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Z.F. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos de Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Amacoco Bebidas Do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCo Asia Research & Development Center Company Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Cyprus Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Limited Partnership, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 1 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 2 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Australia Holdings Pty Limited, PepsiCo Australia International, PepsiCo Austria Services GmbH, PepsiCo Azerbaijan Limited Liability Company, PepsiCo BeLux BV, PepsiCo Beverage Sales LLC, PepsiCo Beverage Singapore Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Beverages Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Beverages International Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Italia Societa' A Responsabilita' Limitata, PepsiCo Canada Finance LLC, PepsiCo Canada Holdings ULC, PepsiCo Canada Investment ULC, PepsiCo Canada ULC, PepsiCo Captive Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Caribbean Inc., PepsiCo China Limited, PepsiCo Consulting Polska Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo De Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Del Paraguay S.R.L., PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH, PepsiCo Eesti AS, PepsiCo Euro Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Euro Finance Antilles B.V., PepsiCo Europe Support Center S.L., PepsiCo Finance Americas Company, PepsiCo Finance Antilles A N.V., PepsiCo Finance Antilles B N.V., PepsiCo Finance South Africa Proprietary Limited, PepsiCo Financial Shared Services Inc., PepsiCo Food & Beverage Holdings Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Foods A.I.E., PepsiCo Foods China Company Limited, PepsiCo Foods Group Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Foods Guangdong Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Nigeria Limited, PepsiCo Foods Private Limited, PepsiCo Foods Sichuan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Taiwan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Vietnam Company, PepsiCo France SAS, PepsiCo Global Business Services India LLP, PepsiCo Global Business Services Poland Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Global Holdings Limited, PepsiCo Global Investments B.V., PepsiCo Global Investments S.a r.l, PepsiCo Global Mobility LLC, PepsiCo Global Real Estate Inc., PepsiCo Global Trading Solutions Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Golden Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Group Finance International B.V., PepsiCo Group Holdings International B.V., PepsiCo Group Spotswood Holdings S.a r.l, PepsiCo Gulf International FZE, PepsiCo Hellas Single Member Industrial and Commercial Societe Anonyme, PepsiCo Holding de Espana S.L., PepsiCo Holdings, PepsiCo Holdings LLC, PepsiCo Holdings Toshkent LLC, PepsiCo Hong Kong LLC, PepsiCo Iberia Servicios Centrales S.L., PepsiCo India Holdings Private Limited, PepsiCo India Sales Private Limited, PepsiCo Internacional Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V., PepsiCo International Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo International Limited, PepsiCo International Pte Ltd., PepsiCo Investments Europe I B.V., PepsiCo Investments Ltd., PepsiCo Ireland Food & Beverages Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Japan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Light B.V., PepsiCo Logistyka Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., PepsiCo Management Services SAS, PepsiCo Manufacturing A.I.E., PepsiCo Max B.V., PepsiCo Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo Nederland B.V., PepsiCo Nordic Denmark ApS, PepsiCo Nordic Finland Oy, PepsiCo Nordic Norway AS, PepsiCo Nutrition Trading DMCC, PepsiCo One B.V., PepsiCo Overseas Corporation, PepsiCo Overseas Financing Partnership, PepsiCo Panimex Inc, PepsiCo Products B.V., PepsiCo Products FLLC, PepsiCo Puerto Rico Inc., PepsiCo Sales Inc., PepsiCo Sales LLC, PepsiCo Services Asia Ltd., PepsiCo Services CZ s.r.o., PepsiCo Services LLC, PepsiCo Twist B.V., PepsiCo UK Pension Plan Trustee Limited, PepsiCo Ventures B.V., PepsiCo Wave Holdings LLC, PepsiCo World Trading Company Inc., PepsiCo Y LLC, PepsiCo de Argentina S.R.L., PepsiCo de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo do Brasil Industria e Comercio de Alimentos Ltda., PepsiCo do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCola Interamericana de Guatemala S.A., Pet Iberia S.L., Pete & Johnny Limited, Pine International LLC, Pine International Limited, Pinstripe Leasing LLC, Pioneer Food Group Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Groceries Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Group Ltd., Pioneer Foods Holdings Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods UK Ltd, Pioneer Foods Wellingtons Pty Ltd, Pipers Crisps Limited, PlayCo Inc., Pop corners, PopCorners Holdings Inc., Portfolio Concentrate Solutions Unlimited Company, Premier Nutrition Trading L.L.C., Prestwick LLC, Prev PepsiCo Sociedade Previdenciaria, Productos Alimenticios Rene LLC, Productos S.A.S. C.V., Productos SAS Management B.V., Punch N.V., Punica Getranke GmbH, Q O Puerto Rico Inc., QFL OHQ Sdn. Bhd., QTG Development Inc., QTG Services Inc., Quadrant - Amroq Beverages S.R.L., Quaker Development B.V., Quaker European Beverages LLC, Quaker European Investments B.V., Quaker Foods, Quaker Global Investments B.V., Quaker Holdings UK Limited, Quaker Manufacturing LLC, Quaker Oats Asia Inc., Quaker Oats Australia Pty Ltd, Quaker Oats B.V., Quaker Oats Capital Corporation, Quaker Oats Europe Inc., Quaker Oats Europe LLC, Quaker Oats Limited, Quaker Sales & Distribution Inc, Raptas Finance S.a r.l., Rare Fare Foods LLC, Rare Fare Holdings Inc., Reading Industries Ltd, Real Estate Holdings LLC, Rockstar Energy Drink, Rolling Frito-Lay Sales LP, S & T of Mississippi Inc., SIH International LLC, SVC Logistics Inc., SVC Manufacturing Inc., SVE Russia Holdings GmbH, Sabritas LLC, Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Sabritas Snacks America Latina de Nicaragua y Cia Ltda, Sabritas de Costa Rica S. de R.L., Sabritas y Cia. S en C de C.V., Sakata Rice Snacks Australia Pty Ltd, Sandora Holdings B.V., Saudi Snack Foods Company Limited, Sea Eagle International SRL, Seepoint Holdings Ltd., Senselet Food Processing PLC, Senselet Holding B.V., Servicios GBF Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Servicios GFLG y Compania Limitada, Servicios Gamesa Puerto Rico L.L.C., Servicios SYC S. de R.L. de C.V., Seven-Up Asia Inc., Seven-Up Light B.V., Seven-Up Nederland B.V., Shanghai PepsiCo Snack Company Limited, Shanghai YuHo Agricultural Development Co. Ltd, Shoebill LLC, Simba (Proprietary) Limited, Simba Proprietary Limited, Sitka Spruce, Smartfoods Inc., Smiles and Bites Holdings S.de R.L. de C.V., Smiths Crisps Limited, Snack Food Investments GmbH, Snack Food Investments II GmbH, Snack Food Investments Limited, Snack Food-Beverage Asia Products Limited, Snacks America Latina S.R.L., Snacks Guatemala Ltd., So Spark Ltd., Soda-Club CO2 Atlantic GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 Ltd., Soda-Club Switzerland GmbH, Soda-Club Worldwide B.V., SodaStream, SodaStream Australia Pty Ltd, SodaStream CO2 SA, SodaStream Canada Ltd., SodaStream Enterprises N.V., SodaStream France SAS, SodaStream GmbH, SodaStream Iberia S.L., SodaStream Industries Ltd., SodaStream International B.V., SodaStream International Ltd., SodaStream Israel Ltd., SodaStream K.K., SodaStream New Zealand Ltd., SodaStream Nordics AB, SodaStream Poland Sp. z o.o., SodaStream SA Pty Ltd., SodaStream Switzerland GmbH, SodaStream USA Inc., SodaStream Osterreich GmbH, South Beach Beverage Company Inc., South Properties Inc., Spitz International Inc., Sportmex Internacional S.A. de C.V., Springboig Industries Ltd, Spruce Limited, Stacy's Pita Chip Company Incorporated, Star Foods E.M. S.R.L., Stokely-Van Camp Inc., Stratosphere Communications Pty Ltd, Stratosphere Holdings 2018 Limited, Streamfoods Ltd, TFL Holdings LLC, Tasman Finance S.a r.l, The Gatorade Company, The Good Carb Food Company Ltd., The Pepsi Bottling Group Canada ULC, The Quaker Oats Company, The Smith's Snackfood Company Pty Limited, Thomond Group Holdings Limited, Tobago Snack Holdings LLC, Tropicana Alvalle S.L., Tropicana Beverages Limited, Tropicana Europe N.V., Tropicana United Kingdom Limited, Troya-Ultra LLC, United Foods Companies Restaurantes S.A., V-Water, VentureCo Israel Ltd, Veurne Snack Foods BV, Vitamin Brands Ltd., Walkers Crisps Limited, Walkers Group Limited, Walkers Snack Foods Limited, Walkers Snacks Distribution Limited, Walkers Snacks Limited, Whitman Corporation, Whitman Insurance Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Beverages JSC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Brands Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Central Asia-Almaty LLP, Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods LLC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Georgia Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann JSC, and Wimm-Bill-Dann Ukraine PJSC.

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Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, a technology company, focuses in the areas of automation and digitalization in Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, Asia, and Australia. It operates through Digital Industries, Smart Infrastructure, Mobility, Siemens Healthineers, and Siemens Financial Services segments. The Digital Industries segment offers automation systems and software for factories, numerical control systems, motors, drives and inverters, and integrated automation systems for machine tools and production machines; process control systems, machine-to-machine communication products, sensors and radio frequency identification systems; software for production and product lifecycle management, and simulation and testing of mechatronic systems; and cloud-based industrial Internet of Things operating systems. The Smart Infrastructure segment offers products, systems, solutions, services, and software to support sustainable transition in energy generation from fossil and renewable sources; sustainable buildings and communities; and buildings, electrification, and electrical products. The Mobility segment provides passenger and freight transportation, such as vehicles, trams and light rail, and commuter trains, as well as trains and passenger coaches; locomotives for freight or passenger transport and solutions for automated transportation; products and solutions for rail automation; electrification products; and intermodal solutions. The Siemens Healthineers segment develops, manufactures, and sells various diagnostic and therapeutic products and services; and provides clinical consulting services. The Siemens Financial Services segment offers debt and equity investments; leasing, lending, and working capital financing solutions; and equipment, project, and structured financing solutions. Siemens Aktiengesellschaft was founded in 1847 and is headquartered in Munich, Germany.
The following companies are subsidiares of Sonoco Products: Associated Packaging Technologies Inc., Can Packaging, Clear Lam Packaging Inc., Clear Pack Co., Conitex Sonoco (BVI) Ltd., Corenso Holdings America Inc., CorrFlex Graphics LLC, Demolli Industria Cartaria S.p.A., Engraph Inc., Graffo Paranaense de Embalagens S/A, Hayes Manufacturing Group, Highland Packaging Solutions, Laminar Medica, Matrix Packaging Inc., PT Conitex Sonoco, PT Papcor Asia Pacific, PT Papertech Indonesia, PT Sonoco Indonesia, PenPack LLC, Peninsula Packaging Company, Peninsula Packaging LLC, Penpack S. de R.L. de C.V., Phoenix Packaging Corp., Plastique Holdings LTD, SMB GmbH, SPC Capital Management Inc, SPC Liquidation LLC, SPC Management LLC, SPC Resources Inc, SR Holdings of the Carolinas LLC, Sebro Plastics Inx, Sonoco (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Sonoco (Taicang) Packaging Co. Ltd, Sonoco (Weifang) Packaging Company Ltd, Sonoco Absorbent Technologies LLC, Sonoco Absorbent Technologies Limited, Sonoco Alcore - Demolli S.r.l., Sonoco Alcore AB, Sonoco Alcore GmbH, Sonoco Alcore N.V., Sonoco Alcore Nederland B.V., Sonoco Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Sonoco Asia Holding S.a.r.l., Sonoco Asia LLC, Sonoco Asia Management Company LLC, Sonoco Australia Pty Ltd, Sonoco Board Mills Limited, Sonoco Bonmati S.A.U., Sonoco Canada Corporation, Sonoco Capseals Liners Limited, Sonoco Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco Consumer Products Dordrecht B.V. (fka Dorpak B.V.), Sonoco Consumer Products Europe GmbH (fka Weidenhammer Packaging Group GmbH), Sonoco Consumer Products Hellas S.A. (fka Weidenhammer Hellas S.A.), Sonoco Consumer Products Limited, Sonoco Consumer Products Mechelen BVBA (fka Weidenhammer Belgium BVBA), Sonoco Consumer Products Montanay SAS (fka Neuvibox SAS), Sonoco Consumer Products Poland Sp. Z.O.O., Sonoco Consumer Products SAS, Sonoco Consumer Products South Africa (PTY) Ltd., Sonoco Consumer Products Zwenkau GmbH (fka fka Weidenhammer Plastice Packaging GmbH), Sonoco Cores and Paper Limited, Sonoco Deutschland GmbH, Sonoco Deutschland Holdings GmbH, Sonoco Development Inc, Sonoco Elk Grove Inc, Sonoco Embalagens Ltda. (fka Sonoco Embalagens S.A.), Sonoco Flexible Packaging Canada Corporation, Sonoco Flexible Packaging Co. Inc, Sonoco Graphics India Private Limited, Sonoco Hickory Inc, Sonoco Holdings Inc, Sonoco Holdings UK Limited, Sonoco Hutchinson LLC, Sonoco IPD France SAS, Sonoco Iberia S.L.U., Sonoco International Holdings GmbH, Sonoco JV GmbH & Co. KG, Sonoco Kaiping Packaging Co. Ltd., Sonoco Limited, Sonoco Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Sonoco Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Sonoco Milnrow, Sonoco Netherlands Holding II BV, Sonoco Netherlands Holding III BV, Sonoco New Zealand Limited, Sonoco Operadora S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco Packaging Limited, Sonoco Packaging Tapes Limited, Sonoco Paper Mill & IPD Hellas SA, Sonoco Paperboard Group LLC, Sonoco Partitions Inc, Sonoco Phoenix LLC, Sonoco Pina S.A.U., Sonoco Plastics B.V., Sonoco Plastics Canada ULC, Sonoco Plastics Germany GmbH, Sonoco Plastics Inc, Sonoco Poland Holdings B.V., Sonoco Polysack A/S Inc, Sonoco Polysack Limited, Sonoco Products Company UK, Sonoco Products Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Sonoco Protective Solutions Inc, Sonoco Recycling - International Trade Group LLC, Sonoco Recycling LLC, Sonoco Reels Limited, Sonoco Retail Packaging S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco S.A. de C.V., Sonoco SAS, Sonoco Saudi Limited Company, Sonoco Services LLC, Sonoco Singapore Pte. Ltd., Sonoco TEQ Holdings Ltd, Sonoco TEQ LLC, Sonoco TEQ Ltd, Sonoco TEQ Sp. Z.o.o, Sonoco Taiwan Ltd, Sonoco Thailand Ltd, Sonoco UK Leasing Limited, Sonoco Venezolana C.A., Sonoco Venture International Holdings GmbH, Sonoco Ventures UK Limited, Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Core Plant LLC, Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Inc, Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Paper Mill LLC, Sonoco Yatai Pinghu Packaging Co Ltd, Sonoco de Colombia Ltda, Sonoco do Brasil Participacoes Ltda, Sonoco do Brazil Ltda, Sonoco of Puerto Rico Inc, Sonoco-Alcore AS, Sonoco-Alcore Oy, Sonoco-Alcore S.a.r.l., Sonoco-Alcore Sp. Z.O.O., Sonoco-Engraph Puerto Rico Inc, TPT Limited, Tegrant Alloyd Brands Inc, Tegrant Corporation, Tegrant International Inc, Tegrant Property Holdings LLC, Tegrant de Mexico S.A. de C.V., ThermoSafe Brands Asia PTE LTD, ThermoSafe Brands Europe Ltd., Thermoform Engineered Quality LLC, Trident Graphics Canada Corporation, Trident Graphics NA LLC, Tubo-Tec Nordeste Industria, U.S. Paper Mills Corp., Weidenhammer Chile Ltda., Weidenhammer Packaging Group, Weidenhammer UK Ltd., and Wisenberg U.S. Inc.

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After his blister problem reappeared in his most recent outing, Dodgers lefty Rich Hill is heading back to the DL, per a club announcement. For the time being, corner outfielder/infielder Rob Segedin is headed up to the active roster while Alex Wood will take the open rotation spot.

Theres plenty of uncertainty in Hills situation. As things stand, the team is examining ways to treat the ongoing problem, though theres no timetable at present and it seems theres little in the way of clear answers. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that the organizations medical staff has been stymied thus far in its efforts to get at the root cause, as MLB.coms Ken Gurnick reports on Twitter. (Gurnick provided more detail on the confounding issue earlier today.)

The strategy of utilizing the 10-day DL to provide rest obviously wasnt successful on its own. As Roberts notes, and Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times tweets, ten days wasnt enough. Whether additional rest will provide a solution obviously isnt known, though presumably thats one possible action. Its even possible that the veteran southpaw could move to the bullpen upon his return, Roberts says (as Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register tweets), with the idea presumably being that shorter stints may help alleviate the problem.

Fortunately, the Dodgers do have ample depth built into their plans. Every member of the current MLB staff has at least some significant recent injury on his record, but the current top five seems to be a strong and healthy unit at the moment. Swingman Ross Stripling could also step into the rotation, while Triple-A starters Julio Urias and Joe Gunkel could also be called upon. Scott Kazmir and Brock Stewart both represent additional starting options who are currently on the mend.

While the organization always knew there was some health risk with the 37-year-old Hill, that doesnt soften the blow. The Dodgers promised Hill $48MM over three years to bring him back into the fold, so while a bullpen move might at least allow him to contribute and stay fresh while the team looks for a permanent fix, such an approach would surely not return value on the contract over the long run.
Joe Mettle, VGMA Artiste of the year, 2017

18.04.2017 LISTEN

A partying crowd of an estimated 20,000 persons gathered over the weekend in Takoradi in the Western Region to participate in the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) celebration jams held from Saturday dusk to Sunday dawn.

The organisers, Charterhouse, put together a tight team of some of Ghana's finest musicians, including Stonebwoy, E.L, Sarkodie, Nacee, MzVee, Joe Mettle and several others to thrill residents of Takoradi and its environs in a mega concert held overnight.

All the stars put up amazing performances which worked the crowd into an ecstatic frenzy as they sang and danced along.

Although Amandzeba was not advertised to perform on the night, he got everyone dancing when he appeared on stage as a surprise act to perform his evergreen 'Kpanlogo' medley backed by the Patch Bay Band.

Each time the band was not in motion, DJ Nii Ayi Tagoe, mostly known as the Grandmaster, took over the turntables and transformed the event venue, a huge park opposite the Takoradi Technical University, into a complete discotheque.

The VGMA celebration jams would certainly be one successful music concert to be remembered with fond feelings for a very long time.

E.L and MzVee



Sarkodie



Stonebwoy


18.04.2017 LISTEN

Meet The African Gatsby  the dazzling new collection by Ghanaian label AfroModTrends following a successful South African debut at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Cape Town last Friday.

Following six versatile collections since the labels inception in 2011 is AfroMods latest collection The Great Gatsby inspired by the of a Gatsby party in all its glamour and splendour set in the 1920s, with a modern African twist.

The 1920s was a time of great change in the world of fashion for women, with the introduction of new styles and perspectives. This era redefined womanhood and bridged the gap between wealthy and working class women, Ami Yomekpe, architect and the Creative Director of Afromod Trends, explains.

My vision with this collection is to showcase a glamourous African woman in luxurious Afro-fusion garments inspired by the Great Gatsby. With African inspired fabrics from Printex Limited as well as fur, feather, fringing and sequins in a nod to the era, this collection displays the silhouette of the feminine form with luxurious attention to detail. It is also a first for us in the sense of a truly luxury collection from a predominantly ready-to-wear brand.

The collection comes only days after the labels Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Cape Town showcase which was opened by Ghanaian top model Victoria Michaels and featured print fabric from Printex Limited, a Ghanaian textile company and headpieces by Cheerybridal, a budding Ghanaian millinery.

The South African debut, Ami believes, is a crucial milestone for the label and a great platform to introduce the brand to the South African market.

After six years of establishing the brand in the Ghanaian market, I feel now is the time to explore new markets across Africa and I cant think of a better platform than MBFWCT. It has been an exciting few weeks preparing for our debut here and both the label and our collection have been received well by the South African audience, the designer said following her show at the Salt River Studios on Friday, 7 April.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Cape Town is the latest runway show under Amis fashionable belt. Having built one of Ghanas most celebrated fashion labels, she has previously showcased at fashion shows at home and internationally, most notably at Nairobi Fashion Week, Glitz Africa Fashion Week, Accra 2014, Oxford Africa Gala Dinner, United Kingdom (2015).

A blend of the words African and Modern, AfroModTrends, like its name, aims to create the perfect blend of African inspired and contemporary, affordable ready-to-wear with a touch of luxury, bridging the gap between bespoke and ready-to-wear without compromising on the quality.

Ami fell in love with all things fashionable at an early age whilst watching Style with Elsa Klensch on CNN back in 1980, fascinated with fashion from all over the world, interviews with designers, all-access backstage passes and the models on international runways.

It was not until a chance meeting much later, however, whilst working on her dissertation that she took the first steps of her fashion journey. Following a series of interviews, the late Kofi Ansah, a trailblazer and celebrated Ghanaian fashion designer, who revolutionised the industry in Ghana, became a mentor and encouraged her to pursue her passion.

Ami is also a versatile entrepreneur, whose business insight was recognised in 2016 by the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) when she emerged as one of the winners to claim $5000 seed funding prize after successfully completing a twelve-week start-up enterprise toolkit online training, submitting three progressive narrative reports, attending the Tony Elumelu entrepreneurship forum and submitting a viable business plan.

Ami not only launched the labels own retail space in 2013 in Accras bustling shopping district, Osu, often a luxury for most brands in Ghana, she set up the Fashion for Change Africa Foundation to address social challenges and empower the youth through fashionable projects that impact communities positively.

The designer aims to follow up with a resort collection shortly after her South African debut. The designers goal is to make AfroMod the ultimate brand in ready-to-wear Afro-fusion label for the contemporary, fashion-conscious, Afro-centric woman and The African Gatsby is the latest salvo in the designers bid to evolve into markets beyond her native Ghana.

Lookbook and runway images available to download at:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/avt3kpba5hp38y7/AAAtFkIMYglujz7EfYFW7QK8a?dl=0

For stockist requests: [email protected]

For press enquires: [email protected]

Facebook: facebook.com/AfroModTrends

Instagram: @afromodtrends
If the news that all ministers of the Akufo-Addo administration have declared their assets didnt meet your expectation or excite you, I probably know why. I think the reason may not be far-fetched. Its perhaps not far from your backyard where the politicians often trek to engage in politics and seek your votes.

I know whats on your mind. Youre probably wondering why assets declaration works in some countries in the world but not in ours. Certainly, in our part of the world its like a bitter pill for public office holders. Thus, this and other reasons made yesterdays news seem like business as usual and not something one could possibly bet his/her last dime on.

Its simply not like the way Candles and Rosaries come handy when one is in the Vatican Citythe Holy land for the Papal or sights Tasbih (rosary) and Ihram (a white wrapper or cloth) when one makes a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Ironically when a Ghanaian politician declares his assets no one knows what hes declared. Its a fist in a cloak. In some or many instances when they do declare the figures dont add up, creating a whole mystery around an exercise majority of western leaders find it so easy to partake.

Many Ghanaians like to see this public office ritual work so that the wanton loot by public office holders can be minimised. Sadly, whenever, one administration leaves office the citizens are riveted with the news about financial loss and loots. Yes, it looks like the value hasnt changed the value is the same. They always declare but they always loot.

At a Town hall meeting in Accra yesterday hosted by an Accra-based Radio Station, the Vice President Mahamoudu Bawumia said: All the ministers have declared their assets. That sounded like welcoming news. But not many people were enthused about it... One political pundit told me if the whole thing is not made public then theres nothing new.

And I couldnt agree with him more on that assertion. Throughout the world most countries expect the public office holders to publish information about their assets. This is what our leaders fear to do. This is what theyve refused to do over the years. Their fears are steeped in fact that what they might declare before the Auditor-General might not tally with what may get published

So I will hereby plead with the NPP government to put its best foot forward. I think merely declaring assets fall short of the public expectation. They expect to see all the assets so declared to be published for public consumption. Though we wont be first in the sub region to do that but it builds trust and helps the government to govern smoothly.

In January 2013, the independent anti-corruption commission in Slovenia made public a report critical of the countrys prime minister and the leader of the opposition for hiding high value assets. The leaders had failed to list potential conflict of interests, including business deals with companies that have government contracts.

In the final analysis when the news broke out it sparked public outcry with calls for the leaders resignation.

Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 refused calls by civil society groups to declare his assets. So you can see that our leaders are allergic to assets declaration. Why? Its simply because they have never meant well for the country. Its always for themselves and their family, their cronies, their mistresses and to suit their whims.

Again the question is: whats the guarantee that there will be no loot as itd always been the case?

Whats new about this declaration and the previous ones?

Are we going to get our ears filled with gargantuan scandals as it is the case?

Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution A person who holds a public office mentioned in section 3 of this Act shall submit to the Auditor-General a written declaration of a) all properties or assets owned by him, and all liabilities owed by him whether directly or indirectly.

The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) is spearheading a campaign for the law to make it mandatory for all declared assets of public officials to be verified and published to enhance transparency.
As the Spring Meeting begins this week in Washington D.C, Finance Minster Ken Ofori-Atta is hopeful the Nana Akufo-Addo government has shown clear indications of partnering with the international investor community for economic growth.

According to him, the meeting will provide Ghana an opportunity to sell the policies of the new administration to investors who are already enthusiastic of the new government's pro-business agenda.

The spring meeting, which is held in the USA brings thousands of government officials, journalists, civil society organizations, and participants from the academia and private sectors, together in Washington DC for a meeting with the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.

Speaking to Citi Business News ahead of the meeting, Mr. Ofori-Atta maintained that the meeting provides an opportunity for government to return with lots of gains.

The new economic team has momentum and confidence. We are in good shape, this is almost like an outdooring in the sense that we haven't been to Washington D.C yet, so we are going to meet all the major policy makers at the IMF and the World Bank for them to also get a feel of who we are as team that is committed and competent to execute the programme, he said.

Mr. Ofori-Atta observed that the government has achieved some feat so far with foreigners investing in Ghana.

He maintained that the renewed confidence in the economy is the reason why investors are putting their funds in the country.

The market response has been quite phenomenal. Investors have gone along with us in the last bond that we issued which really is a testament to the sense of momentum that we are building, he stressed.

Highlighting some areas that may further boost Ghana's ratings among investors, Mr. Ofori-Atta stated that government's commitment and integrity is favorable in the international community.

We intend to come back from Washington in a way that they understand the purposefulness of the IMF programme that we have. Our commitment and the integrity that we bring to it, I think that would lead to a better partnership. They want to be regarded as trusted advisors so it's up to them to also make us believe that is what they are.



By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibsinessnews.com/Ghana
Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has disclosed that government has canceled about 20 power purchasing agreements entered into by the previous NDC government.

He said the abrogation of the agreements has saved the nation more than $300 million.

Dr. Bawumia who made this known when speaking at Joy News 100 days Town Hall meeting at the New Court Complex in Accra yesterday said government is reviewing four other power agreements.

We have asked four of them to delay their operation and that has helped to manage governments expenditure, he said.

The Vice president said government's review of some power purchase agreements entered into by the previous government has bolstered the energy sector, stating that government is committed to improving the energy situation in the country.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed disappointment with the way the previous administration handled the energy sector when he took over the rein of power on January 7.

The President at his first State of the Nation Address in February said he was handed a heavily-indebted energy sector that owed its private partners a total sum of $2.4 billion as at December 2016.

He promised to review a total of 43 Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) entered into by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in 2016 many of which were endorsed by former president John Mahama including a $1 billion power deal with Early Power Limited.

There is also the deal with Turkey-based Karpower signed with ECG in June 2014 that will add 450 megawatts of power directly to Ghana's electricity grid.

A 17-member committee set up to review one of the agreements, AMERI Power Agreement, revealed the deal was overpriced by $150 million, although former government officials have challenged it.

The Philip Addison Committee has suggested to government to have the deal renegotiated to cut down the cost.

Meanwhile Dr. Bawumia says the independent power producers in the country cannot charge Ghanaians more than 10 cent per kilowatt hour.

He called for a reduction of the charge to 10 cent per kilowatt hour.

We have informed independent power producers in the country that they cannot charge Ghanaians more than 10 cent per kilowatt hour. They are charging us 17 cents and in other countries they are 10 cents.

[email protected]

BY Cephas Larbi


The 2017 Easter festivities at Kwahu in the Eastern Region started last Friday with the launch of the 12th paragliding festival at Kwahu-Atibie on the Odweanoma Mountain hosted by the Ghana Tourism Authority.

The paragliding festival was initiated by the late Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, former Tourism Minister, more than a decade ago to promote tourism in the country and also to spice up the Easter celebrations in Kwahu.

This year's paragliding exercise recruited six international tandem pilots from the United States, Romania and Japan who flew the passengers at the festival.

Thousands of people from all walks of life stormed there to catch a glimpse of the ceremony.

The event was launched by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Catherine Afeku, chaired by Eastern Regional Minister Eric Kwakye Darfour and was graced by Otiko Afisa Djaba, Minister for Gender, Children & Social Protection, among other dignitaries.

From Daniel Bampoe, Atibie


Petroleum House, Tema, 18 April, 2017: The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) supported the University of Mines and Technology to organise an innovation and career fair to increase its talent pipeline and make GNPC an employer of choice. The fair brought together about 600 young people to showcase creativity and innovative projects.

GNPC in this light has provided a platform for students in tertiary institutions including UMaT to do their National Service to bridge the academia & industry gap and to provide an entry level knowledgeable workforce for the industry.

The two-day 3rd Innovation and Career Fair was under the theme Think Smart; Be Innovative. Engineers, geologists and human resource officers from GNPC interacted with the students on GNPCs activities and career opportunities.

The fair among other things, created a platform for the students to showcase their creativity and innovation through science and technology driven projects. The GNPC team encouraged the students to take advantage of the several opportunities available to them while they are in school, especially in this era of ICT where information is more readily accessible.

Martin Kofi Adu, an engineer of GNPC took the participants through the operations of GNPC and the impact the business has had on Ghanas economic development. Impressed with the high level of participation and seriousness of the students, Martin commended them and spoke highly of past students who have had the opportunity to do their national service at GNPC. No wonder the Best National Service Personnel at GNPC last year was from UMaT

Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Jerry S-Y Kuma remarked on how GNPC has been a worthy industry partner who has provided a good learning platform for the students of UMat.

The Corporation, this year, has participated in similar career fairs held at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Ashesi University.

About GNPC

GNPC was established as a State-owned entity to operate on a commercial basis. The Corporation was given legal backing through two main statutes i.e. Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Law, 1983 PNDC Laws 64 and Petroleum (Exploration & Production). 84. The Corporations vision is to become a leading global oil and gas company whose operations have a profound impact on the quality of life on the people of Ghana.
The government has given the financial clearance for 181 doctors and 11,000 health trainees to be employed this year.

Some of the health trainees completed their training as far back as 2012 but remained at home.

Deputy Information Minister Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, emphasised this on Joy FMs Super Morning Show Tuesday, April 18, 2017.

He was reiterating comments made by Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia at Joy News 100 days Town hall with the Vice.

Dr. Bawumia stressed whilst the Nana Akufo-Addo government didnt set itself a 100-day target, it nonetheless made great strides in the time.

He said government had chalked up significant achievements in about 103 areas in almost all the important sectors of the economy.

103 achievements in 100 days, he called it.

Giving impetus to Dr. Bawumias presentation, the Deputy Information Minister said, the NPP looked at our manifesto as an agenda for our four-year term of office.

He said the Vice-Presidents presentation was to explain to the people of Ghana through [Joy News], what we have been doing in these 100 days.

Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah stressed that Dr. Bawumias submissions should not be construed to mean that in the 100 days, the full benefits of what we have been doing will [reflect] in everybodys life.

He said time goes on, the benefits of the government's decisions and actions will become more and more apparent.

About 15 different tax cuts have been made by the government which is bringing relief to companies, he stated.

Explaining why some of the tax cuts announced by the government have not taken effect, the Ofoase-Ayirebi Member of Parliament said, it is important to understand the value chain of how things happen; first you read the policy, second you bring the amendment bills to parliament and have them passed; where we are now is to get the intervening agencies to fully translate the benefits to the people of Ghana.

For instance, he said even though government has declared an intention to remove taxes on spare parts imported into the country, certain protocols have to be followed for this to happen.

"We have done a lot of work on spare parts; we have gone through the classifications; we are engaging with ECOWAS, when we are done and the policy implication is done by government, there would still be spare parts dealers at Abossey Okai, Kumasi and elsewhere who will now have the onus of translating what we are doing to benefit the people of Ghana," he explained.

Touching on the vexed issue of VAT on financial services which Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta announced would be abolished but which it is reported hasn't taken effect, the Deputy Minister said "as you do know, not even the Governor of the Central Bank can literally walk into a bank and stand at the door and say, 'do this or don't do that.' If you take the case of taxes for example, even when it is passed, the Ghana Revenue Authority now has to issue guidelines [for implementation]."

He said the government was engaging with the relevant institutions to ensure that all the tax cuts reflect on beneficiary corporate organisations and individuals.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
The case of the eight members of the pro-New Patriotic Party vigilante group, Delta Force has been adjourned to 17th of May 2017.

The eight were facing trial at the Kumasi Circuit Court 2 for disturbing a court session, resisting arrest, and freeing the 13 Delta Force members who were in lawful custody.

The prosecutor, ACP Okyere Darko, on Tuesday pleaded that ample time be given them for further investigations.

Lawyer for the accused persons, Gary Nimako has argued that his clients are not guilty because they were not arrested at the scene of crime.

Her Honor Patricia Amponsah ordered that the 8 reappear before court on the 17th of May.

8 Delta Force court raiders granted bail

They were last week granted bail by the Kumasi court.

The bail conditions was GHc 10,000 each with two sureties, and they were also to report to the police CID on Tuesday, April 18, before 3:00 pm.

The eight have been charged with disturbing a court session, for resisting arrest, and freeing the 13 persons who were in lawful custody.

The 13 Delta Force members who were freed, were facing charges for raiding the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and assaulting its coordinator.

The 13 have since been granted bail, and are to reappear before the court on the 20th of April, 2017, after charges of conspiracy to assault a public officer and causing unlawful damage.

They were also granted bail of GHc 10,000 each, with two sureties.

Meanwhile, the 13 have already been tried for escaping from court.

They were each fined Ghc2,400, and made to sign a bond of good behaviour for six months.



By: Lauretta Timah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Google is celebrating Ghanaian entrepreneur Esther Afua Ocloo who founded the country's first local food processing company, Nkulenu Industries and championed women empowerment in Ghana with a doodle today [Tuesday, April 18, 2017].

The company in her honour, has decided to change the doodle on all of its websites in Ghana, Greece, Peru, Argentina, Iceland, Portugal, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the UK.

Esther Ocloo, who died in 2002 at the age of 82, grew into a global inspiration having started her career in the 1930s.

Popularly known as Auntie Ocloo, she is championed the cause of women and dedicated her life to supporting others to succeed.

Esther Afua Ocloo

A co-founder of the Women's World Banking; a lending organization in Ghana, she taught many women various skills to enable them live independent of financial support.

Early beginning

As a high school graduate with only a few Ghanaian shillings given to her by an aunt, she bought sugar, oranges and 12 jars to make marmalade jam.

Ocloo sold them at a profit, despite the ridicule of her former classmates, who saw her as an uneducated street vendor.

Soon she won a contract to supply her high school with marmalade jam and orange juice, and later managed to secure a deal to provide the military with her goods.

On the basis of that contract, she took out a bank loan.

In 1942, she established a business under her maiden name, Nkulenu.

Ocloo then traveled to England to take a course in Food Science and Modern Processing Techniques at Bristol University.

In 1953, determined to grow her business with her newly acquired knowledge in food processing and preservation, she returned to her homeland with a mission to help Ghana become self-sufficient.

Nkulenu Industries still makes orange marmalade today and exports indigenous food items to markets abroad.

In 1962, the company relocated to its present location at Madina, a suburb of Accra.

Besides working on her thriving business, she also set up a programme to share her knowledge with other women who cook and sell products on the streets.

You know what we found? We found that a woman selling rice and stew on the side of the street is making more money than most women in office jobs  but they are not taken seriously, she said.

In 1990, she became the first woman to receive the Africa Prize for Leadership.

Her work inspired men and women. She proposed alternative solutions to the problems of hunger, poverty and the distribution of wealth  championing the development of an indigenous economy based on agriculture.

Our problem here in Ghana is that we have turned our back on agriculture. Over the past 40 years, since the beginning of compulsory education, we have been mimicking the west, Esther said in an interview in 1999.

Ocloo died in 2002 after suffering from pneumonia.

President Akufo-Addo in his address at the celebration of Ghana's 60th independence anniversary described Esther Ocloo as a pioneer industrialist and entrepreneur, whose food processing enterprises under the Nkulenu label changed our habits of food preparation forever.

Former President John Kufuor at her state-organized funeral said, She was a real pillar.. worthy of emulation in our efforts to build our nation. Her good works in the promotion of development in Ghana cannot be measured. She was a creator and we need many people of her calibre to build our nation.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @jnyabor
Airtel Ghana, the Smartphone Network has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting quality education in Ghana through a Back to School donation of educational supplies to pupils of Tanoso SDA Cluster of Schools and the Sokoban Methodist School in the Brong Ahafo and Ashanti Regions respectively.

The donations are in line with the companys bold ambition to empower young people to fully realise their potential through the provision of educational materials and infrastructure.

A team from Airtel Ghana, led by the Zonal Business Manager for Ashanti and Brong Ahafo, Kwaku Asiedu, made a donation of books, school bags, pencil cases, mathematical sets, and lap desks to over 1,000 pupils in both schools.

Speaking at a brief ceremony at the Tanaso SDA Cluster of Schools, Kwaku Asiedu reiterated the companys commitment to support the education of thousands of young people in the country through the provision of educational materials.

He said Airtel Ghana believes in empowering the next generation of leaders to fully realize their potential through the power of education. This is evidenced through our School Adoption and Evolve with STEM initiatives which seeks to invest in infrastructure developments and encourage the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Through the School Adoption programme, we have invested in infrastructure such as classroom blocks, libraries and ICT centers to facilitate effective teaching and learning in several schools across the country. This donation is aligned to our commitment to invest in communities we operate in  especially in the area of education. This donation is also a way for us to invest in the lives of our brothers and sisters as part of the Easter festivities.

The Heads of the Sokoban Methodist School and Tanoso SDA Cluster of Schools, Mr. Charles Berko and Mr. Daniel Kwasi Okrah were optimistic that the pupils would put the materials to good use and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Airtel Ghana for investing in the lives of young people across the country.

The beneficiary pupils expressed their gratitude to Airtel Ghana for the kind gesture.

Airtel Ghana continues to play a significant role in promoting education in Ghana through its CSR initiatives. The company has won several local and international awards such as Best CSR Initiative at the Africa and Global Carrier Awards.
Dr. Asemfofro

18.04.2017 LISTEN

National Democratic Congress (NDC) serial caller, Osei Yaw Nketia (popularly known as Dr. Asemfofro), is no more. He is reported to have passed away at the 37 Military Hospital on Easter Sunday after a short illness.

Dr. Asemfofro's elder's son, Ampem Nketia, confirmed his death to Adom Fm.

He indicated that his father was rushed to the hospital on Good Friday but gave up the ghost Sunday dawn.

He was 52 years old. Politically, Dr. Asemfofro did not hide his support for the NDC as he was active on several campaign platforms to garner votes for the party.

He shot to fame when he challenged former President John Agyekum Kufuor to swear by the dreaded Ashanti deity, Antoa Nyama, if indeed he (Kufuor) had not engaged in any corrupt acts.

The herbal medicine peddler, however, fell out of favour with the NDC, saying the party he so much loved and had sacrificed his money, energy and time for, had treated him like a non-entity, virtually dumping him and leaving him to his fate.

Until his death, he declared his support for the Progressive People's Party (PPP) and also supported the free SHS policy of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The late Dr. Asemfofro left behind 13 children and two wives.

Recent Interview

In a recent interview on Nhyira FM in Kumasi, Asemfoforo shockingly invoked curses with powerful river gods in the country, against NDC Members of Parliament (MP).

Without mincing words, he prayed that the river gods, and others should deal ruthlessly with any MP who would oppose President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's 'Free Education' policy and other programmes to develop the country.

According to him, the NPP administration has the vision of transforming the country, especially the educational sector, to help improve the lives of the citizenry, and that he knew the NDC MPs hate transformation and so they would surely oppose the NPP's splendid policies.

Dr. Asemfoforo stated that in order for President Akufo-Addo to have a leeway in developing the country, he was invoking the curses on the MPs and other top party members who always object to NPP's programmes that would bring transformation.

Mills' Death

The famous NDC member, who was brimming with rage, revisited the death of ex-President Atta Mills, alleging that some leading members in the NDC orchestrated the death of the ex-Ghana leader, saying, Prof. Mills did not die a natural death; they hired people to kill him.

According to him, because some elements in the NDC killed Prof. Mills for their own selfish interest, they did not allow any investigations into what really killed the former president, noting that Israelis were called to investigate the collapse of the Melcom building but nothing was done about Mr. Mills' death, who was the Ghana president.

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi
There are some leaders who are blessed with the ability to put into words, the unexpressed feelings harboured by many of their fellow-citizens.

President Akufo Addo seems to be one of these leaders. When, on 11 April 2017, he told a visiting delegation of British Airways officials to ensure that their Airline does not take Ghanaians for granted, he was speaking for many silent customers of British Airways. I personally felt like getting up and cheering, for as you will soon find out, I have a bone to pick with the Airline.

President Akufo-Addo was quite specific in his complaints: concerns had been raised by some Ghanaians over the service of British Airways, he said.

People complain about the movement (of flights to and from Accra) from [Heathrow] Terminal 5 to Terminal 3. Terminal 3 is not as convenient a place as Terminal 5, he pointed out.

The President went on:  As British Airways prepares to commemorate 80 years of flying into Ghana, there have been complaints about the quality of the planes (on the route) and the service. In some quarters, there is a feeling that you are taking us a little for granted in the way in which we are receiving your services.

Nana Addo then charged British Airways to upgrade the quality of its services.

Having heard the concerns expressed by the President, the British Airways Corporate Commercial Manager for Europe, Africa and the Levant, Mr Paolo De Renzis, assured the President of his outfits resolve to upgrade the quality of its services. We have a long-standing relationship with Ghana, Mr De Renzis said. We are strongly committed to the market, and we appreciate your feedback. We will work very hard to improve the products and services to Ghana all the time, he stated.

Very nice indeed. But I doubt whether the Corporate Commercial Manager of British Airways for Europe, Africa and the Levant will be able to do much to improve the Airline's services to Ghana. Usually, corporate policy is decided at board level and handed to the Airline's "coal-face" underlings to implement. And the board is advised by expensive firms of accountants on how to augment the bottom line (that is to say, "profits").

Which means that unless a competitor or competitors arrive on the scene to offer genuinely better services on the route and take business away from it, the Airline will pare down the quality of its services, in order to reap as much profit as possible.

For what is called the ugly face of capitalism has hit the Airlines of the world very hard indeed in recent times. I recently read about a British Airways plane that allegedly flew without toilet tissue paper on board! What? Yes! British Airways!

But British Airways is still 'civilised', compared to some of the airlines in the United States. A case in point is the behaviour of United Airlines towards a passenger recently, which has gone viral on the Internet. Because United does not fear competition on the vastly contracted internal flights business in the USA, it sometimes treats its passengers like dirt.

In the incident that has gone viral on the Internet, United overbooked a flight and needed to remove one passenger. Its officials decided on a passenger of Oriental descent and asked him to leave the plane. The passenger, a doctor, probably felt that he was being picked upon because of his ethnicity, and refused to comply with the request to disembark.

Whereupon airport police were called to come and remove him by force. And oh! -- did their they do their work well? They dragged the poor man, still struggling, along the floor of the plane's cabin. Fellow passengers looked on in horror and some could be heard screaming at sight of what was being done to a fellow passenger.

The doctor was taken off the plane. But during the process of being forcibly removed, he lost two teeth, had a broken nose and suffered other injuries that kept him in hospital for a few days. Now, when a passenger is treated this way, he suffers doubly -- for some people are scared stiff of flying, and are already in a semi-traumatic state -- psychologically -- when they arrrive at the airport. Any nastiness displayed towards them therefore launches them straight into hysteria, without "curve or bend!"

And all because United Airlines had made a mistake and overbooked the flight. It later turned out that actually, there were some staff members of the Airline on the plane, who, one would have thought, would have been the first to be asked to make way for paying passengers. But maybe the staff were off somewhere to fly another plane for United, and if they were left behind, United would lose money. So they took off the poor doctor, and now their name stinks throughout the world.

Not that they would mind too much. As I have pointed out, the Airline industry has been contracting, whereas passenger numbers have been increasing by leaps and bounds. So, these days, if you get on a flight, it's as if you're being done a favour. As for customer relations, it's gone completely to pot. I am not saying that on the basis of hear-say, but out of a very bitter personal experience.

Some time last year, I purchased a British Airways ticket: London-Accra-London. But just before the designated day of travel, I fell ill. I made sure I telephoned British Airways in good time to tell them I couldn't fly on the day I had booked. In the good old days, this would have been no problem. They would just have postponed my flight to a new agreed date, or set the day of departure as Open. Then whenever I felt capable of flying, they would have checked to see if there was room on the flight for me. End of story.

But not this time! First, I was asked to obtain a medical reportconfirming that I was unfit to fly. I had just told them I was illand they wanted me to go to see a medical officer, waste the time of the patients who needed his/her attention, and procure a certificate saying I wasn't fit to fly?

I resented being bullied when I was not well, but there was nothing to do. So I managed to drag myself to go and get the certificate and send it to the address given to me. It was NOT even acknowledged!

Well, as expected, I got well soon. And I called British Airways to try and reinstate my flight. They said I should bring another medical certificate confirming that I was now fit to fly!

What? My date of birth had been entered as part of the data

needed before a ticket could be issued to me. Would a mature adult seek to fly if he was still unfit to travel? Especially if this same adult had had the good sense to postpone his travel once, because of ill-health?

I remember distinctly the day I went for second medical certificate that said I could now travel. It was most inconvenient because -- it was raining! Not only that: my computer's printer had packed up, so I had to go out in the rain to find a place where I could scan the certificate and send it. I was rebuffed by one or two shops I approached, and was veryndespondent until a kindly lady at an estate agent's eventually did it for me. I felt terrible  how could they bullyany person in such a way?

But that was the least of my troubles. Having sent the certificate, I now needed to have my ticket revalidated and a date set for me to fly. The BA person who eventually took my call  after I'd hung on for over half an hour  said he couldn't find any trace of my ticketing matters. He gave me another number to call. Same thing. It was as if I was I the hands of well-trained ROBOTS who had been programmed to toss me from place to place, at my own expense, in terms of telephone time!

They kept shifting the goalposts the whole time, and inserting me into a vicious circle."You sent the certificate? We can't find it here. Call this other number!"

"You were asked to call us? But we don't deal with things like that!...."

I swear, I was reduced almost to tears, and eventually after about two hours of total frustration phone, I gave up. I haven't had the courage to pursue the matter since. Every time I think of the potential annoyance a call would create in me, I put it off. In other words, they've bullied me into impotence.

Meanwhile, I am sure my stolen fare has been processed as part of the profitsmade by British Airways. And the BA ROBOTS will make sure I never get it back. For the technique is perfect -- once the fare has been paid, make sure it's not easy for it to perform the service required. Profit. QED!

My President has spoken for me. But I don't think anything will happen. For unless British Airways is seriously threatened with the loss of the extremely lucrative Accra route  which means some other Airline being given the route  it will still enjoy its position as Airline of choice for Accra-London passengers. That is because very few people like to make two or three stops, when a non-stop flight is available.

So British Airways has got people like me by the short hairs, and it knows it. Me, I need a lot of ice in my veins before Iattempt again to contact the ROBOTS to rescue my stolen airfare. But I shall do it. At least, in the end, I shall feel a few more pounds well spent, even if I have to get a good lawyer who will be able to persuade the airline industry regulator to get them to give me the ticket I bought but was unable to use  just because I fell ill.

Now, ask yourself: if they could treat a person who fell into their hands only because he was sick in this scabdalkous way, what about someone who, somehow, could not travel, for a far less plausible reason?
Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has condemned the alleged act of a laboratory technician assistant, Stephen Enyan, who sells blood of pregnant women who visit the Abura Dunkwa Hospital for antenatal checks, to some cyber fraudsters, popularly known as 'sakawa' boys, for ritual purposes.

The attention of Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has been drawn to a publication on Monday, April 10. The alleged act as reported is disgusting and regrettable, and we, hereby, condemn it in no uncertain terms, GAMLS said in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dennis Adu-Gyasi.

The suspect, according to reports, was said to have been hiding parts of the blood samples he takes from pregnant women who visit the hospital for antenatal checks, for the purpose of selling it for cash.

Reports indicate he purportedly sells little amount of the blood from GH5,000 to GH10,000. Reports monitored by Adom FM said the laboratory technician was tricked by police investigators feigning to be interested in buying blood for their 'sakawa' activities, following complaints lodged by the hospital to the police.

Visitors to hospital reportedly claimed that their ailments had either been compounded after attending the clinic or in some instances, the pregnant women lose their lives, which hitherto was not the case.

Our preliminary checks on the said Stephen Enyan indicate that the suspect was initially employed as a cleaner at the Cape Coast Regional Hospital and was further trained on the bench and appointed under the Ghana Health Service as Medical Laboratory Assistant at the Abura Dunkwa Hospital. He is not licensed to practice as such, the statement pointed out.

It continuedThe hospital in the subject matter trained him to manage the facility's mortuary. In 2012, the hospital's management assigned Stephen Enyan to the laboratory and relieved him of his duties at the mortuary as manager. This decision by the hospital management under Ghana Health Service was strongly protested by the qualified medical laboratory scientists in-charge of the laboratory at the time, on grounds of his limited training on the bench and with respect to his scope of assigned duty. His professional advice was simply disregarded by the management.

The statement added, As a professional body, we are deeply concerned about the arbitrary appointment of unqualified persons by managers of health facilities and the government agencies to perform duties that are designated for qualified and licensed medical.

Laboratory practitioners; a practice which offends the laws of Ghana as enshrined in ACT 857:2013. We remain concerned about the increasing reports from our membership across the country of subtle attempts by some authorities or management of health facilities to place unqualified persons, including nurses, pharmacists, physicians, phlebotomists and others with general science background to work in clinical laboratories.

In the statement, GAMLS indicated that in the light of the law regulating the practice of medical laboratory science in Ghana, such acts are not only irregular but pose great danger to the precious lives of Ghanaians. They simply lack the requisite training, skill and ethical commitment and legal cover required to practice the profession of medical laboratory science.

BY Melvin Tarlue
Admirers of Nana Addo who clamour not for political appointments, have been thinking. They will not talk loudly. But they will be elated with the Ashanti King's most wise counsel, as reported by Ghanaweb (Sunday, April 2, 2017). President Akufo-Addo should 'be wary of backbiters amongst persons he has surrounded himself with.' The report added that the King referred to how other presidents before Nana Addo had confessed regrets for not heeding that caution.

Flashback, 'twas not a total jubilation when the kitchen staffers were announced. People said he couldn't have appointed a more capable and competent chief of staff. Beyond that, though, there was some degree of iffy about some of the others. I remember beefing 'beware of babies and babies beware.'

I cannot tell whether it is a normal practice that the president does not publicly disclose his closest advisers such as Blaa Kutu's Afro Joe Appiahs. And I am unable to imagine the extent of influence of those close to Nana the President. Whichever way, I think it is for him to look out. But it will be far more benefitting if those around him will swear to themselves never to abuse the trust he has reposed in them.

The temptations are great. Being around the one person in total control of the huge resources of the motherland, to think self is very tempting. It is goodies everywhere one turns. Perhaps, the trick is to tell one's self that everything you think is goodie belongs to someone else within the motherland. That should make you appreciate what's yours is your conditions of service.

Anytime you charge a fee to introduce someone to the president, you have stolen money in his name. Remember he has promised to rid the motherland of corruption. His promise of an anti-corruption crusade was a key resonance with the electorate. Any corrupt practice on the part of a close associate therefore constitutes a betrayal. So if you don't want to be a Judas, live within your conditions of service.

Three presidents ago, a presidential spokesperson felt as presidential as his appointer to the extent that he would contest to be president with his appointer still in office. Such appointees can hardly be too loyal to betray. Later, the tittle tattle was all over that when he was in the election strong room, he was thinking more ahead than the task before him then. When the congresspeople slipped a fast election stealing around him, he could hardly recognise their trap.

As for the next two presidents, their faith in campaign staff undid whatever they could have done. One ended up losing his precious life because his 'handlers' were more interested in the politics of elections and not his welfare. They would rather lead him to lose his life for the sake of winning an election.

The other one, the second congressperson in succession, surrounded himself with election propagandists who thought governance was electioneering. Propaganda was all they knew. They thought onaapo was so sweet a song that it would overcome the dums handicap. That didn't happen. He was annihilated in the election they, in true 'emperor your clothes are beautiful when there were no clothes' manner, was exposed in election nakedness. Young, with no life or living experience, his ampbr staffers and appointees developed a huge appetite for stealing public funds. Whether they were copying his own appetite or they were amassing wealth illegally to go and contest elections, he, that president, would say they let him down because he lost the election heavily.

Nana Addo is caught in the embarrassment of so many sonomma rich in competence to choose from. There is so much competence it's hard to select one over the other. That is why, I guess, he has decided to principally settle on loyalty and trust as his main appointment criteria. It will, therefore be a great pity if any of his appointees should fail any of the appointer's integrity, honesty and value for money tests. That will disable help and support him to serve the motherland. I can clearly hear President Nana Addo address his appointees: Don't let me down.

To me, it hard; so so hard, for the President, as one person to know who is telling him what will help and not hinder the successful prosecution of his agenda. However, the helpful ones will tell him that he has no clothes on when there are no clothes. If appointees care, I heard this old woman say: 'God punish any Nana Addo appointee who betrays him and his Ghana first agenda.' The King has said it all: 'Gye di pa, na din pa y sen ahonya' ('Pursue good reputation because good name is better than riches'). Nana's close associates, take note.

By Kwasi Ansu-Kyeremeh
The Church of Pentecost National Head for the Republic of Angola, Joshua De Souza, has paid glowing tribute to Ghanaians for their unique hospitality towards foreigners.

Describing Ghanaians as people with very rich traditional values which push them into being hospitable to foreigners, the pastor recalled his encounter with various people in the Western Region who according to him, were very respectful and always prepared to ensure that he felt at home.

The pastor, who was in the country on a short missionary tour, was preaching the sermon at a heavily attended Resurrection Sunday Service for members of the church in the Akuapem Zone of the Eastern Region.

The nine districts forming the zone which include Aburi, Akropong, Adukrom, Mampong and Adwaso, had converged at old Adonten Senior High School, Aburi, for their annual Easter programme which was under the theme,Teteleslai: It's finished.

Reading from the Holy scriptures, Pastor Joshua De Souza said the proclamation, It's finished by Jesus Christ while hanging on the cross at Golgotha on Good Friday meant His (Jesus Christ's) task of re-uniting sinful man to God was completed.

It is a hard won battle over Satan and from now you do not need a pastor, prophet or any medium by which you can reach out to the Father (God) but by your faith and obedience to His call you have every opportunity to enter the Holy of Holies to present your case, he assured.

Pastor Souza decried the conduct of some people, especially Christians, who till date are looking for salvation from wrong sources such as consulting mediums and self-acclaimed pastors and prophets who unsuspectingly exploit such people.

The man of God without mincing words, urged Christians to take up the full armour of God and join the clarion call by the risen Christ to go into the world to evangelize to people who are being swayed into destruction.

Pastor Souza also called on Christians to play active roles to shape the future of the world; they should lead Godly lives so that they can speak out boldly against evil.

By Solomon Ofori


Richard Owusu

18.04.2017 LISTEN

RICHARD Owusu, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) second vice chairman for Manhyia South Constituency in Kumasi the Ashanti Regional capital, has been suspended indefinitely by the party over alleged gross misconduct.

He has been accused of mobilizing some youth to seize lorry parks and toilet facilities in the area after the party's 2016 electoral victory.

Mr. Owusu was also indicted for allegedly inciting some polling station executives of the NPP against other constituency executives and the sitting Member of Parliament ((MP) in the constituency.

The party's constituency executives reportedly sat on the case on March 19, 2017, and Mr. Owusu was called to defend himself but they said he could not convince them enough.

The party leadership therefore, in a letter dated April 5, 2017, decided to suspend him indefinitely and further referred the case to the Ashanti Regional Disciplinary Committee for further hearing.

In the meantime, Mr. Owusu has been ordered to surrender every party property in his possession to the constituency officers, else he could face additional disciplinary action.

DAILY GUIDE has sighted his suspension letter, signed by Haruna Alhassan, constituency secretary, which has been copied to major party stakeholders in the constituency.

It reads in part, I confirm to you that from the date of this letter, you are suspended indefinitely from your position as the 2nd vice chairman of this constituency while the matter is being referred to the regional disciplinary committee of the party for hearing.

In the meantime, you are instructed to surrender any party property in your possession to the constituency office of the party. Failure to comply with this instruction may itself constitute misconduct.

A copy of the suspension letter

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi


The opposition National Democratic Congress has alleged that the Akufo-Addo led government have spent an enormous amount of state funds on multiple luxurious parties since he was sworn-in as the President of the Republic of Ghana.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday to review the presidents 100 days in office, the deputy minority leader James Klutse Avedzi called on President Akufo-Addo to disclose the source of funding for the numerous parties held in his honour since his inauguration.

According to Mr. Avedzi, the opulence that characterized most of the parties are shocking as some of the drinks served were custom made with the presidents name embossed on the bottles served at the party.

We have seen evidence of parties with some drinks, some custom-made with his name on itwe call on the Akufo-Addo government to disclose the source of funding.

The Minority criticized the NPP administration over what it described as bloated government adding that the country is under siege from state-sponsored thuggery and terrorism from vigilante groups affiliated to the NPP.

We wish to state plainly that what the president has done is far from protecting the public purse. It constitutes a direct raid of the economy of the taxpayer. Maintaining the salaries for this large army of ministers will severely burden the poor taxpayer. These appointments translate into 110 bungalows, 110 salon cars, 110 V8 Toyota Land Cruisers, 110 guards, 220 police guards in their bungalows.

More importantly, it represents a direct breach of his pledge to cut waste in public expenditure. He has acted in a way that will introduce more waste in government finances. Simply put, President Akufo-Addo has been wasteful and has not been candid with Ghanaians. Mr President, prune down your 110 ministers now.

Mr. Avedzi added that the president has failed to protect the public purse, despite his promise on the campaign trail to bring unprecedented economic growth and good governance to Ghana.

The minority added that the so-called achievements touted by Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Monday are nothing but a total deception.
Economy, security and the controversy surrounding the retrieval of state vehicles may have dominated discussions between President Nana Akufo-Addo and his predecessors.

The President is meeting with former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor and his immediate predecessor, John Dramani Mahama to deliberate on governance issues.

Mr Mahama has been vociferous about his disapproval of how the retrieval of state vehicles is being handled.

Deputy information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, however, says the meeting will center on more than the cars.

"They will be having a general conversation, discussing many issues about the economy and other things that could be done to put the economy on track. They will talk about international relations, governance, anti-corruption among many others.

President Akufo-Addo "is sharing ideas with them and explaining to them what he is doing and I am sure they will also give him some feedback," he confirmed.

According to the Deputy Minister, the open engagement to share ideas will also feature other issues that the other former Presidents will put on the table for discussion.

Former President John Mahama last month at a meeting with his former appointees promised to talk to President Akufo-Addo about the manner in which vehicles are being seized from former appointees.

He was also worried about the manner in which some civil servants appointed during his tenure are being harassed and some being forced to resign.

The former Governor of the Central bank Dr Nashiru Issahaku is reported to have been forced to leave his post although he himself has said he was resigning for personal reasons.

Former Deputy Education Minister, Samuel Okudzeko Ablakwa, has also complained about the manner in which the former CEO of COCOBOD, Dr Stephen Opuni was made to leave office adding what government is doing to him amounts to a witch-hunt.

Regarding why the President will seek counsel from former President Mahama whom the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had consistently described as incompetent in running the country during his tenure, Mr Oppong-Nkrumah said, the meeting is not about former President Mahama.

"He is the former president of the republic of Ghana so if the president is meeting former presidents, it is not about former President Mahama, Rawlings or Kufuor specifically. It is about engaging with former presidents who have some experience and knowledge to share on how this country is moving forward," he said.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim
The Minority in Parliament has levelled a litany accusations against the Akufo-Addo government, saying the new government has proven to be incompetent.

Addressing a rather long press conference Tuesday, Deputy Minority James Klutse Avedzi, said the large number of ministers appointed by the president vitiates from the New Patriotic Partys mantra that we have the men.

President Akufo-Addo has appointed 110 ministers and deputy ministers, constituting the largest government in Ghana's history.

Some of the ministries have been assigned multiple deputies, courting anger against the government disappointment in the president who won an overwhelming endorsement at the polls last year.

Singling out some ministries, Mr. Avedzi said the number of appointees there defies logic.

He said the Information and Communications Ministries which were merged by President John Mahama with one Minister and two deputies, now have seven ministers.

Mr. Avedzi said what three competent ministers under the John Mahama government did, seven incompetent appointees are required by the Akufo-Addo government to do.

Touching on the Transport Ministry, he said the president inexplicably created three separate ministries  Transport, Aviation and Railways  when there is no evidence of any new projects being initiated by the government.

He catalogued a number of projects - Tema-Akosombo, Takoradi-Paga rail projects, Tema and Takoradi port expansion projects, the introduction of Ayalolo bus service, and expansion of Metro Mass Transit  initiated by the previous government.

Mr. Avedzi maintained all these achievements were attained with a competent minister and a competent deputy minister.

The former Chairman of Finance Committee of Parliament was making allusions to the NPPs campaign and tag incompetence against president Mahamas presidency.

The NPPs, especially Dr. Mahamudus constant reference to the Mahama government as incompetent irked the then governing NDC greatly.

President Mahama himself on several occasions fended off the expression as uninformed, insisting Dr Bawumia couldnt call him incompetent because he (Bawumia) did not know what it took to be president.

At Tuesdays press conference, Mr. James Avedzi, who is also MP for Ketu North, flanked by other Minority MPs, repeatedly questioned the competence the new government in delivering on its promises.

He said the government's "419 budget" does not mention any new projects to be undertaken by the government in the transport sector, wondering why the sector should have three separate ministries.

"This is yet another bad example of a party that claims to have the men," he stated.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday met with Ghana's former presidents  Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama at the Flagstaff House.

The purpose of the meeting according to the Presidency, was to seek the views of the former presidents on some governance-enhancing measures Akufo-Addo's administration intends to take.

A communique issued after the meeting, which lasted for about two hours, said the meeting was held in a good atmosphere, one of frank exchanges and mutual respect.

It is the intention of President Akufo-Addo to have further meetings with the three former Presidents in the future, the communique added.

Prior to the meeting, observers had predicted that, former President John Mahama would be speaking to Akufo-Addo on the activities of pro-NPP vigilante groups in the country.

At a meeting with former appointees who served under his administration, Mahama said, I am going to have the opportunity to tell Nana Addo that they should stop this This cannot continue, this thuggery is not good for our country, and the point is we thought we had a good transition.

It is also unclear whether former President Jerry John Rawlings, who has been very vocal on issues of corruption, brought up such issues.



By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Photo credit: Flagstaff House.
18.04.2017 LISTEN

Accra, April 18, GNA - President Beji Caid Essebsi of the Republic of Tunisia, has tasked the leadership of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR) to popularise their mandate to enable African citizens know about its lofty objectives and activities.

'In that way, African human rights will be protected and ensure sustained democratic progress of our people,' President Essebsi stated during a courtesy by Justice Sylvain OrA, President of the African Court at the State House in Tunis.

The Tunisian President stressed the importance of popularising the work of the Court in AU Member States.

He however commended the creation of the African Court, adding that its establishment guaranteed protection of human rights in Africa.

The African Court delegation included Justice Rafa Ben Achour and Lady Justice Chafika Bensaoula.

President Essebsi called for extensive dissemination of information on the African Court to enable the population to know, understand and appreciate its existence and its noble work to deepen democratic processes on the continent.

Justice Ore expressed gratitude to the Tunisian government for agreeing to host the Court's delegation, provide the platform for meeting key officials and also conduct a sensitisation seminar for stakeholders in Tunis.

He also lauded Tunisia's decision to sign the Article 34(6) declaration that enabled non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals to access the Court directly.

'I hail the government of Tunisia on this decision and urge other African countries to follow suit,' Justice OrA stated.

Tunisia has officially signed the declaration becoming the eighth country to do so. Other countries that had previously signed it are Benin, Burkina Faso, CAte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Malawi, Mali and Tanzania.

Rwanda, which had signed, formally withdrew from the declaration last month, although the African Union Summit had urged the East African country to reconsider its position.

The declaration was signed on behalf of the Tunisian government by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Khemaies Jhinaoui.

The African Court delegation also visited the Arab Republic of Egypt from April 9 to 11 and held discussions with various key dignitaries, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Speaker of Parliament, among others.

Egypt, which has not ratified the establishment of the Court, however, expressed its appreciation of the Court's work for the past 10 years and is giving consideration to ratifying the protocol.

'The visit to Egypt has been very much encouraging and we are looking forward to the North African country ratifying the Protocol,' said Justice OrA.

According to Justice OrA, the sensitisation visits had helped to raise awareness of the Court's existence and also to encourage more AU Member States to ratify the Protocol and make the declaration to allow individuals and NGOs direct access to the Court.

'For the Court to achieve its objectives and further strengthen African human-rights systems, a greater number of countries must ratify the protocol and make the declaration under Article 34(6),' he said.

Since December 2010, the Court had carried out continent-wide promotion programmes, which had so far undertaken 27 sensitisation visits and held 12 regional and continental seminars and conferences.

The main objective of the sensitisation visits was to enhance the protection of human rights in Africa.

Specific objectives include; raising public awareness about the Court, encouraging the ratification of the protocol and depositing of the declaration that allows individuals and NGOs direct access to the Court.

It also included sensitising would-be applicants on how to access the Court and the procedures before the Court, encouraging the public to utilise the Court in settling human-rights disputes and encouraging the utilisation of the Court for advisory opinions.

The African Court was established by virtue of Article 1 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, to complement the protective mandate of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, with a view to enhancing the protection of human rights on the continent.

Since the adoption of the Protocol in June 1998, 30 of 55 AU Member States had ratified it and only eight State Parties to the Protocol had made the declaration under Article 34(6).

As at March 2017, the Court had received 133 applications and finalised 32 cases.

The Court is composed of 11 Judges, nationals of Member States of the African Union elected in their individual capacity.

GNA

By Francis Ameyibor, GNA
By Laudia Sawer

Tema, April 18, GNA - Mr Chris Addy Andoh, operator of the Kash Forex Bureau in Tema has called on government to control the activities of black marketers in the foreign exchange business.

Mr Andoh in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said activities of the black marketers were collapsing operations of forex bureaux in the country.

He explained that such operators who are mobile and visible are able to lure customers with their slightly better rates while the forex bureau who were regulated by law and pay taxes to the government, struggle in their enclosures.

He cautioned the public against buying foreign currency from the black market as that could expose them to risk of been given fake currencies and even robbed.

Mr Andoh advised them not to only consider the rate of exchange on offer when choosing a place to trade currencies but must also consider the risks involved.

Meanwhile, an anonymous black market customer said she has been buying currency from them for over five years now and had no fears of falling victim to any risk.

She added that the black market was reliable and fast, as they operated 24-hours daily and offered better rates than the forex bureaux.

According to her, customers also have the opportunity to bargain with the black market operators in addition to changing monies without having to show their identity cards.

Tema Community One business area has a lot of black marketers who openly operate and call on the public including policemen to do business with them while trading in other wares especially wrist watches.

They are mostly seen near the Tema Community One market branch of the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), and the casino area which is about 100 meters away from the Community One Police station.

GNA
18.04.2017 LISTEN

Since Ghana attained independence in 1957, Ghanaian Muslims have largely proved to be forward looking. Many people the world over consider Ghanaian Muslims as different, as they have decided to follow the injunction of prophet Mohammed [Pbh] to seek knowledge from far and near, to join hands with the civilized world to improve themselves and Ghana through education. Consequently, today many Muslims have made contributions in Ghanas development through areas of medicine, banking, engineering, education, business and politics among others. No wonder that countless Muslims are found in top positions of private and public organizations.

Yes, today, a sizeable number of Muslims are found in parliament as MPs while others are ministers with one Muslim, Dr. Mahmoud Bawumia as vice president of Ghana following from Alhaji Aliu Mahama who was Vice President under President John Kufuor. With this feat attained, there is no doubt that the current and coming generation of Muslims would follow their footsteps.

The mileage attained by Muslims in Ghana followed the decision of many Muslims and their leadership to move away from the fear of sending their children to secular schools in and outside Ghana. With the establishment of the Islamic Education Unit and Ghana Muslim Students Association [GMSA], the awareness has been created that Muslim children cannot be forced in secular schools to become Christians. We have scores of Muslims who had their education in schools run by Christian missions, yet those people have remained Muslims till date. We can mention a lot of these men that include Dr. Alhasan Mohammed former Deputy Governor of Bank of Ghana and Ambassador of Ghana to Saudi Arabia, went to Adisadel College, a Catholic institution, but remained a top notch Muslim leader in Ghana.

According to informed sources, the study of the Holy Bible by Muslims rather does for them a world of good, as with that, the Muslim children are able to embark on comparative religious studies meant to help them live peacefully with people belonging to other faiths. Apart from sending Muslim children to secular and schools run by Christian missions many Islamic organizations such as Ghana Muslim mission, Ahlul Sunna Wal Jamma and Islamic Council for Development and Humanitarian Services [ICODEHS] have established many Islamic schools being run across the country as secular institutions.

The National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu himself an educationist and preacher, has himself established a number of basic English and Arabic schools culminating in him constructing a magnificent building to be used as a modern university campus at Kasoa in the Central Region.

A team of educationists and technocrats are preparing for accreditation for the new university to provide modern courses in management and media studies. Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim chairman of ICODEHS, himself an educationist had this to say about the Chief Imam. his eminence the National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, as many of you, may be aware, is an educationist, a teacher and above all a champion of empowerment through education.

According to Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim, the Chief Imam believes that through education, every man or woman can and has the potential of achieving what he or she aspires. He believes and associates himself with the saying that an educated and literate person is a master of his or her destiny

Above all the National Chief Imam has come to realize that not many Muslim parents are capable of supporting their children financially to pursue educational studies.

But he is of the firm belief that, Education should not be a privilege for a few that can afford it in any society but rather a right for every child of school going age from primary to tertiary level.

Pursuant to this vision the National Chief Imam accepted the proposal to establish the Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu Education Fund [SONSETFUND] in 2009. He set up an executive council with Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim head of ICODEHS, as chairman to work towards promoting quality education among the less privileged in Ghana. 20 years on, SONSETFUND has done a lot in the area of education in Ghana by laying plans to support brilliant but needy students from the Muslim areas in Ghana who constantly appealed to Muslim leaders and the Chief Imam for assistance.

In the early days of its formation, SONSETFUND linked up with MTN to raise funds through Islamic texts messages by Chief Imam. The proceeds were used in reconstructing some secondary schools in the Upper West and East Regions in Ghana. That was the first of its kind in Ghana by the National Chief Imam which opened up room for the enrolment of more students up north.

SONSETFUND received books on various subjects from donors in Britain which were distributed to the University of Ghana, University of Development Studies, Islamic University of Ghana among other institutions.

This was followed by a gigantic step taken to support Muslim and northern students in our tertiary institutions through the students loans scheme of Ghana leading to SONSETFUND supporting more than 2000 students to access loans from the Students to go through their courses. Some of the students have completed their studies and are said to begin paying back loans granted them.

Through assistance given to SONSETFUND by the Islamic Council for Development and Humanitarian Services, a school block is being constructed at Abokobi in Accra to serve as a basic school. The project has reached an advanced stage and would be completed soon to enroll pupils in kindergarten and primary classes.

Since the primary aim of SONSETFUND is to offer support to students from basic schools to tertiary level, a scholarship scheme was established for needy students in various schools in the country.

Pursuant to the vision on education nineteen [19] qualified and needy students were awarded bursary worth 35,000GHC to study in various institutions in Greater Accra, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo Northern, Upper West and Eastern Regions.

The beneficiaries of the scholarships that includes seven women will pursue subjects of interests to the nation including nursing, midwifery, science and technology, business studies, religious studies, development studies and communication studies.

All the education programs of SONSETFUND could not have been possible without financial support of some individuals and organizations that includes MTN, Ghana Commercial Bank, ICODEHS, the Member of Parliament for Okaikoi North, Patrick Boamah and Yusif Ibrahim Chairman of the GT Bank and Managing Director of Dar es Salaam group of companies.

At a ceremony held at the residence of the National Chief Imam Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim Chairman of ICODEHS and SONSETFUND extended his thanks to all organizations who helped in diverse ways towards the programs of the fund and prayed for Gods blessings and guidance to them all.
Vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has disclosed that government has abrogated about 20 power purchase agreements signed by the erstwhile Mahama government.

According to him, this has saved the country a whopping $300 million.

We have saved the country $300 million by reviewing and prioritizing the existing power purchasing agreements. We've essentially cancelled about 20 of them, we've asked four of them to go ahead and the rest to delay by two or three years and in so doing, we have managed to reduce government's liabilities, he noted.

The Akufo-Addo government had argued that some of the power agreements the Mahama government entered into were bloated, and were not value for money.

They complained that, the Ameri Power deal was bloated by about $150 million, and have threatened to review the agreement.

Speaking on Monday at a Joy FM Town Hall meeting, Dr. Bawumia added that, government has secured financing for two major electrification projects, which would extend electricity to over 800 communities when implemented.

He also stated that, they further intend to put government buildings on solar plants instead of piling up debts for government.

We have in the energy sector taken some major decisions. Anyone who is coming to produce power in Ghana and says we want a power purchase agreement, we are saying that you cannot charge us more than ten cents per kilowatt hourWe've also secured financing for two major electrification projects, the Hunan and China projects, and this when implemented, will extend electricity to over 800 communities, the Vice President added.



By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
Lusaka (AFP) - Zambia's main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday claimed he was assault by police during his arrest as he appeared in court on charges of obstructing the presidential motorcade.

The leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), who appeared before a magistrates court, is facing two separate charges over the alleged incident, which occurred on the weekend of April 8-9.

One of the charges is treason which will be heard at a later date in the High Court.

Police went to arrest him on April 11, with Hichilema telling the magistrate that they had attacked and tear-gassed him in an ordeal that lasted 15 hours.

"We were attacked by criminals in police uniforms," he said. "They came without a search warrant."

Hichilema had allegedly refused to give way to President Edgar Lungu's convoy as they were both travelling to the Western province for a traditional ceremony.

Several days later, more than 100 armed police surrounded Hichilema's house outside Lusaka, firing tear gas before taking him into custody, AFP correspondents at the scene said.

Hichilema has launched unsuccessful legal bids to challenge Lungu's victory in last August's election, and the businessman-turned-politician has said that he does not recognise Lungu's presidency.

He claims the vote was rigged and accuses Lungu of unleashing an unprecedented bout of political repression in Zambia, which is known for its relative stability.

Hichilema's lawyer Vincent Malambo told the court that since his arrest, his client had been denied access to a legal representative and family visits.

At Tuesday's hearing, the magistrate ruled that he be seen by a doctor of his choice and be given access to both lawyers and family while in custody.

His arrest has been strongly condemned by civil group and political commentators who say the charges would fuel tensions in this poor southern African country.

He returns to court on Wednesday.
18.04.2017 LISTEN

In a recent lecture , Owen Jones, who described himself as a socialist humanist and an atheist, drew attention to his objection to aggressive atheism. He defined aggressive atheism as that form of atheism that treats religious belief and believers with contempt. Jones said, Yet while I am an atheist, I dont have contempt for the religious.

There is an aggressive form of atheism that simplistically reduces the worlds many problems to religious belief and treats believers and belief  however moderate  with contempt. I have been pondering over this statement since I finished listening to his lecture. I have tried relating it to situations in many parts of the world where aggressive theism and religion rages.

Jones went on to argue that the manifestation of aggressive atheism was not conducive to the realisation of a peaceful and harmonious society and could only lead to extremism. Well, I guess that Jones may have made this statement bearing in mind the British society. Even at that, I find his position ambiguous and misleading.

Treating Religion with Contempt

For me, Jones conflated so many issues in his efforts to denounce and discredit aggressive atheism. The fact is that there are religious expressions which do not deserve respect. There are religious teachings that should be treated with contempt whether one is an aggressive atheist or not. These are religious notions that are either false or immoral. Many religious beliefs show disdain for facts and evidence. In addition, there are certain categories of religious believers that should be treated with scorn and disdain. These believers should be so treated not because of who they are as human beings, but because of what they do, i.e. evil; because of what they peddle, i.e. falsehoods, and because what they commit, i.e. atrocities!

Take for instance the religious belief in blasphemy which is wreaking havoc in many parts of the world today. Should one treat such an obscene article of faith with respect? I mean, many religions consider it a crime that is punishable by death or imprisonment to commit an act or expression that insults or shows disrespect for a god or anything deemed sacred.

Now think about this: how does one determine what/who is insulting a god or a religion? Today we have many religions that people profess across the world. These faiths lay competing claims to god and sacredness. In actual fact, these religions are competing claims of insult and disrespect because their teachings conflict and contradict each other in many respects. In fact, how can anyone talk about disrespecting a god? Is it not absurd that a spirit can be respected or disrespected?

Religions Are Mutually Blasphemous

Even without aggressive atheism or the tendency of a category of atheists to mock or ridicule religious beliefs, it is virtually impossible to achieve a harmonious religiously pluralistic society where religious belief in blasphemy actively applies because religions are mutually blasphemous. The religions of today were the blasphemies of yesterday!

Every religious believer is a blasphemer because the teaching of one religion mocks the doctrines of other faiths. In fact, what one religion deems sacred, another treats as profane. Islamic religious doctrines mock Christian beliefs and vice versa. Both Christian and Islamic preachers ridicule Africans indigenous religious claims in the cause of their evangelism.

So if I may ask: How can there be respect for freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression in societies where the religious belief in blasphemy applies? How can the human rights of believers and non-believers be equally guaranteed in a society that reckons with the outrageous idea that gods or religions could be insulted and those who disrespect these gods and faiths should be executed?

So, the religious belief in blasphemy is a recipe for oppression, chaos, anarchy and bloodletting. If you are in doubt, take a look at countries such as Pakistan , Bangladesh , Nigeria and Jordan , where blaspheming against Islam is a crime under the law. Religious (Muslim) believers often take the law into their hands. They have murdered persons who are accused of blasphemy. Their allies are trying to extend the law to the west and to the entire world. They are campaigning to make criticism of Islam or what they call islamophobia a crime.

Personally, I have nothing but scorn for any religion that treats human life, dignity and freedom with contempt. Religious absurdities that motivate believers to commit atrocities are undeserving of respect by human beings. Any religion, be it Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, or the indigenous faith, that sanctions death for blasphemers is evil and unworthy of humanity. Satire and criticism should be used to highlight their mistaken ideas and twisted moralities

Religious believers who murder blasphemers and apostates are vicious entities. Using satire to expose the absurdity of what they represent is a moral duty to humanity. Religious believers who support that persons who cartoon Prophet Muhammad or that those who burn or desecrate the Quran be killed should be treated with uttermost disdain because their beliefs constitute real threats and dangers to the realisation of an open, tolerant and progressive society.

I want to reiterate that religions that treat human life, freedom, truth, fact and evidence with contempt deserve nothing but disparagement. Such religious beliefs should be ridiculed and excoriated out of existence. To be specific, all the Mullahs and Muslims who were behind the latest blasphemy attacks in Pakistan that led to the brutal murder of a university student, Mashal , are a shame to humanity. The brand of Islam that they represent will forever dwell in infamy.

If that makes me an aggressive atheist, so be it.
Ibrahim Mahama, brother of former President John Dramani Mahama has been picked up by the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO), Starrfmonline.com has gathered.

Information gathered by Starrfmonline.com indicate that Mr. Mahama was picked up to answer questions over some dud cheques he issued to the Customs division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at the Tema Port to clear some heavy duty equipment he had imported.

It is, however, not known if the businessman was also questioned on some allegations of fraud leveled against him by Member of Parliament for Assin Central Kennedy Agyepong.

Hon. Agyepong had alleged on Oman FM in March this year that the younger brother of former President Mahama defrauded the state of almost 14million cedis.

The maverick politician accused Mr. Mahama of taking advantage of the position of his brother and perpetuating criminal activities against the state.
Benin City is the stunning capital of Edo state. Its the center of Nigerias rubber industry and processing palm nuts for oil is also an important traditional industry there.

There many interesting things to explore in this historic and cultural city. Jumia Travel , the leading online travel agency, shares 5 interesting things about Benin City.

The Royal Obas Palace

Really, whats more interesting than a palace? In truth, no vacation or visit to Benin City is complete without a visit to this cultural and historical splendor. The Royal Obas Palace is at the heart of the city and a repository of Benin crafts. Its really a cultural and historic goldmine with interesting ancient adornments and ornaments that are sincerely a delight to explore.

The Benin Moat

Youve probably heard this name once or twice and wondered what exactly it was. The Benin Moat also known as Iya is one of the largest man made earthwork in the world. The Benin Moat was actually used as a defensive fortification for the Ancient Benin City and its archaeology is recognized as something that is indeed admirable. However, the monument has in recent times been described as a neglected monument in search of a rescuer. Nevertheless, its still a truly interesting feature of the city and a testament to the ingenuity and engineering acumen of the old Benin Kingdom.

Igun-Eronmwon Quarters

Its also called Igun Street and is listed as a Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. The quarters is home to brass/bronze casting industries in Benin City and gives an opportunity to witness bronze casting in its various stages and buy any piece of your choice. Its the home guild of Benin Bronze casters with various popular bronze works of kings, queens, other notable royalties and other artistic motif to explore.

Igue Festival

This is the most popular festival in the city and is where the Oba celebrates the history and culture of his people as he blesses the land and the people. The festival is typically celebrated at a time between Christmas and New year and it involves traditional dances, a mock battle and a procession to the palace to reaffirm loyalty to and respect for the Oba. The festival is typically an annual cycle of rituals and rites, and is used as a platform by the Edo people to display their rich culture and tradition.

Revelation Tourist Palazzo

A place with an interesting name indeed; the palazzo has been described as a place the history of Nigeria comes alive and for cultural enthusiasts is the heartbeat of culture in Nigeria. Its a privately owned museum and tourist center put together by music maestro Prof. Victor Uwaifo. There are different exhibition points at this palazzo and each one extensively treats a specific subject, from music to culture, telling different sides of the Binis. Its an educative and culturally enriching site to explore.

5 INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT BENIN CITY

Benin City is the stunning capital of Edo state. Its the center of Nigerias rubber industry and processing palm nuts for oil is also an important traditional industry there. There many interesting things to explore in this historic and cultural city. Jumia Travel , the leading online travel agency, shares 5 interesting things about Benin City.

The Royal Obas Palace

Really, whats more interesting than a palace? In truth, no vacation or visit to Benin City is complete without a visit to this cultural and historical splendor. The Royal Obas Palace is at the heart of the city and a repository of Benin crafts. Its really a cultural and historic goldmine with interesting ancient adornments and ornaments that are sincerely a delight to explore.

The Benin Moat

Youve probably heard this name once or twice and wondered what exactly it was. The Benin Moat also known as Iya is one of the largest man made earthwork in the world. The Benin Moat was actually used as a defensive fortification for the Ancient Benin City and its archaeology is recognized as something that is indeed admirable. However, the monument has in recent times been described as a neglected monument in search of a rescuer. Nevertheless, its still a truly interesting feature of the city and a testament to the ingenuity and engineering acumen of the old Benin Kingdom.

Igun-Eronmwon Quarters

Its also called Igun Street and is listed as a Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. The quarters is home to brass/bronze casting industries in Benin City and gives an opportunity to witness bronze casting in its various stages and buy any piece of your choice. Its the home guild of Benin Bronze casters with various popular bronze works of kings, queens, other notable royalties and other artistic motif to explore.

Igue Festival

This is the most popular festival in the city and is where the Oba celebrates the history and culture of his people as he blesses the land and the people. The festival is typically celebrated at a time between Christmas and New year and it involves traditional dances, a mock battle and a procession to the palace to reaffirm loyalty to and respect for the Oba. The festival is typically an annual cycle of rituals and rites, and is used as a platform by the Edo people to display their rich culture and tradition.

Revelation Tourist Palazzo

A place with an interesting name indeed; the palazzo has been described as a place the history of Nigeria comes alive and for cultural enthusiasts is the heartbeat of culture in Nigeria. Its a privately owned museum and tourist center put together by music maestro Prof. Victor Uwaifo. There are different exhibition points at this palazzo and each one extensively treats a specific subject, from music to culture, telling different sides of the Binis. Its an educative and culturally enriching site to explore.
Some financial analysts have described as minimal the GHc545,950,332.73 released for the Temporary Pension Fund Account (TPFA).

The National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) last week announced that GHc545,950,332.73 has so far been released by government for onward distribution to contributors.

The fund which had been locked up from September 2016 to April 2017 has led to many agitations especially from public sector pensioners.

Speaking to Citi Business News on the matter, Pension Consultant, Andrews Agblobi said government should be strategic in releasing more funds and in a timely manner.

They have a lot to release, so far I will say they haven't released that much because for the public sector none has been released yet when it comes to the TPFA so there is a lot to be released, it is true they cannot do so at once so as not to cause any shock to the economy but they can do so in a more timely manner, Mr. Agblobi said.

As of June 2016, the NPRA had about GHc2.9 billion of TPFA to be released, with the continuous delay of the release of the funds, leading to the slow growth of some investment portfolios.

Commenting on the issue, Mr. Agblobi said more attention should be given to the public sector so as to facilitate the quick release of their funds for the benefit of the contributors.

If you compare how much is in the TPFA there is close to over two billion that TPFA might have activated so there is a lot to be released, as we go ahead like I said the four major public sector schemes have not been released yet so roughly the number of employees that are involved for this release is roughly about two hundred and fifty thousand so you can see that we have a lot more to go. This has also led to delay in returns on investments, he said



By: Anita Arthur/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
18.04.2017 LISTEN

Letshego Holdings Limited (Letshego), Africas leading inclusive finance group providing consumer lending, microfinance and deposit-taking services to improve life, has concluded the 100% acquisition of afb Ghana Plc.

Key developments to be introduced to the Ghanaian market were presented before stakeholders including the Ghanaian media in press conference held in Accra.

Details of the transaction were shared with the media and public in early 2017 when Bank of Ghana gave their approval; the acquisition has subsequently been approved by the Ghana Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The welcoming of afb Ghana into the Letshego Group is envisioned to provide an enhanced customer experience for the Ghanaian people, who will be offered simple, appropriate and accessible financial solutions to improve their lives.

Announcing this transaction to the Ghanaian market in early 2017, Letshego shared that its diversified solutions encourage communities to financially empower themselves in a variety of sectors including agri-business, education, housing and healthcare.

Letshego and the afb team have now further shared their intent to deliver more broad-based solutions during 2017 and going forward, primarily over a mobile delivery and access platform in order to enhance access, affordability and drive the progressive development of customer needs-based solutions.

In order to deliver this inclusive finance agenda in Ghana, the leadership shared their philosophy of ensuring delivery of their strategic intent by starting with their people.

To this end, afb Ghana Plcs newest board member and Chairman, Blaise Mankwa, was recognised and welcomed into the companys governance structures.

Welcoming the media, and commenting on his appointment, Mr. Mankwa said, I am pleased to accept the appointment as Chairman of the Board of afb Ghana Plc. Clearly, this is a dynamic company being empowered by the Letshego Group to embrace financial inclusion while delivering growth and returns for its shareholders.

The board and I will support Letshego and the afb team to engage our regulators and stakeholders. We will look to ensure we are capacitated to provide access to needs-driven financial solutions anytime, anywhere, without compromising a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance and upholding high standards of governance and risk management.

With Letshegos support, afb will continue advocating for financial inclusion policy enhancements, driving innovation, and mobilising financial empowerment programmes in underserved communities. Representing the Letshego Group was Duduetsang Olsen-Namanyane, Group Chief Operating Officer (COO), who also represents Letshegos interest on the afb Ghana Plc board.

We are pleased to welcome Blaise onto the afb Ghana board. We have begun collaborating with the afb Ghana team and including them in the Letshego family. Our strategic intent to be Africas leading inclusive finance group is based on the model of providing the financially under-served with simple, appropriate and accessible solutions.

"We are clear that this cuts across the formal, informal and Micro and Small Entrepreneurial (MSE) sectors of the society. We look forward to working with our Ghana Board as well as Arnold and his highly engaged team. Together, we seek to empower our people, our customers, communities and to improve their lives. said Mr Olsen-Namanyane.

Arnold Parker, afb Ghana Managing Director also added, as our Group COO, Dudu, has shared, we already are part of the Letshego family.

We have begun work on a number of synergies between the two operations. For example, on the back of our established and successful payroll lending operations, we are developing a mobile micro-loan solution that we will share more about in due course.

In addition, with our deposit-taking capability, another priority is to mobilise savings for the financially under-served in this market. Our nation, and our economy, is brimming with potential that we look forward to helping realise.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Joy Business
The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta has directed that names of 26,589 public sector workers be removed from the payroll commencing April 2017 for failure to register on the new SSNIT biometric system. A statement from the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Finance said the affected workers had failed to register despite many opportunities to do so.

The Minister, in his presentation of the 2017 budget, announced Government's commitment to clean the payroll.

To that effect, the Minister requested that the Controller and Accountant General on the 10th of February 2017 should inform all public servants on the Government of Ghana mechanised payroll system who had not registered on the new SSNIT biometric system to do so by the end of February 2017.

The notice further stated that commencing end of March 2017,salaries for un-enrolled workers, were to be suspended indefinitely or until the SSNIT re-enrollment was completed by the said workers. The February 28th, 2017 deadline was further extended to March 31st 2017 by the Minister of Finance.

This directive will as such now come into effect commencing with the end of April 2017 payroll. Consequently, those not registered with SSNIT, as directed shall be treated as Ghost going forward and shall as such be removed from the payroll for April 2017.

In a related development, the Minister has also directed the Controller and Accountant General to suspend the payment of pensions to some 23,029 people because they could not be accounted for in a nationwide head count which ended on the 22nd of October 2016.These two directives, resulting in the identification of close to 50, 000 Ghost names on the payroll and Pensions Registry were expected to save the country some GH35 million in payroll cost on a monthly basis or a total of over GHS250 million in 2017 alone.The statement said SSNIT was prepared to validate any affected pensioner, across the country, who availed themselves to be counted and validated going forward.

It said several mobile enrolment kits were on standby to cater for affected pensioners who may not be able to travel to their nearest SSNIT district offices to complete the validation process. The Minister called on all citizens to help protect the public purse as Government was commited to bringing Ghana beyond Aid. Any real person whose name has been suspended can visit any of the SNNIT branches nationwide to be biometrically re-enrolled. SNNIT has set up enrolment desks within all their offices, the statement added.

-GNA
Nyankomasi (C/R), April 18, GNA - Scores of people in the Assin South District of the Central Region have expressed satisfaction and hope with the performance of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo led administration in its first 100 days in office.

They have therefore called on Ghanaians to rally behind the President, adding that 'it would require the active involvement and support of all to achieve the transformation agenda.'

The people said this when Ghana News Agency (GNA) team visited some communities in the area including Nyankomasi, Darmang, Kyekyewere, Manso, Nsuta and Edubiase.

They were particularly optimistic in the President's ability to initiate innovative policies and programmes to hasten the pace of socio-economic development to improve the livelihoods of the people.

They commended the President for the alacrity with which he assembled his ministers to take-off the political and administrative governance of the country.

Mr Emmanuel Boakye-Antwi, a resident of Nyankomasi and a retired teacher, was full of praise for the President for his determination to redeem the campaign promise of introducing free Senior High School (SHS) education slated for September this year.

He therefore called on the government to give it a strong financial backing to significantly reduce the burden on parents.

At Assin Darmang, the district capital, Madam Naomi Botway, a farmer lauded the President's initiative to supply subsidised fertilizer to farmers to boost food production and maintain food security.

She urged the President to crack the whip on the activities of illegal miners (galamsey) and demanded that 'Ghanaians should adopt better and sustainable sanitation practices and learn to protect and preserve the environment.'

He said the law enforcement agencies should also deal ruthlessly with all illegal miners as well as politicians, traditional rulers and foreigners engaged in the menace.

Mr George Hodzie, resident of Edubiase, however, asked the President to give meaning to his 'Father for all' mantra by restraining his party activists and vigilante groups from attacking political opponents and institutions.

He condemned the attacks and the inability of the party to stop its supporters from their unruly behaviour and called on all we-meaning Ghanaians to speak against it.

At Cape Coast, Nana Twum, a taxi driver was optimistic that Nana Akufu Addo's administration would deliver.

Giving reasons on his position, he noted that the plans and programmes enumerated by the Vice President, Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia on Easter Monday was a strong indication that Ghanaians would smile 'soon'.

Vida Ackon, a trader at Kotokuraba market said she was confident that the new administration could perform.

According to her, it was the first time she voted for the New Patriotic Party, but was positive that her vote would not go to waste and appealed to the government not to renege on its promises.

She mentioned the free SHS, the one district one factory and a million dollars for each constituency as some of the policies that informed her decision to change her vote.

A teacher, Ms Betty Okwan urged the new administration to rigorously pursue the illegal mining menace and stem it out completely saying, this would give the government credit and perpetuate it's stay in office if it was able to achieve that feat.

GNA

By Afedzi Abdullah/Isaac Arkoh, GNA
18.04.2017 LISTEN



Accra, April 18, GNA - Some market women at the Tema Station in Accra have expressed varied views on the 100 days tenure of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in power.

While most of them commended the NPP for a good job done, some were of the view that they expected more from the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo's government.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Tuesday, Mrs Irene Yaa, a tomatoes seller, said Ghanaians should give the Akufo- Addo government the benefit of the doubt to exhibit what he could do to improve the economy.

She explained: 'It's been only 100 days since the government came to power. It therefore needs to pay all the debts the former Government left behind.'

Mrs Irene yaa applauded the NPP government for the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, which would take effect in September.

Mrs Salomey Amponsah a trader in shoes also praised the NPP for the reduction of some taxes.

She expressed gratitude to President Nana Akufo-Addo for the restoration of the National Health Insurance Scheme.

She however entreated government to 'continue the good work' and fulfil all its promises.

Hajia Bature, a vegetable seller, said she was not happy about the economic status of the country.

She explained that prices of goods had rather increased instead of decreased, which forced sellers to also increase the price of their goods.

This she said had made trading very difficult, resulting in less purchase of their products.

A trader who wanted to remain anonymous said, prices of goods were not stable in the market.

'One buys goods at a lower price today and the next minute prices increase,' she noted

She said business was not picking up well and government should help them out.

GNA

By Christielove Basmel Aborchie/Jamila Abubakar, GNA
18.04.2017 LISTEN

Accra, April 18, GNA - Ghana, under the government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has suffered 'one hundred days of deception, thuggery, corruption and ostentation.'

The Minority Caucus in Parliament, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in an assessment of the first 100 days of the NPP Government said the Government failed to honour its campaign promises on which it rode to power.

The NDC Minority Caucus, at a media conference in Accra, alluded to the Ghanaian Akan proverb 'agro beso a, efri anopa,' to wit, 'the signs of an enthralling game can be detected right from the beginning,' and said the governing NPP had disappointed Ghanaians right from its early days in power.

The conference, addressed by the Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, his deputy James Klutse Avedzi and Ranking Member on Finance Cassiel Ato Forson assured Ghanaians that it would continue to hold the Government in check.

'On our part, we shall offer the needed support and criticise constructively with the view to shepherding the ailing Akufo-Addo government in order that they do not roll back the clock of progress set in motion by the NDC government,' the NDC assured.

The NDC Caucus alerted the NPP government that Ghana could not wait for what if called 'four years of recklessness, violence lawlessness and insecurity, incompetence, hardship, and '110 elephant sized ministers.

It called on President Akufo-Addo to 'listen to the plea of most well-meaning Ghanaians and drastically prune' his government now.

'And so, with only the next election as an option, we ask the Almighty God for divine intervention in the affairs of this nation. 'Awurade, begye steer no; May the Almighty take over the steering wheel,'' Dr Avedzi said in a statement.

Dr Avedzi, in a swipe at the NPP government, said they were not creating jobs for the masses and neither were they alleviating hardships, but only interested in creating an 'elephant size' executive by appointing 110 ministers and deputy ministers, and other party apparatchiks to positions.

With reference to the activities of some vigilante groups in the country, the Minority NDC caucus accused the NPP of having earned the distinction of a violent organisation, recalling that internal disagreements within the party that degenerated into bloody political clashes long before the NPP came into power.

'The NPP has been importing wholesale into government, the same acts of violence and lawlessness that marked their time in opposition,' the NDC caucus noted.

And with reference to groups of thugs calling themselves 'Invincible Forces', Kahandar Boys' and 'Delta Force' the Minority NDC caucus said these groups 'have instituted a reign of terror in many parts of the country including government facilities and installations.

Dr Avedzi recalled an incident at the Flagstaff House, the seat of Government, on January 9, 2017, the very first day President Akufo Addo reported to work, when 'members of the notorious Invincible Forces subjected a senior police officer, ASP Nankan Bruce to assault and harassment.... These thugs later went to intimidate his family at home, ransacked his house and towed away his personal vehicles.'

According to the NDC Minority caucus, the absence of professional staff and trained tour guards who otherwise manned the Kintampo Waterfalls as a result being driven away by the vigilante groups soon after the 2016 elections contributed to the disaster at the falls 'which sadly claimed the lives of 20 promising teenagers.

While praying for the peaceful rest for the souls of the deceased, Dr Avedzi called the incident an 'act of deliberate terrorism', in addition to referencing the attack by another group named Delta Force, which he associated with the NPP that attacked the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator at the Regional Coordinating Council in Kumasi.

'The reason for this senseless act of thuggery was that the said appointee was not their preferred candidate for the job of Regional Security Coordinator, and that his appointment flew in the face of earlier agreements reached with the President.

'According to the illegal Delta Force, they had been promised their leader was the right and competent man for the post of Ashanti Regional Coordinator.

'...On 6th April 2017, thirteen of these Delta Forces were arraigned before the court of Justice Mary Nsenkyire in Kumasi, on the account of their assault on the legitimately appointed Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator.'

'The Delta Force physically stormed the lady justice's court and thumbed their noses on the justice delivery in Ghana, as they intimidated the judge and everybody who was in the court and its precincts and freed the accused persons, whiles the police personnel on duty looked on helplessly.

'This contemptuous act committed right in court and before a judge, led to the accused persons fleeing from justice that day. '

The NDC caucus laid the blame of 'state lawlessness 'at the doorsteps of President Akufo-Addo, explaining that he is the one who encouraged the training of 'these thugs' by South African mercenaries and benefited most from their intimidation and harassment of his critics within the NPP, during the bloody confrontations within the party between 2013 and 2016 'in return for juicy appointments and precious gifts should he win political power.'

Citing other violent acts as driving away public sector workers, attacking schools and driving away caterers feeding school children, the Minority said the 'impunity with which these violent thugs have behaved only stemmed from tacit support from the highest levels of government.'

The NDC caucus called on the President to go beyond condemnation to decisive action against 'these hoodlums' and also urgently step in 'to assure the judiciary that they can be free to work devoid of fear from political attack among others.'

The Minority also made mockery of the 110 ministers and deputy ministers, nicknaming it as '110 ministers in 100 days.'

'We demand on behalf of the people of Ghana, the full publication of the names and associated compensation packages of all persons engaged in this capacity since the Akufo-Addo government came into office.'

GNA

By Benjamin Mensah, GNA
By D.I. Laary

Accra, April 18, GNA - The Energy Media Group, producers of Energy Ghana magazine has called on Deputy Minister of Energy Dr Mohammed Amin Adam to present copies of its quarterly bulletin to the Ministry.

Dr Adam who expressed appreciation to the Energy Media Group (EMG) for the production of the bulletin on energy matters in the country described their visit as timely.

He pledged the Ministry's support to enable local content, which he said was the topmost priority of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to be competitive on the turbulent global market.

In areas of partnership, he said, 'the Ministry's doors werw always opened' to the magazine producers for access of information to help them make compelling stories in their subsequent editions.

'There is the need for the energy sector to be marketed to the rest of the world of which the media, especially EMG cannot be left out,' Dr Adam said.

'Ghana has the best brains and what we need is to harness our fullest potential inclusively in every facet of our economy.

'The Government vision is to create the enabling business environment to help local enterprises grow,' he said, 'to show this commitment, I personally subscribe to the magazine.'

Receiving the magazine on behalf the ministry was Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy, Professor Thomas Man Akabzaa.

Mr Henry Teinor, Chief Executive of EMG who made the presentation said the magazine contained various exciting topics that looked critically at the happenings in the country's downstream, midstream and upstream energy sector policies.

'It contains topics like Ghana's electricity policy since 1920: the plans, the promises and election cycle as well as whether Ghana is ready to handle oil spills are dealt by experts in the bulletin.'

The 60-page quarterly magazine made in-depth analysis into energy expectations of Ghanaians in the midst of chronic problems in the power sector.

'We are hoping that President Akufo-Addo will be powering Ghana adequately in 2017, while he takes the mantle of leadership,' Mr Teinor, who is also the Editor of the magazine, said.

GNA
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - South Sudanese former rebels on Tuesday released 16 UN staff after holding them hostage for several hours in a camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a UN official said.

About 530 former rebels from South Sudan are living in the Munigi camp, just outside of Goma, where they fled when fighting flared in the South Sudanese capital of Juba in July.

"We are pleased to confirm that all 16 MONUSCO staff, who were earlier being held in a camp for former combatants in Munigi, have been released," said a UN official.

The 16 staff worked for the UN mission, known as MONUSCO, but there were no details about their nationalities.

"The camp is quiet and under full control of MONUSCO. All staff have returned safely to their homes," said the official.

The official added that there were no casualties from the incident and that the mission had opened an investigation.

The combatants, who were disarmed when they entered the camp, have for months demanded to be relocated, but UN officials have been unable to find countries willing to take them in.

Rebel leader Riek Machar remains in South Africa and has been prevented from returning to South Sudan.

After gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan descended into war in December 2013, leaving tens of thousands dead and 3.5 million people displaced.
Bamako (AFP) - Suspected jihadists killed five Malian soldiers Tuesday in the restive northern Timbuktu region, the government said, while the French army said it had "neutralised" around 10 fleeing attackers.

The attackers made a dawn raid on an army camp in the remote Gourma Rharous area, about 120 kilometres (75 miles) from the ancient city of Timbuktu, a statement from Mali's government said.

The assault "by a terrorist group" led to "the deaths of five soldiers and around 10 wounded," the statement said without identifying the attackers.

The French army said troops serving under Operation Barkhane, its counterterror operation targeting jihadist groups in the Sahel region, had arrived at the scene after Malian soldiers raised the alarm.

They sent a plane and a team of French commandos and about 10 of the fleeing attackers were "neutralised" about 30 kilometres from the camp they raided, it said, without specifying if the attackers had been killed or wounded.

The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali condemned the "terrorist" attack and said it had sent a helicopter to evacuate the injured soldiers.

Mali's north fell under the control of jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012 who hijacked an ethnic Tuareg-led uprising, though the Islamists were largely ousted by a French-led military operation in January 2013.

But swathes of the country remain beyond the control of Malian, French and UN forces, which face regular attacks despite a 2015 peace deal that was supposed to isolate the jihadists once and for all.
Lawyers for eight members of Delta Force standing trial at a Kumasi Circuit Court expressed disappointment at the inability of the court to bring finality to the case on Tuesday.

The concerns by the counsels of the members of the so-called 'vigilante group' stems from the decision of the court to adjourn hearing to the 17th of May, 2017 following the Attorney-General Department's request for the case docket for perusal.

Lead prosecutor, ACP Okyere Darko, announced the A-G office's request in court on Tuesday, much to the displeasure of lawyers for the Delta Force.

The eight Delta Force members were granted bail last week on charges of disturbances in court, resisting arrest and rescuing persons in lawful custody.

Lead counsel for the vigilante group, Garry Nimako, told the media after Tuesdays hearing the defence team was disappointed at the turn of events because the A-G department's request to study the case docket will delay the process.

I thought they [court] were going to commence trial, he stated.

Mr. Nimako, however, said the defence team will wait patiently for the due process to be followed.

We will wait to abide by the direction of the Attorney-General", he said.

The lawyers have maintained the innocence of the eight accused persons.
Why is it that we want to believe so badly?

Most of the western world has just celebrated the Easter break. Its meant to be a celebration of Christs death (on Good Friday) and rebirth (on Easter Sunday).

For such a world defining event, youd think wed have the date of it nailed, wouldnt you?

Instead, it changes every year. Thats because Easter is a pagan seasonal celebration, hijacked by the Church to make it a religious celebration.

The actual day of the celebration of Christs death depends on the date of the full moon after the Autumn equinox. In the northern hemisphere, the equinox indicates the time where the sun swings back over the equator and ushers in longer days and the rebirth of nature (spring).

If you had just spent the past six months freezing and existing on stored crops, youd celebrate the changing of seasons too.

No wonder the early Church was happy to use the date for its own story of rebirth. And there were clearly enough willing believers to quickly make it the dominant reason behind the Easter celebration.

I thought of this need to believe in something after reading an article in the Financial Review about Donald Trumps recent backflips:

Donald Trumps palpable tiptoe towards mainstream economic and foreign policies illustrates a president lacking firm ideology and trying to reshape his vitriolic campaign rhetoric to the reality he presides over. Trumps shameless recent backflips, partly away from populist nationalism, pose a tantalising question for Americans and the rest of the world trying to understand the direction of the US President. What does Trump actually stand for?

Donald Trump stands for Donald Trump. Its as simple as that.

That people actually believed otherwise is a testament to just how desperate humans are to believe in somethinganything.

After all, we happily accepted that Jesus was born to a virgin, died on the cross, and rose from the dead three days later. The fact that believers of this story were promised everlasting life in heaven made its sale that much easier.

If a great swathe of humanity bought this story, then Trumps election rhetoric to build a wall along the Mexican border, slap 45% trade tariffs on China, pull back from international conflict and sack Fed boss Janet Yellen sound absolutely plausible.

But now its apparent that Trump is just like all other politicians (hungry for power and willing to lie to get it) I wonder what the blowback from the heartland will be? After all, these people genuinely believed his rhetoric. They dont want to know that Easter has its roots as a pagan celebration, and that Jesus didnt really rise from the dead.

Well, now theyre getting a taste of it. How Trump manages the conflict between the realities of politics and his nationalist rhetoric will be fascinating to watch.

China maintains the growth (facade)

Chinas one for the true believers though. The central planners in the Middle Kingdom just keep on delivering. On Monday, it reported its fastest pace of quarterly growth  6.9% annualised  in 18 months.

Thats largely thanks to stimulus measures put into place last year, which have put another rocket under the property market. While its all good in the short term, China is simply building up long term problems to keep the economy humming along.

The single-minded focus on state directed infrastructure spending means the economy is now dangerously reliant on the property sector. According to the Wall Street Journal:

Chinas property industry now accounts for between 25% and 30% of Chinas gross domestic product, including related industries such as construction, according to DBS, a Singapore-based bank.

The problem is that China really has no other options. It recently announced plans to build a brand new city, just south of Beijing. That sparked a frenzy of activity. From the Wall Street Journal again:

XIONGAN NEW AREA, ChinaWhen the Chinese government announced plans earlier this month for a new megacity a two-hour drive south of Beijing, instant gold fever erupted. Fan Yushou, a 36-year-old businessman from Chongqing, about 1,100 miles away, hopped in his car as soon as he heard about the plans and drove for 20 hours. Home prices in the area more than doubled in the days after the April 1 announcement. Local media reported one Beijinger arrived with a trunk full of cash to buy apartments. They all wanted a piece of the Xiongan New Area, billed in state media as an ecocity led by innovation and high tech set to rise from a swath of farmland and plastics factoriesthe epitome of the new model of growth China aspires to.

Its a 15 year project apparently, and will be good for Australias iron ore industry. But the flipside is ever-increasing debt. Total debt in China is now approaching 280% of GDP. Thats dangerously high for a developing economy.

The thing is, it could keep on growing for years. We simply dont know when enough will be enough. All we know is that in a historical context, its dangerousand getting worse.

The great hope for China is that consumers will come through and eventually provide the growth that the government is now giving through its infrastructure spending.

But thats going to be hard to achieve. While consumer spending is strong, it needs to get much stronger to offset any decline from the infrastructure sector. Whether China can engineer such a feat is questionable.

The other issue to consider is Chinas debt levels. As most of the debt in China is internal (its not borrowed from foreigners) the Chinese are basically borrowing from each other.

The household sector is the largest supplier of savings, and has effectively lent these savings to the government and corporate borrowers over the past few years. Its going to be very difficult for consumers to increase their borrowing to such an extent that it will offset reduced government or business borrowing.

Despite these worries, Chinas government has managed to generate decent growth and avoid any debt blow upsso far. Theres nothing to suggest they cant continue to do this for years to come.

And while national anxiety levels around Australias housing market are reaching all-time highs, Chinas successful central planning is good news for our economy. Because while China remains strong, commodity prices will remain at healthy levels, so our economy should continue to keep its head above water.

And that means the housing crash that everyone is waiting for will continue to remain elusive.

Regards,

Greg Canavan,

Editor, Money Morning
Telstra Corp Ltd [ASX:TLS] dropped 3.8% to a low a $4.00 per share this morning. The stock has fallen almost 22% year-to-date. The prospects for Australias biggest Telco arent looking too bright.

What happened to Telstras Share Price?

Recently, investors have been spooked over TPG Telecom Ltds [ASX:TPM] move to cut into Telstras mobile network.

TPG is planning to build its own network, according to The Australian Financial Review. TPG paid $1.26 billion for a slice of the 4G mobile spectrum, and will spend $600 million over three years building its own network.

And if competition lowers returns for Telstra, analysts at Montgomery Investment Management believe, the valuation of the businesses falls by more than just the reduction in earnings.

What now for TPG and Telstra?

Right now might not be the best time to jump into Telstra. Yes, the stock is depressed but, in the face of uncertainty, its hard to say if it has bottomed out yet.

TPG has said they plan to be very competitive on price. But its still unknown how many Aussies will switch over to TPGs network.

For now, it might be worth looking at other potential investments while investors continue to push Telstras share price down.

Regards,

Harje Ronngard,

Junior Analyst, Money Morning

PS: Telstra is known for its huge dividend. The stock has a dividend yield of more than 7%. Now thats pretty hard to beat. But there are other stock paying hefty dividends which arent trending down.

Income specialist, Matt Hibbard has been scouring the ASX to find the very best dividend stocks. In his research he decided to compile his finding into a report called Top 5 Dividend Stocks in Australia for 2017.

To get a free copy of Matts report, click here.
The education system in Nigeria has always been a subject for discussion. The situation is drastic almost at every level of the school. Therefore, no wonder that young Nigerians look for online courses. Still, employees of Nigeria want to find employers with certificates. It means that you need to find online courses with a certificate of completion. Take a close look why you should start online education.

Appearance of the online courses in Nigeria

People do not want to obtain traditional education for many reasons. The Economic situation in the country and overall situation with education facilities do not encourage people to enter the universities. Strikes of the Academic Staff Union of Universities showed the deep problem of the education system, which was further escalated with the killing of 45 learners at the College of the Agriculture.

Should it be mentioned that the Federal and Government keeps decreasing funds of education? The highest allocated funds for education was in 1997  17.59% from the budget. Therefore, the highest payment for the education was made almost twenty years ago.

Dawn of Online Courses in Nigerian Universities

One of the first courses for online education in Nigeria was proposed by Intel. The company managed to provide low-cost free resources for digital learning. Learn Marketplace, and Intel Explore launched to help various age groups across all over the world to find a way to get the education. Learners can access interactive materials, like instruction videos, podcasts, examination papers, and books. Bunmi Ekundare, the country manager of Intel West Africa  assured that educational community would find the way to the Intel materials.

Nowadays you may not attend long hour classes or travel extreme distances to obtain your degree. You can find distance learning solution in the University of Nigeria.

Nigerian Universities E-Learning Fully Online Degree Programs also provide various academic programs where you can get a certificate or degree. If you do not have a desire for relocation  you can certainly get your education at home. You can also get degrees from well-known international universities. It`s extremely helpful not only for learners who can`t afford degrees from the USA or UK but also for people who are physically challenged. A lot of people who want to entry Universities Online Courses will have their dreams fulfilled. You can enroll in the Universities with better prices and international status. Nevertheless, online education also has some challenges as you still need to learn the subject by yourself entirely.

Why do you need University Online Courses?

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Online learning has become a trend in the educational sector. Millions of students around the world prefer to enroll online courses rather than traditional universities. There are several factors, why people prefer online courses over traditional university education.

- You can study online without leaving your work

- You can study where you like as long as you have the internet connection

- Online learning is much cheaper than traditional studying

- You can study at your own pace

Online Courses in the Great Britain

Online UK universities provide a wide range of courses. You can find next undergraduates from the universities:

- Tourism and Hospitality;

- Psychology and Health;

- Media and Computing;

- Law and Finance;

- Business and Management.

Most of the online universities provide postgraduate programs:

- MBA in Tourism and Hospitality;

- Law;

- Finance;

- IT;

- Telecommunication.

Nigerian students can get the best studying online. All required materials are available online for Nigerian students. People can apply for them at any time and any distance. They can also surf the internet for mentors and assistance in academics. Great opportunities are waiting for Nigerian students who want to connect their lives with online courses.

Free Online Courses

There are many online courses that can provide you free education for almost any subject or matter. Most of these courses offer students a credential. It`s something like a certificate of completion. It acknowledges that a student has mastered a certain course of study. Most of the courses are free of charge. It`s happened due to a revolution in the world`s education system. The overall system is called Massive Open Online Courses. You can find the best universities with Massive Online Courses Providers, like:

- Venture Lab;

- Google Course Builder;

- Class2Go;

- edX;

- Udacity;

- Coursera.

These online course providers may help you to find free online courses or partial free online courses in any field of study.

Online Courses on Management

Management is one of the most popular directions for education in Nigeria. Check top 15 international online courses in management

- Windows 10 Features for a Mobile Workforce: Identity Management and Data Access from Microsoft on edX;

- Arts and Heritage Management from Universita Bocconi on Coursera;

- Critical Perspectives on Management  IE Business School on Coursera;

- Entrepreneurial Strategic Management  the University of New Mexico on Coursera;

- Intermediate Financial and Management Accounting from ACCA on edX;

- Introduction to Financial and Management Accounting from ACCA on edX;

- Management and Leadership: Leading a Team  The Open University on FutureLearn.

- Project Management for Business Professionals from Shaping Tomorrow on Canvas Network

- Protected Areas Management in Africa from Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne on Coursera

- Relationship Management from Rice University on Coursera

- Management from the University of Florida on Coursera

- Sustainable Food Production Through Livestock Health Management from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on Coursera

- The Cycle: Management of Successful Arts and Cultural Organizations from University of Maryland of College Park on Coursera

- Intercultural Management from ESCP Europe on Coursera

- Business English: Management and Leadership from Arizona State University on Coursera

Online Courses on Nutrition

Check these top 15 best courses in nutrition and agriculture

- Child Nutrition and Cooking from Stanford University on Coursera

- Food, Nutrition and Your Health from Open2Study

- The Science of Nutrition from the open university on FutureLearn

- Nutrition and Health Part 3: Food Safety from Wageningen University on edX

- Sustainable Agricultural Land Management from the University of Florida on Coursera

- Agriculture and the World We Live In from Massey University on Open2Study

- The Future of Farming: Exploring Climate Smart Agriculture from University of Reading on Futurelearn

- Innovation: The Food Industry from the University of Leeds on FutureLearn

- Food Safety and Toxicology from National Taiwan University on Coursera

- Stanford Introduction to Food and Health from Stanford University on Coursera

- A History of Royal Food and Feasting from University of Reading on FutureLearn

- Food as Medicine from Monash University on FutureLearn

- Identifying Food Fraud from University of East Anglia on FutureLearn

- Antimicrobial Resistance in the Food Chain from the University of Nottingham on FutureLearn

- Energy, Environment and Everyday Life from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign of Coursera

Online courses with certificate of completion

A lot of Universities can provide you a good quality education. They can provide you not only a certificate of completion but also a diploma. Check Top 10 University online courses!

University of Phoenix

This university provides a good quality education for people interested in rolling into the bachelor's, associate`s and master`s degrees.

Ashford University

This university helps to acquire subjects of study with using the latest technologies.

Strayer University

This university 'tailors' the programs and courses according to the lifestyle of the student, so you can easily combine work and study.

Walden University

Walden offers good quality education courses that can fit your lifestyle.

Open University Australia

This University has been rolling students for online courses for over seventeen years.

Columbia Southern University

This university feeds a comfortable style of learning in various fields of study.

Kaplan University

If you have a tight schedule, then Kaplan University is your choice. You can easy work at study at the same time with this University.

State University of New York

It provides various free online courses, where you can be granted with a Statement of Accomplishment. Nevertheless, if you want to enroll into a full study to obtain a degree  it`s also quite possible.

University of Michigan

It`s one of the leading universities in the world. If you want to study IT technology or computer languages, then the University of Michigan can propose you several free online courses for studying on Coursera.

University of Illinois

It`s another USA university that provides a Statement of Accomplishment. You can be successful at the study and work at the same time with this university.

READ ALSO: Teenage pregnancy in Nigeria

Source: Legit.ng
Nigerian educational system suffers from the examination malpractice for a long time. It is said that Nigerian academic certificates are worthless and are no more valuable than the paper they are printed on. Examination malpractice is illegal and can ruin a students life. But what are the main issues? How does it affect students? What can we do to stop the examination malpractice? Today we will give the answer to these questions.

What is the meaning of the examination malpractice?

Examination malpractice is any form of cheating before, during or after examination.

There are different forms of examination malpractice:

Plagiarism (stealing or passing ideas or words of another as ones own); Using any cheat notes; Copying from pre-prepared answer sheet; Colluding with other students to get the right answer; Copying from another students test; Continuing taking the test even when the time is over.

If to generalize, each action that will give one unfair advantage may be considered as examination malpractice. A student can commit examination malpractice either inside or outside the classroom.

What are the main causes of the examination malpractice?

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'He who fails to prepare, gets ready to fail'

One of the leading causes of the examination malpractice is failed preparation. There may be a few reasons for it - a unspecialized teacher that was not able to explain properly, lack of time (for example if a student has a part-time job) and laziness. The last one can be a big issue - students are more eager to do something simpler than studying.

A big amount of students

There may be a large population of students willing to go to higher institutions. However, there are not enough place for all of them. So students, who are not doing very well, will choose examination malpractice in order to get what they want.

Lack of time

The lack of time was mentioned before, but in this case, it is about subjects. There are complex subjects such as Math, Chemistry, Physics, that take a significant amount of time to explain properly. Unfortunately, there are not enough time during the school period, so the curriculum is usually reduced to fit all other subjects.

Students may not be able to get all the needed information from the shortened version of the subjects. Therefore, they are supposed to study on their own or cheat. The last option is the easiest one for the lazy people.

Despair

A lot of students may consider cheating as the only way to pass the exam. They may be prepared, but examination malpractice is something that will let them excel by all means.

Corruption

Corruption is one of the biggest problems in modern society. And educational system suffers from it too. There may be corrupt supervisors and invigilators. A lot of students will like to go the easy way and bribe them to pass the exam.

Parents

Parents want the best for their child and education is not an exception. Some parents may want to bribe teachers instead of hiring a tutor, for example. The easiest option is not always the best choice and parents have to remember that.

The consequences of examination malpractice

Examination malpractice can cause different problems in the future. Students that hsd cheated and werent caught would try to go the same easy way in life - they might stay lazy and unproductive. They will grow into adults that cheat, copy instead of doing work on their own. They will not have any academic or moral values.

Students that tried hard and prepared for exams will become less confident and perhaps suffer from apathy. They will see that unprepared students that can easily pass the exams and think Why do I have to try hard and prepare if anybody can pass?.

Examination malpractice can lead to another area of misconduct such as robbery. It may appear as the easiest and the fastest way to earn money.

What are the solutions to examination malpractice?

There are several possible solutions to examination malpractice.

- Higher salary for teachers. If the salary will be high enough, then there would be no need for corruption;

- Properly trained teachers. A high skilled teacher can cover a big part of the syllabus, so that the students will be well prepared;

- Guidance Counselors. They should be in all schools to help the students on studying and choosing a career;

- Holidays. There should be more holidays in number but less in length. It is known that students tend to be less productive after a long holiday;

- A bigger number of supervisors and invigilators. More people will be able to have more control over the students and will notice any cheating;

- Students should be thoroughly searched before the exam. This is a great option that will help to avoid fraud.

Examination Malpractice is the current problem of the educational system. It affects not only students or teachers but the system in general. It is critical to stop it from spreading. The consequences can be horrible - we will have a society of lazy, unproductive people that are ready to forget about their morals to get what they want. It may be hard to stop students from misconduct, but there are ways to do it.

READ ALSO: Touching story of how this Nigerian lady graduated with a first class in law from University of Buckingham

Source: Legit.ng
- About 1,623 person held in the den of Boko Haram, have been rescued

- The former captives were saved by the troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade Nigerian Army on Operation LAFIYA DOLE, assisted by ten civilian (JTF)

- They were recovered after the troops carried out an offensive on suspected location of Boko Haram terrorists at Jarawa general area, Kala Balge LGA of Borno state

Troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade Nigerian Army on Operation LAFIYA DOLE, assisted by ten civilian JTF, have rescued a total of 1,623 persons held captive by members of the Boko Haram terrorists group in Borno state.

BREAKING: 1,623 persons held captives by Boko Haram released by troops

According to a statement released last night by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman, the successful rescue operation was based on information received, yesterday by the troops by the civilian JTF intimating them to act for the safety of the captives.

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The captives were rescued after a joint effort offensive between the Nigerian troops and men of the JTF

The troops, according to Usman, had embarked on offensive on suspected location of Boko Haram terrorists at Jarawa general area, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State based on the tip-off. But the statement said while advancing, the troops came under heavy fire at Jarawa village and responded decisively.

They went further to clear Deima, Artano, Saduguma, Duve, Bardo, Kala, Bok, Msherde and Ahirde settlements.

Medical attention is very essential for the many who have been trapped in the terrorists den. The troops medical personnel administered medications to the children after the rescue operation

During the operation, the troops neutralized 21 Boko Haram terrorists, rescued 1,623 residents of Jarawa who were held captives by the terrorists.

They also recovered three AK-47 Rifles with registration numbers 565222414, 563729686 and UF 3646, a 36 Hand Grenade, 12 Cutlasses and four motorcycles," the statement added.

"The rescued persons have been escorted to Rann Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, while all the children were vaccinated," the statement added.

Source: Legit.ng
Editor's note: Adjimot Ashogbon, a Nigerian Muslim, has advised business mogul Aliko Dangote on catering more for the poor Muslims in the country.

Ashogbon in this piece believes that, if Dangote takes over 500,000 poor Muslims out of the streets as his Zakat, the battered image of Islam in Nigeria might be salvaged.

Dear Sir,

It is with great humility that I sent this letter to you. I am not sure it will get to you though, but I'm hoping and relying on the power of social media share button that, perhaps, it will.

If however, you receive this letter, please note that I desire nothing personal, but the pleasure of Allah over you and well being of the Muslims at large.

Sir, you know very sure that you have been greatly favoured by Allah among the entire black race in Africa and elsewhere, even among men of other colours, as no name makes echo than yours across Africa.

Your business is progressing and expanding on a daily basis and no household, at least, no one here in Nigeria, can do without your product. Even when our nation is experiencing economic crisis, your business and wealth continues to grow without limit. Such is the favour of Allah over you.

Sir, my greatest concern is about your Zakat, the fourth pillar of Islam, binding upon you as a Muslim.

Sir, my greatest concern is about your Zakat, the fourth pillar of Islam, binding upon you as a Muslim.

READ ALSO: Whistleblower narrates what transpired in Lagos apartment where EFCC seized $50m

As a Muslim from Kano , I'm sure you knew more than I know about the importance of Zakat in the life of a wealthy Muslim. If our noble prophet Muhammad (saw) were to be alive today, you definitely would be noticed by him, and his message to you would centered on Zakat.

Sir, I am not saying you are not paying Zakat, but the impact of your Zakat payment is yet to be seen; it should have been seen. I say this because the extent of your wealth is no longer a secret across the world. For example, it was reported that, as of today, you are the richest Black African with about $25 billion.

The Forbes also ranked you as the 67th Richest person in the world of more than 7 billion people! Your investment cut across the globe, you are healthy and millions of people across the world earns their livelihood through you. Sir, "Which of Your Lord's Favours would you Deny?" (Q.55)

Sir, $25bn is about 5trillion Naira, that is the size of Nigeria's annual budget, which has about 140 millions citizens. Sir, assuming you can pay 2.5% mandatory Zakat on 3trillion Naira only from your wealth, that would be some 75bn Naira!

READ ALSO: BREAKING: 1,623 persons held captives by Boko Haram released by troops (Photos)

Sir, with 75bn Naira made available yearly as Zakat for the vulnerable Muslims, starting from Kano, you can save Islam from its battered image. You will agree with me sir, that boko haram was able to recruits young people because there is too much poverty among the Muslims.

Your Zakat can free no less than 500,000 Muslims every year from poverty if your Zakat is properly used. The gap between Sunni-Shia Muslims may also be considerably reduced and the fortune of Islam and Muslims will rise again.

Sir, your Zakat alone can defeat the terrorists which have turned most Muslim countries of the world to war theater.

In conclusion sir, help cross-check those who handle your Zakat to properly administer it so that the blessings of Allah becomes manifold. May your wealth continues to grow, and may your history never end in the manner of the richest man in the life-time of Prophet Musa (AS).

Thank you sir,

Your Daughter in Islam,

Ajimot Ashogbon.

NB: To those who may share this letter until it gets to you, it is my prayers that they will never be victims of poverty in their life-time. Amen.

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Legit.ng

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Source: Legit.ng
- Detectives are to question a former governor over the recovered fund in a flat in Ikoyi, Lagos

- Some high-profile owners of apartments in the area - Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos have also been penned down for interrogation

- $43.4million was recovered last Wednesday, April 12 from the flat

A report by The Nation indicates that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has identified how the controversial apartment 7B, where the $43.4million was kept, was acquired. Also recovered were 27,000 and N23million cash.

According to the report, detectives are to question a former governor over the recovered fund in a flat in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Some high-profile owners of apartments in the area - Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos have also been penned down for interrogation.

Legit.ng gathered that the EFCC has intensified investigation into the roles played by some apartment owners and tenants on how the cash was brought into the towers.

EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu are under pressure to reveal the owners of the find recovered

The anti-graft agency is said to be suspecting that some owners or tenants may have been complicit in the matter.

READ ALSO: Whistleblower narrates what transpired in Lagos apartment where EFCC seized $50m

A source said: The more we investigate this $43.4m haul, the more we get fresh facts. It has become imperative to interact with some owners or tenants of apartments in the Towers.

We have invited a former governor and other high-profile owners and tenants for interaction. It is just to ask a few questions on whether or not they were aware of such movement of cash.

We have clues linking some occupants of the Towers to the cash haul. And in line with sections 16 and 17 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004, we are inviting these landlords or tenants.

Unless we get to the root of this case, Nigerians may not know the truth or otherwise about the cash.

We are not saying that those invited are guilty of any infraction or having link with the $43.4million but we need to hear from them  in line with the ongoing profiling of those in the Towers.

Another source said detectives discovered that the 7B Apartment was bought in the name of a company allegedly owned by the wife of a senior government official.

President Buhari has since directed that the fund should be paid back into the national treasury

Since investigation is still ongoing, we will not release the identity of the owner of the company. Doing so might jeopardise investigation, the source said, adding that the EFCC had interacted with some people from the company.

A National Intelligence Agency (NIA) source said of the apartment: What happened was that because of the nature of the covert operations which the apartment will be used for, it was necessary to manage the process well.

Only the Deed of Assignment was acquired by Thabis Ventures Limited on behalf of NIA. And immediately the process for the purchase of the apartment was completed, the ownership was clearly stated in the name of NIA. All the papers are reflecting NIA too, he said, adding: The title document is available for anyone to verify.

READ ALSO: Pastor Kumuyi reveals Nigeria's crisis will end soon

Meanwhile, the deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank has written an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari in connection to the recent fund recovery by the EFCC.

The Bayelsa-born APC chieftain noted that while many Nigerians have applauded the progress recorded in the anti-corruption war, and highly commend the EFCC for the great job they are doing, they expect the anti-graft commission to move a step further by disclosing those who truly own the recovered funds.

Source: Legit.ng
- Seven people have been arrested over the assassination attempt on Senator Dino Melaye's life on Saturday, April 15

- The suspects were arrested by the Kogi state police command in connection with the attempt on the senator's life at his residence in Aiyetoro-Gbede

- A black jeep and some ammunition were also recovered by the police

The Nigerian Police Force has arrested seven people over alleged attempt on the life of the senator representing Kogi West Central Dino Melaye.

The individuals were arrested by the Kogi state police command in connection with the attempt on the senator's life at his residence in Aiyetoro-Gbede on Saturday, April 15, Punch reports.

Legit.ng gathered that a black jeep suspected to have been used for the operation alongside some ammunition were recovered by the Kogi state Criminal Investigation Department on Monday, April 17.

The suspects were arrested by the Kogi state police command in connection with the attempt on the senator's life at his residence in Aiyetoro-Gbede

Senator Melaye had on Saturday escaped unhurt after gunmen invaded his house in his country home.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: 1,623 persons held captives by Boko Haram released by troops (Photos)

The gunmen who shot sporadically to the air destroyed two vehicles with bullets.

However, sources within the police, Legit.ng gathered, arrested the suspects at different locations in Kogi state.

The black jeep which was allegedly used in the assassination attempt has been impounded by the police in Kogi state.

Also, security operatives are said to be combing the state for the remaining suspects as the command has ordered the Ijumu local government area administrator Taofiq Isa to report to the police command.

READ ALSO: EFCC intensifies investigation to unravel owner of recovered fund in Ikoyi

Speaking on the matter, the Kogi state police public relations officer William Ayah said investigation is still ongoing.

Recall that Melaye had accused Isa of masterminding the attempt to take his life on Saturday.

While Isa has denied the allegation, he said he was busy attending to his sick wife on the day the incident happened.

Isa said: Ive never been a violent man. My running battle with Dino if any is because I have asked him to stop vilifying the state Governor, Yahaya Bello.

Watch this Legit.ng video of All Progressives Congress official giving reasons his party could be voted out:

Source: Legit.ng
- Southern Cameroun has allegedly joined IPOB in the struggle for Biafra struggle

- A new pro-Biafra group the Biafra Nations Youth League (BNYL), has joined join aligned with the IPOB

- The BNYL says it has pledged its support to IPOB in a bid to end the "oppression of the Biafra people"

Emerging reports suggest that the indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have won the trust and support of Southern Cameroon

According to Daily Sun, a new pro-Biafra group, the Biafra Nations Youth League (BNYL), has joined the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), in its struggle for a sovereign state.

BNYL, according to its leader, Prince Robinson C. Obuka is a community-based organization of youths with headquarters in Bakassi Peninsula.

It was reportedly established on August 3, 2013 in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, following agreements by members and founders to uphold the unity of the various ethnic nations in the Bight of Biafra.

The group said it supported all the actions taken so far by IPOB on the continued detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Already, IPOB has declared May 30 as a sit-at-home day to drive home its point and to further push for the unconditional release of its detained leaders, who are facing treason charges in a Federal High Court, Abuja.

According to an electronic message, "the BNYL believes in due process to freedom and especially due consultations and have assured the aggrieved people of Biafra that we will remain steadfast in the greater dream of achieving Biafra and would make sure the various ethnic nations stay focused"

Before throwing its weight behind IPOB, BNYL said it had begun grassroots mobilization in many towns of the coastal area and had expanded to the inland areas including the Igbo speaking territory who are majority tribe of Biafra.

READ ALSO: Scandal! How Obasanjo bribed lagislators with N50m each to support third term ambition - Yerima

IPOB says there is no justifiable ground on which its leader should remain in custody

In the past, the group said it had organised a congress with the Governing Council of former British Southern Cameroons in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State during which a declaratory speech in support of Biafra independence and Biafra-Southern.

Following the development, President of Southern Cameroons Youth League and Secretary General of the Organization of Emerging African States, Dr Ebenezer Dereck Mbongo Akwanga, a one time prisoner spoke with IBTIMES UK that Biafra-Southern Cameroon Coalition is a possibility as the people share similar culture and history.

Another activist from Manyu division, Comrade Ashu Shamy, a former SUG President in Cameroon and co-founder of BNYL confirmed that his people and Cross Riverians are one and would never kick against Biafra, the statement read.

It said the group has also held a congress in Ekukunela, Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State in honour of internally displaced natives of the Bakassi Peninsula last April.

In an earlier report by Legit.ng, the Federal Government told the Biafran agitators to forget the idea, noting that after a 30-month civil war to keep the nation together, its unity remained non-negotiable.

On the 12th of April 2016 following arrest of the Deputy Leader Comrade Ebuta Takon who was detained in Ikom for three days.

IPOB says those who are keeping Nnamdi Kanu in custody, are only doing so to impress President Muhammadu Buhari

The congress saw the announcement of the Biafra Youth resolution known as Akwa-Cross Declaration same day in Ekukunela with the presence of Ikom, Etung, Obubra, Boki and Bakassi youths which followed a demonstration by mostly Ejagham natives in the host town.

The Resolution gave more recognition to the Communal Congress stating that the League will be Congress minded and nation conscious.

The League have organised series of combined Akwa-Cross elders and youths Congress in Eket, Akwa Ibom State where the BNYL was adopted as a household Organization.

This followed Nembe Kingdom meeting in Bayelsa State to ascertain the grievances of the Niger Delta Avengers, a militant group that focus on blowing pipelines after hearing from the people of Nembe declared support for Avengers action due to neglect of the Niger Delta, a region that lies at the mouth of the ancient African Region, Bight of Biafra.

On November 05 2016 BNYL moved headquarters from Ikom to Bakassi following clashes between the militia group, Bakassi Strike Force and Nigeria Troops of Operation code named Delta Safe accusing the Nigerian Military of targeting natives, after blasting the government for ceding the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon without referendum urging the people to build faith in Biafra.

The League currently have a Chief of Staff named Linus Essien who is also the leader of displaced Bakassi Youths.

IPOB says its planned stay-at-home protest for May 30. will drive home its point regarding the oppression of its people

On November 9th, 2016, the National Leader, Comrade Prince Obuka and some members of a Christian Charity that came with relief materials for IDPs were apprehended in Ikang-Cameroon boarder by troops and handed over to the Department of State Service DSS, Cross River State Command where they were detained for three days and was granted bail, troops revealed it was an order that came from Abuja.

On Wednesday, February 8, 2017, the National Deputy Leader, Comrade Ebuta Tako, himself Ejagham native of Cross River was arrested in Ekok, a small Ejagham town in Mamfe area of Cameroon following his visit to the town.

He was released on bail after two days in security net. The Biafra Nations Youth League have equally supported the actions by the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), who have engaged in streets protests against the detained Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu as some members have been participating but organised by the IPOB.

The BNYL believes in due process to freedom and especially due consultations and have assured the aggrieved people of Biafra that We will remain steadfast in the greater dream of achieving Biafra and would make sure the various ethnic nations stays focused.

The Biafra Nations Youth League (BNYL), which promises to support IPOB activities at all times, according to its leader, Prince Robinson C. Obuka, is a community-based organisation of youths with headquarters in Bakassi Peninsula. The BNYL was established on August 3, 2013 in the popular city of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

This follows agreements by members and founders to uphold the unity of the various ethnic nations in the Bight of Biafra.

The group said it supported all the actions taken so far by IPOB to free its leader, Nnamdi Kanu from prison.

The BNYL believes in due process to freedom and especially due consultations. We have assured the aggrieved people of

Biafra that we will remain steadfast in the greater dream of achieving Biafra and will make sure the various ethnic nations stay focused, it stated.

Source: Legit.ng
After a Legit.ng video where a young Nigerian boy campaign for Mass burial for our political leaders, another man, who looked really frustrated in this video, has also advocated mass burial for African leaders, claiming that our leaders are Africa's biggest problem.

Source: Legit.ng
Editor's note: A Borno-based legal practitioner, Elmustapha Muhammad in an open letter to Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state, expresses his frustrations over what he called neglect of the people of the state by the governor.

I am not among those who collect money to write against you or public officers but since you are my leader and servant as well, I owe it a duty to tell you the truth no matter how painful it is. When Bornolites desperately fought for you to win election, we had a lot of hope and beliefs that your emergence will bring a new way of doing things in our body polity.

READ ALSO: Police arrests 7 for assassination attempt on Dino Melaye

We dreamt and fought for change. Many Bornolites have stood by you as the difficult process of change has continued painstaking but steadily and we are confident that a new Borno will arise from the ruins of yesterday.

If I must remind you sir, you used to be one of the philanthropists by nature, this is the quality you possessed that won you the hearts of many Bornolites before your coming into power. Prior to your emergence as Borno state governor, Bornolites witnessed disastrous disasters and lacuna in good governance.

Borno-based legal practitioner, Elmustapha Muhammad

it is now a thing of regret that those Bornolites' who bestowed their trust in you are now crying in pains and hardship under your own watch. Your excellency, what then shocked us all was that months after your emergence as Borno state governor, you tactically turned your back against those Bornolites who aligned with you in fighting out for power, don't forget that you might still need those 'Bornolites tomorrow.

Remember the day of judgement Your Excellency, the Almighty will ask you to give account of those who died due to your inability to provide health service for your people. You must therefore do everything possible to make sure that the 'Bornolites' wishes prevail so that you can write your name on a good slate before leaving office, because its never late to change for change is a constant thing in man.

I am anticipating that this letter will get to you or any of your aides who are on social media. I am hoping to see you become a genuine apostle of the change your party (APC) uses as its mantra.

READ ALSO: Why President Buhari should resign now  Asu Beks

Your excellency, I still believe Borno will be great and optimistic my letter will give you a sincere concern to lift our dear state (Borno) high. Thank you

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily represent the editorial policy of Legit.ng. Your own opinion articles are welcome at info@naij.com  drop an email telling us what you want to write about and why.

More details in Legit.ngs step-by-step guide for guest contributors. Were ready to trade your news for our money: submit news and photo reports from your area using our Citizen Journalism App. Contact us if you have any feedback, suggestions, complaints or compliments. We are also available on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to Legit.ng Opinion page!

Meanwhile, in the video below by Legit.ng, Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II blasts Nigeria's leaders over poverty.

Source: Legit.ng
Despite the failing health system in Nigeria, a hospital in Anambra has proven to be in a class of its own after it recorded another success in open heart surgery.

Legit.ng gathered that the Dr Joe Nwilo heart center at the Saint Joseph's hospital in Adazi Nnukwu, Anaocha local government area of Anambra state, recently conducted an open heart surgery on a 6-year-old boy.

The little boy identified as Solomon Chinweuba, had been diagnosed with heart problems, and was operated on by a team of both Indian and Nigerian heart surgeons at the hospital.

Solomon's mother identified as Mrs Delphine Joseph, said they were sent to the heart center from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

Little Solomon Chinweuba had a successful open heart surgery at the Joe Nwilo heart center in Anambra state

READ ALSO: Corp member celebrates mother who sold plantain to educate him

She also proceeded to shower praises on the Anambra state government who she says paid the bill for the surgery, asking God to also protect Governor Willie Obiano.

The state commissioner for health, Dr Josephat Akabuike, addressed newsmen after the surgery, stating that the government would continue to aid mission hospitals for the people of Anambra state. He also said that surgeries involving the heart was not only very expensive, but also very complex, so he went ahead to praise the team of doctors.

READ ALSO: FBI declares Nigerian man wanted for fraud, offers N400k reward

Dr Akabuike also called on Nigerians to patronise the heart center for their heart-related diseases, instead of borrowing money to go abroad for treatment.

Speaking on why he started the heart center, Dr Joe Nwilo, said he hoped to help the treatment of heart diseases in Nigeria. He said the center has already performed over 30 successful heart surgeries with the help of the state government. He said the input of the government has ensured that most patients undergo surgery free of charge.

READ ALSO: 5 policemen allegedly go blind while trying to arrest TB Joshua's spiritual son

Dr Narendra, a doctor from the Vikram hospital in India, led the team of surgeons who conducted the open heart surgery. He expressed satisfaction over the state of the arts equipment the heart center boasts of.

Some of the state of the arts equipment found in the heart center

Meanwhile, here are signs that you should look out for to avoid a heart attack:

Source: Legit.ng
World acclaimed Nigerian novelist, nonfiction writer and short story writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is to lead team of scholars to Washington where a discuss boardering over Biafra will take central stage.

The writer whose words on the the issues surrounding feminism has a global attention, would be the keynote speaker at a conference tagged: " Remembering Biafra", scheduled to hold at the The George Washington University in DC.

George Washington University's Remembering Biafra conference will bring together scholars, activists, and humanitarians to examine the global impact of the Nigeria-Biafra War of 1967-70.

Speakers will be analyzing the war in terms of its impact on US-Africa relations, its influence on the modern politics of humanitarianism, and the legacies of decolonization.

To do justice to these issues raised alongside Adichie, are: Michael Aaronson, Douglas Anthony, Gloria Chuku, Anthonia Kalu, Chima Korieh, Cecelia Lynch, Brian McNeil, Chika Okeke-Agulu, Peter Redfield, Brad Simpson, Olufemi Vaughan; all professors of different fields.

The event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 20.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Lagos confirms Reverend King, others to be executed

Chimamanda Adichie and other scholars would be looking at the impact of the Biafra on Nigeria and in relation to Nigeria's relationship with the US

In an earlier report by Legit.ng, George Onyeibe, the National Coordinator of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has said that nothing can stop the sit at home order that has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 30.

Onyeibe made the statement on Tuesday, April 11, while speaking to newsmen in Owerri, alongside representatives of IPOB.

He also alleged that the use of Sharia law to try their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, would not be accepted, adding that it was a ploy by the Federal government to Islamize the country.

The IPOB chief said: "The right for self determination is bestowed on man by God as it is backed by the united nation constitution. Biafra has an agenda."

In a similar vein, the IPOB has called on its members to honour all 'fallen heroes' who died during the 1967 civil war.

The IPOB in a statement signed by its media and publicity secretary Powerful Emma said all those who died during war between 1967 and 1970 will be honour by the IPOB.

Emma said: "The 30th of May 2017 sit at home and heroes remembrance day will be 50th year of the divine declaration of Biafra by our eternal leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu who by the grace of God Almighty Chukwu Okike Abiama announced the coming and independent state of Biafra which we are still on today."

The IPOB said 2017 remembrance for those who died during 1976 civil war will be an extra special one in its golden jubilee anniversary.

Source: Legit.ng
- Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested the former wife to one of the Boko Haram commanders

- The suspect and one other was arrested in Maiduguri on Friday, April 14, the Corps commandant said

- The NSCDC said the duo who were suspected to be strapped with explosive devices were heading to Kangarwa camp from Sambisa forest

The estranged wife of one of the Boko Haram commanders have been arrested by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The NSCDC while speaking to journalists on Tuesday, April 18, said the wife of Mamman Nur, a factional leader of the Boko Haram terrorist group was arrested in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno state.

Legit.ng gathered that Ibrahim Abdullahi, the commandant of NSCDC in the state said, his men arrested two female suspects in Maiduguri on Friday, April 14.

READ ALSO: EFCC intensifies investigation to unravel owner of recovered fund in Ikoyi

Abdullahi said the duo who were suspected to be strapped with explosive devices were heading to Kangarwa camp from Sambisa forest.

He said they were going to meet with factional leader of the insurgents.

One of the suspect claimed that she is the ex-wife of the factional Boko Haram leader, Abdulahi said.

The estranged wife of one of the Boko Haram commanders have been arrested by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

They said they escaped from a camp in Sambisa forest after Nigerian troops attack the terrorists, he said.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: EFCC obtains warrant to search entire Osborne apartment

The NSCDC commandant further added that the two suspects were abandoned by the Boko Haram commander who asked them to wait in Maiduguri.

He said the terrorist had promised to provide accommodation for the suspects when they arrive at Kangarwa camp.

Recall that some terrorists were said to have bombed a bridge in Gujba local government area of Yobe state on Tuesday, April 18.

The attack left one vigilante dead while seven others were injured and already receiving treatment and the Damaturu Specialist Hospital in the state.

Watch this Legit.ng video of Nigerian Air Force operations against Boko Haram below:

Source: Legit.ng
- Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the IPOB has been named as the leader of the Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA)

- In his acceptance of the office, Kanu says the Biafra people have endured so much and the time has come for them to leave

- The IPOB says the false census figures which gives the north superior majority over the south is one of the major reasons for Biafra agitations

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has described what he called the continued treatment of easterners like slaves by the Federal Government as horrendous injustice.

Kanu in his latest statement, stressed that the igbos have since gotten to a point where they can no longer tolerate the position of eternal slavery, in Nigeria.

Kanu made this known in a letter of commendation to the Eastern Consultative Assembly, ECA, for appointing him leader of the Assembly in Enugu Tuesday.

The ECA had announced a new leadership structure with detained the IPOB leader as its head. Kanu in his letter written from Kuje Prisons accepted to play the new role and pledged not to let the people down.

However, the ECA also named Mrs Marie Okwo as its deputy leader and matron while Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu- Uko was made the secretary.

Rev Fr John Odey was named the publicity secretary while Dede Uzor A Uzor  assistant publicity secretary, just as the former vice president, Dr Alex Ekwueme, erudite Professor Ben Nwabueze, SAN, and the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Dr Anthony Obinna became the patrons.

Kanus letter of acceptance/appreciation read: With the greatest humility, I accept this clear demonstration of confidence you have reposed in me and wish to thank the entire membership and leadership of ECA for their doggedness in building a wonderful coalition dedicated to the defence of truth at a time when most are too terrified to stand up and be counted.

I am honoured by this election; I hope all the affiliate groups in this coalition will soon join hands with us in our peaceful and non -violent pursuit of a referendum that will allow the people decide their future.

READ ALSO: Release Kanu to us and we will advise him on the Biafra agitation - Igbo elders

Embattled leader of the IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, says it is time for the Igbos to come out of the house of bondage

The horrendous injustice visited on us daily by our oppressors have since gotten to a point where we can no longer tolerate the position of eternal slavery, which they carefully crafted for us and have ruthlessly executed over the years. Our children today and generations to come do not have a future.

Our youths are despondent, our once truthful and outspoken elders frightened and silenced, our politicians compromised, our leaders bought over. Our present status as race and a people is one of utter hopelessness and s*rvitude.

Our only hope for the future lies in a peaceful plebiscite that will settle once and for all time the burning issues that confront us today.

I commend the ECA and strongly believe that I will not let you down. Once again, I say thank you for this great honour.

However, in a communique issued after the meeting, the ECA stated that false and bogus census figures which gives the north superior majority over the south was one of the major reasons for agitations for the re-validation of the Biafran republic.

The communique which was jointly signed by Mrs Marie Okwo and Rev Fr John Odey attacked two northern leaders, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai and Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu over their recent comments on restructuring and Biafran agitation.

The communique read in part, The 6th plenary session of the ECA held today at the residence of Chief (Mrs.) Maria Okwor in Independence Layout Enugu."

In an earlier report by Legit.ng, a new pro-Biafra group, the Biafra Nations Youth League (BNYL), has joined the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), in its struggle for a sovereign state.

BNYL, according to its leader, Prince Robinson C. Obuka is a community-based organization of youths with headquarters in Bakassi Peninsula.

It was reportedly established on August 3, 2013 in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, following agreements by members and founders to uphold the unity of the various ethnic nations in the Bight of Biafra.

The group said it supported all the actions taken so far by IPOB on the continued detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

In a similar vein, world acclaimed Nigerian novelist, nonfiction writer and short story writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is to lead team of scholars to Washington where a discuss boardering over Biafra will take central stage.

The writer whose words on the the issues surrounding feminism has a global attention, would be the keynote speaker at a conference tagged: " Remembering Biafra", scheduled to hold at the The George Washington University in DC.

George Washington University's Remembering Biafra conference will bring together scholars, activists, and humanitarians to examine the global impact of the Nigeria-Biafra War of 1967-70.

Speakers will be analyzing the war in terms of its impact on US-Africa relations, its influence on the modern politics of humanitarianism, and the legacies of decolonization.

Source: Legit.ng
- Senator Shehu Sani says the All Progressives Congress (APC) may lose Kaduna state in the 2019 governorship election, if the state governments seeming anti peoples policies continue

- Sani says the anti APC policies of the administration in Kaduna state is sending people away

- He said many people now only have faith in Buhari not in the party any more

Sen. Shehu Sani (APC Kaduna Central) says the All Progressives Congress [APC] may lose Kaduna State in the 2019 governorship election, if the state governments seeming anti peoples policies continue.

Sani spoke to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday shortly after he received a complain from traders on Gov. Nasiru El-Rufais plan to demolish the famous Kasuwan Barci Market in Kaduna.

The anti APC policies of the administration in Kaduna state is sending people away, many people now only have faith in Buhari not in the party any more.

READ ALSO: I am not evil - Prophet T.B. Joshua reveals secret about Synagogue church

Most programmes of government in the state are not in favour of the people and if it continues, APC will pay for it.

The current administrations policies are only designed to please some certain group of people in the state, Sani claimed.

He urged the state government to shelve plan to demolish the market, famous for its textile and second hand clothing.

The Senator noted that demolishing such market with 4,800 shops at this time of hardship would spell doom for thousands of families.

I identify with the pains, concerns and fears of the traders and I appeal to the governor to think twice with a human heart over the issue.

We promised to deliver change to the country and as democrats, whatever we will do, we need to consult and carry the people along.

We cannot treat people with arrogance and insolence and expect them to trust us again, Sani said.

According to him, the traders are angry and fear that if the market is demolished, it will be difficult for them to regain their shops back.

Sani, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Domestic and Foreign Debts, advised El-Rufai to suspend the demolition plan and concentrate on completing projects he had started.

For all the project he started, he has not completed any. So, the mistake will be when he demolishes the market and there is no funds to reconstruct it, what will happen to the traders and the place?

He noted that most government activities would shut down by 2018 when political activities begin ahead of the 2019 general election.

The market had provided jobs for more than 30,000 men and women, with many youth off the street and engaged in tailoring, craft work and trading.

 Engage the traders in reconstructing the market by giving them a specific design to reconstruct with a deadline, he suggested.

Sani told the traders that he would forward a memo to the governor on the issue and advised them to also seek dialogue with the state government to resolve the matter.

He also advised them to approach the state House of Assembly, religious leaders and human right organisations for intervention.

READ ALSO: Former wife of Boko Haram commander nabbed (photo)

The Senator added that the traders also have the option of taking legal action if all efforts failed to stop the government plan.

The Chairman of the market traders union, Haruna Umar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the market with 4,800 shops records over N500 million daily turnover.

Umar said there were more than 30,000 persons earning their livelihood from the market and demolishing it would be devastating to them and their families.

Legit.ng visits Southern Kaduna where residents narrate how herdsmen allegedly prevented them from getting Red Cross relief materials. Watch:

Source: Legit.ng
Hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli prisons launched a hunger strike Monday, in what their leader behind bars called a new step in the Palestinians' "long walk to freedom."

Activists said more than 1,500 of about 6,500 Palestinians held by Israel as so-called security prisoners joined the open-ended protest and that it was the largest such strike in five years. The hunger strikers' immediate demands included better conditions, including more contact with relatives, and an end to Israel's practice of detentions without trial.

In the West Bank and Gaza, thousands staged solidarity marches Monday to mark Prisoners' Day in the Palestinian areas.

The hunger strike was led by Marwan Barghouti, a prominent figure in Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement. Over the years, polls have indicated that Barghouti is the most popular choice among Palestinians to succeed the 82-year-old Abbas who has failed to groom a political heir.

Barghouti was arrested by Israel in 2002 for his role in a violent Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation and is serving multiple life terms. He is one of the best-known among thousands of Palestinians jailed for charges ranging from stone-throwing and membership in groups outlawed by Israel, to attacks that wounded or killed Israelis.

In an op-ed published in The New York Times, Barghouti wrote that Israeli prisons have become the "cradle of a lasting movement for Palestinian self-determination."

"This new hunger strike will demonstrate once more that the prisoners' movement is the compass that guides our struggle, the struggle for Freedom and Dignity, the name we have chosen for this new step in our long walk to freedom," he wrote.

The hunger strike was launched as the approaching half-century mark of Israeli rule over Palestinians appeared to generate new interest in the long-running conflict, which in recent years was often overshadowed by war and turmoil elsewhere in the region.

Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem in the June 1967 Mideast war.

Abbas and his supporters seek a Palestinian state, roughly in the pre-1967 lines. The Islamic militant group Hamas, which seized Gaza from Abbas in 2007, has called for an Islamic state in historic Palestine, including in what is now Israel. Hamas recently suggested it would support a smaller Palestine state, without specifying if this would be a stepping stone to Israel's destruction.

In Gaza City, about 2,000 people turned out for a march, raising flags of different Palestinian factions.

Militants from Hamas surrounded cages on truck flatbeds depicting cells. One cage held two Palestinians in Israeli prison uniform. The other cage bore the pictures of two Israeli soldiers killed in the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas, and the pictures of two Israeli civilians who disappeared after entering Gaza. Hamas is believed to hold the two civilians and the remains of the soldiers.

"Your soldiers will not see the light unless the price is paid," read a banner on the truck.

Ismail Radwan, a Hamas official who participated in the march, reiterated Hamas' demand for a prisoner swap with Israel. In 2011, Israel swapped more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for an Israeli soldier who had been held by Hamas for five years.

In the West Bank town of Ramallah, Barghouti's wife, Fadwa, joined about 1,500 marchers.

"This massive strike sends a strong message to the Israelis, after 50 years of occupation, suppression and oppression, that the prisoners ... will lead their people from behind bars," she said.

Qadoura Fares, who runs the Prisoners' Club advocacy group, said over 1,500 prisoners joined the strike and that more were expected to follow.

In 2012, hundreds participated in a large-scale strike that lasted 28 days, said Fares. In 2014, dozens of detainees who were being held without trial or charges staged a two-month-long hunger strike to demand their release.

Israel's Prison Service was not immediately available for comment because of the Jewish Passover holiday.

___

Associated Press writers Fares Akram in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, and Karin Laub in Amman, Jordan, contributed to this report.
Many view Europe as a spent force in global politics. Conventional wisdom states that world politics today is unipolar, with the United States as the sole superpower. Or perhaps it is multipolar, with China, India, and the rest rising to challenge Western powers. Either way, Europes role is secondary  and declining. The European Union, it is said, is too weak to avoid withering away in the face of Russian subversion, mass migration, right-wing revolt, British plans to leave, slow growth, and anemic defense spending.

Foreign Policy makes the case that Europe rivals or surpasses the United States and China in its ability to project a full spectrum of global military, economic, and soft power. Europe consistently deploys military troops within and beyond its immediate neighborhood. It manipulates economic power with a skill and success unmatched by any other country or region. And its ability to employ soft power to persuade other countries to change their behavior is unique.

If a superpower is a political entity that can consistently project military, economic, and soft power transcontinentally with a reasonable chance of success, Europe surely qualifies. Its power, moreover, is likely to remain entrenched for at least another generation.

The UK by itself is better than China for projecting militarily power around the world. China is strong on defense and is strong a few hundred to a thousand miles from its borders. France and Germany also have capable military power.

China has a far larger annual military budget than the UK, but military capability is better viewed by the total of decades of spending. It is similar to individual households. A family with lower income can accumulate greater assets over time than a person who only recently obtained a high paying job.

The bang for the buck of the weapons Europe procures remains competitive, as evidenced by the fact that it consistently ranks as the worlds No. 1 arms exporter, outstripping even the United States and Russia.

European militaries actually do more in the world than those of any country except the United States. Only Europe and the United States have deployed tens of thousands of combat troops outside of home countries almost continuously since the end of the Cold War. During the past decade, European deployments have averaged 107,000 soldiers per year on land, plus a considerable naval presence. By contrast, China has deployed almost no combat soldiers abroad, and India has done so only within U.N. missions. Recent Russian activities have been limited to brief forays in neighboring parts of the former Soviet Union and air and naval support for its sole remaining Middle Eastern ally.

One European specialty is economic power projection. To induce political concessions, European countries manipulate access to their markets, condition economic assistance and exchange, and exploit regulatory and institutional dominance. Thus, a basic source of European economic power is the raw size of its economy.

The conventional wisdom again misleads us. According to a recent poll of citizens in 40 countries, almost everyone in the world believes either that China is already the worlds dominant economy, or that the United States still maintains primacy. Only 5 percent think of the EU as a leading economic power. Yet those 5 percent have a point. By the simplest measure of economic power, nominal GDP, the EU is nearly the same size as the United States and 63 percent larger than China.
I was only 15 when I was first imprisoned. I was barely 18 when an Israeli interrogator forced me to spread my legs while I stood naked in the interrogation room, before hitting my genitals. I passed out from the pain, and the resulting fall left an everlasting scar on my forehead. The interrogator mocked me afterward, saying that I would never procreate because people like me give birth only to terrorists and murderers.

A few years later, I was again in an Israeli prison, leading a hunger strike, when my first son was born. Instead of the sweets we usually distribute to celebrate such news, I handed out salt to the other prisoners. When he was barely 18, he in turn was arrested and spent four years in Israeli prisons.

The eldest of my four children is now a man of 31. Yet here I still am, pursuing this struggle for freedom along with thousands of prisoners, millions of Palestinians and the support of so many around the world. What is it with the arrogance of the occupier and the oppressor and their backers that makes them deaf to this simple truth: Our chains will be broken before we are, because it is human nature to heed the call for freedom regardless of the cost.

Israel has built nearly all of its prisons inside Israel rather than in the occupied territory. In doing so, it has unlawfully and forcibly transferred Palestinian civilians into captivity, and has used this situation to restrict family visits and to inflict suffering on prisoners through long transports under cruel conditions. It turned basic rights that should be guaranteed under international law  including some painfully secured through previous hunger strikes  into privileges its prison service decides to grant us or deprive us of.

Palestinian prisoners and detainees have suffered from torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, and medical negligence. Some have been killed while in detention. According to the latest count from the Palestinian Prisoners Club, about 200 Palestinian prisoners have died since 1967 because of such actions. Palestinian prisoners and their families also remain a primary target of Israels policy of imposing collective punishments.
McDonalds use of Google contrasts rather strikingly with a stunt from Burger King last week, when it introduced a TV ad that aimed to prompt voice-activated Google devices into describing its burgers. Google, which was not involved in that campaign, sought to stymie the effort, which many saw as clever but invasive.

The ads with Ms. Kaling, on the other hand, came out of We Are Unlimited, a relatively new creative ad agency that is dedicated to McDonalds and operates within Omnicom Group, a holding company. Employees of companies including Google, Twitter, Facebook and T Brand Studio (a marketing unit for The New York Times), are among the roughly 200 people who work at Unlimited in Chicago, though Ms. Wahl noted that Googles participation did not extend to affecting the search results themselves.

Google didnt give us any tricks on search or anything, Ms. Wahl said, adding that gaming the system would have gone against the whole idea of the campaign. What theyre helping us do is understand if people are really searching as a result of this, and offering close feedback and collaboration in terms of whats happening with this with real behavior.

Ms. Wahl said McDonalds did not pay for any of the Google results that rave about how Coke tastes at its restaurants. A Google search for the phrase at the center of the campaign, which is promoting a $1 soft-drink deal, showed results from relatively obscure blogs on Monday, some of which were written last week, as well as write-ups from websites like Fox News and Thrillist. A YouTube video of one of Ms. Kalings commercials also appeared under a channel named That Place Where Coke Tastes So Good.
TUESDAY PUZZLE  If you were to look up the definition of the word persisting in the dictionary, you would find the following: to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning.

Bruce Haight has a lesson for us today, even though it has nothing at all to do with his theme. You can read more about how todays puzzle came to be in his notes below, but I will say this: Mr. Haight is a persistent man. When he gets an idea in his head, he goes ahead with it, despite advice to the contrary.

The thing is, todays puzzle is a classic example of borrowing from Peter to pay Paul. When you set tight constraints in one aspect of a puzzle  like only using seven letters in the entire puzzle, even if they are commonly used  you will pay for it in other areas, like the quality of the fill. Because there are only so many words that use those letters, and not all of them are fun to write into a grid.

The bottom line here is that it works, but I found Mr. Haights puzzle to be more difficult than an average Tuesday, mostly because the theme limits at least some of the fill to entries that are not necessarily early week fare. But I will say this: No one ever discovered anything new by not trying. So kudos to Mr. Haight for his persistence.
Ms. Clarks unit has reviewed 41 cases and has done 10 in-depth investigations. This was the second time the unit had asked a judge to vacate a guilty verdict in a murder case because of evidence that the defendant had not received a fair trial. The first came last year, when the office asked a judge to set aside a murder conviction against Richard Rosario, who had served 20 years for a 1996 killing, even though a dozen witnesses said he was 1,000 miles away in Florida at the time.

Mr. Odiase and his co-defendant, Daikwan Giles, were convicted of murder by a Bronx jury in 2013, and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Juan Jerez at Minerva Place and Creston Avenue on June 12, 2009.

Mr. Giles confessed to the murder and was identified by witnesses as being one of two shooters. The main evidence against Mr. Odiase came from a witness who cooperated with prosecutors in return for lighter sentences on other crimes. In July 2015, Mr. Odiases lawyers filed a motion asking for a new trial.

Prosecutors in the conviction integrity office agreed to re-examine the evidence, and found something odd: A detectives report turned over to the defense had been redacted to omit key information from a second eyewitness.

In the original report, that witness was quoted as saying the second gunman was a tall, bearded man with dark skin. Mr. Odiase is short, has light brown skin and did not have a beard at the time. Yet that information was left out of the report the defense received, prosecutors said on Monday.
As a practical matter, given his Islamist-based A.K.P. partys majority in Parliament, Mr. Erdogan has been effectively exercising many of these powers. The fact that they have now been formally ratified in the Constitution can only reinforce his dictatorial instincts and further threaten the separation of powers on which liberal democracies have traditionally depended.

When he was first elected prime minister in 2003, Mr. Erdogan seemed committed to making Turkey a model Muslim democracy. In recent years he has aggressively cracked down on dissent and on his critics in politics, the military, academia and the press. An aborted coup last summer provided an excuse to go even further; a state of emergency was declared, and the government has since fired or suspended 130,000 people suspected of having a connection to the coup and has arrested about 45,000, leaving Turkeys people sharply polarized.

The referendum campaign suffered from the same climate of intimidation. Supporters of Mr. Erdogans proposals dominated the media, and some who opposed him were shot at or beaten. Opposition parties said some ballots lacked an official stamp and at least three instances of voter fraud appeared to be captured on camera. The referendum took place in a political environment in which fundamental freedoms essential to a genuinely democratic process were curtailed under the state of emergency, and the two sides did not have equal opportunities to make their case to the voters, said Tana de Zulueta, who headed the international election observation mission.

Although Turkey is a vital member of NATO, it is increasingly an outlier in the alliance, which was founded on democratic values. Mr. Erdogan has picked fights with America and Europe, fanned anti-Western animosities among Turks and flirted with Russia. But Turkey remains a major factor in Syria, curbing migration to Europe and defending the alliances eastern flank. NATO countries should do whatever they can to mitigate Mr. Erdogans autocratic tendencies while encouraging the proponents of democracy in Turkey. The White House announced that President Trump called on Monday to congratulate Mr. Erdogan on the referendum result  a shockingly wrongheaded response.
FRONT PAGE

A picture caption on Friday with the continuation of an article about the battle over public lands in the West misstated Monument Valleys relationship to the Bears Ears National Monument. While Monument Valley is near Bears Ears, it is not part of the national monument.



An obituary on Saturday about the computer scientist Robert W. Taylor misidentified the institution from which he earned a bachelors degree. It is the University of Texas at Austin (where he also did graduate work), not Southern Methodist University in Dallas.



An article on Friday about Immigration and Customs Enforcement requirements for jails that will house detained immigrants misstated the frequency with which bedsheets must be changed. It is once a week, not once a day. The article also referred incorrectly to a requirement for the thickness of trash bags. Only bags used for blood and bodily fluid cleanup must be 1.5 millimeters thick; that requirement does not include all trash bags.

THE ARTS

An article on Saturday about the artist Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle misstated the closing date of her current exhibition, The Evanesced, at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles. The show runs through June 25, not June 2.
Facebooks dilemma is part of a debate that has pulled in other technology giants, including Twitter, Amazon and Google. As these companies have rushed to provide tools for people to widely share their intimate moments more frequently, they are dealing with a rising tide of calls to more proactively filter the type of content that appears. In recent weeks, Googles YouTube has been scrutinized for posting advertising next to racist video content, while Twitter contends with hate speech almost daily.

But the attention is often focused on Facebook because of its nearly two billion users and global influence. It is an issue that is bedeviling Mark Zuckerberg, the companys chief executive. Facebook has encouraged users to post more  it has spent the last two years emphasizing its push into photographs and video, underpinned by a thesis that cameras have become more important in how people share moments of their lives with their friends.

The company was not prepared for the consequences of that push. Last summer, the death of Philando Castile, a Minnesota man shot by the police during a traffic stop, was broadcast by his girlfriend live across Facebook. In January, three men in Sweden were arrested on suspicion of raping a woman and streaming the assault live to a private Facebook group. In February, two radio journalists in the Dominican Republic were fatally shot during a Facebook Live broadcast.

Some groups have pressured Facebook to take a stronger role in reviewing content posted on its platform. In a letter this year to Joel Kaplan, Facebooks director of global policy, the American Civil Liberties Union called for the social network to be more transparent in its censorship process and to agree to an external audit of its practices.

Image Frame from a video posted on Facebook shows Robert Godwin Sr. moments before being fatally shot. Credit... Facebook, via Associated Press

The problems have been compounded by the issue of fake news  false stories across the social network that some Facebook users have taken as true and that may have swayed thinking in events like elections. Mr. Zuckerberg has had to address the fake news problem several times in recent months, including working more closely with fact-checking organizations and beginning efforts to teach Facebook users how to discern what is or is not a real news story.

For Mr. Zuckerberg, the timing of the shooting video could not be worse. He is scheduled to appear on Tuesday in San Jose, Calif., at Facebooks annual developer conference, where the company typically focuses its energy on its technology.
Republican leaders in Congress also failed to create momentum. Speaker Paul D. Ryan built a tax blueprint around a border adjustment tax that would have imposed a steep levy on imports, hoping to encourage domestic manufacturing while raising revenue that could be used to lower overall tax rates. But it has been assailed by retailers, oil companies and the billionaire Koch brothers. With no palpable support in the Senate, its prospects appear to be nearly dead. Heading into a congressional recess, Mr. Ryan admitted that Republicans in the House, Senate and White House were not on the same page.

The presidents own vision for a new tax system is muddled at best. In the past few months, he has called for taxing companies that move operations abroad, waffled on the border tax and, last week, called for a reciprocal tax that would match the import taxes other countries impose on the United States.

But it is Mr. Trumps own taxes that have provided the crucial leverage for his opponents. More than 100,000 of his critics took to the streets over the weekend in marches around the country, demanding that the president release his returns. Tax legislation, they say, could be a plot by Mr. Trump to get even richer.

When they talk about tax reform, are they talking about cutting Donald Trumps taxes by millions of dollars a year? asked Ezra Levin, a member of the Tax March executive committee. We dont know.

Beyond the politics of Mr. Trumps returns, lawmakers do not want to pass an overhaul of the tax code that unwittingly enriches the commander in chief and his progeny. Those who are worried about conflicts of interest point to the potential repeal of the estate tax or elimination of the alternative minimum tax as provisions that would enrich Mr. Trump.

Perhaps the most consequential concern relates to a House Republican proposal to get rid of a rule that lets companies write off the interest they pay on loans  a move real estate developers and Mr. Trump vehemently oppose. Doing so would raise $1 trillion in revenue and reduce the appeal of one of Mr. Trumps favorite business tools: debt.
WASHINGTON  President Trump called President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey on Monday to congratulate him on winning a much-disputed referendum that will cement his autocratic rule over the country and, in the view of many experts, erode Turkeys democratic institutions.

Those concerns were not mentioned in a brief readout of the phone call that the White House released Monday night. After noting Mr. Trumps congratulations, the one-paragraph statement pivoted to a recent American missile strike on a Syrian airfield, which it said he and Mr. Erdogan had also discussed.

The statement did not say whether Mr. Trump had raised independent reports of voting irregularities during the Turkish referendum or the governments heavy-handed tactics in the weeks leading up to it, when the country was under a state of emergency. The State Department noted both issues in a more cautious, less laudatory statement issued a few hours earlier.

The White House was also silent about the long-term implications of the referendum, which some experts have likened to a deathblow to democracy in Turkey. Mr. Erdogans narrow victory, in effect, ratifies his authoritarian rule. The change to Turkeys Constitution will allow the winner of the 2019 presidential election to assume full control of the government, ending the current parliamentary political system.
Todays classical music world is not foreign to composers who fuse their Asian roots with Western avant-garde techniques, from Toshio Hosokawa to Unsuk Chin. But in 1966, when the Korean composer Isang Yun made his international breakthrough with the orchestral work Reak, at Germanys Donaueschingen Festival, harmonies imitating an East Asian mouth organ were radical.

Born in what is now South Korea, Mr. Yun was an activist for the reunification of the North and South after the division of his home country in 1945. He moved to West Berlin in 1957 to study at the Hochschule fur Musik. A decade later, he was abducted and held as an enemy of the state by the South Korean military regime of Park Chung-hee until protests from the West German Foreign Ministry and leading musical figures, including the composer Igor Stravinsky and the conductor Herbert von Karajan, led to his release. Mr. Yun became a West German citizen after returning to West Berlin in 1969.

If both North and South Korea claim him as a national composer, it was the North that offered him a platform during his lifetime  by 1990, the capital, Pyongyang, had established a festival, institute and ensemble in Mr. Yuns name. He tried to move back to South Korea on the occasion of a festival in his honor in 1994, but the trip fell through because of complications with the authorities.

While much of the composers legacy has fallen into obscurity, concerts are taking place across Europe and South Korea this season to mark the centenary of his birth. Events include the Spanish premiere of the String Quartet No.1 by the Novus Quartet in Barcelona on Thursday and the Austrian premiere of the Cello Concerto, featuring Matt Haimovitz and the Bruckner Orchester Linz under the conductor Dennis Russell Davies, on June 12.
Diamanda Galas sings the demonic blues. And shes sung them again and again.

People say all I do is repeat myself, she said in a recent phone conversation. But I have certain ideas that fascinate me.

For nearly 40 years, Ms. Galas, 61, has bared those ideas  societys indifference to the sick, sexual violence, genocide, mental illness, incarceration, loneliness  with a voice that stretches from hostile growls to bitter-cold shrieks.

She rose to prominence in the 1980s as a kind of avant-garde angel of the AIDS epidemic. Joining the activists of Act Up, the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, she created a series of rancorous indictments of the political, medical and religious establishment  hissing, rasping, wailing evening-length performances with titles like Plague Mass and Masque of the Red Death.

In 1985, Stephen Holden wrote in The New York Times that Ms. Galas suggests an entranced Medusa, conjuring avenging spirits out of the darkness. As her work has taken in collaborations with John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, explorations of sensory deprivation and a book of her texts with a title both unprintable and blasphemous, that description has remained remarkably, consistently on point. It holds true in her two most recent albums, released simultaneously last month: All the Way, a gloomy compilation of jazz covers and standards, and At Saint Thomas the Apostle Harlem, which captures a 2016 New York performance of what she has called death songs.
The award was the latest accolade in a career that started during her high school days in Florida, when she began singing in the Palm Beach Opera chorus. At 15, she sang on NPRs program From the Top. At 16, she sang the Sandman in a Palm Beach production of Hansel and Gretel conducted by Julius Rudel. She became the youngest winner of both the Marilyn Horne Foundation Vocal Competition and the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

Barry Tucker, president of the Richard Tucker Music Foundation  and the son of the Brooklyn-born tenor for whom it was named  said that he had watched Ms. Sierra develop since she was in college. She possesses an artistic maturity that is well beyond her years and is destined to be a leading light of the opera world, he said in a statement.

Next season will be another big one for Ms. Sierra: She will perform on opening night at the Royal Opera House in London as Musetta in a new production of Puccinis La Boheme, sing the title role in Massenets Manon for the first time at San Francisco Opera and sing Susanna in Mozarts Le Nozze di Figaro for the first time at the Metropolitan Opera.

Ms. Sierra said that when she first saw that Mr. Tucker was calling, she thought he was simply checking in on her, as he has since she first won smaller grants from the foundation in 2010 and 2013. When I was really young  and in some peoples eyes, far too young to be in the opera world and the industry, the Richard Tucker foundation in general just gave me a family to be a part of, she said.

Previous winners of the Richard Tucker Award include many of the greats of the opera world: Renee Fleming, Lawrence Brownlee, Stephanie Blythe, Joyce DiDonato, Michael Fabiano and Jamie Barton.
To understand Taylor fully, it will help to be conversant with the humor magazine Viz, as well as with the humor magazine Punch; with the reality-TV star Katie Price as well as with the writer Nancy Mitford; and with the Kray twins and the rapper Tinie Tempah, as well as with Evelyn Waugh and Beau Brummell.

Writing is hard because thinking is hard. Writing about class and snobbery, in particular, is so hard that doing it well bumps you a rung up the class ladder. In America, no one has made a serious attempt to unpick the multiple meanings of status cues since Paul Fussell did in his wicked book Class (1983).

Image D.J. Taylor, author of The New Book of Snobs. Credit... David Levenson/Getty Images

As a myriad-minded social critic, Taylor is not quite on Fussells level. (Almost no human is.) But hes astute, supremely well read and frequently very funny. In its combination of impact with effervescence, his book puts me in mind of a Black Velvet, that curious cocktail made from Guinness stout and champagne.

The English class system, with its hereditary titles, is vastly different from ours. But snobbery  classs meddlesome twin  is a lingua franca. Theres plenty for an attentive student to learn here.

We are in the age of Trump, and, clearly, some forms of attempted snobbery will always take the form of conspicuous consumption. Taylor correctly points out, however, that the wiliest snobs pursue their craft by stealth.

Hes excellent on the distinctions that can be conveyed by an agency as subtle as an undone button, a gesture, a glance, an intonation, the pronunciation of a certain word. In England, its possible to be crushed by the sound of an attenuated vowel.
Sloman and Fernbach take this argument further, positing that not just rationality but the very idea of individual thinking is a myth. Humans rarely think for themselves. Rather, we think in groups. Just as it takes a tribe to raise a child, it also takes a tribe to invent a tool, solve a conflict or cure a disease. No individual knows everything it takes to build a cathedral, an atom bomb or an aircraft. What gave Homo sapiens an edge over all other animals and turned us into the masters of the planet was not our individual rationality, but our unparalleled ability to think together in large groups.

Image

As Sloman and Fernbach demonstrate in some of the most interesting and unsettling parts of the book, individual humans know embarrassingly little about the world, and as history progressed, they came to know less and less. A hunter-gatherer in the Stone Age knew how to produce her own clothes, how to start a fire from scratch, how to hunt rabbits and how to escape lions. We today think we know far more, but as individuals we actually know far less. We rely on the expertise of others for almost all our needs. In one humbling experiment, people were asked to evaluate how well they understood how a zipper works. Most people confidently replied that they understood it very well  after all, they use zippers all the time. They were then asked to explain how a zipper works, describing in as much detail as possible all the steps involved in the zippers operation. Most had no idea. This is the knowledge illusion. We think we know a lot, even though individually we know very little, because we treat knowledge in the minds of others as if it were our own.

This is not necessarily bad, though. Our reliance on groupthink has made us masters of the world, and the knowledge illusion enables us to go through life without being caught in an impossible effort to understand everything ourselves. From an evolutionary perspective, trusting in the knowledge of others has worked extremely well for humans.

Yet like many other human traits that made sense in past ages but cause trouble in the modern age, the knowledge illusion has its downside. The world is becoming ever more complex, and people fail to realize just how ignorant they are of whats going on. Consequently some who know next to nothing about meteorology or biology nevertheless conduct fierce debates about climate change and genetically modified crops, while others hold extremely strong views about what should be done in Iraq or Ukraine without being able to locate them on a map. People rarely appreciate their ignorance, because they lock themselves inside an echo chamber of like-minded friends and self-confirming newsfeeds, where their beliefs are constantly reinforced and seldom challenged.

According to Sloman (a professor at Brown and editor of the journal Cognition) and Fernbach (a professor at the University of Colorados Leeds School of Business), providing people with more and better information is unlikely to improve matters. Scientists hope to dispel antiscience prejudices by better science education, and pundits hope to sway public opinion on issues like Obamacare or global warming by presenting the public with accurate facts and expert reports. Such hopes are grounded in a misunderstanding of how humans actually think. Most of our views are shaped by communal groupthink rather than individual rationality, and we cling to these views because of group loyalty. Bombarding people with facts and exposing their individual ignorance is likely to backfire. Most people dont like too many facts, and they certainly dont like to feel stupid. If you think that you can convince Donald Trump of the truth of global warming by presenting him with the relevant facts  think again.
Furthermore, Warren comes down forcefully on the left side of an ongoing debate over both the causes of inequality and the ways it can be reduced.

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One view, which was dominant even among Democratic-leaning economists in the 1990s, saw rising inequality mainly as a result of ineluctable market forces. Technology, in particular, was seen as the driver of falling wages for manual work, and attempts to fight this trend would, the argument went, do more harm than good  raising the minimum wage, for example, would lead to job losses and higher unemployment among precisely the people you were trying to help.

Given this view, even liberals generally favored free-market policies. Maybe, they suggested, rising income inequality could be limited by spending more on education and training. But limits on income concentration and support for workers would, they assumed, mainly have to come from progressive taxes and a stronger safety net.

The alternative view, which Warren clearly endorses, is all for taxing the rich and strengthening the safety net, but it also argues that public policy can do a lot to increase workers bargaining power  and that inequality has soared in large part because policy has, in fact, gone the other way.

This view has gained much more prominence over the past couple of decades, mainly because its now backed by a lot of evidence (which is why I call Warrens populism enlightened). At the beginning of her book Warren talks about her frustration with politicians refusing to raise the minimum wage even though study after study shows that there are no large adverse effects on jobs when the minimum wage goes up. Shes right. Later, she writes about the adverse effects of the decline of unions; that, too, is a view supported by many studies, from such left-wing sources as, um, the International Monetary Fund.

So Warren in effect gives intervention in markets equal billing with taxes and social spending as a way to combat inequality, marking a significant move left in Democratic positioning.
(Want to get this briefing by email? Heres the sign-up.)

Good morning.

Heres what you need to know:

 Tax overhaul bogs down.

President Trumps promise to overhaul the tax code is in serious jeopardy, and his refusal to release his tax returns is emerging as a central hurdle.

Democrats have pledged not to cooperate on a new plan unless they know how it might benefit the president and his family, and a growing number of Republicans are also calling for him to share his tax forms.

On the brighter side, Mr. Trump presided over his first White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday.
1. Call it the saga of the wayward warship.

A week ago, the White House declared that ordering an American aircraft carrier into the Sea of Japan would send a powerful deterrent signal to North Korea.

But the ship was actually sailing in the opposite direction  a fact that came to light only after the photograph above was posted online by the Navy.
The money manager Philip A. Falcone, who made billions of dollars betting on the collapse of the housing market a decade ago and later lost at least a billion dollars investing in wireless telecommunications, is no stranger to run-ins with regulators.

In 2013, Mr. Falcone agreed to be barred from working in the securities industry for five years, an agreement stemming from violations at his former hedge fund, Harbinger Capital Partners. Now, some of Mr. Falcones original financial backers from Alabama have reached their own regulatory settlement in a tax investigation.

Eric T. Schneiderman, the New York attorney general, said on Tuesday that his office had reached a $40 million settlement with Harbert Management Corporation and several of its top executives over allegations that they had not paid state taxes for some of the most profitable years that Mr. Falcone was managing Harbinger, which was owned by Harbert.

State officials did not accuse Mr. Falcone of any wrongdoing, and he was not part of the settlement.
Donald J. Trump made big promises to overhaul the tax code during his successful election campaign. But efforts to make changes have barely gotten off the ground.

One problem is President Trumps refusal to release his tax returns.

Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, maintained on Monday that Mr. Trump would not be publishing the information. Mr. Spicer said voters had elected the president with full knowledge that he was breaking decades of precedent by refusing to release his returns.

But Democrats have united around a pledge not to cooperate on any rewriting of the tax code unless they know specifically how that revision might benefit the president and his family. Republicans are joining calls for Mr. Trump to publish his tax returns, too.

The administrations tax plan has not yet materialized, and a House Republican plan has bogged down.
LONDON  Ivanka Trump calls her father a homebody. If it were up to him, hed seldom leave New York, she once wrote.

By contrast, she has been her familys leading globalist  doing deals around the world in her fathers name and her own. Even since her father took office, her own fashion brand has continued to look abroad, filing four new trademarks in Canada and the Philippines, according to a New York Times analysis of trademark records.

The continued activity is tricky territory for Ms. Trumps new job as White House adviser. While she has stepped down from both her own fashion company and from the Trump Organization and put her brand in a trust, she has not given up her financial control, an unusual situation to navigate now that she is subject to federal ethics rules on conflicts of interest.

Even though many of her trademark applications were filed long before she took her government job, they could be decided on by foreign governments while she works in the White House, creating ethical issues with little precedent. While trademarks do not directly confer financial gains, they protect the use of logos and other intellectual property, making them valuable tools for companies looking to build new ventures or expand existing operations.
To sell more tickets, some movie theaters have introduced seats that tilt, spin and rumble to match the action on the screen, devices that spray water and pump scents and salted pretzels the size of steering wheels.

Recently added to that list: playground equipment in auditoriums to cater to 3- to 12-year-olds.

Cinepolis, which has more than 4,900 auditoriums worldwide, last month introduced Cinepolis Junior at theaters in Los Angeles and San Diego.

They are equipped with a 55-foot-long and 25-foot-high play structure with two slides and two platforms with wobble hoppers (similar to stationary pogo sticks) and stand n spins (smaller versions of merry-go-rounds). A separate area enclosed with a colorful fence has green lawn turf and plastic animal sculptures for climbing and crawling.

Cinepolis USA, a Dallas-based subsidiary with theaters in California, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey and New York, plans to open more junior auditoriums in the United States.
LONDON  Vijay Mallya has spent a lifetime building a reputation as Indias professed King of Good Times, a flamboyant tycoon with investments in alcohol, an airline and an auto racing team. But his freewheeling, free-spending ways ended last year when he fled India under an avalanche of unpaid bills and accusations of fraud.

Mr. Mallya capped a stunning fall from grace on Tuesday, when the British police arrested him as part of proceedings that could lead to his extradition to India.

Mr. Mallya came to symbolize many of the heights, and excesses, of Indian business in the decades of economic growth that followed the countrys deregulation in the early 1990s. But he eventually became a target of the authorities, partly because his public displays of wealth came even as his company fell behind on salary payments to staff.

Often likened to the British entrepreneur Richard Branson, Mr. Mallya, 61, turned what had been a family brewing business into a sprawling conglomerate. He now owns the United Breweries Group, which makes Kingfisher beer and distributes a wide variety of products, including alcohol, chemicals and fertilizer. He also has a stake in Indias only Formula One car racing team, Force India.
With chicken, I covet the wings. With duck, not really; they tend to be sinewy and dry, without chickens succulence  or so I thought.

Then I ordered the duck wings at Upland in the Kips Bay neighborhood in Manhattan and instantly became a duck wing disciple.

The fried wings from that first encounter a little over two years ago, made by the chef Justin Smillie, combined crisp skin, rich meat and gamy flavor emboldened by Asian seasonings.

Since then, Ive seen duck wings on menus in New York, Chicago and Florida. Gunter Seeger has served them at his namesake restaurant in the West Village; Gary King, the new chef at NoMo Kitchen in SoHo, offers them, too. Mr. Kings version follows Mr. Smillies recipe; he was the former chef de cuisine at Upland.
My grandfather harvested red wine grapes on the farm he worked with my grandmother; together they snipped Sangiovese grapes from the vines. They placed the grapes in big baskets that were loaded on a tractor and carted into a cellar. Perhaps it was the slope of the Tuscan hills combined with some human error in maneuvering the tractor: The cart plunged forward and hit my grandfather on the head, killing him on the spot.

His lifeless body, covered by a white blanket, lay in the vineyard for hours, awaiting forensics and some legal authorization that in Italy seems to always come too late. Police kept my mother and her two sisters away while they waited for the authorities, but my family members vividly remember the scene and reconstructed it with their children, and with me, my brother and my cousins. My mother told us she had had a premonition that morning, while she was sewing in the tailors shop where she and her sister worked. For years afterward, tears filled her eyes every time she recounted that omen, that morning.

Days after the incident, some of my grandfathers colleagues told our family that the landlords nephew was driving the tractor when the cart started rolling forward, but police did not look into it very carefully.

We were alone and had no economic or legal power at the time, my mother answered me when I asked why they didnt call for an investigation into the accident. The landlord had money, and a name. We were just farmers.

We still dont know exactly what caused my grandfathers death.

Labor laws are much more protective now and, had he died more recently, perhaps there would have been a thorough investigation or court verdict that settled what exactly had happened. Forty-three years ago, however, a number of questions  and a potent sense of injustice  followed my grandfathers lifeless body out of the vineyard. My grandmother, who later developed diabetes, maintained a clear memory of the days she and her gentle husband worked together in the Chianti countryside.
Turn On, Tune Up

From The Leap, KQED: Theres been a revived interest in the therapeutic uses of LSD  most recently in micro-dosing with the psychedelic drug to treat depression and other disorders. This podcast, from reporters Amy Standen and Judy Campbell, looks at a use case from decades ago that went in the other direction: In the early 60s, a psychologist used LSD in extremely large doses to treat severely emotionally disturbed children, some as young as 4. The approach, and the results, are shocking.  Dan Saltzstein, assistant editor, Travel
Do you think a cat person is different from a dog person? If so, how? What do you think about people who keep exotic pets, like snakes or tropical birds, for example?

What does a persons choice of pet  or his choice not to have a pet at all  say about his personality or character? Why do you think the way you do?

In What Kind of Pet Should Donald Trump Get, Alex Beam writes:

The White House has at various times hosted snakes, a badger, a lion, a hyena, zebra, bears and even elephants, gifted to James Buchanan from the king of Siam, present-day Thailand. The animal lover and killer Theodore Roosevelt doubled as zookeeper, sheltering such exotic charges as the guinea pig Admiral Dewey and Jonathan Edwards, a small bear. More mundane pets such as Franklin D. Roosevelts Scottish terrier, Fala, and Senator Richard M. Nixons cocker spaniel, Checkers, have clawed their way into American history. It is said that Lyndon B. Johnson received more negative mail when he hoisted his beagle, Him, by the ears in 1964 than he did waging the Vietnam War. Many animal lovers never forgave Johnson, who received some tepid support from hunters, who sometimes pulled their dogs ears to make sure they were in full throat for the chase. Mr. Trumps reluctance to take a pet under his wing seems silly when you consider how little work it must involve. Lets get real; its not as if he would have to follow them around with a pooper scooper, or empty that foul-smelling litter box. That is why God invented White House ushers, and there are plenty of them. By all appearances, Mr. Trump doesnt like animals. Its hard not to notice his lack of commitment to companion animals and nature in general, comments Alan M. Beck, a professor of animal ecology at Purdue University and director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond. His sons are trophy hunters. Professor Beck says that politicians often adopt animals because people with animals are given more positive attribution. If you have an animal, you are somehow a better person. There are lots of studies on this. But I dont think the president even seems to care about that.

Students: Read the entire article, then tell us:

 What does your pet choice say about you and your personality? Why?

 What does a presidents choice of a pet  or a choice not to have a pet at all  say about his personality or character? Do other people view the president differently if he doesnt have a pet? Why?

 Do you think President Donald Trump should get a White House pet? If so, what kind of pet should he get? If not, why not?
By the end of last summer, the assumption that economic anxiety was a straightforward political motivation had come under sustained attack, with dissenters pointing to the incomes of Trump supporters (higher than average), the antipathy toward Trump among many working-class people (especially nonwhite ones) and the more statistically persuasive connections between Trump support and attitudes about race. (For a while, economic anxiety became a wry joke on social media: Surely the racial slurs and anti-Semitic harassment appearing in your feed were really arguments for a more robust manufacturing sector.) But alternative theories about what was driving the election  racial anxiety, demographic worries, cultural reaction  still assumed people were emotionally, not ideologically, unsettled. And since one of the strange things about anxiety is how easily it can be made contagious, with one persons quivering unease shattering the next persons calm, this year so far has felt like a national exercise in reactive nervousness. Your angst might center on immigration or on a swelling deportation force, on the threat of North Korea or the safety of South Korea, but the expectation is that you will be racked by some sense of adrenalized dread over it.

Weve reached a weird, quiet agreement that the most potent force in our politics is, for the moment, a stew of unease, fear, rage, grief, helplessness and humiliation. Anxiety, after all, need not be rational, need not be coherent, can contain multitudes. Its possible to be anxious about things that will almost certainly never affect you; its possible for anxiety to prevent you from accurately assessing danger and making plans to address it. (This is how we remain more panicked by terrorism than medical bankruptcy.) Americans are acknowledging, more openly than were used to or comfortable with, that the life of the nation may not take place in a realm of issues and policy and consensus-building but someplace more disordered, irrational and human.

A mainstay of 20th-century age-of-anxiety complaints was that our world was becoming too complex for anyone to keep track of or feel like a relevant participant in, full of strange and byzantine distances between individuals and the grand global forces affecting us. This feels as obviously true today as it might have to a midcentury reader of Kafka. You can argue with a store owner; you cant argue with the call-center representative of the company contracted to maintain the point-of-sale machine owned by the other company contracted by the multinational conglomerate that owns the store. Freud connected psychological anxiety with birth and infancy, when human beings experience wrenching change theyre completely unequipped to make sense of. According to Michel Dugas, a psychologist at the University of Quebec, feelings of anxiety are closely connected to an inability to handle uncertainty. What might make human beings less anxious, it seems, is having a firmer sense of what in the world is happening and whats likely to happen next. We seem temporarily short on both.

A quarter-century ago, in the Prozac-not-Xanax era after the end of the first gulf war, we were worrying at these same uncertainties. In the 1991 novel Generation X, one of Douglas Couplands characters ventures that the world has gotten too big  way beyond our capacity to tell stories about it, and so all were stuck with are these blips and chunks and snippets on bumpers. A pressing national worry, right now, is that our dueling bumper-sticker snippets have nothing productive to say to one another. An unpleasant thought follows: that maybe the only thing that could relieve our national anxieties is something bad happening to us  something so clarifyingly awful that were forced to become solemn and still and agree about it.
For the past few years, the Harvard professor David Keith has been sketching this vision: Ten Gulfstream jets, outfitted with special engines that allow them to fly safely around the stratosphere at an altitude of 70,000 feet, take off from a runway near the Equator. Their cargo includes thousands of pounds of a chemical compound  liquid sulfur, lets suppose  that can be sprayed as a gas from the aircraft. It is not a one-time event; the flights take place throughout the year, dispersing a load that amounts to 25,000 tons. If things go right, the gas converts to an aerosol of particles that remain aloft and scatter sunlight for two years. The payoff? A slowing of the earths warming  for as long as the Gulfstream flights continue.

Keith argues that such a project, usually known as solar geoengineering, is technologically feasible and  with a back-of-the-envelope cost of under $1 billion annually  ought to be fairly cheap from a cost-benefit perspective, considering the economic damages potentially forestalled: It might do good for a world unable to cut carbon-dioxide emissions enough to prevent further temperature increases later this century.

What surprised me, then, as Keith paced around his Harvard office one morning in early March, was his listing all the reasons humans might not want to hack the environment. Actually, Im writing a paper on this right now, he said. Most of his thoughts were related to the possible dangers of trying to engineer our way out of a climate problem of nearly unimaginable scientific, political and moral complexity. Solar geoengineering might lead to what some economists call lock-in, referring to the momentum that a new technology, even one with serious flaws, can assume after it gains a foothold in the market. The qwerty keyboard is one commonly cited example; the internal combustion engine is another. Once we start putting sulfate particles in the atmosphere, he mused, would we really be able to stop?

Another concern, he said, is just the ethics about messing with nature. Tall, wiry and kinetic, with thinning hair and a thick beard that gives him the look of the backcountry skier he is, Keith proudly showed me the framed badge that his father, a biologist, wore when he attended the landmark United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972. Now 53, Keith has taken more wilderness trips  hiking, rock climbing, canoeing  than he can properly recall, and for their recent honeymoon, he and his wife were dropped off by helicopter 60 miles from the nearest road in northern British Columbia. It was quite rainy, he told me, and that ended up making it even better. So the prospect of intentionally changing the climate, he confessed, is not just unpleasant  it initially struck me as nuts.
Pizzanello volunteered that shed sent one of her clients, living in a below-flood-elevation house on a slab and paying $3,200 annually for N.F.I.P. coverage, to talk to Vernon. Short of options, they looked into private insurance. The lowest quote that came back was $22,000 a year. It was one of those raise-or-raze situations, Vernon told the gathering, saying, Elevation certificates are literally about tenths of feet.

Spend a few days talking about floods and real estate in Norfolk, and youll quickly learn the importance of even tiny inclines. Locals know where, on what appears to the uninitiated to be a flat street, to park their cars to keep them from flooding past the axles when the wind pushes the tide up. Landscapers build what are essentially decorative earthen dikes around houses. When I asked one man how close storm and tidal surges come to his front porch, he pointed at the bricks under my feet, which I had taken for the wall of a flower bed. Youre actually standing on a bulkhead, he said.

In the coming decades, these fine distinctions will mean little, as the risk of flooding becomes the certainty of it. The operative measurement for rising waters in Norfolk is not inches but feet  as many as six of them by the end of the century, according to the Army Corps of Engineers, though estimates vary. City planners are forthright that theyre preparing for a future in which parts of the city do not survive. We absolutely cannot protect 200 miles of coastline, George Homewood, Norfolks planning director, says. We have to pick those areas we should armor, and the places where were going to let the water be.

Norfolk now mandates that new construction be built three feet above current base flood elevation (as if the houses were boats, this distance from the waterline is called freeboard), and 18 inches above what Homewood says is euphemistically known as the 500-year floodplain. But Norfolk is an old, established city, where changing new construction can only get you so far. In 2008, the city hired a Dutch engineering firm, experienced with life below sea level, to help develop a plan for adaptation. The firm suggested $1 billion in changes, more than half of which would go to simply updating existing infrastructure.

Like insurers, residents are playing a game of risk and timing. Adaptation is a range, says Fred Brusso, a former city flood manager. Do you need to just move your car? Do you have to put your washer and dryer on cinder blocks? Or do you need to get the heck out of town? Sean Becketti, the chief economist for Freddie Mac, cautioned in a report last year that economists arent sure if coastal property values will decline gradually, as the life expectancy of homes shrinks, or precipitously, the first time a lender refuses to make a mortgage on a nearby house or an insurer refuses to issue a homeowners policy.

Skip Stiles, the executive director of the local nonprofit Wetlands Watch, took me on a tour of frequently flooded areas of Norfolk  when waters are down, Stiles uses rusty storm drains and marsh plants growing in yards and medians to show where theyve been  and pointed out buildings that had been elevated. Often their awkwardness made them obvious: ordinary, colorful houses perched uncomfortably atop walls of bare concrete blocks. While FEMA does pay to elevate risky houses, it struggles to keep up with demand: Wetlands Watch compared the number of people on the FEMA waiting list in Norfolk with the number of houses raised in a year, and concluded that it would take 188 years to complete them all. By then, of course, waters would be far higher.

This is the hardest reality to discuss, Stiles said, and a reason flood insurance is serving as a kind of advance scout into a more difficult future. When you go out to the end of the century, some of these neighborhoods dont exist, so its hard to get community engagement, he said. Nobody wants to talk beyond where the dragons are on the map, into uncharted territory.
After arriving in a ferryboat festooned in bunting, with big-band jazz blaring from the shoreline, Mayor Bill de Blasio made an announcement on Monday that New York Citys new ferry service would soon begin. Then he walked away.

No questions were asked; no questions were allowed.

Most other times, this would be a strange sight  the mayor of the nations largest city passing up a chance to pontificate and parry with the City Hall press corps. But over the past four weeks, Mr. de Blasio, a Democrat, has staunchly exhibited an approach that might be described as dont ask, dont answer.

No questions were allowed after a Police Academy graduation, beside the statue known as Fearless Girl in Lower Manhattan, or even at the handful of events during the mayors weeklong road trip on Staten Island last week.

All mayors have periods of tension with the news media, especially in New York. But by abruptly restricting the times when he will take questions, Mr. de Blasio seems to be embracing a new communications model, one that relies on social media channels, town hall exchanges with average New Yorkers and one-on-one interviews with specific reporters.
Pedro Hernandez, a former store clerk who told the police that he murdered Etan Patz as the boy headed to school in 1979, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison on Tuesday, bringing to a close a missing-child case that bedeviled investigators for decades and forever changed the way American parents protected their children.

It took two trials, each of which lasted five months, for prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorneys office to persuade a jury to convict Mr. Hernandez of kidnapping and murder. His first trial ended two years ago in a hung jury after one juror held out for acquittal.

On Tuesday, Etans parents, Stan and Julie Patz, stood and spoke inside a packed Manhattan courtroom before Mr. Hernandez was sentenced. Mr. Patz turned toward Mr. Hernandez and said: Pedro Hernandez, after all these years, we finally know what dark secret you had locked in your heart. You took our precious child and threw him in the garbage. I will never forgive you. The God you pray to will never forgive you.

Mr. Hernandez stared straight ahead, his face betraying no emotion. He declined to speak, but his lawyers, Harvey Fishbein and Alice L. Fontier, rose to proclaim his innocence and vowed to appeal.
In the stench and smolder that followed the Sept. 11 attacks, emergency workers ripped the pews out of the little Roman Catholic chapel opposite the World Trade Center site in Battery Park City in Manhattan and used the church as a command station. As the weeks passed, the pastor erected a tent outside to celebrate Mass. The interior was used by the workers at ground zero as a place for food, rest and counseling.

When residents of Battery Park City began returning home three months later, they were determined to restore the chapel, St. Josephs. So the parish held a national fund-raising drive. It commissioned sacred artworks for the space to amplify the theme of rebirth. The chapel was rebuilt as both a prayer space and a Catholic memorial to the horrors and heroism of Sept. 11, 2001.

In 2005, Cardinal Edward M. Egan officiated at the rededication. In a spot that for so long had felt like a war zone, it was a sign that life again bloomed.

Now the little chapel itself is on the verge of destruction.

As a result of the neighborhoods recovery, which the chapel helped bring about, St. Josephs rent more than tripled in 2014, to $264,000 a year. Since then, the parish has been borrowing money from the Archdiocese of New York to cover the cost, but the parishs new pastor and its Finance Council have decided that the debt is not sustainable.
In times of crisis, credibility is an American presidents most valuable currency. Its one thing for a foreign partner to doubt a presidents judgment; its entirely more debilitating when that partner doubts the presidents word.

As President Trump confronts the twin challenges of North Korea and Syria, he must overcome a credibility gap of his own making. His insistence on remaining the most prominent consumer and purveyor of fake news and conspiracy theories is not only corrosive of our democracy  its dangerous to our national security. Every fact-averse tweet devalues his credibility at home and around the world. This matters more than ever when misinformation is a weapon of choice for our most dangerous adversaries.

Part of the problem is that Mr. Trumps itchy Twitter finger cant resist bluster. A series of sophomoric presidential missives  North Korea is behaving very badly; North Korea is looking for trouble; if China wont help, we will solve the problem without them! U.S.A.; North Koreas quest for a nuclear-tipped ICBM wont happen!  has given Pyongyang a rare chance to take the high road. Trump is always making provocations with his aggressive words, its vice foreign minister declared.

Presidential bravado also risks North Korea taking him at his word, and miscalculating accordingly. Loose threats of pre-emptive military attacks could cause its leader, Kim Jong-un, to shoot first and worry about the consequences later  perhaps striking South Korea with conventional weapons to remind the world what he is capable of, if the United States seeks to eliminate his nuclear program. Thats a quick path to conflict with a volatile and nuclear-armed adversary.
CHICAGO  Last week, Richard B. Spencer, a white nationalist and one of the leaders of Americas so-called alt-right movement, announced that he would be giving a speech on the campus of Auburn University in Alabama. Auburn, a public university, has a policy of permitting anyone who wants to rent meeting space to do so.

Mr. Spencer is a controversial and divisive figure who has been decried as racist, anti-Semitic, un-American and hateful. Knowing that his presence would upset many members of the university community, Auburn issued a statement: We strongly deplore his views, which run counter to those of this institution. While his event isnt affiliated with the university, Auburn supports the constitutional right to free speech. We encourage the campus community to respond to speech they find objectionable with their own views in civil discourse and to do so with respect and inclusion.

Several days later, though, Auburn changed its tune. In consultation with law enforcement, the university announced that it had decided to cancel the event because of credible evidence that it will jeopardize the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Given the sometimes disruptive responses to other controversial speakers on campuses recently, Auburns concern is certainly credible. But is that justification for canceling the speech constitutionally permissible?
LEWISTON, Maine  President Trumps name did not come up once as Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, met with patients, physicians, and the people running Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.

Stretch Tuemmler, a man with cancer struggling to pay for health insurance, made it clear to Senator Collins that Mr. Trumps latest lie or outrage wasnt what troubled him most. Im scared, he said. Im scared for myself, Im scared for my country, for the 24 million people who could lose health coverage and for people who arent covered at all. I really like the idea of reaching across the aisle and making things work. I dont know how thats going to happen, but I hope you can do it  I have my sixth operation coming up.

For the two weeks of spring recess, voters from Bangor to Bakersfield have been giving members of Congress an earful about what the chaos and do-nothing rancor of Trump-era Washington is costing them. But Senator Collins was not greeted with the rage that some Republican representatives have faced down, or run from.

Despite its economic problems, Maines congressional delegation has maintained a stern sense of bipartisan pragmatism appropriate for a state evenly split politically, with a no-nonsense culture thats weathered longtime economic problems.
LAS VEGAS  Cheaper tampons. Office breaks to pump breast milk. No co-pay on birth control.

These are not the talking points of a ladies happy hour. They are among the State Senate and Assembly bills being considered in the Nevada Legislature. Not only were the bills designed solely with women in mind, they each were sponsored by a female lawmaker.

At 39.7 percent, Nevada now ranks near the top for womens representation in state politics, second only to Vermont. The bills women are bringing to the State Senate floor this session range from the annual ranking of companies by how fairly they pay men and women to arguably the most historic  the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

The state legislature is a testimony to what many who study gender inequity in politics theorize to be true: Increased gender representation directly translates into better consideration of women in the drafting of law and policy.

Although the 2016 presidential election is mourned as a symbolic impasse for womens progress, it was momentous for female politicians in Nevada, at both the state and the federal level. Many have called President Trumps election a wake-up call for American women, one that has inspired their increased grass-roots activism and political involvement.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey thought that Sundays referendum on a set of amendments to the countrys constitution would allow him to solidify his grip on power, uncontested. Its not proving as easy as he and his supporters might have hoped.

Despite an uneven playing field, the yes campaign in support of the constitutional amendments failed to win with the wide margin that the president expected, and that he believed would legitimize his rule. Mr. Erdogans side won with a slim 51 percent. Drastic regime change  like moving from a parliamentary system to a presidential one, with no checks and balances  should normally require a clear national consensus. The 49 percent no vote to the proposed constitutional amendments, especially when there is major concern over foul play, denies that consensus.

Sundays vote also proves that despite years of Mr. Erdogans authoritarian tactics, Turkish democracy still has a pulse. In fact, given the circumstances, the outcome of the referendum is a major victory for the opposition. Voters went to the polls under a state of emergency; the main opposition party was not allowed to mobilize its supporters; the most charismatic opposition leader is behind bars; and Mr. Erdogan has branded opponents of the presidential system as terrorists. The yes campaign received overwhelmingly more airtime, thanks to the governments tight grip on the news media. The ruling party in many places took down posters and billboards advocating a no vote.

Independent election observers were not allowed to monitor the polls, and observers from opposition parties had their applications to observe polling procedures rejected by the election board. The same board made a last-minute decision on Sunday to make it harder to file allegations of ballot-box stuffing. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe said on Monday that late changes in counting procedures removed an important safeguard.
An ad in the April 9, 1967, edition of The New York Times caught my attention and changed my life. We appeal to North Vietnam, if they really want peace, to stop bombing the United States  or else get the hell out of Vietnam! stated a group named Veterans for Peace in Vietnam. A Vietnam veteran myself, I recognized it as a tonic outburst of G.I. black humor, a cheeky comment on the reality of who was bombing whose homeland. It also convinced me that there was a role for me to play, as a veteran, in exposing what the American government was doing in Indochina.

Posted to Vietnam as an Army radio specialist, I celebrated my 20th birthday in Saigon in January 1963, a very drunk soldier in the United States Military Assistance Command Vietnam. A year and a half before the Gulf of Tonkin incident, we were already waging war  when we werent doing happy hours in bars from the Delta to Da Nang  under slick counterinsurgency slogans like winning hearts and minds and cynical unit slogans like only you can prevent a forest (motto of the Air Force missions spraying the countryside with chemical warfare herbicides). Ill admit  some of it was thrilling. I caught flights on Air Force C-123s skimming treetops and bush-pilot planes flown by my Army unit transporting Special Operations teams in and out of hush-hush places, with B-26 and T-28 bombers and assorted other airplanes and helicopters flitting around, all part of a strategy to pacify rice-farming regions and jungle forests potentially harboring elusive Vietcong guerrillas, under the guise of being military advisers to a government we had installed.

Our mission was to hold Communist China in check. We occupied old French Foreign Legion posts, contemptuous of the French for being defeated by Vietnamese. Yet we seldom controlled much beyond our bases. Things in Southeast Asia, I learned, were not as upstanding as portrayed in official pronouncements. Declining a military career, I resigned from the United States Military Academy, where I went after serving in Vietnam, intending to write an expose of our secretive, bizarre little war in Southeast Asia. That project got snagged in a tangle of new revelations as the war mushroomed in 1965-66 into an assault on the scale of World War II campaigns.

Quitting a newspaper job in New Jersey, I moved to New York in early 1967, looking to join the emerging public debate over the war. Working as a file clerk at the New York Public Library and doing research for another stab at a book project, I read a news dispatch about the bombing of yet another Vietnamese village. I was incensed that the news item quoted a military spokesman saying this was a mistake, but didnt report that bombing villages was our strategy in Vietnam. So I dashed off a dissenting letter to the editor; sent a furious letter of protest of our bombing campaign to one of my senators, Robert Kennedy; and wrote a blistering letter to Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara blasting the bombing of civilians and enclosed my war medals with the letter to emphasize my disgust.
On todays episode:

 We talk with Adam Liptak, our Supreme Court reporter, who was in the room for Mr. Gorsuchs first day on the job.

 Why would a democratic country voluntarily choose to make itself more authoritarian? Patricky Kingsley, a foreign correspondent based in Turkey, joins to discuss the referendum on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Background reading:

 Mr. Liptak writes about Mr. Gorsuchs first day.

 Mr. Kingsley describes how the vote on Mr. Erdogans powers highlights Turkeys divisions.

Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at thedaily@nytimes.com. Tweet me at @mikiebarb. And if that isnt enough, we can even text.

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Marwan Barghouti is an unusually popular political figure among Palestinians, especially for a man behind bars. He is a charismatic leader who has written three books and for many years has commanded an outsize presence beyond the Israeli prison where he is serving time. He was given five consecutive life terms after being convicted in an Israeli criminal court of premeditated murder for his role in terrorist attacks that killed five people, along with other crimes.

On Sunday, he wrote a piece for the Op-Ed pages of The New York Times to draw attention to a mass hunger strike for what he calls Israels arbitrary arrests and poor treatment of Palestinian prisoners.

Israels inhumane system of colonial and military occupation aims to break the spirit of prisoners and the nation to which they belong, by inflicting suffering on their bodies, separating them from their families and communities, using humiliating measures to compel subjugation, he wrote. In spite of such treatment, we will not surrender to it.

Image Photos of prisoners during a demonstration demanding the release of the Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, in Ramallah, West Bank, this month. Credit... Issam Rimawi/Anadolu Agency, via Getty Images

In the piece, Barghouti makes reference to his life sentences and additional 40-year term but he does not say the crimes for which he was convicted. More crucially, neither did the editors of the Opinion pages. A biographical sentence at the end of the Op-Ed simply says, Marwan Barghouti is a Palestinian leader and parliamentarian.
Mr. Chong arrived more than three years ago from the Museum of Modern Art, where he worked as associate curator of painting and sculpture. Suhanya Raffel, the new executive director of M+, is the former director of collections at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Australia. (Ms. Raffel declined a request for an interview.)

The museums design team includes Herzog & de Meuron, the Swiss architectural firm behind the Tate Modern and the Birds Nest stadium built for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. M+s concrete structure, with a horizontal base and a vertical tower, will total nearly 700,000 square feet with nearly 185,000 square feet reserved for exhibition space, according to Mr. Chong and cultural district officials. (That compares with MoMAs allotment of 125,000 square feet for gallery space in 630,000 square feet of total real estate.)

Museum galleries will be in the horizontal slab while the 17-floor skyscraper will house offices, a members lounge and restaurants. The face of the tower will resemble a drive-in movie screen. At night the surface will glow with LED lights, displaying works of still or moving art, visible across Victoria Harbor. The edifice will be set in a grassy park with a waterfront promenade.

Public reactions to the design are mixed  some calling it sublime, others referring to it as bland. Architecturally it doesnt have that wow factor, said Fred Scholle, owner of Galerie du Monde, Hong Kongs longest running contemporary art gallery, which has been in operation since 1974. But it definitely conveys the fact it is a great museum that visually works extremely well with its location.

So far curators have amassed about 6,000 items from Asia, with the majority coming from artists in China and Hong Kong. Uli Sigg, a former Swiss ambassador to China, donated 1,463 articles, and the museum purchased 47 items.

Lars Nittve, the former executive director of M+ and the founding director of the Tate Modern, secured the acquisition. He stepped down from his post in early 2016 after it became clear that the museum was going to be delayed by two years, but he remains as a consultant.
Facebook is hardly the only social media company struggling to deal with lurid material posted by its users. Twitter and YouTube have struggled to block violent videos and other postings by terrorists. And YouTube has lost a number of advertisers because of its inability to prevent their ads from appearing next to offensive material.

There are also many examples of beatings and other assaults that are posted for the amusement of the perpetrators and their friends.

Social networks have made great strides in recent years in their efforts to block pornography, and artificial intelligence may help block violent material. But there is no easy answer, other than rigorous self-policing by users. For now, telling a machine to recognize nudity is a lot easier than telling it recognize that an assault is taking place.
What is the H-1B program, and why is the president focused on it?

The H-1B program grants 65,000 work visas a year to foreigners, with 20,000 more visas granted to foreigners with advanced degrees and an unlimited number of extra visas available for universities, teaching hospitals and other nonprofit organizations. The program is aimed at highly skilled workers, and most of the visas are awarded to technology companies, although other specialty industries such as fashion also use the visas. (Melania Trump, the first lady, worked as a model on an H-1B visa.)

Under federal law, employers that use a large number of H-1B workers are supposed to document that they tried to hire Americans for the jobs. All H-1B employers are also required to pay prevailing wages to the immigrant workers who receive the visas.

Labor Department data shows that about 40 percent of the visas go to entry-level workers and another 40 percent go to people with limited experience and skills. The Trump administration says that more of the jobs performed by those people could and should be filled by Americans.

How are the visas allocated?

Visa applications must be sponsored by employers. Every April 1, the government begins accepting applications for the next fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1. This year, the government received 199,000 H-1B applications in the first five days and then stopped accepting them.
When a splashy new smartphone hits the market, consumers often weigh whether to place an order right away or to wait and see how others react to the device.

But with the Galaxy S8, Samsungs first major smartphone release since the spontaneously combusting Galaxy Note 7 was discontinued last year, there isnt much of a debate. Your best bet is to wait to buy the roughly $750 device  not just for safety reasons, but also because other uncertainties surround it.

Samsung declined to provide an early review unit of the Galaxy S8 to The New York Times, but several consumer electronics experts who tried the device ahead of its release this Friday were cautiously optimistic about the product. Even so, they said the phone had some radical design changes that might make people uncomfortable, a few key features were unfinished and Samsungs recent safety record remained a concern.

For those who may not recall, Samsung killed the Galaxy Note 7 last year after some of the phones overheated and several of them caught fire. The South Korean company issued two recalls for the big-screen smartphone and blamed battery manufacturing problems and design flaws for the issues.
Kevin Spacey, a Tony-winning actor lately playing a nefarious president of the United States on Netflixs House of Cards, will be the host of this years Tony Awards.

Mr. Spacey, 57, won his Tony in 1991, as a featured actor in Lost in Yonkers. He has appeared in six Broadway productions, including the 2007 revival of A Moon for the Misbegotten.

He served for more than a decade as the artistic director of the Old Vic Theater in London.

The Tony Awards, which each year honor plays and musicals presented on Broadway, will take place on June 11 at Radio City Music Hall. Much of the ceremony will be broadcast on CBS, starting at 8 p.m. (Some awards are bestowed before the telecast, or during commercial breaks.) The awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theater Wing.

Mr. Spacey is an unusual choice, following a series of comic and musical performers  last years host was James Corden. But Mr. Spacey has been known to sing on occasion, including in the 2004 Bobby Darin biopic Beyond the Sea.
By the time I reached 50, Id accumulated many unresolved fears and desires. Each successive month, Id promised to conquer or cross another one off my bucket list before the end of my midcentury mark. There were writing goals  the unwritten novel, which had an excellent title but no accompanying words; the physical goals, like the vexing inverted backbend that everybody except me could execute in hot yoga class; and the emotional goals, such as freeing myself from a fiendish need to consume cold pizza for breakfast.

But nothing loomed quite as large as my failure to get a drivers license. It was the Grand Canyon of disappointments, shaming and taunting me. Id spent a lifetime in the passenger seat, daydreaming and sleeping through scenic drives to the tip of Long Island and the backwoods of Maine. I had become comfortable with my role as the map-quester and snack distributor on long journeys, making peace with the possibility that Id never get behind the wheel.

Understand, over the years, Id made significant career decisions and sacrifices based on my inability to drive. Id accept work at theaters in cities that had superior rapid transit systems, like London and Chicago, and avoid jobs in places like Los Angeles and Dallas. Growing up in New York City, Id flirted with the idea of driving, but between the subway and the sidewalks, Id never needed to learn. My sister-in-law once attempted to teach me, but during our first lesson, I sideswiped a parked car and knocked off her side-view mirror. It would be nearly 15 years before I would try again.

Then, just after turning 50 in November 2014, I completed a new play called Sweat for the Oregon Shakespeare Festivals American Revolutions history cycle, and much to my delight they decided to produce it. This was great news; however, it filled me with an equal measure of excitement and anxiety, because I knew that it would require spending almost three months rehearsing in a state that was near impossible to navigate without a drivers license.
In the beginning, you called an airline or travel agent when you wanted to book a trip. But if youve done any traveling at all within the last 15 years, youve probably come across a fare aggregator or metasearch site. Hundreds of perfectly legitimate ones exist; youve undoubtedly heard of Expedia, Priceline and Hotwire, to name three. Does it matter which site you use, or are they all basically the same?

These online travel agencies, or O.T.A.s, and search sites scrape data from other sources, reorganize it and present it to you, the user. The two proverbial 800-pound gorillas in the travel world are Expedia Inc. and the Priceline Group. Together, they have a hand in most of the major travel booking sites. I ran through various scenarios  purchasing a flight, a hotel room and a flight, hotel and car package  with the aid of a sampling of those sites: Travelocity (owned by Expedia), Kayak (owned by Priceline) and the newish kid on the block, Hipmunk. I also searched directly with airline and hotel sites. I admit that I went into this informal study expecting prices and options to be more or less the same from site to site. Lets just say I was surprised by how mistaken I was.

Features

Lets highlight a few features of the sites before getting into the nitty-gritty of travel details. Travelocity offers some nice options for travelers, including a $50 credit and refund of the difference if you can find a cheaper price on a flight, rental car or cruise within 24 hours of booking. It also featured some surprisingly useful travel articles in its Get Inspired section, including write-ups on Spanish sparkling wines and ideas for family-friendly locales in Ireland.

Kayak is more search engine than travel agent, and its focus seems to have shifted away from flights (more on that later): The sites default search offering now involves hotels. It also allows you to connect, in most cases, directly to the service provider. If you search for a Hyatt hotel, Kayak will encourage you to book through Priceline, but will also send you to the Hyatt website. Some of its best features are its price predictor tool, which advises you to wait or pull the trigger on a purchase, and its alerts, which will track airfares and hotel prices over time; an email alert option will notify you about price changes and recommend that you buy or wait.
The Obamacare marketplaces can be thought of as a government-run store. The government gives many customers subsidies, like gift cards, that they can use to buy insurance. But what happens if no companies want to sell their products in the store?

That is the problem that could face Obamacare customers if no insurance carriers show up in a given area, a risk policy makers call the bare-market problem. That risk is growing as the administration sends negative signals about the future of the market. If all the insurers start leaving some stores, consumers there will find their options dwindling, and then their subsidies will become worthless. Most would end up uninsured. The problem could affect as few as dozens of customers  or spread more broadly to affect a substantial fraction of the approximately 11 million people currently enrolled in Obamacare coverage.

The markets created by the Affordable Care Act have always relied on the voluntary participation of private companies. If the government set up the right conditions for the market, the thinking went, insurers would want to jump in. But, as Sarah Kliff at Vox.com has reported, the law contained no real backup plan if that vision didnt work out.

So far, there are parts of Tennessee where none of this years insurers want to sell insurance next year. Other counties have only one carrier, and in some of them, that carrier is looking shaky.
LA GRULLA, Tex.  Manuel Torresmutt, a Border Patrol agent, pulls his white and green Chevy Tahoe to the side of a deserted gravel road, framed on one side by railroad tracks and on the other by thick green brush.

The South Texas sun streams brightly as Mr. Torresmutt, a stocky, 24-year veteran of the United States Border Patrol, steps from his truck to meet with his three-man team. A radio dispatcher says four bodies have been spotted on the Mike side, referring to the code name for the bank of the Rio Grande in Mexico.

A few minutes later, Mr. Torresmutt and other members of the Border Patrols Rio Grande Valley Sector Horse Unit are on their way, rocks and dust flying as their mustangs rush into the bush in search of those crossing the border illegally.
In another video he posted, he said that he had killed multiple people, but the police said there was only one known victim. He later spoke with the police by phone, although officials have not revealed what was said.

We would like to have brought Steve in peacefully, and really talk to him and find out exactly why this happened, because there might be other people out there in similar situations that we can help, said Calvin D. Williams, the Cleveland police chief.

The killing, and Mr. Stephenss flight, set off intense news coverage, widespread fear and a vast hunt involving the F.B.I., the United States Marshals Service, and several state and local police agencies. Investigators had picked up a ping from his cellphone near Erie on Sunday and had searched the area without success, Chief Williams said.

Wanted posters showing Mr. Stephenss face and name appeared on digital billboards across the country, a $50,000 reward was offered, and the police received nearly 400 tips from people claiming to have information about him. Several schools in Philadelphia were placed on lockdown on Monday after the police received multiple reports that he had been spotted at a park. The police said on Twitter that there was no indication he was in the area, and on Tuesday, the Baltimore Police Department on Twitter debunked reports of sightings there as unfounded.

Mr. Stephens had worked since 2008, without any disciplinary problems, at Beech Brook, a behavioral health agency that serves children, the organization said. All 270 employees there were notified on Sunday night to stay home on Monday, said Nancy Kortemeyer, a spokeswoman for the agency. At Beech Brooks 70-acre headquarters campus in Pepper Pike, a Cleveland suburb, and at a family drop-in center in Cleveland, the police did a walk through to make sure he was not there, she said.

Upon learning of Mr. Stephenss suicide, there was a mixture of sadness and relief at the organization, Ms. Kortemeyer said.
Prosecutors in Georgia have dismissed dozens of cases and are reviewing others called into question after two law enforcement officers with a central role in them were fired for kicking and punching a motorist at a traffic stop, officials have said.

Rosanna Szabo, the solicitor general for Gwinnett County, on Friday dismissed 89 cases in which the officers, Robert McDonald and Michael F. Bongiovanni, were a principal officer or a main witness, a statement from her office said.

Ms. Szabo declined to provide further details about the types of cases that were dismissed, but her office handles ordinance violations, such as traffic violations, and misdemeanors, such as trespassing, property damage and shoplifting or other crimes punishable by up to one year in jail.

Danny Porter, the Gwinnett County district attorney, said his office was reviewing up to 40 felony cases in which the officers had been witnesses. Those that can be salvaged will be, he said in an email on Tuesday.
Voters in Georgias Sixth Congressional District will have 18 candidates to choose from Tuesday when they decide who should fill the seat vacated by former Representative Tom Price, a Republican who was tapped to become President Trumps health and human services secretary.

But none have earned more press, or raised more money, than Jon Ossoff, 30, a Democrat and documentary filmmaker who bills his campaign as a way to Make Trump Furious. Now, in one of the first political tests of the Trump presidency, the question is whether he can turn anti-Trump anger and energy into enough votes to send him to Congress from a wealthy suburban district that has not sent a Democrat to Washington in decades.

Here are some key questions about Tuesdays election.

Can Mr. Ossoff land a knockout in Round 1?

The top two vote-getters on the crowded ballot will advance to a June 20 runoff  unless one of them earns more than 50 percent of the vote.

Mr. Ossoff, more than his Republican opponents, may need a knockout blow of 50 percent plus one. That would allow Democrats to avoid a long and costly slog toward a runoff when a Republican candidate is likely to be heavily favored in a one-to-one matchup.
WASHINGTON  President Trump visited the Tennessee estate of Andrew Jackson last month to symbolically claim the mantle of the first genuinely populist president since the 1830s. Just like Jackson, Mr. Trump defeated a political dynasty to take power and was now determined to challenge what the new president called the arrogant elite.

But last week suggested the limits of the comparison. Where Jackson made it his mission to destroy the Second Bank of the United States, which he viewed as a construct of the nations wealthy to wield power over the people, Mr. Trump saved the Export-Import Bank and signaled that he may preserve the leadership of the Federal Reserve, two modern-day tools of federal power in the economy.

As he nears 100 days in the White House, Mr. Trump has demonstrated that while he won office on a populist message, he has not consistently governed that way. He rails against elites and on Tuesday signed an order favoring American companies for federal contracts. But he has stocked his administration with billionaires and lobbyists while turning over his economic program to a Wall Street banker. He may be at war with the Washington establishment, but he has drifted away from some of the anti-establishment ideas that animated his campaign.

The shift comes as the president has moved to marginalize their most outspoken proponent, Stephen K. Bannon, the White House chief strategist who made it his mission to deconstruct the administrative state. On the rise are Jared Kushner, his son-in-law and senior adviser, and Gary D. Cohn, the former Goldman Sachs president serving as the presidents national economics adviser.
 Masha Gessen in The New York Review of Books:

Trump has become the real version of the man Putin plays on television  an unpredictable, temperamental, impetuous man who will push reality past the limits of the imagination.

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and Mr. Trump have much in common, writes Masha Gessen, including an affinity for the politics of spectacle and insatiable ambition. But their differences are instructive. With Mr. Trump becoming the madman that Ms. Gessen argues Mr. Putin only puts on, the results for geopolitical comity are truly terrifying. Read more 

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 William Astore in Tom Dispatch:

To Trump and his generals, an America-first approach [...] actually means putting the military first, second, and third.

William Astore, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, urges his readers not to dismiss the power of the military-industrial complex. Mr. Trump, Mr. Astore writes, joins recent presidents whose foreign policies have little to do with deterrence and everything to do with maintaining lucrative and never-ending wars. Read more 

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 Alyssa Battistoni in Dissent:

The prospect of pushing for basic income in the United States right now  when the right controls everything  should be cause for alarm.

Alyssa Battistoni looks at the growing interest in a universal basic income  a policy sometimes explained as paying people for being alive. People from across political ideologies support the idea, including Trump-supporting venture capitalists like Peter Thiel and fully automated luxury communists like Peter Frase. A proponent of the policy herself, Ms. Battistoni warns that the left should proceed with caution in its embrace of a basic income. Put into effect in the Trump era, the program might become a vehicle to dismantle the welfare state entirely. Read more 
WASHINGTON  President Trumps plans to build a border wall could cost more than three times as much as initial estimates, Senate Democrats said in a report released on Tuesday, adding that the administration has yet to provide Congress with evidence to show that a wall would be effective in stopping the flow of illegal immigration and drugs.

The report said the border wall could cost nearly $70 billion to build and $150 million a year to maintain. An internal report by the Department of Homeland Security said the wall could cost about $21.6 billion, not including maintenance.

The report, which was prepared by the Democratic staff of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, also found that the construction of a wall would require taking hundreds of acres of private land at a cost of millions to taxpayers and would divert money from crucial mobile video surveillance technology.

The staff just wanted to summarize where we are at this point, given the lack of substantive answers coming from the administration, said Drew Pusateri, a spokesman for Senator Claire McCaskill, Democrat of Missouri and ranking member on the committee.
The answer to that question, he said, is plainly no.

But Justice Elena Kagan said there was something curious about the case. It doesnt make much sense, though, does it? she asked Mr. Shanmugam.

Your client serviced this debt and counted as a debt collector at that time, she said. And then your client purchased the debt and all of a sudden is not a debt collector.

And I guess the question is: What happened in between the time when your client serviced the debt and the time when your client purchased the debt that in any way changed its relationship with the borrower such that Congress wouldnt be concerned any longer with its behavior? she asked

Mr. Shanmugam said his client, as owner of the debt, had different interests than some debt collectors, including keeping a good relationship with customers to whom it might want to sell other products. I do think, he said, that we would have incentives to maintain their good will in the way that the sort of fly-by-night debt collectors that Congress was seeking to target 40 years ago did not when it enacted the law.

Kevin K. Russell, a lawyer for the borrowers, faced resistance even from justices who might be inclined to be sympathetic to his position. I can never get it to mean what you want it to mean, Justice Kagan said of the words of the law.

Mr. Russell said his reading of the law avoided some contradictions and superfluous words. But Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. said the supposed inconsistencies were inconsequential. Youre really going uphill on that, he said.

Mr. Russell responded that some of the language in the statute created a null set or Venn diagrams with circles that do not touch. He gave what he said was a comparable example: If Congress has enacted a statute that regulates taxis only to the extent theyre driven by poodles.
WASHINGTON  President Trumps most influential policy advisers are urging him to keep the United States in the landmark Paris climate accord of 2015, a move that would break one of his signature campaign promises and further downgrade the counsel of his senior strategist, Stephen K. Bannon.

Mr. Trump plans to make a final decision on the fate of the Paris agreement before a meeting of the Group of 7 leading economies at the end of May, according to Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary. A team of Mr. Trumps principal advisers was scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon at the White House to discuss the decision with the aim of recommending a path forward, but the meeting was canceled after some of the planned attendees flew with Mr. Trump to an event in Wisconsin, according to a White House spokeswoman.

The spokeswoman, Kelly Love, said the meeting was still expected to take place, although the exact timing was unclear.

On the campaign trail, Mr. Trump vowed to cancel the climate deal, and his most politically conservative advisers, including Mr. Bannon, have pushed him to follow through. But Mr. Bannons influence has waned in recent weeks, while authority has risen for Mr. Trumps daughter Ivanka and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who advocate staying in the accord.
WASHINGTON  Just over a week ago, the White House declared that ordering an American aircraft carrier into the Sea of Japan would send a powerful deterrent signal to North Korea and give President Trump more options in responding to the Norths provocative behavior. Were sending an armada, Mr. Trump said to Fox News last Tuesday afternoon.

The problem was that the carrier, the Carl Vinson, and the three other warships in its strike force were that very moment sailing in the opposite direction, to take part in joint exercises with the Australian Navy in the Indian Ocean, 3,500 miles southwest of the Korean Peninsula.

White House officials said Tuesday that they had been relying on guidance from the Defense Department. Officials there described a glitch-ridden sequence of events, from an ill-timed announcement of the deployment by the militarys Pacific Command to a partially erroneous explanation by the defense secretary, Jim Mattis  all of which perpetuated the false narrative that a flotilla was racing toward the waters off North Korea.

By the time the White House was asked about the Carl Vinson, its imminent arrival had been emblazoned on front pages across East Asia, fanning fears that Mr. Trump was considering a pre-emptive military strike. It was portrayed as further evidence of the presidents muscular style days after he ordered a missile strike on Syria that came while he and President Xi Jinping of China chatted over dessert during a meeting in Florida.
North Koreas military parade on Saturday, more than rallying its citizens, appeared intended to send a message to the rest of us: The country is seeking a program sophisticated enough to fire a guaranteed nuclear retaliation in any war, including one day against the United States.

In 2013, when North Korea unveiled a map with a war plan for nuclear strikes against major American cities, we all fell out of our chairs laughing, said Melissa R. Hanham, an analyst at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, Calif. After a series of breakthroughs, including those shown on Saturday, theyre not laughing anymore, Ms. Hanham said: The more they roll out, the more it looks like that is their actual plan.

That plan was conveyed in four missile systems that were paraded for the first time, two of which were new altogether. Here are what the systems reveal about North Koreas rapidly growing capabilities and how the country could use them in a war.
BEIJING  Shen Zhihua, a Chinese historian known for his groundbreaking research on the Korean War, has urged Beijing to rethink its longstanding support for North Korea. Mr. Shen made his case in a speech last month that has ignited widespread discussion in China, reflecting growing debate about how tough the government should be on North Korea. Here are some excerpts:

Chairman Mao said long ago that who is our friend and who is our enemy is the question of first importance in a revolution. Getting to grips with that is also of the first importance in the foreign policy situation of northeast Asia. Just who is our friend, and who is our enemy? If you cant distinguish between friend and foe, how can you fight and whom do you fight? Of course, friends can also have conflicts, and sometimes theres also compromise and cooperation with enemies.

If we look at North Korea and South Korea, who is a friend of China and who is an enemy? Outwardly, China and North Korea are allies, while the United States and Japan support South Korea against North Korea. Thats a legacy of the Cold War. But I believe that after decades of contention and shifts in the international landscape, theres long been a fundamental transformation. My basic conclusion is judging by the current situation, North Korea is Chinas latent enemy and South Korea could be Chinas friend.

To call North Korea a latent enemy of China means that, for now, this still hasnt come to the fore. Diplomatically, when leaders of the two countries talk to each other, they dont use particularly hostile rhetoric. But that doesnt count. Dont look at the rhetoric. Look at fundamental interests! Look at whether the fundamental interests of China and North Korea are aligned and consistent. Speaking in light of my own research into the history of the Chinese-North Korean relationship, China and North Korea really were friends and allies in the past. That was when the relationship was a special friendship created by Mao Zedong, Kim Il-sung and other senior Chinese and North Korean leaders.

When China and South Korea established diplomatic relations in 1992, that totally destroyed the political basis of the Chinese-North Korean relationship. ... By 1992, at the end of the Cold War, the Chinese-North Korean relationship and alliance created by the previous generation no longer existed. Practically speaking, everything had changed in the relationship. In foreign policy, economics, politics, everything, the interests of China and North Korea had diverged, and the basis for an alliance had disintegrated. The treaty of alliance between China and North Korea became a piece of scrap paper. At that time the Chinese-North Korean relationship became an ordinary, normal relationship between states. But this normal relationship quickly and quietly turned toward hostility, and that was because North Korea launched its nuclear strategy.

The root cause of the ever-worsening crisis on the Korean Peninsula is that North Korea has gone nuclear and is constantly holding nuclear tests, and thats also the fundamental cause of instability on Chinas periphery. But North Korea has been doing this for the sake of its fundamental interests. So, putting it objectively, the fundamental interests of China and North Korea are at odds. Chinas fundamental interest lies in achieving stability on its borders and developing outward. But since North Korea acquired nuclear weapons, that periphery has never been stable, so inevitably Chinese and North Korean interests are at odds. The spokespeople for our Foreign Ministry claim that the North Korean nuclear crisis was triggered by antagonism between the United States and North Korea, and thats entirely understandable as diplomatic language. But, as scholars, we must see clearly that North Koreas shift to a policy of holding nuclear weapons was triggered by the shifts in its relationship with China.

We must see clearly that China and North Korea are no longer brothers in arms, and in the short term theres no possibility of an improvement in Chinese-North Korean relations. The situation now is that each time North Korea stages a nuclear test, the United States increases its military forces in northeast Asia, sending in drones or an aircraft carrier or holding military exercises. And then the military pressure from the U.S. leads North Korea to stage another nuclear test. You stage a test, he adds troops and it keeps escalating. The outcome? The real pressure is felt by China and South Korea, and the ones who ultimately bear the brunt are China and South Korea. ... So the upshot of North Korea stirring up trouble is more pressure and threats on China. Stepping back, if a Korean nuclear bomb explodes, wholl be the victim of the nuclear leakage and fallout? That would be China and South Korea. Japan is separated by a sea, and the United States is separated by the Pacific Ocean.

You shouldnt do what your enemies want you to do, so Ive been really disgusted by how China has handled Thaad [the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense antiballistic missile system being deployed in South Korea]. I have no idea whose idea that was, but what youve done is stir up such a ruckus that South Korean shops have had to close, and youve smashed up here, smashed up there. ... Putting it one way, youve got no foreign policy smarts. Youve done exactly what your enemies would like you to do, and youve pushed South Korea into an iron triangle with the United States and Japan. Putting it another way, are you a civilized great power or not? Arent you a civilized ancient country, so why stoop to this? How do you want neighboring countries to view China? You just know how to pick on a company to blow off steam. Youre not using your brain. Isnt there a mite of intelligence? By doing this weve alienated public opinion in South Korea, and in dealing with a democracy, the most important thing is to win over public sentiment and opinion. ... What weve been doing is just what the Americans and North Koreans want most of all. The North Koreans are also overjoyed, because the result of all this uproar over Thaad is that Chinese-South Korean relations have ruptured.
SYDNEY, Australia  Saying he was putting Australians first, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced plans on Tuesday to replace a special visa category that allows some temporary foreign workers to enter Australia.

The rules would make it harder for skilled migrants to work in the country. Mr. Turnbull said that the special category, the so-called 457 visa, would be abolished in favor of two new temporary visas requiring more work experience and, in some cases, greater English skills. Current holders of the visa, who number about 95,000, would not be affected.

We will no longer allow 457 visas to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians, Mr. Turnbull said. Were putting jobs first, and were putting Australians first.

The prime minister said the changes would attract better-skilled workers and encourage the hiring of Australians instead of cheaper foreign labor.
SANCRAIENI, Romania  Young men in Sancraieni have risen early on Easter Monday for as long as anyone can remember. So have the women and girls  to be soaked in ice-cold water and sprayed with patchouli.

Sprinkling is a spring rite in the heart of Transylvania, in central Romania, when women are watered like flowers. The water, freshly drawn from a well, is believed to secure health, beauty and perhaps even love for the women who find themselves beneath a bucketful of it.

On Monday morning, about two dozen young men in traditional attire  high black boots, black hats, white shirts and cream-colored trousers resembling riding breeches  gathered at the home of Koppany Gal, 23, who works at a hospital. Beer and snacks were already on the table.
PARIS  Two men were arrested in southern France on Tuesday on suspicion of preparing an attack to disrupt campaigning before the first round of the countrys presidential elections on Sunday, the authorities said.

The target of the plot was not disclosed. The news injected additional uncertainty into a tumultuous and dynamic race, in which the four main candidates are neck-and-neck in the polls. It also put worries about terrorism back at the forefront of a campaign that had focused mostly on economic issues.

The two men, French citizens aged 23 and 29, were arrested Tuesday morning in the southern port city of Marseille, according to Francois Molins, a prosecutor in Paris who handles terrorism investigations nationwide.
What the Germans did, allowing a million migrants into their country, is against common sense, Mr. Orban said. But what the Hungarians did is in line with common sense. More people are beginning to realize this.

In a recent interview on state radio, Viktor Orban said, Whoever is right before all the others is considered to be a heretic.

That doesnt necessarily mean that refugees and economic migrants will stop coming.

An estimated 8,000 asylum seekers now wait in Serbia for permission to cross into Hungary. Hundreds more hide in forests and in informal camps, hoping for an opportunity to cross illegally. Many more are expected as the weather warms.

I do not try to cross illegally, said Mohammed Wafa Sekendari, who left Afghanistan with his family a year and a half ago hoping for a fresh life in Europe, only to end up in a tent camp just feet from the entrance to one of Hungarys new transit zones.

I want to do everything legal, to follow all the rules, so when I arrive in Germany, my family and I no longer need to hide, he said.

Mr. Orban denies charges from refugee advocates that Hungarys new policy violates international law and European Union rules. But his government has strictly controlled access to the camps and would not allow journalists to enter, saying that it was only safeguarding the refugees privacy.

In most countries, asylum seekers are usually allowed to come and go freely, even if housed in immigration centers. Previously, that was the case in Hungary, too, though many walked away, continuing their journey to Western Europe.
A panel of United Nations human rights advisers urged the global organization more than a year ago to publicly apologize and compensate hundreds of ethnic Roma who were poisoned by lead waste in decrepit camps run by its peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. But it is increasingly unclear whether the Roma, also known as Gypsies, will get even an apology.

A draft statement that would sincerely apologize for the poisoning and other problems that the panel attributed to negligence by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, known as Unmik, has been under revision since March, according to people in and outside the United Nations who are knowledgeable about the deliberations.

Those people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were talking about internal United Nations discussions, also said that the precise mechanism and amount of any financial remedy, should there be one, had not been determined.

The main obstacle, they said, was the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs objections to any language in the statement that could be construed as acknowledging liability. A copy of the draft statement was obtained by The New York Times.
One senior Afghan security official in Kabul said on Tuesday that Thursdays bombing killed 96 Islamic State militants, 13 of them major commanders. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the news media, provided the names and basic information about the commanders, most of whom were from the tribal areas across the border in Pakistan, but who also included some Indian citizens and Central Asians. However, the official provided no proof of the deaths or information on how officials reached the number of 96.

The United States military, despite repeated attempts, did not provide comment.

The Islamic States local radio outlet, which was unaffected by the bombing, continues to broadcast into Jalalabad, the urban center in the east. It broadcasts half-hour programs during the day and an evening program that often lasts more than an hour.

As early as the day after the bombing, it broadcast a call-in program in which voices of men who claimed to be fighters in the area who were not affected by the powerful bomb could be heard between rhyming Islamic chants.

The media was expecting that this bomb would have killed all the Islamic State fighters or forced them to flee, but that is not the case, the programs anchor said. After the big bomb, our warrior, brave youth became a shield in front of them.

Islamic State radio, known as Voice of the Caliphate, has been reconstituted after it was destroyed last year by a targeted American drone attack. Afghan officials said that the earlier operation was run by five militants from the back of a small truck that switched locations often to avoid being targeted.
UNITED NATIONS  In a bid to show that the Trump administration cares about human rights around the world, its envoy to the United Nations, Nikki R. Haley, on Tuesday presided over what the administration called the first thematic debate on human rights in the Security Council.

In case after case, human rights violations and abuses are not merely the incidental byproduct of conflict, Ms. Haley said at the session. They are the trigger for conflict. She referred to countries that the United States has consistently criticized for their rights abuses, including Cuba, North Korea and Syria.

Rights groups reacted with criticism. The Trump administration, they pointed out, has been sued at home for its visa ban targeting some predominantly Muslim countries. The president has praised Egypts authoritarian leader, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the advocates noted. On Monday, President Trump congratulated Turkeys authoritarian president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for prevailing in a referendum that strengthened his powers.

Cant wait for discussion about detention of journalists, writers, & others in Turkey, David Kaye, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine and a special United Nations envoy on freedom of expression, wrote on Twitter.
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

Now, we know. According to Todd Harrison, an expert with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the replacement cost for the 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles recently dumped on an air base in Syria: $89 million. That not-exactly-decisive strike in Washington's 15 years of war in the ever more chaotic Greater Middle East against... well, you tell me what or whom... was but a drop in the bucket. After all, the cost of those never-ending wars has already reached into the trillions of dollars. And keep in mind that these are wars in which, as U.S. Army major and TomDispatch regular Danny Sjursen suggests today, the most all-American military word around may be "more" -- as in more troops for Syria, more troops for Iraq, more troops for Afghanistan, and of course more missiles, planes, ships, advanced arms, you name it.

In that context, $89 million is a laughably small sum. Still, just for the hell of it, let's think about what a figure like that might mean if spent domestically rather than on a strike of more or less no significance in Syria. That sum is, for instance, well more than half of the $149 million budget for the National Endowment for the Arts and also of the $149 million budget for the National Endowment for the Humanities, both of which the Trump administration would like to wipe out. It represents one-fifth of the $445 million the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, also on Trump's chopping block, gets from the federal government. That single strike also represents about a thirtieth of the $2.6 billion his administration wants to cut from the Environmental Protection Agency's budget and about a sixtieth of the $5.8 billion that it plans to excise from the budget of the National Institutes of Health.

So each time those Tomahawks are launched, or American planes or drones take off on their latest missions over Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, or Somalia, or the next batch of U.S. troops heads for Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, or elsewhere in the Greater Middle East and those millions of dollars start to add up to billions and finally trillions, just think to yourself: that's the arts, the sciences, public health, and environmental safety that we're knocking off. Think of that as part of the "collateral damage" produced by our never-ending wars, or take a moment with Major Sjursen and imagine just how Washington might continue to lose those wars in the future with even greater flare and at even greater cost. Tom

How to Lose the Next War in the Middle East

The Short Answer: Fight it!

By Danny Sjursen Make no mistake: after 15 years of losing wars, spreading terror movements, and multiplying failed states across the Greater Middle East, America will fight the next versions of our ongoing wars. Not that we ever really stopped. Sure, Washington traded in George W. Bush's expansive, almost messianic attitude toward his Global War on Terror for Barack Obama's more precise, deliberate, even cautious approach to an unnamed version of the same war for hegemony in the Greater Middle East. Sure, in the process kitted-up 19 year-olds from Iowa became less ubiquitous features on Baghdad's and Kabul's busy boulevards, even if that distinction was lost on the real-life targets of America's wars -- and the bystanders (call them "collateral damage") scurrying across digital drone display screens. It's hardly a brilliant observation to point out that, more than 15 years later, the entire region is a remarkable mess. So much worse off than Washington found it, even if all of that mess can't simply be blamed on the United States -- at least not directly. It's too late now, as the Trump administration is discovering, to retreat behind two oceans and cover our collective eyes. And yet, acts that might still do some modest amount of good (resettling refugees, sending aid, brokering truces, anything within reason to limit suffering) don't seem to be on any American agenda. So, after 16 years of inconclusive or catastrophic regional campaigns, maybe it's time to stop dreaming about how to make things better in the Greater Middle East and try instead to imagine how to make things worse (since that's the path we often seem to take anyway). Here, then, is a little thought experiment for you: what if Washington actually wanted to lose? How might the U.S. government go about accomplishing that? Let me offer a quick (and inevitably incomplete) to-do list on the subject: As a start, you would drop an enlarged, conventional army into Iraq and/or Syria. This would offer a giant red, white, and blue target for all those angry, young radicalized men just dying (pardon the pun) to extinguish some new "crusader" force. It would serve as an effective religious-nationalist rallying cry (and target) throughout the region. Then you would create a news-magnet of a ban (or at least the appearance of one) on immigrants and visitors of every sort from predominantly Muslim countries coming to the United States. It's hardly an accident that ISIS has taken to calling the president's proposed executive order to do just that "the blessed ban" and praising Donald Trump as the "best caller to Islam." Such actions only confirm the extremist narrative: that Muslims are unwelcome in and incompatible with the West, that liberal plurality is a neo-imperial scam. Finally, you would feed the common perception in the region that Washington's support for Israel and assorted Arab autocrats is unconditional. To do so, you would go out of your way to hold fawning public meetings with military strongmen like Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and suggest that, when it came to Israel, you were considering changing American policy when it comes to a two-state solution and the illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine. Such policies would feed another ISIS narrative: U.S. support for illiberal despots and the failure of the Arab Spring is proof that practicing Muslims and peaceful Islamists will never successfully gain power through the democratic process. Key to such a losing strategy would be doing anything you could to reinforce ISIS's twisted narrative of an end-of-days battle between Islam and Christendom, a virtuous East versus a depraved West, an authentic Caliphate against hypocritical democracies. In what amounts to a war of ideas, pursuing such policies would all but hand victory to ISIS and other jihadi extremist groups. And so you would have successfully created a strategy for losing eternally in the Greater Middle East. And if that was the desired outcome in Washington, well, congratulations all around, but of course we all know that it wasn't. Let's take these three points in such a losing strategy one by one. (Of course "losing" is itself a contested term, but for our purposes, consider the U.S. to have lost as long as its military spins its wheels in a never-ending quagmire, while gradually empowering various local "adversaries.") Just a Few Thousand More Troops Will Get It Done... There are already thousands of American soldiers and Marines in Iraq and Syria, to say nothing of the even more numerous troops and sailors stationed on bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkey, and other states ringing America's Middle Eastern battlefields. Still, if you want to mainline into the fastest way to lose the next phase of the war on terror, just blindly acquiesce in the inevitable requests of your commanders for yet more troops and planes needed to finish the job in Syria ( and Iraq, and Afghanistan, and Yemen, and so on). Let's play this out. First, the worst (and most plausible) case: U.S. ground forces get sucked into an ever more complex, multi-faceted civil war -- deeper and deeper still, until one day they wake up in a world that looks like Baghdad, 2007, all over again.

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I would take this standard and apply it to the possession of nuclear weapons. There are those who shouldn't have nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them. (The reality of course is that no nation should have nuclear weapons) In the case of North Korea, we have one man who decides everything that goes on in that country on a national level, who wasn't elected and seems to have no opposition whatsoever to anything he says or does. Speaking for myself, I wouldn't trust this person in my neighborhood with a loaded gun. Having Kim Un Sung in the possession of nuclear weapons or Thermo-nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them is tantamount to having someone not only possessing a gun, but having an assault rifle and ten 20 round clips.

Some that say that it is hypocritical for the nation that developed this type of weapon and who possesses a stockpile of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them, to tell another country that they shouldn't have them. This may be true, and we may not have the right to do this, and we may be wrong in the belief that we should have these types of weapons, and no one else should possess them, in this case I really don't care if we are hypocritical.

I would be the first one to rid the planet of all types of nuclear weapons. Still, the decision to develop atomic weapons was made before I was born. I was born 66 years ago and most people reading this article, although not everyone, have not been around this long. Even though, I spent 20 years supposedly "serving my nation" in the military, I have never subscribed to the development of nuclear weapons by either the United States or the old Soviet Union. It has always been my belief that people should never have let the United States government or the Russians, after seeing the carnage of World War II, have let their governments develop nuclear weapons, especially after seeing what it did to the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In my defense, I was 17 years old when I entered the military and wasn't as astute as I am now. I wore my uniform to protest the Vietnam War and attended the Washington veterans against the Vietnam War demonstration. Still, I never realized how corrupt our government or and other governments around the world really were.

In the case of my outlook on the government in Washington along with other governments of the world, I didn't start to see what was underneath the veil of propaganda and secrecy until after 9/11 and the run-up to the disastrous war against the country of Iraq. I was retired from the military at that time and I saw how the mainstream media was marching to the tune of war and spouting the propaganda of Washington, even though Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. With my military experience, I understood how Bush and his minions were misleading the American people. This is when I started writing politically on a small blog of my own. Since then, I have been writing about lies and propaganda whenever I see it. In the case of the present situation in Korea, I see only a madman that rules and isolated nation, virtually unaware of what goes on in the world, developing nuclear weapons and the capability of using them against other nations. The hate that North Korea and to an extent even South Korea has towards the nation of Japan is real and understandable. The hate that North Korea has towards the United States is also real and understandable. Even though the North Koreans might have justification for despising the United States, it would be foolish to let them develop weapons of mass destruction, no matter how justified they believe they are. The facts are that the leader of North Korea and his government cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them.

I don't like Donald Trump and I don't like American foreign policy and I distrust my own government to the extent that I can't watch mainstream media or read most American publications for that matter, because I believe this country is sleepwalking towards a fascism. I do believe however, that what our government is saying about North Korea is totally correct and letting them have long-range ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads is about the worst thing that can happen. (Although some may say it is poetic justice). They might not develop long-range ballistic missiles in my lifetime, but they surely will in my children and grandchildren's lifetimes and I'm not comfortable with that. I think that our government, along with other governments, must insist that North Korea stop its nuclear program. Like other people, I worry that the use of force would involve tremendous death and destruction to not only North Korea, but South Korea, and could escalate out of control and could start World War III. Still, I would hope that the nations of the world will unite to deny North Korea the means to launch nuclear attacks on Japan and the United States.

I implore people to get involved and make the American government realized that they cannot command North Korea to give up its weapons program because they're threatening to use of force. The truth is that North Korea is not going to unilaterally give up its nuclear program because of the dictates of the United States. The only way that North Korea is going to give up its nuclear program is if they get something in return. The last time that North Korea suspended its nuclear program, the United States immediately began demonizing them and continued with its threats and sanctions.

The United States must realize that it no longer is a policeman of the world. The world does not bend to the will of the Americans because of its economic and military power. The United States must also realize that great powers and empires come and go. No single country or Empire can dictate what the world does forever. America must realize that the world now is no longer the world it was after the second world war. After the second world war America's economy was 54% of the world economy. This is no longer the case. America has only been a world power in the last 100 years. This is a second of time in the history of the world. The truth is that soon, the United States will no longer be the dominant economic or military power. This may hurt the feelings of the far right in America, but this is the way of civilization

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From Beirut: Andre Vltchek

As the US Tomahawk missiles were raining on Syria, the entire Middle East was shaken to its core. Here, even the name itself - Syria - triggers extremely complex and often contradictory sets of emotions. To some, Syria is synonymous with pride and a determined struggle against Western imperialism, while others see it as an uncomfortable reminder of how low their own rulers and societies have managed to sink, serving foreign interests and various neo-colonialist designs.

Many people are hiding their heads in the sand, obediently repeating the official Western narrative, while others are gradually resorting to the alternative sources of information that are coming from outlets such as RT Arabic, Al-Mayadeen and Press TV.

Here in the Middle East and in fact all over the entire Arab world, feelings towards the Syrian President Basheer Al-Assad are always 'strong'; no one appears to be 'neutral'. But even the divisions are often 'pre-defined', carved along pan-Arab versus pro-Western, or Sunni versus Shi'a lines. It is rarely being mentioned that the Syrian state is constructed mainly on secular and socialist principles.

The recent opportunistic statements by certain badly informed and biased Western 'progressive' intellectuals, calling the Syrian system "disgraceful" has confused things even further.

Overall, in the countries encircling Syria, there is very little support among the general population as well as among the intellectuals, for the Western assaults on the country, conducted directly, and indirectly by proxies. Pro-Western regimes and governments are currently governing Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, and all of them are officially supporting the Western military actions. So is, naturally, Israel. The leaders of both Turkey and Israel would actually like to see more military actions, and more attacks against one of the last Arab countries, which is still upholds its independence.

But ask the thinkers from all over the region, and the reaction is near unanimously against the assaults that are being conducted by the West.

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If it were up to me, the world would be united by bio-regions: for instance: California, Oregon, and Washington, and British Columbia would form a democratic socialist Republic.

But it's not up to me, so I have to work with what is given: I do not agree that the root of all our evils is the United States, as many assert though many evils do result. This article explores the idea that the root of the problem is capitalistic oligarchy, the rule of the rich, which is embedded in our Constitution and institutions. This article explores the origins of fascism and the alternative, democracy. I hope to flesh out these concepts and show how the Deep State which serves the oligarchy, in which state and corporations are merged (fascism, as defined by Mussolini in The Doctrine of Fascism,1932), are mirrored by a shadow democracy which exists in our counter-cultural tradition, as old as the human community itself and reiterated in the Declaration of Independence and renewed by Abraham Lincoln.

This concept is reiterated in Brown vs the Board of Education, which declared that separate is not equal. Inequality brings separation, in class, in neighborhoods, and in institutions like schools and courts. My thesis, which I call deep democracy, is that we will never have universal liberty until we have universal equality: Liberty, Equality, and Solidarity.

I do advocate a new Constitution, democratic and based on equality and voluntary membership. But liberty without equality is a charade. In a world where a handful of rich men have more wealth than half the world's population, and billions are wage-slave and tens of millions are starving, the concept of liberty is a farce. A hungry man is not free; a sick man without healthcare is not free; a person working at a job they hate in order to pay off debt is not free. ,

For me the key to the evil the US does is the triumph of the proto-fascist idea articulated by Founding Father,First Chief Justice, and slave owner John Jay: "Those who own the country should run it"

This concept, which is the root of the fascist concept of the marriage of state, wealth and corporatons using coercion, is repeated by the main author of the Constitution, slave owner Madison, who stated at the Constitutional Convention that the main purpose of the political system is to "protect the minority of the opulent against the majority." The Constitutional Convention was 95% slave owners. They feared the people, feared slave revolts, feared democracy, and thus devised a Constitution which allowed them, the minority, whose power was based on slavery, to rule: the first 7 Presidents were all slave owners, and the first two were among the largest .04% of slave owners. Equality and consent of the governed were replaced with the rule of the slave owners. When slavery was abolished, the banks and major corporations took their place in a system of oligarch rule, using democratic institutions like elections as a mask for the raw power of the rich.

Adam Smith , the father of liberal economics , wrote that "Civil government...is in reality instituted for the defense of the rich against the poor, or of those who have some property against those who have none at all."

And John Locke, the father of liberal political theory, wrote that "Government has no other end but the preservation of property."

And our new President, Donald J. Trump, has repeated this concept that the rich should rule (the goal of the merging of state and corporate interests) when he said he would select people to run the government "who had made fortunes."

This is the ruling paradigm, the ideology which created the modern state based on coercion: the state is not the cause but the result of this belief system in what has always been called plutocracy but takes its fascist nature from the fact that wealth is now concentrated in ways unimaginable in previous time (6 billionaires have as much wealth as 50% of the world's population, according to Oxfam studies) and these wealthy elites have now accumulated the means of force to control the entire globe. And at the center, the concept of American hegemony, that one state, ruled by those who own not only the country but a good part of the entire world (Trump has businesses in 22 nations) with the most expensive and dangerous military force in world history: those who own the world should run it, and if anyone disagrees, then they kill them. That is why the US only attacks nations which are independent or do not submit. The goal is world domination, the deep dream of all fascist movements.

For fascism, the magic key is war, which both increases the power of the state as it enriches the banks, which fund wars, the fossil fuel industry, which finds in war its main consumer, and the merchants of death who provide the killing machines....along with their shills in politics, the media, and academia, as well as NGOs, foundations, etc. The power of this ruling class, controlled both through the state, visible and deep, is the source of modern evils such as world wars, mass starvation, and ecological devastation.

The counter-ideology goes back to our ancient forefathers, the foraging tribes which created egalitarian, sharing, non-hierarchical communities in which violence was all but absent. In modern times, it was restated by philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau in Discourse on Inequality (pdf) the Diggers and Levelers of 16th Century England, the utopian socialists, the anarchists, and then leaders like Jefferson and revolutionary Tom Paine, both of whom believed that the natural wealth of the earth, the fertility of the soil, the mineral wealth, the fish in the sea, belonged to all humanity. Against the armed defense of enclosing fences which defined the property of the rich, they (though Jefferson was a large slave owner) produced a vision of a society based on equality and consent (the foundation of voluntary membership). Both were unwelcome at the Constitutional Convention, which served as a counter-revolution (see the Madison quote) to the proclaimed principles of the American Revolution, which has never been realized.

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McCain criticizes Trump's inaction after dozens had reportedly been killed in rebel-held, northsyrian Khan Sheikhoun by the toxic nerve gas SARIN dropped by airplanes {_CNN breaking news 04/04/2017_}

(Image by quapan) Details DMCA



Reprinted from downwithtyranny.blogspot.com

Pentagon MIT Engineer: White Helmets claims that Sarin was dropped by Syrian planes are false  most likely staged https://t.co/mksLVgOtAI at https://t.co/mksLVgOtAI  aspals legal pages (@aspals) April 18, 2017

(This piece is organized in two parts, the story to this point and the new evidence. To go directly to the new evidence, click here.)





The Trump administration officials dismissed the Russian claim that the Syrian airstrike had targeted a munitions warehouse controlled by Islamic extremists as an afterthought to cover up the Syrian government's culpability for the chemical attack. Moreover, the Trump officials claimed that US intelligence had located the site where the Syrian regime had dropped the chemical weapon.



However, two new revelations contradict the Trump administration's line on the April 4 attack. A former US official knowledgeable about the episode told Truthout that the Russians had actually informed their US counterparts in Syria of the Syrian military's plan to strike the warehouse in Khan Sheikhoun 24 hours before the strike. And a leading analyst on military technology, Dr. Theodore Postol of MIT, has concluded that the alleged device for a sarin attack could not have been delivered from the air but only from the ground, meaning that the chemical attack may not have been the result of the Syrian airstrike.



[...]



[T]he US military allegedly knew in advance that the strike was coming: Russian military officers informed their American counterparts of the Syrian military's plan to strike the warehouse in Khan Sheikhoun city 24 hours before the planned airstrike, according to the former US official who spoke with Truthout. The official is in direct contact with a US military intelligence officer with access to information about the US-Russian communications. The military intelligence officer reported to his associate that the Russians provided the information about the strike to the Americans through the normal US-Russian Syria deconfliction telephone line, which was established after the Russian intervention in 2015 to prevent any accidental clash between the two powers. The officer said that Russia communicated to the US the fact that the Syrians believed that the warehouse held toxic chemicals.



That information was considered so politically sensitive that after its initial dissemination, it was available only to a few officials, the US military intelligence officer told his associate.





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Is There a Grave Danger that North Korea may launch a military attack on South Korea, Japan and the US military bases near Korea? In the opinions of so-called experts in MSM, the answer must be a resounding Yes. Otherwise, why would they say that the presence of North Korea itself poses as a treat to peace in the region and that each test of missile or weapon escalates the risk to the situation? However, I will tell you and all who has brain to think, in no uncertain terms, that there is no more than a near-Zero probability of North Korea launching a military attack against the South.

How do I know that? Because that's what has been proven theoretically and in real politics during the Cold-War era. During the Cold-War era, there was something called MAD, which meant Mutual Assured Destruction: if either side attacks, the other side will immediately retaliate and because neither side is militarily so superior to the other side that it can launch a totally debilitating attack that will make the other side even unable to retaliate, neither side could attack at all. That is if they want to survive! If either side wants to kill itself, it can go ahead and launch a military attack, with the predictable result. But no one would ever worry about that!

Now back to North Korea. We all know that MAD doesn't apply to North Korea because North Korea and the US military powers are not nearly as evenly balanced as the Soviet Union and the US were during the Cold-War era. But people keep forgetting that one part of MAD does apply to one part of our equation: the North Korea-attacking-the-US equation. If North Korea launches a first strike, no matter how devastating that attack may be, North Korea will immediately be retaliated so massively that North Korea will no longer exist on the planet, within days or maybe within hours, according to some people. Will this prospect encourage, or discourage, North Korean leaders to contemplate going for war with the US? I don't think we need "proof" that they will not intentionally choose the road to their own nationwide self-destruction. But some people say that North Koreans are crazy, and are different from us, and that therefore we don't know how they will behave. If these comments imply that the North Korean may not know the difference between their own collective survival and their collective, nationwide, mass suicides, these comments must be not only thrown away but should be scrutinized for what there are: Nothing but "Seeping Racism".

On the other side of the equation, however, we have a genuine risk of war, as we don't have anything resembling MAD, which would assure us peace over war. As noted above, North Korea and the US (including S. Korea and Japan) are not powered evenly at all. This creates the possibility that the US may conclude that it has enough military superiority to launch a first strike, which will devastate North Korea, but with acceptable damages on its side.

To minimize damage on our side, the US will make the initial attack as disabling as possible. That part is understandable. But how much of what type of damages will be considered acceptable? And why? North Korean casualties, South Korean casualties, US military personnel in Korea? Will they all be considered more or less equal value? How much total casualties will be considered acceptable enough to make the strike "worth it"?

We must know that this is the only real danger of a catastrophic war in our equations. When we realize that we are talking about literally millions, and tens of millions, of human casualties and asking whether they can be accepted if it helps eliminate the North Korean eyesore from the planet earth, we should also realize how far down we are on the rabbit hole from which we seem unable to retrieve ourselves, or regain any measure of sanity.
"We've reached the point where state actors can penetrate rectums and vaginas, where judges can order forced catheterizations, and where police and medical personnel can perform scans, enemas and colonoscopies without the suspect's consent.... These tactics are ... about degrading and humiliating a class of people that politicians and law enforcement have deemed the enemy."--Radley Balko, The Washington Post

Daily, all across America, individuals who dare to resist--or even question--a police order are being subjected to all sorts of government-sanctioned abuse ranging from forced catheterization, forced blood draws, roadside strip searches and cavity searches, and other foul and debasing acts that degrade their bodily integrity and leave them bloodied and bruised.

Americans as young as 4 years old are being leg shackled, handcuffed, tasered and held at gun point for not being quiet, not being orderly and just being childlike--i.e., not being compliant enough.

Government social workers actually subjected a 3-year-old boy to a forced catheterization after he was unable to provide them with a urine sample on demand (the boy still wasn't potty trained). The boy was held down, screaming in pain, while nurses forcibly inserted a tube into his penis to drain his bladder--all of this done because the boy's mother's boyfriend had failed a urine analysis for drugs.

Americans as old as 95 are being beaten, shot and killed for questioning an order, hesitating in the face of a directive, and mistaking a policeman crashing through their door for a criminal breaking into their home--i.e., not being submissive enough.

Consider what happened to David Dao, the United Airlines passenger who was accosted by three police, forcibly wrenched from his seat across the armrest, bloodying his face in the process, and dragged down the aisle by the arms merely for refusing to relinquish his paid seat after the airline chose him randomly to be bumped from the flight--after being checked in and allowed to board--so that airline workers could make a connecting flight.

Those with ADHD, autism, hearing impairments, dementia or some other disability that can hinder communication in the slightest way are in even greater danger of having their actions misconstrued by police. Police shot a 73-year-old man with dementia seven times after he allegedly failed to respond to orders to stop approaching and remove his hands from his jacket. The man was unarmed and had been holding a crucifix.

Clearly, it no longer matters where you live.

Big city or small town: it's the same scenario being played out over and over again in which government agents, hyped up on their own authority and the power of their uniform, ride roughshod over the citizenry who--in the eyes of the government--are viewed as having no rights.

Our freedoms--especially the Fourth Amendment--continue to be torn asunder by the prevailing view among government bureaucrats that they have the right to search, seize, strip, scan, spy on, probe, pat down, taser, and arrest any individual at any time and for the slightest provocation.

Forced cavity searches, forced colonoscopies, forced blood draws, forced breath-alcohol tests, forced DNA extractions, forced eye scans, and forced inclusion in biometric databases are just a few ways in which Americans continue to be reminded that we have no control over what happens to our bodies during an encounter with government officials.

These incidents--sanctioned by the courts and conveniently overlooked by the legislatures--teach Americans of every age and skin color the painful lesson that there are no limits to what the government can do in its so-called "pursuit" of law and order.

If this is a war, then "we the people" are the enemy.

As Radley Balko notes in The Washington Post, "When you're at war, it's important to dehumanize your enemy. And there's nothing more dehumanizing than forcibly and painfully invading someone's body -- all the better if you can involve the sex organs."

The message being beaten, shot, tasered, probed and slammed into our collective consciousness is simply this: it doesn't matter if you're in the right, it doesn't matter if a cop is in the wrong, it doesn't matter if you're being treated with less than the respect you deserve or the law demands.

The only thing that matters to the American police state is that you comply, submit, respect authority and generally obey without question whatever a government official (anyone who wears a government uniform, be it a police officer, social worker, petty bureaucrat or zoning official) tells you to do.

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We are living in unprecedented times. Never before in the history of mankind have we seen a situation where, the countries that make up the Western World, once the leaders of modern civilization, have become the leading purveyors of evil in our world.

This Western World is itself a paradox. The normal people of these nations are generally peace loving people who do not want war. Americans keep voting for the anti-war candidate but once in power, every candidate quickly reverses on their election promises and picks up where their predecessor left off.

But, it's not just the US. The leaders of all the western nations, regardless of who's elected, all seem hell bent on war. And more recently, war against Russia. Not only do we see our collective governments aggressively pro-war but, there's no opposition within governments or, through the media, to present an opposing, sober argument. Anyone who does speak up in the media and argues against the pro-war lobby soon finds that they're no longer required for comment.

The media has become a War Cheer Squad who continually dish up talking heads who take on the role of spokesperson for our collective moral compass. They tell us why we should act militarily and why we have to do something to stop some evil in a foreign land that they have presented to us in a report usually, in a distorted and untruthful way.

We have watched the lies and manipulation of facts take shape with the illegal invasion of Iraq. Then, we were presented with lie after lie accusing Gadhafi of bombing his own people that quickly led to the bombing and destruction of Libya. Libya is still in a state of anarchy because of the evil perpetrated upon her by the US and NATO governments.

However, the coup in Ukraine and the successful takeover of that country was where the anti-Russian agenda began. And, an agenda it is. In fact, as normal people, we should be aware that any policy adopted because of "supposed Russian aggression" is in fact, the preparedness of war with Russia by the evil who, are now ruling our collective western Governments.

Ukraine

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Reprinted from www.truthdig.com by Unknown

By Chris Hedges

Mr. Fish / Truthdig

This is a talk that Chris Hedges gave Monday at Princeton University in New Jersey.

In the conflicts I covered as a reporter in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans, I encountered singular individuals of varying creeds, religions, races and nationalities who majestically rose up to defy the oppressor on behalf of the oppressed. Some of them are dead. Some of them are forgotten. Most of them are unknown.

These individuals, despite their vast cultural differences, had common traits--a profound commitment to the truth, incorruptibility, courage, a distrust of power, a hatred of violence and a deep empathy that was extended to people who were different from them, even to people defined by the dominant culture as the enemy. They are the most remarkable men and women I met in my 20 years as a foreign correspondent. And to this day I set my life by the standards they set.

You have heard of some, such as Vaclav Havel, whom I and other foreign reporters met most evenings, during the 1989 Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia, in the Magic Lantern Theatre in Prague. Others, no less great, you probably do not know, such as the Jesuit priest Ignacio Ellacuria, who was assassinated in El Salvador in 1989. And then there are those "ordinary" people, although, as the writer V.S. Pritchett said, no people are ordinary, who risked their lives in wartime to shelter and protect those of an opposing religion or ethnicity being persecuted and hunted. And to some of these "ordinary" people I owe my own life.

Ruling institutions--the state, the press, the church, the courts, academia--mouth the language of morality, but they serve the structures of power, no matter how venal, which provide them with money, status and authority. In times of national distress--one has only to look at Nazi Germany--all of these institutions, including the academy, are complicit through their silence or their active collaboration with radical evil. And our own institutions, which have surrendered to corporate power and the utopian ideology of neoliberalism, are no different. The lonely individuals who defy tyrannical power within these institutions, as we saw with the thousands of academics who were fired from their jobs and blacklisted during the McCarthy era, are purged and turned into pariahs.

All institutions, including the church, Paul Tillich once wrote, are inherently demonic. And a life dedicated to resistance has to accept that a relationship with any institution is often temporary, because sooner or later that institution is going to demand acts of silence or obedience your conscience will not allow you to make. To be a rebel is to reject what it means to succeed in a capitalist, consumer culture, especially the idea that we should always come first.

The theologian James H. Cone in his book "The Cross and the Lynching Tree" writes that for oppressed blacks the cross was a "paradoxical religious symbol because it inverts the world's value system with the news that hope comes by way of defeat, that suffering and death do not have the last word, that the last shall be first and the first last."

Cone continues: "That God could 'make a way out of no way' in Jesus' cross was truly absurd to the intellect, yet profoundly real in the souls of black folk. Enslaved blacks who first heard the gospel message seized on the power of the cross. Christ crucified manifested God's loving and liberating presence in the contradictions of black life--that transcendent presence in the lives of black Christians that empowered them to believe that ultimately, in God's eschatological future, they would not be defeated by the 'troubles of this world,' no matter how great and painful their suffering. Believing this paradox, this absurd claim of faith, was only possible in humility and repentance. There was no place for the proud and the mighty, for people who think that God called them to rule over others. The cross was God's critique of power--white power--with powerless love, snatching victory out of defeat."

Reinhold Niebuhr labeled this capacity to defy the forces of repression "a sublime madness in the soul." Niebuhr wrote that "nothing but madness will do battle with malignant power and 'spiritual wickedness in high places.' " This sublime madness, as Niebuhr understood, is dangerous, but it is vital. Without it, "truth is obscured." And Niebuhr also knew that traditional liberalism was a useless force in moments of extremity. Liberalism, Niebuhr said, "lacks the spirit of enthusiasm, not to say fanaticism, which is so necessary to move the world out of its beaten tracks. It is too intellectual and too little emotional to be an efficient force in history."

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Wisdom Claws us Out of Darkness

(Image by Akemi Ohira) Details DMCA



Descendants of generations of Passover, once again find humanity choosing between man's inhumanity to man and the calculations by madmen.

Again, the world is in the hands of a composition of despots, Putin, Assad, Erdogan, Kim Jong-Un and Trump, all as dishonest and unstable as they are perilously dangerous. Senior citizens have witnessed reconstruction after manmade destruction, but the magnitude of both the insanity and efficiency of war has evolved well beyond even the Bush/Cheney Mushroom Cloud inflammation of bloodshed.

If dominion over earth is our commission, then we must resurrect the balance found in peaceful co-existence, before the pride of leaders induces the fall of nations. Our immense power is the courage of true human kindness, not the ashes into which demagogues lacking conscience, human decency, reigning without roots in the reason of deep thinking, would entomb us.

If we can but divine this reality check: the first shall be last and the last shall be first, we could escape the betrayal of, all for one and one for all, by the deception of America First.

It is in revelation that we discover the truth -- most loss on earth is caused by humans who have lost sight of life's greatest gift: the opportunity to love, to share and to prosper in peaceful ensemble -- little is beyond the reach of those with the vision and desire to see and progress forward embracing world peace.

Arguably, Donald Trump has some competition for being the most self-serving, needy of praise, inept President ever to occupy the White House, but with a lust for being the idol of mesmerized idolaters, while hovering his middle finger over nuclear launch codes, he is more terrible than any Ivan or Cesar -- indoctrinating a child's White House Easter Egg Hunt with, stronger and better"than ever before rhetoric, sad.

Emma Morano was born November 29, 1899. In 2017, between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, on the 86th day of the Trump Administration, she died at the age of 117. She lived to see humankind advance from ox drawn carts to automobiles; from Kitty Hawk to the Moon. Ms. Morano survived Mussolini, two World Wars, The Korean Conflict and an attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II.

Emma Morano lived to hear of Trump's election escalating global stress levels, threatening a new nuclear age Korean War, while seemingly diminishing both the need to hope for reversing Climate Change and imprisoning science behind the walls of Reactionary Nostalgia.

She lived to see a black looking president on TV and a TV personality -- all Birther atwitter in the bewitching hours of alternative facts -- lusting to bury the memory of his able predecessor.

Living eighty-four years longer than Jesus of Nazareth, Emma Morano undoubtedly knew, boisterous rattling of sabers, gesticulating war, defying The Ten Commandments, can deafen humanity to the world's heart pounding memories of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis -- and even perhaps, short-circuit American conscientiousness to Russian connectors Paul Manafort and Carter Page.

Unlike Martha Raddatz, not all of us can bear witness to a Trump epiphany, following Assad's horrific Siren Gas attack on his own people -- Sean Spicer's historical misinformation, notwithstanding.

Patriotic citizens encircle our Jericho government, marching to tumble down its wall of lies, knowing there is more MIA in America than Trump's tax returns and Mar-a-Lago visitors' log.

Beware, perched in-between Palm and Easter Sundays, an ancient giant observes the mad moves and moods of those having no idea how to orchestrate an end, without a finale.

Indeed, it is for us, to extract from any tomb of ignorance, the discernment of the marriage between Resurrection, Revelation and the joy of discovery in the laughter of children -- for what will it profit America if we bomb the s**t out of any soul only to lose the whole world?
Every year, nearly 50,000 sea turtles lay their eggs on Floridas beaches. Researchers monitor each new generation of sea turtles closely to determine their health, especially as the environment changes and external factors impact wildlife populations.

One significant change that has occurred in the sea turtle populations is the shifting sex ratio as more female turtles are born than males. Over the last few years, scientists have noticed an overwhelming number of female hatchlings on Floridas coast, almost 95 percent of hatchlings were females in some cases.

Warming temperatures may be a driving factor behind the changing ratios. Unlike many other animal species, sea turtles sex is not determined by chromosomes but by environmental factors like temperature. In warm conditions, hatchlings are more likely to develop as females, whereas cool conditions are more conducive to producing male turtles.

Jeannette Wyneken and her colleagues at Florida Atlantic University have been studying the sea turtles on Floridas beaches and have developed a method to predict the sex of turtles before they hatch by tracking environmental factors like temperature and a protein that is only found on female cells. Their goal is to aid in conservation efforts to protect the turtles and to forecast the ratio that will be present in each generation.

Concern that changing ratios could have devastating effects on turtle populations has caused conservationists to look to studies like that of Wyneken and her team to understand what factors impact the animals most strongly.

However, it is not clear if the unbalanced sex ratio is truly abnormal or if it really will have significant impacts on turtle species as a whole. David Godfrey, executive director of the Sea Turtle Conservancy, notes that, while the study does provide useful information regarding how rising temperatures plays a part in determining sex, it should not be used as a reason to manipulate sex ratios.

It is not clear if a 50-50 male-to-female ratio is really healthy for these species, and it will take more study to determine what the healthy ratio is, he told Scientific American. Understanding the effects of environmental factors like temperature is valuable but more research is necessary to see how the animals will be impacted long-term.

Top photo by Geoff Stearns, CC BY 2.0

Lauren Leising is a freelance writer based in Athens, Georgia.
2017 News Archive

This page includes links to all the news articles published on pokernews.com during 2017. For your convenience, the articles are segmented by month.
Bet or Check After Top Pair Becomes Full House?

April 18, 2017 Jonathan Little

Today's hand comes from a side event I played in the Bahamas a while back in a PokerStars series. In the hand I have position in a multi-way pot, flop well and improve further on the turn, then face an interesting river bet from my lone remaining opponent. The most interesting decision, though, probably comes on the turn after I've made a full house and have to decide whether to bet or check.

The blinds were 200/400 with a 50 ante. I was on the button, and the action in this hand began with a splashy player to my right in the hijack seat limping into the pot. As I mention in the video below, that creates an opportunity for me to raise with a wide range of hands on the button. In fact, I picked up a strong hand   and raised to 1,500.

There were two more splashy players in the blinds, and both of them called. So did the limper in the hijack, meaning there was nearly 6,500 in the middle and four of us involved when the flop came .

It checked around to me and I bet 2,000, and only the hijack called. The turn then brought the , giving me a full house. My opponent checked again, and this is where I had to think about whether to bet or check behind.

First of all, I had to consider what hands he could have that would call my turn bet. In this sort of situation, it is important that you always put your opponent on a range and try to determine which part of that range can continue versus a bet. In this case, very few hands in the opponent's range can call, which led me to check the turn.

The river then brought the and a half-pot bet of 5,000 from my opponent, putting me to a decision. See what happens next and how things turned out, and hear my further analysis of the hand:

Would you have checked the turn in this situation? Also, would you have raised the river with the fourth nuts? Let me know in a comment below.

Jonathan Little is a professional poker player and author with over $6,300,000 in live tournament earnings. He writes a weekly educational blog and hosts a podcast at JonathanLittlePoker.com. You can follow him on Twitter @JonathanLittle.
Royalty works together to overcome the stigma of mental illness

The Lady and Prince have picked up where the Princess left off. Carrie Fischer, often recognized as the actress who played Princess Leia in Star Wars, had been perhaps one of the most fiercely dedicatied advocate for mental health issues. She died, at age 60, last year. It was felt by many that had benefited from her inspiring message. She was treating Bi Polar disorder, often referred to as manic depression. Drug addiction, manic episodes and hospitalization were just some of the personal experiences she had conveyed. Her intention was to let people know that others were going through the same thing. She gave inspiration to so many.

"I am mentally ill. I can say that. I am not ashamed of that. I survived that, I'm still surviving it, but bring it on," Fisher told ABC News.

Lady Gaga and Prince William are following Fischer's example. They are seen having a conversation that is a difficult subject to talk about. Admitting to everyone that they have been dealing with mental heath disorders must not be easy. Considering that these public figures are constantly scrutinized by the public eye, Gaga and William have come out and are offering support to those who are still struggling without any help. Some of these people are scared to ask for help for the fear of being judged. This could have fatal results as some will resort to hurting them selves before coming forward to a family member.

This morning there was a video released of them having a FaceTime chat discussing their personal experiences how mental illness has impacted their lives. This is part of the Heads Together #oktosay series, a campaign set up by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, encouraging those who suffer to open up about it. Many people have felt insecure about mentioning because they fear this problem labels them as "crazy." The truth of the matter is there are so many people that go undiagnosed and never get the treatment that could dramatically improve the quality of their lives.

Two years ago, Lady Gaga nervously first spoke publicly about dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of being raped when she was 19. "For me, waking up every day and feeling sad and going on stage is something that is very hard to describe." she said, "There is a lot of shame attached to mental illness, you feel like something's wrong with you." In December she posted an open letter that speaks frankly about her struggle.

"I also experience something called dissociation which means that my mind doesn't want to relive the pain so "I look off and I stare" in a glazed over state. As my doctors have taught me, I cannot express my feelings because my pre-frontal cortex (the part of the brain that controls logical, orderly thought) is overridden by the amygdala (which stores emotional memory) and sends me into a fight or flight response. My body is in one place and my mind in another. It's like the panic accelerator in my mind gets stuck and I am paralyzed with fear."

Lady Gaga continues,"I am doing various modalities of psychotherapy and am on medicine prescribed by my psychiatrist. However, I believe that the most inexpensive and perhaps the best medicine in the world is words. Kind wordspositive wordswords that help people who feel ashamed of an invisible illness to overcome their shame and feel free."

Prince William and Prince Harry have both admitted to seeking treatment for Depression after the death of their mother, Prince Diana, in 1997. Harry stated that he had surpassed these feelings for his mother's passing, even 20 years afterwards. The Duke of Cambridge wants his children to be able to talk about their emotions. William says the "stiff upper lip" culture in the UK is something that needs to stop.

CNN

"It's time that everyone speaks up and really feels very normal about mental health, it's the same as physical health. Everybody has mental health and we shouldn't be ashamed of it and just having a conversation with a friend or family member can really make such a difference."

"It's OK to have this conversation, it's really important to have this conversation and that you won't be judged." William also stated.

"It's so important to break open that fear and that taboo which is only going to lead to more problems down the line."

Prince William had also made plans for them to get together when Lady Gaga comes to the UK in October. This is promising to all those that secretly endure mental illness without assistance. Hopefully this succeeds in making it easier to seek out the proper treatment. The new Lady Gaga single, The Cure, makes sense considering the dialog.
Col. Diron Cruz, assistant adjutant general for the Guam Army National Guard, placed a blue cord around the right shoulder of 2nd Lt. Sheryl Padilla at the "Turning Blue" ceremony last week, symbolizing Padilla's initiation into the U.S. Army's infantry branch in a tradition dating back to the 1950s. Padilla, from the Guam Army National Guard's 1st-294th Infantry Regiment, made history as the first female infantry officer to serve in the Guam National Guard.

Alongside fellow Guam Guardsman 2nd Lt. Bryant Bamba, Padilla completed the U.S. Army Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course (IBOLC) April 11 at Fort Benning, Georgia. The 19-week physically and mentally demanding course comprises four phases, each of which tests tactical and physical agility, and requires students to pass a challenging knowledge-based test before advancing to the next phase.

'Where does the Army need me most?'

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Upon completion of Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Meade, South Dakota, Padilla, a former signal soldier, asked her cadre, "Where does the Army need me most?" They replied with, "Infantry." The Department of Defense had just lifted the ban on women in combat arms positions months before, and Padilla decided to take on the challenge. Her courage, confidence and faith led her to successful completion of IBOLC as the Guam National Guard's first female infantry officer.

"The 12-mile ruck march was the most challenging event for me," Padilla said. "Second Lt. Bamba stuck by me the whole way encouraging me to finish." Humbled by the whole experience, Padilla's faith and determination to be the best leader for her future soldiers drove her to persevere through all obstacles she confronted.

Padilla will assume the role of platoon leader for Alpha Company, 1st-294th Infantry Regiment, upon her return to the Guam National Guard, while Bamba will be assigned as a platoon leader for Bravo Company, 1st-294th Infantry Regiment.
Writings on the Wall

Many years ago, I got a phone call from Troy Torres at a political candidates office. He had seen an election estimate I had written and didn Read morePower of polls and weekend talks
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Badger Daylighting Ltd.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Calgary, Alberta (FSCWire) - Badger Daylighting Ltd. (TSX:BAD). has issued a press release with the following headline:Badger Daylighting Ltd. April Cash DividendTo 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 Badger Daylighting Ltd., 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/Badger Daylighting Ltd.Source: Badger Daylighting Ltd. (TSX: BAD, ISIN: A1H5L9, WKN: CA05651W2094)Date: April 18, 2017Time: 11:25 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Badger Daylighting Ltd. 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.)
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Bio-Plasticizers Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025" report to their offering.

Bio-Plasticizers Market

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Plasticizers are compounds incorporated in a polymer matrix to increase its flexibility and improve the chemical properties of the plastic product. Addition of a plasticizer can lower the glass transition temperature, melt viscosity and elastic modulus of the polymer. Earlier phthalate-based plasticizer represented 85% of the total plasticizers market. However, stringent government regulations and rising health concerns of the consumers, stimulated the demand of bio-plasticizers. In order to assure sustainability, end users are looking for safe, bio-degradable and non-phthalate-based plasticizers.Bio-based plasticizers are widely used as additives in PVCs. They are used in PVC resins, PVC cables, vinyl flooring, wire jacketing, automobile parts etc. The use of bio-plasticizers for wire applications can enable cable manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) reduce carbon gas emission by up to 40%. Also, plasticizers are the most commonly used additives used in plastic industries. Bio-based plasticizers are produced from vegetable raw materials and are used as an alternative of petroleum based plasticizers. The raw material used for production of bio-plasticizers are castor oil, soybean oil, palm oil and starch. Epoxidized Soybean Oil (ESBO) are the most commonly used bio-plasticizer. ESBO is manufactured from soybean oil through a process of epoxidation. ESBO is one of the most preferred additives in PVC gasket used particularly in food packaging.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1108 Bio-Plasticizers Market: Drivers & RestraintsGrowth in end user industries in developing nations such as India, China, Brazil etc. are expected to drive the bio-plasticizers market during the forecasted period. Tight supply of harmful phthalate such as BBP, DEP, DBP, DOP and increasing consumer awareness are driving the growth of bio-plasticizers. Ban on phthalate-based plasticizers in consumer goods, food packaging material and medical products have led to the development of eco-friendly bio-based plasticizers. Higher cost of bio-plasticizers as compared to phthalate-based plasticizers is a key challenge faced by bio-plasticizers market. These bio-plasticizers, when used for cable manufacturing, offer various advantages in terms of electrical and temperature performance as compared to traditional plasticizers.Bio-Plasticizers Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, the global Bio-Plasticizers market is segmented intoEpoxidized Soybean Oil(ESBO)CitratesCastor OilSuccinic AcidOn the basis of application, the global Bio-Plasticizers market is segmented intoPackage MaterialsMedical DevicesConsumer GoodsWire & CablesBuilding & ConstructionAutomotiveBio-Plasticizers Market: Region-wise OutlookCurrent, North America serves as a largest market for bio-plasticizers due to flourishing sectors such as medical devices, chemicals and consumer goods. Europe is estimated to be matured markets. North America and Europe account for a larger share in the market due to growth in manufacturing and healthcare industry. Various efforts made by different regulatory authorities to promote environmental friendly products have led to increase in the demand of bio-plasticizers in developed regions. Middle East & Africa bio-plasticizers market are still at a nascent stage. However, emerging countries such as UAE and Brazil are expected to have a significant market share in the near future. Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) is estimated to be the fastest growing market in terms of market share by value, particularly in medical, wires & cables, and packaging materials applications.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1108 Bio-Plasticizers Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market participants in the global Bio-Plasticizers market are The Dow Chemical Company, Bioamber Inc., Vertellus Specialties Inc., Danisco Us Inc., Solvay S.A., Dow Chemical Company, Polyone Corporation, Emery Oleochemicals Llc, Myriant Corporation, Evonik Industries, Matrica Spa, Lanxess Ag
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for First Colombia Gold Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Nashville, TN (FSCWire) - First Colombia Gold Corp. (OTC Pink:FCGD). has issued a press release with the following headline:First Colombia Gold Corp. Signs Letter of Intent to Lease Coal Mineral RightsTo 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 First Colombia Gold 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/First Colombia Gold Corp.Source: First Colombia Gold Corp. (OTC Pink: FCGD, ISIN: US3197142009, WKN: A112QT)Date: April 18, 2017Time: 8:56 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of First Colombia Gold 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.)
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Industrial Lubricants Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025" report to their offering.

Industrial Lubricants Market

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Industrial lubricants are defined as the fluid used to lessen the wear and tear of materials and also to reduce friction. Industrial lubricants can be either water based or petroleum based. Their primary function is to avoid metal to metal contact amongst the tools or finished components. Industrial lubricants exhibit good corrosion protection properties, excellent demulsibility and help extend the equipment life. It is used in variety of equipments to yield a particular performance level. They help achieve higher productivity and also improve efficiency of machineries. The industrial lubricants can be used in variety of applications such as automotive, industrial machinery, mining, hydraulic and many others. The selection of lubricants depends on variety of factors such as exposure to harsh chemicals, temperature, etc. However, the global industrial lubricants market is anticipated to witness a moderate single digit growth in the forecast period.Industrial Lubricants Market: Drivers and restraintsThe global industrial lubricants market is expected to witness a high growth rate in the upcoming years due to the growing automotive industry. The increasing manufacturing of vehicles is one of the major factor contributing to the growth of global industrial lubricants market. Growing demand for low viscosity fluids in automotive sector is expected to boost the industrial lubricants market in the forecast period. The increasing demand for grease in industries to continue smooth working of machineries is anticipated to help the global industrial lubricants market grow in the upcoming years. The growing food industry is also expected to be a major growth driving factor in the global industrial lubricants market. Rapid industrialization in the developing countries is also anticipated to drive the global industrial lubricants market. There are specific standards in each region pertaining to the mandatory minimum standards for the imported and manufactured industrial lubricants. Investments in research and development along with proper expansion can help the global industrial lubricant market players grow.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1010 Industrial Lubricants Market: SegmentationThe global industrial lubricants market can be segmented on the basis of type asGear lubricantsCompressor lubricantsHydraulic lubricantsTurbine lubricantsMetal working fluidsOthers (processing lubricants, textile machinery oils, greases, etc.)The hydraulic lubricants account for the maximum share in the global industrial lubricants market. Metal working fluids as well as industrial lubricants together accounts for major share in the global industrial lubricants market.On the basis on end use industries, the global industrial lubricants market is broadly segmented as follows:AutomotiveIndustrialMarinePower generationChemicalsFood processingTextilesOthers (railways, metals, petroleum refining, etc.)The automotive industry contributes to the maximum share in the global industrial lubricants market. The industrial sector also accounts for a major share in the global industrial lubricants market.Industrial Lubricants Market: Region  wise outlookThe global industrial lubricants market is segmented into seven key regions on the basis of geography as North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. Out of these, North America and Western Europe contribute maximum share to the global industrial lubricants market. Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the maximum growth rate in the global industrial lubricants market in the near future. India itself accounts for a major share in the global industrial lubricants market.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1010 Industrial Lubricants Market: Major key playersSome of the key players identified in the global industrial lubricants market areExxon Mobil CorporationFUCHS LubricantsShell International Petroleum Company LimitedChevron CorporationBP p.l.cPetrochina lubricant companyBASF SEKMG ChemicalsEni S.p.AIndian Oil Corporation Ltd
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Aerogel Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025" report to their offering.

Aerogel Market

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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

The global aerogel market is on the rise due to increased applications of aerogel in industries such as oil & gas, marine, automotive, and aerospace. Aerogel is an extremely low density solid material, mainly composed of air, and is manufactured using conventional gel. Global aerogel market consists of material exhibiting numerous properties, making it suitable for the applications in aforementioned industries. These properties include thermal & acoustic damping, low density, high degree of porosity and other desired properties in various applications industries. In addition to the abundant uses of aerogel in industrial applications, one of the key reasons for increasing global aerogel market is due to the fact that the material is being witnessed as a good replacement for thermal insulation materials, since it is providing cost competitiveness to other high performance thermal insulating materials.Aerogel Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe increasing demand of aerogels by the end users such as oil & gas, automotive, marine & aerospace , etc. are driving the global aerogel market. Growing globalization leading to an increase in investments, new establishments for construction and properties of aerogel such as high insulation, being cheap and abundant availability of the raw material are some of the factors driving the growth of global aerogel market. High production cost is the major challenging factor for the growth of global aerogel market.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-927 Aerogel Market: SegmentationIn terms of application industry, the global aerogel market is segmented into key applications:Oil & gasMarine & aerospacePerformance coatingsLVHSDay-lightingAutomotiveConstructionWithin these applications, the oil & gas industry accounts for a leading share in the global aerogel market. Among other applications, wherein significant growth is likely to be witnessed is automotive and construction applications, wherein thermal insulation properties of aerogel material are being exploited.On the basis of product types, the global aerogel market is can be segmented into:SilicaPolymerCarbonThese different types of aerogel are being utilized in the global marketplace, wherein polymer type of aerogel is expected to witness the highest growth in coming years. In terms of market share, the global aerogel market has been dominated by silica type aerogel, which is likely to continue its dominance through the forecast period as well.On the basis of forms, the global aerogel market has been segmented into:MonolithBlanketArticlePanel formThe global aerogel market is dominated by blanket form of aerogel, which is widely used for thermal insulation applications across the industries. The global aerogel market is expected to witness the tremendous growth in particle form of aerogel, which is expected to contribute towards the growth in demand for aerogel in global aerogel market during the forecast period.On the basis of processing segment, the global aerogel market has also been segmented into:Virgin processedFabricatedIn terms of processing, within the global aerogel market, virgin aerogel is witnessed to be the dominating processing segment. This is due to the fact that virgin aerogel is free from composites and additives, which enables its applications in research & development activities. Further virgin aerogel is accompanied with high commercial availability in the global aerogel market.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-927 Aerogel Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global aerogel market has witnessed increased growth in North American region, which accounts for a leading share in the global aerogel market. Followed by North America, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region accounts for the second leading regions in terms of aerogel consumption across the globe, which is due to high amount of consumption in China. However, the European market is likely to be the leading region, in terms of annual growth, in years to come.Aerogel Market: Key PlayersThe global aerogel market is dominated by major players such as Cabot Corporation, Aerogel Technologies LLC, Aspen Aerogels, Inc. and BASF SE, to name a few.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-18 15:00:18

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Kairos Capital Corporation--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Calgary, Alberta (FSCWire) - Kairos Capital Corporation (TSX Venture:KRS). has issued a press release with the following headline:Kairos Announces Drilling Results from Salvadora One of its Legacy Copper/Gold/Silver PropertiesTo 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 Kairos Capital Corporation, 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/Kairos Capital CorporationSource: Kairos Capital Corporation (TSX Venture: KRS)Date: April 18, 2017Time: 9:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Kairos Capital Corporation 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: 2017-04-18 17:39:09

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Luminar Media Group Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - Luminar Media Group Inc. (OTC Pink:LRGR). has issued a press release with the following headline:Luminar Media Group Inc.: Testing to Begin on TherOZap" Working Prototype Topical Cannabidiol Oil against the Zika and West Nile VirusesTo 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 Luminar Media Group Inc., 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/Luminar Media Group Inc.Source: Luminar Media Group Inc. (OTC Pink: LRGR)Date: April 18, 2017Time: 11:39 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Luminar Media Group Inc. 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: 2017-04-18 08:03:01

Mobidiag Secures Additional 3,99 Million Euros in Capital Increase with Kansalaisrahoitus Public Financing Round

Mobidiag

Tuomas Tenkanen, +350 50 553 4980

tuomas.tenkanen@mobidiag.com

or

Kansalaisrahoitus

Toni Lahti, +358 40 522 7633

toimitusjohtaja

toni.lahti@kansalaisrahoitus.fi

Mobidiag Ltd., a Finnish molecular diagnostics company, announced today that it has successfully completed a 3,99 million euros funding supported by the Finnish investment service company Kansalaisrahoitus Oy. Adding up to the loan of 15 million euros from the European Investment Bank (EIB), this new funding was completed before closing date by over 300 investors.

Mobidiag provides innovative solutions for in vitro diagnostics of infectious diseases. More reliable and faster diagnostics can ensure patient care and safety by detecting infection type allowing selection of the appropriate treatment with or without antibiotics. Mobidiag has used its expertise in the detection of gastrointestinal infections and multi-drug resistant organisms, also known as superbugs. Product lines currently available are well suited for high-throughput laboratories. Upcoming products are instrument and test cassettes that detect simultaneously panels of bacteria, viruses or parasites. This syndromic approach brings effective DNA technique closer to patients in a user-friendly and economically effective format reducing overall healthcare costs and directing better patient treatment.

Mobidiag now invests strongly to expand its sales and marketing channels in Europe and other parts of the world. We were very happy with the share issue organised by Kansalaisrahoitus, which was achieved very professionally and fast. This type of financing completes perfectly traditional ones, says Tuomas Tenkanen, CEO of Mobidiag. We were privileged to participate in the financing of a very promising and fast growing company that aims to improve healthcare quality and peoples health, says Toni Lahti, CEO of Kansalaisrahoitus.

This new funding will allow Mobidiag to finalize and scale up its product manufacturing and assay validation, as well as to strengthen its sales and marketing activities.

About Mobidiag

Established in 2000, Mobidiag develops innovative solutions to advance the diagnosis of infectious diseases and serves the European clinical diagnostics market since 2008. Mobidiag is headquartered in Espoo, Finland.

Mobidiag addresses both high to medium volume screening with the Amplidiag Easy platform, bringing the Amplidiag suite further by automating the workflow from sample to results, and the upcoming Novodiag platform & associated panels for a fully automated solution and suitable for smaller volumes and labs. For more information, visit www.mobidiag.com

About Kansalaisrahoitus

Established in 2012, Kansalaisrahoitus Oy is a company that connects investors looking for interesting investments and companies looking for efficient capital funding solutions. It has organized over 30 financial rounds, which have brought about 44 million euros to Finnish companies. Finanssivalvonta is the authority that controls the operation of Kansalaisrahoitus. Learn more: www.kansalaisrahoitus.fi

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201704170050
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Portable Ramps Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016-2026" report to their offering.

PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-18 10:28:18

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616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

The global healthcare industry is witnessing a steady rise. Presently a massive technical revolution is eroding the entire healthcare industry. The manufacturers of healthcare tools and gadgets are all set to ride this growth wave. The demands of healthcare apparatus such as portable ramps are soaring as the global population of senior citizens is on a rise. According to a recent published report, 20 percent of the worlds population will age by 2050. Portable ramps are extremely useful for people who are fighting disabilities, given a WHO report that cites 15 percent of the global population is combating physical disability. The global portable ramps market is likely to witness steady growth over the next 10 years.Portable Ramps Market: DriversPortable ramps are available in a gamut of designs. They are lightweight and user friendly. Portable ramps increase the accessibility of a disabled or an elderly person. They are easily attachable with doors or cars and can be ferried across easily and can be dismantled with ease. The portable ramps market is expected to witness a steady spike in demand with a rising elderly population across the globe. New and emerging pockets are popping up in the global business map which is extremely promising sign for the growth of the portable ramp market. These factors are likely to boost the overall growth of the portable ramps market in the coming decade. A competitive ambience and a massive pool of buyers are some of the major drivers fuelling the sales and growth of the portable ramps market in emerging global economies. Portable Ramps Market: RestraintsRequest Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2242 The U.S. dominance in the portable ramps market is affecting the growth trail and creating massive hurdles in the development and growth of the portable ramps market. The pricing and supply is completely anchored by some of the major players of the portable ramps market who are controlling the numbers in the global portable ramps market. The Chinese healthcare equipment manufacturers are clawing into the global arena, but they still need time and research to meet the standards of their U.S. counterparts.Portable Ramps Market: Key RegionsFor more than a decade the U.S. is calling the shots in the healthcare equipment industry. Some of the major players in the global portable ramps market are camped across the U.S. and they are manufacturing and exporting some of the best portable ramps. Apart from the U.S., the portable ramps market of U.K is also populated with some of the best brands that are curating some of the smartest and finest portable ramps. The Chinese manufacturers are fuelling the production of medical apparatus to establish their footprint in the South-East Asian portable ramps market spread across India, Indonesia and Malaysia, Singapore and many other emerging economies.Visit for TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2242 Portable Ramps Market: Key Market PlayersThe U.S. based manufacturers of portable ramps are sprawling their business globally by establishing a proper and robust distribution network. Companies such as Roll-a Ramp have registered massive exports in the last few years. Several recent studies reveal that apart from south East Asia, South Korea is a major procurer of the portable ramps and other healthcare related articles. Portable ramps market observers believe that the portable ramps market is growing in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. The entire Middle-East is providing a leeway to healthcare related tools and other gadget builders. These cities are the cradles of healthcare facility providers and they are constantly complimenting the growth of the medical ancillary related market that also builds some of the high end medical support tools like portable ramps.Most of the major European and U.S. based players operating in the portable ramps market are queuing up to tap the potential of these fertile markets. They are not only growing at a steady rate but at the same time they are providing a proper incubation for research and development. The developers of portable ramps are minting massive revenue from a steady export chain which is spread across the globe and properly cushioned with a robust distribution network. The portable ramps manufacturing market is concentrated in U.S. and U.K. are facing stark competition from dragon economy. The market is extremely ripe and demands of portable ramps are skyrocketing. The entire manufacturing and supply of the portable ramps is directly related with a thriving population of elders and people with physical disabilities.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Pressure infusion bags market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016-2026" report to their offering.

PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-18 10:29:10

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616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

The need of alternate healthcare framework is the need of the hour. Countries US, Canada, Australia, China and India are ageing fast. Apart from this largely populated countries like India, China is struggling to find ways to meet the emerging challenges of healthcare domain. The alternate healthcare channels such as home care are extremely useful and it can easily shoulder the load thrust on the global healthcare industry. A massive pool of adult population and the emergence of several new diseases and balancing the healthcare facilities around the globe are some of the massive challenges which are hounding the entire healthcare climate of the world. Challenges are not only pushing the horizons of the healthcare industry it is also helping it to discover new avenues to reach the cusp. The pressure infusion bags market is directly related to the development and growth of the healthcare domain and also it is affected by the growth and development of the home care services worldwide. A recent report says, that a massive chunk Canadian population is dependent on home care and the numbers are increasing every day. This is not only developing a future ground for the Pressure infusion bags market it is also changing the scenes of the Pressure infusion bags market. Apart from Canada, the home care facilities are in great demand in the US. Market predicts that home services in the US will have to cater to almost 27 million seniors by 2050. China and India are also two of the most fertile markets of Pressure infusion bags as the homecare is growing steadily in these regions. The alternate healthcare framework apart from hospitals or other medical facilities is creating an excellent opportunity for pressure infusion bags market.Pressure infusion bags market: DriversThere are several pivotal factors which are influencing the growth trail of the Pressure infusion bags market. The upsurge of the Pressure infusion bags market depends on the consolidated growth of the healthcare industry worldwide. The healthcare industry is growing steadily and it is also complimenting the growth of the healthcare tools and equipment market which include pressure infusion bags.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2243 The boom of healthcare in the countries like India, Malaysia, China, and Japan has changed the entire canvas of the Pressure infusion bags market. The demands are high and the supply is limited with a certain periphery.The emergence of home care worldwide is also opening new avenues for the pressure infusion bags market. The swelling adult population of the world is creating new ways for the Pressure infusion bags market.Several stakeholders of the healthcare industry is rolling out special measures to enhance patient safety. The Pressure infusion bags are mostly used for minimising chances of cross contamination during fluid infusion. Which makes it an effective tool which ensures patient safety. This increase of the awareness levels about patient safety is also a boon for the entire Pressure infusion bags market. This will further promote and will expand the market worldwide.Pressure infusion bags market: RestraintsThe issue of patient safety and development of home care facilities are extremely fragmented. There is a large difference in market behaviours and also the markets of homecare are budding in countries like India and China and healthcare institutes are mulling over issues like patient safety mainly in the government healthcare system. Which is slumping the growth of the Pressure infusion bags in these specific zones. The market is mainly dominated by players from the west which is further corking the growth of the Pressure infusion bags market.Visit for TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2243 Pressure infusion bags market: Key RegionsSome of the market leaders are based in the US and they are expanding their business. They are mostly eyeing the emerging market like China, India, Brazil, Chile and many other emerging markets of Asia and Africa. Many of the US based makers are pumping in funds to reach out to the larger population of the world with their products and services. Several US-based healthcare facilitators are also shaking hands with local players in the south East Asian markets and Middle East markets and planning for massive mergers to mop up the profits.Pressure infusion bags market: Key PlayersSome of the leading stakeholders in this region are BD worldwide, Medline. Though the local markets of China, India and Malaysia, Singapore are stuffed with local manufacturers and traders.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Reachers Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016-2026" report to their offering.

PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-18 10:32:01

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616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

A billion dollar medical equipment industry is lurking under the shadow of the healthcare industry which is evolving very fast. Several big international players are infusing massive funds into research and development to change the entire landscape of the medical tools and equipment industry. Reachers are mostly made of aluminum and comes as an aid for people who have problem in bending or stretching. They are available in a gamut of designs and they are portable and can be carried along. They are extremely helpful for adult citizens and also for patients who are suffering with any kind of knee or back problem. Even they come to the rescue of pregnant women, as it bars them from bending or stretching.The global reachers market is massive and it is mopping up a massive revenue from the global market every passing year. The reachers market feeds on the global healthcare ecosystem which is significantly with passing time. The exuberant growth of the healthcare industry is also accosting the development of the medical equipment industry and thus it is also expanding the global reachers market. United States is one of the major manufacturers and exporters of medical tools and it supplies its medial apparatus to countries like Germany, Japan, Australia, Mexico and man more. The country spends massive sum of money on the development of new medical devices an amount is close to 7.3 billion. This is a big push for the entire reachers market. Apart from U.S. the local market of China and India are steadily rising. The export and the import markets are thriving in these regions of Asia.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2244 Reachers market: DriversThe reachers market is clinging on to the growth of the elderly population. They are also reaping their profits from the surge in the healthcare device markets. Apart from this, the reachers market can witness a considerable hike in the countries which are over populated with expecting women. According to statistics countries in the African region has highest birth rates. Nigeria is topping the chart with 46.12 percent followed by Mali at 45 percent and a slew of other African countries. As per the report published by UN (United Nations), the elderly population of the world will reach its cusp within the coming few years. This will again beef up the prospects for the reachers market.Reachers market: RestraintsThough the development of the reachers market is dependent upon several catalysts but there are multiple blockades which are blocking the advancement of this industry globally. One of the biggest restraint for this industry is the awareness about this tool in the developing markets like India and China, Mexico, Brazil or any other developing nation where the public healthcare system is maimed by foul healthcare strategies. The governments apathy towards the research and development of the medical device industry which is spread in these Asian, African or Lain American countries. Developing markets, low public awareness levels, local traders, cheap cloning of several medical tools and devices like reachers are is barricading the headway of the reachers market in these locations of the world.Visit for TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2244 Reachers market: Key RegionsAs discussed earlier the medical device and reachers manufacturers are mostly located in the U.S. and U.K. and they are exporting heavily to the third world nations of the world. They are catering their services to the countries like Japan, China, India, and spreading their operations in these markets massively. The local manufacturers of China and India are also rising the chart with their developing healthcare market. The neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and Bhutan are some of the prospective clients of the reachers market based in this parts of the world.Reachers market: Key PlayersThe medical device manufacturing industry is growing at an approximate rate of 9 percent and it has earned a revenue of close to 10 billion. U.S. is also dominating a considerable amount of the international market. Companies like DeVilbliss health care in U.S. and Nova from L.A., and much more are presently exporting high-end reachers to the international markets.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Phlebotomy Equipments Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016-2026" report to their offering.

PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-18 10:25:19

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616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

Diagnostic services act as a lifeblood for the entire healthcare industry. An ideal medical facility is always cushioned by a proper diagnostic infrastructure. Immediate detection of disease not only helps in reducing the life risk of the patient but it also reduces the pressure of the patients on the healthcare industry as a whole. The diagnostic market is steadily increasing around the world and it is also complimenting the growth and development of the Phlebotomy Equipments market. The need of skilled phlebotomist are immense in the market and as the numbers of healthcare facilities are soaring every single day. The Phlebotomy equipments market is directly dependent on the growth and expansion of the entire healthcare and diagnostic industry. The healthcare industry has registered a steady growth in the last few years through revamped and public friendly policies and public, private partnerships and by exposing more people to the insurance backed healthcare system. Which is directly impacting the development of the Phlebotomy Equipments market around the globe. Apart from this, the entire diagnostic industrys growth is also pushing the Phlebotomy markets spread across the globe.The diagnostic industry is revamping itself to meet the present challenges. The industry is consolidating and growing steadily. A massive influx of investment has eroded the entire diagnostic industry which is pushing many small and medium level players into the global arena. This is also building up the base of the phlebotomy equipments market and creating a new avenue for the Phlebotomy Equipments market globally.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2240 There is a wide variety of Phlebotomy Equipments which are present in the Phlebotomy Equipments market. The wide array of equipments which are used by technicians is personal protective equipments, torniquets, antiseptics, gauze pads, lancets, butterfly needles, sharp containers, evacuated collection tubes, centrifuge machines, blood drawing tray and much more. The compliment the rising demand of the phlebotomy equipments several new players have entered the Phlebotomy Equipments market. The manufacturers of these equipments are spread across the globe but there is a stark difference in the quality of the products which are manufactured in India, China and in western countries of the world.Phlebotomy Equipments market: DriversThe Phlebotomy Equipments market has grown by leaps and bounds and there are several pivotal factors which are influencing this growth. The first and foremost is the overall evolution of the healthcare and diagnostic market. The expansion of the market is directly effecting the demand and supply ratio and expanding the periphery and the depth of the Phlebotomy Equipments market. The Phlebotomy equipments are mostly used for detecting blood-related diseases and presently ailments like Hyperuricemia, high blood cholesterol, kidney diseases, white blood disorders have grown manifold. This sudden rise has created a massive ground of opportunity for Phlebotomy Equipments market. Countries like India, China, Malaysia and Japan are some of the emerging healthcare markets of the world which is influencing the growth of the Phlebotomy Equipments market.A massive flow of investment in the global diagnostic industry has changed the entire framework of the Phlebotomy Equipments market. It has not only encouraged new players also it has promoted new inventions in this segment.Visit for TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2240 Phlebotomy Equipments market: RestraintsThe Phlebotomy Equipments market is completely driven by the overall development of the healthcare industry spread across the world. The development of the industry is fragmented in some parts of the world and it is dominated by the fee players based in the western markets of the world. This is adversely affecting the development of the Phlebotomy Equipments market worldwide.Phlebotomy Equipments market: Key RegionsThe demand of this tailor-made equipments are spread across the world. The key manufacturers and exporters are based in US and Australia, UK. On the other hand, the Asian market is largely dominated by players from India, China, Malaysia and Japan.Phlebotomy Equipments market: Key PlayersPhlebotomy Equipments are manufactured by several big and small makers spread across the world. In the US, Cardinal health is one of the major stakeholders of this segment and they are planning to plunge into the Asian market. Market Lab in the UK, BD worldwide in the US are also boosting their productions to meet the demands of the emerging Phlebotomy Equipments market.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Respiratory Analysers Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016-2026" report to their offering.

PR-Inside.com: 2017-04-18 10:30:57

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In the field of medicine, anaesthesia is a temporary state induced to cause amnesia, paralysis, and unconsciousness. The main objective is to enable a surgeon to perform a procedure which would cause the patient immense and intolerable pain without it. While it has enabled the saving of lives on many an occasion, it is not completely risk free. Minor risks include nausea, vomiting while major ones can include a heart attack or even death. Thus, respiratory analysers are absolutely critical as they measure various gases like Oxygen, Carbon Monoxide and volatile anaesthetics in the operation theatre. It enables the anaesthetist to ensure that the patient does not have any adverse reaction to the drugs administered. Paramagnetic Oxygen Analysers, Carbon Dioxide analysers are some of the respiratory analysers available.Respiratory Analysers Market: DriversAt present, North America is the leading global respiratory analyser market. As per the WHO, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is expected to be the 3rd leading cause of global deaths. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 40 million Americans suffered from insomnia or some other form of chronic sleep disorders. There are many cases of both COPD and Asthma reported there. While North America leads these statistics, Europe is second in terms of the people complaining of respiratory ailments. The key respiratory analyser market to focus on for long-term growth would be the APAC region. It is undergoing rapid modernization, with little to no concern for environmental or biological factors, thus giving rise to health issues for its citizens. Increasing focus on medical programs and awareness, both from the government and the private sector all point to a bright future for this market. Hospitals form the largest end users of respiratory analysers and they are also expected to record the highest growth rate.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2245 Respiratory Analysers Market: RestraintsAny equipment which serves a specialised function tends to be expensive and this holds true for the Respiratory Analysers Market as well. The high cost is such a detriment that customers hesitate purchasing modern equipment and prefer using the old, archaic ones. Even lack of awareness in underdiagnosed, undertreated poorer countries can be a major impediment to growth. Along with this, the installation and usage of such advanced respiratory analysers requires highly skilled professionals, who are in short supply in these nations. Another issue is the saturation in developed countries due to the oligopolistic market situation. Hence, there are moderate to high barriers for entry for new players seeking to enter this market, thereby limiting competition and customer choice.Respiratory Analysers Market: Key RegionsThe Respiratory Analysers Market can be divided into five key regions viz. North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East and North Africa. (MENA) North America is the largest market at present and is expected to remain so for the near future. The fastest growing market for this is unquestionably the Asia- Pacific region. China and India are the fastest growing major economies in the world. Their large populations, increasing government attention towards healthcare, booming medical tourism in them and Southeast Asian nations like Thailand will ensure continued demand for products sold in the respiratory analyser market. Key players would also be advised to look at Latin America to provide ample growth opportunities in the years to come.Visit for TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2245 Respiratory Analysers Market: Key Market PlayersThe main manufacturers in the Respiratory analyser market include globally renowned companies like Smiths Medical (U.K), Philips Healthcare (Netherlands), ResMed, Inc. (U.S.), Covidien plc (Ireland), Masimo Corporation (U.S.), Fisher and Paykel Healthcare Limited (New Zealand), and CareFusion Corporation (U.S.).
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for RTG Mining Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Subiaco, Western Australia (FSCWire) - RTG Mining Inc. (TSX:RTG). has issued a press release with the following headline:RTG Announces High Grade Intercepts and New Style of Mineralisation at Bunawan ProjectTo 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 RTG Mining Inc., 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/RTG Mining Inc.Source: RTG Mining Inc. (TSX: RTG, ISIN: VGG738971032)Date: April 18, 2017Time: 9:48 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of RTG Mining Inc. 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.)
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for The Graystone Company Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Santa Ana, California (FSCWire) - The Graystone Company Inc. (OTC Pink:GYST). has issued a press release with the following headline:The Graystone Company Exceeds Revenue ExpectationsTo 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 The Graystone Company Inc., 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/The Graystone Company Inc.Source: The Graystone Company Inc. (OTC Pink: GYST)Date: April 18, 2017Time: 9:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of The Graystone Company Inc. 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.)
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Theralase Technologies Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX Venture:TLT). has issued a press release with the following headline:Theralase Grants Stock OptionsTo 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 Theralase Technologies Inc., 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/Theralase Technologies Inc.Source: Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX Venture: TLT, OTC Pink: TLTFF, ISIN: CA88337V1004, WKN: A0DLB7)Date: April 18, 2017Time: 9:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Theralase Technologies Inc. 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.)
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Transformer Oil Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025" report to their offering.

Transformer Oil Market

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In order to meet the residential, commercial and industrial energy requirements and ensure a smooth operation of power supply transformer plays an important role. During transformer operation, transformers dissipate heat which can damage the system if not controlled. In order to achieve seamless operation of transformer by preventing from heat damage the oil are used. Transformer oil is used in oil-filled and submersible transformers to maintain temperature of transformer. Application of transformer oil can also be seen in high-voltagecircuit breakers and switches. Since the oil is in constant contact with components it is therefore susceptible to chemical interaction. It is therefore essential to check for the quality of transformer oil at regular intervals since with continuous reaction the chemical composition of the oil may change and this may render it unfit for use.The market for transformer oil is subjected to the demands of the various end-use industries such as chemicals and automotive, and the type of transformer used. The oil used in transformers is hydrocarbon mineral oil. There are two major types of transformer oil used in the industry; naphthenic and paraffinic based. Though bio based transformer oil have gained attention due to stringent environmental issues but their usage is restricted due to limited advantage. The market of transformer oil will be driven by the expanding energy demand and growing installation of power grids in urban scenario. Due to growing population, the power grid companies needs to expand and upgrade their existing capacities causing penetration of transformers to increase which in turn fuel the market for transformer oil. The transition towards renewable sources of energy, strict environmental laws and shift towards organic oils may restraint the market of mineral based transformer oil.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1105 Asia is one of the largest consumer of transformer oils followed by North America, South America and Europe. For the forecasted years Asia-pacific transformer oil market will continue to lead in terms of consumption. The demand for transformer oil in Asia Pacific is rapidly growing for emerging markets of India and China. This demand is transformer oil is attributed to the increasing focus on rural and urban development in infrastructure. This involves a shift in focus from high capacity transformer to small and mid-segment transformers for domestic and agricultural uses. The transformer oil markets of China, India and also Brazil will dominate owing to the government initiative for the electricity accessibility to the countrys population. The demand for in the mineral based is anticipated to stabilize due to the shift towards green (bio based) alternatives. The demand for transformer oil in regions of Americas and Europe is related to high capacity industrial transformers. The demand for transformer oil in these regions is anticipated to be slower than those in Asia Pacific owing to the significant development of renewable sources of energy and reduced dependability on conventional sources of energy.Transformer Oil Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified in the transformer oil market are Hydrodec Group PLC, Nynas AB, Calumet Specialty Products Partners, Valvoline,APAR Industries, Sinopec Corporation, Engen Petroleum Limited.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1105
Utrasound Doppler Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016-2026 Research Report By Future Market Insights

Utrasound Doppler Market

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The term ultrasound treatment is a known one, while some of us may even have undergone some kind of check-up with its assistance. As the name suggests, a Doppler Ultrasound test uses higher frequency sound waves to measure blood flow in the arteries and veins and is usually done on the arms and legs. It is a completely risk and pain free procedure as it only involves using high intensity sound waves. It is recommended by doctors to check for signs of deep vein thrombosis, superficial thrombophlebitis, arteriosclerosis or even if tumours are suspected in any of the limbs. The ultrasound Doppler market can broadly be classified into two main types based on portability- handheld and trolley based ones. The trolley based ones account for the majority sold at present but the handheld ones are expected to show larger growth because of ease of use, cheaper initial expenditure and also lower long term cost of running due to less electricity consumed as compared to trolleys.Utrasound Doppler Market DriversThere are several drivers responsible for the growth of the ultrasound Doppler market. In the developed world, an aging population at a greater risk of chronic and lifestyle-related problems, technological advancements making the devices (relatively) more affordable, increasing healthcare investment both in the public and private sectors and also a growing preference for therapeutic and non-invasive kind of treatments. In the developing world, the high birth rate, in-vitro fertilization treatment and required gynaecological care for young mothers are fuelling the demand for ultrasound devices. It can also be used for detecting breast cancer and the American Cancer Society and Radiological Society of North America recommends periodic mammographic screening to women above the age of 40 years. An increasing awareness from the public and government support and encouragement ensure the continued demand for ultrasound Doppler market products.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2253 Utrasound Doppler Market RestraintsThe picture is not all rosy for the ultrasound Doppler market as there are several impediments to its growth. As is the case with almost all other specialized equipment, there can be a dearth of qualified and trained technicians to use the equipment in the developing world. Sale of refurbished devices at lower prices also makes them more attractive, making first time sales difficult in places where the disposable income is less. There are also cultural and social issues involved in Asian countries like China and India. Preference for the male child and sex-selective abortions have made governments pass laws like the Prenatal Diagnostic Test Act (PNDT). This requires registration of all counselling centres, laboratories, and clinics like solography centres, mobile solography vans and those having advanced ultrasound machines. Strict compliance with the law can also hamper adoption of such equipment to an extent.Utrasound Doppler Market Key RegionAn aging population in the western world while continue to ensure that both North America and Europe remain among the largest ultrasound Doppler markets. They benefit from world-class infrastructure, many healthcare benefits provided by the governments and also increasing adoption of home and remote patient monitoring to cater to their privacy concerns. They will drive the demand for compact, handheld devices in the medium to long term. Asia Pacific on the other hand, is expected to demand for greater trolley based ultrasound devices due to a proliferation of hospitals in underdiagnosed rural areas of these populous and fast growing countries. There have also been an increasing number of lifestyle-related health issues, especially in the polluted metropolis cities of China and India. Greater public awareness of benefits offered by the ultrasound treatments along with a special focus of global players on this highly dynamic region ensures thriving demand for the ultrasound Doppler market here as well.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2253 Utrasound Doppler Market Key Market PlayersGeneral Electric Company (U.S.), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), Toshiba Corporation (Japan), Siemens AG (Germany), Hitachi Ltd. (Japan), Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (South Korea), FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation (Japan), Esaote S.p.A. (Italy), Mindray Medical International Ltd. (China), and Analogic Corporation (U.S.) are some of the Utrasound Doppler Market key market players in 2016.
Ventricle Assist Device Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016 - 2026 Research Report By Future Market Insights

Ventricle Assist Device Market

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Heart failure is one of the most common cause of deaths worldwide, it is a condition when the heart cannot pump blood properly throughout the body. In most of the cases the left ventricle gets affected but sometimes the right ventricle gets affected and the heart cannot pump oxygen rich blood to the lungs. Ventricle assist devices are mechanical pumps which support the functioning of the heart in individuals who have weak heart. There are two types of heart failure one is diastolic heart failure and the other systolic heart failure. The major symptoms of heart failure are fatigue, irregular heart rhythm, blood pressure, heart valve functioning is affected, shortness of breath and fluid retention. Most of the above symptoms can be stabilized by the use of medication but in some cases ventricle assist devices have to be used depending upon the condition of the patient.A ventricle assist device comprises of a small tubes transferring blood out of heart and into the pump, the heart pump is connected to a control unit, which monitors the functioning of the ventricle assist device. Recent research has shown that continuous flow ventricle assist devices are more effective as they reduce the hospitalization and improve survival rate of patients suffering from heart failure. The different types of ventricle assist devices available in the market, left ventricle support, right ventricle support and bi-ventricle support.The ventricle assist devices are used for short-term period for individuals recovering from myocardial infraction or individuals recovering from cardiac surgery, and for long term use in individuals suffering from total heart failure. Ventricle devices are generally used as bridge to transplant, bridge to decision and bridge to recovery for an individual who is suffering from Class III & Class IV heart failure. Ventricle assist devices are generally implantable and transcutaneous depending on the individual heart condition.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2273 Transcutaneous ventricle assist devices have the control unit installed outside the body and the pump placed inside the body whereas implantable ventricle assist devices are generally used for people waiting for heart transplant. Ventricle assist devices are generally categorized as Pulsatile and Non Pulsatile devices. Pulsatile devices were the first generation devices, whereas non pulsatile devices have a continuous flow as they allow the blood to move forward in a systemic circulation. In a non-pulsatile ventricle assist device all the parameters are displayed on the console or the control unit. Some of the common ventricle assist devices in the market are Thoratec VAD, Heart Mate and Jarvik 2000.Ventricle assist devices although have great benefits but some time they may give rise to certain complication like bleeding, infection, thrombosis, device malfunctioning and hemolysis.When both the ventricle stop functioning or the entire heart fails, bi-ventricle assist devices are used and Total Artificial Heart is implanted. The rapid advancement in ventricle assist device technology has limited the TAH (Total Artificial Heart) development as majority of the heart failure can be controlled by using ventricle assist devices. At present the only TAH approved by the FDA is the Cardio West TAH by Syncardia System, which is a pneumatically powered dual chamber device.Ventricle Assist Device Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global market for ventricle assist devices is expected to be driven by the advancement in technology and increasing prevalence of Class III & Class IV heart failure, increase in geriatric population, better reimbursement reforms are some factors anticipated to fuel growth of global ventricle assist devices market within the forecast period of 2016-2026. However the high cost certain complication which may arise after or during the implant and development of the total artificial heart can be the restraint for the growth of this market.Ventricle Assist Device Market: SegmentationThe global Ventricle assist device market is classified on the basis of product type, modality, indication, end user and geography.Based on modality, the global Ventricle assist device market is segmented into the following:Transcutaneous Ventricle Assist DevicesImplantable Ventricle Assist DevicesBased on product type, the global Ventricle Assist device market is segmented into the following:LVAD (Left Ventricle Assist Devices)RVAD (Right Ventricle Assist Devices)Bi-VAD (Bi-Ventricle Assist Devices)TAH (Total Artificial Heart)Based on indication, the global ventricle assist device market is segmented into the following:Bridge to RecoveryBridge to TransplantBridge to TherapyBased on end user, the global ventricle assist device market is segmented into the following:HospitalsSpecialized Cardiac ClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersVentricle Assist Device Market: OverviewCost-effectiveness of ventricle assist devices and ongoing researches on improving quality of care for continence would create an attractive growth opportunities for the ventricle assist device market. The hospitals end user segment is expected to hold the highest market share in global market for ventricle assist devices.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2273 A new generation of ventricle assist devices have been approved by the FDA which are more efficient in increasing the survival rate of individuals suffering from heart failure. These devices are much small smaller in size and much more efficient in restoring the functioning of the heart. These are centrifugal continuous flow pumps suspended through magnetic or hydrodynamic levitation in blood flow path, this levitation mechanism theoretically increases the device durability and reliability as there is no friction and heat generation component contact. The third generation left ventricle assist devices are more used in Europe.Ventricle Assist Device Market: Regional OverviewRegion wise, the global ventricle assist device market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America dominated the global market for ventricle assist devices because of better reimbursement policies for diagnostic procedures. Europe dominates the market for the third generation ventricle assist devices.Ventricle Assist Device Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global ventricle assist device market are SynCardia System Inc., St. Jude Medical, Berlin Heart, Heart Ware International, Jarvik Heart Inc. Abiomed, CardiacAssist Inc., and Reliant Heart Inc.
Europe Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination Market Report 2016 Purchase This Report by calling ResearchnReports.com at +1-888-631-6977.

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The research report on Europe Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination market offers a clear understanding of the market, focusing on the key growth factors and potential opportunities. The product specifications, major geographical segments, and competitive analysis of the Europe Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination market have also been discussed in detail in the research report. It presents future projections of the Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination market on a Europe as well as on regional level. The research study further presents the past performance of the Europe Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination market, coupled with the statistics from 2016 to 2021 on the basis of volume and revenue.This report considers the main regions i.e. North America, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America. Top manufacturers in Europe market, their capacity, production, revenue, price and shares are covered in detail.Download sample pages of this premium report: https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=31255 To offer a clear understanding of the Europe Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination market, several questions have been addressed in the research study concerning the growth of the Europe Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination market. It is also been discussed with respect to projected growth rate of the Europe Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination market in the near future. Also, depending on the ongoing trend of the market, the region which is anticipated to witness high growth in the next few years is studied in detail.Get Discount on this Report: https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=31255 Furthermore, the major geographical segments of the Europe Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination market have been evaluated in the research report. The market share, consumption, revenue, and size of each segment have been provided in the study. A list of all the prominent players operating in the Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination market across the globe has been presented along with detailed company profiles and major developments. The product portfolio, financial status, and business policies of these players are studied in the report in detail. Using SWOT analysis the report has studied the strengths and weaknesses of the profiled players.For more inquiry before purchase: https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=31255 This report will endow both settled firms and new entrants/smaller firms to determine the pulse of the market, which consecutively helps firms to collect a greater market share. Companies purchasing this report could use any or all of the below mentioned five strategies to strengthen their market share:a) Market penetration-In depth data on the products and services offered by top players in the Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination market. The report analyzes the Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination market by products, application, end user and region.b) Product development/innovation- Intricate insights on upcoming technologies, research and development activities, and new product launches in the Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination market.c) Market development-Comprehensive information about lucrative emerging markets. The report analyzes the markets for Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination across various regions.d) Market diversification-Exhaustive information about new products, untapped regions, recent developments, and investments in the Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination market.e) Competitive assessment- In depth evaluation of market shares, strategies, products and distribution networks of the leading players in the Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination market.Europe Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination Market Report 2016This report studies sales (consumption) of Indicator Lens & Lampholder Combination in Europe market, especially in Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, Benelux and Spain, focuses on top players in these countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these CountriesCompany Profiled in this Report: Tranilamp RS Pro Dialight Motociclo Legends Tukxi Shimano Rnod Lucas KosoComplete report available at: https://www.researchnreports.com/semiconductor-electronics/Europe-Indicator-Lens---Lampholder-Combination-Market-Report-2016-31255 About Research n Reports:Research N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Today being a consumer driven market, companies require information to deal with the complex and dynamic world of choices. Where relying on a sound board firm for your decisions becomes crucial. Research N Reports specializes in industry analysis, market forecasts and as a result getting quality reports covering all verticals, whether be it gaining perspective on current market conditions or being ahead in the cut throat Europe competition. Since we excel at business research to help businesses grow, we also offer consulting as an extended arm to our services which only helps us gain more insight into current trends and problems. Consequently we keep evolving as an all-rounder provider of viable information under one roof.
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.




"Hooked from the very beginning," Teun Brock's film Burgers: The Living Room takes out Actuality Media's Changemaker in Your Documentary Competititon.

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steph@actualitymedia.org Stephanie CapperMedia & Marketing Director

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-- Teun Brock has been announced winner of Actuality Media's Changemaker in Your Community Documentary Competition.Mr Brock's film Burgers: The Living Room won him a 100% scholarship valid for a 2017 Documentary Outreach with the study abroad organization.Actuality Media's program director Robin Canfield said whilst the competition was fierce, Mr Brock's film had him "hooked from the very beginning"."The setting is different from anything I'm familiar with yet the way it was captured pulled me in immediately with a feel of familiarity - I knew I'd be welcome if I stepped in the door, which is just what Burgers intends," Mr Canfield said."More than other submissions, we weren't just told what was happening, but we got to follow along with the character through parts of his daily life and experience his work with him."We are thrilled that Teun will be joining Actuality Media's Nicaragua Documentary Outreach as Director in June."Mr Brock, who is from The Netherlands and studies cinematography at the Royal Institute for Theatre, Cinema and Sound (RITCS) in Brussels, said he was inspired by Burgers' inclusive socio-cultural space.The former squat in Eindhoven was bought out in the '80s by its residents and developed into a thriving social collective.A network of volunteers now run the collective's small biological grocery store, restaurant and art space which hosts film screenings, expositions and workshops."Burgers' solidarity is very inspiring to me. It shows us that money does not have to be the main driving force in life," he said."We all live together in this world, so it's nice to see people who not only realize this, but act on it."Mr Brock said he was flattered his documentary was appreciated and felt privileged to join Actuality Media's program in Nicaragua in July."Travelling to a new continent with an international team of excited and adventurous filmmakers to discover inspiring stories sounds like a dream come true!"To watch the film, visit our blog at http://www.actualitymedia.org/ documentary- competition- win... Founded in 2011 by Robin and Aubrie Canfield, Actuality Media is a service-learning production organisation coordinating programs for media students and emerging filmmakers to connect with changemakers around the world to tell stories that matter. Actuality Media's programs provide a unique platform to produce short documentaries that showcase individuals and organizations who are making a sustainable impact on chronic social and environmental problems in grassroots innovative ways. To date, Actuality Media's programs have produced 82 documentaries and micro-documentaries in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Bolivia, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Turkey, Morocco and Colombia across a range of categories, from the environment and human rights to social justice.
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--MERHOFF (CRD# 2918171) is employed and a registered representative of CETERA ADVISORS in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Many of the investors who have brought lawsuits were completely reliant on his advice in investing and were in managed accounts. It is alleged that, MERHOFF, for some clients, made large concentrated positions in oil and gas related investments. MERHOFF concentrated these accounts in high-risk investments, including but not limited to: Linn Energy, PenGrowth Energ Corp, Teekay Partners, and Vale S.A.MERHOFF also purchased other highly speculative non-energy investments for some clients. The lawsuits state that MERHOFF was allegedly reckless with investors' money, ignoring all warnings and market signals with the energy market collapsing. These investors were looking to invest in stable income producing investments and not speculate with their irreplaceable life savings.The lawsuits state that in some cases there was also no hedging or stop loss strategy implemented in the accounts. Most of these losses were to irreplaceable retirement savings. Over-concentrated positions in risky oil and gas investments is totally unsuitable for a conservative portfolio.There are now claims brought against MERHOFF by Soreide Law Group clients. Some of the allegations brought against MERHOFF are: Violations of Oregon Securities Law, Negligence, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Breach of Contract, Unsuitable Investments, and Common Law Fraud.According to FINRA's BrokerCheck,has 12 Disclosures on his report with 10 Customer Disputes still "Pending." He has been in the securities industry for 19 years and has been listed with 3 firms including the current firm he is now listed with:1903 AUSTIN ST STE AIf you were a client and suffered losses with Oregon broker,due to his actions or recommendations, callwho have now filed 6 lawsuits on behalf of clients at:represents clients nationwide before FINRA and we operate on a contingency fee basis.
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-- Today we would like to tell you about the capital of Latvia, Riga. There is so much to discover in Riga. The Old Town, the historic centre of Riga is today included in the UNESCO World Heritage. Despite being more than 800 years old this is a modern European capital that offers numerous open-air cafes, operas and concerts, brilliant architecture, from the medieval to the Art Nouveau, an old city centre, good shopping and small cosy restaurants.You can also find hundreds of green areas and parks in the city, forty museums, a lot of theatres and an active artistic life. Riga manages to keep in harmony its vast green areas and parks in the very city centre. Or just choose to take a walk in the Old Town on its cobblestone streets and just look up at the eaves and feel the wings of history. The main sights in the old town are Riga Castle, St Peters Church and the Dome Cathedral.It is easy to go around in the city with public transports, buses, trolley buses and trams take you to any part of the city in 35 minutes. But where to stay in Riga? Four-star boutique Hotel Justus is located in the heart of the old town of Riga, literally a few steps away from the famous Dome cathedral. Today the hotel consists of 45 cosy rooms uniquely designed to embrace the charm of genuine brickwork combined with fascinating art objects, antique as well as contemporary. Personalised service matched with attractive pricing policy makes Hotel Justus of great interest for a wide range of guests. We guarantee, that Hotel Justus is the best stay in Riga. For more information, please, visit http://www.hoteljustus.lv
By: Central Indiana Dance Ensemble

Media Contact

Vicki Burdick

vickiburdick@ me.com

***@me.com Vicki Burdickvickiburdick@me.com

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-- Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? CIDE's Snow White, of course!On May 20, 2017, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble (CIDE), the pre-professional dance company under the direction of Artistic Director Suzann DeLay, presents the iconic fairytale ballet, Snow White, at The Center for the Performing Arts Booth Tarkington Civic Theater.CIDE invites central Indiana residents to experience this enchanting family friendly, classic fairytale with every child's favorite characters. This world premier production is choreographed exclusively for CIDE by the talented Chelsey Dahm Bradley. Ms. Bradley is a four-time recipient of the Regional Dance America National Commissioning Award and was named the recipient of Regional Dance America's Choreography Connection Grant. Ms. Bradley is currently the resident choreographer for Dance Wisconsin.Artistic Director Suzann DeLay is thrilled to perform this enchanted fairytale, "Central Indiana Dance Ensemble is proud to be the first local ballet company to introduce the Snow White ballet to the community. As a company, this is another example of how we strive to bring the best shows and talent to the stage for our audience. "Snow White will be performed on Saturday, May 20th at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theater. There is a 2 p.m. matinee performance and 7:30 p.m. evening show. Guests can purchase tickets online at www.cidedance.org or by calling 317.844.7453.
INKAS Israel is differentiated from their competitors by their competitive rates and production turnaround both in Israel as well as neighboring countries.

By: INKAS Israel

INKAS Israel

Media Contact

Olga Eletckaia, INKAS Group of Companies

olga.e@inkas.ca Olga Eletckaia, INKAS Group of Companies

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-- INKASGroup of Companies, a world leading security solutions provider headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary INKASIsrael commences full-scale operations in the Middle East by acquiring two Israeli special purpose tactical vehicles manufacturers with more than 30 years of experience. Their extensive track record in the region will strengthen INKASpositions and allow to provide improved services to its clients in the Middle East and East Africa.INKASGroup of Companies intends to evolve INKASIsrael to the next level by investing significant resources into growing of its technological base and production capacities. Being headquartered in Canada, INKASIsrael has access to the world-class R&D center, testing range, extensive engineering resources, and broad international experience in the security industry.In addition to armoring services, INKASIsrael offers advanced technological solutions for special purpose vehicle modifications and conversions utilizing high quality certified materials and unique know-how. Its wide product range consists of luxury SUVs and sedans, special purpose vehicles, cast-in-transit vans and executive limousines. INKASIsrael products are certified by internationally recognized laboratories, including those located in Canada and the United States."Our goal is to be closer to our customers in order to respond to their requests in even more efficient and timely manner. We aim to develop long terms partnerships with the stakeholders and become a primary supplier of integrated defense solutions to the government authorities of Israel. We view Israel as a strategic partner, and we truly believe that our engineering and technological support from the headquarters in Canada will allow our subsidiary in Israel to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions for both law enforcement and civilian vehicle applications at competitive rates and in a timely manner," said David Khazanski, President, INKASGroup of Companies.A new enterprise with its extensive experience in modifications of special purpose vehicles will further enhance INKASpositions in the industry as well as bring the company closer to its customers in the region.Everyone interested in INKASproducts is welcome to visit the production facilities in both Canada and Israel. To arrange tours, please email at info@inkas.ca or info@inkas.co.il INKASGroup of Companies is an international corporation with presence in a multitude of industries and geographies headquartered in Toronto, Canada. For over two decades, INKAShas been offering integrated security solutions for retailers, government agencies, financial institutions, global corporations and high-profile individuals all over the world. The company started its operations in October 1993 in Toronto, Canada. To date, INKAShas grown to employ over 350 highly skilled and specialized team members who produce the highest value products and services in the industry.For more information about the company please visit https://inkas.ca/https://inkasarmored.com/Tel: +1 416-7443322INKASIsrael is a subsidiary of INKASGroup of Companies, specializing in armoring services as well as advanced technological solutions for special purpose vehicle modifications and conversions. With production facilities located in Sderot, Israel, the company executes local and international orders on a wide variety of armored vehicles, including luxury SUVs and sedans, special purpose vehicles, cash-in-transit vans and others.For more information about the company please visit: http://www.inkas.co.il/Tel: 972-8-678-8121
By: Vandeventer Black LLP

Contact

Cristen Fletcher

***@vanblacklaw.com Cristen Fletcher

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-- Vandeventer Black LLPPartner Richard Ottinger was recently elected to a three-year term on the Board of Governors of the Virginia Bar Association (VBA). "I am honored to be elected to the Board of Governors of the association representing the Tidewater Region. Having the opportunity to serve on the VBA Board of Governors will be an enriching experience."Ottinger's diverse practice includes business and contracts disputes, commercial lease and real estate matters, intellectual property disputes, personal injury, maritime, transportation products liability defense, as well as creditors' rights. Ottinger also serves as a co-chair of the firm's Government Relations Committee and works on a broad variety of governmental matters."We are certain Richard's work ethic and achievements will translate into great work for the VBA and our community," said Mike Sterling, Managing Partner.Ottinger's achievements include receipt of the Virginia State Bar's 'R. Edwin Burnette Jr. Young Lawyer of the Year' award, the Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association's 'Walter E. Hoffman Community Service Award' and the Virginia Bar Association 'Young Lawyers Division Sandra P. Thompson Award' for his outstanding and long-term service. For more information, please call Cristen Fletcher at 757-446-8674, or write to CFletcher@vanblacklaw.com . Also, you may visit http://www.vanblk.com and follow us on LinkedIn.com/VandeventerBlackLLP.Vandeventer Black LLP is a dynamic business law firm established in 1883. We focus on responsiveness and results while providing internationally recognized services across a wide variety of legal sectors. Headquartered in the commercial gateway of Norfolk, Virginia, our accomplished attorneys assist clients from offices located in Virginia, North Carolina and Germany.
Real estate is promising and highly profitable sphere for investing money. Real estate investments are among the most reliable assets that the invest market has for a long time.

By: Hermes-Sojitz Investment Fund

Contact

Hermes-Sojitz Investment Fund

***@hermes-sojitz.com Hermes-Sojitz Investment Fund

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-- Money invested in real estate can not devalue to zero as compared to, for example, money invested in unit investment funds. Thus, preference is given to this investment vehicle. Applicability of real estate as goods is another advantage of such type of investments. This type of investments has two yield levels: rent and annual increase in price per mthat help to ensure steady income despite influence of external factors.Europe and USA are traditionally the most popular places for construction and purchase of real estate. However, high cost of project implementation and rather high market competition are serious disadvantages of purchasing real estate in these areas.Experts tend to pay more and more attention to West African countries when searching for alternative areas for real estate investments.Apart from inner African countries where political conflicts are quite usual, such countries as Nigeria, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, Cameroon and other West African states have captured attention of investors worldwide owing to the fact that political and social situation in these countries is stable and they are rich in natural resources. As far as real estate investments are concerned, this investment vehicle becomes more and more popular among investors.Major advantage of West Africa area related to construction of residential and commercial real estate is high economic rate of return for such projects. It is based on several factors, e.g. cheap work force and building materials. Large cement plants are located within the territory of West Africa. Thus, construction expenses are significantly reduced.High demand for high quality real estate is another factor that implies high economic rates of return for real estate in West African countries. As far as premium residential and commercial real estate is concerned, demand is higher if a foreign company carries out construction ensuring implementation of European standards in its projects.Major customers are citizens of African countries, mostly people from inner states who want to have better living conditions in better places. West African countries are quite stable and are less subject to market changes.Due to current demand for high quality residential real estate constructed in accordance with European standards and low construction expenses economic rates of return for investment projects are high.Naoki Matsumura, Chairman of Hermes-Sojitz's Board of Directors, who is responsible for implementation of real estate construction projects in Africa comments, "Situation at real estate market in Africa is as follows: capitals of West African Union countries lack high quality residential real estate, especially premium real estate. Due to this fact demand for such projects is rather high. As a rule, about 90 % of luxury real estate is sold before construction is over. It is necessary to point out that if, for example, project implementation period is 1.5 year and price of premium real estate is from 3 to 10 thousand euro, marginal revenue for projects implemented in West Africa is several times higher than marginal revenue for projects implemented in Europe."Africa has become an interesting place for investors in various spheres worldwide. Residential and commercial real estate market in West Africa is a promising investment vehicle that can be highly income generating and profitable for investors. Taking into account the fact that the sphere is currently not occupied, demand is high, work force and building materials are cheap soon real estate investments can become key investment vehicle for businessmen.
Dave Cox, Middleton Idaho DUI Analyst and Consultant, recently concluded multiple DUI Seminars in Illinois, helping DUI attorneys win more DUI cases.

Contact

Dave Cox

***@yourduipro.com Dave Cox

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--Your DUI Pro, recently traveled to Illinois to present his well-received "Winning DUI Cases" Seminar. Dave visited Champaign, Peoria and Springfield;Illinois to deliver the seminar to some of Illinois' best DUI attorneys. Dave Cox taught these Attorneys how to win DUI cases using NHTSA Manuals and advanced cross-examination techniques.The attorneys who attended Dave Cox's DUI Seminar, "Winning DUI Cases", had great things to say about their experience. Here are some testimonials from some of Illinois' best DUI attorneys:"Great presentation. Invaluable insight."David Clark - Monmouth, Illinois"Excellent job. Good value. Fun too!"Thomas Tonozzi - Spring Valley, IllinoisDave Cox, DUI Analyst and Consultant, has personally trained thousands of attorneys across the United States. Dave is a former police officer and, during his career, he was recognized as one of the top DUI officers in the country. As an officer, Dave Cox was certified as a Drug Recognition Expert, the highest level of training available to DUI enforcement officers. Dave now specializes in training attorneys how to easily and effectively use the officer, the officer's training, and the officer's NHTSA Manuals to win DUI Cases.In the upcoming weeks, Dave Cox will be presenting his DUI Seminar to attorneys in Texas, Indiana, Arkansas, and Kansas. Dave will be visiting the following cities:Fort Worth, Tyler, and Dallas; TexasEvansville, Terre Haute, and Indianapolis;IndianaJonesboro, Fayetteville, and Little Rock; ArkansasSalina, Wichita, and Overland Park; KansasTo register for upcoming seminars, please visit http://www.YourDUIPro.com/ seminars To learn more about Dave Cox and Your DUI Pro, please visit http://www.YourDUIPro.com
By: Air Choice One

Contact

Erica Skrivan

***@kolbeco.net Erica Skrivan

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-- Air Choice One, a St. Louis based airline, announced that the carrier has submitted a proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation to connect Greenville, Mississippi to Dallas Fort Worth, TX; New Orleans, LA; and Memphis, TN. If approved by the D.O.T., the new proposed air links will provide Greenville with hubs in Dallas, New Orleans and Memphis.Air Choice One has submitted the airline's proposal to the government under the Essential Air Service Program which provides communities throughout the United States with air service to connect smaller cities to the national air transportation network. With their continued growth, Air Choice One is looking to offer the Greenville North/South and East/West Connections, as well as expanded access to the Mid-Delta region."We are excited for the opportunity to not only bring our service to the Greenville community, but to offer the region access to locations with such rich heritage, like Dallas Forth Worth, New Orleans and Memphis," said Shane Storz, CEO of Air Choice One. "Our proposal will give the best access to the national transportation system for the communities, and at reasonable prices with optimal convenience. We know that having access to a dedicated air carrier is critical to having scheduled airline service in the future. We have proven our strategy works in similar communities, including Jonesboro, Arkansas, Jackson, Tennessee , and Ironwood, Michigan ." Air Choice One is committed to delivering these same dramatic increases and sustaining these numbers over time.The Air Choice One proposal includes weekday and weekend service of 18 total round trips per week, per city, utilizing a Beechcraft 1900 and Cessna Grand Caravan. Both planes feature lots of leg room, expanded storage/luggage capacity and an air-conditioned/heated cabin for passenger comfort.If the Air Choice One proposal is accepted, service in Greenville will begin by the end of 2017.Based in St. Louis, MO, Air Choice One was launched as a scheduled airline serving to hard-to-reach communities, and supports their economic development by increasing business productivity while enhancing the travel experience for business and leisure travelers alike. Air Choice One markets enjoy the benefits of efficient, scheduled airline service into larger cities, like St. Louis, Chicago and Minneapolis packaged in a "First-Class"service and seating format. Air Choice One's goal is to deliver the highest quality and reliability in scheduled commercial air service.
The March will feature speakers, electric hummers, science demonstrations for kids, science-themed music, and more

By: March For Science Los Angeles

March for Science Los Angeles April 22

Contact

Rebecca Fuoco, MPH

***@marchforsciencela.com Rebecca Fuoco, MPH

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-- Theis projected to be the second largest of over 500 March for Science events happening worldwide on April 22 (Earth Day), behind only the national March for Science in Washington, DC. Over 50,000 people are anticipated to march in Los Angeles, including scientists, educators, students, advocates, and community leaders.The March will advocate for evidence-based policies and stand against the silencing and defunding of research. "Facts matter. Government that ignores science endangers the world," says lead organizer. "In California, we use science to enable technology, spur innovation, and create new industries and new jobs," says March speaker and NextGen Climate founder. "An attack on science is an attack on our fundamental values, and we will continue to defend the truth in order to protect all Californians."The March will also promote comprehensive education in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). In addition to marching, there will be a science expo throughout the day with informational booths, science-inspired music, and demonstrations geared toward kids. "Scientific wonder and curiosity should be nurtured early on," says program director. "It's important that the next generation has a foundation in critical thinking and the ability to separate fact from opinion."Marchers will gather at 9:00am at Pershing Square Park in downtown Los Angeles. There will be a legislative meet and greet with local politicians to kick off the morning. At 10:00am, a pre-march rally will feature speeches on topics ranging from the role of science in protecting health and the environment to the importance of diversity in science. Speakers include:, seismologist and founder of the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society, astrophysicist and professor at California State University-Northridge and Moorpark College, U.S. Representative from California's 30th Congressional District, junior at the California Academy of Mathematics and Science, founder of NextGen Climate, Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of, professor of biology at California State University-NorthridgeAt 11:00am, twoelectric hummers will lead the march to City Hall. At 12:00pm, thewill open the call to action at City Hall with a performance of their original piece "A Song for Planet Earth." Call to action speakers will include:, theoretical physicist at Caltech, executive director of Physicians for Responsibility-Los Angeles, President of the Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers, neurobiologist at the RAND Corporation, CEO of Materia, Inc., professor-in-residence and director of the California Center for Sustainable Communities at UCLAThe science expo in Pershing Square Park will feature booths, teach-ins, and demonstrations from local organizations and universities from 9:00am to 4:00pm., Nerdist's Science Editor, will emcee presentations on the Science Expo Stage in Pershing Square Park from 1:30pm to 4:00pm. Presentations include: Science-inspired music from Shredded Science and Tim Griffin with GriffinEd. Science demonstrations from the Mars Academy USA/Mars Without Borders, Center for Inquiry, and Lombardi Labs Talks from the Science Kids Alex and Sophia, 314 Action, Nerd Nite Los Angeles, the Skeptic Society, LA Makerspace, and Free Radicals### http://www.marchforsciencela.com ) celebrates the crucial roles science plays in driving our economic growth, preserving our environment, and protecting the health of our citizens. We unite as a diverse, nonpartisan group to call for policymakers to champion and fund science that upholds the common good and to advocate for evidence-based policies in the public interest at the local, state, and national levels. The March for Science Los Angeles is a project of Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.Sponsors of the March for Science Los Angeles include NextGen Climate America, the Women's March Los Angeles Foundation, Nerdist, LA Makerspace, Zeusvision, and Flash Marketing. Supporters include the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science, the Center for Inquiry-Los Angeles, the Independent Investigations Group, Physicians for Social Responsibility-LA, the Center for Biological Diversity, Yuri's Night, and Go Fund Me. The March has been endorsed by over 100 organizations (for a full list, see http://www.marchforsciencela.com/ endorsements ).
Aroma Bravo considers Marcala, Honduras to be the best source of gourmet coffee beans to serve to customers.

Contact

Charles C Harmon Co LLC

***@gmail.com

888-582-6650 Charles C Harmon Co LLC888-582-6650

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-- Honduras is known as a powerhouse when it comes to coffee production. It is the top exporter of Arabica beans in Central America, and currently ranks sixth in the overall global market. A huge percent of the country's coffee comes from the fertile region of Marcala, where several organic farms grow Arabica beans through sustainable methods.Greatly impressed by the quality of the beans, Aroma Bravo Coffee and Tea only sources gourmet coffee beans from this area. "Our dedication to give the best coffee experience to our customers starts with finding the best coffee beans," says a company spokesperson. "After trying coffees of different origins, we've concluded that Honduras coffee is the best match for our brand."Aroma Bravo observes strict standards when it comes to bean selection. First and foremost, the beans must be grown organically."Because we're an organic company, the beans we sell should also be 100% organic. Our source are organic farms that are located at an altitude which has the optimum growing conditions for coffee beans. There are also much fewer insects in these Marcala mountains, so there's no need to use insecticides. Only sustainable solutions are used such as planting peppers to repel what little pests remain. Vermiculture, compost and other organic matter are also applied for cultivation. This ensures that the beans are naturally grown and chemical-free,"the spokesperson remarked.The second criteria is that the beans must be Arabica varieties of the highest possible quality. "In the gourmet coffee industry, Arabica beans are strongly preferred by aficionados and expert roasters because the taste is far superior to Robusta and other bean varieties. This is why our whole bean coffee are 100% Arabica," the Aroma Bravo spokesperson continued.The final criteria is that the beans must be cultivated by workers who are fairly compensated for their effort. The spokesperson adds, "Aroma Bravo values the hard work of the Honduran farmers and harvesters who grow these amazing beans that our customers love. We set up a profit-sharing system to make sure that everyone is paid generously for their skill and effort."These three important criteria are all met by Aroma Bravo's suppliers in Marcala, that's why the company has great faith in this coffee-producing region. Thanks to Marcala, Aroma Bravo has finally found the best coffee beans to serve to millions of coffee lovers around the world. More info available at https://www.amazon.com/ s/ref=bl_dp_ s_web_0?ie=UTF8&se... Aroma Bravo is a trusted brand of organic Honduras gourmet coffee. Highly recommended for its smooth and well-balanced flavor, Aroma Bravo Coffee is a must-have for gourmet coffee lovers.
By: Retina Consultants of Southwest Florida

Retina Consultants

Contact

Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C.

***@susanbennett.biz Susan Bennett Marketing & Media, L.C.

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-- Five physicians with Retina Consultants of Southwest Florida have been named "Top Doctors" by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. in New York.Retina Consultants Founder Joseph P. Walker, M.D.; Glenn L. Wing, M.D.-Physician Emeritus; Paul A Raskauskas, M.D.; Tom Ghuman, M.D.; and Ashish Sharma, M.D.; will be featured in the June issue ofmagazine. All five are repeat winners of the Top Doctors designation.Retina Consultants has five offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Naples and Port Charlotte.Other physicians in the practice include Dr. Donald C. Fletcher, low vision rehabilitation specialist, and their newest retina specialist, Dr. Katrina Mears.Selections are made through a national survey of physicians and hospital administrators conducted by Castle Connolly, an independent research and information company that is the nation's leading provider of information on top physicians. After the votes are tallied, Castle Connolly ensures that the physicians meet the company's criteria, which include board certification, years of experience in their specialties, and a clean disciplinary record."Castle Connolly is widely recognized for its extensive research of the medical profession. This demonstrates to our patients that we have been evaluated and meet their highest standards," said Dr. Walker.The physicians will be honored bymagazine at an awards banquet.is the most experienced team of retina specialists in Southwest Florida with combined experience of more than 125 years. Doctors with Retina Consultants of Southwest Florida are members of the American Society of Retina Specialists, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Medical Association.Retina Consultants of Southwest Florida offers all FDA-approved therapies for retina eye disease and is a leader in clinical research through the National Ophthalmic Research Institute (NORI), including clinical trials funded by the National Eye Institute and other public and private medical research foundations. Five offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Naples and Port Charlotte. For more information, visit http://www.eye.md
CSafe Global is pleased to report the opening of a new service center in Seoul (Incheon), South Korea. This company-owned facility will support South Korean manufacturers with service and delivery of biopharmaceutical products in the

Contact

Kim L. Clifton

***@csafeglobal.com Kim L. Clifton

End

-- To meet market growth demand, CSafe Global's new service center in Seoul (Incheon) is now open and servicing inbound and outbound traffic of the company's RKN units and passive solutions, providing delivery, maintenance, calibration and technical support.Rick Rackley, CSafe's Director of Quality, Technical Support and Service Partners, says, "This location will support the increased volumes for both the active and passive business; thus, strengthening our first-class service capability with improved availability and faster, cost effective turnarounds (turn times of 18-60 hours) - something our partners can pass on to their customers. Our experienced teams of technicians are trained in-house to a very high standard with CSafe Global's products and processesBrian Kohr, President and CEO of CSafe Global, adds, "The South Korean industry segment is fast growing. It is estimated to double in value to 150 billion Won ($130M) by 2019. Customers can be assured the CSafe service center serving South Korea will provide high quality support and maintenance for many years to come."CSafe remains committed to expanding the company's global footprint. The ICN service center is part of that commitment. With CSafe Global appointed and trained technicians, this key market will benefit from the strengthened customer service for the full range of active and passive packaging solutions.To find out more about the new ICN operation, contact Rick Rackley at rrackley@csafeglobal.com CSafe Global is the world's largest producer of actively controlled mobile refrigeration units for life science companies, healthcare organizations, global military organizations and international disaster relief agencies. The company manufacturers AcuTemp brand passive packaging and hand-held mobile carriers, the CSafe brand of active containers, and is the exclusive manufacturer and provider of ThermoCor vacuum insulation.The active solution product assortment includes the CSafe RKN, the only compressor-driven air cargo container of its kind with approvals from both the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The RKN utilizes heating and compressor-driven cooling technology to eliminate the risks associated with extreme ambient conditions as well as the cost, aggravation and environmental challenges associated with dry ice transportation with benefits that include eliminating the need for refrigerated trucking and/or temperature controlled packaging.CSafe Global's AcuTemp brand has provided more than ten thousand hand-held mobile temperature-management solutions since its founding more than 25 years ago. The passive solution assortment includes packaging for 2-8C, CRT and frozen shipments with hold times from 12 to 240 hours and with payload volumes up to 50 liters.
The Atlanta-based nonprofit will host H.E. Hajia Samira Bawumia, humanitarian and wife of the Vice President of Ghana.

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-- MedShare, an Atlanta-based humanitarian aid organization dedicated to global health, will host Ghana's Second Lady, Her Excellency, Hajia Samira Bawumia, at the organization's Headquarters on Thursday, April 20. MedShare Senior Leadership will discuss global health issues including initiatives of the organization's Maternal and Child Health Program with the Second Lady.Her Excellency, Mrs. Bawumia is the Founder and CEO of Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects, a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of the people of Ghana. Her humanitarian efforts extend to health, education, gender parity, female empowerment, and entrepreneurial development. With a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a Master of Business Administration and Project Management from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, the Second Lady has also made strides in politics as a proponent of efficient government and ending political corruption.MedShare CEO and President, Charles Redding, said "Knowing that the Second Lady is making healthcare a priority for the nation's government makes us hopeful for the future. We know that cooperation between governments, people, and organizations like ours is the best way to make positive change and support stronger, more sustainable health systems in Ghana." MedShare sent its first donation of essential supplies for medical diagnosis and treatment to Salaga District Hospital in Salaga, Ghana in 2002. Since then, the organization has donated nearly $10 million worth of lifesaving medical supplies and equipment to the West African nation.MedShare's partners for strengthening healthcare in Ghana have included The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation, the Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spine, Giving to Ghana Foundation, Western Union, and the Ghana Diaspora, USA.Visit from the Second Lady of Ghana, Her Excellency, Hajia Samira BawumiaThursday, April 20 at 9:30 a.m.MedShare Headquarters & Southeast Region Distribution Center3240 Clifton Springs RoadDecatur, GA 30034About MedShareMedShare is a 501c(3) humanitarian aid organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people, communities, and our planet by sourcing and directly delivering surplus medical supplies and equipment to communities in need around the world. For more information, please visit the organization's website at http:// www.medshare.org /.
Answering the Call

On arriving in Britain, the volunteers discovered that few British people had met a Black person before. This sometimes caused problems, but the newcomers found the natives generally friendly. The appearance in Britain of the racially segregated American forces complicated matters.

Although the RAF took racism seriously, a minority of white personnel continued to discriminate and some of the volunteers responded by taking the law into their own hands. Despite this, most Black airmen and airwomen got on well with their white comrades.
Heroes and Sheroes

For one hundred years, African-Caribbean people have volunteered to join Britains flying services. Here are some of the Black men and women who have proudly worn RAF blue.
Malaga has been selected to host the Observatorio VR/AR event from 19-20 July, which will focus on virtual reality (VR), augmented reality and 360 production.





Organised by Medina Media, which also supports Spains 4K Summit, the Observatorio will offer a schedule of conferences, round tables and technological demonstrations, including not only glasses and cameras, but distribution and business platforms, and production systems.Technology developers and content creators will analyse the future trends within virtual and augmented reality at a local and international level, said Ricardo Medina, CEO, Medina Media. The Observatorio VR/AR is the result of an agreement between Medina Media and ProMalaga to put the capital of the Costa del Sol at the centre of digital and new technology in Southern European pole. The first move in the agreement was to move the 4K-UHD Summit from Sevilla to Malaga
A member of the Council of Europes election observer mission in Turkey said on April 18 that as many as 2.5 million votes may have been tampered with in a closely contested referendum that expanded presidential powers and could allow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stay in power until 2029.

Alev Korun, an Austrian member of parliament and part of the observer mission for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), said the possible manipulation of votes was almost double the margin of Erdogan's victory in the April 16 referendum.

Korun also said questions have arisen about the actual voting.

This is about the fact that actually the law only allows official voting envelopes. The highest election authority decided however -- as it were, against the law -- that envelopes without official stamp should be admitted," she told ORF radio.

"There is a suspicion that up to 2.5 million votes could have been manipulated," Korun added.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which conducted a separate observer mission, said Ankara was not cooperating in an investigation into allegations of voting fraud.

Turkey's main opposition party has formally appealed for the annulment of a referendum to expand Erdogans powers, defying the prime minister's call for political forces to respect the official results of the disputed vote.

People's Republican Party (CHP) deputy chairman Bulent Tezcan announced he had filed a request with the High Electoral Board (YSK) on April 18, saying the results of the referendum on constitutional changes are "illegitimate" due to voting irregularities.

The challenge from the secularist party comes amid concerns raised by opposition parties and international voting monitors about major voting irregularities in the April 16 referendum.

Proposed changes that will give the president more power and could enable Erdogan to stay in office until 2029 passed with 51.4 percent of the vote, according to electoral officials.

Erdogan's critics say the reforms will hand extensive power to a man with an increasingly autocratic bent and leave few democratic checks and balances in place.

In an address to legislators from Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) earlier on April 18, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that the people's will has been reflected at the ballot box, and the debate is over."

"Everyone should respect the outcome, especially the main opposition," he added.

Meanwhile, the European Union urged the country to initiate "transparent investigations" into the allegations of voting irregularities and make efforts to unify the divided nation.

"We call on the Turkish authorities to consider the next steps very carefully, and to seek the broadest possible national consensus in the follow-up to the national referendum," European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said.

Protests In Turkish Cities

Thousands of people took to the streets of Istanbul and other Turkish cities late on April 17 to protest the results of the referendum.

The protesters expressed anger about last-minute changes to the referendum voting procedures and an electoral board decision to allow as valid more than a million ballots cast without an official stamp.

The decision by the YSK to allow unstamped ballots was clearly against the law, prevented proper records being kept, and may have impacted the results, according to the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB).

The bar association expects Turkey's electoral body to realize its constitutional responsibilities in evaluating complaints, a statement said.

Observers from the OSCE and PACE said the legal framework for the referendum remained inadequate for the holding of a genuinely democratic referendum."

WATCH: Monitors Say Turkish Vote Fell Short Of International Standards

The monitors also said the referendum campaign was conducted on an unlevel playing field and that the counting of ballots in the referendum had been marred by "late procedural changes."

U.S. President Donald Trump called Erdogan on April 17 "to congratulate him on his recent referendum victory" and discuss the situation in neighboring Syria.

The U.S. State Department, meanwhile, noted the observers' concerns and urged Turkey to respect diverse viewpoints and "maintain a meaningful political dialogue" with opposition parties.

"We look to the government of Turkey to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its citizens, regardless" of how they voted, it said. "The United States remains committed to strengthening our bilateral relationship [and] continues to support Turkey's democratic development, to which commitment to the rule of law and a diverse and free media remain essential."

Erdogan rejected criticism, saying Turkey does not "see, hear, or acknowledge the politically motivated reports" of the monitors.

Addressing supporters in Ankara, Erdogan said the country could hold a referendum on its long-stalled EU membership bid.

He added that he would approve reinstating the death penalty if it was supported in a referendum or a bill was submitted through parliament, a move that would end Turkey's EU negotiations.

In a separate development, Turkey's council of ministers moved to extend for another three months a state of emergency declared in the wake of a failed July 2016 coup. The extension first must go to parliament for approval.

With reporting by AP and Reuters






In a study published today in PLoS ONE, a team of researchers reports solving a medical mystery in a day's work. In record-time detective work, the scientists narrowed down the genetic cause of intellectual disability in four male patients to a deletion of a small section of the X chromosome that had not been previously linked to a medical condition.

Even with the current technological advances, solving medical mysteries such as this one usually entails a much longer period of research. "We found it very interesting how fast we went from knowing nothing about the genetic cause of one patient's condition, to discovering the cause and finding three more individuals with the same problems," said senior author Dr. Daryl A. Scott, associate professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor College of Medicine. "It took us a year to get all the documentation for writing and publishing the report, but the actual discovery was within hours. It was essential to our discovery that we had at our disposal technology to find and search genomic databases, and to connect electronically and exchange information with other researchers around the world."

Modern day medical detective work

It all began on a Thursday, Scott's day to visit patients with developmental disabilities in clinic. "For one of the patients, a young male with intellectual disability, developmental delay, macrocephaly (enlarged head) and very flexible joints, our genetics lab indicated that the patient did not seem to have any known genetic changes that could explain his condition," said Scott. "I saw a relatively small deletion in the X chromosome, identified as Xp11.22; it had only a few genes in it. The lab indicated that there had been no previous reports about this particular part of the genome causing any kind of medical problems."

Two of the genes in the delete section of the patient's X chromosome were MAGED1 and GSPT2. "To have an idea of what these genes might do, I searched a database that describes the functions of genes in the mouse and found that mice that have a deletion of the Maged1 gene have neurocognitive behavioral abnormalities. This caught my interest as it related to my patient's condition."

To make his case that deletions in Xp11.22 caused the clinical features of his patient, Scott needed to find more patients presenting similar clinical conditions and deletions. He searched two large genomic databases looking for more patients.

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After searching the DECIPHER database, Scott found one patient carrying almost the exact same deletion as his patient, but there was no information about the individual's clinical problems. Scott immediately sent an electronic message to the physician, co-author Dr. Alex Henderson, at The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals in England, in order learn more about the clinical characteristics of his patient.

Then, Scott contacted co-author Dr. Seema Lalani, associate professor of molecular and human Genetics at Baylor and assistant laboratory director of cytogenetics at Baylor Genetics. Lalani searched the Baylor Genetics database of 60,000 cases for patients with the deletion.

After carrying on this detective electronic work, Scott went to see his patient. By early afternoon, he was back in his office checking his email. He found a message from Henderson. He had two male patients (siblings) with the deletion, and intellectual disability, developmental delay and super mobile joints! Shortly after, Lalani informed Scott that co-author Dr. Patricia Evans, professor of pediatrics, neurology and neurotherapeutics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas had a patient with the Xp11.22 deletion and the same clinical features as Scott's patient.

"In a day's work we identified four patients in two continents, involving 3 families and it was all put together within 8 hours," Scott said. "None of the patients and their families had an explanation for the condition before this work. Our findings allowed us to provide them with a genetic diagnosis."

"In every case the mothers are carriers for these deletions but they do not have any apparent symptoms," said Scott. "Yet, they can have male children that have significant problems. With this information, we can say to the parents that they have a 50 percent chance of passing this X chromosome with the deletion to a male child. Female children have a 50 percent chance of being carriers. This represents a significant change for the parents; they can now make informed decisions about future family planning."

Other contributors of this work include Christina Grau, Molly Starkovich, Mahshid S. Azamian, Fan Xia and Sau Wai Cheung.

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health/ National Institute of General Medical Sciences Initiative for Maximizing Student Development [R25 GM056929-16].
Cover crops long have been touted for their ability to reduce erosion, fix atmospheric nitrogen, reduce nitrogen leaching and improve soil health, but they also may play an important role in mitigating the effects of climate change on agriculture, according to a Penn State researcher.

Climate-change mitigation and adaptation may be additional, important ecosystem services provided by cover crops, said Jason Kaye, professor of soil biogeochemistry in the College of Agricultural Sciences. He suggested that the climate-change mitigation potential of cover crops is significant, comparable to other practices, such as no-till.

"Many people have been promoting no-till as a climate-mitigation tool, so finding that cover crops are comparable to no-till means there is another valuable tool in the toolbox for agricultural climate mitigation," he said.

In a recent issue of Agronomy for Sustainable Development -- the official journal of the French National Institute for Agricultural Research, Europe's top agricultural research institute and the world's number two center for the agricultural sciences -- Kaye contends that cover cropping can be an adaptive management tool to maintain yields and minimize nitrogen losses as the climate warms.

Collaborating with Miguel Quemada in the Department of Agriculture Production at the Technical University of Madrid in Spain, Kaye reviewed cover-cropping initiatives in Pennsylvania and central Spain. He said that lessons learned from cover cropping in those contrasting regions show that the strategy has merit in a warming world.

The researchers concluded that cover-crop effects on greenhouse-gas fluxes typically mitigate warming by 100-150 grams of carbon per square meter per year, which is comparable to, and perhaps higher than, mitigation from transitioning to no-till. The key ways that cover crops mitigate climate change from greenhouse-gas fluxes are by increasing soil carbon sequestration and reducing fertilizer use after legume cover crops.

"Perhaps most significant, the surface albedo change -- the proportion of energy from sunlight reflecting off of farm fields due to cover cropping -- calculated for the first time in our review using case-study sites in central Spain and Pennsylvania, may mitigate 12 to 46 grams of carbon per square meter per year over a 100-year time horizon," Kaye wrote.

"Cover crop management also can enable climate-change adaptation at these case-study sites, especially through reduced vulnerability to erosion from extreme rain events, increased soil-water management options during droughts or periods of soil saturation, and retention of nitrogen mineralized due to warming," he said.

Despite the benefits, Kaye is not necessarily advocating that cover crops be planted primarily for the purposes of climate-change mitigation or adaptation. Instead, he thinks the most important conclusion from his analysis is that there appear to be few compromises between traditional benefits of cover cropping and the benefits for climate change.

"Farmers and policymakers can expect cover cropping simultaneously to benefit soil quality, water quality and climate-change adaptation and mitigation," he wrote.

"Overall, we found very few tradeoffs between cover cropping and climate-change mitigation and adaptation, suggesting that ecosystem services that are traditionally expected from cover cropping can be promoted synergistically with services related to climate change."
UCLA scientists have unlocked an important mechanism that allows chemotherapy-carrying nanoparticles -- extremely small objects between 1 and 100 nanometers (a billionth of a meter) -- to directly access pancreatic cancer tumors, thereby improving the ability to kill cancer cells and hence leading to more effective treatment outcome of the disease. The researchers also confirmed the key role of a peptide (an extremely small protein) in regulating vascular access of the nanoparticle to the cancer site.

The discovery is the result of a two-year study co-led by Drs. Huan Meng and Andre Nel, members of UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and the UCLA California NanoSystems Institute. The findings are important as they demonstrate how the delivery of chemotherapy to pancreatic cancer can be improved significantly through the use of smart-designed nanoparticle features.

The study is published online in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is generally a fatal disease, with a five-year survival rate of less than 6 percent. The introduction of nanocarriers as delivery vehicles for common chemotherapy agents such as the drug irinotecan, has led to improved survival of patients with this disease. However, the reality is that nanocarriers may not always reach their intended target in sufficient numbers because of a constraint on their ability to transit through the blood vessel wall at the tumor site, leading the encapsulated drugs to be diverted or lost before they can deliver their payload.

A key challenge for scientists is how to help nanoparticles travel to and be retained at tumor sites. This can be accomplished by custom-designed or engineered nanoparticles that overcome common challenges, such as the presence of a dense tissue surrounding the pancreas cancer cells. Prior research has identified a major vascular access mechanism that relies on a vesicle transport system, which can be turned with a peptide called iRGD in the blood vessel wall. iRGD is therefore potentially useful to optimize the delivery of cancer drugs by the nanoparticle to the tumor.

The UCLA research team designed a nanoparticle comprised of a hollow silica core surrounded by a lipid bilayer to enhance the delivery of irinotecan in an animal model with pancreatic cancer. The invention is called a silicasome. The researchers proposed that the therapeutic benefit of the irinotecan containing nanoparticles may be enhanced when combined with the injection of iRGD. The investigators used the nanoparticle plus the iRGD to deliver irinotecan in a robust animal model for pancreatic cancer that closely mimics human disease.

"We demonstrated that the co-administration of the iRGD peptide with the particles can enhance the effectiveness of pancreatic cancer treatment in the tumor model, leading to increased tumor shrinkage, disappearance of metastases and enhanced animal survival" said Meng, an adjunct assistant professor of nanomedicine.

"Utilizing the nanoparticle carrier with a core made of gold nanoparticles also made it possible to obtain evidence for the entry of nanoparticles into the tumor; we looked at the tumor under the electron microscope and observed the particles," said post-doctoral fellow and first author Xiangsheng Liu. This helped to confirm that in addition to relying on leaky blood vessels for nanoparticles to gain access to the tumor, a major inducible vascular transit pathway is available in the form of the vesicle transport system.

Meng and Nel also collaborated with Dr. Timothy Donahue, chief of gastrointestinal and pancreatic surgery and a Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center member, to demonstrate that treatment with the iRGD peptide can enhance tumor cell killing for patient-derived pancreatic cancers, growing subcutaneously in a mouse model. The ability to enhance nanoparticle uptake is dependent on the level of expression of a molecule, called NRP-1, to allow the peptide to bind to the tumor blood vessels.

"In the tumor sample from a patient with high NRP-1 expression, there was a significant improvement in the efficacy of the nanoparticle to induce tumor shrinkage," said Nel. "The enhancing effect was not seen in a patient tumor sample with a low level of NRP-1 expression on the vasculature. This allows for a personalized approach to the treatment of pancreatic cancer with the iRGD peptide in combination with the nanoparticle."

The paper by Nel and colleagues is accompanied by a commentary in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that explains the utility of co-administrating iRGD with the silicasome. This commentary also points out that in order to obtain effective treatment outcome with the peptide, it is important to consider the biological variation from patient to patient and one tumor model to another in obtaining success by iRGD treatment, as shown in the UCLA led study.
A group of rare Asian butterflies which have once inspired an association with Hindu mythological creatures have been quite a chaos for the experts. In fact, their systematics turned out so confusing that in order to decode their taxonomic placement, scientists had to dig up their roots some 43 million years back.

Now, having shed new light on their ancestors, a team of researchers from the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario at University of Guelph, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and University of Vienna, published their findings in the open access journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.

Together, Drs. Valentina Todisco, Vazrick Nazari and Paul Hebert arrived at the conclusion that the enigmatic genus (Calinaga) originated in southeast Tibet in the Eocene as a result of the immense geological and environmental impact caused by the collision between the Indian and Asian subcontinents. However, the diversification within the lineage was far from over at that point. In the following epochs, the butterflies had to adapt to major changes when Indochina drifted away, leading to the isolation of numerous populations; and then again, when the Pleistocene climatic changes took their own toll.

To make their conclusions, the scientists studied 51 specimens collected from a wide range of localities spanning across India, South China, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Thailand. For the first time for the genus, the authors conducted molecular data and combined it with an examination of both genitalia and wing patterns -- distinct morphological characters in butterflies. While previous estimates had reported existence of anywhere between one and eleven species in the genus, the present study identified only four, while confirming how easy it is to mislabel samples based on earlier descriptions.

However, the researchers note that they have not sampled specimens from all species listed throughout the years under the name of the genus, so they need additional data to confirm the actual number of valid Calinaga species. The authors are to enrich this preliminary study in the near future, analysing both a larger dataset and type specimens in collaboration with the Natural History Museum of London that holds the largest Calinaga collection.

Despite being beautiful butterflies, the examined species belong to a genus whose name derives from the Hindu mythical reptilian creatures N?ga and a particular one of them -- Kaliya, which is believed to live in Yamuna river, Uttar Pradesh, and is notorious for its poison. According to the Hindu myths, no sooner than Kaliya was confronted by the major deity Krishna, did it surrender.

"It seems that the modern taxonomy of Calinaga is in need of a Krishna to conquer these superfluous names and cleanse its taxonomy albeit after careful examination of the types and sequencing of additional material," comment the authors.
Young adults get more pleasure from smoking cigarettes while they are drinking alcohol than they do while using marijuana, according to a new UC San Francisco study.

The study is the first to document that tobacco accompanied by alcohol provides cigarette smokers with a greater perceived reward than when they smoke cigarettes while using marijuana.

The study will be published online April 18 in the journal Addiction Research & Theory.

"What we've learned may have important implications for understanding differences in co-use of cigarettes with alcohol versus marijuana," said co-first author Noah R. Gubner, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar at the Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies at UCSF.

"Our findings show that co-use of cigarettes and alcohol could be more pleasurable than co-use of cigarettes and marijuana," said Gubner.

Research has shown that among young adults, cigarette smoking is strongly associated with alcohol and marijuana use -- and smoking is particularly common among heavy drinkers or binge drinkers. Previous studies have also shown that the combined pharmacological effects of cigarettes and alcohol can lead to a heightened sense of reward for the users.

In the new study, which used self-reported data, participants were between the ages of 18 and 25, living in the United States, and reported current smoking along with recent use of alcohol or marijuana, or both. The study recruited participants between October 2014 and August 2015 through a paid advertising campaign on Facebook. Altogether, there were 500 participants.

Using cross-sectional survey data, the researchers examined the extent of cigarette smoking under the influence of alcohol or marijuana, along with the differences in perceived pleasure. They found that individuals smoked more than 40 percent of their cigarettes under the influence of alcohol or marijuana.

"Since the main route of administration for marijuana is smoking, some aspects of marijuana use (such as the smoke, lighting of a joint, the throat feeling when inhaling smoke) may serve as cues that increase urges to smoke cigarettes," the authors write. "In addition, certain individuals may enjoy aspects of smoking in general, regardless of substance."

But both alcohol and marijuana users reported increased pleasure from smoking cigarettes when drinking alcohol -- and this pleasure was not heightened by binge drinking. By contrast, there was on average no change in perceived pleasure from smoking cigarettes when using marijuana.

"Our findings point to different reasons why people co-use cigarettes with marijuana than with alcohol," said Johannes Thrul, PhD, co-first author of the study and a postdoctoral scholar at the UCSF Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education. "Smoking cessation interventions should highlight these differences and address co-use to effectively help people cope with triggers to smoke."

The authors noted some limitations in the study, including their focus on the enhancement of perceived pleasure of smoking cigarettes by alcohol or marijuana "rather than the ability of cigarettes to enhance the pleasurable effects of other substances."
The commonly used antibiotic azithromycin is not linked to an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia, an often life-threatening rapid, irregular heartbeat, according to a large study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Azithromycin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections -- mostly respiratory and urinary tract infections -- in people of all ages. It belongs to a class of drugs known as macrolides, of which at least one other drug, erythromycin, is known to disrupt the heart's normal rhythm, leading to a condition known as ventricular arrhythmia.

Several recent studies have reported conflicting results over whether azithromycin is linked to an increased risk of death from ventricular arrhythmia in people taking the antibiotic. To provide clarity among these conflicting findings, a team of European researchers looked at data on nearly 29 million people in health care databases from Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark to determine if there is a link between azithromycin and ventricular arrhythmia.

Of the more than 14 million new antibiotic users, 0.1% (12 874) people developed ventricular arrhythmia, of whom 30 were new users of azithromycin. When compared to amoxicillin, another commonly used antibiotic, from the penicillin class of drugs, there was no increased risk of this heart condition in people using azithromycin. However, there was an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia in people taking azithromycin compared to people not using antibiotics at all.

"This finding suggests that the risk of ventricular arrhythmia is more likely to be due to a person's poor health and caused by their infection, rather than to azithromycin itself," says Dr. Gianluca Trifiro, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy. "This finding was confirmed in several sensitivity analyses and replicated in single databases participating in the study."

The authors note these findings may not be applied in hospital settings as the health of patients and use of antibiotics is quite different in community settings, from which the data were drawn.

"Current azithromycin use was associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia when compared with nonuse of antibiotics, but not when compared with current amoxicillin use. The decreased risk with an active comparator suggests significant confounding by indication," the authors conclude.
A partnership between computer scientists at the University of California San Diego and Google has allowed the search giant to reduce by 70 percent fraudulent business listings in Google Maps. The researchers worked together to analyze more than 100,000 fraudulent listings to determine how scammers had been able to avoid detection -- albeit for a limited amount of time -- and how they made money.

The team presented their findings at the 26th International Conference on the World Wide Web in Australia earlier this month.

The computer scientists identified what they describe as a "new form of blackhat search engine optimization that targets local listing services" such as Google Maps. They also describe how these scammers were able to make money. "Location-based search is increasingly becoming the way people interact with online content -- even if you're not using a mapping application," said Alex C. Snoeren, a professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at UC San Diego and a senior author of the study.

For example, when people run a search on their mobile phone, the search engine uses their physical location as one of the inputs to decide which results to display, Snoeren explained.

The scammers take advantage of this by using fake locations to make it look like their business is in close proximity to the user doing the search. This was particularly true of on-call contractors, notably plumbers and locksmiths. Researchers found that 40 percent of all fake listings on Google Maps belong to that category.

"I might find seven listings for locksmiths in my neighborhood," said Danny Huang, the paper's first author and a Ph.D. student in computer science at the Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego. "But in fact, none of those listings are real."

In all, researchers found that 11 percent of overall search results for locksmiths were fraudulent. In New York, that percentage went up to 15.6 percent. And it went up to an astonishing 83.3 percent in West Harrison, New York. Scammers are able to make money when they get called to help a user based on a fake listing. Scammers might quote a low price when called on the phone, only to charge a higher fee when they show up. They might not be licensed but get the business anyway.

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In another scheme, scammers set up fake pins for real hotels or restaurants on Google Maps. They set up websites where customers make reservations, which are connected to the business' real website or to a travel agency, which is not part of the scam. This allows scammers to make money either by getting a commission for each reservation or for referring traffic to the businesses' real websites. The researchers found that roughly 13 percent of the fraudulent listings had real hotel and restaurant addresses, but were not created by these businesses.

All these fraud schemes were possible primarily because scammers found a way to get around Google's verification process.

Businesses can register for Google Maps online for free. But before a listing goes live, Google sends a postcard with a verification code to the business' address. The business inputs this verification code and the listing is then approved to go live.

Partly thanks to these measures, Google is able to detect 85 percent of fake listings before they even appear on Google Maps. The fake listings that make it past the verification process are taken down within an average of 8.6 days between creation and suspension.

Scammers got around verification requirements mainly by leasing PO boxes and using those addresses to receive their verification codes. They also added fake suite numbers to a specific address so Google wouldn't get suspicious about a large number of businesses located at the same address. Researchers note that there are legitimate reasons for a large number of businesses to have the same address -- big office buildings in Manhattan come to mind.

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Researchers also noted that a large percent of fraudulent listings changed their address or the category they belonged to (from hotel to locksmith, for example) after verification.

To tamp down on abuse, Google has taken a number of measures, which the company details in a post on its research blog. Steps include: prohibiting bulk registration at most addresses; preventing businesses from changing their addresses to a location that is impossibly far from the original without additional verification; and detecting and ignoring intentionally mangled text in address fields designed to confuse Google's algorithms. The company also fine-tuned its anti-spam machine learning systems to detect data discrepancies that are common in fake or deceptive listings.

The research was partially funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

*D.Y. Huang, D. Grundman, K. Thomas, A. Kumar, E. Bursztein, K. Levchenko and A.C. Snoeren, "Pinning Down Abuse on Google Maps," Proc. of the International Conference on World Wide Web (WWW), April 3-7, 2017, Perth, Australia.
Most Americans have some form of digital technology, whether it is a smartphone, tablet or laptop, within their reach 24-7.

Our dependence on these gadgets has dramatically changed how we communicate and interact, and is slowly eroding some of our core principles, said Michael Bugeja, professor and director of the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University. Bugeja is not advocating against technology -- in fact, he relies on it for his work and personal life -- but he says we need to recognize the possible ramifications before it is too late.

In his forthcoming book, "Interpersonal Divide in the Age of the Machine," Bugeja explores what might happen if we allow machines to dictate our life. Those machines range from smartphones to robotics to virtual reality. Bugeja theorizes that because of our reliance on machines, we will start to develop the universal principles of technology, such as urgency, a need for constant updates and a loss of privacy.

"We are losing empathy, compassion, truth-telling, fairness and responsibility and replacing them with all these machine values," Bugeja said. "If we embed ourselves in technology, what happens to those universal principles that have stopped wars and elevated human consciousness and conscience above more primitive times in history?"

Need for media and technology literacy

Bugeja warns of the dangers associated with adopting these values. The proliferation of fake news is just one example of how this shift is already influencing our culture. Technology provides a continuous connection to our social media feeds, which has become a popular source for news for many Americans. However, social media tends to cultivate news stories that reflect our individual beliefs and values -- not a broad spectrum of viewpoints -- and is an easy way for fake news stories to spread, Bugeja said.

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"The business of journalism is already feeling the effect of living in a world of correlation without causation," he said. "We understand what happened and how it happened, but we don't understand why it happened."

That's why Bugeja wants colleges and universities to require students take media and technology literacy courses. He says it is important that students know where to go to find credible news stories, and open their minds to information from a variety of sources, not just those that confirm what they already think or believe.

"We need these courses so that people know where to go for facts and how to deal with technology. If you do not assert yourself over technology, it will assert itself over you and you will be doing what the machine asks you, rather than you telling the machine what to do," Bugeja said.

There is no easy short-term fix for the future, Bugeja said, which is why we need to temper our use. He says the long-term solution is through education.

Machines are not human

It is not just the philosophical and intellectual consequences that have Bugeja concerned, but also the impact of technology on business, behavior and everyday activities. Business and industry increasingly rely on machines or robots to do the jobs of humans. Bugeja says this shift can improve efficiency, safety and the company's bottom line, but he questions what will happen to those individuals who lose their jobs to machines.

Working at a university, Bugeja has witnessed how machines have altered behavior in the classroom, dining hall or when walking across campus. Technology is a distraction that keeps students from focusing on their studies and limits interpersonal interactions, he said. In much the same way, the temptation of responding to an alert from social media or notification of a text message while driving has increased safety concerns.

"We introduce new gadgets by saying they will make our lives better, which is true, but there are also dangers," Bugeja said.

The purpose of his latest book is to raise awareness about the dangers of living in a world dominated by machines. He challenges readers, just as he does with students in his class, to balance their use of technology and not feel pressured to respond immediately to an email or text message. The book, published by Oxford University Press, will be available in July.
An international team based at Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and at the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, has succeeded in defining a "signature" composed of a small number of inflammatory markers that can be monitored in order to understand how a promising anti-Ebola virus vaccine stimulates the immune system. The researchers inoculated 115 volunteers with either a high dose or a low dose of the rVSV-ZEBOV anti-Ebola vaccine, or with placebo. By analyzing the differences between the three groups, they found that it is sufficient to monitor only 5 substances that are naturally present in the blood in order to define immune responses to the vaccine. The "Geneva rVSV-ZEBOV signature" is published in a scientific paper, in Science Translational Medicine. It's an easy-to-use equation adding up the concentrations of these 5 substances or markers, most of which are mediated by monocytes, a class of white blood cells known to be active in combatting Ebolavirus in infected individuals. The signature is also expected to inform investigations of safety and immunogenicity of other emerging vaccines.

The 2014-2015 Ebola epidemic affected several countries in West Africa, leading to the death of more than 11'000 people. Although this epidemic of Ebolavirus disease is over, there is no knowing if, when or where another may strike. It is therefore more important than ever to find a reliable vaccine against this deadly disease. Research on vaccines, which was ongoing during the epidemic in West Africa, is now yielding promising results.

Important progress in understanding the vaccine

In an article published on April 12, 2017, in Science Translational Medicine, a team from the HUG and the UNIGE, working in collaboration with researchers and clinicians in several other countries in Europe and Africa, has defined a formula that measures the reliability and efficacy of vaccines that might help prevent or limit future outbreaks.

The rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine (recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus-vectored Zaire Ebola vaccine) had already been shown to stimulate the immune system in human volunteers; and in a field trial in 2015 it successfully protected people who had been exposed to Ebola patients from contracting the disease themselves. Yet concerns had been raised during the Geneva trial regarding side effects. What the Geneva team has now published is a detailed examination of the blood plasma of 115 healthy volunteers from Geneva, some of whom received either a low-dose or a high dose of vaccine, while others received a placebo vaccine.

When a vaccine enters the bloodstream, dozens of inflammatory markers that are naturally present see their concentrations change over the next few days. The researchers investigated 15 of them (different varieties of chemokines or cytokines). They found that 1-3 days after the vaccine was administered, the concentration of 6 of these 15 markers had measurably increased. Using a statistical procedure known as principal components analysis, the Geneva team succeeded in producing a simple score that makes the activity of the vaccine much easier to monitor. This "signature" contains only 5 of the 6 markers most likely to change in the presence of the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine: together, they account for over two-thirds (68%) of the variation in blood cytokine/chemokine activity.

The Geneva Signature found in Gabon

The signature was found to be stronger in volunteers who received the higher dose than in those who got the lower dose.

Importantly, the "Geneva signature" was applied to blood samples from a similar trial that took place in Lambarene, Gabon, where healthy volunteers had also received the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine. The same markers were elevated and correlated with side effects and later immunity in the same way.

The 5 markers in the signature are: monocyte attractant protein 1 (MCP-1), the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), interleukin-10 and interleukin-6. Several of these are produced by monocytes or are known to interact with them, so the results imply that monocytes play a critical role in the efficacy and safety of the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine.

In the case of many other vaccines, such as one recently developed against H1N1 influenza, the chemical markers mostly belong to another category of white blood cells: lymphocytes. Taken together, these signatures help understand how vaccines stimulate the immune system in very different ways to tackle various types of virus. This latest discovery therefore opens up encouraging perspectives for investigating the safety, efficacy and mechanisms of other emerging vaccines.
Spherical biodegradable carriers support scalable and cost-effective stem cell expansion and bone formation for tissue engineering.

Bone tissue engineering is theoretically now possible at a large scale. Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) researchers have developed small biodegradable and biocompatible supports that aid stem cell differentiation and multiplication as well as bone formation in living animal models.

Mesenchymal stem cells self-renew and differentiate into fat, muscle, bone, and cartilage cells, which makes them attractive for organ repair and regeneration. These stem cells can be isolated from different sources, such as the human placenta and fatty tissue. Human early mesenchymal stem cells (heMSCs), which are derived from fetal bone marrow, were thought to be best suited for bone healing, but were not readily accessible for therapeutic use.

Existing approaches to expand stem cells for industrial applications tend to use two-dimensional materials as culture media, but their production yields are too low for clinical demand. Furthermore, stem cells typically need to be harvested with enzymes and attached to a scaffold before they can be implanted.

To bring commercially viable cell therapies to market, Asha Shekaran and Steve Oh, from the A*STAR Bioprocessing Technology Institute, have created directly implantable microscopic spheres in collaboration with the A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering. These spheres, which acted as heMSC microcarriers, consist of a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer called polycaprolactone.

According to Shekaran, their initial aim was to expand stem cells on microcarriers in bioreactors to scale up production. However, this strategy threw up difficulties, especially when attempting to effectively dissociate the cells from the microcarriers and transfer them to biodegradable scaffolds for implantation.

"A biodegradable microcarrier would have a dual purpose," Shekaran says, noting that it could potentially provide a substrate for cell attachment during scalable expansion in bioreactors, and a porous scaffold for cell delivery during implantation.

The researchers generated their microcarriers by synthesizing polycaprolactone spheres and coating them with two proteins polylysine and fibronectin. These proteins are found in the extracellular matrix that assists cell adhesion, growth, proliferation, and differentiation in the body.

Microcarriers that most induced cell attachment also promoted cell differentiation into bone-like matrix more strongly than conventional two-dimensional supports. In addition, implanted stem cells grown on these microcarriers produced an equivalent amount of bone to their conventionally-derived analogs.

"This is encouraging because microcarrier-based expansion and delivery are more scalable than two-dimensional culture methods," says Shekaran.

The team now plans to further investigate the therapeutic potential of these microcarrier-stem cell assemblies in actual bone healing models.

The A*STAR-affiliated researchers contributing to this research are from the Bioprocessing Technology Institute and the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering. For more information about the team's research, please visit the Stem Cell Group webpage.
Superimposing two lattices of similar periods creates structures that researchers can design to control and localize light.

Brighter LEDs and more efficient solar cells are two potential applications for Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)'s research into lattice structures that can slow or trap light.

Harnessing wave energy by localizing it and suppressing its propagation through a medium is a powerful technique. Now, Alagappin Gandhi and Png Ching Eng Jason from the A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing have calculated a design that localizes light in tiny loops, within a two-dimensional structure created by merging two lattices of slightly differing periodicities.

The new technique is not limited to light, and may enable the design of systems that can precisely control wave energy in any realm and at any scale -- sound, thermal, water, or even matter waves such as in Bose-Einstein condensates.

For light-based devices the new insights could be used to build more efficient photonic components, said Gandhi.

"If you pattern the surface of an LED with merged lattices it will assist with getting the light out efficiently," said Gandhi. "For a solar cell, however merged lattices will help light to enter better so that more energy can be harvested."

The ability to create resonators in which light is localized on the surface of a device also has applications in quantum computing components based on light, such as defects in diamond.

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Gandhi and Png designed the structures by superimposing lattices of small circular dielectric materials with periods in a simple ratio R:R-1 -- for example one lattice is merged with another whose spacing is 4/3 as big, or 5/4, 6/5 etc.

"It creates a two-dimensional effect similar to beats between two waves of very close frequency," Gandhi said. "Where there are antinodes the light is localized in the form of a closed path."

Gandhi said the creation of a regular array of localized loops of light contrasted with Anderson Localization, which arises from randomness in a structure. "This is a systematic way of creating a large number of loops," Gandhi said.

Gandhi and Png ran numerical simulations of the propagation of light in a range of wavelengths slightly below that of the lattice spacing, and calculated the energy band structure. They found that as R increased, there emerged a large number of energy bands whose light had a group velocity of zero, the signature of light localized within the crystal.

Gandhi said merged lattices would also provide a way for researchers to explore topological properties, such as protected edge modes.

The A*STAR-affiliated researchers contributing to this research are from the Institute of High Performance Computing.
Bacteria have developed an uncountable number of chemistries, lifestyles, attacks and defenses through 2.5 billion years of evolution. One of the most impressive defenses is biofilm -- a community of bacteria enmeshed in a matrix that protects against single-celled predators and antibiotics -- chemicals evolved by competitors through the course of evolution, including other bacteria and fungi.

Now, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor of bacteriology has shown the first proof that a certain group of amoeba called dictyostelids can penetrate biofilms and eat the bacteria within. "This is the first demonstration that dicty are able to feed on biofilm-enmeshed bacteria," Marcin Filutowicz says.

In an article now online in the journal Protist, Filutowicz, first author Dean Sanders of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, and colleagues show time-lapse, microscopic movies proving the amoeba's voracious appetite for five species of bacteria. In the study, the researchers pitted four types of amoeba called dictyostelium (dictys) against biofilm-forming bacteria that harm plants or humans. The target bacteria included:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common, multi-drug resistant bacteria that afflicts people who have, for example, burns or cystic fibrosis;

Pseudomonas syringae, pathogen of beans;

Klebsiella oxytoca, cause of colitis and sepsis; and

Erwinia amylovora, cause of fire blight in apples and pears.

As expected, the results depended on the strain of dicty and species of bacteria; in several cases, the dictys completely obliterated a thriving biofilm containing millions of bacteria within a day or two. The study, Filutowicz says, "contains the first movies ever to show dicty cells moving into a biofilm and devouring the bacteria." Because they form a multi-cellular phase sometimes called a "slug," dictys are sometimes called "social amoeba."

Beyond the visual evidence, spore germination and the subsequent union of single-celled dictys into a multi-cellular "slug" both showed successful attacks against all four species of bacteria.

Filutowicz became interested in dictys after discovering a neglected archive of about 1,800 strains amassed by Kenneth Raper, a bacteriology colleague who started collecting the soil-borne microbes around the world in the 1930s. "Raper was the first to isolate dictys, but after he died, his life work was scattered around the department and neglected," Filutowicz says.

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Filutowicz was intrigued, but he knew very little about dictys. Then, the answer to his most fundamental question -- "How do I grow them?" triggered a mental chain reaction. He found that Raper and his followers were feeding and growing dictys in the lab using bacterial prey, but nobody had apparently pursued their real-world potential as microbe hunters. "If you grow them on E coli [a common resident of the human intestine], I quickly realized, because dictys are not pathogenic, we might use them as a biological weapon against bacteria."

Having previously started Conjugon, a company devoted to developing benign bacteria to defeat pathogenic microbes, Filutowicz says he was "attuned to biological approaches, which were unheard then, and so this idea fell on a very fertile mind."

With bacteria becoming resistant to a growing number of antibiotics, that's welcome news, although using a living organism may add complexity to the task of getting regulatory approval.

Since 2010, Filutowicz has learned a good deal about how dicty "graze" upon bacteria, and which ones they prefer. "We looked at how these cells dismantle biofilms, trying to understand what physical, chemical and mechanical forces deconstruct the biofilms, and how the dictys move in 3-D space. These are phagocytes, and they behave much like our own immune cells," says Filutowicz.

His collaborator, Curtis Brandt, a professor of ophthalmology and visual science at UW-Madison, has produced promising results suggesting that the organisms are harmless to rodents, and is preparing to use dictys to fight bacterial keratitis, an eye infection, first in rodents and then in humans, in research supported by the National Institutes of Health.

"This medical application may not reach the clinic in my lifetime, but it has a lot of promise, and eventually we may be able to advance it in many other medical uses," Filutowicz says.

In 2010, Filutowicz formed Amoebagone, to advance research into use of dictys, starting by trying to fight fire blight and other bacterial infections of fruit trees and vegetables; supported by the National Science Foundation.

Between the far-off human medical potential, and the near-term use in agriculture, Filutowicz is delightedly pulling on the thread left by Ken Raper's beneficial microbes; licensed by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation to AmoebaGone.

"To make a discovery, it needs some level of naivete," he says. "If you know too much, you immediately appreciate why things will not work, cannot work. Otherwise, if it was a good idea, people would have done it already. Colleagues said dictys behaved like human phagocytes, but they never mentioned harnessing them as biological controls. Every day I walk through the departmental hallway and read the inscription: "Discovery consists of seeing of what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought. I was lucky enough to enter this as the foolish innocent."
Working-age people who have fainting spells (a condition known as syncope) have a higher risk of occupational accidents and job loss, compared to adults without the condition, according to new research in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, an American Heart Association journal.

Syncope is characterized by a sudden loss of consciousness followed by spontaneous recovery.

In a Danish study comparing adults age 18 to 64 with recurrent syncope to those without it, those with syncope had:

a 1.4-fold increased risk of occupational accidents; and

a 2-fold higher risk of loss of employment (31 percent vs 15 percent),

Also, patients with recurrent syncope who were young, had poor socioeconomic status, or additional conditions (such as cardiovascular disease or depression), were particularly at high risk of workplace accidents or job termination.

Researchers said the study is the first to show a significant association between syncope and work-related outcomes.

"We believe that our findings shed light on a hidden consequence of syncope," said Anna-Karin Nume, M.D., the study's first author and a research fellow in the cardiology department at Copenhagen University Herlev Gentofte Hospital in Hellerup, Denmark.

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"The ability to feel safe at work and maintain a full-time job addresses an indirect effect and cost of syncope beyond the usual clinical parameters such as mortality and hospitalization. Employment is more than a measure of performance status; besides its financial importance, it is crucial for self-esteem and quality of life."

Nume and colleagues identified 21,729 patients who had a first-time diagnosis of syncope that required a trip to the emergency room or hospitalization. Of that number, 49.5 percent were employed at that time and most returned to work within a month of hospital discharge.

Researchers noted that 622 patients had a subsequent occupational accident and 36 involved severe injuries such as fracture, amputation crush or internal bleeding. Accidents were most frequent among those working manual jobs.

The study was based on 2008-2013 data covering residents from Denmark's national population-based registers. The median age was 48, and 49.7 percent were men.

One of the Danish study's limitations is the lack of information on potentially relevant factors such as the individuals' work environment, their habits and health behaviors, or exact circumstances of the syncopal events. Consequently, causal effects cannot be established, only associations, and the results should be interpreted with caution.

The results may apply to similar Western countries, yet researchers advise caution when making comparisons because of differences in health, social security and other policies that may exist.

"People with fainting episodes should be evaluated medically and have appropriate interventions to help them maintain their employment and keep safe at work," Nume said. "In general, syncope can be managed, and workplace risks might be managed by a change in job duties, such as avoidance of operating heavy equipment."

"We hope that our findings will stimulate more research to examine why syncope is associated with adverse employment outcomes and to identify and test preventive strategies," she said. "Until then, we urge physicians to ask patients with syncope about their work to reduce any adverse consequences of syncope and educate them about underlying mechanisms and coping strategies."
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Pakistan has quietly ordered four more AW139 helicopters for SAR (search and rescue) and Medevac (medical evacuation) missions in high altitude areas. The AW139 has demonstrated the ability to operate like that and has been ordered by dozens of nations because of those capabilities. With the continued counter-terror operations in Pakistan its no surprise that Pakistan is buying more equipment best suited for use in the high-altitude areas along the Afghan border where there has been the most Islamic terrorist activity. The Pakistan government already uses some AW139s for SAR and Medevac but this latest order is specifically for the military.

AW139 transport helicopters are built by Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland. AW139s cost $20 million and up each depending on accessories and support contracts. These eight ton choppers carry up to 15 passengers and can get by with just one pilot. They have a very large cabin and can hold up to four stretchers, which is one reason it is so popular for medevac. Cruise speed is 288 kilometers an hour and endurance averages 3.2 hours. The AW149, a military version of the AW139, is also available but is more expensive. The AW139 competes with the U.S. UH-60 and another European helicopter, the slightly larger NH90. Entering service in 2003 nearly 800 AW139s have been delivered or are on order.
Police are yet to release the identity of a body that was found of the Tauranga Coast in the weekend.

Fishermen made the grim discovery near Pudney Rocks, a reef to the North East of Tauranga, between Mayor Island and Motiti Island, around midday yesterday.

They recovered the human remains and returned to Tauranga.

Despite some social media commentary, experienced boaties in the area say it is unlikely to be Karl Earwaker, whose boat was found upturned near Mayor Island three weeks ago, due to the currents in the Bay which generally tend to sweep northwards.

A police spokesperson says inquiries are continuing into how the body came to be in the water.

Police are still in the process of formal identification and speaking to next of kin, so until those formal processes are completed, we dont have any more information to share.

Meanwhile, police are continuing to investigate the disappearance of a man whose car was found in the Kaituna River on March 31.

Police responded to reports of a crash on Ford Road at about 11pm.

A vehicle was found submerged in the river.

Police believe 53-year-old Maketu man Simon Oliver may have been in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

The police national dive squad was called in the following day, but was unable to locate Mr Oliver.

At the time of the search, Senior Sergeant Glenn Saunders said police believed Mr Oliver was the only occupant in the car.
Alleged Nokia 8 and Nokia 9 smartphone sketches reveal bezel-less displays and dual-lens camera

We normally take rumored phones with a bit of caution but, when the rumor happens to be 2 Nokia devices, they need to be reported.

The Former Behemoth

Nokia used to be the biggest phone company in the world. With its only competitor being the Research in Motion owned Blackberry. That too, just in the US. In the rest of the world, no one could even hold a candle to Nokia. Then the iPhone came along and shattered the mobile landscape like never before. It changed the tide to such an extent, that Nokia ended up being bought over by Microsoft.

In 2014, Nokias Devices and Services division was sold to Microsoft. In 2016, A Finnish company HMD Global bought a part of Microsofts feature phone business and has a licensing agreement that allows it to make smartphones under the Nokia brand. And the expectancy of a full fledged return of the brand has since been eagerly awaited.

Two Powerhouses

The rumored devices in question are the Nokia 8 & Nokia 9Nokia 9. And from the leaked specifications they seem to be powerhouses if rumors are to be believed, both devices will come with Android Nougat 7.0, a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels giving them an approximate 515 pixel density, a massive 12 megapixel front camera and an even bigger 24 megapixel back camera.

Nokia 8 and Nokia 9 are rumored to have Octa-core and Quad-core Qualcomm processor respectively and the screen size with the 8 expected to come in at 5.7 inches while the 9 might be a tad bit smaller at 5.5 inches. Both are expected to sport a humongous 6 GB of RAM. Internal storage options are said to be 64 & 128 GB. Battery are expected to be near the 4000 mAh range.

If these specifications turn out to be true, we might be seeing Nokia compete in the big leagues of Flagship devices. Will the next Galaxy S9 be going head to head against a Nokia ?
Poachers aimed their guns at the rhinos and pulled the triggers. When the bullets hit the animals, they fell hard to the ground. Then the poachers got to work hacking off their horns. The rhinos were left to die, but their horns were carefully packed into crates and shipped to Asia, where they'd be sold for large amounts of money. Thankfully, the people who shipped these rhino horns to Asia were caught. Last week, Malaysian officials at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia inspected a crate labeled "artwork" - and found 18 rhino horns inside. The officials immediately seized the horns, which were being transported illegally.

These 18 rhino horns could represent about eight dead rhinos, David Newton, a South African representative for TRAFFIC, an international wildlife monitoring network, told The Dodo, although he noted that this is just an estimate. "There do seem to be many pairs of horns - large front, smaller back horn," Newton said. "Normally poachers remove both horns from the animals."

Dodo Shows Odd Couples Kitten Isn't Sure About His Pittie Brother  At First

Newton also explained that the horns looked like they'd been cleaned prior to shipping - probably to reduce bad smells and decrease detection.

Unfortunately, these kinds of busts are far too common. Since the beginning of March, authorities have seized over 103 rhino horns and horn pieces on five separate occasions throughout Asia, where they're used in traditional medicine. And these are just the shipments that have been intercepted by officials.

Poachers have gotten increasingly brazen. Last month, armed men stormed a rhino orphanage in South Africa and killed two baby rhinos for their horns. Not long after that, poachers broke into a French zoo and killed a captive rhino for his horn. In South Africa, rhino poaching has been rapidly increasing since the 1990s. In 2016, it was reported that 1,054 rhinos were killed. Rhino poaching is also rampant in countries like Botswana, India, Kenya, Namibia and Nepal.

Poaching is a massive issue, but Newton is pleased that wildlife traffickers are getting caught. "It seems that Asian law enforcement agencies are being increasingly effective at intercepting smugglers," Newton said. "On the other hand, it shows that smugglers are avoiding African-based enforcement agencies."
SHANGHAIOn April 6, Ivanka Trumps company won provisional approval from the Chinese government for three new trademarks, giving it monopoly rights to sell Ivanka brand jewelry, bags and spa services in the worlds second-largest economy. That night, the first daughter and her husband, Jared Kushner, sat next to the president of China and his wife for a steak and Dover sole dinner at Mar-a-Lago.

The scenario underscores how difficult it is for the presidents daughter, who has tried to distance herself from the brand that bears her name, to separate business from politics in her new position at the White House.

As she crafts a political career from her West Wing office, her brand is flourishing, despite boycotts and several stores limiting her merchandise. U.S. imports, almost all of them from China, shot up an estimated 166 per cent last year, while sales hit record levels in 2017. The brand, which Ivanka Trump still owns, says distribution is growing.

It has launched new activewear and affordable jewelry lines and is working to expand its global intellectual property footprint. In addition to winning the approvals from China, Ivanka Trump Marks LLC applied for at least nine new trademarks in the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Canada and the U.S. after the election.

Read more: Growing online backlash over Ivanka Trump brand offered at The Bay

The commercial currents of the Trump White House are unprecedented in modern American politics, ethics lawyers say. They have created an unfamiliar landscape riven with ethical pitfalls, and forced consumers and retailers to wrestle with the unlikely passions now inspired by Ivanka Trumps midmarket collection of ruffled blouses, shifts and wedges.

Using the prestige of government service to build a brand is not illegal. But criminal conflict-of-interest law prohibits federal officials, like Ivanka Trump and her husband, from participating in government matters that could impact their own financial interest or that of their spouses. Some argue that the more her business broadens its scope, the more it threatens to encroach on the ability of two trusted advisers to deliver credible counsel to the president on core issues like trade, intellectual property and the value of Chinese currency.

Put the business on hold and stop trying to get trademarks while youre in government, advises Richard Painter, who served as chief White House ethics lawyer under George W. Bush.

To address ethical concerns, Ivanka Trump has shifted the brands assets to a family-run trust valued at more than $50 million and pledged to recuse herself from issues that present conflicts. She is also no longer running her design business and has given day-to-day responsibility to Abigail Klem, president of the brand. Meanwhile, her husband has taken steps to distance himself from his sprawling New York real estate business, divesting some of his business interests including his stake in a major Fifth Avenue skyscraper.

Ivanka will not weigh in on business strategy, marketing issues or the commercial terms of agreements, her attorney, Jamie Gorelick, said in a statement. She has retained authority to direct the trustees to terminate agreements that she determines create a conflict of interest or the appearance of one.

In a recent interview with CBS News, Trump argued that her business would be doing even better if she hadnt moved to Washington and placed restrictions on her team to ensure that any growth is done with extreme caution.

China, however, remains a nagging concern.

Ivanka has so many China ties and conflicts, yet she and Jared appear deeply involved in China contacts and policy. I would never have allowed it, said Norman Eisen, who served as chief White House ethics lawyer under Barack Obama. For their own sake, and the countrys, Ivanka and Jared should consider stepping away from China matters.

Instead, the first daughter and her husband have emerged as prominent interlocutors with China, where they have both had significant business ties. Last year, Kushner pursued hundreds of millions of dollars in real estate investments from Anbang Insurance Group, a financial conglomerate with close ties to the Chinese state. After media reports about the deal, talks were called off.

Publicly, Ivanka Trump has taken a gracious, charming approach toward Beijing. During the Mar-a-Lago meetings, her daughter, 5-year-old Arabella, stood in a gilded room and sang a traditional Chinese song, in Mandarin, for Chinas president, Xi Jinping. The video, which was lavishly praised by Chinese state media, played over 2.2 million times on Chinas popular news portal qq.com.

Read more: Ivanka Trump responds to criticism, says lack of public denouncement isnt silence

The week of the summit, 3.4 tons of Ivanka Trump handbags, wallets and blouses arrived in the U.S. from Hong Kong and Shanghai. U.S. imports of her merchandise grew an estimated 40 per cent in the first quarter of this year, according to Panjiva Inc., which maintains and analyzes global shipping records.

Painter, the former Bush administration lawyer, recommended full recusal from issues related to trade with China. That is likely to be difficult because trade is so deeply embedded in the US-China relationship and has been linked with other matters, like North Korea.

The danger is that with any discussion with the Chinese, one party or the other may try to bring up trade, he said. Thats a slippery slope that may require her or Jared to step out of the room.

Gorelick, Ivanka Trumps attorney, said that she and her husband would steer clear of specific areas that could impact her business, or be seen as conflicts of interest, but are under no legal obligation to step back from huge swaths of policy, like trade with China.

Under the rules, Trump would recuse herself from conversations about duties on clothing imported from China, Gorelick said, but not broad foreign policy.

In between, you have to assess it case-by-case, she said.

Trademarks can be signs of corporate ambition, though many countries  such as China, where trademark squatting is rampant  also allow for defensive filings to prevent copycats from using a brand.

Trademarks pose ethical, and possibly legal, implications for government employees because they are granted by foreign states and confer the monopoly right to sell branded products in a particular country  an entitlement that can be enormously valuable. Intellectual property lawyers say trademarks are also a crucial prerequisite for cutting licensing deals, which form the basis of both Ivanka and Donald Trumps global business strategy.

The brand has filed, updated, and rigorously protected its international trademarks over the past several years in the normal course of business, especially in regions where trademark infringement is rampant, said Klem in a statement.

Today, Ivanka Trump Marks LLC has 16 registered trademarks in China and 32 pending applications, along with a total of four marks granted preliminary approval since the inauguration, according to Chinas Trademark Office. Altogether, they cover a wide range of goods and services, including cosmetics, jewelry, leather handbags, luggage, clothes, shoes, retail, spa and beauty services. There is no sign the recent approvals were particularly swift. Chinas Trademark Office did not respond to a request for comment.

Globally, the company has more than 180 pending and registered trademarks in countries including Canada, India, Japan, Israel, Mexico, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, as well as the U.S. and Europe, public records show. In December, the company applied for five trademarks, covering handbags and wallets in Puerto Rico, and lingerie and other clothes in the U.S. After the inauguration, the company filed four more applications, for branded clothing and shoes in the Philippines, and perfume and other items in Canada.

Ivanka Trump did not sign off on the new trademark applications, her brand said in a statement, adding that they are not necessarily an indication that the brand is planning to launch a category or a store in a specific territory.

Whatever the future plans, right now sales are growing  helped, some argue, by the glow of Ivanka Trumps political rise.

The G-III Apparel Group Ltd., which makes Ivanka Trump clothes, said net sales for the collection increased by $17.9 million during the year that ended Jan. 31.

The overall brand itself says revenues rose 21 per cent last year, with early February seeing some of the best performance ever, according to a statement by Klem. Because it is privately held, the brand does not have to declare its earnings or where revenues come from. The actual corporate structure of Trumps retail business remains opaque. Kushners financial disclosure form lists two dozen corporate entities that appear directly related to his wifes brand. Trump herself has yet to file a disclosure.

Data from Lyst, a massive fashion e-commerce platform, indicates some of this growth coincided with specific political events.

The number of Ivanka Trump items sold through Lyst was 46 per cent higher the month her father was elected president than in November 2015. Sales spiked 771 per cent in February over the same month last year, after White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway exhorted Fox viewers to Go buy Ivankas stuff. Conway was later reprimanded. The bounce appears somewhat sustained. March sales on Lyst were up 262 per cent over the same period last year.

Read more: Sales for Ivanka Trumps products take off after Conways public endorsement

You cant separate Ivanka from her role in life and from her business, said Allen Adamson, founder of BrandSimpleConsulting. Her celebrity status is now not only being fuelled by her wealth and her family connection, but by her huge role in the White House. All that buzz is hard-wired to her products. That, he added, is a competitive advantage other brands just cant match  though it does come with risk.

Things could easily cut the other way for the first daughter. Ashley King, 28 of Calabasas, California, bought Ivanka Trump black flats and a cardigan several years ago. But King, who voted for Hillary Clinton, said she believes Trumps role in the White House represents a conflict of interest.

This is bothering me more and more, she said. As for the Ivanka Trump items in her closet, she said, I will be donating them.

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The latest television commercials for McDonalds, featuring actress Mindy Kaling, do not appear on the companys YouTube channel, Facebook page or Twitter account. In fact, they dont mention McDonalds at all  though they do mention Coca-Cola and Google.

The ads are part of the chains first unbranded marketing campaign, in which it is coyly asking people to search Google for that place where Coke tastes so good. The query, meant to capitalize on millions of search engine results that favour the fast-food chain, is central to the ads where association with the brand is limited to placing Kaling in a bright yellow dress against a red backdrop.

The ads, which started running last week, are meant to play on how teens and twentysomethings use their phones while watching TV, while also acknowledging how theyre discovering information they trust, said Deborah Wahl, chief marketing officer of McDonalds for the United States. They are very influenced by word-of-mouth and what their peers say, she said.

Kaling posted to Twitter on Friday that she recently partnered with a brand without being able to say the name of the brand, and jokingly asked to be paid in fries.

McDonalds use of Google contrasts rather strikingly with a stunt from Burger King last week, when it introduced a TV ad that aimed to prompt voice-activated Google devices into describing its burgers. Google, which was not involved in that campaign, sought to stymie the effort, which many saw as clever but invasive.

The ads with Kaling, on the other hand, came out of We Are Unlimited, a relatively new creative ad agency that is dedicated to McDonalds and operates within Omnicom Group, a holding company. Employees of companies including Google, Twitter, Facebook and T Brand Studio (a marketing unit for The New York Times), are among the roughly 200 people who work at Unlimited in Chicago, though Wahl noted that Googles participation did not extend to affecting the search results themselves.

Google didnt give us any tricks on search or anything, Wahl said, adding that gaming the system would have gone against the whole idea of the campaign. What theyre helping us do is understand if people are really searching as a result of this, and offering close feedback and collaboration in terms of whats happening with this with real behaviour.

Wahl said McDonalds did not pay for any of the Google results that rave about how Coke tastes at its restaurants. A Google search for the phrase at the centre of the campaign, which is promoting a $1 soft-drink deal, showed results from relatively obscure blogs on Monday, some of which were written last week, as well as write-ups from websites like Fox News and Thrillist. A YouTube video of one of Kalings commercials also appeared under a channel named That Place Where Coke Tastes So Good.

Wahl said the company is prepared for people to try to interfere with the results, which is by now a hallmark of ad campaigns that involve social media. But, she said, it was anticipating a positive reaction given the conversations about Coke and McDonalds that were already out there. (Burger King, which relied on the Wikipedia entry for one of its burgers as part of its stunt, saw several mischievous revisions of that page last week.)

The notion that Coke tastes differently at McDonalds has been a topic of fascination for some time. The New York Times, as part of a 2014 article on the business relationship between McDonalds and Coke, which dates to 1955, reported that Coke has a special system for transporting and producing the beverage at the fast-food chain. Part of that includes delivering its syrup in stainless steel tanks versus plastic bags. McDonalds also says it pre-chills the water and the syrup before it enters its fountain dispensers, and offers a slightly wider straw.

Selecting Kaling as a pitchwoman for this campaign was also a deliberate choice, Wahl said, noting that she has been a vocal fan of the brand for years. Indeed, Kaling wrote in her 2015 book Why Not Me? that McDonalds once sent her a stack of $10 gift cards on her birthday.

If you follow me on any kind of social media you will see that Im constantly eating McDonalds, and not in a campy, skinny-actress way where I go when Im on my period and being bad! she wrote in the book. I go regularly enough that the woman at the Crescent Heights & Sunset McDonalds gives me ranch and buffalo sauce packets for my McNuggets without me having to ask.

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The number of Canadian home sales hit a record high last month with the sizzling Toronto-area market pulling up the rest of the country, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

"Toronto always swings the biggest bat in Canada, but even more so lately," said CREA senior economist Shawn Cathcart on Tuesday.

Non-seasonally adjusted Canadian sales were up 6.6 per cent year over year in March, with Toronto climbing 17 per cent in that period.

That offset a 31.5 per cent decline in Vancouver sales, the latest drop since the introduction of a foreign investor tax and vacant homes taxes last year.

The monthly CREA statistics came Tuesday as the provincial and federal finance ministers and Toronto Mayor John Tory met to discuss the imposition of potentially using similar taxes to cool Toronto's increasingly unaffordable property market.

CREA cautioned politicians, however, against destabilizing other Canadian markets in any attempt to temper Toronto prices.

"If Toronto is the only hot market in Canada, you don't want to be throwing cold water on everybody," said Cathcart.

He said the city's "prices are as tight as they've ever been."

"There's a lot of interest for every listing that comes on and that's all the way out basically in 200 kilometres in any direction from downtown Toronto at the moment."

Cathcart noted that Toronto's real estate trends now encompass the entire Greater Golden Horseshoe.

"So instead of being 20 per cent of Canada, we're actually looking at a third of Canada that's seeing these kinds of trends," he said.

The average Canadian sale price increased 8.2 per cent year-over-year in March with a 9.3 per cent decline in Greater Vancouver and 33.2 per cent increase in the Toronto area, according to CREA.

"If you take the GTA or Greater Golden Horseshoe out of the numbers, the average price in the rest of Canada is actually down on a year-over-year basis," he said.

The association said home sales over its Multiple Listings Service system increased by 1.1 per cent in March to top the previous monthly record set in April 2016. On a seasonally adjusted basis, sales totalled 46,353, up from 45,856 in February.

The actual national average price for homes sold in March this year was $548,517, up 8.2 per cent from a year ago. Excluding the Toronto and Vancouver areas, the average price was $389,726.

With files from Canadian Press

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MARQUETTE, MAN.In the small rural community of Marquette, Man., it isnt unusual to bump into your neighbours. But these days, residents are bumping into Hollywood star Keanu Reeves.

I think he was using the bathroom, said Marquette resident Tayvia Dorge with a laugh. So we waited and got a photo with him.

The star of The Matrix and John Wick was in Marquette to shoot his latest movie, Siberia.

Its cool, you know? resident Lee McRae told CTV Winnipeg. Hes been in lots of blockbusters, so to have him come to middle of the nowhere  Marquette  is kind of a cool deal.

The small town has a cool role to play, quite literally. Its standing in for Siberia, the setting of the film.

That meant the town was transformed using some Hollywood magic. A Russian billboard went up, vehicles with Russian licence plates are on set, and the exterior of Bonnie Lawrences house underwent an extreme makeover, turning it into a bit of a junkyard.

She said its an exciting time, but a little overwhelming too because all of a sudden its an invasion.

It will be a short-lived one. The lights, cameras and action will shift to another location in the coming days, leaving just memories of Hollywood for the people of Marquette.

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WELLINGTON NORTH, ONT.Police are looking for a man who allegedly approached an 8-year-old girl while naked in southwestern Ontario.

Ontario Provincial Police say they received a call about an indecent act on Saturday near Mount Forest, Ont., about 150 kilometres northwest of Toronto.

They say two men in a dark blue pickup truck approached the girl around 9:30 a.m. while she rode her bike.

Police say the men asked her to come to the truck, but she began riding away.

They allege the passenger then got out of the truck, naked, and asked the girl to return, but she rode to safety at a neighbours house.

He is described as a white man with white hair and beard and anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP.

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Will she or wont she?

Speculation about whether Premier Kathleen Wynne can continue to lead the governing Liberals is at a fever pitch.

Party stalwarts are hoping next weeks balanced budget from Finance Minister Charles Sousa will tip the scales for Wynnes teetering political fortunes.

But with public and private polling showing the Liberals languishing in third place well behind the Progressive Conservatives and the New Democrats  even after Wynnes 25 per cent cut in residential electricity rates  there is mounting uncertainty she will remain at the helm.

The Ontario Liberal Partys chief fundraiser, Zak Bailey, has quietly resigned just seven months into a job made even more challenging by campaign finance reforms triggered by a Star series last year.

Youd have to ask the party what their plans are, Bailey said Monday, declining further comment.

Sources say Liberal fundraising is not going well  now that corporate and union donations have been banned  and that riding associations are rattled.

Recruiting a candidate for a byelection expected this summer in Liberal-held Sault Ste. Marie is proving difficult  to say nothing of attracting scores of Grit standard-bearers for the June 7, 2018 election.

If the premier is unable to pull her personal poll numbers out of a tailspin before the House rises in six weeks then salvaging a Liberal administration that dates back to 2003 could be daunting without a leadership change.

I like to say that I live in world of heightened advice right now, Wynne wryly admitted to Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area mayors and regional chairs last week in a candid moment that revealed the pressure shes under.

Behind closed doors in the Liberal caucus room, MPPs apologetically share with her their constituents views.

They just dont like you, premier, one veteran MPP gently told her within earshot of other members. I do, but they dont and I dont know why.

Its a sentiment that Wynne  who remains both liked and respected by most of her caucus colleagues  may finally be starting to take to heart even as she insists she plans to lead the Liberals into the next campaign.

She will do the right thing for the Ontario Liberal Party, confided one intimate, who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss internal party matters.

The premier won us the last election (in 2014) and we know that. But the dislike toward her now  unfair and undeserved as it is  borders on the irrational, said another Liberal.

Sources told the Star that more than a dozen MPPs are looking at not running again in the 2018 election over fears they will lose their seats due to her unpopularity.

No MPPs will yet speak publicly about the potential exodus  more out of their personal regard for Wynne than due to a fear of retribution.

But some are known to be considering an appeal to her en masse to share their worries about the future.

Theres no way we should lose to Patrick Brown  hes an empty suit with no plan, fumed one long-time member, referring to the little-known rookie Progressive Conservative leader who polls suggest could win the election.

If our vote collapses, theres a very real possibility Andrea Horwath could be the next premier of Ontario, warned another Liberal, predicting the New Democrats would benefit if progressives abandon the Liberals to stop Browns Tories.

Andrea is more dangerous to us than Patrick.

Sousa, the Liberals happy warrior, is bullish on his boss and on the partys future after he tables a balanced budget chock full of campaign-friendly goodies on April 27.

The premier is doing an outstanding job. She cares. Shes deliberated over a number of tough files and issues and I have full confidence in her and my colleagues in the party to do whats best for the people of Ontario, the treasurer said last Thursday.

We have been an activist centre government. Were looking at stimulating growth, managing spending, and ensuring greater prosperity for the people of Ontario, he said.

Sousa stressed hes confident that the people of Ontario will come to appreciate  and have already appreciated  the work we do.

They elected her to a majority government; I believe theyll elect her again.

Wynnes predecessor, Dalton McGuinty, who turned over the reins four years ago, once likened the role of a premier to a political partys liver that absorbs toxins.

And one of your responsibilities on the way out is to take those (toxins) with you, McGuinty told Robyn Bresnahan on CBC Radios Ottawa Morning in 2015, and to leave your successor a fighting chance.

Having turned down the political heat on hydro with the 25 per cent rate cut that takes full effect in June and eliminated a stubborn deficit as of next weeks budget, one Liberal insider said Wynne could depart with her head held high.

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WASHINGTONPresident Donald Trump is planning to sign an executive order on Tuesday that will crack down on exemptions to federal Buy American policies, a move that could hurt Canadian companies.

The administrations new policy is to minimize the granting of waivers, an official who insisted on anonymity said in a briefing on Monday.

The message here is clear: Buy American is the Trump administrations highest priority, the official said. When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, agencies have their clear marching orders, and they will be held strictly accountable for any failure to fulfil the Buy American vision.

Buy American provisions require the government to use American firms rather than foreign firms.

The North American Free Trade Agreement is supposed to protect Canadian firms from Buy American on significant purchases. For example, Canadian firms are allowed to compete for goods contracts of more than $25,000 U.S. and construction contracts of more than $10.1 million.

But an expert on Canada-U.S. trade, Dan Ujczo, said the order will likely do immediate harm to Canadian businesses anyway, sending a clear message to U.S. government officials that they should not favour bids that involve foreign firms and materials.

It sends a chilling effect down to all the agency heads, where theyre not going to even consider bids that have foreign components from Canadian suppliers, said Ujczo, an Ohio lawyer with Dickinson Wright. Its going to send that chill all the way through agencies and departments that are otherwise inclined to favour the most efficient and cost-effective bid.

The chill might extend further. The order, Ujczo said, will likely prompt some U.S. companies to use domestic suppliers rather than better-value Canadians. And state governments might now choose to avoid foreign firms in projects funded in part by Trumps federal government, he said.

The usual caveats apply. Canada was not mentioned during the briefing. As with most of Trumps executive orders, it was not clear how much it was intended merely to serve as political rhetoric rather than make actual change.

But the order signals that Canadian officials have a Buy American fight on their hands as they head into a possible renegotiation of NAFTA. Among other things, the order will instruct the U.S. to take a very hard look at how waivers of Buy American in our free trade agreements may be a poster child of unfair and non-reciprocal trade, an official said.

Canadian officials have lobbied against Buy American for years, with varying success. They managed to secure a partial exemption for Canada from the economic-stimulus law signed by Barack Obama in 2009.

Big Canadian companies with U.S. operations and top lawyers will likely manage to manoeuvre around Trumps crackdown, but smaller firms will be hit harder, Ujczo said.

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In the very public, post-election parade of dignitaries, confidantes and job-seekers filing in and out of Donald Trumps marquee Manhattan tower, Blackwater founder Erik Prince was largely out of sight. And yet Prince was very much a presence, providing advice to Trumps inner circle, including his top national security adviser, Michael Flynn, according to people familiar with his activities.

Trump was weakest in the area where the stakes were highest  foreign affairs. Among those his aides turned to was Prince, a man whose specialty is paramilitary security forces, and whose company is best remembered after its employees were convicted of killing Iraqi citizens, including children, in the notorious 2007 Nisour Square gun battle. Prince wasnt implicated in the shootings. In the decade since, Prince has carved out a role as a controversial critic of U.S. policies to fight terrorism, a view often espoused by the incoming Trump administration, which was eager to ramp up its anti-terrorism policies.

According to people familiar with his activities, Prince entered Trump Tower through the back, like others who wanted to avoid the media spotlight, and huddled with members of the president-elects team to discuss intelligence and security issues. The conversations provide a glimpse of Princes relationship with an administration thats distanced itself from him since the Washington Post reported earlier this month that Prince had met with a top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Seychelles in January.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

That island encounter was the latest in a series of conversations between Trump advisers and Russians that have come to light as U.S. investigators probe allegations that Russia interfered with the presidential election.

A person close to Prince said the Seychelles meeting was arranged at the request of the United Arab Emirates. The person added that it was a private meeting and that Prince was not representing the Trump administration.

Erik had no role in the transition, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said again when asked about Prince last week.

A Prince spokesman in London said the same in a prepared statement: Erik had no role on the transition team. This is a complete fabrication. The meeting had nothing to do with President Trump. The statement also questioned whether Princes activities were being monitored. Why is the so-called under-resourced intelligence community messing around with surveillance of American citizens when they should be hunting terrorists?

Yet over a two to three month period around the election, Prince met several times with top aides as the incoming government took shape, offering ideas on how to fight terror and restructure the countrys major intelligence agencies, according to information provided by five people familiar with the meetings. Among those he conferred with was Flynn, a member of the transition team who joined the administration and was later dismissed, some of the people said. He discussed possible government appointees with people in the private sector, one person said. Prince himself told several people that while he was not offering his advice in any official capacity, his role was significant.

The meetings occurred in Trump Tower, the administrations transition office in Washington and elsewhere, according to people familiar with them. In one informal discussion in late November, Prince spoke openly with two members of Trumps transition team on a train bound from New York to Washington. He boarded the same Acela as Kellyanne Conway and they sat together. Joining the conversation at one point was Kevin Harrington, a longtime associate of Trump adviser Peter Thiel who is now on the National Security Council. They discussed, in broad terms, major changes the incoming administration envisioned for the intelligence community, as recounted by a person on the train who overheard their conversation.

Conway declined to comment for this story. Harrington said through a spokesman that he recalled speaking briefly to Prince on the train ride but that was the only time he talked to him.

Prince was a generous financial backer of the Trump campaign, along with his sister, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Prince contributed at least $100,000 through a political action committee run by billionaire hedge-fund manager Robert Mercer. That PAC also funneled contributions from Thiel, the billionaire Silicon Valley entrepreneur who has acted as an informal liaison to the high-tech world for the White House.

Neither Mercer nor Thiel responded to requests for comment sent to their spokesmen.

A longtime critic of government defence and security policies, Prince advocated a restructuring of security agencies as well as a thorough rethink of costly defence programs, even if it meant cancelling existing major contracts in favour of smaller ones, said a person familiar with the matter.

Prince is no longer talking to those in the administration, said the person close to him, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions were intended to remain private. His influence waned after Flynn was ousted as National Security Adviser in February over concerns about his own disclosures and conversations with the Russian ambassador. And Prince has no relationship with Flynns successor, General H.R. McMaster.

Flynn did not respond to a request for comment.

Princes discussions can be seen as a testament to the all-comers-welcome nature of the Trump transition, which listened to theories and suggestions from a range of supporters with conservative views.

Prince would have been among the more controversial. During the Iraq War, Blackwater landed more than $1 billion worth of government contracts to provide personal protection for visiting officials and assist with military operations and, according to Princes memoir, carry out covert operations for the Central Intelligence Agency.

In 2007, guards working for Blackwater, which had been running a lucrative executive protection mission for the State Department in Iraq since the start of the war, were accused of killing 14 unarmed Iraqi civilians in a bloody shootout on a Baghdad street corner. A year earlier, a Blackwater guard had killed a bodyguard to an Iraqi official. He was fired, sent home and never charged with a crime. Four contractors were later convicted by a federal jury in the street corner shootout and sentenced to jail. Their cases are on appeal.

These incidents prompted a grilling by lawmakers in a public hearing in 2007, wrongful death lawsuits against the company and a criminal investigation by federal authorities into the shooting. Blackwater, which had been among the most prominent military contractors in Iraq, was forced out of the country.

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After years of additional investigations and lawsuits, Prince sold the firm to an investor group in 2010. Blackwater was renamed Xe Services, then Academi, and entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the government in 2012 over violations of arms sales rules and paid a $7.5 million fine. Prosecutors said it was the conclusion of a lengthy and complex investigation into a company which has provided valuable services to the United States government, but which, at times, and in many ways, failed to comply with important laws and regulations.

Prince was never charged with a crime, and he said allegations of wrongdoing were baseless. He now runs Frontier Resource Group, a Hong Kong fund with Chinese investors who see opportunities in natural resources in Africa.

More recently, Princes money, connections and conservative credentials have allowed him to move easily in and around Trump World. He was a guest, along with Trump, at Mercers Villains and Heroes holiday party last year. Prince also attended the election-night victory party at Trump Tower.

Last year, Prince was often heard on Breitbart radio, overseen by Steve Bannon, who today serves as White House chief strategist. Speaking on topics such as immigration and how to defeat terrorists, Prince laid out a three-point plan to deal with Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL.

In the heat of the closing weeks of the presidential campaign, Prince claimed New York police found evidence of Hillary Clinton and her closest advisers committing criminal activity, including money laundering and underage sex. The evidence was purportedly in Clinton emails seized in the investigation of former Congressman Anthony Weiner. Prince cited sources at the New York Police Department. The claim was never substantiated, nor did the police address the allegations.

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WASHINGTONHoly cow, hes now coming after us.

U.S. President Donald Trump slammed Canadas trade practices for the first time, vowing to call Canadian officials to demand changes to dairy policies Wisconsin farmers say threaten their livelihoods.

We are also going to stand up for our dairy farmers in Wisconsin. And Ive been reading about it, Ive been talking about it for a long time, and that demands, really, immediately, fair trade, with all of our trading partners. And that includes Canada, he said Tuesday, raising his voice to emphasize the country.

Because in Canada, some very unfair things have happened to our dairy farmers and others.

He did not specifically identify what he was talking about in his unscripted musings, which came during a Wisconsin speech in which he touted Buy American policies that are opposed by Canada. It appeared, though, that he was weighing in on an arcane but escalating bilateral dispute over ultrafiltered milk, a high-protein concentrate sometimes used to make cheese and yogurt.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

The Canadian dairy lobby and government say Canadian policies are not responsible for the crisis that has beset about 75 family farms in Wisconsin since a local milk-processing company cancelled their contracts April 1. But Trump joined the U.S. dairy lobby and a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers in attributing the problem to a Canadian reduction in prices that has made American imports less competitive.

His remarks were the latest in a series of signals that suggest Canada will not glide easily through the possible renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). After declaring in February that the trade relationship is very outstanding, his administration has floated a series of complaints.

Not until Tuesday had he called out Canada specifically.

Whats happened to you is very, very unfair, he told the farmers. Its another typical one-sided deal against the United States, and its not going to be happening for long. So . . . were going to get together and were going to call Canada, and were going to say what happened? And they might give us an answer, but were going to get the solution, not just the answer, OK, because we know what the solution is, all right?

He did not say what he believes the solution is.

Trump had been urged to take action on the dispute by politicians from both parties, including Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. In an October letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Cuomo said the policy amounts to a trade barrier that flouts international agreements.

Trudeaus government did not respond to Trump on Tuesday. Instead, Ambassador David MacNaughton wrote a letter to Walker and Cuomo, urging them to not lay blame where it does not belong.

Canada?s ambassador to the U.S. says he expects to have constructive trade talks with the Trump administration despite the president questioning Canada?s practices in the dairy industry.

MacNaughton said Canada does not accept the contention that dairy policies in Canada are causing financial hardship in the U.S. The facts do not bear this out, he wrote, citing a U.S. government report that says global and U.S. overproduction is the root of the U.S. dairy industrys struggles.

As made clear in the report, Canada is not a contributor to the overproduction problem, MacNaughton said. He argued that Canadas dairy industry is less protectionist than Americas.

Like most things related to Canadas milk policy, the dispute is complicated.

At the beginning of April, Wisconsins Grassland Dairy Products informed 75 local farms that it would no longer purchase their milk. Grassland said it made the decision because it had just lost tens of millions of dollars worth of Canadian business as a result of the policy change in Canada.

The Canadian dairy industry, tightly regulated under a system of supply management, has long been protected from foreign competition by tariffs on imports. But ultrafiltered milk from the U.S. had been allowed to enter Canada tariff-free, and Canadian processors often preferred to import rather than pay higher prices to buy from Canadians.

A year ago, though, Ontario changed the rules: it allowed local processors to buy ultrafiltered milk and other kinds of skim milk from Canadian farms at world prices rather than the higher Canadian prices. All of a sudden, the need for U.S. imports evaporated.

Canada is now adopting a similar policy across the country, further alarming the U.S. industry already beset by a supply glut. In Wisconsin, some of the family farmers say they will have to sell off their cows if they cant quickly find another processor.

The Canadian dairy industry says the entire issue has been misconstrued by the Americans. A spokesperson for the Dairy Farmers of Canada told the Washington Post in a front-page article Tuesday that the Wisconsin farmers were using inaccurate alternative facts, a phrase popularized by a Trump aide.

In the Canadian industrys version, the real culprit for the U.S. woes isnt Canadian policy but the U.S. supply glut.

When too much milk is produced, prices crash and there is no incentive to invest in increased processing capacities. The end result is job loss, loss of income for farmers, and in some cases, farmers having to shut down their farms, a Dairy Farmers of Canada official wrote in early April.

No matter how one views the situation, exports to a comparatively small Canadian market  one that is already filled with Canadian milk  are a drop in the bucket that will not solve the problems currently impacting the U.S dairy industry. It is wrong to use Canada as a scapegoat for the situation in the United States.

The Dairy Farmers declined to respond to Trump on Tuesday, referring questions to the Canadian government. A spokesperson said they are very confident Trudeau will protect our industry.

Trump has not criticized supply management more broadly. But in a draft letter to Congress that expressed a preliminary NAFTA wish list, his administration hinted that it wants to raise the subject during the upcoming talks.

Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday to crack down on exemptions to Buy American policies, which are supposed to require U.S. government projects to buy from American firms. Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau will raise objections to the order at this weeks meeting of G20 finance ministers in Washington, The Canadian Press reported.

With files from Bruce Campion-Smith

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ERIE, PA.The man who randomly gunned down a Cleveland retiree and posted video of the crime on Facebook killed himself Tuesday during a police chase in Pennsylvania that began when a McDonalds drive-thru attendant recognized him.

It marked a violent end to the nearly 48-hour multistate manhunt for Steve Stephens, whose case brought another round of criticism down on Facebook over how responsibly it polices objectionable material posted by users.

Acting on a tip from the McDonalds, state troopers spotted Stephens leaving the restaurant in Erie and went after him, bumping his car to try to get it to stop, authorities said. He shot himself in the head after the car spun and came to a stop, police said.

This started with one tragedy and ended with another person taking their own life, said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams. We would have liked to have brought Steve in peacefully and really talked to him about why this happened.

Stephens, a 37-year-old job counsellor who worked with young people, was wanted on murder charges in the killing of Robert Godwin Sr., 74, a former foundry worker and father of 10 who was picking up aluminum cans on Sunday when he was shot.

The chilling video was on Facebook for three hours before it was taken down. It was just the latest instance of crime footage being shared on social media.

At a Silicon Valley conference Tuesday, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg briefly addressed the Cleveland case, saying Facebook has a lot of work to do and we will keep doing all we can to prevent tragedies like this.

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Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson announced a reward of up to $50,000 dollars for the arrest of Steve Stephens, the murder suspect who police say posted a Facebook video of himself shooting an elderly man.

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Police would not speculate on what triggered the killing, but in the video and other footage he posted, Stephens talked about having trouble with his girlfriend and losing everything he had to gambling. He said he just snapped.

One of Godwins daughters, Debbie Godwin, said she wished Stephens had been captured.

Im not happy hes dead at all, not at all. If you did it, you have to face your crime, she said.

The break in the case came when police received a tip that Stephens was at the McDonalds in Erie, in far western Pennsylvania about 160 kilometres east of Cleveland, where he ordered a 20-piece Chicken McNuggets and fries.

The drive-thru attendant thought she recognized Stephens and called state police, restaurant owner Thomas DuCharme Jr. told the Erie Times-News. State Police Maj. William Teper Jr. would say only that the tip came from a concerned citizen.

The McDonalds employees tried to buy some time for the cops by telling Stephens his fries were delayed, but he said he had no time to wait and drove off, according to DuCharme.

Police picked up the trail in a chase that lasted 3 kilometres before Stephens took his own life, authorities said.

Gail Wheeler, of Erie, said she was stopped at a light at the McDonalds when Stephens came whipping out of the parking lot, nearly hitting her. She said state troopers werent far behind.

Wheeler said she followed the chase and saw a trooper clip Stephens rear bumper. His car did a half-turn and came to rest against the curb, and she heard a gunshot, she said. She then saw officers approach the car.

The officer closest to the car just shook his head, she said. They had their guns out, but when he shook his head, they lowered their guns.

Police said it wasnt clear whether Stephens had any help while he was on the run or where he had been and that investigators will try to retrace his steps. Stephens cellphone had been tracked Sunday afternoon near Erie, officials said on Monday.

Facebook said it removed the video of the shooting 23 minutes after learning of it. The company has since announced it is launching a review for reporting harmful content.

This is something that should not have been shared around the world. Period, Clevelands police chief said.

In the video, Stephens told Godwin the name of his girlfriend and said, Shes the reason that this is about to happen to you. Godwin did not seem to recognize the name.

The woman, Joy Lane, told WJW-TV in Cleveland that she last talked with Stephens on Saturday night, when he told her he had quit his job and was moving out of state.

Investigators said that Godwin was the only victim so far linked to Stephens, despite his claim on Facebook that he killed over a dozen people.

Detectives spoke with the suspect on Sunday by cellphone and tried to persuade him to surrender, police said. Within a day, authorities expanded the search nationwide and offered a $50,000 (U.S.) reward for information leading to his capture.

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HAYANGE, FRANCETwo things now grow around the rusting carcasses of the last blast furnaces in this French steel town: weeds, and votes for populist Marine Le Pen.

For months, labour leader Walter Broccoli fought to keep the fires burning, fearing that failure could drive enraged workers into the arms of Le Pen and her virulently nationalistic politics. He never imagined his own son would become part of the stampede.

He says theyve not spoken in the three years since he discovered to his horror from their local newspaper that David Broccoli was registered as a candidate in municipal elections for Le Pens anti-European Union, anti-immigration National Front.

I said to myself, Impossible! Whats happened to him? I called him up. We argued. He told me, Thats the way it is and hung up on me, Walter Broccoli says. Ive had nightmares where I saw him dressed in an SS uniform, all in black, with a cap. I took it very hard. It shocked me: My son, in the National Front? Impossible. Unbearable.

Yet the National Front is now an inescapable part of the landscape in Frances industrial eastern rust belt and its once left-leaning towns. Le Pen is projected to win millions of votes Sunday in the first round of Frances two-stage presidential election, likely catapulting her to within one step of an electoral earthquake that would shake France and the EU to its core.

Disgruntled working-class voters will cast ballots for the anti-establishment Le Pen not solely out of conviction but also in protest. She is their nuclear option, their way to flip the bird at the French political mainstream they feel has betrayed and abandoned them.

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Steel worker Pascal Grimmer doesnt share Le Pens politics; he doesnt, like her, want a Frexit to take France out of the EU or to ditch its shared euro currency. But she will get his vote because hes angry with politicians, filled with rage, and she is the candidate who most scares the others, Grimmer says.

He hopes that an electro-shock-high score for Le Pen  not quite enough to install her in the presidential Elysee Palace but an uncomfortably close shave  will jolt more mainstream politicians to use their brains to ask themselves, What do people want?

You reap what you sow. And our politicians have treated the French people like idiots, he says. Politicians dont fulfil their promises. They lie as easily as they breathe.

Last time, Grimmer voted Francois Hollande, the Socialist whose presidency, now in its final weeks, lasted just one term, sunk by his unpopularity.

Grimmer was impressed when Hollande came stumping during the 2012 campaign for working-class votes at the ArcelorMittal steel plant where he works. Labor leaders were in the thick of their battle to save Hayanges furnaces, the last in eastern France still serving the steel industry.

Incongruous in his suit and tie, Hollande clambered onto the roof of a van with union leaders, took a microphone and promised to push for a law to help save plants facing closure. The crowd, which included Grimmer, cheered. In a seemingly trivial detail, but one which workers subsequently wouldnt let him forget, Hollande even shared a spicy barbecued merguez sausage with them.

I said to myself, Oh, I like this guy. Naively, I believed him, Grimmer recalls. I was completely hoodwinked.

Grimmer and others felt betrayed when the furnaces were extinguished in 2013, as part of a deal the Socialist government struck with steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal seven months after Hollandes election. Hollande beat conservative Nicolas Sarkozy, another one-term president under whom ArcelorMittal also closed a plant in nearby Gandrange.

The deal included jobs elsewhere or retirement for furnace workers. ArcelorMittal also promised to invest 180 million euros ($190 million at todays rates) in other sectors of the giant steel works, which still produce high-grade metals for automakers and other clients and sprawl across three towns, including Hayange, in the Fensch valley.

Workers had hoped for more. The mothballing of the furnaces that used to turn the skies incandescent red, dust soot over the valleys towns and draw labourers from across Europe and North Africa hit hard. In a final show of defiance, Grimmer, Broccoli and other members of their Workers Force union unveiled a plaque of protest in Hayange when the scorching fires which had melted ores into metal went cold.

SELLOUT, the plaque read. Here lie the promises of change that F. HOLLANDE made to workers and their families.

Still bitter, Grimmer says: Politicians are forcing me to vote Le Pen. Thats why Im doing this. Not with a happy heart but because Im forced to. And increasing numbers of French people are starting to think this way.

And if Le Pen wins?

So be it. They will have to live with that, he says.

Broccoli says he warned Socialist officials that extinguishing the furnaces would be electoral suicide. Sure enough, the year after they were put out, Hayange voted in a National Front mayor in 2014  one of just a handful of towns in France to do so.

It really hurts me to see workers turning toward fascism, the extreme right, Broccoli says. They are so angry that they are prepared to vote National Front, to destroy everything. They have nothing left to lose.

Broccolis son, a computer technician, doesnt work in the steel industry. Still, the father assumes his son felt abandoned by the government after losing a job in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, leaving him unable to pay rent. He says the son moved in with his mother, also a National Front supporter. The parents are separated.

I feel as though hes been stolen from me, Walter Broccoli says. All these people  like his mother, his stepfather  they werent like this 15 or 20 years ago. It happened gradually.

David Broccoli didnt respond to calls and a text message from The Associated Press. Herve Hoff, who stood with him as a National Front candidate in 2014, says David Broccoli and his mother adopted our ideas because they felt that the left had betrayed them. Simple as that.

Hoff, a restaurateur, is now seeking election to parliament. He proudly showed the AP his letter from the National Front investing him as its candidate in the Fensch valley in June legislative elections. Saying Le Pen appeals to forgotten people, he drew parallels with Donald Trumps election to the White House, won with strong support from disgruntled workers in coal country.

Well have the same phenomenon. Deepest France, rural France, will lift up Marine Le Pen and youll see villages where shell get crazy scores, he says.

Michel Liebgott, the valleys current lawmaker, a Socialist, handily beat a National Front opponent last time. This time, hes not so confident. If he decides against running again, he says the National Front could win the seat.

Liebgott, who was born in the valley and remembers Hayange as its jewel, a bustling steel town, says the region is dividing between haves and have-nots. Many of the better-off work across the nearby border with Luxembourg, braving gnarled traffic on the highway to Luxembourg City for higher wages in its services economy. An estimated 90,000 such jobs have helped fill voids left by decades of steel plant and mine closures in France.

The poor are here. The others have gone elsewhere, Liebgott says.

With the benefit of hindsight, the lawmaker says Hollandes campaign stop in the valley in 2012 was bloody stupid. It gave steel workers false hope that the furnaces, which had long been earmarked for closure, could be saved.

Now firmly ensconced in Hayange, where the eyesore furnaces dominate the skyline, National Front Mayor Fabien Engelmann says he did not propose saving them because that would have been impossible.

I didnt lie to my voters. I offered them a coherent program: security, cleanliness, lower taxes, reduced debts, road building, work on schools  things a mayor can do, he says smugly.

The unemployment rate in Hayange is 14 per cent, the mayor says  above the already high national average of 10 per cent.

Jean-Paul Holtz sees the decaying cathedrals of once-belching pipes and chimneys from his windows. The drum player in Hayanges brass band spent all his working life in steel plants, starting as a 14-year-old apprentice. Now 66 and retired, he wishes the furnaces could be torn down because it makes me sick to the stomach to see them like that.

Holtz plans to vote for far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, who is making a late surge in polls.

People came to set up industries, money was made, people were provided with jobs. But its over, finished, Holtz says. We have to move on. Will we move on? When? I dont know. It drags on and on and on, rusting away.

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MANILA, PHILIPPINESBus passengers were screaming in horror as the driver repeatedly stepped on the apparently malfunctioning brakes before plunging into a deep ravine in the northern Philippines, leaving at least 29 people dead Tuesday in one of the countrys deadliest accidents in years, a survivor and officials said.

The rest of the more than 50 passengers were retrieved by rescuers who struggled with ropes to descend down the 24-metre deep ravine to reach the wreckage in Nueva Ecija provinces Carranglan town, said disaster-response officer Mark Raymond Cano.

Many of the passengers were hospitalized with serious injuries and parents were separated from their children in the confusion, officials said.

One child here sat beside her mother. The mother was dead, said Dr. Napoleon Obana of the Veterans Regional Hospital, where some of the victims were taken.

TV footage showed a line of rescuers and villagers, some holding on to a rope to climb up on a grassy slope with a victim on a stretcher. A throng of villagers waited in a clearing above them to help pull the victim to safety.

Cano said a preliminary investigation showed that the bus lost its brakes and plunged down the ravine.

Passenger Ralph Raymond Grajo said he saw the driver repeatedly stepping on the malfunctioning brakes as the wayward bus was speeding along a downhill road. The driver attempted to steer the bus to the right, but roadside houses made him veer back in the direction of the ravine as horrified passengers watched, Grajo said.

All the passengers were screaming and somebody in front me told everybody dont panic, but many were already gripped by panic, Grajo told DZMM radio network.

Grajo apparently fell off the bus as it rolled down the ravine and regained consciousness away from the wreckage with injuries to his feet and arms. He said he was among the first to be rescued and brought to a hospital.

It wasnt immediately clear if the driver survived.

The spot along the road is accident-prone. Tuesdays accident was the sixth in the area in recent years, a local village official told DZMM.

The impact from the plunge ripped the bus, which could no longer be distinguished at the bottom of the ravine, said Nueva Ecijas police chief Antonio Yarra. He said investigators could not yet talk to the stunned and injured survivors.

Carranglan police chief Robert de Guzman said the bus from northern Isabela province was on its way to Ilocos Sur, a tobacco- and rice-growing region also in the mountainous northern Philippines, when it crashed shortly before noon in Nueva Ecija, about 200 kilometres north of Manila.

Poorly maintained passenger buses, inadequate road safety features and weak enforcement of local transport laws have been blamed for many vehicular accidents in the Philippines.

In February, a sightseeing bus carrying college students on a camping trip lost its brakes as it sped down a steep downhill road before smashing into a concrete electrical post in Tanay town in Rizal province east of Manila, killing 15 people.

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LONDONPrince William has enlisted Lady Gaga in his campaign to persuade people to be more open about mental health issues.

The heir to the throne released a video Tuesday in which he speaks with the pop star via FaceTime. Lady Gaga, who last year spoke out about her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, places the call from her kitchen in California, and William answers at his desk in Kensington Palace.

Its interesting to see and hear from you how much having that conversation has really made a difference to you, William said in the video. Its so important to break open that fear and that taboo which is only going to lead to more problems down the line.

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The conversation is part of the latest blitz by the young royals as they campaign to end the stigma associated with mental health issues. William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, along with his brother, Prince Harry, have made mental health a focus of their charitable work.

It comes a day after the Daily Telegraph published an unusually candid interview with Harry. The 32-year-old prince acknowledged that he spent nearly 20 years not thinking about the death of his mother, Princess Diana, and that he only got help after two years of total chaos.

Though the Royal Family has toiled for years for hundreds of charities, the work on mental health represents something of a departure  in part because of the taboo long associated with psychological issues. It can be seen as an extension of the work of Diana, who among other things shook the hand of an HIV-positive man during the height of the Aids crisis.

She created the new template, the new orthodoxy, said Ellis Cashmore, a visiting professor of sociology at Aston University and the author of Elizabeth Taylor: A Private Life for Public Consumption.

She was rewriting the script of the royals for the future.

Mental health charities are flatly thrilled. Comments from the royals gain immediate attention  particularly when they offer tantalizing revelations about their private lives. But mostly the comments show that it is normal to seek assistance when going through tough times.

The Campaign Against Living Miserably, or CALM, said research shows that men particularly have trouble telling others when they feel depressed.

Prince Harry sharing how he needed support to cope with losing his mother shows both how normal it is to go through a tough time and how much opening up can help, CEO Simon Gunning said in an email.

Hearing public figures say theyve felt better after opening up can help chip away at feelings of embarrassment, meaning more guys will seek support when they need it.

Lady Gaga brings even more attention to the cause. She told Prince William in the video that talking more openly about mental health would let people feel like we are not hiding anymore.

Even though it was hard, the best thing that could come out of my mental illness was to share it with other people and let our generation, as well as other generations, know that if you are feeling not well in your mind that youre not alone and that people that you think would never have a problem, do, she said.

William also applauded grime musician Stormzy for talking about his battle with depression in the publication CALMzine.

There may be a time and a place for the stiff upper lip, but not at the expense of your health, William said in CALMzine.

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BEIJINGLeaders of 28 countries are set to attend a Chinese summit next month showcasing President Xi Jinpings signature foreign policy initiative, but few will hail from major Western countries.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Tuesday that Vladimir Putin of Russia, Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Spains Mariano Rajoy are among those slated to appear next month in Beijing for a summit to discuss Xis One Belt, One Road program to stitch together the Eurasian continent with infrastructure investment.

The May 14-15 summit is seen as a measure of Chinas international prestige at a time when Xi has positioned China as a rising outward-looking regional power, and as questions have arisen over U.S. President Donald Trumps commitment to maintaining the United States traditional global leadership.

Read more: America is passing the torch. China is ready to take it: Burman

Wang said leaders from France and Germany will not attend due to their domestic election schedules, not because they snubbed China.

This is a positive, co-operative conference, it shouldnt be politicized, Wang told reporters in Beijing, in response to a question asking if China felt insulted by the absence of top leaders from the U.S. and its allies, including Japan, Britain and Australia.

China has sought to frame Xis vision for the China-led development program as an inclusive, mutually beneficial project rather than a statement of geopolitical ambitions that should arouse Western suspicions. The program aims to build roads, railways, ports and other infrastructure along the ancient Silk Roads maritime and overland routes with close to $100 billion in funding.

The program is closely linked to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Chinas version of a global financial institution that faced similar Western skepticism upon its formation last year. In the year since, the bank has succeeded in attracting U.S. allies as members, including Germany, Canada and Britain, although Washington continues to maintain its distance.

Xi unveiled the first outlines of his Belt and Road plan as early as 2013, but the inaugural summit next month will provide the Chinese leader the most high-profile stage so far to deliver a focused pitch to a world audience.

This is an economic co-operation forum, an international co-operation platform that everyone is paying attention to, supports and hopes to participate in, Wang said, characterizing the summit as an effort to uphold globalization.

Aside from Putin, other Chinese allies including Pakistani President Nawaz Sharif and Myanmars Aung San Suu Kyi will attend, as will Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, Wang said. British Finance Minister Philip Hammond will also attend in the place of Prime Minister Theresa May.

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The video showed a 1-year-old boy strapped in a car seat, whimpering and squirming as a female voice spoke from out of frame.

Tell your daddy, the woman said. Thats what happens when you sit around and play with people.

She continued: Now, this is what you get.

She then struck the child on his torso with a closed fist, yelling an expletive as the baby screamed.

That was the least of the abuse Janelle Andrea Peterkin, of Humble, Texas, inflicted on her son, according to prosecutors.

Last month, the 23-year-old mother allegedly filmed and took dozens of pictures of herself beating the child  at one point placing a bag over his head and burning his hand with a lighter  then sent them to the father, her ex-boyfriend.

The horrifying images didnt surface until last week, after a relative found them, alerted police and posted them on social media, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Peterkin appeared in court on Monday after being arrested last week on a child endangerment charge, according to local media. A judge reportedly released her on a $15,000 bond after ordering her not to come within 60 metres of her son. Its not clear if she has an attorney.

Prosecutors said officers saw video of the complainant in a car seat and an adult hand was seen stuffing a plastic bag into the mouth of the complainant, who appeared to have difficulty breathing. Officers also saw another still picture of the complainant ... with a plastic bag over his head, covering the face and tying it in a knot.

When Peterkin told the judge her mother was coming to pick her up from jail with the baby in tow, the judge gave her a stern warning, saying shed have to find another ride, according to KPRC.

If you get within 200 feet of the child while this order is pending, shes going to have to bring that child to 701 San Jacinto to visit you because youre going to be in jail, the judge said.

After Peterkin was arrested last week, she told officers she sent the images because she was angry with the babys father, according to KPRC. The alleged abuse was recorded in a parking lot near the Eastex Freeway. Prosecutors said she failed to get the child medical care.

She sent the pictures to her ex-boyfriend to disturb him, prosecutors said, according to the Chronicle.

Raneicha Broadnax of Richmond, Virginia, sister of the babys father, said she discovered dozens of videos and photos of the alleged abuse last week and reported them to police. She told CW39 the father might not have noticed them because he had turned on the do not disturb function on his phone for Peterkins number.

When I saw the video, I had to ask the police if he was still alive, Broadnax told Valley Central. I thought she had killed him.

Broadnax said police in Humble gave her the impression that there was nothing the department could do to respond, so she posted some of the images to Facebook. Within an hour, local police contacted her, she told Valley Central.

A spokeswoman for the Humble Police Department told the Houston Chronicle that officers had to track down Peterkins address in another jurisdiction.

When originally called us, she did not have an address, Capt. Melinda Bradshaw said. We came up with an address based on the last name. We promptly contacted Precinct 4 and gave them the information. We cant investigate something in somebody elses jurisdiction.

Broadnax told local media the baby is safe and living with relatives in Texas.

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As worries deepened last week about whether North Korea would conduct a missile test, the White House declared that ordering a U.S. aircraft carrier into the Sea of Japan would send a powerful deterrent signal and give U.S. President Donald Trump more options in responding to the Norths provocative behaviour.

The problem was, the carrier, the Carl Vinson, and the four other warships in its strike force were at that very moment sailing in the opposite direction, to take part in joint exercises with the Australian navy in the Indian Ocean, 5,600 kilometres southwest of the Korean Peninsula.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

White House officials said Tuesday they were relying on guidance from the Defense Department. Officials there describe a glitch-ridden sequence of events, from a premature announcement of the deployment by the militarys Pacific Command to an erroneous explanation by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis  all of which perpetuated the false narrative that a U.S. armada was racing toward the waters off North Korea.

By the time the White House was asked about the Carl Vinson on April 11, its imminent arrival had been emblazoned on front pages across East Asia, fanning fears that Trump was considering a pre-emptive military strike on North Korea. It was portrayed as further evidence of the presidents muscular style two days after he ordered a missile strike on Syria while he and President Xi Jinping of China were finishing dessert during a meeting in Florida.

The saga of the wayward carrier might never have come to light, had the Navy not posted a photograph on Monday of the Carl Vinson sailing through the Sunda Strait, which separates the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra. The picture was taken Saturday, four days after the White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, described its mission in the Sea of Japan.

The Carl Vinson is now on a northerly course for the Korean Peninsula and is expected to arrive in the region sometime next week, Defense Department officials said. The White House declined to comment on the misunderstanding, referring all questions to the Pentagon.

Sean discussed it once when asked, and it was all about process, said a spokesman, Michael Short.

Privately, however, other officials expressed bewilderment that the Pentagon did not correct its timeline, particularly given the tensions surging in the region and the fact that Spicer, as well as the national security adviser, Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, were publicly answering questions about it.

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U.S. President Donald Trumps most influential policy advisers are urging him to keep the United States in the landmark Paris climate accord of 2015, a move that would break one of his signature campaign promises and further downgrade the counsel of his senior strategist, Stephen Bannon.

Trump plans to make a final decision on the fate of the Paris agreement before a meeting of the Group of 7 leading economies at the end of May, according to Sean Spicer, White House press secretary. A team of Trumps principal advisers was scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon at the White House to discuss the decision with the aim of recommending a path forward, but the meeting was cancelled after some of the planned attendees flew with Trump to an event in Wisconsin, according to a White House spokeswoman.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

The spokeswoman, Kelly Love, said the meeting was still expected to take place, although the exact timing was unclear.

On the campaign trail, Trump vowed to cancel the climate deal, and his most politically conservative advisers, including Bannon, have pushed him to follow through. But Bannons influence has waned in recent weeks, while authority has risen for Trumps daughter Ivanka and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who advocate staying in the accord.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, former chief executive of Exxon Mobil, has also spoken in favour of keeping a seat at the table in the climate pact, and in recent days, major corporations have stepped forward to embrace that position.

While no decision has been made, experts tracking it say that view is gaining traction.

We do not currently believe the Trump administration plans to withdraw from either Paris agreement, wrote Kevin Book, an analyst at ClearView Energy Partners, a Washington firm, in a memo to clients on Monday.

While Trump does not have the power to undo a multilateral United Nations accord, he could withdraw the worlds largest economy from the pact, weakening it substantially. Such a move would win cheers from the nations most powerful conservative political advocates, and give Trump bragging rights in coal country.

But withdrawing from the landmark accord that committed nearly every nation to take action against planet-warming emissions could create diplomatic blowback, while weakening U.S. leadership in arenas far afield from energy and the environment.

Besides, keeping the United States name on the accord does not obligate the Trump administration to abide by the ambitious emissions-control pledges of Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama. At least one senior White House climate policy adviser, George David Banks, has advocated staying in the agreement while replacing the Obama plan with a weaker, more industry-friendly pledge.

Over recent weeks, Banks has asked top officials at several major corporations, including Exxon Mobil, who have similar views, to submit letters to the White House confirming their support of staying in the Paris deal, even if in a modified form.

In response, Peter Trelenberg, manager of environmental policy and planning at Exxon Mobil, wrote to Banks, Exxon Mobil supports the Paris agreement as an effective framework for addressing the risks of climate change.

Royal Dutch Shell and BP, European companies with significant investments in the United States, have also endorsed the accord.

Last month, Rep. Kevin Cramer, a Republican from oil-, gas- and coal-rich North Dakota, wrote, The U.S. should present a new pledge that does no harm to our economy. Cramer, an early supporter of Trump, advised Trump on energy issues during his presidential campaign.

Colin Marshall, chief executive of Cloud Peak, a major coal producer in Wyoming, the nations largest coal-mining state, also wrote to Trump: By remaining in the Paris agreement, albeit with a much different pledge on emissions, you can help shape a more rational international approach to climate policy.

Regardless of his decision, Trump has already undermined the United States ability to meet its Paris pledge. Obama declared that the United States would reduce its planet-warming carbon pollution about 26 per cent from 2005 levels by 2025. Its primary policy for meeting that target would be the Clean Power Plan, a set of Environmental Protection Agency regulations designed to shutter hundreds of heavily polluting coal-fired power plants, the nations chief source of greenhouse emissions.

Last month, Trump directed Scott Pruitt, head of the EPA, to begin the legal process of dismantling the Clean Power Plan. Whether or not the United States remains in the Paris pact, it almost certainly will not be able to meet its pledged pollution-reduction targets.

Pruitt has emerged as a leading voice for withdrawal from the Paris deal. Last week, he told Fox News, Its something we need to exit.

That reflects the views of powerful conservative political advocacy groups such as Americans for Prosperity, which is funded by the influential libertarian brothers Charles and David Koch.

What we say to the White House is that its clearly a terrible agreement for the American people, said Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity.

That view is also backed by economists at the Heritage Foundation, the conservative think tank that has supplied the Trump administration with many of its policy proposals.

Harold G. Hamm, chief executive of Continental Resources and a Trump campaign adviser, has also condemned the pact. Cancel the Paris climate treaty and any other agreements entered into unilaterally and without the consent of Congress, Hamm wrote in a letter to Trump before his inauguration.

Bob Murray, chief executive of the coal company Murray Energy, who is personally close with the president, has also strongly criticized the deal.

Book, the analyst, noted that the risks of withdrawing from the Paris deal include not only diplomatic ill will, but also the possibility of trade reprisals. Countries that tax emissions of carbon dioxide pollution could place a carbon tariff on imports of U.S.-made goods. The European Union currently charges polluters fees for carbon emissions, while China, Mexico and Canada are in the process of carrying out such programs.

If the U.S. were to pull out, it would do so in the context that would invite trade reprisals, Book said. It could lead to a carbon tariff trade war.

Daniel M. Bodansky, an expert in international environmental agreements at Arizona State University, said that remaining in the Paris deal but weakening the United States commitment could still have the effect of generating some ill will  but without the repercussions of trade sanctions.

They could just submit a new plan, he said. People internationally would not be happy, but theyd be a lot less unhappy than if the U.S. actually pulled out.

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RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIADefence Secretary Jim Mattis says North Koreas latest failed missile launch was a reckless act of provocation.

Mattis commented on the weekend missile launch in an interview with reporters travelling with him Tuesday to Saudi Arabia, where he begins a weeklong Mideast tour. His language was stronger than in an initial written statement he issued shortly after the launch, in which he simply said he was aware of the failure.

The leader of North Korea again recklessly tried to provoke something by launching a missile, he said Tuesday, invoking a term  reckless  that the North Koreans have used to describe ongoing large-scale U.S. and South Korean military exercises, which the North calls a dress rehearsal for an invasion.

Mattis did not identify the type of missile but said it was not of intercontinental range, meaning it could not reach U.S. territory. He did not comment on what might have caused the missile to fail. Another official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss an intelligence matter, said later that the missile was a Scud variant that the U.S. calls a KN-17.

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Mattis credited China with trying to help get the North Korea situation under control with the goal of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.

Asked about his visit to Saudi Arabia, Mattis said the desert kingdom is a pillar of our security framework for the region. He is scheduled to meet on Wednesday with King Salman, deputy crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also is the Saudi defence minister, and other top officials.

The U.S. military is providing support for a Saudi-led coalition fighting anti-government Houthi rebels. Asked whether the Trump administration plans to increase its military support, Mattis responded by saying the U.S. focus is on arranging a United Nations-brokered negotiating team to resolve Yemens civil war diplomatically.

This is something, with the number of innocent people dying inside Yemen, that simply has to be brought to an end, he said.

Human rights groups have urged the Trump administration to be more vocal about human rights issues during visits to Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf States.

Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain, among others, has criticized what it calls the administrations plan to decouple human rights from weapons sales.

It is indeed important to address security concerns, but it is ill-advised, if not dangerous, to make security concerns the only basis for co-operation and an alliance, said Husain Abdulla, executive director of the group, which is based in Washington.

The U.S. security alliance with Saudi Arabia, dating to 1944 and based largely on the Saudis oil riches, has made Washington the kingdoms most important arms supplier.

The Middle East is familiar turf for Mattis, a Marine veteran of the Iraq War who rose to four-star rank. He finished his military career as head of Central Command, which directs U.S. military operations across the Middle East and Central Asia.

Mattis also plans to visit Qatar, a Persian Gulf state that hosts U.S. forces at al-Udeid airbase, which the U.S. uses to centralize its air operations for the campaign against Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, in Iraq and Syria, as well as the war in Afghanistan.

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TOKYOThe U.S. will not relent until it achieves its objective of ensuring the Korean Peninsula is free of nuclear weapons, U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence said Tuesday while visiting Japan.

After meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other leaders, Pence told reporters that U.S. President Donald Trump was confident that economic and diplomatic pressure has a chance of compelling North Korea to co-operate.

It is our belief by bringing together the family of nations with diplomatic and economic pressure we have a chance of achieving a freeze on the Korean Peninsula, Pence said.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

We will not rest and will not relent until we obtain the objective of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula, he said.

The Trump administration has signalled a more forceful U.S. stance toward North Koreas recent missile tests and threats, including a warning from Trump that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has gotta behave.

So Pence struck a stern tone after arriving at a U.S. naval base from South Korea.

We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan, he said. We are with you 100 per cent.

On Monday, Pence travelled to the tense Demilitarized Zone dividing North and South Korea, where he warned North Koreas leaders that after years of testing the U.S. and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, the era of strategic patience is over.

A senior North Korean official then accused the United States of bringing the countries to the brink of thermonuclear war.

Pence, on a 10-day Asia trip that will also take him to Indonesia and Australia, said Trump hopes China will use its leverage to get its longtime ally North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program and ballistic missiles.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a fresh appeal for calm.

Wang told reporters that although U.S. officials have made clear that a military strike remains a possibility, he believes that Washington would still prefer to de-escalate tensions through multi-sided talks.

Abe said Japan likewise hopes for peaceful dialogue with Pyongyang, but at the same time, dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless. Pressure on North Korea is crucial, the prime minister said.

After meeting with Abe, Pence held talks with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on a new U.S.-Japan economic dialogue to be led by the two.

The new forum for trade talks was launched by Trump and Abe during the Japanese leaders visit to the U.S. in February. In part, it is meant to take the place of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the regional trade pact that Trump withdrew from shortly after taking office.

Pence and Aso said they believed the dialogue could yield opportunities to create new jobs on both sides and to fortify the economic aspects of the alliance.

Read more:

U.S. defence chief says North Korea recklessly tried to provoke with missile launch

Trump, Pence talk tough on North Koreas nuclear ambitions

Japan planning for refugees in event of Korean crisis, Japans PM says

We would like to seek the best shape and forum for our bilateral relationship, Pence said. The TPP is a thing of the past for the United States of America.

He said Trump is certain that negotiating trade deals with individual countries was the best way to ensure they yield win-win situations for both sides.

The talks Tuesday did not delve into sector-by-sector issues such as auto exports. With no U.S. trade representative yet in office and other key positions still unfilled, such nitty-gritty discussions will have to come later.

The loss of U.S. participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership was a blow to Japan following strenuous negotiations, especially over opening its long-protected farm sector to more imports, especially of dairy and meat products.

For now, both sides seem eager to downplay potential for conflict, with Aso repeatedly saying that trade friction has been vanquished in a new era of co-operation.

As Indiana governor, Pence saw firsthand the impact of Japanese automakers Toyota, Honda and Subaru, whose factories employ thousands of people in his home state.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who met with Japans trade minister, Hiroshige Seko, earlier Tuesday, said he hopes to soon begin talks on a free-trade agreement with Japan.

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At its meeting this Thursday the Toronto Police Services Board will be considering its response to Ontarios request for feedback on police street checks public awareness.

Street checks, better known as carding, is the practice of police officers questioning people who are not suspected of having committed any crime and are not thought to have knowledge of any particular criminal activity. The officers record the information they obtain about the person. The filing of cards containing such information gave the practice its name.

The province is presently asking police services to comment on public awareness of its recent regulation on carding. However, the Toronto Police Services Board is virtually ignoring a report, paid for and commissioned by the board itself, which clearly implies carding should be abolished.

A little background. In 2010, the Toronto Star reported on its detailed study of six years of carding of hundreds of thousands of people by Toronto Police. The study demonstrated that black people had been carded three times as often as others had been, although only about 8.4 per cent of the residents of Toronto were black.

The Toronto Stars headlines could not be ignored. Over the past seven years, the Toronto Police board has spent an enormous amount of time, effort and money trying to find ways that carding could be regulated so it does not entail racial profiling and violations of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Many people argued that carding had to be abolished since it would be harmful no matter what regulations were imposed. The police board adopted several different policies but refused to ban the practice. The Province of Ontario enacted a regulation that still permits carding and is now asking all Ontario police services to comment on the publics awareness of this regulation.

Late last year, the board retained highly respected criminologists Anthony Doob and Rosemary Gartner to research the effectiveness of carding. Doob and Gartner presented their extensive report to the board on March 23. The Doob-Gartner Report contains a thorough analysis of many studies on the benefits and harms of carding in many jurisdictions.

They conclude that evidence of any benefit is substantially outweighed by convincing evidence of the harm of such practices both to the person subject to them and to the long term and overall relationship of the police to the community.

Numerous deputations to the board over the past seven years have provided a large amount of anecdotal evidence of such harms; the Doob-Gartner report establishes the harms and the lack of significant benefits beyond any reasonable doubt. In responding to questions from board members, Doob made it clear that carding causes those harms even if the officers involved behave impeccably.

There is only one reasonable response to the Doob-Gartner report: immediately end carding. However, unless public pressure mounts, it is very unlikely the police board will do so.

The minutes of the March 23 meeting state: The Board received the presentation and thanked Professor Doob and Professor Gartner for their research. The Board said that the Regulated Interaction with the Community and the Collection of Identifying Information Policy will evolve over time and believes that the research will assist it in assessing the Policy.

But professors Doob and Gartner HAVE thoroughly assessed the policy, and have unequivocally concluded the practice is harmful, regardless of the details of the policy. It is irresponsible to let it evolve over time.

The board has continued to allow carding because police chiefs have insisted it is useful. However, the Doob-Gartner study establishes that it is easy to exaggerate the usefulness of these stops, and hard to find data that supports the usefulness of continuing to carry them out.

We cannot blame the police for the continuation of carding; it is natural for police officers to want as much surveillance power as they can get. But we can blame those who are responsible for civilian control of the police. Members of the Toronto Police Services Board, including Mayor John Tory, can and should be blamed if they allow carding to continue in spite of the compelling conclusions of the Doob-Gartner report.

If carding is not completely stopped, there will be many additional harms to police-community relations, many more expenses in carrying out and regulating the practice, continued debates and a number of law suits. Enough already!

Peter Rosenthal is adjunct professor of law and professor emeritus of mathematics at the University of Toronto. He is also a practicing lawyer.

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Its entirely possible that Alberta NDP Premier Rachel Notley secretly hopes B.C. premier Christy Clark will soundly beat the NDP in the upcoming provincial election.

Thats because a win by the NDP would put one of Notleys most prized bragging points  the expansion of the Trans Mountain oil pipeline  in jeopardy.

B.C. NDP leader John Horgan, a former colleague of Notleys, opposes the $7.4 billion pipeline, which would transport diluted bitumen from Albertas oilsands to shipping terminals near Vancouver. He has pledged to withdraw B.Cs support if elected on May 9.

That would be a disaster for Notley, who has gone to great lengths to try and convince Albertans that her NDP government not only supports the petroleum industrys expansion plans but sees them as essential to the provinces economic well being.

She often points out her governments Climate Leadership Plan, which includes a carbon tax and a cap on oilsands emissions, paved the way for federal approval of the pipeline. Those carbon reduction strategies, she argues, dampened the arguments against the pipeline mounted by environmentalists, climate change activists, and some indigenous groups, thereby making it easier to gain social license.

For many New Democrats in B.C., Notleys attempts to curb carbon emissions simply werent enough. They reject Kinder Morgans expanded pipeline because of the threat of explosions, leaks, and spills. They dont want tankers full of tarry bitumen plying the waters off their coast, even if it would help Albertas economy.

New Democrats in the B.C. interior are more amenable to the project because it will employ construction workers and local contractors. But the heavily populated areas on the coast will hold the most sway come election time.

Its not clear what the B.C. government could actually do to prevent construction of the pipeline, which has been approved by the National Energy Board and the federal government. But even just delaying the start of construction could be enough to weaken Notleys claim she has been more successful at getting major oil pipelines approved than her conservative predecessors at both the provincial and federal level.

This may not mean much in B.C., but in Alberta it is an important bragging point for an NDP premier, especially since the low price of oil has caused corporate layoffs, reduced investment in the oilpatch, and eroding confidence in the Notleys government.

Last week, Notley announced that none of her staff would be allowed to work for the NDP during the B.C. election. So far Notley has good reason to be worried.

Polls show the NDP are in the lead at 40 per cent with the Liberals a close second. Complicating matters is the support for the Greens, who also oppose The Trans Mountain pipeline. They are up around 17 per cent. At this stage, a minority NDP government with support from the Greens is certainly within the realm of possibility.

At the federal level, Justin Trudeau is also no doubt hoping the NDP lose to Christy Clarks Liberals (even though they arent his brand of Liberals). Throwing a monkey wrench into the Trans Mountain pipeline will only make his life more complicated.

As for the federal NDP, it stands to end up caught in the middle of a nasty fight between two NDP premiers. That should do wonders for its image.

Of course, the NDP was touted to win the 2013 B.C. election. But that was before its leader Adrian Dix revealed he was opposed to the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline, even though Kinder Morgan was still in the midst of the application process.

That seemed to spook voters who felt Dix had gone too far in his quest to outdo the Greens, who were gaining support at the expense of the NDP.

In the end, Christy Clark won a resounding victory.

She may pull it off again. Especially since, according to Democracy Watch, more than $550,000 was donated to the B.C. Liberal party by pipeline-related companies over the past five years.

Notley, no doubt, hopes all that money will save her bacon as well.

Gillian Steward is a Calgary writer and former managing editor of the Calgary Herald. Her column appears every other week. gsteward@telus.net

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On most issues, Donald Trumps tendency to blurt out provocative remarks and vent via Twitter is just bewildering. But when it comes to dealing with North Korea, it borders on frightening.

If ever there was a situation that demands cool heads and rational thinking, its Korea. The norths drive to develop missiles that would let it deliver a nuclear warhead to South Korea, Japan or even the United States poses an obvious threat to the peace of the world.

Even a conventional war in Korea would, the experts warn, lead to hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of casualties. A nuclear exchange is unthinkable.

Into this tinderbox comes the American president with a typical barrage of statements and tweets that dont add up to a coherent policy in what has long been potentially the most dangerous area of the world.

Trump has called on his new best friend, Chinese President Xi Jinping, to put the screws to the North Korean dictator, Kim Jong Un. If China decides to help, that would be great, he tweeted. If not, we will solve the problem without them!

He has sent what he calls an armada of U.S. naval vessels towards Korean waters and blasted jihadists in Afghanistan with the so-called Mother of All Bombs, presumably to show Kim that he means business. And on Monday he had Vice-President Mike Pence posing at the north-south border and proclaiming that the United States era of strategic patience is over.

The rhetoric is impressive, but its not clear what the policy of the Trump administration actually amounts to. According to one report, the presidents national security team has reviewed the Korean situation and concluded that it should aim to put maximum pressure on the North to end the nuclear threat, but not to aim for regime change that would topple the Kim dynasty.

Can it be done? U.S. administrations have tried both sticks and carrots over the years and found that nothing much works when it comes to dealing with the most secretive, most paranoid regime in the world. A glance at a map would suggest that China could readily lean on North Korea, but as Xi explained to Trump last week at their Florida meeting, its not so simple. Long, tangled historical relationships get in the way.

With military options severely limited, then, the logical conclusion is that somehow the U.S. must find a way to re-engage North Korea in negotiations, despite the frustration of earlier efforts.

Surprisingly, despite President Trumps white-hot words now, candidate Trump suggested just that last year. In May 2016 he told an interviewer he would be willing to meet with Kim Jong Un, a major break from U.S. policy, and even proposed withdrawing American troops from South Korea. That led to North Korean state media hailing Trump as a wise politician.

That seems like an eon ago, with threats now flying in both directions. But there is potentially an opening to talk. In the meantime, though, Trump needs to do what doesnt come naturally: stop making needlessly provocative comments and avoid making a very bad situation even worse.

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Snap (SNAP) - Get Free Report CEO Evan Spiegel is facing backlash today for allegedly saying the company would not expand into "poor countries" like India, according to USA Today.

The comments were made public by former employee Anthony Pompliano who is suing the company, claiming he was fired for raising concerns about misleading investors when Snap first went public.

Pompliano said he told Spiegel that Snapchat's international user metrics were "very low," and suggested ways to accelerate growth in those areas.

The complaint alleges Spiegel interrupted him, saying "this app is only for rich people. I don't want to expand into poor countries like India and Spain."

Snap has since issued a response saying, "we are grateful for our Snapchat community in India and around the world."

(What will move markets this quarter and how should investors position themselves ahead of time? Jim Cramer sat down with four of TheStreet's top columnists recently to get their views. Click hereto listen to his latest Trading Strategies roundtable with them and read their advice for stocks, bonds, forex and gold.)
Is Snap's (SNAP) - Get Free Report Snapchat "only for rich people," not for users in "poor countries like India and Spain?" According to some reports, that's what Snap CEO Evan Spiegel had said in the past, despite the company denying those reports.

Those reports were mentioned in a previous story on TheStreet. From that same story:

"The comments were made public by former employee Anthony Pompliano who is suing the company, claiming he was fired for raising concerns about misleading investors when Snap first went public. Pompliano said he told Spiegel that Snapchat's international user metrics were 'very low,' and suggested ways to accelerate growth in those areas. The complaint alleges Spiegel interrupted him, saying 'this app is only for rich people. I don't want to expand into poor countries like India and Spain.'"

As a result, it's not too surprising to hear the calls for users to boycott the app and uninstall it. Similar protests have erupted over Uber and its string of PR nightmares throughout 2017.

While it's unclear whether this will actually impact the company's active user base, it's not a good look for a company that so recently went public. Notably though, the app's rating has taken in a hit in certain app stores.

Snapchat's response? "This is ridiculous. Obviously Snapchat is for everyone. It's available worldwide to download for free."

Shares of Snap closed at $19.94 Monday, down 1.2%.

The self-driving car theme remains alive and well -- and it's not just for tech companies. Although, don't tell General Motors (GM) - Get Free Report that. The Detroit-based automaker plans to invest another $14 million into Cruise Automation, the self-driving research facility it acquired in San Francisco.

The plan includes hiring 1,100 employees to continue building out the developments it has made in this arena. It also calls for doubling the size of the current facility in the area.

GM CEO Mary Barra is obviously behind the self-driving car movement too. "Self-driving technology holds enormous benefits to society in the form of increased safety and access to transportation," she said in the company's press release.

Some investors might be wondering why Ford (F) - Get Free Report and GM continue working on this technology in Silicon Valley when they are based in Michigan. The answer is simple, really. Since self-driving technology is so reliant on programming and technological expertise, the automakers know they'll have an easier time attracting top talent in the Bay area rather than in Michigan.

Shares of General Motors closed at $33.90 Monday, up 1.5%

Are hotels conspiring against Airbnb? According to recent reports, it may seem that way. An excerpt from SiliconBeat sums it up best:

"The New York Times on Sunday revealed an intense, multifaceted campaign by the country's major hotel trade group to promote anti-Airbnb legislation on the state and federal level, aggressively push for investigations into Airbnbs that violate local ordinances, and generally turn public sentiment against the home-sharing company."

These documents were obtained through the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

Hotels' frustration with Airbnb is understandable. While hotel visits are still trusted and used by millions, younger customers have also begun using Airbnb for plenty of their journeys, whether business or pleasure.

Renting a home or condo makes life feel a bit more "normal," having access to a more a homely stay. Airbnb and hotels each have their pros and cons, but one thing is simple: Airbnb takes away customers from hotels.

While that doesn't necessarily validate this anti-Airbnb campaign, it does explain it. Airbnb has taken decades to grow either. Its emergence has really been felt over just the past few years. Airbnb boasts a valuation north of $30 billion, according to its most recent funding rounds.

The hotel association defended itself, saying it's not about the profits per se. Instead, it's to create a level playing field and trying to make sure Airbnb plays by the same rules they have to abide by.

It also goes to show that while technology can make our lives better -- Uber, Airbnb, self-driving cars, etc. -- it can also make legislation a tricky road to navigate.

This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.
The U.K. pound fell sharply in mid-morning trading in London after Prime Minister Theresa May planned a formal statement outside Downing Street, a move typically associated with major government announcements that some have linked to an early national election.

The pound, which had touched an 8-week high of 1.2608 against the U.S. dollar, fell more than 0.35% to 1.2525 immediately after the press lobby was informed of the statement, which is set for 11:15 BST, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister confirmed to TheStreet. The currency pared losses after that to around 0.2% and was marked at 1.2536 at 10:35 BST.

Benchmark 10-year U.K. government bond yields, known as Gilts, were also active, falling below the 1% level for the first time since early October.

Under the Fixed Term Parliament Act, the current government, which was elected in May of 2015, would need to serve a full five years before going to the polls. However, if a two-thirds majority of UK lawmakers vote to dissolve the current parliament, new elections can be held prior to the conclusion of the term.

The ruling Conservative Party holds 330 of Parliament's 650 seats, while the opposition Labour Party holds 229 and the Scottish National Party holds 54.
U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May has called for an early general election in order establish a solid mandate for the country's exit from the European Union.

Speaking to the media outside Downing Street in an unscheduled statement, May said that "political game-playing" from those in government opposed to the country's EU exit would put the country's stability at risk.

"Britain is leaving the European Union and there can be no turning back. And as we look to the future, the Government has the right plan for negotiating our new relationship with Europe," May said. "At this moment of enormous national significance there should be unity here in Westminster, but instead there is division. "The country is coming together, but Westminster is not."

In a reversal of her earlier position that Parliament should remain in place until 2020, May said she "reluctantly" decided to approach lawmakers for an early national poll on June 8 in order to put to rest "the risks of uncertainty and instability ... and to continue to give the country the strong and stable leadership it demands."

The pound remained volatile amid the announcement, falling to a session low of 1.2525 against the U.S. dollar as news of the Prime Minister's statement surfaced before rising to 1.2631 after she made her election plans public, the highest level since Feb 2.

Britain's benchmark FTSE 100 index, which had been nursing losses throughout the morning session, extended declines to around 1.3% while 10-year government bond yields fell below 1 for the first time since early October.

May said she would put forward a bill to lawmakers Wednesday to repeal the Fixed Term Parliament Act, which keeps the current government in place until at least 2020. A two-thirds majority of UK lawmakers is required to dissolve the current parliament and allow new elections to be held.

The ruling Conservative Party holds 330 of Parliament's 650 seats, while the opposition Labour Party holds 229 and the Scottish National Party holds 54.

Current polling, taken prior to the Prime Minister's statement, suggests the Conservatives would win 44% of the vote at the next election, Labour 23% and the Liberal Democrats 12%.
U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to reverse her earlier position and call a snap election for June 8 has added yet another level of political risk to European markets, with polls now called or expected for each of the region's four largest economies.

The Prime Minister said her "reluctant" decision to abolish the current Parliament and seek a fresh mandate for the country's impending negotiations to exit the European Union was made because opponents are jeopardising "the work we must do to prepare for Brexit at home and it weakens the Government's negotiating position in Europe."

However, not only is decision itself a surprise, given that it is a stark reversal of the Prime Minister's repeated vow to remain in government until 2020, but the timing of it is also somewhat of a shock for European investors who are grappling with upcoming elections in France and Germany and the potential for yet another national vote in Italy in the coming months.

Each of the region's major equity benchmarks has lagged the gains of the S&P 500 so far this year, partly as a result of the political uncertainty, with Germany's DAX rising 4.8%, France's CAC-40 rising 3%, Britain's FTSE 100 rising 0.9% and Italy's FTSE MIB falling 3.7%. Government bond yields, however, have held up reasonably well, in large part due to the ongoing purchases from the European Central Bank and the Bank of England as part of their quantitative easing programs.

France, in fact, heads to the polls this weekend in the first round of its Presidential elections that are effectively deadlocked in a four-way tie between candidates on the far right, the far left and the center of the country's political spectrum.

Marine Le Pen, who heads France's Front National party, is likely to claw her way into the second round of voting, set for May 7, after Sunday's first round, according to recent polls, where she will face centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron.

However, 11th-hour surges in support for far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon and former Prime Minister Francois Fillon have made the race simply too close to call - and more than a third of the country's 47 million voters have said they remain undecided heading into the Sunday vote. That has raised the spectre of two anti-European candidates -- Melenchon and Le Pen -- facing one another in a second-round runoff that could signal massive changes to France's relationship with the European Union.

It could also have implications for Britain's snap election, in which the issue of the country's Brexit referendum -- won by a narrow majority of voters wishing to leave the EU -- will likely be the one-and-only topic of debate in the seven-week campaign.

Germany is also slated to hold national elections later this year, likely in September, amid an ongoing debate about its own place in the European Union and what many see as an unfair financial and political burden on the region's biggest economy. That said, Chancellor Angela Merkel and her coalition of Christian Democrats and Christian Social Unionists still hold firm -- but not commanding -- leads in recent opinion polls over social challenger Martin Schulz and conservative upstart Alternative for Deutscheland (Afd).

Europe's election risks don't end in Berlin, however, given that Italy is currently being held up by Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni after the humiliating defeat of former leader Matteo Renzi's constitutional reform bill late last year. New laws passed in January allow for the easier execution of national elections, and although the current government has said they won't be held until February 2018, few expect what is effectively a caretaker administration to last that long.
Netflix (NFLX) - Get Free Report is holding discussions with Telekom Indonesia, the country's largest Internet service provider, about rolling out its service on its network, Reuters reports.

Netflix has been blocked on Telekom Indonesia since January 2016 because of censorship regulations.

Indonesia's censorship board blocks content that it deems not "healthy" for society, including politically sensitive films such as "The Act of Killing," which is available on Netflix.
In the first quarter of 2017, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) - Get Free Report saw "very little impact" from biosimilar competition to Remicade in the U.S., said chief financial officer Dominic Caruso on an earnings call Tuesday.

Remicade is a treatment for arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease and is a key component of Johnson & Johnson's immunology franchise, which also includes Stelara and Simponi.

Previously the company has said it expects a 10% to 15% market share erosion for Remicade, Tony Butler, an analyst with Guggenheim Securities, noted in an interview on Monday.

Remicade is a treatment for arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease. Pfizer (PFE) - Get Free Reportlaunched Inflector, a biosimilar of Remicade, in November.

"Of course, it's early because the product just launched at the end of last year," Caruso said, referring to Inflectra, a Remicade biosimilar launched by Pfizer in November.

He noted that there's no interchangeability, "so we certainly don't expect that physicians will switch patients," adding: "They may start new patients on therapy. But with the long history that we have of Remicade's efficacy and safety, we believe patients will move slowly to switch to a biosimilar."

Remicade sales in the U.S. were $1.18 billion in the first quarter, down 2.4% year-over-year. Worldwide sales totaled $1.67 billion, down 6%.

Among the topics discussed during the conference call was potential tax reform.

Asked by an analyst for his thoughts on the prospects for corporate tax reform and repatriation, Caruso said he was in Washington last week and his takeaway was that "both the House and the Senate are waiting for guidance from the White House on whether they prefer the border adjustment tax or whether they have another vehicle that they would like to implement."

Also during the call, Caruso said Johnson & Johnson continues to evaluate options for its diabetes care business.

Back in January, when it reported fourth-quarter results, Johnson & Johnson said it was looking at potential strategic options for the diabetes care unit, including LifeScan, Animas and Calibra Medical.

On Tuesday, Johnson & Johnson reported first-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.83, up 5.8% year-over-year, and revenue of $17.8 billion, up 1.6% compared to the same period a year ago. Analysts polled by FactSet Research Systems had forecast adjusted EPS of $1.72 on revenue of $18.02 billion.

Pharmaceutical sales were $8.2 billion, up 0.8% year-over-year. Consumer sales were $ $3.2 billion, up 1%, and medical devices sales were $6.3 billion, representing a 3% rise from the year-ago period.

Also on Tuesday, Johnson & Johnson said its deal to acquire Swiss biotech Actelion Ltd. remains on pace to close in the second quarter. Johnson & Johnson in January said it will

purchase Actelion for $30 billion and plans to spin out the latter's research and development unit into a separate business.

The company has now included the estimated impact of the Actelion acquisition in its financial guidance.

For full-year 2017, Johnson & Johnson raised its sales guidance to $75.4 billion to $76.1 billion and its adjusted earnings guidance to $7.00 to $7.15 a share. Previously, the company has forecast full-year 2017 sales of $74.1 billion to $74.8 billion and adjusted earnings of $6.93 to $7.08 per share.

Shares of Johnson & Johnson were trading at $121.34 on Tuesday, down 3.5%.

In February, Johnson & Johnson completed its purchase of Abbott Laboratories' (ABT) - Get Free Report medical optics business in a $4.325 billion deal first announced in September.
FDA cancer drug chieftain Rick Pazdur allotted five hours, or half a day, to review Puma Biotechnology's (PBYI) - Get Free Report breast cancer drug neratinib at an advisory committee meeting scheduled for May 24.

If FDA history is a guide, an abbreviated turn in front of a panel of outside experts spells a bad outcome for Puma. Over the past five years, Pazdur has often used half-day sessions of the FDA Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) to administer public floggings to flawed cancer drugs.

Puma is seeking accelerated approval for neratinib as an extended adjuvant treatment of HER-2 positive breast cancer. The company's FDA submission is based largely on a phase III clinical trial showing a modest improvement in disease-free survival at the expense of high rates of severe diarrhea.

There's little about neratinib that isn't controversial, providing ample fodder for Puma bulls and bears to argue over.

The FDA has until July 21 to render a verdict on neratinib. Before making that decision, the FDA's cancer branch, led by longtime agency veteran Pazdur, will vet the neratinib clinical data at the morning session of the ODAC meeting scheduled for May 24.

Puma bulls argue FDA's decision to apportion only half of the ODAC meeting on May 24 to neratinib is positive. Why? Because an abbreviated review session suggests FDA has few concerns with the neratinib clinical data. [If Pazdur hated the neratinib data, he would have scheduled the drug for a full-day hearing, Puma bulls believe.]

They might be right but precedent says otherwise. Over the past five years, Pazdur has brought together the FDA and its ODAC experts for 12 half-day sessions where cancer drugs were reviewed and voted on.

At eight of these sessions -- two-thirds of the time -- the FDA was sharply critical of the cancer drugs being reviewed, leading to ODAC panel votes against approval.

At the remaining four half-day ODAC sessions, the cancer drugs received positive recommendations supporting approval.

In September 2016, ODAC concluded a half-day session to vote against a bladder cancer drug from Spectrum Pharmaceuticals (SPPI) - Get Free Report . The negative vote was prompted by a blistering attack against the drug by the FDA's cancer division.

The same thing happened in April 2016 to Clovis Oncology (CLVS) - Get Free Report . The FDA scheduled an abbreviated ODAC meeting to review the company's lung cancer drug. The FDA review was negative and the experts on the panel decided the drug was not approvable.

In both cases, it was clear FDA only scheduled half-day ODAC sessions because there was little need to waste extra time reviewing drugs not ready for approval.

Here's a breakdown of the ODAC half-day sessions going back to 2012:

2015: Positive vote for Eli Lilly's lung cancer drug necitumumab.

2014: Negative vote for Novartis panobinostat in multiple myeloma.

2013: Negative votes for AVEO Pharma's tivozanib and Delcath System's Melblez.

2012: Positive votes for Onyx Pharma's Kyprolis, Talon Therapeutics' Marquibo and GlaxoSmithKline's pazopanib. Negative votes for Merck's ridaforolimus, Eisai's Dacogen and Amgen's Xgeva.

Adam Feuerstein writes regularly for TheStreet. In keeping with company editorial policy, he doesn't own or short individual stocks, although he owns stock in TheStreet. He also doesn't invest in hedge funds or other private investment partnerships. Feuerstein appreciates your feedback; click here to send him an email.
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. operates as a diversified financial services company in the United States. The company's Retail Banking segment offers checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, credit cards, education loans, and personal and small business loans and lines of credit; and brokerage, insurance, and investment and cash management services. This segment serves consumer and small business customers through a network of branches, ATMs, call centers, and online and mobile banking channels. Its Corporate & Institutional Banking segment provides secured and unsecured loans, letters of credit, and equipment leases; cash and investment management services, receivables and disbursement management services, funds transfer services, international payment services, and access to online/mobile information management and reporting; foreign exchange, derivatives, fixed income, securities underwriting, loan syndications, and mergers and acquisitions and equity capital markets advisory related services; and commercial loan servicing and technology solutions. It serves mid-sized and large corporations, and government and not-for-profit entities. The company's Asset Management Group segment offers investment and retirement planning, customized investment management, credit and cash management solutions, and trust management and administration services for high net worth and ultra high net worth individuals, and their families; and multi-generational family planning services for ultra high net worth individuals and their families. It also provides outsourced chief investment officer, custody, private real estate, cash and fixed income client solutions, and fiduciary retirement advisory services for institutional clients. The company has 2,591 branches and 9,502 ATMs. The company was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Enbridge Inc. operates as an energy infrastructure company. The company operates through five segments: Liquids Pipelines, Gas Transmission and Midstream, Gas Distribution and Storage, Renewable Power Generation, and Energy Services. The Liquids Pipelines segment operates pipelines and related terminals to transport various grades of crude oil and other liquid hydrocarbons in Canada and the United States. The Gas Transmission and Midstream segment invests in natural gas pipelines, and gathering and processing facilities in Canada and the United States. The Gas Distribution and Storage segment is involved in natural gas utility operations serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Ontario, as well as natural gas distribution and energy transportation activities in Quebec. The Renewable Power Generation segment operates power generating assets, such as wind, solar, geothermal, and waste heat recovery facilities; and transmission assets in North America and Europe. The Energy Services segment provides energy marketing services to refiners, producers, and other customers; and physical commodity marketing and logistical services in Canada and the United States. The company was formerly known as IPL Energy Inc. and changed its name to Enbridge Inc. in October 1998. Enbridge Inc. was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
- Fatuma Mohamed Masou was found dead by police more than a month ago

- Police reportedly did not immediately identify her

- Masou had a Ksh2 million bounty on her head and was wife to slain terrorist suspect, Kassim Omondi

Fatuma Mohamed Masou, one of Kenya's most wanted terrorism suspects, has been found dead.

Police found the body of Ms Masou in Kedong, Naivasha, over a month ago but reportedly did not make a positive identification of her immediately.

Ms Masou had been in hiding since September last year and had a Ksh2 million bounty on her head.

Fatuma Mohamed Masou's body was found in Kedong, Naivasha

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She was also the wife of Kassim Omondi, a suspected terrorist whom police killed in a raid in June 2013.

Police reportedly suspected Ms Masou of having provided shelter and hiding to another suspected terrorist, Ishmael Shosi, whom police also killed during a raid in Kisauni, Mombasa, in September last year.

READ ALSO: Police shoot terrorist dead at his hideout in Kisauni, Mombasa

Police first arrested Ms Masou after the raid that killed her husband in 2013, but she was released soon thereafter after denying charges of possession of firearms.

Police reportedly used fingerprints to make a positive identification of Ms Masou, whose body was found alongside the body of another suspected terrorist, Farid Omar Awadh.

READ ALSO: Al-Shabaab suspect is not one of us, says KWS

According to Adam Ali Hassan, a Muslim preacher in Naivasha, Ms Masou's family also identified her body but refused to take part in her burial.

Mr Hassan said: "We also got in touch with the family of Masou and, after giving them her physical descriptions, they confirmed that she was the one. They have given us the go-ahead to bury her.

Before her death, police believed Ms Masou to have been armed and dangerous.

Below is a news coverage of another suspected terrorist found dead in November last year.

Have something to add to this article or suggestions? Send to news@tuko.co.ke

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Militants launched 32 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in ATO area in Donbas over the past day.

This is reported by the ATO press center.

The tensest situation was observed in Mariupol direction, where the enemy used grenade launchers and small arms to shell Ukrainian positions near Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol), Talakivka (20km north-west of Mariupol) and Pavlopol (30 km northeast of Mariupol). Ukrainian marines in Vodiane (16km north-west of Donetsk) came under anti-tank grenade launcher and heavy machine gun fire.

In Donetsk direction, militants fired at Avdiivka (18km north of Donetsk), using 82mm mortars, grenade launchers and heavy machine guns. Ukrainian positions outside Butovka coal mine (11.4km north-west of Donetsk) came under anti-tank grenade launcher, heavy machine gun and small arms fire.

In Luhansk direction, terrorists used anti-tank grenade launchers to shell Ukrainian strongholds near Novooleksandrivka (65km west of Luhansk).

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Ukraines Minister of Defense Stepan Poltorak today has begun an official visit to the Italian Republic, the ministrys press service reports.

Minister of Defense Poltorak during the visit will meet with Italian Minister of Defense Roberta Pinotti and Chief of Defense Staff of the Italian Armed Forces General Claudio Graziano, reads the report.

Also, Minister Poltorak will hold talks with President of the NATO Parliament Assembly Paolo Alli, representatives of the Ukrainian community in Italy, as well as will visit wounded Ukrainian soldiers undergoing treatment in the Italian military hospital Celio.

iy
No Ukrainian soldiers were killed, but one serviceperson was wounded in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in eastern Ukraine over the past day.

Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Spokesperson for ATO issues Colonel Oleksandr Motuzianyk said this at a press briefing on Tuesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"As a result of combat actions over the last day, no Ukrainian soldiers were killed, but one serviceperson of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was wounded. This took place as a result of enemy mortar shelling near Chermalyk [a village in Donetsk region], he said.

iy
Defense Minister of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak held talks with President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Paolo Alli.

This has been reported by the press service of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine.

The parties discussed security situation in Ukraine and reforms of Ukraines Defense Ministry and army.

The Ukrainians are ready to defend their country and European democratic values, Poltorak said, stressing that the reforms in the context of current situation in east of Ukraine were rather challenging.

Mr Paolo Alli praised the ongoing reforms in Ukraine and said that Italy was a true friend of Ukraine.

ish
Ukraines Deputy Minister for Temporary Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons Yuriy Hrymchak says that Ukraine continues to purchase coking coal from Russia.

The deputy minister stated this on NewsOne TV Channel, when commenting on the report that in the first quarter of 2017, a share of Russian coking coal imports exceeded 50%, while the total volume of coal imports was 413 thousand tons.

As to coking coal, it is still purchased from Russia. We havent had enough coking coal since before the war, Hrymchak noted.

At present Ukraine purchases 221 thousand tons of coking coal in Russia, 73 thousand tons of coking coal  in South Africa, 119 thousand tons - in Poland.

iy
First Deputy Chairman of Kyiv City State Administration Hennadiy Plis says that Kyiv received about $5 million in technical assistance from foreign donors in support of the city infrastructure in 2017, the administrations press service reports.

We have a problem - what to do with Kyivenergo [the company supplying electricity and heating]. In particular, using endowment funds we study the situation, conduct an audit, etc. In addition, EUR 200 thousand was allocated to study the situation with Podilsky bridge. This is a financial assistance from Germany, and City Mayor Vitali Klitschko actively cooperates with this country, which helps us and assures us that it is quite possible to collect an investor pool from the German Federal Republic and to find means to modernize this bridge, the first deputy chairman of Kyiv City State Administration said.

He also stressed that this year Kyiv invests own funds totaling about UAH 1 billion in the construction of Podilsky bridge, while about UAH 7 billion is needed to complete the construction works. According to Plis, Kyiv expects that the rest of the needed funds will be received from investors.

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The expert examination conducted by German specialists showed that the Podilsko-Voskresenskyi bridge was in reasonably good condition and the cost of further construction would be EUR 350 million.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has stated this on Kyiv TV channel, the mayor's press service reports.

It was the first visit by German Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure Alexander Dobrindt to Kyiv. He looked over the bridge and handed the expert evaluation findings, which were prepared by the German side. I would like to remind that the German side allocated EUR 200 thousand to carry out this expert examination, Klitschko said.

According to the expert evaluation findings, the Podilsko-Voskresenskyi bridge is in reasonably good condition and the estimated cost of its further construction is EUR 350 million. In the next few months, meetings with potential investors are expected to be held with the assistance of the German side.

mk
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov states that it is necessary to strengthen cooperation between Ukraine and the People's Republic of China.

He said this during a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Ukraine Du Wei, the press service of the National Security and Defense Council reported.

"We should enhance our cooperation in various fields to a fundamentally new level that will meet the interests of our countries," Turchynov said.

In turn, Chinese Ambassador Du Wei noted that China firmly supported the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of Ukrainian-Chinese cooperation in political, economic and security spheres.

ish
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a phone call with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

This has been reported by the press service of the Head of State.

President Poroshenko thanked for an unwavering support of Turkey for Ukraines independence and territorial integrity.

The leaders discussed future steps with a view to enhance strategic partnership between the two states. In this context, they noted the importance of holding the sixth session of the Ukrainian-Turkish High-Level Strategic Council in Kyiv.

The President expressed condolences over the helicopter crash in eastern Turkey.

ish
Kyiv will host the Drone Festival on April 29.

"The Drone Festival of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones, quadrocopters), a unique event for Ukraine, will be held in Kyiv on April 29, 2017 by the company Service Center Navigation in cooperation and with the support of the National Association of Aviation and Unmanned Systems of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Association of Drone Racing and the All-Ukrainian Aviation Association AOPA-Ukraine. The program of the festival includes the exhibition of UAVs and the competition of participants," the festival organizer informs.

The event will be held at the Start Stadium, 26-28/4 Sholudenko Street in Kyiv. Everyone interested will be able to get acquainted with the technical capabilities and equipment of the represented unmanned aerial vehicles and watch the demonstration flights and competitions.

ol
04/10/2017

Lowell Sun

By Christopher Scott

LOWELL -- Former state Sen. Steven Panagiotakos, hailed as a giant of a politician who never forgot his humble beginnings, was recognized Monday for his key role in the development of products so infinitesimally tiny they could fit on the head of pin.

UMass Lowell honored former state Senator Steven Panagiotakos for his help in securing $35 million to build the Mark and Elisia Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center on UML's North Campus. The building's lobby was named for Panagiotakos, who represented the 1st Middlesex District for nearly 14 years and rose to become chairman of the powerful Senate Ways and Means Committee. He announced his resignation from politics in 2010.

The late morning ceremony left no doubt that without Panagiotakos' advocacy the building that has come to symbolize the UML renaissance might never have moved off the drawing board.

Several speakers, including UMass President Marty Meehan, Chancellor Jacquie Moloney, state Rep. David Nangle and City Manager Kevin Murphy, used the event to mark Panagiotakos' many achievements -- which they said were done in the name of Lowell first and foremost.

The Saab building was the university's first new academic building since the 1970s. Panagiotakos helped secure the appropriation from the state Legislature in 2006, a year before he became chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Today, the building is home to cutting-edge nanotechnology research and development, with far-reaching applications into such diverse fields as the war on cancer, personal electronics, and commercial aircraft de-icing.

"When he first mentioned nanotechnology we didn't know what the hell he was talking about," said Rep. David Nangle, with a chuckle. "We thought it was an action figure."

Today, the Saab building is a business-incubator that helps drive the economic engine that is UML. Companies like Raytheon are in partnership with the university to develop highly advanced products -- some tiny and invisible to the naked eye -- that pack a punch.

"We're here today to recognize the man who made it all possible," Moloney said.

Ironically, the event almost didn't happen. The university has wanted to recognize Panagiotakos for a number of years, but the humble Highlands resident who cut his political teeth on the Lowell School Committee would have none of it.

It wasn't until recently that he came around.

"It just seemed right," Panagiotakos said following the ceremony.

"Did they spell your name right," Lowell businessman George Behrakis joked with his friend. "But seriously, a well-deserved honor."

In typical fashion, Panagiotakos took the spotlight off himself and shared it with Nangle, Rep. Thomas Golden and Murphy, the former 18th Middlesex District representative.

As Panagiotakos took to the podium, many former Senate colleagues from across the state who attended cheered him on, such as Steve Baddour from Methuen and Therese Murray from Plymouth.

"We shared a unity of spirit and mind," said Panagiotakos. "This is our home, and we worked as a team."

"He was never one to take the credit," recalled Murphy. "Steve always included us in the press conferences."

A local history buff, Panagiotakos used the event for a short history lesson. Noting the proximity of the Saab building to the nearby Pawtucket Falls on the Merrimack River, Panagiotakos explained their places in history: from a once rich fishing area to an early border between Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

"To appreciate where your are it's important to know where you came from," Panagiotakos said. "I'm just very thankful to have played a part in the newest chapter of history along the Pawtucket Falls."
Hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli jails began a hunger strike on Monday in response to a call by prominent prisoner Marwan Barghouti, widely seen as a possible future Palestinian president.

Palestinians termed the open-ended strike a protest against poor conditions and an Israeli policy of detention without trial that has been applied against thousands since the 1980s.

Israel said the move by the prisoners, many of whom were convicted of attacks or planning attacks against Israel, was politically motivated.

The protest was led by Barghouti, 58, a leader of the mainstream Fatah movement of the Palestine Liberation Organization, serving five life terms after being convicted of murder in the killing of Israelis in a 2000-2005 uprising.

The strike, if sustained, could present a challenge to Israel and raise tensions between the two sides as the 50th anniversary of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip approaches in June.

Israeli troops and settlers pulled out of the Gaza Strip, now run by Hamas Islamists, in 2005, but peace talks on the creation of a Palestinian state collapsed with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in 2014.

In an opinion piece in the New York Times on Monday, Barghouti said a strike was the only way to gain concessions after other options had failed.

"Through our hunger strike, we seek an end to these abuses ... Palestinian prisoners and detainees have suffered from torture, inhumane and degrading treatment and medical negligence. Some have been killed while in detention," he wrote.

Field hospital

Israel denies Palestinian inmates are mistreated and Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said the Barghouti-led protest was "prompted by internal Palestinian politics and therefore includes unreasonable demands".

Palestinian officials said some 1,500 inmates affiliated with all political factions including rival Fatah and Hamas were taking part in the protest. An Israel Prisons Service spokesman said some 1,100 inmates at eight jails had joined the strike.

Almost 6,500 Palestinians are being held in 22 Israeli prisons, said Qadoura Fares, head of the Palestinian Prisoners' Club that advocates on behalf of the inmates.

The Prisoners' Club said a main demand was for Israel to halt detention without trial for some 500 Palestinians currently being held, and for an end to solitary confinement.

The strikers also want better medical treatment and that disabled inmates or those suffering chronic illness be freed, access to more television channels and more phone contact with relatives and more family visits.

The strike prompted a large rally in Gaza and a protest broke out near the occupied West Bank town of Bethlehem where Palestinian demonstrators clashed with Israeli forces.

Palestinians consider brethren held in Israeli jails as national heroes. Long-term mass hunger strikes by Palestinian prisoners are rare, but in past cases of individual inmates who stopped eating for weeks, detention terms were shortened or not renewed after they were hospitalized in critical condition.

Erdan said a field hospital would be erected next to one prison - an apparent move to pre-empt transfers to civilian medical facilities, which could draw wider media attention.

Abbas, 82, said in a statement that efforts would continue to secure prisoners' freedom. He condemned what he called Israel's intransigence in the face of "fair" prisoner demands.
Military officials in Pakistan say a would-be Islamic State female suicide bomber had planned to assault a church during Easter celebrations Sunday in Lahore before a counterterrorism raid captured her this past Friday.

Army spokesman General Asif Ghafoor at a news conference Monday identified the suspect as Naureen Leghari, saying she is still under investigation.

The young woman, officials say, has told investigators she was contacted and radicalized by IS operatives through social media.

Ghafoor also dismissed reported claims that Leghari had traveled to Syria and received training at IS-run terror camps there. He said the evidence collected so far has established she never went to Syria.

"We are debriefing her. Our first effort is that she should go back and live a normal life. And the next is that we should do measures collectively as a nation that our kids are not misguided and they are not lured into such activities again," Ghafoor said.

The spokesman released a video confessional statement in which Leghari says she was studying in a medical college in the southern city of Hyderabad and only recently moved to Lahore with two other accomplices to execute the terrorist plot.

"We were given two suicide vests, four hand grenades and some bullets by our organization. The [explosives-filled] jackets were to be used for an attack on a church on Easter and I was tasked to be the suicide bomber," Leghari said. "But the security forces raided their hideout on the night of April 14 and arrested them."

Pakistani authorities have repeatedly asserted that there is no "organized" presence of IS in the country, but critics question those claims, citing recent arrests of loyalists of the group from major cities, including the national capital of Islamabad and Karachi.

More than 70 people, including Muslims and Christians, were killed during Easter celebrations in 2016 when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a crowded park in Lahore, the capital of the country's most populous province of Punjab. A splinter Pakistani Taliban faction, Jamaatul Ahrar, or JuA, claimed responsibility for the bloodshed.

Ghafoor said that Friday's raid that led to Leghari's detention was conducted as part of a nationwide military-led operation launched in February to rid Pakistan of militant networks linked to terrorist groups, including IS.

A series of deadly suicide bombings across Pakistan in early February prompted the military to undertake the operation. Militants linked to JuA took credit for most of the violence, though IS claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing of a Sufi shrine in southern Pakistan that killed scores of people and wounded more than 300 others.

Ghafoor said Monday the security operation has since detained more than 4,500 suspected militants.

He also announced that Ehsanullah Ahsan, a central leader of the Jamaatul Ahrar faction, has surrendered to Pakistani security forces. The military spokesman refused to discuss details or circumstances that led to the surrender of Ahsan, who was allegedly operating out of Afghan border areas.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday the international community should be applying diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea to get that country to abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

Speaking during a visit to Japan, Pence said the U.S. "will not relent" until it achieves the goal of a denuclearized Korean peninsula, and that "all options are on the table."

He cited past international efforts to negotiate with North Korea on its nuclear program, including the most recent six-party talks that broke down in 2009, saying the North Korean side has repeatedly responded with "broken promises and more provocations."

Pence again stated that "the era of strategic patience is over," advocating as the best way forward dialogue among the U.S., Japan, South Korea and China in order to isolate and pressure North Korea.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who hosted Pence for talks in Tokyo, said he appreciates the Trump administration's "all options" approach. Abe added that he hopes for peaceful dialogue with North Korea, but that dialogue for the sake of dialogue has no value.

Watch: North Korea reacts to tough talk from Trump

The comments came a day after North Korea tried and failed to launch a missile from its submarine base at Sinpo.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis called the failed missile launch a reckless provocation. The leader in North Korea again recklessly tried to provoke something by launching a missile, Mattis told reporters Tuesday aboard a U.S. military aircraft while en route to Saudi Arabia.

Back in Washington, White House press secretary Sean Spicer indicated tolerance for a bit more patience on the U.S. side during a briefing with reporters Monday.

I think that we're going to continue to work with China in particular to help find a way forward, Spicer said.

The press secretary characterized the era of strategic patience as an Obama administration policy of basically wait and see that is not prudent for the United States. But, he added, as a result of the recent talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the current administration is giving Beijing time to use its economic and political influence on Pyongyang.

The vice president, speaking to reporters Monday near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, said President Trump has made it clear that the patience of the United States and our allies in this region has run out and we want to see change. We want to see North Korea abandon its reckless path of the development of nuclear weapons and also its continual use and testing of ballistic missiles is unacceptable.

WATCH: 'The Era of Strategic Patience is Over,' Pence Says

At a hastily called news conference Monday in New York, North Korea's deputy ambassador to the United Nations, Kim In Ryong, accused the United States of pushing the Korean peninsula "to the brink of a war," warning that a "thermo-nuclear war may break out at any moment on the peninsula."

Referring to the deployment of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier and its strike group to waters off the Korean peninsula, Kim said if Washington "dares opt for a military action," calling it a preemptive strike, "the DPRK is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the U.S."

Such belligerent rhetoric from North Korea's state media and officials is common.

Pyongyang has yet to conduct its anticipated sixth nuclear test, amid indications it has made all preparations for such an event. North Korea held a massive military parade Saturday, exhibiting some new long-range and submarine-based missiles.

Pence's visit to Northeast Asia comes at a time of heightened tensions over North Korea's defiant efforts to ultimately develop a nuclear tipped intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, and the Trump administration's determination to prevent that from happening.

"I think the U.S. has been clear that we want to resolve this issue through the peaceful de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula," said Acting Assistant Secretary of State Susan Thornton. "We are definitely not seeking conflict or regime change, but we are committed to defending our people and our allies, should it be necessary."

Trump on Monday told a reporter that North Korea has "got to behave" and, in remarks recorded for airing Tuesday on a Fox News program, contended that his presidential predecessors had "all been outplayed" by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

It is a questionable whether Trump is serious about the use of force against Kim or just bluffing to pressure him and the Chinese, according to one analyst.

The national security adviser, General H.R. McMaster, and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis "are well aware that North Korea is not Syria or Afghanistan, and that a military strike against the North is a risky gambit whose full import is impossible to anticipate," a former CIA analyst on Korean issues, Sue Mi Terry, told VOA.

"My take is that all of this rhetoric is simply to ramp up the pressure and signal to the world, particularly China and North Korea, that they are not pushovers like they think the Obama administration had been," added Terry, who served as Northeast Asia affairs director on the National Security Council at the end of the Bush and beginning of the Obama administrations.

Terry said she sees the Trump administration's approach as "an intensification of Obama's sanctions approach," adding it is yet unclear what is replacing strategic patience.
A top U.S. politician visiting South Sudan says he will urge colleagues to maintain assistance to the country despite severe cuts in foreign aid proposed by the Trump administration.

Senator Christopher Coons (D-Delaware), who is in rebel-controlled Ganyiel of former Unity State this week, said he was shocked to learn that the town's entire population depends on humanitarian agencies for food.



The senator noted there are no roads going into and out of Ganyiel, so all equipment and relief aid must be delivered by air, which is extremely expensive.

We will have to make stronger arguments for why particular U.N. missions and particular countries should remain a priority," Coons told VOA's South Sudan in Focus on Monday.

"South Sudan currently has the largest and most difficult refugee problem in the entire continent of 54 countries. I think it should remain a priority but there will be some difficult negotiations between Congress and the Trump administration, said Coons.

Since the outbreak of South Sudan's conflict in late 2013, the United States has contributed at least one billion dollars toward humanitarian aid in the African country. The budget proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump would cut total U.S. aid abroad by more than 30 percent.

This marks the first visit to South Sudan for Coons, the former chairman and member of the Senate Subcommittee on African Affairs. The U.S. lawmaker also visited a refugee camp in neighboring Uganda, which hosts hundreds of thousands of South Sudanese who fled the violence back home.

Coons said he came to Ganyiel to familiarize himself with U.S.-funded projects aimed at combating hunger and health problems in the area. U.N. agencies declared two counties of former Unity State famine-stricken in February.

Coons also visited Panyijar County, which hosts tens of thousands of internally displaced persons who fled to the area from Mayendit and Leer, the two former Unity State counties hit by famine.



Panyijar County Commissioner John Tap asked Senator Coons to deliver to a message to the Trump administration.



The Obama administration was not serious about resolving the South Sudan conflict, said Tap. He said even if the U.S. government continues to pour millions of dollars into South Sudan for humanitarian aid, it will do nothing if there is no peace. He called the money useless.

Coons urged South Sudanese leaders to find workable solutions to the conflict.



This is not the time to assume that the U.S. will always be present and will always provide support. I think that makes it an urgent time for the leaders of South Sudan to find a peaceful resolution to the widening violence and the conflict, he said.
LABOR

Bank of America settles racial bias case

Bank of America is settling a case, disputed since 1993, that its predecessor company systematically discriminated against black applicants for entry-level jobs.

The Labor Department said Monday that the largest U.S. consumer bank settled the nearly 24-year-old case against its Charlotte-based predecessor, NationsBank. The agency said Bank of America will pay $1 million in back wages and interest to 1,027 people who applied for North Carolina clerical, teller and administrative positions a generation ago.

The banks penalty roughly corresponds to what a Labor Department review board last year determined it should pay. The bank challenged the decision in federal court before reaching the settlement. Bank of America said in a statement that it disagrees with the department analyses and is committed to fair hiring practices.

 Associated Press

TECHNOLOGY

Time Warner cleared for sale of TV station

U.S. regulators have approved Time Warners sale of its only TV station, clearing a transaction that helps ease scrutiny of the film and TV giants proposed $85.4 billion purchase by AT&T.

The Federal Communications Commission on Friday granted Meredith Corp. permission to buy WPCH in Atlanta from Time Warners Turner Broadcasting System, the agency said in an announcement on its website.

The FCC, which oversees broadcast licenses, could have grounds to scrutinize the AT&T-Time Warner deal if the station were part of the transaction.

Were pleased that the FCC approved the application, Art Slusark, a Meredith spokesman, said in an email. The price for the station is roughly $70 million, according to a regulatory filing.

The Justice Department is conducting an antitrust review that examines the impact on competition of the Time Warner-AT&T deal.

 Bloomberg News

Also in Business

Boeing plans to lay off hundreds of engineers in Washington state and other locations, as the plane maker faces slowing aircraft sales. The latest job cuts, to take effect June 23, follow an exodus of 1,500 mechanics and 305 engineers and technical workers who agreed to leave voluntarily earlier this year. Union and nonunion workers will be affected, a spokesman for Boeing said Monday. Additional engineering job cuts may follow this year, said John Hamilton, vice president of engineering.

A California utility has launched a system combining a hybrid battery and gas turbine to produce and store electricity for use when power demand soars. The Hybrid Electric Gas Turbines are the first of their kind in the world, officials with Southern California Edison and the manufacturer, General Electric, said Monday. Edison President Ron Nichols said the twin systems that went online March 30 operate similarly to a hybrid car  drawing first on the battery, then switching over to the gas turbine if power demands spike.

Arconics Klaus Kleinfeld will step down as chief executive and chairman after the companys board of directors found that he sent a letter to its largest shareholder without telling them, Arconic said Monday. A spokeswoman declined to reveal the letters contents. Arconic was spun off from aluminum company Alcoa last year. Arconic said Kleinfeld sent a letter to a senior official at Elliott Management, an activist investor that has been pushing Arconic to replace Kleinfeld.

U.S. home builders are feeling slightly less optimistic about their sales prospects. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index released Monday slipped to 68 this month. Thats down three points from 71 in March, when it jumped to the highest level since June 2005. Readings above 50 indicate more builders view sales conditions as good rather than poor. Readings gauging builders view of sales now and over the next six months also edged lower, as did a measure of traffic by prospective buyers.

 From news reports

Coming today

8:30 a.m.: Commerce Department releases housing starts for March.

9:15 a.m.: Federal Reserve releases industrial production for March.

Earnings: Bank of America, Johnson & Johnson, United Health Group.
Some Democratic senators who face reelection next year are gearing up for a tough sell: that they still represent their voters interests, even if theyve stuck with a party many of those voters have abandoned.

The following charts explain which lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are the most mismatched with their constituents, as judged by their preference in recent presidential elections. These will be some of the most interesting races to watch in 2018.





Well start with this map of states colored based on an analysis of 2012 and 2016 presidential election results called the Partisan Voter Index (PVI).





Next, lets line those states up from most Democratic to most Republican. They range from solidly Democratic Hawaii on the left, all the way to safely Republican Wyoming on the right. In recent decades, many have shifted further into one camp or the other.





Now lets look at the political party of each states two senators  Democratic, independent and Republican.

Next, well measure senators ideologies, from liberal to conservative, using a measure called DW-Nominate.





Of course, most Republicans fall in the upper right-hand corner of the chart, with a conservative voting record and a state that votes more Republican for president. The opposite is true for Democrats, with a majority falling in the lower left-hand, liberal-Democratic corner.





But there is a small group of senators whose states recently voted against their party for president. That puts them in an awkward spot.





Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, for example, would be asking conservative voters from North Dakota (R+17) to support a reelection bid next year. Those same voters gave Donald Trump a 36-point win over Hillary Clinton in 2016.





At times, senators like Heitkamp will need to break ranks to show that they represent their voters interests, rather than their party. All three Democrats who voted in favor of Neil M. Gorsuchs Supreme Court nomination fall into this category.





On the Republican side, Sen. Susan Collins (Maine, D+3) was one of a few who broke with her party to vote no on some confirmations for Trumps Cabinet.





Democrats have a lot of work to do, with many more seats up for reelection in 2018. Whats worse for them: Many are in states that recently supported Mitt Romney, Donald Trump or both for president.





Take a look at the House , where the pattern is similar. Most of the seats are expected to be fairly safe, though Democrats have been watching recent special elections to see whether they want to compete in districts previously thought to be safely Republican.

See how the Democrats form more of a line, and Republicans are a taller, round cluster? This shows Democrats tend to vote similarly on legislation, and Republicans have a wider ideological spread in their voting, challenging party leadership.





Here are the members of the House Freedom Caucus, some of the most conservative Republicans who played an important role in derailing health-care overhaul efforts last month.





And here are the initial lists of House districts the parties hope to flip in 2018. Unsurprisingly, each is targeting the swing districts that sit around the middle of the presidential voting spectrum.

Unlike their colleagues in safe districts, the shrinking group of lawmakers who represent areas that are evenly split or are firmly against their ideological lean must appeal beyond their base.

Its unclear if the tough odds for Democrats will result in a poor showing, as Republicans face their own set of challenges. Chief among these are the current lack of Senate challengers and Trumps low approval rating, which could jeopardize the House majority.
Dear Heloise: I let my phone ring four times, and then the answering service comes on. If it is someone wanting a donation or taking a survey, the person will hang up.

If I recognize the voice, I pick up the phone. Or if I recognize the number, I answer it. Sure saves time and steps!

Leo D., Little Rock

Leo D.: Thanks for your letter! You can register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry through the Federal Trade Commission. Call 888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register. A lot of annoying calls will stop after 31 days of registry. This wont stop all calls, but it should cut down on them.

Dear Heloise: Social media has made contact with companies easier and faster than ever before. I was in the market for a good used car, so I friended a woman whose family owns a group of dealerships in town.

She has a large presence on this social-media site, and she promotes sales and special deals that her family is offering.

Of course, I still researched the makes and models I was interested in, but I like the family aspect of knowing the dealership on a new level.

Cindy M. in Dallas

Cindy M. in Dallas: Sometimes things do work out for the better!

Dear Heloise: Spring is a good time to remind everyone (especially teen drivers) that texting while driving is an absolute no-no. Its also against the law in most areas. In fact, all distracted driving takes your focus away from the road, the cars around you, pedestrians, stoplights, etc. Your focus needs to be on driving  nothing else.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (Nhtsa.gov ), distracted driving includes, but is not limited to: texting, eating, applying makeup, fumbling with the radio, singing, using a GPS system and other activities. Do none of these while you are driving.

If you need to text, make a call or do any other activity, pull over to a safe place.

Mike N. in Pennsylvania

Dear Heloise: If talking to someone on Monday and you hear: Come over next Thursday, does that mean the immediate next Thursday or the Thursday of next week? How about Come over Thursday? Heres the hint: Always ask for a calendar date!

E.L.Y., Villa Park, Calif.

Dear Heloise: I love fresh floral arrangements, but they dont last forever. As the flowers start to droop, I replace them with silk flowers. This way, the artificial arrangement looks almost as beautiful as the original fresh bouquet.

Harriet N. in Indiana

Dear Readers: Try not to leave clothing in the car for long periods of time, either in or out of plastic dry-cleaner bags. The hot temperatures in the car and sunlight beating in can fade fabrics and/or set stains.

Heloises column appears six days a week at washingtonpost.com/advice. Send a hint to Heloise , P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
Facebooks existential crisis arrived with a vengeance this week. But Mark Zuckerberg didnt want to talk about it much.

Yes, as he took the stage Tuesday in San Jose for his keynote address at a Facebook conference, he nodded to what had happened just two days before: A coldblooded killing posted for millions to see, with live-streamed commentary from the killer soon after.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim in Cleveland, Zuckerberg said. Well do all we can to prevent tragedies like this from happening.

But then Facebooks founder and chairman dived right into an extended discussion of the next Facebook frontier  augmented reality, which integrates digital information with the users experience in real time.

[We have our closure: Facebook murder suspect killed himself after police pursuit in Pennsylvania]

His mention of the killing, while seemingly sincere, still felt like a kiss-off.

But its not surprising. Denial is, far too often, the Facebook way.

Remember just after the presidential election when Zuckerberg shrugged off the importance of the hyperpartisan lies in the form of news stories  like Pope Francis supposedly endorsing Donald Trump?

Personally I think the idea that fake news on Facebook, which is a very small amount of the content, influenced the election in any way  I think is a pretty crazy idea.

In time, he changed his mind about that, and Facebook, to its credit, has made some significant moves to flag, limit and remove financial incentives for lies and misinformation that spread like a disastrous oil spill during the campaign.

But Facebook still hasnt come to terms with what it really is  a media company where people get their news and which, especially because of the year-old Facebook Live, generates news content. Since it began, rape, a horrible attack on a disabled teenager, and more than one suicide have been live-streamed.

The crux of this is what is Facebooks true nature: a technology that enables anyone to publish anything? Or a self-regulating media company with enforced standards? Emily Bell, director of the Tow Center for digital journalism at Columbia University, told me Monday evening.

Facebooks answer became clear Tuesday morning.

With its nearly 2 billion monthly active users and more than $10 billion in annual profits, Facebook is better at making money and capturing eyeballs than at owning its equally huge power and responsibilities.

David Clinch, global news editor of the verification site Storyful, put it this way: They have to take this issue very seriously and deal with it urgently, or they will surely face more calls for Facebook Live to be put on hold until far more robust controls are put in place.

So far, thats not happening.

In recent months, Facebook has gone out of its way to avoid acknowledging the obvious: It is a media company, not simply a platform for its billion-plus users to share their lives with family and friends. (I called last year for the company to hire an executive editor, as one step, partly a symbolic one, in that direction; that was shortly after a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph was deleted by Facebook, which saw its depiction of the famous Vietnamese napalm girl not as art but as child pornography.)

But there are, of course, business reasons not to accept that. As soon as Facebook acknowledges that it is a publisher and not a platform, it may open itself up to lawsuits that could cut into profits fast.

Better, the thinking apparently goes, to stress technological advances and the ability to connect the whole world with virtual reality, baby pictures and exploding watermelons.

And its Facebook Live has been a force for good, too. Last year, Diamond Reynolds live-streamed the police shooting in Minnesota of her boyfriend, Philando Castile. It was an important piece of bearing witness, made poignant by the presence of Reynoldss tiny daughter.

[Face it, Facebook. Youre in the news business.]

At this crucial moment, Facebooks language often sounds clueless, with its combination of stilted corporate euphemism and childlike wonder about community and sharing.

Following the Cleveland slaying, which remained on the site for hours, a Facebook statement put it like this: This is a horrific crime and we do not allow this kind of content on Facebook.

Later, a Facebook vice president made a seemingly more thoughtful effort to describe the ways the company would use artificial intelligence and a better reporting flow to address the problem.

But none of this was specific enough, or serious enough. Nor did Zuckerbergs brief mention help.

As Clinch wrote on Twitter: Theres no algorithm for this and there is no cheap way to do this with community monitoring and inexperienced staff.

Facebook is immensely and increasingly profitable  it made more than $10 billion last year, up dramatically from 2015. More than four of every five dollars comes from mobile ads, which makes video more and more essential to corporate success.

But this cant go on forever.

Bell summed it up: If Facebook is really interested in the unbiased nature of discourse it would know that totally unmoderated systems favor the authoritarian bully, and suppress free speech rather than enable it. Ask Twitter.

An innocent man and his killer  who committed suicide Tuesday  are dead. But that cant be the end of the story.

For more by Margaret Sullivan visit wapo.st/sullivan
Media and protesters move through the smoke of percussion grenades as protesters and police clash on the streets of the District on Inauguration Day. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

D.C. police this month searched the home of a local activist they say helped spearhead Inauguration Day protests that injured six police officers and resulted in extensive damage in downtown Washington.

Dylan Petrohilos, a 28-year-old graphic designer, said officers broke through the door of his Petworth home early April 3. Police were led to the house after an undercover police officer secretly attended protest-planning meetings in the weeks before the Jan. 20 inauguration, court documents show.

Authorities seized cellphones, computers and a black anti-capitalist, anti-fascist flag from Petrohiloss front lawn, according to the court documents.

Petrohilos has not been charged with any crimes. He says he did nothing illegal as he helped plan the protests and participated in them.

The search was part of an effort by authorities to build a legal case against hundreds of activists accused of conspiring to riot and incite violence on the day President Trump was sworn in. But it also has reignited concerns from activists and others who question whether police went too far in making mass arrests Jan. 20 or in investigating demonstrators exercising their right to free speech.

A limousine burns on Inauguration Day. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

We believe this is an aggressive assault on the right to organize, to protest, said David Thurston, an organizer of Disrupt J20, a group that planned protests at the inauguration.

The D.C. Superior Court document  an affidavit providing justification for searching Petrohiloss home  shows that law enforcement infiltrated several meetings where Disrupt J20 organizers discussed logistics. One was a multiday action camp, according to the affidavit. At another, the undercover police officer and other attendees were asked to place their cellphones in a microwave for fear that law enforcement or people opposed to the group were seeking access to their plans, the document states.

Authorities have alleged that members of Disrupt J20 were behind inauguration protests that turned violent. Some activists, wearing masks and dressed in black, smashed downtown store windows and burned a limousine, resulting in more than $100,000 in damage, officials say. Six officers were injured, including one who was knocked unconscious when a brick or piece of metal thrown by a protester hit him in the head. Officials allege that the protesters employed black bloc tactics, most commonly linked to anarchists.

Police arrested people en masse, and 214 were indicted by a grand jury on charges of felony rioting. One person has pleaded guilty to lesser charges. In the other cases, investigators are working to identify each persons role in the demonstrations.

[Inauguration Days mass arrests are challenging for prosecutors]

Petrohilos was not arrested on Inauguration Day, but court papers say an undercover officer was there when the activist facilitated a Disrupt J20 meeting at a Mount Pleasant church Jan. 8.

A question was posed by an attendee [at the planning meeting] about how arrestable this march was, and Petrohilos noted that MPD does not conduct mass arrests in Washington D.C., the affidavit says. Petrohilos further states that the organizers were asking the participants to wear all black clothing, and the participants should not wear unique clothing because that will make it easier to question or identify them.

Petrohilos said in an interview that police broke through his door on the morning of the search. He said there is no incriminating material on his computers or phones. As a graphic designer, he said, the posters and fliers he made advertising protests on Inauguration Day account for the bulk of the files on his devices.

Facilitating public meetings is a First Amendment-protected activity, he said. I didnt break the law on Inauguration [Day], and I think that its absurd that police are targeting events such as facilitating a public meeting.

Organizers of the Disrupt J20 protests decried the search as a desperate attempt to try to build criminal cases. They held a news conference last week to bring attention to what they called the unjust police tactics used on protesters.

[Defense attorneys allege police trapped and then arrested protesters]

D.C. police defended the search and said in a statement that it was related to an ongoing criminal investigation.

We cannot comment on the specifics of this case, out of concern it would jeopardize the investigation, police said. A judge found enough probable cause to issue this search warrant, and we believe it was in line with our mission of ensuring the safety of all District visitors and residents.

The search warrant affidavit says a seized cellphone belonging to a man arrested at the protests showed that he had been texting with Petrohilos. Petrohilos, according to the affidavit, told the protester that he would be providing route information for the anti-capitalist march.

The affidavit also stated that police heard protesters describing plans during a podcast on an anarchist website. The self-identified anarchists said that protesters were excited to create a mess on Inauguration Day and that the chances of arrest were low.

The unidentified duo on the podcast said that D.C. police had been sued into a state of fear and are now trained little piggies.

The two were referring to the 2002 protests against the World Bank that resulted in the arrest of almost 400 protesters and bystanders at the Districts Pershing Park.

The District and federal authorities in April 2016 settled the final lawsuit filed by demonstrators at Pershing Park, bringing the total payout for the arrests of protesters caught in a trap and detain policy to $13.25 million.

Police have acknowledged that mistakes were made during the Pershing Park demonstrations but have said that during the inauguration, they strategically targeted protesters after the situation turned violent.

Legal arguments over privacy and free speech rights also have become a key part of the pending criminal cases.

On Tuesday, an attorney for Marisa Matthews, a protester from Pittsburgh charged with felony rioting, filed a motion in D.C. Superior Court seeking to have her case dismissed. Matthews says that the government violated her First Amendment rights by, in part, infiltrating planning meetings she attended and that she is being prosecuted for associating with the protest group.

People now fear that if they attend a protest where someone they dont know destroys property, then regardless of innocence they will be charged with felonies, the motion says. This is unhealthy for a Constitution that lives and dies with the vitality of its First Amendment.

In addition, dozens of the defendants are seeking to block a government request to search more than 100 locked cellphones seized during the Inauguration Day arrests.

You have your own private photos and videos on there no one has the right to see, said defense attorney Patrice Sulton, who represents one of those charged. She said the court should review the material first and decide what is relevant.

One of those arrested has reached a deal with prosecutors, who reduced his charge to misdemeanor rioting in exchange for a guilty plea. Jack Sorensen, 18, of Pittsford, N.Y., admitted to being dressed in black, wearing goggles and concealing his face with a mask at the time of the rioting. Sorensen did not admit to causing destruction. His lawyer did not respond to a request for comment.

As part of the plea, prosecutors agreed to one year of supervised probation, a $500 fine and 50 hours of community service. Sorensen was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act, which would allow him, should he successfully complete probation, to emerge with no criminal record because he is under 22.
D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) marches in the citys Emancipation Day parade  held nine days early, on April 8 2017. (J. Lawler Duggan/For The Washington Post)

D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser is traveling for six days and her office will only say that she is on personal travel.

It is at least the third time since taking office in 2015 that Bowser (D) has left the District for several days and her public schedule has not reflected her absence.

Balancing personal privacy and public responsibility is a fraught topic for elected leaders. But the travel of D.C. leaders has been an especially sensitive topic since former mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) traveled to China and the United Arab Emirates on trips announced as personal travel that city officials later disclosed were paid for by foreign governments.

In a statement Monday, Bowser spokesman Kevin Harris said that the mayor was paying her own way, but not where she was. Asked whether a security detail or any other city employee was accompanying Bowser at taxpayer expense, Harris said no. The mayors taxpayer funded salary is $200,000.

The Mayor is on personal travel and will resume a public schedule on Thursday, Harris wrote in an email.  She remains in regular contact and communications with city leadership.

D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) takes a selfie with students at Jesus Suarez Gayol high school in Havana, Cuba, on February 23, 2016. (Bonnie Jo Mount/Washington Post)

As during previous trips, however, the mayors absence was not shared with members of the D.C. Council.

Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) said Monday that he was unaware of the mayors absence. Told of her travel by a reporter, Mendelson said he assumed Bowser would have delegated mayoral authority to a senior staff member for the duration of her absence.

Harris, however, said the mayor had not done so: There is no signed delegation of authority, he said. As is the case whenever she travels, Mayor is in regular contact with city leadership and her cabinet who continue to fulfill their roles and responsibilities.

In case of emergencies, most states require a governor to designate an acting leader when he or she leaves state borders. But in the District, many emergency powers of a governor rest with the federal government, including the ability to mobilize the D.C. National Guard.

Bowsers trip falls the same week that D.C. public schools are on spring break. Monday was also the Districts Emancipation Day holiday, commemorating the 1862 end of slavery in the city, three years before the end of the Civil War.

In tweets Sunday from the mayors official Twitter account, Bowser wrote, Happy Emancipation Day, DC and in another she wrote, Due to the Easter holiday, DC Emancipation Day festivities were held last weekend.

A year ago, Bowser used Emancipation Day to call for a citywide vote on what became a successful ballot measure in favor of petitioning Congress to designate the District as the 51st state.

D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine is also traveling this week. He is in Kenya with the attorney general of Illinois attending a conference on human and sex trafficking. Extraordinary, Racine wrote Monday in a text message. I learned at least as much as I imparted.

[D.C. officials praise Cuban schools, where students have little choice]

The council chairman said he appreciated that the mayor wants privacy on her trip. At the same time, there shouldnt be total secrecy about her travel. And there should be no secrecy with regard to government expense.

Harris would not say whether Bowsers security detail accompanied her to an airport or train station or on any portion of her travel. He also would not say whether she was in the United States or traveling abroad.

In March 2016, Bowsers office declined for three days to identify the mayors location. When told that information would be printed in a news article, Bowser then responded to a text message from a reporter:

Im in Jamaica. Personal travel, she wrote.
A conservative legal watchdog group said it will sue the state of Maryland unless it takes more aggressive action to remove ineligible voters from the registration rolls of Montgomery County, its largest jurisdiction.

In a letter to the Maryland State Board of Elections last week, Judicial Watch cited data showing that there are more registered voters in Montgomery than there are citizens of voting age (18 and over). The group called it strong circumstantial evidence that the states rolls are swollen by voters who are deceased, have moved away or who are not citizens.

Judicial Watch has made similar allegations in more than 90 counties in 11 states, including North Carolina, Florida and Kentucky. Montgomery County, where Democrats have a 2-to-1 registration advantage  is the only Maryland county that was served notice. The group said it will file a lawsuit against Maryland within 90 days unless the state takes corrective action.

Your failure to maintain accurate, up-to-date voter registration lists has created the risk that the 2018 federal elections will lack the integrity required by federal law and by the expectations of Maryland citizens, Judicial Watch President Thomas Fitton said in the April 11 letter to board chairman David McManus Jr.

Maryland officials said they are reviewing the letter, but elections administrator Linda Lamone said in a statement Tuesday that she is confident that the state and local elections boards are complying with the National Voter Registration Act, also known as the motor voter law, which is designed to expand access to voting.

Federal and state law lays out a process for list maintenance of the voter registration database that the local boards of elections in Maryland are instructed to follow, Lamone said. We here at the state board regularly audit the local boards compliance with the process as part of our oversight role.

The board is scheduled to discuss the Judicial Watch letter at its meeting on Thursday.

[Here are nine investigations on voter fraud that found virtually nothing]

The action by Judicial Watch is the latest in a fight that has raged for years in courts and statehouses over claims from the right that the countrys voting and registration systems are rife with fraud and neglect. Experts acknowledge that registration rolls are often out of date, but they say that charges of widespread voting fraud are baseless.

President Trump renewed the charges shortly after taking office in January, when he claimed in a tweet that between 3 and 5 million people voted illegally in November. He tasked Vice President Pence with heading an investigation into the matter.

[Analysis: Donald Trumps indefensible claims of rampant voter fraud are now White House policy]

At the state and local levels, officials have cited concerns about fraud to enact stricter voter-ID laws and in some cases mass purging of voter rolls  measures that critics say are aimed at suppressing minority voting.

Wendy Weiser, director of the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, said the Judicial Watch action is part of that larger effort to coerce states into aggressively purging voter rolls.

This has often been used as a technique to try to suppress votes, Weiser said. It seems a little more like a stunt than a serious effort.

Fitton said in an interview Tuesday that Weisers criticism is just slander from the left.

Theyre playing the race card to steal elections, he said. This is a straightforward federal law, and the law requires that [voter rolls] be cleaned up.

Judicial Watch has succeeded in compelling some states to overhaul their rolls. In 2012, Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted entered a settlement with Judicial Watch and True the Vote, a conservative vote-monitoring organization, to make certain changes in its management of voter lists.

Among them was an agreement to use the Interstate Voter Registration Crosscheck, a program created by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach back in 2007. About 30 states, most of which have Republican secretaries of state, use the system to compare voter rolls for duplicate entries. Kobach has been among the most aggressive state officials in pursuing cases of alleged voter fraud, obtaining eight convictions since gaining the authority to prosecute such cases in 2015.

Records show that Montgomerys total registration of 657,548 is higher than its voting-age population of 633,295. But county and state officials said the numbers reflect the lengthy process that states are required by law to employ when verifying voting status.

A voter is placed on inactive status after two sample ballots are mailed and returned to the state with no forwarding address. Voters are removed from the rolls after not voting in two consecutive federal elections.

The state also collects death notices, felony convictions and information about residents who have moved out of state, and it passes those on to county election boards, which are responsible for making the actual changes every month.

Montgomerys March report shows 15,294 voters placed on inactive status and 758 removed from the rolls.

I can tell you that Montgomery County follows every rule and regulation making sure that every ineligible voter is removed from the rolls, said county election board president James Shalleck.

Fitton said most counties dont have numbers like Montgomerys.

Following federal law shouldnt result in the numbers Montgomery County has, Fitton said. Judicial Watch has asked for records and further explanation from the state.

If we can get the list cleaned up without litigation that would be great, he said.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is flanked by Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., left, and House Speaker Michael E. Busch during a bill signing ceremony on April 11. (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) on Tuesday signed more than 200 bills, including a measure that advocates say will change the way we look at rape.

The governor was joined by Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) and House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) to sign what many advocates referred to as the no means no bill.

Under the measure, evidence of physical resistance is not required to prove that a sexual crime has been committed.

Weve really made some significant progress this year, said Lisae C. Jordan, executive director of the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault. The bill on physical resistance is a fundamental change in the way we look at rape and respond to rape.

The governor also signed bills that require the retention of sexual-assault evidence kits for at least 20 years, redefine sexual abuse to include sex trafficking and expand the definition of rape to conform with that of the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program.

Making Maryland safer begins with making sure that we have a criminal justice system that holds offenders accountable for their actions and the harm they cause, while also supporting victims and the community in the process of healing, Hogan said in a statement. We are extremely proud to have worked with our partners in the legislature to pass these important measures to protect our most vulnerable Marylanders and bring criminals to justice.

The signing of the no means no bill comes just months after the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault completed an audit of three years of sexual assault cases in Baltimore County that failed to move forward.

Jordan said of the 124 cases the coalition reviewed, 42 were discharged because of a failure to demonstrate physical resistance.

What is so important about this is that it conforms our law to what we are teaching our students in high school and college, Jordan said. You have to have consent and no means no. 

Hogan also signed a bill that exempts law enforcement and fire and emergency responders from state taxes on retirement income. Del. Sheila E. Hixson (D-Montgomery) has introduced the bill for several years, and Hogan offered the idea as part of his legislative package this year.

[Md. legislative leaders in standoff over special session on medical marijuana]

Also on Tuesday, the Legislative Black Caucus continued its push for Hogan, Miller and Busch to call for a one-day special session to take up a bill to expand and diversify the states medical marijuana industry.

Andy Pierre, the executive director of the caucus, said the group began collecting signatures on a petition that would force lawmakers to come back to Annapolis to resolve the issue.

Were doing a full spread, Pierre said of the attempt to reach lawmakers who attended Tuesdays bill signing.

Miller said that the bill got played in the House, where final minutes of the session were spent thanking staff, and that he is willing to hold a special session but only to consider the bill that passed the Senate.

Were not going to call a special session to renegotiate any bills, Miller said.

But, if a special session is called, Miller said he would also be inclined to take another look at another bill that failed to move in the final minutes of the session: a measure that would allow rape victims to terminate the parental rights of their abusers.
THE DISTRICT

Man, 79, is identified as victim of stabbing

A man who was found fatally stabbed inside a rowhouse Sunday afternoon near Stanton Park on Capitol Hill has been identified, according to D.C. police.

David Norwood, 79, of Northeast Washington was pronounced dead at the scene in the 600 block of C Street NE. His body was discovered about 1:40 p.m. The house is between Massachusetts and Maryland avenues.

Police said Monday that Norwood suffered stab wounds. A police lieutenant, commenting on an Internet community bulletin board, told residents that the attacker was possibly known to the victim.

 Peter Hermann

VIRGINIA

Inmate dies in jail;foul play not suspected

A 49-year-old woman died in the Fairfax County jail Sunday, but there were no indications of suspicious causes, police said.

Anna Carmela Dinenna, 49, of Silver Spring, Md., was found unresponsive in a jail cell shortly after 9 a.m. Sunday, police said. Dinenna had been in the jail since April 12.

Sheriffs deputies started CPR and called for first responders, who later pronounced her dead, police said. The woman, who was alone in her cell, showed no signs of trauma, police said.

Initial indications suggest nothing suspicious, Fairfax County police said in a statement. Medical examiners will conduct an autopsy.

 Lynh Bui

17-hour standoff ends with two children safe

A man who barricaded himself inside his Fairfax County home with his two children for more than 17 hours was taken into custody Monday afternoon, police said. The children, ages 4 and 8, are safe.

Police said the children exited the home in the Fort Hunt area shortly after 1 p.m., but the unidentified man, who appeared to be suffering from a mental-health crisis, remained uncooperative and did not follow officers commands.

The man repeatedly walked in and out of the home and was eventually subdued with a stun gun, police said. As part of routine procedure, the man was transported to a hospital for treatment.

 Lynh Bui
This undated photo provided by the Cleveland Police shows Steve W. Stephens. (Cleveland Police via Associated Press)

D.C. police on Tuesday debunked a claim that the man who was being called the Facebook killer after he allegedly fatally shot a man in Cleveland was spotted at a Dupont Circle hotel.

Later Tuesday, the man accused of the Cleveland slaying, Steve W. Stephens, killed himself as police were pursuing him in Erie County, Pa., Pennsylvania State Police said.

The death ended a three-day nationwide manhunt for Stephens, who authorities said killed Robert Godwin Sr. in East Cleveland. Stephens, 37, then posted a graphic video on Facebook of the incident, police said.

[Suspect in horrific Facebook homicide video still at large amid nationwide manhunt]

Authorities had warned residents in Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania to beware. And on Tuesday, D.C. police quashed a claim that he had been spotted at a Dupont Circle hotel.

Early Tuesday, someone called police to say Stephens had been seen about 1 a.m. at the Fairfax at Embassy Row in the 2100 block of Massachusetts Avenue NW. But D.C. police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck said authorities quickly determined that the person was not the man being sought.

Sternbeck said police received two tips Monday about possible sightings of the suspect, including the one at the hotel, and neither was accurate. He would not say where the other alleged sighting was.

A reward of up to $50,000 was being offered for information leading to Stephenss arrest.

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams had made a plea to Stephens, Steve, if youre out there listening, call someone  whether its a friend or family member or pastor  give them a call; theyre waiting for you to call them.

The video of Godwins killing was viewable for about three hours before it was removed. Stephenss profile was deactivated.

[Facebook wanted visceral live video. Its getting live-streaming killers and suicides.]

Stephens also had posted a video saying he snapped and mentioning a relationship with a woman, who is said to be cooperating with officials.

Facebook called the shooting a horrific crime and said it would review its policies on how easily and quickly material that violates its standards can be reported by users.

In the District, the mistaken sighting occurred when a guest at the Fairfax at Embassy Row hotel called police shortly after midnight. He said he saw a man with a shaved head and a beard walk into the lobby who looked similar to Stephens.

The guest  Christopher Picciolini, 43, of Chicago  said he was in town to attend an event at the U.S. State Department. Picciolini said he went upstairs to his room and texted the D.C. police departments tip line, prompting a response.

He said police later told him that the man had tried to pay cash for a room and was turned away. A police report says officers reviewed hotel surveillance video of the man and determined it wasnt Stephens. Picciolini said the man he saw had a beard much longer than the man from Cleveland.

David Hendrix, the hotels general manager, confirmed Picciolinis account. He said the man was turned away because the hotel requires a valid identification and credit card to book a room. He said there was nothing about the man that raised any alarms.

Lindsey Bever, Peter Holley and Drew Harwell contributed to this report.
Leaders of Iranian-American organizations asked a U.S. district court in Washington Tuesday to become the latest to order a nationwide halt to President Trumps executive order banning new visas and immigration from six Muslim-majority countries.

Testimony came on behalf of the largest ethnic group directly affected by the March 6 order, and was entered in one of a half-dozen challenges to the White House action watched closely by legal analysts.

The lawsuit is unusual in that U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan of Washington allowed live testimony by individuals who allege they are harmed by the order, and because the case is on a fast-track, said Michigan University law professor Margo Schlanger, sponsor of the Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse that is tracking more than 80 related lawsuits.

An order by a third U.S. trial judge to freeze the ban, if granted, would take direct effect only if similar decisions made March 15 by federal district judges in Hawaii and Maryland were overturned. However, the legal arguments raised by American immigrants from the Middle Easts most populous nation could play a role in a fight widely seen as destined for the U.S. Supreme Court.

More Iranians received U.S. visas in 2015 than nationals from the other five countries on the list combined  Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Libya  or 57 percent of the total including Iraq, which was initially on the travel ban list but later dropped. Meanwhile, Iranian students accounted for about 80 percent of foreign students last year from the same countries, according to State Department data.

Lawyers for the four suing groups  Pars Equality Center, the Iranian American Bar Association, National Iranian American Council, and Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans  said the success of the Iranian-American community is a national security asset, not a threat, as the U.S. seeks a more moderate Iran.

Migration policy groups cited U.S. population surveys showing half of the estimated 1 million Iranian-Americans living in the United States work as professionals, many arriving after the 1979 Islamic revolution topped the U.S.-backed shah of Iran.

The lawyers for the groups suing said they assembled 16 plaintiffs and statements from 25 people to show a range of people harmed by the White House ban and to overcome legal barriers to suing in federal court. They also asked the judge Tuesday to order a resumption of visa granting processes.

The statements come from individuals who told the court they face barriers to travel for business and investment opportunities, attending the wedding and births of children, and schooling. They included accounts by students on visas, U.S. permanent residents awaiting reunification with family members, dual citizens, U.N.-approved and vetted refugee families and an Iranian resident with an approved nonimmigrant visa issued to researchers, professors and cultural exchange visitors.

The vast majority of our resources have been diverted to educating the public on this one issue, bar association president Babak Yousefzadeh, of San Francisco, testified during the two-hour hearing. It frustrates the mission of the IABA, he said, which is to educate and increase civic participation by Iranian-Americans and to communicate their concerns to government.

Leila Golestaneh Austin, executive director of the alliance, echoed those claims, adding its members see a chilling effect on finding talent for their businesses, and have had to respond to a rise in hate crimes and postpone efforts such as a sports diplomacy initiative.

Justice Department civil division attorney Daniel Schwei said that travel by members of the groups who are U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents is not restricted, that many of the plaintiff declarations predate the latest version of the order, and that groups assertions of continuous harm are inaccurate since the order has been stayed.

The White House issued its March order rescinding and replacing a broader January travel ban that courts had rejected. Trumps revised version suspended the U.S. refugee program for 120 days and halted for 90 days the issuance of new visas to people from the six countries.

[Federal judges in Hawaii, Maryland, freeze President Trumps new entry ban]

Judges in cases brought by the state of Hawaii and refugee organizations based in Maryland who froze aspects of the most recent ban agreed the Trump order could be construed as unconstitutionally discriminating on religious grounds.

By comparison, the Iranian-American case, brought by Iranian-American civil rights lawyer Cyrus Mehri and the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, draws on civil rights precedents directed at bias based on ethnicity and national origin.

The case, which is being heard with another lawsuit brought by a Shia Muslim group and two Yemeni individuals, has flown under the radar compared with the Hawaii and Maryland cases, which were the first to prompt nationwide injunctions. But like the others, it is moving at an expedited pace.

Justice Department officials said the court rulings are flawed both in reasoning and scope, and promised to continue to defend the executive order and the presidents lawful authority to protect the nations security.

For the past 30 years, every President has invoked his power to protect the Nation by suspending entry of categories of aliens. As a legal matter, this Order is no different, department lawyers argued in the Washington case.

Department lawyers unsuccessfully urged Chutkan not to allow Tuesdays live testimony or Fridays scheduled preliminary injunction hearing. The department lawyers told the court that they were not disputing the truthfulness and credibility of the plaintiff groups leaders, only their legal import.
Two years ago, Bhadreshkumar Patel fatally stabbed his wife in the backroom of a Dunkin Donuts while customers were still in the shop, took a cab to New Jersey and then vanished, according to police and the FBI.

The horrific crime stunned the local Maryland community where Palak Patel, 21, was killed, but also shocked veteran homicide investigators with the level of brutality involved, authorities said.

After an exhaustive hunt for Bhadreshkumar Patel, 26, and with his whereabouts still a mystery, authorities on Tuesday added him to the FBIs most wanted list. They hope additional publicity will lead to his capture and arrest.

Mr. Patel brutally took her life, her ambitions and her dreams with a horrific crime of violence, said Gordon B. Johnson, the FBI special agent in charge at the agencys Baltimore field office.

Authorities have been searching for Patel since 2015 when he was last reportedly seen getting on a shuttle to Penn Station in Newark.

Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel (Courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police Department)

Patel is the 514th person added to the national FBI list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, and the second on the current list suspected of crimes committed in Maryland.

Authorities say Patel brutally killed his wife shortly before midnight April 12, 2015, in the doughnut shop on Arundel Mills Boulevard in Hanover where they worked nights. After stabbing her multiple times, he went home and collected cash and belongings, then took a cab to New Jersey, according to the FBI and Anne Arundel police. He checked into a hotel near Newark Liberty International Airport at 3 a.m., checked out seven hours later and took a hotel shuttle to the local train station, law enforcement authorities say. He has not been located since.

[Well-known murder suspect from Bethesda added to FBIs most wanted list]

The violence in this case was stark, said Tim Altomare, police chief in Anne Arundel County. It was heart-wrenching and a shock to our collective conscience.

Investigators say the killing might have been motivated by a disagreement between Patel and his wife. The couples visas had expired and Patels wife wanted to return to India, but he did not, authorities assert.

The extreme violence of the crime with which Patel has been charged and his eluding authorities for two years earned him a spot on the list, Johnson said.

Patel was charged with first-degree murder, assault and other related charges in Maryland. He is charged in federal court with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

FBI Special Agent Jonathan Shaffer said Patels everyman appearance and common last name make him particularly difficult to track. His ability to come up with a plan in the heat of the moment to escape the area is troubling, Shaffer said.

Patel has connections in Canada, India, New Jersey, Kentucky, Georgia and Illinois, authorities say. A reward of up to $100,000 is available for information that leads to an arrest. Those with information can call 800-Call-FBI (800-225-5324) or provide information online at tips.fbi.gov.

[Timeline: The search for Bradford Bishop]

Since the creation of the FBIs Ten Most Wanted list in 1950, 481 fugitives have been captured.

In a case also from the FBIs Baltimore field office, William Bradford Bishop was added in 2014. Bishop is wanted in connection with the 1976 slaying of his family in Montgomery County, Md. Investigators allege he used a sledgehammer to kill his wife, three sons, and his mother and burned their bodies. Of the fugitives on the FBI list, Bishop has been on the run the longest, said Special Agent Karen Marinos, who manages the most-wanted-list program.

Field offices nominate fugitives and Marinos and others at FBI headquarters decide who earns a spot on the basis of the circumstances of each case. Marinos said that last year, the FBI paid out three $100,000 rewards to tipsters who helped to close cases.

Theres some fortunate people whove run into the wrong people at the right time, Marinos said.

The FBI and the Anne Arundel County Police Department will not rest until Mr. Patel is located, captured and brought to justice, Johnson said.
Police have released a composite sketch of a woman who was fatally stabbed Easter morning in Maryland, hoping the public can help determine her identity.

We really dont have anything to go on, Prince Georges County Deputy Chief Sammy Patel said. The first step to solving this case is to identify her.

The woman was stabbed in the 3300 block of Springdale Avenue in Forestville and knocked on a strangers door for help, police said. When the homeowner opened the door, they saw a woman collapsed in the yard, police said.

She was taken to a hospital, where she died, said Capt. Anthony Schartner, head of the police departments homicide unit. Detectives have been unable to determine her identity. A scan of fingerprints did not yield any results, police said, and she has no distinctive tattoos, scars or birthmarks.

Schartner said the victim weighed about 126 pounds and was 5-foot-11. Police also released images of clothing she wore, including a distinctive Armani Exchange T-shirt, dark jeans, colorful socks printed with marijuana leaves and a beanie. She also had on tights under her jeans, police said.

Schartner said anyone with information should call 1-866-411-TIPS so investigators can start bringing answers to her family.
The decennial Census count has been a staple of American life since the early days of the republic, but at a time when public funding is being slashed and scientific data questioned, Census-watchers fear the 2020 count is heading toward a crisis.

The count typically requires a massive ramp-up in spending in the three years preceding it, involving extensive testing, hiring, and publicity. However, Congress has yet to approve a funding increase requested for the 2017 fiscal year, which began in October, and experts say the White Houses proposed budget for 2018 falls far below what is needed.

In addition, recent rhetoric from the Trump administration has left some groups fearful of sharing personal information with the government, further threatening the success of the count.

If the Census Bureau does not receive significantly more than the White House has proposed, it could be catastrophic for the 2020 count, said Terri Ann Lowenthal, a former staff director of the House census oversight subcommittee.

I think Congress is taking a grave risk right now, she said, adding that the bureau is in danger of not being able to afford a comprehensive dress rehearsal slated for 2018. What Congress does in the next few weeks will really determine how much confidence both the Census Bureau and the public can have in the bureaus ability to take an inclusive Census in 2020.

The Census, which every ten years counts every person in the United States, was mandated by the Founding Fathers and has been called a keystone of American democracy. The government uses it to allocate public resources; businesses use it to choose where to invest; and the count affects congressional redistricting.

In announcing its budget last month, the administration touted its proposed $1.5 billion for the Census Bureau as a $100 million increase. Critics called that smoke and mirrors, however, noting that the White House was comparing it to the 2016 budget of $1.37 billion. The proposed amount is about $140 millionless than the $1.64 billion, or 20 percent increase, requested for 2017.

In past decades, the ramp-up in the years leading up to the count has been precipitous, with budgets sometimes doubling between the year ending in 7 and the year ending in 8.

Congress did not pass a budget last year, opting instead for a continuing resolution that kept most federal agencies funded at 2016 levels. They are slated to pass the 2017 budget by April 28; debate on new funding for 2018 could continue into this fall.

Many agree that the bureau could stand to trim its budget. The 2010 count was the biggest non-wartime mobilization in American history and the most expensive Census ever. With over 500 field offices and 550,000 staff deployed around the country, it cost $13 billion over ten years.

To carry out a similar operation this time would cost $17.8 billion. But five years ago, Congress ordered the Census Bureau not to spend more in 2020 than it had in 2010. So the bureau announced changes designed to achieve the most automated, modern, and dynamic decennial census in history.

Instead of sending workers to physically walk 11 million blocks, it would compile new addresses using geographic information systems and aerial imagery. It would encourage respondents to fill out questionnaires online rather than by mail. It would use data it already had from the public and data available from commercial sources.

The new approaches would allow the bureau to halve the number of field offices and reduce the number of workers to 300,000 or less, keeping costs down at around $12.5 billion over ten years.

The problem, critics say, is that the new methods must be tested well before 2020. And that takes money. Instead, the bureau is so short on funds that it has cancelled tests that were planned for this year and suspended development of a communications campaign.

Failing to beef up funding now reflects a pound-foolish, penny-wise mentality, said Arturo Vargas, executive director of NALEO Educational Fund, a nonprofit that promotes Latino participation in the political process.

The bureau needs the money now, he said. It cant be doing 2020 blindly. It should be taking the time to do the testing now, to work out all the kinks (and) make sure the bureau gets it right, because there are no do-overs after 2020.

Funding for the Census Bureau does not all go to the decennial count. Among other things, the bureau puts out the annual American Communities Survey, a more detailed questionnaire sent to a smaller sample of respondents, and the Economic Census, conducted every 5 years, including this year.

For the 2020 Census, the strain is already showing. In October, citing uncertainty about funding, the bureau said it was canceling 2017 testing in Puerto Rico, the Standing Rock Reservation in North and South Dakota, and the Colville Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land in Washington State. Earlier this year, the government accountability office placed the Census on its High Risk list.

Part of the problem, critics say, is that Congress is not good at longterm planning.

The Census is not the sort of legislative advantage that Congressmembers can see on their radar screens, Lowenthal said. Its not a new highway that warrants a press release, its not a health clinic for senior citizens and veterans in the home district. But it is the foundation of democracyand its at the point where starving the Census Bureau of sufficient funding will have the certain consequence of a less accurate count.

Either that or, lacking money to test the cost-cutting measures, the Census might have to fall back on old methods, necessitating requests for emergency funds and ultimately driving costs higher.

Wilbur Ross, the newly-appointed secretary of the Commerce Department, which oversees the Census, has positioned himself as an advocate for the count and he has vowed to push back against efforts to cut its funding (he also worked as a Census taker while in business school.) His office did not respond to a request for comment.

Census bureau officials did not respond to specific questions about funding concerns; a spokesman said in a statement that they were confident in our ability to complete an accurate Census in a timely fashion.

Underfunding is not the only Census-related concern in the Trump era. In January, a leaked draft executive order suggested adding a question about immigration status; such a move would likely discourage undocumented immigrants from filling it out. And last month, LGBTQ advocates protested after a list of planned subjects for the 2020 ACS was released that for the first time included sexual orientation and gender identity, then quickly re-released with that topic missing. The bureau said the first version was an error.

A proposal to add a dedicated Middle Eastern or North African option to the race/ethnicity terminology in 2020 has tested well, but since the 2016 presidential campaign some who might have checked this category say they worry about being targeted by the government.

For several years some Republican lawmakers have also sought to make the ACS voluntary, which critics say would decrease participation, reduce accuracy, and cost more because it would be necessary to send out many more forms to get a big enough sample.

But these concerns pale next to the prospect of insufficient funding. A less accurate Census could mean a greater undercount of traditionally undercounted groups such as poor people, young children, immigrants, and non-English speakers, reducing public services and congressional representation for them.

It could also greatly impact businesses. For example, a company deciding whether to build anything from a giant shopping mall to a small shop needs to know how many prospective customers and employees live in the vicinity, information they have typically gotten from Census data. A less accurate count would compromise this, especially in less populated areas, said Howard Fienberg, director of government affairs at Insights Association, which represents the marketing research and analytics industry.

Its very easy to open a new business in New York City, but putting it in some small town in West Virginia is much more difficult, Fienberg said. You have to have really rock solid data to be able to make the case, he said. When we have uncertainty, business goes nowhere.

Congress has in the past turned down requests for funding from the Census Bureau, sometimes with dire consequences, said Andrew Reamer, a research professor at the George Washington Institute of Public Policy at The George Washington University.

The consequence of not providing the funding was that GDP estimates before the Great Recession were far too high, leading policymakers to underrespond, he said. If we have an inaccurate Census, then businesses will make poorer decisions and there will be a cost.
Chidinma, left, and Chuckwunonso Dureke are Nigerian American sisters who seek to bring more African flavor to the cultural scene in the city. (Courtland Milloy/The Washington Post)

In a younger, richer, gentrifying District, greasy spoons give way to swank new restaurants. Music shops morph into yoga studios. Liquor stores become wine bars and microbreweries.

But for two Nigerian American sisters who grew up in the Washington area, an essential ingredient is missing from the new urban recipe.

We say D.C. doesnt have Maggi cube, said Chidinma Chi Chi Dureke, 27.

Maggi is the brand name of a seasoning cube widely used in West African cooking.

Its like mumbo sauce, said Chuckwunonso Nonso Dureke, 25. It adds flavor.

The Dureke sisters want to add cultural flavor to the city. They want to make the District a cultural cornerstone of the African diaspora  a place where black people embrace and celebrate their African heritage and not just pay lip service to the name, African American.

There are a lot of people like us, in our generation, that are searching for self, trying to discover who we are and where we can feel at home in the world, Chidinma said. D.C. ought to be a place where people are encouraged to take that journey. We believe that our dual identity as Nigerian and American allows us to help guide people along the way.

Their efforts include discussing African culture  including food, fabric and family traditions  in a blog called Nkem Life. They also serve as the D.C. partners on a sociopolitical website aimed primarily at black urban millennial women, called I Dont Do Clubs.

The site, founder Genese Jamilah said, is for women who are looking for social events beyond the typical nightclub scene and who want to avoid the random men grabbing . . . as you and your friends hold hands just to make it to the restroom.

The Dureke sisters are from the Igbo tribe, in eastern Nigeria. Both were born in the Washington area and went to live in Nigeria for several years before returning to the region. Chidinma, a graduate of Frostburg State University in Maryland, is a visual artist who owns a graphic design business called CHDesignz.

Chuckwunonso is also a visual artist and is a MFA student at Howard University studying cinematography and film production.

Both can recall the days when African culture was a ubiquitous part of D.C. life. African and Caribbean music pulsated from bookstores and carryouts along Georgia Avenue and Columbia Road.

Wood carvers from Ghana whittled away while sitting on storefront steps. Authentic African foods were served at street festivals and even dished out to strangers at impromptu family picnics in Rock Creek Park.

It was not unusual to see women wearing traditional African dresses.

You didnt have to go to the Smithsonian to see authentic African fabric, Chuckwunonso said. There were shops where you could buy it, and people werent afraid to wear the most colorful designs.

But the African culture was taken for granted, neglected, not nurtured. Even kente cloth, the iconic link to the Ashanti kingdom, ended up as little more than a fad.

The sisters wore dresses that they had designed and made from fabrics bought in Nigeria. Similar African-inspired dresses can be found at the Nubian Hueman boutique in Southeast Washington.

The Dureke sisters also have an email newsletter that includes listings of black-owned stores in the Washington area, such as the boutique.

We might not be able to do much for the black-owned businesses that couldnt hold on because of gentrification, but we can give a shout-out to those that are hanging on, Chidinma said.

Of course, such flair is not for everyone. In the District, look-alike shoe-box condos proliferate like kudzu. Rows of sidewalk cafes cater to look-alike, mostly nonblack clientele. Some ethnic restaurants are so Americanized that they might as well have golden arches over the entrance.

Id interviewed the Dureke sisters at the Bukom Cafe on 18th Street near Columbia Road NW, in Adams Morgan. They had recommended it.

Bukom to us has a great balance of American and West African culture with Afro-Caribbean flair, Chidinma said.

We noticed while dining that some African American pedestrians walked past without so much as glancing at the place. Some ended up going to an Italian restaurant and a popular fast-food joint nearby.

A lot of that kind of decision-making has to do with lack of exposure and conditioning, Chuckwunonso said. We want people to celebrate their ancestral homeland, not be ashamed of where they came from.

That may not be enough for the District to get its Maggi cube back. But just having the Dureke sisters around certainly adds flavor to an otherwise bland town.

To read previous columns, go to washingtonpost.com/milloy.
Virginia Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam had almost twice as much campaign cash available as rival Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Perriello two months ahead of the primary, according to data compiled Tuesday by the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP).

Northam had $3.3 million available as of March 31, compared with Perriellos $1.7 million. But Perriello, a former congressman and State Department official, has outraised Northam since his unexpected entry into the race in early January, taking in $2.2 million to Northams $1.4 million.

In the Republican primary field, Ed Gillespie maintained his commanding financial edge in the three-person contest, raising nearly $1.9 million, which, combined with earlier fundraising, left him with just over $3 million on hand.

Perriellos haul was buoyed by several massive campaign contributions, with half of his money coming from four donors, while Northam was barred from fundraising during the 46-day General Assembly session that ended in late February.

[Republicans running for governor tangle in first TV debate]

Gillespies donors reflected his former role as a top-level Republican consultant, with 49 percent of his money coming from out of state. Former president George W. Bush, who attended a Dallas fundraiser for Gillespie, kicked in $25,000, and strategist Karl Rove gave $20,000. Edward St. John, a real estate executive and philanthropist from Baltimore who gives heavily to GOP candidates, was Gillespies top donor in the most recent period at $50,000. Gillespie reported about 3,600 donors in total.

Corey A. Stewart, the Republican chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, had a little more than $400,000 available after taking in and spending about $300,000 in the first three months of the year. Frank Wagner, a state senator from Virginia Beach who also is subject to the fundraising ban during a legislative session, reported that his campaign treasury dwindled to $178,000 after he raised just $58,000 and spent more than $250,000.

A fourth Republican candidate, Denver Riggleman, dropped out of the race in March, citing financial struggles. He raised about as much money as Wagner in the latest period and spent nearly all of it.

Voters can cast ballots in either major partys June 13 primary.

Perriello drew big money from national Democratic donors, reflecting his status as an insurgent Democrat who is operating outside the Virginia party structure.

[Perriello competes in Virginia governors race on national field]

He launched his campaign Jan. 5 with $500,000 from Sonjia Smith, a Charlottesville resident who is a major donor to Democrats in Virginia and nationwide, and $200,000 from Avaaz, an international nonprofit group that funds progressive activists and was co-founded by Perriello a decade ago.

Philanthropist and liberal activist George Soros was Perriellos second-most-generous contributor, at $250,000, and Soross son Alexander chipped in $125,000. New York financier Courtney Smith gave $75,000, while California philanthropist Stephen Silberstein donated $50,000.

Republican groups on Tuesday criticized Perriello for accepting the large donations, citing the candidates frequent bashing of Virginias system of unlimited campaign giving. A spokesman for Perriello said the largest donations come from people familiar with the candidates advocacy for progressive causes, not corporations or individuals with business before the state.

Perriello, who represented Southside Virginia and Charlottesville in Congress from 2009 to 2011, also picked up contributions from some of Charlottesvilles celebrities: $25,000 from best-selling author John Grisham and $12,500 from members of the Dave Matthews Band.

After the filing period, Perriello was endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and the Our Revolution political group that grew out of Sanderss failed presidential bid, providing access to a national donor network of progressive activists.

Overall, 57 percent of Perriellos money came from outside Virginia, compared with 11 percent out-of-state donations for Northam, according to VPAP. Perriello reported about 5,200 total donors, compared with about 11,000 total donors for Northam in the latest period, according to VPAPs analysis of the numbers.

Common Good VA, the political action committee formed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe to help Democrats running for office in Virginia, steered $100,000 to Northam days after Perriello announced his challenge. It was Northams largest donation in the most recent period.

Northams largest donor is Charlottesville-based financier Michael D. Bills, who gave a total of $200,000 and is married to Sonjia Smith  Perriellos top donor.

Northam picked up funding from some big Northern Virginia and Beltway players, such as financier Ronald D. Abramson ($25,000) and longtime Democratic donors such as stockbroker Edward Hart Rice of Vienna ($20,000) and McLean activist Suzann W. Matthews ($30,000). Northam also scored $15,000 from Internet pioneer Vinton G. Cerf.

Both Perriellos and Northams campaign fundraising falls far short of McAuliffes record haul of more than $5 million in the same period in the 2013 election cycle. The state constitution bars governors from seeking consecutive terms.

The gubernatorial campaign is expected to draw tens of millions of dollars because Virginia is one of only two states electing governors this year, and the election is seen as an early test of President Trumps popularity.

In other Virginia races:

In the Republican primary for lieutenant governor, state Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel (Fauquier) increased her financial edge over state Sen. Bryce Reeves (Spotsylvania). Vogel had $550,000 to Reevess $450,000. Del. Glenn Davis (R-Virginia Beach), who is running a low-cost campaign based in his recreational vehicle, had about $31,000 left after lending himself $83,000.

In the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, lawyer and former federal prosecutor Justin Fairfax led the three-person field with $145,000 available. Former Democratic operative Susan Platt had about $100,000 available after a $20,000 loan from her husband, while former prosecutor Gene Rossi had $62,000, with nearly $50,000 in loans from himself and his brother.

Attorney General Mark R. Herring (D) expanded his campaign fund to $1.4 million, while Republican John Adams ended the quarter with $560,000. Both candidates are uncontested in their primaries after Republican lawyer Chuck Smith did not qualify for the ballot.

The Republican Attorneys General Association donated $250,000 to Adams, the debut of its new strategy to target incumbent Democratic attorneys general in addition to competing in open races and supporting GOP incumbents.
(Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

On a hill above the main campus of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a sprawling complex called the Spallation Neutron Source. Its a particle accelerator, although you could think of it as a giant microscope.

The technicians fire protons at nearly the speed of light into a vessel of liquid mercury. Neutrons spew forth, channeled down 19 tubes called beam lines, toward targets of scientific curiosity. When the neutrons hit a target and scatter, they reveal the atomic structure of whatever it is thats being scrutinized.

Neutrons are different. They see matter in a different way, says Paul Langan, associate laboratory director for neutron sciences.

And whats this about spallation?

You hit a piece of concrete with a hammer. Pieces fly off. Thats spalling, says lab spokesman Bill Cabage.

This neutron factory, and many other scientific projects at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, find themselves threatened by a different kind of hammering  from the Trump administration.

President Trumps fiscal 2018 budget outline, released last month, envisions a dramatically smaller federal investment in science and medicine, while boosting spending on the military and reserving billions for a wall on the Mexico border. The budget blueprint includes cuts to agencies that have traditionally enjoyed bipartisan support, such as the National Institutes of Health.

The proposed cuts have added some urgency to the March for Science, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of people Saturday in Washington and in cities across the country. The march, inspired by the Womens March the day after Trumps inauguration, reflects dismay in the scientific community about comments and actions by Trump perceived to be hostile to science.

A recurring theme of small-government conservatives is that federal dollars crowd out private investment in research. These critics object to the government picking winners and losers.

In a Facebook post last September that was later deleted, Rep. Mick Mulvaney, a Republican from South Carolina, referred to comments about a bill dealing with the Zika virus epidemic. He wrote, No one has written me yet, though, to ask what might be the best question: do we really need government-funded research at all. Mulvaney was selected by Trump to be director of the Office of Management and Budget.



OAK RIDGE, Tenn.  A photograph of the hybrid spectrometer is display on a door at the Spallation Neutron Source. (Jacob Biba/For The Washington Post)

The national lab here gets about 80 percent of its funding from the Energy Departments Office of Science, which would lose $900 million  more than one-sixth of its funding  if Trumps budget outline were embraced by Congress. Some agencies within the Energy Department would vanish altogether.

The OMB, responding to questions from The Washington Post, released a statement saying that the budget blueprint reasserts the proper role of government by increasing the reliance on the private sector to fund later stage research, development, demonstration, commercialization, and deployment of energy technologies while focusing Federal funding on early stage R & D.

L. Rafael Reif, the president of MIT, has been pushing hard against the proposed cuts, saying that U.S. investment in research and development, as a percentage of GDP, has been eroding for decades. Nothing less than Americas leadership in science is at stake, Reif told The Post.

We are in a global competition, Reif said. While we are dwindling and reducing our funding for research, China is growing rapidly.

Oak Ridge labs director, Thom Mason, said a large cut in the Office of Science could not be handled through minor trimming around the edges. He pointed to the Spallation Neutron Source: In the end, the machine is either on or its not.

[The prophets of Oak Ridge]

Bombs and basic science

This was Trump Country on Nov. 8. The city of Oak Ridge is in Anderson County, where Trump won 65 percent of the vote. In many of the rural counties in east Tennessee, Trump won more than 80 percent of the vote.

Few places in America have received as much federal investment over the past century as eastern Tennessee. This was a region where, in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Tennessee Valley Authority, a public corporation that dammed rivers and brought electricity to the impoverished rural South.



OAK RIDGE, Tenn.  A car is parked in front of a home in Oak Ridge. (Jacob Biba/For The Washington Post)

In the early days of World War II, the Army needed someplace remote to build a secret city for the Manhattan Project. The city of Oak Ridge sprouted overnight. On multiple sites, engineers threw together massive buildings in which thousands of workers labored to refine naturally occurring uranium into a version that the physicists said could be used in a new kind of bomb. Only after the obliteration of Hiroshimadid the government reveal what had been going on for several years  that inside the fences of Oak Ridge this secret community had a world-changing mission.

After the war the federal government stuck around. One valley away from the national laboratory is the Y-12 National Security Complex, where the government stores and processes highly enriched uranium. Y-12 continues to be the site of protests by peace activists. Some of the local pain from Trump-era budget cuts could be offset by increased military spending.

At the national lab, officials stick to their message about the merits of scientific research  and they show off their impressive hardware, such as the supercomputer named Titan.

If the private sector is doing what were doing, were not doing our jobs, said Jack Wells, director of science for the labs National Center for Computational Sciences.



OAK RIDGE, Tenn.  An archival photo is displayed on a transformer. (Jacob Biba/For The Washington Post)

Wells reeled off the vital statistics of Titan, including 18,688 computer nodes working in tandem. Visitors have to wear earplugs in the computer room because of noise from the cooling fans. Wells said a new supercomputer will be built in a nearby room that is five to 10 times faster. This is competitive stuff  China has the fastest supercomputers in the world.

The lab can show off its supercomputers moves with a 37-megapixel, 33-foot-wide, 3-D visualization screen. You can see, for example, how seismic waves would propagate across Southern California and reach peaks of intensity after a massive earthquake on the San Andreas fault. Titan can create a 3-D map of Earths interior and the hot plumes that feed volcanoes.

Scientists write grant proposals hoping to get access to these unique government tools. Theyre in demand: Langan, at the Spallation Neutron Source, said theres a waiting list for each of those 19 beam lines.

Langans operation is a cavernous realm of pipes, wires and humming machinery. He walks around with a radiation dosimeter around his neckto measure his exposureanda lapel pin that reads Ts, for Tennessine, atomic number 117, a recently created element whose name honors the state that is home to Oak Ridge.

At the end of Beam Line 12, a scientist named Helen He showed off the object being scrutinized: a crystal inside a capillary tube, almost too small to see with the naked eye. This was research to understand the structure of an enzyme called beta-lactamase that lets bacteria withstand antibiotic drugs. Humanity has a bacteria problem: Antibiotics dont work like they used to because the bacteria are becoming resistant  evolution in action in real time. To crack the code of these small organisms, it helps to have neutrons and a big spalling machine.

Ina small office directly on top of another beam line named Sequoia, three scientists were fizzing with excitement about something they were examining via the neutron source.

Igor Zaliznyak said they were studying an exotic molecule that seemed to hold promise for application in data storage. He jotted down the name of the molecule on a pad of paper, using chemistry shorthand: YbMnBi2. Most of what Zaliznyak and his colleagues are doing is beyond the ken of a typical visitor, but the gist of their message is that this kind of basic research could lead to paradigm shifts in how we store information.

The Spallation Neutron Source is the most powerful instrument of its kind in America. Japan has a similar machine, and the Swedes want to build one that is five times as powerful. Langan said the Oak Ridge lab would like to build a second target building next to the current one.

Is he worried about Trump?

Weve always historically found strong support across the political spectrum, he said. I focus on what I can impact.

This kind of basic science research has an intrinsic problem: Its not necessarily practical. That is also its virtue. Many of the greatest advances in technology and medicine  the laser, the MRI machine, the GPS system  emerged serendipitously from basic research. Basic science research seeks to understand the world  and that may lead to something you can purchase at Best Buy.

Its a long way away from any real product, Mason said. It may be 20 years before that turns into a high-performance, lightweight material for the automotive sector.

No private company would build something like the neutron source, he said. And if the federal government doesnt invest in these things, the smartest people in the world will go to some other country that hasnt been stingy with science funding.

In science, Mason said, theres not as much value in being second-best.
The Hon. Kim Jong Un

The Great Successor

Sun of the 21st Century

Supreme Leader

Marshal of the Democratic Peoples

Republic of Korea

Ryongsong Residence

Pyongyang, North Korea



Dear Mr. Kim:

I write to congratulate you on the occasion of your late grandfathers 105th birthday. I heard about the difficulties you had with the missile this weekend, but be assured that the launch was cheered by thousands of Muslims in Jersey City.

Please forgive the impersonal nature of this correspondence, but a matter of this urgency cannot be left to the North Korean postal system. The world is the closest it has been to nuclear war in 55 years, and I wanted to caution you that the man with whom you are now eyeball to eyeball could be as mad as a March hare.

Jong (if I may, or do you prefer Little Un?), you yourself are known to be a bit nutty, or, as John McCain calls you, a crazy fat kid. Thats why we were so quick to believe that you fed your uncle to dogs a few years ago. For years, American presidents left you and your father in power because they didnt want the bother of a war. But that was then.

(Adriana Usero/The Washington Post)

President Trump has been practicing the madman theory, which your family has used well: If people think you are insane, theyll give you a wide berth. But Trump does such a convincing job portraying a madman that he might actually be a madman. It may surprise you to hear me say that, but here in America we can criticize our leader without fear that our coffee will be poisoned and we will keel over onto our 8jmkiuh9tr5f44444444444444444444444444444444u

Kidding! The point is we dont know if hes bluffing or if hes crazy. And neither do you. Surely it didnt escape your notice that he arranged his response to one of your recent missile tests while dining in public at his Florida country club. He was also at Mar-a-Lago, eating the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake with Chinese President Xi Jinping, when he approved the missile attack on Syria, which he mistakenly called Iraq.

Little Un, if you think this American president is stable like his predecessors, I refer you to his Twitter account. He has sent 13,321 tweets with exclamation points, 864 tweets with two exclamation points, 432 with three, 146 with four and 57 with five (the last one, in August: #WheresHillary? Sleeping!!!!!). Trumps single greatest exclamation in recent years  15 points  was in 2014: This cannot be the the [sic] Academy Awards #Oscars AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now hes turning his punctuation on you. Until the past couple of years, the extent of his public commentary on your country was to say he wouldnt go. Dennis Rodman was either drunk or on drugs (delusional) when he said I wanted to go to North Korea with him. Glad I fired him on Apprentice! he tweeted in 2014.

But this time Trump is in a position to fire missiles, not the former Chicago Bulls forward. And he has been treating the crisis with the gravity weve come to expect from him. At the White House Easter Egg Roll, where he was joined by the Easter Bunny, Trump said North Korea gotta behave and, if not, youll see. There is still a chance that his advisers will talk him down. The most sensible one is Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. His nickname: Mad Dog.

Americans, though concerned about the nuclear standoff, have been paying more attention to an election in Georgia for one of 435 seats in Congress, and to a lawsuit filed by a white nationalist claiming Trumps language incited him to violence. And this gives me an idea.

Jong, if you really want to go after Trump, do it the American way: File a lawsuit. True, he has been sued hundreds of times, but yours would be special, because you could claim that his words and actions incited you to build and test missiles and weapons capable of unspeakable violence. You would be following in the footsteps of a revered American, Paula Jones, whose lawsuit against President Bill Clinton won a substantial payout and helped pave the way for his impeachment.

You would, Im afraid, have to give up your nuclear arsenal to pursue this course, but Trump could afford to settle with you for significantly more than Clinton paid Jones. Also, I know from Seth Rogen and James Franco that you admire Katy Perry and margaritas. I cant promise, but its possible that if you renounced your nuclear weapons and sued Trump instead, Perry might perform for you. And I would share my secret margarita recipe.

Please consider this peaceful alternative. Should you stay your current course, nobody knows what Trump might do. Not even Trump.

Twitter: @Milbank

Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Contradicting expectations and her own explicit promises, British Prime Minister Theresa May has called a snap election. May is committed to the most misguided policy of any British government in memory  the foolish experiment in deglobalization known as Brexit. Yet such is the splintering of British politics, and the implosion of the opposition Labour Party under the non-leadership of a far-left nonentity, that May will probably win in a landslide. For Britains immediate prospects, this may be a good thing: If the country is going to leave the European Union, it might as well have a prime minister who can negotiate from strength. But as a barometer of politics in Europe, the triumph of a deglobalizer is depressing. Meanwhile, across a narrow sea channel, another political drama makes the British one seem tame.

That other drama is in France. In the first round of its presidential election, to be held on Sunday, some three-quarters of the French electorate are expected to back candidates who stand variously for corruption, a 100 percent top tax rate, Islamophobia, Russophilia, Holocaust denial, the undermining of NATO and the traumatic breakup of Europes political and monetary union. France was once the cradle of the Western Enlightenment. Now it threatens to become a spectacle of decadent collapse.

(Sarah Parnass,Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post)

Fortunately, France chooses its presidents in stages, so all is not quite lost. Emmanuel Macron, a fresh and vaguely pro-market ex-investment banker, will probably win about a quarter of the votes Sunday, perhaps placing him among the two candidates who make it to the runoff on May 7. If that happens, French voters may prefer him to whichever version of crazy he is up against. But there are no guarantees here. And the crazies are truly bad.

Start with the strongest of them, the far-right immigration-hater, Marine Le Pen. It was she who recently denied any French responsibility for the deportation of Jews to Auschwitz, a claim as shameful and post-truthy as any populist fable. Le Pen has endorsed Russias swallowing of Crimea. Her party has accepted a large loan from a Kremlin-linked bank. And she wants to pull France out of NATOs military command and out of the European Union and the blocs common currency. The European Union will die! she says, to rapturous screams from her supporters.

Next comes Jean-Luc Melenchon, the Communist-allied candidate who styles himself after Venezuelas Hugo Chavez and promises a citizens revolution. No prizes for guessing that hes the one who proposes a 100 percent top tax rate, erasing all danger of hyperbole in the phrase confiscatory tax. Like Le Pen, Melenchon is hostile to NATO and the European Union. He also appears to see no evil in Vladimir Putin. Oblivious to the fact that France has taxed and regulated its way to a 25 percent youth unemployment rate and a government-debt trajectory that threatens Armageddon, he wants further cuts to the French workweek, an additional 10,000 civil servants and a shift in the retirement age from 62 to 60.

The last and weakest of the significant candidates is a conventional conservative, Francois Fillon. Conventional except for his strange attitude to Russia: Fillon, too, refuses to condemn the invasion of Crimea, which he has compared to the Wests support for the secession of Kosovo from Serbia. And conventional except for the fact that he stands accused of funneling almost $1 million of government money to his wife and two of his children for work they did not do. France, he has declared brazenly, is greater than my errors.

British and French decadence are not quite the same. Britain  hitherto an open, dynamic and broadly successful melting pot  has experienced a backlash from older voters who feel disoriented by immigration and technological change. France  culturally proud, economically sluggish, at times bizarrely insistent that Muslim women on beaches dress less modestly  has experienced a backlash from younger voters who cant get jobs. But in a larger sense, both countries point toward the fragile state of European politics. Elites are out of favor. Meager growth has not been shared equitably. Foreign voices are resented. Terrorist attacks add poison to the well.

Perhaps Britains government, fortified by a fresh electoral mandate, can negotiate a divorce from Europe that limits the damage. Perhaps the French will rally behind Macron, who, though young and prone to platitudes, does not want to dismantle the European Union or NATO. But Europe is walking a long tightrope. It may escape the abyss one time, two times. But after France there will be Italy, another large economy that is central to Europes cohesion and that features a similar brew of government debt, youth unemployment, discredited elites and scary demagogues. How long can the center hold?
MARYLANDS LAW granting parental rights to rapists has long been a source of embarrassment. Samantha Bee publicly ridiculed the state on The Daily Show in 2015, and groups as disparate as Planned Parenthood and Maryland Right to Life have supported reform. Some legislators have been trying for a decade to bring Maryland into line with other states, with bipartisan support. But the General Assembly again this year adjourned without taking action. That means that a woman who becomes pregnant as the result of rape will still be faced with having to negotiate with her assailant over custody or put the child up for adoption.

Insane is how Robert A. Zirkin (D-Baltimore County), chairman of the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, described the situation last year when legislation died in the final days of the legislature. He promised to make the issue a priority  that this year would be different. And this year, for the first time, the House and Senate unanimously approved legislation that would establish a court process for a woman to seek termination of parental rights of a rapist-father. Yet amazingly the bill died again, at the close of the session, as the two chambers failed to reconcile differences in their two versions of the bill.

Advocates complained that Mr. Zirkin delayed in appointing members to a conference committee. They noted that neither he nor Joseph F. Vallario Jr. (D-Prince Georges), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, named a single woman to the conference committee. Chairman Zirkin knows how to pass a bill and how to kill one. If he wanted the Rape Survivor Family Protection Act to pass, it would have, Lisae C. Jordan, director of the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, told the Baltimore Sun. Mr. Zirkin did not return our call for comment.

Sen. Brian J. Feldman (D-Montgomery), a sponsor, did call us to explain that this is complicated legislation with legal intricacies and that time just ran out. It is an explanation that would be easier to buy if not for the fact that this is the ninth time legislation has been introduced and the fact that there has been extensive study and debate, including collaboration between Del. Kathleen M. Dumais (D-Montgomery), a prime mover for reform, and the Maryland State Bar Association.

Did incompetent leadership or actual animus doom the bill this time around? Neither would be particularly flattering to Mr. Zirkin, Mr. Vallario and their colleagues. But if they would like Marylanders to believe that the death was not intentional, they should ensure that the General Assembly take this matter up if the legislature is called into special session to deal with medical marijuana.
In the past week or so, Donald Trump has decided not to be totally Donald Trump. He has changed his positions on many issues, often by simply contradicting himself and sometimes by repudiating what he once said. However he does it, it comes down to this: If policies were gender identities, Trump wouldnt know which bathroom to use.

The president has reversed himself on NATO. Where just recently he pronounced it obsolete, he now has changed his position by cleverly reimagining it. He gave NATO a role in fighting terrorism, which it has been doing all along.

Similar feats of mental prestidigitation got Trump to change his mind on China, Russia and Syria, where the one which was once almost a buddy (Russia) is now a foe and the one which was once a foe (China) is going to help contain North Korea and the one for which he had no policy (Syria) has been whacked by Tomahawk missiles. And for the moment, the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv is not moving to Jerusalem.

These reversals represent nothing less than a retreat to the status quo ante  that halcyon era before Trump and his cast of mental munchkins started messing with foreign policy. The policies that now seem to be in place are ones that even former president Barack Obama might support. In fact, with the exception of hitting Syria, he did.

But before we start celebrating Trump as a drunk who has suddenly gone sober, additional reversals are in order. The president might want to declare that it is wrong to mock persons with disabilities. He might want to say something nice about Mexicans, and he might want to retract his belittling of John McCains heroism  acknowledge how the man suffered as a prisoner of war, choosing to undergo torture and confinement rather than accept freedom without pride.

(Adriana Usero/The Washington Post)

Trump might also want to praise the Khans, the couple who lost a son in Iraq and whose sacrifice he mocked by likening it to what it cost him to build his business. He might also want to say he was wrong to suggest a certain judge could not fairly preside over a case involving Trump University because he was of Hispanic ancestry. Trump was wrong, too, to turn the presidential race into one of schoolyard taunts  Little Marco, Crooked Hillary and the rest. In short, Trump might want to institute a policy of acting presidential. Now, that would be a reversal.

His foreign policy 180s are welcome, but those were not what won the hearts of his ardent supporters. They wanted something more  jobs, affordable health care and a general sense that Washington would once again be their capital. But NAFTA remains in place, Obamacare is still the law of the land, tax reform aint coming soon, and the swamp that was supposed to be drained has been replenished with, among others, former Goldman Sachs executives  most prominently Gary Cohn, once No. 2 at Goldman and now, for much lower pay, apparently No. 2 at the White House.

Thats fine and dandy with me. I do not demonize Goldman Sachs. But Trump did. During the campaign, he lambasted both Ted Cruz and Hillary Clinton for their relationship with the bank. I know the guys at Goldman Sachs, Trump said. They have total, total control over [Cruz]. Just like they have total control over Hillary Clinton. Now, though, the total controllers are prominent in the administration  Steven Mnuchin at Treasury and, in the White House itself, Dina Powell, the aforementioned Cohn and even the odd-man-out, Stephen K. Bannon.

This reversal by personnel was not triggered by unforeseen events  Syrias use of a nerve agent, for instance. It is, instead, a strong indication that Trumps campaign was a lie. His wooing of the American working class was insincere. For instance, he put more effort into denouncing Obamacare than he did in preparing legislation to replace it. Those who thought Trump was somehow going to pay their doctors bills simply got taken. They were  as were the students of Trump University  suckered.

Sooner or later, Trumps supporters will realize they have been seduced and abandoned. The easy solutions he promised  the return of manufacturing to the Midwest, the restoration of King Coal to its traditional throne  will not materialize. Maybe then these voters will seek an accounting and they will turn, with appropriate fury, not just on Trump but on the coterie of the craven who jumped on his bandwagon. Trump is not the only one who can reverse his actions. So can the voters.

Read more from Richard Cohens archive.
Air-traffic controllers work in the tower at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on March 16. (Seth Wenig/Associated Press)

The April 10 editorial A bright idea for Mr. Trumps skinny budget  called spinning off the nations air-traffic-control operations to a corporation a bright idea.

However, serious concerns have been raised about whether air-traffic-control privatization would guarantee safety, protect national security and expedite new technology while keeping the U.S. aviation system solvent. All of these very real concerns have been validated by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office.

Last year, the GAO found that a privatized air-traffic-control system would be too big to fail, meaning taxpayers might have to bail out the corporation if it couldnt pay the costs to operate a safe system. The GAO also could not confirm that a private system would be capable of protecting national security and collaborating with the military to protect Americans from security threats, nor could it guarantee that a private corporation would speed up the Federal Aviation Administrations work to modernize the nations air-traffic-control system.

A real bright idea would be for Congress to pass targeted reforms to fix the problems facing the FAA today without ripping the agency apart. Privatizing our air-traffic-control system presents myriad risks and perils. Targeted reforms can achieve our common objectives and maintain our nations unparalleled aviation safety record.

Peter DeFazio, Washington

The writer, a Democrat, represents Oregons 4th District and is ranking minority-party member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Rick Larsen, Washington

The writer, a Democrat, represents Washingtons 2nd District and is ranking minority-party member of the House subcommittee on aviation.
Hillary Clinton signs souvenirs for supporters in New Hampshire two days before the election in November. Hours into election night, she and her aides were certain they would win. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post)

Steven Ginsberg is the senior politics editor for The Washington Post.

Around 7:45 on election night, when Hillary Clinton and her aides still thought they were headed to the White House, troubling news emerged from Florida. Steve Schale, the best vote-counter the Democrats had in the state, told campaign officials they were going to lose the biggest battleground in the country. Yes, Clinton was doing well in some places, but Donald Trumps numbers in Republican areas were inconceivably big.

Youre going to come up short, Schale said, stunning aides in Brooklyn who were, until that moment, comfortably cradled in the security of their own faulty analytics.

The call with Schale marks the beginning of a riveting account of the final, dreadful hours of Clintons long pursuit of the presidency, as told by reporters Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes in their insidery new book, Shattered.

As fear gave over to dread in the Peninsula Hotel, the Clinton campaign reacted as you might expect: Bill became furious, Hillary turned stoic, and their cocksure aides started to blame one another. It wasnt long into the night before Bill Clinton called his old pal, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, and told him not to bother coming to New York. There would be no victory to celebrate.

Shortly after 11:00 p.m., after Wisconsin was called by Fox News, Allen and Parnes report that the campaign fielded a series of calls from the White House pushing Hillary Clinton to concede, even though the margins in many states were extraordinarily close. President Barack Obama thought it was over and did not want a messy recount.

First came a call from White House political director David Simas to Clintons campaign manager, Robby Mook. POTUS doesnt think its wise to drag this out, Simas said.

But Clinton was dragging it out.

So then she got a call from POTUS. You need to concede, urged Obama, who repeated the message in a follow-up call to Clintons campaign chairman, John Podesta.

At last, Clinton said, Give me the phone. And then the first woman who was going to be president got her opponent on the line and said two words she never expected to say: Congratulations, Donald.

Moments later, Obama was back on the phone, this time making a consolation call. Mr. President, Clinton said softly. Im sorry.

The dire scene in the Peninsula unearths a bit of history that was mostly left unreported in the madness that followed that night, as the country and the world focused almost entirely on the emerging reality of Trumps victory. Thanks to Allen and Parnes, we now know how Clinton reacted, at the moment she was supposed to become the first female president. And we know how the Clintons responded, at the moment when the country told them: No more.

1 of 55 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  See what Hillary Clinton has been doing since the presidential election View Photos The former Democratic candidate and secretary of state has returned to public life after a post-election-loss respite. Caption The former Democratic candidate and secretary of state has returned to public life after a post-election respite. Jan. 28, 2018 Hillary Clinton appears on screen reading an excerpt from the book, Fire and Fury, during a skit at the 60th annual Grammy Awards at Madison Square Garden in New York. Matt Sayles/Invision/AP Wait 1 second to continue.

But as revealing as those moments are, they inexplicably come in the books final pages and largely stand apart from the rest, which is mostly a dutiful recitation of every to and fro of the so-very-long, joyless, ugh-filled Clinton campaign. Who wants to relive the Democratic primary debates? Or read 20 pages each about the Iowa caucuses (she won, barely) and the New Hampshire primary (she lost, bigly)?

Shattered is essentially a sequel to HRC, a 2014 book by Allen and Parnes that chronicled Clintons time at the State Department. Its also the first offering of what will surely be many books about what really happened inside the 2016 campaigns. Going first has its advantages  perhaps in sales and attention  but in this case the quick-fire version proves too limiting.

Does it really matter who was pissy at whom in Brooklyn when we still dont know what role the Russians played in the election or why FBI Director James Comey publicly announced a reopening of the email investigation in late October? Those questions are largely left unexplored here, other than as targets of Clintons post-election ire.

Staying inside Clintons inner circle also keeps the story oddly away from Trump, who is absent from much of the book even though he was the dominant force throughout the election. By contrast, Clintons primary fight against Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont consumes much of the first half of the book. The authors provide plenty of details, but their takeaway is familiar: Sanders was unexpectedly popular; Clinton could never quite figure him out but nonetheless managed to outlast him.

As we dive into the Clinton apparatus in Brooklyn, we discover a somewhat different picture of Mook, who was largely portrayed as an affable, modern-age data whiz during the campaign. In Shattered, he is depicted as a professional political assassin who pushes aside anyone who threatens his control-freak grip on power. He fights with Podesta. Theres tension with chief strategist Joel Benenson (who appears to have been almost completely sidelined months before Election Day). Mook has little regard for communications director Jennifer Palmieri. He thinks the old-style politics of Bill Clinton are relics of a bygone time.

Some of the criticism of Mook rings true  his celebrated voter modeling, for instance, turned out to be catastrophically off  but his portrait also carries the stench of bitter co-workers conveniently tossing after-the-fact blame his way.

Shattered leaves open the question of how Clinton lost. She and her campaign are convinced that Comey was the pivotal factor  and there is evidence to support that view. But the Comey episode doesnt address why the race in the reliably blue Rust Belt was so close to begin with or what Clinton could have done to alter it.

Much of the post-election analysis has criticized Clinton and her campaign for focusing on reach states such as North Carolina instead of putting more resources in the upper Midwest. That view is both echoed and called into question in Shattered, which depicts a vexing Goldilocks-style problem for Clinton across the region.

In Wisconsin, she didnt show up enough. In Michigan, local organizers thought it was best that she stayed away. In Pennsylvania, she campaigned as aggressively as anywhere in the nation. In all three, she lost by less than 1 percent of the vote. So what should she have done?

The answer often comes back to Mooks model, which, we are reminded again and again, was wrong. But lets say he had the right model  would Clinton have had a winning strategy, or would she have known she was going to lose? Were never told.

What we do know is that Clinton based her entire campaign on the notion that Trump was socially unacceptable and dangerously unqualified. We also know that that strategy proved to be insufficient, but we gain little insight into how it came to be or whether any alternative was discussed. Also left uninvestigated is the extent to which Clintons deplorable remark, which became a rallying cry for her opponents, hurt her among white working-class voters.

The world does not often clamor for a book about the losing presidential candidate, though Clinton may be the exception, given her celebrity and all the weighty questions for Democrats that still shroud her devastating loss. Those who have been fascinated with Hillary Clinton for the past quarter-century may want to add Shattered to their libraries. But those looking for some of those answers will want to look elsewhere.
STRIP AWAY the bravado and hype, and two important developments emerged from the news of recent days with regard to North Korea. The first is that in a show of missiles over the weekend, the regime in Pyongyang revealed some new strengths and some uncertainties in its quest to be a global nuclear and missile threat. The second is that the Trump administration has begun to implement a strategy to ramp up pressure on Pyongyang, but along well-known paths.

Assumptions about technological progress based on a military parade can be guesswork, but the weekends extravaganza in Pyongyang offered important clues, according to experts at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. North Korea is moving toward solid-fuel ballistic missiles  displaying both sea- and land-based variants that have been previously tested. Solid-fuel missiles can be quicker to launch than liquid-fueled and, on land, easier to transport and conceal. A second surprise was a nose cone with fins that might indicate progress toward a targeted or steerable warhead reentry vehicle. North Korea also showed off some very long canisters, suggesting a large, long-range missile under development, but the missile itself was not on display. No conclusions can be drawn about a weekend missile test that failed except that North Korea, like all missile and nuclear powers, is testing and presumably learning from success as well as failure. The regimes intentions are clear, and its capabilities seem to be improving, if uneven.

Now President Trump is throwing his own strategy into gear. Vice President Pence repeated sternly at the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas on Monday that the era of President Barack Obamas strategic patience is over and warned North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un not to test U.S. resolve. The United States also sent a Navy carrier battle group to the region. Beyond the public psy-ops, which hopefully will not spin out of control into a military miscalculation, it appears the central thrust of the administrations strategy is to induce China to rein in its client. Mr. Trump has explicitly hinted that he will not punish China as a currency manipulator  as he had often threatened  if it helps on North Korea. Certainly, China can do more than it has in recent years, including squeeze North Koreas energy lifeline. But Mr. Trumps approach has been tried repeatedly, without much success, because Chinas leaders, while irked by Pyongyang, do not want to destroy the regime and risk a hostile state on their border. Is Mr. Trump driving toward a new outcome with China or the same old dead end?

Mr. Trumps strategy is to crank up pressure, then push for a negotiation leading to denuclearization, stopping short of regime change. This approach makes sense in the short term. The Trump administration is right both to declare a limit to Western patience and to look for a non-military solution. But the horror of Mr. Kims rule also cannot be overstated, from the reported assassination of his own half brother in Malaysia to systematic and grave human rights violations. As long as North Korea remains a giant prison camp, the long-term problem will not have been solved.
THERE IS something inspiring about the annual civic ritual playing out on Tuesday. Millions of people will submit tax forms, poring over details to get them just right, even though very few will ever be audited. They are dutifully, if not necessarily cheerfully, paying the price of admission into a civilized society.

Still, were not so naive as to believe that compliance would be unchanged if cheaters were never caught. That is one reason President Trumps proposal to slash Internal Revenue Service funding is such an abysmal idea. The president last month suggested reducing the national tax collectors $11.2 billion budget by $239 million  this after Republicans already have cut $1 billion from its budget since taking over Congress at the beginning of this decade.

Attacking the IRS is a particularly expensive way to play to the crowd. It rewards tax cheats at everyone elses expense. Commissioner John Koskinen estimates that the government loses at least $4 for every $1 cut from the IRS and is losing some $4 billion to $8 billion a year due to inadequate funding.

The agencys workforce has contracted by some 17,000 employees in recent years while demands on the agency, from preventing identity theft to enforcing Obamacares individual health-insurance mandate, have expanded. Fewer employees means less enforcement: Last year the agency conducted the fewest audits since 2004  when the U.S. population was about 30 million smaller, the Associated Press notes  and its audit rate has declined to a point not seen since 2003. The more the integrity of the tax oversight system comes into doubt, the more tax-day shenanigans people will attempt  and the more even honest people will wonder why they bother paying such close attention while less scrupulous people get rewarded.

Fewer IRS employees also means worse customer service. Though by some measures service has improved over the past year, it is still far below what it should be. Some callers needing help still have trouble getting through to live people in a reasonable amount of time.

I was particularly surprised that at looking at the IRS numbers that the IRS head count has gone down quite dramatically, almost 30 percent over the last number of years, Steven Mnuchin said in his confirmation hearings as treasury secretary. I can assure you that the president-elect understands the concept of where we add people and we make money, he said. Thats a very quick conversation with Donald Trump.

It may have been quick, but apparently the logic was not as self-evident as Mr. Mnuchin expected. The country will quite literally pay.
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, walk to Marine One at the White House en route to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla.

March 17, 2017 President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, walk to Marine One at the White House en route to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post

There was an unseemly glee on the part of some Trump supporters in the use of the MOAB  Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb  against a target in Afghanistan. A powerful nation may possess 21,600 pounds of precision-guided death. A great nation uses it only in a spirit of grim necessity.

Yet  considered along with the 59 cruise missiles thrown at the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria  a useful, kinetic statement has been made. The United States will no longer be constrained by President Barack Obamas infinitely varied excuses for inaction (which a rational and determined mind can always find). Nor, apparently, will the nation follow President Trumps incoherent campaign pledge to disengage itself into preeminence, to somehow retreat into greatness.

But a Trump Doctrine is still at the lumpy, unwhisked-batter stage of intellectual baking. The United States acts when horrible images of murdered children catch the presidents eye, or when the ordnance employed sends a signal of toughness. This is hardly a turn toward neo-conservatism. But what is it? And how can we know, if Trump, in all probability, does not yet know himself?

Uncertainty is not always a bad thing. There should be questions in the minds of foreign powers when they calculate the length of our chief executives fuse. A president should be reliable in providing a proportionate response to aggression and atrocities. He should also be capable of a disproportionate and decisive response, planting a seed of deathly fear in the minds of the United States enemies. (Deterring aggression against Europe during the Cold War, for example, depended on the credible belief that U.S. presidents might be mad enough to use nuclear weapons first if the Soviet tanks began rolling in  effectively defending a continent by promising to irradiate it.)

[Trumps no populist. Hes a swamp monster.]

(Adriana Usero/The Washington Post)

The existence of real red lines  that North Korea will not have the capability to lob a nuclear missile into Napa Valley, that the Taliban cant control Kabul, that the Islamic State cant be allowed a permanent, territorial home  are the essential guides to foreign policy. But a post-Iraq-invasion America better understands how expensive (in a variety of horrible ways) an invasion and occupation can be. So every U.S. president  no matter how they campaign  will be faced with the necessity and challenge of degrading threats from a distance.

This is really the post-Cold War American doctrine, on the order of the Monroe or Truman doctrines: When possible, the United States will preempt and prevent emerging threats by strengthening proxies and projecting power from medium to long range. This is the essence of a high-tech, offshore war against terrorism and other sources of grave harm  a policy that not only takes the lessons of Iraq seriously, but also recalls the lessons of 9/11.

The problem with the Trump administrations foreign policy  as represented in its proposed budget  is that it does not fully understand our threats or the meaning of power.

The existence of the Islamic State is, indeed, a threat. But terrorism is often parasitic, attaching its agenda to local grievances and attempting to ride its proxies to greater power. So al-Qaeda first tried to take root in Sudan, and then more successfully did so in alliance with the Taliban in Afghanistan. So the Islamic State gathered strength fighting the Assad regime in the ungoverned badlands of eastern Syria before rolling back into Iraq.

[Trumps cake and golf presidency]

This makes the fate of failed, fragile and lawless states directly and unavoidably relevant to the conduct of the war against terrorism and the defense against other threats. American interests must be defined broadly enough to include things such as the effective delivery of social services in Afghanistan, the surveillance for pandemic disease in rural Tanzania, the construction of classrooms in refugee-stressed Jordan, the settlement of conflict in Libya and the promotion of economic progress in northern Nigeria. Encouraging these outcomes represents another, very real type of American power, exercised from afar (apart from the irenic army of health, development and diplomatic professionals).

It is an absurd misnomer to call the exercise of power in these areas soft. The matter is simple: Will the United States merely respond to security threats? Or will it also try to shape the security environments in which threats emerge?

This is the context in which the Trump administration is proposing a nearly 29 percent cut in State Department funding for development and diplomacy, for peace-building and conflict prevention. It is not a soft-power budget, explains budget director Mick Mulvaney. This is a hard-power budget.

It is really a softheaded, hardhearted budget. If it passed in anything close to current form, no amount of explosive power could undo the stupidity or remedy the harm.

Read more from Michael Gersons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook .
In January 1970, the organizers of the first Earth Day published a full-page ad in the New York Times. A few months ahead of thousands of demonstrations and teach-ins across the United States, they declared that Earth Day represented a commitment to make life better, to provide real rather than rhetorical solutions, and to challenge the corporate and government leaders who promise change, but who short change the necessary programs. They continued, April 22 seeks a future.

Nearly half a century later, the scientific community is once again issuing a call to action. When the world commemorates the 48th Earth Day this weekend, the occasion will be marked by March for Science rallies nationwide and around the globe. At a time when facts and science are under attack, the organizers hope to send a loud and clear message that science is a vital feature of a working democracy. Denouncing policies that threaten to further restrict scientists ability to research and communicate their findings, they warn that we face a possible future where people not only ignore scientific evidence, but seek to eliminate it entirely.

One of the most threatening of those policies is in President Trumps budget blueprint: a cut of nearly $6 billion to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As The Post reported last month, the proposal would slash roughly a fifth of NIHs funding in fiscal year 2018, a seismic disruption in government-funded medical and scientific research. The administration has also proposed a separate $1.2 billion reduction in the remainder of this years NIH funding, along with severe cuts to the National Science Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency and other programs, to pay for a border wall and higher defense spending.

When news of the proposed NIH cuts broke, scientists expressed fear about the far-reaching implications. In addition to biomedical research conducted at NIH headquarters in Maryland, more than 80 percent of the NIH budget is used to fund research at universities and other institutions nationwide. In many cases, NIH grants account for most of a laboratorys funding, and they often drive follow-on contributions from other sources. In 2016, for example, NIH distributed more than $23.5 billion in grants to support research on everything from cancer to Alzheimers to mental health to blindness. (Disclosure: I serve as a trustee of Research to Prevent Blindness, the leading private funder of vision research in the United States.)

The budget proposal also breaks with a history of bipartisan support for federally funded science, as The Post reported. Indeed, it was one of the bipartisan triumphs in this countrys history to agree on the importance of scientific research in driving progress. Just last year, despite persistent gridlock in Washington and a divisive presidential campaign, Congress approved an increase in the NIH budget with strong bipartisan support.

(Video: Jenny Starrs/Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

And though the Republican Party is clearly guilty of advancing an anti-science agenda, especially when it comes to climate change, it has been encouraging to see members of both parties speak out forcefully about the importance of fully funding the NIH. For example, Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), an influential member of the Appropriations and Budget committees, called the proposed cuts very shortsighted, adding that biomedical research is part of the defense of the country. Rep. Jamie B. Raskin (D-Md.), a progressive House freshman who represents the district where NIH is headquartered, described slashing the NIH budget as indefensible.

Nonetheless, the debate over NIH funding is further evidence of what has been clear for quite some time: Science is now political. In response, scientists are becoming more political, too. The March for Science is merely the most visible manifestation to date of an emerging social movement built on the common-sense principle that scientific findings should inform policy and not the other way around. It will be followed later this month, on Trumps 100th day in office, by the Peoples Climate March. Meanwhile, the recently formed group 314 Action is recruiting and training members of the scientific community to run for Congress, prioritizing races against members of the House Science Committee who are working to advance anti-science policies.

While some politicians would have us believe that we cant spare money for scientific research, the opposite is true. We cant afford to defund the vital efforts that could help solve some of our greatest challenges, from cancer to climate change. Those who plan to attend the March for Science  who are not just progressives or Democrats but represent an ideologically and culturally diverse movement  know that science is for all. They are sending an unequivocal message that while science may have become political, it will never be negotiable.

Read more from Katrina vanden Heuvels archive or follow her on Twitter.
Neil M. Gorsuch, shown at a Senate confirmation hearing, was an active participant in his first session as a Supreme Court justice. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

New Justice Neil M. Gorsuch was an active, aggressive and somewhat long-winded questioner in his debut Monday at the Supreme Court, making his presence known during a series of complicated cases about legal procedures.

Gorsuch waited barely 10 minutes into the first of three hour-long cases before kicking off what became a long chain of questions. There is no expectation at the high court that new justices are to be seen and not heard, but the 49-year-old rookie seemed to push the envelope a bit.

[Neil Gorsuch sworn in as nations 113th Supreme Court justice]

Gorsuch asked more questions at his first oral argument  22  than did any of his fellow justices at their first appearances, according to Adam Feldman, a scholar who studies all things empirical about the Supreme Court. Before Monday, Justice Sonia Sotomayor had been the leader with 15 questions.

And, according to Feldmans count, Gorsuch was wordier than all of his colleagues during their first time out, save for Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Elena Kagan, who had joined the court after representing the government there as its chief lawyer.

(Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

In short order, Gorsuch showed he could be polite and still deliver a jab reminiscent of the justice he replaced, the late Antonin Scalia.

At one point, Christopher Landau, a Washington lawyer representing a former federal worker trying to navigate a complicated law governing grievance procedures, said, Were not asking this court to break any new ground.

No, just to continue to make it up, Gorsuch shot back with a grin, indicating he believed previous court decisions had strayed from the text of the law.

As Gorsuch first emerged from behind the courts maroon velvet curtains with his colleagues, he seemed to pause for a moment to take in the scene. His silver hair looking recently trimmed, and he wore a dark red tie under his black robe.

He shared a laugh with his seatmate, Sotomayor, and sat ramrod straight in his high-backed chair all the way to Robertss left. He rarely stopped smiling.

At the start of the days proceedings, the chief justice welcomed Gorsuch, nominated by President Trump to fill the seat left vacant by Scalias death in February 2016. Senate Republicans had refused to hold hearings for President Barack Obamas nominee for the seat, Judge Merrick Garland.

Gorsuch returns the court to its previous composition of five generally conservative Republican-nominated justices and four consistent liberals nominated by Democrats.

[President Trump made his choice, but its still Kennedys court]

Justice Gorsuch, we wish you a long and happy career in our common calling, Roberts said.

Gorsuch responded: Thank you very much, chief justice, and thank you to each of my new colleagues for the very warm welcome Ive received this last week. I appreciate it greatly.

Gorsuch skipped last weeks private conference, where justices consider which cases to accept and reject, so he could bone up on the cases the court is hearing this week and next, its last oral arguments of the current term, which ends in June.

The second case of the day, Town of Chester, N.Y., v. Laroe Estates, was another complicated matter involving when a development company can intervene in a lawsuit brought by a landowner against a local government.

Like a front-row law student, Gorsuch flaunted the details.

Thats his complaint, page 122 of the Joint Appendix, he told Washington lawyer Shay Dvoretzky, who represented Laroe. Your client, page 162, wants damages for itself.

Gorsuch was confident and seemed not the least bit self-conscious as he questioned attorneys. He stressed, as he had at his confirmation hearings, that the text of the law would matter more to him than whether it resulted in outcomes that might not be what Congress had intended.

Wouldnt it be a lot easier if we just followed the plain text of the statute? he asked Brian H. Fletcher, the Justice Department lawyer representing the government in the civil service case Perry v. Merit Systems Protection Board. What am I missing?

His new colleagues partly provided the answer.

Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. said the case was unbelievably complicated and drew laughter from the courtroom spectators when he speculated that the person who wrote the law must be somebody who takes pleasure out of pulling the wings off flies.

Alito added; The one thing about this case that seems perfectly clear to me is that nobody who is not a lawyer, and no ordinary lawyer, could read these statutes and figure out what they are supposed to do.

One lawyer Gorsuch listened to but did not question was the attorney representing the town of Chester, Neal K. Katyal, a former acting solicitor general in the Obama administration. Katyal, who has an active practice before the Supreme Court, testified on Gorsuchs behalf at the judges Senate confirmation hearing and was frequently invoked by Gorsuchs supporters because of a New York Times op-ed he wrote titled Why Liberals Should Back Neil Gorsuch.

[Lawyer introducing Gorsuch at hearing is suing Trump over travel ban]

Some were watching to see if Gorsuch might recuse himself; he had routinely done so as a member of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit when his former law firm had a case there or a controversy involved someone he knew.

But in the appeals courts, another judge can take the place of a recused colleague. There can be no replacement at the Supreme Court. And justices routinely hear cases involving lawyers with whom they once worked or are friends. Katyal, for instance, was deputy solicitor general when Kagan ran the office under Obama.

Gorsuch at times seemed sensitive about asking so many questions on his first outing.

Im sorry for taking up so much time, I apologize, he said. My last question.

But it wasnt.
The Supreme Court indicated Tuesday that the federal government does not have the wide power it claims in pursuing the ill-gotten profits of fraudulent behavior.

Justices across the board were at least skeptical of the Securities and Exchange Commissions claim that it is not bound by a five-year statute of limitations when it seeks disgorgement, or the return of profits made from illegal behavior.

It is a popular tool for SEC lawyers, who took in more than $3 billion in disgorgement payments in 2015. Some was returned to victims, and some went in the federal treasury.

Adam Unikowsky, a Washington lawyer representing Charles R. Kokesh, who has been convicted of federal securities fraud, said the government was claiming an open-ended ability to impose punishments. This latitude, Unikowsky said, even exceeds that for punishing terrible violent crimes.

It seeks enforcement actions based on conduct dating back forever, with no statute of limitations at all, he said.

He seemed to find a receptive audience, notably Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.

Roberts quoted a predecessor, Chief Justice John Marshall, as saying it was utterly repugnant to the genius of our laws to have a penalty remedy without limit. Marshall was talking about a statute of limitations, Roberts said.

The concern, it seems to me, is multiplied when its not only no limitation but its something that the government kind of devised on its own, he said.

Justice Department lawyer Elaine J. Goldenberg, representing the SEC, disputed Robertss premise.

Disgorgement is not a penalty, she said. It remedies unjust enrichment and just takes the person back to where they would have been had they not acted illegally.

Kokesh is a Santa Fe, N.M., businessman who was convicted of misappropriating money from four investment companies he controlled from 1995 through 2006 and using the proceeds for a lavish lifestyle. A judge in 2015 ordered him to pay a $2.4 million civil penalty.

But because the SEC has interpreted disgorgement to have no time restraint, the judge said Kokesh must also pay $35 million, the calculated amount of illegal profits dating back to the initiation of his illegal behavior.

Federal law establishes a five-year statute of limitations on enforcement of any civil fine, penalty or forfeiture. But that does not apply to disgorgements, the SEC says.

Federal courts are split on that question. If the five-year limit applies, Kokeshs disgorgement would be reduced to about $5 million.

Unikowsky said it was clear that the disgorgements were the same as a forfeiture  a turning over of ill-gotten gains  so the limitation applies.

He received some pushback from Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ginsburg noted that the SEC has been pursuing disgorgements for decades, so Congress could have intervened if it thought the agency was doing something wrong.

But Unikowsky said it was only relatively recently that the commission had pursued profits from beyond the five-year limit.

And when Goldenberg rose to defend the agency, Ginsburg said there was kind of an unreality to the governments argument in this case, since Kokeshs fine was relatively small compared with the amount of disgorgement.

The newest justice, Neil M. Gorsuch, noted there was no law governing disgorgements, only the SECs regulations. Gorsuch, as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, expressed alarm about a growing administrative state and seemed to signal a belief that this was another example of an agency operating without congressional directive.

Were just making it up, he said.

Goldenberg noted that it is not up to the SEC what wrongdoers pay. Judges decide the amounts and where the money goes, she said.

But Roberts said that was not enough.

It does seem to me that we kind of have a special obligation to be concerned about how far back the government can go when its something that Congress did not address because it did not specify the remedy, he said.

The case is Kokesh v. SEC.
Two new plaintiffs  an association of restaurants and restaurant workers, and a woman who books banquet halls for two D.C. hotels  plan to join a lawsuit alleging that President Trump has violated the Constitutions emoluments clause because his hotels and restaurants do business with foreign governments.

The new plaintiffs will be added to the case on Tuesday morning, according to a spokesman for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a D.C.-based watchdog group.

CREW had originally filed suit against Trump in federal court in January, alleging that  by continuing to own his business, which rents out hotel rooms and meeting spaces to other governments  Trump had violated the constitutional provision that bans emoluments from foreign powers.

[Could lawsuits force Trump to give up his businesses?]

Legal experts had said that the case faced a serious hurdle: It wasnt clear that the watchdog group actually had standing to sue in the first place. What harm had it suffered, specifically, because of Trumps actions?

(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

The new plaintiffs are intended to offer an alternative answer to that question. Both say that, as direct competitors of Trumps restaurants and hotels, they may lose foreign clients, who may book with Trump properties to curry favor with the president.

Its damage to our members, both employers bottom lines, and workers loss of income and tips, said Saru Jayaraman, co-director of Restaurant Opportunities Centers United.

That group  a nonprofit association that says its members include more than 25,000 restaurant workers, 200-plus restaurants and thousands of people who eat in restaurants  trains restaurant workers and advocates for higher wages.

The association was one of two plaintiffs added to the lawsuit Tuesday. Jayaraman could not cite a specific instance in which a member of the group had lost a client to a Trump business.

But she said the potential for such a development is clear.

Its not a free market, or a free country, when foreign governments feel like they have to eat and patronize Trump hotels and restaurants because hes the president of the United States, Jayaraman said. I mean, thats why the emoluments clause was written.

The other new plaintiff is Jill Phaneuf, who works for a hospitality company, booking events for two Washington hotels: the Carlyle Hotel near Dupont Circle and the Glover Park Hotel on Wisconsin Avenue NW.

The two hotels themselves are not joining the lawsuit, the watchdog group said. Jordan Libowitz, a CREW spokesman, said that Phaneuf is a contractor who is paid on commissions that are tied to the gross receipts of the events she books. She joined the suit as an individual.

I joined this lawsuit because the president is taking business away from me and others with unfair business practices that violate the Constitution, Phaneuf said in a written statement. She declined to comment when asked if she could cite an example where a Trump hotel had taken her business away.

When The Washington Post asked the White House for comment, a spokeswoman directed the question to the Trump Organization. A Trump Organization spokeswoman said she could not comment before she had seen a copy of the new filing.

The aim of the lawsuit is the same as before. The plaintiffs ask U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams in New York to order Trump to stop violating the emoluments clause, and to release financial records to prove it.

The Constitution says that no person holding a federal office shall accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State. It was inspired by fears that early American ambassadors might be corrupted by gifts from the countries where they were serving.

The plaintiffs in this case say that, by the same logic, Trumps loyalties might be bent by foreign governments paying for the hotel rooms and office space he owns.

This is MOAC. The mother of all conflicts, said Norm Eisen, a former ethics official in the Obama administration and a board member of CREW. This is the one thing that we have in our power to do to stop it, he said.

In the past, Trumps attorneys have said that the term emolument should not apply to transactions where foreign governments pay market rates for hotel rooms or banquet halls.
Backers of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte take part in a protest rally against Vice President Leni Robredo in Manila on April 2 after reports surfaced that a video of her apparently criticizing the Duterte governments drug war had been sent to the U.N. Commission on Narcotic Drugs. (Mark R. Cristino/European Pressphoto Agency)

Justin Quirino is a 28-year-old radio disc jockey and events host who is active in Manilas hip cultural scene. He abhors violence and says more of his countrys wealth and opportunities should flow to the poor. And he considers himself a supporter of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Hes far from perfect, Quirino said, sitting in a Manila Starbucks. But I think hes what the country needs right now.

Quirino holds a business degree and speaks perfect English, so he knows that recent international coverage of the Philippines has focused on the thousands killed in the war on drugs that Duterte launched after taking office last year.

It really hits a nerve when I hear about those deaths. Its painful. But I think that violence of that kind is unfortunately inevitable when theres a struggle for power, especially when drug gangs are involved, he said. Around this country, youll find a blatant disregard of many of our laws, and theres little to no accountability. We have to change that.

[Philippine justice minister: Deadly drug war not crime against humanity because drug users not humanity]

Duterte greets supporters in Quezon City, north of Manila, in February 2016 during his campaign for the presidency. He was elected in May. (Aaron Favila/AP)

Despite international allegations of mass extrajudicial executions and an outcry against the recent imprisonment of a political rival, polls indicate that Duterte still has the majority of the country behind him. That support can often be found in unexpected places, from the well-heeled elite circles that the unapologetically populist president attacks so aggressively to poor neighborhoods experiencing violence firsthand.

A lot of support for Duterte is just as much about rejecting what came before him as it is about the man and the policies, said Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform in Manila.

Two particularly important Duterte voting blocs, he said, were people from the large southern island of Mindanao, which had never produced a prominent national politician, and Filipinos working abroad, many of whom worry that their children back home could get mixed up with drugs or gangs.

His victory was won out of frustrations, not only with the last president but with the last 30 years of politics, Casiple said.

Some supporters blame the killings on drug gangs themselves rather than the police. Others accuse the elite-controlled mainstream media and the political opposition of exaggerating the violence so they can regain power from Duterte, who hails from outside the traditional Manila circles that ran the country for decades. Some frown and say they dont know much about the killings, while others are active in the online pro-Duterte groups that work to rebut accusations against the president.

[Gallery: Heart-wrenching scenes from the Philippines drug war]

They arent really EJKs, said Janina Boncales, a 25-year-old food attendant in the city of Cebu, using an abbreviation for extrajudicial killings. Its the narcos who are killing their own people, she said. She added that she believes that killings also took place under the previous administration of Benigno Aquino but that mainstream media here did not report them.

Because of the large number of Filipinos who live abroad, social-media campaigns have been essential to building and maintaining Dutertes support, experts say.

On Facebook, Boncales recently shared an English-language YouTube video titled Dear International Community: What makes Leila de Lima special?  a defense of the February arrest of the senator and Duterte critic on charges that she was involved with the drug trade. A recent European Union resolution expressed concern that the charges against de Lima are almost entirely fabricated.

The video was uploaded by Sass Rogando Sasot, a Filipina in graduate school in the Netherlands who has become a leading pro-Duterte voice online. Insisting on an email interview on the grounds that she suspected international media might twist her words, she said she adheres to the liberal values of equality and freedom and came around to supporting Duterte last year because of his leadership and crisis-management skills. She also contends that the Philippines will benefit from his less antagonistic approach to China.

[Duterte plays a winning hand with foreign policy, but will his luck run out?]

Duterte is that kind of leader who doesnt really give a s--- about what other people think about him, she said. My support for him is not about defending him per se but about explaining and making people understand his actions, policies and decisions.

A transgender woman and longtime activist in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, she rejects assertions that Duterte is anti-LGBT.

As long ago as 2001, in Mindanaos Davao City, she recalled, she was surprised to see how advanced local LGBT organizations were, and she credits Dutertes longtime leadership there. Thats why when Duterte was painted as an anti-LGBT candidate, I was really vocal about refuting that.

Duterte has appointed several LGBT people to government positions, most notably Aiza Seguerra, who chairs the National Youth Commission. In Davao City, Duterte spearheaded passage of an anti-discrimination ordinance in 2012, when he was serving as vice mayor.

Off the record, some other Duterte supporters might even acknowledge taking drugs from time to time. Maybe a puff of marijuana with friends or ecstasy at an international dance-music show. But not the methamphetamine product known here as shabu.

Shabu is like the cancer of our society, said Nick, who asked that his last name not be used, because his work brings him in contact with police and drug dealers, both of whom he fears. His brother is in jail for a drug-related crime, and associates have disappeared. He worries they have been killed or have fled to avoid being hunted down. He supports Duterte.

To be honest, I like whats happening right now, he said. We feel safer.

International analysts note that meth use here is probably not much greater than in countries such as Australia or the United States. But studies have shown that historically, when faith in public institutions is lacking, extrajudicial violence can come to be seen as a solution.

We have all the ingredients usually required to garner support for populism or extreme measures, said Carlos H. Conde, a researcher with Human Rights Watch in the Philippines. There are decades of political dysfunction going back to the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship. We have corruption at every level, we have disenchantment with our institutions, poverty is widespread, and crime is rampant. Its almost a textbook case.

The organization says the recent spike in violence is clearly linked to Dutertes policies and rhetoric, and it is requesting a full investigation by the United Nations.

Conde added, however, that in countries where death squads or extrajudicial killings have been used to combat drug gangs, such as in Latin America, we know that its not effective in the long term.

At a karaoke bar on a run-down street in the Manila neighborhood of Pasay, where a number of killings have taken place in recent months, Richie Macalisang said he disagreed.

Criminals are using human rights groups as a shield, said the 39-year-old sailor, who was drinking and singing, waiting for his ship to leave soon for the United States, and wearing a red, white and blue bracelet with Dutertes name on it. They were given fair warning, and if they want to avoid violence, they can just turn themselves in.

Read more:

Duterte: Hitler killed millions of Jews, I will kill millions of drug addicts

False prophet: Duterte, the Catholic Church and the fight for the soul of the Philippines

Duterte orders troops to disputed South China Sea in possible new rift with Beijing

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
British Prime Minister Theresa May shocked her country Tuesday with an unexpected call for June elections, a gamble aimed at increasing her political power at home and enhancing her leverage in Brussels for the high-wire Brexit negotiations.

The move amounted to an ambush of Britains weak and fractious opposition, giving them just seven weeks to prepare for a vote that had not been due for three more years.

Brexit brought May to power; her predecessor, David Cameron, resigned after the humbling defeat of his pro-European Union side in last Junes referendum on whether to leave the trading bloc.

If May emerges strengthened from the snap election  as opinion polls currently suggest  she will have greater clout as Britain goes into the complex talks with the remaining 27 E.U. nations, which appear in no mood to offer generous farewell concessions to Britain.

[Theresa Mays element of surprise]

(The Washington Post)

But if anti-Brexit voices do well in the polls, May could be forced to soften her demands that Europe provide favorable conditions for the split.

No matter how the vote swings, the election campaign is certain to reopen some of the wounds from last years referendum, as voters are once again asked to consider what kind of future they envision for Britain after its E.U. break.

I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead is to hold this election and seek your support for the decisions I have to make, said May, who last month submitted Britains formal request to begin E.U. exit negotiations.

[Britains snap elections wont reverse Brexit. Heres why.]

May has consolidated power within the Conservative Party. But the lack of her own popular mandate has threatened to become a liability as Britain begins to reckon with the inevitable trade-offs that will come with the Brexit talks.

In the election announcement, May argued that her political opponents  from the independence-minded Scots to pro-E.U. factions in Parliament  are undermining Britains negotiating position with the European Union. At the same time, some hard-liners in her own Conservative Party are calling for a dirty Brexit, in which Britain could walk away from the negotiating table without any deals with the European Union.

May is also sensing political opportunity.

Her Conservative Party has a narrow majority in Parliament but has opened up a 20-point lead over the opposition Labour Party in recent polls. While May had promised not to call an early election, her allies have been pushing her to break that vow.

[The Brexit road map]

The Labour Party has been at war with itself since the far-left Jeremy Corbyn became leader in September 2015. A recent poll showed that, in a head-to-head matchup between May and Corbyn, not even a majority of Labour voters would want Corbyn as their prime minister.

Corbyn, however, welcomed the snap election as giving the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.

[Not another one! Vote-weary Britons greet election news. ]

Other parties are similarly weakened. The far-right U.K. Independence Party has lost its charismatic leader, Nigel Farage, while its central message  that Britain needs to get out of the E.U.  has been co-opted by May. The centrist Liberal Democrats were all but wiped out in the 2015 election, though they will hope to rally the Brexit referendums remain voters around their unapologetically pro-Europe stance.

May planned to seek Parliaments backing Wednesday for the June 8 election.

We need a general election, and we need one now, May said, because we have at this moment a one-off chance to get this done while the European Union agrees its negotiating position and before the detailed talks begin.

One reason so many were stunned by the move is that May had repeatedly ruled out an early election, and she has staked her reputation on doing what she says. The next election was scheduled for 2020.

May said that she had recently and reluctantly decided that a snap election was the only way to guarantee stability and to stop the game-playing in Westminster. She cited several examples of what she called division in Parliament, including the Labour Partys threat to vote against the final deal negotiated with the European Union.

[In Brexit capital, Labours struggles on display]

Tim Farron, leader of the pro-Europe Liberal Democrat Party, said the election offered an opportunity to urge May to take a more conciliatory line in the E.U. talks.

Some critics worry that Britain could lose important trade and other links to Europe by pushing for what May has called a full break from the E.U. There are also concerns over the estimated 3 million E.U. citizens working and living in Britain and the more than 1 million Britons residing across Europe. May said she would seek to preserve their rights.

If you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the single market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance. Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority, Farron said in a statement.

The E.U. bureaucracy, however, has shown little interest in giving Britain an easy landing as it seeks to leave the bloc. E.U. officials are still smarting from Britains vote and worried that generous concessions could encourage other E.U. breakaway bids around Europe.

European Council President Donald Tusk, a powerful voice in the Brexit talks, summed up the surprise many in Europe felt at Mays announcement. It was Hitchcock who directed Brexit: first an earthquake and the tension rises, Tusk wrote on Twitter.

Although Britain as a whole voted 52 to 48 percent in favor of leaving the European Union, majorities in both Scotland and Northern Ireland favored staying.

Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon has charged that Scotlands voters are being taken out of the bloc against their will. And she said last month that she wants a referendum on independence  a rerun of a September 2014 vote, in which a majority of Scottish voters opted to stay in the United Kingdom  between the autumn of 2018 and the spring of 2019.

May has repeatedly said that now is not the time for a Scottish vote. But she has not threatened to veto another referendum.

Moments after Tuesdays election call, Sturgeon described it as an attempt by May to move the Conservative Party to the right and force through a hard Brexit and impose deeper cuts.

Lets stand up for Scotland, Sturgeon wrote on Twitter.

Witte reported from Paris and Murphy from Washington. Michael Birnbaum in Brussels contributed to this report.

Read more:

As Brexit reshapes Britain, it does the same to Europe

In Shakespeares home town, a house divided

Cue the British nostalgia

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson transits the Sunda Strait between the Indonesian Islands of Java and Sumatra on April 15, 2017, after the U.S. Navy announced it had sent a carrier-led strike group to the Korean Peninsula in a show of force against North Korea's "reckless" nuclear weapons program. (Mc2 Sean M. Castellano/AFP/Getty Images)

As tensions mounted on the Korean Peninsula, Adm. Harry Harris made a dramatic announcement: An aircraft carrier had been ordered to sail north from Singapore on April 8 toward the Western Pacific.

A spokesman for the U.S. Pacific Command, which Harris heads, linked the deployment directly to the number one threat in the region, North Korea, and its reckless, irresponsible and destabilizing program of missile tests and pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters on April 11 that the Carl Vinson was on her way up there. Asked about the deployment in an interview with Fox Business Network that aired April 12, President Trump said: We are sending an armada, very powerful.

U.S. media went into overdrive, and Fox reported on April 14 that the armada was steaming toward North Korea.

But pictures posted by the U.S. Navy suggest thats not quite the case  or at least not yet.





[Trumps missing armada finally heading to Korea]

A photograph released by the Navy showed the aircraft carrier sailing through the calm waters of Sunda Strait between the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java on Saturday, April 15. By later in the day, it was in the Indian Ocean, according to Navy photographs.

In other words, on the same day that the world nervously watched North Korea stage a massive military parade to celebrate the birthday of the nations founder, Kim Il Sung, and the press speculated about a preemptive U.S. strike, the U.S. Navy put the Carl Vinson, together with its escort of two guided-missile destroyers and a cruiser, more than 3,000 miles southwest of the Korean Peninsula  and more than 500 miles southeast of Singapore.

Instead of steaming toward the Korea Peninsula, the carrier strike group was actually headed in the opposite direction to take part in scheduled exercises with Australian forces in the Indian Ocean, according to Defense News, which first reported the story.

Neither the Pacific Command nor the Pacific Fleet responded immediately to requests for comment. On Monday, Cmdr. Clayton Doss, a Pacific Fleet spokesman, said only that the USS Carl Vinson and its escorts were transiting the Western Pacific. He declined to give a more precise location except to rule out the waters around South Korea or Japan.

The presence of the U.S. carrier strike group, and the threat of a U.S. military strike on North Korea, had weighed heavily on Chinese minds and in the media here. Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that storm clouds were gathering and the risk of conflict rising.

The news that the ships were not where everyone assumed them to be was greeted with some glee in the Chinese media Tuesday.

Tricked badly! the Global Times exulted on its social media account. None of the U.S. aircraft carriers that South Korea is desperately waiting for has come!

Was it all a misunderstanding, or deliberate obfuscation?

Cai Jian, an expert from the Center for Korean Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, said the whole episode was part of an elaborate game of psychological warfare or bluffing by the United States. He argued that Washington never really intended to launch a military strike on North Korea right now.

At the peak of the standoff, psychological warfare is very important, he said.

Ross Babbage, a nonresident senior fellow at the Center for Strategic Budgetary Assessments, a Washington-based think tank that focuses on the military, said the move may be military signaling by the United States.

Its more than a bluff, he said. A bluff suggests youre not serious. My understanding is that this U.S. administration is dead serious. Its been 40 years of trying to get the North Koreans to back away from the nuclear weapons.

Babbage said it was also possible that the Trump administration had decided to give China a little time to put its own pressure on North Korea before sending the carrier strike group north. Trump met his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, on April 6 and 7 and spoke by phone with him on April 11, and may have wanted to give the Chinese some breathing space to before rattling the bars, Babbage said.

Nor should the aircraft carriers presence, alone, be given too much weight, he added, since any early strikes on North Korea would likely have been carried out by long-range aircraft.

Mattis said the U.S. administration was working closely with China to address the issue of North Koreas nuclear program.

Youre aware that the leader of North Korea again recklessly tried to provoke something by launching a missile, Mattis told reporters Tuesday on his way to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It shows why were working so closely right now with the Chinese coming out of the Mar-a-Lago meeting . . . to try to get this under control and to aim for a denuclearized Korean Peninsula that China and the United States, South Korea and Japan all share that same interest in.

While the belief that the Carl Vinson was heading toward Korea was reported as fact by media outlets around the world, there were hints it was perhaps not steaming there as fast as many supposed. On April 11, U.S. Naval Institute News reported that although the carrier had canceled port calls in Australia, it had not scrubbed training events to move faster toward the Korean Peninsula, and would still take more than a week to enter waters near Korea  a point that was lost amid heated talk of war.

Other photographs released by the Navy showed the Carl Vinson in the South China Sea from April 12 to 14.

In any case, the carrier strike force may indeed be finally heading north now.

The Korea Herald reported Monday that the Carl Vinson is due to arrive in South Koreas eastern waters on April 25, in time for another important date on the North Korean calendar: the anniversary of the armys founding.

Quoting unnamed South Korean officials, the Herald said the strike group will join the South Korean Navy in a massive maritime drill designed to counter provocation from the North.

CNN also cited U.S. defense officials as saying the aircraft carrier would arrive off the Korean Peninsula at the end of April.

Luna Lin in Beijing, Dan Lamothe in Washington, Thomas Gibbons-Neff in Riyadh and Anna Fifield in Tokyo contributed to this report.

Read more

U.S. Navy sends strike group toward Korean Peninsula

Chinas Xi calls Trump, urges peaceful approach to North Korea

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Supporters of French far-right candidate Marine Le Pen take down a poster after a campaign rally in the rural town of La Bazoche-Gouet, France, on April 3, 2017. (Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post)

For some, the French presidential election will alter the course of a troubled nation steeped in economic and social turmoil. For others, it will alter the course of a troubled continent, challenging the very existence of European integration.

But in France itself, something far less abstract and far more intimate is at stake. In a country that remains under an official state of emergency following an unprecedented spate of terrorist violence in the past two years, the election also has become a referendum on Muslims and their place in what is probably Europes most anxious multicultural society.

Before the elections first round of voting Sunday, each of the five leading contenders  from across the ideological spectrum  has felt compelled to address an apparently pressing Muslim question about what to do with the countrys largest religious minority.

Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Front, has made her answer crystal clear. In February, in the same speech in which she declared her candidacy for president, she decried Islamist globalization, which she called an ideology that wants to bring France to its knees.

While Le Pens diverse array of opponents do not all share her extremity or conviction, each seems to agree that, when it comes to Muslims, something needs to be done.

I want strict administrative control of the Muslim faith, announced Francois Fillon, the now-disgraced mainstream conservative candidate, in a January campaign speech.

By contrast, Emmanuel Macron, the popular independent candidate, has spoken frequently of what he considers the urgent need to help Muslims restructure the Islam of France.

The far-left Jean-Luc Melenchon, who has condemned Islamophobia, ultimately wants to stamp out all communitarianisms and has reiterated what he calls the urgent need to put an end to the misappropriation of public funds attributed to private denominational education.

Only Benoit Hamon, the Socialist candidate, has regularly defended the community interests of French Muslims, insisting  in the year of the burkini scandal  that French law protect both the girl in shorts and the one who wants to wear the scarf.

[School shooting, letter bomb at IMF put France on alert]

With many of the devastating terrorist attacks perpetrated by French or European passport-holding militants affiliated with or inspired by the Islamic State, public opinion has grown increasingly suspicious of the Muslim population that has existed in this country for centuries.

Despite the intricate diversity of that population, there is widespread anxiety that if either Le Pen or Fillon is elected, things could get significantly worse. Both candidates probably would move quickly to advance crackdowns on veils, mosques and Muslim community organizations in the name of state secularism.

The alternatives also leave a profound sense of bitter resignation: Few French Muslims see a candidate in the running who would change a status quo that many view as unsustainable.

There is no campaign for us  no one who understands our situation, said Laorla Loub, 56, a fifth-generation French citizen and professor of Arabic literature in Clichy, a Paris suburb. She was waiting to enter the Annual Meeting of French Muslims, a large-scale community event held in several warehouses next to the tarmac of Paris-Le Bourget Airport.

As a result, voter abstention among French Muslims is rising, said Hakim El Karoui, the author of a widely circulated 2016 report on Islam in France published by the Institut Montaigne, a Paris-based think tank.

[E.U. court says employers can ban Muslim headscarf in workplace]

A principal reason, he said, is that the strict anti-terrorist stance adopted by the Socialist administration of President Francois Hollande  especially by his former prime minister, Manuel Valls, who famously persecuted the burkini last summer  has undercut the desire among French Muslims to support the left in the 2017 election, as many normally do.

The right has always been against Muslims and immigrants, El Karoui said. But with Valls, its as if he gave up the lefts image of neutrality among Muslims. He gave it a toxic name.

Chief among the concerns many Muslims harbor is over the so-called state of emergency, a security regime imposed by Hollande the day after the November 2015 Paris attacks, nominally to fight terrorism. The period of heightened scrutiny technically is slated to end this summer, but it already has continued for more than 16 months. Only one of the candidates  Melenchon  has proposed ending it.

Since its imposition, French authorities have been permitted to carry out upward of 4,000 warrantless searches on French homes, and likewise have placed more than 700 people under house arrest.

But many Muslims say they have been targeted unlawfully. According to Frances Collective Against Islamophobia (in French, CCIF), an advocacy organization committed to fighting discrimination, more than 400 French Muslims reported having their homes searched for no clear reason in 2016. Approximately 100 of those also were placed under house arrest, while nearly 30 were asked to leave the country.

For some, the consequences have been dire.

On December 3, 2015, for example, Drissia  a Muslim resident of the French Alps who declined to give her last name for fear of professional reprisal  sat up in bed at 4:30 a.m. to the sound of 10 French police officers banging on her door, three wearing face masks. They searched her apartment until 6 a.m., she said, telling her and her 7-year-old daughter that everything was fine.

But it was only the beginning of the nightmare, she said, recounting how six days later she was fired from her job after 15 years as a traffic security regulator. The reason, she later learned through her lawyer, came from the regional prefect, who, in Drissias telling, had confidential information proving that some of my close relatives were a threat to the security and staff of the Mont Blanc transit authority.

I had no idea who those close relatives were, she said.

She ultimately won her appeal in court, but her legal exoneration did little to overturn the harsh sentence she received in the court of public opinion.

Ive read horrible and hurtful things in the press about myself, she said. One headline was, The ATMB fired a radicalized employee,  a reference to her employer.

[A mosque is at the center of a raw debate in the South of France]

As central as French Muslims have become to the presidential campaign, they have rarely been included in the frequent debates among the non-Muslim candidates vying to be their president about how they should interpret their faith and live their lives.

If they are focal points of public discourse, they are also somehow absent from public view  and, some say, entirely unknown.

When presidential candidates pitch ideas such as university training programs in the values of the Republic for imams  as Emmanuel Macron did recently  many bristle at the suggestion that these are somehow values they do not already know.

Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed, 40, is an openly gay imam and the founder of Europes first LGBT-inclusive mosque, which he runs weekly in a rented room in Marseille, the sprawling metropolis on Frances Mediterranean coast.

If you think its not possible to be both of those things, then good for you, he said of the apparent separation between French and Muslim identities. But I have never felt the need to convince you otherwise.

Much the same is true across the ideological spectrum.

When Marine Le Pen says that imams should be preaching in French, shes right  thats normal. This is France, said Farid Ait-Ouarab, a senior leader of Muslim Scouts of France, a youth organization that strives to teach young Muslims how to reconcile their faith with the values of the French republic.

Islam is about doing things together  in a circle, by consensus, Ait-Ouarab said. We see exactly that in the National Assembly, in the Senate, where deputies gather to decide our laws in tandem, together. For a real Muslim, there is no difference between French and Muslim. 

People talk about Muslims as if we are all the same person, one single person, said Asma Bougnaoui, 31, who was fired in 2009 for wearing a headscarf to her job as a design engineer at Micropole, a French IT consultancy. Theres absolutely no recognition of the diversity.

Who are French Muslims? she said recently, sitting in a cafe in Pariss Gare de Lyon. What are we?

Cleophee Demoustier contributed to this report.

Read more:

France asks, can an anti-Semitic tweet ever be considered a mockery of anti-Semitism?

Man attacks French soldier with knife near the Louvre; prime minister calls it terrorist in nature

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Congressional critics of the Department of Homeland Security should shut up and assume the agency is acting appropriately and following the law, the agencys chief said in a combative public speech Tuesday.

If lawmakers do not like the laws theyve passed and we are charged to enforce, then they should have the courage and skill to change the laws, Secretary John F. Kelly said. Otherwise they should shut up and support the men and women on the front lines.

Speaking at George Washington University, Kelly laid out the threats facing the United States  from international criminal networks to homegrown terrorists.

Several times in the speech, he took on critics of the agency, following months of complaints from Congress, civil rights groups and protesters that DHS is targeting Muslim travelers for unfair scrutiny.

Kellys first days in office have been dominated by the legal and political fights over President Trumps executive order barring visitors from about a half dozen majority-Muslim countries, and the administrations effort to increase deportations of undocumented immigrants. After the first travel-ban executive order was declared unlawful by an appeals court, a second version is on hold, pending a ruling from another appellate court.

[Revised Trump order bans travelers from six Muslim-majority nations]

The problem, Kelly said, is not the practices of the federal agents enforcing immigration laws, but the political games that have been played around such issues.

For too long, the men and women of my department have been political pawns, he said. My people have been discouraged from doing their jobs for nearly a decade, disabled by pointless bureaucracy and political meddling, and suffered disrespect and contempt by public officials who have no idea what it means to serve.

Kelly, a retired Marine general, said criticism of the agencys work is often misguided and based on inaccurate reporting.

Lawmakers, politicians and advocacy groups may hear a partial or inaccurate media report and assume the men and women of DHS are intentionally abusing innocent individuals while breaking or ignoring U.S. laws or court orders, instead of assuming as they should that the men and women of DHS are carrying out their assigned mission in accordance with the law.

Theres always, always, always more to the story, he said.

Congressional Democrats complained last month that Kelly has been dismissive of their concerns. This is not boot camp, Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) said after a contentious private meeting with Kelly. This is not newly inducted members of the Marine Corps. These are experienced lawmakers who understand the law.

[Kelly, House Democrats face off at first meeting]

On Tuesday, Kelly framed his remarks as seeking to repair the morale problems that have plagued DHS for years. The worst morale, Im told, is in this department, he said, adding that the mood inside DHS already is changing for the better.

Kelly also alluded to a recent decision to ban portable computer devices, such as laptops and tablets, from the passenger cabins of planes coming from 10 airports in the Middle East and Africa. He hinted that such restrictions could grow.

We have taken some decisions about that that we will likely expand, he said. He did not say how or when such changes might happen. That restriction, which was put in place a month ago, was based on intelligence reports indicating further effort by terrorists to develop homemade explosives that could be hidden in electronics and then manually detonated aboard a plane, according to people familiar with the matter.

[Trump administration moves quickly to build deportation force]

Kelly also indicated that his agency is reviewing how the United States admits visitors from Europe and other members of the Visa Waiver Program. Under that program, visitors from 20 nations do not need a visa, or the screening that goes with a visa, to enter the United States.

We have to start looking very hard at that program  not eliminating it, but looking very hard at it, he said. Of paramount concern to U.S. security officials has been the thousands of European citizens thought to have traveled to Syria to join terrorist groups. As more of those people return to their home countries in Europe, they could then travel to the United States.

The United States is the Super Bowl, in terms of terrorists, and thats what they want to do, and thats where they want to come, Kelly said.
President Trump called to congratulate Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday after a referendum greatly expanding his powers, despite a more circumspect State Department response to Sundays vote, which international election observers declared unfair.

According to accounts by both Trump and Erdogan, the two also discussed the U.S. missile strike on a Syrian air base in response to the April 4 chemical weapons attack on civilians in Idlib province. Trump thanked Erdogan for Turkeys support of the retaliatory action. The leaders agreed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should be held accountable for the chemical attack that killed at least 70 people, and they talked about the ongoing campaign to counter the Islamic State.

Trumps comments differed in tone from those of the State Department, which urged Turkey to respect the basic rights of its citizens and noted the election irregularities witnessed by monitors with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The United States is a member of the OSCE.

[Turkish president defends victory in referendum amid criticism from opposition, election observers]

We look to the government of Turkey to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its citizens, said the departments acting spokesman, Mark Toner, noting the objections of the Turkish opposition and the monitors.

The United States remains committed to strengthening our bilateral relationship, he added. The United States continues to support Turkeys democratic development, to which commitment to the rule of law and a diverse and free media remain essential.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer earlier told reporters that the administration would not comment on the referendum until the final report of election observers is complete sometime next week.

Before we start getting into their government system, let this commission get through its work, he said.

The juxtaposition of the differing responses underscored the awkward situation faced by many U.S. and European officials in responding to the disputed results of the referendum, which changed Turkey from a parliamentary democracy to one led by an executive president with strong central powers. It passed by a slim margin, 51.3 percent to 48.7 percent.

OSCE observers said the campaign did not meet international standards for democracies, noting that virtually all Turkish media failed to cover the opposition, creating an uneven playing field.

Erdogan lashed out in response at what he called a Crusader mentality in the West.

Both the U.S. and E.U. are in a bind, said Michael Werz, a Turkey analyst with the Center for American Progress. They can either [disagree with] the OSCE findings, or they can say the truth: It was not a free and fair election.

Turkey remains a key ally in the campaign against the Islamic State and as the host for millions of Syrian refugees.

The United States flies bombing missions over Syria from Turkeys Incirlik Air Base, and almost 3 million Syrians are registered as refugees in Turkey, more than in any other country. The E.U. has sought Turkeys help in stanching the westward flow of refugees.

Since a failed coup last July, Turkey has been under a state of emergency and basic freedoms have been eroded, according to human rights groups. For example, Turkey has imprisoned more journalists than any other country has previously, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

[Inside a nervous Turkish newsroom as the government closes in]

But Turkeys strategic importance means that the referendum, even if voting irregularities are proved, is unlikely to affect U.S. policy.

I dont think the administration will be concerned about problems with Turkish democracy, said Gonul Tol, head of the Middle East Institutes Center for Turkish Studies. From the get-go, they made it clear they will work with U.S. allies on U.S. national security concerns. But aside from that, they wont interfere in a countrys domestic matters.

But Aykan Erdemir, a former member of the Turkish parliament who is an analyst with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said suspicions that the referendum was rigged  and still produced only a razor-thin victory  create a legitimacy crisis for Erdogan and his allies in the United States and the E.U.

The ones who voted no are the bulk of the pro-Western and pro-secular crowd in Turkey, Erdemir said. If the West turns a blind eye to their grievances and embraces Erdogan wholeheartedly, the West risks losing Turkeys pro-West half.

I understand the U.S. and their E.U. counterparts have to work with Turkey in the fight against ISIS, and the refugee crisis, Erdemir said. There needs to be a way to remind Turkey that NATO is not just a tactical alliance of military forces. More importantly, its an alliance of shared values, of democracy.

[How Erodgan has reshaped Turkey, as told by readers]

Turkish voters approved 18 constitutional amendments that eliminated the position of prime minister and expanded Erdogans power to appoint judges and prosecutors.

But some observers remain sanguine about Turkeys democratic future.

As long as Erdogan has an absolute majority in parliament, he can do most anything he wants, said James Jeffrey, a former U.S. ambassador to Ankara and Baghdad. Look at what [the constitutional change] does. You can overturn a presidential veto with an absolute majority. In America, it takes two-thirds. Are we less democratic than Turkey?

The most significant change is that Erdogan will have greater latitude in appointing judges and prosecutors.

Those people are crucial in preserving rights, Jeffrey said. He has a tendency to appoint people beholden to him, and who think like him. And half of Turkey doesnt.

In the long term, however, the changes may undercut the Turkish democratic model  one that has served as a vivid contrast to the failed governance in many countries in the Middle East.

The Turkish republic, such as it was, was more important to us than access to Incirlik Air Base, said Eric Brown, a Hudson Institute researcher, speaking Monday at the Bipartisan Policy Center. It meant having a stable republic, bringing together a diversity of people in a multiethnic society, demonstrating it was possible to have healthy politics. Thats no longer there. Turkey is programmed to have greater instability going forward, and much greater frailty.

John Wagner contributed to this report.
The United States wants stronger and more balanced bilateral trade relationships with countries including Japan and South Korea, Vice President Pence said Tuesday, raising the prospect of opening bilateral talks with Tokyo and reviewing a deal already struck with Seoul.

Pences remarks, to business leaders in South Korea and then after meetings with Japans prime minister and his deputy Tuesday, hew closely to President Trumps America First promises on the campaign trail.

We seek trade that is free. We seek trade that is fair, Pence said in Tokyo after opening an economic dialogue with his Japanese counterpart, Taro Aso.

Although the tone was friendly after the meeting, Japan and the United States appear to have decidedly different ideas about where their trading relationship should go.

Trump withdrew the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership pact immediately after taking office, and Pence said Tuesday that the TPP is a thing of the past.

Instead, the vice president opened up the prospect of forging a bilateral deal with Japan, which Trump has repeatedly accused of engaging in unfair trade practices. The United States trade deficit with Japan stood at almost $69 billion last year.

A bilateral deal probably would require Tokyo to respond to politically sensitive demands such as removing trade barriers on cars and agriculture.

Instead, Tokyo is looking at reviving the TPP without the United States.

[ Pence tells North Korea not to underestimate American resolve ]

One of Prime Minister Shinzo Abes closest aides, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, suggested that the Japanese government might try to breathe new life into the TPP, which was meant to encompass 12 Pacific Rim nations that comprise 40 percent of the world economy.

Abe had previously said that the TPP without the United States would be meaningless.

But his government has re-embraced the pact because even without the United States, it may be the best option for Japan, said Tobias Harris, a Japan analyst for Teneo Intelligence, a consulting firm. It certainly was looking better than the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, an alternative bloc led by China.

Reviving TPP even without the United States would allow Japan to present itself as a regional leader and an alternative to China, Harris wrote in a research note.

Second, it gives Japan some leverage over the U.S. in their bilateral economic relationship, while also leaving the door open for the U.S. to join in the future, he said.

[ Trump targeted Japan during the campaign. Now Abe is embracing the new president. ]

Pence and Aso will meet again this year, and said in a joint statement Tuesday that the talks should generate concrete results in the near term.

[ Asia doesn't think Trump is serious about ripping up trade agreements ]

James Schoff, a Japan expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, called the economic dialogue aspirational. There would also be a limit to how far any discussions could go until the Trump administration put in place an agriculture secretary and a trade representative, he said.

Before heading to Japan on Tuesday, Pence told U.S. and South Korean business leaders in Seoul that the Trump administration wants to restructure the South Korea-U.S. bilateral deal, known as Korus.

The United States trade deficit with South Korea has more than doubled since Korus came into effect. Thats the hard truth of it, he said.

And our businesses continue to face too many barriers to entry, which tilts the playing field against American workers and American growth, he said, adding that Washington will seek to work with Seoul to reform Korus in the days ahead.

Read more:

Japanese Prime Minister Abe accused of giving secret donation to far-right school

How the TPP became the most divisive policy in the Democratic Party

Trump kills TPP, giving China its first big win

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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It was March 2020, and the world was closing down as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. At first, the news of...
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina concluded a four-day trip to India last weekher first visit since 2010during which she signed a range of defence and other agreements to strengthen relations between the two countries. India, backed by the US, is keen to undermine its regional rival Chinas growing influence in Bangladesh.

Last June, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dhaka and signed 22 agreements, including on maritime security and to establish special economic zones in Bangladesh. Later in the year Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar travelled to Bangladesh, accompanied Indias coast guard chief and the vice-chiefs of the army, air force and navy. Parrikar discussed the finalisation of a new defence cooperation framework with Bangladesh.

Hasina held discussions last week with Modi on defence, regional security and cooperation in combating international terrorism. Officials from Bangladesh and India signed a range of agreements, including defence, cyber security, information technology, connectivity, energy and human resource development, and a civil nuclear cooperation pact.

New Delhi offered Dhaka a $US4.5 billion concessionary line of credit for development projects in Bangladesh. Modi declared that the line of credit brings our resources allocation to Bangladesh to more than $8 billion over the past six years. This finance, however, is small compared the $30 billion in investment promised during President Xi Jinpings visit to Bangladesh last October. Beijing is concerned about Washingtons efforts to enlist India as a frontline state in its military encirclement of China. Last November in Tokyo Modi signed a defence agreement with Japan and, in line with US propaganda, declared support for freedom of overflight and navigation in the South China Sea.

The main agreement signed during Hasinas visit last week was a five-year defence cooperation pact. The first-ever defence cooperation agreement between the two countries is in addition to $500 million for Bangladesh to buy military equipment from India. It includes annual consultations between the defence forces, training and capacity-building cooperation.

New Delhi hopes this will help to reduce Bangladeshs reliance on China for its military needs. Beijing is currently Bangladeshs leading provider of military equipment along with robust training and military exchange programs between the two countries.

New Delhis concerns over these ties were recently voiced by Sukh Deo Muni, from New Delhis Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses, who declared that India does not want China to consolidate defence ties just next to its belly. Bangladeshs $24 billion purchase of two refurbished submarines from China last year has increased these worries.

Institute of Conflict, Law and Development Studies executive director Abdur Rashid in Dhaka welcomed the Hasina governments defence deal with India. He stated that the approximately 80 percent dependency at this moment you see on China  should be brought down. That actually reduces our vulnerability. If one is interrupted we can depend on the other.

Dhaka is attempting to maintain a delicate balancing act between New Delhi and Beijing. Bangladeshs foreign secretary, Shahidul Haque, claimed that last weeks agreement did not oblige Dhaka to buy arms from India.

Efforts are being made to increase connectivity between the two countries. A new rail link between the Indian city of Kolkata and Khulna in Bangladesh and a bus link between Kolkata and Dhaka were inaugurated. Another old rail link was restored.

A key sticking point between the two countries, however, centres on Teesta River water sharing. The main reason Bangladesh cancelled Hasinas scheduled visit to India last December was the failure of the Modi government to reach an agreement on this issue.

The Teesta River flows through West Bengal before passing into the sea in Bangladesh. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opposes any deal. The whole question is a product of 1948 communal partition of India, which arbitrarily divides rivers between the two countries.

To placate Hasina, Modi declared that the Teesta pact was important for the Indo-Bangladesh relationship and he hoped that Banerjee would eventually support an agreement.

In a face-saving statement, Foreign Secretary Haque told the media that the Indian prime minister firmly believed there would be an early solution to the Teesta issue and that water resources should be a uniting factor between the two countries. The Dhaka Tribune, however, declared on April 9 that Indo-Bangladesh relations are shrinking and was critical of Indian pressure on Bangladesh.

Sections of the Indian ruling elite want the Teesta issue settled. The Hindustan Times published an editorial on April 6 entitled, India must go the extra mile for Sheikh Hasina to strengthen ties with Bangladesh. It stated that it was imperative for India to strengthen the hands of an ally who has adopted a common stance on issues that are crucial for New Delhi, such as terrorism and regional diplomacy.

Even though the Teesta issue remains on hold, Dhaka is ready to develop closer relations with New Delhi because of US pressure.

At the same time, if Bangladesh is to reach the ambitious annual growth target of 8 percent by 2020up from the current 6 percentit must diversify its trade, which is heavily dependent on the apparel industry. To do so it will not only need Indian investment but the fees it will receive as a transportation hub between East Asia and South Asia.

The main opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP), which has denounced Hasina as an Indian stooge, opposed the military pact. Playing the anti-Indian card, BNPs senior joint secretary general Rizvi Ahmed declared that the defence pact meant that Bangladeshs territorial sovereignty had been handed over to India.

The agreements, he said, had been signed to appease India, adding that Bangladeshs defence system has now been turned into [a] made-in-India one. He declared that April 8 [the day the deal was signed] will be considered as a black day in Bangladesh history. With general elections scheduled in early 2019, BNP is promoting anti-Indian chauvinism in a bid to mobilise opposition against Hasinas Awami League.

Though the exact course of political developments and diplomatic horse-trading is not certain, Washington is pushing Dhaka to integrate itself into US and Indian military plans against China. In the context of growing geopolitical tensions, Dhakas ability to manoeuvre between China and India is becoming increasingly tenuous.
An oil well in the remote North Slope area of Alaska suffered a blowout last Friday, sending natural gas and crude oil onto the surrounding area. Repair crews managed to contain the oil leak by Sunday, but had still not managed to stop the escape of natural gas as of Monday afternoon.

The cause of the leak as well as the volume of oil and gas emitted into the surrounding wilderness is still unknown. Alaska state officials have stated that no injuries or harm to wildlife have been reported at this time.

Officials from BP, the oil company that owns the well, have claimed that the oil spill was restricted to the surrounding well pad and that no crude oil reached the tundra. The company also stated that it plans to discontinue production at the well once the natural gas leak has been repaired.

The credibility of BPs public assurances must be judged by its past performance. The company is responsible for one of the greatest environmental disasters in history, the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which leaked an estimated 4.9 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

Eleven oil workers were killed in the explosion which led to the leak, and seventeen injured. Many thousands of additional workers who participated in the cleanup were also sickened. The full extent of the impact on human health is still being assessed today.

The damage to marine life was also extensive and aggravated by the companys deployment of the toxic oil dispersant Corexit.

Repairs on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig took five months to complete. In that time, company officials continuously lied to the public about the extent of the damage, the volume of oil being leaked, and the potential harm to human and marine life.

In subsequent court proceedings, the company and its personnel were found to be guilty of multiple felonies, including manslaughter. A federal court in 2014 ruled that BP was responsible for the disaster and the company ultimately agreed to pay $13.7 billion in fines. This is in addition to the $42.2 billion the company had already paid in civil and criminal penalties.

The Alaskan oil spill is the just the latest in a series of energy-related environmental catastrophes.

In December of last year, 12,615 barrels of oil spilled into a tributary of the Little Missouri River near Belfield, North Dakota when the Belle Fourche pipeline sprang a leak. Like many oil-related accidents in that state, the pipeline leak happened in a remote area and officials estimate that the leak was ongoing for at least four days before it was discovered. State officials initially downplayed the extent of the leak, which contaminated a nearby hill as well as the Ash Coulee creek. Environmental testing of the creek has shown elevated levels of the carcinogenic chemical benzene.

The Belle Fourche spill was among the largest pipeline spills of 2016, and the second largest in the state's relatively brief history as an oil producer. The largest was a spill in 2013 that spewed over 20,600 barrels of oil across a 7.3 acre spread of land near Tioga, ND. Lawmakers in that state recently passed legislation relaxing regulations on reporting of oil spills.

On March 20, the Coast Guard in Louisiana was called out to clean up a spill of 840 gallons of crude oil into the Mississippi River. The spill was caused when an abandoned wellhead owned by Hilcorp Energy failed.

That was just one of an estimated 1,500 spills reported in that state each year. The Louisiana Department of public safety reports that approximately 330,000 gallons of oil are spilled in that state per year, representing 20 percent of all oil spilled in the U.S. annually.

In Shelby County, Alabama in 2016, the Colonial Pipeline was damaged twice in the course of two months, spilling a combined total of 588,000 gallons of refined gas and oil. Two workers were killed and another four injured in the incidents. The spills also caused a temporary spike in gas prices throughout the southeast, affecting millions of motorists.

In 2003, the Colonial pipeline company paid a civil penalty of $34 million to the Environmental Protection Agency after it was found that multiple oil spills from the companys facilities during the late 1990s had caused "significant environmental damage" to southeastern waterways.

In addition to the Deepwater Horizon spill, other facilities operated by BP have been at the center of many of the most notable petroleum-related accidents in recent years.

In 2005, an explosion at the companys Texas City Refinery killed 15 workers and injured 180 more. An investigation by the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board found that the disaster was largely the result of cost-cutting measures undertaken by the company and that BP had failed to implement multiple safety procedures before the accident. The company was charged with multiple criminal violations of environmental laws and was given an initial fine of $21 million by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In 2009, the company was fined an additional $87 million when it was found to have failed to address the safety hazards that led to the Texas City explosion.

In 2006, a corroded pipeline in northern Alaska jointly controlled by BP, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips burst, releasing 212,252 gallons of crude oil into the surrounding wilderness. Once again, investigators found the company to be responsible for the accident. The company had knowingly failed to perform the required maintenance on the pipeline and had ignored multiple warnings from its own employees. BP and its partners subsequently paid a $20 million fine for the accident and an additional $255 million to the state of Alaska.

In studying the aftermath of each of these incidents a pattern emerges. A large energy company such as BP, which in 2016 reported total assets of $263.3 billion, causes an environmental disaster through a combination of negligence and a deliberate disregard for safety measures that could cut into their profit margins. Public outrage ensues, and investigations find the company to be criminally liable. Fines are levied, which the companys lawyers have reduced through subsequent litigation. Lawsuits by workers affected by the disaster are filed, which the company ties up for years in court hearings.

Occasionally, if the incident is especially horrible, such as the Deepwater Horizon spill, an executive may be removed. But then its back to business as usual. BP and the other major oil companies are among the largest and most profitable companies on the planet. Fines, even in the tens of billions of dollars, are not enough to prevent them from engaging in hazardous business practices that endanger the environment and human health. That can only be achieved under a socialist program with the seizure of the energy companies and their conversion into publicly owned and managed utilities.
Arrests of immigrants have jumped by nearly one-third since President Donald Trump took office, compared to the same period a year ago. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement unit of the Department of Homeland Security arrested 21,362 allegedly undocumented immigrants from January 20 through mid-March, according to statistics released to the Washington Post, compared to 16,104 in the same period of 2016.

Despite Trumps claim that he is targeting criminals among the undocumented immigrant population, the largest increase in arrests is among immigrants with no criminal record of any kind, more than doubling to 5,441. Arrests of immigrants with some type of criminal recordwhich could include a drunk driving charge from 20 years agorose from 13,404 to 15,921, an increase of 18.7 percent.

The Post wrote of newly empowered federal agents intensifying their pursuit of not just undocumented immigrants with criminal records, but also thousands of illegal immigrants who have been otherwise law-abiding. Some regional ICE offices reported much greater increases in arrests for immigrants with no criminal record: Philadelphia was up 500 percent to a total of 356, Atlanta was up 300 percent to nearly 700.

There was also a 75 percent increase in immigration detainers, requests from ICE to local police agencies and prisons asking that they hold prisoners beyond their scheduled release date for transfer to federal custody and deportation. The total since Trumps inauguration through mid-March was 22,161, greater than the number of ICE arrests.

Despite the increase in arrests and detainers, actual deportations fell by 1.2 percent, to 54,741 in January, February and March, compared to the same months in 2016. That is because the greater number of recent arrests is putting more prisoners into already clogged immigration courts, where caseloads have soared and the time required to process cases has lengthened.

There is also resistance from many countries to taking back citizens targeted by the US authorities for removal, particularly China, which has no reason to do any favors for a government that has accused it of raping the United States through its trade practices, and which is beating the drums for war against North Korea.

The total number of ICE arrests is still below the peak levels of 2014, when the Obama administration had 29,238 immigrants arrested during the first months of the year. This corresponded to a surge of refugees, mostly mothers and unaccompanied children, who fled the Central American countries of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras fearing violence from gangs and right-wing US-backed regimes.

In November 2014, DHS began to curb arrests of immigrants systematically, limiting detentions to those with violent criminal records and recent border-crossers. Under Trump, however, the DHS has greatly expanded the categories of immigrants targeted for arrest.

DHS Secretary Robert Kelly, a former Marine general, told the NBC program Meet the Press that the Trump administration was expanding policies already in place under the Obama administration. It is fair to say that the definition of criminal has not changed, he said, but where on the spectrum of criminality we operate has changed. Even a single DUI conviction, no matter how remote, can now be grounds for prioritizing an undocumented immigrant for deportation, he said.

Kelly boasted that Trumps anti-immigrant rhetoric, as well as the recent visit to the border zone by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, had played a role in reducing the number of people crossing the US-Mexico border, mainly from Central America. Its injected enough confusion in their minds, I think, and theyre just waiting to see what actually does happen, he concluded.

Local newspaper and television reports across the country, collected by immigrants rights groups, are filled with accounts of undocumented workers with no criminal records, well-established lives in the United States and US citizen children being picked up by ICE and deported.

One report from Naples, Florida, noted, For undocumented immigrants in Collier County, a traffic offense is now enough to end up at Krome, where they face deportation, according to recent arrest records. In the month after Trumps order, at least 35 people and as many as 48 arrested by Collier deputies were transferred to ICE, according to hundreds of arrest records and court documents reviewed by the Naples Daily News.

The newspaper found, Three-fourths of those cases alleged only misdemeanor traffic offenses, such as driving with no valid license, driving with an expired license or driving with a suspended license, according to arrest records. Only three were for alleged felonies, and charges in two of those cases were dropped, and reduced to a misdemeanor in the third, court records show.

An undocumented worker married to a US citizen and father to three US citizen children, who has lived in Indiana for two decades, crossed into Canada on a vacation to Niagara Falls and was arrested when he returned across the border. He was deported to Mexico. An Ohio woman is fighting deportation after she became a victim of domestic violence and had to go to court as a witness against her abuser.

Those who are arrested and detained disappear into an increasingly overloaded court and prison system. The number of backlogged cases has soared from 236,415 in 2010 to 508,036 this year, about 1,700 cases for each of the 301 immigration judges. The processing time is extended because under Trumps immigration directives, set down in executive orders just after his inauguration, prosecutors are going forward with every possible immigration case, rather than setting aside those involving immigrants with long US residence and no criminal record.

The Trump administration is pushing ahead with plans for another 30,000 beds in detention facilities. GEO Group, one of the big contractors operating detention centers, announced Monday it would build a $110 million prison in Conroe, Texas, outside of Houston, to hold as many as 1,000 detainees.

The deteriorating conditions in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement gulag were underscored by the death April 13 of a Mexican immigrant, Sergio Alonso Lopez, who had been held at the Adelanto Detention Facility in California. He was transferred to Victor Valley Global Medical Center in Victorville on April 1 when he began vomiting blood, but he died 12 days later from internal bleeding. He had a history of alcohol abuse leading to hypertension and cirrhosis of the liver, which could not be properly treated in a prison.

Lopez, age 55, was the sixth detainee to die in ICE custody during the current fiscal year, which began last October 1. He was arrested February 7 in the Los Angeles area, where he had lived for nearly two decades.

Meanwhile, on Friday, a federal judge in California began hearing the suit filed by two large metropolitan counties, San Francisco and Santa Clara (San Jose), against Trumps executive order to withhold federal funds from cities and counties which decline to turn their local police forces into branches of the ICE and DHS (so-called sanctuary cities).

The two counties are seeking a nationwide preliminary injunction against Trumps executive order, describing it as a weapon to cancel all funding to jurisdictions that violated the 10th Amendment to the US Constitution, which upholds the division of powers between the federal government and state and local jurisdictions.

Chad Readler, a Justice Department attorney, said the executive order was limited to grants provided by the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security, not all federal funds, sharply curtailing the scope of Trumps decree. He said that as little as $1 million out of the $1 billion in federal funds received by Santa Clara County, and perhaps none of the $1.2 billion going to San Francisco would be affected.

He also claimed, There is no actual enforcement action on the table or that has been formally threatened, and that the two counties were giving the broadest possible reading to the executive order.

The sanctuary city issue has also became a major legislative question in Washington, after Trumps budget director, Mick Mulvaney, sought to insert language restricting federal funds to cities that resist federal immigration policies in legislation that must pass by the end of April to raise the federal debt ceiling and extend funding for federal agencies through the end of the current fiscal year.

Mulvaney said that Trump would veto any budget legislation that did not shut off funds to sanctuary cities and provide the initial funding to build a wall along the US-Mexico border.

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More than half of Iraqi familiesaround 20 million peopleare at risk of food insecurity and cannot withstand any further shocks such as conflict or increases in basic food prices, warned a joint report by the UNs World Food Programme (WFP) and the Iraqi government.

It follows nearly four decades of wars, sanctions, occupation and civil war, instigated by Washington, that have devastated this once prosperous country.

It is American imperialism, and its European allieswho invaded the country in 1991 and again in 2003that are principally responsible for the growing danger of a colossal humanitarian disaster now confronting Iraq.

Operations by US forces still range throughout the country. Their drone missile strikes and bombings of residential areas at a rate of 200 to 300 a month have slaughtered hundreds, if not thousands, of civilian men, women and children.

The March 17 bombing of the Jadida neighbourhood in the densely populated western part of Mosul that killed at least 531 people, according to the Iraqi Civil Defence Department, is only the bloodiest in a series of attacks carried out by US forces resulting in mass civilian casualties. The Iraq Body Count group estimates that air strikes have killed more than 5,000 people since the beginning of the year.

The WFP study, carried out in December, before the recent offensive on west Mosul that started February 18, was based upon surveys of 20,000 families in urban and rural areas across the country. Since then, the scale of the crisis has intensified as people flee the conflict.

The report notes that even before the assault on Mosul, around 2.5 percent of Iraqis were food insecure. That is, more than 800,000 people were going to bed hungry every night.

More than 3 million people have been displaced from their homes since 2014, when Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) took over one third of the country. The report estimates that two thirds of the internally displaced, some 2 million people, and more than half of Iraqis living in their own homes have barely enough food to feed themselves. The situation is so bad that almost 75 percent of children under the age of 15 are working to help their families put food on the table instead of going to school.

The survey, the most comprehensive ever carried out in Iraq, found that 53 percent of residents and 66 percent of internally displaced people are vulnerable to food insecurity. Food insecurity was twice as high among internally displaced families, compared to those still living in their own homes.

The highest concentration of food-insecure families was found in the long-neglected Muthanna governorate in southwest Iraq, on the border with Saudi Arabia. Other high concentrations were in parts of the largely Sunni governorate of Salah al-Deen, whose capital Tikrit was Saddam Husseins hometown and support base.

The WFP currently provides monthly food assistance to 1.5 million of the most vulnerable displaced people in Iraqs 18 governorates, through a system of cash hand-outs and monthly family rations. In January, it was forced to halve the food rations because donors had failed to deliver on their pledges. The WFP warned that even these are now at risk, as it needs to raise $113 million to cover costs until the end of September 2017.

Such a sum is loose change compared to the resources squandered by the major powers on war and militarism. The US Pentagon war machine alone spends more than $10 billion a week.

Even the devastating figures compiled by the WFP pale into insignificance when one considers the impact of the vast numbers displaced by the attempt to retake Mosul from ISIS, in one of the largest urban military operations since World War II.

By the end of Januaryin a city once home to 1.8 million peopleat least 160,000 out of 400,000 people living in eastern Mosul had fled their homes after the military campaign to take the eastern part of the city began.

The assault by Iraqi forces, under cover of air strikes by US-led forces, led to a huge number of civilian casualties. They comprised nearly half of all casualties, far higher than the 15-20 percent expected in such a conflict. This was despite a promise by the Iraqi security forces to adopt a plan prohibiting artillery strikes, requiring civilians to remain in their homes, and providing humanitarian exit corridors wherever necessary.

The situation has hardly improved in the months since the recapture of eastern Mosul. While booby-traps are being removed and some people have returned to their homes, water, electricity and food are in short supply. Schools remained closed for two months because of delays in paying teachers.

Lise Grande, the UN humanitarian co-ordinator in Iraq, told the website Middle East Eye,  Worryingly, large numbers of people are actually leaving eastern Mosul. People tell us that they are leaving because not enough food is being distributed and because they are being harassedsome even feel threatened.

In fact, the Iraqi authorities are targeting households whose family members are thought to have supported ISIS. This is giving rise to fears that Mosul will experience the same horrendous sectarian abuse and corrupt governance that befell Fallujah and Ramadi after their recapture. Mosuls governor, Nofal Hammadi al-Sultan, remains in Erbil, not even visiting the city until February, even though eastern Mosul was recaptured in December.

The bitter sectarian conflict that threatens to explode is directly linked to Washingtons criminal policy of divide and rule pursued in the years following the Iraq war. Support for reactionary ISIS only emerged under conditions where the Sunni population was sidelined and suffered sectarian violence at the hands of the Shia-dominated Baghdad government.

Moreover, at least 355,000 Iraqis are believed to have fled the battle to retake the western part of the city, which began in February, with 15,000 fleeing every day. Grande said, Hundreds of thousands more may [flee] in the days and weeks ahead.

Those internally displaced face dire conditions in squalid camps, sometimes with three or four families crammed into one 10-by-4-metre tent, where they wait in massive queues to get a helping of rice and sauce.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently issued an urgent call for the major powers to increase aid to help people fleeing the city. He said, during a visit to Hassan Sham camp, one of a number of camps for displaced people, We dont have the resources necessary to support these people, adding, Unfortunately our programme is only 8 percent funded.

While Iraqi forces have recaptured parts of the city, at least 400,000 people remain trapped inside the densely populated Old City, the scene of weeks of street battles. While many of the ISIS leaders are thought to have left Mosul, the US believes around 2,000 fighters are still in the city, resisting Iraqi ground forces with snipers, car bombs and suicide attacks.

The UN humanitarian coordinator said, The level of damage in western Mosul is already far greater than in the east, even before the battle to retake the Old City begins [emphasis added]. Homes have been destroyed, schools and health centres damaged and crucial public infrastructures including electricity and water stations lie in ruins.

The media has largely ignored the death and destruction wreaked by US bombs and missiles upon the people of Iraq, rarely giving it any significant coverage. This contrasts starkly with the moral outrage of those crying crocodile tears over the victims of the alleged chemical attack for which the Syrian government has been framed.
The repeated statements by US Vice President Mike Pence and other Trump administration officials Monday that the era of strategic patience with North Korea is over and all options are on the table have laid bare the mounting threat that Washington will provoke a war on the Korean peninsula involving the use of nuclear weapons and the deaths of millions.

Just in the past two weeks, the world witnessed the strength and resolve of our new president in actions taken in Syria and Afghanistan, Pence declared during a provocative visit to South Korea that brought him to the demilitarized zone (DMZ) on the North Korean border. North Korea would do well not to test his resolve or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region, Pence said.

This boasting about the reckless acts of military aggressionfirst, the cruise missile attack on Syria on April 7 and then, a week later, the use in Afghanistan of the Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb, the most destructive weapon unleashed anywhere since the US incineration of Hiroshima and Nagasakicannot be read by the government of North Korea as anything other than an ultimatum to accept US demands or expect to be on the receiving end of far greater violence.

With the naval strike group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson set to take up a position off the Korean peninsula, the means of inflicting such violence are being put into place. The global implications of this buildup were underscored Monday with the report that both Russia and China have dispatched spy ships to trail the Vinson battle group. For these two nuclear-armed countries, Washingtons launching of a war against North Korea poses an existential threat.

The drive toward a military confrontation in Asia that could lead to a nuclear third world war has unfolded largely behind the backs of the people of the United States and the entire world. Neither the politicians of the two big business parties in the US nor the corporate-controlled media have so much as hinted to the public the horrific consequences of even a limited nuclear exchange on the Korean peninsula, nor the likelihood that such a catastrophe would draw all of the major nuclear powers into a global conflagration.

The recklessness of the path being pursued by Washington is staggering. Why the era of strategic patience has ended is not explained, nor are the conclusions drawn from this declaration even challenged. There are a whole number of states that now have nuclear weapons. North Koreas pursuit of such arms does not represent a credible threat to the US.

All options are on the table can only mean that Washington is prepared to launch an unprovoked first strike against North Korea. Yet, within the media, there is barely a mention that such a course involves the threat of nuclear war. Nor is there the slightest suggestion that the US Congress should convene to vote on whether to authorize an attack that could produce casualties in the millions. The accepted wisdom is that Donald Trump doesnt have to tell anyone what military action he will take until after the attack is executed. The only hint Trump gave of his intentions was at a Monday Easter egg-rolling event on the White House lawn, where he declared that North Korea has gotta behave.

The real character of the policy being pursued by Washington was indicated by John Bolton, the Bush administrations ambassador to the United Nations, who told Fox News that the way to end North Koreas nuclear weapons program is to end North Korea, i.e., topple the government and militarily smash the country.

The real and growing danger posed by Washingtons reckless policy is beginning to be registered, if only in the mildest form.

The New York Times, which had previously celebrated the Trump administrations turn toward stepped-up militarism against Syria and Russia, proclaiming its feeling of emotional satisfaction and justice done over the cruise missile strike of April 7, has become somewhat nervous that things are spinning out of control.

The newspaper, which increasingly functions as the house organ of the CIA, expressed concern Monday that Trumps intemperate talk is adding to regional tensions, unnerving allies and likely reinforcing North Koreas longstanding fear that it could one day be attacked by Americathe very reason North Korea invested in a nuclear arsenal in the first place. It warned that the US presidents bellicose threats served to box him into some kind of showdown and paved the way for a devastating miscalculation.

Gideon Rachman, the chief foreign affairs columnist of the Financial Times, wrote in a piece posted Monday that if North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un concludes that the US is indeed poised to attack his regime, he will be tempted to attack first. His incentive to move fast will only have been increased by stories in the media that the USs war plans involve an early attempt to kill the North Korean leadership. In fact, the same US Special Operations unit that carried out the 2011 assassination of Osama bin-Laden has been reported carrying out exercises in South Korea.

While Trumps intimidation and threats could produce a capitulation by Pyongyang, Rachman continues, ... It is more likely that North Korea will not back down--and that the Trump strategy will therefore fail. In that case, the US president is faced with a dilemma. Does Mr. Trumps very powerful armada steam away from the Korean peninsula with its mission unaccomplished?

To ask the question is to answer it. Neither Trump nor the cabal of active duty and retired generals who are setting his foreign policy are inclined to back down from the brink of war without having achieved the objectives over which such a war would be fought, i.e., the complete capitulation and disarmament of North Korea.

After 25 years of waging continuous war against largely unarmed oppressed countries and killing millions, while suffering relatively few consequences, US imperialism is now being driven by its own internal crisis and contradictions to an entirely different level of military confrontation.

More and more the situation resembles that which prevailed in the late 1930s on the eve of the Second World War. If Adolf Hitler had possessed a Twitter account, it is hard to imagine how he would have used it much differently from the way the US president is using his own.

Our military is building and is rapidly becoming stronger than ever before. Frankly, we have no choice! Trump tweeted Sunday.

Three days earlier: I have great confidence that China will properly deal with North Korea. If they are unable to do so, the US, with its allies, will! USA.

Trumps rhetoric echoes that employed by Hitler in the run-up to Germanys march into Czechoslovakia and Poland. The Nazi leader proclaimed of the Czechoslovak problem that it must be solved. Then it was the Polish problem that must be solved. He deliberately created crises as pretexts for military action.

Trump employs similar rhetoric, describing an entire nation, North Korea, as a problem, and then warning menacingly that it will be taken care of. Why this problem is now so urgent, no one explains, and, as far as the media is concerned, virtually no one asks.

What could Pyongyang possibly do to satisfy Washington? It would have to renounce its nuclear program and open itself up to an inspections regime, going down the same road traveled by Iraqs Saddam Hussein and Libyas Muammar Gaddafi, ending in their nations destruction and their own violent deaths.

The assumption that China can be pressured into imposing Washingtons diktat in relation to North Korea is without foundation. China was compelled to go to war in 1950 when US troops reached the Yalu River, sacrificing hundreds of thousands to drive the American army back. Now Washington wants China to intervene to hand the US and South Korea what they were unable to achieve half a century ago through war. If Beijing were to accede to these demands, it would have immense strategic implications for China as well as major internal political consequences.

There are already indications that tensions between Beijing and Washington are escalating on the Korean peninsula after Seouls announcement that it intends to move ahead rapidly with the installation of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, which the US claims is designed to defend against North Korean missiles, but which China recognizes as a means of assuring the US a nuclear first-strike capability.

Twice in the 20th century, the crisis of world capitalism drove capitalist heads of state and their general staffs to seek a way out through war, leading to the deaths of tens of millions. Today, similar pressures are unleashing a drive toward a nuclear confrontation that could lead to the destruction of life on the planet.

Everything that is being done by the US government involves astonishing levels of risk, including that of a nuclear war. Whether it happens in the immediate confrontation with North Korea cannot be predicted, but that this is the course Washington is prepared to pursue all over the world is undeniable.

No one can afford the illusion that todays capitalist governments, unlike those of 1914 and 1939, will not risk war because of the threat of nuclear annihilation. If anything, they are far more reckless than their predecessors. Confronted with deepening economic and social crises for which they have no progressive solution, they are even more prone to dragging humanity to the brink of destruction.

The present crisis is characterized by a terrible chasm between the scale of the danger of war and the absence of any organized movement against it. There is no way to stop the drive toward war outside of the politically conscious intervention of the working class within the United States and internationally.

The Socialist Equality Party and the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) are fighting for a new international anti-war, anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist movement of the working class based on socialist policies. The fight for the development of this movement includes the organization of demonstrations at workplaces, universities and in working class neighborhoods against war.

The ICFI on April 30 will hold its annual International May Day Online Rally, which will have as its central aim the fight to mobilize the working class against imperialist war. We call on all of our readers and supporters to participate in and build this rally among the widest possible layers of workers and youth.
An Oklahoma City woman who prosecutors say dressed like a witch while severely abusing her 7-year-old granddaughter was sentenced last week to life in prison, PEOPLE confirms.

It was two months ago that Geneva Robinson, 51, and her 33-year-old boyfriend and co-defendant, Joshua Granger, pleaded guilty to child abuse and neglect charges.

On Thursday, Robinson learned shell spend the rest of her life behind bars when she received three life sentences; Granger received a 30-year sentence for helping Robinson commit the abuse.

The defendants initially faced a combined 29 counts of felony child abuse and neglect.

Robinson assaulted her granddaughter for more than a year, prosecutors said, including burning the girl with cigarettes, smacking her in the face and beating her with a rolling pin.

She painted her skin green and dressed in black whenever assuming the persona of the abusive Nelda the Witch, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

Robinson also removed the girl from the local school system and deprived her of food. Court records further confirm Robinson often forced her granddaughter to sleep outside with her dogs.

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.

As she was sentenced, prosecutors also released cellphone video showing some of her abuse.

In the footage, which PEOPLE declined to publish, Robinson appears dressed as Nelda and grabs the girl by the throat before dragging her across the floor.

She tells the child shes going to eat her, according to the video.

Abusive grandmother Geneva Robinson dressed as

A History of Violence

Detectives began investigating Robinson in 2014, after receiving a call from workers at Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman, Oklahoma, where she had tried to have her granddaughter committed - saying she couldnt control the girl.

The victim told investigators her grandmother regularly whipped her, beat her and pinched her skin with pliers, court documents state. She also said she went days without eating.

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The girl told detectives her grandmother would wear a green mask and bring her into the garage, where she was restrained and forced to sleep on a pair of pants, according to the documents. Robinson also used a pink dog leash to tie her up and suspend her from the ceiling.

Inside Robinsons home, police recovered the leash as well as a horse whip.

Court records indicate Robinson allegedly utilized her Nelda character on others, including the girls father when he was a child.

The victim, who is now 9, addressed Robinson in a letter that was read in court on Thursday, a court official confirms.

I love you, the girl wrote, the official says. I forgive you. Youre the best grandmother I ever had.

It was not immediately clear in whose custody the child is now.

Lawyers for both defendants were unavailable for comment Monday afternoon.

This article was originally published on PEOPLE.com
This mornings provocation from the North is just the latest reminder of the risks each one of you face every day in the defense of the freedom," he said.

By Associate Press

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, accompanied by wife Karen Pence, said Sunday that North Koreas provocation underscored the risks faced by American and South Korean service members, hours after the North conducted a failed missile launch shortly before Pences arrival.

READ: Trump Administration States Planned Parenthoods Funding Will Remain Intact Under One Condition

Pence landed in South Korea at the start of a 10-day trip to Asia and was quickly confronted with the stakes facing the United States as Pyongyang seeks to flex its muscles around the birth anniversary of the countrys late founder and advance the regimes nuclear and missile capabilities.

While Pence was aboard Air Force Two flying over the Bering Sea, a North Korean missile exploded during launch on Sunday, U.S. and South Korean officials said, representing a high-profile failure that came as a powerful U.S. aircraft supercarrier approaches the Korean Peninsula.

After arriving in Seoul, the vice president placed a wreath at Seoul National Cemetery and then worshipped with military personnel at an Easter church service at the U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan. During a fellowship meal after the services, he said the tensions on the Korean peninsula had put into sharp focus the importance of the joint U.S.-South Korean mission.

This mornings provocation from the North is just the latest reminder of the risks each one of you face every day in the defense of the freedom of the people of South Korea and the defense of America in this part of the world, said Pence, who was introduced by Army Gen. Vincent Brooks, commander of U.S. Forces Korea. Your willingness to step forward, to serve, to stand firm without fear, inspires the nation and inspires the world.

Pence told the military members that he had spoken twice with President Donald Trump during the day.

Pence said that under Trumps leadership, our resolve has never been stronger, our commitment to this historic alliance with the courageous people of South Korea has never been stronger and with your help and Gods help, freedom will ever prevail on this peninsula.

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Trump has suggested that the U.S. will take a tougher stance against North Korea, telling reporters last week: North Korea is a problem. The problem will be taken care of. He has repeatedly said if China, North Koreas dominant trading partner, is unwilling to do more to pressure the North, the U.S. might take the matter into its own hands.

Along with the deployment of the Naval aircraft carrier and other vessels into waters off the Korean Peninsula, thousands of U.S. and South Korean troops, tanks and other weaponry were also deployed last month in their biggest-ever joint military exercises. That led North Korea to issue routine threats of attacks on its rivals if they show signs of aggression.

A White House foreign policy adviser told reporters aboard Air Force Two that the type of missile that North Korea tried to fire on Sunday was medium-range, and that it exploded about 4 to 5 seconds after it was launched.

According to the adviser, the test had been expected and the U.S. had good intelligence both before and after the launch. The adviser, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the administrations initial understanding of the launch, said there was no expected response from the Trump administration because there was no need for the U.S. to reinforce the failure.

The official said that had it been a nuclear test, other actions would have been taken by the U.S.

North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, including two last year. Recent satellite imagery suggests the country could conduct another underground nuclear test at any time.

Despite North Koreas provocations, U.S. officials have said that the U.S. doesnt intend to use military force against North Korea in response to either a nuclear test or a missile launch.

After a two-month policy review, officials settled on a policy dubbed maximum pressure and engagement, U.S. officials said Friday. The administrations immediate emphasis, the officials said, will be on increasing pressure on Pyongyang with the help of Beijing.

The officials werent authorized to speak publicly on the results of the policy review and requested anonymity.

Pence will be tasked with explaining the policy in meetings with leaders in South Korea and Japan at the start of his trip, which will also include stops in Indonesia and Australia. He will also aim to reassure allies in South Korea and Japan that the U.S. will take appropriate steps to defend them against North Korean aggression.

Pences first trip to South Korea carries personal meaning as well. He noted to the soldiers that his late father, Edward, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star on April 15, 1953  64 years to the day of the vice presidents departure for South Korea. Pence displays in his office his fathers Bronze Star and a photograph of his father receiving the honor.

READ: Arkansas Judge Blocks States Plan To Execute Eight Inmates Over An 11-Day Period

This article was originally published on Death & Taxes.

This post Mike Pence Calls North Koreas Failed Missile Launch A Provocation first appeared on Vibe.
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.

For some applicants, being placed on a college waitlist is discouraging. For others, it might provide some hope that they will still be admitted.

When an applicant is wait-listed, there's still a chance of getting in, depending on whether space becomes available in the incoming class -- typically after the May 1 deadline for high school seniors to submit a deposit and secure a spot at a college. Applicants can either accept or reject a spot on the waitlist during the regular decision round of admission.

Though the odds of being accepted as a wait-listed applicant are often slim, that's not true for every school, according to U.S. News data.

[Explore how to get admitted off a college waitlist.]

Among the 91 ranked schools that submitted these data to U.S. News in an annual survey, the average proportion of students accepted off a waitlist for fall 2015 was 20 percent. But among the 10 schools where those proportions are the highest, the average is 82 percent.

On the other side of the spectrum, 14 ranked National Universities reported that they did not admit any applicants off the waitlist for the 2015-2016 school year. Among them are Stanford University in California, the University of Delaware, Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and Suffolk University in Massachusetts.

[Discover three college waitlist mistakes to avoid.]

In the 2015-2016 school year, 132 ranked National Universities that submitted waitlist information to U.S. News indicated that they have a waitlist policy, and 161 said they did not.

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Below are the 10 ranked National Universities where the greatest proportion of wait-listed students were admitted for fall 2015. 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 College Compass to find waitlist data, 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 more than 1,800 colleges and universities for our 2016 survey of undergraduate 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 Colleges 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 waitlist data above are correct as of April 18, 2017.

Jordan Friedman is an online education editor at U.S. News. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at jfriedman@usnews.com.


At least 25 people were killed and 22 injured when a passenger bus crashed into a deep ravine in the mountainous northern Philippines on Tuesday, authorities said.

The bus plunged about 24 metres (80 feet) in the upland province of Nueva Ecija before noon after its brakes failed while travelling on a windy road, police and local officials said.

"The vehicle is totally wrecked," said senior inspector Robert De Guzman, police chief of the town of Carranglan where the accident occurred. The impact appeared to have ripped the top off the vehicle, he added.

"Almost all of the passengers, both dead and injured, were found outside the bus."

Authorities were still investigating the cause of the accident but Carranglan Mayor Mary Abad told ABS-CBN television there were 60 passengers onboard although the bus had a capacity of only 45.

Abad added the wounded, some of whom sustained critical injuries, were rushed to nearby hospitals.

"The road is really risky. There are many ravines along that road going to Abra," Abad said, referring to the northern province where the bus was headed.

Dr. Arlene Jara, chief of the nearby provincial hospital treating the wounded, said children were among those injured.

Road accidents are common in the Philippines, where old, badly maintained buses ply poorly lit roads. Poor road habits and drivers working long hours also contribute to frequent mishaps.
The next general election wasnt due until 2020, but British Prime Minister Theresa May has urged Parliament to vote to go to the polls again in just six weeks. Lawmakers are set to vote on an early election on Wednesday, and approval is almost guaranteed with the opposition Labour Party backing the vote.

I welcome the PMs decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first pic.twitter.com/9P3X6A2Zpw - Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) April 18, 2017

May said Tuesday she wanted the early vote to prevent opposition parties in Westminster from dividing the country over the governments approach to the Brexit negotiations. I am not prepared to let them endanger the work of millions of working people, she said. It weakens the governments negotiating position.

But there are plenty of other good reasons why May wants an election now:

1. She currently holds a record polling lead over her rivals

For months now, opinion poll after opinion poll has said the same thing - Theresa Mays party would win a major landslide if the election was held tomorrow. Two polls over the weekend gave Mays Conservative Party a 21-point lead over the Labour Party, their largest rival. Just a week ago, another poll gave May herself a 37-point lead over Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn in terms of who would make the best Prime Minister (though Britons vote for a party, rather than an individual). With numbers like these, its likely Mays advisers were desperate for an early vote.

2. Her main opposition party is historically weak

Mays historic lead in opinion polls isnt just because she is especially popular; in fact, its because support for the Labour Party has fallen to record lows. A YouGov survey found fewer than one in four people in the U.K. backing Labour - an astonishing fall for a party which enjoyed over a decade in power under Tony Blair and then Gordon Brown.

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The credit for that is largely due to Corbyn himself, a leftist lawmaker from London who commands a passionate following on the far left, but has little support from the general public. That YouGov poll found just 14% said he would make the best choice of Prime Minister. In particular, Corbyns muddled support for Brexit has alienated Labour voters who want a less severe break from the E.U.

3. She does not currently have a popular mandate

May won power not by a general election, but by emerging as the last woman standing in the dramatic Conservative leadership contest following the Brexit vote. As the Conservative Party won a general election victory in 2015, the party itself had a mandate until 2020. But May herself never faced the electorate - and as she has attempted to unite her country behind a Brexit position, she has been dogged by accusations that she does not represent a United Kingdom that never had a chance to vote for her. Now, it will.

4. If Britain votes this year, it wont have to do it again until 2022

Britain votes every five years thanks to a law passed in 2011. As May pointed out in her brief statement on Tuesday morning, the next general election is currently scheduled for May 2020 - only a year after Britain is scheduled to formally leave the European Union under the terms of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. The vote would have hung over the Brexit negotiations, and possibly hamstrung negotiators as they attempted to finalize a deal. Now, May - or whoever wins the election - will be able to go into talks with a mandate for their approach.

5. She wants to keep the United Kingdom united

The general election also comes as the Scottish National Party (SNP) is agitating for a second independence referendum, based on the Scottish populations vote against leaving the E.U. May - who does not want Scotland to leave the U.K. - might be hoping a general election will cut into the partys extraordinary dominance in Scotlands Westminster seats, and weaken the overall case for an independence vote. However, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has already identified this as a tactic and seems intent on fighting against it:

The Tories see a chance to move the UK to the right, force through a hard Brexit and impose deeper cuts. Let39;s stand up for Scotland. #GE17 - Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) April 18, 2017

The question of what the general election will mean for Northern Ireland, which is currently gridlocked after the power-sharing agreement there collapsed, is less clear. If voting follows the pattern in the assembly elections, the Democratic Unionist Party stands to lose support to Sinn Fein.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
From barefoot fishermen to software millionaires, Belize is a melting pot. Today's immigrants include 50-somethings raised on the Rolling Stones and 20-somethings looking for a place to make their mark. Farmers, environmentalists, budget-minded retirees and big-time investors are all making their way to this little country with a Caribbean coast and a rainforest interior.

[See: 10 Places to Retire Overseas in 2017.]

The draw is obvious: The white sand and azure water of the Caribbean cayes and coast, the eco-adventures and the Mayan history inland. But it's more than that, too. The common denominator among people making their way to Belize's shores today -- from scuba enthusiasts and eco-adventurers to missionaries and billionaire investors -- is a desire for a simpler, freer, more private way of life. With everything going on in the world these days, Belize's back-to-basics approach to living is increasingly, almost irresistibly alluring.

Most people you meet in this country have two other common characteristics. They are hospitable, and they are fiercely independent. The average Belizean -- including those who've adopted this country as their homeland -- would choose to live in a humble home and off the land and sea rather than be beholden to someone else. This country operates according to an old school mentality that many of the world's more developed nations have forgotten.

Perhaps the best way to consider whether Belize might be the best place for you to launch an adventure overseas would be to understand who wouldn't be happy here. While Belize is a beautiful, sunny, affordable and easygoing haven, it certainly isn't perfect. Living here, like anywhere, you'll encounter challenges and frustrations. Here are seven signs you won't be happy in Belize:

You're a hobby shopper. There's little opportunity for non-essential shopping in Belize, and there are no big chain stores. You won't be able to shop at Wal-Mart, Costco or Sam's Club. This is a small country where life is simple. You'll find everything you need, but probably not everything you might want.

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[See: 10 Tips for Finding a Great Place to Retire.]

You're looking for peace and quiet. Parties, festivals and music are loud in Belize and can last all night. Belizeans of all ages love to party. The louder the music, the better, and the party can continue until 4 or 5 a.m. The churches love amplifiers. Everyone sings along, and singing in key isn't considered important.

If you can't appreciate the Belizeans' zest for living life to the fullest, you have three choices. You could move to an isolated area, which is easy to find in this country. You could escape during the festival weekends, though there are lots of them. Or you could steer clear of Belize and, frankly, most of Latin America.

You have serious health care needs. This is a small country, and its health care resources are limited. When you consider that the entire country is home to fewer than 350,000 residents, it's not surprising that you don't find the breadth of health care specialists and facilities you might be used to elsewhere. You will find competent, dedicated general practitioners and some highly qualified specialists. However, if you have a sensitive medical condition, you'll likely want to head to Mexico or the United States for care.

You can't stand the heat. Belize is a subtropical country. In other words, yes, it's hot and humid here, as it is throughout nearly all of Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean (with highlands exceptions). Also, like the rest of the tropics, Belize has bugs, snakes, scorpions, spiders and dengue fever. You will be bitten by mosquitoes, no-see-ums and other insects at the beach. You might cross paths with a snake or a noisy monkey in the jungle.

You're a theater or opera buff. If you need a regular fix of traditional European-style culture, you'll feel deprived living here. Belize is a beautiful country that is archaeologically and historically rich, boasting many annual festivals plus local music and dance traditions. But the only Broadway-style musicals are put on by the local high school. However, if you like to dance to live music on the beach, you'll be happy indeed. You'll find many musical styles including rock 'n' roll, country, punta and salsa.

You feel the need to be vocal about how to improve things. Sometimes you will feel frustrated by the lack of efficiency in this country. But if you are the kind of person who can't learn to take frustration in stride or who will respond by becoming demanding or rude when people don't meet your expectations, you won't do well here. Belizeans are helpful and good-natured, but they are also proud and independent. They respond to polite people. Those who are critical of Belizeans will find that things become even more difficult and take longer.

[See: 10 Places to Retire on a Social Security Budget.]

You're looking for extensive services. There is little infrastructure and limited services and amenities in Belize. The people who do well here find this to be a big part of the appeal. The culture is more concerned with conservation than consumerism.

If you're interested in a lifestyle supported by the diversions and distractions of a big, cosmopolitan city, Belize is definitely not for you. If you're delighted by the diversions and distractions of a wide-open land where life revolves around the sea and the sun and where independence and self-sufficiency are prized above all else, then Belize could be exactly the paradise you seek.

Kathleen Peddicord is the founder of the Live and Invest Overseas publishing group.
For months, the auto industry has been urging the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider new, high emissions benchmarks for 2025 model-year vehicles. Automakers say that they don't want to roll back the regulations, they just want more time to implement them because today's low fuel prices are driving demand for larger, less efficient rides.

In other words, automakers are concerned that if the rules remain in place, companies will end up making a bunch of super-efficient cars that no one wants.

But is that true? A new study from AAA suggests it's not--and in fact, Americans' interest in emissions-free electrics could rival their interest in the time-honored pickup.

Survey findings

To gather its data, AAA conducted phone interviews with 1,004 U.S. adults in February. Participants were asked a number of questions about their next car purchase. Here are some of the more interesting takeaways:

Of those surveyed, 15 percent said that they were likely to purchase or lease an electric vehicle as their next car . That's nearly as high as the number considering pickup trucks: 16 percent. Among Millennials, the figure was higher, with 20 percent likely to buy an electric car in the near future.

. That's nearly as high as the number considering pickup trucks: 16 percent. Among Millennials, the figure was higher, with 20 percent likely to buy an electric car in the near future. If those figures hold true, they suggest that some 30 million Americans are preparing to purchase or lease an electric car.

Hybrids remain popular, too: almost one-third of those surveyed (32 percent) said that they were likely to purchase or lease a hybrid as their next car.

as their next car. Despite today's low fuel prices, fuel economy remains among the most important factors for car shoppers. Reliability remained the tip-top pick, chosen by 93 percent of respondents. However, the race for second place was tight, with cost (71 percent), fuel economy (70 percent), crash rating (70 percent), and performance (69 percent) vying for the spot.

remained the tip-top pick, chosen by 93 percent of respondents. However, the race for second place was tight, with (71 percent), (70 percent), (70 percent), and (69 percent) vying for the spot. Less important factors for shoppers were safety technology (50 percent), car brand (48 percent), styling and design (46 percent), and the ability to connect to a smartphone (34 percent).

(50 percent), (48 percent), (46 percent), and the ability to (34 percent). The biggest concern among those switching to electric cars remains range anxiety, with 69 percent of respondents saying that there aren't enough charging stations , and 68 percent worried about running out of juice before they reach their destinations.

with 69 percent of respondents saying that there , and 68 percent worried about before they reach their destinations. Although there's been a surge in demand for crossovers and SUVs in recent years, 43 percent of those surveyed by AAA said that their next vehicle would be a car. SUVs were next at 26 percent, followed by pickups (16 percent), minivans (5 percent), and motorcycles (1 percent). (Those figures don't add up to 100 because some respondents were undecided.)

If we learned anything from the last election cycle, it's that polls are curious things and don't always reflect people's attitudes. So, while these numbers may be encouraging to green car fans, don't break out the eco-friendly confetti just yet.

That said, perceptions about electrics are likely to change dramatically in the coming years, as range anxiety diminishes. That will be in part due to battery improvements that make range less of an issue, and due to growth of the charging infrastructure. As AAA's Greg Brannon explains, "Range anxiety stems from seeing gas stations, not charging stations, on every corner. While electric vehicles may not yet fit every lifestyle, the number of charging stations has quadrupled over the last five years and battery ranges support average commutes."
By Bernie Woodall (Reuters) - Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday moved up to December the election to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions after he was named attorney general, saying that the original plan to hold the election in late 2018 was not soon enough to meet state law. Ivey last week replaced fellow Republican Robert Bentley as governor after he resigned amid impeachment proceedings in the legislature. Bentley had appointed Republican Luther Strange in February to fill the seat Sessions held before joining President Donald Trump's cabinet. Citing concerns about the cost of a special election, Bentley opted to wait until the 2018 general election for voters to elect Sessions' replacement. The state's new governor said Alabama law required a speedier timetable. The primary election will now be held on Aug. 15 and the general vote will be on Dec. 12, Ivey's office said. I promised to steady our ship of state. This means following the law, which clearly states the people should vote for a replacement U.S. senator as soon as possible, Ivey said in an emailed statement. "Following the law trumps the expense of a special election," she said. Strange, who was previously Alabama's attorney general, said he would have run for the Senate seat even if he had not been appointed by Bentley. As Ive said for months, Im a candidate and Im ready to run whether the election is next month or next year," Strange said in an emailed statement. The new date pleased Alabama Auditor Jim Zeigler, a Republican who filed suit against Bentley last month seeking to force a quicker special election. Zeigler told Reuters he considered Bentley's appointment of Strange "questionable." As Alabama's attorney general, Strange in November had put a hold on the state legislature's impeachment proceedings against Bentley. "We need a people-elected senator, not a senator appointed by a failed, disgraced former governor," Zeigler said. In his statement, Strange said he agreed that the people of Alabama should decide who represents them in the U.S. Senate. In an interview with local media last week, after Bentley resigned, Strange said he had asked the legislature to put the impeachment process on hold last November before the presidential election because his office was conducting an investigation of Bentley similar to the legislators' efforts. (Reporting by Bernie Woodall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Leslie Adler)
Milan (AFP) - Alitalia workers will begin voting this week on a high-stakes restructuring deal drawn up by management and unions to save the ailing carrier, a trade union source said Tuesday.

The company's estimated 12,500 employees cast their ballots from dawn Thursday to midnight Monday at Rome's Fiumicino airport and Malpensa and Linate in Milan, the source said.

Lengthy negotiations ended Friday with a pre-accord approved by the powerful unions but which needs approval of workers.

The deal softens a tough restructuring package unveiled by management in mid-March, reducing job losses and salary cuts.

It would see 980 permanent job contracts axed instead of 1,338 and would trim air crew salaries by eight percent rather than between 24 and 30 percent.

In return, crew would agree to boost productivity by cutting the number of annual rest days to 108 from 120.

"No" campaigners are up in arms, saying employees have been bled dry in previous bids to revive the loss-making airline.

The company is de facto controlled by Etihad Airways, which acquired a 49 percent stake when it saved Alitalia from bankruptcy in 2014.

Nino Cortorillo of the Filt Cgil union said the deal was the best the unions could get after "long and difficult negotiations".

The pressure to find a solution is intense, with Alitalia's liquidity expected to run out this month without emergency funding, leaving its fleet grounded.

Shareholders Etihad and the Italian banks Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit have said they will only inject new funds if the unions agree to the new collective labour agreement and cuts.

The Italian government, which acted as a mediator in the negotiations, warned Tuesday that a "no" victory would be not only costly but potentially fatal for the company.

Alitalia has been hit hard by competition from low-cost companies and has been accumulating losses for years.
Associated Press

There has already been two coaching changes halfway through the NFL season with Indianapolis firing Frank Reich this week four weeks after Carolina did the same to Matt Rhule. The NFL had a record-tying 10 coaching changes last offseason and three-quarters of the teams have changed head coaches at least once in the past five years. Here's a look at some coaches who figure to be on the hot seat if things don't turn around in the second half of the season and some assistants who could be in line for head coaching jobs.
By Steve Barnes

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Reuters) - Arkansas' Supreme Court halted two executions hours before they were due to take place on Monday, while a federal appeals court overruled a lower court decision that had blocked the state's original plan to put eight inmates to death in an 11-day period.

The decision by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis was independent of the Arkansas State Supreme Court ruling, meaning the state was barred from executing condemned killers Don Davis and Bruce Ward as scheduled on Monday evening, the Arkansas attorney general's office said.

Ward, 60, and Davis, 55, were being held in cells near the state's death chamber and their execution warrants expired at midnight. The next executions are scheduled for Thursday.

In a 4-3 decision, Arkansas' highest court stayed the executions of Ward and Davis, each of whom has spent more than 20 years on death row. Their lawyers had raised questions about their mental competency.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge later petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the reprieve granted to Davis, sentenced to die for the 1990 slaying of Jane Daniel, 62, during a home burglary.

About 20 minutes before the execution warrant for Davis expired, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Rutledge's request to vacate the stay.

"It is heartbreaking that the family of Jane Daniel has once again seen justice delayed," Rutledge said in a statement.

Rutledge's office declined to challenge the stay ordered for Ward, who was convicted of strangling 18-year-old gas station attendant Rebecca Doss in 1989.

The separate 8th Circuit Court decision vacated a ruling made over the weekend by a U.S. district judge that halted all eight executions.

The legal fight in Arkansas, which last put someone to death 12 years ago, came after the number of U.S. executions fell to a quarter-century low in 2016 and as capital punishment in several states was stymied by problems with lethal-injection drugs and legal questions over their protocols.

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THREE DAYS OF EXECUTIONS

Arkansas said it would go ahead with its plans to execute the remaining six inmates on its current eight-man roster by carrying out dual executions on Thursday, April 24 and April 27.

Critics have contended that Arkansas' rush to the death chamber was reckless. The state has said it had to act quickly because one of the drugs in its difficult-to-obtain lethal injection mix, the valium-like sedative midazolam, expires at the end of April.

Attorneys for the eight were likely to appeal the federal appeals court ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. They filed a separate petition for stays on Monday with the U.S. Supreme Court over a procedural matter.

The state also argued that U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker abused her discretion on Saturday when she ruled about potential harm from midazolam.

The drug has been used in flawed executions in Oklahoma and Arizona. Critics contend it does not put a person in a deep enough state of unconsciousness and should not be used in executions.

The state Supreme Court on Monday also lifted a temporary restraining order imposed last week by a state judge who blocked the use of one of three drugs Arkansas planned for its executions - vercuronium bromide - after pharmaceutical companies said the state deceived the firms in procuring the chemicals.

In 2014, Oklahoma was the last state to try carrying out two executions on the same night, an effort that went badly awry.

A poorly secured intravenous tube popped loose during the first attempt, spraying the inside of the death chamber in lethal-injection chemicals. The second execution set for that night was canceled.

Texas conducted the last successful dual executions in the United States in 2000.

For a graphic on executions in the U.S., click http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/m1/412/2011/USA-GEORGIA-EXECUTION.jpg

(Reporting by Steve Barnes; Writing by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Steve Gorman and Bill Trott)
tom cotton

Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas was jeered by an aggressive crowd at a town-hall meeting on Monday when he defended President Donald Trump for not releasing his tax returns.

When a constituent asked Cotton whether he would push to force Trump to disclose his tax returns, the Republican demured, causing the largely anti-Trump crowd in Little Rock to erupt in boos.

"As far as I'm aware, the president says he's still under audit," Cotton said.

Cotton, at times raising his voice over the heckling crowd, argued that Trump's tax returns were not necessary to understand his financial situation.

"It doesn't take a lot of effort to find out where Donald Trump has connections overseas. He normally puts his name on buildings where he has them," Cotton said.

Monday's town hall came two days after nationwide protests called for Trump to uphold 40 years of presidential tradition by disclosing his tax returns. Trump has long maintained that an IRS audit is preventing him from releasing them, although there are no IRS rules to back that up.

A growing number of lawmakers from both parties are putting pressure on Trump by publicly calling for him to continue the tradition.

But defending Trump at a town hall was familiar territory for Cotton. At a similar event in February, Cotton deflected a question about why he wasn't demanding Trump's tax returns by suggesting his victory in the election excused him.

"The way we determine our commander in chief in our country is through elections, and we just had an election, and this was a hotly contested issue during the election. Donald Trump still won," he said.

View the exchange below, starting at 8:15 in the video:

NOW WATCH: Watch a Trump surrogate get shut down after calling Trump the 'Martin Luther King of healthcare'





More From Business Insider


Miami (AFP) - A legal battle over the death sentence in the US state of Arkansas has seen skirmishes and retreats, but it's not over yet. Two death row inmates won reprieves on Monday, but five others still face execution in the coming days.

After the US Supreme Court and the Arkansas Supreme Court delivered the stays, Arkansas authorities vowed to push on with their state's first executions since 2005.

Ledell Lee and Stacey Johnson are scheduled to receive lethal injections on Thursday. The other three prisoners are to be executed next week: Jack Harold Jones, Marcel Williams on Monday and Kenneth Williams on Thursday April 27, a spokesman for the state attorney general, Judd Deere, told AFP.

Arkansas' Governor Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, had planned for eight men on death row to be executed within an 11-day period before the end of April, when the state's stock of midazolam, a sedative used in the lethal injections, expires.

But amid public opposition to the death penalty, including protests in the state capital Little Rock including actor Johnny Depp and a judge linked to one of the cases, lawyers obtained stays for three of the executions.

Jason McGehee, who was to be put to death on April 27, received a month-long stay two weeks ago because of a parole board's clemency recommendation.

Then, last Friday, Arkansas' Supreme Court suspended -- with no explanation -- the execution of prisoner Bruce Ward planned for Monday.

And late on Monday, after inmate Don Davis ate what was supposed to be his "last meal" and just minutes before his execution, the US Supreme Court gave a last-minute ruling sparing him.

But Arkansas' attorney general, Leslie Rutledge, has pledged to overcome the stays and haul Ward and Davis back into the death chamber.

"The attorney general will go back to the state supreme court and address the merits in both cases brought by Ward and Davis," Deere said. "Until the merits are decided, the stay remains in place."

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The lawyers for those two prisoners said their clients suffered serious psychological problems but that their defense attorneys had presented no mental health experts during their trials that results in the death penalty.

"They clearly demonstrated that mental health issues would be significant factors at their trials," said public defender Scott Braden.

- DNA test requests -

Death-penalty abolitionists are now putting in motion legal machinery to try to prevent the executions of Ledell Lee and Stacey Johnson on Thursday, laying the scene for another dramatic judicial battle.

Last week, Stacey Johnson's lawyer lodged a request for a DNA test to verify whether his client's protestations of innocence were founded. Johnson, a black man, was sentenced for the 1993 murder of a white woman.

Paul Cates, from a group known as the Innocence Project that fights the death penalty, said the trial court had rejected a DNA test. His group was filing an appeal before the Arkansas Supreme Court on that basis.

There was also an appeal aimed at obtaining a stay for Ledell Lee. America's biggest civil rights organization, the ACLU, brought the motion before a lower Arkansas court on Monday that requests a pause to also carry out a DNA test.

Lee, who is also black, was sentenced to death in 1993 for the murder of his neighbor, a white woman. The ACLU argues he should not have been found guilty.

At the same time as the legal thrusts and parries, there are challenges to the state's use of the drug used in the lethal injections.

McKesson Medical-Surgical, a distributor for pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, had asked courts to ban the use of a paralytic it sells, vecuronium bromide, in the chemical cocktail used to kill prisoners.

A lower court judge ruled in favor last Friday. But then an appeals court suspended that injunction, allowing the state to go ahead with using the drug.

However, "the prisoners are preparing a petition to ask the US Supreme Court to review that," Rob Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, told AFP on Tuesday.

If they win that case, the death-penalty abolitionists might win the war in Arkansas -- if only temporarily.
There are two things Hollywood has been reliably obsessed with for decades: treasure hunts, and space exploration.

Discovery's new documentary series, Cooper's Treasure, combines the two in a compelling new tale, which began when one of the original Mercury 7 astronauts, Gordon Cooper, discovered anomalies  dark spots  in the ocean while searching for nuclear test sites during one of his missions.

Cooper soon deduced that the spots were actually shipwrecks, and spent the next several decades using the information he collected while orbiting the Earth to create a document that he thought could lead to unimaginable wealth  a treasure map from space.

Before he died, Cooper shared the information with his friend Darrell Miklos, in the hope that his exploration would continue and the treasure would ultimately be found, and Discovery went along for the hunt. Mashable has an exclusive sneak peek from the premiere of Cooper's Treasure, in which Miklos lays out everything Cooper left for him to begin his quest.

Cooper's Treasure premieres Tuesday, April 18 at 10 p.m. on Discovery. The show is produced for Discovery Channel by AMPLE and Amblin Television.
A portion of a westbound Atlanta interstate has closed after the road buckled on Monday, officials said.

Lanes on I-20 West between Candler and Gresham roads in DeKalb County were closed indefinitely after part of the road bucked, likely because of an issue with an underground utility installation, the Georgia Department of Transportation said in a statement.

Prior reports indicated that a gas leak caused the buckling, but a spokesperson for Southern Company said the incident did not involve the release of natural gas.

The GDOT and DeKalb County police urged motorists to find alternative routes until further notice. GDOT spokesperson Natalie Dale said they anticipate having some lanes open by 5 p.m. EDT Monday, with plans to have all lanes open by noon on Tuesday.

The road buckling and closure comes just weeks after a massive fire caused a bridge on I-85 to collapse in Atlanta, significantly impacting traffic patterns in the city. The GDOT said things will not return back to normal for months.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
By Ali Abdelaty CAIRO (Reuters) - Gunmen attacked security forces near St. Catherine's Monastery in Egypt's south Sinai on Tuesday, killing at least one police officer and injuring four others, the Health Ministry said, just a week after two deadly church bombings killed 45. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on a police checkpoint about 800 meters (yards) from the entrance to the monastery, one of the world's most important Christian sites. The attack comes just 10 days before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Egypt and just over a week after two deadly suicide bombings on Christian churches, also claimed by Islamic State, plunged the country into mourning and marked one of the bloodiest days for the country's Christian minority in decades. St. Catherine's, founded in the 6th century and located at the foot of Mount Sinai, is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site. It is part of the Eastern Orthodox church. Egypt's Christian minority, which makes up about 10 percent of the country's 92 million people, has increasingly been targeted by Islamist militants, with three deadly church attacks in the span of four months. In February, scores of Christian families and students fled North Sinai province after a spate of targeted killings. A successful assault on St. Catherine's would be the latest challenge to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has pledged to protect the religious minority as part of his campaign against extremism. Egypt has for years been battling an Islamist insurgency in the rugged and thinly populated northern Sinai, which gained pace after the military overthrew President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013 following mass protests against his rule. Attacks in Egypt's southern Sinai, a popular destination for tourists dotted with Red Sea resorts, are by contrast rare. Security sources told Reuters that security had been put on high alert at tourist facilities across southern Sinai after the attack. The attack in southern Sinai comes as Russia is expected to make a long-awaited decision on whether to restore flights to the Sharm el-Sheikh resort after a Russian airliner was downed in 2015, dealing a serious blow to the area's tourism industry, which relies heavily on Russian visitors. Egypt's tourism industry, a crucial source of hard currency, has suffered in the years of turmoil that followed the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011, as well as from the suspected bombing of the Russian plane, which killed all 224 on board. Israel took the unusual step earlier this month of barring its citizens from crossing into the Sinai peninsula, saying the threat of attacks in the area inspired by Islamic State and other jihadi groups was high. (Reporting by Ali Abdelaty; Additional reporting by Ahmed Mohamed Hassan and Yousri Mohamed; Writing by Eric Knecht; Editing by Giles Elgood and Tom Brown)
The British director Ridley Scott has launched RSA VR, a new studio which will be dedicated exclusively to Virtual Reality. This division of his production company is working on, among other projects, an immersive experience inspired by his next film "Alien: Covenant." Scott is the latest in a long list of major directors who have taken an interest in this new technology.

Ridley Scott's reputation as an innovator has been proven once again with his decision to create RSA VR, a division of his production company which will be exclusively dedicated to virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed media.

Headed by Jen Dennis, this specialist unit's roster includes 13 directors who will help to create new film experiences. One of these is David Karlak, who is working on an immersive film inspired by the terrifying world of "Alien: Covenant," Ridley Scott's next movie which will be released in May.

This voyage into virtual reality will be created with the help of 20th Century Fox, which has also launched its own division in this field called Fox Innovation Lab. This unit has already worked with Ridley Scott on "The Martian VR Experience", a VR film inspired by Scott's previous movie "The Martian" which was released in 2015. At that time, "The Martian VR Experience" was available on HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR. These platforms are expected to make available a similar film inspired by "Planet of the Apes," when its next instalment "War for the Planet of the Apes" is released in July.

VR is heading for Cannes and Venice

VR in the movie industry is more than just a few isolated projects. In 2017, the technology will be introduced in one of the biggest film festivals in the world. The Out of Competition section of the 70th Cannes Film Festival in May will unveil a VR installation by Oscar-winning Mexican filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu ("The Revenant," "Birdman"). This six-minute project is called "Carne y Arena (Virtually Present, Physically Invisible)".

The next Venice Film Festival (from August 31 to September 4) will go even further. It will have a section dedicated exclusively to VR. Three prizes, decided on by a jury of five professionals, will be awarded in this category which will consist of 18 immersive films.

VR is already attracting big names in the movie industry. In addition to Scott and Inarritu, Kathryn Bigelow has taken an interest in the subject via the documentary "The Protectors." The director of "The Hurt Locker" and "Zero Dark Thirty" worked with Imraan Ismail, Annapurna Pictures and National Geographic Channel to create this eight-minute film about women and men in the Democratic Republic of Congo who strive to protect elephants against ivory poachers.
An 8-year-old child is suspected in the death of a toddler at a Michigan day care, where the victims mother said she discovered her sons lifeless body when she arrived to pick him up, according to reports.

Little Korey Brown, 1, was found dead in the day care, which was run out of a home in Muskegon, after apparently being left unsupervised for an extended period on Friday, Police Chief Jeffrey Lewis told MLive.com.

Authorities said the little boy was dropped off at the day care the previous night and left unsupervised with an 8-year-old girl, who had been left at the facility around 2 a.m. that day.

The death occurred while the children were left alone, and Korey was found concealed in a bedroom, Lewis told MLive.com. A cause of death was not immediately known.

"The 1-year-old was crying and it appears no one was attending to the child," he said. "The 8-year-old dealt with the baby crying  This person that was involved in the death probably felt something was wrong. If you're a child and break something, you try to hide it."

Read: Toddler Dies Days After He Stopped Breathing During Naptime at Day Care

The primary witness is 5 years old, making the case very difficult for officers, Lewis said.

"I thought I saw everything," Lewis said. "This one floors me. I can hardly get a grip on it."

Bryanna Reasonover, Koreys mother, told MLive.com that she found her son unresponsive in a playpen when she went to pick him and his siblings up.

"I picked Korey up and I'm thinking he's asleep and then his face tilts over," Reasonover said, noting her son appeared to have bite marks and bruises on his face. "I'm saying 'What's wrong with my baby's face?' I'm thinking he's still asleep."

First responders were called to the home at 6:50 a.m., and Korey was pronounced dead at 8 a.m., following resuscitation and other life-saving efforts, officials said.

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Lewis said that he didn't believe the child had any visible injuries.

The 8-year-old girl was taken for a mental evaluation at Mercy Health Partners Hackley Campus, Lewis told MLive.com.

No complaints have ever been made against the owner and operator of the day care, Keysha Collins, who was first licensed to run the facility, which accommodates up to 12 children, in 2016, the state's Licensing and Regulatory Affairs division said. That agency is now investigating the incident.

Police are also continuing to investigate, Lewis said, noting that the case is unlike anything hes ever seen.

Read: Day Care Center Shuttered After 3-Month-Old Died On Her Mother's First Day Back at Work

"I thought I saw everything," Lewis said. "This one floors me. I can hardly get a grip on it."

The loss of Korey came as a shock for loved ones, who took to social media to share their grief.

Korey wasn't your average 1 year old," a relative wrote on a GoFundMe page created to offset funeral costs. "He was full of life and made his presence known in any room he entered. He is his mothers angel, born on her birthday."

Others expressed their condolences with Koreys devastated mother.

May your precious boy find peace....and I wish you strength to help you through this terrible time, a friend wrote on her Facebook page. May [God] hold your family close.

My heart breaks for you sweetie, another friend posted. Sending Comforting Prayers.

Watch: 4-Year-Old Girl Feared Missing When Day Care Gives Child to Wrong Person: Cops

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A Virginia mother says her young daughter is a true hero after saving her little sister from a crazed carjacker.

Brandie Weiler told InsideEdition.com that she was driving with her two daughters, Madison, 12, and Mollie, 7, when they witnessed a car accident at the intersection in front of them on John Taylor Highway on Saturday.

Read: Woman Pumping Gas is Carjacked, Taken on 150-Mile Ride Before Escaping

Weiler said she got out of her van to check on the other driver who was hit and call police when the man driving the other vehicle got out tried to enter her van with her two daughters inside.

The next thing I know he started going towards my van. He opened the door and got in. My kids were in it so I was trying to run back to the car, Weiler said.

In a quick-thinking action, 12-year-Madison put the van in drive because she knew the man, later identified as Paul Salsman, wouldnt be able to start it.

He was saying all these things like, Lets go and, I need to get to this place,'" Madison told WTKR.

But the girl clearly wasn't going to let him drive them off without a fight  especially with her little sister Mollie in the back seat.

Madison started punching and screaming at the man.

I just went for it, Madison said. Nothing passed my mind except he is a psycho and he needs to get out of the car."

Weiler said the man eventually gave up and got out of the car and then tried to take someone elses car before police showed up and arrested 21-year-old Salsman.

Weiler said shes extremely proud of her daughter for her brave actions.

Read: A Teenage Girl Was Shot Point-Blank After She Chased Her Carjacker and Opened Passenger Door

I dont know where it came from," Weiler said. "Madison just said she had to do what she had to do to take care of Mollie. Shes tough. I never thought that she would be that. So its just like, 'Whoa, wait."

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The 12-year-old fractured her growth plate during the altercation, but the mom said she definitely held her own.

She held it together better than I did, Weiler said.

Police arrested Salsman and charged him with three counts of attempted carjacking.

Watch: 15 Heroic Men Flip Overturned Convertible Saving Trapped Man After Crash

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A French artist who has spent three weeks sitting on 10 eggs hatched his first chick Tuesday.

Abraham Poincheval -- who made headlines last month after spending a week entombed inside an egg-shaped rock -- has hardly slept since he stepped inside a glass vitrine in a Paris modern art museum to sit on the eggs on March 29.

But late on Tuesday afternoon the first of the eggs began to hatch, forcing the artist to temporarily rise from his nest for fear of crushing the new-born.

Up until then Poincheval was only allowed a half-hour break every 24 hours to keep him from cracking -- although he never once left the glass case in the Palais de Tokyo.

"It has been really tough for him. He has slept sitting on the eggs. It's been a lot harder than being shut inside the rock," a spokeswoman for the museum told AFP.

What is more the 44-year-old has had to contend with the heat, having to keep the eggs at a minimum of 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

He has also been all but cut off from the outside world. "His voice is quite muffled through the glass," the spokeswoman added. "It is quite frustrating to communicate sometimes."

From the start, Poincheval -- dubbed France's most extreme artist -- appeared far more daunted by the performance than his claustrophobia-defying spell inside the rock.

- Cooped up -

Cooped up in one corner of the vitrine in a heavy traditional Korean cape on a specially designed "laying table", the usually amiable artist avoided the gaze of gallery goers and retreated into himself.

However, as cracks appeared in the first of the eggs, his spirits lifted.

Now bearded, he could be seen checking on the eggs every few minutes on the museum's live YouTube feed and talking with museum staff.

His ordeal is far from over, however. Although the chick has cracked a large hole in the top of its shell, it has shown no sign of wanting to leave it.

And its nine siblings must also hatch before Poincheval can go home to his two human children.

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"The chicks will stay with Abraham inside the vitrine for 72 hours," the museum's spokeswoman said.

"He will not feed them for the first 24 hours until their bowels clear and he has enough feed for them inside the vitrine for their first 48 hours of life," she added.

Only then will he have the right to quit the run with his "offspring", which he has already vowed will never end up in a casserole.

His father Christian had earlier told AFP that as a child Poincheval had a pet chicken.

He also revealed that the "hen-men and hen-women" his son brings into the world will be allowed to live out their natural lives on his smallholding in the west of France.

- Chickens to be spared pot -

"I have prepared everything to welcome the chicks including a luxury chicken coop. I can assure you that they will never be the centrepiece of a grand feast," said Christian Poincheval, an inventor best known for pills that make farts smell of roses.

His son had said earlier that he was inspired by a tragicomic short story by the French writer Guy de Maupassant.

In "Toine", a bad-tempered farmer's wife gets revenge on her idle bon vivant husband by using his body to keep her chickens' eggs warm when he is paralysed by a mysterious malady.

Poincheval is no stranger to bizarre performances.

He once spent a fortnight inside a stuffed bear eating worms and insects, was buried under a rock for eight days and navigated France's Rhone river inside a giant corked bottle.

His big dream, however, is to walk on the clouds.

"I have been working on it for five years, but it is not quite there yet," he said.
London (AFP) - Prime ministerial resignations, historic referendums and of course Brexit: Here are the main events from a seismic few years in British politics:

- Scotland votes to stay -

After a bruising campaign, Scots voted by 55 percent to 45 percent against independence in September 2014. In the aftermath of Britain's June 2016 vote to leave the European Union, Scotland asked for a second referendum.

- Cameron election -

Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservatives perform surprisingly well in the May 2015 general election, winning an overall majority in parliament after years of coalition government with the Liberal Democrats.

- Brexit referendum -

In a historic referendum, Britain votes to leave the European Union by 52 percent to 48 percent, ending more than four decades of memberships and plunging the bloc into turmoil.

- Cameron resigns -

The morning after the referendum, Cameron, who had campaigned for Britain to stay in the EU, says he is stepping down. This sparks a Conservative leadership race won in surprisingly quick time by Theresa May, formerly home secretary (interior minister).

- Article 50 -

On March 29, 2017 Britain's ambassador to the EU hands over a historic letter to the EU president, formally starting the process of Britain leaving the European Union, the first country in the bloc's history to do so.

- Snap election -

In a surprise announcement, May calls for an early general election on June 8 as Britain prepares for delicate negotiations on its EU departure.

"We need a general election and we need one now. We have at this moment a one-off chance to get this done... before the detailed talks begin," May said.
A husband-to-be who claims he was unfairly kicked off of a United Airlines flight on Saturday says he and his bride arent letting the incident put a damper on their wedding celebrations.

Its not gonna slow us down, Michael Hohl tells PEOPLE of himself and his fiancee Amber Maxwell. Its just a bump in the road.

He adds: Were in Costa Rica now, we got here. Were trying our best to find a different airline to fly home.

Hohl tells PEOPLE that he and Maxwell, both of Park City, Utah, were boarding a plane out of Houston on Saturday, heading to the country for their wedding when they saw a man lying in their seats.

Michael Hohl (left) and Amber Maxwell

We didnt wanna bother the guy because there were so many empty seats. Thats when we sat in an empty row that was a few rows ahead of ours, Hohl says, noting that the aircraft was 60 percent full at best.

They came and asked us to move, we kindly, politely moved. We moved back to our seats, we sat down, got our seatbelt on and we were taken off the plane.

United Airlines acknowledged the incident in a statement to PEOPLE, with a spokesperson saying that the company is disappointed anytime a customer has an experience that doesnt measure up to their expectations.

These passengers repeatedly attempted to sit in upgraded seating which they did not purchase and they would not follow crew instructions to return to their assigned seats, the statement read. They were asked to leave the plane by our staff and complied.

Hohl says that he was told to leave the plane and although Maxwell was not ordered to do so, she went with him because she wasnt gonna fly to Costa Rica for a wedding by herself. The couple was not allowed back on the plane and their flight was rescheduled for the following morning, he says.

The airlines statement noted that Hohl and Maxwell were ticketed in Economy but attempted to move up to Economy Plus and declined to pay the difference in fare.

Hohl tells PEOPLE that he and his fiancee told flight attendants that they didnt know the seats were upgraded. He says that when he asked how to pay for the seats, he and Maxwell were told they couldnt do so because they had already boarded the plane.

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Daughter of Dr. David Daughter Says Family Was Sickened By United Airlines Incident

We did exactly as told. When they asked us to move, we moved without a flight, he says, calling the situation strange. We apologized that we were in another row of seats, but it was a nearly empty plane.

Hohl says he and Maxwell are schedule to wed on Thursday.

The incident came less than a week after footage of David Dao being violently dragged from a United Airlines flight sparked national outrage and landed the company in very hot water.

Daos lawyer said the man suffered a significant concussion, a serious broken nose, two broken teeth and an injury to sinuses. Dao, through his attorneys, has since been granted a bill of discovery to preserve all surveillance videos, cockpit voice recordings, a full passenger list and any incident reports from the altercation.

In the wake of the controversy, United has changed is policy, stating that crew members will not be able to bump a passenger who is already seated in one of the airlines planes, the company told PEOPLE in the statement.

Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have followed suit altering policies, with Delta confirming to PEOPLE that gate supervisors could offer passengers up to $9,950 to give up their seats on a flight.

Meanwhile, American Airlines has announced that officials will not involuntarily remove a revenue passenger, who has already boarded, in order to give a seat to another passenger.

This article was originally published on PEOPLE.com
London (AFP) - Britain's snap election is likely to be judgement day for embattled opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, but offers little prospect of resolving the deep-seated tensions tearing the party apart, experts said.

As the country gears up for a June 8 vote, the centre-left party lags far behind Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives in the latest opinion polls and is bitterly divided over Brexit.

With her shock announcement calling for an election on Tuesday, May made a bid to strengthen her position going into negotiations for leaving the European Union but also to capitalise on Labour's weaknesses.

"It's a mixed blessing, it's an opportunity for the Labour right to oust Corbyn if he performs badly, but it could be a political disaster and Labour could poll its lowest vote since 1918," political expert and author Eliza Filby told AFP.

Wyn Grant, politics professor at the University of Warwick, said: "Clearly if Labour suffer a big defeat, Corbyn is going to go".

"The Labour Party is then going to have to identify a new leader of the opposition who has real credibility and can rebuild the traditional bases of support, which is going to be a big task.

"It may not be possible within the span of one parliament to achieve that," he said.

Veteran left-winger Corbyn, who was seen as a marginal figure, came to power in 2015 after the party changed the rules to allow grassroots members to elect the leader, as opposed to its MPs.

The vote for Brexit last June brought tensions between Corbyn's team and the more centrist MPs to a head after the leader -- a long-time eurosceptic -- was accused of sabotaging the campaign to stay in the EU, the party's official position.

However, a bid to oust him floundered.

The party has traditionally counted on working-class communities in northern England and Scotland and progressive urban voters, but is in danger of losing both, warned Filby.

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"They are under threat from so many different angles -- in Scotland from the SNP (Scottish National Party); from the Liberal Democrats in the cities; the Conservatives and possibly UKIP (UK Independence Party) in the north."

She said Brexit only highlighted deeper ideological differences between the anti-globalisation, pro-Brexit working class bloc and the pro-EU, pro-immigration urban voters.

- 'Too strong to collapse' -

"Corbyn's strategy has been to say 'we will allow Brexit to pass but under certain conditions'. That hasn't really worked in parliament and I'm not sure it will work in the country," she said.

"Core voters in the north who voted for Brexit are not convinced, and metropolitan liberal voters aren't convinced by that either."

Adding to the pressure is May's apparent ability to bridge the class divide, with the latest YouGov poll finding she was almost as popular with poorer voters as she was with the affluent.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats and the SNP, will hope to woo disappointed pro-EU voters with their clear anti-Brexit stance.

Latest projections produced by the Electoral Calculus group predict that the Conservatives would win 381 seats, a gain of 50 seats from the 2015 vote, with Labour winning 182 seats, a loss of 50 seats.

Despite the potential electoral disaster, Filby doubted that the vote posed an existential crisis for the 117-year-old party.

"I don't think it will be the final nail in the coffin. It's in a position where it is too strong to collapse and too weak to win."

Corbyn himself remained bullish after May's announcement, insisting he wanted "to lead a government that will transform this country."

King's College professor Alex Callinicos said even replacing Corbyn would leave no end in sight to the battle over the party's soul.

"Even if the divisions went away, it still wouldn't be clear what Labour stands for," he said.

Filby said that what the party needed was a "unity candidate that can bring both elements, the parliamentary party and the voting constituency together".
LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday called for an early election on June 8. Here are the steps needed before the vote happens. HOW WILL SHE CALL AN ELECTION? The mechanism for a government in Britain to call a new election is more complicated than it used to be. Governments used to be able to call elections when they saw fit, but the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, passed in 2011, set a timetable for elections to take place every five years. Under the legislation, a motion for a new vote ahead of schedule needs to be carried by two thirds of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, including vacant seats. This means that the government needs 434 votes to call the election. May said that she would introduce a motion to Parliament on Wednesday. If it is passed, Parliament will come to an end 25 working days before the date of the general election which, accounting for public holidays, will be May 3. May's Conservatives hold 330 seats in the chamber, and the opposition Labour party 229. Labour has said that it will vote for the election, so the combined 559 votes would be enough to pass the motion if all lawmakers of both parties follow the party line. WHY DID MAY CHANGE HER MIND? The decision by Theresa May to call a snap election is a U-turn, as she had previously repeatedly ruled out such a move. She has previously said that Britain needs stability rather than a new election, but on Tuesday she implied that division in Westminster was undermining that stability already. "At this moment of enormous national significance there should be unity here in Westminster, but instead there is division," May said on Tuesday as she announced a general election. She also cited economic strength as a sign of her government's success. "Despite predictions of immediate financial and economic danger, since the referendum we have seen consumer confidence remain high, record numbers of jobs, and economic growth that has exceeded all expectations," she said. Economists had said that the UK economy's relative strength at the moment makes this a good time to have an election, before nascent signs of a downturn can gather steam. May's position may also have been influenced by the polls. A survey by ICM on Tuesday gave the Conservatives a 18 percentage point lead over the main Labour opposition party, and other polls over the last week have put the lead at over 20 percentage points. Labour has been riven with internal division over the Brexit vote and the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, who many of its lawmakers believe will struggle to win an election. Betting odds indicated May's Conservatives had an 80 percent chance of winning a majority while Labour had just a 2 percent chance. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR BREXIT? If May wins the June 8 election, her position would be strengthened at home and in negotiations with the 27 other members of the EU. With a large majority, May would be less beholden to extreme eurosceptics inside the Conservative Party while winning a personal mandate would strengthen her position as prime minister. It also gives her more space domestically to negotiate Britain's exit, which under the current timetable will take place in March 2019. Had she waited until 2020 to hold an election, she would have faced voters just a year after leaving the EU. By calling one in June, May could win more space domestically as the next British election would not be due until 2022. That would allow her some political space to deal with any of the potentially negative economic implications of Brexit. But her gamble also means that the biggest three economies of the European Union - Germany, the United Kingdom and France - all face elections in 2017. (Reporting by Alistair Smout; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and John Stonestreet)
LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May called on Tuesday for an election on June 8, saying Britain's opposition parties risked worsening her negotiating hand in divorce talks with the European Union by opposing her Brexit plan. "It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond," she said on the doorstep of her Downing Street office. May, who was appointed prime minister after the country voted in favor of Brexit in June last year, enjoys a large lead in the opinion polls, with 50 percent saying she would be the best prime minister. The leader of the main opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, won 14 percent, pollster YouGov said. But she must first win the support of two-thirds of the parliament for her call for an early election. The main opposition Labour Party has said it is ready for a new election. (Reporting by Elizabeth Piper, Kylie MacLellan and William James; editing by Kate Holton)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - British voters can use a snap election called on Tuesday to show what kind of relationship they want with the European Union, the European Parliament's point-man on Brexit, Guy Verhofstadt, said in a statement. "There will be an opportunity for the UK citizens to express themselves on how they see the future relationship between the their country and the EU," the liberal former Belgian prime minister said on his Facebook page. "As the EP Brexit negotiator, I will work with a new government for the best common future possible." Verhofstadt, a strong proponent of a more federally centralized European Union, leads the liberal bloc in the EU legislature to which Britain's Liberal Democrats belong. They plan to campaign to prevent the ruling Conservatives negotiating a "hard Brexit" in which Britain cuts many ties with the Union. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; @macdonaldrtr)
Britains Prime Minister Theresa May has announced her intention to call a snap general election on June 8 - and the U.K. isnt quite sure how to process the information.

According to Google Trends, one of the U.K.s most-searched questions following Mays shock announcement has been When was the last general election?, which is a pretty understandable question when you consider that it has been less than two years (712 days to be precise) since the country last endured a national vote for Prime Minister, whose term is ordinarily five years.

Other questions that make the list include What is a snap election?, What does general election mean? and Who can vote in a general election?

Google Trends has also released the top five most searched terms relating to the Prime Minister. As one would expect, What party is Theresa May from?, Why has Theresa May called a general election? and How can Theresa May call an election? make the list. However, rather surprisingly, the most searched question has been How old is Theresa May?, which feels fairly irrelevant.

"When did Theresa May get elected?"



Top UK questions following May39;s snap #GeneralElection announcement pic.twitter.com/lTq56jjOYl - GoogleTrends (@GoogleTrends) April 18, 2017

This article was originally published on TIME.com
What do you do when youre the leader of a U.S. secessionist movement losing support because youre backed by Russia? If youre Californias Louis Marinelli, you give up and decide to settle in Russia.

The Yes California Independence Campaign is not the only secession movement with suspected Kremlin support (Russian backing, like the stars, shines bright deep in the heart of Texas), but it is the one Marinelli championed. But backers of Yes California were put off by its ties to Russia, which seemed especially shady given that Marinellis physical whereabouts were unclear during the campaign. And so they pulled the proverbial plug. As the Sacramento Bee reported, Organizers said they want to make a clean break from any push tainted by perceived links to Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

I have found in Russia a new happiness, a life without the albatross of frustration and resentment towards ones [sic] homeland, and a future detached from the partisan divisions and animosity that has thus far engulfed my entire adult life, Marinelli wrote in a letter to his supporters on Monday, referring to the Golden State as occupied California.

In a December interview with Russias RT, everyones favorite state-backed news outlet, Marinelli said his strategy was to court countries with U.N. Security Council veto power, namely Russia and China, to recognize the movement even if Washington and its allies rejected it. Russian nationalists, whove made a hobby out of supporting secessionist movements in Europe, were happy to oblige. That month, Marinelli established a makeshift Embassy of the Independent Republic of California in Moscow. Hes been there ever since, but now wants to make Russia his official home.

If the people of Russia would be so kind as to welcome me here on a permanent basis, I intend to make Russia my new home, he wrote. No word yet on whether the Kremlin will be so kind.

But fear not, California independence supporters. He said when California gains its independence, he will return to live once again under our bear flag.

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And Ruiz Evans, Yes Californias now former vice president, is joining the California Freedom Coalition, another Calexit political group, and hopes to file a new proposal for Californian nationhood by the end of the month  one without any Russian baggage. Evans believes his movement would have more money and backing if people werent worried about ties to Russia.

Setting Kremlin hijinks aside, the movement still has some numbers issues to sort out. Per state rules, the California Freedom Coalition needs 585,000 signatures to qualify for a ballot measure on independence. Yes California only has 97,463 registered supporters.

While Evans plots another campaign from his new digs, Marinelli will remain the leader of Yes California from, yes, Russia.

Until then I will continue to serve as the representative of the Republic of California to Russia, he concluded, not clarifying who gave him this authority or what the role would actually entail.

Photo credit: MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images
Rivers ordinarily take thousands of years to disappear or reverse their course. But for one immense river in Canada, it took four days. The Slims River in northern Canada abruptly disappeared over the course of days last year, thanks to a rapidly melting glacier at the rivers headwaters.

Melting water cut a new canyon through the Canadian Yukons vast Kaskawulsh Glacier during last years unusually warm spring. That caused water that normally runs north through the Slims river to the Yukon River to be diverted southward instead to the Alsek River and onto the Pacific Ocean. A paper published in Nature Geoscience on Monday outlined the phenomenon and pinned the blame on post-industrial climate change.

Geologists are calling it an unprecedented side effect of climate change. And it could happen to other glacial-fed rivers too, putting river-reliant ecosystems and communities in grave risk in the future.

Now all that remains of the Slims River is a slim trickle of water  and dust, said the authors. We went to the area intending to continue our measurements in the Slims river, but found the riverbed more or less dry, said University of Illinois geologist James Best. The delta top that wed been sailing over in a small boat was now a dust storm. In terms of landscape change it was incredibly dramatic.

The Slims Rivers disappearance has quickly had a dramatic impact on the ecosystem, redistributing fish populations, altering the chemistry of nearby lakes, and plaguing the region with a spate of new dust storms. Other glacial-fed rivers, ones that supply hydroelectric power and water supplies to more populated regions, could also be at risk.

The phenomenon known as river piracy was coined in the 19th century and describes when tectonic shifts and long-term erosion causes rivers to disappear. Geologists say the Slims River appears to be the first case of modern river piracy, and the first ever caused by climate change.

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It wont be the last, warned Lonnie Thompson, a paleoclimatologist at Ohio State University. Thompson told the Guardian similar incidents could happen in the Himalayas, Andes mountains of South America, or other parts of Alaska and Canada as climate change accelerates.

Often these events occur in remote and poor parts of our planet and thus go largely unnoticed by the larger population but greatly impact the livelihood of many families downstream, Thompson said.

Photo credit: Jeff Wallace/Flickr
LONDON (Reuters) - No one can be complacent about the potential threat posed by the missiles being developed by North Korea, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Tuesday. In an interview with the BBC on Monday, North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol said Pyongyang would continue to test missiles on a "weekly, monthly and yearly basis". "The regime is now developing intercontinental ballistic missiles which would be capable of delivering a nuclear strike on the mainland United States. These weapons have not yet been fully tested but no one can be complacent about the potential threat they pose," Johnson told parliament. Johnson also said he had spoken to his Chinese counterpart on Monday and urged him to use Beijing's influence to restrain North Korea. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; editing by William James)
By James Pearson SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea used Chinese-made trucks to display missiles at a massive military parade last week, according to photographs released by state media, underlining the difficulty in enforcing U.N. sanctions against the isolated state. At Saturday's parade to mark the 105th birth anniversary of founder president Kim Il Sung, North Korea displayed six Pukkuksong submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) for the first time, towed behind trucks painted in North Korean navy camouflage. In the photographs, the logo of Chinese firm Sinotruk can be seen on the vehicles. Last year, Reuters reported that North Korea was using Sinotruk HOWO trucks to display a new mobile artillery system. A Sinotruk sales official said on Tuesday he was not aware the company's trucks had been used in this year's parade. "From my understanding, we haven't had any business with the North Korean market since last year; North Korea has never been a major focus of ours," said the official, who gave only his last name, Gu. "It may have been from before then and they refitted it themselves." China and North Korea maintain "normal contacts, including normal business contacts", said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang, when asked about the trucks. "At the same time, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, China strictly adheres to its international responsibilities, including those from Security Council resolutions," Lu told a daily news briefing. Since 2006, it has been against United Nations sanctions to ship military hardware into North Korea but control of equipment and vehicles that have "dual-use" military and civilian applications has been far less stringent. It is also much harder to track. North Korean state media has in the past released images of Sinotruk chassis and cabins in propaganda related to construction or mining. A U.N. report which noted the use of the trucks in the display of mobile artillery last year did not name Sinotruk, but said that the Chinese seller had included a "clear clause" in its deal with the North Korean buyer that the trucks were to be for civilian use only. TIMBER TRUCKS North Korea also appeared to reveal two new types of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) during Saturday's parade. One was mounted on a large off-road truck which was identified in an earlier U.N. report as being of Chinese origin. In a 2010 statement sent to China, North Korea's forestry ministry said the trucks were bought to transport timber, according to the U.N. report. The second of the two ICBMs was mounted on a North Korean-branded "Taekpaeksan" military truck which used tyres made by China-based Triangle Group, according to photos of the parade seen by Reuters. Triangle Group, a major tyre manufacturer headquartered in Weihai, a port city in eastern Shandong province, said it was not aware its tyres had been used in the military parade. "It's possible they were resold from somewhere else," an official from Triangle's export department said. (Additional reporting by Philip Wen and Christian Shepherd in BEIJING; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
KACHIN STATE, Myanmar  In early March, Myanmars government sat down with a coalition of ethnic rebel groups, including the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), trying to jump-start peace negotiations that had sputtered out after months of escalating fighting. The meeting had been brokered by China, keen to quell the conflict along its southwestern border.

The Kachin are an ethnic group of about a million people with their own eponymous province, Kachin State, in northern Myanmar. Ever since a coup brought a junta led by the nations ethnic majority Burmese to power in 1962, the Kachin have been fighting for independence as part of a constellation of conflicts that observers have called the worlds longest-running civil war. The KIA is no paltry guerrilla band  it has about 10,000 men and controls much of the Myanmar-China border  and the fighting has been intense. During the past six years, the conflict has displaced more than 100,000 people, and the military has committed widespread human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, rape, and torture. With refugees spilling across the border, Beijing has repeatedly emphasized the need for peace.

But China has not always been so conciliatory. As recently as 2011, China was used to getting its way with its much smaller neighbor through force. For five decades, as the junta ruled Myanmar, China had treated its neighbor, which it officially termed a little brother, like a client nation, knowing that the regime was isolated by sanctions and had few other places to turn. During the past few decades, China has extracted massive quantities of timber, gold, jade, and other resources from Kachin State  much of it illegally.

But Myanmars recent democratization and the changing goals of its rebel groups, from fighting off the government to winning the right to run their own states within Myanmar, have forced China to pivot. The clearest example of Chinas changing strategy is the transformation of its efforts to build the Myitsone Dam across the Irrawaddy River. Before 2011, China planned to sink $3.5 billion into constructing one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world to produce electricity primarily for its cities over the border in Yunnan Province, though about 10 percent of the energy would have gone to Myanmar. The project was jointly pushed by both countries governments and epitomized Naypyidaws prioritization of Chinese demands and the money that came with them over local needs.

Yet today, a boulder with the graffiti No Dam, No War painted in red stands at the headwaters of the Irrawaddy River. A few miles downstream, four huge concrete towers thrust out of the water: the unfinished Myitsone Dam. In September 2011, Myanmars new government shocked everyone  especially China  by announcing that work on the dam would be suspended. The reversal was so unexpected that scaffolding still crowns the uncompleted dam, streaking the concrete brown as it rusts. The suspension seems permanent enough that many Kachin have moved back to their villages. While driving through them we saw women hoeing potatoes and men hammering together new houses on wooden stilts.

This is a sharp reversal of the previous governments position. Because the dam would flood about 65,000 acres of the surrounding valleys, the junta, with the encouragement of the Chinese, forcibly evicted nearby Kachin villagers through 2011, leading to widespread reports of abuse. They bulldozed five or six villages without warning, Htu Hkwang, who lived in one of the villages, told Foreign Policy. Once people began to protest, they tried to bribe the rest of the villages. When people still wouldnt move, they threatened them with false legal orders and warned, This place will be covered with water anyway, so you dont really have a choice.

Protests against the dam spread nationwide, on behalf of both the villagers and the rivers fragile ecosystem. Soon, celebrities like Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize winner and Burmese democracy activist, took up the cause.

The size of the crowds surprised everyone. But shortly after the suspension of the dam, China received an even bigger shock. Myanmar was intent on democratizing. In 2015, elections raised up the Nationwide League for Democracy, an opposition party led by Aung San Suu Kyi, though the military retained control of important ministries and substantial influence in the parliament through a new constitution. Instead of a client state on its southwestern border, China had to deal with a government that was keen to find great powers to balance Beijings influence.

Chinas hopes to restart the dam were complicated by a resumption of fighting between the KIA and Myanmars military after a cease-fire had broken down after two decades in 2011, shortly before the dam was put on hold. The instability has often closed the border and threatened Chinas huge business interests in timber, gold, and jade. In 2014, Global Witness found that the black market jade trade could be worth up to $31 billion, which is equal to nearly half of Myanmars legitimate gross domestic product, most of which flowed from the richest jade mines in the world in east Kachin State. Thousands of Kachin refugees periodically flood Chinese townships.

Given these new realities, it was clear that China would have to change its strong-arm strategies. The country has shifted its approach in an attempt to restart the Myitsone Dam project, from raising the issue during Aung San Suu Kyis first diplomatic visit to hearts-and-minds campaigns. A public outreach campaign was funded to convince the Kachin that the dam was in their best interest. Kachin leaders were taken on educational trips to see the benefits of hydropower projects in China. Donations were made to schools and civic organizations. And peace suddenly became a priority.

In the old days, the Chinese talked directly to the military, and they didnt have to care about the people because the military was in control, said Steve Naw Aung, the general secretary for the Kachin Development Networking Group, which organized protests of the Myitsone Dam. But when the people started to protest and then the new government responded to the democratic pressure, they learned they had to engage with the people. Still, many Kachin doubted Chinas sincerity. They just want peace so they can happily run their businesses, Steve Naw Aung said.

Chinas interest in a peacekeeping role is new, but its objectives havent changed. China doesnt want an escalation in fighting, but it also doesnt want a Western-funded peace process bringing international monitors and NGOs right up to its southwestern border, Thant Myint-U, the celebrated Burmese historian and special advisor to the Myanmar Peace Center, told Foreign Policy by email. Ideally for Beijing, China would be the dominant outside partner in any new ceasefire arrangement, one that would be coupled new economic schemes, further tying Myanmars economy to Chinas hinterland.

Dau Hka, a spokesman for the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the civilian twin of the KIA, remembered the Chinese strategy at the opening 2013 peace talks: The Chinese were very aggressive in pushing for us to sit down. They kept insisting on a cease-fire before any conditions. It was a little bit confusing to us. But they really wanted to see the conflict finished  especially under their watch. They warned us not to invite America, England, or the United Nations. They wanted to make sure it was all arranged under Chinese eyes.

However, the Kachin, seeking to balance Chinas influence, insisted that Western powers be included in the talks. This led to years of unsuccessful talks, which were subsumed into negotiations for the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, a framework for the government and over 20 ethnic rebel armies hoping to work out a lasting peace at the second round of the 21st Century Panglong peace conference later this year.

China, however, argues that it is playing the role of a responsible great power that the West has often asked it to assume. Recently, China has been pushing even harder for peace, with the Foreign Ministry playing a strong role and the government arranging multiple negotiations in its southern provinces. In November 2016, China held high-level discussions between the two countries defense ministries about border security.

In December, it hosted talks between four rebel groups and Myanmar officials, though the negotiations quickly failed. It has even offered $3 million to fund the peace talks with the KIA. And it has called on Myanmars rebel groups, including the Kachin, to sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement with the government, leaning especially hard on the armed forces who control territory abutting China. But for now, the KIA have resisted calls for a cease-fire.

There are signs China wields substantial influence on some of the most powerful groups along its borders. At the sit-down in early March between Myanmars government and the KIA and its rebel allies, the United Wa State Army (UWSA)  the rebel group leading the conference  announced that it wanted to scrap the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement. Instead, it proposed a new peace process led by China. The UWSA is a force of about 30,000-strong that controls a Belgium-sized chunk of Myanmars border alongside China and is widely seen as being heavily influenced by its northern neighbor, even using arms supplied illicitly by the Peoples Liberation Army.

As Thant Myint-U wrote, The keystone for peace in Myanmar is the desires of the UWSA, head of the self-styled Northern Alliance, the rebel coalition of which the KIA are part. There is very little chance of a meeting of minds between the UWSA and [Naypyidaw] on a way forward, yet without this, its hard to see how any peace process can get very far.

However, Yun Sun, a senior researcher at the Stimson Center in Washington, cautioned that rather than manipulating the peace process, China is actually afraid of being drawn too deeply into this conflict. It wants peace on its border, open trade, and continued influence with Myanmar at the expense of Western governments, but it does not want to become a signatory to a peace deal it cannot guarantee and that could damage its commercial relationships with Myanmar, if Myanmar felt it was taking the rebels side.

Ultimately, Chinas primary goal is to keep border trade flowing. Throughout the conflict, it has maintained commerce through backdoor ties with the KIA and the Myanmar military. But the constant uncertainty has impeded trade. Fighting in Myanmars Kokang region in early 2015 led to the declaration of martial law and the subsequent closure of many vital border crossings. According to the World Bank, trade decreased through Muse, Myanmars most important land border crossing to China. Myanmars third-largest crossing at Chin Shwe Haw was temporarily closed.

China has grander ambitions than trade with its small neighbor. The most direct route to southern China from India runs across Kachin State, along the old Ledo Road constructed by the Allies during World War II to supply their fight against the Japanese. Chinas plan to create the One Belt, One Road project, a new set of Eurasian infrastructure connections both on land (the belt) and at sea (the road), has singled out the Ledo Road as a comparatively easy and low-altitude way to cross the Himalayas compared with the steep routes of the far north. One Belt, One Road is the signature policy of the increasingly powerful Chinese President Xi Jinping, making it both politically and economically vital. Peace could usher in a chance for China not only to have better access to Myanmars markets, but even more significantly a better land route between two of the worlds most important economies.

As much as the KIA has resisted Chinas prodding for a cease-fire, the time may come when they too find it in their best interest. Over the years, Myanmars military has ground them down with its superior numbers and hardware, including helicopters and fighter jets that the rebels have few answers for. In the past few months, the military has captured a string of important KIA outposts, driving closer to its headquarters along the Chinese border. The fighting has taken a hard toll on the population, with fresh waves of refugees spilling into China.

The jade and timber are almost gone, Dau Hka, the KIO spokesman, told Foreign Policy. The natural resources have nearly been exhausted. After decades of exploitation by the Kachin, Chinese, and Burmese, the areas old-growth forests have been mostly cut down and there have been fears that the Hpakant jade mine is running dry.

When asked how the Kachin would survive without these resources, Dau Hka said: If the political system is stable in Myanmar, then we could open the border gates and tax the trade coming through. It is possible to cross Myanmar from India to China in just one day with a truck if our border posts are open. If the political conditions are met, then we could open the highway in just one year, suggesting that the Kachin could tax the trade, probably after the state was granted greater autonomy as part of a peace deal. But he cautioned that Myanmars government had proved resistant to many of the conditions, including the KIAs demands to semi-autonomously run Kachin State, and that decades of mistrust would have to be overcome.

China might achieve stability on the border it covets if it can persuade the KIA that Beijings grand ambitions serve the economic needs of the Kachin. But it has to convince the Kachin that it has learned from past mistakes, despite fresh conflicts that echo old flashpoints. In mid-March, several thousand Kachin protested Chinas new plans for the May Kha and Ngaw Chan Kha rivers in Kachin State  eight more dams.

This article was written with the support of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

Photo Credit: STR/AFP/Getty Images


By Jack Kim and Christian Shepherd SEOUL/BEIJING (Reuters) - The travels and travails of Chinas veteran point man on North Korea underscore Chinas growing frustration in its efforts to broker a negotiated solution to rising tensions between North Korea and the United States. Wu Dawei, 70, spent an unusually long five days in Seoul last week. He met with presidential candidates as well as South Korea's chief nuclear envoy, partly in a bid to ease tensions as a U.S. aircraft carrier group headed toward the region ahead of U.S. Vice President Mike's Pence's visit this week. But Wu had not been able to confirm plans to visit North Korea, South Koreas Yonhap news agency quoted a diplomatic source as saying: I understand the Chinese side is asking but the North is not replying. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Monday he had no information to share about any such visit, adding that China and the DPRK maintain the tradition of friendly exchanges. The last time Wu visited Pyongyang, in early February last year, his job was to urge restraint after North Korea announced a plan to put a satellite into orbit with a long-range rocket. Two days after his return to Beijing, North Korea launched the rocket, widely viewed as a ballistic missile test in disguise, further ratcheting up tensions on the Korean peninsula. China has shown growing willingness to supplement diplomacy with enforcement of United Nations Security Council sanctions against its unpredictable neighbor across the Yellow Sea. It banned all coal imports from North Korea from Feb. 26 as it grows increasingly impatient with North Korea's development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, including a failed missile test-launch on Sunday morning. Officially, however, China supports dialogue above all, leaving Wu the thankless job of trying to coax North Korea and its neighbors and rivals back to the negotiating table. MORE DISTANT TIES U.S. President Trump has asked China's President Xi Jinping to take stronger measures to stop North Korea's programs to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. North Korea relies heavily on China for food and fuel and the vast majority of its exports go through China. Xi, however, has yet to meet North Korea's young leader Kim Jong Un since the Chinese president took power in 2012 and ties between the two countries have become more distant since Pyongyang began accelerating its missile and nuclear programs since Kim became leader at the end of 2011. For over a decade, Wu led Beijing's mostly fruitless efforts to denuclearize the Korean peninsula under so-called Six Party talks between China, the United States, North and South Korea, Japan and Russia. They've been suspended since the last round collapsed in 2008 following a failed rocket launch in North Korea. Wu is a career diplomat and Japan expert who, according to South Korean officials, speaks little Korean and no English. Wu has earned a number of friends in South Korea and a reputation as a "credible" diplomat over the years, according to one Asian diplomat who declined to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the media. The highlight of the Six Party era came shortly after Wu took up his position, when the sides reached an agreement for phased denuclearization of the peninsula in September 2005. That deal was soon scuppered, however, when North Korea carried out its first nuclear test in October 2006 then pulled out of the discussions in 2009. Since then, China has been most vocal in calling for their resumption. 'DUAL SUSPENSION' In a rare interview with Hong Kong's Pheonix Television that aired on Friday, Wu conveyed China's position that Washington and Pyongyang should agree to a "dual suspension" of nuclear tests and military drills as a foundation for returning to talks - a stance opposed by both the United States and its ally South Korea. Wu did not mention sanctions during the interview, reiterating China's commitment to a peaceful resolution through dialogue, the same stance Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed to U.S. President Donald Trump in a phone call last week. "If the DPRK and U.S.-Republic of Korea's tit-for-tat posturing and mutual displays of strength fail to fundamentally change, then sooner or later something will go wrong on the Korean Peninsula," Wu told Phoenix, referring to North and South Korea by their official names. The South Korean official said that while Wu was sometimes "abrasive" during the early rounds of Six Party talks, "he was just the person we needed at the time to keep the talks alive." "At times (he would) argue with envoys to keep them on track, at times cajole them, or warn about the fallout if the talks break down and we walk away empty-handed, leaving the North to continue on. He would do that all the while chain-smoking," the official added. Former South Korea nuclear envoy Chun Yung-woo, who later served as vice foreign minister, gave a less flattering assessment, calling Wu China's most incompetent official, citing his lack of English and stalwart adherence to China's party line, according to a 2010 U.S. diplomatic cable released by Wikileaks. Chun could not be reached for comment. (Additional reporting by Heekyong Yang in SEOUL; Editing by Tony Munroe and Bill Tarrant)
As well as being the marque's first ever full-size SUV, the new C5 Aircross promises to be the most comfortable and powerful production car in Citroen's history when it goes on sale following its Shanghai reveal.

Two years after unveiling a fun full-size SUV concept, Citroen has returned to Auto Shanghai with a full production version of the C5 Aircross. And the good news for fans of the company's historically singular take on automotive design is that from the external airbumps and short overhangs, to oversized alloys, Citroen has stuck to the script in turning the idea into a reality.

"[It is] faithful to the Aircross Concept," said Citroen Design Director, Alexandre Malval. "It is a powerful, modern vehicle whose unique stance sets it apart in the SUV market."

Citroen has been bringing a crossover aesthetic to its existing range, but the C5 Aircross is a huge step into the SUV market proper and although its design will help it get noticed, it is going to need more than visual quirks to convert interest into investment.

"[This car] is the first practical illustration of our offensive on the SUV market, illustrating our ability to approach it in our own way, with greater emphasis on character, comfort and on-board well-being," said Linda Jackson, Citroen CEO.

The C5 Aircross shows Citroen's team believes people want everyday comfort, huge amounts of luggage space plus performance, but without becoming environmentally irresponsible.

In terms of comfort, the 4.5-meter-long car promises to offer class-leading cabin and storage space -- the trunk offers 482 liters of capacity and rear passengers have 201mm of legroom.

Then there's the sofa-inspired seats that are huge, welcoming and leather-trimmed. They offer massages to those sitting in the front and 27 degrees of recline in the rear.

But it's the car's suspension that is its real USP. It adds a hydraulic cushion at either end of a traditional spring, shock absorber and bump-stop suspension set-up so that it's potentially impossible to experience a jolt in this car, even if it bangs down into a pothole. These extra cushions also mean that the wheels have more travel up and down before they hit their limits and start interfering with the car's ride and handling.

Citroen made its name in suspension technology, so the system doesn't come as a surprise. However, what does is that when this car goes on sale initially in China (and Europe in 2018), it will be the most potent production car in the marque's 100-year+ history. When ordered in PHEV e-AWD guise it will offer a 200hp gasoline engine plus two electric motors driving the front wheels for a combined 300hp plus all-wheel grip and all-terrain stability systems.
By Maher Chmaytelli ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - The battle to dislodge Islamic State from the Old City of Mosul, where hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians are trapped, could turn into the worst humanitarian catastrophe in the war against the militants, the United Nations warned on Tuesday. About 400,000 civilians, or a quarter of Mosul's pre-war population, are trapped in the Old City, according to U.N. estimates. As many as half a million are estimated to remain overall in neighborhoods still under IS control in western Mosul. "If there is a siege and hundreds of thousands of people dont have water and dont have food, they will be at enormous risk," U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Iraq Lise Grande told Reuters in a telephone interview. "We could be facing a humanitarian catastrophe, perhaps the worst in the entire conflict." Mosul, the largest city in northern Iraq, was captured by the ultra-hardline Sunni Muslim fighters in mid-2014. Iraqi government forces have taken back most of it in a U.S.-backed offensive launched in October, including the half that lies east of the Tigris River. The militants are now surrounded in the northwestern quarter including the historic Old City, countering the offensive with booby traps, suicide motorbike attacks, sniper and mortar fire, occasionally using shells filled with toxic gas. "It is a deteriorating situation, we fear for the lives of the 400,000 people in the old city," said Grande. "Families ... tell us that they are being shot at as they are escaping. Its terrifying." Residents who have managed to escape from the Old City have said there is almost nothing to eat but flour mixed with water and boiled wheat grain. What little food remains is too expensive for most residents to afford, or kept for Islamic State members and their supporters. Government forces are trying to capture the Grand al-Nuri Mosque in the Old City, from where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a "caliphate" spanning parts of Iraq and Syria nearly three years ago. Troops have had the mosque, with its leaning minaret, in their sights since last month. But their progress has been painstakingly slow as the militants are dug in among civilians. The narrow alleyways of the Old City restrict the use of suicide cars by the militants and tanks, armored personnel carriers and Humvees by the government forces. The fighting has killed several thousands among civilians and fighters on both sides, according to aid organizations. More than 327,000 have fled in the past six months. "The security forces know the situation on the ground and they need to decide how this is best done, whether by evacuating civilians or protecting them in their homes or opening routes they can escape through," said Grande. (Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
The woman whose name suspected Cleveland killer Steve Stephens uttered as he gunned down an elderly man at random said Monday that shes overwhelmed by the tragedy and offered her sympathies to those left grieving.

Joy Lane, who also goes by Joy Carr, is in a safe location while Stephens is still at large, she told TIME. Stephens, 37, is accused of fatally shooting a 74-year-old man Sunday - in what police say is a heinous and senseless crime that Stephens recorded and posted on Facebook.

Im just overwhelmed, and I feel bad for all the families affected, Lane said in a brief phone conversation. He was a really good guy. Hes been fabulous to me.

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said at a news conference Monday that Lane is among several people who have cooperated with authorities in the investigation.

Lane told CBS News in a text message that she and Stephens had been in a relationship for several years.

In the video of the killing, which Facebook has since removed, Stephens can be seen approaching Robert Godwin Sr. and asking his victim to say Joy Lane, according to the Washington Post. Shes the reason that this is about to happen to you, Stephens tells Godwin before he opens fire.

Lane told TIME she did not know why he would have killed in her name. Im not sure, she said.

The details of the couples relationship are unclear. Lane declined to comment further.

Stephens mother, Maggie Green, told CNN that her son said he was mad with his girlfriend and wouldnt stop until his mother or girlfriend tell him to stop.

Local and federal authorities are searching for Stephens in Ohio and several other states, including Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana and Michigan. Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said they wouldnt rest until he is captured.

Were not going to stop until hes in custody, the police chief said.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
By Peter Szekely and Timothy Mclaughlin (Reuters) - The manhunt widened on Monday for a murder suspect who police said posted a video of himself on Facebook shooting an elderly man in Cleveland, where authorities appealed to the public for help in the case after urging the killer to turn himself in. Police said they have received "dozens and dozens" of tips for possible sightings of the suspect, Steve Stephens, and tried to persuade him to surrender when they spoke with him via his cellphone on Sunday after the shooting. But Stephens remained at large as the search for him expanded nationwide, police said. "Our reach now is basically all over this country," Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams told a news conference in Ohio's second-largest city. The shooting marked the latest video clip of a violent crime to turn up on Facebook, raising questions about how the world's biggest social media network moderates content. The company on Monday said it would begin reviewing how it monitors violent footage and other objectionable material in response to the killing. Meanwhile, a reward of $50,000 was being offered for information regarding Stephens' location, officials said. Police said Stephens used Facebook Inc's service to post video of him killing Robert Godwin Sr., 74, who is seen standing on a sidewalk carrying a plastic shopping bag as the suspect gets out of his car and approaches him from the street. "Hi, can you do me a favour? Can you say, 'Joy Lane?'" the suspect asks Godwin, referring to a woman authorities have identified as Stephen's former girlfriend. The elderly man, looking bewildered, asks, "Joy Lane?" and the suspect is heard replying, "Yeah. She's the reason why this is about to happen to you." He then asks Godwin his age before gunning him down. Stephens is not believed to have known Godwin, a retired foundry worker who media reports said spent Easter Sunday morning with his son and daughter-in-law before he was killed. Godwin was the father of nine children and grandfather of 14, his son, Robert Godwin Jr., told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Godwin Jr. could not immediately be reached by Reuters to comment. Lane, in a text message to CBS News commenting on the shooting, said she was "sorry that all of this has happened." She went on to describe Stephens as having been "kind and loving to me and my children," adding, "This is a very difficult time for me and my family." Reuters was not able to reach Lane by phone or email for comment. The shooting video was visible on Facebook for nearly two hours before it was reported, the company said. "As a result of this terrible series of events, we are reviewing our reporting flows to be sure people can report videos and other material that violates our standards as easily and quickly as possible," Justin Osofsky, a Facebook vice president, said in a blog post. Stephens, who has no prior criminal record, is not suspected in any other murders, despite a claim he made in the video of having killed more than a dozen other people, police said. "To be honest, we've interviewed several people involved in this and I don't think there is any rhyme or reason for it happening," Williams said. The last confirmed sighting of Stephens was at the scene of the homicide. Police said he might be driving a white or cream-coloured Ford Fusion, and asked anyone who spots him or his car to call police or a special FBI hotline (800-CALLFBI). Stephens had worked since 2008 as a vocational specialist and youth mentor at Beech Brook, a behavioural health agency located outside Cleveland. Beech Brook's offices were closed on Monday. (Reporting by Peter Szekely in New York and Timothy McLaughlin in Chicago; Editing by Bill Rigby and Lisa Shumaker)
By Luis Jaime Acosta BOGOTA (Reuters) - A Colombian nun who was kidnapped more than two months ago in Mali is being held by the Macina Liberation Front Islamist militant group, Colombian national police said on Tuesday, citing intelligence reports. Gloria Cecilia Narvaez was seized by armed men on Feb. 7 in Mali's southern Karangasso region, where she had been working in a health center. Four people have been charged in her disappearance. "Intelligence tells us that it is the Macina Liberation Front. We'll have to wait for a statement from that group to know what they will demand," General Fernando Murillo, the head of the national police's anti-kidnapping division, told Reuters. An international unit led by France is looking for the nun, Murillo said, but she may have been moved out of Mali by her captors, perhaps to neighboring Burkina Faso. The kidnappers have so far sent no proof of life or ransom demands, he added. "We think she was taken by mistake - that she was not the target," Murillo said in an interview. Neither Narvaez's religious order nor her family has the funds to pay a ransom, he said. The incident is the first time that Colombia, known as a kidnapping capital in the 1990s, has been involved in the search and rescue of one of its citizens in another country. Malian prosecutors have declined to provide details about the four people charged in the case, but a security source has told Reuters they are connected to the Catholic parish from which Narvaez was abducted. Investigators previously said they suspected Islamist militants could be responsible. Kidnapping has become a lucrative source of cash for groups like Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and al Mourabitoun. The latter is suspected of kidnapping a French-Swiss aid worker from the northern city of Gao in December. The Macina Liberation Front is composed of Fulanis - cattle herders and farmers from central Mali. Its figurehead, Amadou Koufa, is a fiery cleric whose sermons call on Fulanis to rebuild historic empires like Massina, which once stretched over the Mopti region. Islamist militants, who seized northern Mali in 2012 before being driven back by French forces the following year, have regrouped and are increasingly conducting raids in southern and central Mali, areas previously deemed safe. (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Peter Cooney)
President Trump has resisted extraordinary pressure to release his tax returns, and as someone who struggles with some of the very same issues, I can completely sympathize.

Sure, I may not *technically* be leader of the free world. I'm not shattering decades of historical precedent and my returns probably won't reveal any collusion with one of our leading foreign adversaries. Still, there's so much we have in common.

SEE ALSO: There's a reason why you feel like time is moving slower in Trump's America

President Trump, if you're listening to this, know that you're not alone. There are others like you out there who are trying to resist the tidal pressure of the mainstream media mob.

Here are just a few reasons why both President Trump and I are worried about releasing our tax returns.

1. If we show them to people, they will laugh at us





Image: AP/REX/Shutterstock

Trump routinely brags about his net worth, estimating it to be around $362 million dollars, even though his actual net worth is estimated to be just $123 million dollars. Apparently, this causes Trump acute embarrassment.

I estimate that I have 362 million pennies at the bottom of my backpack right now, though it's likely much less.

2. We actually don't know how taxes work and have to make smart people do them for us





Trump uses expensive outside accountants, I use Turbo Tax or have my much smarter roommate do them after I start crying in the living room.

3. It's possible we accidentally committed one or two minor federal crimes we're fully confident everyone else commits anyways

Pundits have suggested that Trump's tax returns could expose potential mob ties or fraud.

Because I get bored when I fill out my taxes, I check as few boxes as possible so I can finish it quickly. I have no idea what I'm reading and it's therefore plausible I committed a pesky federal crime.

4. I imagine we both had one or two unsavory jobs in the past decade we don't want people to know about





Trump's tax returns may very well reveal some unsavory/potentially treasonous business ties he has to Russia.

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Mine may include a certain highly embarrassing children's birthday party entertainer job I had for the last 10 years of my life.

6. If we look at how much we've made in the past few years, it makes us feel sad

Trump's net worth is estimated to be much lower than he reports it to be.

Living in New York, I am estimated to have enough money to buy a house approximately 200 years after I die.

7. We don't exactly "donate" to charity





Of course we did, we just don't have any "legal" proof of it, you know?

8. Everyone keeps yelling at us to do it

Trump doesn't want to release his returns just because the vast majority of Americans, journalists, and leaders worldwide want to see them.

I'm not about to show my tax returns to my grandma because she's worried I'm not saving for some mysterious "future" I'm supposed to have. No way, grandma.

Trump has shown me the way.

WATCH: This mini scuba gear just gave snorkeling a cool upgrade
During one 28-hour call shift, I took care of a critically ill man in the cardiac intensive care unit. He had been sick for years, and had been getting worse over several months. It was a relatively quiet night, so I was able to spend a lot of time in his room. I watched him become increasingly confused and sleepy, his skin become mottled with net-like patches, and his blood pressure fall lower and lower despite adding multiple medications to keep it up. All of these were signs that he was close to death, and there was little chance he would get better.

His wife stayed at his bedside until late in the evening. She and I talked about his condition. She said he had been through so much during multiple moves back and forth between the hospital and a nursing home. He had told her that he was tired and didnt want to suffer anymore.

Given that my patient could stay awake for only a few seconds at a time, his wife would need to make medical decisions for him if there were any important changes. After she left to get a few hours of rest, his condition continued to worsen. By the morning, I was sure he was near death and that escalating medical interventions would both be futile and not match his wishes.

During morning rounds, I described to my co-residents and the attending physician  my supervisor  the patients condition, my view of what was happening, and the conversation I had with his wife the night before. But after the attending examined the patient and reviewed his vital signs, he told me to start more aggressive interventions: more medication to support the mans blood pressure, a catheter in an artery to track his blood pressure, and high doses of steroids.

Read more: The patient called me colored girl. The senior doctor training me said nothing

I was surprised at how different his instructions were with what I thought we should do. I framed my disagreement as a question: Do you think these interventions are within the patients goals of care? I also suggested that we speak with the patients wife to see what she wanted us to do.

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My feeble objection didnt get very far, and I dropped the issue. Minutes later, I was inserting a catheter into an artery in the patients wrist and ordering the new medications, just as my attending had told me to do.

But when the mans wife returned to the hospital an hour later, she was dismayed. Hadnt she clearly explained what she wanted for her husband? She did not want us to pursue any of these interventions, as I had believed but had been unable to make my attending understand. She asked that we withdraw all care, and her husband died later that morning.

The relationship between attending physicians and residents is complex. Attendings are legally responsible for their patients outcomes, so the stakes are high for them if anything goes wrong. Attendings are also supposed to provide residents with the practical knowledge they need to eventually practice independently. Residents, in turn, handle more mundane tasks and execute medical plans on behalf of attending physicians.

The seniority of attendings leads to a strict hierarchy in which residents must defer to attendings on all major clinical decisions.

Disagreements between residents and attendings happen all the time. Given the hierarchical leadership structure, the attending always has the right to overrule a residents decision. But virtually every resident can rattle off a list of times he or she thinks an attending made the wrong decision.

Attendings have more experience than residents  sometimes decades more  but that doesnt mean residents cant occasionally be right when theres a disagreement. A resident might be familiar with new research or guidelines because he or she has had more recent education on a topic. Attendings who are specialists in a field like cardiology or oncology may be less comfortable with conditions outside their expertise.

Perhaps the most common reason that residents can be right is because they typically spend much more time with patients and their families than attendings. That means they may have a stronger understanding of important psychosocial factors that affect patients clinical care.

In theory, a resident can file a complaint with the residency program director when there is a disagreement with an attending. In practice, this rarely happens. When decisions need to be made in a matter of minutes or hours, it isnt practical to wait for a meeting with the program director to discuss the differing opinions. Whats more, vigorously arguing about a decision can strain a relationship, and when attendings have influence over a residents fellowship placement, the career risk from arguing with an attending can be significant.

If discreet questions dont work, most residents defer to their attendings, even when they disagree with the decision. Residents must then carry out actions they do not think are in their patients best interest, which presents an ethical predicament. In the case of my intensive-care patient, I inserted the arterial catheter, causing him pain, even though I did not think it was the right thing to do. In other cases, residents may give dangerous medications they do not think are appropriate or may even arrange for a patient to undergo a surgery they disagree with. This can be both stressful and demoralizing to residents, not to mention potentially harmful for patients.

Disagreements between residents and attendings can also create confusion and undermine a residents credibility. Overnight, as I cared for my dying patient in the intensive care unit, a nurse had asked if I should place a catheter to monitor his blood pressure. I explained that I didnt think it would change his course or be within his goals of care. The following morning, I had to explain to the nurse why I had reversed my stance, adding tension to our relationship.

In many cases, residents and attendings could reach an agreement if they had a frank discussion. But these discussions often dont happen. Residents can be too timid to advocate strongly for their stance, and attendings are sometimes domineering and unwilling to entertain alternative perspectives.

Read more: My job was to mentor this student. Instead, I left her behind

There is a better way. Some attending physicians are masterful at encouraging their residents to challenge them. I once had an attending outline two possible treatment approaches for a complex patient and then ask each resident his or her view on which option would be better. It was only after hearing the opinion of each team member that he voiced his own opinion, explaining his thinking by drawing from what a couple of residents had said. He did not make the decision final until we had considered every residents concerns.

Another attending repeatedly drew me into conversations about patients I was not even caring for to ask my opinion on their cases. In doing so, she showed that she respected my clinical reasoning. Later on, when she made a decision I disagreed with, I felt comfortable raising my concerns because of the trust she had built up over our two weeks working together. We had an open conversation and recognized that there was a better solution that combined elements of both our approaches.

By encouraging dissenting opinions, attending physicians can foster richer conversations about important decisions. In some cases, these conversations will sway an attending toward the residents perspective. In others, the resident may gain a better understanding of the attendings rationale and change his or her mind. In either case, both physicians will feel more comfortable about the decision, and the patient will benefit from a more thoughtful decision making process.

Alex Harding, MD, is a second-year resident in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Lima (AFP) - The death toll from flooding and mudslides plaguing Peru since the start of the year has risen to 113 people, including five killed last weekend, officials said Tuesday.

The natural disasters, which scientists blame on a climate phenomenon called "coastal El Nino," have also left more than 178,000 people homeless, the National Center for Emergency Operations said in its latest update.

Another one million people's homes have been partly damaged, and more than 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles) of roads have been destroyed.

President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has said the South American country will need some $9 billion to rebuild and modernize the affected areas.

Heavy rains have been lashing Peru all year, triggering flash floods and landslides known in the indigenous Quechua language as "huaycos."

The problem has also struck Colombia, where three rivers flooded and sent a wall of mud and boulders smashing into the southern town of Mocoa on March 31, killing 323 people, including more than 100 children, according to a new toll Tuesday.

Scientists say the extreme weather is being caused by a localized warming of the Pacific Ocean along the South American coast.

It causes effects similar to the "El Nino" ocean warming phenomenon that wreaks havoc on weather patterns in the Americas every few years.
The political world and the media are transfixed by Tuesdays special election in the Georgia district formerly represented by Rep. Tom Price, who gave up his seat to become secretary of Health and Human Services. The Republicans had been expected to easily win this reliably red seat in the Atlanta suburbs. But polls have suggested that one of the Democratic candidates, a 30-year-old film-maker named Jon Ossoff, is within range of getting 50 percent of the vote against a large field of Republicans, winning the seat outright and avoiding a runoff.

There is some anxiety in the GOPs ranks. Last week, a Republican candidate won a seven-point victory in a deep-red Kansas House district that should have seen a far bigger victory margin. The Kansas results and Ossoffs strong polling heading into the election have raised the prospect that the 2018 midterms could see a wave that Democrats ride to take back the House. Since 1954, the House has changed hands a mere three times. But the flip years  1994, 2006, 2010  suggest both the promise of 2018 and its perils for House Democrats.

Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff greets supporters in Atlanta. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

John Lawrence, former chief of staff to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was a senior House staffer for all three of those wave elections, and he argues that these wave elections share some obvious features that might be replicated in 2018. But he warns that it is far too early to know, and Democrats still face formidable challenges. The 2010 redistricting process created many safe Republican seats that will be hard for Democrats to pick off. And the post-Citizens United landscape, in which congressional races are awash in outside money, can also help Republicans defend their seats, Lawrence points out.

While the attention is on the outcome in Georgia, the midterm elections next year will be shaped by bigger forces. Partisan fury at a president created the climate that made the three previous waves possible, and a series of factors  congressional ethics scandals, an unpopular war, controversial landmark health care reform  set the template for dozens of members from the opposition to win seats that few observers thought would be vulnerable. As Lawrence, the author of the forthcoming The Class: Rebels, Reformers and the Rise of Partisanship in the Post-Watergate Congress, put it: The similarities in the waves of 1994, 2006, and 2010 include divided government, a president who seemingly is not delivering on key pledges or has alienated swing voters on a key issue, and a message-focused and well-funded minority intent on gaining the majority.

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The 1994 story is probably the most interesting, as Republican flamethrower Newt Gingrich campaigned on a Contract With America that helped the GOP end four decades of Democratic dominance in the House and seized on a decades-in-the-making Republican surge across the states of the Old Confederacy. President Bill Clintons unpopular stances  the dont ask, dont tell compromise policy on gays serving in the military, his 1993 budget raising taxes on the wealthy, the failure of his health care reform bill, an assault weapons ban  fed the image that Clintons was a chaotic and overly liberal White House at odds with his more centrist campaign pledges.

Gingrich also exploited the Democratic majoritys ethical weak spots  Speaker Jim Wrights 1989 ouster under an investigatory cloud and the 1992 House bank scandal, to cite two instances. Gingrich seized the advantage in an evermore jaundiced political climate, in which the media was eager to report on corruption in politics, and the House minority was able to use the issue for partisan gain. Gingrich nationalized the campaign by pledging to enact a set of simple proposals to reform the way the House did business and drain the Washington swamp.

Then House Minority Whip Rep. Newt Gingrich addressing Republican congressional candidates in 1974. (Photo: John Duricka/AP)

President George W. Bush won a close reelection campaign in 2004 partly owing to his handling of the September 11 terrorist attacks. But two years later, as the war in Iraq spun into a bloody civil war with American soldiers dying in greater numbers and with no mission accomplished in sight, House Democrats led by Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi recruited moderate candidates to run in swing districts. A culture of corruption  superlobbyist Jack Abramoff and GOP congressmen Tom DeLay, Bob Ney and Mark Foley were all tarred with the brush of scandal  bolstered the Democratic case. Pelosi tied the scandals to the GOP leadership, charging it with corruption or inaction, and pledged to pass lobbying reforms that the Republican majority had stymied. Bushs unpopular proposal to privatize Social Security incurred the voters wrath too.

On election eve 2006, President Bushs approval rating stood at 38 percent. While that number was hardly stellar, Bushs unpopularity by itself was not enough to put the Democrats into the House majority. Similarly, in early November 2010, Obamas approval rating, which stood at a far-from-terrible 45 percent, wouldnt have predicted the 63-seat shellacking administered by John Boehners Republicans that year. Its important to recall that only 39.9 percent of voting-eligible Americans cast a ballot in the 2010 midterm elections, and that years wave can partially be explained by a highly motivated GOP base and a dispirited Democratic Party. The Tea Party and other Republican organizers seized on the passage of Obamacare and a $787 billion stimulus bill to push Republicans to the right and motivate Republicans to vote. The short-lived Occupy Wall Street movement on the left chanted slogans in Zuccotti Park in lower Manhattan; the more influential Tea Party movement organized politically district by district, helping deeply conservative candidates to gain House seats.

Regardless of whether Ossoff wins Tuesday, Lawrence urges caution about predicting wave elections this far in advance.  It is arguable that the outcomes [in 1994 and 2006] were more influenced by voter desires to send an early message of displeasure to the recently elected president, or by congressional scandals that soured the public  and created a receptive mood for a message of reform.

Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff is making a surprisingly strong run in a once reliably Republican Congressional District in Atlanta. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

These conditions could be replicated in 2018, he adds, although it remains unclear whether the distorted districts and financial influences will allow the kind of wave we have previously witnessed.  Unless Donald Trump and congressional Republicans find their legislative footing, they will go into the 2018 election with all the symptoms that typically motivate voters to send a message to unresponsive or unproductive majorities; a scandal or military misstep could tip the scales further towards Democrats, who nevertheless must still recruit top-flight and well-funded candidates and a well-honed message that appeals not just to the base but to the persuadable moderate and independent voters. But ultimately, it is likely to be those gerrymandered districts that serve as the Republicans security blanket for 2018. That structural factor, Lawrence concludes, will compete with the possibility of an unpredictable crisis that is the Democrats best hope for a wave restoration to the majority.

Matthew Dallek is an associate professor at George Washington Universitys Graduate School of Political Management. His most recent book is Defenseless Under the Night: The Roosevelt Years and the Origins of Homeland Security.

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Read more from Yahoo News:
If you were to hear that the national hopes of the Democratic Party currently rest on the shoulders of a 30-year-old rookie candidate in a Georgia congressional district the GOP has controlled for nearly four decades, you might assume the Democrats had fallen into a state of woeful disrepair.

Yet the rise of Jon Ossoff is a clear sign of the momentum coursing through the party. In the first closely contested race of Donald Trumps presidency, Ossoff is leading an 18-candidate field in Tuesdays special election for the North Atlanta House seat vacated by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price. The documentary filmmaker has pulled in $8.3 million in the space of a couple months-more than all but three House candidates raised in the entire two-year 2016 election cycle.

Ossoffs edge in the polls and massive fundraising haul look like spooky omens to some Republicans. I cant believe what Im seeing, says Chip Lake, a Georgia GOP strategist. Its mind-boggling. It certainly goes to show how unified the Democratic Party is against this President.

But if the race has become a national referendum on Trump, these days Ossoff rarely even mentions the Presidents name.

There are clearly some national implications, Ossoff conceded in a recent interview with TIME. But thats not what the campaign is about.

Which seems like a smart move. Georgias 6th district, a wealthy patch of suburbs perched atop Atlanta, isnt exactly Trump country: the President won here by just a point despite little local investment by Hillary Clintons campaign. At the same time, its no liberal hotbed. Price, one of the most conservative members of Congress before joining the Presidents cabinet, carried it in November by 23 points.

And so the cautious and soft-spoken candidate has tuned his campaign pitch to a frequency he believes voters want to hear. Ossoffs stump speech is stuffed with promises to bring new tech jobs to the area and restore accountability in Washington. He talks about working across party lines and governing from the center. Trumps presence in the race hovers over it all; when Ossoff talks about shared values and uniting people, the juxtaposition with the divisive President is unmistakable. But ever since he first drew notice with a campaign pitch to Make Trump Furious, Ossoff has been disciplined about localizing the race.

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The centrist pitch hasnt dissuaded the liberal Democrats who support him. We didnt ask Ossoff to fill out any kind of questionnaire, and we didnt subject him to any ideological litmus test, says David Nir, the political director at Daily Kos, whose readers have funneled more than $1.35 million to Ossoff. Our community has responded so enthusiastically because this race is an opportunity to send a message to Republicans and to help provide a check on Trump.

At a campaign stop at Atlantas Oglethorpe University earlier this month, Ryan Holtzen, a 19-year-old English major, asked Ossoff why he doesnt advertise his party affiliation in some campaign ads. Ossoff explained he was building a coalition here around something that is bigger than party, which is perhaps not the kind of thing that an anti-Trump Democrat would want to hear. But Holtzen seemed untroubled by the response. I feel like a lot of people put too much emphasis on ideology, he shrugged.

Trump is certainly fixated on it. The super Liberal Democrat in the Georgia Congressioal [sic] race tomorrow wants to protect criminals, allow illegal immigration and raise taxes! the President tweeted on Monday.

Whether Ossoff will win is an open question. Under Georgia rules, every candidate in the race runs on the same ballot, regardless of party. If none earns a majority, the top two finishers proceed to a June runoff. In the field of 11 Republicans, five Democrats and two independents, Ossoff is sitting in the low-to-mid 40s, according to recent polls. Thats more than enough to grab the top spot but not quite enough to clear the 50% threshold required to win the contest outright. Well be ready for the runoff, but were going for the knockout, Ossoff says.

But Republicans say they are confident they can hold Ossoff under 50%. If that happens, they believe the partys voters will coalesce behind Ossoffs opponent to defeat the Democrat in June.

You might ask Senator Michelle Nunn how he will do, former Republican House speaker Newt Gingrich, who represented the 6th district for two decades, wrote in an email to TIME, referring to the 2014 Georgia Senate candidate-a ballyhooed recruit who drew oodles of fanfare before getting trounced on Election Day.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
By Brian Ellsworth and Marianna Parraga ST. EUSTATIUS/HOUSTON (Reuters) - Venezuela's state-run oil company, PDVSA, sent a tanker in October to the Caribbean with the expectation that its cargo of crude would fetch about $20 million - money the crisis-stricken nation desperately needs. Instead, the owner of the tanker, the Russian state-owned shipping conglomerate Sovcomflot, held the oil in hopes of collecting partial payment on $30 million that it says PDVSA owes for unpaid shipping fees. Despite a longstanding alliance between Venezuela and Russia, Sovcomflot sued PDVSA in St. Maarten, a Dutch island on the northeast end of the Caribbean. "The ship owners ... imposed garnishment on the aforementioned oil cargo," reads a March decision by the St. Maarten court. Five months after crossing the Caribbean, the NS Columbus discharged its cargo of crude at a storage terminal on St. Eustatius, an island just south of St. Maarten, under a temporary decision by the court. Another tribunal in England will decide if Sovcomflot will ultimately take the oil. The dispute, which is being heard by the United Kingdom Admiralty Court, highlights how shipping companies are becoming increasingly aggressive in pursuing PDVSA's debts. It also shows that political allies such as Russia are losing patience with delinquent payments from Venezuela, whose obsolete tankers are struggling to export oil and even to supply fuel to the domestic market. PDVSA also owes millions of dollars to Caribbean terminals - including the one in Saint Eustatius, which is owned by U.S. NuStar Energy , according to a PDVSA executive and an employee at one of the facilities. NuStar and a lawyer representing subsidiaries of Sovcomflot declined to comment. The Russian conglomerate PDVSA did not respond to requests for comment. PDVSA did not respond to written questions regarding its tanker fleet or its debts to shipping companies. PDVSA's tangled web of payment disputes now spans the globe, from unpaid shipyards in Portugal and half-built tankers in Iran and Brazil to the seized cargo in tiny St. Eustatius, whose strategic location in the Caribbean made it an 18th century colonial-era trading hub. DEBTS TO RUSSIA The oil price crash starting in 2014 hit Venezuela particularly hard. Once a paradise of oil-fueled consumption, the OPEC nation is now a Soviet-style economy of empty supermarket shelves and snaking food queues. Russia has consistently supported President Nicolas Maduro with financing arrangements and oilfield investments. State-run oil firm Rosneft has lent money to PDVSA since 2016 and last month was in talks to help PDVSA make a hefty bond payment, according to Venezuelan government and banking sources. But problems had been brewing for months between Venezuela and Sovcomflot, which provides about 15 percent of vessels that PDVSA charters to ship crude to its clients amid a steady deterioration of its own fleet, according to a captain and two shipbrokers working with PDVSA. Debts to Sovcomflot had by 2016 swelled enough that company's top brass complained in person to PDVSA President Eulogio Del Pino in the Russian city of Sochi, according to source from PDVSA's trade department with knowledge of the meeting. Del Pino agreed to a payment schedule proposed by his trade and fleet executives and accepted by Sovcomflot, the source said. But PDVSA - saddled with heavy bond payments and billions of dollars in unpaid bills to oilfield services providers - was unable to make sufficient payments to avoid Sovcomflot's unusually public debt-collection gambit. A PDVSA representative denied that Del Pino was confronted by Sovcomflot in Sochi, saying the account was false, without elaborating. Detentions of oil cargoes have been unusual because creditors rarely have sufficiently detailed information on tanker movements to obtain timely court orders. Venezuela also tends to ensure that any cargoes that leave its ports legally belong to the clients rather than to PDVSA, meaning they are rarely in a position to be seized. The Sovcomflot dispute was different in that the creditors are the tanker owners. Although the crude onboard the NS Columbus had already been sold to Norway's Statoil , the cargo was being carried in a tanker navigating with a bill of lading under PDVSA's name, according to two inspectors and a representative of one of the companies involved. Statoil declined to comment. (Additional reporting by Walter Hellebrand in St. Eustatius, Jonathan Saul in London, Juliana Castilla in Buenos Aires and Marta Nogueira in Rio de Janeiro; Editing by Brian Thevenot)
By Fergus Jensen and Tom Allard JAKARTA (Reuters) - Luar Batang is one of the Indonesian capital's oldest neighborhoods, founded in the 17th century to collect tolls from ships sailing in from the Java Sea when the city was the center of the Dutch East Indies spice trade. Now, it is being demolished and many of its residents are being evicted to make way for a giant seawall meant to keep Jakarta from sinking under rising sea levels. That has made it ground zero for the election of the city's governor, dubbed one of the most divisive election campaigns Indonesia has ever seen. The incumbent governor, Basuki "Ahok" Purnama, was cruising toward a decisive election victory last September when he allegedly criticized a verse from the Koran that warns Muslims against allying with Christians and Jews. Hardline Islamist groups responded with mass protests demanding that Purnama, an ethnic Chinese and Christian, be prosecuted. Police eventually did charge him with blasphemy. It was Purnama who ordered the evictions from Luar Batang's slums to make way for one of his many infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing this clogged and chaotic city. Many of those who filled the streets of Jakarta to protest against him late last year were among the displaced, and violence broke out in Luar Batang after one of those demonstrations. Luar Batang residents had just about given up their fight against evictions when the controversy over the Koran comments erupted, said one woman who did not want to be named, sitting outside a small shack amid the rubble. "We see it as a gift from God," she said, describing the slur as a means to bring down Purnama. NECK AND NECK RACE Opinion surveys show Purnama running neck and neck with his challenger Anies Baswedan, who, like some 85 percent of Jakartans, is a Muslim. Purnama, 50, inherited the governorship after Joko Widodo was elected president in 2014. His brash talking style, a contrast with the soft-spoken Javanese politicians who dominate the ruling class, has grated on some voters. Purnama won the first round of voting in February in a three-way race with 43 percent of the ballots to set up Wednesday's second round with Basedan, who won 40 percent. The campaign has been "the dirtiest, most polarizing and most divisive the nation has ever seen," the Jakarta Post said in an editorial on Tuesday. Calling the capital "the barometer of Indonesia's political pulse", the daily said the election would have a bearing on the next presidential election in 2019. Police on Monday blocked plans by hardline Islamist groups to guard polling booths, citing the risk of clashes after a campaign fraught with religious tensions, and said around 66,000 police and military personnel will be deployed on voting day. 'VOTER FRAUD' Prabowo Subianto, head of the Gerindra Party that Baswedan represents, said in a video message recorded over the weekend that "religious people need a leader who respects their beliefs". Prabowo lost the 2014 election to President Widodo. Purnama faces up to five years in jail if convicted of blasphemy. His trial will resume on Thursday, when prosecutors will submit their sentence request. Prabowo said he was concerned about potential voter fraud. "Cheating is a common enemy to us. We don't want to cheat," he said. "However, we will not hold back if we are cheated." Hardline Islamic cleric Habib Rizieq, who helped organize the anti-Purnama demonstrations during the campaign, last week urged Muslims to travel to Jakarta and be ready to "finish" their opponents. "This is not a battle between Anies and Ahok. This is a battle between ... defenders of Islam and those who blaspheme against Islam," Rizieq said at an event in the city of Surabaya. "Those who can come to Jakarta better have the guts to do so and prepare a will for your family," he added, as the crowd roared in response. At Luar Batang, where Prabowo's party has set up tents for those evicted from their homes, the woman at the street cafe said people are tired of politicians' false promises and warned that frustration could boil over if Purnama wins the vote. "If (Purnama) is elected again something extraordinary will happen," she said. (Editing by Bill Tarrant)
A new poll out on Tuesday puts numbers behind a trend youve probably seen evidence of in your feeds: dictionaries are hot right now. And that is thanks, in good part, to Donald Trump.

Dictionary.com commissioned a survey, conducted by Harris Poll, to ask more than 2,200 Americans about how they are dealing with current affairs. Half of them said they are reading more political news since the 2016 election and nearly 60% said they feel a greater need to analyze the meaning of words used by politicians. Per the poll, a third of Americans have looked up words because of the election and expanded their vocabularies, action that dictionary editors have seen in website traffic and on social media.

People have been curious about Donald Trump and the words he has used - and the words used around him - since he announced his candidacy, says Jane Solomon, a lexicographer at Dictionary.com. She can casually reel off a list of words Trump used or had thrust upon him that sent lookups spiking: shrill, schlonged, bigly, xenophobia, trumpery, alt-right, rigged, braggadocio, temperament, hombre. When something like Trump happens to an election cycle, the standard vocabulary simply doesnt cover it. But thats just part of the story.

In a time when many distrust politicians as well as the media meant to act as a check on those politicians - and when the very nature of reality seems beholden to appearances - people are starving for an arbiter everybody trusts, something concrete to point to and say those, sir, are the facts. And the dictionary is about as close as you can get to a universally accepted neutral party. It is a weapon and a security blanket, used by Democrats and Republicans alike.

People crave a source of truth, says Solomon, and reference materials like dictionaries have historically been a source of truth, so people are turning to them. People are re-identifying with the dictionary, as one of her colleagues says.

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The average person trusts the dictionary to settle an argument, even if they dont trust that fake news article their friend shared on Facebook or that academic elite or that poll. As Peter Sokolowski, editor-at-large for Merriam-Webster, says, Traditionally the dictionary has called balls and strikes. Often those calls have been related to spelling and grammar, he says, but these days something is different. The meanings of even the most basic words - like fact - are suddenly in need of confirmation.

People have been begging dictionaries to act as referees, driving up their retweets and replies on Twitter and also driving them to be cautious about when they weigh in. Lauren Sliter, who runs Dictionary.coms social media accounts, says shell regularly get requests to put people in check. Can you please tell X what fascism is because they dont seem to understand that Donald Trump is a fascist,' she says of the messages theyll get, or a populist, or a misogynist.

Sliter says they try to focus on words that are driving people to their pages because of misunderstanding and not tweet about a word where everyone is already in agreement, though the real-time nature of news consumption and social media adds urgency to making those calls. The dictionary, paired with the even playing field of Twitter, she says, has become this focal point of consensus.

When dictionaries have joined the conversation after Trump or his aides have caused debate over a words meaning, the responses have often gone viral and become news stories of their own. After Kellyanne Conway introduced the notion of alternative facts, dictionary editors tweeted the definition of fact: a piece of information presented as having objective reality. After press secretary Sean Spicer said that getting less money didnt necessarily amount to a cut, dictionary editors tweeted the definition of cut: a reduction in price, salary, etc. After Ivanka Trump was asked in an interview if she was complicit in her fathers decisions and said she didnt know the definition of the word, dictionary editors provided one: helping to commit a crime or do wrong in some way.

This has led to some allegations that dictionaries are trolling Team Trump. The editors say thats not the case. Sokolowski emphasizes that Merriam-Webster has been tweeting for years about news trends theyre seeing reflected in lookups, whether the biggest story is Hillary Clinton calling people deplorables or United Airlines describing violently bumped passengers as volunteers. And few would dispute that Trump is clearly the biggest story around, as he says, or that Team Trump has sowed confusion with their words in remarkable ways.

As TIME has reported, Trump does not have a clear-cut relationship to the truth, sometimes flouting the general consensus or evidence that contradicts his interpretation of things. That means there is more of a question about what he may believe a word means, especially because he has backtracked on his own words by suggesting that people misinterpreted them - when they read them in the plainest way.

Spicer (who has himself sent people running for the dictionary by using terms like Holocaust centers) said, for instance, that Trump didnt mean wiretaps when he tweeted that Obama had his wires tapped, that he didnt mean military operation when he used the words military operation to describe immigration enforcement. All of which begs the involvement of a dictionary, as Trumps critics continue to fact-check the big picture as well as every syllable that comes out of his mouth (or the mouths of people speaking on his behalf).

While dictionaries go to great lengths to eliminate any bias in their pages, some tinges will inevitably remain. After all, humans are writing the definitions, even if they analyze mounds of evidence about how a word is being used in the world before they distill a definition. And its hard to anticipate what might look slanted or close-minded in 50 years, which is why dictionaries are in a constant state of revision.

The misconception that a dictionary is authorless has made dictionaries more trustworthy, and it also makes people who write dictionaries, lexicographers, take their jobs very seriously, says Solomon, who writes definitions for Dictionary.com. She says she is thinking harder these days about when an entry is political: Sure, Black Lives Matter is political but is the Trump-uttered hombre political now too? Merriam-Websters Sokolowski says the stirs on Twitter have raised another interesting query in their world: When is presenting a dictionary definition a subversive act?

Dictionaries have been accused of having political bents in the past. Though they dont take partisan sides, they do still have an ethic, one that editors say more people are buying into these days. Theres definitely a reemergence of the thinking that words matter and how you use words matters, says Dictionary.coms Sliter. Solomon echoes her. The meaning of words is vital, and when people in power use words in a way that confounds us, she says, its only natural to use whatever means are handy to try to understand.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
I just walked into hell, Dr. Oz said last week as he visited Philadelphias heroin encampments in the Badlands of West Kensington.

Mehmet Oz, the heart surgeon turned TV host, doesnt do a lot of work as a television tour guide. That is usually the province of PBS hosts such as travel writer Rick Steves.

But Tuesday at 1 p.m. on Fox29, Oz will recap his whirlwind journey into the epicenter of the regions opioid crisis. It may be the first time a national audience has seen the squalor of used syringes and lost lives that for 30 years has festered in the North Philadelphia.

In clips released before the shows airing, the city puts the blame squarely on Conrail, which owns a set of railroad tracks that cuts through neighborhoods.

Thousands of people buy heroin on the streets of West Kensington every day. Hundreds of those then head to areas along the rails to shoot up under the bridges.

We need to put big barriers here, so people cant go down and hide to use illegal drugs, said Thomas Farley, the citys health commissioner in a recorded interview with Oz. That will bring them out in the street which gives a great opportunity to engage them and get them into treatment.

The citys managing director, Mike DiBerardinis, also has advocated for impenetrable fencing along the rail corridor to keep the problem at street level.

But many of the heroin addicts say the ragtag community of drug users helps keep them safe from predators. Many say they carry naloxone, the opioid antidote, and have used it to bring back other addicts who would have otherwise have died of an overdose.

Law enforcement agencies also question the wisdom of walling off the railroad right of way.

Oz asked the Drug Enforcement Administration's Philadelphia division director what would happen if you built two large walls on either side of the tracks.

That would only push it somewhere else, responded special agent Gary Tuggle.

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Oz later spoke to a former South Jersey contractor, Steve Johnson, 49, who has been battling a heroin addiction for about five years.

Oz promised to help get the man into detox treatment, into patient rehab and post-rehab housing. Johnson has his own ideas about how the city should address the encampments.

According to DEA spokesman Patrick Trainor, Johnson entered treatment on Saturday.

According to Emory Salley, of Integrity House, Johnson will be transfered to their residential program in Secaucus, N.J. "They will stabilize not only his substance abuse issues, but also his chronic mental health issues as well," she said.

The Dr. Oz episode, "A Festering Epicenter of Heroin That Will Shock You," airs today at 1 p.m. on Fox29.

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DUBLIN (Reuters) - The leaders of the Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland are to hold a meeting to discuss Britain's exit from the European Union on Friday, the Irish government said, in a sign the three pro-trade powers plan to coordinate their strategy on Brexit. The three countries, which Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny has said are likely to be the most negatively impacted by Brexit, have a similar outlook on free trade and competition issues and in the past have often allied with Britain. The 27 EU members that will remain after Britain leaves have repeatedly pledged to maintain a united front in negotiations with Britain and avoid divisions that could be exploited by London. Kenny will meet with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in The Hague on Friday, an Irish government spokesman said. The meeting will underline the strength of the 27 to remain united, he said. (Reporting by Conor Humphries; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union will stick to a timetable for preparing to launch Brexit negotiations with Britain, despite Theresa May calling for a snap general election on June 8, an EU spokesman said on Tuesday. "The UK elections do not change our EU27 plans," Preben Aamann, a spokesman for European Council President Donald Tusk, said in a statement after Tusk spoke to Prime Minister May. Tusk will chair a summit of the other 27 EU national leaders in Brussels on April 29, where he expects them to agree negotiating guidelines he has proposed. On May 22, Aamann added, governments should agree the directives that EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier needs in order to launch the formal talks. Barnier has said he expects full negotiations to start in early June, although it remains unclear what the British position on that will now be, given the electoral timetable. May formally triggered a two-year countdown to Brexit on March 29. Tusk said on Twitter that he had a "good" telephone conversation with May after she called for the election. In a separate tweet, the former Polish premier likened the surprising twist in the Brexit saga to a movie plot by British master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock: "It was Hitchcock who directed Brexit: first an earthquake and the tension rises." Tusk was referring to a comment attributed to the late filmmaker that a good film "should start with an earthquake and be followed by rising tension". May said in her announcement that "there can be no turning back" on Britain's decision to leave the EU, something she herself had campaigned against before last year's referendum. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; editing by Mark Heinrich)
New York (AFP) - A US gunman accused of murdering an elderly grandfather and posting the footage on Facebook killed himself after a brief police chase, bringing to a close a frantic nationwide manhunt.

Steve Stephens, 37 and thought to have been mentally unstable, had been on the run since 74-year-old Robert Godwin Sr was shot dead on Easter Sunday, seemingly at random in broad daylight in Cleveland, Ohio.

The murder and a video sparked outrage across the world and renewed scrutiny of the growing number of grisly videos being posted on social media.

Facebook removed the footage hours after the attack. Chief executive Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged that the world's largest social network had a role to play in stemming the worrisome trend.

"There is a lot of work to do here," he told a Facebook developers' conference. "And we will keep doing all we can to prevent tragedies like this from happening."

Police got the decisive tip-off after Stephens had been on the run for nearly 48 hours, when a McDonald's employee recognized him at a drive-thru in Pennsylvania shortly after 11:00 am (1500 GMT) and called authorities.

"There was a short pursuit in which the vehicle was stopped. As the officers approached that vehicle, Steve Stephens took his own life," Cleveland police chief Calvin Williams said.

Pennsylvania police said he shot himself with a handgun about a mile from the McDonald's following a low-speed pursuit -- at under 50 miles (80 kilometers) per hour.

Tom Ducharme, owner of the restaurant near Erie, told CNN that Stephens drove up, placed an order and paid an employee, who recognized him and called police.

- 'Mad with girlfriend' -

The suspect, described as armed and dangerous, had been on the FBI's Most Wanted list. Up to $50,000 had been offered for information leading to his arrest.

Stephens worked for a behavioral health agency serving children through mental health services, foster care and adoption, at-risk youth and other programs.

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But according to a timeline of events pieced together by police and Facebook, Stephens posted a video on Sunday afternoon saying he intended to kill, and followed up two minutes later with video of Godwin's shooting.

In a third video 11 minutes later, streamed live from Stephens' car, he said he intended to kill others.

Stephens' mother told CNN she called him after learning about the video, and he had told her he was shooting people because he was "mad with his girlfriend."

Police say Godwin is the only known victim.

Stephens had demanded that Godwin say the name of his girlfriend and added: "Shes the reason this is about to happen to you."

There was no indication Godwin knew Stephens' girlfriend.

The killing was the latest in a string of disturbing crimes captured on Facebook video, including the alleged gang rape of a 15-year-old girl, two fatal shootings, and the kidnapping and torture of a disabled 18-year-old man.

- 'Can't do this' -

Authorities in Cleveland urged a nationwide debate on the issue of violence on social media and to find answers to the plague of gun crime rocking America.

"This is something that should not have been shared around the world, period," said Williams, the police chief.

"Our kids, although they should not have seen this, I'm sure a lot have. They need to take this as a lesson. We can't do this in this country. We just can't."

Facebook took down Stephens' videos and disabled his account two hours after he first started uploading. It acknowledged the delay had been too long and said it was reviewing its protocols.

More than 400 tips poured in before the suspect was spotted, and members of Godwin's family had offered Stephens their forgiveness.

"I don't want that man to die, I want him brought to justice," one of Godwin's sons, Robby Miller, told CNN.

Police warned Stephens' death might make it harder to prevent similar crimes.

"There might be people out there in similar situations and we could find out why he did what he did" if he hadn't killed himself, said Williams.

"If you're feeling, you know, not quite right and if there are things going on in your life that you need assistance with, you need to reach out and call somebody. And we'll get you that help," he added.

"We cannot resolve this underlying issue of violence, particularly gun violence if we do not function and operate and have the same compassion and commitment that we've shown here," said Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson.

It was not immediately clear how long Stephens had been in Erie, in an area of remote woodland, farms and barns. Police initially searched the area on Sunday.

burs/jm-mdl/rmb
Facebook has created a new empire over the last six months. It has nothing to do with Snapchat or even virtual reality, and it's not just about video.

SEE ALSO: Facebook wants your boss to let you use Facebook

Facebook Workplace is the social network's effort to get serious about getting into the business world, and Facebook is making a serious push.

The Workplace platform connects businesses internally, where companies can pay for or (as of this latest update) use a free version of a software that looks and functions similarly to Facebook but is bolstered with a more work-oriented tools.

Workplace is already used by about 14,000 organizations in 77 languages and in every country, including Antarctica, Facebook announced Tuesday in time with their annual developers conference, F8.

Clients include Fortune 500 companies like Starbucks along with startups. Starbucks, for example, uses it to broadcast weekly live videos from the CEO and for managers to check in with employees.

Facebook announced new features Tuesday that it hopes will make Workplace a much more appealing product. Prior to this week, Workplace included multi-company Groups, live video, reactions, auto-translate, video and group audio calling, trending posts, and search filters.

Image: facebook

As of Tuesday, Workplace offers new file-sharing integrations, including Salesforce, Quip, and Box. Notably, Dropbox is absent from the initial release.

Facebook is also introducing bots into Workplace. Developers can build bots for work chat and for Groups to do tasks like help order food or order a Lyft.

"Bots help people weave Workplace into their daily workflow. At Facebook, we have over 100 of these bots helping people be more productive," said Simon Cross, product manager for Workplace.

Image: facebook

Facebook is also integrated with eDiscovery and compliance partners to help with exporting documents, making it a better product for companies that have regulatory restrictions and are traditionally unable to use third-party software.

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Workplace users can also soon broadcast live video from professional video gear.

The best selling point for Workplace, according to Facebook, continues to be that its so easy to sign up for and to use  because everyone already knows how to use Facebook.

"Everyone knows how to use it straight away," Cross said. "It's a modern communication layer of a company and connecting people in a way they've never been connected before."

Cross has worked at Facebook for the last six and a half years, and to him, Workplace is one of the most important projects the company has ever done. Obviously, he's biased, but he moved onto the team due to his fascination with Facebook's own use of Facebook during work.

Image: facebook

"When I joined Facebook in 2010, Facebook ran on email. We started using groups in 2011 and 2012. It fundamentally changed how Facebook works, the speed at which we can make decisions and how close we feel too each other," Cross said.

"I cannot imagine working anywhere without it. What's humbling about this thing is companies are telling us the same thing," he continued.

What's next for Facebook Workplace is making it even easier for companies  especially those companies without a lot of money and developers, even businesses where not everyone has a laptop or an email address.

Cross used the example of workers on the store floor of Starbucks. "They should be listening to customers. In those environments, it's all about the thing in your pocket, putting those in the hands of people on the shop floor, in factories, in fields," Cross said.

WATCH: This paper can fold itself into a beautiful crane
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Jakarta voters head to the polls on Wednesday to elect a governor for Indonesia's capital after a campaign that incited political and religious tensions in the world's most populous Muslim country. The race to lead the city of more than 10 million has been fought by two candidates - an ethnic Chinese Christian and a Muslim. It has triggered mass protests and stirred religious and political tensions in the world's third largest democracy. THE CANDIDATES Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known by his Chinese nickname as "Ahok", is the incumbent governor who took over running Jakarta in 2014 when his then boss, Joko Widodo, won the presidency. Purnama, 50, is the city's first ethnic Chinese and Christian leader and is backed by the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Purnama is standing trial on blasphemy charges after allegedly insulting the Koran during the campaign. Hundreds of thousands of protesters rallied after an edited video of his comments about a Koranic verse were circulated. He has appeared in court throughout the campaign. If he wins the election but is convicted of blasphemy, Purnama can assume office as long as an appeals process is going on. Purnama's policies include new infrastructure to fix Jakartas chronic traffic congestion, flood mitigation, better waste management and anti-corruption measures. Anies Baswedan, 47, is the former rector of Jakartas Paramadina University and campaign manager for Widodo during the 2014 election. Widodo appointed him education minister but sacked him less than two years later. Baswedan has shifted allegiance to Widodos presidential rival in the 2014 campaign, Prabowo Subianto, and now represents Subianto's Gerindra Party. Baswedan was criticised for meeting hardline Islamists during the campaign. His platform has focused on improving public education and combating the rising cost of living. He opposes a giant seawall in Jakarta Bay that Purnama has advocated. VOTING IN JAKARTA The April 19 election is a runoff between the two most popular candidates in the first round of polling held on Feb. 15. In the first round, Purnama received 43 per cent of the vote and Baswedan 40 per cent. A third candidate, Agus Yudhoyono, dropped out of the race after receiving only 17 per cent of the vote. A candidate needs a simple majority to win. Private pollsters approved by the General Elections Commission will conduct quick counts of a sample of votes after polls close on April 19, giving an indication of the winner. Official results are expected to be announced by the elections commission by May 5-6. Defeated candidates can dispute the results in the Constitutional Court. About 7.1 million people are registered to vote in Jakarta. The turnout was 77 per cent for the first round of voting. (Compiled by Jakarta bureau; Editing by Bill Tarrant)
London (AFP) - British Prime Minister Theresa May's surprise call for a snap general election comes with the country facing a host of challenges -- all closely bound up with the country's exit from the European Union.

Here are some of the major issues May or her successor will be taking on after the proposed June 8 vote.

- Brexit negotiations -

On March 29, Britain formally gave notice to the other 27 EU nations that it was leaving the bloc, starting a two-year countdown to Brexit. The main issues include Britain's multi-billion-euro exit bill and the rights of European citizens living in Britain and vice versa.

The incoming prime minister will be under pressure at home to get a deal that secures Britain's interests in Europe, while the EU is determined that Britain should not get a better deal by leaving the bloc than it had as a member.

Negotiations were due to start in late May or early June, and the EU says this timetable has not changed.

- Immigration -

Mass EU migration into Britain was a major issue in the run-up to the June 23 EU referendum, with "Leave" campaigners arguing that quitting the bloc was the only way to control numbers.

May has promised to cut immigration, even at the expense of leaving Europe's single market, for which freedom of movement of labour is a key principle.

But some sectors of the economy, notably hospitality and agriculture, are worried about losing an important part of their workforce.

Brexit has also thrown the lives of more than three million EU citizens living in Britain into uncertainty -- will they be able to stay in the country and under what conditions?

- Economy -

The British economy has been performing better than expected since the referendum, but the final exit deal has yet to take shape.

May is seeking the "maximum possible access" for British firms to the single market, amid concerns about the impact of leaving the world's biggest trading bloc on jobs and growth.

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But hammering out a trade deal will be a huge task, with Britain short of experienced negotiators, and the prospect of falling back on basic World Trade Organization rules looms large in the background.

London's commanding position as Europe's financial hub could be threatened, with banks potentially set to lose "passporting rights" that allow them to sell services across the EU.

- Scotland -

The unity of the United Kingdom has come under renewed pressure in the wake of the Brexit vote, with Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last month asking May for a fresh referendum on independence.

Scotland rejected independence in a 2014 vote but Sturgeon says circumstances have now changed, as most Scots voted "Remain" in the Brexit poll.

Whoever takes power in Westminster will have to find a way to manage pressure from Sturgeon's Scottish National Party, which dominates politics north of the border.

- Security -

Last month's deadly attack outside the British parliament brought the question of terror back into the foreground. It followed a series of Islamic State-inspired attacks around Europe in recent years and there are fears about British jihadists returning from fighting Syria and Iraq.

In her letter notifying the EU of Brexit, May alarmed European capitals by warning that failing to reach a deal on trade would weaken the fight against terrorism, though Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson later said Britain would not use security cooperation as leverage in talks.
All eyes were on the first couple as they kicked off their first White House Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn Monday.

The FLOTUS wore a spring dress, a pale pink sleeveless dress to the 139th presidential Easter event, which took place Monday. To host, Melania opted for a longer pink fit-and-flare dress in pink chiffon with minimal accessories.

President Trump and First Lady Melania began the traditional festivities with a speech. During her brief address to the Easter Egg Roll participants and guests, Melania thanked the volunteers and military members for their services. During the event, viewers also caught a subtle dig during a live stream of the event when the first family went to put their right hands over their hearts. As Melania placed her right hand over her heart, she reached for her husband's, to which he moved away and placed the hand she reached for over his heart.

The Easter Egg Roll is a time-honored holiday event that takes place on the White House South Lawn every year the Monday following Easter Sunday. Participants can only attend by entering into a lottery system. This year, thousands were expected to participate in the event, about 21,000, according to the Daily Mail.

For Easter, the first family spent Easter weekend at Mar-a-Lago before coming back to Washington D.C. in advance of the Easter Egg Roll. They spent Easter Sunday attending church in Palm Beach. For the occasion, Melania wore a flared, sleeveless white crochet dress with a gold belt cinched at the waist. She completed the look with tall neon stilettos.

Press Secretary Sean Spicer, who acted as the official White House Easter Bunny during the George W. Bush term, did attend the event this year, but opted for a jacket and tie instead of a cottontail. He read to children on the lawn as the first couple  along with their son Barron  mingled with attendees on the lawn.

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Michelle Obama, who was known for her tasteful yet fashion-forward ensembles, went for a casual ensemble in 2016 and wore black skinny pants with a long green top and a pair of sneakers to 138th White House Easter Egg Roll.

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HOUSTON (Reuters) - Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush has been readmitted to a Houston hospital for treatment of a mild case of pneumonia, his second bout of that respiratory illness in three months, but "is going to be fine," his spokesman said on Tuesday. Family spokesman Jim McGrath said the 92-year-old former president was hospitalized on Friday "for observation due to a persistent cough that prevented him from getting proper rest." "It was subsequently determined he had a mild case of pneumonia, which was treated and has been resolved," McGrath said in a statement. "President Bush is in very good spirits and is being held for further observation while he regains his strength." McGrath furnished no immediate additional information except to say that Bush was at Houston Methodist Hospital, where he had spent more than two weeks in January after developing pneumonia. Bush spent much of that time in the hospital's intensive care unit. His wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, 91, had an overlapping stay at the same hospital for treatment of bronchitis. The couple marked their 72nd wedding anniversary on Jan. 6. Bush, the nation's oldest living ex-president, served a single term in the Oval Office as America's 41st commander-in-chief from 1989 through 1992. He is the father of former President George W. Bush, who served two terms in the White House from 2001 through 2008, and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who unsuccessfully sought the 2016 Republican nomination for president. The elder Bush, a Republican like his sons, also served as vice president for eight years during Ronald Reagan's two terms as president before being elected to the White House himself, defeating former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, the Democratic nominee, in 1988. He lost his 1992 re-election bid to Democrat Bill Clinton. (Reporting by Texas Bureau in Houston; Writing and additional reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Sandra Maler and Bill Trott)
PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Alongside a display of the Declaration of Independence at the Museum of the American Revolution, a separate tableau tells the story of Mumbet, an enslaved black woman in Massachusetts who, upon hearing the document read aloud, announced that its proclamation that "all men are created equal" should also include her.

In response, her master hit her with a frying pan. Mumbet sued him, won her freedom in court, changed her name to Elizabeth Freeman and became a nurse. Her case set a precedent prohibiting slavery in the state.

The story is a reminder that during the struggle for our nation's liberty, the 400,000 African Americans who lived in slavery in 1776 also longed to be free.

Such stories are found throughout the museum, which opens Wednesday in Philadelphia  coinciding with the 242nd anniversary of the battle at Lexington and Concord, the "shot heard 'round the world" that began the Revolutionary War in 1775. The more inclusive, clear-eyed view of the country's turning points is an intentional departure from the whitewashed story America has often told itself and the world.

Instead, the museum seeks to show visitors that the Revolution was a set of aspirational ideas founded on equality, individual rights and freedom that remain relevant today, said president Michael Quinn.

"These ideas rallied people from all walks of life, and they took those ideas to heart," Quinn said "What unifies us as a people is our shared, common commitment to these ideas."

At several points throughout the museum, visitors are forced to confront the contradictions of the high-minded ideals of the framers of the Constitution and the realities of their time, including slavery and the second-class status of women. Slavery, for example, would expand for nearly another century after the Revolutionary War ended, and despite arguing for their liberty at the start of America, women in the United States would fight for suffrage into the early 20th century.

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The message: The ideals of the American Revolution belong not only to the founding fathers long revered by our country, but also to the founding generation of Americans who first heard them, and the generations that have come since.

"For over two centuries, if you said the words 'founders of this country,' the image that would pop to most people's minds would be a white man," said Scott Stephenson, vice president of collections, exhibitions and programming. "Increasingly, we at museums have realized we have got to tell a broader story."

One exhibit features the story of the Oneida Indians, one of the first allies to support the nascent America, who fought and died alongside the colonist soldiers. Also on display is the active role of African-Americans, enslaved and free, in the war, fighting with both the Continental and British armies, showed that blacks were patriots also fighting for their own freedom.

Historical interpretations conjured from diaries and letters of the lives of five men and women who took various routes to freedom during the war are presented in an interactive digital installation. In paintings, dioramas and exhibits, the stories of figures including poet Phillis Wheatley and William Lee, valet to Gen. George Washington, challenge the idea of who could claim the title of "revolutionary."

Visitors are asked to consider the question, "Freedom for whom?" said Adrienne Whaley, the museum's manager for school programs.

"The struggle to become free predates the Revolution, and it continues after the war is over," she said. "The promise of America is defined by the ways in which we treat these people."

___

Errin Haines Whack covers urban affairs for The Associated Press. Follow her work on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emarvelous.

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Online:

Museum of the American Revolution: http://www.amrevmuseum.org
Cayenne (AFP) - The movement behind more than three weeks of social unrest in French Guiana said Monday it would press its action until the government signs a draft accord on an emergency package and reopens talks on further funds.

Activists are protesting against what they say is decades of under-investment in the French territory in South America, paralysed by a general strike which 37 unions called on March 25.

Locals have been pressing demands 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.

The seven-page accord "to suspend the movement in its present form", drawn up by the "Collective to Get Guiana Moving" spearheading the protests, was sent to the government on Sunday.

"To have a swift signature, we have an obligation to harden the movement," Valerie Vanoukia, representative of very small companies in Guiana, said on behalf of the collective after a general meeting calling on the population to remobilise.

She said the barricades which had been lifted for Easter would be back in place from Monday night.

The draft accord calls for an emergency plan of more than one billion euros ($1.07 billion) put forward by the government and proposes reopening dialogue on an additional two billion euros the protestors have demanded so far.

Vanoukia stressed that in the original government text, questions on health, education, land and the communes "have not received any real answers".

She said two points were non-negotiable: "The government must act on the fact that the Guianese people want to take charge".

And she insisted that no demonstrators taking part in the movement would face punishment.

"We accept the resumption of the dialogue that the president of the republic has proposed to us," she said, and "to have a quick response, we will continue raising the pressure" just before the first round of the French presidential election this weekend.

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Vanoukia said she was "very confident to say that the movement will be suspended in the next two or three days".

A blockade of the port in the capital Cayenne has seen the flow of fresh produce slow to a dribble in the territory bordering Surinam and northern Brazil on the northeast coast of South America, some 7,000 kilometres (4,400 miles) from Paris.

The protests also led to the indefinite postponement of an Arianespace rocket launch at Europe's Guiana Space Centre in Kourou.

The Kourou space centre has become a symbol of economic disparity in Guiana and a focus for anger, given many locals have no electricity or running water and around one in four is jobless.

Guiana has been administered as a French region since the end of the 18th century and was also used as a place to send convicts for forced labour between 1852 and 1946.
Here's hoping you liked Tom Holland as Peter Parker in Captain America: Civil War, because you're going to be seeing a lot of him over the next few years.

Marvel Studios has officially confirmed Spider-Man will return for Avengers 4, due out in 2019.

SEE ALSO: Marvel plans to keep making movies until you're dead and your children are old

Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, dropped the news during a recent press event, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Civil War and Infinity War directors Anthony and Joe Russo are expected to return to the helm for Avengers 4. Though it's too early to say exactly which Marvel Cinematic Universe characters will appear, the safe guess is probably "most of them."

Spidey's appearance in Avengers 4 will come after his debut in 2016's Civil War, with his first solo outing this summer in Spider-Man: Homecoming, and his return next year in Avengers: Infinity War.

Avengers 4 (which will surely get a title change by the time it hits theaters) is scheduled for May 3, 2019. It'll be followed two months later by the Spider-Man: Homecoming sequel, due out July 5, 2019.

And after that? "That's as far as it goes for now," said Feige.

While he didn't say what else might be on the horizon for Spidey, we can be confident those plans don't include the sorta-spinoffs currently in the works at Sony  like the Venom standalone or the Black Cat / Silver Sable team-up.

Feige clarified that Marvel Studios is not involved in those projects. "We had a very particular plan about Spidey himself," he said.

WATCH: 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' gets a homemade makeover and we've got the exclusive BTS
Hundreds of tonnes of rotting garbage piled up in Sri Lanka's capital Tuesday after the main rubbish dump was shut following an accident that killed at least 30 people.

Authorities sealed the massive 300-foot (90-metre) rubbish mountain on the northeastern edge of Colombo after it collapsed Friday, destroying 145 homes nearby and burying victims in a garbage landslide.

Military spokesman Roshan Seneviratne said hundreds of troops were still searching for six people missing since the accident, but authorities were not hopeful of finding any survivors four days on.

The Colombo Municipal Council was scrambling for new locations to dump the roughly 800 tonnes of garbage produced every day in the capital, as crows and stray dogs picked through bags of reeking garbage left on city streets.

The council sought permission Tuesday from a local magistrate to access another tip outside the city limits, promising it would clear the four-day backlog of trash within 24 hours.

"We are finding new locations. By noon Wednesday I am hopeful of restoring normality in clearing the garbage," Commissioner V. K. A. Anura told AFP.

"We will not dump it all in one location, but at several sites."

The death toll from Friday's accident climbed to 30 on Tuesday as another victim was found, Seneviratne said.

"We are still carrying out clearing of damaged homes," he told AFP.

Officials said 1,700 people living near the tip had been relocated to temporary shelters while the government searched for alternative accommodation.

A night of heavy rain, followed by an outbreak of fire, destabilised the 23 million-tonne garbage heap, causing its collapse as Sri Lankans celebrated the traditional new year.

Parliament had been warned the vast tip posed a serious health hazard, and that a long-term solution was needed to dispose of Colombo's trash.

Disaster management minister Anura Yapa said the loss of life could have been avoided had local residents acted on warnings to move, issued as recently as a fortnight ago.

But activists have complained that ad hoc compensation and relocation was not the answer to a festering problem that politicians have been unable to resolve for years.
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday named an environmental and politics expert, Achim Steiner of Germany, to head the U.N. Development Programme, replacing former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, who steps down on Wednesday. The U.N. agency works in 170 countries and territories to try and wipe out poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion and promote sustainable development. In 2015 the agency received $4.5 billion in voluntary funding. The United States was among the top government contributors to the UNDP in 2015, giving $266 million, but the administration of President Donald Trump is pushing cuts to diplomacy and foreign aid. Steiner is director of the Oxford Martin School at the University of Oxford. From 2006 to 2016 he was U.N. Environment Programme executive director and also the director general of the U.N. office in Nairobi from 2009 and 2011. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Guterres has asked the 193-member General Assembly to confirm Steiner for a four-year term. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Grant McCool)
By Paul Carrel BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) hopes to reclaim its traditional role as kingmaker after September's national election, but its leader proved coy on Tuesday over which of the two main parties it might join in coalition. The business-friendly FDP was the junior partner in Chancellor Angela Merkel's 2009-13 conservative-led coalition but failed to clear the 5 percent threshold to win seats in the current lower house Bundestag. Media reports suggest it is now being courted by the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) as a possible alternative partner to the far-left Linke. Opinion polls suggest six party groups, including the FDP, will enter parliament after the Sept. 24 election, up from four now. Neither Merkel's conservatives nor the SPD would be able to govern alone, opening the way for talks with smaller parties in their efforts to forge a stable coalition government. FDP leader Christian Lindner appeared to play down the possibility of a tie-up with Martin Schulz's SPD, which he accused of wanting to strangle German business with red tape, but he also ruled nothing out. "Schulz wants redistribution (of incomes), for the state to command the economy, more bureaucracy," Lindner told broadcaster n-tv. "Merkel basically wants to change nothing in Germany ... At least she doesn't want to go backwards." Pressed on which party would be his preferred coalition partner, Lindner said: "That depends on the (policy) content. If it is not possible to implement (our policy) content in a government, then we will go into opposition." An Emnid poll on Saturday showed Merkel's conservative bloc winning 35 percent, the SPD 31 percent, the Linke and the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) both on 9 percent, the Greens on 7 percent and the FDP on 6 percent. "GOOD CONSTELLATION" Merkel's conservatives now rule in a 'grand coalition' with the SPD, though neither is keen to repeat the right-left partnership. A re-run would be "not ideal", senior conservative Jens Spahn told the daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Underlining the FDP's credentials as a potential ally, Spahn said the liberals were closest on policy to the conservatives. "That would be a good constellation with regard to economic developments as well," he said in pre-released comments to run in the paper's Wednesday edition, adding: "We could finally lower taxes together." The FDP wants to cut taxes while also increasing investment in education and digital infrastructure by privatizing state assets. The FDP has more often joined conservative-led federal governments in the past, though it served in SPD-led coalitions from 1969 to 1982 and more recently has governed with the Social Democrats at the regional level. Schulz has led a revival in the SPD's poll ratings since being nominated in January to challenge Merkel in her bid for a fourth term as chancellor. But his party stumbled in a regional election in the western state of Saarland late last month, with voters flocking to Merkel's conservatives for fear of the SPD joining forces with the Linke to form a left-wing alliance. The prospect of a coalition with the FDP might prove more popular with centrist-minded voters, but Lindner described reports of the SPD scoping out such a tie-up as "tactical, a diversion from the Linke party option". Lawmakers in Merkel's conservative bloc say privately they believe the FDP is hungry for power after four years in the political wilderness and believe the party could join a left-leaning coalition to get back into government. (Writing by Paul Carrel; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Remember when gas mileage was a thing? Pfft. How quaint.

With gas prices low and the economy humming along, Americans are rediscovering Giganticus Utilitus, the overgrown rovers the SUV craze spawned in the late 1990s. The Ford Expedition and its upscale cousin, the Lincoln Navigator, were among the first giant utilities back then, and Ford Motor Co. (F) has just rejuvenated both of them, with a new Navigator debuting at this months New York auto show.

If youre wondering whats left to be stuffed into an SUV, the answer is  electronics. The new Navigator, due to go on sale this fall, will feature six USB ports plus a regular 110-volt outlet. A wifi hotspot servicing up to 10 devices will be standard (though youll have to pay extra for the connection). Optional is a wireless phone charger for the storage bin upfront, eliminating the need for those unsightly charging cables. Another option lets you stream videos (from Android devices only) to two 10-inch screens affixed in the second row of seats. No more boredom with that DVD your kids have watched 40 times.

Sure, its over-the-top, but in case you havent noticed, these are over-the-top times, automotively speaking. Dodge just unveiled an insane modification of its Challenger muscle car, called the Demon, thats so fast it can pop a wheelie. Sales of large SUVs are up 26% this year over last, according to KBB, while sales of ordinary midsized sedans are down 21%. Sales of electrics, hybrids and other alternative-energy cars are falling too, even though new models, such as the Chevrolet Bolt, are increasingly available. Meanwhile, the average new-car buyer spends more than $34,000 on a vehicle, often splurging on options and fancy trim lines. Lincoln hasnt priced the Navigator yet, but itll probably start in the mid $60,000 range.

How long the good times will continue to roll is a question causing some anxiety in the industry. Overall sales in 2017 are about 5% lower than last year, and its possible the appetite for excess will fade. But asked if Lincoln is late to the party with the new Navigator, Ford CEO Mark Fields told Yahoo Finance, Absolutely not. When you look at the economy and the state of the consumer, theyre pretty healthy. The industry has plateaued, but it has plateaued at a historically high level.

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Theres a nod to efficiency in the new Navigator, which is powered by a twin-turbo V-6 engine instead of the V-8 of yore. A 10-speed transmission ought to help as well. Still, youre unlikely to hear Lincoln saying much about the Navigators fuel economy, which will average around 18 mpg. If you care about that, maybe the dealer can scrounge a subcompact to show you, from somewhere on the back of the lot.

Confidential tip line: rickjnewman@yahoo.com

Read more:

Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman
Google rolled out a new Doodle Tuesday in honor of Ghanaian entrepreneur Esther Afua Ocloo, who was instrumental in helping millions of low-income women secure loans.

The Doodle depicts Ocloo empowering the women of Ghana with the tools to improve their lives and communities, said Google. April 18th would have been her 98th birthday.

According to Google, Auntie Ocloo had just six shillings - less than one dollar - when she began making and selling marmalade as a young woman in the 1930s. After eventually securing a loan, she grew her business and traveled to the U.K. to learn more about food processing. On her return, she shared with other Ghanaian women the technical knowledge and skills of how to start and run a business. Due to her success she was invited to the first U.N. World Conference on Women in 1975.

Throughout her life, Ocloo helped improve womens lives in Ghana and advocated for their success in business. She saw the importance of credit in helping women achieve better health and prosperity, but poor black women were often ignored by the banks. So she helped establish Womens World Banking, a global nonprofit that provided low-income women with microloans to help start their own businesses.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
GOP Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa. (Photo: Nicki Kohl/Telegraph Herald via AP)

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said Tuesday that she has concerns about the frequency of President Trumps trips to his Mar-a-Lago residence and particularly about his use of the Palm Beach, Fla., venue to host foreign leaders.

Ernst was holding a town hall in Wall Lake, Iowa, when a constituent inquired about the cost of Trumps trips to the Winter White House, as Trump has called it. The president has spent seven of his 13 weekends as president at the estate. According to the Associated Press, cost estimates for each trip have ranged from $1 million to three times that.

I agree with you, Ernst responded. I do wish that he would spend more time in Washington, D.C. Thats what we have the White House for.

The senator also alluded to similar concerns among other congressional Republicans, and said they may try raising the issue with Trump.

I have not spoken to him about the Florida issue yet, Ernst said. But that is something I think that has been bothering not just me, but some other members of our caucus. So I think that is going to be a topic of discussion that we have when we get back to Washington, D.C.

Ernst specifically questioned Trumps use of Mar-a-Lago to host foreign heads of state, including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump was having dinner with Xi when he ordered a missile strike on a Syrian air force base earlier this month. (Trump later recalled that he was eating the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake that youve ever seen when he informed Xi of his action.)

We would love to see more of those State Department visits in Washington, D.C., Ernst said. I think its smart that he does business in Washington, D.C.
PARIS (Reuters) - A machine gun, two hand guns and three kilos of TATP explosive were among the weapons found at a flat in Marseille raided by police on Tuesday after they foiled an imminent attack ahead of the French election, according to the Paris prosecutor. The two Frenchmen had met while sharing a cell in prison and were known to police as having turned to radical Islam, prosecutor Francois Molins said at a news conference. He added that an Islamic State flag and jihadist propaganda had previously been found at the home of one of the men, while the other was thought to have had links to a Belgian jihadist cell. (Reporting by Bate Felix, Writing by Sarah White)
Geneva (AFP) - The World Health Organization on Wednesday hailed "unprecedented progress" in the fight against 18 neglected tropical diseases -- including dengue fever and sleeping sickness -- which kill 170,000 people and disable millions each year.

The UN's health agency, pharmaceutical companies and civil society groups led by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have been waging a protracted effort to eradicate the group of highly treatable diseases, which had previously received scant attention and resources.

"It's really a story of wonderful progress," the billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates said in Geneva. "A lot of pieces have come together."

His comments came as WHO launched its latest report on the battle against so-called NTDs.

"Over the past 10 years, millions of people have been rescued from disability and poverty, thanks to one of the most effective global partnerships in modern public health," WHO chief Margaret Chan said in a statement.

A full 1.6 billion people remain affected by NTDs -- more than 500 million of them children -- but that number is down from more than two billion in 2010, WHO said.

The effort against the group of diseases intensified in 2012, when governments and drug companies signed the London Declaration pact committing resources to help eliminate the most common NTDs.

Companies have since annually donated hundreds of millions of treatment doses, enabling one billion people to get therapy for at least one disease in 2015 alone.

Before the deal, "we really weren't organised as a global community to solve the problem", Gates told reporters, describing the accord's five-year anniversary as "a milestone in global health".

- Infections falling -

Great strides have been made to rein in some of the worst ailments, including Dracunculiasis, a crippling parasitic condition caused by the flesh-burrowing guinea worm.

The worm, which exists in South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia and Mali, enters the body when people drink stagnant water contaminated with parasite-infected water fleas.

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In its bid to exit the body, the worms, which can be up to a metre long, dig their way out of the body, including through the eyes and genitals.

Last year, only 25 human cases of guinea worm were recorded, down from nearly 900,000 in 1989, when it was endemic in 21 countries, "putting eradication within reach", WHO said.

There has also been a huge reduction in human African trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness, which is transmitted by the tsetse fly.

The initial stage of the disease is symptom free, but during the second stage the parasites cross into the central nervous system and the brain, where they can be lethal if untreated.

In 2015, only 2,804 cases were registered, down from 37,000 in 1999, WHO said, putting the goal of eliminating the disease altogether by 2030 "on track".

While much has been done in the battle against NTDs, WHO cautioned that progress would stagnate without efforts to address broader poverty-related issues.

WHO estimates that 2.4 billion people still lack basic sanitation facilities like toilets and latrines, while nearly two billion use drinking water sources contaminated with faecal matter.
By Rupam Jain UNNAO, India (Reuters) - One recent afternoon, dozens of young Hindu men, swords drawn and saffron scarves draped around their necks, rode motorcycles through a Muslim neighborhood near the capital of India's most populous state and chanted "Hail Lord Ram!" In the preceding weeks they and their peers had acted as informers, police officials say, helping them identify thousands of Muslim-run butchers' shops that have since been shut and urging officers to stop Muslim youths talking to Hindu girls in the street. Their organization is the Hindu Yuva Vahini (Hindu Youth Force), a private militia set up in 2002 by Yogi Adityanath, a local priest and politician, to assert the dominance of India's main religion which he felt was being eroded by minority faiths. Since Adityanath's promotion last month to chief minister of Uttar Pradesh state, home to 220 million people of which a fifth are Muslims, the group has become emboldened, openly proclaiming its Hindu roots and putting pressure on police. The appointment of the 44-year-old, known for his fiery anti-Muslim rhetoric and a campaign against "Love Jihad" - or the conversion of Hindu women to Islam - has shocked some Indians, who say it undermines the country's secular status. They worry that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "development for all" agenda will be overtaken by radical, Hindu-first policies with the potential to stoke communal tensions that have erupted sporadically through India's 70-year history. Adityanath declined to be interviewed for this article. "Blood can be shed, and Muslims will feel the pain," Pankaj Singh, a senior leader of the Hindu Youth Force, told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of the rally in Unnao, an hour's drive southwest of the capital Lucknow. Such comments have sent a chill through some in the Muslim community, on the defensive in Uttar Pradesh since this year's election in which Adityanath rallied the Hindu majority and delivered a resounding victory to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In return for his successful campaign, the party handed the priest one of India's most powerful positions, emboldening his militia to act and speak more openly than it did under the previous administration. Based in Uttar Pradesh and funded by members who want to win favor with local power brokers, the youth force says it is 2 million strong and growing. In Unnao, police stood back as members blocked traffic, honked horns and shouted pro-Hindu slogans on the busy streets. Muslims who came out to watch did so quietly from their doorways. HINDU RIGHT, HINDU RADICAL Modi himself is the product of the Hindu right, coming from the BJP and its powerful parent movement, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), that nurtured him early in his career. But since sweeping to power in 2014, he has focused on economic reforms that he hopes will drag India into the modern era and create enough jobs for a swelling workforce. Adityanath represented the BJP during the Uttar Pradesh state polls earlier this year, and helped Modi consolidate power as he bids for re-election in a national ballot in 2019. The priest, however, has often defied BJP discipline and is not part of the RSS machine, raising fears that Modi may have unleashed radical "Hindutva", or religious-nationalist forces that he will struggle to contain. "The BJP has no command over this organization. They respond to Adityanath and no one else," said Gilles Verniers, assistant professor of political sciences at Ashoka University. A close aide to Modi said it was Adityanath's job to maintain law and order in the state. "The onus lies on him. It is his duty to take care of his vigilante group," said the aide. Daljit Singh Chawdhary, additional director general of police for Uttar Pradesh, dismissed the threat of the youth force acting outside the law. "We are not tolerating any vigilante group taking the law into their (own) hands, while at the same time anyone is free to provide us with tip-offs," he said. "We have had no recent complaints against the Hindu Yuva Vahini, so there is no reason for us to take action against them." DEVOTION AND POWER The original source of Adityanath's power is an ancient temple in Gorakhpur, eastern Uttar Pradesh, where people treat the shaven-headed priest with reverence. Soon after he was named chief minister last month, a devotee collected dust from the rug on which Adityanath had walked, so as to worship it. Built on such devotion, the youth force has evolved into a powerful group that dispenses justice and has proved itself a formidable vote-getter. The BJP's national spokesman, Nalin Kohli, said the party's victory in Uttar Pradesh was not only thanks to Adityanath and his private militia. But Singh expressed little doubt about the group's importance in securing the result. "Modi won Uttar Pradesh because of Adityanath's ground force," Singh said. One of Adityanath's first directives after becoming chief minister was to impose a ban on Uttar Pradesh slaughterhouses that operated without licenses. Most Indian states have laws that ban the slaughter of cows, considered sacred by Hindus, while buffalo slaughter requires permission from state governments. Butchers in Uttar Pradesh have long complained that authorities failed to issue new licenses, although the outgoing government allowed them to continue operating anyway, ensuring employment and food for the Muslims who dominate the industry. Adityanath's militia has been pushing police to enforce rules calling for a complete ban on illegal slaughterhouses and the sale of meat from unlicensed shops. "We got the police to shut down 45,000 small meat shops in less than 24 hours ... they would have failed without our informers," said Singh, who added that he reported daily to Adityanath. "They (police) know we are the real heroes now." Chandani Qureshi, a mother of four, said her husband worked as a sweeper in a meat shop in Lucknow. Her family relied on his daily wage of 300 rupees ($4) to survive. "The chief minister's men came with orange flags, broke the window panes of our shops and threw knives and weighing scales out on the street," she said, sitting in her one-room home. "We had no power to stop them." Owners of large abattoirs have sought injunctions to block Adityanath's orders to ban unlicensed slaughterhouses and thousands of butchers have protested against the ban, yet some doubt they will prevail. "I don't think we can defeat Adityanath's militia. It would be better if we start selling something else," said Mohammed Faizan, who inherited a meat shop from his grandfather. Uttar Pradesh's deputy chief minister and state BJP president, Keshav Prasad Maurya, said his government would not let slaughterhouses sell cow and buffalo meat. It wanted shop owners instead to start selling chicken and eggs. "The dairy business is more profitable than the beef trade," he said. He also said members of Adityanath's militia were acting as responsible citizens. "It would be wrong to consider them as a parallel administration." "HANDS OFF HINDU GIRLS" At the rally in Unnao, Singh stood on a rickety stage and awarded idols of Hindu gods to youths for halting sales of beef, stopping religious intermarriage and composing poetry in honor of cows. As well as helping to close down butchers, the militia has been tipping off "Anti-Romeo Squads", groups of police who intervene to prevent young men and women meeting publicly. A police official who oversees 64 such squads said the units were formed to tackle sexual harassment of women, but admitted that there had been cases where militia members pressured policemen to target Muslim men seen in the company of Hindu women. He declined to be named. Muslims say they are being singled out. "They think our boys are villains," said Irshad Sheikh, whose son was detained by police recently. Singh, the youth force leader, rejected suggestions that the squads deliberately targeted Muslims. At the rally, he met the father of a 21-year-old Hindu woman who was recently forced by members of the militia to call off her wedding to a Muslim man. "For centuries, Muslims have been playing the dirty game of converting Hindus," Singh said, as his men returned from their run through the Muslim neighborhood. "But now if they touch a Hindu girl, we can fight with our swords." The woman's father, Subhash Chandra, said he welcomed the militia's intervention. "The Muslim boy trapped her and wanted to convert her. I am lucky that Yogi Adityanath's people saved my daughter's life. How can a Hindu become a Muslim? It is a sin to convert anyone." (Editing by Mike Collett-White and Douglas Busvine)
(Reuters) - Highlights for U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Monday: NORTH KOREA Vice President Mike Pence puts North Korea on notice, warning that recent U.S. strikes in Syria and Afghanistan showed that Trump's resolve should not be tested. North Korea will continue to test missiles regularly and any military action against it by the United States will prompt "all-out war," a senior North Korean official tells the BBC. China reiterates its opposition to the deployment of a sophisticated U.S. anti-missile system in South Korea. RUSSIA As Russian hopes of swift detente with the United States under Trump have fizzled, state media, which hailed his election win, have made a U-turn: On Sunday, they said he was scarier than North Korea's Kim Jong Un. TURKEY Trump calls Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan to congratulate him on his referendum victory and to thank him for supporting a U.S. missile attack on Syria in response to a chemical attack by Syrian government forces on April 4, the White House says SUPREME COURT Trump's appointee, Neil Gorsuch, shows himself to be a frequent and energetic questioner during U.S. Supreme Court arguments in his first day hearing cases as a justice, at one point even apologizing for talking too much. The U.S. Supreme Court sidesteps a turbulent debate over illegal immigration, turning away an appeal by a group of asylum-seeking Central American women and their children who aimed to clarify the constitutional rights of people who the government has prioritized for deportation. JAPAN Pence will meet with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on Tuesday, kicking off talks in Tokyo that the White House hopes will open doors in Japan for U.S.-made products and attract Japanese investment for infrastructure projects in the United States. VISA PROGRAM Trump on Tuesday will sign an executive order directing federal agencies to recommend changes to a temporary visa program used to bring foreign workers to the United States to fill high-skilled jobs. CLIMATE CHANGE ACCORD Trump's top advisers will meet on Tuesday to discuss whether to recommend that he withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord, a White House official says. PAKISTAN Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, meets Pakistan's prime minister and army chief and emphasizes "the need to confront terrorism in all its forms", while praising democratic and economic development. (Compiled by Jonathan Oatis, Bill Trott and Peter Cooney; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Sandra Maler)
Hillary Clinton gives her concession speech on Nov. 9, 2016. (Photo: Carlos Barria/Reuters)

As Hillary Clinton was reviewing a draft of her concession speech on the night of the 2016 election, she reportedly said her stunning loss to Donald Trump was her last race.

Thats according to Shattered: Inside Hillary Clintons Doomed Campaign, a new book by Sidewires Jonathan Allen and the Hills Amie Parnes. The book described the scene in detail.

Look, I really just want to concede gracefully, wish him the best, thank everybody, and get off the stage, Clinton said during a discussion with top aide Jake Sullivan. This is not a moment for me to do more than that.

Sullivan argued that Clinton ought to tell voters how she really felt.

Everything you said, were going to do in the speech, Sullivan told her. But you have been saying for many months that hes temperamentally unfit and that he would be dangerous, and if you meant it, you should say it.

He continued, And you made a case that all these peoples rights and safety are in danger. If you meant that, you should say it.

Clinton said that wasnt her job anymore.

Other people will criticize him. Thats their job. I have done it. I just lost, and that is that, she said. That was my last race.

After Clinton called Trump to concede the election, she called then-President Barack Obama.

Mr. President, she said, Im sorry.

When Clinton delivered her concession speech on the morning after Trumps victory, she tried to strike a hopeful tone.

This is not the outcome we wanted or we worked so hard for, and Im sorry that we did not win this election for the values we share and the vision we hold for our country, Clinton said. But I feel pride and gratitude for this wonderful campaign that we built together  this vast, diverse, creative, unruly, energized campaign. You represent the best of America, and being your candidate has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

This is painful and it will be for a long time, but I want you to remember this, she continued. Our campaign was never about one person or even one election, it was about the country we love and about building an America thats hopeful, inclusive and bighearted.

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We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought, Clinton added. But I still believe in America, and I always will. And if you do, then we must accept this result and then look to the future. Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead.

In their introduction, the authors of Shattered admit they thought there was a pretty good chance they would be writing the inside story of Hillary shattering what she had called the highest, hardest glass ceiling.

But Allen and Parnes were surprised to discover how much infighting was going on below the surface.

Hillarys campaign was so spirit-crushing that her aides eventually shorthanded the feeling of impending doom with a simple mantra, they added. Were not allowed to have nice things.'

Read more from Yahoo News:
Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn is saying a lot more than "Hodor!" these days.

The Northern Ireland native, known for acting in HBO's Game of Thrones and for his DJ sets on his "Rave of Thrones" tour, is speaking out for same-sex marriage in his country. In an interview with Northern Ireland's Belfast Telegraph Tuesday, he said he hopes the country will embrace marriage equality like Ireland and the rest of the UK. And he might even get politically involved to help make it happen.

SEE ALSO: Nathan Fillion trolls Hodor and, well, all of us, in new Instagram post

"I don't see why people are so concerned at what other people do behind closed doors or in their lives," he told the newspaper. Since his country has still not legislated in favor of same-sex marriage, he's up to the task  possibly in the future.

"Of course I have had thoughts about going into politics. I certainly don't mean now, definitely not, but in the future who knows?" he said. "I've thought about running for office for later in life, not for now. I definitely have something to say."

Nairn went on to say that the current political system isn't looking out for the gay community. But if he were to get involved politically he'd champion equality beyond gay people. "It's just making sure that everyone's treated equally. Is that so progressive? I don't think it's progressive, I think it's human. And not just gay people  women's rights, immigrants, people of different ethnic backgrounds."

While not touring around the globe (he'll be in Madison, Wisconsin, next month as part of the Rave of Thrones tour), he lives with his mother in Northern Ireland. He made sure to tell the newspaper he has a lot of Northern Irish pride: "People are so lovely in this country."

But he's upset by outdated notions, mostly led by religious beliefs, blocking same-sex marriage. "There's so much other horrible shit happening in the world at the minute, I think it's the least of their worries," he said.

WATCH: Natalie Dormer reveals what it's like to be killed off on 'Game of Thrones'
Washington (AFP) - The global economic recovery is picking up steam, but the rise of protectionist rhetoric and the threat of trade wars could erode those gains, the International Monetary Fund warned Tuesday.

The fund's semi-annual World Economic Outlook report revised global growth up to 3.5 percent for this year, one-tenth higher than the January forecast.

It was a rare upward revision to the growth forecast -- the first in two years -- which has been consistently disappointing. For 2018, growth is expected to rise to 3.6 percent, and to 3.8 percent by 2022.

"The global economy seems to be gaining momentum -- we could be at a turning point. But even as things look up, the post-World War II system of international economic relations is under severe strain," IMF chief economist Maurice Obstfeld said.

The Washington-based IMF warns of the "significant downside risks" to the outlook, which have grown worse since January.

Among them is "the turn towards protectionism, leading to trade warfare," Obstfeld said in the foreword of the report.

"Whether the current momentum will be sustained remains a question mark," he said in a press conference.

Many of the concerns -- including rolling back financial regulation, pulling away from the multilateral trading system and restricting immigration -- are centerpieces of US President Donald Trump's policy program.

But the issues also are visible in the bitter French election campaign, as well as in Britain's planned exit from the European Union, and the surprise call for elections in June.

"Clearly there is rising concern about the uncertain outcome of the elections," Obstfeld told reporters.

The anti-trade, anti-immigration attitude in advanced economies is to some degree understandable, given "the failure of growth gains in rich economies to substantially reach those in the lower parts of the income distribution in recent decades," he said.

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However, Obstfeld warned that, "capitulating to those pressures would result in a self-inflicted wound."

He said it would harm countries by pushing prices higher and eroding household income, and it would prompt retaliation, worsening the global economy.

- Developing countries spur growth -

Economies in the developing world continue to provide most of the impetus to global growth, led by China and India.

In its report, IMF put China growth this year at 6.6 percent, up a tenth of a point from the January estimate, while the 2018 prediction was increased by two tenths to 6.2 percent.

The forecasts for India were unchanged at 7.2 percent this year and 7.7 percent next.

But there were a couple of upside surprises among the advanced economies, including a half-point upward revision to the forecast for Britain this year, to two percent, despite fears of a negative impact of Brexit.

And Japan's growth is now seen at 1.2 percent -- modest, but a full four-tenths higher than three months ago.

The estimate for US growth was steady at 2.3 percent this year and 2.5 percent in 2018.

"Global economic activity is picking up speed, but the potential for disappointments remains high, and momentum is unlikely to be sustained in the absence of efforts by policymakers to implement the right set of policies and avoid missteps," the report said.

- 'Well-targeted' initiatives -

The IMF said "hundreds of millions" of people have been lifted out of poverty through economic integration and technological progress, "helping to reduce global income inequality."

But Obstfeld said the benefits of growth and the burden of economic adjustments too often have been unequally shared. It will be up to the governments to "address these disparities head-on."

The IMF recommends "well-targeted initiatives" to help workers adversely affected by free trade and other economic changes to "find jobs in expanding sectors" as well as "social safety nets to smooth the loss of income," and improved education and training in the longer term.

"Similarly, curbing immigration flows would hinder opportunities for skill specialization in advanced economies, limiting a positive force for productivity and income growth over the long term," the report said.

- Downside risks -

The IMF report stressed that risks to the outlook "remain tilted to the downside," meaning that while growth could turn out to be faster than expected there are more negative possibilities on the horizon.

Among the worries are the possibility for a rising US deficit and the dismantling of financial regulations erected after the 2008 global crisis, which "would raise the probability of costly financial crises in the future," the IMF warned.

China's "dangerous dependence on rapidly expanding credit" is another area of concern, as is weak demand in Europe, and a series of non-economic factors, including geopolitical risks and corruption.
By Agustinus Beo Da Costa JAKARTA (Reuters) - Millions of Indonesians will head to the polls in Jakarta on Wednesday to choose between a Muslim and a Christian candidate for governor, as religious tensions run high in the capital of the worlds third-largest democracy. Polls open at 7 a.m. (0000 GMT) in what is expected to be an unusually close race between the incumbent, Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama  the citys first Christian and ethnic Chinese leader  and a former education minister, Anies Baswedan, who like 85 percent of Jakarta residents, is Muslim. (For graphic on Jakarta Governor Election click: http://tmsnrt.rs/2lwXW5V) Security is also unusually tight for the poll. Police say about 66,000 personnel will be deployed throughout the city of some 10 million people to prevent voter intimidation and civil unrest. The election is viewed as a test for Indonesias young democracy and record of religious tolerance. Given Jakarta's outsized importance as both the nation's capital and commercial centre, the election is also viewed as a barometer for a 2019 presidential election. Purnama is backed by President Joko Widodo's ruling party. Baswedan, is backed by a conservative retired general, Prabowo Subianto, who lost to Widodo in a 2014 presidential vote. Both sides have raised concerns about intimidation and warned against voter fraud. About 7 million people are eligible to vote by 1 p.m. (0600 GMT), when polling stations close. Private pollsters, approved by the national elections commission, are expected to announce an unofficial tabulation of a sample of votes, known as "quick counts" within a few hours of polls closing. The elections commission is expected to announce official results by the first week of May. The loser, however, can contest the results in Constitutional Court, which could prolong political uncertainty for weeks. DEAD HEAT Several opinion surveys have showed the candidates in a statistical dead heat. President Widodo and his government have called for calm, unity, and a transparent election. To all the people of Indonesia ... do not be easily tempted by racial issues that weaken our nation, Widodo said on Tuesday. Dont be afraid to resist acts of intolerance and violence, no matter why it is carried out." Citing security concerns, police on Monday blocked plans by thousands of members of hardline Islamic groups, including those from outside the city, to stand guard at polling booths. Authorities in neighboring provinces on Java island have urged the public to refrain from non-essential travel to Jakarta. Police in Central Java raided private cars and public buses on Tuesday for sharp objects and explosives. We are making checks on public transport and suspicious individuals, said police spokesman Djarod Padakova. We are trying to prevent violence, and trying to prevent people from becoming victims or instigators. We will not allow movement of masses toward Jakarta. Incumbent governor Purnama is on trial for blasphemy over comments he made last year that many took to be insulting to Islam. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims took to the streets late last year to call for his sacking and to urge voters against electing a non-Muslim leader. Purnama faces up to five years in jail if convicted of blasphemy. His trial will resume on Thursday, when prosecutors will submit their sentence request. (Editing by Bill Tarrant and Robert Birsel)
By Noah Browning and Bozorgmehr Sharafedin MANAMA/DUBAI (Reuters) - At a wake in Iran's holy city of Qom in February, a small group of Bahraini emigres and clerics mourned a young militant killed in a gun battle with Bahrain's security forces. The eulogy was delivered by an exiled Bahraini cleric who has called for the island's Shi'ite Muslim majority to uproot the Sunni Al Khalifa monarchy in a holy war. The choice of resistance is widening and spreading on the ground, said the cleric, Murtada al-Sanadi, who has been named by the United States as a "specially designated global terrorist" backed by Iran. The ceremony shines a light on Iran's widening influence over an armed fringe of the opposition in Bahrain, a country with a strategic value that belies its small size. It hosts a U.S. naval base and is a close ally of Saudi Arabia, Iran's main regional rival. A quickening tempo of mostly crude bombing and shooting attacks has accompanied a government crackdown, which culminated last year in the dissolution of the main opposition bloc. The dead 29-year-old militant, Reda al-Ghasra, was shot and killed when security forces ambushed the speedboat carrying him and fellow fugitives at dawn on February 9. Ghasra had just a few weeks earlier escaped from a prison where he was serving a life sentence for terrorism. Ghasra's two brothers, both wanted on militant charges, also appeared at his wake in Qom. They played a recorded phone call of Reda saying his boat was on its way. The Bahraini government has asserted he was fleeing to Iran. A confidential assessment by Bahrain security officials, reviewed by Reuters, names Sanadi as the leader of the Ashtar Brigades, a militant group that has carried out bombings and shootings directed at the kingdom's police. In a statement online, the group hailed Ghasra as a "martyr commander" on his death. According to the security assessment, Sanadi tasked Ghasra with forming militant cells with Iranian help. Iran's foreign ministry called Bahraini government accusations that Iran had any role in supporting Sanadi or the Ashtar Brigades in violent acts "baseless and fabricated." Sanadi did not respond to requests for comment. SUPREME LEADER An uprising by some in Bahrain's Shi'ite majority was quelled in 2011 with the help of a Saudi intervention. Low-level protests followed. Clashes with police killed scores of activists and suspected militants, while Bahrain says 24 of its officers have been killed. Most clashes involve youths throwing rocks and molotov cocktails, but there has been a series of bombings in recent years. Opposition activists say these attacks show that a government crackdown is pushing Shiite youths into the arms of extremists. An analysis of years of statements by Bahrain's public prosecutor on Ashtar Brigades suspects suggests that the group operates in cells of fewer than 10 young men overseen by emigre militants like Sanadi based in Iran. Recruited on religious pilgrimages or study trips to Iran, Bahrain's prosecutor has said, the suspects were given weapons and explosives training in Iran or neighbouring Iraq. Iran denies the accusation. Sanadi has powerful allies in Iran, where he has lived since he went into exile in 2012. The official website of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei published an editorial by Sanadi in December accusing the U.S. of helping repress Shiite activism in Bahrain. The U.S. State Department put Sanadi on its proscribed "terrorist" list on March 17. His name appears alongside leaders in al Qaeda and Islamic State. The U.S. cited Sanadi's links to the Ashtar Brigades which, it said, "receives funding and support from the Government of Iran." Bahrain accuses Sanadi of having organized deadly attacks on police and smuggling arms from Iran. According to Bahraini security dossiers on Ghasra and Sanadi reviewed by Reuters, Bahraini authorities consider the Ashtar Brigades to be the armed wing of Sanadi's Islamic Wafa Movement, a political party that is banned in Bahrain. Wafa and the Ashtar Brigades did not respond to requests for comment about their relationship. A Wafa party representative contacted by Reuters agreed to relay questions to Sanadi but did not ultimately reply. Sanadi, the security documents say, receives funding from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and commissioned Ghasra to organize the military training of Bahraini militants in Iran by the IRGC and in Iraq by the Hezbollah Brigades militia. The Ashtar Brigades announced an alliance with the Iran-backed Hezbollah Brigades via an online statement in February. Sanadi spoke of his relationship with Ghasra in a communication to his followers on messaging app Telegram, dated in March and seen by Reuters. "I found him a lover of (Shi'ites), ready for the highest sacrifice and dedicated to the choice of resistance. Ghasra's brother Yasser, speaking to Reuters from Iran, acknowledged that his brother Reda was a fighter but denied he received Iranian help. He declined to comment on links between his brother and Sanadi. PROUD TO BE AN ENEMY Speaking to Iranian state TV channel al-Alam in March Sanadi said: "I'm proud that America considers me an enemy." While not commenting directly on the state department accusations, he said the U.S. was using "so-called terrorism and ... an imaginary danger they claim is coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran" to sell arms to Gulf allies and maintain influence. Sanadi is the only official of his party to have eluded a long-term jail sentence, though he spent six months behind bars amid 2011 protests on rioting charges. Six months later he departed legally for Iran. Chronicling his experiences in a prison manifesto called "Pain and Hope" published in Iran last year, he said he suffered torture and watched fellow detainees killed at the hands of Jordanian and other foreign officers he scorns as "mercenaries." Bahraini security officials denied to Reuters that Sanadi suffered torture in custody. There have been isolated abuses which have been investigated and addressed but this is not a systematic phenomenon, said one official In January, Sanadi called on Bahrain's opposition to abandon mostly peaceful protests in public squares and to take up arms. "From today and hereafter, the period has changed. We in the Islamic Wafa Movement announce that we have begun a new phase as a tribute to the martyrs: one grip on the squares and one grip on the trigger!" he said in a speech in Qom. Iran's promotion of Sanadi appears to point to an endorsement of his agenda. Next to an Iranian flag and a banner reading "Death to the House of Saud," referring to Saudi Arabias rulers, Sanadi delivered a sermon at Friday prayers in the country's most prestigious mosque in Qom in September - an exceptional honor. Sanadi also took to the main stage at a 2013 conference of Ahl al-Bayt, a Qom-based global fraternity of scholars founded by Khamenei in 1990. The meeting commemorated Bahrain's uprising. "We are truly thankful to the Iranians, especially the leader of all Muslims, Ayatollah Khamenei," Sanadi declared. For his part, Irans Supreme Leader in a speech last summer warned that Bahrain government moves against top opposition figures was removing an obstacle in front of the passionate, heroic Bahraini youth to fight against the ruling system. (edited by Janet McBride)
By Ulf Laessing MOSUL (Reuters) - Iraqi's army has built a new pontoon bridge over the Tigris river south of Mosul, after flooding had blocked all crossing points, opening an escape route for families fleeing fighting between government forces and Islamic State. On Friday, the army dismantled makeshift bridges linking the two parts of Mosul due to heavy rain, forcing residents leaving Iraq's second-largest city to use small boats. The city's permanent bridges have been largely destroyed during a six-month military campaign to seize back Mosul from the Sunni Muslim Islamists, which overran it in 2014. Long queues formed at the new bridge on Tuesday with families crossing in public buses, trucks and taxis. Aid shipments also resumed to the Hammam al-Alil camp, southwest of Mosul, the main arrival point for people fleeing the fighting. Deliveries from Erbil, located some 80 km (50 miles) east in peaceful Iraqi Kurdistan, where aid agencies are based, had stopped due to the flooding. "Everything is back to normal," said a spokeswoman for the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR. Some 20,000 people have escaped from Mosul in the past four days, fewer than before due to the lack of transport, the UNHCR said in a report. Almost 330,000 people have fled Mosul since Iraq started an operation to expel Islamic State in October. They were some of the around 400,000 people still in western Mosul where military forces are trying to dislodge the militants from the Old City. Fighting continued in the Old City where heavy smoke could be seen from the area of the Grand al-Nuri Mosque, from where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a "caliphate" spanning parts of Iraq and Syria. Aircraft, helicopter and artillery opened fire, while gunfire could also be heard at several positions of Iraq's federal police near the Old City. "They (Islamic State militants) carry out attacks on our defensive lines, but each time we repel them and they run away, leaving bodies of their dead fighters behind," Lieutenant Colonel Hussein Lazim Zghayer said of the force's 9th division. "Minutes ago, they launched an attack and we responded by shelling them with mortar rounds, killing two of them and their bodies were left in front of our defensive lines," he said. Government forces, including army, police and elite counter terrorism units have taken back most of Mosul, including the half that lies east of the Tigris river. The militants are now surrounded in northwestern Mosul, using booby traps, sniper and mortar fire against the assailants. (Editing by Alison Williams)
An Iraqi Christian who served a lengthy prison sentence for shooting a Michigan police officer is trying to stave off imminent deportation to Iraq, a country he left when he was five.

The case of Nahihd Shaou, a 55-year-old U.S. Army veteran who doesnt speak Arabic, could be a test of the Trump administrations resolve to expel immigrants with criminal backgrounds from the United States  even if deportation puts their lives at risk.

Shaou is a Chaldean Christian, a religious and ethnic minority in Iraq that is often vulnerable to kidnappings, torture, and killings by the Islamic State and local militias. His Western mannerisms and service in the U.S. military could also mark him as an easy target in Iraq, Shaou and his advocates said.

It will be much more dangerous for someone like myself in Iraq, said Shaou, speaking from a detention center in Louisiana. Id be more than a fish out of water.

In 1983, Shaou pleaded guilty to two armed robberies and shooting and wounding a police officer outside Detroit after robbing a McDonalds restaurant. He was 20-years-old at the time of his crime and had been recently honorably discharged from the Army for suffering PTSD after serving in South Koreas demilitarized zone. Shaou joined the U.S. Army when he was 17, and his applications for U.S. citizenship was put on hold when he was deployed overseas.

After serving a nearly 34-year prison sentence, he was scheduled to be deported Monday, but a last-minute ruling by the Board of Immigration Appeals granted his lawyer a sliver of time to argue that his client should not be returned to Iraq because of the risks of persecution.

If this is simply about his character and background then weve lost, Rich Kent, Shaous lawyer, said. But this is about the conditions we are sending people back to. We are imposing a death penalty through the backdoor.

The Obama administration worked aggressively to expel immigrants who committed violent or terror-related crimes. But in recent years, Iraqis like Shaou had a good chance of receiving temporary permission to remain in the United States because Iraq refused to accept deportees and the administration didnt push the issue. Iraqi ex-convicts were typically released under supervisory probation after serving their sentences, a policy that allowed them to live and work in the United States under a temporary status, as long as they checked in periodically with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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But Iraq recently reversed its policy on receiving deportees following outrage over Trumps inclusion of their country in his first immigration travel ban. In exchange for Iraqs removal from the list, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi agreed in March to start accepting Iraqi deportees. In addition to Shaou, around 300 Iraqi Christians around Detroit have been told they they are also likely to face deportation. It is not clear if they have criminal records.

The end of Shaous prison term also coincided with the Trump administrations stepped-up focus on deporting immigrants who have committed crimes. Past administrations traditionally considered the security situation in a home country before ordering deportations, said John Sandweg, a former acting director at ICE during the Obama administration.

It was not at all uncommon for us to exercise discretion on behalf of individuals even when they were a priority for deportation when they were likely to face persecution in their home countries, he told Foreign Policy.

A spokesperson for ICE said the same policy applies. The U.S. government provides each individual an opportunity to apply and be considered for all relief, he said.

But Trumps harder line on illegal immigration worries immigrant advocates who say the administration seems prepared to downplay such humanitarian concerns.

On the campaign trail, Trump, like other Republican candidates, expressed support for persecuted Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East. Yet its unclear whether that rhetorical support will extend to immigrants who committed serious crimes. Shaous case is complicated by the gravity of his crime.

The difficulty in the case lies in four words: He shot a cop, said Kent, Shaous lawyer.

The police officer, Michael Elliot, was shot in the chest. Now retired, he told The Detroit News he has no sympathy for Shaou. He made those choices, Elliott said.

Like many Iraqi Christian Chaldeans, Shaou rooted for Trump in the last election because of his support for the U.S. military, and comments supporting persecuted religious minorities in the Middle East. His case has left many of the 400,000 or so Iraqi Christian Americans wondering whether the new president will live up to his pledge to protect persecuted religious minorities.

Iraqi Chaldeans were promised Christians would be free, would be safe and secure, yet the policies say otherwise, James Elia, an advocate for Iraqi-American Chaldeans and a Democratic candidate for city council in El Cajon, Ca.

Advocates and family members argued that Shaou, with his service to the U.S. Army, long roots in the United States, and exemplary record in prison, deserves the same chance to start over in the United States as other inmates who served their sentences. They are pleading with lawmakers in Congress to draft a bill for humanitarian relief based on Shaous minority status in Iraq.

This was a serious crime but it was 34 years ago and I think that humans have the capacity to change. People should not be singularly defined by their worst action, said Tiara Shaya, Shaous niece, who lives in California.

Shaous family said they have not had any contact with the Iraqi government regarding his deportation, and dont have any family members in Iraq because the entire family are now American citizens.

Shaou said he regrets his crime every day. Yet he pleaded for an opportunity to redeem himself on U.S. soil instead of being sent to Iraq.

Im not a monster, Im a civilized compassionate human being that wants nothing more than a chance to prove myself and a chance to live whats left of my life, and a chance for my family to be happy again, he said.

This post was updated at 3:07 p.m. EST. Tiara Shaya said people should not be singularly defined by their worst action, not their actions.

Photo credit: JOHN MOORE/Getty Images
Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan vowed on Tuesday not to negotiate with hundreds of Palestinian detainees on the second day of a hunger strike led by popular leader Marwan Barghouti.

More than 1,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons launched the hunger strike on Monday, issuing a list of demands ranging from better medical services to access to telephones.

Issa Qaraqe, head of prisoner affairs for the Palestinian Authority, said on Monday that around 1,300 prisoners were on hunger strike and the number could rise.

The Palestinian Prisoners' Club had put the number at 1,500.

A spokesman for the Israel Prisons Service said around 1,100 prisoners started the hunger strike and roughly the same number were believed to be continuing on Tuesday.

Erdan vowed that Israeli authorities would not negotiate with the prisoners and said Barghouti had been moved to another prison and placed in solitary confinement.

"They are terrorists and incarcerated murderers who are getting what they deserve and we have no reason to negotiate with them," Erdan told army radio.

He said Barghouti had been placed in solitary confinement because calling for the hunger strike was against prison rules.

Some 6,500 Palestinians are currently detained by Israel for a range of offences and alleged crimes.

Of those, 62 are women and 300 are minors.

Some 500 are held under administrative detention, which allows for imprisonment without charge.

Palestinian prisoners have mounted repeated hunger strikes, but rarely on such a large scale.

Barghouti's call for the strike has given it added credibility, with the 57-year-old serving five life sentences over his role in the second Palestinian intifada or uprising.

He was convicted of attacks that killed five people.

He is popular among Palestinians, with polls suggesting he could win the Palestinian presidency.

"Decades of experience have proved that Israel's inhumane system of colonial and military occupation aims to break the spirit of prisoners and the nation to which they belong, by inflicting suffering on their bodies, separating them from their families and communities, using humiliating measures to compel subjugation," Barghouti wrote in a New York Times opinion piece.

"In spite of such treatment, we will not surrender to it."
Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel vowed on Tuesday not to negotiate with hundreds of Palestinian detainees on the second day of a hunger strike led by prominent prisoner and popular leader Marwan Barghouti.

More than 1,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons launched the hunger strike on Monday, issuing a list of demands ranging from better medical services to access to telephones.

Issa Qaraqe, head of prisoner affairs for the Palestinian Authority, said on Monday that around 1,300 prisoners were on hunger strike and the number could rise.

The Palestinian Prisoners' Club put the number at 1,500.

A spokesman for the Israel Prisons Service said around 1,100 prisoners started the hunger strike and roughly the same number were believed to be continuing on Tuesday.

Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan vowed that Israeli authorities would not negotiate with the prisoners and said Barghouti had been moved to another prison and placed in solitary confinement.

"They are terrorists and incarcerated murderers who are getting what they deserve and we have no reason to negotiate with them," Erdan told army radio.

He said Barghouti had been placed in solitary confinement because calling for the hunger strike was against prison rules.

Some 6,500 Palestinians are currently detained by Israel for a range of offences and alleged crimes.

Of those, 62 are women and 300 are minors.

Some 500 are held under administrative detention, which allows for imprisonment without charge.

Thirteen Palestinian lawmakers are also among the detainees.

- 'Will not surrender' -

Palestinian prisoners have mounted repeated hunger strikes, but rarely on such a large scale.

Barghouti's call for the strike has given it added credibility, with the 57-year-old serving five life sentences over his role in the second Palestinian intifada or uprising.

He was convicted of attacks that killed five people.

Barghouti is popular among Palestinians, with polls suggesting he could win the Palestinian presidency.

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Graffiti showing the iconic image of his cuffed hands raised above his head flashing a peace sign during his trial in 2003-4 has been daubed on walls across the occupied West Bank.

"Decades of experience have proved that Israel's inhumane system of colonial and military occupation aims to break the spirit of prisoners and the nation to which they belong, by inflicting suffering on their bodies, separating them from their families and communities, using humiliating measures to compel subjugation," Barghouti wrote in a New York Times opinion piece.

"In spite of such treatment, we will not surrender to it."

Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, saluted the "brave prisoners" on hunger strike.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas issued a statement on Monday calling on "the international community to save the lives of the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails."

- The Thatcher approach -

The start of the hunger strike coincided with Palestinian Prisoners Day.

Thousands of Palestinians demonstrated in support of the inmates.

It also comes ahead of commemorations this summer marking the 50th anniversary of Israel's occupation of the West Bank, including now annexed east Jerusalem, in the Six-Day War.

The hunger strike has met with harsh criticism from members of Israel's right-wing government.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not comment directly on the protest, but on Tuesday called Barghouti an "arch-terrorist".

Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said he wanted to take the approach of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who publicly refused to accede to the demands of IRA hunger strikers in 1981, 10 of whom died.

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked told television that authorities "would not hesitate to implement the law which authorises the force-feeding of detainees".

The law voted in 2015 concerns hunger strikers whose life is deemed in danger.

The United Nations said Tuesday it was following the situation closely.

"We are obviously aware of the situation and following the developments closely," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, urging all parties to "exercise maximum restraint".

While many Palestinians view Barghouti as a hero, Israelis point to the bloody suicide attacks of the second intifada of 2000-2005 and his role in the uprising.

For Palestinians, the prisons have become a stark symbol of Israel's occupation. Barghouti refused to defend himself at his trial and did not recognise the court's legitimacy.

Some Israeli analysts have sought to highlight the rivalry between Barghouti and Abbas within their Fatah party, suggesting that his call for a hunger strike was also related to internal politics.

Those close to Barghouti have dismissed such suggestions.

Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since a US-led initiative collapsed three years ago.

Abbas is due to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington for the first time in the coming weeks as the White House seeks a way forward with peace efforts.
iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- The U.S. Supreme has denied a challenge to carry out the first execution in Arkansas in 12 years according to a report from The Washington Post.



According to the report, Arkansas was set to carry out a string of executions in a short period of time -- eight over 11 days -- a number unseen in the modern era.



The state and death-row inmates engaged in legal battles over whether or not the executions would take place in that 11-day window.



Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) argued that one of the state's lethal drugs was soon to expire, so the executions needed to take place because they may not be able to replace it.



Lawyers representing the inmates praised the decision of the Arkansas Supreme Court to stay, or temporarily suspend, the executions.



Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge filed a motion to have the stay in one case vacated, and the high court rejected the request to vacate without explanation.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
(SHANGHAI) - On April 6, Ivanka Trumps company won provisional approval from the Chinese government for three new trademarks, giving it monopoly rights to sell Ivanka brand jewelry, bags and spa services in the worlds second-largest economy. That night, the first daughter and her husband, Jared Kushner, sat next to the president of China and his wife for a steak and Dover sole dinner at Mar-a-Lago.

The scenario underscores how difficult it is for Trump, who has tried to distance herself from the brand that bears her name, to separate business from politics in her new position at the White House.

As the first daughter crafts a political career from her West Wing office, her brand is flourishing, despite boycotts and several stores limiting her merchandise. U.S. imports, almost all of them from China, shot up an estimated 166% last year, while sales hit record levels in 2017. The brand, which Trump still owns, says distribution is growing. It has launched new activewear and affordable jewelry lines and is working to expand its global intellectual property footprint. In addition to winning the approvals from China, Ivanka Trump Marks LLC applied for at least nine new trademarks in the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Canada and the U.S. after the election.

The commercial currents of the Trump White House are unprecedented in modern American politics, ethics lawyers say. They have created an unfamiliar landscape riven with ethical pitfalls, and forced consumers and retailers to wrestle with the unlikely passions now inspired by Ivanka Trumps mid-market collection of ruffled blouses, shifts and wedges.

Using the prestige of government service to build a brand is not illegal. But criminal conflict of interest law prohibits federal officials, like Trump and her husband, from participating in government matters that could impact their own financial interest or that of their spouse. Some argue that the more her business broadens its scope, the more it threatens to encroach on the ability of two trusted advisers to deliver credible counsel to the president on core issues like trade, intellectual property, and the value of the Chinese currency.

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Put the business on hold and stop trying to get trademarks while youre in government, advised Richard Painter, who served as chief White House ethics lawyer under George W. Bush.

To address ethical concerns, Trump has shifted the brands assets to a family-run trust valued at more than $50 million and pledged to recuse herself from issues that present conflicts.

Ivanka will not weigh in on business strategy, marketing issues, or the commercial terms of agreements, her attorney, Jamie Gorelick, said in a statement. She has retained authority to direct the trustees to terminate agreements that she determines create a conflict of interest or the appearance of one.

In a recent interview with CBS News, Trump argued that her business would be doing even better if she hadnt moved to Washington and placed restrictions on her team to ensure that any growth is done with extreme caution.

China, however, remains a nagging concern. Ivanka has so many China ties and conflicts, yet she and Jared appear deeply involved in China contacts and policy. I would never have allowed it, said Norman Eisen, who served as chief White House ethics lawyer under Barack Obama. For their own sake, and the countrys, Ivanka and Jared should consider stepping away from China matters.

Instead, the first daughter and her husband have emerged as prominent interlocutors with China, where they have both had significant business ties. Last year, Kushner pursued hundreds of millions of dollars in real estate investments from Anbang Insurance Group, a financial conglomerate with close ties to the Chinese state. After media reports about the deal, talks were called off.

Publicly, Ivanka has taken a gracious, charming approach toward Beijing. During the Mar-a-Lago meetings, her daughter, 5-year-old Arabella stood in a gilded room and sang a traditional Chinese song, in Mandarin, for Chinas President, Xi Jinping. The video, which was lavishly praised by Chinese state media, played over 2.2 million times on Chinas popular news portal qq.com.

The week of the summit, 3.4 tons of Ivanka Trump handbags, wallets and blouses arrived in the U.S. from Hong Kong and Shanghai. U.S. imports of her merchandise grew an estimated 40% in the first quarter of this year, according to Panjiva Inc., which maintains and analyzes global shipping records.

Painter, the former Bush administration lawyer, recommended full recusal from issues related to trade with China. That is likely to be difficult because trade is so deeply embedded in the US-China relationship and has been linked with other matters, like North Korea.

The danger is that with any discussion with the Chinese, one party or the other may try to bring up trade, he said. Thats a slippery slope that may require her or Jared to step out of the room.

Gorelick, Ivanka Trumps attorney, said that Ivanka and her husband would steer clear of specific areas that could impact her business, or be seen as conflicts of interest, but are under no legal obligation to step back from huge swaths of policy, like trade with China.

Under the rules, Trump would recuse herself from conversations about duties on clothing imported from China, Gorelick said, but not broad foreign policy.

In between, you have to assess it case-by-case, she said.

Trademarks can be signs of corporate ambition, though many countries - such as China, where trademark squatting is rampant - also allow for defensive filings to prevent copycats from using a brand.

Trademarks pose ethical, and possibly legal, implications for government employees because they are granted by foreign states and confer the monopoly right to sell branded product in a particular country - an entitlement that can be enormously valuable. Intellectual property lawyers say trademarks are also a crucial prerequisite for cutting licensing deals, which form the basis of both Ivanka and Donald Trumps global business strategy.

Today, Ivanka Trump Marks LLC has 16 registered trademarks in China and 32 pending applications, along with a total of four marks granted preliminary approval since the inauguration, according to Chinas Trademark Office. Altogether, they cover a wide range of goods and services, including cosmetics, jewelry, leather handbags, luggage, clothes, shoes, retail, spa and beauty services. There is no sign the recent approvals were particularly swift. Chinas Trademark Office did not respond to a request for comment.

Globally, the company has more than 180 pending and registered trademarks in countries including Canada, India, Japan, Israel, Mexico, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, as well as the U.S. and Europe, public records show. In December, the company applied for five trademarks, covering handbags and wallets in Puerto Rico, and lingerie and other clothes in the U.S. After the inauguration, the company filed four more applications, for branded clothing and shoes in the Philippines, and perfume and other items in Canada.

Trump did not sign off on the new trademark applications, her brand said in a statement, adding that they are not necessarily an indication that the brand is planning to launch a category or a store in a specific territory.

Whatever the future plans, right now sales are growing - helped, some argue, by the glow of Ivanka Trumps political rise.

The G-III Apparel Group Ltd., which makes Ivanka Trump clothes, said net sales for the collection increased by $17.9 million during the year that ended Jan. 31.

The brand itself claims revenues rose 21% last year, with early February seeing some of the best performance ever, according to a statement by Abigail Klem, president of the Ivanka Trump brand. Because it is privately held, the brand does not have to declare its earnings or where revenues come from. The actual corporate structure of Trumps retail business remains opaque. Kushners financial disclosure form lists two dozen corporate entities that appear directly related to his wifes brand. Trump herself has yet to file a disclosure.

Data from Lyst, a massive fashion e-commerce platform, indicates some of this growth coincided with specific political events.

The number of Ivanka Trump items sold through Lyst was 46% higher the month her father was elected president than in November 2015. Sales spiked 771% in February over the same month last year, after White House counselor Kellyanne Conway exhorted Fox viewers to Go buy Ivankas stuff. Conway was later reprimanded. The bounce appears somewhat sustained. March sales on Lyst were up 262% over the same period last year.

You cant separate Ivanka from her role in life and from her business, said Allen Adamson, founder of BrandSimpleConsulting. Her celebrity status is now not only being fueled by her wealth and her family connection, but by her huge role in the White House. All that buzz is hardwired to her products. That, he added, is a competitive advantage other brands just cant match - though it does come with risk.

Things could easily cut the other way for the first daughter. Ashley King, 28 of Calabasas, California, bought Ivanka Trump black flats and a cardigan several years ago. But King, who voted for Hillary Clinton, said she believes Trumps role in the White House represents a conflict of interest.

This is bothering me more and more, she said. As for the Ivanka Trump items in her closet, she said, I will be donating them.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
By Tom Allard and Gayatri Suroyo JAKARTA (Reuters) - Jakarta voters head to the polls on Wednesday to elect a governor for Indonesia's teeming capital after a campaign that incited political and religious tensions in the world's most-populous Muslim country. Surveys have shown the race tightening to a statistical dead heat, with incumbent Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, an ethnic Chinese Christian, closing in on rival Anies Baswedan, a former education minister. Purnama is standing trial on blasphemy charges stemming from the divisive campaign that also featured mass rallies led by Islamist hardliners and alleged plots to overthrow President Joko Widodo, who is popularly known as Jokowi. The Jakarta election is viewed as a larger choice ahead of a 2019 presidential poll between the secular policies Indonesia has practiced since its post-World War Two independence and a hardline political Islam that has strengthened in recent years. "This is a test case for Indonesian pluralism, if it can withstand the pressure of the religious groups, the populists," said Wimar Witoelar, a political analyst and an adviser to former Indonesian president Abdurrahman Wahid. "Indonesia is at a crossroads, and I mean Indonesia, not just Jakarta." A survey conducted April 12-14 by polling firm Indikator showed Anies with 48.2 percent support versus 47.4 percent for Purnama, with 4.4 percent undecided. WORRIES ABOUT BACKLASH The business community is worried about a possible violent backlash from the losing side in the election, which could affect the investment climate and endanger Widodo's fit-and-start economic reforms. Southeast Asia's biggest economy grew 5.2 percent in 2016 and the government expects a repeat of that this year.[nJ9N1FN01U] Indonesian stocks <.JKSE> are up 12.6 percent on the year, making the Jakarta market one of Asia's best performers . Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, chief executive officer of the country's largest state bank, Bank Mandiri, said in an interview that whoever won "we (should) make sure it doesn't affect any of the long-term policies, especially on the openness and ... ease of doing business and attracting investment." Purnama, who replaced Widodo in 2014 as Jakarta governor after serving as his deputy, saw his popularity soar as he tackled decrepit infrastructure, chronic flooding and endemic corruption in the traffic-clogged city of over 10 million. His support plunged after an edited video circulated last September suggesting Purnama had mocked a verse in the Koran used by his opponents to argue Muslims should not vote for a person holding different religious beliefs. Amid two rallies last year that drew hundreds of thousands of protesters, Purnama was charged with blasphemy, forcing him to make regular appearances in court during the campaign. The hardline Islamists behind the rallies - led by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), a group known for attacks on religious minorities and extorting money from nightclubs - were cultivated by Purnama's rivals. Baswedan was accused of betraying his moderate Islamic roots when he met and sang with FPI leader Habib Rizieq, who was twice imprisoned for inciting violence in 2003 and 2008. Purnama recovered to win the first round on Feb. 15 with 43 percent of the vote, compared to 40 percent for Baswedan and 17 percent for Agus Yudhoyono, son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who drew support from conservative Muslims. CHINESE PLOTS The FPI was among groups circulating hoax news stories on social media during the campaign of a pending invasion of Chinese workers and Chinese plots to decimate Indonesia's crops with contaminated chili The FPI has vowed to stage further protests and a "revolution" if Purnama wins, according to flyers circulated by the group. A senior government official said a victory for Purnama could reignite religious tensions and China-baiting at a time when the government is chasing Chinese investment for much-needed infrastructure. "I worry that if a sizeable portion of the electorate feels cheated there could be a very serious backlash," said the official, who asked for anonymity to speak freely about the political climate in Indonesia. However, political analyst Tobias Basuki also saw risks for the national government and its reform agenda if Baswedan won, given plans by his political patron Prabowo Subianto to challenge Widodo in the 2019 presidential poll. Baswedan was Widodo's campaign manager in the 2014 presidential election, when he beat Subianto. But Widodo sacked him as education minister last year. "Anies and Prabowo controlling Jakarta would impede Jokowi every step of the way," Basuki said. (Additional reporting by Eveline Danubrata and John Chalmers; Editing by Bill Tarrant)
Japan will prepare to send troops to the Korean peninsula to protect its nationals there if a crisis requires their evacuation, its defence chief reportedly said Tuesday.

The remarks by Defence Minister Tomomi Inada came as fears grow over North Korea, which is believed to be on the verge of a sixth nuclear test and has threatened to launch missile tests "every week".

But her statement in parliament reported by Jiji Press and public broadcaster NHK is likely to be controversial in South Korea.

There memories of Japan's brutal colonial occupation from 1910-1945 have hindered relations and the possibility of Japanese troops on its soil would likely cause anger.

Inada, a noted hawk who supports a bigger role for Japan's military, said that the country would be ready to mobilise its troops if Japanese needed to be evacuated "but have difficulties in leaving via private means of transportation".

Inada said such a dispatch of troops is allowed under Japanese law, which also requires the consent of the related country.

Japan's constitution renounces the right to wage war and the country's military is limited to self defence in the strictest sense.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, however, is pushing to expand the military's role and legislation was passed in 2015 that could see troops engage in overseas combat for the first time since the end of World War II.

Inada's comments came as US Vice President Mike Pence arrived in Japan after visiting South Korea, the first leg of his Asian tour, and observed the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas.

Pence met Abe on Tuesday, reiterating Washington's commitment to their decades-old alliance.
Amid growing tensions in the Korean Peninsula, Japan is contemplating the deployment of its Self-Defense Forces in case North Koreas missiles land in its territorial waters, according to local reports Tuesday.

The countrys law over security threats is classified into three categories  the possibility of military aggression, obvious threat of military aggression and military aggression. At a time of mounting nuclear and missile threat from North Korea, the Japanese government wants to recognize Pyongyangs missile fall in Japans territorial waters as an obvious threat of military aggression, in which the deployment of troops is allowed, Sputnik reported citing the Japanese language Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper.

There have been several instances when Pyongyangs missiles have reportedly splashed into Japanese waters angering the East Asian nation. Tokyo has maintained its opposition to the Norths nuclear and missile progress.

On Monday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said his country will maintain high alert following the Norths failed ballistic missile launch Sunday.

Under the current stringent circumstances, we will maintain a high level of alert and take all possible measures, Abe said at a House of Representatives committee meeting. Through close cooperation with the United States, South Korea, China and Russia, Japan will strongly demand North Korea refrain from provocative acts and abandon its nuclear and missile programs.

On Sunday, Pyongyang test-fired a missile but the launch resulted in failure as the projectile blew up almost immediately, according to the U.S. military. The missile launch was the third this year with the reclusive country firing a medium-range ballistic missile into the East Sea in February and test-launching four ballistic missiles as a part of exercises targeting U.S. military bases in Japan.

Separately, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is heading to Tokyo on Tuesday to reaffirm the security ties with the country. According to Mainichi Times, the Japanese prime minister would bring talks about stepping up its Self-Defense Forces coordination with the U.S. military during his meeting with Pence.

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(SALT LAKE CITY) - Complaints keep pouring in about a Utah judge who called a convicted rapist a good man during his sentencing hearing. But the chances of the judge being punished appear slim because his remarks dont seem to fit within any of the five forms of judicial misconduct that would trigger reprimands, one expert said.

At least four of these categories of misconduct dont apply to Judge Thomas Lows remarks, Paul Cassell, a professor of criminal law at the University of Utah, said Monday. The fifth category would only apply if officials determined that his comments were damaging to the administration of justice, which is difficult to prove, Cassell said.

Last week, Low sentenced Keith Robert Vallejo, a former Mormon bishop, to up to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of 10 counts of forcible sexual abuse and one count of object rape.

The judge is now facing a deluge of complaints after saying during the hearing, The court has no doubt that Mr. Vallejo is an extraordinarily good man .... But great men sometimes do bad things.

Utahs Judicial Conduct Commission is tasked with investigating judges who receive complaints. It can then make a recommendation to the states Supreme Court about whether the judge should be reprimanded or removed.

Democrat Rep. Brian King, the commissions chair, said the group looks into every complaint it receives, but such information is confidential. If the commission decides to conduct an investigation, it could take months, he said.

A Utah LGBT-rights group, Restore our Humanity, plans to file a complaint with the commission against the judge later this week. Mark Lawrence said the group has identified a handful of reasons the judge should be sanctioned, including bias and a lack of independence.

The judges remarks are exactly the type of things that make it difficult for victims and survivors of sexual abuse to come forward, Lawrence said. It was completely outlandish for him to say that.

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Jennifer Yim, a representative from another state judicial oversight commission, said the group has received in total 120 emails, phone calls and Facebook messages about Low since late March, when the judge came under scrutiny for letting Vallejo out of custody after his conviction. But the vast majority of them have come since Lows remarks at Vallejos sentencing hearing.

Yim said on average her organization receives about two or three comments about judges each week, so this is an extraordinary number.

She wouldnt say whether or not these were all complaints, but she said: Itd be pretty unlikely that people would write to praise him.

Low declined comment through a spokesman who said judges arent supposed to comment on cases that are still pending.

The sexual abuse occurred in Provo, a Mormon stronghold that is home to Brigham Young University. Low attended the school, where almost all students are Mormon, but it is not clear whether he is a member of the faith.

In the faith, bishops are regular church members who lead their congregations for four to five years. The position is unpaid and part of the religions lay clergy structure that makes it different from many other religions.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
The number of babies born in Puerto Rico with microcephaly and other birth defects caused by the Zika virus appears to be unexpectedly low  so low that experts are beginning to question whether the actual count is being significantly underreported by authorities on the island.

As Zika surged across the Americas last year, US health authorities warned that Puerto Rico was facing a perfect storm  and braced for a large number of pregnancies affected by the virus.

But, to date, Puerto Rico has reported only 16 cases of congenital defects associated with Zika, even though more than 3,300 pregnant women are known to have contracted the virus and several times that number are believed to have been infected.

By contrast, US states and the District of Columbia, where the threat posed by Zika was thought to be much lower overall, have registered congenital defects in 63 fetuses or newborns among 1,300 pregnant women who have contracted the Zika virus.

Read more: Scientists begin mid-stage trial of Zika vaccine for first time

Some observers believe Puerto Rico, which is heavily dependent on tourism, is downplaying the scale of its Zika problem.

Puerto Ricos not escaping this. Theyre just hiding, one former US official said of the situation. The individual, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said months ago it was clear dozens and dozens of babies in Puerto Rico bore the hallmarks of Zika damage. But territorial health officials declined to label most of them cases of Zika congenital syndrome.

Theyre kind of in denial about what the problem is, the former official said. And six months, a year, two years from now there will be all these babies who arent learning and all these problems that will come to light.

Puerto Ricos health department did not respond to a request for comment, nor did its top epidemiologist.

Last October, without fanfare, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stopped reporting the outcomes of pregnancies in US territories in which women had been infected with Zika. Without providing details, the agency simply said that Puerto Rico wasnt counting cases the same way.

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CDC is using a consistent case inclusion criteria to monitor brain abnormalities and other adverse pregnancy outcomes potentially related to Zika virus infection during pregnancy in the US states and territories. Puerto Rico is not using the same inclusion criteria, the CDC website states.

Dr. Margaret Honein, chief of the CDCs birth defect branch and a senior member of the agencys Zika response team, said an agreement between the agency and other jurisdictions that contribute to its Zika pregnancy registries prevented her from providing specific details about how Puerto Ricos case definition varies from the CDCs without the explicit permission of authorities there.

We have an ongoing collaboration with Puerto Rico department of health, she said. And we have ongoing discussions about working to align our case definitions. But at this time were not fully aligned.

Last August researchers from the Puerto Rico health department and the CDC published a study predicting that Zikas first wave of activity would strike a large number of pregnancies there, based on analyses factoring in the percentage of the population thought to be infected and the number of pregnant women on the island.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, projected that between 100 and 270 babies with Zika-induced microcephaly would be born between mid-2016 and the same time in 2017.

That study didnt forecast figures for a host of other birth defects that Zika is known to cause but that are not always readily apparent shortly after birth, including destruction of brain tissue, damage to newborns optical nerves, and partial or total hearing loss.

A more recent study from the CDC mined the US Zika pregnancy registry to try to get a clearer picture of how often infections in pregnancy lead to birth defects in infants.

According to that study, 5 percent of babies born to women with confirmed or suspected Zika infection during pregnancy had Zika-related birth defects; when the researchers only included women with confirmed Zika infection, the rate was 10 percent.

And when confirmed infection occurred in the first trimester of pregnancy  when the risk Zika poses to a developing fetal brain is highest  15 percent babies born or fetuses lost had Zika-related defects.

Read more: Obama administration declares Zika public health emergency in Puerto Rico

Its not possible to perform the same calculations for Puerto Rico. The health departments weekly report does not indicate how many of the 3,356 pregnancies with confirmed Zika infections have been completed.

Questions about Puerto Ricos Zika birth defects count have started to appear in local newspapers. A former health secretary, Dr. Johnny Rullan, described the situation as Puerto Ricos Zika baby puzzle in a recent column in the San Juan newspaper, Nuevo Dia.

When Zika first hit Puerto Rico, Rullan was brought in to advise the government on how to handle the new threat. He quit after the territorial government, under pressure from residents, rejected a plan to conduct aerial spraying to tamp down populations of the mosquitos that transmit Zika.

In the column, Rullan suggested there was evidence pointing toward substantially more births affected by Zika than have been reported. He urged the health department to follow up on babies born to women who may have been infected with Zika, because it needs to plan to deliver services to the affected children.

If we do not identify them early, we can not give them the benefit of early interventions to avoid the ton of rehabilitation, he wrote.

When contacted by STAT, Rullan declined to comment further, saying it was up to the Puerto Rican health department to respond to the questions he raised.

I recommend you get the PR health officials to react to it! Rullan said. You have to ask them!

Dr. Jose Cordero, a professor of public health at the University of Georgia who has been tracking Zika-related birth defects as part of an international study, offered a possible explanation for why Puerto Rico is reporting such a low number of affected pregnancies.

Cordero said the CDC has been casting a broad net for possible signs of damage by the virus, including in the offspring of all women infected during pregnancy if theres any sign of the types of birth defects associated with Zika.

That doesnt appear to be the way health authorities in Puerto Rico are counting cases, he said.

Cordero said he was recently invited to a Zika issues planning meeting on the island. There he heard Dr. Miguel Valencia, director of the health departments division for infants with special medical needs, describe the case definition Puerto Rico is using to identify Zika birth defect cases.

As I understand the conversations that I had with Dr. Valencia he was going in the opposite direction [of the CDC]  that the child must have microcephaly before hes considered to be affected, Cordero said.

Cordero called Valencia the keeper of all those numbers. And hes certainly keeping them very close to his vest.

Valencia did not respond to a request for comment.

Does Cordero believe Puerto Ricos official report on Zika-affected infants represents the true number in Puerto Rico? I dont know. I dont know the answer to that, he said. I think that one has to be intrigued in terms of the differences.

Cordero said part of the problem may relate to the number of challenges Puerto Rico is facing. The islands finances are in dire straits, making Zika only one of several major issues the territorial government must address.

The economic situation has also led to the migration of Puerto Ricans elsewhere. Some women who know theyre going to give birth to a baby with Zika birth defects or who have done so in Puerto Rico may move to the US mainland in the hope of accessing better services for the child, Cordero said. That could also contribute to a lower-the-expected count of affected pregnancies on the island.

There are many variables here, Cordero said.
US actor Kevin Spacey has signed on host the 71st Tony Awards, to be held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City in June.

The star, famous for his quirky characters in films such as "The Usual Suspects" and "American Beauty", as well as his turn as politician-turned-US-president Francis Underwood in the popular TV series "House of Cards", will take over from James Corden, who hosted the ceremony last year.

Despite being best known for his film and TV work, Spacey  a Tony winner himself  has a long history in theatre, having won the Tony award in 1991 for his performance in "Lost in Yonkers" and, most recently, wrapped up an 11-year tenure as the artistic director of the Old Vic in London (via Variety).

This latest real-life role will see the actor  also a double Oscar winner  emcee the Tony ceremony, which celebrates the best shows on Broadway, when the prizes are handed out on June 11.
Steve Stephens, the man who allegedly killed a grandfather of 14 and posted a video of the murder to Facebook, committed suicide in Pennsylvania Tuesday, police have confirmed.

Pennsylvania State Police confirmed his death in a Twitter post Tuesday that read: "Steve Stephens was spotted this morning by PSP members in Erie County. After a brief pursuit, Stephens shot and killed himself."

Police also reported his suicide, saying he was driving a white Ford Fusion that was being following by officers.

Read: Hear the Chilling 911 Calls After Shooting of Beloved Grandfather on Facebook Video

As news of his suicide spread, new details of Stephens' life are being revealed. He was a social worker at a children's facility in Cleveland, Ohio, and was wearing his ID when he committed the murder.

In another chilling video posted online, he said, I got a lot of built-in anger and frustration, man."

In the video, Stephens can be seen at a firing range, practicing his aim.

We getting ready! he exclaims.

Stephens mentioned his college fraternity  Omega Psi Phi  in the Facebook videos. His former fraternity brothers are speaking out.

"We lift our sincere and heartfelt prayers and condolences of comfort to the families impacted by the recent shooting in Cleveland," fraternity member Antonio F. Knox Sr. told Cleveland.com.

Stephens' ex-girlfriend, Joy Lane, is also speaking out. She was named by the killer in those chilling videos, and Stephens commanded 74-year-old Robert Godwin Sr. to say her name before fatally shooting him Sunday.

Today is the Easter Sunday Joy Lane massacre! Stephens said in the video.

She is now in hiding for her own safety. In a statement, she said: "I am sorry that all this has happened. My heart and prayers go out to the family members of the victim."

She also described Stephens as "a really nice guyHe is generous with everyone he knows. He was kind and loving to me and my children."

Story continues

Read: $50G Reward Offered for Alleged Killer in Facebook Murder as Cops Extend Manhunt

She said she dated 37-year-old Stephens for several years and they were living together until last Friday. The break-up apparently triggered the slaying.

Stephens said in a video, I was living over there with her. Just woke up Friday. I couldn't take it no more. I just left."

"She's the reason that this is about to happen to you," the shooter tells Godwin in the video, according to multiple reports.

Godwin was picked at random, shot to death for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Stephens also claims to have killed 13 others, but police say they have no evidence that he is a serial killer.

I killed 13 so I am working on 14 as we speak, he said.

Before he was found dead, Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams had said a detective actually spoke with Stephens, asking him to surrender.

We did have contact with him, direct contact with our detectives. They tried to of course [to] convince him to turn himself in."

Watch: Author of President Trump Manifesto Arrested After Manhunt

Related Articles:
A suspected killer who police say fatally shot an elderly man in Cleveland and published the gruesome video of the murder on Facebook is still on the lam as authorities on Monday widened a search for him to include the entire country.

The crime, which authorities have condemned as heinous and senseless, has left at least one family grieving and has put local communities on edge. Police pledged to hunt nonstop for suspect Steve Stephens. Were not going to stop until hes in custody, Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said at a news conference Monday.

Heres what to know about the suspect and the incident:

Steve Stephens / Photo courtesy Cleveland Police

What happened?

Cleveland police and the FBI are on the hunt for Stephens, 37, who allegedly shot and killed a 74-year-old man at random Sunday, recorded the murder and then published the video on his Facebook page. The footage, which Facebook has since removed, shows Stephens approaching Robert Godwin Sr. and asking his victim to say a womans name. Shes the reason that this is about to happen to you, Stephens tells Godwin before gunning him down.

In another video, Stephens can be seen calmly telling somebody over the phone that he killed more than a dozen others. However, only one victim has been confirmed as of Monday morning, Williams said.

Joy Lane, the woman who Stephens mentioned in the video, told TIME that shes overwhelmed by the violence. I feel bad for all the families affected. He was a really good guy. Hes been fabulous to me, she said, declining to comment further.

Where is the suspect?

Authorities do not know where Stephens may be hiding but have expanded their search nationwide and have offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. This is what we consider a national search, Williams said. We are not going to leave any stone unturned.

We definitely want to get it resolved as fast as possible, Williams added. The victims family, they deserve that.

The FBI is assisting in the investigation. Peter Elliott, the U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio, said he was very optimistic that Stephens would be captured pretty quickly. Were going to make this individuals world very, very, very small, Elliott said.

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Who is the suspect?

Stephens works as a case manager at Beech Brook, which is an Ohio-based behavioral health agency that serves children and families, according to the Associated Press. Williams said Stephens has a lot of traffic violations but no criminal record. Stephens is also affiliated with the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, the AP reports. Beech Brook spokeswoman Nancy Kortemeyer said in a statement to the AP that the agency was shocked and horrified by the killing.

Stephens is considered armed and dangerous and appears to have deep, deep issues, Williams said. The woman who is mentioned in the video is safe in an undisclosed location, according to police. She is among several people who have cooperated with authorities in the investigation.

Investigators were able to have a brief phone conversation with Stephens early in the investigation, Williams said. Authorities urged the suspect to turn himself in for the heinous crime.

Stephens is wanted on an aggravated murder charge. The 6-foot-1 man was last seen wearing a dark blue and grey or black striped polo shirt and driving a white Ford Fusion.

Who is the victim?

Godwin was a retired foundry worker who is survived by nine children, 14 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, one of his sons told Cleveland.com. Godwin often collected cans on the street, Robert Godwin Jr. said. Godwin Jr. said he saw his father Sunday morning, hours before the fatal shooting. He hugged my wife and me and said Ill see you guys next time, the son recalled.

Godwin Jr. said he hasnt been able to summon the strength to watch the video of his fathers shooting death. I dont really want to see it, he said.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
A federal judge has ruled that Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach must reveal the document he brought into a meeting with then-President-elect Donald Trump on November 20th during the presidential transition.

Kobach must turn over the document by Wednesday, the order states. Kobach had initially objected to producing the documents.

During the presidential transition, Kobach, who was under consideration to serve in Trumps cabinet and was advising him on immigration policy, was seen heading into a meeting with the then-President elect November 20th at one of the Trump properties with a partially obscured document. An Associated Press photographer captured part of the document.

A reporter from the Topeka Capital-Journal examined the photo and determined the document proposed questioning what Kobach viewed as high risk immigrants on their support for sharia law. The first point in the document, according to the Capital-Journal, is to Bar the Entry of Potential Terrorists.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
Kuwait was set to begin questioning on Tuesday of a suspected Islamic State group jihadist deported from the Philippines as it remanded four relatives in custody, the emirate's media reported.

Hussein al-Dhafiri was arrested in an upscale district of Manila late last month along with his Syrian wife Rahaf Zina on suspicion of being members of IS and of planning attacks in both countries.

He was deported to Kuwait on Friday to stand trial in his home country on charges of membership of a banned organisation and of plotting attacks.

His wife, whom he married after her high-ranking IS commander husband was killed in Syria, remains in custody in the Philippines pending deportation to Qatar, from where she entered the islands.

Judicial authorities in Kuwait have remanded four relatives of Dhafiri in custody for 21 days pending further inquiries, Al-Qabas newspaper reported.

They face similar charges to Dhafiri, the paper added.

Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said on Thursday that Dhafiri was suspected of manufacturing explosives and of possible operational planning against Kuwait.

Washington believed he could "pose a threat to the national security of the Philippines," Aguirre added.

A statement issued by the Kuwaiti embassy in Manila on Friday said evidence was obtained by the emirate's security services that Dhafiri was "planning to carry out terroristic attacks in the State of Kuwait."

Kuwaiti courts have handed down multiple convictions on charges of IS membership or financing. Some of the defendants have been found guilty of fighting with the jihadists in Iraq or Syria. All have received lengthy jail sentences.

In June 2015, a Saudi blew himself up in a Shiite mosque in Kuwait City, killing 26 worshippers in an attack claimed by the Sunni extremists that was the deadliest in the emirate's history.
By Tom James (Reuters) - An asteroid more than a quarter mile (400 meters) wide will pass close to Earth on Wednesday, zooming by at a distance of just over a million miles (1.8 million km), but with no chance of impact, according to NASA scientists. Smaller asteroids routinely make closer passes to Earth, but 2014 J025, discovered in May 2014, will be the largest asteroid to come this near to the planet since 2004, flying by at only about 4.6 times the distance from the Earth to the Moon, 1.1 million miles (1.8 million km). "We know the time that the object is going to be closest within seconds, and the distance is known within hundreds of kilometers (miles)," Davide Farnocchia, a mathematician at NASA's Near-Earth Object program, said by telephone on Tuesday. Having several years of data on the asteroid's trajectory gives scientists the ability to predict its path very confidently, he added. The asteroid, estimated to be between one-quarter and three-quarters of a mile (600-1,400 meters) wide and twice as reflective as the Moon, won't be visible to the naked eye, but sky watchers should be able to view it with home telescopes for one or two nights starting on Wednesday. The approach of J025 will be the asteroid's closest for at least the next 500 years. In 2004, the 3.1-mile (5-km) wide asteroid Toutatis passed about four lunar distances, or just under a million miles (1.6 million km) from Earth. Amateur astronomers may be watching J025's journey, but Farnocchia said he and his colleagues have moved on to tracking even closer encounters, such as asteroid 1999 AN10, a half-mile (800-meter) wide rock predicted to pass only 236,000 miles (380,000 km) from Earth, or slightly less than the distance to the Moon, in 2027. (Reporting by Tom James in Seattle; Editing by Patrick Enright and Sandra Maler)
TOKYO (AP)  The Latest on U.S. Vice President Mike Pence's trip to Asia (all times local):

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3:40 p.m.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso are kicking off a new U.S.-Japan economic dialogue that was launched during Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's meeting with President Donald Trump in the U.S. in February.

As talks began Tuesday, Aso said the U.S.-Japan alliance has underpinned peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and that trade friction with the U.S. has given way to an "age of cooperation."

Pence said Trump sees the talks as a way to improve business ties with Japan and is hoping for quick results. The discussions are to focus on economic and structural policy and trade and investment strategies aimed at strengthening both countries' economies.

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2:15 p.m.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Japanese leaders have begun talks expected to focus largely on trade with America's anchor ally in the region, though tensions with North Korea loomed large.

Pence reassured Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday that the U.S. considers its alliance with Japan to be a cornerstone of security in the region.

Pence said, "We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan."

He also said, "We are with you 100 percent," adding that the U.S. always seeks peace.

Abe said Japan hoped for peaceful dialogue with Pyongyang, "but at the same time, dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless and it is necessary for us to exercise pressure North Korea so that it comes forward and engages in this serious dialogue."

Pence was having lunch with Abe at the prime minister's official residence after arriving in Japan earlier in the day for the second stop of a 10-day Asia tour.

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12:15 p.m.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has arrived in Japan for the second stop of a 10-day Asia tour.

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His plane touched down Tuesday at the U.S. military's Atsugi base outside Tokyo.

The focus of his trip is expected to shift in Japan to trade. North Korea's nuclear and missile development dominated the agenda on his first stop in South Korea.

Pence told business leaders before leaving Seoul that the Trump administration is reviewing all trade agreements as part of its "America First" policy.

White House officials say the meetings in Tokyo are meant to forge a framework for future discussions after the U.S. withdrew from a Pacific Rim trade pact.
Caracas (AFP) - Venezuela braced for rival demonstrations Wednesday for and against President Nicolas Maduro, whose push to tighten his grip on power has triggered waves of deadly unrest that have escalated the country's political and economic crisis.

Maduro's opponents are vowing to stage the "mother of all protests" calling for his ouster, after two weeks of violent demonstrations that have left five people dead and dozens wounded.

Sowing fears of more violence, Maduro has in turn urged his supporters, along with the military and civilian militias, to defend the leftist "revolution" launched by his predecessor Hugo Chavez in 1999.

It is set to be the biggest day of protests since Maduro's allies tried to strip the power of the opposition-controlled legislature -- the only lever of government Maduro's camp does not hold -- and banned opposition leader Henrique Capriles from politics.

The streets of Caracas have seen running battles pitting masked protesters hurling stones and Molotov cocktails against riot police firing tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons.

The protests have been relatively small so far, with turnout in the thousands.

But the opposition is now hoping to flood the streets with protesters, whom they are urging to remain peaceful.

They plan to march from 26 rally points toward central Caracas, a pro-Maduro bastion and the seat of government. The authorities say they will not allow the protesters into the area, where the rival rally will be held.

Maduro's camp has vowed not to be outdone by the opposition.

"The whole of Caracas will be held by the revolutionary forces," said lawmaker Diosdado Cabello, one of the president's most powerful allies.

- 'Hour of combat has arrived' -

Pressure on Maduro has increased as falling prices for Venezuela's crucial oil exports has aggravated a financial crisis, creating severe shortages of food and medicine in the state-led economy.

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On Tuesday, the center-right opposition repeated its call for the military -- a pillar of Maduro's power -- to abandon him.

"It is the moment for the armed forces to demonstrate that they are with the constitution and with the people," said Julio Borges, the opposition speaker in the legislature.

But the defense minister, General Vladimir Padrino Lopez, pledged the army's "unconditional loyalty," while Maduro blasted Borges for urging a "coup" against him, saying he "should be put on trial."

The president rallied his troops this week, vowing to send the army into the streets and ordering pro-government militias to be expanded to half a million members, "each with a rifle."

"The hour of combat has arrived," Maduro said. "We are at a crucial moment in the destiny of our nation."

Maduro on Tuesday activated the "Zamora Plan" -- a military, police and civilian operation aimed at combatting a supposed coup attempt -- which the president says is being orchestrated by Venezuela's opposition and the United States.

"The Zamora Plan is a strategic and operational plan that activates the defense of the nation in case of threats to the internal order," Retired Major General Cliver Alcala told AFP.

"But its application seems to me intimidating, they want to dissuade the protests," he said.

International campaign group Human Rights Watch also said strengthening the militia was an attempt at frightening the opposition.

"We know of no other similar case in Latin America of a government arming urban militias," the group's Americas director Jose Miguel Vivanco said at a news conference in Washington.

"By that I mean delinquents, gangs that act with total impunity and intimidate citizens, with power to shoot and make arrests."

- Region on edge -

In Latin America, where other governments are increasingly alarmed by Venezuela's instability, 11 countries including Brazil, Mexico and Chile issued a statement Monday condemning the deaths of protesters and urging the security forces to show restraint.

Mark Toner, the US State Department spokesman, echoed that call in a statement Tuesday, pressing for calm and accountability during the protests.

"We again urge demonstrators to express themselves non-violently," Toner said.

"We also again remind the public forces - members of the police, the army and the national guard - as well as members of the judiciary, of their legal and constitutional responsibilities to protect, not prevent, peaceful demonstrations."

Maduro, speaking at a meeting with high-ranking political and military officials, denounced the US statement as a "green light and approval of a coup process."

The fragmented opposition has been galvanized since the Supreme Court issued a ruling on March 30 seizing the legislature's power.

The court partly backtracked after an international outcry, but tension only increased when authorities slapped a political ban on Capriles on April 7.

Venezuela suffered its last major wave of unrest in 2014, when 43 people were killed in anti-government riots.
By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A nonprofit watchdog expanded a lawsuit accusing U.S. President Donald Trump of violating the Constitution by letting his hotels and restaurants accept payments from foreign governments.

The amended complaint filed on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan adds a restaurant trade group, whose members include nationally known chefs Tom Colicchio and Alice Waters, and a hotel events booker in Washington, D.C. as plaintiffs.

It is intended to address concern over whether the watchdog, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, was itself harmed by Trump and had standing to sue at all.

Trump is expected to respond by April 21, and had said the original lawsuit filed on Jan. 23 had no merit.

Spokesmen for the U.S. Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday.

The amended complaint said Trump violates the Constitution's "emoluments" clause, which bars him from accepting various gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval, by maintaining ownership over his business empire despite ceding day-to-day control to his sons, Eric and Donald Jr.

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It said members of Restaurant Opportunities Centers (ROC) United Inc, which represents more than 200 restaurants and nearly 25,000 workers, have improperly lost business, wages and tips to Trump's competing businesses.

Jill Phaneuf, the other new plaintiff, works for a hospitality company that books events in hotels near Washington's "Embassy Row," which house foreign diplomats, and claimed that Trump is costing her commissions.

The complaint said such plaintiffs are injured when foreign governments try to "curry favor" with Trump by favoring his businesses.

It said this has even occurred since Trump took office, when China granted him trademark rights after he pledged to honor the "One China" policy of his White House predecessors.

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"When asked why defendant changed his position on the One China policy, and whether he had gotten something in exchange from China, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer answered: 'The President always gets something,'" the complaint said. (https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/02/27/press-briefing-press-secretary-sean-spicer-2272017-17)

U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams, an appointee of former Democratic President Barack Obama, oversees the litigation.

The lawsuit seeks to "uphold one of the most basic aspects of the rule of law: no one, including the president, is above the law," Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the University of California at Irvine's law school and one of the plaintiffs' lawyers, said in a statement.

The case is Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington et al v. Trump, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 17-00458.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Andrea Ricci)
Corporate lobbyists are taking on a larger role in the Democratic Partys fundraising efforts as it seeks to regain control of Congress, according to documents reviewed by MapLight and International Business Times. The cash infusion comes as House Democrats face pressure to break from their party and support Trump administration initiatives that could benefit the lobbyists clients.

A filing last week by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) shows four corporate lobbyists raised more than $380,000 for the organization -- the primary campaign arm for Democratic House candidates -- between January and March. The three-month figure is nearly four times as much as the amount lobbyists raised for the DCCC during the entire 2016 election cycle. In all, the DCCC reported raising $31 million in the first quarter of 2017.

Since the election, the question of whether Democrats should embrace or spurn business interests has been a point of contention in the lingering feud between the partys centrist officials, most of whom backed Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign, and supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who challenged the former secretary of state for the Democratic nomination.

Last year, the Democratic National Committee ended its ban on lobbyist donations, which was put in place by former President Barack Obama. The decision angered many Sanders voters, who saw it as a move to boost Clintons fundraising in the primary race. In the wake of Clintons loss to Trump, progressives have pushed the party once again to reject lobbyist cash.

Although the DCCC never prohibited lobbyist donations, the committee reported only about $100,000 in funds bundled by lobbyists in all of 2015 and 2016, according to a MapLight review of campaign finance records.

Three of the lobbyists who have been collecting checks for the DCCC were major Clinton donors and fundraisers -- accounting for about $1.7 million in donations to the Clinton campaign and its joint fundraising account with the DNC and state parties. Some of their clients could have interests in legislative measures before the House of Representatives.

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Tony Podesta, who founded the Podesta Group lobbying firm, has raised $131,000 for the DCCC and donated $5,000 to the committee so far this year. His client list includes Walmart, Wells Fargo, as well as defense contractors Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems.

Trump and House Republicans have promised to repeal the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform legislation passed after the 2008 financial crisis -- and House Democratic votes could be crucial to any repeal effort. Lobbying disclosures show Podestas firm has lobbied for Wells Fargo on financial services regulation. The Podesta Group also lobbied on Dodd-Frank for the BMO Financial Corporation and the Investment Company Institute, a trade association representing the mutual fund industry.

Trump is expected to seek Democratic House votes for measures to lower the corporate tax rate. Federal records show that in 2016, Podesta lobbied for Credit Suisse Securities, Oracle and Wal-Mart on the issue of corporate tax reform.

Democrats have called for an investigation into the Trump administrations links to Russias government. Podesta was hired to lobby for Sberbank, a Russian state-owned bank, during the 2016 election. He has also registered to lobby for at least six foreign governments, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Podesta bundled $450,000 for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in 2016. His brother, John, was a former White House chief of staff for President Bill Clinton and chairman of Hillary Clintons presidential campaign.

Steve Elmendorf, who has raised $55,000 for the DCCC, leads the lobbying and public relations firm Subject Matter. His firm has lobbied on Dodd-Frank implementation for clients that include Goldman Sachs, MetLife and at least three financial industry trade associations. One of Elmendorfs clients, CIT Group, recently gave Steven Mnuchin an $11 million payout upon his being appointed Treasury Secretary by Trump. Elmendorf also recently lobbied for General Electric and News Corporation on the issue of corporate tax policy.

Congress is now considering legislation to strengthen airline passenger rights, after a senior citizen was bloodied, knocked semi-conscious and forcibly removed from a United Airlines flight to make room for a company employee. The efforts could face opposition from the industry trade group Airlines for America, another Elmendorf client. "We helped America's airline industry connect with policymakers," his firms website boasts.

Another lobbyist, Vincent Roberti, Sr., has raised more than $88,000 for the DCCC year. He, too, has lobbied for Airlines for America. In recent months, Roberti has also lobbied on behalf of Citigroup, Pfizer, Boeing and AT&T.

Unlike his colleagues, David Thomas, a partner at Mehlman Castagnetti Rosen & Thomas, didnt collect money for Clintons 2016 committees. Hes been an active fundraiser for the DCCC this year, though, raising almost $106,000. Thomas has lobbied for Chevron, Humana, and United Technologies Corporation.

In 2011, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported that New Mexico Rep. Ben Ray Lujan planned to decline donations from lobbyists. Lujan, who currently chairs the DCCC, quickly reversed course.

The DCCC and the lobbyists raising money for the committee did not respond to requests for comment.

This story is a collaboration between International Business Times' David Sirota and MapLight's Andrew Perez.
Photo credit: Getty

From Delish

A trip to IKEA just isn't complete without a stop at the store's cafeteria, where you can chow down on the store's Swedish meatballs before venturing back into the maze of furniture shopping. And it turns out IKEA's food is so popular, the company might create its own chain of restaurants so you can dine out without getting lost in the living-room section.

Fast Company reports that food is one of the fastest-growing parts of the company these days; in 2016, the company served 650 million people and sold $1.8 billion in food alone. And the food was originally just a way to keep customers in the stores longer, and keep them there while they ponder what desk to buy. "We've always called the meatballs 'the best sofa-seller,'" Gerd Diewald, the head of IKEA's food operations in the U.S, told the magazine. "Because it's hard to do business with hungry customers."

But now, IKEA is investing in its restaurants, adding some healthier options like chicken and vegan meatballs, and dividing each food court area for different types of customers, with a play section for kids and a quieter section for people who want to have coffee in peace. Business Insider notes they offer way more than just meatballs, including a solid stuffed chicken and a $2 Swedish breakfast plate. And lots of people noticed, because IKEA found out that nearly a third of customers are just going there to eat.

Because the food is so popular, IKEA is thinking of how to make it even bigger. They have already tested pop-up restaurants in London, Paris, and Oslo, and they're now thinking of starting their own line of restaurants that are separate from the stores. "The mere fact that we don't need so many square feet to do a cafe or a restaurant makes it interesting by itself," Michael La Cour, IKEA Food's managing director, told the magazine. "I hope in a few years our customers will be saying, 'IKEA is a great place to eat - and, by the way, they also sell some furniture.'"

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IKEA is still in the thinking-about-it phase, so there's no timeline for when a restaurant will pop up in your town. But here's hoping it's as cheap and tasty as the real thing.

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By Andrew M. Seaman (Reuters Health) - More than nine million people may miss out on cholesterol-lowering drugs that prevent heart attacks and strokes if doctors choose one set of medical guidelines over another, according to a new study. That's because the government-backed U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) set a higher threshold for use of the drugs, known as statins, than the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). "I would say were still searching for the perfect guidelines," said lead author Michael Pencina, of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. The 2013 ACC/AHA guidelines recommend statins for people ages 40 to 75 with at least a 7.5 percent risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. (The ACC/AHA cardiovascular risk estimator tool is available online here: http://bit.ly/2pPwoXh.) The ACC/AHA also recommends statins for people with cardiovascular disease, for diabetics between ages 40 and 75 and for adults with high levels of bad low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The 2016 USPSTF recommendation endorses statins for people ages 40 to 75 with at least a 10 percent or greater risk of a heart attack or stroke over the next decade and at least one cardiovascular risk factor like diabetes or high blood pressure. Pencina told Reuters Health fewer people would be using statins under the more conservative USPSTF guidelines. "What we wanted to do is quantify the impact and look at what it means in terms of numbers." The researchers applied the recommendations to nationally representative data collected from 3,416 people without a history of cardiovascular disease between 2009 and 2014. Overall, 21.5 percent were already on statins to prevent heart attacks and strokes. An additional 24.3 percent would be on statins if all doctors followed the ACC/AHA guidelines, compared to an additional 15.8 percent if all doctors followed the USPSTF recommendation. The difference between the two guidelines represents about 9.3 million people in the United States, the researchers write in JAMA. Under the USPSTF guidelines, some diabetics would be excluded from statin use. More than half of those excluded would be middle-aged adults with a more than 30 percent average risk of a cardiovascular event over the next 30 years. "About one in three people are going to experience a cardiovascular event over the next 30 years," said Pencina. In a statement to Reuters Health, the USPSTF said its recommendations are based on the best available evidence about a preventive service's benefits and harms. "Because the USPSTF makes recommendations that are closely tied to the available evidence, we focused on recommending statins for the people who the evidence showed were most likely to benefit, though ultimately this decision should be made through a conversation between each patient and their doctor," the statement continued. In its review of evidence, the USPSTF focused on 19 trials involving a total of 71,344 people who had no history of cardiovascular disease. Overall, people were 14 percent less likely to die during the study period if they were taking statins than if they were taking a dummy pill or nothing at all. The risk of serious side effects from statins was also low. The USPSTF is always more conservative in its recommendations than professional organizations - not just for cholesterol, said Dr. Steve Nissen, chairman of the Robert and Suzanne Tomsich Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. "Whether you treat or not treat is frankly something that should be a discussion between patient and physician," he told Reuters Health. "Thats how I do it." Nissen, who was not involved in the new study, said some entity should step in to clear up the confusion between the USPSTF, ACC/AHA and several other statin guidelines. "Im not terribly happy to have multiple guidelines floating around out there," he said. Pencina said it's important for patients to be informed about their risk of cardiovascular disease and understand the risks and benefits of statins. "Both sets of guidelines - to their credit - recommend an informed decision between the patient and the clinician," he said. "Those are crucial." SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2oJ4EpN JAMA, online April 18, 2017.
Thailand's junta on Tuesday warned democracy activists against protesting over the removal of a plaque marking the abolition of the country's absolute monarchy, fuelling fears of official whitewashing of history.

Authorities say they have no idea what happened to the memorial in the capital Bangkok which marked the spot in 1932 where a group of revolutionaries declared an end to absolute powers of the then monarch Rama VII.

The date was pivotal in Thai history, leading to the country's first constitution among other political reforms. The plaque was reported missing last Friday.

In more recent times the memorial has become a touchpaper for Thailand's current political divide between democrats and monarchial conservatives -- some of whom had called for the plaque to be ripped up.

Now the disappearance of the small but symbolic memorial has rekindled fears among democracy campaigners that ascendant arch-royalists are trying to rewrite Thai history.

Official denials over the plaque's whereabouts have stretched credulity given the circular bronze memorial was embedded in the road of the well-policed Royal Plaza.

It was also replaced by a new plaque calling on Thais to be loyal to Buddhism, the state, family and the monarchy -- core values of conservatives.

"I don't want this to become an issue," Junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha, an ultra-monarchist who seized power three years ago, told reporters.

Warning democracy activists from ramping up the issue he said it was "useless to ask for its return".

His comments came as soldiers detained a prominent activist as he tried to file a complaint with the government over the missing plaque.

There was a heavy police presence around the replacement memorial and officers refused to let an AFP journalist photograph it.

After days of obfuscation by police, Prayut on Tuesday said he had ordered an investigation into the issue.

Small groups of protesters have staged demonstrations or taken to social media in recent days to voice outrage over the plaque's removal.

Earlier this month Thailand's new monarch King Maha Vajiralongkorn, or Rama X, requested a series of amendments to the kingdom's charter that analysts said would boost his constitutional powers.

The New Democracy Movement, an anti-junta student group, said the disappearance of the plaque "showed a lack of respect for the past" and to those who brought democracy to Thailand.
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Air strikes, thought to be by planes from a U.S.-led military coalition, killed at least 30 people in the eastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zor on Monday, including women and children, residents and activists said. Coalition spokesman U.S. Air Force Colonel John Dorrian confirmed that the U.S.-led coalition had conducted strikes in the vicinity of the town of al-Bukamal, but said he could not "confirm the veracity of allegations of civilian casualties". He told Reuters the coalition tried to avoid civilian deaths in its bombing campaign against Islamic State militants in Syria and neighboring Iraq. The border town has been a haven in recent years for thousands of displaced Syrians from Aleppo and from other areas, including Iraq, where its residents have strong tribal ties across the border. An activist in touch with relatives in al-Bukamal said at least three homes had been flattened in the residential Hay al Masriya district of the town and at least 30 people, mostly women and children from six families, had been killed. A second former resident of the town gave a similar figure and said it was likely to rise, with several critical cases among the scores of people injured. Amaq news agency, which is affiliated to the militants, released a video that it said showed extensive damage to a whole string of houses inside the city with rescuers treating children. There were other casualties in raids on several villages near al-Bukamal. Earlier the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that jets "believed to belong to the international coalition" had struck al-Bukamal on Monday, killing three militants and 13 civilians including children. The monitor said strikes also killed seven civilians in the town of al-Husainiyah further north along the Euphrates river. Islamic State militants control most of Deir al-Zor province, which links territory they hold in Syria and Iraq, and parts of the provincial capital, which has the same name. The Syrian government still controls some parts of Deir al-Zor city, including a nearby military air base, where Islamic State has besieged about 200,000 people lacking food and medicine for around two years. Syrian government forces and their allies, backed by Russian air power, have been fighting back against Islamic State assaults in the area. The U.S.-led coalition has in recent months stepped up targeted raids on the province to rupture the militants' supply lines across Iraq and Syria. (Reporting by Ellen Francis and Suleiman al-Khalidi; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Gareth Jones)
Luxor (Egypt) (AFP) - Egyptian archaeologists have unearthed several mummies, colourful wooden sarcophagi and more than 1,000 funerary statues in a 3,500-year-old tomb near the city of Luxor hailed as an "important discovery".

Antiquities officials had initially said six mummies along with partial remains were discovered near the southern city, but said they had later identified two more mummies.

"There are 10 coffins and eight mummies. The excavation is ongoing," Mostafa Waziri, the head of the archeological mission, told AFP.

The 18th Dynasty tomb, discovered in the Draa Abul Nagaa necropolis near the famed Valley of the Kings, belonged to a nobleman named Userhat who worked as the city judge, the ministry said in a Tuesday statement.

It was opened to add more mummies during the 21st Dynasty, about 3,000 years ago, to protect them during a period when tomb-robbing was common, said Waziri, the head of the archaeological mission, at the site.

"It was a surprise how much was being displayed inside" the tomb, Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Enany told reporters outside the tomb.

"We found a large number of Ushabti (small carved figurines), more than 1,000 of them," Enany said.

"This is an important discovery," he said.

Ushabti figurines were often placed with the deceased in ancient Egyptian tombs to help with responsibilities in the afterlife.

Inside the tomb, archaeologists wearing white masks and latex gloves inspected the sarcophagi, which were covered with intricate drawings in red, blue, black, green, and yellow, and featured the carved faces of the dead.

The coffins were mainly well-preserved, though some had deteriorated and broken over the years.

Archeologists were also examining a mummy wrapped in linen which was inside one of the coffins.

White, orange, green, and patterned pots were also found in the tombs.

"It is a T-shaped tomb (which) consists of an open court leading into a rectangular hall, a corridor and an inner chamber," the ministry said in a statement.

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A nine-metre shaft inside the tomb held the Ushabti figurines, as well as "wooden masks and a handle of a sarcophagus lid," the ministry said.

Another room in the tomb was also discovered, though it has not yet been completely excavated, it said.

Nevine el-Aref, the spokeswoman for the antiquities ministry, said "there is evidence and traces that new mummies could be discovered in the future."

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By Wa Lone YANGON (Reuters) - A Myanmar publisher whose magazine has criticized the military, political and business establishment was found stabbed to death in his office at the weekend, police said on Tuesday. Wai Yan Heinn, 27, was stabbed 15 times with a knife in his chest and abdomen, police captain Yin Htwe told Reuters. "We're now investigating his death and awaiting the results of the autopsy," Yin Htwe said. Journalists and activists are often targeted in Myanmar, where freedom of speech still faces considerable obstacles, more than a year since Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi took power after a landslide election win. In the past three months, a prominent lawyer who worked to change the military-drafted constitution was assassinated, and a journalist was threatened after speaking out against nationalist Buddhists. In December, a reporter covering illegal logging and crime in the country's rugged northwest was beaten to death. Wai Yan Heinn published a weekly news magazine called Iron Rose which, according to frontpage images available online, has run stories criticizing Myanmar's former ruling generals and businessmen connected to them. One headline described Suu Kyi, who is the country's de facto leader but under the constitution is barred from the presidency because her two sons are foreigners, as a "drone president", implying she controls the government from the back seat. Police said the victim's body was discovered lying in a chair in his Yangon office on Sunday after neighbors reported a rotten odor. "We loved our son so much, I'm speechless," his mother said after the funeral on Tuesday, asking not to be named out of fear of retribution. She said the family was heartbroken because Wai Yan Heinn was their only son. She did not know why he was killed. (Editing by Antoni Slodkowski and Mark Trevelyan)
By Gina Cherelus

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A New York pizzeria owner was sentenced on Tuesday to 18 years in prison for trafficking more than 50 kg (110 lb) of cocaine into the United States from Costa Rica, in a case born out of a probe into an Italian organized crime group.

Gregorio Gigliotti, 61, and his son Angelo were convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn in July of crimes including conspiracy to import cocaine. The elder Gigliotti was also found guilty of two firearms offenses.

The pair were arrested in March 2015, two months before U.S. and Italian authorities said they arrested 13 people on related charges for taking part in a drug trafficking ring in Italy's southern Calabria region.

Calabria is home to 'Ndrangheta, Italy's richest and most powerful criminal organization, which U.S. authorities say has conducted drug smuggling and trafficking in New York with members in Calabria and Toronto, Canada.

Federal prosecutors said Gigliotti and his son used their family-run Italian restaurant Cucino Amodo Mio in Corona, Queens, as well as a produce importation company, Fresh Farm Export Corp, to provide cover for drug trafficking for 'Ndrangheta.

Gigliotti's son is awaiting sentencing and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. Gigliotti's wife Eleonora, who has admitted conspiring to import cocaine, faces a minimum of five years behind bars, prosecutors said.

A lawyer for the elder Gigliotti did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Joe McMahon, an attorney for Gigliotti's son, said he was working with U.S. authorities to try to reduce his client's mandatory minimum sentence.

Between October and December of 2014, police seized approximately 55 kg (121 lbs) of cocaine that had been hidden in cardboard boxes containing cassava and sent to the family by co-conspirators in Costa Rica.

Some of the drugs imported to the United States were destined to be exported for distribution in Italy, according to prosecutors.

When Gigliotti and his son were arrested, police who searched their restaurant seized items including seven firearms, ammunition, brass knuckles, and a handwritten ledger listing transactions of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

(Reporting by Gina Cherelus; editing by Daniel Wallis and Cynthia Osterman)
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia said on Tuesday 296 North Koreans had surrendered to authorities over the last week, as it enforces new visa requirements following a dispute over the murder of the half-brother of North Korea's leader. Malaysia revoked visa-free entry for North Koreans after the murder of Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb. 13. All of those who surrendered had over-stayed their visas, including 113 who had been on work permits and 183 on social visit passes, Malaysia's Immigration Department said in a statement. "All 296 North Koreans have or will leave Malaysia in stages," the department said. All had been in Sarawak, a Malaysian state in Borneo. The department said there were still four North Koreans who had overstayed their work permits who had not surrendered, but their employers had said they would be handed over to authorities. Income from migrant workers is an important source of revenue for North Korea, which is being squeezed by U.N. sanctions, imposed in response to its weapons development. (Reporting by Joseph Sipalan; Editing by Robert Birsel)
Paris (AFP) - "We're going to win! We're going to win!" thundered thousands of supporters of French centrist Emmanuel Macron at his mega-rally in Paris six days before voting. In private, many sounded less confident.

Victory for the 39-year-old looked the most likely outcome of France's presidential election a month ago, but the race has tightened as the first round of voting looms on Sunday.

Polls now show a close four-way race developing between Macron, far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, scandal-hit conservative Francois Fillon and the surprise challenger, far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon.

Macron's biggest rally yet at the 20,000-capacity Bercy stadium in Paris on Monday night was a powerful show of force and a reminder of how his young new movement "En Marche" ("On the Move") has captured imaginations.

But research has consistently shown that support for the "neither right, nor left" candidate is among the most fragile of the major contenders, making him particularly vulnerable to late swings in sentiment.

About a third of French voters are thought to be still unsure of whom they will plump for on Sunday.

"We're crossing our fingers," Macron campaigner Isabelle Nkounkou told AFP at the rally after another weekend handing out leaflets in Cergy, northwest of the capital. "The last few days have been very tense."

Support for Melenchon, a 65-year-old career politician, has surged after the charismatic Communist-backed leftist gave two strong performances in televised debates over the last month.

His programme promising greater job protection, huge increases in public spending and a 100-percent tax on personal earnings above 400,000 euros ($430,000) a year was likened by Macron to Communist Cuba "without the sunshine".

"We're a bit worried by Melenchon's breakthrough," Dominique Dusart, 57, who heads En Marche in the Yonne area south of Paris, acknowledged before the meeting. "It has been a bit of a slap in the face because we weren't expecting it."

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- Frontrunner under attack -

As well as polls showing a slight softening in support to around 23 percent ahead of the first round, Macron has faced other political difficulties.

The left-leaning Le Monde newspaper has reported uncertainty in his camp about how to approach the final straight, with some advisors pleading for more headline-grabbing announcements -- which have not materialised.

Strict new rules in place since April 10 that oblige television channels to offer equal airtime to all 11 presidential candidates have also meant that his face, once ubiquitous, is far less dominant.

And he has faced consistent questions about his personal wealth, which was declared as just a few hundred thousand euros despite his years spent working as an investment banker, presidential advisor and economy minister.

The son of doctors from northeastern Amiens had refused to divulge further information, pointing out that he had been audited and cleared by tax authorities as well as the state transparency watchdog.

But at the weekend, after attacks online accusing him of either burning through thousands of euros a day or hiding his wealth, he reversed course and gave a detailed account.

"You're going to hear 'he's got a account hidden in a tax haven', 'he's got money hidden in such or such a place'. It's completely false," Macron told BFM television on Sunday.

Far-right opponents and parts of the rightwing media have also focused on a senior En Marche campaigner in an area north of Paris who was accused of having Islamist sympathies.

The man's participation was suspended, but not before Macron was attacked by all sides.

"After the highs of a fortnight ago, you can sense Emmanuel Macron's campaign is fragile, but perhaps not at the point where it's going to shatter," said Philippe Braud, an analyst at the Cevipof institute at the Sciences Po university in Paris.

Marie Imbert, a 27-year-old fan wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with "Macron President", told AFP at the Paris rally Monday that the narrowing polls were a warning against complacency after one of the most unpredictable elections in decades.

"It's having a mobilising effect. It means we'll have to be on the ground working until midnight on Friday night," she said.

The top two finishers in Sunday's vote will go through to a run-off vote on May 7.
ISTANBUL (AP)  Turkey's state-run news agency says a court has accepted an indictment against columnists and senior staff from the opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper for "aiding terrorist organizations."

Anadolu Agency said Tuesday the 274-page indictment accused 19 people of "sponsoring" several outlawed organizations, including Kurdish militants, a far-left group and the network of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen who is blamed for last summer's failed coup.

Twelve of the suspects, including investigative journalist Ahmet Sik, columnist Kadri Gursel and cartoonist Musa Kart, have been in pre-trial detention for months. Anadolu said two suspects are being sought.

The arrests are part of a widespread crackdown in the wake of the attempted coup, which has led to the imprisonment of more than 40,000 people. The Committee to Protect Journalists says Turkey has the highest number of imprisoned journalists in the world.

The first hearing is scheduled for July 24.
United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley spoke out against reported abuse and murder of gay people at the hands of authorities in the Russian republic of Chechnya on Monday.

Several organizations have reported that more than 100 men suspected of homosexuality have been rounded up by Chechen authorities, and that at least three have been killed. Haley released a statement from the U.S. Mission to the U.N. that said if the recent allegations of detainment and murder are true, the human rights violation cannot be ignored.

We continue to be disturbed by reports of kidnapping, torture, and murder of people in Chechnya based on their sexual orientation and those persecuted by association, Haley wrote in the statement. If true, this violation of human rights cannot be ignoredChechen authorities must immediately investigate these allegations, hold anyone involved accountable, and take steps to prevent future abuses.

The statement also said the U.S. delegation will lead the U.N. Security Councils first-ever meeting on human rights in international conflicts tomorrow.

We are against all forms of discrimination, including against people based on sexual orientation, Haley said. When left unchecked, discrimination and human rights abuses can lead to destabilization and conflict.

Last week, LGBTQ Advocacy group GLAAD had called on Haley to condemn the reported killings in Chechnya.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
Photo credit: Ahn Young-joon / AP

From Popular Mechanics

A North Korean medium-range missile exploded seconds after it was launched on Sunday, U.S. officials said, a high-profile failure that came hours before the U.S. vice president arrived in South Korea, and as an American aircraft supercarrier approaches the Korean Peninsula in a show of force.

The U.S. had good intelligence both before and after the launch, said a White House foreign policy adviser traveling with Vice President Mike Pence, who arrived in Seoul in the afternoon to start a 10-day trip to Asia.

No planned response is expected from the Trump administration because the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the administration's initial understanding of the launch, said there was no need for the U.S. to reinforce the failure.

The official said that had it been a nuclear test, "other actions would have been taken by the U.S."

North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, including two last year. Recent satellite imagery suggests the country could conduct another underground nuclear test at any time.

The White House believes that Sunday's test involved a medium-range ballistic missile that failed within 4-5 seconds after launch, and that it did not involve an intercontinental ballistic missile, the foreign policy adviser said.

The North regularly launches short-range missiles, but is also developing mid-range and long-range missiles meant to target U.S. troops in Asia and, eventually, the U.S. mainland.

The failed launch will sting in Pyongyang because it came a day after one of the biggest North Korean propaganda events of the year- celebrations of the 105th birthday of late North Korea founder Kim Il Sung, the current leader's grandfather.

President Donald Trump was uncharacteristically quiet about the failed launch, which was attempted from the east coast city of Sinpo. In a statement, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Trump and his military team "are aware of North Korea's most recent unsuccessful missile launch. The president has no further comment."

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Pence said North Korea's "provocation" was another reminder of the risks that U.S. and South Korean service members face every day "in the defense of the freedom of the people of South Korea and the defense of America in this part of the world."

The vice president said at a fellowship dinner at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan in Seoul that the willingness of military members "to stand firm without fear inspires the nation and inspires the world."

North Korea's ultimate goal is to have a full array of nuclear-tipped missiles in response to what Pyongyang says is hostility by Washington and Seoul meant to topple its government. North Korea is thought to have a small arsenal of atomic bombs and an impressive array of short- and medium-range missiles.

Many outside analysts believe that North Korea has not yet mastered the technology to build warheads small enough to place on long-range missiles, though some civilian experts say it can already build nuclear-tipped shorter range missiles that have South Korea and Japan within its striking range.

The U.S. Pacific Command said in a statement that Sunday's missile exploded on launch. South Korea's Defense Ministry said it was analyzing exactly how the North Korean launch failed.

In Seoul, South Korea's presidential office convened a national security council meeting to examine security postures.

Always high animosity has risen on the Korean Peninsula in recent months, as the United States and South Korea conduct annual war games that North Korea claims are invasion preparation and the North prepared for Saturday's anniversary celebrations. A U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, is heading to waters off Korea in a show of force.

Analysts warn that even failed missile launches provide valuable knowledge to North Korea as it tries to build its weapons program. The country launched a long-range rocket and conducted the two nuclear tests last year, including its most powerful to date.

Aside from improving the technology, North Korean missile and nuclear tests are seen by outside analysts partly as efforts to bolster the domestic image of leader Kim Jong Un and apply political pressure on Seoul and Washington.

Kim has overseen three nuclear tests and a string of missile and rocket launches since taking over after the death of his father, dictator Kim Jong Il, in late 2011.

Another missile test from Sinpo failed earlier this month, when the rocket spun out of control and plunged into the ocean. That launch came shortly before Trump's first meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. China is North Korea's only major ally.

The extended-range Scud missile in that earlier launch suffered an in-flight failure and fell into the sea off North Korea's east coast, according to U.S. imagery and assessments.

Despite Sunday's failure, the North's previous claim to have used "standardized" warheads has led to worries that it was making headway in its push to develop small and sophisticated warheads to be topped on long-range missiles.

Washington sees North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles as a threat to world security and to its Asian allies, Japan and South Korea. The United States, South Korea and other countries have vowed to apply more pressure on the North, but so far nothing has worked to stop Pyongyang's nuclear program.

Six-nation negotiations on dismantling North Korea's nuclear program in exchange for aid fell apart in early 2009.

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North Korea isnt backing down after President Donald Trump said Kim Jung Uns country gotta behave during the White House Egg Roll Monday. Ambassador Kim In Ryong confirmed nuclear war was a real threat for the United States during a press conference, according to tweetd from CBS News reported Pamela Falk, who covered the presser.

The DPRK is ready to react to any war desired by the US, In Ryong reportedly said. North Korea will hold the U.S. accountable.

READ: Is War With North Korea Imminent? Pence Calls Missile Test 'Provocation'

He added, according to Falks tweets, [The] U.S. is disturbing global peace, stability and insisting on Gangster-like logic and Nuclear war make break out at any moment on Korean Peninsula.

#NorthKorean ambassador to the UN Kim In Ryong says The DPRK is ready to react to any war desired by the US, at live presser via @RT_com pic.twitter.com/nRwXdl3ZPp  Jihye Lee  (@TheJihyeLee) April 17, 2017

In Ryong echoed comments made by North Koreas vice foreign minister Friday after he said they were prepared to go to war with the U.S. We will go to war  if they choose, Vice Minister Han Song Ryol told the Associated Press. If the U.S. comes with reckless military maneuvers, then we will confront it with the [North Koreas] preemptive strike.

Han slammed Trump for his aggressive tweets that were making trouble, adding: Weve got a powerful nuclear deterrent already in our hands, and we certainly will not keep our arms crossed in the face of a US preemptive strike.

When North Korea held a missile test from its Sinpo submarine base Sunday, Vice President Mike Pence said it was a provocation, even though the experiment failed. This mornings provocation from the North is just the latest reminder of the risks each one of you face each and every day in the defense of the freedom of the people of South Korea and the defense of America in this part of the world, Pence said.

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NOW: Amb Kim In Ryong: North Korea will take toughest counter actions; "We will hold the US accountable" ~ @realDonaldTrump "GottaBehave" pic.twitter.com/xuyDbUm2at  Pamela Falk (@PamelaFalk) April 17, 2017

The DPRK has been conducting missile launches since 1984, though they've mostly been unsuccessful. The first was under the command of Kim Il Sungs rule. It wasnt until 2005 when they announced they had nuclear weapons. Ten years later, Kim Jong Un said in December North Korea was ready to detonate a hydrogen bomb.

North Korea Kim Jong Un

Photo: Getty Images

Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella

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A North Korean official said the country will continue to test missiles regularly, as both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence warned the country against such launches.

Well be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol told the BBC, warning that an all-out war will result if the United States takes military action.

A North Korean test missile failed on Sunday. Last week, Trump dispatched a strike fleet toward the Korean peninsula.

During a visit to the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea this weekend, Pence warned North Korea to stop its reckless development of nuclear weapons.

The era of strategic patience is over, he said, according to the Associated Press. President Trump has made it clear that the patience of the United States and our allies in this region has run out and we want to see change. We want to see North Korea abandon its reckless path of the development of nuclear weapons, and also its continual use and testing of ballistic missiles is unacceptable.

Gotta behave, Trump said Monday at the White House when asked if he had a message for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
Donald Trump has been accused of not knowing who the the leader of North Korea actually is.

In a rambling interview with Fox News on Monday, the US president continually referred to the hermit nations leader as this gentlemen.

He then spoke about how this gentlemen had outmaneuvered past presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.



This is despite the fact that the North Korean leader during Clintons presidency and part of Obamas rule was Kim Jong-il, who died in 2011.

His son, Kim Jon-un is now in charge of the secretive country.

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Mr Trump was asked about escalating tensions between the US and North Korea over the latters missile testing.

He said: I dont want to telegraph what Im doing or what Im thinking. Im not like other administrations where they say, Were going to do this in four weeks.

It doesnt work that way. Well see what happens. I hope things work out well. I hope theres going to be peace.

Guys. Guys. I dont think Trump knows whos the leader of North Korea. https://t.co/Gm1o6xV4AD pic.twitter.com/JYtGKIDJde  Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) April 18, 2017

He added: Theyve been talking with this gentleman for a long time. You read Clintons book, he said, Oh, we made such a great peace deal, and it was a joke.

You look at different things over the years with President Obama. Everybody has been outplayed, theyve all been outplayed by this gentleman and well see what happens. But I just dont telegraph my moves.

A senior North Korean official warned today that the country would now conduct weekly missile tests, under a growing cloud of military tension with the U.S.

Donald Trump last week sent an American armada of ships into the Sea of Japan as a show of force, increasing fears that all-out war could be on the cards.
Belize, the Bahamas and Playa del Carmen, Mexico have been named some of the best places to live along the coast.

Coastal Living magazine, a brand owned by Time Inc., published its "20 Best Places to Live 2017" list, which considers everything from the coastal lifestyle to urban and community design, expat life, ease of transition, real estate ownership, location and quality of destination.

It's a list tailor-made for retirees looking for property along water-front, sun-soaked coastlines in North America and the Caribbean, or ocean lovers and water babies looking to live near its wildness.

Destinations are divided into different categories. For those in search of a smaller coastal town, the list includes Fernandina Beach and Sarasota in Florida. There's also Grand Haven in Michigan, Langley in Washington and Orleans in Massachusetts.

More dynamic destinations in the "cities" category include Boston, San Diego, Santa Barbara and St. Petersburg, Florida.

For those looking for something more exotic and tropical, experts singled out Ambergris Caye in Belize, Harbour Islands in the Bahamas and Playa del Carmen, in Mexico.

For the full list visit http://www.coastalliving.com/travel/top-10/best-places-to-live.
By Jibran Ahmed PESHAWAR, Pakistan, (Reuters) - Pakistani police opened a hate speech investigation involving two Muslim clerics on Sunday after the killing of a university student over allegations he committed blasphemy. The clerics are accused of attempting to disrupt the funeral of student Mashal Khan, who was beaten to death by fellow students after a dormitory debate was followed by accusations of blasphemy being spread across a university campus in the northern city of Maradan. University officials had issued a public notification hours before the murder naming three students being investigated for "blasphemous activities". Blasphemy is an extremely sensitive topic in Muslim majority Pakistan, where penalties range from small fines to the death sentence, and dozens of people are on death row in the country's jails. There have been at least 65 recorded cases of vigilante murders since 1990, according to figures from a Center for Research and Security Studies report and local media. In a statement released to the press on Saturday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said he was "shocked and saddened by the senseless display of mob justice that resulted in the murder of a young student, Mashal Khan, at Wali Khan University". Mardan police chief Alam Shinwari said 20 people had been identified as culpable in the killing on the basis of videos taken during the attack, and 15 had been arrested. He said they would be tried by anti-terrorism courts. Police say they are also investigating the clerics in Khan's hometown of Swabi, some 60 kilometers south of Mardan, for attempting to disrupt funeral proceedings and instigate hatred against the dead student's family. "The two clerics ... [used] the mosque loudspeaker for hate speech against the slain student and his family and ... created hurdles for the people and another cleric to participate in the funeral," a senior Swabi police official told Reuters. He spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being targeted by religious hardliners. A local imam had refused to lead the funeral prayers at Khan's funeral on Friday, according to Swabi resident Salman Ahmed. A technician who was asked to do so in the cleric's place was confronted by several people afterwards. In his press release, the prime minister said the perpetrators of the attack would be brought to justice. "The nation should stand united to condemn this crime and to promote tolerance and rule of law in society," Sharif said. However, Pakistan's government has been vocal about blasphemy in recent months, with Sharif issuing an order in March for the removal of content deemed blasphemous online and threatening "strict punishment" for those violating the law. (Writing by Saad Sayeed; Editing by Andrew Bolton)
A teacher has described the moment he was accosted by a Pakistani mob which lynched a liberal student accused of blasphemy -- an attack which has triggered shock, outrage and fear across the country.

Hundreds of men attacked journalism student Mashal Khan last Thursday, stripping, beating and shooting him before throwing him from the second floor of his hostel at the Abdul Wali Khan university in the northwestern town of Mardan.

Khan had been known for his liberal views, especially on Facebook, sparking the blasphemy allegations against him.

Twenty-two people have been arrested so far over the killing, which came after the government intensified its rhetoric against blasphemy.

Ziaullah Hamdard, one of Mashal Khan's teachers, told the private Geo TV channel Tuesday that he saw students shouting slogans against Khan and another student, Abdullah.

One university employee threatened to kill Khan and cut him into pieces, Hamdard said. Then the mob began kicking in the door to a washroom where Abdullah had taken refuge.

"All this happened in seconds. They broke the door, some of them had batons, they were furious -- suddenly they entered inside... they were not listening to anyone," Hamdard said.

Police arrived and managed to yank a wounded Abdullah to safety, he told Geo. At the sight of blood and the crowd, he added, "I lost my courage."

Hamdard rushed to the staff hostel, but around 20 students were already there and accused him of hiding Khan.

"They said, 'You are a non-believer, you have hidden a blasphemer'... They were crazy, they were not listening to me.

"Two of them kicked me and snatched my mobile and locked me in my room."

Hamdard was rescued by another teacher and spirited away by police. By then Khan, who had been hiding in his own room at a nearby student hostel, was dead.

"Mashal was a Diya (lamp). They have turned off a lamp," Hamdard told Geo.

He apologised to Khan's parents for failing to protect their son and said his guilt had driven him to resign.

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- 'Find them!' -

The brutality of the attack, partly recorded on mobile phone, provoked widespread condemnation, with protests in several cities over the weekend -- although it took two days for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to speak out.

On Tuesday an opposition leader Imran Khan, whose party controls Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where Mardan is located, vowed the perpetrators would face justice.

The killing came in the wake of a government drive against blasphemy, a hugely sensitive charge in conservative Muslim Pakistan.

Unproven allegations have led to dozens of mob attacks or murders since 1990.

Last month Sharif swore that blasphemers on social media would be prosecuted. The interior ministry also threatened to block social media websites with blasphemous content.

"The state itself has said, there are blasphemers hiding among you, the people; find them! So now the people are finding them," wrote columnist Cyril Almeida in Dawn newspaper over the weekend in comments critical of the government.

Social media users have become increasingly nervous in the wake of the attack, with posts warning about the dangers of fake accounts that could be used for blasphemy allegations.

Rights activists have long criticised the colonial-era blasphemy legislation, saying it can be abused for personal vendettas.

Abdullah, who has been taken into protective custody, claimed the university had wanted him to brand Khan a blasphemer because he (Khan) had criticised the school, according to court documents released late Monday.

A second student told a magistrate he had testified before a university "congress" on the day of the killing, accusing Khan of blasphemy, according to the documents seen by AFP.
TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday all options are on the table in dealing with North Korea, but that President Donald Trump is determined to work with Japan, China and South Korea to find a peaceful solution. "We appreciate the challenging time in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocation across the Sea of Japan," Pence said in Tokyo before a lunch with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "We are with you 100 percent." Abe said he supported Trump's stance that strategic patience with North Korea had run out, and that all options were on the table. North Korea has conducted a series of missile launches and nuclear tests in defiance of U.N. sanctions, including a failed missile launch on Sunday. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Writing by Malcolm Foster; Editing by Paul Tait)
From Woman's Day

This past Friday, a family from Charlotte, North Carolina was visiting the Sun Dial in Atlanta, a popular rotating restaurant on the 72nd floor of the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel, when tragedy struck, according to The Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Charlie Holt picture,killed at the rotating restaurant Sun Dial https://t.co/Dpu143RdQP pic.twitter.com/07yhTPx6b3 - infowe (@infowe) April 17, 2017

A 5-year-old boy, identified as Charlie Holt, got his head stuck between a stationary wall and a table bolted to the slowly rotating floor, according to Reuters. The rotating floor has safety mechanisms in place that caused it to immediately shut off; restaurant staffers and patrons scrambled to free the boy, who was then rushed to the hospital. But sadly, Charlie succumbed to his head injuries and was pronounced dead later that day.

According to police reports, Charlie had only wandered a few feet from his parents, who were seated at a table near the window, when he became stuck. "I simply think he lost sight of his parents and panicked, and found himself in that situation. A small child doesn't know what to do in those moments," Warren Pickard, a spokesman for the Atlanta Police Department, told reporters. Officials have ruled his death an accident.

"The family asks for prayers and privacy right now to come to terms with this tragedy," a spokesperson for the Holt family said in a statement released to WBTV. "No words can express their loss. If you have a loved one, please give them an extra hug today."

According to Scary Mommy, some internet commenters were quick to blame Charlie's parents for the tragedy. The article highlighted a few of the judgmental comments that appeared on Huffington Post's Facebook page in response to the incident:

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Restaurants aren't playgrounds, they are places for dining. I've seen so many loose kids nearly trip the wait staff. If they can't sit down and enjoy a meal at a restaurant, then they're not ready to eat at a restaurant.

So sorry for this little boy. I see it all the time, parents allowing little children to run free. It's not your home. Supervision of your children is expected. Tears for this little lost soul because of neglect.

This is a good reason to not let your bratty kids run wild in a restaurant. Especially dumb ones that manage to get themselves wedged in between the wall

"The fact that anyone's first instinct is to vilify a pair of grieving parents who lost their son in a grisly accident really speaks to the state of modern society," wrote Scary Mommy's Valerie Williams. "Let's just hope that those who dare to judge and blame are always perfect and never on the other side of something so completely, unimaginably awful."

As the mother of a 21-month-old boy myself, my heart aches for Charlie's parents-but I can also completely understand the instinct to want to blame them. Why? When I spot devastating stories like this one in my Facebook newsfeed, I instinctively try to convince myself that something like this could never happen to me (even though I know that's not true-it could happen to any parent, even the most vigilant among us), because otherwise, I'd have to fully digest the fact that I live in a world where my husband and I might take our son out to lunch, and he could wind up dead. But the reality is that this was a freak accident-and Charlie's parents don't deserve to be dragged through the mud of the internet in the aftermath.

So let's all heed the Holt family's suggestion, and give our loved ones some extra big hugs today.

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The Hague (AFP) - An informal people's tribunal headed by five professional international judges Tuesday accused US seeds firm Monsanto of harming the environment and possible "ecocide".

Monsanto, which produces genetically-modified seeds as well as controversial pesticides, however said the event was "staged by a select group of anti-agriculture technology and anti-Monsanto critics."

Held in The Hague over two days and organised by hundreds of grassroots groups, the tribunal found that the US-based company "has engaged in practices which have negatively impacted the right to a healthy environment."

The panel of judges heard some 30 witnesses from countries as diverse as Argentina, Bangladesh, Canada, Burkina Faso and Sri Lanka about the various impacts of chemicals on the environment including spraying crops with herbicides and pesticides.

Judges were asked six questions for an advisory opinion, including whether Monsanto violated the rights to a safe environment, food as well as the highest standards of health.

"Monsanto's activities and products cause damage to soil, water and to the environment more generally," the tribunal replied in a statement on Tuesday.

It urged international lawmakers to "precisely and clearly assert the protection of the environment and the crime of ecocide."

It said that if "ecocide" was added in international law, the reported facts could fall within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court based in The Hague.

The event came against the backdrop of ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda saying she intended to deepen her focus on environmental crimes such as land grabs.

Monsanto's GM seeds are designed for use alongside its pesticide glyphosate which has made headlines last year over cancer fears.

But Monsanto, headquartered in St Louis, Missouri, defended itself against the allegations saying: "We stand committed to real dialogue with those who are genuinely interested in sustainable agriculture."

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It added in a statement that anti-Monsanto critics organised the tribunal and "played organisers, judge and jury."

The informal court "denied existing scientific evidence and judicial outcomes on several topics... and was organised with pre-determined outcomes," the company's global human rights steering committee said.

Monsanto is currently the subject of a mammoth $66 billion (61.6 billion euro) takeover deal by German pharmaceuticals and chemicals giant Bayer.

Bayer too faces close scrutiny over its own pesticides, accused by some of contributing to mass die-offs of bees.
The same group that offered a free joint to Inauguration Day attendees is puff, puff, passing along the free cannabis to Capitol Hill workers.

To properly celebrate 420 in the nation's capital, on Thursday from (high) noon until 4:20 p.m., the pro-marijuana group DCMJ is handing out two free joints to members of Congress and congressional staffers, interns, and other workers  and credentialed journalists.

The group will be passing out joints on non-federal land since the city of D.C. allows possession of a small amount of marijuana, but the federal government does not.

SEE ALSO: Liquor sales haven't dropped where weed is legal, and people still go out, new analysis says

The giveaway is part of the first annual congressional "joint session" to urge lawmakers to pass cannabis reform and reschedule the drug, which is currently a Schedule I controlled substance along with heroin and LSD.

The 420 event is a warmup for the advocacy group's rally at the capitol on Monday to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substance Act and renew the Rohrbacher-Farr amendment which protects state-sanctioned medical cannabis use.

Image: dcmj

In a statement about Thursday's event, DCMJ co-founder Adam Eidinger said, "Americans dont want a crackdown on legal cannabisthey want Congress to end cannabis prohibition once and for all."

The group hopes 1,000 free joints will change the government's stance on cannabis laws. Seems like a high hope, but anything is possible on 420.

WATCH: This futuristic tumbleweed is actually a minesweeper
The Hague (AFP) - Police have arrested 39 suspects in over a dozen countries across Europe and Latin America after busting an online paedophile ring that used the WhatsApp chat service to share images of child sex abuse, officials said Tuesday.

In coordinated swoops late last month, local and international authorities searched houses and seized hundreds of devices containing child sexual exploitation material in South and Central America as well as Germany, Italy and Spain, Europe's policing agency Europol said in a statement.

"These offenders are pushing the boundaries of modern technology to try to avoid being caught by law enforcement," Europol's director Rob Wainwright said.

Dubbed "Operation Tantalio", the investigation was sparked in mid-2016 by the Spanish police's High-Tech Crime Unit focusing on the Tor encryption network, used by criminals to mask their identities.

"Prompted by clear evidence of prolific sharing of indecent images, the Spanish investigators revealed links diverting users to private groups on WhatsApp," Europol said.

A total of 25 groups, formed by invitation only, are currently being investigated, according to Europol. Hundreds of devices containing pornographic material have been seized, it added.

Spanish police said the photos and videos that were seized showed "humiliating treatment" and "excessive brutality" involving children from babies to children up to eight years old.

Europol and international law enforcement agency Interpol, which also took part in the investigation, said 38 suspects had been arrested but Spanish police said "so far" 39 people had been held, including 17 in Spain.

The other arrests took place in Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, El Salvador, Germany, Italy, Paraguay and Portugal.

Spanish police said they found handwritten material at a house they searched in Lugo in the north of the country listing the names, ages, and places where encounters with minors took place. Some of them dated back 20 years.

"We need to continue to combine our joint resources and skills to tackle this threat to our children and bring these offenders to justice," Wainwright said.

"Actions like Operation Tantalio send a strong message" that police across the globe will continue to work together to bring to justice those "engaging in or benefitting from the heinous crimes," added Bjorn Sellstrom, Interpol Crimes Against Children operations coordinator.
President Donald Trump called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to congratulate him on his referendum victory, a controversial election that increased his governing powers, the White House said Monday.

The referendum greatly expanded Erdogans power and limited the countrys parliaments. Turkeys opposition party has vowed to challenge the results.

International observers called the validity of Erdogans Sunday victory into question, citing the counting procedures used in the referendum and acknowledging that the vote took place on an unlevel playing field. Erdogan has rejected these critiques, claiming the vote was the most democratic election in any Western country.

Earlier Monday, the U.S. State Department released a statement thanking international observers for their preliminary assessment of the report, and mentioning reports of irregularities during the referendum vote.

Read More: Erdogans Victory in the Referendum on His Powers Will Leave Turkey Even More Divided

While the White House acknowledged Trump congratulated Erdogan, the statement also emphasized that the two leaders discussed the ongoing civil war in Syria.

President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to congratulate him on his recent referendum victory and to discuss the United States action in response to the Syrian regimes use of chemical weapons on April 4th, the White House said in a statement. President Trump thanked President Erdogan for supporting this action by the United States, and the leaders agreed on the importance of holding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accountable.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
President Trump again pulled back from declaring China a currency manipulator, saying he is more focused on the countrys relationship with North Korea.

Now, what am I going to do? Start a trade war with China in the middle of him working on a bigger problem, frankly, with North Korea? Trump said during an interview with Fox & Friends, referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The two leaders met earlier this month at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort. Trump last week declined to label China a currency manipulator, despite the Presidents campaign pledge to do so when he took office.

Why would I call China a currency manipulator when they are working with us on the North Korean problem? We will see what happens! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 16, 2017

Trump blamed the fake media for noting he had changed his stance on China.

I havent changed my stance, he said. Chinas trying to help us. I dont know if theyre going to be able to or not.

Asked by Fox & Friends whether he had ruled out a military strike against North Korea, Trump said: I dont want to telegraph what Im doing or what Im thinking.

The President last week stoked fears of an attack on North Koreas nuclear facilities after he dispatched a strike fleet near the Korean peninsula.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
(PANMUNJOM, South Korea) - The White House displayed a tough and unyielding approach to North Korea and its nuclear ambitions Monday, with President Donald Trump warning that Kim Jong Un has gotta behave and Vice President Mike Pence sternly advising Kim not to test Americas resolve and military power.

Trump, in Washington, and Pence at the tense Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea, signaled a forceful U.S. stance on North Koreas recent actions and threats. But no one was predicting what might come next.

Behind the heated rhetoric, in fact, Trumps strategy in the region looks somewhat similar to predecessor Barack Obamas - albeit with the added unpredictability of a new president who has shown hes willing to use force.

Pence, inspecting the DMZ, warned Pyongyang that after years of testing the U.S. and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, the era of strategic patience is over. Appearing later with South Koreas acting president, Hwang Kyo-ahn, the vice president pointed to Trumps recent military actions in Syria and Afghanistan as signs that the new administration would not shrink from acting against the North.

North Korea would do well not to test his resolve - or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region, Pence said at the start of a 10-day trip to Asia.

Pences remarks also came with hope for a diplomatic path. Washington, he said, was looking for security through peaceable means, through negotiations. Trump said the same at the White House.

In the meantime, North Koreas deputy U.N. ambassador accused the United States of turning the Korean peninsula into the worlds biggest hotspot and creating a dangerous situation in which a thermonuclear war may break out at any moment.

Kim In Ryong told a news conference Monday that U.S.-South Korean military exercises being staged now are the largest-ever aggressive war drill. He said North Koreas measures to bolster its nuclear forces are self-defensive to cope with the U.S. vicious nuclear threat and blackmail, and he said his country is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the U.S.

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Americas implied threat of force isnt new, nor is hope for engagement. Previous presidents have repeatedly left all options on the table while trying to enlist Chinas help to pressure North Korea to pursue diplomatic solutions. The Trump administration has labeled this policy maximum pressure and engagement, although officials acknowledge there is no current engagement with Pyongyang.

Until recently, it has been Trumps confrontational tone that has drawn attention rather than his action. But then he ordered the unilateral missile strike against Syria, even after dismissing talk of deeper U.S. involvement in that nations civil war.

There is both greater unpredictability and decisiveness from President Trump, said Victor Cha, the director of Asian Studies at Georgetown University and a former adviser to President George W. Bush. Cha noted Pences reference to strategic patience, an Obama administration strategy in which diplomatic and economic pressure from sanctions were given time to change the Norths behavior.

Strategic patience signaled indecision and predictability - not a good combination in Trumps eyes, Cha said.

The White House did not offer a sense of when Trumps patience might run out.

I dont think that youre going to see the president drawing red lines in the sand, but I think that the action that he took in Syria shows that, when appropriate, this president will take decisive action, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said.

North Koreas latest missile test fizzled over the weekend, but its weapons development has appeared to make steady progress in recent years. The North conducted two nuclear test explosions and 24 ballistic missile tests in 2016, and experts predict it could have a nuclear-tipped missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland within a few years.

Pence said after meeting with South Koreas acting president that the U.S. and its allies have attempted to peacefully dismantle North Koreas nuclear program for more than two decades. But at every step of the way, North Korea answered our overtures with willful deception, broken promises and nuclear and missile tests.

Former President Obama, too, tried to persuade China to use its influence over Pyongyang.

It remains unclear the extent to which China might step up. Trump and his advisers have pointed to Beijings move to restrict coal imports from North Korea as a sign Beijing is listening, and the U.S. says China has turned back some shipments in recent days. But some of those restrictions merely put in place U.N. sanctions passed last year with Chinas support - before Trump took office.

In a phone call with reporters Monday, Susan Thornton, the acting assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, said the president has made clear to the Chinese that they should view North Korea as a liability, not as an asset, and that this is an urgent global threat that must be addressed by all peace-loving nations, but especially by China, when they have so much leverage.

Weve seen some tangible indications that theyre working toward this end, but its still quite early, she said.

Trump himself appeared to reinforce the stern U.S. message at the White House, replying Gotta behave when a CNN reporter asked what message he had for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

China also made a plea for a return to negotiations, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang saying Beijing wants to resume the talks that ended in stalemate in 2009. He suggested that U.S. plans to deploy a missile defense system in South Korea were damaging its relations with China.

___

Colvin reported from Washington. Edith Lederer, Matthew Lee, Josh Lederman and Darlene Superville contributed to this report.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
Lady Gaga had a FaceTime call with royalty as she and Prince William talked mental health in a video released Tuesday.

The pop superstar joined the Duke of Cambridge's Heads Together, a campaign he leads along with his wife, to raise awareness about mental illness.

Read: Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper Give First Glimpse of 'A Star Is Born' Remake

"It's time that everyone speaks up and really feels very normal about mental health," the prince said. "It's the same as physical health. Everybody has mental health and we shouldn't be ashamed of it and just having a conversation with a friend or family member can really make such a difference."

In December, Gaga opened up in a letter about her own battles with PTSD after she was sexually assaulted at 19 years old.

"There's a lot of shame attached to mental illness; you feel like something is wrong with you," Lady Gaga said from her Los Angeles kitchen. "I should be so happy, but you can't help it when in the morning you wake up, you are so tired, you are so sad, you are so full of anxiety and the shakes that you can barely think.

The FaceTime comes a day after Prince Harry revealed he recently sought counseling to deal with the grief of losing his mother, Princess Diana.

It was the best thing that could come out of my mental illness... was to share it, Prince Harry said.

Heads Together most recently launched a series of films centered around the importance of speaking up about mental health.

Read: 91-Year-Old D-Day Veteran Scolds Prince Harry: 'You Should Have Worn a Bloody Tie'

"It's okay to have this conversation. It's really important to have this conversation," said Prince William. "You won't be judged. It's so important to break open that fear and that taboo which is only going to lead to more problems down the line."

Prince Harry plans to meet Lady Gaga when she visits the U.K. in October.

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Watch: Prince Harry Reveals Mental Health Issues He Endured After Princess Diana Died

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NEW YORK (AP)  A man convicted of murdering a woman during a down-and-out tryst in a Times Square budget hotel was sentenced Monday to 25 years to life behind bars, capping a case that endured for nearly a decade and aired a dispute over the validity of bite-mark evidence.

Clarence Dean already has spent more than nine years in jail , awaiting trial and then sentencing in the August 2007 death of Kristine Yitref, whose battered body was found in a garbage bag underneath a bed in Dean's room.

Dean was arrested a day after the discovery. But his trial was delayed for years, partly because of the bite-mark debate.

"Clarence Dean committed a merciless and brutal act of violence against a vulnerable woman," Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. said in a statement announcing Dean's sentence. "He showed a complete disregard for human life."

Dean's lawyer, Sean Maher, did not immediately return a phone call Monday seeking comment. He has said Dean planned to appeal and was hopeful he would be exonerated.

The case began with the meeting of two people living on the margins of the nation's biggest city.

Dean, who is 45 and from Alabaster, Alabama, was a convicted sex offender who was wanted on charges including stealing a woman's car and draining her bank account. He had been in New York a few weeks, bussing glasses and doing other tasks at a club.

Yitref, 33, had come to New York in 1994 from Yakima, Washington, aspiring to a career in fashion. She enrolled in design school but spiraled into crack addiction and prostitution. She had somehow lost part of a finger about three months before her death.

Dean and Yitref met on the street in Times Square and went to his room for a $40 sexual encounter, according to Dean's lawyer.

Prosecutors said Dean killed Yitref in a rage, snapping her neck, fracturing her skull and breaking her ribs and breastbone. "He reduced her bones to dust," Vance said.

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Dean admitted choking Yitref but denied killing her. He said he blacked out while defending himself from her and her pimp  "two desperate thieves that ambushed him in his hotel room," Dean's attorney said during the trial last year.

A jury convicted Dean in December.

Prosecutors initially planned to include a controversial piece of evidence: a forensic comparison between Dean's teeth and a bite mark found on Yitref's body. Defense lawyers argued the technique was junk science; over 20 men nationwide have been exonerated since 2000 in murder or rape cases that hinged on bite marks.

The judge in Dean's case OK'd the bite mark evidence, but prosecutors ultimately did not use it.
Over the past few years, conflicts in Syria, South Sudan, and Afghanistan have created the largest international refugee crisis since World War II. Now, according to a top government official, another massive migrant crisis is looming in a far more populous country: Nigeria.

Almost five million people are at risk of starvation in the West African nation amid a years-long Islamist insurgency. But insufficient funding means that emergency food aid to the vulnerable northeast may be cut just as the lean season approaches, endangering millions.

The world could see a mass exodus from a country of 180 million people if support is not given, and fast, said Ayoade Alakija, Nigerias chief humanitarian coordinator, in an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Since 2009, Boko Haram, a militant Islamist group based in the countrys northeast state of Borno, has waged a campaign in the region to establish an Islamic state. The insurgency has disrupted farming and displaced more than two million residents in the northeast.

In February, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the U.N would need $4.4 billion by the end of March to avert famine in Nigeria, South Sudan, Yemen, and Somalia. With the exception of Somalia, the food security in these nations result from man-made food crises, said Guterres.

The funding has not materialized. The U.N. World Food Program, which coordinates with countries to provide emergency food aid, has only received 15 percent of the money it needs. (And it could get even less, if President Donald Trumps proposed budget were to be passed; it takes a machete to U.S. contributions for the United Nations.)

Without sufficient financing, the World Food Program will have to reduce its vital support, Peter Lundberg, a deputy U.N. humanitarian coordinator based in Borno, wrote last week in Le Monde. The WFP needs $242 million  $1.3 million a day for the next six months  to help feed 1.8 million people in the northeastern state, Lundberg wrote. Without further funding, food assistance to Borno will be cut.

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That could create a migrant crisis in west Africa of unprecedented size. In the past four years, 200,000 Nigerians have fled into neighboring Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. With just under five million people already facing severe malnutrition inside the country, a sudden cut to emergency rations could drive even more people from Nigeria in search of relief.

Its not inevitable, though, aid agencies say.

We want people to understand this will work if its funded. We can avert the famine, a World Food Program spokesperson told Reuters on Monday.

STEFAN HEUNIS/AFP/Getty Images
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  A state-linked Saudi newspaper says the kingdom's prosecutors have asked for the death sentence for a man suspected of being behind an attack on a German diplomatic car.

Medina news website reported Tuesday the Saudi citizen, who was unnamed, has been accused of burning tires to shut down a road in the eastern town of al-Awamiya and shooting at a car carrying German diplomats. The news site did not say when the alleged shooting occurred.

The Saudi Interior Ministry in March 2014 had announced the arrest of Ahmed al-Aradi in connection with an attack that burnt a German diplomatic vehicle in al-Awamiya and a number of other crimes, including robbery.

Al-Awamiya is heavily populated by the kingdom's minority Shiites and has been a flashpoint of anti-government unrest.
March for Science organizers, worried that unauthorized sellers are cutting into their fundraising efforts, have been playing whack-a-mole for months in an effort to shut down new stores and targeted social media advertisements.

In recent weeks, theyve had to contend with another group of potential competitors: March for Science partners themselves.

Official merchandise sales through the events main online retailer, Bonfire, have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to defray expenses such as portable toilets and audio-visual equipment. And satellite marches keep the proceeds from what they sell.

However, the national organization isnt providing financial support to satellites, and organizers of those smaller marches have watched with growing anxiety as competitors have swarmed in to sell their own T-shirts.

Read more: As the March for Science approaches, companies seize the moment

Every March for Science shirt someone buys elsewhere is an opportunity that is lost to us, said March for Science Los Angeless marketing and design director Dan Leibson. Since we are a volunteer-run nonprofit, we dont have the resources that private companies use to track and police [intellectual property] violations like this.

Trademark applications have been filed on behalf of March for Science, Inc.  a nonprofit incorporated in Delaware  to prevent unauthorized uses of the events name and the logo. Although the applications havent yet been approved, organizers still have some recourse to shut down bad actors  including shaming them on social media.

One such seller, Teespring, has been host to some particularly egregious violations. In February, organizers began contacting Teespring on social media to have unofficial merchandise removed, and the company said it would make it right. In a statement last week, a spokesperson said, Teespring has removed all infringing products from our platform and is proactively monitoring new designs to prevent future infringement of the March for Sciences trademarks.

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Still, as of Monday afternoon, a search for march for science on Teesprings website returned at least 300 products, some with the March for Science logo and phrase.

More recently, organizers of local marches have also had to contend with authorized march shirts appealing to attendees. The American Geophysical Union offers March for Science-branded clothing, as does AAAS, the Genetics Society of America, and the Union of Concerned Scientists. Bill Nye, an honorary co-chair of the event, also recently started selling March for Science apparel to benefit the Planetary Society, Nyes space-oriented nonprofit.

Last week, the authorized March for Science merch market welcomed a new player: online custom printer CafePress. The company unveiled a March for Science collection, 10 percent of the profits from which will go to the Earth Day Network, which is officially co-organizing the Washington event.

Read more: Are you marching for science? Send us your signs

Unfortunately, some of the merchandise initially offered on CafePress bore a striking resemblance to what local organizers have offered  including city-specific shirts, mugs, phone cases, and stickers. And those are profits those cities will never see.

After a reporter pointed this fact out to CafePress and a local march, the designs were promptly pulled. In an email, CafePress said the merchandise was being taken down because the Earth Day Network only has a partnership with the D.C.-area march, and therefore could not sell merchandise emblazoned with other city names.

Although CafePress acted quickly, organizers of satellite marches say unauthorized merchandise continues to be a daily frustration. For all of us, shirt sales have been very important for fundraising, said organizers of the Boston-based rally via email. For many cities, it has been their most impactful fundraiser.
By Andrew Osborn MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's most famous campaigning newspaper said on Friday it had appealed to the Kremlin to protect its staff after Chechen clerics said the paper faced "retribution" for alleging that gay men in Chechnya were being tortured and killed. Novaya Gazeta published an article this month which said authorities in the majority Muslim southern Russian republic had rounded up over 100 gay men or men suspected of being gay and tortured them. It said at least three of them had been killed. Kremlin critics saw the report as further evidence that Moscow allows authorities in Chechnya to run the region - which has been consumed by two wars since the Soviet collapse - as a feudal fiefdom in exchange for separatist and radical Islamist sentiment being brutally suppressed. Chechnya's Moscow-backed president Ramzan Kadyrov denies allegations human rights are routinely flouted. His spokesman Alvi Karimov called Novaya's report "an absolute lie", saying there were no gay men in Chechnya to be persecuted. "Nobody can detain or harass anyone who is simply not present in the republic," Karimov told the Interfax news agency. Novaya's report also caused outrage among Chechnya's Muslim clerics, who adopted a resolution saying it had insulted the dignity and Islamic faith of Chechen men and society. "We promise that retribution will catch up with the hate-mongers wherever and whoever they are and with no statute of limitations," the resolution read. Dmitry Muratov, Novaya's editor, said on Friday that the resolution was an incitement to violence and that he was worried about his staff's safety. "This resolution is encouraging religious fanatics to retaliate against our journalists," he said in a statement, calling on the authorities to protect journalists and stop anyone whipping up hatred against them. Two of Novaya's reporters specializing in Chechnya - Anna Politkovskaya and Natalya Estermirova - have been murdered in the last decade. Neither case has been fully solved. Set up with financial help from ex-Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993, Novaya Gazeta is well-known in Russia for its investigations into official corruption, its reporting on Chechnya, criticism of the authorities and coverage of the opposition in a media landscape where most big-circulation newspapers are loyal to the Kremlin. The Kremlin said it was following the situation closely and that anyone who thought Novaya's report was false should contest it through the courts. "We are against any actions that could pose a threat to the safety or lives of journalists," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Peskov said that reports about gay men being tortured in Chechnya could not be regarded as reliable at this stage however, and that the Kremlin was not aware of the police receiving any complaints on the subject. Novaya said Russian investigators had so far ignored a request it sent to the authorities to investigate the contents of its report. (Additional reporting by Denis Pinchuk; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Zhytomyr (Ukraine) (AFP) - Dental treatment by the best vets, open-air accommodation and fresh fish instead of dubious leftovers and abuse -- life has changed markedly for brown bears rescued from Ukrainian circuses and restaurants.

Tortured for years by humans, the animals have received a second lease of life in the city of Zhytomyr in northwestern Ukraine.

Opened in 2012 by the Vienna-based animal welfare charity Four Paws, the shelter soon became one of the region's prime attractions.

"I saw bears before in Kiev zoos, but they were much sadder than here," Myroslava, 10, says in reference to the Ukrainian capital.

"Here they are happy", says Myroslava after coming to the shelter with her school class and being particularly taken by a scarred female bare named Masha.

"I don't like the fact that she was severely beaten before and that she has scars. I was scared for her."

- A home for five -

The whole shelter was initially built for only one bear named Nastya, who was seized from her mother when she was three months old and sold to a private zoo.

It took two months for volunteers to find her and return her to her birthplace, but Nastya's mother refused to accept her as her own.

Nastya was soon joined by another brown bear, Masha, who was rescued from a hunting dog training centre, where she served as the bait.

"We received her in a terrible state: the hair on her neck had been worn away by a collar, her tail was torn off, nose scratched", shelter manager Oleksandr Leonov tells AFP.

A law banning the training of hunting dogs on bears was only adopted in Ukraine in 2015, and it noticeably simplified the work of animal rights activists across the country.

The shelter's staff usually finds out about abused animals from ordinary people and goes straight to the location to verify the tip.

Once the bear is transported to Four Paws, a group of veterinarians from Austria and Germany come to Ukraine to make a physical examination and carry out all the necessary vaccinations.

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The bear is then released into the shelter's spacious enclosure, where the creature can finally start a new life.

Four Paws park is now home to five brown bears saved from places such as roadside cafe and private circuses.

"Olya (the oldest bear in the shelter) was blind when she came here. Possibly she was blinded on purpose", manager Leonov says.

"And her teeth were in a very bad condition. Last year dentists came here to treat her teeth and everything is much better now."

- Bears for sale -

"It is considered fashionable to have a bear at home or in a restaurant, or to make money off people who get amused by seeing a bear on a chain", says Taras Boyko from the Four Paws wild animals department.

"This complex problem is rooted in the mentality of our people."

Maryna Shkvyrya, widely considered to be the leading scientific expert on bears in Ukraine, explains that most privately owned bears were already born in captivity, but that there was also a black market on which bears are sold.

Some bears come from the Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine's west, but most are smuggled in across the border with Russia, where hunting for bears is legal and a lot of cubs are motherless. The east of the country has been ravaged by a three-year war with Russian-backed insurgents.

"These cubs are sold as a gift, as a living toy, as an animal that will be the object for training hunting dogs", Shkvyrya says.

"On the black market, prices start from $1,000 (945 euros) and go up to several thousand dollars per cub," she adds.

Four Paws plans to open another large shelter for bears in the western Lviv region in September 2017 to bring them closer to their natural habitat.

But there are no plans to release the saved bears into the wild.

Their behaviour changes dramatically while in human captivity and they may be unable to cohabitate with other animals.

"Our project gives these bears an opportunity to spend the rest of their life in normal conditions," Shkvyrya says. "And also to show people the consequences of animal abuse."
This story is a collaboration between Kaiser Health News and the Center for Public Integrity.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, wants federal health officials to tighten scrutiny of private Medicare Advantage health plans amid ongoing concern that insurers overbill the government by billions of dollars every year.

Grassley, the influential chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has asked Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) officials to explain why they failed to collect nearly $125 million in potential overcharges identified at five Medicare Advantage plans audited in a single year.

In an April 17 letter to CMS Administrator Seema Verma, Grassley cited an article on alleged overcharges published in January by Kaiser Health News and the Center for Public Integrity. The story said that Medicare had potentially overpaid five health plans $128 million in 2007, but under pressure from the insurance industry, collected just $3.4 million and settled the cases.

The difference in the assessment and the actual recovery is striking and demands an explanation, Grassley wrote.

CMS officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Medicare Advantage is a popular alternative to traditional Medicare. The privately run health plans have enrolled more than 18 million elderly and disabled people  about a third of those eligible for Medicare  at a cost to taxpayers approaching $200 billion a year. The plans also enjoy strong support in Congress.

Medicare is supposed to pay the health plans higher rates for sicker patients and less for people in good health using a formula called a risk score.

Yet CMS records reveal that billions of tax dollars are wasted annually partly because some health plans exaggerate how sick their patients are by inflating risk scores and boosting their payments improperly.

Grassley asked in his letter what steps CMS is taking to ensure that insurance companies are not fraudulently altering risk scores and how many audits are now being conducted.

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By all accounts, risk score gaming is not going to go away. Therefore, CMS must aggressively use the tools at its disposal to ensure that it is efficiently identifying fraud and subsequently implementing timely and fair remedies, he wrote.

Grassley also noted that CMS needs to step up oversight audits because Medicare Advantage plans are expected to grow substantially in coming years.

The use of these tools is all the more important as Medicare Advantage adds more patients and billions of dollars of taxpayer money is at stake, Grassleys letter said.

This story is part of Medicare Advantage Money Grab. Billing errors cost taxpayers billions. Click here to read more stories in this investigation.

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The Government Accountability Office, the watchdog arm of Congress, has sharply criticized CMS for its failure to ferret out overcharges and in April 2016 called for fundamental improvements in audits of Medicare Advantage plans. GAO also found that CMS has spent about $117 million on Medicare Advantage audits, but recouped just under $14 million overall.

Medicare Advantage plans have been the target of at least a half-dozen whistleblower lawsuits alleging patterns of overbilling and fraud. In March, the Justice Department joined one such suit against insurance giant UnitedHealth Group. The suit alleges that the health plan submitted claims for underpayments to the government, but ignored examples in which it had received too much money.

The audits disclosing the $128 million in overpayments to health plans were part of a cache of confidential CMS documents released through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by the Center for Public Integrity.

The CMS records identify the companies chosen for the initial Medicare Advantage audits as a Florida Humana plan, a Washington state subsidiary of United Healthcare called PacifiCare, an Aetna plan in New Jersey and an Independence Blue Cross plan in the Philadelphia area. The fifth one focused on a Lovelace Medicare plan in New Mexico, which has since been acquired by Blue Cross.

In the audits, CMS repeatedly found that the health plans couldnt document their patients were as sick as the insurer had claimed.

For example, auditors couldnt confirm that one-third of the diseases the health plans had been paid to treat actually existed, mostly because patient records lacked sufficient documentation of a diagnosis.

Overall, Medicare paid the wrong amount for nearly two-thirds of patients whose records were examined; all five plans were far more likely to charge too much than too little. For 1 in 5 patients, the overcharges were $5,000 or more for the year, according to the audits.

Americas Health Insurance Plans, an industry trade group, has denied that Medicare Advantage plans overcharge. The group argued in a June 2016 position paper that the auditing method used by CMS was not yet stable and reliable. The group also said that conducting audits could disrupt the care being provided by plans that are working hard to meet the needs of their enrollees.

Grassley cited reports by the Center for Public Integrity that improper payments to Medicare Advantage plans cost taxpayers as much as $70 billion from 2008 to 2013. He said that CMS estimate that it had overpaid the five health plans $128 million appears low and could very well be just the tip of the iceberg.

Kaiser Health News, a nonprofit health newsroom whose stories appear in news outlets nationwide, is an editorially independent part of the Kaiser Family Foundation. Schulte, formerly of the Center for Public Integrity, is now a senior correspondent at Kaiser Health News.

This story is part of Medicare Advantage Money Grab. Billing errors cost taxpayers billions. Click here to read more stories in this investigation.

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Copyright 2017 The Center for Public Integrity. This story was published by The Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative news organization in Washington, D.C.
By Mirwais Harooni and Hamid Shalizi KABUL (Reuters) - A prominent Afghan politician said on Tuesday his dismissal by President Ashraf Ghani was unfair and could further destabilize the country, at a time when the coalition government has already been weakened by divisions and uncertainty over U.S. policy. Ahmad Zia Massoud, a former vice president, had been serving as Ghani's representative on good governance and reform before he was sacked with little explanation on Monday. "If the president wants to push me out, the country will end up in another civil war," Massoud told reporters on Tuesday. "You do not have the power and the right to do this," Massoud said. "Taking me out of the government structure means moving the country to more instability." The power-sharing agreement brokered by then-U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry looked unwieldy from its inception in 2014, and since then has been buffeted by internal rivalries. Politicians and analysts say the divisions have hampered the government's ability to lead a country beset by a worsening insurgency, in which thousands of people are killed in fighting between the government and Islamist militant groups like the Taliban. The new U.S. administration has yet to set out a clear policy for Afghanistan, raising questions about how far it will go to support Ghani and his government in the coming years. Ghani's office said Massoud, who had often publicly criticized the president, had failed to do his job. But Timor Sharan, a Kabul-based analyst for the International Crisis Group, said the move would reinforce the impression among Ghani's rivals that he was excluding them from power. "This sends a clear signal to others that they could be easily removed within this strategy of monopolizing power around the palace, and this creates the chance of political instability," Sharan said. RIVAL FACTIONS Massoud, from Afghanistan's Tajik community, framed his firing as a move by Ghani, a Pashtun from the country's largest ethnic group, to push others away. Ghani shares power with Tajik politician Abdullah Abdullah, although Massoud, brother of a slain anti-Soviet resistance hero, lost some support among his own constituency when he backed Ghani over Abdullah at the time the government formed in 2014. Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, a prominent figure in Kabul, has upped pressure on his successor by vowing to oppose the unity government for its role in allowing the U.S. military to drop a huge bomb on a suspected Islamic State stronghold in eastern Afghanistan last week. In addition, First Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum, brought into the administration to gather support from his ethnic Uzbek bloc, has been marginalized amid accusations he ordered his men to abduct and assault a political rival last year. Dostum denies the allegations and no official charges have been filed. Some Afghan officials link the political tensions to the relative lack of policy direction from and interaction with President Donald Trump's new administration in Washington. "During the Dostum crisis, countries like Iran and Turkey were the go-between between Ghani and Dostum trying to bring the two together," said one senior Afghan political official. "If this was under Kerry, it would have been already sorted out." Trump has yet to appoint an ambassador to Afghanistan, and while U.S. national security adviser H.R. McMaster visited Kabul over the weekend, no new decisions were announced. McMaster said more broadly that the United States planned to continue to cooperate with Afghanistan in the fight against insurgent groups like Islamic State, al Qaeda, and the Taliban. "I think what Afghanistan needs at the moment is the political backing of Trump's administration," said Abdul Hadi Arghandiwal, an Afghan politician. (Additional reporting by Josh Smith; Editing by Mike Collett-White)
Brick-and-mortar retail is having a meltdown, and economists are starting to see the effects in the job market.

Overall retail employment has fallen every month this year. Department stores, including Macys and JC Penney, have shed nearly 100,000 jobs since Octobermore than the total number of coal miners or steel workers currently employed in the U.S. Even Americas richest areas are getting hit: Employment in New York City clothing stores has fallen three years in a row, the longest period of decline on record, going back to the early 1990s.

When some industries lose workers, they win the consolation prize of empty political promises to turn back time. During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton went up and down Appalachiaand far beyondto lament the job losses suffered by manufacturers and miners. The loss of these jobs has been devastating to many cities and towns. But department stores have lost 18 times more workers than coal mining since 2001.

Recommended: North Carolina: Where the Government Has Already Weakened Environmental Protections

So, how has the retail bloodletting been so much quieter than the decline in mining and manufacturing? There are several plausible explanations. First, mining and manufacturing jobs are geographically concentrated. Sixty percent of coal-mining jobs are in just four states: West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming. Retail is spread more evenly across the country, so there are mining towns, which politicians can visit and photographers can capture and where the pain runs especially deep, in a way there are not mall towns. Second, as Slate Chief Political Correspondent Jamelle Bouie tweeted, the demographics of a job can determine its political salience. Coal mining is still 95 percent white and 95 percent male. Department store workers are 40 percent minority and just 40 percent male. The emphasis on work that is white, male, and burly may represent an implicit bias against the working class of the modern service economy, which is more diverse and female. Third, mining and manufacturing jobs feed into a national nostalgia for the mid-century economy, with its unionized workforce, economic growth, and high pay for men without much education.

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But the decline of clothing-store jobs has something in common with the demise of manufacturing and mining jobs, too. They are both victims of the familiar forces of globalization and technology, which have conspired to make clothes cheaper and accessible online. Both forces can make the country richer while specific areas suffer. For example, the loss of Ohio manufacturing jobs or an exurban department store can have severe local costslike high poverty in an eastern Ohio steel town, or the shuttering of a downtown mallwhile elsewhere the country flourishes, with rising industrial productivity and better access to cheaper clothes.

Recommended: What in the World Is Causing the Retail Meltdown of 2017?

Altogether, the destruction of jobs in retail, mining, and manufacturing raises a thorny question: Is it really so bad when one industrys jobs go away, if the country as a whole is getting richer and the number of jobs is still growing?

Indeed, as retail has moved online, some economists argue that e-commerce has created moreand, perhaps, better payingwork. The economist Michael Mandel estimates that since the Great Recession began, the e-commerce sector has created 355,000 new jobs, compared to about 50,000 total jobs lost in physical retail stores. Much of that growth has come from large fulfillment centers in warehouses. Warehousing is not used exclusively for e-commerce, but the change in warehousing jobs is highly correlated with Amazons job growth in the state; since 2009, warehousing employment has soared by almost 50 percent. Fulfillment centers pay 26 percent better than general retail jobs, and warehouse wages are currently growing twice as fast as the national average.

Politicians are often nostalgia merchants, selling the irreplaceable virtues of whatever cultural or economic norm is in its twilight. In the 20th century, they mourned the wilting of the agricultural industry, just as they currently lament the death of factories. But in an economy that will become increasingly digitized, automated, and otherwise inflected with new technologies like self-driving cars and artificial intelligence, Americans cant get too precious about any particular job or industry.

Recommended: Frank and Stevens Excellent Corporate-Raiding Adventure

Instead, lawmakers should be focused on reducing human suffering as some job sectors shrink or disappear altogether. That might include universal health care that isnt tied to any one specific company and moving vouchers to help workers manage the transition to a new area for work. Overall it requires an approach that is the opposite of then-candidate Trumps message on the campaign: Not how can we rebuild the economy of about 40 years ago and freeze it in carbonite? but rather what sort of federal policies are best for an economy that might be embarking on a period of industrial churn?

The former question probably makes for better politics. It is easier to build a coalition through demonization, the establishment of an evil themlike, Democrats and their environmental regulationsto crystallize a politically motivated uslike, West Virginia mining towns. It is much harder to say the truth: Technology and trade make America richer as a country, but the winnings are distributed unevenly, and its the responsibility of government to improve the distribution without making everybody poorer in the process.

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This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
By Aaron Ross DAKAR (Reuters) - A hundred unarmed South Sudanese refugees in east Congo took 13 United Nations mission staff hostage on Tuesday, demanding to be moved to a third country before later releasing them unharmed. They were among 530 people who have been living in the Munigi base, outside Goma, since fleeing South Sudan last August, U.N. Goma bureau head Daniel Ruiz told Reuters. Most are former fighters loyal to former vice president Riek Machar, who have clashed with President Salva Kiir's forces since July 2016. "The camp is quiet and under full control of MONUSCO (the peacekeeping mission)," U.N. peacekeeping spokeswoman Ismini Palla said at the United Nations. "All staff have returned safely to their homes. No casualties have been reported. The mission is investigating the incident." The United Nations estimates about 3 million South Sudanese have been uprooted by the violence in their country, the biggest cross-border exodus in Africa since the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Ruiz said the camp occupants had been demanding for months to be moved to a third country, but no one would take them. Congo's government, mindful of threats to its stability from past refugee influxes, and from the armed groups that frequently roam its lawless east, is also keen to move them. On Friday, eight of them agreed to be repatriated to South Sudan's capital Juba. Others fear going back and are frustrated at being confined in the tiny camp in eastern Congo. "They're saying if the eight were transferred to South Sudan, why shouldn't we be able to go to a third country?" Ruiz said. Civil war broke out in oil-producing South Sudan in 2013, after Kiir sacked Machar from the vice presidency. That conflict ended in a peace pact in 2015 and Machar was reinstated early last year, but tensions between the two men lingered and finally erupted into new fighting in July. (Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols at the United Nations; Writing by Tim Cocks; Editing by Andrew Roche and Sandra Maler)
A Southwest Airlines co-pilot was taken into custody for trying to board a plane with a loaded handgun at Albany International Airport on Monday.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers discovered a .380 caliber handgun loaded with six bullets in the first officers bag at the New York airport. After a TSA officer spotted the gun using the carry-on x-ray machine, an Albany County Sheriffs Deputy arrested the man on gun charges, the security agency said in a press release.

The co-pilots flight to Chicago had to be delayed for four hours, according to the TSA.

As a reminder, firearms, firearm parts and ammunition-are not permitted in carry-on bags, but can be transported in checked bags if they are unloaded, properly packed and declared to the airline, TSA said in the press release. Those who do bring guns to the security checkpoint could be arrested or hit with a fine up to $12,000.

TSA officers at the same airport also found a loaded handgun in a passengers bag at the end of March.

Southwest did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
Scientists sounded the alarm Tuesday over the problems posed to space missions from orbital junk -- the accumulating debris from mankind's six-decade exploration of the cosmos.

In less than a quarter of a century, the number of orbiting fragments large enough to destroy a spacecraft has more than doubled, a conference in Germany heard.

And the estimated tally of tiny objects -- which can harm or degrade spacecraft in the event of a collision, and are hard to track -- is now around 150 million.

"We are very much concerned," said Rolf Densing, director of operations at the European Space Agency (ESA), pleading for a worldwide effort to tackle the mess.

"This problem can only be solved globally."

Travelling at up to 28,000 kilometres (17,500 miles) per hour, even a minute object impacts with enough energy to damage the surface of a satellite or manned spacecraft.

In 1993, monitoring by ground-based radar showed there to be around 8,000 manmade objects in orbit that were larger than 10 centimetres (4.5 inches) across, a size big enough to inflict catastrophic damage, said Holger Krag, in charge of ESA's space debris office.

"Today, we find in space roughly 5,000 objects with sizes larger than 1 metre (3.25 feet), roughly 20,000 objects with sizes over 10 centimetres... and 750,000 'flying bullets' of around one centimetre (half an inch)," he said.

"For objects larger than one millimetre (0.04 inch), 150 million is our model estimate for that."

Risks of collision are statistically remote, but rise as litter increases and more satellites are deployed.

"The growth in the number of fragments has deviated from the linear trend in the past and has entered into the more feared exponential trend," Krag warned.

The conference in Darmstadt, whose opening was broadcast online, is the biggest-ever gathering dedicated to space debris.

Experts will spend four days discussing debris and measures to mitigate space litter such as by "de-orbiting" satellites after their working lives.

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- Debris fields -

Krag pointed to two events that had badly worsened the problem, creating debris fields that may generate further junk as pieces smash into each other.

The second was in January 2007, when China tested an anti-satellite weapon on an old Fengyun weather satellite.

The other was in February 2009, when an Iridium telecoms satellite and Kosmos-2251, a Russian military satellite, accidentally collided.

With enough warning, satellites can shift position to avoid a collision, but this uses fuel and potentially shortens operational life.

ESA receives a high-risk collision alert every week on average for its 10 satellites in low-Earth orbit, Krag said. Each has to resort to "one or two" avoidance manoeuvres per year.

In a message from the International Space Station, French astronaut Thomas Pesquet said the station was shielded for objects up to 1 cm across.

The ISS often has to make manoeuvres to avoid debris, but needs 24 hours' warning to do this, using onboard thrusters, he said.

If there is less time, "our crew will have to close all the hatches and enter the safe haven which is our Soyuz spacecraft so that we can depart the ISS in the case of a collision," he said. "This has happened four times in the history of the ISS programme."

- Space junkyards -

Experts pointed to two once-pristine sites that have become worryingly cluttered since the space age dawned in 1957.

One is low Earth orbit -- generally defined as less than 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) from Earth -- which is used by satnav satellites, the ISS, China's manned missions and the Hubble telescope, among others.

The other is in geostationary orbit, a coveted zone 35,000 km (22,000 miles) away used by communications, weather and surveillance satellites that must maintain a fixed position relative to Earth.

The trash ranges from fuel tanks and Soviet-era nuclear-powered satellites, dripping sodium and potassium coolant from decrepit hulls, to nuts, bolts and tools dropped by spacewalking astronauts.

The items ironically include a 1.5-metre (five-feet) debris shield that floated off as it was being installed on the ISS on March 30. Lost in low orbit, the shield will eventually be plucked into Earth's atmosphere and burn up.
Madrid (AFP) - A court on Tuesday summoned Mariano Rajoy to testify as a witness in a major graft trial, the first time in modern history that any Spanish prime minister has had to take the stand.

The so-called Gurtel trial centres on a vast bribery network allegedly involving former members of Rajoy's Popular Party (PP), weakened by repeated accusations of graft.

While Spain's 62-year-old leader is not accused of anything, his post as party chief since 2004 means he could provide valuable testimony.

"They have called him as witness," a spokesman for the National Court that deals with major corruption cases told AFP, adding that no date had been set yet for the hearing.

"Rajoy will be the first acting prime minister who has to appear in court as a witness," said Jaume Munoz Jofre, a historian and author of "Corrupt Spain: a brief history of corruption."

The only comparable events since Spain's transition to democracy following dictator Francisco Franco's 1975 death, he added, were the court appearances of two former prime ministers.

Felipe Gonzalez, an ex-Socialist leader, and Adolfo Suarez, prime minister during the transition, both testified as witnesses in separate trials in 1998.

- 'Not agree' -

A source at Rajoy's office, who refused to be named, said the government was "always willing to collaborate with judicial authorities as is normal in a democracy.

But the PP said that while it "respects" the court's decision to summon Rajoy, "we cannot agree with it".

The lawyers association, ADADE, which has filed the graft case with the court "attributes functions to Rajoy which were not his responsibility", the party said in a statement, before adding that the group is headed by two men with close ties to the main opposition Socialists.

The Gurtel case allegedly saw companies shower former PP lawmakers and civil servants with bribes in exchange for contracts.

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Altogether, 37 defendants face justice including two former party treasurers and businessman Francisco Correa, the alleged head of the network.

The case even forced the resignation of Rajoy's health minister Ana Mato in 2014, accused of benefitting from illegally-obtained funds via her then husband who was mayor of the city of Pozuelo de Alarcon near Madrid.

According to a confession published by Correa in online daily eldiario.es, companies would give him a commission of two to three percent on the value of public contracts.

After taking his share, he would allegedly give politicians involved in awarding contracts some of the money too.

He also claimed he gave money to Luis Barcenas, a man also on trial who was PP manager from 1980s to 2008 and then treasurer for a year.

- Party slush fund? -

Further complicating matters, Barcenas claimed in 2013 that part of that money went into a secret party slush fund.

The fund is an ingredient of the current case but not the focus, as a separate trial on it is pending.

Barcenas was nevertheless questioned on the subject in January, and acknowledged there existed secret accounts in the PP, pointing to "financial resources that did not appear in official book-keeping."

But he said that rather than bribes, businessmen gave donations "generously" without expecting anything in return.

"I never received anything from Correa, not for me nor for the PP," he added, blasting the businessman's allegations as "nonsense".

When questioned by a judge in 2013, Barcenas had also claimed he had given Rajoy envelopes of cash.

But in his January hearing, he defended Rajoy, saying he had given orders not to use Correa's companies anymore in 2003, "because he was told that Correa was engaged in illegal activities."

Corruption is a major issue in Spain -- which last year scored its worst ranking in Transparency International's annual corruption perceptions index -- with the PP, rival Socialists and regional politicians hit by scandals.

Such is public anger over the issue that many voters have flocked to two relatively new parties -- the far-left Podemos and the centre-right Ciudadanos.

As a result, although the PP still won a general election last year, it failed to retain the absolute majority it won in 2011, and Rajoy now heads a minority government.
Tensions are on the rise once again in the India-controlled Kashmir Valley, where large crowds of protesters have taken to the streets following a violent clash between students and authorities at a college on Saturday.

More than 50 people were reportedly injured during what local media has described as a crackdown on students gathered at a school in the town of Pulwama, in the states south, over the weekend.

According to the Hindustan Times, the students began throwing stones at security forces in response to the installation of a military checkpoint near the campus. Security forces reportedly responded by launching tear gas and firing pellets at the students.

Students turned out by the hundreds in the capital Srinigar on Monday to protest the crackdown, with crowds later amassing in at least 10 towns throughout the state, according to the Indian Express. Some 60 protesters were reportedly injured Monday as police and paramilitary forces tried to break up the demonstrations, again using rubber bullets, water cannons and tear gas.

Read More: These 5 Facts Explain Why India and Pakistans Kashmir Dispute Is Going to Get Worse

Several local media outlets reported that 3G and 4G providers have been ordered to temporarily cut service in the region to avoid the spread of videos and images that could exacerbate the violence.

The Indian government of Jammu and Kashmir, as the state is officially known, has also ordered the temporary closure of all schools and colleges throughout the valley, the Express reports. The fresh demonstrations, anti-Indian in nature, follow a sequence of recent skirmishes in the volatile state.

In early April, eight people were killed during clashes with police and paramilitary troops that broke out during a by-election. Last Friday, a viral video of a Kashmiri man tied to the front of a military vehicle - apparently used as a human shield to deter stone-pelting residents who oppose Indian militarization of the territory - sparked outrage and allegations of human rights abuses.

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Read More: Another Season of Unrest Brings Darkness for Ordinary Kashmiris

The Muslim-majority state of Jammu and Kashmir, wedged between India and Pakistan and claimed by both, has been the frequent site of violent unrest. Both countries claim sovereignty over the entire region, but only parts of it are ruled by each side.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
Scientists are diving deep off the coast of Antarctica to help protect whale feeding areas.

But they're not jumping into the frigid Southern Ocean themselves. Instead, a team of researchers has attached non-invasive sensors and cameras to the backs of humpback and minke whales.

The project, supported by World Wildlife Fund's Australia office, has gathered a bounty of information so far, including when, where, and how whales eat krill; what their social lives are like; and how they're able to blow through sea ice so they can breathe.

SEE ALSO: Watching orcas swimming in the wild on live cam is why we have internet

Whales in the Southern Ocean face two main threats to their food supply: overfishing of krill, and climate change. Warming ocean temperatures are causing ice to shrink, which is altering Antarctic ecosystems.

In the whale study, each whale wears the suction-cup cameras for between 24 and 48 hours at a time. Scientists then retrieve the "whale cams" and apply them to other whales.

"We have been able to show that whales spend a great deal of time during the days socializing and resting, and then feeding largely throughout the evening and night time," said Ari Friedlander, lead scientist on the whale study and an associate professor from Oregon State University.

"Whales are aggregating in a number of bays  including Wilhelmina Bay, Cierva Cove, Fournier Bay, Errera Channel  in high numbers and are feeding there for weeks at a time," he said in a news release. "Every time we deploy a tag or collect a sample, we learn something new about whales in the Antarctic."
Just because a judge makes it to the Supreme Court, that doesn't mean the person gets to speak freely: A new study finds that female justices are interrupted more than male justices.

This happens even though female justices on the Supreme Court speak less than their male colleagues, according to the study, which will be published in an upcoming issue of the Virginia Law Review journal.

In the study, the researchers analyzed transcripts of court proceedings during three Supreme Court terms: 1990, 2002 and 2015. The researchers tallied up the interruptions that took place when lawyers were presenting their cases to the court, a process called oral arguments. [8 Supreme Court Decisions That Changed US Families]

In 1990, there was only one woman on the Supreme Court: Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. In 2002, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was on the bench alongside Justice O'Connor. Finally, in 2015, there were three female Justices: Justice Ginsburg, Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Justice Elena Kagan.

The researchers found that, overall, the female justices were interrupted about three times more often than their male counterparts.

For example, in 2015, Justice Sotomayor was interrupted 60 times and Justice Kagan was interrupted 54 times, whereas Chief Justice John Roberts was interrupted 27 times and Justice Antonin Scalia was interrupted just 19 times.

The interruptions took on many forms, said study authors Tonja Jacobi, a law professor at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in Chicago, and Dylan Schweers, a law student at the same institution. For example, during a 2015 oral argument, Justice Anthony Kennedy interrupted Justice Ginsburg, and though he acknowledged that he was interrupting, he kept going.

In other instances, male justices interrupted female justices to "mansplain," the researchers wrote. That is, the men either unnecessarily explained something to a female justice or explained to a third party what a woman was "trying to say," the study said.

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The authors highlighted a 2002 instance in which Justice Kennedy interrupted Justice O'Connor and proceeded to "mansplain" to a lawyer by explaining a question O'Connor had asked perfectly clearly.

But male justices weren't the only ones who interrupted the female justices on the court: The researchers found that lawyers also interrupted the court's women. This is surprising, because lawyers are not allowed to interrupt justices, and the chief justice is supposed to intervene when this occurs, the researchers noted.

The researchers highlighted a 2002 instance in which Chief Justice William Rehnquist did, in fact, intervene when a lawyer interrupted Justice Scalia. But in different case, Justice Rehnquist did not intervene when a lawyer interrupted Justice Ginsburg.

But gender wasn't the only factor that played a role in interruptions, the researchers found. A justice's ideology also appeared to have an effect, the researchers found, with conservative justices interrupting liberal justices more often than the reverse occurred. However, the researchers noted out that it was difficult to disentangle the effects of gender and ideology, as the three female justices on the court in 2015 were all liberal.

Seniority also played a role, as more-senior justices were more likely to interrupt less-senior justices, the study said. However, this effect was smaller than that of gender and ideology, according to the study.

Originally published on Live Science.

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By Sue-Lin Wong PYONGYANG (Reuters) - Syria's ambassador to North Korea denounced what he called U.S. aggression and its "history of interventions" on Monday and said that it sending a "message" to North Korea with an attack on a Syrian airfield was irresponsible. North Korea has conducted several missile and nuclear tests in defiance of U.N. sanctions and has said it has developed a missile that can strike the U.S. mainland. Its latest missile test on Sunday failed a few seconds after launch. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence warned North Korea on Monday that recent U.S. strikes in Syria, one of North Korea's few close allies, and Afghanistan showed that the resolve of President Donald Trump should not be tested. The U.S. Navy this month struck a Syrian airfield with 59 Tomahawk missiles after a chemical weapons attack. On Thursday, the U.S. military said it had dropped the largest non-nuclear device it had unleashed in combat on a network of caves and tunnels used by Islamic State in Afghanistan. Syrian Ambassador to North Korea Tammam Sulaiman said the United States was wrong to send messages with attacks on other countries. "Whatever they do, this is clear aggression. If they want to mention this they ought to do this as a message or whatever, it has no sense to talk about this," he told Reuters, in English. "Because what is sense is to see whether the U.S. is really serious in finding solutions, whether in Syria or Korea. If they want to keep sending messages, then you are not talking with a responsible state or a responsible administration. It is not about giving messages, it is about taking a position." A high-level government official at North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Reuters in a separate interview on Monday that North Korea would have been attacked a long time ago like other countries if it did not have strong military capabilities. "The Syrian incident proves that our policy to bolster our national defence capabilities by tightening our belts is the correct policy," said Kim Son Gyong, Director General of the European Department at North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Asked whether he thought the U.S. was sending Pyongyang a message by striking Syria, he said: "We are not startled or surprised in the slightest by this kind of act. If the U.S. thinks this kind of thing will startle us, then they have misjudged us." North Korea's KCNA news agency on Monday carried a letter from leader Kim Jong Un to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad marking the 70th anniversary of Syrias independence. "I express again a strong support and alliance to the Syrian government and its people for its work of justice, condemning the United States recent violent invasive act against your country," Kim said. Asked to what extent North Korea supported the Syrian military in its fight against rebel forces, Sulaiman said there was "nothing of military cooperation". North Korea in 2013 denied it was sending military aid to the Syrian government after media reports said that Pyongyang had sent advisers and helicopter pilots. Kim Son Gyong declined to comment when asked about the kind of military aid North Korea currently provides Syria. Sulaiman said the "acquisition of nuclear weapons should not be a goal" for any country. "But I can understand in the case of North Korea, I can understand why (it) is building its nuclear capabilities to face the American aggression, clear aggression." (Writing by Nick Macfie; Editing by Alison Williams and Hugh Lawson)
Several arrested over the weekend

ANGOLA  The following people were arrested over the weekend by law enforcement officers working in Steuben County and lodged in the Steuben County Jail.

 Mary H. Carrigan, 52, of the 100 block of Powers Street, arrested at North Wayne Street and Calvary Lane on a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana and a felony charge of illegal possession of a legend drug.

 Jennifer L. Davis, 35, of the 900 block of Griswold Court, Auburn, arrested on a warrant alleging felony possession of methamphetamine and failure to return to lawful detention.

 Sharlene M. Domanski, 52, of the 100 block of Walnut Street, Coldwater, Michigan, arrested in Fremont on misdemeanor charges of operating while intoxicated and resisting law enforcement.

 Nicole H. Dunafin, 27, of the 3000 block of North S.R. 127, arrested at home on a felony charge of domestic battery in the presence of a child.

 Michael A. Forrester, 27, of the 200 block of Lane 100 Lake Charles East, arrested at home on a felony charge of battery of someone less than 14 years old by someone 18 years old or older and misdemeanor charges of criminal recklessness and resisting law enforcement.

 David Gregg, 32, of the 100 block of North Tillotson Street, Fremont, Michigan, arrested on a warrant alleging civil contempt of court.

 Andre J. Hilson, 26, of the 300 block of North Washington Street, Bremen, arrested on a warrant alleging misdemeanor probation violation.

 Steven R. Maxwell, 42, of the 100 block of Locust Street, Menden, Michigan, arrested on a warrant alleging misdemeanor failure to appear.

 Shawn A. Ring Jr., 19, of the 1000 block of West S.R. 120, Fremont, arrested at S.R. 120 and C.R. 50W on a misdemeanor charge of unlicensed driver.

 Eric D. Schwartz, 46, of the 200 block of West Depot Street, Hudson, arrested in the 200 block of West Wabash Street on a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery.

 Leonardo C. Sosa, 25, of the 800 block of North C.R. 300E, LaGrange, arrested on a fugitive warrant.

 Cody A. Vitek, 21, of the 1000 block of North S.R. 827, arrested at home on a misdemeanor charge of invasion of privacy.

 Eric R. Worthington, 39, of the 2000 block of West Orland Road, arrested on S.R. 127 on a misdemeanor charge of operating while intoxicated.
Bab al-Hawa (Syria) (AFP) - Fatima Rashid was recovering in a Syrian hospital after a deadly suicide blast when she glanced at a teenager with a bloody, disfigured face. She did not recognise her daughter.

The wounded teenager was later taken across the border to Turkey for treatment and now Rashid, like many parents caught up in a horrifying attack on Saturday, is searching frantically for her child.

"I lifted the curtain back in the emergency room and I saw a girl. Half her face was gone and she was bleeding," Rashid told AFP, speaking at a shelter for displaced families near the Syria-Turkey border.

"I didn't think about whose daughter she was."

"When I woke up the next day, the doctors came to show me a picture of that girl. I remembered what my daughter Ghadir had been wearing. That was her," she said, with tears in her eyes.

At least 68 children were among 126 people killed when a suicide car bomb tore through buses evacuating Fuaa and Kafraya, two villages in northern Syria under rebel siege.

Dozens of wounded, including 37-year-old Fatima and her children, were rushed to hospitals in nearby opposition-controlled territory, while others were taken to government-held Aleppo city.

Fatima has no news of Ghadir, her son Adel, 15, her 13-month-old daughter Rimas, or her husband Mohannad.

Only Zahra, seven, is safely at Fatima's side.

- 'Didn't even have her name' -

The carnage on Saturday came as thousands gathered to be evacuated from Fuaa and Kafraya as part of a complex deal that also saw people leave Madaya and Zabadani, towns near Damascus surrounded by pro-government forces.

"I saw a car distributing potato chips to the children. My daughter asked me to get her a bag, but a little kid came and snatched the bag from me," Fatima said.

A smile briefly crossed her face before it turned dark again, as she remembered the devastating scene that followed.

"I went to get another one and suddenly something exploded. I flew back onto the ground and there were bodies on top of me.... I pulled myself and my daughter out from under the bodies and ran."

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"They took us to a hospital and treated us well... But when they took Ghadir to Turkey, I didn't know anything. They didn't even have her name," Fatima said.

Dozens of survivors from Fuaa and Kafraya were squatting on blankets and rugs in the displacement centre, awaiting news of relatives of whom they lost track after the explosion.

Several children, some as young as three, sat shell-shocked in a row, staying quiet as people asked for their names or where their parents were.

One woman, whose daughter was taken to another village for treatment, anxiously tried to locate her in unfamiliar rebel-controlled territory.

"Where is this village? How am I supposed to know anything about her?" she called out.

- 'Did he die?' -

Nearby, Umm Mohammad, her face scratched and her left hand wrapped in gauze, was hysterical.

She was flanked by her two young boys, whose faces were bandaged, but her third child was nowhere in sight.

"I want information about my son. Is he in Turkey? Did he die?" she screamed, as mothers nearby tried to soothe her.

"He's eight months old, he can't tell people who he is. No one knows his name. How am I supposed to get to him?"

In a section of the tent reserved for men, Shareef al-Hussein, 35, waited with his two sons.

Haydar, 10, was lightly wounded in the forehead. All that was visible of four-year-old Hamza's face from behind his bloodied bandages was his nose.

"My children cry every day because they want to see their mother. We hope to go back one day" to Kafraya, Hussein said.

He and fellow evacuees were besieged for two years by rebel fighters -- some of whom helped rescue people hurt in the suicide attack.

"They got us medication and food, they helped us with the kids," Hussein told AFP, which requested that rebel fighters not be present during the interview.

Osama, a resident of Fuaa who had joined a local pro-government militia in the village, said he was "not afraid" of being in opposition-controlled territory.

"Our brothers here are assuring us that we are not their hostages," he said.

Syria's six-year war has so bitterly divided its population that many anti-regime rebels and residents of government-held territory struggled to believe they were under the same tent.

Abu Obeida, a 33-year-old rebel fighter, said he helped rescue wounded civilians after Saturday's attack, but acknowledged it was "difficult" to say how he would have reacted if a deal between the two sides had not been underway.

"But I had to rescue the children and the old people," he added.

"It's a human issue."
LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, Calif.  For decades, scientists here at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory have sent spacecraft deep into the solar system. Now, theyre exploring another mysterious terrain: the human breast.

The labs primary mission, of course, is to dream up and create robotic spacecraft to look for water on Mars or peer below the dense clouds that shroud Jupiter. But in recent years, top scientists here have realized that JPLs powerful technology for exploring the cosmos might also help solve daunting medical questions here on Earth.

Its very simple. If If JPL has a bunch of technology  to get to the moon, to look for life on Europa  and that has any benefit for medicine and health, then we have a responsibility to share that benefit with the public, said Leon Alkalai, a veteran technologist at JPL who has been involved in several space missions and now manages the labs office of strategic planning.

One of labs first medical breakthroughs came in the area of breast cancer.

Dr. Susan Love, a well-known surgeon and advocate for breast cancer research, was trying to understand the microbiome of breast ducts  the channels under the skin that carry milk to the nipple. (The breast was one of the organs left out of the federally funded Human Microbiome Project, she notes.) Since almost all breast cancers originate in the ducts, Love has been keen to map them and to determine if they harbor any infectious agents that may play a role in breast cancer.

Read more: Mammograms plus personalized treatment are the best options to fight breast cancer

But Loves analysis kept running into trouble; her team found far more microbes than they anticipated. It turns out, she said, that the antiseptic being used to clean the volunteers skin was filled with dead microbes, which posed no risk them but made analysis tough.

It was hard to figure out what were the important bacteria versus what was just noise and contamination, Love said.

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Enter JPL.

A tool to protect planets powers cancer research

Scientists here have developed a host of techniques to analyze very tiny concentrations of microorganisms. These tools are exquisitely sensitive because they are used for planetary protection  to ensure that NASA spacecraft carry as little earthly bacteria as possible so they dont contaminate distant worlds.

In a fortuitous coincidence, one of the scientists immersed in planetary protection at JPL, Parag Vaishampayan, had spent his postdoctoral training in Berkeley studying how a mother shares her microbiome with her infant, possibly through breastfeeding. While many biologists have long assumed the breast and ducts to be sterile, Vaishampayan knew otherwise.

When Dr. Love presented her work, I said, Thats fantastic. Of course theres microbacteria in the breast. And we can help analyze it, he said.

Vaishampayan was thrilled to return to his academic roots: When I came to NASA, he said, I never thought I would work on microbiome  ever.

The team analyzed breast ductal fluid from 23 healthy women and 25 women with a history of breast cancer, using advanced sequencing techniques to determine the microbial fauna. They established that breast duct fluid does indeed have a distinct microbiome, and that the populations of microbes in healthy patients appear to differ from those with cancer history.

What does that mean? Its still not clear: It may be that the microbe they found in healthy women is somehow protective against breast cancer. But it also could simply be that radiation and chemotherapy wiped out that particular microbe in women whod been treated for cancer.

Either way, the differences are intriguing enough that Love and her collaborator, UCLAs Dr. Delphine Lee, are planning a larger, follow-up study. Vaishampayan plans to work with them. He sees real potential for clinical gains: These are not sci-fi objectives, he said.

Indeed, there is mounting evidence that changes in the microbiome may play a role in both the development of breast cancer and how aggressively it spreads. Altering the microbiome may one day even be a therapeutic option for patients, according to Nick Chia, a microbiome researcher at the Mayo Clinic.

Mapping foreign terrain  inside the breast

Love has also tapped JPL for help updating maps of the breast ductal system, which has been little studied since some basic dissection work was conducted by master English anatomist Sir Astley Paston Cooper  back in 1840. She hopes the new maps could lead to more precise cancer surgeries.

We know nothing about the anatomy, said Love, who now serves as chief visionary officer for the nonprofit Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation in Encino, Calif. Thats why we cut out big chunks.

The Love Foundation has tried to use regular 3-D medical ultrasound to capture images of the ducts in healthy, lactating women. But theyre still very hard to trace.

Thats where JPL comes in: Detailed radar mapping of complex and foreign topography is second nature to the planetary scientists.

Read more: Could extreme breath-holding help in breast cancer treatment?

For Love, who considers the human breast about as unexplored as the surface of Mars, the collaboration with the lab is a natural fit. This is really discovery research. We have no idea what were going to find, Love said. Were like JPL. We just want to go and see whats out there.

Love credits her connection with JPL to Charlayne Fliege. A senior executive at at the lab, Fliege also belongs to Loves Army of Women  healthy women who volunteer their time and bodies to participate in breast cancer research. As Fliege lay on a table getting poked and prodded during one research session, Love talked about the vital need to learn more about the breast.

Shes so passionate, Fliege said. I said, Susan, you sound just like a scientist whos exploring Mars. Seriously, you should talk to the people at JPL.

So Love did.

Before the work could start, Alkalai had to convince his superiors at JPL to devote at least a few resources to medical questions on Earth. Its not an easy thing to sell, he said. JPL is very busy.

In search of truly tough questions

But when Alkalai held an exploratory meeting, he was shocked to draw a full house of 60 JPL staffers, many of whom were already working on medical projects on the side or as volunteers.

So he set up the Medical Engineering Forum, a virtual department at JPL that brings together scientists and engineers keen to work on medical projects. It brings in external researchers to talk about their work  and offers small amounts of seed money for JPL scientists to team up with them.

Read more: Young women with breast cancer learn to celebrate life  and say goodbye

Its still early days for the forum, but JPL employees are already working on a number of collaborations, including working with neurosurgeons to develop smarter materials for use in spinal surgery. Also on the table: better imaging technology to guide surgeons more precisely.

JPLs tech, after all, includes exquisite detectors to image galaxies, Alkalai said. They can also image the human brain for cancer surgery.

Outside experts who want to work with the lab can submit challenge problems. But Alkalai warns its highly competitive. The forum looks for problems with high medical relevance  and research protocols that make full use of JPLs unique sets of skills.

Were hard to get, he said. What were looking for is truly tough problems.

The new initiative has a side benefit as well. Its building community across JPL.

Scientists always attend the lectures and colloquia held here. But when the topic is medical, the rooms fill with new faces: administrators and secretarial staff rarely seen at scientific talks. If theyre talking about cancer, it doesnt matter what degree you have, said Alkalai. It cuts across every demographic.
Many girls dream of becoming prom queen, but it became a reality for this South Dakota teen with Down syndrome after all her friends nominated her for the coveted title.

Read: 'It's So Exciting': Little Girl Tells the World That Down Syndrome Isn't Scary in Viral Video

Katie Haugh, a senior at Douglas High School, was voted prom queen earlier this month after an overwhelming student-run campaign to get her to the top.

I never expected it at all," said her mom, Donna Haugh, who is a special education teacher's aide at the same school. It was so exciting. It was unbelievable. It was good for her [and] good for us.

Her mom told InsideEdition.com that Katie was first nominated to become queen, alongside four other girls, which I was surprised about.

Then, students rallied around her campaign to become queen, handing out ballots and yelling Vote for Katie! as people placed their votes.

Although Katie said she was only there for the dancing and her friends, she was excited to get on stage in her navy lace gown, and accept the golden crown when she was declared this years prom queen.

Of course, I started to cry, her mom said. At first, I was just happy and then the tears started coming.

She explained it hasnt always been easy being the mom of a daughter with Down syndrome.

Read: Teen With Down Syndrome Cries as Boyfriend Asks Her to Homecoming Dance

Katie spent the past six months of her senior year sick, and spent her days in and out of the hospital instead of at school with her friends.

But, the moment she got back, Haugh said she was touched by the efforts of her fellow students to make her feel welcome all over again.

Watch: Woman With Down Syndrome Makes Television Debut as Meteorologist

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As the USS Carl Vinson and its carrier battle group steam through the Pacific toward the Korean Peninsula, many are wondering if the Trump administration could be so rash as to attack North Korea.

Regardless of how this latest move plays out, the international community will ultimately have to accept and learn to manage a nuclear North Korea. This is because:

North Korea will not relinquish its nuclear program for any price;

the economic sanctions placed on it by the UN Security Council have had minimal impact in compelling North Koreas denuclearization; and

military options for denuclearizing North Korea carry unacceptably high risks of a disastrous cascade to full-scale war.

The Trump administration appears to agree with the first two assertions. However, it has reached a contrary view on the threat or use of military force to tame North Korea.

The end of strategic patience?

North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test in September 2016, and has since embarked on several missile tests. The reasons for these tests include advancing the technological development of its nuclear weapons program, signaling displeasure about the annual US-South Korea joint military exercises, and testing the new Trump administrations mettle.

In response, the US is doubling down on abrasive posturing and military threats. During his recent visit to South Korea, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the policy of strategic patience has ended with North Korea, and all options are on the table to denuclearize it. And Donald Trump has since declared on Twitter:

In the past, US leaders have deployed stealth fighters and bombers to the Korean Peninsula as a signal to North Korea of the consequences of continued provocation. Trump, however, has deployed an aircraft carrier group in a move that goes beyond signaling a declaration of intent to attack.

In the context of US air strikes against the Assad regime in Syria, the North Korean government would have little choice but to take the threat seriously. The risk of escalation to full-scale war has intensified.

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Surgical air strikes

Surgical air strikes  similar to those conducted last week in Syria  are likely to be the USs preferred military option. Such a proposal is not new.

In July 2006, former defense officials Ashton Carter and William Perry suggested that the US could prevent further missile tests and send a strong message to the North Korean leadership by surgically attacking the countrys missile launch platforms. Such proposals have never been followed through: the assumption North Korea would not retaliate is a high-risk bet.

Targeting missile facilities is one thing. Bombing North Koreas nuclear infrastructure is a different proposition. For surgical air strikes to be successful, the US needs to be sure the most critical sites have been destroyed.

During the early phase of its development, North Koreas nuclear program was centered on the reactors and reprocessing facilities at Yongbyon. Since then, several clandestine processes within North Koreas nuclear fuel cycle have been uncovered, or been intentionally declared by the Kim regime.

The nuclear programs crown jewels  the bombs themselves, and the stockpiles of fissile material  are likely to be buried deep in secret, reinforced underground facilities, protected from aerial attack. If there were good options for surgical air strikes, these would have been more viable during the nuclear programs earlier phase.

Should air strikes successfully target nuclear facilities, there is a risk of toxic radioactive fallout contaminating surrounding regions both inside North Korea and in neighboring countries. The fallout risk has long been recognized as one of the reasons discounting air strikes against North Korea as a viable military option.

It is possible that surgical air strikes may instead target sites associated with the North Korean leadership, in an attempt to mortally wound the Kim regime and facilitate denuclearization through regime change.

There is precedent for this: the initial attack on Iraq in 2003. US-led coalition forces targeted presidential palaces, government buildings and other targets of opportunity in an attempt to eliminate Saddam Hussein and expedite the conclusion of the invasion.

Lets assume for the sake of argument that an air strike successfully killed Kim Jong Un. Does the Trump administration have a contingency plan for securing a post-Kim North Korea?

There is a clear risk of mission creep should the US be drawn into an extended pacification and nation-building campaign. Its experience in Iraq should offer a cautionary tale about the risks of regime change by force in the absence of a plan to win the peace.

Cascade to full-scale war

Lets say, however, that Kim survives a targeted attack. The North Korean leaderships strategic culture and the political capital invested in decades of anti-US domestic propaganda has created a path dependency that virtually locks in an escalation to full-scale war, should North Korea be attacked.

This is one of the reasons why South Korea has not retaliated against any North Korean provocations over the past two decades  even attacks as brazen as the shelling of Yeonpyeong-do and the sinking of South Korean naval corvette Cheonan.

The South Korean capital, Seoul, is acutely vulnerable to North Korean attack because of its proximity to the demilitarized zone. It is virtually indefensible against artillery and missile barrage. Is the Trump administration willing to risk a cascade into full-scale war that would jeopardize the lives of millions of South Koreans in Seoul and its surrounds?

It would be difficult to see the US-South Korea alliance surviving such a disaster  especially if such a crisis was precipitated by a clumsy American intervention.

Such an escalation would be a disaster for the region. Picture the humanitarian tragedy and toxic politics of the Syrian refugee crisis superimposed on Northeast Asia. Does the Trump administration have a plan for managing the regional humanitarian fallout of an escalated war?

This is the nightmare scenario for the Chinese government. It is one of the primary reasons for its continued  though increasingly lukewarm  backing of the Kim regime. It is also why China will inevitably veto any resolution put to the UN Security Council for military action against North Korea.

Why deterrence has prevailed

The idea that a discrete, surgical air strike could be deployed in the Korean context is a mirage. North Korea is not Syria. There is a good reason successive US presidents have settled on deterring North Korea as their default strategy. The menu of possible military options all carry unacceptably high risks.

North Korea has the means to retaliate against targets in South Korea and Japan with conventional weapons, as well as weapons of mass destruction. North Koreas capacity to attack South Korea has helped preserve a balance of deterrence on the Korean Peninsula since the Korean War armistice in 1953.

While the balance of terror overwhelming favors the US, the balance of deterrence in Korea sits at a rough equilibrium. As the more powerful player, the US does not have to act aggressively to maintain this equilibrium and preserve regional stability.

In this context, the threat posed by a nuclear North Korea has been exaggerated through intellectually lazy analysis based on assumptions of the Kim regimes irrationality. More careful analysis of North Koreas actual behavior suggests otherwise.

The overriding priority underpinning North Korean foreign policy remains regime survival and the perpetuation of the Kim family dynasty. To this end, North Korea sees hard military power as the only reliable means of guaranteeing its security in what it perceives as a hostile strategic environment.

North Koreas nuclear weapons and ballistic missile capabilities are the ultimate practical expressions of this worldview. But, more importantly, they are the North Korean leaderships only real levers of power internationally.

Trumps foreign policy team would do well to think through the logic of their escalation. A North Korean first-strike nuclear attack against the US or its regional allies makes little sense for North Korea. From this perspective, it is a strategic restraint on Americas part based on deterrence  rather than unnecessary unilateral muscle-flexing  thats more likely to preserve regional stability.

Back in 2002, North Korea expert Victor Cha pointed out North Korea was most likely to use nuclear weapons if backed into a corner where the perpetuation of the Kim regime was directly threatened. It is a disturbing irony that by deploying the USS Carl Vinson battle group, Trump has increased the possibility of that scenario coming to pass.

Benjamin Habib, Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, La Trobe University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

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Bangkok (AFP) - The number of people killed on Thailand's roads during the country's traditional new year week dropped by more than ten percent following a junta campaign to end the annual carnage.

The kingdom has some of the world's most lethal roads, with accidents spiking over Songkran -- the April new year festival -- as millions of city workers return to their country homes.

Both Songkran and the western New Year are both dubbed the "seven deadly days" because of the surge in crashes and road fatalities.

Figures released on Tuesday showed 390 people lost their lives on Thailand's roads during the previous seven days, an eleven percent decrease on the previous year.

Thailand's junta government has launched repeated crackdowns on drink driving since its 2014 power grab, including approving harsher penalties for offenders, seizing vehicles and forcing drivers to visit mortuaries holding the bodies of accident victims.

But until now all the previous campaigns showed no reductions.

Junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha on Tuesday said there was still work to be done to persuade Thais to drive more responsibly.

"No I am not satisfied because people are still dead," he told reporters.

Despite relatively good infrastructure, Thailand has the world's second most dangerous roads in terms of per capita deaths, according to data collected by the World Health Organization in a 2015 report.

Figures show drink-driving remains stubbornly entrenched in Thailand.

Nearly a third of accidents over this year's Songkran -- 28 percent -- were caused by drunk driving. Military authorities said they also seized 5,600 motorbikes and 1,800 cars driven by people who were over the limit.

Experts say speeding and a lack of helmet-wearing among motorcyclists are also major factors behind the high death rate.

The kingdom's traffic cops are also notorious for bribe-taking and letting wealthy, well-connected drivers off the hook for offences.

Neighbouring Myanmar, which also celebrates the traditional new year over the same period, said 285 people were killed on its roads last week.
(Reuters) - Embattled blood-testing company Theranos Inc will pay $4.65 million to customers in Arizona who used its services between 2013 and 2016, the state's attorney general said on Tuesday. Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich had alleged that Theranos' advertisements misrepresented the method, accuracy and reliability of its blood testing. Of the roughly 1.5 million blood tests Theranos sold to more than 175,000 customers in Arizona, 10 percent were voided or corrected, Brnovich said in a statement. (http://bit.ly/2pOVZzF) Theranos said on Tuesday the agreement reflects costs incurred by customers for tests, regardless of whether the company received payment, or whether the test results were voided or corrected. Theranos was founded by Elizabeth Holmes in 2003 to develop an innovative blood testing device that would give quicker results using just one drop of blood. However, its fortunes waned after the Wall Street Journal published a series of articles starting in October 2015 that suggested the devices were flawed and inaccurate. Theranos in January announced layoffs affecting 155 jobs, or 41 percent of its workforce. On Monday, Theranos said it would stay out of the blood-testing business for at least two years in exchange for reduced penalties from federal health authorities. (Reporting by Divya Grover in Bengaluru; Editing by Sai Sachin Ravikumar)
(Reuters) - Theranos Inc said on Monday it would stay out of the blood-testing business for at least two years in exchange for reduced penalties from federal health authorities. The settlement resolves all outstanding legal and regulatory proceedings between Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the company, Theranos said. Under the terms of the agreement, CMS has withdrawn the revocation of the Theranos' CLIA operating certificates and reduced its civil monetary penalty against the company to $30,000, Theranos said. Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) mandates that virtually all laboratories, including physician office laboratories, meet applicable federal requirements and have a CLIA certificate to operate. Theranos, which exited the clinical lab and retail business last year, said it also would withdraw its September 2015 appeal of the sanctions imposed by CMS on its Newark clinical laboratory. CMS could not be immediately reached for comment outside regular business hours. Theranos ran into trouble after the Wall Street Journal published a series of articles beginning last October suggesting its blood-testing devices were flawed and inaccurate. The company, once valued at $9 billion, was founded by Elizabeth Holmes in 2003 to develop an innovative blood testing device that would give quicker results using just one drop of blood. In 2016 Holmes was barred by a U.S. regulator from owning or operating a lab for at least two years. (Reporting by John Benny in Bengaluru; Editing by Bill Trott)
Embattled diagnostics startup Theranos said it will return $4.65 million to Arizona residents for the blood testing services they received between 2013 and 2016.

Everyone who paid for a test will receive a full refund, period, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said in a statement. Some 1.5 million blood tests were performed on 175,000 customers  and more than 10 percent were ultimately voided.

The deal, made with the Arizona attorney generals office, is Theranoss second for the week: The Silicon Valley company also told the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that it wouldnt conduct any blood testing for at least two years, in exchange for pared-down penalties from federal health authorities.

As part of the new deal, Theranos also agreed to not operate a CLIA-certified lab in Arizona for two years, starting March 28, 2017. It will pay the attorney generals office $200,000 in civil penalties, and $25,000 in legal fees.

Theranos, launched in 2003 by CEO Elizabeth Holmes, once had grand plans to revolutionize the diagnostics industry. The company claimed that its technology could run hundreds of lab tests with a single drop of blood. It partnered with Walgreens to create a network of Wellness Centers across Arizona and California, aiming to expand the direct-to-consumer diagnostics market.

Read more: Theranos to shut labs and lay off hundreds as mission shifts to research

But a series of damning media reports, beginning in late 2015, reversed the course of the once-promising diagnostics startup  and last summer, CMS found that Theranoss practices in its California lab led to immediate jeopardy to patient health and safety. Federal health authorities banned Holmes from owning or operating a lab for two years, and Walgreens ended its partnership with Theranos  closing down the 40 Wellness Centers in Arizona and California.

It has since switched gears, and is developing a miniLab device that it claims will miniaturize the entire diagnostics process into a small, table-top device.

In January, the Arizona attorney generals office began gearing up to launch a lawsuit against Theranos and its subsidiaries, alleging consumer fraud. It claimed that Theranos violated the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act, thanks to a long-running scheme of deceptive acts and misrepresentations relating to the capabilities of Theranos blood testing equipment.
London (AFP) - British Prime Minister Theresa May, who on Tuesday called for a snap election, has forged a reputation as a no-nonsense pragmatist seeking to lead the country through one of the most tumultuous periods of its history.

Britain's second female leader after fellow Conservative Margaret Thatcher, May took over the helm of government in July last year after the country's shock vote to leave the European Union after four decades of membership.

She was officially -- but unenthusiastically -- in favour of Britain staying in the European Union and had kept a low profile throughout the often poisonous and polarising campaign.

But after stepping into the political vacuum left by David Cameron's decision to quit -- becoming prime minister without winning an election -- her constant refrain was "Brexit means Brexit".

She faced a struggle to keep together a country deeply divided by the referendum, with Scotland planning to hold a new referendum on its independence.

After formally launching the divorce process from the European Union in late March, May insisted there could be "no turning back" from the historic decision and appealed for national unity.

"We need a general election and we need one now. We have at this moment a one-off chance to get this done... before the detailed talks begin," said May in a dramatic announcement outside her Downing Street residence.

- 'Bloody difficult woman' -

The clergyman's daughter was once labelled by senior Conservative Kenneth Clarke in an unguarded moment, a "bloody difficult woman."

But the 60-year-old claimed this was the very quality which would stand her in good stead for the battles ahead.

May was born Theresa Brasier in the southern English seaside town of Eastbourne in 1956.

Her father Hubert was an Anglican clergyman, one of several points which has drawn comparisons between May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Her education - at a series of little-known state and private schools - has been contrasted with the elite Etonian background of Cameron and many in his so-called "Notting Hill Set" circle.

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Like Cameron, she attended Oxford University but kept a low profile. It was here that she met her husband Philip, a banker  they were reportedly introduced by Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto.

The couple married in 1980 but were unable to have children. May's rival Andrea Leadsom withdrew from the leadership race two days after comments were published suggesting this made her less qualified to be prime minister.

- 'The nasty party' -

May worked in finance, including at the Bank of England, before being elected as MP for the London commuter town of Maidenhead in 1997.

As Conservative chairwoman in 2002, she made waves by suggesting the Tories were seen as "the nasty party" and needed to overhaul their image  although under Cameron's leadership, they did so.

When the Conservatives won the 2010 general election, May was named home secretary, seen as one of the hardest jobs in government which has wrecked a string of other political careers.

But May kept the job for six years -- the longest serving interior minister since 1892.

Supporters say her achievements in that post include deporting radical cleric Abu Qatada to Jordan -- where he was later freed after a decade of legal cases -- and standing up to the Police Federation, the powerful police officers union, to try to address a string of scandals.

In 2013, May revealed she has type 1 diabetes but insisted it would not affect her career, saying it was a question of "head down and getting on with it".

While widely respected, she is not part of any clique in the corridors of power in Westminster, acknowledging that she does not drink in parliament's many bars or "gossip about people over lunch".

A source who has worked closely with her once told AFP on condition of anonymity that she was "incredibly hard-working".

"She's always got up three hours before everybody else and knows five times more than anyone else in the room," the source said.

"Theresa is not going to do anything radical ... she's incredibly risk-averse, a safe pair of hands."

May has little time for hobbies but is well known for her collection of leopard-print kitten heels and enjoys cooking and taking walking holidays with her husband.
Bratislava (AFP) - Several thousand young Slovaks on Tuesday protested in the EU member's capital, calling for the dismissal of the interior minister and police officials for allegedly not doing enough to fight corruption.

Demonstrators at the rally organised by a couple of high school students carried signs reading "We want a better country" and "Fico defends thieves," in reference to leftist Prime Minister Robert Fico.

"Corruption is one of Slovakia's biggest problems. Our money disappears into the pockets of oligarchs," said student Karolina Farska, one of the rally organisers.

"We have to act immediately."

The protest was backed by Slovak President Andrej Kiska, a vocal critic of the government, who told the local Dennik N daily recently: "If we all remain silent, nothing will change here."

The protest organisers called for the dismissal of Interior Minister Robert Kalinak, police chief Tibor Gaspar and the prosecutor for corruption cases, Dusan Kovacik.

"Corruption is everywhere. You have to have a thick envelope handy to get things done in Slovakia," 23-year-old student Tomas Reichmann told AFP.

Transparency International recently ranked the eurozone nation of 5.4 million people as the seventh most corrupt EU member.
Approaching his 100-day mark with little to show for it but a new Supreme Court justice, Donald Trump is shedding his past positions faster than a stock trader getting rid of underperforming stocks.

Syria? Do NOT attack Syria,fix U.S.A., he tweeted in 2013. On April 6, Trump, of course, attacked Syria while criticizing former President Barack Obama for not having done so in 2013  i.e., for not having acted in contravention of Trumps advice at the time.

NATO? As recently as March 22, he said it was obsolete, because it doesnt cover terrorism. On April 12, he declared, They made a change, and now they do fight terrorism. I said it was obsolete. Its no longer obsolete. So NATO suddenly embraced counterterrorism in those three weeks? Hardly. It has been doing so since at least 2001.

China? As recently as April 2, Trump said, When you talk about currency manipulation, when you talk about devaluations, they are world champions. On April 12, however, he told the Wall Street Journal, Theyre not currency manipulators.

In that same interview, he delivered an endorsement of Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen after having said last year that he would most likely not appoint her to another term. And an endorsement of the Export-Import Bank after having said in 2015, I dont like it because I dont think its necessary.

The trade deficit? As recently as March 31, Trump identified this as the top problem facing America: The jobs and wealth have been stripped from our country year after year, decade after decade, trade deficit upon trade deficit, he said. But now he is offering Xi Jinping, leader of the country with the biggest trade surplus with America, better trade terms in exchange for help with North Korea. So I guess the trade deficit isnt a priority anymore?

Russia? After having nothing but praise for Vladimir Putin last year, Trump is now denouncing the Russian strongman for supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Putin is backing a person thats truly an evil person, and I think its very bad for Russia, he said in an April 12 interview with Fox News. I think its very bad for mankind. Its very bad for this world.

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Tax reform? Trump has scrapped the tax plan he campaigned on and is starting to work on a new one from scratch.

Steve Bannon? He has gone from indispensable White House ideologue to a guy who works for me and someone whom Trump falsely claims he didnt even meet until last year. News reports indicate that Bannon is losing influence in the White House to those whom Trumps followers once derided as RINOs, globalists, and cucks, e.g., former Goldman Sachs President Gary Cohn and first son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Thats nine major flip-flops just since April began  and the month is far from over. About the only views that Trump isnt shedding are the conspiratorial ones. On April 11, for example, he insisted in an interview with the New York Post that he was surveilled and so was my campaign, claims that have been debunked by his own FBI and National Security Agency directors.

Trumps most ardent supporters are, of course, remolding their own views to keep pace with their leader. Newt Gingrich is Exhibit A. Last year, after Trump trashed NATO, the former House speaker repented of his previous support for NATO expansion. Estonia is in the suburbs of St. Petersburg, he explained gravely. Im not sure I would risk a nuclear war over some place which is the suburbs of St. Petersburg. But now that Trump has attacked Russias Syrian allies, Gingrich professes himself unperturbed by the possibility of a clash with Moscow. If Assad uses chemical weapons again, Gingrich has blustered, I think were going to hit him again, and if the Russians get in the way, theyre just going to get hit as part of the process. So we should risk World War III over Syria but not over NATO member Estonia? Got it.

In his willingness to follow Trump wherever he may go, Gingrich reflects the vast majority of the Republican faithful. In 2013, only 22 percent of Republicans supported military action against Syria over the chemical weapons red line. Now, 86 percent support it. Wonder what changed?

This shows the extent to which Trumps rise was not based on any particular positions or views. It was and remains a cult of personality. Trumps followers worship him  and he worships himself, too. They are bound by a conviction, rooted in basically nothing but quasi-religious faith, that he is a singularly tough and savvy deal-maker who will protect American interests in a way that no previous president has done.

Not even Trumps failure to actually pull off any successful deals dents his aura among the faithful. In fact, the failure of the Republican health care plan showed that Trump could not even convince legislators of his own party to go along with him. And Trump briefly flirted with abandoning the One China policy before endorsing it in return for nothing more than a phone call with Xi. If Trump cannot eventually show more success as a deal-maker, at least some of his more rational followers will likely grow disenchanted. But we are not there yet.

What are the rest of us, who were never enamored of Trump to begin with, to make of Trump 2.0? My own view is cautious optimism tempered by befuddlement and trepidation. The optimism comes from the fact that Trump is shedding his loonier positions  e.g., the claim that China is a currency manipulator, which hasnt been true for years  in favor of more mainstream, factually based views. This shows the growing influence of the Axis of Adults, led by H.R. McMaster and James Mattis, and the waning power of the Cabal of Crazies, led by Bannon. A positive development, that. It also shows that Trump is capable of learning.

Yet I remain confused by why Trump is suddenly reversing himself, because he seldom if ever offers any explanation and often does not even acknowledge his flip-flops. On those rare occasions when he admits that his views have changed, his explanations are usually disingenuous, e.g., his claim that NATO has suddenly embraced counterterrorism. More often, as in the case of Syria, he wont deign to explain why he now favors a course of action he once violently opposed or what his policy will be in the future.

This leads to my trepidation: Will Trump maintain his latest positions for the length of his presidency, or will he discover a new set of positions next month if his latest positions are not immediately rewarded with higher poll numbers? As CNN reports, Hazarding a guess at the mercurial Presidents plans is roughly as fruitful as predicting an earthquake, a person in close touch with the White House said: Equal parts science and art. Who the hell knows? another senior Republican source in frequent contact with the White House said. Its Donald Trump.

Considering that Trump is the most important person in the most important country on Earth, the very fact that his future path is so unpredictable  Who the hell knows?  should be a cause for concern. A certain amount of leverage comes from being a president who is thought to be capable of anything  a madman, to borrow Richard Nixons term. But in the end the world needs a significant degree of predictability from the leader of the free world so that allies and enemies alike know that certain red lines cant be crossed and certain commitments wont be abandoned. With Trump, its impossible to have any such confidence.

The only thing we know for sure is that he will continue to surprise. Lets hope it will be in a good way.

Photo credit: CHIP SOMODEVILLA/Getty Images
President Donald Trump is not the only national figure weighing in on the special House election in a red Georgia district  the race has attracted more money and attention than the area ever has.

Trump jabbed at 30-year-old Democratic House candidate Jon Ossoff in a Monday tweet, saying the "super liberal Democrat" wants to "protect criminals, allow illegal immigration and raise taxes." The president's attack comes with Ossoff leading polls in an 18-candidate field as he tries to flip the traditionally Republican seat vacated by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price.

The Georgia 6th District election, one of the first for Congress in the Trump era, has attracted more cash from around the country than the district has ever seen. Almost all of that money has gone toward helping  or directly opposing  Ossoff, a former congressional aide.

A mysterious candidate named Rodney Stooksbury spent just $346 to win more than a third of the votes cast in the 2016 general election for the seat. The crowded field in Tuesday's election would love that kind of return on investment.

As of March 29, Ossoff had raised $8.3 million and spent $6.1 million  more than double the highest amount Price spent in any one of his seven election campaigns there. The sum does not include funds raised in the more than two weeks since.

Price first won the House seat in 2004 and never spent more than $2.5 million in an election. Ossoff's haul is all the more remarkable because Price was no slouch with spending  he spent more than the average Republican and Democratic House incumbent in 2016.

The candidates to replace Price include Ossoff and several Republicans, former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel, businessman Bob Gray and former state Sens. Judson Hill and Dan Moody. Most recent polls have shown Ossoff with roughly 40 percent of support, with the four Republicans trailing him holding more than 50 percent of the support, combined.

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Ossoff has easily outraised his opponents. As of March 29, Handel raised about $463,000, Hill garnered about $473,000 and Moody about $108,000.

If no candidate in Tuesday's election wins 50 percent of the vote, it goes to a June runoff. The top two candidates will advance regardless of party. Ossoff would face a much tougher task in a runoff, as support would likely coalesce around a Republican.

The high-profile contest, which some see as an early test of whether Democrats can flip Republican districts in the Trump era, has sparked the interest of outside groups, as well. It is one of four special elections in which a red seat is up for grabs, vacated by a Trump nominee.

Republicans held off the first major House challenge in Kansas' red 4th District, as the GOP's Ron Estes beat Democrat James Thompson by 7 points last week. Still, some Democrats are upbeat about the margin, as new CIA Director Mike Pompeo, whose nomination as CIA director opened up the seat, won the district by 31 points last year.

The activity from big-money interest groups on both the right and left underscores the national attention on the special elections as the Georgia race comes into focus. Several groups dedicated to keeping the Republican House majority, as well as wings of the National Rifle Association and Planned Parenthood, among other organizations, have funneled nearly $8 million into the race.

At least $4.5 million of that was spent to oppose Ossoff, who has led most polling in the race, partly because of fractured support among Republicans. Ads targeting Ossoff have claimed he lacks experience and is too closely tied to top Democrats.

One even hit him for dressing up as "Star Wars" character Han Solo when he was in college. Another tied Ossoff to terrorist groups, even including an image of Osama bin Laden, because his filmmaking company reportedly produced documentaries for news outlet Al Jazeera.

There is nothing to indicate that Ossoff has any ties to terrorist organizations. His campaign manager Keenan Pontoni called the ad a "smear attack" and said it was "truly shameful."

In a statement, he said Ossoff is "proud of his work as an investigative filmmaker."

All the more unusual is the Hollywood attention Ossoff has attracted. Actor Jon Cryer and comedian Chelsea Handler both donated $2,700 to his campaign, and actress Alyssa Milano has publicly supported him, prompting an attack from Handel.

Trump won the 6th district by only 1.5 points last year. Still, Price got more than 60 percent of the vote there in 2016.





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Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump wants to retool the fabled H-1B visas for skilled workers sought by Silicon Valley heavyweights, a White House official said Monday.

There are, however, limits to the scope of his action in the absence of a broader legislative plan.

These time-limited work permits meant for scientists, engineers and computer programmers are an important gateway for many Indians attracted by Silicon Valley.

Trump on Tuesday will sign a decree while in Kenosha, Wisconsin, ordering the Labor, Justice and Homeland Security departments to propose reforms so that the H-1B program goes back to its roots.

Its "original intent (was) awarding visas to the most skilled and highest paid applicants -- crucially, at such time as these reforms are eventually implemented, it will prevent the program from being used to displace American workers," a White House official said.

"For too long, rather than just allowing the best to come (...), the H-1B program has been applied in a bad way for US workers," the White House said. The executive order will aim to support stated Trump priorities of "buy American, hire American."

Immigration authorities already announced earlier in April measures to combat "fraud and abuse" in issuing the visas.

The steps announced Monday come when the United States opens the annual allocation of some 85,000 H-1B visas.

The US president cannot, by a simple decree, change the number of visas allocated.

But the White House hopes, by signing the decree will build momentum before a possible legislative reform.

"This is a transitional step to get towards a more skilled based and merit based version," a White House official told AFP. "There is a lot we can do administratively, and the rest will be done hopefully legislatively."

The United States offers 85,000 H-1B visas every year, most of which are snapped up by Indian outsourcers whose employees fill a skill gap in US engineering. Applications are vastly oversubscribed and are allocated via a lottery system.
On the campaign trail, the media loved Donald Trumps unpredictability. What would the wacky candidate do next? It was an approach he was keen to wield not only on the political stage but the global one, calling for an unpredictable foreign policy. We are totally predictable. We tell everything. Were sending troops? We tell them. Were sending something else? We have a news conference. We have to be unpredictable, and we have to be unpredictable starting now, he said in an April 2016 speech.

Recent weeks have seen a renewed focus on this pledge, with Trump switching positions almost by the day. Trump declared that NATO, despite his earlier claims, is no longer obsolete. He wont declare China a currency manipulator. Despite months (and even years) of calling for cooperation with Syria and Russia to combat the Islamic State, and for an America First doctrine skeptical of the value of international norms, Trump ordered a cruise missile strike on Syrias Shayrat air base in retaliation for the Bashar al-Assad regimes apparent use of chemical weapons against civilians. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., now visibly disagree on whether the administration will resume Barack Obamas policy of demanding Assads removal from power.

Reversals and shifts are far from unprecedented. New administrations often adjust their policies to deal with the complex realities of international affairs or with changing tides in domestic politics. But few of these have openly sung the praises of unpredictability or contradicted themselves with such abandon as the Trump administration. The president and his supporters argue that having a reputation for being unpredictable will make others think twice before messing with the United States.

But unpredictability isnt a strength. For a great power such as America, its a recipe for instability, confusion, and self-inflicted harm to U.S. interests abroad.

Some commentators link Trumps championing of unpredictability to the so-called madman theory of Richard Nixons attempt to persuade rivals  including the North Vietnamese and the Soviet Union  that he was impulsive and unpredictable. Neither Hanoi nor Moscow was ever entirely convinced by Nixons stance. But the madman theory also wasnt about Trumpian unpredictability. Nixon wanted to convince his adversaries that he was irrational, but consistent, when it came to calculating the downsides of using force.

Consider nuclear brinkmanship during the Cold War. A rational leader would never risk nuclear oblivion over an issue of minor importance. It is, in fact, difficult to imagine any particular dispute being worth nuclear Armageddon, especially one that does not directly threaten the American homeland. That left some questioning the value of the deterrent at all.

So how do you make it credible that the United States will risk a nuclear exchange over West Germany or Japan, let alone, as Nixon toyed with, Vietnam or Israel? Nixon thought that it might help create the impression that he was irrational  but in the sense of being prone to impulsive and disproportionate actions without thinking about the costs. There was nothing unpredictable about his underlying policy preferences or goals.

The strategy was attractive, in large part, because some of the situations Nixon faced did not lend themselves to standard solutions. In the context of nuclear deterrence and coercion  which was central to Nixons calculations  the textbook approach is to make a nuclear response more or less automatic. Such policies are ways of approximating the act of throwing the steering wheel out the window in a game of chicken. They show your opponent that you cant swerve out of the way  that you will, metaphorically or literally, fight to the death.

There was no guarantee that the United States would go nuclear over Berlin, but the U.S. troop presence in the city made clear that Washington would be under enormous pressure to do something following thousands of American deaths. It left multiple pathways through which an attack on Berlin might spiral out of control. As famed nuclear theorist Thomas Schelling noted of the garrison in Berlin, What can 7,000 American troops do, or 12,000 Allied troops? Bluntly, they can die. They can die heroically, dramatically, and in a manner that guarantees that the action cannot stop there.

The tripwire of an outmatched U.S. presence in Berlin therefore enhanced deterrence. By placing its troops in a place where they might be easily sacrificed, Washington showed it simply had no other option than escalating the conflict. While we might associate such behavior with a crazy person, it is the exact opposite of unpredictability. Throwing the steering wheel out the window makes the outcome of failing to swerve totally predictable.

In sharp contrast, Trumpian unpredictability often undermines coercive diplomacy. What would have happened if the Trump administration had made clear that the use of chemical weapons against civilians in Syria would result in American military action? Or if Trump and his closest advisors hadnt repeatedly signaled that they would rather work with Assad than against him? We will never know. But an unambiguous threat to retaliate might have deterred the use of chemical weapons in the first place.

Seen from this perspective, the American strike looks like a failure of coercive diplomacy, not a success. While Trump demonstrated his willingness to use force by attacking the Shayrat air base, the only way that the attack will reduce the chances of the Assad regime using chemical weapons in the future is if it believes that Trump is predictable and that any future use will cause another strike.

Similarly, leaks from the administration suggested that if Pyongyang tested a nuclear device last weekend, then the United States would launch military action against North Korea. Other members of the administration walked back those threats, creating  at least in public  significant ambiguity about possible American actions. On Monday, Vice President Mike Pence warned that North Korea should not test American resolve but that the United States is open to talks. Lets say that Trump does, in fact, intend to retaliate if North Korea tests another nuclear device. The unpredictability of the situation likely makes Pyongyang more, not less, likely to initiate a test. After all, it cannot be sure that Trump would, in fact, use force.

There are situations where this might benefit American policymakers. If Washington wants to deter an adversary, but does not actually want to use force, then leaving the threat ambiguous reduces the political costs of backing down, stopping opponents at home from accusing you of chickening out of enforcing a supposed red line. If the goal is to keep an adversary from taking any provocative steps  even those short of what you consider worth using force or imposing sanctions over  then introducing some unpredictability about what would trigger a response might be a good idea.

The problem is that ambiguity might encourage the adversary to probe your resolve and test the limits of your interests while making it more difficult to clearly signal that a particular move is a step too far and will credibly invite retaliation. For example, in the absence of clear signals about what the United States is and is not willing to tolerate, and faced with mixed signals about American interests, Pyongyang might be tempted to initiate a series of low-level incidents designed to test the limits of U.S. tolerance. It is easy to imagine one of those actions, like the downing or seizure of a naval vessel or drone, crossing a line that prompts a forceful response to the perceived affront. The irony in such a scenario is that Pyongyang might steer clear of these actions if it could predict with some confidence how the United States would react.

The trade-offs around strategic ambiguity are difficult, but Trumpian unpredictability seems not to take account of them at all. No rational policy calculation for the United States favors sudden policy reversals, a failure to communicate consistent interests or preferences, consistently mixed signals, or any of the other forms of flexibility now on the table. Trumps unpredictability is a strategy that carries more benefits for weak states facing vastly superior foes.

Indeed, Trump might make more sense if he were North Koreas leader, not Americas. On the classic sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, the father, Hal, explains the strategy of schoolyard fights to his sons: Crazy beats big every time. Crazies fight harder and dirtier and care less about consequences. North Korea certainly derives some benefit from the common perception that its leaders are crazy. The United States has the ability to utterly annihilate North Korea a few times over. But the simple risk that crazy North Korea would be willing to risk total destruction, carrying large portions of South Korea and the U.S. garrison there with it, has contributed to deterring Washington from preventive action in the peninsula.

But the United States, in this scenario, is one of the big kids on the schoolyard. With the limited exception of the other nuclear great powers, Washington can inflict far more damage  economic, diplomatic, or military  on any other state than they can impose on the United States. Some of that outsized power derives directly from Americas vast network of allies and strategic partners, which no rival comes close to matching.

Thus, for the United States, unpredictability carries enormous risks. Thats true for Nixonian calculated irrationality, too, but much more so for Trumpian unpredictability. Rivals and allies can easily interpret mixed signals from different voices in the administration and frequent high-profile policy reversals as evidence that the president does not mean what he says, that he has no idea what he is doing, or that he can change his mind on a whim. Intentionally fostering uncertainty reduces the credibility of existing commitments.

Unraveling the American alliance network by undermining confidence in Washington is probably the worst way to implement an America First policy. It undercuts a major source of American strength without gaining the benefits that might follow from strategic retrenchment  that is, of making deliberate decisions about what commitments are key to American security and which can be shed, while taking steps to ensure that unwinding those commitments dont harm vital interests and alliances.

Trumpian unpredictability creates more problems than solutions. Playing crazy may sometimes be an attractive strategy, especially for weaker actors that have a narrow set of minimalist goals  like survival or autonomy. But if a state has more expansive goals, and ample resources to pursue them, as does the United States, unpredictability is a poor approach to grand strategy. It is hard for others to follow your lead when they dont know what your goals are.

Partners are less likely to stand by your side if they lack confidence that you will stand by theirs. If Trump wants America to remain a dominant power, and wants others to respect American interests around the world, he needs to bolster American credibility. This requires a good measure of predictability, not the attitudes of an unpredictable rogue state.

Photo credit: OLIVIER DOULIERY-Pool/Getty Images
Many expected the insurgent presidency of Donald Trump to be accompanied by a revolutionary foreign policy that broke with the record of American internationalism since 1945. On the campaign trail and in his inaugural address, Trump promised an America First doctrine that distanced Washington from its traditional allies, treated trade as a weapon of statecraft, and stepped back from a global stewardship role.

But the world looks different from the Oval Office, and governance imposes compelling imperatives on the commander-in-chief of a superpower. Early tests on China, North Korea, Russia, and Syria suggest that a president who relishes unpredictability may yet revert to some traditional tenets of American foreign policy and regain strategic initiative  after years in which his predecessor relinquished it to others.

Most presidents learn on the job and course-correct with experience. The dovish Jimmy Carter took office at the height of detente, only to intensify the contest against Soviet power after Moscows invasion of Afghanistan. The hawkish Ronald Reagan pursued an expansive military buildup to roll back the Soviet empire, but entered into historic negotiations with the Soviet Unions leaders. Bill Clinton condemned the butchers of Beijing, only to embrace a strategic partnership with China that allies worried was a tad too cozy. George W. Bush decried nation-building abroad, only to undertake the most ambitious effort to do just that in the Middle East. Barack Obama promised American labor unions he would not pursue any new trade agreements  only to become a late champion of the most far-reaching U.S. trade initiatives in a generation: the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

American presidents adapt to reality because American national interests endure. They include preventing any hostile power from dominating Asia, Europe, or the energy resources of the Middle East; sustaining an open international economic and political order, not subverted by spheres of influence that exclude the United States; protecting free access to the global commons, especially the maritime sea lanes that carry 90 percent of global trade; nurturing alliances that magnify American power and influence; and promoting democracy and human rights, because the ultimate source of global security is a world in which power is bounded by law and pluralistic institutions.

Trump may seem an odd champion of some of these causes. But his national security Cabinet, which now seems to be finding its feet, is in keeping with American foreign-policy traditions. In international affairs, Trump relies on two of the leading general officers of their generation, James Mattis and H.R. McMaster; a pillar of Americas globalist-corporate establishment, former ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson; and the former president of Goldman Sachs, Gary Cohn, who has led a so-far-successful effort to check the mercantilist instincts of White House advisers Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro. The internationalists have an ally in Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and key adviser, who takes a pragmatic view of U.S. policy priorities.

For all the focus on Trumps personality, his unorthodox presidency may yield a more traditional focus on deploying American power for broader ends. Obama decried American exceptionalism, emphasized nation-building at home, and pursued a dedicated policy of retracting American power from pivotal theaters like the Middle East, enabling revisionist regional powers to go on the offensive.

He did not do enough as the humanitarian tragedy of Syria played out in slow motion, destabilizing not only the Middle East but also Europe, dividing and weakening Washingtons closest ally in world affairs. His rhetorical pivot to Asia left U.S. allies wanting more American presence and leadership than they got.

Trump remains at odds with much of Washingtons bipartisan foreign-policy establishment. He has yet to embrace the trade leadership that makes the worlds biggest economy more competitive and dynamic, and Americans more prosperous. But his willingness to employ limited military force  including ramping up military action against the Islamic State in Syria and Afghanistan  and to stand up to the regional power plays of revisionist states, creates opportunities to more effectively manage complex conflicts, from the Levant to the Korean Peninsula.

It is telling that a modest set of missile strikes against a remote Syrian airbase represents the boldest use of American military power against the murderous regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. It is also telling that the tangible threat of U.S. military action against North Korea is on the table after eight years of a policy the Obama administration termed strategic patience, which created a window of opportunity that Pyongyang used to continue to perfect its intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons programs while America looked away.

Even China and Russia look off-balance after early fears in Washington that an inexperienced president would appease the leaders of these countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping came to Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate bearing concessions designed to fend off an American trade war. At their inaugural summit, Trump was clear with Xi that the quality of U.S.-China relations would be tied to Beijings cooperation in tightening economic pressure on North Korea.

Having secured strategic gains during the Obama presidency, and given the five-year leadership plenum approaching this fall, Xi would be wise to exercise strategic restraint during Trumps first term, and demonstrate Chinas utility by tightening the pressure on its ally North Korea to deter further nuclear tests.

Given that Trump wants to manage trade with what he sees as a mercantilist superpower that does not play by the rules, China would also be prudent to pursue the kind of voluntary export restraint agreements that Japan struck with the Ronald Reagan administration in the 1980s, when trade frictions with Tokyo peaked. Trumps threat to use trade barriers as leverage to move China to assume a tougher posture with its client in Pyongyang clearly has gotten Beijings attention and may even yield dividends.

Ironically, Trump is likely to be the first American president since the end of the Cold War not to pursue a reset in relations with Russia. The ongoing investigations into the Trump campaigns dealings with Russian agents of influence severely restrict the ability of this administration to pursue any kind of improvement in relations with a regime that invades democratic neighbors, threatens NATO allies with nuclear attack, attempts as a matter of state policy to subvert Western elections, and murders political opponents.

Indeed, the mounting domestic opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putins autocratic rule  as manifested in popular protests in cities across Russia  creates a new pressure point that the United States could leverage through a heightened force posture in Europe and more robust campaign for Russia to conform to international law by severing dealings with the outlaw Syrian regime. As Tillerson pointed out on his way to Moscow to meet Putin, Assad has become a liability rather than an asset to Russias geopolitical ambitions.

The Trump administration is still in its first 100 days. It has not been subjected to the kind of international crisis that tests every administration, and which will call into question not only its statecraft but the judgment of the commander-in-chief. There remain reasons to be concerned, particularly about the administrations trade agenda. But anxious allies are breathing a sigh of relief that American power is back as a force to be reckoned with in a dangerous world, after what many see as Obamas abdication of the U.S. role as global guarantor and following a political campaign in which America was presented as a victim of globalization rather than as its engine.

In Asia in particular, friends of the United States seek a robust commitment to U.S. military and diplomatic leadership as well as skill in stewarding the pivotal U.S.-China relationship in ways that preclude both condominium and conflict. North Korea poses a harder test than Syria: Asian allies will want to see that the Trump administration is as adept at diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula as it is at projecting military power in the Middle East. The White House will also need to be willing to risk an increase in tensions with Beijing by imposing secondary sanctions on Chinese banks and businesses that are the lifeline of the North Korean economy.

Perhaps a harder test for the Trump administration will be whether it can reassert American economic leadership to sustain the open global trading order and prevent China from building a new Asian economy around itself, at Americas expense. Before the wars of the 20th century required it to pivot to Europe, much of the early American republics diplomacy was centered on opening Asian markets to U.S. commerce. That mission is even more important today, as economic power shifts east. Taking back the initiative on trade and investment liberalization in the vacuum left by the TPPs collapse will be essential to this administrations foreign policy success.

A version of this essay appeared in the Nikkei Asian Review.

Photo credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
donald trump phone

President Donald Trump called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to personally congratulate him on his narrow referendum win on Monday.

Critics questioned Trump's congratulatory call because Erdogan's victory was seen as bringing him a step closer to one-man rule in his country.

The US State Department took a different tone.

"We encourage voters and parties on both sides to focus on working together for Turkey's future and to maintain a meaningful political dialogue," said acting State Department spokesman Mark Toner. "Democracies gain strength through respect for diverse points of view, especially on difficult issues.

"We look to the government of Turkey to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its citizens," Toner continued. "The United States continues to support Turkeys democratic development, to which commitment to the rule of law and a diverse and free media remain essential."

The new referendum would allow Erdogan, who has already enacted sweeping reforms since a 2016 uprising that nearly ended in a coup, "to issue decrees, declare emergency rule, appoint ministers and top state officials and dissolve parliament," according to Reuters.

After 51.4% of voters reportedly opted to pass the referendum, protests against have erupted in the streets of Istanbul. Protesters claim that despite the win, there have been voting irregularities, such as the acceptance of ballots that did not bear official stamps, according to an Associated Press report. Reuters also reported that an initial assessment by the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)  the European monitor that was supposed to have been overseeing the voting  concluded that it "did not meet democratic norms."

In addition to endorsing Erdogan's referendum win, Trump was reported to have discussed other issues that the US and Turkey have been embroiled in recently.

"The two leaders agreed that [Syrian President] Bashar al-Assad should be held accountable for the actions he has taken," added a statement from Erdogan's office, in a Washington Post report. Since Assad's chemical weapons attack earlier this month, the Turkish Health Ministry was one of the first organizations to denounce Syria for its role in that attack, which killed at least 83 people in the northwest city of Idlib.

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NOW WATCH: 'Stop interrupting': Spicer argues with a reporter after saying Trumps former campaign manager played a 'limited role'





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By Andrew Chung WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court is set this week to hear a closely watched case testing the limits of religious rights, and new Justice Neil Gorsuch's judicial record indicates he could tip the court toward siding with a church challenging Missouri's ban on state funding of religious entities. Trinity Lutheran Church, which is located in Columbia, Missouri and runs a preschool and daycare center, said Missouri unlawfully excluded it from a grant program providing state funds to nonprofit groups to buy rubber playground surfaces. Missouri's constitution prohibits "any church, sect or denomination of religion" from receiving state taxpayer money. Gorsuch, who embraced an expansive view of religious rights as a Colorado-based federal appeals court judge, on Monday hears his first arguments since becoming a justice last week. He will be on the bench on Wednesday when the justices hear the Trinity Lutheran case, one of the most important of their current term. Gorsuch, appointed by President Donald Trump, restored the Supreme Court's 5-4 conservative majority. Trinity Lutheran wanted public funds to replace its playground's gravel with a rubber surface made from recycled tires that would be safer for children to play on. The U.S. Constitution calls for a separation of church and state and guarantees the free exercise of religion. At the very least, a victory for Trinity Lutheran would help religious organizations nationwide win public dollars for certain purposes, such as health and safety. But it also could bolster the case for using public money for vouchers to help pay for children to attend religious schools rather than public schools in "school choice" programs backed by many conservatives. For example, Colorado's top court in 2015 found that a Douglas County voucher program violated a state constitutional provision similar to Missouri's. Trinity Lutheran's legal effort is being spearheaded by the Alliance Defending Freedom conservative Christian legal activist group, which argues Missouri's policy violates the U.S. Constitution's guarantees of free exercise of religion and equal protection under the law. If the church wins, "religious organizations cannot be excluded from general public welfare benefits that apply to everybody," said Erik Stanley, an alliance lawyer representing the church. Referring to Gorsuch, Stanley said, "He has definitely been a friend of religious liberty. So we are hopeful that will continue when he's on the court, and we're grateful he gets to participate on this important case." In 2013, Gorsuch sided with the evangelical Christian owners of arts-and-crafts retailer Hobby Lobby and allowed owners of private companies to object on religious grounds to a provision in federal healthcare law requiring employers to provide medical insurance that pays for women's birth control. Gorsuch wrote in a concurring opinion that Hobby Lobby's owners faced a choice "between exercising their faith or saving their business." The Supreme Court later affirmed the ruling. Missouri said there is nothing unconstitutional about its grant program. "Trinity Lutheran remains free, without any public subsidy, to worship, teach, pray and practice any other aspect of its faith however it wishes. The state merely declines to offer financial support," the state said in legal papers. The church has drawn support from the religious community including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Mormon Church and Jewish groups. 'OPEN THE FLOODGATES' Groups filing legal papers opposing Trinity Lutheran, including the American Civil Liberties Union, said government funding of churches is precisely what the Constitution forbids. "Forcing states to provide cash to build church property could open the floodgates to programs that coerce taxpayers to underwrite religion," said Daniel Mach, director of the ACLU's program on freedom of religion and belief. Mach said three-quarters of the U.S. states have provisions like Missouri's. Alliance Defending Freedom, which also opposes gay marriage, transgender protections and abortion, has another major case involving religion that the Supreme Court could take up in its term beginning in October. It represents a Colorado bakery's Christian owner who argues the Constitution's promise of religious freedom means he should not have to make a wedding cake for a gay couple. Trinity Lutheran sued in federal court in 2012. The St. Louis-based 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2015 upheld a trial court's dismissal of the suit. The appeals court said accepting the church's arguments would be "unprecedented," noting the Supreme Court's 2004 decision in the case Locke v. Davey that upheld a bar on Washington state scholarships for students preparing for the ministry. The justice who Gorsuch replaced, the late fellow conservative Antonin Scalia, was one of two dissenters in the Locke ruling. When a state withholds a generally available benefit solely on religious grounds, it is like an unconstitutional "special tax" on religion, Scalia said. Judicial observers have described Gorsuch as very much in the mold of Scalia. Missouri's grant program was meant to keep tires out of landfills while also fostering children's safety. The church's brief to the high court stated, "A rubber playground surface accomplishes the state's purposes whether it cushions the fall of the pious or the profane." (Reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham)
Kenosha (United States) (AFP) - President Donald Trump moved Tuesday to make good on his emblematic pledge to "Buy American, Hire American" by tightening skilled-worker visa rules, but his room for maneuver remains limited without wider congressional reform.

Speaking in Kenosha, Wisconsin -- one of the states that carried him to his upset victory last November -- Trump vowed: "We're going to do everything in our power to make sure more products are stamped with those wonderful words, 'Made in the USA.'"

Like many of Trump's executive orders to date, his newest decree will have little practical impact, but sends a signal for government agencies to come forward with ideas for reforming the country's H-1B visa system.

Trump is looking to stamp out "abuses" of the time-limited work permits, which are pervasive in the US high-tech sector, as a first step towards reforming the regime.

Intended for scientists, engineers and computer programmers, H-1B visas have become an important gateway for the many Indians drawn to Silicon Valley. The United States issues 85,000 each year.

Trump's decree namely instructs the Labor, Justice and Homeland Security departments to tackle abuses and draw up reforms aimed at bringing the program back to its original intent: awarding visas to the most skilled and highly paid applicants.

The Trump administration argues that the current system has led to a "flood" of relatively low-wage, low-skill workers in the tech sector -- and in doing so has harmed American workers.

"We believe jobs must be offered to American workers first," Trump said.

The US Chamber of Commerce voiced immediate reservations: While it agreed there was room for improvement of the H-1B program, it warned the Trump administration not to do away with it altogether.

"It would be a mistake to close the door on high-skilled workers from around the world who can contribute to American businesses' growth and expansion and make the US more competitive around the world," the business lobby said in a statement.

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The White House sees the decree as a way to spur momentum towards a broader congressional reform of the H-1B scheme -- whose outline remains unclear.

"This is a transitional step to get towards a more skill-based and merit-based version," a US official told AFP. "There is a lot we can do administratively, and the rest will be done hopefully legislatively."

In his maiden speech to Congress, on March 1, Trump had proposed introducing an Australian-style merit-based system to reduce the flow of unskilled workers into the United States.

- Seeking momentum -

Trump's new decree also includes a "Buy American" component, calling for stricter implementation of existing laws that are intended to favor US-manufactured goods in public tenders.

Without making specific new announcements, the Republican president once more pointed the finger at the North American Free Trade Agreement between the US, Canada and Mexico, dubbing it "a complete and total disaster."

"It's been very, very bad for our companies and for our workers and we're going to make some very big changes or we are going to get rid of NAFTA for once and for all," he warned.

As Trump's presidency nears the symbolic 100-day mark, the 70-year-old leader is looking to regain momentum on the domestic front after his flagship travel ban was blocked in court, and his vaunted health reform foundered in Congress.

Trump's promise of an ambitious tax reform -- another central campaign pledge that would notably involve slashing corporate taxes -- is also struggling to take shape.

"Our tax reform and tax plan is coming along very well," Trump said in Wisconsin. "It's going to be out very soon."

But Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin acknowledged in the Financial Times earlier Tuesday the reform would likely be delayed, calling the target of getting it through Congress before August "highly aggressive to not realistic at this point."
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday to compel U.S. companies to hire more American workers, but the proposed changes will require congressional action to have any significant impact.

The new Buy America, Hire America order directs government agencies to enforce rules against immigration fraud and abuse and proposes reforming the H-1B visa program to give priority to the most skilled or highest paid applicants instead of selecting them in a lottery system. It also aims to toughen Buy America rules, which favors American companies in federal government contracts, and orders a broad review of U.S. trade agreements containing waivers to procurement rules.

The president could renegotiate or rescind agreements that arent deemed fair or reciprocal.

H-1B visas are awarded to skilled workers, such as software engineers, professors, doctors, and lawyers, through a lottery system and subject to a wage scale. This year, the program received 199,000 new applications for 85,000 spots  a 15 percent drop from the past two years. Trump criticized the program on the campaign trail, arguing it allows U.S. companies to hire low-cost foreign workers instead of American workers, and said he would end it.

The administration believes that weaknesses in the H-1B program and loopholes, waivers and lax enforcement of policies aimed at steering government procurement to U.S companies have hurt American workers. But for now, Trumps proposed changes to the visa program is more of a wishlist than an action plan. Congress would need to approve changes, such as raising the wage scale to make it less appealing for U.S. companies to hire foreign workers, or to give priority to highly skilled workers in the H-1B lottery.

Ultimately the only things I take away so far are that the administration wants to sound tough and muscular in rooting out fraud and abuse, William Stock, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said. They really want Congress to make changes that, at least for the past 15 years, Congress hasnt been willing to make.

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Trump, speaking Tuesday at a manufacturing company in Kenosha, Wisconsin, called his order a historic action and declared the policy of our government is to aggressively promote and use American-made goods and to ensure that American labor is hired to do the job.

Large Silicon Valley companies, like Facebook and Google, often use H-1B visas to fill full-time software engineering and programming jobs. Yet information technology firms, which operate more like staffing agencies, have recently come under scrutiny for alleged abuse and fraud involving lower level technical jobs.

The most high-profile case of H-1B visa abuse concerned Walt Disney Company in Florida, where American tech workers claimed they were forced to train foreign replacements on the H-1B visa program before being laid off. In October, a judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by two workers accusing Disney of conspiring with IT outsourcing companies to circumvent visa regulations.

Priya Alagiri, an immigration lawyer for companies in the Bay Area, said the vast majority of H-1B visas are used by tech companies who cannot find qualified workers at home, even though they try. The H-1B program is an arduous, expensive undertaking, she said. Companies dont go out of their way to choose a foreign worker.

A typical H-1B visa can cost up to $3,700 in U.S. immigration filing fees, on top of legal fees. It can take months to get a new visa processed, as well as copious evidence demonstrating why the company needs to hire the particular worker. Legally, companies must pay H-1B visa holders the same wage an American would be paid in the equivalent position.

Alagiri predicted some big companies would simply leave the United States or outsource more jobs if Congress follows through with the plans outlined in the order. These companies are not going to hire U.S. workers, they are going to move these jobs overseas, she said.

Trump has used visa programs to fill jobs at his Mar-a-Lago resort with foreign workers in the past, often under a different visa program for lower skilled workers. A New York Times investigation found the resort pursued more than 500 visas for foreign workers since 2010, while domestic applicants were rejected from the same jobs.

Todd Schulte, the president of FWD.us, a bipartisan immigration policy group led by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, said many companies agree the H-1B program needs changes, but such reforms should be targeted at increasing the wage floor to ensure foreign workers are not a cheaper option, and cracking down on companies that abuse the H-1B program for low-skilled outsourcing.

Meanwhile, moves to broaden Buy America measures threaten to rile Americas trading partners. Canada, China, the European Union, and Japan have long criticized such measures as barriers to trade even though these countries have similar rules in place. An agreement the United States struck with 42 other World Trade Organization members on access to government contracts may constrain how much the administration can prod other countries to open their procurement further.

A senior administration official, in a background briefing with reporters Monday, indicated the administration wasnt planning to scrap or rework the agreement for now. The order takes a measured approach to this problem by not immediately rescinding these agreements or calling for their renegotiation, the official said.

The new executive order also aims to strengthen the enforcement of Buy America measures at the bureaucratic level by requiring each federal agency to carry out a review of how it complies with the rules. The Commerce Secretary would furnish a report to the president summarizing the findings.

Photo Credit: SCOTT OLSON/Getty Images
ALBION  From her basement office at St. Marks Lutheran Church, Vickie Truelove is spreading the word throughout the United States.

And the word is love.

For 21 years, Truelove has been working full-time with Hand In Hand International Adoptions. Thanks to her efforts, more than 750 children have been placed in homes from orphanages around the world.

What keeps her motivated?

I get information on children who are waiting, Truelove said. I get information monthly. Sometimes, I see the same faces month after month, even year after year.

While there are children in need of a home, Truelove and Hand in Hand will have a mission.

Based in Albion, Truelove has helped families throughout the U.S. and beyond in seeking children to adopt from countries such as the Philippines, Guatemala, Bulgaria, Moldova, China, Russia and Ukraine.

Each country has different criteria. China requires a certain wage minimum for parents looking to adopt, for example. The Philippines requires a couple be married at least three years before adopting.

Russia has stopped allowing international adoptions. Truelove is not sure when, of if, the ban will be lifted.

Currently, there are approximately 30 families in the process of adopting children from various countries around the globe. When she first started, she estimated that half of the adoptions were for childless couples. Today, most are couples seeking to expand their families.

The best part of her job, she said, is kids getting matched.

Those who arent matched yet, weigh on her and motivate her to keep going.

Truelove, through Hand In Hand International Adoptions, has placed children in homes throughout northeastern Indiana, including Noble, DeKalb, LaGrange, Steuben and Whitley counties.

Each year, the organization holds a picnic and a Christmas party for families. The gatherings draw upward of 200 people  one big family consisting of several smaller families.

It was a desire for a bigger family that drove Vickie and Paul Truelove to get involved.

Paul and I had one child, Vicki Truelove said. We felt we wanted to parent another child.

Working with Hand In Hand, the couple adopted the first of what would become five children from the Philippines.

Vickies job as a teacher, meanwhile, was taking her further away from Albion, and she decided she wanted to do something different.

With Pauls support, she contacted Hand In Hand International Adoptions and inquired about whether the organization would have an interest in opening an office in Indiana. The organization agreed.

I felt we were almost led into it, Paul Truelove said. It just seemed like everything fell into place.

Their church was a big help, providing space in its basement.

Theyve been very gracious in allowing us to be here, Vickie said of the church. Its a nice place to work.

Having someone help people through the process who has been through the process themselves is a plus, Vickie said.

She has some good help, she said.

Husband Paul is a member of both the local and corporate board of Hand in Hand.

Other local board members Stan Tipton, Deb Tipton, Carrie Gray and Lisa Welfle.

Daughter Maia Truelove is a part-time clerical worker, with Emma Spink also does clerical work. Margaret Fisher is a part-time social worker.

They may have different duties and responsibilities, but the goal is the same  to find loving homes for children who need them.

It can be a long process. One of Vickie and Pauls adoption took more than two years to be finalized.

It felt like forever, Paul said.

The waiting can be difficult, and so can seeing all those faces of children who still need to find a good home.

I just have to focus on one child at a time, Vickie said, one set of siblings at a time. I cant do it all. But I can do my part.
By Rod Nickel (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to defend American dairy farmers who have been hurt by Canadas protectionist trade practices, during a visit to the cheese-making state of Wisconsin. Canada's dairy sector is protected by high tariffs on imported products and controls on domestic production as a means of supporting prices that farmers receive. It is frequently criticized by other dairy-producing countries. "Were also going to stand up for our dairy farmers," Trump said in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Because in Canada some very unfair things have happened to our dairy farmers and others. Trump did not detail his concerns, but promised his administration would call the Canadian government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and demand an explanation. "It's another typical one-sided deal against the United States and it's not going to be happening for long," Trump said. Trump also reiterated his threat to eliminate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico if it cannot be changed. U.S. dairy industry groups, in a letter last week, asked Trump to urge Trudeau to halt the pricing policy that has disrupted some U.S. dairy exports and prioritize dairy market access in NAFTA renegotiation talks. "A WTO complaint would be a last resort because it would take five or six years to come to any resolution," said Jaime Castaneda, senior vice president for the U.S. Dairy Export Council. Canada's dairy farmers agreed last year to sell milk ingredients used for cheese-making to Canadian processors, who include Saputo Inc and Parmalat Canada Inc [PLTPRC.UL] at prices competitive with international rates. The pricing agreement was a response to growing U.S. exports of milk proteins to Canada that missed Canada's high tariffs. Industry groups in New Zealand, Australia, the European Union, Mexico and the United States complained that the new prices for Canadian milk ingredients under-cut their exports to Canada. President Trumps reaction is not surprising. He is defending his domestic dairy industry," said Jacques Lefebvre, CEO of Dairy Processors Association of Canada. "We believe that further communications with the Canadian government will broaden his perspective." The Dairy Farmers of Canada said it is confident that the Canadian government will "continue to protect and defend" the country's dairy industry. Representatives for Canada's trade and agriculture ministers could not be immediately reached. Heritage Minister Melanie Joly, speaking to CTV, said about the dispute that "any form of restriction (on) trade will hurt workers on both sides of the border." (Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba; additional reporting by Steve Holland in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Karl Plume in Chicago,; Ayesha Rascoe in Washington; and David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump wished Britons "best of luck" with the early election announced by their prime minister, Theresa May, on Tuesday, the White House said.

Trump expressed the sentiment when he "received a telephone call from Prime Minister Theresa May... regarding her plans to call a special election in June," a brief statement said.

"President Trump wished the British people the best of luck in their electoral process," the White House added, giving no further details of the telephone discussion.

Trump has previously hailed the result of the British referendum last year that approved the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union.

Brexit, he said when he hosted May at the White House in late January, is going to be a "wonderful thing."

May on Tuesday unexpectedly called for the snap June 8 general election to strengthen her position ahead of the Brexit talks with the European Union. One of her goals is to eventually obtain a free-trade deal with the United States.

Trump has been invited to visit Britain sometime this year, but no date has yet been announced.
President Trump is refusing to say whether the U.S. sabotaged North Koreas launch of ballistic missile that blew up shortly after liftoff Sunday morning.

I dont want to comment on it, Trump told Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt at Mondays White House Easter Egg Roll.

Last month, the New York Times reported that during President Barack Obamas last three years in office, he quietly ordered a surge in strikes against the missile launches  including the use of electronic warfare techniques to combat them. Its unclear whether such a counterattack was used to sabotage Sundays launch.

The approach taken in targeting the North Korean missiles has distinct echoes of the American- and Israeli-led sabotage of Irans nuclear program, the most sophisticated known use of a cyberweapon meant to cripple a nuclear threat, the Times David Sanger and William Broad wrote in early March.

During his Fox & Friends interview, Trump would also not comment on what the U.S. response would be if North Korea attempted to launch another missile.

Well find out, the president said.

Earlier this month, Trump deployed a U.S. Navy strike group to the vicinity of the Korean Peninsula in a show of force against dictator Kim Jong Uns nuclear provocations.

We are sending an armada, very powerful, Trump said on Fox Business. We have submarines  very powerful, far more powerful than the aircraft carrier, that I can tell you.

North Korea is one of Trumps most difficult national security challenges. During the last two administrations, Pyongyang made enough progress on nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles that, experts predict, it could strike the U.S. mainland  possibly even the East Coast  in two to three years.

As Yahoo News previously reported, the Obama administration enlisted China and other world powers in two rounds of international sanctions, and left Trump options for further tightening the economic vise, according to administration and congressional sources.

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Trump has also repeatedly signaled in his interest in working with China to curb North Koreas nuclear ambitions.

Chinas trying to help us, Trump told Earhardt. I dont know if they are going to be able to or not.

On Monday, Vice President Mike Pence toured the demilitarized zone between North Korea and South Korea, saying, The era of strategic patience is over.

Were going to redouble our efforts to bring diplomatic and economic pressure to bear on North Korea, Pence said. Our hope is that we can resolve this issue peaceably.

At the Easter Egg Roll, Trump was asked whether he had ruled out a U.S. military strike.

I dont want to telegraph what Im doing or what Im thinking, Trump said. Im not like other administrations where they say were going to do this in four weeks. It doesnt work that way. Well see what happens. I hope things work out well. I hope theres going to be peace, but theyve been talking with this gentleman for a long time.

Its appeared the gentleman Trump was referring to was Kim Jong Un, but the president also seemed to conflate Kim with his father, former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, who died in 2011. In 1994, the U.S. signed a deal meant to freeze and ultimately dismantle North Koreas nuclear program.

You read [Bill] Clintons book, and he said, Oh, we made such a great peace deal, and it was a joke, Trump said. You look at different things over the years with President Obama. Everybody has been outplayed. Theyve all been outplayed by this gentleman, and well see what happens. I just dont telegraph my moves.

 Yahoo News Chief Washington Correspondent Olivier Knox contributed reporting.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Riyadh (AFP) - Twelve Saudi soldiers, including four officers, were killed on Tuesday when their helicopter went down in Yemen, the Arab coalition fighting Yemeni rebels said in a statement.

The Saudi Black Hawk "fell during operations in the province of Marib" east of Sanaa, the coalition said in a statement carried by SPA state news agency, without clarifying the reason.

"The causes of the incident are being investigated," the statement added.

Coalition spokesman General Ahmed Assiri told AFP it was "too early" to comment on the causes of the crash, which is one of the deadliest incidents involving coalition forces in Yemen.

The rebel-controlled Saba news agency said a helicopter crashed east of the provincial capital Marib without giving further details.

A Saudi-led coalition began air strikes over Yemen in March 2015 in support of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's internationally recognised government in its fight against Iran-backed Huthi rebels.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which play key roles in the coalition, have suffered the alliance's heaviest losses in Yemen, with dozens of soldiers killed.

In September 2015, a rebel missile strike on a coalition base in Marib killed 67 coalition soldiers, most of them Emiratis.

The United Nations says that more than 7,700 people have been killed since March 2015 in Yemen, which also faces a serious risk of famine this year.

Seven ceasefires brokered between government and rebel forces by the United Nations have failed, while UN-backed peace talks have repeatedly broken down.
Paris (AFP) - Police arrested two men in Marseille Tuesday on suspicion of planning an "imminent" attack, finding guns, explosives and an Islamic State jihadist flag just days before the first round of France's presidential election.

The foiled plot sparked fears that the closing days of the campaign could be a target for extremists ahead of Sunday's vote, the country's most unpredictable election in decades.

Elite police and intelligence agents detained the two Frenchmen -- identified by sources as 23-year-old Clement Baur and Mahiedine Merabet, 29 -- in the Mediterranean port city and Interior Minister Matthias Fekl said they were known to be "radicalised".

While searching the suspects' shared Marseille apartment, authorities uncovered an arsenal including a loaded Uzi submachine gun, two loaded pistols, three kilos (6.5 pounds) of TATP explosives and a homemade grenade as well as the flag of the IS group, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins told reporters.

The men both have criminal records and are suspected of plotting "an imminent, violent act on French soil, though we don't know precisely the day, the target or targets," Molins added.

Merabet was trying to contact IS to pass them "a video pledging allegiance or claiming (an attack)", the prosecutor said, adding both suspects were on a French watchlist of extremists.

A video intercepted last week included images of a newspaper front page that bore the image of a presidential candidate whom Molins did not identify.

Despite officials giving no indication of who the men were targeting, the campaign team of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen linked the arrests to her planned campaign visit to Marseille on Wednesday.

"The fact that the two individuals were arrested in Marseille as Marine Le Pen was preparing to hold a meeting the following day is perhaps not a coincidence," a member of her entourage said.

Photos of the two suspects were distributed last week to the security teams for Le Pen and centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron.

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Conservative candidate Francois Fillon was also warned about the danger last week, an aide said.

France remains under a state of emergency after being the repeated target of jihadist attacks that have killed more than 230 people since January 2015.

In the deadliest attack, IS gunmen and suicide bombers slaughtered 130 people in Paris in November 2015.

Candidates have been heavily guarded during the election campaign, but so far there have been few security scares.

- Election race narrowing -

The presidential race has narrowed with just days to go, with the pack closing behind frontrunners Macron and Le Pen.

For weeks, centrist former banker Macron and National Front leader Le Pen have been in front but opinion polls now show any of the four leading candidates could reach the May 7 run-off.

Scandal-plagued Fillon and far-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon have closed the gap dramatically in the last two weeks.

"We have never seen a four-way contest like this in the first round of a presidential election," Frederic Dabi of the Ifop polling institute told AFP.

"There has been a real tightening of the race with four candidates between 19 percent and 23 percent."

Macron and Le Pen are tied on 22-23 percent, with Fillon improving to around 21 percent and Melenchon surging as high as 20 percent in some polls.

With Le Pen expected to reach the second round, polls continue to indicate that whoever faces her will win, although after Brexit and Donald Trump's US presidential election victory, no one is taking anything for granted.

Melenchon has made the most remarkable breakthrough in recent weeks with a far-left programme that includes huge public spending and a pledge to renegotiate all European Union treaties.

But he told supporters Tuesday -- appearing simultaneously in seven towns by hologram, one of this campaign's most innovative gimmicks -- he did not want France to follow Britain out of the bloc.

"Don't believe what they tell you," he said.

- EU fears -

Le Pen wants to pull France out of the eurozone and also foresees a mass renegotiation of EU treaties, sparking fears that a far-right victory, hot on the heels of Brexit, could be fatal for the European bloc.

In contrast to Le Pen, Macron told 20,000 people at a Paris rally Sunday that France's future lay firmly in Europe, albeit one that suited French interests.

"We need Europe, so we will remake it," Macron said.

Polls suggest more than a quarter of voters have yet to decide who they will support.

Former premier Fillon has been hit hard by a "fake jobs" scandal, but voters seem to be warming to his message that he is a safe pair of hands in an election of largely untested candidates.

Fillon has been charged over allegations he gave his wife Penelope a fictional job as his parliamentary assistant for which she earned nearly 680,000 euros ($725,000) in public money.
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Illinois' record-breaking stretch without a complete budget could push the credit ratings of two more state universities into the junk level.

Moody's Investors Service on Monday said it placed seven state universities under review for potential downgrades affecting $2.2 billion of debt because Illinois has failed to provide them with full operating funding.

Four universities, Northeastern Illinois, Northern Illinois, Governors State, and Eastern Illinois, already have some or all of their debt rated junk. Multi-notch downgrades would push ratings for Illinois State and Southern Illinois universities into junk.

"We will review contingency plans and other expense actions initiated to cope with the shortfall in state operating appropriations. Also included in the reviews are budgeted (fiscal) 2018 operations and assumptions," the credit rating agency said in a statement.

Illinois is limping toward the June 30 end of a second-straight fiscal year without a complete budget due to a stalemate between its Republican governor and Democrats who control the legislature.

Moody's said the potential exists for multi-notch downgrades depending on a university's liquidity and ongoing ability to adjust to the lack of state funding.

The state's biggest system, the University of Illinois, has so far escaped a downgrade of its Aa3 Moody's rating since the budget impasse began in 2015.

Moody's last review resulted in downgrades for six of the universities in June 2016.

Only about four public universities in three other states and Puerto Rico are currently rated junk by Moody's.

Ahead of its review, Moody's on Monday cut Northeastern Illinois' certificates of participation rating two notches deeper into junk, to B1 from Ba2, citing the school's "continued rapid liquidity deterioration due to weakened cash flow caused in part by a protracted state budget impasse."

Northeastern's Interim President Richard Helldobler said he was not surprised by the move.

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"The real tragedy here is that after a long history of fiscal responsibility and sound planning, the financial reputations of Northeastern Illinois University and other Illinois public universities are at stake, and this is really reflection of Springfield's inaction regarding the state's budget," he said in a statement.

The Illinois House earlier this month passed $817 million in spending to provide a lifeline to higher education and other state programs. But the measure's fate is unclear in the Senate, which returns from a spring break next week. A spokesman for Senate President John Cullerton said on Tuesday the bill remains under review.

(Reporting By Karen Pierog; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force / R. Nial Bradshaw

From Popular Mechanics

U.S. Air Force F-35s arrived at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, England, on Saturday April 15, marking the first overseas deployment of the F-35A, the Air Force's variant of the Lightning II, according to Aviation Week. The 34th Fighter Squadron out of Hill AFB, known as the "Rude Rams," along with the Air Force Reserve's 46th Fighter Squadron have been preparing for overseas deployment for over a year. The location was not known until now.

The 34th was the first squadron to achieve initial operating capability with the F-35A, and now they are the first USAF squadron to deploy in Europe. The Rude Rams arrive during a time of high tensions between Washington and Moscow following missile strikes that President Trump ordered against a Syrian airfield in retaliation for chemical attacks carried out by Syrian President Bashar Assad. Russia has condemned the strike and said it would cease to coordinate with U.S. aircraft in the skies over Syria, while the U.S. maintains that Moscow has been helping to prop up the Assad regime with a misinformation campaign.

The U.S. Marine Corps already deployed F-35Bs to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan in January. F-35Bs have also been conducting military training exercises with South Korea as Kim Jong-un and the North Korean military continue to launch missile tests and conduct nuclear research.

Sending the F-35-the U.S. military's newest and most advanced warplane-to both the Pacific and European theaters is a precautionary move as well as a show of force during a time of high tensions worldwide. The young Trump administration has shown that it is willing to use military force to dissuade aggressors, both in the missile strike against Syrian air forces and in the bombing of ISIS supply lines with the Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), the largest conventional bomb in the world, also known as the "Mother Of All Bombs."

The new squadron of U.S. F-35As stationed at Lakenheath will be training with the Royal Air Force and other allied NATO nations, while the Marine's F-35Bs continue to train with Japan, South Korea, and other U.S. allies in the Pacific. The U.S. is hoping the additional forces will help dissuade further conflict, and if the Joint Strike Fighter's presence can't do that, then military officials are expecting the F-35 to enter combat, and to win.

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"There is no other aircraft on the planet that can touch it," Admiral Harry Harris, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said back in November when the first overseas deployments were announced. "Any adversary aircraft, nothing like that will be able to touch the F-35."

Source: Aviation Week

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BEIRUT (Reuters) - U.S.-allied militias in northern Syria announced on Tuesday the formation of a civilian council to govern Raqqa after their planned capture of the city from Islamic State militants. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which include a large contingent from the powerful Kurdish YPG militia, has advanced toward Raqqa with the help of air strikes and special forces from the U.S.-led coalition. The SDF - made up of both Kurds and Arabs waging a military campaign against Islamic State - said local officials had been setting up the council for six months. Reuters reported last month that the political wing of the SDF was helping to install a civilian council to run the eastern Syrian city, Islamic State's base of operations in Syria. A preparatory committee met "with the people and important tribal figures of Raqqa city to find out their opinions on how to govern it", the SDF said in a statement. Spokesman Talal Selo said the SDF would "provide all the support" and had already turned over some towns around Raqqa city to the council after driving out Islamic State militants. The extent of Kurdish control in Raqqa's future is sensitive both for residents and for Ankara, which has fought a three-decade Kurdish insurgency inside Turkey and fears growing YPG ascendancy just over the border in northern Syria. The United States says a final decision has yet to be made on how and when Raqqa will be captured. But the SDF is pressing its assault near the city to isolate and ultimately take Raqqa while plans for civilian rule take shape. The establishment of a local council allied to the SDF in Raqqa could expand a sphere of Kurdish influence that has grown in northern Syria during the six-year, multi-sided conflict. It would mirror governing arrangements put in place in the Manbij area after the SDF repelled Islamic State. (Reporting by Ellen Francis; editing by Mark Heinrich)
TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Tuesday the United States was eager to strengthen its trade relations with Japan, after meeting his Japanese counterpart in Tokyo.

Asked about a possible free trade agreement, Ross told reporters: "It's a little bit early to say just what forms things will take, but we are certainly eager to increase our trade relationships with Japan and to do so in the form of an agreement."

He added: "We made good progress in terms of establishing the overall issues and frame of reference for continuing dialogue."

Japanese Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko, also speaking after their meeting, told reporters he had a "detailed, frank and practical" discussion with Ross.

Separately, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will meet with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on Tuesday, kicking off talks in Tokyo that the White House hopes will open doors in Japan for U.S. products and attract Japanese investment in U.S. infrastructure projects.

(Reporting by Minami Funakoshi and Ami Miyazaki; Editing by Chang-Ran Kim)
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By Andy Sullivan SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. (Reuters) - U.S. Democrats hope frustration with President Donald Trump will give them a surprise victory on Tuesday in an election to fill a vacant congressional seat in suburban Atlanta that has been held by Republicans for decades. As voting concluded on Tuesday, Democrat Jon Ossoff, a 30-year-old political novice, was expected to come out atop a field of 18 candidates vying for a U.S. House of Representatives seat that was vacated when Trump named Tom Price as his health secretary. The drama hinged on whether the documentary filmmaker would win an outright majority of the vote, which would send him to Congress, or if he would fall short of 50 percent and be forced into a June 20 runoff with one of the 11 Republicans in the race. An Ossoff win would not tip the balance of power in Washington but could weaken the already shaky hold Trump has on his fellow Republicans by encouraging lawmakers to distance themselves from him. "It's a test case for how far a Democratic candidate can go in a Republican district on the strength of opposition to Trump," said Todd Rehm, a Georgia Republican strategist who is not affiliated with any candidate in the race. The district, which encompasses a swath of well-heeled suburbs north of Atlanta, has elected Republicans to the House since the late 1970s, but Trump carried it by only 1 percentage point in the November presidential election. Republicans in the race are split among Trump supporters and candidates trying to hold the president at arm's length. Party officials say they can beat Ossoff once the primary is over and they unite behind a single candidate. The party avoided embarrassment last week when it narrowly held a conservative Kansas seat vacated when Trump tapped Republican Representative Mike Pompeo to head the Central Intelligence Agency. 'MAKE TRUMP FURIOUS' With the slogan "Make Trump Furious," Ossoff aims to galvanise opposition to a president struggling with an approval rating that has not topped 50 percent since he took office on Jan. 20, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling. Ossoff has drawn volunteers and donors from out of state who see the race as a way to strike a blow against Trump. He raised a stunning $8.3 million in the first three months of the year, fuelling a robust campaign. "They were ringing my phone off the hook," said Kim Fambro, 45, who said the outreach convinced her to vote for Ossoff. Trump blasted Ossoff on Twitter and said in a robocall that the Democrat would "raise your taxes, destroy your healthcare, and flood our country with illegal immigrants." Ossoff said on CNN that Trump was misinformed about his positions and that he was focussed on issues affecting the region, not Washington. Republicans have responded with millions of dollars of spending of their own, casting Ossoff as an inexperienced outsider who does not live in the area he hopes to represent. Ossoff, who grew up in the district, says he will move back if he wins. (Reporting by Andy Sullivan; Additional reporting by Susan Heavey in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney)
By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials on Tuesday denied reports the agency will close the office in Chicago that oversees regional environmental protection efforts including the Flint, Michigan drinking water clean-up and Great Lakes restoration. Republican and Democratic lawmakers representing the Midwestern states around the Great Lakes raised concerns over the past two days after a report by the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper that the EPA was considering closing its Region 5 office. "These stories are not true, are pure speculation, and undermine our ability to communicate with the public the real information we have," Bob Kaplan, acting regional administrator, wrote in a memo sent to staff on Monday. There have been discussions about eliminating "excess office space" to save money, but no talk of shutting the office, Kaplan said in the memo, a copy of which Reuters obtained. "Anyone stating anything to the contrary is spreading false information." The reports come during a tense period for the agency. Trump administration's proposed budget for fiscal year 2018 would cut EPA funding 31 percent, the biggest planned cut for any federal agency. Career EPA employees have raised concerns about proposed staff cuts and plans to undo some environmental protection regulations under the leadership of new EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "If you close our office, the ability to protect the Great Lakes would be in danger. The work we do here is too important to cut," said Michael Mikulka, Chicago chapter president of the American Federation of Government Employees, the union for federal employees. The EPA Region 5 office oversees Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. Reports of the closure alarmed both Republican and Democratic lawmakers from around the region, which relies on the EPA to carry out work state and municipal governments cannot handle alone. "If true, this report is shocking," said U.S. Representative Fred Upton, a Republican from Michigan. "Whatever the deficiencies of the Region 5 office, the folks there do play a critical role in protecting human health and the environment." Illinois Democratic Senator Dick Durbin took to Twitter to flag concerns. "Such an action would be irresponsible & demonstrate clear disregard for the health and safety of millions of residents of Great Lakes region, he wrote. Pruitt will be in the region on Wednesday to visit a lead contaminated housing complex in East Chicago, Indiana, just 30 minutes south of Chicago. (Reporting By Valerie Volcovici; additional reporting by Timothy McLaughlin in Chicago, Editing by Ben Klayman and David Gregorio)
By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States on Tuesday held what it dubbed a historic U.N. Security Council meeting on the link between rights abuses and conflict, but dropped a push for the broad issue to become a council fixture after at least six members opposed it. Diplomats said Russia, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan and Bolivia were against the move and that the United States, council president for April, did not risk the measure being put to a rare procedural vote as Senegal's support was uncertain. Such a vote requires nine in favor, and vetoes by the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China cannot be used. The opposing council members say rights discussion should be confined to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council - which Washington accuses of being anti-Israel and has threatened to quit - and the 193-member U.N. General Assembly third committee. Egypt also voiced concern that some countries used human rights as a "back door" to undermine state sovereignty, citing Iraq and Libya as examples. Security Council discussions of human rights situations in specific countries, such as Syria, North Korea and Myanmar, are not new and most of the 16 U.N. peacekeeping missions include human rights mandates approved by the council. "We've never dedicated a meeting to the broader question of how human rights violations and abuses can lead to a breakdown in peace and security," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the council. She said rights abuses were "one of the clearest possible indicators that instability and violence may follow and spill across borders." Haley had said Tuesday's meeting was not intended to single out any countries - although she referred in her council statement to North Korea, Syria, Burundi and Myanmar - which left some questioning what it would achieve. "They're putting on a show of paying attention to human rights in the Security Council, but not paying attention to any actual humans or any actual rights," former Obama administration deputy U.N. envoy David Pressman said. "What's the point?" Akshaya Kumar, deputy U.N. director at Human Rights Watch, said the meeting would serve little purpose unless Washington was prepared to address its own rights record and rights abuses committed by its allies. "If the Trump administration wants to burnish its reputation on rights it should address problems at home such as its discriminatory travel ban on people from six Muslim majority countries," she said in a statement. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Peter Cooney)
By Tom Westbrook DARWIN (Reuters) - U.S. Marines began arriving in Australia's tropical north on Tuesday for a six-month deployment during which they will conduct exercises with Australian and visiting Chinese forces. The 25-year annual deployment program started by former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2011 is part of the U.S. "pivot" to Asia at a time of increased assertiveness by China. "I think that the commitment that we've taken to put a task force here with a conversation to get larger over the years says that we do think this is an important region," said Marines' commander Lieutenant Colonel Brian Middleton after the first troops arrived in Darwin in the Northern Territory. "Being close to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, the Indo Pacific position has always been important." Middleton said the marines would conduct an "important exercise alongside our Chinese partners" and Australia. The strength of this year's deployment at 1,250 troops lags well behind the initial plan for the deployment to reach 2,500 Marines this year, but it will see the largest U.S. aircraft contingent to Australia in peacetime history. Middleton said the 13 aircraft, including tilt-rotor Ospreys, Super Cobra helicopters and Huey helicopters, triple the four aircraft in past deployments, was a "tangible kind of sign of our commitment to the region and to this partnership". He said the decision to send the aircraft pre-dated the recent escalation in tensions over North Korea. "Regardless, I think it is just a good move any time we can strengthen the long standing partnership and alliance between our two countries. We stand ready to fight and win the night always." U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group to sail to near the Korean peninsula as a show of force aimed at deterring North Korea from conducting more missiles tests. Pyongyang launched a failed missile test on Sunday and has warned Washington against taking military action against North Korea. The Australia-US-China military exercises are also aimed at Australia charting a course between its most important security ally the United States and its biggest trading partner China. Australia has drawn rebukes from both superpowers as it tries to strike a balanced stance on the disputed South China Sea, with China criticizing Australian freedom-of-navigation flights in the area and a senior U.S. soldier calling on Australia to do more there. (Reporting by Tom Westbrook. Additional reporting by Sonali Paul in SYDNEY. Writing by Jane Wardell; Editing by Michael Perry)
By Roberta Rampton and Minami Funakoshi TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday put Japan on notice that Washington wants results "in the near future" from talks it hopes will open markets to U.S. goods, adding that the dialogue could lead to negotiations on a two-way trade deal. U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arranged the economic dialogue between their deputies at a Washington summit in February, soon after Trump took office. "Today we are beginning a process of economic dialogue, the end of which may result in bilateral trade negotiations in the future," Pence told a news conference with Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, his counterpart at Tuesday's talks. "At some point in the future, there may be a decision made between our nations to take what we have learned in this dialogue and commence formal negotiations for a free trade agreement," he said. "But I leave that for the future." The comments dash the hopes of Japanese policymakers, who have said they want to avoid use of the economic dialogue as a forum to discuss a bilateral FTA that may put them under U.S. pressure to open up highly-protected areas like agriculture. They also echo those of U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who told reporters that Washington was eager to increase trade ties with Tokyo through a two-way pact. Trump campaigned for office on an "America First" platform, saying he would boost U.S. manufacturing jobs and shrink the country's trade deficit with countries like Japan. Trump also abandoned the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) backed by predecessor Barack Obama and Abe, and vowed to revisit regional trade deals to focus on two-way agreements. Pence said the TPP was a "thing of the past" and Washington would not wait forever for results from the talks. "When President Trump agreed to this dialogue, he envisioned this as a mechanism for enhancing bilateral commercial relations between the United States and Japan, and achieving results in the near future. And I share that vision and impatience," Pence told Aso at the start of the talks. COOPERATION NOT FRICTION Aso in turn said U.S.-Japan trade friction, which soured ties in the 1980s and 1990s, was in the distant past and the allies were now entering an era of cooperation. "In the past, U.S.-Japan economic relations have started from friction, but we're entering a new area where we start from cooperation," he told the news conference. "Instead of one side telling the other what to do, I want to start debate on a relationship that is mutual and strategic." In a statement after the talks, the two sides said they had agreed the dialogue should produce "concrete results in the near term." They agreed to hold a second round of talks before the end of the year. Ross, seen as more hardline on trade, was also visiting Tokyo and met Japan's trade minister Hiroshige Seko, a sign a bilateral trade deal was among Washington's top priorities. "It's a little bit early to say just what forms things will take, but we are certainly eager to increase our trade relationships with Japan, and to do so in the form of an agreement," Ross said when asked about a possible free trade pact. Pence arrived in Tokyo from South Korea, where he visited the heavily fortified border separating the North and South. He described the U.S.-Japan alliance as the "cornerstone" of regional security. Pence's 10-day tour of Asia aims at emphasising that U.S. President Donald Trump wants to boost U.S. trade in the region, despite scrapping the TPP. NO CURRENCY TALK Japan had a $69-billion trade surplus with the United States last year, the U.S. Treasury Department has said, expressing concern over what it called the "persistence" of the imbalance. Japanese officials counter that Tokyo accounts for a much smaller chunk of America's deficit than in the past, while China's imbalance is much bigger. Trump has complained Japan keeps its currency artificially low, although a Treasury Department report last week did not label Japan a currency manipulator. However, currencies did not figure in Tuesday's talks, a Japanese government official said. (Writing by Linda Sieg; Additional reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka, Leika Kihara, Stanley White and Tetsushi Kajimoto in TOKYO, Hyunjoo Jin in SEOUL and David Lawder in WASHINGTON; Editing by Paul Tait and Clarence Fernandez)
The last two months have not been easy for Andrey Artemenko.

On Feb. 19, the right-wing Ukrainian member of parliament was sucked into the scandal surrounding President Donald Trump and his alleged ties to Russia when the New York Times reported that Artemenko had served as a back channel between Moscow and Trump associates.

In the aftermath of the report, Artemenko was forced out of his political faction in Ukraine, the far-right Radical Party, and the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine has opened an investigation into whether his diplomatic outreach, which was done without Kievs approval, constitutes treason.

Despite the political firestorm, Artemenko is still shopping his proposal in Washington and insists that now is the time to find a resolution to the nearly three-year war in eastern Ukraine that has claimed more than 10,000 lives. In an interview with Foreign Policy, Artemenko denied any connections between him and the Kremlin, praised the early stages of the Trump presidency, and rebuffed elements of the Times report, saying he was unfairly caught up in a fight between the U.S. president and the liberal media. The lawmaker also accused Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko of not being interested in ending the war in the Donbass and said he was using Russia as an excuse to scapegoat his critics.

Anyone who has a personal opinion in Ukraine is automatically named a Russian spy, Artemenko said. But I dont have any connections to Russia. Thats why Im trying to involve the Trump administration on this issue and not the Kremlin.

Artemenkos peace plan episode is just one small part of a rapidly mushrooming investigation in Washington over possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russian intelligence to tilt the 2016 U.S. presidential election in Trumps favor. But its also emblematic of another political fight unfolding against the backdrop of U.S. politics: the power struggle for the future of Ukraine.

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Since the 2014 Maidan revolution that ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, Washington has played an outsized role in Ukrainian domestic politics, where recognition and support from influential U.S. figures can make or break a politicians career back home. The importance of these ties has taken on a new but uncertain dimension since the election of Trump in November 2016; a lack of clarity about the administrations policies toward Kiev has been both a source of anxiety and opportunity for Ukraines political class.

With key policy positions still unfilled at the State Department, many high-profile Ukrainians have sought back channels to the Trump administration to push for a solution to the war in Ukraine.

Thats what Artemenko apparently did to pitch his loosely defined plan, which calls for Russian separatists to return eastern territory to Kiev, and the holding of a national referendum on leasing Crimea to Russia for an undetermined amount of time.

Maybe its dual management of Crimea, or maybe its a lease like the Panama Canal and Hong Kong, said Artemenko, who prefers to call his proposal a road map for peace rather than a set plan. It should be obvious that there is no military solution, only a diplomatic one.

Tall and brawny, Artemenko is a populist politician with ties to the far-right Ukrainian military-political group Right Sector and a member of the pro-Western opposition parliamentary coalition led by former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenkos party. In Kiev, hes known for being outspoken and politically ambitious.

The lawmaker also professes an affinity for Trump, saying he wants to make Ukraine great again and has been trying to make inroads with the real estate mogul since he was a presidential candidate. In July 2016, Artemenko traveled to Cleveland for the Republican National Convention and later attended Trumps inauguration in January.

Artemenko used these connections in late January to arrange a meeting with Michael Cohen, Trumps longtime personal lawyer who currently works at the Republican National Committee, to pass his peace plan to Mike Flynn, who served about three weeks as Trumps national security advisor. Flynn was forced to resign in early February over a separate Russia-related controversy, but the Times reported that Cohen said he had hand-delivered the plan in a sealed envelope to the now former national security advisor.

Artemenko confirmed to FP that Trump associate Felix Sater had arranged a meeting with Cohen and that he was told details of the plan were relayed to Flynn, although he says no physical documents were passed at the sit-down in Manhattan.

The Kremlin denied any knowledge of the plan, and Cohen walked back his initial comments, saying he hadnt delivered the plan to Flynn or discussed it with anyone in the White House. The Times has stood by its reporting.

The Times also reported that Artemenko said he received encouragement for his plans from top aides to Mr. Putin and that he emerged from the opposition nurtured in Ukraine by Paul Manafort, Trumps former campaign manager who previously worked as political operative in Ukraine.

Artemenko told FP that he had no contacts with any Russian officials and has never met or dealt with Manafort. Trumps former campaign manager made millions of dollars in assisting the rise of Yanukovych and lobbied for several pro-Kremlin causes in Washington.

Artemenko insists that his intentions in pushing a peace plan for Ukraine are in the countrys best interests. But political observers see his freelance diplomacy as part of a rising groundswell in Kiev against Poroshenko by opposition forces ahead of parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled for 2019.

Alliances are shifting in Ukraine right now against Poroshenko, said Balazs Jarabik, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. All this diplomatic maneuvering in Washington needs to be viewed through this lens.

Artemenko has emerged as a vocal critic of Poroshenko and says he has evidence showing corruption by the Ukrainian president. Moreover, Artemenko claims to have offered to organize a meeting between Trump and Valeriy Chaly, Ukraines ambassador to Washington, during the campaign. Chaly refused, Artemenko told FP, saying the Ukrainian government was backing Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton at the time.

They said they didnt want to meet Mr. Trump, Artemenko said.

The Ukrainian Embassy has denied the charges and said it did not support any candidate in the U.S. election.

Frustration at the slow pace of change in Ukraine has seen Poroshenkos approval ratings plummet, allowing rivals to try to fill the void. Artemenko, who is staunch ally of Valentyn Nalyvaichenko, a former head of Ukraines security service with lofty political ambitions, has aligned himself with other West-leaning populists like Tymoshenko. While its not saying much, shes currently Ukraines most popular politician, with polls showing about 18 percent support for her party.

Tymoshenko carried out some freelance diplomacy of her own on Feb. 2 when the former prime minister met Trump in Washington, before ever meeting Poroshenko or speaking with him on the phone. The conversation, which took place at the National Prayer Breakfast, was reportedly short and consisted of her seeking assurances that the Trump administration would not abandon Ukraine or lift sanctions on Russia. But the meetings worked to send a message back home that Tymoshenko was ascendant.

Despite the backlash he has faced, Artemenko is still optimistic about his proposal, saying he has discussed it with the office of Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), who has sponsored a resolution reaffirming support for Ukraine and outlining measures to stop the conflict. Artemenko says elements of his plan influenced the Portman measure. A spokesperson from Portmans office confirmed meeting Artemenko but told FP that his peace plan is not part of the resolution.

Back in Kiev, Artemenko has his sights on the upcoming elections, saying he will continue to push for a resolution to the war in the Donbass and that he plans to start his own political party.

I am clear and sure that I am going the right way, Artemenko said.

Photo credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
BERLIN (AP)  The U.N.'s top human rights official said Tuesday he is alarmed by what appears to be a "widespread pattern" of rallies in Burundi in which members of a pro-government youth militia chant a call to "impregnate" or kill opponents.

An online video emerged this month of an incident in a rural province involving the Imbonerakure militia. It showed members singing in the local Kirundi language: "Impregnate those opponents, so that they give birth to Imbonerakure."

Burundi's ruling party criticized the song. The party normally supports the Imbonerakure, despite accusations of rights violations perpetrated by its members.

The U.N. human rights office cited reports of several similar incidents early this month.

"The grotesque rape chants by the young men of the Imbonerakure across several provinces in various parts of Burundi are deeply alarming  particularly because they confirm what we have been hearing from those who have fled Burundi about a campaign of fear and terror by this organized militia," the high commissioner for human rights, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, said in a statement.

Zeid welcomed the governing party's condemnation but said reports senior officials were present at other rallies are "very disturbing" and called for an acknowledgement that the rally caught on camera "was not an isolated incident."

Burundi has been plagued by violence since President Pierre Nkurunziza successfully sought a disputed third term in 2015. Hundreds of people have been killed, and hundreds of thousands have fled the country.

Zeid said his office has received "credible reports of grave human rights violations, including the systematic use of torture by security forces and nightly raids by the Imbonerakure into the homes of people who refuse to join the ruling party."
Nairobi (AFP) - The UN rights chief on Tuesday condemned the feared youth wing of Burundi's ruling party for repeatedly calling for the rape and murder of opposition supporters.

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said the calls for violence -- which often took the form of songs or chants -- by members of the Imbonerakure youth wing of the CNND-FDD party amounted to a "campaign of terror."

"The grotesque rape chants by the young men of the Imbonerakure across several provinces in various parts of Burundi are deeply alarming -- particularly because they confirm what we have been hearing from those who have fled Burundi about a campaign of fear and terror by this organised militia," Zeid said in a statement.

The youth wing, whose name means "those who see from afar" in the local Kirundi language, has come under scrutiny since Burundi spiralled into crisis two years ago when President Pierre Nkurunziza launched a bid for a third term in office, sparking street protests and a failed coup attempt.

More than 400,000 people have fled the country since the unrest began and the UN estimates at least 500 people have been killed, though NGOs believe that year-old death toll is an underestimate and the real count could be as many as 2,000 people.

Human Rights Watch has accused the Imbonerakure of being involved in assaults on opposition members, gang-rapes of women and torture, while the UN regularly refers to them as a militia.

- 'Organised incitement' -

Earlier this month, the ruling party was forced to disavow a video that emerged of youth wing members singing "impregnate the opposition so that they give birth to Imbonerakure".

The UN statement said that video was just "the tip of the iceberg" and said similar calls for violence had continued throughout April.

In one case, about 2,500 Imbonerakure in the northern city of Kayanza marched along a main road chanting slogans that called for the rape of opposition supporters.

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In the eastern province of Ruyigi a crowd of 200 that included youth wing members attending the inauguration of a party office also began singing for the rape of their opponents, the UN statement said.

In that instance, party officials told them to stop.

"The government needs to stop pretending that the Imbonerakure are nothing but a community development group," said the UN statement.

"In a region which has suffered so many massive outbreaks of violence and atrocities, this type of organised incitement rings very loud alarm bells."
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United States on Tuesday singled out North Korea and Syria over human rights violations and warned at the United Nations that new conflicts could be triggered by abuses in Iran, Cuba and North Korea.

US ambassador Nikki Haley made the case at the Security Council that more attention should be focused on rights abuses to prevent conflict, a view challenged by Russia, China and other countries at the UN body.

"When a state begins to systematically violate human rights, it is a sign, it is a red flag, it's a blaring siren -- one of the clearest possible indicators that instability and violence may follow and spill across borders," said Haley.

Turning to Syria, she recalled that the war, now in its seventh year, began with anti-government protests, and took a swipe at the council for being "reluctant to address" the crisis early on.

In North Korea, "systematic human rights violations underwrite the country's nuclear and ballistic missile programs," she argued.

"The next international crisis could very well come from places where human rights are widely disregarded. Perhaps it will be North Korea or Iran or Cuba," she said.

Haley also mentioned cases of torture in Burundi and Myanmar's crackdown on ethnic Rohingyas as human rights concerns.

The United States, which holds the council presidency this month, was able to hold the meeting on human rights following negotiations with countries that did not want it to be a formal agenda item.

Seven countries -- Russia, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Senegal -- raised objections, with many arguing that the UN Human Rights Council was the venue for such discussion.

In the end, human rights were discussed under the existing "international peace and security" agenda item at the Security Council.

- Poverty causes conflict -

During the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi devoted his remarks on poverty as one of the root causes of conflict and notably did not mention human rights.

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"All nations should take development as a first priority," he said.

Russian Deputy Ambassador Evgeniy Zagaynov argued that the Security Council would be extending its mandate of preserving peace and security if it were to tackle human rights.

Such a move would lead to a "politicization" of the Security Council and "lower trust" in its work, argued the Russian envoy.

In a jab at the United States, Bolivia argued that joining the International Criminal Court would help advance human rights. The United States has not signed the Rome statute establishing the ICC.

Human rights groups were skeptical of the US push for the meeting, raising questions about President Donald Trump's commitment to ending violations.

"If the Trump administration wants to burnish its reputation on rights, it should address problems at home such as its discriminatory travel ban on people from six Muslim majority countries," said Akshaya Kumar, deputy UN director at Human Rights Watch.
Are people actually going to #BoycottUnited?



A new poll says yesmore bad news for the airline after it was slammed on social media for dragging a doctor off a flight and botching the apologies.

SEE ALSO: The internet is trolling United so hard right now

More than 40 percent of people who heard about the scandal say they would pay more and endure a longer trip just to avoid flying United, according to a recent survey of nearly 2,000 Americans from Morning Consult.

Nearly four in five said they would shun the airline if given the choice between two otherwise identical flights through different carriers. (American Airlines was the other choice for the purposes of the poll.)

For comparison, the split between American and United was half and half among people who somehow hadn't caught wind of last week's incident. Eighty percent of that group chose United when the other flight was longer and more expensive.

It's not looking good for United.

Image: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Even so, there's no guarantee the harsh feelings towards the airline will linger long.

People are beholden to price above all else, most analysts and business pundits said, and industry consolidation means airlines can do pretty much whatever they want to you.

The public memory for scandals involving commodities like air travel is especially short, according to Loraine Lau-Gesk, a business school professor at the University of California at Irvine, who was quoted in the report.

For its part, United seems masochistically determined to ensure people don't forget. Days after the passenger ejection, the media picked up on a bizarre story in which a scorpion fell from an overhead bin and stung a passenger. The airline is in the headlines again this week after blocking a wedding-bound couple from boarding their flight.

So much for the "friendly skies."

WATCH: Man removed from United flight
An engaged couple flying on United Airlines from Houston, Texas, to their wedding in Costa Rica were removed by a federal law enforcement officer from the flight on Saturday amid disputed circumstances, according to media reports.

The removal comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of the airlines approach to customer service after a video emerged a week ago showing security officers dragging a bloodied passenger off an overbooked United Express flight in Chicago.

United said the couple repeatedly tried to sit in more expensive seats for which they had not paid and would not follow flight crew instructions, according to the KHOU 11 New channel in Houston.

United, owned by United Continental Holdings ual , did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday evening.

Michael Hohl and his fiancee, Amber Maxwell, gave a different account. Hohl said he and Maxwell found another passenger sleeping sprawled across their seats after they were the last to board the flight, according to an interview with KHOU.

Soon after moving to other, empty seats in the economy cabin a few rows up, flight crew denied their request to pay a supplement for the seats, which United sells as economy plus, and told them to move back to their original seats, Hohl said.

We thought not a big deal, its not like we are trying to jump up into a first-class seat, Hohl told KHOU. We were simply in an economy row a few rows above our economy seat.

They then cooperated with an officer from the U.S. Marshals Service who boarded and told them they had to get off the plane, Hohl said.

The couple were rebooked on a flight on Sunday, KHOU reported.

Dr. David Dao, the 69-year-old Vietnamese-American doctor who was seen in video being dragged off a United flight a week ago, will likely sue the airline, his attorney said on Thursday.

For more on airlines, see Fortunes video:

After the incident triggered international outrage, United Chief Executive Oscar Munoz apologized to Dao, his family and its customers, saying the carrier would no longer use law enforcement officers to remove passengers from overbooked flights.

This article was originally published on FORTUNE.com
By Alana Wise NEW YORK (Reuters) - The head of United Airlines met with the Chinese consulate in Chicago over the possible impact to bookings from a customer being dragged off a plane but it was too early to tell if business in China had been hit by the event, the company said. In the carrier's first quarter earnings call, United again apologized repeatedly for the incident in which Dr. David Dao was dragged from his seat on a United flight to make room for crew members. Dao accused officials of discriminating against him for being Chinese before he was hauled off the plane, according to a fellow passenger. Social media users across the United States, Vietnam and China called for a boycott of the airline over the incident. United has about 20 percent of total U.S.-China traffic and a partnership with Air China<601111.SS><0753.HK>, the country's third-largest airline, according to analysts. "It's really too early for us to tell anything about bookings, and in particular last week because it's the week before Easter. That's normally a very low booking period," United President Scott Kirby said on the call. Shares of United Continental Holdings Inc were down 4.12 percent in afternoon trading, despite earnings that outperformed analyst expectations on several key metrics. On the call, Chief Executive Officer Oscar Munoz said he would have "further conversations with customers and related governmental officials" in an upcoming trip to China that had been planned prior to the incident. United did not say when Munoz met with the Chinese consulate officials. United Flight 3411 was the subject of intense global scrutiny last week when Dao, a paying customer, was selected to be involuntarily bumped from his seat. Dao's attorney said it was likely he would sue over the incident, in which Dao lost two front teeth, broke his nose and suffered a concussion. Dao emigrated to the United States from Vietnam. A spokeswoman for his attorney could not confirm Dao's ethnicity. (Reporting by Alana Wise; Editing by Andrew Hay)
New York (AFP) - United's widely-condemned violent removal of a passenger from a flight was a "system failure" and no employees will lose their jobs as a result, United Continental chief Oscar Munoz said Tuesday.

"It was a system failure across various areas, so there was never a consideration for firing an employee or anyone around it," Munoz said on a conference call.

United has been under fire since video went viral showing security personnel dragging battered and bloodied passenger David Dao off an overbooked Chicago flight to make room for an airline employee.

Munoz again apologized for the incident as he opened the quarterly earnings conference call with investors Tuesday.

"We've always thought to repay our customers' trust with the highest quality of service and deepest level of respect and dignity," Munoz said. "We are and will make the necessary policy changes to ensure this never happens again."

The incident stoked global outrage and talk of boycotts on social media, although some analysts think it will not significantly affect United's financial prospects.

Morningstar said, "The flight 3411 incident, while undoubtedly a public relations disaster, will most likely not materially affect United's medium- to long-term financial and operational performance."

Airline executives said it was too soon to see any effect of the incident on leisure travelers, or on travelers from China, where the controversy sparked especially sharp criticism because of Dao's Vietnamese ethnicity.

United President Scott Kirby said some of the airline's corporate clients had "appropriate questions" about the incident.

"We feel like we've managed that pretty well and our corporate accounts are largely supportive," Kirby said. "They want us to fix this... But they believe in us and believe that we will get this fixed."

United already has announced some policy changes such as no longer having law enforcement remove customers from flights and requiring employees to sign in at least 60 minutes before the flight.

Shares of United slumped 4.0 percent in midday trading to $67.92
Unu Motors Raises Money to Build More Scooters

Berlin-based Unu Motors, which builds smart electric scooters, has raised over $7-million in a new round of funding. German-based tech magazine Grunderszene reports that the round was led by Capnamic Ventures and Iris Capital with participation from Michael Baum and NRW.Bank. Reading between the lines reveals that these e-motos are really starting to pick up some momentum.

Unu sells its scooters online through a logistics partnership with DHL, with most of the manufacturing taking place in China. The company sells to both consumers and businesses so its supply chain is strong and already securely in place. The startup launched in three Dutch cities in January, and plans to invest the new funds in further expansion in France and the Netherlands. Unu Motors expects to make half of its sales in these new markets by the end of the year, according to a statement by co-founder Pascal Blum. But wait, there's more; U.S. expansion is under consideration as well.
Washington (AFP) - An aircraft carrier the US Navy said was steaming toward the Korean Peninsula amid rising tensions has not yet departed, a US defense official acknowledged Tuesday.

The Navy on April 8 said it was directing a naval strike group headed by the USS Carl Vinson supercarrier to "sail north," as a "prudent measure" to deter North Korea.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis on April 11 said the Vinson was "on her way up" to the peninsula.

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President Donald Trump the next day said: "We are sending an armada. Very powerful."

But a defense official told AFP Tuesday that the ships were still off the northwest coast of Australia. A Navy photograph showed the Vinson off Java over the weekend.

"They are going to start heading north towards the Sea of Japan within the next 24 hours," the official said on condition of anonymity.

The official added that the strike group wouldn't be in the region before next week at the earliest -- it is thousands of nautical miles from the Java Sea to the Sea of Japan.

At the time of the strike group's deployment, many media outlets said the ships were steaming toward North Korea, when in fact they had temporarily headed in the opposite direction.

The United States ratcheted up its rhetoric ahead of North Korea's military parade and failed missile launch over the weekend, and Vice President Mike Pence on Monday declared that the era of US "strategic patience" in dealing with Pyongyang was over.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un responded with his own fiery warnings and threatened to conduct weekly missile tests.

It was not clear if the issue was the result of poor communication by the Navy, but some observers were critical.

Joel Wit, a co-founder of the 38 North program of the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University, said the matter was "very perplexing" and fed into North Korea's narrative that America is all bluster and doesn't follow through on threats.

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"If you are going to threaten the North Koreans, you better make sure your threat is credible," Wit said.

"If you threaten them and your threat is not credible, it's only going to undermine whatever your policy toward them is."

The strike group has been conducting drills with the Australian navy in recent days, the official said, though it scrapped a planned port visit in Australia as a result of the new orders.
The United States and China are working "closely" together over North Korea, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said on Tuesday, two days after a new missile test by Pyongyang.

Sunday's test "shows why we are working so closely right now with the Chinese, coming out of the Mar-a-Lago meeting" in Florida between the two nations' leaders earlier this month, Mattis told reporters.

The American-Chinese effort seeks to "get this under control and aim for the denuclearised Korean peninsula" desired by China, the US, South Korea and Japan, he said as he flew to the Middle East for a tour.

"We all share that same interest."

North Korea has defied international pressure over its quest to develop a nuclear-tipped ballistic missile capable of reaching the US mainland.

American officials said the missile test-fired on Sunday exploded seconds after launch.

North Korea still has many technical problems to resolve, but the intensity of its current testing worries Pentagon strategists.

Estimates vary about how much time Pyongyang would still need to build intercontinental ballistic missiles, but some at the Pentagon think it could happen within two years.

Others believe several more years might be needed, noting the difficulty of designing and testing the warhead.

This component, which contains the nuclear bomb, must be able to resist the enormous heat and shock accompanying its atmospheric re-entry after being fired into space.

Mattis arrived on Tuesday in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, his first stop on the Middle East tour that will also see him visit Egypt, Israel, Qatar and Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) -- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says North Korea's latest failed missile launch was a reckless act of provocation.

Mattis commented on the weekend missile launch in an interview with reporters traveling with him Tuesday to Saudi Arabia, where he begins a weeklong Mideast tour. His language was stronger than in an initial written statement he issued shortly after the launch, in which he simply said he was aware of the failure.

"The leader of North Korea again recklessly tried to provoke something by launching a missile," he said Tuesday, invoking a term  "reckless"  that the North Koreans have used to describe ongoing large-scale U.S. and South Korean military exercises, which the North calls a dress rehearsal for an invasion.

Mattis did not identify the type of missile but said it was not of intercontinental range, meaning it could not reach U.S. territory. He did not comment on what might have caused the missile to fail. Another official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss an intelligence matter, said later that the missile was a Scud variant that the U.S. calls a KN-17.

Mattis credited China with trying to help get the North Korea situation "under control" with the goal of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.

Asked about his visit to Saudi Arabia, Mattis said the desert kingdom is a "pillar of our security framework for the region." He is scheduled to meet on Wednesday with King Salman, deputy crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also is the Saudi defense minister, and other top officials.

The U.S. military is providing support for a Saudi-led coalition fighting anti-government Houthi rebels. Asked whether the Trump administration plans to increase its military support, Mattis responded by saying the U.S. focus is on arranging a United Nations-brokered negotiating team to resolve Yemen's civil war diplomatically.

"This is something, with the number of innocent people dying inside Yemen, that simply has to be brought to an end," he said.

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Human rights groups have urged the Trump administration to be more vocal about human rights issues during visits to Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states.

Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain, among others, has criticized what it calls the administration's plan to decouple human rights from weapons sales.

"It is indeed important to address security concerns, but it is ill-advised, if not dangerous, to make security concerns the only basis for cooperation and an alliance," said Husain Abdulla, executive director of the group, which is based in Washington.

The U.S. security alliance with Saudi Arabia, dating to 1944 and based largely on the Saudis' oil riches, has made Washington the kingdom's most important arms supplier.

The Middle East is familiar turf for Mattis, a Marine veteran of the Iraq war who rose to four-star rank. He finished his military career as head of Central Command, which directs U.S. military operations across the Middle East and Central Asia.

Mattis also plans to visit Qatar, a Persian Gulf state that hosts U.S. forces at al-Udeid air base, which the U.S. uses to centralize its air operations for the campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, as well as the war in Afghanistan.
Washington (AFP) - The US Supreme Court on Monday denied a last-minute request from Arkansas state authorities for permission to carry out its first execution in more than a decade.

The US high court decision is the latest in a flurry of legal setbacks to the southeastern state's original plan to carry out eight executions between April 17 and 27, an unprecedented pace.

Justices declined an appeal from the state's attorney general to lift a stay barring the execution of Don Davis, who was slated to be the first of several inmates to die this month.

The Arkansas Supreme Court on Monday had blocked the executions of Davis and one other inmate, after lawyers had requested the executions be delayed until the US Supreme Court hears a separate case concerning prisoners' access to mental health experts who are independent of the prosecution.

But Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge swiftly filed an application with the US Supreme Court to obtain permission to proceed with the execution of just Davis.

As he awaited the court to decide his fate Davis ate fried chicken, mashed potatoes and strawberry cake -- what could have been his last meal.

The US Supreme court's denial of the state's request came minutes before Davis's execution warrant expired at 12:00 am local time (0500 GMT), wrapping up a day of legal wrangling among state and federal courts over the state's accelerated execution plan.

- 'An exhausting day' -

The legal roadblock constitutes yet another setback for Arkansas's Republican governor, Asa Hutchinson, who had pushed for the accelerated executions as the expiration of the state's supply of midazolam drew near.

"While this has been an exhausting day for all involved, tomorrow we will continue to fight back on last minute appeals and efforts to block justice for the victims' families," Hutchinson said in a statement.

He said the state would continue towards carrying out the executions of the other inmates.

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Hours prior to the US Supreme Court decision, state courts had lifted obstacles to continuing those plans.

The US Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Monday reversed a federal judge's broader stay on the executions, clearing the path for deaths scheduled to take place later this month to proceed.

The state's Supreme Court on Monday also vacated an order blocking the use of the drug vecuronium bromide as part of a lethal-injection protocol.

- Drug expiration nears -

The drugs used in lethal injections by some American states -- 19 of the 50 no longer execute prisoners -- have become increasingly difficult to obtain. Many pharmaceutical companies, particularly in Europe, ban their use for executions.

While lethal injection was meant to be painless, death-penalty opponents say the risk of badly botched executions, with inmates writhing in agony for long minutes, is unacceptably high.

Arkansas's plan to reduce the number of its death-row prisoners by some 20 percent in the space of a week and a half has drawn sharp protests around the world.

The European Union on Wednesday urged Hutchinson to commute the death-row inmates' sentences.

Amnesty International called on Arkansas to urgently halt "the conveyor belt of death which it is about to set in motion."

The court battles are playing out on multiple fronts as the state's supply of midazolam expires on April 30.

Critics say that midazolam, a sedative meant to render a condemned person unconscious before other drugs are used to stop the heart, does not always work.

Some inmates have been left partly conscious, struggling for breath and writhing for nearly an hour before dying.

Lawyers for the condemned also say that the accelerated executions could take a severe toll on the small team of penitentiary employees who carry out the death penalty, and who have not had to do so for 12 years.

No single US state has held eight executions in 10 days since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976.
Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area is excited to celebrate April as National Volunteer Month and April 23-29 for National Volunteer Week.

Like many non-profits, Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area could not do the work we do without our volunteers.

Based on the latest statistics from the Corporation for National and Community Service, 35.3 percent of Wisconsin residents volunteer, ranking us third in the nation in overall volunteerism. This equals 1,630,800 total volunteers logging more than 169.03 million hours of service for a whopping $4.6 billion of services delivered.

In 2016, 442 people volunteered at Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area for a total of 15,092 hours. Thats more than seven full-time jobs.

In that year, they built homes for families. They volunteered in our ReStore. They gave of their time to improve local neighborhoods. They served on committees, for special events and in our offices. They all made their communities better.

To our Habitat for Humanity volunteers and to our volunteers everywhere, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your time, passion and commitment.

Kahya Fox

La Crosse
uss carl vinson sunda strait.JPG

The US announced on April 8 that the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier would head to the Korean peninsula amid soaring tensions between the US and North Korea  but the US Navy posted a picture of the carrier about 3,500 miles away from Korea on April 15.

The picture, first noticed by Defense News, shows the Vinson in the Sunda Strait between the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java.

Business Insider contacted the Navy about the discrepancy, but it did not immediately comment.

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said on April 11 that the Vinson had been called away from exercises near Australia to head for the Korean peninsula but declined to say why. Mattis did say that, as a practice, the Navy does not disclose the whereabouts of its ships.

US aircraft-carrier strike groups include guided-missile destroyers with powerful radars that could potentially be useful in tracking missile launches, like the kind recently attempted by North Korea.

NOW WATCH: These are the small, agile new aircraft carriers meant to take F-35s into battle





More From Business Insider


Riyadh (AFP) - Washington wants a return "as quickly as possible" to UN-backed Yemen peace talks, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said as he began a Middle East tour Tuesday in Saudi Arabia.

The United States provides limited military support to a Saudi-led coalition which for two years has been fighting in support of Yemen's government against rebels supported by Iran.

On Wednesday, Mattis will meet the kingdom's top leaders in Riyadh.

Washington provides intelligence as well as aerial refuelling to coalition warplanes conducting air strikes in Yemen with American-supplied weapons.

Rights groups have repeatedly criticised the coalition bombing campaign in Yemen for causing civilian casualties.

Asked by reporters about the chance of stepping up American support, Mattis did not reply and instead put the accent on a return to peace talks.

"Our aim is that this crisis can be handed to a team of negotiators under the aegis of the United Nations that can try to find a political solution as quickly as possible," he said as he flew to Riyadh.

Seven ceasefires alongside peace efforts by the United Nations have so far failed to stop the fighting.

It is necessary to end the "firing of missiles provided by Iran against Saudi Arabia" as well as "the death of innocent people in Yemen", Mattis said.

Yemen's Huthi rebels allied with troops loyal to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh have fired ballistic missiles into Saudi Arabia.

Rebels have also shot short-range rockets over the kingdom's southern border, killing least 130 soldiers and civilians.

Washington alleges that Iran, Saudi Arabia's regional rival, has shipped missiles to Yemen but Tehran denies the charge.

A United Nations Panel of Experts in January reported that it "has not seen sufficient evidence to confirm any direct large-scale supply of arms" from Iran.

Some in US President Donald Trump's administration would like to increase American military support for the Saudi-led coalition to better counter Iranian ambitions in the region.

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Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia regularly accuses the Shiite-majority Islamic republic of interference in the Middle East, and Mattis has called Iran the world's "biggest state sponsor of terrorism".

The UN estimates that more than 7,700 people have been killed over the past two years and more than 40,000 wounded in impoverished Yemen, which faces a serious risk of famine.

Riyadh has expressed optimism that Trump's team will be more engaged in the region, particularly in containing Iran, compared with former president Barack Obama.

In December, the Obama administration blocked a sale of precision guided weapons to Saudi Arabia because of concerns over civilian casualties in Yemen.
By Lisa Rapaport (Reuters Health) - Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals in the U.S. may deliver higher quality care than other medical centers but still get lower marks on patient satisfaction, a new study suggests. Researchers examined data for 129 VA and 4,010 non-VA hospitals nationwide and found the VA had lower rates of six complications tied to quality: pressure ulcers, deaths of surgical patients with serious treatable conditions, care-related lung injuries, clots in the vein in surgical patients, catheter-related bloodstream infections, post-operative bloodstream infections and post-operative surgical wound ruptures. Rates of other complications tied to quality were similar at VA and non-VA hospitals. For some common medical problems, the VA also had lower mortality rates and lower rates of repeat hospitalizations than other hospitals, the study found. But when it came to several measures of patient satisfaction like doctors and nurses communication skills and pain management, the VA lagged behind. The VA certainly looks good on many of these measures, but they definitely have room for improvement regarding the patient experience, said senior study author Dr. Karl Bilimoria, director of the Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. Patients at VA hospitals were less likely to recommend VA hospitals to friends or family than patients at non-VA hospitals, Bilimoria said by email. The researchers note in JAMA Internal Medicine that the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently updated Hospital Compare, a website that helps patients choose where to get care, to include VA hospitals. For the current study, the study team examined data from Hospital Compare for 2012 to 2015 and from the American Hospital Associations 2014 annual survey. Non-VA hospitals did better on four of nine measures of behavioral health quality including screening for alcohol and tobacco use and developing clear plans for care after patients leave the hospital, the study found. The findings might reflect a decades-long investment in quality improvement and care coordination at the VA and efforts to document outcomes for patients with multiple complex medical conditions, the researchers note. Its possible some of these quality measures dont necessarily reflect the true quality of patient care, the authors also point out. "The VA has had some excellent initiatives to improve quality in a number of areas, particularly in surgery through the landmark quality assessment program, NSQIP, Bilimoria said. However, the outcome measures CMS has reported here are flawed and are not that useful or valid, so patients are still left without valid information about whether VAs truly have better or worse outcomes than non-VA hospitals." Still, the findings mirror results from other research demonstrating that VA hospitals in general have equal or better outcomes on certain quality measures, said Dr. Vineet Arora, a researcher at the University of Chicago who wasnt involved in the study. What is new here is that the patient experience and behavioral health measure comparisons were less favorable for VA hospitals, Arora said by email. The patient experience scores in the current study appear to be consistent with reports of treatment delays at the VA in recent years, said Dr. Anupam Jena, a health policy researcher at Harvard Medical School in Boston who also wasnt involved in the analysis. But because the study wasnt a controlled experiment designed to test what happens when similar patients are randomly sent to VA or non-VA hospitals, its hard to rule out the possibility that any differences might be due to who gets treated where, Jena said by email. The mortality differences between the VA and non-VA hospitals are quite large, larger than I would expect. That makes me wonder whether similar patients are being compared between the two sets of hospitals, Jena noted. That said, I am sure there are lessons that other hospitals can learn from the VA and vice versa, Jena added. From a patient perspective, the study certainly does not raise red flags about specific groups of hospitals. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2opzQXM JAMA Internal Medicine, online April 17, 2017.
PEKANBARU, Indonesia  Much of the palm oil used to keep our ice cream smooth, our chocolate shiny, and our margarine free of trans fats comes from the lush plantations of Indonesia and Malaysia. The big companies that produce the oil for food giants like Kellogg and Nestle typically promise that its harvested in a way that protects both the environment and the workers.

Yet the women who work on the plantations here are suffering.

Their complaints about health risks have gained such momentum that the palm oil industry group just created a task force to address concerns of female workers.

While men are often assigned the heavy jobs of harvesting the spiky bunches of oil palm fruits, women typically take charge of spraying young trees with a potent cocktail of pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides.

In the tropical heat, they trudge through the rows of palms carrying plastic tanks loaded with chemicals, including paraquat, an herbicide banned in much of Europe. Hour after hour, they spray the tree trunks, often with no protection beyond a piece of cloth tied over their nose and mouth. Theyre typically expected to work through a quota of chemical tanks in order to earn their daily wage.

Read more: EPA declines to ban pesticide over concerns it could harm brain development

Veteran plantation workers  and the human rights organizations fighting on their behalf  say the women are exposed to severe health hazards from handling the chemicals. Work accidents can cause infections or blindness or blistering of the skin. Documented health effects of long-term exposure to paraquat also include Parkinsons disease, lung damage, and kidney and heart failure.

Sometimes if we give the grass pesticide, it goes right back to our face, said Minah, a 40-year old worker at a palm oil plantation in Riau. She and other workers interviewed asked to be identified by pseudonyms because they fear retaliation.

A winding trip from plantation to grocery shelves

Palm oil makes its way into many processed foods, from instant noodles to cookies, as well as toiletries, such as shampoo, toothpaste, and soap. Its also a component of lipstick and biodiesel.

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Many food companies that use palm oil  along with major Asian producers and distributors  are members of the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil, or RSPO, an industry organization that strives to ensure the plantations dont exploit workers or ravage the forests, in part by certifying that plantations comply with a set of standards. But the organization has a backlog of complaints, and activists say violations persist.

And while Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive, Johnson & Johnson, Proctor & Gamble, General Mills, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, Nestle, Con Agra, and Kellogg have all issued statements committing to buy palm oil from sources that adhere to environmental standards and international human rights laws, many of them work through complex chains of traders and suppliers, making it tough to fully verify conditions on the ground in Asia.

We recognize more can be done within our own supply chain to independently verify that the palm oil we use is both environmentally and socially sustainable, Unilever said in a statement.

A spokesperson at Nestle said that the company has been talking about labor concerns with Amnesty International and is now developing a road map on labor rights in agricultural supply chains that will include specific steps to ensure the companys palm oil is harvested without exploitation.

Other companies that use Indonesian palm oil said they investigate any health or labor violations that come to light and demand corrective action.

Read more: EPA sidestepped decision to tighten standards for lead levels, leaving communities adrift

But labor activists say too many companies blindly trust RSPO certification as a seal of approval, without doing their own research.

Relying on RSPO alone is insufficient when it comes to labor issues, said Seema Joshi, head of Amnesty Internationals business and human rights team.

Even RSPO acknowledges that it has not solved the issues: Our current guidelines are meant to provide adequate protection to workers, said Stefano Savi, the groups global outreach director. This said, agriculture  including oil palm cultivation  and the regions where it is grown are challenging environments to secure the protection of human and labor rights.

Amnesty International last year published a report documenting labor abuses on palm oil plantations owned by Asian agricultural giant Wilmar, headquartered in Singapore. The team also found strong evidence that women working in Indonesias palm oil plantations faced significant health risks.

These issues that women are facing are systemic, Joshi said. It was shocking to me to see that the women who have the least secure work contracts are facing some of the most serious health risks because of the nature of work theyre doing on the plantations.

The Indonesian nongovernmental organization Sawit Watch has uncovered similar stories.

In 2015, Sawit Watch interviewed 22 female workers across three plantations. It found that workers who spent hours each day spraying fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides suffered from respiratory and vision problems. Some said they did receive protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, but still came into direct contact with the chemicals and rarely, if ever, got checkups.

Yet such women often have few other options.

Milk and pudding as detox treatment

Growing palm oil in Indonesia is a family affair. During the 1970s and 80s, the government gave families from the populated Indonesian island of Java incentives to move to the more remote islands that are now centers of the countrys palm oil industry  namely, Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi.

On the sprawling plantations, the canopies of the evenly spaced trees are green and lush; it almost looks like a forest. But the land can be hilly and muddy, with weeds choking some patches of trees.

Men toil among the rows of trees carrying a long sickle, their eyes peeled for loose fruits on the ground  a sign that the fruit bunches above them are ready to be harvested. These men often bring their wives, who do not get paid, to help them collect fruits that might fall during the harvesting process. On some Indonesian plantations, children help their father ferry the heavy bunches to the side of the road with wheelbarrows.

Those women who have paid jobs typically work as pesticide sprayers.

Among them is Sari  now 40, married, and the mother of two sons, with waist-long hair wound tightly in a bun. She has a strong, determined face. But after several years of working as a pesticide sprayer, she said, her health began to deteriorate. Sari found it increasingly difficult to breathe during and after work. Headaches were accompanied by bouts of vomiting. Every two or three months, she would faint for no particular reason.

To offset the toxic effects of pesticide exposure, Musim Mas, the company that owned the plantation where Sari worked, gave employees who handled chemicals milk or pudding. They told us that it was to help us detoxify, Sari said.

Read more: This community has slipped through the cracks of the US health care system

Theres no evidence that milk could mitigate the effects of exposure to toxic pesticides.

And in an email to STAT, Musim Mas said the milk was mostly provided as a benefit and nutrition and not from any other perspective. But the company added that the milk functions as a dilution or delays the digestion of chemicals that a worker may have inadvertently inhaled.

Musim Mas said it provides maintenance workers with protective gear and monthly checkups, but Sari recalls visiting a doctor just once every year or two.

Then one day in 2010, she woke up, disoriented on a hospital bed. The last thing she remembered was taking a brief break during work.

An X-ray revealed that she had a lung condition, likely caused by persistent exposure to the chemicals she sprayed on palm oil trees. I never used to have respiratory problems until I started working with them, Sari said.

In addition to the health issues, some women on palm oil plantations complain that they are rarely allowed to take the two days of menstrual leave theyre supposed to be granted each month under Indonesian law. The law is intended to give them a reprieve from work on days when they experience pain, but human rights groups have found that the palm oil plantations routinely decline such requests or subject women to degrading tests to prove they are menstruating.

Read more: Birth spacing, and the information and tools to do it, can save womens and childrens lives

For Sari, conditions have slowly started to improve.

When she started on the plantation in the 90s, she did not get masks or gloves to protect her as she handled the chemicals. Now, however, her employer is a RSPO member and has started providing workers with protective equipment.

Four years ago, a doctor recommended that Sari be relocated from working with pesticides because of the damage to her lungs. The plantation found a job for her to plant flowers alongside the roads. She no longer handles chemicals daily.

Things have gotten better, she said, although Ive never been normal again.

Reporting in Indonesia was facilitated by a grant from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.
HANOI (Reuters) - Protesters in Vietnam's capital of Hanoi said on Tuesday they were ready to release the 21 officials remaining from a group taken hostage when a long-running land dispute escalated on the weekend. Police officers were among the 36 hostages seized on Saturday, following the arrest of four people protesting against what they called insufficient compensation by authorities taking over residential land for a telecommunications project. An initial group of 15 hostages was freed on Monday, when authorities also released all the detained protesters. "We are ready to free all officials now," said Bui Viet Hieu, a representative of the protesters from the commune of My Duc, on the city's outskirts. "We are just waiting for representatives of the authorities to come and receive them." Local government officials responded to the protesters' claim of inadequate compensation by saying they did not own the land and their demonstration was against the law. Protesters used rocks and pieces of wood to block access roads to the area, with some families even putting sofas in the streets. Land disputes are common in Vietnam and the disagreement over My Duc has run for years, but it is rare for residents to take officials hostage in the communist state, where there is little tolerance of dissent. Police will deal resolutely with lawbreakers and residents of My Duc should not think the authorities had compromised, Bach Thanh Dinh, the deputy director of Hanoi police, told state media VnExpress. (Reporting by Hanoi Newsroom; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A White House meeting that was to help determine whether the United States should withdraw from the Paris climate accord has been postponed, an administration official said on Tuesday. Some of President Donald Trump's top advisers, including Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt, were scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss how Trump should handle the 2015 climate deal. The meeting was canceled because "some of the principals are traveling today," the White House official said. The meeting will be rescheduled, but no date has been set, the official said. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters on Air Force One as Trump was returning from a visit to Wisconsin that the meeting "could be as soon as tomorrow, but I know that they're working on trying to find a time that works for everybody." The accord, agreed on by nearly 200 countries in Paris in 2015 and ratified in 2016, aims to limit planetary warming in part by slashing carbon dioxide and other emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. Under the pact, the United States committed to reducing its emissions by 26 to 28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025. Trump has said the United States should "cancel" the deal, but he has been mostly quiet on the issue since he was elected last November. The White House has said it would take a position on the agreement before a summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations in late May. (Reporting by Steve Holland; Writing by Ayesha Rascoe; Editing by Dan Grebler and Peter Cooney)
Ede Borek, 78, died peacefully Monday, April 3, 2017, with her family at her side.

Ede was born Edna Lois Quinn March 12, 1939, in Wrightsville, Wis. She was the sixth child of Edward and Lovetta (Preston) Quinn.

Ede lived in Black River Falls, until her senior year of high school when she moved to Milwaukee, to work and be near her sister. While in Milwaukee she worked for an insurance company and as a nanny until later becoming a dental assistant. She married John Borek July 11, 1959, in Black River Falls. She and John had three children and cared for many stray animals. They owned John and Edes bar in Pray, Wis., for nearly 20 years and over that time formed many friendships with people from all over Wisconsin, who came to enjoy deer hunting and other recreational opportunities in central Wisconsin. Ede and her husband also owned Parkland Village Campground and Mobile Home Park in Black River Falls, for several years. During this time, she spent some time serving on the Governors Council of Tourism for the State of Wisconsin.

One of the things Ede was best known for was her knowledge and skill of massage therapy. Ede was a pioneer for the acceptance of therapeutic massage and paved the way for the appreciation many people have for massage today. She took her first classes in Iowa, in the early 1980s and continued to educate herself on anything wellness related as long as she was able.

Ede was preceded in death by her parents; two of her sisters, Janice Halverson and Deana Eubanks; and her brother, Bernard (Bud) Quinn.

She is survived by her husband, John; their son, Jay (Julie) Borek; their two daughters, Lana (Tim) Langreck and Brenda (Mark) Miles, all of Black River Falls; foster daughter, Jodi Gorst-King, Washington state; and foster son, Tom Kozlowski, Wisconsin; her grandchildren are Levi and Aaron Miles and Mackenzie and Logan Borek. She is also survived by a sister, Lovetta Misfeldt, Eau Claire, Wis., and brother, John (Jack) Quinn of Sarasota, Fla.

Friends and family are invited to join Edes family in a celebration of life from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday April 30, at the Stones Throw Supper Club in Hatfield.

Edes family would like to thank the staff of Pine Views Memory Care for their kindness and compassion while Ede was under their care.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services, Altoona is assisting the family. To sign the guestbook or share a memory online, please visit www.chippewavalleycremation.com.
When asked whether President Donald Trump will release his tax returns, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Monday that Trump cannot do so as he is under audit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If Trump continues to refuse to release his tax returns in office, he will reportedly become the first American president in 40 years to do so.

In the press briefing, Spicer said that Trump had made it clear during the campaign last year about the status of his income tax returns. Trump has used the same explanation about him being under audit by the IRS since early last year, according to reports.

Read: Trumps 2005 1040 Tax Filing Summary Released On Air

Trump is not the first president whose tax returns have created controversy. In the decadeslong history of presidential tax returns, there have been others as well whose tax returns have raised questions.

In 1973, when the Watergate scandal was at its peak, tax experts demanded for an audit of the then-President Richard Nixon. The IRS refused, but one of the agency's employees leaked information showing that despite having an income of more than $200,000, Nixon paid only $792.81 in federal income taxes in 1970 and $878.03 in 1971.

Nixon also took a huge number of deductions, which included $570,000 for the gift of his vice-presidential papers to the National Archives. He apparently asked his aide to show that transaction as a backdated entry to the previous year. Nixon eventually had to his show his tax returns going back to 1969, and was later hit with a tax bill of $471,431 plus interest.

People have got to know whether or not their president is a crook, Nixon told reporters in November 1973, amid the scandal over his taxes. Well, I am not a crook. He resigned less than a year later.

Former President Ronald Reagans 1981 tax return showed that he paid taxes at an effective rate of 40 percent. However, Reagan took advantage of the signature tax cuts that he passed when he was in office. In 1987, he gave only 25 percent of his income to the IRS. According to 1987's tax returns, the former president's income that year included not only his presidential salary, but also his income from his movie career and autobiography.

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In 1994, the then-President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, released their tax returns for several years to silence all those questioning the couple's Whitewater Development Corporation, which was formed in 1978. The real estate venture failed but some claimed it involved illegal dealings by the couple. Three separate inquiries were held but no evidence were found against the Clintons.

Then-Senator Barack Obama's tax returns in 2008 reflected a huge spike in charitable donations during his presidential campaign. The New York Times also reported at the time how Obama's income rose drastically from book royalties. Some of Obama's largest donations went to the Trinity United Church of Christ. In 2005 and 2006, the church reportedly received $27,500 from Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle.

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A white nationalist caught shoving a black protestor at a Trump rally has a creative defense for why he should be let off the hook: Trump told him to do it.

Matthew Heimbach, the chairman of the unabashedly white nationalist Traditionalist Workers Party, shoved Kashiya Nwanguma while she was protesting at a Trump campaign rally on March 1, 2016. She and two others then sued Heimbach and another rally-goer for assault.

SEE ALSO: Once again, Trump makes one of his old tweets 'fake news'

It wouldn't be possible for Heimbach to say with any credibility that he didn't push a protester. He shoves Nwanguma on a widely-seen video in which a group of white men surround, scuffle with, and shriek at Nwanguma. But Heimbach did deny the assault charge, and his argument is that he had authority to kick protesters out of the rally because Trump made a legal plea for help in doing so.

Trump shouted "get 'em out" several times from the podium at the March event in Louisville, Kentucky. Though he was clearly referring to the protesters, he didn't say just who should be tasked with removing them.

Nwanguma and two other protesters also filed a lawsuit against Trump, alleging the president incited a riot during the Louisville rally. Trump's lawyers argue that the then-candidate's words were never meant to make his fans believe they should shove protesters or commit another sort of violence, an argument that would undermine Heimbach's defense.

Fights broke out in several states at Trump rallies during the course of his presidential campaign, and low-grade political violence has continued in the United States ever since.

Anti- and pro-Trump protesters attacked each other in Berkeley, California, just this past Saturday. Police arrested 20 people, and found weapons in the crowd including mace and knives.

WATCH: Merriam-Webster throws shade at Ivanka Trump after she can't define the word 'complicit'
There's no reason for the average investor to not know some basic accounting.

The reaction of most people will be something akin to "Ugh!" and "Oh no, not chopped liver again!" But smart people who want to get even smarter will learn accounting.

There's also a bonus, you can now do so for free. Here's the why and the how:

Learning the language. "Whenever you move to a new world [or country] you need to learn the language," says Stephen Wood, chief market strategist of Russell Investments in New York. If you want to do well in France then you'll need to learn French; if you want to do well in Germany, then at least an introduction to German would be helpful.

When it comes to investing you need to learn the language of business, which is accounting.

"If you aren't conversant with the language then you can't expect to do well," Wood says.

[See: 10 Long-Term Investment Strategies That Work.]

The issue at hand is that so much of investing requires an understanding of what is written in financial statements. How well is a company doing? Are its sales more or less profitable than last year? Is the business expanding into new ventures, and if so how well are those efforts serving the shareholders?

These are the sorts of questions that reading the financial statements can provide.

The problem, as with so many things, is that when most people first look at an annual report from a public company the tables at the back are incomprehensible. Financial documents are truly a different language.

For many people, that's as far as they get. They take a peek, then recoil in horror and never really look in detail at the matter again.

Once upon a time that may have been a satisfactory outcome. That's because many people had so-called defined-benefit pension plans where upon retirement they were promised a certain level of annual income until they died. The knowledge of what investments to make was firmly on the shoulders of someone else -- notably, the employer and the pension account that they sponsored.

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These days such arrangements are a rarity.

The stakes are high. "There is a huge amount of responsibility on the person," says Jonathan Gibbs, an investment specialist at Standard Life Investments in Edinburgh, Scotland. Most have to make their own investment decisions through picking mutual funds from alternatives in a 401(k) plan, or IRA. Or through buying individual stocks.

[See: 9 Under-the-Radar Ways to Buy Financial Stocks.]

That's only part of the equation.

"One of the biggest changes in the world is the increase in life expectancy," Gibbs says. The cash you save and hopefully grow has to last longer than it would have a generation ago.

In the simplest terms, now you have the responsibility to be a part-time manager of your retirement account and you must make sure it lasts far longer than was needed for previous generations. For that, that means learning some accounting.

Don't worry, though, the basics are relatively easy. After you grasp the "basic concepts" learning your way around should be "relatively simple," Gibbs says.

Learn for free. Unlike in the past, investors can find an accounting course without the need to dole out tons of cash. That's because of the rise of online courses, such as one at the University of Virginia.

"Students don't need financial resources, just time, and desire to learn," says Luann Lynch, professor of accounting at Darden Graduate School of Business Administration in Charlottesville, Virginia. She made the five-week course for the school and says it requires between one and three hours of study each week.

"The course will stretch them," she says. "They won't become a certified public accountant when they are done, but they will know a lot of more than when they started."

And that will include the ability to understand how financial accounts are made, what sort of decisions businesses make, and how to analyze what the financial statements mean.

"You have people in the workplace who haven't had much exposure to financial information," she says. "But when they look back [after the course] they see how it fits together."

While the Darden course is free to take, people can upgrade for a nominal fee and get a certificate.

[See: 20 Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor.]

Likely roadblock. "It seems to me that most people think accounting is something you have to memorize," Lynch says. As a result, it can be easy to get intimidated by the material.

But once you grasp the very basic ideas you should be able to use the concepts in multiple ways. Most importantly, you'll be able to understand more about the investments you make.

"The trick is to realize that there is some fundamental logic," Lynch says. "And if they get that logic they can apply that logic to many things."

Simon Constable is a freelance economics and markets commentator for U.S. News & World Report. He has written for The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, TheStreet and Forbes, as well as many other well-known publications. He co-authored "The WSJ Guide to the 50 Economic Indicators that Really Matter," which was an economics category winner in the Small Business Book Awards at Small Business Trends. Constable is also a fellow at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Applied Economics, Global Health and the Study of Business Enterprise. You can follow him Twitter @simonconstable or find him on LinkedIn.
Prince Harry, who lost his mother 20 years ago this August, has acknowledged that her death affected his mental health well into adulthood, including for a roughly two-year period when he wondered if there was something really wrong with him.

I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12 and then shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years has not only had an effect on my personal life but my work as well, he told a podcast of the U.K. newspaper The Telegraph.

Prince Harrys account of his personal struggles coincides with a new initiative from Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, who has launched OptionB.org to help people overcome adversity, and particularly grief. Her new book, also called Option B and written with psychologist Adam Grant, chronicles how the death of her husband Dave Goldberg made her lose her bearings, and offers advice for those who have to face down similar difficulties.

Because Harry was in the public eye and because he thought there was very little point in dwelling on his mothers death, he says he simply didnt think about it. Until he had to.

All of a sudden all of this grief that Id never processed started to come to the forefront, he said, and he began to have panicky fight or flight instincts at public engagements. It was 20 years of not thinking about it and two years of total chaos. I couldnt put my finger on it. I didnt know what was wrong with me.

Three years ago, encouraged by his brother William, the Duke of Cambridge, he sought professional help. Now he, William and Williams wife Kate are speaking up about mental illness, and encouraging others to do the same, to try to change the stigma around mental health, as part of a new initiative they have founded HeadsTogether.

Sandberg, one of whose children is now 12, the same age as Harry was when his mother died in a car accident in Paris, says that her kids future was what she worried about most. As a mother you can be heartbroken for yourself but I grew up with a dad and hes still alive, she told TIME in an interview about her new book. And Im heartbroken that I was not able to give my children the stability of growing up with two parents, that they lived through and still are living through something so traumatic so young.

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A therapist warned Sandberg to expect her kids to run off and play even if they are grieving, because like the young Harry, children find the huge emotions around not having a parent too overwhelming to process so they take a break. Think about your emotional capacity at 7 and 10, says Sandberg, referring to the ages of her kids when their dad died. What the therapist explained to me is kids can only bear so much. The reason they go off and play and then come back to it is they cannot [always be grieving].

Unlike the royal family, whose job is to be out in public, Sandbergs kids are kept away from the public eye. And one of the lessons Sandberg has learned from the mourning process is to let your loved ones know how you feel. Ive gotten a little bit cheesy, she says. Her kids even complain about it. My son said Mom, you say I love you all day. Mom, I know you love me, you always say it.'

As for Harry, he says hes in a good place. Fine, yes, Im a prince, he acknowledges. He doesnt have worries about homelessness or lack of help. But because of the process Ive been through over the past few years, Ive been able to take my work seriously and my private life seriously, and put my blood sweat and tears into stuff I think will really make a difference.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
British Prime Minister Theresa May called for a surprise snap election Tuesday, ending months of speculation as to whether she will pull the trigger in order to exploit the weaknesses of the opposition Labour Party and strengthen the governments Brexit position.

But May cant just simply order an election to be held. Instead, she needs approval by a parliamentary supermajority. Here, a guide to the process:

Why cant she just call an election?

Its due to a law introduced under her predecessor as Prime Minister, David Cameron. Until 2010, prime ministers could call an election whenever they wanted. The coalition government of then-Prime Minister Cameron introduced the Fixed-Term Parliaments Bill, which his administration said would be a way to remove the unchecked right of the prime minister to dissolve Parliament and trigger the election for pure political gain.

For the first time in our history, the timing of general elections will not be a plaything of governments and Prime Ministers will no longer have the power to go to the polls at a time of their own choosing, Deputy Nick Clegg told lawmakers during the bills second reading in Sept. 2010. Instead, there will be greater stability in our political system and people will know exactly how long a parliament can be expected to last.

The Fixed-term Parliaments Act (FTPA) came into law a year later and provided a fixed polling day for general elections- held every five years on the first Thursday in May. The next election is due to take place in May 2020.

So how is she planning to hold one?

The FTPA allows for two ways for the fixed five-year term to be cut short:

If more than two-thirds of all lawmakers in the lower house of Parliament, known as the House of Commons, vote to call an election. If there is a specific motion of no confidence, which only requires a simple majority of 51%. After that vote happens, parties are given 14 days to form a new government. If they are unable to do so, a new election is held.

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May has chosen the first option, which requires a parliamentary vote scheduled for Wednesday.

Under the terms of the FTPA, May will need 434 out of the total 650 lawmakers in the House of Commons to back her. This means May needs more than 100 lawmakers from opposition parties to vote for an early election, as her party only has 330 seats.

Is there a risk of her losing?

Its highly unlikely. Opposition parties will find it hard to vote against the chance to defeat the Conservative Party at the ballot, despite the vulnerability of some of their seats. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, whose party holds the most seats in opposition, has already said his lawmakers will vote for an election on Wednesday.

I welcome the PMs decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first pic.twitter.com/9P3X6A2Zpw - Jeremy Corbyn MP (@jeremycorbyn) April 18, 2017

During her speech on Tuesday, May goaded the opposition to pass her Wednesday motion. This is your moment to show you mean it, to show you are not opposing the Government for the sake of it, to show that you do not treat politics as a game she said. Let us tomorrow vote for an election, let us put forward our plans for Brexit and our alternative programmes for government and then let the people decide she said.

This article was originally published on TIME.com
President Donald Trump was in Wisconsin on Tuesday, but his words probably resonated most in California.

He announced a plan to overhaul an American visa program that brings tens of thousands of workers and students to the United States every year, many of whom find work in tech-related jobs in Silicon Valley.

SEE ALSO: Trump just dropped the hammer on Silicon Valley's efforts to hire abroad

"American workers have long called for reforms to end these visa abuses," Trump said. "They should never, ever be used to replace Americans."

The United States admits 85,000 people into the country each year on H-1B visas, 20,000 of whom are graduate student workers. But Trump says companies exploit the system to the disadvantage of American workers.

Workers from outside the country, he says, are often hired at low-grade information technology jobs and are paid less than American workers. Trump's plan is to alter the H-1B system so it admits only workers who are among the most highly paid and/or skilled in their fields  a "total transformation," he says, from the current system in which successful applicants are chosen in a lottery.

Pres. Trump signs "Buy American, Hire American" executive order in Wisconsin, calling on agencies to address problems with H-1B visa program pic.twitter.com/2XwbTNv410  ABC News (@ABC) April 18, 2017

Some experts have worried the move will limit Silicon Valley's talent pool, forcing companies to move operations overseas. Others say it could make it easier to recruit highly skilled employees because H-1B visas wouldn't be taken by lower-skilled workers.

Outsourcing companies such as Tata Consultancy Services, however, are almost certain to feel the effects of such a move. Trump was likely referring to Tata and companies such as Infosys when he talked about the visa program being used to bring in workers from outside the U.S. to work in lower-paying information technology jobs.

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Citizenship and Immigration Services has also muddled the hiring process for Silicon Valley companies.

A policy change earlier this month makes computer programmers applying for an H-1B visa turn in extra documentation to prove their jobs are specialized in a way that requires companies to look outside the U.S. to fill open positions.

It also commits government officials to assure companies conduct thorough searches for American employees before looking to those who have applied for a visa.

"We are sending a powerful signal to the world: We're going to defend our workers, protect our jobs and finally put America first," Trump said.

WATCH: Melania Trump sues 'Daily Mail' for ruining her, um, chance to make millions
An Oklahoma grandmother, who pleaded guilty to child abuse earlier this year after cops say she terrorized and physically harmed her young granddaughter while dressed as a witch, will now spend the rest of her life in prison.

Geneva Robinson, 51, was sentenced Thursday to three consecutive life terms in the case that began in the fall of 2014 when she took her starving 7-year-old granddaughter to a hospital.

Read: 4-Year-Old Dies After Mom Allegedly Kicked Her the Stomach for Not Brushing Her Teeth

Hospital staff said at the time that Robinson came in complaining she couldn't control the girl anymore, according to a police report.

When she was examined, police said the girl was found to be malnourished, burned and bruised.

In their affidavit, police said the little girl told them Robinson would wear a green mask and tie her up in the garage, where she'd make her sleep on a pair of pants because "she was in trouble," KFOR reported.

The girl said the witch even had a name: "Nelda."

Robinson also allegedly withheld food from the girl, kept her out of school, failed to treat her ringworm, and forced her to sleep outside with dogs.

"What she did was horrific and what she did will forever impact this child and her siblings," Assistant District Attorney Merydith Easter told the AP. "She deserves the same amount of mercy that she showed this child, and thats none."

Read: Teacher Charged With Child Sex Abuse After Being Impregnated by Student

A cell phone video shown in court reportedly showed Robinson dressed in black with a mask and her hands painted green.

Robinsons defense attorney said her client "understands she went too far." The attorney also said Robinson is getting treatment for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Watch: Man Discovers 2-Year-Old Girl Wandering on Street in the Middle of the Night

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Five years after the launch of an international effort to combat the burden of tropical diseases, global health leaders say enormous progress has been made toward freeing some of the planets poorest people from some of natures most gruesome and debilitating threats.

The effort to ease the burden of neglected tropical diseases has been led by the World Health Organization and a host of other institutions and nonprofits, notably the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. They have worked with pharmaceutical companies to arrange large-scale drug donations  1.5 billion treatment courses in 2015 alone  and cultivated political support for action in affected countries.

On Tuesday, backers of the initiative are gathering in Geneva to mark five years since the signing of the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases, a commitment to try to rid the world of scourges like Guinea worm  in which people become infected with worms that bore their way out of the body  and lymphatic filariasis, or elephantiasis, a condition in which limbs become hugely and irreversibly swollen after tiny worms  transmitted via mosquito bites  invade the lymphatic system.

Neglected diseases have historically been overlooked by the scientific community and pharmaceutical industry, but advocates believe they are beginning to turn that tide. At the same time, they fear that the effort could be undermined by warning support for global health funding in Washington and elsewhere.

Read more: William Campbell loves worms. And they won him a Nobel Prize

Were not big enough to do this without the incredible generosity of the big governments that are far bigger than us, Bill Gates, who argued that the programs are money well spent, told STAT in an interview. Under any framework, whether its humanitarian or strategic, maintaining these investments makes sense.

Gates, who met last month with President Trump, said he made a point of telling the president how effective money spent on neglected tropical diseases can be.

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Weve made really amazing progress. Guinea worm, were pretty close [to eradication], he added, noting a couple of setbacks, including the civil war in South Sudan, have kept the long-standing campaign  led by former President Jimmy Carters Atlanta-based Carter Foundation  from completing the job of stopping transmission of Guinea worm.

Give us a couple of years and hopefully those things will get straightened out. President Carter deserves to celebrate the end of Guinea worm, Gates said.

When the bid to eradicate Guinea worm kicked off in 1986, it is estimated that 3.5 million people in 21 African and Asian countries were infected with the excruciatingly painful worms, which are acquired by drinking contaminated water. Last year there were 25 cases in three countries; this year so far, only one country  Chad  has reported three cases.

The effort to launch a coordinated assault on neglected tropical diseases dates back about a dozen years. Professor David Molyneux, a tropical diseases expert at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, said he and some others in the field  at the WHO and in academia  decided to brand a number of little-known but horrible conditions neglected tropical diseases in order to raise their profile and to emphasize that in at least some cases they could be prevented at relatively low cost.

The problem lay in the fact that many of these diseases had unpronounceable names, didnt affect people in Western societies, [and] couldnt be transmitted in the West, Molyneux said.

Read more: Guinea worm, on the brink of eradication, puts up a surprisingly stubborn fight

They were right. Names like onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) dont exactly roll off the tongue. These diseases havent earned the level of awareness that results in little pink or yellow lapel pins worn on specified days to honor the struggle against them. But they plague huge numbers of people around the globe.

Here you are with diseases that are affecting a billion-plus people, with perfectly adequate solutions available at very low cost and known to be capable of working. So we said: Why cant you do this? Molyneux said.

In the years since, theres been increased funding from the US and the UK. On Sunday, the British government announced it will spend 360 million pounds ($462 million) on neglected tropical diseases over the next five years; 205 million pounds ($263 million) of that is newly committed funding.

In January 2102, when the London Declaration was signed, partners committed themselves to working to control, eliminate, or eradicate 10 neglected tropical diseases for which there currently are effective drugs or other measures, such a water filters to prevent transmission of Guinea worm.

Drug companies have come on board in a big way, donating billions of doses of drugs.

During 2015, nearly 1 billion people  the highest number ever  received protection through preventive chemotherapy for at least one of these diseases, Director-General Margaret Chan noted in the forward of a WHO report that is being released Wednesday in Geneva.

The drug ivermectin  which won its co-discoverers the 2015 Nobel Prize for Medicine  has been donated to prevent onchocerciasis or river blindness. Chan wrote that an estimated 270 million treatment courses of the drug are donated annually.

Ellen Agler is the CEO of The END Fund, a nongovernmental agency that works to eliminate or control five neglected tropical diseases: intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, and river blindness.

Agler said she was in the process of interviewing for her job when the London declaration was signed. In the years since, shes seen enormous advances, not least of which is a massive scaling up of the number of people being treated.

There are hundreds of millions more people getting treated now than five years ago. Thats remarkable, Agler said.

In 2012, few of the governments in the affected countries had plans to address neglected tropical diseases; they didnt necessarily know where the diseases were spreading or have logistics in place to get free drugs to the people who needed them. But increasingly countries have become involved in the work and are setting their own priorities, Agler said.

Another huge step forward has occurred in disease mapping. If you dont have maps of what is the prevalence and where you need to treat, you obviously dont even know where to begin. So that has increased radically, she said.

There have been setbacks along the way. But there have also been unexpected gains. It was recently found that adding a third medication to the two-drug regime used to treat lymphatic filariasis can speed up the treatment, reducing what now takes as many as 10 years down to a year or two.

Weve had a few positive surprises like this triple drug therapy that looks like it will be effective for lymphatic filariasis, Gates said. That if you go a couple of years with reasonable quality, you can get rid of it.

Agler said this has been an invigorating time to work in this field. Theyve been around for thousands of years, these diseases. You read about them in the Bible. Egyptian pharaohs had these diseases, she said. And its just remarkable to think that we are at that point in history where we can really turn the tide on something thats been plaguing humanity forever.

Though continued success, Gates and others warned, rests on continued American financial assistance.

We have no idea what Congress and the new president will actually commit.  And if the commitment falls, then the number of people who are going to be treated with three drugs is going to fall proportionately, said Molyneux.

For relatively small amounts of money compared to what weve spent on HIV and malaria, weve made huge progress, he said. I hope that progress can continue.
By Idrees Ali RIYADH (Reuters) - A political solution through U.N.-brokered negotiations is needed to resolve the conflict in Yemen, U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said on Tuesday as he made his first trip in the role to Saudi Arabia. At the same time, officials have said the United States is considering deepening its role in the Yemen conflict by more directly aiding its Gulf allies, who are fighting Iranian-supported Houthi rebels. At least 10,000 people have been killed and more than 3 million displaced in the war, now in its third year. Millions of people are also struggling to feed themselves. The Houthis control the capital Sanaa and large swathes of territory. The United States backs the Saudi-led coalition which is trying to restore the Aden-based government of Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi to power, including through a devastating aeriel bombing campaign. "It has gone on for a long time, we see Iranian supplied missiles being fired by the Houthis into Saudi Arabia and this is something, with the number of innocent people dying inside Yemen, it has simply got to be brought to an end," Mattis told reporters on his way to Riyadh. Seven ceasefires brokered between government and rebel forces by the United Nations have failed while U.N.-backed peace talks have repeatedly broken down. "We will work with our allies, with our partners to try to get it to the U.N.-brokered negotiating table," Mattis said. He gave no details on what additional support, if any, the United States would provide to the Saudi-led coalition. But he said he was looking to deepen and broaden the relationship between the two countries on the trip. Mattis is expected to meet senior Saudi officials including King Salman and Deputy Crown Prince and Defence Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Jon Alterman, head of the Middle East program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said Saudi Arabia was concerned strategically about Iran, its main rival in a regional power struggle. "The near-term Saudi concern is how they send a message to the Iranians in Yemen, and they would like full-throated American support," Alterman said. The review of possible U.S. assistance, which already includes intelligence support, would come amid evidence that Iran is sending advanced weapons and military advisers to the Houthis. Congressional sources say the Trump administration is on the verge of notifying Congress of the proposed sale of precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia. Increased military support for the Saudi-led coalition could fuel controvesy over the air campaign, which has killed a number of civilians and destroyed infrastructure, including hospitals. The United States' involvement in Yemen has also focused on battling al-Qaeda, whose affiliate there has taken advantage of the chaos caused by the war. CLARITY ON SYRIA Mattis will also be visiting Egypt, Qatar and Israel on a trip which may give clarity on the Trump administration's tactics in the fight against Islamic State militants and its willingness to use more military power than former President Barack Obama did. One of the main questions from allies about Syria is whether Washington has formulated a strategy to prevent areas seized from militants from collapsing into ethnic and sectarian feuds or succumbing to a new generation of extremism, as parts of Iraq and Afghanistan have done since the United States invaded them. U.S.-backed forces are fighting to retake the Islamic State strongholds of Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria, and questions remain about what will happen after that and what role other allies such as Saudi Arabia, can play. Administration officials said the U.S. strategy in Syria -- to defeat Islamic State while still calling for the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad -- is unchanged, a message Mattis is expected to reinforce. (Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Lusaka (AFP) - Zambia's main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday claimed he was assaulted by police during his arrest as he appeared in court on charges of obstructing the presidential motorcade.

The leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), who appeared before a magistrates court, faces multiple charges over the alleged motorcade incident, which occurred on the weekend of April 8-9.

One of the charges is treason which will be heard at a later date in the High Court.

Police went to arrest him on April 11, with Hichilema telling the magistrate that they had attacked and tear-gassed him in an ordeal lasting 15 hours.

"We were attacked by criminals in police uniforms," he said. "They came without a search warrant."

Hichilema had allegedly refused to give way to President Edgar Lungu's convoy as they were both travelling to the Western province for a traditional ceremony.

Several days later, more than 100 armed police surrounded Hichilema's house outside Lusaka, firing tear gas before taking him into custody, AFP correspondents at the scene said.

His lawyer accused police of using excessive force during the arrest and of "torturing" in custody three of his aides arrested a day earlier.

"The police sprayed pepper spray in their private parts, mouth, ears," lawyer Jack Mwiimbu told the court.

Hichilema has launched unsuccessful legal bids to challenge Lungu's victory in last August's election, and the businessman-turned-politician has said he does not recognise Lungu's presidency.

He claims the vote was rigged and accuses Lungu of unleashing an unprecedented bout of political repression in the southern African country, which is known for its relative stability.

Hichilema's lawyer Vincent Malambo told the court that since his arrest, his client had been denied access to a legal representative and family visits.

At Tuesday's hearing, the magistrate ruled that he be seen by a doctor of his choice and be given access to both lawyers and family while in custody.

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His arrest has been strongly condemned by civil group and political commentators who say the charges will fuel tensions.

The presidency meanwhile reacted angrily to comments reportedly made by Nigeria's former president Olusegun Obasanjo appealing to Zambian authorities to follow the rule of law in dealing with Hichilema.

"We find Obasanjo's interference unacceptable," presidential spokesman Amos Chanda told foreign correspondents in Lusaka on Tuesday.

He said Obasanjo was not being "sincere" and accused him and unnamed individuals under the auspices of a Johannesburg-based think-tank, the Brenthurst Foundation, of trying to secure Lungu's removal from power by helping the opposition.

"We cannot take their advice, they can go to hell," said Chanda.

President Lungu has vowed not to interfere in the trial.

Hichilema returns to court on Wednesday.
Ashleigh Thurman, 16, of Merrillan was found Sunday in La Crosse County by authorities after she had run away from home last week.

Officials have not released any specifics about why Thurman ran away, but Thurmans parents have been notified that she has been found.

Thurman was last spotted in Black River Falls on Friday, April 7, after leaving work at Donna Ks at about 2 p.m. Police said she then fled with her boyfriend. She was not believed to be in any danger.

Her mothers vehicle was also found in the Chippewa Falls area, but the license plates were removed.

She had been speaking with her friends, but she refused to come home.
With just three days to go before the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are officially released, the buzz surrounding Samsungs next-generation flagship phones has reached new heights. I published my in-depth Galaxy S8 review earlier on Tuesday, and I made my feelings perfectly clear: Samsungs new Galaxy S8 and S8+ are the best Android phones of all time, hands down. In terms of hardware and design, theyre the best smartphones, period. Thats right, Samsung managed to pull off the unthinkable and out-design Apple for the first time ever.

For a deep dive into Samsungs new Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, definitely be sure to check out BGRs full review. In this supplemental post, well cover five key ways the Galaxy S8 is better than the iPhone 7.

Don't Miss: Samsung Galaxy S8 review: Meet the envy of every iPhone user

Display Design

The screen is obviously one of the most important components in any smartphone since its still the primary means of displaying content and interacting with content. And in the case of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, the display is the star of the show in so many ways.

Beginning with the phones design, Samsung has managed to increase the screen-to-body ratio on its new phones to an impressive 83%. That compares with a screen-to-body ratio of just 66% on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Are these ratios really that important? You wont be able to fully appreciate it until you experience it for yourself, but the answer is yes.

Apart from looking much better, the user experience on the Galaxy S8 is so much more immersive than it is on the iPhone 7. It feels like youre holding content in your hand, not a phone. Apples upcoming new iPhone 8 is expected to adopt a similar design that is nearly all screen but until then, the Galaxy S8 has the upper hand in a big way.

Display Quality

This wont come as much of a surprise to anyone who has ever used a Samsung flagship phone before, but the Galaxy S8s screen advantage extends well beyond design. In terms of display quality, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ have no equal.

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Samsungs Super AMOLED screens on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are simply stunning. They both have the same QHD+ resolution so the 5.8-inch screen on the smaller Galaxy S8 model actually has better pixel density than the larger 6.2-inch display on the Galaxy S8+. The difference is pretty big on paper  570 ppi vs. 529 ppi  but I doubt even someone with 20/20 vision would be able to notice any difference at a normal viewing distance.

In terms of comparing these screens to the displays on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, it couldnt be easier: Samsungs screens are better in every way. Blacks are deeper, colors are more vivid, the resolution is better, the contrast is better, and the clarity is better. Samsung has absolutely hit yet another home run with its Galaxy S8 and S8+ screens.

Curved Edges

Samsungs first curved smartphones was a total gimmick that should not have existed. The Note Edge was the companys first smartphone with a curved screen (on one side only), and it was also a gimmick that was next to useless. The curves on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are far from useless, however. Theyre awesome.

In terms of software features, the only benefit afforded by the curved screen on the S8 is an option that makes the exposed edges light up with incoming calls when the phone is face-down on a table or desk. Yeah, its not exactly Earth-shattering. The real benefit of the curved sides on the front and back of the phone is usability.

The Galaxy S8+ is about the same width as the iPhone 7 Plus, and its actually a bit thicker than the 7 Plus at its center. But with one hand, I can comfortably reach from one side of the S8+s display to the other. And Samsungs rounded sides on the front and back dont just extend the users reach, hey help the S8 and S8+ sit comfortably in the hand. Its an awesome design.

Charging

Charging certainly isnt the first thing that comes to mind when you weigh the pros and cons of a smartphone. But if you stop for a moment and really think about it, this is a hugely important part of the user experience. We charge our phones each and every day, so the speed a phone can charge and the convenience with which it can be charged are actually a very big deal.

The Galaxy S8 supports multiple fast charging standards. The iPhone 7 does not. The Galaxy S8 supports wireless charging, and even fast wireless charging. The iPhone 7 does not. Long story short, Samsungs Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ charge much faster than their iPhone counterparts, and they also have bigger batteries.

Google Assistant

Siri has come a long way since it was first introduced, and theres no question that Apples virtual personal assistant is solely responsible for the recent explosion in similar solutions from rival companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung. As an iPhone user, however, I really enjoyed the personal assistant on Samsungs Galaxy S8+ while I was reviewing it.

No, not Bixby. Sure, Samsungs own personal assistant solution shows promise, but its inability to support English-language voice commands at launch makes it a non-starter for the time being. Im talking about Google Assistant, the latest evolution of Googles assistant software.

These AI driven assistants are always evolving, but Googles young Assistant solution has already surpassed Siri in many ways. I often find that Siri gets confused, has trouble with context, or just flat-out gets things wrong when I ask it a question or speak a command. Google Assistant, on the other hand, is far more consistent and accurate. This is a big check in the Galaxy S8s box for me.

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See the original version of this article on BGR.com
Youve read the Galaxy S8 review. Youve read about the most important ways Samsungs new Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are better than the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Now, however, its time to flip things around and dive into the key ways Apples most recent flagship iPhones are better than the new Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Theres no question that Samsung out-designed Apple with its latest flagship smartphones, and theyre undoubtedly the most impressive Android smartphones the world has ever seen at this point. But theyre not perfect, and Apples class-leading iPhones still have the edge in a number of key areas. In this post, well take a look at five important ways the iPhone 7 is still better than Samsungs brand new Galaxy S8.

Don't Miss: Samsung Galaxy S8 review: Meet the envy of every iPhone user

Operating System

This is probably the most controversial of the five points listed in this post. All things considered, however, its true.

After all these years, Apples iOS platform is still far more refined and far more simple than Android. Simple, of course, doesnt mean less capable. While its true that Google still gives Android developers far more freedom than iOS developers have, the capabilities afforded by that freedom that arent in iOS appeal to a somewhat small subset of users.

iOS has grown more and more capable over the years, and its latest iteration is obviously the most impressive yet. Apple has managed to pile on additional features without overcomplicating the user experience or losing the simplicity that made iOS so enjoyable in the first place. Android gets better with each iteration as well, of course, but users still have trouble making sense of much of what the platform has to offer.

Software Updates

Speaking of software, this is one of the most important advantages Apple has over Google as a platform company. Its also an area where Google may never catch up.

Right now, according to Googles own data, the most widely used version of Android in the world is Android Lollipop. It was first released about 2.5 years ago in November 2014. Googles most recent version of Android is Android Nougat, which was released eight months ago but is only found on 4.9% of active devices.

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Meanwhile, Apples iOS 10 software was released a month after Android Nougat, and yet its installed on 79% of active iOS devices as of February. New software brings with it new features, bug fixes, and important security updates. iPhones have access to new software releases the moment theyre made available. Android users with devices other than Googles Pixel or Nexus phones, on the other hand, have to wait months if not over a year before they can install an Android update.

Third-Party Apps

Sorry, Android fans, but the experiences afforded by Android apps never measure up to comparable apps on iPhones and iPads. The consistency isnt there, the smoothness and refinement arent there, and the usability isnt there. Google offers great guidelines for app developers, but theyre just not strict enough to ensure a consistent user experience across apps. Until Google tightens the reins  a lot  this isnt ever going to improve.

Continuity

Samsung has taken many, many pages out of Apples playbook before, and its currently working on yet another page thanks to its Samsung Connect solution. Samsung Connect allows devices like the Galaxy S8 to interact with and control other Samsung (and third-party) devices, but its nothing like Apples elegant Continuity solution.

From handing off web pages and copied text between devices, to synchronizing data across devices, to the beauty that is Apples cross-device Messages solution, iPhones and other Apple products work together seamlessly. It may be that a solution this slick is impossible unless a company controls hardware and software alike, but Samsungs efforts with Tizen suggest that may never happen for the South Korean company.

Performance

Last but certainly not least is performance. It seems odd on paper that Apples 16nm quad-core A10 processor could out-perform the brand new 10nm octa-core Snapdragon 835 and Exynos 8895, but a phones processor is only part of the story. (That said, the A10 still crushes the 835 and 8895 in single-core performance on paper as well as in real-world usage.)

Apples iOS platform is so lightweight and so well optimized that it continues to crush even the most powerful Android phones in the world where real-world performance is concerned. And yes, recent performance tests have shown that this is also the case with the brand new Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

Will Android ever catch up? Maybe some day, but it wont be anytime soon.

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The Galaxy S8 is getting glowing reviews, but some pre-order customers who were lucky enough to get their handsets early don't feel so lucky today.

Some Galaxy S8 pre-orders are showing up with red screens. Credit: Korea Herald

Some Galaxy S8 pre-orders are showing up with red screens. Credit: Korea Herald

An unknown number of Galaxy S8 owners are reporting that their screens are hobbled by a red tint, according to the Korea Herald. Even after fixing the color balance on the screen, the reddish tint was still there, and users are now saying that they don't know how to get rid of it.

In its conversations with "industry watchers," Korea Herald found that the problem might have something to do with improper color balance on the Galaxy S8's OLED display.

MORE: Galaxy S8 Review - Here's the Pros and Cons

Instead of employing red, green, and blue to create colors like an LCD, OLED panels use blue-green and red-green subpixels to create the screen's color balance. However, at times, the red might not be strong enough, forcing the display maker (in this case, Samsung) to boost the red to balance out the color. It's possible, Korea Herald's sources said, that Samsung went overboard.

Samsung announced the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ at a press event last month and plans to release the device on Friday. While Samsung and its carrier partners have promise that pre-order customers will get the handset on Friday (Apr. 21), some have apparently already received the device.

It's unknown how widespread the red screen problem might be, and for now, only a handful of those who pre-ordered a Galaxy S8 have reported the issue, so it's unclear whether it'll be a broader concern after Friday.

Korea Herald spoke to Samsung about the red screens. The company said that customers could change the color settings on their devices and it should be addressed. If not, they can turn in the handset at a service center and get a replacement. The company didn't say whether it's a known issue.

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The news comes after Samsung caught the ire of some critics after revealing that the company's Bixby button couldn't be remapped and the physical button its side used for other functions. Instead, Samsung released a software update that ensured you're locked to activating Bixby with the feature.

See also : 9 Reasons the iPhone 7 Beats the Galaxy S8
People look at a Google Earth map of Paris, France during an event at New York's Whitney Museum of Art (AFP Photo/TIMOTHY A. CLARY) (AFP)

San Francisco (AFP) - Google on Tuesday launched a re-imagined version of its free Earth mapping service, weaving in storytelling and artificial intelligence and freeing it from apps.

"This is our gift to the world," Google Earth director Rebecca Moore said while giving AFP an early look at the new version of the program that lets people range the planet from the comfort of their computers, smartphones or tablets.

"It's a product that speaks to our deepest values around education and making information available to people."

A new 'Voyager' feature enables people digitally exploring the planet to be guided on interactive stories told by experts, boasting partners including BBC Earth, NASA, Sesame Street, and the Jane Goodall Institute.

Google artificial intelligence will be put to work for Earth users in the form of "knowledge cards" that let them dive deeper into online information about mountains, countries, landmarks or other places being virtually visited.

It will also make suggestions on other locations armchair explorers might be interested in based on what they have searched in the past.

"This is the first time we have done this deep integration with the Google Knowledge Graph," Earth engineering manager Sean Askay said.

"Everything Google knows about the world, you can know about the world."

There is also a newly installed "Feeling Lucky?" feature for people who want to let the software suggest hidden gems such as Pemba Island off the Swahili coast or the Oodaira Hot Spring in Yamagata, Japan.

People can choose to fly around the world in Earth, using a 3-D button to see the Grand Canyon, chateaux of the Loire Valley and other stunning spots from any angles they wish.

"Because we're doing a lot of the computing in the cloud, it allows you to have Google Earth right on your phone, so you can literally carry the whole world in your pocket," Earth product manager Gopal Shah told AFP at the New York launch.

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"The new version of Google Earth is really about education, it's really about immersing yourself in places you haven't been before to get a little bit of an exposure," he added.

Online explorers cruising the mobile version of Earth can also capture pictures on their travels, sending friends digital postcards.

New Earth was launched on Google's Chrome and Android software, with versions tailored for Apple devices and other internet browsing software promised soon.

It's the first time that Earth can be reached on a web browser instead of through applications installed on devices.

The move allows Google to tap into more powerful computing power at data centers in the internet "cloud" instead of relying on the capabilities of smartphones and other devices.
By Lisa Lambert WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A group that supports a new rule governing prepaid cards sued the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Tuesday for information that it says could reveal why Republicans are trying to reverse the regulation. The bureau, created after the 2007-09 financial crisis to protect individuals against fraud, finished a regulation in October requiring prepaid card sellers such as Mastercard Inc and Greendot to display their terms prominently and limit overdraft fees. However, a resolution introduced in the U.S. Congress in February would wipe out the rule. Allied Progress, an advocacy group that seeks to hold Wall Street firms accountable and which sued in federal court for documents around drafting of the rule, says the resolution is a political favor to industry leader Total System Services Inc, or TSYS . According to the Center for Responsive Politics, the company has donated thousands of dollars to Georgia Senator David Perdue, a Republican member of the Banking Committee taking the lead on the resolution. TSYS's Netspend division is based in Perdue's home state and could lose at least $80 million a year in overdraft fees under the rule, according to the National Consumer Law Center. Perdue's office says his objections to the rule are linked to his belief the CFPB has too much power. In February, Perdue introduced legislation to move funding for the agency from the Federal Reserve to the congressional budget. "While Allied Progress continues to recklessly defend this overreaching government agency, Senator Perdue will continue working fearlessly to provide congressional oversight and hold them accountable to the American people," said Perdue's spokeswoman, Caroline Vanvick. She added that Democrats, Republicans, and businesses had posted concerns about the rule on the CFPB website. Netspend spokesman Cyle Mims said the company "supports smart regulation of our industry that promotes financial inclusion and empowerment for Americans, including those without access to traditional financial services." The prepaid rule is new enough for lawmakers to repeal it under the Congressional Review Act, which allows them to wipe out recent regulations with simple majorities in both chambers and the president's signature. A companion resolution was also introduced in the House of Representatives. Republicans hold the majority in both chambers. With time running out for Congress to repeal regulations from the administration of Democratic former President Barack Obama, Perdue recently took a procedural step to rush his resolution to the full Senate for a vote after the chamber returns from recess next week. In response, Allied Progress asked the CFPB to quickly provide a raft of documents encompassing communications from Perdue and other lawmakers during the three years the rule was drafted, as well as interactions with TSYS and Netspend. But the bureau said it could not meet the request expeditiously, and so Allied Progress filed suit with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to require the agency to produce the documents promptly. The CFPB declined to comment on the suit, but pointed to remarks its director, Richard Cordray, made while unveiling the final rule, where he said the rule "will give consumers easy-to-understand information about prepaid accounts right up front." Providers of prepaid cards have said the rule's requirements are complicated and expensive to implement. They say they sometimes need overdraft fees to cover risks associated with cards, which are also often issued in place of traditional paychecks to lower-income workers. Earlier this month, 18 states' attorneys general from 18 states wrote to congressional leaders opposing the resolution that would overturn the new rule, saying overdraft penalties and undisclosed fees can put consumers in significant debt. (Reporting by Lisa Lambert; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Frances Kerry)
As streaming video services like Amazon and Netflix gain more and more subscribers, revenue, and pull within Hollywood, its become clear that the traditional cinema model of theatrical releases leading to home media several months later just isnt going to cut it. As the largest streaming service in the land, all eyes are on Netflix, and in a letter to shareholders the company stood firmly behind its current strategy, while opening up the possibility that its own movies could very well appear in theaters, but only alongside the online streaming option.

Don't Miss: The first major Galaxy S8 problem concerns the phones most important feature

As the Verge reports, Netflixs official stance reads like this:

Since our members are funding these films, they should be the first to see them. But we are also open to supporting the large theater chains, such as AMC and Regal in the US, if they want to offer our films, such as our upcoming Will Smith film Bright, in theaters simultaneous to Netflix. Let consumers choose.

Its hard to read that statement as anything but a challenge and ultimately a dig against the traditional theater experience which, while fun, is often ridiculously expensive. Its difficult to imagine that letting consumer choose would result in anything but an overwhelming majority of moviegoers opting to simply watch new release films on the service theyre already paying (a much more reasonable fee) for.

Its worth noting that Amazon, which has been building a respectable library of its own original films while living in Netflixs shadow, has played nice with theaters and pushed some of its movies to the big screen before allowing subscribers to feast on them at home. Netflix doesnt seem to want any part of that.

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Reports last week said that Google wants to invest almost $1 billion in LG Displays OLED manufacturing plants to secure OLED displays for the Pixel 2 series, although the two parties did not sign an agreement. New reports from Korea claim that LG is eyeing a bigger opportunity for next year: Apples iPhone 8. The company is expected to confirm during a board meeting in June that itll provide OLED displays for the iPhone 8 next year. That doesnt mean the Pixel 2 deal isnt on the table, just that the iPhone seems to be the kind of opportunity LG cant refuse.

Don't Miss: These are the Netflix originals generating the most buzz online

According to Business Korea , LG Display virtually decided to supply small and medium panels for Apples iPhone 8. Apparently, Apple asked LG directly to submit bids.

We received a request to take part in a bid for receiving an order for small and medium-sized OLEDs from Apple, a senior LG Display official said. At the end of June, we will make a decision based on OLED production technology, capacity and the accompanying investment volume in an extraordinary board meeting.

LG Display needs to make huge investments to manufacture OLED displays for smartphones, but the company doesnt want to miss out on the current display trend. Smartphone makers are moving from LCD to OLED screens, with Apple leading the charge.

The annual sales volume of the iPhone 8 with OLEDs is estimated at 40 million units, representative of the display industry said. Although LG Display was a few months behind Samsung, its E5s annual production volume reached 5.5 million units, bringing LG Display enough volume to supply OLEDs not only to Apple but to Chinese smartphone makers.

Samsung will be the big initial winner of Apples move to OLED, as LGs biggest rival owns 95% of the smartphone OLED display market. Reports claimed that Apple inked OLED deals with Samsung worth over $9 billion. Samsung is also rapidly expanding its OLED factories to meet increasing OLED display demand.

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A report from The Investor says that Apples iPhone 8 will secure parts from Korean suppliers, including Samsung Display for OLED screens.

Because Apple is less experienced in OLED, Samsung Display is expected to play a key role in the overall supply chain management for OLED screens, which means itll use its own key component suppliers.

Samsungs System LSI will supply the display driver chip for the OLED screen, a contract worth some $422 million. Because one unit costs $5, the report notes that Apple is expected to make some 80 million iPhone 8 units this year alone.

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Weekends are beloved because of the hearty meal at the tables centerpiece. After a robust spring supper, I like to plan on a light, meatless meal for the following night (or two) such as shiitake salad with arugula.

The following recipe is a riff on the most luxurious salad, Insalata di Porcini, found in my cookbook Molto Italiano (Ecco, 2005). The original recipe uses a classic Italian mushroom popular in the hills of Emilia-Romagna and truly represents the excellent relationship between the forager and the cook. This version uses easy-to-find shiitakes but still delivers the same outstanding flavor. Lucky for us, we can buy this mushroom at most grocery stores and markets year-round.

Since this salad requires few ingredients that arent already pantry staples, I encourage you to really take your time while shopping. Revel in the farmers market for the greenest arugula and make a quick visit to your cheese monger to find the absolute best Parmigiano-Reggiano available.

The key to making the shiitakes sing is to place them directly on the grill without oil. Theyll develop a rich char, and it adds an elegant depth of flavor to this simple dish. Just before serving, drizzle with a nice olive oil (Capezzana is my favorite this year; they change like wine every harvest) and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. One bite of this dish and youll see why the Batali family welcomes a light salad on any weeknight.

SHIITAKE SALAD WITH ARUGULA

Serves 4

1/2 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms

2 bunches arugula, washed and spun dry (about 3 loose cups)

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

8-ounce chunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano, for shaving

Coarse sea salt

Preheat the grill or broiler.

Carefully cut each mushroom in half. Place on the grill or on a baking sheet under broiler and cook, turning often, until charred and softened, 8 to 10 minutes.

Place the arugula, 1/4 cup of the olive oil, the lemon juice and zest in large mixing bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper and toss to mix thoroughly. Divide the salad equally among four plates.

Remove the hot mushroom caps from the grill or broiler and place over the center of each salad. Using a vegetable peeler, shave Parmigiano onto each salad, right around the mushroom cap. Spoon 1 tablespoon of remaining olive oil over each salad, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, and serve immediately.
A new institute at the Department of Energys SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is using the power of theory to search for new types of materials that could revolutionize society  by making it possible, for instance, to transmit electricity over power lines with no loss.

The Theory Institute for Materials and Energy Spectroscopies (TIMES) focuses on improving experimental techniques and speeding the pace of discovery at West Coast X-ray facilities operated by SLAC and by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, its DOE sister lab across the bay.

But the institute aims to have a much broader impact on studies aimed at developing new materials for energy and other technological applications by making the tools it develops available to scientists around the world.

TIMES opened in August 2016 as part of the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences (SIMES), a DOE-funded institute operated jointly with Stanford.

Materials that Surprise

Were interested in materials with remarkable properties that seem to emerge out of nowhere when you arrange them in particular ways or squeeze them down into a single, two-dimensional layer, says Thomas Devereaux, a SLAC professor of photon science who directs both TIMES and SIMES.

This general class of materials is known as quantum materials. Some of the best-known examples are high-temperature superconductors, which conduct electricity with no loss; topological insulators, which conduct electricity only along their surfaces; and graphene, a form of pure carbon whose superior strength, electrical conductivity and other surprising qualities derive from the fact that its just one layer of atoms thick.

In another research focus, Devereaux says, We want to see what happens when you push materials far beyond their resting state  out of equilibrium, is the way we put it  by exciting them in various ways with pulses of X-ray light at facilities known as light sources.

This tells you how materials will behave under realistic operating conditions, for instance in a lightweight airplane or a new type of battery. Understanding and controlling out-of-equilibrium behavior and learning how novel properties emerge in complex materials are two of the scientific grand challenges in our field, and light sources are ideal places to do this work."

Joining Forces With Light Sources

A key part of the institutes work is to use theory and computation to improve experimental techniques  especially X-ray spectroscopy, which probes the chemical composition and electronic structure of materials  in order to make research at light sources more productive.

"We are in a golden age of X-ray spectroscopy, in which many billions of dollars have been invested worldwide to develop new X-ray and neutron sources that allow us to study very small details and very fast processes in materials, Devereaux says. In fact, we are on the threshold of being able to control matter at a much deeper level than ever possible before.

But while X-ray spectroscopy has a long history of collaboration between experimentalists and theorists, there has not been a companion theory institute anywhere. TIMES fills this gap. It aims to solidify collaboration and development of new methods and tools for theory relevant to this new landscape.

Devereaux, a theorist who uses computation to study quantum materials, came to SLAC 10 years ago from the University of Waterloo in Canada to work more closely with researchers at three light sources  SLACs Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), Berkeley Labs Advanced Light Source (ALS) and the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the worlds first X-ray free-electron laser, which at the time was under construction at SLAC. Opened for research in 2009, LCLS gives scientists access to pulses a billion times brighter than any available before and that arrive up to 120 times per second, opening whole new avenues for research.

With LCLS, Devereaux says, It became clear that we had an unprecedented opportunity to study materials that have been pushed farther away from equilibrium than was ever possible before.

Basic Questions and Practical Answers

The DOE-funded theory institute has hired two staff scientists, Chunjing Jia and Das Pemmaraju, and works closely with SLAC staff scientists Brian Moritz and Hongchen Jiang and with a number of scientists at the three light sources.

We have two main goals, Jia says. One is to use X-ray spectroscopy and other techniques to look at practical materials, like the ones in batteries  to study the charging and discharging process and see how the structure of the battery changes, for instance. The second is to understand the fundamental underlying physics principles that govern the behavior of materials.

Eventually, she added, theorists want to understand those physics principles so well that they can predict the results of high-priority experiments at facilities that havent even been built yet  for instance at LCLS-II, a major upgrade to LCLS that will add a much brighter X-ray laser beam that fires up to a million pulses per second. These predictions have the potential to make experiments at new facilities much more productive and efficient.

Running Experiments in Supercomputers

Theoretical work can involve a lot of math and millions of hours of supercomputer time, as theorists struggle to clarify how the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics apply to the materials they are investigating, Pemmaraju says.

We use these laws in a form that can be simulated on a computer to make predictions about new materials and their properties," he says. The full richness and complexity of the theory are still being discovered, and its equations can only be solved approximately with the aid of supercomputers.

Jia adds that you can think of these computer simulations as numerical experiments  working in silico, rather than at a lab bench. By simulating whats going on in a material, scientists can decide which of all the experimental options are the best ones, saving both time and money.

The institutes core research team includes theorists Joel Moore of the University of California, Berkeley and John Rehr of the University of Washington. Rehr is the developer of FEFF, an efficient and widely accessible software code that is used by the X-ray light source community worldwide. Devereaux says the plan is to establish a center for FEFF within the institute, which will serve as a home for its further development and for making those advances widely available to theorists and experimentalists at various levels of sophistication.

TIMES and SIMES are funded by the DOE Office of Science, and the three light sources  ALS, SSRL and LCLS  are DOE Office of Science User Facilities.

For questions or comments, contact the SLAC Office of Communications at communications@slac.stanford.edu.

SLAC is a multi-program laboratory exploring frontier questions in photon science, astrophysics, particle physics and accelerator research. Located in Menlo Park, Calif., SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov.
Prosecutors Tuesday charged a La Crosse woman with threatening to kill a man the day before she posted a video on social media that led to a shooting on State Street.

Monica Thompson, 19, about 4:30 p.m. April 9 confronted a man walking on the citys North Side and said she would shoot him in the head if he continued to disrespect her family, according to the complaint filed in La Crosse County Circuit Court.

The next afternoon, Thompson used Facebook Live to taunt Ramon Washington, telling him to come fight her and that she was not afraid to die, according to La Crosse police reports.

Referencing George Millers 2015 shooting death, Thompson said in her video post, If yall keep at like this, imma send yalls a to where the f yall homie at, reports stated. Deshawn Randall shot and killed Miller, 17, on Aug. 21 after a confrontation outside Thompsons previous residence at 1313 Redfield St.

Surveillance video captured Washington shooting at Thompson at about 4:40 p.m. April 10 while she was outside 1008 State St., according to reports. No one was injured, and Thompson fled after the shooting.

About an hour later, the man threatened by Thompson said he believed she drove by his house and told him, Youre next, according to the complaint.

Thompson, arrested Monday during a traffic stop, was charged Tuesday with disorderly conduct and two counts of bail jumping and released by Circuit Judge Elliott Levine on a $5,000 signature bond.
WINONA, Minn.  Shots were fired toward a crowd, but no one was injured in an incident Friday evening.

Jaquann Oshay Hughes, 22, Chicago, is charged with two counts of dangerous weapons violation for intentionally firing a gun and endangering the safety of another and firing a gun in a municipality in a public housing zone.

Police were called to the Maplewood Townhomes at around 9 p.m. Friday for a reported shooting.

According to the complaint, witnesses said that a person called Bay Bay  later identified as Hughes  had come from an apartment building, stood next to a tree and fired two rounds in the air.

Witnesses said that then he pointed the gun toward a group of people and continued shooting.

After searching the area, police did not find a gun but did find three .40-caliber shell casings which they determined to be used recently.

Officers located a hole in one of the buildings and a bullet was recovered from the wall of the apartment, about 1 foot from where a child was sleeping.

Hughes denies that he goes by the nickname Bay Bay and also said he has not held a gun since 2012.

Police say they recognized Hughes as the owner of a Facebook account, Bay Bay Da Shoota, and that he turned around when they yelled Bay Bay upon seeing him.

According to the police report, they spoke to another witness who claimed that Hughes had an argument with another man prior to hearing gun shots.

According to Winona Police Chief Paul Bostrack, the response involved around 20 officers from the Winona and Goodview police, along with Winona County sheriffs deputies and the Minnesota State Patrol.

Police say they recognized Hughes as the owner of a Facebook account Bay Bay Da Shoota.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  The race for Minnesota attorney general is already underway, even though the current officeholder hasnt said if shell run for re-election or run for governor.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party hasnt given a timetable on when shell make a decision.

As she decides, the scramble for the attorney generals office is in full swing. Republican Harry Niska declared his candidacy Monday, and former state Rep. Doug Wardlow, another Republican, is also running.

Niska, a business litigation attorney from Ramsey, has never held elective office. He said he considers that an asset.

As I look at the field, I see a number of essentially career politicians looking for another step up on the political ladder, he said.

DFL Rep. John Lesch, St. Paul, and former DFL Rep. Ryan Winkler have launched campaigns, contingent on if Swanson moves on from the post.

Youre going to have to get out there now because you cant necessarily wait for other decisions. You need to start preparing now, Lesch said.

Winkler left his seat in the Legislature in 2015 when his family moved to Brussels for career reasons, but he said he plans to be back in Minnesota full-time by June.

Two other Democrats also have expressed interest in running if Swanson doesnt.
Childless adults who sign up for Wisconsins Medicaid program would be screened for drug use and required to pay premiums under a proposal Gov. Scott Walkers administration plans to submit next month to the federal government.

The state Department of Health Services released a summary of the proposal Monday. The department will issue a detailed plan Wednesday and gather public comment before submitting it May 26 to President Donald Trumps administration for approval.

Wisconsin would be the first state with mandatory drug screening for Medicaid enrollees, said Robin Rudowitz, a Medicaid expert with the Kaiser Family Foundation. Walker has also announced plans to drug test able-bodied adults seeking food stamps and unemployment payments.

Public hearings on the Medicaid proposal will take place in Wausau on April 26 and Milwaukee on May 1.

Under the proposal, adults without dependent children who seek BadgerCare, the states main Medicaid program, would have to submit to drug testing if screening called for it. Those who refuse testing would go six months without coverage. Those who test positive could enroll in BadgerCare and would be referred to treatment.

Enrollees with annual individual incomes of $2,412 to $12,060, the cutoff for BadgerCare, would have to pay monthly premiums of $1 to $10. For those who engage in healthy behaviors, the amount would be halved.

In other proposed changes, childless adults would face higher premiums if they didnt complete a health risk assessment.

They would have to pay $8 for an emergency room visit and $25 for a second visit the same year.

Coverage for able-bodied adults younger than 50 would be limited to four years unless they work or are in job training.

Some of the changes are similar to rules in Indianas Medicaid program. Vice President Mike Pence, Indianas former governor, changed that states program along with consultant Seema Verma, who now oversees Medicaid and Medicare for the Trump administration.

It is designed for moving folks from dependence to independence, Michael Heifetz, Wisconsins Medicaid director, said in discussing the proposals earlier this year.

The work and job training requirement would affect about 49,000 people, and the job training and administration would cost about $48 million a year when fully implemented, said John Dyck, a Medicaid analyst for the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

No cost estimate for the drug testing was available, he said.

Health care advocates say the changes would make coverage more difficult for those who need it.

Dr. Richard Brown, a substance use expert at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, said many drug users can quit for a few days before testing or find ways to avoid detection.

If the purpose of this policy is to sustainably discourage drug use, then the policy is doomed to fail, Brown said.

Most drug users would still end up on Medicaid, he said.

Voluntary drug screening in health care settings works better than mandatory screening and testing by the government, Brown said. Drug testing can result in false positives, and the state could face lawsuits if it doesnt do the testing properly, he said.

Robert Kraig, executive director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin, said the drug screening and testing plays into stereotypes about people on BadgerCare.

It may be very good politics for a governors race, but thats mostly what it is, Kraig said.

Jon Peacock, research director of the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, said many people who sign up for BadgerCare dont have checking accounts or credit cards.

Even small increases in premiums cause many low-income people to lose their insurance coverage, Peacock said. It will also result in a less healthy workforce and a significant increase in the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals.

The changes were approved by the Legislature in 2015, in the last two-year budget.

Currently, about 147,000 of the 977,000 people on BadgerCare are childless adults.

Nearly 1.2 million state residents get some form of Medicaid.

Wisconsin is one of 19 states that refused the Affordable Care Acts Medicaid expansion, which provides federal funding for at least 90 percent of the cost for new enrollees who make up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level.

Walker and the Legislature opted instead to cover all adults under the poverty level, allowing about 130,000 childless adults to sign up but shifting roughly 63,000 parents off Medicaid.
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This spring session of the Conservation Congress Citizen Resolutions made headlines. This year, a wide range of environmental protection resolutions were passed statewide. These resolutions were introduced by citizens and passed by a strong representation of the hunting, trapping and shing community in Wisconsin.

Environmental protection is not just a tree-huggers concern. Although all sorts of outdoor lovers participate, its been hunters, trappers and shing lovers who have been the backbone of the Conservation Congress for its many years as a citizens advisory body to the DNR. They have taken their task about land, water and wildlife stewardship seriously.

Though Im not a hunter or trapper, on behalf of Citizens Acting for Rail Safety-La Crosse, I introduced a resolution at last years spring meeting to protect natural resources from environmentally damaging derailments. It encourages the DNR to work with the state railroad commisioner and elected ofcials to strengthen rail safety inspections, prevention and preparedness measures; and to examine railroad insurance for damage from toxic spills. The thoughtful consideration and debate about this and other resolutions which brought this and other resolutions to vote was a heartening example of citizen democracy in action. Our resolution passed easily.

Tom Tiffany and other legislators who disparage this years resolutions, and Walker administration threats to dismantle the CC, are unwise efforts to dismiss this coalition of outdoor stewards of all types. They have just spoken with a strong grassroots voice.
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi will not run for governor of Wisconsin in 2018, he told the Cap Times Monday, adding his name to a growing list of Democrats who will not challenge Gov. Scott Walker.

Parisi said last month he had not yet ruled out running, but said he ultimately decided against it after considering where he could make the biggest difference, what would be best for his family and whether running for state office would be worth leaving the county executive position.

At the end of the day, the answer was not that difficult to come to, Parisi said. Im in a job that I love. Im in a job where Im making a tangible difference in my community.

Parisi was re-elected to another four years leading the county in the April 4 election. He will be sworn in Tuesday.

He was first elected to the county executive position in 2011 during a special election to serve out the remainder of former Executive Kathleen Falks term and was elected to his first full term in 2013. Parisi also served as Dane County clerk from 1996 to 2004 and in the state Assembly, representing an east side Madison district, from 2004 to 2011.

Former state Sen. Tim Cullen also announced he will not run for governor, citing the challenge of fundraising as a primary reason. Cullen was one of the first potential challengers to publicly acknowledge serious consideration of a run.

Democratic Party of Dane County chair Mike Basford said Parisi would have contributed to the race and that potential candidates dropping out is not a surprise.

"I think that the process is happening at a pretty good pace, and this is another step in the process," Basford said. "I would have liked to see (Parisi) get in the race myself, but its a decision thats best for him and his future and his family, and I certainly respect that."

Basford said he is looking forward to a "very robust primary process" with multiple Democratic candidates.

Opting out of a run for the governor seat was not a simple decision, Parisi said. The dysfunction he described seeing at the state level would sometimes tip his decision making.

Some days I would wake up and would think, This is something I should really do: run for governor, Parisi said. As I sat with it and considered everything, I kept coming back to the fact that where I believe I belong right now is as county executive.

As county executive, Parisi said he can affect positive change for Dane County. Several initiatives the county is spearheading are in mid-stride, including mental health teams in schools, lake cleanup efforts and establishing an office on climate change.

Parisi said he was not as confident he could influence that kind of change as governor.

If I ran for governor and even if I became governor, it would have been extremely difficult considering the huge Republican majority, Parisi said. I love what I do, and Im able to accomplish so much right now, much more than I believe as governor.
Monday, April 17, 2017

The New York Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department imposed a public censure for neglect of a probate matter.

Charge one alleges that the respondent neglected a legal matter entrusted to him, in violation of former Code of Professional Responsibility DR 6-101(a)(3) (22 NYCRR 1200.30[a][3]) and/or rule 1.3 of the Rules of Professional Conduct (22 NYCRR 1200.0), as follows: the respondent was retained in or about 2002 to represent the estates of Sydney Math, who died in 1995, and Math's sister-in-law, Lilly Weinberg, who died in 1996. In June 2011, the complainant Jonathan Stone filed a grievance against the respondent, alleging that he had neglected his representation of the estates of Math and Weinberg. In or about July 2012, the Grievance Committee for the Ninth Judicial District admonished the respondent for his neglect of the Math and Weinberg estates. In June 2014, Jonathan Stone filed a complaint, alleging, inter alia, that the respondent had still failed to offer Lilly Weinberg's will to probate.

A stipulation

On February 4, 2016, the parties entered into a stipulation. With respect to charge one, it was stipulated that the respondent began representation of the Math and Weinberg estates in or about 2002; that in June 2011, the complainant filed a grievance against the respondent alleging that he had neglected the matter; that in or about July 2012, the Grievance Committee admonished the respondent for his neglect of the Math and Weinberg estates; and that a complaint dated June 19, 2014, alleged, inter alia, that the respondent had still not filed Weinberg's will for probate. It was further stipulated that, in his answer to the complaint dated September 10, 2014, the respondent did not deny the allegation that he had not yet filed Weinberg's will for probate, and acknowledged "in retrospect, and being objective as possible, I recognize that for some reason not entirely clear to me, I have not pursued this matter with the same level of diligence I believe I typically do in my practice . . . I have had a blind spot when it comes to this file. I can't really explain the why of it. I will endeavor to remove the blind spot and do whatever has to be done to bring this matter to a close." It was also stipulated that on February 10, 2015, the respondent appeared, voluntarily, at the Grievance Committee's office for an examination under oath; that the respondent offered no explanation as to why he was unable to bring the Weinberg estate to a conclusion; and that the respondent testified: "I don't know and it's very disturbing to me and as I said it does not meet my own personal standards from what I ought to be doing for people who come to me. And this is a very, very troubling thing to me, not really having a grip on why, why it has gone on in this fashion."

The attorney was suspended for two years in 1988 and had practiced without incident until this matter

In view of the mitigation advanced at the hearing, including the respondent's candor and sincere contrition, his cooperation with the Grievance Committee in these proceedings, his advanced age and the fact that he has begun to wind down his practice in anticipation of retirement, the respondent's volunteer and community activities, the aberrational nature of the respondent's misconduct since his resumption of the practice of law in 1988, and the filing of the subject will for probate in February 2015, we conclude that the appropriate sanction is a public censure.

(Mike Frisch)

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2017/04/the-new-york-appellate-division-for-the-second-judicial-department-charge-one-alleges-that-the-respondent-neglected-a-legal.html
This is Whats Trending Today.

Millions of people have been eagerly waiting for April, a giraffe living at a zoo in New York State, to have her baby. Viewers were rewarded on Saturday: at about 10 a.m. April gave birth to a male calf.

The birth was filmed and shown live on YouTube. About 1 million people watched it. (Note: advance video to 3:18:46 to see birth.)

The zoo first posted live video of pregnant April in her pen on YouTube in late February. People who object to zoos complained to YouTube, which took down the video. But stopping the video attracted even more interest.

After investigating, YouTube returned the video and allowed it to remain online.

The New York Times called April an internet star. Millions of people have checked on April at some point in the last two months. At its peak, Aprils live camera on YouTube had almost 5 million viewers per day.

But after a while, many people wondered if the baby giraffe would ever be born. Some even proposed April was not really pregnant.

One fan said he followed Aprils story for 10 weeks.

David Chase used Facebook to write: Ive been watching 10 weeks, who says guys cant commit?

After the birth, many people just simply wrote: Finally!

The zoo said the baby and April are doing fine. The calf weighs 58.5 kilograms and is just under 1.8 meters tall.

The calf stood up about 45 minutes after he was born.

The zoo, called Animal Adventure Park, is located about 200 kilometers northwest of New York City. It is currently closed but fans of April and her new baby will be able to visit when the park re-opens in mid-May.

The zoo has not yet announced the calfs name.

And thats Whats Trending Today.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a story from the Associated Press. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor.

Did you think the baby giraffe would ever be born? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

eager  adj. very excited and interested

calf  n. the young of various other large animals (such as the elephant or whale)

complain  v. to say or write that you are unhappy, sick, uncomfortable, etc., or that you do not like something

commit  v. to decide to give your love, support, or effort to someone or something in a serious or permanent way

peak  adj. at the highest point or level
The Malaysian government is facing public pressure to resist following reports of the Chinese coast guard patrolling waters claimed by Malaysia.

From December to late February, three Chinese coast guard ships had been patrolling off the Malaysian coast of Borneo.

A Malaysian coast guard ship, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, tracked the boats. The initiative is part of the U.S. Center for Strategic and International Studies, or CSIS.

The Chinese boats were found near Luconia Shoals, a small area of land in Malaysias exclusive economic zone.

The report from CSIS says Malaysia also spotted 100 fishing boats escorted by the Chinese coast guard at the same area in March 2016. The Chinese coast guard had been there since 2013.

Pressure on Malaysia for response

Experts say the finding will add pressure on Malaysias Prime Minister Najib Razak to respond against China.

Colin Koh is a maritime security research fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He feels that these issues will be problematic for Razak.

This is going to become a particularly problematic issue that he will find very hard to deal with," Koh said.

Economic relations a factor

Razak usually avoids direct conflict with China. The country is Malaysias top trading partner and its biggest source of direct foreign investment.

Jonathan Spangler is director of the South China Sea Think Tank in Taipei. He says, For Malaysia, which has sought to maintain friendly relations with China, publicly condemning Chinese actions would disrupt that delicate balance and could have serious economic and other repercussions.

Other countries concerned

In the past few years, China has reduced economic activities with South Korea, Taiwan, and countries in Europe when it is unhappy with their political decisions.

CSIS says the presence of Chinese boats at Luconia Shoals is Chinas efforts to establish control over the nine-dash line.

China claims more than 90 percent of the South China Sea with the nine-dash line boundary. The shoals, 100 kilometers north of Borneo in Malaysia and 2,000 kilometers south from China, fall within the nine-dash line.

Several Southeast Asian nations have claims to parts of the South China Sea for its abundance of fisheries and potential oil reserves.

Colin Koh says people in Malaysia feel their government reacts too passively to Chinas ship movements. And public pressure will rise fast if China were to stop Malaysian boats in the exclusive economic zone.

Im Phil Dierking

Ralph Jennings wrote this story for VOA News. Phil Dierking adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

Do you think its better for countries to be passive and keep peace with each other, or to address conflict over boundaries? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

abundance - n. a large amount of something

boundary - n. something, such as a river, a fence, or an imaginary line, that shows where an area ends and another area begins

delicate - adj. easily broken or damaged

escort - v. to go with someone or something to give protection or guidance

patrol - v. the act of walking or going around or through an area, building, etc., in order to make sure that it is safe : the act of patrolling an area

repercussions - n. something usually bad or unpleasant that happens as a result of an action, statement, etc., and that usually affects people for a long time

reserves - n. levels of primary energy resources found in the ground

passively - adv. done in an accepting way, without active response


From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report.

From Asia to Europe to North America, poor air quality is making people sick and, in some cases, killing them at an early age.

Air pollution causes six million premature deaths every year worldwide. This number comes from studies done by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Thirty-three of Europe's most polluted cities are in Poland. Part of the reason is how Poles heat their homes. In the winter, many people keep warm by burning coal. Northern China has a similar problem.

And it is a big problem.

Burning coal releases dirty particulate matter into the atmosphere.

Particulate matter, sometimes called PM for short, is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are so large or dark that we can see them with the naked eye. Others are so small that we can only see them using an electron microscope.

Scientists say particulates, in large amounts, are partly responsible for changes in Earths climate and serious health problems.

The WHO is urging governments to set pollution rules for industries and show people how to cook, heat and travel in ways that arent so dirty. But in the short-term, we need to create clean technologies and to improve the way we burn fuel.

Polish device cleans air

In Poland, researchers have invented some simple technology that may help to reduce air pollution. The device looks like a normal pipe.

One of the engineers on the project, Robert Kubica, explains how it works. He says the device uses electricity to trap dust in the pipe.

He explains that the electricity turns the ash into ionized particles, which fall on the inner part of the pipe. There they are gathered by an automatic ash removal system. From there, they go into an ash box. The remaining gases -- without the ash -- go out of a chimney and into the air.

The ionized particles are deposited on the inner part of the body where they are gathered by an automatic ash removal system. The ashes go into the ash box, while the exhaust goes into the chimney.

The Polish researchers say this simple technology probably will not solve the long-term problem of air pollution in their country. However, it will keep the air cleaner in the near future.

Kubica says that from day one, this device immediately reduces the amount of dust released into the air. The researchers say the device will keep 60 to 90 percent of the coal ash from getting into the atmosphere.

Kubica says this technology is a short-term solution. Availability of cleaner-burning fuels depends on Polands infrastructure. Setting up public services and systems that will allow for cleaner-burning fuels requires long-term investment.

From the first day of its work, this device immediately reduces emissions of dust into the atmosphere. On the other hand, the transition to other cleaner fuels such as gas fuels is mostly dependent on access to infrastructure, and if its not there -- then there are long-term investments (that are necessary.)"

This year, several hundred of these devices are being set up in the Polish town of Rybnik  a community known for its poor air quality.

Im Anna Matteo.

Kevin Enochs wrote this story for VOA News. Anna Matteo adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

premature  adj. happening, arriving, existing, or performed before the proper, usual, or intended time

particulate matter  n. the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air (also called particle pollution.) Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope.

naked eye  n. the eye unaided by any instrument that changes the apparent size or distance of an object or otherwise alters visual powers

ionized  v. to convert wholly or partly into ions

automatic  adj. having controls that allow something to work or happen without being directly controlled by a person

exhaust  n. the mixture of gases produced by an engine

chimney  n. a part of a building through which smoke rises into the outside air

deposit  v. to put or leave (someone or something) in a particular place

infrastructure  n. the basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges) that are needed for a country, region, or organization to function properly

emission  n. substances discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile engine

transition  v. passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another

__________________________________________________________________

Now, test your understand with this short quiz.

Quiz - Polish Engineers Make Air-Cleaning Device Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz


Pirooz Parvarandeh has been an executive in the technology industry for many years. He is also an Iranian American. But Paravarandeh believes Iranian Americans are subject to many negative stereotypes.

A stereotype is a widely held but often wrong or oversimplified idea about a group of people.

One reason is that even Iranian Americans themselves do not know about the many success stories of their group, he said.

So Parvarandeh helped set up what he calls the Iranian Americans Contribution Project. It collected 200,000 Iranian last names and 70,000 first names. It uses the internet to search jobs held by people with these Iranian names.

So far, the project has found more than 9,000 doctors and 3,000 dentists.

It also found that Iranian Americans have received at least 40,000 patents. Patents are given to people who invent new products or processes.

Parvarandeh hopes the information will cause people to reject negative images of Iranian Americans.

What images come up with Iranian? A terrorist? A hostage-taker? Or a contributing member of society, he asked during a recent talk at the University of California, Berkeley.

If we dont know the contributions of Iranian Americans, how can we expect the American public to know? If the public is not with us, why would policymakers want to stick up for us?

About one million Iranians now live in the United States, mostly in California.

The Iranian Americans Contributions Project started last year. But it grew more interest this year after Iran was listed among countries included in the first and second travel bans called for by the Trump administration. Both orders have been blocked temporarily by federal judges.

Parvarandeh hopes his new project will show Americans the many contributions being made by Iranian Americans.

Immigrant groups in America have long considered how best to both assimilate, or fit in, and remain proud of their culture.

For Iranian Americans, this has been made more difficult by continuing tensions between the United States and Iran. Those tensions date back to the seizing and holding of 52 American hostages at the U.S. embassy in Tehran from November 1979 to January 1981.

The internet effort to identify important jobs done by Iranian Americans is not always successful. The second generation of Iranian Americans and people marrying non-Iranian Americans means more have taken on American sounding names.

But Parvarandeh hopes that Iranian Americans will reach out to his project. It uses both information collected on the internet, and interviews with Iranian Americans.

Abe Kasbo is founder and chief executive officer of Verasoni Worldwide. It is a marketing and public relations company with offices in New Jersey and Texas. Kasbo decided too many Americans do not know about the contributions of Arab Americans.

That led him to produce the 2016 film, A Thousand and One Journeys. It includes interviews with successful Arab Americans. He hopes the movie will show people the important contributions made by Arab-Americans.

Among those interviewed for the movie were former Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell, actor Jamie Farr, political activist Ralph Nader and the late journalist, Helen Thomas.

Kasbo said people who watch the movie will learn about just some of the noteworthy contributions by Arab Americans.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Michelle Quinn reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

negative - adj. thinking about the bad qualities of someone or something

contributing - adj. to help to cause something to happen

society - n. people living together in organized communities with shared laws, traditions, and values

interview - n. to ask someone questions

noteworthy - adj. significant or important
Rooftop yoga, group meditation, sustainability-focused panel discussions, live entertainment and more will be available to the public at the ground-up development and flagship property.

NEW YORK -- Mission-driven luxury hotel brand, 1 Hotels, and leading lifestyle media company, mindbodygreen, have partnered to celebrate the hotel's grand opening on Earth Day, Saturday April 22, with a FREE, public mindfulness event at 1 Hotels' newest property in Brooklyn Heights.

Celebrating Earth Day with 1 Hotels

The partnership will see a headline Earth Day event take place at 1 Hotels' flagship property 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, with supporting satellite activations at other 1 Hotel locations including Central Park, New York and South Beach, Miami.

"The World Around Us Is Beautiful and We Want to Keep It That Way"

"Every year, the world pays tribute to our planet on Earth Day, utilizing it as an effective advocacy vehicle to build a healthy, sustainable environment, address climate change and protect the Earth for future generations," says 1 Hotels' Vice President of Sustainability, Amanda DeSantis. "At 1 Hotels, our core philosophy is that the world around us is beautiful and we want to keep it that way, so it was a natural alignment for us to host this nationwide first event that facilitates awareness of the world's largest environmental movement."

Yoga, Meditation and a Performance by BELLA GAIA

Curated by mindbodygreen, the Brooklyn event will host a variety of activities including rooftop yoga led by Los-Angeles based instructor Caley Alyssa, group meditations led by Light Watkins and 1 Hotels' in house meditation leader Biet Simkin, astrology readings with Bess Matassa of Mojave Rising and one-on-one sessions with Treatment by Lanshin, a Brooklyn-based wellness studio. Additionally, there will be a musical and visual performance by BELLA GAIA and live panel discussions facilitated by CEO and Founder of mindbodygreen, Jason Wachob around sustainability, which will be livestreamed at Facebook/mindbodygreen.com.

Brooklyn vendors including Keap, Natchie, Matchaful, Devocion and more will be selling and sampling locally-made food, beverages, gift items, beauty and wellness products. Additional refreshments will be available for purchase through 1 Hotels, along with local vendors from the new DeKalb Market Hall, opening later this spring, including Ample Hills Creamery, Bread & Spread and Jianbing Company.

Live Your Best Life

"Environmental sustainability is in our DNA at mindbodygreen! We strive to help people live their best life mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally and environmentally," said CEO and Founder of mindbodygreen, Jason Wachob. "We're proud to be partnering with 1 Hotels this Earth Day to bring our community together to inspire them with information that will drive action to protect our environment."

Event Details:

Situated at Pier 1, just south of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, in Brooklyn Bridge Park, the property features 194 guest rooms, including 29 two- to six-bedroom suites and The Riverhouse, its Presidential Suite, with most rooms offering panoramic views of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge and the New York City skyline.

1 Hotel and mindbodygreen's headline event will take place on Earth Day (Saturday, April 22) at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (60 Furman Street, Brooklyn NY) and in nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park from 12:00PM-9:15PM.

FULL SCHEDULE:

12:00-8:00PM: Astrology readings with Bess Matassa and wellness sessions with Joanna Coates of Treatment by Lanshin (free appointments, first-served); marketplace of local Brooklyn vendors and food purveyors open to the public.

12:00-12:45PM: Group meditation in Brooklyn Bridge Park led by Vedic Meditation teacher Light Watkins.

1:00-2:00PM: Group yoga class on the 1 Hotel rooftop hosted by Los Angeles yoga instructor Caley

Alyssa.

3:00-4:30PM: Panel discussions around the future of sustainability as it pertains to:

Business:Christiana Peppard, Ph.D. andDrew Fitzgerald of JUST Water

Fashion: Fashion designerMara Hoffman,Scott Mackinlay Hahn of Loomstate andDeb Johnson of the Brooklyn Fashion + Design Accelerator

Food: Dr.Robert Graham

Activism:Barry Sternlicht, 1 Hotels Chairman & CEO andRhea Suh, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council

5:00-5:45PM: Discussion with astronaut Ron Garan and filmmaker Guy Reid and an exclusive premier of their film, Planetary6:00-6:45: Group meditation on the 1 Hotel rooftop with Biet Simkin

8:00-9:15pm: Free performance in Brooklyn Bridge Park by BELLA GAIA

To join us at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge for this FREE community Earth Day Celebration, visit: https://1earthdaybb.splashthat.com/ or 1 Hotels here.

Satellite Events:

Supporting activations at 1 Hotel Central Park and 1 Hotel South Beach will entail:

1 Hotel Central Park  1 Hotels and mindbodygreen will commission a custom Earth Day installation by local florist Denise Porcaro of Flower Girl that invites pedestrians to stop, appreciate the beauty of nature and snap a photo to benefit the NRDC. The installation will live in or outside 1 Hotel Central Park and its restaurant, Jams, in the days leading up to Earth Day. 1 Hotel Central Park will also provide opportunities for guests to give back and do good:

GET ACTIVE  1 Hotel Central Park is partnering with our friends at New York Restoration Project for a community clean up activity this Earth Day in collaboration with Columbia Sportswear and Bronx Brewery. Activities will take place in the Meatpacking District ofNew York City. After volunteering, everyone is invited to the nearbyColumbia store for a seed planting workshop and complimentary beer tasting by the Bronx Brewery.

GO GREEN  1 Hotel Central Park's Lobby Farmstand will host a tree stand for the week of Earth Day, offering guests packets of seeds to plant after their stay.

GIVE BACK  Stop by the bar at Jams to enjoy a special seasonal cocktail benefitting the New York Restoration Project. The Don't Believe the Florist cocktail is made using basil from a NYRP community garden and is available for $17 with $1 of each cocktail going to NYRP.

1 Hotel South Beach  The brand's Miami property will present a day of eco-celebrations and wellness activities highlighting Soul, Being, Mind and Movement:

SOUL  1 Hotel South Beach, Dune Restoration Project, Citi Bike and Surfrider Miami invite select guests and locals to help restore the dune and learn about the effects of erosion on the eco-system. Later that afternoon, individuals of all ages will be able to release butterflies back into their natural habitat at the Hatchery by the Center pool entrance.

BEING  The newly opened plnthouse will offer specials from 1-4 pm of sustainable, plant-based dishes by ChefMatthew Kenney while a live DJ spins outside on the patio.

MIND  Connect with nature and the elements during the Sunset Elemental Flow & Mind Meditation on the plnthouse terrace.

MOVEMENT  Spartan's Coach Lawrence hosts Challenge Your Movement. Starting with an animal flow warm-up, attendees will learn to improve mobility, strength and endurance outside on the Turf and later move inside the first ever Spartan Gym for a strength-based circuit training session.

About mindbodygreen

Founded in 2009, mindbodygreen is a leading lifestyle media brand dedicated to helping people live their best life mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally and environmentally. With 10 million monthly unique visitors, mindbodygreen has over 5,000 contributors consisting of best-selling authors, fitness experts, trusted healers, pioneering doctors, top chefs, celebrities and top-tier journalists. Bringing together community, content and commerce, mindbodygreen is also well-known for its annual award-winning event, revitalize and online classes that offer users access to sessions on topics including personal growth, nutrition, fitness, relationships, meditation, and more.

About Starwood Capital Group

Starwood Capital Group is a private investment firm with a core focus on global real estate, energy infrastructure and oil & gas. The Firm and its affiliates maintain 13 offices in five countries around the world, and currently have approximately 4,000 employees. Since its inception in 1991, Starwood Capital Group has raised $45 billion of equity capital, and currently has in excess of $60 billion of assets under management. The Firm has invested in virtually every category of real estate on a global basis, opportunistically shifting asset classes, geographies and positions in the capital stack as it perceives risk/reward dynamics to be evolving. Over the past 27 years, Starwood Capital Group and its affiliates have successfully executed an investment strategy that involves building enterprises in both the private and public markets. Additional information can be found at starwoodcapital.com.
A submarine-launched ballistic missile is displayed during a military parade in central Pyongyang, April 15, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Among the possible, but the least desirable, responses to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear and missile tests (although its last one on Sunday was a failure) could be a preemptive strike by the United States. There is no guarantee, though, that the presumed US strike would be precise enough to wipe out all nuclear facilities in the DPRK before Pyongyang launches a nuclear attack in retaliation.

If that happens, the DPRK won't wait to fire its nuclear missiles, and thousands of howitzers and rocket launchers deployed along the 38th parallel Military Demarcation Line into the Republic of Korea. No defense systems, including the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system, will be able to shield off such a shower of artillery shells. And Pyongyang's missiles could destroy Seoul and hit even Japan.

Since 2006 the United Nations has passed a number of resolutions imposing sanctions on the DPRK. The ever-tougher sanctions have crippled the DPRK's economy but failed to rein in its nuclear and missile programs, revealing an intrinsic loophole in any economic sanction: they are meant to harm the leader or ruling party but, instead, always end up hurting innocent citizens first and most, leaving the real target to suffer the effects, if at all, last.

Talks are the only way to resolve the issue. But how can the US be persuaded to hold talks with the DPRK? Having fired 59 Tomahawk missiles on Syria on April 6, the Donald Trump administration seems anxious to use force to showcase its political resolve. The US doesn't want to be seen as being blackmailed by a country it has labeled a "rogue state". That is why Washington has rejected all proposals by Pyongyang for bilateral talks. Besides, it believes that the Six-Party Talks were useful only in giving the DPRK the needed time to develop nuclear weapons.

But time is running short. DPRK leader Kim Jong-un said in his New Year's Day address that his country was close to testing an intercontinental ballistic missile which would bring the US within its range. Although Pyongyang has suffered many failures in missile tests (like the one on Sunday), if it can, even theoretically, develop medium range missiles, it can build ICBMs one day. In fact, Pyongyang exhibited two ICBM-size canisters for the first time at a parade on April 15, the 105th birth anniversary of the DPRK founder Kim Il-sung.

But why would the DPRK want to develop nuclear weapons? A short answer is: for survival. Its worst fear is a preemptive strike by the US to effect a regime change. Unless attacked, there is no reason why the DPRK should launch a suicidal attack against the ROK. Pyongyang is desperately trying to develop ICBMs because it believes, however wrongly, that if it possesses missiles that can reach the US, its survival would be assured.

Therefore, the first step toward denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula is to reduce the importance of nuclear weapons for the DPRK. For that to happen, the US needs to convince Kim Jong-un that it has no plans to launch a strike on or engineer a regime change in the DPRK. Indeed, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said the Trump administration has no plans for engineering a regime change in Pyongyang, but apparently the deployment of US warships in the region sends a different signal.

That is why China's proposal of suspending hostilities is worth considering. Beijing has suggested that as a first step, the DPRK freeze its nuclear program if, in exchange, the US halts its military exercises with the ROK. The proposal is balanced in that it doesn't ask for any unilateral concession. It saves face for both sides because it is mutually conditional. Above all, it will help cool down the high tensions on the peninsula.

If the US can come to agreements with Cuba and Iran, why can't it do so with the DPRK? A dialogue, be it formal or informal, be it bilateral between the US and the DPRK or multilateral among all stakeholders, as suggested by Beijing, looks like the most affordable price the US can pay when compared with the sad eventuality of the DPRK possessing ICBMs that could reach the US mainland.

The author is an honorary fellow with the Center of China-American Defense Relations, Academy of Military Science.
Thailand-based, global hospitality group Dusit Hotels & Resorts has signed a partnership agreement with Ksher (WeChat Pay Thailand) and Asset Bright Public Company Limited to accept WeChat Pay at Dusit Hotels and Resorts.

WeChat Pay is part of China's largest mobile instant messaging app, WeChat, which to date has over 800 million active users. It allows users to pay bills, order goods, transfer money to other users, and pay in selected stores directly via smartphone using credit from their personal WeChat Pay accounts.

Under the new partnership agreement, Dusit Hotels & Resorts will be the first hotel group in Thailand to accept WeChat Pay at its restaurants, spas, participating outlets, and for hotel rooms upon check-out, initially at its owned properties in Thailand and subsequently its other properties around the world. Users will be able to pay their hotel bills by simply scanning a QR code to have the relevant fee deducted from their accounts.

Authorized by the Bank of Thailand, Asset Bright Public Company Limited will process all e-payments made via WeChat Pay at Dusit hotels in Thailand. Ksher, meanwhile, will implement and maintain the WeChat Pay system, including providing online security and technical support.

According to figures released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), 8.75 million Chinese tourists visited the kingdom in 2016 and Chinese visitors now account for 27 per cent of all foreign travellers to Thailand. Dusit Hotels & Resorts believes implementing WeChat Pay at its owned properties in Thailand will prove an attractive proposition for Chinese visitors who are well aware of the security and convenience that WeChat Pay affords.

"In China's top-tier cities, approximately 90 per cent of stores now accept WeChat Pay as a payment method and the platform's reach is starting to expand globally," said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer of Dusit Hotels & Resorts. "Chinese tourists are high value market and increasingly significant to our business, so it's important we do all we can to cater to their needs. By implementing WeChat Pay, our Chinese guests will now be able to benefit from favourable exchange rates and occasional exclusive promotions, so we are confident it will be a huge success."

Mr Donald Tang, Vice President of Global Business Development at Ksher, said, "As WeChat Pay's strategic partner in Thailand, we work together with Asset Bright to provide secure, stable and advanced mobile payment solutions designed to provide the utmost of convenience to Chinese travellers. We are delighted that Dusit Hotels & Resorts is the first hotel group in Thailand to adopt WeChat Pay, and we now look forward to working with the company to delight its Chinese guests."

Mr Premchai Kusolrerkdee, Deputy Managing Director, Asset Bright Public Company Limited, added, "We are fast moving towards a cashless future where transactions are made seamlessly online. As WeChat Pay allows Chinese guests at Dusit Hotels & Resorts to pay for rooms and services securely, easily, and without currency exchange, we believe this will lead to more transactions made at each hotel, making it a solution that benefits all parties involved."

In addition to all Dusit hotels in China, WeChat Pay is now accepted at all Dusit-owned hotels in Thailand, including Dusit Thani Bangkok, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Dusit Thani Pattaya, Dusit Thani Hua Hin, DusitPrincess Korat, DusitPrincess Chiang Mai, DusitPrincess Srinakarin Bangkok, and dusitD2Chiang Mai. Dusit Hotels & Resorts will also introduce the service at its international properties in the near future.

In celebration of the launch, from now through 30 September 2017 Dusit Hotels & Resorts will offer an exclusive Dusit WeChat Pay package of up to 40 per cent off regular room rates at its owned hotels in Thailand. Guests must use WeChat Pay to qualify for this package, which also includes breakfast and is bookable via Dusit's WeChat account.

In addition, courtesy of WeChat Pay, anyone who uses the app to pay for a room at Dusit's participating hotels and resorts will receive a digital red lucky envelope, known in China as 'Ang Pao,' containing up to 888 RMB (approximate 4,440 Baht) which will be paid directly into their accounts if they stay at participating Dusit hotels from now through 23 April 2017.

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.
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.  The SureStay Signature Collection Genetti Hotel is opening its doors to guests in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The property is one of the first of its kind to join one of the newest hotel brands in the industry  SureStay Hotel Group.

The hotel will provide guests with an experience they can count on and the amenities today's travelers have come to expect.

Built in 1922, the SureStay Signature Collection Genetti Hotel is an historic landmark in Williamsport and is also the city's tallest building, with 10 stories. The property's location is optimal for guests interested in exploring the nearby area as it is just a three-hour drive from New York City, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.

Located at 200 West 4th Street in Williamsport, the hotel features 164 guest rooms and 40 suites, with more than 14,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The hotel is also home to Genetti Taphouse (formerly 4th Street Grille and Ale House), a full-service restaurant with 18 beers on tap and amazing American fare. The property also has a 24-hour fitness facility, business center and a complementary full hot breakfast.

"The SureStay Signature Collection Genetti Hotel is a welcomed addition to our growing portfolio of SureStay hotels," said Shane Platt, Managing Director of SureStay Hotel Group. "We are thrilled to bring this new hotel brand to Williamsport and believe this hotel will be an affordable, quality lodging option for travelers in this area."

"We are committed to providing our guests with the amenities they look for in a hotel stay  free high-speed internet throughout the hotel, complimentary breakfast and quality customer care," said Marc Schefsky, general manager of the SureStay Signature Collection Genetti Hotel. "Travelers visiting Williamsport and surrounding areas can be sure about their stay at our hotel."

Reservations may be booked by calling 1-800-827-8298 or by visiting surestay.com.

About BWH Hotel Group

BWH Hotel Group is a leading, global hospitality network comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels Collection, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotel Group. The global network boasts approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 18 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.

WorldHotels

WorldHotels Collection is a privately held hotel soft brand within the BWH Hotel Group global network. Founded by independent hoteliers dedicated to the art of hospitality, and celebrating its 50th year anniversary in 2021, WorldHotels offers one of the finest portfolios of independent hotels and resorts around the globe, expertly curated to inspire unique, life enriching experiences that connect people and places. WorldHotels is comprised of four unique collections, each with its own personality and style to appeal to the needs of today's traveler. The collections include: WorldHotels Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted. For more information visit WorldHotels.com.

*Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.

Sioux Jeffrey

Corporate Communications - Best Western Hotels & Resorts

602-957-5749

BWH Hotel Group
Once soft on Russia and hard on China, President Donald Trump rapidly reversed course in the last weeks, concluding theres more business to be done with Beijing than with Moscow.

Trumps evolving views on those two world powers have brought the U.S. back into alignment with former President Barack Obamas pattern of great power politics. Though Russia critics welcomed Trumps newly hardened tone, theres less enthusiasm from Americas allies in Asia, who fear the U.S. could overlook Chinas more aggressive posture toward its neighbors.

It may be that Trump, the businessman-turned-world leader, is discovering Chinas transactional approach to foreign relations is better suited to achieving his own goals. Chinese leaders have sought a U.S. relationship based on the two powers respecting each others spheres of influence and not intervening in one anothers internal affairs.

Such a balance-of-powers approach had been Russias traditional stance. Moscow still wants Washington out of its backyard, but Russias alleged campaigns to influence the U.S. presidential election and upcoming votes in the heart of Western Europe have made it harder for American officials to take the offer seriously. Russias support for Syrian President Bashar Assad and Trumps newfound commitment to militarily countering any chemical weapons attacks also is proving hard to square.

Also, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putins shared tendency toward nationalist, dont-mess-with-us rhetoric may be putting the pair on a collision course.

The sudden U-turn for Trump has been head-snapping for people around the world, despite his self-professed penchant for unpredictability and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.

As the Republican presidential nominee, Trump praised Putin repeatedly as a strong, very smart leader. Trump dismissed Americas Russia hawks as stupid people or fools and predicted that under his leadership the Cold War foes would work together to solve some of the many great and pressing problems and issues of the world.

Trumps gestures to Moscow even fueled perceptions that his campaign and Russia were colluding to help him get elected  a possibility the FBI is now investigating.

Frankly, if we got along with Russia and knocked out ISIS, that would be a good thing, not a bad thing, Trump told a radio host in October, citing his still unrealized goal to have both countries cooperate to defeat the Islamic State group.

This past week, it was the opposite message, as the U.S. and Russia feuded about Syria.

Were not getting along with Russia at all, Trump said. We may be at an all-time low.

Trumps declaration came at a joint news conference with the leader of NATO, an alliance established as a Cold War bulwark against the Soviet Union. Trump had dismissed NATO as obsolete, but now says it is no longer obsolete.

As he shifts away from Russia, Trump is offering an outstretched hand to China. Trump recently hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at Trumps Florida resort, and last week hailed Xi as a terrific person and a very special man.

For years Trump said that China was eating our lunch, and he peppered his campaign rallies with promises to label China a currency manipulator as one of his first acts. He even threatened to start a trade war, arguing that Chinas trade surplus was the reason for Americas economic woes.

Trumps growing focus on the North Korean threat, heightened by signs the North might soon conduct another nuclear test, has changed Trumps thinking. Now he is looking for help from China, North Koreas dominant trade partner, and easing up on his rhetoric. I think China has really been working very hard on North Korea, he said.

Coinciding with this new assessment was Trumps announcement that he wont declare China a currency manipulator. It was Trumps second major concession to Xi, after backing away from a threat to abandon Americas One China policy that sees Taiwan as part of China.

So what did Trump, the self-declared deal-maker, get in return?

The U.S. hasnt gotten anything from China yet, said Evan Medeiros, who was Obamas top Asia adviser in the White House. The question becomes, if they dont give him what he wants, what happens next?

Trump and White House aides have pointed to Beijings move to restrict coal imports from North Korea as a sign its listening to Trump. But the restriction merely put in place U.N. sanctions passed last year with Chinas support  before Trump took office.

Although U.S. allies Japan and South Korea are heartened by Trumps North Korea focus, his softer tack toward Beijing is causing concern. Chinas other designs for Asia include staking sovereignty to maritime territories, sometimes far from its coast, that others countries claim as well.

Despite Trumps argument that China is taking North Korea seriously, China remains adamantly opposed to U.S. deployment of an advanced missile defense system in South Korea. Trump, like Obama before him, insists the systems sole purpose is to protect against the North. Beijing isnt so sure, and doesnt like such sophisticated radar being able to peer into Chinese territory. Josh Lederman, Washington, AP
A Chinese dissident who abandoned his tour group while in Taiwan said he will apply for political asylum by today in hopes of staying on the self-governing island to promote democracy on the mainland.

Zhang Xiangzhong said in an interview yesterday that he hoped Taiwanese officials would take a tolerant view toward his appeal, but acknowledged there were legal hurdles.

I want to tell them that Taiwans spirit represents the Chinese people, Zhang said. They dont have an asylum policy, but I hope they will be tolerant.

Chang Hsiao-yueh, minister of Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council, said at a Cabinet hearing yesterday that the island does not offer political asylum to Chinese citizens although they sometimes offer permits for long-term residence on a case-by-case basis.

Zhangs case could further exacerbate cross-strait tensions weeks after China detained a Taiwanese pro-democracy activist Lee Ming-che during a trip to the mainland. Cross-strait relations have been near an all-time low since the election of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, whose Democratic Progressive Party has advocated for Taiwans formal independence. China cut off contacts with Taiwans government in June, five months after Tsai was elected.

Zhang told The Associated Press that he was inspired to defect after hearing about Lees story and how his wife, Lee Ching-yu, defied Chinese government warnings and attempted to fly to the mainland to search for her husband.

Zhang, 48, was previously jailed for three years for participating in a mainland civil rights movement called the New Citizens Movement, which was backed by prominent legal scholars, businessmen and artists.

Zhang said he did not fully make up his mind to defect until after he arrived in Taiwan on an eight-day tour package. Zhang said he realized that Taiwan was the inheritor of the Chinese peoples spirit and culture after he toured historical archives. Yet, it was a seemingly mundane, everyday gesture that finally swayed him: He encountered respectful drivers on Taiwans streets.

I asked myself, when will we ever be like that in the mainland? said Zhang, who added that the international image of mainland Chinese suffered relative to other Asians because of Chinas political system.

The Global Times, a state-run tabloid, on Monday dismissed Zhangs defection as ideological antics and pointed out that he had previously been arrested for disrupting social order.

If Taiwan is willing to accept Zhang Xiangzhong, the mainland shouldnt necessarily be bothered by his behavior or his crazy talk, said the commentary, which later appeared to have been removed from the papers website. And if Taiwan wants to accept more dissidents like him, the mainland might as well also turn a blind eye. AP
Kenneth Leung, a Hong Kong lawmaker representing the Accountancy Functional Constituency, was denied entry into Macau last Sunday afternoon.

The denial has been deemed unreasonable and bizarre, as he had just visited mainland China a few days prior to this refusal of entry to Macau.

The moderate pan-democrat was travelling to Macau with his family, but was refused entry to the city while he was trying to pass the border checkpoint through the e-channel.

This is utterly strange and totally beyond comprehension, Leung said, cited by South China Morning Post. I have done nothing related to Macau recently [] The Macau authorities are [denying entry] recklessly.

Leung added that he entered Macau last April. In his opinion, a pan-democrat blacklist is being enforced in the MSAR. I do not understand why I would be turned away from Macau when I could actually enter the mainland.

The lawmaker was reportedly taken to an office for more than half an hour before he was told by Macaus immigration authority that he could pose a threat to Macaus security, and later was directed to a ferry back to Hong Kong.

Leung even showed the Macau authority his hotel booking and stated that his trip was simply for tourism purposes.

On the day before his visit, Leung returned from Guangdong, where he had been for a two-day fact-finding visit regarding Hong Kongs water supply.

Many months ago, Leung also traveled to mainland China without problems. Leung even obtained his new ten-year return home permit to the mainland.

Leung has never been refused entry in to the territory by Macau. His last trip to Macau dates back to April of last year.

Leung said that he would report the case to the Hong Kong Security Bureau and also to Hong Kongs newly appointed Chief Executive Carrie Lam.

Larry So Man Yum, who is currently a commenter and a retired social work professor from the Macau Polytechnic Institute (IPM), judged the refused entry of Leung as unfriendly.

For the past several times, sometimes, when Hong Kongs pro-democrat lawmakers came to Macau, somehow Macau did not welcome them, and did not allow them to enter the territory, said So, adding however, this time, even China has given him [Kennth Leung] a home return permit, []. He is not coming to Macau for political events, he is here for a family trip.

In last October, many Hong Kongers were denied entry into Macau, including independent film director Lo Chun Yip, actor and former social activist Lam Fai Fred; and human rights activist Shaw Kwok Wah. Lo intended to visit Macau to attend a short movie workshop hosted by his friend, while Lam had been invited by a Macau middle school to present a lecture on travelling.

Over 10 pan-democratic lawmakers have been refused entry to Macau at least once since 2008. Several social activists were also barred because they allegedly posed a threat to Macaus internal security.

League of Social Democrats lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, also known as Long Hair, and eight activists were detained last October as they tried to enter Macau. Leungs group had travelled to protest during Premier Li Keqiangs visit to the city last year, planning to urge Beijing to free dissidents and to give Hong Kong more autonomy.
JAPAN Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that Japans government is drawing up contingency plans in case a crisis on the Korean Peninsula sends an influx of refugees to Japan. Abe told a parliamentary session that the government is formulating measures including protecting foreigners, landing procedures, building and operating shelters, and screening asylum seekers.

KOREA Viewing his adversaries in the distance, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence traveled to the tense zone dividing North and South and warned Pyongyang that after years of testing the U.S. and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, the era of strategic patience is over.

NORTH KOREA Tensions have spiked in recent weeks over North Koreas advancing nuclear technology and missile arsenal. But in Pyongyang, people seem not to notice a difference.

CHINA Economic recovery is gaining momentum, with growth ticking up to a 6.9 percent annual pace in the first three months of the year.

CHINA Ten people have died and five were injured when a bus veered off a highway and fell into a river in southern China. The Xinhua News Agency reported that four people went missing in the accident yesterday morning in Guizhou province. The state news agency says the 19-seat bus was travelling from Kaiyang county on the outskirts of the provincial capital to the Qiannan Bouyei-Miao Autonomous Prefecture when it went off a highway and into the river.

NEPAL A former Sherpa guide who was the first person to scale Mount Everest 10 times has been hospitalized after suffering a brain hemorrhage, an official said. Ang Rita (pictured) was rushed to a hospital in Kathmandu last week after he fell unconscious, said the Nepal Mountaineering Association. He was still in serious condition on yesterday, but his situation was improving.

SRI LANKA Rescuers were digging through heaps of mud and trash that collapsed onto a clutch of homes near a Sri Lankan garbage dump, killing at least 29 people.

TURKEY President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won a historic referendum that will greatly expand the powers of his office, although opposition parties questioned the outcome.

PORTUGAL A small plane crashed Monday beside a supermarket near Lisbon, killing four people on board the aircraft and one on the ground. Four people were slightly injured, emergency services said. The dead included the Swiss pilot, three French passengers on the plane and a Portuguese truck driver
Republicans so dominate deeply Idaho that Election Day can be anticlimactic to the Republican primary in May. That's where most races in the past several decades have been decided. Republicans on Election Day are looking to retain a U.S. Senate seat, both of the states U.S. House seats and supermajorities in the state House and Senate. Gov. Brad Little overcame his toughest challenge for a second term in May by crushing Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin despite her support from former President Donald Trump. Little will face Democrat Stephen Heidt and anti-government activist Ammon Bundy, who is running as an independent.
Twin Falls city staff is looking for more public input on a welcoming city resolution before presenting the final version to the City Council.

Were asking those who are truly interested in that process to share their thoughts with us, City Manager Travis Rothweiler told the Council on Monday, adding that people should contact the citys public information officer Joshua Palmer with their thoughts.

Rothweiler said the city is trying to craft a balanced resolution blending language welcoming immigrants and refugees with wording that incorporates some of the concerns they have heard. He said city staff intends to have a draft resolution for the Council to review at its May 1 meeting.

The Council voted unanimously a week ago to ask city staff to draft a resolution saying Twin Falls is a welcoming city to all people. Boise and Ketchum passed similar resolutions earlier this year, prompted largely by the statewide and national debate over immigration and refugee resettlement that flared up locally with a movement to close the College of Southern Idaho Refugee Center that started in 2015 and took center-stage during last years presidential campaign as now-president Donald Trump campaigned heavily on restricting immigration and refugee entry. The resolutions dont have any legal force  its not the same thing as having a sanctuary city policy of not cooperating with federal immigration authorities, which some cities outside of Idaho do.

The resolution in Twin Falls was inspired by similar sentiments as in Boise and Ketchum  Mark Crandall, a Boy Scout troop leader who brought the resolution forward, said in his letter arguing in favor of it that it would help show that our city is full of Good Samaritans like the boys in my Scout troop, and that we do not allow ourselves to be defined or caricatured by the alt-right media.

Councilman Chris Talkington, the most aggressive of the seven on the Council in sparring with refugee resettlement opponents during public comment periods, said most people who testified at last weeks Council meeting favored a welcoming city resolution, and whatever city staff drafts should reflect their sentiments.

People were overwhelmingly endorsive of a welcoming community, he said.

Terry Edwards, a Jerome resident who owns property in Twin Falls and frequently comes to Council meetings to talk about refugee resettlement, was not one of them. He has presented the Council with a separate safe city resolution declaring Twin Falls not to be a sanctuary city and expressing support for enforcing the law. Edwards accused the Council of arranging the testimony at last weeks meeting.

I cant believe you guys orchestrated this kind of thing, he said, leading to a brief shouting match between him and Mayor Shawn Barigar.

I am not going to sit here and listen to you make false allegations, Barigar said.

Edwards said the welcoming city resolution would become a sanctuary city precursor, and questioned how Twin Falls could be a welcoming community when Planned Parenthood is allowed to operate, refugees are allowed to resettle and crime occurs. Edwards said crime is not being reported and the police department is inadequate to stop it, and referenced the case of a 5-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted by three boys from refugee families last year. The boys recently pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

This is not a welcoming city, Edwards said. To you it may be because you live in an elite area and have elite associates. The common people are not being treated fairly.
TWIN FALLS  The College of Southern Idaho will present Leadercast at Valley Christian Church May 5.

The Leadercast event is broadcast live from Atlanta to hundreds of sites around the world. This is the fourth year it has been broadcast in Twin Falls.

The event takes place 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 5 at 1708 Heyburn Ave. E. General admission is $89 before April 21. Teams up to five or more will cost $79 each before April 21 and teams of 10 or more will cost $69 each. After April 21, the price will go up $10 a person. Conference materials and lunch are included.

For information, call 208-357-4232.

The one-day leadership event will include the following speakers:

Andy Stanley; leadership author and communicator

Tyler Perry; director, playwright, screenwriter, producer, actor, author and entrepreneur

Dr. Henry Cloud; acclaimed leadership expert, clinical psychologist and best-selling author

Molly Fletcher; former top sports agent and author

Donald Miller; CEO of Storybrands and author of Blue Like Jazz

Suzy Welch; author, TV commentator and business journalist

Daniel Pink; behavioral science expert, best-selling author and host of Crowd Control

Jim McKelvey, co-founder of Square and Founder of LaunchCode

Jess Ekstrom, CEO of Headbands of Hope
BUHL  Over the years, Nancy Tyrrell watched weather and neglect destroy master barn-builder Henry Schicks dairy barns.

Tyrrell vowed what was happening to neighboring barns wouldnt happen to hers.

Her recent efforts to preserve the 104-year-old barn are wrapping up. New fiber cement siding has been installed on the barn walls and the once-removed gables have been returned to the loft. Restoration of the leaking gambrel roof is next.

Tyrrell first saw the barn in 1980 when she taught school in Buhl.

I was on my bicycle when I rode up from the west, she said. I saw the barn first, then I saw the house. I got really excited.

The home and barn were then owned by members of the Wuebbenhorst family, who bought the place from Dau in 1919 and still farm the surrounding ground.

When the property first came up for sale, Tyrrell and her husband, Ed, tried to purchase it, but couldnt swing it at the time. The place came up for sale again in 1995.

Not a typical home site

We knew the kids would either love the place or hate our guts, she said. It turned out the kids, then 6 and 8, loved it too.

The barn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and the Tyrrells have tried to keep the house and barn true to their original architecture.

A lot of things in the house are virtually unchanged, she said. The floors in the house are all original hardwood. Many of the light fixtures are original, and antiques and art grace the walls.

Tyrrell operates a framing shop and antiques business, The Nehemian for Fine Framing, in the barn.

The roof has always leaked, she said, but the leaking became worse and worse, finally causing damage to her business.

Flickers had pecked their way through the walls and a pair of barn owls had taken up residence in the loft. The owls had filled the loft with nesting materials and excrement.

Neighbors watching the restoration process ask whats going into the loft.

Its not whats going in, its whats coming out, Tyrrell said, laughing. She and Ed scraped and shoveled the loft floor all winter to remove the debris.

Some of the mounds were as tall as me, she said.

An occupied building is the best preserved building

While the siding used to preserve the barn is not a preferred material, it wont affect the barns listing on the National Register, said Trisha Canaday, State Historic Preservation Office outreach historian in Boise.

Best practices say that if you have to replace, replace in kind, Canaday said. But we try to be pragmatic within reason to keep the buildings occupied  we know an occupied building is the best preserved building.

Canaday hopes such visible pieces of architecture can encourage others to preserve their barns.

We are now working with the Department of Commerce and the Tax Commission to work out a tax credit that would help (private) owners restore their buildings, she said.

The restoration of the barn has been a joy, Tyrrell said.

I just love this place, she said. Seeing Henry Schicks own barn crumbling in the wind just two miles away motivated her to start the process.

We decided to be proactive, she said.

Tyrrell feels she owes it to the many generations of the Wuebbenhorst family for taking such good care of the barn.

Dell Wuebbenhorsts great-grandfather, grandfather and parents all farmed the property and milked cows in the barn, said his wife, Nona.

Just the fact that she loves the barn so much to preserve it says a lot, Nona Wuebbenhorst said Thursday.

The family still has sentimental ties to the place.
EDEN  Police are searching for a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run Monday afternoon near the Travelers Oasis Truck Plaza south of Eden that left a teenager substantially injured.

Details of the incident, which happened about 12:20 p.m., are still hazy to authorities.

We dont know exactly what happened, Jerome County Sheriff Doug McFall said. What we do know from witnesses is a young man was somehow on the back of a Honda or Nissan sedan that took off at a high rate of speed. The young man fell off and was substantially injured.

The car sped away from the injured teen west on 1000 South, McFall said. Its unclear why the teen was riding or hanging on the back of the car or if the crash was the result of some sort of dispute.

The injured teen was taken to a hospital, the sheriff said, but he didnt know which hospital.

Jerome County sheriffs investigators were unable to interview the teen because of his injuries, McFall said. Police scanner traffic indicated he lost consciousness while waiting for medical help to arrive.

Police dispatchers broadcasted an attempt-to-locate message about an hour after the incident describing the vehicle as a four-door, early 90s gray Nissan sedan with chrome wheels and a loud muffler. McFall said the car could be a Honda.
RICHFIELD  A school bus carrying 39 Carey Junior High students and three adults rolled Tuesday on U.S. 26, injuring at least 14 children.

Some of the injuries were substantial, Lincoln County Sheriff Rene Rodriguez said, but none were expected to be life-threatening.

The crash happened about 12:20 p.m. at milepost 175 just west of Richfield as the junior high students headed to a track meet in Gooding.

The driver, Richard Mecham, 67, of Carey, was driving westbound when he went off the right shoulder, overcorrected, and rolled the bus, Idaho State Police said.

Mecham was not injured.

Five injured students were taken to hospitals by helicopter and seven in ambulances, police said. Several others were going to hospitals in personal vehicles.

A Times-News photographer at the scene said students were being carried off the bus on stretchers.

St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls received six patients  two by air and four by ground ambulance, spokeswoman Michelle Bartlome said. Three patients were taken to St. Lukes Wood River in Ketchum; Bartlome did not have information on patient conditions.

At least five patients went to North Canyon Medical Center in Gooding, spokeswoman Shellie Amundson said, though she didnt know how they arrived or have information about their conditions.

Patients were also taken to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, the school district said in a statement.

Hunter Smith, 13, was listening to music and not paying close attention to the drive when the bus rolled, his mother, Teresa, told the Times-News. Hunter said the crash was over almost before he realized what was happening.

The kids were thrown around in there, Smith said. Kids flew up out of their seats, and then they landed.

Hunter was uninjured, though his mother reported he was sore afterward like after the first day of football practice. The eighth grader immediately jumped up to make sure his friends were OK.

They were all just in shock, Smith said.

Several drivers in other vehicles rushed to help  people were wonderful, Smith said  and emergency crews responded within minutes, Hunter told his mother.

Idaho State Police troopers are investigating, but authorities have not said what caused the driver to leave the road.

I dont have any clues right now, Rodriguez said about 4:30 p.m.

The bus was headed westbound but ended up facing eastbound on the south side of the highway after rolling once and turning 180 degrees.

Principal John Peck went to the scene and Superintendent GwenCarol Holmes was at Carey School, district spokeswoman Heather Crocker said. Students who did not require treatment at hospitals were taken in a second bus back to the Carey school, where parents were asked to gather.

The highway was blocked for several hours in both directions as crews treated the injured, investigated and cleared the scene.

Smith said her heart dropped when she heard about the crash, but Blaine County did a great job, and everyone at the school did a great job.

She said shes praying for those who were injured, but was glad their injuries were not life-threatening considering the circumstances.

God was definitely watching over them, she said, and we are all very grateful for that.
Steve Stephens, the Cleveland murder suspect accused of posting video of the slaying on Facebook, shot and killed himself Tuesday after he was spotted by police in Erie County, Pennsylvania, state police said.

For two days, authorities across the country scrambled to find Stephens, the man wanted for the death of Robert Godwin -- a self-taught mechanic and grandfather of 14.

Godwin's daughter Brenda Haymon learned of Stephens' death as she was planning funeral arrangements for her father.

"All I can say is that I wish he had gone down in a hail of one hundred bullets," Brenda Haymon told CNN. "I wish it had gone down like that instead of him shooting himself."

Godwin was shot while walking home from an Easter meal Sunday in Cleveland. Stephens later posted video of the killing on Facebook.

More than 400 tips had funneled in from as far away as Texas, Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said Tuesday. Many were reported sightings that turned out to be false.

Victim's family offered forgiveness

Through their tears, several of Godwin's children said they held no animosity against Stephens.

"Each one of us forgives the killer, the murderer," Godwin's daughter Tonya Godwin Baines said Monday.

Godwin taught his children the value of hard work. He taught them how to love God and fear God, and how to forgive, his children said.

"They don't make men like him anymore. He was definitely one in a million," said another daughter, Debbie Godwin.

Suspect cited anger with his girlfriend

The police chief said Stephens apparently chose Godwin at random.

Stephens' mother, Maggie Green, said her son stopped by her house Saturday and gave her a cryptic message.

"He said this (was) the last time I was going to see him," Green said.

They spoke briefly the next day, his mother said. Before Green's phone died, Stephens told her he was "shooting people" because he was "mad with his girlfriend" of about three years, his mother said.

Later Sunday, Stephens uploaded a video to his Facebook page showing a gun pointed at a man's head.

Seconds before the shooting, Stephens asked the victim to say the name of a woman believed to associated with the suspect.

"She's the reason why this is about to happen to you," Stephens said.

Then, the gunman fires the weapon. The victim recoils and falls to the ground.

Stephens claimed on Facebook that he had committed multiple homicides, but police said they had no knowledge of other victims. He had many traffic violations but no criminal record, Williams said.

Woman cited by suspect is 'overwhelmed'

The woman believed to be associated with the suspect has told multiple news agencies that she was "overwhelmed" by the tragedy.

"Steve really is a nice guy... He is generous with everyone he knows. He was kind and loving to me and my children," she told CBS News.

Williams said police have spoken to the woman, and she is safe and cooperating with the investigation. The woman's neighbors told CNN that Stephens often stayed at her Twinsburg home with her three young girls. One resident said Stephens was there two days ago, fixing the home's garage.

Suspect worked with children

Stephens was employed at Beech Brook, a behavioral health agency in northeastern Ohio that serves children, teenagers and families, according to a spokeswoman for the facility.

"We are shocked and horrified like everyone else," said Nancy Kortemeyer. "To think that one of our employees could do this is awful."

She said Stephens was a vocational specialist who worked with youth and young adults. He had previously worked as a youth mentor, she said.

Victim was celebrating Easter

Robert Godwin was walking home from a holiday meal with his family when he encountered the gunman on a sidewalk.

Haymon, Godwin's youngest child from his first marriage, said he was the father of 10.

"He lived a good life," she said. "He's a man people should model themselves after."

CNN's Gary Tuchman reported from Cleveland, with Holly Yan and Darran Simon writing from Atlanta. CNN's Sara Ganim, Lawrence Crook, Eliott C. McLaughlin, Kwegyirba Croffie, Brynn Gingras and Chris Boyette also contributed to this report.
Russias Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has hailed the relations with Saudi Arabia stating that there are excellent contacts between their officials in all directions. He added that there is a deepening of mutual understanding between the two countries and contacts are taking place at all levels. Bogdanov is pleased of the level of good contacts between their foreign affairs departments and ministers as hopes that King Salman will be visiting Russia in the near future. The Deputy Minister was speaking after a meeting with the head of the King Salman Center for Humanitarian Aid and Relief.

Ties between Moscow and Riyadh seem to be growing stronger as the state-run TASS news agency reported that joint projects worth $3 billion will be launched before 2018. Around $600 million worth of projects have been implemented through the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Sovereign Fund of Saudi Arabia.

Valentina Matviyenko, speaker of Russias Federation Council, the countrys upper house, dubbed the cooperation between the two institutions successful. She stated that they are interested in expanding economic ties with the oil-rich kingdom but lamented that the volume of mutual trade turnover in the past year has significantly decreased. Saudi Arabia is Russias second biggest trade partner in the Arab world.

Matviyenko headed a Russian delegation to Saudi Arabia for a three-day visit during which they met with senior officials. She applauded the laws adopted by the Russian lawmakers to create a much more conducive environment for business and investment.

The areas earmarked for cooperation are energy, geological exploration, mining, petrochemicals, tanker construction, investment cooperation and capacity building.
UNICEF representative in Yemen, Mertixell Relano, has warned that the future of the countrys next generation is bleak because many of them are being deprived of education. Around 4,5million children may not have finish the school year because around 75% of the countrys teaching force has gone unpaid since October 2016. The struggle to pay the salaries of the teachers began when the Hadi-led government based in Aden decided to move the central bank from the capital which is under the control of the Houthi Movement and their allies.

Speaking in Sanaa at a press conference, Relano pointed out that the children that are not going to school face the risk of being recruited (for military service), or the girls might be at risk of being married earlier. The government claims that it is trying to end the seven month ordeal but alleges that the rebels are obstructing the transfers. It also claimed that the rebels looted the central bank. The Houthi Movement strongly denies all the allegations.

There have been serious concerns over the living conditions of the civilian population in Yemen and there are fears that there will not be enough food by the end of August. Magne Barth, head of the delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Moscow highlighted that the high cost of food makes them unaffordable to the ordinary person.

Similar concerns have also been raised by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Around 19 million people are acutely affected and need some form of immediate humanitarian assistance and more than $2.1 billion is needed to provide life-saving assistance to 12 million Yemenis as the 2017 Yemen Response Plan was only 14.4% funded, according to its last weeks bulletin.

Warring parties in Yemen have failed to make progress towards peace or agreeing on a ceasefire amid numerous warnings that the continuation of hostilities further makes the situation of the improvised country and its population much more critical.
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.
A contingent of Japanese troops has departed from South Sudan on Monday from U.N. peacekeeping mission in the famine and war-stricken nation.

According to Reuters, the strong contingent based in the capital city Juba, has helped build infrastructure in the landlocked and impoverished country.

The first group is leaving today, Daniel Dickinson, spokesman for the U.N. peacekeeping mission called UNMISS, told Reuters at Juba International Airport.

Japan announced the withdrawal of its troops from UNMISS in March.

South Sudan has been mired in violence since clashes erupted in December 2013 between supporters of President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar.

Fighting largely along ethnic lines has caused the economy to sink, killed tens of thousands of people, and displaced more than 2 million.

Following a threat of an arms embargo last year, South Sudan agreed to allow 4,000 additional UN peacekeepers to enter the country, after first rejecting the regional protection force as a breach of national sovereignty. Currently, there are more than 12,000 UN peacekeepers in South Sudan.
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in a press statement released on its website, declared a Nigerian national living in New York wanted for defrauding victims of over $5 million.

According to the FBI, Kelechi Declan James, 32, ran an online scheme with four co-conspirators that tricked victims into wiring money to bank accounts the victims believed were owned by family members.

In the public announcement, the FBI New York office explained that the scheme was run in two ways: by overtaking an e-mail account of an individual trusted by the victim and then requesting money be wired to a bank account; or by developing a relationship of trust with victim like an Internet romance and then asking the victim to wire money.

As soon as the money was wired, it would be moved from one account to another, and the funds would be withdrawn. Jamess role in this scheme was to withdraw the money from bank accounts.

The bureau said the suspect frequents the Brooklyn neighborhoods of East New York, Brownsville, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, Flatbush and East Flatbush.

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has offered a paltry $1000 reward to whistle-blowers who can offer information to arrest the 32 year-old Kelechi Declan James.
Tunisias Prime Minister Youssef Chahed on Sunday indicated that the economy will start to regain growth in 2017 as the North African Nation revived its tourism industry and state phosphate production.

Six years after an uprising that ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, economic growth in Tunisia remains below the long-term average.

The tourism sector is better now and will grow by 30 percent this year. Phosphate production returned to old levels and we expect a good agricultural season, Chahed told state television late on Sunday.

In his words, tax revenues rose by 14 percent in the first quarter of this year and the country expects economic growth to rise to 2.5 percent in 2017.

The government plans to cut 20,000 public jobs through early retirements and by offering severance packages.

Unemployment is almost 30 percent in the North African country as the country suffers from the impact of the deadly militant attacks on tourists.

The International Monetary Fund on Monday agreed to pay out a $320 million second tranche of Tunisias loan programme.

Officials say the release of the loan will help Tunisia to access further credit from international lenders including the World Bank and the European Union.
Drought-hit and Cash-strapped Zimbabwe government this week agreed on plans to pay school fees in the Southern African nation using livestock or labour for the schools.

The government last weekend urges school authorities to be flexible and not turn away pupils because their parents dont have money to pay tuition fees.

Speaking to local media, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora said: Our schools have to be flexible and ensure those who do not have money to pay fees can work. For example, if there is a builder in the community, he/she must be given that opportunity to work as a form of payment of tuition fees,

Teachers and unions in the country question the move calling for change as the policy cannot be applied in urban agglomerations.

I do not think that its sustainable with regards to parents in urban areas  so many parents have outstanding balances. Therefore, I am trying to imagine those 1 000-plus parents coming to work at a school  Why spend time doing manual labour at a school when they can go there to look for a good job? Zimbabwe Teachers Association secretary-general John Mlilo questioned.

As a reminder, Zimbabwean economy has been hit by an acute cash shortage sometime last year. It forced the government to introduce bond notes that had the value of the US dollar.

The Finance and Economic Development Minister, Patrick Chinamasa, last week tabled a new bill before parliament, one that could compel commercial banks to accept livestock as collateral for cash loans.
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Georgia begins free trade talks with India

Georgia is taking action to establish a free trade agreement with India to access its markets and facilitate increased bilateral business and trade.A delegation led by Georgias Minister of Economy Giorgi Gakharia is now in Delhi, India, to discuss free trade opportunities with local authorities.The main purpose of the meeting is to sign a memorandum on launching a free trade feasibility study.If the free trade deal is reached, Georgian entrepreneurs will have access to Indias market that boasts a total of 1.3 billion consumers.So far, Georgia has free trade deals with Turkey, European Union (EU), European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries - Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein - and with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.Soon Georgia will sign a free trade deal with China and Hong Kong.While in India, Georgias Economy Minister also met with the Indian Minister of State for Culture and Tourism where the officials discussed the possibility of opening an Indian embassy in Georgia, launching direct flights between the two countries and deepening cultural ties.
Azerbaijan delivers over 40,000 tons of oil to Ukrainian refinery

The volume of transportation of Azerbaijans Azeri Light oil to Ukraines Kremenchug refinery totalled 43,320 tons of oil in March 2017, says a message posted on the website of UkrTransNafta OJSC (operator of Ukraines oil transportation system).UkrTransNafta has resumed work of an oil pipeline from Odessa to Kremenchug since March 10 and started transportation of Azeri Light oil to the Kremenchug refinery.The agreement signed in late 2016 envisages the transportation of at least 1.3 million tons of Azeri Light oil to the Kremenchug refinery.The Kremenchug refinery has been processing Azeri Light oil since December 2016. Earlier, oil was delivered to the plant via railway.In 2016, Azerbaijan produced more than 31.1 million tons of light oil, as compared to 31.3 million tons in 2015. Azeri Light oil is produced at the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli block of oil and gas fields.According to Ukraines Ministry of Energy and Coal Mining, the volume of oil transportation via pipelines to the countrys refinery stood at 1.406 million tons that is by 12.5 percent or 200,800 tons less than in 2015.The volume of oil transportation via pipelines to the Ukrainian refinery totaled 216,700 tons in January-February 2017.
Drug policy liberalization

By Messenger Staff

The Human Rights Committee in the Parliament of Georgia has backed the Government-proposed draft bill that envisages certain liberalisations made to the current strict drug policy.The draft law reads that the illegal production of small amounts of dried marijuana, crude marijuana and cannabis, as well as their purchase, possession or transportation, will not be punished with imprisonment.In particular, a 'small amount' of dried marijuana is to be defined as up to 70g, while crude marijuana and cannabis will be set at 140g.Anyone in possession of these amounts will have to pay a 300 GEL fine.If the amount of drugs is higher, the penalty will be imprisonment.NGOs stress that the draft law will not address the current drug-related difficulties and the problems in this regard will remain unsettled.They also state that besides marijuana, there are more than 200 other drugs.Part of the non-parliamentary opposition claim the authorities will continue using the current ugly drug policy for its own interests and detain or arrest people, especially potential political opponents, because of drugs.Before October 2015, Georgias laws on marijuana stated that a person will be jailed for seven to 14 years if he or she was found with a large amount of marijuana. The same law determined 50g of marijuana as "a large amount.It is true that Georgias previous drug policy was too strict, as those detained for using a small amount of marijuana were sentenced like those arrested for murder, attempted murder and similar serious offences.However, keeping a balance in a country like Georgia is essential.Yet over-liberalisation of the country's drug policy will not contribute much to the state's development. However, people must not be sent to prison for personal usage of a small amount of marijuana or other drugs, and the state must think more about rehabilitation programs for drug addicts.
The News in Brief

Statement of the MFA on the Breakaway Regions of Georgia



The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic is concerned over the developments in breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgia.



The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not recognise the so-called parliamentary elections held in Abkhazia in March 2017, neither the presidential elections and referendum in Georgias region of South Ossetia held in April 2017. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its support for Georgias sovereignty and territorial integrity. (Embassy of Czech Republic in Tbilisi)







Kremlin: Bibilov Victory Convincing



Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to the South Ossetian leader-elect Anatoly Bibilov, the Kremlin reported on April 10.



"Please accept my sincere congratulations on your convincing victory in the elections of the President of the Republic of South Ossetia, the message reads.



Putin highlighted the high level of the traditionally friendly Russian-South Ossetian relations and expressed his confidence that the relations between Moscow and Tskhinvali will be further developed, based on the principles of alliance and integration.



Russia will continue to render full assistance to South Ossetia in solving the important matters of social and economic development, as well as in ensuring national security, he also stated.



According to the regions election administration, Anatoly Bibilov, who chairs the legislature won with 57.9% against his main opponent, seating president Leonid Tibilov, who gained 30%. The results are preliminary, but are unlikely to change significantly until the commission will announce its final tally in five days. Tibilov conceded defeat on April 10 saying that the choice of the people should be respected." (civil.ge)







President, PM wish happy Passover to Georgias Jewish community



Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili and Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili have wished a happy Passover to Georgias Jewish community and all those celebrating the holiday.



Kvirikashvili said Passover is a symbol of freedom for Jewish people from all over the world.



"I join in the joy and happiness of our Jewish citizens and wish freedom, welfare and peace for their families.



Margvelashvili stressed the symbolic importance of the holiday and said that this holiday is an important day for all nations who appreciate freedom.



"Together with citizens of my country, Im wholeheartedly joining in your celebration, he said.



Passover is a major Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of Jews from slavery and the exodus from ancient Egypt. It began at sundown Monday and ends next Tuesday, April 18.



Georgian Jews are one of the oldest communities in Georgia, tracing their migration into the country back to the Babylonian exile and expulsion in the 6th century BCE.



The 2600-year-long history of the Georgian Jews is notable for its lack of anti-semitic events and a visible assimilation of the Jews of the country into the Georgian language and culture. (Agenda.ge)







GYLA presents domestic violence report



The Georgian Young Lawyers Association held a presentation on the topic of 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 Appellate Courts were presented.



The monitoring is 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 aims 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 factual information.



The GYLA previously presented nine court monitoring reports that covered the period from October 2011 to July 2016. GYLAs report 10 covers the period from August 2016 to January 2017. In this reporting period, GYLA set apart the cases of violence against women and domestic violence in the form of a separate report and prepared an individual, topic-based paper.



The specific examples in the report refer to the cases of males beating females, violence perpetrated by a husband against a pregnant wife, burning a woman with petrol, serious psychological abuse and threats of murder and other cases of violence perpetrated in families.



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 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 crimes, judges are reluctant to impose imprisonment on perpetrators of violence;



- 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 (no reference was made to Article 53(31) 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.



The GYLA remains hopeful that the recommendations prepared and conclusions made will be taken into consideration by representatives of the judicial authorities. In addition, the report contains data that should be of interest to the Prosecutors Office. The GYLA hopes that the authorities mentioned above will pay an appropriate attention to our findings and recommendations and contribute to the existence of gender sensitive justice and to improving proceedings on cases of violence against women. (GYLA.ge)




@MichaelAuslen

The Florida House has not yet decided if it will include a new $1.5 billion sum of money to cover low-income health care costs in its budget.

House Health Care Appropriations chairman Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, said that it "depends on what kind of assurances we get from the federal government."

The federal government agreed to revive the Low Income Pool at $1.5 billion last week after it was set to end. Though it is clear that the money will be funded mostly by the federal government with the remainder coming from state or local governments, the full terms of the agreement are not yet clear.

"We have a promise and that's great. We'd love to have it," Brodeur said. "What I'd like to see is a printed letter that outlines the terms of what we're talking about."

Justin Senior, secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration, has been working with the feds to reach a final agreement in time for the Legislature to finalize a budget before a May 2 deadline.

But Brodeur said the House was cautious about two key issues: How the state is allowed to use the money and how many years the program will be guaranteed. If the money can only go to hospitals with large numbers of charity care patients -- generally the public and teaching hospitals that make up Florida's safety net -- Brodeur said he would have concerns about funding for other health care priorities.

The program's longevity is a concern, as well, given that it has been surrounded by uncertainty in recent years. When the Obama administration did not renew LIP in 2015, it contributed to a breakdown over Medicaid spending and triggered a special budget session.

"If it's a one-year deal, to what degree do we want to get hooked on the federal dollar again just to come back next year and take it all away?" Brodeur said.

A draft of the deal with the federal government provided by AHCA suggests the program would last for four years and could be used primarily to reimburse hospitals. However, agency officials note the draft is not final and negotiations continue with the federal government.

The Senate appears to be ready to take the money.

That chamber's budget already included approximately $600 million in LIP. And $1.5 billion gives them even more flexibility, Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, the chamber's Health and Human Services Appropriations chairwoman, said last week after the agreement with the federal government was announced.

"I hope that the whole pot would be used for hospitals for different versions of patient care," she said but noted it "may give us the opportunity to provide further funding for other health care priorities."

She envisioned moving money around in the budget to free up more dollars for priorities like Medicaid provider rate increases, clearing wait lists at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the Department of Elder Affairs, and the opioid crisis, which is ravaging pockets of the state.

But, even last week, Flores expressed concern about the House's willingness to agree to accept LIP.

"I would hope that No. 1, that the House would be open and receive this funding," she said.

Photo: Health Care Appropriations chairman Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, (right) speaks with Rep. Kathleen Peters, R-South Pasadena, on the House floor. (Scott Keeler | Tampa Bay Times)
@JeremySWallace

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry was in Tallahassee today meeting with Gov. Rick Scott, but he made clear that it has nothing to do with the potential of Scott considering him for the soon-to-be vacant chief financial officer position.

I love being mayor of Jacksonville, Curry said when we asked him if he is interested in being CFO. Im over here today talking to the governor about Jacksonville issues.

Current elected CFO Jeff Atwater has already announced he is leaving the position early in May to take a job at Florida Atlantic University. That gives Scott the authority to appoint an interim CFO who could serve until the end of 2018 when the next election for the position is held.

Currys name has come up as a potential candidate for CFO given he is a CPA, the former Republican Party of Florida chairman and is the mayor of the city with the largest population in Florida. Hes also from a county - Duval - that is a must win for Republicans to win statewide.



Curry has only been mayor for 2 years and has a term that runs until 2019. He would have to take a major pay cut from his $174,000 a year in Jacksonville to less than $130,000 for CFO.

Scott has not said who he is considering for CFO or when he would make a decision. Check out here some of the other candidates that weve speculated could be in the running.
via @PolitiFactNH

As New Hampshire considers the merits of a universal Education Savings Account bill, education reformers nationwide are watching - and weighing in.

Senate Bill 193 would allow parents to use 90 percent of the per-pupil grant the state gives to local public schools and instead put it toward alternative educational expenses, including private school tuition or homeschooling.

ESAs function basically like vouchers, but they give parents more options about how the money can be spent.

Proponents of ESAs tout them as the next evolution in school choice. If SB 193 is passed by the House (it cleared the Senate in March), it would be one of the most expansive school choice laws in the country.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, whose Foundation for Excellence in Education is backing market-based education reform efforts nationwide, submitted an op-ed in New Hampshire papers this week, urging passage of the bill.

"This legislation (will not) hurt public schools. In fact, a large body of research, including that done in my home state of Florida, indicates quite the opposite. When public schools face increased competition, they get better and kids learn more," he wrote.

Critics of choice typically say that diverting funds from public schools hurt those schools. So putting aside the question of whether vouchers actually help the kids who use them, we wondered: Does research show that school choice, and specifically vouchers, help public schools get better?

See what PolitiFact New Hampshire found.
Senate President Joe Negron said in a statement Monday that while he appreciate's the governor's endorsement of his plan for a southern reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, he has his doubts that the federal government will repay a loan the governor wants to advance the feds.

Here's Negron's statement:

"I appreciate Governor Scott's support for reducing and eventually eliminating harmful, polluted, high-volume discharges from Lake Okeechobee. The Governor has long been a partner in this important effort. He has visited our communities a number of times over the last several years and has seen firsthand the impact of this pollution on the environment, as well as the impact on the economies east and west of the Lake. Last summer he supported our communities by declaring a state of emergency in four Florida counties plagued by enormous toxic blue-green algal blooms.



"There is no question that repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike are needed to ensure the safety of communities south of the Lake. I do have some concern that if Florida advances funds to complete the rehabilitation of the Herbert Hoover Dike, the federal government will not repay our state. I want to make sure we do not spend hundreds of millions of dollars of General Revenue funds on what is unquestionably a federal responsibility. I have shared these concerns with Governor Scott, and I appreciate the Governor continuing to work with our new federal partners to expedite the timetable for these necessary repairs.



"The Senate remains focused on reducing, and ultimately eliminating, the harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee."
@JeremySWallace

The Florida Legislature is supposed to pass a budget and wrap up their annual spring session on May 5.

But given the number of major unresolved issues, many have wondered if the Legislature will have to either extend this year's session or maybe even have to come back for a special session as they had to two years ago to finish the budget.

We asked Senate President Joe Negron if he has any doubt the Legislature will finish on time.

"I can't predict the future, so I don't know exactly how things will unfold," the Republican from Stuart said. "I have every expectation that we'll be able to complete our business on time. As I've said before, it would be a sad commentary on the legal profession if two lawyers couldn't get their work done on time."

Negron, an attorney, was referring to House Speaker Richard Corcoran, a Pasco County Republican who is also an attorney.
When no one stops you at the gate to ask if you have your ticket to the fair this summer, dont be surprised. Theyre not required anymore.

To boost attendance, the Missoula County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to make the 2017 Western Montana Fair free.

I certainly have always found the gate admission to be a barrier, Commissioner Cola Rowley said. If we make it free, I will go there every day for every meal.

Fair Event Manager Tom Aldrich said he and Chief Operating Officer Chris Lounsbury raised the idea of a free fair at the end of last summer, but waited until they started planning this years fair to work on details.

The fair brings in about $100,000 from gate admission, but its costs exceed $50,000, to train and pay staff and insure the cash-on-hand.

He believed added concession and carnival spending, which earned upwards of $350,000-450,000 in 2016, would easily cover the risk.

It would allow us to focus on quality new programming and building the fair, Aldrich said. I think in the long run its a model we can build an awesome fair around.

Commissioner Dave Strohmaier asked for the worst-case scenario if the approximately $50,000 in lost admission wasnt made up through other avenues.

Aldrich said that while he highly doubted that would happen, that wouldnt end the free-admission idea.

Rather, prices for the rodeo and demolition derby tickets, which he said are priced much lower than many surrounding fairs, may increase in coming fairs.

He added that media and advertising partners all gave him good feedback on the idea of a free fair, opening up the possibility of marketing campaigns and sponsorships around free admission, which would also help cover lost revenue.

Emily Bentley, the fairgrounds development director, said free admission would also help the county cross-promote the fair as an option for visitors at Big Sky Brewing Companys Travelers Rest Festival, scheduled for the same weekend.

Bentley also told the commission the fair has been rearranged to provide more shaded outdoor seating on the greener-than-ever lawn, thanks to work from the grounds crew, and pointed out the fair posters, designed by local artist Josh Quick.

Were really in a new place, Rowley said, and its so exciting.
Competition is tough among the University of Montana and other campuses to recruit high school graduates.

UM's Mario Schulzke estimated that roughly 23 universities and colleges in the state chase around 4,000 high school students in Montana every year.

"That's a very small market to go after," said Schulzke, the university's associate vice president for integrated communications and chief marketing officer.

At a recent meeting about UM's new strategic plan, Schulzke proposed that the flagship in Missoula target another market, one that's largely overlooked but substantial: the 131,000 people in Montana who started college but never finished a degree.

"We need to think about our academic offerings, and particularly, the way we deliver our academic offerings to meet the needs of that group," Schulzke said Monday.

In other words, he wants UM to bring more programs online, and even make learning available on mobile devices.

***

Earlier this month, UM President Sheila Stearns released the university's new strategic plan. Dean Brock Tessman, who chaired the effort to create the document, said former President Royce Engstrom launched the initiative a year ago partly because of all the leadership changes at the university.

Stearns is serving in an interim capacity, and UM officials have said they want the plan to be used as part of the search for a permanent president.

Since 2010, enrollment has slipped at UM some 24 percent, and the campus has been focused on recruiting more students. Schulzke, though, said part of the point of the strategic plan is to look beyond the typical targets  recent high school grads  and reach out to different groups.

In fact, he said UM is "missing the boat" if it doesn't meet students where they are. If even 10 percent of that population of 131,000 enrolls again, that's the equivalent of a full campus.

"That is a large number of people that we are not actively marketing to," Schulzke said.

***

UM doesn't yet know whether people who don't have degrees want to return, either to Missoula College or UM. The number of people who previously dropped out of UM and are currently enrolled wasn't available Monday.

At the same time, Schulzke said there's value in higher education for a person's career, and UM has strong offerings. So it needs to make it easier for those potential students to take advantage of the opportunities.

"Part of our challenge is that in order for people to come to the University of Montana right now, they have to physically come to the University of Montana, in a majority of cases," he said.

To move forward, he suggested UM evaluate its offerings. "Which one of these programs might make sense to bring online?"

The strategic plan, called "UM Strategic Vision: Creating Change Together," calls for increasing "the number of fully online degree programs" and providing incentives for departments to develop online degree programs.

***

Assistant professor of political science Sara Rinfret has already seen the value of online learning for UM. The Department of Political Science offers a Master's of Public Administration, online or in person, and Rinfret said roughly half the estimated 75 students enrolled take it online.

"Some students really want to be able to do it in person," Rinfret said. "But then you have a lot of individuals that are mid-career professionals, and so they really want to be able to have that degree to advance in their professional career."

The best thing UM can do for those 131,000 people with some credit is to reach out to them, she said: "What if we offered this opportunity? Would you be willing to come back?"
The Missoulians myopic Sunday editorial Zinke fogs future of bison range starts with a false premise and moves to a misplaced conclusion.

First, the proposal to transfer the National Bison Range would have done far more than move this wildlife refuge from one federal agency to another. It would have given the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes the power to manage the Bison Range for its sole benefit.

Despite language in its draft legislation promising to maintain it as a refuge and allow public access, there would be no legal remedy if the CSKT later decided to sell off the bison herd, bar the public, open a racetrack or gravel mine or anything else it wanted. The Bison Range land would have become part of the CSKT reservation and subject to no more federal restrictions than any other reservation land.

Second, neither transfer nor CSKT management would produce any savings to the taxpayer  just the opposite. Transfer would start with awarding of Bison Range assets worth more than $100 million to the tribes, and then put the U.S. taxpayer on the hook to make further payments to assist tribal management. In past shared management agreements, CSKT reimbursements were much more expensive than the costs of federal management, thus further straining an already impoverished refuge system.

The way forward is laid out in a lawsuit being pursued by my organization, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), and a number of former Bison Range and refuge managers and employees. Our lawsuit would require the Interior Department to complete a long overdue but statutorily mandated comprehensive conservation plan for the Bison Range. Virtually every other of the more than 560 wildlife refuges in the country has such a plan laying out a charter for their operation and a blueprint for their staffing.

The future course of the Bison Range should be clear  restore it to its former status as the Crown Jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
As we count down the last days of the legislative session, various pressing matters take on more urgency. Legislators must come to an agreement on infrastructure funding, taxes and the budget, among a host of other issues vying for their votes.

Despite the increasing tumult in the Legislature, two important bills designed to combat Montanas sky-high suicide rate are well on their way to becoming law. The states elected leaders should make sure these bills do not get lost in the shuffle  and they should recognize that much more remains to be done to change Montanas tragic relationship with suicide.

At least 18 separate bill drafts aimed at addressing Montanas suicide crisis were recorded in the Legislature, reflecting the gravity of the problem as well as the lack of statewide coordination to combat it. Now, however, only these two bills remain, and both are badly needed to help connect more people to the resources they need to survive  before its too late.

The state has had among the top five highest suicide rates in the nation for some 40 years. At last count, in 2014, Montana had the highest rate, and an average of 220 Montanans die by suicide every year. The reasons for the high numbers of Montanans who commit suicide are as varied as the legislative efforts proposed to reduce them, and include relatively high rates of alcohol and drug abuse, easy access to prescription drugs and firearms, and relatively low access to mental health care.

The Montana Suicide Mortality Review Team took a close look at the 555 suicides that occurred in the state from Jan. 1, 2014 to March 1, 2016, and found that the rate of completed suicides was highest among men (45 per 100,00 people), between the ages of 35-44 (36.3 per 100,000 people) and by Native Americans (35.5 per 100,000 people).

***

One of the two bills that is still on track to become law is sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder. It seeks to revise and provide additional funding for suicide prevention activities in the state. House Bill 118 passed the House on a vote of 91-9, but was heavily amended in the Senate before winning the approval of that chamber 44-6. The amended version is scheduled for a second reading in the House today.

HB 118 would slightly revise the state suicide prevention program to clarify the duties of the suicide prevention officer, and provide money for suicide prevention grants that could be awarded to any tribal, school, local government or other entity that met the necessary requirements. All those who receive grants would be required to use evidence-based methods and to report their outcomes to the Department of Public Health and Human Services.

The grant money would come from cigarette taxes and the tobacco settlement trust fund. While the bill allocates a total of $1 million to DPHHS for these purposes, it contains a provision that would void the appropriation if a similar amount of money is dedicated for the same purpose in the main budget bill  which it currently does. Its up to legislators to make sure the main budget bill does not conflict with this more targeted suicide prevention effort.

Its both more targeted and more broad. As other anti-suicide bills dropped out of contention, HB 118 was expanded to include ethnic groups and occupations as well as veterans and Native Americans.

Perhaps most promisingly, it would push forward the implementation of action steps outlined in a statewide Montana Native Youth Suicide Reduction Plan published in January.

***

House Bill 381, meanwhile, attends to Montanas children through a legislative requirement that school districts address suicide prevention and response. This bill, too, received overwhelming support in both the House and Senate but was amended along the way. It is now on its way to the governors desk for signing.

HB 381 directs the office of public instruction to provide guidance and technical assistance to Montana schools on youth suicide awareness and prevention training materials and requires school district trustees to establish policies, procedures or plans related to suicide. As amended, however, there is absolutely no penalty for those that fail to comply.

Nevertheless, its an encouraging step that ensures Montanas schools wont lack for guidance as they work to reduce the risk of suicide among their student population.

While the Legislature certainly could have done more this session, their support of these two suicide prevention bills puts Montana on more solid footing in the future. Montanans should watch what happens in their communities carefully, while the state evaluates which programs work best overall.
A Butte man who led police on a car chase Friday that started with his tires getting shot out and ended in a crash was arrested for fleeing police again Tuesday morning after escaping custody at the Butte-Silver Bow County courthouse.

James Wasson, 28, had been in county jail since Friday, but tried to harm himself over the weekend and after a Monday hearing was transported to the Montana State Hospital at Warm Springs treatment center for a mental health evaluation, according to Undersheriff George Skuletich.

When Wasson was returned Tuesday, he arrived behind the courthouse at 9:50 a.m. in an ambulance van without hand or ankle cuffs and wearing civilian clothes like other prisoners, which Skuletich said is state hospital policy.

Skuletich said when an officer was removing a bag of Wasson's items from the van Wasson jumped out another door and took off running. Officers gave pursuit, but lost Wasson, who Skuletich said was hiding.

Twenty minutes later an off-duty police officer spotted Wasson about eight blocks away at the entrance to St. James Healthcare's emergency room, where Wasson was arrested. Skuletich said Wasson was brought to county jail, where he fought with and spat on police and had to be put in a restraint chair and a spit hood placed over his head.

Wasson was brought to his hearing in the restraint chair and committed to the state hospital for 90 days. Skuletich said he was transported back to the facility in the restraint chair and under guard.

Wasson was arrested early Friday after driving up to a house being searched by Butte police and Probation and Parole officers. Police said when probation officers walked up to his vehicle Wasson took off, and a probation officer shot at least two rounds at the car's vehicle's flattening one.

Several squad cars pursued Wasson's vehicle to the overpass on Second and Shields where it crashed. Wasson was booked for three felony counts of criminal endangerment, DUI refusal, fleeing from police, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended or revoked license. One of his two passengers was also arrested for violating probation.

According to police reports, Wasson fled from police on March 10 as well after arriving to the scene of a traffic stop after another man was arrested for driving Wasson's car with a suspended license. When police tried to arrest Wasson for failing to appear in court, he fled on foot and was arrested after hiding in a parked car in a garage.
One new candidate and three incumbents have applied for three trustee seats on the Butte school board.

The board choices and three levies are on the ballot for the May 2 election.

Jackie Blom, a former eight-year district employee, filed as a candidate. Incumbents who re-applied are elementary trustees Patti Hepola, Ann Boston, and Tom Billteen. Boston is the current chairwoman, and Hepola is the vice chairwoman. Their three-year terms expire this year.

All four candidates are running for the same three seats, said Dennis Clague, district business director and election administrator. The three with the highest total (votes) will win.

Blom has held four jobs in the district, all in the administration building, said Human Resources Director Therese McClafferty.

Blom was initially hired in August 2008 as a district receptionist. She then worked as a payroll clerk, an accounts payroll clerk, and finally an HR assistant for McClafferty until last September. She now works in the payroll department at Montana Resources.

On Monday, district officials mailed out 9,218 absentee ballots  an increase of about 700 from last year, said Clague.

The ballots are due back by May 2 at the polls, open noon to 8 p.m. at the Butte Civic Center, 1340 Harrison Ave. Voters may hand-deliver their absentee ballots at their precinct polling places if they don't return them via mail in time.

Outlying areas Ramsay, Rocker, Divide, and Melrose will open precincts to vote on the high school levy only since they have separate elementary schools but send students to the high school.

The deadline to file for one of the open seats was March 24. The deadline to file for write-in candidacy was March 30.

The district will ask voters for three levies that would increase their property taxes, including a first-ever $3-million, 10-year technology fund. Trustees are asking voters to approve:

 A $300,000-per-year elementary technology fund over 10 years. If passed, it would raise property tax $7.75 annually on a $100,000 home and $15.50 on a $200,000 home.

 A $96,573 high school operations and maintenance levy. Tax on a $100,000 home would increase $2.21 annually and $4.43 annually on a $200,000 home.

 A $65,924 elementary operations and maintenance levy. The increase for a $100,000 home would be $1.70 per year and $3.41 per year on a $200,000 home.

It marks the first time the district has run a technology levy. Officials say the funding is needed to keep up with technological changes, to pay for software license subscriptions, and upgrade computer systems.
The Montana Board of Public Education has awarded all the schools in the Butte school district a "regular" accreditation status.

"It's very good," said district Superintendent Judy Jonart. "We don't have any corrective action. That's what we strive for  'regular' status."

The state board implemented a revised process in 2013 to measure "a school's efforts to provide a sound education program for all students," according to Linda Vrooman Peterson, accreditation specialist with the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

MBPE studies English/language arts and math in both the elementary schools and Butte High School, science, and the high school graduation rate. All, plus East Middle School, topped out as "regular."

"Otherwise, we'd have to submit a corrective action plan to the board," Jonart said.

Accreditors' ratings range from "regular," the best, to "regular with minor deviation" to "corrective action required" to "deficient."

"This is great news for our students, and parents of our District," wrote Jonart to Butte school board trustees in a letter presented at the monthly board meeting Monday. "The Butte School District would not meet these accreditation standards without the hard work and dedication from our teachers, students, parents, administrators and trustees."
Butte school district trustees approved an independent audit report for fiscal year 2016 that a local accounting firm deemed "clean," although Business Director Dennis Clague said he had to correct an earlier balancing error.

Clague told trustees in a letter he corrected the error to reflect in the report on Newland and Company accounting/tax firm's recommendation and with assistance from the Montana Office of Public Instruction. He also worked with administrative colleagues to remedy the problem.

"There are no significant errors," said Clague. "I made a mistake when I dealt with the prior year's numbers, bringing them forward. The balances were off slightly."

He told trustees he made the error while transferring balances from the 2015 budget to the fiscal year 2016 budget.

In its report, the auditor termed the error "a significant weakness in internal controls" but characterized the audit as "unqualified," which Superintendent Judy Jonart said is "a good thing."

"It's what you want to strive for," she added.

According to Investopedia.com, an auditor's unqualified judgement means that a company's financial records and statements are fairly and appropriately presented and sound in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

A qualified opinion is issued when the independent auditor discovers something in the financial statements that is subject to major concern.

Clague added:

"But because they gave us an unqualified clean audit, they don't view it as a chronic, overarching problem. I worked with my staff to make sure we're all on the same page."
The Missouri River Reservoir System is the largest reservoir system in North America. Management of the system is complicated by multiple and diverse interest groups and applicable laws.

Interest groups represent irrigation, flood risk, hydro power, recreation, water supply, navigation, fish and wildlife, cultural resources, and commercial sand and gravel dredging.

FISH, BIRDS AT RISK

One of the applicable laws is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which provides for the conservation of threatened or endangered species and their habitats. In the Missouri River basin, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists the endangered pallid sturgeon, the endangered least tern, and the threatened piping plover.

The Missouri River runs over 2,300 miles from Three Forks, Montana, where the Gallatin River, Madison River, and Jefferson River join. It drains into the Mississippi River north of St. Louis, Missouri.

It was once the turbid, rapid stream  the Missouri. That is how John Jay Audubon described it in 1843.

Now the Missouri River is slowed at six major reservoirs behind dams. Fort Peck Lake and Fort Peck Dam are on the river in Montana. North Dakota has Lake Sakakawea behind Garrison Dam and Lake Oahe behind Oahe Dam. In South Dakota, there are Lake Sharpe at Big Bend Dam and Lake Francis Case at Fort Randall Dam. South Dakota and Nebraska share both Lewis and Clark Lake and Gavins Point Dam.

This large reservoir system affects the three listed species.

Maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this reservoir system has the capacity to store 72.4 million acre-feet of water. An acre foot of water can cover one acre to a depth of one foot. Precipitation, snow melt, hydrology, basin and agriculture drainage, and resource uses influence decisions about the level of each reservoir.

How can the Corps of Engineers operate the reservoir system without jeopardizing the listed species? To answer that, the Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Fish and Wildlife Service, has prepared a massive Draft Missouri River Recovery Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement with supplemental materials.

The plan offers six alternatives intended to help the three species.

Alternative 1 is the Congressionally mandated no-action alternative. It is not acceptable as the Corps of Engineers recognizes demonstrated needs for management plans informed by the best available science, including new scientific information about the species and their habitats.

The remaining options provide for variable amounts of mechanical construction of emergent sandbar habitat for the plovers and terns. The different water flow releases of the alternatives account for the variable amounts of mechanical sandbar construction.

The five remaining alternatives also include managing reservoir releases during nesting season to reduce the chances of rising water taking nests, eggs, or chicks of the plovers and terns.

Furthermore the five alternatives support hatchery propagation of the pallid sturgeon and monitoring sturgeon population, as well as construction of early-life stage habitat in the lower river. These are good basic measures.

BETTER OPTION NEEDED

But beyond that, where are provisions for designation of critical habitat for the endangered pallid sturgeon; for unbalanced reservoirs to address the situation at a particular reservoir; for the application of the best science currently available?

Habitat loss, fishing and caviar harvesting, entrainment and watercraft propellers, contaminants, hybridization, invasive species, and iridovirus all threaten the endangered pallid sturgeon. None of the alternatives provide adequate response. The pallid sturgeon requires shallow-water habitat.

Designation of critical habitat is necessary. The Corps of Engineers seemingly acknowledges that with the phrase avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of pallid sturgeon or its critical habitats in the accompanying Draft Science and Adaptive Management Plan.

Perhaps having unbalanced reservoirs as a management tool in the Missouri River main stem Reservoir System Master Water Control Manual is adequate, but perhaps not.

To say that Alternative 2  following the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services 2003 Biological Opinion projected actions  is the best alternative presented, and it is clearly is, is not to say that Alternative 2 is adequate.

A lot of science has been done since 2003, and that science should inform policy and practice.

The final document should include an improved best alternative, with more fairness in estimating the costs of the various alternatives.

In other words, the best is still to come. I hope.

-- Anne Millbrooke, of Bozeman, is a member of Sierra Clubs Missouri River Grassroots Network.
The estimated 3,000 to 4,000 snow geese that perished in December 2016 in the Berkeley Pits toxic water died of both heavy metals and sulfuric acid, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesperson Ryan Moehring.

The necropsy report does not make the findings clear, stating only that lesions in the stomach, intestines, and throats were severe and suggestive of chemical tissue damage induced by a corrosive substance.

Copper and zinc, both of which were found inside the birds stomachs, could have been the cause or a contributing factor in the lesions, according to the report. Other metals, including manganese, were found in the organs of the geese.

Montana Resources manager of environmental affairs Mark Thompson said the reports findings that the metals and acid in the pit caused the bird mortalities came as no surprise.

There was never any suspicion the birds died from some other cause besides pit water, Thompson said.

The companies responsible for the pit, Montana Resources and Atlantic Richfield Co., could be fined as much as $5,000 per bird. Helena-based U.S. Attorney spokesperson Melissa Hornbein said the U.S. Attorneys Montana office cannot comment yet on whether the companies will be fined.

The report says 18 birds were tested. Two of the birds were different species of duck. The other 16 were snow geese.

One bird the lab tested was shot in Dillon. That bird died of the gunshot wound. A captured and treated bird, which died after capture, was also sent to the necropsy lab. That bird showed inflammation and bacteria internally in addition to internal damage caused by metals and sulfuric acid. The infection may have contributed to that birds death, according to the report.

The report says the birds condition was similar to the 342 snow geese that died in November 1995 when a flock landed  almost 21 years to the day  on the pit during a snowstorm and perished. Those birds were found dead by a Bureau of Mines and Geology employee who returned to the pits toxic water within a few days to take water samples after the storm passed.

When a winter storm encouraged the birds to land in 2016, an estimated 10,000 birds found a resting spot on the Berkeley Pit, but thousands of birds flew off over the course of a week. A Bureau of Mines and Geology water sample report taken in December of last year found the pits water to be less acidic than it was in 1995.

Earlier this year the companies put together a bird advisory committee and hired Montana Tech professor Stella Capoccia to advise on new ways to prevent birds from landing and dying in the pit in the future. The companies are testing new technologies this spring. In addition to propane-powered canons already stationed around the pit, the companies are bringing in later this month a device that shoots out rings of compressed air that scare the birds, Thompson said. The companies hope to have a fully vetted plan in place by fall to prevent another die-off. The plan will have to get federal and state agency approval.

The news from the necropsy report comes just in time for a bird mourning event hosted by the Clark Fork Watershed Education Program and Buttes Citizens for Labor and Environmental Justice. Taking place from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Knights of Columbus's upstairs ballroom, the event is a fundraiser for CFWEP, which seeks to educate the regions youth on the local environment. Event spokesperson Mary Kay Craig said there will be art, music, poetry, presentations, and snow geese commemorative items for sale.

Craig said the event is intended to help the community of Butte heal.
HELENA  An appeals court has denied a request by three minor party and independent candidates to place their names on the ballot for the special election to replace Ryan Zinke, who left Montana's only U.S. House seat to become Interior secretary.

The three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the emergency motion late Monday. Instead, the panel ordered the candidates and the Montana Secretary of State's Office to file their arguments by mid-June, well after the election set for May 25.

Overseas ballots have already been mailed and other preparations are already underway for the election. Absentee ballots are scheduled to be mailed May 1.

"The secretary is encouraged that we have clarity for the upcoming election," said Morgan Williams, a spokeswoman for Secretary of State Corey Stapleton. "Our clerks are working hard to prepare ballots and set up polling places as we march forward toward this historic special election."

The Green Party's Thomas Breck and independents Steve Kelly and Doug Campbell sought an order either placing them on the ballot or giving them more time to collect the signatures they need to qualify as candidates.

U.S. District Judge Brian Morris previously lowered the signature requirement from more than 14,000 to just 400, but he did not extend the March 6 deadline for candidates to turn in signatures and did not order the three candidates to be listed on the ballot, prompting the appeal.

The candidates' attorney, Bryan Sells, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The three candidates on the ballot are Republican Greg Gianforte, Democrat Rob Quist and Libertarian Mark Wicks.

Gov. Steve Bullock has tried to revive a killed bill that would have allowed counties to conduct the special election exclusively by mail, but House Speaker Austin Knudsen has not scheduled a vote on the House floor.
HELENA  U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions moved Tuesday to expand an Obama administration initiative to allow more tribal authorities access to federal anti-crime databases - an action long sought by tribes from the Metlakatla of Alaska to the Oneida of New York.

The attorney general's announcement was part of a broader package to improve the sometimes-strained relationship between federal authorities and Native America.

Complex historical, cultural and legal relationships between tribes and the U.S. government have complicated that effort in the past.

"Law enforcement in Indian Country faces unique practical and jurisdictional challenges," Sessions said in a statement, "and the Department of Justice is committed to working with them to provide greater access to technology, information and necessary enforcement."

As part of the program, the Justice Department will hold a series of "listening sessions" with tribal leaders and law enforcement officials to better understand the challenges Indian reservations face in addressing crime.

The department also said it established a working group, comprised of federal officials from 12 agencies, to increase collaboration between U.S. authorities and those in sovereign Indian nations.

The centerpiece of the program is an expansion of an Obama administration program launched in 2015 that gives some tribal nations access to criminal data contained in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Nine tribes were already a part of the program that Sessions said in December he would expand to 10 more tribes.

"This cooperation among law enforcement protects all people, not just Native Americans," said John Dossett, general counsel for the National Congress of American Indians.

Tribal governments have long sought to expand access to criminal background information collected by the federal government not only to attack crime but to also help with civil matters such as child custody cases.

While some tribes have access to state criminal information, access to the federal database will allow tribal authorities to more quickly and more deeply access information about people.

Access to federal databases will also soon expand to the Metlakatla Indians of Alaska, Navajo of the Southwest and the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Cheppewa Indians, among other tribes.

Law enforcement officials on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana began using the federal databases on Tuesday, giving them access to additional background on individuals, including those who might have crossed state lines.

Ken Trottier, supervising investigator for the reservation, said the new tools will help fight an entrenched problem with meth and other criminal activity spawned by a population boom in the Bakken oil region.

"Suddenly we saw a lot of strange and new faces - people we didn't know. It was just tough to find out anything about them," Trottier said. "This is going to be our way of staying that one step ahead."
Irish poet to read excerpts Friday

Leanne O'Sullivan from the Beara peninsula in Irelands West Cork will read a selection from her work at 7 p.m. Friday, April 21, in the Butte Brewery, 465 E. Galena St.

Much of OSullivans work is inspired by her native land and its mining tradition, so it should speak in a particular way to the people of Montana. Many of Buttes Irish immigrant miners were from the Beara Peninsula.

Dance recital Saturday at Mother Lode

Mining City Dance Co. will hold their annual dance recital, "Dance Til You Drop, at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Mother Lode Theatre.

The recital will feature dancers ages 3 to 21 from Butte, Anaconda, and Deer Lodge. They will perform tap, jazz, ballet, clogging, tumbling, hip hop, and cheer.

Admission is $8 in advance or $9 at the door. Ages 2 and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 601 S. Montana St. through Thursday or by calling 491-8485.

Wheeler Foundation awards scholarships

The Jacob Wheeler Foundation has announced the 2017 scholarship recipients.

Butte High seniors Abigail Dodge and Zach Archibald are the recipients of $1,000 each. Dodge plans to attend the University of Montana in the fall, and Archibald plans on attending the Colorado School of Mines in the fall.

In addition, two $500 scholarships have been awarded to Butte High seniors, Brianna Cunneen and Katelyn Reichle. Both teens will attend Montana Tech in the fall.

The foundations mission is to provide memorial scholarships and support to the community through activities that promote suicide awareness and prevention and offer survivor support. Details: www.jacobwheelerfoundation.com or Facebook.

Hospital auxiliary hosts Spring Bingo

St. James Hospital Auxiliary will host a Spring Bingo Fundraiser at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at St. Anns Parish Hall, 2100 Farragut.

The cost is $5 for 12 games of bingo. There are also three special games. Cash prizes will be given to the winners. Refreshments will be provided. Proceeds go toward college scholarships for those entering the medical field and for hospital equipment.

Candidates listed for Walkerville offices

Walkerville residents interested in serving as mayor or as an alderperson on Walkervilles city council have until June 19 to file the necessary documents in the clerk and recorders office at the Butte-Silver Bow courthouse.

The incumbent for mayor is John Ries. Ward 1 serves Precinct 10N, and Ward 2 serves Precinct 10S. Annette Bolton is the incumbent for Ward 1, and Ward 2 is vacant.

In November 2006, Walkerville voters approved their study commission recommendation of conducting non-partisan elections, which will be done for the 2017 elections. If a primary is necessary, it will be held Tuesday, Sept. 12, and the general election will be Tuesday, Nov. 7. As it has for the past several years, the election will be conducted by mail ballot.

Officials set to plant seedlings

The city and county of Butte-Silver Bow, Butte Natural Resource Damage Council, Montana Tech Native Plant Program, MSU Extension Butte-Silver Bow, and Buttes Urban Forest Board invite the community help plant 800 native plant seedlings Saturday, April 22. By planting the seedlings, it is hoped that they will help to slow stormwater flows, protect Silver Bow Creek from the migration of contaminants, and encourage the public to participate in Buttes restoration.

The tree-planting event will take place at 1 p.m. at the Missoula Ball Fields on Missoula Ave. Butte Area One Restoration funds approved by the Butte Natural Resource Damage Council fund this effort.

Volunteers are asked to bring tools like a shovel or trowel and gloves and anything you might require for a few hours in the sun and rain. Please be sure to wear closed-toe shoes.

For more details or to sign up as a volunteer, contact MSU Extension Butte-Silver Bow at 406-723-0217 or kellee.anderson@montana.edu or Julia Crain at 406-497-6264 or jcrain@bsb.mt.gov.
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst said Tuesday that President Donald Trump's frequent trips to Florida have been "bothering" her, saying, "I do wish he would spend more time in Washington."
The Dakota Access Pipeline protesters are finally gone. Calling themselves Water Protectors," they contaminated a thousand acres of pristine grassland (also a sensitive wildlife habitat) and left behind mountains of trash, human waste and hazardous fuels.

An early thaw turned their campsite into a muddy cesspool. Included in the debris were dozens of abandoned cars, structures, propane tanks  and 12 dogs!

In Late February the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spent $1.1 million to clean up the protest camps, hauling away 835 dumpsters (8,170 cubic yards) of trash and debris. The local tribes were concerned that snowmelt would inevitably wash tons of garbage and waste into the Cannonball River.

Of course, it's impossible to remove every drop and particle of waste. The Missouri River downstream from the Cannonball is almost certainly polluted. Don't drink that "protected" water!

Some of the "Water Protectors" may have been paid protesters. (Do they really care?) The Sierra Club and Greenpeace were among the organizations that compensated them. Among environmentalists, these organizations are respected and considered responsible. So why did none of their check writers bother to contract for trash Dumpsters and outhouses? This is shocking negligence!

The Dakota Access protest is reported to have provided inspiration and a blueprint for protests against pipelines elsewhere. If future protests don't include facilities for waste disposal, they will do only harm. In the spirit of good environmentalism, recycle bins should also be provided.

I'll take my chances with the pipeline company. They know how to handle oil spills and will respond immediately. Oil doesn't mix with water like sewage does. Let the oil flow! Cheap energy from fossil fuels now supplies 86 percent of the world's energy and has kept seven billion people from starving. Google "The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels." It's good reading.

-- Dale Ferguson, Polson
MISSOULA  A 34-year-old man accused of driving drunk with his 5-year-old son in the car on Saturday allegedly told the sheriffs deputy attempting to arrest him that You will not cuff me, bro.

The deputy handcuffed Walter Allen Shields and also cuffed his legs after Shields allegedly tried to kick out the windows of the patrol car, according to court documents.

Walter Allen Shields is charged with felony child criminal endangerment, as well as misdemeanors for driving under the influence, obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest. Bail was set at $5,000 during his initial appearance Monday in Missoula County Justice Court.

According to a court affidavit, a woman reported Saturday that Shields was intoxicated and driving with his son in the car near Marvins Bar at the Wye west of Missoula.

A sheriffs deputy located the car and stopped it, reporting that the driver was slurring his words, and that his breath smelled of alcohol. He allegedly refused to show identification or tell the officer his name, saying Im trying to be nice and I just want to go home and be with my kid, according to the affidavit.

He allegedly struggled when the deputy attempted to handcuff him.

The deputy allegedly found a mixed drink in the front cup holder of the car, and several cans of beer in the back seat. A relative came to the scene and picked up the boy.

***

Arthur Wayne Schubert, 39, has also been charged in connection with an alleged drunk driving incident.

On Saturday, a police officer was responding to a report of a hit-and-run crash when he saw the vehicle believed to have been involved. The vehicle had body damage on the side and front, and its hazard lights were flashing. The officer attempted to stop the car, but it kept driving even after he turned on his emergency lights and sirens. According to a court affidavit, the motorist drove through three stop signs while being pursued, until finally stopping at a driveway.

The officer reported the drivers side airbag was already deployed by the time the driver eventually got out. Schubert told police he saw the emergency lights and heard the siren, but did not give them a reason for refusing to stop, according to the court documents.

After being arrested, Schubert was shown that his vehicle was damaged, but responded by saying No, its not, according to the affidavit.

A $5,000 bail was imposed upon Schubert, who is charged with felony DUI as well as driving with a suspended or revoked license, and a misdemeanor for fleeing a peace officer.
MISSOULA  One of three remaining energy development leaseholders in the Badger-Two Medicine area south of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation has sued the federal government for access to the land, despite the Department of Interiors cancellation of the leases in January.

W.A. Moncrief of Fort Worth, Texas, filed his case on April 3, claiming sudden cancellation of a federal oil and gas lease more than 35 years after its issuance. Moncriefs case goes before the same federal judge in Washington, D.C., who is hearing the case of Solenex LLC.

Solonex had a permit to drill in a place the Blackfeet consider sacred ground, but the Department of the Interior canceled that permit last year.

The national forest land ringed by the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex has drawn attention for several years as the Blackfeet Tribe pushed its case that numerous energy exploration leases granted in the 1980s were invalid.

Tribal members revere the 130,000-acre area as the site of their ancestral creation stories and present-day cultural activities. Last year, officials with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management agreed the leases were granted without proper tribal consultation or environmental review.

The Blackfeet are not against oil and gas development, Tribal Chairman Harry Barnes stated in an April 14 press release. But we have always been and will always be against oil and gas development in our most sacred places.

On the issue of lease cancellation, Barnes wrote, Solenex and Moncrief can blame no one but themselves.

They ignored multiple Blackfeet resolutions declaring the land sacred, even before they purchased the leases; they declined myriad offers by the Blackfeet Nation and the U.S. government to negotiate a solution; they refused to join the vast majority of companies who exited the Badger-Two Medicine on good terms; and they forced cancellation as a last-resort option by their aggressive litigation and refusal to consult and cooperate. They have taken a radical position, and so have forced an outcome no one wanted.

In his suit, Moncrief maintains the Interior Department gave him no warning of his lease cancellation before issuing a press release about the action on Jan. 10. He argued that shows the agency was playing politics at the end of President Barack Obamas administration instead of considering the scientific or historical merits of the lease.

Barnes responded that the tribe had offered Moncrief tax credits, cash offers, alternative leases and pre-drilled wells in other parts of the reservation in compensation for the Badger-Two Medicine leases. He called Moncriefs claim that the cancellation was a last-minute action by Obama preposterous.

Our 1971 declaration of the B2Ms sacred nature was signed one day after President Obamas 10th birthday, Barnes wrote. "The history here runs deep, and establishes clearly that this is anything but last minute.

At a lease-cancellation signing with tribal members on Nov. 16, then-Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said her staff was working to resolve the remaining leases. On Jan. 6, Moncrief was paid $27,874 for past lease payments, filing fees and other charges on his 7,640-acre lease. The J.G. Kluthe Trust of Nebraska was paid $30,560 for costs related to its 3,982-acre lease.

Solenex owner Sydney Longwell sued the government several years ago, claiming federal officials were dragging their feet on completing his permit to drill for oil and gas on his Badger-Two Medicine leases. In a parallel analysis, the federal officials decided Solenexs lease was invalid and canceled it last March.

Earthjustice attorney Tim Preso, who represents a coalition of tribal and conservation groups against Solenex, said the Moncrief challenge didnt appear to raise any different issues.

They never applied for and do not hold a drilling permit, and they cant do anything on the land without that, Preso said. The Solenex case is much further along in the judicial process. Theyve been assigned to the same judge, so unless something extraordinary happens, the outcome of the Solenex case would likely apply to this new case.
A bill to create an interim committee to study the effects of legalizing recreational marijuana died 55-45 on the House floor on second reading last week despite support from Republican legislators.

Nine Republicans voted to pass the bill, which would have tied the vote had five Democrats not opposed the bill.

Self-described civil libertarian Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings, also voted against the bill despite his strong support for the states medical marijuana program.

My no vote was simple. The entire conversation this session has been about medical marijuana. I prefer our Legislature keep our eye on the ball and focus on the current issue at hand. We need to make sure the medical marijuana industry is able to develop into a reliable mature industry before we start discussing the next issue, Zolnikov said.

House Joint Resolution 35 was sponsored by Rep. Mary Ann Dunwell, D-Helena, and would have created an interim committee to study the legalization, regulation, taxation, and public health and safety aspects of recreational marijuana and report to the 2019 Legislature. Committees often propose legislation based on the result of their studies.

I think we learned our lesson from medical marijuana, that it would behoove us to be ahead of the curve as far as having some research in place as to how we want to develop policy rather than after the fact, Dunwell said.

HJ35 made it out of committee with only one minor change, which included federal law enforcement agencies and Indian tribes among groups to be involved in the study. Dunwell said the amendment was meant to be inclusive but was seen by some House representatives in the Indian Caucus  all of whom are Democrats  as ordering folks what to do.

What process do you see that you have the Indian Tribes consent with this? said Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, on the House floor. I was going to support this until I saw that. Rep. Sharon Stewart-Peregoy, D-Crow Agency, also voted no.

Rep. Bradley Hamlett, D-Great Falls, also spoke out against the bill, saying a study would inevitably lead to policy.

Speaking in favor of the bill, Rep. Bob Brown, R-Thompson Falls, said Montanans were likely to legalize recreational marijuana through a ballot initiative  as has happened in every state with legal recreational marijuana  and that the Legislature shouldnt lead from behind like when voters chose medical marijuana in 2004.

Brown compared the legislative ups and downs that followed that initiative to trying to put a wildcat into a gunnysack.
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One person is dead after a moped and truck collided Monday night on U.S. 61 in Louisa County.

The crash occurred at 9:50 p.m. on U.S. 61 near Kennedy Drive in Wapello.

The moped was traveling westbound on Oak Street attempting to cross U.S. 61 when the driver failed to yield upon entering the highway and was struck by a 2003 International semi at the intersection of Kennedy Drive, according to a crash report from the Iowa State Patrol.

Both vehicles came to rest in the southbound lane of U.S. 61 at Oak Street.

The driver of the moped has been identified as Sierra Jane Bowdre, 15, of Wapello.

The Iowa State Patrol was assisted by the Louisa County Sheriff's Office, Wapello Fire Department and EMS, and the Louisa County Medical Examiner.
MUSCATINE  During a visit to Muscatine Tuesday morning, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he expects a Supreme Court Justice resignation within the year.

"I would expect a resignation this summer," he said.

An upcoming resignation has been "rumored," he said, but he did not name a justice. The question was posed to him during a question-and-answer session at Kent Corporation headquarters, by Kent employees, National Association of Manufacturers members and elected officials at Kent Corporation headquarters.

A person would likely be nominated from the same list from which recently appointed Justice Neil Gorsuch was chosen, Grassley said, most of whom he said are well-qualified.

"I don't know about racial and ethnic divisions, but there's some very good females on there that would make good Supreme Court Justices as well," he said.

When questioned about the possibility of more resignations, he said it could be possible, but hearings would likely not be held during an election year. When former President Barack Obama nominated Merrick Garland to take the place of the late Justice Antonin Scalia, Grassley and other Republicans opposed holding hearings until the election was over.

"If there's a vacancy in the last year of a presidency, people ought to have a voice," he said.

He referred to a speech Joe Biden made in 1992, urging former President George H. W. Bush not to nominate a Justice during a contentious election year, if a seat were to come available.

"I took the same view that Democrats did," Grassley said. "You can be sure the Democrats are going to remind me of that."

Those listening chuckled, and went on to ask Grassley about business regulations. Many of those attending the event were NAM members and asked several questions regarding businesses, trade and regulations.

Grassley said this administration's position has been any time a new regulation is issued, old regulations should be examined to see if they are needed.

"For instance, let's say safety at the plant here, probably was passed by Congress in 1972," he said. "It hasn't been changed a whole lot, but the regulations might go up or down, but they tend to accumulate up and up and up."

Although he said regulators sometimes go beyond what Congress intended, regulations should be based on the intent of Congress when a law is passed.

"You've got to be based on the judgement of the people writing the regulation, or the judgement of the people like me passing the law in the first place," he said.

Grassley was in Muscatine to accept a National Association of Manufacturers Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence presented by Gage Kent, the Chairman and CEO of Kent Corporation, who serves on the board of NAM.

"He's always been a friend to manufacturers," Kent said.
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 lot is happening in the world today. Just this weekend, Turkey voted to give their president Tayyip Erdogan more powers. Previously, the presidency in Turkey was more ceremonial, but now it just became powerful too powerful some people are saying.

Erdogan will now likely leave office in 2034 after serving 3 terms of 5 years each starting 2019. But since the Turkish people have voluntarily moved from a democracy to a dictatorial regime, who knows whether he will extend his stay.

Turkey is very important in Europes and the Middle Easts geopolitics. Geographically, only 5% of Turkey is in Europe. Its largest city Istanbul is split between Europe and Asia. This kind of convergence of different cultures is not always a good thing. There are constant threats of religious conflicts, terrorism etc.

Europe has just gotten itself another strongman, and though Turkish military is not the greatest in the world, Erdogan is respected in the Arab world and probably has a lot of influence. If not, he has just bought himself 2 decades to work on that.

Then there are the events that have everyone talking about World War 3.

The United States recently elected a man with itchy fingers, who will not hesitate to obliterate real and imaginary enemies. Just recently, he unleashed over 50 missiles on Syria, to punish the administration for gassing its own citizens. Most people however agree that was the wrong move, considering the fact that Assads government may not have been responsible for the chemical attacks.

Assad may be a dictator, but he knows to choose his battles wisely. Having received warnings from the US and other countries against using chemical weapons, most people dont see how he would benefit by using them, especially since there are so many ways to kill your enemy.

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The only people who benefited from the US airstrikes were the terrorists Assad is fighting.

The results of those strikes ended up straining US-Russia relationship. Weve seen this game before.

Donald Trump is also not a big fan of Kim Jong-un. The North Korean dictator is continuously testing nuclear weapons, and this unsettles the United States. From what Trump has been tweeting, it looks like its just a matter of days or weeks before he takes action.

Kim Jong-un knows he is no match for the US, but he is suicidal and wouldnt mind mutual distraction.

Its a bit scary when you think about Kims confidence. Does he have intercontinental missiles capable of delivering nuclear bombs to the US? Its good to note that though anti-missile defense has advanced, it is still believed to be impossible to intercept them 100% of the time. And a single missile sneaking through may mean the end of a large city.

You can therefore understand why people are all of a sudden talking about World War 3. If you look at the happenings in all these countries, the future looks bleak.

I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones. Albert Einstein.

Einstein was spot on. If the United States and Russia were fighting on opposite sides, it would probably mean the end of the world.

Theres a treaty to greatly reduce the number of nuclear arsenals per country, but with Trump in office, who knows?

The world has about 15,000 nuclear warheads, with over 90% of these shared between Russia and the US.

Though theres no scientific agreement, it is generally agreed that detonating all these warheads would lead to the mass extinction of many species, possibly even mankind. Those who survive the blast would have to deal with the radiation. It is estimated that 40% of the ash and smoke would stay in the stratosphere for at least 10 years, and do irreparable damage to the ozone layer.

Global temperatures would drop colder than they were 18,000 years ago during the ice age, and remain that way for decades.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain the only two times a nuclear weapon has been used in warfare.

The two atomic bombs dropped in the two Japanese cities were called Little Boy and Fat Man. Between them, they killed more than 200,000 people.

But compared to modern nuclear weapons, the two look like a toy that was put together by a 5-year old.

Fat Man produced an explosion of about 21 kilotons, equivalent to 21,000 tonnes of TNT. It was the bigger of the two.

The most common warhead in the US today is the B83, which has a maximum yield of 1.2 megatons (1,200 kilotons). That is nearly 60 times more powerful than the Nagasaki atomic bomb.

The most powerful nuclear weapon ever, The Tsar Bomba, was tested by the Soviet Union in 1961. It had a yield of more than 50 megatons. Thats 2500 times more powerful than the Nagasaki bomb and 3300 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb.

So what really makes a nuclear bomb this devastating? Well, its not just the explosion.

A world war has a way of bringing in even the unlikeliest countries. Unless Kenya adopts neutrality, we would sooner or later have to align with either the East or the West or whoever is fighting.

Assuming Nairobi is the unfortunate recipient of a nuclear bomb, what do you think will be the situation? In this case, lets work with the CBD as ground zero. (The bomb doesnt even have to touch the ground. It can detonate mid-air with almost similar results.)

Small Hiroshima Bomb (15 kilotons)

The small red circle represents the Fireball radius. Thats where the actual explosion happens, and that would only touch part of the CBD.

This would be the most merciful area, because everyone would vaporize instantly and not have a clue of what just happened. The temperature here will be waaaaaay hotter than the surface of the sun. For a brief moment, temperatures would be a few million degrees celsius. For comparison, the surface of the sun is only 5,600 degrees celsius.

The green circle represents the Radiation radius.

This area has a 50-90% mortality rate from radiation effects. Death can occur between several hours or several weeks. The University of Nairobi, City square and a huge chunk of Kenyatta Avenue would fall in this category.

The blue circle represents the Air blast radius.

A huge wind will sweep outwards to the railway station on one side, Ring road, Muranga road, Ngara, Valley road among others. Most buildings will be flattened, and fatalities will be mostly as a result of falling debris. You can expect tens of thousands of deaths in this region.

The orange circle represents the Thermal radiation radius.

Parts of Chiromo, Upper Hill, Westlands etc. fall in this radius. Here, unless youre in a freezer in a bunker, theres a near 100% chance youll suffer 3rd degree burns.

Though you might end up disabled, theres some consolation in that most of these burns are painless since they destroy the pain nerves.

B-83. Largest Bomb in US Arsenal (1.2 megatons)

Fireball Radius  1.04 kilometres.

Look at it this way, if the bomb goes off at the newly constructed University of Nairobi Towers, everyone at the Railway Station will die instantly vaporized or incinerated.

Air blast Radius  7.47 kilometres

Nearly every residential building in Kibera, Kilimani, Lavington, Nairobi West, Upper Hill, South B, Imara Daima, Mathare, Eastleigh, Westlands, Muthaiga, etc. would be flattened by a powerful 5 psi wind.

Any airplane less than 3 km high would also come crashing down.

Thermal Radiation Radius  13.2 kilometres.

This is the region where 3rd degree burns will occur.

Affected areas: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Umoja, Syokimau, Kasarani, Runda, Ruaka, Loresho, Jamhuri etc.

Tsar Bomba. Largest Bomb Tested by USSR (50 Megatons)

The Tsar Bomba was tested by the USSR in 1961.

It produced 1.4% the power output of the sun. The shockwaves from the epicentre went round the earth 3 times. Its huge bright light was visible nearly 1000 kilometres away. If for instance it went off in Mombasa, people in Kampala would be able to see it.

It weighed 25 tonnes, and if it were not for the 800 kg parachute that slowed it down, the plane that delivered it would not have made it out. The United States was scared and world left outraged considering this was at the height of the Cold War. Its even scarier considering that USSR has designed it to be twice as powerful (100 megatons).

Though a BIG IF, what would happen if such a bomb was dropped in Nairobi CBD.

Fireball Radius  4.62km

This is the region where people and animals will be vaporized or incinerated totally.

Areas affected: Westlands, Upper Hill, Kariokor, Kamukunji, Pumwani, Pangani, Ngara, Kilimani etc.

Air blast radius (20 psi)  8.91km

Skyscrapers and other heavily built concrete buildings would come tumbling down. Fatalities would be near 100%.

Areas affected: United Nations, Gigiri, Runda, Kitisuru, Ruaraka, Mutindwa, Imara Daima, Kibera, Kawangware etc.

Air blast radius (5 psi)  20.7km

Heavily built buildings might survive, but nearly all residential structures would be flattened.

Areas affected: Kikuyu, Wangige, Banana, Ruaka, Kiambu town, Tatu City, Kasarani, Githurai, Kahawa, Syokimau, Mlolongo, Rongai, Ngong, Karen etc.

Thermal radiation radius (3rd degree burns)  60km

Third degree burns extend throughout the layers of skin. They can cause severe scarring or disablement, and can require amputation, but are generally painless. 100% probability.

Areas affected: Thika Town, Kenol Town, Githunguri, Makuyu, Saba Saba, Kijabe, Mai Mahiu, Limuru town, Machakos town, Athi River, Kitengela, Ndakaini etc.

Simulations courtesy of NukeMap

The loss of lives would be in the millions, and Kenya would overnight move from being the richest country in East Africa to probably the poorest.

The devastating effects of nuclear bombs are reason enough to totally get rid of them. Before then, all we can do is pray hope that no war will ever escalate to the point of using them.
PESCADERO  A Northern California family is mourning the loss of their dog after authorities say a mountain lion came into their home and snatched the 15 pound Portuguese Podengo from a bedroom.

The Mercury News reports a woman and her child had been sleeping in their Pescadero home with the dog at the foot of the bed early Monday when the dog started barking aggressively.

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office says the woman reported seeing the shadow of an animal enter the room, take the small dog and leave.

She then called 911.

Deputies arrived to find paw prints similar to a mountain lion in the area and notified wildlife officials.

Authorities called the incident "very rare."

There have been no additional sightings of the mountain lion or the dog.
The customary way to get rid of vineyard clippings and old vines is to burn them in the wet season, but the times are changing.

A draft county climate action plan proposes alternatives to the traditional open burning of vineyards, while environmentalists are pushing to end burning altogether. Both efforts are rooted in ultimately reducing the countys greenhouse gas emissions.

In response, the wine industry is promoting low-smoke techniques that would allow continued burning in the vineyards where the debris is gathered. To reduce smoke, clippings and vines are dried under a tarp for up to six months, then ignited starting at the top of the pile, not the bottom. The reduction in smoke can be dramatic.

The air quality is not so much diminished by agricultural burning as people think, said Steve Moulds, owner of Moulds Family Vineyards and a member of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers. The only problem is that it all happens at the same time of year and it looks pretty bad. For the few days that we have it, it does make an impact on air quality.

To combat the prevalence of smoky burns, the Grapegrowers in 2015 launched the Vineyard Burning Task Force and a campaign to educate members on the need for low-smoke vineyard burning.

Task force member Roberto Juarez, vineyard manager at Moulds Family Vineyards, leads courses for other vineyard managers and farmworkers as part of the groups outreach. The courses, which Juarez teaches in Spanish and in English, explain best practices for burning vineyard debris with as little smoke as possible.

We have children and  its good for them if we start doing the best as we can, the best (clean burn) as possible, Juarez said of the task force. Not losing the opportunity to burn, Juarez said, is also a key concern.

The task force was originally planned as a three-year effort, Moulds said. He now wants to extend the program to a five-year plan. But I dont know that were going to have that much time, given the climate action plan is looking at making some changes, he said.

That climate action plan is Napa Countys effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions locally over a span of several decades. Among the emissions targeted for reduction are those linked to the open burning of agricultural waste.

The current draft of the plan includes a measure to end open burning and to encourage alternatives, like converting agricultural waste into biochar or burning it in a waste-to-energy plant, which the county might help fund.

Though the plan has been a cause for concern among the Grapegrowers, county Planning Director David Morrison stressed, Were not calling for the stopping of ag burning. Were calling for a different approach to ag burning, number one. And number two; its a multi-year, decades-long plan.

Were very aware of the concerns expressed by the Grapegrowers and are taking those into consideration as we prepare the final draft of the climate action plan, Morrison said. That draft might be sent to the Board of Supervisors for consideration between June and August of this year, he said.

What we would want to do would be to work cooperatively with the Grapegrowers to find an approach that allows them to continue to burn, but in a way that helps the county as a whole meet its greenhouse gas emission goals, Morrison said.

Those in support of a long-term plan that eliminates open burning in the county point to the pressing need to cut climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible.

Our problem right now, in Napa and all over the world, is to find ways to immediately begin to push back irreversible climate tipping points, and the way we do that is by focusing on short-lived climate pollutants such as black carbon and methane, said Jim Wilson, who sits on the board of directors of Napa Vision 2050, a coalition of local groups focused on environmental protection.

Wilson said that rather than burning agricultural waste biomass, we should be generating electricity through a plant, like the one described in the current draft of the climate action plan.

We applaud the focus that Napa Valley Grapegrowers have on greatly reducing black carbon emissions, Wilson said. Ultimately though, the goal should be to eliminate burning altogether, he said.

Theyre definitely going in the right direction, Wilson said. Can we be going further? What were saying is, lets figure out a way to not burn at all.

Moulds argued that alternatives to burning would be costly, and would not be suitable for dealing with vineyards removed because of disease and pests. If we have to start hauling away diseased vines, its still going to exist somewhere, he said. So if we can burn them and continue to burn them cleanly, we hopefully will not lose that right.

While the final draft of the climate action plan is still pending, the authority to regulate Napas open burning in the more immediate sense lies with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).

County Supervisor Brad Wagenknecht, who represents Napa on the air district board of directors, said the likelihood that the district might issue an end to Napas agricultural burning soon is low. But he pointed to the persistence of smoky burns in the county as being detrimental to the practice being allowed to continue.

There are folks that are burning illegally and do it poorly, Wagenknecht said.

Moulds echoed that sentiment. If theres a continued flagrant disregard for best practices, and keeping smoke at an absolute minimum, then its just like rubbing salt in a wound.

When he sees smoky burns taking place throughout the valley, Moulds now stops at the sites to inform those responsible about the need for best practices when burning.

Describing a recent visit to a smoky burn he spotted near his ranch on Dry Creek Road, west of the city of Napa, Moulds said he arrived at the site and approached the workers overseeing the burn.

I showed them a brochure, he said, referencing a six-step guide to best practices the task force provides in Spanish and in English. I explained why its really important that we do a smokeless burn, because were going to lose the right to burn the things that we absolutely need to burn.

Moulds asked the workers to convey those concerns to their manager. And (the manager) called me back about an hour later, Moulds said,  and he said, Thank you. I didnt know. We really want to do our best. We certainly dont want to lose the right to burn, so were on board.

The BAAQMD permissive burn period ends this month, and fewer burns will take place until the burning season begins again in October.
An Apache legend tells the story of a beautiful woman who was transformed into a pronghorn, with generations of her descendants still roaming the desert and grasslands of North America. A subspecies of pronghorn, the Sonoran pronghorn is uniquely adapted to the harsh deserts of southwest Arizona and Mexico, surviving on cacti and other tough desert vegetation. It is also, unfortunately, one of the most critically endangered animals in the world, with only about 160 remaining in the wild.

Other unique and beautiful species are also at risk. Indigenous Hawaiian mountain bird populations are being decimated by mosquito-borne diseases, as warming temperatures allow mosquitoes to move to higher elevations. Atlantic puffins are finding it harder to raise their chicks, as ocean waters warm and their food sources move farther from puffin breeding areas. The plight of these species and thousands of others illustrates the challenges they face as the combination of climate change and habitat destruction drive them towards extinction.

If we are to have any hope of saving these species from extinction, we need sound scientific analyses of climate change and its effects on species and their habitat. It is critically important that we recognize and sustain the integrity of the scientific process as we contemplate and evaluate decisions about our future.

Americans deeply value science and hold scientists in high regard. The public also believes that good policy and regulatory decisions should be grounded in science and free from political interference. Politicians who dismiss scientific facts as fake news and supply their own alternative facts dont just irresponsibly erode the fabric of science; they erode a quintessential American value.

This month, people across the country will be demonstrating their support for science. On Earth Day, thousands will gather in Washington, D.C. and in cities across the country to march for science and protect these deeply held values. They are marching to defend the vital role science plays in our communities and our world.

They are marching because science is not partisan; it is not liberal or conservative. And they are marching to demonstrate that our nation values the scientists and the scientific agencies working to make our world safer, cleaner and healthier.

But it will not be just scientists marching; it will be men, women and children of all backgrounds and affiliations who believe that scientific research is a vital feature of a working democracy and the American character.

Attacks on science are not new. From climate change deniers to anti-vaccinators, those who want to ignore the tenets of scientific research and fundamental knowledge believe that if they lie and present fake science, the American public will fall for it.

On Earth Day, marchers will demonstrate that they are not about to abandon their values. Instead they will march to demonstrate that they support science, what scientists can accomplish, and the urgency with which their work must be done.

Kathleen Rogers, President, Earth Day Network

Jamie Rappaport Clark, president and CEO, Defenders of Wildlife
In a letter to the editor dated April 8 (Look at the real cause), Tom Johnson discusses the recent death of a man outside the south Napa Home Depot Store who was apparently experiencing a mental health or substance related crisis.

Without providing any evidence, Mr. Johnson attempts to link this mans behavior and tragic death to Californias recent passage of less restrictive laws regarding marijuana. Mr. Johnson assigns blame for the behavior leading to the mans death as a problem that he we helped create and accuses our liberal California society, where all truth is relative

As a forensic psychologist with experience treating the mentally ill and those with substance use disorders, it is of great concern to me that Mr. Johnson insinuates a number of falsehoods regarding substance use and mental illness. While working in various institutions, I have also witnessed firsthand our failed public policy to address these problems.

Recall the era of Prohibition in the U.S. under the Volstead Act and the 18th Amendment. Prohibition did nothing to quell the demand for alcohol among Americans and instead led to increased violence among smugglers and criminal groups. It also resulted in elaborate schemes among merchants to bypass the laws. The solution ended up with worse consequences than the initial problem it intended to solve.

By way of background, the process of criminalization of marijuana in our country was influenced, at least in part, by xenophobic policies against Mexican-Americans and concerns from the influential DuPont family about the growing hemp industry. Once Prohibition ended, scientifically inaccurate anti-marijuana propaganda proliferated (as exemplified in the film Reefer Madness). Marijuana law in our country remains based on ideology, rather than facts, and the only madness is our policy.

Research has found no association between marijuana use and violent behavior or suicide. A study published in the American Public Journal of Health (December 2014) outlines how legalization of medical marijuana reduced suicide rates by five percent in the general population, and possibly as much as 10 percent among young males. In a review of FBI crime data (1988-2013) by researchers from the University of Victoria (New Zealand), the link between medical marijuana and violence was investigated: the results found no association. In addition, research published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs (2012) uncovered no linkage between marijuana use and violent behavior.

Mr. Johnson urges all of you cool marijuana fans who think this same way, need to remember this young man and remember it could be you next. However, there is no causal link between marijuana use and major mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These disorders largely originate from our genetics. Marijuana, ipso facto, does not cause mental illness.

Mr. Johnson writes: He started down the drug path with marijuana, because it was cool and mellowed him out and he thought that he would just smoke a joint to get high and stop there. Well, he didn't. However, the issue of whether or not marijuana is actually a gateway drug continues to be a matter of scientific debate. The overwhelming majority of individuals who try marijuana do not go on to use other harder drugs. Vulnerability to addiction has a basis in genetics with a complex interplay between various environmental and other factors. If an individual is primed for addiction, they appear to be so whether they try marijuana or not.

Criminalization of marijuana does nothing to prevent marijuana use. In fact, decriminalization appears to have the opposite effect. Since decriminalization, marijuana use has dipped slightly in Colorado, but remained stable in Washington. The Netherlands and Portugal have decriminalized marijuana use; despite its lawful availability, fewer Dutch or Portuguese citizens engage in cannabis use than their American counterparts. In Portugal, all drugs have been legal since 2001; subsequently, overall drug use has declined among the 15-to 24-year-old population. Decriminalization in Portugal is associated with reduction in violent crime and fewer new HIV seroconversions.

Currently, cartels and American weapons suppliers (along with our increasingly privatized prisons) grotesquely profit from our drug laws. Cartels purchase American assault weapons to fight their battles; cartels supply the yawning maw of America with its drugs

Because Mr. Johnson critiques liberal society, he and others should be aware that Trumps policies will cause dramatic harm to those with mental illness and substance use disorders. Such individuals are often the most vulnerable in our society and some of the least likely to be able to afford health insurance. Repeal of the Affordable Care Act will result in individuals with mental illness being precluded from receiving health care because of pre-existing conditions. Under the Affordable Care Act, psychiatric illnesses were treated the same as non-psychiatric illnesses (i.e., parity). Progress for treatment of the mentally ill is in peril in the context of the Trump administrations regressive policies.

Corey Hahn

Napa
Sonoma County Sheriff's officials are seeking a man who allegedly pushed, punched and attempted to sexually assault a woman Sunday afternoon as she was jogging on a trail near Sonoma.

The incident occurred at about 1:15 p.m. on the Sonoma Overlook Trail near Norrbom Road, Sonoma County sheriff's officials said. As the woman was jogging, a man began yelling at her.

As she continued, the man then allegedly pushed her from behind, causing her to fall on the ground. The suspect then punched her several times, before attempting to rape her, according to sheriff's officials.

The victim, however, was able to fight off the suspect, escape and call for help.

Sheriff's deputies, along with a sheriff's helicopter and a K-9 team from the Santa Rosa Police Department, responded and searched the area extensively but were unable to locate the suspect.

He was described as a white man in his 50s with a white, bushy beard and wearing a black zip-up hooded sweatshirt, a black sweater, a black beanie and dirty jeans. The suspect appeared to be homeless, sheriff's officials said.

Sheriff's officials are reminding residents to take extra precaution in the area and to immediately report suspicious people or suspicious activity.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call (707) 565-2185.
Police arrested a suspect Friday in connection with the theft of musical instruments from a high school in Fairfield, and are seeking the public's help in locating another suspect.

On Friday, police arrested 20-year-old Christian McCollister of Sacramento. He was booked into the Solano County Jail on suspicion of receiving stolen property, criminal conspiracy and being an accessory to a crime, police said.

Police are also seeking the public's help in locating 18-year-old Jonathan Olea of Fairfield, who is wanted on suspicion of similar offenses in connection with the same crime.

Olea is described as a Hispanic man, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 210 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, police said.

According to police, on April 10 staff at Armijo High School, located at 824 Washington St. in Fairfield, discovered many musical instruments were missing from the band room on campus. Police believe the theft occurred between the evening of April 7 and the morning of April 10.

The stolen property consisted of dozens of brass and woodwind instruments, mostly contained in individual cases. Most of the instruments are school property, however several are owned by students, police said.

Detectives developed a lead in the case and on Wednesday they served a search warrant at a home in the 300 block of Utah Street, near the school.

During the search, detectives found two of the stolen instruments worth an estimated $10,000, one of which was an antique, 100-year-old English horn. Both instruments were returned to the school.

The search warrant and subsequent interviews led detectives to arrest a 17-year-old boy from Pacifica Wednesday on suspicion of possessing stolen property. His identity will not be released because of his age, police said.

Police said there are still numerous instruments missing and that the case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the instruments, Jonathan Olea or the burglary at Armijo High School is asked to call Fairfield police at (707) 428-7600, the Tip Line at (707) 428-7345 or Solano CrimeStoppers at (707) 644-7867.
Police arrested two teenagers Friday on suspicion of robbing and shooting a victim Thursday in Fairfield.

According to Fairfield police, on the evening of April 13, the victim went to the 400 block of Tulip Street to sell a gaming system to one of the suspects. The two had met through an online forum for selling and purchasing items.

The victim arrived and was approached by the suspect, who pulled out a handgun and demanded the gaming system, police said. The victim turned over the system, but then a struggle broke out and the suspect allegedly shot the victim twice. The suspect then fled the scene with the gaming system, police said.

The victim transported himself to a hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening. He is expected to recover, police said. Detectives identified a 16-year-old suspect from Fairfield. They tracked him down in a motel in Fairfield, where he was arrested Friday afternoon on suspicion of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and violation of probation, police said.

He was accompanied by a 17-year-old Fairfield resident who was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a concealed firearm, stolen property and a controlled substance for sale, police said.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Fairfield police at (707) 428-7600, the Tip Line at (707) 428-7345, or Solano CrimeStoppers at (707) 644-7867.

Police are reminding the public to be cautious when selling or purchasing items from online sites and applications such as Craigslist, Facebook and Offerup. Police encourage transactions to be conducted in well-lit, public locations such as shopping centers or police department parking lots.
"Experts warn the unstoppable missiles could spell disaster for the Navy's new 6.2 billion aircraft carriers But with no method of protecting themselves against missiles like the Tsirkon, the carrier would have to stay out of range, hundreds of miles out at sea. That would make it impossible for the carrier's jets and helicopters to reach their target, carry out their mission, and return without running out of fuel - effectively rendering them useless," the Mirrors article said.



The Daily Mail, in turn, warmed that the missile could fly at a speed of 7,400 km/h - six times faster than sonic speed.



"Current Navy anti-missile defenses are only equipped to shoot down projectiles traveling 2,300mph, meaning they would be useless against the Tsirkon. The 'unstoppable' projectile could spell disaster for the Navy's aircraft carriers," the article explained.



The Daily Star called the Tsirkon a "game changer."

"The lethal missile - which can be fired from land, sea and submarines - can reportedly cover 155 miles in just 2.5 minutes, which is faster than a bullet from sniper's rifle," it said.



Early media reports on the development of the Tsirkon cropped up in February 2011. Some presumed for want of an official confirmation that the BrahMos-II antimissile system was the Tsirkons export version. There had been an assumption before 2012 that the Tsirkon was a successor to the Bolid system from NPO Mashinostroyenia as well.



NPO Mashinostroyenia set up a team of project engineers in 2011. The weapons preliminary design was complete the same year, as were the preliminary designs of the subsystems of the missile. A division of UPKB Detal did some of the job. The development of the hypersonic missile system is scheduled for completion before 2020, according to the Military Russia web portal.



Later on, the media have reported that the Tsirkon program was either discontinued or altered. No proof has been offered, but it is possible that it is the closure of the program due to technical problems that prompted the government to propose that the Raduga Design Bureau and NPO Mashinostroyenia pool their efforts to work on hypersonic missile development, according to the Gazeta.ru website.



 Copyright 2017 TASS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.




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MELBOURNE, Florida  A 3-year-old boy was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Childrens Hospital in Orlando after being found in a pool at his residence located on Blue Heron Drive in Melbourne, Florida on Monday afternoon.

Around 5 p.m., Brevard County Fire Rescue crews responded to the home after his parents discovered him in the pool. BCFR would not release anymore details about the incident.

Florida loses more children under age five to drowning than any other state, according to the Florida Department of Health. Annually in Florida, enough children to fill three to four preschool classrooms drown and do not live to see their fifth birthday.

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, drowning is a leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 4. For toddlers (children ages 1 to 4 years), swimming pools pose the greatest risk of submersion injury.

Florida has the highest unintentional drowning rate in the nation for the 14 year old age group with a drowning rate of 7.54 per 100,000 population. Brevard County has nearly twice the statewide rate of unintentional drownings.

Photo credit: BCFR. Chart credit: FDOH
Emory history professor Daniel LaChance's debut book looks at more than 50 years of shifting American culture and how it has altered perceptions of the death penalty.

How is it that the same Americans who dont trust the government to collect garbage efficiently and spend tax dollars wisely put their faith in government killing our worst criminals?

To get the answer, Emory historian Daniel LaChance looked at 50 years of shifting American culture. Changes to the way Americans thought about freedom, he argues, tracked changes in the way they saw the death penalty. That finding is at the heart of his debut book, Executing Freedom: The Cultural Life of Capital Punishment in the United States, published by the University of Chicago Press.

Ive long been interested in the place of punishment in our society, says LaChance, who got his first glimpse of the criminal justice system by watching his father defend accused murderers in courtrooms in a state without the death penalty.

Criminal trials, sentencing hearings and execution ceremonies are spectacles, LaChance adds. They are more than an outraged communitys response to crime. They are occasions where we reveal our deeply held beliefs about the relationship between the individual and the state.

In the book, LaChance examines everything from Supreme Court decisions to local newspaper coverage of district attorneys to Hollywood movies, showing how ideas about freedom are at the heart of Americans complicated relationship with the death penalty.

In the years following World War II, many saw welfare-oriented social programs as a force for freedom and held governments powers in high esteem. Liberal experts who had helped win the war were seen as capable of fixing the problem of crime.

Tapping into psychiatric and sociological knowledge at the time, those experts concluded that crime stemmed from people who society had denied the opportunity to become productive citizens. Fix that inequality  by tackling such societal issues as poverty and broken homes  and criminals could be rehabilitated.

Crime was seen as the symptom of a sickness, and elites were very confident in the ability of psychiatry and social programs to treat people who had committed even the most horrible crimes, LaChance says. From that viewpoint, the death penalty seemed irrational.

Pendulum swing

LaChance shows that the pendulum of public opinion would swing right as the crime rate rose dramatically in the 1960s and 1970s. Disillusionment with government and skepticism about its ability to rehabilitate followed. Rehabilitation was increasingly seen as a soft, coddling response to crime.

Though a punitive response to crime became a way for whites to express anxiety about social changes during the Civil Rights era, LaChance argues the resurgence of retributive responses to crime was more than just a backlash against upended racial hierarchies.

Growing media coverage of people such as spree killer Charles Starkweather and popular books such as In Cold Blood revealed young white male murderers as a symptom of moral rot that had infected the dominant culture.

Almost universally, these young white men were sentenced to death by a public that believed that they represented an individualism, a freedom to be whatever you want, run amok, LaChance says.

The result was a move from the idea of the violent criminal as sick, and able to be rehabilitated, to evil and in need of condemnation. Rehabilitation-oriented government had become part of the problem, LaChance says, for seeing illness where it ought to have seen evil. Prison became seen as a revolving-door experience that regularly put dangerous criminals back on the streets. Judges were seen as taking the side of criminals, allowing them to evade justice by taking advantage of legal technicalities.

Thus began the split that creates the contradiction LaChance sees today. District attorneys and law enforcement officials who began pursuing the death penalty were seen as mavericks, taking on a rotted system for the moral good. By the mid-1990s, a whopping 80 percent of Americans supported the death penalty.

The slow decline of the death penalty in recent years is not a result of yet another shift but the merging of those previous trends, LaChance argues.

Thats because the death penalty has become mired in the very government bureaucracy that supporters in the 1970s expected it to transcend.

Americans support the idea of making criminals pay but culturally are willing to do so only when they can be sure of the need, requiring costly and time-consuming judicial review, LaChance says.

And, while death penalty cases drag on for years and sometimes decades, lawmakers have created a firm life without parole option that has proven less costly and appears more punitive to criminals.

The death penalty is no longer doing what it was supposed to do, punish criminals severely and quickly," LaChance says. "It was once a symbol of finality and moral clarity. Now its increasingly viewed as another failed government program.
Kwadwo Kojo Sarpong racked up plenty of accomplishments in just two years at Emory University before graduating with a degree in neuroscience and behavioral biology in 2015.

The biggest: creating the African Research Academies for Women (ARA-W). The organization provides a growing number of African women in STEM fields with opportunities for hands-on research, even as Sarpong works in a post-baccalaureate program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai while he readies for medical school.

To know that students in Africa were not having my opportunities, especially women who wanted the opportunity for research, I wanted to make a change, Sarpong says.

With help from professional researchers, including three Emory College professors, that change has grown every year since Sarpong launched the ARA-W.

Since 2014, the ARA-W has provided summer research opportunities for 29 women in Ghana. This year, it will provide research positions to 11 more students in Ghana and, for the first time, 10 students in a year-long program in a research laboratory in Nigeria.

Now there is potential for Emory to soon send a student to a lab in Africa, and host at least one African student at a research lab here, says Pat Marsteller, associate dean of undergraduate research and scholarship, who serves as an ARA-W adviser.

We have found a way to make the organization viable, Marsteller says. Now I would love to see a real Emory connection.

Focus on education, helping others

Such a program would far exceed what Sarpong dreamed of when he arrived in Atlanta from his native Ghana in 2009. With one year of college completed at home, his first hope was for an American college education.

It took two years of working  as a hospital janitor and as a stocker and cashier at Wal-Mart  before he was able to enroll in classes at Georgia Perimeter College.

He met Marsteller in research programs there and transferred to Emory as a junior. Marsteller recalls Sarpong talking about the need for more research laboratories back home, where it was especially hard for women.

Sarpong says his mothers experience influenced his perspective. She had always wanted to be a midwife nurse, but as one of eight daughters, never went beyond a middle school education.

When Sarpongs older brother was born with paralytic polio, his mothers and others accepted that evil spirts were behind his inability to walk because they lacked a scientific explanation.

If I have the privilege of being in the United States as a male, I can use my position here to help women like my mom who are in Ghana, who want to understand and pursue the sciences, Sarpong says.

Emory roots grow deeper

Sarpong based the ARA-W program on his first paid experience as a researcher, Emory's Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program. Now part of Summer Research Programs, SURE allowed undergraduates to conduct full-time research under the mentorship of a principal investigator.

One of the women in the first ARA-W program has since gone on to a masters program, on full scholarship, in the Netherlands. A second is waiting, hopeful, to learn about graduate study in England.

These are students who are just a little younger than he was when he started, seeing a real difference in their opportunities and careers, says Anita Corbett, an Emory biology professor who serves on the groups board of directors.

Corbett, Marsteller and a third board member, Leah Anderson Roesch, a senior lecturer in Emory's neuroscience and behavioral biology program, all recently received the Presidents Volunteer Service Award for their work with the organization.

The honor, bestowed in the late days of President Barack Obamas tenure, recognizes citizens who inspire others to volunteer. The Emory professors say the award illustrates the depth of commitment of Emory undergraduates in general and Sarpong in particular.

The most tremendous outcome would be for people to realize how diverse and amazing our Emory undergraduates are, when they can see the difference Kojo has made by seeing a need and going after it, Roesch says.

Sarpong has also received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest level of the volunteer service award, for his efforts. He was among invitees to the first U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at the White House under Obama, and won funding from the Clinton Global Initiative, which brings together leaders and experts in different fields to explore innovative solutions to international problems. Last year, he was an invited speaker at the White House United State of Women Summit.

Still, he says he relies on his volunteers  including his former Emory professors  to help him manage running his nonprofit while he is also studying in New York.

The fact they believed in this vision makes that possible, Sarpong says. We are all students, so we count on that advice and guidance.

The next goal is to fund and develop an exchange program for an Emory undergraduate to perform research in Africa and a female student from Africa to study here.

Emory attracts students who want to make the world a better place, and I think this program should capitalize on that, Marsteller says.
Two poets with Emory connections will present a free reading and discussion on Tuesday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library, on the 10th floor of the Woodruff Library.

Emily Leithauser is a visiting assistant professor in English and visiting lecturer in creative writing at Emory. Her first collection, "The Borrowed World," won the 2015 Able Muse Book Award and was published by that press the following year. She won the Grand Prize in Poetry at the 2015 Tennessee Williams/ New Orleans Literary Festival. Her work has been published in Literary Imagination, Southwest Review, Blackbird, Measure and Iron Horse review, among others.

Richie Hofmann, who is a PhD candidate and teaching fellow at Emory, is the winner of the Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowship and the 2014 Beatrice Hawley Award for his first collection of poems, Second Empire. His poem Idyll appeared in The New Yorker. His work has also appeared in Callaloo, Kenyon Review Online, Poetry, The Southern Review and other publications.

Nathan Blansett, a second-year student in the Creative Writing Program at Emory, will moderate the discussion. His poems have been published in New South and The Journal.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Bhandari. She was then accorded the ceremonial guard of honour.

On Monday, Bhandari arrived here on a five-day visit to India at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee.

This is Bhandari's first foreign tour after assuming office in October 2015.

--IANS rs/in

( 81 Words)

2017-04-18-09:42:06 (IANS)
Earlier, it was reported that the soldier died in Pakistan sniper firing late Monday evening on the Line of Control (LoC) in Mendhar sector of Poonch.

But defence spokesman Lt. Col. Manish Mehta denied that there was any firing from the Pakistani side on Monday in Mendhar.

"There had been no ceasefire violation (from Pakistan). It was one casualty due to accidental discharge," Lt. Col. Manish Mehta told IANS here. He gave no further details.

The spokesman, however, said the Pakistan Army fired and launched mortar shells indiscriminately at Indian posts in Naushera sector of the de facto border in Rajouri district on Monday.

The Indian Army retaliated strongly, he said.

Dozens of cattle were killed on the Indian side.

--IANS sq/in/sar

( 158 Words)

2017-04-18-11:36:06 (IANS)
China's cabinet has approved proposals for deepening economic reforms this year made by the country's state planner, state media Xinhua reported on Tuesday.The proposals by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) include pushing forward with reforms of state-owned enterprises, strenthening property rights protection and advancing financial system reforms, Xinhua reported.REUTERS AKC 1602 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-858907.Xml
The US on Tuesday reaffirmed that India remained its "major defence partner" as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump's top security aide Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster met to discuss military and counter-terror ties between the two countries. The visiting US National Security Adviser (NSA) called on Modi at his official residence, a day after he arrived here on the first visit by a senior White House official since President Trump took over in January. The US embassy said McMaster in his meeting with Modi that was also attended by Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval "emphasised the importance of US-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed India's designation as a major defence partner". "The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counterterrorism cooperation," an embassy statement said. McMaster also met separately with Doval and Jaishankar. The embassy noted that the meetings were "productive". The Prime Minister's Office said in a statement that "McMaster conveyed the greetings of President Trump" to Modi, who recalled "the importance attached by both sides to the strategic partnership and to stepping up India-US engagement across the board". The PMO statement said Modi and McMaster discussed peace and security in war-torn Afghanistan and the extended region, including the Middle East. "McMaster shared his perspective with (the) Prime Minister on the security situation in the extended region, including in Afghanistan, West Asia and the DPRK (North Korea). "During the conversation, they exchanged views on how both countries can work together to effectively address the challenge of terrorism and to advance regional peace, security and stability." The US official's trip was part of his South Asian sojourn that began over the weekend. On Monday, he visited Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz and the army chief, stressing "the need to confront terrorism in all its forms". He also visited Afghanistan to review efforts at stabilizing the country. "The visit was a part of regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad," said the embassy statement. The trip assumes significance amid growing US concerns over terror threats emanating from a resurgent Taliban and rising Islamic State's influence in Afghanistan, where America has some 8,400 troops. On Thursday, the US military dropped what it said was the "Mother of All Bombs" -- the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast -- on suspected Islamic State hideouts in Afghanistan. The first use of the bomb in a combat killed some 95 militants, the US said. --IANS sar/mr ( 437 Words) 2017-04-18-17:56:09 (IANS)
The state cabinet approved the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) Bill, 2017.

The authority will seek to answer the growing needs of the rapidly expanding urban agglomeration Gurugram, adjoining national capital New Delhi, a spokesman said here.

"It aims to develop a vision for the continued, sustained and balanced growth of Gurugram metropolitan area through quality of life and reasonable standard of living provided to the residents through generation of employment opportunities besides providing integrated and coordinated planning, infrastructure development and provision of urban amenities," the spokesman said.

Gurugram, earlier known as Gurgaon, has emerged as a hub for corporate and industrial activity, along with residential and commercial facilities.

The offices and industrial plants of multi-national companies (MNCs), international industrial brands and others are spread across Gurugram district.

Gurugram city and district have witnessed massive development in the past two decades.

--IANS js/py/dg

( 176 Words)

2017-04-18-17:58:06 (IANS)
The dispute between India and Sri Lanka over fishing activities in the Palk Bay remains unsolved mainly due to political reasons, according to Maarten Bavinck, a Dutch scientist who specialises in the area of capture fishery of both countries. Politics rather than science is playing an important role in marine fisheries governance, especially in South Asian countries, he said while delivering a lecture on 'Tropical Marine Fisheries Governance' at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) here on Tuesday. Bavinck, a professor at the University of Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, opined that the Tamil Nadu government should take action in reducing the size of its fishing fleets in the Palk Bay region to resolve the conflict in the region. "Trawling needs to be contained in the Palk Bay... trawling across the international boundary line has not only been causing social and economic hardship for 25,000 small scale fishers and their families in northern Sri Lanka, but high-level political tensions between India and Sri Lanka," he added. Bavinck said that science-based guidelines are needed to ease the tension in the region. "For this, India's CMFRI and Sri Lanka's National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) should conduct joint studies and have a coordinated approach towards finding a science-based solution," he said. "In India, fisheries governance has a political dimension. Norms and priorities are not being established by science but being debated in the public domain," he said, adding that "unwanted" political influence in fisheries should be contained. --IANS sg/rn/dg ( 261 Words) 2017-04-18-18:04:08 (IANS)
Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for defaulting on over Rs 8,000 crore in bank loans, was arrested here on Tuesday. Within hours, a court granted him bail. Metropolitan Police said Mallya, 61, was taken into custody after attending a central London police station. The Westminster Magistrates' Court later gave him bail on a 650,000 pound bond. The next hearing of the case will be on May 17. A Metropolitan Police statement said officers from the Extradition Unit arrested Mallya on an extradition warrant from India. "Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud," the statement said. After getting bail, Mallya tweeted: "Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in court started today as expected." Mallya fled to Britain in March 2016 after being pursued in courts by Indian banks seeking to recover Rs 8,191 crore owed by his now defunct Kingfisher Airline. The banks had been able to recover only Rs 155 crore. Despite multiple injunctions, Mallya failed to appear before investigators -- and then flew out of India. On February 8, the Indian government handed over to the UK authorities a formal request for Mallya's extradition, saying it had a legitimate case against him on charges of financial irregularities and loan default. The loan, granted in September 2004, was reviewed in February 2008. India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate initiated criminal investigation against Mallya in July 2015 and January 2016 respectively under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The Indian agencies took the step on the basis of complaint filed by a consortium of 17 banks led by the State Bank of India. The cases were registered against Mallya, Kingfisher Airline, UB Group company United Breweries Holdings Ltd and others. The Enforcement Directorate in March and April 2016 issued a number of summons against Mallya to appear before it but he failed to do so. Subsequently, a non-bailable warrant was issued against Mallya by a Mumbai court in April 2016. His passport was revoked on April 23. The court in November ordered the seizure of domestic assets of Mallya and entities controlled by him. The Enforcement Directorate said that it has attached properties of Mallya and his companies having market value more than Rs 8,000 crore. --IANS rak/mr ( 391 Words) 2017-04-18-21:14:06 (IANS)
Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for defaulting on over Rs 8,000 crore in bank loans, was arrested here on Tuesday. Within hours, a court granted him bail. Metropolitan Police said Mallya, 61, was taken into custody after attending a central London police station. The Westminster Magistrates' Court later gave him bail on a 650,000 pound bond. The next hearing of the case will be on May 17. The court issued some stringent orders against Mallya before granting him bail, instructing "neither he can apply for travel documents nor attempt to leave the UK". It further directed the business tycoon to live in Hertfordshire and keep his cell phone on round the clock. Mallya's revoked passport will also be retained until further orders of the court. A Metropolitan Police statement said officers from the Extradition Unit arrested Mallya on an extradition warrant from India. "Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud," the statement said. After getting bail, Mallya tweeted: "Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in court started today as expected." Mallya fled to Britain in March 2016 after being pursued in courts by Indian banks seeking to recover Rs 8,191 crore owed by his now defunct Kingfisher Airline. The banks had been able to recover only Rs 155 crore. Despite multiple injunctions, Mallya failed to appear before investigators -- and then flew out of India. On February 8, the Indian government handed over to British authorities a formal request for Mallya's extradition, saying it had a legitimate case against him on charges of financial irregularities and loan default. The loan, granted in September 2004, was reviewed in February 2008. India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate initiated criminal investigation against Mallya in July 2015 and January 2016 respectively under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The Indian agencies took the step on the basis of complaint filed by a consortium of 17 banks led by the State Bank of India. The cases were registered against Mallya, Kingfisher Airline, UB Group company United Breweries Holdings Ltd and others. The Enforcement Directorate in March and April 2016 issued a number of summons against Mallya to appear before it but he failed to do so. Subsequently, a non-bailable warrant was issued against Mallya by a Mumbai court in April 2016. His passport was revoked on April 23. The court in November ordered the seizure of domestic assets of Mallya and entities controlled by him. The Enforcement Directorate said that it has attached properties of Mallya and his companies having market value more than Rs 8,000 crore. --IANS rak/vd ( 448 Words) 2017-04-18-22:42:06 (IANS)
The team recently flew to London for the film's shoot and the makers are currently filming the iconic track from 1997 Salman Khan- Karisma Kapoor- starrer.

While shooting the song, many students from the university have been stopping by and grooving along with Varun Dhawan and Taapsee Pannu, who will be seen performing to this track.

A source said, "Varun's affable nature allows him to bond with students easily. Over the weekend, a bunch of his fans had come to meet him and he was a thorough gentleman with them."

The song is being recreated by none other than Anu Malik and choreographed by Bosco.

Directed by David Dhawan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, 'Judwaa' 2 is set to release on September 29. (ANI)
Vice President M. Hamid Ansari, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will also call on the visiting dignitary. The Nepal President is also scheduled to attend a business event.

She will be accorded ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Mukherjee will also host a state banquet in honor of the visiting dignitary.

Bhandari arrived in New Delhi yesterday afternoon on a five-day visit to India.

She is being accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Ministers, Members of Parliament and senior officials.

The visit is taking place in the backdrop of intensified bilateral engagements at the political and official levels in recent times.

In the last six months, this is the fourth visit at the Head of State or Head of Government level between the two countries which is unprecedented.

There had been more than 30 official and ministerial level engagements since the state visit of President Mukherjee to Nepal in November last year which clearly illustrate the wide range and depth of cooperative ties with Nepal.

The visit reflects the priority that both the nations attach to further strengthening of their age-old and unique partnership, underpinned by shared historical and cultural linkages and strong people-to-people connections. (ANI)
The soldier was killed in Mendhar sector of the LoC in a sniper fire from the Pakistani side late on Monday evening, police sources told IANS here.

Pakistan Army had also continued indiscriminate firing and mortar shelling in Naushera sector of the LoC in Rajouri district on Monday.

Dozens of cattle were killed on the Indian side in the indiscriminate shelling and firing.

The Indian Army had retaliated strongly.

Exchange of fire between the two sides which started at 8 a.m. on Monday had continued till late evening, defence sources said.

--IANS sq/in

( 129 Words)

2017-04-18-08:16:07 (IANS)
The West Bengal Panchayat and Rural Development is going to set up 36,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Anandadhara Scheme during financial year 2017-18. Creating so many SHGs in just one year is something unprecedented among the State Governments. Self-Help Groups are a major source of revenue for the rural economy. They have also played a big role in making women self-sufficient, official sources said here today. Presently, there are 2,000 SHGs created under the aegis of the Anandadhara Scheme. As part of the scheme, each SHG is given a bank loan of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. The State Government is in talks with various public sector banks as well as private banks to provide loans. For repaying the loans on time, the SHGs are given bonus payments. Development and governance have been the mantras of the West Bengal Government ever since Trinamool Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee came to power. The state has set up numerous schemes for the welfare of the state's citizenry, covering their entire lifespan.UNI SJC KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-858435.Xml
The West Bengal Government has introduced Social Security Yojana by converging five separate beneficiary schemes for workers in unorganised sectors and self-employed people. Around 5 crore people will be benefitted with the introduction of Social Security Yojana with around 1 crore direct beneficiaries. People will be deriving more benefits with the introduction of the new one compared to that of the previous five different schemes. According to Dr Amit Mitra, the State Finance Minister, " The decision in this regard was taken on Monday. State Assistance Scheme for Provident Fund for Unorganised Sector, West Bengal Unorganised Sector workers' Health Security Scheme, Social Security scheme for Construction Workers, West Bengal Transport Workers Social Security Scheme and West Bengal Bidi Workers Welfare Scheme are being converged." In between 2011 to 2016, the Trinamool government has spent Rs 880 crore to bring in more than 85 lakh people under the schemes. Dr Mitra said workers from 46 different unorganised sectors including bidi workers, book binding workers, motor mechanics, boatmen and ICDS workers will be getting the benefit. Self-employed people from 15 different sectors including jewellery manufacturing sector and amins will also come under the yojana. There will be education benefits for children of the workers enrolled with the scheme. Beneficiaries will also get support for marriage of their two daughters besides getting health cards and other benefits. It came to the knowledge of the state government that members of the same family were deriving same benefits under different schemes of different department of the state government. Thus, this is another reason to converge all these five schemes. With introduction of the Social Security Yojana by converging five separate beneficiary schemes the people will be benefitted more. It is learnt that a common beneficiary programme is prepared for all the sectors and accordingly workers from each of the sectors and their family members will be benefitted. The state government has also decided to introduce State Nutrition Mission. The step has been taken to ensure distribution of nutritional food among pregnant women, lactating mothers, children below six years and adolescent girls. Dr Mitra said the Chief Minister had spoken to representatives of UNICEF, and the organisation is working together with the state government in implementing the State Nutrition Mission.UNI SJC KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-858440.Xml
After a day of hectic political developments thatculminated with both the warring factions of the AIADMK agreeing to come 'on board' for a reapprochement, Ministers and MLAs of the ruling party took time off and travelled 'on board' a Naval war ship to spend some leisurely time with their family members. As part of a 'Day at Sea' organised by the Indian Navy on boardthe P-15A Guided Missile Destroyer 'INS Chennai', a majority of the Ministers and MLAs of the AIADMK, far away from the hustle and bustle of political activity, were taken into the sea on a leisure trip, which was thoroughly enjoyed by them. ''I am travelling for the first time in a ship. It's a pleasant experience.it's nice to spend some time with the family members'', one of theMinisters on board the warship "INS Chennai", which was dedicatedto the city yesterday by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, said. When journalists spoke to some of the Ministers the unanimous viewthat emerged was that both the factions should come together and stay united to get back the AIADMK's 'Two Leaves' symbol, which was frozen by the election commission in the run up to the now rescinded bypoll to RK Nagar Assembly seat. ''The expectations of the people and the AIADMK cadre is thatboth the factions should come together and stay united. It's a welcomesign that both the groups have decided to bury the hatchet and cometo the negotiating table'', the Ministers said. Meanwhile, AIADMK Amma Deputy General Secretary TTV Dinakaran,who was out of the city, returned last night and was briefed about the political developments that unfolded at the residence of ElectrictyMinister P Thangamani, in which they welcomed rebel leader and formerCM O Panneerselvam's remarks of agreeing for a patch up 'if approached'and decided to initiate talks for a rapprochement. Interacting with the media at Theni before leaving for Chennai, Mr Panneerselvam also stressed on the need for staying unitedand said 'the party should be retrieved from the clutches of onefamily'. If the reports were to be believed, the AIADMK Amma camp has formeda nine-member committee, comprising senior Ministers and MPs, including those who have pledged their unflinching loyalty to jailed AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala and her nephew Dinakaran, to hold talks with the OPS camp for uniting both the factions. Fisheries and Finance Minister D Jayakumar, who was also on boardthe warship, said ''this is not the place to talk politics''. Meanwhile, Dinakaran was holding talks with a group of advocates todecide on the next course of action in the wake of bribery cases filedagainst him by the Delhi police for getting back the 'Two Leaves' symbol from the EC after the arrest of a middleman Sukesh Chandrasekar. A special police team from Delhi would be arriving today to issuethe summons to Dinakaran and to question him in connection withthe bribery charges.UNI GV CS 1045 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-858458.Xml
At a time when the Union Health Ministry has called for taxing bidis at 28 per cent along with the highest cess under the new GST regime, a recent Lancet study recommends stricter controls and regulation to combat the health burden caused by this small, but lethal, tobacco product. Higher levels of severe respiratory impairment, significant cardio-respiratory conditions and follow-up mortality were found among bidi smokers as against cigarette smokers and non-smokers, reports the study in the respected Lancet Global Health journal. The largest-ever prospective international community-based cohort study of its kind covered as many as 14,919 men across five centres in India, including Thiruvananthapuram besides a centre each in Bangladesh and Pakistan. The other Indian centres covered in this sub-study of Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) were Chennai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Jaipur. Households with at least one member aged 35-70 years were approached for the study, which was coordinated by the Population Health Research Institute in Canada. Baseline data was collected fromJanuary 1, 2003, to December 30, 2009, and follow-up data collection took place from January 1, 2008, to December 30, 2013. Trained personnel administered standardised interview-based questionnaires that surveyed and accounted for demographic, household, behavioural and medical information, including risk factors, symptoms and the occurrence of any multiple disorders. Dr Sanjeev Nair, from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, is one of the co-authors of the study. "The health and economic burden caused from bidi smoking is tremendous, leading to the recommendation of stricter controls and regulation on this product. High levels of taxation to dissuade consumption would be a welcome policy initiative," he said. "Collective efforts should be made to provide alternative livelihoods to workers involved in bidi manufacturing in cottage industries that escape other prevailing tobacco regulations and taxes. Such a measure would be in the interest of the health of bidi workers as well. As the Kerala Government is striving hard to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, tobacco control also has a key role in reducing mortality from cardiovascular diseases, COPD, and cancers, for which all stakeholders must come together," Dr Nair added. Another co-author, Dr K. Vijayakumar, Secretary, Health Action by People said, "The study has shown conclusively that there is no safe threshold from the harmful effects of tobacco smoking and even low-intensity, clinically-trivial smoking is associated with respiratory impairment. Our way forward should be to create 100 per cent tobacco smoke-free environments that would benefit the poor and the young significantly." Reaffirming existing information on the enormous impact of bidi smoking on the poor, the study has found that heavy bidi smokers were more likely to come from rural communities and from lower socio-economic sections. Further, in what should be a worrying trend with a fast-aging population, the study pointed to a marked rise in decreased lung function among older bidi smokers. UNI DS CS 1056 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0324-858416.Xml
Sweden India Film Association (SIFA) and Vinsan World in association with the Goa Marathi Film Festival will be hosting the first ever Marathi International Film Festival in Stockholm,Sweden, from April 20 to 24. According to Festival Director Sanjay Shetye it is to raise awareness about quality Marathi cinema from India and to educate the people of Sweden about the vibrant multi facets of India. This will lead to strengthening of ties between the film industries of these two countries while initiating an interest in each other's culture. ''It is great to see that the festival we conceptualised nine years ago in Goa will be taken to an international audience. We are delighted to take the very best of Marathi cinema to Sweden in collaboration with SIFA and hope that the Swedish audience are captivated by this festival,'' Mr Shetye said. The opening film for the festival, to be played in three theatres: Sture, Zita, Mauritz (SFI), will be Paresh Mokashi directed 'Harishchandrachi Factory'. Other movies to be screened include Astu, Doctor Rakhmabai, Ek Hazarachi Note, Ekk Albela, Fandry, Vazandar, Mi Sindhutai Sapkal, Nati Khel, Natsamrat, Half Ticket, Katyar Kalzat Ghusali, Koti, Kassav, Dr Prakash Baba Amte, Mala Aai Vhyachay, Samhita, Rama Madhav, The Silence and Elizabeth Ekadasi. 'Doctor Rakhmabai' has won Maharashtra State Award for Best Sound, Costumes and Art Direction and was nominated for Best Picture, Director, Actress, Screenplay and Supporting Actor. Prominent personalities from Marathi cinema would attend the festival, Mr Shetye said, adding that the selection of films was well suited for the Swedish sensibilities.UNI AKM SB ADG 1055 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-858446.Xml
Majority educational institutions remained closed today in the Kashmir valley, where clashes took place between security forces and students, protesting against the use of alleged disproportionate force on students, including girls, in south Kashmir district of Pulwama on April 16.The Divisional Administration as a precautionary measure has announced closure of all universities, colleges and Higher Secondary Schools in the Valley in the wake of yesterday's clashes.The Kashmir University, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have postponed all examinations which were scheduled to be held today.However, announcing to continue their agitation against entry of security forces in educational institutions and beating up of students, All Jammu and Kashmir Students Union (AJKSU) said closure of educational institutions for a day will not resolve the issue.Cutting across party lines, all political parties, including ruling Peoples Democratic Party has demanded stern action against the security forces who entered Pulwama Degree College, where more than 60 students, including girls, were injured on April 16.The Divisional Administration last night announced closure of all universities, colleges and higher secondary schools in the wake of protests and clashes in all degree colleges across the Valley. Apprehending trouble majority private schools have announced closure of their institutions. Attendance in government schools was also very less as compared to other working days as parents fear trouble.Similar situation was witnessed in educational institutions in north, central and south Kashmir districts.A spokesman for the AJKSU said the peaceful protest will continue in all educational institutions of Jammu and Kashmir until the genuine problem of students are solved. He said closing the educational institutions today is not answer to alleged atrocities on students by security forces as government must address the genuine demand of students. The peaceful protests will continue even after shutting all educational institutions in the state until the demands like "release of all detained students," " assurance that security forces will never enter in any college premises in future" are met he said adding soldiers involved in the Pulwama incident should be punished. It has now become a war in between "pens vs pellets" and "books vs bullets", the spokesman said and condemned the forces action in Pulwama in which students sustained injuries.UNI BAS AE 1122 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0100-858457.Xml
According to a bank official, the reason might be due to the government's move to boost digital transactions.

State Bank of India (SBI), which owned 40 ATMs, also went dry since last few days.

The SBI main branch office was jam-packed for last three days with customers for transactions and withdrawals.

SBI sources said Reserve Bank of India (RBI) did not sent enough cash while SBI also disbursed money to other banks.

It said on number of occasions, SBI Kohima received cash from Dimapur SBI main branch or Baazar branch and the money has been managed for government offices which has more than 100 departments. UNI AS AD1401

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April 17, 2017

Today Iran stands at the forefront of the battle and confrontation with the project of the Islamic caliphate, in a way that it funds more than 90  armed militia groups in Islamic cities, the narrator proclaimed in a newly released Islamic State (IS) video in which Shiite-majority Iran is portrayed as the source of division in the Muslim world.

In the 37-minute clip published in late March, titled Persian Land, From Yesterday to Today, Iranian IS members list what they see as crimes against Sunnis committed by the Islamic Republic and call on their brethren to take up arms against Tehran, saying, Our war has started against the Persians.  I call in particular on the Sunnis in Iran to prepare for this war  and we are behind you.

Despite Irans important role in degrading IS, the terrorist group has not been able to carry out any attacks inside the Islamic Republic, unlike much of the rest of the Middle East, Europe and the United States. Since its establishment in 1979, the Islamic Republic has been under constant domestic and foreign threats. As a result, it has developed a sophisticated intelligence and surveillance network that has effectively dealt with internal threats. In terms of external threats, Iran prefers to fight them in neighboring countries and has in those endeavors managed to prop up and support various proxies including Shiite, Sunni and secular groups across the region. Perhaps the most potent aspect of this strategy to deal with external threats has been the streamlining of the Iranian decision-making process.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Brett McGurk, who was pushing the White House for a military response to IS advances in Iraq in the summer of 2014, must have envied Qasem Soleimani, the powerful commander of Irans Quds Force, who was on the front line in Jalawla in Diyala province deploying Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) advisers and heavy artillery to stop IS at that time. I was advocating as aggressive a response as possible, just given how dire the situation was. So those who were responding  that this needs a political solution, I just thought they were completely out of their minds, McGurk recalled in a PBS documentary.

Soleimani, who has battled IS and other groups since 2012, knew the dangers that IS posed to Iran and presented the Islamic Republics strategy in dealing with the threat, Daesh [IS] is a plague and a grave catastrophe in the world, said the Iranian commander. To safeguard the security of our nation, we need to quarantine our borders and aid our neighbors so this cancer does not spread to our country.

Iranian officials are quick to point out that this strategy has been successful and that IS has not succeeded in carrying out attacks inside their country. Due to the vigilance of  the security forces and the people, Daesh [IS] has not been able to even set off a firecracker for propaganda [purposes], IRGC public relations chief Ramazan Sharif said last year.

But the cancer that Soleimani referred to may have already spread to Iran  and Tehran might come to regret one pillar of its strategy in dealing with external threats in the region.

From 2001, when the US-led invasion forced the jihadis of al-Qaeda out of Afghanistan, and until late 2011, when US forces left Iraq, Iran reportedly turned a blind eye to jihadis transiting its territory in order to bleed the United States and coalition forces in both countries. Salafi jihadis from eastern Iran, near the Afghan border, are said to have traveled freely across Irans Sunni heartland. Toleration of jihadis so long as Tehran was not at the receiving end of their violence is reported to have created a mass following for these groups in Irans Sunni areas.

For instance, the number of young Kurds adopting Salafi jihadi ideology has greatly increased in western Iran since 2001. Many Iranian Sunnis have traveled through Turkey to join IS and other jihadi groups in Iraq and Syria, often facing IRGC commanders aiding Iraqi and Syrian forces on the front lines.

Some IS supporters in Irans Kurdish areas even celebrated IS gains in the summer of 2014, as the group swooped across northern Iraq, according to Kurdish media. In the latest IS video, which is labeled as originating from the IS wilayah (province) of Diyala in Iraq, four members of the Popular Mobilization Units are seen kneeling down. They are then beheaded by four IS militants, two of whom are apparently Iranian Kurds.

Secular Kurdish activists inside Iran often complain about how parts of Iranian Kurdistan have been turned into battlegrounds where supporters of IS and Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (previously known as Jabhat al-Nusra) settle scores in the streets. Indeed, there have been reports in the Iranian media about a number of clashes between elements that espouse IS ideology and the security forces in Kurdish areas.

As Salafi jihadis become degraded and lose their territory in Iraq and Syria, some of the Iranian Sunnis who have honed their military and intelligence skills over the years will inevitably survive the battlefield and pose a threat to the Iranian state.

Tawhid Qoureishi, an Iranian Sunni religious scholar, traveled to northern Syria via Turkey to join IS along with two other Iranians in the fall of 2013. Prior to that, he engaged in religious studies near the Afghan border and then became a preacher in a Sunni village in the northern Iranian province of Gilan. Qoureishi, who was 30 when he joined IS, stayed with the group for over six months, roaming around northern Syria and meeting many high-ranking IS members. However, he later came to question some of the brutal methods IS deployed, which created division among Salafi jihadis. He participated in the first battles between IS and Jabhat al-Nusra, but soon afterward, he became disillusioned with the group and returned to Iran in the spring of 2014, where he was arrested upon arrival. The main reason [I left IS] was the crimes that were committed there [in Syria], such as killing people.  I went there to defend people and confront oppression, Qoureishi said from an Iranian prison when asked why a young man from a village in northern Iran would go to Syria to join IS.

He is now serving a seven-year prison term in Iran.

While most Iranian Sunnis reject the ideology promulgated by IS and other Salafi jihadi groups, some of the government policies deemed oppressive appear to push more young Sunnis into the arms of jihadi groups, which are quick to exploit such situations. "Iranian Jews live in security under the protection of the government and have synagogues in Tehran and Esfahan, said the narrator in the IS video from March, comparing the status of the over 1 million Sunnis in Tehran with that of the Iranian Jews who are mostly concentrated in the capital. There is not a single mosque for the Sunni people in Tehran, disputing the Iranian authorities assertion that there are nine Sunni mosques in the capital.

This [jihadi] thought is spreading day by day. I think they must have grown by a hundredfold since the Taliban era," warned Qoureishi in the prison interview, adding, "I dont think it is possible to contain these movements.
The Committee on Economic and Media Affairs, Infrastructure,Building and Transport, Energy was headed by Erwin Huber.

The visit was in continuation of a MoU signed between Karnatakaand Bavaria in 2007 and as part of bilateral ties a delegation fromthe State (Karnataka) will be visiting Bavaria in July for trainingthe trainers.

Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Mr Parameshwara said thatsteps to strengthen the State Police on the lines of Bavaria throughtraining was also discussed. Giving more importance to curb cybercrime and security to women by utilising modern technology was alsopart of the discussion.

Advisor to Home Minister Kempaiah, Home Department AdditionalChief Secretary Subhash Chandra, DG and IGP R K Gupta, CityCommissioner of Police Praveen Sood and other senior officers werepresent during the discussion.UNI MSP CNR CS 1603

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Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari today invited Indian business community to invest in Nepal as the hilly nation has a lot to offer in various sectors.Interacting with the Indian Industrialist and business community, Ms Bhandari said that India and Nepal has unique relationship and it needs to be strengthened through economic ties.She said that India's achievement in the economic field is remarkable and Nepal wants to learn and get benefit of it. The Nepalese President said, ''There are huge opportunities in the field of energy, tourism and agro processing where Indian entrepreneurs can invest and earn good profit as Nepal has many incentives to offer them.''She said that the taxes in Nepal are on lower side, but ample and cheap labour is available with good labour laws.Earlier, addressing the gathering, Minister of State for External Affairs General (Retired) V K Singh said India has a relationship with Nepal which cannot be described in words. It's a family relationship, social relationship and religious relationship,He said that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose Nepal for his first visit outside the country which reflects the importance and relationship with Nepal for India. India always treats Nepal as equal partner depending on each other, he said.He said, ''India is a big market for Nepal and the neighbor country must take benefit of what India has achieved in the last few decades, especially in the economic field as we want to see Nepal peaceful, stable, strong and prosperous. We will share whatever we have achieved with Nepal.'' Giving the example of Bhutan, he said ''now Bhutan is exporting power and other products to India after getting India's technical and financial assistance. Similarly Nepal can enhance its trade with India.''UNI ADP RSA SHK 1638 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0429-858935.Xml
Union minister Venkaiah Naidu today said the North East states have to improve implementation of the Central government schemes to catch up with the rest of the country, specifically terming Smart City project implementation in Guwahati as 'not satisfactory'. "The North Eastern states have to catch up with the rest of the country. The region needs to improve implementation in all schemes," he said. Mr Naidu was addressing a press conference after reviewing progress of schemes in all eight NE states under his ministries Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information and Broadcasting. A secretary-level meeting between the states and the Centre was held yesterday, while a ministerial-level meeting was held here today, in the presence of Mr Naidu. All major missions of the Centre AMRUT, SBM, Smart Cities and PMAY, are being implemented in the region, along with special schemes for NE 10 per cent lumpsum schemes for all Urban Local Bodies and ADB-assisted program for five capital cities. On AMRUT implementation, Mr Naidu said there is a potential to vastly improve coverage of piped water supply and provide 24/7 drinking water. "While all the eight states have been successful to prepare and obtain approvals of their plans under AMRUT, project implementation needs to be stepped up," he said. He pointed that Mizoram and Tripura completed reform milestones and were successful to qualify for reform incentive fund in 2015-16. On Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), the minister said Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh have been able to show good progress in toilet construction programmes, achieving 60 per cent of their targets, and added that the other states need to speed up implementation. Pointing that eight cities have been initially shortlisted for the 100 Smart Cities programme, the minister said the states and selected smart cities need to expedite the pace of putting in place the institutional arrangements and project preparation. He expressed dissatisfaction at the progress made in Smart City project implementation in Assam's main city Guwahati, which was selected in the first round on January 28, 2016, itself. Mr Naidu said the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAJ) to provide housing to urban poor is being implemented in 58 cities of NE at present and urged all NE states to submit project proposals to become 'saturated states' in 2017-18.Regarding Information and Broadcasting ministry schemes, the minister said a dedicated Doordarshan channel from Arunachal Pradesh, ArunPrabha, will be launched by August 2017 with the objective to seamlessly integrate NE and showcase its rich culture to the rest of the country.Mr Naidu further said the film institute to be set up in Itanagar will start from temporary campus with introduction of a 10-week short term course from May 15 next and will be followed by similar courses throughout the year.The minister further informed that the Aizawl campus of IIMC will be ready by March 2018 and leading and expert journalists' faculty from across the country will conduct courses. In order to enhance outreach through community radio, Mr Naidu said 90 per cent subsidy for setting up community radio stations in entire NE, subject to maximum limit of Rs 7.5 lakh, has been recently introduced and urged educational institutions and NGOs to take leverage from this grant. Mr Naidu also appealed the public broadcasters, Doordarshan and All India Radio, to utilize its reach to popularize and create awareness regarding developmental schemes of the governments so that the benefits percolate to the people at the grassroots level.UNI SG RN 1715 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-859085.Xml
The Government of India and the World Bank today signed the 175 million dollar loan agreement for the National Hydrology Project. The project will strengthen the capacity of institutions to assess the water situation in their regions and reduce their vulnerability to recurring flood and droughts, saving hundreds of lives and livelihoods.With rainfall in India being highly seasonal and 50 per cent of precipitation falling in just 15 days and over 90 percent of river flows in just four months, the country continues to be water-stressed and is faced with the challenge of managing its water needs amidst recurring floods and drought.''The project is expected to help forge an integrated approach to developing, managing, and regulating both surface and groundwater resources jointly at the basin and aquifer scale. It would also strengthen the institutional capacity for integrated water resources management at the Centre and in the states,'' said Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India. The credit agreement for the project was signed by Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Government of India and Genevieve Connors, Program Leader and Acting Country Director, on behalf of the World Bank.The National Hydrology Project will build on the success of the Hydrology Project-I and Hydrology Project-II, under which, for the first time, real-time flood forecast systems were integrated with weather forecasts in two large river systems (Krishna and Satluj-Beas), giving reservoir managers an accurate picture of the water situation in their region. As a result, the time available for early warnings on flood and preparation for flood management improved from hours to days, which led to saving hundreds of lives and avoided flood damages ranging from 17 million dollar to 65 million dollar in a year.This project will now scale up the successes achieved under HP-I and HP-II to cover the entire country, including the states in the Ganga, and Brahmaputra-Barak basins. Apart from helping states that have already benefited from the earlier two projects to further upgrade and complete their monitoring networks, it will help new states to better manage water flows from the reservoirs. Memorandum of Agreements (MoAs) have already been signed between the central government and the states to integrate and establish the National Water Informatics Center. National Flood Forecasting Systems with an advance warning system and reservoir operation systems as well as water resources accounting in river basins will be included under the project."In the context of climate change, advanced flood management and enhanced river basin planning are essential for building livelihoods and sustaining economic growth," said Genevieve Connors, Program Leader and Acting Country Director, World Bank in India. "This project has the potential to help communities plan in advance to build resilience against possible uncertainties of climate change."UNI ADP RSA SHK 1739 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0429-859126.Xml
Following the arrest and subsequent bail of Vijay Mallya, former Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chief Anil Sinha has expressed confidence that all efforts to bring the absconding businessman back to India will bear results. Talking to ANI here, Sinha stated that the relentless pressure on Mallya, which was beginning to show signs, showed the strong resolve of the laws enforcement agencies and the government. "I'm confident that the efforts to bring him back to India will fructify," he added. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar has assured that the beleaguered liquor baron will be brought back after completion of all required legal procedures. Addressing the media, Gangwar claimed that although bail was granted to Mallya, this does not imply any leniency towards him. He added that granting bail was required on grounds of a 'legal formality'. "Eradication of black money has been discussed since the Lok Sabha elections. We will not let miscreants like Mallya escape. We will make sure he is brought back to India and produced before the law after due consideration of legal formalities," he said. "Our government will make sure that nothing diverts this country's progress. Mallya's case will be investigated thoroughly," added Gangwar. Mallya, who was finally caught after repeatedly refusing to appear before courts and investigators in India since he secretly fled to Britain last March, was granted bail. Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that extradition of the absconding liquor baron has been stratified by the Secretary of State of the U.K. Government and added that a warrant would soon be released against him. The Supreme court had started proceedings against Mallya a year ago and had issued notice to him on March 8, 2016, on a plea by a consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) for recovery of about Rs. 9,000 crore which the businessman and his companies owed to them. Mallya, however, fled the country days before the apex court took up the case against him. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi urged the court to direct him to bring back the USD 40 million which he had received from Diageo. He told the bench that Mallya had breached the court orders and his refusal to bring back the money had aggravated the breach. Rohatgi also said that Mallya should be directed to appear personally before the court. (ANI)
The Supreme Court today exempted certain categories of disabled persons from standing during the National Anthem before screening of a film.The Union of India (UOI) is to consider not making it mandatory for people people suffering from cerebral palsy, Parkinson disease, muscular dystrophy and other categories of disability to get up during the national anthem before the screening of film, the apex court ruled. On November 30 last year, the Supreme Court had ordered cinema halls across the nation to mandatorily play the National Anthem before screening of a movie and the audience must stand and show respect. While pronouncing the judgement, the bench had said, "time has come when citizens must realise they live in a nation and are duty-bound to show respect to National Anthem which is a symbol of constitutional patriotism and inherent national quality."A bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, today exempted certain categories of disabled persons from standing during the national anthem before screening of a film.In its earlier order, the apex court had ordered that every person has to stand during the screening of national anthem.The Supreme Court also sought a response from the Centre on another plea seeking Vande Mataram essential for all educational institutions.The plea was filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ashwini Upadhyay.The Centre has been given a time period of four weeks to revert. August 23 was set for the next hearing.UNI XC RP1941 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0364-859408.Xml
Three people including a two year old girl child were killed and 18 others injured today when their pick up van overturned due to high speed near Dhamapur village under Shakurabad police station area in this district. Police said here that Ramanti Devi (30), her two year old daughter Rinki (2) and Kari Kumari (15) were killed when she along with other labourers were returning from Vaishali district after completing their wheat harvesting work. At least 18 other labourers were injured in the mishap. Police said while 12 people were undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital here, six others had been rushed to Patna Medical College and Hospital. Bodies have been sent to Jehanabad Sadar Hospital for autopsy, police added.UNI XC DH BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-859594.Xml
Jammu and Kashmir State Cabinet, which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, expressed anguish over the loss of precious lives in the Kashmir Valley during the prevailing law and order situation.The Cabinet made a fervent appeal to all shades of political opinion to help restore peace and normalcy in the Valley.Cabinet, while reviewing the security and law and order situation in the State, directed the police and security agencies to exercise maximum restraint while handling law and order situations to prevent loss of human lives.The Cabinet urged the civil society and parents to counsel the youth to stay away from violent protests which, in spite of maximum restraint, can at times lead to fatal consequences.The Cabinet also directed the State Administration to take all required measures to tackle the situation effectively and at the same time ensure that the general public is not put to any inconvenience and their grievances are addressed.UNI VBH JW SNU 2027 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0364-859563.Xml
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today directed the Child Welfare Department (CWD) to provide packed nutrition food to the children across the State. The Chief Minister also asked the Department that `not for sale' should be clearly inscribed on the food packets to ensure that the food packets were not diverted to market for illegal sale.He also said the packed food could be easily consumed with water, milk and juice.Mr Adityanath issued these directions during the meeting with the Union Minister for Women and Child Welfare Maneka Gandhi here.Mr Adityanath said it has come to the notice that the nutritious food meant for free distribution among the children is often diverted and illegally sold in the market.He also directed for restarting a sugar mill in Pilibhit district on PPP mode, which is lying closed for the last 15 years.Ms Gandhi appreciated the Chief Minister's decision for imposing a ban on the illegal slaughter houses in UP.The CM informed that the State Government has implemented the orders of the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court and the district officers have been asked to ensure the compliance of the orders and slaughter houses were operated strictly as per the conditions in the licence.UNI MB SHS SNU 2038 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0364-859597.Xml
The day Yogi Adityanath Government completed 30 days in office, it decided to implement Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship project 'Kisan Bima Yojana' and decided to set up 20 'Kisan Vigyan Kendras' across the State. The decisions were taken in the third Cabinet meeting of the month, held here today. "The Yogi Government has decided to implement Kisan Bima Yojana under which farmers will be paid compensation by the insurance company within 21 days failing which penalties will be imposed against them," Power Minister Shrikant Sharma told the mediapersons, after the Cabinet meeting. He said for effective implementation of the scheme, the State has been divided into 12 clusters and each insurance company has been given charge of not more than two clusters. The insurance companies have been asked to open offices in each block and in case of natural calamity the payment to the farmers should be made within 21 days. In case they fail to do so, these companies will be warned and then black listed."The farmers will have to pay just 1-2 per cent of the premium while the rest of the premium cost will be borne by the Government. In this fiscal, this scheme is expected to benefit 36 lakh farmers and the number will grow up to 50 lakh by next fiscal," Mr Sharma said. Health Minister Sidharthnath Singh said that in another decision the Government has decided to set up 20 additional Krishi Vigyan Kendras in collaboration with ICAR. "This scheme was proposed to the previous Government but that Government threw it in the lumber room. There are already 69 such centres across UP and with 20 new centres the number will go up to 89," he said. "These centres will have facilities of soil testing and carry out other research that could help in increasing productivity," he said. In another decision, the Government has decided to set up civil terminal in Gorakhpur Air Force base and name it as Mahayogi Gorakshnath Terminal. Similar a civil aviation terminal at Air Force base in Agra would be named after Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya. In yet another decision, the Government has renamed the Handicapped Department as Divyangjan Sashaktikaran Vibhag.UNI MB SHS SNU 2057 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0364-859629.Xml
'Dissatisfied' with the Indian media over the coverage of his loan defaulting case, beleaguered liquor baron Vijay Mallya has time and again taken to Twitter to blast the latter. In the most recent incident, he slammed a leading English news channel for reporting that he tried to dodge the British courts but has failed after it sent the British Police after him to arrest him. The channel also reported that India has made a very forceful case against Mallya which has led to verifiable action and that evidence exists against him. He tweeted: "What absolute nonsense devoid of facts. Looks as if Times Now fabricate stories for sensationalism. Verify your facts first before broadcast" Downplaying the din surrounding his sensational arrest in London, Mallya earlier in the day took a swing at the Indian media accusing them of 'hyping' the development. "Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected," he tweeted. Earlier on March 28, he trained his guns on another English news channel saying, "Just received this book. And NDTV relentlessly slam me on all false allegations. Poetic justice." On February 23 upset with the media for only "blasting him" rather than lauding his team Force India's entry into Formula 1 he said in a series of tweets, "Very proud to launch the 2017 Sahara Force India challenger.It is my job and duty as Team Principal.Very sad to see Indian media comments" "Very unfortunate that Indian media do not share pride that an Indian entry into Formula 1 is so successful. Only focussed on blasting me." And not long before on January 26 this year, he complained about his media trail saying, "In our Country I assumed that innocence prevails till proven guilty. Media have convicted me guilty without trial with widespread influence." "Till this minute there is no final judicial determination on what KFA owes to Banks and what I may owe in my personal capacity after trial." "Yet it is reported that I have fled or run away owing money to Banks that I never ever borrowed in the first place."(ANI)
In wake of the growing tension between China and India over the Dalai Lama's impending visit to Arunachal Pradesh, China has categorically asked India to honour its solemn promises on Tibet-related issues. "For some time, due to reasons known to all, the political foundation for China-India relations has been damaged, casting a shadow over bilateral relations and the boundary negotiations," China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a media briefing here. "What is imperative now is for the Indian side to take concrete actions to honour its solemn promises on Tibet-related issues as well as the important consensus reached by the two sides on settling the boundary issue, in particular never again using the 14th Dalai Lama to undermine China's core interests, so as to create a good atmosphere for greater mutual trust between the two countries and proper settlement of the boundary question," he added. His response came to a query on the fate of New Delhi's relationship with Beijing in the future. Earlier, with Beijing issuing a stern warning that the Dalai Lama's visit will have a "negative impact" on the settlement of the border dispute, India stated that its policy towards Tibet and border issue with China remained unchanged. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "Let me make it absolutely clear that there is no change whatsoever in the Government of India's policy towards the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China." China is opposed to the Dalai Lama, who it regards as a separatist, visiting Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Tawang. Meanwhile, India has repeatedly said that no political colour should be attributed to the Dalai Lama's Arunachal visit, which it described as religious and spiritual. (ANI)
Advisers to President Donald Trump will meet today to discuss whether to recommend that he withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accord, a White House official said.The accord, agreed on by nearly 200 countries in Paris in 2015, aims to limit planetary warming in part by slashing carbon dioxide and other emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. Under the pact, the United States committed to reducing its emissions by 26 to 28 per cent from 2005 levels by 2025.Trump has said the United States should "cancel" the deal, but he has been mostly quiet on the issue since he was elected last November.Environmental groups want Washington to remain in the Paris agreement, even if the new administration weakens US pledges.A White House official said Trump's aides would "discuss the options, with the goal of providing a recommendation to the president about the path forward."The meeting comes before a summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations in late May, the deadline for the White House to take a position.White House officials, led by the National Economic Council, have recently been asking publicly traded energy companies for advice on whether to stay in the agreement.Peabody Energy has consulted with White House officials, and Cloud Peak Energy Inc confirmed to Reuters it had told White House advisers it was in its interests for the United States to remain in the agreement to ensure there was a global role for high-efficiency coal plants.Yesterday, liquified natural gas exporter Cheniere Energy sent a letter to George David Banks, who handles international energy issues at the NEC, to recommend remaining in the Paris agreement so "the United States can leverage competitive advantages in natural gas and energy technology."The advisers expected to attend today's meeting include Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt.Perry, a former Texas governor, at his confirmation hearings in January softened a previous position that the science behind climate change was "phony."Last week, Pruitt, a former Oklahoma attorney general, said the United States should exit the agreement because it was a "bad deal" for the country.Justin Guay, climate program officer for the Packard Foundation, said countries like China and India would continue to shift toward clean energy even if the United States retreated, adding: "It is most important that the US stays at the table."REUTERS SDR 0425 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-858354.Xml
An Illinois lawmaker introduced a bill to ban the forcible removal of travelers from flights by state or local government employees after a United Airlines passenger was dragged from an aircraft last week.The Airline Passenger Protection Act, sponsored by Republican state Representative Peter Breen, came after Dr. David Dao, 69, was pulled from a United flight at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to make space for four crew members.The treatment of Dao sparked international outrage, as well as multiple apologies from the carrier, and raised questions about the overbooking policies of airlines.Under Breen's measure, passengers could not be removed from flights unless they were presenting a danger to themselves or others, an emergency was taking place or the passenger had caused a serious disturbance, according to a copy of the bill introduced in the state capital, Springfield."A commercial airline that removes validly seated customers without serious cause breaches the sacred trust between passengers and their airlines," the bill said.The legislation would also bar the state of Illinois from making travel arrangements, doing business with or having investments in any commercial airline that maintained a policy of removing paying passengers to make room for employees traveling on non-revenue tickets.Dao, who was traveling to Louisville, Kentucky, on April 9, suffered a broken nose, a concussion and lost two teeth when he was pulled from his seat by officers from the Chicago Department of Aviation to make room for four employees on the overbooked flight.The three officers, who have not been named, were put on paid leave last week, the department said."The treatment of the passenger in last week's incident at O'Hare is inexcusable and must be stopped," Breen said in a statement. "It reflected badly on the airline, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois."United Chief Executive Oscar Munoz yesterday again apologized for the incident.United said on Friday it was changing its policy on booking its flight crews onto its own planes. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Illinois bill.Lawyers for Dao have moved to preserve evidence from the flight, filing a motion to keep surveillance videos and other materials related to United Flight 3411 in preparation for a possible lawsuit.The city and United agreed to preserve the evidence, Dao's attorney said on Saturday.REUTERS SDR 0702 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-858363.Xml
A 17-year-old girl has died after being attacked by a shark as she surfed with her father off the Australian coast.Laeticia Brouwer was on holiday in Esperance, a tourist town on Australia's west coast, when she went for an afternoon surf yesterday at nearby Wylie Bay, while her mother and siblings watched from the beach."Father and daughter were out surfing where the waves were breaking and that is when the attack occurred. He brought her to shore," West Australian police acting senior sergeant Ben Jeffes said.Paramedics said Brouwer's injuries and blood loss were too severe for her to survive."We can take some comfort that Laeticia died doing something that she loved," a family spokesman Steve Evans told a news conference."The ocean was her and her family's passion. Surfing was something that she treasured doing with her dad and her sisters."The Kelp Beds break, which is popular with surfers and sits off the unpatrolled Wylie Bay beach, was also where a 23-year-old man lost part of both his arms in a non-fatal shark attack in 2014.Brouwer's death is the first fatal shark attack in Australia this year after two fatal attacks last year, both in Western Australia, according to a database.Australia ranks behind only the United States in the number of unprovoked shark encounters with humans last year, the International Shark Attack File of the University of Florida shows.It is testing wider use of shark nets at the country's beaches while surfers are being drawn to new technology like board implants and wet suits that repel sharks.Authorities have closed Wylie Beach for the next 48 hours. Brouwer's broken surfboard was being examined to try determine the species of the shark that attacker her, media reported.REUTERS RJ -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-858539.Xml
At least six people were killed and 18 injured after a van collided with a car near Muhammadyar Wala at Jhang road in Bhakkar on Tuesday. The collision took place after the car's faulty tie rod failed to function, Geo News reported citing sources. Injured were shifted to nearby hospital. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed profound grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the accident, reports Radio Pakistan. (ANI)
US Vice President Mike Pence reassured Japan of American commitment to reining in North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions today, after warning that US strikes in Syria and Afghanistan showed the strength of its resolve.Pence arrived in Tokyo from South Korea, where he assured leaders of an "iron-clad" alliance with the United States in the face of the reclusive North, which has conducted a series of missile and nuclear tests in defiance of UN sanctions.North Korea regularly threatens to destroy Japan, South Korea and the United States and it showed no let-up in its belligerence after a failed missile test on Sunday, a day after putting on a huge display of missiles in Pyongyang."The era of strategic patience is over and while all options are on the table, President (Donald) Trump is determined to work closely with Japan, with South Korea, with all our allies in the region and with China to achieve a peaceable resolution and the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" Pence said in Tokyo before lunch with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe."We appreciate the challenging time in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocation across the Sea of Japan. We are with you 100 percent," he said.Pence and Abe agreed that they needed to persuade China to play a larger role in dealing with North Korea, a Japanese government spokesman said.North Korea's deputy representative to the United Nations, Kim In Ryong, accused the United States yesterday of creating "a situation where nuclear war could break out an any time" and said the North's next nuclear test would take place "at a time and at a place where our headquarters deems necessary".North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol told the BBC that missiles would be tested on "a weekly, monthly and yearly basis".South Korea's acting president, Hwang Kyo-ahn, told a cabinet meeting today that South Korea would strengthen its alliance with the United States and closely cooperate with China to rein in North Korea."We should stay on our toes to protect our territory and people's lives," Hwang said.The North has warned of a nuclear strike against the United States if provoked. It has said it has developed a missile that can strike the mainland United States, but officials and experts believe it is some time away from mastering the necessary technology, including miniaturising a nuclear warhead.TOUGHER SANCTIONSPence said yesterday the world had seen Trump's resolve in the past two weeks, with a U.S. missile attack on a Syrian airfield and the dropping of a powerful non-nuclear bomb on Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan."North Korea would do well not to test his resolve or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region," Pence said.The Trump administration has said military action remains an option for dealing with North Korea.But, mindful that this would likely trigger massive retaliation and casualties in South Korea and Japan, US officials say the Trump administration's main focus is on tougher economic sanctions.Trump, asked yesterday if he was considering military action, told Fox News Channel he did not want to "telegraph" his plans, like the previous administration had done.US officials say tougher sanctions could include an oil embargo, a global ban on North Korea's airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks doing business with Pyongyang. They also say greater Chinese cooperation is vital.White House spokesman Sean Spicer said China had taken some "very helpful" steps, although it remained to be seen how effective these would be.Susan Thornton, acting US assistant secretary of state for East Asia, said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and China's top diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, agreed in a phone call on Sunday on the need for strict enforcement of UN resolutions and for international action to press Pyongyang "to cease provocative actions and recommit to peaceful denuclearisation".Thornton said any new North Korean nuclear test "would draw a pretty significant international response".Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi repeated China's line that the crisis could only be resolved by diplomacy."I've seen that the United States has reiterated it is willing to use political and diplomatic means to resolve this, as this is their first choice," he told reporters in Beijing."Of course I think that any country will feel that political diplomatic means are of course the first choice," Wang said.Pence's economic discussions in Tokyo will be closely watched to see how hard a line Washington is prepared to take on trade. Trump campaigned on an "America first" platform, and has vowed to narrow big trade deficits with nations such as China and Japan.However, Trump has also shown willingness to link trade to other issues, saying he would cut a better trade deal with China if it exerts influence on North Korea.China banned imports of North Korean coal, its most important export, in February, and Chinese media have raised the possibility of restricting oil shipments to the North.Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-1953 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. South Korea hosts 28,500 US troops to counter the threat from the North.REUTERS RJ -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-858659.Xml
North Korea will continue to test missiles regularly and any military action against it by the United States would prompt "all out war", a senior North Korean official has told the BBC.North Korea has conducted several missile and nuclear tests in defiance of United Nations sanctions and has said it has developed a missile that can strike the US mainland. Its latest missile test on Sunday failed a few seconds after launch.US Vice President Mike Pence warned North Korea yesterday that recent US strikes in Syria, one of Pyongyang's few close allies, and Afghanistan showed that the resolve of President Donald Trump should not be tested."We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis," Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol said in an interview with the BBC released late yesterday."If the US is reckless enough to use military means it would mean from that very day, an all out war."North Korean state media last week warned of a nuclear attack on the United States at any sign of American aggression, but the White House said there was no evidence it possessed that capability."If the US is planning a military attack against us we will react with a nuclear pre-emptive strike by our own style and method," Han said.He also said North Korea believed its nuclear weapons protect it from the threat of military action by the United States. REUTERS RJ -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-858751.Xml
US Vice President Mike Pence reassured Japan of American commitment to reining in North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions today, after warning that US strikes in Syria and Afghanistan showed the strength of its resolve.Pence arrived in Tokyo from South Korea, where he assured leaders of an "iron-clad" alliance with the United States in the face of the reclusive North, which has conducted a series of missile and nuclear tests in defiance of UN sanctions."The era of strategic patience is over and while all options are on the table, President (Donald) Trump is determined to work closely with Japan, with South Korea, with all our allies in the region and with China to achieve a peaceable resolution and the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," Pence said in Tokyo before lunch with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.Pence and Abe agreed that they needed to persuade China to play a larger role in dealing with North Korea, a Japanese government spokesman said.North Korea regularly threatens to destroy Japan, South Korea and the United States and it showed no let-up in its belligerence after a failed missile test on Sunday, a day after putting on a huge display of missiles at a parade in Pyongyang.North Korea's deputy representative to the United Nations, Kim In Ryong, accused the United States yesterday of creating "a situation where nuclear war could break out an any time" and said the North's next nuclear test would take place "at a time and at a place where our headquarters deems necessary".North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol told the BBC that missiles would be tested on "a weekly, monthly and yearly basis".The North has warned of a nuclear strike against the United States if provoked. It has said it has developed a missile that can strike the mainland United States, but officials and experts believe it is some time away from mastering the necessary technology, including miniaturising a nuclear warhead.Pence said yesterday the world had seen Trump's resolve in the past two weeks, with a US missile attack on a Syrian airfield and the dropping of a powerful non-nuclear bomb on Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan.The Trump administration has said military action remains an option for dealing with North Korea.But, mindful that this would likely trigger massive retaliation and casualties in South Korea and Japan, US officials say Trump's main focus is on tougher economic sanctions.US officials say tougher sanctions could include an oil embargo, a global ban on North Korea's airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks doing business with Pyongyang. They also say greater Chinese cooperation is vital."DIPLOMACY FIRST CHOICE"Susan Thornton, acting US assistant secretary of state for East Asia, said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and China's top diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, agreed in a phone call on Sunday on the need for strict enforcement of UN resolutions.Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi repeated China's line that the crisis could only be resolved by diplomacy."I've seen that the United States has reiterated it is willing to use political and diplomatic means to resolve this, as this is their first choice," he told reporters in Beijing."Of course I think that any country will feel that political diplomatic means are of course the first choice," Wang said.Pence's economic discussions in Tokyo will be closely watched to see how hard a line Washington is prepared to take on trade. Trump campaigned on an "America first" platform, and has vowed to narrow big trade deficits with nations such as China and Japan.However, Trump has also shown willingness to link trade to other issues, saying he would cut a better trade deal with China if it exerts influence on North Korea.China banned imports of North Korean coal, its most important export, in February, and Chinese media have raised the possibility of restricting oil shipments to the North.But North Korea used Chinese-made trucks to display missiles at the military parade on Saturday, according to photographs, underlining the difficulty in enforcing UN sanctions.China and North Korea maintain "normal contacts, including normal business contacts", said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang, when asked about the trucks."At the same time, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China strictly adheres to its international responsibilities, including those from Security Council resolutions," Lu told a daily briefing.Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-1953 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. South Korea hosts 28,500 US troops to counter the threat from the North.Trump's decision to launch a missile strike against Syria, a Russian ally, drop a giant bomb on Afghanistan and stick with Obama-era policies on Crimea mean Russian hopes of him befriending the Kremlin have been on the slide.Russian state media, which hailed his election win, have made a U-turn. On Sunday, media said he was scarier than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.REUTERS RJ -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-858764.Xml
Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya was arrested in London by the Scotland Yard today. He was taken to a a Westminster Magisterial Court and later granted bail.Facing charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating and loan default worth Rs 9000 crore, Mallya had fled to London on March 2 last year. He had taken loans from a string of banks, including leading public sector lenders like the State Bank of India, Corporation Bank and IDBI, but failed to repay. After his flight to London exactly a year ago, the National Democratic Alliance government had been pushing for his extradition. The request for his extradition was put up by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) before a court which also issued a non-bailable warrant against him. The extradition request was sent to the authorities in the UK, through diplomatic channels. As promoter of Kingfisher Airlines which promised to usher in good times in civil aviation but went bankrupt within a few years of operation, Mallya not only defaulted on loan repayment but was also accused by the CBI of diverting the funds. Making light of charges against him, Mallya referred to his arrest in a tweet: ``Usual Indian media hype...extradition hearing in court started today as expected.'' He has termed default on loan payment as a business decision gone wrong and has denied any wrongdoing. He also faces charges of money laundering by the Enforcement Directorate. Reacting to Mallya's arrest, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar termed it as a "part of the process" itself."We are happy about the developments. This is only part of the process. We are doing our part to get any economic offender face the trial of justice," he told reporters in New Delhi. "Our government is firm about one thing. All wrong doers have to face the law. We are very sure about one thing, even if I am on wrong side, the law will not spare me," Mr Gangwar said. On attempts for extradition, he said, talks are on through bilateral channels and "we are hopeful of positive results".The NDA government had cancelled Mallya's passport last year and asked the UK government in February this year to extradite him. Mallya, a former Rajya Sabha member, was much talked about for his lavish parties, beauty pageants and extravagant lifestyle. Recently, his villa in picturesque coastal State of Goa was auctioned for Rs. 73 crores. As the process of extradition is a judicial one, the proceedings may take a long time before the competent court in the UK decides on India's request. Nadim of Nadim-Shravan music composer duo, facing charges of conspiracy in the murder of Bollywood's music baron Gulshan Kumar, was granted respite by a court in the UK which had rejected India's request for his extradition. UNI VT RP1820 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0364-859226.Xml
Egyptian archaeologists have unearthed the tomb of a nobleman from more than 3,000 years ago, the latest in a series of major discoveries of ancient relics that Egypt hopes will revive a tourist business that has been hit by political instability.The find near the Nile city of Luxor, is the tomb of Userhat, a judge from the New Kingdom. It consists of an open court leading into a rectangular hall, a corridor and inner chamber, the Ministry of Antiquities said today.In one of the rooms in the tomb, archaeologists found a collection of figurines, wooden masks and a handle of a sarcophagus lid. Excavation is continuing in a second chamber.Earlier this year, Swedish archaeologists discovered 12 ancient Egyptian cemeteries near the southern city of Aswan that date back almost 3,500 years.In March, Egypt unearthed an eight-meter statue in a Cairo slum that is believed to be King Psammetich 1, who ruled from 664 to 610 BC.Hisham El Demery, chief of Egypt's Tourism Development Authority, said tourism was picking up and discoveries like the one at Luxor would encourage the sector."These discoveries are positive news from Egypt's tourism industry, which is something we all really need," he said.Tourism in Egypt has suffered in the aftermath of the mass protests that toppled former president Hosni Mubarak in 2011. Militant bomb attacks have also deterred foreign visitors. REUTERS SHS SNU 2253 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-859722.Xml
Zambia opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema, arrested last week on suspicion of treason, was charged in court today with trying to overthrow the government "by unlawful means ... between October 10 last year and April 8 this year". REUTERS SHS SNU 2320 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-859746.Xml
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-17 20:39:32|Editor: Mengjiao Liu

Photo taken on April 17, 2017 shows the general view of Mangle E8 nightclub after a suspected "strong acid" attack in east London, Britain. At least 12 people had suffered burns from a suspected "strong acid" attack as about 600 revelers were evacuated from an east London club, local police said Monday. (Xinhua)

LONDON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 people had suffered burns from a suspected "strong acid" attack as about 600 revelers were evacuated from an east London club, local police said Monday.

Police officers said they believe that a man had thrown acid at two men after a dispute between two groups inside the nightclub.

The incident occurred at about 1:10 a.m. as 10 were taken to hospital to be treated.

Two men in their 20s remain in a serious but stable condition in hospital, the Metropolitan Police said.

A spokesperson with London Fire Bridge said that a "strong acidic unknown corrosive substance" was thrown inside the venue, Mangle E8 in Dalston.

"It was identified by a PH paper test as a strong acidic substance," he said.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said earlier the injured were treated for minor burns and their injuries are not life-threatening.

Police are still investigating into the cause of the incident but ruled out that the attack was gang related.

The attack came amid the Easter holiday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 02:10:45|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TIRANA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The visiting foreign ministers of Germany and the Netherlands, Sigmar Gabriel and Bert Koenders respectively, called on Albanian opposition on Monday to end the parliamentary boycott and get ready for the June 18 elections.

The ministers told a press conference that the current political deadlock risked Albania's European Union (EU)membership bid, which is considered as a top priority of Albania.

The German foreign minister said at the joint press conference with his Albanian counterpart Ditmir Bushati that the parliamentary boycott of the opposition is blocking justice reform and damages Albania's reputation.

"If parliament continues to be blocked as well as the reform of the justice system, then your path towards the EU is getting harder," he warned, noting that the opposition could make proposals for free and fair elections but the boycott was not a solution.

Albanian opposition parties have unanimously refused to take part in the general elections in June, asking for the prime minister's resignation. They have been boycotting the parliament and continued protests in the main streets of the capital since February 18.

But such request has not been supported by the ruling majority.

On his part, Dutch Foreign Minister Koenders said that the Netherlands supported Albania's European membership bid but this required the implementation of important reforms such as the justice system.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 02:46:01|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BAKU, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The expansion of regional cooperation in the railway transport was one of the major topics of the two-day Economic Cooperation Organization's railway authorities meeting that opened in Baku Monday.

The 13th meeting of the Heads of ECO Railway Authorities was launched here along with the 7th Meeting of Railway Committee of ECO Transit Transport Coordination Council (TTCC).

The meeting covered a wide range of topics related to the latest developments related to the ECO container trains operation, train service challenges, important regional railway infrastructure projects and new regional initiatives, according to Azerbaijan State News Agency.

Addressing the conference, Igbal Huseynov, Deputy chairman of Azerbaijan Railways, highlighted the railway projects implemented in Azerbaijan and briefed the participants on modernization of the railway infrastructure.

Igbal Huseynov outlined the role of international transport corridors in increasing the transit potential.

Touching upon the implementation of the International North-South Transport Corridor, Igbal Huseynov said that the construction of the 8.3 kilometers single-track railway from the Astara station (Azerbaijan) to the Iranian border and the construction of the railway bridge across the Astara river as part of the Gazvin-Rasht-Astara (Iran) -- Astara (Azerbaijan) railway project have been completed.

Other representatives of the meeting stressed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in the field of railway transport.

Representatives from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan and Iran attended the event.

On Tuesday Baku will also host the Third High-Level Working Group meeting on Qazvin-Rasht-Astara (Iran)- Astara (Azerbaijan) Railway Project.

The meeting will discuss the latest status of the construction works along the route in the territories of Azerbaijan and Iran and challenges being faced by the concerned parties in the course of construction works.

In 1985, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was established by Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey to promote economic, technical, and cultural cooperation among the member states.

ECO is the successor organization of Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) which remained in existence since 1964 up to 1979.

In 1992, the Organization was expanded to include seven new members, namely: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 02:56:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ARUSHA, Tanzania, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania is set to start displaying the early human footprints, which were recently discovered at Laetoli area in Ngorongoro Conservation Area for public consumption, an archaeologist said on Monday.

Fidelis Masao, an archaeologist from the long-time Tanzania's University of Dar es Salaam said that the process of displaying the footprints in a museum for public consumption will start in August, this year.

The discovery in 2015 by Tanzanian and Italian archaeologists came during the systematic survey and excavation activities led by Ngorongoro-based Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment (CHIA) aimed at evaluating the effect of a proposed new field museum in the area that lies on the southern edge of Serengeti National Park.

"We are currently in discussions with the Italian Embassy in Tanzania on better ways of making the human footprints available for public viewing," Masao said in a telephone interview.

The discovered these footprints at Laetoli took place 40 years later in the same area where the legendary Mary Leakey and her team of researchers discovered in the late 1970s a trackway 3.6 million years ago commonly attributed to Australopithecus afarensis.

The research that led to the new discovery is supported by the Italian School of Palaeoanthropology under the auspices of the Italian ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation in collaboration with University of Dar es Salaam's College of humanities.

This is likely to boost Tanzania's archaeological and tourism fortunes which have been on the increase for years.

Footprints are rare they can be impressed in the ground, preserved over time and eventually discovered millions of years later only because of unique circumstances.

Like a spotlight on a prehistoric scene, fossil tracks provide data about the locomotion biomechanics and body size of the extinct creatures and reveal the diversity among individuals explains even their reproductive strategies.

The evidence taken as a whole with the previous one portrays several bipedal early hominins moving as a group through the landscape, after a volcanic eruption and a subsequent rainfall.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 04:46:31|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by Marwa Yahya

CAIRO, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Millions of Egyptians celebrated on Monday Sham El-Nessim, a national holiday marking the beginning of spring, in an attempt to overcome sadness inflicted by recent deadly church attacks.

Early in the morning, Muslims and Christians across the country flocked to public parks, beaches, zoos, outdoors greeneries and Nile cruises amid tight security imposed after the Palm Sunday twin bombings.

All Egyptians, regardless of their religions, beliefs or social classes, have been celebrating Sham El-Nessim, which literally means "smelling the breeze," since 2700 BC, with traditional seafood and picnics in parks.

The public holiday always falls on the day after the Easter Sunday in the Coptic Christian Calendar.

This year's celebrations, however, came a week after suicide attacks at two churches in the Delta province of Gharbiya and Alexandria province in northern Egypt, which killed at least 45 and injured 120 others.

"The nature of the Egyptian people is to love and enjoy the life, no matter what happens," said Moustafa Ahmad, a taxi driver as he enjoyed the holiday meal with his family at Cairo's renowned Azhar Park.

"In Egypt, this is the day when Muslims and Christians celebrate together. We experienced so many troubles, sorrow over the people we lost in the attacks. We will pass it together," Ahmad added.

"Shame El-Nessim is a restart for our life, and the terrorist attacks wouldn't frustrate its joy," he said.

The holiday's name is derived from Shamo, the harvest season for ancient Egyptians, which means the day of renewal of life.

The foods consumed on Shamo are still eaten today. Lettuce and malana-green chickpea shoots, which symbolize the resurgence of life, became plentiful during the receding of the past annual Nile flooding.

Packing a bag of colored eggs, fesikh (pickled mullet fish) and green onions, Hoda Adel, a housewife, was spreading a sheet under a tree to avoid the strong sunlight.

"Sham El-Nessim is a special occasion where I can see my relatives and friends enjoy, eat and breathe clean air," Adel said.

"My Coptic friend will come soon with her family, so we can share the food together. Nothing would affect Egyptians' high spirits," the lady added.

"You can smell the salted fish everywhere. The day with its traditions is part of Egypt's identity," she said.

The Giza Zoo, which opens to public for free, received 83,000 visitors on the national holiday.

Along the Nile Cornish, the police deployed were doing security checks.

"I feel secured, police is everywhere eying the violations," said Amal Waheeb, a 52-year-old teacher while standing in a long queue for a cruise with her daughters.

Sayed Abdel Galel, who works for a clothing shop, also said the day brings back happy memories as people were celebrating the beginning of spring and enjoying the gathering of friends and relatives.

"It is part of our memories and upbringing that dates back to our ancestors, and I want to deepen old traditional festivals in my kids' minds," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 05:01:33|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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HAVANA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Heart diseases are atop the list of ten non-communicable diseases that cause the highest mortality rates in Cuba, followed by cancer, according to data from the island's Health Ministry disclosed on Monday.

Cuba's Statistical Yearbook of Health 2016 reported that heart problems killed 217.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, while malignant tumours claimed 216.3, with both accounting for 49.1 percent of total deaths on the island in 2016.

Non-communicable diseases were the largest cause of death, with 731.4 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the document published by the National Statistics Bureau.

The Yearbook informed that 66 percent of deaths from heart diseases occur due to ischemic failures, especially acute myocardial infarction.

However, heart failures and chronic rheumatic heart disease are more customary in women.

Concerning cancer, the highest mortality rates came from malignant tracheal, bronchial and lung tumors.

For men, the second-highest death rate from cancer came from prostate tumors, as opposed to breast cancer for women.

Smoking is also included in the list of chronic non communicable diseases, with the document highlighting that over half of all Cubans are exposed to cigarette smoke.

According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases will be the main causes of disability worldwide by 2020, posing a very expensive challenge for healthcare systems in many countries.
A U.S. navy soldier stands on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in Busan, South Korea, on May 11, 2013. The USS Nimitz arrived here Saturday to join the South Korea-U.S. joint naval drills. (Xinhua/Park Jin-hee)

WASHINGTON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Defense Ministry has officially started a review of the country's nuclear posture and will submit a final report to President Donald Trump at the end of this year, the Pentagon announced Monday.

"Today, Secretary (James) Mattis directed the commencement of the review, which will be led by the deputy secretary of defense and the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and include interagency partners," Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said in a statement.

"The process will culminate in a final report to the president by the end of the year." said the statement.

The nuclear posture review was ordered by President Trump in a January executive action on military readiness, according to a theHill news daily report.

The January memo called for a review "to ensure that the United States nuclear deterrent is modern, robust, flexible, resilient, ready and appropriately tailored to deter 21st-century threats and reassure our allies."

Democratic lawmaker Adam Smith, a ranking member of the House Armed Services committee, said Monday he hopes the review includes a "thoughtful assessment" to "rethink what the priorities should be for a strong yet affordable nuclear arsenal."

"In the past, nuclear posture reviews have considered in depth the crucial role played by efforts to enhance strategic stability and prevent nuclear proliferation," he said in a statement.

"It is important that this review do the same. I hope that it includes a thorough assessment of policy options that would allow us to avoid a costly and dangerous nuclear arms race; and that it properly analyzes the enormous risks inherent in lowering the threshold for using nuclear weapons." said Smith.

Though planned since January under Trump's order, the start of the nuclear review comes at a time of high anxiety over increasing tensions on the Korean peninsula.

The last time the Pentagon conducted a nuclear posture review was in 2010.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 05:11:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's Press Secretary Sean Spicer on Monday defended the decision to keep White House visitor logs secret, but did not bring up the national security explanation.

Instead, he criticized the practice to release visitor logs under former President Barack Obama administration as a "faux attempt" at transparency.

The decision, announced on Friday, is just a return to earlier precedent before Obama-era, said Spicer.

"It's the same policy that every administration had up until the Obama administration," Spicer said at the White House daily briefing.

"And frankly, the faux attempt that the Obama administration put out, where they would scrub who they didn't want put out, didn't serve anyone well." he said.

"The president wants to make sure that people can come, in the same way they can go into members of Congress' office, provide information and details," said Spicer, "We recognize that there's a privacy aspect to allowing citizens to come express their views."

Earlier, White House communications director Michael Dubke said the move would protect the U.S. national security interests as well as the privacy of those visiting the Trump administration.

Under the Obama administration, the White House released logs listing nearly six million visitors. No apparent national security concerns have been reported, according to a thePolitico report.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 05:16:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ANKARA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's state of emergency will be extended by an additional three months, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said late Monday.

The state of emergency would be extended as of April. 19 for three more months, with the parliament's approval, the government spokesperson Kurtulmus said after a cabinet meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He attributed the reason for the extension to the struggle against terror threats, primarily against the so-called Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) that the government accuses of staging coup attempt on July 15, 2016.

The cabinet meeting followed the National Security Council's advice to extend the state of emergency.

The National Security Council and the cabinet convened successively on Monday, one day after a public vote that confirmed governance system change from the parliamentarian one to the executive presidency.

Turkey declared a state of emergency on July 20, 2016, days after a failed military coup, which Ankara blames on the U.S.-based exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Turkey has already been under a state of emergency for nine consecutive months after a coup attempt on July 15, 2016.

Under emergency rule, the government can bypass the parliament to enact new laws and limit or suspend rights and freedoms.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 05:21:38|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LISBON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's Director General for Health Francisco George on Monday called on parents to vaccinate their children "without hesitation," after the country registered around 23 cases of measles since the beginning of this year.

According to the director general for health, 11 cases of measles were confirmed by Institute Ricardo Jorge and the remaining 12 were being investigated.

George told local broadcaster Antena 1 that there were serious cases of measles due to an epidemic.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, which affects mostly children, according to the World Health Organization, and it can cause serious complications.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 05:36:41|Editor: Mengjiao Liu

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WASHINGTON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. researchers said Monday they have developed a wristband-type wearable sweat sensor that could help diagnose cystic fibrosis, diabetes and other diseases.

The sensor collects sweat, measures its molecular constituents and then electronically transmits the results for analysis and diagnostics via a smartphone, according to the study led by researchers at the Stanford University, in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley.

Unlike previous sweat collectors, the new device does not require patients to sit still for a long time while it collects sweat from them.

"This is a huge step forward," co-author Carlos Milla, associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford University, said in a statement.

The wearable device is a two-part system of flexible sensors and microprocessors that sticks to the skin, stimulates the sweat glands and then detects the presence of different molecules and ions based on their electrical signals.

High chloride ion levels, for example, are an indicator of cystic fibrosis while high blood glucose levels can indicate diabetes, according to the study published in the U.S. journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Conventional methods for diagnosing cystic fibrosis -- a genetic disease that causes mucus to build up in the lungs, pancreas and other organs -- require that patients visit a specialized center and sit for 30 minutes while electrodes stimulate sweat glands in their skin to provide sweat for the test.

By comparison, the wearable sweat sensor stimulates the skin to produce minute amounts of sweat, quickly evaluates the contents and beams the data by way of a cellphone to a server that can analyze the results, and this test happens all at once and in real time, said Milla.

For this study, the research team also measured glucose levels in sweat, which correspond to blood glucose levels, making the device potentially useful for monitoring pre-diabetes and diabetes.

But the technology can also be used to measure other molecular constituents of sweat, such as sodium and potassium ions and lactate, meaning the platform can be used to "measure virtually anything found in sweat."

"Sweat is hugely amenable to wearable applications and a rich source of information," said co-author Ronald Davis, professor of biochemistry and of genetics at Stanford University.

The team is now working on large-scale clinical studies to look for correlations between sweat-sensor readings and health.

In the longer term, it's hoped that the wearable sensor could be integrated into a smartwatch for broad population monitoring.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) ambassador to the United Nations Kim In Ryong speaks during a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York on April 17, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Monday called on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to take all the steps necessary to de-escalate the situation and return to dialogue and denuclearization, said a spokesperson.

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a daily briefing that the UN is deeply concerned about the rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula and call on all parties to "redouble their diplomatic efforts."

He said the latest missile launch from DPRK is "troubling," while noting that all Security Council resolutions must be fully implemented.

The DPRK attempted on Sunday to test-fire an unidentified missile on its east coast, which was believed to have failed, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The Pentagon confirmed later that the latest missile launch by the DPRK had failed.

The DPRK is banned from testing ballistic missile technology under UN Security Council resolutions.

Earlier on Monday, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said in South Korea that "an era of strategic patience is over" on the issue of DPRK.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 09:02:58|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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SYDNEY, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Australian dollar rose against its U.S. counterpart on Tuesday as economic results out of China have boosted the local currency.

At the Asian open, one Australian dollar was buying 75.90 U.S. cents, up from the 75.81-U.S.-cent mark it sat at on Thursday.

Elias Haddad, senior currency strategist at the Commonwealth Bank, told Xinhua in a statement that the Australian dollar should track past the 76.00-U.S.-cent mark this week, on the back of encouraging data coming out of China.

"China's economy expanded at a solid 6.9 percent annual pace in the first quarter, driven by the industrial and finance sectors," Haddad said.

Haddad contended that the positive growth momentum should continue in China, as increased manufacturing investment and improved investment funding drive stronger economic growth.

"Faster Chinese economic growth will underpin commodity prices and support the Australian dollar," Haddad said.

At 0820 local time AEST, one Australian dollar buys 75.89 U.S. cents.
SYDNEY, April 18 (Xinhua) -- An Australian boy was in a critical condition after falling off a carnival ride in southeast Victoria, a hospital spokesman said on Tuesday.

The boy, reported to be 5 years old, suffered critical head and foot injuries after falling from the ride at the Rye Easter Carnival on Monday evening.

In a statement, Ambulance Victoria said paramedics rushed to the scene and worked on the boy before he was flown to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne by air ambulance.

A spokesperson for the hospital said on Tuesday morning that the boy remained in a critical condition.

Sean Lynch, a witness of the incident, said the boy's mother was "really upset" as paramedics worked on her son.

"I was about 30 metres away ... she was really upset," Lynch told News Limited on Tuesday.

"It was so awful to see. I have a kid myself and the thought it could have been mine is shocking."

He said at least six ambulance crews attended the scene before the air ambulance arrived.

"They were holding blankets around the boy so no one could see what was going on," he said.

"I just hope the young fella pulls through ... It was pretty awful to see."

Lynch said he believed the incident occurred on the Cha Cha ride which spins both clockwise and counter-clockwise at the same time at high speed.

WorkSafe confirmed on Tuesday that it would investigate the incident.

In 2011, a 13-year-old girl was left with a deep gash and nerve damage to her head after being thrown from a similar ride at Lilydale, 35 km northeast of Melbourne.
SYDNEY, April 18 (Xinhua) -- An Australian boy has become the nation's first person to contract Hepatitis E from donated blood.

The boy, aged six years old, was infected by the rare type of Hepatitis, also known as HEV, after a liver transplant operation in 2014, experts wrote in the Medical Journal of Australia on Tuesday.

HEV has been known to cause cirrhosis or permanent liver damage in transplant patients.

The typical recovery time is six weeks and most people won't have enduring symptoms, but the disease can be severe for pregnant women and people with pre-existing liver conditions.

Donated plasma used during the liver transplant infected the boy in 2014 but the disease was not diagnosed until 2015.

Archived samples of all 18 blood donations the boy received were tested by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and discovered one of them was positive.

It was established that the donor had eaten pork in the south of France, which is known to have a high prevalence of HEV, before giving his blood.

Experts from the Australian Red cross Blood Service, led by Veronica Hoad, the PathWest Laboratory, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Perth detailed the case in the Medical Journal of Australia.

"While the risk in Australia is low compared with other countries, we report the first confirmed Australian case of transmission by transfusion," the authors wrote.

"Chronic infection can occur in immunocompromised individuals and may lead to cirrhosis; however, early recognition and treatment generally results in viral clearance."

There were 41 cases of HEV in each 2015 and 2016 with 14 so far in 2017, a vast majority of which involved an Australian catching the disease overseas.

A spokesperson for the Blood Service said the blood supply in Australia remained one of the safest in the world with no transmissions of HEV since the incident.

"This is due to the low prevalence of hepatitis E in the Australian population combined with our strict donor eligibility guidelines," the spokesperson told Fairfax Media on Tuesday.

"In the wake of this incident, the Blood Service reviewed all available evidence and concluded that the ongoing risk to the blood supply remains very low, and does not warrant the introduction of any further testing of donated blood."
YANGON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A total of 285 people were killed and 1,073 others injured nationwide during a four-day water festival, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Tuesday.

The deaths were 13 more than that of last year's event.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,200 criminal cases were also registered during the water festival.

Among the deaths, 10 were in Nay Pyi Taw, 44 in Yangon, 36 in Mandalay, 26 in Sagaing region, 11 in Tanintharyi region, 37 in Bago region, 11 in Magway region, 20 in Mon state, 17 in Rakhine, 29 in Shan state and 28 in Ayeyawaddy region.

The criminal cases were related to murder, car accident, drug-use, theft, arm possession and group violence respectively, said the report.

This year's traditional Thingyan water festival ran from Thursday to Sunday.

During last year's water festival, a total of 272 people were killed and 1,086 others injured.
SYDNEY, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A 17-year-old girl died from a shark attack in Western Australian while surfing with her father, local media reported Tuesday.

The teenager's leg was severely mauled by what is believed to be a great white shark Monday afternoon, which was spotted in the area last week.

Despite being treated at the scene by emergency services and rushed to a nearby hospital in the township of Esperance, the girl died later Monday evening.

The teenager's horrified mother and siblings were also on the beach during the incident and witnessed the attack.

This is the fourth fatal shark attack on the south coast of Western Australia in three years.

There was also a fifth, non-fatal incident in 2014, when a man in Esperance lost both his hands after being mauled.

Shark scientist Colin Simpfendorfer at James Cook University explained to Xinhua that the recent increase in shark attacks are proportional to the rise in the amount of people swimming at Australia's beaches.

"The attacks are happening at about the same rate, but we have more people in the water now so there is greater risk."

"Unfortunately there is only a limited number of things that governments can do and none of them can fully protect people, there is always going to be an inherent risk."

Local authorities have warned people to stay away from the area over the coming days.

"Our advice to water users is not to undertake surfing, swimming or diving activities in the Wylie Bay area for at least the next 48 hours," the Western Australian Department of Fisheries told the West Australian Newspaper.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 09:53:05|Editor: Mengjiao Liu

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WASHINGTON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The White House said on Monday that it does not expect U.S. President Donald Trump to draw a red line on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the United States will continue work with China to solve it.

"Drawing red lines really hasn't worked in the past," White House spokesman Sean Spicer told a briefing.

"He (Trump) holds his cards close to the vest, and I think you are not going to see him telegraphing how he's going to respond to any military or other situation going forward," he said.

Trump does not plan to draw red lines "in the sand", Spicer added.

However, Spicer cited the U.S. decision to bomb a Syrian military airfield early this month as an indication that Trump would take action when necessary.

"I think the action he took in Syria shows that when appropriate, this president will take decisive action."

Spicer added that the United States is going to work with China on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

"We're going to continue to work with China, in particular, to help find a way forward on this."
SYDNEY, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Australian share market tumbled on Tuesday, as investors grew increasingly concerned about geopolitical events on the Korean Peninsula.

At 1140 local time AEST, the S&P/ASX200 index lost 55.6 points, or 0.94 percent, to 5,834.3 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index was also down 57.8 points, or 0.98 percent, to 5,868.1 points.

Ric Spooner, chief market analyst at CMC Markets, told Xinhua that investors were ignoring the positive results coming out of China, and rather showing their concern for the current geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.

"We are seeing that trend of profit taking that we saw on Thursday, continuing." Spooner said.

The banking majors took a big hit this morning, with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia down 0.56 percent, Westpac also struggled, down 0.49 percent, ANZ fell 0.41 percent, while the National Australia Bank dropped 0.56 percent in value.

In the mining sector, BHP Billiton slipped a whopping 2 percent, Rio Tinto also dipped sharply, down 1.45 percent, Newcrest saw their value plummet, down 5.21 percent this morning, while Fortescue joined them with their own huge 5.27-percent loss.

Oil and gas fared no better, with Woodside Petroleum down 1.06 percent, Oil Search lost 2.33 percent, while Santos also suffered, down 2.9 percent in early trade.

Grocery giant Woolworths dipped, down 0.57 percent, while rivals Wesfarmers also did it tough, falling 1.40 percent in the early running.

Telco giant Telstra took a broad hit, down 3.49 percent, while iconic airline Qantas slightly bucked the index trend, with a minor 0.26-percent loss early.
| 2017-04-18 10:41:59|Editor: Mengjiao Liu

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BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhuanet) -- Like all his fellow natives, Zhang Wuyang is looking forward to the BRICS summit to be held in September in Xiamen, a southeast Chinas port city.

However, as an agate businessman, Zhang expects more from the summit  to make agate artworks the official souvenirs of the grand event.

Agate products are typical of made-in-Xiamen, said Zhang, 52, head of the local agate association.

Though therere no agate deposits in and around Xiamen, it boasts the worlds largest agate industry," he added.

In fact, Xiamen, or its Dongpu village to be more exact, began to embrace agate business only 25 years ago by chance.

A Taiwan businessman happened to take Zhangs taxi at the Xiamen airport.

Learning about his plan to build a factory to produce agate bracelets, Zhang recommended his home village Dongpu, a remote village still struggling to break the chain of poverty.

After two years, Zhang took over the factory.

Zhang and his partners carried bags of bracelets to sell all over China. And by the end of 1995, they had done a good marketing by earning back the buyout money borrowed from their relatives.

After we harvested the first pot of gold, said Zhang, other villagers got inspired and soon followed suit.

Nowadays, nearly all 400 households of 2,000 Dongpu villagers engage in the agate business, turning out all kinds of agate products, with bracelets accounting for 90 percent of the world market, according to Zhang. We have been exploring new frontiers by introducing various innovations, especially the art of cutting, said Zhang. Thats our secret to keep the agate industry vigorous.

Harder, cheaper and more colorful than jade, agate stones prove unique to inspire and challenge artistic creation.

Dongpu has also become the world hub of raw agate stones, importing them from more than 10 countries, including BRICS countries, and handling 80 percent of their imports in China.

Zhuang Chunjing, 34, is one of the Dongpus agate ore traders. He arrived in Madagascar three years ago and started business in three months.

In many countries, we Dongpu traders turn valueless agate stones into a treasure for locals, said Zhuang, and they all know Dongpu.

In recent years, Dongpus agate industry experienced a decline due to the slowdown of Chinas economy.

According to Zhang, the number of TEU(Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) of agate stones import dwindled from 100 to about 50 monthly, and the yearly turnover of Dongpus agate business shrunk to half its all-time high.

Fortunately, the younger generation, the post-80s or 90s college graduates, has been rising up, injecting much-needed new blood into it.

Chen Bochao, 27, has focused on establishing an online trading platform since 2013.

I insist on online and high-end marketing, but my father cant understand such a way of doing business, said Chen, son of an agate businessman in Dongpu.

Chen has recruited more than 30 agate artists online, who accept his orders or sell their artworks through his platform.

Chen also cooperates with Zhuang in exploring new methods of marketing, such as introducing new species to meet the needs of cutters and selling raw agate stones through crowd-funding.

Our elders tend to continually enlarge the market share, said Zhang Zhimin, 38, an agate cutter. We younger generation pay more attention to market segmentation and artistic value of the agate business.

Both Zhang Zhimin and Chen seek to encourage talented youth to become agate designers and artists.

Agate consumers are becoming younger, said Zhang Zhimin. We have to change to keep the agate business young.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 11:23:25|Editor: Mengjiao Liu

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WELLINGTON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully will hold talks on Asia-Pacific issues with U.S. military chiefs this week with the situation on the Korean Peninsula being reported high on the agenda.

McCully said Tuesday he will travel to Hawaii to meet with senior figures in the U.S. Pacific Command.

"The U.S. Pacific Command is responsible for U.S. military operations in over half the world's surface," McCully said in a statement.

"Honolulu is a pivotal channel for New Zealand's views on the Asia-Pacific into Washington, D.C. and my visit is an opportunity to emphasize the value of New Zealand-U.S. cooperation in the Asia Pacific."

Prime Minister Bill English told Radio New Zealand Tuesday that it is good to see China and United States communicate about how to deal with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

English said the actions of the United States and China showed their seriousness of intent.

"It is good to see the Chinese and the U.S. leadership communicating about how to deal with North Korea and put pressure on them."

McCully said he would also inaugurate the New Zealand Consulate-General in Honolulu, which was opened in 2014.

"New Zealand's presence in Honolulu has deepened our connections with U.S. military leaders and is a gateway for our engagement with North Pacific countries," he said.

New Zealand's cooperation with the United States in Honolulu also include climate change, fisheries, humanitarian aid and disaster risk management.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 11:33:28|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation will be held from May 14 to 15 in Beijing and Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony and host the round table summit of the leaders, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday morning.

According to Wang, 28 heads of state and government leaders will attend the forum.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 11:53:32|Editor: Xiang Bo

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HO CHI MINH CITY, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Ground depression in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City is taking place at an alarming rate, local media reported on Tuesday.

Many areas in the eight districts of the city, including Binh Chanh, Binh Tan, Thu Duc, Nha Be, No.8, No.7, No.2 and No.12, are sinking by 5-10 mm a year, Tuoi Tre (Youth) daily quoted research results announced by the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology as reporting.

After comparing statistics over 25 years, the city has so far sunken by some 0.4 meters, said associate professor Le Van Trung at the university.

If no due attention is paid to the depression issue, the sinking areas will face drastic depression, and some areas will be submerged in seawater, he warned.

Key reasons for the ground depression in Ho Chi Minh City include over-exploitation of underground water, rapid urbanization and effervescent transport activities.

In low-lying zones, depression plus sea level rise (by an average of 3 mm a year due to climate change) will expand the existing inundated areas and create new ones.

In coastal areas, the over-exploitation of underground water causes saltwater intrusion which negatively affects growth of plants and trees in particular and sustainable agricultural development in general.

Parts of the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam are also sinking, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 13:29:02|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

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WASHINGTON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Monday reiterated that China has not manipulated its currency since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January.

"They haven't been manipulating their currency since he's (Trump) been in office. That's a fact," White House press secretary Sean Spicer told a regular press briefing, in response to a question about U.S. Treasury Department's decision not to label China as a currency manipulator last week.

"I think that the president's tweet said clearly to do so at this time would not be prudent," the White House spokesperson said, adding that labeling China as a currency manipulator now would not be very productive in addressing the Korean Peninsula situation.

U.S. Treasury Department on Friday declared that no major trading partners of the United States, including China, met the standard of manipulating its currency.

In an interview with Wall Street Journal last week, Trump also said China hasn't been manipulating its currency for months, a sharp reversal from his campaign rhetoric.

Many economists have argued that the Chinese currency, RMB, has been at equilibrium level in recent years. Brad Setser, an expert with Council on Foreign Relations, expected that the RMB exchange rate would remain stable at current level with China's current account surplus and its efforts to deal with capital outflows.
HANOI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam has registered more than 10,000 new drug addicts since 2015, according to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) on Tuesday.

Minister of MoLISA Dao Ngoc Dung was quoted by the Vietnam Economy online newspaper as saying that currently Vietnam has 210,751 drug addicts, 10,617 more than the number in 2015.

Most cases are addicted to synthetic drugs with symptoms of mental disorders, and nearly 4 percent of them having criminal records, said Dung.

Drug detoxification activities have not yet brought positive treatment results due to the lack of modern facilities and equipment, as well as limited qualification of consultants, the minister said.

In recent years, drug addicts have been reportedly smashing rehabilitation centers to get out, causing social insecurity particularly in areas of southern Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Tay Ninh provinces.
SYDNEY, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A "world class" healthcare and medical research facility officially opened here on Tuesday at Sydney's Randwick Hospitals Campus in Australia.

The 10-storey Bright Building will bring together Prince of Wales Hospital's Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the University of New South Wales Scientia Clinical Research facility and expand Sydney Children's Hospitals Network.

The complex will also include an outpatient service for adolescents and young adults, which is the first of its kind in Australia.

"The New South Wales government is committed to delivering world's best practice when it comes to health services and the Bright Building is state-of-the-art," New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said in a statement obtained by Xinhua.

"As well as improving care for cancer patients and adolescents and young adults with chronic illnesses, it will be home to cutting edge medical research."

Worth 114 million Australian dollars (86 million U.S. dollars), the project is funded by the New South Wales State government, the Commonwealth government, University of New South Wales, the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation, Nelune Foundation, Sydney Children's Hospital and community fundraising initiatives.

New South Wales minister for health and medical research Brad Hazzard said "patients would have more opportunities to participate in clinical trials in cancer, ophthalmology, neurology, addiction medicine, as well as rheumatology and paediatrics."

"As well as ensuring patients have access to the best treatments, the community will benefit from the high-quality medical experts this facility will attract."

"I am determined to support researchers on their journey to find a cure, knowing what they discover today will translate to the bedside for future patients."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 13:39:06|Editor: MJ

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WASHINGTON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his recent referendum victory, the White House said.

In a statement released Monday evening, the White House said that Trump called Erdogan "to congratulate him on his recent referendum victory" and to discuss the United States' military assault on a Syrian military airfield early this month.

Trump thanked Erdogan for supporting this action by the United States, and they agreed on the importance of holding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accountable, it said.

The statement was released hours after White House spokesman Sean Spicer declined to comment on the result of the constitutional reform referendum in Turkey until a review of the vote by an international electoral monitoring mission is finishe d.

"There is an international commission that is reviewing this and issues a report in 10 to 12 days," said Spicer at a briefing. "We will wait and let them do their jobs."

Turkey's Supreme Electoral Council declared late Sunday that the "yes" camp in the constitutional reform referendum had won amid an outcry from the opposition that the voting was rigged.

The referendum victory would give Erdogan sweeping new powers, including directly appointing ministers and high court judges.
by Matt Walsh

CANBERRA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Australia's skilled migrant visa will be abolished in favor of a new, "Australians first" approach, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Tuesday.

In a video posted to social media on Tuesday, Turnbull announced that the 457 skilled migrant visa would be abolished in favor of two new visas which will require additional requirements for migrants to work in Australia.

Currently, the 457 visa allows Australian employers to turn to overseas workers to fill shortages in skilled positions.

Crucially, it is currently uncapped and, as of September 2016, there were 95,757 skilled workers in Australia.

Turnbull said that under the new rules, Australians must be given the 'first crack' at jobs, while skilled migrants would be brought in to "fill the gaps" in areas which are suffering a skills shortage.

"We are putting jobs first, we are putting Australians first ... we are an immigration nation but the fact remains that Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs," Turnbull said in the video.

"Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs, so we are abolishing the 457 visa, the visa that brings temporary foreign workers into our country. We will no longer allow 457 visas to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians.

"The 457 visa will be replaced by a new temporary visa specifically designed to recruit the best and brightest in the national interest."

In a press conference following the release of the video, the prime minister said the current 457 visa had "lost its credibility," as many employers were bringing in skilled migrants instead of looking for Australians to fill their job openings.

"We always will be an immigration nation but we must ensure the foundation of that success is maintained and that foundation is that migration should be in the national interest," Turnbull said.

"It needs to ensure that Australian jobs are filled by Australians wherever possible. Migrants should be brought in to fill gaps and should not be brought in because an employer finds it easier to hire a foreign worker."

Two new, temporary visas will replace the 457 skilled migrants visa, and will be "very different" from the one which it replaces. In addition to the visas being shorter and closed-ended, applicants will require two years of work experience, as well as a proper police check and criminal check which Turnbull said was "not the case at the moment."

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the new visas would be two and four years respectively, while they will both carry no "permanent residency outcome".

"In many cases (the 457 visa) results in a migration outcome, that is, someone going into permanent residency and becoming a citizen, which is a significant attraction of the 457 visa," he told the press.

"There will be no permanent residency outcome (under the new visa program)."

Despite being a champion of scrapping the visa, opposition leader Bill Shorten described the changes as a simple ploy for Malcolm Turnbull to remain in the nation's top job.

"Make no mistake, the only job Malcolm Turnbull cares about saving is his own," he posted on the social media.

The government's announcement comes after last month's crackdown on the 457 visa. At the time, Dutton said the government would be abolishing fast-track arrangements which were allowing skilled migrants to work in fast food restaurants.
MOSCOW, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of the "Normandy Four" states held a phone conversation to discuss how to settle the armed conflict in the Donbass region of east Ukraine, the Kremlin press service said on Tuesday in a statement.

According to the statement, the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to the Minsk agreement regarding security and political aspects of a peaceful settlement.

"They welcomed the agreement on resuming the ceasefire reached at the meeting of the Contact Group on March 29 and pointed out the importance of fully implementing it," the statement said.

Normandy format, also known as the Normandy contact group, is a diplomatic group of senior representatives from Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France tasked to resolve the conflict in east Ukraine between government troops and pro-independence rebels, which has claimed 10,000 lives since April 2014.

The 13-point Minsk agreement, outlining the steps needed to end the conflict, was reached in February 2015 in talks involving leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France. The cease-fire pact has been consistently violated.
CANBERRA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Australia's lower income earners are beginning to negatively gear investment properties, according to a KPMG report which found that more than half of all Australian households were paying no net tax.

'Negative gearing' is the term used to describe borrowing money from banks to purchase an investment such as a property, and using the gross income to cover the cost of the investment.

The report, handed down by professional services company KPMG, took into account data collected over more than 20 years to 2015, and found that up to 60 percent of all Aussie households were paying no net tax as a result of negative gearing.

According to the report, the figure is much higher than previous estimates, which had around 50 percent of households paying no net tax in Australia.

According to KPMG chief economist Brendan Rynn, this was the result of the government not "tightening up" on measures introduced during the global financial crisis (GFC) of 2008.

"This needs further review by the government as it suggests that the loosening of transfer payments after the GFC were never properly tightened up again, and it is very difficult to withdraw benefits once they have been granted," Rynne told News Corp on Tuesday.

"While it is perhaps understandable that the poorest members of our society want to diversify and increase their incomes, this group is the least able to take on the financial risk associated with geared investment activity."

He said with the threat of a housing market's bubble "bursting" in Australia, low income households which are negatively gearing would be most affected by the potential downturn.

"It is clear from our analysis that if the bubble does burst it will not just be the better-off who will be directly affected, the poor will be too," Rynne said.

The report comes just a week after the nation's Treasurer Scott Morrison said he had once again ruled out changes to the nation's negative gearing laws.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 13:54:10|Editor: MJ

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CANBERRA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,000 U. S. Marines on Tuesday arrived in Darwin as part of a rotation of forces to be stationed in northern Australia.

The 1,250 troops who arrived in the Northern Territory (NT) will soon be joined by 13 aircraft -- four tilt-rotor Osprey helicopters, five Super Cobra helicopters and four Huey helicopters -- in one of the largest deployments of U.S. forces to Australia since World War II.

Commanding Officer of Marine Rotational Force Darwin, Lieutenant Colonel Brian S. Middleton told journalists on Tuesday "The aviation combat element is our most robust deployment to Darwin."

"I think that the commitment that we've taken to put a task force here with a conversation to get larger over the years says that we do think this is an important region."

"Being close to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, the Indo Pacific position has always been important."

Middleton said the Marines would conduct "important exercises alongside with Chinese partners" and Australia. Troops from the three countries are conducting annual joint exercises codenamed Kowari since 2014.

Brigadier Ben James, commander of Australia's 3,000-strong 1st brigade based in Darwin, said he looked forward to working alongside with his U.S. counterparts.

"We're very much looking forward to a great six-month rotation where we can train, operate and exercise alongside with our most important ally," James said.

The rotation is part of a deal struck between former U.S. President Barack Obama and former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard in 2011.

It is the first large-scale arrival of U.S. troops since the arrangement was signed, with a small number of Marines having been sent to Darwin for training since 2012.

Michael Gunner, NT's chief minister, said Darwin was proud to be a defence town.

"We welcome the arrival of American troops as part of our long-term partnership and friendship," Gunner told reporters on Tuesday.

"They provide an important economic boost which comes at a time when many Territory businesses are doing it tough.

"We first welcomed U.S. defence personnel and ships in the days following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941."

A report by Deloitte Access Economics found that the Marines would inject 3.7 million U.S. dollars into the NT economy annually.
SUVA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Fiji Sugar Corporation has vowed to make sugar as iconic as Fiji's water brand by marketing the product to the East Asian market soon.

Graham Clark, Sugar Corporations chief executive, said that with reforms in progress, opening up new export channels and a revamped marketing strategy was being looked at for the ailing sugar industry.

Clark said they were working on a new marketing strategy which would be launched soon to boost the sugar industry, reports by state owned Fiji Broadcasting Corporation said Tuesday.

Clark was appointed chief executive in February, and several major projects have been put on hold while a major review of the organisation was continuing under his leadership.

Fiji's sugar industry has been declining in recent years, despite the fact that global supply of sugar does not meet rising demand, putting upward pressure on prices.
File photo shows people carry the body of a victim after an explosion in Mogadishu, Somalia, April 5, 2017. (Xinhua/Faisal Isse)

NAIROBI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Africa Command (Africom) on Monday denied conducting air strikes against Al-Shabaab in southwest Somalia on Saturday in which more than 100 militants including 20 commanders were killed.

Africom, which has in the past conducted counter-terrorism airstrikes against the terror group in Somalia, said its most recent strike in the Horn of Africa nation was conducted in January.

"The U.S. military did not conduct any kind of kinetic action in that area during the timeframe referenced. The most recent U.S. strike in Somalia was conducted in January," Africom said in a statement.

According to Africom, Washington routinely works with allies and partners in coordinated efforts to address regional security and stability matters.

"We appreciate the Federal Government of Somalia partnership and its support in our collective efforts to address security and stability in the region. An example of this cooperation is the recent start of a logistics training program," it said.

The U.S. military said a few dozen troops from the 101st Airborne Division will conduct various security cooperation and security force assistance events in Somalia at the request of the Somalia government.

"The objective of this particular train and equip mission is to improve the logistical capacity of the Somali National Army, and the focus will be on teaching basic logistics operations, which will allow Somalia forces to better fight Al-Shabaab," Africom said.

The U.S. soldiers will join the small number of U.S. special operations forces already there providing counterterrorism support to local forces battling Al-Shabaab.

Residents including security officers said on Saturday that the warplanes targeted the militants' hideouts in Wargaduud and El-Adde where some Kenyan soldiers were killed by the militants in January 2016.

Among senior Al-Shabaab commanders killed in the Saturday's dawn attack are Abdirahman Fillow and Abdirahman Ben Dutie.

The air strikes also destroyed two vehicles bound explosive devices (VBIED) at Wargaduud. Dutie is from Marehanrer Dalal section.

The U.S. maintains a small force unit of about 50 troops in Somalia mainly to advise and assist Somalia and AMISOM troops battling Al-Shabaab militants.

Though they are not in Somalia to conduct combat operations, when called in, their helicopters, drones and manned aircraft are available for quick reaction air strikes.
File photo shows Chinese President Xi Jinping (L, front) welcomed by Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in Harare, Zimbabwe, Dec. 1, 2015. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

HARARE, April 18 (Xinhua) -- As Zimbabwe celebrates Independence Day on April 18, China remains the country's all-weather friend and continues to give a helping hand during difficult times.

The Chinese embassy in Harare is as old as Zimbabwe's independence, having opened on the same day the Union Jack was put down to symbolize the end of British rule and give way to black majority rule nearly 37 years ago.

Today, relations between the two countries continue to grow on the political, economic and cultural fronts.

China was one of the first countries to rally behind Zimbabwe when it issued a distress call in March for assistance following floods that left hundreds of families homeless and in need of food by donating 1 million U.S. dollars to the government on March 31.

Heavy rains that were worsened by Cyclone Dineo in mid-February left 271 people dead, another 128 injured and nearly 2,000 homeless.

The deaths were caused by lightning strikes, drowning and landslides, according to the Civil Protection Unit, which added that nearly 2,600 homesteads were damaged in varying degrees.

The Chinese Red Cross Society also gave 50,000 dollars and the Chinese embassy and community in Zimbabwe gave another 10,000 dollars to help the flood victims.

Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare Minister of Zimbabwe Prisca Mupfumira (R) shakes hands with Luo Xi, third Secretary of the Economic and Commercial Counsellors at the Embassy of China in Zimbabwe during a rice-donating signing ceremony in Harare, Zimbabwe, April 3, 2017. China donated 12,173 tonnes of rice to Zimbabwe to assist vulnerable people that were affected by drought which wreaked havoc last year. (Xinhua)

On April 3, China also donated 12,000 tons of rice to assist the needy, including the victims of the recent floods.

This was in addition to another 19,000 tons of rice Zimbabwe received from China in 2016 following President Mugabe's declaration of a state of disaster after an El Nino induced drought ravaged parts of the country in 2015/16.

Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare Minister Prisca Mupfumira, who received the latest donation, was full of praise for the Chinese government for the assistance.

"Today we are witnessing another contribution from China where they are donating 12,173 tonnes of rice to Zimbabwe. We appreciate the gesture made by China," the minister said.

Chinese Embassy official Luo Xi said the donation was testimony of China's commitment to maintaining strong, friendly ties with Zimbabwe.

With weather conditions hovering between droughts and floods in recent years, China also came to Zimbabwe's assistance in 2014 when it donated 500,000 dollars to help flood victims in Masvingo province.

Also in 2014, China and Zimbabwe signed agreements under which China would provide financial support for the development of economic enablers such as energy, roads, railways, telecommunication, agriculture and tourism.

Photo taken on March 27, 2017 shows Grand Tiger pickup trucks on the production line in Harare, Zimbabwe. (Xinhua)

This was followed by more signing of agreements during President Xi Jinping's visit to Zimbabwe in December 2015 where, among others, one was signed for the assembly of Chinese motor vehicles in Zimbabwe.

The motor vehicle deal culminated in Chinese automotive company Beijing Automotive Group Co. Ltd (BAIC Group) forming a joint venture with two Zimbabwean companies to form Beiqi Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd which recently launched a top of the range pick-up truck - the Grand Tiger.

The local partners are the government-owned Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries (which had not been operational for more than four years) and automotive and spare parts dealer Astol Motors who jointly own 49 percent of shares in the joint venture.

China has over the past few years been the largest investor in Zimbabwe, injecting more than 46.5 million dollars in Foreign Direct Investment between January and November 2015.

Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Huang Ping recently outlined the projects which had recently been completed or were in progress in the country with China's assistance.

Photo taken on Nov. 18, 2016 shows the International terminal of Victoria Falls in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Friday commissioned the upgraded Victoria Falls International Airport that was built with support from China. (Xinhua/Chen Yaqin)

These include the new Victoria Falls International Airport which was done by China Jiangsu International and financed through a 150 million-dollar-loan from China Export Import Bank and was commissioned by Mugabe in the end of 2016.

The Kariba Hydropower Expansion Project is expected to be completed in early 2018 at a cost of 355 million dollars to add 300 MW to the existing 750 MW installed capacity.

"One generator is going to be put into operation by the end of this year," he said.

He also said the expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station was expected to be financed by the Chinese Eximbank while telecommunications projects were also progressing well.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe (front C) inspects hospital equipment purchased with 100-mln-USD Chinese loan. (Xinhua)

In sickness and in health, the Chinese have stuck with Zimbabwe as evidenced by the agreement by China to build a pharmaceutical warehouse in Harare.

"The Harare Pharmaceutical Warehouse Project has finished the inspection work and the minute has been signed by the two sides," Huang said.

China also built a 6 million dollar hospital in rural Marondera, Mashonaland East Province, under the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The 129-bed Mahusekwa Hospital, also known as the China-Zimbabwe Friendship Hospital and located about 70 km to the south of Harare, opened its doors to the public in 2013.

It offers emergency treatment, x-ray, ultrasound scan, maternity and dental services as well as specialist services such as CT scan, endoscopy and orthopaedics.

With a staff complement of 175 staff members including three medical doctors, the hospital is supposed to serve Marondera District which has an estimated population of around 187,000.

People queue at the borehole of Nyamasota Village in Rushinga, Zimbabwe, November 3, 2016. The borehole was drilled in 2013 and has never dried up like others in the area. The Chinese government is funding the borehole project which is being implemented in three phases and targeting to drill about 500 boreholes in Zimbabwe from 2012 to 2017. (Xinhua/Chen Yaqin)

However, due to the extensive and specialist health services it offers, the hospital attracts people from Harare and as far as 200 km away.

China has also in recent years offered health support to Zimbabwe, including a 90 million dollar medical loan facility for the supply of medical equipment and drugs.

Harare is also implementing a water and sanitation rehabilitation project to boost water supply to the city under a 144 million dollar loan facility financed by the China Eximbank.

China has also built schools under FOCAC, and together with the Chinese community in Zimbabwe, given to charity.

"China is a friend indeed and has helped us during our times of need," said Conrad Mashingaidze, a Zimbabwean living in Harare, who added that his aunt had benefited from a free eye cataract operation offered by visiting Chinese doctors in 2011.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 15:09:30|Editor: An

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PHNOM PENH, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China has completed the construction of a university for southeastern Cambodia's Kratie province, officials said on Tuesday, adding that the university would importantly contribute to the development of human resources in the country.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo signed to deliver the University of Kratie to Cambodian Economy and Finance Minister Aun Pornmoniroth here on Tuesday after a two-year construction.

Xiong said the 6,650-square-meter university consists of classes, offices, conference hall, library, laboratory, and cafeteria.

"This university project is a new achievement born from the fruitful cooperation between China and Cambodia," he said.

"I believe that under the support from Cambodian relevant ministries and institutions, the University of Kratie will significantly contribute to the development of human resources, the key elements for socio-economic development in Cambodia," he added.

Built in the Kratie town, the university cost 12 million U.S. dollars in which 10 million U.S. dollars was the grant aid from the Chinese government and 2 million dollars was the fund from the Kratie Foundation for Higher Education Organization, said Pornmoniroth.

He said that the construction of the University of Kratie was in line with the long-term vision of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen who had determined to build "one state university in one province."

"The University of Kratie is a new testament to the long-term, comprehensive, close and deep cooperation between Cambodia and China," he said.

The minister added that China is still a leading development partner for Cambodia, saying that Cambodia's progress at the present happened from the great support from the government and people of China.

The university is comprised of three faculties -- agronomy, agro-industry and rural talent, and two institutes of fishery study, as well as foreign languages and information technology.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 15:19:33|Editor: An

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NEW DELHI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- India's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is all set to conduct a mock exercise on forest fires in northern state of Uttarakhand to improve its preparedness and response mechanism, officials said Tuesday.

The mock drill, first of its kind, will be held on Thursday.

"This exercise will be conducted on the principle of Incident Response System (IRS), which identifies stakeholders and clearly attributes roles and responsibilities to each one of them. It will enhance preparedness and ensure a swift response by reducing confusion and chaos," a government spokesman said.

Senior officials from army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), forest, health, police, firefighting, civil defense, transport, electricity, public relations are participating in the exercise.

The exercise according to disaster management experts would help in filling gaps, ensuring better communication and improving coordination among various stakeholder agencies during the contingency.

"The mock exercise will be part of a three-day event which will begin with a co-ordination conference today followed by a table-top exercise on Wednesday," the spokesman said.

"Officials from other districts will attend these preparatory meetings through videoconferencing from Dehradun city, the capital of Uttarakhand," he added.

Currently Indian officials are struggling hard to contain a forest fire near Mount Abu in western state of Rajasthan.

The authorities have sought help from the India army whose choppers fitted with bambi-buckets take regular sorties and sprinkling water in the affected areas to douse the ranging flames.

Last year a massive forest fire killed seven people in Uttarakhand and damaged huge stretches of forest cover in the state.

Officials said the exercise would also generate awareness among the local population about the precautions to be followed to prevent and respond to a forest fires.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 15:34:37|Editor: An

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TEHRAN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani hailed the "might, sacrifice" and achievements of the army in the past few years as the country celebrated the national Army Day on Tuesday.

Addressing a ceremony to mark the event, Rouhani said that the Iranian armed forces have made considerable progress in the acquisition of the defensive technology over the past years.

He also referred to the delivery of the S-300 missile shield by Russia to Iran in the past year, saying that his administration is honored to equip the army with one of the important defensive machines.

To secure its territory, Iran will increase its deterrent power, he said, adding that Iran's neighbors should be assured that the defensive power of Iran is not a threat to them.

Different units of Iranian Army staged parades in the ceremony to show the latest Iranian military achievements, especially those in missile technology.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 15:34:38|Editor: An

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by Xinhua writers Zhang Guoying, Jia Anping and Xia Lin

LIMA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Through eight years of hard work, a large-scale property constructor from China has gained strong foothold in Peru, with new contracts rolling in, on the basis of its well-received finished projects.

"The apartment for us, me and my husband, is comfortable. It is spacious and very safe," said Cristina Gamarra, a local in Lima who had just moved into a 20-storey apartment completed by the Yanjian Group from eastern China's Shandong province.

The two high-rising commercial estates in the Jesus Maria District in the capital are the latest project that Yanjian has fulfilled since its entrance into the South American country in 2009.

They did a good job for the district, said Miguel Aldaba, local administrator for the project. "So far we have not found any problem with water. The structure and design perpetually keep the water out," he added, referring to the wet weather in Lima.

EXEMPLARY PROJECTS

Yanjian started exploring the Peruvian market in September 2009 with a refurbishing project of the state-owned Loayza Hospital in downtown Lima, a contract the company gained from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

Founded in 1924, Loayza has well-established reputation among patients, but its service has been compromised by the dilapidated infrastructure.

Yanjian, a construction company with a history of 65 years, came to wield its wrists on the field, transforming the hospital's dining hall into an over 4,200-square-meter modern facility providing comprehensive treatment.

It took only a little more than a year for Yanjian to finish the work.

"With 65-year-long construction experience and consideration of the local demands, we pay much attention to the details of design and building to meet as many requirements as possible," General Manager of Yanjian Peru Wang Shuwei told Xinhua.

Another landmark project completed by Yanjian is the China-Peru Friendship Hall, which was built to honor the long-standing relations between the two countries.

"A lot of work has been done. It is coordinated, because Andrew (the Spanish name of Wang Shuwei) is a person who has had a very strong collaborating team," local engineer Armando Ramos told Xinhua.

In 2015, Yanjian undertook the construction of Jose Maria Arguedas Primary School, a project that won the hearts of the parents of the school children in suburban Lima as the school helps sustain their children's education.

Cracking difficulties like shortage of water and blocking hills and slopes, Yanjian completed the building process half a year ahead of the schedule.

"The core demand and urgent nature for real estate building is perfect management. A stable structure needs to be guaranteed by harmonizing beams and columns to endure earthquakes and other occurrences," said Pedro Ortiz, one of Yanjian's local staff.

FROM TRAILBLAZER TO MARKET WINNER

For house building in Peru, quake resistance and water proof are the peculiar demands.

To meet the target, Yanjian has paid much attention to the structure design, material selection, function consideration and construction management, which result in high quality building and win deep trust from the Peruvian government and local people.

In February, the group won a bid to build a national emergency response center in Lima, which claims over 8,800-square-meter land with a command headquarters and a stimulation facility.

Local employees are happy to see their Chinese employer prosper in Peru through hard work and quality service, for they have also benefited a lot from Yanjian's growth.

"From its very beginning, I became involved (with Yanjian) in building houses ... As I have been developing my career, I grow interested in construction, a beautiful career to follow," said Ortiz.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 15:49:43|Editor: ZD

Mahdzir Khalid, Malaysia's education minister (3rd L) and Goh Hin San, president of Malaysia Han Culture Center (2nd R) present a Chinese book during a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on April 18, 2017. Nine Chinese literature works will be translated into Malay, thanks to an agreement signed on Tuesday between a Chinese publishing house and two Malaysian organizations. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung)

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Nine Chinese literature works will be translated into Malay, thanks to an agreement signed on Tuesday between a Chinese publishing house and two Malaysian organizations.

The translation work, authorized by China's Zhejiang Publishing United group, will be carried out by Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books and Malaysia Han Culture Center (MHCC).

The nine books include "Decoded," a cryptography novel by Chinese writer Mai Jia, "Deam of the Wolf King," a novel by Shen Shixi, which depicts how a female wolf tries to train her children to become wolf kings and "The common sense about Chinese brush," a book about Chinese calligraphy.

Mahdzir Khalid, Malaysia's education minister, when attending the signing ceremony, said he hoped the Malay-version of Chinese literature can better help the Malaysian people understand China and the Chinese culture.

Goh Hin San, president of MHCC, said the nine translation works will only be the first phase of a grander project initiated by China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television to promote Chinese literature under the Belt and Road Initiative. It is of great significance for the promotion of Chinese culture overseas, said Goh.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 15:49:44|Editor: An

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by Xinhua Writer Yuan Quan

BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Many Chinese would think nothing of spending 200 yuan (29 US dollars) on a big meal or watching a Hollywood blockbuster.

But would they pay so much for a kite - often seen as little more than a children's toy?

Liu Bin, 40, wants to change that perception.

He owns a small kite shop in downtown Beijing's Di'anmen Street. It is decorated with distinctive kites, mainly in the shapes of swallows, goldfish, the legendary Lord Rabbit, dragons, the Monkey King, and Peking Opera masks. Some are tiny enough to fit in the palm of your hand, while others cover an entire wall.

Most are handmade and they all sell for more than 200 yuan, about ten times of the price of his online rivals. More expensive kites could cost tens of thousands yuan.

Liu says his kites deserve their high price tags: "A kite is more than a flying toy. It is made with rich Chinese culture and a craftsman's wisdom."

Kite flying has a history of more than 2,000 years in China. It is thought to have begun as a means to pass military information in war, and gradually became a popular folk pastime in spring.

In ancient times, people wrote down their sufferings on kites. When the kites flew very high, they would cut the lines, hoping their misfortunes would also disappear.

Unlike mass-produced kites made of umbrella cloth and carbon fiber, a Chinese craftsman usually makes a frame of bamboo, which needs cutting and trimming, and then paints the sails in traditional Chinese styles. He then ties the kite to the reel and flies it.

It is a very laborious process. Liu says a kite usually takes 20 days to make.

Liu's great-grandfather was a craftsman serving in the Forbidden City in the late Qing Dynasty. He was in charge of making lanterns, fans and kites. He had mastered kite-making skills passed down through the ages in the imperial palace.

In the turbulent years following the collapse of the Qing Dynasty, kite flying lost its popular appeal. To support his big family, his great grandfather opened a dumpling shop in suburban Beijing, and made kites in his spare time.

Liu's grandfather and father inherited the art of kite-making, but it was impossible to subsist on the craft alone. Regrettably, many of the drafts, drawings, samples and records of kites failed to survive the "Cultural Revolution".

Liu recalls the day his grandfather flew a dragon kite train on Tian'anmen Square in 1982. It was 130-meters-long, comprising a dragon head and 270 similar kite sections to form the body. Liu Bin, then 5, watched as people thronged to the square, cheering the flying "dragon".

Fascinated by the craft, Liu assembled his first kite at age 10. His parents found he had a flair for designing and crafting kites, so they decided to cultivate him as an inheritor.

After graduating from university with a major in graphic arts, Liu began his career in kites, while most of his schoolmates were employed to design "bigger things".

"I felt ashamed at first," Liu recalls. But he dared not refuse his family. In 2003, he began running a kite shop, and studied with master kite makers to upgrade his skills.

Liu has seen a growing revival of interest in kites. His business began thriving after a swallow kite in 2005 was designed to be one of the five Beijing Olympic mascots - the Fuwa Nini.

Swallows are migratory birds that arrive every spring in Beijing and fly south to winter. In Chinese folk lore, it is a sign of good fortune when a swallow makes a nest in one's house.

Kites brought Liu good fortune. In 2008, sales could reach 100,000 yuan a month. Media, including the Lonely Planet tour guide, and tourists flocked to his shop, as did visiting foreign leaders.

He became a cultural ambassador, frequently being invited to talk about the craft abroad.

"In the West, kite flying is usually seen as a sport, so foreigners are very surprised to see Chinese kites, which have clever designs, exquisite craftsmanship and pretty paintings," Liu says.

"I tell them that kites carry people's best wishes. For example, a bat represents luck; a fish means abundance; and a peach is a symbol of longevity in Chinese culture, so it is a good gift for older generations."

His favorite work was the "Ballet Dancer". In 2011, China's Central Ballet Troupe invited him to make a kite to commemorate their Nutcracker performance. Liu designed a dozen models over a year, and a Ballet Dancer was eventually chosen. He painted a blue and white porcelain pattern on it, and formed it in the shape of a swallow whose tail mimics the toes of a ballet dancer.

Since then, Liu has been inspired to combine more traditional cultural elements into his works, such as the Dunhuang frescos, woodcut prints, and Tibetan thangka paintings.

"I want to elevate the kite from a toy to a work of art," he says.

Liu has striven to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. An enthusiast of digital tools, he has used computers and 3D printers to replace traditional manual design. The use of new technologies enables him to paint faster than previous generations did. "They were shocked," says Liu with a proud smile.

In 2011, Liu was nominated as the representative of the craft by Beijing's Xicheng District Government.

But he feels alone now. He is known as "the last master of handmade kites in Beijing".

The craft has been verging on extinction amid China's modernization. Liu says villages in the countryside around Beijing and Tianjin used to be teeming with handmade kites. "Almost every household was involved in making kites." But inhabitants now flock to the cities for work.

Kite prices keep falling. Many are made of low-quality materials and by machines.

Flying kite is also more difficult in Beijing. Severe air pollution and airspace control have scared people away.

Now, he spends most of his time giving classes on kite making to young people. He says it boosts his income and enables more people enjoy the craft.

Liu describes kites as the love of his life, despite the difficulties they entail. "It's been 15 years since I took up the trade. I think I cannot let the kite go."
TOKYO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Ministry of Defense said Tuesday it was launching an initiative to attract more female personnel to join and serve alongside their male counterparts in the Self-Defense Forces as part of a broader governmental push to address gender disparity in the workforce.

At a press briefing on the matter, Japan's Defense Minister Tomomi Inada said the initiative was aimed at making the Self-Defense Forces an attractive organization that was "adaptable to the times and environment."

According to the Defense Ministry, the number of females currently playing an active role within Japan's Self-Defense Forces is lower than in other major industrialized countries.

The latest move will allow women to be hired for all positions in the Ground, Air and Maritime Self-Defense Forces, including in infantry and tank units and others that might involve direct combat, the ministry said.

The latest move by the ministry lifts the last of the restrictions since a gradual easing from 1993, with females currently allowed to serve on Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers and in Air Self-Defense Force fighters.

The only restrictions that would apply, the ministry said, would be in cases where maternal protection would be necessary, such as in instances where certain SDF units face radiation hazards, and in cases where limited space would impinge on women's privacy.

The ministry has set a target of around 12 percent of its personnel being female within an unspecified time-frame, which would be double the current number of serving female SDF personnel.

Currently there are around 14,000 females serving in the SDF, which accounts for just over 6 percent.

The ministry is also planning to reduce the number of female personnel leaving the SDF mid-career to raise children or fulfill other family obligations such as transferring overseas with spouses.
MANILA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- At least 24 people were killed and many injured after a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in northern Philippines on Tuesday, police and local media reports said.

Police said the bus, carrying more than 50 passengers, crashed around 11 a.m. local time in Capintalan village in Carranglan town in Nueva Ecjia province, north of Manila.

The bus was reportedly headed to Ilocos Sur province when it fell into a 90-feet deep ravine, the police said.

Quoting witnesses, police said the bus was over-speeding when the accident happened.

Some passengers were rescued alive from the crash site and sent to a nearby hospital in Bambang town in Nueva Vizcaya but some reportedly died while being treated.

The crash site is an accident-prone area. Last year, at least five people were also killed and scores hurt when a bus fell into a ravine in that part of the main highway.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 16:50:17|Editor: An

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HANOI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China was the key market for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables in the first quarter (Q1) of 2017 while consuming over 73 percent of the country's exported item, according to Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on Tuesday.

In the Q1, Vietnam's vegetable and fruit exports experienced a year-on-year increase of 29.8 percent to hit 700.6 million U.S. dollars.

After China, the United States, Japan and South Korea were also main importers of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, with 3.54 percent, 3.01 percent and 2.99 percent of the export revenue, respectively.

Notably, despite being one of the four main bowl of fruits and vegetables in the Southeast Asian region, Thailand still sat fourth among major markets of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, as importing 14.7 million U.S. dollars worth of the item, up 34 percent year-on-year, said the MARD.

In 2016, the country earned 2.4 billion U.S. dollars from exporting of vegetables and fruit, up 31.2 percent year-on-year, surpassing that of rice for the first time. Vietnamese fruits and vegetables have been present in over 60 countries and regions worldwide.

In 2017, Vietnam targeted to pocket some three billion U.S. dollars from exports of the item, up 25 percent compared to last year.

According to Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association (Vinafruit), there are many things that need to be done to realize the target, including improvement in supply of clean, high-quality and high-productivity seeding source, promoting training for safe vegetable-fruit production process among local farmers, and further investment in post-harvest and processing periods.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 17:00:22|Editor: An

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HONG KONG, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will open its third hotel on April 30, with the theme of exploration and adventure, the park said here Tuesday.

Named Disney Explorer Lodge, the 750-room hotel will enable the guests to explore landscapes, art and cultures across Asia, South America, Africa and Oceania.

With its exotic theme and immersive storytelling, the new hotel will be an ideal getaway destination for local and other guests, Terruce Wang, vice president of sales and hotel operations at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort told media during a preview tour.

More than 1000 artifacts that explorers collected from around the world like Bali, Papua New Guinea, Costa Rica, Bolivia and more are displayed throughout the hotel, said Todd Richins, senior program manager at the Walt Disney Imagineering.

Opened in 2005 in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort currently operates two hotels. One has Victorian-style elegance, and the other is marked by Hollywood art deco architecture.

With the addition of the new 750 rooms, the park now has a grand total of 1,750 hotel rooms.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 17:15:27|Editor: An

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KABUL, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Afghan First Lady Rula Ghani on Tuesday called for protecting Afghan girls against child marriage, noting that forced marriage affects physical health of young girls and robs them of their childhood and future.

"Child marriage is a depressing phenomenon for the young generation of Afghanistan and it is a national responsibility to stop the menace," she told audience in an event held in Afghan Media and Information Center.

The event marked the launch of "National Action Plan to Eliminate Early and Child Marriage" by Afghan ministries of Women's Affairs and Information and Culture, and supported by the Embassy of Canada in Afghanistan and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

"I urge all Afghan families to avoid child marriage and forced marriage. Your girls face a huge risk when they get married at young age. Early marriage robs them of their childhood and future opportunities." she added.

She noted that getting married in an appropriate age reduces girls' risk for physical, sexual, psychological as well as economic abuse.

"A girl, who is below 18 is capable of rapidly gaining wisdom and knowledge from the people around her," said Bannet Ndyanabangi, UNFPA country representative at the event.

"She can be, one day, an inspiring leader, a productive worker, an innovator, a caring parent or take any other role that empowers a society. She can shape that future of her society. But all of this depend on how we support her today," said Ndyanabangi.

The plan of action adopts two approaches, it outlines initiatives designed to prevent and end early and child marriage and it strives to improve the implementation of laws and services which aim to support people at risk of early and child marriage, according to a statement issued by UNFPA.

Girls aged 15 to 19 who experience pregnancy and childbirth are twice as likely to die of related complications as women aged 20 to 24 years, according to UNICEF.




Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 17:15:28|Editor: An

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NEW DELHI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- India and the United States Tuesday held National Security Advisor-level talks on counter-terrorism and strategic cooperation in New Delhi.

Sources said that visiting U.S. National Security Adviser (NSA) Herbert Raymond McMaster held discussions with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, after calling on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning.

"The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counter-terrorism cooperation," the U.S. Embassy said in a release to the media.

"NSA McMaster emphasized the importance of the U.S.-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed India's designation as a Major Defence Partner," the statement said, adding that the meetings were "productive."

McMaster arrived in New Delhi after visiting Afghanistan and Pakistan, where he held extensive talks with the political leadership.

"The U.S. hopes Pakistani leaders will understand that it is in their interest to go after terrorist groups less selectively than they have in the past," he said in an interview to Afghan TV channel ToloNews in Kabul.

McMaster's visit is the first by a top member of Donald Trump's administration to South Asia. Last month, Doval visited the U.S., where besides McMaster, he met American Defense Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of Homeland Security, John Kelly.
HANOI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam is hosting the 10th Asia-Pacific Cooperative Ministers' Conference in its capital Hanoi from April 18-21, according to Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA) on Tuesday.

The conference attracted over 500 participants from Vietnamese authorities and agencies as well as international cooperatives and organizations, reported local Nhan Dan (People) newspaper.

According to the host's Deputy State President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh, Vietnam has more than 150,000 cooperative groups, 20,000 cooperatives and 50 cooperative unions with nearly 30 million members working on a wide range of economic sectors such as agriculture, transport, construction and trade.

The cooperative economy has played a vital role in Vietnam's poverty reducing, new rural construction and environment protecting activities, said Thinh.

Being held in Vietnam for the first time under the theme of "Vision toward 2020: Enhancing further cooperation between governments and cooperatives," the conference provides chances for countries to discuss key issues including food security and sustainable agriculture development, participation in the global value chain and economic integration, among others.

This year's conference will help specify countries' measure to achieve the UNDP's 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, Nhan Dan quoted Chairman of VCA Vo Kim Cu as saying.

The previous Asia-Pacific Cooperative Ministers' Conference was hosted by Thailand on February 27-29 in 2012.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 17:50:41|Editor: An

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GAZA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A senior Hamas leader slammed Tuesday the threatening measures that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is intending to carry out to end ten years of Hamas rule of the Gaza Strip.

Last week, Abbas announced that there will be soon "unprecedented measures" to be carried out in the Gaza Strip aiming at ending Hamas rule of the Gaza Strip that began when the Islamic movement violently seized control of Gaza in 2007.

Senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayyah told a news conference that neither his movement nor other Palestinian factions and powers as well as the populations of the coastal enclave would accept these threats that mount their daily life suffering and poverty.

"Abbas is punishing the poor Gaza Strip populations by cutting the employees' salaries, imposing high taxations on the fuels that operate Gaza power station and cutting the aid to the families of the martyrs," said al-Hayyah.

Internal division between Hamas and Abbas and his Fatah Party on the other have been unresolved since 2007. Hamas accused Abbas and the consensus government for neglecting and fighting Gaza instead of standing to its side.

"Gaza and Hamas can never be threatened or terrified; we were not afraid when we were under the threats of missiles during the previous wars waged on Gaza and we tell Abbas that your threats won't terrify or frighten us," said al-Hayyah.

Several governments were formed in accordance between the two rivals. However, feuds and disputes between them went on and the two sides kept trading accusations over who is responsible for the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Al-Hayyah announced that his government had formed a committee one year ago and called it "the committee to rule Gaza Strip's daily affairs" "after Abbas and the consensus government turned their backs to the Gaza Strip."

"They cut off 30 percent of the employees salaries, they insisted to impose high taxations on fuels and deprived 400 families of receiving humanitarian aid, so we formed the committee," said al-Hayyah.

However, he said "Although we formed the committee to run Gaza affairs, we tell the consensus government of Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, come and rule the Gaza Strip, we are ready to handover the Gaza Strip to this government."

"When this government and its ministries come to Gaza and takeover all ministries, then the committee that Hamas had formed will automatically dismantled," said al-Hayyah.

Meanwhile, he announced that his movement accepted the Qatari initiative and accepts holding the parliamentary and presidential elections, adding "let's go for general elections within three months from now."
MOGADISHU, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations and international community have backed Somalia's government and the federal member states for agreeing to jointly fight insecurity, drought and corruption.

In a joint statement released on Monday night in Mogadishu, the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, the AMISOM, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and other partners lauded the political process the leaders achieved during their consultations in Mogadishu.

Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia Michael Keating welcomed in particular the agreement reached on the key points of Somali national security architecture.

"This agreement marks a major milestone for Somalia. It is a cornerstone of the federal state building process and is a basis upon which strengthened security can be built," Keating said.

He said the National Security Council chaired by the president, whose members include regional leaders, will now have a critical role in driving progress.

Keating said the international community is committed to supporting the government's priorities including drought response and recovery, increasing revenues and fighting corruption, and a comprehensive approach to security.

During two-day consultations which ended in Mogadishu on Sunday, led by Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and other senior officials, the political leaders agreed to aid Somalia avert a potential famine.

The leaders expressed concern over the deteriorating situation of the drought, which has affected the lives of many people and livestock and caused extensive displacement.

"The leaders collectively appreciated the rescue efforts spearheaded by Somali citizens, both in national and international levels and as well the international community," the leaders said in a joint statement.

The leaders recognize the urgent need for strengthening the efforts to save the lives of the needy, and have agreed upon that a clear plan to avoid repeated drought is needed.

The leaders also agreed upon that the plan for the election process in the year 2020, and that it should be started soon and accelerated.

"The leaders agreed on enhancing the country's economy, income, job creation, encouraging investment and trade and as well the development of the country's economic infrastructure," they said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 18:00:44|Editor: Tian Shaohui

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By Pei Jianrong and Edna Alcantara

MEXICO CITY, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Mexico and China should work together to achieve shared economic and technological development, especially in the realm of industrial cooperation, said entrepreneur and career diplomat, Sergio Ley Lopez.

Ley Lopez, former Mexican Ambassador to China (2001-2007), told Xinhua in a recent interview that beyond being Mexico's second-largest trading partner, China should begin financing more ambitious, mutually beneficial projects in the future.

The former diplomat believed that while China could transfer some of its manufacturing industries to a number of places in Asia and Latin America, Mexico "is the country with the industrial infrastructure China needs."

"Mexico offers the best perspectives, as it is the most industrialized country in all of Latin America," Ley Lopez told Xinhua at his home in Mexico City.

The former ambassador, who is also president of the Business Section for Asia and Oceania of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE), recognized that a severe error made in the past was to suggest a commercial rivalry between Mexico and China.

In his opinion, it only served to "wear us out in a competition that took us nowhere" and he suggests an alliance in favor of common development instead.

"In reality, China was never our competitor. What we should have done is to unite," said Ley Lopez, citing the example of the Brazilian footwear industry which allied itself with China, instead of competing with it.

He cited industries such as automotive, electronics, and aerospace as examples where collaboration could favorably impact the region.

"Mexico offers great options for Chinese industry. We have infrastructure, highly qualified personnel and raw material suppliers," said the former ambassador.

One example of such collaboration has been seen with the arrival of Chinese car maker JAC Motors, which is assembling two types of SUVs in the Mexican state of Hidalgo.

For Ley Lopez, despite their distance, both countries have a broad commercial, cultural, social and migratory relationship, which began with the journeys of the Manila Galleons, which have carried Chinese goods between the Philippines and Mexico since the 16th century.

Today, he sees the relationship being strengthened through trade agreements, state visits, cultural exchanges and increasing tourism.

Ley Lopez pointed out that China Southern Airlines recently began a flight between Guangzhou and Mexico City, joining an existing Aeromexico connection between Shanghai and Mexico City.

"The flight gave me a very positive impression. It struck me as a messenger of peace, a messenger of understanding, a highly important link between our two countries," he said. "I also feel it is a bridge for us to get on better, to better communicate."

Ley Lopez also noted that "Mexico fortunately has many projects for which China has excellent experiences such as infrastructure construction."

He added that such projects could involve the expansion or renovation of ports, highways, airports and railways for persons and cargo.

Finally, Ley Lopez recognized that Chinese companies will continue to invest more in Mexico and other Latin American countries as its experience and trust in the region grows.

According to Mexican Minister of Economy Jose Antonio Meade, Chinese companies invested around 421 million U.S. dollars in Mexico from 1999 to 2016.

However, Ley Lopez believed that it may just be the beginning.
LONDON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday called an early general election on June 8, nearly one month after she officially triggered the Brexit process.

The surprise move came as May made a statement in Downing Street immediately after a meeting of her Cabinet. "It is in the national interest," she said.

May had once ruled out the possibility that a snap election would be called before 2020.
WINDHOEK, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Namibia will host its annual Crayfish Festival from April 27 to May 1 at the coastal town of Luderitz.

The annual festival holds a significant place in the country's fishing industry and since its inception in 2008, has grown from strength to strength, cementing the quiet coastal town as a sought-after destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Standard Bank Namibia, one of the sponsors on Monday in a statement said the Crayfish Festival, coupled with other developments such as Luderitz Waterfront and the 1.12 million U.S. dollars seal processing factory has ensured that the diamond town is well on its way to economic prosperity for its over 20,000 inhabitants.

"Namibia is our home, we drive her growth and therefore as a bank we are fully committed to developing the vibrant business sector and the region as a whole," the bank added.

Meanwhile, tourists and Namibian from all four corners of the country are being urged to support and attend the festival.
by Chrispinus Omar

NAIROBI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's business environment is set to change radically with the expected launch of the first phase of the Chinese-funded Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in June and the opening of the first berth at the second port of Lamu in 2018, a Kenyan investment official has said.

Kenya Investment Authority (Ken-Invest) CEO Moses Ikiara said Kenya was gearing up for the arrival of mega-investors, including an auto company that hopes to set up an operating hub in Nairobi.

"These are indeed very exciting times for our country," Ikiara told Xinhua in an interview, without naming the company due to regulatory procedures.

Ikiara said with the first berth at the second port of Lamu ready for use in 2018 and the government still working towards a preferential arrangement for large investors seeking to use Kenya as a regional manufacturing hub, the investment body was under pressure to improve services.

The Kenyan government released a draft Kenya Investment Policy for March for public scrutiny on April 3, promising to create a single stop for all investors.

"We hope to have established the one stop Kenya investment Centre by end of April. The government has already done the nominations for 11 key institutions which would form part of our investment interactions," Ikiara said.

According to the official, the completion of the China-funded railway project would ease the flow of freight from the port of Mombasa to the manufacturing hubs.

The added advantage in logistics would enable companies operating in the country to produce at more affordable costs.

"We have managed to reduce the amount of time a container used to cross from the port of Mombasa from 24 days to just six days. We hope to do even better from June when the SGR project becomes operational," Ikiara said.

Kenya hopes the completion of the first phase of the SGR, which would greatly increase the speed at which freight moves, would cut the cost of freight transportation by a massive 40 percent, Ikiara said.

"We are discussing a range of issues to improve our investment climate. We are contemplating reducing the minimum capital requirement for local investors. This will encourage more local investors to come on board," Ikiara said.

Kenyan officials readily admit that the high cost of energy and the lack of preferential arrangements have made it more difficult for Kenya to compete for large investors.

Kenya has lowered the cost of electricity for large-scale investors from a high of 0.16 U.S. dollars per kilowatt hour to 0.12 dollars with plans to further cut the price to just 0.7 dollars.

Meanwhile, Kenya is progressing with efforts to implement its grand vision of setting up Special Economic Zones.

The government is expected to soon announce the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer of the Special Economic Zones, a new industrial park which would help advance manufacturing.

With the new measures announced, Ikiara said the East African nation believes its ranking on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Survey would improve from 114, but only if further measures are also in place to ease the doing business environment for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Under the new arrangements, Kenya plans to increase the level of private investment in relation to the GDP to 24 percent in 2020 and to 32 percent by 2030.

The government also hopes to increase the level of manufactured products locally to 20 percent of the GDP.

These measures would help the country achieve its dream of a regional manufacturing hub, soon to be supported by an upcoming oil and gas industry, according to government officials.

"We want market entry to be easy and transparent. We are working on good logic and a series of incentives which would be based on conditions being met by foreign investors, such bigger tax incentives to foreign investors with bigger local investment partners," Ikiara said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 18:46:02|Editor: Tian Shaohui

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Chairman of Nokia Risto Siilasmaa poses for a picture during an interview with Xinhua News Agency at the Nokia's headquarters in Espoo, Finland, on April 7, 2017. (Xinhua/Zhang Xuan)

HELSINKI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Among a series of signed documents witnessed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto at the Presidential Palace here in early April, the innovation partnership impressed Nokia's head Risto Siilasmaa the most.

As agreed by the representatives of the two countries, a Finno-Sino innovation council is to be established to guide and promote business cooperation on innovation, explore new ways and provide policy advices.

The new platform is considered part of the future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership between Finland and China.

As Chairman of Nokia, the Finnish IT giant, Siilasmaa has been nominated to chair the Finnish team within the council.

"Both countries will nominate key players from the industry, and I hope very much I would get some of my old friends from the Chinese technology companies to join on the other side," Siilasmaa said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

While the list of members of the Chinese side has not been disclosed, Siilasmaa named as hopefuls Jack Ma, Pony Ma, Lei Jun, Robin Li, respectively head of Alibaba, Tencent, Xiaomi and Baidu.

Siilasmaa has sat on the same panel discussions and in the same advisory boards with the above figures and he expects to continue working with them in the new framework.

"We are committed to working very hard on finding some innovative ways for the two countries to achieve our common goals together," said Siilasmaa.

Asked to speak about the shared goals, he said "we have certain challenges that all the humanity faces." No further details have been published by either of the two governments over the new structure so far.

Siilasmaa echos President Xi's call on many occasions for embracing "a human community with shared destiny."

"We are moving towards a world that would be even smaller. So we truly have to figure out the way for all of us to live together and support each other," said Siilasmaa.

Chinese Ambassador to Finland Chen Li earlier spoke highly of Finnish expertise on bio-energy and green economy. He said Chinese and Finnish economies are highly complementary and there are huge potentials in business cooperation.

Siilasmaa believes the newly-confirmed bilateral partnership will benefit Finnish side more. "Finland being a fairly small country, there is a much bigger opportunity for this partnership to have an impact on Finland than on China," he told Xinhua.

"Finnish companies are very good in certain areas, on certain narrow but very deep fields, and in those areas we definitely can have an impact on China as well," he said.

Siilasmaa appreciated the fact that President Xi praised the Finnish spirit of "sisu" -- a Finnish term meaning persistence in time of hardship. Xi made the comment in his article published by Helsinki Times ahead of his visit to Finland on April 4.

Siilasmaa said he was happy to find similar words in Chinese proverbs as well. He has been learning the Chinese language, history and culture for years, and he believes it is a sign to show respect and a way of building trust in global business management.

He disclosed that Nokia China is under discussion with a Chinese investor to turn the Finnish subsidiary company into a joint venture.
European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini arrives for the EU spring summit in Brussels, Belgium, on March 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Gong Bing)

BRUSSELS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The cooperation between the European Union (EU) and China has never been so important in a moment when multilateral global governance is open to doubt, EU's High Representative for Foreign affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice Presdent Federica Mogherini told Xinhua in an exclusive written interview ahead of her visit to China.

China will be Mogherini's first stop of her seven-day diplomatic trip kicking off from April 18, followed by India and Russia.

In China, Mogherini will co-chair the 7th EU-China Strategic Dialogue with Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi on April 19, in order to lay the groundwork for the 19th EU-China Summit in Brussels scheduled for June.

"The European Union and China share the view of a global order based on multilateralism and on the UN system: our cooperation has never been so important, in a moment when multilateral global governance is put in question from many sides," Mogherini said.

She underscored that a greater engagement from China in world affairs can "open so many opportunities, on so many issues of common interest," noting that a Chinese special envoy attended the international conference on supporting the future of Syria and the region earlier this month, and praising China's crucial role in the Afghanistan peace process.

"I know there are people in the world who have concerns about a more confident and outward-looking China. I don't share this view," she said, adding, "China can play a very positive role on so many fields, from Afghanistan to Syria, and we Europeans are ready to step up our cooperation in all these fields."

Even in the area of defence, Mogherini also saw deepened cooperation between the EU and China. "One example that comes to mind is that our respective military commanders in Mali and Somalia have identified possibilities for cooperation on capacity-building support."

She also expressed hope that the EU and China can achieve progress regarding the Korean Peninsula issue.

With the 19th EU-China Summit on the horizon, the EU foreign policy chief said it will be another opportunity to deepen not only bilateral cooperation, but also common work for a more cooperative global order.

"We hope that the Summit will register progress on the investment agreement, adopt an ambitious statement on climate change and clean energy and agree joint connectivity projects," she said.

"If we act together, we can be an irresistible force for a free and fair trade, for multilateralism and sustainable development," she added.

She also resonated with the concept of "a community of common destiny for mankind" put forth by Chinese leaders, saying she very much shared what she thought the core of the vision: the quest for mutually beneficial solutions among equal partners.

"This means promoting multilateralism and the importance of the United Nations, committing to a free and fair trade, and promoting a more sustainable development, with more equality inside our countries and among countries," she said.

"We also have an interest, or I would rather say a duty and a responsibility, to work together to tackle climate change and implement the Paris agreement. " she added.

Admitting that there are differences between the two sides, Mogherini underscored it is in both sides' interests to overcome differences and "isolation is not the answer to any of the problems of our times."

"China is a country with the size of a continent: it only makes sense that you look for interlocutors of your size," Mogherini said.

"It is essential that Europe and China continue to make the case for a fair and open international system," she said. " We must demonstrate with real action that we stand on the side of cooperation, of engagement, of strong and just global rules."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 19:31:22|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to media outside 10 Downing Street as she calls a snap general election in London, Britain, on April 18, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May called a snap general election on June 8 in what was a shock and unexpected announcement from outside 10 Downing Street. (Xinhua)

LONDON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May called a snap general election on June 8 in what was a shock and unexpected announcement from outside 10 Downing Street.

She cited disharmony and divisions in the Houses of Parliament over Brexit as the reason for calling an election.

May spoke of opposition parties, particularly Labour and the Liberal Democrats, threatening to block the Brexit process.

"The country is coming together, Westminster is not," said May in her statement.

May said the only way to guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead is to "hold this election and seek your support for the decisions I must take."

"In recent weeks Labour have threatened to vote against the final agreement we reach with the European Union.

"The Liberal Democrats said they want to grind the business of government to a standstill.

"The Scottish National Party say they will vote against the legislation that formally repeals Britain's membership of the European Union.

"And un-elected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight us every step of the way.

"If we do not hold a general election now, their political game playing will continue."

"Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit," said May.

May concluded her statement saying it was with reluctance that she reached her decision, adding: "It is with strong conviction that I believe it is necessary to secure a strong and stable leadership this country needs."

May will go to the House of Commons Tuesday to lay down the necessary legislation for the calling of an early general election.

Under existing law, an election was not due until May 2020, and until today May has insisted she will not call an early election. The move will require a vote with a two-thirds majority of MPs supporting the measure.

She said her cabinet members had agreed with her decision at a meeting she chaired at Number 10 immediately before her announcement.

Although among British people, May has a high rating as prime minister, she only has a small majority in the House of Commons.

Political observers say May wants to settle once and for all the question of Brexit by going to the country. Her hope is that the voters of Britain will give her a much bigger mandate by increasing her majority in the House of Commons as she holds Brexit negotiations with the European Union.

Even seasoned political commentators were taken by surprise at the announcement which came completely out of the blue.

The main opposition Labour Party is still in a state of civil war under its leader Jeremy Corbyn who remains estranged from many of his own MPs.

Corbyn and the leader of the minority Liberal Democrats Tim Farron both welcomed May's decision to call a general election. Both said they will back the measure in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 19:41:28|Editor: An

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SHIJIAZHUANG, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Chang Xiaobing, former chairman of China Telecom, went on trial for accepting bribes on Tuesday.

Prosecutors accused Chang of accepting money and valuables worth more than 3.76 million yuan (550,000 U.S. dollars) between 1998 and 2014 when he served as a telecom official and chairman of China Unicom.

Chang took advantage of his positions during the period to seek benefits for others in terms of contracting projects and purchases of equipment, according to prosecutors.

China Unicom and China Telecom are two of China's top three telecom service providers.

The case was tried at the Intermediate People's Court of Baoding City in north China's Hebei Province.

Chang confessed to his crimes during the trial, according to the court. The verdict will be announced at another date.

The CPC discipline inspection agency announced in July that Chang had been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office for a catalog of offenses ranging from accepting bribes to ignoring frugality rules.
File photo shows Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) beef up security at Adar oilfield, South Sudan, March 21, 2017. (Xinhua/Gale Julius)

JUBA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- South Sudanese rebel factions on Tuesday called on the international community to investigate what they term as targeted killings along ethnic lines nearing genocide in the war-torn country.

The SPLA-in opposition (SPLA-IO), Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement - Former Detainees (FDs), National Democratic Movement (NDM), People's Democratic Movement (PDM), South Sudan National Movement for Change (SSNMC) and National Salvation Front (NAS) said in a joint statement that genocide was being orchestrated by the government as the region and international community kept quiet.

"We urge the region and the international community to urgently investigate, document, prosecute and punish the perpetrators of recent genocide in Wanduruba, Yei, Lainya, Pajok and Kajokeji in Equatoria, Wau in Bahr el-Ghazal, and in all of Upper Nile before appropriate courts or tribunals," they said.

"As this murderous campaign unfolds, the region and the broader international community, for the most part, has stood by, excused the aggressor and justified the inaction of the world on the intransigence of the perpetrator," they added.

The rebels also said the tribal killings underway were reminiscent of the December 2013 fighting that resulted into the killings of the Nuer and Dinka ethnic people, to which former Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir belong respectively.

However, President Kiir's spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny has denied SPLA troops were orchestrating killings along tribal lines. He added the government can not commit genocide against its people.

"The government cannot commit, implement genocide against South Sudanese. The state apparatus can not be used against a particular tribe," he said.

South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013, as political disputes between President Kiir and his former deputy Machar caused fighting to spread along ethnic lines.

The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions of others from their homes, according to the UN.

Both the SPLA and militia groups fighting in Yei, Kajokeji areas of Equatoria region, have been accused of carrying out ethnic targeted killings on civilians, hence forcing thousands to flee violence.
MANILA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- At least 26 people were killed and more than 20 others injured after a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in northern Philippines on Tuesday, police and local media reports said.

Police said the bus, carrying more than 40 passengers, crashed around 11 a.m. local time in Capintalan village in Carranglan town in Nueva Ecjia province.

The bus was reportedly traveling from Isabela province to Ilocos Sur province when it fell into a 90-feet deep ravine, the police said.

Quoting witnesses, police said the bus was overspeeding when the crash happened.

Some passengers were rescued alive from the crash site and sent to nearby hospitals in Bambang town in Nueva Vizcaya but some reportedly died while being treated.

The crash site is an accident-prone area. Last year, at least five people were killed and scores hurt when a bus fell into a ravine in that part of the main highway.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said rescue operations and investigation are currently underway and "We guarantee that the culprits behind the fatal bus mishap will be held accountable."
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Lima, Peru, Nov. 19, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

MOSCOW, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Russia-China relations are developing dynamically regardless of the international situation, said Chairman of the Russian State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"Today, we are conducting a very productive dialogue with Chinese partners at all levels ... We have developed close inter-parliamentary ties of high intensity and in a variety of formats," the head of the lower house of the Russian parliament told Xinhua, ahead of the upcoming visit of Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC).

According to Volodin, the State Duma and the NPC have exchanged legislative experience on various issues, including non-governmental organizations, religion, national security and many others.

Expecting his first meeting with Zhang, China's top legislator, Volodin said he hopes they will be able to establish a good relationship.

"I am sure that Zhang's visit to Russia will be productive and it will contribute to the substantive content of the Russian-Chinese parliamentary dialogue," said Volodin.

Zhang's visit is scheduled to start on Tuesday, which is also the final leg of his four-nation tour on April 12-21 which includes trips to Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus and Russia.

Volodin spoke highly of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, saying that it creates a counterbalance to the current trend towards fragmentation of the world economy.

"This initiative is aimed at giving economic growth a comprehensive and indivisible character -- just like the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), which is a prioritized project for Russia," said Volodin.

Launched in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative is a massive economic and trade project for common development and prosperity in countries along its routes in Europe, Africa and Asia.

Volodin said Russia has attached great importance to the aligning of the EEU and the initiative, and both sides are working actively to form a legislative base.

"The development of Russia-China ties is in the interest of the two peoples. Neither we nor our Chinese friends are going to change it," he said.

In his view, the development of bilateral ties is successful because it is based on mutual consideration of each other's interests, mutual respect, equality, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

"In recent years, our countries have managed to build and strengthen a system for coordination of mutual interests. I believe that the model of bilateral relations that we have created should become one of the examples of civilized interaction between countries in the 21st century," Volodin added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 20:11:36|Editor: An

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) meets with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh in Beijing, capital of China, April 18, 2017. (Xinhua/Cui Xinyu)

BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday met with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.

Wang said progress has been made in bilateral relations this year, including a successful visit to China by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in January.

There will be more high-level contacts between leaders of the two countries this year, Wang said.

He said that two sides should enhance the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Vietnam's Two Corridors and One Economic Circle plan, and cement the people-to-people basis of friendship.

The two countries should properly manage and control differences, promote maritime cooperation, and maintain the positive development of bilateral relations, he said.

Pham Binh Minh said Vietnam will collaborate with China to make this year's high-level contacts a success, intensify cooperation in all fields, and safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.
A police helicopter flies over a member of security forces as people are escorted by security forces towards the courthouse in Mugla, western Turkey, on February 20, 2017. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

ANKARA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A Turkish police helicopter carrying 12 people disappeared from radar and crashed in the eastern province of Tunceli on Tuesday, the local governor's office said.

The helicopter was carrying one judge, seven police officers, one sergeant and three crew members, the Tunceli governor's office said in a statement.

The weather condition is poor, and heavy fog in the region made the rescue operation difficult, Turkish media reports said.

The contact with helicopter was lost at 11:50 a.m., according to the officials.

Teams of the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) were dispatched to the area between Ovacik and Pulumur of Tunceli for searching efforts.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 20:51:45|Editor: An

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GUIYANG, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Standing under the world's largest radio telescope, Yang Tianjue can still make out the site of his old house, which was removed 10 years ago to make way for the project.

"There was once a water cellar and I planted an osmanthus tree beside it," said Yang, 42, pointing somewhere near the feed cabin of the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), which was put into use in September 2016.

The telescope is located at the Dawodang depression, a natural karst basin under Kedu Town of Pingtang County in Guizhou Province. Dawodang was once inhabited by 12 families who were relocated after the site was chosen for the telescope over a decade ago.

On April 13, 12 former residents paid a visit to Dawodang at the invitation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the provincial government of Guizhou.

"The feed cabin collects all the information gathered by the telescope, helping people better explore the mysterious universe," explained Peng Bo of the National Astronomical Observatories and a leader of the FAST project.

Peng told Xinhua that Dawodang was chosen out of more than 900 depressions, and the decision was made after the National Astronomical Observatories spent 10 years investigating and analyzing.

"More than 10 years ago, several scientists came to Dawodang and we heard that a big cauldron would be built here, and we would be able to see outer space through it," Yang said.

Yang was so thrilled at the news that he lost sleep for several nights.

"I volunteered to show the scientists around as they carried out their survey," he said.

He remembered that the survey lasted for three years. The villagers had doubts that the project would actually come to be until one day some engineers brought five drilling machines to Dawodang.

The beginning of construction meant that the local farmers had to leave their hometown.

"Of course it was hard to say goodbye to the place we had lived for seven or eight generations," Yang said.

However, the relocation allowed them to lead better lives. Yang said Dawodang was once a remote and underdeveloped place with no road connecting it to the outside world.

There were only about 20 mu (1.3 hectares) of paddy fields, which couldn't feed everyone. They were forced to cultivate the barren mountains nearby.

Some farmers raised pigs, but it was hard to get the pigs out of the mountains to sell them since there was no adequate transportation, he said.

When they moved out of Dawodang, each of the 12 households was given a three-story house in Kedu Town and a subsidy ranging from 520,000 yuan (75,486 U.S. dollars) to 3 million yuan, depending on how much land they previously held.

Yang opened a store selling tires, and the store is now the largest of its kind in the town with an annual revenue of some 300,000 yuan.

According to the county government, besides the 12 households in Dawodang, more than 8,000 residents within five kilometers of the telescope should also be relocated. Currently, more than 2,300 people within a radius of three kilometers have already moved out.

Liu Pinyang, an official of Jinke Village of Kedu Town, said that a decade ago, more than half of the villagers were living in poverty, but now more than 90 percent of them are no longer poor since relocation.

The villagers will also benefit from the development of tourism, he said.

Earlier this year, Guizhou Province announced that 5 billion yuan will be spent on building a tourist resort there. A dozen projects including a learning center on radio astronomy, a geological park and a science fiction-themed hotel will be built.

Huang Zhangqing, 54, was formerly a teacher of a primary school in the county. Both his home and the school were relocated. Huang is preparing for the opening of a family inn, hoping to cash in on the tourism boom.

"The telescope can open up the eyes of human beings, and moving out of the mountains has opened up the eyes of locals," Yang Tianjue said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 20:56:48|Editor: Tian Shaohui

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ISTANBUL, April 18 (Xinhua) -- After slim lead in referendum win, many Turkish people are concerned that democracy in the country will suffer due to the creation of an all-powerful but unchecked president.

"It is now quite difficult to call Turkey democratic as the president will also have a strong control over both the parliament and the judiciary," Abdullatif Sener, a former leading figure of Turkey's ruling party, told Xinhua.

The constitutional amendments accepted in the referendum with a slim majority are much criticized for greatly weakening the parliament, eliminating checks and balances and leading to a one-man rule.

The 18-article constitutional package was accepted by 51.4 percent of the ballot in Sunday's plebiscite, just above the threshold of 51 percent, according to the initial results.

"The system (to be put in place by the referendum) will lead to a party-state," said Sener, who served as deputy prime minister in the first government of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has called for a recount of some votes and annulling the referendum, arguing about blatant violations of the election law and potential cheating in the ballot boxes, an allegation echoed by European observers but rejected by the Turkish authorities.

CHP said it will appeal further to the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights if necessary in case of no positive response from Turkey's election watchdog.

"It is impossible not to be concerned about Turkey's democracy," Ibrahim Kaboglu, a professor of constitutional law, told Xinhua.

Referring to remarks President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made before the referendum result was finalized, in which the president indicated the result could not be altered, Kaboglu said, "Such discourse raises serious questions about Turkey's democratic future."

Erdogan implied on Sunday night that claims of vote fraud were no more than a vain effort, saying it was too late to change the result.

The remark came before the election watchdog, the Supreme Election Board, announced that the "Yes" camp had won based on unofficial results.

The president's speech indicates the result of the vote had already been fixed, Erdal Aksunger, a CHP deputy chairman, told reporters on Monday.

The opposition would possibly not be able to act freely if the system turns into a party-state in the future, remarked Kaboglu.

The yes vote will introduce an immediate change in only two critical areas: the lift of a ban on the president having ties with his party and the reelection of members of Turkey's top judicial body, the Higher Board of Judges and Prosecutors.

"So, the judiciary and the parliament will immediately get under Erdogan's sway," said Sener, who cut off his ties with AKP in 2008.

AKP will invite Erdogan to become a member of the party after April 27-28, Mustafa Elitas, the party's parliamentary group deputy chairman, said on Monday.

Erdogan will then again be able to head the party while serving as president, a development that allows him to select without violating the constitution all AKP deputy candidates ahead of a general election and keep thereby a tight control over the party.

In this way, the president will also be in a position to keep a tight control over the parliament.

"There will be a concentration of more power in the hands of the executive branch," Bican Sahin, a political scientist from Hacettepe University, told Xinhua.

He said the new system proposed by the AKP has very little checks and balances.

Other analysts believe one should not lose hope on the Turkish democracy considering almost half the voters said no.

"Despite all the pressure by the state and the fact that the campaign was conducted under an emergency rule, such a high percentage of no votes may represent hope for democracy," Kaboglu argued.

Turkey imposed a rule of emergency in the wake of a failed coup attempt last July, which was extended for another three months late Monday, the third time for the government to do so.

During the campaign period, naysayers sometimes met with obstacles set up by local authorities, while mobs tried to intimidate them from time to time.

The ruling AKP, meanwhile, was widely accused by the naysayers of conducting a campaign by using state funds. In addition, a huge portion of the media largely broadcast in support of the yes campaign.

Noting the campaign was not conducted on an equal footing, Sener stated, "A yes vote of around 51 percent should be taken as a defeat for yeasayers under these circumstances."

The win at the referendum is not usually considered a big win for AKP as it lost in 17 of the 30 big cities, including the two biggest -- Istanbul and Ankara, where AKP-affiliated mayors have been governing since mid-1990s.

A potential crisis in the political system is not ruled out either.

Noting almost half the population voted no in the referendum, Sahin said, "The system is based on weak legitimacy."

Sahin, who is also president of the Ankara-based Freedom Research Association, said the low level of legitimacy could pose a significant problem should a social and economic unrest erupt in the future.

Kaboglu believes Turkey will enter a period of constitutional chaos after Erdogan is reelected as head of the AKP considering that the president is required to be impartial under the constitution.

Since his election into office in 2014, Erdogan has been much criticized for failing to act impartially as a president.

Turkey will actually switch to the presidential system only after 2019 when Erdogan's current term ends, if a snap election is not called before then. Parliamentary elections will be held at the same time.

Sener feels if no political party with a strong appeal to center-right voters emerges before the elections in 2019, Turkey risks getting away from democratic politics under AKP.

The Islamist AKP is supported by a great majority of conservative and religious voters in Turkey, while the present center-right and religious parties have insignificant voter support.

After the polls in 2019, the newly-elected president will be authorized as well to change all top-level bureaucrats by a presidential decree without parliament's approval. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 21:06:54|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence (L) and Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso attend a press conference in Tokyo, Japan, on April 18, 2017. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

TOKYO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Japan and the United States on Tuesday agreed to work together with countries in the region to address tensions on the Korean Peninsular and took steps towards bridging gaps in economic cooperation with the launch of the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and visiting U.S. Vice President Mike Pence reaffirmed the Japan-U.S. alliance and the importance of cooperating with other countries in the region to peacefully realize a denuclearized Korean Peninsular.

At the outset of a working lunch with Abe, Pence said that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump remained committed to working together with regional stakeholders to ensure a peaceful Korean Peninsular.

"President Trump is determined to work closely with Japan, with South Korea, with all our allies in the region, and with China, to achieve a peaceable solution and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Pence said.

Prior to Pence's arrival from South Korea, Abe on Monday called for increased diplomacy rather than the use of force in dealing with the current situation regarding tensions on the Korean Peninsular.

Tensions have risen in the region of late, as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has conducted multiple missile tests and two nuclear tests in the past 18 months, with the United States' recent deployment of an aircraft carrier unit to the region after holding large-scale "war games" near the peninsula also stoking concerns.

On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said that China welcomes the United States to play a positive role in peacefully resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. He added that seeking a peaceful solution to the Korean Peninsula issue is a right direction and meets the interests of all related parties.

Dialogue and consultation is the only way to resolve the Korean Peninsula issue, said Lu, reaffirming China's stance.

During his visit, Vice President Pence also held talks with Japan's Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso and launched the "U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue" which will purportedly act as means to deepen bilateral economic cooperation through an ongoing forum.

The dialogue was agreed to in principle between Abe and Trump when the two leaders met in February and sets out three policy pillars that will structure the dialogue with further talks to be held in December.

But a number of thorny issues were shelved for the time being including the United States' hefty trade deficit with Japan in 2016, and Japan's highly-protectionist stance on imports, particularly regarding agriculture and automotive sectors.

The forum, according to a joint press release, spans trade and investment standards, cooperation on global economic development, infrastructure and energy and job creation.

The high-level talks were the first of their kind since the United States, under the Trump administration, backed out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral free trade agreement that would have seen Japan and the U.S. as the two largest economies involved.

Trump in January signed an executive order to officially withdraw the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal.

"The TPP is a thing of the past for the United States. The Unites States is determined to reach out to our partners in the world to negotiate trade on a bilateral basis," Pence told a joint press briefing following talks with Aso.

Against a backdrop of trade deficits and currency concerns from the U.S., Aso said that talks held Tuesday were for the purpose of enhancing ties, rather than highlighting differences.

"Our discussions are aimed at boosting cooperation rather than resolving frictions," Aso said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 21:21:58|Editor: An

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BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China hopes that the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation scheduled for mid-May will yield major outcomes, said Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday.

The forum will be held from May 14 to 15 in Beijing. President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony and host a round-table leaders' summit, Wang told a press conference.

At least 28 heads of state and government will attend the forum, said Wang, the highest-profile international meeting on the Belt and Road since Xi put forward the initiative in 2013.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for the morning of May 14, followed by a series of high level meetings.

The round-table summit, chaired by Xi, will convene on May 15, with the participation of all attending heads of state and government, as well as UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, World Bank president Jim Yong Kim, and managing director of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde.

The round table will issue a document defining goals and principles and refining cooperative measures.

During the forum, China is expected to sign cooperative documents with nearly 20 countries and more than 20 international organization, said Wang.

China will work with countries along the routes on nearly 20 action plans, concerning infrastructure, energy and resources, production capacity, trade and investment, which will help to turn the grand blueprint into a clear roadmap, he said.

Another task of the forum will be to push forward delivery of cooperative projects, said the foreign minister. During the forum, all parties will identify major cooperative projects, set up working groups and establish an investment cooperation center.

Finally, China will work with all parties on a set of measures, including an improved financial cooperation mechanism; a cooperation platform for science, technology and environmental protection; and enhanced exchanges and training of talent.

Participants will sign financing agreements to support their cooperative projects, he said.

China will use the forum to build a more open and efficient international cooperation platform; a closer, stronger partnership network; and to push for a more just, reasonable and balanced international governance system, Wang said.

According to Wang Xiaotao, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, high-level meetings on the first day of the forum will include a plenary session and six parallel panel discussions.

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli will deliver a speech to the plenary session, expected to be attended by leaders of related countries and heads of international organizations. Six parallel panel discussions in the afternoon of May 14 will focus on policy coordination and connection of development strategies, connectivity, economic and trade cooperation, investment and financing system, people-to-people bonds and think-tank communication, said Wang Xiaotao.

More than 1,200 delegates will attend the forum, including officials, scholars, entrepreneurs, representatives of financial institutions and media organizations from 110 nations, as well as representatives from more than 60 international organizations.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 21:47:05|Editor: An

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang presides over a symposium on new development ideas and developing new growth drivers in Beijing, capital of China, April 18, 2017. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday stressed the importance of accelerating the shift from traditional economic growth engines to new ones.

Li made the remarks at a symposium on new development ideas and developing new growth drivers at the Chinese Academy of Governance, attended by senior government officials and business leaders.

Faced with a challenging world economic recovery and relatively heavy downward pressure in the domestic economy, the old growth pattern will not be able to continue, said Li.

China must speed up replacing old growth drivers with new ones to transform and upgrade the economy, Li said, adding that the key to the shift of growth drivers lies in technology.

The focus should be on new technology, new industries and new business models, supported by the development of new production factors including knowledge, information and data, the premier said.

The Chinese economy has not only been able to avoid "hard landing," but is stabilizing and improving with better structure and more jobs, said Li

He attributed the strong performance to a policy direction, administrative streamlining, mass entrepreneurship and innovation.

While attaching importance to developing promising new industries, Li also highlighted the elimination of excess production capacity, and upgrading traditional sectors using new technologies.

The premier also called for more efforts to let effective investment and upgraded consumption promote each other and use the domestic market as a "navigation light."

He urged market players to participate in international competition and take the opportunities provided by the new round of science and technological revolution and industrial evolution.

The government should also make innovations in policy making, in areas such as stock option incentive mechanism, insurance, financial support, and government funding, to boost innovation and entrepreneurship, he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 21:57:09|Editor: MJ

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Staff members work by C919, the first large passenger aircraft designed and built by China, in a hangar of Shanghai-based Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) in Shanghai, east China, April 11, 2017. The aircraft was given the go-ahead to begin a series of high-speed taxiing tests, the last step before its maiden flight. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)

SHANGHAI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The C919, the first large passenger aircraft designed and built by China passed the last expert assessment on Tuesday, its manufacturer announced.

The aircraft was given the go-ahead to begin a series of high-speed taxiing tests, the last step before its maiden flight. The process usually takes one to two months.

According to Shanghai-based Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC), 25 experts from Chinese research institutes, civil aviation administration, and domestic jet makers formed Tuesday's assessment panel. They reviewed the preparedness of both the aircraft and ground services for the maiden flight.

In March, the aircraft passed a major technical assessment.

The C919, with over 150 seats and a standard range of 4,075 kilometers, is a medium-haul commercial aircraft.

The Chinese jetliner was rolled off assembly line in 2015. COMAC said 21 customers had placed orders for more than 500 aircraft by the end of 2016, and it expects sales to exceed 2,000.

China has invested heavily in commercial passenger jet manufacturing. The ARJ21, its first regional aircraft, began commercial operations in June 2016.
STOCKHOLM, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Strong growth and budget surplus will help fund investments in the country's law enforcement and climate initiatives, according to Sweden's spring finance bill and amended budget proposal publicized on Tuesday.

The bill is based on an agreement between the incumbent Social Democrat and Green parties and the Left Party.

Sweden's Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson said that thanks to the government's prudent fiscal policy, the inherited deficit will instead be turned into a surplus for each remaining year in the incumbent's term.

"It has placed us in an entirely new position and gives us new opportunities to meet societal challenges. The Swedish model can continue to deliver," she said in a statement issued on the government's website Tuesday.

Swedish growth is expected to remain high in 2017, with a higher than forecasted 2.9 percent in calendar-adjusted terms. According to the statement, Sweden's broad-based growth is powered by increased exports, increased private investment -- mainly in residential construction -- and increased consumption, both private and public. Unemployment is down since 2014, and is expected to drop even further in the coming years.

A responsible fiscal policy and strong employment growth led to a public finance surplus in 2015 and 2016, and a reduction of public debt. From a deficit of more than 6.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2014, the savings went up by more than 11 billion U.S. dollars, yielding a surplus of about 4.4 billion U.S. dollars.

Based on the big challenges facing the Swedish Police Authority, the government has already proposed an additional 78 million U.S. dollars to hire more officers this year.

The government and other parties to the defense agreement also see a need to strengthen Sweden's total defense with an added 55 million U.S. dollars.

The amended budget bill proposes an infusion of 55 million U.S. dollars this year for climate adaptation and mitigation measures all over the country. These include investments in electric charging stations, biogas plants and other climate activities identified in Sweden's "Climate Leap", a climate adaptation and mitigation campaign.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 22:12:15|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao

Maurice Obstfeld, chief economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), attends a press briefing at the IMF headquarters in Washington D.C., the United States, on April 18, 2017. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday raised its forecast for global economic growth in 2017, saying buoyant financial markets and a long-awaited cyclical recovery in manufacturing and trade supported the improved outlook. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday raised its forecast for global economic growth in 2017, saying buoyant financial markets and a long-awaited cyclical recovery in manufacturing and trade supported the improved outlook.

In its latest World Economic Outlook, the IMF forecast the global economy will grow by 3.5 percent in 2017, an acceleration from the 3.1 percent growth last year and an upgrade of 0.1 percentage points from its January projection. It kept the 2018 forecast for global economic growth unchanged at 3.6 percent.

"Our new projection for 2017 is marginally higher than what we expected in our last update. This improvement comes primarily from good economic news for Europe and Asia, and within Asia, notably for China and Japan," IMF chief economist Maurice Obstfeld told a press conference on Tuesday.

The IMF expected the advanced economies to grow by 2 percent this year, 0.1 percentage point higher than its forecast in January. It maintained the 2018 growth forecast for those economies unchanged at 2 percent.

Among the developed economies, the U.S. economy is expected to grow by 2.3 percent in 2017 and 2.5 percent in 2018, the same forecast as that in January; the growth forecast for the euro-zone was raised by 0.1 percentage points to 1.7 percent in 2017; the Japanese economy is expected to grow by 1.2 percent in 2017, 0.4 percentage points higher than its January forecast, with growth slowing to 0.6 percent in 2018.

The IMF estimated emerging markets and developing economies will grow by 4.5 percent in 2017 and 4.8 percent in 2018, the same forecast as that of January.

But it upgraded China's growth forecast in 2017 and 2018 to 6.6 and 6.2 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, the IMF continued to warn of the downside risks facing the global economy.

"Risks remain skewed to the downside, however, especially over the medium term, with pervasive uncertainty surrounding policies," said the report.

It warned that inward-looking policies threaten global integration and the cooperative global economic order, a faster-than-expected pace of interest rate hikes in the United States could tighten global financial conditions, and an aggressive rollback of financial regulation could spur excessive risk taking and increase the likelihood of future financial crisis.

"The world economy may be gaining momentum, but we cannot be sure that we are out of the woods," said Obstfeld.

"Avoiding the damage from potential protectionist measures will require a renewed multilateral commitment to support trade, paired with national initiatives that can help workers adversely affected by a range of structural economic transformations including those due to trade," the chief economist said.

He also called on countries to collaborate across a range of problems, such as financial oversight and tax avoidance, in order to ensure growth and stability.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 22:22:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NAIROBI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A United Nations official on Tuesday said that Africa can learn valuable lessons from China in harnessing its demographic dividend.

UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya Siddharth Chatterjee told a regional population forum in Nairobi that Beijing's impressive economic growth over the past three decades is an outcome of investing in its youth population.

"Africa can reap demographic dividend if it improves the skills of its youth so that they play a role in economic transformation," Chatterjee said during the opening ceremony of the first Africa-China Conference on Population and Development.

The two-day event will help strengthen partnerships between Africa and China in the field of population and development.

Chatterjee said that Africa will need to create 100 million jobs per year for the next 10 years in order take advantage of the demographic dividend.

"This will be achieved if Africa expands opportunities for its youth population to participate in the economy," he added.

The UN official noted that Sub-Saharan Africa loses approximately 95 billion U.S. dollars annually due to inequality.

He said that inequality is due to a large number of adults who are not gainfully engaged in the economy through employment or as entrepreneurs.

Government data indicates that in Kenya, there are 81 dependents for every 100 people in the workforce.

"Due to the high number of dependents, the economy is not able to achieve the high rate of savings that is required to propel investments," the UN official said.

Chatterjee said that for Africa to reduce its poverty level, it needs to manage its population growth just like China did.

"China is an example to the rest of the developing countries when it comes to family planning," he noted.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 22:22:18|Editor: Tian Shaohui

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RIYADH, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis said upon arrival to Riyadh on Tuesday that the missile attacks by Houthi militias should be stopped permanently, Sbaq online local news report.

The visit will focus on the fight against the Islamic State (IS) militant group. Mattis will reveal the U.S. policy about Syria.

The online report predicted that the U.S. official will announce direct support of his country to the Saudi-led coalition that fights Houthis in Yemen.

This is Mattis' first visit to the Saudi Arabia after his appointment as the Defence Secretary in January 2017, and the visit is the first stop of his tour in the Middle East and Africa.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 22:42:25|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NAIROBI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Africa's diaspora is playing a big role in the economic transformation of the continent, the UN said on Tuesday.

UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Director Dr Julitta Onabanjo told Xinhua in Nairobi that remittances are important source of income for many African families.

"The diaspora therefore complements government efforts to lift many families out of poverty," Onabanjo said on the sidelines of the First Africa-China Conference on Population and Development.

Onabanjo said that Africans in the diaspora also bring back to the continent, the valuable skills and knowledge that they have acquired in the developed world.

"This pool of skilled labour can help the continent address challenges that hinder social economic development," she added. The director noted that remittances resulting from intra-Africa migration are also increasing.

"South Africa has a large number of African immigrants who remittances have boosted their families back home," she added.

The director decried the deaths of Africans at the seas as they emigrate the continent using illegal means.

"Governments must put policies that will address the push factors that make Africans risk their lives as seek green pastures in other continents," she added.

The UN official urged Africa government to put in place incentives that will reverse the brain drain especially in the medical sector.

"The continent faces a serious shortage in the health sector as skilled personnel seek opportunities in other regions," she observed.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 22:42:27|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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JERUSALEM, April 18 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli minister said Tuesday that Israel will not negotiate with hundreds of Palestinian prisoners who launched Monday a hunger strike, demanding improved incarceration conditions.

The strike, led by high-profile Fatah-linked prisoner Marwan Barghouti, is the largest in recent years. Polls suggest that Barghouti, convicted by an Israeli court of deadly attacks against Israelis, is the most popular successor to President Mahmoud Abbas.

Israel Prison Service said about 1,100 prisoners joined the strike on Monday. They demand better conditions, including stopping the administrative detentions, an indefinable incarceration without charges for renewable periods of six months.

Other demands include periodic medical examination, visits by the International Red Cross, installing pay phones and air condition systems, allowing prisoners to keep books, newspapers, clothes, and food.

Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan said that he believes the strike has no legitimacy. "The strike is politically motivated and includes unreasonable demands," he said in a statement released on his behalf.

"These are terrorists and incarcerated murderers who are getting exactly what the international law requires," he told Israel's Army Radio, adding that under the ministry's policy, "you can't negotiate with prisoners such as these."

"There is no reason to give them additional conditions in addition to what they already receive," he said.

He confirmed that Barghouti was transferred to another jail and was placed in solitary confinement.

He said the measure was a punishment for Barghouti's part in organizing the strike and not because of an op-ed by the Palestinian leader that the New York Times published on Monday.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that Israel protested to the New York Times over the piece.

He said that the newspaper "presents arch-terrorist Marwan Barghouti as a 'parliamentarian and leader,'" adding that the "paper recanted after we pointed it out to them."

The protest comes amidst a spate of violence between Israelis and Palestinians, and at a time of renewed attempts by the United States to revive the peace talks.

Israel controls the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, territories it has seized in the 1967 Middle East war, despite international criticism.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 22:52:32|Editor: MJ

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Federica Mogherini, EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, as well as vice president of the European Commission, in Beijing, capital of China, April 18, 2017. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China firmly supports European integration and hopes for a united, stable and prosperous European Union, Premier Li Keqiang said on Tuesday.

Li made the comment when meeting with Federica Mogherini, EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, as well as vice president of the European Commission.

China attaches importance to China-EU relations and the EU's commitment to delivering its international obligations and is willing to promote practical cooperation, Li said.

"China is willing to work with the EU in the spirit of mutual respect and treating each other as equals to advance bilateral investment treaty talks and the feasibility study of the free trade agreement," Li said.

"China will work with the EU to handle differences properly and to better the China-EU relations within the rule-based international order and contribute vitality to world economic growth," the premier said.

Given the complex and changing international landscape, rising anti-globalization and protectionism, China and the EU should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, Li said.

He called on both sides to send a positive signal to maintain regional stability and world peace, tackle global challenges, reform and improve the international governance and champion economic globalization and free and fair trade so as to address the uncertainties of the international landscape through stable cooperation between China and the EU.

Mogherini said the EU and China share the responsibility of maintaining international order, tackling global challenges such as terrorism and climate change and promoting global peace and development.

The EU attaches importance to maintaining multilateral system and delivering its international obligations and will work with China to strengthen cooperation and properly handle differences and facilitate the progress in bilateral investment treaty negotiations, Mogherini said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 23:07:36|Editor: MJ

Photo taken on April 14, 2017 shows Stephen A. Orlins, president of the National Committee of the United States, speaks during an interview with Xinhua at his office in New York City, the United States. The bilateral trade deficit "should not matter" in the development China-U.S. relations, said Orlins in a recent interview at his office in downtown Manhattan. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

By Xinhua writers Yang Shilong, Zhang Zhihuan, Wang Wen

NEW YORK, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The bilateral trade deficit "should not matter" in the development China-U.S. relations, said an expert on U.S.-China Relations.

"I hope there's an understanding on the part of the Trump administration that bilateral trade deficits are not particularly meaningful," Stephen A. Orlins, president of the National Committee, told Xinhua in a recent interview at his office in downtown Manhattan.

"I've been doing business with China for more than three decades. The U.S. used to have trade deficits with Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia. What happened over these years is that a lot of the semi-finished goods would go to China (for China to export), so what's happened is the trade deficit we used to have with those other countries has been transferred to China. Now that is not China's fault and we should not blame China for that," said Orlins.

Orlins said there are domestic factors in the U.S. that better explain the trade gap.

"It relates to a lot of these things that can be solved in part by America dealing with its own savings problem. So if we save more as a country, then we wouldn't need to import so much capital to do things. There are a lot of answers here which don't really relate to U.S.-China relations. They relate to what the United States must do itself," he said.

The China-U.S. trade deficit is overstated, if judged from the perspective of the global supply chain.

Headline figures suggest that China accounted for about half of the U.S. trade deficit in 2015. But Deutsche Bank's economists have found that on a value-added basis, only 16 percent of that deficit came directly from China, slightly higher than the 13 percent which originated from Japan.

"Having said that, there are many areas where China can open its market more to U.S. goods and U.S. investment. There are lots of tariff barriers and non-tariff barriers which can be reduced and will aid U.S. exports to China," Orlins said.

The amount of U.S. service exports to China is often overlooked when calculating the balance of trade. In this area, the United States has a surplus with China. The U.S. edge in service trade has huge potential to grow bigger in China as the world's fastest-growing consumer market is poised to open its service sector wider to the United States.

Orlins, a strong advocate for constructive China-U.S. cooperation for more than four decades, said that his early doubts and worries about the future development of the bilateral ties were dispelled following the successful meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Largo resort earlier this month.

"I think the relationship is really quite strong," said Orlins, who speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese.

"There was real understanding that was developed (during the meeting)," he said. "The development of a relationship between President Xi and President Trump is important for U.S.-China relations and for the world."

Orlins said that a piece of direct proof is the one-hour telephone conversation made between Xi and Trump within five days after the meeting ended.

"I would say that without the meeting, that telephone conversation would not have been as productive and constructive as it was, so that's already a symbol of the progress," Orlins said.

Orlins noted that Trump's acceptance of Xi's invitation to visit China is also a "very good sign."

"In my experience, when presidents of the United States visit China, they understand better how the Chinese government functions and the problems the Chinese government are confronting, and are able to craft policies which are more constructive to the U.S.-China relationship," he said.

Orlins emphasized that China-U.S. bilateral relations are of global relevance as "there will be global problems in the future which require the two countries "to talk together to help resolve."

The top two world economies have already set examples by working together in tackling major global issues like climate change, cyber security and counter-terrorism, he said.

The creation of a new cabinet-level framework for negotiations, which includes dialogues on diplomacy and security, economy, law enforcement and cybersecurity, and social and cultural issues, "should help resolve issues" between the two countries, said Orlins.

He said the latest positive development is that the U.S. government decided not to brand China as a currency manipulator.

"China is not and has not for many years been depreciating its currency, so President Trump simply realized the reality," he said.
ADDIS ABABA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A total of 669 people, most of them civilians, died in political unrest in parts of the three most populous regions of Ethiopia in 2016, according to a report by a government watchdog.

The government mandated Ethiopian human Rights Commission (EHRC) in a report presented by its head Dr. Adisu Gebregzbaher to the Ethiopian parliament on April 18 says, the biggest number of deaths occurred in Ethiopia's largest state Oromiya, with the deaths of 462 civilians and 33 security forces.

Deadly protests by Oromos, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group making about 35 percent of Ethiopia's estimated 100 million population, erupted in November 2015 and continued until late 2016.

Initially starting as a protest against the expansion of the capital city Addis Ababa into Oromo villages, the protest soon turned into complaints against what many Oromos perceive as political and economic disenfranchisement.

The Oromo protests were then joined in June by Ethiopia's second largest ethnic group, the Amhara's, at around 28 percent of the population, complaining about territorial redistricting of "historic" Amhara land to neighboring Tigray region 25 years ago. The EHRC report says 110 civilians and 30 security forces died in the Amhara region unrest.

Many Amharas also complain about what they call the political and economic dominance of the Tigray ethnic group, who makes up around 6 percent of Ethiopia's population.

The commission's focus on the unrest in the country's third most populous region southern regional state was focused on a small area, Gedeo zone, where ethnic Gedeo's in October 2016 attacked the properties of migrants in a dispute about ownership of land and business. The commission says 33 people died in the unrest.

EHRC in its finding stated the security forces largely gave a proportionate response to the unrest although it single out several occasions where it said excessive force was used.

The unrest, particularly in Amhara and Oromiya regions, were dubbed by analysts as the worst the ruling party Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Force (EPRDF) had faced since it came to power in 1991.

After a clash between congregants and security forces led to a deadly stampede at an Oromo religious festival in October 2016, the Ethiopian government declared a six months martial law.

That emergency decree, which since then has been renewed for another four months, seemed to have calmed the situation in the country although tensions persist.
SOFIA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Bulgarian State Agency for National Security (SANS), the country's counter intelligence and counter terrorism service, deported 252 foreigners in 2016, according to its annual report released here on Tuesday.

As many as 22 of those expelled were involved in terrorist activities and nine more were involved in illegal migration, the report said.

Meanwhile, in order to reduce the terrorist threat, SANS has conducted interviews with over 9,700 foreigners who illegally entered Bulgaria, the report said.

A total of 221 of them posed a potential threat to Bulgaria's security and interests.

The report also said that the terrorist threat to Europe grew, and it implied a heightened risk of terrorism for Bulgaria.

However, in 2016, SANS did not acquire data about any prepared terrorist acts against targets in the country or against Bulgarian interests abroad, the report said.
VILNIUS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Lithuanian Agriculture Minister Bronius Markauskas on Tuesday said he expects to speed up procedures for Lithuanian food exports to reach the Chinese market.

His comments came ahead of a visit to China by a delegation of Lithuanian meat and dairy producers.

Markauskas highlighted that the Chinese market is attractive to Lithuanian food producers due to its size. "The Chinese market is one of the most profitable, and, of course, largest," Markauskas told local media.

Last year, Lithuanian dairy producers received permissions to export their production to Chinese market and in recent months have sent trial products to China.

Markauskas emphasized efforts to increase exchanges with the Chinese side in order to help Lithuanian companies in accessing Chinese market.

In recent years, Lithuanian diplomats and officials have been trying to help food producers gain access to Chinese market amid efforts to diversify food exports.

In 2014, Lithuanian food producers, especially dairy and meat companies, were hard hit by Russia's embargo on food imports from the European Union. Russia was one of the main exports markets for Lithuanian food companies.
ABUJA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's capital city airport is "quite operational" and set to reopen Wednesday following completion of repair works on its 3.6 kilometer-long runway, local officials said Tuesday.

Head of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority said the repair work, which lasted six weeks, has been done "quite satisfactorily in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard and recommended practices."

"The airport, the runway is very ready to accept flight operations safely," he said in a statement.

The Nigerian government ordered the temporary closure of the runway on March 8.

The runway needed to be repaired because it was actually designed for use for 20 years but was used for 34 years without necessary repairs due to negligence.

During the temporary closure, Abuja-bound local and international passengers flew to Kaduna, in the country's northwest region, and traveled by bus, train or helicopter, into the capital city.

An official of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria said the runway had been completely cleaned up ahead of flight operations.

Air Peace, a local airline, told Xinhua it had made arrangement to resume its normal flight operations at the Abuja airport on Wednesday.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the main airport serving the Nigerian capital city and named after the country's first President, Nnamdi Azikiwe, has an international and a domestic terminal that share its single runway.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 23:32:48|Editor: Yamei

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British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to media outside 10 Downing Street as she calls a snap general election in London, Britain, on April 18, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May called a snap general election on June 8 in what was a shock and unexpected announcement from outside 10 Downing Street. (Xinhua)

LONDON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- There was broad welcome Tuesday from opposition parties after British Prime Minister Theresa May called a snap general election on June 8.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, said: "I welcome the prime minister's decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first."

"Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS."

Tim Farron, leader of the minority Liberal Democrat party, said the early general election will be an opportunity for voters to "change the direction of our country." Farron has been demanding a second referendum to let the people of Britain decide on a final Brexit deal with Brussels.

Responding to May's announcement, Farron said: "If you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit; if you want to keep Britain in the Single Market; if you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance. Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority."

Sal Brinton, president of the Liberal Democrats, said: "This is a time when liberals must stand together, and people across the country are doing just that. The surge in our membership proves that the Liberal Democrats are seen as the real opposition to this Conservative Brexit Government."

In the 2015 general election under then leader Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrats lost 48 of its seats in the House of Commons, leaving them with just eight MPs.

Paul Nuttall, leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party, UKIP, said: "We welcome the general election, but make no mistake -- it is driven by Labour's obvious weakness, not the good of the country." UKIP was set up almost 30 years ago to campaign for Britain to leave the EU.

Former prime minister David Cameron hailed May's "brave and right" decision to call a snap election, adding: "My very best wishes to all Conservative candidates."

Cameron resigned as prime minister the day after the result of the June 23 referendum was announced. He has supported Britain remaining in the EU, but saw the leave campaign win by a margin of 52 to 48.

In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) and First Minister in the Scottish Parliament, gave her response.

On her social media site Sturgeon wrote: "The Tories (Conservatives) see a chance to move the UK to the right, force through a hard Brexit and impose deeper cuts. Let's stand up for Scotland."

Sturgeon said the prime minister's decision was a huge political miscalculation as it would give voters a fresh chance to reject Conservative austerity and a hard Brexit, and give the Scottish National party a new mandate for an independence referendum.

"She (May) is clearly betting that the Tories can win a bigger majority in England given the utter disarray in the Labour party," said Sturgeon.

Sturgeon won support in the Scottish Parliament a few weeks ago to call for a new independence referendum for Scotland. May has responded by saying the time is not right for a referendum while Brexit negotiations are taking place.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-18 23:37:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Orbital ATK's unmanned cargo ship blasted off Tuesday for its seventh resupply mission to the International Space Station.

The Cygnus spacecraft, named after former U.S. astronaut John Glenn, took off atop a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket at 11:11 a.m. EDT (1511 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

"Liftoff of the Atlas V rocket with Cygnus and the S.S. John Glenn, extending the research legacy for living and working in space," a NASA TV commentator said during a live broadcast.

Glenn was the first American to orbit the Earth. He died last December at age 95.

MORE CARGO

Cygnus is carrying more than 7,600 pounds (3,400 kilograms) of cargo to the orbital laboratory, including crew supplies, hardware, scientific experiments and 38 CubeSats that will be deployed from either the spacecraft or space station in the coming months.

"We are carrying more this time than we have in the past and that's a good step forward for us and for the crew," Frank Culbertson, president of Orbital ATK's Space Systems Group, told reporters during a pre-launch news conference.

"The more research we can carry, the more they can do their job and the more they can show the utility of the International Space Station."

According to the U.S. space agency NASA, the new experiments include an antibody investigation that could increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment and an advanced plant habitat for studying plant physiology and growth of fresh food in space.

Another new investigation bound for the space station's U.S. National Laboratory will look at using magnetized cells and tools to make it easier to handle cells and cultures, and improve the reproducibility of experiments.

If everything goes well, the spacecraft will arrive at the space station on April 22 and will stay there until July, when it will depart with several tons of trash for a fiery reentry into Earth's atmosphere.

Prior to re-entry, a third and final experiment will be conducted inside the spacecraft to study how fire burns in space. The first two space fire experiments took place during previous Cygnus resupply missions.

360-DEGREE VIEW

Tuesday's launch marked the first time NASA, in coordination with the ULA and Orbital ATK, has broadcast a rocket launch with a 360-degree view.

"Those who own virtual reality headsets will be able to look around and experience the view as if they were actually standing on the launch pad," NASA said in a statement.

"Minimum viewing distance is typically miles away from the launch pad, but the live 360 stream enables viewers to get a pads-eye view."

The launch has been delayed several times over the past month due to hydraulics leaks on the rocket booster and ground support equipment.

"We are sorry we missed Easter," said Culbertson, a former NASA astronaut, "but we're pretty sure they'll be excited about their Easter baskets and whatever great things International Space Station science put on board for them."
| 2017-04-19 00:51:45|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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RIYADH, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Saudi-led coalition announced on Tuesday a military Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Yemen, killing 12 military personnel onboard, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The coalition highlighted that the helicopter was carrying out its missions when it fell down in Marib Governorate in Yemen. All 12 officers are Saudis.

An investigation was launched, the report said.

Saudi air force has been launching airstrikes on Yemen, mainly Houthi dominated areas, since March 2015, while the coalition announced this week that the war will continue until all Yemen's territories are under the control of Yemeni elected government.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-19 00:13:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese companies' investment in countries along the Belt and Road rose again in Q1.

From January to March, Chinese enterprises invested 2.95 billion U.S. dollars in 43 countries along the Belt and Road, according to the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Tuesday.

The investment accounted for 14.4 percent of Chinese firms' total outbound investment in Q1, compared to 9 percent for the same period last year.

Chinese enterprises signed 952 project contracts in 61 countries along the Belt and Road with a turnover of 14.4 billion dollars, nearly half of the total value of contracts in Q1, according to the MOC.

Since 2013, China has invested more than 50 billion dollars in countries involved in the Belt and Road. A total of 56 economic and trade cooperation zones have already been built by Chinese businesses in Belt and Road countries, generating nearly 1.1 billion dollars in tax revenue and creating 180,000 local jobs.

The latest data comes less than a month before the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which opens on May 14 in Beijing.

Thus far, 28 heads of state and government leaders have confirmed their attendance at the forum. Other delegates include officials, entrepreneurs, financiers and reporters from 110 countries, and representatives of 61 international organizations.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-19 00:18:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DUBAI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- As the U.S. laptop ban on some countries in Middle East has weighed on traveling between Dubai and the U.S., passenger demand from China to Dubai has soared, a senior official of Emirates Airline said on Tuesday.

Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer of the airline in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), made the remarks while addressing the media ahead of the annual tourism fair, Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

"I do not want to go deep there as we will report annual results in May, but there are indications and quotes from industry experts, like from the CEO of Marriott Hotels Mr. Arne Sorenson, that the Middle East passenger demand for flights to the United States declined by double-digit rates," Antinori said.

Large-sized electronic devices like laptops and tablet computers have been banned for six months from March 21 on direct flights to the U.S. from 10 airports in eight countries, namely Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Turkey and Morocco.

The state-owned carrier Emirates, the biggest airline in the Middle East, flies to 11 destinations across the U.S.

Incoming travelers from China, on the other hand, "increased in the last month by 33 percent," he said.

Earlier in the week, the UAE General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs said up to 265,698 Chinese tourists visited Dubai in the past five months since UAE began granting visa on arrival for Chinese citizens.

New flights to Chinese cities Yinchuan and Zhengzhou as Emirates' fourth and fifth destination in China in May 2016 were fueling the success story, he added.

Earlier in the year, the government-owned Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing said visitors from China to Dubai in 2016 stood at 540,000, up 20 percent from a year earlier.

Dubai aims to attract at least 20 million visitors by 2020, when the state hosts the World Expo.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-19 00:18:05|Editor: MJ

Leaving Yangshan Deep Water Port in Shanghai, one of the world's largest cargo ports, Merchant Vessel (M.V.) COSCO Netherlands arrives at the Ningbo Zhoushan Port late on April 17, 2017. (Xinhua Photo)

by Xinhua writers Yan Liang, Ye Shan

NINGBO, China, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Merchant Vessel (M.V.) COSCO Netherlands left Ningbo Zhoushan Port in Zhejiang Province in eastern China on Tuesday afternoon continuing its roughly 40-day journey from China to Europe to retrace the Maritime Silk Road, an ancient trade maritime route linking China with the rest of the world.

The vessel began its journey on Sunday from Shanghai to relive the old-time trade route. China proposed the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in 2013, which is not only a valuable spiritual treasure to all of humanity but also a road of dialogue for Chinese civilization with the world.

On the backdrop of surging counter-globalization in the world today, retracing the memory about that history that different countries, regions and peoples along the route shared is a global call for peaceful intercultural ties.

LOOKING BACK IN NINGBO'S HISTORY

Leaving Yangshan Deep Water Port in Shanghai, one of the world's largest cargo ports, M.V. COSCO arrived at the Ningbo Zhoushan Port late on Monday afternoon.

Ningbo, called Mingzhou during China's Tang and Song Dynasties, was one of the Chinese coastal cities linked with the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Nowadays, traces of the Maritime Silk Road relics still can be found in Ningbo, including the Yongfeng warehouse, a key official depot from the Southern Song Dynasty through to the Ming.

On the site of Yongfeng, large quantities of cultural relics had been found, like famous porcelain products from the Song and Yuan Dynasties, which prove that Ningbo was a significant trading port on the thriving Maritime Silk Road in ancient China.

Located in the middle of China's long coastline, Ningbo possesses rare geographical advantages and serves as a unique port. The city has a special position in China's history engagement with the world as the estuary of the Grand Canal of China and also the port of departure on the Maritime Silk Road in ancient China.

China's Grand Canal was officially inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2014, which consists of three sections -- Beijing-Hangzhou Canal, the Sui and Tang Dynasties Canal, and East Zhejiang Canal which refers to the section from Hangzhou to Ningbo.

It is because of Ningbo's unique geographical advantages that cargo and people could be transported to Japan and the Korean peninsula through the Zhoushan Islands in the east, and reach anywhere in the world through ports in Quanzhou and Guangzhou in South China, Liu Hengwu, a professor at Ningbo University, told Xinhua.

Ningbo was an important "window" for Chinese civilization, and it was irreplaceable in the trade and cross-cultural exchange in ancient East Asia, Liu said.

Traditionally, it it believed that the ancient Maritime Silk Road came into being in the Qin and Han Dynasties (221 B.C.- 220 A.D.), grew up in the Three Kingdoms Period and the Sui Dynasty (220 - 618 A.D.), flourished in the Tang and Song Dynasties (618 - 1279 A.D.), and fell into decline in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911 A.D.).

CIVILIZATION EXCHANGES ACROSS OCEANS

From China to East Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe, the ever-extending Maritime Silk Road brought business and trade convenience to the countries and peoples along its route, while enriching the culture of local societies.

A huge number of well-known cultural sites and examples of engagement with foreign societies are preserved in Ningbo today, Liu said. Among these are the Tiantong Temple, Asoka Temple, Samo Pagoda, the Site of the Goryeo Embassy, and the Site of the Yongfeng Warehouse, among others.

Contact between Tiantong Temple and the Japanese Buddhist temples started from the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279 A.D.), said Liu.

During the Song and Yuan dynasties, there were not only many Japanese monks living and practicing Buddhism at the Tiantong Temple, but also eminent Chinese monks, such as Lanxi Daolong and Wuxue Zuyuan, who went to Japan and cast a profound influence on the development of Japanese Zen Buddhism.

The ancient Tiantong Temple, as an international religious cultural center, left its glorious mark on the history of cross-cultural exchange on the Maritime Silk Road.

Since the Southern Song dynasty, the relationship between Tiantong Temple and Japanese Zen Buddhism has been ongoing for nearly 1,000 years. Chinese and Japanese Zen monks have played a significant role in promoting cultural ties between China and Japan.

The Maritime Silk Road had facilitated the melting of different countries, religions and peoples. Its abundant relics constitute its various cultural heritages while promoting mutual learning between China and the rest of the world.

In this sense, the Maritime Silk Road has witnessed the progress of the human civilizations. And it is the common responsibility of all humankind to preserve its many heritages.

China has also been lending a helping hand in this regard to some Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia.

Chinese cultural relics experts have spent many years in Cambodia, protecting and repairing cultural relics from the Angkor Wat complex, such as the Chau Say Tevoda and Prasat Ta Keo.

These experts working in the countries along the Maritime Silk Road today play a similar role like the 29 sailors of the M.V. COSCO Netherlands.

RELAYING LEGEND OF ANCIENT MARITIME SILK ROAD

The Maritime Silk Road signifies a long journey that crosses different oceans and civilizations. Looking back on the history, numerous monks, scholars and artists from foreign lands had travelled a long way to China by ship through the ancient route regardless of the various risks in order to learn Chinese culture while spreading Western civilization.

In addition to exchanging needed goods, another important reason why foreigners flooded in was the diligence, courage, wisdom, openness, tolerance, and integrity of the ancient Chinese, who became curious about foreign things, accepted outside civilizations, and lived in peace with foreign nations based on mutual respect and trust.

After all, this inclusiveness stemming from the Chinese culture enabled many foreigners and religious cultures to co-exist and converge in China's coastal ports, or even the hinterland. Together with these foreigners, the industrious and courageous Chinese people have composed glorious chapters in the history of human civilization.

In the 21st century, it is of greater significance to study and carry forward the Maritime Silk Road spirit.

It wasn't always smooth sailing for the ancient Chinese. Sometimes, they encountered raging waves and died in foreign lands. But despite all the hardships, the merchants and sailors along the Maritime Silk Road remained fearless in pursuing the world.

In the 21st century, it is more important than ever to carry forward the spirit of the Silk Road when dealing with complicated international and regional situations.

On this warm spring day, the M.V. COSCO Netherlands is travelling along the Maritime Silk Road. With history as a mirror, it hopes to embrace a brighter future.

Related:

Feature: Chinese vessel sets sail to revive ancient maritime silk road legend

SHANGHAI, April 16 (Xinhua) -- One of today's most technically-advanced ships in the world set sail from here on Sunday to retrace the oldest maritime route that linked China with the rest of the world.

Merchant Vessel (M.V.) COSCO Netherlands is leaving Yangshan Deep Water Port at 7 p.m. local time (1100 GMT), in Shanghai, the world's largest cargo port, and will dock in the Port of Ningbo in east China, the Port of Singapore, the Suez Canal, the Pireaus Port in Greece, and ports in Rotterdam of Netherlands, Hamburg of Germany, and Antwerp of Belgium, in its about 40-day journey. Full story

China Focus: Ancient silk road stretches into new era

XI'AN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Indian businessman Rana Karta opened a restaurant in the historical city of Xi'an in northwest China's Shaanxi Province four years ago. He has never looked back.

His restaurant is on the former site of a bazaar that was once one of the busiest hubs for international trade in China's ancient capital of Chang'an; the start of the silk road. Full story
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-19 00:33:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Three decades ago, TV director Yang Jie created the Monkey King, the first, if not only, hero of millions of Chinese children.

Aged 88, the director passed away on Saturday. "Together with her, my childhood is gone," said a web user Gudurenaixing on Sina Weibo.

Innumerable people are grieving Yang, whose 25-episode TV adaption of "Journey to the West" in 1986 has for decades remained the best adaption of the classic fiction and one of the most watched TV dramas.

AS DIFFICULT AS THE PILGRIMAGE

Yang was born in 1929 in Macheng City in central China's Hubei Province. She worked as a newscaster in Qingdao, Shandong Province, during wartime, announcing liberation of the city in 1949.

She became a TV director in 1980, and began her working on "Journey to the West."

"It was as difficult as the pilgrimage to the west," she once said in an interview.

The story, based on the real pilgrimage of Buddhist monk Xuanzang in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) to central Asia and India, is a myth of Taoist and Buddhist philosophy.

The project sounded ambitious but, at a time when China just started reform and opening up, Yang's team was short of money.

Salaries for actors and actresses were low. Even Zhang Jinlai who starred as the Monkey King and Ma Dehua who acted as Xuanzang's disciple Zhu Bajie, received only 80 yuan (about 11.6 U.S. dollars) for each episode.

The work was hard and they each played several characters. Zhang Jinlai also acted as a female match-maker. Ma Dehua acted as a foreign ambassador, a monkey, a bandit and an official.

At first they didn't know how to make people "fly in the sky."

"We asked film-makers from Hong Kong, and were told they used wires," Yang once recalled. They soon started learning the technique and almost all the main actors had the experience of falling off.

With only one camera, they spent four years crossing half of China to complete the first season. Yang planned to make 30 episodes, but after the 11th, the money ran out. The team borrowed money from railway authorities to complete another 14 episodes.

"Nothing we did was for fame, or profit," Yang said. "It was art."

REMEMBERED THROUGH GENERATIONS

"Thank you for bringing us our most valuable collective memory," said a web user Longchengbukuaixiaotang on Sina Weibo.

Like him, many Chinese are reminiscing as they mourn Yang.

Actor Wang Bozhao, best known for his role as the white dragon horse in the TV series, said: "Yang Jie, my favorite director and teacher, has passed away. But 'Journey to the West' will accompany us forever. When we watch the TV series, we do and will remember her."

"She was my teacher in art and life. Without 'Journey to the West', audiences would never have seen the Monkey King in the screen. Farewell, my dear director," commented Zhang Jinlai, who played the Monkey King, on his Sina Weibo account.

Shi Han, writer and publisher, told Xinhua that Yang did not seek attention, and when people talk about her, they are actually looking back at their own childhood.

"The Monkey King is a symbol deeply branded on the hearts of our generation," Shi said.

The TV series is still aired each year during the summer vacation and today's kids still rank it as one of their favorite programs.

"The love for Monkey King and for the TV series shall be passed down to the next generation," Shi said. "Together with her extraordinary work, Yang will be always remembered, always."
ACCRA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Ghana's Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia left here on Tuesday as head of the country's high-powered delegation to the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington DC, United States, a release from the Ministry of Finance has said.

The meetings are scheduled from April 18-28, 2017.

Also travelling with the Vice-President is Minister for Finance Kenneth Ofori-Atta, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Ernest Kwamina Yedu Addison; Chairman of the Finance Committee in Parliament, Mark Assibey Yeboah (MP), and officials from the Finance Ministry.

"Whilst there, the delegation will meet with World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, as well as the IMF Managing Director, Christian Lagarde. They will also attend the African Consultative Group Meetings with Christian Lagarde and President Jim Yong Kim," the statement said.

Besides the core Spring Meetings, the Ghanaian delegation also has side events planned for them, including the "Spotlight on Ghana" event organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies being organized to examine the major political and economic trends in Ghana as the new government charts its course.

It is expected to bring together policy makers, business leaders, country analysts, and opinion leaders from Ghana, the United States and beyond, to discuss Ghana's prospects for economic recovery, explore issues of governance and regional leadership and examine the multiple strands on U.S. policy engagement.

The Ghanaian delegation, led by the Vice-President, who is the Chairman of the Economic Management Team, will as well hold bilateral discussions with other partner countries, financial institutions and private sector investors.

In addition, the delegation will attend the G24 Deputies Meetings which provides an opportunity for the G24-member countries to consider key areas in which international Financial Institutions and multilateral actions can effectively complement and support their policy efforts and the African Caucus Bureau Meeting.

"Beside meeting with rating agencies, Standard and Poor's, Fitch and Moody's, the delegation will also hold investor related meetings with holders of Ghana's bonds as well as institutional investors. These meetings provide an opportunity for the delegation to highlight government's economic policies and strategies as well as investment opportunities in Ghana."
BELGRADE, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Officials and businesspersons of Serbia and Belarus started a business council here on Tuesday, seeking ways to boost their bilateral cooperation in both economy and trade.

At the opening of Serbia-Belarus business council, Serbian Minister of Economy Goran Knezevic said Serbia is open to unite powers with Belarus in order to conquer new markets.

The ninth Business Council for Serbia-Belarus cooperation that started here gathered 50 Serbian and 20 Belarus companies, and was co-chaired by Knezevic and Belarus Minister of Trade Vladimir Koltovich.

Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry stated in a press release that participants agreed with the announced increase in the value of trade between two countries to 500 million U.S. dollars by 2019, as well as the advancement in bilateral cooperation by realization of joint investment projects, cooperation and business agreements and joint participation at markets of other countries.

Opening the council, Knezevic invited businessmen from Belarus to invest in Serbia, reminding them that the country has 160 companies prepared for different models of privatization.

According to the press release of the Chamber of Commerce, Knezevic stressed good macroeconomic indicators of Serbia such as growth of gross domestic product (GDP), investments, stable finances, decrease in unemployment and grey economy, and said that investors in Serbia get financial and nonfinancial incentives to invest in new production capacities and expand their business.

Koltovich told participants that Belarus is the 37th out of 190 countries and regions when it comes to conditions for doing business, and among the top 10 when it comes to reforming conditions for business.

He stressed that Belarus economy is open to Serbian investments, and joint production and invited business people of the two countries to use mechanisms for cooperation and promised that they can count on support of governments of two countries.

Serbian Chamber of Commerce stated that there are great opportunities for cooperation in areas of construction, wood and furniture industry, agriculture, automobile industry, information technologies, pharmaceutical industry and tourism that could contribute to further liberalization of trade with Belarus and the Eurasian Economic Union.

The event took place before the Intergovernmental Commission for Cooperation of Serbia and Belarus scheduled for Wednesday.

In the same day, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic met Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus Oleg Kravchenko and talked about bilateral relations of the two countries.

The two diplomats agreed at the meeting that the current relations between the two countries are very good and that they can be further improved and advanced.

"At the meeting, two sides agreed that maintaining continuity of high level dialogue is very important for keeping traditionally good bilateral relations between two countries," Serbian foreign ministry concluded in a press release.
DAR ES SALAAM, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The government of Tanzania said on Tuesday it has removed 13,369 civil servants from its payroll after discovering that they were either absent, dead or retired from the local authorities following an operation against phantom civil servants.

George Simbachawene, the east African nation's Minister of State in the President's Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Governments, said the government lost 12.5 million U.S. dollars as salaries paid to the phantom civil servants.

The crackdown on phantom civil servants was launched by President John Magufuli in March 2016 in line with his anti-corruption and austerity measures.

President Magufuli warned that officials who failed to implement his directive to remove names of phantom civil servants from the government payroll would have faced punitive steps.

Tabling 2017/18 budget estimates for his ministry in the National Assembly in the political capital Dodoma, Simbachawene said the government managed to recover 1.35 million U.S. dollars that would have been paid to the phantom civil servants.

"The government will take punitive measures against officials involved in paying salaries to the phantom civil servants," he told the august House.

Simbachawene said 541 phantom civil servants were found in regional secretariats while 12,828 were in the local governments.

"The government has also sacked, demoted, warned or slashed salaries of 102 civil servants after they were found they were involved in paying the phantom civil servants," said the minister.

He asked Parliament to approve 3.3 billion U.S. dollars for his ministry's development and recurrent expenditure for 2017/2018.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-19 01:28:24|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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RIYADH, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Five civilians, including a woman and a girl, were injured in Saudi border city of Najran on Tuesday in military projectiles attack by Houthis in Yemen, according to Saudi civil defense.

It was the latest in a series of similar attacks against Saudi border cities, which left tens of civilians dead in over two years.

Earlier in the day, 12 military personnel of the Saudi air force died when their helicopter crashed in Marib governorate in Yemen.

As part of a regional tour, U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis said upon arrival to Riyadh on Tuesday that missile attacks by Houthi militias should be stopped permanently.
ADDIS ABABA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. embassy in Ethiopia in a statement Tuesday warned Ethiopian students wanting to travel to the United States of the dangers of visa fraud.

The Embassy didn't specify the reasons for the notice, but it comes months after another statement dismissing speculation that visa rules for Ethiopians will be tightened.

Though Ethiopia was not one of the seven countries placed under the executive travel ban of the administration of U.S. President Donald trump last January, the ban nevertheless caused concern.

Every year thousands of Ethiopians travel to the United States for resettlement, education or family visits.

Although there are no known statistics of number of Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian Origin living in the United States, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia estimates it be in upwards of half a million.

With Ethiopia bordering by Sudan and Somalia which were put on the travel ban and refugees from both countries using the U.S. embassy in Ethiopia for visa applications Ethiopian visa applicants feared they would be unwittingly included in the ban.

During the January executive travel ban several dozen people mainly from Somalia, Sudan and Yemen which use Ethiopia as a transit were temporarily stranded at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

The travel ban first issued in late January was suspended by a judge, although there was a second failed effort to reinstate the ban on six of the seven countries again blocked in the courts. With the suspension of the travel ban, the stranded passengers were able to leave the airport for their final destinations.
KHARTOUM, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Investment in Sudan amounted to 4.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, official SUNA news agency reported Tuesday.

"Altogether 2,604 projects were approved during 2016 in sectors of agriculture, industry and service, with investment volume hitting 4.1 billion dollars," said the agency quoting a government report.

The number of countries investing in Sudan jumped from 24 in 2015 to 27 in 2016, it added.

The Arab investments took up 80 percent of the approved projects in Sudan, followed by 13 percent from Asia and 5 percent from Europe.

According to the report, Saudi Arabia topped the Arab countries investing in Sudan in terms of number and size of investments, while China ranked the first in the Asian investments.
VILNIUS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Despite economic growth, increasing household revenues, and falling unemployment, inequality and poverty indicators in Lithuania remain among the highest in the European Union (EU), Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis said on Tuesday, when presenting the government's activity report for 2016 to parliament.

"In the social area, indicators of poverty and social exclusion raise the biggest concerns," Skvernelis told lawmakers, local media reported.

Improved social security and reduced social exclusion are among the governmental priorities, the head of government added.

According to Skvernelis, in 2015, 29.3 percent of Lithuanian residents were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. It was one of the highest indicators in the EU where average the rate was 23.7 percent in 2015, according to data from Eurostat, the statistical agency of the EU.

Income inequality indicators are also significantly higher in Lithuania than in most other EU countries, Skvernelis stressed.

"The current government plans to solve these problems by concrete actions," he noted.

According to Skvernelis, the government aims to implement tax system and public sector reforms in order to increase the country's competitiveness.

"One of the goals of this government is to ensure the competitiveness of the economy. In order to achieve this goal, we plan to carry out a comprehensive review of the tax system," Skvernelis said.

He also pledged to foster cooperation between businesses and scientific institutions, in order to build an economy that is oriented towards innovation.

"The average monthly gross wage in Lithuania increased significantly in 2016 and amounted to 770 euro," the head of government noted.

Based on Lithuanian Parliament's (Seimas) statute, the prime minister has to present the government's annual activity report for the previous year at the parliamentary spring session.
LONDON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China's Hainan Airlines announced Tuesday it is to operate Boeing 787 Dreamliners on its route between Manchester and Beijing.

Airport officials in Manchester said the Chinese carrier will use its flagship aircraft on the route from May 1.

It follows the announcement last month that Hainan Airlines is to increase the frequency of its flights at Manchester from four per week to five.

The airline's Boeing 787 Dreamliners are fitted with 36 business-class flatbed seats and 177 economy seats.

"With state of the art technology, passengers will benefit from a quieter cabin and should feel more refreshed thanks to the better cabin pressure on board the aircraft," said a statement issued by Manchester Airport.

Loic Gao, general manager for Hainan Airlines in Manchester, said: "We are very excited to see our very first Dreamliner landing at Manchester Airport from the 1st of May. Having announced our increased frequency, it makes perfect sense to operate the Manchester route with our flagship aircraft."

Stephen Turner, commercial director for Manchester Airport, said: "It's great news that Hainan Airlines will be using their flagship aircraft on the Beijing service. Coupled with the news that they will be increasing frequency, it is testament to how successful the route has been performing."
VIENNA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Austria's main weather authority on Tuesday issued a warning over a return of frosty and snowy winter weather in the coming days.

The Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) said a cold front will lead to snow in many regions of the country until Thursday evening.

This could result in problems on roads and railways such as due to fallen branches or trees, along with typical wintery driving conditions.

The evening leading into Friday is also expected to be frosty.

As a warm lead-up into Spring has led plants and trees to bloom up two weeks earlier than average, the anticipated sub-zero temperatures a cause of concern particularly for farmers, who in 2016 already saw massive, at times total crop losses from late frost.

Fruit and wine farmers in particular are reported to be looking nervously towards the days ahead.

The ZAMG said it anticipates milder temperatures on the weekend, though with frost still possible in the evenings. At this stage no significant warming of temperatures is anticipated next week either.
ROME, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of migrants and refugees arrived in southern Italy on Tuesday, after a dramatic Easter weekend in which over 8,300 people were rescued in the central Mediterranean Sea, Italian authorities and media said.

About 1,000 people of mainly Sub-Saharan origins reached Vibo Valentia port in the Calabria region on board an Italian navy ship on Tuesday morning.

Another 477 disembarked at the port of Palermo, Sicily from a Panamanian commercial vessel helping out with recent operations.

Norwegian rescue ship Siem Pilot also brought 816 survivors to Cagliari, Sardinia.

A further 400 people were expected to arrive at the port of Salerno between Tuesday and Wednesday, local authorities said.

Hundreds of others reached other cities on Sunday.

Overall, some 8,360 people were rescued while trying to reach Italy from the coasts of Libya between the past Friday and Sunday. Rescuers also found some 13 bodies, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and Italy's Ansa news agency.

Rescue efforts involved Italy's navy and coast guard, vessels from the European Union (EU) border control agency Frontex and rescue mission EUNAVFOR MED, plus several ships from humanitarian groups.

All of the survivors were found sailing on board 55 rubber dinghies, each carrying between 110 and 150 people, and three large wooden boats carrying 200, 250, and 500 people respectively, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Monday.

Good weather and calm seas were believed to have boosted the record number of departures over the Easter weekend, and the great majority of the rescue operations took place off Libya's coasts, IOM added.

The UNHCR stated that some 35,655 people were brought to Italy between Jan. 1 and April 18, which represented the large majority of the total 41,713 arrivals registered across the whole Mediterranean.

In the same time frame, some 913 people were believed to have died or gone missing, according to IOM.

In the same period of 2016, 1,263 lives were lost.

Meanwhile, the latest arrivals seemed to add pressure to Italy, as not all municipalities will willingly comply with the migrant distribution plan handed down by the central government.

The country's national reception network currently hosts over 175,460 migrants and asylum seekers, and the majority of them, about 137,855 people, are housed in temporary facilities, according to the latest available data by the interior ministry.
TIRANA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Albanian government and German Development Bank KfW on Tuesday signed three financial agreements on municipal infrastructure programs worth 47 million euros (50.4 million U.S. dollars), the Albanian finance ministry said in a press release.

According to the ministry's statement, the agreements aim to improve the water supply and sanitation system in the country's eight municipalities.

Representatives of the Albanian government believe the three agreements are crucial for funding water supply and canalization projects in several municipalities in the south and southeastern Albania.

The funds are being provided by a 35-million-euro loan from the German government, a 10.4-million-euro grant from the Swiss government, and grant from the German government valued at 2 million euros.

The objective of the program is to ensure a sustainable service that will supply the population with potable water, as well as the collection, removal and treatment of the waters, finance minister Arben Ahmetaj said.

Transport and infrastructure minister Sokol Dervishaj said the cooperation with Germany had started to yield fruit for Albanian citizens as at the end of these projects, problems with water supply in these areas would end.
TIRANA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Albania's trade deficit registered a growth of 1.3 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2017, amounting to 71 billion lek (559.1 million U.S. dollars), the statistical office, INSTAT, informed Tuesday.

In the first three months of the year, exports amounted to 62 billion lek, an increase of 15.7 percent compared to same period of the previous year, while imports amounted to 133 billion lek, an increase of 7.5 percent, INSTAT said in a statement.

Meanwhile, in March alone, Albania's trade deficit increased by 12.8 percent year-on-year, statistics showed.

The value of exports amounted to 23 billion lek in March, increasing by 17.2 percent on year.

According to INSTAT, imports value amounted to 54 billion lek in March, increasing by 14.6 percent on year.

Italy remained Albania's main trading partner in the first three months of 2017, absorbing 71.3 percent of Albania's exports and accounting for 44.9 percent of imports to the country. Other major exporters to Albania were Greece, Germany, Spain and Austria, according to official data.

INSTAT also said that Albania exported mainly textiles, footwear, construction materials, and metals. Concerning imports, it was mainly machinery, equipment and spare parts, as well as chemical and plastic products that came to the country. (1 U.S. dollar = 1.26 Albanian lek)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-19 03:54:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TEHRAN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Iran will start construction of two nuclear power plants in the country in cooperation with Russian experts, Iranian Energy minister announced on Tuesday.

"The contract has been signed between the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and Russia, and includes building two 1,000-megawatt nuclear power plants, the construction of which is about to start," Hamid Chitchian said.

His remarks came after AEOI Head Ali Akbar Salehi announced on Saturday that construction of two new nuclear power plants in the country will start soon.

Chitchian also said that "another active project is also underway between the energy ministry and Moscow on constructing a 1,400-megawatt power plant in Hormozgan province near the Persian Gulf," adding that the construction work of the power plant has already started.

In February, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak underlined that Moscow is keen on finalizing contracts with Iran and also helping the country build more power plants.

Iran plans large-scale construction of power plants and Russia may receive a significant share in building contracts of such power plants, Novak said.
LUSAKA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A court in Zambia on Tuesday ruled that the country's leading opposition leader who is currently in detention on treason charges be allowed access to medical services.

Hakainde Hichilema appeared in court for mention and explanation of the charges following his arrest last week. The family and his party had complained that he was being denied access to medical access after the brutality he suffered when the police raided his home.

In court, his lawyers raised a number of preliminary issues such as the conduct of the police when they went to arrest him whereby they discharged tear gas in a room in which he was hiding with his family.

The lawyers also submitted that he should be allowed to seek independent medical services, be allowed visitors, be allowed to interact and inform his lawyers in privacy as well as be allowed reading materials.

Magistrate Greenwell Malumani ruled that the opposition leader should be allowed access to personal medical services and medical examination of his own choice.

He further ruled that the opposition leader should be allowed to interact with his lawyers for at least one hour and not 20 minutes as well as visits by his wife, children and other five family members.

The court has also ruled that he should be moved from a police training college on the outskirts of Lusaka, the country's where he has been detained since his arrest to a correctional facility and that his rulings should be adhered to without fail.

The opposition leader and five others have been slapped with three charges.

According to the charges read to them by the court, the opposition leader and others prepared and endeavored to overthrow by unlawful means the government of President Edgar Lungu between October 2016 and April 8, 2017, disobeyed orders to give way to Lungu's motorcade and used offensive language against the police.

The opposition leader said he understood the charge but did not take plea.
CAIRO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- At least one policeman was killed and four other were wounded on Tuesday in an attack on a security checkpoint near Egypt's Saint Catherine's Monastery in South Sinai, state television reported.

Unknown militants attacked the fixed security checkpoint, but the monks and priests inside the Monastery were not harmed, state-run Ahram newspaper reported on its website.

The wounded have been transferred to Sharm El-Sheikh International Hospital.

The attack came several days after two bombings on churches claimed by Islamic State (IS) group that killed 47 people.

Egypt has been suffering anti-security attacks mainly in North Sinai, where IS takes a base of its attacks. Hundreds of security men have been killed in the attacks.

Attacks in South Sinai, however, have been rare in recent years.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-04-19 05:19:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The head of operations for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on Tuesday said northeast Africa is in the grip of a "very fast-moving crisis" that is putting both Somalia and South Sudan "in peril" of severe food shortage.

While Somalia was managing for the moment, South Sudan was not, John Ging, director of the Operational Division of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said at a press conference here.

He has just returned from an emergency tour of the famine-threatened region and briefed reporters at UN headquarters in New York.

"This is a very fast-moving crisis," Ging said, referring to Somalia. "Both Somalia and South Sudan are part of a group of countries that are in peril of famine and in the case of South Sudan famine has already been declared."

"There is a catastrophic food insecurity situation in both of these countries," he said, adding 6.2 million people in Somalia are "in need of humanitarian assistance and because of the fast-moving situation with the crisis there we have also got an outbreak of cholera where more than 25,000 cases are being reported."

"We also have threat of measles and 571,000 people displaced since last November, due to the drought and their needing to move from where they are to gain assistance," Ging said. "The protection issues are massive."

He said Somalia is a very dangerous environment for the population because of conflict and humanitarian workers are have problems gaining access to victims, "particularly in and to the al-Shabab controlled areas."

"It is surely a race again time," Ging said, complimenting government participation, but warning, "This crisis is going to continue to grow."

In South Sudan, "we have already declared famine, 100,000 people are already suffering from famine in two counties and another 1 million people very close to being declared as affected by famine," he said.

While Ging said that there already has been a large humanitarian operation in the world's youngest country for a number of years, it is "one of the most dangerous places for humanitarian aid workers," with 24 of them killed this year, nine of them last month.

"We are appealing to all in power for help," Ging said. "Humanitarian colleagues must be respected."

He said 7.5 million people across South Sudan are now in need of humanitarian assistance while 3.6 million people have been displaced.

But Ging said that unlike in Somalia where there has been "a scale up on the funding side," it's not the same situation in South Sudan, where only 27 percent of the 1.6-billion U.S. dollar appeal has been met, or only 438 million U.S. dollars funded.

"That really leaves our operations very vulnerable," Ging said. "So, in the one country where we already have famine we don't have resources."
DUBLIN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Ireland on Tuesday signed a formal protocol on beef exports to China that paves the way to access for Irish beef to China.

The protocol is related to inspection, quarantine and veterinary health requirements for Irish frozen beef to be exported to China.

This marks another major milestone in the process of getting Irish beef into the Chinese market, the Irish government said in a statement.

China imposed a ban on Irish beef after Europe's mad cow disease outbreak in 2000.

In order to complete the process to allow Irish beef exporters access to the Chinese market, a veterinary health certificate with China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) must be finalized, which will be followed by an inspection visit by the Chinese Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) to approve individual processing plants for export, according to the Irish government.

Beef consumption in China has increased almost six fold between 1990 and 2015 and is forecast to increase further over the coming years.

However, Chinese beef production has not kept pace with rising demand.

On Tuesday, the two sides also signed a protocol to facilitate trade in thoroughbred horses for an emerging racing sector in China.

Irish agri-food exports to China have increased from about 240 million euros (256.7 million U.S. dollars) in 2012 to 780 million euros in 2016, a three-fold increase.

This made China the third largest market for Ireland's agri-food sector in value terms after Britain and the United States in 2016.
ALGIERS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Algeria and Russia started a series of consultations here on Tuesday over some security issues, including the fight against terrorism, Algerian foreign minister said in a statement.

Co-chaired by Abdelkader Messahel, the Algerian minister of Maghreb affairs, African Union and Arab League, and visiting Russian representative of the National Security Council, Venediktov Alexandre, the meeting is the second of its kind as part of counterterrorism cooperation established between Algiers and Moscow in 2016.

Issues discussed include measures against terrorism, prevailing conflicts and crises, cyber-terrorism and cyber-criminality, as well as connection between terrorism and transnational organized crime.

The first session of the Algerian-Russian consultations was held in Moscow in July 2016.
LONDON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- British Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond on Tuesday welcomed the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) upgrading of Britain's 2017 economic prospects.

The IMF announced an upgrade in its forecast for Britain's GDP growth for 2017 to 2 percent in its latest quarterly forecast, up 1.5 percent on its previous forecast in January.

Hammond said: "We are now forecast by the IMF to be the second fastest growing major advanced economy this year."

Only the United States of all the advanced economies is expected to grow faster than the UK this year, according to the IMF.

The 2018 IMF forecast for the British growth was also upgraded, to 1.5 percent from 1.4 percent.

The current IMF forecast returns it close to the expectations it had for 2017 Britain economic growth of 2.2 percent, which it had forecast before last June's Brexit referendum.

However, the IMF downgraded this forecast to 1.3 percent annual growth, expecting that the uncertain political outcome of the Brexit negotiations and its lengthy period would harm economic prospects.
FRANKFURT, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Space missions are likely to encounter a growing threat of more debris, scientists warned on Tuesday at the 7th European Conference on Space Debris.

The four-day meeting was held in the southern German city of Darmstadt, where the European Space Operations Center (ESOC) is located.

Since 1957, over 4,900 space launches have led to an on-orbit population today of more than 18,000 tracked objects.

Of those, only 1,100 are functional spacecraft and the remaining are space debris, according to European Space Agency (ESA), an intergovernmental organization consisting of 22 European member states.

As regards tiny objects larger than one millimeter, which are hard to be tracked but able to harm spacecraft in a collision, the amount of those objects has risen to ca. 150 million.

In addition, around 20,000 orbiting fragments with sizes over 10 centimetres have been found nowadays, 12,000 more than the total amount in 1993.

"We are very much concerned," said Rolf Densing, director of operations at the ESA.

In the coming days, experts will further discuss different aspects of space debris research including measurement techniques, environment modelling theories, risk analysis techniques, and protection designs.
Stephen A. Orlins speaks during an exclusive interview with Xinhua reporters at his office in New York, April 14, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

by Xinhua writers Yang Shilong, Zhang Zhihuan, Wang Wen

NEW YORK, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The bilateral trade deficit "should not matter" in the development China-U.S. relations, said an expert on U.S.-China Relations.

"I hope there's an understanding on the part of the Trump administration that bilateral trade deficits are not particularly meaningful," Stephen A. Orlins, president of the National Committee, told Xinhua in a recent interview at his office in downtown Manhattan.

"I've been doing business with China for more than three decades. The U.S. used to have trade deficits with Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia. What happened over these years is that a lot of the semi-finished goods would go to China (for China to export), so what's happened is the trade deficit we used to have with those other countries has been transferred to China. Now that is not China's fault and we should not blame China for that," said Orlins.

Orlins said there are domestic factors in the U.S. that better explain the trade gap.

"It relates to a lot of these things that can be solved in part by America dealing with its own savings problem. So if we save more as a country, then we wouldn't need to import so much capital to do things. There are a lot of answers here which don't really relate to U.S.-China relations. They relate to what the United States must do itself," he said.

The China-U.S. trade deficit is overstated, if judged from the perspective of the global supply chain.

Headline figures suggest that China accounted for about half of the U.S. trade deficit in 2015. But Deutsche Bank's economists have found that on a value-added basis, only 16 percent of that deficit came directly from China, slightly higher than the 13 percent which originated from Japan.

"Having said that, there are many areas where China can open its market more to U.S. goods and U.S. investment. There are lots of tariff barriers and non-tariff barriers which can be reduced and will aid U.S. exports to China," Orlins said.

The amount of U.S. service exports to China is often overlooked when calculating the balance of trade. In this area, the United States has a surplus with China. The U.S. edge in service trade has huge potential to grow bigger in China as the world's fastest-growing consumer market is poised to open its service sector wider to the United States.

Orlins, a strong advocate for constructive China-U.S. cooperation for more than four decades, said that his early doubts and worries about the future development of the bilateral ties were dispelled following the successful meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Largo resort earlier this month.

"I think the relationship is really quite strong," said Orlins, who speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese.

"There was real understanding that was developed (during the meeting)," he said. "The development of a relationship between President Xi and President Trump is important for U.S.-China relations and for the world."

Stephen A. Orlins speaks during an exclusive interview with Xinhua reporters at his office in New York, April 14, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

Orlins said that a piece of direct proof is the one-hour telephone conversation made between Xi and Trump within five days after the meeting ended.

"I would say that without the meeting, that telephone conversation would not have been as productive and constructive as it was, so that's already a symbol of the progress," Orlins said.

Orlins noted that Trump's acceptance of Xi's invitation to visit China is also a "very good sign."

"In my experience, when presidents of the United States visit China, they understand better how the Chinese government functions and the problems the Chinese government are confronting, and are able to craft policies which are more constructive to the U.S.-China relationship," he said.

Orlins emphasized that China-U.S. bilateral relations are of global relevance as "there will be global problems in the future which require the two countries "to talk together to help resolve."

The top two world economies have already set examples by working together in tackling major global issues like climate change, cyber security and counter-terrorism, he said.

The creation of a new cabinet-level framework for negotiations, which includes dialogues on diplomacy and security, economy, law enforcement and cybersecurity, and social and cultural issues, "should help resolve issues" between the two countries, said Orlins.

He said the latest positive development is that the U.S. government decided not to brand China as a currency manipulator.

"China is not and has not for many years been depreciating its currency, so President Trump simply realized the reality," he said.
Man murdered in Santa Cruz

He has been identified as John Audrey.

Police are working on the theory that Audrey was killed when gunmen tried to rob him. According to reports, the Santa Cruz man completed his duties at the Villa Cruz bar on Akar Trace and was closing up the bar at about 1 am. He went to his car which, residents said, was a short distance from the bar.

Several gunshots were heard.

Aubrey was taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital where he died at about 4 am while undergoing emergency surgery.

While relatives were not willing to speak when Newsday visited yesterday, one resident said he had a short conversation with Audrey moments before he was shot. The resident said Audrey gave him two cigarettes and a shot of puncheon rum before closing the bar.

Homicide detectives believe that Audrey had a quantity of money which represented the days sales at the bar. Police are hoping to view camera footage to assist them in identifying the killer or killers.

The murder toll for the year now stands at 154.
Man wanted for two murders nabbed in maxi taxi

Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard SC has given instructions for the man to be charged with the murders and he is expected to appear before an Arima magistrate today.

According to police, the man was being sought by officers of the Northern Division and the Homicide Bureau but he managed to evade arrest.

An off duty police officer from the Northern Division saw the suspect entering the maxi taxi near Arima and used his private vehicle to follow.

The officer alerted his colleagues from the Northern Division Task Force intercepted the vehicle.

The man was arrested and handed over to officers of the Region Two Homicide Bureau.

The mans Wallerfield home was searched and a 9mm pistol with several rounds of ammunition were allegedly found. The weapon has been sent to the Forensic Science Centre for ballistic testing.

The officer was commended by acting Commissioner Stephen Williams. Head of the Northern Division, Mac Donald Jacob also heaped praise on the officer and called on other officers to demonstrate the same level of commitment to duty as the constable.
POS murders a result of beef

Head of the Port-of- Spain Division Radcliffe Boxhill said this in an interview with Newsday after a rash of murders were committed in the Port-of- Spain area over the past two weeks. Boxhill said to combat this, the police have engaged in a conflict resolution campaign which started in 2016.

This is something that we have been trying to get established over the past 12 months. The statistics have shown that it has been making an effect on the rate of murders. Newsday was told that the murder rate in Port-of-Spain saw a 57 percent decrease between 2015 and last year and has seen a further decrease this year. However the recent murders that have occurred in the nations capital have raised the concern of the police.

The latest of these murders is that of 28-year-old Quicny Allen, of Duncan Street, who was killed on Thursday at the corner of Nelson Street, Independence Square. Two days earlier, 42-yearold Ricardo John, a resident of Riverside Plaza, was killed by bullets intended for another man while he was going to a parlour on Besson Street, a stones throw away from his home.

A week before that, on April 3, 19-year-old Kadeem Richardson was killed on Duncan Street.

Boxhill said all three murders are now being investigated by Portof- Spain homicide detectives, but no arrests have been made thus far.
Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder

Such individuals are affected by Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), the causes of which are complex based on research studies.

Dissociative identity disorder is a condition wherein a persons identity is fragmented into two or more distinct personality states.

US-based psychiatrist Richard Kluft who is also an expert in this field, suggests that DID is caused by four main factors.

Firstly, individuals have an innate potential to dissociate what is reflected in the fact that they are easy to hypnotise; secondly, traumatic experiences in early childhood may disturb personality development, leading to greater potential or divisiveness in mental and emotional areas; thirdly, individuals may be denied the chance to spontaneously recover because of continued emotional and/or social deprivation; and lastly, final presentation is shaped by mental and/or emotional external factors including social influences.

Having a strong resilience particularly in dealing with traumatic experiences, is essential in avoiding occurrences of this emotional ill, as research shows that DID symptoms are a psychological response to extreme environmental and interpersonal stressors.

In cushioning this stress, affected individuals separate their thoughts, feelings, actions and memories associated with the particular trauma, from their normal level of consciousness, hence the split personality effect.

Studies have also revealed that persons affected by DID, tend to have a personal history of recurring, overpowering and mostly life-threatening traumas such as physical or sexual abuse usually before the age of nine.

DID victims sometimes describe feelings that they have suddenly become modified onlookers of their own speech and/or actions.

They may admit to hearing different kinds of voices, and in some instances, these sounds are assisted by various thought streams over which the victims have no control.

Whilst DID is not totally understood, victims often report past experiences of physical and/or sexual abuse, particularly in their earlier years.

Symptoms include memory loss, a sense of disconnection from yourself and your emotions, a perception that shows the people around you as unreal, a confused sense of identity, inability to cope with stressful situations and mental health problems such as depressions, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

Persons experiencing these symptoms should seek psychotherapy aimed at disintegrating the different personalities and uniting them into one. Remember your health is your wealth.

Sandrine Rattan is a Communications/ Branding Consultant/ Author and President of the International Womens Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@ gmail.com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com or contact 283-0318.
Government honours $million payout

Yesterday National Security Minister Edmund Dillon said seven families, including those of five police officers and two prison officers, have already qualified for the payment.

Further payments will be made as soon as the relevant documents are processed.

Cabinet took the decision last year to begin payment starting from the day police constable Sherman Maynard was killed.

On July 24, 2015, Maynard was shot dead while on duty outside the Port of Spain prison on Frederick Street when three prisoners escaped. The commitment to pay the money was made by the former Peoples Partnership government under prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. However, up until that government demitted office later that year, no policy was in place to make any payment.

Yesterday president of the Police Social and Welfare Association Inspector Michael Seales said he and the executive were heartened to learn of this first payout.

We are elated, he said.

This is the first move in ensuring that the process is continued smoothly and we are hoping that the relatives of other slain officers will also be compensated in swift time. I want to thank the former administration for agreeing with this initiative and for the current administration for following through. He said this move will definitely boost morale and will assist in pushing officers to further re-dedicate themselves to the service because they would be mindful that should they fall in the line of duty, their families will not be left unprotected.
Stewart-Phillips: The show goes on

She said calls by THA minority leader Watson Duke for the festivals cancellation would result in major financial loss. The festival begins on Saturday and runs until April 30. The event has a budget of $12 million this year, $3 million less than last year.

On Thursday last week, Duke said this years event should be cancelled until the issue of a ship for transporting cargo between Trinidad and Tobago is rectified given that the Super Fast Galicia will no longer operate here.

Stewart-Phillips said, Mr Duke as minority leader is free to voice his opinion. It does not mean as a responsible assembly we would heed this call. What Mr Duke needs to understand, and even Tobago must understand, is that a significant amount of money has been invested into this festival and it cannot be cancelled at this stage because we would be at a major loss. She said while concerns surrounding the sea bridge have been noted, the Port Authority as well as Caribbean Airlines have assured there would be no further interruptions for the festival.

Concerns have been raised all around and we would have been in contact with officials at the Port Authority who have assured that they would do all in their power to ensure that the sea bridge is not further interrupted, in terms of the fast ferries, and that assurance also came from Caribbean Airlines.

That is the most I can say at the moment. I understand and I know that the air and sea bridge are major concerns. They have been major concerns for a while. This did not just develop, but we are confident and hopeful that things will be regularised by then and even going forward, not just for the purpose of the jazz festival. International Shipping, agents for the Super Fast Galicia, served the Port Authority notice that it would be withdrawing the vessel from the sea bridge.

Suggestions by the Government for use of a barge have been met with strong opposition from the Tobago Division of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce as well as wider Tobago.
Sex assault survivor speaks out

Speaking at yesterdays peace rally and concert themed Non-violence begins with Me held at the Queens Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Evans-Ford said, Regardless of what you experience, when you surround yourself with people who love you and care for you healing and moving forward to extend love and compassion is possible.

Evans-Ford said in 2008, while teaching at a high school as a US Peace Corp volunteer in the Eastern Caribbean, she became a victim and survivor of a violent crime. That experience now helps her to help other people, she said.

Relating her story, she said, an evening after taking a nap and tidying up she heard a knock at the door. On checking, she found the door opened.

As soon as I closed the door, she said, I knew something was wrong. She walked into the kitchen with her hands up and coming towards her was a man wearing a mask and swinging a very big knife in his hands. He told her to take off her clothes.

She thought he wanted money so she changed the subject and he asked where the money was.

Transportation money she had nearby she gave him, but money for other expenses were in her bedroom. She went to the bedroom to get the money, all the while saying Jesus. There he again told her to take off her clothes. Seeking a way out, Evans- Ford ran past him, she said, But he caught me and slammed me down. I struggled with him.

He still had that knife and he was cutting at my hands. During the struggle, she said, she took the knife, managed to break it and tossed it away. That upset him and he held her down so she could not move.

He then dragged her to the kitchen and got another knife.

She managed to get back on her feet and made a dash for the door but he caught her and slammed her down to the floor again.

He told me to take off my pants. In that moment, one of the most powerless moments of my life, I had to do it. I had no other choice. There was a knife to my neck. she said.

Thinking the worse, she told him that if he was going to rape her if he could please use a condom.

Just like we were having a regular conversation, he asked me Were do you have a condom? Teaching HIV/AIDS education, she had a bag of condoms in her bathroom. Dragging her to the bathroom, she was again seeking to escape.

Then she heard her neighbours, who heard her screaming, banging on the door. The man was really upset and grabbed my bloodied body by the waist swinging the knife. Somehow I was able to crawl underneath his grip, get to the door, open it and my neighbours pulled me out of that space. The man, 21, a serial rapist and drug addict, escaped but was caught later.

Together with two other victims who testified against him, he was tried, found guilty and sentenced to 46 years in prison.

The man had lost his mother at a young age, and not making excuses for what he had done, Evans- Ford said, It just shows you the reality of how important it is to reach out and be present for young people who may be struggling with addiction, violent tendencies, and other issues. Her struggles did not end with the man being sent to prison. She was subsequently diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.

She is in a different place now thanks to counselling and being able to go to people who have helped her to move forward.
Caparo warehouse destroyed, family home gutted in $M fire

Fire officers investigating the incident say the incident could be attributed to a nearby bush fire which started near the warehouse at about 4 pm at New Gunness Trace, Caparo Village, near Longdenville.

According to a police report, Nikita Roopchan, her husband Beedesh and son Valmikki had gone to Maracas Beach. Police said earlier in the day residents had telephoned the fire station in Chaguanas and reported that there was a bush fire which was spreading towards the warehouse. By the time fire officers arrived, the fire had engulfed the warehouse and had begun spreading to the house.

Fire officers broke open the house and disconnected the gas lines to the stove. According to the fire officers, this prevented the house from going up in flames.

However, the house was gutted with most of the familys appliances and furniture being destroyed.

Speaking with Newsday yesterday, Roopchan said, It was while at the beach we got a telephone call that there was a bush fire near to us but which was under control. Only minutes later we received another call that the warehouse was on fire. We immediately left the beach and kept hoping and praying that there would be some miracle and we would not have been affected.

It was not so. She said when she and her husband and child arrived on the scene, they saw thick black smoke coming from their house.

Her voice cracking with emotion, Roopchan said, The smoke was too much for me so I stayed in the car with our son. I could see the glass windows shattering and the wall cracking. The family also owned several vehicles but they were all burnt.

These vehicles are our bread and butter. How will we make our money to provide for our family? It is really hard to know that in the blink of an eye we are now left without a place to stay...just like that. Her son seemed oblivious to fate that had befallen his parents as he played with a toy car.

He does not know what is going on. He is too young to understand.

We dont even know where we will be staying for the night.
More women needed in top ICT positions

After meetings with senior female ICT executives of AMCHAMs member companies, the business organisation and the IDB launched their Women in Leadership Mentorship Program.

Addressing the group of leading women in the field of Information Technology, she said We need role models for girls and young women to see that it is possible to be successful in senior ICT positions. The mentorship program, which will be done in partnership with the IDB, is intended to pair five mentees with senior regional professionals in the fields of Science, Information Technology, and Economics. The mentors were selected from the IDBs network of professionals.

AMCHAMs CEO Nirad Tewarie stated that this initiative is an extension of the theme of our recently concluded Womens Leadership Seminar held in February #Be Bold For Change. We are ensuring that we make a conscious effort to not only add to the discussion but to be part of the solution. He added, We are fully committed to seeing this through along with our partner the IDB, and it is our hope that this pilot project can serve as a template that other business service organisations can adopt and that we can expand. Carina Cockburn, Chief of Operations for the local IDB office, echoed this sentiment and reiterated the IDBs position that promoting gender equality is pivotal to its goal of accelerating the process of economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

While applicants can only be selected from AMCHAM membership base, it is important to note that AMCHAMs diverse membership covers all sectors of business.
UNC chairman calls for Cuffies resignation

Cuffie, in his message dated April 13, said the message of the resurrection is one of triumph over seemingly insurmountable hurdles, in this case, even death and that The empty treasury, like the empty tomb must not be a source of panic and despair for us, but rather a challenge to our faith and hope in something much bigger than we are  the triumph of good over evil and death over life. He said the country continues to grapple with the effects of sluggish oil and gas prices, and its attendant ripple effects on the national economy but added that this countrys citizens are resilient and just as we believe that not even death could have detained the Christ, so too we must believe that everything is possible for us as a country. He said there was a tendency by some adults to ascribe blame for every imaginable ill being experienced onto someone else, rather than accept responsibility for their own actions. Cuffie also encouraged citizens to look toward the promise that Easter represents, the promise of new life and rebirth, the promise of growth and recovery. Lee in a release on Saturday called on Cuffie to submit his resignation or be removed by the prime minister immediately or his disgraceful, distasteful and insulting statements which he sought to mask as an Easter message. It was clear that the minister who can be considered the official spokesperson for the Government based on the communication portfolio sought to make a mockery of the most significant celebration on the Christian calendar by seeking to defend the failures of his Government as well as mislead the population into believing the treasury is empty, he said.

Never in the history of our nation has any minister or public official sought to infuse politics into the significance and teachings of the various religions or even change the meaning of those beliefs within our nation as was seen by this attempt to insinuate that citizens were to be blamed for the state of national affairs within Trinidad and Tobago.

Lee also referred to Cuffies statements that those who once shouted Hosanna are now shouting crucify him and questioned whether the minister was Seeking to compare his administration to the trials faced by Jesus as well as make citizens feel guilty for speaking out for better Governance in the past.

He said this was a clear breach of the boundary which exists between the state and religion but even more so it is a clear use of state power to spread government propaganda by seeking to infiltrate the independent beliefs we hold sacred to us as a nation. As a society we must hold strong to the religious and cultural values as well as teachings which have forged as a united cosmopolitan society and never allow any entity to convolute these principles for Political or personal gain.

He continued: There is a time and place for everything and political propaganda has no place in religion similar to how an individual who breaches the integrity and decorum of public office as Minister Cuffie has no place in the Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago.

Cuffie in a telephone interview on Saturday said he stood by his statement. On Lees criticism of him saying that the treasury was empty, he said both the prime minister and finance minister have been quite clear about our prevailing economic circumstances. The fact is when we got into office the countrys overdraft had reached its limit and we have had to make two draw downs from the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund.

And Im sure Dr Lee would be well aware of those developments. On calls for his resignation Cuffie responded, Dr Lee has his job to do and I have my job to do.
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Finnish technology provider Elisa (News - Alert) has combined with Nokia to host the first successful 5G network test in Europe. The test featured data speeds of 1.5 gigabits per second, allowing data to be transferred over cellular networks faster than ever before. The test, which was held in Rusko, Finland, showcased speeds that were faster than current commercial 4G LTE (News - Alert) networks.





More and more telecommunications providers are currently conducting tests of this manner in order to work on creating networks built around 5G technology. The fact that so many of these tests are yielding promising results is important for the future of 5G as a commercial network. Executives at the head of these companies are extremely encouraged at the current state of these tests.

We are eagerly waiting for the 3.5 GHz band to become fully available as it will accelerate the offering of commercial 5G services to our customers, said Kalle Lehtinen, VP of technology and architecture at Elisa, in a statement. The use of cellular networks at these frequencies not only offers faster speeds than older networks, but also greater reliability and less lag time. The test conducted by Nokia (News - Alert) and Elisa found latencies as little as 1.5 milliseconds.

The work by telecommunications providers of implementing 5G networks is still currently in the test phase. However, with more and more of these successful test results coming back like the one conducted by Nokia and Elisa, the closer this technology inches to being commercially available. When that day comes, users will enjoy faster upload and download speeds with greater reliability than ever before. This will allow people to experience all of the features that they already enjoy while using a Wi-Fi connection wherever they are in the world with the use of cellular data. Telecommunications providers all around the world are focused on making 5G their next big offering, allowing for greater functionality with a greater range than older cellular networks.

Edited by Alicia Young
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The 2017 Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) in Barcelona saw Nokia introducing mid-range smartphones and a throwback with the hugely popular 3310, which made more news than its more powerful siblings. With HMD Global having acquired full licensing from Nokia (News - Alert), it was only a matter of time before the company released high-end smartphones. There were some rumors at MWC, but nothing concrete, and although the recently released images of sketches for the Nokia 8 and Nokia 9 phones have not been confirmed by HMD Global, details are being released that have Android users excited.





If confirmed, HMD Global is going after the high-end of the market, with iPhone (News - Alert) 8, Samsung Galaxy S8 and other flagship phones clearly the target. The sketches were obtained from a tipster, and although they are not of high quality, the Nokia 9 has taken a page from Samsung's latest Galaxy and eliminated the home button in the front, and the bezels are also very small to give more real estate for the screen. The home button, fingerprint sensor and dual-cameras (with vertical placement) are in the back.

The screen is rumored to have a 5.5-inch OLED with the same aspect ratio of the new Samsung Galaxy 8 at 18:9. The other specs include the newest and more power efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor with 6GB RAM (News - Alert). Even without the power efficient feature of this processor, the huge 3800mAh battery and Quick Charge 4.0 technology will do quite well for a full day of work.

There is 128GB of built-in storage, and there is a 22MP dual-camera system on the back with a 12MP front camera. Another leak last month said Carl Zeiss would supply the lenses for both phones.

The phones are going to be running Android (News - Alert) Nougat out the box, but HMD is in talks with Google to run stock Android operating systems because they get faster updates and security patches.

The Nokia 8 will have a home button and fingerprint sensor in the front with slightly larger bezels on the top and bottom. The display is said to be a 5.7-inch Quad HD with a 16:9 aspect ratio, a 22MP OIS + EIS rear camera and 12MP for the front.

The processor is still up in the air, with Qualcomms Snapdragon 660 and 835 as possible options. The RAM is the same at 6GB, but the storage comes in 64GB and 128GB options with a microSD card slot.

Last but not least is the price, which is expected to run at $699 for the Nokia 9 in the U.S. The price for the Nokia 8 is not available, but it will be cheaper considering the specs.

Until HMD Global confirms these specs, it is all speculation, but if history is an indicator many of the features will likely be on the new Nokia smartphones.

Edited by Alicia Young
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Terrorist organizations in North Africa have found in the Polisario-run Tindouf camps breeding grounds for the recruitment of new members. Head of Moroccos FBI, the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) Abdelhak Khiame puts the number of Polisario members within IS ranks at 100 individuals.

In an interview with France 24, Khiame reiterated concern regarding the connivance between the Polisario leadership and several terrorist organizations operating in the Algerian desert and in North Africa where both parties have been engaged in all sorts of trafficking.

The increasing involvement of Polisario members in terrorist activities is jeopardizing the security of both Morocco and Algeria, said Khiame, who deplored Algerias lack of cooperation with Morocco on counter terrorism.

Since 2010, the link between the Polisario and terrorist organizations in the Sahel have been making the headlines. In August 2010, in response to AQIMs demands, Mauritania released Omar le Sahraoui, a Polisario veteran on hire for AQIM who kidnapped three foreign aid workers in November 2009.

Later in October the same year, Moroccan authorities arrested a supposedly Al Qaeda-linked terrorist cell, the Saharawi Jihad Front, headed by a Polisario supporter.

In January 2011, Algerian security services arrested Sidi Mohamed Mahjoub, a Polisario Imam, whose home allegedly contained arms, 20 kilos of explosives, and correspondence with AQIM leader Abdelmalek Droukdel.

The EU anti-fraud office has also blamed the Polisario and Algerian authorities for their involvement in humanitarian aid embezzlement as they continue to trade in the suffering of the population held against their will in the Tindouf camps.

Last year, Moroccan and Mauritanian officials decried the involvement of senior Polisario leaders in drug trafficking activities. Last September, the Moroccan army has aborted a drug trafficking attempt near the security wall in the southern provinces and arrested four traffickers with links to Polisario officials, including the son of the development minister of the self-proclaimed SADR republic.

This trafficking activity, which have developed in the region for the past several years, facilitated connections with other terrorist groups operating in all sorts of illegal commercial activities in the region.

In many ways, the collusion between terrorists and the Polisario is an indication of the impending collapse of the Algerian-sponsored separatist thesis. The deterioration of the Polisario Front and the development of terrorism in the Sahel are growing ever closer and the collapse of the Sahrawi separatist movement feeds the activity of terrorist organizations.
Russia and Algeria are to meet up this Tuesday in the Algerian capital for the second consultations on the cooperation against terrorism established by both countries last year, reports say.

Announced by the Algerian foreign ministry, the meeting will be a platform to ponder over regional and international cooperation against terrorism, to address hotbed conflict zones such as Libya, Syria, other crisis such as Mali, the Western Sahara issue, local Algeria media Algerie Patriotique reports.

The delegations will also discuss the fight against cyber-terrorism as well as cyber criminality in addition to terrorism and organised crimes.

The Algerian delegation will be led by Abdelkader Messahel, Minister of Maghreb Affairs, African Union and League of Arab States and the Russian side by Venediktov Alexandre, Representative of Russian Security Council.

Both countries established the consultations last year in the Russian capital to coordinate efforts and share best practices in the fight against terrorism.

Messahel was in Washington early this month where he attended the 4th session of US-Algeria cooperation on security and fight against terrorism.
The UN-backed Presidential Councils problems are festering as leaked list of new appointed ambassadors reveals corruption and nepotism at the head of the new Libyan leadership tasked to reconstruct the country following the death of former strongman Muammar Gaddafi.

A source in the Government of National Accord (GNA) led by the Presidential Council (PC) has leaked the list of new diplomatic proposals to Libya Herald. According to the source the new appointments were not done on the basis of merit but rather friendship and connection.

Drawn by the foreign ministry of the unity cabinet, the list has suffered criticism from the department boss and from the countrys internationally recognised parliament, House of Representative based in the eastern town of Tobruk, Libya Herald reports.

83 envoys including 76 ambassadors and 7 Charges dAffairs have been proposed but are yet to be confirmed.

Wafa Bughaigies, countrys ambassador to Washington has been maintained for her close links with PC Head Serraj and Deputy Head Maetig. She is also appreciated by Washington which supports the PC, sources told the Libyan media.

Guima Attaiga, former Head of General National Congress (GNC); countrys former parliament, has been proposed for Londons placement as a means to win over civil society and civil (non-military) political stream in general in opposition to the Islamist stream.

Another controversial proposal is Ahmed Safar who has managed to retain his ambassador position thanks to his good ties with Maetig. Safar has been moved from Rome to Slovakia where he schooled. The GNA source pointed that he has been retained in order not to anger Maetig.

Naser Benafa, a former GNC member and former chairman of Libyan Businessmen Council has been proposed for position in Moscow. He is reportedly close to Russia where he graduated in 1980s. Russia supported him to head the PC during Skhirat talks in December 2015, in Morocco.

Marwan Busrewees proposal for Germany also drew controversy. The former Head of NGO department of foreign ministry is a good friend to Maetig.

Other proposals such as Zuhair Al-Zwawy (Milan), Taher Ben Taher (Algiers) and Omar Tarhuni (Rome) are said also backed by Maetig while Lutfi Al-Mughrabi (Paris) and Ala Alwafati (Dubai) are all known as Serrajs close allies, the source further noted.

Established in Tripoli, March last year, the PC has been unable to assert its authorities. The administration has been facing distrust from Libyans and the HoR who accuse it of corruption and incompetence.
A plane crash involving a light tourism aircraft has killed five people among whom three French citizens and a Swiss near the Portuguese capital, reports say.

All the passengers on board plane died in the crash after the aircraft licensed in Switzerland hit warehouse of a supermarket, not far from an airfield in the region of the Portuguese capital, AFP report citing local officials.

Victims inside the plane were three French and a Swiss, said Andre Fernandes, the commander of the Civil Protection of the region of Lisbon region.

Fernandes also noted that the aircraft on hitting the warehouse killed one person inside and wounded slightly three other people. The injured were shopping in inside the supermarket and were treated for shock and smoke inhalation, Associated Press reports.

The aircraft; a twin-engine Piper PA-31 Navajo, 10 meters of length, took off from the small Tires airfield, 20 kilometres west of Lisbon in direction to Marseille, in the South of France, AFP adds.

Dozens of firefighters were rushed to scene to put off the fire caused by the crash.
Citizens of 18 countries including Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria have been exempted from visa requirements to visit far-eastern part of Russia, reports say.

The Russian Premier Dmitry Medvedev announced Russian authorities decision on Monday.

I recently approved the list countries whose nationals can benefit from the preferential treatments, Medvedev said.

The decision is taken in a move to scale up tourism traffic in the far region and attract investors, reports say.

Business travellers, tourists from Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei, India, Iran, Qatar, China, North Korea, Kuwait, Morocco, Mexico, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Tunisia, Turkey and Japan will no longer need visa to visit cities such as Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Kamchatka, Birobidzhan and Anadyr.

The region, mostly cold, is also hub of diversified riches including natural resources and beautiful landscapes.

Travellers of those 18 countries will only have to log on with their own data on a website built for the occasion, reports say.

We are introducing in an appropriate manner bilateral accords on visa-free travels for those who are ready to use such an approach for us, the Russian Prime Minister added.
Senior commander of Moroccos Royal Navy had talks with Greek peers on a set of issues of mutual interest, on top of which the possibility of acquiring Submarines used by the Greek navy, said the website Far-Maroc specializing in military issues.

The same source reported that commanders of the Tarik Ben Zyad and Sultan Moulay Ismail frigates raised during a visit to Greece the prospects for strengthening cooperation between the two countries navies as well as the possibility of acquiring used Greek submarines.

Since last year, negotiations have been ongoing between Morocco and Russia on the delivery of the Amur-class 1650 super-quite submarine, which will be the Kingdoms first submarine.

Russias Amur-1650 diesel-electric powered submarine will significantly boost Moroccos capabilities, as it will carry Club cruise missiles in addition to featuring air-independent propulsion (AIP). With a length of 66.8 meters and a beam of 7.1 meters, the submarine can sink into a depth of 250 meters.

The acquisition of submarines will also boost the capabilities of the Royal navy in its protective mission of the 2952km coastline stretching from the strait of Gibraltar to the Mauritanian coast on the Atlantic and from Tangier to the Algerian coast on the Mediterranean.

The main Atlantic bases of the Moroccan navy are found in Casablanca, Agadir and Dakhla, while the Mediterranean bases are located in Ksar Sghir and Al Hoceima.

Although it was established in 1960, the Moroccan navy traces its roots back to the 11th century with the rise of the Al Moravid dynasty, and during the era of the Almohad dynasty, which stretched through the Maghreb, the Moroccan navy was the mightiest in the Mediterranean.
Beset by multiple problems, the campaign to put California on the road to independence from Trumps America is hanging it up for now. Photo: Yes California

Frustrated by slow progress in securing petitions and undermined by bad publicity over a colleagues strategic retreat to Russia, the chief organizer of the Yes California campaign to move the Golden State toward secession from the United States called it quits yesterday, as reported by the Los Angeles Times:

Less than three months after being given the green light to start gathering voter signatures, the author of a closely watched effort to split California from the United States has decided to withdraw his proposal.



Marcus Ruiz Evans, the initiatives official proponent, sent an email Monday to the secretary of states office asking to cancel his initiative.

Evans indicated in a public statement that his group had only collected 97,500 of the 585,000 signatures needed by July 25 to place an initiative on the November 2018 ballot, which would have in turn authorized a 2019 special election to consider formal independence. But an even bigger problem was that Andrew Marinelli, his partner in founding Yes California back in 2014, decamped to Russia in December and associated himself with a government-backed group that considered his efforts congruent with those of Crimean separatists who supported Russias annexation of that previously Ukrainian region. As the Washington Post explained:

While no indications exist of a direct Russian government hand in Mr. Marinellis organization, a group that is nominally independent but nonetheless state financed, and supports only causes that dovetail with the Kremlins foreign policy, paid for a hotel room in Moscow during a congress of secessionist groups from around the world in September 2016. These included the Texas Nationalist Movement, backers of Puerto Rican independence and a group wanting to restore the Hawaiian monarchy. A Russian group, known as the Anti-Globalization Movement, which like Mr. Marinelli advocates the breakup of the United States, also offered him office space in Moscow to open an embassy of California in Russia, and Mr. Marinelli accepted.

This was not exactly catnip to Calexit supporters back home eager to accuse Donald Trump of complicity with Vladimir Putin. It also came out that Marinelli had himself voted for Trump.

So this particular Calexit movement appears to be collapsing due to the weight of its own internal problems. But hope abides for a more successful effort:

Evans said he was leaving the Yes California group and joining the California Freedom Coalition, which he described as a grassroots organizing effort that evolved since last years election.



The coalition plans to file its own ballot measure in coming weeks, without the baggage of Marinellis Russian ties, said Steve Gonzales, the new groups secretary-treasurer and board member.



It prevented Yes California from getting any serious money, I can tell you that, Gonzales said, noting that he is a native Californian who has never been to Russia. The group will accept no foreign money, and contributions from other states must be cleared by the coalitions board, he said.

Yeah, when the leaders of a grassroots political movement have to keep telling people they have never been to Russia, theres a certain PR problem.

While they are regrouping, the California secessionists might want to reconsider Yes Californias rather convoluted process for taking the state out of the union, which involved a requirement that a certain percentage of voters had to participate in the crucial referendum and produce a super-majority margin. Given the massive legal and political problems a successful referendum would immediately encounter  secession without the concurrence of the rest of the country simply isnt happening, as certain Southern states learned a while back  it makes no particular sense for Calexit proponents to add to the obstacles with their own Rube Goldberg procedures.

So long as Donald Trump is president, however, the idea of the nations largest and bluest state going its own way will never completely die. And the idea of an independent Bear Republic certainly predates Trump or Yes California: According to one count, there have been 200 formal efforts since 1849 either to split California into multiple states or take it out of the Union. Its as though California is never perpetually at ease with itself or with the larger country whose future it is often thought to represent, as a promise or a threat.
On a collision course? Photo: STR/AFP; Mark Wilson/Getty Images

World War III did not break out on the Korean Peninsula over the weekend. The North Korean regime did not test a nuclear weapon on a major holiday given to bellicose military displays. The Trump administration did not use the aircraft carrier group it sent to the region to launch a preemptive military strike that might set off full-scale  even nuclear  war. But the stressful episode wasnt a total waste of adrenaline  it offers Korea watchers and Trump watchers alike a few key lessons about the predictable unpredictability underlying this extremely thorny international crisis.

Lesson No. 1: There will be another crisis soon, and Washington needs to know that. In the case of North Korea, which thrives on anniversaries and embarrassing the government in Seoul, there are not many real surprises. Korea experts can predict crises with great accuracy  is there a North Korean anniversary on the calendar? A high-ranking visitor to Seoul that the North can embarrass? An allied military exercise the North can complain about? The weekends failed missile launch, for example, took place shortly after the birthday of regime founder Kim Il-sung, and overlapped with Vice-President Pences visit to Seoul. But failures like that dont cause the regime to change course. It wont this time either. Pyongyang promptly promised weekly missile launches. Launching missiles at Syria, dropping the Mother of All Bombs in Afghanistan, and sending aggressive tweets from Mar-a-Lago makes for good theater on the U.S. side, but nothing fundamental has changed.

Lesson No. 2: North Korea is only getting scarier. Little by little, the regime is advancing its ability to deliver a nuclear warhead to its regional rivals  and eventually to the continental United States. The mocked-up missiles on display in last Saturdays Pyongyang parade seem designed to communicate, as analyst Melissa Hanham told the Washington Post, They can launch a lot more of these things in quick succession. That matters because Pyongyang has staked the regimes survival on the idea that it is capable of preempting a foreign attack (like, for example, missiles launched from a U.S. aircraft carrier) with a devastating nuclear blow. Appealing as preemption sounds, the notion of a nuclear strike on Seoul and the tens of thousands of American troops along the demilitarized zone is a very strong disincentive. Pyongyang explicitly says that it aims to build a weapon that can strike the Western U.S., to make that disincentive even stronger. Theres nothing on the horizon that looks like it will do much to slow, much less reverse, North Koreas nuclear progress.



Lesson No. 3: Pretensions and theatrics aside, Trump is sticking with the same North Korea policy thats been in place for years. The Trump team has not, in fact, come up with a new alternative to the Korea policy of the last three U.S. administrations. Its two core elements are first, exert strenuous military, political, and economic pressure on the regime; and second, demand that Pyongyang give up nuclear weapons entirely. Given that the alternative seemed to be a push for a preemptive U.S. attack, this is good news. Every administration since Bill Clintons has considered a preemptive attack on the Norths nuclear program, and each has reached the same conclusion: the likelihood of spiraling into full-on conventional or even nuclear war, leading to massive civilian casualties, and even Chinas entry into the conflict to ensure the Norths survival, is just too high.

Lesson No. 4: But theres a hint that Trump might be open to a new approach in the future. The existing, bipartisan policy toward North Korea has an enormous, acknowledged problem: Pressuring the North to give up its nuclear program has incontrovertibly failed. Under each succeeding administration the program has instead accelerated. The policy hasnt been much more successful when it comes to changing Pyongyangs behavior abroad, or its ill-treatment of its own people.

The Trump team has said it plans to exert maximum pressure on the regime. And while that rhetorical innovation is unlikely to be the key that unlocks the problem, Korea watchers were intrigued to see in the administrations policy statement last week a mention of engagement as another goal. An unexpected group of experts  including such senior figures as former Secretary of Defense William Perry and Bush 43 official Richard Haas  believe that combining pressure with talks, narrowly defined with clear carrots and sticks and verification measures to cope with the Norths dismal record of cheating on past deals, would be more effective than demanding Pyongyang denuclearize. By accepting  even implicitly  the Norths nuclear-power status, they argue, Washington gives itself chips to bargain with other than the carrier group Trump is currently using. (And yes, you can use military power as a bargaining chip, but the risks of misperception are strong even between highly predictable actors. Which isnt what weve got here.)

At some points on Monday it sounded as if Rex Tillersons State Department agreed, with a senior official telling reporters that the only precondition for talks would be any kind of possibility that they would be rolling back their program. The idea of a hard-edged negotiation might flatter Trumps sense of his deal-making abilities; it may also appeal to the pragmatists in his circle of military advisers. He would be able to claim a major coup in partnering with China, as well. However, it is anathema to longstanding mainstream GOP views, toward which Trump has recently pivoted on a variety of security issues. Among other problems, it makes for awkward comparisons with the Iran nuclear deal the GOP loves to hate. So what exactly did the administration mean by engagement? It seems too soon to imagine Jared Kushner in the stands at a North Korean military parade. But I wouldnt rule it out.



Heather Hurlburt (@natsecHeather) directs New Americas New Models of Policy Change initiative and has held foreign policy positions in Congress, the White House and State Department.
Kori Ali Muhammad.

A 39-year-old suspect told police that he hated white people after he was arrested for killing three people in Fresno, California, on Tuesday.

The alleged gunman, Kori Ali Muhammad, reportedly shouted Allahu Akbar  God is great in Arabic  when police took him into custody after his cold-blooded murder spree. Muhammad opened fired shortly before 11 a.m. PT with a high-caliber pistol near a Catholic Charities building in downtown Fresno. Using a speed loader, he fired off 16 rounds in four locations in less than a minute, reports Reuters.

His three victims, all white males, were seemingly chosen at random and had no apparent connection to the gunman. The first was shot multiple times while sitting in a gas and electric truck, the other two were gunned down on foot  one while crossing the street, and the other in the parking lot of the Catholic Charities, according to NBC. The gunman, who was also on foot, fired at another individual, but missed.

The passenger side window of PGE truck is busted and rear window busted at crime scene outside Fresno PD headquarters pic.twitter.com/kp15QCEDiV  pablo lopez (@USCX1954) April 18, 2017

A ShotSpotter alerted Fresno police to the gunfire; cops closed in on the suspect as he was running down the street, reports the Fresno Bee. Muhammad, who referred to himself as Black Jesus, has a lengthy criminal record, and his Facebook page was reportedly full of ranting posts against white people and anti-government sentiment. Authorities had been searching for Muhammad in connection with the murder of a security guard at a Fresno Motel 6 last week.

Fresno police have not yet said whether they are classifying this as a terror attack. The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from the FBI and ATF.
A soldier stands by as people queue to visit a flower show during an organized tour for visiting foreign journalists, in Pyongyang on April 16, 2017. Photo: Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images

At Mondays annual White House Easter Egg Roll, Donald Trump warned you gotta behave. The directive wasnt to the slew of kids in attendance, but intended as a message to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who was fresh off presiding over an anniversary celebration for the countrys founder, where it conducted a failed missile test and paraded around new ICBMs.

A North Korean official responded to that reprimand  and Vice-President Mike Pences admonishment that the era of strategic patience is over  with a threat of its own, saying the United States is creating a dangerous situation in which thermonuclear war could break out at any moment.

North Korea is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the United States, added North Koreas deputy United Nations ambassador, Kim In-ryong. He called joint U.S.South Korean military exercise an aggressive war drill.

The warnings are the latest an an increasingly tense standoff between the United States and North Korea. A North Korean deputy foreign minister also told the BBC Monday that the country would continue to carry out missile tests every weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer addressed the saber-rattling between the two countries, saying that he would not comment on exactly how President Trump would deal with North Korea. He holds his card close to the vest, and I think youre not going to see him telegraphing how hes going to respond to any military or other situation going forward, Spicer said.

Spicer did say, however, that the North Korea situation wouldnt involve any red lines when it comes to Kim Jong-uns actions. Drawing red lines hasnt really worked in the past, he said.
A few years ago, on my way from eastern Oregon to Salt Lake City, I pulled off I-84 in Boise, Idaho, a place I knew only from a Lynyrd Skynyrd lyric. I strolled downtown and, in a farmers market smelling of lemon sage and lavender, found the best artisanal granola bars west of Burlington, Vermont. As I scanned the pale young crowd and noted the vendors earnestly precious names (Hoot n Holler Urban Farm, Blue Feather Bakery), it occurred to me how much the scene resembled a Saturday morning at Smorgasburg, or at Ferry Plaza in San Francisco, or in Boulder, Sante Fe, or Portland, Maine. The vibe was relaxed, prosperous, and gently urban. Around that time, the real-estate blog Estately ranked Boise fifth on its list of best cities for conservatives: The tech jobs are plentiful, the Mormonism abundant, there are no restrictions on assault weapons, and theres plenty of art, music, and theater. And yet, like most red-state cities, Idahos capital is remarkably short on conservatives. Last November, while Hillary Clinton mustered only 27.5 percent of the statewide vote, she hit north of 75 percent in some of Boises urban precincts. Politically, the city might as well be on a different planet from towns that lie a couple of exits away.

And this is true in more than just Americas twee precincts. More than ever, urbanites share a common affiliation, whether they are in Idaho or Massachusetts, whether theyve built up earthly treasures or scrape by on minimum wage. In presidential elections, votes are tallied by county and grouped by state, but zoom in closer and you see that Democrats cluster like blue inkblots on a mostly red map and that many jurisdictions are sharply divided. In the 2016 election, virtually every large urban center and many small ones  white Boise and majority-black Baltimore, wealthy San Francisco and beaten-down Detroit, sprawling sunwashed megalopoli and shrinking union strongholds  rejected the man who became president, often by yawning margins. The density that is one of the defining characteristics of cities forces encounters that, more and more, seem to strengthen Democratic principles  and separates urban dwellers from their rural cousins.

While cities like New York and Seattle have always been liberal, others have converted much more recently. After World War II, San Francisco was up for grabs, voting Republican in 1952 and 1956, after which its Democratic tilt increased from year to year. Philadelphia was a Republican bastion until 1951, when a new charter combined with a corruption scandal to demolish the political machine. Ward leaders and local bosses switched their allegiances just as middle-class whites were fleeing to the suburbs, leaving the heavily black central city to the party of civil rights.

Columbus, Ohio, saw the light of liberalism only decades later, not because of some grand political realignment but as a by-product of creeping prosperity. A varied economy of largely white-collar employers is now drawing a population that is increasingly young, diverse, well educated, and addicted to pleasant living. When I first moved there 20 years ago, Columbus was a dull, sleepy midwestern city, a solidly Republican city. It isnt anymore, says Steven Conn, a history professor at Miami University in Ohio and the author of Americans Against the City: Anti-Urbanism in the Twentieth Century. People are interested in better public schools and better urban amenities like bike trails and so on, and the Republican Party is against everything they care about week to week. In some areas, that process is ongoing. Just this month, in a single congressional district in one of the reddest states, Sedgwick County, the Kansas jurisdiction that includes Wichita, swung to the Democratic underdog in a special election; he was swamped by the surrounding rural vote and lost, but not by much.

Houstons journey toward liberalism merges these same ideological, demographic, and economic shifts and has transformed the political landscape of conservative and largely rural Texas. A vast majority of Texass votes come from just a dozen or so counties; Harris County, which contains Houston, is by far the most populous, with 16 percent of the states population, and its growing fast. Republican presidential candidates  including two generations of locally based Bushes  won the county handily until Obama squeaked by, twice. In 2016, Clinton took the Houston area by 12 percentage points. That local quasi-landslide could represent a particular distaste for a certain New York real-estate developer, but the larger trend looks epochal. Over the decades, the urbanized area has spread; Houston has even acquired one of those expensive gewgaws of contemporary urban living, the ultimate conservative bugaboo: a new light rail, 23 miles of it. Today, the citys population is 44 percent Hispanic (and growing) and only 26 percent white (and falling). The demographic train is pulling away from Harris County and leaving the Republican Party behind.

Conn, the historian, sees the liberalizing of cities as an inexorable process: The combination of density, diversity, and economic dynamism makes people see that they share an interest in large public things, he says. The Houston Chronicles editorial page recently excoriated President Trumps nationalistic policies using strictly economic logic rather than philosophical concerns. Our city runs on free trade, oil and gas, and low-cost labor, the paper pointed out. But now we have to deal with a president who sees Houstons boons as a threat. It is like a doctor who misdiagnoses a cold for cancer and recommends a full slate of chemotherapy. The radioactive solution of a border tax, import tariffs, and immigrant roundups  will weaken the economic fundamentals of our Gulf Coast port city.

There is plenty of irony in the fact that Donald Trump exhibits such antipathy to cities, given that he is a product of the nations largest. But its worth remembering that despite being a New Yorker, the president has rarely, if ever, experienced urban life. For most of us, living in cities means living close to those who are both like us and not. Even just walking down a city block means having no idea who will cross your path, what they believe, or how they will behave. Strolling is a succession of chance meetings, the vast majority of them superficial. At times, a dense neighborhood can feel like a village, where you bump into friends or revive dormant acquaintances. At other times, it means confronting a vast and entrenched homeless population. Urbanites take this haphazardness for granted. We have the ingrained habit of sharing space, of encountering difference, of swimming in the collective soup.

Trump  like many Americans who duck from house to car to office to mall  rarely experiences an unplanned encounter. He has spent much of his life in gilded rooms, surrounded by people he employs. His idea of transit consists of elevators, limos, helicopters, and private jets. Until he moved into the White House, he hardly set foot in a place he didnt own. Maybe thats why he knows so little and appreciates less about his own hometown, why a president who was born and bred in New York City spends his time stoking ancient fears about it. When he started planning Trump Tower in the late 1970s, it was an expression of confidence in the deluxe appeal of midtown Manhattan at a time when a seemingly ungovernable city had bled nearly a million people. Now, when urban crime sits in the eerily low range in many cities, when companies follow their most desirable employees into revitalized downtowns, and when many metropolitan areas are more worried about housing shortages and gentrification than about falling apart, the president has revived a vision of cities suppurating with violence and sin. Once he sold urban real estate to customers who wanted to live there; now he sells fantasies of urban horror to those who prefer to shudder from afar.

Wilkes County, North Carolina, 2016. Photo: George Etheredge/The New York Times/Redux

The Trump administrations disdain for urban culture has a rich bipartisan pedigree. Thomas Jefferson formed his view of nationhood around a belief that the countryside was not only preferable but morally superior. I think our governments will remain virtuous for many centuries; as long as they are chiefly agricultural; and this will be as long as there shall be vacant lands in any part of America, he wrote to James Madison in 1787. When they get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, they will become corrupt as in Europe.

In 1904, the original muckraker, Lincoln Steffens, went on a crusade against corruption in Minneapolis, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Chicago. (He considered New York relatively benign.) He, too, intimated that there was something about governing large concentrations of people, about cumulative economic might combined with massed indifference, that nurtured the worst forms of power. Membership in an urban elite, he suggested, was inherently putrid. There is no essential difference between the pull that gets your wife into society or a favorable review for your book, and that which gets a heeler into office, a thief out of jail, and a rich mans son on the board of directors of a corporation, he wrote in The Shame of the Cities. And its all a moral weakness; a weakness right where we think we are strongest. Debility, opportunism, callousness, shortsightedness, venality  the metropolis concentrated these vices into a noxious stew.

The urban renaissance of the past few decades has opened up a new line of moral attack. The Times columnist Ross Douthat recently argued that large cities are not the tolerant utopias that liberals idealize but black holes of privilege, sucking in resources and jobs. Douthat writes as if Manhattan were the norm: If [cities] are dynamic, they are also so rich  and so rigidly zoned  that the middle class cant afford to live there and fewer and fewer kids are born inside their gates. If they are fast-growing its often a growth intertwined with subsidies and too big to fail protection  We should treat liberal cities the way liberals treat corporate monopolies  not as growth-enhancing assets, but as trusts that concentrate wealth and power and conspire against the public good. One way past Americas political impasse, he proposes, might be to break up the largest cities and disperse their corporate headquarters and government offices to smaller provincial burgs. The prescription is worth exploring  the Department of Agriculture might fit in nicely in Omaha, say  but his premise is astonishingly wrong. New York City ships far more tax money to Albany and the IRS than it gets back. Many of the federal dollars that do wash into the five boroughs generally pay for projects of regional and national import, like airports, roads, and security. Cities dont sluice away public funds; theyre engines of the U.S. economy. Just 20 of them generate more than half of the nations GDP, a percentage that continues to increase. Big cities grow bigger because they are efficient social organizations, not because theyre subsidized liberal pleasure domes.

Dense places dont have a monopoly on turpitude, but cities have always faced formidable challenges. The deindustrialization that nourished the Trump campaign ravaged big cities first: At the end of World War II, New York had the worlds busiest port and most productive factories. Three decades later, shipping and manufacturing were moribund and the municipal government could barely pay its bills. Dozens of cities tore down slums and put up public-housing projects  idealistic efforts that often created more problems than they solved. In places like Detroit and Memphis, unemployment, redlining, crack, and gangs left vast urban stretches traumatized and bleak. Segregation persists in many cities and often worsens for two seemingly opposite reasons: Whites trickle away (as in Cleveland) or else they arrive, pushing into poor neighborhoods that longtime residents can no longer afford. In a handful of hyperprosperous cities like San Francisco, manufacturing has hollowed out and tech businesses have moved in, bifurcating the population into poor service workers and affluent creative types. Even the once relentlessly upbeat urbanist Richard Florida has written a contritely depressing book, The New Urban Crisis: How Our Cities Are Increasing Inequality, Deepening Segregation, and Failing the Middle Class  And What We Can Do About It.

But urban areas also teem with activists, nonprofit technocrats, planners, and social-justice fixers who keep rolling out proposals that municipal governments often adopt: pre-K programs, police body cams, running public buses through minority neighborhoods, and so on. Cities all over the world share problems and expertise, using each other as experimental labs: New Delhi converted its buses to natural gas; La Rochelle, France, launched a bike-share program; Milwaukee demolished a downtown freeway  and each of those experiments inspired hundreds of other cities to repeat it. In 2014, Houston, L.A., and Philadelphia announced a joint plan to combat cities disproportionate responsibility for climate-change-causing pollution by slashing CO2 emissions, shifting to renewable energy sources, and converting streetlights to LEDs. And New York has massively boosted its affordable-housing program, raised the minimum wage, invested in high-tech manufacturing  a constantly evolving menu of tools to make the city more livable, safe, and affordable.

Some problems have proved intractable: New Yorks homelessness epidemic has defied Mayor de Blasios expensive attempts to alleviate it. And gun violence persists in parts of Chicago despite a dramatic decrease in crime in many cities. But progressive activists can also point to a deep legacy of success, as anyone who ambles around South Bronx neighborhoods like Melrose can attest. Not so long ago, this was ground zero of hopelessness. When observers remarked that the Bronx of the 70s seemed like a war zone, they were not merely using a figure of speech. Yet those who looked around back then and saw no future for troubled neighborhoods were guilty of a failure of imagination. Grassroots organizations  like Nos Quedamos & WHEDco (Womens Housing and Economic Development Corporation)  worked with successive mayoral administrations to clean up, rebuild, and repopulate areas that many had written off as toxic wastelands.

Nevertheless, many conservatives see the city as the degraded outcome of decades of Democratic control. Cities have become the equivalent of holding cells for the poor and minorities, writes Peter Collier in the introduction to The New Shame of the Cities, a 2014 screed published by the right-wing David Horowitz Freedom Center. Everything thats wrong with Americas cities that can be affected by policy, Democrats are responsible for  Americas urban centers have slid into violence, corruption and savage dysfunction that make the snapshots of despair Lincoln Steffens produced at the beginning of the 20th century seem mild by comparison. During his campaign, Trump distilled that message into a halfhearted plea for African-American votes: Youre living in poverty, your schools are no good, you have no jobs, 58 percent of your youth is unemployed  what the hell do you have to lose?

In turn, urban intellectuals demonize the countryside just as their forebears excoriated the suburbs. Rural America is the new inner city, says Conn. Its where all these social pathologies collect, and theyre connected to the collapse of rural economies and rural communities. Thats exactly what you saw in North Philadelphia when the plug was pulled.

The political gulf between city and non-city has deepened even as the physical boundaries between them have blurred. Cities have become more suburbanized and suburbs more citified, pushing the dividing line farther and farther from downtown. These two contrary currents have been in motion at least since the 1940s, when the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company built Stuyvesant Town as a verdant middle-class enclave in the middle of Manhattan, its blocky, high-rise architecture softened by planted courtyards and the absence of cars. More recently, ubiquitous mall brands, an influx of educated young transplants, and a citywide tree-planting spree have given formerly gritty parts of Brooklyn an almost bucolic air.

Oddly, the suburbification of cities has only strengthened their liberal tendencies, and the citification of suburbs is doing the same. Flights not white anymore: Urban refugees come in all hues, and they arrive in their cul-de-sacs with a taste for Indian groceries, halal restaurants, and walkable downtowns. Since 2000, the majority of immigrants have dispersed into outlying areas rather than packing into inner-city enclaves. In his campaign speeches, Trump repeatedly conflated black and inner city neighborhoods, but in fact African-Americans are suburbanizing at a steady clip, turning suburbs blue in the process. Research by urban-studies professor Kyle Walker suggests that as blacks have moved out of central Minneapolis into the inner-ring suburb of Brooklyn Center, that area has become more Democratic.

The project of citifying outlying areas has been helped along by an army of planners, variously grouped under the rubrics new urbanism, smart growth, and sustainable development. In places like Arlington, Virginia, and Kirkland, Washington, developers are rushing to satisfy new suburbanites hankering to get out of the car  or not to own a car. In their 2008 book Retrofitting Suburbia, Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williamson chronicled the transformations of dead malls and vacant big-box stores into lifestyle centers and libraries. And the Museum of Modern Arts 2012 exhibition Foreclosed: Rehousing the American Dream asked high-octane teams of architects to imagine how ailing suburbs could be saved. Mostly, they came up with an archipelago of mini-cities.

Conservatives have reacted with predictable fury to urban incursions onto their suburban turf. In 2012, the Republican National Committee struck simultaneously at an assortment of enemies  the United Nations, the environmental movement, public transit, and city folk  with a statement attacking the U.N.s sustainable-development program. That destructive and insidious plan, the RNC announced, undermined the American way of life of private property ownership, single-family homes, private car ownership and individual travel choices. Democrats drive cars too, of course, as do the residents of most American cities, but only one side of the political spectrum turns a necessity into a patriotic virtue.

The suburbs are political border zones where attitudes shift from street to street. It would be more accurate to talk of swing neighborhoods than swing states.

If the residents of Trumpland dont like or understand cities, hard-core urbanites are equally ignorant about the suburbs that surround them. We drive through landscapes branded by 7-Elevens and patterned with single-family houses, and we see only a uniform plague of sprawl. In fact, the suburbs are the political border zones where attitudes shift from street to street. It would be more accurate to talk of swing neighborhoods than swing states. Living in the suburbs today represents an economic choice without an ideological choice, says Richardson Dilworth, director of the Center for Public Policy at Drexel University. Where once an ideological barrier sealed off the city from the suburb, the new, fuzzier divide pits cities and inner suburbs against exurban and rural America. You have to drive farther and farther out  and along particular routes  before you hit consistently Republican turf.

Last November, on the Saturday after the presidential election, I drove to the Costco in Teterboro, New Jersey. As I piloted my oversize cart crammed with household cleaner and eight-packs of canned tuna, I scanned my fellow shoppers for clues as to what had happened at the polls. The uniform glare of the warehouse revealed a staggering variety of American life: families and couples of every background, blending English with a dozen different languages. A few basic characteristics united us all: We had cars, storage space, and a sense of thrift. Nearly everyone was buying toilet paper. How, I asked myself, could anyone wander through a discount megastore full of peaceful diversity, buying products shipped in from all over the world, and understand the ethnic grievances that wound through the campaign? I also wondered how many of my fellow Costco members had voted for Donald Trump.

Probably about half, it turns out. A town-by-town map of New Jerseys election results shows that this particular Costco is strategically placed at the vortex of political views. A few miles west and the map shades from pink to red; it gets gradually bluer closer to the Hudson River. Jersey City went for Clinton 83 percent; Union City, 79; Hoboken, 73. A ten-minute drive west, in Secaucus, Clintons support was only 55 percent. The Chicago area had a similarly gradual shift conservative as you move away from the lakefront.

Density makes towns more liberal. So does public transit. A band of dark, Clinton-heavy blue follows the Metra commuter rail line from downtown Chicago south to University Park, where it dead-ends in a field of red. Milwaukees bus system extends west to 124th Street and north to the county line, and those borders define political boundaries, too: Beyond the bus routes, the map turns from blue to red, literalizing Wisconsins dramatic divide. In the Bay Area, tendrils of blue radiate out along train tracks into the deep-red heartland of the San Joaquin Valley. Interstate 5 runs north-south without disturbing the political landscape, but 40 miles east, Amtrak links Stockton, Modesto, Merced, Fresno, Bakersfield  each one an isolated dab of blue.

Its not clear what accounts for this political force field that weakens with every mile from City Hall but thats carried from center to center along transit lines. Do people with strong political views choose to live in like-minded communities, or do the places people choose to live form their opinions about how society should work? Which comes first: real estate or ideology? Either way, the dynamic behaves like an ideological centrifuge, distributing liberals and conservatives in complex but not random patterns.

The growth of urban areas is a self-perpetuating cycle. So long as thats where the jobs are, workers will move there from all over the world, including from the Republican heartland, exaggerating a population distribution that is already wildly uneven. Mark Abraham, executive director of the Connecticut-based number-crunching organization DataHaven, pointed out in a series of tweets that Los Angeles County (just one core nugget of the L.A. megalopolis) contains more people than do 43 states. If everyone who lived in the nations ten most populous counties formed a tug-of-war team, theyd be evenly matched against the 2,167 least populous ones.

Theoretically, the more cities grow, the more states they will swing in a liberal direction. And yet urbanization is a fitful and contradictory process. Some cities are growing while others shrink. Clevelanders move to Sun Belt suburban areas around Orlando, Tampa, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, and its not clear whether, when these northern liberals settle in Joe Arpaio territory, they maintain their political affiliations or blend in with the local red.

Conflict between urban and rural areas is a worldwide phenomenon. The Brexit vote shocked Londoners into the realization that they are outnumbered. The right-wing party of Marine Le Pen represents rural Frances revenge on Paris. Tokyo grows while Japans population shrinks, and Indias exploding cities are leaving its villages ever poorer, sicker, and less educated.

And yet Trumps loathing for the American metropolis has a specific nationalistic ferocity that is prompting cities to test their collective power with protests, confrontation, lawsuits, and refusal. If anti-Obama obstructionism was headquartered in the halls of Washington, D.C., and supported by several dozen statehouses, the anti-Trump resistance is playing out on city streets and in hundreds of city halls. From the earliest moments of the administration, protesters packed into downtowns and converged on metropolitan airports, and officials discovered a shared sense of mission. It is now the job of cities to protect immigrants and civil rights, to lead the fight against climate change, to keep America enlaced with a puzzled world. As the federal government threatens to leave urban America in the lurch, cities are confronting that abandonment with a kind of hearty optimism and confidence in their own strength. At a recent forum sponsored by the Center for an Urban Future and NYUs Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, speaker after speaker pointed out that cities are forced to tackle issues on which Washington can afford to punt. Its not that cities are close to the ground; we are the ground, said Philadelphias former mayor Michael Nutter. We are the incubators of innovation.

For instance, Urban America has banded together on immigration for a combination of economic and philosophical reasons. The cities with the highest proportions of foreign-born residents, like New York, Miami, San Diego, and Houston, are also among the most economically muscular; those with the smallest are often depressed. Thats circular, of course: Immigrants go to Miami rather than Birmingham, Alabama, because thats where the jobs are. And those influxes keep the population at a healthy churn, allowing cities to diversify their economies. In 2013, immigrants made up 43 percent of New Yorks workforce and generated a third of its output.

Its not just megalopoli like New York and Houston that need a steady supply of foreign-born workers. The global engineering firm Cummins, Inc., recruits employees from all over the world to work in the small city of Columbus, Indiana, making it an unlikely LGBTQ and immigrant enclave in the middle of Mike Pence territory. And the mayor of Dayton, Ohio  nobodys idea of a hipster mecca  has made it clear that her city welcomes new foreign-born arrivals, who offset the steady loss of native-born Daytonians, strengthen the economy, and reverse population decline. Not to put too fine a point on it, but immigrants are saving a city that might otherwise spiral into collapse. That immigrant friendliness could have long-term political consequences: Dayton lies in Montgomery County, one of the many largely rural midwestern counties that inched away from the Democratic Party in the 2016 election, going for Trump by less than 2,000 votes and giving him a barely visible margin of 0.7 percent.

These issues have crystallized in the conflict over sanctuary cities. The concept gathered energy as the Obama administration ramped up deportations of undocumented immigrants with criminal records. Trumps broader, blunter actions have jolted mayors into proclaiming themselves principled defenders of the foreign-born. Many cities forbid their police forces to ask people they stop or arrest about their immigration status. And local law-enforcement agencies often refuse ICE requests to detain anyone who cant show proof of legal residency. Its a stand that pits them not only against federal authority but often against their own state government. The mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, announced preemptively that the city would refuse to comply with an anti-immigrant bill now working its way through the (Republican-controlled) state assembly: Regardless of what the legislation may be, the Houston Police Department is not going to profile people. We are not going to be ICE. Period. End of discussion. Similarly, newly elected Austin sheriff Sally Hernandez issued an eight-minute video explaining when her department would honor Immigration and Customs Enforcement requests to detain people and when it wouldnt. Texas governor Greg Abbott is not amused. The country is not called the United States of Municipalities,  he grumbled, by which he seemed to mean that we dont live in the United Cities of America.

The Trump administration has responded to ornery cities by threatening to withhold federal funds, a position of dubious constitutionality, and to beef up the ranks of ICE, which can bypass local law enforcement and conduct its own raids. Even as the presidents travel ban was getting beaten up in court, ICE agents staged scattered actions, scooping up undocumented immigrants with and without criminal records. Offering no evidence, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has blamed immigrant-friendly cities for an unspecified wave of murders: Countless Americans would be alive today and countless loved ones would not be grieving today if these policies of sanctuary cities were ended. He also warned that localities that failed to cooperate with immigration officials would be making a big mistake.

The power struggle between urban and nonurban America has gone on since the 18th century and will likely continue for generations. The tension is baked into the Constitution, which tilts the balance of power toward rural states. Thanks to the vagaries of the Electoral College, todays Wyoming voter has nearly four times the clout in a presidential election of a voter in California, and both states get the same number of senators. That deliberate imbalance is why Trump was able to carry the election while not just dismissing cities but denigrating them.

But writing off large urban conglomerates is unusual for ruling parties. Authoritarian regimes often find that cities test their ability to exert control. When food prices spiked in Tunis and Cairo in 2011, for instance, the concentration of unhappy, hungry crowds quickly flared into revolution. So far, the crowds that have gathered on a regular basis to protest the Trump administration  like the Womens March that flooded cities all over the country the day after the inauguration  have been peaceful, even joyous. The danger is less that urbanites will start pulling up cobblestones or piling Citi Bikes into barricades than that they will further separate from the red seas that surround them.

Already liberals are deploying formerly Republican positions (and legal precedents handed down by a conservative Supreme Court) to argue in favor of local independence, while conservatives insist on imposing the will of a federal government they claim to despise. Its a liberal cities-rights movement as opposed to a conservative call for the rights of states. It seems likely that the cracks dividing cities from not-cities will continue to deepen, like fissures in the Antarctic ice shelf, until theres nothing left to repair. The more metropolitan liberals resist, protest, strike, and boycott, the more foreign and incomprehensible they will seem to everyone else.

*This article appears in the April 17, 2017, issue of New York Magazine.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Photo: Kostas Tsironis/Bloomberg via Getty Images

On Sunday, a referendum that experts say will solidify Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogans authoritarian rule passed by a vote of 51.2 percent to 48.8 percent. The populist leader has been accused of using last summers attempted military coup to suppress human rights and crack down on political opponents. The validity of the vote  which will do away with Turkeys parliament and could allow Erdogan to stay in power through 2029  was challenged by the opposition party and international election observers.

Apparently what President Trump took from all that is that Erdogan scored a massive win. According to the White House, Trump called Erdogan on Monday to congratulate him on his recent referendum victory.

The State Department was far less enthusiastic about the outcome of the referendum. In a statement issued earlier on Monday, the department noted that in their preliminary assessment, international observers raised concerns about irregularities on voting day and an uneven playing field during the campaign.

We look to the government of Turkey to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its citizens, said the departments acting spokesman, Mark Toner. He added that the U.S. is committed to strengthening its relationship with Turkey and supports their democratic development, to which commitment to the rule of law and a diverse and free media remain essential.

Its possible that Trump raised concerns about the erosion of Turkeys democracy as well, but the White House didnt mention that. The brief statement does note that Trump thanked the Turkish leader for supporting the recent U.S. strike in response to the Syrian regimes use of chemical weapons. It also says the leaders discussed their cooperation in the fight against ISIS, and agreed on the importance of holding Syrian president Bashar al-Assad accountable.
Jon Ossoff. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

For months now, progressives desperate to transmute their guilt and grief into something constructive have poured time and money into a 30-year-old, Democratic documentary filmmakers long-shot bid to win Newt Gingrichs old House seat. Blue America has sent millions of dollars and thousands of canvassers to the Atlanta suburbs, ahead of todays special election in Georgias sixth district  all out of a fervent desire to destroy Georgians health care and let illegal immigrants murder their daughters.

Or so President Trump suggests, in a last-minute robocall.

Liberal Democrats from outside of Georgia are spending millions and millions of dollars trying to take your Republican congressional seat away from you. Dont let them do it, Trump is telling Georgia residents. Only you can stop the super-liberal Democrats and Nancy Pelosis group, and in particular Jon Ossoff. If you dont vote tomorrow, Ossoff will raise your taxes, destroy your health care, and flood our country with illegal immigrants  Theres only one way to stop the Washington liberals from taking your congressional seat, and your money, and your safety. And thats by voting Republican for Congress tomorrow.



In other words: George Soros went down to Georgia, he was looking for a seat to steal.

And by the end of the night, that seat could well be stolen. Tonights election pits Ossoff, and a couple other irrelevant Democrats, against a giant field of Republicans in a jungle primary  a primary where candidates arent segregated by party, and the top two finishers, regardless of affiliation, advance to a runoff election.

Unless, that is, one candidate manages to collect more than 50 percent of the vote tonight.

Current polling suggests that Ossoff will easily garner the most ballots of any one candidate. But those surveys also suggest that all the Republicans combined will enjoy a majority of the vote  right now, Ossoff is mired in the low-to-mid 40s. Conventional wisdom holds that Democrats have a better chance of winning this seat now than they would if Ossoff is forced to fend off a united Republican Party in a runoff this summer.

Georgias sixth district has been red for very long time. But its also precisely the kind of district that Democrats are targeting in 2018  an affluent, highly educated, suburban area that just might be revolted enough by their reality-star president to secede from red America.

Special elections are notoriously difficult to forecast, since turnout varies wildly. But if you forced Nate Silver to make a prediction, hed say Ossoff ends up in the high 40s tonight, and then enjoys about a 50-50 shot of winning in June.

But one anonymous GOP operative told Politico that Ossoff has a very good chance of putting this thing away tonight:

I really think theres a false sense of security out there that Ossoff cant get to 50. He has a very clear path. These public polls havent taken into account a large number of low propensity voters. No one knows what election day turnout will look like. But if Ossoff avoids the runoff, itll be in the 48-49 range, not lower.

It will all come down to turnout  which is why the president recorded his dire warning. But whether a demagogic appeal from the populist president will do more good than harm in this conservative  but none-too-Trumpist  district remains to be seen. To be sure, the call will likely mobilize some Republicans. But the call  along with the presidents recent tweets about the race  also offers the areas Democrats a reminder to Google that Jon Ossoff guy.

Last 7 days of search interest in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/GEJY9OB6Ov  Will Jordan (@williamjordann) April 18, 2017
Hold on, the gentleman from Team America: World Police isnt the gentleman from The Interview? Photo: Ron Sachs/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The standoff over North Koreas nuclear ambitions heated up in recent days, with experts saying the dictatorship may be preparing for a sixth nuclear test. While the 105th anniversary of founder Kim Il-sungs birth passed with no nuclear test, North Korea spent the weekend parading new intercontinental ballistic missiles through Pyongyang and conducting an unsuccessful missile test.

Reports that President Trump is considering military action against North Korea  perhaps even a preemptive strike  have raised concerns about how he might respond to provocations from Kim Jong-uns regime. Theres been plenty of bellicose rhetoric from Trump administration officials, with Vice-President Mike Pence warning that the era of strategic patience is over during a visit to the Demilitarized Zone on Monday.

So far, theres little evidence that President Trumps North Korea strategy is drastically different from that of his predecessors. Other presidents have suggested that they might use military force against North Korea, while trying to get China to pressure their neighbor into pursuing a diplomatic resolution.

But, as is usually the case, theres an air of unpredictability surrounding Trumps stance on North Korea. And now the president has added to the confusion by suggesting that hes not fully aware of who Kim Jong-un is.

In a preview of an interview that airs Tuesday morning on Fox & Friends, Ainsley Earhardt asks Trump if hes ruled out a military strike. I dont want to telegraph what Im doing or what Im thinking, he says. Im not like other administrations where they say were going to do this in four weeks, and that  doesnt work that way.

Then Trump demonstrates his commitment to inscrutability:

I hope things work out well. I hope theres going to be peace, but you know, theyve been talking with this gentleman for a long time. You read Clintons book, he said, Oh we made such a great peace deal, and it was a joke. You look at different things over the years with President Obama. Everybodys been outplayed, theyve all been outplayed by this gentleman and well see what happens. But I just dont telegraph my moves.

This gentleman who Trump refers to is actually two or three North Korean leaders. The U.S. signed a deal meant to curb North Koreas nuclear program in October 1994, as Kim Jong-il assumed power. The deal was negotiated with his father, Kim Il-sung, who died in July 1994.

Kim Jong-il died in December 2011, and was succeeded by his son Kim Jong-un, the current leader of North Korea.

Some interpreted the Fox News clip to mean that Trump could not identify the leader of North Korea. Its possible Kim Jong-uns name escaped him, but the president does know his biography. During a campaign rally, Trump said you have to give Kim Jong-un credit for taking over his fathers dictatorship:

If you look at North Korea  this guy, hes like a maniac, okay? And you have to give him credit. How many young guys  he was like 26 or 25 when his father died  take over these tough generals, and all of a sudden  you know, its pretty amazing when you think of it. How does he do that? Even though it is a culture and its a cultural thing, he goes in, he takes over, and hes the boss. Its incredible. He wiped out the uncle. He wiped out this one, that one. I mean, this guy doesnt play games.

We cant play games with him, Trump concluded. Because he really does have missiles. And he really does have nukes.
US President Donald Trump holds up a Buy American, Hire American Executive Order after signing at Snap-On Tools in Kenosha, Wisconsin, April 18, 2017. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

During the campaign, Donald Trump promised to eliminate the H-1B visa program, though he flip-flopped on the issue many times. Now, with the end of his first 100 days in office quickly approaching, President Trump hopes to show hes advancing his America First ideology by issuing an executive order cracking down on the H-1B visa program on Tuesday  though its just the first step in a complicated reform process.

During a trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, Trump visited headquarters of Snap-on-Tools and signed an executive order intended to make good on his pledge to buy American and hire American.

The order Im about to sign will protect workers and students like you, Trump said. Its America first, you better believe it. Its time. Its time, right?

WATCH: Pres. Trump vows to "follow through on pledge to 'buy American and hire American'" in Kenosha, WI https://t.co/Okz2bwUl4f pic.twitter.com/MBpQTvsAxB  CBS News (@CBSNews) April 18, 2017

Senior administration officials told reporters that the order will direct Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to prepare a report by Thanksgiving on waivers and exceptions made to buy American rules across the federal government, and how to close those loopholes.

The hire American element of the order will focus on preventing H-1B visa holders from undercutting American labor at less cost, according to one senior official. Under the program, the government uses a lottery system to award 85,000 visas to high-skilled foreign workers each year. Tech companies say they rely on the program to make up for a shortage of Americans trained in science and engineering. But critics say these companies abuse the program, replacing Americans with foreigners who will work for a lower wage and who are often stuck in their position for years as their green card application is being processed. Administration officials said 80 percent of workers who enter the U.S. on H-1B visas are paid less than the median wage in their fields.

After signing the order, Trump called the H-1Bs random lottery totally wrong. No one can compete with American workers when theyre given a fair and level playing field, which has not happened for decades, the president said.

President Donald Trump speaks about his plans for H-1B visa reform https://t.co/ykOAmMoZxQ pic.twitter.com/6VuKotQ1XX  Bloomberg (@business) April 18, 2017

The order will direct the the departments of Labor, Justice, State, and Homeland Security to conduct reviews of the H-1B visa program and propose reforms. The Trump administration says current rules are going unenforced, and they want to see changes that ensure the visas are only going to the most highly skilled workers. According to the Washington Post, administration officials described various ways this could be accomplished:

The officials said reform could first come through administrative changes, such as raising the visa application fees, adjusting the wage scale to more accurately reflect prevailing salaries in the tech industry, and more vigorously enforcing violations. It could also change the lottery system to give foreigners with U.S. masters degrees a leg up.



These are just possible fixes, and the executive order probably wont offer tech leaders much clarification on what reform will actually look like. H-1B applications declined from 236,000 to 199,000 this year, with employers uncertain of what changes might come under the Trump administration.



Theres bipartisan agreement that the H-1B program needs to be fixed, and critics say Trump could have simply directed federal departments to start recommending reforms, without issuing an executive order.

One should not mistake PR for policy, Bruce Morrison, a former Democratic member of Congress turned lobbyist for IT workers, told Wired. The media just follows along and says, Oh, the president is issuing another executive order. Hes changing the world, but hes not.

Signing an executive order lets Trump highlight his commitment to fulfilling his promise to protect American workers, but he cant do a thorough overhaul of the program on his own. Changing certain fundamental elements, like how many visas are awarded each year, requires action from Congress. As NPR reports, a number of lawmakers have been trying to advance such legislation, but those efforts have stalled.

Were encouraged that this is an important first step. It essentially means the president is turning his words into action, Scott Boos, a senior vice-president at the Alliance for American Manufacturing, told the Post. Though, he added that the true test will be what the Trump administration does when it gets to actually proposing new policies.

This post has been updated throughout.
I want to be unpredictable. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

To make health care more affordable for low-income Americans, the Affordable Care Act provided insurers with cost-sharing reductions  federal payments that defray the cost of deductibles and copays for more than 7 million Americans.

That was the Obama administrations plan at least. House Republicans, however, claimed that the law didnt actually authorize the executive branch to make those payments without an additional congressional appropriation. A federal judge agreed, but that judge also ruled that the administration could carry on making the payments while it appealed the decision to a higher court.

This has left a cloud of uncertainty over the American health-care system. But its a cloud that Congress could easily scatter  all it has to do is pass an appropriation for those cost-sharing reductions. Republicans put off that task while they were trying to pass Trumpcare. But now that Obamacare is the law of the land, its in everyones interest to stabilize the marketplaces and ensure that working-class Americans dont see their premiums suddenly skyrocket when and if the governments appeal fails.

Or so health insurers thought. Last week, President Trump told The Wall Street Journal that he was considering withholding those payments, in order to force Democrats to play ball on Obamacare repeal. Specifically, Trump suggested that once he deliberately undermines Americas insurance markets and people start losing their coverage, then Democrats will be desperate to vote for his health-care plan  because everyone will blame Democrats for what he did.

I dont want people to get hurt, Trump told the paper. What I think should happen  and will happen  is the Democrats will start calling me and negotiating.  They own Obamacare.

These remarks made insurers nervous. And on Tuesday, executives from several of Americas leading health-insurance companies came to Washington to meet with Seema Verma, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. At that meeting, they sought reassurance that the administration would continue to provide cost-sharing reductions next year. They received none.

That could have ominous implications for the stability of Obamacare, as the Washington Post reports:

Insurers weighing whether to participate in the Affordable Care Act marketplaces next year have said that if the funds arent going to be available, they will have to decide whether to leave the marketplaces altogether or hike premiums by at least 15 percent, on average Verma urged chief executives to lobby Congress directly, according to the industry officials, who requested anonymity in order to speak frankly.

Trump is (almost certainly) badly mistaken if he believes that his party will benefit from premiums soaring just before the 2018 midterms. Voters pretty much always blame the presidents party for bad things that happen while they control the White House. Plus, Trump has publicly touted plans to sabotage Obamacare and then blame the Democrats. Polls suggest that ploy will fool no one (save the most ardent Trumpists).

If the administration really does cut off cost-sharing reductions, 2018 could be a very bad year for the American health-care system  but a very good one for the Democratic Party.
Republicans from high-tax states like Representative Chris Collins of New York could be the main obstacle to removal of the federal deduction for state and local income taxes. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call,Inc.

The most painful thing involved in even thinking about revenue-neutral tax reform along the lines congressional Republicans and the Trump administration are allegedly considering is, of course, that one persons tax loopholes are anothers entirely justifiable economic or social policy. And if you are a Republican, you have to sweat the possibility that some anti-tax activist will label the elimination of a deduction or credit a tax increase, with all the political heat that generates.

But there is one loophole that anti-tax activists would love to kill, partly on grounds that it provides an incentive to higher taxes, and partly because it is perceived to benefit liberal Democrat states disproportionately: the federal deduction for state and local income taxes. And sure enough, it is popping up in various GOP tax reform plans. Sahil Kapur explains:

Ditching the deduction would raise federal tax revenue by $1.3 trillion over ten years, according to the Tax Policy Center, which found that 90 percent of that increase would be paid by taxpayers who earn $100,000 or more.

The largest beneficiaries of the tax break are California, New York and New Jersey, all relatively high-tax blue states, which eat up more than a third of the nationwide benefits, according to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

There are also important cities with their own income taxes, including, of course, New York, along with Baltimore, Birmingham, Detroit, Kansas City, Louisville, and St. Louis. Counties in Indiana and Maryland also impose income taxes.

Given the trouble Republicans have in coming up with tax-policy proposals that discomfit the wealthy, you would indeed figure the reform would be central to whatever the White House and congressional GOP leaders decide on in the coming weeks. It is already in Paul Ryans tax proposal, and will very likely be in Kevin Bradys. The Trump administration is said to be considering it.

There are two problems, though. First, theres a wealthy New York taxpayer named Donald Trump who could well be one of the nations top beneficiaries of the deduction for state and local income taxes. Even if he doesnt mind giving it up for lower tax rates, the very issue draws attention to his refusal to release tax returns. After all, inquiring minds will want to know how much POTUS is deducting in state and local taxes.

The second and perhaps larger problem is that nobody loves the state and local deduction more than Republicans from those high-tax Democratic states. It is, after all, their constituents (and donors!) who get this particular subsidy. As Kapur points out, there are 28 House Republicans representing California, New York, and New Jersey. Thats four more than the number of House Republicans the leadership can afford to lose in what will otherwise likely be a party-line vote on this years tax bill. At a minimum, Paul Ryan and company will have to buy them off with some kind of offsetting benefits if theres any hope of enacting a bill.

Republicans may, of course, wind up deciding not to bother with revenue neutrality or offsets or the closing of loopholes  even those perceived as helping Democrats  in which case everyone in the GOP can happily chow down on tax cuts after swallowing all their Obama-era rhetoric about budget deficits.
Socialisme ou barbarie? Photo: Jeff Pachoud/AFP/Getty Images

Over the past 12 months, the world has seen its fair share of shocking, epoch-making elections  ones that have left us living in the age of Brexit, President Trump, and sultan Erdogan. On Sunday, France could very well make this chapter of world history even more fascinating for our great-great-grandchildren, assuming humans and history books survive the next century.

For a long time, the big story of the French election was the disconcerting strength of National Front nominee Marine Le Pen. Founded by Marines father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, the National Front began its life as that rare breed of nationalist party thats nostalgic for the days when its nation was occupied by Nazis. More concretely, Le Pen the elder built a fierce but narrow constituency on appeals to anti-Semitism, anti-globalism, economic protectionism, law-and-order crime policies, and, above all else, keeping the Muslim hordes out of France. (I know  hard to believe that a platform this ugly could attract significant support in an advanced Western democracy.)

The French hold their presidential elections in two waves. The nominees of the nations many, many parties face off in a battle-royale-style first round. Then, the top-two vote getters proceed to a runoff. This system allows parties with small  but committed  bases of support to become genuine contenders, for at least the opening round. And in 2002, Jean-Marie Le Pens National Front proved to be just that. The hatemonger actually made it to the finals  where he was effortlessly annihilated by Jacques Chirac.

So, even as the French news media hyped Marine Le Pens strong first-round poll numbers for eyeballs and clicks (I know  hard to believe the French Fourth Estate could be so craven and nihilistic), the sophisticated take was that she actually had very little shot of winning the whole thing.

And then Francois Hollandes Socialist Party nominated the prodigiously uncharismatic Benoit Hamon, who has struggled to even retain support from the partys base. And the center-right Republicains nominated Catholic reactionary Francois Fillon  a longtime opponent of same-sex marriage, abortion rights, and the welfare state. If Fillons program appeals to anyone outside his conservative Catholic base, it would probably be the very Islamophobic nationalists who make up Le Pens. In a FillonLe Pen runoff, the more multiculturalism-tolerant candidate would be the author of a book titled Overcoming Islamic Totalitarianism. Fillon has vowed to restore traditional French values by limiting immigration and regulating Islam. That said, he is a bit less hostile to both immigrants and the EUs existence than is Le Pen, and has less interest in denying Frances role in the Holocaust or banning burkinis.

But his sharpest contrast with his neo-fascist opponent may be on economics. Fillon wants to raise the retirement age, lengthen the workweek, cut civil-service jobs, and slash welfare spending  Le Pen wants to lower the retirement age, keep the workweek capped at 35 hours, protect civil servants, increase welfare spending, and pursue protectionist policies aimed at increasing domestic employment.

The best choice for left-of-center French voters in a FillonLe Pen race is far from clear, but many would doubtlessly vote to protect their retirement benefits.

But then, it looked like a timely scandal and a charismatic outsider would spare France that grim choice. News broke that Fillons wife and two of his children collected more than 900,000 euros in public funds as parliamentary aides while doing little work. Establishment forces turned their eyes to independent outsider Emmanuel Macron.

Macron is a political novice  an investment banker and former economic minister, known for his business-friendly reforms. Running under the banner of his own personal party, En Marche (On the Move), Macron has kept his platform deliberately vague. But hes basically the French version of what some in the United States would describe as a pragmatic technocrat (and/or globalist cuck). Macron is fiscally moderate, socially liberal, Eurozone-friendly, and multiculturalism-positive.

The candidates youth, good looks, charisma, and reassuringly mainstream rhetoric vaulted him into first place  and all polls suggest that hed wipe the floor with Le Pen in a runoff.

So, as of couple weeks ago, the global mainstream was finally starting to breathe easy. France wasnt on the cusp of electing its own Trump, but merely its own Justin Trudeau.

But then, Frances version of Bernie Sanders aced the presidential debates.

Now remember, this is France: The centrist, fiscally moderate candidate is the one who cites Scandinavia as a model for reforming the welfare sate. The French Bernie Sanders candidate, by contrast, is a literal communist fellow-traveler.

The 65-year-old Jean-Luc Melenchon was a longtime member of the Socialist Partys left wing. But by 2008, the Socialists had veered too far to the right for Melenchons taste, so he and the partys like-minded leftists decided to found a new party, allied with the French Communists. Melenchon won a seat in the European Parliament in 2009, and ran for president in 2012, garnering 11 percent of the vote.

This year, Melenchon is running as the standard-bearer of a new party called France Insoumise (or, France Untamed)  and on a platform of taxing all income above 400,000 at 90 percent; shortening Frances draconian 35-hour workweek to 32 hours; exiting the American-dominated NATO and International Monetary Fund; demanding new terms from the European Union allowing France more freedom to set its own monetary, labor-market, and fiscal policies; rewriting the French Constitution to make the nation more small-d democratic; devaluing the euro; and radically increasing investment in offshore wind energy, while gradually transitioning France to an economy sustained by local produce and zero-carbon consumption.

Melenchon touts a genuinely radical view of world affairs, and has, in the past, evinced more sympathy for Hugo Chavezs former government than Americas. Melenchon once summarized his feelings about the United States thusly: Yankees  represent everything I detest. A pretentious and arrogant empire, composed of uncultured rubes and pitiable cooks.

But, as the quote might suggest, Melenchon is also a sophisticate with a quick wit. He outshined Macron during the televised debates, and won over some of the centrists soft supporters. And most of Macrons support is soft  the Establishments best hope is a first-time candidate from a brand new party. Macron has no historic base to fall back on.

Melenchons support from young leftists appears relatively intense. Some have sought to spread the good news about socialism via a video game: In Fiscal Kombat, the player guides an amped-up Melenchon down a French street, as he expropriates the wealth of the capitalist class, one bourgeois pedestrian at a time.

Melenchon is a fan.

One month ago, Melenchon was irrelevant, claiming a mere 12 percent support in polls. Now, those surveys are giving him 19 percent of the vote, putting him neck and neck with Fillon for third place. The front-runners, Macron and Le Pen, are polling just a bit ahead, at around 24 and 23 percent, respectively.

So: Theres a good chance this whole thing ends with the relatively mainstream, outsider candidate handing the Le Pen family another second-round embarrassment.

But its entirely plausible that the French will end up having to choose between a radical leftist euroskeptic and a neo-fascist one. Or between Catholic and populist flavors of neo-reaction. Or, really, any combination of the top four candidates. As FiveThirtyEights Harry Enten explains:



Polls in France are pretty good (better than in the United Kingdom), but theres still a margin of error. In the first round of the past eight presidential elections  according to data compiled by political scientists Will Jennings and Christopher Wlezien and aggregated by The Crosstabs G. Elliott Morris  the average absolute difference in the margin between the final weeks polling average and the top two finishers actual results has been 3 percentage points. Thats equal to the difference between Le Pen and Melenchon. Its 1 point less than the difference between Le Pen and Fillon over the last week.



And that 3-point error is just the average  sometimes there are bigger misses. Indeed, the true margin of error is probably closer to 7 to 9 points in either direction, depending on how you calculate it. Thats more than enough for Melenchon to catch Macron in round one.

If Macron survives Sunday, hell begin the run-off campaign with at least a 15-point polling advantage over any of his potential foes. If Le Pen makes the top two, she will begin hers with at least a 15-point deficit, no matter whom she faces. Which is to say: Communism still seems to have fascisms number in the 21st century.
Hillary Clinton delivered her concession speech in New York the day after the election. Photo: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

On November 9, Hillary Clinton did something she never thought shed have to do: She conceded the presidency to Donald Trump. Standing in a New York hotel wearing the same outfit shed picked out for her victory speech, Clinton delivered an emotional address that both apologized to her supporters and reassured them shed keep working to promote their interests.

Clintons loss was a shock to everyone, including (and maybe especially) her own campaign. And although dozens of analysts have done their best to pinpoint where she went wrong, Shattered: Inside Hillary Clintons Doomed Campaign, which comes out Tuesday, is a comprehensive look at how the flaws in Clintons operation allowed Trump to hijack large swaths of the electorate. Journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes go into plenty of detail about campaign gossip, but the most compelling part of the book is its last few chapters, when it recounts the grim ticktock of Election Night  including how Clinton and her aides pulled together a speech she was never supposed to deliver.

On Election Night, Allen and Parnes write, Clinton and her top aides were holed up at the Peninsula Hotel, just a block from Trump Tower in New York. As the night wore on and the numbers shifted in Trumps favor, the mood in the Clintons hotel suite grew bleak. At around 11 p.m., an Obama aide called Clintons campaign manager, Robby Mook, to relay a message: He wanted Clinton to concede. Clinton protested:

Im not ready to go give this speech. Though she focused her pushback on the nature of her remarksHow should she frame the election of Donald Trump? What would she say to little girls and elderly women who treated her as a champion? Could she hit the right notes?the effect was the same. Hillary wasnt quite ready to put an end to the dream shed pursued for at least the past decade.



Youre right, Mook assured her. I lost. Have a good night isnt the way to go.

Later that night, after a conversation with President Obama convinced her to call Trump and concede (the denouement lasted all of about a minute, Allen and Parnes wrote), Clinton sat down with her aides in her hotel suite to hash out a concession speech. Dan Schwerin, her chief speechwriter, had written a bare-bones draft, but he hadnt even shown it to Clinton, as he hadnt wanted the possibility of defeat clouding her mind. He and fellow speechwriter Megan Rooney fleshed it out, hammer[ing] out remarks aimed at comforting Americans who feared a Trump presidency. But Clinton took issue with the draft:

As Hillary thumbed through the pages, the speech struck her as tone-deaf. Its too charged, she thought, too political. When Hillary was done reading, she looked up and told her advisers it was too much.



Its not my job anymore to do this, she said, her voice growing more forceful as Chelsea nodded in agreement. Other people will criticize him. Thats their job. I have done it. I just lost, and that is that, she continued. That was my last race. With clear marching orders, she instructed her speechwriting team to go back to the drawing board and strike a balance shorter on stating values and longer on graciousness.

Clinton went to bed before her aides, who slipped a finished draft of the speech under her hotel-room door at 5 a.m. When they met the next morning to go over the wording one more time, Clinton had changed her mind again. We should go further than we have, she told her team, according to Allen and Parnes. I want you to put in the Constitution as a device. Once the tone of the speech had transitioned from gracious to graciously critical, Clinton made one last major change:

In one of the margins, she had drawn a circle with a cross beneath itthe symbol for women. She said she wanted to say something about the glass ceilingthat it would someday be shattered. Rooney added sooner than we think and to all the girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful. She and her aides made tweaks right up until the time, around midday, that she stepped to a podium at the New Yorker Hotel.

As Allen and Parnes tell it, Clinton was much more unmoored by her loss than she appeared when she gave her speech. Inside, theres a person thats crushed, one longtime friend said of her. Theres a person thats got to rebuild her life. But on November 9, at least, she delivered.
Ivanka Trumps Chinese involvement is tricky. Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

Ivanka Trump became an official White House employee (albeit an unpaid one) to avoid ethical concerns, but it seems the First Daughter is still finding it difficult to keep business and politics separate. According to an Associated Press report, on April 6 Ivankas company won approval from the Chinese government for three new trademarks, giving it monopoly rights to sell Ivanka-brand jewelry, bags, and spa services in the worlds second-largest economy. Later that night, Ivanka sat next to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a formal dinner at Mar-a-Lago.

The trademarks are the latest sign that Ivankas brand is thriving under her fathers presidency, especially in China, where shes become wildly popular. And although shes technically stepped down from her brand and rolled her fashion and jewelry lines into a $50 million trust, shell continue to receive payments from them. To further complicate matters, many items from Ivankas clothing line also happen to be manufactured in China.

All these factors combine to create a situation that, while not technically illegal, is certainly ethically fraught. According to the AP, federal conflict-of-interest laws prevent government officials from getting involved in policy issues that could directly affect their own financial interests, or those of their spouse. That would seem to mean both Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, staying silent on any issues related to China, including trade and diplomacy.

Ivanka has so many China ties and conflicts, yet she and Jared appear deeply involved in China contacts and policy, said Norman Eisen, who was chief White House ethics lawyer under President Obama. I would never have allowed it.

But Ivankas lawyer, Jamie Gorelick, told the AP that Ivanka and Jared are under no legal obligation to step back from huge swaths of policy, like trade with China. You have to assess it case-by-case, she said.

This isnt even the first time the First Daughter has been criticized for meeting with the leader of a country where she has business ties  in December, she sat in on her fathers meeting with Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe while her brand was finalizing licensing deals in Japan.

After the election, Ivankas brand applied for at least nine new trademarks in the Philippines, Puerto Rico, the U.S., and Canada, according to public records. And although Ivanka herself didnt sign off on the trademark applications, they could still color the appearance of, say, future Broadway dates with Justin Trudeau.
On this weeks episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, our A plot was Khloes friendship with Malika; our B plot was Kendall and Kylies work as Kendall and Kylie stylists; and our C plot was Kims struggle to help Kanye West. Yall already know what time it is: #LEGGO.

Scene 1/Cold Open:

As last weeks To be continued  led us to believe, this weeks episode picks up right where the most recent finished. Crying, Kim talks on the phone with Kanyes friend, whos informed her that hes in the hospital. Kim asks over and over if whats happening is serious, trying to gauge what exactly is going on with her husband. In her confessional interviews, Kim elaborates on the call, saying that no one was telling her anything. Once shes off the phone, Kim stops crying, immediately pulls herself together, and tells Kris and Kourtney that he  its unclear if its Kanye or his friend  was simply crying on the other end of the call, unable to give an update on what exactly was happening. Concerned but agitated, Kim tells her family that she just wants him to tell her whats wrong. Like the final scenes in last weeks episode, this scene was filmed on November 21, 2016.

Photo: E!

Scene 2:

Later that day, Kris visits Kim, who is resting in her hotel-room bed. Kims on the phone with her assistant Steph Shep, expressing her worry about the upcoming Angel Ball, where her dad, the late Robert Kardashian, will be honored. Should she stay in New York, or fly back to L.A.? Shes also anxious about the press Kanye will get from his hospitalization. With the help of Kris, Kim decides to go be with Kanye because she feels like its the right thing to do. Kris seems to have completed her glam for the ball, as her hair and makeup dont have a single flaw; still, she balances her eyeglasses on her head and asks Kim if she needs a travel companion back to L.A. Kim tells her mother to stay and honor Robert, but Kris insists. Shes sure Khloe and Kourtney can handle the ball on their own. Kim thinks for a second and finalizes her decision: Her mom should stay in New York. Kris finally agrees to stay, but not before telling Kim to text her when shes about to leave so she can run and give her a hug. Like Scene 1, this scene was filmed on November 21, 2016.

Photo: E!

Photo: E!

In a separate car from Khloe and Kourtney, Kris rides with the most patient man in America, Corey Gamble. Corey seems to have arranged Kims rescheduled travel back to L.A., because Kris asks about her departure like he single-handedly runs JetLux.

Photo: E!

At the ball, Kris meets up with Kourtney and Khloe. She also handles interviews, mainly about Kim and her recovery from the robbery, while the other two pose for photos like the fanciest mute children this side of the equator. The questions continue even as they take their seats in the ballroom next to Tommy Hilfiger, Lorraine Schwartz, and Denise Rich. Many got the memo that Kim was supposed to be in attendance, which means Corey is telling inquiring strangers that Kim is tending to a family emergency  language Im sure that Kris did not approve.

Photo: E!

Photo: E!

Before taking the stage, Kris, Kourtney, and Khloe are introduced by a woman who strokes the ego of every charitable celebrity harder than they ever could when she calls celebrity philanthropy an incredibly powerful force. Following, she shows the video that features old footage of Robert Kardashian, including his wedding to Kris, that were to believe Kourtney, Kim, and Khloe cut together themselves. With that said, I fast-forwarded through most of it because I dont have enough money to cover water damage on my computer caused by tears.

Kris does in fact speak, honoring her late husband and what he taught her about giving all one can. Its bittersweet to see her high regard for her ex-spouse, because net money she would never cry over Caitlyn like that. Like every scene leading up to this one, this scene was filmed on November 21, 2016.

Photo: E!

Scene 5:

After the Angel Ball storyline is finally put to bed, Khloe flies from New York City to Cleveland, Ohio, to be with her boyfriend, Tristan Thompson, for Thanksgiving. Khloe feels bad being away from Kim, but was given the okay by her sister to travel outside the state of California. Once shes there, and purely as an act of holiday kindness and not at all as one of opportunity and exposure, Tristan brings Khloe with him to a local church where they feed the less fortunate and show face in front of the congregation. Khloe and Tristan are both honored by the pastor, and Khloe tells local community members how much of a blessing being there is. This scene was filmed on November 22, 2016.

Photo: E!

Scene 7:

Back in Calabasas, California, Kris Jenner makes a business call (i.e., chats with Corey Gamble) while Life of Kylie star Kylie Jenner plays on Snapchat. Interrupting Kriss call, the two play with the puppy filter and get some snaps out to the universe. And, as it turns out, Kriss call was less business and more of a plea for whoever was on the other line to purchase her the same tequila that Cindy Crawford drinks, stat. Kendall soon joins the mix, which is the perfect time for Kris to tell her mini-mogul daughters that their clothing line is going to be reviewed by Vogue. Kendall, the Vogue vet of the family, is super anxious, while Kylie just flexes her permanently puckered pout to show excitement. Kendall and Kylie also take time to muck up Kriss hair and re-create the spiked look she rocked in Season 1. This scene was filmed on September 24, 2016.

Photo: E!

Photo: E!

Photo: E!

Scene 10:

Though Kris just told her children that their line will be reviewed by Vogue, Kendall and Kylie already seem to have a rack of clothes expertly placed in Kriss living room for them to review and paw over with faux anxiety. Yet again, Kylie is as cool as a pack of Kylighters and Kendall huffs and puffs in nervous bursts, wondering if this review could tarnish her modeling career. Kylie calms her sister down by fake crying, and Kendall asks her sister if anyones ever told her she looks like a Bratz doll. Like the Scene 7, this one was filmed on September 24, 2016.

Photo: E!

Photo: E!

Scene 13:

In New York City, Kendall and Kylie prepare to show their line to Vogues Nicole Phelps for review. Kendall, dressed like a high-end paper boy, doesnt know how to carry herself because shes used to being the face of Vogue, not being judged by them. I would assume Kendalls  and Kylies  nerves were on level 10 because Vogue typically reviews lines like Givenchy and Louis Vuitton, not collections from PacSun employees.

Sadly, the girls dont seem to know how to answer the simplest of questions, like what their style is or the demographic of the brand. They say their style is super cool, comfortable and simple and that their brand does skew toward a younger demographic but everyone can wear the line. To really hit the nail over the head, they tell Nicole that the two of them used to be California girls but now theyve evolved. What that evolution is, we dont know.

Following the walk-through of garments, Nicole requests to see their old collection and whispers to an assistant, I want to see the evolution. Same, Sis. Kendall and Kylie both changed outfits multiple times during this scene, probably to show off how many simple looks they could wear in one day! This scene was filmed on September 7, 2016.

Photo: E!

The simplest girls in all the land. Photo: E!

Scene 14:

Khloe Kardashian, health and wellness guru of Southern California, films a fitness project for protein shakes in an 80s-inspired workout ensemble. Unfortunately, we have to listen to Khloe tell the camera why she loves fitness shakes before getting to the real drama of her telling off Everybodys Favorite Best Friend, Malika, about her absentee behavior now that shes got a boyfriend  Ronnie from The Jersey Shore, whom she met on another E! Reality show, Famously Single. Khloe claims Malika hasnt been picking up her phone calls, and Malika tells Khloe that sometimes priorities have to change, which Khloe should know a lot about after practically moving to Cleveland to be with Tristan. Rightfully, Khloe thinks this is an unfair comparison because Malika is still involved in her life, citing group trips to Mexico as an example. They have trouble seeing eye to eye, so they fight over who has actually changed since being in a committed relationship, and the scene ends with Malika telling Khloe to shut up, as she storms out of the room to presumably get more plastic surgery. This scene was filmed on December 14, 2016.

Photo: E!

Photo: E!

Photo: E!

Scene 17:

After their explosive fight at Khloes job, EFBF Malika shows up unannounced at Khloes home to hash out their differences. Were to believe that the last time the two friends spoke was during their fight in Scene 14. Malika and Khloe sit down for a heart-to-heart, and through smiles, Khloe asks Malika whats up with all of the #drama. Malika explains that shes felt some distance, both physically and emotionally, and doesnt want to disrupt her happiness. Khloe defends herself, claiming to be even more available when shes out of town, since thats when she has more free time. While talking, Malika breaks down in tears and says she misses her best friend, especially now because she and her boyfriend Ronnie have broken up. Malika still cant seem to keep the tears from leaking out of her second face, which floors Khloe. Probably because this scene was filmed on March 1, 2017, months after their fight in Scene 14 and at least two months after Malika and Ronnie broke up. Plus, Malika was with Khloe working out before she came knocking on her door out of the blue.

After Khloe and Malika mend their broken friendship, Khloe uses her interview to wonder aloud whether Malikas tears may have something to do with being embarrassed about dating Ronnie from The Jersey Shore.

Photo: E!

Photo: E!

Photo: E!

Photo: E!

Photo: E!

Scene 18:

On set, fashion maven and notorious dum-dum Kendall Jenner models with Will.I.Ams BUTTON headphones. Kris is also around, taking selfies with Andre Leon Talley and most likely asking if people like her new hairstyle. After Kendall and her baby face pose for their lives, Kris corners her child to show her the Vogue review. Kristen Jenner is beside herself with excitement, trying to explain to Kendall that the reviews never get sent out this quickly, proving to herself that this is ~*special*~. What Kris fails to tell Kendall is that this review was more of an I physically laid eyes on the collection blurb about the pieces that ran the same day Nicole met with the girls. Still, Kris tries to talk through everything as Kendall reads, which makes her shush her own mom. If only she were this concentrated when she read the Pepsi script  then she might have gotten a spin-off show just like her sister did. This scene was filmed on September 10, 2016.

Photo: E!

Photo: E!

Photo: E!

Photo: E!

Its been real, dolls. Remember to stay present and keep an eye out on this space for yet another #KUWTKE recap of Keeping Up With Nicole Phelps. #Ronnie
My thoughts exactly. On all accounts.

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There was like no dancing in Heather's. Maks needs to retire from the show because he's got no creativity

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I didn't watch, but I agree with any comment trashing Maks' lack of creativity. I've been saying that ever since that post saying that he was paired with Heather. I don't see her winning because Maks is boring.

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Maks only had creativity with Meryl.

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I'm so glad the judges called out Maks'choreo because it was weak. I'm not hopeful it will improve. :/

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Nick's scores were ridiculous. He didn't really dance, more flopping around than anything. haha

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Simone was fantastic tonight. As was Normani. Final two, or there is no justice in this world.

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Normani was fantastic!

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How the eff did Simone and Sasha not get a perfect score?!



Also Erika totally knew she was going home before the show started. You could just tell looking at her.



IA about how they do the results. Emma and Rashard got to dance and then find out, do it for the others like that

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Poor Erika, Nick should've gone before her.





Seems pretty stupid to tell people they're safe/in jeopardy, that would completely mess with me.

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Tbh David should've gone before both of them. He can't dance at all.

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David probably had the most votes last week. They showed his dance and had the voting number up during the Cubs rain delay, so the whole stadium probably voted for him.

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He definitely can't, but I think he's more likable than Erika.

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Hdu! He's the reason I'm watching this season!













I do agree he's not great, but he's so likable, I don't care & I will use all of my votes on him every week. I think Cubs Nation can carry him a couple more weeks.

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There's always that one person who can't dance but has a charming personality that keeps them in a few weeks longer than necessary

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omg Normani did THAT! Of course Len's hating ass gave her a 9 smh.

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I was pissed but not surprised. I like that Len pushes for more content most of the time, but I feel like when it's Disney Night, he needs to relax a little and embrace the fun.

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The camera work and the choreography of Heather's dance killed her chance at giving a spectacular performance. Heather doing jazz should have been a no-brainer and Maks fucked it up.

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THis is some bullshit

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She was so stiff though. Like yeah, she could do the splits and high kicks, but the rest was bad.

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I'm so excited for Boy Bands and Girl Groups next week!



Normani should've gotten a perfect score this week. She's so good!



I wish Alan was Heather's permanant partner, or even a pro.





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Alan really should be. I can see Heather making a early exit without him

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They really should bring the in jeopardy thing back to the end of the show. It's not fair for the contestants.



Len doesn't like giving 10s til near the end of the show. I don't get why Carrie Ann didn't give Simone that 10 though.



Alan should be Heather's permanent partner. They've danced more together and have better chemistry. Maks is a mess for that choreo. Heather could do way better since she's trained in jazz and hip hop.



Edited at 2017-04-18 02:18 am (UTC)

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Normani was amazing 

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i love heather and watching her dance, but she's getting fucked every which way lol. i knew she'd never win and she had an obvious advantage going in, so i can't really begrudge the balancing it out but



thought normani would be winning this for sure just because of the way fifth harmony fans vote (i don't buy she was legitimately in the bottom three for votes this week), but i definitely get the feeling the show is hoping for rashad to win

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apparently, they randomly put people in jeopardy to "shock" the viewers. it's rarely the real bottom 2, 3 (some dwts fans on twitter told me). but even with the fans vote, Normani's in danger. white america is watching and voting. I wouldn't be surprised if David and Bonner got the most votes and Mani's high scores are what helps her stay. white America loves their basic white men. they won't vote for the black girl who's part of a girl group they probably don't know. Erika has been voted off because the grannies on facebook thought she was too "raunchy" and from what I've heard she has a big following. but most people call Normani "the new Nicole Schersinger" of the show.

from what I saw, the DWTS fans predict Rashad, Normani and Simone at the finale. I would love it lmao, yall wish. ever since #her departure, the group twitter account only gained more followers and they still won every fan awards show they've been nominated this year. 9/9apparently, they randomly put people in jeopardy to "shock" the viewers. it's rarely the real bottom 2, 3 (some dwts fans on twitter told me). but even with the fans vote, Normani's in danger. white america is watching and voting. I wouldn't be surprised if David and Bonner got the most votes and Mani's high scores are what helps her stay. white America loves their basic white men. they won't vote for the black girl who's part of a girl group they probably don't know. Erika has been voted off because the grannies on facebook thought she was too "raunchy" and from what I've heard she has a big following. but most people call Normani "the new Nicole Schersinger" of the show.from what I saw, the DWTS fans predict Rashad, Normani and Simone at the finale. I would love it

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She wasnt in the bottom three, she was in jeopardy. They just put random people in there for dramatic effect

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normani did that

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Dorit is pleased.





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as am I. Erika is garbage

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i have turned around so much from hating dorit to absolutely loving her. what a sweetheart. erika can eat it tbh she sucks

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I agree.

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I'm shocked they added a POC in there, this movie is trash. I'm sure this will make a lot of money.

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Meh only because it's Kristoff. You just know they would never cast either of the sisters as POC...

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Could you imagine the butthurt white people, I want this now.

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They have for the musical show that's in Disneyland. She did really well and my kid didn't even care/notice, but online people said a black Elsa was "distracting" and "not authentic". And the guy walking behind the Olaf puppet wasn't? SMH.

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I don't know how many they cast, but at least one of the Disney cruise Elsa's is/was a POC. I'm glad they kept Kristoff a POC since he has been since the labs. I was almost certain they'd cast a white dude as soon as it was time to cast for broadway.

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it's true, I don't think they'd cast a POC for a white princess for the original cast. but when they recast after the original cast has left they might. Disney made a big deal about Toni Braxton playing Belle back in the 90s (they even added a new song for her)

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I've never seen Richard Madden look better than he does in your ava--like whereiit from? Is it Richard Madden?

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I'm wondering how this will do. My niece was crazy over the movie for like a month, but now if you ask her about it she's like I don't know her "i don't watch it anymore"

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Ugh. I am WAITING for the day my niece reaches that point. She's 5 and been obsessed about the movie or just Elsa, I can't figure it out for months.

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I'm still wondering why little girls are obsessed with Elsa...yeah she's pretty and she has cool ice powers but that's it....there's nothing else to her character. Anna has more personality. When I was little I loved "princesses" like Mulan, Pocahontas, Kida(so underrated) because they were brave and stood for what they believed in but also gentle and kind and funny. Elsa is so bland in comparison...also she was barely in the movie! I saw let it go and thought "ah she seems so badass maybe I should check out the movie" and when I took the time to pirate it I was so disappointed that was pretty much her only scene !



Edited at 2017-04-18 04:00 pm (UTC)

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lol my niece was the same except her phase lasted a few months. Girl would want anything Frozen related. But now she can't stand it.



Kids move on fast tho,she's obsessed with Moana now.

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(I saw Santino Fontana on the train a few weeks ago, I think. He's shorter than I expected but he has qt hipster glasses.) (I saw Santino Fontana on the train a few weeks ago, I think. He's shorter than I expected but he has qt hipster glasses.)

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this is gonna make so much money

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2nd from the right looks like the spawn of kate mckinnon and amy schumer



Edited at 2017-04-18 03:37 pm (UTC)

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I'm getting strong Amy Smart vibes

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Don't really curr about a Bway version of Frozen, but I do like Caissie and Patti (and her v good taste in husbands).

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I wish I could care. I'm still butthurt that they never brought the Hunchback of Notre Dame musical to broadway, I've been listening to that soundtrack obsessively for the past few months.



I'm also hurt that the Anastasia musical soundtrack won't come out until June so I've been compensating with shitty bootlegs at the moment 

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For example, a theater in California will be doing it this September.



http://www.excite.com/events/theater-tickets/The-Hunchback-Of-Notre-Dame/index.php Hunchback may not be on Broadway, but it's still being performed in certain theaters. You just need to keep checking to see if it'll be performed somewhere near you.For example, a theater in California will be doing it this September.

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i'm still pressed about hond, i listen to the soundtrack so often from start to finish because it's that good. also, michael arden being robbed of another tony is unacceptable.

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broadway and the uk, casting all the regular looking folks!

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Already know how outraged white people will be about a black Kristoff, saying that it's inaccurate to the location/time period (even though it's a damn animation), and then use it as a counterargument when people bring up whitewashing. ("They made Kristoff black on Broadway and we didn't whine, don't complain!")



I'm happy for the actor though, wishing him the best, he's really qt tbh.

I'm okay with a Frozen musical, but I feel like it's still too soon, the hysteria just ended about it even though it's been a few years.



Edited at 2017-04-18 04:06 pm (UTC)

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It's interesting cause Okieriete Onaodowan played Kristoff in the lab as well. I wonder if it's just a concidence or they were consciously looking to add diversity.

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I actually didn't know that, that's cool. Even if it was a conscious choice, I feel like it's a good thing (the actors have to be strong enough for the part anyway).

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Kinda meh on the cast but it'll do well cause it's Frozen.

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i want to re-watch this movie now

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I really needed this laugh LMAO what in the fresh hell is this shit?

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Right? wtf

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That Native American curse coming back to bite his ass.

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I think I am late, but I thought the entire point of this story was that he didn't look like an actual assassin, which is why it works? Maybe I misunderstood, and if that ISN'T the point then oh dear god...

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It is lol

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I wouldn't look him and think he was, so, I'm assuming it is.

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keaton deserves better

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We all do

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he was robbed

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To be fair he was in Birdman and Spotlight and the Founder probably would have a better chance if it's release wasn't botched so idk about picking better projects, he's done pretty well for the most part

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I would have said this as well, but after he was feeling himself too much thinking that the Oscar was his for birdman, nah. Egos to the left.

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Yep

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Honestly, I'm just happy to see him working :')



I wish Dylan would go for more comedy parts since I think that's where he excels, but this doesn't look bad tbh~

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Imma give this white boy a chance but he does seem very miscast based on his previous projects. Im really rooting for Sanaa though.

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lmaooooo

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I checked the date and it seems NOT to be April 1st? And yet...

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check again

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perfect reaction gif

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Holland's fake dimples are so weird to me

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What?? Her dimples are fake ??

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met ^^^you guys missed some great posts

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lol

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It looks better than I thought it would tbh. I'll prob see this. In the theater



Negl he looks better than I thought he would too. LOL @ how much onto hates him.



Edited at 2017-04-18 05:38 pm (UTC)

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1. is this the elusive maze runner guy? i thought he was supposed to be attractive



2. batman?



edit: im sorry i cant get through this, the stupidity of it all on top of the London Has Fallen flashbacks im getting have proven too tough to overcome



Edited at 2017-04-18 05:17 pm (UTC)

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lmao well they tried

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I'm sure he'd make a great assassin. He blends in and absolutely doesn't stand out at all. Perfect for disappearing into crowds. Go try it now, Dylan.

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lmao

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hahah

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he looks like a tween in the middle of an awkward growth spurt

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bitch can barely grow a proper beard and I'm supposed to believe he's an assassin?

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based on every fanfic about Teen Wolf ever, he's a perpetually 16-looking twink

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that's not based on fanfics girl, look at him

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america fuck yeah

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I so don't get the thirst some people have over this guy, I kinda get it with Chris Evans, he does nothing for he and he is the most basic and blandest actor ever, but he is conventionally atractive and his whiteness makes his less than mediocre acting skills look better, but this guy?? I just... why people are trying to make him a thing? I don't get it, gringos and their shitty taste tbh.





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Why are u punishing me?

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lol i love that he forgot his youtube password so these videos are here for infinity

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I'm glad that so many people are still pushing for open dialogue and that it isn't a 'fad' or temporary cause to champion.

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i'm so glad we are having this conversation

for real

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Having lived in the UK for most of a decade and dated an English guy the entire time, I just hope this campaign makes a positive influence cause omg the amount of people I know that refuse to admit or share on mental health is surprising.



Meanwhile there's me and my bffl from El Salvador sit in the pub and discuss our issues openly and my bf is like 'uhhhh'.

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I get what you mean, but me and my friends openly discuss our mental health too (we're all British). I'd say it's more of a generational thing tbh. Although there are still young people unwilling to talk about or acknowledge mental health, I still see/hear others talking about it in a way older people straight-out refuse to.



Though there is still that very British idea of just "getting on with things" and ignoring any issues, that's something that has seemed to transcend class boundaries as well imo.

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prince willam isn't that cute at all, but good for them making this known for others to speak apon

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...cause only cute people can speak apon this issue?

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lmao why is it like lady gaga is doing kate middleton cosplay. this is great though



i don't necessarily suffer from chronic depression/anxiety but i do go to a therapist and she has really been helping me. mostly i just talk about how lonely and how i would like female friendships- i feel like its hard to meet other women and bond with them without them expecting me to be a certain way and it's just really uncomfortable

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omg I am loling so hard it does really look like she tried to do British rich lady drag



Edited at 2017-04-18 06:34 pm (UTC)

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Because Lady Gaga is a theater kid who loves to have over the top personas from time to time

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She needs to work with arca but like one song and not a whole album

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lmao she's so OTT. She has a different character/persona to fit every single project she does 

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she really is. she was like "get me my brown, serious wig!!!"

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I'm with you on the not having super serious issues (mild anxiety?) and going to a therapist. I talk about my shitty love life and my life plateauing. The other week I had a rant about how of course life isn't fair and there's no point whining about it being unfair because it just is but it still fucking sucks nonetheless because it feels there's so little you can effectively do that's actually in your control when it comes to that stuff.

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also my mental health attitude is basically 'nothing gets better and it doesn't matter so rock out and just try your best'

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i like this

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I got hit with another wave of rejections yesterday and just am like.....what's the point of anything anymore. I also wish mental health stuff in the US was treated equally by insurers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield only wanted to pay for maybe 8 sessions and then would be assholes to my therapists.

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That happened to me with BCBS but apparently if your therapist just gives you a formal diagnosis of something (say, anxiety), then that can actually get you past the maximum number of sessions you'd otherwise be stuck with under BCBS?

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How did you explain your anxiety to your family? I've tried, but the main reaction was: "Why are you being so irrational and why are you making this my problem?" :/

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dis queen. elizabeth is shook

the video was a bit awkward to watch tbh (not because of the subject, but because of the sheer weirdness of these two having a conversation), but it's great that this series exists



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I don't deal with my problems. I deny and hide them until I have no other choice but to face them head-on. These past few months have been really bad and I am afraid I already lost at least one friend because of my inability to cope. That said, I've tried to talk to people but my friends/family only seem to have sympathy for people with "actual" illnesses or relationship problems. I'm so sick of my mental illness constantly being treated as a character flaw.

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normally i spend time with my dogs, go for walks, do relaxing things, read etc. but they haven't been working lbr. i have an assessment and seeing my doctor this week because lbr i've been depressed since the election and i don't want to live like this. i've been there, done that already, and got my life back, so i'm going to push forward gdi

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werk that brunette wig gaga



the prince should use one too tbh

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Men who don't have guts just to shave it all off are such a pet peeve of mine. Like, bald guys are actually really hot, I haven't ever seen that phrase said about someone who's head looks like Cynthia from Rugrats

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ya i agree... either do something about it with like a hair transplant or a fierce wig OR shave it all off.. the patchiness isn't hot

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I'm still trying to recover from ha Coachella set! 



Them visual 

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I think that's Her real hair w/ extensions  She dyed it brunette about a month ago

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Depression, anxiety and ADHD have always been my biggest struggles. For the longest time, I couldn't quite pin point why I was feeling low or having mood swings or breaking down over the smallest things. It literally crippled my early 20's. I tried medication, but it always made things worse. One of the key things that helped me was having balance in my life and learning how to take care of myself. I saw a nutritionist and learned about how food allergies and eating junk food can really worsen symptoms of depression/anxiety/adhd. Once I eliminated the food that was bad for me, I started feeling better. I also made sure to have a consistent sleep schedule. Making small life changes over a long period of time really helped. I still deal with it. It's not 100% gone. But I'm at a point where I can function and feel happy.

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with the right medication and some xanax

going outside in the sun helps a little

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shit, i love xanax, but i had to go off it. my body became dependent on it. and the withdrawals are terrrrrible.

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I take fluoxetine and my life has felt good ever since. Someone on here convinced me to take my prescribed medicine just over a year ago and I've never looked back. I'm afraid of coming off them though because i was having really deluded thoughts. I almost left my husband and he didn't even do anything. Like i was sobbing every day because i love him so much but i had this constant nag in my head that i ABSOLUTELY HAD to leave him and run away because... No reason whatsoever, to go... Nowhere in particular. It was a fucking trip.

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Citalopram was okay for me, but fluoxetine has been a million times better. I feel like a normal (for want of a better word) person. Like, i don't feel numb. I still worry and get upset, but those reactions are generally appropriate for what's going on around me. I feel an appropriate range of emotions and there's room in my head for me, not just all of my overblown anxieties.



Omg tell me about it. I was terrified. At one point at had myself convinced that if i didn't leave my husband he would die and it would be my fault like ???????? There was no logic to it but it ruled my life.



Have you been on fluoxetine for long? I'm glad to hear they're working better for you, how was the initial period for you?

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Glad they're doing this!



Also I just finally watched her Coachella set and I always forget how many true bops she has, really enjoyed it

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i tried searching for it on the live stream, but i couldnt find it! where did you watch it?

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Another user linked to it in a different post: http://ladygaganow.co/lady-gaga-delivers-explosive-performance-at-coachella-2017 it's not the best quality but I couldn't find anything else

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omg it was scary how he was on the run for so long.. and side comment but it's also scary how ppl have also been doing fb live videos of torturing others, etc

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what kind of chicken shit response

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Get rid of it. Or only allow Pages to go live. idk.

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it was live, though, wasn't it? not just an uploaded video?

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MTE.



The only reason this isn't as big of a deal is because I'm p. sure youtube would immediately stop something like this and your Meemaw doesn't use Twitch

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"I'm p. sure youtube would immediately stop something like this"



How? Does Youtube employ millions of people to instantaneously review every video that's flagged?

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I misread the last part as "Mark Zuckerberg can't fix the weird..."



I wish the news outlets would stop sensationalizing this. I fear that there are going to be copycats.

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This.



It's obviously horrible that someone would do this. But Facebook live isn't the problem here. It's the assholes that take advantage of it to broadcast their crimes and get a sick enjoyment out of the reactions.



Yes the video/stream should have been taken down faster but that doesn't mean they should scrap the app completely. Just have more moderators that take reported stuff seriously. And this applies to site as a whole not just the live app.

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mte. if it wasn't facebook it would have been something else. besides people have been recording this shit for years even before live was even a thing. they filmed their crimes either for themselves or to send into tv networks, the police, etc;

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I agree

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wasn't the video up for a few hours after the murder though? from what i saw that's what people were upset about, which i can understand.

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True but FB does allow mass amounts of highly questionable material on their platform. The algorithm they use to check comments for if it violates standards is a fucking joke.



In all honesty tho, none of these social platforms need a live option. The possible exceptions being for verified accounts. There is such a thing as everyone being too connected and all these live options have proven that. People are using these platforms to commit crimes and others are watching/spreading it without second thought.

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I don't like facebook, and ia.



It's impossible to correct human nature, some are just rotten.

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Welp just like the fake news bit



I mean can you not try to be more discerning like evidence posted in meme form is highly suspect

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I deleted FB a few years ago and don't miss it tbh. I reactivated not long ago to get en email/phone number from someone and for the few hours I checked it I got a headache again. I do still use Twitter and IG though. I get a lot of my news and articles via Twitter.



Social media has done a lot of good but has also done so much damage. I didn't watch the Cleveland video but the details were horrific. I also read about that gang rape video too. What's also sick is people seeing something like that and not even bothering to report it. Technology can be a hellscape.

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I didn't watch the video either but I couldn't sleep for hours last night 'cause I kept thinking about the description I read. It's so horrifying.

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A friend of mine deleted her facebook and a few years later a friend informed her it had been reactivated. Like to permanently delete your facebook you have to email them and then in two weeks its officially deleted for good.

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Yeah I forget what it says when you deactivate but sounds about right. I have a lot of privacy concerns with that whole thing too.

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You don't have to email - You can go to justdelete.me and follow the link. And I believe it takes 21 days. I deleted my first account but I rejoined :(

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twitter is the best imo. you can so easily create a little community of the things you like there. and you get so much information.

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i deactivated in november and i dont miss it either



i fill my time with other things now

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Urgh, recently three guys raped a girl here in Sweden and live stremed it in some group. Thankfully some of the members called the police while it happened but the prosecutor had to fight so hard for Facebook to release the video.

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did they succeed?

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Yes! But it took them like two months, they started the trial before getting access to the film.

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omg what happened in the end of the trial??? did they went to jail?!?!

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you have any eng news link for that?

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Wtf!!! People can be so sick.

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maybe get rid of facebook live

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Why? I don't use it personally but a lot of the organizations I'm part of use it for events and talks and other interesting things. Psychos like this would find another way if it didn't exist.

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But younow and insta has a live stream too. They'll find ways to livestream regardless if fblive exists or not.

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I think they'd move to IG and Snapchat instead :/

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That makes no fucking sense, it's just a streaming service. Many exist.

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This is exactly what I was saying. I know people dont want it gone because it helps promote activities that they deem important or cause worthy but its created an avenue for the type of violence that mostly happened on live leak. Facebook live gives these types of people more access to reach citizens they woudlnt normally be able to reach through shares and automatic play feeds.

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facebook live has done a lot of good though. one of my favourite people michael landsberg hosted a new years eve party on facebook live for everyone who was alone, or didn't liked new years. it was really cool.



the problem isn't facebook live. if it didn't exist he'd have used another platform. if there were no lives, he could have filmed it and then put it on youtube or another video hosting site. and if that wasn't there he'd probably have filmed it anyways. people have been filming their crimes and murders for a long time.

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It's obviously very terrible, but what exactly are they supposed to about it? I don't see how they could stop certain kinds of material before it even exists.

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If they had a screening process with a delay the event could still be seen as live although it would be screened before being in real time. A delay could really help with shutting these things down faster.

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That would be unrealistic though, seeing as the screening of every single live stream would take way too much manpower (there would have to be an actual person watching the entire stream to make sure something that starts out innocent doesn't turn out sinister). And in the end it wouldn't be live, so the purpose would be lost (ie live comments/questions etc). The delay wouldn't help the main problem either; the person being killed would still be killed.

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I saw that news story :( tragic.

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Yeah I thought about that as soon as I heard of this. I wish people would just kill themselves and be done with it.



Edited at 2017-04-18 06:37 pm (UTC)

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Exactly I can't believe this fool killed himself. Couldn't you have done that BEFORE killing this poor man for absolutely no reason

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Live broadcasting didnt cause him to commit these crimes...twitter and instagram both have live features too. I don't understand why facebook is being held responsible...

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how could you even prevent this from happening though?



also the family of the man have come out and said they have no animosity towards the killer (i'm not saying his name ugh). they're much better people than i could ever be.

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Theres a weird trend where people have been coming out forgiving people who have done harm to them. The most recent case I can think of is when the victims of the church shooting came out and said they forgave him for what he did and then backtracked when he showed no remorse for killing those people. I think the media plays a hand in somewhat coercing the families of victims to show some type of forgiveness in response to the actions of people who do their loved ones harm.

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coming from a religious family i totally understand how cathartic it must be to get to a place where you can forgive someone who has done something so horrible to someone you love. at the same time i think i agree with you. i really wish the media would just leave families alone when horrible stuff like this happens. when i was in middle school a classmate of mine was murdered and her mother ended up changing her name on her apartment buzzer because some media kept trying to talk to her and she wanted nothing to do with it.

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I can say I am not one of those people that will be there like I forgive so and so



I won't forgive my father for being an ass wipe so chances of me forgiving some random is unlikely

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Everyone who has seen it said that even if they have seen all the other morbid videos online, this one was the worst and they wish they hadn't watched.

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Same, I kno if I'd still have FB I'd probably see it all over

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This is why I censored my search feeds on twitter and dont go on my facebook because I do not want to see that shit. Automatic play on twitter is a horrible idea.

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I have watched a lot of fucked up shit and moved on with my day. I decided to watch the Russian ambassador and that still has me a little shook up



I could never watch this video bc the man reminds me of stepdad and they're not too far apart in age



I just imagine someone killing my dad as he's just doing his daily walks for no good reason and then publicly boasting on it... I'll refrain from this one

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hate this little shit. hope he never runs for office

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Uh, are people actually going after Facebook for this?

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People have been coming for Facebook and social media in general. I've seen so many "This wouldn't have happened if social media didn't exist" comments... on social media lol.

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Lol the EU wants to fine FB for pretty much every hate comment if they dont delete it within an hour. Its redic, like what even defines a "hateful comment". Its in the eye of the beholder and on the verge of censorship



Edited at 2017-04-18 06:54 pm (UTC)

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https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/mar/14/social-media-hate-speech-fines-germany-heiko-maas-facebook



Basically, Facebook in Germany has continually failed to remove hate speech targeted at refugees and foreigners, and Germany has pretty strict hate speech laws, therefore Facebook is hosting illegal content. Similar restrictions are already in effect for things like certain types of pornography or extreme depictions of violence, though with those Facebook is somehow always quick to remove. It's not "for every comment", I think it's pretty reasonable that there's a discussion of the possibility at least (if that's what you're talking about):Basically, Facebook in Germany has continually failed to remove hate speech targeted at refugees and foreigners, and Germany has pretty strict hate speech laws, therefore Facebook is hosting illegal content. Similar restrictions are already in effect for things like certain types of pornography or extreme depictions of violence, though with those Facebook is somehow always quick to remove.

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I have 0 sympathy for her ass.

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mods should add that tag in the next tag post

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I'll sign on to that team.

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Here for their mutual annihilation.

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This might be the most team NO ONE I've ever been.

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word choices on air had to be addressed repeatedly for bordering on the profane.



........Soooooo the draw the line at profanity? lol. Oh.



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Weren't y'all saying this was a conspiracy for her to get out? lol

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I ain't buyin it!!!!



Cancel them both.

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Of course she's unprofessional and inappropriate. She's an unrepentant criminal.



I wish the judge could sue them both for wasting everyone's time.

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Theft. She use to steal from Target

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The screenshots:



Arguably could be fake but... lines up with sealed juvenile case files. Here's the recap: https://mindofmalaka.com/2016/07/08/is-tomi-lahren-really-the-right-voice-for-white-moral-outrage/ The screenshots: https://m.facebook.com/mikal.singletary/posts/10153479038641503?pnref=story Arguably could be fake but... lines up with sealed juvenile case files.

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don't care who wins

hope this takes a lot of money from both sides

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lol wtv they can both fuck off. #CancelTheBlaze

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Live by the hypocrisy, die by the hypocrisy.

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Cuz Racists Right Wing fucks love blonde people. it's the main goal for Whiteness.

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Because Republicans can only stomach news and opinions from a woman they find fuckable.

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because blondes are evil lbr

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Even if she was unprofessional how is that grounds to countrrsue her

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Lahren's suit also claims that employees of the Blaze even stretched yellow caution tape on the door to her office and dressing room when she was suspended.



Seriously. This is retaliation for sure. Not professional at all.

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hope she ends up broke and they end up bankrupt tbh

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THIS

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Let us pray 

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this is the best outcome for all involved

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really, really hoping for a miracle today so it doesn't go to a runoff.

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praying for Ossoff rn

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way to keep on top of things, 45

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Is it true? If not, I hope he gets sued.

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Voted for him today!

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This year marks Alaskas 40th anniversary of the Trans Alaska Pipeline Systems (TAPS)an 800-mile-long crude oil route that runs from the North Slope to Valdez, the northernmost ice-free port in North America.

However, Alaskas declining oil output in recent years has not only stretched the states budget, it has also added a challenge to the functioning of the pipelinedecreased throughput means the pipeline is now about three-quarters empty, and crude oil flows are slower.

The peak of oil flow through the pipeline was at 2 million barrels per day in 1988. Last year, throughput was 517,500 bpd, a 1.8-percent increase from 2015. This was the first annual increase since 2002, but still a far cry from the days of peak flow.

Pipeline operator Alyeska is adding heat to keep the crude oil warm and to prevent water from freezing in the line. It also uses so-called cleaning pigs to keep the pipe free of wax. Thats because less oil means slower-moving oil, and slower-flowing oil means colder oil. Alyeska admits that challenges are immediate and ultimately may need shift to intermittent flow.

Alyeska President Tom Barrett said in the press release announcing the 2016 throughput:

More oil is the best long-term solution for sustaining TAPS, from a technical and operational standpoint.

Related: Russian Tanker Owner Holds PDVSA Oil Cargo Hostage Over Debts

Recent new oil discoveries in Alaska have been welcome news for the sector and the state.

Last month, Spains Repsol announced the largest onshore oil discovery in the U.S. in three decades, a 1.2 billion barrel find on the North Slope.

In October last year, private equity-backed Caelus Energy said that it discovered as much as 6 billion barrels of oil on Alaskas northern coast, of which 1.8-2.4 billion barrels are considered recoverable. The find could lift Alaskas statewide recoverable oil reserve base by around 80 percent.



But with oil prices stuck in a narrow band just above $50, the extreme weather and the costly and currently uneconomical drilling in Alaska, new oil flowing through the pipeline is probably a decade or more away.

The states oil production has been declining. In the week of April 7, oil output was 534,000 bpd, nearly half of the volume Alaska pumped in the first week of April 2004. Last year, production averaged 490,000 bpd, and although it was slightly up from 2015, such low volumes as in the past three years were last seen in 1977, the year in which TAPS became operational.

With TAPS delivering around 90 percent of Alaskas unrestricted general fund revenue, the states budget hinges on oil revenues, and Alaska is facing a $3-billion fiscal gap this year despite a 44-percent budget cut over the past four years.

Referring to the pipeline, Alaska Governor Bill Walker told Bloomberg in a phone interview:

We need to see oil in that pipeline. Thats our cash register. Thats what generates the revenue.

Related: Oil Prices Drop As Saudis Say Too Early To Decide Cuts Extension



In The State of the State Address from January this year, Governor Walker said that revenues were down more than 80 percent from what they were four years ago. The budget has been cut by 44 percent over the period, but Alaska still faces a $3-billion fiscal gap. Nonetheless, new oil discoveries have the potential to stem the downturn in production, Gov. Walker said. However, it would take a price of over $100 a barrel for a long period of time to solve our fiscal problem. Or it would require tripling the flow of oil in the pipeline. Neither is expected anytime soon, the governor noted.

New drilling and new projects in Alaskas harsh weather require much more investment than onshore shale plays. At current oil prices, total U.S. crude oil production is expected to rise this year compared to last year, but it will be driven by the Permian down in West Texas. Meanwhile, Alaska will continue with budget austerity waiting for better timesand much higher oil pricesthat could make drillers comfortable with spending in frontier ventures.

By Tsvetana Paraskova of Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Maybe the surge in U.S. shale production wont kill off the oil price rally after all.

Oil prices could rise as high as the mid-$60s per barrel by the end of the year, according to a new analysis from Citigroup. That even takes into account the ongoing rebound in U.S. shale production.

U.S. oil production is up nearly 700,000 bpd from a low point in the third quarter of 2016, with total output now up to more than 9.2 million barrels per day. But the shale industry is just getting started. Some of those gains came from offshore projects in the Gulf of Mexico that were in the works for a long time.

Meanwhile, the rig count in the Permian basin has been rising, but because production data shows up on a several month lag compared to the rig count, further gains in output are surely forthcoming. In fact, the EIA said in its April Drilling Productivity Report that U.S. shale production will surge by an additional 124,000 bpd in May compared to April. More than half of those gains  76,000 bpd  will come from the Permian Basin, where most of the action is happening today. The Eagle Ford will also add a meaningful 39,000 bpd in May.

But the swift rebound of U.S. shale has not scared away the bulls at Citi. The investment bank acknowledged that U.S. shale will come roaring back this year, but pointed to OPEC as the reason for its optimism. "With a continuation of the OPEC/non-OPEC producer deal in the second half of 2017 and the expected associated inventory draw-down, we expect oil prices to move above $60 a barrel by the second half of the year," Citi analysts said in a note published Monday. Related: Putins Plan In The South China Sea

Citi also acknowledged that bullishness earlier this year was probably a bit too much too soon, but that the second half of this year will probably exhibit more market tightness. "Commodities stumbled through the first quarter following what was clearly the healthiest year for the sector since the decade began. In retrospect, part of the sell-off toward the end of the last quarter was too much froth in critical subsectors like oil, copper and iron ore. But signs of better performance are increasingly clear, despite major risks," Citi analysts said. The OPEC cuts will tip the global supply/demand balance into a deficit, which will drain inventories for the remainder of the year.

To be sure, Citi has downgraded its pricing forecast  in February it called for oil to hit $70 per barrel before the year was out. And crucially, it also warned that its mid-$60s forecast would go out the window if OPEC failed to extend its production cuts. If OPEC let its deal expire in June and returned to higher levels of production, oil prices would head precipitously lower.

But a growing number of analysts are assuming that wont happen, especially since Saudi officials recently expressed support for an extension of the cuts for another six months, even as they stated that no decision will be made before OPECs meeting in late May. Related: Reeling From Low Oil Prices, Saudis Look To Freeze Megaprojects

If OPEC extends, then oil could gain as much as $10 per barrel this year, Citi analysts say. Citi, along with fellow investment bank Goldman Sachs, have been undaunted by the rapid comeback of U.S. shale. They have maintained a case for higher oil prices this year, even through the March selloff that took WTI back down into the mid-$40s. They stuck to their bullish forecast, even as the market grew skittish. Sure enough, oil quickly rebounded back to the mid-$50s. On April 12, Goldman published a research note, calling for more patience and noting that oil inventory drawdowns were not expected until the second quarter anyway.

In the short run, much will hinge on the slightest murmurings from OPEC. Oil could dip in the lead up to the OPEC meeting in May if resolve from the group appears to be faltering. But if they extend their cuts, as many expect, oil could finally move above $60 per barrel in the second half of 2017.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

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With oil prices seemingly on firm footing, Wall Street is pouring money back into the shale sector, expecting profits even at $50 per barrel.

The private equity industry raised an estimated $19.8 billion in funds for energy investment in the first quarter of this year, or about three times as much as the same period in 2016. The figures indicate a more aggressive approach from private equity in shale drilling, and rising expectations that the oil market is set to rebound. The data comes from Preqin, and was reported on by Reuters.

The optimism comes even as oil prices have languished in the $50 per barrel range since November, after briefly dipping into the $40s last month. The hopes of a stronger rebound by now have been dashed, and oil analysts have steadily revised their expectations, pushing out their projections for stronger price gains. The extraordinary gains in U.S. crude oil inventories in the first quarter caught the market  and OPEC  by surprise, killing off hopes of oil heading north of $60 per barrel.

But the new money from Wall Street need not depend on $60+ oil. Lenders are confident that their investments will turn out to be profitable even at the prevailing market price today. That is because shale drillers have dramatically cut their costs, pushing breakeven prices down. "Shale funders look at the economics today and see a lot of projects that work in the $40 to $55 range," Howard Newman, head of private equity fund Pine Brook Road Partners, told Reuters. His firm dumped $300 million in Permian driller Admiral Permian Resources LLC in March.

Related: Reeling From Low Oil Prices, Saudis Look To Freeze Megaprojects

Lenders are already doing much better than they expected. JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Citigroup announced that they have an additional $370 million from the first quarter to use at their disposal, a collective sum that had been set aside to be used for expected losses on their energy portfolios. The better-than-expected performance from the energy sector could entice the banks to increase lending. Bloomberg reports that the volume of leveraged loans  loans made to indebted companies  shot up by 86 percent in the first quarter, compared to 1Q2015.

A survey from Haynes & Boone of oil companies, banks and private equity found a high degree of confidence that the ongoing credit redetermination period  a twice-a-year review by lenders of their credit lines to drillers  will be favorable to the energy industry. Of the 163 people surveyed, roughly 76 percent said they expect credit lines to either remain unchanged or even increase. In other words, banks are not backing away from the shale industry, and in some cases, they are pouring more money in.

There are several reasons for optimism. New figures from China show that its economy grew faster than expected in the first quarter, a sign that oil demand will grow at a steady, if not blistering pace. Global oil inventories are falling. Some geopolitical events have knocked some supply offline. And OPEC is doing its best to keep prices afloat. All in all, there is a growing consensus that the market is tightening.

But higher oil prices are not a given. In fact, another downturn is not out of the question either. The most recent rebound in prices came in part because of an outage in Libya  more than 200,000 bpd recently knocked offline. But Libyas National Oil Company recently reopened a shuttered oil field and has plans to restore output at another. Nobody can make solid projections about what will happen with Libyas output, but the outage could be temporary. Meanwhile, shale output is surging and more rigs are being added back to the field every week  a development not unrelated to the wave of money coming from Wall Street.

Related: Could An OPEC Extension Normalize Inventories?

"All the signs of an ever-growing bull market are starting to fade away, (with) Libya and geo-political tensions easing, but also because the Texans are back and they are pumping like there's no tomorrow," Matt Stanley, a fuel broker at Freight Investor Services (FIS) in Dubai, told Reuters in an interview. "If I were OPEC, I'd be pretty worried."

Nevertheless, a few major investors say that another price downturn would not necessarily kill off their optimism. For example, Orion Energy Partners told Reuters that they would continue to lend to shale drillers even if WTI plunged as low as $40 per barrel. But many financiers believe that OPEC will extend its production cuts anyway, which will likely put a floor beneath prices, ensuring that their investments pay off.

Other investors apparently agree. Bullish bets continue to rebound in the oil futures market, with hedge funds and other money managers posting a second consecutive week of increases in net-long positions. Saudi Arabia is reportedly on board with an extension of the OPEC cuts, although Saudi officials say it is a bit early to make that call. In fact, OPEC appears to be targeting $60 per barrel. OPEC sources told the WSJ that officials from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait are in agreement that they should aim for $60 per barrel, which would obviously require at least a six-month extension of the collective output reductions.

At $60 per barrel, OPEC thinks, oil-producing countries can take in more revenue while prices will be low enough to prevent a dramatic resurgence in U.S. shale. But they may be wrong about that last point.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
BP has filed a lawsuit against Monroe Energy in a federal court, claiming the refiner wrongfully terminated a contract last year. This has become the latest in a string of lawsuits involving the Pennsylvania refinery that Monroe Energy operates, brought about, according to some authors, by the fall in oil prices since 2014.

In the BP case, the UK-based major accused the refiner of using an unfounded pretext to cancel the three-year contract that has caused BP damages worth $59 million, its own estimates showed.

From Monroes perspective, things look differently. The refiner agreed back in 2014 to buy 185,000 bpd of crude produced by BP in the Bakken and Eagle Ford shale plays, both at a premium to the Brent benchmark: $8.35 for Eagle Ford crude and $7.35 for Bakken crude.

That was in 2014, before prices started sliding. After that, the spread between Brent and WTI narrowed and the premium stopped looking so good for Monroe and its sector players. Imported crude, however, from West Africa mostly, started looking increasingly like a good bargain, especially as the cost of domestic supplies was also pumped up by the fact that the crude was transported by rail  a more expensive channel than pipelines and tankers.

Last June, Monroe cancelled its contract with BP, stating that the crude that the company supplied failed to meet the API gravity grade requirements that were stipulated in the document. BP, for its part, countered that there was no requirement to keep crude from different fields separate, and that mixing grades from different wells was standard practice.

The oil giant also said that Monroe was using gravity figures measured in Texas rather than at the point of delivery, which was another stipulation in the contract. Also, BP said, Monroe had not complained before about the blend of crude oil grades that BP supplied to its Pennsylvania refinery.



Related: Attack On Syria: U.S. Has Returned To Business As Usual

However, Reuters recalls that another refiner, NARL Refining, also complained that BPs crude failed to meet gravity grade requirements and damaged the equipment in its refinery. The two are currently involved in an arbitration dispute.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
A new survey of 157,000 participants shows the millennial age groups striking rejection of electric and self-driving cars, according to a new report by Driving Tests cited by Forbes.

Seventy percent of those surveyed said they did not want to buy an electric car, and preferred a vehicle with a traditional combustion engine instead. Similar results were obtained across all age groups, to the chagrin of many in the EV world who have banked on millennial support in the future.

Still, Tesla  the famed electric car manufacturer  was the favorite amongst 13 to 19-year-olds polled by Driving Tests. The driving test simulator site polled 157,000 unique visitors in March and April of this year regarding new trends in mass market vehicles.

Two-thirds of those surveyed also said they held significant reservations about riding in a self-driving car.

"We used the word 'striking, Driving Tests founder and CEO Andrei Zakhareuski told Forbes via email, when asked about the results. "And it was striking, given a) all the hype around electric cars, and b) polls that show increasing consumer interest. It was also striking for its uniformity across all age groups. Any thoughts that millennials would be more favorably disposed toward electric cars than seniors were not supported by the evidence."

Most car manufacturers are designing hybrid and electric versions of their existing models to complete with the fully electric and affordable sedans, trucks and SUVs that Tesla will deliver and roll-out over the next couple of years.

CEO Elon Musks announcement of an upcoming electric truck caused the companys shares to jump by three percent last week.

Related: Could An OPEC Extension Normalize Inventories?

"Tesla Semi truck unveil set for September. Team has done an amazing job. Seriously next level," Musk said in a tweet. "Pickup truck unveil in 18 to 24 months," he added in the next post.

The value of the car manufacturers stock has shot up 41 percent to record levels so far in 2017, making the Silicon Valley company a close competitor with General Motors for the biggest American automaker title.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Ghana and the Czech Republic have signed a Double Taxation Agreement.



The Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori Atta, and the Czech Ambassador to Ghana, Margita Fuschova, respectively signed on behalf of both countries.



This agreement was signed after the two countries concluded negotiations for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income.



A release signed by the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Finance said the agreement gives investors a stable and predictable tax environment and consequently will encourage investments in both countries.



This will also eliminate the incidence where income from both countries are taxed twice and as well as increase Ghanas Exchange of Information network, which allows treaty partners to exchange information in order to mitigate tax risk and tax evasion across borders.



In addition, tax evasion through the mutual assistance in the collection of taxes will also be reduced. Furthermore, cross border trade and investments between the two countries by the elimination of tax impediments will be greatly enhanced, it said.



The release said the agreement will also foster diplomatic and other relations between the two countries.



The Minister for Finance expressed the hope that diplomatic and economic ties will improve with the signing of the agreement.



The Czech Ambassador also expressed similar sentiments saying she looked forward to improving relations between the two countries.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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As the sergeant drank cheap whiskey one night at the NCO Club on Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey, his wife overdosed on pills. Because suicide is a homicide, the Office of Special Investigations on base, meaning my two colleagues and me, got the case.

The base security police had roped off their trailer, and her husband had identified the body. Our turn.

This was my second day running the OSI detachment and I was supposed to know what I was doing. We checked the regs. Everything in the military is done by the book. Ask a question and you get, RTFMRead the F****** Manual.

The manual said we had to get fingerprints.

She was lying in the small six-drawer morgue. We found her on the fourth try and pulled her out on a long metal tray. Her eyes were half-closed and dulled by death, her hands folded across her chest, fingers closed tight, and stiff with rigor mortis.

Well, shit.

I called HQ in Ankara and HQ said, RTFM. I said wed have to pry her fingers open. HQ said, Anything else?

We pried her fingers open.

As two Air Force doctors barely out of med school scrambled through their books to figure out time of death we searched the couples trailer. I felt like a voyeur.

We talked to the distraught sergeant, followed the book and finally closed the case.

Listening to the account of Robin Williams, a man who had money and fame and yes, addiction and depression, I thought of this women who could have lived down the street from any of us.

Hollywood gets it wrong: Movie corpses always have bright, shiny eyes.
Depending where you look, you can get two different views of Pittsburghs economy. On the gloomy side of the street, Pittsburgh dramatically underperformed its 15 benchmark regions last year. We had virtually zero job growth. We had the highest unemployment rate. And our average weekly wages rose just .8 percentonly a third of the benchmark average. And if that wasnt enough, 2017 started with the news that Heinz Krafts CEO is moving to Chicago, effectively taking the headquarters of one of Pittsburghs oldest and most famous companies with him.



Pretty grim, all in all, right? Well, actually, no. Lets take a walk down the sunny side of the street and see what Pittsburgh looks like from there.

As it turns out, the regions economic malaise last year largely can be boiled down to the collapse of oil and gas prices and the freeze in the Marcellus industry. Companies shed jobs and slashed payouts. Local governments and landowners saw D their impact fees and royalty checks shrink. It all rippled across the economy, all the way to the hospitality sector. In the wake of last year, the importance of oil and gas to this regions prospects couldnt be clearer. It turns out that the biggest reason that Pittsburgh has looked so strong economically since the depths of the Great Recession is the oil and gas boom. While other regions faltered, we sailed ahead. Yes, were diversified, but the secret, differentiating engine was the Marcellus. Without it, were back to the somnambulant numbers of the past. The good news is that industry is still here, prices are rising again, and the Shell cracker plant is poised to deliver a huge shot in the arm.

Regarding Heinz, it may hurt to think of the company being headquartered elsewhere, but former CEO Bill Johnson effectively cast the die for the headquarters move when he sold the company four years ago to 3G Capital. And Kraft Heinz is expected to remain an important regional employer, (though spokesman Michael Mullen declined to say how many jobs are still here).

History is important, but its nothing compared with the spark of future vitality. And since 2017 began, Pittsburgh has been throwing off sparks galore.

The biggest is the infusion of some $250 million ($80 million from the Department of Defense) to create the nations leading robotics center in Hazelwood. The Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Innovation Hub involves a collaboration of 125 companies, more than 60 government agencies and nonprofits, and 40 academic institutions. And its expected to become a major generator of practical research, jobs, and innovation.

In the same neighborhood, Uber is about to open its research and test facility for self-driving cars, complete with temporary roadways. Along with the national attention Uber has already brought to Pittsburgh, that facility is expected to create dozens of jobs. And just across the river at the SouthSide Works, Amazon is the latest major tech company to open shop in Pittsburgh, announcing 50 new high-end jobs that will augment the hundreds of fulfillment jobs already in the region. Like Google, Uber and Intel before them, Amazon wants to be near the brainpower at Carnegie Mellon University.

And what brainpower it is. January saw CMU computer science professor Toumas Sandholm do his own rendition (albeit mild-mannered) of Muhammad Alis I shook up the world! The computer program Sandholm createdLibratus soundly drubbed an array of the worlds best human poker players in a Pittsburgh exhibition of No-Limit Texas Holdem. In so doing, it reached a new landmark for artificial intelligence. The program wasnt built to play poker, of course; it was created to make the best decisions in conditions of imperfect information circumstances that sum up most of lifes situations. No surprise that theres widespread interest in Sandholms creation in the private and public sectors.

The same can be said of Pittsburghs prospects. The road to the future will have potholes, but you can now see it, stretching off into the distance.
The Alexander West boat case has captured the public's interest like no case around here since the last major tragedy on Lake George, the 2006 Ethan Allen tourboat capsizing.

Much of it stems from the popularity of the iconic lake, but the tragic loss of an 8-year-old has resonated with many as well.

Media from around the state have been following the case, the New York Times sending a reporter to cover different parts of it, including jury selection Monday.

The talk around the courthouse before jury selection was that it may take a week to get a jury because of factors such as the tragic nature of the case, length of the trial and media attention. Those are all factors that many would-be jurors cited when asking off.

The defense motion to change venue was thought to have some traction, but with nine jurors picked the first day, it seems West's counsel was off on beliefs that publicity had tainted the jury pool.

Of course, should a full jury be seated and West is convicted, I'm guessing we will still be hearing about how the mean old media was responsible.

It has been interesting to watch as the defense cites the effects of publicity, then speaks to reporters at every turn. The Warren County District Attorney's Office hasn't talked to the media about the case since West was indicted last October.

But defense counsel has given interviews throughout the pre-trial process, including outside the courthouse during a break in jury selection on Monday as would-be jurors milled about in the parking lot for their lunch break.

We have seen judges put gag orders on counsel in high-profile cases, but there was no indication that was considered here.

The witness list that was read in court had at least 75 names (It was tough to count as Judge John Hall rattled them off) and at least two dozen are people who were at the Log Bay Day party West purportedly attended before the crash.

It will be interesting to see the role of social media and cellphone videos and pictures has in this case, as the last few years of the party have been splashed all over Twitter, YouTube Instagram and Facebook.

-- Don Lehman
It was a FaceTime call. Like old time friends, Lady Gaga and Prince William opened up about mental health.

In a video released Tuesday, the pop star joined the Duke of Cambridge's Heads Together, a campaign he leads along with the Duchess and Prince Harry to raise awareness on mental illness.

The stigmas or just plain fear, they said, stops many from opening up about their feelings.

"There's a lot of shame attached to mental illness. You feel like something it's wrong with you," Lady Gaga said from her kitchen in Los Angeles.

The video, posted on the Royal Family's Facebook page, is the newest film in the #oktosay series, which shows people from all walks of life discussing their own mental health challenges.

After sipping a cup of coffee, Lady Gaga, 31, praised the "beautiful stories" told in the films and talked about her own struggle living with post traumatic stress disorder.

"I should be so happy, but you can't help it when in the morning you wake up, you are so tired, you are so sad, you are so full of anxiety and the shakes that you can't barely think," she told 34-year-old Prince William.

From his study in Kensington Palace, the prince emphasized how important it can be for someone to speak up.

"It's time that everyone's(sic)speaks up," he told Lady Gaga. "Just having a conversation with a friend or family member can make such a difference."

William asked Lady Gaga to join forces following the open letter she released through her Born This Way Foundation to reveal she has lived with PTSD after she was sexually assaulted at 19 years old.

The pair said they want to continue working together and focus on the youth. They made plans to have an October meeting in the UK.

The release of the video comes just days after Prince Harry revealed that he sought counseling four years ago to deal with the grief of losing his mother, Princess Diana.
GLENS FALLS  Just Goods, which has its water packaging plant and corporate headquarters in Glens Falls, will be expanding and diversifying its products under the leadership of a new chief executive officer, Ira Laufer.

Were looking at opportunities to expand what we produce at the facility here  other sizes and other beverages, said Jim Siplon, the companys chief operating officer. No definitive products have been announced, but we are aggressively pursuing what options we have with the investment we have made here.

The company also is exploring non-beverage products.

And then were looking beyond beverages, as well, which has always been part of the plan, Siplon said in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

Laufer, who begins work May 1, has 17 years of experience in consumer packaged products, including with Reds Natural Foods, a brand of burritos and similar frozen food products; and Vitalicious, a brand of baked goods.

We are excited to have Ira join our journey, said Jaden Smith, one of the companys key investors in a press release. He has the experience and shares the vision we have to do good for the planet.

Laufer replaces Grace Jeon, the companys founding chief executive officer, who left the company to seek other opportunities.

Grace made her own choice  She helped us build the brand from nothing, and now as we enter into a new chapter, shes eager to continue to do things that shes well suited to do, Siplon said.

Laufer, who lives in New Jersey, will work out of an office in New York City, but will be in Glens Falls more often than Jeon, who worked out of Los Angeles.

So were consolidating a lot of efforts here in the state of New York, which I think is going to be really efficient, Siplon said.

I think its an overall positive move, said EDC Warren County President Edward Bartholomew. This speaks well for their operation here in Glens Falls.

The company employs 11 at its packaging plant and offices on Broad Street, at the former St. Alphonsus Catholic Church building.

Siplon said it is premature to estimate how many jobs will be added in Glens Falls as a result of product expansion and diversification.

Clearly, were going to look to expand our core operation with the water and add some products to that, and with that will come some growth, he said.
GREENWICH  The piece of evidence that could be the break police have been looking for in the years-old disappearance of Greenwich boy Jaliek Rainwalker is sitting in an evidence storage area in New York City.

Cambridge-Greenwich Police Chief George Bell said he was initially told it would take about two weeks to run tests on a fragment of skull recovered Feb. 26 on state land in the Greene County town of Coxsackie. But five weeks later, there are no answers.

The skull fragment was found in an area where the Hudson River floods periodically. That led to speculation it could belong to Rainwalker, who authorities believe was probably killed and possibly dumped in the Hudson River.

Authorities suggested the discovery could be tied to the Greenwich case after the state Department of Environmental Conservation announced in early March that a forensic anthropologist had concluded the bone came from a child, likely a boy between the ages of 10 and 13, and that the remains had been exposed to the elements for 5 to 10 years.

Jaliek was 12 when he disappeared in November 2007.

Bell said there were other opinions expressed later that differed as to the age of the person from whom the skull originated, however.

Tests will be performed to try to extract DNA from the bone to compare to missing persons cases, including Jalieks. But it can be difficult to get DNA from a skull, particularly from a sample that has been exposed to the elements for years.

Bell said he was initially told the tests would take two weeks or so, and he doesnt know what has led to the delays. He said he has called the Medical Examiners Office and State Police, but has gotten no response from the medical office nor any explanation for the delay.

I dont know where it stands, he said. Ive been getting a lot of calls about it.

A spokeswoman for the Office of the Medical Examiner said the agency has yet to receive material for testing, and she referred comment to police.

Rainwalkers adoptive grandmother, Barbara Reeley of Troy, said she has made numerous phone calls hoping for an update, but has not gotten any response.

The boys disappearance has perplexed police for a decade.

Officers have concluded he was likely killed and have labeled his adoptive father, Stephen Kerr, as a person of interest because of alleged inconsistencies in his version of events.

Kerr was the last person known to be with the boy, in a home owned by Kerrs parents on Hill Street in Greenwich in the hours before he was reported missing. Jaliek had been clashing with his parents in the weeks before his disappearance.

Kerr has maintained he did not hurt Jaliek.
WATERTOWN  U.S. Rep. Elise M. Stefanik, R-Willsboro, took part Monday in a discussion at Jefferson Community College to hear student perspectives on what is working in terms of college affordability.

Stefanik was joined by about 20 students, most of whom said they have received Pell Grants, which are federal government subsidies that help students pay for a college education.

Some of the students, who also work full- or part-time jobs while raising a family, said the Pell Grant program limits when students can take classes. The current program covers only the traditional academic year, which could make it difficult for those working full- or part-time jobs to pursue a college education during winter and summer.

JCC also has a high number of military veteran students enrolled full- or part-time who are seeking more flexibility through the Pell Grant program.

Stefanik has worked to address this issue. In 2015, she introduced the Flexible Pell Grant for 21st Century Students Act, which seeks to expand the program so students can take classes in the winter and summer.

While it died without action in 2015, Stefaniks bill was reintroduced in Congress this year and she talked about its provisions to the students. JCC officials who attended the meeting noted the college would be able to offer more courses to students during winter and summer semesters if more students had the financial means to do so.

If we think about our nontraditional college students, they are working part-time, they are slightly older, perhaps theyve served in the military, Stefanik said. We need to make sure that our higher ed is flexible and meets their needs, so this is a way to modernize and make college more accessible, and its a great way for me to get feedback from the students.

New York has made headlines recently as being the first state to offer free college tuition through the Excelsior Scholarship program. The program will offer free college tuition this fall to two-year and four-year state universities for families making less than $100,000. The eligibility threshold will increase to $110,000 and under in 2018 and $125,000 in 2019.

While Stefanik said she supports initiatives to increase affordability, she disagrees with a few of the programs limitations, such as its lack of funding to make private universities more affordable as well.

I think we need to focus on policies that will ensure that all higher ed options are affordable, she said, adding that the program also does not apply to part-time students, nor does it cover textbook and school supply costs.
QUEENSBURY  Testimony will begin Wednesday in the Lake George boat crash case after an eight-man, four-woman jury was seated Tuesday afternoon in Warren County Court.

Lawyers in the case of Alexander M. West finished up the jury selection process late Tuesday afternoon, and opening statements have been scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Testimony will begin afterward, the jury likely to hear from at least one survivor of the crash as well as 911 calls from the crash scene.

The court day started with a bit of a hiccup.

One of nine jurors selected Monday to hear the case was excused early Tuesday for reasons that werent explained by the court. But a law enforcement source said the dismissal apparently stemmed from an unrelated situation involving his personal conduct.

Lawyers in the case met in Warren County Judge John Halls chambers for about a half-hour Tuesday morning to discuss the issue before Hall announced to prospective jurors that eight had been seated and six were needed.

Fewer prospective jurors were in court Tuesday as lawyers looked to finish selecting the panel. About 60 showed up, and the selection process got underway at about 11 a.m. after a discussion about the juror who was removed.

Hall said Monday he hoped to have opening arguments Tuesday afternoon, but the juror removal and delay in the days start stalled that. Still, finishing jury selection in two days was much quicker than many expected given the pre-trial publicity the case generated.

Wests counsel and the prosecution reiterated the same points Tuesday that they focused on Monday as they vetted prospective jurors.

Defense lawyer Cheryl Coleman focused in part on the emotions of the case and the graphic evidence jurors will see.

Things happen to people when they are exposed to certain types of evidence, Coleman said.

Both Coleman and Warren County District Attorney Kate Hogan also asked about thoughts on drug use, impairment and how they impact a persons actions and witness credibility.

Hogan also inquired about jurors abilities to hold people accountable for unintentional but reckless or criminally negligent conduct.

He is not charged with acting intentionally, she said of West.

Coleman told the media after court that the jury will hear evidence favorable to her client that has not yet been shared with the public.

There are things you dont know about that are going to open up a world of difference for you, she said.

West, 24, faces a 12-count indictment for the two-boat crash last July 25 that killed 8-year-old California resident Charlotte McCue and seriously injured her mother. They were on an antique wooden boat that was being operated by Charlottes grandfather, cruising into shore after a night out to dinner.

West is accused of boating recklessly under the influence of drugs and alcohol, then fleeing the crash scene and hiding out at a friends house until the next morning.

Police said he had been at an all-day party known as Log Bay Day on Lake Georges east shore earlier that day, drinking and using illegal drugs.

West faces manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and lesser counts. He has pleaded not guilty and is free on bail.

His defense is expected to focus on a belief that he had the right-of-way over the other boat, and that he left the boat scene because he was afraid his boat would sink.

The trial is expected to take about three weeks. West faces up to 7 1/3 to 22 years in state prison if convicted.

Four passengers on Wests boat were charged with misdemeanors for lying to police and/or obstructing the investigation, and their cases are still pending. They are on the witness list to testify at trial.

Coleman said that may affect her clients ability to confront them, if they refuse to answer questions on the grounds they may incriminate themselves.

They have exculpatory information to offer, she said.
He was walking home from an Easter meal with his family when the stranger walked up to Robert Godwin Sr.

The two talk briefly before the stranger pulls out a gun and fires.

Now, police are desperately hunting for the man who killed Godwin and uploaded the video on Facebook, while Godwin's friends and family are trying to make sense of the senseless death of the 74-year-old man.

"This man right here was a good man. I hate he's gone. ... I don't know what I'm going to do. ... It's not real," Godwin's son told CNN affiliate WOIO.

The son told the Cleveland Plain Dealer his father was a retired foundry worker. He had 10 children and 14 grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing and often was seen walking around with a plastic bag in his hand as he collected aluminum cans he saw on the ground.

That's what he was doing Sunday in Cleveland's Glenville neighborhood, a shopping bag in his hand. He had just finished an Easter meal.

He hugged my wife and me and said 'I'll see you guys next time,'" Godwin Jr. recounted. "I said 'OK, enjoy your Easter.'"

A chat, then a shot

In the video, apparently recorded by the suspect, Steve Stephens, a person is getting out of a car in a residential area and says, "Here's somebody I'm about to kill. I'm about to kill this guy right here. An old dude."

The person walks up, stops Godwin on the sidewalk and talks to him. Then the video shows a gun pointed at Godwin's head. The gun is fired. Godwin recoils and falls to the ground.

Police don't think Godwin and Stephens knew each other.

The video was later removed by Facebook, but it was still being widely shared online early Monday.

Ryan Godwin, who said he's a grandson of Godwin's, asked people to stop sharing it.

"Please please please stop retweeting that video and report anyone who has posted it! That is my grandfather show some respect," Ryan Godwin wrote on Twitter Sunday afternoon.

Police are searching for Stephens, calling him armed and dangerous. They believe he's left Ohio and may be in Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana or Michigan. An aggravated murder warrant has been issued for him.

Stephens' mother said her son was randomly shooting people because he was angry at a girlfriend. Police have not talked about a possible motive behind the shooting of Godwin.

While the manhunt goes on, Godwin's family is beginning the grieving process.

"It's not real. (My father) was a good guy. He would give you the shirt off his back," Robert Godwin Jr. told WOIO.

There were at least nine GoFundMe pages set up online soliciting funds to help Godwin's family, but Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said the family is asking people not to contribute to any of those pages because they weren't set up by the family. Williams said the family is in the process of setting up an official GoFundMe page that was to be released later Monday through the police department.

Sara Ganim reported from Cleveland, and Nicole Chavez and Eliott C. McLaughlin wrote from Atlanta. CNN's Darran Simon, Amanda Watts, Kwegyirba Croffie, Joe Sutton, Chuck Johnston, Amanda Jackson, Christopher Lett, Joel Williams, Shawn Nottingham, Lawrence Crook and Brynn Gingras contributed to this report.
Sandy Hill Days will continue in Hudson Falls

Bravos to the people in Hudson Falls who stepped forward as volunteers to keep the tradition of Sandy Hill Days alive in the village. Because the Sandy Hill Days committee membership was aging, it appeared the event would not be able to continue. But after a call for help, there has been an influx of new people on the committee to keep the event going forward. The committee is still looking for people who will help. If you are interested in helping, you can send an email to sandyhilldays@gmail.com.

Mudbogging event goes off without a hitch





Bravos to Ralph Jameson for going the extra mile to address community concerns to ensure the annual Mettowee Off Road Extreme Parks Spring Fling party went off without any problems. There have been community complaints in Granville over the past few years, and Jameson told his staff it was do or die weekend for his business. Granville Supervisor Matt Hicks said concerns were addressed and that things went well. Its a great example of a town and business working together for a positive result.

Washington County tries to protect first responders





Bravos to Washington County officials for holding an informational session for emergency responders after numerous firefighters were exposed to the potentially deadly narcotic fentanyl. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration held a training session in Argyle last month and plans on doing another one in Salem later in the month. Fentanyl is far more powerful than heroin and has been blamed for a wave of deaths across the country in recent months.

Local school districts will get more state aid





Bravos to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Legislature for increasing the funding for education in the state budget to $1.1 billion. While we still do not agree with the formula used for the increase  rich school districts are rewarded far more than poor school districts  it is good to see that local school districts are getting an increase to give them and local taxpayers a break.

Glens Falls co-op finishes first year in black





Bravos to the Glens Falls Food Co-Op for finishing its first year in the black. The co-op, which operates out of the Empire Theatre Plaza on South Street, is an all-volunteer group that operates on a shoestring budget. Unfortunately, it says it needs an infusion of new members, volunteers and customers if it is going to be sustainable in the long-term. The co-op currently has 200 members who are charged $50 for the year. The co-op needs all members to return, and then build on that membership.

Hudson Falls program was a great idea





Bravos to Hudson Falls social studies teacher Kim Shea for coming up with the idea for a professional development day for students at the high school. Rather than a traditional career development day where students heard from speakers, there were workshops where students could experience different types of activities that not only addressed possible career choices, but how to lead a better life. Its a great idea and more schools should try it.

Community is asked to protect eagles





Bravos to North Country Wild Care for reaching out to those who hunt and fish and asking them to voluntarily not use lead ammunition and fishing equipment after two eagles died due to lead poisoning, despite their attempts to nurse the eagles back to health. It seems like a small sacrifice if it will protect these regal predators.

Marine running to raise money for Sgt. Ryan





Bravos to Noah Cass, who served two tours of duty in the Marines with Eddie Ryan, for his plans for a 140-mile run from Somers, Connecticut to Lake George to raise money for Ryans care. Cass hopes to raise $5,000 to help the family defray over $50,000 in out-of-pocket expenses. While Cass should be applauded, what is shocking is that the Veterans Administration still does not provide enough help for former veterans like Ryan.

Steamboat company celebrating 200 years





Bravos to the Lake George Steamboat Company for its season-long celebration of its 200th anniversary. It began this weekend with free cruises to the first 1,400 takers. We cant think of any business than can tout two centuries of serving the region, but we wouldnt be surprised if it is around for another two centuries.
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The meeting takes place following Nana Addo's 100 days in office as the president of the Republic of Ghana. Ghana's president said the discussion was to seek the views of the former heads of state on some governance-enhancing measures his administration intend to take.

A statement on the official government website said on the meeting:

On Tuesday, April 18, 2017, the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, invited the three former Presidents of the Republic, their Excellencies, Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama to a meeting at the Presidency. Its purpose was to seek their views on some governance-enhancing measures his administration intends to take.

In his Inaugural speech on Saturday, January 7, 2017, President Akufo-Addo stated that I am in the unique position of being able to draw on the wisdom and experience of three former Presidents of the Republic, their Excellencies Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama. They represent the continuity of the institutions of our Republic, for which we thank God.

This statement was reiterated in the Presidents message to Parliament on the State of the Nation, on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, where he said that I am in the enviable position of being the first Ghanaian leader to be able to draw on the experiences of three living, former Presidents. This should, definitely, enrich my tenure of office.
This marks the end of an era for Yahoo. After the Verizon deal closes, Marissa Mayer will step down as CEO with a severance package worth about $23 million . Yahoo's earnings release said the acquisition is expected to close in June.

Yahoo will then combine with AOL, which is also owned by Verizon, and the combined company will be called Oath. (Yes, that's the real name.) Oath will be the parent company while the AOL and Yahoo brands live on for stuff like news, email, and other media Oath can sell digital ads against.
However, cocoa price stability has been unfavourable to these two countries.

Ivory Coast produced a total of 1.7 million metric tonnes of cocoa and Ghana produced some 840,000 tonnes in 2016 production year.

Ghana is targeting to hit one million metric tonnes for the 2016/2017 production year.

READ ALSO: Oxford Business Group warns Ghana of drop in cocoa production

Currently, reports say the average cocoa prices reflect a drop of around 30 percent compared to mid-2016.

During the Cocoa and Coffee Council meeting in Abidjan, the two top cocoa producing countries have therefore agreed to deepen collaboration and coordinate their production strategies in order to tackle price volatility.

Massandje Toure-Litse, director general of the Coffee and Cocoa Council of Ivory Coast reportedly told journalists in Abidjan.

Its become imperative that our countries take decisions on points concerning production and sustainability and on points concerning the prickly question of the volatility of prices.

Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the CEO of Ghanas COCOBOD, signed on behalf of Ghana with Toure-Litse signing for Ivory Coast.

Africa produces about 75 per cent of the worlds cocoa, but only 20 per cent of the grinding process takes place in Africa.

With Africa's annual $100 billion value of the worlds chocolate industry, only two per cent comes to Africa.

Meanwhile, about 85 percent of the cocoa feeding the multi-billion euro chocolate industry in The Netherlands comes from African countries, with Ghana and Ivory Coast being the largest producers.
According to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu, it is an indication that the campaign against illegal mining across the country is yielding results.

READ ALSO: Government halts issuance of small scale mining license

Our records at the Precious Mining Company indicate that there is a fall in terms of production. Although we expect to see actual resultsnot immediately, what it means now is that there is a drop in small scale production. he told Accra-based Citi FM.

He explains that following the campaign against illegal mining, miners are fleeing from illegal enclaves including river bodies, the destruction of cocoa farms among others.

At the national level, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister has issued a three-week ultimatum to illegal miners to halt their activities as government steps up the fight against illegal mining.

READ ALSO: Minister calls the bluff of galamseyers over vote threat

John Peter Amewu has warned that all illegal miners who fail to stop their activities would face harsh penalties for breaking the laws.
In an interview with Citifmonline.com, the 37-year-old father-of-one revealed that Relationships are things that should be left to those who are in it. When you are outside a relationship you have a different view of it but those in it know better. But I will advise that before you get into the relationship you should take your time and know what you want and give it a shot. If it works, fine! If it doesnt, you learn from your mistakes and you shine.
Many people were seen at church others at the beaches, some also spent time with the poor and needy, like orphans.

Below are memorable ways some Ghanaians celebrated their Easter holidays.

READ ALSO: Ghanaian student Samuel Kwarteng shot dead

The vice president of Ghana Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia spent his Easter with the Lighthouse Chapel International (LCI) at the Independence square.

This was particularly memorable because the Vice President is known to be a staunch Muslim. His presence was testament to his all-embracing leadership qualities, going beyond of his affiliation in the execution of his duties.

H.E Bawumia was seen at the program looking all excited and participating in the various activities. He even took the opportunity to make a pledge: the government would consider using concrete to construct roads instead of asphalt, he said, addressing a concrete-for-road construction campaign that LCI leader Bishop Dag Heward Mills has been championing.

Dr. Osei Kwame Despite is the Chief Executive Officer of different companies in Ghana. Businesses ranging from Peace FM, Neat FM, OKAY FM, Best Point savings and loans Special Investments and Best Assurance Company (Ghana) are known to belong to this Kumasi-based millionaire.

The Easter season saw one of the richest men in the country spoil himself with a brand new luxurious car: a branded Brabus, a prestigious high-performance vehicle.

The car, manufactured by the German BRABUS company (which specializes in Mercedes-Benz, Smart, and Maybach vehicles) is the latest addition to his flashy fleet in a garage located in a mega-mansion in Kumasi.

What a flamboyant way it was for Mr. Despite to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ.

READ ALSO: Bawumia presents 103 achievements in 100 days

On Easter Monday, April 17, perhaps buoyed by the congenial feel of the festivities, former President John Mahama and current Gender and Social Protection Minister, Otiko Afisa Djaba, rekindled friendly relations after a past fraught with a seeming feud. The duo were seen in a hearty mood at the 2017 Gonjaland Youth Congress at Sawla in the Northern region.

The Gonjaland Youth Association Congresses over the years have served as avenue, where all the indigenes of Gonja, residents of Gonjaland and persons who by special circumstances and or choice are affiliated to the affairs of Gonjaland, meet to deliberate reflect and constructively debate on the socio political and economic well-being of Gonjaland.

READ ALSO: ICGC suspends pastor for alleged

Ghanaian actress Luckie Lawson decided to use Easter to aid the needy and vulnerable, in the true spirit of Jesus Christs values. She spent the holidays organizing the Celebrity Orphanage Easter Funfair at the Efua Sutherland childrens park. The actress is noted for her charitable works, from visiting widows through to providing food for the poor.

Many celebrities including gospel artiste Obaapa Christy, Roselyn Ngissah, Abeiku Santana turned up at the show the make the day of the orphans.

READ ALSO: Mahama and Otiko Djaba reconcile at Gonjaland Youth

Some Ghanaians also spent the night of Holy Saturday, April 15, to attend the premiere of the highly anticipated KOFAS Media-produced comedy movie John and John, featuring a star studded cast and backed by a record budget rumoured to be around $150,000.

After the feast of Christs resurrection on Sunday April 17, some the next day - Monday April 18, a public holiday - was a day many Ghanaians set aside for picnics and beach partying to crown the festive season.

Lovers strolled along the beaches whiles the young enjoyed the cool of the sea amidst dancing and general merry-making.

The evening also saw the organization of many musical shows as well as the coming to life of pubs and nightclubs.
One of the victims, Francis Lamptey, who narrated the incident to Pulse.com.gh said they were returning from a church service around 12 am.

I fell asleep in the car and then suddenly there was a flashlight pointing to my eyes.

The gentleman who wears glasses said he reacts to light badly. Thinking it was his friend he asked why he flashed the light in his eyes, only to find out it was the police doing their regular checking at the mounted barrier at night.

READ ALSO: Lone ranger police officer guns down 2 robbers at Asankare

The policeman asked us to get down so he could search us. Then he said he wants to search the bag. So my friend opened all the zip up and we left the bag in the middle of the road, Lamptey said.

He said they did that because they did not want to get in the way of the police.

However, the police insisted they remove the things but the victims declined.

Francis Lamptey only reminded the police that they will only lodge a complaint if anything of theirs get missing from the bag.

As soon as I said that this guy took offence and actually hit me.

He continued that his friend asked the police why he hit him only for the police to also slap him.

Then the police tried to handcuff us. And I told him we have not done anything for him to handcuff us. He kept struggling with us even though we were very calm. The handcuff scratched his hand only for him to take us to the police station and report that we actually tried to beat him.

Lamptey further added that he was looking for the name tags of the police for identification purposes but realised they were not wearing a name tag during their night duty.

READ ALSO: Miners begin surrendering excavators as galamsey ultimatum nears

Lamptey said they were taken to the police station, but were not made to write a statement.

They took off our dresses behind the counter.

He said his father came around 2 am and got them released.
According to the prosecutor, Sergeant Simon Tekpor, the complainant, a 39-year-old trader residing at Adeisu in the Eastern Region was the ex-lover of the accused.

He said the complainant and the accused had two children out of their relationship; two and five years.

However, when the relationship collapsed in 2015, the accused person failed to remit the children as well as rent a place for the complainant and the children to live, the prosecution noted.

He said that the complainant subsequently reported the matter to the Officials of the Social Welfare at the Ministries Police Station. The accused was then asked to remit the children with GH200.00 every month starting from June 2016.

The accused person was also to rent a place for the kids and the complainant, the prosecution said.
The statement

We have established the Office of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President to link Ghana to our brethren in the diaspora in order to attract their skills. This is the first time it has been done. We are very happy to have done this, the Vice President said while enumerating 103 achievements of the new government.

The facts

The Akufo-Addo led administration did not and is not the first to establish an office dedicated to diaspora affairs.

In fact, the office was set up three years ago upon the recommendation of the President John Mahama. In May 2014, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration created the Diaspora Affairs Bureau, which was the strengthening of a unit created in 2012 called the Diaspora Support Unit.

READ ALSO: Bawumia presents 103 achievements in 100 days

So first, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs created the Diaspora Support Unit in 2012, it was then strengthened and metamorphosed into the Diaspora Affairs Bureau in May 2014. Bureau, a late 17 century French word, is another word for Office used in public administration.

In May 2014, myjoyonline reported: The Director of the Diaspora Affairs Bureau of the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Filbert Johnson says the Bureau was established under the recommendation [of] President Mahama to meet the needs of the growing number of Ghanaians residing abroad interested in contributing to Ghana's development and well-being.

What the new government appears to have done is to simply change the location of the office from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Office of the President and certainly that cannot count as an achievement.

This then makes the statement by the Vice President inaccurate as this new government did not create that office.

Many on social media have criticised the Vice President for including 'intentions' and 'pronouncements' and not concrete measures as part of its achievements within the first 100 days.

Ghanas diaspora

Ghana has a very large diaspora population. According to the United Nations migration agency, the International Organisation For Migration, there are about three million Ghanaians living outside the country. This includes Ghanaians who have emigrated outside the country and people of Ghanaian origin born outside the country. There are also people of African descent across the world who trace a heritage to Ghana because of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

In November 2001 (during the time of President John Kufuor), Ghanas Parliament passed the The Right to Abode which makes people of African descent eligible to stay in the country indefinitely upon the approval of the Ministry of Interior.

In December 2016, Ghana's government granted citizenship to 34 Afro-Caribbean people.
The son suffered severe burns on his neck whilst the granddaughter got severely burnt on the right cheek eye and cheek.

His plea was not taken and he is to reappear on April 18.

READ ALSO: Mason arraigned for failing to provide shelter for his children

According to the prosecutor, Detective Inspector Kofi Atimbire, the incident happened on April 3, this year at about 9:30 pm. He said the complainant and the accused had a misunderstanding over soaked clothes placed in a water container located between their doors.

The prosecutor said that the complainant moved the said container to the doorstep of the accused. However, the content of the container poured on the floor and the complainant left to buy sachet water.

The prosecutor added that on the return of the complainant, the accused without any provocation poured some acid on the complainant, that is, his son and same splashed on the eight-year-old victim.

The complainant reported the matter to the Police at Mile seven and medical forms were issued to them to seek medical attention.
Samuel Kwarteng had come to VCU from his home city of Alexandria. He was a senior in the electrical engineering program.

READ MORE: POTAG slams Matthew Opoku Prempeh for disrespecting them

Kwarteng was killed during an altercation on the 1200 block of W. Moore Street.

One person, not affiliated at the school, was immediately arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter. Kwarteng died on the porch where he was shot.

VCUs president, Michael Rao, assured students in a school-wide email that this was an isolated incident. The university is providing counseling to any bereaved.

"It is with great sadness that I inform the university community of the tragic death this morning of a VCU student.

"I am sure you join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to Samuel's family and friends in this time of great loss. "The VCU Counseling Center has been alerted and its services are available to anyone who needs assistance in dealing with this tragic event," Rao said.

READ MORE: Legon students arrested for academic fraud

Cousin of shooting victim says Sam Kwarteng, 20, was a senior at VCU studying in the electrical engineering program

Kwarteng died on the front porch of the home.
He made this known at a Town Hall meeting at the new court complex in Accra organised by Accra-based Joy FM.

But in his response to some of the issues raised, the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Koku Anyidoho argued that it was wrong for Bawumia to choose a day after Jesus Christs resurrection to talk politics.

READ ALSO: Bawumia presents 103 achievements in 100 days

He told Accra-based TV3 that Dr Bawumia should have at least waited until the next day, which is a working day, to do his politics.

Meanwhile, the vice president at the Town Hall meeting described his boss, Nana Akufo-Addo as a "workaholic president" who has achieved a lot in his 100 days in office.

He said the Akufo-Addo government inherited a difficult economic situation "where the finances of government were in a very bad shape."

He added that the government had made specific "promises to reduce taxes, restore nursing training allowance, one district, one factory, one village one dam and one million dollars for each constituency."

"And at the same time we said that we were going to bring down the deficit and increase government revenue," he said.
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
Three sources cited by the publication said Fox News founder Rupert Murdoch was fighting to keep the controversial commentator on, while Murdoch's sons, James and Lachlan Murdoch appear to be leaning toward booting O'Reilly for good.

James Murdoch serves as the chief executive of 21st Century Fox, the parent company of the network, while Lachlan Murdoch serves as an e

The latest report comes after a New York Times story earlier this month that said O'Reilly had paid $13 million over the course of several years to agree "not pursue litigation or speak about their accusations."

The expose was then followed by a week-long exodus of advertisers from O'Reilly's hit show "The O'Reilly Factor," and street protests outside of Fox News headquarters  all of the events stemming from a sexual harassment scandal that has disrupted not only O'Reilly's brand, but the structure of the show.

Having had the highest-rated first quarter in history with an average of almost four million viewers per show, each episode subsequently suffered a massive pull-out from notable advertisers after the allegations came to light  forcing a dramatic change in the show's structure, including longer on-air segments and fewer commercial breaks.

"Its worse than Glenn Beck," one source said, referring to another advertiser pull-out from Beck's time slot on Fox News in 2011.

Conservative commentator Matt Drudge also had a foreshadowing tweet on Tuesday afternoon:

Amid the public outcry and allegations against the controversial television personality, more accusations are still coming to light. Another woman accused O'Reilly of sexual harassment, according to a Hollywood Reporter story published Tuesday. The African-American clerical worker from Fox News alleged that the anchor called her "hot chocolate" in 2008.

If the rumors of O'Reilly's departure hold true, it may have been fueled by the Murdochs' $14 billion takeover plans of Sky, a European media company, where a media regulator was assigned to determine whether the Murdochs were "fit and proper" to stake their claim. Having O'Reilly ousted from the network may "appease critics and help close the Sky deal," New York Magazine's Gabriel Sherman wrote.

Additionally, Sherman reported that the social culture at Fox News may have played a factor in determining O'Reilly' future.

"Morale is awful," said a Fox female executive to the magazine. "Theres been no word from management to calm the masses."
Philadelphia police said schools in the area were put on lockdown Monday afternoon while authorities investigated reported sightings of Stephens. Authorities also said that there had been no evidence that Stephens was in the Philadelphia area.

Cleveland police are offering a $50,000 reward for information related to Stephens and authorities say to contact police if he's spotted. So far, officials said, they have received "dozens and dozens" of tips related to Stephens from Facebook users.

Police said Monday morning Stephens "may be out of state at this time," and could be in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana, or Michigan. The search had expanded beyond those states by the evening. Officials said residents should stay on alert for the suspect and Cleveland police chief Calvin Williams told reporters that Stephens "is considered armed and dangerous," adding that the situation had been "traumatizing" for the community.

News of the murder went viral on Sunday, after Stephens posted a video on Facebook that showed the act, which Stephens allegedly committed after Godwin had enjoyed an Easter meal with his children.

In the horrific video, which authorities confirmed was legitimate, Stephens could be heard driving down the road and saying, "Found me somebody Im going to kill, this guy right here, this old dude." Stephens then exited the car and approached Godwin.

He asked Godwin how old he was before pulling out a gun and pointing it at Godwin's head. Godwin could be seen attempting to shield himself before Stephens fired the gun, killing Godwin. He then walked back to his car and drove off.

Stephens and Godwin did not appear to know each other, according to authorities.

"From what we can tell now, it's just a random person that he picked out. We don't know why," Williams, the police chief, said.

Stephens' mother told CNN that when she last saw him on Saturday, he told her that it would be "a miracle" if she ever saw him again. She added that when they spoke the next day, he told her that he was killing people because he was angry at his girlfriend. In another video Stephens recorded, he claimed to have murdered 13 people and said he was going to kill more.

"I snapped  I just snapped ... I killed 13 people, and Im about to keep killing until  until they catch me, f--- it," Stephens said on the phone, speaking to a friend or family member. He could also be heard encouraging the person on the other end to watch the video of the murder he'd uploaded on Facebook.

Facebook took the video down after multiple people reported it, though it took the tech giant three hours to do so, garnering criticism from some. Facebook has received ridicule in the past for graphic content that users have posted to the site, such as a beating video streamed on Facebook Live in January.

"We work hard to keep a safe environment on Facebook and are in touch with law enforcement in emergencies when there are direct threats to physical safety," a company spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday.
"The super Liberal Democrat in the Georgia Congressioal [sic] race tomorrow wants to protect criminals, allow illegal immigration and raise taxes!" Trump tweeted on Monday.

On Tuesday, the president tweeted, "

These messages followed a tweet from Trump on Sunday night, when he mentioned media coverage of both the Georgia election and the recent special election in Kansas' 4th Congressional District. In the Kansas contest, Republican Ron Estes beat Democrat James Thompson by 7 points last week in a district where then-Rep. Mike Pompeo  now Trump's CIA director  won by more than 30 points just last fall.

"The recent Kansas election (Congress) was a really big media event, until the Republicans won," Trump wrote. "Now they play the same game with Georgia-BAD!"

Ossoff responded to Trump's tweet Monday, calling the president "misinformed."

"While I'm glad the president is interested in the race, he is misinformed," he said in a statement. "I'm focused on bringing fresh leadership, accountability, and bipartisan problem-solving to Washington to cut wasteful spending and grow metro Atlanta's economy into the Silicon Valley of the South."

Of the special elections to fill seats vacated by Trump appointees, Georgia has become Democrats' best chance of swinging a seat, though it remains an uphill battle. Ossoff is competing for Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price's seat with a handful of Democrats and 11 Republicans in what's known as a jungle primary. All candidates run on one ballot for the election, which is set for Tuesday. If no candidate clears 50%, the top two will participate in a runoff election on June 20.

With eleven Republican candidates running in Georgia (on Tuesday) for Congress, a runoff will be a win," Trump tweeted late Monday. "Vote 'R' for lower taxes & safety!"

"Republicans must get out today and VOTE in Georgia 6. Force runoff and easy win! Dem Ossoff will raise your taxes-very bad on crime & 2nd A," Trump wrote Tuesday.

With Republicans failing to coalesce around one candidate, Ossoff is running away with the primary in polls, garnering support in the mid-40s. But a recent Emerson College poll found that when polled against just one candidate in the runoff election, he trailed slightly against the four Republicans who are considered most likely to emerge from the primary as his opponent, should nobody reach 50% support.

In just three months, Ossoff, a 30-year-old documentary filmmaker and former congressional aide, has raised a whopping $8.3 million, vastly more than most candidates running in major statewide races. Ossoff's fundraising haul was more than any member of Congress had raised over a two-year period since 2012, other than House Speaker Paul Ryan and former House Speaker John Boehner.

Democrats haven't won this House seat  which was occupied for 20 years by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich  since 1976.

"You see $8.3 million, that's a significant chunk that somebody can run in their district," one GOP operative familiar with the race recently told Business Insider. "Essentially, that's what somebody usually raises for a statewide campaign, not an off-year, early special election."

The operative added that he hadn't seen anything resembling that level of fundraising in past special elections.

"It is a large amount of money from out-of-state donors who are clearly very fired up about opposing Donald Trump," he said. "That's very clear. The liberal base dislikes Donald Trump."

Like Trump, Republicans are trying to paint Ossoff as a "far left" candidate. The GOP has also claimed that Ossoff would be more loyal to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi  an unpopular name in the district  than to local voters.

With the huge swing in Kansas  where Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas all provided assistance to Estes  as a potential sign of things to come in the other special elections, there is major concern that the GOP base will be complacent after Trump's victory, not turning out in needed numbers to win the seat.
This is the world the tech industry is creating.

According to , the next 20 years will involve rapid automation of manual labor and customer service jobs. Millions of employees could be forced to learn new skills or change roles entirely.

Here's how the tech executives are responding to the threat of a robot takeover.

Bill Gates

Mark Cuban

The "Shark Tank" investor and Dallas Mavericks owner has remarked on several occasions that artificially-intelligent robots will kill off jobs in droves in the coming years.

In February, Cuban criticized President Trump's plans to bring back American factory jobs as a sign of the president's poor understanding of technology and business.

"People aren't going to have jobs," Cuban said. "How does [Trump] deal with displaced workers?"

Vinod Khosla

Khosla, a Sun Microsystems co-founder and prominent venture capitalist, has stated that 80% of IT jobs are at risk of automation in the coming decades.

Many of the jobs Khosla envisions involve rote, repetitive data entry or simple troubleshooting.

Devin Wenig

The eBay president and CEO has said artificial intelligence could eliminate entire industries within the next decade. But he remains optimistic, so long as employers recognize their role in training workers who may get displaced.

Elon Musk

The Tesla CEO told CNBC in a November 2016 interview that he believes robots will take so many jobs by the mid-21st century, the government will start paying people salaries even if they don't work.

The idea is called universal basic income, and Musk is the latest tech entrepreneur to support the idea as a solution to robotic automation.

Sam Altman

Another basic income advocate, the Y Combinator president is almost positive robots will dominate industrialized economies in 100 years, and pretty sure they'll create a big dent within the next 20.

Jeff Bezos

Amazon's chief executive has embraced the power of AI for years. In his own factories, there are more than 45,000 robots ferrying packages from one spot to another.

Amazon has also announced plans to build employee-free grocery stores.

Chris Hughes

Hughes, a Facebook co-founder, says a future filled with automated work is inescapable.

Ray Kurzweil

Google's engineering director isn't exactly panicking about the future of work.
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From musicians to writers, art creators and art collectors, the excellent Nigerian spirit which inspires ingenious creativity was well and truly celebrated at the awards night which held yesterday, April 17, 2017 at Oniru, Victoria Island.

The dinner came after an arts exhibition which took place earlier in the day.

Delivering her speech, Bukky Asehinde, the brain behind Bellafrica says "Tonight we recognise and celebrate the great efforts of and achievements by creative business owners...

ALSO READ:Best pictures from AY Live 2017

I am therefore happy to see many deserving businesses receive awards for excellence in different categories that directly impacts our lives"

Awards given on the night include Best Emerging Beauty Brand won by Nubian Roots, Best Emerging Fashion Brand won by The Potter's Signature, Best Pioneer Craftsman/woman of the year [over 10 years] awarded to Proverbs Creations, Best Creative Kid Entrepreneur won by Simi Bakehouse and the award for Best Emerging Artiste among many others.

Asah Bara took home that particular award for her creative and eye-catching mug designs.

Celebrity sighting at the occasion was rapper, Vector.
Oba Joel Daodu, the Oniyani of Iyani-Akoko in Ondo State was reportedly abducted alongside one of his prominent chiefs, John Afelumo, near Oba-Akoko, on the Owo-Ikare Road.

A prominent traditional ruler and the Akala of Ikaram-Akoko, Oba Andrew Momodu, condemned Daodu's kidnapping, saying it is an abomination to abduct a monarch, who he said are custodians of traditions and representatives of the Creator of the universe.

ALSO READ: Police confirm abduction of monarch by gunmen

Oba Momodu urged the abductors to release him with his chief without any condition.

The Olisupare of Supare-Akoko, Oba Adejoro Omosogbon, also called for military deployment to Owo-Ikare Road.
The suspect, Augustine Joseph, according to a release from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, was arrested following a tip-off that he poses as a journalist working for top blogger Linda Ikeji and sneaks into events to steal expensive mobile phones, laptops gadgets as well as defraud dignitaries.

At the time the suspect was arrested, he had an identification card bearing the name Michael Mordi, posing as an employee of the blogger, at an event in Lagos.

The statement revealed that Joseph had walked into one of the new generation banks head office at Victoria Island, Lagos, for an event on March 30, 2017, where he allegedly made away with a Samsung Galaxy S6 phone and other items belonging to guests at the event.

Immediately we received the information, operatives of the IGPs Intelligence Response Team led by , swung into action and based on the technical intelligence gathered, one Augustine Joseph (male) was arrested while the phone in question was recovered from him.

The suspect confessed to have stolen the phone from the complainant and equally confessed to other heinous crimes that are becoming rampant at public events.

In his confessional statement, Joseph said:

I have been into this business of stealing peoples things at events for more than a year now. I steal phones, laptops, and other gadgets when attending functions.

The method I mostly use is to come in as early as possible to familiarize myself with people. I always sit close to charging points where I would be able to carry out my act and I move around with different chargers to lend to people who need to charge their phones.

To get details about upcoming events, I download some events app on my phone and I add Facebook pages of events so as to stay current on activities happening around me.

I go to the extent of paying as a participant to attend training and workshop in order for me to rob people of their belongings.
Ambode made the remark at a two-day summit of the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS) in Lagos.

The theme of the summit is: Lagos at 50: 5 Decades of Excellence.

Ambode, who described the civil service as the engine room of government, said while most civil servants were shielded from the public eye, they work tirelessly to formulate and implement policies which drive the government.

There is no way this evolution, steady growth and success of Lagos State can be documented without mentioning the immense contribution of the states public service."

I maintain that the civil service is the engine room of the government, Ambode said.

He said that the states Public Service had the reputation of being the most progressive Public Service in Nigeria.

This could not have been made possible without the solid foundation built by successive Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, represented by the distinguished personalities seated here today."

My expectation and conviction in your capacity to continue to add value to governance, even in retirement, is informed by the quality of the recommendations that have originated from your past summits, he said.

Ambode noted that their ideas and suggestions had been found to be very useful in governments policy-articulation, design and implementation.

You have been part and parcel of our success story, he said.

The governor said that the theme of the summit was apt, as it was indicative of their acknowledgement of the success the state had recorded so far.

Lagos at 50 is a celebration of past achievements and present successes."

It is also about building the Lagos of the future on the foundation laid by our hardworking and selfless-serving public servants, he said.

Earlier, the Acting Head of Service, Mrs Folasade Adesoye, said the contributions of the association had indeed helped to reposition the states public service.
Dan-Ali however added that the army is still searching for the girls in Boko Harams stronghold, Sambisa Forest.

The minister made the comments while speaking with the Hausa service of Voice of America.

It took the US up to seven, eight, up to 10 years before they could get to Bin Laden. We are continuing our campaigning in the Sambisa forest in all its nooks and corners, he said.

Boko Haram terrorists abducted 276 girls from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno state on April 14, 2014, more than three years ago.

ALSO READ: Chibok Girls: 1000 days of keeping hope alive
The House ad hoc committee investigating the alleged export of $17 billion worth of undeclared crude oil and gas resources was said to have uncovered this.

The committee has demanded answers from the corporation, as the investigation, which covers the year 2011 to 2014, intensifies.

The committee is chaired by Mr. Abdulrazak Namdas, a member of the All Progressives Congress from Adamawa State.

It was gathered that before committee concluded on the unremitted funds, it had analysed documents from various sources, including the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Central Bank of Nigeria, Department of Petroleum Resources and the NNPC itself.

Punch obtained a document containing the set of questions sent to the NNPC, in which the committee noted that the total receipts from crude proceeds for the four years tallied at $123.9 billion.

But the committee found that the NNPC only remitted $42.7 billion to the Federation Account, "giving a frightening shortfall of $81.2bn."

The average crude oil prices per barrel for the respective years were $111.90 (2011); $112.01 (2012); $110.12 (2013); and $101.91 (2014).

The barrels sold for the respective years were 301.7 million; 296.4 million; 267.1 million; and 270.7 million, bringing the total for the four years to 1.136 billion barrels.

The lawmakers clarified that the per year breakdown of the expected earnings were $33.7 billion (2011); $33.2 billion (2012); $29.4 billion (2013); and $27.5 billion (2014), totalling $123.9 billion.

According to the committee, the corporation declared only $42.7 billion, a figure which was confirmed by the CBN.

It was broken down into $14.3 billion (2011); $10.2 billion (2012); $8.4 billion (2013); and $9.8 billion (2014).

"The committee's worries are anchored on the fact that out of the expected receipt of $123.9bn, the CBN confirmed a total receipt of only $42.7bn, giving a shortfall of $81.2bn," the document stated.

The committee also questioned the NNPC on the conflicting reports by the corporation and the DPR on crude lifting from Pennington in 2011.

The NNPC had claimed that 991.4 million barrels and 960.4 million barrels were lifted in May and October, respectively, but the DPR reported that there was only one lifting of 960.4 million barrels in October.

The NNPC was given one-week ultimatum to provide answers to the queries.

The committee, as ordered by the House, is investigating allegations that major government agencies colluded with International Oil Companies to short-change Nigeria in the crude and gas exports deals.
According to a report by the New York Post, Shuaibu, an employee of the United Nations headquarters, was arrested for robbing four banks over a two-month span.

It was further reported that Shuaibu, who robbed banks within walking distance of the UN headquarters during his lunch breaks, was charged with two counts of robbery and two counts of attempted robbery.

The report revealed that Shuaibu committed the first robbery on February 27, 2017 when he walked into a Santander Bank and demanded that the teller hand him cash, threatening to shoot if the employee did not comply.

Shuaibu ran out of luck after he walked into an HSBC bank and passed a note demanding cash to the teller, who did not read the note and asked for identification. He then told the teller he had a gun and gestured to his hand in his jacket pocket.

A retired police officer working at the UN recognized the robber from a surveillance photo previously released by the New York Police Department and led the authorities to his arrest.
Razak Atunwa, the Chairman of the House ad-hoc panel investigating the contract of Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 245 had said the committee will invite Jonathan to shed light into the Malabu deal.

The ex-president allegedly received $200 million kickback from the deal, but he denied the claim.

In a statement issued by MEND spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, the group urged the House to mandate Jonathan's appearance.

The statement said: "We are compelled by natural justice, equity and good conscience to lend our voice to the most ignoble and despicable role played by the former President in the messy affair which has tainted the image of Nigeria, both locally and internationally.

"Like millions of Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, who have keenly followed the OPL 245 saga, we have reasonable grounds to suspect that former President Jonathan may have indeed compromised his high office with regard to the matter, more especially, given the fact that key officials of his administration, including the then Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, have been indicted and charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

"We are in full support of moves by the House of Representatives to summon the former President to appear before the House to give answers to the myriad of questions concerning his role in OPL 245 saga.

"Where he (Jonathan) refuses to honour the invitation, we urge the House to invoke its inherent powers to compel his appearance."

MEND also expressed shock at the media reports of the planned relocation of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) to Lagos from Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

It added, "Besides the massive loss of jobs, opportunities, taxes and other incentives, the planned move (by SPDC) will cause in the medium to short term, it is clear to all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, that such a move is ill advised, especially against the backdrop of the recent directive from the federal government to the International Oil Companies (IOCs) to relocate to their areas of operation in the Niger Delta.

"To be sure, the Niger Delta region is no longer hostile to the business interests of the IOCs, including SPDC, as peace has since returned to the region; following the enervating efforts of MEND, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the various state governments and the federal government. There is therefore no reason whatsoever for SPDC to relocate to Lagos."
Buhari gave the commendation in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, on Tuesday in Abuja, 24 hours ahead of the time limit.

The President also lauded the efforts of Kaduna State Government, the contractor, Julius Berger, and others, on the successful completion of the airport project, 24 hours ahead of the time limit.

He also thanked Ethiopian Airlines for cooperating with the Nigerian Government during the period of the closure of Abuja airport, describing it as a good example of intra-African cooperation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that When the Abuja Airport was closed on March 8 for repairs on its runway and flight operations were diverted to Kaduna International Airport Ethiopian Airlines was the first to land its new Boeing 787 in Kaduna.

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) on Tuesday also praised the Federal Government for the prompt rehabilitation and re-opening of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

The airport had on March 8 shut for six weeks to give way for the rehabilitation of the runway.
The individuals were said to have been invited for questioning after the anti-graft agency found that some of the occupants of the Towers were involved in moving the cash into the controversial apartment 7B.

According to The Nation, the EFCC has also identified how the apartment was acquired and in whose name it was bought.

The EFCC operatives had last Wednesday recovered $43.4m, 27,000 and N23m cash from the apartment.

"The more we investigate this $43.4m haul, the more we get fresh facts. It has become imperative to interact with some owners or tenants of apartments in the Towers," a source at the EFCC told the newspaper.

"We have invited a former governor and other high-profile owners and tenants for interaction. It is just to ask a few questions on whether or not they were aware of such movement of cash.

"We have clues linking some occupants of the Towers to the cash haul. And in line with sections 16 and 17 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004, we are inviting these landlords or tenants.

"Unless we get to the root of this case, Nigerians may not know the truth or otherwise about the cash.

"We are not saying that those invited are guilty of any infraction or having link with the $43.4million but we need to hear from them  in line with the ongoing profiling of those in the Towers," the source said.

Another source said the ongoing investigation also revealed that the 7B Apartment was bought in the name of a company allegedly owned by the wife of a senior government official.

"Since investigation is still ongoing, we will not release the identity of the owner of the company. Doing so might jeopardise investigation," the source said.

However, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), insists the cash haul and the apartment in question belong to the agency.

"What happened was that because of the nature of the covert operations which the apartment will be used for, it was necessary to manage the process well," a source at the NIA was quoted as saying.

"Only the Deed of Assignment was acquired by Thabis Ventures Limited on behalf of NIA. And immediately the process for the purchase of the apartment was completed, the ownership was clearly stated in the name of NIA. All the papers are reflecting NIA too. The title document is available for anyone to verify," the source said.

SaharaReporters had reported on Tuesday that the haggard-looking woman who pretentiously moved cash-bags into the apartment turned out to be the wife of the NIA director.

Initial reports had said the woman would dress shabbily but her glowing skin and accent made guards at the towers believe that her appearance may be a disguise.
A major controversy began to brew over the funds after the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) claimed that it had received the money as an allocation for covert operations.

Media reports had it that Malami had been instructed by President Muhammadu Buhari to get an official brief from the EFCC and the NIA on the matter.

Malami however denied receiving any such instruction adding that the security agencies involved were directly answerable to the president, according to Daily Trust.

ALSO READ: NIA's boss wife reportedly moved money into controversial Ikoyi flat
The Federal Government had in December sent troops to southern Kaduna to end the violence there, but the killings have not stopped.

The witness, who wanted his identity protected, said with the escalating situation in the region, the people may have no choice but to defend themselves as they have lost faith in the security agencies.

Recalling the latest attack, he told The Cable on Monday, April 17, that said the assailants struck in Asso village, Kagoma chiefdom, Jamaa local government, between 7pm and 8pm on Easter Saturday.

Multiple reports said 13 persons were killed in the attack, but the eyewitness could not confirm this.

He said: "They were armed with AK-47 riffles they started shooting sporadically immediately they entered the village.

I cant tell of the number of people that were killed, but many sustained injuries from gunshots.

"The latest attack is an indication that the security agencies can no longer protect us. We are now left with no option than to defend ourselves since the soldiers and policemen deployed to ensure safety of lives and property have failed us."
The president has been doing well especially in the area of security. He only needs to fine-tune his economic policies for a turn around. Nigerians are not asking for much, they are only asking for food on their table, good health care and security of life and property among other basic necessities, he added.
Sani made the comment on Tuesday, April 18, while speaking to journalists about the governors plan to demolish the famous Kasuwan Barci Market in the state.

The anti APC policies of the administration in Kaduna state is sending people away, many people now only have faith in Buhari not in the party any more. Most programmes of government in the state are not in favour of the people and if it continues, APC will pay for it, Sani said.

The current administrations policies are only designed to please some certain group of people in the state. I identify with the pains, concerns and fears of the traders and I appeal to the governor to think twice with a human heart over the issue.

We promised to deliver change to the country and as democrats, whatever we will do, we need to consult and carry the people along. We cannot treat people with arrogance and insolence and expect them to trust us again, he added.

ALSO READ: 10 Missiles El-Rufai fired at Buhari
Fayose said this in reaction to the statement by the minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, that looters have resorted to burying stolen funds in their backyards, deep forests and burial grounds.

Mohammed stated this to stress the importance and success of the Federal Government's whistle blowing policy.

In a statement released by Fayose's spokesman, Lere Olayinka, the Governor discredited the minister's statement, adding that looters in the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) enjoy presidential protection.

Fayose said: "Looters in the Muhammadu Buharis presidency, especially those being compensated for funding the election of the president in 2015 bury their own loot in the villa with presidential protection.

"Should it be wrong for other supposed looters that do not have presidential protection like the All Progressives Congress (APC) looters to bury their loots in burial grounds probably for spiritual protection?

"Nigerians can no longer be fooled with stage-managed loots recoveries, with no traceable owners (looters), especially when the loots are traceable to close associates of the president and his cabinet members.

"Obviously, this so-called anti-corruption war has become a laughing stock with N49 million found in Kaduna Airport, N448 million discovered in a shop at Victoria Island, Lagos and N13 billion found in Ikoyi, Lagos neither having owners nor the identities of owners of the property where the money was found known."

The Governor said the N13 billion recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last Wednesday may have been planted by the Federal Government to sustain its "fake anti-corruption fight."

"It is either the money belongs to members of Buharis government or it is being planted by the government to sustain its fake anti-corruption fight in the minds of the people.

"Enough of stage-managed and fake anti-corruption war aimed solely at opposition figures, especially presidential hopefuls in the 2019 election," he said.

Fayose added that the Buhari administration's job is to protect the APC and crush the opposition, especially those perceived as having presidential ambition.

He said: "The narrative they push daily is that only those in their government are saint while other Nigerians, including those in the national assembly, judiciary, opposition politicians and the civil servants are rogues while only Buharis appointees are saints.

"To worsen matters, the cluelessness of the APC government in the last two years has plunged the country into debt without anything to show.

"The cabals in the presidency are also taking advantage of the presidents state of health, which is as a result of his age to oppress Nigerians.

"Nigerians must therefore keep their eyes on the ball and not be carried away by the orchestrated distractions aimed at preventing them from seeing how the APC led government has failed woefully."
Ezeemo made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra.

According to him, the exercise has become necessary because of the clamour for more constituencies by Nigerians, in view of the growing population among other factors.

He urged INEC to muster enough political will to conduct the exercise in accordance with the law and to prove that the commission had the interest of the electorate.

Ezeemo said that the exercise, if carried out, would bridge the inequality gap currently existing in the political map of the nation.
Kabiru Aliyu, the state secretary of the PDP stated this on Monday, April 17, 2017.

Aliyu blamed the poor performance of the APC-led government on the immature relationship between the executive and legislature.

He said: Should the Senate and the Presidency be insensitive to the plight of the people and continue with the selfish fight among themselves? This is an act of immaturity. They do not have the people at heart.

We expected the leadership of APC to take control of their ego by maintaining a smooth relationship between all arms of government, especially the legislature and the executive.

The failure of the party to ensure this means that it is not in control. It has become a divided party.

Nigerians are disillusioned by the poor performance of the APC administration across all levels of governments.
Toke Makinwa is easily one of the most-talked about people on the Nigerian Internet for the past one year. When she sneezes, the Internet catches fevers, and a complete lack of chill.

Last year, her marriage crashed, which was followed by the she released a bestselling book, On Becoming. This year, it doesn't look like she's slowing down, clearly.

So yes, we said she's going back to school, but not as a student, but as a guest lecturer!

She'll be speaking about "Building a Successful Brand in the Digital Space". Which kind of makes sense, because Toke is easily one of the most visble brands on the Nigerian Digital Space.

The date for this speaking engagement is Wednesday 19th of April.

She expressed her excitement on Instagram:

"Super excited to announce that I will be a guest lecturer this Wednesday at NYU. The digital space is home to at-least 80 percent of my career and teaching a media class on "Building a Successful Brand in the Digital space " is my mission. TM will be at NYU. Super excited, God is good. I cannot wait to meet you all'.
The rusticated students were rusticated as a result of a 2015 protest over the neglect of their school Halls of Residence.

The school especially went under fire because it rusticated the Visually-impaired (VI) student, Lawrence Unezinwa Success.

He was rusticated alongside Ochuba Chichebe Polycarp, even though the latter already collected his certificate after graduation.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Rahman Bello, faced a lot of backlash at the time, especially for allegedly conniving with the Police Force to silence the students' voices.

At the time, they were arraigned before a mobile magistrate court, and remanded in custody.

But all that has changed now.

According to Sahara Reporters, Ochuba received a letter from the University management dated April 10 he was reinstated based on the recommendation of the Students Disciplinary Board and the penalty of rustication for two semesters was reviewed. They also said this is in response to pleas for leniency from the students.

The letter, signed by the Registrar, Dr. Taiwo F. Ipaye, read:

Your studentship is hereby reinstated..."

By a copy of this letter, your Parents/Sponsor and relevant organs of the university are being informed of your reinstatement.
Trump's congratulations on Monday were in contrast with EU leaders who have been reserved in their reaction to the narrow victory and even his own State Department, which earlier noted concerns expressed by international observers over the "uneven playing field".

Returning in triumph to his presidential palace in Ankara, Erdogan angrily rejected the criticism, telling the monitors: "Know your place."

The referendum was seen as crucial not just for shaping Turkey's political system but also the future strategic direction of a nation that has been a NATO member since 1952 and a European Union hopeful for half a century.

Showing no sign of pulling his punches, Erdogan said Turkey could hold further referendums on its EU bid and re-introducing the death penalty.

The "Yes" camp won 51.41 percent in Sunday's referendum, according to complete results released by election authorities.

But the opposition immediately cried foul, claiming a clean vote would have made a difference of several percentage points and handed them victory.

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) said they would challenge the results from most ballot boxes due to alleged violations.

Turkey referendum

"There is only one decision to ease the situation in the context of the law -- the Supreme Election Board (YSK) should annul the vote," the Dogan news agency quoted CHP deputy leader Bulent Tezcan as saying.

The referendum has no "democratic legitimacy", HDP spokesman and lawmaker Osman Baydemir told reporters in Ankara.

There were protests in Istanbul with a few thousand people crowding the anti-Erdogan Besiktas and Kadikoy districts, blowing whistles and chanting "We are shoulder to shoulder against fascism".

- 'Unlevel playing field' -

The opposition had already complained of an unfair campaign that saw the "Yes" backers swamp the airwaves and use billboards across the country in a saturation advertising campaign.

International observers agreed the campaign was conducted on an "unlevel playing field" and that the vote count itself was marred by procedural changes that removed key safeguards.

"The legal framework... remained inadequate for the holding of a genuinely democratic referendum," the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) monitors said in a statement.

The Turkish opposition was particularly incensed by a decision by the YSK to allow voting papers without official stamps to be counted, which they said opened the way for fraud.

"Late changes in counting procedures removed an important safeguard," said Cezar Florin Preda, head of the PACE delegation.

But Erdogan said Turkey had no intention of paying any attention to the monitors' report.

He added: "This country held the most democratic polls that have never been seen in any other country in the West."

- 'End of the dream' -

Erdogan earlier congratulated cheering supporters at Ankara's airport for "standing tall" in the face of the "crusader mentality" of the West.

Getting back to business as usual, his cabinet swiftly extended by another three months the already nine month state of emergency imposed after last July's failed coup.

There were also signs of a looming crisis with the EU.

Erdogan reaffirmed he would now hold talks on reinstating capital punishment -- a move that would automatically end Turkey's EU bid -- and would hold a referendum if it did not get enough votes in parliament to become law.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said that if Ankara were to bring back the death penalty, the move would be "synonymous with the end of the European dream".

In an interview in the Bild newspaper to be published Tuesday, he warned Turkey that "joining would not work right now".

Erdogan said Turkey could hold a referendum on the membership bid. "What George, Hans or Helga say does not interest us," he said, using typical European names.

- 'Big cities say No' -

Turkey's new political system is due to come into effect after elections in November 2019, although Erdogan is expected to rapidly rejoin the ruling Justice Development Party (AKP) he founded but had to leave when he became president.

It would dispense with the prime minister's post and centralise the entire executive bureaucracy under the president, giving Erdogan the direct power to appoint ministers.

Erdogan's victory was far tighter than expected, emerging only after several nail-biting hours late Sunday which saw the "No" result dramatically catch up.
According to a report by New York Times, the three-day manhunt in a fatal shooting that garnered intense attention all over the world ended on Tuesday,April 18, 2017 with a brief car chase.

Authorities said the suspect shot and killed himself at a close near Erie, Pa., about 100 miles east of Cleveland, where the had shot a 74-year-old man at random on Sunday, April 16, 2017.

When he left the lot, troopers tried to pull him over around 11 a.m. but Stevens escaped and raced away to make an escape but was unlucky as the short pursuit saw him giving up on running.

Chief Calvin D. Williams of the Cleveland Police Department said that Stephens pulled over and shot himself; he died at the scene.
Issa Qaraqe, head of prisoner affairs for the Palestinian Authority, said on Monday that around 1,300 prisoners were on hunger strike and the number could rise.

The Palestinian Prisoners' Club had put the number at 1,500.

A spokesman for the Israel Prisons Service said around 1,100 prisoners started the hunger strike and roughly the same number were believed to be continuing on Tuesday.

Erdan vowed that Israeli authorities would not negotiate with the prisoners and said Barghouti had been moved to another prison and placed in solitary confinement.

"They are terrorists and incarcerated murderers who are getting what they deserve and we have no reason to negotiate with them," Erdan told army radio.

He said Barghouti had been placed in solitary confinement because calling for the hunger strike was against prison rules.

Some 6,500 Palestinians are currently detained by Israel for a range of offences and alleged crimes.

Of those, 62 are women and 300 are minors.

Some 500 are held under administrative detention, which allows for imprisonment without charge.

Palestinian prisoners have mounted repeated hunger strikes, but rarely on such a large scale.

Barghouti's call for the strike has given it added credibility, with the 57-year-old serving five life sentences over his role in the second Palestinian intifada or uprising.

He was convicted of attacks that killed five people.

He is popular among Palestinians, with polls suggesting he could win the Palestinian presidency.

"Decades of experience have proved that Israel's inhumane system of colonial and military occupation aims to break the spirit of prisoners and the nation to which they belong, by inflicting suffering on their bodies, separating them from their families and communities, using humiliating measures to compel subjugation," Barghouti wrote in a New York Times opinion piece.
Cartes said in a statement he will "in no event" try to run in the April 2018 vote, seeking to end a political crisis unleashed by his push to remain in power another five years.

Presidential re-election has been taboo in the South American country since the 35-year dictatorship of General Alfredo Stroessner ended in 1989.

After senators passed an amendment last month to change that, opposition activists stormed Congress, ransacking lawmakers' offices and setting them on fire.

Police shot dead one opposition activist in a raid during the riots. Hundreds of people were injured and more than 200 arrested.

That triggered calls for crisis talks, backed by Pope Francis. But they fell apart when the main opposition, the Liberal Party, boycotted them.

Cartes said he hoped his "gesture of renunciation" would "deepen the dialogue aimed at strengthening this republic's institutions."

But the opposition said the conservative president's Red Party had not gone far enough.

"The only way to believe the president's statements is if the ruling party shelves its attempt to amend the constitution," said the speaker of Congress, Liberal Party lawmaker Roberto Acevedo.

But Red Party spokeswoman Lilian Samaniego said party leaders had decided against withdrawing the amendment.

Cartes's attempt to change the constitution had the backing of his leftist rival Fernando Lugo, who was president from 2008 to 2012 and also wants to run again.

But the Liberal Party bitterly opposes changing the 1992 constitution's limit of a single five-year term.

Cartes's change of heart came as international pressure mounted against his re-election bid.

One of US President Donald Trump's top envoys for Latin America, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Francisco Palmieri, is headed to Paraguay for talks on Tuesday.
Three other people were slightly injured.

The warehouse, operated by the Lidl supermarket chain, is located about a kilometre (half a mile) from an aerodrome at Tires, in the district of Cascais about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from central Lisbon.

The twin-engine Piper PA-31 plane had just taken off on a flight to the southern French city of Marseille when it crashed, hitting a truck parked at the warehouse.

About 90 firefighters mobilised to fight a blaze, which was quickly put out. A neighbouring house was also damaged.
"When I see the flash of shelling in the direction of Avdiivka, I begin to count off the seconds before an outage," 45-year-old Ruslan Kolesov, the transport director at the town's coking coal plant told AFP.

"I can determine where the shell fell with an accuracy of 200 metres (yards) only by the length of time and the noise."

The government-held town of Avdiivka and the factory where Kolesov works regularly get caught up in shelling between Ukrainian forces and the Russian-backed rebels on the other side.

Four power lines, vital for both operations at the factory and lighting the town, run across the frontline from thermal power plants located in rebel-held territory.

That means that cables often get cut by the fighting and the repairmen have to tool up.

"The plant is the heart of the city. It provides light and heating to all residents of Avdiivka. If they interrupt the supply of electricity to the plant then the entire city is without light," Kolesov explained.

'Green corridor'

Before the search team can even reach the power lines, Kolesov and his colleagues have to go through the fraught process of getting the agreement of both Ukraine's military and the rebels to hold fire.

"We start only when both sides give us a 'green corridor'. But even if both sides promise it, it does not mean that we will not come under fire," he said.

In 2015 members of the team were detained as saboteurs at one of the insurgent's checkpoints before being blindfolded and taken for questioning after their phones were seized.

The men were eventually released after a few tense hours when militants learned who they were.

The team was recently given kevlar helmets and body armour by the Ukrainian army but they are often reluctant to wear the gear -- preferring their old white plastic helmets and overalls for fear of appearing like combatants.

"When we wear khaki-coloured bulletproof vests, it's hard to explain that we are not saboteurs," said 37-year-old driver Oleksandr Korovan.

Drawing lots

Some of the team insisted they are now inured to the danger as Ukraine's low-level war wears on towards a third year, having cost some 10,000 lives already.

But Korovan and another driver still draw lots to decide who will take the wheel for each risky mission.

"One counts only on intuition in our work," Korovan, a father of two children, said. "Every time it is scary."

The men do not get any extra money for the risks they run but insist they have no plans to quit their jobs all the same.

"Our city and our factory are like a big anthill," said the other driver Sergey.
Sunday's test "shows why we are working so closely right now with the Chinese, coming out of the Mar-a-Lago meeting" in Florida between the two nations' leaders earlier this month, Mattis told reporters.

The American-Chinese effort seeks to "get this under control and aim for the denuclearised Korean peninsula" desired by China, the US, South Korea and Japan, he said as he flew to the Middle East for a tour.

"We all share that same interest."

American officials said the missile test-fired on Sunday exploded seconds after launch.

North Korea still has many technical problems to resolve, but the intensity of its current testing worries Pentagon strategists.

Estimates vary about how much time Pyongyang would still need to build intercontinental ballistic missiles, but some at the Pentagon think it could happen within two years.

Others believe several more years might be needed, noting the difficulty of designing and testing the warhead.

This component, which contains the nuclear bomb, must be able to resist the enormous heat and shock accompanying its atmospheric re-entry after being fired into space.
The North, which is intent on developing a nuclear-tipped ballistic missile capable of reaching the mainland United States, defied international pressure Sunday with a test that failed immediately after launch.

As fears grow that it may also be preparing for its sixth nuclear weapons test, Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol said that its programme would only escalate.

"We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis," Han told the BBC in an interview, threatening "all-out war" if the US took any action against it.

Arriving in Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Pence hailed the two countries' longstanding security ties.

"The alliance between the United States and Japan is the cornerstone of peace and security in Northeast Asia," he told Abe.

The Japanese leader called for a peaceful resolution to the North Korea tensions but did not rule out the need for tough measures.

"It is a matter of paramount importance for us to seek diplomatic efforts as well as peaceable settlements of the issue," he said.

"At the same time dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless and it is necessary for us to exercise pressure."

In South Korea on the first leg of an Asian tour, Pence on Monday visited the heavily fortified Demilitarised Zone separating the two Koreas and warned Pyongyang against further provocations, saying "all options are on the table".

North Korea could react to a potential US strike by targeting South Korea or Japan, and officials in both countries have been ill at ease with the more bellicose language deployed by President Donald Trump's administration.

Pence pointed to Trumps recent strikes on a Syrian airbase and an Islamic State complex in Afghanistan as a warning to Pyongyang not to underestimate the administration's resolve.

'Gotta behave'

Throughout his bareknuckle election campaign, Trump repeatedly called into question a mutual defence treaty between Japan and the United States, suggesting Tokyo should pay for its own security.

But now, Pence will try to reassure his jittery hosts that those decades-old security commitments are ironclad, a necessity made more acute after Washington's refusal to rule out military action against the regime.

Tensions between Pyongyang and Washington have soared in recent weeks as a series of North Korean missile tests have prompted ever-more severe warnings from Trump's administration.

Asked by a reporter what message he had for North Korea's young leader Kim Jong-Un on Monday, Trump replied "Gotta behave".

North Korea's deputy ambassador to the United Nations reiterated on the weekend that the North is ready to respond to any US missile or nuclear strike.

"If the United States dares opt for a military action... the DPRK is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the Americans," Kim told a news conference, using the abbreviation of the country's official name.

"We will take the toughest counteraction against the provocateurs."

Like South Korea, Japan already faces a direct threat from the secretive regime.

In early March, the North simultaneously fired four ballistic missiles off its east coast, three of which fell provocatively close to Japan, in what it said was a drill for an attack on US bases in the country.

The Pentagon has not discussed which missile blew up after its launch Sunday from a base near Sinpo on the North's east coast, and the White House has said only that it was a medium-range device.

But John Schilling from the 38 North monitoring group said the failure was indicative of the test of a new and hitherto unknown system being developed by Kim Jong-Un's regime.

"That's a common failure mode for North Korean missiles very early on in their development cycle when they are working out the bugs in the propulsion and guidance system," the weapons expert told AFP.

"More detail would always be nice. But I am going to suspect that this was a new missile or certainly one that has not been well-developed."

Pence's Japanese hosts will be cautious about any US military action that could trigger a broader regional conflict.

Their hope is that the White House will focus on pressuring China, Pyongyang's only major ally, to redouble its efforts to rein in the regime and bring it back to the negotiating table after abandoning six-nation talks in 2009.
Rock Island Arsenal Fire Department crews recovered a body from the roller dam at Lock and Dam 15 shortly before 4 p.m. Monday, according to the Garrison Public Affairs Office at the Arsenal.
Davenport 3rd Ward Alderman Bill Boom admitted Tuesday that he lied to a federal grand jury during a crystal methamphetamine investigation in 2016.

The 65-year-old Boom, who wore a button-down dress shirt and black pants, appeared in U.S. District Court, Davenport, with his attorney, Murray Bell, and pleaded guilty to one count of false declaration before the grand jury, a felony, during a hearing lasting less than an hour.

Boom quietly answered questions posed to him by Magistrate Judge Stephen Jackson Jr., regarding the terms of his plea agreement, the elements claimed by prosecutors and whether he was voluntarily making the plea.

Standing with his hands clasped behind his back, he quietly replied, Guilty, your honor, when Jackson asked him for his plea.

The charge carries a possible sentence of up to five years in prison or up to five years of probation and a fine of up to $250,000.

However, prosecutors and Boom will jointly agree to recommend a sentence of probation, according to the plea agreement.

He will be sentenced Aug. 24 by Chief District Judge John Jarvey, who will have sole discretion on Boom's sentence. A status hearing is scheduled for July 21.

Per the plea agreement, Boom will not be charged with any other federal criminal offense "arising from or directly relating to this investigation."

He will remain out of custody until he is sentenced. Under the terms of his release, Boom cannot travel outside of the United States and cannot excessively drink alcohol, use illegal substances, or possess a firearm.

Following Tuesdays plea hearing, Boom surrendered his passport.

By pleading guilty to a felony charge, he cannot hold public office, Jackson said during Tuesdays sentencing hearing.

He is serving his fifth term on the City Council. The term expires in January.

Boom declined comment after Tuesdays hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Corkery also declined comment.

Booms plea comes more than a year after Scott County Sheriffs deputies searched his home in the 400 block of West 7th Street as part of an investigation into the sale of crystal methamphetamine by Gage A. Wenthe, 26, who was living with Boom.

Deputies seized the drug, also known as ice, marijuana, suspected marijuana wax, an unknown white powder, drug paraphernalia, a digital scale, packaging materials and two rifles, according to investigators.

Wenthe, when questioned by deputies, admitted to being a middle man for the sale of methamphetamine and marijuana to several people in the area, according to investigators.

Boom was representing the City Council at a broadband conference in Austin, Texas, at the time of the search. He told the Quad-City Times in an interview at the time that he had no knowledge of the drugs in his home.

He was not charged with any drug offenses.

A second man, Joseph Allen Terry, 40, was charged later that day after a search of his Davenport home turned up approximately 63 grams of ice methamphetamine, a digital scale, $1,375 cash and 37 hydrocodone pills. Packaging materials and drug paraphernalia also were seized.

Terry and Wenthe were both charged in Scott County District Court. Wenthe pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and possession with intent to deliver marijuana in Scott County District Court and was given a deferred sentence and placed into the Mental Health Court program.

Wenthe violated the terms of the program and was ordered in January to serve the original sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

The state charges were dropped against Terry in July when he was charged in federal court.

He pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and will be sentenced May 25.

According to a plea agreement filed Tuesday, Boom testified before a federal grand jury on July 19 in connection with the investigation.

He was advised by an assistant U.S. attorney that he could face criminal penalties if he failed to testify truthfully or misled the grand jury, according to the plea agreement.

During the grand jury proceedings, Boom was asked if he was aware that Wenthe used methamphetamine prior to the search of his home on April 6, 2016. He said no, according to the plea agreement.

There was a time when I found a syringe in his room, but he told me that that was from one of his friends that had diabetes, Boom told the grand jury, according to the plea agreement. But every time that I suspected something, I would give him holy hell.

He also testified that he had never given money to Terry but said that he had given money to Wenthe or his relatives.

Boom admitted in the plea agreement that he knowingly made a false statement and that he knew that Wenthe used methamphetamine prior to April 6, 2016. He also admitted in the plea agreement that he had given money to Terry.

These questions and answers were material to an investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in southeastern Iowa, according to prosecutors.

Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane declined comment Tuesday and referred questions to the U.S. Attorneys Office.
One person is dead after a moped and truck collided Monday night in Louisa County.

The crash occurred at 9:50 p.m. on U.S. 61 near Kennedy Drive in Wapello.

The moped was traveling westbound on Oak Street attempting to cross U.S. 61 when the driver failed to yield upon entering the highway and was struck by a 2003 International semi at the intersection of Kennedy Drive, according to a crash report from the Iowa State Patrol.

Both vehicles came to rest in the southbound lane of U.S. 61 at Oak Street.

The driver of the moped has been identified as Sierra Jane Bowdre, 15, of Wapello.

The Iowa State Patrol was assisted by the Louisa County Sheriff's Office, Wapello Fire Department and EMS, and the Louisa County Medical Examiner.
Following in the footsteps of its neighbor city, Bettendorf has decided to create a similar food truck ordinance in order to maintain continuity in the region.

Economic Development Director Jeff Reiter and Public Relations Social Media Events Coordinator Denice Enfield presented the City Council with an overview of Davenport's ordinance as well a recommendation to move forward with its own ordinance during Monday's committee-of-the-whole meeting.

"We believe that we have the opportunity to make this look like a wonderful regional initiative," Reiter said. "We certainly want to do something very, very close in line with Davenport and other municipalities in the Iowa Quad-Cities. We certainly don't want to have a set of ordinances in each town to where these food truck operators are bouncing back and forth to skirt rules."

Davenport's food truck ordinance went into effect last month, requiring a $55 mobile food license in addition to a $550 annual mobile food permit.

Its ordinance also established two zones, the riverfront and East 2nd and Iowa streets, for operation.

To operate on private property, the property owner is required to fill out a special occurrence permit and pay a $100 fee.

While Bettendorf aldermen were supportive of helping the food truck businesses, they also voiced concerns about protecting the interest of brick and mortar restaurants that pay property taxes.

"I think having this fee leveling the playing field a little bit," Alderman Scott Webster, 5th Ward, said.

Bettendorf has not yet established what zones it will establish or its fee structure, which prevented traditional brick and mortar restaurants from commenting on a proposed ordinance, but for those that did, Enfield said that the city received mixed feedback.

"Happy Joe's at Cumberland Square said it was a great idea," Enfield said. "Subway, right of here (by City Hall), does not endorse it all. They are very uncomfortable with the idea and think it's a direct competition with them."

Reiter said a preliminary ordinance would be drafted in the next month and was a necessary step to provide more health regulation and structure for food trucks, which are expected to pop up more frequently in the summer months.

"If we don't do anything, we're likely to have a scene like we've had the last couple of summers and they will find private property to locate on," Reiter said.
A Quad-City meteorologist is headed to a warmer, but possibly stormier, climate.

Anthony Peoples, 52, of Moline, will be on the air on WHBF-TV for the last time April 28. Less than week later, hell head to Panama City, Florida, where he will be the morning and midday meteorologist for the ABC affiliate.

The Quad-Cities has become a second home for Peoples, who originally is from Mayfield, Kentucky. I moved here around Thanksgiving 2005. Thats the longest Ive ever lived in anywhere in my life, he said.

After Peoples earned his bachelor degree in radio and television news, with a minor in criminal justice, at Murray State University, he began to seek work.

For some time, he supported himself waiting tables and tending bar. Finally, he decided to give television one more shot, and sent out 230 cover letters and resumes to small- and medium-sized all over the country. He received a job offer from Rhinelander, Wisconsin, as a morning weathercaster.

He did a lot of television work in various capacities and locations across the United States, then returned to Chicago and began to tend bar again. He decided to earn his meteorology certification from Mississippi State University through a distance-learning program that included 17 courses chosen by the American Meteorological Society.

Eventually, he came to the Quad-Cities, and worked as a meteorologist at WQAD from 2005 to 2012. Then he worked at WHBF from March 2013 until now.

He and his husband, Ray Forsythe, planning and economic development director for the city of Moline, will maintain a long-distance relationship. Their daughter is a student at Alleman High School, Rock Island.

In the meantime, hell miss the snow, but not the bitterly cold temperatures. While you guys are shivering at 30 to 40 below zero, Ill be trading it in for the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes

Hell also miss his family, including his sister, Tammy Reeves, of Moline along with his work wife Emily Scarlett, who was his morning co-anchor for the last three years. She, too, is leaving WHBF, and is moving to Columbia, South Carolina.

Were both heading south to warmer climates, he said.
There was an unseemly glee on the part of some Trump supporters in the use of the MOAB -- Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb -- against a target in Afghanistan. A powerful nation may possess 21,600 pounds of precision-guided death. A great nation uses it only in a spirit of grim necessity.

Yet -- considered along with 59 cruise missiles thrown at the Bashar Assad regime in Syria -- a useful, kinetic statement has been made. America will no longer be constrained by President Obama's infinitely varied excuses for inaction (which a rational and determined mind can always find). Nor, apparently, will the nation follow Trump's incoherent campaign pledge to disengage itself into pre-eminence, to somehow retreat into greatness.

But a Trump Doctrine is still at the lumpy, unwhisked batter stage of intellectual baking. America acts when horrible images of murdered children catch the president's eye, or when the ordnance employed sends a signal of toughness. This is hardly a turn toward neo-conservatism. But what is it? And how can we know if Trump, in all probability, does not yet know himself?

Uncertainty is not always a bad thing. There should be questions in the minds of foreign powers when they calculate the length of our chief executive's fuse. A president should be reliable in providing a proportionate response to aggression and atrocities. He should also be capable of a disproportionate and decisive response, planting a seed of deathly fear in the minds of America's enemies. (Deterring aggression against Europe during the Cold War, for example, depended on the credible belief that American presidents might be mad enough to use nuclear weapons (BEG ITAL)first(END ITAL) if the Soviet tanks began rolling in -- effectively defending a continent by promising to irradiate it.)

The existence of real red lines -- that North Korea will not have the capability to lob a nuclear missile into the Napa Valley, that the Taliban can't control Kabul, that the Islamic State can't be allowed a permanent, territorial home -- are the essential guides to foreign policy. But a post-Iraq-invasion America better understands how expensive (in a variety of horrible ways) an invasion and occupation can be. So every American president -- no matter how they campaign -- will be faced with the necessity and challenge of degrading threats from a distance.

This is really the post-Cold War American doctrine, on the order of the Monroe or Truman doctrines: When possible, America will pre-empt and prevent emerging threats by strengthening proxies and projecting power from medium to long range. This is the essence of a high-tech, offshore war against terrorism and other sources of grave harm -- a policy that not only takes the lessons of Iraq seriously, but that also recalls the lessons of 9/11.

The problem with the Trump administration's foreign policy -- as represented in its proposed budget -- is that it does not fully understand our threats or the meaning of power.

The existence of the Islamic State is, indeed, a threat. But terrorism is often parasitic, attaching its agenda to local grievances and attempting to ride its proxies to greater power. So al-Qaeda first tries to take root in Sudan, and then more successfully in alliance with the Taliban in Afghanistan. So the Islamic State gathered strength fighting the Assad regime in the ungoverned badlands of eastern Syria before rolling into Iraq.

This makes the fate of failed, fragile and lawless states directly and unavoidably relevant to the conduct of the war against terrorism and the defense against other threats. American interests must be defined broadly enough to include things like the effective delivery of social services in Afghanistan, the surveillance for pandemic disease in rural Tanzania, the construction of classrooms in refugee-stressed Jordan, the settlement of conflict in Libya and the promotion of economic progress in northern Nigeria. Encouraging these outcomes represents another, very real type of American power, exercised from afar (apart from the irenic army of health, development and diplomatic professionals).

It is an absurd misnomer to call the exercise of power in these areas "soft." The matter is simple: Will America merely respond to security threats? Or will it also try to shape the security environments in which threats emerge?

This is the context in which the Trump administration is proposing a 29 percent cut in funding for development and diplomacy, for peacebuilding and conflict prevention. "It is not a soft-power budget," explains budget director Mick Mulvaney. "This is a hard-power budget."

It is really a softheaded, hard-hearted budget. If passed in anything close to current form, no amount of explosive power could undo the stupidity or remedy the harm.
Three months after restarting operations of two biomass energy plants in Jonesboro and West Enfield owned since October 2016 by Stored Solar LLC and previously owned by Covanta Energy, Stored Solar has shut down the Jonesboro plant and filed a request with the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to amend an agreement it has for utilizing a biomass industry recovery incentive program.

After its January start, the Jonesboro plant was shut down in midMarch "due to a lack of biomass feedstock," states Stored Solar Vice President William Harrington in a March 27 letter to the MPUC. Stored Solar's letter was in response to a March 22 MPUC letter requesting an update on the company's operations and financial status of the two plants because of an agreement between Stored Solar and Central Maine Power (CMP) that utilizes state incentives to run the plants.

The future of biomass in the state has been of concern, given the decline in the pulp-and-paper industry and the changes to the renewable energy credit marketplace that put standalone biomass generators at a disadvantage to other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, explains Dana Doran, executive director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine. Doran's organization "spent a lot of time working on policy over the winter of 20152016" to stabilize the biomass market, he notes, with the outcome being enactment of a bill, An Act to Establish a Process for the Procurement of Biomass Resources. The bill, after debate and amendments, was passed with bipartisan support from the legislature and the governor. As described by the MPUC, the act allows $13.4 million to be used to pay abovemarket costs to biomass energy producers in the state in exchange for certain described instate benefits.

In December 2016 the MPUC approved a contract between CMP and Stored Solar with a term of two years and with an established abovemarket price of $13.40 per MWh to be paid by CMP to Stored Solar through monthly payments. The MPUC is able to adjust contract payments if Stored Solar "does not provide its required instate benefits." To ensure that funds are available to make any adjustment, Stored Solar is required to post credit support quarterly so that the instate benefits are reviewed at the end of each of the two contract years and "there is adequate security to cover any adjustment to the contract payments."

Terms of the agreement's instate benefits obligate Stored Solar to create in the first year 42 inplant fulltime equivalent jobs, purchase 500,000 tons of instate biomass and spend $2.5 million on capital expenditures. In the second year of the agreement Stored Solar would follow the first year but without the capital expenditure requirement. As of March 24, the company had purchased 112,317 tons of biomass, hired 44 employees and paid $500,000 towards engineering and materials for facilities improvements.

Biomass supply contracts and forest health

In his March 27 letter to the MPUC general counsel, Harrington explains that the West Enfield plant is operating at about 20 megawatts but that the Jonesboro plant was operating at only six megawatts. He states that an invoicing dispute with some biomass suppliers has since been resolved. Harrington also notes that because "a few biomass suppliers failed to honor their contractual commitments," Stored Solar was driven to pay prices for biomass that were 30% to 35% above the contracted price. The result, he writes, "created uncertainty around future operations, which in turn severely hindered Store Solar's ability to attract investors and lenders for its efforts to revitalize Maine's bioeconomy. Investors will not invest if it's unclear whether the suppliers will honor their commitments."

Stored Solar's letter lists actions taken, including the signing in November 2016 of 10year biomass supply agreements with Mainebased biomass supply companies. Harrington and other company representatives have not responded to requests for interviews or comments about the contracts. While Doran could not comment about the specifics of the Stored Solar contracts, he explains that he does not know of any contracts between biomass suppliers and biomass energy plants other than the ones described by Stored Solar. He says that generally relationships are set up but with no longstanding contract in place because the market "fluctuates by supply and demand." However, he says, contractors have fixed costs that do not change with the markets, such as trucking and production. "Because of the abundant supply, the price came down, but the challenge is that the fixed costs don't go down." He adds, "Contracts haven't really worked because contractors can't deliver at a loss. Longterm contracts are next to impossible."

Bob Bell of Edmunds, who was in the biomass supply market for years but sold his chipper in 2016 because the "industry was up in the air," says that the biomass industry is in a "pretty sad state of affairs." He adds, "It's still a buyer's market with what they're buying chips for, and that's dependent on electricity prices. So they need low costs for chips, which makes it hard for the seller." Doran confirms that there has been about a 10% drop in the logging workforce over the last year with people like Bell, with a long history in the industry, either downsizing, parking their equipment or getting out.

In Maine there are almost 18 million acres of actively managed forest, says Doran. From the silviculture perspective, a reduction in biomass use "absolutely has an impact." It promotes regeneration, and without its use regeneration of the forest slows down. It also can lead to an imbalance in forest harvests. Doran states, "We don't want to promote just saw logs." Bell says, "We need to manage for logs, for timber, for dimensional lumber. We need to create forests for higher quality wood, but we also need to clean out the lower quality wood" that can be used as chips for heat and electricity generation but could also be studied by the University of Maine research divisions.

Filing to amend MPUC agreement

On March 28 Stored Solar filed a request with the MPUC to amend the incentive agreement. The company requests that CMP stop payments to Stored Solar; that Stored Solar reimburse all funds received from CMP since January; that CMP reimburses the cash deposit posted by Stored Solar, listed in the company's March 27 letter as $1.157 million; that Stored Solar submit its annual report on instate benefits as per the contract; and that CMP pays Stored Solar based on its performance and not in advance.

Comments on the request were being accepted through April 5, with Stored Solar able to provide responses until April 12. Doran wrote that his organization urges the MPUC to preserve the original agreement. Alteration after only three months since the agreement's terms began "would seriously undermine the intent and integrity of the process that produced it." Changes would "erode safeguards and also raise the possibility of biomass suppliers potentially being paid lower than market prices -- thereby reducing their viability, which the legislation was designed to enhance -- on a regular basis since payments would not be predicated upon any subsidy."

Addressing the statement by Stored Solar in its March 27 letter to the MPUC that there had been an invoicing dispute with some of its biomass suppliers, Doran wrote, "If this issue is not completely resolved before an amendment was made, or if a similar issue presented itself at some point during the term of the new agreement, there would be no opportunity for review/recourse until the end of the 12month term, which is not in keeping with the enabling legislation or in the best interest of the taxpayers and contributing suppliers."

Central Maine Power, while expressing its neutral stance on the matter, did state its concern about the timing of Stored Solar's proposed amendment. "CMP's belief has generally been that maintaining the integrity of the commission's bid processes would seem to be of paramount importance." However, CMP continues that the proposed amendments "are of less concern" because they do not "present new or additional risk to CMP or the [state's] general fund from which the payments arise."



Cogeneration possibilities

Stored Solar, owned by Capergy US, which is owned by Capergy SA, a French company, has partnered with Synthesis Venture Fund Partners on an initiative that could bring additional businesses to the county through the Maine Born Global Challenge. The goal is to locate industries at the Jonesboro and West Enfield plants that can utilize the excess waste heat produced from electricity generation.

If standalone biomass electricity generating plants, such as the two owned by Stored Solar, are able to create cogeneration utilization envisioned by the Maine Born Global Challenge, they could meet the new requirements of the renewable energy credit marketplace.

Doran and Bell agree that the vision for cogeneration utilization could be a win for all involved. Doran states, "We agree with the sentiment of creating higher utilization and efficiency at standalone plants with greenhouses, sawmills, any business that uses heat." He adds, "And that is driving legislative recommendations made last year" for future bills. Bell hopes Stored Solar is successful. "They have big ideas."

Synthesis Venture Fund Partners representative Jimmy Massaad had initially expressed an interest in setting up an interview to discuss the Maine Born Global Challenge and Stored Solar's cogeneration plans but did not respond to followup inquiries. A Synthesis press release published in Biomass Magazine states that, as of April 6, the first Born Global Innovation Challenge has "resulted in 56 applicants and 14 companies continuing through prequalification and due diligence." On the Synthesis website companies listed as "prequalified" include Core BioFuel, NuFuels, Phytonix, Ark Power Dynamics, Visolis and others.
Public hearings held in Augusta on April 11 by the legislature's Health and Human Services Committee on a series of proposed bills to address the opioid crisis in the state brought home the "cry for help" coming from two of Maine's rural counties hit hardest, said committee Cochair Rep. Patricia Hymanson. Washington County had the highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the state between 2012 and 2014 and has the second highest rate of drugaffected babies, nearly double the state average. One of the proposed bills that garnered attention and support with public testimony is a bill for a substance use disorder treatment pilot project sponsored by State Senator Joyce Maker of Calais and cosponsored by Rep. Will Tuell of East Machias.

If passed, LD 812, Resolve, To Establish a Pilot Project To Save Lives and Support People with Substance Use Disorder in Washington County, would implement an opioid treatment pilot project in Washington County that would: train non-healthcare entities that are on the front lines to serve as points of entry to treatment and recovery; provide training, comfort packs and referral systems to emergency departments; add eight additional detox beds; work with medication assisted treatment (MAT) prescribers to pair them with counselors; provide MAT to people without insurance; add the option for partial hospitalization for those without insurance; add low or no cost prescriptions for those without insurance; eliminate barriers such as child care and transportation during treatment and recovery; provide treatment and recovery support in county/local jails. These are only a few of the measures included in LD 812 that were recommended by the county's healthcare providers, community members and public safety officials as a result of numerous meetings and forums held over the last year.

At the April 11 hearing, Maker introduced the legislation saying that the opioid crisis "can be discussed all you want, but if you have no money" to address it, the crisis will continue to escalate. In Washington County, "this affliction has had a devastating effect on our communities, yet the treatment options available in our region are far from adequate." According to a 2017 report issued by the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, there were 376 druginduced deaths in 2016, 104 more than the previous year. Twenty of those deaths were in Washington County, with all of them attributed to opioids. Oxford County was the only other county listed where 100% of the overdose deaths, in this case 10, were attributed to opioids and not a mixture of two or more drugs and/or alcohol.

Maker and Tuell stressed the importance of having detox beds in the county. Currently, the state's only detox beds are located in Portland, a four- to five-hour drive in the best of weather and road conditions. Gordon Smith, executive vice president of the Maine Medical Association, told the committee that while funding had been allocated for the addition of 10 detox beds in Bangor in 2016, "We're still looking to see where they are going to go." Tuell stated, "If you do nothing else with this legislation, please make a commitment to putting detox in our area hospitals." He noted that the difficulty of driving a minimum of two hours, if the Bangor beds materialize, or over four hours to Portland during winter weather was compounded by the problem of finding a driver and navigating dangerous road conditions, and that was if a bed was even available at the facility.

However, once out of detox, the support network of resources "is where we lose people," said Malory Shaughnessy, executive director of the Alliance for Addiction and Mental Health Services, Maine. The alliance represents the majority of Maine's licensed community mental health and substance use disorder treatment agencies. She explained the pilot project "would build such a system of connecting links and supports to walk someone through the path of treatment and into recovery in a way that we are simply not doing well now." She added, "Treatment is just one component for many struggling with this disorder. For many, it has interrupted housing, employment, their family cohesion and their personal mental health."

Pointing to Washington County communities and their readiness for help, Smith told of attending a meeting in Machias with about 400 in attendance. He said, "These communities are really suffering." He added that with a pilot project, the state will see the results of a specific program of actions with targeted funding which, if successful, could then be used statewide. "We can't ask the legislature to dump money all over the state," he explained. But the need is severe, he illustrated. "It's incredible to me that someone comes to the Machias emergency room and has to go to Portland."

Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS) Office of Substance and Mental Health Director Sheldon Wheeler noted that the "primary treatment admission rate for residents of Washington County seeking treatment for synthetic opioids is more than twice the statewide rate." The department has recently provided some additional supports for the uninsured in the county for opiate use disorders. However, he said, "In order to provide a more detailed response, the department would need more detail and direction with LD 812." Specifically, he pointed out the department's timeintensive request for proposal process, "especially for entirely new treatment and recovery solutions."

The bill includes funding of $1.6 million over the 20182019 fiscal biennium, with DHHS required to report on the planning and implementation of the pilot project to the legislative committee no later than November 30, 2018.

The legislation will be discussed by the committee at an April 25 workshop. Hymanson said of the workshop, "We're looking for a serious discussion to see what we can do to move forward."
120

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Common Council of the City of Hot Springs, South Dakota, will receive written bids at the Office of the Public Works Engineer in City Hall, 303 North River Street, Hot Springs, South Dakota until 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 for construction of the Evans Plunge Roof Replacement Project. Bids will be opened at 2:05 pm and publicly read aloud at the Hot Springs City Hall conference room, 303 North River Street, Hot Springs, SD.

This project is for the removal and disposal of existing roofing and replacement with a fabric reinforced roofing system.

All proposals shall be submitted on forms provided by the City of Hot Springs. Each bid shall be accompanied by a certified check or cashiers check for an amount of 5% of the total bid, or a bid bond in the amount of 10% of the total bid. Such check or bid bond shall be used as a bid security in the event the successful bidder fails to enter into a contract and post an approved bond with the City within ten (10) days after the formal acceptance of the bid. The check shall be drawn on a solvent bank or an approved surety company.

The contract documents, plans, and specifications may be examined at the following locations:

-Public Works Engineers Office, City of Hot Springs, South Dakota

-Construction and Industry Center, Rapid City, South Dakota

Copies of the contract documents, plans, and specifications may be obtained at the Office of the Public Works Engineer, 303 North River Street, Hot Springs, South Dakota, 57747 at no charge.

Sealed bids must be plainly marked to identify their contents. No bid shall be withdrawn after the filing time without the written consent of the Hot Springs, Common Council, for a period of thirty (30) days after the filing time. The Common Council of the City of Hot Springs, South Dakota reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or to waive any informalities or technicalities in bidding, and to accept the bid that is to the advantage of, and in the best interest of, the City of Hot Springs.

Tracy Bastian

Public Works Engineer

Utilities Director

City of Hot Springs

Published twice at the total approximate cost of $46.90.

Apr. 18, 25
A $91,000 grant from the South Dakota Housing Development Authority will be put to good use to make housing in Rapid City more accessible for Black Hills Works developmentally disabled clients.

Black Hills Works CEO Brad Saathoff said the grant will be used to upgrade exterior access in seven BHW properties, including some dating back more than 40 years when most wheelchairs were manually operated.

Planned upgrades include ramps and widened doorways to accommodate larger electric wheelchairs and replacing worn carpeting with vinyl flooring.

Saathoff said cuts from a pair of federal budget sequestration rounds in recent years depleted Department of Housing and Urban Development funds.

Budgets for HUD were virtually stripped of any funds for repairs and maintenance costs. Weve had to use a lot of donated funds, Saathoff said.

This grant, were jumping up and down to have gotten it, he said. Itll do a lot of good.

The Black Hills Works grant was part of $2.6 million in funding for housing across the state approved by the SDHDAs Board of Commissioners on Monday.

Eight projects, including $1.9 million in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding and $361,000 in Housing Opportunity Fund projects, will provide South Dakotans with 75 newly constructed multifamily housing units, 16 single-family housing units and seven rehabilitated multifamily housing properties.

The projects funded will result in over $14 million in total development costs, preserving and strengthening South Dakotas housing stock, said David Pummel, SDHDA board chairman, in a release. They will help low-income families, elderly residents and persons with developmental disabilities with a place to call home.

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program helps developers and/or property owners to buy, build new or rehabilitate affordable housing. The Housing Opportunity Fund program was created through the Building South Dakota Fund during the 2013 legislative session.

The money may be used for new construction, the purchase and rehabilitation of rental or homeownership housing, housing preservation, homelessness prevention activities and community land trusts.

Other West River projects in the SDHDA grants included:

 Summit Housing Group received $600,000 in HOME funds for construction of two two-story apartment buildings on Clear Springs Road in Spearfish. The Clear Springs Apartments will include 20 two-bedroom units and 15 three-bedroom units. Eight of the apartments will be market-rate-priced housing and 27 will be rent-restricted housing.

The project will add to affordable housing available on Clear Springs Road, northwest of Spearfish.

According to the Missoula, Mont., based Summit Housing Groups website, already completed are the Rocky Bluff Apartments with 32 one- and two-bedroom apartments also on Clear Springs Road.

 NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources of Deadwood and Rapid City received $220,000 in HOF funds for construction of two town homes in Rapid City.

The town homes will include five one- and two-bedroom homes, to be sold to people at or below 115 percent of area median income for Pennington County, the release said.
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst said Tuesday that President Donald Trump's frequent trips to Florida have been "bothering" her, saying, "I do wish he would spend more time in Washington."

Her comments came during a Wall Lake, Iowa town hall meeting with constituents and followed a question that included a reference to the President's visits to his Mar-a-Lago resort.

"That's what we have the White House for, we would love to see more of those State Department visits in Washington, DC. I think it's smart that he does business in Washington DC, so I've had those same concerns myself," the Republican lawmaker said.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer told CNN Ernst's comments would not affect future Trump travel plans. Trump has spent seven weekends at the resort since becoming President in January.

Ernst said at the town hall: "I have not spoken to him about the Florida issue yet, but that is something I think that has been bothering not just me, but some other members of our caucus. So I think that is going to be a topic of discussion that we have when we get back to Washington.

Ernst supported Trump's presidential bid last year, though she criticized him for lewd and sexually aggressive remarks he made in an Access Hollywood video released during the final weeks of the presidential election. She has also more recently called for the release of Trump's tax returns, according to Politico.

CNN's Elizabeth Landers contributed to this report.
Russian insurance company to pay Samsung $11.4 million

MOSCOW, April 18 (RAPSI)  The Supreme Court of Russia has upheld lower courts rulings ordering Allianz insurance company to pay 751.5 million rubles ($11.4 million) in compensation to Samsung Electronics Rus Company, according to court records.

The subject matter of insurance is property interests of Samsung connected with default of payment by the companys counterparties of debt for goods delivered to them on deferred payment terms, court papers read. The agreement has been concluded in respect of eight plaintiffs contract partners. One of the partners, Trial-Trade company didnt make any payments for appropriate amount of time, constituting the insurance event. The insurance event is a long-term payment default by the plaintiffs counterparty defined in the contract.

On December 1, 2014, Trial-Trade stopped paying its bills. A court ruled to recover debt from the company prompting Samsung Electronics Rus to ask Allianz to pay insurance. In August 2014, Samsung Electronics Rus found out that Trial-Trade received unwarranted payments and in August 2015 the defendant refused to pay insurance.

The Moscow Commercial Court has dismissed Samsungs lawsuit claiming that the plaintiff had hidden Trial-Trades misconduct. However, this ruling was later overruled by a court of appeals. On September 1, 2016, the Ninth Commercial Court of Appeals collected from the insurer 697.1 million rubles ($10.6 million) of insurance compensation and interest amounted to 54.4 million rubles ($826,000). While also the court dismissed a counterclaim by Allianz seeking annulment of provisions of the contract concluded between parties in 2013.

In December 2016, the Moscow District Commercial Court upheld the decision of the appeals court.
Social media user receives suspended sentence for calls to separatism

MOSCOW, April 18 (RAPSI, Diana Gutsul)  A court in the capital of Russias Republic of Buryatia, Ulan-Ude, has given civil society activist Vladimir Khagdayev a 3-year suspended sentence for a post of a separatist nature on Vkontakte social network, attorney Viktor Laperdin told RAPSI on Tuesday.

According to investigators, between September 2014 and January 2015, Khagdayev, who had personal beliefs aimed at unification of Mongolian nations in one state, published an image containing quotation from the video interview of a St. Petersburg journalist and two comments. Experts found that the post and comments were pushing for actions aimed at Buryatias secession.

Moreover, two packs with cannabis were seized during searches conducted at the defendants garage.

Khagdayev was found guilty of calls to separatism and possession of drugs with no intent to sell.
You must have previous service to the organization, natch. There are four positions open: Directors-at-Large (three openings) and Vice...
"I would like to say 'This book is written to the glory of God', but nowadays this would be the trick of a cheat, i.e., it would not be correctly understood."--Ludwig Wittgenstein



"Talk to me about the truth of religion, and I'll listen gladly. Talk to me about the duty of religion and I'll listen submissively. But don't come talking to me about the consolation of religion or I shall suspect that you don't understand."--C.S. Lewis
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In the weeks that followed, the hostile standoff in Northeast Asia heated up. As a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier sped towards the Korean peninsula, the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un celebrated the Day of the Sun (the day before Easter Sunday) by standing on a platform for hours reviewing a parade of long-range missiles, scuds, and other hardware. The launch of a ballistic missile on that same morning, however, ended in failure, as the weapon blew up as soon as it took off.

RELATED STORY North Korea's Missile Launch The world is slowly adjusting to Trump's bluster. Often, he appears not to know what he is talking about. It may well be that a word in his ear from a U.S. admiral, or Chinese President Xi Jinping, or his son-in-law Jared Kushner, the real-estate heir put in charge of world affairs, could soften his bellicose tone. But words or tweets, however hasty or ill-conceived, coming from the White House, do matter. The last thing needed in the fraught situation in Northeast Asia, where military action could spiral into catastrophe, is more macho posturing. (Enough such bluster is already blowing in from Pyongyang: In a recent set of photographs, Kim Jong Un, dressed to resemble his grandfather Kim Il Sung, stands in front of nuclear warheads and threatens to unleash pre-emptive nuclear strikes against Japan or even the United States.)

America doesnt know exactly what North Korea's nuclear capability is, but it is likely sufficient to kill millions of South Koreans or Japanese. That North Korea would be smashed in retaliation is no consolation. The fact is that there is nothing much America can do about Kims attempts to develop nuclear-tipped missiles, especially without Chinas support. Even Trump, his brilliance notwithstanding, must realize that some problems just cannot be solved. When asked by the Financial Times on April 2 about working with China to reduce the nuclear threat from North Korea, President Donald Trump replied : Well, if China is not going to solve North Korea, we will. That is all I am telling you. Quite how this would be done, the president declined to divulge.In the weeks that followed, the hostile standoff in Northeast Asia heated up. As a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier sped towards the Korean peninsula, the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un celebrated the Day of the Sun (the day before Easter Sunday) by standing on a platform for hours reviewing a parade of long-range missiles, scuds, and other hardware. The launch of a ballistic missile on that same morning, however, ended in failure, as the weapon blew up as soon as it took off.The world is slowly adjusting to Trump's bluster. Often, he appears not to know what he is talking about. It may well be that a word in his ear from a U.S. admiral, or Chinese President Xi Jinping, or his son-in-law Jared Kushner, the real-estate heir put in charge of world affairs, could soften his bellicose tone. But words or tweets, however hasty or ill-conceived, coming from the White House, do matter. The last thing needed in the fraught situation in Northeast Asia, where military action could spiral into catastrophe, is more macho posturing. (Enough such bluster is already blowing in from Pyongyang: In a recent set of photographs, Kim Jong Un, dressed to resemble his grandfather Kim Il Sung, stands in front of nuclear warheads and threatens to unleash pre-emptive nuclear strikes against Japan or even the United States.)America doesnt know exactly what North Korea's nuclear capability is, but it is likely sufficient to kill millions of South Koreans or Japanese. That North Korea would be smashed in retaliation is no consolation. The fact is that there is nothing much America can do about Kims attempts to develop nuclear-tipped missiles, especially without Chinas support. Even Trump, his brilliance notwithstanding, must realize that some problems just cannot be solved.

The litany of futile diplomatic overtures to curb North Koreas nuclear ambitions reads like a history of failure. In 1994, President Bill Clinton promised aid to North Korea in exchange for a promise to freeze its nuclear program. In 2002, it became clear that the North Koreans had reneged on the deal. The thing is that Kim will not give up his nuclear arsenal, for it is all he has got. Without the bomb, North Korea would be no more than a small, impoverished dictatorship. With nuclear missiles, it can behave as a major power, or more importantly, hold other major powers at bay.

Clinton also once considered bombing North Korean nuclear installations, but, in the end, considered the risk too high. It would be even higher now. Not only are such installations now more dispersed throughout the country, making a clean hit very difficult, but the collateral damage inflicted by a cornered Northern regime would be horrendous: Seoul is a mere 35 miles from the North Korean border.

Empty threats from Washington are not just ineffectual; they play into the Korean dictators hands. Whether most North Koreans really worship the Kim dynasty as much as they seem to is hard to know, since most of these gestures of idolatry are coerced. But Korean nationalism can be very easily stirred up. One thing that holds North Koreans together is the fear, constantly stoked by the regime, of a wicked foreign attack.
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In a few weeks, the United States and the Philippines will hold the first iteration of their biggest annual bilateral military exercise under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte known as Balikatan, meaning shoulder to shoulder in the national language Tagalog. And though Dutertes anti-American rhetoric has not quite translated into reality in many instances, it has nonetheless raised questions as to how this might affect military-to-military interactions within their decades-old alliance such as these.

In the lead up to Balikatan this year, local media outlets have cast it as having experienced varying degrees of continuity and change, with some indicating that things are proceeding as normal, while others indicating that a major scaling down is in effect. What is actually going on based on what we know publicly so far, and what might this mean?

Philippine officials have actually been pretty consistent about the general fate of Balikatan at the start of the Duterte administration, even though many specifics have yet to be disclosed. Back in October last year, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that though some assault exercises and bilateral drills were canceled, remaining engagements including Balikatan would be refocused on fields like humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), counterterrorism, and counter narcotics (See:  How Much Can Duterte Wreck the US-Philippine Military Alliance? ).

Specifics have been further ironed out by Washington and Manila since then, including at the regular Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) meeting in the Philippines in November as well as in planning for the exercises themselves. But Philippine military officials had indicated privately that the exercises would likely proceed along the lines of what Lorenzana had laid out (See:  Where Are US-Philippine Defense Relations Under Duterte? ).

As we near the start of Balikatan 2017, that appears to be the case. Over the weekend, Balikatan spokesman Major Celeste Frank Sayson released some preliminary details that aligned with what Lorenzana had indicated, both in terms of the areas of focus as well as a general scaling down of the exercises relative to recent years. It will be scenario-based like (preparing for) a big storm hitting the Philippines or the possibility of terrorism, he said, adding that the drills would last as usual for around ten days. We are safe to say there will be no more live fire exercises. We (will) focus on humanitarian and civil assistance.

What do statements like these tell us about the status of Balikatan 2017, and the alliance more generally? First, it is important to note that it is not uncommon for military exercises to change their focus and even their participants in accordance with the shifting priorities of the actors involved in them. And while the live-firing component of Balikatan is the one that often gets the most attention, the exercise, like many others of its ilk (including Cobra Gold in Thailand, another one that has gotten a lot of press in recent years) does in fact already consist of a variety of events  including simulation supported events, operation events, and humanitarian civil assistance projects  and it does also address a range of challenges from maritime security to HADR. So the change we are witnessing is not as dramatic as it may initially appear.

Second, for close observers of Asian security affairs, this is nonetheless admittedly a stark contrast from what we had seen in the past few iterations of Balikatan under Dutertes predecessor Benigno Aquino III. Ahead of the 2015 Balikatan Exercises, the media had focused on the fact that both sides were set to double the size of the war games  with the largest number of troops participating since 2000  and some parts of the exercise were planned to be staged close to a South China Sea flashpoint. In the 2016 iteration, Ash Carter became the first ever U.S. defense secretary to observe the Balikatan exercises, and the headlines were dominated by the involvement of two M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) units which were being deployed for the first time. Balikatan had also increasingly been seen as one path for the multilateralization of U.S. exercises in the region, where U.S. allies and partners like Japan and Australia could either actually participate in varying degrees or attend as observers (See:  Why the Philippines is Critical to the US Rebalance in Asia ).

The first iteration of Balikatan under Duterte in 2017 has definitely been given a much lower profile relatively speaking. It is clear that at least for now, Philippine officials are keen to highlight the softer dimensions of the exercise and keep the focus on terrorism and HADR, rather than maritime security which may be deemed more sensitive because of Dutertes attempts to rebalance Philippine foreign policy with relatively less dependence on the United States and more diversification with other players including China and, to a lesser degree, Russia (See:  The Limits of Dutertes US-China Rebalance ). At a time when broader foreign policy is still in flux, that might not necessarily be a bad thing. As one Philippine official told me privately during a conversation in Manila last month, staying under the radar may not be so bad exactly because things are still not clear.

Third and finally, it is still early days. As Sayson himself indicated, there are still things being ironed out in terms of this iteration of Balikatan. Those details are important, and we will need them before truly assessing the status of the exercise apart from the rhetoric. As I have noted before with respect to Cobra Gold, vague terms like scaling down and refocusing can mean a whole range of things in practice, from lower troops numbers to the exclusion of certain exercise components, either on a temporary or a permanent basis (See:  US-Thailand Relations and Cobra Gold 2015: Whats Really Going On? ).
Polisario militiamen, exhausted by the precarious living conditions in the Tindouf camps, are increasingly attracted to terrorist organizations, particularly in the countries of the Sahel and Libya.

No less than one hundred Polisario elements, well-trained in firearms handling, were recruited by the terrorist Daech group operating in the Sahel-Sahara region and in Libya, said the boss of the Moroccan Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) Abdelhak Khiame on Sunday (April 16).

The Moroccan security official told French TV channel France 24 that this will affect Morocco and Algeria, and also the whole region in the absence of a real willingness to cooperate on the part of the Algerian security services.

These revelations confirm the numerous warnings issued over recent years by Morocco and other states and international NGOs, drawing attention to the connections between the Polisario and terrorist organizations, active in the Maghreb and in the Sahel-Sahara region.

The BCIJ Chief also told France 24 that 1,623 Moroccans had joined the conflict zones in Syria and Iraq and that 400 of these foreign fighters died on the battlefields, while 78 were arrested by the police upon their return to Morocco. These detainees were suspected of planning attacks against sensitive targets in the kingdom, he said.

The boss of the BCIJ also dwelt on the overall aspects of the fight against terrorism carried out by the Moroccan security services and the role these services play at the national and regional levels. He underscored in this vein that Moroccos European partners highly appreciate their cooperation with the North African Kingdom, which enabled to foil many terrorist attempts.
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Theresa May's surprise election announcement comes days before French voters head to the polls in the first round of a presidential election that could have huge implications for the future of the Europe Union.
The Criterion Collection's slate for July 2017 sells itself, to be honest.

Albert Brook's Lost in America is one of my personal, all-time favorites. Others may prefer Andrei Tarkovsky's Stalker, Roberto Rossellini's War Trilogy, or Robert Bresson's final film L'argent.

Or all of them, as your preference and budgetary needs dictate. Read onward for all the details; verbiage provided by Criterion.



ROBERTO ROSSELLINI'S WAR TRILOGY

Roberto Rossellini is one of the most influential filmmakers of all time. And it was with his trilogy of films made during and after World War II - Rome Open City, Paisan, and Germany Year Zero - that he left his first transformative mark on cinema.

With their stripped-down aesthetic, largely nonprofessional casts, and unorthodox approaches to storytelling, these intensely emotional works were international sensations and came to define the neorealist movement. Shot in battle-ravaged Italy and Germany, these three films are some of our most lasting, humane documents of devastated postwar Europe, containing universal images of both tragedy and hope.

SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES

* New high-definition digital restorations, with uncompressed monaural

soundtracks

* Introductions by Roberto Rossellini to all three films

* Interviews from 2009 with Rossellini scholar Adriano Apra, film critic and Rossellini friend Father Virgilio Fantuzzi, and filmmakers Paolo and Vittorio Taviani

* Audio commentary from 2009 on Rome Open City

by film scholar Peter Bondanella

* Once Upon a Time . . . "Rome Open City," a 2006 documentary on the making of this historic film, featuring rare archival material and footage of Anna Magnani, Federico Fellini, Ingrid Bergman, and many others

* Rossellini and the City, a 2009 video essay by film scholar Mark Shiel on Rossellini's use of the urban landscape in The War Trilogy

* Excerpts from rarely seen videotaped discussions Rossellini had in 1970 about his craft with faculty and students at Rice University

* Into the Future, a 2009 video essay about The War Trilogy by film scholar Tag Gallagher

* Roberto Rossellini, a 2001 documentary by Carlo Lizzani, assistant director on

Germany Year Zero, tracing Rossellini's career through archival footage and interviews with family members and collaborators, with tributes by filmmakers Francois Truffaut and Martin Scorsese

* Letters from the Front: Carlo Lizzani on "Germany Year Zero," a podium discussion with Lizzani from the 1987 Tutto Rossellini conference

* Italian credits and prologue from Germany Year Zero

* PLUS: Essays by James Quandt, Irene Bignardi, Colin McCabe, and Jonathan Rosenbaum

ROME OPEN CITY

This was Roberto Rossellini's revelation, a harrowing drama about the Nazi occupation of Rome and the brave few who struggled against it. Though told with more melodramatic flair than the other films that would form this trilogy and starring some well-known actors - Aldo Fabrizi as a priest helping the partisan cause and Anna Magnani in her breakthrough role as the fiancee of a resistance member - Rome Open City (Roma citta aperta) is a shockingly authentic experience, conceived and directed amid the ruin of World War II, with immediacy in every frame. Marking a watershed moment in Italian cinema, this galvanic work garnered awards around the globe and left the beginnings of a new film movement in its wake.

1945 * 103 minutes * Black & white * Monaural * In Italian and German with English subtitles * 1.37:1 aspect ratio

PAISAN

Roberto Rossellini's follow-up to his breakout Rome Open City was the ambitious, enormously moving Paisan (Paisa), which consists of six episodes set during the liberation of Italy at the end of World War II, and taking place across the country, from Sicily to the northern Po Valley. With its documentary-like visuals and its intermingled cast of actors and nonprofessionals, Italians and their American liberators, this look at the struggles of different cultures to communicate and of people to live their everyday lives in extreme circumstances is equal parts charming sentiment and vivid reality. A long-missing treasure of Italian cinema, Paisan is available here in its full original release version.

1946 * 126 minutes * Black & white * Monaural * In Italian with English subtitles * 1.37:1 aspect ratio

GERMANY YEAR ZERO

The concluding chapter of Roberto Rossellini's War Trilogy is the most devastating, a portrait of an obliterated Berlin, seen through the eyes of a twelve-year-old boy. Living in a bombed-out apartment building with his sick father and two older siblings, young Edmund is mostly left to wander unsupervised, getting ensnared in the black-market schemes of a group of teenagers and coming under the nefarious influence of a Nazi-sympathizing ex-teacher. Germany Year Zero (Deutschland im Jahre Null) is a daring, gut-wrenching look at the consequences of fascism, for society and the individual.

1948 * 73 minutes * Black & white * Monaural * In German with English subtitles * 1.33:1 aspect ratio

3-BLU-RAY EDITION

SRP $99.95

STREET: 7/11/17



L'ARGENT

In his ruthlessly clear-eyed final film, French master Robert Bresson pushed his unique blend of spiritual rumination and formal rigor to a new level of astringency. Transposing a Tolstoy novella to contemporary Paris, L'argent follows a counterfeit bill as it originates as a prop in a schoolboy prank, then circulates like a virus among the corrupt and the virtuous alike before landing with a young truck driver and leading him to incarceration and violence. With brutal economy, Bresson constructs his unforgiving vision of original sin out of starkly perceived details, rooting his characters in a dehumanizing material world that withholds any hope of transcendence.

1983 * 84 minutes * Color * Monaural * In French with English subtitles * 1.66:1 aspect ratio

SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES

* New, restored 4K digital transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray

* Press conference from the 1983 Cannes Film Festival

* "L'argent," A to Z, a new video essay by film scholar James Quandt

* Trailer

* New English subtitle translation

* PLUS: An essay by critic Adrian Martin and a newly expanded 1983

interview with director Robert Bresson by critic Michel Ciment

BLU-RAY EDITION

SRP $39.95

STREET 7/11/17

DVD EDITION

SRP $29.95

STREET 7/11/17



STALKER

Andrei Tarkovsky's final Soviet feature is a metaphysical journey through an enigmatic postapocalyptic landscape, and a rarefied cinematic experience like no other. A hired guide-the Stalker-leads a writer and a scientist into the heart of the Zone, the restricted site of a long-ago disaster, where the three men eventually zero in on the Room, a place rumored to fulfill one's most deeply held desires. Adapting a science-fiction novel by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky, Tarkovsky created an immersive world with a wealth of material detail and a sense of organic atmosphere. A religious allegory, a reflection of contemporaneous political anxieties, a meditation on film itself-Stalker envelops the viewer by opening up a multitude of possible meanings.

1979 * 161 minutes * Color * Monaural * In Russian with English subtitles * 1.37:1 aspect ratio

SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES

* New 2K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray

* New interview with Geoff Dyer, author of Zona: A Book About a Film About a Journey to a Room

* Interview from 2002 with cinematographer Alexander Knyazhinsky

* Interview from 2002 with set designer Rashit Safiullin

* Interview from 2002 with composer Eduard Artemyev

* New English subtitle translation

* More!

* PLUS: An essay by critic Mark Le Fanu

BLU-RAY EDITION

SRP $39.95

STREET: 7/18/17

2-DVD EDITION

SRP $29.95

STREET: 7/18/17



LOST IN AMERICA

In this hysterical satire of Reagan-era values, written and directed by Albert Brooks, a successful Los Angeles advertising executive (Brooks) and his wife (Julie Hagerty) decide to quit their jobs, buy a Winnebago, and follow their Easy Rider fantasies of freedom and the open road. When a stop in Las Vegas nearly derails their plans, they're forced to come to terms with their own limitations and those of the American dream. Brooks's barbed wit and confident direction drive

Lost in America, a high point in the string of restless comedies about insecure characters searching for satisfaction in the modern world that established his unique comic voice and transformed the art of observational humor.

1985 * 91 minutes * Color * Monaural * 1.85:1 aspect ratio

DIRECTOR-APPROVED SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES

* New 2K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray

* New conversation with director Albert Brooks and filmmaker Robert Weide

* New interviews with actor Julie Hagerty, executive producer Herb Nanas, and comic writer and director James L. Brooks

* Trailer

* PLUS: An essay by critic Scott Tobias

BLU-RAY EDITION

SRP $39.95

STREET: 7/25/17

DVD EDITION

SRP $29.95

STREET: 7/25/17


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Louis Marinelli, the president of Yes California and a figurehead of the California separatist campaign sometimes called "CalExit," is exiting his own separatist movement. On Yes California's website, Marinelli, who has lived in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg since September with his wife Anastasia, writes that he plans to seek permanent residence there. What's more, "accordingly, as the author and architect of the Calexit ballot initiative petition which is currently circulating in California, it is only proper, given my intention to seek permanent residence in Russia and not return to California in the foreseeable future, to withdraw that petition from circulation," Marinelli writes. With no immediate plans to return to what he considers "occupied California," he will "continue to serve as the representative of the Republic of California to Russia." Thanks for your service.

Business Insider, who noted Marinelli's abrupt departure from his own separatist effort, recall that Marinelli originally campaigned for Senator Sanders in the US and ultimately cast his ballot for President Donald Trump. Now, apparently, he can no longer stomach life under the American flag. Odd.

"I have found in Russia a new happiness, a life without the albatross of frustration and resentment towards ones homeland, and a future detached from the partisan divisions and animosity that has thus far engulfed my entire adult life," Marinelli writes. "Consequently, if the people of Russia would be so kind as to welcome me here on a permanent basis, I intend to make Russia my new home."

If you were clinging to the empty ballot measure Marinelli has now swept from under your feet, don't worry too much. An equally naive plan is circulating for a 2018 mid-term election ballot splitting California in two between East and west California. A Chronicle op-ed this weekend was also floating an idea that California and Nevada join forces and elope together, but I don't see that lasting.

Related: Latest 'Calexit' Gambit: Split California Between East And West


A couple standing on a busy Hayes Valley corner was attacked Monday night, by an assailant police have yet to track down.

The San Francisco Police Department says the attack occurred at 8:30 p.m. Monday, at the corner of Hayes and Octavia Streets.

A 33-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman were approached by the male suspect, who police says "made a comment."

When the male victim responded, police say the suspect "started a physical altercation" with the victim. Eventually, the suspect pulled out "a tool" and stabbed the man, according to the SFPD. He then fled.

The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries, which police say are not life-threatening.

The suspect was last seen running east on Hayes, toward Gough Street. As of publication time, police say that no arrests have been made in this case and the suspect remains at large.
Comedy Central has a willing guinea pig in San Francisco for its big foray into the festival game with Colossal Clusterfest here on June 2-4. The 30,000 ticket, 50 comedian festival organized with partners Another Planet and Superfly, the groups behind Outside Lands and Bonnaroo wasannounced in November, and a lineup including Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, Bob Odenkirk, Hannibal Buress, and Broad City stars Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, was released in late February.

The three-day festival has since added more acts including TJ Miller of Silicon Valley fame, and promises to be a colossus of comedy, with five stages set up in Civic Center including the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. The laughs also comes at the not insubstantial price tag of $250 for a full festival pass.

Today, though, Clusterfest put out its daily lineups, so if its just musical acts like Chromeo and a live reading of Wayne's World by Jacobson and Glazer you're after, you now know to buy a Saturday ticket. You've got a day to suss out the lineup  day tickets go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday April 19, at 10 a.m, for $99. The whole lineup, from Ice Cube to Fred Armisen to Chris Hardwick, is here.

Previously: New Comedy Central 'Clusterfest' Brings Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Broad City, And More To Civic Center In June
20-year-old Louise Rosealma came to the frontlines of Berkeley Saturday with a group of friends in order to express their outrage at neo-nazis and the alt-right. She and her boyfriend both left the battleground bruised and bloodied, and now she's speaking out about what she experienced before and after cameras captured her being punched in the face, seemingly unprovoked, by a man who multiple sources have identified as 30-year-old Nathan Damigo, a white nationalist and self-proclaimed "identitarian" who has been spreading white supremacist propaganda around Cal State Stanislaus.

Rosealma spoke exclusively with CBS 5 and explains that she drove up early Saturday morning from Southern California, where she, her boyfriend, and a couple of friends are part of the Oak Roots Collective  a newly formed anarchist, anti-fascist group based in Ventura County and the San Fernando Valley. The group arrived in Berkeley around 1 p.m. when the street fighting was already well underway.

Fairly soon, the 5-foot, 1-inch Rosealma, who weighs 95 pounds, says she found herself cornered near a wall, and she says "I was just trying to block myself away from different people who were just pushing me and attacking other people."

Then, she says, "From the corner of my eye I saw this fist coming at me," and she says "[Damigo] punched me on the bridge of my nose. It cut it a little bit. I got thrown down and Im pretty sure he just ran [away]. I got right back up. I was punched twice more by two other people. People kept trying to throw me down to hit my head on the rocks that were in the planter. I was just trying to not get my skull cracked open." She soon found her boyfriend nearby covered in blood.

Rosealma was likely targeted because she was wearing all black and sported dreadlocks, trademarks of the "antifa" as groups like hers call themselves  a word the alt-right now employs as a kind of slur and stand-in for any militant-seeming enemy on the left  though it's unclear if anything occurred prior to the moment caught on video to provoke the attack.

And she wants to set the record straight about a Facebook post she wrote that the alt-right has taken out of context to prove that she was there to do harm. She wrote, "Heading to Berkeley to disrupt the neo-Nazi / white supremacist jerk circle today. Nervous af but determined to bring back 100 nazi scalps." This was a reference to a line from Inglorious Basterds, she explains. "I guess no has seen Quentin Tarantino movies. I thought that was going to be obvious, but I guess not." (The line, delivered by Brad Pitt's character, is "Each and every man under my command owes me one hundred Nazi scalps. And I want my scalps!")

The problem that many observers have pointed out is that violence begets violence, and neither side comes out of these street rumbles looking like they accomplished anything, and both look like they arrived cruising for a physical fight.

Says Rosealma, "We knew that there was probably going to be violence. We were hoping for the best, but expecting the worst [We wanted] to show that neo-nazis just cant walk into the street and march and like spieling out this violent genocidal rhetoric and get away with it without anything happening to them."

And Rosealma says that she's trying to stick up for herself in the face of a massive amount of social media harassment following the viral video of the punch, and the alt-right's effort to villainize her. (In one instance, activists on the left say that a glass bottle was apparently Photoshopped into her hand in one photo, but the photo appears to have come from Reuters.)*

"They are trying to make me into this trophy  the victory of the alt right and neo-nazis, she tells CBS 5. Its petty and pathetic That they knocked over a 95-pound person [The harassment] has been non-stop Requests on Instagram. Facebook, Youtube They just are trying to get to me."



* This post has been corrected to show that we can't confirm the legitimacy of the photo of the person with the bottle, or whether Rosealma is in the photo.



Previously: Viral Video Allegedly Shows Known White Supremacist Punching Woman During Berkeley Protest
Im standing on our backyard patio with my spouse. Hes grilling steaks on a Weber. If you turn and draw an imaginary line straight to the east, you will see grills galore. Turn west and its twilight time, the hour of Old Fashioneds and mosquitoes. My belly is large with child number three who will grow up on a street with no sidewalks. Its a lily-white-John Updike kind of place where folks watch Vietnam" on color televisions.

Its 2017, and the Museum of Wisconsin Art is hosting a major exhibition, Hyperphotographic," (showing now through May 21) of often similarly themed photographs by Tom Bamberger. At age 68, hes donated 400 of his prints to the museum. A UW-Milwaukee philosophy major, he cant be deciphered; never mind that he taught the logic of mathematics. In the retrospective, Untitled (Grilling, 1986 ) describes the mind-numbing sameness of suburbia, but beyond that, the loss of hopeful horizons. I asked Bamberger to devise an equation about his accomplishments. He declined, so I devised this: 400-T=0. 400+T=68.

On page four of the current quarterly published by the museum is a 1977 image of the man himself. Clad in a white t-shirt, hes Milwaukees Bad Boy. A fly clings to his shirt. Does it matter if he killed it and staged the photo? Dont ask Bamberger. Hes tired of answering questions.

On Saturday, May 6, Bamberger and Friends" will convene in the museum at 1 p.m. Among the topics will be the condition of our art community. Some artists have fled to Los Angeles or New York, but not Bamberger. He embraced the technology which keeps us hyper-connected, using it to expand his career. All those faces, fields, suburbs and techno machines could be anywhere. He also writes about urban architecture, decrying repetition that dilutes rather than enhances. As a result he is sometimes blasted for his opinions. Its great to live long enough to be opinionated. Otherwise, we are lashed to the wheel of sameness.
As environmental protections continue to take beatings under the administrations of Scott Walker and Donald Trump, weighing the implications can be overwhelming. Assaults on Wisconsins natural resources are coming along many fronts.

George Meyer, former secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and current executive director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Fund, as well as Amber Meyer Smith, director of programs and government relations at Clean Wisconsin, cite worsening water conditions among Wisconsins most troubling environmental ills.

When it comes to water issues plaguing Wisconsin, were fighting upstream and thanks to Walker, have no lifejackets to help us along the way.

Trouble spots can easily be identified. One third of the Kewaunee County wells that provide drinking water do not meet safe standards. Runoff from large farms is polluting waterways around the state; metals may be leaching into groundwater surrounding frac sand mines. Phosphorus pollution, which stimulates algae growth and decimates aquatic ecosystems, is another pervasive problem, as evidenced by a dead zone in Green Bay. Lead pollution is yet another culprit plaguing Wisconsins waters.

These are pretty serious water issues that we need to think about holistically, and we need to think about how we solve them, not how we run away from having to deal with them, Meyer Smith says. And unfortunately, its been more the latter. Its been, How do we roll back what exists now? and thats just not the right direction for a state whose identity is water.

Crippling the DNR

Meyer is careful to point out that these concerns are the outcomes of a department crippled by policy and not of disinvested employees.

The whole time I was in the agency, and I was working my way up and then when I was secretary, the Department of Natural Resources was viewed by its peer agencies as one of the top five agencies in its classes in the country, he said. Now its mediocre or less. And thats not because of the staffits because of the policies that are being carried out.

Walkers cuts to the DNRs budget have meant significant losses of research scientist and educator staffersand therefore a gutting of expert knowledge from within the department. Startling deficiencies in the DNRs performance have taken place in recent years as a result.

One such example is the DNRs failure to ensure that the legislature is equipped with the intelligence needed to make informed decisions regarding environmental protections.

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Meyer highlighted recently proposed legislation that would allow the baiting and feeding of deer, which has been prohibited in order to stymie the spreading of chronic wasting disease. CWD, a neurological disease which deer in 43 counties have tested positive for and is always fatal, is spread by saliva. The DNR didnt show up to testify on this legislation when it was presented.

That is a perfect example of why we need to have the DNR do its job, Meyer says. Thats what they get paid for. Thats just one examplethat has happened 20 times in the last five or six years. And the resource gets hurt when that happens.

Inadequacies in monitoring agricultural runoff as well as upholding federal water and air pollution regulations have also trickled down from DNR staffing cuts.

State auditors discovered a backlog of permits for large farms in 2016, and in 2014, the EPA had to force the DNR to adopt clean air regulations that it should have already been abiding by. The EPA cited 75 deficiencies in the DNRs water regulation in 2011.

Meyer contrasted these rampant shortcomings with his own tenure within the DNR, during which he said the EPAs enforcement was requested only one time.

This is unprecedented, he said. Its an oversight of responsibility.

Whats worse, Meyer pointed out, is the EPAs weakened capability to fulfill a watchdog role as it readies for leadership under someone it had to defend itself against in court (EPA chief Scott Pruitt has sued the EPA 13 times), and a proposed 31% funding cutthe largest cut to any one entity proposed in Trumps budget.

Now were not going to have that shield, that ability for someone to come in and force the DNR to do what it should, he said.

The DNRs cherished Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine and state parks have also taken hits under Walker. A reorganization of the DNR has been much talked about since proposed as an idea by Republican State Assemblyman Adam Jarchow in October 2016, but went unmentioned in Walkers latest budget, signifying that proposition may go unpursued.

As far as the purging of the DNRs magazine, many are at a loss regarding the motive. The publication serves as an effective means to inform the public more deeply on issues under the DNRs jurisdiction, and provide explanations as to the DNRs actions and decisions. Authored largely by employees, the magazine is published at no cost to the DNR and has served more than 80,000 subscribers.

Any successful business tells people what their services and products are, Meyer said. Thats what the DNR basically does, they have products and services in the natural resource and conservation areas. And they didnt consider that part of their core business.

State parks were defunded by Walker in 2015, leaving them to rely entirely on fees paid by visitors. Walkers latest budget proposes increases to user fees. Meyer warns that continually rising user fees will mean decreased access to parks for low-income families.

He also expressed concern regarding the DNRs ability to function efficiently should it see a reorganization, which could mean responsibilities disseminated into five separate offices. All these programs need to coordinate on a daily basis, Meyer noted. It would cost more because youd have more top people getting high salaries because youve got more agencieswater and fish go togetherthose people should be talking to each other.

Trumping the EPA

Trumps attacks on the EPA could be just as unforgiving, if not more so. The executive order Trump signed March 28 essentially carves a path to strip consideration of environmental health in any governmental decision-making, a measure that had been woven into policymaking under the Obama administration.

Greg Nemet, associate professor at the La Follette School of Public Affairs and Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, highlights five key proposed actions to watch.

Trump has proposed reviews of vehicle efficiency standards, the Clean Power Plan, methane regulations and coal leasing. Additionally, Trump wants to reassess the economic impact of one ton of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, which helps shape greenhouse gas regulations.

Thats five activities that they havent said theyre going to reverse, but theyve said theyre going to review, and if they did reverse them, thats going in the opposite direction of what we need to do, Nemet said. We need more stringent vehicle efficiency standards, we need more efficient power plants and more low-carbon power plants, and we need to reduce methane leakage.

Those cuts that have been proposed would be devastating to the EPA, he continued. Congress eventually comes up with its own budget and approves its own budget. From what I can tell, it doesnt seem like Congress really wants whats called the skinny budget thats been proposed so far.

What about that little agreement the U.S. entered into along with 194 other nations to commit to deterring climate change? While exiting the Paris Agreement would require jumping through hoops, Nemet points out that a more likely route for the Trump administration may be to simply not live up to the promises made.

The ramifications? You would start to wonder if other countries would continue their efforts, Nemet said. I think thats the biggest danger.

Another drastic measure proposed is a 97% cut to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Favored on both sides of the aisle, the GLRI is responsible for the majority of protections and restorations of the Great Lakes.

This is really sort of a no-brainer of a program that has been proposed for elimination, Meyer Smith said of the GLRI. That is pretty shocking, that such a popular bipartisan program could be under attack like that. It definitely makes you question where our priorities are.

Meyer Smith also questions Trumps reasoning with regard to energy, and his affinity for coal. When you look at the facts on energy sources like coal, they just dont add up, she said. Its a dying industry, the jobs arent there anymore, but there seems to be this need to cling to it for some reason.

Meyer, Meyer Smith and Nemet all agree that if this widespread lack of respect for science and for the environment continues, well all pay the price. Nemet noted the health impacts of heat waves induced by climate change, and outlined the upsides of clean energy. When we decarbonize, we get benefits, like less asthma and respiratory disease, which is one of the aspects of the Clean Power Plan, he said.

Meyer Smith offered a laundry list of consequences should we continue down the path of negligence toward science and environmental protections: Well jeopardize one of our core economic drivers of tourismbecause clean water is so integral Well continue to lose the potential for job creation in terms of the burgeoning new economies like the clean energy economy. Well jeopardize our citizens health. These cutsespecially to EPAare going to be really devastating for some of the health-related programs. Not to mention the health impacts of climate change and air pollution that are going to continue to grow and theyre going to end up costing us money, a lot of money, in the long run in terms of healthcare costs.

Meyer Smith emphasized the need for investing in the prioritization of natural resources We need to make investments in the scientists, the people that we entrust to enforce laws, we need to make investments in protecting clean water, preventing pollution in the first place, she said. We need to really prioritize our natural resources for the economic benefits and health benefits they bringnot treat them as commodity.
MOVILLE, Iowa | The community of Moville remembered one of its best "characters" as the life of Wesley John Roeschke was celebrated in a funeral service on Saturday at Moville United Methodist Church.

Roeschke, 83, died April 5, surrounded by his family.

Wes Roeschke was known as a true jack-of-all-trades. A 1951 graduate of Lawton High School, he joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Oriskany overseas, logging time aboard the ship alongside Alan Shepard, who would become the first American in space.

Wes was honorably discharged in 1954. He married Donna Davis in 1955 and the couple spent six years living and working in Anaheim, California, saving money to purchase the Woodbury County farm that would be their residence the following 55 years.

The couple raised two children and devoted themselves to family, church, community and country. Few were more patriotic than Wes, and very few worked harder.

Wes was the cover feature in a Sioux City Journal "Farm Weekly" publication in 1968, a story that detailed his adoption of no-till practices. In 1999 he earned the Century Conservation Farmer of the Year honor.

When not raising corn, beans and livestock, Wes kept tabs on the political scene, often writing "Mini" editorials and Letters to the Editor for the Journal.

He also served as chairman of the board for the Moville United Methodist Church for years and helped oversee various parts of the church's food stand at the Woodbury County Fair.

He could weld, build houses, restore Chevrolet pickups and drive school bus.

Tales of Wes' dedication came through in his memorial service. His penchant for fixing things resulted in a church policy that nobody could work on or near the roof without a second volunteer. This came about after Wes scaled a ladder to address something on the steep roof. The ladder then fell, leaving Wes stranded for a time until Moville resident Mike Weaver came upon the scene and helped Wes to the ground.

Neighbor Mark Nelson shared a story that revealed Wes' workmanlike approach, as well as his humorous take on things. Nelson said he was working outside across the road from the Roeschke residence when Donna pulled into the driveway one afternoon. Donna got out of the car and opened the trunk to let Wes get out.

"I asked Wes what he'd done to make Donna so upset so as to have him ride home in the trunk!" Nelson said.

Apparently, Wes had heard something rattling around in the back of the car. Getting in the trunk while Donna drove, he figured, was the best way to pinpoint the source.

The congregation laughed, pinpointing the source of a tale that sounded bizarre, and yet so Wes Roeschke, if you were lucky enough to know him, his mischievous smile, and loving wink.
SIOUX CITY | The Sioux City Council on Monday has deferred a vote for three weeks on plans to allow a developer to build a $20.2 million hotel adjoining the Sioux City Convention Center.

Sioux City is currently planning to award $6 million in tax rebates to Kinseth Hospitality Inc. to support construction of a $20.2 million Courtyard by Marriott hotel, which will adjoin the Convention Center. The city will then renovate a portion of the Convention Center into a ballroom space and will erect a 140-space parking garage behind the hotel to serve the facilities.

The deferral of a vote on the sale of land and agreements for the project until May 8 will allow city staff to work out the details of a separate agreement to turn management of the Convention Center over to Kinseth.

During a public input opportunity Monday, resident Dick Salem, a vice president with NAI United and member of Sioux City's Tax Research Council, said in his conversations with business owners and residents, few people have supported the hotel project as-is.

"I ... think I could name probably in one hand the number that have absolutely said they'd be in favor of this project," Salem said. "I think that the negatives just far outweigh the positives."

Salem suggested two alternative approaches. One would have the city take over the Howard Johnson hotel, the only hotel currently adjoined to the Convention Center via skywalk, and offer similar tax incentives. Another choice would be to obtain the land currently occupied by the former Riviera 4 Theatre at 714 Fourth St. to use for the hotel.

Both ideas would utilize existing parking and would not require construction of a new ramp, Salem said. He added that his comments are his personal views and do not reflect his employer's or the TRC's positions.

The TRC, a local watchdog group, last month also suggested the city look into renovating the current Howard Johnson hotel. City staff have said that idea is a non-starter, referring to what they say is a prohibitive potential cost.

The hotel is a cornerstone piece of Sioux City's bid for $14 million in future state hotel and sales taxes through the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Reinvestment District program.

Cone Park day lodge

In other business, the City Council voted 5-0 to approve a $679,300 bid from H&R Construction, of South Sioux City, for construction of a nearly 3,000-square-foot day lodge at Sioux City's all-seasons Cone Park.

The lodge will consist of a large multi-use room, restrooms and kitchenette and concession spaces. The park is slated to open in December of this year.

Seaboard Triumph

The City Council also approved an amended development agreement with Seaboard Triumph Foods LLC that will support its plans to add a second shift and raise its total workforce to around 2,100 employees.

According to the agreement, the plant will commit to invest an additional $31,350,000 in the plant for the second shift expansion and add a minimum of 1,007 new jobs, as well as to support road improvements in the area.

In return, the city will allow the company to apply for $1.5 million in tax abatement through the Iowa Industrial Tax Abatement program, as well as support additional road improvements.
SIOUX CITY | The future of a controversial proposal to temporarily close the only bridge crossing from Riverside into North Sioux City teetered in the balance Monday before passing by a narrow margin.

In a 3-2 decision that followed an hour of discussion and came down to the final vote, the City Council passed a motion Monday directing staff to move forward with plans to fully close the Military Road bridge next spring for a five-month re-decking project.

Mayor Bob Scott and Councilman Dan Moore opposed the motion, with council members Pete Groetken, Rhonda Capron and Alex Watters -- whose vote broke the 2-2 tie -- supporting the measure.

After the meeting, Watters said he believed closing the bridge for five months rather than leaving one lane open at a time -- a more expensive and time-consuming option -- will be the best for local taxpayers.

"I didn't want to come off as insensitive, but I heard no one who was a Sioux City taxpayer ever reaching out to me saying they were concerned about closing the bridge or doing the project in a shorter amount of time," he said.

Monday's vote was the culmination of a months-long public input process marked by input from several area business owners who said a five-month closure between the two states could devastate their profits -- or put them out of business.

The bridge closure is one of two stages in a $5 million project along Military Road. The second stage includes a full reconstruction of the road from the bridge to Riverside Boulevard. Funding for the bridge project, an estimate of $3 million total, will come from Sioux City and the Iowa and South Dakota departments of transportation.

Alternatives available to the council Monday included re-decking the bridge half at a time, an option that would have cost an additional $675,000 and doubled the duration of the work on the bridge. Completing the entire bridge and road project would have added more than $1.8 million to the project, prolonging construction on the full project into 2019.

Rick Law, who owns Casino Monaco and VIP Gaming Lounge in North Sioux City, implored the council Monday to further study the potential economic impact.

"At least in my case, I'm facing financial ruin," Law said. "I'm literally facing dire straits if our business is reduced by the percentage that we see traveling from across that bridge."

Rhonda Capron, a former bar owner, said she sympathized with the business owners but believed they would pull through.

"When you're in this type of business, it's a gamble, I'm telling you. But you'll survive," she said.

In other discussion, former South Dakota state senator Bill Shorma, of Dakota Dunes, told the council he had researched the economic impact and believed it could cost the state of South Dakota about $1 million to proceed with a five-month closure.

Scott pointed to a reconstruction project last year along Morningside Boulevard that was completed half at a time and said the city shouldn't be unequal to neighborhoods like Riverside.

"It irritates me that we treat different parts of the community differently," Scott said after the meeting.

Moore said he favored bidding the project two ways -- one with a full closure and one with half-at-a-time construction -- to see what the actual costs were. Such a move would have cost more in additional design costs.

Groetken and Capron, who voted yes, both said they didn't want Sioux City taxpayers to pay extra expenses.

Organizers will also discuss options for a package of incentives and disincentives to offer the contractor that will encourage expedited work on the project.
DES MOINES  Candidates for the Iowa Legislature made many pledges during the 2016 campaign.

That campaign set the table for the November election, which changed the power dynamic in the legislature.

State lawmakers are finishing their work on the 2017 legislative session, and we now have evidence of whether legislators delivered on the promises they made back on the campaign trail.

After hearing from those Statehouse candidates, Iowa voters gave Republicans complete lawmaking control with majorities in the Iowa House and Senate to go with Republican Gov. Terry Branstad. At the outset of the 2017 session, we documented some of those campaign promises with an eye toward the work that was to come.

The legislators were chosen from across the state and represented a mixture of Republicans and Democrats, senators and representatives. Some of them were involved in the states most competitive races during the 2016 campaign.

Now, with the 2017 session near its completion, we take a look at how legislators fared in fulfilling those promises.

It should be kept in mind that Republicans possessed the wherewithal to pass any legislation on which all lawmakers in their party could agree. Democrats, on the other hand, could not so much as get a preliminary hearing for a bill without help from Republicans.

Rep. Skyler Wheeler, R-Orange City

On gun laws: Wheeler said he supports stand your ground legislation, which gives individuals broader leeway to use lethal force to protect themselves from perceived danger by, generally, removing the requirement an individual first attempt to retreat from potential harm. That provision was included in a wide-ranging bill regarding firearm regulations.

That was probably the most exciting thing weve done so far. I campaigned pretty hard on that up in my district, said Wheeler, who said he was pleased to receive one of the pens used by Gov. Branstad to sign the bill into law.

On abortion: Wheeler said he supports so-called personhood legislation, which defines life as beginning at conception and provides full individual rights at that moment. Such legislation would effectively ban abortions. Republicans were not able to pass a personhood provision but have passed legislation that bans abortion after 20 weeks and requires an ultrasound and a three-day waiting period.

Rep. Jim Carlin, R-Sioux City

On tax policy: Carlin proposed reducing the corporate tax rate to ease the financial burden on Iowans and said he also would like to reduce income taxes. Because of a tight state budget, tax reform will not happen this session. Republican leaders say they hope to enact tax reform measures in 2018.

On abortion: Carlin also supports defining life at conception but said he was pleased with the abortion legislation that passed, especially once it included the mandatory ultrasound and three-day waiting period.

The mandatory ultrasound brings the reality of the decision thats being made and the time necessary to make a good decision for life. So I felt pretty good about that, Carlin said. If that amendment hadnt been included, I wouldnt have voted for (the bill).

On marriage: Carlin said he would support a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman. No such proposal was made during the session.

Rep. Tim Kacena, D-Sioux City

On collective bargaining: Kacena said he hoped to help Democrats thwart Republicans efforts to change state laws regarding how public employees can collectively bargain for wages and benefits. Although Republicans pushed through their proposal, which significantly reduced those public workers collective bargaining rights, Democrats did their best to postpone the inevitable by dragging out the debate over the course of three days.

On education funding: Kacena said he wanted legislators to fund education in a timely manner. The Legislature approved its public school funding plan as one of the first bills of the session, although Democrats would note state law previously required that funding level be set a year earlier.

Sen. Mark Lofgren, R-Muscatine

On water quality: Lofgren said he does not approve of a proposed sales tax increase to fund water quality projects out of fear it would hurt the economy. While this issue remains unresolved in the sessions final days, it does not appear legislators will approve the proposed sales tax increase.

On the minimum wage: Lofgren said he does not think the states minimum wage of $7.25 per hour should be increased, also because he thinks it could stifle the economy. It will not.

On the school funding formula: Lofgren said he thinks the formula for how the state funds public K-12 school districts needs revising, but he said he does not support allowing districts to spend from their reserve accounts for an extended period. Legislation that would allow districts to spend from their reserves will not be approved. The Senate did approve a bill addressing per-pupil funding inequities, but it is not expected to get a vote in the House.

On financial literacy: Lofgren thinks financial literacy should be taught in schools. There was no legislation related to the topic considered during the session.

Rep. Ross Paustian, R-Walcott

On the school funding formula: Paustian supported legislation introduced in 2016 that would have given districts a one-year pass to spend from their reserves but required them to replenish that spending the following year. During the campaign, Paustian said he would support letting districts use funds earmarked for other purposes. The Senate approved school funding formula changes, but it is not expected to get a vote in the House this year. Legislators did approve a bill that allows school districts to dip into other funding streams if deemed necessary.

That should help Davenport and other districts, freeing up some other funds in accounts they cant use right now. But it still doesnt help get to the problem of the funding disparity, Paustian said. So we have to keep working on it. ... Well still keep trying.

On water quality: Paustian said he opposes the sales tax increase, and that will not pass. Paustian said he supports a proposal made in 2016 by House Republicans to use funds from existing state revenue streams, including its infrastructure budget and a tax on water meters, to fund water quality projects. That issue is one of the few that remains unresolved in the 2017 sessions waning days.

Rep. Phyllis Thede, D-Bettendorf

On the school funding formula: Thede said she thinks school districts that have lower per-pupil spending allowances than other districts should be permitted to spend up to the highest level allowed by drawing from their reserve accounts. The Senate approved a plan to fix the formula, but the House is not expected to vote on it.

On the minimum wage: Thede thinks the state should raise its minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. That will not happen this session.

Sen. Craig Johnson, R-Independence

On the budget: Johnson said he thinks the Legislature should adhere to a rule that the state not spend more than 99 percent of its revenue. The Legislature is crafting its budget and likely will spend less than 99 percent of revenue; the problem legislators ran into this year was the estimates of how much revenue the state would have were off, so there is less money available than previously expected.

Rep. Walt Rogers, R-Cedar Falls

On water quality: Rogers supports a proposal similar to one introduced a year ago by House Republicans that would shift existing revenue streams to water quality projects. A similar bill may yet pass the Legislature this session.

On higher education funding: Rogers said he wanted a funding increase for the University of Northern Iowa. State budget reductions actually caused a reduction in funding to the states three public universities. Rogers said he takes solace in the fact that Northern Iowa received a lighter reduction than the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

They, as far as the three regents (universities), were affected the least, Rogers said. So, a small win there.

On tax policy: Rogers thinks the state should lower its corporate tax rate, which is one of the highest in the nation. No tax reform action will be taken this year in large part because of a tight budget that has little wiggle room to lose more revenue. Rogers said he is encouraged that legislators plan to examine not only tax reform but also look at how much the state spends on tax credits and incentives.

I think that will help us take a springboard into next year, Rogers said.

Rep. Ras Smith, D-Waterloo

On mental health care: Smith said he thinks the state should reopen and fund state-operated mental health institutions in Mount Pleasant and Clarinda, which were closed in 2015. That idea has no traction in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

On abortion: Smith said he supports abortion rights and knew coming into the session that Republicans would attempt to make changes to various abortion policies. Indeed, Republicans passed a ban on abortions after 20 weeks and removed from the budget all state funding to womens health care providers that perform abortions, such as Planned Parenthood.

Sen. Waylon Brown, R-St. Ansgar

On water quality: Brown said he thinks the state should develop a long-term funding solution for water quality programs with the greatest impact. The Legislature is still working on a new water quality funding program as the final days of the session tick away.

On school funding: Brown called for public education funding that is timely and responsible so schools do not have to worry about losing any promised funding. The Legislature finished its school funding bill early in the session, and the proposal included an increase of 1.1 percent, one of the lowest on record and a result, Republicans say, of a tight state budget.

Rep. Jane Bloomingdale, R-Northwood

On the school funding formula: Bloomingdale said she thinks the formula for how public K-12 school districts are funded should be updated to help districts with outsized transportation costs. A bill that addressed per-pupil funding and transportation inequities passed the Senate but is not expected to get a vote in the House.

Rep. Sharon Steckman, D-Mason City

On tax credits: During the campaign, Steckman called for the Legislature to examine tax credits and tax incentives and how much the state spends on them. Support for such an examination has increased over the course of the session while the budget pie continues to shrink.

On medical cannabis: Steckman supports a call to permit the production and sale of medical cannabis for treatment of certain ailments such as epileptic seizures. Legislators are making a final, last-ditch attempt to pass the proposal; it thus far has passed the Iowa Senate, 45-5.
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SOUTH SIOUX CITY | Jennifer Jackson, executive director of Heartland Counseling Services Inc. in South Sioux City, has won Nebraska's 2017 Director's Award for excellence in behavioral health treatment.

Jackson, a licensed independent mental health practitioner who has served as director of Heartland since 2012, received the award during the 2017 Nebraska Annual Behavioral Health Conference in Lincoln.

The award recognizes a behavioral health provider who works to build behavioral health systems that help Nebraskans find treatment and services in their communities for mental health and substance abuse disorders.

Jackson and her husband, Rory, live in South Sioux City and have three children.
BOSTON -- Those of us who hail from Massachusetts are proud of our special patriotic holiday, formally celebrated only in our state and Maine (which was part of us until 1820), though Wisconsin and Florida pay it some honor as well. Patriots' Day commemorates the rebels at Lexington and Concord who fired the shot heard round the world on April 19, 1775.

For tragic reasons, the holiday commanded the nation's attention on April 15, 2013. Two homemade bombs exploded 12 seconds apart at 2:49 p.m., killing three people and injuring hundreds of others.

This city will never forget the dead and severely injured. But it will also remember the heroism of its citizens, including the first responders and medical professionals who saved countless lives. A sense of solidarity arising from the love of a place and its people gave birth to the slogan, "Boston Strong." The worst Patriots' Day in history produced an outpouring of local patriotism.

This year's celebration of Patriots' Day comes when another impulse jostles with patriotism as the definition of dedication to country.

Nationalism, it's true, runs deep in American history, as the brilliant and ideologically idiosyncratic writer Michael Lind often reminds us. It's not just a Donald Trump or Steve Bannon import. It was, after all, Theodore Roosevelt, a hero to many progressives, whose forward-looking program was memorialized as the New Nationalism.

Yet nationalism rankles, partly because of its association with the evils of Nazism and Fascism, and partly because its claims are so sweeping. As George Orwell wrote, patriotism stems from "devotion to a particular place and to a particular way of life." Nationalism, by contrast, "is inseparable from the desire for power."

It's worth noting that even patriotism makes some uncomfortable. They often see it in the same light as the word "chauvinism," which is defined as "excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support for one's own cause, group or gender." It's a mistake, however, to view patriotism as nothing but chauvinism in bright colors.

My own love of the United States is rooted in the profound debt I feel to this place and to my fellow citizens, and in a deep attachment to our habits, customs and what I see as our exceptional capacity, over time, to correct our flaws. But just as the special love I feel for my family does not prevent me from admiring other families and individuals, so my allegiance to the United States does not stop me from offering respect and affection for other peoples and places.

There is also a quality to American patriotism that is commonplace to note but absolutely central to our identity: Ours is not a loyalty to blood or soil. It is an embrace of a series of powerful propositions.

Last week, I spent time with the gifted young political theorist Yascha Mounk, who had just become an American citizen. He told an audience at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs that while he did not discount our country's problems, particularly the costs of a "racial hierarchy," the United States was genuinely different because it rejected a "mono-ethnic and mono-cultural" definition of nationality. "In America," he said, "there is an idea that you can have an accent and be American, you can have immigrated and be American." It's another reason I love this country.

Earlier this year, in a useful exchange published in the conservative magazine National Review on the relative merits of patriotism and nationalism, Mona Charen of the Ethics and Public Policy Center had it exactly right when she argued: "Patriotism is enough -- it needs no improving or expanding." She called nationalism "a demagogue's patriotism" more likely to be converted "into something aggressive."

And the columnist Jonah Goldberg caught something important when he wrote that "nationalism is ultimately the fire of tribalism, having too much of it tends to melt away important distinctions, from the rule of law to the right to dissent to the sovereignty of the individual."

Lind (with whom I usually agree more than I do with Goldberg) would argue back that forms of liberal nationalism have been just as committed to these values. He would also remind us of the national commitments of Hamilton, Clay and Lincoln.

Fair enough. But if both nationalism and patriotism can get out of hand, nationalism strikes me as far more perilous. I love my country, as I love Boston, and love can be ruined by an overweening will to power. The patriot is more likely to be alive to this danger than the nationalist.
The Sioux City Journal editorial board beat me to the punch in Sunday's editorial headlined "Public deserves to know more about Chalstrom matter."

As a journalist by trade, I keep my nose for news and facts-oriented opinion on alert. In this case, my intent was to write a Letter expressing the same sentiments put forward in this recent editorial. If I understand the facts, John Chalstrom was the chief financial officer of the Sioux City Community Schools who now has been ousted and who shared concerns, as reported by The Journal on April 9, about Superintendent Paul Gausman. What the public does not know is if these allegations had any merit.

One of Chalstrom's allegations is Gausman threatened to terminate him if he presented alternative budget proposals to school board members outside regular board meetings. Since Chalstrom was at the time the CFO, were his alternative proposals even considered by the board? We need to know this. As a CFO with expertise in financial matters, wouldn't he have a better understanding of finance than either the superintendent or board members? After all, he was hired as a finance expert. Based upon the way Chalstrom was ousted, we just don't know if his financial budget proposals had any merit.

As The Journal stated in its editorial, "Our position today is no reflection on our opinion of Gausman." School board, please provide the public with the facts. - Carl Hardy, Sioux City
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DES MOINES  Iowans lined up Monday to appeal for their pet programs to be spared from the legislative budget ax before majority Republicans began passing pieces of fiscal 2018s $7.245 billion spending plan that cut a wide swath across state government.

We acknowledge this is a tough budget year for our state, but singling out programs supporting victims of violence for a disproportionate cut is frightening, said Mary Ingham, executive director of Crisis Intervention Service in Mason City, which serves 14 counties in north central and northeast Iowa.

She drove to Des Moines to be among dozens of Iowans who shared their concerns and support during a public hearing Monday at the Capitol on the fiscal 2018 budget.

Marty Hathaway, a retired corrections worker from Coralville, expressed concern over more than $7 million in cuts to the states prison system, telling legislators that I fear for my brothers and sisters still working in the prison system and challenging lawmakers to spend a day walking the cell houses to understand.

That message was driven home again on the Senate floor during the debate Monday over a justice systems bill when Sen. Nate Boulton, D-Des Moines, argued the $559 million appropriation left prison staffing dangerously low.

This has been cuts on top of cuts on top of cuts to our correctional facilities, he said.

However, Sen. Mark Chelgren, R-Ottumwa, floor manager of Senate File 509, said he thought majority Republicans did a good job funding programs at the level they did, given the states tighter-than-expected budget situation. Senators voted 29-21 to approve SF 509 and send it to the House.

I recognize that when you have a plethora of good programs and some great programs, that you have to make difficult decision, said Chelgren in response to concerns about spending for victims services and other public safety needs.

I know a few years ago we had $927 million in surplus, but thats all gone, he added. Its easy being in the minority to simply say we should spend more money, we should spend more money, we should spend more money  but when youre in the majority, you have a responsibility to work within a budget ..

A separate bill to provide $178.8 million to fund the court system in fiscal 2018 also drew considerable angst before senators voted 29-21 to approve Senate File 508 and send it to the House as well.

Rep. Gary Worthan, R-Storm Lake, said legislators tried to give the courts more flexibility in using state money. The chief justice has assured us that there will be no closures of clerks offices, there will be no closures of courtrooms  but he added some offices may operate on 32 or 36 hour work weeks.

On the House side, representatives approved $47.4 million to fund the states administrative and regulatory functions next fiscal year  a drop of $1.4 million. They voted 58-51 to approve House File 640 and ship it to the Senate for consideration.

Minority Democrats disliked a GOP decision to decrease nearly $400,000 from the Department of Inspections and Appeals  which investigates Medicaid fraud and health facilities, among other duties  $751,000 from the Department of Revenue and gut the Public Information Board, which answers the publics questions about public meetings, open records and the states sunshine laws.

But the portion of the bill to receive the most criticism was the $3.5 million in appropriations to the Secretary of States office, which includes $700,000 for the much-debated voter ID bill that set new verification procedures for voters and shortens Iowas early voting period.

Rep. John Landon, R-Ankeny, said the money would go toward an electronic poll book loan fund, poll worker education and voter outreach, among other uses.

Representatives also debated a $908.4 million education budget bill to fund the regent institutions, community colleges and other programs.

Members of the House lamented $70 million in cuts, but approved $908 million for educational programs.

House File 642 funds 12,287 full-time equivalent positions for the Iowa Department of Education, Board of Regents and other agencies, a decrease of 453.

The bulk of the cuts, $52 million in the appropriation for student achievement and teacher quality, reflect the end of the Teacher Leadership and Compensation Grants. Beginning next year, the TLC program will be funded through the school aid formula.

The House lopped off $9.9 million from the regents, with the largest single cut being $6.2 million to the University of Iowa. Iowa State University will be cut $2.5 million and the University of Northern Iowa $823,000.

Community colleges will get an increase of $1.7 million for general aid, but because of budget de-appropriations earlier this year thats actually a decrease.

The bill, approved 58-41, heads to the Senate.
Just when you wonder what airlines could do to generate more bad publicity, a video shows a passenger being forcibly dragged from his seat.

From recent announcements about more baggage fees (overhead as well as cargo) to incredibly shrinking legroom, from lost baggage to lost children traveling alone, the bad news for the major carriers  now operating profitably after years deep in the red  seems unrelenting.

At Chicago's O'Hare Airport, passengers had already taken their seats aboard United Flight 3411  a United Express plane operated by Republic Airways bound for Louisville  on April 9 when it was announced four seats were necessary to accommodate Republic crew members needed in Louisville for another flight.

The next available flight was the following afternoon.

Four volunteers were sought for a reimbursement of $400 plus a hotel room. When none agreed, negotiations increased to $800 without success, then $1,000 to no avail.

According to U.S. Department of Transportation rules, the most an airline can offer is four times the fare to a maximum of $1,350. Without volunteers, rules for involuntary removal take effect.

Three Flight 3411 passengers were removed involuntarily. Then David Dao, 69, a physician from Elizabethtown, Ky., was selected. Dao said he had appointments he couldnt miss in the morning. When he became stubborn, three security officers from Chicagos Department of Aviation  not affiliated with the Chicago Police Department  were called in.

Video shows Dao forcibly dragged out by his hands, his head bloodied after hitting an armrest and his glasses dislodged, while passengers rebuked the officers, one yelling, Oh my God, look at what you did to him. Dao, who was hospitalized, has retained legal counsel.

Overbookings on airlines are a fact of life. The major carriers rely on computer algorithms to guesstimate the number of passengers who wont make a flight  a change of plans, missed connections, etc.  and book accordingly. The goal is to fill as many seats as possible. Ten years ago, the load factor was 79 percent; today its around 83 percent.

Last year, the DOT reported 475,000 passengers on U.S. airlines were bumped  46,000 involuntarily or 0.62 per 10,000 boardings, according to a Wichita State University and Embry Riddle University Airline Quality Rating study.

The bumping incident should prompt changes.

A case-by-case review should be a priority when volunteers are lacking. Passengers could miss critical appointments, business engagements or job interviews. The lottery should be a last resort.

The $1,350 cap should be increased to broaden the potential pool of volunteers.

The DOT has given the airlines carte blanche on baggage fees, legroom and seat size. But this furor could provoke other incidents and may not subside until the agency or the airlines take affirmative steps.

Waterloo-Cedar Falls (Iowa) Courier
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.
(EDGE) A Pennsylvania-based extremist Catholic group that once linked tornadoes in Illinois to gay marriage is up in arms about a play performed by an LGBT theater company 700 miles away in Atlanta, which they deem to be blasphemous.

Adam and Steve, Jane and Mabel are characters in gay playwright Paul Rudnick's 1998 send-up of Old Testament stories titled "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told." The comedy is set to take the stage in Atlanta later this month.

Although at first thought, the uber gay play might not be a great fit for Bible belt audiences. But as The New York Times reports, this production is being mounted by the Out Front Theatre Company - a group that focuses on queer-themed works for the city's LGBTQIA population.

The play is being targeted by a group based more than a full day's drive away in Hanover, Pennsylvania. America Needs Fatima, a project of the hard right wing group American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property (TFP), has made it their goal to urge like-minded Catholics to protest the play.

In December 2013, they staged a similar protest against a production of "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told" in Dallas. The show went on nonetheless.

Other works protested by the group in the past include the films "The Da Vinci Code" and "The Last Temptation of Christ," as well as the musical "Jerry Springer, the Opera."

A petition addressed to Out Front Theatre's artistic director Paul Conroy reads:

I vehemently protest your showing the blasphemous play The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, which, among other blasphemies, refers to the Virgin Mary as a lesbian. Please cancel your showing of it.



The Holy Mother of God is most pure and holy. To refer to her as a lesbian, or even to insinuate it, is an unspeakable blasphemy, which I reject with all my soul. I fear God's wrath will fall upon us if reparation is not made.

If you continue with this presentation, we will urge Catholics to oppose it loudly, peacefully, and legally in as large a protest as we can help make possible.

Although there are over 42,918 signatures on the petition to stop the play, it is unclear how many signees are members of the Atlanta area theatergoing public.

According to ArtsAtl, Conroy has been on the receiving end of over 12,000 emails, Facebook messages, phone calls and letters, most of which stem from the America Needs Fatima protest. Some have mentioned coming to the theater to picket. Conroy has been in touch with the Atlanta Police Department's LGBT liaison, who has arranged for a uniformed officer to be present on opening night. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security has been or will be alerted.

BroadwayWorld notes that the show comes after Out Front made its debut in October 2016 with the Broadway hit "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert." Conroy founded the company when he realized that there was theater in Atlanta that catered specifically to the city's LGBTQ community and its allies.

Conroy told The Times that he has no intention of canceling "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told."

"I don't see the benefit in responding because I don't think they're going to change their minds no matter what I say or anyone else says," Conroy said. These people have their minds made up even before it starts."

"The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told" runs from April 27 through May 14 at The Out Front Theatre Company on 999 Brady Ave NW in Atlanta. To get a ticket or make a donation, visit. www.outfronttheatre.com
(AP) Equality California Friday announced the launch of a media campaign called "#ResistHate" to recognize and promote California's exceptional diversity. The campaign seeks to foster a statewide culture of solidarity that resists fear, bigotry and hate, and instead encourages unity among the state's LGBTQ community and all communities that experience prejudice, injustice and discrimination.

The new year-long campaign features images evoking love, unity and California pride, and will appear on 125 billboards in various markets across the state.

"'Resist Hate' is a message of unity and solidarity for all Californians," said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California. "LGBTQ people are black and white, Muslim and Jew, immigrant and native born - and everything in between. This campaign empowers us to help unite the many communities of which LGBTQ people are a part and to resist all attempts to divide our communities. We want all of California's diverse communities to know that whoever you are - LGBTQ, Muslim, undocumented or a member of any other group that has been targeted or feels less safe as a result of recent divisive messages - we stand with you. We must assert the values of tolerance and inclusion that set our state apart, and make it a beacon of hope and acceptance for the rest of the nation."

The first billboards are being installed this month in greater Los Angeles and the remainder will be installed across the state throughout 2017.
(WB) International outrage over the arrest of more than 100 gay men in Chechnya continues to mount.

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland on Saturday in a statement described the recent and ongoing reports of the persecution of gay and bisexual men in the semi-autonomous Russian republic that is predominantly Muslim as reprehensible. She also called upon the Russian authorities to thoroughly investigate these reports and to immediately ensure the safety of all persons in Chechnya who may be at risk due to their sexual orientation.

We deplore acts of violence and discrimination, in all regions of the world, committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, said Freeland.

Novaya Gazeta, an independent Russian newspaper, has reported Chechen authorities have arrested more than 100 gay men since the end of February. Many of these men have reportedly been beaten and tortured with electric shocks.

Novaya Gazeta has also said at least three of the men who were arrested later died.

The Russian newspaper last week reported Chechen authorities have sent gay men to secret prisons that have been described as concentration camps. The Russian LGBT Network, a St. Petersburg-based advocacy group that has launched an emergency campaign with All Out, a global LGBT activist organization, to evacuate gay men from Chechnya, confirmed these reports to the Washington Blade.

I am disgusted and appalled by reports from both the Russian media and non-governmental organizations that authorities in the Russian republic of Chechnya have rounded up, tortured and even murdered individuals who are believed to be gay, said former Vice President Joe Biden in a statement he posted to the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagements Facebook page on Saturday.

The State Department in an April 7 statement said it is increasingly concerned about the situation in Chechnya. It also urged the Russian government to speak out against such practices, take steps to ensure the release of anyone wrongfully detained, conduct an independent and credible investigation into these reports and hold any perpetrators responsible.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley on Monday said the U.S. remains disturbed by the arrests. British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson and Vitit Muntarbhorn, who is the U.N.s first LGBT and intersex rights watchdog, are among those who have also condemned the situation.

President Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have not publicly commented on the arrests or the secret prisons in which the gay men have been held.

Agence France-Presse reported a spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom Tillerson met on April 12 in Moscow, told reporters late last week the Kremlin does not have any reliable information about the arrests.

The Associated Press on Sunday reported Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov categorized the international outcry over the gay mens arrests as attempts that are being made to blacken our society, lifestyle, traditions and customs. Kadyrovs spokesperson told a Russian government news agency earlier this month it is impossible to prosecute those who are not in the republic.

The existence of concentration camps is a serious breach of all international human rights conventions, said the Brazilian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Association in a statement it released on April 10.

Laura Weinstein, president of Grupo Accion y Apoyo a Personas Trans, a trans advocacy group that is based in the Colombian capital of Bogota, on April 14 posted to her Twitter account a satellite picture that reportedly shows one of the secret prisons in which gay men are being held.

In this camp in Chechnya people are being tortured, locked up and exterminated for being gay and trans, she wrote.

Israeli LGBT rights advocates on April 14 held an emergency meeting at the offices of the Aguda, the Israeli National LGBT Task Force, in Tel Aviv to discuss the arrests of the gay Chechen men and ways they can help them. The Brazilian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Association and other LGBT advocacy groups have urged the U.N. to launch an investigation into the abuses that are reportedly taking place.

ILGA-Europe urges international institutions to advocate for the rights of the LGBTI community in the region, and for national governments to assist those fleeing persecution to find safety, said ILGA-Europe in an April 13 statement.

OutRight Action International on Monday urged British Petroleum, ExxonMobil and Royal Dutch Shell  three oil companies that have made significant investments with state-owned Russian oil and gas companies  to publicly condemn the arrests.

Tillerson was ExxonMobils CEO until Trump nominated him to become secretary of state.

This is one of the worst homophobic campaigns the world has ever seen, said OutRight Action International Executive Director Jessica Stern. If Russia will not listen to other governments or even the United Nations, it is time to see if we can get money to talk in a language that they will listen to.

Death threats force Novaya Gazeta reporter into hiding

Chechen Social Politics Minister Dzhambulat Umarov on Sunday demanded Novaya Gazeta to apologize for the disgusting nonsense that you spread. One of the newspapers reporters who broke the story has reportedly gone into hiding because of death threats she has received.

Svetlana Zakharova of the Russian LGBT Network told the Blade on Monday she and her colleagues think the growing outcry over the arrests will put further pressure on the Kremlin to intervene.

We hope that it will make the Russian government stop [the] kidnappings, tortures and killings, said Zakharova.

 Michael K. Lavers, Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

If you want to help gay men flee Chechnya, you can participate in this Facebook fundraiser here.
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When we talk about whats next for coffee, rarely does that conversation center on the barista. They are the unchangeable constant across coffee in all its formsa living, breathing human who manages the machines, the mano in the mano, miscela, macchina upon which the espresso tradition was built. A human, standing behind a machine, waiting to serve coffee to the world: thats a barista.

At least, it used to be.

Cafe Xstarted by 23-year-old college dropout Henry Huseeks to automate the making and serving of specialty coffee. But unlike, say, BRIGGO, the HAL-like coffee behemoth at the University of Texas we visited in 2012, Hu has created a singular, multi-articulate robotic arm to do the work of mankind. Equal parts auto factory crane and the spindly arm youd use to pull stuffed animals from an arcade machine, Hus robo-barista is scary smart, and its part of a trend that seeks to rewrite the rules of coffee service as we know it.

The San Francisco location of Cafe X (the other one is in Hong Kong) is tucked into a dimly lit alcove near a frozen yogurt stand and the stairs on the bottom floor of the Metreon shopping center. A medium-sized fiberglass enclosure encircles the robotic arm and its necessary accoutrements. The only human presence is a cheery Cafe X-employed attendant, there to assist you in the process and soften the strangeness of ordering your coffee from a robot.

You have two options: order the coffee through the touch screen, or download the Cafe X app and order through your phone. My cheery attendanta sort of sherpa through the uncanny valleyexplained that their app functionality allows customers to order while on their way to Cafe X, assuring prompt delivery of the finished drink. I chose to download it and was quickly ordering a flat white built on Verve Coffee Roasters espresso.

There before me lay the robot arm, swinging gracefully around its small workstationgrabbing a cup, placing the cup under one of the two espresso machines, and waiting to receive a union of espresso and milk. When the drink is done the machine places it off to the side and you sidle up to the touchscreen, tap in a code sent to your phone, and the coffee descends down a circular elevator into an LED-lit receiving area.

It is, quite frankly, the entire process of purchasing a coffee beverage with the human aspect left on the cutting room floor. The machine does its work without emotion, or error, or expectation of compensation. It is servile and efficient as only a programmed device can be.

During my experience, a few other curious customers approached the robot. Some laughed nervously, others snapped photos, but for the most part they stood quietly, in awe of automation at work. The coffee itself was goodthe milk smooth and not terribly hot, the shot of espresso thick and flavorful. My flat white was a drink that couldve been made by a living, breathing human, and a skilled one at that.

The coming rise of automation is a hot topic right now, driven in part by the rush towards driverless carsGoogle and Uber are currently at war over what this looks like next, and how to take it to market. Automation threatens millions of jobs around the worldespecially manufacturing jobsand may very well strike a staggering blow to the fabric of Western capitalist society. If robots take our jobs, who pays taxes? Where does the money go, but back up to the chain to rulers and owners of these robots?

Will our children watch robot barista competitions? Do androids dream of electric flat whites?

For his part, Henry Hu told Forbes Magazine that his intention for Cafe X was simply to save moneyby his own approximation, the cost of the robot will be far less than a full cafe build-out. Hes right, of course, and that means passing the savings on to you. Drinks from Cafe X already run few dollars leaner than most coffee shopslattes are $2.95, shots of espresso just $2.25, and this is in the middle of San Francisco, where coffee drinks easily run $4-6 in many cafes. In other words, this is a cheaper, arguably more efficient way of getting caffeine from a machine to your mouth. There was no line when I visitedwho knows how the robot handles a morning rush, but I doubt hell be much for banter.

I found myself drawn to the cheery attendant, the lone human whom I could share my experience with. I sought normalcy, something akin to the cafe experience I was used to. But, if efficiency and automation are the goals of Cafe X, then inevitably humans will be phased out of the experience. Were pretty inefficient as a species, after alla bunch of loss leaders eating into the profit potential of a fully automated flat white production Borg, designed to get some as-yet-unagreed-upon combination of milk and espresso into your gullet for credits as soon as possible.

But what of our society? What of coffee as an employment opportunity for real living humans? Will history judge the likes of Henry Hu as a real-world version of Miles Dyson, the fictional (probably?) Director of Special Projects at Cyberdyne Systems who, while just doing his job and increasing project efficiency unknowingly brought about the human-robot apocalypse depicted in The Terminator films.

However, in writing this article, it dawned on me that there may be hope for us yet. The one human you cant pull out of this equation is the consumerIm the one depositing credits, after all, and I can spend my money how I wish. And so it stands to reason that I go to my corner coffee shop ostensibly to get a cup of coffee in the morning, but I also go because I enjoy chatting with my barista; knowing what theyre reading, or who theyve been dating, or if that dreadful regular we all wish were a little less regular has been back in recently. This human interaction makes the coffee taste better. Its good for my brain. Its a UI quirk in this vast human public beta we call life, something that draws us to one another to connect, talk, socialize, fall in love, and pick fleas off each others fur. Perhaps its a design flaw; perhaps its our species greatest triumph.

Automation is inevitable, but we can at least hope itll be in line with the core values of whatever is being automated. Serving coffee is more than just getting a beverage into a customers hands immediately for maximum profit. Its about interaction, an engagement between people. It isnt always perfect, and it isnt always fast, but its satisfying in a way thats hard to quantify until that moment you watch a robot do the same damn thing, for less money, and *still* you want to have a chat.

Cafe X proves that a robot can make a good cup of coffee, but it also, at least to this writer, proves how much is sacrificed when we aim for efficiency over humanity. If fast, consistently delicious coffee, means stripping the barista out of my cafe experience well, then, it doesnt seem much like the coffee experience anymore. Maybe well all be issued Soylent x Sudden rations in tomorrows New Frontier, judiciously pre-mixed by robots too busy to gossip. Or maybe thats not really what humans want from a cup of coffee, or a cocktail, or a taxi ride. Maybe deep down we want all the inefficiency, the politeness, the imperfect small talkhell, maybe we even need it, so wired for social interaction are our human brains.

To quote the great philosopher Dr. Ian Malcolm, Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didnt stop to think if they should. Robot coffee is comingits already hereand its just one more bit of reckoning that we, our children, and our childrens children will face in the decades to come.

Meanwhile, you can find me at the coffee bar, enjoying a minimally efficient but highly engaging experience, and leaving a tip.

Noah Sanders (@sandersnoah) is a Sprudge.com staff writer based in San Francisco, and a contributor to SF Weekly, Side One Track One, and The Bold Italic. Read more Noah Sanders on Sprudge.

Editor: Jordan Michelman.
The biggest coffee event in America is this weekits coffees E3, Sundance, San Diego ComicCon and CMJ all rolled into one. Its the 2017 SCA Event in Seattle and its lit, fam.

The 2017 SCA Event is sure to be an august, thought-provoking, deal-making hubby hive of networking, get-working, spro-slurping commerce and commingling. The show floor, she contains multitudes, and well be covering the heck out of it over the next week, but we know what you really care about. You really care about the parties. Because you love to party.

Below please find an expanding list of all the fun times happening over the next week in Seattle. If your party isnt listed and youd like it to be, please hit us up and well add you to this post.

Wednesday, April 19th

All-Inclusive Pre-Expo Party hosted by The Chocolate Barista

Cherry St. Public House (210 Occidental Ave S.)

6pm-8pm

Set your phasers to chill and join Michelle Johnson, publisher of The Chocolate Barista, for an All-Inclusive Pre-Expo Party at Cherry St. Public House, which is set to be a real hub for events and hangs throughout the week. Expect discounted drinks and free snacks thanks to sponsors Pacific Natural Foods. All are welcome!

Thursday, April 20th

* Coffee & Natural Wine with Vif & Olympia Coffee

Vif Coffee|Wine (4401 Fremont Avenue North)

6pm9pm

Coffee is deliciousno arguments herebut when it gets to be around, lets say 6pm or so, we yearn for a splash of something a bit different in our glass. Natural wine is a real passion for us here at Sprudge and so please, join our friends and partners at Olympia Coffee Roasting Company as they team up with Seattles Vif Coffee | Wine for an evening of living wine delights. This event is free and should be a fun, delicious, dare we predict classy way to kick things off over SCA weekend, with live music and support from event partners Baratza and Long Miles Coffee Project.

*TNT with Mavam x NW Space Agency

Conduit Coffee Company (2501 Westlake Ave N, Seattle)

6pm-11pm

Perhaps the opposite end of the spectrum from the above Vif & Oly Coffee party is this sure-to-be-raucous TNT hosted at Conduit Coffee by NW Space Agency, in partnership with undercounter espresso mavericks Mavam. The event is a Macguyver-style throwdown, with a big weird variety of pouring vessels to select, everything from odd old mugs to hollowed out doll heads. That this party should fall on the 20th of Aprila global stoner holidayhas not been missed by the events organizers, and our very own DJ Sprudge is set to present a carefully curated set of weed anthems to close out the evening. Prizes at this event come from Mavam, Conduit Coffee, Sprudge, Visions Espresso, and Brew Global.

SCA Expo Official Launch Party & USCC Latte Art Throwdown

Paramount Theater (911 Pine St)

6pm9pm

Assimilate with your fellow Borg-mates at this, the most official of all official parties happening on Thursday evening in Seattle. Entry is free with your SCA badge, and once inside you can bask in the moments perfection with a tasty cold brew omega molecule cocktail, enjoy a virtual reality farm tour (!) courtesy of SCA Expo title sponsor Starbucks (!!), and ply your pours at stirring USCC latte art throwdown, complete with an $1000 cash prize from Pacific Foods.

Stumptown and Slingshot Party

The Crocodile (2200 2nd Ave)

7pm-1am

The Crocodile is Seattles legendary live music menu in the heart of Belltown, and on Thursday it will play host to an epic party hosted by Stumptown Coffee and Slingshot. Check out the two brands new collaboration cold brew, Long Distance Relationship, and enjoy live music, coffee cocktails, delicious bao buns and more.

Throwdown at Victrola Coffee

Victrola Coffee (310 E Pike St)

7:30pm-11pm

Just three blocks from the Washington State Convention Center, Victrola will be hosting a good old-fashioned throwdown to kick the weekend off right. Theres Freemont Beer to be had, sponsored by Pacific Food. 100% of beer sales goes toward building worker housing on Finca El Diamonte in Guatemala. Buy-in for the throwdown is $10.

Friday, April 21st

* Coffee ON:Line

Cherry St. Public House (210 Occidental Ave S.)

5:30PM  8pm

Content creators are why coffee is such a big deal now, and this event celebrates them in the form of free drinks, a smart panel, and nice vibes. Coffee ON:Line is a new platform from content creators Ashley Tomlinson and Vania Ling, and Sprudge is proud to be sponsoring their inaugural event along with event hosts Cherry St. Public House. Panelists include our own staff writer Anna Brones, along with Brian Jones (DCILY), Erica Brianna (@thecoffeenomad), and Bryan Schiele (@letsbrew.coffee). Much more information is available at the official Coffee ON:Line website. Follow Coffee ON:Line on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and RSVP to join us at the April 21st event.

Red Fox Coffee Merchants Natty Wine Chill Sesh

Upper Bar Ferdinand (1424 11th Ave)

5-10pm

Oaklands Red Fox Coffee Merchants are hosting a chill sesh with tasty oysters, grilled snacks, good vibes, and plenty of delicious natural wine at Upper Bar Ferdinand. Please note there are 2 Bar Ferdinands, and while both lovely, this event is at the 1424 11th Ave location, *not* the Melrose Market location

Elevated Coffee Experience presented by Espresso Parts & Trichome

Trichome (618 South Jackson Street)

6pm8pm

What if coffee had like, weed, man? This is the question that the Elevated Coffee Experience at Trichome seeks to answer. The really very nice Jackson St. smoke lifestyle shop has teamed up with Espresso Parts to serve up a strange brew of Elm Coffee Roasters filter infused with bud butter. There will be DJs, lots of non-coffee locals, and if the last time they threw this event is any indication, some pretty elaborate and frankly ominous looking dab rigs lurking downstairs. Tread wisely, and take a Lyft. This party has a $5 suggested donation and you need to RSVP via EventBrite.

Royal Coffee, Inc. Happy Hour

Maker Space (92 Lenora Street)

6pm-8pm

Join the crew from the Bay Areas Royal Coffee, Inc. at a chill happy hour with drinks and snacks.

Partly Sunny Party by Cafe Imports

Fremont Foundry Events (154 N 35th St.)

6-10pm

Cafe Imports always throw a great party at SCA, and this yearco-sponsored by Barista Magazine and Roast Magazineis sure to be no different. With free food and drinks and hot beats from DJ RADAMES, there will be a lot of fun to be had.

Unofficial Coffee Technicians Party

Visions Espresso (2737 1st Avenue South)

7-10pm

Are you a coffee nerd of the wrench-turning variety? Do you look forward to the technical jargon portion of most Sprudge cafe write-ups? Then this is the party for you, with beer from Georgetown Brewery and a one-year Coffee Technicians Guild membership giveaway on offer.

Arbor Day Foundation Cocktail Party

Needle & Thread at Tavern Law (1406 12th Ave)

5pm-8pm

Want to have a chill night? A cocktail party is the perfect way to do that. Happening because trees are cool, the Arbor Day Foundations shindig will feature cocktails and small bites at a bar inside a bar. Its a speakeasy-type sitch, which means theres limited seating and a password is required to get in. The password is inga.

Saturday, April 22nd

SCA Unic French Wine Reception

Columbia Tower Club (701 5th Ave, Ste 7500)

6PM-10PM

Wine is deliciousthis weve establishedand it goes great with a stunning view from high overlooking one of the worlds most beautiful cities. Join UNIC Espresso of Nice, France for an evening celebrating delicious French wine, with an equally intoxicating view from the 76th floor of the Columbia Tower, in the heart of downtown Seattle. This event is free and open to coffee professionals and guests.

*La Marzocco 90th Anniversary 90s Music & Costume Party

La Marzocco Cafe (472 1st Ave )

8pmMidnight

Join us at the La Marzocco Cafe at KEXP2016 Sprudgie Award winner for Best New Cafefor an unforgettable night of looks, sounds, and moments that celebrate the 1990s, and the 90th anniversary of La Marzocco. There will be food trucks, batched Negronis, beer and cider. There will be hot DJs spinning the greatest hits of the Clinton era. There will be a very special costume contest, personally adjudicated by Sprudge Media Network founders Jordan Michelman and Zachary Carlsen. All this and much morejoin us, we predict this will be the party of the yearand yesteryear.

Camber Coffee Happy Hour

Sun Liquor (514 E Pike)

3pm-6pm

Its chill, its delicious, and its raising money for a good causethis party has it all. Expect prizes from Acaia, Bonavita, and a grand raffle prize, the Baratza Sette, all with tasty cocktails and small bites from Sun Liquor.

Giannis 80th Birthday Party

Cafe Vita Bean Room (1005 E. Pike)

7pm

Celebrate the man, the myth, the legendGianni Cassatini of Nuova Simonelli turns 80 this year, and you can celebrate with him in style at this very special event featuring an open bar, delicious pizzas, and live music.

Roasters Guild Party

Pyramid Alehouse (1201 1st Avenue South)

7pm

These events are always popular, but we couldnt find anything online about itno Facebook event, no listing page via CoffeeExpo.orgif you know more about this sure-to-be-great event, especially regarding whether or not it is open to the public this year, please get in touch.

Sunday, April 22nd

All-Women Latte Art Competition hosted by The Coffeewoman

Cherry St Public House (210 Occidental Ave)

6pm-9pm

Pretty stoked for this one, a unique all-women latte art competition with some really great prizes, hosted by Cherry St. Public House and presented by The Coffeewoman. All proceeds go to Planned Parenthood, and the winner receives a spiffy new Linea Mini courtesy of Counter Culture Coffee. Sign-up info is available via the events official Facebook listing.

Barista Guild Party

Trinity Nightclub (111 Yesler Way)

8:30PM

These events are always popular, but we couldnt find anything online about itno Facebook event, no listing page via CoffeeExpo.orgif you know more about this sure-to-be-great event, especially regarding whether or not it costs like $50 this year, please get in touch.

Know of more great parties? Reach out to Sprudge and well update this post! Have fun, stay safe, use Lyft.
London (U.K), April, 14, 2017 (SPS) - The Moroccan occupation forces continue to violate childrens rights in Western Sahara every day, and in countless ways, said the UK-based organization for the defence of Sahrawi peoples rights Adala UK.

The Non-governmental Organization said, in a communique that none of the children who find themselves in the vicinity of the regular peaceful demonstrations that take place in the occupied territories to demand Sahrawi peoples right to self-determination is ever too young to be safe from the Moroccan police.

It holds up in example several cases, including that of Alkanti Alalaoui a twelve-year old boy, deaf and with a learning disability, who was was arrested by the Moroccan forces on 29 March whilst he was sitting at the door of his house.

Alkanti was savagely beaten and injured to his face and other parts of his body before being forced into a car belonging to the Moroccan forces, taking him to an unknown location.

His neighbors protested in solidarity with him. The police asked the boys family to break up the protestors as well as not to make a formal complaint about the attack against the boy.

The police finally released the boy who was in a critical state and clearly very disturbed.

Alkantis mother made a formal complaint after all about the police agents who had beaten and abducted Alkanti although these kinds of complaints are never investigated, noted the Adala UK.

The arrest, transfer and interrogation of children without the presence of their parents is a clear violations of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Morocco is a signatory, said the NGO in its communique.

Adala UK called on the UN and the international community to send observers to the occupied territories of Western Sahara to help guarantee the human rights of the Sahrawi people.

It also urged the Moroccan government to put an end its policy of impunity for violations committed by its own forces against Sahrawi citizens, and particularly against children SPS

125/090/700
Girl Power prevailed in Mondays top trot at Mohawk Racetrack thanks to a come-from-behind score for trotting mare April Rose.

Going postward for Team Hensley  trainer/co-owner Ashleigh Hensley and co-owner/driver Ed Hensley  in the nine-horse affair, April Rose got away sixth before latching onto perfect cover behind Cash For Gold. Race favourite Finish Line set fractions of :27, :56.1 and 1:25.3, but he couldnt fend off April Rose who kicked home in :28 to win by a head over Finish Line in 1:54.1. Exemplar was third.

Sent off at odds of 10-1, the five-year-old daughter of SJs Caviar-Show Me The Bling improved her 2017 record to 3-1-2 from 12 starts. The 12-time winner, who owns a 1:51.4 speed badge, bumped her lifetime earnings to $193,114 with the win.

To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results  Mohawk Racetrack.
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The essential component of totalitarian propaganda is artifice (het toepassen van kunstgrepen. svh) . The ruling elites, like celebritie...
Washington has never made any effort to conceal its contempt for North Korea. In the 64 years since the war ended, the US has done everything in its power to punish, humiliate and inflict pain on the Communist country. Washington has subjected the DPRK to starvation, prevented its government from accessing foreign capital and markets, strangled its economy with crippling economic sanctions, and installed lethal missile systems and military bases on their doorstep.

Negotiations arent possible because Washington refuses to sit down with a country which it sees as its inferior. Instead, the US has strong-armed China to do its bidding by using their diplomats as interlocutors who are expected to convey Washingtons ultimatums as threateningly as possible. The hope, of course, is that Pyongyang will cave in to Uncle Sams bullying and do what they are told.

But the North has never succumbed to US intimidation and theres no sign that it will. Instead, they have developed a small arsenal of nuclear weapons to defend themselves in the event that the US tries to assert its dominance by launching another war.

Theres no country in the world that needs nuclear weapons more than North Korea. Brainwashed Americans, who get their news from FOX or CNN, may differ on this point, but if a hostile nation deployed carrier strike-groups off the coast of California while conducting massive war games on the Mexican border (with the express intention of scaring the shit of people) then they might see things differently. They might see the value of having a few nuclear weapons to deter that hostile nation from doing something really stupid.

And lets be honest, the only reason Kim Jong Un hasnt joined Saddam and Gadhafi in the great hereafter, is because (a) The North does not sit on an ocean of oil, and (b) The North has the capacity to reduce Seoul, Okinawa and Tokyo into smoldering debris-fields. Absent Kims WMDs, Pyongyang would have faced a preemptive attack long ago and Kim would have faced a fate similar to Gadhafis. Nuclear weapons are the only known antidote to US adventurism.

The American people whose grasp of history does not extend beyond the events of 9-11  have no idea of the way the US fights its wars or the horrific carnage and destruction it unleashed on the North. Heres a short refresher that helps clarify why the North is still wary of the US more than 60 years after the armistice was signed. The excerpt is from an article titled Americans have forgotten what we did to North Korea, at Vox World:

In the early 1950s, during the Korean War, the US dropped more bombs on North Korea than it had dropped in the entire Pacific theater during World War II. This carpet bombing, which included 32,000 tons of napalm, often deliberately targeted civilian as well as military targets, devastating the country far beyond what was necessary to fight the war. Whole cities were destroyed, with many thousands of innocent civilians killed and many more left homeless and hungry. According to US journalist Blaine Harden: Over a period of three years or so, we killed off  what  20 percent of the population, Air Force Gen. Curtis LeMay, head of the Strategic Air Command during the Korean War, told the Office of Air Force History in 1984. Dean Rusk, a supporter of the war and later secretary of state, said the United States bombed everything that moved in North Korea, every brick standing on top of another. After running low on urban targets, U.S. bombers destroyed hydroelectric and irrigation dams in the later stages of the war, flooding farmland and destroying crops On January 3 at 10:30 AM an armada of 82 flying fortresses loosed their death-dealing load on the city of Pyongyang Hundreds of tons of bombs and incendiary compound were simultaneously dropped throughout the city, causing annihilating fires, the transatlantic barbarians bombed the city with delayed-action high-explosive bombs which exploded at intervals for a whole day making it impossible for the people to come out onto the streets. The entire city has now been burning, enveloped in flames, for two days. By the second day, 7,812 civilians houses had been burnt down. The Americans were well aware that there were no military targets left in Pyongyang The number of inhabitants of Pyongyang killed by bomb splinters, burnt alive and suffocated by smoke is incalculableSome 50,000 inhabitants remain in the city which before the war had a population of 500,000. (Americans have forgotten what we did to North Korea, Vox World)

The United States killed over 2 million people in a country that posed no threat to US national security. Like Vietnam, the Korean War was just another muscle-flexing exercise the US periodically engages in whenever it gets bored or needs some far-flung location to try out its new weapons systems. The US had nothing to gain in its aggression on the Korean peninsula, it was mix of imperial overreach and pure unalloyed viciousness the likes of which weve seen many times in the past. According to the Asia-Pacific Journal:

By the fall of 1952, there were no effective targets left for US planes to hit. Every significant town, city and industrial area in North Korea had already been bombed. In the spring of 1953, the Air Force targeted irrigation dams on the Yalu River, both to destroy the North Korean rice crop and to pressure the Chinese, who would have to supply more food aid to the North. Five reservoirs were hit, flooding thousands of acres of farmland, inundating whole towns and laying waste to the essential food source for millions of North Koreans.10 Only emergency assistance from China, the USSR, and other socialist countries prevented widespread famine. (The Destruction and Reconstruction of North Korea, 1950  1960, The Asia-Pacific Journal, Japan Focus)

Repeat: Reservoirs, irrigation dams, rice crops, hydroelectric dams, population centers all napalmed, all carpet bombed, all razed to the ground. Nothing was spared. If it moved it was shot, if it didnt move, it was bombed. The US couldnt win, so they turned the country into an uninhabitable wastelands. Let them starve. Let them freeze.. Let them eat weeds and roots and rodents to survive. Let them sleep in the ditches and find shelter in the rubble. What do we care? Were the greatest country on earth. God bless America.

This is how Washington does business, and it hasnt changed since the Seventh Cavalry wiped out 150 men, women and children at Wounded Knee more than century ago. The Lakota Sioux at Pine Ridge got the same basic treatment as the North Koreans, or the Vietnamese, or the Nicaraguans, or the Iraqis and on and on and on and on. Anyone else who gets in Uncle Sams way, winds up in a world of hurt. End of story.

The savagery of Americas war against the North left an indelible mark on the psyche of the people. Whatever the cost, the North cannot allow a similar scenario to take place in the future. Whatever the cost, they must be prepared to defend themselves. If that means nukes, then so be it. Self preservation is the top priority.

Is there a way to end this pointless standoff between Pyongyang and Washington, a way to mend fences and build trust?

Of course there is. The US just needs to start treating the DPRK with respect and follow through on their promises. What promises?

The promise to built the North two light-water reactors to provide heat and light to their people in exchange for an end to its nuclear weapons program. You wont read about this deal in the media because the media is just the propaganda wing of the Pentagon. They have no interest in promoting peaceful solutions. Their stock-in-trade is war, war and more war.

The North wants the US to honor its obligations under the 1994 Agreed Framework. Thats it. Just keep up your end of the goddamn deal. How hard can that be? Heres how Jimmy Carter summed it up in a Washington Post op-ed (November 24, 2010):

in September 2005, an agreement  reaffirmed the basic premises of the 1994 accord. (The Agreed Framework) Its text included denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, a pledge of non-aggression by the United States and steps to evolve a permanent peace agreement to replace the U.S.-North Korean-Chinese cease-fire that has been in effect since July 1953. Unfortunately, no substantive progress has been made since 2005 This past July I was invited to return to Pyongyang to secure the release of an American, Aijalon Gomes, with the proviso that my visit would last long enough for substantive talks with top North Korean officials. They spelled out in detail their desire to develop a denuclearized Korean Peninsula and a permanent cease-fire, based on the 1994 agreements and the terms adopted by the six powers in September 2005. North Korean officials have given the same message to other recent American visitors and have permitted access by nuclear experts to an advanced facility for purifying uranium. The same officials had made it clear to me that this array of centrifuges would be on the table for discussions with the United States, although uranium purification  a very slow process  was not covered in the 1994 agreements. Pyongyang has sent a consistent message that during direct talks with the United States, it is ready to conclude an agreement to end its nuclear programs, put them all under IAEA inspection and conclude a permanent peace treaty to replace the temporary cease-fire of 1953. We should consider responding to this offer. The unfortunate alternative is for North Koreans to take whatever actions they consider necessary to defend themselves from what they claim to fear most: a military attack supported by the United States, along with efforts to change the political regime. (North Koreas consistent message to the U.S., President Jimmy Carter, Washington Post)

Most people think the problem lies with North Korea, but it doesnt. The problem lies with the United States; its unwillingness to negotiate an end to the war, its unwillingness to provide basic security guarantees to the North, its unwillingness to even sit down with the people who through Washingtons own stubborn ignorance are now developing long-range ballistic missiles that will be capable of hitting American cities.

How dumb is that?

The Trump team is sticking with a policy that has failed for 63 years and which clearly undermines US national security by putting American citizens directly at risk. AND FOR WHAT?

To preserve the image of tough guy, to convince people that the US doesnt negotiate with weaker countries, to prove to the world that whatever the US says, goes? Is that it? Is image more important than a potential nuclear disaster?

Relations with the North can be normalized, economic ties can be strengthened, trust can be restored, and the nuclear threat can be defused. The situation with the North does not have to be a crisis, it can be fixed. It just takes a change in policy, a bit of give-and-take, and leaders that genuinely want peace more than war.
Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council are joining forces to reduce the risk and harm from dog attacks.

Together theyre offering an amnesty to owners of menacing dogs which will see them receive up to $350 worth of neutering, microchipping, a subsidised muzzle and registration, all for free.

The initiative is largely being funded by central government.

The offer runs until June 30 and applies to dogs that have or could be classified as menacing under the Dog Control Act 1996 due to their breed, type or behaviour.

Four breeds (Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa and Perro dePresa Canario) and one type (American Pit Bull Terrier) are automatically classified as menacing dogs. However, any dog that Council considers may pose a threat to any person or animal may also be classified as menacing.

Tauranga City Council animal services team leader Brent Lincoln says over the past two years there were 214 dog attacks in wider Western Bay.

The sad thing is when a dog does attack, everybody loses. The victim and their family have to deal with the consequences of the injury and the dog owner can lose their pet which is often regarded as a family member. It is the dog owners responsibility to ensure their dog isnt another statistic.

The campaign is part of a nationwide attempt to reduce dog attacks in New Zealand, and supports the proposed changes for menacing dog owners under the Dog Control Act.

One of these proposed changes will require all owners of menacing dogs to have them neutered. Western Bay of Plenty District Councils bylaw already requires this.

Neutering a dog has many positive benefits, including that the dog will be less likely to wander and get into fights, says Brent.

Neutering simply pushes sex drive and fighting down the list of priorities allowing other activities to become more important such as working, hunting, tracking and obedience.

Western Bay of Plenty compliance and monitoring manager Alison Curtis says the amnesty period gives owners the chance to come forward without repercussion and take advantage of this free offer before it becomes law under the Act.

In the Western Bay of Plenty there are 301 registered menacing dogs, but the issue is with the unknown number of unregistered menacing dogs. We want to promote responsible dog ownership, and push the message that if you own a high-risk dog you have a higher responsibility  and this package is a great opportunity for owners of high-risk dogs.

To register for this package, owners of menacing dogs can call Tauranga City Council on 07 577 7000 or Western Bay of Plenty District Council on 07 571 8008, or visit the Councils customer service centres.
Tauranga, Opotiki, Matata, Owharoa Falls and Ohope Beach all have a starring role in a new video captured by a Frenchman currently tiki touring across New Zealand.

The locations filmed in Damien Lairs video Head Over Bay of Plenty were all shot using a drone during The Golden Hour  the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset  earlier this month.

The 31-year-old, who is in the country on a working holiday with his girlfriend for the next seven months, says he chose New Zealand for the beautiful landscape and the Maori culture.

I love this country and my girlfriend too. Its perfect place for shooting picture and video. Golden hours are my perfect moments of the day for picture and video.

Head Over Bay of Plenty is the second video Damien has created during his stay in New Zealand. In March he shot a similar video of Auckland City which he filmed over the course of a week.

To see more of Damiens video visit his YouTube channel
Play at the new site will be free and first come, first served through the...
PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center Monday continued to defend itself from a KGW-TV news report that stated it had the highest rate of hospital-acquired MRSA infections in the state in 2015.

Yes we did have a spike in our infection rates in 2015 and we took that extremely seriously, said Dr. Eleen Kirman, Chief Medical Officer for St. John. Weve taken a lot of measures to decrease the infection rate and because of that weve had no MRSA infections (since 2015).

Medicare data shows that St. John had a rising rate of hospital-acquired MRSA infections from 2013 to 2015, according to Medicare.gov, which tracks and compares infection rates at hospitals nationwide. Last weeks KGW report did not report the actual number of MRSA infections at the hospital, and instead compared the ratio of infection at St. John with those at other hospitals.

In 2015, St. John reported five hospital-acquired MRSA infections out of the roughly 7,500 people admitted to the hospital, according to Medicare data. Upon further review, however, hospital staff found two of the five people had entered the hospital already infected with MRSA. A third person is likely to have had MRSA before admission as well, but that cant be definitively confirmed, according to hospital staff.

That puts the total number of MRSA infections at St. John for 2015 at two or three. The national average for a hospital of St. Johns size is two, according to Medicare.gov.

MRSA is a type of staph infection that is highly resistant to antibiotics and can be fatal.

A person is determined to have acquired MRSA prior to their stay in the hospital if blood tests find it within four days of admission, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If MRSA is first found after four days, it is classified as having been contracted at the hospital. Kirman said the hospital didnt do blood cultures as soon as some of the five MRSA patients entered the hospital, so it may have taken the blame for infections in 2015 that it didnt cause.

Some of the cultures were done several days after day four, so that was ours, we could have done better. We didnt do the cultures upon admission, so we got credit for the MRSA infection, Kirman said. The reality is that not everything was terrible that year. I think it was our inability to document them correctly and so we got credit for those five infections.

A family member of a patient filed a complaint against the hospital in 2015, prompting a state and federal investigation, which was mainly led by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, an arm of the federal Health and Human Services Department. The 39-page CMS report details several complaints and deficiencies in the Longview hospitals ability to prevent and control infections.

Kirman said the hospital and its staff knew about its increase in MRSA infections in 2015 before a federal investigation was done, as they track infection rates internally, but said the hospital should have reacted sooner.

Since 2015, St. John has made changes that brings the hospital into compliance with federal Medicaid, Medicare and CDC regulations. These changes have led to zero hospital-acquired MRSA infections since the beginning of 2016, according to internal hospital reporting data.

Its hard enough for any one of us to do, in our own personal lives, something 100 percent of the time to get it to zero. Imagine the size of a hospital and all the staff being on the same page, doing things the same standard (way), in order to drive that to zero, said Len Hamilton, director of surgical services. Thats a pretty incredible accomplishment.

The hospital now follows the World Health Organizations protocol for hand-washing. With the WHO method, hospital staff wash their hands five separate times, before patient contact, before an aspetic task, after bodily fluid exposure risk, after patient contact and after contact with patient surroundings. Hand-washing is one of the number one ways to prevent the spread of infections.

Weve always had these things in place  but we really took it to the next level with hand hygiene, Kirman said.

The hospital has also updated and expanded its use of isolation carts, said Ryan Laurie, infection preventionist at St. John. The bright yellow carts are placed outside the rooms of patients suspected or confirmed to have any type of infection. All 30 isolation carts are equipped with cleaning solutions, eye glasses, masks, gloves, disposable stethoscopes, and slip-on gowns to help cover staff members. New disposable gowns are easier to take on and off and cover the entire front of a staff member, helping to prevent the spread of infections, Kirman said.

The hospital also does daily huddles, during which each department meets before the day starts to go over the type of patients in their care and their situations. Laurie said that these changes have led to more front-line staff members operating as infection preventionists themselves.

The truth is that theyre the ones every day touching patients, who are caring for patients, Laurie said. That is the most vital part of whats going on and why weve seen that shift and that turn around.

Hospital staff said these changes have significantly decreased the hospitals infection rates, not just with MRSA, but with other infections as well.

Weve always been interested in the safety and well-being of our patients. Weve always taken infections very seriously. ... We have now gone 15 months since then and not had a single infection, Kirman said. I think that speaks to the dedication of the staff and caregivers.
Nimish Sawant

Micromax, the homegrown smartphone brand which has diversified into TVs and ACs, has had a relatively quiet 2016 since its 'Nuts. Guts. Glory' brand revamp announcement. In the second half of the year though, there wasn't much happening at Micromax in terms of smartphone product release cycle. But it is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that 2017 sees a lot of action.

We are in the fourth month of the year, and Micromax has already launched four new smartphone segments, namely Vdeo, Dual, Evok and Bharat.

So what was the reason behind the slowing down in the second half of 2016?

A relatively quiet 2016

"Yes, we agree that we went quiet in the second half of 2016. That's because we wanted to see how the market was responding to the Chinese smartphone juggernaut," says Micromax founder and CEO, Rahul Sharma. "I think all the possible Chinese smartphone brands are now present in India. So we have a complete picture. Although to be honest, I didn't expect all of them to come here so soon."

The demonetisation announcement, post November, further delayed a lot of the plans for Micromax, says Sharma, hinting that the company's offline channel partners had expressed concerns regarding unsold inventory and shortage of cash in circulation. Things have settled down now since the cash circulation is a lot healthier now.

Sharma also clarified any doubts regarding the just announced Dual 5 smartphone. "We have tied up with Qiku as our ODM partner and hence the resemblance. But having said that, we are focusing on the security aspect of the phone as it comes bundled with 360 security system." This security system is tied in with the hardware.

Security is an area Micromax is planning to explore in 2017 and to that effect it is one of the first companies in the world to have tied up with McAfee for providing security solutions for its smartphones.

Changing perceptions

Micromax, as well as most smartphone brands selling in India, have certainly felt the repercussions of the onslaught of Chinese smartphone makers such as Oppo and Vivo. In a move to reinvent its product portfolio, Micromax has decided to focus on addressing the premium tier market. The dual rear camera sporting Dual 5 is a strategic move in that direction. Micromax hopes to make the Dual into a segment which will be focussed on offering dual rear cameras sporting smartphones across price brackets. Micromax has also announce the next phone in this segment -- the Dual 4 -- which will sport dual rear cameras as well, but will come at a lower price point than the Dual 5.

But, a Micromax phone at Rs 24,999?

Talking about the aspect of brand perception, Shubhajit Sen CMO of Micromax said that as long as the product is good, there is no need to worry. "We are more concerned with getting back in the mindset of our customers after a relatively quiet 2016. Also our research has shown us that over the Rs 20,000 price bracket, the category driver is the goodness of the product. If you have a well thought out product offering great performance and good camera, you will sell volumes," said Sen.

When asked if he saw consolidation happening in the smartphone segment, now that there are so many brands around, Sen offered an interesting perspective. "I can't say for sure that complete brands will cease to exists. But there will definitely be a consolidation at a segment level. By that I mean, certain brands will not operate in certain price segments. You will definitely see smartphone makers taking a call and focussing on specific price segments where they can expect to make money," said Sen.

Other goals

Micromax has also partnered with Flipkart to sell it's Evok line of smartphones. According to Sen, this partnership is beyond just an e-commerce partnership. "We have been in touch with Flipkart right since the product conception stage. The vast data that Flipkart has about user habits when it comes to buying smartphones is what is driving our design and features offering decisions."

According to Sen, Micromax has also gone bullish on improving the customer service segment of the company. "We have gone from 825 service centres last year to over 1000 now. Even at our customer care centres the open calls are down from 140,000 to around 20,000. We want to ensure the best customer service to our customers and we will work towards improving that," he said.

Sharma also touched upon the infrastructure of Micromax, stating that the company is adding a fourth manufacturing plant in Madhya Pradesh soon. By the end of the year Micromax plans to make all its smartphones in India, a figure which stands at 75 percent today.

"Micromax will be continuing to invest in Indian software startups. And we do use of a lot of these services in our smartphones one AroundYU platform," said Sharma.

Bharat, the entry level smartphone for first time users is another product segment that Micromax hopes to capitalise on. The Bharat 2, for instance, comes with 4G VoLTE support and is priced at Rs 3,249. According to Sharma, the winner in the battle between entry level smartphones and 4G VoLTE supporting feature phones will be decided by the subsidies offered. According to Sharma, there is space for both segments to co-exist. Micromax is going ahead with a Spreadtrum SoC to power its Bharat line of entry-level smartphones.

The company has certainly pivoted to the premium segment. The Dual 5 certainly looks different from a standard Micromax device. But will it start a dual rear camera revolution in India? That is something only time will tell.

But what Micromax promises, is an aggressive smartphone launch cycle in 2017.
PTI

A 13-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed himself live on Instagram as his friends watched in horror. Malachi Hemphill of Forest Park, Georgia, was found unconscious by his mother Shaniqua Stephens and her daughter after they heard a loud bang from his bedroom. "I heard a big boom. I couldn't tell if it was a gunshot or what. I just knew that it was something that was wrong," the boy's mother Shaniqua Stephens told WXIA-TV.

She and her daughter ran upstairs and found him. "We kicked in the door. We found him just laying there in a pool of blood," Stephens recounted. "My daughter screamed and said, 'Mom turn his phone off!' As I proceeded to look at his phone he was on Instagram Live," she said. Hemphill was live on the social media site Instagram handling the gun when it went off. He was rushed to Grady Hospital where he died.

"This is just a pain that will never go away. He was my only son. He was just 13. Just the thought of me seeing him on the floor will never leave my brain," she said. Stephens said it was an accident and not an intentional suicide. Several of his friends were watching when the shooting happened last Monday. Stephens said they rushed to her house afterwards.

"There was about 40 to 50 kids outside. I guess these were the kids that were watching on live in the area. I guess when it happened they just ran over here," she said. She has been told that someone asked why he did not have a clip in the gun and told him to put a clip in the gun. "As he put the clip in the gun, that is when the gun went off," Stephens said.

Stephens, however, was not completely sure how Malachi got the gun. She was told he got the gun from a friend who got it from someone else. She said it was hard to keep track of his activities on social media even though she and her husband Ernest monitored his profiles often. She said she hopes parents get the message to keep a vigilant eye on what children are doing and who they are doing it with.
tech2 News Staff

LG India has launched a pre-registration page for potential customers that may be interested in buying the latest flagship devices from the company. The company has not announced the official date of launch in India at the time of writing but considering that it has published the pre-registration page, we can expect the launch to happen in near future.

LG announced the latest flagship at the Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona almost two months back. The LG G6 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset, which is the last generation flagship along with 4 GB RAM. In terms of storage, you get 32 GB onboard storage with the option to expand the storage using a microSD card. It runs on Android 7.1 Nougat along with the LG skin atop it called UX 6. Google Assistant will come baked in with LG G6.

It comes with a 3300 mAh battery and measures 7.9 mm thick and weighs 163 g. The LG G6 comes with an all metal body along with glass construction, with rounded corners. LG has ensured that the camera module is flush with the rear side of the phone. The LG G6 is also the first LG phone to come with IP68 certification which ensures water and dust resistance.

The main feature of the LG G6 is its 18:9 aspect ratio display. The phone features a 5.7-inch QuadHD+ resolution (2880 x 1440 pixels) with the FullVision display. LG claims to have solved the problem of large size displays in compact phone bodies with the FullVision display. The focus was on providing a large display phone which is capable of being used one-handed.

LG G6 will also be the first smartphone to support Dolby Vision. Apart from this it will support HDR 10 as well. The LG G6 comes with two 13 MP rear cameras, one of which has a wide angle lens where as the other one showing normal view. There is a 5 MP front facing camera which has a 100-degree field of view which provides wide-angle selfies.

The 13 MP regular rear cameras comes with an f/1.8 aperture and supports optical image stabilisation, whereas the wide angle 13 MP camera comes with an f/2.4 aperture without any image stabilisation. Battery capacity has been bumped up from the one that was found on its predecessor, to 3300mAh. It supports fast charging and comes with a USB Type C port for the same.
tech2 News Staff

Reliance Jio will soon start disconnecting users who have not recharged their numbers with any offer. This means that users who have neither enrolled in the Jio Prime offer nor recharged using any of the plans will no longer be able to use the free service.

Reliance Jio has not issued any official statement about the people who will have their services disconnected as reported by Deccan Chronicle. We are waiting for an official statement from Jio, to clarify if the disconnection will be applicable to people who have not enrolled for Prime membership as well as non-prime plans. Or will it include the users who have enrolled in for Jio Prime membership and have not enrolled in for any Prime plan.

One thing to note here is that the people who want to enroll to the Dhan Dhana Dhan offer can still visit the Jio website or MyJio App to recharge for Rs 149, 309 or 509 for the monthly benefits as outlined on the website.

The recharge plans for Rs 309 and 509 are the plans applicable under Dhan Dhana Dhan that includes 84-day validity and 1 GB or 2GB 4G data limit per day according to the plan. Non-Prime members will need to recharge for Rs 349 or 549 to get the same benefits as outlined by the offers. The interesting thing is that the company has still listed the Sachet plans along with Top-up and Booster plans de-marking the difference in benefits for Prime and Non-Prime members. The company has removed the Postpaid plans from the Jio website at the time of writing.

To make it easier, If you have not enrolled in for any offer, you can still enroll for the Jio Dhan Dhana Dhan offer. If you enrolled only for Prime membership, it is still not late for you to enroll in the latest offer. If you recharged for Rs 303 and above plans before 11 April 2017, you will get the promised benefits of Jio Summer Surprise offer. However, if you have not shelled out any money and dont plan on recharging your Jio number then be ready for account disconnection.

Reliance Jio Happy New Year Offer was sent to expire of 15 April 2017 requiring users to recharge to any of the Prime or Non-Prime offers. The company had set the deadline to enroll in for Prime membership from 1 March 2017 to 1 April 2017. However, the deadline was extended to 15 April 2017.

The company also launched a new offer, Jio Summer Surprise Offer for users who recharge with Rs 303 or more, while the users with plans lower than Rs 303 would enjoy normal usage according to the defined plans. The company had to drop the offer after Trai asked Jio to discontinue this offer as it would further hurt the telecom sector.

Disclaimer: Reliance Jio is owned by Reliance Industries, who also own Network18, the publisher of Firstpost and tech2
tech2 News Staff

UPDATE: Samsung India has sent out official invites to the media for the launch of its flagship Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphone in the country. We have updated the copy to include the media invite.

Its as good as official: Samsung will launch the Galaxy S8 and S8+ in India on 19 April.

Its been mere weeks since Samsung announced the launch of its latest flagship smartphones and weve been waiting on tenterhooks for an official release date and price tag.

Reports in The Huffington Post and International Business Times, citing reliable sources confirm that the devices official launch date is 19 April. Weve attempted to confirm the dates ourselves, but no information has been forthcoming. There isnt even an official invitation for the event yet.

The launch event is expected to happen in New Delhi.

No other details of the event are available. We do not know the price of the device nor its availability.

We expect the price to be in the Rs 50,000 range at launch.

The S8 and S8+ both feature a brand new design and a display thats Samsung is calling the Infinity Display. The phone will be available in either a 5.8-inch variant or a 6.2-inch one. The front features no buttons and vanishingly small bezels. The front home button has also been removed and the fingerprint sensor has been pushed to the back of the device.

Samsungs much-touted voice assistant Bixby is also unlikely to make an appearance just yet. The in-house developed assistant will only be available in Korea and the US, but even the US release has been pushed back owing to Bixbys inability to fully understand English just yet.

Full details of the devices can be found here.

The specifications of the two phones are as follows:
Bio-diversity in Sundarbans threatened

Ahsanul Amin George, Khulna :

Biodiversity in the Sundarbans has been facing a great threat as some influential land pirates have been grabbing lands adjacent to the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and also the largest world heritage site, declared by the UNESCO.

Sundarbans, the largest contiguous patch of Mangrove Forest in the world, constitutes 51 percent of the total reserved Forest estate and is also the richest natural resources of Bangladesh. Around 6 lacs persons are dependent upon the Sundarbans.

Population growth and economic development have brought immense pressure on mangrove wealth and its system for firewood, timber, fishes, honey and thatching materials. About 6 lacs people directly or indirectly depended on the resources of Sundarbans in a network of numerous Sundary and big streams and creeks in the adverse bioclimatic of mangrove forests infested with fierce wild animals-tiger in land and crocodile in water struggling for Survival. The forest department with the aid of EU fund through Seals project is initiative for diverting the minds of such Sundarbans independent people to the alternative way. Three NGOS named world vision, concern worldwide and Relief international EU funded NGO are working in the Sundarbans for developing alternative livelihoods for Sundarbans Reserved Forest (SRF) dependent households.

NGOs are working by formation of community groups, conservation education, identifying SRF dependent households, skill development and vocational training of the community groups and awareness, children access to educational institution and community members to health clinic and water/sanitation services and women rehabilitation through farm activities.

It is found in Joymonirghole area that women are rearing poultry with the aid of the seals project the male persons, of course are still engaged in fishing.

Some problems are found while visiting the Sundarbans .Among them- manpower shortage inadequate transport facilities inside the Sundarbans, very poor accommodation facilities for officer/staffs, Scarcity of fresh and pure drinking water, lack of health care facility and no suitable place or environment for living in the reason the staffs have to maintain two families one is in their village home and the other is for their own purposes inside the Sundarbans. Forest Staffs, Particularly the forest guards are living inhuman lives in the Sundarbans. No Smiling face was found during the visit as they have not paid any risk allowance or other related forest allowance.

Sundarbans has considerably high floral diversity and about 334 plant Species in total. Among them Sundari, Keora, Bean, Passur, Kankra, Goran, Golpata, Singra, Bhola, Hental, Khulshi and Gewa are most Common.

There are more than 375 wild life species in SRF which include 35 reptiles, 315 birds and 42 mammals. The major wildlife in Sundarbans are the Royal Bengal Tiger, Spotted deer, Wild Boan, Monkey, Estuarine crocodile, python, Turtle, Dolphin, Otter, Jungle, Cast, Fishing cat and a Variety of bird species.

It may be mentioned in this connection that the UNESCO World Heritage committee declared Sundarbans as its 798th heritage site on the 6th December 1997 under the categories (ii) and (iv) of the convention. The prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ceremonially unveiled the world Heritage plaque on February 4, 1999 which includes three wild life Sanctuary with an area of 1,39,700 hectare.

On a recent visit, this correspondent saw that some influential people have put sign boards after occupying lands in Joymonirghol area adjacent to the Sundarbans. Some persons were conducting their business by grabbing lands in the area.

Local people alleged, due to occupying lands , bio diversity of the Sundarbans are posing threat.



Experts think, necessary steps should be taken on urgent basis in order to save the wild lives.

Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Conservator of Forest (CF) of Khulna region said, 18 more sanctuaries would be built in the Sundarbans within short time.




Trump congratulates Turkey's Erdogan on referendum win

Donald Trump and Recep Tayyip Erdogan also discussed the counter-ISIS campaign.

AFP, Ankara :

US President Donald Trump called his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday to congratulate him on winning the referendum boosting his powers, the White House said on Monday.

The call was first reported by Turkish state media, one day after Erdogan won over 51 percent in Sunday's vote.

"Trump called Erdogan tonight (Monday) and congratulated him on his success in the referendum," Turkish presidential sources said, quoted by the government run Anadolu news agency.

The reaction from Trump contrasts with EU leaders who have been reserved in their reaction to the narrow victory while monitors expressed concern over the "unlevel playing field".

The White House in a statement later on Monday said that the two leaders discussed a range of topics in addition to the vote in Turkey.

"President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to congratulate him on his recent referendum victory and to discuss the United States's action in response to the Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons on April 4th," the White House statement said. "President Trump thanked President Erdogan for supporting this action by the United States, and the leaders agreed on the importance of holding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accountable," the statement continued.

"President Trump and President Erdogan also discussed the counter-ISIS campaign and the need to cooperate against all groups that use terrorism to achieve their ends." Trump promised Turkey's Erdogan close cooperation on Syria, Iraq, PKK: Turkish sources

Meanwhile, Turkey's prime minister has called on the opposition to respect the result of a referendum that will expand the powers of the office of the president.

In an address to legislators from his ruling party on Tuesday, Binali Yildirim said the people had voted to switch from a parliamentary to a presidential system, adding: the "opposition should not speak after the people have spoken." An unofficial tally carried by the country's state-run news agency gave President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's "yes" camp a narrow win.

Opposition parties called for the vote to be annulled because of a series of irregularities, particularly an electoral board decision to accept ballots that didn't bear official stamps, as required by Turkish law.

International monitors said the move undermined safeguards against fraud.
US National Security Adviser discusses Afghanistan in India

AP, New Delhi :

President Donald Trump's national security adviser has discussed the situation in Afghanistan with India's prime minister, nearly a week after the U.S. military dropped a massive non-nuclear bomb in the country that it said killed 94 militants.

H.R. McMaster's meeting Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the first visit by a Trump administration official to India, a key ally in Asia.

The U.S. Embassy says the two also discussed ways to increase defense and counter-terrorism cooperation, and McMaster assured Modi of India's status as a major defense partner in the global fight against terrorism.

Indian TV stations broadcast images of McMaster and Modi, each flanked by officials, sitting together at Modi's home in the Indian capital.

Meanwhile, the United States asked Pakistan on Monday to indiscriminately fight all terrorist groups.

This message was conveyed to Pakistani leadership during US National Security Adviser Lt Gen H.R. McMaster's daylong trip to Islamabad during which he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, National Security Adviser retired Lt Gen Nasser Janjua and Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa.
Pence reassures Japan of US resolve on N Korea, to work with China

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence (L) is welcomed by Japan\'s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at their meeting at Abe\'s official residence in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Reuters, Tokyo :

US Vice President Mike Pence reassured Japan of American commitment to reining in North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions on Tuesday, after warning that U.S. strikes in Syria and Afghanistan showed the strength of its resolve.

Pence arrived in Tokyo from South Korea, where he assured leaders of an "iron-clad" alliance with the United States in the face of the reclusive North, which has conducted a series of missile and nuclear tests in defiance of U.N. sanctions.

"The era of strategic patience is over and while all options are on the table, President (Donald) Trump is determined to work closely with Japan, with South Korea, with all our allies in the region and with China to achieve a peaceable resolution and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," Pence said in Tokyo before lunch with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Pence and Abe agreed that they needed to persuade China to play a larger role in dealing with North Korea, a Japanese government spokesman said.

North Korea regularly threatens to destroy Japan, South Korea and the United States and it showed no let-up in its belligerence after a failed missile test on Sunday, a day after putting on a huge display of missiles at a parade in Pyongyang.

North Korea's deputy representative to the United Nations, Kim In Ryong, accused the United States on Monday of creating "a situation where nuclear war could break out an any time" and said the North's next nuclear test would take place "at a time and at a place where our headquarters deems necessary".

North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol told the BBC that missiles would be tested on "a weekly, monthly and yearly basis".

The North has warned of a nuclear strike against the United States if provoked. It has said it has developed a missile that can strike the mainland United States, but officials and experts believe it is some time away from mastering the necessary technology, including miniaturizing a nuclear warhead.

Pence said on Monday the world had seen Trump's resolve in the past two weeks, with a U.S. missile attack on a Syrian airfield and the dropping of a powerful non-nuclear bomb on Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan.

The Trump administration has said military action remains an option for dealing with North Korea.

But, mindful that this would likely trigger massive retaliation and casualties in South Korea and Japan, U.S. officials say Trump's main focus is on tougher economic sanctions.

U.S. officials say tougher sanctions could include an oil embargo, a global ban on North Korea's airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks doing business with Pyongyang. They also say greater Chinese cooperation is vital.

Susan Thornton, acting U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asia, said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and China's top diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, agreed in a phone call on Sunday on the need for strict enforcement of U.N. resolutions.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi repeated China's line that the crisis could only be resolved by diplomacy.

"I've seen that the United States has reiterated it is willing to use political and diplomatic means to resolve this, as this is their first choice," he told reporters in Beijing.

"Of course I think that any country will feel that political diplomatic means are of course the first choice," Wang said.




Asia traders wary but Tokyo up on weaker yen

AFP, Hong Kong :

Japanese shares got a boost Tuesday on a weaker yen but elsewhere in Asia some key markets drifted lower despite a positive lead from Wall Street as geopolitical concerns kept traders on edge.

North Korea's envoy to the United Nations warned Monday that Pyongyang was preparing for "any mode of war" triggered by US military action, just days after it defiantly test-fired another missile.

US Vice President Mike Pence was due to arrive in Tokyo Tuesday bringing a renewed commitment to Japan's security amid growing threats from the isolated state.

There are fears that Pyongyang could react to a potential US strike by targeting South Korea or Japan, and officials in Tokyo and Seoul have been ill at ease with the more bellicose language deployed by President Trump's administration.

Washington has refused to rule out military action against the hermit state's regime, worried that North Korea may soon build a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the US.

"It seems the focus is now firmly on future missile tests from North Korea and whether any future tests will actually be successful," said IG market strategist Chris Weston.

"From here, it would all be down to Mr Trump and his allies and what their reaction would be, but we can believe that markets will not take kindly to this. For now though the hope is on an increased prospects for talks, potentially incorporating China more into any negotiations."

Hong Kong fell 0.9 percent in post-holiday trade, while Seoul retreated 0.1 percent and Shanghai was also down 0.1 percent despite positive data on China's economy released Monday.

Sydney was down more than one percent amid a slump in iron ore prices.
US insurer withdraws from deal with China's Anbang

AFP, New York :

US insurer Fidelity & Guaranty Life said Monday it was terminating a proposed $1.6 billion deal to be acquired by China's Anbang Insurance Group.

"We have determined that it is no longer in the best interests of FGL's shareholders to continue to pursue the transaction with Anbang," said Fidelity chief executive Chris Littlefield in a news release.

FGL said it was open to a deal with another party and had received interest from "a number of parties" but had been barred from striking another deal while the Anbang transaction was alive.
Financing mass-program on water and sanitation

John Garrett :

Eighteen months ago, UN member-states pledged a new set of goals on eradicating extreme poverty and creating a fairer, more sustainable planet by 2030. This week, we have alarming evidence that at least one of those goals - Sustainable Development Goal 6, to reach everyone everywhere with access to water and sanitation - is already in peril.

The UN Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS) report produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed a huge gap in financing with over 80% of developing countries reporting that they have insufficient resources to meet their national targets.

Globally, the World Bank estimates that as much as 114 billion is required annually, around three times current levels - to meet the UN Global Goals' ambitions to reach everyone, everywhere with safely-managed water and sanitation.

Some 663 million people in the world are without an 'improved' source of water and millions more are drinking water which may be contaminated after collection; nearly 2.4 billion people in the world are without access to decent sanitation, and the resulting health crises kill 315,000 young children each year.

Soberingly, new aid commitments from donors for water and sanitation have fallen by 21% since 2012, from US$ 10.4 billion to US$ 8.2 billion in 2015. Also of major concern is the continuing ineffective targeting of aid. GLAAS reported one country in Europe - Ukraine - received the equivalent of more than half of the aid commitment for water and sanitation to all of Sub-Saharan Africa in 2015.

Nearly 2.4 billion people in the world are without access to decent sanitation, and the resulting health crises kill 315,000 young children each year

Closing this financial gap will require increased levels of domestic and international finance for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), from both public and private sources.

However, given the scale of the financial challenge, there remains a strong need for international aid.

This is all the more important given the additional challenges faced by many developing countries from growing populations, rapid urbanisation, water scarcity and climate change.

Among other findings in this regular report card on water and sanitation financing:

 Sub-Saharan Africa is home to half of the world's people living without access to clean water, yet they received only US$1.7 billion, or 20% of all water and sanitation aid, in 2015. This is down from 38% in 2012.

 Some 85% of the global population without access to improved sanitation or drinking-water from an improved source live in three regions: Central and Southern Asia, East and South-eastern Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. However, aid commitments to these three regions were only 48% of global overseas development aid for water and sanitation in 2015.

 Non-governmental projects and funding are greater than government spending on water and sanitation in many countries, demonstrating the critical need for continued international aid, as well as efforts to create greater domestic revenues and stronger government systems.

 Sanitation spending is still half that of spending on water, despite there being 2.4 billion people - or one in three of the world's population - without access.

These are alarming trends. Water, sanitation and hygiene programmes are critical for good health, education and improved livelihoods, providing an essential building block for the eradication of poverty. For every 1 invested, an estimated 4 is returned through improved health and productivity.

Yet we see by the GLAAS report's findings that the majority of developing countries do not have enough money to achieve their targets on water and sanitation access and that aid commitments are actually falling.

WaterAid has called for overseas development aid to water, sanitation and hygiene to at least double from current levels by 2020, with an emphasis on grant financing, and for it to be targeted to areas of greatest need.

We want to see the volume of development aid spent on water, sanitation and hygiene increased. But just as importantly, we want to see it spent well.

An essential component of aid is ensuring countries have support to plan for water and sanitation services today and in the long-term, with appropriate financing for maintenance and staff training. Without these changes, many countries will be seriously off track on SDG 6 even at this early stage.

The GLAAS report has been released ahead of the World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C.

On 19-20 April, as part of the Spring Meetings, the Sanitation and Water for All partnership of more than 150 organisations will gather senior finance and water and sanitation ministers from around the world in high-level meetings, to monitor progress on delivering water and sanitation in their countries and call for further commitments.

The SWA partnership holds members accountable to delivering on four 'collaborative behaviours' required to successfully reach even a country's poorest with sustainable access to water and sanitation: building sustainable financing strategies, strengthening country systems, enhancing government leadership, and using a common information and mutual accountability platform.

As a founding member of the Sanitation and Water for All partnership, WaterAid is calling on ministers from both developing and donor nations to join the High-Level Meeting and deliver on their promises to reach everyone, everywhere with clean water and sanitation by 2030.

Progress is possible: in 2000, around 18% of the world's population, or one billion people, had no access to even a basic, improved source of water. By 2015, this number had fallen to below 10%, or 663 million.

But those still without access are often hardest to reach - marginalised by poverty, remote or rural locations, age, gender, ethnicity or ability. Going the last mile on water, and extending this progress to sanitation, requires high-level commitment, and the will to turn commitment into action.

(John Garrett is Senior Policy Analyst, Development Finance at WaterAid).


Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya held in UK

BBC ONline :

Indebted tycoon Vijay Mallya has been arrested in London, police have said. He was arrested by the Metropolitan Police's extradition unit "on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud".

India has been pushing for the extradition of Mr Mallya, who faces charges of financial irregularities at his defunct Kingfisher Airlines.
Stay on MP Rana's bail extended

Court Correspondent :

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Tuesday extended stay on bail till May 8 granted by High Court to Tangail-3 lawmaker Amanur Rahman Khan Rana in

Freedom Fighter Faruk Ahmed murder case.

Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Hasan Foez Siddique passed the order after hearing on a petition filed by the prosecution seeking stay on the High Court order.

Earlier on April 16, the chamber judge stayed the High Court order till April 18 after a primary hearing on the plea of state.

Before that, on April 13, the High Court granted bail to MP Rana in the case and issued a rule, asking the state to explain as to why it shall not grant the lawmaker permanent bail in the case.

The trial court sent Amanur Rahman Rana to the jail after he surrendered on September 18, last year. Meanwhile, Deputy Attorney General Masud Hasan Chowdhury told newsmen that MP Rana would not be released from the jail following the latest order of the Appellate Division.

Freedom Fighter Faruk, who was also a district Awami League leader, was found dead on January 18 in 2013 and later a murder case was lodged.
Arrest warrant against Comilla City Mayor

UNB, Dhaka :

A court here on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant against Monirul Haque Sakku, the newly elected mayor of Comilla City Corporation (CCC), in a graft case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Dhaka Metropolitan Session Judge Kamrul Hossain Mollah passed the order taking cognizance of the chargesheet. The court also ordered officer-in-charge of Ramna Police Station to submit a

report on May 9 on his arrest.

Earlier on May 7, 2008, Shahin Ara Mamtaz, assistant director of ACC, filed a case against Sakku and his wife Afroza Jesmin for concealing information of wealth worth TK 12.50 crore and amassing wealth of TK 4.57 crore illegally. On February 04, the ACC submitted chargesheet acquitting his wife.
Conspiracy on to destroy tannery industry: Tanners

Tannery Workers\' Union organised a rally in city\'s Hazaribagh area on Tuesday demanding early implementation of bilateral agreement to save the tannery sector from total ruination.

UNB, Dhaka :

The leaders of Tannery Workers Union on Tuesday alleged that a 'third party' is now conspiring to destroy the country's tannery industry.

"A third party is conspiring against the tannery industry. Utility services, including gas, electricity and water, have been snapped as part of the conspiracy," president of Tannery Workers Union Abul Kalam Azad told a rally at Hazaribagh Tannery intersection.

He said, shutting down the Hazaribagh tanneries before completing the

works at Savar Tannery Estate proves that a third party is engaged in conspiracy to destroy the country's second largest export sector.

He demanded utility connections to their industrial units at the Savar Tannery Estate within 15 working days in compliance with the apex court order passed on April 9 last.

"If the utility connections are not given within the 15 days, the tannery workers will lay a siege to the office of Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC)," Kalam said.

He also demanded necessary facilities, including residence and hospital, for the tannery workers at Savar estate.

Cochairman of Chamra Shilpa Rakkha Oikya Parishad and also Chairman of Bangladesh Tanners Association Shahin Ahmed said a well-planned plot continues to destroy the leather industry.

"As part of the plot, utility services to Hazaribagh tanneries were disconnected and tanneries are being forced to be shifted, though the Savar estate is still not fully ready," he said.

The union leaders also called for quick implementation of the bilateral deal signed earlier between the owners and the workers of the tannery industry. Their demands include residential facilities for the workers in Savar Tannery area, establishment of a 50-bed hospital, making their job permanent based on their competence and providing certificates. In compliance with a High Court order, the Department of Environment (DoE) on April 8 last disconnected utility services-electricity, gas and water-to some 224 tanneries at Hazaribagh as they missed several deadlines to relocate their factories to the 200-acre Savar Tannery Estate.
Woman found dead at city hotel

Staff Reporter :

A woman was found dead in a room of a residential hotel in the city's Abdullahpur area early Tuesday.

The deceased has been identified as Pushpo, 44.

Uttara West Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ali Hossain said that the victim along with a young

man named Durjoy, 30, and a child checked-in 'Neela Residential Hotel' on Monday afternoon.

They told the hotel authorities that they had come from Tangail to visit a doctor.

But Durjoy left the hotel with the child at about 3:45am that created suspicion among the staff.

On information, police rushed in, broke open the room and found the woman dead inside.

The body was sent to the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), the OC said.


BD, Bhutan sign 2 deals, 3 MoUs, 5 instruments

UNB, Thimphu :

Bangladesh and Bhutan on Tuesday signed five instruments, including three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and two agreements in sectors like agriculture, avoidance of double taxation, cultural cooperation and inland waterway use to further boost the bilateral ties between the two countries.

The MoUs and agreements were signed between the two countries at the Royal Banquet Hall of Gyalyong Tshogkhang this evening after the bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. Both the Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of the MoUs and agreements.

Sheikh Hasina is now on a three-day state visit to Bhutan to attend an international conference on Autism.

The MoU between Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Royal Government of Bhutan, and Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Bangladesh was signed by Namgay Wangchuk, Director General of BAFRA of Bhutan. The agreement between Bangladesh and Bhutan on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income was signed by Nim Dorji, Secretary, Ministry of Finance of Bhutan.

The Agreement on Cultural Cooperation between Bangladesh and Bhutan was signed by Ambassador Sonam Tshong, Foreign Secretary of Bhutan.

Another MoU signed between the two countries is on Use of Inland Waterways for Transportation of Bilateral Trade and Transit Cargoes between Bangladesh and Bhutan.

The other MoU between Bhutan Standards Bureau (BSB) and Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute (BSTI) was signed by Sonam Phuntsho,Director General of Bhutan Standards Bureau. Those who signed the agreements and MoUs on behalf of Bangladesh are PMO Senior Secretary Suraiya Begum, Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque and DG, South Asia of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Monowar Hossain.
JMB suicide squad recruiter Selim traced in Ctg jail

Staff Reporter :

Police have succeeded in tracing the Neo JMB recruiter Mahbubur Rahman Selim, a wanted militant, who has long been in Chittagong Central Jail under the name Mahbubur Rahman Khokon.

The militant suicide squad recruiter, Mahbubur Rahman Selim, was arrested in a robbery case on October 5, 2015, said our local correspondent quoting police. Banaz Kumar Majumder, Deputy Inspector General and Chief Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), said, "We have succeeded in tracing Selim, who is in Chittagong Central Jail under the name Khokon."

The PBI Chittagong unit will appeal before the court to take Selim in fresh remand so that more information about Neo JMB's finances and organisational structure can be collected, the police official said.

Selim is an associate of influential Neo JMB leader and bomb expert Lokman Ali alias Sohel Rana, who blew himself up along with his wife and five kids at Nasirpur in Moulvibazar during 'Operation Hit Back' on March 30, Banaz Kumar said.

According to the PBI, Selim was arrested on October 5, 2015 in a case for his part in a robbery and murder at the Shah Corporation in Chittagong that took place on September 24 the same year.

The law enforcement agencies have been haunting across the country for this notorious militant, who is suspected to be the recruiter for Neo JMB's suicide squad.

While Selim was primarily in charge of recruitment for the militant outfit's suicide brigade, Sohel Rana trained the recruits in a clay house situated in the remote hills of Baishari's Lombabil Khorolia Mor area of Bandarban, said police sources.

They added that militants arrested or killed at the recent raids in Ashkona, Sitakunda, Sylhet, Comilla and Moulvibazaar were all recruited by Selim and trained by Sohel.
Construction begins soon

Anisul Islam Noor :

The government will immediately go for construction work on the much-talked- about Rampal coal -fired power plant near the Sundarbans as the financial closer of the US$1.6 billion project has completed through exchanging loan agreement document with the Exim Bank of India during the recent India tour of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The proposed plant has already evoked controvery as environmentalists vehemently opposed it. They said the government's initiative will destroy the Sundarbans as the environmental assessment of the power plant and technical survey are yet to finish.

Chairman of Sundarbans Rokhya Jatiya Committee Advocat Sultana Kamal warned the government against going ahead with the project as it will ruin the world's biggest mangrove forest.

She urged the government to relocate the plant.

However, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid told journalists on Sunday that the construction work on the power plant would start soon.

Officials at the Power Division said work on the 1320 MW power plants will begin as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, earth (soil) filling work on the requisite 915 acres of land has already been completed.

Surrounded by a high boundary wall alongwith a fence, most of the land is covered with kashbon, five high watch towers and an office-cum-residence, and other small residences for the officers and caretakers have already been set up.

Construction of a six-kilometre bypass road toward the power plant from the Khulna-Mongla highway has also been completed.

Two pontoons and a jetty have been set up on the bank of the Pashur River on the west side of the main power plant.

Arun Chowdhury, Additional General Manager (AGM) of Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company (Pvt) Ltd, said a safe guard would be made with concrete blocks and surround the boundary of the power plant.

Sources concerned said a MoU was signed in October 2012between Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company (Pvt) Ltd (BIFPCL) to set up the 1320 MW coal based "Maitree Super Thermal Power Project" on 915 acres of land at Sapmari-Katakhali and Kaigardaskhati mouja under Rajnagar union of Rampal upazila in Bagerhat.

Deputy General Manager of BIFPCL Vinod Bhoyar said that construction on the main power plants would likely begin after settling monetary issues from the bank.

The construction work on the power plant project is expected to be completed in the 2019-20 fiscal year. Heavy Electrical Ltd of India will construct the main plant.

On its environmental risks, Vinod said the Rampal power plant would not harm the Sundarbans as many ultra-modern technologies, including ultra supercritical technology, would be used in the plant.

BPDB and National Thermal Power Company (NTPC) will hold ownership of the power plant on an equal basis of 50 percent each.

A total of 70 percent of the cost out of the involved cost of Tk14,000 crore is on credit from Exim Bank of India.
Amy Canik

Amy Canik has rejoined Regions Bank as senior VP in the commercial banking division for the Greater Baton Rouge and Acadiana areas.

Canik has 16 years of financial management experience, having previously served as VP of commercial banking for Red River Bank for three years and VP of community banking for Regions from 2005 to 2013.

She has a bachelors degree in finance from Southeastern Louisiana University and maintains her certified treasury professional designation.

Kade Peterson

MidSouth Bank hires Kade Peterson, Nicholas Richard

Kade Peterson has joined MidSouth Bank as EVP and chief information officer. His primary duties include overseeing the processes and staff responsible for ensuring the banks customers have the most secure technological tools they need for personal and business transactions.

For the past three years, Peterson worked for USAmeriBank in Tampa, Fla., as EVP and chief operations officer.

Peterson, who has more than three decades of banking technology and operations experience, also previously worked for Spokane, Wash.-based Sterling Bank (now Umpqua Bank) and Salt Lake City, Utah-based Zions Bancorporation. He has a bachelor of science degree in finance from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.

Nicholas Richard

MidSouth Bank has also hired Nicholas Richard as director of A/R Access and SBA/USDA lending. Richard is expanding the banks accounts receivable financing, a valuable working capital tool for small businesses. Additionally, he is helping start-up companies and existing entities access capital that can be supported or enhanced by SBA and USDA guaranteed loans.

For the past 13 years, Richard served as VP/middle market lender for Whitney Bank in Lafayette and prior to that was accounts payable manager at Lafayettebased Schumacher Clinical Partners.

Richard earned both an MBA and bachelors degree in accounting from UL Lafayette. He completed LSUs Graduate School of Banking in 2015.

Robert Lott

Robert Lott named Lafayette president of Investar Bank

Investar Bank has promoted Robert Lott to city president in Lafayette, a newly created position.

Lott, who has been with Investar for three years, has more than 30 years of experience in banking, mainly in credit, lending, deposit operations, treasury management, appraisals, regulatory and asset-based lending with a focus in commercial and industrial.

Lotts community involvement ranges from being a foster parent with Catholic Community Services and Volunteers of America to an instructor with the American Institute of Banking.

Cynthia Beslin

Cynthia Beslin joins Rayne Building and Loan

Cynthia Beslin has joined Rayne Building and Loan as business development manager, a newly created position. She is responsible for locating and developing new business relationships and markets in Acadiana, as well as planning and implementing the banks marketing strategy. Beslin, who most recently worked for a global insurance company and retains her financial licenses, has owned two retail companies. She also previously served as marketing director at Rayne State Bank. Beslin earned a B.A. in communications/business from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala.

Kelly White

Kelly White promoted to director of branch operations at MidSouth

MidSouth Bank has promoted Kelly White to director of branch operations. White, who most recently was retail projects manager and has 17 years of banking experience, has been with MidSouth Bank since 2007.

White is now responsible for retail operations and the Customer Care Center, including new technology implementation, sales management systems and support of the banking center network. White has a bachelors degree in communication from the University of Arkansas.

Grant Guillotte

Grant Guillotte joins Whitney Bank

Commercial banker Grant Guillotte has joined Whitney Bank to help manage and grow the banks commercial client base.

Guillotte is jointly directing Whitneys middle market banking team with longtime Lafayette banker Byron Breaux.

Guillotte is based at Whitneys River Ranch financial center at 1301 Camellia Blvd. The Franklin native most recently was market president and southwest Louisiana commercial section manager for a large national bank with locations in Lafayette. Guillotte earned his bachelors and masters degrees in finance from Louisiana State University. Guillotte has been an active civic leader and volunteer with One Acadiana, Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana, Southwest Louisiana Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, United Way of Acadiana and St. Pius X Catholic Church.

Jim Lyons

FNB elevates Jim Lyons to COO

First National Bank of Louisiana has promoted Jim Lyons Jr. to Chief Operating Officer. Lyons, who joined FNB more than a decade ago, most recently served as SVP of lending and loan operations, duties he retains. In his new role, Lyons oversees the banks loan operations and compliance, working out of the banks River Ranch office. Lyons is an active member of the Lafayette community, serving as secretary/treasurer and chairman-elect for Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana, as an Acadiana Red Cross board member, Beaver Club board member and treasurer of Acadiana Health Education Center. He also is chairman-elect for Louisiana Bankers Education Council. The Jennings native received his bachelor of science in business management from LSU and MBA from the University of New Orleans. He is also a graduate of LSUs Graduate School of Banking. Lyons began his career in New Orleans with Hancock Bank, as part of their Management Associate Program, before joining FNB.

Kenny Maggard

Capital One names Kenny Maggard Acadiana market president

Capital One has promoted Kenny Maggard to Acadiana market president. He is responsible for the design, development and implementation of an integrated community strategy for Capital One in Lafayette and other parts of Acadiana.

Maggard continues to serve as senior vice president and commercial banking relationship manager for the Acadiana and Lake Charles markets.

Maggard has more than 13 years of banking experience, including the past eight years with Capital One in Lafayette.

A New Iberia native, he received a bachelors degree in finance from LSU.

Active in the community, Maggard is a member of the board of directors of the United Way of Acadiana and is a member of the705: Young Leaders for a Better Acadiana, for which he served as president in 2012. He also is a member of Leadership Institute of Acadiana and the Beaver Club of Lafayette.
Pieces of Eight owner Nicole Perea, right, with employee Corrie Benoit Photo by Robin May

The disruptive impact of digital technology on retail has gone full circle. In its infancy, the technology knocked down barriers to distance, allowing entrepreneurs with access to bandwidth to expand their niche markets into a global presence. Amazon was the major disrupter of the book industry, killing off all but a handful of national chains while in the process ringing the death knell for thousands of independent bookstores.

As Amazon has since branched out into other industries  food and clothing among them  an interesting thing happened. The company has begun to open stores. This blurring of the lines between the bricks and mortar stores and online sellers has been underway for a while but has now matured into a fullblown trend.

Speaking at a global economic conference in January, the CEO of Alibaba, the Chinese online retailer that is larger than Amazon, explains that smart phones have enabled consumers to be two places at once.

Today, we always say we cannot separate online and offline, Daniel Zhang said at Davos, as quoted in a story promoted by his company. Consumers love to go to the mall for the experience, but today when they go there, at the same time they are online. So, its about making the experience better by finding innovative ways to combine physical shopping with mobile technologies.

Two Lafayette boutique retailers are among those firms that have followed their customers into the ether and have seen tangible rewards from doing so.

Pieces of Eight owner Nicole Perea says her stores bridal registry work first pulled the company online about a decade ago. The store, which opened in the Oil Center in 1971, specializes in gifts and stationery.

We found a number of our customers were planning their weddings using TheKnot.com, and they wanted their guests to be able to access their bridal registry online, Perea explains. So, we had to move online.

TheKnot.com pioneered online wedding planning 20 years ago, according to its investor information, so while Perea and her team were pioneering the merger of online and bricks and mortar retail here, they were being pulled in the direction of the digital-only realm of retail.

The first Pieces of Eight website was built on the companys point of sale software. It didnt work for customers or for the store, according to Perea. Coordinating inventory within the store and with online sales became an issue that ultimately led Perea to convert to a new point of sales platform, RMS from Microsoft, enabling her to integrate inventory into a single system.

Perea says that online sales are not that large a percentage of her stores total sales, but the implementation of a digital strategy has helped both customers and the store make better use of time and resources.

Because we have our entire inventory online, we find that customers browse online, make some choices and then come into the store to make final decisions, Perea says, noting that the online presence has also reduced the amount of time employees spend on the phone with customers responding to product questions.

Perea says Louisiana products are her best-selling online items.

Regarding her stores online presence, Perea says its a necessity.

You have to do it, she says. It makes you much more efficient, and it helps you find your niche at a time when there is so much competition.

Edward Brother Abdalla can relate. The competition in the retail space is intense, and its creating challenges and opportunities, Abdalla says. The owner of Brothers on The Blvd. has experienced quite a bit of change in the 40 years his store has been in business, but it seems the pace of that change has intensified in the past five years.

You read about the problems that some of the large department store chains are experiencing and how that is affecting everything from suppliers to real estate, Abdalla says. We have been seeing it here and hearing it when we go to market in Dallas. We think its a big opportunity for boutique operations like ours.

Three years ago, Brothers launched an online presence and has been figuring it out as it goes along.

Brother, his wife Catherine and their daughter Alicia Abdalla Mouton have steered the companys online operation into a five-person operation that combines local and international order fulfillment.

We shoot our own product images so that we can bring a consistency and continuity to the website, Mouton says. We use inventory from the store floor to populate our website.

Brothers uses the Shopify platform for its online presence. Mouton says that Brothers online presence has grown to the point where integrating online and instore inventory is becoming a challenge.

Brother Abdalla says the online presence has already proven its worth. We havent been at it that long, but I can tell you that our online sales have already made the difference between having a profitable year and not having one.

He adds that the lingering impact of the August 2016 floods and the surge in new competitors into the market with the opening of the Ambassador Town Center have forced his team to focus on innovative ways to improve the shopping experience.

We have people who come into the store to look at items then go home to shop online, Abdalla says. But, people want instant gratification, so we can deliver after they make an online purchase. Some people dont want to spend a lot of time in the store, so the online presence is ideal for them.

What we keep hearing at market and in the industry publications is that theres about a three-year window for retailers like us to hit on the right mix of an online and in-store strategy, Abdalla says.

Unlike large retailers like Walmart, local retailers cant just throw money at the challenge. Its an incremental process of listening to customer needs mixed with a bit of trial and error.

Its a process of trying things on a limited basis, but we think that by focusing on customer convenience we are finding our way, Mouton says.

A freelance journalist living in Lafayette, Mike Stagg hosts Where The Alligators Roam, a talk show that streams live on Sundays at 5 p.m. on Acadiana Open Channels Cypress Street Radio with podcasts available on Mondays. He drives for Uber and is a documentarian and researcher currently working on a book about the oil and gas industrys relationship with Louisiana government.
Rep. Sam Jones of Franklin introduced the central component of Gov. John Bel Edwards tax reform plan on Monday, one week after the opening of the legislative session and the day before the House Appropriations Committee begins its deliberations on the states budget.

Jones HB628 is the Commercial Activity Tax that Edwards maintains will help stabilize state finances while simplifying the states tax code and lowering taxes on most individuals and businesses.

The bill would impose a flat tax on businesses based on the amount of gross revenues generated by the enterprise. Under the bill as introduced, businesses with revenues between $150,000 and $499,999 would pay an annual state tax of $250. Those with revenues between $500,000 and $1,000,000 would pay $500. Those with revenues between $1 million and $1.5 million would pay $750. Businesses with revenues between $1.5 million and $3 million would pay $1,500, and those with revenues between $3 million and $6 million would pay $3,250. Business revenues between $6 million and $12 million would pay $6,500. Businesses with more than $12 million would pay $12,500.

There is a formula that would be used to tax revenues of interstate corporations and there are exemptions built in to protect non-profits, religious organizations, public utilities, cooperatives and political subdivisions.

The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee.

Story continues below graphic.

Edwards overall plan is to broaden the tax base and lower existing tax rates. Currently in Louisiana, the state exempts far more corporate income taxes than it collects. The Louisiana Department of Revenues latest Tax Exemption Budget shows that the state collected only 9.4 percent of the corporate income taxes that are on the books because 90.6 percent of those taxes have been exempted under various state laws and programs.

Jan Moller of the Louisiana Budget Project says Edwards plan is based on Ohios tax, which has been in place for more than a decade.

Texas has something closer to a European-style value added tax, which is essentially a sales tax, Moller tells The Independent. Ohios tax is a tax on businesses that do business in the state.

This is how the Ohio Department of Revenue describes that states CAT: The CAT is an annual tax imposed on the privilege of doing business in Ohio, measured by taxable gross receipts from most business activities. Most receipts generated in the ordinary course of business are subject to the CAT.

The tax was enacted by a Republican legislature and signed into law by a Republican governor. It remains to be seen if Edwards can convince Louisianas Republican legislators  particularly those in the House  to consider the plan. Speaker Taylor Barras has publicly stated that hes heard nothing but opposition against the idea and that was before it was introduced.

Once Barras assigns Jones bill to a committee (most likely Ways and Means) the challenge for the governor and his allies will be to find a way to get the bill approved by the committee. Part of the strategy and tactics involved will include timing. Republicans in the House have talked about being able to create a workable budget without new revenue. Edwards has called for specifics from them, which have not been produced.

Meanwhile, today the House Appropriations Committee will begin hearing presentations on HB1, the state budget. Appropriations Committee chair Cameron Henry is among the Republican revenue hardliners. The bill passed by his committee last year was heavily reworked by the Senate, a process likely to continue this year as senators are not generally as ideologically driven as House members.

That split among Republicans between hardliners and moderates could provide an opening for Edwards to make some progress on revenue considering the staggering needs of the state and another fiscal disaster waiting in 2018 with the expiration of temporary taxes passed in 2016. Those taxes were sold as a way to deal with the fiscal problems left in the wake of former Gov. Bobby Jindals tenure. They served their purpose but there are more days of reckoning for come.

Edwards is following the example set by his predecessor Mike Foster. Foster supported what became known as the Stelly Plan in 2002, which raised income taxes on top earners while exempting sales taxes on food, drugs and utilities. That plan was sold as a means to stabilize state finances. It unraveled when it was repealed in pieces during the Blanco and Jindal administrations.

In Jindals first year in office, legislators repealed the income tax portion of the Stelly Plan. Jindal signed it into law even though it was not part of his legislative program. The state has lurched from fiscal crisis to fiscal crisis since then.

Jindal proposed a reform of the state tax code of his own in 2013, but withdrew the plan as the legislative session opened.

Edwards has gotten his plan into the legislature. The outcome is anything but certain.
It would dissolve Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprises governing commission and hand ownership and operating responsibilities to UL Lafayette.

Rep. Jean Paul Coussans HB299 won unanimous approval from the House Commerce Committee on Monday. The bill would dissolve Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprises governing commission and hand ownership and operating responsibilities to UL Lafayette.

Coussan introduced the bill at the request of the LITE Commission. They asked for the bill, Coussan told The Independent in a telephone interview on Tuesday morning. Because the center operated as a separate political entity, it created inefficiencies in the way it operated. LEDA, LED and the university agreed that putting the center under the sole control of UL would make it operate more efficiently.

Coussans bill transfers all assets of the commission to UL Lafayette and allows ULs president to negotiate lease agreements without having to advertise for bids on those leases.

Coussan said LITE will continue to pursue its stated mission of promoting the development of immersive technologies in Lafayette and to recruit companies related to that industry here.

LITE has a super computer linked to the buildings distinctive cocoon shell which enables users to walk in visualizations of their data. The center has struggled to find its footing as a public private partnership, having gone through a number of leaders in the 11 years its been in existence.

Coussan calls HB299 non-controversial and expects it to move forward fairly quickly.

We could have a vote on the bill in the House by next week, Coussan said, noting that the schedule for bills is set by Speaker Barras.
Could this be a way to allow Vermilion Parish governments to sever their ties with 15th JDC District Attorney Keith Stutes?

Senate Judiciary B Committee will hear Kaplan Sen. Jonathan Perrys SB86 when it convenes at 2:30 p.m. today.

Perry

Perrys bill would give parish governing bodies certain size parishes the right to hire their own legal counsel and not be obligated to use the services of their local district attorneys. The bill would affect parishes with populations between 60,000 and 70,000 people based on the most recent U.S. Census.

Six parishes are named in Perrys bill  St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, Ouchita, Morehouse, Calcasieu, and Vermilion.

Could Perrys bill be a way to allow Vermilion Parish governments to sever their ties with 15th JDC District Attorney Keith Stutes? The Vermilion Parish Police Jury went on record opposing the suit Stutes filed last year against oil and gas companies seeking to hold them responsible for wetlands loss under provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act.

Gov. Edwards has been encouraging Coastal Zone parishes to file similar suits against oil and gas companies as the state seeks resources to pay for the cost of protecting Louisiana residents from the impact of disappearing wetlands, rising seas, and sinking land.

Parts of the four of the parishes named in the bill are included in the Coastal Zone  St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, Calcasieu and Vermilion.
Louisiana has a budget, but it cost more to get it

It took a costly special session, but Louisiana will enter the new fiscal year on July 1 with a budget in place.
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By AM Tuesday, April 18, 2017 Share Tweet Share Share Email





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(begins time stamp ~ 12:59)





John: Now Im going to speak of a woman who came from Rockaway, Queens and anybody whos born and raised in Queens knows what Rockaway means to you. I know they call it Acapulco, the Irish Riviera but if you grew up in the 50s and 60s and you were in Woodside you were waiting for that bus at 61st and Roosevelt to take you down Woodhaven Boulevard to Cross Bay to go to that bungalow  this was it  this was Miami Beach to us. And your parents would always throw you out to go up to Rockaway at 116th Street and get a bit of colour which means get burnt but dont get so burnt that youll have to go to the hospital because when we came back to the neighbourhood you had to show you had a bit of colour. Well, this story revolves around the Irish community out in the Rockaway area and the book that Eileen Markey has out is called:



Eileen: I am.



John: Yeah, maybe you could give just a bit of background about Sr. Maura Clarke and her family and her father  just to give about the type of upbringing she had before she joined the Maryknoll nuns.

Sr. Maura at her work in Nicaragua

Eileen: Yes. Maura Clarke was an Irish-American woman born in the Bronx but raised in Rockaway, in the Rockaway Park neighbourhood, in the 30s and 40s.



Shes known to us now because shes one of four North American women who were killed in 1980 in El Salvador by the US-backed military government of El Salvador  so shes one of those Maryknoll nuns. But I wrote this book to tell what her life was before she was killed and that life as a child was very much that  the Irish Riviera in Rockaway. She was one of the few year-rounders, right. So many people spent their summers out there  like you taking the bus out or many other people relocating from other boroughs to these bungalows for the summer  but Mauras family was one of the year-rounders. So she grew up in that  you know close and communal Rockaway world, Irish-immigrant world and went to Stella Maris Academy and then like lots of girls in her day joined the convent.



John: And then her father was an immigrant from Co. Sligo. Maybe you could tell about the effect  were playing here about what went on in 1916  but what carried on then was the Revolutionary War that lasted until 1921.



Eileen: Yeah, exactly. Her father emigrated from Sligo in 1914 but then, like so many people, went back to join the revolution. So he wasnt there for 16 but he went back in 20 and fought for the end of the revolution and then became an anti-treaty IRA man during the Civil War and then made his way back to the US in the mid-20s but remained a  you know he had made vows to the IRB (Irish Republican Brotherhood) in his late teens, before 1916, and so when he came back to the US after the war he kept up those ties and especially told those stories. So he had you know, he had all these revolutionary guerrilla stories that Maura grew up hearing about and you know, old Sligo partisans were always coming to whatever house the family happened to live in in Rockaway and Sundays filled with these old rebels coming to tell stories and sing songs and she very much grew up hearing all of those heroic stories and these poems and songs and that really shaped how she understood things years later when she found herself in Central America.



John: And she joined the Maryknoll nuns. Maybe you could give a brief history of the Maryknoll nuns and why she was attracted to that.



Eileen: Yeah, The Maryknolls are really interesting. So theres always been orders of nuns and theres always been missionary orders but the Maryknolls were an American order; they were founded in the first decade of the twentieth century as a womens missionary order so theyre all American girls who served overseas  first in China, then The Philippines and then eventually in Latin America. (begins time stamp ~ 12:59)Now Im going to speak of a woman who came from Rockaway, Queens and anybody whos born and raised in Queens knows what Rockaway means to you. I know they call it Acapulco, the Irish Riviera but if you grew up in the 50s and 60s and you were in Woodside you were waiting for that bus at 61st and Roosevelt to take you down Woodhaven Boulevard to Cross Bay to go to that bungalow  this was it  this was Miami Beach to us. And your parents would always throw you out to go up to Rockaway at 116th Street and get a bit of colour which means get burnt but dont get so burnt that youll have to go to the hospital because when we came back to the neighbourhood you had to show you had a bit of colour. Well, this story revolves around the Irish community out in the Rockaway area and the book that Eileen Markey has out is called: A Radical Faith: The Assassination of Sr. Maura (Clarke). And Eileen, are you there with us?I am.Yeah, maybe you could give just a bit of background about Sr. Maura Clarke and her family and her father  just to give about the type of upbringing she had before she joined the Maryknoll nuns.Yes. Maura Clarke was an Irish-American woman born in the Bronx but raised in Rockaway, in the Rockaway Park neighbourhood, in the 30s and 40s.Shes known to us now because shes one of four North American women who were killed in 1980 in El Salvador by the US-backed military government of El Salvador  so shes one of those Maryknoll nuns. But I wrote this book to tell what her life was before she was killed and that life as a child was very much that  the Irish Riviera in Rockaway. She was one of the few year-rounders, right. So many people spent their summers out there  like you taking the bus out or many other people relocating from other boroughs to these bungalows for the summer  but Mauras family was one of the year-rounders. So she grew up in that  you know close and communal Rockaway world, Irish-immigrant world and went to Stella Maris Academy and then like lots of girls in her day joined the convent.And then her father was an immigrant from Co. Sligo. Maybe you could tell about the effect  were playing here about what went on in 1916  but what carried on then was the Revolutionary War that lasted until 1921.Yeah, exactly. Her father emigrated from Sligo in 1914 but then, like so many people, went back to join the revolution. So he wasnt there for 16 but he went back in 20 and fought for the end of the revolution and then became an anti-treaty IRA man during the Civil War and then made his way back to the US in the mid-20s but remained a  you know he had made vows to the IRB (Irish Republican Brotherhood) in his late teens, before 1916, and so when he came back to the US after the war he kept up those ties and especially told those stories. So he had you know, he had all these revolutionary guerrilla stories that Maura grew up hearing about and you know, old Sligo partisans were always coming to whatever house the family happened to live in in Rockaway and Sundays filled with these old rebels coming to tell stories and sing songs and she very much grew up hearing all of those heroic stories and these poems and songs and that really shaped how she understood things years later when she found herself in Central America.And she joined the Maryknoll nuns. Maybe you could give a brief history of the Maryknoll nuns and why she was attracted to that.Yeah, The Maryknolls are really interesting. So theres always been orders of nuns and theres always been missionary orders but the Maryknolls were an American order; they were founded in the first decade of the twentieth century as a womens missionary order so theyre all American girls who served overseas  first in China, then The Philippines and then eventually in Latin America.





And these were ballsy, adventurous, exciting girls. There was a lot of press about the Maryknoll sisters in the 1950s and I found this great article I think in Time magazine that described the kind of girls the Mother Superior looked for which were: Not shy, not shrinking violets but well-rounded, healthy girls who had dates and were outward looking. So I spent a lot of time early in my research for this book speaking to Maryknoll sisters now in their eighties and I said: So why did you want to become a nun, Sister? or Why did you want to become a Maryknoll? And they said: They wanted to serve God, they were deeply religious but also for a blue-collar, first generation girl in the 1940s and 50s  there wasnt much for those girls. They werent going to college from those neighbourhoods. They werent going to be able to join the foreign service so becoming a Maryknoll sister meant joining up for this organisation that served the wide world  you were going to have an adventure.









John: Well you talk about part of the big, wide world  I mean now were having conversation here in this country about how Russia has influence on our election but nobody has a bigger influence on elections, particularly in Central America  I was down in Nicaragua in the early 90s for the election down there and speaking to the people there  we had an embargo in Nicaragua, we were training the Contras with US tax dollars and telling the people of Nicaragua: If you dont elect the person we want we are going to continue the war down there  El Salvador was the same thing  so even though shes getting spiritually involved with the Maryknoll nuns it gets very political when you end up in countries like Nicaragua and El Salvador and you see what our country is doing to these countries.



Eileen: Yeah, exactly and so Mauras story is this. Its all a Cold War story. The book begins  I begin the book at the end of World War II and what that felt like in Rockaway with the war ending. But of course the end of World War II was the beginning of the Cold War and Maura being killed in the Salvadoran Civil War  the Salvadoran Civil War was its own thing, its own revolution, but it was certainly a proxy war in the Cold War, right? From the time of President Monroe the US believed that it had the right to control the hemisphere  to control what happened in any of these countries  and we did. We invaded Nicaragua multiple times in the beginning of the twentieth century, we supported and propped up a dictator there throughout, you know until 1979 when he was overthrown (thats Somoza) and similarly in El Salvador we were very invested in making sure that the government in El Salvador kept markets open for US goods and for US business interests. And because Mauras work was working with poor people she came into conflict with that. You know, she set out as this very kind of naive and sweet missionary to the mountains of Nicaragua to work with very poor people, to run a school in an isolated gold mining community but shes there as Vatican II begins to happen and the nuns are asked to look critically at their work to figure out: Well, whats the work you do and how does that bring about the Kingdom of God?



And so their work in the middle of the 60s shifted from running a school for poor kids in this gold mining town to really doing adult-based education but that meant reading the Bible and saying: Well, what does Jesus want? Whats the kind of world that Jesus wants us to build? And if you look at those things sincerely, or at least when she looked them sincerely, it led her into opposition to this dictatorship in Nicaragua and so she transforms from  you know, everybody in power loves the nuns when theyre just educating people and teaching them about sin and helping them stay as part of the social structure that exists  but in the mid-60s the nuns and so many other people and all these lay people starting saying: Well wait. Maybe this system is corrupt. Maybe Im not poor because Im lazy. Maybe Im poor because the whole thing is arranged against me and maybe I need to be doing something to shift the structure of this society that makes me poor. And thats really what the middle years of her life were about  was working to change the structural conditions.



John: And Eileen, you write about the effect now of her fathers influence on her with the letters now shes sending back from Nicaragua and El Salvador. Explain what were the letters to her father like?



Eileen: Yeah, so in like 1970 she goes away from this gold mining town and into like this squatters encampment outside of Managua to continue doing this adult faith formation which is really political, right? Youre getting poor people together to talk about what their lives mean and what God wants for their lives and that quickly becomes opposition to the Somoza regime. And then as the 70s wear on the resistance to Somoza is rising and the Sandinistas are gathering steam as a guerrilla revolutionary force and a lot of the kids shes been working with  you know teaching those as altar boys and that she teaches in a youth group and a Confirmation class, theyre coming to the convent door saying: Bless me, Sister. Im leaving. Im going to join the Sandinistas in the mountains. Give me your blessing before I head off. And Maura writes home to her dad during these years saying: You know, its heart-wrenching to see these young people leaving. Theyre taking up arms and thats a complicated thing. And shes afraid that theyre going to die but she also says: Dad, it reminds me of what you went through. So shed been raised on the stories of the Irish revolution and the IRA and she recognises these young people in Nicaragua in the mid-70s as her dad in another guise.



John: And Eileen, I just now want to get up to: What exactly happened to her? How did she end up in El Salvador and the effect of her death on US policy in Central America?



Eileen: So she ends up  you know she works in Nicaragua for about two decades and then the Maryknoll sisters have this rule that you have to come back every so often and do service to the headquarters. So she spends the late 70s in the US doing consciousness-raising workshops with middle class Catholics. Its not the old-fashioned Hey, give money to the missions  its Catholic social teaching  you know  what does the world require, sort of  so shes doing that in the late 70s as the revolutions about to occur in Nicaragua. And during this time  1980, the beginning of 1980, Archbishop Romero, whos the archbishop of San Salvador in El Salvador, hes assassinated but before he was assassinated he asked for more Maryknoll Sisters to come to El Salvador to do this same work  organising and spiritual care work with the people in El Salvador. Thered been some nuns there for a long time but he wanted more. You were going to learn a new language, you were going to work in the jungle, you were going to ride on mules up through the mountains and go down rivers on rafts and meet people very different than you and be very much part of the wide, expansive world  not the hemmed in world of what was available to girls, in particularly to working class girls, in those eras. So Maura was attracted to that. Shed grown up I think  you know my kids read National Geographic  but for her it was reading the magazine of the Columban Fathers and Maryknoll magazine and that looked like an adventurous life and so she was attracted to that. She wanted to do something big with her life and that led her into Maryknoll as a place where you could be part of the big, wide world and meet people very different than yourself.Well you talk about part of the big, wide world  I mean now were having conversation here in this country about how Russia has influence on our election but nobody has a bigger influence on elections, particularly in Central America  I was down in Nicaragua in the early 90s for the election down there and speaking to the people there  we had an embargo in Nicaragua, we were training the Contras with US tax dollars and telling the people of Nicaragua: If you dont elect the person we want we are going to continue the war down there  El Salvador was the same thing  so even though shes getting spiritually involved with the Maryknoll nuns it gets very political when you end up in countries like Nicaragua and El Salvador and you see what our country is doing to these countries.Yeah, exactly and so Mauras story is this. Its all a Cold War story. The book begins  I begin the book at the end of World War II and what that felt like in Rockaway with the war ending. But of course the end of World War II was the beginning of the Cold War and Maura being killed in the Salvadoran Civil War  the Salvadoran Civil War was its own thing, its own revolution, but it was certainly a proxy war in the Cold War, right? From the time of President Monroe the US believed that it had the right to control the hemisphere  to control what happened in any of these countries  and we did. We invaded Nicaragua multiple times in the beginning of the twentieth century, we supported and propped up a dictator there throughout, you know until 1979 when he was overthrown (thats Somoza) and similarly in El Salvador we were very invested in making sure that the government in El Salvador kept markets open for US goods and for US business interests. And because Mauras work was working with poor people she came into conflict with that. You know, she set out as this very kind of naive and sweet missionary to the mountains of Nicaragua to work with very poor people, to run a school in an isolated gold mining community but shes there as Vatican II begins to happen and the nuns are asked to look critically at their work to figure out: Well, whats the work you do and how does that bring about the Kingdom of God?And so their work in the middle of the 60s shifted from running a school for poor kids in this gold mining town to really doing adult-based education but that meant reading the Bible and saying: Well, what does Jesus want? Whats the kind of world that Jesus wants us to build? And if you look at those things sincerely, or at least when she looked them sincerely, it led her into opposition to this dictatorship in Nicaragua and so she transforms from  you know, everybody in power loves the nuns when theyre just educating people and teaching them about sin and helping them stay as part of the social structure that exists  but in the mid-60s the nuns and so many other people and all these lay people starting saying: Well wait. Maybe this system is corrupt. Maybe Im not poor because Im lazy. Maybe Im poor because the whole thing is arranged against me and maybe I need to be doing something to shift the structure of this society that makes me poor. And thats really what the middle years of her life were about  was working to change the structural conditions.And Eileen, you write about the effect now of her fathers influence on her with the letters now shes sending back from Nicaragua and El Salvador. Explain what were the letters to her father like?Yeah, so in like 1970 she goes away from this gold mining town and into like this squatters encampment outside of Managua to continue doing this adult faith formation which is really political, right? Youre getting poor people together to talk about what their lives mean and what God wants for their lives and that quickly becomes opposition to the Somoza regime. And then as the 70s wear on the resistance to Somoza is rising and the Sandinistas are gathering steam as a guerrilla revolutionary force and a lot of the kids shes been working with  you know teaching those as altar boys and that she teaches in a youth group and a Confirmation class, theyre coming to the convent door saying: Bless me, Sister. Im leaving. Im going to join the Sandinistas in the mountains. Give me your blessing before I head off. And Maura writes home to her dad during these years saying: You know, its heart-wrenching to see these young people leaving. Theyre taking up arms and thats a complicated thing. And shes afraid that theyre going to die but she also says: Dad, it reminds me of what you went through. So shed been raised on the stories of the Irish revolution and the IRA and she recognises these young people in Nicaragua in the mid-70s as her dad in another guise.And Eileen, I just now want to get up to: What exactly happened to her? How did she end up in El Salvador and the effect of her death on US policy in Central America?So she ends up  you know she works in Nicaragua for about two decades and then the Maryknoll sisters have this rule that you have to come back every so often and do service to the headquarters. So she spends the late 70s in the US doing consciousness-raising workshops with middle class Catholics. Its not the old-fashioned Hey, give money to the missions  its Catholic social teaching  you know  what does the world require, sort of  so shes doing that in the late 70s as the revolutions about to occur in Nicaragua. And during this time  1980, the beginning of 1980, Archbishop Romero, whos the archbishop of San Salvador in El Salvador, hes assassinated but before he was assassinated he asked for more Maryknoll Sisters to come to El Salvador to do this same work  organising and spiritual care work with the people in El Salvador. Thered been some nuns there for a long time but he wanted more.









And so Maura, as a veteran Latin American missionary, shes asked: Well, do you think  you could go back to Nicaragua when youre done this US work or you could go to El Salvador  we need more people down there with your kind of experience. So after a lot of thinking and praying and discerning she decides shes going to go to El Salvador. So she spends just a couple of months in the Fall of 1980 in El Salvador doing really amasing work and (you know Im switching from Nicaragua to El Salvador here) thered been a peoples movement for land rights, for human rights, for economic reform that was met with a really vicious, directed campaign of state terror on the part of the Salvadoran government of which we were arming and advising. And she and the other women shes killed with, along with seventy-five thousand Salvadorans, are killed by this government.









John: (station identification) And were speaking with Eileen Markey. She has a book out called:



Eileen: Not any more right now but hopefully well schedule more. In the Fall Im going to be at Glucksman Ireland House. Ill let you know when that happens. Ive got a



John: Youll be out in South Bend talking about the book. And what is the reaction youre getting all these years later about her life?



Eileen: Its great! People seem to like the book. Its a beautiful story. I mean, its a sad story when you begin thinking about this killing but the book really is about who she was when she was alive and how she got there. We only know about them as these dead women and the book is really bringing her back to life and understanding all the disparate influences that led her to be who she was. And shes a lovely person to spend  I enjoyed spending five years with her. So on December 2nd 1980 she and these three other women are stopped at a checkpoint set up just for them  the military was looking for them  and theyre killed and their bodies dumped by the side of the road  and you know, nine thousand other people were killed that way, nine thousand other civilians were killed that way in El Salvador that year, in the first year of that civil war, seventy-five thousand over the course of the war  but for people in the US it was like: Wait! What? They killed nuns? They killed North American nuns? And I think for a lot of people in the US it was this shocking  you know these wars are going on in Central America but most Americans dont really know anything about them or dont really know which end is up. But when a US ally kills four American women and three of them are nuns I think it made a lot of people in the US sit up and say: Wait! Whats going on? And which side are we on? Are we on the side thats killing nuns? So it had this tremendous impact in the US throughout the 80s of really keeping US policy in Central America on the front pages. And you know, it involved many people in the US in resisting those wars and in arguing against Reagan, against continued support for the Salvadoran regime.(station identification) And were speaking with Eileen Markey. She has a book out called: A Radical Faith: The Assassination of Sr. Maura (Clarke) and Eileen, thanks for coming on. And can people  are you doing any book readings around the New York area?Not any more right now but hopefully well schedule more. In the Fall Im going to be at Glucksman Ireland House. Ill let you know when that happens. Ive got a Facebook page , Eileen Markey/Author, where you can see where Im going to be. Ill be at Notre Dame in a couple of weeks.Youll be out in South Bend talking about the book. And what is the reaction youre getting all these years later about her life?Eileen: Its great! People seem to like the book. Its a beautiful story. I mean, its a sad story when you begin thinking about this killing but the book really is about who she was when she was alive and how she got there. We only know about them as these dead women and the book is really bringing her back to life and understanding all the disparate influences that led her to be who she was. And shes a lovely person to spend  I enjoyed spending five years with her.

















John: And thats Eileen Markey. Her book is: A Radical Faith: The Assassination of Sr. Maura (Clarke). You can



Eileen: Thanks a lot John. Have a great day.



John: And talking about the impact that the 1916 Uprising had on her  father from Sligo and the letters that she was sending up  and seeing the comparisons in Nicaragua and El Salvador. Shes a lovely person to spend three hundred pages with so people seem to like it and it brings up really important issues about what religion and politics mean and how you work for justice in the real world so I think people are enjoying it.And thats Eileen Markey. Her book is: A Radical Faith: The Assassination of Sr. Maura (Clarke). You can get it on amazon and all  whats left of  any bookstores here in the United States. Eileen, thanks for coming on.Thanks a lot John. Have a great day.And talking about the impact that the 1916 Uprising had on her  father from Sligo and the letters that she was sending up  and seeing the comparisons in Nicaragua and El Salvador.





(ends time stamp ~ 29:10)




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Latest UN climate report shows this month so far has seen the scariest climate pronouncements on record

Climate science: there's no need for climate protests in China because China is already communist

Islamic clerics split on whether Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib should be traveling around the world without an accompanying male relative

Dem candidates call for the Beatles' song 'Get Back' and the 'White Album' to be banned; surviving two white guys of the group must pay reparations

Bond's number is up: next 007 will be a black woman, played by Barack Obama

NYT: moon landing was one small step for Man, one giant leap for White Male Supremacy

HURRICANE WATCH: Tropical storm Barry has records sealed, once offshore expected to change name to Barack

Trump politicizes the 4th of July, declares it henceforth to be called the 45th of July, or July the Trumpth

Barack Obama critical of Trump for failing to insert 'I, me, my' into his 4th of July speech: "very unpresidential!"

Congressional Democrats: John Dean's testimony proves Trump is Nixon in disguise and must be impeached

Bernie Sanders admits to being a millionaire, promises to eat himself if nominated

International Women's Day observed, women only paid 73% of attention afforded to men

Democrats: anti-Semitism means never having to say you're sorry

AOC: aborting babies helps preserve the planet for the next generation

Bernie Sanders launches presidential campaign, promises to "build a great big beautiful Iron Curtain" around America if elected

West Virginia renames itself Eastern Kentucky to avoid further embarrassment from Virginia

BREAKING: Justice Ginsburg released from hospital after breaking 3 ribs at late night bar brawl in Adams Morgan

DNA news: Senator Warren tanking in latest totem polls

Orwell studies: 84% of academics believe problems raised in 1984 can be fixed with solutions from Animal Farm

Progress in gender justice: online dating industry issues recommendations for men to wear body cameras, bring attorneys as chaperones

Study: the only people who don't know what socialism is are the socialists

Poll: 1 in 3 #FightFor15 activists believe movement is related to lowering the age of consent across America

CNN expert: Kavanaugh confirmation will increase global warming by 3 degrees

Harry Reid comes forth to say Judge Kavanaugh didn't pay any taxes in high school

Hollywood to America: If you've got a flag on the Moon, you didn't plant that; some other country made that happen

Protest march in straight jackets against Trump ends in chaos as participants try but fail to free themselves

HEADLINES YOU WILL NEVER SEE: California Gov. Jerry Brown single-handedly stops wildfires in his state by issuing an immediate statewide ban on wildfires

San Francisco closes all Planned Parenthood clinics after sting operation catches employees using plastic straws

Vegan mother undergoes experimental surgery to force her breasts to produce almond milk

With none of his emails answered, frustrated Nigerian man commits suicide and leaves $100bn fortune to charity

California gives new meaning to strawman argument as caped Strawman battles supervillains in restaurants, bars, and fast food joints

Violence increases in Mexico as cartels switch from smuggling drugs to plastic straws to San Francisco

Obama proposes a Paris Economic Change agreement among nations to address how world will cope with future runaway economic warming

Stormy Daniels plans border visit to give migrant children freebies

San Francisco: man dumping off 20 lbs of human waste in plastic bag on street corner cited for using non-biodegradable plastic bag

BREAKING: ICE renamed Planned Citizenship, immediately absolving it of all criticism

Senate Democrats demand Supreme Court nominee not be unduly influenced by U.S. Constitution

BREAKING: In 2018, Obama and Biden can finally celebrate Recovery Summer

IG Report: the FBI broke the law, but since there was no criminal intent, no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case

Pelosi on Trump's MS-13 "animals" comments: "Four legs good, two legs bad"

Iran nuclear talks set to resume between the United States and John Kerry

Report: The Mueller investigation has finally determined that the lyrics to Louie Louie are not about Trump and Russian collusion

MARKETS: Demand for carbon credits spikes as Hamas seeks to undo damage to Earth's atmosphere caused by burning 10,000 tires on Gaza border

BREAKING: After state reassignment surgery Pennsylvania will henceforth be known as Transylvania

Experts: If we don't act now, unicorns will be extinct in just ten years. Children will ask, "Mommy, what's a unicorn?" Women and minorities will be forced to seek alternative hallucinations

Korean war must continue: Hawaiian federal judge declares Trump's peace effort unconstitutional

New York: feminists march on Broadway, demand the street be given new, non-misogynistic name

Experts: California's planned transition of all state jobs from citizens to illegal aliens by 2020 will help to avoid bankruptcy and save money for social programs for illegal aliens

Putin: If I didn't want Hillary to be president she would be dead

Doritos maker PepsiCo to introduce snack line for women; new Doritas chips will be 77% as big as Doritos and won't make any scary 'crunchy noises'

TMZ: Tooth Fairy accused of sexually assaulting millions of children, outs self as Transgendered Tooth Recovery Specialist

RUSSIA COLLUSION: Trump offers Putin to trade Rep. Maxine Waters for two unnamed members of the State Duma

Ikea founder dead at 91; his coffin arrived in a box with confusing instructions and took 3 hours to assemble

This Thanksgiving ex-president Obama continues with his tradition of apologizing to turkeys everywhere for the injustice they suffered since America's founding

Oslo, Norway: 2017 Nobel Peace Prize goes to advocacy group about which you'll forget immediately after reading this headline

Cambridge, MA, library to replace racist 'Cat in the Hat' with inclusive 'Che in a Beret'

Millions of men worldwide eagerly await broadcast of Hugh Hefner's funeral, solely for the articles

Bill Gates offers to pay for Trump's wall on condition he gets to install Windows

Bernie Sanders introduces single-payer public transportation bill to end America's unequal, unfair, and expensive private transportation system

DNC embroiled in controversy after official Twitter account accidentally 'likes' pictures of US Constitution and Bill of Rights

Hurricane Irma hits Cuba, causes millions of dollars worth of improvements to property and infrastructure

Climate study: extreme weather may be caused by unlicensed witches casting wrong spells in well-meaning effort to destroy Trump

Ex-president Obama declares Irma "Hurricane of Peace," urges not to jump to conclusions and succumb to stormophobia

CNN: Trump reverses Obama's executive order banning hurricanes

ISIS claims responsibility for a total solar eclipse over the lands of American crusaders and nonbelievers

When asked if they could point to North Korea on a map many college students didn't know what a map was

CNN: We must bring America into the 21st century by replacing the 18th century Constitution with 19th century poetry

Pelosi: 'We have to impeach the president in order to find out what we impeached him for'

BREAKING: As of Saturday July 8, 2017, all of Earth's ecosystems have shut down as per Prince Charles's super scientific pronouncement made 96 months ago. Everything is dead. All is lost. Life on Earth is no more.

DNC to pick new election slogan out of four finalists: 'Give us more government or everyone dies,' 'Vote for Democrats or everyone dies,' 'Impeach Trump or everyone dies,' 'Stop the fearmongering or everyone dies'

Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power" is humanity's last chance to save the Earth before it ends five years ago

Experts: The more we embrace diversity the more everything is the same

BOMBSHELL: TMZ offers Kathy Griffin $5 mil to keep any future sex tape private

DEVELOPING: CNN, WaPo, NYT anonymous sources say Vladimir Putin may have ties to Russia

BREAKING: Manning and Snowden have come out with strong condemnation of Donald Trump leaking classified information to Russia

Gun store goes into lockdown over report an "active university professor" roving the grounds

Dozens injured at Ralph Lauren & Louis Vuitton headquarters after Ivanka calls in missile strikes on rival fashion houses

BOMBSHELL: Evidence proves Donald Trump conspired with his campaign to defeat Hillary Clinton

University ranked "very intolerant of free speech" fights the accusation by banning the study and all involved

Concerned that Russians don't consume enough alcohol in the month of March, Russia's Orthodox Church makes St. Patrick's Day official holiday

Grassroots group calls for "The Million Regulators March" on Washington, supported by all who fear the loss of their betters telling them what to do

Experts: Starbucks CEO Schultz's hiring of 10,000 Muslim refugees likely to blow up in his face

Will the groundprog be frightened by its own shadow and hide - or will there be another season of insane protests?

Trump signs executive order making California and New York national monuments; residents have two days to vacate

Women's March against fascism completed with 400,000 fewer deaths than anticipated

Feminist historians uncover ghastly concentration camps where so-called "housewives" were forced to live inauthentic lives slaving away in kitchens

Dictionary of the future: Global Warming was a popular computer simulation game, where the only way to win was not to play

"Anti-fascist" groups violently protest misspelling of their original name, "aren't-we-fascists"

Post-inauguration blues: millions of democrats distraught as the reality of having to find real jobs sets in

"Journalism is the continuation of war by other means" is exposed as a fake quote by mainstream media journalists

Congressional Democrats: "We cannot just simply replace Obamacare with freedom because then millions of Americans will suddenly become free"

Schoolchildren jailed for building only white snowmen

Obama's reckless attacks on Russia serve as recruitment tool to create more Russian hackers

Hillary: "I lost, so I'm going to follow our democratic traditions, poison the wells, and scorch the earth"

Children in Venezuela cook and eat their Christmas toys

Hillary: "I can hack Russia from my bathroom"

Hillary suggests to counter "fake news" with government newspaper called "Truth" ("Pravda" for Russian speakers)

BREAKING: Millions of uncounted votes found on Hillary's private voting machine in her Chappaqua bathroom

New York Times: Fidel Castro world's sexiest corpse

After years of trial and error, CIA finally succeeds with the "waiting it out" technique on Fidel Castro

Post-election shopping tip: look for the PoliticsFree label at your local grocer to make sure you don't buy from companies that don't want your business anymore

In Hillary's America, email server scrubs you

Obama transfers his Nobel Peace Prize to anti-Trump rioters

Democrats blame Hillary's criminal e-mail server for her loss, demand it face prison

Afraid of "dangerous" Trump presidency, protesters pre-emptively burn America down to the ground

Clinton Foundation in foreclosure as foreign donors demand refunds

Hillary Clinton blames YouTube video for unexpected and spontaneous voter uprising that prevented her inevitable move into the White House

Sudden rise in sea levels explained by disproportionately large tears shed by climate scientists in the aftermath of Trump's electoral victory

FBI director Comey delighted after receiving Nobel Prize for Speed Reading (650,000 emails in one week)

U.N. deploys troops to American college campuses in order to combat staggeringly low rape rates

Responding to Trump's surging poll numbers, Obama preemptively pardons himself for treason

Following hurricane Matthew's failure to devastate Florida, activists flock to the Sunshine State and destroy Trump signs manually

Tim Kaine takes credit for interrupting hurricane Matthew while debating weather in Florida

Study: Many non-voters still undecided on how they're not going to vote

The Evolution of Dissent: on November 8th the nation is to decide whether dissent will stop being racist and become sexist - or it will once again be patriotic as it was for 8 years under George W. Bush

Venezuela solves starvation problem by making it mandatory to buy food

Breaking: the Clinton Foundation set to investigate the FBI

Obama captures rare Pokemon while visiting Hiroshima

Movie news: 'The Big Friendly Giant Government' flops at box office; audiences say "It's creepy"

Barack Obama: "If I had a son, he'd look like Micah Johnson"

White House edits Orlando 911 transcript to say shooter pledged allegiance to NRA and Republican Party

President George Washington: 'Redcoats do not represent British Empire; King George promotes a distorted version of British colonialism'

Following Obama's 'Okie-Doke' speech, stock of Okie-Doke soars; NASDAQ: 'Obama best Okie-Doke salesman'

Weaponized baby formula threatens Planned Parenthood office; ACLU demands federal investigation of Gerber

Experts: melting Antarctic glacier could cause sale levels to rise up to 80% off select items by this weekend

Travel advisory: airlines now offering flights to front of TSA line

As Obama instructs his administration to get ready for presidential transition, Trump preemptively purchases 'T' keys for White House keyboards

John Kasich self-identifies as GOP primary winner, demands access to White House bathroom

Upcoming Trump/Kelly interview on FoxNews sponsored by 'Let's Make a Deal' and 'The Price is Right'

News from 2017: once the evacuation of Lena Dunham and 90% of other Hollywood celebrities to Canada is confirmed, Trump resigns from presidency: "My work here is done"

Non-presidential candidate Paul Ryan pledges not to run for president in new non-presidential non-ad campaign

Trump suggests creating 'Muslim database'; Obama symbolically protests by shredding White House guest logs beginning 2009

National Enquirer: John Kasich's real dad was the milkman, not mailman

National Enquirer: Bound delegates from Colorado, Wyoming found in Ted Cruzs basement

Iran breaks its pinky-swear promise not to support terrorism; US State Department vows rock-paper-scissors strategic response

Women across the country cheer as racist Democrat president on $20 bill is replaced by black pro-gun Republican

Federal Reserve solves budget crisis by writing itself a 20-trillion-dollar check

Widows, orphans claim responsibility for Brussels airport bombing

Che Guevara's son hopes Cuba's communism will rub off on US, proposes a long list of people the government should execute first

Susan Sarandon: "I don't vote with my vagina." Voters in line behind her still suspicious, use hand sanitizer

Campaign memo typo causes Hillary to court 'New Black Panties' vote

New Hampshire votes for socialist Sanders, changes state motto to "Live FOR Free or Die"

Martin O'Malley drops out of race after Iowa Caucus; nation shocked with revelation he has been running for president

Statisticians: one out of three Bernie Sanders supporters is just as dumb as the other two

Hillary campaign denies accusations of smoking-gun evidence in her emails, claims they contain only smoking-circumstantial-gun evidence

Obama stops short of firing US Congress upon realizing the difficulty of assembling another group of such tractable yes-men

In effort to contol wild passions for violent jihad, White House urges gun owners to keep their firearms covered in gun burkas

TV horror live: A Charlie Brown Christmas gets shot up on air by Mohammed cartoons

Democrats vow to burn the country down over Ted Cruz statement, 'The overwhelming majority of violent criminals are Democrats'

Russia's trend to sign bombs dropped on ISIS with "This is for Paris" found response in Obama administration's trend to sign American bombs with "Return to sender"

University researchers of cultural appropriation quit upon discovery that their research is appropriation from a culture that created universities

Archeologists discover remains of what Barack Obama has described as unprecedented, un-American, and not-who-we-are immigration screening process in Ellis Island

Mizzou protests lead to declaring entire state a "safe space," changing Missouri motto to "The don't show me state"

Green energy fact: if we put all green energy subsidies together in one-dollar bills and burn them, we could generate more electricity than has been produced by subsidized green energy

State officials improve chances of healthcare payouts by replacing ObamaCare with state lottery

NASA's new mission to search for racism, sexism, and economic inequality in deep space suffers from race, gender, and class power struggles over multibillion-dollar budget

College progress enforcement squads issue schematic humor charts so students know if a joke may be spontaneously laughed at or if regulations require other action

ISIS opens suicide hotline for US teens depressed by climate change and other progressive doomsday scenarios

Virginia county to close schools after teacher asks students to write 'death to America' in Arabic

'Wear hijab to school day' ends with spontaneous female circumcision and stoning of a classmate during lunch break

ISIS releases new, even more barbaric video in an effort to regain mantle from Planned Parenthood

Impressed by Fox News stellar rating during GOP debates, CNN to use same formula on Democrat candidates asking tough, pointed questions about Republicans

Shocking new book explores pros and cons of socialism, discovers they are same people

Pope outraged by Planned Parenthood's "unfettered capitalism," demands equal redistribution of baby parts to each according to his need

John Kerry accepts Iran's "Golden Taquiyya" award, requests jalapenos on the side

Citizens of Pluto protest US government's surveillance of their planetoid and its moons with New Horizons space drone

John Kerry proposes 3-day waiting period for all terrorist nations trying to acquire nuclear weapons

Chicago Police trying to identify flag that caused nine murders and 53 injuries in the city this past weekend

Cuba opens to affordable medical tourism for Americans who can't afford Obamacare deductibles

State-funded research proves existence of Quantum Aggression Particles (Heterons) in Large Hadron Collider

Student job opportunities: make big bucks this summer as Hillarys Ordinary-American; all expenses paid, travel, free acting lessons

Experts debate whether Iranian negotiators broke John Kerry's leg or he did it himself to get out of negotiations

Junior Varsity takes Ramadi, advances to quarterfinals

US media to GOP pool of candidates: 'Knowing what we know now, would you have had anything to do with the founding of the United States?'

NY Mayor to hold peace talks with rats, apologize for previous Mayor's cowboy diplomacy

China launches cube-shaped space object with a message to aliens: "The inhabitants of Earth will steal your intellectual property, copy it, manufacture it in sweatshops with slave labor, and sell it back to you at ridiculously low prices"

Progressive scientists: Truth is a variable deduced by subtracting 'what is' from 'what ought to be'

Experts agree: Hillary Clinton best candidate to lessen percentage of Americans in top 1%

America's attempts at peace talks with the White House continue to be met with lies, stalling tactics, and bad faith

Starbucks new policy to talk race with customers prompts new hashtag #DontHoldUpTheLine

Hillary: DELETE is the new RESET

Charlie Hebdo receives Islamophobe 2015 award; the cartoonists could not be reached for comment due to their inexplicable, illogical deaths

Russia sends 'reset' button back to Hillary: 'You need it now more than we do'

Barack Obama finds out from CNN that Hillary Clinton spent four years being his Secretary of State

President Obama honors Leonard Nimoy by taking selfie in front of Starship Enterprise

Police: If Obama had a convenience store, it would look like Obama Express Food Market

Study finds stunning lack of racial, gender, and economic diversity among middle-class white males

NASA: We're 80% sure about being 20% sure about being 17% sure about being 38% sure about 2014 being the hottest year on record

People holding '$15 an Hour Now' posters sue Democratic party demanding raise to $15 an hour for rendered professional protesting services

Cuba-US normalization: US tourists flock to see Cuba before it looks like the US and Cubans flock to see the US before it looks like Cuba

White House describes attacks on Sony Pictures as 'spontaneous hacking in response to offensive video mocking Juche and its prophet'

CIA responds to Democrat calls for transparency by releasing the director's cut of The Making Of Obama's Birth Certificate

Obama: 'If I had a city, it would look like Ferguson'

Biden: 'If I had a Ferguson (hic), it would look like a city'

Obama signs executive order renaming 'looters' to 'undocumented shoppers'

Ethicists agree: two wrongs do make a right so long as Bush did it first

The aftermath of the 'War on Women 2014' finds a new 'Lost Generation' of disillusioned Democrat politicians, unable to cope with life out of office

White House: Republican takeover of the Senate is a clear mandate from the American people for President Obama to rule by executive orders

Nurse Kaci Hickox angrily tells reporters that she won't change her clocks for daylight savings time

Democratic Party leaders in panic after recent poll shows most Democratic voters think 'midterm' is when to end pregnancy

Desperate Democratic candidates plead with Obama to stop backing them and instead support their GOP opponents

Ebola Czar issues five-year plan with mandatory quotas of Ebola infections per each state based on voting preferences

Study: crony capitalism is to the free market what the Westboro Baptist Church is to Christianity

Fun facts about world languages: the Left has more words for statism than the Eskimos have for snow

African countries to ban all flights from the United States because "Obama is incompetent, it scares us"

Nobel Peace Prize controversy: Hillary not nominated despite having done even less than Obama to deserve it

Obama: 'Ebola is the JV of viruses'

BREAKING: Secret Service foils Secret Service plot to protect Obama

Revised 1st Amendment: buy one speech, get the second free

Sharpton calls on white NFL players to beat their women in the interests of racial fairness

President Obama appoints his weekly approval poll as new national security adviser

Obama wags pen and phone at Putin; Europe offers support with powerful pens and phones from NATO members

White House pledges to embarrass ISIS back to the Stone Age with a barrage of fearsome Twitter messages and fatally ironic Instagram photos

Obama to fight ISIS with new federal Terrorist Regulatory Agency

Obama vows ISIS will never raise their flag over the eighteenth hole

Harry Reid: "Sometimes I say the wong thing"

Elian Gonzalez wishes he had come to the U.S. on a bus from Central America like all the other kids

Obama visits US-Mexican border, calls for a two-state solution

Obama draws "blue line" in Iraq after Putin took away his red crayon

"Hard Choices," a porno flick loosely based on Hillary Clinton's memoir and starring Hillary Hellfire as a drinking, whoring Secretary of State, wildly outsells the flabby, sagging original

Accusations of siding with the enemy leave Sgt. Bergdahl with only two options: pursue a doctorate at Berkley or become a Senator from Massachusetts

Jay Carney stuck in line behind Eric Shinseki to leave the White House; estimated wait time from 15 min to 6 weeks

100% of scientists agree that if man-made global warming were real, "the last people we'd want to help us is the Obama administration"

Jay Carney says he found out that Obama found out that he found out that Obama found out that he found out about the latest Obama administration scandal on the news

"Anarchy Now!" meeting turns into riot over points of order, bylaws, and whether or not 'kicking the #^@&*! ass' of the person trying to speak is or is not violence

Obama retaliates against Putin by prohibiting unionized federal employees from dating hot Russian girls online during work hours

Russian separatists in Ukraine riot over an offensive YouTube video showing the toppling of Lenin statues

"Free Speech Zones" confuse Obamaphone owners who roam streets in search of additional air minutes

Obamacare bolsters employment for professionals with skills to convert meth back into sudafed

Gloves finally off: Obama uses pen and phone to cancel Putin's Netflix account

Joe Biden to Russia: "We will bury you by turning more of Eastern Europe over to your control!"

In last-ditch effort to help Ukraine, Obama deploys Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson's Rainbow Coalition to Crimea

Al Sharpton: "Not even Putin can withstand our signature chanting, 'racist, sexist, anti-gay, Russian army go away'!"

Mardi Gras in North Korea: "Throw me some food!"

Obama's foreign policy works: "War, invasion, and conquest are signs of weakness; we've got Putin right where we want him"

US offers military solution to Ukraine crisis: "We will only fight countries that have LGBT military"

Putin annexes Brighton Beach to protect ethnic Russians in Brooklyn, Obama appeals to UN and EU for help

The 1980s: "Mr. Obama, we're just calling to ask if you want our foreign policy back. The 1970s are right here with us, and they're wondering, too."

In a stunning act of defiance, Obama courageously unfriends Putin on Facebook

MSNBC: Obama secures alliance with Austro-Hungarian Empire against Russias aggression in Ukraine

Study: springbreak is to STDs what April 15th is to accountants

Efforts to achieve moisture justice for California thwarted by unfair redistribution of snow in America

North Korean voters unanimous: "We are the 100%"

Leader of authoritarian gulag-site, The People's Cube, unanimously 're-elected' with 100% voter turnout

Super Bowl: Obama blames Fox News for Broncos' loss

Feminist author slams gay marriage: "a man needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle"

Beverly Hills campaign heats up between Henry Waxman and Marianne Williamson over the widening income gap between millionaires and billionaires in their district

Biden to lower $10,000-a-plate Dinner For The Homeless to $5,000 so more homeless can attend

Kim becomes world leader, feeds uncle to dogs; Obama eats dogs, becomes world leader, America cries uncle

North Korean leader executes own uncle for talking about Obamacare at family Christmas party

White House hires part-time schizophrenic Mandela sign interpreter to help sell Obamacare

Kim Jong Un executes own "crazy uncle" to keep him from ruining another family Christmas

OFA admits its advice for area activists to give Obamacare Talk at shooting ranges was a bad idea

President resolves Obamacare debacle with executive order declaring all Americans equally healthy

Obama to Iran: "If you like your nuclear program, you can keep your nuclear program"

Bovine community outraged by flatulence coming from Washington DC

Obama: "I'm not particularly ideological; I believe in a good pragmatic five-year plan"

Shocker: Obama had no knowledge he'd been reelected until he read about it in the local newspaper last week

Server problems at HealthCare.gov so bad, it now flashes 'Error 808' message

NSA marks National Best Friend Day with official announcement: "Government is your best friend; we know you like no one else, we're always there, we're always willing to listen"

Al Qaeda cancels attack on USA citing launch of Obamacare as devastating enough

The President's latest talking point on Obamacare: "I didn't build that"

Dizzy with success, Obama renames his wildly popular healthcare mandate to HillaryCare

Carney: huge ObamaCare deductibles won't look as bad come hyperinflation

Washington Redskins drop 'Washington' from their name as offensive to most Americans

Poll: 83% of Americans favor cowboy diplomacy over rodeo clown diplomacy

GOVERNMENT WARNING: If you were able to complete ObamaCare form online, it wasn't a legitimate gov't website; you should report online fraud and change all your passwords

Obama administration gets serious, threatens Syria with ObamaCare

Obama authorizes the use of Vice President Joe Biden's double-barrel shotgun to fire a couple of blasts at Syria

Sharpton: "British royals should have named baby 'Trayvon.' By choosing 'George' they sided with white Hispanic racist Zimmerman"

DNC launches 'Carlos Danger' action figure; proceeds to fund a charity helping survivors of the Republican War on Women

Nancy Pelosi extends abortion rights to the birds and the bees

Hubble discovers planetary drift to the left

Obama: 'If I had a daughter-in-law, she would look like Rachael Jeantel'

FISA court rubberstamps statement denying its portrayal as government's rubber stamp

Every time ObamaCare gets delayed, a Julia somewhere dies

GOP to Schumer: 'Force full implementation of ObamaCare before 2014 or Dems will never win another election'

Obama: 'If I had a son... no, wait, my daughter can now marry a woman!'

Janet Napolitano: TSA findings reveal that since none of the hijackers were babies, elderly, or Tea Partiers, 9/11 was not an act of terrorism

News Flash: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) can see Canada from South Dakota

Susan Rice: IRS actions against tea parties caused by anti-tax YouTube video that was insulting to their faith

Drudge Report reduces font to fit all White House scandals onto one page

Obama: the IRS is a constitutional right, just like the Second Amendment

White House: top Obama officials using secret email accounts a result of bad IT advice to avoid spam mail from Nigeria

Jay Carney to critics: 'Pinocchio never said anything inconsistent'

Obama: If I had a gay son, he'd look like Jason Collins

Gosnell's office in Benghazi raided by the IRS: mainstream media's worst cover-up challenge to date

IRS targeting pro-gay-marriage LGBT groups leads to gayest tax revolt in U.S. history

After Arlington Cemetery rejects offer to bury Boston bomber, Westboro Babtist Church steps up with premium front lawn plot

Boston: Obama Administration to reclassify marathon bombing as 'sportsplace violence'

Study: Success has many fathers but failure becomes a government program

US Media: Can Pope Francis possibly clear up Vatican bureaucracy and banking without blaming the previous administration?

Michelle Obama praises weekend rampage by Chicago teens as good way to burn calories and stay healthy

This Passover, Obama urges his subjects to paint lamb's blood above doors in order to avoid the Sequester



White House to American children: Sequester causes layoffs among hens that lay Easter eggs; union-wage Easter Bunnies to be replaced by Mexican Chupacabras

Time Mag names Hugo Chavez world's sexiest corpse

Boy, 8, pretends banana is gun, makes daring escape from school

Study: Free lunches overpriced, lack nutrition

Oscars 2013: Michelle Obama announces long-awaited merger of Hollywood and the State

Joe Salazar defends the right of women to be raped in gun-free environment: 'rapists and rapees should work together to prevent gun violence for the common good'

Dept. of Health and Human Services eliminates rape by reclassifying assailants as 'undocumented sex partners'

Kremlin puts out warning not to photoshop Putin riding meteor unless bare-chested

Deeming football too violent, Obama moves to introduce Super Drone Sundays instead

Japan offers to extend nuclear umbrella to cover U.S. should America suffer devastating attack on its own defense spending

Feminists organize one billion women to protest male oppression with one billion lap dances

Urban community protests Mayor Bloomberg's ban on extra-large pop singers owning assault weapons

Concerned with mounting death toll, Taliban offers to send peacekeeping advisers to Chicago

Karl Rove puts an end to Tea Party with new 'Republicans For Democrats' strategy aimed at losing elections

Answering public skepticism, President Obama authorizes unlimited drone attacks on all skeet targets throughout the country

Skeet Ulrich denies claims he had been shot by President but considers changing his name to 'Traps'

White House releases new exciting photos of Obama standing, sitting, looking thoughtful, and even breathing in and out

New York Times hacked by Chinese government, Paul Krugman's economic policies stolen

White House: when President shoots skeet, he donates the meat to food banks that feed the middle class

To prove he is serious, Obama eliminates armed guard protection for President, Vice-President, and their families; establishes Gun-Free Zones around them instead

State Dept to send 100,000 American college students to China as security for US debt obligations

Jay Carney: Al Qaeda is on the run, they're just running forward

President issues executive orders banning cliffs, ceilings, obstructions, statistics, and other notions that prevent us from moving forwards and upward

Fearing the worst, Obama Administration outlaws the fan to prevent it from being hit by certain objects

World ends; S&P soars

Riddle of universe solved; answer not understood

Meek inherit Earth, can't afford estate taxes

Greece abandons Euro; accountants find Greece has no Euros anyway

Wheel finally reinvented; axles to be gradually reinvented in 3rd quarter of 2013

Bigfoot found in Ohio, mysteriously not voting for Obama

As Santa's workshop files for bankruptcy, Fed offers bailout in exchange for control of 'naughty and nice' list

Freak flying pig accident causes bacon to fly off shelves

Obama: green economy likely to transform America into a leading third world country of the new millennium

Report: President Obama to visit the United States in the near future

Obama promises to create thousands more economically neutral jobs

Modernizing Islam: New York imam proposes to canonize Saul Alinsky as religion's latter day prophet

Imam Rauf's peaceful solution: 'Move Ground Zero a few blocks away from the mosque and no one gets hurt'

Study: Obama's threat to burn tax money in Washington 'recruitment bonanza' for Tea Parties

Study: no Social Security reform will be needed if gov't raises retirement age to at least 814 years

Obama attends church service, worships self

Obama proposes national 'Win The Future' lottery; proceeds of new WTF Powerball to finance more gov't spending

Historical revisionists: "Hey, you never know"

Vice President Biden: criticizing Egypt is un-pharaoh

Israelis to Egyptian rioters: "don't damage the pyramids, we will not rebuild"

Lake Superior renamed Lake Inferior in spirit of tolerance and inclusiveness

Al Gore: It's a shame that a family can be torn apart by something as simple as a pack of polar bears

Michael Moore: As long as there is anyone with money to shake down, this country is not broke

Obama's teleprompters unionize, demand collective bargaining rights

Obama calls new taxes 'spending reductions in tax code.' Elsewhere rapists tout 'consent reductions in sexual intercourse'

Obama's teleprompter unhappy with White House Twitter: "Too few words"

Obama's Regulation Reduction committee finds US Constitution to be expensive outdated framework inefficiently regulating federal gov't

Taking a page from the Reagan years, Obama announces new era of Perestroika and Glasnost

Responding to Oslo shootings, Obama declares Christianity "Religion of Peace," praises "moderate Christians," promises to send one into space

Republicans block Obama's $420 billion program to give American families free charms that ward off economic bad luck

White House to impose Chimney tax on Santa Claus

Obama decrees the economy is not soaring as much as previously decreeed

Conservative think tank introduces children to capitalism with pop-up picture book "The Road to Smurfdom"

Al Gore proposes to combat Global Warming by extracting silver linings from clouds in Earth's atmosphere

Obama refutes charges of him being unresponsive to people's suffering: "When you pray to God, do you always hear a response?"

Obama regrets the US government didn't provide his mother with free contraceptives when she was in college

Fluke to Congress: drill, baby, drill!

Planned Parenthood introduces Frequent Flucker reward card: 'Come again soon!'

Obama to tornado victims: 'We inherited this weather from the previous administration'

Obama congratulates Putin on Chicago-style election outcome

People's Cube gives itself Hero of Socialist Labor medal in recognition of continued expert advice provided to the Obama Administration helping to shape its foreign and domestic policies

Hamas: Israeli air defense unfair to 99% of our missiles, "only 1% allowed to reach Israel"

Democrat strategist: without government supervision, women would have never evolved into humans

Voters Without Borders oppose Texas new voter ID law

Enraged by accusation that they are doing Obama's bidding, media leaders demand instructions from White House on how to respond

Obama blames previous Olympics for failure to win at this Olympics

Official: China plans to land on Moon or at least on cheap knockoff thereof

Koran-Contra: Obama secretly arms Syrian rebels

Poll: Progressive slogan 'We should be more like Europe' most popular with members of American Nazi Party

Obama to Evangelicals: Jesus saves, I just spend

May Day: Anarchists plan, schedule, synchronize, and execute a coordinated campaign against all of the above

Midwestern farmers hooked on new erotic novel "50 Shades of Hay"

Study: 99% of Liberals give the rest a bad name

Obama meets with Jewish leaders, proposes deeper circumcisions for the rich

Historians: Before HOPE & CHANGE there was HEMP & CHOOM at ten bucks a bag

Cancer once again fails to cure Venezuela of its "President for Life"

Tragic spelling error causes Muslim protesters to burn local boob-tube factory

Secretary of Energy Steven Chu: due to energy conservation, the light at the end of the tunnel will be switched off

Obama Administration running food stamps across the border with Mexico in an operation code-named "Fat And Furious"

Pakistan explodes in protest over new Adobe Acrobat update; 17 local acrobats killed

White House: "Let them eat statistics"

Special Ops: if Benedict Arnold had a son, he would look like Barack Obama







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INA  There arent many from Christopher who can claim to have opened for iconic rock star Ozzy Osbourne. Yet, come August, Christophers own Jake Burkitt will be able to put that down on his already growing list of musical accomplishments.

Burkitt, a Rend Lake College music student, is the bass player for Southern Illinois band Loris Puppets. He and his bandmates were selected to take part in the four-day Moonstock 2017 Music Festival, which will celebrate the Aug. 21 solar eclipse, as featured headliners along with acts like Papa Roach, Five Finger Death Punch and Ozzy Osbourne.

For his part, Burkitt called the opportunity unreal and very exciting. But, for the 2015 Christopher High School graduate, its just another in a long line of musical achievements.

From a young age, Burkitt has been involved in music. He credited his father as being the main reason he first touched an instrument.

Hes the one that put that first guitar in front of me. I really enjoyed it. So, I stuck with it and have been playing since I was little, Burkitt said.

That guitar launched quite the musical career. Loris Puppets wasnt Burkitts first adventure into playing in front of crowds. He began playing with family before catching some attention and being brought in as part of a blues tandem that performed for several years.

Then, about two years ago, he met a former member of Loris Puppets. The two got together to jam for a while and really hit it off. It just so happened that the band was in the market for a new bass player, and despite being primarily a rhythm guitar player, Burkitt jumped at the opportunity to join.

I had heard of Loris Puppets before. It took me by surprise whenever he asked me to join the band, Burkitt joked. So, Ive been with them for a few years now and have had a lot of fun.

It was fitting that Burkitt was tasked with filling in the missing slot. According to their website, Loris Puppets was formed in 2012 at Rend Lake College by students from Sesser and Woodlawn.

So far, the band has played some impressive venues alongside some notable acts. Theyve performed at HerrinFesta Italiana twice, sharing the stage with the likes of Third Eye Blind and Three Doors Down. At PointFest 2015 in St. Louis, they took home the top spot in the Battle of the Bands competition. Their victory allowed them to play on the main stage ahead of Seether, Chevelle and Breaking Benjamin.

This whole thing just feels awesome. Really, to get up there and play those shows, its a lot of hard work. You have to put a ton of time in. You have to get out there and play the smaller gigs to get the experience and exposure. It doesnt matter what the pay is. You have to put yourself out there, Burkitt explained.

In addition to getting out in front of crowds as often as possible, theres a lot of work that goes on in private. He said that the band holds practice every Sunday.

But, for Burkitt, the work doesnt stop there. As a music major, the aspiring performer spends countless hours every week with either an instrument in hand or studying music theory. In addition to guitar and bass, he also plays drums and performs back-up vocals with the band. Yet, his true musical passion is studio work.

Recording music has always been my primary interest. Its not a main objective for me to be the guy on stage. Professionally, Im more interested in the recording and business side of the industry. Studio work and producing albums has always been the thing Ive wanted to focus on. he said.

To that end, Burkitt plans to transfer after graduation to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to study music business.

When hes not working or studying, Burkitt has turned into a bit of a local celebrity.

Its funny, my parents own Larrys Pit Barbecue in Christopher. So, people come in all the time and mention the band. I guess word travels pretty quickly in a small community, he joked.

Playing Moonstock isnt the only major project the band has on its plate. The band traveled to Los Angeles last week to record a new music video that they will launch in conjunction with an album they recorded during an earlier trip to California.

That was an awesome experience, Burkitt said. Going out to L.A. to record an album was the most amazing experience Ive ever had musically. We had a guy named Robert Davis, he was the guitarist for a band named Revis out of Benton, who heard about us through a mutual friend. He heard our stuff and dug it, so he got a hold of us and cut us a deal. So, before we knew it, we flew out there and got to business. He helped us rearrange and rewrite a few of our old songs. He also gave us some new material that he wrote himself.

Loris Puppets upcoming album will release in the near future, following the filming of the music video.
CHESTER  After a swift, 15- to 20-minute deliberation, a jury found Beau Shawgo not guilty of manslaughter.

Shawgo was charged with one count each of first-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, both felonies punishable by stays in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Shawgo was arrested in October after being involved in a fistfight, at the Hideaway Tavern in Percy, with three individuals, including Jeffery Welty, 55, of Percy, who later died from his injuries after he was hit one time by Shawgo.

On Tuesday, after a brief final witness for the state, Erin Ely, an assistant medical examiner out of St. Louis, the state rested, which made way for an early game-changing motion from the defense.

John Baricevic, an attorney from Belleville who represented Shawgo, asked the court to approve a motion for a directed verdict for both charges leveled at Shawgo on the grounds that the state had not provided sufficient evidence for a jury to consider finding Shawgo guilty of either charge.

The focus is on intent, Baricevic said, addressing the court.

He said no one on the defense would argue the facts of the case. However, one punch does not a murder make in the state of Illinois, Baricevic said. He cited several Illinois Supreme Court cases which, according to Baricevic, did not allow for one punch to constitute intent to cause death or great bodily harm, both requirements for manslaughter and first-degree murder.

You cannot infer intent from one punch, Baricevic said in his argument to Judge Richard Brown.

Baricevic also argued that the charge of first-degree murder accompanied by the second charge of manslaughter seemed to be a tactic to get the jury to compromise on a conviction, which he characterized as a miscarriage of justice.

Randolph County States Attorney Jeremy Walker took offense to the statement, saying he was simply doing his job. He also strongly disagreed with the premise. He said many cases do make the exception where one punch does equal intent.

You cannot tell me that man did not mean to cause great bodily harm, Walker said of Shawgo, saying that when a man half the size of another squares up to throw a punch  in this case Shawgo weighing less than 200 pounds and Welty weighing more than 300  there is at least some premeditation of how much force would be needed. He said given this, it should be a question for the jury.

Brown ultimately sided with Baricevic. He decided as a matter of law that the one punch thrown by Shawgo was not enough to prove intent to kill or cause great bodily harm to Welty, and ultimately accepted the motion for directed verdict for the charge of first-degree murder, but declined the motion for manslaughter.

Initially, Walker asked to appeal this decision to the appellate court, but later rescinded this request, saying that the risk of losing the case entirely was too great.

In a statement after the trial, Walker said the directed verdict was among his biggest disappointments of the day.

The court gave another victory to Shawgos defense, allowing for a jury instruction of self-defense to be given. After arguments from the defense and the state, Brown decided the defense had met the threshold to argue self-defense in the case.

After both motions were made, the jury was called back and the defense called its only witness, Hideaway Tavern bartender Tricia Kiefer.

In his closing arguments, Walker said the case came down down to one question: Were Shawgos actions reasonable? He argued not.

He said if Shawgo's actions leading up to the bar fight were not representative of someone feeling fear.

C.J. Baricevic told the jurors life does not come with a pause button. Baricevic said Shawgo had to act quickly, and that the case was simply about self-defense. He said one punch was a fluke and should be treated that way by the jury.

This was a bar fight gone all wrong, Baricevic said.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill.  While the excitement of spring planting season appeals to young and old, it is also a time to be aware of safety.

For some, the dangers of working in agriculture never leave their minds. Almost seven years ago, two of Will Pipers teenage friends died in a grain bin where he was also trapped for six hours.

Its still hard for him to talk about it, but he does because he wants other young people to know how to advocate for their own safety while working in agriculture.

The Grain Handling Safety Coalition  a group founded because of this incident  released a video earlier this year that reminds young people, employers and farmers of the danger of agricultural work.

The Grain Bin Entrapment: Seconds to Tragedy video starts with the startling 911 call from that July 28 day when the four boys were working inside a grain bin to break up corn clumps at Consolidated Grain and Barge Co. in Mount Carroll.

The video documents how Wyatt Whitebread 14, passed out from the heat and became entrapped in the grain. Friends Alex Pacas, 19, and Piper, 20 at the time, tried to rescue him. Chris Lawton, 15, climbed out of the bin to call 911 and get help. Pacas also died that day.

In the video, Piper tells what it was like.

One I felt his last heartbeat. Thats going to mess anybody up, Piper said.

In the video, Lawton says if young workers see their employer has put them in an unsafe position, they should walk away.

Its heartbreaking, said Marsha Salzwedel, youth rural safety specialist at Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation/National Farm Medicine Center in Wisconsin. It is hard to see because often these situations are preventable. They dont have to happen.

Every three days, a child dies in an agriculture-related incident, and each day, 33 children are injured, according to the 2017 Childhood Agricultural Injuries Fact Sheet compiled by the National Childrens Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

The leading sources of fatalities are machinery (25 percent), motor vehicles/ATVs (17 percent) and drowning (16 percent).

In the video, Wyatts mother said her son was trusting that the employer would make sure he was safe.

The company was cited for multiple violations of child labor and safety laws and ordered to pay $18 million to the families.

Safety costs a little or costs a lot, said Peggy Romba, program manager of member services and public relations for the Illinois Farm Bureau.

No money is worth a life, Piper says in the video.

Often, farmers dont realize labor laws to protect children under age 16 are in effect if the child is working for a grandparent or a neighbor, said Bob Aherin, University of Illinois Extension safety specialist. A child that age is not allowed to work on a livestock operation with the animals, with chemicals including pesticides or anhydrous, or in grain storage buildings.

This time of year, there are people moving grain as well as other spring operations, he noted. People employing youths need to be aware of the rules and make safety accommodations, Aherin said.

Under child labor laws, youths are not allowed to drive equipment for someone else unless they are at least 14 or 15 years old and have taken and passed a 21-hour training program to become certified, he said.

We understand the intrinsic value of children working with their parents and getting the youth interested agriculture, said Aherin.

But he still cringes when young people ride on tractors and other equipment with family members. One of the biggest risks for injury or death is falling off tractors, he said.

Only the drivers seat on farm equipment has shock absorbers, so if a child is standing on the tractor platform or sitting on another seat, the child is vulnerable to be thrown off. In a moving tractor, reaction time is 8 to 10 feet, he said.

Large farm equipment today has many blind spots, Aherin added. And cultivators and other equipment with sharp edges are particularly dangerous for youngsters who like to climb.

Often farmers dont think twice about letting a mature youth help with planting or tillage operations in the spring. But there is danger if the youth is not adequately trained.

If there is a sudden challenge with a tractor, going in a ditch or catching equipment on something, the operator needs to do several things at once  maybe turn the wheel with one hand, push the clutch with a foot, and raise equipment with another hand.

Youths havent developed these simultaneous motor skills until they are about 14 years old, Aherin said.

Aherin worked on a project with Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation that outlines age appropriates tasks. Find it at https://tinyurl.com/n6cphm6.
"Don't tell me what you value. Show me your budget and I'll tell you what you value." Former Vice President Joe Biden quoting his father knew that a budget reflected the values and priorities of our nation. Each April our country funds its priorities. Ultimately, as the Rev. Jim Wallis has said, "Budgets are moral documents."

Each year Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles calculates how much money the United States spends on nuclear weapons programs for the current tax year. The Nuclear Weapons Community Costs Project has identified that for tax year 2016, the United States spent $57.6 billion on nuclear weapons programs. California contributed more than $7 billion to this amount while Los Angeles County sent approximately $1.8 billion to the federal coffers to fund weapons that can never be used. In Flint, Michigan, where we have allowed children to be poisoned by lead in their drinking water, $9 million was spent. In the nations poorest county, Buffalo County, South Dakota, they spent more than $142,000 on nuclear weapons.

Every dollar spent on nuclear weapons is a dollar taken from programs that support the health and well being of our country, our communities and our loved ones. These are critical funds that we can never get back.

The Trump administration is proposing a dramatic increase in the budget for nuclear weapons while simultaneously proposing a dramatic decrease for social and environmental programs. This is in addition to the nuclear grand bargain of the Obama administration's proposed buildup of our nuclear arsenal to the tune of $1 trillion over the next three decades. This is the opening salvo as other countries follow suit in this new nuclear arms race.

Having grown weary of our actions and failure to meet our legally binding commitment to work in good faith toward the abolition of nuclear weapons, the non-nuclear nations are refusing to be held hostage by the nuclear states any longer. Taking their future into their own hands the vast majority of the non-nuclear nations will complete negotiations at the United Nations this July on an international nuclear ban treaty that will outlaw nuclear weapons just as all other weapons of mass destruction have been banned. This will leave the United States and other nuclear nations once again in breach of international law.

Fortunately, a world under constant threat of nuclear apocalypse either by intent or accident is not the future that has to be. But change will not happen on its own. Each of us has a role to play. Ultimately it will take the people of the United States to awaken from our trance and join the rest of the world in demanding that our leaders work to abolish nuclear weapons and to redirect these expenditures to secure a future for our children and address the real needs of our country. The time for action is now.
President Donald Trump's seriously misguided priorities endanger the country's health security.

Trump's proposed budget would allocate vast sums to bolstering the military (a $54 billion increase) and building a wall on the Mexican border ($15 billion) while slashing programs that are vital to the nation's welfare. No cuts would be more damaging than the president's assault on two invaluable agencies: the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fortunately, some Republicans understand the president's foolishness, including Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, chairman of the appropriations subcommittee that funds those agencies. He called them "the front lines of defense for the American people for some pretty awful things," adding:

"If the idea of a government is to protect the United States and its people, then these people contribute as much as another wing of an F-35 (fighter jet) and actually do more to save tens of thousands of lives."

Saving lives is not just a moral issue, it's an economic one. Money invested now -- in promoting basic research, protecting against infectious diseases, providing vaccinations, denouncing smoking -- saves enormous amounts later. Just one example was emphasized recently by Bill Gates in a speech to the Munich Security Conference.

"The cost of ensuring adequate pandemic preparedness worldwide is estimated at $3.4 billion a year," said Gates, who devotes much of his philanthropy to global health. "Yet the projected annual loss from a pandemic could run as high as $570 billion."

The Trump budget slashes investments in health security instead of increasing them. The president's priorities are not only a textbook example of "penny wise and pound foolish," but they also reflect a deeply damaging mindset: a profound disdain for all the professionals -- scientists and researchers, economists and engineers, journalists and judges -- who measure and describe a world that does not square with the president's prejudices.

Take the NIH, the largest biomedical research institution in the world, which enjoyed bipartisan support during the Obama administration. Trump would cut $5.8 billion, or 20 percent of its total budget. And the idea voiced by many conservatives, that private enterprise would pick up the slack, is simply wrong. Drug companies won't invest in the costly research that produces many failures before an effective new therapy can come to market.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, who has made fighting cancer a personal crusade, says that Trump's cuts "would set the NIH budget, and biomedical research, back 15 years -- and that's not hyperbole.

"This is no time to undercut programs, for God's sake," he added. "It's time to double down -- time to be sure we can deliver on the promise of science and technology to extend and improve lives."

Under Trump's budget, the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the CDC, would lose 18 percent of its funding. And another program that supports the CDC's preventive health efforts would be eliminated entirely.

That would mean more kids who don't get vaccinated, more smokers who don't quit, more drivers who don't wear seat belts. And it would mean far greater vulnerability to global health threats like Ebola, Zika and influenza. As the Post reports: "Diseases travel fast and don't recognize borders. In today's connected world, a disease can be transported from a rural village to any major city within 36 hours."

The threat, adds Rebecca Katz of Georgetown University Medical Center, is "not just from travel of people, but birds, too. You can't build walls to stop birds."

But that's what Trump wants to do: build walls, buy bombs, rattle sabers and ignore reality.

Cole says it best: "What the CDC does is probably more important to the average American than, in a sense, the Defense Department. You're much more likely to be killed in a pandemic than you are in a terrorist attack, so you need to look at it that way. Those investments are extraordinarily important for the protection of the country."
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By Azernews





By Gunay Camal

The assets of Azerbaijans state oil fund SOFAZ, which is in charge of accumulating and managing the country's oil and gas revenues, jumped by 0.18 percent.

SOFAZ Executive Director Shahmar Movsumov announced about this at a press conference in Baku on April 18, noting that the figure hit $33.207 billion as of April 1.

The increase was mainly due to a sizeable positive effect of changes in the exchange rates of investment portfolio currencies (mainly Euro, Russian ruble and British pound), as well as the impact of asset appreciation (specifically, equity and gold portfolios), said Movsumov.

Budget revenues of SOFAZ reached 3.273 billion manats, while budget expenditures constituted 3.848 billion manats in January-March 2017. SOFAZs revenues of 2,899.1 million manats were received from implementation of oil and gas agreements, including 2.894 billion manats from the sale of profit oil and gas, 0.1 million manats as bonus payments and 4.6 million manats as transit payments.

The revenues from managing assets of the Fund amounted to 373.4 million manats, while the extra-budgetary expenditures related to the revaluation of foreign exchange totaled 873.9 million manats in January-March 2017.

Being a special purpose state organization, the primary objectives of SOFAZ are to help maintain macroeconomic stability in the country and to generate wealth for present and future generations.

Movsumov went on to say that SOFAZ will continue to invest in real estate within its investment strategy on real estate. The share of SOFAZ investments that can be made in real estate is 10 percent of the total investment portfolio.

The practice of investing in real estate abroad has already allowed the Fund to acquire Gallery Actor, a mixed-use office and retail complex located on Pushkin Square in Moscow for $133 million, an office complex in London's West End for 177.35 million, a property in Paris for 135 million, Pine Avenue Tower worth $447 million in Seoul and Palazzo Turati office building in Italy, Milan.

Movsumov further mentioned that the Fund extended the term of the deposit in the International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA) for another year.

"We have two deposits in the IBA, the first of which expired in March, and we extended it for another year, the second expires in May this year, I think that its term will also be extended, he said, adding that new deposits are not planned.

The amount of each deposit is $ 500 million.

Speaking about the transfers to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) to ensure macroeconomic stability in 2017, Movsumov said that the figure may be less than 7.5 billion manats.

The SOFAZ budget for 2017 stipulates allocation of 7.5 billion manats for these purposes, and in the first quarter we transferred 2.279 billion manats to the Central Bank. However, the economic situation is such that, I think, that this expenditure will not be executed completely, Movsumov said.

SOFAZ earlier reported that these funds [7.5 billion manats] were planned to be directed to implementation of the activities stipulated in the monetary program of the Financial Stability Board for 2017, as well as to realization of measures to ensure macroeconomic and financial stability in the current year and in the medium term. Part of these funds will also be directed to measures to accelerate the process of recovery of the IBA.

SGC

Shahmar Movsumov also excluded any problems with the financing of the projects of the Southern Gas Corridor.

He said that the Fund did not issue any funds for the SGC in the first quarter of 2017.

However, the 2017 budget stipulates allocation of funds to the SGC project realization. I can say with confidence that SOFAZ has funds to finance the project, so no problem will arise with funding this year. Besides, negotiations are underway for the financing of the Southern Gas Corridor in next two years. "

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey.



As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans Adriatic Pipeline.
By Azernews





By Laman Ismayilova

Dont miss the legendary Fire of Anatolia dance spectacular at the Heydar Aliyev Palace in Baku.

The acclaimed Turkish dance group The Fire of Anatolia will once again please fans in Baku with a concert program entitled "Silk Road" on May 12-14, Trend Life reported.

The dance group consisting of 120 dancers, several choreographers and other technical staff is a frequent guest of the city and every time they surprise audience with magnificent dance performances.

The Fire of Anatolia, which is regarded as one of the best dance groups of the world because of countless international tours and various promotional activities

The Fire of Anatolia, which brings the rich culture of Anatolia and the magic of dance on the same scene in a magnificent style, became the first dance group that performed in The Building of China Parliament. The group performed for an audience of four hundred thousand people, all standing, in Eregli, in the Black Sea region and holds the title for Largest Auidience in the Guinness Book of World Records for this performance. They were also the first group performing in the Bodrum Antique Theatre after 2300 years.

The ensemble gave performances in more than 90 countries from the USA to China and Japan, before an audience of about 35 million people. The leader of the group is Mustafa Erdogan.

The concert in Baku will be organized by SA Organization.

It is already 17 years that SA Organization could make an enough image about its activity and name. The organization which established by Selahattin Atalay has succeeded a number of big concert projects realized in these years.

The Company organized the unforgettable concert programs of the stars known in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kibris and other countries. As a company that founded this business in Azerbaijan, SA ORGANIZATION perfectly and professionally approaching to its activity made its signature to the concert projects of a number of famous performers such as ?brahim Tatl?ses, Nilufer, Ajda Pekkan, Ali?an, ?ngrid Alberini, ?magination, Anna Marria, Ruslana, Kayahan, Rafet El Roman, Grigori Leops, Kenan Dogulu, famous dance groups such as Fire of Anatolia, Tararam, Shaman, Celtic Legends,etc.

Media partners of the event are Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az, Azernews.az
By Azernews





By Laman Ismayilova

Every year on April 18, the world community celebrates the International Day for Monuments and Sites.

Approved by the General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983, the event is aimed to promote awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage of humanity, their vulnerability and the efforts required for their protection and conservation.

As UNESCO Member State since July 3, 1992, Azerbaijan contributes actively to the protection of Monuments and Cites, which have worldwide importance, and celebrates the Day.

The Open Doors Day is being held today in all museums, nature reserves subordinated to Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Trend Life reported.

Azerbaijani people has the right to feel proud for its history, material and cultural monuments, literature, arts and music heritage.

The Icheri Sheher, Shirvanshahs Palace, Maiden Tower and other unique monuments that testify for rich culture of Azerbaijani people are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Atashgah Fire Temple and Gobustan State History and Arts Reserve, an open air museum and one of the oldest historic sites in Absheron and many others are unique samples of Azerbaijan, proving the antiquity of its civilization.

Sightseeing in the countrys regions such as Palace of the Sheki Khans, Sheki Caravansarai and Juma Mosque of Ganja and Momine Khatun Mausoleum in Nakhchivan are other interesting attractions mesmerizing many tourists.

Establishment of the Gala Archeological and Ethnographic Museum Complex located in one of Absherons most ancient settlements serves to preservation of the historical past and transformation of the country into a tourism center.

Historical and Ethnographic Reserve Gala is located in 40 km of Baku - Sulh street, 5. Founded in 2008 in the Gala settlement, the reserve is dedicated to the history of the Absheron Peninsula. The visitors can get acquainted with the lifestyle the people enjoyed in between the 16th-19th centuries. The complex features cave paintings, gavaldash, pottery, household items, jewelry, weapons and coins, and ancient settlements dating back from the III-II millennium BC. to the Middle Ages.

The Shirvanshahs Palace, located in the heart of the Old City is another place of interest which hold many mysteries and secrets. The palace was constructed in the 13th-16th centuries.The palace also has a colorful museum, which will not leave any history lover indifferent.

The Maiden Tower, a historical symbol of Baku dating back to ancient times, has always been a source of national pride. It is believed that the monument was built as a Zoroastrian temple used for fire worshipping, sacrifice rituals and other religious ceremonies. In January 2014, the tower opened its doors to visitors after a major conservation work.

The cultural property of the Azerbaijani people isn't limited and include many ancient places. The Armenian armed forces that occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan territories officially recognized by all the UN member states violently destroyed the national and cultural monuments there.



As a result of military aggression, the Azykh and Taglar Caves, known as pioneer settlements of primitive man, and while Garakopek and Uzarliktep barrows are used in military purposes and destroyed partially. Along with burial mounds in Khojaly, Agdam, Agdere, Fizuli, Jabrail regions, cemeteries, mausoleums, gravestone monuments, mosques, temples, monuments of the Caucasian Albania and other national monuments in the occupied regions have been purposefully destroyed.
By Trend





Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev has hailed the development of tourism in the country.

The number of tourists increased by 11 percent last year, while it rose by 25 percent in the three months of this year. It is obvious now, said President Aliyev in a closing speech at a republican conference of non-oil exporters in Azerbaijans Yevlakh District.

The number of tourists is increasing dramatically both in Baku and regions of the country. And there are, of course, reasons for this. This has not happened spontaneously. The work done in recent years has led to this situation. First of all, stability, tranquility, social and political order reigning in Azerbaijan, of course, make the country more attractive to tourists. Particularly, under current circumstances when there is tension in various parts of the world, threats, conflicts, social discontent is growing, mass protests are widespread. None of these problems exists in Azerbaijan, he noted.

Azerbaijan enjoys unity of the people and the government. Our policy is supported and approved by the people. And this is the key factor of stability in Azerbaijan, added President Aliyev.
By Azernews





By Kamila Aliyeva

Malta supports the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan, said Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta.

Muscat made the remark at a meeting with Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov on April 17, adding that the country is ready to contribute to this process, the Foreign Ministry reported.

Highlighting the importance of relations between Azerbaijan and the EU, Muscat applauded the EU's high-level officials assessment of the relationship as a strategic partnership.

The new agreement should replace the 1996 partnership and cooperation agreement and should better take account of the shared objectives and challenges the EU and Azerbaijan face today.

The first meeting on a new agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan was held in Brussels on February 7, 2017. The next round of negotiations on the agreement will be held in Baku on April 25.

Muscat further expressed satisfaction with the current high level of bilateral relations between Malta and Azerbaijan.

He mentioned that Malta is interested in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan and expressed his confidence that this visit will contribute to the development of relations between the two countries.

Mammadyarov, in turn, said that the relations between the two countries have developed dynamically in the recent years and the high-level visits have created fertile ground for their further enhancement. In this regard, the minister stressed the positive results in the development of cooperation in economic and energy fields.

Noting that the official visit to Malta coincided with this countrys EU presidency, Mammadyarov briefed the Prime Minister about the development prospects of EU-Azerbaijan relations and the negotiations on the draft of the agreement for cooperation with EU.

The minister also touched upon the negotiations process on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and stated the importance of expressing EU's commitment to the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence and inviolability of borders of states in a common and unambiguous manner in respect of all conflicts.

The sides also discussed the development of relations in various fields and exchanged their views on transnational energy and transport projects, as well as other topics of mutual interest.

Following his Malta visit, Mammadyarov will travel to Italy, where will attend the opening of a photo exhibition on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Azerbaijan-Italy diplomatic relations.

He will also give a lecture on "Azerbaijan's foreign policy and relations with Italy" at the Italian Society for International Organizations.
By Azernews





By Rashid Shirinov

Blogger Alexander Lapshin, who is under arrest in Baku, was transferred to the infirmary of the detention facility, as the doctors gave him a diagnosis of tachycardia, said detainees lawyer Eduard Chernin.

Currently he is being treated in the infirmary, he told Trend on April 17.

Earlier, the court extended the arrest of the blogger three months.

Previously, he complained to me of pain in the heart, was then taken for examination in one of the private clinics where he was diagnosed as tachycardia. Currently Lapshin feels fine, added Chernin.

Lapshin, who owns citizenship of several countries, will stand trial in Baku for his illegal visits to the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. He was detained in Minsk in late 2016 and extradited to Baku in early February.

The blogger is charged under the articles 281.2 (open calls against the state ) and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.

Unauthorized visits to Nagorno-Karabakh and other regions of Azerbaijan occupied by Armenia are considered illegal, and any individuals paying such visits are included in the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's "black list".

Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry and diplomatic missions pay special attention to the illegal activity in the occupied areas of Azerbaijan.

Baku has repeatedly warned foreign officials and diplomats of illegality of visits to its territories that are occupied by Armenia, calling them contradictory to international law. The work is constantly carried out to prevent such illegal actions.
By Azernews





By Rashid Shirinov

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) should require a report from the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, established to broker a peace to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Azerbaijani MP and OSCE PA Deputy Chairman Azay Guliyev made the remark while talking to reporters in Baku on April 18.

The OSCE PA adopted important documents on conflicts. But we think that specific steps and solutions should be taken in this regard. The OSCE PA should conduct an audit of the OSCE activities in this direction and require a report from the Minsk Group co-chairs, Guliyev said.

The Minsk Group, the activities of which have become known as the Minsk Process, spearheads the OSCE's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is co-chaired by France, the Russian Federation, and the United States. Although the OSCE Minsk Group deals with the issue for over two decades, its activities have brought no breakthrough results so far.

Guliyev stressed that the Minsk Group co-chairs should be asked why the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not resolved yet, and why Azerbaijani civilians and soldiers are still dying on the line of contact.

Therefore, I suggested to invite one of Minsk Group co-chairs to one of the OSCE PA sessions, and let him report, he noted. We are also planning a meeting of parliamentarians of the OSCE Minsk Group countries, where we will discuss the settlement of the conflict.

Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan by 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.

Guliyev also said that Azerbaijan intends to strengthen relations with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and Azerbaijani parliaments Speaker Ogtay Asadov has invited OSCE PA President Christine Muttonen to Azerbaijan in connection with this.

We hope that the visit will take place in the near future, said the MP adding that the next meeting of the OSCE PA will be held in Copenhagen on April 23-24.
Abu Dhabi with the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has been ranked as the top financial technology (fintech) hub for the Mena region in a report released by professional services firm Deloitte in partnership with the Global FinTech Hubs Federation.



The special review titled "A Tale of 44 Cities" was released at the 2017 Innovate Finance Global Summit held in London recently, reported WAM, the Emirates official news agency.



Richard Teng, CEO of Financial Services Regulatory Authority of ADGM, the international financial centre in Abu Dhabi, also spoke at the Global Fintech Hubs Panel of IFGS 2017 with panel members from the UK, the US, Singapore and India discussing Fintech developments and collaboration.



From the 44 cities, Abu Dhabi is ranked top FinTech hub in the Mena region. The Deloitte report reiterated that the launch of ADGMs Regulatory Laboratory, RegLab, for FinTech start-ups, the only "live" Fintech regulatory regime in the Mena region with 11 Fintech players in its first batch of applications, as a "milestone success for Abu Dhabi and marked the openness and support by regulators and government towards innovation."



Commenting on the review findings, Teng said, "We are pleased that Abu Dhabi and ADGM have been recognised as the top FinTech Hub in the Mena region. This recognition is a strong endorsement of the initiatives and efforts that we have introduced to develop both the regulatory framework and ecosystem needed to support the ambition of Fintech stakeholders.



"ADGM has created many firsts in the Mena region, including the first to formulate a regulatory regime to licence FinTech participants, the first to develop a Regulatory Laboratory that provides a safe and controlled environment to foster Fintech innovation, and the first jurisdiction to establish a FinTech Bridge with Singapore that offers Fintech stakeholders greater access to markets, capital and regulatory recognition.



"The strategic support of our government, MoU partners and the community has been instrumental in the advancement of the Fintech growth and activities in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. As an international financial centre, ADGM will continuously enhance its business environment and FinTech ecosystem to better serve the needs of the Mena region now, and well into the future. We will continue to collaborate with Fintech stakeholders and local and international industry providers to identify areas of innovation and business opportunities, Teng concluded.
Foundation Holdings, a strategic healthcare, education and consumer-focused investment firm, has announced the appointment of five new senior executives as the firm continues to expand its investment portfolio in India and the GCC.



This step follows the company's set plan of investing Dh2 billion ($544 million) in the region over the next five years, said a statement from the company.



The new appointments include Tharshan Wijey as chief financial officer, Karan Yadav as chief strategy officer, Aakash Sachdev as managing director (India), Parvati Banati as managing director (Asset Management) and Phil Garrison as managing director (Operations), it stated.



Wijey joins Foundation Holdings after beginning his career with Morgan Stanley (Australia & Singapore). Having spent the last decade in the GCC defining healthcare and education businesses, he will develop Foundation Holdings long-term financial planning and investment portfolio with his disciplined, efficient and focused approach to business.



Yadav was a senior executive at Philips Lighting, Middle East, and has also spearheaded initiatives such as the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD). He will be responsible for developing and executing the long-term business strategy as well as expanding the business and market reach, stressing on creativity, innovation and visionary approach.



Sachdev, an industry veteran with 14 years of experience in financing and investing sector, will be leading the companys focus on the fast-growing $2.5 trillion Indian market.



Banati was the former managing director and head of investment banking coverage and advisory, South East Asia at Deutsche Bank, Singapore and had led the transformative IPO of IHH Healthcare.



She will be joined by Garrison as managing director (operations) who enjoys over 40 years of experience in international businesses, including various positions held with Caltex Petroleum. Garrison also served as the former chairman of the American School of Dubai.



Welcoming the appointments, CEO Abhishek Sharma said: "Our vision is to build sustainable, industry-defining companies and we believe that actualising this is a team sport. Human capital or our people are the key drivers of our superior investment returns, and we are very committed to the proposition that people drive business performance."



"I am delighted to welcome our new, highly talented and accomplished business leaders as we continue to expand the Foundation team. It is critical that we are building a 'human engine' to amplify Foundation Holdings robust 'business engine'," he stated.



"The new appointments will not only add depth and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our business, but together with the existing board of directors and advisory board, will help redefine the industry," he added.



In February this year, the firm launched a joint venture with Bloom Holding, an Abu Dhabi-headquartered group, aimed at investing over Dh1 billion ($272 million) in innovative workforce solutions, targeting the impactful sectors of healthcare, education and services within the UAE, said Sharma.



This joint venture, with an ambition to IPO, brings together two best in class partners, who share strategic and operational know-how in addition to solid political and financial capital, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Amna Insulations, a leading provider of energy saving solutions for the construction sector, has signed up as a green technology sponsor at the Gulf Construction Expo 2017 which opens next week in Manama, Bahrain.



Gulf Construction Expo (formerly gulfBID) is the northern Gulfs showcase for the GCCs building material and construction sector being organised by Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE).

It runs from April 25 to 27 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre under the patronage of HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

A division of Al Mezal Group of Companies, Amna will lead from the front as it showcases energy-saving, environment-friendly products and solutions for the construction sector.



Amna Insulations executive director Sulaiman Al Mezal said: "We are proud to lead the Green Technology element at the GCCs established showcase for the international building industry."



"Our aim at the Gulf Construction Expo will be to highlight the importance of the construction sector to make the transition from conventional building construction to green smart buildings. We have identified and developed products and solutions that cater to ensure that the transition is more effective in the short term," stated Al Mezal.



At Gulf Construction Expo, Amna Insulations will be offering energy-saving solutions such as the Marmox Multiboard, (the worlds lightest construction and insulation board), Marmox External Thermal Insulation System, Politerm Light Concrete (the lightest thermal insulating concrete in the world) and Pleko Systems (an external insulation and finishing system).



Jubran Abdulrahman, the managing director of HCE, said: "Amna Insulations' sponsorship of the Green Technology sector of Gulf Construction Expo adds a new facet to the exhibitions profile."



"Smart construction and environment-friendly products are a growing movement for building and construction products," he noted.



Gulf Construction Expo 2017 carries with it the strategic sponsorship of Haji Hassan Group of Companies and RP-KP Group together with Plant and Machinery Sponsors Motor City, while United Commercial Agency, the Bahraini agent for Midea, is the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) sponsor.



Supporting organisations include AHK (the German Industry of Commerce), Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism.-TradeArabia News Service
Expo 2020 Dubai will have a strong presence at the ongoing Think Science Fair 2017 being held in Dubai, UAE, inviting young people in the UAE to drive and shape the first World Expo ever to be held in the region.



Since its inception, Expo 2020s Youth Connect has launched several initiatives to ensure that the nations youth are a core part of the journey to Expo in 2020 and beyond as outlined by Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and director general, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau.



Al Hashimy said: From our earliest days of planning for the expo, we have been determined to put our youth at the heart of our plans.



The three-day event, which will conclude on April 20 and is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is an ideal platform for Youth Connect to engage and enjoy a dialogue with young people.



It will inspire them to explore expos vision of innovation and global progress, and give them the chance to share their own innovative ideas with Expo 2020 Dubai, as well as to express their interest in expos volunteer programme.



Alya Al-Ali, appointed as director at the age of 24, heads Youth Connect having first joined Expo 2020 Dubai shortly after completing her university studies.



This appointment is a reflection of Expos commitment to youth and their strong belief that young people are key contributors to both creating an exceptional event and building a meaningful legacy.



She said: At Expo 2020 Dubai we believe that this generation, my generation, represents a powerful opportunity for the region, using the building blocks of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship that are powered by youth, to create a brighter future. And we see Youth Connect as an avenue for inspiring, empowering and including young people to realise Expos vision.



We hope young people will capture the opportunity that Expo 2020 offers to build a better future. I invite young people to walk with us on this exciting journey, to connect minds and create the future, to contribute to a bold, new vision that we can call our own. Youth engagement will play a vital role in the success and legacy of Expo, she added.



Al-Ali emphasised that the relationship between expo and youth was wholly collaborative.



This is a two-way dialogue. We are here to learn and grow together. We want a long-term and reciprocal interaction with young people, to ensure that Expo is a life-changing, transformative experience for all of us, she stated.



Think Science is also an opportunity for Youth Connect to showcase initiatives that Al-Ali and her team have been working on  and also some that are new from 2017.



Among the Youth Connect initiatives are:

Youth events where the team will participate in or hold events that serve as powerful platforms for young people to get inspired and explore different ways to broaden their horizons. They will have the opportunity to create, innovate and explore opportunities through hands-on-experiences and workshops and other activities.



School roadshows in which nearly 12,000 schoolchildren so far have been given the chance to meet the Youth Connect team, understand Expos core theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future and challenged to learn, innovate and are encouraged to play a role in Expos journey to 2020 and beyond.



Youth Labs which give young people the chance to shape and define elements of Expo 2020 Dubai, their expo, and stake their ownership in it. It also keeps participants in the loop on everything Expo 2020, with updates on the latest news, initiatives and ideas. Examples include their direct input to the architects and designers of the landmark Sustainability Pavilion, helping expo celebrate the UAEs 50th anniversary National Day, and even contributing to concept plans for the official mascot.



An apprenticeship programme gave 27 apprentices the chance to take part in nine-month training courses at the expo. This opportunity has now been expanded following last months integration with another successful apprenticeship scheme for Emirati graduates run by the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza).



A volunteer programme will assemble a force of tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages and nationalities, many of them young, to help welcome the world and serve as the face of Expo as a global destination. Many of the volunteers will be young people  and their personalities and enthusiasm will be important in ensuring a positive impression for millions of visitors.



Al-Ali summed up: Youth has always been a priority for Expo 2020 Dubai, as it is for the government of our country and as shown in its numerous national initiatives for the young, such as Think Science.



This is so important in our region (Middle East, Africa and South Asia - MEASA), which has one of the youngest populations in the world, one filled with potential to positively transform the region, she added.



Young people are the vital link between the present and the future. And we want more to join this momentum to achieve exciting, positive change. Our expo here in the region will bring the world to our doorstep, and along with it, some of humanitys brightest ideas, she concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
OiLibya, Libyas state-run petroleum product distributor, plans to invest MAD85 million ($8.36 million) in renovating its lubricant production factory in Casablanca, a report said.



As part of the renovation, the manual production unit, which was constructed in 1967, will be replaced by a fully-automated system, resulting in increased production capacity, greater operational safety and improved product quality, reported Morocco World News.



The investment will ensure the production of high-quality lubricants to meet all customer needs, he report said, citing a company statement.








A total of seven petrochemical projects will go on stream in Irans Pars Special Economic Energy Zone in Assaluyeh, Bushehr Province by mid-March 2018, a senior official said in a report.



Forty petrochemical facilities are currently in operation in Pars Special Economic Energy Zone, Marzieh Shahdaei, head of National Petrochemical Company of Iran (NPC), was quoted as saying in an Iran Daily News report, citing Shana.



Iran is one of the few countries having abundant supply of petrochemical feedstock, she added.



The country has announced ambitious plans to build at least eight new condensate refineries in Pars Special Economic Energy Zone. This is meant to prevent further sales of raw material in favour of selling end products.



Once fully operational, the eight refineries will have a daily production capacity of 24,800 barrels of condensates, added the report.
Brazilian exports of textiles and clothing to the Arab region surged during the first two months of 2017, increasing by 87.5 per cent compared to its performance during the same period in 2016, according to the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).



The huge demand for synthetic fabric and sisal rope used in ships and rigs led the increase in total sales reaching $3 million up from $1.6 million in January and February 2016, said a statement from ABCC.



The Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT) reported that sales from rope exports accounted for $1 million, while beachwear, textile yarns and inner garments also rose during the two months, it said.



ABITs survey of exports include various parts in the production chain including raw materials such as fibres, yarns and filaments as well as technical and non-fabric industrial textiles, and clothing, it added.



Arab countries continue to be one of Brazils largest market for clothing, particularly for segments such as party wears, childrens and beach wears. Based on ABITs latest data, the UAE has the highest imports of Brazilian textiles and clothing during this period, followed by Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Lebanon, said a statement.



To boost the Brazilian textile and apparel industry exports, ABIT and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Agency (Apex-Brazil) have launched the Texbrasil programme which serves to benefit affiliated exporters, it said.



Statistics showed that companies which have participated in the program expanded their export markets to Arab countries by 40 per cent in 2016, valued at $2.9 million in 2015 to $4.1 million in 2016.



Michel Alaby, secretary general and CEO, ABCC, said: Brazils textile exports performance during the first two months of the year signify the steady growth of the countrys market share in the sector as the Arab World continues to look for quality materials, not only in raw materials but also with finished goods.



The Arab consumer base has a discerning taste for luxury and exclusivity in clothing and apparel and this segment remains promising for the Brazilian export sector, he said.



It is worth noting that the continued support of industry groups coupled with innovative business strategies, have played an important role for the growth of the Brazilian textile in the Arab region, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
Dubai Watch Week, a global platform of horological knowledge sharing and creative inspiration, will return for its third consecutive edition this year, after the unprecedented success in 2016, in November.



This unique event, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, and in association with Fondation de Haute Horlogerie (FHH), will take place from November 16 to 20 in Dubai.



It is expected to welcome thousands of visitors, including more than 60 industry legends and brands, said a statement.



After a raft of positive feedback following the 2016 edition, Dubai Watch Week is set to be bigger and better under the 2017 theme Classic and Contemporary. The theme explores the evolution of watchmaking, by bringing the industrys rich heritage to light as well as championing its innovation and creativity - connecting the past to the present.



In addition, Dubai Watch Week 2017 plans to add more masterclasses, creative hubs and panels to the agenda that are set to surprise and delight visitors, it said.



Melika Yazdjerdi, director of Dubai Watch Week and senior marketing and communication director, said: Following on from its phenomenal success last year, we are delighted to be hosting Dubai Watch Week for its third edition. This is a one-of-kind platform that promotes the sharing of information  everything from the individual stories behind each brand including technical movements, materials, and mechanisms to consumer trends and the future of watchmaking. This year we will carefully design an attraction that will appeal seasoned watch collectors, watch enthusiasts and visitors of the fair."



Dubai Watch Week is the largest international gathering devoted to horological knowledge exchange. The 2017 agenda will feature an exciting programme filled with, exclusive VIP events, workshops, watchmaking master-classes as well as talks some of the watch worlds most eminent personalities, the statement added. - TradeArabia News Service


The OSGP Alliance, the global non-profit association dedicated to promoting the adoption of the Open Smart Grid Protocol, OSGP, will organise the second Annual Smart Grid Security Summit in Dubai, UAE, a report said.



The event will take place on May 22 at Grand Hyatt Hotel, reported WAM, the Emirates official news agency.



Networked Energy Services Corporations (NES), a global smart grid market leader with industrys leading Patagonia Energy Applications Platform (EAP), will be the platinum sponsor of the security conference dedicated to utilities, regulators, ministries, consultants, researchers and vendors.



The energy sector is undergoing a rapid transformation with the deployment of smart grids, which enables real-time monitoring, fault detection, isolation and restoration, grid mapping, and automated reading as well as connections and disconnections. Therefore, it is vital to get a deeper insight on the security concerns as grids are a national asset and of critical importance for any country.



The 2017 Smart Grid Security Summit will highlight information on the "threats" to understand the current and the future threat landscape and "approaches" to mitigate threats in the most effective and comprehensive way possible, supported by relevant case studies from the field.



Bo Danielsen, chairman of the OSGP Alliance said, "While we are aware of the multiple benefits of smart grids, now is the time to also focus on the security threats caused by modern communication and information technology doorways. Following an overwhelming response to the first edition of the Smart Grid Security Summit that took place in Poland in September 2016, we felt it appropriate to expand the discussion on security concerns, data leaks and vulnerabilities of smart grids in the ME region."



The conference, he added, will offer the regional entities as well as other stakeholders a deeper insight on how smart grids can help in monitoring and managing the consumption of electricity and water resources for a sustainable future.



Michel Madi, CEO of Middle East, Africa and India, Networked Energy Services Corporation, noted: "The governments in the Middle East and particularly the GCC have launched several initiatives to deploy the latest innovations in a bid to move towards a diversified economy.



We will throw the spotlight on potential threats that can arise from smart grids and ways to secure them through the latest available solutions. As the MENA regions fourth largest market with the highest near-term potential for smart grid infrastructure and smart metering solutions as per the Emerging Markets Smart Grid: Outlook 2016, the seminar will be of particular significance for the UAE."
Just as retailers begin to gain clarity on what makes Millennials tick, a new generation is emerging that widens the digital divide even further. Meet Gen Z: categorized as consumers age 20 and younger. When it comes to digital shopping, they build on the attitudes and expectations first identified among Millennials.



A global research by Accenture, a management consulting and professional services company, reveals that within this new cohort, video-rich YouTube represents the go-to online choice for shopping, although many also turn to other social media beyond traditional online mainstays, such as Instagram and Snapchat.



The differences and evolving similarities between Millennials and Gen Zs will have a profound impact on retailers worldwide, as companies attempt to reach the two most digital generations yet.



Next Gen: Catching up with the Zs



Where Millennials pushed the digital envelope for retailers, Gen Zs stretch it even further. For example, the two generations dont frequent the same URLs. In fact, our research shows that social media has a significantly greater impact on Gen Z shopper purchasing behaviours than it does on Millennials, and this younger generation are expressing a greater willingness to buy products and services via the channel.



While currently less affluent than other generations, Gen Zs are nonetheless impulsive shoppers. Compared to older Millennials, nearly 60 per cent more say they made a purchase just because they wanted to buy something or because they randomly saw an item they liked.



While they might shed this impulsiveness as they mature, it could also become a key attribute when they gain more discretionary spending power. Additionally, reflecting their digital experiences with other purchases such as airline tickets and restaurant or hotel bookings, when they see something they like, they want to buy it immediately, and retailers must find ways to accommodate them.



Gen Z IS more open to new concepts



While there isnt a significant difference in age with the younger Millennials, Gen Z shoppers are far more likely to experiment with new services that retailers provide.



They are especially interested in services that make shopping easier and faster. For example, compared to both older and younger Millennials, they exhibit greater interest in renting fashion, furnishings, home goods, consumer electronics and appliances. They are also far more ready to order these items (rented or purchased) using concierge services like Apples Siri, Googles Assistant or Amazons Alexa artificial intelligence platforms.



We also found that Gen Z shoppers have a greater inclination to adopt monthly curated subscription programs such as Birchbox or Trunkclub for their fashion, consumer electronics and health and beauty products, says the Accenture report.



Whats different for retailers?



It seems likely that Gen Z will accelerate and amplify many of the hurdles retailers currently face in serving Millennials, including the impact on purchasing channel preferences, how shoppers choose what they purchase, and their effect on pricing, brand loyalty and the need for speed.



Stores still have a role to play. While Gen Z shoppers are making a strong shift online to make their purchases, some bedrock retailing elements remain intact. Among Gen Zs, the majority still prefer visiting stores to make their purchases.



Gen Zs act differently both in stores and online compared to Millennials. Higher percentages make visiting a store a multi-media/multi-channel event. More of them engage with sales associates, comparison-shop on mobile devices in the store, and ask friends and family about purchases (either in person or remotely via social media, texting or mobile devices). Theyre also more likely to interact with in-store, self-service digital information sources.



Whats influencing them at the moment of truth?



Like Millennials, Gen Z shoppers mostly buy items based on three factors: receiving the lowest price, seeing products in stores, and reading reviews. However, Gen Z consumers place a greater emphasis than Millennials on listening to friends and family and turning to social media for inspiration before deciding what to buy.



Gen Zs are also more inclined to consider the number of likes a product or service receives on social media, and the opinions of trusted bloggers.



A need for speed. Gen Zs crave speedy deliveries much more than Millennials do. In fact, many more of them will cancel an online order if delivery timing is ambiguous, and fewer are willing to wait for free deliveries. They want to schedule their deliveries and ideally get it that same day. And, they are more willing to pay extra for these conveniences:



Gen Zs are feedback fanatics. Gen Zs will also tell you what they think. Forty per cent said they provide feedback often or very often compared to about 35 percent of Millennials. The most popular method they use: writing reviews on retailer websites. Theyre also more likely to offer feedback via Tweets or posts to Facebook and Snapchat.



Charting Gen Z differences across the globe



Its clear that, like Millennials, Gen Zs are using technology available to them in their quest to purchase the perfect product in the perfect way. Yet, there are several significant differences depending on where they live.



While its no surprise shoppers in China prefer to shop online and leverage social media to shop significantly more than the global average, theyre also far more interested in the ability to engage with an online sales associate.



In Europe there remain significant differences. For example, when asking shoppers whether they are willing to buy things via social media. Compared to the global average: shoppers in Sweden are almost twice as willing to buy. Yet in Germany, less than half.



But even among English-speaking countries, there is a stark difference. For example, Australians are very interested in renting fashion items, yet this doesnt sound appealing to Canadians. And in the United States, shoppers still have a strong preference for in-store shopping.



Implications for retailers



Gen Z is emerging as a global consumer force. Retailers need to understand the ways these shoppers will differ from (and mirror) the Millennials, and whether the differences represent opportunities or challenges.



Dont abandon stores. The store needs to be an experience that is an extension of the brand. Re-imagine them to create a digitally connected, interactive and hyper-personalized physical shopping experience. Consider the ability of the sales associate to enhance the experience. The challenge for retailers is to move away from selling products and toward creating experiences and telling storiesfinding innovative ways to participate.



Focus on cool social media. Videos and pictures are becoming more important than text for younger shoppers. Social media plays a central role in their lives and the expectation of constantly changing stories is becoming the norm. Yet young people are quick to move to the latest channel, so being nimble is key for retailers.



Woo with experiences and speed. Experiences should be something that Gen Zs will want to share. Consider partnering with 3rd party companies to enhance the customer experience. Coupling experience with speedy fulfilment will go a long way toward meeting this generations expectations.



Overload on feedback. Gen Zs value feedback from their family and friends, suggesting that retailers no longer own the review process. Brands should also look at collecting shopper product testimonial videos  an authentic approach that adds tremendous credibility. Social listening capabilities and making this a prominent PR focus will be critical.



Get closer to the customer. Gen Z shoppers are open to new shopping models. This is a real opportunity for retailers to secure new customer data. And gleaning insights successfully can increase the lifetime value of each customer.  TradeArabia News Service
Emirates Palace joined the celebration as Kempinski Hotels marked 120 years of excellence with Ignite the Night, an evening of festivity and delight for guests.



A testament to Kempinski Hotels European heritage, Emirates Palace celebrated the Ignite the Night gala at the Emirates Palace Marina on the eve of April 8 for a memorable night of canapes, refreshments and a breathtaking view of the palace and the Arabian Gulf.



In line with the milestone anniversary, Kempinski Hotels has launched the Kempinski Travel in Style Competition. Participants have the chance to win an exclusive 10-night trip for two, with airfare, limousine transfers, and a suite experience in three of Kempinskis hotels.



Markus Semer, chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Kempinski Hotels, said: After 120 years, were delighted to pay tribute to an extraordinary past, and herald an exciting future. Our founder, Berthold Kempinski, paved the way for a new standard of hospitality, based on timeless European elegance and impeccable service. He created venues that introduced guests to new experiences, in unique and original surroundings, and his innovative and entrepreneurial approach has remained the inspiration for our development over the years.



Emirates Palace is among the worlds most iconic hotels that are managed and operated by Kempinski. The award-winning five-star luxury hotel boasts quintessential luxury in its rooms and suites, luxury spa, and signature restaurants and bars.



We have spent 120 years exploring the world, creating a constellation of remarkable havens to which guests can travel and stay in style, and we havent lost our thirst for discovery, said Semer. Whilst we value and preserve our traditions, we will continue to develop new and innovative approaches to hospitality, so while celebrating our past this year, we can also look forward to a bright future. - TradeArabia News Service
Jannah Hotels and Resorts, a luxury hotel group in the UAE, is set to launch its Jannah Residence this week.



Opening on April 15, the nine-storey Jannah Residence is now inviting long term leasers to experience home away from home in Abu Dhabi with Jannahs noble Bedouin hospitality.



The 36 well-appointed two-bedroom apartments are fully furnished and serviced, featuring high speed wi-fi, organic bath amenities, signature Spa beds equipped with the finest 450 thread count linen, and the legendary Karim services.



Strategically located on Al Zahiyah (formerly the Tourist Club Area) which has been the heart of Abu Dhabi for decades, Jannah Residence is an ideal place to stay with easy access to international restaurants, cafes and retail shops. Abu Dhabi Mall, housing signature brands, a variety of dining options and Abu Dhabi Co-op Hypermarket, is a five-minute drive away. - TradeArabia News Service
Jannah Hotels & Resorts chief executive officer Nehme Imad Darwiche will address the forum at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Halal Summit 2017, April 26.



The inaugural ATM Global Halal Tourism Summit brings together some of the worlds leading Muslim Travel experts to discuss the nuances of this fast-growing sector, which was worth $145 billion in 2015, around 10 per cent of total international tourism, according to Thomson Reuters. Its value is tipped to hit the $233 billion mark, some 13 per cent of total global travel expenditure by 2020.



The UAE is one of the worlds prominent Halal Tourism industry stakeholders, a pioneer in developing Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure that attracts an increasing number of domestic, intra-regional and international visitors, as well as a key source market for other Halal-friendly destinations around the world.



The discussion is divided into three parts, on which the speakers will put their focus  Halal Tourism: the big picture, Halal destination strategies revealed, and how to sell Halal Travel.



Nehme said, Considered as the pioneer in offering a Halal-friendly environment for Halal travelers, Jannah Hotels & Resorts understands Halal tourism is the fastest growing sector in the hospitality industry; and seeing this growth, Jannah responds to the increasing demand for halal alternatives for the rapidly growing halal market.



I am honoured to be given a platform to represent Jannah Hotels & Resorts as one of the pioneers in Halal Tourism, he concluded.



With over 15 years of hospitality experience, a diploma in Hospitality Management and an E-Cornell certification, Nehme launched Jannah Hotels & Resorts in 2013. He started his career in Stewarding before progressing to leadership roles with a five-star Asian hospitality group. A predestined meeting with a real-life Bedouin inspired the unique Jannah concept. The groups portfolio includes five properties with three more in the pipeline. The group is projected to manage 33 luxury hotels in 2022. - TradeArabia News Service


Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has unveiled plans to operate regular direct flights between Riyadh and Manchester, UK, starting in June, said a report.



The flights will be scheduled to operate on Mondays and Fridays, with four flights per week in both directions, said a report in Saudi Gazette.



This will be the second direct route to Manchester on Saudias network, apart from the existing current direct flights between the British city and Jeddah at the rate of 10 flights per week in both directions.



This is in line with Saudias plan of operating direct international flights. Saudia aims to target destinations that are witnessing growing demand for travel to the kingdom, according to market studies.
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2017, the regions leading travel industry showcase, opens its doors on April 24 for four days of business networking opportunities, insightful seminar sessions and top level ministerial discussions.



Now in its 24th year, the 2017 edition, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 24-27, will welcome over 2,600 exhibitors and an expected 30,000 visitors to the largest travel trade event in the Middle East.



For the second successive year, organisers have added an extra hall, to accommodate extra demand, with over 150 countries represented, 65 national pavilions, and more than 100 new exhibitors set to make their ATM debut.



Simon Press, senior exhibition director, ATM, said: It is clear that the Expo 2020 project is driving growth throughout Dubai, as it aims to complete 160,000 hotel rooms in time to welcome an additional five million visitors over the course of the six-month event. However, the UAE and the GCC countries as a whole are looking towards tourism as a way of diversifying their economies away from their reliance on hydrocarbon receipts.



He added: The increasing trend is for an immersive style of tourism, which encompasses different areas of local life  culinary, culture, history, shopping, nature, sports, halal, theme parks, wellness and spa, medical tourism and sheer Arabic opulence  and can be the basis for a holistic travel experience, by connecting with a place rather than just making a visit.



This growing trend is now on the radar of the regions tourism chiefs as destinations face increased competition for their share of the more traditional travel segments. And it is very much on the radar of Arabia Travel Market 2017, which has adopted experiential travel as the main theme of this years event, integrating it across all show verticals and many activities, including focused seminars and roundtable events.



New to ATM 2017, ILTM Arabia will play host to one-to-one, pre-scheduled appointments, between suppliers of luxury products and destinations from around the world to an audience of high net-worth individuals. While marketing to experiential travellers will be an integral part of the ATM Travel Tech seminar programme.



The UNWTO & ATM Ministerial Forum returns, uniting more than 20 ministers with industry leaders in the Mena region to consider methods of capitalising on tourism growth and building a sustainable ecosystem for the sector to unlock its potential within each countrys national agenda.



Other popular features returning to the show repertoire this year include the Wellness and Spa Lounge (which has grown by 40 per cent and now includes 35 international suppliers and 35 Middle East specialist buyers), Travel Agent Academy, Buyers Club and the Bloggers Speed Networking events.



There will also be a series of seminars, starting with the opening session of this years event on the Global Stage, which will look at the role Expo 2020 will play in delivering the UAE Governments long-term vision for economic diversification. Now just three years away, high level stakeholders will take part in a panel discussion about the upcoming event.



2017 began on a strong note for inbound tourism to Dubai with over three million overnight visitors recorded in January and February, representing a 12 per cent year-on-year growth in visitor numbers. A large part of this continued success is due to the ongoing support from our partners  from new and existing attractions, to airlines and travel agents  all working together to evolve and innovate Dubais destination offering.



ATM serves as a platform to highlight the factors behind Dubais appeal to a diverse range of travellers, as the emirate continues to drive tourism growth in line with our Tourism Vision for 2020. We are looking forward to showcasing Dubais ever-evolving destination proposition to the international travel trade community during the event - this includes a whole host of attractions that have launched over the past year alone, from theme parks such as Dubai Parks and Resorts, to more cultural offerings such as Dubai Opera, the Etihad Museum and Saruq Al Hadid.



On the stand at ATM this year well also be highlighting several new initiatives of our own including Dubai Sustainable Tourism updates and our new industry training Dubai Expert which Dubai College of Tourism will showcase  and much more, said Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubais Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism). - TradeArabia News Service


Simon Casson, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts president of hotel operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry accolade at the Food and Travel Arabia GCC Awards 2017.



As the driving force behind the companys expansion plans in the region, Casson served in senior roles at other properties in the GCC prior to assuming his current position. Most recently, he was the opening general manager for Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, which was named both Hotel of the Year as well as Best 5 Star Hotel at the same award ceremony.



Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Center, whose opening in March 2016 was overseen by Casson in his role as regional vice president, won the Best City Hotel award.



Prior to his work in Dubai, Casson served as the general manager for Four Seasons Hotel Doha for nine years, where he played an instrumental role in setting new industry benchmarks in Qatars hospitality sector.



A Four Seasons veteran of 28 years, Casson has held management positions in London, Washington DC and also previously chaired the companys Global Spa Task Force, overseeing Four Seasons spa efforts worldwide.



He assumed the role of president  Hotel Operations, EMEA, in August 2016, spearheading an active pipeline of projects in the region, with Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, the seventh property to join the companys GCC collection, expected to open in Q3 2017 and the recently announced Four Seasons Hotel Tunis scheduled for a late 2017 opening. Four Seasons will be providing more details of their expansion strategy at the upcoming Arabian Travel Market 2017 taking place in Dubai from April 2427. - TradeArabia News Service
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) will participate in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) for the first time as part of the its strategy to reach out and welcome more visitors from the Middle East.



The 2017 edition of ATM, which will be held in Dubai from April 24  27 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, will provide an ideal platform for JNTO and its partners to directly engage with the Middle Easts travel professionals and provide them relevant information and contacts for them to confidently promote the destination to their clients seeking quality, welcoming, memorable and unique experiences.



The number of international visitors to Japan has been growing dramatically year on year. By participating in the Arabian Travel Market, JNTO hopes to create many mutually beneficial partnerships with the regions leading travel professionals and airlines, to encourage more visitors from the Middle East to experience the wonder, beauty and hospitality that only Japan can provide.



In just three years since 2013 the number of international visitors to Japan has more than doubled, resulting in over 24 million visitors travelling to Japan in 2016 compared to the 10.3 million experienced in 2013. 2016 marks the first time Japan has welcomed more than 20 million visitors in one year. Having achieved this milestone result, the target of welcoming 40 million visitors before the country hosts the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020 seems an ever more realisable goal for the Japanese tourism industry.



When targeting Middle Eastern guests JNTO is keen to highlight the countrys unique heritage, modern pop culture, luxury experiences, tax free shopping and Japans traditional washoku cuisine - which has been designated as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage.



In order to make Muslim and Middle Eastern guests as welcome and comfortable as possible, many hotel, hospitality and restaurant partners throughout Japan have made extensive efforts to learn the cultural and religious needs of Muslim guests, including making available various services and offerings that are Halal or Muslim-friendly.



All this information can be easily accessed through the dedicated Muslim Guide website at: http://muslimguide.jnto.go.jp/eng/.



Joining the JNTO Japan pavilion are representatives from the tourism related authorities of Hokkaido, the Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau, Hotel Granvia Kyoto, Japans Prince Hotels, Ayabex and J-Links, Japanese destination management companies.



Special promotional packages to Japan created in collaboration with Cathay Pacific, and made exclusively for travellers from the UAE, will also be launched at the Arabian Travel Market to further entice visitors with great holiday deals.



Tokyo-Mt. Fuji - Kyoto package includes return flights from Dubai with Cathay Pacific, a one way Bullet Train ride from Tokyo to Kyoto, three night accommodation with breakfast at each of Shinagawa Prince Hotels in Tokyo and Hotel Granvia Kyoto, Tokyo city tour, Mt. Fuji & Hakone tour, Kyoto city tours and airport transfers by English speaking drivers. The price starts at Dh9,950 ($2,708.4) per person with twin / double sharing basis, and subject to seasonal surcharges. These special packages including this will be available through local UAE travel agents and valid until the end of December 2017. - TradeArabia News Service
Buddhists meet

Want to meet Buddhists in Casper? E-mail: davidvaughn991@yahoo.com.

Saturday

watercolor sessions

The schedule for the Saturday Morning Watercolor Sessions from 10 a.m. to noon for March and April at Art 321 is below. These are coordinated by Ellen Black, 265-6783. $10 per session.

April 22, practice session; April 29, building perspective, Dave Sneesby.

Learn Cybersecurity

The Natrona County Library will offer a Cybersecurity class from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, April 19. This course will help you to understand online security and start to protect your digital life, whether at home or work. You will learn how to recognize the threats that could harm you online and the steps you can take to reduce the chances that they will happen to you. Call 577.READ x2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

Using maps in geneology research

The Natrona County Library and Natrona County Genealogical Society will host a genealogy workshop on maps at 7 p.m., on Thursday, April 20 in the librarys glass enclosure on the first floor. The workshops primary focus will be the use of maps in genealogy research: what can be learned from them, where to find them, and the best types of maps. Free and open to the public. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

Beginning Experience in Douglas

Beginning Experience of Wyoming is a weekend program that offers healing and renewal to divorced, widowed and separated men and women. It is a nonprofit, faith-based comprehensive program offered to all, regardless of religious preference. A Beginning Experience weekend offers support and direction to help resolve grief or anger that can follow the end of a marriage by divorce, separation or death. The next Beginning Experience weekend will be in Douglas and starts at 7 p.m. on Friday evening, April 28, and runs through Sunday around 4 p.m. on April 30. The cost of the weekend is $150, which includes sleeping arrangements, meals and materials.

Scholarships are available. Registration deadline is April 26, 2017.

Ask these team members for more information: Curtis at 307.240.1232 or email westcurtis2014@gmail.com; Diane at 262.4142, Paulette at 267.6375.

Landowner

solutions workshop

A casual learning conversation about country living issues will be held at 6 p.m. April 25 at the Glenrock Community Library, 506 S. Fourth St. Admission is free. Topics will include fighting weeds and animal health among others. Please pre-register so materials will be available. Contact Scott Cotton, UW Extension, 235-9400 or Scotton1@uwyo.edu.

Write Brain Books training

Mercer Family Resource Center will host a Write Brain Books Training from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 26, at Mercer Family Resource Center, 535 W. Yellowstone Hwy. The training is $30 and includes lunch. The founder of Write Brain Books will facilitate the training, and is for anyone who works with youth and look for a new way to incorporate literacy into his or her programming/instruction.

Write Brain Books are illustrated, wordless books that inspire kids of all ages to become published authors of their own storybooks, each receiving published, hardcover copies of their original tales. To register for the training, please contact Mercer Family Resource Center at 265-7366.

For more information on the Write Brain Books training, please contact Keri Owen, NCPC grant assistant, at 265-7366 or kowen@mercercasper.com.

Call for portraits at Art 321

This is an open call to all artists in the community, working in any medium, to exhibit their artwork in the Art 321Casper Artists Guild Portrait Exhibit in May. Please note that artwork needs to be delivered to Art 321 Gallery by April 28.

McIntyre photo workshop May 5-6

If you love the photography of Suzette McIntyre now on display at Art 321 Gallery, you will be eager to sign up for her workshop coming in May. Convergent Photography is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6, instructed by McIntyre. Participants need to bring a digital camera. Fee is $130 for members/ $170 non-members.

Job fair May 3

The Department of Workforce Services is holding a Youth Job & Career Fair with the intent of informing youth and young adults in Casper of job openings, career opportunities, and college or training options that are available to them in the Casper community.

Youth and young adults between ages 16 and 24 who want to jump-start their careers are encouraged to attend. Individuals should dress to impress and take copies of their resumes to the Agriculture Resources & Learning Center from 9 a.m. to noon on May 3.

The event aims to connect youth with a range of employment opportunities and help them explore the diversity of education and career options available to them in the future.

For more information, call 234-4591.

Felt scarf workshop at Nic

A felt scarf workshop will be held from noon to 3:30 p.m. May 13 at the Nicolaysen Art Museum, instructed by Tatiana Lushnikova. Fees are $40 for members, 30 for students with valid student ID, and $55 for non-members. Please pre-register and pay by May 8. Bring a friend and save $10 on your class fee. This class is recommended for high school students and older.

In this class, students will learn the process of wet felting and produce their own piece of handmade fiber art.

For more information, contact Zhanna at zgallegos@thenic.org or call 235-5247.

Corporate team building with (theater) murder

Casper Theater Company will be teaching teambuilding workshops.

After determining areas of emphasis designed to a specific business, the workshop will be steered in that direction.

For more information, visit www.caspertheatercompany.net, or Casper Theater Company on Facebook or call Casie at 247-6167, or Donna at 267-7243 to set up a time.

Teen Challenge spring groups

Smart Step Families: Putting two families together is never easy. The Smart Step Families, led by a Christian couple, will give answers and encouragement. Thursday evenings starting in March. Call Pastor Mark or Linda at 259-1081.

Insight: Discovering the path to Christian character, especially in the midst of stress. For more information, call Teen Challenge Wyoming at 258-5397. There are nine sessions to the class.

Professionals in Recovery: An ongoing Christian recovery group. For more information, call Gary at 267-7777.

Free to Grow: Helping people overcome disappointments and setbacks that have arrested or are presently hindering their emotional and spiritual development. Starts in February and meets on Thursdays. For more information, call Jane at 797-7271 or Judy at 251-5644. There are 12 sessions to the class.

Peacemaking: In this world of division and conflict, its important for Christians to stay grounded in what the Bible teaches about resolving differences with others in a God- honoring way. Sunday at 4 p.m. For more information, call Teen Challenge Wyoming at 258-5397. There are 12 sessions to the class.

Stepping into Freedom: A Christ-centered 12-step program that offers support for anyone struggling with a life controlling problem like drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual addiction, gambling or workaholism. There are 12 sessions to the class.

New ministry at HPCC

Family Life Ministry at Highland Park Community Church is offering premarital, marriage enrichment, and parenting workshops, seminars, retreats and conferences, empowering families to thrive through Gods love. Please visit the website for more information or to register, http://hpcc.church/FLM.

Self-transformation class set

A Conscious Co-Creation/Self-Transformation & Healing seminar/live webinar will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 22 and 23, taught in person at the Agricultural Resources & Learning Center, 2011 Fairgrounds Road, and also via live webinar.

In the seminar/playshop, participants will learn how the universal and physical laws of creation work together with thoughts and ideas to form daily experience; how modern science bears out what the ascended masters have known for eons; and how to become aware of, and instantly start changing, the patterns of thought and emotion that are prevent realizing best potentials for a healthy, joyful, fulfilling life. The class is taught by Cathy Hazel Adams, practitioner of Intuitive Multidimensional Transformation & Healing, and Matrix Energetics certified practitioner.

For full class description and registration information, visit: www.cathyhazeladams.com and click on Classes & Webinars in the left sidebar, or call 797-9677 for more information.

Dementia caregiver support

Wyoming Dementia Care offers five Alzheimers Caregiver Support groups each month. Caregivers of those with dementia-related illnesses and the loved ones they care for are welcome at any of the group sessions. Professional staff from Intermountain Home Companions will be on hand to offer separate activities and snacks for those who need care. There is no charge for Wyoming Dementia Cares support groups or for the respite care provided during the approximately one-hour sessions.

The morning support group sessions meet on the first and third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at Central Wyoming Senior Services, 1831 E. Fourth St. The afternoon support groups meet at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Life Care Center of Casper, 4041 S. Poplar. The evening groups meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Meadow Wind Assisted Living, 3955 E. 12th St.

For information, email wyodementia@casperseniorcenter.com or call Dani Guerttman at 265-4678.

Family continues suicide support

Good Grief, Support will continue at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the 12-24 Club, 500 S. Wolcott, by request of attendees. Anyone who is grieving a suicide or death or considering suicide is encouraged to attend. Attendance, as well as the content, will be strictly confidential. The Fresh Start Cafe will be open, and you can eat during the meetings. This meeting place was offered by Dan Cantine of the 12-24 Club. You need not be a member to attend. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom.

New depression group begins

J.R.s Hunt for Life is offering See it Clearly, a free peer support group for people suffering from depression and other mental conditions that lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. The group is led by like-minded peers wishing to offer support. Anonymity and confidentiality is offered to all attending. Meetings are at 6:45 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 500 South Wolcott in the conference room on the second floor, (12-24 Club). Those who have considered or attempted taking their life or are struggling are welcome. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom.

Family offers faith-based groups

The family of J.R. Hunter, who committed suicide, now has two additional support groups, these faith-based, in addition to the groups they run on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the 12-24 Club. Those continue. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom.

J.R.s Hunt for Life presents two faith-based grief and depression peer to peer support groups at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. at Restoration Church, 411 S. Walsh. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom.

Grief Support Group, Good Grief: A faith-based grief support group that the family hosts on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Restoration Church. The familys loss has moved them to offer this to anyone grieving. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom.

Depression Support Group, See It Clearly: A faith-based free peer to peer support group for persons suffering from depression and other mental conditions that may lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. The group is led by like-minded peers wishing to offer support. Anonymity and confidentiality is offered to all attending. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at Restoration Church. Those who have considered or attempted taking their life or are struggling are welcome. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom.

Parkinsons exercise

Rocky Mountain Therapy is offering a Parkinsons exercise program. Join us from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays at Rocky Mountain Therapy, 2546 E. Second St., Building 500. These classes are open to anyone with Parkinsons or caring for someone with Parkinsons.

Thursdays class is tailored for the individual with more advanced Parkinsons and focuses on improving endurance, safety and managing symptoms. We are open to all ages and can tailor the class to meet varying exercise needs. The cost of the class is $5. To RSVP, call 577-5204 and ask for Jerri or Shannon.

Celebrate Recovery every Friday

Celebrate Recovery meets at 5:30 p.m. every Friday at Highland Park Community Church, just south of Elkhorn Valley Rehabilitation Hospital on East Second Street. A family meal starts the evening, followed by praise and worship. At 7 p.m., theres either a lesson from Celebrate Recoverys planned curriculum or a testimony by a person who has found recovery through Christ. Then, people go to gender-specific small groups until 8:30 p.m., when dessert and fellowship conclude the evening. Child care is available at no cost. For more information, contact Chris at 265-4073.

Here and Now: Dementia-focused monthly art class

Classes are every third Tuesday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. There is no charge. Here and Now is a program made possible through a collaboration between Wyoming Dementia Care and the Nicolaysen Art Museum. It is designed to provide a supportive environment for people with dementia and Alzheimers and their loved ones.

To register, contact Dani with Wyoming Dementia Care 265-4678, ext. 106, or at wyodementia@casperseniorcenter.com or Zhanna Gallegos at 235-5247 or at zgallegos@thenic.org.
Nancy Casper with the Federal Emergency Management Agency said some of the repairs related to the Feb. 7 storm will be covered by federal funds. But the county will have to look elsewhere for money to cover flooding damage that came after the storm.
The Casper Area Economic Development Alliance announced Monday it will pursue manufacturers of turbines, electronics and related parts in the wind generation industry in an attempt to draw new employers to the region.

CAEDA board members met with a handful of state lawmakers last week to discuss their new focus on the wind energy industry, said Charles Walsh, CAEDAs new president and CEO.

The organization is tasked with creating new jobs and diversifying central Wyomings economy  which is especially important at this time when the fossil fuels industry is down and many local workers are unemployed or underemployed. The organization is regrouping and focusing on a number of industries to achieve these goals, Walsh said.

Board members also talked to Natrona County legislators about state statutes and policies that could derail any effort to persuade wind industry companies to move to Casper  including a $1-per-megawatt-hour production tax levied by the state.

The tax is contentious in Wyoming and the subject of much debate in the Wyoming Legislature.

Lawmakers who support the tax  some even want to see it increased  believe its a way to create tax parity with the fossil fuels industry. They note the wind industry obtains federal tax benefits that are unavailable to fossil fuels, which they believe are losing out in the energy market and producing less revenue for the state.

But Wyoming is the only state with a production tax. Heavy hitters in the wind industry, such as Power Company of Wyoming, have said it makes them take pause when considering beginning operations in blustery Wyoming. Such words worry other lawmakers, who would like to remove the production tax to diversify the economy.

Sen. Bill Landen, a Casper Republican who attended last weeks meeting, said CAEDA board members mentioned that Kansas, Iowa and Colorado are doing a better job attracting the wind industry.

While (the tax) isnt a great deal of money, it still sends a message to the wind industry that maybe Wyoming is not as welcoming to that particular industry, he said. I think theres concern at the state level in that regard But Ive had constituents express concerns on that front, about the competitive nature of our minerals industry.

Landen said CAEDA board members didnt ask lawmakers to draft any bills about the tax or any other economic development issue.

I think they were interested in us knowing theyre trying to take a new direction under new leadership, he said.

Walsh noted that Salt Lake City-based Rocky Mountain Power intends to spend nearly $3 billion in the state in coming years.

Rob Godby, a University of Wyoming energy economist, said in addition to Rocky Mountain Powers planned investment in wind, there are projects slated in the region that could be a boon to the local economy  if companies choose to set up operations in the Oil City as oil companies have done in the past.

Projects include the 1,000-turbine Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project, which will be the worlds second-largest wind farm if it is completed, and a venture north of Medicine Bow by the Venezuelan firm of Viridis Eolia.

Wyoming has some tax structures that may be detrimental to wind development, Godby said. And the perception to people outside the state is Wyoming is anti-wind. Imagine youre a company and youre looking at billions or hundreds of millions in development in the state of Wyoming. You take it to your board, and theyll say, Wyoming hates wind.
KEMMERER  A 23-year-old man avoided facing the death penalty by pleading guilty to kidnapping and killing a Utah train worker in Wyoming.

Dereck James Harrison entered his plea Monday during his arraignment in District Court in Kemmerer.

Harrison pleaded guilty to first-degree murder while perpetrating a kidnapping and kidnapping in the May slaying of Kay Porter Ricks, 63.

Prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty in exchange for Harrisons guilty plea. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 17.

Harrison already is serving at least 30 years in a Utah prison after pleading guilty last year to tying up a woman and her four daughters in a basement.

After that, he and his father snatched and killed a train worker while on the run from police, prosecutors said.

His father, Flint Harrison, killed himself in jail last July.

Dereck Harrison put most of the blame for Ricks killing on his father, saying that his father was the one who killed Ricks and that he thought they were going to let Ricks free in Wyoming.

Dereck Harrison had been charged in Wyoming with four counts: murder in the first degree with premeditation and malice, murder in the first degree while perpetrating a kidnapping, kidnapping, and wrongful taking or disposing of property. Two counts were dropped in the plea deal.

Authorities have said that the Harrisons kidnapped Ricks from a Salt Lake City TRAX stop where he was working and drove Ricks truck to a rural area outside Kemmerer in southwest Wyoming and killed him. Ricks body was left in sage brush off a dirt road.

After a five-day manhunt, the Harrisons were arrested at a remote hideout near the small town of Pinedale.

The whole episode stemmed from drugs, police said. The Harrisons had been using methamphetamine for days and wrongly thought the woman they kidnapped had reported them to police. So they kidnapped her and her daughters.

However, the family escaped from the two, prompting the Harrisons to flee and setting up their encounter with Ricks.
As a child growing up in the Midwest, I did not think much about national parks.

I learned about them, of course, but like Mars or Jupiter  places that existed and were probably pretty cool but that didnt seem to be at all relevant to my own life.

We did plenty of traveling when I was a child, but mostly those trips were not about national parks. Michigan has some truly lovely spots  including a small national park and a couple of seriously stunning national lakeshores that I cannot recommend highly enough  but when I thought about national parks, I thought about mountains, and I didnt know much about those.

That changed when I moved to Wyoming. The Casper area isnt quite a national park destination in itself, but its an ideal jumping-off point for your next adventure. Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain...theyre all just a few hours away, with others in range as well.

Despite being not particularly outdoorsy, Ive reveled in recent visits to the two parks within Wyomings borders as well as Rocky Mountain, not far from Denver. You dont have to be outdoorsy to kayak on glassy Jenny Lake or take a tranquil raft ride down the Snake River or hike Deer Mountain.

You do need to wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen. Theres really no way around that.

Its also imperative that youre curious and ready to soak it all in. These are Americas national parks. They are pristine and wild and jaw-droppingly beautiful, and each one Ive visited has been like nothing I had ever seen before.

Aside from the science that gurgles in Yellowstone and the peaks that scrape the sky above Grand Teton and Rocky Mountain, what has amazed me most about these places is their vastness. There is so much space to play and so many things to look at. Theres driving and gentle walking and hiking and biking and fishing and paddling  so many ways to get out there and see lakes, rivers, wildflowers, animals, rocks, even other people.

And yes, there are other people. I was at Rocky Mountain recently  during a much appreciated free admission weekend, no less  and had no trouble finding quiet spots to enjoy, where it felt like my eyes were the only ones taking in a particular spring view.

In summer, though, I imagine thatd be more difficult. With record-setting tourism numbers at Yellowstone and Grand Teton in the last few years, you might have to try harder to escape the crowds and find solitude.

The only solution I can think of to that problem is just to do it. Try harder. Visit during quieter hours. Locate a trail fewer people might be on, then train in advance of your visit to navigate it. Finding that moment of quiet in a national park  just you and the air and the view  is worth it.

The wide open West has so much to offer. We are fortunate that these parks have been set aside to honor our sense of exploration and our sense of wonder. And when its time to come back home, we can breathe a little deeper. We can take in that fresh air and those magnificent views and know that next time we can break free for a weekend, theyll be there, just as they were, ready for us to come find inspiration again.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some April 18 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  Members of the Arizona House are finally going to get the chance to decide whether the states newest drivers should be prohibited from using their cellphones while they drive.

But the future of the newly resurrected measure remains in doubt, with even the House GOP leadership divided.

The measure says that new drivers  those in the first six months of getting a license  cannot operate any hand-held communication devices. That means not just no texting and emailing, but also no chatting on the phone with friends and family.

Members of the House Rules Committee on Monday agreed that SB 1080 is constitutional and in proper form for consideration. That was never really in question, as the bill has already been approved by the Senate.

It was stalled, however, when Rep. Phil Lovas, R-Peoria, who chaired the committee, refused to clear it to go to the full House. Lovas said he feared it might lead to even greater restrictions.

Lovas is now gone, having quit the Legislature last week to take a post in the Trump administration.

That allowed House Speaker J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, to name himself to the position. And Mesnard, who supports the legislation, got the panel to give its OK, setting the stage for floor debate later this week.

Arizona is one of just a handful of states with absolutely no specific statewide limits on the use of cellphones while driving, although some local municipalities have some restrictions. But significant opposition remains.

I think its a parental authority thing, said House Majority Leader John Allen, R-Scottsdale.

I had three sons and they all had phones and cars, he told Capitol Media Services. I just told them not to do it; I told them thered be consequences.

And Allen said hes convinced his sons, now grown, always obeyed his admonition.

House Majority Whip Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, also hopes the measure falters.

I think its already against the law, she said, saying police can cite motorists for distracted driving if they weave in traffic because theyre on the phone.

But Townsend said the bigger concern is that this narrowly crafted measure wont be the last word. She said once Arizona bans texting while driving for teens, it would just be a small step to expand that to cover all motorists, something Townsend said most lawmakers are now unwilling to do.

Sen. Karen Fann, R-Prescott, who pushed the measure through the Senate, said her legislation really is setting no new precedents. She pointed out there already are special restrictions on new drivers, including limiting the number of unrelated teens who can be in the vehicle as well as prohibiting them from driving after midnight unless it is to go to work or school.

No date has been set for House floor debate.
A Mexican man was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison Monday in a 2008 rollover that killed four people near Eloy.

Hector Salas Garcia, 40, was driving a pickup truck with at least 31 passengers as part of a human smuggling attempt, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a news release Tuesday. All of the passengers were in the United States illegally.

A federal judge in Phoenix sentenced Salas Garcia to 121 months in federal prison after Salas Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal immigrants resulting in death.

He left the scene of the rollover before law enforcement arrived and was taken to Mexico by his brother, Agustin Salas Garcia, who pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and was sentenced in 2009 to 18 months in prison and then deported, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
A former Tucson Fire Department captain likely will spend the rest of his life in prison for killing his ex-wife, her mother and her mother's friend.

David Watson was sentenced Monday to 16 years in prison for killing his ex-wife Linda Watson; a life sentence for killing her mother Marilyn Cox; and another life sentence for killing Cox's friend Renee Farnsworth.

The sentences will run consecutively and Watson will serve 66 years before he is eligible for parole. He must first serve the 16-year sentence and 25 years each of the life sentences. He was given credit for 723 days already spent incarcerated.

Watson was convicted March 17 of the three murders in a second trial after his first trial last year ended in a hung jury. Before sentencing Monday, a judge denied Watson's request for a new trial.

Watson, 48, was convicted of one count of second-degree murder in the 2000 death of Watson, 35. He also was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the 2003 fatal shootings of Cox, 63, and Farnsworth, 53.

Linda Watson disappeared in 2000 from her house in the 2600 block of West Curtis Road. Investigators found blood in several locations inside the house.

Three years later, her skull was found near the Silverbell Mine northwest of Tucson. The skull wasnt identified as hers until 2011, due to a mistaken assumption it belonged to someone who died after crossing the border illegally.

Cox tried to find her daughters killer and fought David Watson and his then-wife, Rosemary Watson, in court for visitation rights to Coxs granddaughter, who was 4 years old when her mother disappeared.

In 2003, Cox and Farnsworth were fatally shot in Coxs driveway by a lone gunman after Coxs first unsupervised visit with the Watsons daughter, Jordynn.

On Monday, Jordynn Watson said Judge Deborah Bernini was sending an "innocent man" to prison and called the trial "truly a failure of our justice system."

"I lost my mother and grandmother and now I've lost my father," she read from a prepared statement as her hands shook the paper.

She said her father was "very kind-hearted" and tried to provide a "safe environment" for her.

Her mother and grandmother are "looking down disgusted" at the investigation and trial, where "a lot of untruths" were told.

Defense lawyer Natasha Wrae pointed to letters of support for Watson filed with the court by firefighters who "don't believe he had the capacity to do this." She also noted Watson was promoted at TFD, which she said was a sign of his good character.

Wrae asked that Watson be sentenced to the minimum term, which would have been concurrent sentences with the possibility of release after 25 years in prison.

Deputy County Attorney Jonathan Mosher said Watson showed "severe disregard for the value of human life" and asked that he be sentenced to the remainder of his natural life.

David Watson said he is innocent, despite being "labelled as guilty." The murders were "very tragic" and the "tragedy will continue" as he spends years in prison.

He asked Bernini to give him concurrent sentences "so maybe I can be back with my kids," he said as he choked up.

Watson said he was hopeful his appeal would exonerate him.

Pat Hinkle, sister of Marilyn Cox and aunt of Linda Watson, tearfully read a prepared statement in which she said her niece was disposed of "like a sack of trash."

She lamented there would be no more conversations with her sister about "silly shoes" or sharing coffee and doughnuts. Instead, her sister and niece were killed by the "same sadistic coward."

Bernini cautioned that no matter what sentence she handed down, "there is no closure" to anyone whose lives were "hopelessly shattered" by Watson's crimes.

"There is a darker nature to all of us, but some people hide it better than others," she said, and Watson's darker nature rendered him capable of the murders.
Shortly after announcing he would run as a Democrat for the congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, Billy Kovacs spent the next several hours explaining that he wasnt a Republican.

Kovacs, the operations manager of Hotel Congress, stressed in a statement to the Arizona Daily Star that he had been a registered Democrat since 2008.

The Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles made a clerical error last year, he said, changing his registration in August, formally making him a Republican. Kovacs said he wasnt aware of the issue until he was asked about his party registration by the Star.

I am a registered Democrat, he said.

This error was part of a systemic-wide issue at the DMV that affected countless others in Southern Arizona last year. The secretary of state has corrected this error in my party affiliation.

I am dismayed this happened to me as it did to countless others last year.

The campaign has since turned over the document he submitted to the DMV, showing he indicated he was still a Democrat and did not want to change his party registration.

However, Kovacs wasnt always a registered Democrat. He registered as a Republican in 2006, election records show.

He registered as a Democrat in October 2008, shortly before the election of President Barack Obama.

In his announcement Monday, Kovacs said he wanted to run for the Congressional District 2 seat because McSally, a Republican, has refused to stand up to President Trump.

Donald Trump and his administrations policies and rhetoric are divisive, un-American and offensive. Congresswoman McSally is complicit, and her pledge to be an independent voice has turned out to be a false promise, he said. With her 100 percent support of President Trumps agenda, she has proven herself to be nothing short of a rubber stamp for a president whose policies crush working and middle-class families in Southern Arizona.

Kovacs has worked in Cochise County at his familys vineyard in Pearce and cofounded Tucson eatery Prep and Pastry.

He joins a crowded field of Democrats who want to challenge McSally in the general election next year. Other candidates who have filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for CD2 include William Foster and Charlie Verdin.

Jeff Latas, who ran for the Democratic nomination for Congress in Southern Arizona in 2006, has also indicated he is considering a run for the seat.
If the YWCA of Southern Arizona could blow out 100 candles and make a birthday wish come true, it would ask for one thing: To level the playing field for women at work and in business.

In 1917, the women who started the YWCA understood that empowering women and supporting women means all women, said Kelly Fryer, CEO of YWCA of Southern Arizona. There has been a commitment to racial justice that has intersected gender equity from the beginning, and now we are stepping up our advocacy and doubling down on the work we have been doing in terms of economic justice to make sure that women and minorities in our community have access to training, resources, tools and the funding they need to be successful.

At its 100th birthday celebration May 4, the YWCA will launch the public phase of the Second Century Campaign, which seeks $1 million for the Womens Impact Fund and $500,000 for the Stand Together Arizona Training & Advocacy Center.

Fryer said the impact fund will offer loans to women and minority entrepreneurs and invest in business ventures and projects that drive economic development, such as the YWCAs Kitchen Business Incubator in South Tucson. The training center will support voter education and engagement, grassroots activism and development of legislative strategies.

This is a two-pronged strategy that puts tools in the hands of women and changes the systems that are unfair and make life so much more difficult than it needs to be for women and other marginalized folks, Fryer said.

Fryer hopes to raise awareness about the fact the YWCA does more than help women get back on their feet. She is trying to promote outreach about opportunities such as the Womens Leadership Conference, the Latino Leadership Institute and other workforce development programs that have become cornerstones in the community over the past three decades.

Fryer also emphasized that through the Second Century Campaign, the YWCA is carrying on a historic tradition of championing justice. She said many people are unaware that during the 1930s, the YWCA offered Tucsons only swimming lessons for children of color as well as integrated housing for women who attended the University of Arizona; in 1974, it opened Tucsons first state-certified infant-care center and in 1981 opened the first local housing program for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
PHOENIX  The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday threw out a federal judges decision to award $2.7 million to a Tucson couple for the misconduct of attorneys for a tire company they sued.

Justice Elena Kagan did not dispute the finding by U.S. District Court Judge Roslyn Silver that the lawyers for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. had hidden from the couples attorney critical information about the safety of one of its tires. And Kagan said Silver was correct in concluding that had the information been disclosed as required, the case might have settled sooner.

But Kagan, writing for the unanimous high court, said the ability of Silver to financially punish the company and its lawyers is limited to the damages caused by that misconduct. And she said there is no evidence that what Goodyear did  or in this case did not do  resulted in that much of a financial loss.

Tuesdays ruling does not end the matter but instead sends the case back to Silver to reconsider.

The decision has implications beyond the Tucson couple, setting clear standards for when federal judges can punish defendants for hiding evidence. The issue was so critical that even the National Association of Manufacturers, whose members also could find themselves facing similar sanctions, submitted its own legal arguments on behalf of Goodyear.

The case involves a Tucson couple driving through New Mexico in 2003 in their motor home.

While on a freeway, one of the tires allegedly failed, causing the vehicle to go over an embankment and flip over, causing serious injury to driver Leroy Haeger, his wife and their daughter-in-law.

In filing suit against Goodyear, attorney David Kurtz alleged the tire was defective and repeatedly demanded all the information the company had on testing of the G159 model of tire.

After Goodyear attorneys provided all of what they said the company had, Kurtz and his clients agreed to an out-of-court settlement  the amount was not disclosed  after the first day of trial. That came in 2010, five years after the lawsuit was filed.

It was only later that Kurtz, reading about another lawsuit against Goodyear, learned that the company had some results from an internal heat test it never provided to him.

Those results, he said, backed his argument about why the tire failed. In fact, the plaintiffs in that other case got a $5.6 million verdict against the company.

So Kurtz went back to court and argued that he would not have agreed to the settlement had the information been disclosed.

That failure clearly annoyed Silver.

There is clear and convincing evidence that sanctions are required to be imposed, she wrote, saying the attorneys and Goodyear made repeated, deliberate decisions  to delay production of relevant information, make misleading and false in-court statements, and conceal relevant documents.

Since the underlying case had been settled, that left Silver with only the option of ordering the company and its lawyers to pay the couple the $2.7 million she said they spent in legal fees and expenses in preparing for the trial, money she said they might not have had to spend if Goodyear had disclosed the test results and the case been settled earlier.

Kagan, in Tuesdays ruling, said courts have inherent power to fashion an appropriate sanction for conduct which abuses the judicial process. But she said these must be compensatory rather than punitive in nature.

That means, pretty much by definition, that the court can shift only those attorneys fees incurred because of the misconduct at issue, Kagan wrote. Anything else, she said, is punitive and illegal.
Help India!

By Rashmi Bhushan for Twocircles.net

I looked at the weather and murmured, There are ominous dark clouds gathering overhead. A voice from behind asked Are you talking about this uneasy weather or about democracy? When I looked back I saw an old man who resembled a satyr more than a man.

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He had wide-set, bulging eyes that darted sideways and enabled him, like a crab, to see not only what was straight ahead but what was beside him as well. He started coming towards me, I noticed he was barefoot but his gait was very intimidating then my eyes went on to his flat, upturned nose with flaring nostrils and large fleshy lips which reminded me of a donkey. What was most attractive about that non- attractive man was his long hair and the arrogance he was carrying on his face along with a stick in his hand. He came closer to me and asked me how old are you? I replied, Who are you? then he repeatedly asked me how old are you to which I answered, rather irritatingly: 21. He said WHAT, to which I replied, I am 21 years old. A contented smile appeared on his face, and he said: You are quite young. Then as a young curious mind, I started my interrogation, I bombarded him with so many questions like, Who are you? Where have you come from? and How come you listened to my murmuring even from such a distance and why did you say democracy, etc. His name was enough to close the Pandora box of my curiosity. He is Socrates, the greatest of the great philosophers.

He brought philosophy down from skies. We decided to walk. We started our journey from one of the posh areas of Delhi, Connaught Place. When I along with Socrates, walking through those white pillars where beautiful ladies and handsome men were lost in their own world of narcissism, whirr and click sound was coming as if some lone wolf has come up with a machine gun. Socrates got astonished by looking at the blatant narcissism. As soon as the creatures of the narcissistic world had a look at Socrates they also got astonished and contempt was rolling down from their eyes. To avoid such a disdain we decided to move on. Socrates seemed hungry, so I decided to take him to some restaurant but unfortunately, we could not get entry, I suppose the reason was Socrates.

While walking, we came across a large screen television, a larger panel was debating something, and Socrates got fascinated and took a pause at that place. His pause continued for a long time and then I interrupted and asked what happened? , why are you looking so nostalgic? He said this television debate reminded me of my court trial. In a charmingly naive way, he started asking me Is this pervasive or only a few media house does so? I was left with no answer, so to avoid the embarrassment I asked a counter question, that is, how you relate this to the Athenian courtroom where you had been trailed? He started his explanation by comparing journalists with Anytus and Meletus, they were great admirers of democracy but they were the ones who brought me to the court for expressing my mind. Journalism is supposed to be critical of the world but after watching that debate Socrates said it seems journalism has become an instrument to crucify those who dare to criticise views to which media house pays great homage. The anti-democratic actions of media and Anytus and Meletus made them interrelated. Like the Athenian courtroom, the newsroom is also filled with lies. An apology is a symbol of violation of free expression, so is todays journalism/public discourse. After reading Apology it is vivid that the contempt and apprehension Socrates is showing after watching that news debate (read it noise debate) is no exaggeration and comparison between media and a court trial is apt. In religious court in the Athenian agora, Socrates articulated one of the great pities of human society, he says It is not my crimes that will convict me but instead, rumours and gossips; the fact that by whispering together you will persuade yourselves that I am guilty. This is what todays journalism is all about. They create their narrative and spread that narrative vehemently and sometimes they prosecute also. After watching all the recent debates, whether it is a debate of Jawaharlal Nehru University students labelling them as anti-national or/and terrorists or any such debate, Socrates said nothing but quoted another Greek philosopher, Hesoid, Keep away from the gossip of people. For rumour is an evil thing; by nature, shes a light weight to lift up, yes, but heavy to carry and hard to put down again. Rumour never disappears entirely once people have indulged her

While walking on the streets of Delhi, we come across an ATM line Socrates surprisingly asked me what is going on here? I sarcastically answered him it is an MRI test for patriotism. In a charmingly naive way, he asked me Cant we stand there? Meanwhile, an old man fell down from the queue, Socrates and I tried to help that old man. Socrates started saying what kind of patriotic test is it, where people are dying unwillingly? Love for the country doesnt mean this. A group of people came up towards Socrates and heckled him with their soldier argument but poor people they did not know that they are heckling someone who preferred hemlock over exile.

After the tussle, we chose to move on to another destination but this time not by foot but by the Metro. Looking at so many young people Socrates was mesmerised, he tried to talk to a few of them but some of them were busy in playing Pokemon, some were busy with their headphones. Amidst, an old lady came in and many young ladies and lads offered her seat I felt so nice in fact Socrates also had a smile while watching this but the life of our happiness was shorter than a minute when another old woman came in and no one offered her as seat, the reason was that she was an old lady labourer who was not as elite as the former old lady. After getting down at our destined station Socrates shows a great disdain for that act. He said it appeared that I am in an Athenian democracy where everyone has right to speak, as in this case, everyone has right to board the metro, but the greater rights go to the elites.

Finally, we reached to mela of megalomania, that is, UP during elections. Fortunately or unfortunately, we reached there on the day when there was a huge rally. We decided to attend that rally and we stuck to our decision. After that rally, Socrates told me the Sophists exist now also. Yes, you got it right, Socrates was talking about our politicians who speak only rhetoric, and truth which does not exist, that is post- truth. Socrates was not familiar with the word post- truth but he knew the meaning since his time. After watching and listening to politicians Socrates looked grim. I knew the reason but still, I asked him the reason. With a great sense of anger and sadness, he replied  This is what makes democracy one of my bete noirs. Even after being a great believer in democracy (brutally honest, a eulogizer) I could not defend it as it has stooped to a level where DEMOCRACY has been replaced by DE MOCKERY- CY.

From CP to UP, whatever Socrates encountered has augmented the disdain he was showing for democracy. He was aggrieved by the fact that even after so many centuries the discriminating nature of democracy, and the neo- sophists exist and what not exist is a youth who is curious. Suddenly we heard someone screaming, both of us walked towards that voice. What we got to see was deplorable, a few young couples were thrashed by some puritanical squad (read it anti- Romeo squad). A few of couples were let go after a great deal of humiliation but two men were still beaten up. Again, Socrates got perplexed. At his typical, he asked me about the nitty-gritty of the incident. I explained to him that these couples are victims of moral policing. They are punished for falling in love. He asked  why these two men are still being thrashed? I answered in a very low voice  homosexuality is an offence in India not only culturally but by laws as well. My answer made Socrates numb with shock, he asked me with a heavy voice Shall we leave?

We should be happy that Socrates decided to leave. Had he not left such, once again he would have been forced to drink hemlock. And this time, not any court but news channels would have done his trail and it is most likely that his death would have been telecasted live on television and some people must have taken sadistic pleasure. The journey with Socrates filled my mind with a zillion questions but what I kept, in fact, keep, asking myself is- What kind of world are we living in where people like Socrates (who preferred hemlock over exile in Athens) prefers to leave?

The author is an MA student at Centre for Political Studies at JNU.
Help India!

By Siddhant Mohan, TwoCircles.net

Tension prevailed in the Birbhum district of West Bengal after a Muslim boy named Azhar Sheikh was killed on Monday night following a dispute.

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On Monday, 25-year-old Azhar Sheikh was returning to his village, Amdole, where the incident occurred, on his bike, when he accidently hit the gate of Pandal. The pandal was installed on the occasion of a Hindu marriage ceremony.

Angry members of the Hindu community thrashed the boy, following which Azhar came back home and returned to the spot with his brothers and friends in order to confront the attackers. But according to locals, members of the Hindu community were already prepared with the sickle and javelins. When Azhar arrived, he was stabbed in his chest with sickles and country-made javelins. His friends and brothers took him to the hospital where he was declared dead.

Sarbeshwar Rajbanshi, his brother Bishu Rajbanshi and one of their colleagues have been linked with the murder. Both the brothers are said to be associated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Azhars last rites were performed by his father today Malik Shiekh.

Residents of the village Amdole tell that Police has sealed the village perimeter and is not allowing any outsider to come inside but even after all the police arrangements, the area is still tense. A resident of the village told Twocircles.net over the phone: They (the Hindu community members) are telling us that they have started the movement and will teach us a lesson. But Muslims here are also incensed after the killing of Azhar, and they are saying that we wont sit silently if attacked again.

About 65% of the village of Amdole consists of Muslims.

While Murarai Police Station PSI Arup Dutta refused to comment on the issue, CI Raj Kumar Malakar informed that FIR was lodged against Bishu Rajbanshi and he was arrested last night. Villagers do say that Police is taking all measures to control the situation and thanking the force too.

Since the last couple of weeks, a number of incidents in Birbhum have resulted in the district sitting on a communal tinderbox. On the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti on April 11, police lathi-charged members of Hindu Jagran Manch for taking out a procession. Hindu Jagran Manch and BJP condemned the Police for action, but Police clarified later on that procession was taken out without any prior permission. Earlier there were few CCTV footages and reports emerging of Hindu boys trying to buy Cattle carcases and cow heads with an aim to create communal disharmony.
Help India!

By Naved Masood for Twocircles.net

News has been received from across the border about the passing away of one of the prominent figures of Urdu literature, distinguished civil servant and a second generation Alig, Mukhtar Masood in Lahore on April 15, aged 90.

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Mukhtar Masood was born in Aligarh on 7th June 1927. His father, Shaikh Ataullah of the Department of Economics was an expert on Iqbal (during his student days in Lahore, he was quite close to the philosopher-poet). Masood had his entire education in Aligarh, starting with the Minto circle, with a First class in B.A (1946) and topping the M.A Economics in 1948. He was counted among the brilliant students of his days, brilliant in academics; he was a keen debater and a familiar face and name in the literary circles of the campus which had then a galaxy of talent. As late Prof Nasim Ansari in a rejoinder, Jawabe dost writes, Masood was also an outstanding horseman who was captain of the Riding Club in 1946-47.

Shaikh Ataullah, being from the Western Punjab, naturally relocated to Pakistan with his family during the summer vacations of 1948. And that was a severance of physical ties with the AMU; he has written somewhere that in an unpartitioned country, he might have preferred to have spent his entire life in Aligarh as a teacher.

Masood took the first competitive examination for the Central and Superior Services of Pakistan (CSP), stood third in it, and became a Civil Servant in the newly emerged dominion in 1949. He had a steady rise in the service hierarchy holding key positions in the Punjab province and the federal government with an interlude as Secretary General of the Islamic Cooperation Council at Tehran during the late 1970s where he had occasion to witness the popular uprising against the Shah, his ouster and the initial tumultuous days of the Islamic revolution. He completed his career as a civil servant in 1985 as Federal Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan. He was considered fairly close to General Ziaul Haq and was his informal adviser on many issues concerning Islamisation of various aspects of administration but he refrained from accepting any post-retirement assignment which provided him with prestige and stature among Pakistani intelligentsia.

Masood will, however, not be remembered for his contributions to the public services of his country; his real claim to fame is in the realm of Urdu letters. Like his Alig contemporary, Mushtaq Ahmad Yusufi, he was an infrequent writer but this moderate literary output resulted in Urdu prose of a distinct didactic style  a genre hitherto almost unknown to Urdu letters. His writings defy neat classification but in the opinion of this scribe, he was essentially an essayist straddling the realms of Philosophy, politics, religion and contemporary affairs at the same time. His form was distinct and, whether you agreed with some of his views (he could be a supremacist, ultra- nationalist and a blind fan of Islamic uprisings) or not, you could not dismiss them as mere flourishes of a pen. Being a Tar Bangla boy, it appears that he drew a leaf from his neighbour, Prof Rashid Ahmad Siddiqui.

His Awaz-i-Dost marks a watershed in Urdu prose and despite a certain inaccessibility of style, he managed to enthral the average reader with the way he presented his take on political developments like establishment of Pakistan with the role of Aligarh therein, lives of Indian Muslims and the prospects of Islam in the second half of the last century etc. You have a person with definite views with complete command over narrative, language and style. Even when the reader looks askance at his views he would be fully engaged with Masoods discourse. As a fellow civil servant, I always found his great certitudes to be rather disconcerting as one expects a senior public administrator to be clear-headed without letting go of self-doubt which is so necessary an ingredient in any analytical framework to parse ethical, moral, social and political dilemmas. His other works are Safar Nasib and Lauhe Ayyam. The former is an inordinately sympathetic (and hence uncritical) portrayal of the Irani revolution, while the latter is a rambling, yet paradoxically coherent account of the world around him. He has ensured an abiding presence in the pantheon of Urdu prose like his neighbour Rashid Ahmad Siddiqui.

I had one brief meeting with him in Delhi. Both of us found uncanny similarities in our lives. We had grown up in the same localities, studied in the same institutions and were the two individuals (between 1949 and 1977), to have joined the premier civil services of the two countries. A visitor from India who met him later, not only found that he remembered our brief meeting but he conveyed his happiness to me on learning that I too had made it to the top of the heap as a Secretary to the Union Government.

Aligarh  or rather the AMU campus  was part of his being and despite his rather marked patriotism and concerns with things Islamic on the global plain, he never made any bones about AMU being a paradise lost for him. In fact, until the very end his best friend remained in Aligarh  Prof Riazur Rahman Sherwani of the Arabic Department is happily in our midst at Habib Manzil. May he live a healthy and happy life, Amen.

Without exaggeration it can be asserted that Mukhtar Masood was amongst the most precious jewels in the crown of the AMU (in fact MAO College and AMU put together), and one would be more than happy if the current leaders of the institution who rejoice on the University securing high ratings in accreditation, pause and worry why AMU is not very likely to produce another Mukhtar Masood.

Mukhtar Sahib, Khuda hafiz from another Masood from your mohalla who, while differing with you on so many issues, could not help admiring you.
Help India!

TCN News

Aligarh: As a part of Sadbhavna program, at least 26 students from different faculties of Aligarh Muslim University with a group of four teachers have today left Kishtawar District of Jammu and Kashmir for a goodwill program organised by the Rashtriya Rifles with an aim to promote people to people interaction between Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India. The touring AMU students and teachers will stay in Kishtawar and its adjoining areas for one-week.

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While flagging off the tour, Aligarh Muslim University Pro Vice Chancellor, Brigadier S Ahmad Ali (Veteran) said that this is a reverse of the usual Sadbhavna programs, in which people from Kashmir accompanied by the Army usually travel to different parts of India. However today, a group of students and teachers from outside Kashmir will reach Kishtawar region on a Sadbhavna tour, said Brigadier Ali.

While urging AMU students to represent the University in the best possible ways; the Pro Vice Chancellor said that upon reaching Kishtawar, AMU students will have an added responsibility of representing their Alma Mater and the students community in the best possible ways to the people of Kishtawar, Doda and Baderwah regions.

He also assured that the Army officers will host AMU students in the best ways. On reaching Jammu, AMU students and teachers will be received by Army Officers and the AMU delegation will witness the excellent hospitality, which the Army has to offer, said Brigadier Ali urging students to reach in time as the Army officers are known for their punctuality in time.

The teachers in-charge of this one-week tour are Major Mohd Israil (Polytechnic), Dr Farooq Ahmad Dar (Unani Medicine), Er Mohd Mohsin (Polytcehnic) and Mr Najaf Ali Khan (Senior Secondary School, Boys).

Mrs Rizwana Ali, Professor Fareed Mehdi and AMU Public Relations Officer, Mr Omar S Peerzada was also present on the occasion.
London and Moscow: Not the best of friends

Tensions between the UK and Russia began with the Russian annexation of Crimea which was part of Ukraine and Moscow's support for Ukranian rebels fighting the central government.

Add to that the backing for Assad militarily by putting Russian planes in the air and Russian troops on the ground.

As an ally of the United States and a member of NATO, the UK is obligated to confront Moscow along with other NATO nations wherever a threat is perceived.

London: An earlier escort for Russian ships

Russian warships sailed through the English Channel back in January and Royal Navy warships escorted Putin's armada.

The Russian warships featuring the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov plus support vessels were heading to support their forces aiding Assad in Syria.

At the time the state of the aged aircraft carrier was discussed in UK papers as many times when the ship had been at sea it had apparently broken down. Naval experts said the fact that the aircraft carrier had a lot of steam coming out of its funnel was a sign the ship was not being well maintained.

London deploys Type 23 Frigates again

From their base in Plymouth which has been a naval base ever since Francis Drake fought the Spanish Armada the Royal Navy has been deployed again to shadow Russian vessels.

This time two more Russian warships were sailing through the Channel obviously heading for Syria.

The Royal Navy sailed close to the Russian warships and their attendant vessels keeping them under observation.

The Russian ships Steregushyi class warships skirted the English coast and Michael Fallon Defence Secretary along with top Royal Navy officers said the observation and tracking of the Russian ships were standard procedure.

Of course, tensions have really come to the boil since Trump launched his Tomahawk missiles on Assad's air base. Trump did this because of an alleged chemical weapons attack on a town in Syria blamed on Assad's air force killing and injuring many civilians. For its part, the Syrian air force blamed rebels in the area for the chemical attack released when bombs dropped hit an alleged chemical weapons factory.

The US, UK, and France plus other allies ultimately blame the Russians for supporting and shielding Assad allowing him to get away with literal murder. The world right now what with Syria and North Korea is at a dangerous pivotal moment in history perhaps.
The conflict in Syria approaches its seventh year and the discussions about the country's future abound. Numerous options exist, mostly involving power transition from the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. The power transition is included in the Geneva negotiations involving various sides. Within these ongoing talks, many would like to see Assad gone. Others think he might stay to keep the order. Some regard his stay horrible, others see it as the best option available or the least of all bad options.

Assad has strong support behind him

Assad enjoys quite big support, not only from Moscow and Tehran but also among the Syrians itself.

There are those who don't necessarily support his government, but they are not actively fighting against it. Most of them are afraid of alternatives and other groups that may become violent and repressive if they gain power in Damascus.

Support for the current rule comes from unusual sources as well. Years after fighting Assad and his army, hundreds of fighters in the Syrian Free Army now ask for amnesty and want to join the Syrian national army, especially in the Golan Heights. This is a very sensible area, on the border with Israel. Some extremist groups, such as Ahram al-Sham and Jabhat Fattah al-Sham, operate here, endangering the Syrian opposition that is sandwiched between terrorist and forces loyal to Damascus.

Thus, they tend to swing allegiance to the government and seek protection from assaults coming from all sides.

If Assad stays, would the causes of war vanish? Can all the fighting for resources, territory and identity just disappear? Assad can stop another extreme quantities and levels of violence, but tensions shall remain.

Based on these tensions, neighbouring countries can incite new conflicts in Syria and also in Iraq. This is especially true for Saudi Arabia and its allies. They want to stop the creation of something that Jordanian King Abdullah II calls Shi'ite arch. But that is not really happening; precisely because of the multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, Syria is a strongly secular state.

There are no ideas of establishing a religious state akin to the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is a staunch ally of Damascus. Iraqi Shi'ite leaders, including the Shi'a clergy in Najaf, condemn any Shi'a militia fighting in Syria. And if Shi'ite arch is dangerous, why there is not a single Shi'a terrorist group that world is fighting against?

Assad: What is his future?

But if Assad goes, what can happen? Is there a chance for another authoritarian leadership? How will the new government keep the peace in the divided country? And what does it mean for Syrian citizens who fled to Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Europe? If Geneva negotiations do bring peace, it is quite certain it will be fragile.

National reconciliation will be a very long and challenging process. Millions of Syrians will try to stay in other countries, rather than coming back to the ruined country with a dire need for medical service, education, jobs, and psychological treatments.

If Assad stays even temporarily in power, he needs to acknowledge the existence of numerous organisations and NGOs trying to get their country back on course. The developmental projects and recreation of Syrian society cannot follow the beaten track of Assad dynasty. If he wants to pose as a statement, Assad should give more freedom. At the same time, he needs to control the whole Syria in order to keep it together as a sovereign nation. To do that, he would need skills of Macchiavelli.
North Korea Day of the Sun celebrations.

After satellite images that were taken by U.S based monitoring group 38North showed continued activity on the North Korea nuclear test site on Mt. Mantap, there were growing concerns over a nuclear test over the Day of the Sun celebrations. This, however, didn't happen and rather what occurred was a missile test on Sunday, from the Eastern port of Sinpo that failed, exploding moments after it's launch.

There is a possibility that the U.S might have used a cyber attack on the North Korean side to force the missile to explode prematurely.

The's cyber attacks were started while former President Barrack Obama was in office and there are no confirmed reports of the projects dismissal or continuance. Before the failed missile test, North Korea displayed an array of new missiles and launchers some which analysts say were paraded for the very first time. The following list contains the said weapons. Two inter-continental ballistic missile sized canisters, plus its submarine-launched ballistic missile and a land-based version of the same. The U.S said that they didn't believe the missile launched on Sunday had intercontinental capabilities. South Korea, however, threatened that if the North attempted a nuclear test or an ICBM launch (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Launch), there would be a powerful punishing measure that North Korea authority won't be able to endure.

U.S Vice President Mike Pence South Korea visit

On the same day as the celebrations, the U.S Vice President Mike Pence travelled to South Korea. While at the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone- a heavily fortified buffer 4 KM wide, and 160 KM long, separating the North from the South established during the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War in 1953), he issued a statement to CNN saying that unlike the past U.S presidents, President Trumps approach would be different.

He said they're going to abandon the failed policy of strategic patience, and are going to redouble their efforts to bring diplomatic and economic pressure to bear on North Korea, hoping to resolve this problem peaceably.

The administration is also relying on China to help in this strategy, and although President Trump campaigned a lot against China, his stance has since changed, at least when it comes to dealing with North Korea.

North Korea does between 80%-90% of all its trade with China. China had stated that it would comply with UN Sanctions in January and in February Beijing banned North Korea Coal imports a major source of income, for the North. I am not sure how everything will unfold but I do know this one thing, I am not alone in wanting a peaceful solution to end this situation.
pakistan means the land of the pure. Unfortunately, sectarian politics have driven the country down the path of destruction. Religious bigotry has reared its ugly head. Yesterday.a respected professor of the Punjab University at Lahore, Tahira Abdullah was found dead in her house. Obviously, he has been murdered. The professor was an Ahmadi who is not recognised as Muslims in Pakistan. Hence they are subject to frequent attacks as well as persecuted by the majority Sunni community. The death of the professor comes close on the heels of two other prominent murders.

The first murder took place on March 30 when a cousin of the Nobel Laureate Dr.Abdul Salam was shot dead in Dera Baba Nanak. A week later a well-known veterinary doctor was killed in Lahore. The murders were claimed by the banned Jamat ul Abrar

Persecution

These murders point to a sorry state of affairs in Pakistan where minorities are persecuted and many indiscriminately killed. The Ahmadi community is the worst off as they have been declared heretic by the Pakistan constitution and are not recognised as Muslims. They are also forbidden to call themselves Muslim. Their mosques are vandalised and bombed.

The Pakistan constitution which talks about freedom and protection of minorities remains only a promise and the government is unable to enforce it.

The case of the professor is sad. She had retired 3 years back and had been re-employed by the Lahore University. She was an educated lady who was working in the molecular genetic department. She was attacked by a sharp instrument and killed

Police investigation

The police have been informed of the incident and the Punjab forensic department officials have reached the site and started collecting forensic evidence.

Investigations are on, but it looks like that the killers will never be caught. The professor was living alone. Her daughter who is in Karachi is untraceable

Sectarian killing

Sectarian killings are the bane of Pakistan and the entire country is governed by a psychosis of fear. Just a few days back Muslim youth was bludgeoned to death by a massive crowd inside the university on the charge that he had insulted Muhammad.

The blasphemy law in Pakistan is another law that is like anchor round the neck of the Pakistan state.The entire state of Pakistan is now in the grip of a violent struggle for survival. Extremist.Wahabi terror groups want to enforce the Sharia in Pakistan and force all minorities to convert to Islam.

Last word

The murder of the professor is a matter of intense sadness and one hopes the Pakistan government will crack down on such people who target minorities and in particular the Ahmadi sect.
It only took Vladamir Putin a matter of hours to respond to the US dropping the 'Mother of all bombs,' on the ISIS cave network in the mountains of Nangarhar in the mountains of Afghanistan, 30 miles from the Pakistani border.

Is War imminent?

After his attack on Syria on April 6th, president Trump followed it up with aa attack on a remote ISIS outpost with a device that had not been tested in 14 years. Anywhere between 60 to 100 casualties were declared, although far more insurgents were killed in the tunnel networks under the hills and will never be accounted for, as certainly no casualties nor wounded have been reported at any hospital nor medical facility nearby.

And why would they anyway, the force and ripple effect of the bomb instantly vaporises anything it comes in contact with.

Costing approximately $18 million, this is the first time the (MOAB) Massive Ordnance Air Burst has been used since its inception in 2003 and is the largest non-nuclear weapon ever used.The GBU-43 is 30 foot long, weighs 26, 100 lbs and contains 11 tonnes of explosive. Being a thermobaric device; one that uses oxygen from the downward air rush it creates, producing an enormous explosion before it hits the ground, which in turn ignites the air it has come from and produces a firestorm capable of penetrating 200ft underground and devastating everything in the circumference of a mile.

Trump vs Putin - the final showdown?

It was certainly a statement of intent from President Trump, and certainly a tick on his, 'to do list,' from his pre-election promise that he would, 'bomb the s**t out of ISIS if he became president.' His only comment after the last weeks strike; 'It has been a very successful mission,'

Shortly afterwards it was superseded by a statement from Russia's, Vladimir Putin.

He informed the world that the American weapon was albeit obsolete, for his military had produced, 'the father of all bombs.' It weighs in lighter that the US version at some 15, 560lbs yet packs more of a punch at 44 tonnes of explosives, with roughly the same radius of destruction. It likes its US counterpart has not been tested in 10 years.

One could simply shrug shoulders and mutter ooer, 'Boy's and their toy's.' if the scenario was not so worrying for the world at large. A precedent has certainly been set with North Korea, and one can read into the actions of the past week as a direct warning; all options may be on the table, yet neither party wants to discuss them. The same of course could be said about Syria! It may be a very long time before Russia is prepared to ditch its support, and by then it may be far too late.

Whether it's Mother versus Father; one can only hope it does not descend to that level of pettiness?
Ever since the election of Donald Trump, the political divide in the United States has only widened. While supporters of the president have continued to stand by his side, critics have only gotten louder, with many accusing Trump of pushing a racist policy agenda.

Gingrich on Trump

Last week, President Donald Trump honored former President Andrew Jackson and did so at his old slave plantation called Hermitage in Tennessee. Trump spoke highly of Jackson, whose legacy has come under fire in recent years, as historians have put a greater focus on the fact he owned as many as 300 slaves over the course of life, while being responsible for the deadly Trail of Tears.

Despite this, others continue to praise Jackson, mostly notably Republicans, which is ironic since the seventh President of the United States was the founder of the Democratic Party. After Trump's meeting and aftermath with German Chancellor Angela Merkel wasn't well-received by the press, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich opened up on the issue during a March 19 interview on Fox News.

.@newtgingrich: "@POTUS is going to be like Andrew Jackson: An intensely American president." pic.twitter.com/fWF8pVRhWl  Fox News (@FoxNews) March 19, 2017

On Sunday afternoon, Newt Gingrich appeared on Fox News, and decided to praise Donald Trump. "One of the sad things about the week was that the president went to Nashville to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Andrew Jackson.

Gave a very, very important speech," Gingrich said, before claiming that it was "unfortunate" the media didn't cover it further.

Newt Gingrich went on to turn his attention to Donald Trump's recent meeting with Angela Merkel, before comparing the former host of "The Apprentice" to Andrew Jackson.

"The president is going to be like Andrew Jackson," Gingrich said, before predicting that Trump will be an "intensely American president." "He is gonna represent American values. American interests," he continued, before explaining that Merkel and Germany are just not on the same page as the United States, which he believes was the cause of the obvious friction between the two.

Next up

Though conservatives like Newt Gingrich believe Donald Trump represents American values, not everyone in the country is in agreement. According to a recently released poll by Gallup, the president's favorability has dropped to just 37 percent.
The British Prime Minister Theresa May has called a snap general election. The surprise announcement was called outside Downing Street at 11:15 AM British time, this morning. Theresa May contacted the Queen yesterday to confirm to the monarch that she was calling a snap election today. The UK last had a general election in May 2015. However, as a result of Brexit, the Prime Minister wants a mandate from the British people to support her Brexit plans.

A strong vote for the Conservative Party, the current government of the UK, would give the UK government a strong mandate to carry out the government's plans for leaving the European Union.

Before there is a confirmed general election, a third of MPs will have to give the PM their backing for a Snap General Election. This is because of the 'Fixed-Term Parliaments Act.'

Who would win the election?

Polls have proven to be unreliable in recent years. To many Donald's Trump election victory came as a surprise, as polls showed that he would lose the general election. Before the last general election in Great Britain, polls showed that no party would win a majority, and therefore there would be a hung parliament. In other words, two parties would have to form a government, in what is known as a Coalition Government.

Polls indicate that there will not be a hung parliament this time and that the current government will win the snap election.

Only this time, they are projected to win by a larger majority.

Why is there a general election being called now?

In short, the snap general election is being called as a result of Brexit. Brexit has caused division in the UK, both in politics and with the wider public. The hope is that a new general election will clear up that division.

Bring the country together. And, in Theresa May's own words offer 'strong and stable leadership.' In other words, a strong and stable leadership who has the support of the people of the UK.

Since Brexit, parties who were against leaving the EU haven't supported the government. For example, the Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron has called for there to be another EU referendum.

The leader in Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has voiced concern over calls to leave the EU single market, while also stating that she wants a second independence referendum. While Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland has called for a border poll (Brexit could affect the freedom of movement between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland). And in Wales, Plaid Cymru has asked for their own independence referendum for Wales.

In effect, Brexit has seen political parties in the UK disunited. A new general election in the UK will show whether or not those concerns from their political representatives are reflected with the wider UK population.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, Steve Stephens, the suspect in the Cleveland Facebook Live killing, shot himself to death following a brief pursuit through Erie County, Pennsylvania. Stephens was the man who posted a video to Facebook, allegedly showing him shooting 74-year-old Robert Godwin Sr. in the head in Cleveland, Ohio on Sunday. At the time, Stephens made his victim speak his former girlfriends name, saying she was the reason why this was happening to him. He then shot Godwin in the head.

Facebook Live killer on the run since Sunday

Stephens had been on the run from police since Sunday and was considered armed and dangerous after threatening in the Facebook video to kill more people. There has been a nationwide manhunt for the killer, with his photo on billboards all over the country. At one stage, police had no idea where Stephens fled to. However, on Sunday evening, Erie Police detected a ping from Stephens' phone on the east side of that county. Stephens was not seen in the area, until today.

According to Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams, the area was initially searched on Sunday after they got the ping. They were planning on going back today to perform a more thorough search of the area.

Williams added that police had no idea if someone was harboring Stephens in the area, adding that there were many places to hide in Erie County. He said that there are many remote areas with farms, barns and woods.

Stephens vehicle spotted at a McDonald's in Erie, Pennsylvania

Williams said in a news conference that it was shortly after 11 a.m.

on Tuesday that a tip was received by Pennsylvania State Police regarding the vehicle police were seeking in connection to Stephens. The vehicle was reported to be in a parking lot at an Erie, Pennsylvania McDonalds, roughly 100 miles from Cleveland. According to a report by Cleveland.com, Stephens ordered a portion of chicken nuggets shortly before the police chase began.

When officers responded to the scene, Stephens fled, leading to a two-mile pursuit by police. Once police managed to stop Stephens car, by ramming a cruiser into the white Ford Fusion, they then approached the vehicle. At that time Stephens reportedly shot himself dead.

UPDATE: Cleveland Facebook murder suspect Steve Stephens has shot himself in Erie, PA.



A coward taking a cowards way out smh#Cleveland pic.twitter.com/1wqZt2YbXN  TJ  (@Senator_TJ) April 18, 2017

While Williams said they are grateful the chase is over, police would have preferred that it didnt end this way. He said there are many questions from the family and the city as to why Stephens did what he did. According to police, the investigation is still ongoing.

Stephens claimed to have killed 13 people in the Facebook video but according to police no further victims have been found.

This is me and my dad on Father's Day 2015. #RobertGodwinSr RIP. pic.twitter.com/B2X0suE4AR  MinisteringLove (@Repairerofthebr) April 17, 2017

ABC News spoke with Godwins daughter, Tonya Godwin Baines on Monday, who told them the video will always be in her mind, as she saw the fear in her fathers eyes. She still finds it unbelievable that someone could brutally murder her father like he did. She described her father as a family man who would give anyone the shirt off his back. However, her sister, Debbie Godwin reportedly said she bears no animosity against Stephens. She said her parents taught them to love people and forgive them, even when they do something wrong against them.
During the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump would often lash out at china, accusing the nation of currency manipulation, while vowing to get tough with the country over how they handle their trade deals. After a recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump refused to criticize China, which raised questions from many in the mainstream media.

Trump on China

When Donald Trump first announced his campaign for president back in June 2015, one issue that he harped on was how the United States was losing in the global trade wars, particularly against China.

The country would quickly become one of Trump's most popular talking points, as the former host of "The Apprentice" vowed to "Make America Great Again," especially when it came to the nation's reputation on the world scale. However, ever since being sworn into office back in January, Trump has backed off his criticism of China, which appeared to be disappear completely during a recent meeting with the country's president. Just last week, Trump met with Xi Jinping at his private Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, where the two now infamously shared a "beautiful piece of chocolate cake" while discussing the details of the recent strike in Syria. Due to China and the United States working together on how to handle North Korea's nuclear missile testing, Trump as been reluctant on passing judgement.

As the media continues to press the issue, Trump voiced his opposition during a April 18 interview on "Fox & Friends" on Fox News.

.@POTUS addresses claims he's softened his stance on China pic.twitter.com/Mn37t9wC2S  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) April 18, 2017

During a Tuesday morning interview with Ainsley Earhardt on "Fox & Friends," Donald Trump responded to the aforementioned criticism that he has gone "soft" when it comes to China.

"Ainsley, I didn't soften my stance!" Trump said, as he waved his hands in the air. "Look, China came to the United States, the president, who I really developed a very good relationship with," he went on to say.

Trump denies softening on China despite backing off campaign pledge to label China a currency manipulator: https://t.co/cD8X6TYhWA pic.twitter.com/2JxhPeZt42  The Hill (@thehill) April 18, 2017

"What am I gonna do?" Donald Trump rhetorically asked, before adding, "Start a trade war with China in the middle of him working on a bigger problem with North Korea?" Trump then continued to push back, claiming that he wasn't going to start a problem over currency manipulation when the two nations were working together on the issue surrounding North Korea.

Not stopping there, the former host of "The Apprentice" took time to bash the alleged "fake media" in the process. "This is the fake media that does a number," Trump said.

Moving forward

Despite Donald Trump pushing back and claiming he hasn't changed his stance when it comes to the issue of China, critics are quick to point out the various campaign promises that he's been unable to deliver since taking office just under 100 days ago. After only three months in office, only time will tell if Trump will continue to receive backlash due to his policy proposals and how he handles himself in the White House.
Pope Francis left many Catholics feeling uneasy with his Open Border policy. Many of them suggested that his plan could lead the church's downfall.

Recently, the Pope spoke out for an open border's plan that would allow non-European migrants to move into Europe without restriction. Of course, France's presidential candidate, Marine Le Pen sees this could result in a dangerous situation, stating Pope Francis policy would go against what is best for their own people by allowing unlimited migrants.

Le Pen destroys Pope Francis

According to American News, Marine doesn't think it is the pope's place to be talking about open borders and allowing a free flow of immigrants into European countries.

She said that immigrant and open border discussion falls under politics. And, she added that she doesn't think someone in his position should be talking publically about it.

Marine Le Pen

"France must be able to vote its own laws, control its own borders."



Stop the #EU !#Marine2017 #AuNomDuPeuple #PerpignanMLP pic.twitter.com/gYwQkBFUAa  Avanti Populists ! (@abermans) April 15, 2017

The Pope has not responded

It's not a huge surprise that he did not reply to the presidential nominee's comments. Many people agreed with her, stating that he shouldn't get involved with political topics. Apparently, Marine felt it crossed the line between church and state.

In many ways, Le Pen was right, and the Pope shouldn't be speaking about politics, but maybe he compelled to take a stand.
The #North Korean Vice-Foreign Minister, Han Song-ryol, said that its nuclear weapons program protects the country from the hovering peril of US armed action on Sunday.

The country, according to reports in the BBC, fears that the combined forces of the US and #South Korea could work together to try and overthrow the command of Kim Jong-un.

What the North Koreans say

On Monday at the #United Nations, the country's permanent representative Ambassador Kim In-ryong, denounced the Syrian missile strikes enacted by the United States and President Trump that had hit an air base that was harboring suspected chemical weapons in the northern Syrian province.

Meanwhile, Song-ryol said that #America was "disturbing global peace and stability and insisting on the gangster-like logic that its invasion of a sovereign state is decisive" and that this action is one that defends the international order just for the sake of it.

This was announced just as the Chinese representative Lu Kang revealed to the media on Monday in Beijing that the Korean peninsula was a complicated, delicate and high risk area and issue. All sides, Lu Kang said, needed to avoid being provocative and pouring "oil on the fire".

#Russia meanwhile said that it would not tolerate nuclear testing by Pyongang but that conversely the unilateral usage of power by America would be a risky equation.
#North Korea's unsuccessful and well-publicized missile test was, according to United States Defense Secretary Mister James Mattis a failed and globally frowned-upon attempt to "provoke something." On Sunday the North Korean missile took off and then exploded almost immediately after it went live, according to the Pentagon.

After some extensive and heated rhetoric from both #United States and North Korea, Mattis said that the United States under President Trump would be happy and willing to now attempt to work alongside #China in an effort to reduce the simmering tensions that the world watched gather force last week.

Those in #South Korea are breathing huge sighs of relief after the country was plagued by uncertainty and fear, as shown in various social media sites last week, with many citizens panicking about the possibility of being caught up in a US and North Korean nuclear-style showdown.

North Korea continue to mouth threats

Monday following the tests, the foreign minister Han Song-ryol explained to the BBC that #North Korea would be testing missiles on a weekly schedule and that all-out war would ensue if the United States attempted to intervene with some military action. "If the US is planning a military attack against us, we will react with a nuclear pre-emptive strike by our own style and method," Mr Han said on Monday.

And as this was being reported, The Guardian newspaper reported within the same day that anonymous officials had said that the United States had been toying with the idea of shooting down any #North Korean missile tests that did take place to show they have the upper hand. This would have been a show of strength and power for the US, but it did risk a retaliation by the embattled North Korean enemy.

Mr Mattis explained that the missile the North Koreans fired off on Sunday was not an #Intercontinental Ballistic Missile but that the exercise had still been a reckless one that aimed to provoke tensions. Mattis then said that this is the reason the United States is working with China right now, to try and get "this under control and aim for the #denuclearized Korean peninsula," he added.

China has also criticized North Korea's military tests, even thought the US has said that China hasnt done enough in the past. In February however China banned North Korean coal imports and then the #Chinese media reported that there could be a reduction in shipments of oil products and services to the North Korean country if the military exercises continue.

The United States react

The United States, meanwhile, are toying with even harsher economic sanctions on the isolated country. This, along with a global and disabling ban on the North Korean airline, as well as the blockage of cargo ships and punishments to those Chinese banks that continue to trade and profit off #North Korea, as reported by the Reuters news agency.

North Korea has augmented and accelerated its military and nuclear style missile testing in the past few weeks, given #Obama was unwilling to respond with military action. Many saw his somewhat passive stance with the country as giving permission for them to continue behaving recklessly. His most potent display of force was #economic sanctions on the country.

#North Korea's nuclear and missile tests have promoted and attracted international condemnation and the creation and deployment of tough UN sanctions that has made life in the isolated country a difficult and challenging equation. The country wants to place a nuclear warhead on a functional intercontinental ballistic missile that will then be able to head to targets such as the United States.
The President of The United States, Donald Trump, has said in recent weeks that the #North Koreans will not be able to target the United States with a nuclear war head placed on an intercontinental ballistic missile, that he would not let that happen.

In light of recent events, President Trump has increased pressure on the isolated North Korea and sent a #navy strike group in the direction of the Korean Peninsula. This, as South Korea progresses forward with their own #controversial missile defense system.

A sixth strike will happen

Many officials and observers claim that the #North Koreans will in fact carry out a sixth nuclear test in the coming year, and that the US will need to perfect their response to this troubling development.

On Monday in South Korea, #US Vice-President Mike Pence said that the isolated country shouldnt try and test Trump's resolve, since he is a strong man and has shown his decisiveness by striking Syria and Afghanistan with swift bombs in the recent weeks.

Pence continued by saying that the American policy of "#strategic patience" with North Korea was no longer a strategy in use for the Trump administration, and he reaffirmed the United States US support for South Korea.
Comedian and actress sarah silverman gathered with other anti-Trump protesters on Saturday's "Tax March" protest. She demanded that President Trump release his Tax returns to the public. The POTUS has previously refused to release his tax documents, stating he would make them public after the IRS completed their audit. After the audit was over, he didn't follow through and now says he "sees no reason" to make them public.

Tax March

The Tax March protest took place in several cities around the country on Saturday. The event's organizer also was behind the Women's March, so it's no surprise that some of the same celebrities attended at both events.

During the protest, a few of the celebrities complained that Hillary Clinton lost the election and even implied that the election was stolen from her by someone that has alleged connections to Russia.

I made some signs for the #TaxMarch pic.twitter.com/QHfvaXG6KX  Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) April 16, 2017

"Show us your f***ing tax returns, you emotional child! You like being a superficial bully? Here's on for you, you are a three at best," Silverman shouted to the anti-Trump crowd according to American News.

Sarah tweeted some of the signs she used in the protest, all of which either call for Trump's tax returns release or attack him in some way.

Trump responds to the protest

It's probably not a huge surprise that Trump responded to the protest in a big way. On Sunday, Trump has a meltdown on Twitter about the event, calling for a "complete investigation" into who funded the Tax March protest.

I did what was an almost an impossible thing to do for a Republican-easily won the Electoral College! Now Tax Returns are brought up again?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 16, 2017

Someone should look into who paid for the small organized rallies yesterday. The election is over!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 16, 2017

Donald Trump revealed in a series of tweets that his 2016 taxes was paid and he doesn't need to release them because "the election is over."

The president doesn't understand why the tax returns are an issue again.

He claims that he did what "no other Republican could" and won the Electoral College "easily."

Trump claims Tax March attendees were paid

One of Trump's claims was the people that attended the protest were paid to be there. This isn't the first time he has made this claim, only this time, he called for an investigation into who is running these events.

The president himself used paid actors to pose as regular people at his rallies during his 2016 campaign. He has talked at length about the election results and his victory against Hillary Clinton.

In March, Trump attacked Hillary at a rally, claiming that she should apologize for getting the debate questions beforehand. Of course, Mrs. Clinton never responded to his ridiculous demand, but many of his supporters still believe that the former secretary of state owes Trump an apology.

New tax bill to force presidents to show returns

There is a new tax bill that would require presidential candidates to show their tax returns. Before Trump, nominees would reveal their tax returns as part of the election process. The Tax Day protesters call for lawmakers to implied a law forcing candidates to prove that they pay taxes by showing their recent returns before taking office.

Trump's camp has repeatedly refused to release his documents. He dismissed the idea that "the majority" of the country wanted to see them, stating that it was only " a hot topic to the liberal journalists." Obviously, that isn't entirely accurate because the majority of Democrats support forcing the president to release his tax returns.

Please RETWEET if you're one of the 74% of Americans (ABC/WaPo Poll) who want to see Trump's taxes and were _not_ paid to hold that opinion. pic.twitter.com/xa2dR178AM  Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) April 16, 2017

A recent poll in January found that 74 percent of Americans believe that Trump has an obligation to release his tax returns as the president.

President Trump continues to claim that the protest attendees were paid actors in an attempt to "make him look bad."

At the time of this writing, there is no investigation into who is running the anti-Trump protests.

The Fake Media (not Real Media) has gotten even worse since the election. Every story is badly slanted. We have to hold them to the truth!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2017

Do you think Trump has an obligation to release his tax returns as president?
The entire world was shocked to see Steve Stephens actually shoot an elderly man on Facebook live. He blamed a woman named Joy Lane saying that it was her fault the man had to die. Now, police are still looking all over for Steve, and it turns out that he has allegedly moved out of Ohio. Everyone needs to be on the watch for this man who is considered armed and dangerous. Facebook did remove the video, but it is still circulating out there so if you don't want to see it be careful what you end up pushing play on today.

What is being revealed about Steve Stephens whereabouts now?

This all went down in Cleveland, Ohio and everyone was on the watch for him. Everyone wants to know where he is as police are on a manhunt looking for him. It turns out that his phone was pinged by cell phone towers Sunday in Erie, Pennsylvania, 100 miles east of Cleveland where the murder took place. Now they really don't know where he is at and are on the lookout all over. Since then, if Steven's phone has been pinged police haven't shared what is going on. He is obviously on the run and police all over are doing what they can to find him.

Chief Calvin Williams did speak out in a press conference today about the whereabouts of Steve, but the thing is police do not really know where is at now.

The last time that anyone actually saw him was where the murder occurred. Steve has shared that he has killed various other people, but there are not any bodies or any proof at this time. Right now, they are looking all over the mid-west and the east coast for him. They actually don't seem to know where he has gone now.

Before this murder, Steve Stephens shared on Facebook that he had lost everything gambling.

He told Facebook that they had four minutes to explain to him why he shouldn't be on death row. It was obvious he was having a hard time, but nobody saw this coming. Right now, there is just a lot of hope that he will be located before anyone else ends up being hurt by him. Now Facebook has deactivated his account, so it doesn't look like he will be located in that way at all.

Obviously, police will continue to ping his phone, but there is no way of knowing that he has it on him for sure and hasn't ditched it somewhere along the way.

Where do you think that Steve Stephens is at now? Do you feel like he has murdered other people or just bluffing about it? Sound off in the comments section below on your thoughts about Steve Stephens and what is going on with him now.
British Prime Minister Theresa May has called for early elections in the United Kingdom to occur on June 8. The prime minister suggested that the election is needed to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead." The particular reason is that the opposition parties, mainly Labour, are obstructing Brexit, the process of separating Great Britain from the European Union. She would like to ram home her mandate to complete the separation by returning with an increased majority in the British Parliament.

What are the Conservative Partys chances?

According to a recent poll, pretty good. In a recent survey matchup between May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn shows that she leads by 55 percent to 18 percent. If the polls hold until the election, May and her Tories are confident they will crush Corbyn and his Labour Party.

A close examination of Corbyn and his politics reveals why he is likely to get crushed in the general election. He has been described as a caricature of a bearded Marxist, a throwback to the hard left stance Labour adhered to before Tony Blair dragged the party, kicking and screaming, toward the center and the first time the party was able to form a government since Margaret Thatcher became prime minister in 1979.

Corbyn has called for the abolition of the British monarchy, a renationalization of industries that were privatized during the Thatcher era, the elimination of the UKs nuclear arsenal, and a decidedly hostile to the United States foreign policy.

His becoming Labour leader is considered an anomaly in British politics. He has a small but fiercely loyal following, but like Sen. Bernie Sanders does in the United States. However, his support does not translate into any chance of winning a national election.

May had initially been reluctant to call for an election. However, her commanding lead in the polls coupled with a need to buttress her mandate to take Great Britain out of the EU has changed her mind on the matter.

Ironically, May had not supported the Brexit referendum but, as prime minister, had vowed to carry out the will of the people. She ascended to Number 10 when her predecessor, David Cameron, resigned following the approval of the measure. Britons had become fed up with following the dictates of Brussels contrary to their interests and so jumped at the chance to leave the European Union.

The result of the referendum took many political analysts by surprise and was seen as part of a wave of nationalism that swept Donald Trump to the presidency of the United States and has given Marine Le Pen strength in the election for president of France.
Vogue editor and former friend to Melania Trump, Andre Leon Talley weighed in on the first lady's style choice and impeccable Manners.

Melania's fashionable style

According to CNN, Talley said Melania's fashion secret is she is very selective about the clothes that she wears. She only selects items that she knows will look great on her. Also, Mrs. Trump has confidence that draws people to her.

Trump's manners will help her as the first lady

Talley praised Melania as having excellent manners. He helped her plan her wedding. Talley thought she would be arrogant because she was marrying billionaire Donald Trump, but she was charming and warm to everyone.

As for the wedding dress, she chose a John Galliano Dior dress which cost $230,000. He remembers that the gown took over eight hours to fit.

Why he isn't friends with Melania anymore

Talley admitted that he isn't friends with Mrs. Trump. At first, he was hesitant to explain what led to their falling out, but eventually, he revealed why they don't talk anymore. Talley stated that it was nothing against Melania, but she married Mr. Trump. Talley said he didn't want to be part of the Trumpland lifestyle, so he severed ties with the first lady.

Do you think Melania Trump has great style and manners?
Donald Trump, you do not not own the military. It is not yours; you are the temporary custodian of the military; but you do not own it. The American people have entrusted you with the privilege of overseeing the military; but they have not given you the deed to it. If anything, you have a tremendous responsibility, but not an ownership deed; unless, of course, you are talking about Trump Tower or Mar-a-Lago. And those are something different altogether. The American People just paid $3 million for your latest trip to Mar-a-Lago from the White House and Melania's trip from Trump Tower.

Who owns that bill, Donald, you or the American People?

The MOAB bomb

Trump's statement to the effect that the American military is his, came in the aftermath of the Administration's dropping of the MOAB bomb earlier this week, or, as it is called, the "Mother of All Bombs." The bomb was dropped on some caves that are used as hideouts by ISIS terrorists in a remote area of Afghanistan. Trump said that "his military" had done a "very good job" and that the mission was "very successful."

The MOAB bomb is a 22,000 pound conventional weapon, (that's 11 tons), that can be very destructive. The decision to drop the bomb, which was dropped from a cargo plane, was made by top General John Nickerson, not Donald Trump.

When asked who made the decision to drop the MOAB, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer would not answer the question and walked out of the press conference. However, it was later learned that Trump had delegated the decision to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and that Nickerson had ordered the dropping of the lethal bomb.

Sending a message?

Some observers believe that in dropping the MOAB, the Administration was sending a message to North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un that we have several MOABs and could use one or more on North Korea. However, this theory is questionable for two reasons. The first reason is that the MOAB has to be dropped from a cargo plane and that this is not possible over North Korea.

The second reason is that the decision to drop the 11 ton weapon was not made by the military but by the Trump Administration; although the political ramifications of the bomb-dropping do directly reflect on the Administration.

Ducks in a row

This observer's advice to Trump is to get his ducks in a row and to take the time to learn what's up. Shortly after he was sworn in as President, he learned for the first time that there are three branches of government that have "checks and balances" over each other. Now it is the time for him to learn that his role as Commander-in-Chief is just that; it is a temporary position of trust and responsibility that is provided to him by the American People. But he does not own it any more than a school principal owns a public school, or than a forest ranger owns the forest.

What a President does have

What a President does have is problems that he/she needs to solve. The President's problems range from managing (not owning) the military to managing the federal budget, to dealing with accusations of violating the Constitution from Senators, and everything in between. These are the things that the President owns: the headaches, the worries, the accusations, and the uncertainty of the nuclear age in the era of despotic dictators like Kim Jong-un, but not the military. The President, like the soldiers and officers of the Army, is a servant. And the American People are his master. It is time for Trump to learn this now before his self-indulgence and false pride adversely affect foreign relations.

By the way, Donald, just in case you are getting any ideas, it's not your White House either.

Russia's threats

Meanwhile, Trump is facing other problems. Russia has threatened retaliation against the United States for his attack on Syria. That attack, which was directly ordered by Trump, was in response to Bashar-al-Assad's chemical attack on his own people. Assad probably calls it "his military" too; but he is a dictator. This is still a republic, isn't it Donald? Just checking.
"Mary Kills People" is a new series premiering on lifetime on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 10 p.m. The original series created by Tara Armstrong is starting off with six episodes. If those go well with high ratings, Lifetime will probably give the green light for more episodes to be added. There were talks at the beginning of the year that Lifetime might approve a second season.

About the series

A single mother named Mary Harris is an emergency room doctor who saves lives by day. By night, she has a different job which is entirely opposite of what she does during the day.

She and her partner, a former plastic surgeon, moonlight to help terminally ill patients die on their own terms. They are referred to as underground angels of death. Caroline Dhavemas has the leading role as Mary.

For a fee, Mary and Des, played by Richard Short, have a booming business working outside the law. However, the doctor's double life is becoming complicated. For instance, she establishes a relationship with some of her patients and at the end she refuses to go through with what she has been paid to do. Without even seeing one episode, you can imagine that not all assignments go as planned.

Euthanasia

Most people will either love the series, or they will hate it because euthanasia is such a controversial subject.

Some people believe in euthanasia, while others think it is entirely wrong. The series is not based on a true story, but euthanasia is real and it happens all the time. There will be a new case for Mary to work with in every one of the six episodes.

There are some states where euthanasia is legal. When people want death with dignity and the procedure is illegal in their own state, they move to a state where it is legal for medical personnel to handle their death.

Euthanasia is illegal in most states. It is legal and called physician aid in dying, or assisted suicide in only a handful of states, such as California, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, Washington DC, and Washington state.

"Euthanasia" is a Greek word that means "good death." Most people know it to be the practice of intentionally ending the life of a terminally ill person in order to relieve severe pain and suffering.

Not only are there legal considerations, but ethical things to consider as well.

While doing research for "Mary Kills People," producers were careful to consider all those things and add those themes into the series. The series is not to convince anyone to choose euthanasia. Rather, it is a way to bring awareness to what could happen.

When "Mary Kills People" premieres on Lifetime on April 23, will you watch it?
Selena Gomez served as an executive producer for the critically-acclaimed Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. The show tells the story of a teenage girl who commits suicide and leaves behind tapes to let 13 people know why she did it and how they were involved. Katherine Langford plays Hannah Baker in the series, and, rather surprisingly, hails from Australia.

Unknown from Australia gains instant fame through 13 Reasons Why

While Langford was pretty much an unknown actress in Australia, she has adopted a pretty convincing American accent and has risen to fame in her new role as Hannah Baker in "13 Reasons Why." However, Gomez noted that her presence on social media was decidedly lacking.

Knowing a thing or two about being famous, Selena recently went on to persuade Katherine to go public on Instagram.

Your first look into the world of Hannah Baker. #13RY pic.twitter.com/nk0dCAjo6e  13 Reasons Why (@13ReasonsWhy) February 8, 2017

According to a report by Seventeen, Langford told The Last Magazine that it was a big decision for her, as she always wanted to be an actor, but purely for the work. She wasnt attracted to increasing her popularity  or her chance of being hired  on social media. She said she didnt want to become a consumable product and just wanted to do her job, then disappear. Langford also admitted that she had a fear that her pictures wouldnt be cool enough.

However, Gomez made a point that got through to Langford. She explained to her that 13 Reasons Why is a show that targets young adults just like herself. She then told her that social media, and particularly Instagram, is a good medium for direct contact with others who can relate to Hannah, her character in the show. Since then she has posted several images that have drawn a huge following, and, after two months on Instagram now, has almost two million followers.

'13 Reasons Why'  a career defining moment

As reported by the West Australian, Langford is 19 years of age and a graduate of the Perth Modern School. Appearing in 13 Reasons Why is a career-defining moment for the young actress, who was first spotted in Sarah Portellis short film Daughter at the Cannes Film Festival last year.

She has gone from being a relatively unknown actress to a hit on Instagram, right through to reviewers dubbing her the Gem from Down Under and the next big thing. Some critics are even saying her performance in the Netflix series could earn her an Emmy nomination.

Omg @13ReasonsWhy slayed my life this was the best thing I've watched in forever. Hands down BRILLIANT CAST, AWESOME WORK pic.twitter.com/O49fBuO6pm  VINE: GotDamnZo (@GotDamnZo) April 9, 2017

The show is based on Jay Ashers best-selling mystery book of the same name and was created as a series by Brian Yorkey. Yorkey said Langford showed incredible courage during the filming of some of the shows most harrowing and distressing scenes.

As for Selena Gomez, she cannot picture anyone else being Hannah and is glad things worked out the way they did, and that she got to watch it all happen.

For those readers who haven't seen the show, the Netflix trailer for "13 Reasons Why" is included below:
Kathleen Kennedy, the President of Lucasfilm, denied on Friday the news that the actress Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia, will still appear in the 9th episode of Star Wars which will be launched in 2019 ,informs EFE News Agency.

Carrie Fisher will not appear in Star Wars Episode 9

Kennedy told ABC that Carrie Fisher will not appear in the 9th episode of the famous show. She also said that there will be a lot of scenes with the actress in the Episode VIII, which is great news for her fans. This statement was made during the Star Wars Convention Celebration held at this time in Orlando.

The statements made by the brother of the actress denied

Kathleen Kennedy contradicted the statements made by Carrie Fisher's brother, Todd Fisher, who suggested last week the for New York Daily News that the actress will also appear in the Episode IX (which is believed to be the last part of the series ). Lucasfilm's president said that the brother of actress has probably been confused.

Todd Fisher told New York Daily News that he and Billie Lourd , Carrie Fisher's daughter gave the studio permission to continue to use the image in the actress.

Carrie Fisher has played scenes from the 8th episode of the show before her death in December, at 60 years old, because of a heart attack.

Tribute to Star Wars

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" is one of the strengths of Star Wars Celebration convention which brings a tribute to the universe created by George Lucas. The convention takes places between April 14th and April 16th. The fans of the famous show came together at the convention center in Florida to share their passion for Lucas's universe and learn the latest news about upcoming events and releases from the series.

New female character

The film director Rian Johnson announced that famous franchise has added another important female character in "The Last Jedi", according to Reuters. This announcement was made on Friday during the Convention. Johnson added that the film, which will be released December this year, is still in post-production.

Kelly Marie Tran will play Rose, a person responsible for repairs in the Resistance. According to Johnson, her role reflects the notion that anyone can become a hero.

40 years of Star Wars

The celebration event also includes a special presentation to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the launch of the show in 1977. Among the guests invited to this event there are actors such as Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels and Hayden Christensen.
Wang Jianlin, chairman and president of Dalian Wanda Group, attends the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) in Hong Kong, Jan 18, 2016. [Photo/VCG]

Chinese billionaires account for almost a quarter of the world's billionaires, according to business magazine Forbes.

Wang Jianlin, founder of Dalian Wanda Group, was crowned top of Forbes annual Chinese billionaires list, with a fortune of $31.3 billion.

He was closely followed by Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing, with $31.2 billion to his name.

SF Express's chairman Wang Wei rose to 7th on the list after the logistics company was listed on the A-share market this year, catapulting his personal wealth to $15.9 billion.

One of China's internet triumvirate known as BAT (Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent), Baidu's controller Robin Li dropped out of the top 10, after his wealth slipped to $13.3 billion from $15.3 billion in 2015.

However, the heads of the other two BAT members, Alibaba's Jack Ma and Tencent's Ma Huateng, held their spots, increasing their wealth 24.7 percent to $28.3 billion and 54.7 percent to $24.9 billion, respectively.

Ding Lei, CEO of NetEase, ranked 6th after his fortune reached $17.3 billion on the back of the gaming firm's stock price rises for two consecutive years.
HANOI - China was the key market for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables in the first quarter of 2017 while consuming over 73 percent of the country's exported item, according to Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on Tuesday.

In the first quarter, Vietnam's vegetable and fruit exports experienced a year-on-year increase of 29.8 percent to hit $700.6 million.

After China, the United States, Japan and South Korea were also main importers of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, with 3.54 percent, 3.01 percent and 2.99 percent of the export revenue, respectively.

Notably, despite being one of the four main bowl of fruits and vegetables in the Southeast Asian region, Thailand still sat fourth among major markets of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, as importing $14.7 million worth of the item, up 34 percent year-on-year, said the MARD.

In 2016, the country earned $2.4 billion from exporting of vegetables and fruit, up 31.2 percent year-on-year, surpassing that of rice for the first time. Vietnamese fruits and vegetables have been present in over 60 countries and regions worldwide.

In 2017, Vietnam targeted to pocket some $3 billion from exports of the item, up 25 percent compared to last year.

According to Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association (Vinafruit), there are many things that need to be done to realize the target, including improvement in supply of clean, high-quality and high-productivity seeding source, promoting training for safe vegetable-fruit production process among local farmers, and further investment in post-harvest and processing periods.
Nations will manage differences, plan for official visits by leaders

China and Vietnam on Monday vowed to push forward with the Belt and Road Initiative and maintain stability at sea.

State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh spoke during the 10th meeting of the China-Vietnam Steering Committee on Cooperation, which they led jointly. Minh is on a China visit from Sunday through Tuesday.

Yang asked both nations to take efforts to ensure successful visits of their leaders to each other's countries this year.

In January, Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, paid a four-day official visit to China. The two sides had "a candid exchange of views" on maritime issues, according to a communique.

Yang said on Monday that Beijing and Hanoi should raise the quality and level of cooperation and forge a solid basis of public opinion for friendship.

The two leaders agreed to plan this year's work, with "deepening high-level interaction" as the main focus.

They vowed to jointly push forward development of the Belt and Road Initiative, the two economic corridors linking China and Vietnam and the Beibu Bay economic zone, as well as cooperation in fields including investment, capacity, infrastructure and cross-border economic cooperation zones.

They also agreed to "properly manage and control differences and maintain maritime peace and stability", according to a news release issued after the meeting.

Minh said his country attaches great importance to comprehensive and strategic cooperation with China.

The China-Vietnam Steering Committee on Cooperation was established in 2006. Its last meeting was in Hanoi in June.

Song Yinghui, an expert on Southeast Asia studies with the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said relations between Beijing and Hanoi have improved since last year.

"Now, against the background of a gloomy global economy, China and Vietnam, as two fast-growing economies, have strong appeals for bilateral cooperation," she said.

In the steel industry, for example, Vietnam needs China's equipment and technique, Song said.

According to official Vietnamese figures, China has become the country's largest exporter, with imports from China reaching $11.9 billion in the first quarter this year, an increase of 12.3 percent from a year earlier.

lixiaokun@chinadaily.com.cn

State Councilor Yang Jiechi (second from right) and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (second from left) pose on Monday in Beijing at the steering committee on cooperation meeting.Wang Zhuangfei / China Daily

(China Daily 04/18/2017 page3)
Louis Vuitton's Jeff Koons collection. [Photo/Louis Vuitton's Weibo account]

In the latest example of how fashion and art connoisseurs can dissent from the general public, Louis Vuitton's new collaboration with artist Jeff Koons led to mixed reviews from high-brow commentators and social media onlookers.

Advertised as a celebration of classical art, the new handbag collection uses five painters' iconic masterpieces, including Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Peter Paul Rubens' The Tiger Hunt and Vincent Van Gogh's Wheat Field with Cypresses, as design patterns with the painters' names emblazoned onto the bag in glittering letters. Prices vary from $2,800 to $4,000, according to different sizes.

The seemingly-artsy collection so far has earned accolades from art pundits, for example, Jonathan Jones, who writes about art for The Guardian and was on the jury for the 2009 Turner Prize.

Jones praised the French fashion house and Koons' joint efforts to "bring high art to high street" in a blog published on The Guardian's website.

The author also acclaimed Koons' idea as a "heartfelt homage to great art", saying the New York-based artist was trying to popularize fine art "in a language people in the 21st century can understand."

The accolade, however, is not the whole story. Echoing Koons' reputation as a controversial figure in pop art, his latest foray into fashion once again divided reviews into two extremes. Known for his bold reproduction of banal objects, Koons has been a beloved figure in the art market - his Balloon Dog fetched a record-setting price at $58.4 million in 2013. While fans recognize his pioneering spirit, some critics also find his work kitschy.

Therefore his Louis Vuitton gig unsurprisingly drew hundreds of critical reviews on the French brand's official Facebook page.

Some comments dismissed the collection as a betrayal of the luxury brand's classy image. "I love Louis Vuitton bags and have got a good collection of them but this collection is just awful," one person wrote.

Comments on Louis Vuitton's Facebook page.

Others also see it as disrespectful to Leonardo Da Vinci and the other great masters featuring in this collection. "I find this entire line offensive. What a way to ruin these masterpieces & the public's interpretation of them," another wrote.

The critical tone didn't ease on China's social media. On Louis Vuitton's official Weibo account, comments are equally harsh. Some said the design cheapened the brand's image, making it no different from a "souvenir bag from a museum gift store" which costs 1 percent of the luxury bag.

Seeking more publicity in the Chinese market, the fashion powerhouse invited Chinese actress and fashionista Fan Bingbing to the collection's star-studded launch ceremony in Paris last Tuesday, which also included a fleet of A-listers, such as Jennifer Aniston, Lea Seydoux, Michelle Williams and Cate Blanchett.

Louis Vuitton has long collaborated with celebrity artists. Among the best-known is the collection with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who is known for the iconic use of polka dots in her artworks.
Economists warn that turning trade into a zero-sum balance is too simple-minded

US economists believe that blaming other countries for US trade deficits is wrongheaded.

In an interview with the Financial Times, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross dismissed the accusation of US protectionism. The 79-year-old billionaire instead cited the US trade deficit as a sign of its openness and blamed other countries for causing the deficits.

His words came after recent remarks by International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde and others, which included veiled concern and criticism of rising protectionism in US President Donald Trump's administration.

The G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting held in Germany last month also failed to include any language rejecting protectionism, as the group has done in the past, largely due to pressure from US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

"We are the least protectionist of the major areas," Ross told the Financial Times in an interview published on Sunday. "We are far less protectionist than Europe. We are far less protectionist than Japan. We are far less protectionist than China.

"We also have trade deficits with all three of those places. So they talk free trade. But in fact what they practice is protectionism. And every time we do anything to defend ourselves, even against the puny obligations that they have, they call that protectionism," Ross said.

Wayne Morrison, a specialist in Asian trade and finance at the Congressional Research Service, said Ross and others in the Trump administration may see themselves not being "protectionist" but rather as seeking to level the playing field for US firms and workers.

He said the biggest problem with their argument is that they ignore fundamental economic theory, such as attributing bilateral trade imbalances to trade and investment barriers and implying that exports are good while imports are bad.

"Economists hold that a nation's overall trade balance is largely caused by macroeconomic forces, primarily the amount of domestic savings relative to its investment needs. When a country saves too little to meet its investment needs, it will run a trade deficit, and that is the case with the United States," Morrison told China Daily on Monday.

He said the Trump administration's focus on "bilateral trade deficits" is disturbing to some because resulting trade policies may seek only to reduce those deficits or may use a rising or falling deficit to measure the "success or failure" of their policies.

Morrison cited a scenario of the US imposing large tariffs on imported Chinese toys. As a result, US toy imports from China would likely fall, and foreign manufacturers might then move their production to other low-cost countries such as Vietnam. Ultimately the US trade deficit with China could fall, but the US trade deficit with Vietnam would rise.

"And the size of the overall US trade deficit would likely remain unchanged," Morrison said, adding that US consumers would probably end up paying higher prices for toys.

Joseph Gagnon, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, also criticized the Trump administration's focus on trade deficits as a wrong approach.

In an article posted on the institute's website on April 7, Gagnon said economists broadly agree that trade barriers do not cause trade deficits. "A country can have a trade deficit only if it is borrowing on net from the rest of the world," he said.

His comments came after Trump on March 31 ordered a study of the causes of the US trade deficit, a study that will focus on trade barriers and unfair trade practices in foreign countries.

Gagnon, a former official at the US Federal Reserve Board and US Treasury, said it is important to stipulate that trade is not a zero-sum game in which imports are losses and exports are wins. "Reducing the trade deficit by reducing overall trade would throw the baby out with the bath water," he said.

chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
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HA NOI  The Viet Nam Competition Authority (VCA), under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), has confirmed its receipt of domestic fertiliser companies petition to apply trade defence instruments on fertiliser imports.

Earlier on March 31, some domestic fertiliser producers are requesting that trade defence measures be applied for a number of imported fertiliser products due to its negative impacts on domestic production.

The fertiliser products in the requested list have the codes: 3105.10.10, 3105.10 .20, 3105.10.90, 3105.20.00, 3105.30.00, 3105.40.00, 3105.51.00, 3105.59.00, and 3105.90.00.

These commodities are all inorganic or complex inorganic fertilisers mixed with nitrogen and phosphorus (P2O5), in which nitrogen content is at least 7 per cent and P2O5 content is at least 30 per cent.

The addition or mixture of other elements such as magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sulphur (S), potassium (K) and other trace elements dont change its physical and chemical nature nor the products purpose. The addition of micronutrients is appropriate for each soil type and crop group.

In order to evaluate the situation and make a decision on initiating an investigation, as well as to ensure the rights and interests of enterprises under the countrys trade defence policies, the VCA has asked businesses producing the listed types of fertilisers to provide the following details: business information; design capacity and production of fertilisers for 2014, 2015 and 2016; companies opinions on the case; and other relevant evidence. The deadline to submit the details is before 5pm on April 24.

The import of such fertilisers has sharply risen since early 2016, which is said to have affected local production and caused heavy losses to domestic fertiliser producers.  VNS
HA NOI  The State Bank of Viet Nam has coordinated with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to prepare a handbook on social and environmental risk assessment for 10 economic sectors serving credit operations of commercial banks.

The manual can be considered a toolkit to help banks assess environmental and social risks of credit projects and assist credit officers appraise business plans, ensuring effective green and sustainable development.

The 10 specific sectors are agriculture, chemicals, construction and infrastructure, and energy, as well as food processing, textiles, petroleum and mining, along with non-metallic mineral products exploitation and waste treatment.

The handbook, expected to be issued in 2017, has three parts.

Part A will contain information on the businesses and projects that need credit grants. In this part, credit institutions need to ask their clients to provide information on issues such as compliance of the enterprise with respect to environmental, labour and social regulations and companys ability to manage environmental and social risks.

Part B will focus on environmental and social impact of projects. This section lays out specific criteria to consider the potential and existing risks and impact of the projects on the environment (air, water, land and hazardous waste, as well as raw materials and energy consumption), on the workforce (working conditions and health safety), on health and the safety of people living around the project area, and on biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Part C will consist of recommendations that underpin the credit decision, the price and terms of disbursements in the credit agreements and the level of credit management and supervision of commercial banks.

According to IFC, green credit is the credit that banks give to projects that are less risky for the environment or to protect the environment.

In 2016, outstanding loans for green projects reached some VN84.781 trillion, up 19.7 per cent compared with the end of 2015, accounting for 1.5 per cent of total outstanding loans of the economy, with some 3.2 million credit contracts.

Credit granted to projects which have gone through environmental and social risk assessment reached some VN187.9 trillion, with more than 129,000 contracts.

According to the national action plan on green growth in the 2014-20 period, the Prime Minister assigned the SBV to review, revise and complete financial and credit regulations so as to be aligned with green growth objectives, organise training courses to strengthen the capacity of commercial banks and financial institutions in green credit activities and develop financial-banking services to support green growth.

The SBV, therefore, aims to guide credit institutions to develop business strategies in line with the States strategy on environmental protection and green growth. Accordingly, investment projects with the participation of bank credit must comply with regulations on environmental protection, social safety and energy saving.

This handbook will be a reference document. SBV encourages commercial banks to apply the guidelines.  VNS
A NANG  The central citys Song Han Incubator has launched the first ever tourism start-up programme.

Director of the Song Han Incubator Centre Ly inh Quan, presented the programme at a press conference yesterday.

He said Viet Nam has a potential resource in tourism, but the sector has not yet built up its own nationwide value chain and connections among tourism enterprises as well as foreign partners and investors.

We aim to enrol the first ten start-up businesses to join a value chain in tourism between April and November. They will themselves build up new ideas and innovations in setting up their businesses for future development, with a total fund of VN80 million (US$3,500) each, and support on legal issues, information technology, marketing and trade, Quan said. The best consultants and experts are invited to give support and guidance as well as training, he said.

Quan said the programme will help connect businesses operating in the fields of travel, hospitality, transport, craft villages and information technology in a value of chain.

He said this would help reduce travel cost, while improving quality and competitive capacity among tourism enterprises in Viet Nam.

The programme has also received sponsorship from the Viet Nam Mentors Initiative, I-Angel, Womens Initiative for Start-up Enterprise and Swiss SP.

Pham Le Nhat Quang, senior investment manager of the Viet Nam Investment Group, said the group manages a fund $500,000 to support start-up businesses in Viet Nam. He said new ideas and innovation by start-up enterprises would benefit from the funds financial support.

Ta Anh Tuan, a senior expert from the Netherlands PUM company, said his company could provide consultancy for start-up businesses in Viet Nam and help connect with foreign partners.

The programme hopes that at least 50 per cent of start-up businesses succeed in the last pitching opportunity later this year, and new ideas and innovations in business tourism development will emerge.

Last year, the central city began its start-up and entrepreneurship development by offering the start-up ecosystem, policies and investment support activities.

a Nang has 18,000 businesses, of which 95 per cent are small and medium-sized enterprises.  VNS
HCM CITY  The various components of the woodworking industrys supply chain need to establish close links to ensure the industrys sustainable development, an expert has said.

Such linkages would bring many benefits, including efficient utilisation of resources, increase in specialisation, reduction in risks, more market opportunities and higher profits, To Xuan Phuc of the sustainable forestry NGO Forest Trends organisation, said.

He was speaking at a forum held in HCM City last week by the Viet Nam Timber and Forest Product Association, the Handicrafts and Wood Industry Association of HCM City, Forest Trends, and the Forest Products Association of Binh inh.

There are around 4,300 businesses in the Vietnamese woodworking industry employing thousands of workers, he said.

But vertical and horizontal linkages in the industry, including links between wood processors, timber suppliers and forest growers, and between firms in the same sector, remain weak mainly due to a lack of trust and fair sharing of benefits, he said.

It is one of the countrys key export industries, with export revenues going up every year and expected to continue rising in the coming time, he said.

But there remain some systemic shortcomings that affect the sustainable development of the industry.

Vietnamese companies tend to invest in the entire production chain, which often means the investment is spread too thin, technologies are mismatched, and there is no specialisation at any stage in the supply chain, he said.

Besides, there is no supporting industry for the woodworking industry, and as a result its productivity is much lower than in Thailand or Malaysia, he said.

A shortage of raw materials also threatens the sustainable development of the industry.

ien Quang Hiep, chairman and director of MIFACO Co., Ltd, said: A majority of firms in the industry are small or medium-sized, and if we do not link up we [cannot] compete with large foreign firms.

These linkages would determine the very survival of the industry, he said.

The businesses in the industry are scattered and so it is hard for them to link up and work together, he said.

The creation of a wood processing industry cluster would provide companies the opportunity to share information, resources and export orders, he said.

This needs support from the Government and localities, he said.

Vo Quang Ha, general director of Tan Vinh Cuu Joint Stock Company (Tavico), said to successfully forge linkages, enterprises must have the same direction and a common goal.

They need to discuss ways to develop linkages and avoid conflicts, he said.

The association must play a greater role as an intermediary to bring them together for mutual benefit, he said.

Companies should establish close links with households that grow forests to ensure a steady source of timber and reduce risks, delegates told the forum.

Nguyen Quang Vinh of the Viet Nam Timber and Forest Product Association, said planted forests have become the main source of timber for Viet Nams wood processing industry.

To develop a steady and legitimate source of timber, some linkages have been established between wood processing companies and households growing forests, he said.

For instance, companies making products for IKEA Group, one of the worlds largest wood products company -- such as Nam inh Forest Products JSC (NAFOCO), Woodsland JSC, and Scansia Pacific -- have tied up with households in Phu Tho, Tuyen Quang, Yen Bai, and Quang Tri provinces to grow forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, he said.

They use the certified sustainable wood to make products for IKEA, he said.

This model helps improve benefits for the households and ensure a steady supply of timber for the companies, he added.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese shares dropped further on the two local markets yesterday on investor concerns about geopolitical conditions.

The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange fell 1.1 per cent to close at 710.83 points. Viet Nams key stock index has lost total 2.8 per cent after four sessions.

The HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange declined by 1.5 per cent to end at 88.3 points, extending its fall to 1.9 per cent for a second day.

Market trading liquidity remained high with more than 237 million shares exchanged for VN4.92 trillion (US$218.8 million).

All 20 sectors declined, with the finance-banking sector performing the worst. The banking sector index lost 2.1 per cent while the insurance sector and the securities sector were down 1.3 per cent each.

Eight of the nine listed banks ended in negative territory, including Vietinbank (CTG), Bank for Investment and Development of Viet Nam (BID) and Sai Gon-Ha Noi Bank (SHB).

Vietinbank held its 2017 annual shareholder meeting yesterday, saying that its M&A deal with PGBank has not been completed because the State Bank of Viet Nam requested Vietinbank to re-assess the conversion of PGBank shares into Vietinbank shares.

Other finance stocks, such as Bao Viet Holdings (BVH), PVI Holdings (PVI), Saigon Securities Inc (SSI) and HCM City Securities Corp (HCM) also suffered losses, as did the energy sector on the decline of global crude prices. Brent crude was traded at $55.39 a barrel, down 0.9 per cent from Friday, and 1.5 per cent lower in total from April 11.

Among local energy stocks, only PetroVietnam Gas (GAS) advanced, with a growth of 0.2 per cent. The company announced at its shareholder meeting yesterday that it will pay a dividend of 40 per cent for 2017 performance.

Stock indices declined further from Fridays levels, proving that investors are worried about the worlds political conditions, BIDV Securities Corp (BSC) said in a note.

Higher trading liquidity compared to Friday showed that investors low confidence kept them actively offloading parts of their portfolios to increase the amount of cash, BSC said.

Today the VN-Index will test whether it can stay above the level of 710 points and investors should keep close watch over companies whose stocks have fallen deeply in recent days, BSC added.  VNS
HA NOI  The number of delayed and cancelled flights decreased in the first quarter of 2017, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).

CAAVs statistics revealed that low-cost carrier Jetstar Pacific had the highest rate of both delayed and cancelled flights. Some 2,379 out of 8,542 flights of the carrier were delayed, or 27.9 per cent of the total, and 174 flights were cancelled.

It was followed by budget carrier VietJetAir with 2,337 out of 19,015 flights, or 12.3 per cent of the total, and national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines with 2,187 out of 25,494 flights getting delayed, or 8.6 per cent of the total.

CAAV attributed the delays and cancellations to unpunctuality of these flights, equipment and services at airports, flight operations and weather.

The aviation sector has posted two-digit growth rate over the past years, however, investment in infrastructure has failed to keep up with the pace.

During the six days of the lunar New Year festival from January 26 to 31 (or the 29th day of the last lunar month to the fourth day of the first lunar month), Tan Son Nhat International Airport  the busiest airport in Viet Nam  welcomed 4,208 out of 4,781 flights operated nationwide.

It meant that the airport operated an average of 700 flights per day with only two airstrips. Overloading was the main reason for air traffic congestion. - VNS
HA NOI  Domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should regard tech-driven innovations and digitisation as a guiding development trend when integrating into the global production and value chain.

Nguyen Hoa Cuong, deputy director of the Enterprise Development Department under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, made this remark at a seminar themed Digitising the Vietnamese Economy: Empowering SMEs for the Global Market held yesterday in Ha Noi.

The event, organised by the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), attracted 180 SMEs operating in many business sectors. They heard experts from multinational companies discussing new policies, experiences, tools and solutions to enhance SMEs capacity in exploiting the potential of the growing digital economy, so that they can participate more effectively in the global supply chain.

Sunil Singh, Chief Information Officer of the Coca-Cola Company Bottling Investments Group, said businesses could not develop without innovation, adding that Coca-Cola was devoting one-third of its capital to tech-driven innovation, with a focus on automation, digitisation and artificial intelligence.

If firms dont apply automation, digitisation to their business models, they will have a hard time competing with their rivals and will soon be eliminated from the market," said Singh, adding that digital transformation was a strategic priority.

Regarding supply chain management, Frank Weiand, General Director of Supply Chain Services International, said the supply chain cost in Viet Nam accounted for 20 per cent of GDP and may grow to 25 per cent in the next coming years, much higher compared to Laos, Thailand and China. If businesses reduce about 10 per cent of the supply chain cost, they can save 1.5 to 2 per cent of GDP, Weiand said.

He added that production costs of Vietnamese enterprises were 20 per cent higher than those of neighbouring countries, such as Thailand and China, because Vietnamese enterprises were not yet well integrated in the international supply chain in terms of procurement, operations and sales. They were also behind in the application of international standards to improve quality and production capability, and were disadvantaged due to the delayed implementation of the ASEAN economic blueprint.

Improvement of quality management systems and manufacturing processes can increase efficiency by up to 40 per cent and reduce costs. Optimisation of procurement processes offers cost reduction potentials of over 20 per cent, Weiand said.

During the seminar, representatives from Microsoft, MasterCard and other companies also shared their experiences in fields such as cloud technology, digital payment and business regulation.  VNS
HA NOI  Shares rebounded yesterday as bargain hunting increased on investor expectation that the market will get back on the track soon.

The VN-Index recouped 0.58 per cent to close the afternoon trade at 714.93 points on the HCM Stock Exchange.

The key market index has lost more than 2.8 per cent in the last four sessions. Its growth has also slowed from nearly 10 per cent in mid last week to roughly seven per cent on Monday.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index edged up 0.94 per cent to end at 89.12 points. The northern market index decreased 1.9 per cent in the two previous sessions.

The strong recovery of the VN-Index in the last trading minutes surprised the market today, said Tran Hai Yen, a stock analyst at Bao Viet Securities Company, in Tuesdays market report.

Demand rose in the second half of afternoon trading, lifting many large-cap stocks including Vinamilk (VNM), insurer Bao Viet Holdings (BVH), Vietinbank (CTG), Vietcombank (VCB), private equity firm Masan Group (MSN), IT giant FPT Group (FPT) and PV Gas (GAS).

Todays strong growth is a good signal for tomorrows trading. We expect another rally but not significant given short-term risks from global turbulence, analysts at Vietnam Investment Securities Company wrote in a report.

Money flow is strong and awaiting a suitable time to return to the market with other investment channels less attractive, the report said, indicating a rise in liquidity on Tuesday.

A total of 258.3 million shares worth a combined VN5.2 trillion (US$228 million) were traded in the two markets, up nine per cent in volume and six per cent in value compared to Mondays figures.

However, it is too early to assume a sustainable bullish trend when objective information concerning geopolitical issues, especially the North Korea issue, still contain numerous potential risks, Yen said.

She advised investors to avoid aggressive buying and reducing stock exposure of overall portfolios.

Fertiliser companies filed an application to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) for a safeguard tariff on a number of imported fertiliser products but this information did little for fertiliser firms.

PetroVietnam Fertiliser & Chemicals (DPM) and PetroViet Nam Ca Mau Fertiliser (DCM) rallied but Binh ien Fertiliser (BFC) and Lam Thao Fertilisers and Chemicals (LAS) declined.

There has been no final decision from the MoIT. However, if this request is approved, the performance of local fertiliser companies is expected to improve, as steel stocks did last year.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam needs to improve the quality of weather forecasting and enhance international co-operation to prepare for natural disasters, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said.

The PM made the statement at a meeting to review disaster prevention and control in 2016 and layout tasks for 2017.

Nguyen Xuan Cuong, head of the Central Steering Commitee on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, said, 2016 saw multiple extreme weather phenomena such as droughts, extreme cold weather, floods and storms, causing losses of VN39.7 trillion (US$1.75 billion).

"Natural disasters struck from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, occurring in all regions with many types of natural disasters," Cuong said.

Drought and saline intrusion occurred in the Mekong River Delta, south central region and Central Highlands, he said.

Four in 10 storms in the East Sea hit Viet Nam, while tropical depressions led to abnormal floods which caused landslides on the banks of rivers and coastal areas.

Natural disasters in 2016 left 264 people dead or missing, while more than 370,000 houses were damaged. Agriculture, aquaculture, road and irrigation system were also affected.

Natural disasters have led to stagnant production and harmed the health of people in disaster-prone areas. It was the main reason for the poor performance of the agricultural sector in the first half of last year, resulting in a decrease in the countrys economic growth, Cuong said.

Despite efforts in flood prevention and minimising damage to humans and property, he said, there were still shortcomings in the work.

Facilities and equipment to support disaster prevention work were still limited while staff in agencies often didnt respond to disasters in a timely fashion, Cuong said.

Besides natural disasters due to extreme weather, he said, there were some problems relating to reservoirs regulations.

"Some reservoirs, when regulating flood discharges are not operating properly and are increasing risks for the project and downstream areas," Cuong said.

He asked local authorities to co-ordinate with ministries and agencies to review the operation of reservoirs.

Cuong also requested that inspections be conducted on dyke and irrigation works to ensure the projects safety before this years rainy season.

He suggested that the Government assign the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to co-ordinate ministries, sectors and localities to review and adjust the inter-reservoir operations.

According to the forecast of the Natural Central for Hydro-Meterology Forecasting, the weather in 2017 will be complicated with temperatures likely to be higher than the average of previous years, especially in the north.

Some 13-15 storms and tropical depressions are predicted to occur during the rainy season.

Given the difficulty in predicting natural disasters, Phuc asked agencies and localities to re-examine disaster patterns to devise prevention solutions while strengthening disaster control projects.

He called for more campaigns to raise public awareness of disaster mitigation.

"As one of the five countries most affected by climate change, it is necessary for Viet Nam to improve the awareness of the local government and people as well on the issue," PM Phuc said.  VNS
BANGKOK  Street food stalls will be banned from all of Bangkoks main roads under a clean-up crusade, a city hall official said on Tuesday, prompting outcry and anguish in a food-obsessed capital famed for its spicy roadside cuisine.

For months city officials have hemmed in hawkers of all kinds across the metropolis, where hitting the pavement for everything from late-night noodles to fried insects is the closest Thailand has to a national pastime.

"All types of stalls including clothes, counterfeit goods and food stalls will be banned from main city roads," said Wanlop Suwandee, a chief advisor to Bangkoks governor.

"They will not be allowed for order and hygiene reasons," he added. Officials insist the citys street vendors clog the foot paths, leaving little space for pedestrians and littering the streets.

But many Bangkokians say this chaos is part of the capitals charm and an affordable option for all with a stick of grilled pork going for 10 baht (30 cents) while a bowl of chicken noodles costing as little as 35 baht.

"If you want to clean out all the vendors its like you are cleaning out our culture itself," said Chiwan Suwannapak, who works for a Bangkok tour agency.

Street dining is also a social leveller in a city cut by inequality, with everyone from business execs to motorcycle taxi drivers pulling up plastic chairs to slurp down spicy soups or dig into fried chicken at the roadside restaurants as cars whiz by.

The rich variety of foods ladled out from push carts are also a top draw for tourists, who power the kingdoms economy.

"If they go against the vendors, that will that affect business and it will affect the charm of Khaosan," said Sanga Ruangwattanaku, the president of a business association on Khaosan Road  a buzzing backpacker hotspot in Bangkoks old town.  AFP
Viet Nam and China agreed yesterday that they would work to strengthen the focal points of their strategic partnership.  VNA/VNS Photo Vu Le Ha

BEIJING  Viet Nam and China agreed yesterday that they would work to strengthen the focal points of their strategic partnership.

The agreement came at the 10th meeting of the countries Steering Committee for Bilateral Co-operation co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi in Beijing.

Reviewing bilateral co-operation since the ninth meeting on June 6, 2016, both sides saw positive development trends, noting in particular the holding of regular meetings between senior leaders, enhanced co-operation between ministries, sectors and localities, and stronger people-to-people exchanges.

They also spoke about difficulties and obstacles in bilateral relations.

The two sides agreed to implement mechanisms for defence exchange and co-operation and intensify connections in security and law enforcement.

Effective measures will be taken to balance trade, expand investment and promote the sustainable development of economic and trade relations, with a focus on agriculture, forestry and fisheries, the meeting heard.

Both sides also agreed to facilitate the establishment of Viet Nams trade promotion offices in China and increase Chinese investment in the fields that match Viet Nams demand and interests.

They concurred that the Cat Linh-Ha ong urban railway project in Ha Noi needs to be completed as soon as possible, and that outstanding problems in projects involving Chinese investors or contractors have to be resolved early.

China expressed support for Viet Nams access to preferential loan sources, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), as well as funding within the framework of ASEAN-China and Mekong-Lancang co-operation.

The two sides vowed to strengthen collaboration in transport, environmental protection, climate change response, and cross-border labour management.

They discussed sea-related issues in a straightforward manner, and agreed to observe important shared conceptions reached by Party and Government leaders of both countries, as well as the Viet Nam-China agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea issues.

They agreed to push negotiation mechanisms on sea-related issues towards achieving substantial outcomes, comprehensively and effectively carrying out the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), finalising soon a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), controlling sea disputes and refraining from actions that complicate the situation or expand disputes, and maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea (South China Sea).

Deputy PM Minh urged the two countries to make effective use of co-operation mechanisms between ministries, sectors and localities, maintain regular contact between the two Secretaries-General of the Steering Committee for Bilateral Co-operation, and fully utilise the bridging role of the Vietnamese and Chinese ambassadors.

Common interests

Later yesterday, Deputy PM Minh met with Politburo permanent member and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, Yu Zhengsheng.

He congratulated China on its recent socio-economic achievements.

He said both Viet Nam and China were on an important phase of their renewal processes and shared a common interest in keeping a peaceful and stable environment for either countrys development.

He emphasised that the two sides should maintain high-level exchanges, boost political trust, and consolidate their traditional friendship.

Keeping good control of divergences and peacefully solving maritime disputes in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) are in the mutual interest of both countries and beneficial for maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world, Minh said.

Yu Zhengsheng praised the outcomes of the meeting of the Steering Committee for Bilateral Co-operation.

He affirmed that China treasures and wants to boost friendly neighbourliness and comprehensive partnership with Viet Nam.

He also emphasised the importance of high-level bilateral visits in orienting the development of the relations between the two Parties and States.

China is willing to work with Viet Nam to enhance co-operation in all fields, increase people-to-people exchange, and keep maritime disputes under control, he said.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nams Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed determination to elevate the two countries relations during talks in Ha Noi yesterday.

The two PMs expressed their satisfaction over the growing friendship and co-operation between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka over the past 47 years since they established diplomatic ties in July 1970.

They agreed to boost cooperation in politics and external affairs via increasing high-level delegation exchanges and promoting relations between the parties, states and parliaments.

The leaders agreed on the need to effectively implement bilateral co-operation mechanisms, including organising the fourth meeting of the joint committee and the third political consultation this year.

They pledged to step up collaboration in security-defence and share information and experience in legal execution, combating cross-border crime, addressing post-war consequences and joining UN peacekeeping activities.

To realise the two-way trade target of US$1 billion in the coming years, the two sides vowed to urge agencies to map out measures to deepen bilateral co-operation in fields such as oil and gas, infrastructure, information technology and communication, garment-textile, farm produce processing and distribution, and seafood.

The PMs agreed to implement the agreement on investment encouragement and protection and sign new co-operation deals for new circumstances.

They were committed to prioritising co-operation in other important fields such as energy, tourism, education, human resources development, and cultural exchanges.

They stressed the importance of aviation connectivity, which will help promote bilateral trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

The host and guest vowed to work together at regional and international forums, while strengthening co-operation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC).

Both sides stressed the significance of maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea as well as navigation and aviation safety, removing trade barriers and settling disputes and differences via peaceful means and in line with international law.

After the talks, the PMs witnessed the signing of two co-operation agreements, including a co-operation plan on agricultural development in 2017-19, and a co-operation agreement on education in 2017-21.

Multifaceted co-operation

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong yesterday told the Sri Lankan PM that the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) welcomes strengthened ties with political parties and is ready to share development experience with Sri Lanka.

At a reception for the visiting PM, the Party chief suggested the two sides take measures to effectively deploy already-signed agreements and wished that bilateral ties would continue growing for the benefits of their people.

The Party leader also conveyed his profound condolences to families of victims in a recent garbage mountain collapse that left at least 26 dead and dozens missing in a suburb of the capital city Colombo.

PM Wickremesinghe, for his part, noted that Sri Lanka places importance on promoting friendship, people-to-people exchanges and co-operation with Viet Nam.

He hoped that the two nations would continue reinforcing bilateral ties and mutual support at multilateral forums, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and development in the region and world.

Meanwhile, in a meeting with PM Wickremesinghe earlier yesterday, President Tran ai Quang asked for increasing the exchange of delegations and meetings at all levels and effectively implementing existing co-operation mechanisms towards reaching two-way trade of $1 billion.

Both sides need to implement their Agreement on Investment Promotion and Protection signed in October 2009 and a portfolio of fields prioritised for investment under a co-operation agreement between the two foreign investment agencies signed in October 2011, he said.

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan also hosted a reception for PM Wickremesinghe.

She thanked the Sri Lankan government and people for honouring late President Ho Chi Minh by placing his statue in the National Library of Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Having witnessed the development of Sri Lanka during her visit to the country in 2013 as NA deputy chairwomen, Ngan said the Vietnamese NA will create a legal framework for the two countries to successfully execute co-operation agreements.

Wickremesinghe thanked Ngan for her warm welcome and expressed hope that the two countries will increase exchanges between parliamentary members, businessmen and youth.

He also said that Sri Lanka will send parliamentary delegations to Viet Nam to share experience.  VNS
The VCCI Chairman Vu Tien Loc said that Article 30 failed to demonstrate the role of his organisation as envisaged by the Party and the State  representing the enterprise community as a whole, similar to other chambers of commerce in the world.  VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Hoa

HA NOI  An hour-long war of words over the roles of two business support organisations raged yesterday at a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee (NASC).

The morning session of the committees monthly meeting focused on the draft Law on Support for Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises.

Article 30 proved a point of fierce contention between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (VNASME).

The article assigns the VNASME six responsibilities. It tasks the VNASME with functioning as the representative of the Vietnamese SME community, providing support and training, as well as taking part in relevant law and policy-making processes.

The VCCI, meanwhile, is only tasked with strengthening connectivity between large enterprises and SMEs.

The respective tasks of both organisations will help SMEs choose their support providers correctly, said Vu Hong Thanh, Head of the National Assemblys (NA) Economics Committee.

The VCCI, however, expressed strong disagreement, with Chairman Vu Tien Loc saying Article 30 failed to demonstrate the role of his organisation as envisaged by the Party and the State  representing the enterprise community as a whole, similar to other chambers of commerce in the world.

That the VINASME has been assigned six responsibilities in the draft law was unfair to other business support associations like the VCCI or the Viet Nam Young Entrepreneur Association, he said, noting that 98 per cent of these associations members are SMEs.

Worse still, it could very likely eliminate an important network that supports enterprises, he argued.

The draft law bets on only one association to offer support to the whole SME community instead of calling for all business associations to be participants in the effort, Loc said. Such a move is risky, he added.

VINASME Chairman Nguyen Van Than countered Locs suggestion that the VCCI and VINASME share the work of supporting the SME sector.

He said such vague regulations would not solve anything. We can only do the job if the law regulates our work in detail, Than said.

If things are left vague as Loc wants, nothing will be done. We joined the VCCI 10 years ago and saw no results (for the SMEs).

The heated debate prompted NA Deputy Chairman Phung Quoc Hien to ask the Ministry of Planning and Investment  drafters of the law - and the NA Committee on Economic Affairs to review the controversial article.

The draft Law on Support for Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises is one of the six laws on the agenda of the NASCs 9th session.

The others include the Law on Management and Use of State Assets (revised), Law on State Compensation Liability (revised), Law on adjustments and supplementations to several articles of the Penal Code No.100/2015/QH13, Law on the Management and Use of Weapons, Explosives and Supportive Weapons, and Law on Planning.

Preparations for the NAs third plenary session are also on the agenda, with an emphasis on the law and ordinance making programme for 2018 and adjustments to the 2017 programme.

The meeting is also set to discuss the draft programme for supervision work by the NA and NASC in 2018 .

The third plenary session is scheduled to convene on May 22 and close on June 20.

NASC members also agreed yesterday to increase the time for question and answer session by half a day to three days.  VNS
HA NOI  The Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption convened a meeting in Ha Noi yesterday chaired by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, head of the committee.

Members discussed the progress, results, difficulties and obstacles regarding the investigation, prosecution and trial of cases under the supervision of the committee.

They agreed to complete the investigation, prosecution and trial of 12 cases under the supervision of the committee in 2017, including those involving Saigon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank, Tien Phong Bank, Bank for Investment and Development of Viet Nam and the State Bank of Viet Nam.

They also asked relevant agencies to further investigate the case involving PetroVietnam Construction Corporation (PVC), and pursue and extradite its former chairman Trinh Xuan Thanh.

The committee agreed to establish eight working teams to inspect and supervise the prosecution, investigation, and trial of complicated and serious corruption and economic cases of public concern in 20 provinces and cities nationwide.

Addressing the meeting, Party General Secretary Trong commended the efforts of various law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of 11 defendants involved in embezzlement and in "deliberately acting against State regulations in economic mismanagement, causing serious consequences" at PVC.

He urged continued perseverance in the cases against Ha Van Tham, former chairman of Oceanbank, whose malfeasant practices caused losses of VN2 trillion (US$88.1 million), and Pham Cong Danh, former chairman of Viet Nam Construction Bank, a central figure in a VN9 trillion ($396 million) loss.

He lauded the recent efforts of agencies as well as members of the committee, which have brought remarkable results.

However, there is much work to be done, requiring closer co-ordination among authorised agencies, he noted.

At the meeting, the participants also agreed to assign Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh, deputy head of the committee, to participate in directing authorised agencies to settle a number of serious economic and corruption cases when requested.  VNS
HA NOI  The PM recently issued Decision 477/Q-TTg, which annuls previous Decision 48/Q-Ttg, issued in 2010, on awarding the PMs certificate of merit to Trinh Xuan Thanh, former State official found guilty of several wrongdoings.

The latest decision was signed last week by Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh on behalf of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

According to the decision, the head of the Government asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to withdraw all certificates of merit and recover incentive bonuses handed out to Trinh Xuan Thanh (if any). All medals of recognition and incentive bonuses handed out to Petroleum Construction Viet Nam (PVC) would also be recalled, where Thanh served and caused losses of nearly US$150 million.

Rewards in the form of objects are to be sent to the Central Commission for Commendations and bonuses (if any) are to be paid back in full to the commendation fund of the agency which handed out these bonuses to Trinh Xuan Thanh and PVC.

Earlier this month, the MoIT proposed to the Prime Minister to consider recalling awards and bonuses given to Thanh.

The process of recalling rewards and bonuses is said to be simple and easily done, according to a member of the Central Commission for Commendations and Rewards.

On Monday, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong ordered relevant agencies to expend all necessary resources on expanding the investigation of corruption cases related to PVC, with the focus on the arrest and extradition of its former head, Trinh Xuan Thanh, who had allegedly escaped overseas.  VNS
HCM CITY  South African Honourary Consul o Thi Kim Lien and VASS Assurance Corp today donated five houses worth VN350 million (US$15,418) to social welfare beneficiaries of the Navy.

The donation was made via the Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund and The Club for Beloved Hoang Sa and Truong Sa, with former Vice President Truong My Hoa the chairwoman of the fund and the club.

Also on Tuesday, the South African Honorary Consulate held a meeting to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of South African Freedom Day.

Lien said South Africa has high demand for Vietnamese goods. The country has imported a large volume of products in which Viet Nam has advantages, including footwear, garments and textiles, coffee, rice, gemstones and metals, timber and timber products.  VNS
A NANG  Big data research is the key element to help Viet Nam boost the Internet of Things (IoT) and apply smart urban technology, the rector of the Korea-Viet Nam Friendship Information Technology College, Hoang Bao Hung, said at the opening of the 7th International Conference on Information Science and Technology (ICTST) in a Nang yesterday.

Its one of the most important IT events hosted by Viet Nam. Researches and reports on big data, databases and computer science will give Vietnamese partners an opportunity to share experience of top experts from top universities, Hung said. The conference also reviews the capacity of IT in Viet Nam.

He said a Nang would be a destination for regular IT conferences that lure top international experts sharing their experience and latest IT research.

Some 125 reports from 25 countries and territories will be presented to 1,300 participants at the two-day event on big data, databases, smart systems, education and IT applications.

Viet Nam has sent 30 reports  the largest of any participant  on big data, databases, visible light communications and wireless sense security communications networks and computer science to the conference.

Professor Sam Kwong from the City University of Hong Kong said research on big data and computer science has a vital role in the internet era, and the conference will help establish Viet Nams relationship to IT worldwide.

Its expected that at least 84 reports will be accepted at the conference, and the best will be selected for publication by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)  the conferences technical sponsor.

Scientists from the a Nang-based Korea-Viet Nam Friendship Information Technology College also sent five reports on databases, visible light wireless internet (wireless integrated with light-emitting diodes), visible wireless sense systems and quality improvement of wireless systems and network security.

The conference includes sessions on topics such as computer science, control and automatisation system technology, digital signal processing, IT in biology and biomedical engineering, speech coding, unsupervised learning and brain computer interfaces, as well as the robotic industry, smart production, navigation, smart systems in health care as well as car and motor sense control.  VNS
HA NOI  Opportunities to invest in Viet Nams solar energy sector are abundant after Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc issued a decision to encourage the development of solar power projects.

Under Decision 11/2017/Q-TTg, which takes effective from June 1, 2017, all output produced by solar power projects will be purchased for VN2,086 (US 9.3 cent)/kWh (excluding VAT) - a profitable rate for investors.

The price will be adjusted in line with the VN/USD exchange rate, and only applied to power grid-connected projects with the cell efficiency above 16 per cent or productivity module over 15 per cent.

Investors involved in solar power projects in Viet Nam will be eligible for various incentives, especially support related to land, investment capital and import and corporate income tax.

The decision aims to draw finances to the field, with many investors interested in the industry.

In March, the Central Highlands province of ak Lak granted investment certificates and signed agreements with partners to develop a series of solar power projects with total investment of $3.3 billion.

The US power group AES signed a memorandum of understanding with provincial authorities to construct a $750-million-solar power plant with combined capacity of 300-500 MW.

Also, Xuan Thien ak Lak Ltd, Solar Park Global of the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Long Thanh Infrastructure Investment received approval to implement projects with respective worth of $2.2 billion, $45 million and $308 million.

Meanwhile, the RoKs electricity developer Solkiss signed an agreement with the northern province of Yen Bai to build a 500MW-solar electricity project worth more than $1 billion in Thac Ba Lake.

Many more domestic and foreign investors have been pouring their money into solar energy projects in the central provinces of Binh inh, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Thua Thien  Hue, Ha Tinh, Quang Ngai, and the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang.

However, the number and value of projects invested by foreign firms in the field remains limited.

The Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment said that only 16 foreign-invested green energy projects were operating in Viet Nam as of the end of 2016, with total registered capital of $778 million and only 18 per cent of them invest in solar power.

The decision is expected to pave the way for investors, especially foreign investors, to expand their operation in the power industry.  VNS
HA NOI  The Peoples Court of Ha Noi today sentenced 11 defendants in a fraud case that occurred at the Agriculture and Rural Development Bank, Nghe An Branch, eight years ago.

Trinh Khanh Hong, 50, former chairman of the Board of Trustees and General Director of Tan Hong Import-Export Company, was sentenced to life in jail for asset misappropriation fraud and 20 years for swindling in order to misappropriate assets.

o uc Hung, 61, former director of Agribank Hong Ha, was given 23 years in jail, and Truong an Dan, 43, was given 12 years in jail, both for asset misappropriation fraud and violating lending regulations.

Nguyen Van Manh, chief accountant of Tan Hong company was sentenced to 11 years in jail for swindling to misappropriate assets.

The five defendants to receive custodial sentences, o Minh Hien, former head of the planning unit of Agribank Hong Ha, inh Van Hai, former director of uc Hung Company, Tran Huu Tuan, director of Giang Linh Company, Nguyen Thi My, director of Thai An Company, and o Huu Bach, director of uc Hung Company, were given from five to seven years in jail for fraudulent misappropriation of assets.

Two credit staff of Agribank Hong Ha, Nguyen Van Thuy and inh Minh ao, were given three years probation.

According to the court indictment, in 2009, Trinh Khanh Hong set up a project with loans of US$20 million from Agribank to plant material forest. However when the loan was approved, Hong used the money for his own purposes. He also created 965 fake invoices showing that he gave the money to households to plant trees.

Hong worked with the other defendants to misappropriate more than VN281 billion (US$12.8 million) from companies and borrowed another VN200 billion ($8.8 million) from banks.

In this case, five former staff from Agribank Hong Ha, who knew that Hong was incapable of paying back the loans but didnt want to have bad debts on their record, signed guarantee documents so that Hong could borrow more money.  VNS
HA NOI  Four provinces in Viet Nam have reported six outbreaks of bird flu, according to the Department of Animal Health.

The provinces affected are Vinh Long, ak Lak, Quang Ninh and Thua Thien-Hue.

An outbreak was detected in the southern province of Vinh Long on Saturday at a household in Binh Tan Districts My Thuan Commune which affected 300 chicken.

More than 3,000 chicken also tested positive for A/H5N1and were disposed of at a farm in the provinces Binh Minh Town.

In the northern province of Quang Ninh, 320 poultry were reported to have fallen ill and died in the past four days. The number of poultry culled was 670.

Two farms in the central province of Thua Thien-Hues Phu Loc District lost 6,500 ducks due to infection, while the Central Highlands province of ak Lac recorded 43 infected poultry.

The animal health department said the country now faces a high risk of a bird flu epidemic.

A number of avian flu types that havent been found in Viet Nam such as A/H7N9 and A/H5N2 could enter the country via trading poultry with unclear origin, particularly in northern provinces bordering China, it said.

The department asked localities to be active in bird flu prevention and strictly deal with poultry smuggling.

It was necessary for localities to supervise poultry to detect bird flu outbreaks and tackle them promptly.

Last week, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development launched a National Monitoring Programme for avian flu to prevent the spread of the virus.

The programme emphasises early detection to enable early warnings about the virus entering Viet Nam.

It is also expected to help build virus-free zones and facilities to diminish the risk of virus transmission to human beings, foster sustainable growth of poultry and promote exports of poultry products.

Under the programme, regular sample checks will be conducted at all live poultry markets in provinces where poultry farming is a key industry, and in border provinces.

Monitoring activities and sampling will also be conducted on wild birds and farming of wild birds.

All provinces and companies with poultry production and export chains, as well as farms under the management of the central Government or local authorities, are subject to regular monitoring.

The programme will help improve the capacity of monitoring bodies by organising training activities for staff at seven regional veterinary agencies and 63 city or provincial departments of husbandry and veterinary, as well as all veterinary laboratories which conduct avian flu tests.  VNS
The Viet Nam Association of Manpower Supply (VAMAS) yesterday announced the results of the annual evaluation of migrant worker recruitment agencies, with 43 per cent of agencies ranked receiving a five star rating.  Photo hanoitv

HA NOI  The Viet Nam Association of Manpower Supply (VAMAS) yesterday announced the results of the annual evaluation of migrant worker recruitment agencies, with 43 per cent of agencies ranked receiving a five star rating.

The annual ranking, the fourth of its kind, evaluates recruitment agencies performance against VAMASs code of conduct for recruitment agencies introduced in 2010. The evaluation of recruitment agencies is carried out with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The code is a voluntary instrument that aims to improve compliance with Vietnamese legislation and international standards, to promote better business management and to protect migrant workers from exploitation, including forced labour and human trafficking.

VAMAS President Nguyen Luong Trao said that more and more recruitment agencies applying the code of conduct have shown progress in various areas including selection of partners and donors, training and support for migrant workers and job security for returning workers.

However, violations of the code committed in 2016 include a lack of regular reporting, insufficient training, costs above standard rates, and sending migrant workers abroad without permission, he said.

Out of 86 agencies ranked in 2016, 37 were given five stars, 41 four stars and the rest three stars. The ranked agencies sent more than 60 per cent of all workers going abroad through Vietnamese agencies last year.

The number of agencies joining the initiative will increase to 106 next year.

ILO Viet Nam Director Chang-Hee Lee recognised the role of the private sector in protecting migrant workers from abusive and fraudulent practices during recruitment, reducing migration costs, and enhancing development outcomes of migration.

Experience has shown that good recruitment practices lead to positive migration experiences, and these can enable inclusive and sustainable development  for migrants, their families and communities, and Viet Nam, he said.

Cross-border labour migration from Viet Nam has significantly increased over the last two decades. The country had 278 licensed recruitment agencies in 2016, sending 126,000 migrant workers abroad.

Most of the worlds approximately 232 million migrants left their countries in search of decent jobs to improve their  and their families  livelihood. According to the ILOs Fair Migration Agenda, while discrimination and labour abuses are common among migrant workers, and the costs of migration high, migration can enable human development alongside economic growth.  VNS
Akif Ayhan*

In a nationwide referendum held on April 16, 2017, Turkish voters were asked to decide whether to grant expanded competences to the President of the Republic.

Turnout was a high 85% - about 49 million of 58 million eligible voters, including Turkish citizens living abroad, and the unofficial preliminary result indicates a close call: 51,4 per cent Yes (in favor) and 48,6 No (against).

The results demonstrate that the people of Turkey support the proposed amendments to the Constitution.

Some media analysts are of the opinion that the peoples choice reflects a preference for more compromise than fragmentation on major topics of nationwide interest, in particular on reshaping the institutional pillars of the state.

Following the "yes vote, Turkeys political configuration will soon be transformed. The foundations of government will shift in emphasis from a Parliamentary to an Executive Presidential system, while the National Assembly will continue to function on a modified basis.

Proponents argue that this reform will provide Turkey with more stability at a time of turmoil and in the context of complex issues facing the country, while opponents criticise it as a drive to an enhancement and concentration of power.

The constitutional amendments adopted by referendum indeed mark a fundamental change in how the country will be run.

The current Constitution was adopted after the 1980 coup, and critics say it restricts the popular will via paternalistic-tutelage mechanisms allegedly exerted by certain segments of the state apparatus.

The foiled coup attempt on July 15th last year revealed that the military establishments approach towards political representatives and civilian authorities required change.

Thats why the relationship between the military and civilian authorities will also be reorganized within the scope of the latest, crucial reforms. For example, the State Supervisory Board will be able to monitor and audit the Turkish Armed Forces. Military Courts will be abolished.

The set of constitutional amendments aims to reassert supervision by elected politicians over appointed officials.

The next general elections are to be held on November 3, 2019. Until that time, the incumbent president and deputies will hold office. The Council of Judges and Prosecutors will be elected and will assume office in the very near future, once the Constitutional amendments enter into force.

Now, we can look at what changes the referendum heralds and what their impact will be domestically and internationally.

What was it about?

The vote asked Turks to approve or reject 18 Constitutional amendments in order to move to a Presidential system of government. Among them:

 The President, currently just the Head of State, becomes both the Head of State and head of the executive.

 The post of Prime Minister is abolished, and a position of Vice-President is created.

 The President is authorised to declare states of emergency and to appoint Vice-Presidents, ministers and high-ranking public officials.

 The legislative prerogative of Parliament will be maintained, but to a certain extent diminished.

 The Presidents tenure will be limited to two terms of five-years each.

 Parliamentary and Presidential elections are to be held every five years, simultaneously.

 Parliament is entitled to investigate or impeach the President by a majority vote. It would need a two-thirds majority (400 votes) to refer the president for trial by the Supreme Court.

 The number of Members of Parliament will be increased from 550 to 600.

 The Board of Judges and Prosecutors will be comprised of the Minister of Justice, his/her undersecretary, seven members appointed by the Parliament, and four members appointed by the President.

 The number of seats on the Constitutional Court will be reduced from 17 to 15, a majority of whom will be appointed by the President.

 Both the President and Parliament will be able to request a re-election.

 The President must get parliamentary approval for the budget.

 The military judiciary will be confined to disciplinary issues.

Arguments in favour

- Supporters view the constitutional reform package as a guarantee of stability and security for Turkey.

- They argue that it is a crucial opportunity to modernise Turkeys constitution.

- Proponents also say that it will improve decision-making and execution without the current duality involving the President and the Prime minister and the need to form difficult-to-manage coalitions.

Arguments against

- A key concern is insufficient checks and balances over the head of the executives (Presidents) power and a secondary position for Parliament.

- Opponents argue that the amended Constitution will preclude votes of confidence or motions of censure as a means of exerting control over government in the National Assembly. Governments will thus operate for five years without being concerned about the risk of being brought down by Parliament.

Why a referendum?

There has long been debate about switching to a presidential system. In a 2007 Constitutional referendum, Turkey embraced a semi-presidential system, putting the election of the president to universal suffrage. Erdogan thus became Turkeys first directly-elected President in 2014.

But there was a desire to move to a fully presidential system and last summers foiled coup attempt might have boosted this tendency.

What would a yes vote mean for Turkey?

The bulk of changes will become effective in 2019. But as of now, the President may rejoin his political party under one of the approved amendments. The board of judges and prosecutors will also be renewed at once and military courts will be abolished soon.

EU relations

As for expected developments in Turkeys relations with the EU, while the EU needs Turkey in terms of its valuable assistance in checking irregular migration flows into Europe, the countrys prospects of joining the EU look compromised.

Turkey began talks with Brussels on full membership in 2005, but recent developments have soured the relationship. According to statements by political leaders and high level Turkish officials, various components of Turkey-EU links will be subject to a sweeping review after the referendum, including, and in particular, the migrant deal, readmission, visa liberalisation and customs union as most of these arrangements have proved to be unfair toward Turkey.

The yes vote does not mean an end to Turkeys strained relations with the EU, considering de facto frozen accession negotiations and the EUs short term priorities.

Therefore, an overall reassessment of the bilateral relations for a more balanced type of relationship with the EU appears looming.

*Akif Ayhan is the Turkish Ambassador to Viet Nam
Allen College chancellor Dr. Jerry Durham has announced that following a year of planning the Waterloo college will launch a 15-month distance learning accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program this month. The program would be offered in a hybrid format that combines learning both online and in the classroom. Graduates of the hybrid accelerated BSN program will be eligible for registered nurse (RN) licensure.

Durham reported that in planning the program Allen College nursing leaders worked with a consultant from a university that already offers a 12-month hybrid BSN program to address issues that might arise as Allen College implements the hybrid program.

The college plans to admit up to 32 students to the new program. Students in the hybrid program will spend May through August on the Waterloo campus and then complete the last 12 months of clinical study at health care agencies in the Des Moines area, primarily at UnityPoint Health hospitals. Throughout the 15 months of study, students will complete most of the coursework online and meet with faculty face-to-face several times each semester in Des Moines.

Allen Colleges nursing dean, Dr. Kendra Williams-Perez, said the program was developed to address a growing shortage in Iowa of nurses with bachelors degrees and to increase access to the accelerated BSN program Allen College has offered for the past decade. She noted that there are more than 250 accelerated BSN programs in the nation, but Allen College offers the only accelerated BSN program in Iowa that prepares graduates for RN licensure.

This program will be one of only a few hybrid BSN programs in the nation that prepares graduates for RN licensure. The programs curriculum will be identical to the accelerated BSN program we have been offering in a face-to-face context on the Allen College campus in Waterloo.

Students who want a more traditional accelerated BSN program can continue to spend their entire program of study on the Waterloo campus and complete their clinical study at hospitals and other agencies in the Waterloo area.

Qualified students who follow prescribed plans of study at Wartburg, Central, Loras and Simpson colleges, at Drake University and at the University of Northern Iowa can be admitted to Allen Colleges traditional or new hybrid accelerated BSN program after their junior year and subsequently receive two degrees: a BSN degree from Allen College and another bachelors degree from their sending institution. According to Williams-Perez, students enrolled in Allen Colleges accelerated BSN program have high retention and graduation rates and excel in passing the RN licensure examination upon graduation.

More information about the new program is available by calling 226-2014 or at www.allencollege.edu.
WATERLOO  Dr. Jerry DenHerder arrived at DenHerder Veterinary Hospital last week wearing a tie and jacket.

Clients and colleagues used to seeing the beloved doctor in surgical scrubs could scarcely believe their eyes. DenHerder had even taken a lint roller to the coat, tidying up tell-tale signs of affection from his toy poodles, Nell and Gracie.

Dr. Jerry, as he is known in his practice and the community, was there to say thank you. His attire added a necessary exclamation point.

They deserve the best, DenHerder said. Ive been so blessed. The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming, so Im giving them my very best.

On Dec. 8, DenHerder was treating patients at the clinic when his fingertips began to tingle and his legs felt heavy. His right arm started to go numb.

That tipped me off right away, said Dr. Tom Taylor, who has worked with DenHerder for 19 years. I told him he should sit down and Im going to call the ambulance. He stumbled into the chair a little bit. Its knowing someone so well and knowing the look in his eyes wasnt right.

Paramedics took DenHerder to UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital where doctors quickly discovered he was having a stroke. He was immediately airlifted to Mayo Clinic-St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

DenHerder, 70, credits his faith for the calm that washed over him.

I had no fear. Only peace, he said. From the time I hit that helicopter I knew God was going to take care of me.

The stroke occurred deep in the left side of DenHerders brain, causing paralysis in his right arm and right leg.

Fifty-one percent of people dont survive what I had, he said. Im just glad to be alive.

DenHerder spent three weeks at Mayo Clinic and another eight weeks in outpatient therapy at a facility north of Rochester. He recently returned home to Waterloo where he does physical and occupational therapy three times a week.

Clients, colleagues, friends and family offered love and support and held down the fort in DenHerders absence. Hes been practicing veterinary medicine for more than four decades.

He has so many people who love him and how he does things, and we are picking up the slack as best we can, Taylor said.

Every week during DenHerders absence, a greeting card sat at the veterinary hospitals front desk, signed by owners with opposable thumbs on behalf of DenHerders furry patients. Other cards were sent from near and far, wishing the good doctor well.

Last count we had almost 700 cards, DenHerder said. Weve been so blessed.

DenHerder is no stranger to tragedy and adversity. He lost his first wife at age 27, and an infant child.

Hes taken more lumps than anybody deserves, Taylor said. Weve had some good talks about that, how do you keep going. Hes always been a mentor to me in my career, but Ive personally learned from him more than anything about being a good person. He doesnt go at anything with a cant attitude. He sees it as a bump to overcome.

Ronda DenHerder, Jerrys wife of 33 years, concurs.

He has had not one down day, she said. Hes working so hard to get better. He doesnt want to let anyone down. He never has.

Stuff happens in life, Jerry DenHerder explained. Its not what happens in life, its what you do with it.

Several years ago, he sold his practice to Taylor and cut back to 30 hours a week treating clients beloved pets. He doesnt know if or when hell return to work. Right now, hes focusing on recovery.

Hes created a culture here for 30 years caring for people and their pets, and weve built a team around that culture, Taylor said. Its level of care and a personal touch, and that culture started with Jerry. Hes always got an exam room here, in whatever capacity he wants. That door is always going to be open.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo homeowner has been found guilty a second time under the city chronic nuisance property code.

In November, Dorothy Spates was cited a second time in connection with frequent police calls to her home.

A bench trial had been scheduled for Monday, and Magistrate Andrew Abbott entered a consent judgment against Spates after she failed to show up for court.

Under the code, Spates will be fined $200 and can be billed $50 per officer per hour for police wages when officers are called to her address, said City Attorney David Zellhoefer.

Spates was represented by attorney Royce Turner of Des Moines, but Turners license to practice law was suspended in December because of issues with his trust account, and the suspension remains in place.

Spates home at 520 Elm St. had been a frequent target of gunfire in 2015 and 2016, and she was first cited for chronic nuisance violation in January 2016. She was found guilty following a March trial.

After the first conviction, police were sent to the home 11 more times for calls that qualified as nuisance calls between May and October, according to court records. Authorities said they have been sent to the home because of gunfire, noise and people blocking the street outside.

The list included a July 2016 homicide on Logan Avenue that led to the arrest of her grandson and three others. Police searched the Elm Street home as part of the homicide investigation, according to court records.

In a letter sent to the police chief following the citation, Spates said her house isnt the cause of the problems and accused police of harassing her and her family.

Me and my house are the victim, but you treat me like I am out there shooting up my own house, and that just plain dumb, Spates wrote.
WATERLOO  Teachers were celebrated Tuesday as the Waterloo Schools Foundation announced recipients of 13 Innovative Learning Grants during the Sparking Academic Excellence Breakfast at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.

Grant winners represented eight Waterloo Community Schools buildings and included 25 teachers.

Keynote speaker Julie Miller Jones, emeritus professor and distinguished scholar of food and nutrition at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn., said teachers made an impact on her years as a district student.

I learned to speak, I learned math, I learned to write, said the 1964 West High School graduate. But the most important skill I learned was critical thinking.

Grants totaled $24,000 and will fund teacher proposals in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math as well as reading and music initiatives. The grants, teachers and schools include:

DASH for Learning  Sally Goodenbour, Lincoln and Poyner elementary schools.

BrainPop  Tamara Willis, Hoover Middle School.

Stopping the Summer Slide  Danielle Hakeman and Ann Thomas, Lou Henry Elementary School.

Screen Free Coding in Preschool with Cubetto  Jill Peters and Jill Wachal, Elk Run Early Childhood Center.

Empowering Students to Self-Manage Their Health  Dave Gettman, Ben Thoma, Andrew Foelske and Cari Collins, West High School.

Elementary Woodworking  Jeremy Swanson, Lincoln Elementary.

The BeeBot Project  Tammi Mitchell, Orange Elementary School.

Sensory Room  Heather Smith, Marie Swalin, Susie Lund and Angie Johnson, Poyner Elementary.

Affective and Social Development Support for Elementary Students  Amy McGovern, Keri Rice and Laura Lyons, Lou Henry Elementary.

Coding with Ozobots  Shawn Brauer, Kingsley Elementary School.

Cumulative Assessment through Creation, Performance and Response  Travis Gratteau-Zinnel, Hoover Middle.

Keeping it Up! Avoiding the Summer Slump  Jodee Schmit, Tammy Huggins and Tammy Bakken, Lincoln Elementary.

Learning Immersion through Virtual Reality  Stacy Snyder, Orange Elementary.

Superintendent Jane Lindaman, in her State of the District address, highlighted positive happenings in Waterloo Schools, including the recently announced 77.37 percent districtwide graduation rate for the class of 2016.

Its a drop from the all-time high of 80.3 percent for the class of 2015, but otherwise the highest since 2006.

Our graduation rate is trending upward, she said. Its the third highest, so clearly if you look at a trend line, its going up.

Lindaman pointed to literacy improvements at the elementary school level, growth of the Leader in Me initiative in district schools and planned expansion of the Waterloo Career Center. She said an increasing number of parents are responding positively on district satisfaction surveys.

Our community image is improving, our school buildings are fantastic, said Lindaman. We have 11,000 of the best students in the state. Theres no doubt that we have a lot of work to do, but theres so much thats going right.
DES MOINES  The House voted Tuesday to give the Natural Resource Commission the authority to set hunting and fishing license fees.

Representatives approved House File 631 to shift responsibility for setting the fees to the board appointed by the governor.

First of all, it becomes a political issue, said floor manager Rep. John Wills, R-Spirit Lake. Most of the fees havent been raised since 2003  some since 1999  because nobody wants to raise the fees in the Legislature, he said.

Wills made a point of saying the bill, approved 92-6, does not include any fee increases. However, the Department of Natural Resources is looking at increases to generate revenue it says is needed to maintain the state fish and game fund.

So were saying, OK, DNR, youre the professionals. Your understanding of the budget is better than ours because you live it every day, Wills said.

Lawmakers still will have oversight because the fees enacted by the Natural Resource Commission will not go into effect for a year. That would allow lawmakers to nullify or modify them, he said.

The bill must win Senate approval before it could become law.

The changes in how fishing and hunting fees are set is long overdue, according to Rep. Scott Ourth, D-Ackworth. He has been contacted by hundreds of people, including members of hunting and fishing groups, who want fees increased to support the fish and wildlife fund.

Some of my redneck hunting buddies are a little bit opposed to this, but every sportsmens group in Iowa has written to me and stands with this bill, said Rep. Terry Baxter, R-Garner.

As a result of HF 631 passage, Wills said fishing and hunting licenses will not increase as much as the DNR earlier proposed. It called for a 32 percent increase to raise $8.8 million.

The DNR has to request a lot of money to put a big bubble in there to operate for years because they know they wont get another increase of a while, Wills said.

However, his bill directs the commission to review fees at least once every three years. That way, Wills said, more modest increases can be approved when needed.

The DNR, he said, will seek an overall increase of about 17 percent. A $19 fishing license would increase to $21, for example.

Computer science

Lawmakers also approved Senate File 274 by a 95-3 margin to require the Department of Education to adopt computer science education standards and convene a computer science education work group; require the Board of Educational Examiners to establish computer science instructor endorsements and authorizations; and establish a computer science professional development incentive fund.

The computer science incentive fund would encourage schools to put more and continued effort and emphasis on computer science for K-12 students, said Rep. Walt Rogers, R-Cedar Falls. The bill will build on momentum for improving computer science education to get us up to where we think we should be.

However, Rep. Cindy Winckler, D-Davenport, was critical of the bill because it did not include any money for the fund. It will help only those districts that have the resources to invest in computer science education, she said. Districts can use grants or donations to fund their efforts.

Thats a shift, Winckler said, calling it the beginning of funding education only if someone else pays.
DES MOINES  When Rep. Matt Windschitl thinks about the Fourth of July, he thinks about fun, freedom and fireworks.

With passage of Senate File 489 56-41, Windschitl and other Iowans will be able to celebrate the midsummer holiday with more than the sparklers, caps and snakes now allowed under Iowa law.

Iowans already are buying fireworks  but elsewhere, Windschitl said.

They are driving across the border into other states, spending their hard-earned dollars in other states to purchases these products, fill up with gas, buy beer and whatever else, snacks, and then come back into Iowa to use them, he said. Lets give them the opportunity to spend their dollars in Iowa.

Others, however, think about fire, scared pets, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, injuries and death when the subject of fireworks comes up.

What we legislate against is stupid ideas and stupid people who make bad choices and bad decisions, said Rep. Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City.

But its not the Legislatures job to bubble-wrap Iowan, Windschitl said.

We cant legislate away stupid people and the actions theyre going to take, he said. They can make this decision themselves.

The bill, which was approved by the Senate 34-14 last month, was backed by 50 Republicans and six Democrats, with eight Republicans joining 33 Democrats to vote against it. Three representatives were absent.

It now goes to Gov. Terry Branstad, who has indicated a willingness to sing the bill.

The bill would allow Iowans the freedom to buy and use fireworks similar to residents of 40 others states, Windschitl said, albeit it only during certain times of the year.

SF 489 would allow licensed retailers or community groups to sell consumer-grade fireworks out of permanent structures to adults between June 1 and July 8 and between Dec. 10 and Jan. 3. A similar provision would apply to temporary structures, such as tents, from June 13 through July 8 each year. It also would put 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 under 18. A violation is punishable by a fine of between $250 and $625.

Democrats, who offered amendments to modify the bill and spoke at length during the two hour-plus debate, were critical of spending so much time on the bill.

Its interesting that today is the last official day of session, Rep. Sharon Steckman, D-Mason City, said, referring to the fact that lawmakers will no longer collect daily expense money. Were spending half the day on a fireworks bill. Is that the most important thing we have to do today?

Amendments that would have banned the use of fireworks in vehicles and made it a misdemeanor for anyone with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more to use fireworks were rejected. Windschitl said those situations were already covered by the bill.
DES MOINES -- The Senate voted 37-12 to accept a soft cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases before sending the bill to Gov. Terry Branstad desk.

Senators accepted a House change to Senate File 465 that removed a hard cap on non-economic damages to allow juries to make awards of more than $250,000 in cases of substantial or permanent loss or impairment of bodily functions and substantial disfigurement. Initially, the bill would have capped non-economic damages  damages awarded for pain, suffering, physical impairment, inconvenience and mental anguish among others  at $250,000.

In addition to capping non-economic damages except in the most extreme cases, SF 465 creates a certificate of merit, requiring plaintiffs lawyers to submit proof of medical malpractice at the beginning of the case.

There is no rationale for this bill, whatsoever, according to a statement from the Iowa Association for Justice. Rates of medical malpractice lawsuits in Iowa have fallen by over 50 percent in the past 15 years, and Iowa doctors pay some of the lowest medical liability premiums in the country. Capping how far a jury can go to hold bad actors accountable is arbitrary government overreach, and its just plain wrong.

Alcohol regulation

The Senate on Monday passed and sent Gov. Terry Branstad legislation that provides several updates to Iowas alcohol regulations, including a measure that would allow small distilleries to sell their products on-site, similar to what is permitted for craft breweries and wineries.

House File 607, which passed 50-0, results from years of work and a compromise among beer, wine and spirits producers and beer wholesalers who previously opposed similar changes, supporters said.

After sailing through the House, the bill had stalled in the Senate because of an issue over the three-tier system  the separation of alcohol producers, distributors and retailers  but that hurdle was removed and the bill won approval.

We will see economic growth from this bill but we also will not hurt existing jobs, said Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Waterloo.

History awards

A book about Iowans in the Civil War rose to the top of this years Shambaugh Shortlist to claim one of the states highest history awards Monday.

Gov. Branstad presented the 2017 Benjamin F. Shambaugh Award to author Thomas R. Baker for The Sacred Cause of Union: Iowa in the Civil War, which focuses on Iowans and their service in battle and at home.

Written for a broad audience, the 293-page book includes details about Iowans in all major theaters of war, a chronology and stories of sacrifices by six Iowans.

Right to try

Terminally ill patients would have a right to try by gaining more access to experimental drugs under Senate File 404, which was approved Monday 49-0 by the Senate and sent to Branstad.

The legislation would permit manufacturers of investigative drugs, biological products or devices to make them available to eligible patients with terminal illnesses for use as a treatment, as long as they provide written consent. Senators Monday accepted a House amendment to make clear the legislation shall not be construed to allow a patients treating physician to assist the patient in committing or attempting to commit suicide as prohibited by law.

Prison contraband

The Iowa State Penitentiary has identified the presence of contraband drugs within the institution and is taking steps to address it, a statement issued Monday said.

Although the matter is under investigation, prison officials announced immediate changes in procedures on mail and visitation. Staff also were give information on the identification of prohibited substances, including synthetic marijuana.

AFSCME Council 61 President Danny Homan said Friday that 12 inmates had been tied to an infiltration of synthetic marijuana, sometimes going by the name K2.

He criticized the Corrections Department for not locking down the prison in response to the substance, which he said is a safety concern for inmates and officers.

Offenders have been found incoherent in their cells with head injuries from falling, he said.

Planting slowed

Planting progress remains slow due to wet field conditions, according to Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

As a result, only 2 percent of the corn has been planted, Northey said in comments on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report released Monday by the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistical Service.

Theyve planted 42 percent of oats, but progress on it and corn remain behind the five-year average.

It looks like wet weather could return this week, which would further delay significant planting progress, Northey said.

Workforce board

Legislation signed into law by Branstad will change the makeup of the Iowa Workforce Development Board to bring it into compliance with requirements of the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which is the federal reform of the public workforce system in 15 years.

Under House File 572, the boards voting membership will include 17 business members, four labor members, two representatives of community organizations, one representative of a registered apprenticeship program, representatives from Iowa Workforce Development, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Iowa Department for the Blind and Iowa Department of Education, the governor, a state senator, a state representative and two local elected officials. The board also includes 13 non-voting members.

Biennial budgeting

Branstad champions biennial budgeting, but will end his time as governor without seeing legislative action that meets the threshold.

Branstad, who is awaiting U.S. Senate confirmation to be the next ambassador to China, is working with the GOP-run Legislature to finalize a $7.245 billion spending plan for fiscal 2018.

He also proposed a fiscal 2019 budget, but GOP legislators are passing a plan that funds only 50 percent of the following fiscal year and do not plan to set the growth rate for K-12 school funding in fiscal 2019 before they adjourn.

I would prefer that we do a two-year budget, but I do understand the apprehension that they have and the fact that they dont want to have to go through what they had to do this year and do a de-appropriation at the beginning of next session, Branstad told his weekly news conference.

Branstad and lawmakers had to cut millions and dip into reserves for the current year after state revenue growth was downgraded three times since last October.
Morality and war have always been uncomfortable bedfellows.

Maybe things were simpler in the past. The Jehovah of the Old Testament was largely a god of wrath and battle, and citizens of other nations  Hittites, Amalekites, Philistines and many others  were often subjected to merciless, uncomplicated slaughter.

And not just their soldiers. These are typical marching orders, delivered by the prophet Samuel to King Saul: Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Saul, smiting hard with 210,000 men, complied. The only complication was Saul got in trouble with Jehovah because he allowed his soldiers to keep some of the best oxen, sheep and a few asses. No one fretted over the women, infants and sucklings.

Then Jesus came along, preaching mercy and peace, and the pendulum swung wildly in the other direction. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

How well is that going to work in our brutal modern world? It doesnt seem promising, but were not sure because weve never really tried it.

Nevertheless, this is the baffling moral backdrop against which our leaders make decisions about when and how to use force in our wars. The issue is further complicated by the power of modern weapons, which arent nearly as discriminating as the sword and spear.

It gets even more complicated. We can probably agree Syrian President Bashar al-Assad doesnt deserve our love or blessings. Theres no turning the other cheek with this despicable tyrant.

After Assad killed more than 80 men, women and children with chemical weapons, President Trump struck back with 59 Tomahawk missiles fired at the Syrian airbase that launched the chemical attack. This seems like simple, straightforward justice.

But others have pointed out the moral anomalies. Why did we strike Assad after the chemical attack while we havent responded to his regular use of barrel bombs  more than 12,000 in 2016  which cause far more devastation and suffering among Syrian civilians than chemical weapons? The brutality is so gruesome the media declines to publicize it.

Why was the Trump administration  supported by many Americans  spurred to military action by the images of children suffocated by sarin gas, but unmoved by the distress and peril of children fleeing Syria?

For that matter, is there a moral difference among the quick deaths  sometimes  of children hit by barrel bombs, the slower deaths of children overcome by chemical weapons and the lingering, protracted deaths of children that occur around the world every day from disease and hunger?

Finally, how do we untangle the moral threads that distinguish between Assads brutal attacks on his own people and our willingness to accept collateral damage as an ordinary part of warfare? Theres no use pretending U.S. military power hasnt caused the deaths  sometimes sudden, sometimes prolonged  of hundreds of thousands of innocent children, by bomb blast, fire, suffocation and irradiation. Our moral calculus has to include Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Tokyo, Dresden, Hamburg and many more.

But this is only a way of saying things are terribly complicated. Destroying Nazi Germany and the Empire of Japan had its own moral mandate, and we responded.

Unfortunately, the stench of war is in the air again, and the power of modern weapons, including, sooner or later, nuclear weapons, means many thousands of innocent people, including many children, are going to suffer and die in ways no less horrible than those inflicted by Assad.

Im not enough of a philosopher to resolve this moral conundrum. Maybe the best we can do is to make a stronger commitment to treat the children better while theyre alive, to pay more attention to them when theyre hungry, homeless, orphaned, sick and lonely.
Up or down: Give it a vote.

Few cases of legislative inaction would be more craven than denying the school equity bill a floor vote in the Iowa House. Not a single member should leave Des Moines until going on record and owning their support  or lack thereof  for legislation that would end funding discrimination for hundreds of Iowa public schools.

The school equity bill is turning green in the Iowa House Appropriations Committee. Its no surprise. Iowas GOP-run government faces mounting revenue shortfalls, self-imposed wounds resulting from years of tax cuts that disproportionately favor the well off.

Gov. Terry Branstad reacted by proposing deep cuts to important programs. Lawmakers responded Wednesday by driving the scalpel into bone. The Legislatures draft budget is almost $39 million short of Branstads already draconian figure.

And so, Senate File 455, which would finally right the systematic classism in state school funding, sits there turning stale. Its just as predicted by a slew of House members representing the Quad-Cities. Its precisely the kind of gutlessness and commitment to ideological dogma that got Iowa into this mess in the first place.

Some House members blamed the state Senate, including Davenport Republican Roby Smith, for sending the 10-year, $204 million moral imperative to the House without a funding stream. Others said they support SF 455 in principle, but not in practice. Democrats have lampooned its 10-year roll-out, a recipe for repeal, they say.

Everyones looking for political cover. But thousands of students  in places like Davenport and Maquoketa  dont care about the rhetoric and finger pointing. Their sole interest is equal treatment under the law, one that now values their education less than neighboring districts.

No doubt, theres significant political motivation for letting SF 455 rot in Appropriations. There it could languish without action. There it could die without much notice. There it could sit and no House member would have to vote against basic fairness.

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The legislative session is rocketing toward its scheduled April 18 end. Republicans, now in total control of Iowa, have wasted metric tons of oxygen on so-called moral issues. Theyve fast-tracked ideologically acceptable bills far more complicated than the school funding fix, such as the collective bargaining overhaul. And yet, theyd rather let student equity die on the vine out of political expedience.

On Sunday, Davenport Community School District Superintendent Art Tate called for an up-or-down vote in an op-ed. Tate, the man whos put his career on the line for this cause, highlighted the widespread effects of 40-year-old policy that funds some schools around $170 more per-student than others.
ATHENS, Greece  On April 9th, the Supreme Council of Ethnic Hellenes (YSEE), a religious organization working to restore the indigenous religion of Greece, put out a statement saying Greek polytheism has received legal status in Greece. Prior to this, Greek Pagans did not have religious freedoms such as the ability to buy land to create houses of worship nor could Pagan clergy perform marriage ceremonies.

Yesterday the Secretary of the Supreme council of Ethnic Hellenes (YSEE) announced that after more than twenty years of struggle, the Greek state has finally recognized the Hellenic Religion as a Known Religion according to paragraph 17  the only form of recognition for a religion in Greece. The mentioned paragraph includes the permission to build a temple as well as the right of public exercise of any recognized religion. The recognition of Hellenic Religion as a Known Religion is only the first step towards a general recognition of Hellenism. Now the YSEE at Athens is still waiting for recognition as a religious statutory body in Greece. The Supreme Council of Ethnic Hellenes will approach the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg if the state leaves them no other choice, said its Secretary.

Unlike the United States, Greece does not have a blanket freedom of religion law built into its legal system. It is instead governed by the Organization of the Legal Forms of Religious Communities and their Organizations in Greece. As of now, only six religions outside the Greek Orthodox faith are recognized as known religions. And, even those practices that achieve this status often face an uphill battle in exercising their rights. For example, Muslims in Athens have fought for over 10 years to build a mosque, and have so far been unsuccessful.

The recognition of the Greek religion came after it was rejected in 2015. According to the YSEE, the rejection demonstrated that the Greek government, has yet to get rid of its byzantine and medieval whims and [] unable to respect with dignity its own laws.

It has rejected by intermediate on of its court of First Instance the motion signed by hundreds of Ethnikoi Hellenes to obtain recognition as a statutory corporation of religious character for their ancestral, indigenous, and historically continuous to our day despite cruel persecutions by Christianity.

YSEE is currently registered as a non-profit organization and, as explained on its website, has been on the front lines in the on-going battle for religious community recognition.

The Wild Hunt spoke with Mr. Vlassis Rassias, the General Secretary of the Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes, about what it means for the Ethnic Hellenic Pagans in Greece and what the next steps are in achieving religious right in Greece.

TWH: If this is the first step towards a general recognition of Hellenism, what is the next step?

Vlassis Rassias: This was recognition of our Religion as such, by the official authorities of the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Matters. To their credit, they gave us official permission for a place of worship in Athens, thus promoting the Hellenic Ethnic Religion to the status of a known religion in Greece, according to article 3 of the Constitution. The next step for us is the recognition of the official organization of the Hellenic Ethnic Religion (The Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes, YSEE) as a statutory corporation of religious character, according to the relatively recent law 4301/2014, something that is so far absurdly rejected by the Greek courts, which resist our very name, and more particularly the term Ethnic, although the official authorities of the state have already accepted us under our proper title Hellenic Ethnic Religion. We have a rather strange situation here, exactly what our ancient ancestors were calling tragelafos ().

TWH: How was YSEE informed that the Hellenic religion is now a known religion?

VR: We received the official reply of the official authorities of the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Matters, in response to an application of ours that we had submitted together with the requested big number of state documents, certifying the appropriateness of our place of worship, concerning its legality, fire safety, sanitation, and such. The above mentioned reply was also notified to various competent authorities, as the Ministry of Interior, the Registry Office, and such.

TWH: What is gained by being recognized as a religious statutory body?

VR: We are now under the protection of the law, to the same degree as the other 5  6 non-christian religions that are already classified as known religions in our country. We can henceforth register our children at the Registry Office as belonging to the Hellenic Ethnic Religion, and we shall perform hellenic wedding rituals with full legal value. We still remain though a Non-profit Organization, not a religious statutory body. As a religious statutory body, that is what for the time being is denied to us, we will function more properly in the matters that concern our Religion and, of course, we wont pay every year the 500  1000 euros chargeable since 2011 by the indebted Greek State on all the Non-profit Organizations.

TWH: Was YSEE responsible for this change in status? What did you do to bring this about?

VR: This and all the future attainments of the goals of the Hellenic Ethnic Religion, is and will be the outcome of the uninterrupted, strategic, collective and devoted struggle of our organization that this June celebrates the 20 years of its operation under its present name. A decade before YSEEs foundation we were operating through Diipetes (), a now defunct quarterly journal for the moral defense and restoration of our Religion.

* * *

Mr. Rassias says YSEE will be celebrating their religions legal recognition during their annual celebration of Charisia-Aphrodesia, which is a religious observance in honor of Aphrodite and the Charities, on April 22nd.
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Approval of a list of countries whose citizens can benefit from simplified entry procedures to Russia at checkpoints at the Free Port of Vladivostok  17 April 2017

A list of 18 countries has been approved whose citizens can obtain electronic single entry business, tourist or humanitarian visas when entering the Russian Federation through checkpoints at the Free Port of Vladivostok. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the investment appeal of the region and expanding business ties by facilitating projects involving foreign companies, and attracting more foreign tourists.

Reference:

Submitted by the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East.

The Federal Law No. 114-FZ dated 15 August 1996 Procedures to Enter and Exit the Russian Federation have been amended per Federal Law No. 28-FZ dated 7 March 2017 to simplify visa procedures for foreign nationals arriving in the Russian Federation through border checkpoints located within the Free Port of Vladivostok.

It has been established that the Russian Government shall determine the countries whose nationals are to be granted e-visas when entering Russia through checkpoints at the Free Port of Vladivostok.

The signed directive contains an approved list of 18 countries: Algeria, Bahrein, Brunei, India, Qatar, Peoples Republic of China, Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Morocco, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Tunisia, Turkey and Japan.

The citizens of these countries shall benefit from simplified procedures when obtaining visas of up to 30 days with a period of stay in the Russian Federation not exceeding eight days. These visas can be executed as e-documents.

The initiative to introduce simplified visa procedures for checkpoints at the Free Port of Vladivostok for foreign nationals from the listed countries is aimed at enhancing the investment appeal of the region and expanding business ties by facilitating projects involving foreign companies, and attracting more foreign tourists.

[contentcards url=http://government.ru/en/docs/27292/]

WtR
A series of stacking wooden volumes overlapped irregularly for the the new Odunpazari Modern Art Museum designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates. The Odunpazari Modern Art Museum, located in Odunpazari -a historic district of Eskisehir and also where the owner was born and raised, is now underconstruction and one of hotly-anticipated projects of acclaimed Japanese architect in Turkey.

Kengo Kuma designed a fully-wooden museum inspired by the threshold of newly developed urban area and small scale town scape of traditional Ottoman wooden houses.

Encompassing a total of 3,582 square meters area, the museum partitions are designed and overlapped on top of each other irregularly to create unexpected and unique experiential- spatial situations by adapting them to street level of urban context.

The project aims to realize the owners ambition to promote Turkish art and to make cultural contribution to the city of Eskisehir. Eskisehir is known as university town where young population is large and the city has lively and active atmosphere.

''These wooden house, with cantilevered volume at upper level, were built in lines along the meandering small streets that makes the street scape and walk though experience quite unique and unexpected,'' said Kengo Kuma & Associates.

''We aim to reflect this street scape quality into the new architectural design of the museum that stands in the urban scale. Our design strategy is to make the volume in aggregation; stacking small boxes to create the urban scale architecture.''

''Stacked boxes at the street level is read in the scale of surrounding houses and it grows taller towards the center of the museum to stands in the urban scape that announces itself as new cultural landmark of the area.''

The stacked and interlocked boxes are designed in various sizes to create diverse scales of exhibition space inside. Boxes at the ground level offers opportunities for large scale art works and installation. The boxes get smaller at upper levels to exhibit smaller, intimate scale art works.

The central atrium, composed with timber blocks, connects each level to let the natural light through skylight above.

The name of this area ''Odunpazari'' means ''wood market'' in Turkish. The exterior envelop of the museum is composed with timber in full extent signifying the history and memory of the place that used to function as market in trading wood.

The Odunpazari Modern Art Museum is underconstruction and completion date has not been announced yet by Kengo Kuma & Associates.

All images  Kengo Kuma & Associates

> via Kengo Kuma & Associates
Way back in February when I was enjoying a family-and-friends vacation on New Providence in the Bahamas I wisely hired the best  and the only  bird guide on the island, Carolyn Wardle, for half a day to show me around some of the hotspots and help me find endemics and other species I wanted to see. Within ten minutes of picking me up Carolyn was pulling over on the side of the road at a completely nondescript spot. Why? Pied Imperial Pigeons, thats why! It was perhaps the oddest life bird I got in my too short time in the Bahamas, a bird that does not belong in the western hemisphere at all. So what is it doing in the Bahamas?

It is unclear when, exactly, the Pied Imperial Pigeon became established on New Providence in the Bahamas other than it happened in the last decade. The first record in eBird for this southeast Asian native is from 2007 and then none show up in the eBird database until 2011. After that they become more regular and now checklists showing more than a dozen at a time are common. They are concentrated in a small area on the northeastern part of the island. In addition to the date of the birds establishment being unclear, the way that it happened is unknown though a quick Google search for Pied Imperial Pigeon for sale shows that they are not uncommonly offered, though they are pricey.

Carolyn and I saw at least five of this fine species, all in seemingly good health and free-flying and wild as you could expect. Though I tend not to be a fan of introduced species (and the Eurasian Collared-Doves that infest New Providence are a good explanation as to why) this bird is impressive and, hopefully, not likely to spread like wildfire. And seeing a Pied Imperial Pigeon in the Bahamas is a heck of a lot easier than travelling to Papua New Guinea!

Pied Imperial Pigeons are big birds and their taxonomy is murky as best. There is a ton of debate as to how many species and subspecies there are within the taxon and Im really unsure, seeing as I have no experience with them, as to which population the New Providence birds descend from. Any Pied Imperial Pigeon experts out there care to hazard a guess?

Whatever their origin, I appreciated these impressive Columbids. If you get to New Providence hopefully you can too!
Apr 18, 2017 | By Tess

The case of Japanese artist Megumi Igarashi, also known by the name Rokdenashi-ko (Good-for-nothing-girl), has had a recent update as the Tokyo High Court upheld a lower courts decision to charge Igarashi with obscenity for the distribution of 3D scanned models of her vagina. The controversial artist has been ordered to pay a fine of 400,000 yen ($3,700).

Igarashis case began in 2014 when the now 45-year-old artist was arrested for distributing 3D models of her vagina to support her 3D printed vagina art project. Since then, Igarashiwho we greatly admirehas been fighting to clear her name and, importantly, to break down taboos that surround female genitalia in Japan. The 3D printed vagina case is a significant one, as it has put a direct spotlight on Japans arguably extreme censorship laws.

Those who have been following Igarashis case as closely as us will likely remember that almost a year ago Japanese courts convicted the artist of obscenity and brought forth the 400,000 fine. This ruling charged Igarashi for having distributed 3D scans of her own vagina, which she sent out in 2014 as crowdfunding rewards for her 3D printed vagina kayak project.

At the same time, the lower court ruling also acquitted the Japanese artist of another charge she was up against: of displaying obscene materials for exhibiting vagina-shaped plaster sculptures. This last charge was thrown out because her sculptures were brightly painted, thus making them less realistic.

Megumi Igarashi with the 3D printed "Vagina Boat"

And while the ruling may have been a landmark for the acquittal (which are apparently extremely rare for obscenity cases), many, including the artist herself, were not satisfied with the decision. As she said at the time, she was only 20% happy with the courts decision and planned to appeal the obscenity charges in a higher court.

Now, after much anticipation, the Tokyo High Court has ultimately sided with the lower courts decision, and it seems Igarashi will be forced to pay a 400,000 yen fine for having distributed obscenity. The court also maintained the lower courts decision to acquit her for having displayed her vagina-shaped Deco-man sculptures.

If the whole notion of art censorship seems a bit strange to you, youre not alone. Igarashi has put herself on the line to draw attention to and ultimately break down Japans outdated and frankly bizarre censorship laws surrounding female genitalia. The laws, which have been in place for the past 50 years, have effectively made any representations of female genitalia illegal. Famously, even Japanese pornography must blur out female genitals.

In response to the high court ruling, Igarashi says she will continue to fight and has already filed an appeal to the ruling. Its wrong for the government to judge what is art and what is not, the artist said in an interview with The Japan Times. As she explains it, the harsh enforcement of the obscenity law has muffled artists and forced them to censor their own work.

Currently, Igarashi is maintaining that her distribution of her 3D scanned vagina was part of her Vagina Boat art project and is therefore not obscene. On a larger scale, the artist wants to help normalize and dismantle taboos that surround the female body in Japan, especially in light of how male genitalia is outwardly celebrated. (See Japans Kanamara Matsuri festival, where penises are literally paraded down the street.)

Igarashi, who now resides in Ireland with her family, is hoping to be acquitted by the Japanese Supreme Court so that she can continue displaying her 3D printed vagina artworks in her native country. Her recent book, called What Is Obscenity: The Story of a Good for Nothing Artist and Her Pussy, has been nominated for the L.A. Times Book Prize.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Kuso Tare wrote at 4/25/2017 12:05:18 AM:I see. But Japan's giant outdoor penis worship festival is OK. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanamara_Matsuri




Apr 18, 2017 | By Tess

British law firm DMH Stallard recently conducted a research study to see what companies thought of the potentials and risks of using 3D printing technologies for prototyping and manufacturing. And while the research showed that most companies were excited about additive manufacturing, it also suggested that most companies are perhaps not worried enough about the risks that the technology could pose to their intellectual property.

For its research, DMH Stallard approached a variety of companies that are already or starting to use 3D printing for the production of prototypes and final parts, as well as companies that are working on the development of 3D printing software, especially software that is geared towards design protection. The study was initiated to see how companies were reacting to the potential risks of 3D printing tech, namely, how it could make counterfeiting much easier.

Before we get into that, lets first look at the main reasons that companies said they were excited about 3D printing technologies: The first main point was supply chain disruption, which essentially means that 3D printing will enable companies to have greater control over their supply chains with the ability to produce their own parts. The second reason was mass customization, or the ability to more easily produce customized parts or goods without the need for expensive tools and processes. The third was reverse engineering, which means that companies can create models based on existing products. And the final main reason was design possibility, meaning that 3D design and printing have opened the doors for complex manufacturing.

Despite these exciting factors, DMH Stallard seems wary that the companies they questioned were perhaps not concerned enough about the intellectual property risks of 3D printing.

Robert Ganpatsingh, partner at DMH Stallard

Of the companies we spoke to, who all operated in a business-to-business environment, the majority believed that their IP would be safe if sensible precautions were taken to protect it," explained Robert Ganpatsingh, a partner at DMH Stallard. "While this attitude may not cost them today, as 3D printing improves, so does the ability of counterfeiters to rip off IP which is hugely valuable to organizations. Companies need to take steps now to ensure that they are protected in the future as the technology develops.

To help companies better equip themselves for safely using 3D printing tech, DMH Stallard has outlined ten tips:

1. Evaluate and consider the advantages that 3D printing could offer the business through increased flexibility and shorter production times.

2. Secure 3D models and data internally and externallydo not send out 3D design files, but share models using web based geometrical model viewers.

3. Invest in in-house 3D printing technology for prototype manufacturing.

4. Keep up to date with technology advancements and changes, ensure that existing development and protection strategies are not out-of-date or overtaken by new technologies.

5. Establish as many barriers and protections as possible to prevent your designs from being stolen or copied. These include design rights, patents, and trade marks.

6. Take care to separate and identify parts or products that may require individual or additional protections.

7. If clients or suppliers need access to 3D models, share them through online platforms where distribution is controlled. Additionally, it is suggested to establish a strict contract with any 3D printing services used for added protection.

8. For the manufacturing of production parts, keep close tabs on internal processes as well as any work done with sub-contractors.

9. For the manufacturing of production parts, protect the manufacturing process as well as the 3D designs.

10. Consider putting protections in place for materials you are using to manufacture parts, such as IP protections or through a contract with a materials supplier.

One of the most attractive things about 3D printing is that manufacturing businesses need only move data to the printer to enable local manufacturing, commented Ganpatsingh. But this means whoever has that data has the keys to the castle. The UK develops innovative products that are the result of huge investments in research and development. Organizations need to protect their investment by making it as difficult as possible for counterfeiters to copy their products.

The entire DMH Stallard report can be found here.

Posted in 3D Printing Technology

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Apr 18, 2017 | By Tess

A team of investigators from the Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles have used a series of 3D printed models to prove that existing procedures for treating Charcot-Marie-Tooth heel deformities are in need of improvement, as they do not sufficiently correct the problem. The research was recently presented at the annual American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting.

Foot affected by Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a genetic neuromuscular condition that causes the long nerves in the hands and feet to die. The disease, which is to this day incurable, affects about 1 in every 2,500 people or 2.8 million worldwide. Despite there not being a cure for the disease, a number of processes and techniques have been established to treat CMT, though (as became clear through the research from Cedars-Sinai) there is still much room for improvement.

For the investigation, the Cedars-Sinai researchers focused primarily on the heel bone, which can be deformed and twisted in patients who suffer from CMT disease. The researchers wanted to uncover whether current treatments for the often debilitating condition were adequate.

As part of the research, the team took a CAT scan of a CMT patients heel and 3D printed 18 identical copies of it. With the 3D prints, the team was able to compare and contrast the three most common correction methods used for treating CMT disease: Dwyer, oblique, and Z osteotomies. In the end, the tests showed that none of the existing techniques for correcting the heel were adequate.

And while that may sound bleak, the Cedars-Sinai investigators are hopeful that their discovery will lead to the development of new and more effective treatments for the neuromuscular disease. "Ultimately our findings offer hope for better techniques to help patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease live a better quality of life," commented Glenn B. Pfeffer, MD, lead author of the study and director of the Foot and Ankle Surgery Program at Cedars-Sinai.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

As mentioned, the 3D printing-based study was recently presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting, where it was selected as one of six Game Changer initiatives (out of more than 900 medical studies!). The recognition is awarded to projects that are most likely to affect or improve a practice over the new few years.

According to the Cedars-Sinai researchers, 3D printing will be used again to analyze and compare other treatments and procedures. "This is one of the first times 3D prints have been used in orthopaedic research and we're thankful for the support of CMTA to use this new technology to help improve patient care," Pfeffer explained.

The Cedars-Sinai investigation was funded by the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA), and was realized by MDs Glenn B. Pfeffer, Max P. Michalski, Tina Basak, and Joseph Giaconi.

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Annette Van Veen wrote at 5/15/2017 1:33:47 AM:I am interested in being a part of this study vanveenteam@gmail.com




Apr 18, 2017 | By Benedict

Engineers at GE Healthcare are working towards a future in which 3D printed medical models can be made with the click of a button. The company is currently exploring whether it could send CT scan data straight to a 3D printer, cutting out several intermediate conversion stages.

Multi-material 3D printed heart made by GE Healthcare

GE has made no secret of its desire to become a key figure in the 3D printing industry. From the high-profile acquisition of Arcam and Concept Laser to the creation of dedicated 3D printing unit GE Additive, the Boston-headquartered corporation is pulling out all the stops in order to capitalize on the 3D printing explosion of the last decade.

One area in which GE is already well equipped for 3D printing success is healthcare, where subsidiary GE Healthcare is already a specialist in areas such as medical imaging and information technologies. According to a recent article in GE Reports, the corporations daily news hub, GE Healthcare is looking at ways in which it can pair its advanced computer tomography (CT) scanning equipment with new 3D printing technologies to deliver next-generation healthcare solutions for doctors and patients.

3D printed liver made by GE Healthcare

Central to GE Healthcares new plan is the growing popularity of the 3D printed medical model. As regular 3Ders readers will have noticed by now, 3D printing is now frequently used by medical professionals to fabricate lifelike 3D printed replicas of a patients organs. Of course, 3D printing has many other uses in healthcare, but these models are probably the most common application of the technology in a medical context.

These 3D printed medical models can be helpful in a number of ways. For one, they can be used to show a patient what exactly is wrong with their heart, liver, or whatever body part is causing them trouble. But they can also help out the doctors themselves. Surgeons, for example, can use such models as practice organs when preparing for an operation, feeling the model in their hands and getting a literal feel for where they will need to make incisions.

GE Healthcares new 3D printing plan, according to chief engineer Jimmie Beacham, is to develop a system in which 3D printed models can be made immediately after a CT scan is made. Today, when people print organs, it can take anywhere from a week to three weeks to manipulate the data, Beacham says. We want to do it with a click of a button.

3D printed aortic tree made from CT scan data

Unlike some newer medical 3D printing companies, GE already has the scanning part of the operation covered. GE says its Revolution CT scanner is capable of generating and transmitting a chunk of data equivalent to 6,000 Netflix movies in just one second. At present, this data invariably ends up on a 2D screen, but the company is working on a method to turn the incredibly precise information in a 3D printable file, skipping the sometimes laborious manual process of turning the raw data into a 3D printable file. Excitingly, Beacham says his team has already had success 3D printing organs like the liver and the lung.

In what will be seen as exciting news for both the healthcare and 3D printing industries, GE Healthcare is currently working with GE Additive, the corporations 3D printing business unit, to see if it can develop what Beacham calls a custom machine that prints organs from the files that we derive from our software. Although 3D printed medical models are already common, an all-in-one CT scanning and 3D printing system from GE would surely raise the bar for such technology.

3D printed foot shows GE stepping up its healthcare game

Beacham added that the 3D printed models currently being made by GE Healthcare are being well received by healthcare professionalsand even more so by the patients they are treating. I think as people get more informed about health, they will want to be a bigger part of the solution, the engineer says. Helping them see the problem clearly will build more trust between the doctor and the patient. It translates into quicker action.

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Vishwanath wrote at 5/1/2017 7:02:57 PM:GE has already provided the STL file creation functionality in their latest advantage workstation. But the output is nowhere is close to what we can achieve with dedicated 3D printing software like Materialize Mimics. But GE has taken an incredible step forward in aiming to make the models at the click of a button.Godfrey Onwubolu wrote at 4/26/2017 4:00:59 PM:Some time last year, I read an article about GE Healthcare planning to streamline their workflow to involve realizing 3D models directly from CT scan data. Immediately, I drew the attention of Materialise North America, to the headline regarding how it will affect existing commercial software for image processing. But I was told that realizing 3D models is different from realizing 3D printed medical models which can be directly printed. For sure, from what I now read, GE Healthcare breakthrough will shorten the workflow, going directly from CT scan to 3D printed medical models. Incredible!Pinar Ozbek, GE Healthcare Interventional Lead Clinical Specialist wrote at 4/22/2017 4:17:52 PM:This is the future happening now. GE already have the STL file creation capabilities on their Advantage Workstation. If we can make this already a faster process will be great! we are working at NYP Cornell and Mayo Clinic Hybrid OR, create STLD files directly from our Workstation.Tomm wrote at 4/19/2017 10:51:58 AM:Wow! So really cool creative. 3D technology is changing the world.




Pasco County Schools will soon be the first in Florida to build and run their own fast-fill compressed natural gas station. The first of its natural-gas buses will arrive in mid-May, when they will be completing the new gas station just south of State Road 54 along Interlaken Road north of Tampa.

We are about a month away from taking ownership, says Tad Kledzik, Manager of Transportation Services. We will begin operations with start of the fiscal year [July 1].

Thirty 2017 Bluebird Vision CNG buses will begin arriving, three at time, in mid-May, and be phased into the existing fleet of more than 400 buses. Some 48 of them are propane, which use the same motor but a different fuel.

Each bus costs about $130,000, about $30,000 more than a diesel bus.

Pasco County Schools are investing $3 million each in their fast-fill station and a maintenance, operations and parking facility for the new natural gas-powered buses. The district is expecting to pay an additional $3.9 million for the first 30 buses and potentially a total of $11.7 million for 90 natural gas buses at the facility. It also would use some 10 to 12 diesel buses already in the fleet.



There are a number of advantages of the buses fueled by gas from Louisiana and Texas, which is piped into Florida at Jacksonville.

The big thing ... is cleaner emission, Kledzik says.

Its also less noisy, a plus when hauling a bus-load full of talking children. That allows our drivers to hear a little bit better on the bus as to what is going on, he says.

As a domestic source of fuel, CNG is less volatile in price. The ability to essentially lock-in the price gives the district a greater ability to manage finance costs. What happens elsewhere is less likely to impact the cost of CNG here, he explains. Theres enough CNG here in the U.S. to meet certainly our needs and many more needs.



The district has tapped into the system in the Odessa area. The CNG will be provided by Clearwater Gas.

A grand opening is scheduled at 9 am. May 16, says spokeswoman Linda Cobbe. The new buses will roll for the 2017-18 school year.

The district began looking into alternative fuel sources in 2012, before buses like these existed, Kledzik says. The vision for CNG came from Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd.



Though the Pasco district will be the first to build and operate its own station, others are already going green with CNG buses using third-party fuel providers. Leon [Countys school district] has a similar facility to what were producing right now. Leon entered into contract with a 3rd party provider, he says.



In the Tampa Bay area, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority became the first public transit authority in Florida to begin converting from diesel to CNG in 2014, according to Sandra Morrison, Public Information Officer.

HART currently runs 34 CNG buses in its fleet of nearly 200 buses, plus an additional 39 of its 61 HARTPlus vans and all eight HARTFlex vans. Some 25 additional CNG buses are arriving this fiscal year, Morrison says.



Hillsborough County public schools are running 50 propane buses and another 40 are on order. We just didnt have an interest in it [CNG], simply because of the cost, says Jim Beekman, General Manager of Transportation.



The propane buses cost only $4400 more than diesel.

Pinellas Countys school district began running 58 new propane-powered buses this school year. The buses save the district money on fuel and maintenance, in addition to being more environmentally friendly, a spokeswoman says.

As the Pasco district's personnel are trained on the new buses, Kledzik says they plan to let surrounding districts in on the education process, which will include information on propane buses as well. Were looking to open it up and make it more a multi-county effort, he says.

Kledzik says the new CNG buses are a way to diversify the composition of the fleet. He expects the school district will continue to invest in propane  and diesel. Diesel still is preferred for long trips outside of the county, and even longer trips within the county, he says.

I dont believe wed get away completely from diesel buses, he says.



Tampa Bay Alternative Fuel Vehicle Expo is slated from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. April 20 at 11780 Tampa Gateway Blvd, Seffner.

More information on alternative fuels is available at the Alternative Fuels Data Center or the U.S. Department of Energys National Clean Cities Program at 1-800-CCITIES.
The quandary of taking it or leaving it affects many middle-aged and older Americans, who are increasingly using marijuana for medical reasons and otherwise.

Pot use has jumped almost 50 percent among those ages 45 to 54 since 2002. For those 55 to 64, marijuana use has skyrocketed by 455 percent, and for people 65 and older, its use has increased 333 percent, the Washington Post reported, citing recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Some passengers take a risk and fly with marijuana because spotting the drug is not among the regular duties of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

According to the Times, TSA stopped only 29 of 54 million passengers for marijuana possession at Denver International Airport in 2015. All 29 agreed to throw it out or take it home. In Florida, where medical marijuana  but not recreational marijuana  is legal, only 11 of 2.8 million passengers screened last year at the Jacksonville International Airport were detained.

The clash between federal laws and legal consumers may get worse, the Times said, as more doctors write prescriptions for medical use and more states legalize it. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, meanwhile, has said he favors stricter enforcement of anti-marijuana laws.
Theres no doubt that families are becoming more open about their use of pot at the same time more states are making it legal. Today 28 states have laws allowing the use of medicinal marijuana, while eight states plus Washington, D.C., have laws legalizing recreational use of the drug to various extents. However, the drug remains illegal under U.S. federal law.

On the global stage, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced legislation on April 13, 2017 that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Canada. If passed as expected, Canada would become only the second nation, after Uruguay, to legalize marijuana as a consumer product.

Across the board, the Yahoo News/Marist Poll shows that Americans who have at least tried marijuana are a lot more likely to be accepting of the drug as part of their family life than those whove never touched it.

Other key findings from the study:

Americans in general, including parents, believe 20 to be the age at which someone is old enough to decide whether or not to use marijuana. Marijuana users think the appropriate age is 17.

When asked to think as a parent, only about one-fifth of Americans cite marijuana use as their top concern when it comes to their children. Instead, their main worry is smoking cigarettes (24 percent), followed by using marijuana (21 percent), drinking alcohol (21 percent), having sex (17 percent) and cheating on a test (12 percent).

Among Americans who have either tried pot or currently use it, marijuana use ranks last on their list of concerns: 11 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

When it comes to parents in general, 50 percent find marijuana use to be socially acceptable. However, among parents who use marijuana, 75 percent see it as socially acceptable.

Sixty percent of parents whove tried pot think their kids would either approve of their recreational pot use or wouldnt care.

Although this poll and other polls prove theres been a gradual shift in attitudes over the years in favor of pot use, a clear division remains when it comes to the legalization of recreational marijuana.

While 8 in 10 Americans strongly support legalizing medical marijuana, 49 percent of American adults support legalization of recreational marijuana and 47 percent still oppose it.

The Yahoo! News/Marist Poll findings are based on a survey taken in March of 1,122 Americans 18 and older.
Winter storm could mean 7" of snow from Aberdeen, 2.5" for Watertown

The first winter storm of the season is on its way, and that could mean 7 inches of snow for Aberdeen and 2.5 inches of snow in the Watertown area.
Vijay Mallya, faulted of non-payment on loans worth crores, was arrested in London in what the CBI counted as a major win in attempts to bring the business tycoon to India to face trial. Mallya, 61, is wanted for loan fraud and is also facing charges of money-laundering. Vijay Mallya, the former boss of Kingfisher Airlines, has received a bail after being arrested three hours ago by Scotland Yard in London (UK). As usual India media had over hyped the issue, but Mallya gave them befitting reply to them on twitter.

India had given a formal extradition request for Mallya as per the Extradition Treaty between India and the UK through a note verbale on 8 February. Mallya has been on the run after he failed to repay bank loans worth Rs 9,000 crore taken on behalf of the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Multiple courts in India have issued warrants against Mallya in various cases over the past one year. So far, banks have not made any significant progress as far as the recovery of Kingfisher loans even as Mallyas Kingfisher Villa was recently sold to a Mumbai-based businessman. Recently, a Delhi court had issued an open ended non-bailable warrant against the businessman in a case of allegedly evading summons in a FERA violation matter.

On 4 November last year, while issuing non-bailable warrant against Mallya, the court had observed that he had no inclination to return and had scant regard for the law of the land. The court also said that on 4 October it had specifically noted that he could approach authorities and obtain emergency document to return to India but the situation is that he has not taken any such step. Last month, the British government certified Indias request for extradition of Mallya, and sent it to a district judge for further action. In a series of tweets recently, he accused the government of holding him guilty without a trial. There were many petitions against Vijay Mallya from past one year. The anger and rage people carry against him is unfathomable. From words like Bring Mallya back to Initiate criminal proceedings were all seen in the petitions by various people. Upon searching the twitter tweets, you can easily notice how many people are speaking against him.

I ran into a friend yesterday and we were discussing about the usual scenario in the country and to my shock as soon as we spoke about Enforcement Directorate extending their scope and working with CBI against Mallya, the said friend sprung in action with rage filled eyes. He said, Mallya should be brought back to India and should be punished for looting 9000 crores. I politely asked him if Mallya took his money too, he denied. I asked him, what brand of beer he likes when he goes to Goa, his response was Kingfisher draught. Ironic as it sounds, it is not just him but many people around the nation are in anguish due to this. Recently, the stupidity-oppotunist chief minister of the capital spoke against Mallya and appealed to the Prime Minister of India to look into this matter. People gladly joined his cause and supported him as he demanded the return of Mallya to the nation. Mallya did not take money from the Indian treasury, he may or may not have been a part of money laundering, and he has sponsored an entire team for IPL which we happily cheered for.

He took loan from the banks and was willing to repay. Not everyone can pay back the loan amount. Not just Mallya but many people have absconded the country with a lot of money. It is the banks responsibility to grant loan based on the security they can receive. It is banks failed decision which has caused the uproar. Mallya did not make the banks sign at gun point or something, it was just business. Many a times company can pay back, at times it does not. It is a business deal between bank and a company, has nothing to do with the nation. He has not stolen money from the citizens. Banks will happily claim their saving on taxes against the defaulters list. Actually it is the banks that are draining the nation; they should have paid the full tax irrespective of the defaulters. Banks exist not for charity but to do business. Banks like to earn money by lending money loan, is one of their products, people repaying or not paying back is called business risk and they undertake a lot of study before signing the documents.

Why are Indians getting worried about it? Why is a chief minister stepping down from his busy schedule and planning for several days for this business issue between two companies? Besides, above all, he is asking the Prime minister of India to work on behalf of the banks! Banks should have known about the consequences, the people to punish should be the ones who signed the document and approved loan at the first place. Many people defaulted when banks pushed credit cards down the throat of individuals as their sales representatives harassed with repeated phone calls, one of the reasons which doomed the nation like United Nations of America. At an individual level, they managed to declare a deficit from the government. Indian banks are not distributing loans as an individual demands. When you go to the bank, do you get loan instantly? Who is responsible if you choose not to pay back; bank or the government? Chief Minister is a respectable and responsible designation, and if someone wastes their time by curbing on the salary which is paid by our hard earned money as a tax then they should prove their time in the office more than casual activities. A business man will never let his employee waste his time.

When some people open their mouth or express their understanding based on the wave created by the politicians, with no bases, it actually brings down the average IQ of an entire nation. Please step out of the crowd and work towards what is in the best interest of the nation. Being a part of political wave should be a thing of the past now. Let us grow up. Let the legal procedure take its time and draw the conclusion.
British Prime Minister Theresa May called on Tuesday for an early election on June 8, saying she needed to strengthen her hand in divorce talks with the European Union by shoring up support for her Brexit plan.

Standing outside her Downing Street office, May said she had been reluctant about asking parliament to back her move to bring forward the election from 2020, but decided it was necessary to win support for her ruling Conservative Partys efforts to press ahead with Britains departure from the EU.

Some were surprised by her move  she has repeatedly said she does not want to be distracted by time-consuming campaigning  but opinion polls give her a strong lead, the economy is weathering the Brexit vote and she has faced opposition from her own party for some of her domestic reforms.

The pound rose to a two-and-a-half-month high against the U.S. dollar after the announcement, but Britains main share index fell to its lowest point in more than seven weeks.

It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond, May said.

Every vote for the Conservatives will make it harder for opposition politicians who want to stop me from getting the job done.

Britain joins a list of western European countries scheduled to hold elections this year. Votes in France in April and May and in Germany in September have the potential to reshape the political landscape around the two years of Brexit talks with the EU expected to start sometime in June.

May is capitalising on her runaway lead in the opinion polls. The Conservative Party is around 20 points ahead of the main opposition Labour Party, a large lead for an incumbent party two years after the last parliamentary election.

The prime ministers own personal ratings also dwarf those of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, with 50 percent of those asked saying she would make the best prime minister. Corbyn wins only 14 percent, according to pollster YouGov.
Strongly condemning Pakistan for not giving consular access to alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, defence experts on Tuesday said such decision was against international norms and conventions and alleged that Islamabad was deliberately dragging this case to heighten tensions with India.

Defence expert Qamar Agha said Pakistan court should be trusted as they have their allegiance towards the army.

Its against the international norms and conventions to refuse to grant consular access. Secondly, you know a good legal case was missing. India has a right for consular access. I think we should not trust the Pakistan court either as most judges of the court have allegiance towards Jamaat-e-Islami and judiciary is totally committed to army, Agha told ANI.

Expressing similar views, defence expert Shankar Prasad said, Pakistan is trying to heighten the level of tensions with India so that international community begins to feel that this is a flash point in South East Asia. Therefore, they need to intervene and mediate in talks.

Yesterday, the Pakistan Army ruled out consular access to Jadhav, saying he was not eligible for it as per the laws.

Kulbhushan is not eligible for consular access nor will be granted consular access, said Pakistan Armed Forces spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor.

He alleged that Jadhav, caught on anti-state activities, was trialled under court martial.

This was purely an act by the Army to which the Army as an institution said we will not compromise on his sentence, he said.

Major General Ghafoor said Jadhavs death sentence process would move ahead as per the law, adding it would go in the applet court and the army shall wait for the verdict.

Jadhav was awarded the death penalty on April 10 in an unprecedented decision that sparked a diplomatic spat between the two hostile neighbours.
All you need to impress Sushant Singh Rajput is a chocolate!

Yes, you heard it right!

Kriti Sanon, during the trailer launch of their much-awaited movie Raabta, revealed, The easiest way to impress Sushant is to give him chocolates.

Further speaking about her co-star, the Dilwale actress told the media here, Even after a year of completion of the film, Sushant was still in his character.

From the time the two came together for Raabta, a lot has been spoken about them, including the allegation that Sushants equation with Kriti was the reason for his split with long time girlfriend Ankita Lokhande.

But both the actors rubbished the rumours and allegations with utmost dignity.

However, during the event, the Kai Po Che star finally opened up on his chemistry with the Heropanti beauty and said, We both are engineers and from Delhi, so we have a lot in common between us.

The Dinesh Vijan directed flick that speaks about Life, Death, Love, and their connection, is scheduled to release on June 9.
Global icon Priyanka Chopra is dealing with conflicted emotions, as she prepares to bid the New York City adieu officially.

During her last official week in NYC, the Desi girl is packing up her house there, until next time.

PeeCee took to Twitter to express, Packing up the house is such a conflicted emotion! so many things pop out that u didnt remember..Last official week in NYC until next time..

Though she is coming back to India in a week, the actress will return to the US soon for the promotions of her Hollywood debut Baywatch.

The upcoming American action-comedy film, featuring Priyanka as the antagonist Victoria Leeds, is based on a popular television series of the same name.

Directed by Seth Gordon, the movie also features Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

On a related note, shooting for the second season of Quantico ended in March and as per reports, there may be another season on the cards.

Meanwhile, the BajiraoMastani actress also wished Happy Easter Sunday to everyone and tweeted, Happy Easter Sunday to everyone celebrating. Hope this day is full love love and laughter.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday the politicians maintaining silence on the issue of triple talaq were equally responsible as those practising it as he linked the Muslim practice of divorce to the disrobing of Draupadi in the Mahabharata.

These days there is a new debate in the country. Some people are maintaining a silence on this issue. This reminds me of the scene in the Mahabharata in which Draupadi is being disrobed in an assembly and she asks a question to the gathering as to who is responsible for this? he said.

No one was able to utter even a single word. At that time Vidur said people who have committed the crime, those who are the accomplices and those who maintained silence on this issue are equally responsible, Adityanath said, referring to the practice of triple talaq.

He made these remarks at an event to mark the 91st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar.

Adityanath also called for an end to the Muslim practice of triple talaq and advocated implementation of a common civil code in the country.

His remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch against the divisive issue of triple talaq, insisting that the exploitation of Muslim women should end and justice be done to them.

Modi had, however, deprecated any attempt at creating a conflict within the Muslim community on the issue and suggested tackling it through social awareness.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has asserted Muslims have a constitutional right to follow their personal law of which triple talaq was a part.

AIMPLB general secretary Maulana Wali Rehmani had yesterday said that the board had decided to issue a code of conduct and warned that those who give talaq (divorce) without following the Sharia (Islamic law) will face social boycott.
In July 2016, Mike Pence rallied cheering crowds at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland declaring, I am a Christian, a conservative, and a Republicanin that order. One year earlier, however, as governor of Indiana, Pences radical conservative values trumped his Christian values.

The VPs extreme-conservative policies on the HPV vaccine needlessly risked Indiana childrens lives. What he did unto themamong othersis something Christ himself rejected above all.

(Seriously, how can someone tell EVERY adolescent to get a pharmaceutical product, without any consideration of risk factors?)

Recently Paul Offit was on the attack against Vice President Mike Pence over his actions on the HPV vaccine back when he was governor of Indiana. Every teenager in Indiana was expected to get the vaccine, according to Offit. the HPV vaccine was recommended for all adolescents.

Note : Many years ago, we ran a photo that has zero religious intent and featured many in the pro-vaccine injury community. We were instantly branded Anti-Semitic. Here, Paul Offit, himself Jewish, purports to tell those of us who are Christian what Jesus wants us to do. Tell the Pope to look out, Offit may be after his job. Holy Moses.... And thank you, Anne for this post. By Anne Dachel What Would Jesus Do? Hed vaccinate every child, according to Paul Offit

During the week of Sept. 21, 2015, the Indiana State Department of Health sent a letter to the parents of 305,000 children. The letter reminded parents that their children had yet to receive the HPV vaccine that was recommended for all adolescents.

Offit went on to cite one father who objected to the letter about giving the HPV vaccine to his daughter, claiming, The letter was intrusive. He asked Gov. Pence to look into it. Pence agreed, later asking Indiana public-health officials to make it clear that the HPV vaccine was optional and that parents could remove their names from the state registry that had identified their children as lagging behind on their immunizations.

Pence didnt stop at gutting his state health departments letter. He also reprimanded the state health commissioner for speaking about the HPV vaccine at Indianas National Coalition Conference, later requiring all public-health employees to submit their presentations about vaccines to his office for approval prior to any speaking engagement. Then he prohibited the release of a document by the Indiana Cancer Consortium that included information on cervical cancer, the only known cause of which is HPV. Mike Pence did everything that he could to make sure that Indianas parents and schoolchildren knew as little as possible about the consequences of HPV infection and the availability of a vaccine to prevent it.

Offit went on to warn about Pences position on Planned Parenthood, abortion bills, and the LGBT community.

Next Offit pontificated at length on Pences claim that he is an evangelical Christian. Offit declared that Pence has rejected his Christian values by not promoting the HPV vaccine for every teen in Indiana.

Mike Pence is an evangelical Christian. He believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ as reflected in the four gospelswhich make his actions regarding the HPV vaccine all the more surprising. By making it virtually impossible for Indianas public-health workers to talk about HPV or encourage the use of the HPV vaccine, Pence had rejected his Christian values. 



Jesus, on the other hand, rejected the ethos of his time. His love of children is evident throughout the New Testament. Jesus believed that anyone who put children in harms way should be punished: Whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea (Matthew 18:4-6). Jesus followers embraced his message of love for children. Indeed, Jesus teachings served as the basis for Christian protective services and Christian relief societies for the next 1,800 years.

Offit chastised Pence saying that if hed chosen Jesus message of love over his extreme conservative ideologyas he had promised during the Republican National Conventionhe would have done everything that he could have to protect the children in his state. Allowing children to die from a vaccine-preventable disease can never be cloaked in the guise of love.

I was nearly speechless at this. Does the hubris of this man extend even to using religion to sell vaccines?

Where does Offit come off telling anyone what their religious obligations are?

As a Catholic Christian, I would never presume to tell anyoneCatholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Jewish, Muslimwhat religious duty they have in any regard.

This is cheap rhetoric. Resorting to using someones faith against them in order to promote the sale of vaccines is contemptible.

What does Paul Offit know about Mike Pences religious outlook? Why does Offit presume to tell him what Jesus Christ would obligate anyone to do?

And as far as the quotations from Matthew Offit used:

Whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea (Matthew 18:4-6).

And

Verily, I say unto you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of my brethren you have done it unto mea message that could be carved into the entranceways of every childrens clinic and pediatric hospital in Indiana. If Mike Pence had chosen Jesus message of love over his extreme conservative ideologyas he had promised during the Republican National Conventionhe would have done everything that he could have to protect the children in his state. Allowing children to die from a vaccine-preventable disease can never be cloaked in the guise of love (Matthew 25:40).

Offit has it all wrong.

The people who come to mind are the pharma reps and health officials who gathered at Simpsonwood in Norcross, Georgia in 2000 and spent two days figuring out how to cover up the link between vaccines and autism.

The people who also come to mind are the higher ups at the CDC who ordered Dr. William Thompson to put his damning study results on the MMR vaccine and autism into the garbage can and who ordered him to lie to the IOM.

Message to Dr. Offit: Dont presume to tell any Christian what God wants them to do.



Anne Dachel is Media Editor for Age of Autism.


The data exchange in the IMA BK is via fiber-optic lines. The transition from the copper cable to the fiber-optic one has boosted the data rate and throughput several-fold, slashed the weight of the cables by an order of magnitude and boosted the immunity to natural clutter and electronic countermeasures drastically. While the data transfer via the ubiquitous copper cable is at a rate of 10-100Mbps, it is almost 1,000 times higher via the fiber-optic cable - 8Gbps. The systems networked structure increases the reliability of all instruments: if a computer malfunctions, the systems automatically switch over to another, and the introduction of the centralized processor has almost halved the devices weight. The central digital computers performance has surged by more than 10 times and its fail-safety by over four times.



For the first time in the history of Russias aviation, the platforms general design and development has been led by an airframer - the Sukhoi Design Bureau. Developing the advanced computer system, it has worked hand in glove with major subsidiaries of the Radio-Electronic Technologies Corporation (KRET) - the State Ryazan Instrument Plant (GRPZ) and Ramenskoye Design Company (RPKB). The State Research Institute of Aviation Systems (GosNIIAS), using the new computing platform, has modelled the T-50s applications and concluded that the IMA BK features a hefty increase in computing and data processing rate.



Another problem encountered by the Sukhoi Design Bureau has been to train and retain skilled software testers. All over the world, major aircraft and instrument manufacturers often resort to outsourcing the work to Indian and East European programmers. The training of a good specialist takes around two years. In Moscow, seasoned testers tend to leave for commercial IT firms owing to higher salaries the latter offer, while outsourcing the development to other countries is no option to the Sukhoi Design Bureau because its work pertains to defense.



Sukhoi has found an ingenious solution to the problem by setting up an affiliate in the city of Taganrog where there are skilled workforce and relevant colleges.
An open letter to the students of Tufts from one of its Assistant Professors.

Dear Students of Tufts University,

My name is Dr. Jacob Freedman and Im an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine. Since 2013, Ive had the honor of serving as a teacher and a mentor for medical students at your school in my capacity as an academic physician at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Im proud to work with your fellow students and theyve largely enjoyed the experience as well, having nominated me for multiple teaching awards which I received in 2014 and 2016.

Im writing to you because something strange happened earlier this month when the Universitys Student Senate passed a resolution entitled, A Resolution Calling for Tufts University to End Investments in the Israeli Occupation. As a faculty member of the University, a scholar dedicated to supporting academic freedom, and a dual-citizen of both America and Israel, I cannot stand by and allow such an action to go unanswered.

Let us review the facts: Israel is the lone democracy in a sea of military, theocratic, and monarchic dictatorships throughout the Middle East (for respective examples please see Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia). Israel is dedicated to protecting personal religious freedoms  for major religions as well as ethnic minorities such as Armenians, Druze, and Assyrian Christians  as well as freedom of press and enterprise. Israels profound ethical code extends to even hostile enemy combatants (including those from Hamas and Hezbollah) who receive free medical treatment at world-renowned hospitals.

So why then would the Tufts University Student Senate choose to single out Israel? Is standing against war crimes in Darfur too passe? Have people forgotten about the Saudi governments gender-apartheid laws prohibiting female drivers? Is there no one who cares about the thousands of honor killings that occur each year in Pakistan where the government is frankly complicit?

I should be very clear that I dont believe there is a sinister plot to target Israel amongst the members of the Student Senate at Tufts University. Rather I see this action as tragic casualty of misinformation.

Therefore I call upon the members of the Student Senate to come and visit Israel. Beyond the Dead Sea and other tourist traps, come and see the Israeli Occupation at its finest. Witness first-hand how modern ideas and new technology have improved the lives of millions irrespective of their ethnicity or religion. Since 1967  when Israel won a defensive war against six genocidal Arab armies  people of all faiths living in the West Bank have had access to running water, electricity, literacy programs, free healthcare, and other necessities that much of the non-Western world still lacks.

Come and visit Ariel University where students of all creeds can study anything their heart desires without fear of governmental persecution. Come and visit the Pesagot Winery where Arab and Jewish farmers work side-by-side to craft world-famous wines. Come and visit ancient Shiloh, Hebron, and Jerusalem (remember that Jerusalem is considered Occupied Territory by some) where the great figures of the Bible walked and where the future of the Jewish People continues to unfold.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.made zero reference to occupation and never once considered Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions of the Jewish State when he famously said, When people criticize Zionists, they mean Jewsyoure talking anti-Semitism. In the case of the recently-passed resolution, Id still like to judge favorably and hope that there isnt an issue of anti-Semitism, rather that there is one of misinformation. Therefore I hope that students will come to see the Jewish homeland and learn about all of the amazing things happening here. And if its too big a shlep to come and visit, let me know and Ill be happy to come and visit you to speak at Tufts University.

In addition to a lot of anti-Israel rhetoric, the resolution also calls for the University to screen its investments for human rights compliance. This is a fantastic idea and I immediately urge the Student Senate to look into the human rights violations perpetrated by governments in countries such as China, Russia and Turkey where the is no such thing as freedom of press, religion, or the rights to a fair trial for political dissidents. I further demand that the Student Senate use all of its resources to condemn the recent chemical weapon attacks in Syria  and the development of nuclear weapons in Iran and North Korea  in the strongest terms.

Looking forward to being in touch,

Jacob L. Freedman MD

Board Certified Psychiatrist

Assistant Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine
April 17, 2017

Palestinian officials are working hard to prepare for the first meeting in the White House between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the new US president, Donald Trump. After an initial phone call and a high-profile Feb. 15 meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinians were worried that the Trump administration was planning to bypass the legitimate Palestinian leadership. Trump's meetings with King Abdullah of Jordan and phone calls to several Arab leaders added to this concern.

The Ramallah-based leadership wasnt too worried, because from day one the Trump administration had initiated security- and intelligence-level meetings. Majed Faraj, head of the Palestinian Intelligence service, met with US officials in Washington on Feb. 8-9; on Feb. 14, the director of the CIA, Mike Pompeo, made a surprise visit to Ramallah to meet with the Palestinian president. The meetings most likely dealt with security issues.

When the Trump-Abbas phone call was finally initiated March 10 and Trump invited Abbas to the White House, Palestinian officials let out a sigh of relief. Palestinian media hailed the breakthrough, and preparations were put in place to prepare for a meeting sometime in April.

While the phone call and invitation were welcomed, the concern about the Trump administration bypassing the Palestinians and making a deal with Arab leaders persisted. Media reports and rumors talked about a potential watering down of the 2002 Arab Peace Plan and the possibility of a regional Arab meeting that would downgrade Palestinian representation.

Most of these worries, however, were unfounded, and the Arab Summit held on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea delivered one of the summit's strongest statements in support of Palestinian statehood, opposing settlements, defending Al-Aqsa Mosque, reinstating commitment to the two-state solution and repeating support for an unchanged Arab Peace Plan.

Palestinian journalistic sources tell Al-Monitor that Ramallah was generally happy with Trump's meetings this month with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and with Abdullah in that the Middle Eastern leaders relayed honestly and fairly the decisions of the March 29 Arab Summit in Jordan.

For its part, the Palestinian leadership instituted some changes. Abbas appointed Western-educated Husam Zomlot as the head of the PLO mission in Washington. Zomlot, who was recently elected to the Fatah Revolutionary Council, is a confidant of Abbas and has received high marks for his ability to articulate the Palestinian narrative to American audiences generally and to American Jewish audiences specifically. Zomlot arrived in Washington in March, began his new job April 1 and has been entrusted with the preparations for Abbas upcoming visit.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki said April 14 that a Palestinian delegation will visit Washington in the second half of April to plan for the visit, which he said will take place early in May. The London-based al-Hayat said April 14 that the delegation preparing for Abbas visit will include senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat and intelligence chief Majed Faraj.

The lack of a firm date has led some Palestinian media to report that the visit has been postponed, but a US White House source quickly shot down this rumor, insisting that the visit is still on.

While the Palestinian leaders visit to Washington is to focus primarily on the peace process and the efforts of Trumps peace envoy, Jason Greenblatt, to kick-start the talks again, it is expected that Abbas will also deal with several bilateral issues. These include security cooperation and intelligence exchange between the United States and Palestinian security on local, regional and international areas of mutual concern, and continued political and financial support by the Trump administration to the Palestinian people and government, sources in the Palestinian leadership told Al-Monitor.

While stressing that economic cooperation plays a supportive role given the dire economic situation in the Palestinian territories, Greenblatt was quoted in the Israeli daily Haaretz on April 4 as saying that an economic solution is no substitute for a political solution.

Israeli columnist Alex Fishman, writing in the leading Israeli daily Yedioth Ahranoth on April 14, noted that the Trump approach to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is much more attuned to Americas regional interests. Fishman believes that Trump is being influenced by three generals in his administration who believe that solving the Palestinian conflict is necessary to help win the war against extremism in the region. The three key generals in the Trump administration are Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, national security adviser H.R. McMaster and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly.

Palestinian and Israeli officials are unusually quiet about what is happening behind closed doors. While Israelis appear to be missing the Obama days and are worried about Trumps foreign policy, it is too early to tell if the Trump administration would be any less biased toward Israel than previous US governments.

The upcoming meeting between Abbas and Trump will put into place the key parameters that will decide whether peace talks will in fact be renewed and whether they will have any chance of reaching the desired results.
April 13, 2017

Saudi and Iraqi diplomats agreed at a March 12 meeting in Riyadh to stop exchanging aggressive remarks and to establish a coordination council to discuss outstanding issues and promote bilateral relations. That same day, an Iraqi delegation led by Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Nizar al-Khairallah discussed cooperating on economics, security and tourism with Saudi diplomats. Riyadh, however, remains reluctant to move further toward normalizing relations due to concerns over Iran's influence in Iraq and the Iraqi government's inability to exert full control over Shiite militias.

Abdul Bari Zebari, the head of the Iraqi parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, told Al-Monitor earlier this month that Iraqi officials at all levels, including the president, prime minister and parliament speaker, had expressed their willingness to build good relations with Saudi Arabia during multiple visits to Riyadh since 2003. He added that they had sensed the Saudis' hesitation to work on improving ties, but that they had their reasons.

According to Zebari, the new US administration is inclined to reconsider the previous administration's policies and wants to bring its allies closer to each other in the region. It is believed that Washington had played a major role in encouraging the Feb. 25 visit to Baghdad by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. Zebari noted that Iraqis, particularly in the southern provinces, are inclined toward improving relations with Arab countries, especially the Gulf states.

Saudi-Iraqi ties did improve following Jubeir's Baghdad visit, during which he met with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. At a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, Jubeir said that Saudi Arabia aspires to establish privileged relations with Iraq and that the two nations have common interests, including in countering terrorism and in trade and investment opportunities.

Ahmed al-Masari, the head of the predominantly Sunni Iraqi National Forces Alliance, which is critical of Iranian influence in Iraq, told the daily Alriyadh March 21 that the nationalists, including liberals and leftists, had warmly welcomed Jubeir's visit. A number of Shiite figures, however, questioned the objectives behind the visit. Among them, Qais al-Khazali, secretary-general of the League of the Righteous, a Shiite militia, told NRT Feb. 27 that the visit had been part of US President Donald Trump's project and stemmed from fears that the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) will assume a greater role in Iraq in the future.

The diplomatic tensions that Jubeir's visit attempted to assuage can be traced back to last summer, after a June 3 tweet by Saudi Ambassador to Baghdad Thamer al-Sabhan on Iran's role in Iraq. Sabhan wrote, There are terrorist Iranian figures near Fallujah, which is clear evidence that [Iranians] want to burn Arab Iraqis with the flames of abominable sectarianism. This angered Jaafari, who perceived the tweet as interference in Iraqi internal affairs.

In July, Sabhan leveled additional criticisms against Baghdad, accusing it of double standards in doing nothing to curb Iranian influence in its own country while interfering in Saudi affairs in its objections to the execution of the Saudi Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr in January. Eventually having had enough, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry announced Aug. 28 that it had demanded Sabhan's replacement. Hours after the announcement in a phone interview with Al-Arabiya, Sabhan, who had returned to Saudi Arabia days before the Foreign Ministry's statement, refused to back away from his tweet, saying, Saudi policy is unchanged and is not dependent on certain individuals. Pressure is being exerted on Iraqis, who have to abide by certain agendas, apparently in reference to Iran's influence in Iraq.

Jubeir's statements surrounding his visit used the toned-down language of diplomacy, acknowledging and honoring Iraqs long history and asserting that Riyadh stands at equal distance from all Iraqis regardless of their ethnicity, sect or religion, rejecting the choosing of sides.

Iraqi aspirations for improved bilateral ties have not, however, moved much beyond agreement to mutually tone down the rhetoric and to form a joint coordination council. Jubeir's visit had been followed by a leak Feb. 28 claiming that the Saudis had promised to reopen the Jemima border crossing and pump Saudi investment flows into Iraq. On March 23, Iraqs Foreign Ministry had leaked that Riyadh had promised to resume direct flights between the two countries and cancel the debt Iraq had incurred in waging the Iraq-Iran War. A week later, however, on March 30, the Saudi Press Agency tweeted a quote from the Saudi Foreign Ministry denying that the government intended to cancel Iraq's $30 billion debt.

Riyadh appears not to have high expectations about rapidly improving ties with Baghdad. A Saudi diplomatic source in Riyadh who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity said that the appointment of a new Saudi ambassador to Baghdad is the best that can be expected in the short run. Other issues, such as opening the border, investments and cancellation of debt, cannot be seriously looked at before the Iraqi government gains control over the sectarian militias and their arms and shows that it has the ability to circumscribe Iran's influence in the country.

The Saudi and Iraqi governments are aware that normal bilateral ties would serve both their interests beyond any advantage to placating the United States desire for better relations between its allies. Yet there is not much trust between the two countries. Riyadh, which has no military or political influence in Iraq, is not ready to deal with Baghdad in light of Iraq's sectarian issues and the potential of armed groups smuggling arms to Shiites in Qatif or facilitating the movement of extremists from and into the kingdom to Iran's advantage. That said, Baghdad cannot provide Saudi Arabia the assurances it seeks at the expense of losing its Iranian ally.
April 17, 2017

Egyptian fashion designers have started a new revolution. They are creating their own fashion designs and taking serious steps to compete with international brands.

"Nowadays, the fashion industry in Egypt does exist. The notion of creating fashion that reflects our own culture and copes with international standards is booming," Sara Onsi, the owner of Egyptian bridal dress brand Sara Onsi, told Al-Monitor.

Onsi, who is a business administration graduate, said she spent four years designing bridal dresses and studying all aspects of fashion. Then she launched her evening line and succeeded in displaying it in a New York fashion show.

"Being in a New York fashion show is not that easy. A designer must prepare a good profile for her or his collections," Onsi said.

"It was a challenge to display my first collection in an international show and be on equal footing with other international designers," she added. "I was keen to produce dresses with high-end finishing and the best quality."

The passion to create Egyptian fashion brands drives many to teach themselves everything related to fashion, from drawing the design to sewing and finishing the garment.

Aya Abdul Salam, the founder of Bijar, an Egyptian fashion brand for casual clothes, said there are many courses both online and offline that teach how to be an experienced fashion designer.

Salam said that her journey started by making unique pieces for her friends and family, then she converted it into a real business with a high demand.

"What I want in my collections is to give ladies the feeling of being more feminine and special. It is totally different when a woman finds herself wearing what makes her unique and feeling her own self."

"We dont have to wear items that don't suit us or make us feel uncomfortable," Salam added.

The passionate designer said she was keen to come up with her own brand and fight the obstacles, such as the untrained labor in this industry.

"I faced many losses at the beginning because the market is dominated by mass production rather than producing unique pieces," she said.

Dalia Hassouna of the Industrial Modernisation Centre, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, told Al-Monitor that the center is boosting Egyptian designers in different fields through Creative Egypt, a hub that is open for designers to display their products and become exposed to marketing opportunities.

"The Creative Egypt hub does not help the designers display locally, but gives them the opportunity to export abroad," she added.

According to Hassouna, the government has also started to empower talented Egyptian designers through a program in cooperation with Italian designers that educates them and hones their skills according to international standards.

The initiative came in parallel with the country's directives to boost the local industry and lure Egyptian exports.

Despite a number of Egyptian designers flourishing, there still are many factors affecting the whole industry.

Maria S. Munoz, the co-founder and managing partner at Maison Pyramide, said, "There are many factors affecting the industry at large, and under all these factors there are many variables. We can say that education is one of them  professional courses, input of professionals, acquisition of knowledge and skills."

Another factor is obviously the power of the economy. The industry needs new machinery and more technology and better materials and resources, so investing in these elements will definitely shape the industry very rapidly, Munoz added.
April 18, 2017

The two main conservative candidates seeking to unseat incumbent Hassan Rouhani in the May 19 presidential vote are Ebrahim Raisi and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Despite their claims of unity ahead of the elections, a closer look indicates that the conservatives are deeply divided.

Ghalibaf, the Tehran mayor who has now registered to run in three presidential elections, looks determined to stay in the race to the very end, mindful that a third-time defeat or withdrawal would lead to a further decline in his reputation. On the other hand, now that Raisi, the custodian of the holy shrine of the eighth Shiite imam, has risked his future political career and reputation by stepping into the fray, he is also not likely to pull out in favor of a starkly different figure such as Ghalibaf.

On April 6, the Popular Front of Islamic Revolution Forces, which is known by its Persian acronym JAMNA, held a primary in which five contenders were elected. Raisi obtained the majority of votes in the primary of the conservative coalition, while Ghalibaf came in third.

Abbas Abdi, a prominent Reformist analyst, said April 18 that neither Ghalibaf nor Raisi will leave the competition in favor of one another, adding that supporters of the two candidates will rather clash during the presidential race.

Indeed, following his registration for the elections at the Interior Ministry on April 14, most conservative dailies notably did not feature Raisi on their front pages, arousing criticism and doubts among his backers. Supporters of Raisi, who is being backed by key hard-line cleric Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi, believe that Ghalibaf is lobbying within JAMNA to persuade the forging of a consensus around him, and the coalitions eventual announcement of him as its only candidate.

Osoulgara News, which is close to former chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, wrote April 17 on its channel on the popular messaging app Telegram that Ghalibaf is reaching an agreement with JAMNA behind the curtains, and that this explains why conservative newspapers have neither backed him nor covered developments related to Raisi on their front pages. Rumor has it that despite announcing his candidacy as an independent, Raisi is not keen on seeing JAMNA rallying behind Ghalibaf as its final candidate, as under this circumstance, the pressures for his withdrawal would intensify.

On the heels of ultraconservative Jalilis withdrawal from the race, most of his supporters went behind Raisi and are slamming Ghalibaf for the corruption within the Tehran municipality, calling for his withdrawal from the race.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Hashemi Rafsanjani, a brother of the late Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, the former president who died in January, will apparently also run for office. He said April 18 that his brother had advised him, head of the supreme leaders inspection office Ali Akbar Nategh-Nuri, Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to register to run in the presidential elections. Of note, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani believed that the moderates and Reformists should have alternative candidates in case the Guardian Council, which is tasked with vetting hopefuls, disqualifies Rouhani.

Mohammad Hashemi Rafsanjani, who has previously served as chief of the state broadcaster, said April 18 that he does not intend to challenge Rouhani. In this vein, according to Reformist activist Abdollah Naseri, Rafsanjani and other moderate and Reformist candidates have come forward in the event Rouhani is barred from seeking a second term.
April 18, 2017

Thousands of words have been written about the all-out war Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been waging against the media. Countless articles have analyzed his scheme to control public broadcasting, a war that recently resulted in a new structure for the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC), scheduled to be launched by the end of April. Accordingly, a news division will no longer be part of the corporation, but will instead operate independently.

Amateur psychologists have explained that the prime ministers extreme interest in the corporation stems from his obsession with the media. Political analysts insist that the appointment of Geula Even-Saar, the wife of senior Likud member and former Minister Gideon Saar, as IPBC's senior host, was the straw that broke the camels back. They believe the appointment of the spouse of Netanyahu's political rival drove the prime minister to persist in his fight to close the IPBC before its launch. On April 3, Netanyahu seasoned his Passover greeting with a complaint that the media does not reflect the feelings of the public and proclaimed, Theres a gloom industry here.

In the rest of his festive speech, Netanyahu cited the products of the alleged gloom industry, which sees darkness in places illuminated by the brightest light. Instead of full employment, the media sees unemployment. Instead of a flourishing economy, it sees a wrecked economy. Instead of interchanges, trains and bridges, it sees traffic jams. Instead of resoluteness and power, it produces hesitation and insecurity. Instead of a world power, it conjures a collapsing and crumbling state. Leaders who come here every day, Netanyahu closed his indictment of the killjoys, see us as a global tech powerhouse, a world power in security, intelligence, technology.

Still, this speech seemed to be missing a line that had appeared in one version or another of his many addresses over the past few years. It goes something along the lines of, Instead of the leftist media who see an occupation that makes Israel into a leprous state, I, Netanyahu, see a flourishing Eden on the liberated land of our fathers. One shouldn't, however, worry about the missing part. Netanyahu supplied that resoundingly on April 9 in the form of a government decision to allocate 10 million shekels ($2.7 million) for 50th anniversary celebrations of the liberation of Judea, Samaria and the Golan Heights in the 1967 Six-Day War. By the way, why are the Gaza Strip and Sinai Peninsula not included in the celebration? Were they not liberated in June 1967? With this decision and statement, Netanyahu, again, demonstrated his stance that the occupation does not hurt the state of Israel. On the contrary, Israel is flourishing.

Coincidentally, or perhaps not so coincidentally, on the same day Tourism Minister Yariv Levin, a Netanyahu confidant, announced a record number of foreign tourists visiting Israel. What more does one need to prove that the occupation, sorry  liberation, doesnt scare away tourists who come to check out firsthand the global security powerhouse, to speed down its highways and to try out the Tel Aviv subway? Levin asserted, Israel is an attractive tourism destination.  Weve shown that if we do it right, we can bring many tourists here. What he meant was we shouldnt confuse them by mentioning the occupation and terrorism. Weve lived with both, and even flourished, why shouldnt we live and flourish with them another 50 years?

Indeed, according to data published on the same day, in March 293,000 tourists entered Israel, an increase of 22% compared to March 2016 figures. In the first three months of the year, 739,000 tourists visited Israel, an increase of 24% compared to the first quarter of 2016. Do these encouraging numbers testify to business as usual, regardless of the bloody conflict, diplomatic stagnation and deepening occupation?

The answer, interestingly enough, can be found in a document compiled by interdepartmental staff headed by Tourism Ministry Director Amir Halevi after Operation Protective Edge in 2014. This document pulls the rug out from under the business as usual propaganda on tourism, revealing monetary damage to the tourism industry of at least 2 billion shekels ($546 million). The report states, The serious damage to tourism, especially foreign tourism, because of the flight of tourists during the war and the cancellation of future reservations in significant numbers were a grave economic hit that the tourism industry cannot withstand without receiving aid and compensation from the government.

Indeed, the state, that is, the citizens of Israel, established a marketing fund that year at a cost of 15 million shekels ($4.1 million) to participate in the marketing efforts of foreign tourism organizers. It is doubtful whether this aid would encourage students at the University of Birmingham in England  the alma mater of Hannah Baldon, the brilliant student murdered in an attack in Jerusalem on April 14 at the age of 21  to now come to Zion. In light of the security situation in Judea and Samaria, the government allocated 5 million shekels ($1.3 million) last year to build inexpensive hostels for tourists in the occupied, uh, sorry, liberated, territories.

Economist Avichai Snir of Netanya Academic College and the Infinity Investment House told Al-Monitor, We had three lost years [in the tourism industry], and now the record, as it were, that theyre talking about, is just a return to where things were before Protective Edge. Snir added, It certainly says something about how quiet contributes to tourism.

A study conducted in 2014 by Ran Sharabany, an economist with the Bank of Israel, clearly points to the connection between the diplomatic-security situation and the motivation of foreigners to visit Israel and to boost the tourism industry. The study concluded that Israel's gloom industry has no connection to Israels force of attraction. Unlike elsewhere in the world, where economic factors set the tone in determining tourists demands, Sharabany wrote, in Israel the security situation has the most impact.

The effort to take over the media and rewrite reality through the use of language, such as replacing the term occupation with liberation, painfully recalls George Orwells 1984. The Newspeak that Big Brother used in Oceania was meant to eliminate terms like freedom, to rewrite history to the will of the ruler and to replace depressing news with sweet tidings of growth in chocolate production.
April 18, 2017

The New York Times published on April 17 a clarification to an editorial remark that appeared beneath an opinion piece written on April 16 by senior Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti. The original remark referred to the author as "Palestinian leader" and "parliamentarian." But the real importance of the clarification is that it shifted the debate over the Palestinian detainees' hunger strike back to concrete spheres.

Barghouti, currently imprisoned in Israel, wrote an editorial under the headline, "Why We Are on Hunger Strike in Israel's Prisons." The aforementioned note about Barghouti beneath the article fails to list the crimes for which he was convicted in 2004, including several terrorist attacks, which led to the deaths of five Israelis.

The paper came under harsh criticism in Israel for acting prejudicially and intentionally hiding information and context. This was ultimately successful. An April 17 clarification states, "This article explained the writers prison sentence but neglected to provide sufficient context by stating the offenses of which he was convicted. They were five counts of murder and membership in a terrorist organization. Mr. Barghouti declined to offer a defense at his trial and refused to recognize the Israeli courts jurisdiction and legitimacy."

In his lengthy editorial, Barghouti explained the motives behind the hunger strike launched April 17 by hundreds of Palestinian detainees imprisoned in Israel. He described the brutalization of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, including instances of physical torture. He wrote, "Palestinian prisoners and detainees have suffered from torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, and medical negligence. Some have been killed while in detention. According to the latest count from the Palestinian Prisoners Club, about 200 Palestinian prisoners have died since 1967 because of such actions.  Through our hunger strike, we seek an end to these abuses."

The senior Fatah leader continued, "Having spent the last 15 years in an Israeli prison, I have been both a witness to and a victim of Israels illegal system of mass arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment of Palestinian prisoners. After exhausting all other options, I decided there was no choice but to resist these abuses by going on a hunger strike."

Yesh Atid Chair Yair Lapid was one of the first Israeli leaders to release a stinging attack on The New York Times for its original editorial note about Barghouti. In a counter-article published on the Times of Israel English-language website, he accused The New York Times of acting irresponsibly when it "didnt even bother to explain to its readers that the author is a convicted murderer of the worst kind.  He was convicted in a civilian (not military) court on five separate counts of murder of innocent civilians. He was involved in dozens of attempted terror attacks. He caused people to lose their families and led to people being maimed. He destroyed lives."

In the past, Lapid's right-hand man in Yesh Atid, Knesset member Ofer Shelah, had actually focused considerably on the possibility that Barghouti might be released one day, and on his popularity among more moderate sectors of the Palestinian public. In 2002, as a journalist, he even expressed the fear that Barghouti's trial could be turned into a show trial, driven more by propaganda than facts.

Deputy Minister for Diplomacy Michael Oren of the Kulanu Party, a former Israeli ambassador to Washington, called the editorial "journalistic terrorism" and accused The New York Times of "intentional deception." In an interview with Army Radio on April 17, he said, "I have written for the American media for years. The average length of an editorial is 600-700 words. Marwan Barghouti's article is twice as long. Publishing it on a Jewish holiday [the seventh day of Passover] meant that the government of Israel was unable to respond. I think that this was done intentionally. The American Jewish leadership wasnt able to respond either."

Joining the attacks was Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon of the Likud Party. He wrote on his Facebook page, "The New York Times forgot to mention that he [Barghouti] is a murderer who was sentenced to five life sentences and responsible for the murder of innocent Israelis.  Not only did the New York Times give a platform to a convicted murderer spreading baseless lies about Israel, The New York Times was also hiding the truth from its readers." Lapid, Oren and Danon all align with the right or center-right of the Israeli political spectrum. Their attacks on The New York Times serve their agendas.

Their claims were indeed justified, as evidenced by the clarification. Nevertheless, there must now be a serious debate in Israel about Barghouti's claims. For Barghouti, it was a winning move: He succeeded in pushing the issue of Palestinian detainees to the top of the international agenda and embarrassing Israel in the process. At the same time, he also cemented his position as a political leader among the Palestinian public.

Barghouti is a lot like Israeli politicians in that he has objectives and rivals. As someone who sees himself as the inevitable successor of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Barghouti is building up his image as leader of the Palestinian prisoners' struggle. Detainees' rights are a very sensitive issue in Palestinian society, and he has used it to score himself points. At the same time, the fact that he has since been moved to solitary confinement, coupled by calls in Israel to investigate the "fiasco" that led to his editorial being smuggled out of prison, will inevitably serve him well.

As far as The New York Times is concerned, publishing an editorial that Barghouti wrote in prison just moments before the launch of the hunger strike he initiated is an important journalist coup, reconfiguring the public agenda. But for Israel, the debate must now focus on the conditions faced by Palestinian detainees. Israel has numerous ways to repudiate the claims of this senior Fatah leader: It could release figures to counter these claims and present its own evidence through official channels. Politicians, especially leaders like Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid who see themselves as future candidates for prime minister, should expand the debate and relate to the actual issues at stake. Perhaps they might even present their own positions on resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Obviously Barghouti is a terrorist (as he was convicted), who is justly serving a prison sentence for his crimes. Nevertheless, he is also a political leader and the most famous Palestinian prisoner today. For years, he maintained ties with Israeli politicians from the left. Two former defense ministers from the Labor Party have called for Barghouti's release. In a 2007 interview with Haaretz, late Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer called for Barghouti to be prepared to succeed Abbas as the next Palestinian leader, much like the dialogue that Israel had with late PLO leader Yasser Arafat years earlier. Former Minister Amir Peretz called for Barghouti's release on more than one occasion and even met with him in prison. Joining the calls of Ben-Eliezer and Peretz were former Meretz Ministers Haim Oron and Yossi Beilin.

Rather than forcing some easy, populist response or other, the editorial, the controversy over it and the Palestinian prisoners hunger strike would better serve Israel's leaders if they were used to instigate a broader, forward-looking discussion. Such a discussion should inevitably include Barghouti's potential role as a future Palestinian leader.
April 18, 2017

Even before the arrival of the Palestinian Authority's (PA) delegation to the Gaza Strip to discuss reconciliation between the Fatah and Hamas movements, the two sides had begun exchanging threats.

The delegation representing Fatah originally planned to travel from Ramallah in the West Bank to Gaza once Israel re-opened the Erez crossing that had been closed last week for Passover. But Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas dropped a bombshell on Hamas leaders. Addressing Palestinian ambassadors gathered in Bahrain on April 13, Abbas said he was about to make far-reaching moves that would cement the split between Gaza and the West Bank. Abbas noted that Hamas had set up an administrative committee to run affairs in Gaza to replace the Palestinian government headed by Rami Hamdallah, and was thus perpetuating its rule in the Strip.

A senior Palestinian source in Gaza identified with the Fatah movement told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that Abbas is using the administrative committee established by new Hamas ruler Yahya Sinwar as an excuse for long-planned moves. According to the source, Abbas decided to cut the Fatah-ruled West Bank off from Gaza more than a year ago after concluding that Hamas would not cede its rule over the enclave. He was no longer willing to fund the regime that had overthrown his government in 2007.

Indications of Abbas moves to sever the West Bank from Gaza have long been evident. Only a blind person would not have seen what we, the veteran Fatah people, clearly saw, said the source. The first sign, he said, was the PAs refusal to pay for the diesel fuel needed to operate the Gaza power station, resulting in a crisis caused by the ensuing power shortages. But the most significant indication was the pay cuts for PA staff in the Strip.

Since the 2007 Hamas takeover of Gaza, the PA has continued to pay its employees there, providing de facto funding for Hamas and helping ease its dire financial straits. Without the wages for tens of thousands of PA workers  including officials and members of the Palestinian security forces  who have not been allowed to work since the overthrow, the economic crisis in the Strip would have been much deeper and Hamas would likely have been unable to survive.

This arrangement, whereby the PA continued paying salaries of employees who are unable to work, was intended to be temporary. But a decade later, reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah does not appear likely. And so, as far as the PA is concerned, theres no point in paying people who will probably never work in that position again. Theres certainly no point in making life easier for Hamas and helping it stay in power.

Hamas did, indeed, exploit the fact that PA headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah kept paying tens of thousands of unemployed Gaza residents who once worked for the PA. Hamas employed only those identified as Hamas loyalists. According to World Bank data, the 2014 unemployment rate in Gaza stood at 43%. Were it not for the salaries paid by the PA to its former employees, that figure would likely have reached 60% of the workforce.

This is the stick that Abbas has held over Hamas' head for years. But at the beginning of April, the PA cut 30% from the pay of its Gaza employees, and according to senior Fatah officials in Gaza on that payroll, their salaries will gradually reach zero. They say that Abbas has concluded that the continued funding of tens of thousands of unemployed Gaza residents for whom Hamas has shirked responsibility is a threat to the PAs survival, and he must therefore divert all the funds at his disposal to the West Bank.

This is his way to bring down Hamas, said the Gaza source. To create pressure on them in order to make them understand that they cannot continue  to rule Gaza and to get money that frees them from responsibility for health, education and welfare institutions. If Hamas wants to rule Gaza forever more, it must then assume responsibility.

The question is why Abbas announced his unprecedented moves just as the reconciliation delegation was about to set out for Gaza. Fatah leaders in Gaza claim that it was a tactical decision designed to demonstrate that he wants reconciliation only on his terms  that Hamas accept his conditions for handing over control of the Strip to the PA.

The Fatah leaders in Gaza dont believe Abbas threats will achieve the desired results. They are sure Hamas will not agree to cede control of Gaza and will not disarm. Abbas, for his part, will not accept the existence of a second army alongside the PAs security forces, and therefore the obvious conclusion is to sever ties to the Strip, at whatever political cost that may entail.

The cost will be steep. The PA employees in Gaza who identify as Fatah supporters are furious with Abbas. For a decade they have been claiming that he had not truly worked to restore Gaza to the PAs control and that he had abandoned its residents to their fate. According to them, now he is taking steps toward a total cutoff from Gaza, which will perpetuate the existence of two separate and disconnected Palestinian entities: Gaza for Hamas and Ramallah for Fatah.

Abbas hopes that the increased economic pressure will bring Hamas to the realization that it cannot assume responsibility for the affairs of Gazas 1.8 million residents, but past experience suggests otherwise. After the 2007 overthrow, Abbas and other top Fatah officials also believed that the Israeli blockade on the Strip and the accompanying economic pressure would make Hamas understand that it cannot rule and it would soon beg the Palestinian president to return. That has not happened and is unlikely to happen now.

All thats left is to rue the fate of the Strips residents, who are being held hostage by their leaders.
April 13, 2017

ISTANBUL  On April 9, the fourth batch of evacuees left the besieged al-Waer neighborhood in Homs, northern Syria. The group headed for the city of Jarablus, which has been controlled by opposition factions since its liberation from the Islamic State (IS).

Batches of civilians and fighters continue to evacuate al-Waer under the Russian-brokered deal between the neighborhood committee and the regime on March 13. The reconciliation deal, as the Syrian regime calls it, calls for a halt in military hostilities against the neighborhood and the evacuation of opposition fighters to other opposition-held areas. Homs was the epicenter of the revolution during the first year of the rebellion and saw numerous uprisings since the outbreak of the rebellion.

On March 18, scores of opposition fighters and their families left the neighborhood for the city of Jarablus, which is controlled by the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army factions fighting IS under the banner of Operation Euphrates Shield.

On March 27, the second batch of evacuees reached the city of al-Bab, which is also controlled by opposition factions affiliated with the Turkish-backed Euphrates Shield.

Al-Waer resident Ousama Abou Zaid spoke to Al-Monitor via Skype about the exodus from the last opposition-held enclave in Homs. He said, The Russian threat to al-Waer's negotiating committee, composed of civilians and military personnel, forced opposition fighters to leave. The neighborhoods residents feared they would face a fate similar to that of the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo if the neighborhood committee rejected the agreement offered by the Russians. They had no other choice but to accept the settlement whereby opposition fighters and their families and any resident who wanted to leave would vacate the neighborhood. We expect 15,000 people to leave, and this means that only the elderly and children will remain, as others fear they will be arrested when the regime breaks into the neighborhood.

The regime warned that young fighters who stayed in the neighborhood would risk conscription or arrest by the Syrian army and security services.

Around 1,500 evacuees arrived in al-Bab on March 19, but found no camp ready to host them. Many Syrian opposition figures were angered by what they believe was a failure by humanitarian organizations to properly appreciate the suffering of the displaced from al-Waer who had held their land for six years.

Some activists reported that residents of al-Bab and Jarablus were renting tents to the displaced for high fees of up to $300 a month and requiring six months' payment in advance.

Issa Al-Ahmad told Al-Monitor from Jarablus over the phone, There may have been similar complaints from individuals. They exploited the critical situation of the evacuees and the lack of preparation and offered tents or houses with some equipment for rent in order to reap profits. But the next morning humanitarian associations were on the field preparing a camp for the evacuees.

He added, Yes, there was clear negligence and failure in terms of preparations for the arrival of the convoy of displaced persons. This is due to several reasons, including the absence of international organizations and the limited number of organizations operating in the region, which are limited to organizations working in coordination with the Turks, such as the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation and the Turkish Red Crescent.

The residents of the city have been cut off from moving to Syria's northern areas near the Turkish border and have been besieged for years by the regime.

Khaled Al-Omar, a father of three who left the neighborhood with his family during the fourth round of evacuations on April 9, told Al-Monitor over the phone, We did not expect this treatment. The committee overseeing the evacuation of al-Waer told us that we would be staying in ready-made homes and that everything would be safe from the moment we arrived. But to our surprise, we found nothing. We spent our first night out in the open and some of us slept on the buses. The next day, we received tents and started setting them up ourselves. I asked the supervisors to bring me back with my family to al-Waer, but they refused, saying that it was not possible. I would rather stay in my house and face the shelling and bombardment instead of seeing my children stranded like this. We were baffled by this careless treatment, as the cities of Jarablus and al-Bab are safe and close to the Turkish border, which should have made it easy to bring in all the equipment necessary for the preparation of camps or prefabricated houses.

The third batch of 1,500 evacuees, including 400 fighters, left al-Waer for Idlib.

The fourth batch of 1,424 people headed toward Jarablus under similar circumstances. They also complained of a lack of preparations for their arrival.

Hassan al-Asmar, an activist from Homs who left the neighborhood in the fourth group, told Al-Monitor, Turkish organizations are trying to improve the situation in Zogora refugee camp in Jarablus by replacing small tents with caravans, but the camp is still far below the standards of safety or human dignity. However, civilians still prefer heading to Jarablus instead of Idlib, where a chemical attack was carried out on April 4, fearing the bombing and the battles there.

Those who rented houses outside the camps in Jarablus are comfortable, he added.

Thousands of al-Waer residents are still expected to leave for destinations that have yet to be determined. Then the city of Homs will be under the full control of the Syrian regime.
April 17, 2017

The shock of the July 15 abortive coup followed by instant imposed reforms and mass purges have drawn Turkeys security sector  made up of a large military, the National Intelligence Service (MIT), the national police, the gendarmerie command and private security firms  into a structural transformation process. Given Turkeys undeniable secular-conservative divide, it is not hard to see that the states armed security actors are becoming the main instruments of political controversy in the country.

Islamic and ultra-nationalist sources of guidance, particularly in the police force, raise the question of the professionalism of armed security forces that adopt active positions in the debate on Islamophobia and Islamic fascism.

The Turkish National Police Force, which recently celebrated its 172nd anniversary, commands 275,000 personnel. On March 19, about 10,000 police cadets graduated from police vocational schools in 15 provinces after four-month accelerated trainings. Purges against Gulenists had begun long before the coup attempt, and to fill the gap, police began the accelerated trainings.

Photo coverage of the oath-taking ceremony in the central Anatolian city of Yozgat of 1,100 police conscripts triggered acrimonious debate in the country.

About 300 cadets, all females, took an oath that pledged their allegiance to God, to prophets, to the flag and weapons, and that called on martyrs to rest in peace and vowed revenge for their deaths. What attracted notice was that none of the women graduates wore the newly permitted headscarves.

What made this oath popular after the July 15 coup attempt was the abundant use of religious and ultra-nationalist references and the open avowal of revenge that in a way seemed to place the role of judge and executioner in the hands of new security forces. Nobody reminded these fresh graduates that their supreme duty is not to take revenge but to apprehend criminals and suspects to deliver them to the judiciary. But somebody was careful enough to make sure that the ceremony ended with official version of the oath that vows to serve the Turkish nation and the state impartially and with respect to human rights.

Pro-government and conservative media gave glowing coverage of these police oath-taking ceremonies, especially the vow of female police to take revenge.

Anyone objecting to religious and ultra-nationalist references in the ceremonies was accused of Islamophobia, while critical media chose to report these events as footsteps of Islamic fascism.

One fervent critical writer warned, Islamic fascism is becoming the official ideology of the state.

That the state security sector has become the main arena of vigorous debate between the secular and conservative camps indicates that Turkey hasnt paid much attention to lessons learned from the July 15 coup attempt.

The politicization of the security sector down to its lowest ranks means meddling and taking sides in the political debate, which could have lethal implications, particularly for civilian-military relations.

We should recall how on Dec. 19 in Ankara, a young 2-year veteran of the police force, Mevlut Mert Altintas, assassinated Russian Ambassador Andrey Karlov.

We still dont know for sure what motivated Altintas to assassinate Karlov and who might have incited him. Whether he was spurred by the Gulen movement or a network affiliated with al-Qaeda or Jabhat al-Nusra, the reality is that he had to be mentally primed for such an action and that rituals such as these revenge oaths in police uniforms were probably the first steps in his radicalization.
April 17, 2017

The outcome of Turkey's April 16 referendum wasn't exactly the victory President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was aiming for: clear support for constitutional amendments that would give him more executive power than even republic founder Kemal Ataturk had envisioned for himself. Dissent was strong in the country's largest cities, and European officials also have registered their disapproval.

Before the results were even announced, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim delivered the first victory speech of the night, not Erdogan himself. But with Erdogan's pragmatism, which for all practical purposes is necessary for his survival, he was quick to give a speech declaring victory, even as the results of the referendum were being contested with allegations of irregularities and fraud. Given the controversy of the neck-and-neck results blemished with the allegations of rigging, Erdogan couldn't resist  but he did not look confident or triumphant.

In an unusually brief and uncharacteristically muted speech, with a stony expression on his face, he insisted he had won the contested referendum and called on the outside world for acknowledgment. He once again mentioned enacting capital punishment.

According to official figures, approval for an executive presidency  which many Turks believe will amount to a one-man rule  came out with roughly 51.4% of the vote, while the "no" votes made up 48.6%. Turnout was measured at 83.3%. There were 24,325,985 yes votes counted against 23,189,021 no votes  a difference of 1,136,964. More than 800,000 votes were invalidated because they weren't clearly marked or weren't submitted properly. However, even as the voting was underway, the main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) and the pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) registered a complaint with the Supreme Election Board, alleging 2.5 million ballots were used without official seals on them. Under Turkish election law, those ballots would have to be considered invalid. Yet the Supreme Election Board, known to be close to Erdogan, dismissed the allegations.

Irregularities reported from all around Turkey are abundant. Even if all of them are unfounded, Erdogans win can best be defined as a Pyrrhic victory: victory, but at what cost? The most important indicator of such a judgment is his loss of all the big cities. In Istanbul, historically the economic and cultural megapolis of Turkey, and in the capital city of Ankara, no votes exceeded "yes" votes. In the third-largest city, Izmir, the ratio was devastating: 69% rejected the amendments.

All the areas along the Mediterranean and Aegean (southern and western) coastlines of Turkey, all the way to Istanbul, across the Marmara Sea, to the Black Sea coast overwhelmingly voted against the referendum, including the fourth-largest town, Adana, and the new touristic metropolis of Antalya. In the latter two, the difference was clear: 60% against; 40% in favor.

Turkey's mostly Kurdish southeast produced stunning results. Almost 70% of voters in Diyarbakir, the Kurdish spiritual center, rejected the referendum.

The ratio of no votes was strikingly high in most militant Kurdish towns where the mayors had been arrested and their administrations turned over to trustees appointed from Ankara. Some of those towns had been reduced to rubble as a result of heavy fighting and have remained under curfew almost for a year. The "no" votes in those towns were as follows: Cizre, 80%; Nusaybin, 79%; Silvan, 77%; Silopi, 75%; Lice, 85%; and Varto, 87%.

Erdogan derived his support mainly from vast agricultural regions of central Anatolia, some central-eastern provinces, and most of the staunchly conservative, nationalistic constituencies along the Black Sea coast.

Erdogans motto during the one-sided campaign was One state, one nation, one flag. But with the referendum results, it is safe to say Turkey is more polarized and divided than ever. Though it is still considered one state under one flag, it most likely is now three nations pretending to be one: two increasingly irreconcilable Turkish nations and the Kurdish nation.

It should never be forgotten that  even if the election proves to be fraud-free  Erdogan's Pyrrhic victory was achieved in an unprecedented, unfair campaign. The campaign was conducted under a state of emergency. Anybody against the referendum was dubbed by the president himself a traitor to the nation or a terrorist linked to Gulenists, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) or the like. During March and April, Istanbul was plastered with signs supporting the referendum and posters of Erdogan.

The visual and print media controlled by the president engaged in the yes campaign almost entirely. For instance, according to a survey covering March 1-10, during primetime, the presidency enjoyed 53 hours of coverage; the ruling AKP, 83 hours; and the ultranationalist, pro-referendum Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), 14 hours. The main opposition  the CHP  received 17 hours of coverage, and the pro-Kurdish HDP (whose chairman and 12 lawmakers are in prison) got only 33 minutes. The yes campaign had live coverage for 485 hours compared with 45 hours for the opposition.

In fact, the Council of Europes advisory body on legal issues, the Venice Commission-European Commission for Democracy through Law, issued a report on Turkey in March saying that holding a referendum under the state of emergency conditions must be considered invalid if not illegal.

In particular, the extremely unfavorable environment for journalism and the increasingly impoverished and one-sided public debate that prevail in Turkey at this point question the very possibility of holding a meaningful, inclusive democratic referendum campaign about the desirability of the amendments, the report said. In conclusion, the Venice Commission is of the view that the substance of the proposed constitutional amendments represents a dangerous step backward in the constitutional democratic tradition of Turkey. The Venice Commission wishes to stress the dangers of degeneration of the proposed system toward an authoritarian and personal regime.

On the night of the referendum, Social-Democrat Kati Piri  the Netherlands' representative to the European Parliament and rapporteur for Turkey's accession bid  wrote on her blog: In an unfair election environment, a narrow majority of the Turkish population has endorsed the constitutional package that will give President Erdogan unchecked powers, which will fit an authoritarian system. This is a sad day for all Democrats in Turkey. It is clear that the country cannot join the [European Union] with a constitution that doesnt respect the separation of powers and has no checks and balances. If the package is implemented unchanged, this will have to lead to the formal suspension of the EU accession talks. Continuing to talk about Turkeys integration into Europe under the current circumstances has become a farce.  The result of todays vote is a major shift away from European values. Erdogans autocratic behavior has deeply polarized Turkish society and harmed the economy.

As the first loud European voice on the most recent developments in Turkey, she continued tweeting about the contested results. In unfair elections, narrow majority for 'yes.' Too small margin for such drastic changes, she wrote. Almost half of Turkish population voted 'NO.' Imagine if it had been a fair electoral campaign!

Notwithstanding Turkeys foggy EU prospects, life went on and Turks and Kurds awoke April 17 to a New Turkey." After a probably rigged referendum and a Pyrrhic victory, the future is no more certain for its main protagonist, Erdogan, and even more uncertain for the almost 80 million citizens of Turkey.
April 18, 2017

Allegations of fraud in Turkeys April 16 referendum show no signs of abating despite government denials that any irregularity occurred.

Today, the main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) petitioned the Supreme Electoral Board (YSK) for the vote on boosting the powers of the presidency to be annulled.

CHP Deputy Chairman Bulent Tezcan, who lodged the appeal, called the referendum organized vote theft. He was referring in particular to the boards controversial last-minute decision to breach its own rules and accept ballots without official seals. The opposition charges it did so to clear the path for cheating. The amendments squeaked through with a razor-thin margin at 51%.

Aykan Erdemir, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former CHP member of parliament, said the YSK's actions coupled with reports from the field point to reckless fraud carried out with impunity.

He told Al-Monitor, To avert fraud, we tell ballot box observers that to make the ballots distinguishable from the outside, they should not only stamp the ballots but stamp them all in the same place  to pick a corner on the envelope, on the ballot itself, and stick with it. This narrows the opportunity for tampering.

Tezcan said the number of unstamped ballots was impossible to determine. The only thing left to do is cancel the vote.

Tezcan added that his party would take its case to Turkeys Constitutional Court and to the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights if need be.

In the capital Ankara, citizens formed long lines outside the YSK headquarters to submit petitions for annulment. In Istanbul, crowds gathered outside the main courthouse in Cagalayan on the European side of the city to register their disapproval. Sporadic street protests have erupted across Istanbul with citizens banging pots and pans and chanting murderer and thief.

A Western diplomat predicted that such actions were unlikely to reverse the outcome. Speaking on condition that he not be identified, the diplomat said, While it is clear that the conduct of the referendum was illegal, there is no evidence to prove that the 1.3 million votes [that tipped the balance] were either doctored or invalid.

Even vocal opponents of the government agree. Asli Aydintasbas, a columnist for the left-leaning daily Cumhuriyet and a fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, tweeted, A 1.3 million difference cannot be explained away by fraud claims.

Erdogan received an unexpected boost from US President Donald Trump, who called to congratulate him on his victory.

The two leaders also reportedly discussed the latest situation in Syria, where the US-led coalition is preparing an all-out assault on Raqqa, the so-called capital of the Islamic State. The call caught many administration officials by surprise and the State Department, whose initial reaction to the referendum was markedly circumspect, was not consulted, Al-Monitor has learned.

Former US Ambassador to Ankara Eric Edelman called the move very ill-advised. In remarks to Al-Monitor he noted, First, the conduct of the referendum itself has been harshly criticized by the OSCE. Second, the opposition in Turkey is still contesting the result. Third, the only entities to congratulate Erdogan are a coalition of the disreputable  Azerbaijan, Qatar, Hamas, Ahrar al-Sham  not the kind of company the United States normally keeps. And what did the US get in return for this gesture? Absolutely nothing.

Edelman was alluding to the election-monitoring mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which delivered its preliminary findings yesterday. They werent good.

Mission chief Tana de Zulueta declared at a news conference that the constitutional referendum was passed on an unlevel playing field. Zulueta noted, The referendum took place in a political environment in which fundamental freedoms essential to a genuinely democratic process were curtailed under the state of emergency, and the two sides did not have equal opportunities to make their case to the voters.

The negative tone was unusual for the notoriously cautious outfit, suggesting that Turkey had crossed a line. Nate Schenkkan, the project director for Nations in Transit at Freedom House, told Al-Monitor, The OSCE only describes what they can observe for themselves and what they gain from interviews with stakeholders. They stick to the facts. Schenkkan added, For them to put out a harsh assessment like this means they didnt get adequate explanations from the Turkish government when they asked questions.

True to form, Erdogan dismissed the allegations of misconduct as a further manifestation of the Wests crusader mentality and said the monitors should know their place.

Meanwhile, fresh evidence suggesting blatant malfeasance continues to surface via social media. Images shared by a man in the mainly Kurdish province of Mus, where votes in favor prevailed, has prompted a fresh outcry. In the photographs he posted on Facebook, a man is seen brandishing an AK-47 assault rifle. The caption reads, There are 305 votes in my ballot box and by the grace of Allah, all 305 are yes.
April 17, 2017

ISTANBUL  During the night of April 15 until dawn the next day, the city did not sleep much. Sitting on the terrace of a Karakoy commercial district high-rise, my friends and I could see lights on all night in most of the neighborhood. On social media, hundreds of people complained about being sleepless and anxious as the referendum on constitutional changes approached.

When the call for morning prayer began around dawn, my first phone call came from friends in Sirnak, a war-torn city in southeast Turkey close to the Iraqi border. Its pro-Kurdish local government had been replaced months earlier by the Justice and Development Party (AKP). Local election observers had been removed under the emergency law, accused of supporting terrorism.

My friend in Sirnak, where voting started an hour earlier than in Istanbul, was cheerful as she said, We are ready to dance in the streets in the evening. Sirnak will say no. Indeed, Sirnak and several Kurdish cities, despite government pressure, overwhelmingly voted against the proposed changes that would greatly expand the presidency's power.

The sleepless pre-referendum night was met with a busy and tense day of commotion all around the country. I visited several Istanbul neighborhoods, spoke with diverse groups throughout the day and witnessed the tensions and violence firsthand.

First, the referendum was held while the country is under emergency law. There was so much pressure on individuals to vote "yes" that you could see the anxiety on the faces of people waiting in line to vote. Some worried about a terror attack; others feared another coup attempt. Some worried about their bosses demanding they provide proof they had voted for the amendments. (At least some found comfort when social media came to the rescue the night before with a website where people could produce a fake photo "proving" they had voted yes.)

Amendment opponents in major cities were well-organized, but they could not be everywhere. In small towns and villages, several lawmakers and activists reported local leaders (mukhtars) were illegally forcing people to display their votes publicly. Indeed, as voting was coming to a close in the afternoon, it became clear that despite a law against it, people had been allowed to bring their cellphones into the voting areas: There were hundreds of selfies on social media platforms from AKP supporters showing them proudly smiling with "yes" ballots.

However, these individual incidents were not the only major problem with regard to voter fraud. There were also photos and videos of people carrying bags of ballots from cars into the voting areas, stamping "yes" on them and closing the votes with the official seal.

As these videos of AKP men joking about who was the best at stamping "yes" on ballots started spreading on social media, I visited an underground mosque in Fatih for noon prayers. The congregation of 50 men was friendly to an outsider and nervous about the referendum. Most of them said they did not think Istanbul would be carried by a "yes" vote. One man suggested I visit "the jihadi bookstore" next door. "They support the referendum; we support Erdogan but not the referendum. At the bookstore, the owner said, We believe Erdogan deserves a stronger position in the country. Right now, every time he wants to help us [Syrians], we hit more roadblocks. If he wins, we are ready to support him more. Indeed, after Erdogans victory speech in the evening, these groups posted several congratulatory messages.

Multiple cases of intimidation were also reported. Fellow Al-Monitor contributor Ali Bayramoglu was brutally attacked for voting "no" in Istanbul.

Around 5 p.m., right before the polls closed, the Supreme Election Council announced it had made a change in its official rules and would allow votes with no official seal to be counted. Originally, these votes were discarded as invalid. As observers at voting booths were trying to figure out the decision of the council, police units started arriving at several voting areas asking the observers to leave. According to the official rules, while people are asked to vote in secret, ballot counting once the polls close is open to the public.

As vote observers were still waiting to turn over ballots to the official bodies, and within only two hours of the polls closing, several pro-AKP media outlets started announcing the amendments had been approved. Some even showed the "yes" vote above 60%. The state-run Anadolu Agency was the only news media allowed to announce the outcome, and its results did not match the Supreme Election Councils website. At that time, Meral Aksener, an ultranationalist politician, called a TV channel to say only 75-80% of the ballots had been counted and the results were showing a victory for naysayers at 52%.

At that point, I was at a conservative restaurant in Tophane that displayed a Turkish flag with Erdogans photo on its wall. The patrons were confident the "yes" vote would win. One said, Erdogan is the leader; do you think he will ever hold an election he will lose? Does [Russian President Vladimir] Putin ever lose? Does [Syrian President Bashar al-] Assad ever lose an election? When I asked them if life would be better if Erdogan won, they said that is their prayer because they face financial difficulties. There was no jubilant celebration in the neighborhood.

The public tension did not die down after the supposed victory. Several patrons at a cafe in the liberal Cihangir area were asking if women would now become the concubines of AKP men. On April 11, a worker from Istanbul City Municipality (IBB), Omer Akbayrak, posted on his Facebook account, On April 17, after we win the war, their [naysayers] wives and daughters" will be fair game for those who voted "yes."

The AKP-controlled IBB immediately fired Akbayrak, yet several others started posting photos of female relatives  wives, daughters, mothers and granddaughters  of opposition leaders, prominent naysayer journalists and actors, saying, "On April 17, they will be our concubines."

On the day of the referendum, vehemently pro-government journalist Cem Kucuk, known for his threats to opposition figures, tweeted as the polls closed, Yes, we won, but be ready to fight.

Even as different members of the "no" camp tried to convince the media that the count wasn't over yet, first the prime minister, then Erdogan, gave victory speeches. Erdogan warned his supporters that people might try to belittle their victory but that it wouldn't matter.

Anadolu Agencys unofficial results show 51.4% for the "yes" vote, about 1.2 million more than the "no" vote. However, opposition parties urge a recount for 60% of the ballots, claiming fraudulent voting and the voting council's last-minute, possibly illegal changing of its rules at the AKPs request.

The legitimacy of the results remains highly contested. "No" votes prevailed in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and several other major cities, along with Kurdish-majority areas. As Erdogan was speaking, hundreds of people spontaneously started banging pots and pans in Beyoglu district. On the social media site Periscope, recordings of protesters marching in several cities were shared all night.

Overall, as an observer for 30 years, I can say this referendum was a bad idea  everyone in Turkey lost except for the lucky few in Erdogans top circle, at least for the short term. Now the question is: How will Turkey, in its precarious position, shift to the presidential system?
April 15, 2017

BAGHDAD  Iraqi universities have recently become the scene of military and political maneuvers by the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU). In a response to this development, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Abdul Razzaq al-Issa announced April 14, "We are determined to remove the heads of the universities who do not maintain the independence that threatens the identity of the Iraqi academic institution. Universities will not be part of political calculations.

Sheikh Qais al-Khazali, the head of Asaib Ahl al-Haq (League of the Righteous), made a statement March 18 calling for the establishment of the Popular Mobilization Units University, warning against any possible plot to distance the PMU from the Iraqi arena.

These statements sparked much controversy in Iraq. While some believes this is an attempt to ideologize the policies on campus, as was the case in Iran, others believe it is an attempt to defend the PMUs purposes in Iraq.

In a statement, Khazali's office said the speech by Khazali was the "first conference" held for the PMU university students, in conjunction with the victories achieved in west Mosul and the operations to liberate the city of Tal Afar at the hands of the PMU.

Iraqs students need to organize their ranks, which would allow them to overthrow any corrupt government or regime. Today we need two things to make an achievement at the student level in Iraq. First, we need to organize ranks, rearrange our situation and deal with it in the same way we act on the PMU military battlefields. Second, we need to agree on visions, goals and means to unify the students effort and energy," the statement read.

Khazali said in his speech, With this, there will be a strong and effective PMU University, through which we could address our enemies and tell them, 'If you fear us now, you must know that the PMU is present in every university, college and department.'

He continued, It is your responsibility today to start organizing ranks and achieve a conscious unified vision as well as well-thought-out and careful study to complete the announcement of the PMU in all Iraqi universities and departments so that the PMU could exercise its role. To achieve a unified vision, we must draft one project and structured vision.

Tikrit University in Salahuddin governorate was the first university to raise a PMU banner on Nov. 4, 2016, that read, The PMU University is the backbone of our security forces and our popular mobilization.

Some political parties might believe that this call is an attempt to reproduce the Iranian cultural revolution experience in Iranian universities after the collapse of the shahs rule in 1979. These fears come in tandem with the calls of Birwan Musleh, a member of the parliamentary Higher Education Committee, to distance university campuses from any political activity.

Musleh told Al-Monitor, We are seeking to distance the university campuses from any political activity and start awareness programs rejecting any political or partisan interference in the academic field.

Musleh believes that these interferences undermine the level of education in Iraq. The committee has also discussed this issue with the concerned parties at the Ministry of Higher Education, noting that the PMU expansions on university campuses have created a sectarian and partisan enviroment.

We will not allow the reproduction of Iranian culture in our universities through the PMU. It is not the PMU's role or responsibility to interfere with the work of the educational institutions, she concluded.

Historical sources indicate that the so-called Iranian cultural revolution, which was launched at universities, removed any Western and non-Islamic sources or influence from the academic sciences and curricula so that they could be compatible with the new political system.

The revolution first closed the universities in Iran for three years (1980-83), banning many books, expelling thousands of students and lecturers from colleges, not to mention other practices committed on campus that greatly affected the overall education, social and economic conditions.

In this vein, Khamis al-Shahwani, a professor at the University of Nahrain in Baghdad, said in November 2016 that the university security associated with the PMU issued orders that month to dismiss 13 university professors from the northern and western areas, under the pretext that they belonged to the Baath Party, which has been banned since 2003. He noted that four of the professors were from the faculty of business economics at the University of Nahrain, four from the faculty of political sciences, two from the Information engineering faculty and three were part of the university presidency.

Haidar al-Aboudi, a spokesman for the Ministry of Higher Education, denied fears over political interference on campus, noting that his ministry has not yet recorded any kind of such political practices on campus.

Aboudi told Al-Monitor in a phone interview, The university campus is for science and culture, and there is no room for political work.

Commenting on the fears of Musleh, Aboudi said, Universities consider the occasional poetry festivals as interference as they are part of the national celebration of the victories achieved by the military forces against the Islamic State. These battles are respected by everyone.

Karim al-Nouri, a leader in the PMU, told Al-Monitor, We believe that security could not be achieved through a political party alone, but through social awareness, tolerance, understanding and acceptance of other components. Students are the pillar of society.

He added, The PMU cultural revolution is very different from the Iranian experience because Iraq is a pluralistic civil state, while Iran is a religious state led by the velayat-e faqih."

In light of the exchange of accusations, the coming days will witness political and security events and will reveal whether Iraqi students will show their political affiliations on campus.
Alabama farmers have raised more than $80,000 to benefit western ranchers affected by wildfires.

The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, along with the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Foundation, matched $25,000 pledged from county farmers federations for the project, which ended March 31.

In all, 53 of Alabama's 67 county farmers federations donated to the fund. The money will benefit ranchers in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado.

A series of wildfires in early March destroyed more than a million acres of grazing land and killed thousands of cattle and swine in the region.

Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said conversations with the affected areas determined that cash donations were most needed.

"By working with trustworthy, grassroots organizations, we provided direct assistance to those in need without creating additional transportation and logistics issues related to delivering feed and fencing materials," Parnell said.

Federation Beef Division Director Nate Jaeger said it has been "encouraging to see" the gifts given.

"I echo the sentiments of many that we only wish we could do more," he said.
boeing 1.jpg

Boeing Jetplex Campus in Huntsville. (Courtesy of Boeing)

Boeing announced this week it will slash hundreds of engineering jobs in Washington and at other sites, USA Today reports.

The organization said slowing aircraft sales are to blame.

"Today's announcement involves involuntary layoffs in the engineering function of commercial airplanes," Boeing spokesman Doug Alder said in a statement Monday. "We expect that hundreds of employees will (sic) impacted in Washington state and other locations across the enterprise."

The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, a union that represents Boeing's engineers, told USA Today that employees will receive 60-day notices Friday.

Bill Dugovich, a union spokesman, said the latest round of cuts is "very disappointing."

"The workforce here in Washington state has now been cut by the Boeing Co. by more than 12,600 jobs since Washington state gave the company the largest tax break in U.S. history in November 2013," he said.

Click here to read the full story. Boeing, which cut 1,800 positions earlier this year, has scheduled the workforce reduction for June 23, USA Today said.

Spokesman Doug Adler told AL.com in an email the layoffs involve Boeing's engineering function on the commercial airplanes side.

"Huntsville is not part of the commercial side of the business  so no impact there," he said.

The company announced in November it will bring about 400 jobs to Huntsville as it makes $70 million in capital investments by 2020. AL.com has contacted Boeing for more details about its Huntsville workforce.
Tomato salad season arrives early this year at Hot and Hot Fish Club.

The Hot and Hot Tomato Salad -- a perennial on the Alabama Tourism Department's list of "100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die" -- returns to the menu tonight, April 18, at the Birmingham restaurant.

In recent years, the popular tomato salad hasn't made its debut until the first week of May, when the first crop of spring tomatoes typically arrives from growers in Immokalee and Ruskin, Fla.

"These last five years, we've seen a shift in the agricultural calendar," Hot and Hot Fish Club executive chef and co-owner Chris Hastings told AL.com this morning. "Different things are showing up earlier at different times of the year because of the warmer weather.

"Usually, the peas and the corn and the okra are the first things we see and the tomatoes are the last thing to show up," Hastings added. "But we've been seeing pretty good tomatoes for the last couple of weeks."

Alabama-grown tomatoes should be ready in about another month, Hastings added.

The tomato salad has been a late spring and summer tradition on the Hot and Hot Fish Club menu since Hastings and his wife, Idie, opened their restaurant in 1995.

A triumph of culinary art that is as eye-catching as it is delicious, the Hot and Hot Tomato Salad features thick tomato slices tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette and meticulously stacked one on top of the other, then garnished with lady peas, corn kernels and fried okra pods. The tomatoes are drizzled with a chive aioli and crowned with applewood-smoked bacon.

The arrival of the tomato salad is a rite of spring that Hot and Hot Fish Club regulars anticipate every year, Hastings said.

"For the last 30 days, it doesn't matter where I am -- I can be at the barber shop, I can be at the grocery store, or I can be coming out of services on Easter Sunday, or I can be getting text message and emails from friends (wanting to know): 'When's the tomato salad?'," he said.

"It's really cool to be able to have something that resonates so profoundly with our community. And it's kind of gotten a reputation well beyond our community. It's considered one of the most iconic dishes in the South, and that's pretty cool."

Hastings came up with the recipe before he opened Hot and Hot Fish Club, while he was teaching a week of cooking classes at Bud & Alley's restaurant in Seaside, Fla.

"I had some time to really work on this thing and kind of bring it full circle," he recalled. "Like anything, you have to tinker with it. I played with a lot of different variations, and it was that week that it kind of resonated. And that was it. I've served it at the Hot and Hot for 22 years now."

The Hot and Hot Tomato Salad is available as an appetizer for $12. An entree, which features twin stacks of the tomato salad served with Bayou La Batre shrimp, is $32.

The tomato salad is typically available through the end of September.

Hot and Hot Fish Club is at 2180 11th Court South in Birmingham. The phone number is 205-933-5474. To see a menu, go here, and for reservations, go here.
A Birmingham lawyer was ejected from the Church of the Highlands on Sunday after attending an Easter Sunday worship service, when his ex-wife complained that he was in violation of a court order.

Bart Slawson posted his account of the ejection on Facebook.

"I just went to Easter Sunday to worship Jesus at the church," Bart told AL.com. "I've got 10 policemen in my face, searching me. I was sitting on the couch. I was on my way out. I got a text message from a friend so I sat down to read it."

A sergeant from Irondale Police Department helped handle the situation, Bart said. "He was very professional and polite," Bart said. "He kept saying, 'There are two sides to the story. The restraining order doesn't say church.'"

The head of church security made it clear to him he was banned permanently not only from the main campus at the Church of the Highlands in Irondale, but from all 15 of its branch campuses.

"The head of security told me I can't come back ever again," Bart said. "It's a big part of my life. I think that's wrong. It's shocking, it's frightening and it hurts. I go for comfort and to help people."

Efforts to reach the head of security at the Church of the Highlands and the Irondale police sergeant who handled the situation were unsuccessful as of Tuesday afternoon.

But Bart and Kristi gave essentially the same account of what happened at the church, in separate interviews with AL.com.

Kristi said she arrived at church at 7:15 a.m. to serve on the coffee team, which hands out coffee to arriving churchgoers.

Buddy Floyd, an usher and Dream Team member at the church, saved her usual seat in a pew behind Pastor Chris Hodges, she said. "I usually sit behind Chris Hodges on the second row," Kristi said.

"I sat Kristi in her seat but didn't save her one," Floyd clarified by email. "One just happened to be open near Pastor Chris."

Kristi said she was on her way out of the sanctuary when she saw her ex-husband.

"I was 10 steps out of the sanctuary and saw him sitting there," Kristi said. She told Floyd that her ex-husband was in the church and that she had a protection order against him.

"Within 30 seconds I was swarmed by people at the church," she said. "I saw the uniformed security people the church has, running toward where he was."

She pointed him out, and he was questioned by church security officials and Irondale police.

"I do have a protection from abuse order," said Kristi Slawson. "The security at the church embraced me very quickly and took me away from where he was."

Kristi said she always carries the court order against her ex-husband.

"I keep the protection order in a folder in my purse," Kristi said. "My first instincts were to find somebody and show them the protection order."

Bart said he never saw his ex-wife and didn't know she was at the same service.

"I pulled my restraining order out," Kristi said. "I was crying and upset. I stayed up in the offices until he was escorted out. They told him he was never allowed to attend any Church of the Highlands services at any of the campuses."

Bart said that the divorce agreement includes a mutual restraining order, so he could have called the police on her if he had seen her first. Kristi agrees that's true, but she also has a protection order in addition to that, she said.

Kristi said her first husband died in 2009 after more than two decades of marriage. She married and divorced another man before marrying Bart, her third husband.

Bart and Kristi married in 2015. Both had a previous spouse die. The mother of Bart's 15-year-old daughter died in 2014. He had been married and divorced twice previously. Kristi was his fourth wife. Bart and Kristi had their divorce finalized last month.

Bart said he was not trying to harass his ex-wife. "It's 3,000 people out there," Bart said. "I didn't see her. If I would have seen her, I would have gone the other way."

Kristi, 58, a photographer and former teacher, praised the church security team and the police officers who responded.

"I think they acted properly in my behalf," Kristi said. "They took care of me and saw the fear and fright I had."

Bart, 62, said he's been bombarded by offers welcoming him to attend other churches.

"I am not a detractor of the Church of the Highlands," Bart said. "I've contributed money and time and I thought they cared about me."

Concerns about security

The incident comes in the midst of heightened discussions of church security prompted by a bill in the Alabama Legislature, passed by the Senate and awaiting a vote in the House, that would allow Briarwood Presbyterian Church to form its own police department that would oversee security at the Jefferson County church campus and the affiliated Shelby County high school campus.

On Saturday, a shooting at a spring carnival on the grounds of Cathedral of the Cross also highlighted concerns about security at church-hosted events.

Update: All charges against Slawson related to the arrest at the church have been dismissed.
Gov. Kay Ivey has changed the date for the election to fill the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Jeff Sessions.

Ivey scheduled the election for this year. Former Gov. Robert Bentley had scheduled it for next year.

Under a proclamation Ivey signed today, the primary will be August 15, the runoff, if necessary, will be Sept. 26 and the general election will be Dec. 12.

"I promised to steady our ship of state," Ivey said in a press release today. "This means following the law, which clearly states the people should vote for a replacement U.S. Senator as soon as possible."

Sessions vacated the seat to become U.S. Attorney General. In February, Bentley appointed then-Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange to fill the seat on a temporary basis until a special election.

Bentley later scheduled the special election to coincide with the regular election cycle next year, with the primary in June and general election in November.

The Alabama Legislative Black Caucus, Secretary of State John Merrill, State Auditor Jim Zeigler and others contended that state law required the election to be sooner.

The Legislative Black Caucus asked Bentley to change the date. Zeigler filed a lawsuit seeking an earlier date.

The Legislative Reference Service researched the issue in response to numerous questions and determined the election should be held sooner than the 2018 cycle.

Bentley argued that the dates he chose complied with the law. The former governor also expressed concerns about the cost of a special election.

Strange released a statement after Ivey's announcement today:

"As I've said for months, I'm a candidate and I'm ready to run whether the election is next month or next year. As the only announced candidate for this office, I will spend the next several months being the best Senator I can be, upholding Alabama values and working with President Donald Trump to drain the swamp and help make America great again. The people of Alabama deserve nothing less and ultimately it will be up to them to decide who will represent them in Washington."

At a press conference this afternoon, Ivey said she spoke to Strange before making her announcement.

"I called him this morning and gave him a heads-up," Ivey said. "He's the only announced candidate that I know of and also holds the position. So we had a very comfortable conversation."

During Ivey's first press conference as governor last week, she said she was concerned about the cost of holding a special election, estimated to be a total of about $15 million for all three rounds, primary, runoff and general.

Today, the governor said said she had spoken with the state finance director and determined that expenditure would not impede any major functions of state government. Ivey noted that the cost would be spread over two fiscal years, 2017 and 2018.

As for the specific dates, the governor said those were picked in consultation with Secretary of State Merrill. Ivey said Merrill gave her dates for consideration, and she chose the earliest of those.

Code of Alabama, Section 36-9-8, says that if a vacancy occurs in a Senate seat more than four months before a general election, the governor is to call a special election "forthwith."

Bentley interpreted that to mean that he had to announce the election date "forthwith," rather than that the election had to be held "forthwith."

Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, who had argued for an earlier election date, issued a statement today:

"Governor Ivey's announcement this morning puts us one step closer to turning the page on this ugly and shameful period in our state history. This demonstrates a departure from the backroom politics that we have seen for too long in Montgomery. The people of Alabama have the right to decide who represents our state and now they will have that opportunity."

Updated shortly after 12:30 p.m. with comments from governor's press conference.
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(Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)

The Alabama House of Representatives is scheduled to consider a bill today requiring high school students to pass a citizenship test as part of a required course in government.

Students would have to correctly answer at least 60 of 100 questions chosen from the tests given to immigrants applying for citizenship.

The bill, by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, is first on the House agenda today.

Orr said he proposed the bill because of disturbing survey results showing that many Americans don't understand the basic principles of how government works.

Orr's has passed the Senate and could get final passage in the House today.

Students who fail the test could retake it until they get a passing score.

The bill would allow school administrators to grant exceptions to the requirement if a student has taken and failed the test twice and otherwise has a passing grade in the government course.
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Sen. Gerald Allen, right, sponsor of the bill to eliminate the requirement for pistol permits, talks to Sen. Del Marsh in this file photo.

(Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)

The Alabama Senate, divided sharply along party lines, has passed a bill eliminating the requirement for a permit from a county sheriff to carry a concealed handgun.

The Senate passed the bill by Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, after voting to cut off debate.

Democrats in the Senate opposed the bill and sought to amend it.

The bill passed by a vote of 25-8, with all eight Democrats in the Senate voting against it. It moves to the House of Representatives.

Allen said people should not have to buy a pistol permit to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

"It's unthinkable that you have to pay a fee for a constitutional right. That's really the heart of the whole issue," Allen said.

Some law enforcement officials had argued against the bill in committee, saying it would take away an important enforcement tool.

People would still have the option of buying pistol permits, Allen noted, which he said would be important for those who want to carry in other states that recognize Alabama's concealed carry law.

Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, said the bill would not promote public safety but would turn the state into the "wild, wild West."

The bill was one of a set of controversial bills on the Senate calendar today that Democrats generally opposed.

Sen. Quinton Ross, D-Montgomery, said Republicans were trying to polish their public image after the resignation of Gov. Robert Bentley, suspension of Chief Justice Roy Moore and ethics conviction of House Speaker Mike Hubbard.

"This is called rebuilding a brand day," Ross said.

Ross said the bills, including Allen's bill and another to add nitrogen hypoxia as a new method of execution, would not address the state's real concerns, like education, health care and the burden of the tax on groceries.

Ross chided the Republicans for repeatedly using cloture petitions to cut off debate today, saying they should be used rarely in a deliberative body.

"Now it seems like it's popcorn," Ross said. "They come out of the microwave."

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said today's bills were a reinforcement of well established Republican positions.

I would say it's not a rebrand.

"I guess you could say it secures the brands of Republicans," Marsh said. "Republicans have always stood for religious rights, gun rights, rights of the people. And I think that's what today was about."
A Pell City contractor pleaded guilty to federal explosives storage and record-keeping charges two years after his failed implosion of a more than 100-year-old smokestack at Avondale Mills.

The demolition ended with the structure collapsing on the track hoe he was operating.

Timothy Manley Phifer, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of failing to record the acquisition of explosives and one count of improperly storing explosives. Phifer is scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 14.

Phifer, who held a federal permit to receive and use explosives, failed to timely record the receipt of explosives materials - Austin Powder 50-grain and 25-grain detonating cord - between Sept. 10, 2014, and Dec. 2, 2014, according to his plea agreement He also failed to properly store the detonating cord on Dec. 4, 2015, in St. Clair County.

Phifer owns Phoenix Services of Alabama, which contracted with Pell City to demolish the old Avondale Mills' brick smokestack.

Phifer detonated explosives to bring down the stack on Nov. 24, 2015, but the 2.5 million pound brick tower didn't fall.

"So, to accomplish the task, Phifer boarded a city-owned excavator and used it to nudge the smokestack over. However, as the structure began to come down, it buckled and fell directly onto the excavator while Phifer was still behind the wheel," Phifer's plea agreement stated. "Phifer miraculously emerged from the rubble stunned and dirty, but essentially uninjured."

Following the incident, Phifer told AL.com that he was lucky to be alive.

Phifer used a track hoe to begin pulling away at the bricks when the explosion failed. "I thought if I did that, it would fall the way we wanted," he told AL.com in November 2015.

Unfortunately, the structure suddenly began to crumble. "I didn't know which way it was going to fall, Phifer said.

The track hoe had a glass window on its right side, so Phifer said he swung it to the left, lifted the boom and tried to back out.

"I didn't have time to be scared," Phifer said. "Everything just went black from all the coal dust."

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted Alabama state fire marshals in the investigation of the failed implosion.

During the investigation, about five feet of Austin Powder 50-grain detonation cord was found in an unlocked and unattended explosives magazine on a flatbed utility trailer at the site, according to the plea agreement. On the ground near the trailer, investigators found a 3-foot section of 50-grain detonator cord and a two-foot section of Austin Powder 25-grain detonator cord, both improperly stored.

Further searches led investigators to find more unsecured detonator cord in Phifer's truck, as well as in his bedroom and in the garage at his parents' Pell City home, according to Phifer's plea agreement. Investigators also found a non-secured APC Shock Star non-electric detonator in the garage of the Pell City home, the plea agreement states.

The maximum penalty for failure to record acquisition of explosives is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for improper storage of explosives, a misdemeanor, is one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
A man charged with robbing a Locust Fork bank over the weekend was captured overnight in Jefferson County.

Blount County sheriff's Operations Officer Tim Kent said Aaron Levi Kelly, 33, was arrested by Jefferson County sheriff's deputies Monday night, after authorities identified him from surveillance photos released Saturday.

Kelly, of Remlap, is charged with robbing the People's Bank of Alabama on Highway 79 Friday afternoon.

He is currently in the Jefferson County Jail with bonds totaling $13,500. Kelly is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, reckless driving, attempting to elude, and first-degree receiving stolen property.

Kent said Kelly will be extradited to Blount County, where he may face federal charges.
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(Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)

The leader of the Alabama Senate said he will decide this week whether to run for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Jeff Sessions.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, R-Anniston, said he talked to his wife about the possibility this morning.

The need to make a decision became more urgent after Gov. Kay Ivey changed the date of the special election, scheduling the primary Aug. 15 and the general election Dec. 12.

Former Gov. Robert Bentley had scheduled the election for next year's regular election cycle, with the primary in June and general election in November.

Ivey said the law required the election to be held sooner.

Marsh said he believed his experience and skills are a good fit for the U.S. Senate. He said he would have to decide if the timing is right.

"Is it the right time for me to do it, can I get the team put together in time?" Marsh said. "As I talk with my wife and family and friends and those I consult with, we'll make a determination this week.

"My skill set, or the combination, I think suits this new administration pretty well. Everybody knows me. I'm a businessman. I've ran several businesses and still own a couple of businesses now.

"On top of that I have the political background to know how the process works. I think those two combinations together would suit the state of Alabama very well."

Marsh has been president pro tem of the Senate since the Republicans won the majority in the Senate in 2010.

Marsh said he has strongly considered running for governor, but said he would not be inclined to run against Ivey if she decides to seek a full term next year. The governor said this morning it was too soon to make a decision on that.

"I'm very comfortable with Governor Ivey," Marsh said. "She and I have worked together in this chamber for years. She and I have talked a couple of times since she's moved across the street. And really, before she moved.

"And if it's something that she chooses to stay in that position I would have a real hard time quite honestly running against Gov. Ivey."

Bentley appointed then-Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange to fill Sessions' seat temporarily in February. Strange has long said he would run for the seat and reiterated that today after Ivey's announcement.
Birmingham robbery suspects

David Palmer Jr., Felicia Cotton, Thomas Strother (photos courtesy of Birmingham police)

Birmingham police have arrested three people and charged them with multiple robberies across the Magic City.

David Palmer Jr., Thomas Strother, and Felicia Cotton were arrested and charged with first-degree robbery for an incident at the Frito Lay distribution center on March 23.

About 5:10 a.m. that day, police said the trio robbed a delivery truck driver at gunpoint. They then used the victim's debit card at a Chevron gas station located at 201 6th Avenue SW. Strother, 22, and Cotton, 32, were also charged with second-degree fraudulent use of a credit card. Cotton and Palmer, 29, have bonds totaling $42,500 each.

In another robbery, police said a female victim had arrived at work around 6:15 a.m. in the 2100 block of Highland Avenue on March 14. The suspect approached her, brandished a handgun, and robbed her. The suspect fled on foot.

Police identified Strother as a suspect in that incident and he was charged again with first-degree robbery. His bond is set at $40,000 in the Highland Avenue case, and has no bond in the Frito Lay case.

All three suspects are in custody at the Jefferson County Jail and were arrested earlier this month. Additional charges are pending.
Visitors to Jeju Island dry up as China retaliates by targeting economy over feud following North Koreas latest nuclear tests.

Jeju, South Korea  The southern holiday resort island of Jeju, around 90km off the coast of the Korean Peninsula, is seeing a plummeting number of Chinese visitors  an immediate and direct consequence of the ever increasing tensions of geopolitics in the region.

This drop comes as China has taken a number of retaliatory economic measures, including banning tour packages to South Korea by Chinese tour operators, after Seoul decided to deploy an advanced US missile defence system, known as the THAAD, against a possible North Korean missile attack.

China claims that an advanced radar system that comes with the THAAD system could be used to monitor a large part of China and compromise its national security.

This volcanic island has seen an explosive growth of Chinese tourists every year over the past decade, reaching more than 3 million in 2016.

However, with many direct flights being cancelled and Chinese cruise ships banned from docking in South Korean ports, the number of daily Chinese tourists arriving in Jeju has nosedived by as much as 80 percent compared with the same period last year.

Half of our staff has been placed on unpaid leave. We recorded a deficit in February and March with revenues shrinking to 50 percent by Moon Su-hwan, Benekia Hotel

Hotels, restaurants and tour operators, catering to Chinese tourists, are suffering from the loss of business opportunities.

Half of our staff have been placed on unpaid leave. We recorded a deficit in February and March with revenues shrinking to 50 percent, Moon Su-hwan, planning and marketing director of Benikia Hotel Jeju, told Al Jazeera.

This bleak number is something that China would have wanted.

Jeju residents say the Chinese ban is a blessing in disguise.

We learned a lesson that Chinese tourists could be hugely influenced by Chinas politics and a high dependence [on them] is problematic, said Won Hee-ryong, Jeju Province governor.

The island is refocusing on the domestic market, diversifying its target market and focusing on southeast Asian countries, Japan, and Middle East nations.

Industry players have also looked to transform Jeju from a place of simple sight-seeing and shopping into a premium holiday destination.

The islands tourism-related industry raked in $1.58bn in 2016, one third of which went to large companies such as duty free shops, another third to shops, restaurants, and hotels frequented by Chinese tourists.

Only one third went to local businesses, according to local government. Industry insiders say Chinese companies will lose out the most.

This process will be painful. However, eventually, this process will make us more healthy and strong, added Won.
Accusations of abuse and neglect have come to light after a fire at a state-funded youth shelter killed 41 girls.

San Jose Pinula/Jutiapa, Guatemala  Sisters Jilma and Grindy Carias, aged 15 and 16, had begged their parents not to send them back to the state-run youth shelter.

But they did, and days later, on March 8, the girls were killed in a fire there.

Nineteen girls died in the fire at the Virgen de la Asuncion youth shelter that day, and a further 21 later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Seven survivors were flown to two hospitals in the US, the Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston and Texas. One girl has since died, bringing the death toll to 41. The remaining six are now in a stable condition.

The sisters grandmother, Blanca Lidia Martinez, 64, agreed to be interviewed in lieu of the girls parents, who were too distressed to speak.

Standing on the doorstep of the family home, located in the municipality of Jutiapa, 124km from the capital Guatemala City, Martinez says that the girls parents sent them to the shelter because they were unable to curb their unruly behaviour.

Sometimes they were rebellious and they didnt listen to their mum. They would come home at midnight or they didnt come home at all, she says.

Fifteen members of the Carias family live in a cramped tin-walled shack. They were unable to afford to pay for the girls funeral, so the Jutiapa municipal authorities stepped in to cover the expense.

Before returning to the shelter, the girls said theyd rather die than go back because they were being mistreated and were not being fed, Martinez says. Their parents decided to send them back after they refused to attend appointments with a counsellor.

Martinez says the girls bodies were so badly burned that their parents only recognised Jilma from a mole she had next to her mouth and identified Grindy by her teeth. Martinez pauses. This is really hard. We never thought they would return home in a coffin, she says, her voice breaking.

For the Carias family and other victims relatives, the tragedy has been compounded by allegations  previously ignored by the authorities  that staff beat and sexually assaulted girls and boys at the shelter. These allegations came to the fore in the aftermath of the fire and have highlighted the wider issue of the lack of adequate facilities for vulnerable youths in the country.

FAULT LINES: Guatemalas Disappeared (24:59)

The shelter

Virgen de la Asuncion, the institution run by armed security guards where the Carias sisters died, is located in the municipality of San Jose Pinula, 25km southeast of Guatemala City.

In 2016, a court ordered that it be closed by the end of that year. But it wasnt.

Then the fire happened.

After the fire, panic-stricken relatives flocked to the shelter to remove their children from the facility. But around 50 children and adolescents who have no relatives or whose relatives do not want to look after them remain there.

Built in 2010, it was meant to house children and teenagers who had previously lived in four separate institutions, separated by age and gender.

The shelter was intended to house a maximum of 350 youths, but around 700 girls and boys of different ages  living in separate wings of the building  lived in the overcrowded shelter after the Procuraduria General de la Nacion (Procurator Generals Office), the state institution responsible for investigating cases of missing children or child neglect, and which legally represents vulnerable young people in family courts, deemed them wards of the state.

Putting all those kids together was a crass mistake. Each of them had issues that needed specialised treatment. A young offender has completely different needs to that of an LGBT youth or a rebellious teenage girl, says Mireya Saadeh, director of PAMI, a local NGO that works with children who have been subjected to sex trafficking.

The girls backgrounds varied.

Some, such as the Carias sisters, had behavioural issues. Others had been rescued from violent homes or from brothels where they were forced to engage in prostitution, while others were orphans or had special needs and were abandoned by families in extreme poverty who could not afford medication and specialised care. Some had run away from home after being bullied at school or threatened by gang members.

Fifteen-year-old Yoselin Yamilet Barahona Beltran, the last girl to be identified, was orphaned at the age of one, after her mother was hit by a car and her father didnt acknowledge her. Had she remained unidentified, she would have been buried in a mass grave, her body marked as XX.

Yami, as her family and friends affectionately called her, was raised by her aunt and uncle, Blanca and Emilio Marroquin, who spent 14 days searching the morgue and hospitals in the hope of finding her. Yoselin wound up in the shelter after she was raped by an unknown attacker and ran away from home, too traumatised to tell her uncle and aunt about her ordeal, say friends and relatives who asked to remain unnamed.

Girls such as Yoselin and the Carias sisters lived alongside young offenders  a minority within the shelter  who were sent there by judges because there was no space for them in the juvenile detention centres.

What kind of country only pays attention to children and young people when a tragedy such as this happens or when young people commit a crime? Many people on social media have said that these kids were gang members when there was only a minority of young offenders; most of these kids were victims, says Carolina Escobar Sarti, director of Asociacion La Alianza, a privately run shelter for vulnerable children and teenagers.

Guatemala currently has seven state-run youth shelters and two facilities for youth offenders, where overcrowding and inadequate food, which were among the conditions reported at Virgen de la Asuncion, are the norm.

After the fire, 130 severely disabled children were moved to the Alida Espana de Arana home for children with disabilities, where 43 of them are housed together in one room. Disability Rights International, a Washington-based advocacy group whose representatives visited the new home, said in a report that these children were at risk of suffering the same abuse they had endured at the previous shelter because the new facility was not prepared to accommodate them.

READ MORE: Inside a Mayan healing ceremony

A history of abuse and neglect

Since the fire at the Virgen de la Asuncion youth shelter, teenage girls who were sent there have told various Guatemalan media outlets that strangers were brought in at night and allowed to single out the girls they wished to abuse. Children and teenagers, both boys and girls, told the Guatemalan media they were sexually abused and beaten by members of staff.

My daughter was raped in that shelter by an American man  Children are constantly mistreated there, especially those that are mentally handicapped. Girls are classified according to their physical appearance and the prettiest ones are placed in a special unit where they are abused, the mother of a 17-year-old girl who was sent to the shelter told PlayGround, a Guatemalan news website, on March 8. The girl was removed from the shelter before the fire.

In November 2016, the Guatemalan Human Rights Ombudsmans Office visited the facility and documented 45 complaints of childrens rights violations, including signs of physical abuse and the possible existence of a child sex trafficking network within the shelter, all of which were conveyed to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Two teachers were arrested in 2013 and are awaiting trial, accused of sexually abusing children and teenagers in the shelter. One of them is accused of forcing children as young as 12 to strip naked and perform oral sex on him. The same year, a workman hired by staff to carry out maintenance work was given a 15-year prison sentence for raping a mentally disabled 13-year-old girl.

When questioned about the progress made by the Attorney Generals Office on the investigation into the alleged existence of a child prostitution network operating within the Virgen de la Asuncion shelter, spokesperson Julia Barrera told Al Jazeera on April 14 that prosecutors could not comment on the issue at present and that a full report will be issued once investigators have concluded their work. Investigators have not given an exact date for when the investigation is expected to end.

Aldrin Salguero, 15, whose older sister Keila Lopez was among the girls killed in the fire, told Al Jazeera what Lopez had told her about the place: She said that a guard kicked her in the stomach after he tried to take advantage of her and she resisted and that they were given rotten food that was full of maggots. Lopez had turned 17 five days before the tragedy.

The Presidential Secretariat for Social Welfare, the government bureau in charge of running state-funded youth shelters, didnt have an accurate list of the young people housed in the shelter, adding to the chaos in the aftermath of the fire.

Lopezs father, Virgilio, a truck driver, was initially informed that his daughter was alive and well and that he could collect her. But when he arrived at the shelter with Keilas aunt, he was told: No, shes dead, shes at the morgue.

Judge Veronica Galicia was so shocked by what she saw when she visited the shelter last June that she ordered it to be closed by December but the order was never obeyed, as she detailed on her Facebook page the day after the fire. Her ruling was published online by Canal Antigua news channel.

Two reports by UN rapporteurs on the conditions in the shelter as well as precautionary measures issued by the Inter-American Human Rights Commission also went unheeded, which means Guatemala could be sanctioned by an international tribunal for violating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Ramon Cadena, a representative of the International Commission of Jurists in Guatemala, told Al Jazeera.

These kids were being tortured by the guards. These shelters are regarded as places where they should be punished for being rebellious rather than a place where they should receive help, Saadeh says.

READ MORE: Guatemala  Justice for Sepur Zarco sex slavery victims

How the fire happened

The fire in which the Carias sisters, Yoselin, Keila and the other girls were killed, broke out a day after 104 teenage girls rioted and escaped from the shelter.

Before they were flown to the US, three of the seven survivors said that 47 of those who escaped were caught by armed police and taken back to the shelter at gunpoint, where they were shoved into a classroom with a few foam mattresses.

Those who werent caught remain unaccounted for.

The next day, after they were not allowed to leave the classroom to use the toilets, they used the mattresses to build a makeshift shack where they relieved themselves. Then, one of the girls set fire to the mattresses to catch the police agents attention and to force them to open the door.

We started shouting at the police to open the door because we were getting burnt. They said they didnt care and that if we had managed to escape we could put up with the fire. They told us to go to hell, one of the survivors told Nomada, a digital investigative journalism publication.

According to these accounts, the police ignored their screams and pleas to open the door, which remained locked until the fire brigade arrived 25 minutes later and found burned bodies and victims of smoke inhalation as well as the severely burned survivors.

Shaken by the survivors accounts of the abuse and neglect that led to the deaths of 41 teenage girls, Guatemalans took to the streets to demand justice for the victims, and for several days, the national flag flew at half-mast in Guatemala Citys main square.

On March 13, the director of the Virgen de la Asuncion youth shelter as well as the director and deputy director of the social welfare government bureau, were arrested on homicide and child abuse charges. On April 7, they were granted house arrest on the condition of bail after a preliminary hearing.

The day after the three officials were arrested, President Morales appointed a new director and deputy director of the social welfare government bureau. Both have a track record of working with widely recognised child welfare NGOs such as Save the Children and World Vision. To date, however, the Virgen de la Asuncion youth shelter remains without a new director, as no one has accepted the position. The shelter is due to be closed as soon as the remaining 50 children are housed elsewhere.

Prosecutors say they will appeal against the judges house arrest ruling. Child welfare activists and ordinary citizens who have rallied behind the victims families held a protest in Guatemala Citys central square the day after it. During the Easter weekend, many Catholics made traditional sand and colourfully dyed sawdust carpets, known as alfombras, commemorating the tragedy and demanding justice for the victims. Ni una menos or Not one less, an expression commonly used by Latin American womens rights activists, and 41 ninas (41 girls) were some of the messages stenciled into the alfombras.

READ MORE: Javier Duarte  Accused governor detained in Guatemala

Investing in children

Child welfare experts insist the institutions in charge of young people who become wards of the state need a drastic overhaul in order to prevent such tragedies from happening again. Some suggest scrapping the Secretariat and replacing it with a Ministry of Family Affairs with a greater budget.

Saadeh, however, is not convinced and says the change would be purely cosmetic.

Its not just a question of building these kids a nice new place, she says. The idea isnt to set up new institutions for nothing to change.

Real change, critics say, will begin when the country makes child welfare a top development priority.

According to World Bank figures, Guatemala, the fourth most unequal country in Latin America, only invests $0.34 a day in child welfare policies despite the fact that children and teenagers comprise 30 percent of the countrys population.

As long as we dont invest resources in what should be most sacred to us  our young people  Guatemala will be condemned to underdevelopment, Saadeh says.
Everything you need to know about the 11 people vying to become the next president of France.

Simply click on the link below to find out more about each candidate.

Major candidates:

Francois Fillon  The Republicans

Benoit Hamon  Socialist Party

Marine Le Pen  National Front

Emmanuel Macron  En Marche!

Jean-Luc Melenchon  Unsubmissive France

Minor candidates:

Nicolas Dupont-Aignan  Debout la France

Nathalie Arthaud  Lutte Ouvriere

Francois Asselineau  Popular Republican Union

Jacques Cheminade  Solidarity and Progress

Jean Lassalle  Resistons!

Philippe Poutou  New Anticapitalist Party

Francois Fillon: Conservatism and corruption charges

Francois Fillon has come a long way since his surprise victory in the presidential primaries held by the centre-right Republicans party last year, but not in the way he would have liked.

In the contest to become the conservative partys presidential candidate, Fillon saw off competition from heavyweights including former president Nicolas Sarkozy and former prime minister Alain Juppe, but now faces calls to step aside amid an ever-escalating embezzlement scandal.

One cannot lead France if one is not irreproachable, Fillon, himself a former prime minister, told Juppe during the debates that preceded the primaries; words that are today used against him with a heavy dose of irony.

Fillon is accused of paying his wife Penelope hundreds of thousands of euros over eight years under the guise of employing her as a member of his office.

The presidential candidate has accused those pursuing the charges of carrying out a political assassination, but authorities have charged him with misuse of public funds and misuse of corporate assets.

Following the scandal, Fillons poll numbers have seen him slide from front runner with about a quarter of the vote to third place with less than 20 percent.

Born in 1954, Fillon started in law before he quickly moved into politics, serving in several ministerial roles from the 1990s and eventually as prime minister under Sarkozy between 2007 and 2012.

His platform is marked by his economic liberalism and Catholic faith, favouring fiscal conservatism, cuts to public spending, and the raising of the retirement age.

Fillon opposes gay marriage and adoption by same-sex couples.

On Islam, Fillon has called for a crackdown on Salafism and what he describes as Islamic totalitarianism.

He has called for the monitoring of mosques and for a review of Frances relations with Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Curiously for someone so entrenched in the French establishment, Fillon is an advocate of stronger ties with Moscow and the lifting of sanctions.

That has led to questions being asked about his ties to the country and its president, Vladimir Putin.

As his popularity begins to wane amid the scandals, Fillon has been resolute in standing his ground and has refused to drop out of the race.

He defied the polls in the primaries, but that was before the scandal that has consumed his subsequent campaign.

A Fillon presidency would be a significantly braver bet today than it would have been only a few months ago.

Benoit Hamons uphill battle for the presidency

Benoit Hamon enters the French presidential contest as a rank outsider as the candidate representing the unpopular incumbent Francois Hollandes Socialist Party.

Born in 1967, Hamon spent four years of his childhood in Senegal before returning to France to study history.

He found his political footing at an early age, leading the Young Socialist Movement and starting his career as a parliamentary assistant shortly after graduating.

That career has since developed to included time as a member of the European parliament and election to the French National Assembly.

Hamon served in two ministerial positions under Hollande, with portfolios in social economy and education, before resigning in protest at Hollandes purported abandonment of left-wing values.

The former ministers leftist credentials helped him pull off a shock victory in the Socialist Party presidential primaries, easily seeing off competition from the liberal-leaning former prime minister Manuel Valls.

A fervent critic of austerity policies, Hamon wants to bring in radical reforms to the welfare system in France by introducing a basic income for all citizens of 750 euros ($798) a month and reducing the working week to 32 hours.

The Socialist candidate has called for the legalisation of cannabis and condemned rhetoric on the role of Islam in French society.

It is unacceptable that we continue to make the faith of millions of our compatriots a problem in the republic, he said after the burkini-ban scandal last year.

Of the five major candidates for the presidency, Hamon is currently at the back of the pack with only 12 percent of the vote.

He faces competition from fellow leftist Jean-Luc Melenchon, who has refused to step aside or work with Hamon.

Their disagreement centres on the role of the European Union, of which Hamon is a supporter, albeit one aiming to reform the bloc.

Unless the split is resolved, it seems likely that both will crash out in the first round, but at 49, Hamon probably has many years left to leave a mark on the country.

Marine Le Pen: Trump a la francaise?

In March, Marine Le Pen emerged from a meeting with the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to deliver a proclamation to the reporters gathered: A new world has emerged.

The leader of Frances far-right National Front (FN) party hopes that she will be a leading figure in this radical reordering of the global elite, which already counts the election of US President Donald Trump and the British vote to leave the EU among its successes.

Once considered an unrealistic prospect, Le Pen would cause shockwaves just as large as Brexit or the Trump victory if she were successful in the upcoming presidential vote.

She currently sits on about a quarter of the first-round vote, a position which, unlike her rival candidates, has barely shifted over the past few months.

Second-round voting against her likely rival Emmanuel Macron puts Le Pen considerably behind on 40 points to Macrons 60, but those who followed Trumps election know better than to write her off on the basis of polls.

The youngest daughter of far-right stalwart Jean-Marie Le Pen, Marine was born in 1968 and followed in her fathers ideological footsteps by joining FN at 18.

In the coming decades she practised law while increasing her standing in FN, contesting several regional elections along the way.

She picked up several minor political roles in regional and municipal councils in her early 30s, and her most significant as a member of the European Parliament in 2009.

Her biggest break came after her father stepped down as FN leader in 2010, after which she took over the reins of the party.

In the followings years Le Pen sought to shed the partys far-right image, distancing herself and the party from her fathers Holocaust denial and racist outbursts, eventually expelling him from the party in 2015, making the FN more palatable to French conservatives and a coming generation that had little recollection of far-right rule under the Nazis.

However while the language has changed, the issues remain largely intact, with Islam, the EU and immigration dominating her platform.

On Frances large Muslim minority, Le Pen has been unequivocal.

We do not want to live under the rule or threat of Islamic fundamentalism, she told supporters, further condemning the hijab, prayer rooms in workplaces, the construction of mosques and pork-free options in school lunches.

On the European Union, Le Pen has threatened to withdraw France from the eurozone and hold a referendum on the countrys continued membership of the bloc.

A Le Pen in the Elysee Palace would cut immigration, ban birthright citizenship, and the automatic right to nationality for the spouses of French citizens.

Unlike her competitors, Le Pen seems unperturbed by a corruption scandal or questions over her ties to Putins Russia.

A dogged indifference to scandal made little difference to Trumps popularity, and that seems to be a lesson Le Pen has learned.

Emmanuel Macron: A president in waiting?

Few could have asked for a better start to a political career than the French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron.

The current frontrunner is a graduate of elite National School of Administration, which produces the countrys top civil servants and counts among its alumni three French presidents.

Macron will be hoping to make it number four in May, and as things stand he looks best positioned to fend off the far-right candidacy of Marine Le Pen, whom he is predicted to beat easily in a second round runoff, if the polls are correct.

After graduating, Macron worked as a financial inspector at the Ministry of Economy before joining Rothschild & Cie bank as an investment banker.

Politically, he was a member of the Socialist Party for three years, before becoming an independent politician in 2009.

The 39-year-olds first roles came under Francois Hollande as a member of his personal staff and later as a minister for economy, industry, and digital affairs under the government of Manuel Valls.

As the western world turns increasingly to the far right, Macron is unabashedly centrist in his outlook, appealing to French citizens who are familiar with the chaotic aftermath the election of Trump in the United States and Brexit in the UK caused.

His policies are the status quo with a nod to the progressive currents emerging in the US and Britain.

Unlike several of his opponents on the left and right, Macron has avoided making pronouncements against Muslim dress codes and is a fierce defender of an open immigration system.

In February, he condemned Frances colonial legacy in Algeria as a crime against humanity, earning rebukes from many on the right.

Nevertheless Macron stood firm, apologising only for the offence caused and not for the actual comment itself.

His sober brand of politics, youthful looks, and the implosion of competitor Francois Fillons campaign, have seen him rise to about 27 percent in the polls; enough to secure him a place in the second round.

However, his challenge remains in energising an increasingly apathetic electorate, for whom his centrist platform offers little else but an alternative to Le Pen.

As an economic liberal, he has fiscal policies that differ little from the economic consensus built in the decade since the global crash that started in 2007.

On the European Union, Macron is also an unashamed supporter, a standpoint likely to cost him votes on both the Eurosceptic left and right.

If Macron can convince the large apathetic segment of the population that he offers more than just not being Le Pen, there would be little standing in his way to taking up residence in the Elysee Palace.

Jean-Luc Melenchon: Frances socialist firebrand

The day after US President Donald Trumps victory over Democratic Party rival Hillary Clinton, Jean-Luc Melenchon did not mince his words: Bernie would have won.

An unrepentant socialist, Melenchon believes that the mainstream parties of the left have caved in too much to the global neoliberal consensus and only he can rescue the masses from the populist appeal of the far-right.

Born in the Moroccan city of Tangiers in 1951, with Trotskyist sympathies evident in his early career, he served briefly as a minister under the Socialist Party government of former prime minister Lionel Jospin, and as member of French senate, until he split with the party in 2008.

Critical of the partys growing acceptance of economic liberalism, Melenchon helped found the Left Party, which formed an electoral alliance with the French Communist Party, as the Left Front.

The year after the split, he won a seat in the European Parliament and in 2012 stood for president, coming fourth in the first round with just over 11 percent of the vote.

Polls for the 2017 presidential contest have seen him surpass the Socialist Partys own left-leaning candidate Benoit Hamon, with Melenchon slowly creeping up on others.

He has faced calls to step down or form an alliance with his former party to give the left a better chance of securing the presidency, but Melenchon has steadfastly rejected them.

My challenge is not to unite the left wing, he told the French weekly Le Journal du Dimanche, adding his duty was to serve the people.

As president, Melenchon would introduce a 100 percent tax on monthly earnings above 33,000 euros ($35,000), cut the working week down from the 35 hours to 32, and increase the minimum wage to 1,300 euros a month.

The veteran leftist is hugely critical of the European Union, viewing it as a vehicle for neoliberal economics to the detriment of ordinary people.

Melenchon has promised to renegotiate the structure of the bloc and put Frances continued membership of the organisation to a referendum.

On NATO, he is even more critical, warning against following the US war tank in its confrontation with Russia, and promising a French withdrawal from the alliance.

Back at home, Melenchon has spoken out against rising anti-Muslim sentiment, but the avowed secularist is also a critic of public displays of religiosity.

Jews were persecuted, then Protestants, and today Muslims, he said after the burkini-ban scandal last year, which was later struck down by a French court.

However, the leftist presidential candidate has criticised fashion designers who produced lines aimed at veiled or headscarf-wearing Muslim women.

Melenchon is also deeply critical of police conduct; condemning their sadism after the recent scandal involving Theo, a Paris teenager whose alleged rape and beating by police officers was captured on video.

A clearly defined progressive platform is winning him fans, but he is currently in fourth position in the polls and unlikely to garner the support needed to reach the second round unless Hamon steps aside.

Their rivalry is instead becoming increasingly bitter, and their divisions over the EU make it unlikely that will happen.

Nicolas Dupont-Aignan

A member of the French National Assembly and Mayor of the Paris suburb of Yerres, Dupont-Aignan finished seventh in the 2012 contest with under 2 percent of the vote.

Opinion polls show him performing much better in 2017, polling around 4 percent.

Dupont-Aignan stands on a right-wing Eurosceptic platform and wants to pull France out of the eurozone.

Nathalie Arthaud

Arthaud previously stood for the 2012 presidential election, picking up just 0.5 percent of votes cast.

The secondary school economics teacher is standing on a leftist platform, calling for higher wages, worker-control of industries, and an anti-interventionist foreign policy.

Like Poutou, she makes no secret of her desire for an eventual communist system.

Francois Asselineau

A career civil servant, Eurosceptic Asselineau wants France follow the UKs example in leaving the European Union.

The candidate stands on the political right, and also proposes French withdrawal from NATO, claiming the organisation seeks to serve US interests against Russia.

Asselineau has been criticised for his belief in conspiracy theories, including the claim that the EU is a US creation aimed at asserting Washingtons power on the continent.

Jacques Cheminade

The former civil servant wants to pull France out of the EU and the eurozone and renegotiate the countrys relationship with the rest of Europe.

Jean Lassalle

An independent member of the National Assembly, Lassalle is known for a hunger strike in protest at a paint manufacturers decision to open a factory away from his own constituency, threatening local jobs.

The protest ended in his being treated in hospital and a promise from the firm, Toyal, that it would not cut any jobs.

Lassalle is calling for an increase in public spending and mandatory civil or military service for all teenagers.

Philippe Poutou

A trade unionist, leftist, and an employee of a car factory, Poutou leads the New Anticapitalist Party.

The ardent anti-capitalist has raised eyebrows with his scathing attacks on the corruption establishment candidates during the presidential debates and for his casual outfit during the televised event.

In the 2012 race, he picked up just over 1 percent of the total votes cast and is expected to pick up just a little higher in the 2017 contest.

His blistering attacks on Le Pen and other rivals for their alleged corruption will send minor ripples in the polls, but have succeeded in giving him a newfound celebrity.
The Rashid tragedy last September claimed the lives of more than 200 people seeking to cross the Mediterranean.

Muhammad Hassan, a Somali-born refugee, remembers the screams and final prayers of the drowning, voices that still keep him awake at night half a year later. A lot of people were dying and dragging others down, he recalled. I swam away from them and watched people dying, heard the sounds of people going down.

Hassan was forced to flee his hometown in 1992 before later migrating to Yemen, Sudan and then Egypt. Unable to return home, his last resort was to head across the Mediterranean Sea last September- his seventh attempt at making the crossing  after losing his wife to the sea months before.

But Hassans voyage was doomed to fail, too. Loaded at night on to an overcrowded fishing vessel alongside 600 other people, Hassan remembers waves splashing on to the deck as passengers panicked.

They loaded the boat over its capacity  they knew what would happen. When people first started shouting, one of the [boat] crew said: You will die here! Those people were merciless, he said. Merciless!

READ MORE: UN: 2016 Mediterranean refugee deaths hit record 3,800

The boat capsized shortly afterwards. More than 200 people died or went missing last September in what became known as the Rashid tragedy, after the coastal Egyptian city near where the disaster took place. Survivors and relatives of the missing recounted how an official search-and-rescue mission was fatally late, and survivors like Hassan were instead rescued by local fishermen.

There's tremendous pressure coming from the EU, on various governments in Africa and the Middle East that are source and transit countries, to crack down on migrant smuggling networks. by Peter Tinti, senior research fellow at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime

On March 26, a court in Egypts Beheira Governorate sentenced 56 people it found responsible for the Rashid tragedy, with prison terms ranging from two to 10 years. The charges included manslaughter, hiding passengers from the authorities, failure to supply passengers with sufficient safety equipment and receiving money illicitly from passengers.

Twenty-five defendants were sentenced in absentia, while one of the accused was acquitted.

Egypts government hailed the case as a success and proof of its commitment to tackling smuggling networks. Legislation passed in November stipulated punishments for those convicted of people smuggling, for the first time in Egyptian law.

Naela Gabr, chairman of the inter-ministerial National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Immigration (NCCPIM), said that although the anti-smuggling law couldnt be applied retroactively in the Rashid case, its adoption reflects clear political will in Egypt to take a solid and straight-forward position against smugglers.





Drafted by the NCCPIM, the law protects the rights of migrants  on paper at least  while punishing those found guilty of people smuggling with a range of prison sentences and fines. Last year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) congratulated the Egyptian government for passing legislation aimed at safeguarding the rights and addressing the needs of smuggled migrants.

Smugglers operating on Egypts Mediterranean coastline tend to work in non-hierarchical networks with layers of brokers, fixers, logistics experts and kingpin bosses. These networks are not highly organised criminal syndicate[s] with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and a CEO at the top overseeing it all, explained Peter Tinti, senior research fellow at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime and co-author of the 2016 book Migrant, Refugee, Smuggler, Saviour.

The structure of these networks actually lends itself to the fact that people at the lower level might not have any idea which boat the person theyve recruited or made initial contact with has ended up on.

Meanwhile, there are concerns about how Egypts anti-smuggling law will be implemented.

Theres tremendous pressure coming from the EU, on various governments in Africa and the Middle East that are source and transit countries, to crack down on migrant smuggling networks, said Tinti. One of the ways this has been pursued is to help countries that didnt have anti-smuggling or anti-trafficking laws on the books to develop legislation that has clear-cut definitions of anti-smuggling and anti-trafficking laws.

However, Tinti warned, because theres such a push to show results, theres a real danger of over-zealous law enforcement techniques and practices.

READ MORE: Why Al Jazeera will not say Mediterranean migrants

What incentives do some of these local authorities have to really crack down on the trade in a way that is actually addressing the problem? he asked. To accuse someone of smuggling, you have to build a case. And in many cases, the people being accused of operating as smugglers might not be getting a fair hearing.

Last September, when news broke of the Rashid shipwreck, one family living in neighbouring Sudan grew worried. Two Sudanese men, cousins Muhammad al-Kheir and Muhammad Abdullah, were thought to have been on the Rashid boat and had not been heard from since. Kheirs sister Mayada, a student at Alexandria University, and her uncle started looking for their bodies in Egypt, while another cousin travelled from Sudan to join the search.

A week later, tired-out from another day of telephone calls to the morgue and taxi rides to government buildings and the Sudanese Consulate in the hope of news about their relatives, the group went for dinner at a fish restaurant in eastern Alexandria.





Suddenly, the police burst in and arrested everyone  including three Egyptian men working in the restaurant  and hauled them to a nearby police station.

They were arrested on suspicion of trying to migrate to Europe by boat  the authorities had reason to believe the restaurant was a meeting-place [for smugglers and migrants], according to Mubarak, a relative of the family speaking from Sudan, although the prosecution released them after it became clear that they were legally present in Egypt.

Despite not facing any charges, Mayada and her cousin Maher were deported back to Sudan  but not before being detained and photographed standing glumly in front of an officers desk.

That photo later appeared in one Egyptian newspaper under the triumphant headline: Arrest of an illegal immigration gang in Alexandria  operating out of a fish restaurant and four apartments.

Were they being treated as smugglers, or the smuggled? And why were they being punished? Mayada was deported despite having proof of her university enrolment. Her uncle was allowed to remain because he was registered with the UNHCR in Egypt. The Interior Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Despite concerns about the police work of Egypts crackdown on smuggling networks, some survivors like Somali-born refugee Hassan welcome the news that Egypt has sentenced those allegedly responsible for the Rashid tragedy.

In my experience  everyone who is involved in these illegal trips  smuggler, broker or whatever  they are guilty, he said, before remembering what happened off Rashid. [The smugglers] were responsible for the tragedy by overloading the ship and causing the deaths of hundreds of people.

I dont even feel bad for them, he added. For me, justice has been done.
Hammam al-Alil, Iraq  As the Iraqi governments military offensive against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, known as ISIS) armed group rages on to retake the largest ISIL-controlled city in the country, hundreds of thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes.

Since the push to regain control of the western half of Mosul began on February 19, the Iraqi government estimates that more than 220,000 people have been displaced.

About 70 percent of these people are living in overstretched, underdeveloped refugee camps, according to the United Nations.

Many have fled to the Hammam al-Alil refugee camp, south of the city, to seek shelter and safety. The camp is home to about 4,000 families who arrived in the last two months to escape the fighting.
War brings supposedly disparate parts of the US together to rally around the flag, yellow ribbons and even Donald Trump.

Eventually, the truth reveals itself.

And so it was after President Donald Trump  a still surreal phrase to put to paper  elected to bomb a mostly vacant Syrian airstrip in supposed response to the slow, suffocating murder of children by Bashar al-Assads murderous regime.

The Pentagon-supplied images of Tomahawk cruise missiles bursting into the night sky triggered a near orgasmic reaction among the same band of US cable TV network-approved geopolitical experts and journalists-in-name-tag-only who gush with unbridled excitement each time flashy weapons go bang in the night.

Youll recall that not too long ago, this giddy, easily impressed lot, joined by rancorous Democrats on Capitol Hill, were universally repulsed by the same dangerous demagogue they recently applauded on Twitter, TV and elsewhere as a bona fide commander-in-chief.

Channeling the worlds conscience





For an instructive moment, all the hyperbolic chatter about impeachment and treason evaporated as the unlikely coalition of liberal and neocon card-carrying members of La Resistance rallied around the flag, yellow-ribbon-imbued patriotism and a racist boor who just happens to be president of the United States.

On cue, much of that so-called resistance in Washington and beyond heaped gooey praise on Trump, insisting the missile strike was the defining act of a statesman who had finally, if belatedly, grasped the profundity of his duties and responsibilities and of the office he shockingly holds.

All Trump had to do to win their saccharine-laced rhetorical approval was to do what his predecessors have done with often calamitous regularity  issue the order to kill.

The attendant result: Trump had instantly morphed from illiterate foreign policy nincompoop to oh-so-serious president who was, remarkably, channeling the worlds conscience to boot.

OPINION: Syrians should not be thanking Trump for the strikes

Forgotten in this hysterical revisionism, of course, was Trumps tough-guy pledge to look war-ravaged Syrian kids and their families in the eye and tell the would-be terrorists: you cant come here.

A presidential Groundhog Day

In any event, it turns out Trump gave his mentor, Vladimir Putin  and, by extension, Bashar al-Assad  a heads-up that his well, Ill teach you volley of cruise missiles was on its vaguely destructive way so the fleet of fighter jets sheltered at the base could safely take off the following day  presumably to kill and maim more Syrians.

Ah and reportedly it wasnt his or indeed the worlds conscience that prompted Trump to respond to images of children contorted in sarin gas-induced suffering, but rather a little word in his tin ear from his daughter, Ivanka, the corporate media-manufactured White House conscience-in-residence.

As I said, the truth eventually emerges.

Like the roster of telegenic presidents who preceded him, Trump fashioned a made-for-TV moment of perspicacity to announce that he could also bomb and kill in the same places that the US has been bombing and killing people for decades.

There Trump was, summoning all the faux solemnity that he could muster while reading from a teleprompter like a stuttering schoolboy to invoke God and Americas equally sacred national interest as justification for yet another demonstration of his nations singular military resolve.

OPINION: Bombs away! Wag that dog!

The world has seen and heard this pantomime on display so many times over so many years that this vacuous, formulaic ritual could rightly be dubbed the presidential equivalent of Groundhog Day.

By now, it should also be clear to anyone with a functioning synapse that if you throw a dart at a globe, chances are it will land on a country - from Vietnam to Iraq - permanently scarred by America's long, irresistible compulsion to wage war. by

From John F Kennedy to Trump and every other Democrat or Republican president in-between, arguably, the jobs principal prerequisite is satiating Americas insatiable addiction to war.

Each of these presidents has taken their now familiar turn behind a desk in the Oval Office or at a lectern adorned with the presidential seal, to invade, threaten to invade or carpet bomb  legally or illegally  some new spot on the map and the innocent people who inhabit it.

A fix of shock and awe

Last weeks predictable spasm of state-sanctioned violence was simply the latest evidence of the US political, military and media establishments need  or perhaps more accurately, the institutional demand  for a satisfying fix of shock and awe delivered, as always, in the parochial, amorphous name of national security.

The immediate political dividends a succession of presidents has derived from these choreographed shows of Americas might and sacrifice are not only keenly established, but are an undeniable part of the calculation to recapture  when and if necessary  much of the publics support and admiration.

The American experience has shown that a well-timed war or news of a triumphant special forces encounter with a terrorist mastermind can be a useful tonic for a faltering presidency  young or old.

By now, it should also be clear to anyone with a functioning synapse that if you throw a dart at a globe, chances are it will land on a country  from Vietnam to Iraq  permanently scarred by Americas long, irresistible compulsion to wage war.

OPINION: America was a stan long before Trump

Invariably, the clumsily crafted rationales once offered up with such conviction and certitude to warrant the death and destruction have proven to be a lie after lie, consigned to a convenient, pan-political denomination memory hole.

Though discredited, every president inevitably recycles the standard lines in defence of more war, confident that most journalists and voters wont remember the not-so-distant past in the patriotic rush to defend Americas apparently precarious future.

Nor do they remember, it seems, the human toll their costly addiction has exacted on millions of children, women and men who did not seek or require America to liberate them.

From Mai Lai to Mosul, the indelible pictures of the countless casualties of Americas wars exist as a true and lasting testament to the incalculable pain they have caused.

We know Donald Trump wont pay a moments heed to that appalling history, but dont kid yourself, neither will the next US president.

Andrew Mitrovica is an award-winning investigative reporter and journalism instructor.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
US claims Aleppo air raid targeted al-Qaeda, but rights groups and researchers say civilians were hit in mosque.

US forces failed to take necessary precautions before launching a lethal drone strike in northern Syria last month that hit a mosque full of worshipers, three separate investigations have revealed.

Research by Human Rights Watch (HRW), London-based Forensic Architecture and open-source investigative unit Bellingcat reveal that US air strikes hit a western Aleppo mosque on March 16, killing at least 38 people and injuring dozens of others.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed they targeted an al-Qaeda in Syria meeting location, killing dozens of core al-Qaeda terrorists after thorough surveillance.





But interviews with locals, coupled with photographs and video of the building, show it was a well known mosque in the village of al-Jinah that hosted lectures every Thursday evening, according to the investigation.

Researchers also allege that the US launched Hellfire missiles at civilians as they fled the mosque.

Ole Solvang, lead researcher on the HRW investigation, told Al Jazeera that: US forces failed to take the necessary precautions to minimise civilian casualties. Based on statements from US military personnel, they didnt know this was a mosque, which reflects poorly on their intel.

HRW interviewed by phone 14 people with first-hand knowledge of the attack, including four who were in the mosque at the time of the attack.

In carrying out the investigation, HRW used research provided by Bellingcat, which analysed video footage and photographs from the attack, and Forensic Architecture, which created models of the mosque and a reconstruction of the attack.

The three organisations conducted separate but complementary investigations into the attack, said Solvang.

Our analysis reveals that contrary to US statements, the building targeted was a functioning, recently built mosque containing a large prayer hall, several auxiliary functions and the Imams residence, according to Forensic Architecture.

READ MORE: Syrias civil war explained from the beginning

Witnesses told HRW that the attack began about an hour after the Maghrib (sunset) prayer and roughly 15 minutes before the Ishaa (night) prayer.

Even if there were armed group members in the mosque, understanding the nature of the targeted building and the pattern of life around the building would be crucial to assess the risk to civilians and take necessary precautions to minimise civilian casualties, HRWs report said.

Striking a mosque just before prayer and then attacking people attempting to flee the area without knowing whether they were civilians or combatants may well have been disproportionate and a violation of the laws of war even if there were armed group members in the mosque.

Four witnesses that researchers at Human Rights Watch spoke with estimated there were 300 people attending a religious lecture at the mosque when the attack began.

After the drone destroyed the northern segments of the building with two 500lb bombs, worshipers who fled where then targeted with what researchers from Forensic Architecture and HRW identified as likely Hellfire missiles.

US forces often use double tap tactics when targeting al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and it would appear that they were operating on this premise in al-Jinah as well.

We cant say that they deliberately targeted civilians, but  nonetheless, they were civilians according to the information that we have, said Solvang.

People who attend the mosque and locals both said it was run by peaceful people, and first responders told us they did not find any weapons amidst the rubble.

OPINION: Trumps lack of strategy on Syria is dangerous

Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon said at the time of the strike that US surveillance of the target area indicated evening prayers had concluded before the attack.

He said the building that was struck was a partially constructed community meeting hall that al-Qaeda leaders used to gather and as a place to educate and indoctrinate al-Qaeda fighters.

HRW has called for a full and transparent investigation into the attack, and has asked that all findings be released in as much detail as possible.

When viewed in the context of increasing civilian casualties, both in Syria and Iraq  we are concerned that these are signs of less stringent procedure and verification of targets, said Solvang.

The US is leading a coalition of nations in the fight against ISIL in both Syria and Iraq.

Coalition air strikes on Monday killed at least 13 civilians in the eastern Syrian province of Deir Az Zor, according to a UK-based monitor.

Last month, US strikes in neighbouring Iraq killed as many as 200 civilians in one day.

According to a recent report by Airwars, a group that monitors US-led coalition air strikes, March was the deadliest month yet in the coalitions 32-month-long campaign in Iraq an Syria.

Follow Dylan Collins on Twitter: @collinsdyl
A 3,500-year-old tomb with several mummies, sarcophagi and statues was found in the Draa Abul Nagaa necropolis.

Egyptian authorities have hailed an important discovery after archaeologists unearthed several mummies, 10 colourful wooden sarcophagi and more than 1,000 funerary statues in a 3,500-year-old tomb near the city of Luxor.

The 18th Dynasty tomb, discovered in the Draa Abul Nagaa necropolis near the famed Valley of the Kings, belonged to a nobleman named Userhat who worked as the city judge, Egypts antiquities ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

There are 10 coffins and eight mummies. The excavation is ongoing, Mostafa Waziri, the head of the archaeological mission, told the AFP news agency.

READ MORE: New pyramid remains discovered south of Cairo

The tomb was opened to add more mummies during the 21st Dynasty, about 3,000 years ago, to protect them during a period when tomb-robbing was common, Waziri said at the site.

It was a surprise how much was being displayed inside the tomb, Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Enany told reporters outside the tomb.

We found a large number of Ushabti (small carved figurines), more than 1,000 of them, Enany said. This is an important discovery.

Ushabti figurines were often placed with the deceased in ancient Egyptian tombs to help with responsibilities in the afterlife.

Inside the tomb, archaeologists wearing white masks and latex gloves inspected the sarcophagi, which were covered with intricate drawings in red, blue, black, green, and yellow  and featured the carved faces of the dead.

The coffins were mainly well-preserved, though some had deteriorated and broken over the years.

Archaeologists were also examining a mummy wrapped in linen which was inside one of the coffins.

White, orange, green, and patterned pots were also found in the tombs.

It is a T-shaped tomb (which) consists of an open court leading into a rectangular hall, a corridor and an inner chamber, the ministry said in a statement.

A nine-metre shaft inside the tomb held the Ushabti figurines, as well as wooden masks and a handle of a sarcophagus lid, the ministry said.

Another room in the tomb was also discovered, though it has not yet been completely excavated, it said.

Nevine el-Aref, the spokeswoman for the antiquities ministry, said: there is evidence and traces that new mummies could be discovered in the future.
Foreign ministers warning comes as US threatens military action after Norths latest nuclear test in defiance of UN.

China has called on the United States and North Korea to find a peaceful solution to rising tensions after a war of words erupted after the North conducted a series of missile and nuclear tests in defiance of UN sanctions.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters in Beijing on Tuesday that the standoff between the two nations could only be resolved by diplomacy.

Ive seen that the United States has reiterated it is willing to use political and diplomatic means to resolve this, as this is their first choice, he said.

Of course I think that any country will feel that political diplomatic means are of course the first choice.

Al Jazeeras Divya Gopalan, reporting from Hong Kong, said that China was very keen to see this issue resolved peacefully.

Any kind of action on North Korea will have repercussions on China, our correspondent said.

On Tuesday, US Vice President Mike Pence met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, following meetings in South Korea with Hwang Kyo-ahn, the acting president.

Pence has repeatedly warned that all options are on the table when dealing with Pyongyang.

In Tokyo, Pence reassured Japan of the US commitment to reining in North Koreas nuclear and missile ambitions after warning that its own strikes in Syria and Afghanistan showed the strength of its resolve.

North Korea regularly threatens to destroy Japan, South Korea and the United States and it showed no let-up in its defiance after conducting a reportedly failed missile test on Sunday.

The time of dictating orders by brandishing the US military might has gone. If those businessmen in power in the US thought of intimidating us by any military or sanction threats - as the Obama administration used to do and failed - they will soon find out such threats are useles by Sin Hong-chol, North Korea's deputy foreign minister

The North has warned that its army is on maximum alert following Pences visit on Monday to the heavily militarised border between the two Koreas, where he reiterated Washingtons position that all options are on the table in dealing with Pyongyang.

Threats are useless

Sin Hong-chol, North Koreas deputy foreign minister, told Al Jazeera that Donald Trumps administration should look at the world with open eyes.

The time of dictating orders by brandishing the US military might has gone. If those businessmen in power in the US thought of intimidating us by any military or sanction threats  as the [Barack] Obama administration used to do and failed  they will soon find out such threats are useless, Sin said.

North Koreas deputy representative to the United Nations, Kim In Ryong, accused the US of creating a situation where nuclear war could break out an any time and said Pyongyangs next nuclear test would take place at a time and at a place where our headquarters deems necessary.

The North has warned of a nuclear strike against the United States if provoked.

US officials say tougher sanctions could include an oil embargo, a global ban on North Koreas airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks doing business with Pyongyang. They say greater Chinese cooperation is vital.

China banned imports of North Korean coal, its most important export, in February, and Chinese media have raised the possibility of restricting oil shipments to the North.

North Korea and South are technically still at war because their 1950-1953 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.
Rescue workers and monitor blame Russian, US-led coalition and Syrian jets for the death of many children and women.

Dozens of civilians have been killed in separate air raids across Syria over the past 24 hours, blamed by rescue workers and a monitor on Russian, US-led coalition and Syrian government fighter jets.

At least 10 people, including nine children, were killed on Tuesday in suspected Russian air raids on Maaret Harmeh village in Idlib province, an official with the Syrian Civil Defence, identifying himself only as Hamid, told Al Jazeera.

An elderly woman and nine children [were killed] in suspected Russian air strikes that targeted Maaret Harmeh in Idlib this morning, Hamid said, adding that 10 others were wounded in the attack.





Also known as White Helmets, the Syrian Civil Defence is a volunteer rescue group that operates mostly in rebel-held territory in Syria.

Hamid said the air raid targeted a residential building.

Shortly after the first air strike, as the rescue team was searching for survivors, another air strike targeted the scene, damaging some of our equipment, including an ambulance and injuring some of our volunteers, he said

Three children were saved from under the rubble of their own home, he said.

Maaret Harmeh is located just 22km away from the town of Khan Sheikhoun where a suspected chemical attack killed at least 87 people on April 4.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported the deaths, adding that several other areas in Idlib were targeted by air raids on Monday evening.

The UK-based monitor, which is tracking developments in Syrias war via a source of contacts on the ground, said those killed in Maaret Hermah in a suspected Russian air raid were all from the same family. It said the nine children killed were between the ages of two and 13.

The Observatory says it determines whose fighter jets conduct air raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used.

READ MORE: Deadly US air strike in Syria hit peaceful mosque

Elsewhere in Syria, suspected government air raids targeted Urum al-Kubra, a village in the northwest of Aleppo province, killing at least four people from the same family, according to the Observatory.

In Deir Az Zor, a suspected US-led coalition air raid on Monday targeted the town of Al Bukamal on the Iraqi border and killed at least 15 people, including five children, the monitor said on Tuesday.

Earlier on Monday, a US-led coalition air raid targeted Al Husseiniyeh in the western suburbs of Deir Az Zor and killed at least seven people, including one child.

As the Syrian conflict enters its seventh year, more than 465,000 people have been killed in the fighting, more than a million injured and over 12 million Syrians  half the countrys prewar population  have been displaced from their homes.

With additional reporting by Diana al Rifai: @D_R_23
Founder of Nkulenu Industries, Ocloo started her business with less than a dollar and grew into a global inspiration.

Esther Afua Ocloo launched her entrepreneurial career as a teenager in the 1930s on less than a dollar.

She quickly became one of Ghanas leading entrepreneurs and a source of inspiration around the world. Today, on what would had been her 98th birthday, Google dedicated to her a doodle illustration.

In addition to her own business, she taught skills to other women and co-founded Womens World Banking (WWB), a global micro-lending organisation.

On its website, the WWB microlending network says it lends to 16,4 million women around the world, managing a loans portfolio of over $9bn.

Known as Auntie Ocloo, Esther dedicated her life to helping others like her succeed.

Women must know that the strongest power in the world is economic power, she said in a speech in 1990.

You cannot go and be begging to your husband for every little thing, but at the moment, thats what the majority of our women do.

How she started

As a high school graduate with only a few Ghanian shillings given to her by an aunt, she bought sugar, oranges and 12 jars to make marmalade jam.

Ocloo sold them at a profit, despite the ridicule of her former classmates, who saw her as an uneducated street vendor.

Soon she won a contract to supply her high school with marmalade jam and orange juice, and later managed to secure a deal to provide the military with her goods.

On the basis of that contract, she took out a bank loan.

In 1942, she established a business under her maiden name, Nkulenu.

Ocloo then travelled to England to take a course in Food Science and Modern Processing Techniques at Bristol University.

In 1953, determined to grow her business with her newly acquired knowledge in food processing and preservation, she returned to her homeland with a mission to help Ghana become self-sufficient.

Nkulenu Industries still makes orange marmalade today and exports indigenous food items to markets abroad.

In 1962, the company relocated to its present location at Madina, a suburb of the capital city, Accra.

WATCH: Ghanas food aid black market

Award-winning leadership

Besides working on her thriving business, she also set up a programme to share her knowledge with other women who cook and sell products on the streets.

You know what we found? We found that a woman selling rice and stew on the side of the street is making more money than most women in office jobs  but they are not taken seriously, she said.

In 1990, she became the first woman to receive the Africa Prize for Leadership.

She proposed alternative solutions to the problems of hunger, poverty and the distribution of wealth  championing the development of an indigenous economy based on agriculture. In 1999 interview she said:

Our problem here in Ghana is that we have turned our back on agriculture. Over the past 40 years, since the beginning of compulsory education, we have been mimicking the West by Esther Afua Ocloo

We are now producing youth with degrees who dont want to work in the fields or have anything to do with agriculture. She added.

OPINION: What can Ghana teach South Africa?

Ocloo died in 2002 after suffering from pneumonia. At her state burrial in Accra, former president John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor said: She was a creator and we need many people of her calibre to build our nation.

She was a real pillar... worthy of emulation in our efforts to build our nation. Her good works in the promotion of development in Ghana cannot be measured. by Former Ghanaian President Kufuor

Today would have been Esther Occlos 98th birthday. In her honour Google changed its homepage logo in the United States; Ghana; Peru; Argentina, Iceland; Portugal; Sweden; Australia; Greece; New Zealand; Ireland and the UK to a doodle  or illustration  of her empowering the women of Ghana.

Google also recently celebrated Jamini Roy, Hassan Fathy, and Abdul Sattar Edhi with their own doodles.
Both candidates are embroiled in financial scandals, but only Fillon has suffered in the polls because of allegations.

Paris, France  Things were looking good for Francois Fillon shortly after he was selected as the presidential candidate for The Republicans, the French right-wing party.

In the weeks after his victory, the former prime minister enjoyed a healthy showing in the opinion polls with Ipsos putting him in the lead with 29 percent of the vote, four points ahead of his nearest rival Marine Le Pen of the National Front (FN).

Fast forward to the month of the election and the same pollster puts Fillon on 19 percent: not only behind Le Pen, but also the centrist Emmanuel Macron and the leftist candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon.

Chief among the accusations is that Fillon employed his wife Penelope as a parliamentary assistant, paying her close to a million euros ($1.07m) over a period of at least eight years, starting in 1998.

That is quite legal, but the scandal centres on whether Penelope actually did any work.

A string of further allegations emerged shortly afterwards, this time involving payments to his children for work they did as students.

Fillon has apologised for the payments but refuses to step down.

In the meantime, his poll numbers have tanked and authorities have placed him under formal investigation, even raiding his home in early March.

Fillon is not alone in facing accusations of financial mismanagement, his rival Le Pen also stands accused.

OPINION: The Fillon affair  Frances sick democracy

The FN leader is alleged to have made payments to party activists under the guise of employing them as parliamentary assistants as a member of the European Parliament.

Members of Le Pens staff have been put under formal investigation, but the far-right candidate herself continues to enjoy immunity as an MEP, despite ongoing attempts by prosecutors to have it revoked.

Unlike Fillon, however, Le Pens numbers have stayed more or less static throughout the campaign, with numbers at about a quarter of the vote or just under.

Personal gain

Philippe Marliere, a professor of French and European politics at University College London, told Al Jazeera that Le Pen had not been as affected by the fallout of corruption allegations because of the perception that she had not personally gained from the misuse of finances.

For Le Pen, the issue doesnt seem to be personal gain, Marliere said, adding: She allegedly misused public funds but ultimately she hasnt personally benefited.

This, according to Marliere, stands in contrast to Fillon, who faces allegations of personally benefiting from the funds.

When politicians in any country benefit personally from corruption it always looks worse because they are already paid well and it looks like theyre misusing public funds just to get richer.

Thats why its played out really badly for Fillon.

Fillons reputations had also suffered because the allegations involving his wife were not isolated and the former prime minister has been implicated in other scandals, Marliere said.

[Fillon by Philippe

had to accommodate his policy of austerity by saying theres too much corruption and that money is not well spentThen immediately these allegations hit him, so he was totally discredited.]

Media outlets in France have reported on several scandals involving the candidate dating back decades.

Some of these are tiny issues but when you add them all up it starts to look very bad, he said.

The scandals affecting both Fillon and Le Pen, however, are far from isolated occurrences.

In an article for Al Jazeera, French sociologist Ali Saad noted a number of major politicians had been involved in similar scandals.

The Fillon affair reflects the very essence of an oligarchic system dominated by a powerful ruling elite that takes advantage of the political and/or administrative functions to serve its own financial interests and maintain its privileges with total disregard to the societys dire economic situation, he wrote.

Among examples Saad lists are former budget minister Jerome Cahuzac, who was convicted of fraud and held an undisclosed Swiss bank account.

Former prime minister Alain Juppe also received an 18-month suspended sentence for misuse of public funds.

Former French President Jacques Chirac was found guilty of creating fake jobs and embezzlement of public money: accusation similar to those Fillon faces today.

Fillons platform is based on fiscal conservatism and the promise that he will dramatically slash public spending by reducing the states headcount by half a million employees.

To assuage the unpopularity of the measure, Fillon had emphasised tackling waste and corruption in the initial part of his campaign.

Those early pledges have now come back to haunt him, Marliere explained.

He had to accommodate his policy of austerity by saying theres too much corruption and that money is not well spent, Marliere said.

Then immediately these allegations hit him, so he was totally discredited.

Voters are questioning why he is asking the public to tighten its belt while he benefits from state money in this manner.

With less than a week left until the first round of the election, there is still time for Fillon to turn things around and defy expectation by reaching the second round.

Nevertheless, his current fourth place in the polls represents a significant fall for a man once considered the favourite to lead France.
Horacio Cartes rules out running in 2018 vote, seeking to end political crisis unleashed by bid to change constitution.

Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes has said he will no longer seek re-election next year, after his bid to change the constitution triggered deadly riots.

Cartes said in a statement on Monday that he will in no event try to run in the April 2018 vote, seeking to end a political crisis unleashed by his push to remain in power another five years.

Presidential re-election has been taboo in the South American country since the 35-year dictatorship of General Alfredo Stroessner ended in 1989.

After senators passed an amendment last month to change that, opposition activists stormed Congress, ransacking politicians offices and setting them on fire.

Police shot dead one opposition activist in a raid during the riots. Hundreds of people were injured and more than 200 arrested.

That triggered calls for crisis talks, backed by Pope Francis. But they fell apart when the main opposition, the Liberal Party, boycotted them.

OPINION: Why was Paraguays Congress burning?

Cartes said he hoped his gesture of renunciation would deepen the dialogue aimed at strengthening this republics institutions, the AFP news agency reported.

But the opposition said the conservative presidents Red Party had not gone far enough.

The only way to believe the presidents statements is if the ruling party shelves its attempt to amend the constitution, said the speaker of Congress, Liberal Party politician Roberto Acevedo.

But Red Party spokeswoman Lilian Samaniego said party leaders had decided against withdrawing the amendment.

Cartes attempt to change the constitution had the backing of his leftist rival Fernando Lugo, who was president from 2008 to 2012 and also wants to run again.

But the Liberal Party bitterly opposes changing the 1992 constitutions limit of a single five-year term.

Cartes change of heart came as international pressure mounted against his re-election bid.

One of US President Donald Trumps top envoys for Latin America, Francisco Palmieri, the assistant secretary of state for Western hemisphere affairs, is going to Paraguay for talks on Tuesday.

And Luis Almagro, the secretary-general of the Organization of American States, is expected on Thursday.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, former Iranian president says he can improve the country and calls for regional unity.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Irans former president, has called regional powers in the Middle East to change their foreign policies, including in Syria, saying the conflict in the region was imposed from outside.

The ex-president made the comments to Al Jazeera on Tuesday, less than a week after surprising Iranians by registering as a candidate for next months presidential election.

Ahmadinejad had previously said he would not stand after being advised not to by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying he would instead support his former deputy, Hamid Baghaei, who also registered on April 12.

The supreme leader gave me advice but he did not ask me not to run. It was just advice, Ahmadinejad said in his interview with Al Jazeera.

I announced my nomination and support to my brother, Baghaei, because the situation on the international, regional as well as on internal levels has gone through many changes, he added.





Everyone can play a role and I think it is possible to run the country better than it is now, Ahmadinejad said.

Irans presidential election will take place on May 19.

Call for regional unity

Ahmadinejad called for unity among regional rivals, even though Iran is pitted against countries such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia over its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the war in Yemen.

All countries should change their policies, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE and Bahrain, as well as Iran, Oman and Syria.

We all have to do this by changing our current foreign policy. We have to sit with each other. Why are we fighting each other? What is the reason? he said.

Ahmadinejad called the Middle Easts volatile situation a war imposed on the regions countries from external forces.

It (war) has caused us a great loss and robbed us of our wealth. This is very bad. There should be a serious invitation for negotiations, peace and utmost understanding from the many participants among us.

Ahmadinejad left office in August 2013 after two turbulent four-year terms, leaving Iran divided domestically, isolated internationally and struggling economically.

In 2009, Ahmadinejads re-election was followed by the largest protests to hit the country since the Islamic Revolution three decades before.
Israeli authorities look to quell mass hunger strike through solitary confinement and punitive measures.

Israeli prison officials have cracked down on Palestinian prisoners after more than 1,100 political detainees launched an open-ended hunger strike on Monday.

The Palestinian Committee of Prisoners Affairs released a statement on Monday saying that Israeli Prison Service (IPS) officials had forcibly moved hunger-striking prisoners to different sections of Israeli jails, confiscated clothes and personal belongings and placed leading figures in solitary confinement.

Imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, Karim Younis and Mahmoud Abu Srour were moved from Hadarim prison to solitary confinement in Jalama prison on Monday evening, according to the Prisoners Affairs committee.

Barghouthi is to be prosecuted in a discipline court as punishment for his op-ed published by the New York Times on Monday, where he described the daily struggle of Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli prisons and the ambition behind the hunger strike, the statement said.

Israeli prison officials reportedly accused Barghouthi of using his wife to smuggle the article out of prison and to the New York Times.

Mondays mass hunger strike was scheduled to coincide with Palestinian Prisoners Day, an annual event held in solidarity with the more than 6,000 Palestinian security prisoners incarcerated in Israeli jails.

Shortly after last weeks announcement of the hunger strike, Israeli Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan asked for the creation of a military hospital to ensure that hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners were not transferred to civilian hospitals, which have so far refused to force feed hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners, Bethlehem-based Maan News Agency reported.

A spokesperson for the IPS was not immediately available for comment.

But IPS spokesman Assaf Librati was quoted by the Times of Israel as saying that the hunger strikers would be disciplined.

The prisons service has started taking disciplinary measures against the strikers and in addition a number of prisoners have been transferred to separate wings, he said.

It is to be emphasised that the [prison service] does not negotiate with prisoners, he said.

In his op-ed published on Monday, Barghouti described hunger striking as the most peaceful form of resistance available.

It inflicts pain solely on those who participate and on their loved ones, in the hopes that their empty stomachs and their sacrifice will help the message resonate beyond the confines of their dark cells.

Palestinian prisoners launch mass hunger strike

Responding to Barghoutis hunger strike, Yisrael Katz, Israeli intelligence minister, described the Palestinian leader as a despicable murderer and called for the death penalty for terrorists.

Israeli authorities have arrested about one million Palestinians since 1948 and the subsequent occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip in 1967.

On Saturday, Amnesty International that Israels decades-long policy of detaining Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza in prisons inside Israel and depriving them of regular family visits is not only cruel but also a blatant violation of international law.
Steve Stephens, who was wanted for the killing of 74-year-old man, shot and killed himself in Pennsylvania, police say.

A male suspect who police said posted a video of himself on Facebook killing an elderly man in the US state of Ohio has fatally shot himself after a brief chase in neighbouring Pennsylvania, according to police.





Steve Stephens, 37, had been the subject of a nationwide manhunt in the wake of Sundays killing in the city of Cleveland. The FBI had put him on its Most Wanted list.

Stephens was spotted this morning by PSP members in Erie County. After a brief pursuit, Stephens shot and killed himself, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) said on Twitter on Tuesday.

Stephens was wanted on a charge of aggravated murder in the death of Robert Godwin Sr.

In the Facebook video, which appears shaky, Stephens gets out of his car and appears to randomly target Godwin, 74, who is holding a plastic shopping bag.

READ MORE: Facebook reviews violent videos after Cleveland murder

Stephens says the name of a woman, whom Godwin does not seem to recognise.

Shes the reason that this is about to happen to you, Stephens tells Godwin before pointing a gun at him. Godwin can be seen shielding his face with the shopping bag.

In a separate video posted on Facebook, Stephens claimed to have killed more than a dozen other people.

Facebook said the suspect did go live on the social media website at one point during the day, but not during the killing. Police had initially said that Stephens had broadcast it on Facebook Live.

The video of the killing was on the social media site for about three hours before it was removed. Stephenss Facebook page also was eventually removed.
More than two million people in Gaza, already living under a crippling Israeli blockade, facing massive power shortages.

Gazas main hospital is on the verge of running out of fuel, doctors have warned, amid a deepening power crisis affecting more than two million people already living under a crippling Israeli blockade.

On Tuesday, the only functioning power plant in the Hamas-governed Palestinian territory shut down after running out of fuel, leaving Gaza residents with only six hours of electricity a day.

Gazas electricity company announced the total available power supply was less than a third of the territorys daily comsumption.





Officials at the Al Shifa hospital on Tuesday said they had only two days of fuel left.

Al Jazeeras Rob Reynolds, reporting from the hospital, described the situation as bleak, especially in the renal dialysis ward where patients with severe kidney problems were being treated.

These patients require the dialysis machines to work and the machines require electricity, he said.

Its a very, very difficult time for them and patients are quite concerned about the fuel shortage.

Fuel supply for Gazas inhabitants has been a long-running source of dispute. The power shortage is a result of a row between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA) over the cost of fuel.

Hamas buys fuel from the Fatah-dominated PA in Ramallah. But fuel taxes are imposed, and Hamas said it could not afford to pay them.

No electricity throughout Gaza Strip 12:02am pic.twitter.com/2dmJFOMORQ  Farah Baker (@Farah_Gazan) April 14, 2017

The sufferings of the people in Gaza are increasing, Khalil al-Hayya, a Hamas official, said.

Gaza deserves to be protected by the Palestinian official government. Gaza deserves to be heard by everyone.

In addition to the hospitals, it is also the houses, emergency services and schools that are affected by the electricity situation.

The situation is getting worse and worse, Gaza City resident Rami Kamouny said from his home, holding in his arms his young son, Mohammed, who suffers from severe handicaps and requires intensive care.

The power cuts are creating more problems here, especially if you have a severely handicapped child whose life is connected to artificial respiratory systems.

Corruption allegations

Protests broke out in January over the power shortages, which the Gaza health ministry said could have dangerous consequences for patients in hospitals.

The crisis was resolved by tax-free donations from Qatar and Turkey, which ran out last week. But now the PA is no longer willing to waive the fuel for Gaza.

The taxes have been suspended for the past several months but those in charge in Gaza are pocketing money by not buying fuel, Abdullah Abdullah, a member of the Revolutionary Council of the Fatah movement, said.

The PA, meanwhile, is paying for two sources of electricity  the one coming from Egypt and the one coming from Israel.

Unliveable by 2020

Following the power crisis, the United Nations has said Gaza could be uninhabitable by 2020.

Robert Piper, the UN coordinator in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said the relationship between Gaza City and Ramallah had to be fixed in order for the issues to be resolved.

Electricity is such a key sector. It affects health, services, hospitals, sanitation, homes and businesses, Piper told Al Jazeera.





The business sector, already extremely vulnerable, is devastated by four hours of electricity per day. This has a knock-on effect on employment.

A lot of responsibility has to be shared. We will go nowhere until the issues between Gaza City and Ramallah are solved.

At least 65 percent of residents in Gaza live in poverty, 72 percent are food-insecure, and 80 percent have grown dependent on international aid, according to a recent report published by the EU-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor.

Unemployment in the territory hit an unprecedented 43 percent in the last quarter of 2016.

A Fatah-led delegation is expected to travel to Gaza later this month to discuss reunification efforts with Hamas.

Today we had about six hours of electricity at my house. Now its off for the next 12 hours, Ezz Zanoun, a photographer in Gaza City, told Al Jazeera on Sunday.

Tomorrow it might be worse. Were expecting about four hours [of electricity]  and from there the real problems start.
Government-backed report comes after independent rights groups are denied access to conduct probe into violence.

Almost 700 people have been killed during violence in Ethiopia since August 2016, a government-sponsored commission has said, bringing the total death toll since the unrest began in late 2015 to more than 900.

Ethiopia declared six months of emergency rule in October after almost a year of anti-government violent protests in its Oromia, Amhara and SNNP regions. In March, the measure was extended by four months amid reports of continuing violence in some remote areas.





The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission  mandated by parliament to investigate the violence  presented its long-awaited findings on Tuesday.

The commission blamed a lot of the violence on opposition groups, saying that security forces in some places had no choice but to respond with lethal force.

The violence happened because the protesters were using guns and so security forces had no other option, Addisu Gebregziabher, the commissions head, told members of parliament.

The report, the second by the commission, said police used proportionate force in most areas during the unrest, but could have provided better security during the rallies.

READ MORE: Ethiopia  Ethnic nationalism and the Gondar protests

It said that since August the unrest claimed 495 lives  462 civilians, 33 security personnel  in Oromia; 140  110 civilians and 30 security personnel  in Amhara; and 34 in the SSNP regional states.

Last year, the commissions first investigation said that 173 people in Oromia and 95 people in Amhara had been killed between November 2015 and August 2016.

The commission here is blaming a lot of the violence on what it describes as the opposition both in Ethiopia and abroad using social media to stoke the unrest, Al Jazeeras Charles Stratford, reporting from inside Ethiopias parliament in the capital, Addis Ababa, said.

The government has denied access to any independent international rights organisation to come to Ethiopia and conduct its own investigation into the violence, he added.

It has also made it increasingly difficult for journalists to speak to witnesses or travel to the most badly affected areas since the emergency law was passed in October.

Violent protests

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.

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.

OPINION: The Oromo protests have changed Ethiopia

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 6 percent of the population.

Tensions reached an all-time high after a stampede in early October 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.

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 travelling more than 40 kilometres outside the capital without approval.

Authorities arrested more than 11,000 people during its first month.

Some provisions of the state of emergency were relaxed on March 15, two weeks before Thursdays announced extension. Arrests and searches without court orders were stopped, and restrictions on radio, television and theatre were dropped.

The government has repeatedly said that those responsible, including security forces, for the violence must be held accountable.

No members of the security services have faced any charges for the killing of the protesters.
UN official says negotiations ongoing with 100 unarmed refugees at camp in eastern DRC after MONUSCO staff held.

Thirteen United Nations mission staff have been taken hostage by 100 unarmed South Sudanese refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo, demanding to be moved to a third country, according to a UN official based in the area.

The 100 were among 530 people who have been living in the Munigi base, outside Goma, since fleeing South Sudan last August, UN Goma bureau head, Daniel Ruiz, told the Reuters news agency.

An official, who asked not to be named, said the UN was negotiating to try to win the release of the employees from the MONUSCO mission.





We can confirm that some MONUSCO staff members are currently being held in a camp for former combatants in Munigi in eastern [Congo], said the official. The mission is working to resolve the situation.

Most of the captors are former fighters loyal to ex-Vice President Riek Machar, who have clashed with President Salva Kiirs forces since July 2016.

The UN estimates about three million South Sudanese have been uprooted by the violence in their country, the biggest cross-border exodus in Africa since the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Ruiz said the camp occupants had been demanding to be moved to a third country for months, but no one would take them.

On Friday, eight of them agreed to be repatriated to South Sudans capital, Juba. Others fear going back and are frustrated at being confined in the tiny camp in Congo.

Theyre [the captors] saying if the eight were transferred to South Sudan, why shouldnt we be able to go to a third country? Ruiz said. He added that the UN mission was currently negotiating with them.

Civil war broke out in South Sudan in 2013, after Kiir sacked Machar from the vice presidency.

That conflict ended in a peace pact in 2015 and Machar was reinstated early last year, but tensions between the two men lingered and finally erupted into new fighting in July.
Theresa May will go to parliament on Wednesday and seek early election to stop political game-playing ahead of Brexit.

British Prime Minister Theresa May called for an early general election to be held on June 8, in a surprise announcement on Tuesday as Britain prepares for delicate negotiations on leaving the European Union.

May said she will go to parliament on Wednesday to seek approval for the snap vote.

We need a general election and we need one now. We have at this moment a one-off chance to get this done  before the detailed talks begin, said May, speaking in front of 10 Downing Street.

WHAT DO THE POLLSTERS SAY? Voting intentions:

Conservatives: 46 percent

Labour: 25 percent

Liberal Democrats: 12 percent ICM/Guardian poll of 1,000 people  April 18, after Mays announcement Voting intentions:

Conservatives: 44 percent

Labour: 23 percent

Liberal Democrats: 12 percent

UK Independence Party: 10 percent Who would make better PM?

Theresa May: 50 percent

Jeremy Corbyn: 14 percent

Dont know: 36 percent YouGov/Times poll  April 12-13, 2017

I have concluded that the only way to guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead is to hold this election, she said.

The leader of the Conservative party added that the UK needed an election because other parties are opposed to her Brexit plans to leave the EU.

May became prime minister without winning an election in July last year following the resignation of David Cameron after millions of Britons went against his advice and voted to leave the EU. May had also backed the Remain camp in the June 23 referendum, but kept a low profile throughout a polarising campaign.

She had previously said there would be no early election under her leadership.

Al Jazeeras Duncan Golestani, reporting from London, said: May has rolled the dice, she is taking her gamble. She wants to increase her majority and her mandate to lead the country through Brexit.

Under Britains fixed-term parliament act, which sets the date for the next election for 2020, May must win the approval of two-thirds of parliament before proceeding with an earlier election.

She doesnt have that majority within her own parliamentarians, so shell have to challenge the opposition members to say you vote for this or youre not supporting us and youre not supporting Brexit, said Golestani.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, said he backed Mays call for an early vote.

I welcome the PMs decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first pic.twitter.com/9P3X6A2Zpw  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) April 18, 2017

In a statement posted to social media, Corbyn said: Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and the NHS.

Political game-playing

May accused her opponents of divisive political game-playing and undermining the UK in its Brexit talks, and said that division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit.

Eight months after Britons voted to quit the bloc, the UK triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty in March  officially beginning the two-year process of negotiations with the EU to withdraw from it.

OPINION: Brexit is still happening, just not the way May hoped

Its very interesting the way she has framed the politics of this. She has pointed the blame at the opposition parties, Labour and the Liberal Democrats as well as the Scottish National Party, said Golestani.

She has said repeatedly over the past six months that she would not call an election, that she didnt think it was in the countrys interest, that stability was needed. She has gone back on that.

A risk worth taking?

Scotlands devolved administration is particularly concerned about leaving Europes single market  the price May says must be paid to end perceived challenges such as mass immigration, a concern for some voters.

In March, Scotlands semi-autonomous parliament backed a call by its nationalist government for a new referendum on Scottish independence from Britain before Brexit. May rebuffed the referendum request.

Nicola Sturgeon, first minister of Scotland, said Mays decision was a huge political miscalculation that will give Scottish voters an opportunity to reject the Tories narrow, divisive agenda while reinforcing the

democratic mandate for giving the people of Scotland a choice on their future.

In Northern Ireland, Irish republican party Sinn Fein took a similar line, saying it will oppose Brexit and push for a special status for Northern Ireland after Brexit.

Golestani said Mays decision to call for an early election was a gamble that is out of character for the prime minister, who is generally seen as sober and conservative.

Dennis Novy, an associate professor of economics at the University of Warwick, told Al Jazeera that the biggest prize of an early election for May could potentially come from her own party.

She has a lot of MPs in her own party that are hardcore Brexiteers and that have threatened to block some of the softer versions of Brexit that inevitably will come out of the negotiations with Brussels, said Novy.

And if she gets a bigger majority in parliament she will be less dependent on the hardcore elements in her own party, and she will have more freedom.
A group of public figures, including the first Ombudsman of Armenia Larisa Alaverdyan and environmentalist Karine Danielyan, addressed a letter to the UN Secretary General against Polad Bulbuloglu, Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Russia, nominated for the post of UNESCO Director General.

April 18, 2017, 16:45 Dozens of letters pour in to UN amid fears the belligerent Bulbuloglu can become UNESCO Director-General

STEPANAKERT, APRIL 18, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: In addition to the UN Secretary General, the letter has been sent to all members of UNESCO council, as well as to those countries which have nominated candidates.

Representatives of another 8 countries are nominated for the position.

Against legal Arbitrariness NGO president Larisa Alaverdyan said this fact is important not only for the UN Secretary General, but also for other states.

UNESCO has gained rather great reputation during decades of work, as a champion of cultural, scientific and other values. With this letter, we expect that in no event a leader be elected who is actively struggling against these values, Alaverdyan said.

According to her, it seems like many are joining in sending the letters, not only organizations but also individuals.

Karine Danielyan, president of the For Sustainable Human Development NGO and member of the Public Council, said Azerbaijanis and Turks are putting all efforts in order to enter international structures, especially the UN staff.

Our organization cooperates with UN structures, and when we go to big events, conferences or discussions, then we always see that the organizer or secretary of the given event is either a Turk or an Azerbaijani. Everywhere, even in case of very little chance, issues are solved in favor of Azerbaijan and to the detriment of Armenia, Danielyan said. She was sad to mention that Armenia, having a big Diaspora, doesnt take action in this direction.

Media expert Samvel Martirosyan urged to bombard the UN, UNESCO head and member-state offices with letters, in order to strengthen impact.

Azerbaijans Ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbuloglu is infamous for his belligerent rhetoric and Anti-Armenianism. In an interview to Govorit Moskva, he said the diplomatic ways of settling the Nagorno Karabakh conflict proved to be ineffective, therefore Baku is ready to choose the military path. In addition, when Bulbuloglu served as Culture Minister of Azerbaijan, the Armenian cross-stones were destroyed in Nakhijevan.
US president plans to sign executive order seeking changes to the H-1B visa programme that brings high-skilled workers.

US President Donald Trump is planning to sign an executive order that seeks to make changes to a visa programme that brings in high-skilled workers.

The time-limited H-1B visas for skilled workers, which are sought by Silicon Valley heavyweights, are meant for scientists, engineers and computer programmers, and are an important gateway for many attracted by tech hubs across the country.

But the White House said the programme is undercutting American workers by bringing in cheaper labour and that some tech companies are using it to hire large numbers of workers and drive down wages.

Trump is going to Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Tuesday where he plans to sign an order dubbed Buy American, Hire American, ordering the Labour, Justice and Homeland Security Departments to propose reforms to the visa programme to prevent immigration fraud and abuse.

Those departments would also be asked to offer changes so that H-1B visas are awarded to the most-skilled or highest-paid applicants, anonymous officials told the Associated Press news agency.





There are, however, limits to the scope of Trumps action in the absence of a broader legislative plan.

Administration officials said that the order seeks to strengthen requirements that American-made products be used in certain federal construction projects, as well as in various federal transportation grant-funded projects.

The officials said the commerce secretary will review how to close loopholes in enforcing the existing rules and provide recommendations to the president.

The order specifically asks the secretary to review waivers of these rules that exist in free-trade agreements.

Largely symbolic

The Trump administration said that if the waivers are not benefiting the US they will be renegotiated or revoked.

During his campaign, Trump said he supported high-skilled visas but later came out against them.

At one debate, he called for fully ending the programme, saying: Its very bad for our workers and its unfair for our workers. And we should end it.

READ MORE: Syrians have been in the US all along, Donald Trump

I think what were looking at here is largely symbolic, New York-based lawyer Danielle Mclaughlin told Al Jazeera.

On April 29, Trump will be 100 days in office, and one of the promises he made was  that he would make sure that Americans were hiring Americans and that they were buying American.

About 85,000 H-1B visas are distributed annually by lottery. Many go to technology companies, which argue that the US has a shortage of skilled technology workers.

The US president cannot, by a simple decree, change the number of visas allocated.

Transitional step

But the White House hopes, that signing the decree will build momentum before a possible legislative reform.

This is a transitional step to get towards a more skilled-based and merit-based version, a White House official told AFP news agency.

There is a lot we can do administratively, and the rest will be done hopefully legislatively.

Critics say the programme has been hijacked by staffing companies that use the visas to import foreigners who will work for less than Americans.

The staffing companies then sell their services to corporate clients who use them to outsource tech work.

Employers from Walt Disney World to the University of California in San Francisco have laid off their tech employees and replaced them with H-1B visa holders.

The tech industry has argued that the H-1B programme is needed because it encourages students to stay in the US after getting degrees in high-tech specialties, and that they can not always find enough American workers with the skills they need.
Unarmed South Sudanese refugees demanding to be moved to a third country had captured 16 MONUSCO staff.

The United Nations says 16 staff members held hostage at a UN camp in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been released unharmed.

The UN peacekeeping department said in a statement late on Tuesday that the camp is quiet and under full control of its peacekeepers.

Unarmed South Sudanese refugees took the staff members hostage earlier on Tuesday at the Munigi base in Congos North Kivu province, demanding they be sent to another East African country to avoid their forced return to South Sudan, the UN Mission in Congo said.

Negotiations had continued into the evening.

The UN peacekeeping department said: All staff have returned safely to their homes. No casualties have been reported.

It said the mission is investigating the incident.

The captors were among 530 people who have been living in the Munigi base, outside Goma, since fleeing South Sudan last August, UN Goma bureau head Daniel Ruiz told the Reuters news agency.





Most of them are former fighters loyal to ex-Vice President Riek Machar, who have clashed with President Salva Kiirs forces since July 2016.

The UN estimates about three million South Sudanese have been uprooted by the violence in their country, the biggest cross-border exodus in Africa since the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Ruiz said the camp occupants had been demanding to be moved to a third country for months, but no one would take them.

On Friday, eight of them agreed to be repatriated to South Sudans capital Juba. Others fear going back and are frustrated at being confined in the tiny camp in DRC.

Theyre [the captors] saying if the eight were transferred to South Sudan, why shouldnt we be able to go to a third country? Ruiz said.

Civil war broke out in South Sudan in 2013, after Kiir sacked Machar from the vice presidency.

That conflict ended in a peace pact in 2015 and Machar was reinstated early last year, but tensions between the two men lingered and finally erupted into new fighting in July.
French foreign minister says Air Algerie plane carrying 116 people had probably crashed after disappearing over Mali.

France has said it will do all it can to find the wreckage of a passenger jet carrying 116 people which is believed to have crashed in Mali after disappearing from radar.

The plane, designated AH5017, disappeared from radar on Thursday over northern Mali while on a flight from Burkina Faso to Algeria. It was carrying mainly French and Burkina Faso citizens.

The French foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, said the plane had probably crashed, while the French president, Francois Hollande, said his government would use all military means in Mali to help in the search for the plane.

Two French fighter jets are among aircraft scouring the north of Mali for the wreckage, and France has hundred of troops stationed in Mali after defeating an al-Qaeda-linked rebellion last year.

The flight, scheduled by Air Algerie and operated by the Spanish private company Swiftair, was flying in heavy rain, according to reports.

The head of the emergency investigation into the flight said a witness saw a plane falling in the region of Goss in the northern part of Mali.

A witness informed us they had seen the plane falling at 1.50am [GMT], said Gilbert Diendiere, a general in charged of a crisis unit in Ouagadougou trying and find the jet.

Plane passed inspection

Meanwhile, a French aviation watchdog said the plane was checked two or three days ago and was in good condition.

Patrick Gandil, the head of the French civil aviation authority, said the plane passed through Marseille days ago.

We examined it and we found almost nothing, it was really in good condition, he said.

The flight path of the plane from Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso to Algiers was not immediately clear. Ougadougou is in a nearly straight line south of Algiers, passing over Mali where unrest continues in the north.

Northern Mali fell under control of ethnic Tuareg separatists and then al-Qaeda-linked fighters following a military coup in 2012.

The French-led intervention in 2012-13 scattered the al-Qaeda groups, but the Tuaregs have pushed back against the authority of the Bamako-based government.

A senior French official said it seems unlikely that fighters in Mali had the kind of weaponry that could shoot down a plane.
Last March, Gail Hodge hoped for a good harvest. But within a month, 40 percent of her family farms watermelon crops had gone bad.

Sometimes its not an issue, the Hodge Farms co-owner said. Other times, it can be devastating.

Over the past five to seven years, Fusarium wilt, a deadly watermelon disease caused by a pathogen in the soil, has increasingly appeared in farms throughout North Central

Florida, said Nicholas Dufault, a UF Institute of Food and Agricultural and Sciences assistant professor.

With summer approaching, farmers looking to harvest their crops are once again faced with the disease.

Florida is among the top four watermelon-producing states in the U.S., according to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Centers website.

Until a feasible solution is found, Hodge said her family will put more attention into other crops and cattle  or move to find uninfected soil.

Researchers and growers can use a process called grafting to cure the disease. Squash rootstock, often unaffected by the soil-born disease, can be merged with a scion plant for resistant watermelons to be grown from them, said Xin Zhao, a UF IFAS associate professor.

But solutions like grafting are expensive and can cost up to four times as much as planting watermelons normally, she said.

Dufault said hes optimistic that he and other researchers will find a solution, but he said the pathogen will only continue to evolve.

Well always be looking to ways to fight this disease, he said.

Zion Barber, left, Jacob Musselwhite and Colton Crane, right, sink their teeth into pieces of watermelon during the watermelon-eating contest at the 65th annual Newberry Watermelon Festival at the Canterbury Equestrian Showplace in 2010.

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After a man intimidated two members of UFs African American studies program, students and faculty attended a teach-in on Monday to heal and educate others about black history.

Members of the program discussed Black Thursday, a sit-in demonstration organized by the Black Student Union on April 15, 1971, to express its discontent with the university.

About 40 people gathered on Turlington Plaza for the 45-minute talk, which happened days after police removed a man from campus who had been expressing racist views and preventing two faculty members from leaving their office. The man, Thomas Kelly, was banned from campus.

Patricia Hilliard-Nunn, an African American studies professor, said she planned the teach-in to commemorate the recent 46th anniversary of Black Thursday, not because of the confrontation.

We just want to teach and move on, she said.

During the talk, professors spoke about how students in 1971 refused to leave former UF President Stephen C. OConnells office after he would not listen to their demands regarding the universitys treatment of black students and faculty.

The protest ended in the arrest of 66 students, 60 of whom were placed on academic probation, according to UFs website.

African American studies program Director Sharon Austin, one of the women Kelly confronted, said the incident shows the need to educate people about the African-American community.

Everyone benefits from diversity, not just people of color, she said.

Since the beginning of the semester, UF has been the scene of several racially charged incidents on campus, including the discovery of a noose in a auditorium and the knocking down of the sign in front of Walker Hall, which houses the African American studies program.

UF President Kent Fuchs in a campus-wide email on Monday condemned Thursdays incident.

There is no room for threats and fear tactics on our campus, he wrote.

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Contact Paige Fry at pfry@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @paigexfry

Patricia Hilliard-Nunn, an adjunct associate professor for UF's department of African American studies addresses ways in which black students and faculty want increased presence on campus. Some of the priorities she listed include actively recruiting 500 more black students, increasing the number of black faculty and establishing a department of minority affairs at the university.
Fewer than two months after Smith Meyers arrest for allegedly pushing down two motorcycles while drunk on Spring Break, he is set to take office as UFs Student Body president on Wednesday.

On March 7, Key West Police arrested Meyers on a charge of criminal mischief at about 2 a.m. after a witness reported seeing Meyers, 22, drunkenly attempt to start and knock over two Harley-Davidson motorcycles, according to an arrest report.

In footage of the arrest, Meyers appears to strike a witness.

Eight days after he takes office, Meyers is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment.

Christina Cory, a state attorney prosecutor on the case, said she pushed back previous arraignments three times to pin down the exact cost of damages from the incident.

I wanted to have a better idea of which direction this case is headed and know kind of what were looking at for restitution, Cory said in a voicemail.

Cory could not be reached for further comment.

The owners of the motorcycles said Meyers caused at least $6,000 in damages, according to Alligator archives.

Meyers did not respond to multiple attempts for comment.

On April 12, Meyers pled not guilty to the charges and asked for a jury trial, according to Monroe County court documents.

UF law professor Kenneth Nunn said during an arraignment, defendants are presented with charges and the cost of damages.

Nunn said its standard for defendants to plead not guilty at first appearance because no evidence has been presented.

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Nunn said Meyers will likely plead not guilty again at the arraignment and request a trial date.

My guess is Mr. Meyers does not have a criminal record, so this would be his first-time offense, Nunn said. Most likely, hes going to wind up with something called a deferred prosecution agreement.

The agreement is a contract between the defendant and the state, where the defendant agrees to pay a fee, complete community service and/or go on probation in exchange for the prosecution to stop pursuing the case, Nunn said.

In the agreement, the prosecutor could require Meyers to step down from Student Body president or be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, but Nunn said thats not likely.

In a statement following his arrest, Meyers apologized for representing UF negatively and promised to be as transparent as possible.

Since then, he has declined further comment.

Valentina Varela, a 21-year-old UF psychology senior, said she doesnt mind that Meyers was arrested.

As long as he learns to control himself in the future, especially since hes more in the UF public eye, then its fine, she said.

But Diana Fridel, a 23-year-old UF fine arts junior, said she felt uncomfortable with Meyers taking office while going through legal procedures. She said his arrest questions his trustworthiness.

I think its a lot on his plate, if he is going to school, taking office and dealing with the legal issues, she said. Its a lot for anyone to handle.

Contact Paige Fry at pfry@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @paigexfry
Were not going to wait until the end of this editorial to cut to the chase, so here it is: UF needs to do more than just condemn hate after the fact.

Following seven racially charged incidents on UFs campus this semester, the Alligator has reported on all of the incidents  and the subsequent condemnations by UFs administration and UF President Kent Fuchs. It has become almost routine.

Weimer Hall. Turlington Plaza. Anderson Hall. Beaty Towers East. Walker Hall. McCarty B. And now Walker Hall again.

Since the new year, every single month has brought along with it a new incident. April got its first last week.

For those who dont know, a man was trespassed from campus Thursday after he confronted two members of the universitys African American studies program in their ofce and expressed support for a racist ideology while blockading the offices door.

See the updated story here.

Four days later, Fuchs released a statement calling for a campus with no room for threats and fear tactics.

While were glad UF is at least acknowledging these incidents, it feels like thats all they are doing. And while we can understand the university trying to be politically correct in its response to this, it comes off as lackluster and contradictory.

Calls for diversity and inclusion mean little if these incidents are still happening and at an alarming rate. We cant think of another university in Florida  even the country  that has been the scene of incident after incident, every month this year without fail.

What would have happened if the man who trapped the two UF faculty members in their office Thursday had a weapon? What if he had been there with violent intent? We hate speculating, but with a racially charged climate both across the nation and on our own university, we cannot turn a blind eye to what happened Thursday. Or what could have happened.

Our campus should be a haven for everyone, including faculty and staff. But when one of our own feels threatened, we must reevaluate what we are doing to fix it. Security measures have been taken to let the staff at Walker Hall feel more safe, but why is it more reactive than proactive?

We cant allow the situation to escalate to the point where real people are in real danger; we cannot let UF become another headline.

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UF has taken steps toward addressing increased tension, with Fuchs holding a town hall meeting last month to address concerns from black students and UF colleges hiring inclusion officers.

But more needs to be done. UF must acknowledge the unique and troubling situation it finds itself in. It cannot risk to bury these incidents as isolated. There is a clear pattern in play here, and there is no easy solution.

We suggest Fuchs and other school officials, including members of Student Government, host additional town hall meetings to listen to students and faculty members from all backgrounds as a way to foster inclusion and build community. Faculty members and students should receive training on how to deal with these incidents if they continue happening, and it appears they will.

We also suggest replacing What is the Good Life?, a mandatory course for incoming students, with a course centered on diversity, inclusion and the history of minority experience in the U.S.

But suggestions are powerless unless they get into the right hands. We urge you to organize, collaborate and let your voices be heard. Email or call in your complaints and suggestions to the people who have the power to implement change.

People like Fuchs, incoming Student Body President Smith Myers  who will be sworn into office on Wednesday  and Dean of Students Jen Day Shaw are beholden to you.

Keep them accountable.
I dont know if you have been lucky enough to see one of those liberal In This House, We Believe virtue-signalling yard signs. In my rich-bitch Seattle neighborhood they are spreading like crabgrass.

But then I thought: I can play this game. I have catch phrases coming out the ying-yang. So here is my prototype yard sign.

"IN THIS SCHOOL OF LIFE, WE LEARN"

That's what I start out with, to contrast with the #WeBelieve sign and its liberal conceit. As though there was no argument about its facile slogans. But life is a process; we conservatives learn from our mistakes as we go along. We hope.

GOVERNMENT IS FORCE

Government is not nice liberal librarians; it is men with guns, just like United Airlines last week. All those nice compassionate programs are funded by FY 2017s $7.0 trillion in government revenue, according to usgovernmentrevenue.coms guesstimate. Those monies were collected by force, and then dispensed by majority vote. And so, Americans are forced to send their children to government schools, forced to enroll in the governments retirement program, forced to enroll in the governments health program for seniors if they want to get their government pension. Warning: do not ever suggest to a liberal librarian that her government pension might be too high.

POLITICS IS DIVISION

The whole point of practical politics is to rile up your supporters against the danger of the other guys getting into power: in other words, to divide the country in two. Then there are the liberal activists. Their whole schtick is to demonize as the Other People that dont repeat-after-me the approved opinion on the political issues raised in the #WeBelieve signs. Kindness is Everything. Really? So who are those haters yelling Racist, Sexist, Homophobe?

PROTEST IS POSTURING

I was at dance performance on Saturday and an ageing liberal lady said that she was turning to protest. Please. The whole leftist protest culture is the liberal ruling class -- and its little darlings that right now include rich liberal women, left-wing blacks, La Raza Latinos, lefty LGBTQetc, and Muslims -- enacting fake revolution in front of friendly liberal media cameras. Others need not apply; they are violent extremists.

"SYSTEM IS DOMINATION"

I got this one from lefty rich kids Horkheimer and Adorno in their Dialectic of Enlightenment. They wrote: "What men want to learn from nature is how to use it in order wholly to dominate it and other men." No kidding, Max and Ted! So when you talk about our health-care system or our education system you are right away talking about your domination.

"CREATIVITY IS HAVING CHILDREN"

Among the more evolved and educated among us there has grown up a cult of creativity. To participate in an original creation of a work of art, or science, or activism, is the highest form of life, and only the best need apply. In fact, of course, everyone, even the meanest among us, can participate in the wonder of creation, just by having children. It is telling that the initiates of the cult of creativity, who I call the People of the Creative Self, rather tend to devalue the ordinary miracle of children. They get all creative about sex except when it comes to the creation of children.

"SCIENCE HAS A PROBLEM"

The #WeBelieve yard sign says Science is Real. I dealt with the ignorance in that statement in an American Thinker piece here.

We must every day remember that science has a problem, in every sense. The first, from F.S.C Northrop, is that knowledge begins with a problem. So science doesnt even start until it has a problem. Second, in the sense applied by Horkheimer and Adorno above, science easily leads to domination, of nature and people. But sciences real problem is its easy virtue. Sciences whoring after grants often results in bad science and worse government.

"MIGRATION IS INVASION"

You can say that "no human is illegal" all you want, but migration is dangerous. Ask the folks on the receiving end of the northwestern Europeans that migrated all around the world starting in about 1492. In our time the left has made a scandal out of European migration, calling it colonialism. In other words, Europeans migrating and invading all across the world is bad. But now the rest of the world wants to migrate to the West, and that is good. Explain that to me, Sherlock.

"GOD IS NOT MOCKED"

I dont know the answer to the fundamental mystery about "the meaning of life, the universe, and everything." But I believe that whatever silly signs we post in front of our homes, whatever silly ideas we post on our blogs, whatever the lying talking points we spout on the nightly news, God is not mocked.

Christopher Chantrill @chrischantrill runs the go-to site on US government finances, usgovernmentspending.com. Also see his American Manifesto and get his Road to the Middle Class.
The Trump administration sanctioned Irans prison system for torturous interrogations, forced interrogations, and widespread mistreatment of inmates, on April 15. It may seem a tiny step in the way of stopping Iranian regimes human rights abuses against its own citizens but it certainly is significant as a change. It also deals a major blow to the perpetrators. The mullah regimes survival strategy - from its first day - revolves around total suppression at home coupled with spreading Islamic fundamentalism abroad which simply translates into exporting terrorism to neighboring countries and beyond.

In deciding to deal with the Iranian regimes human rights violations and the nuclear deal with Iran, the Obama administration went after the latter alone although at the end of day the nuclear deal was not a success. The Trump administration hit a nerve by leveling sanctions on none other than Qassem Soleimanis brother, Sohrab, the head of Irans prison system. Qassem Solemani is the chief of Islamic Revolutionarys Guard Corps (IRGC)-Quds Force, responsible for carrying out operations on behalf of the regimes suspicious activities in Syria, Iraq and Yemen just to name a few. Sohrab Suleimani is a senior official in the prison system in Iran.

A senior official on the White House National Security Council told the Washington Free Beacon that the Soleimani family has a history of fomenting violence and unrest both inside and outside Iran.

The same official said:

"It's no coincidence that Sohrab Suleimani is the brother of the notorious Qassem Soleimani, the head of the IRGC's Quds Forces, who has been responsible for so much of the violent disruption Iran has been spreading through the region." "There has been a disturbing and significant increase in the number of detentions and executions of Iranian citizens under President Rouhani, and the infamous Evin Prison under Sohrab Suleimani's control has been a key facility in this program of domestic repression," the official said.

The new designation highlights the existence of Evin Prison, built in 1972 as a symbol of the fearsome power of the state. The prison is intended to send chills down one's spine; to terrify those potential prisoners of conscience just from the thought of spending a single night in the place. During the early days of its opening under the Shahs notorious SAVAK security organs (the Shahs secret police), ordinary Iranian citizens with university-aged children would often joke that we dont want our kids to end up in Evins Hotel by speaking out against the government. In the early days of 1979 Revolution, the fledgling mullahs regime, thinking of capitalizing on public ire for the place in their favor, promised that Evin would soon be turned into a museum for future generations to showcase the cruelty of the Shahs regime. However, after almost four decades of mullahs rule, the brutal edifice is standing and even more appallingly, stories are still leaking out of it. Many of the 30,000 political prisoners executed in the summer of 1988 spent years in Evin. Some, either by accident or some other miracle escaped the fate of their fellow inmates, wrote about their chilling firsthand experiences in that prison.

Within the walls of this dungeon there are gruesome stories to tell of human rights and student activists, men, women, and, at times, small children, (jailed with their mothers) spending time for speaking out against the regime. One story belongs to Gholamreza Khosravi. He served an accumulated prison term of 12 years for simply for donating money to Iranian main oppositions satellite TV-Simay Asadi (PMOI/MEK). He was held for 40 months in solitary detention before his execution on June 1, 2014. Many U.S. citizens have also been held as hostages in Evin prison under false pretenses of espionage and were released after ransoms of some kind were paid. A recent case in point was the cash payment made by the Obama administration in return for the release of four Americans held in Irans Evin prison and released on the day the nuclear deal with the Iranian regime was finalized.

John E. Smith, director of the Treasury Department's Official of Foreign Assets Control, said in a statement:

"Today's designations highlight our continued support for the Iranian people and demonstrate our commitment to hold the Government of Iran responsible for its continued repression of its own citizens."

He added:

"We will continue to identify, call out, and sanction those who are responsible for serious human rights abuses in Iran." "We continue to see Government of Iran officials engage in repressive behavior against its own citizens, including through their mistreatment and abuse of prisoners," the document states.

"This is especially evident at Evin Prison, which is where numerous prisoners of conscience are held. We have documented these and many other human rights abuses perpetrated by the government of Iran in our annual State Department authored Human Rights, Religious Freedom, and trafficking in persons reports."

So far, the world has been busy finding ways to stop the mullahs from getting their hands on a nuclear warhead. No one in his right mind can argue with that, but the deal reached went too far and lost focus of the bigger picture with Iran. The Obama administrations near fixation with getting the nuclear deal signed with the mullahs at any cost made it overlook other - equally serious, if not more serious - issues with the regime such as Iran's destructive role in the region and its trampling of the human rights of its own citizens at home.

Sanctioning the Iranian regime for treatment of its citizen is no doubt a step in the right direction, not only for aiding the struggling people in the country but for calming the region and it definitely will help the fight against ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

Since the beginning of new administration in the White House, the ruling mullahs in Tehran - despite their occasional whining over the U.S. government slapping down new sanctions for its missile tests - have never reacted extremely against Trump - that is, until April 15. The regimes foreign ministry spokesman, Bahram Ghassemi, slammed the decision and said, Washington was not in a position to hold others accountable for rights violations. He added: These measures and unilateral and bullying sanctions are illegitimate according to repeated United Nations resolutions and they have a negative impact on improving human rights. Ghassemi also argued that the new sanctions were politically-motivated and illegal.

The new sanctions leveled on Iranian regime hit where it really hurts. The mullahs not only feel the heat with U.S. airstrikes last week on its closest ally, Bashar Al-Assad in Syria for killing his own citizens with Sarin gas - no doubt with Irans blessings - the Iranian people now feel that they are not alone in their struggle for freedom.

Reza Shafiee is a member of Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI)
History is always relevant if were willing to learn from it. A good example is the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo Japan on April 18, 1942. By way of quick background, the United States was forced into World War II after the surprise Japanese attack on our naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Japan had been aggressively moving against other countries in the Pacific realm for several years, taking territory and raw materials to satisfy its expansionist aims. The Japanese correctly saw the U.S. Pacific Fleet, stationed at Pearl, as the biggest threat to their continued activities and so devised a plan to mount a surprise attack on Dec. 7, 1941 against our forces. The surprise worked. The attack sank or disabled eight of the nine battleships in the Fleet (only the USS Pennsylvania, in dry dock, escaped major damage), destroyed dozens of aircraft on the ground and killed over 2,300 U.S. military and civilian personnel, all for the loss of only 29 Japanese aircraft.

The following day, Dec. 8, 1941, the Japanese attacked our main air base in the western Pacific, Clark Field in the Philippines, destroying dozens of U.S. fighters and bombers on the ground, effectively neutralizing our military strength in that region. Therefore, in less than two days, the Japanese dealt the U.S. military two huge defeats, setting the stage for the fall of the Philippines and leaving the entire Pacific essentially unprotected from Japanese attack.

What is less known but unquestionably just as significant as the dual attacks on Pearl Harbor and Clark Field is the Japanese sinking of the British warships Repulse and Prince of Wales in the South China Sea, just three days after Pearl Harbor, on Dec. 10, 1941. The British had dispatched significant naval forces to protect their interests in the Pacific, especially then-colony Singapore, from Japanese aggression. Britain, although a relatively small country in terms of land mass and population, had long been among the worlds pre-eminent naval powers. From Admiral Nelsons many decisive victories in the late 1700s-early 1800s (culminating with his defeat of Napoleons fleet off of Trafalgar in 1805) to Admiral Jellicoes leading the British Grand Fleet in all-out battleship warfare against the Germans' High Seas Fleet at Jutland in 1916, to the powerful mastery of the seas enjoyed by the Royal Navy right through the beginning of World War II, British naval tradition was a source of national pride and identity, very much part of the fabric of their culture.

Only seven months prior (in May 1941), Prince of Wales had played a central role in one of the greatest wartime triumphs ever achieved by Britain: the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck. The Bismarcka fast, modern, heavily-armed shipwas intended to be a North Atlantic commerce and cargo ship raider. If it managed to break out into the vast undefended expanse of the North Atlantic, it would be free to extract potentially crippling losses from the nation-saving material assistance coming over to England by convoy from the U.S. Sink the Bismarck! became a national rallying cry in Britain in May 1941, as the deadly German ship attempted to make its way into the open waters of the Atlantic.

The Brits sank it, and the Prince of Wales played a major part, inflicting the initial damage on the Bismarck that led to its eventual demise. If ever an inanimate objecta warshipcould become a national hero, the Prince of Wales did.

As stunned and shocked as America was after Pearl Harbor and Clark Field, Britains response was one of utter disbelief and horrified astonishment over the sinking of Repulse and Prince of Wales. As 1941 turned into 1942, the Philippines were falling to the Japanese in yet another humiliating defeat for America, Britain was deadlocked in a bitter struggle of attrition against the Germans in North Africa and Germany was inflicting incredible casualties on the Russians on the Eastern front.

The alliesled by America and Britainwere losing everywhere. Morale was low. Eventual victory seemed impossible. Something needed to be done. A bold, unexpected stroke to rock Japan back on its heels and give a beleaguered public something to cheer about.

President Roosevelt and Army Air Corps Lt. Colonel James Doolittle came up with a daring plan: Strike Japan from the air, using carrier-launched planes. Attack Tokyo, right over the heart of Japan, when Japan was at its militarily-invincible height. In a stroke of immeasurable luck, Americas aircraft carriers were not at Pearl Harbor at the time of the Japanese attack. They were out at sea on maneuvers. In a stroke of immeasurable strategic shortsightedness, Japanese Admiral Yamamoto elected to withdraw his forces back to Japan instead of ordering a follow-up strike, in spite of the fact that Pearls air cover was gone. A follow-up attack could well have finished off the U.S. Navy completely, since the carriers returned to Pearl later that day.

But the Japanese didnt strike again and Americas carrier force was intact. So the plan was this: assemble a task force centered around the carrier USS Hornet and sail towards Japan. Once the force was about 400 miles away, theyd launch their planes and then reverse direction for a fast escape.

The Navy had no planes that could fly 400 miles to Japan, then fly several hundred more into China, where the plan was theyd land in more-or-less friendly territory and the crews would then somehow make it back home.

Doolittle decided to use 16 twin-engined Army B-25 medium bombers to fly off the Hornet. The B-25 had the range and payload capability that was needed for the mission, far in excess of any Navy plane then in service. Flying a large two-engine medium bomber off a carriers deck had never been done before. The crews of five practiced for weeks on land airstrips painted to the Hornets dimensions. The B-25s themselves were stripped of all unnecessary weight to make the task easier: The bottom gun turret was removed, the upper and side guns were taken out and replaced with wooden broomsticks painted black to look like guns, the heavy precision Norden bombsight was removed and replaced by a lighter, simpler device, and extra fuel tanks were installed to extend the planes range.

En route to target, the ships encountered a Japanese fishing trawler about 800 miles out from Japan. (Different reports over the years have put this distance anywhere from 170 miles beyond the 400 mile out launch point570 miles outto 400 miles short of the launch point800 miles out.) The boat was quickly sunk by gunfire from an accompanying U.S escort cruiser, but there was no way to determine if the trawler was just a harmless fishing vessel or a radio-equipped spy ship disguised to look like a fishing boat. Unsure if their cover had been blown,Doolittles planes either had to launch immediately or the task force had to turn around.

All 80 of the B-25 crews said, We go now! Not a single dissent among the group, all of whom had volunteered for what was almost certainly a suicide mission.

Incredibly, all 16 planesheavily-laden with fuel and bombstook off successfully and headed towards Japan. They achieved complete surprise, struck a factory complex and flew away towards China without a single loss. It was a total success and the Japanese military planners and public alike were indeed awestruck and rocked back on their heels. Not even five months after Pearl Harbor, amidst never-ending catastrophic news from every front around the world, American boldness and unfathomable bravery struck a blow for the allies and their people, lifting the morale and spirits of everyone, everywhere, to an incalculable degree.

This was presidential leadership at its finest. Roosevelt understood the need for our country, and the British too, to have a victory, to buttress the will of the people to go on fighting, to end the string of bad news. The Doolittle mission didnt accomplish anything of great material significancethe number of planes was too few, their bomb loads too smalland the idea of risking the loss of an invaluable American carrier task force for what was, in all candor, simply a publicity stunt was total lunacy, from both a logical and strategic standpoint.

However, rallying public support behind a difficult nationally-shared concern of major import is as important a task as a president has. George W. Bush was able to garner similar support and enthusiasm when he stood among the 9/11 ruins with a bullhorn and said, ..and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon! Presidents Kennedy and Reagan were similarly and legitimately inspirational, any number of times.

But recent presidents seem instead to get caught in the lower-level minutia-du-jour, whether its saying that a local town police force acted stupidly or proclaiming that a hoodie-wearing troublemaker could be my son, or sending out electronic communications regarding an individuals physical appearance. Its been awhile since weve heard a president lead a rally for public support of a great national scientific effort or deliver a reassuringly-fatherly address after a national emergency or tragedy. How long has it been since a president has presented the country with a reasoned, logical, non-condescending explanation of why the country is about to embark on a difficult course that will result in the betterment of our situation in the long run?

History is a good teacher. Roosevelts decision to green-light the seemingly illogical Doolittle Raid serves as an excellent example of the sort of bold, big-picture, for-national-benefit actions a president should take. Actions that today seem to get lost too often in the instantaneous chaos of media-driven small-minded partisan conflict.

EpitaphResults of the Doolittle Raid:

All 16 planes made it safely out of Japanese airspace, but being low on fuel because of the greater-than-planned flying distance, all crash-landed in either eastern China or eastern Russia. Three crewmembers were killed during the landings. Eight crewmen were captured by occupying Japanese soldiers in China; three were executed and five were imprisoned, one of whom died in captivity. The rest eventually made their way back and resumed their military service. Doolittle thought he was going to be court-martialed for losing all 16 planes and failing to get his crews home quickly, but instead, he received the Medal of Honor and a promotion to brigadier general when he returned home in June, 1942.

Sources:

Famous Bombers of the Second World War,  1960 William Green, Doubleday & Co.

Airwar,  1971 Edward Jablonski, Doubleday & Co.

Air Force  1957 Martin Caidin, Bramhall House

American Combat Planes  1982 Ray Wagner, Doubleday & Co.

The Two Ocean War  1963 Samuel Elliot Morrison, Little-Brown

 2017 Steve Feinstein. All Rights Reserved.
Armenians and Jews of Florida will mark commemorate Yom HaShoah and Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day by organizing the screening of the critically acclaimed film Denial.

April 18, 2017, 17:22 Armenians and Jews of Florida to jointly commemorate Armenian Genocide and Holocaust

STEPANAKERT, APRIL 18, ARTSAKHPRESS: The event is organized by Congregation Bnai Israel and the Armenian Genocide Commemoration, Armenian Weekly reported.

The Armenian and Jewish communities have a shared historical pain. Our religions may be different, but our stories are the same. Families broken apart and slaughtered in campaigns of ethnic cleansing that took millions of lives from us, an uprooting of a people and a way of life, our survival and that we have not only survived but thrived, and a vow to remember and never forget commented Arsine Kaloustian, the Chair of Armenian Genocide Commemoration, Inc. We also share the vigilance against any denial of these atrocities, which makes the theme of the film so relevant for both communities, she added.

Local Armenian and Jewish community leaders will then deliver brief remarks and discuss the importance of the film. After the film screening, the evening will conclude with an interfaith candlelit prayer service from local religious leaders.

We human beings, created in the divine image, have a Godly responsibility to speak out and act against the atrocity of the extermination of any people because of their race, religion, or ethnicity. Too often people are complicit in their silence against those who would deny such a holocaust. The lessons of history must be studied and learned so that we might chart a better course for humanity. It does not do justice to our Godly responsibilities to ignore, deny, or reframe human history, stated Rabbi Robert A. Silvers of Congregation Bnai Israel.
Last month, Fox News regular Judge Andrew Napolitano claimed that President Obama and his cronies used British intelligence to spy on then candidate Donald Trump. That certainly caused a stir among the higher-ups at Fox News. A week later the outspoken judge was suspended from Fox.

More specifically, Judge Napolitano accused the Obama administration of doing an end run around the U.S. intelligence community, using GCHQ, the British spy agency, to do its dirty work. GCHQ has unfettered access to the NSA database. Meaning that the Brits could request transcripts of conversations between the Trump campaign and any foreign players, then pass those transcripts on to the Obama inner circle. Leaving President Obama, Susan Rice, and others with deniability and no fingerprints on this domestic spying scheme.

The Fakestream Media was outraged. Even Fox News own truth-detector Shepard Smith was having none of his colleagues claims, saying, "Fox News knows of no evidence of any kind that the now-president of the United States was surveilled at any time in any way. Full stop."

As it turns out, Sheps full stop was only a speed bump. Judge Napolitano was right after all, as reported in of all places, CNN.

British and other European intelligence agencies intercepted communications between associates of Donald Trump and Russian officials and other Russian individuals during the campaign and passed on those communications to their US counterparts US congressional and law enforcement and US and European intelligence sources tell CNN.

It goes beyond the Brits, extending to the Five Eyes agreement which also includes Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, which all share intelligence collection and dissemination. What it looks like is that four of our allies were spying on the Trump campaign, either at the direct request or implied desire of the Obama administration.

The Guardian goes further, reporting that Germany, Estonia, Poland, France, and the Netherlands also spied on Trump and shared their findings with Obama.

How ironic that the media and the left are obsessing over Russian interference in our electoral process, and despite over a year of investigations, turned up no evidence of Trump-Russian collusion. Yet here are many supposed allies, spying on American citizens in effort to influence a U.S. election, likely at the request of President Obama or his administration, as a means of circumventing the legal prohibition of American intelligence agencies spying on its own citizens.

Perhaps legal, as when parsing words in the manner of Bill Clinton, but certainly an abuse of power. The question is why?

Its no surprise that the smart set in the Five Eyes countries were against Donald Trump and hoped he would lose the election. As one of many examples, an editorial in the New Zealand Herald, the NY Times of the Southern Hemisphere, opined, It was unimaginable that such a dangerous buffoon could defeat a qualified, whip-smart, sane candidate.

It was indeed unimaginable that Trump would win the election. The Fakestream Media in the U.S., through their rigged polls and myopic worldview, were all convinced that Hillary Clinton would win. In a landslide. Whether the Huffington Post, Real Clear Politics, wunderkind Nate Silver, or the network news polls, all were predicting a Clinton landslide win, giving her a 90 plus percent chance of victory. At least up until about 9 P.M. on election night.

Undoubtedly the foreign media, including the spying countries mentioned above, saw and believed U.S. reporting that Clinton would cruise to an easy electoral victory. The Obama administration certainly did, which is why they ignored supposed Russian hacking. At least until voters punched back on election day.

Why spy on Donald Trump, the buffoon, the unqualified, stupid, insane candidate who had no chance of winning the election? There was no need to influence the election since it was over, a predetermined and certain outcome of Madame President. Let me suggest a reason.

Foreign governments contributed generously to the Clinton Foundation. Such as Qatars $1 million contribution in honor of Bill Clintons birthday. Fine for Qatar but perhaps unseemly for Canada, UK, Australia, France, New Zealand, or the Dutch to make such a contribution. Suppose they made a different type of contribution to the Clintons? No quid pro quo but an effort to get on the good side of Madam Presidents upcoming administration.

If Trump was destined to lose the election, as everyone expected, what good would Trump campaign conversation transcripts be to Hillary Clinton? Trump would slink back to reality TV and beauty pageants, irrelevant to the reign of Queen Hillary. What if foreign country snooping went well beyond Trump?

Despite much of the GOP establishment actively campaigning against their partys nominee, there would undoubtedly be interesting conversations among Republican members of Congress and the Trump campaign, or between #NeverTrumpers discussing the campaign.

Who knows the extent of this snooping? How many conversations were vacuumed up, not to help the Clinton campaign, but instead as useful tidbits to use as needed during the upcoming Clinton administration?

What if conversations of Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, or John McCain were captured by NSA, accessed by GCHQ, shared with Five Eyes and other countries, then passed on to the new Clinton administration to be leaked to the Washington Post at an opportune moment? Great leverage against Republican legislators to do Madam Presidents bidding, whether a Supreme Court nominee or a controversial piece of legislation.

Outrageous? Remember Filegate? This is the same Clinton administration that, had been regularly pulling the files from the F.B.I. on hundreds of Republicans -- ostensibly for security clearance, but including hundreds of former Reagan and Bush appointees never being considered for jobs.

What Judge Napolitanos revelation, now confirmed, suggests that foreign allies might have been making contributions to Hillary Clinton, not in cash, but in something far more valuable: information. Perhaps obtained legally but clearly not ethically or honorably. They were betting on the come currying favor with the expected Clinton administration, offering up something money cant buy. Information.

Worthy of investigation. But not likely as the Fakestream Media prefers to chase the leprechauns of Trump-Russia collusion, even in the face of Trump sending 59 Tomahawk missiles into Putins adopted client state of Syria. Donald and Vlad as BFFs. Full stop.

Brian C Joondeph, MD, MPS, a Denver based physician and writer. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Senator Ted Cruz, one of the primary backers of the government shutdown in 2013 over Obamacare funding, says he's concerned that the radical Democratic left wants to obstruct Republicans and will work for its own government shutdown.

Texas Tribune:

Ted Cruz, no stranger himself to government funding fights, expressed concern Monday that the "Democratic radical left" would prompt a government shutdown in the coming weeks as Congress faces an April 28 deadline to pass a spending bill. "You know, I very much hope we don't have a shutdown," Cruz told reporters. "I will say Im concerned. I think [Senate Minority Leader] Chuck Schumer and the Democrats want a shutdown." Cruz had a starring role in the 2013 government shutdown, which lasted 16 days and was prompted over failed efforts by Republicans to defund the Affordable Care Act. Afterward, some Republicans blamed Cruz for helping instigate the shutdown without a realistic plan to prompt the Obama administration to blink on the issue. "You know, one of the dynamics weve got is the Democratic radical left is demanding of Senate Democrats that they oppose everything, that they engage in across-the-board obstruction," Cruz said Monday. "And so I do have some concern that to appease the radical left, Chuck Schumer and the Democrats may do everything they can to try to provoke a shutdown."

Forget the irony of Cruz warning against a government shutdown by Democrats, and look at his analysis. The reality is, there are going to be a lot of Republicans who will not vote for the spending bill being fashioned this week. Both Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McConnell are going to need at least some Democrat votes to keep the government operating.

But to get those votes, Republicans are going to have to cave on some important issues. Funding for the wall is out, as is cutting off funding for Planned Parenthood. There are other "no-go" issues that most Democrats will refuse to vote for, making a government shutdown likely unless the White House gives in and gives the Democrats what they want.

Asked Monday if he was willing to tie issues like funding for the border wall to the spending bill, Cruz said he believes Congress "should use the power of the purse, use appropriation, to implement good policy." However, he reserved judgment on which specific issues should be tied up in the legislation, saying he will wait until he reads the text of the bill. Cruz made the comments after touring air conditioner manufacturer Daikin's factory in Waller County, where he also held a town hall with employees. Speaking with reporters, Cruz reflected on the failure of House Republicans earlier this year to pass legislation repealing and replacing Obamacare as Congressional leaders consider their strategy on the next item on the Trump agenda: tax reform.

Cruz is hinting that if the GOP caves on important issues and give the Democrats what they want, there could be a conservative revolt that would make it virtually impossible to avoid a shutdown. The thinking here is that even giving Democrats everything they ask for, the opposition party will still look to embarrass President Trump and congressional Republicans by forcing a shutdown.

Unless President Trump can crack the whip and force reluctant conservatives to vote to keep the government operating, it appears we're headed for another government shutdown in the near future.
It couldn't happen to a nicer bunch: rather than succeed in getting California to break up with the union, the Calexit unicorn crowd has managed only to secede from itself, breaking up and going away mad.

It really was a stupid rabbit trail, born of the Silicon Valley left's bitterness at the election of Donald Trump. It was never a serious movement, mainly because it was never going to succeed  the Civil War pretty well put a stop to such an idea. But it didn't stop this childish temper tantrum of wanting to take up one's marbles after an undesired election outcome and just go home.

Now it seems that the people organizing it have gotten into fights, and their petition to put secession on the ballot has fallen by the wayside. Even Vladimir Putin has been thrown into the mix, with some characters or other saying Putin wants this and that his advocates for secession were Putin Puppets. RT News, of course, is on the job with that one.

Make no mistake: there is a disgusting problem in California with its one-party politics. The issue isn't Washington; it's Sacramento and its propensity for completely disenfranchising California's Central Valley as well as its southeast desert and northeast cascade counties  the boondocks, who never get any input in the affairs of the state. That's where the reform is needed. The Calexit crowd was nothing but a bunch of leftist bozos, absolutely sure that everyone in the state is as left-wing as they are, seeking as a majority to trample the rights of the minority by popular will. What is really needed is decentralization in this state  the kind that empowers all the counties, not just a tight little elite that wants it all for itself and is so insulated that it thinks everyone thinks just as its own members do.

Anyone surprised that these self-absorbed, hot-tubbing navel-gazers managed to secede only from themselves?
According to a recent news report, California has adopted a policy of increased leniency toward criminals. Unsurprisingly, violent crime in that state has significantly increased. Could anyone fail to make the connection between the leniency and the increased violence? Unfortunately, yes. Liberals and progressives have many talents, and cognitive dissonance is one of them. Indeed, without it, progressive liberalism would soon cease to exist.

It is a well known law of economics that the more one rewards something, the more of it one gets, and the converse is also true. The less one punishes criminality  murder, robbery, rape, and the like  the more of it is produced. So why do liberals persist in their fantasies, despite the overwhelming body of facts that would persuade any sane policy-maker that the fantasies are wrong?

The reason is that liberal ideology holds that humans are by nature good  or at the worst, neutral, a blank slate upon which society programs our behaviors. Liberals are convinced that, if only the right people in power make the right policies, then the masses of ordinary folk will behave altruistically, tolerantly, and benevolently.

This is contrary to the worldview by which the Founders shaped our Constitution. They instituted a system of checks and balances, the purpose of which was not to enhance man's supposed inherent niceness to each other, but rather to restrain our evil impulses.

In Genesis 8:21 we are taught that "every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood." This is such a powerful statement that many people, even many people of faith, recoil from it. What about the innocent little babies?

Nevertheless, it is a belief that is far more productive than its opposite. It is comparable to the Russian proverb "trust but verify," which President Reagan cleverly turned against the Russians when he demanded that Russian compliance with weapons limitation treaties be subject to close inspections.

Compare that to Barack Obama's "trust, just trust" principle, which allowed Iran to become a nuclear threat to the world.

To be sure, prisons do not turn mean, vicious individuals into reformed paragons of virtue. The very term penitentiary is a misnomer in that regard. But they do serve at least two useful purposes. The most obvious is that they separate criminals from their would-be victims. The other purpose is that they deter some  okay, only some  people from committing some  okay, only some  crimes. But one innocent person spared from becoming a victim is worth the imprisonment of a thousand guilty predators.

Maddeningly, liberals claim that their policies are compassionate and humane. They turn deaf ears to the victims and their families  victims who are punished by the liberal policies of leniency toward violent offenders.

There seems always to be yet another billion dollars to be spent on illegal aliens; on welfare for immigrant populations who hate us; and for abortions, "sex reassignment" surgery, and teaching Ebonics to illiterate victims of the public education system. But spending money on affirmative crime control  instead of on unconstitutional gun control  is too often out of the question, if one questions liberals.

Many improvements could be made in our criminal justice system. It is sadly true that innocent people get convicted while guilty persons walk free. Those problems deserve attention and money.

But those problems will not be solved by releasing known evil attackers from their cages, to send yet more citizens to the prisons of death and loss of loved ones.

None of this will make any sense whatsoever to progressives. After all, their every inclination is toward evil, a fact they attribute only to us, not themselves.
The sad sack Democratic Party, lacking any viable plan for 2018, is once again featuring Bernie Sanders, who is headlining a six-day, seven-state "unity" tour labeled "Come Together and Fight Back," thehill.com reports.

Underlining the Democrats' desperation, one Clinton supporter says running Sanders out as the face of the party is the "Bernie Band-Aid tour: We'll slap him over our problems but fundamentally change nothing."

Sanders is joining new Democratic National Committee chairman Tom Perez on the cross-country tour that began Monday in Maine's Second District, where Donald Trump won his sole Maine electoral vote, and will continue to red states such as Florida, Kentucky, and Utah.

Jim Stinson at lifezette.com writes:

The decision to highlight the Democrats' new subservience to the far-left by parading Sanders on a tour is not the only remarkable aspect of the Monday kickoff. The Democrats chose to start their tour in Maine. The normally liberal-to-moderate state has a famous independent streak, but now Democrats are worried if voters in the Pine Tree State are leaning away from them entirely.

Stinson quotes Corey Lewandowski, a "New England native" and former Trump campaign manager, on the stakes for the Democrats:

If [the Democrats] can't win there, there is no path forward.

Noting that Republicans face an uphill battle in most of New England, Stinson adds that "in Maine, Democrats have not won a statewide election in more than 10 years."

But Maine is not like the rest of New England, experts note. It is famously independent, and the rural part of Maine  and there is a lot of it  is not liberal. Still, the addition of [Republican Rep. Bruce] Poliquin to the New England congressional delegation in 2014 rattled Democrats. In 2016, Poliquin held on to his seat, despite a fierce campaign to unseat him.

A Maine Republican Party official says the Democrats "have a very weak bench" and that he "believes the far-left nature of Sanders and Perez will turn off voters outside of Portland, Maine's largest city."

Maine's Second District is but one small piece of a steep uphill climb for the Democrats in 2018. Jeremy Carl at nationalreview.com points to Roll Call's early 2018 election guide, which shows 212 "safe" Republican House seats and 179 "safe" Democrat House seats.

As Carl observes, the Democrats would have to hold all of their so-called tossup, lean, and likely seats and take all of the Republicans' tossup and lean seats, and then add eight of the thirteen Republican likely seats, in order to eke out a one-vote margin of 218 House seats.

Mr. Carl continues to the Senate:

But compared to their chances of taking the Senate, the House looks like electoral paradise for the Democratic party. Morning Consult has just released its 50 state polls, and it underscores the enormous shift that would have to happen for the Democrats to win that chamber. ... Electorally, the GOP is in a fantastic spot, having to defend just nine of the 34 Senate seats up in 2018, and in each of those nine seats, the GOP candidate is listed as favored to win by arguably the top three major race handicappers (Cook, Rothenberg, Larry Sabato).

Carl analyzes various individual Senate races and concludes:

The media and Democrats will attempt to scare the GOP into fearing electoral devastation with each Trump misstep or weak result in a special election. But the party should ignore the naysayers  even with political headwinds, a highly favorable map means they are in a very strong position heading into 2018, as long as the party keeps faith with its voters. The GOP needs to stop getting spooked by its electoral shadow and start delivering the change it has promised voters for the better part of a decade.

The Democrats are counting on Mr. Sanders to keep their base fired up, and they are counting on the Republicans to drop the ball on their promises. Eighteen months is a long time in politics, but the Democrats have yet to demonstrate any viable plan to recover from their 2016 and prior defeats.
For too long, U.S. presidents of both parties have lived with the North Korean threat. My guess is that they thought there were no pretty options, and it's easy to understand that, with millions of civilians living within range of North Korea's massive artillery. Also, North Korea was just a loud dog for years, and not one that threatened to start a nuclear war.

We have now reached the point where North Korea's insane behavior is unsustainable. In other words, one of those missiles is going to hit a ship, a city, or U.S. troops on the border. It's like having a kid walking around with an AK-47 and making the neighborhood rather uncomfortable.

Therefore, it's perfectly reasonable for President Trump to talk so much about the threat, as Claudia Rosett wrote:

Pyongyang, with its totalitarian, dynastic Kim regime, has bedeviled American presidents, both Democratic and Republican, for decades. But after years of Obama's passive policy of "strategic patience," the threat posed by North Korea has soared. Kim's regime clearly feels free to brag up its prowess in developing deliverable nuclear weapons, threatening strikes on America and advertising its program to develop submarine-launched ballistic missiles  prototypes of which North Korea this Saturday paraded through the streets of Pyongyang. Pyongyang is now on the verge of a sixth nuclear test  four of its five tests to date having been conducted on Obama's watch (in 2009, 2013 and two tests in 2016)[.] ... All this is part of the Obama legacy: the rising global agglomerate of emboldened tyrannies, with which Trump must now deal. Call it the Axis of Opportunism.

Call it whatever we want. I prefer to call it a problem that has to be fixed.

North Korea used to be that terrible dictatorship that held massive military parades while the people ate grass or whatever they could find.

Well, the people are still starving, but the leadership is firing missiles and threatening to hit the U.S.

They used to be crazy, but now they are seriously dangerous.

P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
Good question. Amazingly, it was a line in a new network television program, Chicago Justice, another in the long list of Dick Wolf-produced crime-legal shows. Carl Weathers of Rocky fame speaks the line; he plays the district attorney of Chicago. It was shocking to hear the question uttered in a prime-time drama. Of course there was a murder in this television episode, and the murderer turned out to be a young girl besotted with her radical leftist, anti-gun professor. Her victim? A pro-gun conservative on their campus.

Real life these days is stranger than fiction. Even Orwell could not have imagined how far we have surpassed all he imagined in 1984  especially on college campuses. Higher education in America has been utterly destroyed by the left since the tenured radicals of the 1960s took control of it. Now our campuses are virtually totalitarian in nature. Stanford just admitted an applicant who is not black but who wrote "Black Lives Matter" a hundred times on his application. Forget all the serious students who took the application question  "What matters to you and why?"  seriously. They are toast, cast upon the funeral pyre of diversity and freedom of thought in favor of the anti-merit (racist), pro-ethnic diversity but anti-diversity of thought mindset of college admissions officials.

Wellesley has demeaned itself by printing a fascist screed by a student who writes poorly and has not a clue about what our Constitution says or means. She is opposed to freedom of speech.

Too many of these young people think no one should be able to utter a word they find unacceptable. Not a word. Like those who think persons who do not take human-caused climate change seriously should be jailed, our universities have become Orwellian factories that churn out properly indoctrinated robots who dare not deviate from the party line. The professors are indeed making their students stupid. There is no education going on at most universities these days  only the ever escalating indoctrination to blinkered dogma by professors who are products of their own college pseudo-educations. They have been intellectually incapacitated and then are turned loose, hired by prestigious universities, to incapacitate their unwitting students, who have been similarly indoctrinated by their high school teachers to swallow whole whatever nonsense college throws at them. Conservative students, an actual minority, are shunned, berated, and downgraded by fellow students and professors. They either submit to their professors' singular ideology or are damned.

There are glimmers of sanity on the horizon. College Fix, Chronicle of Higher Education, Campus Reform, FrontPage, and Minding the Campus are sites that fight back against the rushing totalitarian tide of university indoctrination. David Horowitz does tireless and often thankless work on campuses to fight the anti-Semitism that has become de rigueur. He is usually shouted down, as have been Charles Murray, Milo Yiannopoulos, Ann Coulter, Ben Shapiro, etc.

Our young people have been taught to hate, to revile, to shut down any speech with which they disagree. This happens at the most prestigious colleges in the country, colleges that cost fifty and sixty thousand dollars a year to attend. Parents who are paying for this are dupes. They are, as Dennis Prager often says, guaranteeing that their children will not graduate with the values with which they were raised. That is the plan of the left. Their professors will teach that the nuclear family is the most destructive institution in the West. They will teach that gender is a social construct. Students will not be taught that capitalism has lifted more people out of poverty than any other -ism in history. They, our vaunted professoriate, will teach that a toddler's rubber duck is a symbol of the horrors of capitalism, racism, and the destruction of the environment. They will disparage great English and American literature as racist and invalid. Shakespeare has been nullified on most university campuses, his image defiled along with the other dead white males of our literate, intellectual past.

The bottom line? There is a cancer spreading on our university campuses. Anyone who has had sons or daughters in college over the past eight years knows how catastrophically universities have lurched to the radical left.

Do not let your kids go to college unless it is Hillsdale or a reasonable facsimile thereof. Keep them home; give them great books to read; let them work at any job that comes their way and watch Prager University videos. They will be more informed, better citizens, better people, and better parents for skipping college at this moment in time.

Perhaps, if Carl Weathers can ask the question "since when did people start going to college to get stupid?" on a prime-time television program, the leftist grip on higher education and all things cultural will soon begin to loosen.
Several black activists at Pomona College, associated with the Claremont Colleges, have sent a letter to the college president asking administrators to "take action" against conservative journalists from the student publication The Claremont Independent.

The president, David Oxtoby, posted an email defending the right of Black Lives Matter critic Heather Mac Donald to speak. Mac Donald was physically threatened and forced to cancel a lecture at Claremont following protests against her appearance.

The activists claim that "free speech" is incompatible with "truth" and therefore should not be protected.

Claremont Independent:

"Protest has a legitimate and celebrated place on college campuses," Oxtoby wrote. "What we cannot support is the act of preventing others from engaging with an invited speaker. Our mission is founded upon the discovery of truth, the collaborative development of knowledge and the betterment of society." In their open letter, the students sharply disagree. "Free speech, a right many freedom movements have fought for, has recently become a tool appropriated by hegemonic institutions. It has not just empowered students from marginalized backgrounds to voice their qualms and criticize aspects of the institution, but it has given those who seek to perpetuate systems of domination a platform to project their bigotry," they write. "Thus, if 'our mission is founded upon the discovery of truth,'" the students continue, citing Oxtoby's letter, "how does free speech uphold that value?" In other words, only our "truth" should be accepted. Anyone else's notion of "truth" is based on white supremacy: "Historically, white supremacy has venerated the idea of objectivity, and wielded a dichotomy of 'subjectivity vs. objectivity' as a means of silencing oppressed peoples," they explain. "The idea that there is a single truth'the Truth'is a construct of the Euro-West that is deeply rooted in the Enlightenment, which was a movement that also described Black and Brown people as both subhuman and impervious to pain. This construction is a myth and white supremacy, imperialism, colonization, capitalism, and the United States of America are all of its progeny. The idea that the truth is an entity for which we must search, in matters that endanger our abilities to exist in open spaces, is an attempt to silence oppressed peoples." In reference to the protests of Mac Donald, the open letter explains that engaging with Mac Donald's speech would have amounted to a debate not "on mere difference of opinion, but [on] the right of Black people to exist."

What a load of crap. In order to discern the "truth" that Mac Donald questions the "right of black people to exist," you have to abandon reason, logic, and intelligence, substituting hysteria and paranoia.

"Heather Mac Donald is a fascist, a white supremacist, a warhawk, a transphobe, a queerphobe, a classist, and ignorant of interlocking systems of domination that produce the lethal conditions under which oppressed peoples are forced to live," the letter claims. "Why are you [President Oxtoby], and other persons in positions of power at these institutions, protecting a fascist and her hate speech and not students that are directly affected by her presence?"

Heather Mac Donald wrote a book, The War on Cops  a brutal intellectual takedown of Black Lives Matter. It is doubtful these activists bothered to read it  or would understand it if they did.

Needless to say, Mac Donald is none of those things she is accused of being. But what of the activists' argument that "truth" and the notion of "objectivity" are incompatible?

In Keats's "Ode to a Grecian Urn," the poet defined truth this way: "'Beauty is truth, truth beauty,'  that is all. Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know."

"Objective truth" is a mirage. People will always process ideas and events through their own prism of biases. Even if there is an agreement about the facts, the interpretation of those facts can be debated. That's politics. And that's what makes the activists' version of "truth" so problematic.

You may be entitled to your own version of the "truth"  i.e., interpretation of the facts. But you can't invent your own reality to mold the facts to fit a worldview.

The activists have created a reality where their enemies question "the right of black people to exist." From there flows hysterical and paranoid imaginings that not even most black people accept. In my youth, we used to call this sort of thinking "false consciousness"  a worldview tainted by the inability of an individual to reject logical fallacies and other sins against reason.

The irony is, if the activists had studied a lot of those dead white European males and how they thought, they would recognize their idiocy in a minute.
The president, David Oxtoby, posted an email defending the right of Black Lives Matter critic Heather McDonald to speak. McDonald was physically threatened and forced to cancel a lecture at Claremont following protests against her appearance.

Several black activists at Pomona College, associated with the Claremont Colleges, have sent a letter to the college president asking administrators to "take action" against conservative journalists from the student publication The Claremont Independent.

The activists claim that "free speech" is incompatible with "truth" and therefore, should not be protected,

Claremont Independent:

Protest has a legitimate and celebrated place on college campuses, Oxtoby wrote. What we cannot support is the act of preventing others from engaging with an invited speaker. Our mission is founded upon the discovery of truth, the collaborative development of knowledge and the betterment of society. In their open letter, the students sharply disagree. Free speech, a right many freedom movements have fought for, has recently become a tool appropriated by hegemonic institutions. It has not just empowered students from marginalized backgrounds to voice their qualms and criticize aspects of the institution, but it has given those who seek to perpetuate systems of domination a platform to project their bigotry, they write. Thus, if our mission is founded upon the discovery of truth, the students continue, citing Oxtobys letter, how does free speech uphold that value?

In other words, only our "truth" should be accepted. Anyone else's notion of "truth" is based on white supremacy:

Historically, white supremacy has venerated the idea of objectivity, and wielded a dichotomy of subjectivity vs. objectivity as a means of silencing oppressed peoples, they explain. The idea that there is a single truththe Truthis a construct of the Euro-West that is deeply rooted in the Enlightenment, which was a movement that also described Black and Brown people as both subhuman and impervious to pain. This construction is a myth and white supremacy, imperialism, colonization, capitalism, and the United States of America are all of its progeny. The idea that the truth is an entity for which we must search, in matters that endanger our abilities to exist in open spaces, is an attempt to silence oppressed peoples. In reference to the protests of Mac Donald, the open letter explains that engaging with Mac Donalds speech would have amounted to a debate not on mere difference of opinion, but [on] the right of Black people to exist.

What a load of crap. In order to discern the "truth" that McDonald questions the "right of Black people to exist," you have to abandon reason, logic, and intelligence, substituting hysteria and paranoia.

Heather Mac Donald is a fascist, a white supremacist, a warhawk, a transphobe, a queerphobe, a classist, and ignorant of interlocking systems of domination that produce the lethal conditions under which oppressed peoples are forced to live, the letter claims. Why are you [President Oxtoby], and other persons in positions of power at these institutions, protecting a fascist and her hate speech and not students that are directly affected by her presence?

Heather McDonald wrote a book "The War on Cops" - a brutal intellectual takedown of Black Lives Matter. It is doubtful these activists bothered to read it - or would understand it if they did.

Needless to say, McDonald is none of those things she is accused of being. But what of the activist's argument that "truth" and the notion of "objectivity" are incompatible?

In Keats "Ode to a Grecian Urn," the poet defined truth this way:

"Beauty is truth, truth beauty,"  that is all. Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.

"Objective truth" is a mirage. People will always process ideas and events through their own prism of biases. Even if there is an agreement about the facts, the interpretation of those facts can be debated. That's politics. And that's what makes the activists' version of "truth" so problematic.

You may be entitled to your own version of the "truth," i.e. interpretation of the facts. But you can't invent your own reality to mold the facts to fit a worldview.

The activists have created a reality where their enemies question "the right of black people to exist." From there, flows hysterical and paranoid imaginings that not even most black people accept. In my youth, we used to call this sort of thinking "false consciousness" - a worldview tainted by the inability of an individual to reject logical fallacies and other sins against reason.

The irony is, if the activists had studied a lot of those dead, white, European males and how they thought, they would recognize their idiocy in a minute.
British prime minister Theresa May is about to take a huge political gamble. She has called for general elections at the earliest possible moment  in this case, June 8.

May is looking for a larger conservative majority to be able to implement her Brexit plan. Stiff opposition in Parliament has threatened to derail the entire Brexit process, so May felt she had little choice but to call for a new vote.

BBC:

"I have only recently and reluctantly come to this conclusion. Since I became prime minister I've said there should be no election until 2020, but now I have concluded that the only way to guarantee certainty and security for the years ahead is to hold this election and seek your support for the decisions we must take." In a statement outside Number 10, Mrs May said Labour had threatened to vote against the final Brexit agreement, the Liberal Democrats had stated they wanted to "grind the business of government to a standstill", the SNP have said they would vote against the legislation that formally repeals Britain's membership of the EU  and "unelected" members of the House of Lords had vowed "to fight us every step of the way". "If we don't hold a general election now, their political game-playing will continue and the negotiations with the European Union will reach their most difficult stage in the run up to the next scheduled election," she said.

Polls show that it the election were held today, the Conservatives would maintain their status as the largest political party in Parliament, but their numbers fall short of a majority.

May had promised to hold no elections until the regularly scheduled vote in 2020. But circumstances have forced her hand:

For months Theresa May and her team have played down the prospect of an early poll. The reasons were simple. They didn't want to cause instability during Brexit negotiations. They didn't want to go through the technical process of getting round the Fixed Term Parliaments Act. They didn't want the unpredictability of an election race. And many in the Conservative Party believed there is so little chance of the Labour Party getting its act together before 2020 that they could carry on until then and still expect a sizeable majority. There was also, for Theresa May, the desire to show that she will be a prime minister who sticks to her word. But the relentless political logic proved too tempting to hold to all of that. The PM challenged the opposition parties: "This is your moment to show you mean it - to show you're not opposing the government for the sake of it, to show that you do not treat politics as a game. "Let us tomorrow vote for an election - let us put forward our plans for Brexit and our alternative programmes for government and then let the people decide.

Much will depend on how May frames the election. Challenging the opposition to put up or shut up is inherently dangerous to her standing. A significant loss of her majority could result in the fall of her government. If that happens, Brexit might be fatally delayed while Great Britain sorts out its politics.

It will be interesting to see how the U.K. Independence Party  UKIP  plays this election. They are anti-E.U. and anti-immigrant but have given lukewarm support to May. Their ability to pull votes from the Conservative Party may be crucial to the outcome.
There was legislation enacted and known as the Native Customs Recognition Ordinance that directed that this had to happen.

Chris Overland has alluded to the knowledge and use of native custom by kiaps applying the law and Phil Fitzpatrick has stated how the formal court system and native custom application were entwined when determining cases involving Papua New Guineans.

ONE of the most important points missing in discussions on the operation of the law in colonial Papua New Guinea is the understanding that native customs existed and drove the way village people behaved and had to be considered at some point in the eventual legal determination.

As young kiaps, part of our on-the-job learning was a requirement to sit in on court hearings to observe and learn.

Occasionally, we were thrown in at the deep end and instructed to prosecute criminal cases. We were told to read old patrol reports and, when on patrol, either with a senior officer or by ourselves, to listen to what the village elders told us and to ask questions.

At an appropriate time we were sent to Port Moresby to undertake advanced training in law, legal practice and other field requirements. On successful completion of the training, certification of competency by our Assistant District Commissioner and then by the District Commissioner, we were gazetted as magistrates.

Before proceeding with a hearing, civil or criminal, magistrates had to acknowledge pre-existing critical factors like communication and customs and that these should inform their dealings with the indigenous people.

Firstly, we had to ascertain that the participants were able to communicate in a common language with the court, either with or without an interpreter.

This meant that the parties to the proceedings could communicate freely at the appropriate times and that they could understand what was going on in relation to any relevant laws. In particular, in criminal cases, defendants had to know and understand what they had been charged with to properly plead to the charge.

This has been brought into relevance with a recent appeals case in Western Australian where an indigenous Australian has been released from conviction for manslaughter because he could only communicate in his local language and no interpreter had been provided for the original trial where he did not understand what he was pleading to.

Next we, as magistrates, had to know if there was a relevant local custom applicable to the facts of the case before us.

If so, then in a civil case the magistrate had to be strongly guided by the custom in his decision. In a criminal case, the magistrate only had to assess the impact that the existence of the custom had on the defendant when arriving at a decision based on the facts of the case. In other words, was it a mitigating factor?

The only relief that a magistrate had under the Native Customs Recognition Ordinance was to determine if an applicable custom existed, whether it was abhorrent or not. If abhorrent, the magistrate could determine on the facts alone and ignore the existence of the custom.

An enlightening paper by John Greenwell linked to here explains the Justice Departments considerations for the extension of the courts into the villages to accommodate customary issues.

http://www.johngreenwell.id.au/papuanewguinea.html

Before independence in 1975, the government responded to issues in the court system, including a backlog of cases and a need to respond to village level matters by creating a village courts system.

The Village Courts Secretariat was established within the Department of Justice and made up of a group of kiaps who were also magistrates under District Commissioner Ian Holmes, who subsequently retired and was replaced by national magistrate Andrew Maino.

Village courts were sponsored by local councils who, once assessed and approved by the Secretariat, became responsible for the management of those courts.

The councils would nominate appropriate village people to be trained as either village court magistrates, constables or clerks. Secretariat officers would deliver training courses on the law as it applied to village courts (to a maximum penalty of K50), legal principles and legal practice. I spent two years in the Secretariat as a training officer.

David Gonols article referred to marriage occurring when agreement was reached between the families and the bride price exchanged.

I am aware of areas in PNG when this occurs when the young bride-to-be is only 13 years of age but early puberty makes her eligible for marriage.

Under the Native Customs Recognition Ordinance this arrangement would be considered abhorrent because of the age of the child and the fact that her mental age would not give her the capacity to have her consent legally recognised, if it was sought at all.

Two young village girls were deflowered by two young adult men of the village. It was alleged that custom of the area encouraged this activity. The men were convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse (rape) because the magistrate ruled that the acts were abhorrent. The girls were four years and six years of age. The parents of the girls congratulated the magistrate after the hearings. I was the magistrate.

It is all very well to suggest that traditional law and government law are incompatible but to suggest that the incompatibility is because of colonial law is a long bow to draw because your nation has been in existence as an independent nation for 42 years and has had the chance during that time to make its own laws that better reflect the integration of customary law.
Regulations imposed by the Canadian government hurt dairy producers in New York and Wisconsin, the governors of both states said Tuesday.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed a joint letter urging President Donald Trump to address the policies implemented by Canada that impact producers in two of the country's top dairy producing states.

The trade rules in question have either been implemented or proposed by the Canadian government and select provinces. The policies target exports of ultra-filtered milk.

"Unfortunately, it appears that while U.S. processors were making multi-million dollar investments to meet the growing cross-border market for ultra-filtered milk, the Canadian dairy industry and government were plotting a trade war against our nation's dairy farmers," Cuomo and Walker wrote.

New York farms are at a risk of losing a key market for ultra-filtered milk, Cuomo said. As many as 70 dairy farms could lose $50 million in sales if Canada's trade policies remain in place.

Cuomo's office noted the state's existing trade relationship with Canada. New York exported more to Canada in 2016 than any country in the world. Trade between Canada and New York totaled $32.93 billion in goods and supported more than 500,000 jobs.

"With our growing concern that even more of our milk producers and our processors will be affected, I urge the federal government to call on Canada to reconsider these harmful regulations and continue our courteous, mutually beneficial trade relations," Cuomo said in a statement.

Cuomo, Walker and other elected officials from New York and Wisconsin have raised their concerns about Canada's trade policies for more than a year. U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer visited Cayuga Milk Ingredients in Aurelius to speak out against the trade barriers.

Last year, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul shared the state's concerns with Canadian officials during a visit to Canada. State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball relayed the same message in a letter to his counterpart in Ontario and at the Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Canada.

Ball recently partnered with Ben Brancel, secretary of Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist dairy producers in their respective states that have been negatively affected by Canada's trade actions.

In a letter to the USDA, Ball and Brancel suggested that the agency buy butter and cheese in storage and distribute the products to food banks and the national school meal program.

"New York's dairy farmers rely on the export of their products and we need to do what we can to ensure they continue to have a home for their milk," Ball said Tuesday.
The Central New York Regional Economic Development Council will meet this week in Cayuga County.

The council's meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Johnston Paper Company, 2 Eagle Dr. in Aurelius.

The meeting is open to the public. To RSVP, fill out the form at regionalcouncils.ny.gov/content/central-ny-redc-meeting-april-20-2017-registration.

The Central New York Regional Economic Development Council represents Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties. The panel is co-chaired by CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson and SUNY Upstate Medical University President Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena.
AUBURN  A Moravia woman was sentenced Tuesday for her second drunk driving charge in two years.

Wendy Butler, 56, of 2626 Hathaway Road, was first arrested for driving while intoxicated in October 2015 in Tompkins County and sentenced to five years probation. Then, roughly a year later, she was charged with her second DWI after crashing her car in Cayuga County.

According to New York State Police, at around 1:45 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2016, Butler was driving on Route 38A in the town of Niles when she drove off the road into a ditch. Both the New Hope Fire Department and Four Town Ambulance responded to the scene and police said Butler had to be cut out of the vehicle.

Butler was charged with felony DWI, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and using a vehicle without an ignition interlock device and was remanded to Cayuga County Jail without bail in January. She was also charged with violating the terms and conditions of her probation as she was caught drinking alcohol in her home prior to her accident in December.

Last week, Butler pleaded guilty to two felonies  aggravated DWI and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle  and on Tuesday, she was sentenced to a total of six months in jail and five years probation. Judge Thomas Leone also ordered her to pay more than $2,500 in fines and surcharges and said she will have to successfully complete felony drug court for her addiction.

After sentencing, Butler thanked Leone for remanding her to jail in January, saying it was a "real eye-opener."

Butler should be released from jail by May 1 as she gets credit for time served. In addition, she will have her license suspended for at least one year and will need to have an ignition interlock device on her vehicle throughout her probation.

Also in court:

 A Syracuse man has admitted to driving with a blood alcohol content more than three times the legal limit.

Joseph Corr, 47, of 5202 Velasko Road, pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony driving while intoxicated.

Corr was arrested at around 10 p.m. July 17, 2016, after New York State Police found him walking along State Route 370 in the town of Ira. He was walking, he said, because his car had run out of gas.

According to police, Corr registered a BAC of .22 percent at the time of his arrest. Corr did not dispute that he had been driving while highly intoxicated that night.

Corr could face a maximum of four years in prison. However, Judge Leone has agreed to sentence him to six months in jail and five years probation.

Corr was remanded to Cayuga County Jail without bail pending his sentencing June 6.
The victims in a one-car crash on the New York State Thruway early Monday have been identified by state troopers.

The two children killed in the crash were Amir Middleton, 9, and Shamel Middleton, 11, both of Buffalo. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle, Sean Ferguson, 31, of Buffalo, remains in critical condition at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Shenaya Washington, 34, of Buffalo, was a passenger in the vehicle and the mother of the children who were killed in the crash. She was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash occurred Monday morning on the westbound side of Interstate 90 between exits 42 and 43 in Ontario County. Troopers responded to the crash at 5:44 a.m. and found a vehicle overturned on its side in the right lane.

The Thruway's westbound lanes between exits 42 and 43 were closed for several hours. The lanes reopened Monday afternoon.

The crash investigation is continuing, state police reported Tuesday.
(ANSA) - Rome, April 18 - An Italian reporter arrested on the Turkey-Syria border April 10 phoned Italy Tuesday to say he was well. "I'm well, they haven't touched a hair on my head but I can't phone, they seized my cellphone and belongings, although they're not charging me with anything," said Gabriele Del Grande using the administrative detention centre's landline, saying he was surrounded by four policemen.

There had been no news from the journalist since he was arrested by Turkish authorities on the Syria border eight days ago, his family said Monday.

Lucca-born Gabriele Del Grande, a 34-year-old blogger and human rights activist, was arrested in Hatay Province near the Syria-Turkey border.

"We can trust all we want but knowing nothing makes us very anxious," his father told Italian TV.

The last they heard from De Grande, he said, was an SMS to his wife to say he had been arrested.

"The important thing is that he returns home, he has two small children and a wife, as well as us," the father said.

"The Turkish authorities have assured he is well but none of us has been able to get in touch with him yet, and nor has the (Italian) embassy.

Del Grande is also a documentary maker who has raised awareness on migrant issues.


Israel 'will not negotiate with hunger strikers', minister Barghouti isolated for leading 1,300-detainee protest

(ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, APRIL 18 - Israel does not intend to negotiate with the Fatah detainees in Israeli prisons that started a hunger strike on Monday on the orders of their leader, Marwan Barghouti.



The announcement was made by Minister of Public Security, Strategic Affairs and Minister of Information Gilad Erdan in an interview with military radio. Erdan added that Barghouti's isolation - who has been detained in a prison in northern Israel since Monday - was made necessary because he was ''inciting revolt and leading the strike''. Media reports say that about 1,200-1,300 Palestinian detainees out of a total of 6,500 have since Monday been refusing to eat out of protest against their current detention conditions. Erdan said that ''it is a political and unjustified strike'' and that Israel has set up a field hospital in the Negev where any hunger strikers requiring medical services in the coming days will be treated. If they are at risk of death, he added, they may be force-fed. (ANSAmed).




LAMPEDUSA - Almost a thousand migrants arrived on the island of Lampedusa over Easter weekend. Four women were among the arrivals, including one pregnant one, as were four injured men.

The number hosted on the island's reception center and hotspot thus stands at 1,040, compared with a just over 200-person capacity. In order to deal with the latest arrivals, bunk beds have been set up and mattresses have been laid on the floors. The Red Cross, which runs the center, is in charge of the lodgings. During the day and while awaiting transfer to other centers, the guests leave through a hole in the fence and remain in the vicinity.

Over Easter weekend and in part due to good weather conditions, there was a surge in departures from Libya and an enormous amount of work for the ships of the Italian Navy, Coast Guard, EUNAVFOR MED and NGOs: 8,300 migrants have been rescued in three days and 13 corpses have been recovered including one of an eight-year-old boy. NGO ships have been highly active in the rescue efforts in these weeks, after Frontex asked them for more information on their interventions, which might inadvertently help human traffickers despite the good intentions of the humanitarian organizations.



The Phoenix of the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) took almost 500 migrants onboard from several dinghies that were experiencing difficulties at sea about 20 miles from Libya and recovered seven corpses including one of a child. Including those of the past few days, migrant arrivals in Italy in 2017 now total about 35,000, a significant rose on the same period of the previous year.

Some 181,000 migrants arrived in the country last year. The interior ministry is struggling to distribute the latest arrivals on Lampedusa and in Reggio Calabria, Catania, Cagliari, Porto Empedocle, Augusta and Messina. The migrant reception system is already overflowing with 175,450 people hosted and the plan agreed with the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) for distribution among all the municipalities is struggling to function correctly amid several mayors refusing to take part. If the trend of arrivals were to continue at the same pace, the government's Economic and Financial Document (DEF) expects expenditure on rescue and reception to rise to 4.6 billion euros (2.7% of GDP), a billion more than last year.
ANSAmed - Tomorrow's events in the Mediterranean

(ANSAmed) - ROME, APRIL 18 - The following are some of the main events scheduled for tomorrow in the Euro-Mediterranean area.



ROME - demonstration in solidarity with Palestinian detainees on a hunger strike in Israel.



NAPLES - a cultural festival begins at the Archaeological Museum, with events running through April 25.



BARCELONA - Second leg of the Champions League semi-finals between Barcelona and Juventus.



BRUSSELS - EU, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker receives a delegation of European journalists and workers.



TEHRAN - First meeting on scientific and technological cooperation and innovation between Italy and Iran (also 20/4).



ROME - Delegation of European Parliament MPs to visit hotspots in Italy (until 20/4). TUNIS - Kram Exhibition Centre - SITIC Africa information and communication technology (ICT) fair begins (until 20/4).



(ANSAmed).




- TEL AVIV - Israel does not intend to negotiate with the Fatah detainees in Israeli prisons that started a hunger strike on Monday on the orders of their leader, Marwan Barghouti.



The announcement was made by Minister of Public Security, Strategic Affairs and Minister of Information Gilad Erdan in an interview with military radio. Erdan added that Barghouti's isolation - who has been detained in a prison in northern Israel since Monday - was made necessary because he was ''inciting revolt and leading the strike''. Media reports say that about 1,200-1,300 Palestinian detainees out of a total of 6,500 have since Monday been refusing to eat out of protest against their current detention conditions. Erdan said that ''it is a political and unjustified strike'' and that Israel has set up a field hospital in the Negev where any hunger strikers requiring medical services in the coming days will be treated. If they are at risk of death, he added, they may be force-fed.


- ISTANBUL - US president Donald Trump congratulated Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday evening on his referendum victory and to discuss the US response to the use of chemical weapons by Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad. Meanwhile, a reported up to 2.5 million ballots could have been manipulated in the tight vote - which ended in a 'Yes' vote for greater presidential powers - Alev Korun, an Austrian member of the Council of Europe observer mission, said. Korun is the first-ever female MP of Turkish origins in the Austrian parliament and is a member of the Greens Party. The 'Yes' vote, backed by Erdogan, won by 51.4%.



Suspicions are related to the fact that the Supreme Electoral Commission (YSK) accepted ballots without an official stamp, Korun said.



Yesterday, in presenting the preliminary conclusions of its mission as electoral observer, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said that the YSK's decision had undermined important guarantees against voting fraud, saying that the vote in Turkey ''did not live up to the standards of the Council of Europe''.
President Donald Trump, eager to stop rapid advances in North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, is signaling a break with decades of US policy as he looks to coax China into ramping up the pressure on North Korea.

Trump's sweetening the pot, offering China better trade terms if the Asian powerhouse takes steps to put North Korea's provocative behavior to rest. China accounts for 80% of North Korea's foreign trade and has significant political leverage over North Korea.

"We have tremendous trade deficits with everybody, but the big one is with China. ... And I told them, 'You want to make a great deal?' Solve the problem in North Korea. That's worth having deficits. And that's worth having not as good a trade deal as I would normally be able to make," Trump told The Wall Street Journal in an interview last week, a day after he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping by phone.

The interview was one of several in the last week in which Trump has suggested China could win US concessions on trade in exchange for action on North Korea. The stance is sparking concerns among former officials in successive Democratic and Republican administrations who say Trump appears to be abandoning a pillar of US efforts to urge China's cooperation on North Korea.

But Trump's diplomatic forays so far with Xi -- whom Trump hosted at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida earlier this month -- are bearing tentative signs of progress. China has turned away coal shipments and made more forceful statements in recent weeks in an attempt to cool the ratcheting of tensions in the region.

Still, former White House officials are raising eyebrows at Trump's move and insisting there is a reason why successive Democrat and Republican administrations have kept the issues of trade and North Korea separate in diplomacy with China.

For decades, US officials have made clear to their Chinese counterparts that the US won't barter economic or other foreign policy issues in exchange for support on the North Korean issue -- sending the signal that the US position on the issue was in the interests of global stability. Abandoning that policy, according to officials from President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama's administrations, risks sending a dangerous message to US allies and adversaries alike and sending the US tumbling down a slippery slope.

By keeping discussions focused squarely on North Korea and shared US and Chinese interests in preventing war on the Korean peninsula, US officials have also avoided getting dragged into making other concessions -- like recognizing China's territorial claims to Taiwan -- in order to win China's full support on North Korea.

"We had made a pretty big point of making it clear that we weren't willing to sacrifice our domestic economic interests for the sake of some foreign policy issue," said Michael Froman, the US Trade Representative under Obama. "We should be careful about 'paying' China -- in terms of standing down on economic issues -- for doing what is in their interest already. Conceivably, they'd prefer not to see instability and military escalation on the Korean Peninsula."

Robert Zoellick, the trade representative and later deputy secretary of state in George W. Bush's administration, agreed, saying he "never conceded a trade point with China to get assistance on a security topic," like North Korea.

That's because doing so risks weakening the US stance on the issue of denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and opens up the US to similar foreign policy gambits from countries around the world seeking a sweeter economic relationship with the US.

"It opens up the thinking in everyone's mind around the world that they can haggle for a better deal and get the US to give up on longstanding positions," said Michael Green, the National Security Council's senior director for Asia in the Bush 43 White House. "That is not going to instill confidence."

Past administrations, though, have failed to stop, let alone slow down, North Korea's nuclear program and ballistic missile developments. So Trump has taken a different tack: seeking to incentivize China into stepping up its role in the North Korean issue as he stressed the urgency of confronting the threat.

"I explained to the President of China that a trade deal with the US will be far better for them if they solve the North Korean problem!" Trump tweeted last week.

A senior White House official insisted Trump was not offering a "specific quid pro quo" to the Chinese, but rather signaling to China that cooperation on North Korea would help create a more beneficial US-China relationship.

"What the President is signaling is that Chinese cooperation in dealing with North Korea is extremely important, and if we can't get good cooperation on this urgent security threat, it'll be more difficult to cooperate with China on a host of other areas in our bilateral relationship," the official said. "If they were unwilling to help us with this, it's going to make other aspects of our bilateral relationship potentially more contentious."

While it remains unclear whether Trump's comments mesh with the administration's more fleshed-out policy, they have drawn raised eyebrows from former White House officials, who are sounding the alarm.

"Every administration since Nixon has not fallen for this, and it's the kind of ploy that I used to see on sophomore papers on East Asia in college," said Green, the former Bush administration official, who added that the bartering could send shivers up the spines of US allies.

"If you are Japan or Taiwan, you start to wonder if your interests might get traded," he added. "It introduces a level of uncertainty and suggests that there are no principles to US policy."

It remains unclear what Trump would be able to offer China on trade in exchange for more decisive action on North Korea, but experts raised questions about what economic terms the US could offer Beijing in return. The US already faces a multi-billion dollar deficit with China, and the US has struggled for years to create more open market access conditions in China for US companies.

But beyond making economic concessions to China, Trump's offer to barter over the North Korean issue also risks nullifying one of the Washington's biggest pieces of leverage in urging Chinese cooperation: that stopping North Korea's nuclear program is also in China's interest.

China has been less aggressive than the US in seeking to cool down North Korea's aggressive development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. But experts agree that China also wants to prevent North Korea from becoming a full-fledged nuclear power -- and certainly wants to prevent a war on their southern border that could send millions of refugees flooding into China and potentially risk bringing a US military presence to China's borders.

Evan Medeiros, the National Security Council's senior director for Asian affairs under Obama, joined other former officials in questioning Trump's attempt to barter the US-China trading relationship over the North Korean issue.

"You want the Chinese to do the right on North Korea because it genuinely is a threat ... not as a favor," said Medeiros.
The resolution requires the airline to track every piece of baggage from the start of the journey all the way through to its finish. The certification has been achieved thanks to the airlines Baggage Management System (HAQIBA) developed in-house, as well as its seamless real time integration with the Qatar Airways website and mobile app.



Qatar Airways offers real time updates on checked baggage through the Track My Bags feature on its website and mobile app, providing passengers with a truly hassle-free baggage experience. The mobile app provides real time notification to passengers with relevant updates on the bag, as well as the ability to retrieve the details on need basis using My Trips.



The information includes various stages of the baggage handling process such as check-in, transfer, arrival, as well as reference to bag tags and baggage belt. This information guides passengers during the journey and provides insight into any instance of delayed or lost baggage. The HAQIBA system enables Qatar Airways staff to proactively manage the delayed bags to provide an optimized handling process.



Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker, said: Our careful attention to our passengers baggage, from the beginning of their journey all the way through to its finish, is yet another indication of the importance we place on customer experience. We have proactively taken steps to align our baggage management systems with IATAs requirements. As a result, we are delighted that the association has declared Qatar Airways the first airline worldwide to become certified for end-to-end tracking for our hub at Hamad International Airport.



Nick Careen, senior vice president, Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security for IATA, said: Qatar Airways efforts over the past year to comply with IATA Resolution 753 on Baggage Tracking have paid off. We congratulate the airline on becoming the first in the world to achieve full compliance of the resolution at their hub in Doha. Qatar Airways ability to track baggage at every stage of its journey will allow the airline full visibility to manage its baggage operations and to more easily trace, retrieve and deliver missing or de,ayed bags, leading to a better experience for passengers.

Resolution 753 was developed to reduce mishandling and baggage fraud, increase passenger satisfaction and enhance the overall baggage management landscape at airports around the world. The resolution was issued in 2016 and made mandatory for all IATA airlines, who have until 1 June, 2018 to comply.

The certificate was presented to Qatar Airways Doha hub Hamad International Airport (HIA); once all its stations in the network are compliant with the resolution, IATA will award the airline a platinum certificate.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Over 20 million USD of proceeds from the Armenian Genocide themed movie The Promise will be directed towards creating a new institute in the UCLAs law school, Daily News reports.

The Promise Institute for Human Rights will put our law school and this university at the forefront of human rights education and advocacy, Jennifer L. Mnookin, dean of the law school, saying as quoted by Daily News. Jennifer L. Mnookin stated that the 20 million USD is the largest donation the law school has ever received for creating the institute.

For many people, the Armenian Genocide is not well known. For 102 years, theres been a systematic denial campaign. We hope that by moving out of the darkness that is the Armenian Genocide, we can move to the future and really lead through education, research, advocacy and scholarship in the realm of human rights, Eric Esrailian, a co-producer of The Promise and co-chief of the Division of Digestive Diseases at UCLAs medical school, stated.

UCLA law professor Asli Bali will be the first faculty director for the new institute.

Armenians are not just focused on their own history. We want people to learn lessons from our history so that others can benefit from that knowledge, Eric Esrailian said.

The premier of The Promise movie will be held on April 21. It will be screened in Armenian cinemas from April 27.
This blog is written solely by John Ray, who has a Ph.D. degree in psychology and 200+ papers published in the academic journals of the social sciences. It does occasionally comment on issues in psychology but is mainly aimed at giving a conservative psychologist's view on a broad range of topics. There are very few conservative psychologists.The blog originated in Australia and many (but not most) posts discuss Australian matters. Australians have an unusually good awareness of events outside their own country. Australian newspapers feature news from Britain and the USA not as an afterthought but as a major part of their coverage. So Australians do tend to have a truly Western heart, which is the reason behind the old name for this blog. So events in Australia, Britain and the USA all feature frequently here, plus occasional coverage of other places, particularly Israel.SCOTUS is the Supreme Court of the United States, the highest court in the landThe "GOP" stands for "Grand Old Party" and refers to the Republican party. The GOP is at present center/Right, while the Democrats have been undergoing a steady drift Leftwards and now have policies similar to mainstream European Leftist parties.The ideological identity of both parties has however been very fluid -- almost reversing itself over time. In the mid 19th century, the GOP was the party of big government and concern for minorities while the Democrats advertised themselves as "The party of the white man" -- an orientation that lasted into the mid 20th century in the South. The Democrats are still obsessed with race but have now flipped into support for discrimination AGAINST whites.Was Pope Urban VIII the first Warmist? Below we see him refusing to look through Galileo's telescope. People tend to refuse to consider evidence if what they might discover contradicts what they believe.Climate scientist Lennart Bengtsson said. The warming we have had the last 100 years is so small that if we didnt have meteorologists and climatologists to measure it we wouldnt have noticed it at all.The term "Fascism" is mostly used by the Left as a brainless term of abuse. But when they do make a serious attempt to define it, they produce very complex and elaborate definitions -- e.g. here and here . In fact, Fascism is simply extreme socialism plus nationalism. But great gyrations are needed to avoid mentioning the first part of that recipe, of course.Beatrice Webb, a founder of the London School of Economics and the Fabian Society, and married to a Labour MP, mused in 1922 on whether when English children were "dying from lack of milk", one should extend "the charitable impulse" to Russian and Chinese children who, if saved this year, might anyway die next. Besides, she continued, there was "the larger question of whether those races are desirable inhabitants" and "obviously" one wouldn't "spend one's available income" on "a Central African negro".Hugh Dalton, offered the Colonial Office during Attlee's 1945-51 Labour government, turned it down because "I had a horrid vision of pullulating, poverty stricken, diseased nigger communities, for whom one can do nothing in the short run and who, the more one tries to help them, are querulous and ungrateful."The book,, authored by T.W. Adorno et al. in 1950, has been massively popular among psychologists. It claims that a set of ideas that were popular in the "Progressive"-dominated America of the prewar era were "authoritarian". Leftist regimes always are authoritarian so that claim was not a big problem. What was quite amazing however is that Adorno et al. identified such ideas as "conservative". They were in fact simply popular ideas of the day but ones that had been most heavily promoted by the Left right up until the then-recent WWII. See here for details of prewar "Progressive" thinking.R.I.P. Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet deposed a law-defying Marxist President at the express and desperate invitation of the Chilean parliament. He pioneered the free-market reforms which Reagan and Thatcher later unleashed to world-changing effect. That he used far-Leftist methods to suppress far-Leftist violence is reasonable if not ideal. The Leftist view that they should have a monopoly of violence and that others should follow the law is a total absurdity which shows only that their hate overcomes their reasonFranklin Delano Roosevelt was a war criminal. Both British and American codebreakers had cracked the Japanese naval code so FDR knew what was coming at Pearl Harbor. But for his own political reasons he warned no-one there. So responsibility for the civilian and military deaths at Pearl Harbor lies with FDR as well as with the Japanese. The huge firepower available at Pearl Harbor, both aboard ship and on land, could have largely neutered the attack. Can you imagine 8 battleships and various lesser craft firing all their AA batteries as the Japanese came in? The Japanese naval airforce would have been annihilated and the war would have been over before it began. FDR prolonged the Depression . He certainly didn't cure it. WWII did NOT end the Great Depression . It just concealed it. It in fact made living standards worse Joe McCarthy was eventually proved right after the fall of the Soviet Union. To accuse anyone of McCarthyism is to accuse them of accuracy! The KKK was intimately associated with the Democratic party . They ATTACKED Republicans!People who mention differences in black vs. white IQ are these days almost universally howled down and subjected to the most extreme abuse. I am a psychometrician, however, so I feel obliged to defend the scientific truth of the matter:The average African adult has about the same IQ as an average white 11-year-old and African Americans (who are partly white in ancestry) average out at a mental age of 14. The American Psychological Association is generally Left-leaning but it is the world's most prestigious body of academic psychologists. And even they have had to concede that sort of gap (one SD) in black vs. white average IQ. 11-year olds can do a lot of things but they also have their limits and there are times when such limits need to be allowed for. America's uncivil war was caused by trade protectionism . The slavery issue was just camouflage, as Abraham Lincoln himself admitted . See also here Leftist psychologists have an amusingly simplistic conception of military organizations and military men. They seem to base it on occasions they have seen troops marching together on parade rather than any real knowledge of military men and the military life. They think that military men are "rigid" -- automatons who are unable to adjust to new challenges or think for themselves. What is incomprehensible to them is that being(to use the extreme Prussian term for following orders) actually requires great flexibility -- enough flexibility to put your own ideas and wishes aside and do something very difficult. Ask any soldier if all commands are easy to obey.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Culture Ministry announced a leasing competition for caves, as immovable monuments of history and culture, aimed at boosting tourism, Minister Armen Amiryan told reporters on April 18, reports Armenpress.

According to the Minister, all caves and other historical-cultural monuments must be properly maintained if their operation is carried out based on correct rules.

The caves are leased aimed at developing tourism only, he said, adding that the caves in Armenia today are in poor condition.

We have recorded cases when people illegally take money from tourists and allow them to enter the caves, and no one controls this process. Having a clearly defined contracts, we will be able to control and ensure the implementation of further excavations, the scientific works, he said.

The competition aims at regulating all this.

The applications for the competition must be submitted within 45 days starting from March 28. The caves can be provided for 25 years.
YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. French presidential candidate Nicolas Dupont-Aignan promises to include April 24 among national remembrance days in case of winning the elections, Armenpress reports he told Nouvelles dArmenie.

To the question if he will continue the tradition when the French presidents participate in the remembrance events organized in Paris every year on April 24, Aignan answered, Every year on April 24 events dedicated to the Armenian Genocide take place in France. This is an honor for France to remember the tragedy of a fraternal nation. Of course, I will participate in these events as the French President honoring the Armenian community in France. Its a special day for all the Armenians and it will become a national remembrance day.

According to him, the way France pays tribute to the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims shows that it continues to struggle against denialism so that truth and historical facts are recognized.

To the question about his position on possible accession of Turkey to the EU, Nicolas Dupont-Aignan said that he is among the few politicians in France who has consistently voiced against Turkish accession to the union since 2003. I have always struggled against that accession contradicting to the EU ideology, the French presidential candidate said.

Presidential elections in France will take place on April 23. If none of the candidates receives more than 50% of votes the second stage will be held on May 7.
Lawyers who represented Harold A. Fish during his 2009 appeal of his second-degree murder conviction believe that NAU shooter Steven Jones has a strong case for self-defense.

Flagstaff attorneys Lee Phillips and John Trebon said that Arizona self-defense law seemed to be on Jones side when he shot and killed NAU student Colin Brough and injured Nick Prato, Nick Piring and Kyle Zientek in October 2015.

The two lawyers represented Fish on appeal in his landmark self-defense case.

Fish was convicted in June 2006 for the May 2004 shooting death of Grant Kuenzli on a National Forest trail in the far southeast corner of Coconino County. He argued at trial that he fired in self-defense after Kuenzli came at him aggressively after firing a warning shot at two dogs in Kuenzli's care.

He hit Kuenzli three times in the chest and two wounds were fatal. Kuenzli did not have a weapon in his hands at the time of the shooting.

Fish died of cancer in 2012.

A REASONABLE PERSON

The use of deadly force in Arizona is predicated on a reasonable person defense, meaning that a jury must be convinced that a reasonable person in the defendants shoes could fear for his life enough in a situation that killing another person could be justified.

Trebon said in the case of the NAU shooting that a justified use of deadly force was not necessarily about if Jones felt he was in danger at the time of the shooting.

Justified use of deadly force is not about if the defendant personally felt he was in danger, but if a reasonable person in the same situation felt they were in enough danger to use deadly force.

Trebon cited a few situations where a reasonable person would be justified in using deadly force, such as a small woman fighting off a large man or if a person is being choked.

BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT

When Steven Jones claimed that he killed Brough in self-defense the burden of proof fell on Coconino County prosecutors, meaning that it is not Jones or his defense teams job to prove that he killed in self-defense, but that it is up to the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he didnt.

This is a tough case for the state because all the burden of proof is on them, Philips said. The state is trying to prove that Jones had no reason to believe he was in danger and had no right to cause serious death or injury. The defense just has to create enough doubt.

The burden of proof was not always on the state. In fact, when Harold Fish was convicted of second-degree murder in 2006, the burden of proof for self-defense claims rested on the defense.

Fishs conviction galvanized Arizona lawmakers and gun advocates to change self-defense law. The new law was then used retroactively during Fishs appeal, putting the burden of proof on the prosecution.

Fishs case was definitely a factor in changing self-defense law in Arizona, Trebon said.

Philips expressed the same sentiment.

The law changed because of the Fish, so Mr. Jones and his defense just need to put enough evidence forward to make a reasonable claim, Philips said.

SOLID GROUND

Both attorneys stated that Jones seems to have a good case for self-defense, stating the intoxication of Brough, Jones getting punched in the face, the incident occurring late at night as well as the defenses argument that Jones was surrounded could all work in the defendants favor.

The question is when is it appropriate to use deadly force? Trebon said. If one person is apparently threatened by a bunch of people with physical force does that person have to wait till they have had both of their arms broken before they can use deadly force? If you wait till that point you might be too late.

Philips said that the high number of variables that play into the case makes it difficult for the prosecution to find solid ground.

The totality of circumstances the jury has to consider is large, Philips said. What time of day was it? Was Jones alone and did he experience prior aggression? What type of evidence is the jury allowed to see? All this stuffs plays into the final verdict.

However, Jones self-defense case isnt a slam dunk, according to Philips.

He noted the fact that Kyle Zientek was shot twice in the back while reportedly running away, a glaring weakness in a self-defense case.

Phillips also said the fact that Jones walked a total of 240 feet from the moment he grabbed his gun to the moment he shot and killed Brough could also be perceived as a weakness; however, Arizona law could potentially allow Jones to walk back to the area with a firearm.

A person has no duty to retreat if he is in an area legally, is not involved in a crime and did not provoke the incident, Philips said, referring to Arizonas no retreat clause.

Trebon also mentioned the no-retreat clause but added that enough time could have elapsed between the initial incident and the shooting that coming back and using a firearm could fail the self-defense test.

It could be argued that if an individual is out of a zone of danger for a significant period of time and then comes back to that area, then use of force could be unwarranted.

Put him on the stand

A person charged with a crime is never required to testify against themselves; however, a defendant can always chose to testify in front of a jury.

Philips said that Jones lawyers have more than enough evidence in theory to not put him on the stand. However, in a self-defense case Philips thinks Jones should testify.

If I am his lawyer I am putting him on the stand, Philips said. In a situation where your client killed someone you need to put them up there to explain themselves or else I worry that the jury would think he has something to hide.

He continued stating that putting the defendant on the stand would humanize him to a jury and create more doubt.

The advantage of the defense is that they only need one juror who thinks I dont think he did it.
Labuan is an offshore, Malaysian island, which has the benefit of low tax regimes while still retaining the protection of Malaysias laws and regulations. This means Labuan entities benefit from nearly all the Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) Malaysia has signed with over 70 countries while profiting from tax exemptions under the Labuan International Banking and Financial Center (IBFC).

Considered the pearl of Borneo, Labuan is located off the coast of the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah and borders Brunei by sea. The territory is strategically located in close geographical proximity to financial capitals like Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Labuan is technically comprised of seven islands  Labuan Island proper and six smaller satellite islands  and enjoys tropical weather. Labuan offers multiple ferry connections to mainland Malaysia and Brunei; its airport is served by two daily flights to Malaysias capital Kuala Lumpur and one daily flight to Kota Kinabalu, the Sabah state capital. The island has a deep sea port and is planning to further develop its airport.

With a population of just under 100,000 residents, Labuan offers a highly skilled workforce.

Economic Profile

Since its establishment as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in 1990  now referred to as Labuan IBFC  Labuan has become a premium offshore financial center for regional companies looking to expand internationally as well as for global companies entering Asian markets.

Though prominently a financial hub, Labuan has five main industries: financial services; oil and gas; tourism; halal products; and fishing.

Financial Services

Labuan offers comprehensive banking, insurance, factoring, and money brokering. In tandem with conventional banking, the Labuan IBFC also boasts well-developed Shariah compliant financial infrastructure. While Labuan is an offshore entity, the island is attempting to diversify into a midshore role by offering niche areas with high potential growth such as leasing, captives, commodity trading and wealth management.

Oil and Gas

Labuan is surrounded by oil and gas fields. Offshore oil and gas are handled by the Labuan Crude Oil Terminal and Labuan Gas Terminal. The Malaysian Government declared Labuan one of the countrys petro-chemical hubs. Petrochemicals account for more than 70 percent of Labuans total exports, approximately US$3.3 billion. Petronas Chemicals Methanol is the largest methanol producer in Southeast Asia and the fourth largest in the world. The majority of oil and gas are transported by freight. Being a duty-free island, Labuan does not impose import duties on goods and most services as opposed to mainland Malaysia where duties are applicable  a major incentive for processing oil and gas.

Tourism

Labuan brought in 673,000 tourists in 2015 (notably over 6 times to local population). The majority of these tourists are considered to be domestic, though no official figures are readily available. In hopes of transforming Labuan into an international tourist destination, the local authority of Labuan recently sold 24 hectares of land at the Rancha-Rancha industrial zone for tourist development. Labuans natural beauty offers tourists opportunities for water activities like snorkeling, sport fishing, and diving (including dive tours through historic sea wrecks). The Malaysian government is also looking to make Labuan a cruise hub which would dramatically increase the number of foreign tourist arrivals.

Developing halal hub

Though originally slow to begin proper developments, Labuan is investing technology and infrastructure into developing halal products, hoping to benefit from its proximity to fish resources while servicing a rapidly growing market.

Fishing

The Malaysian government has identified the tuna industry as a growing sector with potential to generate US$112 million. Consequently, the government plans to invest US$4.5 million to upgrade Labuans fishing infrastructure, specifically deep sea fishing. Labuan Fisheries estimates that approximately four tons of tuna are brought to the island daily. Out of this, three tons are exported and the remaining ton is used for domestic consumption. Labuan is already attempting to increase the domestic appetite for tuna with new tuna-based dishes released on a regular basis.

Investing in Labuan

According to the Labuan Financial Services Authoritys 2017 Annual Report, there are currently 14,201 companies registered in Labuan with an additional 52 trust companies and 151 foundations. Labuan FSA in 2017 approved three investment banking licences bringing the total number of approved banks to 54. This was an increase of 5.9 percent over the previous year. Of the total approved, 53 banks are currently in operation. Labuan FSA in 2017 approved 14 insurance and insurance-related licences, comprising six captives, four brokers, two reinsurers, one life insurer and one general insurer. This brings the total number of approved Labuan insurance and insurance-related entities to 203, which, however, was a decline of 0.5 percent from the previous year. Finally, Labuan has 380 leasing companies.

Setting up a company in Labuan

As per Section 7(5) of the Labuan Companies Act 1990, both residents and non-residents of Malaysia are allowed to establish Labuan companies. Furthermore, a company only requires one director, one shareholder, and one resident secretary  the director is not required to live in Malaysia. Labuan-based companies are offered the option of either paying a flat corporate tax of Ringgit 20,000 (US$4784) or at a rate of three percent of net audited profits. With effect from January 1, 2019, however, Labuan-based companies will not be allowed to exercise the option of paying the flat amount as tax. They will, however, be permitted to pay tax at the three percent rate even if they carry out business transactions in the Malaysian Ringgit or do business with Malaysian residents. Currently, they are eligible for the three percent tax rate only when they carry out transactions in currencies other than the Ringgit and among Labuan-based businesses or with foreign companies. While Labuan enjoys nearly all the DTA benefits of Malaysia, there are 14 countries which do not recognize Labuan as part of Malaysia because of its status as an IBFC. These countries include:

Australia

Chile

Germany

India

Indonesia

Japan

Luxembourg

Netherlands

Seychelles

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Sweden

United Kingdom

Labuan companies wishing to tap into DTAs with the above mentioned 14 countries can, however, do so by opting to be taxed under the Malaysian Income Tax Act, 1967 (ITA). Under the ITA, a Labuan companys net profit would be taxed at 25 percent instead of the regular three percent Labuan tax.

Conclusion

This may be a viable option for a trading company as there is no significant taxation differences between Labuan and Malaysia in foreign sourced passive income (i.e. interest, dividends, royalties) or capital gains. Though the oil and gas sector has cooled down on the island, Labuans economy is diversified and has been working to increase its niche financial services, fishing sector, tourism, and halal industry. Government projects working to develop the fishing industry as well as increase the number of foreign tourists is a positive step towards a more dynamic economy.

Labuan is considerably more affordable than Hong Kong or Singapore as an offshore destination. The island is well situated between China and India as well as many of ASEANs financial hubs to take advantage of trade by sea as well as offshore services. As Labuan continues to diversify its financial portfolio of offerings, the island will become less dependent on oil and gas and begin catering to a wider array of needs. Labuan has the additional advantage of tailoring financial services to both conventional and Shariah-compliant forms. Companies looking to establish themselves in ASEAN and Asia more generally can look to Labuan as an establishing platform.

Editors Note: This article was first published on April 14, 2017 and has been updated on November 28, 2018 and December 12, 2018 as per latest developments.
Petitions were filed by two firms belonging to Cyrus Mistry's family.

Mumbai: Tata Sons today welcomed the NCLT dismissing the petitions by the Cyrus Mistry camp and said it vindicates the position of the group.

"The ruling today by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) dismissing the waiver application of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group companies, on behalf of Cyrus Mistry, represents a vindication of our position.

"We hope this brings to an end a vexatious campaign against the company, the Tata Trusts and Ratan N Tata. Tata Sons will continue its focus on its future development under the stewardship of our chairman N Chandrasekaran," F N Subedar, chief operating officer of Tata Sons said in a statement late this evening.

"We are pleased that Mistry's claims have been dismissed by the NCLT," he added and welcomed the NCLT ruling.

Earlier in the day, the NCLT dismissed the waiver application by the Mistry camp filed against Tata Sons. The petitions were filed by two firms belonging to Cyrus Mistry's family, and sought waiver of an eligibility condition for moving the forum against Tata Sons.

Dismissing the petitions, NCLT bench led by BSV Prakash Kumar and V Nallasenapathy said, "The waiver is dismissed, the company petition dismissed." The reasons for the order will be given out later in the week.

"We interpret the NCLT ruling as demonstrating that the petitioners failed to make a convincing or compelling case that warranted a hearing on alleged mismanagement, oppression or other actions," Subedar said.

Today's was the fifth such ruling by the company law tribunals, rejecting reliefs requested by the Shapoorji Pallonji Group companies and Mistry.

"Mistry has made many ill-advised and groundless allegations intended to besmirch the name of the Tata Group," Subedar, said, adding,

"Today's ruling makes clear that there is no case to be heard."

"Over the past six months, Mistry has failed demonstrably to build a case. We trust that the NCLT's decision brings this matter to a close," he concluded.

The two firms-- Cyrus Investments and Sterling Investments- wanted NCLT to waive the requirement that shareholders hold at least 10 per cent of a firm to file a petition alleging mismanagement and oppression.

While the Pallonji Group owns 18.4 per cent of ordinary shares in Tata Sons, their ownership comes down to only about 2.17 per cent when preference shares are counted.

Together, Pallonji Group is the single largest shareholder in the USD 105 billlion group with 18.4 per cent stakes in Tata Trusts, which collectively own 64 per cent in the group.

Aryama Sundaram, counsel for the Mistry family firms, had argued for the waiver citing concerns on voting and veto rights accorded to Tata trustees on the board of Tata Sons.

Mistry, after being ousted from the group as chairman on October 24 last, had alleged that there was mismanagement and oppression of minority shareholders and urged NCLT to use its discretion and waive an eligibility condition for filing such a petition.

The NCLT had on March 6, 2017 held last month that the plea was not maintainable, because the petitioner firms did not meet one of the eligibility criteria prescribed by Section 244 of the Companies Act of 2013.

Mistry contended that under the Companies Act, the tribunal can waive a requirement that petitioner should hold at least one-tenth of issued share capital of the company, or represent at least one-tenth of minority shareholders.

Tata Sons had argued that if preference capital was also considered, the petitioner firms held only 2.17 per cent of the total issued share capital of Tata Sons.
The OLA Auto Mela will bring together a host of manufacturers, service providers, and financial institutions under one roof.

Bengaluru: Cab aggregator Ola today announced that it plans to reach out to over 1,00,000 driver entrepreneurs through 'Auto Driver Partner Melas' across all major cities and towns in the country.

This multi-city programme is an on-ground initiative to help thousands of aspiring auto driver partners to take the first step towards entrepreneurship and achieve their dreams,? the company said.

The OLA Auto Mela will bring together a host of manufacturers, service providers, and financial institutions under one roof, to enable deep discounts and savings for Their customers and build a large customer-base in return, it said in a release.

Ola held its first Auto Driver Partner Mela-'Ola Baasha Mela'- in Chennai between April 8 and April 10 where hundreds of autorickshaw driver partners availed the opportunity of becoming micro-entrepreneurs by owning autorickshaws for the first time.

This initiative that will kickstart from Bengaluru, will move to Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Pune over the course of the next few months, the release said. Ola Chief Operating Officer Vishal Kaul said, "with a multi-city initiative at such scale, we are enabling access to capital, consistent revenue as well as training for aspiring driver entrepreneurs."

Ola said Driver partner Melas help it nurture micro-entrepreneurship in the ecosystem, creating a steady stream of supply to address the burgeoning mobility needs of the country.
RBI has signed 39 such MoUs, one Letter for Supervisory Co-operation and one Statement of Co- operation.

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has inked a supervisory cooperation pact with the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan for information sharing. A memorandum of understanding on 'Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Supervisory Information' was signed by RBI Deputy Governor S S Mundra and Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan Deputy Governor Phajo Dorjee, the central bank said in a release.

The RBI has entered into MoUs, Letter for Supervisory Co- operation and Statement of Co-operation with supervisors of a few countries. The objective of such pacts is to promote greater co- operation and share supervisory information, the RBI said. With this, the RBI has signed 39 such MoUs, one Letter for Supervisory Co-operation and one Statement of Co- operation.
The council is likely to deliberate on three-year action plan prepared by the NITI Aayog

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has convened a meeting of NITI Aayog's Governing Council on Sunday to deliberate on the 15-year road map for development.

The council, with all chief ministers on board, will also discuss 3-year action plan and 7-year development strategies. "The Governing Council meeting is being scheduled on April 23. The agenda of the meeting is being finalised.

The council is likely to deliberate on three-year action plan prepared by the NITI Aayog," a source said. Since the government has done away with five-year plans with effect from April 1, 2017, it is imperative that the new three-year action plan is put into place at the earliest to guide various central ministries, departments and states to achieve the goal envisaged in the 'Vision 2030' document, the source added.

The 12th Five-Year Plan, which was the last of its kind in the series, was terminated on March 31, 2017. The new three-year plan will also provide in detail the government's expenditure classification on the basis of capital and revenue categories.

The government has also done away with the classification of Plan and non-Plan expenditure from April 1, 2017. The policy-making body had been mandated to come up with a 15-year vision document for a period up to 2030, which will be co-terminus with sustainable development goals.

The NITI Aayog has also been working on a 7-year strategy starting from 2017-18 to 2023-24 to convert the vision document into implementable policy and action as part of the National Development Agenda. It has also prepared a draft of the 3-year action plan for 2017-18 to 2019-20 which will be aligned with the 14th Finance Commission award period.
We see members of the cast discussing scenes and also chilling out on the sets of the highly anticipated film.

Mumbai: Makers go to extreme lengths nowadays to promote their films and are not even afraid to 'create' controversies to generate buzz.

The promotion of a film nowadays starts off with a poster, then a teaser and trailer, followed by songs and dialogue promos.

However, when a film is as big as Baahubali: The Conclusion, fans are already anticipating the release with the few posters, one trailer and few grand events that the makers have shared and there has not been any need for songs and other promos.

When makers are hardly sharing any pictures or songs and keeping the mystery of the film alive, we have got hold of several behind-the-scenes pictures from the sets of the film.

We see Prabhas interacting with his director SS Rajamouli in one of the pictures and chilling out with producer Shobu Yarlagadda in another picture.

Rajamouli is very much the captain of the ship that we see as he directs Rana Daggubati before he fires his massive weapon or as he discusses the formation of the sets with art director Sabu Cyril.

Unlike the intensity in the film, we see Rana Daggubati, Ramya Krishnan and Prabhas smiling in the pictures.

Rana Daggubati took to social media to share some of these pictures, and said that he felt blessed to be in the esteemed company of his colleagues.

Baahubali: The Conclusion also stars Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Sathyaraj and others and releases on April 28.
Sonam posted a childhood picture of herself dressed in the attire of legendary Charlie Chaplin.

Mumbai: It was the 128th birthday of the worlds most celebrated comic actor, filmmaker and composer Charlie Chaplin on April 16.

On the occasion of his birthday, Sonam posted a childhood picture of herself dressed in the attire of legendary Charlie Chaplin.

Quoting Charlie from his iconic film The Circus, Sonam wrote, "You'll never find a rainbow if you're looking down."

She further expressed her love for Chaplin saying, "When little girls wanted to be princesses I wanted to be Charlie Chaplin. Happy birthday Charlie, I never look down and walk, I never forget that a day without laughter is a day wasted and that life might be tragedy when seen in close-up but a wonderful comedy in long shot."

Here is the picture which Sonam posted on Instagram:

The actor recently received a Special Mention at the 64th National Film Awards for her stellar performance in 'Neerja'.

Talking more about on work front, Sonam is currently shooting for her upcoming film 'Padman' with Akshay Kumar and Radhika Apte.

She is also a part of Sanjay Dutts biopic and will kick start shooting for sister Rhea Kapoors 'Veere di Wedding' with friend Swara Bhaskar and Kareena Kapoor Khan.
The actress has been signed on as the official host of the event of the year - Justin Bieber Purpose Tour.

Mumbai: Best known for her roles in 'Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince,' '13 Steps Down' and 'My Brother The Devil,' English actress Elarica Johnson will be making her maiden visit to India, this summer, to be a part of the highly anticipated Justin Bieber Tour.

During her visit, the actress will meet directors and film personalities from the Indian film industry, apart from being the official host of the event of the year - Justin Bieber Purpose Tour.

The actress stated, "India has been a place I have always wanted to visit. I watched Bollywood movies as a child and now being an actress going to Mumbai the heart of the Bollywood film Industry; it is a dream come true! I have always felt inspired by the freedom of colour, music and dance. So to be able to explore the Indian culture and have the chance to see the beautiful architecture and history of the country will truly be a wonderful experience."

Adding, "I am definitely looking forward to eating a lot! Indian food sits at the number one spot as my ultimate favourite cuisine. But most of all having this experience and seeing one of my favourite artists, Justin Bieber perform live, I am sure I will mark this as a trip of a lifetime!"

The 27-year-old London-born diva will arrive in Mumbai on May 4 and will explore the city till May 15.

On the work front, Elarica is all set to star alongside Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning in John Cameron Michell's 'How To Talk To Girls At Parties.'

She has also finished filming 'Blade Runner 2049, alongside Ryan Gosling, which supposedly will release by the end of the year.

Bieber's latest jaunt is in support of his fourth album, the critically acclaimed 'Purpose,' wherein he experimented with more exploratory electronic sounds.
Sajjan is scheduled to hold talks with the Indian leadership as well as reportedly speak on conflict-prevention and peacekeeping in a changing world.

New Delhi: After much uncertainty, sources in the ministry of defence (MoD) confirmed late on Monday evening that a guard of honour was indeed taking place for visiting Canadian defence minister Harjit Sajjan on Tuesday.

Earlier in the evening, feverish speculation was triggered after the MoD erroneously issued a revised advisory saying that the tri-services guard of honour stands cancelled. Late in the evening, MoD sources said an oversight had taken place. The Guard of Honour is taking place as scheduled, MoD sources said.

It may be recalled that just last week, Canada had reportedly described as disappointing and inaccurate the purported comments allegedly made by Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh that five ministers in the Justin Trudeau government, including defence minister Harjit Sajjan, were Khalistani sympathisers.

According to news agency reports last week, Mr Singh had earlier alleged that Mr Sajjan like his father is a Khalistani sympathiser and he would not meet him during his scheduled visit to India later this month. There were, in fact, five ministers in the Justin Trudeau government who were Khalistani sympathisers and I will not have any truck with them, Singh was quoted by news agencies as having claimed.

Reacting to the remarks, the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi was quoted as saying, The comments regarding Canadas ministers are both disappointing and inaccurate. It also asserted that Canada greatly values its relationship with the people and the government of Punjab, and looks forward to further advancing this relationship.

We regret that the chief minister of Punjab is unavailable to meet with Canadas minister of defence. The chief minister is welcome to visit Canada, the high commission was quoted as saying. Mr Sajjan is scheduled to hold talks with the Indian leadership as well as reportedly speak on conflict-prevention and peacekeeping in a changing world.
This comes after state Finance Minister D. Jayakumar on Monday hinted at the possibility of a merger between the two groups.

Chennai: Rebel All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader O Panneerselvam on Tuesday said the Sasikala faction of the party has formed a committee to conduct talks on merger of the two factions.

NDTV reported that Chief Minister E Palanisamy would be leading a 10-member team to meet Panneerselvam and hold talks.

This comes after state Finance Minister D. Jayakumar on Monday hinted at the possibility of a merger between the two groups.

Read: CM has stressed for unity in taking govt forward: Sengottaiyan

Jayakumar said all 123 AIADMK lawmakers and party cadres were on the same page and discussed the possibilities of retaining the 'Two Leaves' symbol, which had been frozen by the Election Commission.

On Monday, Panneerselvam, a former Chief Minister of the state, had expressed confidence that the Dhinakaran faction leaders would approach him for merger talks.

"If approached, we are ready to sit and talk and I have confidence that they (leaders) will come (for talks)," he told reporters at the airport here.

"Given the opinion (voiced by OPS), modalities to strengthen the party and to run it with unity were discussed," Jayakumar told reporters, briefing them about the meeting which was attended by most of the ministers of E K Palanisamy government.

According to party sources, MLAs from both factions were holding informal meetings over the issue. An MLA from Sasikala camp, who was on board the INS Chennai, said there are likely to be formal meetings on the matter during the later part of the day.

On Panneerselvam's demand for ending family rule by Sasikala of AIADMK (Amma) and Deputy General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran, her nephew, the MLA said senior leaders would have to decide on any such issue.

However, Finance Minister Jayakumar said there was no such development regarding demands for removal of Sasikala and Dhinakaran from the party posts.

Speculation is rife about a possible pact between Palanisamy and Panneerselvam under which both VK Sasikala, the jailed AIADMK general secretary, and Dhinakaran, her nephew and deputy, would be ousted.

Unconfirmed reports had it that under the arrangement Palanisamy would continue as Chief Minister while Panneerselvam would occupy the coveted post of AIADMK general secretary, which was held by J Jayalalithaa till her death last December. However, Panneerselvam had earlier in the day told journalists nobody had approached him with such a proposal so far.

Asked about speculation in political circles that Sasikala, who is serving a prison term in connection with a disproportionate assets case in which Jayalalithaa was also an accused, was preparing to quit as general secretary, Jayakumar said, "There is no such thing."

The election symbol is seen as part of Jayalalithaa's enduring legacy. The Election Commission had frozen the two-leaves symbol after both Panneerselvam and Sasikala-Dhinakaran factions staked claim to it ahead of the now countermanded April 12 byelection to RK Nagar assembly constituency.

Jayakumar also said the submission of affidavits of district-level party workers to the Election Commission in the symbol dispute was discussed at the meeting. On the possibility of meeting Panneerselvam to take forward the merger proposal, he said "For everything there is a time."

When a reporter pointed out that Panneerselvam had been demanding a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jayalalithaa, and if it was to be made a condition for merger, he shot back, asking "Did he (Panneerselvam) spell out this as a condition?"

Another senior Minister and a heavy weight of the party in the western region, S P Velumani said "For sure we will be united, and retrieve the Two Leaves symbol."

"Those who exited (Panneerselvam and his followers) are also part of our family. It is like a fight between two brothers. Together we will get back the Two Leaves symbol," he said.

There was reportedly unease in Tamil Nadu's ruling party ever since Income Tax officials raided Health Minister Vijayabaskar's premises and seized evidence of bribing voters for the bypoll to R K Nagar assembly seat. The poll, scheduled for April 12, was countermanded by the Election Commission on April 9 amid allegations of rampant inducement and bribing of voters.

Dhinakaran was the candidate of AIADMK (Amma) faction for the seat. He was earlier in the day booked by the Delhi police after it arrested an alleged middleman who, according to police, was purportedly helping the AIADMK leader reach out to an unidentified official in the Election Commission in return for an astounding Rs 50 crore.

No arrest warrant has been issued against Dhinakaran. But police have in their custody Sukesh Chandrasekhar, the alleged middleman who was picked from a 5-star hotel in New Delhi yesterday, a senior police official said.

Sasikala had reinducted Dhinakaran, who was expelled from the AIADMK by Jayalalithaa, and appointed him the party's deputy general secretary just before proceeding to Bengaluru to serve the remnant of her jail term after the Supreme Court upheld her conviction and sentence in February this year.
Narendra Modi also exhorted farmers to adopt modern farming methods like drip irrigation and new technology as well to improve income.

Botad (Gujarat): Exhorting farmers to adopt modern technology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said his government has decided to double their income by 2022 when India would celebrate 75 years of Independence.

Modi made the announcement while dedicating the Rs 1,500-crore phase I of link-II pipeline canal of SAUNI (Saurashtra Narmada Avataran Irrigation) project to the people and laying the foundation stone for Rs 1,694-crore phase II of link II of the project.

The phase II of the project envisages the construction of a 74- kilometre pipeline network connecting Bhimdad dam to seven other dams in Botad and Bhavnagar districts.

The SAUNI scheme would take water from Narmada to 115 dams in the parched Saurashtra region.

The PM asked farmers to adopt modern farming methods like drip irrigation and said his government has decided to double the farmers' income by 2022.

"Centre has decided to double farmers' income by 2022 by improving technology, increasing milk production, use of solar light, honey production. Fifteen years ago people would not have thought that we can come out of drought-like situation (in this region)," he said.

"We will have to make it our nature to adopt modern technology. Entire government -- be it the Central government or the state governments -- and banks should come under your mobile phone," he said, while urging the people to download BHIM app and earn money by helping others to download it.

Being a former CM, he understood farmers' issues better, he said.

"I am the first person to become the PM after serving as a CM for a long time. And that is why I know how much farmers are troubled when they do not get urea or water in time. For me, it is easy to understand people's problems," he said.

"When as the Gujarart chief minister I would go to the Centre for meetings and say that we spend a large part of our budget on water, many would criticise me saying you cannot win elections that way. I don't work to win elections but to serve the people of Gujarat. It is only water and not money that can make rural Gujarat progress," the Prime Minister said.

"Today Goddess Narmada herself has descended to bless the people here. Water is like God, we have no right to waste it," he said.

Modi also praised Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for his `Narmada Yatra' campaign.

"Gujarat farmers should be grateful to Chouhan government. To ensure that the Gujarat farmers do not face any water scarcity, the MP government has organised Narmada Yatra and asked people to plant trees along its (Narmada's) banks," he said.

"Shivraj Singh Chouhan government of the BJP is raising forests so that Mother Narmada does not go dry even after hundred years," Modi said.

The project which Modi dedicated to the region today comprises a 51-kilometre network of underground pipeline to carry Narmada water from Limbdi-Bhogavo-II Dam in Surendranagar district to Bhimdad Dam in Botad district.

Last August, the Prime Minister had dedicated phase 1 of Link-I canal network of the project. SAUNI Yojana envisages channelling floodwater through Narmada Dam project by laying 1,126 kilometre network of pipelines to feed 115 reservoirs in Saurashtra and irrigate 10.22 lakh acres of land.
Internet services remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Tuesday to discourage people from uploading videos of violence.

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday expressed deep anguish over the loss of precious lives in security forces actions across Kashmir and made an appeal to all shades of political opinion to help towards restoration of peace and normalcy in the restive Valley.

The State Cabinet which met in winter capital Jammu with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, in chair reviewed the prevailing law and order situation and asked the police and other security agencies to exercise maximum restraint while handling law and order situations to prevent loss of human lives.

A statement issued at the end of the meeting said that it urged the civil society and parents to counsel the youth to stay away from violent protests which, in spite of maximum restraint, can at times lead to fatal consequences.

The statement added, The Cabinet also directed the State administration to take all required measures to tackle the situation effectively and at the same time ensure that the general public is not put to any inconvenience and their grievances are addressed.

On Monday evening, the Chief Minister had met with Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhavan in winter capital Jammu to discuss the situation and other law and order-related issues and the recently held by-poll to the Srinagar seat of Lok Sabha and postponement of the same in Anantnag constituency in view of widespread violence witnessed during the voting in Srinagar on April 9.

The deaths and other incidents particularly the police and other security forces allegedly resorting to use of brute force against student protesters in southern Pulwama town on Saturday and also across the Valley on Monday spread disappointment, resentment and anger among the people in Kashmir. Tension is high and the PDP-BJP government is being widely criticised.

Though no major incident took place on Tuesday when higher secondary schools, colleges and universities remained closed in the Valley, the student unrest has spread to Banihal area just across the Pirpanjal range. Hundreds of students on Tuesday held protest demonstrations in the highway town of Banihal and blocked vehicular traffic on vital Srinagar-Jammu to lode their protest against security forces actions against students of the Valley. The police fired teargas canisters and swung bamboo sticks to disperse the crowds, leaving several protesters injured.

In Srinagar, the youth wing of opposition National Conference staged an anti-government demonstration against recent killings and use of brute forces against protesting students. The participants wearing black suits as a mark of protest marched along the Citys Residency Road and then held a protest demonstration in Mushtaq Press Enclave.

The authorities have announced that the Valley's colleges, universities and some higher secondary schools will remain closed for students also on Wednesday. However, the Kashmir University at Srinagar has said that while the class work will remain suspended, all examinations will be held as per schedule.

3G and 4G mobile Internet services remained suspended for the second consecutive day on Tuesday apparently to discourage people from uploading video on the recent incidents on social media sites.
The Election Commission has asked the Congress to complete its internal election process by December 31.

New Delhi: The Congress will hold the party presidents election between September 15 and October 15.

Some leaders  including Digvijay Singh and A.K. Antony  want to elevate vice-president Rahul Gandhi to the top post, but uncertainty over the issue remains. There is also a section of leaders in the party that is not in favour of his promotion yet.

Getting ready for its organisational elections, the party has asked all state units to complete their membership drive by May 15. After that, elections of office-bearers for states and the All India Congress Committee will be completed between August 21 and September 4. The composition of district committees will start on September 5 and be completed by September 15.

All eyes, however, will be on the presidents election. Though a section in the party claimed that a call to replace Congress president Sonia Gandhi with her son has come from the family itself, the other felt that after the partys rout in the Uttar Pradesh elections this could be delayed yet again.

As per the Congress constitution, Mr Gandhi could be put at the helm of the party affairs anytime the Congress wants.

The party will have to elect members for the Congress Working Committee, its highest policy-making body. Currently there are 21 CWC members.

The Election Commission has asked the Congress to complete its internal election process by December 31.
The court has indicated that a five-judge Constitution bench will adjudicate these issues.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it will examine whether convicted persons can be debarred from conesting polls for ever. It will also examine whether a person facing a criminal case in a heinous crime can be disqualified from contesting Assembly or Parliamentary elections at the stage of filing chargesheet or framing of charges or only after conviction.

A Bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and Navin Sinha posted the petition filed by Delhi BJP spokesperson Ashiwini Kumar Upadhyay, who sought a permanent bar on convicted persons from contesting polls, for final hearing in July. He also wanted special courts to be set up in each state to dispose of these cases within one year. The issue, raised in a PIL by Public Interest Foundation in 2011, was referred to the Law Commission of India. In its report, the Commission said disqualification upon conviction has proved to be incapable of curbing the growing criminalisation politics, owing to long delays in trials and rare convictions. The law needs to evolve to pose an effective deterrence, and to prevent subversion of the process of justice. The court has indicated that a five-judge Constitution bench will adjudicate these issues.

The Commission said the filing of the police report under Section 173 of the CrPC (chargesheet) is not an appropriate stage to introduce electoral disqualifications owing to the lack of sufficient application of judicial mind at this stage.

The stage of framing of charges is based on adequate levels of judicial scrutiny, and disqualification at the stage of charging, if accompanied by substantial attendant legal safeguards to prevent misuse, has significant potential in curbing the spread of criminalisation of politics.

The Election Commission said as early as in 1997 the then Chief Election Commissioner wrote to the then Prime Minister recommending that oncecharges were framed in a case, the disqualification was attracted as at that stage there was application of judicial mind to the charges. It said those against whom charges were framed and those against whom any Commission of Inquiry had given a finding of guilt of the charges should be barred from contesting elections; these cases should be decided by the trial courts within six months; to prevent misuse only those cases pending six months prior to the declaration of elections would be considered for such disqualification.

The Centre had taken the stand that it was considering the ECs recommendations and its anxiety was such a provision would be misused. It said the Parliament in its wisdom would consider the parliamentary standing committees report which had rejected the recommendations of the EC and the Law Commission to bar those against whom charges were framed from contesting elections.
PHOENIX  State lawmakers voted Monday to bar local governments from requiring background checks before individuals can sell property to one another.

But proponents insist the legislation is not about guns.

SB 1122, given preliminary House approval on a voice vote, would spell out that no government can require that the seller of personal property search federal or state databases before transferring private property. It also says that such transactions do not have to be handled through a third party.

Federal law mandates background checks when a licensed firearm dealer sells a weapon.

But there is an exemption for the person-to-person sale of weapons. And there is no mandate to have these transfers handled by a gun dealer who would be required to see if the buyer is legally eligible to possess a weapon.

While several states have enacted their own mandates, there is no requirement for background checks in Arizona law. The closest to a local restriction is a Tucson ordinance that requires background checks when weapons are sold in city-owned buildings like the convention center.

Rep. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, questioned why the legislature would want to preempt these in the future.

But Rep. Anthony Kern, R-Glendale, said Epstein is off-base in presuming the bill has anything to do with firearms transfer. He pointed out that the word 'guns' is nowhere in the bill, saying it could just as easily apply to anything else.

That suggestion drew derision from Rep. Randall Friese, D-Tucson.

No one is talking about background checks for refrigerator sales or microwave sales or dining room furniture sales or kitchen table sales or carpet sales or doorway sales or door jamb sales or door knob sales or door key sales, he said. Let's just be serious.

Kern, however, said he's not bothered even if it would bar background checks on gun sales, He said it's none of the government's business.

If I want to sell ... any of my personal property, including weapons, I should be able to do that, he said. And Kern brushed aside questions of whether an item could wind up in the hands of someone who would abuse it.

It's up to me as a responsible seller to make sure I know who the buyer is, he said. It's called America and it's called the Second Amendment.

Friese countered that he believes most Americans and most Arizonans want to close the so-called gun show loophole where individuals are free to sell multiple weapons as long as the items are the seller's personal property.

Kern said he doesn't see the issue in those terms.

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle are consistently against the Second Amendment the way they speak, he said. We should be limiting government at every turn and every chance we get.

Rep. Kristen Engel, D-Tucson, suggested proponents of the legislation, which already has been approved by the Senate, are deluding themselves if they believe this will forever preclude background checks.

She said nothing in the measure blocks a future legislature  or even voters  from deciding they want to follow the lead of other states like Oregon. And Engel, an attorney, said it is the most recent enactment that always takes precedence.

In separate action, the Senate gave preliminary approval to HB 2216. It spells out that state or local government cannot limit the sale of firearms to only smart weapons which are designed to be fired only by the authorized owner or whoever that person designates. The House already has approved the measure.
After the meeting between PM Modi and the American NSA, the US reaffirmed Indias designation as a major defence partner.

New Delhi: The United States on Tuesday reaffirmed Indias designation as a major defence partner following a meeting visiting national security advisor (NSA) Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster had with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the two countries discussing the menace of terrorism and steps to deal with it.

The meeting is significant considering recent tensions between India and Pakistan after a Pakistani military court sentenced Indias former naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav to death on charges of espionage and sabotage. The US has been also only too aware of Pakistans role in backing terrorism in both India and Afghanistan, and has been seeking to reduce tensions in the region.

The US NSA also visited Afghanistan and Pakistan for talks before reaching India. The US also discussed the situation in Afghanistan, West Asia  notably Syria  and North Korea during the meeting in New Delhi.

In a statement, India said that the NSA conveyed the greetings of President Donald Trump to PM Modi. The PM recalled his positive telephonic conversations with President Trump that reaffirmed the importance attached by both sides to the strategic partnership and to stepping up India-US engagement across the board, it said.

The NSA shared his perspective with the PM on the security situation in the extended region, including in Afghanistan, West Asia and the DPRK. During the conversation, they exchanged views on how both countries can work together to effectively address the challenge of terrorism and to advance regional peace, security and stability.

In a statement from New Delhi, the US Embassy said the NSA departed after productive meetings with PM Modi, Indias NSA Ajit Doval and foreign secretary S. Jaishankar. The US NSA emphasised the importance of the US-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed Indias designation as a major defense partner, it said.

The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counter-terrorism cooperation. The visit was a part of regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad, the statement said.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Indian High Commission will start the process of Mallya's extradition.

New Delhi: Asserting that the legal process is underway over the extradition of absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who was arrested and subsequently granted bail in London on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that both India and the British governments are in touch in this context.

"Responding to a query regarding Shri Vijay Mallya, the Official Spokesperson said that his arrest in London today was in connection with the request by the Government to UK authorities for his extradition. Legal process in this regard is underway in the UK. The two governments are in touch in this context," the MEA said in a statement.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Indian High Commission will start the process of Mallya's extradition, government sources said.

India needs to set precedent and Mallya's extradition is one such case, also those defaulters who think that their money are safe in tax heavens are on wrong foot, sources added.

The 61-year-old liquor businessman, wanted in India for defaulting on loans, appeared before the Westminster's Magistrates' Court in London for his bail hearing where the court granted bail to him.

Downplaying the din surrounding his sensational arrest in London, Mallya who is on the run over money laundering charges, took a swipe at the Indian media.

Taking to Twitter after getting bail, Mallya took a swing at the media accusing them of 'hyping' the development.

Earlier on Tuesday, following Mallya's arrest, the Scotland Yard issued a statement saying that the absconding businessman was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar has assured that the beleaguered liquor baron will be brought back after completion of all required legal procedures.

Addressing the media, Gangwar claimed that although bail was granted to Mallya, this does not imply any leniency towards him. He added that granting bail was required on grounds of a 'legal formality'.

"Eradication of black money has been discussed since the Lok Sabha elections. We will not let miscreants like Mallya escape. We will make sure he is brought back to India and produced before the law after due consideration of legal formalities," he said.

"Our government will make sure that nothing diverts this country's progress. Mallya's case will be investigated thoroughly," added Gangwar.

Mallya, who was finally caught after repeatedly refusing to appear before courts and investigators in India since he secretly fled to Britain last March, was granted bail.

In March, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that extradition of the absconding liquor baron has been stratified by the Secretary of State of the U.K. Government and added that a warrant would soon be released against him.
The CBI had chargesheeted Mr Mallya in January this year for allegedly defaulting in a bank loan case.

Industrialist Vijay Mallya leaves Westminster Magistrate's Court in London after getting bail on Tuesday. He was arrested earlier on Tuesday by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Industrialist Vijay Mallya was arrested in London on Tuesday by Scotland Yard on Indias extradition request forwarded by the CBI which has charged him for an alleged financial fraud. The industrialist, however, was granted bail within hours of his arrest.

Agency reports from London said that Mr Mallya was arrested by the Metropolitan polices extradition unit after he went to a central London police station on Tuesday morning. Subsequently he appeared at Westminster magistrates court in London with his legal team and was granted bail within a few hours.

Soon after his release, Mr Mallya tweeted, Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in court started today as expected.

Agency reports from London also quoted a member of Mr Mallyas team as saying, It was a voluntary action and he would be out in a few minutes. He, however, did not give any details of the bail conditions.

The CBI had chargesheeted Mr Mallya in January this year for allegedly defaulting in a bank loan case. Subsequently, the agency had sent a formal extradition request in February, which was forwarded to British authorities by the ministry of external affairs.

CBI sources said they were closely monitoring developments in London and would decide on future course of action according to extradition proceedings in court.

We are in touch with law enforcement authorities in London. If required, we will have our own representative in court to push for Mallyas extradition, which is now part of a legal process. It is now for the courts in London to take a final view on whether Mallya can be extradited to India in connection with the cases against him, an official said.

Investigating agencies have been asked to finalise the necessary paper work in connection with Mr Mallyas extradition process and, sources said, a team from the CBI, ED and home ministry is likely to visit London shortly.

There are several steps in the UKs extradition procedure, including a decision by the judge to issue an arrest warrant or not. In case a warrant is issued, the said person has to be arrested and produced in court for a preliminary hearing along with that of an extradition hearing before a final decision can be taken by the secretary of state. However, the concerned person can approach the higher courts, right up to the Supreme Court, challenging any adverse order against him/her.

New Delhi, sources added, has been pushing aggressively for Mr Mallyas extradition and the issue was taken up by finance minister Arun Jaitley with senior government functionaries during his recent visit to London.

In its extradition request, New Delhi had claimed that there is a legitimate case against Mr Mallya and, if honoured, it would show British sensitivity towards Indias concerns. Following this, British authorities had initiated the extradition process and forwarded it to a district judge for further action.
The visiting minister's comments come in the wake of Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh describing Sajjan

Defence Minister of Canada, Harjit Singh Sajjan arrives for a ceremonial welcome at South Block in New Delhi on Tuesday. (Photo: AP)

New Delhi: Clearing the air over allegations of being a Khalistani sympathizer, visiting Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan has said that his visit is aimed at forging better bilateral ties and not to 'break any country'.

"I have been given many labels throughout my life and your actions define who you are. I don't personally suck into the internal politics of any province or nations," he said while addressing an audience here as he spoke on 'Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping in a Changing World'.

"I do not promote the breakup of any country... My job is to promote a relation," he added.

The visiting minister's comments come in the wake of Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh describing Sajjan "a Khalistani sympathiser". During an interview last week, Singh stated that there were four other ministers in the Justin Trudeau government with Khalistani links.

The Chief Minister even went on to say that he would not meet the Canadian Minister on his India visit.

Sajjan is on a seven-day visit to India during which he is scheduled to hold several high-level ministerial meetings.

In Punjab, Sajjan will visit the Golden Temple and civil society organisations. He will inaugurate the new office of the Consulate General of Canada in Chandigarh.

In the financial capital, Sajjan will visit the Mumbai Port and meet several business and industry leaders.
Chennai: Several senior Tamil Nadu Ministers on Monday night went into a huddle here amid reports about coming together of rival AIADMK factions led by TTV Dhinakaran and O Panneerselvam.

The development came on a day when the Delhi Police booked AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dhinakaran for allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official in a failed bid to obtain the coveted "two-leaves" party symbol for his faction.

Emerging from the more than an hour-and-half-long meeting at the residence of Electricity Minister K Thangamani late on Monday, Finance Minister D Jayakumar said modalities were being worked out to pave the way for the merger of the two factions.

Earlier in the day, Panneerselvam, a former Chief Minister of the state, had expressed confidence that the Dhinakaran faction leaders would approach him for merger talks.

"If approached, we are ready to sit and talk and I have confidence that they (leaders) will come (for talks)," he told reporters at the airport here.

"Given the opinion (voiced by OPS), modalities to strengthen the party and to run it with unity were discussed," Jayakumar told reporters, briefing them about the meeting which was attended by most of the ministers of E K Palaniswami government.

Earlier in the day, speculations swirled about a possible pact between Palaniswami and Panneerselvam under which both VK Sasikala, the jailed AIADMK general secretary, and Dhinakaran, her nephew and deputy, would be ousted.

Unconfirmed reports had it that under the arrangement Palaniswami would continue as Chief Minister while Panneerselvam would occupy the coveted post of AIADMK general secretary, which was held by J Jayalalithaa till her death last December. However, Panneerselvam had earlier in the day told journalists nobody had approached him with such a proposal so far.

Asked about speculation in political circles that Sasikala, who is serving a prison term in connection with a disproportionate assets case in which Jayalalithaa was also an accused, was preparing to quit as general secretary, Jayakumar said, "There is no such thing."

Law Minister C V Shanmugam termed it as "a lie". Shanmugam said since Dhinakaran was in Bengaluru for a meeting with Sasikala, the merger issue will be discussed on his return here.

On Panneerselvam's stand that Sasikala's family should not be a part of the party, Jayakumar evaded a direct answer and said, "The decision of the last party cadre is the decision of the party and all of us."

He said, "We will get the two-leaves symbol for sure as it is the desire of all the party workers."

The election symbol is seen as part of Jayalalithaa's enduring legacy. The Election Commission had frozen the two-leaves symbol after both Panneerselvam and Sasikala-Dhinakaran factions staked claim to it ahead of the now countermanded April 12 byelection to RK Nagar assembly constituency.

Jayakumar also said the submission of affidavits of district-level party workers to the Election Commission in the symbol dispute was discussed at the meeting. On the possibility of meeting Panneerselvam to take forward the merger proposal, he said "For everything there is a time."

When a reporter pointed out that Panneerselvam had been demanding a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jayalalithaa, and if it was to be made a condition for merger, he shot back, asking "Did he (Panneerselvam) spell out this as a condition?"

Another senior Minister and a heavy weight of the party in the western region, S P Velumani said "For sure we will be united, and retrieve the two-leaves symbol."

"Those who exited (Panneerselvam and his followers) are also part of our family. It is like a fight between two brothers. Together we will get back the two-leaves symbol," he said.

There was reportedly unease in Tamil Nadu's ruling party ever since Income Tax officials raided Health Minister Vijayabaskar's premises and seized evidence of bribing voters for the bypoll to R K Nagar assembly seat. The poll, scheduled for April 12, was countermanded by the Election Commission on April 9 amid allegations of rampant inducement and bribing of voters.

Dhinakaran was the candidate of AIADMK (Amma) faction for

the seat. He was earlier in the day booked by the Delhi police after it arrested an alleged middleman who, according to police, was purportedly helping the AIADMK leader reach out to an unidentified official in the Election Commission in return for an astounding Rs 50 crore.

No arrest warrant has been issued against Dhinakaran. But police have in their custody Sukesh Chandrasekhar, the alleged middleman who was picked from a 5-star hotel in New Delhi yesterday, a senior police official said.

Sasikala had reinducted Dhinakaran, who was expelled from the AIADMK by Jayalalithaa, and appointed him the party's deputy general secretary just before proceeding to Bengaluru to serve the remnant of her jail term after the Supreme Court upheld her conviction and sentence in February this year.
There were about 30 restrooms emptied of paper in just one hour

Chinas notorious toilet paper thieves have struck again, stripping a park in Chengdu city of 1,500 rolls in just one week, forcing authorities to consider installing facial recognition machines to beat the penny-pinching paper bandits.

As part of efforts in the nationwide toilet revolution campaign, management at the Peoples Park in Chengdu, Chinas Sichuan Province started providing free toilet paper in all its restrooms on April 8. However, the park authorities found that the first batch of 1,500 rolls of paper were gone in seven days, the Chengdu Business Daily reported yesterday.

Feng Huiling, secretary of the parks Party branch, told the newspaper that an investigation found that 30 restrooms were emptied of paper in just one hour.Toilet paper use far exceeded expectations. The toilet paper thieves may cost the park up to 100,000 yuan (around $14,528) a year, Feng said, adding that some tourists have even been caught dismantling toilets pedal flush handles to sell them for money.

If the problem continues, they may follow the example of Beijings Tiantan Park and install machines with face scanners to regulate use, state-run Global Times today quoted Feng as saying.Tiantan Park, home to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, introduced six high-tech dispensers that dole out toilet paper only after conducting a facial scan.

The pilot programme kicked off recently after the authorities faced an increasing number of local residents raiding the parks restrooms for toilet paper. Tourists now must allow the machine to scan their faces before it dispenses a 60cm serving of toilet paper. The software will deny the same person another helping of toilet paper within nine minutes of their first scan.

Tiantan Park claims a total of 30 rolls of paper were used in just one toilet on one day in winter, the majority of which were stolen, the Beijing Evening News reported in March. Sometimes we have to refill the toilet paper every 20 minutes, a park attendant was quoted as saying.
Transport services to be hit; 2 unions to stay away from protest.

The drivers of the two app-based cab aggregators demand an increase in fares from the existing Rs 6 per km to Rs 20.

New Delhi: Brace for surge in fares and extended waiting time for the cabs to arrive as the drivers of two app-based cab aggregators  Ola and Uber  will go on a daylong strike against their poor working conditions. This is the second round of strikes called by the drivers. They had gone on strike in February too, which had lasted 13 days, causing inconvenience to commuters in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and Faridabad.

The strike, though for a day, may paralyse the transport services in Delhi and the neighbouring cities as around a dozen unions have joined hands in the protest.

Alleging that their demands have fallen on the deaf ears as neither the government or the cab operating companies have paid heed, the drivers association has planned a march from Majnu ka Tila in North Delhi to chief minister Arvind Kejriwals residence.

The protest march will be taken out from Majnu ka Tila to the CMs residence in North Delhis Civil Lines area. There is anger among drivers that government is not intervening in raising their issues with Ola and Uber, Kamaljeet Gill, president of Sarvodaya Drivers Association, said. The association, which claims to represent around 1.25 lakh app-based taxis in the Delhi-NCR, demands that fares be increased from the existing Rs 6 per km to around Rs 20 per km. It also demands abolition of 25 per cent commission the drivers are charged by companies. He said the association has called for the one-day strike in favour of the demands and if companies and government do not pay heed, they will go on an indefinite strike.

According to the association, app-based cab companies made tall promises to drivers, like they would earn as much as Rs 1.5 lakh every month. But, the situation is different. They are making us run taxis at Rs 6 per km, while they charge 25 per cent from us, Mr Gill added.

Contrary to the associations claim that most aut-orickshaw and tourists associations have decided to lend their support to the strike, Delhi Auto-rickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union (yellow-black taxis) said they will not participate in it. We will not support the strike in Delhi, Rajendra Soni, general secretary of both the associations, said.

Earlier in the day, the Delhi HC restrained two taxi drivers unions  the Sarvodaya Driver Association of Delhi and the Rajdhani Tourist Drivers Union  from disrupting services of cabs run by Ola and Uber in the national capital region.

Welcoming the court order, Uber in a statement said it hopes it will enable drivers to stay behind the wheel, without fear or harassment. We are hopeful that the order will be effectively enforced and that action is taken against any person who attempts to block cars, confiscate devices or harass riders and drivers and that the safety of everyone using the Uber App in Delhi is ensured.

We are committed to keeping Delhi moving and ensuring a reliable experience for riders and drivers, Uber said.
The girl had earlier accused her school teacher of molesting her. The third-party bail plea of the teacher was also rejected.

New Delhi: A Delhi court has ordered an FIR against a woman police officer for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl, who had earlier accused her teacher of molesting her

Additional sessions judge Vinod Yadav passed the order after the 13-year-old child told the court that she was sexually assaulted by the woman investigating officer (IO) of the case and she had lodged a complaint to the police against her but no action was taken.

The court also dismissed the third bail plea of the teacher of a government school, facing prosecution in the case, saying there was no change in circumstances.

Today, separate directions have been given for lodging of FIR against the IO in this case for having committed penetrative sexual assault upon the child victim and creating false evidence.

Needless to say, false evidence was being created by the IO solely to accord benefit thereof to the applicant/accused Manoj Rathi (teacher). Be that as it may, I do not find any change in the circumstance warranting taking different view. The bail application of the applicant accordingly stands dismissed, the judge said.

The court directed the SHO of Mangolpuri in north-west Delhi to get the FIR registered against woman IO, a sub-inspector, through a senior officer and file a status report in the matter on April 29.

The girl, in her complaint, alleged that the IO had threatened her father to get the victim medically re-examined or she would implicate her in a false case.

The child alleged that initially the woman official sexually assaulted her and later took her to a hospital where the doctors conducted her internal medical examination without her consent.

The police, which is already probing the aspect of sexual assault on the minor by her teacher, had earlier informed the court that it has also registered an FIR against the girls father in view of the alleged confession letter which was given to the police by the school staff.

The school staff had earlier given to police an alleged confession letter of the girls father that he had repeatedly sexually assaulted her.

The initial incident occurred in August last year when the girl, a Class V student of a government school in Aman Vihar area of North-West Delhi, asked a question to the teacher who told her to meet him alone later.

The girl said in her complaint that the teacher allegedly molested her and when her parents came to the school next day to complain about his conduct, he threatened them and took thumb impression of the childs father on a blank paper.

The teacher then allegedly wrote a confession letter on behalf of the girls father that he had repeatedly sexually assaulted his daughter and got the signatures of other colleagues, she had alleged. Later, a case under the POCSO Act was registered by the police against the accused teacher.

The police has also lodged a case against other school teachers and principal for not informing them about an alleged confession letter of a minor girls father.
The incident comes in the backdrop of a Pakistan army court awarding the death sentence to ex-Indian Naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Mumbai: Around 20 Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists allegedly stormed clothing brand ZARAs showroom at Phoenix MarketCity in Lower Parel on Tuesday afternoon, asking its staff to stop selling Pakistani products. Raising slogans, the MNS workers, pulled down clothes and trampled upon them. The MNS workers contention was that the showroom sells Pakistani clothes and accessories. The incident comes in the backdrop of a Pakistan army court awarding the death sentence to ex-Indian Naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Deputy commissioner of police Pravin Padwal said, Ten protesters, including corporator Datta Narvankar has been arrested under IPC section 143 (unlawful assembly) in front of a ZARA showroom. The accused have got bail after the arrest. Further investigations are on.

When the MNS workers came to the showroom, some policemen  who were already deployed outside  intervened and dispersed the protesters. The MNS workers had, on Monday night, visited the showroom and handed its staff a letter asking them to get rid of Pakistani clothes for sale.

After the incident, The Asian Age called the ZARA showroom twice, but no one from the store gave a statement about the incident.

The MNS letter, a copy of which is available with The Asian Age, reads: Soldiers, policemen and innumerable citizens of the country are being maimed and killed regularly by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, and the Marathi manoos in Mumbai has also not been spared by these terrorists. Just yesterday, the Pakistan government awarded the death sentence to Indias soldier Kulbhushan Jadhav on false charges. The letter read: In spite of such atrocious behaviour, Pakistani-made clothes are being sold in India, which is alarming patriotic Indians The money made by trade with India is being used by Pakistan to spread terror In light of this, you are asked to immediately discontinue the sale of Pakistani-made clothes in your store.

Meanwhile, vice-president of the MNS youth wing Akhil Chitre said, We were following up on our demand against the sale of Pakistani-made clothes in ZARA shops. We have been sending them letters for the last two days, but they were still selling the products. So, we went there to remove all such products. They have assured us that they would not sell them again. If they continue to do so, we will launch an awareness programme on social media, telling the youth not to buy ZARAs wares. If ZARA still does not listen, we will carry out an MNS-style agitation.
Senior journalist Sheela Reddy has revealed many such anecdotes from the eventful life of the founding father of Pakistan.

New Delhi: When 40-year-old Muhammad Ali Jinnah popped the question to teenager Ruttie Petit, the only condition put forward by the bride-to-be was: "you have to shave off your moustache."

And Jinnah obliged. Not only did he get rid of his thick hair on his upper lip but he also re-did his hair to impress the lady.

Senior journalist Sheela Reddy has revealed many such anecdotes from the eventful life of the founding father of Pakistan.

In her new book, 'Mr. and Mrs. Jinnah - The Marriage that Shook India', Reddy reveals personal details and episodes from Jinnah's unhappy marriage to the Parsi girl, who was younger to him by 24 years.

In an illustrated lecture about the book held here last evening, Reddy curated a series of rare photos of Mr. and Mrs. Jinnah and their respective families, complemented with interesting tales from their lives.

Accompanying the photo of Ruttie Petit's father, Dinshaw Maneckji Petit, was this humorous story of Jinnah making the best use of his "cross-examining" skills of a barrister while asking his daughter's hand in marriage.

"Jinnah was having a conversation with Ruttie's father, and he happened to ask him about his view on inter-communal marriage. Now, to sound politically correct Dinshaw said, 'this would be a great thing for the integration of the country'.

"Next question was 'I want to marry your daughter'. It is said that he was thrown out of the door, and they both never met again," Reddy said.

As Ruttie, short for Rattan Bai, was only 16 at the time, they had to wait two years for her to become legally eligible for marriage. As soon as she turned 18 they got married in Bombay at Jinnah's house in 1918. None of her family members attended the marriage.

Reddy said Ruttie, who accepted Islam to get married and took on the name Maryam, had only one condition.

"When he proposed , the only condition she put was you have to shave off your moustache. He obliged, and got married without his moustache. And he also redid his hairstyle. This was very very English movie at that time, and all the Parsi dudes were doing that," Reddy said.

She also narrated the intriguing story behind the making of the book.

Idling her time in Nehru Memorial Library, Reddy stumbled upon a parcel of private letters written by Ruttie to the two daughters of Sarojini Naidu - Padmaja and Leilamani Naidu.

While initially she thought that she had everything that was required to write a book, it was only a matter of time before she realised that there was a long way to go and Pakistan was an important stop in that journey.

"I went to Islamabad and asked for the letters exchanged between Jinnah and Petit and others. In all this, I did not realise I had written my Indian address in the register.

"Smelling something wrong, they asked me to leave and I was debarred from that place. Even then I managed to get the files with the help of my Pakistani friend, but then there was nothing, barring some letters written by Jinnah's daughter to him," she said.

The author's quest ended after she returned to Mumbai on the recommendation of Pakistani scholars who told her, "You are in a wrong place, go to Bombay."

Jinnah spent a major part of his life in Bombay, where he lived until he moved to Pakistan after the partition in 1947.

Ruttie died in 1929 of cancer and Jinnah visited her grave in Bombay one last time before leaving for Pakistan.
The more Kejriwals rivals throw muck at him, the cleaner he looks.

You would have thought that water alone has the anomalous property of expanding when frozen. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal displays a very nearly similar propensity. He expands where others would retreat. The more the media mocks and berates him on behalf of its paymasters, and tries to put Kejriwal in the deep freeze, the fierier he comes out. In this regard he is somewhat like Donald Trump, but the similarity ends here.

Unlike the flashy billionaire who loves the good things of life, Kejriwal is a middle-class family man, happy with his vegetarian meal and cough syrup. As the US president seeks to discard the pro-poor healthcare and moves to auction away public spaces of learning and education, Kejriwal veers closer to the old-fashioned economics that harks back to Indias early quest to become a welfare state. Unlike most of his competitors Kejriwal revels in his hostility to crony capitalism, which he believes has stunted Indias growth.

He was likened to Pakistans Imran Khan initially. That was unintelligent. If anything, Imran veers closer to the BJPs politics of riding religious identity. Would he be able to say, for example, I will never use religion to win an election even if I have to lose a 100 times? Thats what Kejriwal said publicly when the BJP won Uttar Pradesh in a polarised election.

Some events more readily set him apart from his rivals. When mobs attacked Muslims in BJP-ruled Haryana, Kejriwal dispatched a fact-finding team to the neighbouring state. In 2015, Haryana chief minister M.L. Khattar reportedly asked Muslims to leave the country unless they gave up eating beef, a claim he later denied. Khattar sahib should resign His statement is not only unfortunate, but shameful, Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party said. He set up a special investigation team to revisit the Sikh massacre of 1984, which has not attained a satisfactory closure. When Hindutva mobs vandalised churches in Delhi, it was the AAP that led the face-off with the communalists. Im not sure if any of these events could be associated with the studiously pro-clergy Imran Khan. Recently, Kejriwal was associated with a Jain monk who walks naked, and its his business to do that. But the AAP leader has not used religion to canvass support or to attack his opponents. The imam of Jama Masjid, known for meddling in Muslim communalism, offered support to Kejriwal, which he tersely refused.

The more Kejriwals rivals throw muck at him, the cleaner he looks. How many times has the Delhi Police picked up his MLAs for this or that alleged crime only to be rapped on the knuckles by the courts? By a quirk of logic, the Delhi government has no control on the citys police who fall under federal supervision. Even the chief ministers offices were not spared from being raided by the agencies. They only got frustration to show for their heavily publicised efforts.

Sample a report in an English daily last month: The Delhi Police arrested 13 MLAs of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party in the last two years on charges ranging from rape, extortion, cheating, forgery to rioting. For most of these offences bail is hard to come by, but all the 13 lawmakers are out on bail. In fact, two have been cleared of all charges.

The anomalous rise of Kejriwal persists with its perverse logic. In 2013, according to an English daily, the Congress government moved to probe alleged foreign funding to Kejriwals party. The following day, the daily donation to the AAP increased six-fold. Kejriwal thanked the BJP and the Congress for the windfall. Like Jerry Mouse thumbing his nose at his quarry, he said: We are grateful to the BJP and the Congress for raising questions on our funds.

I have met Kejriwal once for five seconds at a public event where I thought of giving him a book on corporate corruption. He may never have needed it actually, because it turned out that he knew more than the book could reveal. I am told he is allergic to leftists, which is not strange since the left has vainly put up candidates against him. But then, what is a former Maoist doing in his cabinet? There must be some meeting of the minds.

Easily the single-most important factor shoring up Kejriwals pronounced secularism is Ashish Khetan. This journalist-turned-politician carried out the most damaging exposes on Hindutva fanaticism in Gujarat during Prime Minister Modis tenure as the states chief minister. Khetans eerie video interview  a sting operation  with a self-confessed hater of Muslims could only be subverted as evidence of crime and complicity if the states key pillars looked the other way.

Last week, the Modi government through the lieutenant governor shut down the AAP party office in Delhi claiming it did not have official clearances. The timing was notable. Elections are scheduled on Sunday to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, currently ruled by the BJP. A victory in the municipality will fulfil Mr Modis dreams for India, says the radio jingle. Kejriwal was the first to stall the Modi juggernaut in Delhi. In response, the prime minister, that for the first time in Delhi municipalitys history, has staked his reputation to defeat Kejriwal. But in Kejriwals case when he loses, he wins.

By arrangement with Dawn
Mr Erdogans drifting away from European liberal values will have inevitable consequences.

By narrowly winning a referendum on his countrys future direction, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has crowned himself Turkeys king of kings. By transforming the parliamentary system into a presidential model, he has given himself vastly more power that is enjoyed by the Presidents of the United States and France without their checks and balances.

The trajectory of Mr Erdogan  from his fiery rhetoric as mayor of Istanbul to when he got in trouble with the law  is a unique journey during his stints as Prime Minister and, since 2014, as an elected President. He began as a reformer hoping to get into the European Union, but unlike the maker of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who pulled the remnants of the Ottoman Empire by bootstraps into the modern age, Mr Erdogan chose the reverse direction.

Mr Erdogan, leader of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), realised that his main base of support lay in Anatolia, with an aspirant conservative religious people. He, therefore, adopted a religion-tinged policy  his wife wears a headscarf  also in tune with his own feelings. His peace moves with the restive Kurds, their party PKK designated as terrorists, were given up. But Mr Erdogan came into his element in the steps he took following the failed coup of last July.

Thereby hangs a tale. Mr Erdogans ascent to power was in collaboration with Fetullah Gulen, a cleric leaning towards Sufism and running countless schools and other organisations. What is more, the Gulenists, as they are known, infiltrated in hordes into various organisations such as the judiciary, government and the Army. After the breaking point came over charges of corruption among Mr Erdogans senior ministers, Mr Erdogan used the coup to sack and imprison thousands in the bureaucracy, the government and the Army under sweeping powers he gave himself after the coup.

Mr Erdogans evolution continues. The Prime Ministers post will be abolished and he will be overseeing judicial appointments, sit above Parliament and control the Army with a firmer hand. We must remember that after Ataturk, the Army was the dominant power, a period interspersed by periodic coups when one weak civilian government made way for another.

In recent times, Mr Erdogan has made a major geopolitical shift. Although Turkey remains a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), it has drawn closer to Russia, now a principal actor in the Syrian tragedy, and had a wobbly relationship with the rest of Europe with an agreement to stop the flow of refugees to the European Union for a hefty price.

Turkeys membership of the European Union was never a serious proposition, given major countries objection to the prospect of an influx of 80 million Turks. With Mr Erdogan giving himself extraordinary powers, the prospect is even more remote now that he has also promised to initiate bringing back the death penalty.

Whatever the European Unions feelings, the West cannot get away from the regional importance of Turkey, lying on the verge of the tempestuous Middle East and for long a route for jihadists going to Syria and Iraq. (Mr Donald Trump recognised Turkeys importance by making a congratulatory call even as Western Europe fumed).

But Mr Erdogan faces his own kind of problems. Turkish Kurds remain a menace, the PKK leader is still in jail. Turkey briefly intervened in the Syrian civil war to ensure that the Syrian Kurds, close fighting allies of Americans, would not carve out a border area as a Kurdish free state that could be joined with the Turkish Kurds dominant in the countrys southeast. It is no secret that Kurds, spread over several countries, want a homeland of their own.

Second, even more importantly, as the results of the referendum show, Mr Erdogan rules a country divided down the middle. He won the referendum, with the official machinery fully behind him, largely on the strength of rural votes and those of dual citizens living in Germany and the Netherlands. The urban voter in the major cities and towns voted No. As it happened, Mr Erdogan was not shy in denigrating the German and Dutch leaderships as neo-Nazis, a particularly hurtful epithet, for denying Turkish ministers space to campaign for the Yes vote.

Mr Erdogans drifting away from European liberal values will have inevitable consequences. So will the concern among Nato members of how long its membership will last. Much depends upon how long it will take to end the bloodshed in Syria and Iraq. Mr Trumps resolve to defeat the so-called Islamic State is within reach as far as its physical presence is concerned. But as a stream of terrorist incidents in Europe shows, individual attempts at terrorism by indoctrinated or inspired by IS ideology are impossible to stop.

India can form its own opinion of the shape of things to come if his visit to New Delhi late this month materialises. But it would be impossible to miss the significance of a changed Turkey in Indias larger neighbourhood. Besides, Mr Erdogan is likely to make a strong pitch for the extradition of Gulenists living in India.

A tug-of-war between the United States and Turkey is in the offing because Gulen has long lived in self-exile in the United States. To hand him over to the Turkish authorities would condemn him to a lifelong prison term or worse.

Dictatorships are the norm, rather than the exception in the Middle East and neighbouring countries. But extinguishing the promise of democratic times in Turkey is particularly distressing. With the Trump presidency in the United States and unpredictable future policies, the Turkish twist has added a new element of uncertainty in the most explosive region in the world.

During an earlier meeting with a few journalists in New Delhi, Mr Erdogan had sounded rational although he also undertook his willingness to solve the Kashmir problem. Predictably, New Delhi ignored his offer of mediation.
The French presidential elections is doubly important for Europe.

A spectre is haunting Europe  the spectre of Commun-ism, so wrote Karl Marx in 1848 in the Communist Manifesto. Today, another spectre haunts Europe  that of nationalism. It is a spectre which has been haunting Europe for some time now and which on April 23 may loom again. The occasion is the first round in the French presidential polls, and the spectre takes the form of Marine Le Pen, leader of the nationalist Front National and presidential hopeful.

Ms Le Pen, 49, an articulate former advocate, took over the leadership from her father Jean-Marie Le Pen six years ago. He was a bruiser of the hard right, prone to anti-Semitic jibes and suspected of having tortured guerrillas during the Algerian uprising against French rule. His daughter has worked hard to modernise the party and remove its nastier elements. Even so, Ms Le Pens programme is extreme. If elected, she would cosy up to Russias Vladimir Putin, seek to take France out of the European Union, close its borders, institute economic protectionism and launch a culture war against Frances Muslims, some 10 per cent of the population.

Against her range candidates from the hard left to the conservative right, but the frontrunner is probably Emmanuel Macron. He is 39, a former banker and graduate of Frances elite institution for top officials, Ecole Nationale dAdministration, married to his schoolteacher 24 years his senior, and without a formal party machine behind him. His programme is diametrically opposed to Ms Le Pens: a supporter of the European Union, a believer in free trade, open borders, and a staunch defender of liberal values.

Opinion polls suggest that Ms Le Pen and Mr Macron are neck and neck, with about 25 per cent of the vote each. Opinion polls also suggest that Ms Le Pen would lose against Mr Macron in the second round runoff two weeks later, with about 35 per cent of the vote. If so, that would be the highest vote ever in a French presidential election for the extreme right, roughly twice her fathers vote in 2002.

But the opinion polls also suggest that some 30 per cent of voters remain undecided, and another 30 per cent may not vote. The result is, therefore, wide open and the outcome highly uncertain. This uncertainty is accentuated because Ms Le Pen seems able to attract support from the most unpredictable places. A little while ago I was passing a minor manor house in the village where I live in France. I saw plastered on the entrance sign a Front National poster. The property is owned by a couple who run it as a guesthouse. She, slight, possibly of Mediterranean origin, vaguely bohemian in style; he stocky, ruddy-faced and down-to-earth; both apparently pragmatic, reasonable and comfortable; neither giving any clue that they are active supporters of Ms Le Pen.

On the other side of the political divide, more recently I struck up a conversation with a young woman, a lawyer by training, once a volunteer helper at the so-called Jungle, the refugee camp in Calais. She explained to me that none of the candidates spoke to people of her generation, like her: educated, motivated, internationalist and generous-minded. The hard-left Jean-Luc Melenchon has a programme which in practical terms is much like Ms Le Pens, save for the Islamophobic elements. Francois Fillon, the traditional right-wing candidate, has a programme of social conservatism which appears to be Le Pen-lite. Anyway, he is embroiled in a corruption investigation involving illegal payments of public money to his wife and children. Benoit Hamon, the moderate-left candidate of the Socialists, is trailing badly in the polls and has been eclipsed by Mr Melechon. That leaves Mr Macron. And that is the problem for Mr Macron. His support is indifferent and lukewarm.

Ms Le Pens support, on the other hand, is fervent and committed. One of the students I taught in Paris put it very well: she asks the right questions, but her answers are wholly wrong. Wholly wrong certainly, but also highly persuasive. The questions are how to address economic dislocation and stagnation and how to create a sense of community and coherence as France becomes multi-cultural and multi-ethnic. Ms Le Pens answer is a programme of national priority, neatly summed up as France for the French. To that segment of the electorate which feels culturally and economically insecure, Ms Le Pen gives the reassurance that she understands them. She plays to their sense that they are an embattled people, menaced by the liberal elite, the forces of globalisation and the Islamisation of France. She, and she alone, will defend them.

Mr Macrons appeal is more cerebral. He refers to himself as doubly liberal: politically and economically. The concern is that an appeal to peoples intelligence and better natures when they are feeling uncertain and anxious does not have traction.

Important as the choice between Ms Len Pen and Mr Macron is for France, it is doubly important for Europe. The French presidential election is another in a sequence of elections where the fight has been between differing conceptions of Europe  atavistic Europe against altruistic Europe. First came the Hungarian parliamentary elections in 2010, won by Viktor Orban. In power ever since, he proudly claims that he wants an illiberal democracy. Next came the Polish parliamentary elections in 2015, won by the like-minded Law and Justice Party. Then came the UKs vote by the slimmest of margins in mid-2016 to leave the European Union: another victory for nationalism and intolerance. The first reverse came at the end of 2016 in the Austrian presidential polls, where the far-right candidate was defeated by a narrow margin. The second reverse happened in the Dutch parliamentary elections in March, when the nationalist Freedom Party failed to make an expected breakthrough, although its vote did increase.

But these contests were relative sideshows. France is the main event. France, the home of the Rights of Man, the second largest economy in Europe, one of two European nuclear powers (the other being the UK), is a founder member of the European Union. The Franco-German alliance is the axis around which Europe revolves. Without France, European integration comes to a stop and European coherence dissolves. A victory for Ms Le Pen would be a mortal blow to the European Union and a fatal relapse into Europes dark past. A victory for Mr Macron would allow Europe to breathe a sigh of relief, but celebration would be misplaced. There is still much to be done to exorcise the spectre.
Michael Garland Elliott, a keen follower of the news, would regularly voice his disapproval of Trump.

New York: A 75-year-old man in the US has died "peacefully" after his ex-wife lied to him that President Donald Trump was impeached from his office, according to media reports.

Michael Garland Elliott, a keen follower of the news, would regularly voice his disapproval of Trump, until ill-health left him unable to communicate.

He died "peacefully" on April 6 after his "ex-wife and best friend" Teresa Elliott informed him that "Donald Trump has been impeached," his obituary in The Oregonian said.

Teresa, 68, said she lied to him over the phone from her Austin, Texas home.

"I knew it was his very, very last moments," Teresa Elliott.

"I knew that would bring him comfort and it did. He then took his final breath," Teresa was quoted as saying by the New York Daily.

Michael died from congestive heart failure after his health had declined over the years, she said.

The obituary also said he "passed away ... surrounded by people who loved him dearly and cared for him selflessly during the last months of his life."

She described Michael as a "news junkie" who had expressed his disapproval of the President frequently until he could not communicate it verbally.

"He hated his effing guts," she said of Michael's attitude towards the President.

Though the pair divorced 20 years ago, Teresa said she always cared for Michael and would visit him often.

Asked whether she regretted telling Michael of the false news, Teresa Elliott replied: "Oh God no."

"If I could leave him with a happy piece of news then why wouldn't I?. And maybe in the end it won't turn out to be a lie," she added.
H R McMaster asked Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership to confront terrorism in all its forms during a meeting with them.

Islamabad: Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday said Pakistan is not using militant groups as proxies, asserting that the country is itself a victim of "state-sponsored" terrorism.

His remarks came a day after US National Security Adviser H R McMaster asked Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership to confront terrorism in all its forms during a meeting with them.

"Pakistan itself is a victim of state-sponsored terrorism. It strongly rejects allegations of employing proxies from its soil," the army said in a statement quoting Bajwa.

The army said that McMaster, who arrived here during an unannounced visit, the first by a top Trump administration official to this country, was briefed about Pakistan's war on terror and its contributions to regional and global stability during the meeting.

"In the meeting, it was highlighted that distinguishing feature of Pakistan's counter-terrorism effort is focused against terrorists of all hues and colours," the statement said.

"The US NSA acknowledged Pakistan army's efforts in eliminating terrorists and their infrastructure, assuring US support to bring peace and stability in the region and globe," it said.

McMaster held talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Gen Bajwa, Pakistan NSA Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi.

McMaster's visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan comes just days after the US dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb targeting an Islamic State complex in Afghanistan, close to the border with Pakistan.

This was McMaster's first visit to Pakistan as the US NSA and the first formal high-level exchange between the US and Pakistan under the new Donald Trump Administration.
Songkran derives from the Sanskrit word Samkranti, astrological passage, which denotes transformation.

A woman reacts to being soaked in water during Songkran, or the Thai New Year, celebrations on Khaosan Road in Bangkok on April 14.

Last weeks full moon, dubbed the Pink Purnima by a Indian bistro in Bangkok, marked the Vernal Equinox and New Year celebrations: Vilambi in Tamil Nadu, Vaisakhi in Punjab, Bikram Sambat in Kathmandu and Songkran, Thailands Holi. Public squares hosted water parties with live bands, overhead sprinklers, water canons and buckets, which spared neither pedestrian nor motorist. In this official year of mourning for King Bhumibol Adulyadej, many Thais replaced their traditional multicoloured floral shirts with black and white, to match the hues of kings portraits which float upon the skyline on billboards and high rises. Its a special Songkran said a college student, spraying giddy falang tourists with a water pistol, because it feels like the last one well have with King Bhumibol.

Songkran derives from the Sanskrit word Samkranti, astrological passage, which denotes transformation. Songkran evolved from Indias Makar Sankranti January harvest festival, which aligns with the Buddhist/Hindu solar calendar, thus Songkran is both an astrological passage and symbolic of the evolution of spiritual practice. Across Thailand water parties blend with ceremonial merit making: bathing Buddha images, honouring relics of ancestors, pouring water over senior relatives and monks. The Indian embassy invited Bangkok residents to pay special New Year homage by making floral offerings and pouring water on the 9 Navagraha celestial Hindu deities enshrined at the National Museums Samranmukhamat Pavilion for the three-day holiday.

Throughout Thailand seeds of India are seen in language, astrology, ritual and art, fertilised in the rich soil of Thai magic and folklore, refined to perfection in the Ayutthayan period, still potent in the 21st century. The Mahabharata tells of how Brahma insulted Shiva, thus Shiva cursed Brahma that his worship would die in India, and so it did, but Brahma now dwells in Thailand, alongside Lord Buddha. Bangkok has over 350 Buddhist temples, both Theravada and Mahayana. Every mall, bank, hotel and home has a shrine to Phra Phrom, Lord Brahma, whose four heads offer specific blessings and are daily worshipped with flowers, incense, fruits and candle flames. The rites and symbols of Siamese kingship evolved from ancient India, Thai government buildings are adored with red Garudas, the emblem of the Chakri Dynasty, an 800-year-old lineage established in the 12th century by the Kingdom of Sukhothai.

Thailand was fortunate to have escaped colonisation, thus its cultural and national continuity was not severed by European powers.

In the 19th century, King Mongkut and his son King Chulalonghorn saw Britain take Burma and France capture Indochina. They sent their sons to European military academies and their ambassadors to European courts, abolished slavery and polygamy, modernised infrastructure and expanded public education. In the early years of his 70-year reign, King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit made state visits to 25 countries, which greatly elevated Thailands international stature. If you find yourself in Bangkok, go straight away to the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles in the Grand Palace to see the exhibition Fit for a Queen which showcases the dazzling fashions Queen Sirikit created with the French designer Pierre Balmain, a melange of Thai textiles and French couture which kept the elegant Thai Royals in global headlines and Her Majesty at the top of the International Best Dressed List for years.

In the 20th century, King Bhumibol saved Thailand from a more vicious and catastrophic European ideology: The Communist Manifesto. When Saigon fell to the Viet Cong in 1975, King Bhumibol vowed to remain in Thailand to protect his nation.

In his first address to the Thai Parliament after his 1950 coronation, the King expressed his concern that Thailand resist incursions of Communist insurgencies from neighboring states, stating that development and education were the best defense against the totalitarian threat. Thailands Communist insurgents launched a guerilla war against the state from 1965 to 1983, which caused many casualties, among them Princess Vibhavadi Rangsit, a renown author, senior advisor and close friend of Queen Sirikit, who was shot and killed in 1977 while delivering aid to Royal projects and visiting troops fighting Communists in southern Thailand.

The King continued to visit rural districts near Laos or Cambodia, with protection from helicopters and infantry.

The 1979 BBC documentary Soul of a Nation follows the King and Queen traveling to remote regions targeted by Communist rebels.

The King preferred to drive his own land rover deep into the countryside to meet with his people and supervise his royal development projects. When BBC reporter David Lomax asked King Bhumibol if he was waging war with Marxists, the king replied that he was waging war on hunger.

The king deftly rejoined Lomaxs baited question about monarchy being the past and Communism the future, stating that Communism promotes the idea of the Top Man whereas his Buddhist faith valued morality and universal law  Dhamma in Pali  over absolute power.

In 1980, the King sent his Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda to offer amnesty to the rebels, thousands defected from the party and by 1983 the insurgency came to an end.

But in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Communist regimes inflicted slaughter, famine, annihilation of cultural and religious heritage.

The 20th century was a disaster for Buddhism, one of the worlds largest religions in 1900, vanquished at midcentury by Marxist despots.

It is one of King Bhumibols greatest legacies that he saved Thailand from the totalitarian virus, which caused the deaths of an estimated 100 million people in the 20th century.

Thai newspapers have been chronicling the construction of a grand crematorium near Bangkoks Grand Palace, where King Bhumibols body lies in state. Brahmin priests have blessed special trees selected for the structure; over 7,000 artisans are recreating Mount Sumeru, the centre of the Buddhist cosmos, where the kings spirit will ascend after his cremation at the end of this year. Dr Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of King Bhumibols Chaipattana Foundation said: The late King has never really left us he taught us so many things during his 70-year-long reign let us follow in his footsteps.

The writer is an author and Tibet expert who has worked with Tibetan refugees in India for many years
Brakes comments echoed those of MP Nadhim Zahawi, from the ruling Conservative Party.

London: UK lawmakers are calling on the government to strip Syrian President Bashar al-Assads wife of her British citizenship, for supporting her husbands regime during the countrys ongoing war. The Liberal Democrats foreign affairs spokesman, MP Tom Brake, on Sunday accused Assad of using her international profile to defend a barbarous regime.

(Foreign secretary) Boris Johnson has urged other countries to do more about Syria, but the British government could say to Asma al-Assad  either stop using your position to defend barbaric acts, or be stripped of your citizenship, Brake said.

His remarks follow Johnson branding the Syrian president an arch-terrorist, in a Sunday Telegraph newspaper article calling on Syria ally Russia to end its support for Bashar al-Assad.

Brakes comments echoed those of MP Nadhim Zahawi, from the ruling Conservative Party.

The time has come where we go after (Bashar) Assad in every which way, including people like Mrs Assad, who is very much part of the propaganda machine that is committing war crimes, he was quoted in the Sunday Times newspaper as saying.

Once hailed as a progressive rights advocate, Assad has fallen from international grace during Syrias ongoing war which has killed over 320,000 people since erupting in 2011.

The 41-year-old, who is believed to hold joint British-Syrian nationality, has stood by her husbands side. Assads ongoing support for her husband allows Britain to deprive her of her UK citizenship, as per the Liberal Democrats.

Brake is due to write to home secretary Amber Rudd outlining the view of the Liberal Democrats, which holds nine seats in British parliament.

The home office would not comment on whether the government would take action against Assad, who previously worked as an analyst for Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan.

The Government takes its duty to protect the British public exceptionally seriously.

We cannot discuss individual cases but the Home Secretary can deprive individuals of their citizenship where it is conducive to the public good to do so, a spokesman told AFP.
Cancellation of visa procedures for tourists and businessmen "will promote growth of investment of the far east, said Medvedev.

Moscow: Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has announced that tourists and businessmen from India and 17 other countries can visit the country's far east without visas to boost tourism and investment in the region.

Medvedev said on Monday that businessmen and tourists will not need to undergo the traditional procedure of Russian visas receipt.

According to the official site of the Russian Cabinet, the list of 18 countries comprises Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei, India, Iran, Qatar, China, North Korea, Kuwait, Morocco, Mexico, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Tunisia, Turkey

and Japan, Tass news agency reported.

"I have recently approved the list of countries, whose nationals can take advantage of the preferential regime," Medvedev said.

"We are pro actively forming the modern infrastructure and creating special regimes in the far east; the law on visits to the Vladivostok free port was approved in March," he said.

Cancellation of visa procedures for tourists and businessmen "will promote growth of investment and tourist attractiveness of the far east," the prime minister said.

The region will earn more money from tourist traffic growth, he added. Eighteen countries from various regions selected by the reciprocity principle were included into the list, Medvedev said.

"This is not because these states are situated at a closer or longer distance - we are appropriately introducing bilateral agreements on visa-free travel for those ready to use such an approach for us," he said.
Taking to Twitter after getting bail, Mallya took a swing at the media accusing them of 'hyping' the development.

London: Downplaying the din surrounding his sensational arrest in London, absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya who is on the run over money laundering charges, took a swipe at the Indian media.

Taking to Twitter after getting bail, Mallya took a swing at the media accusing them of 'hyping' the development.

Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 18, 2017

Earlier on Tuesday, following Mallya's arrest, the Scotland Yard issued a statement saying that the absconding businessman was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud.

"Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit have this morning, Tuesday 18 April arrested a man on an extraction warrant. He was arrested after attending a central London police station, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today, 18 April," read the official statement of the Scotland Yard.

His arrest came after a Delhi court had issued an open-ended non-bailable warrant against Mallya in connection with the the 1995 FERA violation case.

In March, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that extradition of absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya has been stratified by Secretary of State of the UK Government and soon a warrant would be released against him.

"Somewhere in the month in the month of February, the home office of the U.K. Government conveyed that India's request for extradition of Mallya has been stratified by Secretary of State and sent to Westminster Magistrate court for a district judge consider issue of releasing of warrant," MEA official spokesperson Gopal Baglay told the media.

In March, the Supreme Court fast-tracked the proceedings against Mallya and reserved its order on contempt proceedings against him for allegedly diverting $40 million to his children's accounts in foreign banks in violation of court orders.

A bench of Justices AK Goel and UU Lalit reserved its order on whether or not Mallya was guilty of contempt and what action should be taken to bring back the money.

The court concluded the proceedings after a three-and-a-half-hour hearing during which the Centre contended that Mallya was mocking the Indian system after fleeing the country. It said the government was holding talks with UK authorities to get him deported.

The apex court had started proceedings against Mallya a year ago and had issued notice to him on March 8, 2016 on a plea by a consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) for recovery of about Rs. 9,000 crore which the businessman and his companies owed to them.

The liquor baron, however, fled the country days before the apex court took up the case against him.
Corruption is a major issue in Spain, with the PP, rival Socialists and regional politicians hit by scandals.

Madrid: One of Spain's top criminal courts on Tuesday summoned Mariano Rajoy to testify as a witness in a major corruption trial, a first for the conservative prime minister.

"They have called him as witness," a spokesman for the National Court that deals with major corruption cases told AFP, adding no date had been set yet for the hearing.

Rajoy will take the stand as part of the so-called Gurtel trial, which centres on a vast network that allegedly saw companies shower former lawmakers and civil servants from his ruling Popular Party (PP) with bribes in exchange for contracts.

Altogether, 37 defendants face justice including two former party treasurers and businessman Francisco Correa, the alleged head of the network.

The PP itself is on the stand via a legal representative, though unlike most other defendants who face criminal charges, the party is accused only of having benefitted from funds obtained illegally, making it liable to civil penalties.

Rajoy's former health minister Ana Mato, who was forced to resign in November 2014 over the scandal, is also on the stand though like the PP she is suspected only of having benefitted from illegal funds.

Corruption is a major issue in Spain, with the PP, rival Socialists and regional politicians hit by scandals.

Such is public anger over the issue that many voters have flocked to two relatively new parties -- the far-left Podemos and the centre-right Ciudadanos.

As a result, although the PP still won general elections last year, it failed to get the absolute majority it won in 2011, and Rajoy now heads a minority government.
State Seeks Input on Which Oregon Coast Beaches to Monitor

Published 04/16/2017 at 4:43 AM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Oregon Coast)  What Oregon coast beaches do you think need to be monitored for health hazards? The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) wants to get public input and opinion.

OHA is taking suggestions until May 8, based on beaches the agency is proposing to be part of its monitoring system during this summer. Beaches are normally monitored from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

OHA's Monitoring Program works with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to determine beaches that need monitoring based on several established criteria. Among the issues looked at are pollution hazards that may be present, beaches that have had previous water quality issues, type and amount of beach use, and public input.

The list of 2016 beaches included one or two sections of many beach towns and areas between  but it is not comprehensive. Out of more than 90 separate beaches along the Oregon coast, about 30 were monitored last year. The state has only one full-time beach monitoring professional.

OHA regularly re-evaluates which beaches and sampling locations are used to protect public health. This year, their criteria has led them to propose the following beaches for monitoring in 2017:

Seaside Beach, Cannon Beach and Tolovana State Park Beach in Clatsop County. In Tillamook County, they are proposing Short Sand State Park Beach, Rockaway Beach, Twins Rocks Beach, and Neskowin State Park Beach.

On the central Oregon coast, Lincoln County proposed beaches are Lincoln City's D River State Park Beach; Newport's Beverly Beach, Agate State Park Beach, and Nye Beach; and Seal Rock State Park Beach just south of Newport. The one Lane County beach proposed is Heceta Beach (in Florence).

On the southern Oregon coast, beaches include Bastendorff Beach, Sunset Bay State Park Beach, Hubbard Creek Beach, Harris Beach State Park and Crissey Field State Park. A copy of the 2017 beach evaluation report is available on the OHA website.

The proposed list very similar to last year's, and looks at beaches most frequently visited, where bacteria has been previously found, or which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution concerns.

The list of the 2016 monitored beaches and sampling schedule is available on the program's website.

OHA will accept public comments and suggestions on the proposed 2017 beaches through May 8. Comments can be submitted by email at [email protected] or by calling 971-673-0400.

Advisories are issued when test results show bacteria levels are at or above the standard 158 cfu/100ml marine water. They are lifted when results show levels below that, which typically takes 48 hours or so. Most often these are caused by fecal bacteria getting into the water, but it is usually not known exactly what that source is in each instance. One known source for some areas are the large flocks of seagulls that occur when people feed them, and their droppings make it into outgoing streams.





















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The ostentatious businessman was arrested on a extradited warrant and will appear today at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London.

New Delhi: Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who has been declared a proclaimed offender, was arrested by the Scotland Yard in London on Tuesday morning following India's extradition request.

A few hours later, the Westminster Magistrate's Court granted Vijay Mallya bail.

"Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit this morning arrested a man on an extraction warrant. Vijay Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud," Scotland Yard said soon after Mallya was held.

Mallya was arrested after showing up in a police station and subsequently appeared in the Westminster Magistrate's Court for the bail hearing later.

Also read: Vijay Mallya downplays arrest, trains guns on media instead

India had in February requested the UK for Mallya's extradition according to the rules of the Extradition Treaty between the two countries. Mallya is accused of defaulting on bank loans worth 9,000 crores and is facing charges of money laundering.

While handing over the extradition request, India had said it had a "legitimate" case against Mallya and maintained if an extradition request was honoured, it would show British "sensitivity towards our concerns".

The business magnate left India for the UK last year amid attempts by banks to recover the loans on which he has defaulted.

An Indian court in January had ordered Mallyas lenders to start the process of recovering the loans.

Senior Indian officials described his arrest as the first step in the extradition case which would now begin a legal process in the UK to determine if Mallya could be extradited to India to face charges in courts here.

India cancelled Mallyas passport, but his extradition was refused by the UK earlier because under the countrys laws, visitors could stay in the country even if their passports had expired.

But in March, the British government set in motion the process of extradition by certifying India's request and sending it to a district judge for further action.

Mallya, who launched Kingfisher Airlines which now owes Rs 9,000 crores to banks, has been charged with cheating and conspiracy by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which filed a 1000-page chargesheet against him. The chargesheet specially mentioned covered one specific case -- the large loan given to him by IDBI Bank.

In January this year, a CBI court issued a non-bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case.
by Fr Peter

Many catechumens were baptised on Easter eve in many dioceses, but baptisms can take place on other dates. Data for underground communities are hard to collect. Five thousand priests are not enough for pastoral care in China. Believers must deepen their faith to counter the current mind-set full of superstitions and idolatry or money.

Beijing (AsiaNews)  Chinas Catholic communities face various barriers according to their location.

Official parishes struck a certain compromise with local authorities, and try to entertain good relations with them in order to avoid something unpleasant from happening.

Underground communities must conduct their services behind closed doors in many dioceses. This forces priests to divide the faithful into smaller groups and go to different places to celebrate Mass.

Easter is considered the most important feast of the year and entails many activities. The main one is the baptism of catechumens. Although many undergo the ceremony on Easter Eve, others do it on Easter Sunday.

In some dioceses, the catechumens are not baptised on Easter. In the diocese of Tianjin for example, baptisms are not celebrated on Easter eve because, as a result of the rapid development of local communities, there are so many catechumens that they can pick the date.

In recent years, Hebei Jinde has tried to keep the statistics of the tens of thousands of catechumens and baptisms. However, these data do not provide a clear picture of the Church in China since it impossible to have updated information about underground believers.

The main issue is the shortage of pastors. Although China has an estimated 5,000 official and underground priests, they are not enough to meet the spiritual needs of 12 million believers.

In Hebei and Shanxi, a considerable number of priests take good care of the faithful. But in other provinces there are not enough priests so that those who serve have to celebrate Mass and the sacrament of reconciliation in many places.

Since the faithful are eager to respect the Easter precept  confessing once year for Easter communion  priests are busy with the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least until Easter octave.

Because of the shortage of priests, catechists and community leaders have an important role to play in the diocese. Together with the former, priests lead the faithful at Easter towards the renewal of their baptism and encourage them to deepen their faith to counter the current mind-set full of superstition and idolatry of money.
by Card. Charles Maung Bo*

The Archbishop of Yangon calls on religious leaders to transcend narrow interests and instill the hope of resurrection. He urges action to remove economic and social injustices, ensure that everyone can enjoy full citizenship, and bring to an end the conflicts in Rakhine and Kachin States.

Yangon (AsiaNews)  Myanmar must "roll" the stones of the division, hatred, conflict, and inequality, to give birth to a "just society, writes Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, archbishop of Yangon, in his Easter message to the faithful and the nation. in it, he calls on religious leaders  Catholic, Protestant, and majority Buddhist  "to rise above all narrow interest and bring the hope of resurrection."

"Many of our people are buried in many problems which are like tombs. Myanmar awaits resurrection from its past and live in the shalom of Easter, inner peace, peace in the families, peace among communities."

Here is Card Bos full Easter message.

Happy Easter! Hope is an overflowing stream in the human hearts. After forty days of Lent a new dawn arises in our lives. Christ is risen Alleluia! Easter vigil reminded us how the light dispels inner and outer darkness in our lives. I wish you all that all darkness of sin, selfishness, conflict, poverty and human suffering may be dispelled by the great mystery of Resurrection. With St Paul we affirm today. Resurrection is the core of our faith.

I wish every one of you, the joy felt by women when they met the angels in the tomb, the joy they felt they saw the stone was rolled over and they saw an empty grave. Christ suffering ended in great glory. As Fr. Timothy Radcliff OP says, The Resurrection has changed the way we see God, we see one another. It is the risen Saviour standing in front of you my dear sisters and brothers and uttering the great words he said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying (John 11: 25). With Peter we proclaim today We are saved not by gold or silver but by the blood of the Lamb. Christianity is not only about the way of the Cross. Christianity is about the mountain of hope. Easter has put us on the mountain of hope. Let us celebrate Gods Hope today. The early church had only one feast: Easter and the Christians celebrated this feast for 40 fully days.

Easter is time for spiritual nourishment: Readings of Easter vigil nourishes all of us with the great spiritual nourishment: We finished forty days of lent, we will observe 40 days of resurrection till Jesus ascends into heaven. These forty days are based on the three forty days we find in the Bible. These three forty days theme should give us deep spiritual guidance in our personal life:

- Exodus: The book of Exodus speaks of God delivering the Jews who were oppressed by the Egyptian Kings. Moses led them through the desert for forty years before they reached the Promised Land. In our own lives we face many deserts: deserts of sin, deserts of hatred, deserts of poverty, deserts of oppression, deserts of despair. Pope Benedict talked about inner deserts - all of us undergo the desert experience of being abandoned and long suffering. May this Easter bring hope to each one of us that it is God who told Moses that he would be with us; bless us today and be with us all through our life.

- Jesus in the Desert: Christ is in the desert. He is tempted. He needed forty days for fighting the evil. The devil tries to tempt Jesus to be selfish and not to fulfil his mission. We are tempted and often we are in desert of temptation in our life: in sin, in selfishness and running after wealth and power. Resurrection tells each one of us: Christ is enough. The disciples were empowered not with gold and silver but the power of a living God.

- Resurrected Jesus with the disciples: After resurrection Jesus stayed with his disciples for forty days encouraging them. During his ministry the disciples walked with him, watched his miracles, and heard his good news. But when difficulties came they ran away and found difficult to believe in his ministry. We are often in similar situations. Christ is the centre of our lives, yet when difficulties come we are faced with unbelief. Resurrection is an assurance, that living Christ never abandons us. The disciples became fearless proclaiming Good news to all. Risen Christ is hope. For those of us buried in the tomb of suffering, resurrection is an event of encouragement. Alleluia!

Message of Easter to our Land

What is the message of Easter to our land Myanmar? So many good things have happened last five years. Like Christ resurrection was witnessed by women, his message of hope was brought to the disciples by women, this country had come out of long years of way of the cross through the intervention of a woman. The stone what was covering the tomb was removed by moral courage of a woman. We do think from the tomb of oppression; our country has seen hope of resurrection.

SHALOM  The Peace of the Resurrection

But the message of Resurrection has not reached all. There is war, Conflict and displacement in Kachin, Rakhine states, thousands of refugees.

The resurrected Christ brought a great message: Shalom! I pray for Shalom - Christ used this to greet his disciples after resurrection. Peace be unto you. (Luke 24: 36-38) this is a great word used by Christ after resurrection. Shalom means peace, prosperity, harmony and joy.

Recently I visited Rakhine and Kachin states. The chronic conflict in these areas has affected the poor. Extreme poverty is forcing our youngsters to adopt unsafe migration. Drugs and human trafficking plays great havoc. Our people are buried in the tombs of poverty. Our people are buried in the tombs of despair. Easter is the time to say roll down the stone that keeps our people dead. Bring in peace to our land, Let Shalom flow in the mountains of Valleys of Myanmar.

Myanmar needs Shalom. Many thousands were crucified to poverty; many of our people are Good Friday people, knowing only suffering. Many of our people are buried in many problems which are like tombs. Myanmar awaits resurrection from its past and live in the shalom of Easter, inner peace, peace in the families, peace among communities.

Roll down the stones from various tombs of Myanmar

Mark in his gospel talks about the anxiety of women who were going to the tomb of Jesus. The tomb was sealed with a huge stone. To see Jesus and anoint his body the women need someone to roll down the huge stones. The women were asking among themselves: Who will roll the stone for us? But to their surprise the stone was already rolled and they found a young man. Christ has moved to Galilee, from death to life, from Despair to Victory over death.

Yes. Myanmar was once crucified. Our people were called Good Friday people. Many thought there is no resurrection. But the country has moved from some tombs. But we need to roll down many stones.

Who will roll down the stone for the people of Myanmar so that they can encounter Christ of peace and harmony?

The Church in Myanmar works with all the people of Myanmar to roll the heavy stones and make resurrection of hope a reality. There are some more stones to be rolled down and Move towards Good News!

- Roll all the stones conflicts and move to the house of Peace: This country is buried in war, conflicts and displacements. Millions are affected. Peace is possible. This year we are organizing the national peace conference. We urge the rulers of this country, the army and the armed groups, roll down the stones of conflict. Let peace be resurrected.

- Roll the stones of hatred and move to the house of love: Those who preach hatred continue to poison the mind of our people. These people have brought sorrow to innocents and bad name to the country. We urge all, especially the religious leaders to roll down the stones of hatred and move to the house of love.

- Roll the stones of division and move to the house of unity: We are a rainbow nation. But those who wish to destroy the diversity of the nation are the direct cause for conflict and war. We urge that this nation rolls down the stone of discrimination and treat everyone full citizen of this country. Let equality be resurrected.

- Roll down stones that prevent the development of people: This country needs development, education, good health and livelihood. Wrong policies have buried our youngsters in the tomb of despair. We pray the authorities roll down all stones that prevent our youngsters full development. Let the life of our youngsters be resurrected through right to education and development. Move towards building people.

- Roll down the stones of injustice and move towards Just Society: Pope Francis attacked an economy that excludes the poor. The economy does not serve the poor but he poor serve the economy, the Pope says. The economic condition of our people continues to be dismal with more than 40 percent extremely poor. The rich nation has the poorest people in Asia. In this Easter Season, we pray that this nation may roll down all unjust economic stones that do not allow the justice to the weak and the vulnerable. Myanmar resurrection is based on its ability to become a just society.

The mission entrusted to religious people of Myanmar: Christ entrusted his mission to his disciples after resurrection. His work of the Kingdom was carried on by his disciples since the power of resurrection energized them. People without any power, any wealth were the first apostles who could bring about a great change in the history of the world.

As we celebrate Easter, we call upon the religious leaders of this country to rise above all narrow interest and bring the hope of resurrection. We are 16 dioceses, more than 700 priests and 2000 religious. We appeal to all Buddhist religious: there are around 500,000 monks (almost equal to the number in Myanmar Army) and 70,000 Buddhist nuns.

Also the protestant churches have hundreds of pastors; the other religions have their own religious leaders.

Come let us join together to roll down all the mighty stones of despair from our life and bring the hope of Easter to this nation.

* Archbishop of Yangon and former president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Myanmar
by Emiliana Saptaningsih

Become Catholics in Indonesia is a challenge. Yulianus Suroso: "At first many catechumens are isolated from their families because of their choice." The happiness of the new Christians at the end of a long journey. Yohana Rista Sijabat: "Since I have been baptized are overjoyed. It's a dream come true."

Palembang (AsiaNews) - The community of the parish of the Sacred Heart in Palembang, South Sumatra has 48 new Christians. On April 15, during Holy Saturday celebrations, 48 people were baptized during the morning mass. Five others were baptized during the Easter Vigil, while two catechumens have become Christians during Sunday service in the parish of St. Pius X in Tanggamus, Lampung.

Adult baptisms take place regularly every year, in most of the parishes of the diocese of Lampung and Palembang. Most of them are celebrated outside of Holy Week and Easter Sunday. The catechumens consider baptism as something very significant to their lives, since they face different challenges to become Catholics in Indonesia, a country with a Muslim majority.

Yohana Rista Sijabat (32) one of the newly baptized told AsiaNews: I am overwhelmed with joy when I was baptized. It is my dream, when I together with the rest of my family, I can attend the Mass and go to the Church. My husband and his family have inspired me to be in touch with the Church. Their example of living daily life and faith in God has helped me to embrace this Christianity.

Yulianus Suroso, catechist in the parish of the Sacred Heart, told AsiaNews that the catechumens preparing for baptism with different activities that allow them to learn and develop familiarity with the Catholic faith. They face a path that first leads them to learn the foundations of doctrine and thus the prayers, then involve them in community life. Happiness in becoming Christians is their reward for the arduous journey.

"At first many catechumens are isolated from their families because of their decision to become Christians. Despite all, time heals wounds and brings them together into a family of different denominations, "says Suroso.

"I feel satisfied. Now I hope to live a better life with Jesus. I wish that the Church, through the priest and the parish community, guide my faith and I can now become a good Catholic. - says Yohana Sijabat - I cannot wait to start my new life in faith, and I hope that the Church will continue to embrace and take care of my faith. "
by Giorgio Marengo*

The faith of local Christians is like strands of grass [. . .] that shyly sprout from the stony soil of the Gobi Desert. One woman got a furlough from hospital to come to pray. Catechumens are the most excited, including some youth who took part in the event for the first time.

Arvaikheer (AsiaNews)  "Nothing outside indicated that Easter had arrived. No matter, not even the paraskevi 2,000 years ago must have been different for most people, yet it changed history! writes Fr Giorgio Marengo, a Consolata missionary in Mongolia since 2003, with respect to this years Easter Triduum in the steppes of Asia.

His congregation may be small, 27 members, but their faith is strong. The faith of local Christians is as strong as strands of grass, [. . .] that shyly sprout from the stony soil of the Gobi Desert. On Holy Saturday, "we joined hands around the altar, and apologised to each other for daily disagreements can damage small communities. Tears flowed in abundance, and long sighs promised a new beginning. We can start to love each other again! Fr Marengos Easter message follows.

This year the beautiful blue sky of Mongolia partly darkened on Good Friday. A cold blast blew in for a last time, as if to scold the first slender grass that shyly sprout from the rocky soil. It is as if nature joined somehow the mysterious events of the Paschal Triduum. . .

Locals faith is as strong as strands of grass, tried by an often hostile environment, unaware perhaps of the new spring they found inside, coming to our ger to pray intensely and participate in Easter liturgies. Ours is a small but loyal group. There is a woman who should be in the hospital, where she was taken because of her blood problems, who asked for a furlough before going back for her next treatment.

This and more was done to pray. The catechumens were the most excited, including some youths who came for the first time. Even at this time, many local children and young people meet at mission every day to play and do their homework. A few stay for the liturgy, but no one feels forced. It is a gift, the greatest, but for this reason, it must remain unconditional.

On Holy Saturday came the fire, held back by the usual chilly spring wind. People went inside the ger holding a lit candle in the dark, giving way to the light of the many candles. We sang only the first part of the Exsultet, followed by a poet who continued to recite it in the Mongolian style. The great biblical narratives were born in such a context, tied to the rhythms of nomadic life and the moon. Just like in Mongolia.

Nothing outside indicated that Easter had arrived. No matter, even the paraskevi 2,000 years ago must have been different for most people, yet it changed history! What matters is being with the Lord who also rose today, in the steppe that slopes towards the Gobi Desert, as well as in the chaos of the capital Ulaanbaatar. Everyone came together to enjoy the words of the liturgy after preparing them during a half-day retreat on Holy Saturday.

The occurrence has become a regular, eagerly awaited event every year. It is a time to encounter God's mercy in the sacrament of reconciliation and turn it into forgiveness offered and received.

In a small community (27 registered baptisms), disagreements can cause long-term damage to relations. Thus, on Holy Saturday we joined hands around the altar, and apologised to each other. Tears flowed in abundance, and long sighs promised a new beginning. We can start to love each other again!

It is at this deeper level that the passage, Easter occurs. These people teach us this with their lives and their commitment. Happy Easter from Mongolia!

* Consolata missionary
by Vladimir Rozanskij

For the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow, reconciliation in Europe and around world has a religious dimension. Solving the Syrian conflict needs the cooperation of Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Working for "the baptism of China and North Korea" is indispensable. Jehovah's Witnesses are a problem.

Moscow (AsiaNews)  The Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church can and must take the initiative to make the world safer and lower the level of East-West confrontation. We can all feel part of a common cultural area, which we call Europe, said the Orthodox patriarch of Moscow Kirill (Gundyayev) during a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, a few days before Easter.

The patriarch used the occasion to send a message in favour of communion among Christians and reconciliation between parties in conflict around the world. He cited his "historic meeting" in Havana with the Pope of Rome Francis, with whom he discussed action in favour of peace.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church noted that religion has been one of the factor of European division, but today it "should contribute to the reconciliation of the inhabitants of the European continent, and to the spiritual union of peoples".

He cited "the close relationship between Russia and Italy over the centuries," like in the days of Tsar Ivan IIIs "Holy Russia", when Italian architects were invited to build the Kremlin and the Cathedral of the "Third Rome".

Kirill also noted that today many people from Russia live in Italy, praying in more than 60 parishes affiliated with the Moscow Patriarchate in major Italian cities.

The eschatology of peace and mission

During Holy Week, the Moscow Patriarchate held a major conference of "experts" on the subject of "Eschatology, metaphysics and futurology of recent events in Syria". This coincided with the great tensions between Russia and the United States over military action in the Syrian conflict.

Representatives of major Russian nationalist and Orthodox associations and movements pointed out that the "real enemies of Orthodoxy came to the fore during the Syrian war.

At the same time, the Patriarchates "experts" insisted on the need not to express a deserter eschatology, counting oneself out of conflicts, but appealed instead to a "missionary mobilisation" of religions.

According to the representatives of these groups, the Russian Orthodox Church must promote more meetings between religious leaders, involving in particular Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The Shia spiritual leader could meet Patriarch Kirill to launch a spiritual war against the "great Satan" and the Antichrist at work in the Middle East.

According to the Patriarchates experts, it is essential to work for the "baptism of China and North Korea," citing the recent opening of a Russian church in Beijing, personally blessed by Patriarch Kirill himself.

Liquidating the sects

At home, Russia is facing more and more the issue of freedom of expression of "new religious movements", considered a crucial issue for societys cohesion around certain foundational values.

In April, the trial of Jehovah's Witnesses began in the Supreme Court of Russia with the goal of liquidating their assets in Russia. Russias Justice Ministry has charged the latter with engaging in extremist activities, and must be shut down. In total, some 400 communities with about 170,000 members are involved.

Other groups have a stake in the fate of the Jehovah's Witnesses since they too could be charged with the same offence, namely the Seventh Day Adventists, the Scientology movement, Baptists, Protestants, Hare Krishna, Russias Molokany sect and others, whose representatives still claim not to feel under threat from the justice system.

Yet, Patriarch Kirill has been at war with destructive sects" since the 1990s when he was metropolitan for external relations of the Orthodox Church. In his view, religion can promote peace only by freeing itself from sectarian extremism.
by Santosh Digal

The event was held in the Church of Our Lady of Charity in Raikia. In 2008 the district was the scene of the worst anti-Christian persecution in Indian history. Youth enacted passages from the Bible and Easter themes. "I have absorbed the message of love and peace, a Hindu said.

Raikia (AsiaNews)  More than 5,000 people, Christians and Hindus included, celebrated Easter in Raikia, Kandhamal district (Orissa), where Hindu radicals carried out Indias worst anti-Christian massacre.

"For the past couple of years, we have organised celebrations involving Christians and Hindus to encourage brotherhood, solidarity and understanding, said Fr Prodosh Chandra Nayak, pastor of Our Lady of Charity Church, speaking to AsiaNews.

The ceremony, which took place in an atmosphere of joy and love according to participants, began at 6.30 pm (local time) and ended around 10 pm in the presence of people from various religious denominations.

Local authorities expressed their solidarity by sending Easter greetings, and parish youth staged a three-hour play based on biblical passages and Easter topics.

"Jesus Christ is risen, said Fr Jeevan Nayak, assistant parish priest. Let the message of love and peace of Easter pervade everyones heart and mind so that we can build a harmonious society."

Jacob Pradhan, a local government official, said that "for everyone, especially those involved in outreach, the resurrection of Christ means mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.

In view of this, I urge all our brothers and sisters, whatever their faith, to heed the message that Christ gives to our hearts and our families. This way, we shall work for peace and harmony in our district."

The ceremony was well received by those present. For Shankar Nayak, a pious Hindu, "Easter events like this help local people create feelings of closeness that allow them to live peacefully. I have absorbed the message of love and peace, and found a way to live with joy in all circumstances."

Celebrations took on even greater significance considering that in 2004 the parish was damaged and desecrated by Hindu nationalists.

Later, in 2008, it was the centre of violence unleashed by the radicals across the district, which caused the death of 100 Christians and forced some 56, 000 from their homes.

Following the anti-Christian pogrom, the local Church engaged in a reconciliation and peace process, and interfaith dialogue, making possible events like this Easter gathering.
They demand better prison conditions and an end to administrative detentions. Led by Marwan Barghouti, sentenced to life for murder during the second Intifada. For Bernard Sabella "it is the sign of a lack of political perspective" and stalling of international politics. Thousands of demonstrators in the West Bank in support of prisoners.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - More than 1000 Palestinians have begun a hunger strike in opposition to the living conditions in Israeli prisons. The demonstration is led by Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, 57, sentenced to five life sentences for murders committed during the second intifada. The date of the official start of the strike is not causal: April 17 is the "Day for Palestinian Prisoner", in which friends and relatives detained in jails are remembered. Hunger strikes are nothing new, but it is the first time to take part is such a significant number.

The demonstrative action had been announced the day before yesterday, after weeks of preparation, with 700 prisoners.

Barghouti was yesterday put in isolation. Israelis consider him bloodthirsty for his role in the al-Aqsa Intifada, Palestinians consider him a hero and sometimes refer to him as a potential successor to Mohammad Abbas, current president of the Palestinian National Authority.

Barghouti wrote an open letter to the New York Times, motivating the strike as the "most peaceful form of available resistance" against "arbitrary mass arrests and mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners."

According to the Israeli authorities, the number of participants is around 1187, while Issa Qaraqe, of the Palestinian Authority leadership says the number of prisoners are 1300. The Palestinian Prisoner Club NGO has a population of 1500.

The Palestinian prisoners - around 6500 (according to Palestinian sources 7 thousand) - is a major source of tension with Israel. They include 62 women and 300 minors. The Palestinians consider them political prisoners, although they are serving a sentence for a different kind of crimes: about 500 are being held in "administrative detention", a tool that allows Tel Aviv to hold suspects without charge for a period of six months.

The purpose of the protest is to ask for improvements in detention conditions, including more family visits; the installation of public telephones in detention blocks; the closure of the service clinics in prisons in favor of medical care in hospitals; an end to detention without trial and isolation. As for the medical conditions, the strikers are also demanding the release of prisoners with disabilities or chronic illnesses. In addition, the Palestinian branch of the NGO Defense for Children International reported yesterday that more and more children are subjected to isolation for longer periods of time: in 2016, 25 minors were confined for an average 16 day period.

Interviewed by AsiaNews, Prof. Bernard Sabella, a Catholic, representative of Fatah in Jerusalem and Executive Secretary of service to the Council the Palestinian refugees of Middle Eastern Churches, said that the hunger strike is one of the consequences of the political situation: "Without a political solution, no peace between Palestinians and Israelis, what kind of condition of life can a Palestinian prisoner have? It is a sad and painful situation."

"The Palestinian prisoners are demanding better living conditions, to see their families, get medical care, better hygiene, all those who lack basic necessities," says Prof. Sabella. "It is also the political message that we have no vision for the future. It is at a standstill. The international community, and various groups in Israel have their part to play. There is the 'disengagement', the absence of the international community, when you need to intervene in favor of dialogue. "

Today the Israeli minister for internal security Gilad Erdan announced to the military radio that Israel will not negotiate with the demonstrators: "They are terrorists and killers who are serving what they deserve and we have no reason to negotiate with them."

In the Penitentiary Regulation, the refusal of meals is a disciplinary offense which can result in withdrawal of privileges or disciplinary measures.

Abbas issued a statement supporting the strike, demanding the intervention of the international community.

The strike was also supported by demonstrations in different cities of the West Bank, particularly in Ramallah, where more than 2 thousand people marched in the main streets, and gathered in the square Yasser Arafat. The protesters showed pictures of their imprisoned Barghouti and other relatives, and several demonstrators announced that they wanted to join the strike.
by Kamran Chaudhry

Islamic leaders want the hanging of a Christian mother as a deterrent to mass violence. They believe the behavior of students who killed and tortured one of their colleagues for alleged blasphemy is justifiable. Commission for Justice and Peace: "Universities should teach critical thinking, the virtues of tolerance, coexistence and acceptance."

Lahore (AsiaNews) - Pakistani Imam are calling for Asia Bibi, a Christian mother imprisoned for seven years on death row for alleged blasphemy, to be hanged. According to some well-known Islamic preachers, the lynching of the Mardan student, killed, stripped naked and tortured for allegedly insulting the Prophet, was caused by Asia and the fact that the alleged blasphemer has not yet been punished.

The Mufti Muhammad Haneef Qureshi said before the cameras: "If sinners declared blasphemous by the courts, were not granted extensions in their punishment, students would not act in this way. People have lost faith in the state, due to the carelessness of the institutions and their criminal silence. Incidents like that of Wali Khan University will continue as long as people feel insulted in their religious sentiments ".

Speaking to AsiaNews Fr. Emmanuel Yousaf Mani, director of the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) of the Pakistani Bishops' Conference, condemns the imams "misrepresentation": "They should look at the reality. They should discourage people from taking the law into their own hands. The mosques should stop these provocative announcements".

Just like the mufti, other imams have asked that the death sentence be carried out against Asia Bibi. According to Muslims, if the woman were hanged, her execution would act as a deterrent against mass violence. In this way the Islamic leaders justify the atrocious incident last week in the university campus of Mardan, where the 23 year old Mashal Khan was lynched to death on charges of having published comments in favor of the Ahmadi faith on Facebook.

Pervez Khattak, chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said that there is no evidence that would confirm his guilt. Meanwhile, police arrested 22 people suspected of involvement in the lynching and opened a case against two imams from Swabi, the birthplace of Mashal Khan, who had tried to prevent the celebration of his funeral.

Fr. Mani appreciates the position taken by another Muslim leader, Shaikh Saleh Bin Muhammad Ibrahim, the imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, who criticized those who deliver false accusations of blasphemy. "Islam is a religion of peace - he said - forgiveness, tolerance. The faithful need to be guided and indoctrinated in the best way possible. "

In recent days, the Justice and Peace Commission also issued a press release which urges "the government of Pakistan to bring to justice those responsible for this hatred and extreme violence". By signing the document, Fr. Mani, Msgr. Joseph Arshad (Bishop of Faisalabad) and Cecil Shane Chaudhry (executive director of Ncjp), argue that "such violence and barbaric behavior is unacceptable. In the presence of the law, no one is justified in taking the law into their own hands. In addition, hateful and discriminatory material must be removed from school texts, if we want to create a peaceful and tolerant society. " "The university must develop critical thinking, acceptance of others' opinions regardless of the faith that is professed. We need to teach our students the virtues of tolerance, coexistence and acceptance. "
68 children are among the dead. At the moment there is no official confirmation of who is responsible for the massacre. Civilians targeted as they were fleeing the towns of Foah and Kefraya under government siege. The Western media alludes to involvement of Damascus. But all indications point to al Qaeda.

Aleppo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The weekend attack on a cargo convoy of Syrian refugees - including dozens of children - near Aleppo is a "war crime". This is what Rupert Colville, spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasizes commenting on the attack in which at least 68 children have died in a total death toll of 126.

The blast hit the area Rashideen and a group of buses carrying evacuees fleeing two Syrian cities under government siege. " We add our voice to the condemnation of the attack which likely amounts to a war crime. While at this stage unable to confirm how the attack was carried out or those responsible, footage seen by the UN Human Rights Office showed children gathering around a person giving out sweets just prior to the explosion"

On April 15 last a vehicle packed with explosives hit the convoy on the outskirts of the northern metropolis of the country, an economic and commercial capital of Syria returned time since last December under the full control of Damascus. According to reports from the London based NGO Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, close to the rebels and backed by the Saudis, the death toll is 109; dozens injured.

The blast destroyed the bus and burned the cars parked in the area, leaving behind the bodies of the dead.

In his Easter message, even Pope Francis condemned the attack, speaking of "a despicable attack on fleeing refugees which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries." "In particular, [God] support the efforts of those who work actively to bring relief and comfort to the civilian population in Syria, the victim of a war that continues to sow horror and death."

The convoy, without waiting to depart, was located in an area controlled by rebels on the outskirts of Aleppo. The explosion occurred while the refugees, a large majority of children, were gathering around a vehicle that had begun distributing food. The victims were fromFoah and Kefraya, cities under government siege and the subject of a recent agreement - brokered by Iran and Qatar - which guaranteed the green light for evacuations.

So far there were no official record claims for the attack. However, some experts believe it the work of al Qaeda, as no pro-government vehicle would have had access to the area controlled by the rebels. Hence the idea of an attack - the details of which resemble past attacks by the same terror network founded by Osama bin Laden or the Ahrar Sham - is the work of militia groups, in all likelihood linked to al Qaeda, against government Refugees .

Experts also point out that the so-called front of the "rebels" is not united and interests diverge depending on the group and their supporters (Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United States). This is why the attack was the work of the front that wants to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

In contrast, Western newspapers speak of the "unknown matrix" of the attack, adding that it is not in the rebels "interest" to hit refugees evacuated from their towns. The attack had raised concerns over the interruption of operations underway in the towns under siege. They were carried out on a regular basis throughout the day Sunday, April 16.
March for Science on Central Oregon Coast, April 22

Published 04/17/2017 at 4:43 AM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Newport, Oregon)  On April 22, scientists and citizens around the world will come together to march for science. This includes the Oregon shoreline, where Newport organizers will create their own version, called the the People's March for Science. It will be held in the science district of town: the district of South Beach, which houses the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, Hatfield Marine Science Center, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, as well as the Oregon Coast Aquarium and even a branch of Portland's OMSI.

One of the big aims of the event is to impart the excitement of science and hopefully inspire young people to work in the world of discovery. This year, however, carries a somber and even urgent aspect, with the current administration's disdain for numerous facets of science, doing what Neil DeGrasse Tyson described as the cherry picking of scientific areas they like and do not like: as in disregarding basic and proven concepts such as evolution or environmental science.

Oregon coast organizers include familiar names from the region such as Fran Recht, Paul Engelmeyer, Michele Longo Eder, and Trina Kosydar. They have been working together on the march since the end of January, hoping to provide the community with an event that brings together scientists and citizens, to celebrate science, and to defend publicly funded and publicly communicated science as a pillar of human freedom and prosperity.

The South Beach science district is a thriving and robust scientific community which organizers are looking forward to spotlighting to the public. Participants will be walking around an impressive neighborhood that is home to much revered scientific agencies, which includes sights such as magnificent research vessels.

The march route will begin north of the roundabout on Marine Science Drive, in South Beach. Marchers will walk south along Marine Science Drive, turn left on 25th Street, march around the Hatfield Marine Science Center, and end with a rally on the northern lawn of the public wing. Participants are encouraged to carpool, and parking is provided at the South Beach Marina boat launch parking lot. Public restrooms can be found at the boat launch parking lot, and portable toilets will be provided on the Hatfield Marine Science Center grounds.

Gathering will begin at 10:30 am, north of the roundabout, marching will begin at 11:00 am, and the rally will begin at noon, featuring Dr. Rick Spinrad. Dr. Spinrad is a celebrated scientist with over 30 years in the field, and has served as the head of NOAAs Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the head of the National Ocean Service.

Peoples March for Science organizers are selling t-shirts as a fundraiser to cover costs associated with the April 22nd march and rally, including items such as a sound system, chairs, and shelter. March organizers worked with local company, Specifically Pacific, for this fundraiser. T-shirts are available for purchase at Canyon Way Restaurant and Bookstore, during business hours of Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Friday from 10 am to 8 pm. Shirts are $20, and are made in America.

Specifically Pacific created a unique logo just for the Newport march, by incorporating Newports iconic Yaquina Bay Bridge into the national March for Science logo, and donated the design to the march committee. The logo appears on much of the Peoples March for Science social media and other forms of publicity, including a giant banner that will be carried at the front of the march.

On April 17th, volunteers will be hosting a sign making party at the Newport Public Library from 4 pm to 8 pm. Supplies will be provided, but donations are also welcome. Everybody is welcome to come and create their own sign to carry during the march.

March organizers would also like to acknowledge the businesses and organizations who have supported Peoples March for Science: Port of Newport, City of Newport, MidCoast Watersheds Council, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Canyon Way Bookstore, Specifically Pacific, Canyon Way Restaurant and Bookstore, Local Oceans Seafood, and dozens of citizens.

To make a donation, visit www.midcoastwatersheds.org/donate or send a check payable to Peoples March for Science, c/o to MidCoast Watersheds Council 23 N. Coast Highway, Newport Oregon 97365. Newport Hotels for this event - Where to eat - Map and Virtual Tour













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Allen & Overy expects a strong year for cross-border mining mergers and acquisitions deals as robust commodity prices are projected to last the whole of 2017.In its M&A Insights Report for the first quarter of the year, the firm found that cross border deals are up 13% from US$299 billion from last years comparable quarter to US$337 billion, the highest level it has been in 10 years. Analysed by sector, the strongest performers were mining, life sciences, and the consumer sectors. Cross-border mining M&A is up a massive 142% on the year, fuelled by healthy commodity prices, continuing strong demand from China, and the curbing of over-capacity in recent years.The current outlook for dealmakers in the mining sector is one of increasing confidence, driven by the continued strengthening of commodity prices. Added to this, there is continuing demand, particularly from China, which is bolstering that confidence and looks set to continue, said Geoff Simpson, Allen & Overy global head of mining and managing partner for Perth.The huge increase in deal values for Q1 may somewhat overstate the level of recovery in the sector. However, many now expect commodity prices to continue firming this year and next and that will encourage banks and investors to get behind new projects and deals, further adding to the improving strength in the sector, he said.The report found that the US dominated the first quarter by deal value with 35% of deals connected to the country. Next was Western Europe with 28%, Greater China with 14%, Asia Pacific with 9% and Latin America with 9%.The top six sectors by value are energy and infrastructure (US$261bn); technology, media, and telecommunications (US$120bn); consumer (US$117bn); life sciences (US$86bn); and financial services (US$80bn).
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By Andrew Dempster, Director, Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research; Professor, School of Electrical Engineering and Tel

The first Australian-built satellites to be launched in 15 years are set to take off this week from Cape Canaveral in Florida.

Unlike the enormous satellites Australia uses for telecommunications, each of these new satellites is the size of a loaf of bread. But although small, they may provide a key step in enabling Australias entry into the global satellite market.

Three types of cubesats are the Australian contribution to the international QB50 mission, in which 36 satellites from different institutions around the world will carry instruments provided by the Von Karman Institute (VKI) to examine the lower thermosphere. This is a very interesting part of the atmosphere for several reasons, such as the way it disturbs GPS measurements.

The cubesats will be first delivered to the International Space Station, and then released into their orbits.









The three teams that developed the Australian cubesats are: one from UNSW, one collaboration between the University of Sydney, the Australian National University and UNSW, and one collaboration between the universities of Adelaide and South Australia.

Once the VKI instrument and support systems (power, communications, and so on) are installed, there is still room for the teams to install payloads of their own.

The UNSW cubesat, known as UNSW-EC0, is running four experiments including a GPS receiver, and two boards testing radiation-robust software and self-healing electronics. The fourth experiment is to test the satellites chassis, built using a 3D-printed material never before flown in space.

The launch is significant, not just because it is so long since Australia built satellites, but because it could be the start of something much bigger.

Small is good

Globally, the space industry had an estimated US$335 billion (AU$440 billion) turnover in 2015. Its expected to reach US$1 trillion (AU$1.3 trillion) by 2030.

This is an innovation sector Australia cannot ignore, and small satellites  especially nano-satellites or cubesats  offer Australia a way in.

According to a report last month by Allied Market Research, the small satellite market is expected to be worth US$7 billion (AU$9.2 billion) by 2020, with a compound annual growth rate of about 20%.

Analyst Spaceworks said in February that by 2023, the requirement for launches in the 1kg to 50kg class will be 320 to 460 satellites per year, more than 70% of them for commercial purposes.

Another analyst Euroconsult last year said there would be more than 3,500 small satellite launches in the next decade, worth US$22 billion (AU$29 billion) with launch earnings of US$5.3 billion (AU$7 billion). Thats a 76% increase over the previous decade.

Australia in space

This disruption has the potential to be more important for Australia than for any other developed nation.

Australia is the largest economy in the world not to have a space agency, which I have highlighted before, and suggested ways forward. As a result, Australia has not developed a traditional space industry.

Exploiting cubesats offers an opportunity for Australia to participate in this industry, despite the absence of an agency.

In the same way that the success of Rocket Lab forced New Zealand to establish a space agency, Australias success with cubesats could finally see the establishment of an agency here.

A gathering of space minds

The launch of the QB50 cubesats has been delayed several times and is currently slated for 1am (AEST) on Wednesday April 19.

So by sheer coincidence it will coincide with a gathering in Sydney of the Australian cubesat community  CUBESAT 2017: Launching Cubesats for and from Australia  that will showcase some of the remarkable progress Australia has made in recent years.

This includes three cubesat missions that have constructed satellites  QB50 mentioned above, and a further two from the Defence Science and Technology Group: Biarri (two launches of one cubesat and three cubesats) and Buccaneer (one cubesat).

A large number of Australian start-ups are looking to operate in the global small satellite market.

Several companies are developing launch capability, including Gilmour Space Technologies in Queensland. Other companies are developing ground segment capability to help manage operational satellites including Saber Astronautics in Sydney. Some are developing cubesat components such as Obelisk Systems in Maitland, New South Wales.

Ambitiously, there are also companies looking to develop cubesat constellations, which are large numbers of satellites with orbits optimised for global coverage for a range of different applications. The Australian leader at present is Fleet from Adelaide.

Government interest

CUBESAT 2017 is the second workshop of its kind. When the first was run, two years ago, there was no way then to anticipate the huge leaps Australia has made in this niche area of space.

Recently, the Space Industry Association of Australia released a white paper calling for a space agency.

There was some encouragement for the community in the response from the federal Science Minister, Senator Arthur Sinodinos, to that call when he said:

Im quite excited at the idea of us doing more in space.

So there is hope we may see some developments.

In terms of cubesats, it is with great excitement we look forward to where well be in the next two years, when perhaps we can say, with Australian-made assets in space, that the Australian space industry has finally been established.

Andrew Dempster is Director of the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research at UNSW. He manages one of the teams that developed the cubesats mentioned and will host the workshop mentioned. He receives funding from the Australian Research Council.



Originally published in The Conversation.
Hello to all,



Currently, my wife's 309/100 application is in progress. Our daughter who was born 8 months ago is dependent child in her application lodged in December 2016.



Actually, we married in October 2013 and relationship started in November 2012. I was an international student at that time. Therefore, spent few months overseas in November 2012 and back to Australia. After 1 year came back to home in October 2013 to marry her. Again, spent couple of months with her and back to Australia for studies. After 2 years came back to overseas in order spent couple of months in October 2015.



After completing my studies in May 2016, I came back to home country. Since May 2016, I am staying with my wife overseas, apart from a short trip (i.e. October 2016 to November 2016) to validate my permanent residence obtained in July 2016.

It was important to stay with her at that time as we were expecting an addition in family.



Since we had an addition in family (our daughter was born in August 2016), do I still need to upload documents to prove why we lived apart?

(Note: The biggest reason was study.)

I am asking this because by research, it seems that it is one of the biggest reasons for refusal of 309 visa ?



Thanks in advance,

Henry
International drive to Bhutan begins on May 12; limited to 20 entries

Gang of Dusters, a community of Renault Duster owners, is organising its first international drive from Agra to Bhutan in May. The 12-day drive begins on May 12 and will cover a distance of around 2,000km while passing through the regions picturesque scenery and experiencing its culture. The road trip will flag off from Agra and pass through Siliguri, Phuentsholing, Thimphu and Paro. As part of the trip, there will be adventure activities like white water rafting, trekking and boat rides.

Autocar India will cover the drive, so stay tuned for updates.

Entries for the drive are limited to 20 which will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Participation for the drive is restricted to Duster owners and members of Gang of Dusters only. To participate and for more details, give a missed call on 01246154527.
A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested in Albany, New York, on Monday for trying to board his plane with a loaded handgun in one of his carry-on bags. TSA officers spotted the .380 caliber gun during a routine X-ray scan, the agency said in a news release. The gun was loaded with six bullets. The pilot said he was unaware the weapon was in the bag, a Southwest spokesperson said. He was taken into custody by the local sheriff and charged with criminal possession of a weapon. The pilots name was not released. The flight, bound for Chicago-Midway, was delayed for about four hours.

Firearms, firearm parts and ammunition are not permitted in carry-on bags, but they can be transported in checked bags if they are unloaded, properly packed and declared to the airline, according to the TSA. Travelers who bring firearms to a TSA checkpoint are subject to criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from the TSA of up to $12,000, the TSA said.
I hope they shut down the airport and turn it into a toxic waste dump. Thatll really piss off the liberals. Overheard at my local airport diner

This will come as a surprise if youve read AOPAs lobbying materials, but maybe were not such awesome neighbors. I teach at San Carlos and Palo Alto, in the heart of Silicon Valley. These airports are not significant contributors to the local economy, and they would be totally superfluous for disaster relief. Silicon Valley has plenty of childrens science museums that dont spew leaded exhaust. The non-flying community would not miss these airports if they were gone. Sorry, but its true.

The flying community would miss them very much. Between their two 2500-foot runways, they move over 300,000 operations per year. If you put them together, theyd be the 30th busiest airport in the United States. Busier than Chicago-Midway or BWI. If you think combining them makes for a silly comparison, consider that the distance from Palo Alto to San Carlos is the same as the distance from one side of Denver International to the other.

Lets talk noiseif you can hear me over the sound of this Cessna taking off. A 1960s-era 737-200 produced about 97 dBA on takeoff. The new, much larger 737-700 makes 80 dBA on takeoff. Remember, decibel is a logarithmic scale, so thats 100 times quieter. How does GA compare? Your 1970s Cessna 172N had a takeoff noise rating of 75 dBA. Todays Cessna 172SP produces 78 dBA. A new Cessna is about twice as loud as an old Cessna. I wonder why our neighbors dont like us.

San Carlos is facing a proposed curfew on noisy aircraft, which the county supervisors have defined to mean louder than 74.5 dBA. Theyre trying to kill Surf Air, so they picked a noise threshold 0.1 dBA quieter than the quietest PC-12 variant (and please do give them a golf clap for the subtlety of that move). Unfortunately, our flying clubs are caught in the crosshairs, because nothing I fly, except the Citabria, is quieter than 74.5 dBA.

The FAA does regulate light aircraft noise, but the takeoff noise limit has been 85 dBA for more than a decade. If we could get the FAA to require all piston singles aircraft certified after 2020 be quieter than 70 dBA and also get the FAA to preempt noise ordinances affecting these quiet aircraft, that would be a good trade for everyone involved. If pilots were leading the push for new regulations, wed get to set timelines and targets that are reasonable. New regulation wont be costless, but itll be better than waiting for our angry neighbors to force immediate changes or shut down our most popular airports.

Best of all, by being better neighbors, more people might decide they want to be like us. Remember those liberals my fellow diner wanted to piss off? In Northern California, if you piss off all the liberals, your list of potential friends has become mighty short. There are people in my community who could afford to fly, but are turned off by the emissions of noise, carbon and lead. That sounds crazy to most pilots, but pilots are a self-selected group. Pilots fly because theyve decided theyre OK with our current emissions levels. If GA is going to survive, its going to need to accommodate both conservative and liberal value systems. You may not like it, but if we dont lead the way to the future, Im not sure there are going to be a lot of general aviation pilots around to see it.
18 April 2017 10:08 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijans State Committee on Property Issues will hold another auction for privatization of the state property on May 16.

The committee informed that the auction will feature 212 state objects, including 22 joint-stock companies, 116 small enterprises and 74 non-residential areas.

The joint stock companies offered for privatization are located in Baku, Barda, Kurdamir, Salyan, Sabirabad, Lerik, Agdash, Tartar and other eight regions of the country. They cover the spheres of industry, transport, repair, poultry, food, and others. The authorized capital of these companies varies between $5,400 and $537,000.

Small enterprises, in turn, cover areas of transport, catering, repair, industry, including textile and food, and other spheres. They are located in Shaki, Sabirabad, Ujar, Jalilabad, Balakan, Khizi, Mingachevir and other regions and cities of Azerbaijan.

Overall, about 250 state objects have been privatized at auctions in January-March 2017. They include small enterprises, joint stock companies, vehicles, and non-residential areas.

The third stage of privatization in Azerbaijan started in the framework of the presidential decree dated May 19, 2016. Under the decree, the acceleration of the state property privatization process has been defined as an important direction of the economic policy.

The portal for privatization  privatization.az, launched in July 2016, reflects all necessary information about the facilities, their addresses, location, and even initial cost and aims at facilitation of the process. The website is available in two languages - Azerbaijani and English. Why Azerbaijan is special section available on the website explains the reasons and advantages of investing in the country.

The privatization process is designed to attract both foreign and local investors, as well as improve the business environment of Azerbaijan.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
18 April 2017 10:27 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The World Bank (WB) and the BestComp Group have signed a contract on the delivery, installation and maintenance of IT equipment for main and reserve DATA-centers as part of the Judicial Services and Smart Infrastructure Project (JSSIP) in Azerbaijan.

The Bank told Trend that the contracts cost is almost $33 million.

The JSSIP project was approved in 2014. Its total cost is $200 million, $100 million of which accounts for the government share. The JSSIP project is expected to be implemented until December 31, 2018.

The projects aims are to improve the access, transparency and efficiency of delivery of selected justice services.

Azerbaijan joined the WB in 1992.The bank has allocated more than $1.85 billion for implementation of various projects since the beginning of its cooperation with Azerbaijan.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
18 April 2017 13:47 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

By 2025 the volume of Azerbaijans non-oil export per capita can be increased up to $450 at least, which is more than threefold growth.

The statement was made by Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev at a republican meeting of non-oil exporters held in Yevlakh on April 17.

"Undoubtedly, for successful fulfillment of this task, the country's economy must have a strong and competitive non-oil sector," Mustafayev said.

The minister reminded that with a view to expand the potential of non-oil industry and agriculture, including hazelnut, viticulture and winemaking, tobacco growing, cotton growing, silkworm breeding, tourism and transit potential, and to develop other sectors, legislation and business-investment environment has been improved, while various mechanisms of the state support are being implemented.

Mustafayev mentioned that the Aran Regional Development Center, where the business incubator, exhibition and training halls were created, is a clear example of the support and attention provided by the Azerbaijani President to entrepreneurs.

"The creation of 51 logistics centers, 23 grain storage facilities, 16 fruit and vegetable processing enterprises, 20 large farms, 23 modern cattle farms, 56 greenhouses, 16 viticulture, 23 fish and 39 poultry farms, 10 milk processing enterprises, a multiple expansion of the greenhouse areas in recent years, only through concessional loans issued by the National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support, make a great contribution to increasing exports in the agricultural sector," the minister said.

The launch of modern enterprises in industrial parks and zones, investments in the amount of 1.2 billion manat, which will be invested in the framework of 130 documents on investment promotion, 32 agro-industrial parks being created in 24 regions of the country, as well as 12 cattle-breeding complexes, 20 large plant-growing farms and other works to be realized in the coming years will increase the production and export potential of the non-oil sector, according to Mustafayev.

Besides, to support production and expand the export potential, specific duties for two years were introduced for the import of 84 products, which have a high level of self-sufficiency and local production potential, he noted.

The minister said that this is a great support for local production of goods with a high level of self- sufficiency. Thus, in the first quarter of this year, the total volume of imports fell by 17 percent, while non-oil imports  by 20 percent, according to the minister.

The decrease in imports for some types of goods, on which specific duties are applied, was significant. In particular, the import of cement and clinker decreased by 92 percent, tiles and ceramic tiles  by 55 percent, drywall  by 49 percent, hazelnuts  by 58 percent, tomatoes  by 49 percent, pears  by 37 percent, apples  by 33 percent, while the import of eggs and onions, we can say, is practically suspended, Mustafayev said.

The minister said that the list of goods for which specific duties is applied, will be expanded to further increase self-sufficiency.

In the first quarter of 2017, the non-oil sector of economy grew by 2.4 percent. The trade turnover increased by 15 percent, exports saw a nearly 50 percent growth and imports fell by 17 percent. The exports of agricultural products increased by 44 percent.

Development of the non-oil sector is a priority area in Azerbaijan. The government efforts to stimulate non-oil exports, in particular through its Made in Azerbaijan promotion, are expected to catalyze growth in agriculture.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
18 April 2017 13:05 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

The 5th Baku International Book Fair and Exhibition will be held on September 28-30.

The book fair will bring together more than 100 local and 30 foreign publishers and other related organizations.

Launched in 2009, the event is aimed at developing publishing industry in Azerbaijan, encouraging local publishers to build cooperation with their foreign counterparts, and promoting the country's culture and literature.

The presentation of the books, meetings with famous writers, as well as discussion on various topics related to the publishing sector will be held as part of the project.

The best publisher and the best book will be awarded on the last day of the event.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
18 April 2017 15:40 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Every year on April 18, the world community celebrates the International Day for Monuments and Sites.

Approved by the General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983, the event is aimed to promote awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage of humanity, their vulnerability and the efforts required for their protection and conservation.

As UNESCO Member State since July 3, 1992, Azerbaijan contributes actively to the protection of Monuments and Cites, which have worldwide importance, and celebrates the Day.

The Open Doors Day is being held today in all museums, nature reserves subordinated to Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Trend Life reported.

Azerbaijani people has the right to feel proud for its history, material and cultural monuments, literature, arts and music heritage.

The Icheri Sheher, Shirvanshahs Palace, Maiden Tower and other unique monuments that testify for rich culture of Azerbaijani people are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Atashgah Fire Temple and Gobustan State History and Arts Reserve, an open air museum and one of the oldest historic sites in Absheron and many others are unique samples of Azerbaijan, proving the antiquity of its civilization.

Sightseeing in the countrys regions such as Palace of the Sheki Khans, Sheki Caravansarai and Juma Mosque of Ganja and Momine Khatun Mausoleum in Nakhchivan are other interesting attractions mesmerizing many tourists.

Establishment of the Gala Archeological and Ethnographic Museum Complex located in one of Absherons most ancient settlements serves to preservation of the historical past and transformation of the country into a tourism center.

Historical and Ethnographic Reserve Gala is located in 40 km of Baku - Sulh street, 5. Founded in 2008 in the Gala settlement, the reserve is dedicated to the history of the Absheron Peninsula. The visitors can get acquainted with the lifestyle the people enjoyed in between the 16th-19th centuries. The complex features cave paintings, gavaldash, pottery, household items, jewelry, weapons and coins, and ancient settlements dating back from the III-II millennium BC. to the Middle Ages.

The Shirvanshahs Palace, located in the heart of the Old City is another place of interest which hold many mysteries and secrets. The palace was constructed in the 13th-16th centuries.The palace also has a colorful museum, which will not leave any history lover indifferent.

The Maiden Tower, a historical symbol of Baku dating back to ancient times, has always been a source of national pride. It is believed that the monument was built as a Zoroastrian temple used for fire worshipping, sacrifice rituals and other religious ceremonies. In January 2014, the tower opened its doors to visitors after a major conservation work.

The cultural property of the Azerbaijani people isn't limited and include many ancient places. The Armenian armed forces that occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan territories officially recognized by all the UN member states violently destroyed the national and cultural monuments there.



As a result of military aggression, the Azykh and Taglar Caves, known as pioneer settlements of primitive man, and while Garakopek and Uzarliktep barrows are used in military purposes and destroyed partially. Along with burial mounds in Khojaly, Agdam, Agdere, Fizuli, Jabrail regions, cemeteries, mausoleums, gravestone monuments, mosques, temples, monuments of the Caucasian Albania and other national monuments in the occupied regions have been purposefully destroyed.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
18 April 2017 12:41 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Blogger Alexander Lapshin, who is under arrest in Baku, was transferred to the infirmary of the detention facility, as the doctors gave him a diagnosis of tachycardia, said detainees lawyer Eduard Chernin.

Currently he is being treated in the infirmary, he told Trend on April 17.

Earlier, the court extended the arrest of the blogger three months.

Previously, he complained to me of pain in the heart, was then taken for examination in one of the private clinics where he was diagnosed as tachycardia. Currently Lapshin feels fine, added Chernin.

Lapshin, who owns citizenship of several countries, will stand trial in Baku for his illegal visits to the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. He was detained in Minsk in late 2016 and extradited to Baku in early February.

The blogger is charged under the articles 281.2 (open calls against the state ) and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.

Unauthorized visits to Nagorno-Karabakh and other regions of Azerbaijan occupied by Armenia are considered illegal, and any individuals paying such visits are included in the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's "black list".

Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry and diplomatic missions pay special attention to the illegal activity in the occupied areas of Azerbaijan.

Baku has repeatedly warned foreign officials and diplomats of illegality of visits to its territories that are occupied by Armenia, calling them contradictory to international law. The work is constantly carried out to prevent such illegal actions.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
18 April 2017 15:58 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) should require a report from the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, established to broker a peace to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Azerbaijani MP and OSCE PA Deputy Chairman Azay Guliyev made the remark while talking to reporters in Baku on April 18.

The OSCE PA adopted important documents on conflicts. But we think that specific steps and solutions should be taken in this regard. The OSCE PA should conduct an audit of the OSCE activities in this direction and require a report from the Minsk Group co-chairs, Guliyev said.

The Minsk Group, the activities of which have become known as the Minsk Process, spearheads the OSCE's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is co-chaired by France, the Russian Federation, and the United States. Although the OSCE Minsk Group deals with the issue for over two decades, its activities have brought no breakthrough results so far.

Guliyev stressed that the Minsk Group co-chairs should be asked why the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not resolved yet, and why Azerbaijani civilians and soldiers are still dying on the line of contact.

Therefore, I suggested to invite one of Minsk Group co-chairs to one of the OSCE PA sessions, and let him report, he noted. We are also planning a meeting of parliamentarians of the OSCE Minsk Group countries, where we will discuss the settlement of the conflict.

Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan by 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.

Guliyev also said that Azerbaijan intends to strengthen relations with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and Azerbaijani parliaments Speaker Ogtay Asadov has invited OSCE PA President Christine Muttonen to Azerbaijan in connection with this.

We hope that the visit will take place in the near future, said the MP adding that the next meeting of the OSCE PA will be held in Copenhagen on April 23-24.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
18 April 2017 18:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

The Skolkovo Foundation aims at regular fruitful cooperation with Azerbaijan and is ready to promote the development of entrepreneurial activity in the field of information technologies.

Pekka Viljakainen, adviser to the President on work with start-ups, said that the Foundation's goal is to open the way and provide opportunities for young entrepreneurs-start-uppers willing to participate in the contest by providing them with the necessary support through the Fund.

Viljakainen said that he hopes the cooperation of the Skolkovo Foundation with Azerbaijan will continue on a regular basis.

In turn, the Head of the Department for Internal Control and Audit of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan Tahir Mammadov added that the Skolkovo Foundation has extensive experience in this field, which it shares with its Azerbaijani counterparts.

The Director General of Skolkovo Technopark Renat Batyrov said that perspective start-up projects of Azerbaijan will be able to use the resources of Skolkovo Technopark laboratories for carrying out their research.

"Start-ups can get access to our grant support - up to 300 million rubles, and these funds are allocated for free, and we do not claim intellectual property," noted Batyrov.

There are 14 laboratories in Technopark, the resources of which can be used for research in the field of IT, agriculture, energy-efficient technologies, technologies in the field of industrial materials, biomedicine, space technologies, etc.

Then-President Dmitry Medvedev signed a law "On the Skolkovo Innovation Center" on 28 September 2010, giving rise to the projects managing entity, the not-for-profit Skolkovo Foundation.

Charged with providing the catalyst for the diversification of the Russian economy, the Skolkovo Foundations overarching goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem of entrepreneurship and innovation, engendering a startup culture and encouraging venture capitalism.

The Skolkovo Foundation identified five key areas of potential growth: energy efficiency, strategic computer technologies, biomedicine, nuclear technologies and space technologies.

To achieve this the Foundation is overseeing the creation of the Skolkovo Innovation Center, composed of companies and startups, developing innovative technologies (currently numbering over 1,000), a Technopark, the Skolkovo Institute of Technology (Skoltech), a new graduate research University established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Skolkovo city, located near Moscow. Together these entities will establish a vibrant ecosystem of technology innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dozens of innovative projects developed by Skolkovo startups have found success in international markets, in particular, equipment for the dynamic modeling of oil and gas fields, next-generation screen displays and laser systems for soft-tissue surgery.

In August 2013, the Skolkovo project was chosen for inclusion in the governments "economic development and innovation economy" program, resulting in the allocation of 3.5 billion rubles for the development of Skolkovo through 2020.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
18 April 2017 10:11 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev has hailed the development of tourism in the country.

The number of tourists increased by 11 percent last year, while it rose by 25 percent in the three months of this year. It is obvious now, said President Aliyev in a closing speech at a republican conference of non-oil exporters in Azerbaijans Yevlakh District.

The number of tourists is increasing dramatically both in Baku and regions of the country. And there are, of course, reasons for this. This has not happened spontaneously. The work done in recent years has led to this situation. First of all, stability, tranquility, social and political order reigning in Azerbaijan, of course, make the country more attractive to tourists. Particularly, under current circumstances when there is tension in various parts of the world, threats, conflicts, social discontent is growing, mass protests are widespread. None of these problems exists in Azerbaijan, he noted.

Azerbaijan enjoys unity of the people and the government. Our policy is supported and approved by the people. And this is the key factor of stability in Azerbaijan, added President Aliyev.

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18 April 2017 10:41 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Azerbaijani troops, have previously been put on alert, were sent to operational areas within the large-scale drills on April 17, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported.

The Azerbaijani Army started the exercises on April 16 to inspect combat readiness of troops in line with the plan approved by Azerbaijans President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev.

About 30,000 servicemen are participating in the drills that will continue until April 21.

Also, more than 250 tanks and armored vehicles, up to 200 missiles and artillery systems, multiple launch rocket systems and mortars, and 25 combat aircraft are involved in the drills.

The Armed Forces will conduct military exercises in order to inspect combat readiness, organization of command and control of troops and means, including their interoperability in a combat simulated environment.

Today, Azerbaijani Army is one of the most powerful, highly disciplined armies in the world and the leading army in the region, which is equipped with modern military machinery.

Russia Today agency has recently noted that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces are the richest in the region, and the country has increased its military budget by 20 times since the early 2000s.

The skills and combat readiness of the Azerbaijani army are growing year by year, as the countrys Armed Forces regularly conduct military exercises. The army building process in Azerbaijan is progressing as well, as twenty percent of the country's territory is under Armenian occupation and the country is in a state of war with Armenia.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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18 April 2017 11:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Malta supports the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan, said Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta.

Muscat made the remark at a meeting with Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov on April 17, adding that the country is ready to contribute to this process, the Foreign Ministry reported.

Highlighting the importance of relations between Azerbaijan and the EU, Muscat applauded the EU's high-level officials assessment of the relationship as a strategic partnership.

The new agreement should replace the 1996 partnership and cooperation agreement and should better take account of the shared objectives and challenges the EU and Azerbaijan face today.

The first meeting on a new agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan was held in Brussels on February 7, 2017. The next round of negotiations on the agreement will be held in Baku on April 25.

Muscat further expressed satisfaction with the current high level of bilateral relations between Malta and Azerbaijan.

He mentioned that Malta is interested in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan and expressed his confidence that this visit will contribute to the development of relations between the two countries.

Mammadyarov, in turn, said that the relations between the two countries have developed dynamically in the recent years and the high-level visits have created fertile ground for their further enhancement. In this regard, the minister stressed the positive results in the development of cooperation in economic and energy fields.

Noting that the official visit to Malta coincided with this countrys EU presidency, Mammadyarov briefed the Prime Minister about the development prospects of EU-Azerbaijan relations and the negotiations on the draft of the agreement for cooperation with EU.

The minister also touched upon the negotiations process on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and stated the importance of expressing EU's commitment to the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence and inviolability of borders of states in a common and unambiguous manner in respect of all conflicts.

The sides also discussed the development of relations in various fields and exchanged their views on transnational energy and transport projects, as well as other topics of mutual interest.

Following his Malta visit, Mammadyarov will travel to Italy, where will attend the opening of a photo exhibition on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Azerbaijan-Italy diplomatic relations.

He will also give a lecture on "Azerbaijan's foreign policy and relations with Italy" at the Italian Society for International Organizations.

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18 April 2017 15:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Today, Azerbaijani industry concentrated mostly on manufacturing of the export-oriented goods, by developing products based on the modern scientific creativity and technological innovation.

The military industry in Azerbaijan has recently gained a momentum with mass production of arms and equipment needed for the defense of the country, while the importance of the arms manufacturing sector to the overall economy also increased.

Currently, Azerbaijan produces a wide range of products from ammunition, small arms and artillery pieces to unmanned aerial vehicles, and exports military products to more than 10 countries.

MP Aydin Mirzazade, commenting on the potential of the arms manufacturing sector, said that Azerbaijan is able not only to cover its need in terms of military armament, but also to export military products to more countries.

Mirzazade said that President Ilham Aliyev has rightfully pointed out the export potential of the Azerbaijani-made weapons at the recent meeting in Yevlakh.

The head of state has clearly stated that Azerbaijan has created a new export direction, and it cannot be denied, because we are talking about the export of military equipment, he told Day.Az.

Indeed, some ten years ago, it would be difficult to imagine that Azerbaijan will export weapons. This is a great achievement for an independent, developing state, especially if we take into account that some 20 percent of the countrys territory is under occupation because of the aggressive policy of Armenia. Nevertheless, today we can state that Azerbaijan is not only able to cover its demand in armaments and equipment, but also to export its own military products.

Azerbaijan, which is in war with neighboring Armenia over the latter's groundless territorial claims during more than 20 years, keeps in focus the armament. The country creates its own armament and works closely with leading companies and firms in various fields of military industry.

Azerbaijan currently produces more than a thousand items of military products, including those based on the latest technologies.

The MP further added that Azerbaijani military products are recognized and purchased in the world, and this in turn brings profits to the state. Over the 12 years of its existence, the Defense Industry Ministry was able to accomplish many tasks the country has been facing, one of which was to bring our military products to foreign markets, the MP said.

The MP stressed that Azerbaijani military products are in demand because the country is trusted partner and has something to show on the large export market of the world.

I am sure that Azerbaijan will have big achievements in this sector, and in future, the Azerbaijani military products will enjoy greater popularity in the world market, Mirzazade said.

Azerbaijan's Defense Industry Ministry increased the volume of defense industry products in 2016 by 1.6 times compared to 2015, while the product assortment rose by 1.8 times. Currently, twenty-eight military factories are operating within the Defense Industry Ministry.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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18 April 2017 17:11 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev chaired a republican conference of non-oil exporters in Yevlakh's region of the country on April 17, where the main access was made on agricultural sphere.

The meeting covered very important issues and revealed the results and successes of the country's economy during the past year.

Addressing the event President Aliyev spoke of the most profitable products such as nuts and tomatoes that bring a lot of currency to the country. The country earned $105 million on nut and $94 million on tomato export, said the head of state.

Persimmon comes third with $68 million and sugar ranks fourth with a 62-million profit, he said.



Talking about cotton growing, President Aliyev said that the product brought $24 million to Azerbaijan last year and this is only the first year.



Last year the country earned $350 million on these five products. By increasing production of these products twice we can get big money, he said.

Regarding the almond orchards, President Aliyev said that the country starts to create almond orchards this year, offering entrepreneurs to focus on this sphere.

The head of state said 2017 will be very successful for the country taking into account indicators of the first quarter of the year.

The indicators of this year are truly pleasant. I have already said this, and I would like to repeat that the results of the first three months of this year inspire us very much. This once again demonstrated that the decisions we made and reforms we started in 2016 have produced wonderful results in a short period of time, President Aliyev said.

The President further added that the non-oil sector of economy grew 2.4 percent in the first quarter of 2017, calling this a very good indicator.

Our non-oil industry rose 2 percent, agriculture increased 3.5 percent. More than 80,000 jobs were created in three months. Our trade turnover increased 15 percent, exports saw a nearly 50 percent growth, and imports fell 17 percent. The export of agricultural products increased 44 percent, he added.

President Aliyev mentioned that Azerbaijan made a profit of $1 billion in the first quarter of the year. Our foreign exchange reserves are growing. This positive dynamics allows us to say that we will achieve even greater outcomes this year, the President added.

Today we can confidently say that Azerbaijan managed to have diversified its economic potential. The non-oil sector today accounts for around 65 percent of our economy, said President Aliyev. But we cannot say this about our exports. The largest part of our exports falls on oil and gas, which is obviously natural for the current period, because we are increasing our oil and gas potential. But one of the outstanding tasks for us is to ensure diversification of our exports. We need to achieve this in exports, just like we have done it with the Gross Domestic Product.

The head of state highlighted results of regional development programs, saying thousands of new enterprises have been established across the country.

The President said that 1.7 million jobs have been created, including 1.3 million permanent ones, in Azerbaijan.

The decisions, laws and decrees I signed last year created good opportunities to diversify our economy even more. In particular, the measures taken to promote export of non-oil products yield good results, the President said.

We began to apply a promotion system. I have told about this in the past years, too. Because the system of promotion has justified itself in some other countries and led to growth of export. We have studied appropriate advanced experience in the world and on this basis we applied promotion of investing and exporting systems in Azerbaijan. Both systems are successfully functioning. The entrepreneurs may even not believe that the state would render them such assistance. Sometimes they were even surprised. Now, they see if their products reach the world markets, the state returns some percent of its price to themselves. That is, this is a great initiative for stimulation. The entrepreneur gains extra profit, on one hand, and this has moral sense, on the other. Because, people have strong confidence for them, and they work confidently and involve high amount investments for the country," the President underlined.

President Aliyev further stressed that development of entrepreneurship is one of the priority issues for the state.

The government is providing both political and great methodological support for the development of entrepreneurship. Aran Regional Development Center for entrepreneurs in Yevlakh region was built and commissioned by the Azerbaijani government. And this is another sign of support for the development of entrepreneurship," President Aliyev said.

"We are holding meetings with entrepreneurs on a regular basis several times a year. We have held hundreds of meetings with entrepreneurs over the past 13-14 years. I have personally attended the opening of a number of enterprises in the field of entrepreneurial activity. Entrepreneurs are well aware that a great support, as well as political support is given to their activities by the state," the President said.

President Aliyev noted that low-interest loans totaling more than 2 billion manats ($1.19 billion) have been granted to entrepreneurs by the state through the National Fund on Entrepreneurship Support in recent years.

The President went on to say that practical measures have been taken to promote Made in Azerbaijan brand worldwide.

The brand is already gaining world fame, said the President. The head of state noted several export missions have been dispatched to foreign countries, adding that this has been of great benefit. We decided to open Azerbaijani trading houses in several countries, and we are already close to doing it. All steps taken by the state create additional opportunities for entrepreneurs.

The head of state said: We need to try to completely provide ourselves with consumer products in the next 3-4 years. This will create additional opportunities for export. We should constantly increase production in order to fully meet the domestic demand and present competitive export products.

President Aliyev also stressed the importance of food security, saying Azerbaijan is close to completely providing its food security.

At the event, the President also hailed the development of tourism in the country.

The number of tourists increased by 11 percent last year, while it rose by 25 percent in the three months of this year. It is obvious now, said President Aliyev in a closing speech.

The number of tourists is increasing dramatically both in Baku and regions of the country. And there are, of course, reasons for this. This has not happened spontaneously. The work done in recent years has led to this situation. First of all, stability, tranquility, social and political order reigning in Azerbaijan, of course, make the country more attractive to tourists. Particularly, under current circumstances when there is tension in various parts of the world, threats, conflicts, social discontent is growing, mass protests are widespread. None of these problems exists in Azerbaijan, he noted.

Azerbaijan enjoys unity of the people and the government. Our policy is supported and approved by the people. And this is the key factor of stability in Azerbaijan, added President Aliyev.

Other speakers at the event included Azerbaijani Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev, chairman of Wine Exporters' and Producers' Association Elchin Madatov, chairman of Hazelnut Producers and Exporters Association Ismayil Orujov, CEO of Azersun Holding Savas Uzan, Executive Director of Az-Granata LTD Rovshan Farhadov, CEO of Gok-NUR Baku LLC Farid Farhadzade, founder of D-Fruits Farming Isamaddin Damirov and Business Incubator participant Ariz Mikayilov.

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18 April 2017 16:23 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The European Union (EU) has implemented 70 civil society projects worth 90 million euros in Azerbaijan since 2007, said Malena Mard, the head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan.

Mard announced about this while addressing a conference titled Conformity of Azerbaijan's legislation and practice on NGOs to European standards in Baku on April 18.

Noting that these projects covered trainings of women, social workers, journalists, judges, and so on, Mard said that the EU will continue this cooperation for the further development of the civil society.

We are implementing similar projects in various countries within the framework of the Eastern Partnership program. We will continue this cooperation, she said.

Mard stressed that 10.5 million Euros was allocated in new funding for education and employment program in Azerbaijan.

She also expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for the support offered to the implementation of the EU-funded civil society projects.

She added that Azerbaijan and the EU are expected to launch the next phase of negotiations on the new strategic partnership agreement next week.

The ongoing talks have an expanded agenda. We are ready to discuss a number of issues within the framework of these talks. We are looking forward to the next round of talks, she said while commenting on the question of whether the visa-free regime will be discussed.

The new EU-Azerbaijan agreement on strategic partnership will follow the principles endorsed in the 2015 review of the European Neighborhood Policy and offer a renewed basis for political dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan.

The agreement envisages the compliance of Azerbaijans legislation and procedures with the EUs most important international trade norms and standards, which should lead to the improvement of Azerbaijani goods access to the EU markets.

Meanwhile, preparation works are underway for the EU-Azerbaijan business forum which is to be held in Baku on June 8.

The EU is aiming for participation of around 300 companies in the Azerbaijan-EU business forum, Mard said.

The forum attendees will have the possibility to hear directly from businessmen about the business climate in Azerbaijan, according to the head of EU delegation.

We are looking forward to seeing how we can support further reforms in Azerbaijan, she added.

The forum is expected to discuss the opportunities of developing the EU-Azerbaijan business cooperation.

The EU is Azerbaijan s biggest economic partner representing 44 percent of its total trade and providing the largest share of foreign direct investment to Azerbaijan.

The Union has repeatedly voiced support to Azerbaijan in its reform efforts, and aims at increasing networking and contacts between companies that will increase trade and economic activity even further.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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18 April 2017 17:55 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and his Maltese counterpart George Vella identified priority areas for the bilateral cooperation on several sectors, including tourism, investment and transport.

Mammadyarov met with George Vella within the framework of his official visit to Malta on April 18.

Gladly recalling his visit to Azerbaijan and the meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, Vella shared his positive impressions on the country.

The ministers expressed satisfaction on the current level of relationship and political dialogue between the countries and mentioned the importance of recently-paid mutual high level visits in development of bilateral ties.

They noted that the relationship in the field of energy remains mutually beneficial and there is a wide range of areas, namely tourism, investment, transport, with full of potential for economic cooperation.

Enhancement of legal-treaty base and signing of certain documents were emphasized critically important with regard to further advancing of relations, especially in the fields of economy, culture and education.

The ministers noted that terrorism and unresolved conflicts remain the main threat to the international peace, stability and security. In this regard, Mammadyarov briefed his counterpart about the current status of negotiations on Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, as well as stance of Azerbaijan on this matter.

The Azerbaijan-European Union relations and the contribution of Maltese Presidency to this process were also discussed at the meeting.

Vella expressed support by Malta on signing of Strategic Partnership Agreement between Azerbaijan and European Union and talked about Azerbaijans importance for Europe in the fields of energy and transport.

The ministers exchanged views on current projects in those fields.

The Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can be resolved only within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in accordance with the norms and principles of international law, Mammadyarov said at the meeting with Angelo Farrugia, the Speaker of the Maltese Parliament.

During the meeting, the sides expressed their satisfaction with the current level of cooperation and mutual high-level visits between Azerbaijan and Malta. They stressed that such visits are very important in terms of expanding the bilateral relations.

The sides also emphasized the role of parliamentary diplomacy and hailed the importance of cooperation between the legislative bodies of two countries. They commended the contributions of parliamentary friendship groups to advance these relations.

Farrugia recalled his visits to Azerbaijan and shared his positive impressions about our country.

Mammadyarov, in turn, informed about ongoing negotiations on the draft Strategic Partnership Agreement between Azerbaijan and the European Union.

The sides also exchanged views on enhancement of cooperation within international organizations as well as other issues of mutual interest.

Earlier in the day, the minister met with Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

Following his Malta visit, Mammadyarov will travel to Italy.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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18 April 2017 12:32 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Iran, during political consultations held in Ashgabat, paid attention to the Caspian Sea issues and cooperation in energy sphere, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry reported on April 17.

Noting the similarity of positions on ensuring peace, security and sustainable development in the region and the world as a whole, the sides expressed their commitment to further development of regional and international cooperation.

In this context, the two sides paid attention to issues of assistance for Afghanistan. The sides also focused on issues of further development of cooperation in the field of power industry, oil and gas and transportation.

Turkmenistan and Iran border on the Caspian Sea and have a land border. During the years of long-term cooperation, several large-scale economic projects have been implemented.

The two states built the border dam Dostluk (Friendship) and completed the North-South railway project based on the trilateral agreement signed in 2007 with the participation of Turkmenistan, Iran and Kazakhstan.

Iran also purchases electricity in Turkmenistan. Iran ranks third in the foreign trade of Turkmenistan, due primarily to natural gas purchases. Turkmenistan has been exporting gas to Iran under a 1997 agreement.

In turn, Turkmenistan imports raw materials, building materials, steel products and inorganic chemicals, plastic products, rubber, detergents, food and other consumer goods from Iran.

The countries aim at increasing the volume of bilateral trade to $60 billion within the next 10 years.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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18 April 2017 18:09 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The creation of a transport corridor between the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea will promote greater rapprochement of people, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is on an official visit to Georgia, told journalists in Tbilisi on April 18.

"Georgia, Iran, Azerbaijan and Armenia must necessarily participate in the creation of such a corridor," the Iranian minister said after meeting with his Georgian counterpart Mikhail Janelidze, Georgia Online reported.

He also underlined the importance of his visit to Georgia and pointed out the cultural and historical relations between Tbilisi and Tehran.

"We have strong, centuries-old ties. Iranians have long been living in Georgia, and Georgians  in Iran. Today, compared to a few years earlier, the number of our students studying in Georgia has increased five-fold, and this contributes to the growth of contacts between our people," Zarif said.

At the meeting with his Georgian counterpart, the prospects for expanding cooperation between the two countries in the fields of transit traffic, industrial production, simplification of banking transactions, science, and cooperation in international organizations in dealing with regional issues were discussed, according to Iranian minister.

"We are looking forward to Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili's visit to Iran in the coming days, which will be a historic event," Zarif said.

On April 18, Zarif had a meeting with Georgia's Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Giorgi Gakharia aimed at expansion of cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting discussed various areas of cooperation, including the sphere of trade and transit, banking and financial sectors. During the talks, the importance of expanding economic cooperation between the two countries was also stressed.

About 30 businessmen and representatives of Iranian enterprises accompany Zarif on the trip.

Within the framework of the visit, the Georgian-Iranian business forum was held, where about 100 companies from both countries were represented.

Georgia is seeking to attract more investments from Iran and has informed foreign investors about opportunities offered by the countrys business-friendly environment.

During the visit, Iranian Foreign Minister is expected to meet with Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and President Giorgi Margvelashvili.

The trip is taking place on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Georgia's independence, as well as the 25th anniversary of the establishment of political relations between Iran and Georgia.

Trade volume between Georgia and Iran increased by 50 percent during the first two months of 2017. The number of Iranian investments increased by 90 percent in Georgia last year due to the countrys favorable business and investment environment.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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18 April 2017 18:02 (UTC+04:00)

A Turkish delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek, will pay a working visit to Moscow on April 18, Turkish media outlets reported.

The delegation will also include Turkeys Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci.

The sides are expected to mull lifting of economic restrictions imposed by Russia on the import of Turkish fruits and vegetables, restoration of a visa-free regime between the countries and other issues.

Members of the Turkish delegation will meet with Russias Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich and other officials.

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Today

A steady rain. The rain will be heavy at times. High 56F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

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There is something about judicial nominations that brings out the worst in U.S. Senators. Judging from the academic debate over the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, it seems to bring out the worst in legal academics too.Judge Gorsuch is an avowed proponent of "originalism," the idea that the original public meaning of the Constitution's text should control the outcome in constitutional cases. To some this approach to constitutional interpretation may seem like common sense, but it is hardly a universal view. Although many judges and justices ascribe to an originalist judicial philosophy, this approach is not popular in the academy.What is notable about the academic debate over originalism is not that such a debate exists, but that so much of the debate is misinformed-misinformed about what originalism does or does not entail and why it might be endorsed. In the weeks leading up to the vote on Neil Gorsuch's nomination, numerous academics rose to attack poor caricatures of originalism, and their misinformed attacks were often repeated in the Senate.Some of the straw men offered by otherwise-notable academics were so flimsy, it was as if they had never encountered a real originalist in the flesh, let alone spent time trying to understand the point of view they were critiquing. Again, the problem was not that they were attacking originalism, so much as the critics did not even appear to comprehend the target they were shooting at.There are many possible reasons for the empty debate over originalism. One possibility is that some of these critics lack familiarity with originalism, along with other points of view that are unpopular in the academy.The existence of ideological imbalance on law school faculties has been documented in numerous studies . Analyses of law school hiring political contributions , and legal scholarship all find left-right disparities. While most law schools have a few token right-leaning professors, these scholars are often relegated to "private law" subjects (e.g., business, contracts, intellectual property), and are less prevalent in "public law" subjects (e.g., constitutional law).Indeed, most major law schools have fewer conservatives or libertarians on their faculty than can be found on the U.S. Supreme Court.As a consequence, at many law schools, students rarely encounter the forceful articulation of right-of-center views. Thus it should be no surprise that many who study in American law schools fail to understand such views. Reading a book or some court opinions can only do so much.Training lawyers requires teaching students how to understand and get inside the arguments of those with differing interests, outlooks, and orientations. It requires developing the ability to understand and articulate points of view that one does not believe. Doing this effectively requires exposure to differing points of view, and that's difficult to achieve when faculties are ideological monocultures and echo chambers.Most legal academics are well to the left of those whom law students will represent, as well as to the majority of judges before whom they will practice. This imbalance affects students. I would argue that it affects academics as well. If you are not forced to confront, thrust, and parry with an alternative worldview, chances are you will not understand it, let alone grasp its strengths and weaknesses. Instead, you are more likely to imagine a caricature-a caricature formed as much by your own in-group's biases as by the relevant characteristics of that philosophy.A lawyer need not agree with a client or a judge to be an effective advocate, but it is important to understand the perspective of the position one has to represent-as well as the perspective of the other side. The best legal advocates fully comprehend the strongest arguments for the other side and are able to present arguments that can appeal to decision-makers who may approach difficult legal questions from a perspective quite different from their own.The ideological imbalance that pervades legal academia not only fosters groupthink, it undermines the ability of law schools to train effective legal advocates.The problem is not the dominance of progressivism or modern liberalism, so much as the existence of a persistent monoculture. As Georgetown's John Hasnas notes Liberals and conservatives alike can fall prey to motivated reasoning and confirmation bias. One benefit of ideological and viewpoint diversity is that it can provide a check on such tendencies. For would-be lawyers, it facilitates a greater understanding of one's potential clients and their adversaries.The lack of ideological diversity on law school faculties is fairly clear. The causes of the ideological imbalance, however, are the subject of some dispute, likely because a range of factors are in play. As I've noted in other writings , there is almost some degree of self-selection (i.e., some conservatives and libertarians are more likely to pursue more remunerative careers than some liberals). At the same time, academic institutions tend to replicate themselves, meaning that they are institutionally unlikely to diversify themselves without concerted effort.Bias - conscious and unconscious - also plays a role. I know of law professors who would refuse to support hiring anyone who had clerked for Justice Thomas, and others that would not even consider interviewing fully qualified job candidates with overtly right-leaning entries on their resumes. And because it is always easier to sink a candidate than to get someone hired, a little bit of bias can go a long way.One way to shed additional light on the causes and consequences of ideological bias in legal academia would be to study the question, such as by analyzing data from the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Faculty Appointments Register (FAR). Analysis of such data in the past has produced interesting findings on racial disparities in law school hiring. An analysis of ideological factors in hiring might likewise be illuminating.Alas, the AALS will not allow such research to be conducted. While the AALS has allowed researchers to use FAR data to examine the role of race in law school hiring, it refuses to allow a similar inquiry into the role of ideology. It appears to have, as my colleague George Dent notes here , "no interest in viewpoint diversity."The AALS styles itself as a learned society. Its stated mission is "to uphold and advance excellence in legal education." Further, the AALS proclaims that(Emphasis added.)On what basis, then, does the AALS refuse to allow researchers access to FAR data to conduct legitimate academic research? The AALS cannot claim this data is inviolate for, as already noted, it has allowed researchers access to this data before. It is almost as if the AALS is afraid of what such research might find.Law schools, as much as any other part of the academy, rely upon a robust exchange of views to further their pedagogical mission. Insofar as law school faculties fail to reflect and represent the range of views found within the legal profession-let alone society at large-it is difficult for law schools to fulfill their pedagogical aims. If law schools (and the AALS) were truer to their mission, they would do more to understand and address the causes and consequences of ideological uniformity on law school faculties.
During a March 27 talk at North Carolina State University , Georgetown University law professor Randy Barnett told the assembled faculty, students, and other members of the audience that many of his allies on the political Right were wrong.Barnett is a libertarian who has helped craft or argue several high-profile cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including the constitutional challenge to the Affordable Care Act that reached the high court in 2012. While Obamacare wasn't struck down, Barnett's argument - that the federal constitution did not assign to Congress the power to compel Americans to purchase a product such as health insurance - actually prevailed.Most justices agreed with the plaintiffs that, as Chief Justice John Roberts put it in the majority opinion, to affirm the Obama administration's defense of the mandate to purchase federally approved health plans would constituteFamously, however, Roberts then retroactively rewrote the ACA in his ruling to transform a fine for not complying with the individual mandate into a federal tax.No one disputes that the federal government possesses the power to tax, so Roberts' legal gimmick kept Obamacare alive. Barnett, among other constitutional scholars, took comfort in the fact that the Supreme Court had recognized the validity and importance of doctrine of enumerated powers, which states that Congress can't just enact laws about anything a majority might want to tackle at a given point in time. Scholars also took comfort in another part of the decision that blocked the Obama administration's attempts to force states to expand Medicaid, another affirmation of constraints on federal power.Still, as Barnett wrote in his new book The Republican Constitution , the result of the Obamacare challenge was unsatisfying. For Roberts to bend over backward to preserve a law passed by Congress was, in many ways, the logical outcome of decades of conservative arguments in favor of unelected judges deferring to elected officials when it comes to claims about rights, responsibilities, and powers.he observed.In his book and his talk at N.C. State, Barnett traced the history of the federal constitution and its interpretation by different generations of Supreme Court justices. Sometimes, the prevailing view was that the operating principle of American government is and ought to be rule by the majority. Barnett calls this conception the "Democratic Constitution." At other times, the prevailing view was the text and architecture of the federal constitution and other founding documents were intended to limit the ability of majorities to injure or nullify the fundamental rights of minorities, a conception he calls the "Republican Constitution."For Barnett, a key phrase is that free governments are instituted with "the consent of the governed." This can't simply mean that everyone agrees to live under any policy adopted by 50 percent plus one of elected politicians. Rather, Barnett suggested that free individuals wouldn't consent to be governed in the first place if they had good reason to fear their fundamental rights would be endangered by that government.Checks and balances, the doctrine of enumerated powers, explicit protections of some individual rights, and implicit protections of other individual rights (found in the Ninth and 10th Amendments) were necessary in order for the federal government to secure such public consent. Barnett believes that one of the roles of federal judges is to enforce those provisions and limitations, even if that means actively striking down federal laws. It's not enough tohe wrote in The Republican Constitution.If judicial activism consists of crafting public policy, that's wrong. Courts aren't legislatures. But if judicial activism consists of standing up to elected lawmakers and executives when they seek to exercise power they don't really have, that's not only permissible but obligatory. Judicial restraint in the face of tyranny is no virtue.
The Democrat leadership has made constant, profound and incredible pronouncements that one's supportive vote for Republicans is tantamount to surrendering Democracy forever. Understanding their sincere thinking in their extreme position: How will you still vote on this election day?

Democrat; because the continuance of this Democracy from the existential threat of extreme Republicans is paramount.

Republican; the process of having a choice is the democratic method within what "Democracy" exists.
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Hoteliers could soon move in to a former Bath restaurant.

Planners have been given the green light to transform what was Tilleys Bistro on North Parade into a bed and breakfast.

The owners of Tilley's Bistro, who took over in 2016, had applied to Bath and North East Somerset Council to convert the first and second floors to hotel accommodation, with the creation of a third floor of rooms on top.

Now the vacant property has been given the thumbs up to reopen a restaurant at the basement and ground floor levels as existing, with b&b accommodation provided on the floors above.

Owners Ajay Chathley and business partner Thomas Barker, who own two restaurants in South Africa, bought the bistro last summer.

They originally planned to create a champagne and whiskey bar on the first floor of the building, which was once a refectory for the monks of Bath Abbey.

The planning application proposed eight ensuite rooms at the Grade II-Listed building in North Parade Passage.

The number of employees would rise from 12 to 14.

But the plans suggest there will be no waste storage facility.

The council gave its approval on April 11.
Steve Stephens, the man suspected of shooting and killing a 74-year-old man Sunday in Cleveland and then posting the video to Facebook, shot and killed himself Tuesday morning following a brief pursuit in Pennsylvania, police said.

Steve Stephens shot and killed himself Tuesday in Pennsylvania

PA State Police said suicide happened after brief pursuit

Stephens was wanted for shooting, killing 74-year-old Robert Godwin Sr.

Pennsylvania State Police said Stephens was spotted just after 11 a.m. this morning by officers in Erie County.

A traffic stop was attempted and, after a two-mile pursuit, Stephens lost control of his vehicle and spun out. Moments later, he shot and killed himself.

Police suspected Stephens was in the Erie area after detecting a ping from his cell phone.

Stephens had been on the run since Sunday afternoon. Cleveland Police said the 37-year-old Stephens, a job counselor for teenagers and young adults, uploaded a video to Facebook that showed him walk up to Robert Godwin Sr. at about 2 p.m. while he was collecting aluminum cans.

Stevens pointed a gun at Godwin's head, said a few sentences and then pulled the trigger.

The motive for the shooting wasn't entirely clear from the shaky video, in which Stephens told Godwin a woman's name and said, "She's the reason that this is about to happen to you." Godwin did not seem to recognize the woman's name.

The suspect then pointed a gun at Godwin, who shielded his face with the plastic bag.

The woman Stephens mentioned, Joy Lane, said in a text to CBS that "we had been in a relationship for several years. I am sorry that all of this has happened."

Facebook said the video was posted after the killing but wasn't broadcast on Facebook Live as police initially indicated. The suspect did go live on the social media site at another point Sunday.

More than 400 tips came in regarding Stephens' whereabouts.

Steve Stephens was spotted this morning by PSP members in Erie County. After a brief pursuit, Stephens shot and killed himself.  PA State Police (@PAStatePolice) April 18, 2017

This is a developing story. Check back and refresh the page for the latest updates.
The debate over "lunch shaming" has reached Billings Public Schools, if indirectly.

How schools deal with students who don't have money to pay for their school-provided meals is having a national moment after New Mexico passed a law prohibiting schools from singling out kids whose parents can't pay for their meals at school. Across the nation, policies have ranged from requiring students to wash tables to throwing out hot lunches and offering replacement meals. One child in Alabama was stamped on the arm: "I need lunch money."

School District 2 trustees voted to approve a new policy Monday, updating vague 2004 language, in order "to insure compliance with federal reporting requirements for the USDA Child Nutrition Program."

The USDA, which administers the federal school food program, announced that schools will have to have such policies spelled out and communicated to local communities. Students can enroll in free or reduced lunch programs depending on their family's income regardless of local policies.

School officials said the new policy is largely a language change reflecting what already happens in schools.

Elementary students will get five free passes if their account is drained; then they get a "designated menu alternate." The policy gives a "cheese sandwich, veggie sticks, fruit and milk," as an example.

High school students who pay full price for lunch don't get the free passes; if they don't have money, they get the alternate meal. High schoolers on a reduced price program do get the five freebies.

When a student gets an alternate meal, they are charged for the price they usually pay for a meal, which gets added to their account.

Students on a free meal program aren't affected by the new policy.

The policy also notes that "If a student is without meal money on a consistent basis, the administration will investigate the situation more closely and take further action as needed. If financial hardship exists, parents and families are encouraged to apply for free or reduced-price lunches for their child."

Trustees didn't discuss "lunch shaming," though Joe Oravecz asked how much money the district is shorted on lunch payments.

District chief financial officer Mike Arnold said it's about a few thousand dollars each year, and most is collected over the summer.

"For the size of the district, it's really good," he said.

Emergency system

Trustees signed off on a contract for an emergency radio system worth almost half-a-million dollars.

The system has been a priority for Superintendent Terry Bouck, who has often noted that cellphone networks can fail during emergencies like natural disasters.

The radio system would allow for seamless communication between schools and let district officials contact multiple schools at once, independent of other communication networks.

The district previously explored a bid with a Colorado company that cost about a million dollars, which Trustee Greta Besch Moen called "cost prohibitive." Last year the district set aside $700,000 from its multi-district fund to pay for the system.

The winning bid from Industrial Communications and Electronics, a Billings company, was also the only bid. District officials said the lack of competition was largely a product of the district crafting a very specific bid after the initial sticker shock.

Bouck cited a recent car chase and standoff that led police to request that SD2 lock down all schools as an example of how the system would improve communication.

"We sent out emails (to schools), but you never know: Are they looking at their email?" he said.

With trustees' approval, Bouck said the system should be up and running for next year.
The Pinellas State Attorney's Office dropped an elderly abuse charge against a former St. Petersburg mayoral candidate earlier this month.

Police arrested Paul Congemi on that elderly abuse charge in January. Investigators said Congemi let his mother's bed sores get so bad that her tail bone was visible.

When he was arrested, Congemi said his mother was only without professional care for a couple of days. He maintained that the lapse was due to his efforts to transfer care services.

Congemi previously ran for mayor of St. Petersburg in 2009 and 2013. He said he still plans to run for mayor again later this year.

PREVIOUS STORY: Former St. Pete mayoral candidate arrested for felony elder abuse

Paul Congemi, 60, was booked on a felony elderly abuse charge in January, 2017. (St. Petersburg Police)
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota announced its "Future of Health Care" Initiative aimed at addressing cost challenges in Minnesota and beyond.

The payer is taking a three pillar approach to insurance: clinical innovation, care management and network and payment.

Here's what you should know:

1. Clinical innovation is going to help members address their specific health needs through collaborative partnerships. BCBS partnered with Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic's Living Donor Kidney Program to leverage their resources to help improve kidney donation rates. The program is basically a kidney database, that pairs potential matches with potential donors.

2. Care management is centering care around coordination and evidence-based practices.

3. The network and payment pillar focuses on utilizing value-based care and similar efficiency-facing programs to drive down cost of care, while also creating more precise predictability models.



More articles on coding, billing and collections:

Pence's Indiana Medicaid expansion plan surprises left, right  Administration using plan as national model

Missouri healthcare advocates worry beneficiaries not aware of impending changes: 6 insights

The 4 secrets to scaling your business




As reimbursement practices continue to tighten, joint venture ASCs have become commonplace in the industry with physicians and hospitals partnering to reap the benefits.

Physician owners and hospital partners have to ask a number of questions and make a series of complicated decisions as they seek to enter into the joint venture. From valuation to negotiations to long-term growth strategies, entering into a joint venture is a complicated but beneficial undertaking.

Learn more leadership and practice management at the Becker's 15th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The future of Spine on June 22-24 in Chicago  click here to learn more and register!

Becker's ASC Review conducted several interviews with top industry experts. Here are 24 things to know about joint ventures.

The benefits of joint ventures

1. At Becker's 23rd Annual Meeting in 2016 panelists dove into joint ventures, touching on how to create a joint venture and several governance issues involved with the process. Robert Zasa, a managing partner with ASD Management, and Harel Deutsch, MD, of Rush, said joint ventures are good for the bottom line, and good for both hospital and physicians to expand their respective brands.

2. There are many reasons why hospitals and surgery centers decide to joint venture. A hospital partner can help the ASC negotiate better payer contracting rates in some instances and lend leverage for negotiating with other vendors. A hospital partner in some situations will also help grow ASC case volume, if the hospital is committed to the center's success. The ASC provides hospitals an efficient and cost-effective setting for low-acuity cases, opening up hospital ORs for the more complex cases. Some hospitals also use the ASC as a bargaining chip when signing new surgeon contracts, allowing surgeons to perform cases there.

Management companies

3. There are several management companies  like Tenet/United Surgical Partners International, ASD Management and Regent Surgical Health with programs to advise surgeons and hospitals through joint ventures, and in some cases become a third partner. Advisory companies can bring expertise from previous joint venture deals and guide each party through the process, especially if it's the hospital's first joint ventured ASC.

4. Mr. Zasa recommends the use of a third party management company to not only help develop the venture, but to act as a balancing force. He said, in a Becker's ASC Review article, "The most successful centers have third party management or experienced advisers. You have to have somebody stand in to balance the needs [of each party]."





5. Health systems look at several characteristics when looking to partner. Those include:

Notability of the physician or physician group

Whether the ASC is an established brand

Clinic locationwhether it's in a market the hospital wants to target

Extra capacity to accommodate new cases

6. Hospitals value when ASCs have underutilized space because it could allow them to migrate some of their services to the center, freeing up operating rooms for higher acuity and higher reimbursing cases.

7. ASCs can use analytics when entering into a negotiation. Having concrete analytical data concerning elements like clinical quality, patient satisfaction, workflow and cost can be an especially powerful tool to show a health system why a center would make a good partner.

8. During negotiations, hospitals and physician owners must make decisions around division of equity, control over ASC operations and the types of cases performed at the center.

9. Physicians should research the likeability of a hospital in a partnership, and understand elements of the hospital's physician and payer strategies, Michael Stroup, senior vice president of acquisitions at United Surgical Partners International, said in a Becker's ASC Review article. He said, "If these strategies don't align with the ASC's overall philosophy, there could be complications down the line."

10. Tom Mallon, co-founder and chairman of the board of Westchester, Ill.-based Regent Surgical Health, a developer, manager and owner of 24 ambulatory surgery centers, echoed Mr. Stroup aforementioned point, saying both the hospital and the physician group need to put the joint venture first. Both physicians and hospital partners have to put their own interests to the side and value the health of the center to ensure success.

11. Mr. Zasa stressed trust when entering into a joint venture. When both sides of the joint venture go into the partnership and give it their all, planning the center around a concrete understanding of each other's expectation the center has a better chance to survive.

Governing board

12. When beginning to negotiate board structure an experienced legal counsel should be on hand to advise both parties on the ASC's governance requirements.

13. The board often includes physician partners, hospital administrators and a member from the center's management company. The exact make-up of the board varies from center to center; a majority owner may request the majority representation on the board. In other cases, an equal number of representatives from the hospital and ASC will sit on the board and the management company member will cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie.

14. There are regulations governing the board structure when an ASC partners with a not-for-profit hospital or health system. Be sure to follow state and federal regulations to remain compliant.

15. The ASC and hospitals should each have their own attorneys and/or legal counsel to represent their best interest.

16. Serving on the ASC board is a huge commitment. With millions of dollars hinging on board decisions, board members have to be dedicated to executing with precision.

17. When it comes time for the actual board meetings, these ideas from a Becker's ASC Review story help ensure ASC board meetings are productive.

Communicate the agenda and prior minutes in advance. The board should send out the agenda and prior meeting minutes at least one to three days before the meeting, so the current board can review what was previously discussed. Hospital partners expect advanced notice of agenda items to properly prepare for their ensuring discussion. The article also suggests meetings should be on the same day and at the same time to allow for consistent planning.

The board should send out the agenda and prior meeting minutes at least one to three days before the meeting, so the current board can review what was previously discussed. Hospital partners expect advanced notice of agenda items to properly prepare for their ensuring discussion. The article also suggests meetings should be on the same day and at the same time to allow for consistent planning. Focus on data. Information at board meetings should be concise and data driven with plenty of benchmarks referencing past performance. ASC partners should liberally use infographics to ensure poignant information is conveyed.

Information at board meetings should be concise and data driven with plenty of benchmarks referencing past performance. ASC partners should liberally use infographics to ensure poignant information is conveyed. Share data with physicians as new briefs. When including physicians in any sort of data driven decision, include only the most relevant data. When administrators include synthesized reports, it shows that the center is actively including the physician and seeking input of the center's day-to-day employees.

Avoid meetings within meetings. Relevant committees should meet before the board meeting, and not at the board meeting. The board meeting should be used to finalize any measures discussed at a committee meeting, and nothing else. With a limited amount of time in a board meeting, its quintessential the meeting stays on topic and progresses accordingly.

Valuations

18. Ensuring a physician-owned practice gets top dollar can be a complex situation. Mr. Janiga suggests three methods ASCs can employ when valuing their center: the income approach, the market approach and the asset approach.

An income approach has both a single-period and multi-period model. A single model could be used to value a center that has relatively stable operations, while a multi-period is used to value a center in the midst of a substantial period of growth.

A market approach values an ASC using comparable transactions and publicly traded company valuation methods.

An asset approach bases the valuation on book value of assets and liabilities to fair market value. The asset approach is commonly used when valuing de novo surgery centers.

19. Many things can jeopardize a physician-owned surgery center, Mr. Janiga said. Common pitfalls that afflict physician owners include:

Failing to normalize revenue

Not accounting for appropriate expenses such as management fees

Employing the wrong valuation approaches

Failing to appropriately assess risk

Forgetting to account for secondary discounts such as lack of control

Not adjusting for a stock versus an asset deal

20. Surgeons can strengthen the ASC after established by arriving on time for cases, not excessively wasting supplies, respecting all center staff and thoughtfully serving on the center's governing board. When physician owners actively participate in a joint venture, it's noticed by hospital and other physician partners, creating a shared standard of accountability. With a shared interest in making centers as profitable as possible, that accountability goes a long way to accomplishing that goal and ensuring long term success.

Going 'all-in' with ASC joint ventures

21. While hospital executives and ASC physicians have historically been adversarial with each other, joint ventures and other collaborative models of care are breaking the walls down. Specifically, hospital executives are willing to allow employed physicians to own interest in a joint venture ASC, and markets that were traditionally resistant to ASCs are becoming hotbeds of ASC activity, according to a Becker's ASC Review E-Book.

22. Hospitals have a goal to get the best possible care for the lowest possible cost, and ASCs are how they can do that. That reimbursement driven decision drastically increased demand for ASCs which resulted in the latest spurt of joint ventures.

23. Physicians also prefer joint ventures to ASCs for several reasons. One of the biggest is efficiency. With the smaller nature of the center, physicians can see more cases in a reduced amount of time, and have more time to see their patients at the clinic. With a general healthier patient base, ASCs also have reduced infection rates.

24. Hospitals aren't stopping at ASCs either. Some systems have developed ambulatory care campuses with ASCs, imaging centers, physical therapy services and other outpatient centers situated in a central location. The hospitals either develop their own centers, or partner with independent groups in the community ensuring continued success for all entities.
Here are five updates on ASC companies from the past week.

Hospital Corporation of America expects its net income to hit $659 million for the first quarter of 2017, down from $694 million in Q1 2016.



Royal Bank of Canada reduced Medical Facilities Corp.'s rating from a "sector outperform" to a "sector perform" rating. The firm has a $19 price target on MFC shares.



The Federation of American Hospitals honored two Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare Corp. executives in March. Tenet Healthcare's Vice Chairman Keith Pitts earned the Mike Bromberg Lifetime Achievement Award for his 40-year tenure in the healthcare industry. The Federation of American Hospitals recognized Marsha Powers, CEO of Tenet Healthcare's eastern region-coastal division, with the Corris Boyd Leadership Award.



Envision Healthcare Corp. had adjusted net earnings of $266.7 million for the fiscal year 2016.



Nobilis Health closed its acquisition of Hamilton Vein Center in Sugar Land, Texas, in March. The company acquired Hamilton Vein Center for around $13.3 million, including $8.3 million in cash and $5 million in the form of convertible note.

If you have a question, issue or note to suggest on an ASC management and development company please contact Mary Rechtoris at mrechtoris@beckershealthcare.com.
The Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee recently completed its two-day public meeting to deliberate and vote on three proposals for physician-focused payment models.

The full Committee voted to make the following recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services:

Project Sonar submitted by the Illinois Gastroenterology Group and SonarMD, LLC: recommend for limited-scale testing

The COPD and Asthma Monitoring Project submitted by Pulmonary Medicine, Infectious Disease and Critical Care Consultants Medical Group Inc.: do not recommend

The ACS-Brandeis Advanced APM submitted by the American College of Surgeons: recommend for limited scale testing

Lawrence Kosinski, MD, MBA, IGG managing partner, and President of SonarMD developed Project Sonar as an Intensive Medical Home model for patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Project Sonar started in IGG in 2014 and has now expanded to five additional practices in the state.

In a support letter to PTAC back in January, Lawrence Kim, MD, chair of health policy for the Digestive Health Physicians Association, wrote that In short, Project Sonar is a powerful tool in improving our patients quality of life and decreasing costs by reducing potentially avoidable complications, emergency department visits, and inpatient admissions.

The support letter also states, DHPA believes that Project Sonar will have benefits that extend beyond the immediate value it will provide for the care and management of patients with Crohns disease. To date, the opportunities for gastroenterologists and other physician specialists to participate in APMs have been extremely limited. Adoption of the Project Sonar Advanced APM will allow specialists to participate in value-based care outside of an ACO/MSSP/CRC+ model and to do so in connection with chronic diseases and conditions that are not triggered by a surgical procedure on an inpatient or outpatient basis.



The next step is for PTAC to draft its report to the secretary transmitting its recommendations and rationales for those recommendations. The secretary will post his response to PTACs recommendations on the CMS website.



Project Sonar is best summarized as a patient hovering system, Dr. Kosinski said. It utilizes secure online patient portals and smartphones to allow and encourage patients to communicate with physicians beyond face-to-face visits. Physicians can assess a patient's condition on a continuous basis and uncover larger trends based on the data. Project Sonar allows clinicians to identify issues before they become complications that drive patients to the emergency room and result in hospitalizations.

Illinois Gastroenterology Group reported their initial cost per patient with Crohn's disease was $11,000 in 2011, with the overall hospitalization rate at 17 percent. Although half of the expenditures incurred were for the inpatient care and one-third for physician services, only 3.5 percent of the total spend was for gastroenterologist care. During the first year of their initiative, there was a net cost decrease of 9.87 percent and a 57.14 percent decrease in inpatient costs.

https://www.beckersasc.com/gastroenterology-and-endoscopy/project-sonar-takes-the-next-step-toward-becoming-an-advanced-payment-model-now-open-for-comment.html

Due to Project Sonar's initial success, IGG became the first specialty group to enter into an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois to create an intensive medical home.

In a statement to PTAC, Dr. Kosinski said patients actively participating in Project Sonar saved $6,000 annually through its agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Before Project Sonar, the payer charged on average $24,000 annually per procedure.

Minnesota- and New Jersey-based practices created similar intensive medical home agreements with their Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates. Today, around 20 practices involving more than 600 physicians have adapted the Sonar platform.

Dr. Kosinski said the active participation numbers reflect "the hunger among most physicians to be part of the value-based transition."

PTAC did not immediately comment to Becker's ASC Review at the time of publication. This story will be updated if PTAC comments.

More articles on gastroenterology:

Patient, provider communication poor on how ulcerative colitis impacts quality of life

The top 45 'A' rated Angie's List gastroenterology practices across the US

Takeda expands gastroenterology efforts: Announces collaboration with NuBiyota
The increase in prevalence of high-deductible health plans under the ACA has led to more unpaid hospital bills among the insured population. To combat mounting bad debt, many hospitals have begun experimenting with pre-payment strategies, many of which require patient payment before scheduled care, according to Reuters.

In 2015 U.S. hospitals faced nearly $36 billion in uncompensated care, with much of that coming from unpaid patient bills.

Hospitals are addressing this in a variety of ways. Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, sends patients cost estimates along with pre-surgery medical advice and information.

"Most patients are appreciative that we're telling them up front," said David Muhs, CFO of HCHC, according to the report. The hospital even provides a discount to patients for early payment. While the cost estimates help prevent surprisingly high medical bills after medical procedures, they also lead some patients to skip or delay care. Others elect to use no interest loans available through the hospital, Mr. Muhs told Reuters.

After Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health began offering no-interest loans its patient default rate dropped from 32 percent to 12 percent, according to the report.

The trend of pre-payment strategies is expected to continue this year amid increasing bad debt, according to the report. According to government data cited by Reuters, the average deductible in 2017 for the least expensive of ACA marketplace plans is $6,000 for an individual, up 18 percent from 2014. A Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that 45 percent of Americans would have difficulty paying an unplanned $500 medical bill.
While many physicians report frustration with EHRs, Michael Pfeffer, MD, took an interest in the technology  a decision that led him down a new career path.

After earning his medical degree at Cornell University's Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, Dr. Pfeffer enrolled in the internal medicine residency program at UC Los Angeles' David Geffen School of Medicine. After his graduation from the residency program and chief residency year, UCLA Health leadership decided to move forward with a new EHR system.

"I became involved in the project, and really loved it," Dr. Pfeffer says. "I always loved computers, processes and complex projects and design, and with this project, I got to spend more of my time involved in informatics."

With this experience under his belt, Dr. Pfeffer went on to become chief medical informatics officer at UCLA Health in 2013 and was appointed to CIO one year later. Today, Dr. Pfeffer continues in his position as CIO at UCLA Health, where he also practices as an internal medicine physician.

Dr. Pfeffer spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about his background as a physician, his goals for UCLA Health and why the health system decided to begin the adoption of OpenNotes.

Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Question: How does your background in informatics and internal medicine inform your work as CIO?

Dr. Michael Pfeffer: I still see patients, so I'm using all of the technology we put in place for our providers. I have the opportunity to see first-hand what kind of products we're delivering, how they can be better and how our clinicians view them. I also get to discuss with patients the use of our electronic patient portal. Working as a physician really gives me an understanding of the business, how we're using technology and what new technologies and efficiencies we should be looking toward in the future to increase the value IT provides.

Q: How has the IT landscape changed for hospitals since you began working in healthcare?

MP: I think IT has become very front-and-center. We use it every day, all the time, by all walks of life in healthcare  including the patients. When I was in medical school and when I was a resident, we used paper. We used some electronic portals for documentation, but they were very primitive and we really had minimal, if any, patient engagement with technology. Now, we have significant interaction with the patient through technology and the electronic health record really permeates the entire clinical enterprise. It's really a fundamental piece of how we do business.

Q: I saw UCLA Health is piloting an OpenNotes project, in which providers share medical notes with their patients. How has UCLA Health rolled out this initiative?

MP: We have a limited adoption of OpenNotes at some of our ambulatory clinics right now. We really wanted this project to be collaborative and not just implemented without hearing from our clinical faculty. We really wanted to take a slower approach that looked at how we benefit both our patients and physicians in this space, by giving our physicians a say in how OpenNotes gets rolled out, as well as taking the time to get some initial pilot data from the project.

What we've learned from our initial pilot with OpenNotes is that the patients really liked it and it had minimal impact on our physicians' workflow. Not zero, but definitely nothing that would be significant from a day-to-day standpoint. Overall, I think it's a great thing, and I think it's worth pursuing. I think it's going to be the standard of how we communicate with patients in the near future.

Q: What advice would you give to other healthcare CIOs looking to adopt OpenNotes?

MP: It's pretty easy to do from a technical standpoint, although it can be a little tricky when you have trainees documenting notes. You want to make sure all documentation is approved by the attending, before releasing it to the patient. But it's really more of a change management issue than a technical issue, in terms of how you're going to roll it out and how you're going to support patients and faculty during the process.

You need to partner with some key clinical leaders as well as your clinical informaticists in order to drive the change necessary to move the project forward. We now have extensive clinical information released to our patients, such as lab, radiology and pathology results, which was a big change. Initially, the thought of releasing these clinical results via the patient portal was a little scary because it was new. But our patients really love it and now our providers really love it, so it's turned out to be a win-win.

Q: Looking toward the next year, what are some of your goals for UCLA Health?

MP: I think it's all about the value proposition. How we can provide increasing value with health IT while also reducing its cost. This is really a major focus next year, for me. I'm also looking at our IT culture and how I can continue to create an environment that attracts the best and brightest in IT. Creating an environment where the people who work in health IT can thrive and innovate is going to be critical to our success as an organization.

We're also continuing to focus on optimizing our electronic health record. We're constantly talking to our providers and trying to figure out how to make things more efficient for them. We really want the experience of working with the electronic health record to be an enjoyable process and one that doesn't interfere with the physician-patient interaction.

Q: For you, as a CIO, what are some health IT trends you want to learn more about?

MP: I think there's a lot of focus on big data and I'd love to learn more around algorithmic medicine and machine learning. I think blockchain is very interesting  what are going to be the use cases for blockchain in healthcare? I'm also very interested in the Internet of Things and how that is going to continue to integrate within health IT. It's more than just 'How can we take a device and integrate it into the electronic health record?' but also 'Where are the improved outcomes going to come from?'. How do we objectively determine the best devices in the Internet of Things and the operational processes to support them that will ultimately improve our patient outcomes?
The nursing profession has consistently ranked No. 1 in Gallup's annual poll of Honesty and Ethical Standards in Professions for the past 15 years  which makes the rampant bullying and hazing that persists among nurses that much more surprising.

Judith Meissner, RN, MSN coined the phrase "nurses eat their young" in a 1986 article to describe the hostility young nurses face at the hands of their more experienced coworkers. In a follow-up article published 13 years later, Ms. Meissner said "students, new graduates and even experienced 'new hires'" still suffered intense bullying.

According to a 2017 blog post by Pittsburgh-based Select International Healthcare, roughly 85 percent of nurses have been abused by a fellow nurse and approximately one in three nurses have considered quitting the profession due to bullying.

Here are eight things to know about nurse bullying.

1. Forty-five percent of nurses have been verbally harassed or bullied by other nurses, according to a 2017 survey by employment agency RNnetwork. Forty-one percent of those surveyed said they have been verbally harassed or bullied by managers or administrators. Some nurses (38 percent) even reported having been verbally harassed or bullied by physicians. More than half of the nurses who reported work harassment indicated they were considering leaving the profession all together.

2. While some forms of bullying nurses experience are overt, like verbal harassment, threats or physical violence, other forms are more subtle. Researchers refer to this subtle harassment as "incivility," a form of bullying commonly brought upon young nurses by their more experienced counterparts. Renee Thompson, DNP, RN, said incivility can take on many forms, including sabotage, withholding information, excluding others, unfair assignments or downplaying accomplishments.

3. For some nurses, incivility can wreak havoc not only on their self-esteem, but on the health and well-being of their patients. In an interview for Marie Claire, 27-year-old Christi  who declined to provide her last name to the publication  said about four months into her job as an intensive care unit nurse at a North Carolina hospital, a group of nurses refused to help her care for a patient who had suddenly lost consciousness. A week after stabilizing the patient on her own, a friend told Christi not to go into her locker and to call a manager. Christi said she opened her locker and, after lifting her clothes with a tongue depressor, discovered a bloody syringe.

"My first thought was, 'This could be attempted murder'  because I didn't know what was on the needle that I would have contracted if it stuck me," she told the publication.

4. Nurses who have historically faced bullying or harassment in the workplace often do not report their concerns. If they do report the bullying, managers may do little to remedy the situation. During a September 2016 discussion hosted by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses and streamed live on Facebook, Linda Groah, MSN, RN, CEO of AORN, cited a survey in which only 38 percent of managers said they attempted to address complaints of bullying brought to their attention. Christi told Marie Claire she asked management to investigate the situation involving her locker. She said management refused, stating they "[couldn't] fire 14 people for one nurse," according to the report. Christi said she decided to leave the health facility after management did not allow her to change shifts or transfer departments, according to the report.

5. Some researchers speculate that because nursing is generally a female-dominated profession, competition plays a role in pitting nurses against one another. "Theories suggest that age-old female 'competition' [in the medical field] has shifted from competing over a man to competing over status, respect and position in the nursing environment," said Dr. Thompson. "The same behaviors once witnessed between two women fighting over a man are the ones witnessed today in the behavior of bullies."

6. Given the apparent pervasiveness of the issue, how do hospitals and administrators begin to combat incivility and bullying? Nurses should, first and foremost, document any type of harassment inflicted upon them, Dr. Thompson said. "If you are being bullied, start a documentation trail. Keep a small notebook with you and write down dates, times, witnesses, verbatim comments and any behaviors you believe undermine a culture of safety and a professional work environment," she said. "Keep growing this documentation trail until you are at the point where you can file a formal complaint."

7. Nurse managers also play a vital role in recognizing and preventing bullying. According to some experts, it's up to the nurse manager to "[share] information about incivility and its harmful effects and [to] take the lead in establishing civility charters, co-creating norms of desired behavior, implementing policies and rewarding civility" because their actions "set the tone for the types of professional interactions that are expected in the workplace."

8. Additionally, hospital executives and nurse leaders can implement protocols outlined under the acronym L.I.S.T.E.N to address nurse bullying. Those protocols include beginning to investigate the situation as soon as a complaint is issued and to never share their own opinion on the issue with any of the participants to remain unbiased.



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Court documents unsealed Monday shed new light on Prince's opioid addiction, suggesting the pop star hid painkillers in over-the-counter vitamin and aspirin bottles, reports The New York Times.

Prince Rogers Nelson, the musician commonly known as Prince, died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl in April 2016.

Here are four things to know.

1. Court documents show authorities found "a sizable amount" of narcotic painkillers in Prince's Minnesota home and recording compound, none of which he had prescriptions for, according to the report.

2. Some of the painkillers were hidden in over-the-counter vitamin and aspirin bottles. At least one opioid prescription was issued with the name of one of Prince's friends and employees, Kirk Johnson, NYT reports.

3. The unsealed documents included a search warrant in which Michael Todd Schulenberg, MD, said he wrote an Oxycodone prescription for Prince under Mr. Johnson's name for the sake of privacy, according to CNN. However, Dr. Schulenberg's attorney put out a statement Monday, saying his client denied prescribing opioids to Prince or "any other person with the intent that they would be given to Prince," according to the report.

4. Authorities have yet to determine exactly where Prince got the fentanyl, a drug the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration deems roughly 80 times more potent than morphine, NYT reports. Authorities have not charged anyone in Prince's death, either.

For more on this story, click here.
A coalition accused Sacramento-based UC Davis Medical Center of preventing California Medicaid patients from receiving on-site primary care services since 2015, while allowing Medi-Cal patients to receive emergency room and specialty care services, according to KCRA-3 News.

The Health Equity Action Team, the coalition accusing UC Davis of rejecting primary care services to patients covered by Medi-Cal, reportedly first spoke with hospital officials about the issue in February 2016. UC Davis officials have allegedly not responded to the group since their initial meeting, according to the report.

Nearly 442,000 residents of Sacramento County are enrolled in Medi-Cal. The three other major hospitals in the area  Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco-based Dignity Health and Sacramento-based Sutter Health  all offer primary care services to Medi-Cal patients, according to the report.

In an emailed statement to Becker's Hospital Review, UC Davis Medical Center said the medical center "provide[s] its fair share of care for Medi-Cal patients," and that Medi-Cal patients made up about 37 percent of admissions, or the "single largest group of hospitalized patients at UC Davis last year."

The medical center also told Becker's the facility maintains "four managed Medi-Cal contracts, and will accept letters of agreement with all of the other health plans. In Sacramento County alone, that totals more than 400,000 Medi-Cal enrollees. Where those Medi-Cal enrollees go for care  whether it's primary or specialty care  depends on where the health plan, not UC Davis, decides to direct their enrollees."

The statement also affirmed UC Davis Medical Center's "public service mission to  [deliver] care to uninsured, underserved and indigent populations."

"Certainly, I understand as a physician who was at UC Davis, who still sees patients at a community health center, [that] there are challenges [to] taking care of Medi-Cal patients," state Sen. Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, told KCRA-3 News. "We understand there might be some issues that the university has. [But] who gets left behind? All the people who live in communities like this one[,] who can see UC Davis down the street, yet they can't get the care at that institution."
Dublin, Ireland-based Medtronic sold various monitoring and recovery products to Dublin, Ohio-based Cardinal Health to promote better company portfolio management, according to the Star Tribune.

Here are six things to know:

1. The transaction will close in the second quarter of fiscal year 2018.

2. The entities Medtronic is selling generated roughly $2.4 billion in revenue over Medtronic's last four quarters.

3. Medtronic has sought to divest lower-tech medical technology products acquired in its January 2015 merger with Dublin, Ireland-based Covidien over the last few months.

4. The transaction includes 17 manufacturing facilities and analysts expect it to net Medtronic $6.1 billion before taxes.

5. Divested product lines include dental/animal health, chart paper, wound care, incontinence, electrodes and more.

6. Medtronic reportedly plans to use $1 billion of the transaction's proceeds to repurchase shares in FY 2018 and reduce its debt.

Medtronic CEO Omar Ishrak said to the Star Tribune, "These products  while truly meaningful to patients in need  are best suited under ownership that can provide the investment and focus that these businesses require At the same time, we can put these proceeds to work, investing over the long-term in higher returning internal and external opportunities."

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Oklahoma City-based St. Anthony Hospital and Lawton, Okla.-based Southwestern Medical Center joined forces, according to NEWSOK.

Here are six notes:

1. The two organizations have entered a formal affiliation agreement.

2. The affiliation will boost Southwestern patients' access to cardiology and neurosurgery services.

3. St. Anthony's parent organization, SSM Health Care Oklahoma, encompasses the Bone and Joint Hospital at St. Anthony, Oklahoma City-based St. Anthony South and St. Anthony Shawnee (Okla.) Hospital.

4. SSM Health Care Oklahoma also includes two St. Anthony Healthplex campuses, 17 affiliated hospitals and the St. Anthony Physicians Group.

5. An affiliate of RCCH HealthCare Partners, Southwestern Medical Center houses 199 beds, a 59-bed medical/surgical unit and an eight-bed intensive care unit.

6. The full-service acute care hospital employs more than 150 people and encompasses a 24-hour emergency department.
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Department store chain House Of Fraser has chalked up a rise in full-year profits, but warned trading remains volatile.

The firm, which is owned by Chinese conglomerate Sanpower Group, said pre-tax profits grew from 1.3 million to 3.4 million in the year to January 28.

Online delivered a 16.1% increase in sales and now accounts for over a fifth of the group's total.

Overall revenues were flat at 1.3 billion, while like-for-like sales edged up 0.9% in the period.

However, the group warned the "volatility" it saw last year has continued into 2017.

"The volatility experienced throughout fiscal year 2017 has continued into the current financial year.

"Whilst trading remained subdued in February, as witnessed across the retail sector, the Group saw significant improvement in March," the group said.

House Of Fraser also said five under-performing brands will be "discontinued" this year, with the focus moving to the most popular ones.

Colin Elliot, House Of Fraser's finance chief, also flagged "continued challenging trading conditions across the retail sector".

But he added: "To deliver such a strong set of results for the year is a testimony to the resilience of our business model, and credit to the expertise and dedication of the new senior management team."

The chain was rocked last year by the departure of chief executive Nigel Oddy, who quit his role less than two years in.

House Of Fraser recently opened its first standalone shop in China under a plan to build its brand in the Asian powerhouse.

It is setting up shop in Sanpower Plaza in the commercial zone of Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province.
The FCA has set out its priorities for post-Brexit trading

Britain's financial watchdog will make the case for cross-border market access and keeping the City open to talent in a post-Brexit world.

As part of its new business plan, unveiled on Tuesday, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) laid out its priorities for the coming year, with minimising disruption from Britain's EU exit among its top priorities.

FCA chief Andrew Bailey said: "The UK's decision to leave the European Union creates uncertainty for both the UK's financial industry and the FCA.

"Both we and the Government are keen to ensure that the financial services industry remains resilient and well placed to meet users' needs and thus make the most of opportunities in a post-Brexit world.

"Leaving the EU inevitably creates a higher risk of disruption to our business plan priorities.

"So it is particularly important that we retain the flexibility to respond swiftly should we need to review them further."

Five principles will guide the FCA's advice to Government relating to Brexit.

These include cross-border market access, the opportunity to recruit and maintain a skilled workforce, cooperation between regulatory authorities and influence over standards.

The FCA also plans to put "consumer vulnerability and access to financial services" at the heart of its mission.

It pointed to a 2019 deadline for compensation payouts linked to the PPI scandal, which has so far resulted in over 24.5 billion being paid to customers.

The body said it will launch a communication campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the PPI complaints deadline.
A wide selection of breads and pastries on show at Ursa Minor

Alderman Maura Hickey Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Graham Thompson, chief executive of Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust on one of the food tours

A north coast bakery founded with a 'Down Under' twist will open its doors to the public this summer, becoming Northern Ireland's newest working museum.

Tourists will be able to see behind the scenes as the team whip up the day's orders at north coast venture called Ursa Minor, a Ballycastle business specialising in Australasian inspired bakes.

The business, which is run by husband and wife team Dara and Ciara O'hArtghaile, has been producing a range of unique recipe breads and pastries for just three years.

Now it's been selected to showcase Northern Ireland food and drink production to the world as part of an international network of artisan businesses.

Dara and Ciara first discovered delights like sourdough loaves and Friands - a small almond cake, popular in Australia and New Zealand -while they spent a year living in New Zealand.

They returned home to Ballycastle determined to keep those tastes alive. Inspired by New Zealand's cafe culture, the duo set about bringing fresh, seasonal bread and sweet bakes to the north coast.

The duo founded Ursa Minor in 2014, producing small batches of hand-crafted bread and patisseries. The bakehouse is a lifestyle business for the couple, involving extended family and the local community.

Ciara O'hArtghaile said: "It's fantastic to join the amazing Economusee Network of artisans - we are honoured to be counted among a group of pioneering craftspeople across the world.

"We look forward to creating working relationships with the artisans, as well as welcoming groups into our bakery and spreading the word about sourdough bread."

The announcement was made on Thursday at an event at the bakery and was heralded by John and Sally McKenna, the authors of the McKenna's Guides.

Keen to keep the business on a sustainable scale, the finished products have very low food miles and are only available on the north coast.

Some even make use of other artisan ingredients such as North Coast Smoke House's smoked salt.

It comes as international interest in agri-tourism is growing and follows in the legacy of Northern Ireland's Year of Food and Drink, which saw the region promoted internationally as a tourist destination through its food stories.

Ursa Minor bakehouse first welcomed sightseers as a stop on the Ballycastle Food Tour, North Coast Walking Tours, which was shortlisted for the best trail and tour at this year's Tourism NI Year of Food and Drink Awards.

And the Ballycastle bakery will also be featured in next month's Lonely Planet guide, which includes a foodie's guide to Northern Ireland.

It describes the "new generation of food producers who are drawing the best out of its epic-worthy landscapes" and also includes producers like Abernethy Butter in Dromara, Co Down.

Ursa Minor's new working museum status is part of the international Economusee project to encourage artisan producers to show their products to the public.

Ursa Minor joins five other Economusee workshops in Northern Ireland including Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil in Limavady, Scullion Hurls in Loughgiel, Steenson's Jewellers in Glenarm, Hillstown Brewery in Ahoghill, and Broughgammon Farm, also in Ballycastle.

Each workshop is situated on or close to the famous Causeway coastal route, making it an easy add-on for visitors interested in what this scenic part of the island has to offer.

The Economusee (Artisans at Work) project is a concept developed in Quebec.

The project involves businesses from Canada, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland and the Republic of Ireland.

There are currently 70 workshops, with another 20 planned to be launched within the next 12 months.

The aim is for visitors to learn about the history of the craft and the business, the enthusiasm of the artist, along with the added opportunity of meeting the artisans face-to-face.
The tapp which connects to mobile phones to convert it into a digital infrared thermometer

A Londonderry tech firm which already sells to US giant Walmart has landed a 3m deal to distribute a smartphone thermometer, it can be revealed.

Bubblebum has teamed up with Spanish firm Oblumi, which has developed the 'tapp'. It connects to mobile phones and converts it into a digital infrared thermometer.

Bubblebum founder Grainne Kelly has now landed a distribution deal worth 3m with Oblumi to exclusively distribute the device in the UK and Ireland over a period of five years.

The company already sells its child booster seats into more than 1,000 stores in the UK and across the US. Ms Kelly, who is from Londonderry and has her firm based at the Catalyst Inc Innovation Centre in the city, says the firm has also secured a new deal to sell her car booster seats into 1,700 Target stores in the US.

"I have created and founded Bubblebum, and we have been exporting around the world for the last seven years," she said.

"We are in Walmart (in the US) and Halfords. We have been looking at adding more products to our range."

She said she was contacted by Spanish firm Oblumi, which was keen to break into the UK and Ireland market with its smartphone thermometer.

"We thought, people are doing this, but don't know how to get it to market," Ms Kelly said.

"Oblumi contacted us... I knew their message was off for the UK. I said, we can do this for you, but we need exclusive distribution to the UK and Ireland, with the option of the US.

"The product is a smartphone thermometer. But it's not just that, it also logs all of the data.

"So, if the baby is at home with granny, and she is checking the temperature, the mother and father can also check that. It also reminds how much paracetamol to take - reminders of when to take the temperature.

"We will also take this a step further for the elderly. For example, when my dad was sick, he got out of hospital, he couldn't remember when to take his temperature of medicine - we had to manually record all of that."

The device works for both Android and Apple phones.

The company now employs 12 staff - doubling the size of the team to meet demand for its existing products.

"(The thermometer product) is a pretty significant deal. We are also in another 1,000 stores in the UK and Target in the US (with the booster seat)," Ms Kelly said.

"In the past two weeks we have signed Walmart in Chile and we have already doubled staff numbers." She said there has already been "great interest" in the new smartphone thermometer.

"This is the first device of its kind on the market to date," she said.

"As a parent of a child who had frequent bouts of fever, I am acutely aware of the precautions people need to take with infants and the confusion that lies with tracking temperature and medication. Our objective is to alleviate these concerns and allow parents and carer's to rely on the Oblumi device as a practical solution.

"In addition to a being a reliable thermometer for a family member, the Oblumi tapp can also check the temperature of liquids with accuracy and speed such as the temperature of a baby's bottle or bath water, a constant concern for parents."
Archaeologists will be available for a series of Artifact Roadshows scheduled in Ekalaka and Miles City.

The Ekalaka event will be held on April 21 at the Carter County Museum from 1-4 p.m. and on April 29 at the Miles City Public Library from 1-4 p.m. Participants dont have to bring anything to attend.

People have shared some amazing finds with us at our previous road shows, said Doug Melton, Miles City Field Office lead archaeologist. Theyve brought in a variety of items such as fossil bone, projectile points from some of Montanas earliest residents, even rare glass beads.

For more information contact Melton at 406-233-2800. More events for 2017 are listed on the Montana Archaeology Society website at: http://mtarchaeologicalsociety.org/16401.html.
Gavin Weir, Director, GVA NI and Gavin Bates, Owner, the White Horse Coaching Inn, toast their partnership as the deal is made final on the 200 year old bar and restaurant located in Saintfield

A Co Down pub and restaurant formerly owned by a Northern Ireland brewer has been sold.

The White Horse in Saintfield was sold to Gavin Bates, who current runs Ryans on the Lisburn Road in Belfast. The sale price has not been disclosed.

"We are delighted to have expanded our business into Saintfield," Mr Bates said.

"The White Horse is a historical, traditional, family-friendly bar and restaurant at the hub of the local community and I am really enjoying building relationships with our customers.

"Our food offering has something to cater for everyones taste buds, with the 60 seater bar restaurant serving up a varied menu of gastro pub food and The Flaming Crust Pizza restaurant on the lower level of the property serving authentic Italian pizza from the wood fired oven.

"Our menus feature popular mid-week and weekend specials and all of our food is freshly prepared each day using local ingredients, including meat from our nearby butcher."

GVA NI acted on behalf of the vendor, Bernard Sloan, who owns the Whitewater Brewery in Castlewellan.
The Train runs at The Mac in Belfast this week.

In 1971, a group from the Irish Women's Liberation Movement boarded a train at Dublin's Connolly Station heading to Belfast - knowing they could very well be arrested when they made their return journey.

The reason for this was because the 47 women were travelling to Northern Ireland to buy oral contraception, which was illegal in the Republic of Ireland at the time.

Bringing them back into the country could have resulted in prosecution, but for these women their reproductive rights was an issue that could no longer be ignored.

Their train journey marked a watershed moment for women's rights in the Republic and it is now being portrayed in the musical The Train, directed by Lynne Parker.

Speaking from aboard a train from Dublin to Belfast, Irish actress Clare Barrett says the actions of these women began a "proper conversation" with the Irish State about allowing women their reproductive rights.

She explains: "The play is about this band of women and what they were trying to do at the time. Unfortunately, when they got to Belfast they discovered that they had no prescription and couldn't obtain oral contraception, so they bought condoms and whatever they could get without a prescription and they brought those back.

"They didn't know what would happen to them when they returned."

Clare takes on the role of Aoife, a character described as the Irish 'everywoman' who is becoming more involved in the fight for women's rights.

"I'm a lady that happens to be married to a porter from Connolly Station and she's starting to hear about feminism, it's filtering into her life, but she's not quite sure what to do with it.

"She's a woman at home with two kids and she's processing this information and new feminism literature that's coming from America, as well as what she has been brought up to believe.

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"It's a very serious subject but the play is actually really funny - these women are very witty, intelligent ladies and that is seen the whole way through."

Reproductive and women's rights is a very emotive subject matter, and Clare says The Train manages to bring the fun and laughs to the story without watering down the issues.

She continues: "We haven't shied away from the poignant or the sad, or even the darkness of it. But these women were eternal optimists and they went against everything - their mothers, their families - to get on that train that day.

"They took a stand and the bravery comes through in the play."

For Clare, winning the approval of former President of Ireland Mary Robinson was a particular highlight, as she herself was associated with the women in 1971.

"She wasn't on the train herself as she was training to be a solicitor at the time and couldn't be seen to be involved in these illegal activities," says Clare. "But she was very much involved with them and gave them information about their rights.

"She came to see the show and she said, 'I was wondering what a musical would do to the story, but actually now that I've seen it, it feels like the only way possible'.

"She said everyone's experience of that day was different but that we managed to capture the feeling of the time within the show - the naivety, the hope for change and the excitement of doing something so different from the norm."

The Train has previously enjoyed a successful run at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin as well as various venues around Ireland - allowing for a wide range of reaction from the audience.

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"We've had full houses and standing ovations every night," says Clare. "We've met younger people who can't believe that that's the way it was back then, and we've met so many people who have come to us and said 'I was there on that day.'"

It was during the show's run in Limerick that a man came forward to say he was actually working as a customs officer at Connolly Station that day - it was his first day on the job.

Clare said: "He was 19 and the poor man was told he had to search the handbags of the ladies as they were coming back - he had to tell his superiors 'but I don't know what a condom looks like'.

"They told him to simply 'act intelligent'.

"He lasted at Connolly Station for about a week and was then send to the airport for the rest of his working life."

As audiences get ready to see The Train in Belfast this week, Clare says she is hopeful she will meet people from the city who were also present when the train arrived and departed from Belfast.

"This is the other side of the story - the show does take place both in Dublin and Belfast so it will be lovely to get the story from the other side.

"It's very much a tale of two cities and we are very excited to be able to perform in both."

She adds: "Arthur Riordan's script is phenomenal, it's just so clever and witty and it's lovely to get my acting chops around it.

"Despite the issues and the subject matter, it's quite a feel-good play - they did achieve a brave and fantastic feat that day."

The Train runs at The Mac in Belfast from Wednesday April 19 to Sunday April 23.
A 13-year-old girl is among the youngest underage drinkers police dealt with in Northern Ireland on Easter Monday. File image posed by model

A 13-year-old girl is among the youngest underage drinkers police dealt with in Northern Ireland on Easter Monday.

Police confiscated the alcohol from the girl in Bangor and said they would inform her parents.

Officers said they found the girl with vodka in a Lucozade bottle and said she is the youngest to be caught with alcohol so far this Easter.

By lunchtime yesterday, shoppers warned the town was "full of drunk teenagers", as crowds gathered for the town's Spring Street Carnival.

A statement posted by officers read: "It's nice to see so many people coming to Bangor. However, we have just seized alcohol from a 13-year-old girl! Parents to be updated in due course and NHS not required on this occasion."

It's understood the girl was not alone when police found her with the alcohol.

By 3pm, police in Bangor had seized 24 bottles of vodka, 13 bottles of Buckfast, several bottles of alcopop and dozens of bottles of beer.

Ards and North Down UUP councillor Alistair Cathcart said the council had been working with police to try to combat the issue. "It seems to be specifically over Easter weekend - the good weather seems to be a contributor," he said.

"A lot of them will come in on the trains, so it seems to be kids who think they are getting away from their parents for the day and they feel like they can get away with it.

"This year, police have been placing officers at the train stations, so that way they can stop it and confiscate alcohol from the moment it comes into Bangor." Police are expected to release figures for the number of underage drinkers dealt with across Northern Ireland over the weekend later today.

Underage drinkers have been hospitalised 655 times in the past five years in Northern Ireland, figures by The Detail revealed just last month.

In January, a 14-year-old boy was hospitalised after he drank too much on a bus to a club in Cookstown. Between 2011 and 2015, police confiscated 1,245 cans and bottles of alcohol from underage drinkers in Bangor. The area ranked eighth on a list of drinking hotspots compiled by the Irish News.

But it was beaten by neighbouring district Ards, where police took 1,527 alcoholic items from teenagers. The worst area was the Upper Grosvenor Road in west Belfast, where 2,026 cases were reported.
10 Downing Street prior to an announcment by Prime Minister Theresa May on April 18, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to the media outside 10 Downing Street in central London on April 18, 2017.

Theresa May's call for a General Election in the midst of the Stormont crisis talks has shown "disdain" for Northern Ireland, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said.

Theresa May has called an early general election for June 8 in an announcement which has stunned Westminster. The Prime Minister had repeatedly denied that she would call an election before the next scheduled poll in 2020.

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But following a Cabinet meeting at Downing Street she said she would go to the country this year.

There will be a Commons vote on the proposed election on Wednesday.

Justifying the decision, Mrs May said: "The country is coming together but Westminster is not."

It comes as Northern Ireland's political parties are set to resume crisis talks aimed at forming a power sharing government.

The parties missed the deadline in forming a government within the six weeks after the election.

Northern Ireland's political leaders have been reacting to the Prime Minister's call.

Meanwhile SDLP leader Colum Eastwood questioned the Prime Minister's decision to call the election during the Stormont talks.

He said: "It tells you all you need to know about Theresa May that she would call a snap Westminster election in the middle of intense efforts to restore power sharing government to Northern Ireland.

"From the beginning of her tenure as British Prime Minister she has shown very little but disinterest and disdain for this place.

As Theresa May seeks a mandate for a hard Brexit from an English electorate, people here have an opportunity to unite behind parties which have defended their will and sought to protect our values.

England may want to isolate itself from Europe and the world. But people in Northern Ireland and Scotland made a different choice. A choice that cannot be fulfilled through a hard Brexit. We now have an opportunity to strengthen the mandate of parties which campaigned against and consistently voted against Brexit at Westminster.

I know people are suffering from electoral fatigue. But this is not a time to sit on the sidelines. This is a moment to unite to deliver a strong message to Theresa May and the Brexiteers. Our voice will be heard. 

It shows you how much .@TheresaMayPM thinks/cares about our peace process that she'd call an election in the middle of talks.  Colum Eastwood (@columeastwood) April 18, 2017

DUP leader Arlene Foster said the vote was an opportunity to "vote for the Union".

Mrs Foster said: "The Prime Ministers decision to go to Parliament to seek a General Election on 8th June provides the people of Northern Ireland with the opportunity to vote for the Union.

Stormont election results 2017 - select a constituency - North Antrim - East Antrim - South Antrim - North Belfast - East Belfast - South Belfast - West Belfast - Strangford - South Down - Lagan Valley - Upper Bann - Newry and Armagh - Fermanagh & South Tyrone - West Tyrone - Mid Ulster - East Londonderry - Foyle - North Down

"The Democratic Unionist Party has been a strong voice for Northern Ireland at Westminster and we have used the mandate given to us to ensure the interests of Northern Ireland are to the fore.

"The forthcoming election will be an opportunity for unionists to unite around a strong Democratic Unionist Party that will advocate for them in Parliament."

Sinn Fein's leader in Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill said the election was an opportunity to "oppose Brexit".

She said: "Sinn Fein opposed Brexit because it will be disastrous for the people of Ireland, our economy and our public services.

"The people of the North clearly voted to see their future in the European Union in the referendum last June. We have been blatantly ignored by Theresa May since.

The Tory partys reckless Brexit agenda offers nothing to the people of the North who are being dragged out of the EU against our will.

The Tory party and their polices have been rejected by the people in the north in the past, and will be again in this election.

"Sinn Fein is ready to contest this election and it will be an opportunity for voters to oppose Brexit and reject Tory cuts and austerity.

It is an opportunity to progress designated status for the North within the EU and for a future based on equality, respect, integrity and unity.

UUP leader Robin Swann said the election will be about "strengthening the hand of the United Kingdom in forthcoming Brexit negotiations".

He said: "NI needs strong representation in Westminster now more than ever, arguing the best case for Northern Ireland.

Tom Elliott & Danny Kinahan have proven that Ulster Unionist MPs can be that positive, pragmatic voice for Northern Ireland.

Following the March election I would encourage everyone to ensure they are registered to vote and that if necessary they secure postal and proxy votes for the 8th of June to ensure their voice is heard at the ballot box.

Alliance party leader Naomi Long said it would be "disgraceful" for any party to use the General Election to stall the current talks process.

She said: "Alliance will be contesting this election on a platform of providing good government and opposing a hard Brexit, while seeking a special deal to address the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland. Theresa May has made it clear she wants to ram a hard Brexit through Parliament irrespective of how bad the deal on offer from the EU may be.

"The strongest possible vote to the contrary is required to minimise the long-term economic damage to the UK as a whole and to protect the interests of Northern Ireland.

In terms of Northern Ireland, Alliance only lost the 2015 election due to a five-party unionist pact in East Belfast. Only weeks ago, Robin Swann was elected as UUP leader and made a pledge his party would be different to the DUP. Now he faces the challenge to prove that and not slide back into an undemocratic agreement with other parties. The decision he takes will either make or break his party.

This election coincides with a critical time in our local politics. The current vacuum is not sustainable, it is already doing massive damage to our economy and our public services. It would be disgraceful for any party to use this election and the hope of short-term electoral gain to stall or withdraw the current talks process.

However, the chances of a deal this side of June 8 have now become more remote. Despite this, the people of Northern Ireland have already given MLAs a clear instruction to do their job and to act responsibly through putting in place progressive and sustainable devolution.

So Ms May has called a British General Election. Sinn Fein is up 4 that! Another chance 2 vote against Brexit & 4 progress.  Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) April 18, 2017

Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said the timing of the General Election posed "significant challenges".

He said: "The timing of this General Election poses a significant challenge to the current talks on restoring devolution. Retail NI and the business community as a whole, want to see these talks reach a successful conclusion and for the Assembly and Executive to be restored

"Political stability is the essential basis for economic growth

"The focus of this election should be on Policy and what type of Brexit is best for Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole. Setting out a new vision for the future of the our local economy should be the central issue in this election for political parties, locally and nationally."

What happens now?

The Prime Minister will table a Commons motion on Wednesday calling for an election to be held on Thursday June 8.

Under the terms of the Fixed Term Parliaments Act, passed under the last coalition government, she needs a two-thirds majority if she wants to go to the country before the scheduled date of the next the election which had been due to take place in May 2020.

With both Labour and the Liberal Democrats saying they will support the motion, the outcome should be a formality.

What comes after that?

There will be a short "wash-up" period to clear up outstanding legislation such as the Finance Bill to enable the funding of government to carry on.

Parliament will then be dissolved on Wednesday May 3, 25 working days before polling, marking the start of the official campaign.

And then?

If all goes to plan voters will go to the polling booths on June 8 with the outcome likely to become clear in the early hours of the next morning.
The forthcoming general election did not change the talks process said James Brokenshire

Laws will be fast-tracked through Parliament restoring Stormont power-sharing by early next month should agreement be clinched, the Northern Ireland Secretary said.

The forthcoming general election did not change the talks process involving the parties in Belfast and the UK and Irish Governments, James Brokenshire added.

Recent negotiations helped distil outstanding issues and identified possible areas for consensus, he added.

"Discussions between the parties, and the UK and Irish Governments, will continue, in accordance with the three-stranded approach.

"The prospect of a forthcoming UK general election does not change this approach."

It remained his intention to introduce legislation into Parliament addressing immediate requirements including setting a regional taxation rate to allow rates bills to be issued by councils.

"In addition, I believe it is also right to introduce provisions that would enable an Executive to be formed in early May should agreement be reached.

"To have this legislation in force in time, I will be requesting that its progress through Parliament be fast-tracked."

Talks to save devolved government were suspended before Easter with little prospect of a deal.

Sinn Fein had called for another Stormont poll if no accord is reached, the third in around a year, and the DUP have said they are ready to fight a snap election to the devolved institutions.

Two deadlines to form a new ruling executive have already fallen by the wayside.

Sinn Fein demands for legislative protections for Irish speakers, an end to the region's ban on gay marriage and the implementation of a Northern Ireland-specific bill of rights are among the issues of dispute.

Talks will reconvene, working to the new early May deadline.

Sinn Fein has accused the DUP of preventing the formation of a "rights-based" government.

The DUP has claimed Sinn Fein is focused only on the demands of its own supporters, and is failing to appreciate that others want movement on other issues.

The main unionist party hinted at a shift in approach to the Irish language last week when party leader Arlene Foster, who previously insisted she would never support an Irish Language Act, pledged to meet Gaelic speakers to hear their concerns.
Extra powers for councils could be on the cards if the Stormont parties fail to reach a deal to restore devolution.

The Government will come under pressure to consider passing additional responsibilities to the relatively new 11 super councils if the Assembly is mothballed indefinitely, it has emerged.

The councils umbrella body has already met Secretary of State James Brokenshire who has now agreed to further discussions.

The plan would form an alternative to full-blown Direct Rule, with local government subsuming some of the responsibilities of the regional departments.

Derek McCallan, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), said it was one of several options.

We are in full support of a devolved administration, we do not want to take away from that, but we are in a situation of drifting at the moment. We have a democratic deficit, he said.

If there isnt a budget and this looming uncertainty continues, then give the councils the power and the resources to do the job.

The so-called partnership panel, where council chiefs met Executive ministers, is in abeyance with Stormonts collapse.

A letter from NILGAs senior team to Mr Brokenshire said: (Our) all-party, all-council political leadership is ready, able and willing to do everything it can to ensure that you are aware of the cohesion, efficiency and innovation of local government here in Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State was forced to pull out of a meeting pencilled in for the day former Deputy First Minister, the late Martin McGuinness, stepped down, but NILGA chiefs said they were willing to travel to London to address the growing power gap.

An initial meeting then took place, at Mr Brokenshires invite, and more are planned.

NILGA president Sean McPeake said: Quite clearly the situation in the NI Assembly will be volatile for some time. The 11 councils in the north  collectively, sub-regionally and locally  are in situ to deliver economic growth, co-ordinate and deliver public services.

This is what they have been doing, seamlessly, since 1972 and we want to be able to help plan local economies and regenerate our areas.
A Belfast woman, who narrowly escaped with her life in 1984 after the IRA murdered her daughter and attempted to kill her husband as they returned from Sunday mass, has been laid to rest.

Joan Travers was left heartbreakingly cradling her dying daughter Mary on a dusty street after the atrocity close to St Brigids Church, a short distance from their Windsor Avenue home in the Malone Road area.

Her husband, former Magistrate Tom Travers, survived the attack despite being shot six times.

Joan passed away peacefully last week and was yesterday laid to rest in Kilclief, Co Down, with her husband, and Mary. Hundreds of people expressed their condolences to the Travers family following her death.

Her daughter Ann, who has become a powerful voice for victims of terrorism, said she felt drained and sad last night after saying her final farewell to her mother.

Today Mum was laid to rest with Dad and Mary, she posted on her Facebook page.

Im completely drained and very sad. Thank you everyone for all your messages of support.

She said she was taking solace from a quote she was sent from a friend by Belfast writer CS Lewis: There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.

She added: I hold that in my heart that Mum is happy with Dad and Mary.

Politicians from most of the major parties expressed their sympathy, along with Stephen Gault, whose father was killed in the Enniskillen Poppy Day massacre and Kevin Skelton, whose wife died in the Omagh bombing.

Survivors of terrorism had supported Ann Travers campaign to prevent former prisoners who were guilty of serious offences becoming highly-paid Stormont special advisors.

Ms Travers launched her campaign after a woman convicted of her sisters murder was appointed as a special adviser by Sinn Fein Culture Minister Caral Ni Chuilin. Mary Ann McArdle, who had been 19 at the time of the killing, was jailed for life for transporting the guns used.
/Presseye.com - 18th April 2017. Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland Photographer Press Eye/Stephen Hamilton General views of a hair dressers in Larne where a car was reversed into it and set on fire.

/Presseye.com - 18th April 2017. Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland Photographer Press Eye/Stephen Hamilton General views of a hair dressers in Larne where a car was reversed into it and set on fire.

/Presseye.com - 18th April 2017. Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland Photographer Press Eye/Stephen Hamilton General views of a hair dressers in Larne where a car was reversed into it and set on fire.

/Presseye.com - 18th April 2017. Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland Photographer Press Eye/Stephen Hamilton General views of a hair dressers in Larne where a car was reversed into it and set on fire.

/Presseye.com - 18th April 2017. Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland Photographer Press Eye/Stephen Hamilton General views of a hair dressers in Larne where a car was reversed into it and set on fire.

/Presseye.com - 18th April 2017. Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland Photographer Press Eye/Stephen Hamilton General views of a hair dressers in Larne where a car was reversed into it and set on fire.

/Presseye.com - 18th April 2017. Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland Photographer Press Eye/Stephen Hamilton General views of a hair dressers in Larne where a car was reversed into it and set on fire.

/Presseye.com - 18th April 2017. Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland Photographer Press Eye/Stephen Hamilton General views of a hair dressers in Larne where a car was reversed into it and set on fire.

/Presseye.com - 18th April 2017. Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland Photographer Press Eye/Stephen Hamilton General views of a hair dressers in Larne where a car was reversed into it and set on fire.

/Presseye.com - 18th April 2017. Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland Photographer Press Eye/ General views of a hair dressers in Larne town centre where a car was driven into it and set on fire.

/Presseye.com - 18th April 2017. Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland Photographer Press Eye/Stephen Hamilton General views of a hair dressers in Larne where a car was reversed into it and set on fire.

General views of a hair dressers in Larne where a car was reversed into it and set on fire.

A hairdressing salon in Larne town centre was destroyed in a fire on Monday night in what has been claimed as a deliberate attack linked to a gang feud.

The incident follows three days of arson attacks in Larne and a suspected petrol bomb attack against a mother and her children yesterday morning.

Fire crews were still attending the blaze of the two storey premises on Main Street late last night while a heavy police presence remained in the area.

A car was reversed directly into the salon and set alight. The blaze has caused extensive damage to the presmises.

Police said it's believed one male travelled to the scene in the vehicle, a grey Nissan Primera, and then fled on a blue and white motorcycle driven by a second individual.

Officers have called the attacked "mindless and reckless".

Detective Chief Insepctor Dunny McCubbin said: "This was a mindless and reckless attack by individuals who have shown no concern for the people of Larne and no respect for the business people trying to make a living in the town.

"This business has been devastated by this attack and there can be no excuse or justification for what happened here last night.

"We are currently investigating a possible link between this incident and other attacks on vehicles in the town over the course of the weekend. At this time its thought a falling out between two individuals may be the catalyst for these incidents however as the investigation is at a very early stage it wouldnt be appropriate to comment further on that particular line of enquiry."

Police said two men in their thirties have been arrested as part of our overall investigation. A 30-year-old man was arrested on Saturday and subsequently charged with GBH and Possession of an offensive weapon.

Expand Expand Previous Next Close Firefighters at the scene of the blaze in Main Street, Larne last night Firefighters at the scene of the blaze in Main Street, Larne last night / Facebook

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He is expected to appear in court in Ballymena on May 11. The second male, 32, was detained yesterday. He has since been charged with common assault and making threats to damage property. He is due to appear at Ballymena Magistrates on May 4.

All charges will be reviewed by the PPS.

Former Sinn Fein MLA Oliver McMullan said he was furious over the attacks saying Larne was getting more like Beirut every day.

Theres a direct connection to this attack and the cars burnt out in Larne over the weekend, he told the Belfast Telegraph last night.

This car was driven deliberately into the hairdressers shop and the people in the car got out and set it on fire. I feel very mad and angry about this. Ive been going on about this for years, unless the criminality is caught by the scruff of the neck in Larne its going to get out of hand.

Mr McMullan added he had also heard another house in the Craigy Hill area of the town (around a mile from the hairdressers) was targeted in a petrol bomb attack just before 11pm last night, but this was yet to be confirmed.

Asked what was behind the crime spree he commented: Its a major gang leader who I believe has been arrested by the police tonight. He is exerting his authority over another family, put it that way. Its the same people doing all of this, the dogs in the street could name you every one of them doing it.

He called for community policing to be restored to Larne.

These criminals know theres no police in Larne and they can do all this with impunity. That hairdressers is in the centre of Larne town not the outskirts, now can you imagine that happening in any other town? he said. Its getting more like Beirut every day and the people of Larne, no matter what side, they dont deserve this and they shouldnt have to live with this.

In the early hours of yesterday morning a mother and her young children in Larne escaped injury in a suspected petrol bombing.

The front window of a house on Mill Road was smashed during the incident and police recovered a petrol-soaked rag, possibly from an unlit petrol bomb, from the porch of the property close to where a vehicle was targeted.

Larne councillor Paul Reid condemned the attack.

It beggars belief that someone would attack peoples homes like this, he said.

There was a mother in that house with her young children. We are very lucky that we arent looking at disaster today.

A second car was targeted on Bryan Street in the latest of a spate of arson attacks in the town. Mr Reid, a local DUP representative, said he understands that police are following a positive line of inquiry but also urged anyone with information to come forward.

East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson has strongly condemned those behind continued arson attacks in Larne.

Describing the situation as extremely serious, the Alliance man has appealed for anyone with information to contact the police immediately, as premises in the town centre became the latest target of those orchestrating the attacks.

Detective Chief Inspector Dunny McCubbin said officers are investigating a link between these incidents and similar attacks on vehicles on Saturday and Sunday. Five vehicles were extensively damaged over the weekend and a failed attempt was made to set a sixth on fire.

UUP councillor Andrew Wilson also condemned what he described as a really bizarre series of attacks.

He added: It certainly looks like it is being orchestrated. I would just appeal for anyone with information to contact police.

It is very important that whoever is doing this is arrested and hopefully put behind bars.

If you have any information that could help the police investigation you can contact police on 101.

If someone would prefer to provide information without leaving their name they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A total of 3.2 billion was lent by the UK to the Republic as part of an international rescue package of the country's collapsing economy, according to the Treasury

The UK has now been paid 358 million in interest by Ireland following a crisis loan it gave to the country in 2010.

A total of 3.2 billion was lent by the UK to the Republic as part of an international rescue package of the country's collapsing economy.

The latest report from the Treasury says Ireland has now paid the UK 358 million in interest since 2011.

Since June 2014 the UK has received an interest payment of around 42 million every six months.

It will be March 2021 before the bilateral loan's term is up. The final tranche of money was paid to Ireland in September 2013.

The document said: "The Government agreed to provide a bilateral loan to Ireland because it is in the UK's national interest that Ireland has a successful economy and a stable banking system.

"The links between our financial systems, particularly in Northern Ireland, mean that there was a strong economic case to provide financial assistance to Ireland.

"By being part of the international financial package, the UK indirectly supported the very many businesses across the UK that trade with Ireland."

The loan was made at the same time as a bailout by the European Commission, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank and at a time when the country's banking system threatened to implode.

Stringent austerity conditions were attached by the three organisations, known as the Troika, and resulted in wage reductions, rising unemployment, cuts to public services and extra taxes on Irish citizens.

The Republic is one of the UK's main export markets - at the time the loan was given it accounted for 5% of Britain's total exports and two-fifths of Northern Ireland's exports.

Many Irish companies are listed on the London Stock Exchange.

In late 2010 the Royal Bank of Scotland lent billions in Northern Ireland - loans which were insured by British taxpayers as RBS is a semi-nationalised bank.

If the Irish economy were to implode, that would have generated large losses for RBS and the UK taxpayer.

In 2012 Chancellor George Osborne reduced the rate of interest on the loan in line with Eurozone lenders.
Almost 3,000 flats worth 1 million or more were sold last year, data showed

Million-pound apartment sales in England and Wales have nearly trebled in the past decade, according to research.

Data gathered by Lloyds Private Banking showed 2,967 flats worth 1 million or more were sold last year, a 196% jump from 1,002 in 2006.

Nearly all of the the plush properties were based in London (96%) and made up 35% of all million-pound addresses sold in the capital that year.

Westminster is home to the most expensive apartments in the UK, with an average price of 2,215,073, according to Lloyds.

Sales of million-pound-plus flats in London have similarly increased threefold, from 973 to 2,853 since 2006, the bank said.

A spokeswoman said the jump was partly explained by a growing population and increasing demand.

Kensington and Chelsea saw soaring numbers of the luxury spaces being snapped up, where 731 flats sold compared with 357 in 2006, overtaking terraced houses as the most popular million-pound properties.

In up-and-coming Hackney, east London, there were no million-pound apartments sold in 2006. Last year, there were 47.

The figures, taken from the land registry, found the exclusive flats now make up 22% of all million-pound property sales in England and Wales.

Sales of flats worth more than 1 million have grown at a far greater pace than similarly valued detached (up 88%), semi-detached (up 154%) and terraced houses (up 165%) in the past 10 years.

The South East saw 44 such flats sold last year, a considerable increase of the nine bought a decade ago.

Head of Lending at Lloyds Private Banking, Louise Santaana, said: "London dominates the million-pound flat market, with the prime areas of Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea accounting for over half of all million-pound apartment sales in England and Wales.

"A finite supply of land in prime central London combined with a growing population has meant the only way is up, with more and more developers focusing on apartments. In the past decade there has been a large increase in the building of high value apartments in Knightsbridge, West End, Victoria and King's Cross, while Marylebone and Mayfair being the top two locations for most development. With demand still high, there are more in the pipeline."
Boris Johnson has called on Russia to end its "blind support" for Syrian president Bashar Assad, while urging China to use its influence to restrain North Korea.

The Foreign Secretary said the United States missile attack in response to the Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons "creates an opportunity to break the deadlock" and pave the way for a political settlement.

He also said China has a role to play in delivering a peaceful resolution to the rising tensions in the Korean peninsula amid warnings from Pyongyang about the risk of nuclear war.

Mr Johnson updated MPs on global events after the Commons returned following t he Easter recess.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Johnson reiterated that Britain was given advanced notice of the US operation to attack the Syrian government airfield suspected of launching the chemical attack although "at no stage" was UK military help sought.

He said US President Donald Trump had sent an "emphatic" message that the "era when Assad's barbarism was met with passivity and inaction has finally come to an end".

Mr Johnson said: "America's determined response creates an opportunity to break the deadlock and pave the way for a political settlement of Syria's tragedy.

"But that will only happen if Russia is prepared to bring Assad to the negotiating table and begin a transition to a new government that represents the sole chance of peace in Syria."

Mr Johnson said the UK has "no intention of dislodging Russian interests in Syria", adding: "But Russia's position in Syria does not depend on Assad."

The cabinet minister went on: "I hope I have the support of everybody in this House when I say I call on the Russians to end their blind support for Assad.

"Stop the gas attacks and the barrel bombs, allow the delivery of aid to those who need it, deliver a real ceasefire and begin the political process that will include a transition away from Assad."

Mr Johnson said president Assad's regime "almost certainly gassed its own people" earlier this month, adding this showed the "emptiness of that agreement reached in 2013, guaranteed by Russia, that was supposed to rid Syria of chemical weapons once and for all".

He added: "And I'm afraid exposing the misjudgment of those who regarded that deal as a substitute for resolute action."

On North Korea, Mr Johnson said "no-one can be complacent" about the threat potentially posed by intercontinental ballistic missiles being developed by the regime in Pyongyang despite the fact they have not been fully tested.

He said: "Yesterday I spoke to my Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and I urged him to use Beijing's unique influence to restrain North Korea and to allow peaceful resolution of this crisis.

"By suspending their coal imports from North Korea, China has given a welcome signal of its willingness to exert pressure on the regime.

"Later this month I shall attend a special meeting of the security council on North Korea."

North Korea's deputy United Nations ambassador Kim In Ryong has accused the United States of creating "a dangerous situation in which a thermonuclear war may break out at any moment".

Mr Trump has sent an aircraft carrier and supporting warships to the region and on Monday Vice President Mike Pence travelled to the Demilitarised Zone dividing North and South Korea and warned Pyongyang "the era of strategic patience is over".

After 25 years of trying to deal patiently with North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions, Mr Pence said "all options are on the table" to deal with a threat.

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry criticised Mr Johnson's efforts to introduce fresh sanctions against Russia at the G7 last week.

She said: "Why, rather than ensuring the G7 with one strong voice on Syria last week, did he instead present them with a half-baked, quickly rebuffed proposal for sanctions, without doing any preparatory work to win that support that was needed?

"He ended up last week disowned by Downing Street, ignored by Russia and humiliated by the G7.

"The only straw he can cling onto, we presume, is this - that the United States state department is still telling him what to say and do, and which countries he is allowed to visit."

Mr Johnson fired back, saying: "Rather than simply parroting, if I may say, the lines of the Kremlin, she should support the collective action of the West."
Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to the media outside 10 Downing Street in central London on April 18, 2017.

Prime Minister Theresa Mays decision to call for a snap General Election does not bode well for the Stormont talks to restore devolution.

Already there appears to be little appetite for accommodation as the third batch of talks since the March Assembly election gets underway next week.

Stormont election results 2017 - select a constituency - North Antrim - East Antrim - South Antrim - North Belfast - East Belfast - South Belfast - West Belfast - Strangford - South Down - Lagan Valley - Upper Bann - Newry and Armagh - Fermanagh & South Tyrone - West Tyrone - Mid Ulster - East Londonderry - Foyle - North Down

So which of the parties - not just the DUP and Sinn Fein, but also the SDLP, Ulster Unionists and Alliance - will be more likely to compromise in the mouth of another election?

The already growing uncertainty over the prospects of the DUP and Sinn Fein agreeing a deal do not appear to have been a factor in Mrs May's calculations.

Instead Sinn Fein and the DUP in particular will attempt to cast the June 8 poll as a re-run of the Assembly election, which saw Arlene Foster retain her Assembly majority by just one seat against a resurgent nationalist vote.

In retrospect the Assembly campaign was widely viewed as a wake-up call to unionists who will be urged now to rally round the biggest party to send out the message Hands Off the Union.

Sinn Fein at the same time has been seeking to build on its Assembly success and consolidate its turnout with locally-organised election registration meetings.

Mrs May suggested the election could achieve more stability and unity in the UK, particularly in the face of the challenges of Brexit, but it is likely to mean exactly the opposite in Northern Ireland.

The DUP also stand to lose their leverage in the current House of Commons, where the Conservatives slim working majority of 17 places the DUP in pole position to make deals if the Government needs support.

But spare a thought for the smaller parties. New Ulster Unionist leader Robin Swann is facing a major challenge just over a week after taking up office. If he cannot secure an election pact the party is likely to lose Fermanagh South Tyrone back to Sinn Fein.

And the DUP may calculate their call for unionists to rally round could mean they are likely to seize back the South Antrim seat from the UUP's Danny Kinahan.

The SDLP did well in the Assembly election thanks to the vagaries of the proportional representation system but the first past the post General Election could also see Colum Eastwoods party squeezed with South Down and Foyle both under question.

Would that in turn make the party under Eastwood - Alasdair McDonnell was still in charge at the last General Election - more amenable to a pact with Sinn Fein ?

But back to the talks. Secretary of State James Brokenshire may calculate he can use the General Election to attempt to gel the negotiations or otherwise tell us by the time of his next deadline in early May that there will be an Assembly election on the same day as the General Election on June 8.

But it is confusing and potentially risky to have two elections under two entirely different systems on the same day.

Or could the DUP and/ or Sinn Fein simply refuse to take part in the next negotiation sessions to focus instead on the General Election campaign.

If the main reason for the sudden election call, which goes against all the insistence of Downing Street over recent months that there would not be an election, is Brexit, the campaign is also likely to damage any prospect of special status for the North.
Alex Jones's wife said he was 'not stable'. Image: Zach Copley/Wikipedia

US broadcaster Alex Jones is a performance artist and his on air persona is an act, according to his lawyer.

Mr Jones runs the controversial Infowars website, which is known for propagating conspiracy theories and its support of Donald Trump.

But Mr Jones is now embroiled in a custody battle with his estranged wife, Kelly Jones, with whom he has three children. She said some of Mr Joness on-air rants  for which he is renowned  are evidence of him being not a stable father.

However, Randall Wilhite, Mr Joness attorney, said the behaviour was merely an act.

Hes playing a character. He is a performance artist. Mr Wilhite said, according to the Austin-American Statesman.

Mr Wilhite said that using Mr Jones on-air persona to judge him as a father would be like judging Jack Nicholson in a custody dispute based on his performance as the Joker in Batman.

The claim is likely to cause some confusion among Mr Joness fans, who have closely followed his musings. These included unfounded assertions that the Sandy Hook massacre and Boston bombings were hoaxes, Hillary Clinton should be jailed and that Barack Obama founded Isis.

But Mr Jones is not just any shock jock  his listeners are believed to include President Trump, who appeared on his show in December 2015, several months after he announced his candidacy. With millions of listeners a month, Infowars is credited with galvanising a large amount of support for Mr Trump during last years election.

Yet Mr Joness former wife claimed he was unhinged.

According to the Statesman, Ms Jones told a pre-trial hearing: Hes not a stable person. He says he wants to break Alec Baldwins neck. He wants J-Lo to get raped.

She also referred to comments Mr Jones made about California Democrat Adam Schiff, a ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee who has also defended LGBT rights.

Im concerned that he is engaged in felonious behaviour, threatening a member of Congress. He broadcasts from home. The children are there, watching him broadcast, Ms Jones said.

Mr Jones had called Mr Schiff a fairy and said he would beat [his] goddamn ass.

The presiding judge said he didnt want Infowars to be a factor in the case but several pieces of footage from the website have already been submitted as evidence.
Soldiers march across Kim Il Sung Square during a military parade in Pyongyang to celebrate the 105th birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung (AP)

North Korea's deputy United Nations ambassador has accused the United States of turning the Korean Peninsula into "the world's biggest hotspot" and creating "a dangerous situation in which a thermonuclear war may break out at any moment".

Kim In Ryong told a news conference that "if the US dares opt for a military action", North Korea "is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the US".

He said the Trump administration's deployment of the Carl Vinson nuclear carrier task group to waters off the Korean Peninsula again "proves the US reckless moves for invading the DPRK have reached a serious phase of its scenario".

Mr Kim stressed that US-South Korean military exercises being staged were now the largest-ever "aggressive war drill" aimed at his country, formally the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The prevailing grave situation proves once again that the DPRK was entirely just when it increased in every way its military capabilities for self-defence and pre-emptive attack with a nuclear force as a pivot," he said.

Tensions have escalated over North Korean moves to accelerate its weapons development.

The North conducted two nuclear tests and 24 ballistic missile tests last year, defying six UN Security Council sanctions resolutions banning any testing, and it has launched more missiles this year including a failed attempt at the weekend.

The North's Foreign Ministry said the missile launches were part of a normal process of building up the country's defences and economy.

Ministry official Kim Chang Min also said in the interview in Pyongyang that the UN, the Security Council and big countries ignored South Korean missile launches and Japanese surveillance satellites.

"This is the limit of double standards," he said. "How can we have any dialogue to get any result with anyone who has this kind of approach?"

On Monday, US vice president Mike Pence travelled to the Demilitarised Zone dividing the Koreas and warned Pyongyang that "the era of strategic patience is over".

After 25 years of trying to deal patiently with North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions, Mr Pence said, "all options are on the table" to deal with a threat.

Deputy UN ambassador Mr Kim said North Korea's policy wsas shaped by the Trump administration's push for "high-intensity sanctions" against the country, deploying tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea and launching military action aimed at "beheading" the North's leadership headed by Kim Jong Un.

He said rolling back the hostile US policy towards the DPRK "is the precondition to solving all the problems in the Korean Peninsula".

Mr Kim called the news conference to "categorically reject" the US decision to hold an open meeting of the Security Council on April 28 on North Korea's nuclear programme, which is scheduled to be chaired by US secretary of state Rex Tillerson.

He called it "another abuse of authority" by the United States, which holds the Security Council presidency this month, and a violation of the DPRK's sovereignty.

Mr Kim ignored questions about the DPRK's relationship with China and reports that the government did not respond to requests from Chinese officials for a meeting.

Instead he reiterated two Chinese proposals that the US rejected.

One called for "dual-track" talks on denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula - the top priority of the United States - and replacing the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War with a formal peace treaty, a key demand of Pyongyang.

The other called for a freeze on US-South Korean military exercises and a freeze on DPRK missile and nuclear tests.

Meanwhile Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi made a new appeal for calm on the Korean Peninsula and says he believed the United States would prefer a diplomatic resolution to the stand-off.

Mr Wang told reporters that although US officials have made clear that a military strike remains on the table, he believes that Washington would still prefer to de-escalate tensions through multi-sided talks.

AP
In reference to your story "Holmes: NI needs a flag, anthem and president" on April 14, written by Jonny Bell.

I feel that Eamonn Holmes is finally voicing the opinions of many in this small nation that we need to be proud of our Northern Irish nationality regardless of politics and religion. He simply wants a symbol that Northern Irish people can identify with and stand behind.

Why should England, Scotland and Wales be able to have such a symbol but NI cannot, simply because people find it too difficult to remove religion and politics from the equation and focus only on this beautiful section of the world that we live.

I may seem naive but the people of Northern Ireland are united by geography regardless of religion or politics and therefore I think a flag, an anthem and a president is an excellent idea as I am very proud to be Northern Irish.

Kathryn Armstrong

Donaghadee
A statue of a 4-foot-tall, 250-pound bronzed girl in a wind-tossed ponytail is not going anywhere New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on April 2. In her short time here, Fearless Girl has fueled powerful conversations about women in leadership and inspired so many. Now, shell be asserting herself and affirming her strength even after her temporary permit expires  a fitting path for a girl who refuses to quit, his office said in a statement.

The famous statue stares down the famous 11-foot-tall Wall Street Charging Bull in support of gender diversity. For some, the bull is a symbol of male dominance in the corporate America like Cristina Pogorevic, who comes from Bucharest, Romania. She told Fox 6 New York in an interview: She is a message of womens power and things that are changing in the world right now.

In what was supposed to be a brief appearance to celebrate International Womans Day and to send a message to corporate America about workplace gender diversity, now will have a home in Manhattans Financial District until February 2018. Initiated by State Street Global Advisors, an investment management division of State Street Corporation and the worlds third largest asset manager, has been vocal about seeing more women in leadership roles. The statue also celebrated the first anniversary of the Gender Diversity Index fund that invests in U.S. large-capitalization companies that rank among the highest in their sector in achieving gender diversity across senior leadership.

One visitor from Australia explained to Fox 6 that the indignant girl symbolizes strength. Standing up against something and we see her as a powerful image. She represents all the young women in the world that want to make a difference.

But not everyone is a fan.

One artist blasted the statue as being a gimmick. That is not a symbol! Thats an advertising trick, Charging Bull creator Arturo Di Modica told Market Watch.Women, girls, thats great, but thats not what that (my sculpture) is. I put it there for art. My bull is a symbol for America. My bull is a symbol of prosperity and for strength.

Kristen Visbal created the statue, which was only permitted to remain for a week on March 22, but it was extended by the citys Street Activity Permit Office through April 2, The Daily News reported.

Whether it is a marketing ploy or not, Fearless Girl, is persuading women to stand up to gender bias and that they can make a difference.

The girl with her hands on her hips standing in defiance will live on.
Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

The grace of God is misunderstood by many. Some think God grants His grace to those who do great works in His name. Others think that if they police their own thoughts well enough, theyll receive that grace. Still more think that a life marked by charity will earn it.

But the tale of the thief on the cross tells a far different truth.

Actor Stephen Baldwin has debuted Heaven, How I Got Here: A Night With the Thief on the Cross, a filmed stage production of Pastor Colin S. Smiths novel. The production shares the fictionalized, yet Bible-based narrative of the thief who was crucified beside Jesus Christ, as the thief tells it from heaven 2,000 years later.

This is a story reveals the true nature of Gods graceit is a thing that can never be earned or bought. There is nothing we can do with our lives that makes us worthy of it. And yet rather than being a source of despair, this should be a source of comfort, for while we cannot take grace, it is freely offered to anyone who accepts Christ as their Savior.

For more details, we caught up with Baldwin and asked him a few questions about his role in A Night With the Thief on the Cross.

What led you to get involved with this production?

Well, initially, pastor Colin Smith, who had written the book, 'Heaven, How I Got Here: The Story of the Thief on the Cross,' contacted me about recording an audio book, and then that led to a conversation about the idea of doing it as a one-man stage play, which I did and performed two Easters ago.

It started as a sermon that became a book, that became an audio book, that became a theatrical play, which is the filmed theatrical play. Thats kind of how it started, and its just one of these things where now the audio book has been produced into a storytelling radio broadcast that, this year, will go out to reach tens of millions of people all over the world through the radio. While, simultaneously, we put into distribution this filmed version of the theatrical play.

So yeahit all just kind of started from a smaller idea and now, as we know, sometimes God has another plan.

What do you feel like is important to this story?

Im going to answer that question by sharing with you the answer to another question.

People say to me, What have you personally gotten out of it the most? What Ive benefited most from it is my growth as a Christian through the teachings of this pastor Colin Smiththis guy who originally got the heavenly download, so to speak, for this idea, which was his book called Heaven, How I Got Here: The Story of the Thief on the Cross.

And its this fictional narrative from the point of view of the thief, now that hes already in heaven. Now we hear him recounting what happened on that day. Which, as an actor and an artist and a performer, thats kind of a brilliant perspective. For so many Christians and so many believers who have heard the idea of the thief of the cross and the storytheyve never really heard it from this narrative.

One of the great phrases Pastor Colin uses about this idea is, On this day I had breakfast with the devil, and supper with the Savior. And what I think is the most compelling aspect of the idea of the thief on the cross is this: he wasnt a Christian, knew nothing about Christianity or what it was to be a Christian. This guy was the furthest thing from salvation, and yet here he is dying next to the Savior.

I think, in this world today, in the minds and ideas and thoughts of so many people who think to themselves, Well, Im probably not good enough to make it into heaven, well certainly, the thief that was hanging next to Jesus probably wasnt good enough either, but hes going to go to heaven as well. The idea of the grace of all this is something that we are now very excited to be expressing in this opportunity in a new and different way.

The wonderful part of it is that we get to be a part of an opportunity right now thats communicating that idea of graceits not about what you do, how many nice things you do, how much charity you doso many people in faith, particularly in Christianity, believe all that stuff. So when you kind of put a magnifying glass up to the thief on the cross and say Yeah, but what about him? If thats true, then how did he make it? thats the fun that were having in this really beautifully told version of the story.

How was it taking on so many personas in one production?

You know, as a performer, when you have the right materialas an actor, when the script is there and you have the right lines, it actually isnt as difficult as you think so long as you can memorize those lines.

Ive said this to a lot of people beforeand I say this for the humor of itif youd have asked Stephen Baldwin 25 years ago, Do you think one day youll be playing the thief on the cross as an audio book and then itll be a stage play and then itll become a movie, I never would have believed anything thats going on right now. But I accept itno question.

Its great that youve been given the opportunity to communicate this message of grace.

"Whats interesting isand its nice that were circling back to this, because I wanted tothats been the cool thing. I get this phone callDo I want to do the audiobook and play the thief on the cross? My very first thought after the idea of that question, of course, was arrogance, because I thought it would look really cool on my resumeStephen Baldwin: Thief on the Cross. And of course Im joking, but theres a little truth to that, meaning that how many times might I have the opportunity in my career to play this type of a role or a character that for me, creatively and artistically, is so unique. That was one of my greatest motivations.

So here, this opportunity comes, and Gods doing what Hes doing, and Im thinking Oh, its kind of this normal thing, but then through the process of the experience, when you talk about that grace that youre referring to relevant to the thief on the cross, I actually had to get into Gods word in such a way that the intimacy of it, spiritually, was very challenging and deep, if you can imagine.

Coming out the other side of all that, kind of like when you hear an awesome sermon that really changes your life, or you know, or you hear that Christian song that really shifts you in that momentfor me, this experience was that thing. God wanted me in my own heart to connect with this thing so that it would bless me just as much as potentially the entire opportunity may bless others in the future.

In your opinion as an actor, do you think the Christian Church makes full use of the arts, or you think theres some room to grow?

The first answer is: its not my job to try to figure out what Gods doing. A.K.A., shut your mouth, Stephenyou stay humble, focus on your own thing, and let God figure out the rest. Thats my first answer.

And then my second answer is: well of course theres a whole giant humongous tremendous gigantic opportunity thats still out there for Christian film.

Is there a rumor out there that most Christian movies are kind of cheesy and dorky and whatever? Yes, but let me tell you somethingGod uses those movies, as well. And part of what Im experiencing now, with this projectits the first production from my new company, called LIGHTBEAMedia, and its calling is this: its to create Christian content unapologetically, that is able to be as excellent in its quality, if not better, than what Hollywood has to offer today.

So thats how I answer your question. Do I think theres room for improvement within the faith-based filmmaking community? Of course there is. And let me tell you somethingthose movies are coming. Theres a tsunami of Christian content thats coming thats going to be bigger and better and more excellent.

But I still say God bless the little guy thats making a short film ordoesnt matter. We should all aspire to create content for Gods kingdom thats better than anything else out there. That continue to be our hope and our strive for excellence.

But certainly for my company, LIGHTBEAMedia, part of our brand will be that we achieve that level of success so well. LIGHTBEAMedia aspires to be the Miramax for Christ, so to speak.

And I believe we can do that. God has prepared me for this. Ive been working in Hollywood for 30 years, made a hundred movies, and now all of a sudden I have the opportunity to start creating our own films, the first one being Thief on the Cross. We have another one already finished thats being looked at by several distribution companies called Youth Groupits a comedy that was developed by a guy named Thor Ramsey. And now, one of the biggest secular Hollywood distributions is looking at our movie, Youth Group, for consideration for that to go out around the world.

Like you were asking, certainly LIGHTBEAMedia right now is trying to fill that vacuum of need for better quality Christian content. Thats what were aspiring to do.

Final Thoughts

The Gospel authors could have chosen to focus only on Christ during the crucifixionafter all, what good is some thief? But Jesus showed the world what the thief's past didn't matter, that anyone could be saved, no matter what they had or had not done.

In the thoughts of Baldwins thief, If Jesus could forgive His torturers, well, maybe He could forgive me.

Since its debut on April 4th, you can check out Heaven, How I Got Here: A Night With the Thief on the Cross at Christiancinema.com.

For more information, you can check out @NewThiefMovie on Twitter or head over to www.stephenbaldwin.com.
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We've heard the travel ban issued by President Donald Trump riddled with many definitions. People called it a "Muslim ban," an "act of racism" and a "decision that erodes the fabric of America's liberties." Trump initially signed an executive order banning foreign nationals from Muslim-leading countries like Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the United States for 90 days until they were vetted. The updated list dropped Iraq and is still being fought in the courts. "Since 2001, hundreds of persons born abroad have been convicted of terrorism-related crimes in the United States," the White House said in a statement. "They have included not just persons who came here legally on visas but also individuals who first entered the country as refugees."

Raheel Raza is a Pakistani-Canadian journalist, author, anti-racism activist and works with the ClarionProject.org and is the President of Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow. Both organizations educate the public about the dangers of radical Islam. The platforms are used for human rights activists to speak out against extremism and to work to find solutions. Raza agreed with the administration's assessment and as a devout Muslim, she supports tightening our borders and the U.S. immigration laws.

"We are fighting an ideology and an ideology can't be fought with weapons."

Terrorism is the result of radicalization. "No one is born a terrorist. It's a human manifestation and the indoctrination of the minds of kids at a very young age. When they are indoctrinated in hate, they don't grow up to be normal 9 to 5 citizens with compassion and love in their hearts. The hate is then manipulated into violence," said the author of





"To address radicalization head-on is good for the future," she said after President Trump's first address to Congress about fighting radical Islamists. "We had the feeling that something was going to happen and of course, 9/11 came along and there were all these knee-jerk reactions and none of these were positive solutions to the problem. Many progressive Muslims decided that we need to have an open discussion on the problem," she explained. "Going into Iraq and Afghanistan never solved the problem. This is not a war of weapons. It is a war of ideas." We are fighting an ideology and an ideology can't be fought with weapons.Their Jihad...Not My Jihad

The book examined how Muslims, their religion and their culture integrated into North American society, but there was and is an inner conflict. "The struggle of the soul is good enough and if we can become better human beings in our struggles, that is what our Jihad should be. We are not being taught that in institutions, we are taught that Jihad is justified. There are Muslims who fight this battle. There are Muslims who are speaking out and we need to do this together." Muslims have yet to successfully formulate an alternative to Islamism. There is a distinct difference from Islam as the spiritual faith and Islam as the continuation of the Abrahamic faith. "Islam compels me to follow the five basic foundational pillars of my faith, which is a form of worship. Then there is Islamism, which is political Islam, where Islam is politicized and becomes violent. We need to choose which Islam that we want to follow," she explained.

We asked if the travel ban was solely focused on Muslims. This is not against all Muslims, she corrected. "It's against Muslims who are distorting the faith. I realize that the anti-Trump movement is well-funded and very well planned. It doesn't matter what he says. I never believed that this was a ban against Muslims. As president of the United States, he could've banned Muslims from every country. But he hasn't and it is not permanent. We are speaking in a vacuum," she explained. She's right. After the travel ban was issued, there was a terror attack in London. A truck was driven into a crowd at a shopping center in central Stockholm, killing at least three people and injuring many others shortly after.

Strengthening the security of a nation is a president's job and right based on section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952: Whenever the president finds that the entry of aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, the president may, by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.

President Barack Obama issued travel restrictions against Iraq in 2011 for six months after terrorists disguised themselves as refugees entered the country. President Bill Clinton and George W. Bush also issued bans. This is not about religion--the travel ban is to protect America. "You know, religion shouldn't come into it," said Raza. "It's a political move, the six countries are failed states, they have a lot of internal unrest. The rise of Jihad are in these states and they are unpredictable. It's a practical move by Trump in the right direction. Muslim leaders from other countries have supported Trump, but we never hear that in the news," she added.

This sends a strong message to other Muslim countries, who support, fund and train terrorists. "Unlike the previous president, this president is not going to be politically correct and will not stand for harm to come to his own country and this includes protecting Muslims. Terrorists have harmed and attacked Muslims more than they have non-Muslims."

Corine Gatti-Santillo is a freelance digital journalist, editor, and content producer. She is also the The Christian Post Voices Editor. She is also a former editor at Beliefnet.com.
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Whenever tensions begin to skyrocket in the Middle East, the rest of the world gets worried. Its no surprise, since the area has been known for its turmoil for most of human history. Many, though, also recognize that it is the center of the majority of Biblical prophecies.

The Syrian conflict and the U.S. decision to strike a base inside the country are leading to further concerns. The future of the nations civil war, the state of the humanitarian crisis, and the best political path to move forward are all under hot debate. People are confused on how to best diffuse the situation.

In addition to the conversations on how to remedy the crisis, there has also been intense debate within the theological space. Christians are starting to discuss the possibility of the events in Syria being connected with prophecies in the Bible.

A Biblical prophecy is a prediction of an event that has yet to unfold. There are many who whole-heartedly believe the Syrian conflict is written explicitly in Biblical prophecy. For example, Joel Rosenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, has pointed to Old Testament scriptures to support his case.

Questions began to make their way around evangelical circles following the event of Russias air strikes targeting rebels in Syria in October 2015. The discussion surrounding Syrias ongoing civil war, which started in 2011, and if it was tied to biblical prophecy reemerged.

Rosenberg laid out his thoughts by publishing on his blog in the wake of the air strikes. He claimed that Russian president Vladimir Putin is working hand-in- glove with Irans government in formulating operations in Syria. This came the same week that reports of Iran waging a ground attack, while Russia was carrying out assaults from the air, were circulated.

The Hebrew prophet Ezekiel wrote 2,500 years ago that in the last days of history, Russia and Iran will form a military alliance to attack Israel from the north, Rosenberg wrote. Bible scholars refer to this eschatological conflict, described in Ezekiel 3839, as the War of Gog & Magog. He added, Are these sudden and dramatic moves by Moscow and Tehransimply coincidental, or [do they] have prophetic implications?

The question Rosenberg poses is at the epicenter of the debate surround Iran, Syria and Russia and their potential involvement in the end times. This has gained a great deal of attention in both the Christian community and the general media over the years.

For those who believe Syria will play a role in end times scenarios, Isaiah 17:13 is the cornerstone.

See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins. The cities of Aroer will be deserted and left to flocks, which will lie down, with no one to make them afraid. The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim, and royal power from Damascus; the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites, declares the LORD Almighty.

The first portion that focuses on a ruinous heap has many wondering if the present crisis in Syria was prophesied in the Bible. However not everyone is buying it. Some scholars have countered that Damascus was already destroyed and that this verse refers to an attack by the Assyrians that unfolded in 732 BC.

Rosenberg combats his critics and shuts down the idea of the Assyrian attack being the event prophesied in the Bible. Specifically citing Isaiah 17:13 and Jeremiah 49:2327, Rosenberg explained in a separate blog piece that Damascuss destruction has not yet happened. Jeremiah 49:2327 pledges judgment upon Damascus, proclaiming that it has become helpless and that a fire will be kindled in its walls.

Were watching Damascus unravelThese prophecies have not yet been fulfilled. Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth. It has been attacked, besieged, and conquered, Rosenberg wrote. But Damascus has never been completely destroyed and left uninhabited.

Bible Answer Man Hank Hanegraaff doesnt believe in the claim that the Old Testament could be describing future or current events. Hanegraaff has spoken about supposed Biblical prophecies associated with the end times before. Back in 2013 on his radio show a caller asked him about claims that the Book of Isaiah details impending destruction for Damascus. Hanegraaff pushed back the notion.

So, what youre saying is theyre tying in the passages in Isaiah to what is currently happening in Syriaand this is just a classic example of newspaper eschatology and shame on the pastors that are doing this, because it either is a case of them not knowing the Word of God, which seems unlikely to me, or simply wanting to invite sensationalism and sophistry, he responded. If you look at what the Bible actually says, it is very clear that the fulfillment comes in the biblical text as well.

This whole notion is fulfilled in biblical history when the king of the Assyria captured and destroyed Damascusif you look at Isaiah chapter 7, theres a permutation of this as wellyou see the fulfillment in the very next chapter, Isaiah chapter 8, he continued.

Hanegraaff went on to say that some pastors decisions to transport pieces of prophecy to the 21st century are irresponsible. He called the action embarrassing and said that those pastors and Bible experts who embrace the idea are dragging Christs name through the mud.

Rather than reading the Scriptures for what they are, he believes that some theologians are reading into the Scriptures their own eschatological views.

In the end, the debate is compelling, intriguing and fascinating from both sides. The debate is comprised of individuals who agree on a central Christian doctrine, however couldnt disagree more about the signs and symbols that are presented within it. We cannot be sure when the end times are coming or how they will unfold, but its worth discussing in the Christian space.

Megan Bailey is a former Social Media Specialist and Content Producer for Beliefnet. She attended James Madison University where she received a degree in psychology.
Alleged Laotian drug kingpin Xaysana Keopimpha is escorted to a custody cell before appearing at Bangkok North Criminal Court where he pled not guilty to charges against him, April 18, 2017.

A Laotian man described as a major drug lord in Thailand and elsewhere in Southeast Asia pleaded not guilty Tuesday in a Bangkok court to charges that could carry the death penalty, including smuggling and possession.

Xaysana Keopimpha, 41, had been dubbed an ASEAN Drug Lord and Thai authorities said he headed a network that supplied caffeine-laced methamphetamine tablets known as yaba, which were produced in Myanmar, throughout the Mekong River region.

Xaysanas Thai lawyer, Vorakorn Pongthanakul on Tuesday promised a strong defense of his client that would include challenging an earlier confession. Vorakorn said his client confessed to a police investigator because while Thai and Lao are similar languages, Xaysana does not understand it or the countrys laws.

The lawyer said his client was worried because he had never been convicted of any crime. As for possible bail, family members in Laos are going to decide whether to apply.

Now Xaysana is indicted and is becoming a defendant ... he and I, as his lawyer, agreed that he would plead innocent and we will fight all the charges, Vorakorn said following the arraignment in Bangkok North Criminal Court. I felt somewhat heavy hearted because the charges carry the death penalty.

The last execution in Thailand for any crime was in 2009.

Xaysana was arrested Jan. 19 at Bangkoks Suvahnbhumi Airport following a five-year investigation and a tip from Laos officials, according to Lt. Gen. Sommai Kongvisaisuk, who heads the Thai polices Narcotics Suppression Bureau.

A Malaysian suspect who was arrested by police in Malaysia in February, Kamarudin Bin Awang, was a trade partner of Xaysana, Thailands counter-narcotics chief said back then, Sommai said at the time.

Assets seized

Xaysana led a flamboyant lifestyle prior to his arrest, hanging out with Thai celebrities and a soap opera star, according to reports. Lao authorities seized his assets including nine luxury vehicles, five houses and a 475-acre rubber plantation.

Following his January arrest, Sommaly Thammavong, the daughter-in-law of former Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong distanced herself from rumored ties, saying that a photo showing her and Thammavongs son with Xaysana was taken by accident.

The photo that circulated widely on Facebook shows only a casual social connection among the three, Sommaly Thammavong said at the time.

We have not done any business with him, and we didnt know what he was involved in, she said.

Arrest details

The Golden Triangle which straddles Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, was notorious for opium and heroin, but recently methamphetamine overtook production in the region, mostly in Myanmar and to a lesser degree in Laos. Police officials allege that Xaysana himself distributed the drug in Thailand and had a network of dealers peddling yaba in other countries.

Thai police in 2016 captured four members of Xaysanas alleged drug network, seizing more than 5 million yaba pills, officials told reporters on Jan. 20, the day after they captured the alleged kingpin. Police arrested Xaysana and three associates after they arrived in Bangkok following a visit to the southern Thai resort town of Phuket.

During that press conference, Sommai thanked Lao law-enforcement authorities for providing information that helped lead to the arrest.

Lao authorities said to us that if we couldnt arrest him here, they wouldnt be able to do anything in Laos, Sommai said.

Xaysana has enormous assets in Laos, he said, adding, I dont know whats going on over there.
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Bowling Green State University salutes its three 2017 Campus Compact honorees, who by their service to the University and their communities have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to education for a better future.

Campus Compact is a national coalition of nearly 1,100 colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education.

We are proud and delighted to see our students and faculty recognized by Campus Compact, said BGSU President Mary Ellen Mazey. These distinctions are a wonderful example of the extraordinary personal responsibility our community members take for service to others, and of the many ways in which Bowling Green State University changes lives for the world.

Neiko Alvarado, a junior majoring in environmental policy and analysis, is the recipient of the Newman Civic Fellowship, which honors undergraduate and graduate students who have taken action in pursuit of long-term social change and who engage and inspire others in their communities.

Kelly Largent, a senior majoring in middle childhood education, received the Charles J. Ping Student Service Award. Presented by Ohio Campus Compact, a nonprofit membership organization of 42 Ohio colleges and universities working to promote and develop the civic purposes of higher education, the award was designed to recognize and honor undergraduate students for their outstanding leadership and contributions to community service or service-learning on their campus and within their community. Ping Award winners represent the next generation of civic leaders and problem solvers.

Dr. Brett Holden, assistant professor of theatre and film, was honored with the David Hoch Memorial Award for Excellence in Service, also presented by Ohio Campus Compact. The Hoch award honors the outstanding work in service-learning and/or civic engagement by a faculty or staff member at an Ohio Campus Compact member institution.
Businessman Aliko Dangote may become the largest exporter of rice in the world by 2021 according to the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina.

abhisheklyrics via pixabay

Adesina said Africa must focus on agriculture to drive growth and create jobs on the continent while speaking at the Mo Ibrahim Forum in Morocco.

Adesina recounted his time as Minister of Agriculture in Nigeria and a visit he received from Dangote who endorsed the policies Adesina put in place for import substitution. This lead Dangote to change his business model from being an importer to becoming a local producer. According to Adesina, Dangote planned to put $300m into producing and processing rice in Nigeria only to come back three months later with a plan to increase the investment to a billion dollars.

If they continue that policy, he would probably be the single largest producer of rice in the world, in about four years. The reason why I was so excited about that is that agriculture is cool, agriculture is a business agriculture pays.

Adesina was named Forbes Africa Person of the Year 2013, while Dangote won the same award in 2014.

Rice outgrowers scheme

It would be recalled that a tripartite agreement put together by the Dangote Rice Limited to create jobs for 16,000 outgrower rice farmers in Sokoto was recently signed with the Sokoto State government and rice growers in the country after which he launched the rice outgrowers scheme in Sokoto.

Dangote, the chairman of Dangote Rice Limited, said he was moved to go into rice cultivation because of the genuine interest of the federal government to revive agriculture as the mainstay of the economy and reduce importation of foods that could be produced locally. He lamented that Nigeria consumes 6.5Mtn of rice which costs the nation over two billion dollars annually pointing out that it is heartening that the government now has policy direction that encourages private sectors active participation in agriculture.

He disclosed that In the next three years, we want to produce one million tons of quality rice and make it available and affordable to the people. We hope to do 150,000ha and when we are done, Nigeria will not have anything to do with the importation of rice.

Dangote Rice outgrowers scheme is committed to creating a significant number of jobs, increasing the incomes of smallholders farmers and ensuring food security in the country by providing high-quality seeds, fertilisers, and agro-chemicals as well as technical assistance on best agricultural practice to farmers.

"This Scheme will help to diversify the economy, alleviate poverty and reduce the nation's import bill. The scheme has been designed as a one-stop solution for the rice value chain," Dangote stated.
State lawmakers made no headway Tuesday on resolving the House and Senate versions for providing money to higher education in North Dakota. Primary differences included funding levels for medical residencies through the Students Loan Trust Fund, tuition caps and an interim study of nursing programs.

Rep. Mark Sanford, R-Grand Forks, said about half the areas in the two versions were the same.

Thats a good place to start, Sanford said.

Senate Bill 2003, as it passed in the House, contains more than $2.64 billion in overall 2017-19 spending. Of this, more than $610 million is in general fund dollars while the rest comes from special funds.

This is compared to the more than $2.62 billion in overall spending in the Senate version, of which more than $616 million is from general fund dollars and the rest in special funds.

A conference committee will meet to resolve the differences between the versions of the bill, characterized as one of the most complex, at least once or twice on Wednesday.

Theres some questions that need to be answered, conference committee chairman Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, said.

There is a $3.4 million discrepancy on how many Student Loan Trust Fund dollars are to be authorized for residency positions at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine. The Senate agreed on $15.2 million in its version as compared to $11.8 million allocated by the House.

Another area to be resolved is the tuition cap for the states 11 colleges and universities.

The Senate is calling for capping annual tuition increases at 3 percent, with exceptions for the UND medical and law schools and the pharmacy college at North Dakota State University. The State Board of Higher Education would be able to authorize an additional 1 percent increase if the institution requesting it does a $2 to $1 match for deferred maintenance as well as other capital needs.

By comparison, the House version sets a 4 percent annual cap on tuition with no limits placed on graduate programs and nonresident tuition rates. The House also added interim studies of the states college nursing programs and for reorganizing the states two-year colleges.

There might be some opportunities to be more cost-effective, Sanford said.

Finally, language was introduced by the House providing legislative intent that future general fund dollars to NDSU be adjusted to save money to lease a building to house the nursing program in Bismarck.
LONDON, UK - Britain's Daily Mail newspaper apologised to US First Lady Melania Trump and agreed to pay her damages over an article that included allegations that she worked as an escort in the 1990s.

"The defendant is here today publicly to set the record straight, and to apologise to the claimant for any distress and embarrassment that the articles may have caused her," Catrin Evans, the lawyer for Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail and MailOnline, told the High Court in London.

Although the total amount of damages was not disclosed, the Press Association news agency said it was believed to be under $3 million (2.8 million euros).

John Kelly, Melania Trump's lawyer, said the article in the Daily Mail -- Britain's second biggest-selling newspaper -- in print and online in August last year "included false and defamatory claims".

The allegations "questioned the nature of her work as a professional model, and republished allegations that she provided services beyond simply modelling," Kelly said.

The article stated that there was no support for the allegations and provided denials from her spokesperson and from Paolo Zampolli, who ran the modelling agency where she worked.

But the allegations "strike at the heart of the claimant's personal integrity and dignity," Kelly added.

Trump's lawyers launched a lawsuit against the Daily Mail in September in New York, asking for $150 million in damages.

The paper had already published a retraction in September, saying it "did not intend to state or suggest that these allegations are true".

In documents filed in February, the US first lady said that because of the Daily Mail's allegations she and her brand had missed out on "multiple millions of dollars" in licensing, marketing and endorsement opportunities that would otherwise have been available to someone spending time as "one of the most photographed women in the world".

She said the publication had prevented her from reaping the "once-in-a-lifetime" windfall to be had as a business lady married to new US President Donald Trump.

Source: AFP
Finalists in the radio' category have been revealed for One Show 2017, with nine SA entries making the grade.

TBWA Hunt Lascaris Johannesburg and Produce Sound Johannesburg feature in the category broadcast: any length  campaign for their Before its not fun anymore work for client Flight Centre Travel. Ogilvy & Mather Johannesburg features twice in the same category  for KFCs The Everyman Meal and Vodacoms You Should Have Called.

Ogilvy & Mather Johannesburg features five more times in the craft: writing  single category: For KFCs The Everyman Meal Cherry Lip Balm, Claw Thing and Coloured Weights as well as for Vodacoms You Should Have Called Double Blue Tick and Email. OpenCo - The Open Collaboration Johannesburg and Howard Audio Johannesburg feature in the same category for BMW South Africas BMW Original Parts 'CEO'.

Click here for the full list of finalists, which includes all the gold, silver and bronze pencils as well as merit winners. The full award details will be announced during One Show Creative Week from 8 to 12 May.

You can view this and other One Show entries by browsing this years entries. Visit our One Show special section for all the latest updates!
I was having an interesting discussion last week with someone who is in the image processing business and he was lamenting the fact that there is so much video around these days - in all areas of life, not just in the marketing sector - that it is becoming like wallpaper and in danger of losing its impact.

Because of that, we agreed, the power of the still image  the power to arrest and the power to stick in the mind  is just as immense as it ever was.

People remember significant events in frozen moments, I believe that is why a good photograph, portrait or graphic can transform your piece of communication, whether it be a news story, a poster or billboard or a printed ad.

The power of the image is what is behind a campaign by Advantage Y&R in Namibia on behalf of environmental activist organisation Greenpeace, which wanted to highlight the danger posed by waste and trash.

The agency commissioned two young local Namibian artists  Petrus Shiimi and Saima Ita  to convey the idea that trash will pollute our future, to underline the impact pollution will have on our children and their children.

The artists each produced an African mask constructed from trash. The masks were then worn by children  the generation which will be affected by our rubbishy ways.

The images run over the tagline: Trash shouldnt define our culture.

Its simple, its effective and it becomes almost performance art. Its arresting and you cant help but notice the tagline.

I also like to see our own talent  and by that I mean African, as opposed to imported mid-Atlantic twangy-cheesy smiling clowns  being used for an important project.

So, Orchids to Greenpeace and to Advantage Y&R.

I wondered, looking at some digital advertising this week, whether we might not see some lawyers letters flying back and forth following the use by Toyota Automark of the phrase Trust is earned.

Automarks web ads use that pay-off line, which just so happens to be synonymous with Coronation Fund Managers, and which has appeared in a number of that companys successful and entertaining TV ads, some of which have earned Orchids from me.

Coronation has gone to the trouble of trademarking the phrase which, although it is not uncommon, has been seized upon by them as a way of selling their investment products in a highly successful way. I suppose Toyota could always argue that, even if Coronation has trade marked the phrase, then the protection would only apply to the financial services sector. And maybe they would be correct  and maybe Coronation wouldnt bother.

However, I still think that it is lazy copy writing.

OK guys, what do we want to say about our cars? That people should trust them! Yeah! Anyone seen that ad where they say Trust is earned? Hey! Thats cool

Also, I am not quite convinced the use of the phrase is anything other than clumsy in the digital execution.

Trust is earned. Thats why it comes standard with us. What does that mean? Trust is earned  but not really, not if you do business with us because we just give it to you

Come on, people! It might have been better to say: Trust is not easy to find these days; but with us it is not an optional extra  it comes standard.

My pleasure. Invoice is in the mail

Lazy Onion for Toyota Automark.
UK-based public relations firm Bell Pottinger announced on Wednesday that it was cutting ties with Gupta-owned Oakbay, saying its ability to be an effective advocate for the company had been compromised.

The company was hired by the Gupta family in 2016 at the height of the debate on state capture, when former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas announced that members of the family had offered him the post of finance minister.

The company said the decision was mutually agreed on with Oakbay. This was confirmed by Gupta family lawyer Gert van der Merwe.

The decision was taken after the release of a report by the South African Communist Party entitled Bell Pottinger - PR support for the Gupta family.

Ajay, left, and Atul Gupta. Picture: Martin Rhodes, Business Live

The report contained details of the work done by the company on behalf of the family that it said included a "deflection campaign" using social media. It claimed that President Jacob Zuma asked the company to help his son Duduzane Zuma with his reputation.

"Using a series of underhanded tactics, Bell Pottinger have sought to divert the public outcry over the Guptas and refocus the attention upon other examples of state interference and capture, notably by 'white capital'," the report said.

It also listed names of Twitter personalities and handles it said were used to peddle this narrative. The PR company claimed the report contained "wholly untrue" statements about the firm and its work for Oakbay.

Bell Pottinger said that since the release of this report, a concerted social media campaign had been waged against it. Certain partners and staff had received personally abusive and threatening comments.

"For the last year, we have been working to help Oakbay defend itself from attacks on its reputation, correcting misrepresentations and defending it and its owners from politically motivated attack.

"In recent times, the tactics of Oakbay's detractors have changed; Bell Pottinger has been targeted and [has] become the story. Unfortunately, in this regard, they have had some success and we have to accept that this has compromised our ability to be an effective advocate for our client," the company said.

It defended Oakbay, saying that there was no evidence of wrongdoing in the time it had done work for the company.

Source: Business Day
Las Iguanas, a UK mid-market restaurant brand, will open its first outlet in South Africa in June 2017 in Johannesburg.

Las Iguanas interior

The brand specialises in Mexican, Brazilian and South American food and cocktails.

South Africans are always hungry for new places to dine, and Las Iguanas will fill the gap with this well established concept, says Stelio Nathanael, chief operating officer of Gold Brands, which is bringing the brand to South Africa.

In addition to its existing brands of Chesanyama, Blacksteer, 1+1 Pizza Pasta, Opa!Pitaland and Chicken Wild Wings, Gold Brands has added UK brands from the Casual Dining Group - Las Iguanas, Cafe Rouge, Belgo and Bella Italia, to its expanding portfolio.

The idea behind the brand was to create a fun, happy place that made people feel good about themselves and life in general. Twenty five years down the line, it is still doing just that, says Mos Shamel, MD of Las Iguanas, which started in Bristol in 1991. Known for its vibrant colours and atmosphere, the outlet now has 53 sites.

High street favourites

An integral part of its identity is its extensive cocktail offer, which boasts a variety of classic South American serves, such as mojitos, caipirinhas and margaritas. Its food menu draws inspiration from flavours across South America, featuring a large range of tacos, alongside a selection of Mexican classics and tapas style small plates. Its Buenos Aires burger also won the UK Casual Dining Magazine National Burger Awards in 2017.

Mark Nelson, managing director of Franchising and Concessions at CDG, said, We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring our brands to South Africa and reach a new audience. Our brands are regarded as high street favourites in the UK and we are confident they will thrive in this new market.

Las Iguanas will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, with specials added daily. A bespoke childrens menu is available, which has been designed with Aardman animations, the animation company behind Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, so that it is easily navigable for children.
To highlight the poor state of public healthcare in the province, the South African Medical Association's (Sama) KwaZulu-Natal coastal branch has resolved to embark on protest march on Friday, 5 May. The branch has called on all doctors and specialists, as well as all allied health and labour organisations in the province, to support this action.

Through this awareness, we hope to gain support from the public as we demand an end to the rapidly deteriorating delivery of healthcare services in our province. This situation is getting worse every day, and as healthcare professionals we are duty bound to do something about it. This situation cannot continue without meaningful intervention, says Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa, Sama KZN coastal branch chairperson.

Unilateral changes

According to him, the branch is alarmed by the provincial health departments decision to unilaterally change the conditions of employment of all doctors by freezing critical posts, creating unfunded posts, keeping some doctors unemployed, and introducing a new commuted overtime policy without adequate consultation.

Subsequent to the introduction of the new policy, the doctors held a number of meetings with health officials demanding changes. A consultative process began with the national department of health, but the provincial health department undermined the process by commencing workshops to enforce the unilateral implementation of the new policy.

According to Mzukwa, the branch has noticed a sharp deterioration in healthcare at hospitals and clinics in the province over the years. Indications of this include shortages of medicines, collapsing infrastructure, broken equipment, and inadequate provision of staff. This has led to a situation where access to healthcare services, and patient dignity is compromised daily.

Total collapse

Recently, to further exacerbate the situation, the national department rejected a call by the medical profession to increase doctor posts. This undermines the advocacy role, and ethical responsibilities, of our doctors who need to protect the interests of the poor communities, who rely heavily on public healthcare facilities, says Mzukwa.

There was a total collapse in the departments of oncology, ENT, urology, and, lately, anaesthetics. He said members of Sama are reporting a variety of problems on a daily basis including burnout, mass resignations, and the relocation of doctors to other provinces.

As a result of the problems not being addressed adequately by the provincial department of health, we have taken the very serious step of deciding to embark on this protest march, concludes Mzukwa.
The Cape Bar has launched an initiative with legal firms in Cape Town to tackle the lack of transformation in the sector.

Following complaints that racism and sexism were rife in the profession, Judge President Dunstan Mlambo of the Gauteng division of the high court directed staff to record the race and gender of every advocate appearing in the motion court in the High Court in Pretoria.

The data would help to ascertain how certain races and genders dominated certain areas of litigation and would help in dealing with transformation among advocates and attorneys.

Similar challenges existed in the Western Cape as well as at the Supreme Court of Appeals.

The Black Lawyers Association has called for the office of the chief justice to investigate allegations of discrimination among judges at the Supreme Court of Appeal.

The situation at the court was revealed by judges during the recent Judicial Services Commission (JSC) interviews for senior positions at the court.

In the Western Cape initiative, regular meetings between the Cape Bar and the legal firms would be held to ensure implementation and to monitor their progress in meeting their transformation targets.

The Cape Bar said the programme would play a key role in motivating those responsible for briefing decisions to review briefing patterns and identify and address any bias, conscious or unconscious, which stood in the way of equitable briefing patterns.

At the end of each financial year, the attorney firms would provide data on the number, nature and value of briefs according to race, gender and seniority.

Cape Bar spokeswoman Tanya Golden SC said the council would continue its interaction with Cape Town attorney firms in a bid to meaningfully address the problem of skewed and inequitable briefing patterns.

"We hope that all the large firms in Cape Town will make a commitment to this initiative," Golden said.

The council said attorney firms could continue to brief black advocates in the ordinary course of things, regardless of the initiative, to address briefing patterns head-on.

Source: Business Day
Illegal poaching, logging and fishing of sometimes critically endangered species is taking place in nearly half of the world's most protected natural sites, environmental campaigners WWF warned on Tuesday, 18 April.

Natural world heritage sites such as Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Galapagos Islands support large populations of rare plant and animal species.

But in a report WWF said species listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) faced the threat of illegal harvesting and trafficking in 45% of the more than 200 natural world heritage sites on the planet.

"Natural world heritage sites are among the most recognised natural sites for their universal value," said Marco Lambertini, head of WWF International.

"Yet many are threatened by destructive industrial activities and... their often unique animals and plants are also affected by overexploitation and trafficking," he added, stressing that "unless they are protected effectively, we will lose them forever."

Almost a third of the world's remaining 3,890 wild tigers and 40% of all African elephants are found in UNESCO-listed sites, which are often a last refuge for critically endangered species such as the Javan rhino in Indonesia, the report said.

Illegal poaching, logging and fishing inside such sites is therefore "driving endangered species to the brink of extinction", WWF warned.

The species most at risk because of illegal activity within natural world heritage sites is probably the vaquita, the world's smallest porpoise, which is indigenous to Mexico's Gulf of California, Colman O'Criodain, WWF's wildlife policy manager, told AFP.

While the vaquita itself is not being fished illegally, it is being caught in nets used to poach the totoaba -- a giant Mexican fish coveted in China for its swim bladder, which itself is considered a threatened species.

"When I started working on the issue of vaquita two years ago, there were 96 left. Now it is less than 30," O'Criodain said, adding that at the current rate the tiny porpoise could be extinct within a year.

According to Tuesday's report, poaching of vulnerable and endangered animal species such as elephants, rhinos and tigers occurs in 42 of the UNESCO-listed natural sites, while illegal logging of rosewood, ebony and other valuable plant species happens in 26 of them.

Illegal fishing, including of sharks and rays occurs in 18 of 39 listed marine coastal world heritage sites, it said.

Such illegal activities inside what should be the best-protected sites on the planet are "a double outrage," O'Criodain said.

"We're talking about very iconic species, and we are also talking about iconic sites," he said, demanding more efforts at the national and international level to beat the trend.

But it is difficult to fight the illegal wildlife trade, which rakes in between $15-20bn annually, making it the fourth largest illegal global trade, after drugs, counterfeiting and human trafficking, according to UN numbers.

At the same time, the illegal timber trade, which is responsible for up to 90% of all deforestation in major tropical countries, is valued at between $30-100bn annually.

There are large economic interests in bringing an end to such illegal activities, especially inside world heritage sites, WWF said.

This is because poaching and trafficking inside these sites threatens not only species, but also livelihoods and entire tourist industries.

Africa is estimated to lose up to $25m per year in lost tourism due to elephant poaching, while the illegal rosewood trade has, over a two-year period, cost the people of Madagascar up to $200m in lost income, the report found.

Source: AFP
Local unlisted technology, media, telecommunications, exploration and other research and development companies can establish companies offshore in order to obtain foreign investment without prior Reserve Bank approval, according to a recent circular from the Financial Surveillance Department of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).

The circular amends the Currency and Exchanges Manual for Authorised Dealers. Previously, the manual required companies to apply for approval from the SARB to list offshore to raise loans and capital.

It is now possible for a South African company to create a so-called loop structure in order to raise capital overseas, says Brendon Ambrose, associate, commercial IP, Spoor & Fisher

Four conditions

A loop structure is one whereby a South African resident will form an offshore company which will in turn reinvest into South Africa by acquiring shares or some other interest in a South African company or asset. Up until recently this sort of structure contravened regulation 10(1)(c) of the Exchange Control Regulations, 1961.

Establishing such an offshore company, however, is subject to four conditions, namely these companies have to register with the financial surveillance departments; the offshore company must be a tax resident in South Africa; full details of the percentage shareholding in the offshore company (including the group structure) must be provided; and an annual report must be submitted to the financial surveillance departments on the operations, including details of funds raised offshore.

Higher burden of disclosure

This subsection, while providing that South African companies may now establish an offshore company to raise funding, places a high burden of disclosure on the offshore company, adds Ambrose.

Disclosure of the details of the group structure and the requirement to submit an annual report creates an administrative burden on South African companies. These administrative requirements are certainly not deal breakers but must be borne in mind when considering a loop structure as a capital raising mechanism.

The second new section completes the loop, as it allows the foreign company to, in turn, hold investments and or make loans in to South Africa. The allowance of loop structure is important for South African startups looking to raise capital from foreign investors. A loop structure makes the remittance of the capital back to the South African company substantially simpler

The investor, in order to mitigate its risks, may only be willing to invest funds in a company registered in the investors own country.

Control by equity

The South African company can set up an offshore company (first half of the loop) where the foreign investors will purchase equity. This offshore company will, in turn, purchase shares in the South African company (second half of the loop). The key here is the control; the foreign investors are happy as they now have equity in the South African company allowing them to exercise some level of control over the South African companies IP.

Previously, there was no way for the foreign investors to gain this control by equity unless they were willing to purchase shares in the South African company directly.

This is a huge step forward in opening up South Africa to foreign investment and such loop structures should be considered quite seriously by South African tech, fintech, telecom and R&D startups, says Ambrose.
The Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards has been held annually for the past 29 years to reward and advance excellence in the architectural profession countrywide. It involves regional competitions at eight major South African universities in the build-up to a national award ceremony in Johannesburg on 10 May 2017 at which the overall winner is named and presented with a prize of R50,000.

Kenneth Main will represent the UCT at the Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards.

Christie van Niekerk, Corobrik Western Cape general manager, presented prizes to architectural students of the University of Cape Town in March. The regional winner of R8,500 was Kenneth Main, with Michele de Villiers receiving the R6,500 second prize and Kayla Brown taking home the third prize of R4,500. The prize of R4,500 for the best use of clay was won by Christian Scriba.

Kenneth Mains thesis is entitled Urban Acupuncture: Architecture as a catalyst for environmental and water conservation in the context of the Kilimanjaro Informal Settlement.

Urban acupuncture

In his thesis, he attempts to establish an approach to dealing with the issue of waste contamination and water conservation in the natural and urban landscapes of the riverbed, its edges and man-made peripheries. The research locates itself at the northern boundary of the city of Windhoek along a stretch of polluted riverbed in the Kilimanjaro Informal Settlement (KIS). In the creation of an architectural approach urban acupuncture is explored to create architecture that has the potential to influence areas beyond its physical boundaries. In addition, it can re-establish and re-imagine the value of the river for its unseen influence in shaping Windhoek as rapid urbanisation is taking place.

Aspects of environmental degradation, water conservation and lack of basic infrastructure form a basis of inquiry to which an urban framework is proposed. Most simply, this framework acts to establish an alternative and more efficient system which collects, stores, filters and reuses wastewater for both drinking and irrigation purposes through a series of four contextually assigned architectural devices. Utilising the bi-products of this urban framework (reedbed filtered water and potable/drinking water), the KIS Agricultural Learning Centre is proposed. The centre provides a point of exchange for both in-situ filtered drinking water and fresh produce that is grown at the centre establishing a link between this infrastructural insertion and its public and social constructs.

Lifecycle awareness

We expect the architectural students to be conscious of the big picture and the global environment in which they operate, said van Niekerk. This includes the concept of sustainable building and an awareness that life cycle impacts are critical to the design of environmentally responsible buildings. It was clear that this was the case with the winning students this year.

The correct choice of building materials was a factor in ensuring environmentally friendly construction practices, van Niekerk said, and it was hard to ignore the sustainable properties of clay masonry in this regard.

Energy efficiency is an increasingly important consideration in reducing environmental impact and it here that face brick comes into its own because of its thermal efficiency, helping to keep the interior of buildings cool in the hotter months and warm in winter, a benefit which is of particular importance in South Africa with its extremes in temperature. Superior thermal efficiency also means lower energy costs throughout the life cycle of a building and peace of mind knowing that the first cost is essentially the last cost.

The architectural and building sector are increasingly receptive to the idea that, when considering the life cycle costs of a project, eco-friendly buildings cost less to operate and have excellent energy performance. As a result, we are seeing architects creating designs for environmentally sound buildings, a trend that was manifested in the projects submitted by this years students and one which bodes well for the furtherance of world class architectural design in this country.
The Walter Sisulu University has six months to hire required academic staff to teach LLB or face losing accreditation to offer the course.

The university's electrical and mechanical engineering courses also face a similar plight but, unlike LLB which has a deadline of October, WSU has until July next year to hire the academic staff for the engineering programmes and to ensure proper lecture halls.

The Department of Higher Education has even set aside R183-million for WSU to be able to upgrade its lecture halls and science laboratory as well as hire staff to teach the affected courses.

The Council on Higher Education (CHE) issued this stern warning to the university on Thursday.

Three other universities, namely the University of South Africa, the North West University and University of Free State, also face losing their accreditation for the LLB degree.

This comes after the CHE reviewed 21 South African universities. WSU has also been red-flagged for its electrical and civil engineering courses.

WSU spokeswoman Yonela Tukwayo confirmed yesterday that the university had been given until October to hire the qualified lecturers to teach LLB at its Mthatha campus.

Tukwayo said WSU had also been given until July next year to improve the quality of teaching for electrical and civil engineering diplomas.

Department of Higher Education spokesman Madikwe Mabotha said should the affected institutions not adhere to the CHE recommendations, their LLB courses would be suspended.
The change of ownership of an immovable doesn't happen when the Offer to Purchase is signed, or even when the purchase price is paid to the seller. Rather, for ownership to change hands, the property needs to go through a registration process at the deeds office, where the home is transferred into the new owner's name - this process requires the services of conveyancing attorneys.

Each time a property is sold it will go through the conveyancing process and a new title deed will be issued in the name of the new owner. Part of the process is also to remove the property from the sellers name. The title deed ensures the certainty of the owners title to the property that he or she has purchased.

Conveyancing process

Three attorneys are used in the conveyancing process; the registering attorney, the cancellation attorney and the transferring attorney. The transferring attorney is appointed by and will represent the seller. As the seller, there are some things that can be expected of a transferring attorney during the process. First off, the attorney should always protect the interest of their client, being the seller. Except for the course issues of the law, the clients interests should be a priority. Another thing that the attorney should do is keep the seller updated with the progress of the transaction. The attorney needs to communicate with the seller on an ongoing basis and keep them informed about the conveyancing procedure.

The conveyancer must advise the seller on the content of the Offer to Purchase, especially if the contract contains certain suspensive conditions, such as the offer being subject to the buyers bond approval or selling another property. With regard to the Offer to Purchase, the attorney must also keep the seller informed of their obligations to ensure that the transfer of the property is not delayed. The attorney will meet with the seller to go over all documentation and explain anything that the seller does not fully understand. Once the seller has been informed of everything and all has been clarified, the seller will then sign the necessary documentation to conclude the transaction. Once all the document is ready, the attorney will lodge them with the Deeds Office.

Penalties or administrative charges

The attorney will be in contact with the sellers bank so will inform them once their bond has been settled and cancelled. The attorney will also be able to tell the seller whether there are any penalties or administrative charges that need to be paid, which would impact the eventual settlement balance. Certain notice periods may need to run their course before the money is paid over to the seller. Before any guarantees are issued in respect of the transaction, the attorney must obtain the sellers instruction.

To ensure that the process runs as smoothly and as quickly as possible, the conveyancing attorney will do everything in their power to expedite the registration of the property. Ideally, they will aim to close the transaction on the date that was agreed upon in the Offer to Purchase, provided there are no unexpected delays. Bearing in mind, they are heavily dependent on several external parties such as banks, city councils and the such - this is no mean feat.

On the day that the property has been registered in the new owners name, the attorney will inform the seller. Once everything has been concluded, and the home has been successfully registered, the attorney will account to the seller for any fees that relate to the transaction. Sellers can expect to receive this account within two days of the propertys date of registration.
On 9 February 2017, the Constitutional Court handed down a judgment that may ultimately prove to be a significant departure from South Africa's established legal practice, at least insofar as contractual relations in the petroleum retail industry are concerned.

The Petroleum Products Act (duly amended) has introduced a statutory form of arbitration for the resolution of certain contractual disputes arising between licensed retailers and wholesalers operating in the petroleum industry (whether this satisfies the requirements for classification as an arbitration is a debate for another day). In terms of s12B(1), a party can refer a dispute alleging an unfair contractual practice to the Controller of Petroleum Products (Controller), who may then in turn, refer the parties to arbitration. No agreement to arbitrate is required.

Until the 9 February 2017 judgment, s12B(1) was interpreted rather restrictively, which resulted in only a few disputes being referred to arbitration. In Business Zone 1010cc v Engen Petroleum Limited and others, the Constitutional Court substantially widened the ambit of s12B by reducing the discretion afforded to the Controller not to refer a dispute alleging an unfair contractual practice to an arbitrator for determination.

In the Pretoria High Court, Engen argued that, as the contract upon which the dispute arose had been cancelled, the question could not relate to a contractual practice. Further, as the question of cancellation was then pending before another division of the High Court, Engen argued that the arbitrator was not entitled to consider the question of an alleged unfair contractual practice. These contentions were rejected by the High Court but Engen ultimately found favour with the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). Business Zone subsequently appealed the decision of the SCA to the Constitutional Court.

The Constitutional Court ultimately found in favour of Business Zone and set aside the decision of the SCA. As a result, the question of Engens unfair contractual practice was then referred to an arbitrator for determination.

Significant judgement for arbitration matters

This judgment is significant in a number of ways.

The scope of the dispute, and ultimately the jurisdiction of the arbitrator, is defined in s12B(4) of the Act, which states that an arbitrator shall determine whether the alleged contractual practices concerned are unfair or unreasonable and, if so, shall make such award as he or she deems necessary to correct such practice.

In terms of this section, an arbitrator is not empowered to make any determination, which exceeds a finding on fairness or reasonableness. That means that principles of lawfulness for example fall outside the jurisdiction of the arbitrator. It would therefore appear that an argument that a lawfully concluded contract expressly permits the conduct concerned would fall outside of an arbitrators jurisdiction. Such a defence is based on the law of contract and not on principles of fairness or reasonableness. The maxim that agreements are to be upheld therefore plays no role in such proceedings. Only principles of fairness and reasonableness are relevant - a drastic departure from the rule of law one might say.

South African law does not embody a historical jurisprudence based on principles of equity and fairness to the exclusion of private law rights. Equity and fairness are not legal concepts clearly defined in our law. Not only will arbitrators be called upon to make a call without the assistance of years of jurisprudence to guide them in reaching a decision, their decision will be final and binding on the parties. To make that clear: an unsuccessful party cannot appeal such an award where the statute prescribes that the award will be final and binding.

Drawing on the jurisprudence of our labour courts is not extremely helpful either. Labour disputes are normally resolved in a different manner and are aimed at protecting entirely different interests compared to the purely commercial interests here relevant.

Arbitrations are mostly conducted in private. Most of the widely accepted rules, in terms whereof arbitrations are administered, impose the strictest forms of confidentiality on the parties covering the proceedings and the ultimate award itself. Arbitral awards are kept secret and are not relied upon or even referred to in arbitrations, which follow. A s12B arbitration is no exception, further fuelling arbitrary decision making and removing the ability to learn from previous advancements or mistakes in applying these principles.

Unwieldy mechanism

In light of this recent interpretation of s12B, we are now burdened with a mechanism to refer an alleged dispute relating to contractual unfairness against a possibly unwilling and un-consenting participant, to an arbitrator (in the absence of agreement) potentially appointed solely by the Controller, empowered to potentially apply principles of equity and fairness to the exclusion of principles of law and to force him or her to reach a decision to which no appeal will lie, which will most likely remain confidential, thereby depriving further arbitrators the opportunity to learn from such decisions.

How does this process affect well-established private law rights? Is a claim based in contract then extinguished by such a decision? If so, how do we reconcile this with the principle that each party should be afforded equal opportunities to advance their own case and to exercise their own rights?

Importantly, if the parties choose an arbitrator and the rules under s 12B(2), can this decision be regarded as having been made freely? Further, would such an agreement protect the arbitrator from the danger of a review under PAJA?

I do not think that this beast has a name yet but it has certainly reared its head.
Given that sub-Saharan Africa has the third highest exposure to incidents of cyber fraud in the world (Global Fraud Report), the revised draft Cybercrimes and Cybersecurity Bill, tabled in Parliament on 21 February 2017, is a welcome addition to the prevention of cybercrime.

What is cybercrime? It is defined as "any criminal or other offence that is facilitated by or involves the use of electronic communications or information systems, including any device or the internet or any one or more of them" in the Electronic Communications and Transactions Amendment Bill, 2012.

Heavy cost to industry, government

In the 2016 Cost of Data Breach Study, conducted by IBM and the Ponemon Institute, the costs incurred by 19 organisations from nine different industry sectors were examined, following the theft of protected personal data. On average, the total organisational cost of a data breach in South Africa is R20.6 million.

According to the study, incidences of cybercrime and cybersecurity breaches are rapidly escalating globally with 64% more security incidents reported in 2015 than in 2014. South Africa is a target for cybercrime on the African continent, due to comparatively high internet connectivity in relation to other African countries. Among the numerous threats posed to South African business by cybercrime is the unlawful acquisition or interference with sensitive data relating to their clientele or business operations, and cyber fraud, in particular wire transfer fraud.

The Global Fraud Report ranks data deletion due to system issues as the most prevalent form of interference with data. Wire transfer fraud accounted for 26% of cyber fraud in sub-Saharan Africa, far ahead of the global average of 14%. Other forms of cyber-attack included viruses, and email based phishing attacks.

South Africans are defrauded in excess of R2.2 billion each year through online scams and cyber related crimes, according to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre.

On 12 February 2016, the Government Communications and Information Services database was hacked by hacktivist group Anonymous, resulting in a leak of the names, phone numbers, email addresses and passwords of approximately 1500 government employees.

On 16 February 2016, the South African Department of Water Affairs was hacked by the same group, resulting in the leak of sensitive data including usernames, passwords, full names, identity numbers, highly sensitive data and details of projects undertaken by that department.

At the 2015 Security Summit, held in Johannesburg, it was revealed that South Africa suffered more cybercrime attacks than any other country in Africa during a six-week period leading up to the summit.

In response to the elevated threat of cybercrime, the South African Reserve Bank announced, on 23 August 2016, the establishment of a special forum of all South Africa's major financial institutions to put together contingency measures to protect critical financial infrastructure from a prolonged cyberattack.

According to Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago, As a central bank and a regulator in the financial sector, the bank would be remiss in its duty if it ignored the growing risks emerging from the financial services sectors increasing reliance on cyberspace and the internet.

Bill seeks to reduce cybercrime

The escalation of cybercrime in South Africa has elicited legislative intervention from government in the form of the draft Cybercrimes and Cybersecurity Bill. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development was mandated to review the cybersecurity laws of South Africa to ensure that these laws provide for a coherent and integrated cybersecurity legal framework. On 28 August 2015, the Department invited public comment on the Bill.

Having regard to the commentary of the public, a revised version of the Bill was tabled in Parliament on 21 February 2017, which has created several new offences for unlawful cyber activity including revenge porn.

In terms of the Bill, the following activities are criminalised:

Unlawful securing of access to data, a computer programme, a computer data storage medium or a computer system



Unlawful acquisition of data



Unlawful acts in respect of software or hardware tools



Unlawful interference with data or a computer programme



Unlawful interference with a computer data storage medium or computer system



Unlawful acquisition, possession, provision, receipt or use of password, access codes or similar data or devices



Cyber fraud



Cyber forgery and uttering



Cyber extortion



Certain aggravated offences



Attempting, conspiring, aiding, abetting, inducing, inciting, instigating, instructing, commanding or procuring to commit an offence



Theft of incorporeal properties



Unlawful broadcast or distribution of data messages which incites damage to property or violence



Unlawful broadcast or distribution of data messages which is harmful



Unlawful broadcast or distribution of data messages of intimate image without consent

The Bill imposes an array of penalties on offenders on conviction, who will be liable for fines or imprisonment for up to 15 years. It also creates infrastructure, such as the Cyber Response Committee and 24/7 Point of Contact, to promote cybersecurity within South Africa.

The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services will now process the Bill, prior to referral to the National Council of Provinces.

This Bill address the immediate and costly threat cybercrime poses to business in South Africa and is a positive legislative leap in the anti-corruption space.
Publications can improve advertising revenues if they take advantage of real-time print adverts and that will help not only their ailing fortunes but the ailing fortunes of publishing printers, too.

Their fortunes certainly are ailing too, except, for Drum. In South Africa, ABC figures show that Q3 2015 to Q3 2016 overall newspaper circulation shrank from 1,4 million to 1,2 million. Look at the 10 years from 2004 to 2014 and ABC figures show massive declines for print titles. Rapport declined over 51%, magazine Finweek was down nearly 70%, Mens Health dropped over 52%,Cosmopolitan was down nearly 49%, and The Star dropped by a hair over 44%. Yet Drum circulation bucked the trend and actually increased 68%.

Publishing is the outcast in the general recovery story of the print industry following the global financial hit of 2008 and the subsequent economic whammy for the print industry resulting from the rise of digital media. Packaging print is the shining star while commercial print is a mixed bag of recovering fortunes.

Perhaps the silver lining is that publishing isnt dead, rolled into the hole, with dirt kicked over its rotting corpse. The decline may be widespread but arguably desperate measures such as making publishing roles redundant to redistribute advertising personnel across entire swathes of publications instead of single titles have buoyed flagging coffers. Perhaps to the chagrin of merger and acquisition (M&A) professionals who buy a black book but instead get a haemorrhaging red blotter.

Cynics aside, print publications can still boast a plethora success stories. Some advertising agencies have seized the notion that print offers an irreplaceable and irrepressible value in its tangible substance of quality substrate that slippery and ephemeral digital media overburdened by easy fakery simply cannot master.

These agencies apparently pull economic rabbits from creative hats because their inventive teams took time to understand the physical materials at their disposal. A creative team made a print ad for DHL using a see-through page in a magazine that, when flipped, shows a DHL man first collecting a parcel from a customer then immediately delivering it  demonstrating DHL's rapid service. Its clever and simple and made possible because publisher printers could print the image of the DHL man on a see-through sheet and bind that into the magazine. And the advertising people knew it was even possible.

So theres a lot of possibility and one of the big tricks to impact revenues in the next few years will increasingly be real-time print adverts. Real-time adverts were one of the primary reasons to use online advertising. Advertisers could immediately take advantage of events as they unfolded in the real world to make clever adverts and post them online where customers would be impressed by their cleverness or immediacy and spend their money as a result.

Month-long magazine print lead times and days for newspapers didnt convey the same immediacy. But the ability to print more rapidly, more personalised, and using a greater variety of options of inks and substrates makes it eminently more possible today. It requires a slight shift in the model newspapers employ but could use to catapult a march on the competition if they work together with their printers.
There was been a 17% increase in the number of Fortune 500 companies establishing international headquarters in the Middle East and Africa (MEA region) in 2016, compared to 2015, with Johannesburg being the leading destination city in Africa, followed by Casablanca and Nairobi.

Casablanca  philipus via 123RF

The Middle East Africa region has become increasingly important for the majority of global Fortune 500 companies, according to a new report released by Infomineo, a global business research company specialising in Africa and the Middle East.

The report focuses on multinationals looking at entering, or already present, in the Middle East and Africa region. The Infomineo analysis includes the regional footprint of multinationals in the MEA region; the most commonly chosen cities; and the factors which influence the selection of a region, country and city - each element revealing the dynamic growth patterns within the region and a clear trend of Fortune 500 companies establishing presence in MEA.

The most attractive cities are: Dubai, Johannesburg, Casablanca and Nairobi, and at the lower end of the spectrum, Cairo, Paris, Algiers and Cape Town

In 2016, 196 Fortune 500 companies had established a dedicated regional headquarters in the MEA region. In the Middle-East, Dubai is the most popular choice with 138 companies establishing a dedicated entity in the city.

There has also been a marked uptick in companies deciding to cover MEA from outside of the region  38 companies up from 22 have established a regional headquarters in areas such as London, Brussels and Paris. The leading regional destinations on the Fortune 500 list include Dubai, Johannesburg, Casablanca, Nairobi, Lagos, and Cairo.

Egypt remains behind the leaders due to political instability, however, it has seen a 250% increase in Fortune 500 investment since 2015. Germany and France are leading in terms of coverage rate while China has the lowest presence in the region.

Industry type

Industry type plays a pivotal role in the selection of city and country. Financial services are more likely to base MEA coverage from London, while technology companies are more inclined towards Casablanca or Lagos. The latter city is also the premier location for organisations looking to manage their operations across Western Africa with 12 Fortune 500 companies already established in the city.

Automotive and Healthcare tend to have a presence in both Africa and the Middle East, while Technology is more inclined to having a presence from the outside.

Nairobi, in Kenya, is the leading destination for the FMCG companies and tends to be the top choice for organisations looking to service Eastern Africa. Dubai and Johannesburg are the most popular hubs overall, but both Casablanca and Nairobi are rapidly gaining traction and international awareness.

Casablanca has the highest growth rate overall, while Dubai has the highest count. The same can be said for London, which has tripled its number of regional HQs serving the region, acting as an MEA hub. Given the geographical proximity and the talent pool present in the city, it could be that London is playing the role of a first step into the MEA region, especially for Japanese and North American companies.

There are numerous factors which impact on the organisations selection of a specific city. These include the local market potential, maturity of the industry, existing competitors, political stability and the quality of the employment market, among others.

Determining the attractiveness of a location along these clear lines assures the Fortune 500 companies of a stable and profitable investment and significantly mitigates risk. The most attractive cities are Dubai, Johannesburg, Casablanca and Nairobi, and at the lower end of the spectrum, Cairo, Paris, Algiers and Cape Town.

Infomineo has undertaken in-depth analysis and research on the MEA region, revealing the various factors inhibiting or inspiring Fortune 500 uptake. The findings provide organisations with a thorough understanding of markets and factors which ensure a steady base of operations from which organisations can expand into the growing MEA market, and establish brand and identity within the growing middle classes. Further data on the report can be found here.
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The armed pipeline security worker who was in a confrontation with protesters in late October was arrested Monday for domestic violence.

Kyle Thompson, 30, of Bismarck, pleaded guilty at his initial appearances to carrying a concealed weapon, simple assault and possession of marijuana and methamphetamine paraphernalia.

Bismarck Municipal Court Judge William Severin sentenced him to two days in jail for the simple assault charge. He received a deferred imposition of sentence from South Central District Judge Bruce Romanick on the weapon and meth paraphernalia charges, meaning if he stays out of trouble for a year the cases will be dismissed.

The Bismarck Police Department reported that officers pulled Thompson's vehicle over around 6 p.m. after multiple witnesses reported he was hitting a 21-year-old woman in the car. Police searched the vehicle and found a handgun tucked between the driver's seat and the center console, as well as a rifle in the backseat. Police also found a zipper pouch containing syringes, spoons, a grinder and a glass smoking device with residue.

In court Monday afternoon, Thompson claimed all of the items in the car as his own.

He told the judge that he has been having issues with his girlfriend since his sister died in a car accident two weeks ago. An army veteran who served three tours overseas, including in Afghanistan, Thompson said he had previously struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and got three DUIs while stationed in New York. Thompson said he has carried a gun since the incident with the protesters.

After listening to Thompson's story, Romanick also ordered him to seek addiction treatment evaluation and make contact with Veteran's Affairs for potential counseling.

Thompson is the security worker who got into a conflict with protesters as he drove down N.D. Highway 1806 towards the Dakota Access Pipeline protest camps on Oct. 27 to take photos of burning equipment. Thompson was disguised as a protester and carried a loaded assault rifle and handgun in an unmarked truck, Bureau of Criminal Investigations Special Agent Scott Betz testified in court last month.

Two protesters allegedly rammed their cars into Thompson's to get him off the road, where the protesters said he was endangering people. There was also a confrontation in the water, during which Thompson held an AR-15 rifle and some protesters allegedly threatened him with knives.

Police determined Thompson was the victim in the protest-related case. Three people  Brennon Nastacio, Israel Hernandez and Mike Fasig  have been charged with endangering and terrorizing him. The men maintain their innocence.
Got a question or tip? Contact us at bizmojoidaho@gmail.com.
Sao Ekka Sina, a Buddhist monk who was one of the demonstration organizers, said that representatives of both firms agreed to a cessation in coal mining at the site after meeting with the representatives of the people of Mong Kung Township, Loilem district in southern Shan State two days after the demonstration.

Nang Harn and Sai Htun, the representatives from the companies, met with us on April 13, he said. There were about 50 people, including monks, village headmen, local authorities and MPs attended the meeting. The company representatives said they would move out within a month.

They said they would end their operations and never come back, he said. However, if they continue to mine, we will continue to protest. In saying that, I dont think they will come back.



Hein Mitter Co.,Ltd signboard in Mong Kung

Sai Seng Murng, a Lower House MP from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) representing Mong Kung Township, said that he always stood alongside the voice of the local people.

I urge every group, including the government, CSOs [civil society organizations] and media, to keep its eyes focused on the mining operations in Mong Kung, he said. As for the monks and Mong Kung residents, we strongly oppose this project.

Local protesters against the site have maintained that the coal-mining operations would cause grave environmental destruction in Mong Kung. They said that some 2,000 acres of land, including conifer forests, mountains and farmland, would be severely damaged.

The Pyae Aung Hein and Hein Mitter companies were granted permission by the central government in Naypyidaw to launch coal-mining projects in Mong Kung in 2014. But the mines were suspended after growing opposition from local residents.

Earlier this year, coal-mining operations restarted, leading to hundreds of people taking to the streets.

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
A bill creating a commission to study North Dakotas initiated and referred measure process is on its way to Gov. Doug Burgum after lawmakers approved it Monday.

The commission would study the process and cost of placing initiated and referred measures on the ballot and whether any state law or constitutional provision should be amended. It would also study whether to put limits on out-of-state funding of measures.

The bills proponents have said they support the peoples right to petition for new laws or constitutional amendments, but they argued tweaks should be examined.

Sen. Dick Dever, R-Bismarck, said the medical marijuana measure had some problems that could have been addressed. Lawmakers rewrote the law passed by voters in November and approved a new medical marijuana bill last week.

The Senate passed the study commission bill Monday morning before the House did the same in the late afternoon in a 71-19 vote.

A conference committee of House and Senate lawmakers debated the study commissions membership, ultimately arriving at a compromise that allows the majority leaders in the House and Senate to each appoint three members from their respective chambers, with one minority party member from the Senate. The governor would appoint seven citizen members, one of whom must be a member of an association that represents employees and their interests.

The Greater North Dakota Chamber, the North Dakota Newspaper Association, the North Dakota Farm Bureau and the North Dakota Farmers Union would appoint one member each. The chief justice of the state Supreme Court would appoint the commission chairman, and the secretary of state would appoint a nonvoting member.

A previous version of the bill included slots for a tribal member and North Dakota United, the union representing public employees and teachers. Another version granted the minority party two seats instead of one.

Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman, D-New Rockford, warned lawmakers to be careful before altering the measure process, which she said is the only direct way for citizens to enact policy without going through the Legislature.

Given its current makeup, this commission doesnt seem like a citizens commission, but rather a commission appointed by those who already control the levers of power at the state Capitol, she said in a statement.

Rep. Jim Kasper, R-Fargo, defended the bill and said its not legislation, its a study. He said the conference committee worked to include a cross section of people from across the state.

All of these people are going to be citizens, Kasper said.
BOPEUs president Masego Mogwera admits that she and BOFEPUSUs president, Johannes Tshukudu are very close, however, it appears this friendship counts for nought when it comes to healing the bitter rivalry between their Unions

The anticipated reunion between Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) and its former founding affiliate, Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) is in limbo as the two have returned to the battleground. The fight between the two dates back to 2011 during the historic public sector strike. At that time BOPEU was accused by some of BOFEPUSU affiliates of sleeping with the enemy (government) after BOPEU tried to broker a ceasefire between trade unions and government over the strike that resulted in some public servants losing their jobs. The public bickering between the two continued internally until in 2015 when BOPEU resolved during its elective congress in Palapye to disaffiliate from the federation. The court last year tried to broker a ceasefire between the duo but unfortunately, they could not agree on terms of an out of court settlement.Last week BOFEPUSU President Johannes Tshukudu revealed that the federation has written a letter to the new BOPEU President Masego Mogwera requesting the union to return to the federation. Mogwera was taking over from Andrew Motsamai who has since joined BOPEUs investment arm, Babereki. According to Tshukudu it is their hope that under the new leadership of Mogwera the union executive will come to their senses and return home.







There has been change of guard. We know that it would not be an easy road and decision to make but we are optimistic that they would return. We know that the decision that was taken to leave the federation was ill-advised as it has disadvantaged the union membership. It is our hope that the new President would see things differently from her predecessor, Tshukudu pointed out. BOFEPUSU also believes that the recent court judgement on salary increase for public servants should compel the union to rejoin the federation so that they could collectively represent the interest of public servants at Public Service Bargaining Council (PSBC). When she was officially unveiled as new BOPEU President, Mogwera indicated that the decision to rejoin BOFEPUSU would have to be taken by the congress, which is the unions supreme body. But now things have taken a dramatic twist as BOPEU has shown determination to fight BOFEPUSU to the bitter end. As BOFEPUSU was celebrating the victory at Gaborone High Court over the scope of work for PSBC, BOPEU was busy preparing court papers challenging the federations membership at the PSBC.



BOPEU wanted the federations membership in the PSBC nullified for failing to submit its audited membership. BOFEPUSU on the other hand argued that BOPEU is no longer part of the PSBC and therefore has no legal standing to bring the matter to court. Francistown High Court Judge Bengbame Sechele dismissed the urgent application by BOPEU on Tuesday night saying the unions submission is misplaced. BOPEU is no longer a member of the PSBC after it failed to meet the deadline for submission of the number of its members. The union at that time indicated that it was still having its membership books audited. Tshukudu has accused BOPEU of being in cahoots with government to ensure that the PSBC is dysfunctional.

BOPEU President Masego Mogwera revealed that her office has not received any communication from BOFEPUSU. Mogwera who is based in Ramotswa stated that even if BOPEU secretariat had received the letter it could have long made her aware of such letter.



There never passes a day without me passing by the office. So there is no how I could have missed such a letter plus our secretariat is very effective they could have notified me as soon as they receive anything that requires my attention. Even BOFEPUSU President we are very close if indeed he did write me the letter he could have checked with me if I received the letter, Mogwera said. Mogwera who is the first woman President of BOPEU however maintained that even if the letter could reach her office there is no how she would act on the matter. She stated that no Executive Committee member or National Office Bearer could act on the matter. Only the National Congress as the supreme body can take a decision on whether to rejoin BOFEPUSU or not.Both BOFEPUSU and BOPEU have acknowledged that their court battles have negatively affected public servants. They believe at some point they should smoke the peace pipe. Responding to the ruling by Sechele, Mogwera said that the union leadership has requested its legal team to study the judgement and advise on the best option that should be taken. She indicated that for now the union has not taken a decision to appeal the ruling. Observers argue that unless and until the duo comes to the table and amicably resolve its problems the labour industry will remain in disarray to the detriment of public servants.


Paul Smith, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mineral Development Company Botswana (PTY) LTD (MDCB) has been fired with immediate effect.

MDCB is wholly owned by the Botswana Government. It was formed in August 2015 to help government manage all its mining assets. The company is mandated to provide effective management and optimisation of the government mineral investment portfolio in the mining industry.



Smiths relationship with almost all the stakeholders and his principals is said to have been wanting. This led to many of them complaining, among them a key stakeholder, De Beers, who is said to have threatened to act if nothing was done. BG News can reveal that Smith received his marching orders via a letter from Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Advocate Sadique Kebonang on Wednesday. Kebonangs decision was informed by MDCB board recommendation that Smith should be fired. The board made the resolution at its Monday meeting.

Kebonang confirmed to BG News that he has fired Smith. The MDCB board had a meeting on Monday and made a recommendation that Smith must be fired which I have acceded to.



Signs clear

Signs that Smith was not going to last in his lucrative job which is believed to carry a package of between P2 and P3 million per annum have long been visible. Late last year, the board summoned him for a disciplinary hearing where he was asked to show cause why he could not be fired. Kebonang saved him when he asked to hear both parties to try and reconcile them. Smiths disciplinary process started with the Board writing a letter and giving him 10 days to respond. It was not clear who constituted the Disciplinary Committee that summoned Smith, but what is clear is that the date of hearing was set for first week of December 2016.By then the Board wanted Smith to go because he had allegedly acted outside the mandate of the Board in some occasions, or disregarded their recommendations. At other times Smith allegedly kept or failed to share vital information with the Board, but instead passed it to higher authorities without approval from the Board. He has allegedly compromised the reputation of the Board in the way he deals with other stakeholders, such as the former BCL Board which he allegedly did not give the best cooperation. Amongst those who were reported to be unhappy is Debswana Board following their series of meetings late last year.







The decision

But the decision to fire Smith started to build up when government decided to sell the BCL mine assets to the Emirates Investment House (EIH) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following his alleged lack of cooperation and disrespect for his employers and key stakeholders at large. He allegedly tried to frustrate Minister Kebonangs efforts to have the due diligence process on BCL mine done by EIH. Thats when Kebonang put his foot down by ordering Smith to cooperate with the process or face the chop.

Government shares recalled from MDCB



It is said his general conduct led to Minister Kebonang to recall all government shares from MDCB allegedly because many stakeholders were complaining about Smiths conduct during official meetings.

Reliable sources told BG News that Kebonang wrote letters to all stakeholders amongst them Debswana, Diamond Trading Centre (DTC) Morupule, Soda Ash Botswana, as well as a South African based Company holding government shares on De Beers, informing them about his decision to recall government shares from MDCB. BG News has it on good authority that the BCL shares were transferred to MDCB just a day before the company was put on provisional liquidation. All along the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development had been refusing to do so advancing reasons that they could only make the transfer once Parliament had sanctioned the move. When Smith took office in February 2016 his immediate task was to work closely with BCL management to oversee a process of streamlining the mines operations. By then government and, or MDCB had engaged consultants to see how best to deliver the shares because of cost implications. The first assets to be transferred were Morupule Coal Mine and BCL.



Mokaila and Smith

Smith was appointed by the then Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Kitso Mokaila. Briefing Parliament then Mokaila said his ministry has engaged consultants to provide transactional advisory services for the transfer of these assets, which he added was expected to be completed before the end of the second quarter of 2016. He revealed that Debswana Diamond Company owns MCM, a joint venture between De Beers and government.It's said that in due course Smith started to overrule everybody including the board a matter that later led to two seasoned and fierce Batswana administrators - Dr Akolang Tombale and Ms Dora Moremi- resigning their positions from the BCL board as chairman and deputy respectively.

The last person to resign who allegedly could not stand Smiths attitude is the MDCB board chairperson, Regina Sikalesele-Vaka. Smiths conduct allegedly brought differences between him and Mokaila, and may have contributed to Mokaila redeployment to the Ministry of Transport and Communications MDCB Head of Corporate Communications Esther Norris, confirmed via a media statement on Wednesday that Sebetlela Sebetlela has been appointed as Caretaker Chief Executive Officer in the interim period.
Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC)tenants in Plot 5332, in the central area of Gaborone have expressed displeasure at their landlord, BHC, for not honouring its promise.



The government housing agency is busy developing existing estates with additional apartments as a way to meet the scarce accommodation in the capital city and providing affordable housing to Batswana. Plot 5332 is situated in Extension 11 where most senior government officials including the State House and embassies are located. The plot secures a block of 12 apartments and has seen BHC adding an additional block of 12 which started construction last April and is now complete.Last week, BHC delegation led by Property Manager, Kesebonye Khimbele arrived at the plot after working hours to address tenants. The construction of the new blocks is now complete, with only utilities left to be connected.

The tenants were hopeful that their landlord had come to inform them that they can now prepare themselves to buy the apartments through BHCs tenant purchase scheme. The tenants were however told that the apartments are complete, but BHC has already found new tenants. In addition, the new development in the area comes with an additional cost to the existing tenants of the old block. The developments that have now added extra cost to the sitting tenants are the pavement, the guardhouse and the screen wall. These have come with an added P550 to the rental payments of P1500 of the old two bedroomed apartments monthly.





This according to BHC executives, will effect from June 1st 2017. Khimbele told tenants that, the money we spend on maintenance isn't enough to meet our cost recoveries. We have been making losses as an entity over the years and on top of that, it's been 14 years without rental increase. He added that, unfortunately for these new blocks we have found tenants already and that is government. However, knowing that government has the financial muscle, he might want to take both the two blocks including that you are currently occupying. But, as BHC we will always be there for our clients to accommodate them, we will not abandon you.

The rental for the said apartments he said is estimated to be between P6000-P7000 monthly. He could not disclose which government department will occupy the apartments. Furthermore, plans are underway to refurbish the old block and ma ake it look decent and that upon completion will also come with added costs to the tenants rental price. That was not an easy to digest delivery as tenants were filled with disappointments showing unhappiness with the decision that BHC has taken to give government the new apartments.In their response, the tenants complained that they had not been consulted.

When BHC started this construction in April 2016, you came here to address us about the development and assured us that once the project is complete we would be given first priority in occupying the new apartments with an intent to buy under the sectional tittle deed. We stayed in these old flats with the hope that in the medium to long term we would be able to purchase the apartments. What you are doing is unfair to us as sitting tenants. Do you consider your tenants or you just take decisions, asked one tenant. Some of the tenants have stayed in the apartments for over 15 years.

The tenants also complained of the company contracted by BHC to clean the compound saying, it is not doing its work adequately, despite the monthly service fees paid to BHC. Other areas that are currently being developed with additional apartments are the Phase 4 suites, Middle Star, Tshimotharo (Ext. 19) and Broadhurst Tsholofelo. Other reports that came from the Middle Star Estate which is also complete, are that the housing parastatal has also found tenants for the complete blocks, which the existing tenants are also not happy about. Botswana Guardian also understands that in a few weeks, the corporation would have demolished some of its ancient structures in Village and part of Extension 11 to put up completely new structures. Khimbele indicated that, all our estates will be secured, we will engage security companies. Our new developments will not be built using asbestos material. Asbestos causes lot of ailments. We continue to demolish all the structures that are built of asbestos. The other Extension 11, Village flats amongst others which we already awarded contract for construction, will be open for sale to Batswana. We will put up the adverts once they are complete.
The domestic economy will accelerate at a much faster pace in 2017 compared to last year, a top economist from leading global lender, Standard Chartered plc Razia Khan has told business leaders during her visit to Botswana last week. The country, which has experienced back to back droughts and fall in diamond sales looks set to return to glory days this year, picked mainly by diamonds, the mainstay of the economy. Growth will be better this year, said a confident Khan at an event organised by Standard Chartered Bank Botswana and Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC). However, the British-based economist did not disclose the forecast rate of growth when quizzed by Botswana Guardian afterwards. Earlier this year, Finance and Economic Development minister, Kenneth Matambo said the economy is expected to have grown by 2, 9 percent in 2016, after contracting by 1, and 7 percent the year before. Fresh data from Statistics Botswana shows that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 4,3 percent in 2016. Khan, who is Standard Chartered Africa economist, stated that the economy will expand more this year due to several factors. Chief among others will be diamonds sales, which have started the year on a high note. Sales from De Beers, a company that sells Botswana diamonds have jumped notably since the year commenced. Last week, the worlds No. 1 diamond producer achieved a marginal increase in sales in the third sales cycle of this year to $580million (about P5, 8billion), from the $545million (P5, 4billion) in sales in the second sales cycle. There is also a lot of optimism from major economies where Botswana diamonds are consumed.



United States of Americas economy is also picking up, after much uncertainty post Donald Trumps election as the 45th President of the worlds biggest economy last year. Copper prices have also jumped. This will however not benefit Botswana since its biggest copper producer, BCL mine is undergoing a liquidation process. In the Asian region, consumer confidence has also jumped, a plus for Botswana which is looking at the area to expand its diamond sales, away from traditional US market. Despite Britains exit from the European Union (EU), the regions economic prospects look promising. Domestically, the Botswanas economic fortunes will be boosted by the impact of Economic Stimulus Programme which was introduced two years ago. The programme, which is in its last year, has been budgeted at well over P3bilion for three years. Its target sectors are projects that can prop-up the economy within a short time. On other matters, Khan cautioned that, while public spending is important to drive economic growth in any country, it is also critical to have a vibrant private sector which can stand on its own. Botswanas private sector depends on government expenditure for survival, a trend which does not sit well with analysts such as Khan as this cannot be sustained in the long run.



Public spending cannot sustain the economy, she stressed. Even communist China realised this in the 1970s, pointed out Khan. For the private sector to thrive there is need for government to provide conducive environment. More and more companies in Botswana have complained about the ease of doing business. It takes quite a considerable amount of days to register a company, let alone to be issued a trading certificate. Some South African companies in the retail sector are having it tough when they seek trading licences. Government has tightened the criterion used to allow foreign citizens to work in Botswana. BITC Acting Chief Executive, Meshack Tshekedi told attendants of the forum that they are working with government to address numerous areas that are found to be negatively affecting the ease of doing business in the country which turned 50 years last September. Hotel and Tourism Association Botswanas Chief Executive, Lilly Korong expressed disappointment that, government has been slow to come up with new ways of improving ease of doing business which also affects the hospitality and tourism industry. There is too much talk, but there is no action, she said worriedly. During the Standard Chartered/BITC forum, there were renewed calls for Botswana to diversify its economy away from mining, whose performance is affected mainly by external factors.




We are against the disparities between MPs and Ministers- Kablay

Its news to us  Mmolotsi

MPs Constituency Allowance to be increased by 40%

Members of Parliament are said to have demanded a 25 percent salary hike for themselves, but the Opposition Chief Whip has distanced his MPs from the decision. The MPs have however been given four (4) percent salary hike which is expected to be effected once Parliament passes the Bill during the winter session in July this year. The Bill failed to see the light of day in the just-ended Budget session, as efforts by MPs to squeeze it through proved futile. The MPs wanted the Bill to be tabled before Parliament on a Certificate of Emergency. It was initially agreed that the Bill would be tabled before the Presidents (Pensions and Retirement) Bill but things changed on Thursday night when the Presidents Bill was tabled first and passed. Botswana Guardian is reliably informed that prior to agreeing to the four (4) percent proposed by government through the Ministry for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, MPs had proposed a 25 percent increase, 40 percent Constituency Allowance, Provision of transport for each Constituency and review of their Terminal Benefits.



Presidential Affairs Minister Eric Molale however awarded the MPs four (4) percent salary increase and 40 percent Constituency allowance. The minister is said to have explained during a General Assembly last week Thursday that there are no sufficient funds to meet all the demands by MPs. The minister according to MPs who attended the meeting indicated that as per the recommendations by MPs Rights and Privileges (Staff Welfare) Committee Chairman Haskins Nkaigwa, all the proposals would not be met but the remaining ones are not being thrown away.







The minister is said to have indicated that government would continue to engage with MPs on their proposals and grievances. Government Chief Whip Liakat Kably confirmed that MPs had proposed an increment of 25 percent. The minister told us that he is not rejecting the proposals but due to funds constraints government would not be able to cover all our demands. This is why our long outstanding request for constituencies to be given motor vehicles and review of terminal benefits did not get the green light. I know people will start thinking that the 40 percent increase for Constituency allowance is too much but that money is not for us. It is for the constituents so that we could be able to take services to them, stated Kably.



He expressed hope that the Bill will pass in July because no MP is against the increment. He reiterated the need for the review of their terminal benefits saying there shouldnt be that much difference between MPs and ministers. This is why people do all they can to be a minister because they know that they are better off as ministers. That is why we are against the disparities between MPs and ministers. A minister can easily traverse through his or her constituency because s/he is covered in terms of transport while as an ordinary MP you have to rely on you own motor vehicle for transport and servicing the bank loan at the same time. At the end, you are left with nothing, said Kably buttressing the point why there should be provision of motor vehicles for each of the 57 constituencies.



This is not the first time, MPs have requested to be given motor vehicles to undertake constituency assignments. The request has been there for some years and has always been rejected. Opposition Whip Wynter Mmolotsi said as opposition MPs they are not aware of the 25 percent increase. We have not even been able to see that Bill. Im just seeing some of the snippets of the Bill on social media which means some of our colleagues from the BDP could have it, said Mmolotsi.



The Francistown MP said that all he knows that was presented at the general assembly by Nkaigwas committee was the provisions of motor vehicles for constituencies to help execute government duties. He said some constituencies execute such duties because there is no mode of transport and some of those constituencies are far from Gaborone and are vast. He said the recommendation also spoke about giving MPs allowances rather than the vehicles availed when Parliament is sitting- vehicles, which are only used to ferry an MP from his/house to Parliament and cannot do any other errands for an MP.



The problem we have is that our colleagues would discuss things at their caucus then come and hijack us and associate us with such decisions. This would not be the first because BDP has in most instances taken decisions during their Parliamentary caucus then come and present such in Parliament. This is why we always oppose such business when brought to Parliament. We are not saying MPs are paid enough but what I am saying is that the 25 percent is news to us, said Mmolotsi.



The outspoken legislator stated that as part of the three arms of government MPs are the lowly paid. He said an MP gets less than Permanent Secretaries and in some instances less than a Director. We are on the same level with the Judiciary and Executive but there is huge disparity when it comes to salaries. The executive salary is a stand-alone so is the Judiciary but we are supposed to be in a three-tier system in the pay structure. We provide oversight and make laws but our remuneration does not reflect that, he argued, dismissing claims that even opposition MPs support the 25 percent increase.



Kably has however castigated Mmolotsi saying the MPs across the aisle want the 25 percent increase. He said opposition MPs are disassociating themselves with such a proposal because they want to appear differently before the public while in actual fact they also support the increase.
Three months before the Botswana Democratic Party elective congress in Tonota, party activists are increasingly becoming audacious and openly declaring support for their preferred candidate for the chairmanship of the party. The incumbent, Mokgweetsi Masisi is defending his seat against cabinet minister, Nonofho Molefhi who is challenging him. Asked why he supports Masisi ahead of Molefhi, Jojo Lucas said, It is no secret that I am behind Masisi. He is a hard worker. For example, ever since he became chairman of the party, Masisi has recruited more than 500 members from the opposition. He is determined to make the BDP great again.



However, former specially-elected councillor, Ford Moiteela, a supporter of Molefhi insists that, recruiting new members into the BDP is the mandate of every member of the BDP. Everybody, including Molefhi, has been doing that. The difference is that, the efforts of the other BDP members are never captured by state media such as Btv, radio or Daily News, said Moiteela. He added that, as far as he is concerned, not all the recruits who have been associated with Masisi were in-fact recruited by him in person.

In many cases, some of the people from the opposition such as Lotty Manyepedza and Ditiro Majadibodu from the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) were recruited by the secretary general of the BDP, Botsalo Ntuane and all that the Vice President did was to publicly welcome them into the BDP at a rally arranged for that purpose, noted Moiteela. Moiteela says he supports Molefhi because he is accessible.



On the other hand, Lucas thinks Molefhi is too soft to lead the BDP at a time when the opposition has formed itself into a united front. Molefhi is no doubt a very humble man. He is also too soft in fact and that is why the opposition wants Molefhi to win. They do not want Masisi because they know he can be aggressive when the situation calls for that. He can match them, said Lucas. He wants Masisi as chairman beyond July because, should Masisi lose the chairmanship of the party, he will remain out of the central committee until April next year when he becomes party president.







It would be most unfortunate for the BDP members to reject him at the congress because that would relegate him into obscurity. That way, he will almost have no influence in the party. He will only be visible in government. That way, he will not be able to continue bringing people into the party because he will be absent from it, said Lucas.



Moiteela however feels Masisi is holding too many positions. He is over-burdened. Besides being VP and overseeing ministers, he manages the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) and Poverty Eradication Programme. He must represent the president in outside fora. All these things require a lot of time. In the case of Molefhi, the understanding is that, the moment he wins the chairmanship, he will resign from cabinet and concentrate on strengthening the party ahead of the 2019 general elections. We need to admit that opposition e nonofile. Go botlhokwa gore BDP le yone e nonofe. What we need is a strong party. That kind of party will win the elections and give us a strong government, said Moiteela.



While Lucas believes that Masisi has been weakening the opposition, especially the BCP by recruiting its activists, Moiteela believes that Molefhi would not only unite the party but make the Botswana Movement for Democracy irrelevant. Molefhis charisma transcends the controversies that led to the split of the BDP in 2010 and the formation of the BMD. Should he win the chairmanship, the atmosphere will change and there will be no need for the BMD. This is what BMD members, including their MPs are saying. With Molefhi as chairman, they will return to the BDP, claimed Moiteela.



As a man who respects tradition, Lucas does not want Masisi challenged for the position of chairman nor that of presidency of the party. We should endorse Masisi and make him president beyond 2019 because that has always been the tradition of the party. The president has always been succeeded by his vice president. Besides, a rejection of Masisi amounts to a vote of no confidence on the President himself because he has declared support for his Vice President, said Lucas.

Moiteela disagrees. Nothing binds people to follow a tradition. People are free to abandon it if they feel it no longer serves their interests, he said.
JAMESTOWN  No complaint was ever officially filed against Stutsman County Auditor/Chief Operating Officer Casey Bradley, according to an investigation conducted by Mercer County Sheriff Dean Danzeisen.

The Stutsman County Commission unanimously accepted Danzeisens report and took no further action.

Stutsman County Sheriff Chad Kaiser asked Danzeisen to conduct an investigation into allegations made by a former county employee who resigned in December 2016 that Bradley had created a hostile work environment.

In his three-page report, Danzeisen said Kaiser gave him a box sealed with tape containing files the county received from the Village Business Institute, which is part of The Village Family Service Center in Fargo, the organization that conducted the initial investigation into the allegations against Bradley. The Stutsman County Commission approved a request from Stutsman County States Attorney Fritz Fremgen in January to hire the Village Business Institute to conduct the investigation after he said he received a complaint from the former county employee.

In February, the County Commission reversed that decision after a review of the countys personnel policy showed the county sheriff should investigate violations of the policy. The county sheriff has the discretion to bring in an outside investigator if he or she chooses.

After looking through the contents of the box, Danzeisen found that no complaint formally had been filed by the former county employee against Bradley, according to the report.

Bradley said after the meeting that he was glad the truth came out in Danzeisens report.

There was never any valid complaint, he said.

Fremgen said Monday that he couldnt comment on the matter due to a county policy that prevents county officials from commenting on certain matters. He did say the former county employee had sent an email to County Commission members about the allegations against Bradley.

In his report, Danzeisen said he reviewed the statement that the former employee gave to the Village Business Institute. He said the employees statement does not supply any specific complaint.

She (the former employee) states that Mr. Bradley asked her into his office regarding an allegation that she was spreading rumors about Mr. Bradley and another county employee, Danzeisen said. She (the former employee) states that he was yelling and raising his voice and calling her a liar.

Danzeisen said he interviewed six county employees, including Bradley, County Commission Chairman Mark Klose and the former county employee. Five of the six county employees Danzeisen interviewed work in close proximity to Bradleys office. The report states none of the employees remembered hearing any raised voices during the meeting between Bradley and the former employee.
GRAND FORKS -- The University of North Dakota University Senate will consider a draft resolution issued by its counterpart at North Dakota State University expressing a crisis of confidence in the leadership of North Dakota higher education, said the senates elected head.

Dana Harsell, chair of the UND campus senate, said the bodys executive committee will discuss the proclamation in good faith at its Wednesday meeting to get some consensus if this body would support it or not.

Like any resolution or anything that comes up, we really have to see what the ... will of the University Senate is, Harsell said. Its something that were definitely going to look at.

The draft proposal was sent last week to representatives of all 11 campuses in the North Dakota University System and included a brief introduction by NDSU Faculty Senate President Katie Gordon, an associate professor of psychology. The body of the text begins with the declaration of a crisis of confidence within the NDUS, due to budget cuts, consolidation efforts described as misguided and an apparent lack of consideration for long-term effects on higher education.

The draft resolution also expresses a perceived lack of support for institutions of higher education on the part of the NDUS and the State Board of Higher Education, the systems policy-making body. To remedy the issues listed in the resolution, the NDSU Faculty Senate called upon the SBHE and Chancellor Mark Hagerott to improve on its advocacy through supportive collaborations between campus and state leadership. The draft resolution also called for a Higher Education Summit to be held with campus stakeholders and Hagerott, the SBHE and Gov. Doug Burgum to discuss the value and future of the states higher education system.

Without immediate, effective collaborative action, the resolution states, it is a near certainty that the system and institutions will be unable to continue to fulfill their missions, the NDUSs mission and vision and the SBHEs beliefs and core values.

Harsell said the executive committee of the UND University Senate sets the agenda for the group as a whole and will determine if the draft resolution is something the wider body might support. He added that changing factors between the issuance of the draft resolution and the next meeting of the University Senate could render the document kind of a moot point.

From the legislative process, its something wed bring up, Harsell said, but maybe its something that blows over.

At the time of UNDs receipt of the draft, the NDSU Faculty Senate did not plan to send the resolution any further than the 11 system campuses, according to Gordons introduction.


A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): India and Canada will explore ways to deepen bilateral defence and security cooperation during Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan's seven- day visit here.



Sajjan will have wide-ranging talks with Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on a range of bilateral issues, particularly on ramping up defence and security ties.



"I look forward to my first trip to India since becoming Canada s Minister of National Defence. This visit will further strengthen Canada and India s bilateral defence cooperation, and expand our partnership in the security and defence sectors," he said, before leaving for India.



Sajjan, a Sikh, will also travel to Amritsar, Chandigarh and Mumbai.



In Punjab, Sajjan will visit the Golden Temple and civil society organisations, while in Chandigarh, he will inaugurate the new office of the Consulate-General of Canada.



In Mumbai, Minister Sajjan will visit the Mumbai Port, and meet several business and industry leaders.



Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel said there is untapped potential in further strengthen ties between India and Canada and Sajjan's visit provide the opportunity to delve on them.




A file photo.

BEIJING (PTI): China said that it was willing to work with "all parties" to achieve denuclearisation and stability on the Korean Peninsula, hours after US Vice President Mike Pence warned North Korea against pursuing its nuclear ambitions.



"We are willing to work with all parties concerned to achieve denuclearisation and safeguard peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," Lu Kang told a daily press briefing while responding to Pence's comments in Seoul.



"Just in the past two weeks, the world witnessed the strength and resolve of our new president in actions taken in Syria and Afghanistan," Pence told media referring to missile strikes in Syria for deadly chemical attack and Mother Of All Bombs dropped on an ISIS tunnel complex in Afghanistan.



"North Korea would do well not to test his resolve or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region," Pence said.



Lu said the situation in the Korean Peninsula was highly sensitive, complicated and high risk and all sides should avoid taking provocative actions that add fuel to fire.



Asked about US National Security Adviser H R McMaster's comments that North Korea should stop destabilising behaviour and stop developing nuclear weapons, Lu said "We have taken note of the remarks."



He said seeking a peaceful solution to the Korean Peninsula issue was a right step and meets interests of all related parties.



Dialogue and consultation is the only way to resolve the Korean Peninsula issue, Lu said, reaffirming China's stance.



China has put forward a "dual-track approach" and a "suspension for suspension" proposal to ease tensions on the peninsula and create conditions for peace talks, he said.



Pence visited the tense zone dividing North and South Korea and warned Pyongyang that after years of testing the US and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, "the era of strategic patience is over."




FREMM Auvergne. A DCNS photo

TOULON (BNS): The French Navy has received its fourth FREMM multi-mission frigate "Auvergne" from DCNS on April 11.



The frigate is the fourth of the series ordered by OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation) on behalf of the French DGA, DCNS said.



"Auvergne" was launched in September 2015 and floated out exactly a year later. The previous platform of the class, "Languedoc", was officially handed over to the Navy in March 2016.



The FREMM family of frigates with technically advanced features is being built to counter all threats emanating from air, sea or land. With a displacement of 6000 tons and a length of 142-m, the vessel can cruise at a speed of 27 knots.



Each warship will carry state-of-the-art weapons and systems including the MdCN cruise missiles, Aster anti-air missiles, Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles and MU90 torpedoes. The sensor suite of the frigate is designed around the Herakles multifunction radar with a range of more than 250 kilometres.



The FREMM programme currently involves the construction of ten frigates, eight of which are meant for the French Navy. Six of these are slated for delivered by 2019. The remaining two, equipped with extended anti-aircraft capabilities, will be delivered before 2022.



DCNS is currently completing the FREMM "Bretagne", which was floated on 16 September 2016, and is pursuing the assembly of the FREMM "Normandie".



Work has also started on the ninth FREMM in the series, the "Alsace", which will be one of the two FREMMs with strengthened anti-aircraft capacities, DCNS said.




A file photo.

RAIPUR (PTI): Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa on Monday visited the Naxal-infested Bastar district in Chhattisgarh, aimed at boosting the morale of the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel deployed there.



During the visit, Dhanoa held meetings with the local police officials, district authorities and the IAF personnel.



"The Air Chief Marshal visited Anti Naxalite Task Forces (ANTF) at Raipur and Jagdalpur. His visit was aimed at boosting the morale of the IAF commandos deployed in the red zone," a senior police official told PTI.



A statement issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said, "During the visit, he was briefed by the local commanders of various paramilitary forces deployed in Bastar area. He reviewed the operational preparedness of forces deployed in the sector. He also interacted with personnel from various state agencies and air warriors to boost their morale."



The Air Chief Marshal arrived at Jagdalpur (Bastar district headquarter) at around 11.45 am, the police official said.



Thereafter, he chaired a meeting with local officials, including Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Vivekanand Sinha, Dantewada DIG Sundarraj P, Bastar Collector Amit Kataria and Bastar Superintendent of Police Sheikh Arif Hussain, at the IAF guest house located in the compound of the forest department, he said.



Thereafter, he had a lunch with IAF commandos. Later, he flew to Raipur airport and had a tea with senior police and IAF officials there, following which he left for Ranchi.



The IAF has been operating its helicopters in the Bastar region since the past several years to give logistical support of Central Armed Police Forces and police personnel fighting the left wing extremism in the state.




A file photo.

BEIJING (PTI): China on Monday said its first-ever joint military exercises with the Nepalese army is aimed at addressing terrorism threats and restoring peace and stability in the region.



"China and Nepal are two good neighbours. Practical cooperation between the two sides, especially cooperation which can promote development of both sides and maintain peace and stability in the region, is a good thing," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.



The 10-day military drill "Sagarmatha Friendship 2017" that will last till April 25 is being organised by the two countries as part of their preparedness against terrorism that has posed as a serious security threat globally, the Nepalese Army had said yesterday.



Sagarmatha is the Nepali name of Mt Everest, the world's highest peak.



When asked about the significance of the current round of military exercises between the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Nepalese army, which also raised concerns in India, Lu said, "Actually, there are other examples of cooperation between neighbours of this kind.



"Both sides agreed to a joint drill and the aim of this drill is to fight terrorism. This is the part of the annual joint exercise between China and Nepal. It will help to address the issue of terrorism in the region and also help to preserve peace and stability in region," Lu said.



The joint training with China marks Nepalese Army's extension of military diplomacy. The Nepalese Army has long been conducting joint military drills with Indian and the US Army.



The Nepalese Army has said the joint military exercise with China is a step towards preparations against the possible threat from terrorism.



It maintains that the drill is a part of its regular bilateral and multilateral military exercises aimed at sharing experiences, skills and professional knowledge which it has been doing regularly with the nations that Nepal shares diplomatic ties.


by Wilfred Vaz

KUWAIT, APR 18, 2017: Canon law permits that where the needs of the Church require and the ordinary ministers are not available, lay people can be appointed as extra- ordinary ministers to distribute Holy Communion, in accordance with the provisions of the law.

To assist in the distribution of Holy Eucharist to the faithful of the parish, the Church of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Kuwait inducted nine parishioners as the Extraordinary Ministers for Holy Communion Distribution (EMCD), at Holy Mass on Maundy Thursday, April 13.



The candidates were selected based on pre-determined criteria and were required to attend an orientation course comprising nine talks spread over three months. The course covered topics like meaning and power of the Holy Eucharist, holy Mass, Sacramentum Caritatis, I Believe, holy Rosary, Dry Mass and personal traits, roles and responsibilities.

John D'Souza, one of the candidates said, "The orientation was very enlightening and has deeply enhanced my spiritual knowledge." Father Blany Pinto- parish priest, Father Francisco Pereira- spiritual director of EMCD, Wilfred Vaz - EMCD coordinator and Lester D'Mello- EMCD deputy coordinator, were involved in conducting the orientation course.

The induction Holy Mass was concelebrated by Father Pinto and Father Pereira. During the homily, Father Pereira reminded the congregation, especially the candidates, of their calling, saying, "We must imitate our Lord Jesus with humility by washing one another's feet and showing that we are truly his disciples by loving one another." Vaz then presented the nine candidates to Father Pinto for induction as EMCD. Father Pinto administered the oath and adorned each candidate with the Eucharistic minister's vestment and also presented them with a copy of the book, 'The Imitation of Christ'.



Rubin Ferrao, an EMCD said, "I am blessed to be inducted as a Eucharistic minister and the induction ceremony has changed my life with the desire to imitate Jesus. My family was very glad and happy to see me being inducted as a Eucharistic minister".

After Holy Mass all EMCD's, the newly inducted and the existing ones, enjoyed a time of fellowship. A family member of the newly inducted EMCD, Norberto Colaco said, "We are truly blessed to be a part of the Salmiya Parish, with so many families coming together in Christ, for Christ. We feel all the more blessed that Norberto is now with the EMCD and pray for all good things for him and his fellow Eucharistic ministers."


INS Chennai, the latest indigenous Destroyer of Indian Navy. Photo: DPR Defence

CHENNAI (PTI): Indian Navy's indigenously designed guided missile destroyer "INS Chennai" was formally dedicated to the city by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami.



Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister urged the Navy to protect the maritime interests of the state and the fishermen.



The dedication ceremony of the 'P15A Guided Missile Destroyer', which is anchored here since April 15, at the Chennai Port Trust was marked by a series of drills and events.



A plaque commemorating the occasion was unveiled by Palaniswami.



"We are proud of our armed forces who protect us from external enemies. They ensure that we are able to enjoy our freedom and democracy. The Indian Navy has always assisted the state during natural disasters", the Chief Minister said.



"I urge the Indian Navy to protect the maritime interests of India and Tamil Nadu. Our fishermen must be protected against attacks so that they peacefully engage in the tradition of fishing in the exclusively economic zone", he said.



Noting that the state government had always addressed issues relating to armed forces, he said it would continue to provide all necessary support in this regard.



Eastern Naval Command, Commanding-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral, H C S Bisht, who was present, said the Navy was fully geared to meet the challenges at sea.



Named after the city, INS Chennai is commanded by captain C R Praveen Nair and has 45 officers.



The ship, commissioned by then Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar last year, is one of the most potent warships to have been constructed in India.



The vessel's anti-submarine warfare capabilities include indigenously developed rocket and torpedo launchers. Besides, it is equipped to fight under nuclear, biological and chemical warfare conditions.



An unique feature of the ship is the "high level of indigenisation" incorporated in the production.



Some major indigenised equipment on-board INS Chennai include combat management system, rocket launcher, torpedo tube launcher, automated power management system and the bow mounted SONAR.



During its call here, INS Chennai was visited by more than 5,000 people, including 2,000 students, officials said.




A file photo.

TOKYO (AFP): US Vice President Mike Pence reiterated his country's commitment to the security of Japan, as North Korea intensified concerns over its weapons programme with a vow to launch missile tests "every week".



The North, which is intent on developing a nuclear-tipped ballistic missile capable of reaching the mainland United States, defied international pressure Sunday with a test that failed immediately after launch.



As fears grow that it may also be preparing for its sixth nuclear weapons test, Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol said that its programme would only escalate.



"We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis," Han told the BBC in an interview, threatening "all-out war" if the US took any action against it.



Arriving in Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Pence hailed the two countries' longstanding security ties.



"The alliance between the United States and Japan is the cornerstone of peace and security in Northeast Asia," he told Abe.



The Japanese leader called for a peaceful resolution to the North Korea tensions but did not rule out the need for tough measures.



"It is a matter of paramount importance for us to seek diplomatic efforts as well as peaceable settlements of the issue," he said.



"At the same time dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless and it is necessary for us to exercise pressure."



In South Korea on the first leg of an Asian tour, Pence on Monday visited the heavily fortified Demilitarised Zone separating the two Koreas and warned Pyongyang against further provocations, saying "all options are on the table".



North Korea could react to a potential US strike by targeting South Korea or Japan, and officials in both countries have been ill at ease with the more bellicose language deployed by President Donald Trump's administration.



Pence pointed to Trump's recent strikes on a Syrian airbase and an Islamic State complex in Afghanistan as a warning to Pyongyang not to underestimate the administration's resolve.



Throughout his bareknuckle election campaign, Trump repeatedly called into question a mutual defence treaty between Japan and the United States, suggesting Tokyo should pay for its own security.



But now, Pence will try to reassure his jittery hosts that those decades-old security commitments are ironclad, a necessity made more acute after Washington's refusal to rule out military action against the regime.



Tensions between Pyongyang and Washington have soared in recent weeks as a series of North Korean missile tests have prompted ever-more severe warnings from Trump's administration.




A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Anil Ambani group firm Reliance Defence Limited (RDL) has entered into a strategic partnership with a leading South Korean defence major to jointly manufacture military hardware for India's armed forces.



As part of the agreement between Reliance Infra promoted RDL and LIG Nex1, the two companies will explore opportunities for developing a range of defence products such as air defence and surveillance radar, sensors and missiles.



The cumulative value of projects being targeted by the two companies will be worth multi billion dollars, an RDL official said without elaborating further.



Earlier this year, Anil Ambani had said that the defence sector will be the largest business area for his group in the next few years, considering opportunities worth Rs 1 lakh crore per annum in acquisitions for the armed forces.



LIG Nex1 is a leader in manufacture of smart heavy weapons in categories of anti-ship missiles, anti-tank-guided missiles (ATGM), and guided rockets.



"Currently, there are multiple programmes for the Indian Armed Forces that the two companies plan to address together.



"This will potentially include improvements to the existing weapon systems which are part of LIG Nex1 portfolio to meet the specific requirements of the Indian Armed Forces," said the RDL official.



The two companies have initially identified air defence & surveillance radar for production in India.



They will also work on performance enhancement for various systems and platforms to meet the specific requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.



India and South Korea had agreed to deepen ties in areas of defence and security during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Seoul in May 2015.



"Skills developed and the experience gained through this collaboration will further add to Reliance Group's capabilities and establish lead position in the Indian Market," the RDL official said.




An F-16 undergoes durability testing in Lockheed Martin's Full Scale Durability Test facility in Fort Worth, Texas. A Lockheed photo

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (BNS): The US Air Force (USAF) has authorised a service life extension of the Lockheed Martin-built F-16 fighter aircraft fleet by up to 4,000 flight hours more in order to keep them operational till 2048 and even beyond.



Following the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) structural modifications, the service life of the Block 40 to 52 fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcon jets would go up to 12,000 flight hours  far beyond their originally designed service life of 8,000 hours.



"This accomplishment is the result of more than seven years of test, development, design, analysis and partnership between the US Air Force and Lockheed Martin," said Susan Ouzts, vice president of Lockheed Martin's F-16 programme.



"Combined with F-16 avionics modernization programmes like the F-16V, SLEP modifications demonstrate that the Fighting Falcon remains a highly capable and affordable 4th Generation option for the US Air Force and international F-16 customers," the official said.



The Air Force and Lockheed Martin also reduced projected service life costs for the Block 40-52 fleet, paving the way for safe, cost-effective F-16 flight operations decades into the future, Lockheed said in a statement on April 12.



Validation of the extended flight hour limit directly supports the SLEP goal of extending the service life of up to 300 F-16C/D Block 40-52 aircraft, the statement said.



SLEP and related avionics upgrades to the Air Force's F-16C/D fleet can safely and effectively augment the current fighter force structure as US and allied combat air fleets recapitalize with F-35 Lightning IIs, it added.



A second phase of the F-16 SLEP airworthiness process continues with the request for Military Type Certificate (MTC), which will be submitted to the Air Force's Technical Airworthiness Authority in the coming months, Lockheed said.



The second phase seeks to validate further extending the F-16's operational life based on final service life analysis from extended durability testing.




A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Monday reminded top army commanders about the "strong image" of the force and called for efforts to reinforce it further.



Gen Rawat was speaking at the army commanders' conference, which deliberated on an array of issues including the evolving security situation, modernisation of the force and logistical difficulties for troops in conflict zones.



In his address on the opening day of the three-day conference, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley hailed the army for effectively meeting "national challenges", in an apparent reference to its anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir.



He complimented the army commanders, saying "Whenever the challenges multiply or their nature changes, Indian Army has always outperformed itself", the Defence Ministry said in a statement.



The Defence Minister also said modernisation of weapons and other critical systems for the army is the government's "top-most" priority.



The conference will deliberate in detail on the prevailing security scenario, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, besides "strategic" and "actionable" issues to ensure effective combat edge over adversaries.



"He (Gen Rawat) observed that Indian Army continues to hold a strong image and a professional reputation. He exhorted all ranks to endeavour to further strengthen the same," the Ministry said.



The conference is likely to deliberate extensively on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.



The army commanders' conference is an important event in the planning and execution of various key decisions relating to the country's security and strategic interests.



The issue of Non-Functional Upgrade (NFU) also figured during the deliberations. There has been demand for implementing NFU in the armed forces.



Under the NFU scheme, officers in central group A category get automatic time-bound pay promotions. Pay hike under NFU scheme are independent of organisational requirements and vacancy.



Issues relating to operational preparedness and logistics for field commanders were also discussed at the conference.


Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/04/2017 (2030 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Overwhelmed by bills left unpaid, a small non-profit animal rescue in Elkhorn is forced to say no to dogs and cats in need.

It was a difficult decision, Strays That Cant Pay founder Alicia Hoemsen had to make.

Its hard, because we know lives are at risk, she lamented.

Submitted A dog, accidentally run over, was taken into the care of the Funds for Furry Friends rescue, after the Elkhorn-based Strays That Cant Pay was forced to institute an intake freeze last month because they ran out of money to pay for veterinarian bills.

What do we do if we get a dog hit by a car, and we cant get a rescue to take it, and we cant afford to take it, does that mean we euthanize that dog with a broken leg? Hoemsen asked. We havent had to yet, but if theres no money, what do you do?

In Hoemsens case, shell do whatever she can.

She has begged and pleaded with other rescues to take in injured animals, and solicited donations through her busy Facebook page.

Its taken five years to develop a robust contact network within the area and surrounding First Nation communities, where people now trust her when their pets need help.

She isnt about to stop when the funds dry up.

If you dont go out when you get asked for help, which has happened and the animal has died, its just a horrible feeling of guilt, she said. People can tell you that its not your fault, but it doesnt make it any easier.

Yearly, the rescue operates on a $128,000 budget, but nearly a month ago the number of emergency vet bills piled up, and there was not enough money to pay them off. She owed $12,000 when she instituted an intake freeze on March 23.

One of the largest emergency bills involved taking care of Dakota, an emaciated horse whose story of survival captivated residents. He died when his health took a turn for the worse last month.

Enforcing the freeze means the rescue cannot take in any new animals, either for medical purposes or animals seeking foster homes. Animals in care prior to the intake freeze, however, continued to receive medical attention.

The rescues spay and neuter program, which operates in First Nation communities, is suspended until further notice.

To resume regular operations, the rescue seeks $5,000. They hope to reach their goal by finding 500 people  one-tenth of their social media followers  to commit $10 per month. Nearly 100 people have pledged so far, Hoemsen said.

That way we arent in this constant state of panic, anxiety and worry  of whats going to happen when the next calls come in.

In its five-year history, Strays That Cant Pay has invoked a few intake freezes, but they never lasted longer than a few weeks. The current pause wont be rescinded any time soon, it appears, however, Hoemsen, a Royal Bank of Canada employee, is hopeful the freeze will lapse in the coming weeks.

Since the suspension began, Strays That Cant Pay have transferred 14 dogs and four cats into the care of neighbouring rescues.

Until the day they can take care of pets again, Hoemsen and her various volunteers remain busy.

On Monday afternoon alone, Hoemsen was informed of a cat expelling urinary crystals, a dog needing surgery for an obstruction in his intestines and a cat that needs to be fixed.

The people inquiring do not have the money to afford the operations, said Hoemsen, who took to social media to seek assistance.

Now its like, how can you stop? Hoemsen explained. The problem isnt stopping, its just continuing.

To donate and for more information on the rescue, visit canadahelps.org/en/charities/strays-that-cant-pay-inc/.

 ifroese@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ianfroese
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/04/2017 (2030 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Colleen Hall is one of 435 Manitobans forced from their homes this spring due to high water.

The lifelong Sioux Valley Dakota Nation resident was evacuated a week ago, along with her son and two grandchildren.

This is a first time experience for us, Hall said, sitting in the restaurant of a Brandon hotel. In previous floods they did not have to leave the community.

Jillian Austin/The Brandon Sun Canadian Red Cross volunteer Wendy Flannigan hands out food to Sioux Valley Dakota Nation evacuees Colleen Hall and her granddaughter Kailey Fleury at the Victoria Inn on Monday.

The family moved into a new house about two years ago, which is located on a hill but in a high water table area. Hall said she realized something was wrong when she noticed a foul smell in her home during the spring melt.

When it started thawing, we noticed all the water just staying on the ground around the house, she said. I noticed it started bubbling up from the toilet bowl  The water has nowhere to go, so we thought we better check under the crawl space. We opened it up, and  its like a river under there.

Hall noticed her bungalow was slightly shifting, and she had trouble opening exterior doors during the winter. She said other people in the area were having similar issues with their homes.

She made sure her important documents were safe, and packed up clothing before heading to Brandon. She was told to plan for a long-term evacuation, possibly a month or more.

There are 29 evacuees from Sioux Valley being housed in Brandon, in addition to six evacuees from Canupawapka Dakota First Nation. There is a family of four that has been evacuated from Waywayseecappo First Nation, who are staying in Russell.

According to the Canadian Red Cross, the other communities impacted include Peguis First Nation, Long Plain First Nation and Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

The support through Canadian Red Cross is part of an agreement with the federal government to provide disaster assistance to Manitoba First Nations.

Lodging is the first and foremost thing, but we also provide food as well as other basic necessary items, said Jason Small, spokesperson for Canadian Red Cross. It might be hygiene items, or it might be diapers, formula  whatevers needed.

As there are quite a few displaced children, volunteers organize activities such as movie nights, and offered special Easter gifts over the weekend.

We thought it would be nice, Small said. We definitely felt it was worthwhile to give them a nice little treat while theyre displaced from home.

Volunteers also offer food and games for people housed in hotels. Transportation is arranged for children to go to school.

For Halls grandchildren, aged eight and four, the first week has been a bit of a novelty, as they have access to a swimming pool and other fun activities.

Jillian Austin/The Brandon Sun Colleen Hall and her granddaughter Kailey Fleury, 8, are among the 29 evacuees from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation currently staying in Brandon hotels.

Right now theyre kind of excited about it, but I know eventually theyll get tired and bored and want to go home, she said.

Hall now commutes from Brandon to Sioux Valley for her job as a student support worker for post-secondary education.

Its not too bad for us. Im making it work, because I know theres other people that dont have means of transportation, so theyre basically just stuck here, she said. But for me, because I have access to a vehicle, and I have my job, I can go back and forth.

At this point, they are not sure when they will be allowed back in their homes.

We wait to hear back from the First Nation and the federal government, Small said. Theyll make the determination when its time to come home. At this point we just provide the support until its ready for them to go home.

While the Canadian Red Cross is not appealing for donations at this point, Small said they are always looking for volunteers.

Our volunteers are great and what allow us to be able to do work like this, he said, adding if anyone is interested in volunteering, visit redcross.ca.

 jaustin@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @jillianaustin
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Robbed of his wallet and his vehicle, a 70-year-old Brandon man appeared beaten up shortly after 12 a.m. on Friday.

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Local journalism needs your support!

As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.

Now, more than ever, we need your support.

Starting at $4.99/month you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.

or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.

Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/04/2017 (2030 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

United States President Donald Trump has spent a lot of time in the courts, so he must be familiar with the legal concept of cui bono  who benefits? When a crime is committed, the likeliest culprit is the person who benefited from the deed. But he certainly did not apply that principle when deciding to attack a Syrian government air base with 59 cruise missiles on April 7.

The attack against Shayrat airbase, the first U.S. military action against Syrian President Bashar al-Assads regime in six years of civil war, was allegedly a retaliation for a poison-gas attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun three days before that Trump blamed on the Syrian regime. But who stood to benefit from the chemical attack in the first place?

There was absolutely no direct military advantage to be derived from killing 80 civilians with poison gas in Khan Sheikhoun. The town, located in al-Qaida-controlled territory in Idlib province, is not near any front line and is of no military significance. The one useful thing that the gas attack might produce, with an impulsive new president in the White House, was an American attack on the Syrian regime.

Who would benefit from that? Well, the rebels obviously would. They have been on the ropes since the Assad regime reconquered Aleppo in December, and if the warming relationship between Washington and Moscow resulted in an imposed peace settlement in Syria, they would lose everything. (Only a few days before the missile strike, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that removing Assad from power was no longer Washingtons priority.)

Al-Qaida  and probably several other rebel groups  have access to chemical weapons. The country was awash with them before the war, because the ability to make a mass chemical-weapons attack on Israel was Syrias only deterrent against an Israeli nuclear attack. (Assad, and his father before him, understood clearly that Syria would never be allowed to have nuclear weapons of its own.)

Chemical weapons were stored in military facilities all over Syria, and at one point half the country was under rebel control. So of course the rebels have had some for years, and are known to have used them on occasion in their own internecine wars. Would al-Qaida have hesitated to use them on innocent civilians order to trigger an American attack on the Syrian regime? Of course not.

The results have already been spectacular. The developing Russian-American alliance in Syria is broken, the prospect of an imposed peace that sidelines the rebels  indeed, of any peace at all  has retreated below the horizon, and Tillerson has declared that steps are underway to form an international coalition to force Assad from power.

Not a bad return on a small investment.

But we should also consider the possibility that Assad actually did order the attack. Why would he do that? For exactly the same reason: to trigger an American attack on the Syrian regime. From a policy perspective, that could make perfectly good sense.

The American attack didnt really hurt much, after all, and it has already smashed a developing Russian-American relationship in Syria that could have ended up imposing unwelcome conditions on Assad. Indeed, Moscow and Washington might ultimately have decided that ejecting Assad (though not the entire regime) from power was an essential part of the peace settlement.

Assad doesnt want foreigners deciding his fate, and he doesnt want a premature peace settlement, either. He wants the war to go on long enough for him to reconquer and reunite the whole country (with Russian help, of course). So use a little poison gas, and Trump will obligingly overreact. That should end the threat of U.S.-Russian collaboration in Syria.

Either of these possibilities  a false-flag attack by al-Qaida or a deliberate provocation by the regime itself  is quite plausible. What is not remotely believable is the notion that the stupid and evil Syrian regime just decided that a random poison gas attack on an unimportant town would be a bit of fun.

Villains in DC Comics do bad things simply because they are evil. The players in the Syrian civil war do bad things because they are part of serious (though often evil) strategies. Whoever committed the atrocity at Khan Sheikhoun wanted the United States to attack the Syrian regime, and Trump fell for it.

But if Trump was taken in by the Syrians, he certainly exploited his attack to send a very serious message to China and North Korea. He is a player, too, after all, and it can hardly be an accident that he timed the attack for the day of his meeting with Chinas President Xi Jinping.

Wheels within wheels. It is going to be a wild ride.

 Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries. This column was also recently published by the Winnipeg Free Press.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/04/2017 (2030 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Most people are familiar with the indignities of air travel: the ever-shrinking seats, the extra charges and fewer in-flight services, the delays and cancellations, and the cattle-like atmosphere of the pre-boarding process.

But last week, the world learned exactly just how inhumane air travel can be.

On April 9, Dr. David Dao, 69, was trying to fly from Chicago to Louisville, Ky., on a United Airlines flight. Passengers were told the flight was overbooked and it wasnt leaving until four people gave up their seats. Not enough people volunteered, so United picked names. When he refused to give up his seat, security officers forcibly yanked a screaming Dr. Dao out of his seat and dragged him, bloodied and dazed, down the aisle to the horror of onlooking passengers.

Of course, this incident was captured on video. Many folks on the flights knew what they were witnessing was wrong, whipped out their smartphones and hit record. Some might argue the bystanders should have done something more. But they did do something valuable: they chronicled the incident, from multiple angles.

The videos, which went viral the following day, are shocking. Oh my God, a woman cries out at one point. Look at what youre doing to him!

Less shocking, however, is how United Airlines has chosen to deal with Dr. Daos violent removal from the aircraft.

The following day, United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz released his first statement on the matter. This is an upsetting event to all of us here at United. I apologize for having to re-accommodate these passengers, it reads in part.

Did Mr. Munoz not realize that everyone has seen the footage? Dr. Dao wasnt re-accommodated, whatever that means. He was assaulted.

Uniteds public relations tire fire kept burning. On April 11, United said the flight was not overbooked after all, rather that seats were requested by off-duty crew members. On April 12, Mr. Munoz finally issued an appropriate statement that both contained an apology and took responsibility for what happened. Thats three attempts at an apology, for those keeping score at home.

For too long, airlines have been able to treat passengers however they want with impunity. Overbooking  a practice to ensure a full flight even if people dont show up  is a long-standing yet legal scourge. Most major airlines dont care about earning a customers loyalty because they dont have to. In North America, at least, the lack of competition makes it a lot harder for consumers to say, Ill take my business elsewhere. As unpopular as it is, in 2016, the U.S. airline industry earned an estimated US$20 billion in profits.

Still, theres being treated like trash by a gate agent and then theres being physically dragged out like trash by an officer. The use of violence to remove a passenger from an airplane is a troubling new low. Uniteds skies arent just unfriendly, they are openly hostile.

The airlines share price dropped sharply and its public image has been damaged, thanks in large part to the passengers who got that upsetting video out there. But United will continue its schedule of takeoffs and landings, and things are going to continue to get worse for passengers if the airline industry isnt forced to straighten up and fly right.

 Winnipeg Free Press
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/04/2017 (2030 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Prolonging the pain

Two recent reports of animal cruelty have inspired me to make a comment. A recent report of an emaciated horse, so weak it could not stand on its own, was brought to a vet and treated at great expense, to ultimately die of malnutrition and abuse. Then, a recent paper showed graphic pictures of a cat rescued from a dumpster and treated for severe injuries. In both cases, the animals were in serious distress and treatment by well-meaning Good Samaritans, and vets just added to and prolonged their pain. Both animals should have been humanely put to sleep. The perpetrators of their injuries and neglect should be charged and prevented from owning or being in care animals in the future.

Helping criminals

Arent we putting thoughts into criminals heads when we tell them that the police in the area are going to be short-staffed? It seems ironic to me and doesnt it let them know that it is a perfect time to commit a crime.

Obituary too soon

I recently found out that a teacher asked Grade 8 students to write their own obituaries. I think that is asking for trouble to have kids that age think about their death and write their obituaries. When you consider the suicide rates among youth, isnt there better ways they could be spending their time?

Cratering your car

There is a giant crater in front of Burger King restaurant. Im not sure who owns the parking lot, but if the businesses want people to come into your business then fix it. Someone is going to bust an axle in that spot.

Got no time

Protest. Protest. Protest. There are a few things I would like to protest, but my job gets in the way and I just cant get around to any protests.

Drivers dont go unnoticed

I want to pass on a big thank you to the handi-transit drivers in Brandon as I was very pleased with them. I had to use their services recently because I had hip surgery and the drivers were extremely helpful with pickup and delivery. During the winter, the service I received was exceptional. They would help me door-to-door and I just wanted to thank them.

Dike dilemma

If you are offered flood protection by the city and you choose not to take it and to remain outside the dike and a flood comes and the city has to help you flood-proof your house, do you have to pay for that or is it free?

Flood update, please

Where is our current mayor? I dont see him coming out every day to tell us about the flood, not like our last mayor.
Britains business groups were as surprised as anyone over Theresa Mays announcement of a snap general election on June 8 and urged the Government to remain focused on supporting the economy.

Dr Adam Marshall, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "Many business communities will understandably be concerned that attention will inevitably shift from the economy and the intricacies of leaving the EU to a potential election campaign.

"Firms will want to be reassured that the key challenges facing the economy will be front and centre throughout any election period."

Stephen Martin, director-general of the Institute of Directors, said: "Businesses are having to get used to being buffeted by the changing winds of politics at the moment, and will just have to endure yet another campaign.

"This must be used as a chance to properly debate what leaving the EU means for the long-term future of the UK, including how we continue to bring in the skills employers need.

"While Brexit will inevitably dominate the campaign, there are also much wider questions that need to be addressed on the changing nature of business and work, automation and our ageing society. These cant be ignored in the run-up to June 8, and the business voice must be heard in this crucial discussion."

Terry Scuoler, chief executive of EEF, the manufacturers organisation, said: "Industry will welcome the Prime Ministers decision to seek a clear mandate. The last year has been one of considerable uncertainty which, if it had gone on unchecked, would have risked hampering future investment.

"We have significant negotiations to undertake with our partners in the rest of Europe and doing this with a fresh and stable mandate from the country can only provide greater certainty about the future direction of travel for policy and the potential to seek the best deal possible for the UK."
The UK has now been paid 358 million (428m approx.) in interest by Ireland following a crisis loan it gave to the country in 2010.

A total of 3.2 billion (3.8bn approx.) was lent by the UK to the Republic as part of an international rescue package of the country's collapsing economy.

The latest report from the Treasury says Ireland has now paid the UK 358 million (428m approx.) in interest since 2011.

Since June 2014 the UK has received an interest payment of around 42 million every six months.

It will be March 2021 before the bilateral loan's term is up. The final tranche of money was paid to Ireland in September 2013.

The document said: "The Government agreed to provide a bilateral loan to Ireland because it is in the UK's national interest that Ireland has a successful economy and a stable banking system.

"The links between our financial systems, particularly in Northern Ireland, mean that there was a strong economic case to provide financial assistance to Ireland.

"By being part of the international financial package, the UK indirectly supported the very many businesses across the UK that trade with Ireland."

The loan was made at the same time as a bailout by the European Commission, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank and at a time when the country's banking system threatened to implode.

Stringent austerity conditions were attached by the three organisations, known as the Troika, and resulted in wage reductions, rising unemployment, cuts to public services and extra taxes on Irish citizens.

The Republic is one of the UK's main export markets - at the time the loan was given it accounted for 5% of Britain's total exports and two-fifths of Northern Ireland's exports.

Many Irish companies are listed on the London Stock Exchange.

In late 2010 the Royal Bank of Scotland lent billions in Northern Ireland - loans which were insured by British taxpayers as RBS is a semi-nationalised bank.

If the Irish economy were to implode, that would have generated large losses for RBS and the UK taxpayer.

In 2012 Chancellor George Osborne reduced the rate of interest on the loan in line with Eurozone lenders.
A new service from Dublin Airport to Morocco will begin in October.

The twice weekly service by Air Arabia Maroc will fly to the coastal city of Agadir.

Part of the Air Arabia Group, Maroc is the largest low-cost carrier in Morocco.

A spokesman for Dublin Airport said they are delighted with the new route, which is a popular winter sun destination.

.@AirArabia_Maroc to operate twice weekly scheduled service from @DublinAirport to Moroccan city of Agadir this Oct https://t.co/S77DygWdZf pic.twitter.com/nbXiFhJKDN  Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) April 18, 2017

We are delighted to welcome Air Arabia Maroc to Dublin Airport and to Ireland, said Dublin Airport managing director Vincent Harrison.

This new service means that once again Irish holidaymakers will have a direct scheduled service to Agadir, which is a very popular winter sun destination.

Adel Al Ali, group chief executive officer of Air Arabia, said:  We are pleased to link Dublin with our newly launched base in Agadir. Dublin is the latest city to join Air Arabia Maroc's ever growing destination network connecting Europe with Morocco.
Note: This is post #29 in a weekly video series on basic microeconomics.

If price controls have negative consequencesand they dothen why do governments enact them? In this video by Marginal Revolution University, economist Alex Tabarrok looks at the example of President Nixons wage and price controls in the 1970s. These price controls were popular, because the American public didnt think that the price controls were to blame for things such as long lines at the fuel pump. Without knowledge of the economics behind price controls, says Tabarrok, the public blamed foreign oil cartels and oil companies for the shortages.

(If you find the pace of the videos too slow, Id recommend watching them at 1.5 to 2 times the speed. You can adjust the speed at which the video plays by clicking on Settings (the gear symbol) and changing Speed from normal to 1.25, 1.5 or 2.)

Previous in series: Why government regulation of airline fares created quality waste
Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has said he is concerned that the snap general election will hit Stormont powersharing talks.

Charlie Flanagan said he raised the issue in a phone call with Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire following the shock announcement that the UK would go to the polls on June 8.

Mr Flanagan said political parties will switch from negotiating to campaign mode.

"The Secretary of State told me that his intention, announced last week, remains unchanged - namely, to bring forward legislation at Westminster in the coming days which will include a provision to allow a Northern Ireland Executive to be formed in early May," the minister said.

"While this will legislatively facilitate the formation of an Executive, I am conscious of the political reality that all of the parties involved in the talks will now be competing in a general election and mindsets will inevitably shift to campaign mode."

Mr Flanagan said Dublin remained committed to "ensuring the best possible outcome for Ireland in the upcoming Brexit negotiations".

He is due in Belfast on Thursday for renewed contacts with the political parties after the Easter deadline for a powersharing deal was lifted.

"Nevertheless, it is the firm hope of the Irish Government that the talks process can continue and conclude successfully in the coming days. The interests of the people of Northern Ireland are best served by having a devolved Executive and Assembly," he said.

"This is the case regardless of the electoral cycle at Westminster."

Mr Flanagan said this would be his message to the Northern Ireland politicians when he meets them later in the week.
Update 10.20pm: The Air Accident Investigation Unit has defended its decision to publish the final words of the crew of Rescue 116.

It follows strong criticism from the Irish Air Line Pilots' Association, who said there was no justification for releasing the last minutes of the transcript from the helicopter before it crashed off Mayo last month.

In a statement tonight, the Air Accident Investigation Unit said it was satisfied that best international practice was followed and that the release of that section of the transcript was deemed 'very relevant'.

Captain Evan Cullen from the Irish Airline Pilots' Association says it was unacceptable and counterproductive to flight safety.

"It is against international rules, it is against EU regulations, that that transcript was published.

"I think it would seek to undermine the credibility of the investigation.

"We're calling in the AAIU, the Air Accident Investigation Unit, to stick to the agreement that the Irish Government signed up to - we're asking them to obey the EU regulations."

Earlier: A group representing Irish pilots has criticised the publication by the Air Accident Investigation Unit of the final minutes of the transcript from Coastguard helicopter Rescue 116.

The helicopter went down near Blackrock Island off the coast of Mayo on March 14, claiming the lives of all four crew.

Last week, the full transcript of the audio recorded by the black box on the flight was released and published widely.

Captain Evan Cullen, President of The Irish Air Lines Pilot's Association, said: "The publication of the information should be on the basis of improving and enhancing flight safety.

"This investigation has to be based on preventing a future accident."
The Australian ambassador to Ireland says skilled Irish people will continue to be welcome in Australia despite the scrapping of the 457 visa programme.

The 457 visa has made it possible for foreign workers and their families to live and work Down Under, if sponsored by an employer.
Update 8.55pm: The Education Minister has refused to say if he thinks there will ever be Equal Pay for Equal Work.

It has become a mantra for all three teachers unions, who are holding their annual conferences this week.

Teachers who qualified after 2010 earn around 8000 euro less than their more senior colleagues.

Minister Richard Bruton says they have taken steps to restore 75% of newer entrants pay, but wouldnt say if it would ever reach 100%.

"I can understand a claim for equality in the abstract but for me I have to recognise that being fair and equal has to also look at children with special needs who have requirements.

"The extra 15,000 children who are coming into the system.

"I have to balance those and you have to make sure that you treat everyone fairly," he said.

Earlier: Younger and newer teachers are warning that unequal pay is driving them out of the country, and the profession.

Teachers unions are holding their annual conferences across the country, and are united in the mantra of Equal Pay for Equal Work.

Teachers at the ASTI conference in Killarney said theyd be better off abroad.

One teacher said: "The Minister has a big vision for education and we welcome that but it is not going to happen unless you address the unequal pay issue.

Another one added: "I would ask the minister does he want to keep highly qualified teachers in Ireland. If so you have to pay them equally."

The young teachers made their comments as it was revealed around 450 teachers have left the ASTI union in the first three months of the year.

The union is meeting in Killarney this afternoon with restoration of pay being top of the agenda.

ASTI vice president Ger Curtin said that he understands why some people are unhappy with their management.

The ASTI has been involved in a number of disputes over the past year, and Mr Curtin said that they do not want any more strikes.

"Well, who wants to close schools? In an ideal world, no, we dont want to close schools, certainly not," he said.

"Our main focus is our student, primarily, and our colleagues who are not being treated properly.

"If you think about this now, surely to God anybody would say: Can we not get this sorted?."
Queen have announced that they will play Dublin this November.

The iconic rockers have teamed up with Adam Lambert for a 24 date European tour, which will showcase a spectacular new stage production and a setlist the band hints will provide some surprises.

The choice of performance material will acknowledge this year's 40th anniversary of Queens biggest-selling studio album to date, News of the World from 1977, which yielded the immortal anthems We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions.

You've heard the rumours Europe... I would sign up @ https://t.co/bgPT1YLPhP if I were you ;) pic.twitter.com/p1udjIT7PF  Queen (@QueenWillRock) April 14, 2017

Queen drummer and co-founder Roger Taylor insists the 2017 tour "will look entirely different to the show we took around before. Production has really changed a lot, the things you can do now, you have a much broader palette, the technology has really come along. But we don't use it all.

"We don't play to click track. It's 100% live. We're planning on doing stuff we either haven't done before or haven't done for a long time. We started as an albums band, that's what we were. The fact that we had hits was just a byproduct.

The impressive show will take to the stage of the 3Arena on Saturday November 25.

Tickets priced from 87 including booking fee and will be on sale from 9am Friday, April 21.
Because of a quirk of the calendar, today (April 18) is tax day, the day when individual income tax returns are due to the federal government. Here are five facts you should know about taxes and tax day:

1. In 1954 the deadline for filing federal taxes was set as April 15. If the 15th falls on weekend, the deadline is moved to Monday. But this Monday was Emancipation Day, a day commemorating the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia in April 16, 1862. Because of the city holiday, the tax deadline was pushed back to Tuesday.

2. The average federal tax rate for all households (tax liabilities divided by income, including government transfer payments) before taxes is 18.1 percent.

3. Based on the year for which the latest data is available (2013), households in the top quintile (including the top percentile) paid 68.8 percent of all federal taxes, households in the middle quintile paid 9.1 percent, and those in the bottom quintile paid 0.4 percent of federal taxes. (Quintiles  fifths  contain equal numbers of people.)

4. At midnight, the U.S. Treasury could collect over a billion dollars. Taxpayers have three years to claim refunds, so the $1,054,581,000 that is owed to 1,042,100 people will, by statute, go to the governments coffers tomorrow if they dont file their 2013 taxes.

5. Examining 30 years of road crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, researchers found that fatal car crashes increase 6 percent on April 15.
The Prime Minister had repeatedly denied that she would call an election before the next scheduled poll in 2020.

But she said "division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit" and was a primary reason for the snap election call.

Explaining her change of heart on an early election, Mrs May said: "I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and security for the years ahead is to hold this election."

She concluded by saying it was "with reluctance" that she reached her decision but added: "It is with strong conviction that I believe it is necessary to secure a strong and stable leadership this country needs."

Watch live analysis on the decision here.

Here is the full text of Prime Minister Theresa Mays statement from Downing Street announcing that a general election is to be held on June 8:

"I have just chaired a meeting of the Cabinet, where we agreed that the Government should call a general election, to be held on June 8.

"I want to explain the reasons for that decision, what will happen next and the choice facing the British people when you come to vote in this election.

"Last summer, after the country voted to leave the European Union, Britain needed certainty, stability and strong leadership, and since I became Prime Minister the Government has delivered precisely that.

"Despite predictions of immediate financial and economic danger, since the referendum we have seen consumer confidence remain high, record numbers of jobs, and economic growth that has exceeded all expectations.

"We have also delivered on the mandate that we were handed by the referendum result."

"Britain is leaving the European Union and there can be no turning back. And as we look to the future, the Government has the right plan for negotiating our new relationship with Europe.

"We want a deep and special partnership between a strong and successful European Union and a United Kingdom that is free to chart its own way in the world.

"That means we will regain control of our own money, our own laws and our own borders and we will be free to strike trade deals with old friends and new partners all around the world.

"This is the right approach, and it is in the national interest. But the other political parties oppose it.

"At this moment of enormous national significance there should be unity here in Westminster, but instead there is division.

"The country is coming together, but Westminster is not."

"In recent weeks Labour has threatened to vote against the deal we reach with the European Union.

"The Liberal Democrats have said they want to grind the business of government to a standsill.

"The Scottish National Party say they will vote against the legislation that formally repeals Britains membership of the European Union.

"And unelected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight us every step of the way.

"Our opponents believe that because the Governments majority is so small, our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change course.

"They are wrong.

"They under-estimate our determination to get the job done and I am not prepared to let them endanger the security of millions of working people across the country.

"Because what they are doing jeopardises the work we must do to prepare for Brexit at home and it weakens the Governments negotiating position in Europe.

"If we do not hold a general election now their political game-playing will continue, and the negotiations with the European Union will reach their most difficult stage in the run-up to the next scheduled election.

"Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit and it will cause damaging uncertainty and instability to the country.

"So we need a general election and we need one now, because we have at this moment a one-off chance to get this done while the European Union agrees its negotiating position and before the detailed talks begin.

"I have only recently and reluctantly come to this conclusion.

"Since I became Prime Minister I have said that there should be no election until 2020, but now I have concluded that the only way to guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead is to hold this election and seek your support for the decisions I must take.

"And so tomorrow I will move a motion in the House of Commons calling for a general election to be held on the eighth of June.

"That motion, as set out by the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, will require a two-thirds majority of the House of Commons.

"So I have a simple challenge to the opposition parties, you have criticised the Governments vision for Brexit, you have challenged our objectives, you have threatened to block the legislation we put before Parliament.

"This is your moment to show you mean it, to show you are not opposing the Government for the sake of it, to show that you do not treat politics as a game.

"Let us tomorrow vote for an election, let us put forward our plans for Brexit and our alternative programmes for government and then let the people decide.

"And the decision facing the country will be all about leadership. It will be a choice between strong and stable leadership in the national interest, with me as your Prime Minister, or weak and unstable coalition government, led by Jeremy Corbyn, propped up by the Liberal Democrats - who want to reopen the divisions of the referendum - and Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP.

"Every vote for the Conservatives will make it harder for opposition politicians who want to stop me from getting the job done.

"Every vote for the Conservatives will make me stronger when I negotiate for Britain with the prime ministers, presidents and chancellors of the European Union.

"Every vote for the Conservatives means we can stick to our plan for a stronger Britain and take the right long-term decisions for a more secure future.

"It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond.

"So, tomorrow, let the House of Commons vote for an election, let everybody put forward their proposals for Brexit and their programmes for Government, and let us remove the risk of uncertainty and instability and continue to give the country the strong and stable leadership it demands."
The suspected acid attack in a packed bank holiday club night injured 16 revellers, police said.

The corrosive liquid was sprayed by a male suspect - who has yet to be arrested - during an argument at Mangle in Dalston, east London, early on Monday morning.

Two clubbers, aged 24 and 29, were seriously hurt in the attack and have been moved to a specialist burns hospital in Essex, where they are in a stable condition, the Metropolitan Police said.

Ten patients were taken to hospital, while a further two people with similar injuries sought treatment, emergency services said.

A further four people have since contacted police to report they were injured.

Among those hurt was the cousin of ex-Premier League footballer Jamie O'Hara, who later described the attack as "sick".

Australian model Isobella Fraser, 22, was burnt down her arm and back when the liquid seared through her dress and left her unable to breathe, according to reports.

Her sister, Prue, 20, was also scalded by the noxious substance.

One victim whose foot was burnt by the acid said she initially did not realise the severity of her injury.

The 25-year-old, who asked not to be named, told the Press Association: "It was very, very packed in there. All of a sudden down at the back bit of the bar everybody started moving out of the way, I thought there had been a fight.

"Everyone was like 'Go, go, go' and 'Let's move, let's move'.

"Then they started getting everyone out. At the time I didn't realise I had been attacked, I thought someone had dropped a cigarette on my foot but it was getting more red and stinging.

"It's just like a red circle round my toes, around the size of a 50p piece, it is more sore than if you burnt yourself, it is really stinging.

"It is scary because you just go out to have a good night and you realise how close it could have been to being a lot worse.

"I'm a bit disappointed with the club because they were frisking and checking our bags, but there were a considerable amount of people hurt so it must have been a whole bottle, it shouldn't have got into the club."

Hundreds of people were at the venue when the incident occurred, and roads were closed as emergency services, including a hazardous area response team, rushed to the scene.

Witnesses reported several victims were outside with burns across their bodies, while others were seen pouring water on what appeared to be an injured friend.

The Only Way Is Essex stars Jamie Reed, Jade Lewis and Chloe Meadows were among those forced to leave the bank holiday LoveJuice event.

One witness described how the attacker had produced the bottle of acid when a bouncer attempted to kick him out.

"I was at the bar with friends and a guy was pushing some people around," clubber Scott Kempster, 25, told The Sun.

"A bouncer asked him to leave, but he grabbed his arm and pulled a bottle out of his pocket.

"He sprayed the bouncer and my friend and some girls got hit. At first everyone thought it was water, then people started running as they realised it was acid.

"The guy who threw it then started throwing other stuff before he ran off."

Celebrity Big Brother star O'Hara posted a picture of his relative Sadie Wright's scalded face, writing: "Sick that my cousin got burnt from this acid attack in Hackney, innocent people get injured for the sick act of violence, guy should get life."

A London Fire Brigade spokeswoman said: "The only information that we have is that it was an unknown corrosive substance thrown within the nightclub.

"It was identified by a pH paper test as a strong acidic substance."

PA
North Korea's deputy United Nations ambassador has accused the United States of turning the Korean Peninsula into "the world's biggest hotspot" and creating "a dangerous situation in which a thermonuclear war may break out at any moment".

Kim In Ryong told a news conference that "if the US dares opt for a military action", North Korea "is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the US".

He said the Trump administration's deployment of the Carl Vinson nuclear carrier task group to waters off the Korean Peninsula again "proves the US reckless moves for invading the DPRK have reached a serious phase of its scenario".

Mr Kim stressed that US-South Korean military exercises being staged were now the largest-ever "aggressive war drill" aimed at his country, formally the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The prevailing grave situation proves once again that the DPRK was entirely just when it increased in every way its military capabilities for self-defence and pre-emptive attack with a nuclear force as a pivot," he said.

Tensions have escalated over North Korean moves to accelerate its weapons development.

The North conducted two nuclear tests and 24 ballistic missile tests last year, defying six UN Security Council sanctions resolutions banning any testing, and it has launched more missiles this year including a failed attempt at the weekend.

The North's Foreign Ministry said the missile launches were part of a normal process of building up the country's defences and economy.

Ministry official Kim Chang Min also said in the interview in Pyongyang that the UN, the Security Council and big countries ignored South Korean missile launches and Japanese surveillance satellites.

"This is the limit of double standards," he said. "How can we have any dialogue to get any result with anyone who has this kind of approach?"

On Monday, US vice president Mike Pence travelled to the Demilitarised Zone dividing the Koreas and warned Pyongyang that "the era of strategic patience is over".

After 25 years of trying to deal patiently with North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions, Mr Pence said, "all options are on the table" to deal with a threat.

Deputy UN ambassador Mr Kim said North Korea's policy wsas shaped by the Trump administration's push for "high-intensity sanctions" against the country, deploying tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea and launching military action aimed at "beheading" the North's leadership headed by Kim Jong Un.

He said rolling back the hostile US policy towards the DPRK "is the precondition to solving all the problems in the Korean Peninsula".

Mr Kim called the news conference to "categorically reject" the US decision to hold an open meeting of the Security Council on April 28 on North Korea's nuclear programme, which is scheduled to be chaired by US secretary of state Rex Tillerson.

He called it "another abuse of authority" by the United States, which holds the Security Council presidency this month, and a violation of the DPRK's sovereignty.

Mr Kim ignored questions about the DPRK's relationship with China and reports that the government did not respond to requests from Chinese officials for a meeting.

Instead he reiterated two Chinese proposals that the US rejected.

One called for "dual-track" talks on denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula - the top priority of the United States - and replacing the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War with a formal peace treaty, a key demand of Pyongyang.

The other called for a freeze on US-South Korean military exercises and a freeze on DPRK missile and nuclear tests.

Meanwhile Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi made a new appeal for calm on the Korean Peninsula and says he believed the United States would prefer a diplomatic resolution to the stand-off.

Mr Wang told reporters that although US officials have made clear that a military strike remains on the table, he believes that Washington would still prefer to de-escalate tensions through multi-sided talks.
Facebook says it is reviewing the way it moderates violent videos - after footage of a murder was on its site for more than two hours.

Steve Stephens from Ohio uploaded the video himself, after apparently shooting dead a victim at random.

The social network blocked it 23 minutes after it was first reported.

Police said Stephens, 37, killed Robert Godwin Sr, 74, while the pensioner was collecting aluminium cans in Cleveland, Ohio.

On day two of the manhunt, FBI agent Stephen Anthony said Stephens, a counsellor for young adults "could be nearby, he could be far away, or anywhere in between".

Investigators said Mr Godwin is the only victim so far linked to Stephens, despite the suspect's claim in a separate video on Facebook that he killed more than a dozen people.

Officers have searched dozens of places around the city and spoke with the suspect by mobile phone, police said.

Police chief Calvin Williams warned residents to be on their guard as they go about their day.

Authorities also warned people in Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana and Michigan to be alert for Stephens, who is wanted on a charge of aggravated murder.

Mr Godwin was apparently shot while out picking up cans in a plastic shopping bag, his daughter said.

"Not because he needed the money, it was just something he did," Debbie Godwin, 52, said.

"That's all he was doing. He wasn't harming anyone."

She said her father, who had 10 children, was a gentle man.

"We called him the junk man," she said. "He'd pick up things off the street and fix them. He picked up bikes and he fixed them."

The motive for the shooting was not entirely clear from the shaky video, in which Stephens told Mr Godwin a woman's name and said: "She's the reason that this is about to happen to you."

Mr Godwin did not seem to recognise the woman's name.

The suspect then pointed a gun at Mr Godwin, who shielded his face with the plastic bag.

Facebook said the video was posted after the killing but was not broadcast on Facebook Live as police initially indicated. The suspect did go live on the social media site at another point on Sunday.

The video of the killing was on Facebook for about three hours before it was taken down. Stephens's Facebook page was also eventually removed.

"This is a horrific crime and we do not allow this kind of content on Facebook," the company said. "We work hard to keep a safe environment on Facebook, and are in touch with law enforcement in emergencies when there are direct threats to physical safety."

In the separate video, Stephens said: "I killed 13, so I'm working on 14 as we speak."

Police said they have not verified any other shootings or deaths.

Stephens worked at Beech Brook, a behavioural health agency headquartered in Pepper Pike, near Cleveland. He helped young people develop job skills and find employment.

An extensive background check before he was hired did not reveal anything that caused alarm, Beech Brook spokeswoman Nancy Kortemeyer said.

"We just hope Mr Stephens is apprehended as quickly as possible so that no-one else is injured," she added.

In one of the videos, Stephens could be seen holding up his employee identification and said: "I'm killing with my Beech Brook badge on, too."
The British Tory party will go into the snap general election riding high in the polls and confident of returning with an overwhelming majority.

The latest opinion polls have put the Tories more than 20 points ahead of Labour suggesting they could be on course for a landslide.

While there will be caution about placing too much weight on the polls after the experience of the 2015 election, when they failed to forecast a Tory victory, the confidence in the Conservative ranks is palpable.

With the main opposition in disarray, there were Tory MPs talking openly about the prospect of "slaughtering" Labour at the polls.

Theresa May will go to the country promising that they are the only party which can be trusted to deliver on last years referendum vote for Brexit and negotiate the best deal for Britain.

The British Prime Minister will be looking to strengthen her position in the Commons, where she has a slender working majority of just 17, and stamp her authority on her own party .

Currently she is vulnerable to rebellions by relatively small numbers of Conservative backbenchers if they can combine with the opposition parties.

She will also be hoping that gaining her own mandate will enable her to pursue her vision of Brexit, and to face down hardliners in her own ranks who may be unhappy at some of the trade-offs that emerge in the negotiations.

However the party could face a more difficult task than is thought in "winning really big", a prominent election expert has warned.

Professor John Curtice suggested the Prime Minister would need a lead of greater than 10 points to get the large government majority she wants to make her task of delivering a successful Brexit easier.

Mrs May, who has a fragile working majority of just 17 in the Commons, said she wants "unity" at Westminster as talks on Brexit begin in earnest with the European Union.

The Tories currently lead Labour by an average of 17 points in opinion polls, which Prof Curtice acknowledged would be enough to secure a landslide on June 8.

But he said that with the SNP expected to win the majority of Scottish seats, putting the nation "out of the game" in terms of forming a government, it has become a lot harder to win a large Commons majority.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4s World at One, he said: "An awful lot of Labour seats are astonishingly safe and therefore even with a 15-point lead, well yes I think Theresa May at that point will get past the 100 majority mark.

"But lets just imagine that the lead falls back to seven, eight, nine, 10 points - well, back in 2015, a seven-point lead over Labour was only enough to get a majority of 12 and that was only achieved by winning a lot of seats off the Liberal Democrats.

"So the truth is given the way that Scotland is now out of the game, given how few marginal seats there are in the country, winning really big has got a lot more difficult and that in a sense is the objective that Theresa May has now given herself."

But Prof Curtice acknowledged that Labours dismal performance in opinion polls had almost certainly been at least part of Mrs Mays motivation in calling an early vote.

"Labour will enter this election in an even worse position than it entered the 1983 general election when it ended up with 28% of the vote and I think, in truth, no opposition has gone into a general election in a weaker position than Labour will fight this election," he said.

"So to that extent at least this is a great temptation for Theresa May."
The US military intercepted two Russian bombers in international airspace off Alaska's coast, a Pentagon spokesman has said.

Two F-22 Raptor aircraft intercepted the Russian TU-95 Bear bombers on Monday, said navy commander Gary Ross.
Mental health experts are calling for urgent action to help the one-in-three young Canberrans at risk of serious mental illness.

Psychological distress is affecting more Australians than five years ago, new research by Mission Australia and the Black Dog Institute found.

One in three Canberrans are at risk of developing a serious mental illness, a new report has found. Credit:Fiona-Lee Quimby

The report to be released on Wednesday found 33 per cent of the 500 Canberrans surveyed, aged 15-19, met the criteria for a serious mental illness. This was 10 per cent higher than the national average.

Female Canberrans were almost twice as likely as males to report high psychological distress.
London: Global economic growth is expected to pick up this year and in 2018, despite the political uncertainties created by Brexit and the election of maverick US President Donald Trump. And the International Monetary Fund has issued an encouraging growth forecast for the Australian economy, compared to the Treasury's most recent predictions issued in December.

The IMF predicts Australia's economy will grow by 3.1 per cent in 2017 and 3 per cent in 2018. This is better than the most recent forecast by the Australian Treasury and released by the Australian government in December last year, which predicted GDP would "pick up to 2 per cent in 2017-18 as the detraction from mining investment eases."

Maurice Obstfeld, chief economist at IMF, speaks at a world economic outlook news conference. Credit:Andrew Harrer

World growth is forecast to rise from 3.1 percent in 2016 to 3.5 percent in 2017 and 3.6 per cent in 2018 the International Monetary Fund said on Tuesday, as it published its twice-yearly health check of the global economy.

The IMF said it is possible short-term growth "could indeed surprise on the upside," if confidence and market sentiment driven by a recovery in commodity prices, buoyant financial markets and deregulation in the US.
On Tuesday morning, UK Prime Minister Theresa May announced that she is proposing a snap election for Parliament on June 8. The House of Commons is likely to authorize the vote on Wednesday, leaving just 49 days until the third national election in three years. Heres what you need to know.

Why is Theresa May calling for this vote now?

May says political opposition from the Labour Party, Scottish nationalists, and unelected members of the House of Lords is undermining her ability to negotiate favorable terms for the UKs departure from the European Union. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street on Tuesday morning, the prime minister said their political game-playing  jeopardises the work we must do to prepare for Brexit at home and it weakens the governments negotiating position in Europe.

Postponing the election, May said, means that campaigning will not ramp up as she is concluding Brexit terms and setting the conditions of the UKs future access to the EUs single market.

Why does the House of Commons have to authorize the election?

The Fixed-Term Parliaments Act of 2011 states that national elections will be held only once every five years. The last national election was held in 2015, and the next one was scheduled for 2020. However, two-thirds of the House of Commons 650 members can vote to allow a snap election. May said she will ask for that vote on Wednesday. Opposition party leaders support the call.

What issues will be the most important in the campaign?

May will campaign on Brexit, Brexit, Brexit  saying that her opponents are endangering the fragile state of talks with Brussels. Polls show an increasing number of Remain voters wish politicians would get on with the business of extricating the UK from the EU in the most advantageous way. The country is coming together, but Westminster is not, May said. Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit, and it will cause damaging uncertainty and instability to the country. Remain voters, meanwhile, see this as the closest opportunity they will have to hold a second national referendum on EU membership.

Mays chief opponents hope to emphasize domestic issues, such as the intensifying crisis of medical care provided by the National Health System (NHS). Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn promised to run a campaign challenging the economic narrative that says there have to be huge cuts in public expenditure and calling on taxpayers to invest in the future, invest in infrastructure. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon vowed to oppose the increasingly right-wing direction of Mays government, including opposing the hardest possible Brexit  more austerity and deeper cuts to the budget.

Who is likely to win?

Barring a radical upheaval in the electorate  which is always a possibility  May looks to win in a landslide. A YouGov poll performed for the Times this week shows May with an astonishing 21-points lead over Corbyn. That marks Labours lowest rating since Margaret Thatchers victory in 1983. YouGov forecasts a shift of as many as 56 seats from Labour to the Tories in June. A victory would extend Mays term as prime minister until 2022.

What does the election mean for the nations future?

The pound surged to its highest level in months after the announcement. (It briefly dipped this morning over fears May planned to resign.)

Long-term, it strengthens Theresa Mays hand, internally and externally.

Some are worried that this will allow Mrs. May to push ahead with a super-hard Brexit that inflicts unnecessary damage on the economy, wrote Julian Jessop of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). But these fears are difficult to square with the governments increasingly moderate rhetoric on many issues  notably migration. Instead, the Conservative leadership is likely to use the election as a chance to secure a mandate for the type of Brexit that most people appear to want. There is already plenty of evidence that the public are swinging behind Mrs. Mays more conciliatory approach.

Politically, it will give PM May  who was never elected in a national election  a popular mandate to pursue Brexit and carry out her domestic agenda. In 2015, David Cameron won election as prime minister with a 17-seat majority. But he opposed Brexit and stepped down after Remain lost last Junes Brexit referendum, 52-48. Up to a dozen Tory backbenchers have rebelled against Mays plans on Article 50 and school reform. Former MP Paul Goodman argues that the Conservative Partys candidate selection rules will allow May to remake the party in her own image.

However, Jessop worries that one negative byproduct of the snap election is that parties will simply cut-and-paste commitments from previous manifestos even though the case for them is (now) weak. Since there is little time to craft new policy proposals, parties will simply recycle outdated planks, artificially extending their intellectual lives.

Since Mays Tory Party has been governing, its members enjoy a significant advantage in formulating detailed plans for the election they are all but certain to win.

(Photo credit: Maurice. CC BY 2.0.)
It is "unacceptable" that Australia will soon become the world's biggest exporter of gas while households and businesses in the eastern states struggle with supply shortages and crippling prices, Malcolm Turnbull has said.

Firing a warning shot before his meeting with heads of the liquefied natural gas industry on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said: "It is absolutely vital that Australian industries, Australian businesses, Australian families have the gas they need at a price they can afford.

"It is not acceptable for Australia to be shortly the world's largest exporter of LNG and, yet, to have a gas shortage on the east coast in its domestic market. That is clearly unacceptable. I will be continuing the discussions and the industry knows exactly where I stand and where my government stands."

Australia is set to eclipse Qatar as the world's LNG powerhouse by 2020, but some exporters are struggling to fulfil contracts with Japan, China and South Korea, and have diverted local supply and forced prices higher.
1. May's gamble

May is soaring in the polls - the latest showing her 21 points ahead of Labour - the ineffectual opposition led by Jeremy Corbyn. [Nick Miller/Fairfax]

Her early election is politically clever in several ways. The election was due in 2020 and was frightfully close to the expected date of the official Brexit - around March 2019. Should it all go wrong, and a hard Brexit plunge the economy into any sort of crisis, the dangers to May are obvious and potentially fatal.

Positive sentiment towards Brexit, as it currently remains - an idea with no inception or clear picture of inception - is actually increasing. One survey published on the weekend showed "dissatisfaction with Brexit is now at its lowest level since last November, with just 45 per cent opposed to leaving the EU." [The Telegraph]

If she can win a bigger majority May can stare down the hard Brexiteers in her own ranks and pursue what some might scoff is a soft Brexit. [Ed West/The Spectator] It has been reported that May has privately told pro-EU Tory MPs she favours a soft Brexit, an MP at that meeting confirmed this to me a few weeks ago.
The days-long search for a Sydney teenager who went missing at an unpatrolled beach on the NSW mid north coast has turned into a recovery operation.

Ali Mosawi, 17, was swept away by a rip at isolated Pebbly Beach in the Yuraygir National Park, north of Coffs Harbour, on Saturday afternoon.

The search for missing teenager Ali Mosawi on Pebbly Beach. Credit:ABC News/Helen Merkell

He was waist-deep in the rough surf with his brother and three cousins when they all got into trouble.

Police say four of the teenagers managed to make it back to shore, including an 18-year-old who spent almost 48 hours recovering in Coffs Harbour Health Campus.
A blame game has started between Australia's leading airline and the state and federal governments as test results from a toxic foam spill at Brisbane Airport a week ago are yet to be finalised.

Last Monday, 22,000 litres of firefighting foam, containing perfluorooctanoic acid, was released by Qantas at Brisbane Airport.

Qantas advised the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection and the Commonwealth government of the spill on Tuesday morning, with EHP officers finding more than 20 dead fish upon arrival at the site.

Four days after the leak, a warning was issued for people to avoid eating seafood or fishing near the potentially contaminated area around the lower reaches of the Brisbane River, from Bulimba Creek to Fisherman Island, and north to Shorncliffe.
More than one in five young Queenslanders could be living with a serious mental illness, according to a report released by Mission Australia today.

According to the report, 21.9 per cent of young Queenslanders met the criteria for having a probable serious mental illness, up from 18.6 per cent in 2012.

The report showed possible mental health issues were heightened Queensland female teenagers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Credit:Angela Wylie

The Mission Australia Youth Mental Health Report found Queensland female teens were almost twice as likely as male teens to be living with psychological distress: up to 29.2 per cent in 2016 from 22.2 per cent in 2012, compared to male teens who were down 12.2 per cent in 2016 from 12.7 per cent in 2012.

The report also found 25.3 per cent of Young Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents met the criteria for having a probably serious mental illness compared to 21.8 per cent for non-Indigenous youth.
A Brighton jewellery store has been attacked by a group of youths in an unsuccessful daylight robbery.

Police swarmed the Holloway Diamonds store on the corner of Church and Carpenter streets after the incident about 11am.

This is the second Holloway Diamonds store to be targeted by thieves in less than a month and the third time the franchise has been robbed this year.

The Holloway Diamonds store in Canterbury has been robbed by men armed with machetes twice already this year  once on January 12 and again on March 24.
London: British Members of Parliament MPs will formally demand Asma al-Assad be stripped of her UK citizenship over accusations she helps spread propaganda for her husband, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Mrs Assad, a former investment banker who married Dr Assad in 2000, has more than 500,000 followers in total on her Instagram, Facebook and Telegram accounts which she uses to praise the Syrian regime's "martyrs" and attack the West.

Her Instagram account was used to respond to US President Donald Trump's air strikes against a Syrian airbase, in response to a chemical weapons attack by the regime.

The post read: "The presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic affirms that what America has done is an irresponsible act that only reflects a short-sightedness, a narrow horizon, a political and military blindness to reality and a naive pursuit of a frenzied false propaganda campaign".
London: It's been a big weekend in Pyongyang. The 105th birthday of North Korea's late founder (and grandfather of its current dictator) was celebrated in style, with a two-hour parade of marching soldiers and dancing women, grids of tanks and shiny missiles lying impressively on flatbed trucks. If there was a small hitch, when one of the missiles failed to blast off during a later test launch, the regime's celebrants were surely kind enough not to mention it.

Not so Mike Pence, the US vice president, who, speaking to South Koreans in Seoul on Sunday, called the failed launch a "provocation" and "a reminder of the risks each one of you face every day". South Korea lives under the constant threat of attack from its oppressive northern neighbour. The US is determined that its own citizens will never know what that's like - but it is getting harder to keep it that way.

Controlling North Korea's military advancement has been a constant US foreign policy aim for decades because of fears about what Pyongyang will do or demand once it has intercontinental nuclear missiles at its disposal. But despite the many rounds of sanctions, threats, negotiations and concessions, North Korea's capabilities have inexorably advanced.

Kim Jong-un, its dictator, is now believed to be sitting on a massive arsenal of chemical, biological, conventional and nuclear weapons. What seems to have eluded his military so far is the capacity to fire its missiles long distances - to the US's West Coast, for example - and the ability to miniaturise its nukes for loading on to missiles. This is, however, only a matter of time, possibly months.
Theresa May is betting on beating Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who tweeted his support for the election. Credit:Getty Images It's an odd argument. Labour actually supports Brexit now, though it wants it done a different way. And the House of Lords put up less of a fight than was expected in resisting the Brexit trigger legislation last month. It's hard to identify a "recent" development that put the government's Brexit plans at risk, other than its own foot-in-mouth moments such as the phoney Gibraltar war. Broadly, Theresa May's reasons for this election are genuine. Assuming she wins convincingly, there will be fewer opposition MPs in Westminster who might block or amend the reams of necessary Brexit-related legislation.

Assuming she wins convincingly, she can confidently say she has a mandate from the British people for her vision for the country outside the European Union. But, specifically, she has without doubt picked this moment because the opinion polls point to a spanking victory, and another decade or more in power. The latest polls have the Conservatives 21 points ahead of Labour. This is the Conservatives' biggest lead in government since 1983. A recent by-election saw a Labour heartland seat fall to the Conservatives. Labour is a disunited rabble with a desperately unpopular leader. And the UKIP vote is collapsing after the departure of Nigel Farage with much or all of it likely to flow to the Conservatives in a Brexit election. Nevertheless, there are some small signs of concern for May.

One poll put the lead over Labour much closer, at 9 per cent. And polls show the public generally like Labour's policies, though they don't see them as a credible government. Labour is in a dire position but a lot of its remaining seats are fairly safe, while many Conservative seats are held on small margins. Another potential hiccup for May is that the public is more than a little sick of politics right now, which could provoke a backlash or voter apathy. A BBC reporter got a priceless reaction from Brenda, a voter in Bristol, when he broke the news there would be a general election in June. "You're joking! Oh for God's sake I honestly can't stand this. There's too much politics going on at the moment, why does she need to do it?"

But the biggest risk for Mrs May is that this is not a straight political fight  so the polls are not good predictors. She has framed it as Brexit II  The Next Referendum. She has asked the country if it trusts her to get Brexit right. But only a third of the British think the government are doing well at negotiating Brexit, while 37 per cent think they are doing badly, according to the most recent polling from YouGov. Britain is still divided on Brexit itself  44 per cent think it was the right decision to leave the EU, and 43 per cent think it was wrong.

Most of the country is of the opinion that, once the Brexit referendum results came in, the government should get on with it. But given an election where they get a new choice, many may decide to try to put a stop to it. If a big anti-Brexit mood sweeps the country in the next month, as it properly focuses on the pluses and minuses for the first time in a year, the Conservatives might find it hard to preserve their majority. And this election is likely to see a resurgence of the Liberal Democrats, who will campaign hard against Brexit  alongside the Scottish National Party. May is aware of this. The biggest anti-Brexit constituency in the country is the 18-24 age demographic, and May has called the election right in the middle of exam time. Coincidence? Perhaps not. Quibbles aside, May is by far the favourite to win this election.
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Call them striking vikings!

Eight Scandinavian beauties competed for the crown in the 62nd-annual Miss Norway of Greater New York Contest at the Norwegian Christian Home in Dyker Heights on April 8. But the pageant is less about beauty, and more about celebrating the Norwegian heritage of community-minded contestants, said the new Miss Norway.

Its definitely more than a beauty pageant, said New Jersey resident Kristen Johnson, a 21-year-old Rutgers University student. Its about celebrating our Norwegian heritage and the contributions we make to our community. Im happy that I can represent that.

A panel of five judges listened to a three-minute speech from each contestant about her interests and her Norwegian identity. Johnson, who is a senior at Rutgers, already has a job lined up at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and discussed how she aims to help the states planters sustain their crops, and the next generation of farmers.

Right now Im trying to help increase young farmers in the state and help farmers crops become viable, she said.

Miss Norway will return to South Brooklyn for her duties during the Norwegian parade in May.

Im excited to represent my culture, said Johnson.

Reach reporter Caroline Spivack at cspiv ack@c ngloc al.com or by calling (718) 2602523. Follow her on Twitter @carolinespivack.
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Police are searching for a gun-toting goon and his blade-wielding buddy who attacked two men in Sunset Park on April 10.

An argument between the duo and two victims at an Eighth Avenue business near 58th Street escalated at 9:40 pm when one of the baddies pulled out a silver handgun.

The gunman tried to fire a round at a 21-year-old man, but the weapon jammed, footage released by police shows.

The brutes accomplice slashed another man with a sharp object before both attackers fled on foot, said officials.

Police describe the gunman in his 20s with black hair. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, a dark jacket, and a white T-shirt with dark pants and dark shoes.

His partner was also described as in his 20s with black hair and was last seen wearing a blue hooded jacket with tan pants and sneakers, officials said.

Police ask anyone with information about crime to call (800) 5778477, submit tips at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com, or text 274637 followed by TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
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Campus News

UB organizes first Buffalo Muslimedia panel

By CHARLES ANZALONE and ELIN HAWKINSON

I realized there was a big gap between their perception of what theyre covering and reality. 

A panel of faith leaders, Muslim community representatives and journalists will discuss concerns over how Muslims and people of other faiths are represented in the media at a Muslimedia panel from 1:30-4:30 p.m. April 23 at The Islamic Center, 745 Heim Road, Getzville.

Veteran Buffalo journalists Lee Coppola and Rich Kellman will headline the panel that will examine such questions as: Is the phrase Islamic terrorism accurate or offensive? When should reporters mention the faith of a suspect or a source? How well did the local media cover recent bomb threats at Jewish Community Centers in Buffalo?

President Trumps election, his travel bans targeting Muslim-majority nations, and the rise of ISIS and other terrorist groups who kill in the name of religion have made this dialogue urgent, according to panel organizer Jody K. Biehl, director of UBs Journalism Certificate Program. Journalists should have firsthand knowledge about topics they cover, yet Biehl sees her UB journalism students writing about Islam without knowing much about it, and she fears this problem extends to the local and national media as well.

When I asked the staff of our student newspaper, How many of you have been inside a mosque? no one but our copy editor, who is Muslim, raised his hand, Biehl says. I realized there was a big gap between their perception of what theyre covering and reality.

To address this concern, Biehl applied for a grant from the Society of Professional Journalists to host a Muslimedia panel. Muslimedia grants are available nationwide to professional journalists wishing to provide a platform for blunt discussions among members of the press and leaders of the Islamic faith. Biehl accepts that the misconceptions often go both ways, with Muslims questioning why more positive news stories rarely make it to the front page.

You can argue that yes, there are positive stories that should be shared, Biehl says. But there must also be recognition that a journalists job is not to portray a community in any particular agreed-upon way. The job is to report what happens. Part of the Muslimedia discussion will revolve around this relationship between the community and the press, as well as opportunities for Muslim stories to have a larger presence in the Buffalo and national news.

The Muslimedia panel event and reception are free and open to the public.

Biehl hopes to connect with local news outlets, service organizations, members of other religious communities and individuals who could either benefit from or contribute to the discussion. During the event, audience members will be invited to ask questions about Islam and current journalism practices, as well as witness and talk about an Islamic prayer session. A light halal meal will be served.

Its my hope that by seeing and experiencing Islamic faith and Muslim culture, demystification will occur, Biehl says. Many people only know what they read, and often what they read about Muslims only relates to terrorism. Muslimedia will serve as a looking glass into the other, which doesnt happen often.

I also hope it will inspire professionals to deepen their knowledge of any faith before reporting on it. For my students, Im confident this practice will result in savvier, more empathetic citizens and  ultimately  better journalists.

Muslimedia will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a welcome and a brief interactive prayer session. The panel discussion will start at 2:30 p.m. Learn more:

Panelists include:

Lee Coppola, award-winning print and television reporter, former assistant U.S. attorney and former dean of the St. Bonaventure Journalism School.

Rich Kellman, a 40-year veteran broadcast journalist, TV news anchor, filmmaker, and winner of two Emmys and the Edward R. Murrow Award.

Gamileh Jamil, executive director of ACCESS Buffalo who serves on the Erie County Advisory Committee on the Status of Women. She holds a masters degree in health administration.

Khalid J. Qazi, clinical professor of medicine in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB; past president and chair of the Islamic Society of Niagara Frontier; founding president of the Muslim Public Affairs Council of Western New York; and recipient of numerous regional and national awards.

Rabbi Jonathan Freirich, a native New Yorker who will begin in July his 18th year in the rabbinate as one of three clergy serving Temple Beth Zion in Buffalo.

Rev. Thomas Yorty, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Buffalo. He leads a congregation committed to multi-faith understanding and collaboration, social justice and progressive values.

Imam Syed Khalilullah Qadri, spiritual leader and resident imam of the Islamic Center, which is owned and operated by the Islamic Society of Niagara Frontier. He holds degrees in Islamic studies.

The panel is sponsored by The Society of Professional Journalists, the UB journalism program, the Islamic Society of Niagara Frontier, Congregation Havura, ACCESS of WNY, Muslim Public Affairs Council of WNY, Temple Beth Zion and Westminster Presbyterian Church of Buffalo.
Campus News

Signature Series to celebrate Nnedi Okorafor

Nnedi Okorafor is one of only four authors in the past 20 years to win both the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award  two of the science fiction genres highest literary honors. Photo: Douglas Levere

UBNOW STAFF

The work of award-winning science fiction author and UB faculty member Nnedi Okorafor will be celebrated at this years Signature Series, the annual event celebrating UBs legacy of innovation and distinction in arts and letters.

As part of the celebration, taking place April 27-28 on the North Campus, members of the UB community and the public are invited to attend several events:

Small Group Discussion, 11 a.m. April 27, 610 Clemens Hall. Faculty, staff and students can meet and talk with Okorafor in an intimate setting. Space is limited; lunch will be provided for pre-registered guests.

Keynote Lecture, 3:45 p.m. April 27, Black Box Theatre, Center for the Arts. Okorafor will give remarks and present a book reading before being joined on stage for a conversation with Bruce Jackson, SUNY Distinguished Professor of English and James Agee Professor of American Culture. A light reception will follow the keynote lecture.

Film screening, 1:30 p.m. April 28, Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall, North Campus. A screening of the short Kenyan science fiction film Pumzi will be followed by an open discussion. Written and directed by Wanuri Kahiu, Pumzi was screened at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival as part of its New African Cinema program.

All events are free, but advance registration is requested.

Okorafor, associate professor in the Department of English, College of Arts and Sciences is a novelist of African-based science fiction and fantasy for both children and adults. In 2016, she became one of only four authors in the past 20 years to win both the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award  two of the science fiction genres highest literary honors  for her novella Binti, the story of a mathematically gifted young African woman who must leave her family and customs to attend the galaxys most respected university.

Born in the United States to Nigerian immigrant parents, Okorafor is known for weaving African culture into creative, evocative settings and memorable characters. The New York Times has described her novels as combining politically complex science fiction and lyrical fantasy.
Everything you need to know for election day in Burlington County

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Last year, Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman and MD of Reliance Industries Ltd launched Reliance Jio services offering free VoLTE-based voice calls, apps, sms and high-speed 4G data. Soon after, the incumbents like Airtel, Vodafone and Idea faced the heat that led to the greatest tariff war in telecom sector of all times.
In 2014, Dolly Kumari, an outspoken 12th class pass, left her home in Jharkhand, journeying about 2,000 km south to a new job as a tailor at a garment factory in Bengaluru. Like most workers in this sector, when she first came, she did not think of staying beyond a few months. Today, over two years later, at 21, Kumari is one of two assistant line supervisors on the factory floor of Shahi Exports Pvt. Ltd., overseeing the work of 119 tailors. Her salary has risen 66%, from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,300 per month. She talks easily of time management and effective communication, and hopes one day to become a floor-in-charge.
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Indian IT services firms will see costs increase and business slow as the US President Donald Trump gears up to sign an executive order on Wednesday that would make sending engineers on to the US expensive and time consuming.

The US administration has targeted Indian firms such as Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and the US-based Cognizant that follows the offshore model for the visa programme, accusing them of paying lower wages than that set by the Department of Labour.

US officials claimed that only 5 per cent of the holders in 2015 earned higher wages set by the Department of Labour, while four out of five workers were paid less than the median age. The whitehouse blog, which quoted unnamed officials briefing the US press, targeted such as TCS, Infosys, Cognizant saying that they applied for large number of H1B visas to get better chance in the lottery system, a lenient implementation of the laws often resulted in hiring of H1B employees, not always high-skilled, to do works of senior American workers.

"With US administration trying to strictly enforce the law for H1B visas, Indian IT firms will see a tremendous cost pressure. In addition, if the the lottery system is abolished for visa issuance, it will only add to their cost," said Pareekh Jain, analyst at HfS Research India.

For a good perspective on where the numbers stack up. Infosys, India's second largest software exporter, earned 56.8 per cent of revenue with only 28.8 per cent of effort or resources onsite in client locations such as US and Europe. With 70.2 per cent effort in offshore locations such as India, the company earned 43.2 per cent revenue of Rs 68,484 crore in fiscal 2017.

Infosys chief executive Vishal Sikka is trying to change this by building a model that delivers software led services, removing dependency on people, while ensuring their productivity increases multifold. At the same time, the firm is looking to hire more local engineers, which includes replicating the model of recruiting hundreds of freshers from college campuses and training them in its local training schools.

TCS, which has been named by US officials of gaming the system, dismissed the allegations saying the company has always be compliant with the visa rules.

"As far as visas are concerned, we have been complaint and we would be compliant. US remains our largest market. So we will continue to stay in US and meet our customer requirements.

For doing that whatever business model changes have to be done we will do that," says Ajoyendra Mukherjee, head of HR at TCS. " We are hiring locally in all geographies. Last few years hiring onsite has been higher. We are going more and more towards less visa dependent business model."

TCS says that it complies with local wages and would tweak its business model based on customer needs. Indian firms over the past few years have reduced dependency on H1B visas, while US firms such as Accenture, IBM and Google have stepped up hiring engineers from India and send them on the coveted visa. However, there has been no backlash by US administration on this.

Poorvi Chothani, managing partner at LawQuest, a global immigration and employment law firm, says that the executive order is expected to commission the Department of Homeland security to review the current H-1B programme as the US administration wants to only allow highly-skilled foreign nationals who will contribute to the US economy.

"The thrust is on the economy and not only on jobs. It is horrible that they are naming some of the large Indian against which there is no concrete evidence of abuse. But there are instances of several other that have abused the system and brought the entire Indian IT sector to this position. There also are instances where some companies have used business visas for their Indian employees to go and work on short term projects or in rotation on larger projects, which is completely illegal," said Chothani, adding that going forward the US immigration classifications will be more strict and Indian companies should see stringent scrutiny of applications and compliance, from the US government.

This order will, however, not have an impact on the applications filed this month for the current year.

"Based on the report there could be Congressional action to revamp the work-based US immigration system. There is also a chance that President Trump could issue another executive order (based on the report or otherwise) that temporarily suspends some visa options and/or immigration benefits," pointed out Chothani.
Mini motorcycle and go-kart maker Monster Moto made a big bet on U.S. manufacturing by moving assembly to this Louisiana town in 2016 from China.

But it will be a long ride before it can stamp its products "Made in USA."

The loss of nearly one out four U.S. factories in the last two decades means parts for its bike frames and engines must be purchased in China, where the manufacturing supply chain moved years ago.

"There's just no way to source parts in America right now," said Monster Moto Chief Executive Alex Keechle during a tour of the company's assembly plant. "But by planting the flag here, we believe suppliers will follow."

Monster Moto's experience is an example of the obstacles American face as they, along with President Donald Trump, try to rebuild American manufacturing. U.S. automakers and their suppliers, for example, have already invested billions in plants abroad and would face an expensive and time-consuming transition to buy thousands of American-made parts if President Trump's proposed "border tax" on imported goods were to become law.

When reshore assembly to U.S. soil - in Monster Moto's case that took two years to find a location and negotiate support from local and state officials - they are betting their demand will create a local supply chain that currently does not exist.

For now, finding U.S.-based suppliers "remains one of the top challenges across our supplier base," said Cindi Marsiglio, Wal-Mart Stores Inc's vice president for U.S. manufacturing and sourcing. Wal-Mart partnered with Monster Moto and several other U.S. in a drive to increase spending on American-made goods by $250 billion by 2023 in response to consumer demand for American-made goods.

Their experience has shown Americans' patriotic shopping habits have limits, namely when it comes to price.

Take Monster Moto's bikes, which sell for between $249 to $749. Keechle, the CEO, says he can't raise those prices for fear his price sensitive prospective customers will turn to less expensive rivals made in China.

"Consumers won't give you a free pass just because you put 'Made in USA' on the box," Keechle says. "You have to remain price competitive."

Keeping a sharp eye on labor costs in their factory is one thing these U.S. manufactures can control. They see replacing primarily lower-skilled workers on the assembly line with robots on American factory floors as the only way to produce here in a financially viable, cost-competitive way. It's a trend that runs against the narrative candidate used to win the U.S. Presidency.

Since taking office, Trump has continued promises to resurrect U.S. manufacturing's bygone glory days and bring back millions of jobs. On March 31, Trump directed his administration to clamp down on countries that abuse trade rules in a bid to end to the "theft of American prosperity."

But it's more complicated on the ground for companies like Monster Moto.

"It's almost as if people think you can just unplug manufacturing in one part of the world and plug it in to the U.S. and everything's going to be fine," said David Abney, Chief Executive Officer of package delivery company United Parcel Service Inc, which helped Monster Moto reconfigure its supply chain to bring its Chinese-made parts to Ruston.

"It's not something that happens overnight," he said. A White House official said that the Trump administration's efforts to encourage manufacturers to reshore production will be focused on cutting regulations and programs to provide new skills to manufacturing workers.

"We recognize that the manufacturing jobs that come back to America might not all look like the ones that left," a White House official said, "and we are taking steps to ensure that the American workforce is ready for that."

MAKING ROBOTS GREAT AGAIN

In Monster Moto's cavernous warehouse in Ruston, boxes of imported parts that are delivered at one end then become bikes on a short but industrious assembly line of a few dozen workers.

A solitary, long-bearded worker by the name of Billy Mahaffey fires up the bikes to test their engine and brakes before a small group of workers puts them in boxes declaring: "Assembled in the USA."

Helped by that label, Monster Moto has experienced a recent boom in demand from major customers that include Wal-Mart. The company expects to double production to 80,000 units and increase its assembly workers - who make $13 to $15 an hour - to 100 from around 40 in 2017.

The most likely components Monster Moto could produce in America first are black, welded-metal frames for bikes and go-karts, but they would have to automate production because human welders would be too expensive.

"We can't just blow up our cost structure," said Monster Moto President Rick Sukkar. "The only way to make it work in America is with robotics."

The same principle applies for much larger manufacturers, such as automotive supplier Delphi Automotive PLC's. Chief Financial Officer Joe Massaro told analysts in February that 90 percent of the company's hourly workforce is in "best-cost countries."

When asked about shifting production to the United States from Mexico, Massaro said depending on what happens to trade rules "it would have to be much more of the sort of the automated type manufacturing operations just given the labor differential there."

That trend is already showing up in data compiled by Economic Policy Institute, a Washington-based think-tank. According to senior economist Rob Scott, not only did America lose 85,000 factories, or 23.5 percent of the total, from 1997 to 2014, but the average number of workers in a U.S. factory declined 14 percent to 44 in 2014 from 1997. According to Scott, much of the decline in workers was due to automation. For a graphic, click http://tmsnrt.rs/2oaz5mD

"We're going to see more automation in this country because it makes good sense economically for every company," said Hal Sirkin, a managing director at the Boston Consulting Group. "You can spend a lot of time bemoaning it, but that's not going to change."

Manufacturers say automated production requires fewer, but more skilled workers such as robot programmers and operators. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) estimates because of the "skills gap" there are 350,000 unfilled manufacturing jobs today in a sector that employs over 12 million people.

In Ruston, Mayor Ronny Walker bet on Monster Moto by guaranteeing the company's lease because he wants to diversify the city's economy, and envisions suppliers setting up alongside Monster Moto's assembly plant.

"Could it take a long time to bring manufacturing back here? Sure," he says. "But you have to start somewhere."
When a hunting season was opened in Florida in 2015, hunters shot 304 bears, mostly females. Given that most adult females will have two to three cubs, we can estimate that trophy hunters orphaned or stranded at least 76 bear cubs. Photo by iStockphoto

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Yesterday, Floridas largest newspaper, the Tampa Bay Times, rightly urged the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to forego a trophy hunt for black bears in the state, as it did last year after an outpouring of concern from residents. Connecticut is going through a similar debate, with its small black bear population, and theres also a major citizen effort underway in New Jersey to pull back on that states hunt after one trophy seeker shot a much-followed-and-photographed bear named Pedals, who became a national sensation because he walked upright due to an injury to his front legs and had the posture and gait of a human being.

All three states are densely populated  more so than just about any other states in the nation. There are more people moving into habitats occupied by wildlife, with humans cutting down forests, building homes and roads, and of course, trekking for recreation in the forests that remain. Inevitably, there are some conflicts, with a few thousand bears and millions of people occasionally having encounters.

When I was growing up in Connecticut, there wasnt a bear to be seen in the state. My heart would have raced in the best way to catch a glimpse of one of the bruins. Now, to the credit mainly of the resourceful bears, theyve reclaimed a portion of their original range in the Nutmeg State. Black bears avoid human interactions, and the worst they typically do is raid the trash or seek a honey fix by raiding a beehive.

Weve donated bear-proof trash cans in many states, and thats the way to curb the first problem mentioned above. Theres not a solution to every type of encounter, but it seems to me that we can do our best to show tolerance for a long-lived, slow-to-reproduce large mammal whos been dealing about as well as can be expected with the activities of human communities that swallow up wildlands, build homes, and bisect their habitats with roads that feature vehicles blazing past the animals.

Even if there are occasional bear-human conflicts, thats no reason to allow trophy hunters to shoot bears at random. Thats akin to a crime-control strategy that involves shooting into a crowd. It does nothing, except in the rarest circumstances, to target a bear with a habitual problem of coming into contact with people.

While Connecticut and New Jersey had very few bears until recently, Floridas unique and rare subspecies of black bears were considered a threatened species until 2012. When a season was opened in 2015, hunters shot 304 bears, mostly females. Given that most adult females will have two to three cubs, we can estimate that trophy hunters orphaned or stranded at least 76  but likely more  bear cubs.

It would also put the total 2015 trophy-bear-hunt mortality closer to 400 bears.

These wildlife management cases are a test of our character. We can show tolerance and learn to live with wildlife, allowing these and other large, wide-ranging mammals to enjoy their homes. Or we can choose to exploit the very rare, almost always innocuous encounters that do occur, transform them into life-threatening scenarios, and use them as a pretense for the random killing of unoffending animals. These are not war zones and these situations do not warrant such a use of force and such wanton disregard for the animals interests and well-being.

Lets face it: trophy hunters dont kill inedible bears for food or for management purposes. They do it for fun, to create a selfie for social media and for bragging rights, and in some states, including New Jersey, they bait animals to lure them within shooting range. The New Jersey black bear hunt this year also allowed, for the first time in decades, the use of arrows and muzzleloaders, and there were no restrictions specified on the killing of cubs or mother bears. In other states, packs of hounds are used to chase the animals and shoot them from trees. Kentucky wildlife managers have proposed one of the most draconian hound hunts on their two very small, still-recovering bear populationsat a level that is heartbreaking in the extreme. And in Maine and Alaska, they are even permitted to conduct trapping with snares, or may be free to do so soon.

Last year, a group of knowledgeable Florida scientists sent a detailed letter to the Florida Wildlife Commission, warning that allowing the hunt to continue as it did in 2015, coupled with roadkill numbers, nuisance bears killed, and poaching, may well plunge multiple subpopulations into sharp decline.

Of more than 40,000 comments sent to the FWC before the 2015 hunt, 75 percent were opposed to the hunt. A 2015 statewide Remington Research poll found that nearly two-thirds of Floridians oppose bear hunting. The poll also showed that Floridians overwhelmingly favor educational outreach (84 percent) and bear-proof garbage cans (81 percent.) Eighty-seven percent agreed that neighborhoods near areas where bears roam have a responsibility to avoid attracting bears by securing their garbage and other foods.

I suspect people in Connecticut and New Jersey have similar instincts. Policy makers and regulators should show restraint and compassion, and just be thankful that their states have bears and that they can be found in places other than the history books.
Industrialist Vijay Mallya's return to India could be delayed, given that UK Prime Minister called for early elections on 8 June, but a reprive for him is unlikely from the UK government. In the first of a series of legal steps, the Metropolitan Police in London arrested the former liquor baron at 9.30 am local time on Tuesday.



In February, India's Ministry of External Affairs had made an extradition request, as received from the Central Bureau of Investigation, to the UK High Commission in New Delhi. Mallya is likely to be produced in court today and will get a chance to present his case.
Indian industrialist, Vijay Mallya, 61, whose Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) collapsed and who allegedly owes various Indian banks around Rs 9,000 crore, was granted conditional bail by the Westminster Magistrates Court in central London on Tuesday, after he was produced there following an extradition request by India. The next hearing of the case will be on May 17.
UB Group chairman and former liquor tycoon was arrested in London by the Scotland Yard, channels CNN NEWS18 and Times Now reported on Tuesday afternoon.

He will now be produced before the Westminster Magistrates' Court later in the day.

India had applied to Britain to extradite to face trial after the liquor and aviation tycoon was charged with conspiracy and fraud over a loan to his defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

Mallya fled to Britain in March 2016 after being pursued in courts by banks seeking to recover about Rs 9,000 crore owed by his Kingfisher Airline. Despite multiple injunctions, he has failed to appear before investigators at the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Mallya was declared a wilful defaulter by India before he fled to the UK. In September 2016, he submitted before an Indian court that he wanted to come back to India but was "incapacitated" to travel despite "best intentions" as his passport had been revoked.

The UK conveyed to India, in a February 21 order, that its request for Mallyas extradition has been certified by the Secretary of State.

The judge will now set a date for the extradition hearing. The hearing must satisfy the judge that the conduct of the individual amounts to an extradition offence.

In the UK, extradition involves several steps, most of which are time-barred but allow several tiers of appeal. Once the Secretary of State has certified that the matter can go to court, and if the court is satisfied that enough information has been supplied, an arrest warrant can be issued. This is the point at which Mallyas case rests currently.

The court must be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the conduct described in the request is an extradition offence (which includes the requirement for dual criminality). Generally the information accompanying a request needs to include: details of the person; details of the offence of which they are accused or convicted; if the person is accused of an offence: A warrant for their arrest or provisional arrest (or an authenticated copy); if someone is unlawfully at large after conviction of an offence: A certificate of the conviction and sentence (or an authenticated copy), or for provisional arrest, details of the conviction; evidence or information that justifies the issue of a warrant for arrest in the UK, within the jurisdiction of a judge of the court that would hold the extradition hearing.

Extradition can be reviewed by the Secretary of State under specific circumstances:

* The person could face death penalty (unless the Secretary of State gets adequate written assurance that the death penalty will not be imposed or, if imposed, will not be carried out)

* There are no speciality arrangements with the requesting country  speciality requires that the person must be dealt with in the requesting state only for the offences for which they have been extradited (except in certain limited circumstances)

* The person has already been extradited to the UK from a third state or transferred from the International Criminal Court and consent for onward extradition is required from that third state or that Court (unless the Secretary of State has received consent)

None of these apply to Mallya.

The Secretary of State has to make a decision within two months of the day the case is sent. Unless there is an appeal, an individual must be extradited within 28 days of the Secretary of States order.
Businessman has reportedly been arrested in London by Scotland Yard just weeks after UK set in motion the process of extradition of the industrialist who has been declared a proclaimed offender.





Mallya fled to UK in March 2016 after being pursued in courts by banks seeking to recover about Rs 9,000 crore owed by his Kingfisher Airline.
Jalaj Dani of Asian Paints is not the only member of an Indian business family to strike out on his own. Dani, a third-generation scion of one of the founding families of Asian Paints, has stepped down from his position as president, international at Asian Paints to pursue his own interests.
Bloomberg News and (ACJ) have launched a co-branded financial journalism programme in India. The ACJ-Bloomberg Postgraduate Program will teach students the latest journalism skills related to writing and editing, digital and multimedia reporting, ethics, investigative reporting, fundamentals of finance and government reporting, says a press release. The applications to the course, which starts in July, opened on Tuesday.
It is common to hear harrowing tales of government schools from across the country. In some instances, the infrastructure is in shambles. In other cases, teachers do not impart the lessons properly. While in many schools both the problems co-exist.
Commuters in Delhi-NCR may face hardship in hiring taxis on Tuesday as the drivers of two app-based cab aggregators Ola and Uber have threatened to go off the roads for a day against low fares.

This is the second round of strike called by the drivers.

They had gone on strike in February, too, which had lasted 13 days, causing inconvenience to commuters in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and Faridabad.

The strike might hit private transport service in Delhi and neighbouring cities, as some groups of tourist taxi providers, autorickshaw union, as per agitating Sarvodaya Drivers Association, have extended their support to it.

The association, which claims to represent around 125,000 app-based taxis in Delhi-NCR, demands that fares be increased from existing Rs 6 per km to around Rs 20 per km.

It also demands abolition of 25 per cent commission the drivers are charged by companies.

Ravi Rathore, vice-president of the Sarvodaya Drivers Association, said drivers will take out a protest march against the Delhi government which, he alleged, is not intervening to resolve the issue.

The protest march will be taken out from Majnu-ka-Tila to the CMs residence in North Delhis Civil Lines area. There is anger among drivers that government is not intervening in raising their issues with Ola and Uber, Rathore said.

He said the association has called for the one-day strike in favour of the demands and if companies and government do not pay heed, they will go on an indefinite strike.

According to the association, the app-based cab companies made tall promises to drivers  like they would earn as much as Rs 1.5 lakh every month.

But the situation is different. They are making us run taxis at Rs 6 per km while they charge 25 per cent from us, Rathore also said.

Contrary to the associations claim that most autorickshaw and tourists associations have decided to lend their support to the strike, Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union (yellow-black taxis) said they will not participate in it.

"We will not support the strike in Delhi," Rajendra Soni, general secretary of both the associations, said.

Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court restrained two taxi drivers' unions - the Sarvodaya Driver Association of Delhi (SDAD) and the Rajdhani Tourist Drivers' Union - from disrupting services of cabs run by Ola and Uber in the capital region.

Welcoming the court order, Uber in a statement said it hopes it will enable drivers to stay behind the wheel, without fear or harassment.
Citizens of India are eligible to visit Russia's far east without visas, Russian Prime Minister has said.

According to a TASS report, Medvedev said on Monday tourists and businessmen from 18 nations  India, the UAE, Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei, Iran, Qatar, China, North Korea, Kuwait, Morocco, Mexico, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Tunisia, Turkey and Japan  can visit the Russian far east without visas.

"I have approved the list of countries whose nationals can take advantage of the preferential regime. Businessmen and tourists will not need to undergo the traditional procedure of Russian visas receipt," the Prime Minister said.

It will be enough for foreigners "to enter their data on a special website in the internet," Medvedev said.

"We are proactively forming the modern infrastructure and creating special regimes in the Far East. The law on visits to the Vladivostok free port was approved in March," Medvedev said.

Cancellation of visa procedures for tourists and businessmen "will promote growth of investment and tourist attractiveness of the far east," he said.

The region will earn more money from tourist traffic growth, the Prime Minister added.

Eighteen countries from various regions selected by the reciprocity principle were included into the list, Medvedev said.

"This is not because these states are situated at a closer or longer distance  we are appropriately introducing bilateral agreements on visa-free travel for those ready to use such an approach for us," he was quoted as saying by TASS news agency.
Widespread protests by students in the Kashmir Valley on Monday heightened tensions as dozens of students and policemen were injured in clashes.

The students clashed with police in Srinagar, Bandipora, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kupwara, Kulgam and Shopian districts.

The students had called for protests against Saturday's incident in Pulwama town in which over 50 students were injured in fighting with security forces after objecting to the setting up of a security post outside the college.

Security forces had entered the Pulwama college on Saturday.

Students of S.P. College in Srinagar blocked the Maulana Azad Road on Monday as police used tear smoke in a bid to clear it.

The students resorted to massive stone pelting at the police, resulting in injuries to the Station House Officer of Kothibagh police station and two of his guards.

Three students were also injured in the clashes.

Police used dozens of tear smoke shells to disperse the students who kept regrouping to engage the police on the streets.

Girls from a women's college in Srinagar also joined the protests as police battled hard to bring the situation under control.

Markets in neighbouring Residency Road and Lal Chowk areas closed as tension spread.

Protests and clashes also erupted between students in Pulwama town despite the authorities having ordered the closure of the college there for two days following Saturday's incident.

Students also indulged in heavy stone pelting at the security forces in Baramulla, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, Dooru, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Tral and Bandipora towns.

Protests took place inside the Kashmir University and the Central University here but these were peaceful.

Reports said over three dozen students and two dozen security men were injured in Monday's clashes in the Valley.

Police said they were maintaining "extreme restraint" while dealing with the student protests.
In 2010, we told you Genband has become a mini Alcatel-Lucent for all practical purposes and we couldnt help thinking of this, almost a decade later as we sat, discussing the latest happenings at the company. GENBAND is actually not only a company delivering hardware and software, they have become a cloud-enabler for carriers worldwide. For example, Deutsche Telekom has a consumer app based on Kandy.

Who is GENBAND today? They are becoming the ultimate enabler of carrier communications solutions. They are partnering broadly and doing what is needed to woo developers to their ecosystem. In many ways, the competition for the company is Twilio  but they dont compete head-to-head GENBAND enables carriers to compete with Twilio. In other ways the competition is Skype  but they dont compete directly, they enable carriers to take on Skype with Fring.

More broadly, GENBAND is the carrier arms dealer, allowing these service providers to compete with various OTT and other Silicon Valley services. They give you a platform to take back your network from a range of parasitic services.

If these Silicon Valley solutions get betwen carriers and their customers, GENBAND does the opposite. We searched for the antonym for disintermediate and frankly couldnt find one. Since its a holiday weekend, we took poetic license and invented a term, re-disintermediation That is what the company does for carriers worldwide.

But there is so much more.

The company is also making inroads, supplying solutions to the DoD  they recently became JITC certified. Recall that the The GENBAND EXPERiUS Application Server shares its heritage with the Nortel AS 5300, which provides it with the unique capability to offer a highly scalable, cloud-based upgrade option for legacy Nortel communications systems deployed by the US Department of Defense.

The company has further thrown its hat into the SIP trunking field  enabling carriers to roll trunks out to their customers. The twist is they can be integrated applications and accessed through APIs or Kandy Wrappers which are prepackaged applications.

GENBAND has deep roots in communications  as does Dialogic  two names which were the talk of the market during the dotcom days. Now they are partnering  Dialogics PowerMedia XMS will provide video functionality to GENBAND, recording, conferencing and more.

Last but not least is a partnership with IBM  it will allow the IBM Connections Cloud to offer collaboration services to enterprises. In addition, Watson is making bots intelligent for their customers. Once trained, a bot can interact with prospects and customers and when specific keywords are used which indicate a bot is in trouble, the communication can escalate to a live agent. The service costs around ten cents per connection they told me in a recent meeting.

One last area of interest is the companys focus allowing citizen developers to develop solutions without coding. For example in an hour, they were able to create a solution which at the click of a button launches a conference bridge and invites the appropriate people  useful if there is an IT outage for example.

There is certainly a lot happening at GENBAND  the good news is, their product breadth isnt slowing their ability to innovate.

Speaking of Communications Innovation



Communications 20/20 will be held July 18-20, 2017 at Caesars Palace,

Las Vegas, Nevada and will focus on the next wave of technology and innovation that will transcend the importance of person to person contact, disrupting the future of the entire communications industry. Communications 20/20 will provide vital knowledge and insight through unique programming, hands on training, live demos, keynotes, exhibits and networking events.

This unique conference will allow for individuals and companies entrenched in the traditional communications ecosystem that want to understand how to adapt and profit from the new software-defined communications trends that will permeate through all industries and enterprises.
Prime Minister on Monday said that the Central government had fixed prices for as many as 700 medicines for the benefit of the people as part of a comprehensive healthcare policy.

Inaugurating a Rs 500 crore multi-speciality hospital set up by diamond merchants of Surat, he also assured that the government would make sure that the doctors prescribe only generic medicines. "This will break the monopoly of big medicine outlets," he added.

"In the benefit of poor people, the government has fixed the prices for as many as 700 medicines so as to ensure they can afford it," he said.

Modi claimed his government rightly understood the value of a healthy society and had been working tirelessly towards building one and after a long gap of 15 long years that it was his government that had come up with a good healthcare policy.

He added the government had given much required attention to preventive healthcare measures in the country by the Swachh Bharat mission, which is a part of promoting preventive healthcare habits.

He commended the people of Surat for adopting the habit of cleanliness in such a way that it could provide a good example for other cities to emulate.

Referring to the Rs 500 crore Kiran Hospital that he inaugurated, Modi said that more than the price paid for setting up such projects, it was the hard work that went behind it was important.

"Whether the medical facility is worth Rs 500 crore or Rs 5,000 crore, it is the family values and diligent efforts that have ultimately anointed it as a blessing for public," he opined.

"I wish no one falls into such a situation requiring hospitalization, but if in case the need arises, may he be cured completely so as not to visit a hospital-like place again, I pray," he added.

The Kiran Hospital has been set up by philanthropic efforts of the diamond merchants of Surat, some of whom invdividually pitching crores of rupees. This is the only hospital in Gujarat with a facility for a helipad on its terrace.
The CBI on Monday filed an FIR against a dozen senior leaders of West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress and an IPS officer in the Narada sting footage case, raising the political temperature in the eastern state.

The opposition launched an all-out attack against the Trinamool, with the Left Front bringing out a large number of rallies demanding the resignation of the government.

However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said mere filing of FIR does not mean the accused are guilty. "It is a political game, and has to be tackled politically," she said.

A Central Bureau of Investigation spokesperson said the list of FIR includes all 12 persons who were purportedly seen receiving money in the footage. "Trinamool Congress MP Aparupa Poddar's name is also included in the list of FIR," the spokesperson told IANS.

Among those whose names figure in the First Information Report are Trinamool vice president and Rajya Sabha member Mukul Roy, the party's Lok Sabha members Sougata Roy, Sultan Ahmed, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Prasun Banerjee.

Also featuring in the list are state Ministers Subrata Mukherjee, Firhad Hakim, Suvendu Adhikari, city Mayor and Minister Sovan Chatterjee, legislator Iqbal Ahmed and former minister Madan Mitra.

IPS officer S.M.H. Mirza was the other person named in the list. He was seen in the sting footage and the Narada website claimed he described himself as a "key person who collects funds for the Trinamool Congress".

The accused have been charged with criminal conspiracy and under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

"CBI conducted the Preliminary Enquiry into the said allegations expeditiously. Enquiry revealed prima facie material for registration of a Regular Case (FIR) under the charges of ciminal conspiracy to commit a crime (IPC 120B) and Section 7 and 13(2), 13(1) (a) and (d) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Further investigation is continuing," a CBI press release said.

The Calcutta High Court ordered a CBI preliminary inquiry into the case exactly a month back, on March 17, and asked the federal investigation agency to submit the report within 72 hours.

The Trinamool appealed to the Supreme Court on March 21, challenging the High Court' order.

The apex court refused to interfere with the high court order, but extended the deadline for the preliminary probe to one month.

On Monday, Narada News CEO Mathew Samuel welcomed the CBI move, saying the agency's action proved that the visuals in the sting footage are not doctored and there was no conspiracy behind the sting operation.

"For these reasons they have come to the conclusion to file an FIR," said Samuel, who had carried out the sting operation on behalf of the news portal.

The opposition tore into the ruling party.

State Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury targeted the Chief Minister for having earlier claimed that no such scandal has taken place.

"She needs to be asked whether she still feels false cases have been lodged against the Narada accused?" he asked.

Senior Communist Party of India-Marxist leader and noted lawyer Bikash Bhattacharya said the latest development was inevitable.

"This shows the big role that money plays in politics of Bengal, or entire India. We hope there will be no political interference impeding the CBI probe," added Bhattacharya, who had fought the case for the petitioners seeking a CBI probe into the case.

State Bharatiya Janata Party President Dilip Ghosh said the filing of FIR was expected.

"People of whole West Bengal were waiting for this. The probe is proceeding in the right direction," he said.

The controversy erupted in election-bound West Bengal in March last year when Narada News portal uploaded video footage purportedly showing the Trinamool leaders receiving money in exchange of favours to a fictitious company.

Three PILs were filed seeking a CBI probe, and the opposition went all guns blazing on the issue. But the Trinamool managed to retain power, and soon after Banerjee ordered a police probe to find out the "conspiracy" angle to the sting.

However, the Calcutta High Court ordered an interim stay on the police probe.

--IANS

mgr-ssp/vd
Who owns nation wants to know? That seems to be the question that will probably be answered by the courts. The catch-phrase popularised by former Times Now anchor, has become a bone of contention now.
The navys warship procurement chief admitted on Tuesday that key purchases, including the vital procurement of six new submarines, were foundering on the defence ministrys failure to finalise a strategic partner (SP) policy.
The President of India and all central and state ministers who know the language might soon have to deliver their speeches only in Hindi if a parliamentary panel's recommendations, which have been accepted by President Pranab Mukherjee, are implemented, reported the Times of India on Tuesday.
The Supreme Court on Monday set in motion the process to sell Maharashtra-based luxury township of Aamby Valley to recover the dues owed by the Sahara Group to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).
The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought response from the central government on a PIL seeking to ascertain the feasibility of singing the anthem and the song in schools and public offices.

The notice has also been issued to the Law Commission of India.

Petitioner Ashwini Upadhyay, who is also spokesman of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Delhi unit, has urged the government to ascertain the feasibility of singing/playing of the anthem and the national song in Parliament/assembly, public offices and courts on every working day.

The BJP leader has sought framing of a national policy to promote and propagate the national anthem, the national song and the national flag in the spirit of the Constitution's Article 51A, which spells out 'Fundamental Duties'.

Its first clause says that "It shall be the duty of every citizen of India" (a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem".

Even as a bench of Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A M Khanwilkar and Justice Mohan M Shantanagoudar sought the government's response, it modified its earlier November 30, 2016, order to exempt a certain category of physically disabled people from standing up when the is played in cinema halls as per its directions.

The court had then ordered that the National Anthem would be played in cinema halls across the country before the start of a movie.

This, it said, would instil a feeling of "constitutional patriotism" and a sense of "committed patriotism and nationalism". It also had said that when the national anthem is sung or played, it is imperative on the part of everyone present to show due respect and honour to it by standing up.
BJP MP Subramanian Swamy on Tuesday suggested that the troubled should be de-populated and Kashmiris sent to refugee camps in Tamil Nadu to curb protests in the state.

A day after university and college students across the valley clashed with security forces, he tweeted:



Solution to revolt is to depopulate as was done to Hindus. For a few years keep them in refugee camps in TN.  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) April 18, 2017

The valley has been on a boil and the government has ordered the temporary closure of all schools and colleges.

The fresh protests followed a sequence of recent poll-related violence in the state where eight people were killed in firing by security forces when people tried to storm polling stations in Budgam district.
The life of every woman unilaterally separated from her spouse is pathetic. They face challenges and constraints both in their marital and natal families.
After reports on Tuesday suggested that businessman had been arrested in London by Scotland Yard, the industrialist rubbished the news saying only the extradition hearing had started, as scheduled, and the Indian media was hyping the news.
17 Rain strings touch



Part 1 ___________

I left Montreal in heavy snowflakes, they were playing with a beautiful story I send you last time dear Christy.

Last night the rain was sounding on my window, I dont know what they sing.

And this morning, a bunch of flowers in my vase opened fresh music in spring of Toronto.

Yeah, I was in Toronto, rent a room by Lake Ontario, a clean and quiet area.

Who set a long table under tree, covered with white tent?

And who would be here to weave a song with laughter gathering?

It would be alumni of Beijing University in this city, a party of called hotpots, everybody supposed to bring a favorite dish come to share;

The lake water was rippling on bank with cheerful sound, one by one, the long table placed vary colorful food;

I lifted one lid of dish, wa...." the smell was seductive with mellow like wine, stew beef with carrot and potato!

"you love this dish? one man said behind me, welcome to taste, I cook it;

He took a fork, tip a piece to my mouth, taste it, Mmm yamy yamy, love it, I nodded my head to him and smile;

We smiles each other in the joy of sunlight,

"what was your major in Beijing University?" he asked,

"I just study English one year for oversea program there . Not student.How about you?" I asked him.

"Computer, I am not student, my wife is," he said,

"Ow, haha..... computer, i want to learn it, you may teach me, please, I asked him in anxious;

Ok,  I am busy now, and I have a friend who may help you, he said.

The breeze flits over the trees blows the ripple swinging weeds along the lake, as the tiniest pale green buds nod at the tips of the branches with joy.

Hi, the man with me raised his hand to a lady, come on, let me introduce you a new friend,

As the lady walked closer to us, she and me smiled each other;

she may help you to build your website with graphics, she is website designer, ..

Is that you? I said to her, God, how are you, nice to see you here..how come you guys know each other?

you guys know each other? the man in surprising;

we are classmate in college, in a graphic design program. the lady said;

 A couple of weeks ago, I met her when I applied for a job in a computer magazine; she was in a meeting with the manager,

I would like to apply for a volunteer position. I said to her;

Why do you want to apply for that, you dont want to get paid? she was curious.

for my English is not good, and I would like to get in, and improve my language,

Mmmmm, thats good, come on, I let you to meet the manager,

And after talking with the manager, waited for about a week, I got the job, and I got paid,

and I bought my first car,

Now we met again here, in a hotpots party by the lake.

A beautiful day for meet beautiful friends; as small world has big heart in love.

We stood to talk, and we taste each others food, and she and me walked away from the crowd, hold our food to a small forest, and stopped under trees,

the breeze that rustle leaves like whisper for its gladness and joy, blows up the ripple of lake, veiled by a row of willow trees.

.

And as we stood there, it started to rain,

The rain strings fall on earth from the sky, and play on the leaves, on grass, and flowers;

We run to a coffee shop nearby, and stood there under the hove,

She smile on me, and we lean on the windowsill;

you want to taste mine, tomato fry egg, very popular dish in Beijing, I said,

I know it, its nice,

Open your mouth, let you try it

she opened her mouth, as I tip it into it;

her lips, the thick and sexy lips swell up from her face with seducing desire for kiss; and her breast with small base, but swell high, in very attractive way protruded from her bosom.

we smiled, and our shoulder touched each other;

my shoulder to push her a bit in purpose, and she smile on me, and pushed me back;

we didnt look each other, but our shoulder tightly against each other.

The lake of Ontario, rain fell on the water, countless dots of spirit, the rustle sound, as wind blow cheer of flute;

And the lute is singing, the sweet tones are spreading to remember gladness;

the lips of clouds touched the top of mountain, The rain stopped.

whole sky flowing over the maple leaves, the delicate red maple leaves,

clouds is shattered over the blue sky, and the light was shine,

we met before, and we met again, and become friend,

the merry bell rings under the hove of coffee shop, we stood there,

Her eyes lighted, and a bird came, sing a bit, and flew away, left smile ripple over trees,

I would buy a computer, I would like you come to teach me graphic design, wont you?

sure, let me know when you get one.

The rain strings hang on air, the wind is lyrical poet in the rain,

Lake Ontario was in fog and moisture steam,

who plucked the rain strings, let music sound flow?

Part 2___________

spring breeze spread on the door of 1999 in Toronto; she came to my home.

We sat by my window, a small desk, two small chairs,

Sunbeam shone on my new white computer, the birds in the leaves sung with me, my girl talked to me about software Photoshop, and I didnt listen,

my eyes on her, her eyes glistering behind her silver glasses, her hair that smooth blew in breeze from outside of window,

the wind bell ringing, and her delicate finger play on keyboard, like play piano;

The room was too quiet to hear our hearts pounding, and my mind was out of her talk, flew out through the window;

her eyes were watery in soft and love as she talk,

as our eyes touched, I saw her was nervous, and she dodged to meet with my eyes;

the world is such small, how could I met her in the company, and she became my teacher, came my home and beautifully sat beside me?

my knees touched her bare knees under the desk, a little bit touch,

she didnt move away, and the touch stayed;

you want play some music? I asked

No, look at here, on the screen, she said, the voice was slightly trembling;

Let me try, I hold the mouse, and my body was almost on her;

Our bodies closed together, our face almost touched,

I even could smell the breath from her nose as she exhale, the scent of girl, her girlish fragrant with my bodys hotness mixed,

Impulse, the strong impulse attack me, and my heart was shrink, and tighten,

I hold my breath, and her voice was lower, and her spoke slower,

Knowing the moment was coming, both of us;

she point with her finger on screen, her finger was long and exquisite,

Vibrant at the tip of my heart, and flaming burning up from my bottom

we smiles, and I hold her hand, and eyes on her eyes, looked at her,

her eyes gaze at me, the way she gaze me like mellow gleam of musical moonbeam blessing in the cool of evening

in the touch of our eyes, were raising fire, the loves flaming,

I moved my face to close hers, and turned around, our lips touched, and pressed together in sudden;

she close her eyes, and let her lips on mine,

the wind blow outside of window, and bell sound, and the sunlight was so warm;

my hand rub her hand, and she loose herself from me, and look at me.

Her eyes were so soft, so seductive, with a bit charming in sultry sense,

the charming in her eyes at that moment;

The light of day pouring in from my window, and wind blow leave outside,

Balcony the wind bell dingling dingling play the sound like whisper us,

Kiss, kiss, and love with kiss, like a sleeping song

Our lips pressed on, and we hold our breath, both of us;

won't breath out, i deeply take her breath from her nosily, a mature lady's breath.

And finally, and relief, and both of us ha. And took a long and deep breath,

i hold out my left hand on her neck, gently just put there.

she press her right hand on my hand. her right hand on my lap,

my hand stretched into her clothes through under her arm clothes, she got itch, hey, you're so bad, she laughing at that, with happy voice.

charming is her style. coquettish a bit, and kiss her lips, the sweet honey in love,

We looked each other, our eyes stared at each other, as if they hooked in magnet,

I love her in that way, in my holding comfortable and moved my hand lower, to her hips, hold it in both of hand, her firm and round hip,

she press her hand on it and hold it by press on it.

I .. I couldn't.. she seems mean she wont let me go further.

I am hungry, I said, me too,

you want to go out to eat? she said, its almost middle of afternoon,

We got up, went out, she drove, we arrived a restaurant by the lake,

O with gentle peaceful, the mossy slope beneath a woven grove it sailing, and ghastly torrent mingles its far roar, with the breeze murmuring in the musical woods

When we were about to leave, it started to rain.

The rain strings fell with sound of glee, we run to stand under the trees, and got wet.

I got my coat out and cover her. and we run back under the porch of the restaurant,

The rain seem wont stop, so we sat down on the wood steps.

You know where the rain come from?

From lake? Or from the sky?

The rain come from my clouds,

your cloud?, from my clouds, the music player;

When it filled love moisture in full, it falls,

it become rain string, play music in air, with lyrics ripples,

is that why we always meet with rain? she asked.

because you are with me, we are part of rain, of music, of love, haha.

you say that, but nice,

The rain strings, crystal, and clean, with silvery shining,fall down on lake and singing beautifully as you,

hear the wind play sound? it plays with strings of rain as a bow, the bow plays rains string of violin;

as the sky hear your singing, singing from your heart, it knows, it kiss, as I kiss you

I know you will kiss me, even before I come to your home,

you knew it, I said, and I knew it too, for you say you will come..

and rain knows it too, it fall down on ground, and we will sing with grass and flowers,

and the song is for you, singing thank you, my teacher, at my first computer class with love wet.

Part 3__________

As birds singing with dawns ray, we got up and drove away,

out of town, out of noise, she would bring me to Niagara Fall, the grand fall hang on the board of Canada.

stretched an arms out of top window, I hold fresh air into car;

her beautiful hair was flying, her blouse was fluttering, her bosom swelled up from pressed wind; her mouth opened with widen smile;

she was singing a song, and I waved my hand with the rhythm

we sing her bared arms on wheel, we sing flowers blooming in our heart,

highway like a stripe of silky river paved in early morning, our car like a tiny boat, sailing fast as trees back up like waving of flute with the joyful stream

May is the beautiful season on driving in field.

you see the trees, they are shaking, they were waving, .

say hi, my friends, I am in them, they love in you; floating between green bank,

The pool in the field reflecting the mountain and trees, a mirror with the ray of mornings glow;

The road is a creak flows in youthful joy; she was driving,

are you ok? she said,

I am boring, and I would hold you, and could we drive together?

how, I thought youre enjoy my music, I selected them, and make this CD myself,

You? Youre genius, .. haha. I want to drive, drive with you,

how?

see, let my hand is on yours, in that way we can drive together, I started to tease her;

nono, dont touch, you dont want an accident dont you

  im driving, and I couldnt stand and you..

you shut up, I pressed my finger on her lips, in the way I could touch her lips,

and I smiled, just let my hand on your hand, like this, and my hand was on her arms, and moved and slide from her hand to shoulder;

the smooth skin arms made me felt comfortable, and her short T-shirt fluttering by the wind opened wide, her part of breast showed up;

she looked at me, looking my eyes on her under arms,

and my finger stick into the under arm, and touched her flesh;

she pull my hand away, and it fell down on her leg instead, and I was happy my hand on there;

my hand clap on it;

okok. We are soon to get there, soon, very soon, she said, take your hand away from me, please,

As she saying, I hold her hand in mine, and waving in air,

bengbeng beng, I was singing to wave her hand in air;

crazy guy, you know that, you are, youre crazy,

Okok, sing a songs for me, I love to hear you sing,

to sing your body, or sing for the sunlight, and I kiss her face;

hey, sing a song you love; .. you stupid man, how was your website, did you make it up? ..tell me what you are doing, and how was the job, and your life. Talk me about it she said,

ok, the stupid man has stories, that is,  I go to a college, take the program called New Media design, and I used the skills you teach me, haha. and I build my website,

great, she said, and my hand put her neck, and caressed on it;

and I made my first website, and my hand fell down on her leg as I talking,

its not that bad as my friend say, I would show you later, while my hand massage on her thigh;

dont. hey stupid guy your handdid you? good for you, she took my hand away, and her hand clap my leg,

the green tree waving back and green mountain was far ahead, as widen road winds ahead in the day light,

open cars window, we welcome the fresh air, and we face Mays fresh;

the green and vast of field with the lace of flowers, and the cloud's decked with bright sunshine, and floating over skys end;

I raised her arm in air, and I was singing, our car was floating in the sky, floating with the clouds;

her under arm, from her short west, I saw her under arm hair, the furry thin underarms hair, shaking in wind; thats seducing again with my hearts tip quivering, with a sexual stirring,

a little secret stealing peer, that made me in rapture, and stirring of love sense, and that part show steal make more sense than expose completely, such as blow the edge of skirt by gust, or the underwear suddenly caught in eye sight.

her breast, which under a black bra, a part of flesh swelled in her bra, a black bra, seductively call me, calling with my eyes;

my head stretched under her arm, and she was yelling, hey hey, bad guy, get out of me, you want an accident? her voice was high pitch;

I didnt make any noise, just put my head close to her belly, and my nose touched her breast from below; and her hand clap on my face, and her finger were on my lips, and she play my lips while she was driving;

my head were on her lap, my lips kissing on her thigh, by that touching, her legs, her thigh, and slightly caress on it, she fell that in silence, and she seems get well on my playing;

by squeeze my face her fingers, then squeeze my nose, and said, give me a kiss, she murmured,

I watched the road, and no car in it, and I kissed her, her lips, I got a job in World Journal as reporter, and I also got a job in a Thailand restaurant as waiter,

The food they provide is sooo nice, I love the mongo salad the best, delicious, I was telling;

Ow, you got two jobs, thats great, how was the reporter job?

boring, I dont like it, but the payment is good, I love Thailand food too, she said,

sing a song, stupid guy, I would like to listen you sing,

I am not good singing, my voice is hoarse,

its ok, hoarse voice is good, thats mans sound, I like it, we could sing together,

sing what, give me a start,

Taiwan campus song, you my desk mate

I love that song, lets sing..

Hoho.. it was starting rain outside

"who married you who has motional feeling?

who made wedding clothes for you?

who steal read my love letter that i wrote to you?

who through it up in the wind?.... lalalala.la.la.."

we sing together, and we were driving in the sound of light sea, in the sound of rain strings that drop rustling on our cars roof;

who bring so much rain to us, as we are singing?

who through it up in the wind, it touches the strings of rain? .thats you, haha..

who made wedding clothes for you, me!

Haha you sweet mouth guy, she said, and we laugh loudly,.

my hand hold her hand waving in air, as she only one hand on wheel;

we shout our song out as our car moving in rain, and our sound floating in rain wet;

Part 4 _____________

Just arrived there, we were wrapped in huge hum of thunder voice, Niagara Fall;

hold each other, we didnt get out, just kiss, kiss in car, couldnt wait one second longer;

our car hidden in shadow of tree at a corner; we kissed, hold, until nearly noon

Let eating, as we opened cars window, the sound, the sound from the fall, like thousands of lions were roaring,

Put down our food, we quickly walked, stopped before the fall;

O, the great amount water in the light of sun, flow in transparent light, in silence,

As if they came from the end of sky, once got the edge of cliff, it fall down,

The jade water, fall down, hang in air like a big white flower curtain,

clench my girl hand, we watched in quiet, just watch and listen, to feel the beauty of fall

where this huge water come from?

the water, flow together, one by one, one followed one, as it falls, fall in the air, it become countless dot, hang on the air, with the shout, with the smile steam fog, their song of freedom, their song of love,

Do they flow thousand miles, just for this moment, for this moment in love?

they do, we do, come to this earth, for freedom, for love.

the music, the sound, they made in air, in their fall;

they are roaring for the thrill the love make it has,

In the air, the sound, the sound of roaring, is the happy sound when we make love,

haha.. thats right, she giggling on our talk.

Fall, is a love, a song, its music stay in air, only in air;

yeah, youre right, it falls into love, thats why they flow here, and fall.

That means fall.

my lips were on her lips, and we hold each other, we kiss, and our body together, like water, without border

They fall down and they died? she said,

no, they fall into love, and make love in air, with the most beautiful view, and hit the earth, and flow back, and they will come again, to make love here in fall,

you, youre so bad to think that way she smiles and kiss me.

did you have an impulse that you want to jump in?

yes, I do,

me too, I heard somebody once jumped in, and he is safe to survival, I dont believe it.

with what courage, with the spirit,

The fall, majesty, they are flowing to go home, their land, their original place where they come from with love.

I wish I was a drop of fall, could join in with them, and flow, and make love in air.

We hold each other, I hold my girls shoulder, and kiss her hair, her forehead, and she kiss me back in my lips, and I bite her lips, and stopped there,

The sound of fall, the steam, wrapped us, and we were in love, in the most giant love making fall.

As dusk time was near, as moon early to show over sky, a round mirror with smile

the pink stream in the dusks ray, hug foam of steam in the air;

evening in Niagara fall's beauty

I picked a tiny stone up by the fence, i stretched it to her;

"see, this's me, how about letting it jump into the group of forcing of water?"

i throw it to the fall, and it disappeared in the huge steam foam,

"i am in the fall, as i want to jump in,

"look," she picked another piece of small stone, and threw it to the fall.

"i joined you, and we run together with the fall,

"to the end of earth,

They makes a circle, a jump to the start point, and back the original point, runs a thousand of miles.

we grinned each other, and we were so happy.

O greatest Fall, please accept me, to be a part of your family, and i would flow with you, in the joy of nature, the moon, the sunlight, the grass along our way,



On the way home, she were tired, me too, my head on her shoulder as she drove;

she turned in a small road, stopped it,

we moved to back seat, hold each other, sleeping;

The night falls on us without knowing, were sleeping pillowed the star,

A dream flows to me ..

the fall was flowing, and we jump in to join,

two drops of water, join the hanging of fall, jump from the edge of cliff, stretching our wings, we fall, fall down, in the air, hang on as water fall, with the shout, with the song, the thrill of freedom, the glee of love.

Part 5 __________

Milky hue of sun spread over the hills at dawn,

Our car slides out of town, with the flute of morning softly blows over leaves;

Chewing our sandwiches, we, four of us this time, two men and two young ladies, drove to Algonquin Park, a provincial park.

all of us love lakes, and that park has thousands lakes.

6 hours driving journey to the north of Toronto, we made turn of driving.

Arrived by a lake, birds were chirping in shadows quietness of shadow.

We rent two boats, two pairs of us, peddled away,

the girl with me, we smiles each other, sat side by side, as the ripples slightly tapping our boat along the grass of bank;

a row blue boats moored by the side of wood deck, the reflection shaking in green ripple with a red house

we stopped peddling, let the boat wandering in free;

its quiet around, looked round, nobody around us,

we reached a small forest, a peaceful place, around heavy grass smell..

did you hear the sound, when the wind is flittering over it?

what did it sing? she said.

It sings, hey, come into me, come inside of me.. water call me, Haha.

I want to swim, let me in the water, to be a fish, to be a part nature,

youre joking, dont you? she smiled on me;

we once naked swim in the ocean when we were in Hainan island, its so fun, I said;

Ow, naked swimming? You mean you want to naked here swim?

yeah, I really do, maybe its crazy, .. if you dont mind? I said,

no, I dont, if you want, go ahead, she courage me;

She watched me, I took my coat and pant off, and . watch me, one, two, three,.

peng! I jumped into the water, and I swam under water,

Got out for the surface of water, I shake my head, and smiled her;

its so good, you want to join in? I pushed her and splash water to her;

she laughing and dodged it, no, I dont, dont splash water on me! she yelled;

someday, someway, haha. youd be wet, you will ..

you bad guy she smiles and started to peddle away,

I swam to follow her, and she peddle faster, but I swim faster than her;

As I caught the her boat, I swage it, and she was in picnic;

hey hey, bad guy, I dont want to fall, hey. She yelling out,

I smiled, and stopped, and push her to slide, in smooth way;

And she sat at the head of boat, and stretched her arms to the sky,

hey, I am swimming, I am swimming too, in the light, in the air, she shouted;

youre swimming in me, haha.. in my boat, I also shout out;

She sat there, come out bad guy, I am bored,

okok, I am coming..

the boat was bobbing up and down in the lake, and I pushing it to the bank under trees;

out of water, I dried up my body and put my shirt on;

tied the boat with a tree, we walked inside of trees;

A little tired, and in a small forest and I put a blanket and my coat on ground, and we sat down;

tell me your naked swimming in Hainan island, she let her head on my leg and laid down,

I will tell you if you dare to naked and jump into the water, and swimming with me,

talk to me, I want to listen,

stand up, lift up your hand, I said,

you may reach the cloud you love, the grass of tiny gift over sky;

My girl knew what I means, she knew that I would give her a hug.

So she stood up, and I hold her up, and made a spinning;

She smiled and she smiled in my arms, in the sunlight;

Then I put her down, and kiss her;

She kiss me back, and I stretched my tongue tip at her lips, then our lip pressed together,

She slowly take off her underwear as I kissed her; then her hand crossing on my back;

when my hand up touched her bosom from rubbing her hip, her breast was swell up in full;

she hold her clothes up a bit, and I pulled her bra up, her breast spring out, swaging with grace,

she let me suck her, suck her flesh bun of flowers,

my dick erected and getting hard, and I hold her down to the blanket, and got my gesture ready to get in;

as slowly massage at the entrance of her pussy, she murmur and sound out, and I bite her lips, and block her mouth the sound;

its coming inside of her, as I started to slunk, she shout it a loud;

as I plunge it in harder, tried to touch all sides in her push, she shout loud, and Au Au..

my hand both hold her hip, started to drive harder, the actually pumping;

The lake was in glorious water hue, and the flowers and grass swinging as breeze caressing on the water;

Its sing peace, flowing in love, their own ripple of music in lyrics

My right finder massage on her C point, the core of love, and made harder and stronger, that drove her went crazy,

a few slightly plunges, and with a suddenly hard and deep one,

she got high, and she Au Au. Sound, as she was going to the climax.

With a slight quivering, her body soften as a baby, and I felt that I reached her womb, and she made a sharp happiness voice, O, my.. my. youre so good. O..

she was using her full of force, wildly kiss me, as return, as appreciation, as satisfaction, for the affection, the love, in the nature, the tree, the lake, the sun,

we crazily drive each other, and my coat was very mess beneath of us;

we together made the sound and we all got the peak of sex, almost in the same time!

The sunlight was so warm, and the breeze was so dear, and I tired turn to laid down aside, and we face to the sky,

The clouds softly in the sunlights arm, and wind tapping the lake water, whisper with the grass of shore,

our love, the flower liquid blooms in nature, forest and lake,

its so quiet, only rustlings of leaves singing,

and two squalls came to us, turning their body quickly and open eyes big and runs away, to say hi

a fallen trees, with some dead woods, tiny pools with grass in it, and flow in singing of song, and tiny branches flow with it, and the best music to breath together.

The tree is our hidden tent; and the forest, the nature, is the sex place for us; to make us happy.

"look, the sky, the clouds, the light has painted the lake in light purple, with the ripple, the thin curving lines, that never stop their smile, ... and the clouds, O, the clouds became thicker, and darker;

Its looks like its going to rain,

No wind, and air is stopped, a piece of leave fall, as a smile from the sky

Is it a signal of spring before the rains come to us?

O, it rains, the rain falls again.

how come we always meet with rain? she stretched her palm, let rain drop fall on it,

the rain is the feeling of love, it follows the feeling, and turn it strings,

as the sky hear your singing, they come, as the grass and flower sing with you;

I read what in your heart, I talked with clouds, with lake, we talked each other,

so it rains, strings of water, fall from sky,

the whole sky become a musical instrument play with us;

the rain strings, crystal, and clean, with silvery shining, fall down on lake and singing as beautiful as you?

and wind hear the sound, and couldn't help, and play with strings of rain, as a bow, as a flute,

we were in the music of rain, we were part of sky play;

Algonquin park, in the rain, in our love strings;

Who touched them?

You, and me, part of rain strings, the music of wet love.
Soon after Vijay Mallya was arrested in London following India's extradition request, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar on Tuesday assured that the beleaguered liquor baron will be brought back after completion of all required legal procedures.

Addressing the media here, Gangwar claimed that although bail was granted to Mallya, who is facing money laundering charges, this does not imply any leniency towards him. He added that granting bail was required on grounds of a 'legal formality'.

"Eradication of black money has been discussed since the Lok Sabha elections. We will not let miscreants like Mallya escape. We will make sure he is brought back to India and produced before the law after due consideration of legal formalities," he said.

"Our government will make sure that nothing diverts this country's progress. Mallya's case will be investigated thoroughly," added Gangwar.

Mallya, who was finally caught after repeatedly refusing to appear before courts and investigators in India since he secretly fled to Britain last March, is set to be produced before the Westminster Magistrates' court.

Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that extradition of the absconding liquor baron has been stratified by the Secretary of State of the UK Government and added that a warrant would soon be released against him.

The Supreme court had started proceedings against Mallya a year ago and had issued notice to him on March 8, 2016, on a plea by a consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) for recovery of about Rs. 9,000 crore which the businessman and his companies owed to them. Mallya, however, fled the country days before the apex court took up the case against him.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi urged the court to direct him to bring back the USD 40 million which he had received from Diageo. He told the bench that Mallya had breached the court orders and his refusal to bring back the money had aggravated the breach. Rohatgi also said that Mallya should be directed to appear personally before the court.
With the recent lifting of a ban on mining in Uttarakhand, its fragile ecology is being threatened like never before. The concluding part of a three-part series looks at why the high courts rulings are dismissed so often.
The goods and services tax (GST) regime is less than 75 days away  assuming July 1 as the roll-out date. Here is a look at how doing business will be different in the GST-era.

What should businesses keep in mind while generating invoice?

Generating an invoice is perhaps the most critical part of the new indirect tax regime, based on which the input tax credit will be decided. According to the draft rules, invoices have to be filled up in a fairly detailed format.

The absence or wrong filing of required information could trigger denial or delay in claiming input tax credit.

Largely, there are around 16 particulars that are required to be filled up. These include various details of the supplier and the buyer, such as the HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) code, the 15-digit goods and services taxpayer identification number (GSTIN) of the recipient and the state code in which the delivery has been made. Service providers are required to give state-specific registration number while filing the invoice, said Pritam Mahure, a Pune-based chartered accountant and trainer. For generating the invoice, the IT configuration in a business has to capture a variety of transactions, such as services on inter-company basis, stock transfer and receipt of advances and centralised procurements for re-distribution, noted Amit Sarkar, partner & head, indirect tax, BDO India.

What are the key dos and donts while claiming the input tax credit?

For claiming any input tax credit, all vendors in the supply chain have to be tax compliant. There is also a plan to rate all taxpayers on their score card  putting additional pressure on vendors to be GST-ready. Under the current system, a supplier can claim tax credit from the government irrespective of whether the vendor has met his tax obligations. That is set to change in the regime.

Vendor should pay tax before the same is claimed as input tax credit. The recipient must receive the tax invoice and supplies before claiming credit, said Rakesh Nangia, managing partner, Nangia & Co. Given the credits can be availed of only within the specified time limit, the date of issuance of invoice becomes important. Monitor the payment of value for the goods or services within the period of 180 days, while keeping a track of the debit or credit notes, advised Sarkar. According to the draft rules, vendors should be paid within 180 days of claiming credit. Credit should be claimed only for procurements related to taxable business supplies only, added Nangia.

How will the stock transfer of goods or services be different under the GST regime?

The model GST law puts the onus of determining whether a transaction is an intra-state or inter-state on the assesse. So one needs to decide whether the payment is against the central GST (CGST) plus state GST (SGST) or integrated GST (IGST), based on the type of transaction, said Mahure.

Services being intangible in nature, there are proxy rules or provisions in the GST framework to help the assesse determine the place of consumption. To determine the place of supply in GST regime, it becomes important to have permanent address of the service recipient. However, this can pose a challenge for sectors like telecom where customers keep moving from one state to another. Telecom companies have to update their customer database on real-time basis, complicating their operations, said Mahure.

Tax experts note that under GST, all inter-state stock transfers, including self-supplies, are chargeable to tax. Similarly, intra-state stock transfers between the different registered business verticals would attract GST. This also offers an opportunity for optimising the supply chain from a business perspective, said Sarkar.

According to the GST legislation, if an assessee wrongly pays, say CGST and SGST  on the belief that the transaction is intra-state  instead of IGST, they will have to pay the correct tax (that is, IGST) again and claim refund of the wrongfully paid taxes. Several experts feel instead of putting the onus on the taxpayer to determine whether the transaction is intra-state or inter-state, the GST law should provide a simpler redressal mechanism.

Why one should provision for a higher cash flow requirement in the new system?

Levy of GST on inter-state stock transfers would be one of the many reasons which would push up the requirement of cash flows, said Nangia. For instance, a company transferring goods from one warehouse to another across different states will come under the ambit of IGST. This means taxes have to be paid upfront, increasing the cash requirement for the business.

Another reason for higher cash flow requirement for businesses would be the higher average rate of service tax under the GST regime. Businesses currently pay around 15 per cent (including the various cesses) on services. This is likely to jump to 18 per cent in the GST regime. Experts note exporters too would need to bear the brunt of the tax, before claiming rebate.

What are the likely challenges in determining the place of supply for services?

Service providers such as banks and insurance companies have to register separately in all the states in which they are providing services. This state-wise registration will substantially increase compliance costs of businesses. Nangia notes the place of supply rules under the current regime of service tax are applicable only to cross border transactions.

Going forward, similar rules would be applicable to every transaction whether domestic or international, he said. Most experts feel the rules for the place of supply of services have the potential to trigger legal dispute for taxpayers.
The Centre on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that a comprehensive policy on electronic data transmission was on the anvil and would be ready by August-September.
today abolished a visa programme used by over 95,000 temporary foreign workers, majority of them Indians, to tackle the growing unemployment in the country.

The programme known as 457 visa allows business to employ foreign workers for a period up to four years in skilled jobs where there is a shortage of Australian workers.

"We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains: Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs, so we are abolishing the 457 visa, the visa that brings temporary foreign workers into our country," said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The majority of the visa holders were from India followed by the UK and China.

"We will no longer allow 457 visa to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians," he said.

He said will adopt a new 'Australians first' approach to skilled migration.

As at September 30, there were 95,757 workers in on primary 457 visa programme, ABC reported.

The programme will be replaced by another visa programme, with new restrictions.

"It is important businesses still get access to the skills they need to grow and invest, so the 457 visa will be replaced by a new temporary visa, specifically designed to recruit the best and brightest in the national interest," Turnbull said.

Turnbull said the new programme will ensure that foreign workers are brought into Australia in order to fill critical skill gaps and not brought in because an employer finds it easier to recruit a foreign worker than go to the trouble of hiring an Australian.

Turnbull's announcement comes days after he visited India where a rangeof issues, including national security, counter terrorism, education and energy, were discussed and six agreements were signed.
The report, however, said NBFCs will benefit more from the Rs 70,000 crore recapitalisation of state-owned banks, which will increase their ...
In an unusual directive, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday asked to set aside higher provisioning for the telecom sector, starting from the current quarter.
Lt. Gen H. R. McMaster, U.S. National Security Advisor calls on Prime Minister

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Lt. Gen H. R. McMaster, U.S. National Security Advisor called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today. .

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Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster conveyed the greetings of President Donald Trump to Prime Minister. Prime Minister recalled his positive telephonic conversations with President Trump that reaffirmed the importance attached by both sides to the strategic partnership and to stepping up India-U.S. engagement across the board. .

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Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster shared his perspective with Prime Minister on the security situation in the extended region, including in Afghanistan, West Asia and the DPRK. During the conversation, they exchanged views on how both countries can work together to effectively address the challenge of terrorism and to advance regional peace, security and stability. .

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The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley to leave on a five day official visit to United States tomorrow evening to participate in the Spring Meetings of the World Bank & IMF; To Meet President, World Bank and US Treasury Secretary during his stay in Washington; To meet Institutional Investors during his New York visit among others. .

The Union Minister for Finance, Defence and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley will leave on a five day official visit to USA tomorrow to participate in the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Finance Minister will leave tomorrow evening i.e., 19th April, 2017 and will arrive at Washington, USA on early morning on 20th April, 2017. On his arrival, the Finance Minister will be briefed by the Executive Director (Indian Constituency) of World Bank and Executive Director (Indian Constituency) of IMF. In the evening, the Finance Minister is proposed to hold a Meeting with the Editorial Board of Washington Post and later in the evening, he would participate in the dinner hosted by the Heritage Foundation..

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The Official Delegation led by the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley includes among others, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Mr. Shaktikanta Das, Chief Economic Adviser (CEA), Dr. Arvind Subramanian and will also be joined by a team of RBI officials led by RBI Governor, Dr. Urijit Patel..

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The next day, 21st April, 2017, the Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley and RBI Governor, Dr. Urijit Patel will participate in the G-20 Meeting on Financial Sector Development and Regulations and other issues. The Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri Shaktikanta Das will also participate in the said meeting. In the afternoon, the Finance Minister along with Governor RBI and Secretary (Economic Affairs) will participate in IMFC Introductory Session on Global Development and Prospects. Thereafter, the Finance Minister and RBI Governor will participate in IMFC Session on Early Warning Exercise. In the evening, the Finance Minister along with Secretary (Economic Affairs) will hold a meeting with the CEOs. Thereafter, the Finance Minister will attend a dinner hosted in his reception by the Ambassador of India in USA. .

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On 22nd April, 2017, the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley will participate in IMFC restricted Breakfast Session and thereafter, will participate in the IMFC Plenary Session along with Governor RBI and Secretary (Economic Affairs) among others. Thereafter, the Finance Minister will hold a meeting with his US counterpart and US Secretary of Treasury. In the afternoon, the Finance Minister will participate in the Development Committee Plenary Meeting of the World Bank. In the evening, the Finance Minister will hold meetings with his Bangladesh counterpart and will also have a meeting with the President, World Bank..

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On Sunday, 23rd April, 2017 the Finance Minister and Secretary ((Economic Affairs) will leave for New York and later in the evening, will participate in the dinner hosted by the President FICCI. On Monday, 24th April, 2017, the Finance Minister will hold interaction with Council for Foreign Relations in the morning, followed by a meeting with Institutional Investors and a luncheon meeting with Long Term Investors. The Finance Minister is supposed to meet the Editorial Board of New York Times before leaving for Moscow in the evening on 24th April, 2017..

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The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions will observe Civil Services Day 2017 on April 20-21, 2017. The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Sigh will be the Chief Guest in the Inaugural Session on April 20, 2017. The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will present the awards for Excellence in Public Administration on Civil Services Day 2017 i.e. April 21, 2017. .

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On the inaugural day, on 20th April, a Plenary Session will be held on the topic of "Creating Value through Human Capital Management in Government". The session will be chaired by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh. The other panellists who will participate in the session will be Shri B. P. Sharma, Secretary, DoPT, Ms Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary, Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Sandeep Chaudhary, CEO, Aon Hewitt and Ms Roopa Kudva, MD, Omidyar Network India Advisors. The discussion will be held on Identifying human capital related challenges, Leveraging technology to improve processes and Maximizing potential and fostering creativity and innovation. .

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The DARPG has obtained Feedback from the District Collectors on the topic of "Creating Value through Human Capital Management in Government" and responses on questionnaire on shortlisted initiatives of Priority. The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, during the meeting held on March 10, 2017, directed that a paper may be sought from the District Collectors/Magistrates of all States/ UTs on the optimum utilization of human resources and building a competent and well-functioning administrative structure which is geared to adapt to the changing needs and aspirations of the citizens of the country. The papers need to focus on meeting human capital related challenges and suggest workable solutions. In pursuance to the directions of the Prime Minister, DCs/DMs of all States/ UTs were requested to submit their views and suggestion on the topic on PM Awards portal, developed by DAR&PG. DCs/DMs from across the country were reached out and sensitized by sharing a background note on 'Creating value through Human Capital Management in Government' and through letters, call center, social media, video-conferences etc. Inputs have been received from 533 DCs/DMs. Some of the key issues and the solutions have been suggested by the DMs and DCs along the lines of resource optimization, process simplification, technology enablement, and fostering innovation. .

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A committee consisting of Secretary DAR&PG, Secretary DoP&T and Director MeitY, assisted by Additional Secretary DAR&PG and Joint Secretary DAR&PG, scrutinized the views and suggestions received from the DCs/DMs. These issues and suggestions will be discussed in the session on 'Creating value through Human Capital Management in Government' to be held on 20th April, 2017. .

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During the assessment process of 'Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2017' Screening Committees, chaired by Additional Secretaries, shortlisted 55 initiatives on the basis of parameters identified in consultation with line Ministries/ Departments, presentations made by the applicants and citizen feedback sought through call center. .

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The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had also directed to share the shortlisted initiatives with the IAS batches of 2013-16, as these initiatives demonstrate good practices undertaken in various Districts/States for effective implementation of the priority programmes of Government and innovations in public governance. The objective was to make them go through these case studies to imbibe the learnings so that they may channelize their thoughts and approaches while understanding programmes in their respective areas of work. Pursuant to the directions of the Prime Minister, the shortlisted initiatives were shared with IAS batches of 2013-16 through the DARPG web-portal (link: http://darpg.gov.in and http://darpg.wooqer.com/).They were requested to go through all the case studies, discuss with District Collectors/Magistrates or field officers and submit their suggestions on implementation of programmes through an online questionnaire. DAR&PG reached out to all the officers, through multiple calls, social media and video-conferences, to sensitize and provide handholding support for undertaking the exercise. A total of 615 officers undertook this exercise and submitted their suggestions online. A total of 2,150 hours were spent by the young IAS officers in reviewing the case studies and submitting their responses. From the responses, it came out that agriculture-related priority programmes are better understood by the officers, e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) being the best understood programme. The overwhelming response reflects the enthusiasm and motivation amongst the young officers. These would also be discussed in the three breakaway sessions to be held on 20th April 2017. The breakaway sessions will be held on the topics: Agriculture, Energy and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, following the Inaugural Session. .

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In the agriculture sector, three priority programmes, namely Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and e- National Agriculture Market (eNAM), were identified under Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2017. The young officers have given their inputs on major challenges faced by the farmers such as lack of knowledge of good practices of irrigation and non-availability of the state-of-the-art equipment. Other issues faced by farmers include complicated process for claiming insurance, difficulty in conducting crop cutting experiments and inadequate information related to crop insurance and weather forecast and dependency on local traders/commission agents for selling the produce. In the Skill Development and Entrepreneurship sector, two priority programmes, namely Stand-Up India and Startup India were identified under Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2017. In the Energy sector, one priority programmes, Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana was identified under Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2017. The young officers have submitted their inputs for the implementation of these schemes. .

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On the breakaway session on Agriculture, Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog will chair the session and Shri Rabi Narayan Das, Director, NCDEX, Shri Anil B. Jain, Vice Chairman & MD, Jain Irrigation System Ltd., Shri R. B. Singh, Eminent Agriculture Scientist, Shri Genabhai Dargabhai Patel, Farmer and Shri Pravesh Sharma, Co-founder and CEO of Subziwala.com will participate in the session. In the breakaway session on Energy, Shri Bibek Debroy, Member, NITI Aayog will chair the session and Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT, Madras, Dr Arunabha Ghosh, CEO, Council of Energy, Environment and Water and Dr Harish Hande, MD of SELCO-India will participate in the session. In the breakaway session on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Arvind Panagariya, Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog will chair the session and Shri Manish Sabharwal, Chairman, Teamlease, Shri RCM Reddy, MD&CEO, IL&FS Education & Technology Services Ltd., Prof Mukti Mishra, Co-founder and President, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Shri T. Muralidharan, MD, TMI Network and Shri Milind Kamble, Chairman, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industries (DICCI) will participate in the session. .

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A teacher-training program with an emphasis on inspiring studentsnot teaching contentis getting a huge investment.

T. Denny Sanford, a banking entrepreneur and philanthropist, has donated $28 million to the private, nonprofit National University System in support of three education initiatives: Sanford Harmony, Sanford Inspire, and the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy.

Sanford Inspire is the professional development program, which was developed by the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University in 2008. Sanfords vision is to improve student outcomes through improving teaching.

Teachers are taught to teach subjects, as opposed to inspiring students, Sanford told Education Week Teacher.

When Sanford delivers speeches to large crowds, he will survey the audience by asking who had more than one or two teachers in the first nine years of their schooling who were truly inspiring. Its lucky if I get 5 percent of hands going up, he said. But the people going into education ... their goal is really to help civilization.

Sanford Inspire seeks to bridge that gap. There are currently more than 60 training modules available for any teacher to access, free of charge, and new ones are created on a regular basis. The program targets both preservice and current teachers, and has impacted about 25,000 educators total so far.

The modules, which typically take less than hour to complete, fit into themes of the learning environment (Addressing Bullying Behavior and Creating Classroom Rules), preparing and facilitating instruction (Delivering Effective Feedback and Design a Problem-Based Learning Experience), student motivation (Giving Effective Praise), student growth and achievement (Assessing Students During Cooperative Learning), and professional practices (Coping With Teacher Stress and Working Against Racial Bias).

Jamie Manburg, the director of Sanford Inspire, said the modules help fill a void thats often found in teacher preparation programswhich is that they may focus too much on the theoretical, and not enough on the practical. Sanford Inspire seeks to give teachers practical tools that can help them motivate students and encourage them to succeed.

Fourteen higher education institutions share and integrate the Sanford Inspire content, with their PK-12 partner school districts. Manburg said he hopes that collaborative will expand to 20 institutions by the end of the year, but teachers at any school of education or school district can access the content.

Its such a dynamic and changing environment out there, said Michael Cunningham, the chancellor of National University System, which houses Sanford Inspire and works to disseminate the program on a national scale. Theres nothing like that first day in the classroom when youre confronted with different issues that come up. [Teachers] say, Holy smoke, how do I handle that? [There are specific classroom-management techniques] that many inspirational teachers already knowa lot of teachers dont have that.

The other initiative, Sanford Harmony , is for boys and girls in pre-K through middle school to learn how to build relationships and better understand each other . The goal of the program is to lower the divorce rate in the country. The program is in place in 2,700 schools right now, including in New York City, Los Angeles, Clark County, Nev., and the Chicago area.

The $28 million donation is for the initiatives expansion and distribution across the country over the next three years. The Sanford Harmony program will be expanded to other languages, for example, and has recently launched a social-emotional learning app for any teacher to download and access materials like whole-class discussion topics, peer activities, and real-life, problem-solving scenarios.

Sanford Inspire is also undergoing two research studies, Manburg said. One is an overall assessment of the program, while the other is a case study of an as-yet-unnamed college of education working with a K-12 school district. Manburg hopes to have results from that case study by the end of the year.

Related Stories on Sanfords Initiatives:
Brazilian construction conglomerate has been ordered to pay $2.6 billion in fines to settle charges it bribed officials in a dozen countries.

The payout order, by US District Judge Raymond Dearie in Brooklyn, came on Sunday after US and Brazilian authorities determined after a plea agreement was reached in December that could not afford to pay more than that amount. The company had agreed to pay up to $3.5 billion in penalties.

In a federal court proceeding lasting only a few minutes, the judge imposed the terms of the December deal between the company and prosecutors, including the appointment of an independent compliance monitor for three years. The monitor has already begun work.

The judge said will pay nearly $2.4 billion to Brazil, $116 million to Switzerland and $93 million to the United States.

Prosecutors said in court papers that Odebrecht had inadequate anti-corruption controls and little or no anti- corruption compliance program from 2001 to 2016, when it paid about $788 million in bribes to secure contracts for more than 100 projects in a dozen countries.

Those countries were identified as Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Mozambique, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.

Prosecutors said the bribes secured $3.3 billion in ill-gotten benefits for Odebrecht and its co-conspirators. They said that after Odebrecht became aware of an investigation by Brazilian law enforcement authorities into corrupt payments and related probes in the US and Switzerland, the company's employees and executives tried to conceal and destroy evidence of crimes.

The legal case was brought in the United States after it was determined that some offshore entities used to hold and disburse funds were owned or operated by people in the US and some meetings related to the bribery scheme occurred in Miami, authorities said.

In recommending a sentence that would allow Odebrecht to remain solvent, prosecutors noted the company has fired 51 people and disciplined another 26, including demoting them and requiring them to submit to anti-corruption compliance and business ethics training.

In December, Odebrecht apologised for its involvement in corruption scandals that led to the arrest of its former chief executives and several of its officials.
The Democratic party on Tuesday appeared to be divided into the steps being initiated by US President Donald Trump on H-1B issue, with the top leadership arguing this was not enough while another influential lawmaker welcoming the presidential executive order.

In a statement, Senator Sherrod Brown applauded the move of the US President, which he said takes aim at the H-1B visa programme.

The Ohio Senator had sought to reform so American workers are given a fair shot at a fair wage for jobs before businesses seek to hire foreign workers through the H-1B visa programme.

Brown is also pleased that the executive order will ensure that the entire steel-making process must take place in America to be considered "Buy American."



However, his party leadership did not appear to be satisfied with the Trump's executive order which seeks the review of the H-1B visa process by four top federal agencies the Departments of State, Labor, Homeland Security, and Justice.

It is not a time for review, argued Senate Minority Leader Senator Charles Schumer.

"The President seems to be proposing a study to examine the ways to make sure H-1Bs aren't used to undercut American workers and drive down wages," Schumer told reporters during a telephonic news conference.

"Well, the Senate didn't just pass a study. But we passed real H-1B reform that would ensure outsourcing companies can't gobble up the H-1B visas, given them away to low-wage workers, and steal jobs out from under the nose of American workers," Schumer said.

"It was in the Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill that Senator (John) McCain and I  a bipartisan bill  led in 2013. So, we didn't just look at doing it. We didn't just say, do a study, and claim that something is actually happening. We did it in comprehensive immigration reform," he said.

"The President could simply adopt our proposal, which is strong and tough. If he stopped demonising immigrants and worked with us on immigration reform, we could get something done. Something real, not just a study," Schumer said.

The top Democratic leader in the Senate alleged that Trump has "just repeatedly failed to deliver" on the promises he's made to American workers during the campaign.

"He hasn't stood up to China, who has robbed millions of Americans of jobs over the last several decades, and has been a benefactor of loopholes in our Buy America laws," he said.
is preparing for "any mode of war" triggered by US military action, Pyongyang's envoy to the United Nations warned today, saying his country would respond to a missile or nuclear strike "in kind."



The statement from North Korean Deputy Ambassador Kim In Ryong followed warnings from US Vice President Mike Pence to Pyongyang not to test US resolve following another missile test.

"If the United States dares opt for a military action (...) the DPRK is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the Americans," Kim told a news conference.

"We will take the toughest counteraction against the provocateurs," said Kim.

has taken "self-defensive" measures in response to US threats of military action and these reflect Pyongyang's determination to "counter nukes and ICBM in kind," he said, referring to intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Pence told a news conference in South Korea that "the era of strategic patience is over" after yesterday test-fired another missile as fears mounted that it may be preparing a sixth nuclear test.

Pyongyang is seeking to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead, and has so far staged five nuclear tests, two of them last year.

US President Donald Trump's decision at the weekend to send the Carl Vinson carrier-led navy strike group to the Korean peninsula shows that the "US reckless moves for invading the DPRK have reached a serious phase," said Kim.

The North Korean deputy envoy asserted that Pyongyang would hold the United States "wholly accountable for the catastrophic consequences to be entailed by its outrageous actions."



US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will next week chair a special meeting of the UN Security Council on North Korea.
Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa on Tuesday rejected allegations that Pakistan has been employing proxies from its soil.

"Pakistan itself is victim of state sponsored terrorism, it strongly rejects allegations of employing proxies from its soil," the Army chief said.

General Bajwa's statement came during his meeting with US National Security Adviser, Lt Gen H R McMaster.

During the meeting, McMaster was briefed about Pakistan's war on terror and its contributions to regional and global stability. He acknowledged the Pakistan Army's efforts in eliminating terrorists and their infrastructure, the Inter-Services Public Relation said.

McMaster assured that the US will continue to support Pakistan in bringing peace and stability in the region, as well as the globe.

McMaster arrived in Islamabad on Monday on an unannounced visit, a day after he hinted the US could take a tougher stance on Pakistan.

It was the first visit by a top member of President Donald Trump's administration to Pakistan, and came after a stop in neighbouring Afghanistan where he suggested Washington may take a stronger line on Islamabad, for years seen as an unreliable US ally.
US President on Monday took to Twitter to attack the media's use of false information and agreed with those who said his foreign policy was superior to that of his predecessor, the Democrat Barack Obama.

"The Fake Media (not Real Media) has gotten even worse since the election. Every story is badly slanted. We have to hold them to the truth!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

In another of his morning tweets, Trump acclaimed as "so true" the remark made on the conservative TV programme "Fox & Friends" that the first 90 days of his presidency "has exposed the total failure of the last eight years of foreign policy!"

Trump, who again spent the weekend at the Trump Organisation's West Palm Beach tourist complex Mar-a-Lago, is winning support for bombing Syria and for dropping the most powerful non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal on militants of the Islamic State (IS) in Afghanistan, Efe news agency reported.

Two weeks ago, Trump decided to respond to the use of chemical weapons in Syria, which Washington attributes to the Bashar al-Assad regime, with a massive launch of Tomahawk cruise missiles against a Syrian air base, a move supported by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.

Last week the Pentagon chose to launch "the mother of all bombs" against IS in a remote mountainous region of eastern Afghanistan, which was considered a show of force by the Trump government and a message to other US adversaries like North Korea.

US Vice-President Mike Pence followed up on that idea on Monday in South Korea when he told North Korea that "the era of strategic patience is over," a reference to Obama's concept of persuading the Pyongyang regime to report to the negotiating table to discuss its nuclear program.
US President on Tuesday will sign an executive order directing federal agencies to recommend changes to a temporary visa programme used to bring foreign workers to the United States to fill high-skilled jobs.
The White House said on Monday that it does not expect US President to draw a red line on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the country will continue work with China to solve it.

"Drawing red lines really hasn't worked in the past," Xinhua news agency quoted White House spokesman Sean Spicer as saying.

"He (Trump) holds his cards close to the vest, and I think you are not going to see him telegraphing how he's going to respond to any military or other situation going forward," he said.

Trump does not plan to draw red lines "in the sand", Spicer added.

However, Spicer cited the US decision to bomb a Syrian military airfield early this month as an indication that Trump would take action when necessary.

"I think the action he took in Syria shows that when appropriate, this president will take decisive action."

Spicer added that the US is going to work with China on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

"We're going to continue to work with China, in particular, to help find a way forward on this."
Can Police Forcibly Collect Urine in Drug Cases?

Law enforcement is allowed to collect evidence of a crime, but within certain limits. The Fourth Amendment's prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures sets these limits generally, but it's not very specific. For instance, if a suspect in a domestic dispute changes moods and gets fidgety, do police officers have a right to take him to the hospital, strap him down, and forcibly catheterize him in order to obtain a urine sample?

Forced catheterization may be rare in drug cases, and it may be legal.

Reasonable Search and Seizure

The Argus Leader has the horrifying tale of one South Dakota man who never thought the police would follow through on their threat:

A mesh bag blurred Dirk Sparks' vision. He lay hooded and handcuffed as four police officers pinned him to a hospital exam table. Through the patterned light, he saw a fifth officer filming the procedure. His pants were loosened and pulled below his waist. Then, pain. A nurse at Avera St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre inserted a pencil-sized tube into Sparks' urethra to drain his bladder. Moments later, an officer with the Pierre Police Department held a cup of Sparks' urine that soon would be sent off for drug testing.

Officers had arrested Sparks following a domestic disturbance, and based on his demeanor during and after his arrest, obtained a search warrant to obtain blood or urine. It's unclear whether Sixth Circuit Judge John Brown, who signed off on the warrant, knew the sample would be forcibly collected via a catheter.

"It was degrading," Sparks told the Argus Leader. "I was angry. I felt like my civil rights were being violated."

Exceptional Circumstances

But does the forced urine sample violate the constitution? While police obtained a warrant in Sparks' case, Barry Friedman, New York University School of Law professor and director of the Policing Project, told the Argus Leader that there have been cases nationwide where police have had the procedure done without a warrant. He added catheters for forcibly collecting urine samples should only be used in extraordinary situations: "There's no way law enforcement should be doing this without telling a judge what they are going to do. The Supreme Court has made it clear that bodily invasions are serious. Catheterization is painful and humiliating."

Attorney General Marty Jackley of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigations, agreed, saying officers would only pursue forced urine samples in "exceptional" circumstances. "That [request] needs to be made directly to a judge," Jackley told the paper, "and it needs to be specific [that] we may be using this method."

Was Sparks' case exceptional? South Dakota is one of the few states that criminalize drug ingestion, and Sparks was charged with a felony after testing positive. So perhaps officers feel more pressure to obtain incriminating evidence of the crime. And the doctor who oversaw Sparks' procedure? Peter Maningas is a reserve officer for the Pierre Police Department, according to the Argus Leader, and member of the department's SWAT team.

Related Resources:
Deutsche Bank, one the world's biggest sterling bears, said on Tuesday that UK Prime Minister Theresa May's surprise call for a general election is a "game-changer" for the currency and that it will raise its forecasts for the pound in the coming days.

May's move should result in a larger and more stable majority in parliament, thereby reducing the likelihood of a so-called 'hard Brexit', the bank's currency analysts said.

"We have been structurally negative on sterling for the last two years but are now changing view. This morning's announcement of a snap general election on June 8 is a game-changer for both the UK's Brexit negotiations and sterling," they said.

May's announcement paves the way for a lengthier negotiating process with the rest of the European Union, which is more in line with the EU approach, they said.

Sterling rose sharply on Tuesday, hitting a 2016 high of $1.2725.

As recently as March 23, Deutsche Bank analysts reiterated their call for a fall to $1.06 by the end of this year.
Cleveland police issued an arrest warrant on Monday for a gunman they said murdered a man in a crime he broadcast live on Facebook.

Officials in the Ohio city said suspect Steve Stephens, 37, shot his 74-year old victim Robert Godwin Sr at random on Easter Sunday, in cold blood.

"Suspect did broadcast the killing on Facebook Live and has claimed to have committed multiple other homicides which are still NOT verified," Cleveland police said in a statement.

"Suspect in this case is... Armed and dangerous. If seen call 9-1-1. Do not approach."



Police said Stephens may be out of the midwestern state, and asked residents of Indiana, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania to be on alert.

Stephens worked for Beech Brook, a behavioral health agency serving children through mental health services, foster care and adoption, at-risk youth programs and other services.

In his broadcast, Stephens displayed his Beech Brook badge. The facility did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

At a press conference late on Sunday, authorities urged Stephens to turn himself in.

"Everyone is out there looking for Steve. We want this to end with as much peace as we can bring to this right now, and we want him to turn himself in," Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams told reporters, adding that local authorities were working with the FBI and regional law enforcement.

"We have all of our partners in on this, and we'll look until we find him."



Mayor Frank Jackson told reporters police were still trying to communicate with the suspect.

"We want to communicate to him that we know who he is, and that he will eventually be caught. And that we're saying to him that he need not do any more," said Jackson.

Stephens was at large after fleeing in a white Ford Fusion with temporary license plates, police said.

Some local media reported that he had boasted on Facebook of killing more than a dozen people in an Easter Day massacre, but authorities said there was no indication of a broader killing spree.
The growing divide between urbanites and rural residents is shaping politics everywhere, from Brexit to the rise of Donald Trump. Last Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received a mandate for more personalised rule from most of his country, but not from its big cities. Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir are responsible for about 46 per cent of Turkeys economic output and just 23 per cent of its population. All three cities voted against the perpetuation of Erdogans emergency powers, which made Turkey a strong presidential republic. Like U.S. presidents, Erdogan will be able to form cabinets and nominate top judges while remaining a member of a political party.
have jumped 10-14 per cent over the last month on expectations that higher volumes, market share gains from Chinese players, price hikes of 8-10 per cent since the start of the year, and any government action on Chinese imports will reflect favourably on tyre makers.
Hours after former chief minister O. Panneerselvam put forth certain conditions for the merger of the two factions, the AIADMK on Tuesday announced the ouster of V.K. Sasikala and her family from the party in what can be seen as yet another tectonic shift emerging from Tamil Nadu.

"We have decided to delink TTV Dinakaran and his family from the party, a committee will run the party. This is a unanimous decision from the cadre" Tamil Nadu Health Minister D Jayakumar told the media here.

Earlier in the day, AIADMK MP K.C. Palanisamy said Panneerselvam's demand is not something new, adding this has been their position from day one.

"There is no compromise on that. This is not something we have brought up. Whatever is to be investigated that will be done by the investigative agency," he added.

He further said Sasikala and her family has to be kept away from the party directly or indirectly.

"They should not have any role within the party," he asserted.

Demanding the ouster of Sasikala and her nephew from the AIADMK, Panneerselvam told the media in Chennai earlier in the day that the party should not be controlled by one family, adding it was nothing short of treason to allow the former to control the party's affairs.

He said that he has sent a petition to the Election Commission to declare Sasikala's appointment as AIADMK general secretary 'illegal'.

"During the election campaigning in R.K. Nagar, many malpractices were done and Rs. 4000 were offered to each voter. We have submitted all this to the Election Commission yesterday and asked to inquire into the matter," Panneerselvam said.

He further said that Dinakaran, who was not even a member of the party till Jayalalithaa's demise, is tarnishing the AIADMK's image and added it won't be tolerated

"Judicial probe into Jayalalithaa's death is our first demand. Sasikala's appointment as the general secretary is illegal and we will not accept it. Family politics will not be accepted," he asserted.

Both factions have constituted two committees to mull the merger.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Following his arrest and subsequent bail here, absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya downplayed the entire development saying that his surrender of passport, arrest and bail are all part of normal extradition proceedings.

Mallya had earlier taken a swipe at the media, accusing it of 'hyping' his arrest and blowing things out of proportion.

Meanwhile, making it clear that the extradition process of Vijay Mallya is more complicated because the evidences collected by New Delhi against the beleaguered liquor baron will be accessed by the British Court on the basis of their law, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said the moot question that arises here as to why this should be done on the basis of foreign law when the fugitive will ultimately be tried in India.

"But we should not be very joyful by this first step for the simple reason that the further procedure and the process of extradition is more complicated because whatever the evidences which we have collected against the criminal fugitive that will be accessed by the British Court on the basis of their law. If British Court found that the evidences collected by the Indian investigator prima facie is evidence on the basis of English law," he said.

Nikam told ANI that India has with Mallya's arrest indeed crossed the first hurdle in the extradition process.

"Ultimately the criminal fugitive Vijay Mallya will be tried in India and then the evidence collected by the investigator should be accessed on the basis of Indian law but why on the basis of foreign law. This is the moot question," he added.

Mallya, accused of defaulting on loans worth crores, was today arrested by the Scotland Yard in London in what the government counted as a major win in its attempts to bring him to India to face trial. However, Mallya was let off on bail within hours of his arrest.

Also, asserting that the legal process is underway over the extradition of Mallya, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that both India and the British Government are in touch over the matter.

"Responding to a query regarding Shri Vijay Mallya, the Official Spokesperson said that his arrest in London today was in connection with the request by the Government to U.K. authorities for his extradition. Legal process in this regard is underway in the U.K. The two governments are in touch in this context," the MEA said in a statement.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Indian High Commission will start the process of Mallya's extradition, Government sources state.

India needs to set precedent and Mallya's extradition is one such case, also those defaulters who think that their money are safe in tax heavens are on wrong foot, sources added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court will on Wednesday pronounce the verdict on the appeal filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against the dropping of conspiracy charges against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders L.K. Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and 19 others in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

Justice Rohington F Nariman will pronounce the verdict.

Earlier on April 6, the Supreme Court reserves its order on whether criminal conspiracy charges be initiated or not against various Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told the apex court that 14 persons, including BJP leaders, who were acquitted of the charges under criminal conspiracy should be tried in Lucknow Court in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

The CBI lawyer, however, did not name the BJP leaders to be tried for criminal conspiracy charges in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

The CBI lawyer told the apex court that there are two FIRs registered against all accused in the case.

The probe agency also told the top court that the criminal conspiracy charges were dropped against 21 accused, including several BJP leaders, on technical grounds and added that the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had upheld the lower court's order.

The apex court was examining whether to revive the conspiracy charges against senior BJP leaders Lal Krishna Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti, Kalyan Singh and several others in connection with the case.

Earlier, the apex court had asked all parties to file their response in the matter and said it will hear the matter after two weeks.

There are two sets of cases - one against BJP veteran Advani and others, who were on the dais at Ram Katha Kunj in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992, when the Babri mosque was demolished.

The other case was against lakhs of 'karsevaks' (volunteers) who were in and around the disputed structure.

The CBI had chargesheeted Advani and 20 others under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between classes), 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to integration) and 505 (false statements, rumours etc. circulated with the intent to cause mutiny or disturb public peace) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

It had subsequently invoked charges under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC, which was quashed by the special court whose decision was upheld by the High Court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Green Tribunal (NGT) has demanded for precise figures in connection with what amount of sewage is being dumped in the lake and quantity of litter is being treated, the counsel representing the complainant in the Bellandur lake case informed on Monday.

Saransh Jain, counsel for Namma Bengaluru Foundation (complainant), also asserted that the NGT has summoned the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials who have misconstrued its earlier order in the regard.

"There was no knowledge, no clear information as to what is the amount of the untreated sewage being dumped in the lake, what is the amount of sewage being treated. The NGT has directed them to reconcile and give them one figure," said Jain.

"Secondly we today have filed an application challenging the BBMP circular. This circular has been challenged since it tries to demean or misread the content of the NGT judgment in the forward foundation matter. So basically what BBMP is trying to do is saying that all the constructions took place before NGT passing the judgment will not be following the NGT judgment. This matter was brought our today and the NGT questioned that by what authority if the BBMP clarifying the NGT order. And that is why the concerned officials of the BBMP have been summoned tomorrow. The item has been listed at the first position tomorrow," he added.

The matter will be heard again tomorrow. Bellandur lake foam has been swelling again.

The NGT on April 20 pulled up the state government and several agencies involved - BDA, LDA, KSPCB, blaming them for not stopping sewage discharge into the lake.

The green court took a suo motto case based on media reports on February 20 and has also issued notices to the Centre, state, the state pollution control board and the lake development authority in Karnataka.

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British Prime Minister Theresa May has called for a general election in the United Kingdom on June 8 to seek a stronger mandate in talks over leaving the European Union.

May said that she would go to the Parliament and ask for the national vote on June 8.

"We need a general election and we need one now," The Independent quoted May as saying from the steps of Number 10, Downing Street.

May said that she had reversed her position on an early vote to ensure stability during the Brexit negotiations.

"Last summer, after the country voted to leave the European Union, Britain needed certainty, stability and strong leadership, and since I became Prime Minister the Government has delivered precisely that," she said.

"Despite predictions of immediate financial and economic danger, since the referendum we have seen consumer confidence remain high, record numbers of jobs and economic growth that has exceeded all expectations," she added.

May further said that her government has delivered on the mandate provided by the referendum result.

May will have to secure a two-third majority in a vote to be held in the House of Commons tomorrow for the election to go ahead.

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Walmart and the 'Clean Toilets' Fishing License Libel Lawsuit

A Montana State University professor has filed a libel lawsuit against Walmart over the job description a Walmart employee entered on the professor's fishing license application. Rather than list the professors actual occupation of college professor, the employee wrote "cleans toilets." The following year, when the professor went to renew the license, the error remained despite the professor again informing the clerk of his occupation.

When the professor showed his license to fellow MSU teacher, the other teacher made a joke, within earshot of other students, about the fact that "cleans toilets" was listed on the license. The professor's lawsuit explains that in his culture, in Zambia, people who clean toilets are considered to be the lowest social class, and are shunned. The lawsuit asserts that the professor suffered embarrassment and shock as a result.

What Is Libel?

Libel, as opposed to slander, is a form of defamation that occurs when a false statement is published in writing, or visually, rather than spoken. Generally, for any defamation claim to be valid, a plaintiff must be able to prove that:

The statement was false, and

The statement was published/communicated to others, and

The publisher was at least negligent in their regard for the truth, and sometimes

The plaintiff suffered damages.

In the professor's case, while the other elements seem easily satisfied, it may be difficult to argue that the fishing license and application constitute publication to others on their own. Frequently, government documents, like judicial proceedings or police reports, can fall into exempted categories for defamation purposes. However, the fact that another professor saw it, and made mention of the libelous statement in front of others, could make all the difference in proving the claim. Additionally, it is likely that other employees, or individuals, may have seen the statement as well.

Defamation claims can be complex and involve difficult analyses of liability and damages. It is generally a good idea for individuals to consult with an attorney before bringing defamation claims. Frequently, attorneys may be able to reach legal resolutions short of filing a lawsuit, which can often draw much more attention to the defamatory statement than a victim may want, or think possible.

Related Resources:
Keep your worries at bay as Azithromycin group of medicine is no more linked to an increased risk of irregular heartbeat, says a study.

'Azithromycin' is an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections - mostly respiratory and urinary tract infections - in people of all ages.

It belongs to a class of drugs known as macrolides, of which at least one other drug, erythromycin, is known to disrupt the heart's normal rhythm, leading to a condition known as ventricular arrhythmia.

The results of the study indicated that of the more than 14 million new antibiotic users, 12, 874 people developed ventricular arrhythmia, of whom 30 were new users of 'azithromycin'.

Several recent studies have reported conflicting results over whether azithromycin is linked to an increased risk of death from ventricular arrhythmia in people taking the antibiotic.

A team of European researchers looked at data on nearly 29 million people in health care databases from Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark to determine if there is a link between azithromycin and ventricular arrhythmia.

When compared to amoxicillin, another commonly used antibiotic, from the penicillin class of drugs, there was no increased risk of this heart condition in people using azithromycin.

However, there was an increased risk of ventricular

arrhythmia in people taking azithromycin compared to people not using antibiotics at all.

"This finding suggests that the risk of ventricular arrhythmia is more likely to be due to a person's poor health and caused by their infection, rather than to azithromycin itself," said Dr. Gianluca Trifiro from the University of Messina in Italy.

"This finding was confirmed in several sensitivity analyses and replicated in single databases participating in the study," Trifiro added.

The authors note these findings may not be applied in hospital settings as the health of patients and use of antibiotics is quite different in community settings, from which the data were drawn.

The research was published in Canadian Medical Association Journal.

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The Congress Party on Tuesday backed Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh's assertion that Harjit Singh Sajjan was a Khalistani sympathizer and urged the nationalist BJP-led government to seek a clarification in this regard from the visiting Canadian Defence Minister.

Surjewala told ANI that Sajjan and his father have been active in the World Sikh Organisation, a Canada-based organisation.

"India and Canada have been friends since decades. We are together in the G 20 and we are also together on fighting terrorism and maintain world peace. But visiting Canadian Defence Minister Harjeet Singh Sajjan has been demanding a separate state 'Khalistan' through the World Sikh Organisation," said Surjewala.

Putting the ball in the government's court, the Congress leader said the ruling dispensation must ask Sajjan whether he supports the cause of Khalistan or supports the cause of India.

"A party like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which swears by nationalism must understand, must investigate in the interest of country whether such a person who is visiting India has or doesn't have faith in the integrity of the country," asserted Surjewala.

The Congress leader added, "These are pertinent questions that must be asked by the BJP and must be answered not only to the people of Punjab but also to 125 crore Indians."

The Punjab Chief Minister had earlier dubbed the visiting minister as a Khalistani sympathiser, who supports a Sikh nationalist movement demanding an independent state for the Sikh people.

He also said that he would not hold a meeting with the visiting minister.

Sajjan, however, today said that he would propose a meeting with the Punjab Chief Minister as courtesy, adding it is up to the latter to decide his acceptance or refusal.

"I have been taught to show courtesy to the leadership of a country and I do this around the world. It is my responsibility to offer up a meeting (to the Captain) and if he decides he doesn't want to meet me ..that's for them to figure out. My actions and services speak for me..there is no ill will from me," he told the media here.

He added that his motive to visit Punjab is to pay respects to the place he was born at and to pay respect to the Harmandir Sahib.

"I'm not going to get into petty politics of one Chief Minister or any province my reason of going to Punjab is to pay respect to.as I'm a Sikh and pay respect to the village I was born in. I'm very very proud of my routes," he added.

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Strongly condemning Pakistan for not giving consular access to alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, defence experts on Tuesday said such decision was against international norms and conventions and alleged that Islamabad was deliberately dragging this case to heighten tensions with India.

Defence expert Qamar Agha said Pakistan court should be trusted as they have their allegiance towards the army.

"It's against the international norms and conventions to refuse to grant consular access. Secondly, you know a good legal case was missing. India has a right for consular access. I think we should not trust the Pakistan court either as most judges of the court have allegiance towards Jamaat-e-Islami and judiciary is totally committed to army," Agha told ANI.

Expressing similar views, defence expert Shankar Prasad said, "Pakistan is trying to heighten the level of tensions with India so that international community begins to feel that this is a flash point in South East Asia. Therefore, they need to intervene and mediate in talks."

Yesterday, the Pakistan Army ruled out consular access to Jadhav, saying he was not eligible for it as per the laws.

"Kulbhushan is not eligible for consular access nor will be granted consular access," said Pakistan Armed Forces spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor.

He alleged that Jadhav, caught on anti-state activities, was trialled under court martial.

"This was purely an act by the Army to which the Army as an institution said we will not compromise on his sentence," he said.

Major General Ghafoor said Jadhav's death sentence process would move ahead as per the law, adding it would go in the applet court and the army shall wait for the verdict.

Jadhav was awarded the death penalty on April 10 in an unprecedented decision that sparked a diplomatic spat between the two hostile neighbours.
Best known for her roles in 'Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince,' '13 Steps Down' and 'My Brother The Devil,' English actress Elarica Johnson will be making her maiden visit to India, this summer, to be a part of the highly anticipated Justin Bieber Tour.

During her visit, the actress will meet directors and film personalities from the Indian film industry, apart from being the official host of the event of the year - Justin Bieber Purpose Tour.

The actress stated, "India has been a place I have always wanted to visit. I watched Bollywood movies as a child and now being an actress going to Mumbai the heart of the Bollywood film Industry; it is a dream come true! I have always felt inspired by the freedom of colour, music and dance. So to be able to explore the Indian culture and have the chance to see the beautiful architecture and history of the country will truly be a wonderful experience."

Adding, "I am definitely looking forward to eating a lot! Indian food sit's at the number one spot as my ultimate favourite cuisine. But most of all having this experience and seeing one of my favourite artists, Justin Bieber perform live, I am sure I will mark this as a trip of a lifetime!"

The 27-year-old London born diva will arrive in Mumbai on May 4 and will explore the city till May 15.

On the work front, Elarica is all set to star alongside Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning in John Cameron Michell's 'How To Talk To Girls At Parties.'

She has also finished filming ''Blade Runner 2049,' alongside Ryan Gosling, which supposedly will release by the end of the year.

Bieber's latest jaunt is in support of his fourth album, the critically acclaimed 'Purpose,' wherein he experimented with more exploratory electronic sounds.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday rejected the criticism by international monitors of a referendum, which would see the country switch from the Parliamentary to the Presidential system.

Not only does the result give him new powers as the country's head of state, but also extends his influence over the judiciary making him dominant over the Parliament.

Returning in triumph to his presidential palace in Ankara, Erdogan addressed thousands of supporters gathered outside, telling monitors who criticised the poll, "Know your place," The Guardian reports.

Erdogan said Turkey could hold further referendums on its EU bid and re-introducing the death penalty.

The 'Yes' camp won 51.41 percent in Sunday's referendum.

But the opposition immediately cried foul, claiming a clean vote would have made a difference of several percentage points and handed them victory.

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) said they would challenge the results from most ballot boxes due to alleged violations.

"There is only one decision to ease the situation in the context of the law -- the Supreme Election Board (YSK) should annul the vote," the Dogan news agency quoted CHP deputy leader Bulent Tezcan as saying.

The referendum has no "democratic legitimacy", HDP spokesman and lawmaker Osman Baydemir told reporters in Ankara.

Erdogan on Monday will chair a cabinet and security meeting at his presidential palace that could extend the nine-month state of emergency brought in after last July's failed coup.

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'Dissatisfied' with the Indian media over the coverage of his loan defaulting case, beleaguered liquor baron Vijay Mallya has time and again taken to Twitter to blast the latter.

In the most recent incident, he slammed a leading English news channel for reporting that he tried to dodge the British courts but has failed after it sent the British Police after him to arrest him. The channel also reported that India has made a very forceful case against Mallya which has led to verifiable action and that evidence exists against him.

He tweeted: "What absolute nonsense devoid of facts. Looks as if Times Now fabricate stories for sensationalism. Verify your facts first before broadcast"

Downplaying the din surrounding his sensational arrest in London, Mallya earlier in the day took a swing at the Indian media accusing them of 'hyping' the development.

"Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected," he tweeted.

Earlier on March 28, he trained his guns on another English news channel saying, "Just received this book. And NDTV relentlessly slam me on all false allegations. Poetic justice."

On February 23 upset with the media for only "blasting him" rather than lauding his team Force India's entry into Formula 1 he said in a series of tweets, "Very proud to launch the 2017 Sahara Force India challenger.It is my job and duty as Team Principal.Very sad to see Indian media comments"

"Very unfortunate that Indian media do not share pride that an Indian entry into Formula 1 is so successful. Only focussed on blasting me."

And not long before on January 26 this year, he complained about his media trail saying, "In our Country I assumed that innocence prevails till proven guilty. Media have convicted me guilty without trial with widespread influence."

"Till this minute there is no final judicial determination on what KFA owes to Banks and what I may owe in my personal capacity after trial."

"Yet it is reported that I have fled or run away owing money to Banks that I never ever borrowed in the first place.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Expressing contentment over acknowledgement of Vijay Mallya's extradition case in a London court, senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan on Tuesday held the government responsible for its lax and slow approach towards the liquor baron's extradition.

Bhushan opined that Mallya's extradition would take more than six months depending upon how seriously the government takes the extradition proceedings.

"I am glad that he has finally been arrested because he was allowed to leave this country by the government by withdrawing the red corner notice or the lookout notice. Not much was done in the last one year to get him extradited," Bhushan told ANI.

Bhushan further said that the government should pursue the extradition request against the other fugitives like Lalit Modi and others fleeing from the law.

"Even in Vijay Mallya's case, the government should have sought his extradition and arrest long ago," he said.

Downplaying the din surrounding his sensational arrest in London, Mallya, who is on the run over money laundering charges, took a swipe at the Indian media.

"Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected," he tweeted.

Earlier today following Mallya's arrest, the Scotland Yard issued a statement saying that the absconding businessman was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud.

"Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit have this morning, Tuesday 18 April arrested a man on an extraction warrant. He was arrested after attending a central London police station, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today, 18 April," read the official statement of the Scotland Yard.

His arrest came after a Delhi court had issued an open-ended non-bailable warrant against Mallya in connection with the 1995 FERA violation case.

Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that Mallya's extradition has been stratified by the Secretary of State of the U.K. Government and added that a warrant would soon be released against him.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has reportedly told Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa to ensure fair, free and transparent elections in 2018.

The Dawn quoted Khan as saying, "I met General Bajwa recently and told him clearly that we will not allow 2013-like polls in future."

The PTI chief said the meeting had taken place on his request.

Responding to a question as to why he had called General Bajwa a keen supporter of democracy, soon after meeting the army chief, Khan said "I told the army chief that democracy was not about holding elections but about conducting fair and transparent elections. I requested that army personnel be deployed outside and inside polling stations to foil the traditional rigging tactics used by the PML-N."

Khan had met General Bajwa earlier this month and discussed national integrity issues and security conditions prevailing in the country.

Khan had congratulated the army chief on his promotion and appointment.

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Varun Dhawan, who is currently abroad shooting for the reprised version of song 'Oonchi Hai Building' for 'Judwaa 2', is having a gala time grooving with students at London University.

The team recently flew to London for the film's shoot and the makers are currently filming the iconic track from 1997 Salman Khan- Karisma Kapoor- starrer.

While shooting the song, many students from the university have been stopping by and grooving along with Varun Dhawan and Taapsee Pannu, who will be seen performing to this track.

A source said, "Varun's affable nature allows him to bond with students easily. Over the weekend, a bunch of his fans had come to meet him and he was a thorough gentleman with them."

The song is being recreated by none other than Anu Malik and choreographed by Bosco.

Directed by David Dhawan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, 'Judwaa' 2 is set to release on September 29.

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Dubbing the government's 'hullaballoo' over liquor baron Vijay Mallya's arrest in London as 'premature and unnecessary', former external affairs minister and Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Tuesday said it is not a feather in the cap of the Government of India.

Khurshid said the arrest was only a part of the procedure required to further the extradition process.

"Surely, this is not a feather in the cap of the Government of India. This is a procedural matter within the jurisdiction of the UK Police. They go through certain procedures and to begin those procedures for extradition, the presence of the person concerned is necessary which means a technical arrest is to be made. After a technical arrest, bail is granted immediately. Now, the procedures will continue. For the government to be telling people here that they have done a very big thing is a little premature," he told ANI.

Downplaying the din surrounding his sensational arrest in London, Mallya, who is on the run over money laundering charges, after being released took a swipe at the Indian media.

"Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected," he tweeted.

Earlier today following Mallya's arrest, the Scotland Yard issued a statement saying that the absconding businessman was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud.

"Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit have this morning, Tuesday 18 April arrested a man on an extraction warrant. He was arrested after attending a central London police station, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today, 18 April," read the official statement of the Scotland Yard.

His arrest came after a Delhi court had issued an open-ended non-bailable warrant against Mallya in connection with the 1995 FERA violation case.

Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that Mallya's extradition has been stratified by the Secretary of State of the U.K. Government and added that a warrant would soon be released against him.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. Gen Zs are now at the age where they're coming for our jobs in the most chaotic way, and they're bringing all types of fancy equipment with them. Our PowerPoint presentations were READ THE REST
Asserting that the legal process is underway over the extradition of absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who was arrested and subsequently granted bail in London today, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that both India and the British Government are in touch over the matter.

"Responding to a query regarding Shri Vijay Mallya, the Official Spokesperson said that his arrest in London today was in connection with the request by the Government to U.K. authorities for his extradition. Legal process in this regard is underway in the U.K. The two governments are in touch in this context," the MEA said in a statement.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Indian High Commission will start the process of Mallya's extradition, Government sources state.

India needs to set precedent and Mallya's extradition is one such case, also those defaulters who think that their money are safe in tax heavens are on wrong foot, sources added.

The 61-year-old liquor businessman, wanted in India for defaulting on loans, appeared before the Westminster's Magistrates' Court in London for his bail hearing where the court granted bail to him.

Downplaying the din surrounding his sensational arrest in London, Mallya who is on the run over money laundering charges, took a swipe at the Indian media.

Taking to Twitter after getting bail, Mallya took a swing at the media accusing them of 'hyping' the development.

Earlier today following Mallya's arrest, the Scotland Yard issued a statement saying that the absconding businessman was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar has assured that the beleaguered liquor baron will be brought back after completion of all required legal procedures.

Addressing the media, Gangwar claimed that although bail was granted to Mallya, this does not imply any leniency towards him. He added that granting bail was required on grounds of a 'legal formality'.

"Eradication of black money has been discussed since the Lok Sabha elections. We will not let miscreants like Mallya escape. We will make sure he is brought back to India and produced before the law after due consideration of legal formalities," he said.

"Our government will make sure that nothing diverts this country's progress. Mallya's case will be investigated thoroughly," added Gangwar.

Mallya, who was finally caught after repeatedly refusing to appear before courts and investigators in India since he secretly fled to Britain last March, was granted bail.

Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that extradition of the absconding liquor baron has been stratified by the Secretary of State of the U.K. Government and added that a warrant would soon be released against him.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Red Bull's Max Verstappen has apologised to any Brazilians he may have offended any by making a joke during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.

Verstappen had been angry after Saturday'qualifying when he felt his best effort were 'ruined' when Felipe Massa dived in front of him on their preparation lap.

Following this, the Dutchman---when asked in a written media session if he planned to speak to Massa about the incident---had said, "Well, he's a Brazilian - so there's not much to discuss."

Massa, not impressed with Verstappen's words, subsequently spoke to the latter ahead of the Bahrain GP and warned him to be "careful" with his words.

"I told him earlier today, 'Be careful with your words because you will have a Brazilian Grand Prix at the end of year and you will have to race there. So be careful what you say'," Sport24 quoted Massa as saying.

"Without a doubt, it was not right to speak about Brazilians without even knowing what he was talking about," he added.

The Red Bull driver, however, has now taken to social media to issue an apology, saying he did not mean to offend the Brazilian people.

"I feel like I need to clarify my remarks that were made after this weekend's qualifying session. Being a passionate racer, I was very disappointed with my last stint and gave an emotional reaction that was taken out of context," Verstappen wrote on Instagram.

"By no means did I mean to insult the Brazilian people who I greatly respect and are always very nice to me when I visit the country."

"I would like to apologise to any Brazilians that feel offended and look forward to racing in your country again," he added.

At last year's Brazilian GP, Verstappen had a podium finish with third position.

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It seems like things are getting serious between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

According to a source, Markle will be by Harry's side when they attend the evening party after the wedding ceremony of Pippa Middleton and financer James Mathhews, reports People Magazine.

The source also told People that protocol prohibits unmarried and un-engaged partners to attend the event.

Myka Meier, founder and director of Beaumont Etiquette shared that there is no formal "no ring, no bring" rule.

"I would not be surprised if Prince Harry was not given a plus one, as the wedding guest list would have most likely been made in fall of last year when Prince Harry's relationship with Meghan was not as public. I typically recommend if someone is married, engaged, considers themselves to have a serious significant other, or is traveling in for the wedding, they should receive a plus one. Pending how intimate Pippa wants to keep her wedding, she may very well follow the 'no ring, no bring' rule," Meier said.

Recently, Harry flew out to Toronto to spend Easter weekend with his girlfriend - skipping the usual royal Easter tradition of attending services at St. George's chapel at Windsor castle with Queen Elizabeth II.

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews' wedding is expected to be grand affair with Prince William and Kate's children Prince George and Princess Charlotte acting as a page boy and a bridesmaid, respectively.

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A day after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered cases against 13 persons in connection with the Narada sting operation case, the Congress dubbed the former as the 'Chargesheet Bureau against India's opposition' and said the agency is working like a puppet which is being controlled by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"CBI's new name is Chargesheet Bureau against India's opposition. The reason is very simple. Vendetta, vindictiveness and a keen desire to seek revenge on part of (BJP) Government drives CBI as puppet acting on the agenda of BJP. If somebody is guilty in Narada, by all means take action against him or her. But to chargesheet the entire party i.e. Trinamool Congress purely because they are hostile to you politically reflects on the functioning of CBI as a captive puppet playing in the hands of the BJP," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told ANI.

Meanwhile, Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP Mohammad Salim said the agency should probe the case fairly adding that the moral authority of the Parliament is going down because of the political consideration.

"It is a long pending issue. First time in independent India FIR was launched against more than dozen of leaders. Because of the political consideration the moral authority of the Parliament is going down. CBI must continue this investigation fearlessly without any political influence. It must be quick in probing the case and it must be full proof conviction ," Salim told ANI.

CBI yesterday filed FIR against Madan Mitra, Mukul Roy, Saugata Roy besides Sultan Ahmed, Iqbal Ahmed, Kakoli Ghosh, Prasun Banerjee, Shbhendhu Adhikari, Sovan Chatterjee, Subrata Mukherjee, Syed Hussain Meerza, Firhad Hakim and Apurva Poddar .

The decision comes a month after the Supreme Court extended the time given to the CBI for conducting preliminary inquiry in the case.

The three judge bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Jagdish Singh Khehar said that the CBI investigation would go on against the accused persons in this case.

Kapil Sibal, one of the lawyer's for accused persons, pleaded to the top court for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or any other independent investigation but it was rejected by the apex court.

The CBI had on March 20 registered a preliminary inquiry into the case.

As per sources, the CBI also seized laptop and spy cam used by the Narada News in their sting operation.

The investigative agency also named West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, MPs, police officers and ex-MLA in its preliminary inquiry.

Reacting to the court's order, Mamata said that she will appeal against the court order in a "higher judiciary".

Earlier in April 2016, the court had formed a three-member committee to probe the controversial tapes.

Narada News, led by its editor-in-chief Matthew Samuel, had earlier released three sets of videos of its sting operation, where top TMC leaders were allegedly seen accepting bribes from journalists posing as businessmen.

The ruling party had dismissed the allegation citing that the tapes are 'doctored'.

The sting operation video was released by the portal on March 14, 2016, just ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mathew Samuel, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Narada News, on Tuesday said that the sting operation which he conducted during the parliament election in 2010 was simply journalistic and nothing political.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday filed an FIR against 13 persons, including senior leaders of West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress who were purportedly seen taking money, in the Narada case.

Following this, TMC leader Sovandeb Chatterjee alleged that the move was a prearranged attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to malign TMC's image so that they cannot get success in the election.

Chatterjee told ANI, "We will tackle the situation politically and because this is a political game by BJP. People of West Bengal did not believe it. They voted in favour of TMC and got votes in huge margin to 211 seats in last election,"

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Samuel said, "The TMC party has put false allegations on me. It is actually a kind of harassment. They want to put me inside because I did the sting during the parliament election in 2010 and published the same in my website. It is just journalistic, nothing political."

In contradiction to Sovandeb's assertion, polit bureau member of Communist Party of India (Marxist) Hannan Mollah rubbished West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegations of CBI FIR as 'political game' by the BJP, saying that it was a natural result of the enquiry and therefore, the state government should pursue it honestly and allow the CBI to punish the culprit.

Samuel had earlier released three sets of videos of its sting operation, where top TMC leaders were allegedly seen accepting bribes from journalists posing as businessmen.

The ruling party had dismissed the allegation citing that the tapes are 'doctored'.

The sting operation video was released by the portal on March 14, 2016, just ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi [India], Apr 18 (ANI): Clearing the air over allegations of being a Khalistani sympathizer, visiting Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan has said that his visit is aimed at forging better bilateral ties and not to 'break any country'.

"I have been given many labels throughout my life and your actions define who you are. I don't personally suck into the internal politics of any province or nations," he said while addressing an audience here as he spoke on 'Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping in a Changing World'.

"I do not promote the breakup of any country... My job is to promote a relation," he added.

The visiting minister's comments come in the wake of Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh describing Sajjan "a Khalistani sympathiser". During an interview last week, Singh stated that there were four other ministers in the Justin Trudeau government with Khalistani links.

The Chief Minister even went on to say that he would not meet the Canadian Minister on his India visit.

Sajjan is on a seven-day visit to India during which he is scheduled to hold several high-level ministerial meetings.

In Punjab, Sajjan will visit the Golden Temple and civil society organisations. He will inaugurate the new office of the Consulate-General of Canada in Chandigarh.

In the financial capital, Sajjan will visit the Mumbai Port and meet several business and industry leaders.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Alleging that the opposition is not able to digest the working style of Yogi Adityanath-led government, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday said they have been conspiring for their ulterior motives.

Uttar Pradesh Power Minister and BJP leader Shrikant Sharma said the opposition is not able to digest the fact that this government is working for the needy.

"The opposition have converted their offices into conspiracy offices as they always try to plan a new conspiracy against us," he said while addressing a press conference.

Sharma further said the main agenda of the Uttar Pradesh Government is to provide all basic facilities and modern technology to the farmers.

Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh, who was also present during the briefing, threw light on some of the decisions taken by the state government.

"A civil terminal, being constructed in Gorakhpur Air Force base, would be named after Maha Yogi Gorakhnath ji and in Agra the Indian Air Force airport will be named after Deen Dayal Upadhyay," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
At least six people were killed and 18 injured after a van collided with a car near Muhammadyar Wala at Jhang road in Bhakkar on Tuesday.

The collision took place after the car's faulty tie rod failed to function, Geo News reported citing sources.

Injured were shifted to nearby hospital.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed profound grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the accident, reports Radio Pakistan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) Deputy General Secretary T T V Dinakaran in the dock for allegedly bribing the Election Commission (EC), various political parties across the nation condemned the former's action, adding he has degraded the Tamil Nadu politics.

"It was a shocking disclosure. Dinakaran, the relative of Sasikala, attempted to bribe the Election Commission official to get 'Two Leaves'. In a very short time, Dinakaran has taken the Tamil Nadu politics to the new low," Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader S. Prakash told ANI.

He further said that the people of Tamil Nadu and the AIADMK factions have realized their blunders and now they are discussing each other to merge and emerge as one entity.

"The election was countermanded as he bribed the constituency by 89 crores. The influence of such a huge money power forced the Election Commission to cancel the polls which should have been held on April 12. Today he is facing one more serious charges and a warrant has been issued," Prakash added.

Echoing similar sentiments, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Majeed Memon said that this is something very dangerous for a free society and for a democracy.

"If it is true then serious steps must be taken. The chief election commission and the investigating agency should go to the bottom of truth and not spare any person who is indulged in such type of corrupt practices," he added.

He further said that every voter was given Rs. 4000 per vote and crores of rupees were distributed.

"The result was that the elections had to be dropped. Even for symbol, the Election Commission was sought to be bribed," Memon added.

Meanwhile, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja said whether Dinakaran will be taken under the custody for questioning that will take time law takes its course.

"The situation in Tamil continues to be bad. We have to wait for the further development. There are reports that leaders of both the factions are tugging to each other. One has to wait for the development," he added.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Monday asserted that the entire development reeks of desperation on behalf of the Sasikala Natarajan faction.

"It is very shameful that they (AIADMK) have gone to the extent of bribing the Election Commission. If they have the majority then they should prove the majority. But if they are bribing the Election Commission then it proves that they don't have the majority," DMK senior leader TKS Elangovan told ANI here.

The DMK leader further said this is a corrupt government, which is least concerned for the people and has put all its focus on grabbing money and power.

"The AIADMK is a corrupt party. The AIADMK is a headless body now," he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Tamilisai Soundarajan told ANI that the entire development was a new version of corruption.

Dinakaran was earlier in the day named an accused in the FIR filed by the Delhi Police Crime Branch for allegedly offering bribe for his party's 'two leaves' symbol, which was declared suspended a few weeks ago.

The police action came in the wake of arrest of an alleged middleman named Sukesh Chandrasekhar from Hyatt hotel last night.

The Delhi Police's case against Dinakaran comes even as a major crisis looms in the state government with a section of ministers revolting against him and seeking his resignation as party deputy general secretary.

Dinakaran has, however, cried foul while stating that he does not know accused middleman.

"I will legally face if any summon comes to me from the Delhi Police. I don't know anybody by this name Sukesh Chandrasekhar (alleged middleman). I haven't bribed anyone for anything," Dinakaran said.

Dinakaran's faction contested on the 'hat' symbol after the Election Commission froze their 'two leaves' symbol acknowledging the split in the party.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari may have commenced her five-day India visit, but her country's frequent hobnobbing with China has dominated headlines and attracted New Delhi's concerned attention.

In a first, Nepal and China have started a 10-day joint military exercise 'Sagarmatha Friendship 2017'. This newly found military bonding will last till April 25. Indian diplomatic and security experts have reasons to be wary of the Dragon's interest in Nepal, which has remained more or less dependent on India for most of its needs.

This issue is likely to figure in delegation-level talks today.

The Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, a.ka. Prachanda, visited New Delhi within six weeks after assuming power and signed many treaties with India. He also visited China but no treaties were signed between two countries.

Chinese Premier Xi Jinping's Nepal visit was scheduled in October 2016 during former Nepal Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli's regime, but was called-off owing to the changed political scenario in Nepal.

Relations between India and Nepal became strained when Oli started looking towards China.

During his tenure, Oli supported China's policy of One Belt and One Road' (OBOR) and also signed a treaty, but Prachanda has kept a mum over it. Since India was not happy with Nepal's association in OBOR projects, so China holds India responsible for Prachanda's 'cold response' to OBOR.

As a matter of fact, China sees Prachanda with suspicion over the former's proximity with India. This was evident through an opinionated piece published in Chinese Communist Party's mouthpiece 'Global Times'. The newspaper advised Prachanda to tender an explanation on his growing proximity with India.

Prachanda organised Indian President Pranab Mukherjee's Nepal visit in Novemeber 2016 to repair the damage. Pranab, as a foreign minister in 2005-06, had played an important role in bringing Nepalese Maoists into the mainstream.

However, Nepal-China joint military exercise has many dimensions, and India should be wary of them.

In the past, Nepal has been conducting joint military exercise with India and United States of America (USA). China is a new entrant in Nepal's military diplomacy.

For understanding China's real interest in Nepal, one needs to understand the landlocked Nepal's politics and demography.

Nepal has witnessed political turmoil since 2001 with the infamous Royal massacre. Though there is a democratically government in Nepal, but its ideology is Leftist, akin to the Chinese political ideology and opposite to the Right wing ideology of Narendra Modi government.

Nepal is surrounded by China to the north and India to the south, east and west. This makes its border porous and most favoured destination for terrorists.

Though the aim of joint Nepal-China military exercise is to combat terrorism, but China is not likely to take note of its friend Pakistan's nurturing of terror infrastructure in Nepal.

A Wikileaks report revealed in 2011 that ISI had made Nepal a hub of anti-India terror activities. Pakistan founded Jammu and Kashmir Islamic Front (JKIF), and Kathmandu was made its base. Most wanted underworld don Dawood Ibrahim has a very strong presence in Nepal.

JKIF, says the Wikileaks cable dated July 8, 1997, was controlled from Pakistan by ISI and Tiger Memon, who is the prime accused in 1993 Mumbai blast case and a close associate of Dawood.

Bidhya Devi was scheduled to visit India in May 2016, but it was postponed due to political instability in Nepal created by Madhesi movement. Since many Madhesis are of Indian origin, so Nepal suspected that India was fomenting trouble in Himalayan Country. This thinking strained bilateral relations. When the trade was hit during Madhesi movement, then Nepalese Prime Minister Oli joined hands with China and started importing goods, including petroleum products, from Beijing. India was not happy with its age-old friend's proximity with its age-old foe. After the exit of Oli, relations between India and Nepal are becoming normal.

However, with China's military diplomacy in Nepal, it will be interesting to watch how long India and Nepal relations will remain 'friendly'.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The UK Prime Minister  riding high on a recent uptick in Brexit popularity and taking advantage of divisions in the Labour Party  has called snap elections for June 8.

Theresa May had previously stated that she would not call an election.

The elections could put to rest the frequent accusation that May  who came to power in an internal Tory Party process  does not have a mandate. It could also be a club to beat Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon with, as a counter to a proposed Scottish separation from the UK.

Naked Capitalism's Yves Smith has assembled some key fragments of the early analysis of possible outcomes, including the possibility that a larger Tory majority in Parliament could magnify the internal divisions in the party, divisions that led to the chaotic Brexit referendum and May's ascendancy to the PM's chair.





Smith takes note of the fact that 20 Tory MPs are currently under police investigation for electoral fraud, and if any were to be charged, they could be barred from holding political office for three years. The number of MPs under investigation is without precedent.

As for me, I've just made another donation to Momentum, a pressure group dedicated to leading the Labour Party to a genuine, Sanders-style left-wing alternative to Tory neoliberalism.

Labour is particularly weak and divided right now; elections early are an opportunity to deliver a crushing blow. Brexit popularity is at a recent high, so that will help shore up the Tory position. May would get her own mandate. First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has tried to throw a curveball with the threat of a Scottish referendum, which Sturgeon was pushing to take place in 2019. Even though May has the power to say no, that move would hurt the Union and help the SNP. Given the Brexit timetable, the SNP's timing for a referendum would have been 2019, which was uncomfortably close to the originally scheduled Parliamentary elections in 2020.



Theresa May Announces Surprise Early Election for June 8

[Yves Smith/Naked Capitalism]





(Image: Policy Exchange, CC-BY0
Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh here on Tuesday during which the duo discussed issues pertaining to bilateral relations.

Singh called his meeting with President Bhandari as 'fruitful'.

"Had a fruitful meeting with the President of Nepal Ms Bidya Devi Bhandari.We discussed a range of issues pertaining to India-Nepal relations," Singh tweeted.

President Bhandari also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President Hamid Ansari.

Earlier, she received a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

She was welcomed by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Modi.

Bhandari, who yesterday arrived on a five-day visit to India, is being accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Ministers, Members of Parliament and senior officials.

The visit is taking place in the backdrop of intensified bilateral engagements both at the political and official level in recent times.

There had been more than 30 official and ministerial level engagements since the state visit of President Mukherjee to Nepal in November last year which clearly illustrate the wide range and depth of cooperative ties with Nepal.

The visit reflects the priority that both nations attach to further strengthening of their age-old and unique partnership, underpinned by shared historical and cultural linkages and strong people-to-people connections.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Briton researchers have found a new group of cells in retina of eyes that can directly affect the biological clock of the people who experience .

According to researchers, a new group of cells in the retina that directly affect the biological clock by sending signals to a region of the brain which regulates our daily (circadian) rhythms, thereby opening a new therapeutic possibilities to manipulate the retina's signals and alter the body's responses to light changes.

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a region of the brain, which co-ordinates the circadian rhythm using many different signalling molecules, including the neurohormone vasopressin.

This research shows that the retina has its own population of vasopressin-expressing cells which communicate directly to the SCN and are involved with regulating the circadian rhythm.

This gives an insight into how the biological clock is regulated by light and could open up new therapeutic opportunities to help restore altered circadian rhythms through the eye.

"Our exciting results show a potentially new pharmacological route to manipulate our internal biological clocks," said study's lead investigator Mike Ludwig from the University of Edinburgh in England.

"Studies in the future which alter vasopressin signalling through the eye could lead to developing eye drops to get rid of jet lag, but we are still a long way off from this," Ludwig added.

Biological clocks are synchronised to light-dark changes and are important to regulate patterns of body temperature, brain activity, hormone production and other physiological processes.

Disruption of this can lead to problems such as gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders, depression and an increased risk of cancer.

The researchers interfered with the signalling of light information sent to the SCN in rats.

Using a series of physiological tests, they showed that vasopressin-expressing cells in the retina are directly involved in regulating circadian rhythms.

The study appeared in the Journal of Physiology.
After releasing its Hindi trailer, the Marathi version of 'Sachin A Billion Dreams' trailer was unveiled sometime back by Sachin Tendulkar himself.

The makers of the project have shot the film simultaneously in Hindi and Marathi languages. Taking from the fact that the master blaster is a Marathi, the makers were of the opinion that it would be justified if the film was shot in the same language.

Creating a buzz on the social media, the trailer has garnered huge praise from celebs like Madhuri Dixit to Shreyas Talpade.

Madhuri wrote, "#SachinABillionDreams releasing in Marathi too! Moved after watching the emotional Marathi trailer! http://bit.ly/Sachin-Marathi-Trailer . @sachin_rt"

Atul Kulkarni tweeted, "Important lives have important lessons for us.... Here's one such life! #SachinABillionDreams"

According to Shreyas, "Aplya Devachi #SachinABillionDreams Marathit suddha release honar! Pahaa haa Marathi trailer! http://bit.ly/Sachin-Marathi-Trailer ."

On this note, within 24 hours of its release, the trailer stormed the internet garnering 15 million views. It even trended on Twitter for 14 hours continuously.

'Sachin- A Billion Dreams,' directed by Emmy nominated James Erskine and music by Academy Award winner A.R Rahman, is slated to release on May 26.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
North Korea's United Nations deputy representative Kim In Ryong on Monday unleashed at a UN press conference a torrent of threats, war scenarios and rhetoric aimed at the United States.

The press event was held hours after U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visited the demilitarised zone between North and South Korea. the CNN reports.

Pence warned North Korea to not test the resolve of the United States "or the strength of our military forces."

North Korea then returned verbal fire.

The North Korea UN ambassador condemned the U.S. naval buildup in the waters off the Korean Peninsula, plus the U.S. missile attacks on Syria.

Kim said, "It has created a dangerous situation in which thermonuclear war may break out at any moment on the peninsula and poses a serious threat to peace and security."

While reporters at the United Nations have heard similar rhetoric from North Koreans before, Monday's forceful wording was on a higher level.

The deputy ambassador, reading from a statement, told media, "The U.S. is disturbing the global peace and stability and insisting on the gangster-like logic that its invasion of a sovereign state is 'decisive, and just, and proportionate' and contributes to 'defending' the international order in its bid to apply it to the Korean Peninsula as well."

Kim said his country was ready to react to any "mode of war" from the United States. Any missile or nuclear strike by the United States would be responded to "in kind," said the North Korea representative.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Following the demise of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa in December 2016, the state has been witness to a political turmoil with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) splitting into two factions one led by Sasikala Natarajan and the other by former chief minister O. Panneerselvam.

Here is the glimpse of the political turn of events in the state:

 SASIKALA, OPS CAMPS MERGER

In what can be called as a major hint towards sewing up an unprecedented merger between two warring factions in the Tamil Nadu Government, the Sasikala and the O. Panneerselvam groups of the AIADMK met on April 17 to discuss and deliberate over possibilities of their unification.

The re-united party will then stake a claim for the AIADMK symbol - two leaves.

Panneerselvam today said that the Sasikala faction of the party has formed a committee to conduct talks for a merger.

 RK NAGAR BY-POLLS CANCELLED

By-elections in Chennai's RK Nagar constituency was cancelled by the Election Commission last week after cash-for-votes allegations surfaced. The decision came after income tax raids in Chennai found money had been distributed to voters prior to the polls.

Income tax officials alleged that the Sasikala faction of the party had paid Rs. 89 crore to voters to buy support for its candidate TTV Dinakaran, who is also her nephew. As evidence, the department had cited documents seized during raids in more than 35 places, including properties of the state health minister C Vijayabaskar.

The Sasikala faction, however, refuted the allegation.

 EC FREEZES AIADMK'S ELECTION SYMBOL

The Election Commission froze the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) election symbol of 'two leaves', after representatives of former Tamil Nadu chief minister O. Panneerselvam and former party general secretary V.K. Sasikala made seperate claims for it.

 TUSSLE OVER PARTY SYMBOL AHEAD OF R.K. NAGAR BY-POLL

Sasikala and Panneerselvam camps locked horns over the AIADMK election symbol 'two leaves' in view of the R.K. Nagar assembly constituency the by-elections in Chennai that were to be held on April 12.

 PALANISAMY WINS FLOOR TRUST

On February 18, amid an uproar in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Edappadi K. Palanisamy won the vote of confidence with 122 MLAs supporting him.

 PALANISAMY TAKES OATH AS TAMIL NADU CHIEF MINISTER

Edappadi K. Palanisamy took oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister along with 31 other AIADMK MLAs on February 16. Meanwhile, the AIADMK said that Palanisamy will seek the vote of confidence on February 18.

 SASIKALA SURRENDERS BEFORE BENGALURU JAIL

A day after being convicted by the Supreme Court in connection with the disproportionate assets case, Sasikala Natarajan surrenders before Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara jail.

 DHINAKARAN APPOINTED AS DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY OF AIADMK

In yet another major development in Tamil Nadu politics, TTV Dhinakaran on February 15 was appointed as the Deputy General Secretary of the AIADMK on February 15.

 PALANISWAMI APPOINTED AS HEAD OF AIADMK LEGISLATURE PARTY

After Sasikala was sentenced to four years in jail in connection with the disproportionate assets case, Edappadi K Palaniswami was appointed head of the AIADMK legislature party. Soon after which O. Panneerselvam was expelled from the AIADMK.

 SASIKALA SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN JAIL IN DA CASE

On February 14, Sasikala was convicted in the 19-year-old disproportionate assets case and sentenced to serve four years in jail. She also stood disqualified to take over as Tamil Nadu chief minister.

 TUG OF WAR BETWEEN SASIKALA AND PANNEERSELVAM FOR CM POST

On February 5, O. Panneerselvam resigned from the chief minister post and Sasikala was elected head of the AIADMK legislative party and proceeded to stake claim to form the government. State Governor C Vidyasagar Rao accepted Panneerselvam's resignation, but asked him to operate in a caretaker capacity.

In another turn of events, Panneerselvam makes startling revelations, including telling to reporters that he 'was forced to resign'.

 SASIKALA NATARAJAN APPOINTED AIADMK GENERAL SECRETARY

Sasikala Natarajan, the confidante of late Jayalalithaa appointed as AIADMK's general secretary on December 29 after several party functionaries urged her to lead the party.

 O. PANNEERSELVAM SWORN IN AS TAMIL NADU CHIEF MINISTER

After Jayalalithaa's death, senior AIADMK leader O. Paneerselvam sworn in as the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu. According to reports, several AIADMK MLAs were called to Apollo Hospital to sign a declaration, making Panneerselvam Jayalalithaa's successor.

 JAYALALITHAA'S DEMISE

Former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa, popularly addressed as "Amma" by her supporters and party cadres, dies of cardiac arrest on December 5, 2016 at the Apollo Hospital after a prolonged illness.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
U.S. President Donald Trump has asked voters in Georgia to reject the Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff, saying that he would be a 'disaster' in Congress.

Trump said that Ossoff would raise taxes, be bad for jobs, be weak on crime and illegal immigration.

"Democrat Jon Ossoff would be a disaster in Congress. VERY weak on crime and illegal immigration, bad for jobs and wants higher taxes. Say NO," Trump tweeted.

He also asked republicans in Georgia to get out and vote on Tuesday.

"Republicans must get out today and VOTE in Georgia 6. Force runoff and easy win! Dem Ossoff will raise your taxes-very bad on crime & 2nd A," Trump said in a tweet.

The elections in Georgia are being seen as an early indicator of how voters will respond to Trump's presidency.

Trump also said that his administration is removing the illegal immigration policies of former president Obama in a fast way.

"The weak illegal immigration policies of the Obama Admin. allowed bad MS 13 gangs to form in cities across U.S. We are removing them fast!" he tweeted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
U.S. Security Advisor HR McMaster on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter's official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg here.

Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and Security Advisor Ajit Doval were also present during the meeting.

McMaster earlier in the day met his Indian counterpart Doval.

McMaster yesterday met Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and discussed bilateral ties, Afghan situation and rising tensions between India, Pakistan.

Lt. Gen. McMaster also met Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad.

Aziz briefed Lt. Gen. McMaster on the policies being pursued by the Pakistan government that have resulted in improved security environment and economic turnaround in the country.

The Dawn quoted Aziz, as saying that that Pakistan remains determined to continue its fight as part of the Action Plan until terrorism is completely eliminated from the country.

Expressing Pakistan's concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, Aziz reaffirmed Islamabad's commitment to working with the international community to support peace efforts in Afghanistan.

He also stressed on the importance of effective border management to achieve sustainable peace in the region.

Lt. Gen. McMaster thanked Aziz and acknowledged Pakistan's sacrifices in combating extremism and terrorism. He renewed the commitment of the new administration to work closely with Pakistan in strengthening mutually beneficial relations and towards the shared objectives of peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.

Lt. Gen. McMaster, who is on his maiden visit to Pakistan after being elected as President Donald Trump's National Security Advisor, will next visit India to assess the situation in the two countries and then report back to the White House.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Tuesday issued an order that under new rules liquor shops will stay open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Chief Minister earlier on April 2 said that he would not follow Bihar's model in banning alcohol, adding he would rather adopt a more inclusive approach to stop the people from consuming liquor as the outcome in several states has not been positive so far.

His remarks came when he was asked as to how his government will tackle the burgeoning revenue deficit and his government's stand on banning alcohol.

"Although the financial situation of our state is worse, but I would like to say that we would not sell alcohol to better our revenues. We can see that the outcome has not been positive for the states which have stopped the sale and consumption of alcohol," Rawat told ANI.

Rawat said that his government would run a campaign to discourage the people from consuming alcohol.

"Hence our priority is to work with those organisations, which work to rehabilitate the people. We would run a campaign discouraging the people from consuming alcohol," he added.

He said that his government would work on a set of issues to increase revenue and improve employment in the state.

"Our first priority is zero tolerance towards corruption. But at the same time, the officials who will work with honesty will be awarded. Our second focus will be to bring employment and for that we have constituted a separate ministry. The third issue on which we will concentrate is health. We are not satisfied with the current health facilities and the major reason behind it is scarcity of doctors and soon we will recruit doctors. Moreover, we will also encourage and bring in generic medicines so that even the poor can afford treatment," he said.

"Our fourth issue is migration. As we know that the state borders China and Nepal with whom we share good relations. So, to curb migration we have constituted a committee. Our fifth issue is tourism. We have a lot of scope in the field of tourism. So, we will explore all aspects," he added.

The Uttarakhand Government earlier imposed a ban on sale of liquor in Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts from April 1 in the wake of Chardham Yatra.

The Nainital High Court had in September last year passed an order in this regard banning the "possession, distribution, collection, sale, purchase or consumption of liquor, including beer."

Besides liquor, the High Court also ordered to prohibit tobacco within five kilometers around Gurudwara Nanakmatta, Gurudwara Rita Sahib and Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Income Tax (IT) department on Tuesday raided various locations in Dehradun including the residence of an Uttar Pradesh government official.

The raids also took place at the home and office of Uttar Pradesh Manufacturing Corporation General Manager Ashray Sharma.

Sharma's farm houses were also under probe in Dehradun and Rishikesh.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Jammu and Kashmir activist Sushil Pandit on Tuesday exhorted the Centre to weaken the separatists instead of reducing the capacity of ammunition.

Pandit, who was reacting to reports suggesting that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is contemplating using plastic bullets to tame the protestors in Kashmir, termed use of plastic bullets as a 'cat and mouse game' and said it will not be of much use.

"By reducing the lethality of the ammunition, you can't take the sting out of the separatists and their intent to foment trouble. You need to address the capacity of the trouble makers instead of reducing the capacity of your ammunition," said Pandit.

He added, "There is no use of changing the ammunition until the trouble making mindset is changed."

As per reports, the plastic bullets don't penetrate into body and can be fired from INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifles.

Meanwhile, the social activist while commenting on the current unrest in Kashmir Valley said Kashmir hasn't seen its worst yet.

"The situation is deteriorating because those who have been tasked with the job of leading people as mainstream political parties are the ones who are inciting people," said Pandit.

Due to stone-pelting by the Kashmiri students, the Kashmir Divisional Commissioner had on Monday ordered to shutdown the universities, colleges and higher secondary schools across the region.

Many students and five policemen were injured on Monday when the Kashmiri students resorted to violence and pelted stones on the security forces and police to protest the alleged high-handedness against some students in Pulwama on Saturday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
CelebrityNetWorth.com was a popular, data-driven website whose 12 staffers led serious efforts to research public figures and give a credible estimate of their fortunes. Google liked the look of this, so it made site founder Brian Warner a proposition: let Google include the Big Number as a featured "snippet" atop relevant search results, in return for the snippet linking to the website.

Warner, though, knew that the link offer was worthless and said no. Mysteriously, Google started "answering" questions about celebrities' net worth anyway, only occasionally disclosing the source; he seeded his database with a few fake celebrities to prove Google was using CelebrityNetWorth.com's data. The result was just as he predicted when he said no: his site's lost most of its traffic, even as Google depends on it to provide accurate answers.

Google's push into direct answers has wide-reaching consequences for more than just small business owners who depend on search traffic. The email Google sent Warner in 2014 gives some insight into how Google selects reputable sources. Google wouldn't answer questions about this, but based on the emails, the vetting was pretty thin; Google seemed more interested in whether the data was machine-readable than whether it was accurate. And the bar for featured snippets  the answers culled algorithmically from the web  is even lower, since it appears that any site good enough to rank in search results is good enough to serve as the source for Google's canonical answers. That's how you get erroneous answers that claim Barack Obama is organizing a coup, or that the Earth is flat, or that women are evil

Seems like there's a linear relationship between Google rehosting your content and website traffic going down.
West Indies batsman Kieran Powell has been recalled into the Test squad for the first match of the three-Test series against Pakistan beginning April 22 at Barbados.

The 27-year-old, who averages just 27.48 in the five-day format, is in line for his first Test appearance since 2014 after being named in a 13-man squad.

Besides Powell, the uncapped batting pair of Vishaul Singh and Shimron Hetmyer have been included in the 13-man squad while experienced Marlon Samuels, Darren Bravo and Leon Johnson have been dropped from the squad.

"We are happy to be able to give a recall to Kieran Powell for one of the opening slots, although he did not have the best regional first-class season," ESPNcrincinfo quoted West Indies chairman of selectors Courtney Browne as saying.

"He showed for the President's XI that his experience can add value to our team," he added.

Browne further exuded confidence on the young Test squad, saying although there are some noticeable absentees, the players would give a good account of themselves especially in their own backyard.

Powell's form in the domestic four-day competition has also not been good as his one-day record this season, with 342 runs at 28.50 and just two half-centuries.

However, he produced scores of 58 and 84 not out for the West Indies President's XI in the three-day tour match against Pakistan that ended in a draw on Tuesday.

WI squad for first Test: Jason Holder (capt), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich (wk), Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Vishaul Singh.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Berger Paints India rose 1.10% to Rs 243.65 at 10:44 IST on BSE after the company said its unit signed a pact with NBCC for business exploration.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 April 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 262.62 points, or 0.89% to 29,676.28.

On the BSE, 24,000 shares were traded in the counter so far, compared with average daily volumes of 3.20 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 247.50 and a low of Rs 242.90 so far during the day. The stock hit a record high of Rs 276.80 on 12 September 2016. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 174.22 on 24 June 2016.

The stock had outperformed the market over the past one month till 17 April 2017, rising 4.08% compared with 0.79% decline in the Sensex. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one quarter, rising 12.07% as against Sensex's 8% rise.

The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 97.10 crore. Face value per share is Re 1.

Berger Paints India said that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bolix, S.A. Poland and NBCC signed a memorandum of business exploration yesterday, 17 April 2017, in furtherance of a joint initiative to bring to India External Thermal Insulation and Composite Systems (ETICS), a proven solution for improving energy performance of temperature controlled buildings.

ETICS is a very cost effective and efficient solution and much used in Europe. Germany and Poland are the pioneers in this technology though ETICS is now in use in over 15 countries in Europe.

NBCC and Bolix will jointly promote, develop and facilitate the use of ETICS solutions n building projects in India with the principal objective of reducing significantly the energy requirements for cooling or heating in these buildings which is expected to result in gains in environmental sustainability.

On consolidated basis, Berger Paints India's net profit fell 2% to Rs 109.12 crore on 5.2% growth in net sales to Rs 1170.20 crore in Q3 December 2016 over Q3 December 2015.

Berger Paints India manufactures and markets a range of decorative and industrial paint products and has operations throughout India.

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Key benchmark indices held firm in mid-morning trade. At 11:30 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 256.65 points or 0.87% at 29,670.31. The Nifty 50 index was up 71.90 points or 0.79% at 9,211.20. Gains in ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries boosted sentiment on domestic bourses.

After seeing a gap-up opening, the key benchmark indices extended gains and hit fresh intraday high in morning trade.

The BSE Mid-Cap index was up 1.03%. The BSE Small-Cap index was up 1.15%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex.

The broad market depicted strength. There were over two gainers against every loser on BSE. On the BSE, 1,751 shares rose and 770 shares fell. A total of 130 shares were unchanged.

Capital goods rose. Bharat Heavy Electricals (Bhel) (up 2.26%), BEML (up 0.32%), ABB India (up 0.92%), Bharat Electronics (up 1.64%), L&T (up 0.57%), Punj Lloyd (up 1.51%), Siemens (up 1.95%) and Thermax (up 0.34%) rose.

Cement stocks gained. ACC (up 0.7%), UltraTech Cement (up 0.47%) and Shree Cement (up 0.28%) gained. Ambuja Cements (down 0.26%) fell.

Grasim Industries was up 0.79%. Grasim has exposure to the cement sector through its holding in UltraTech Cement.

On the macro front, India Meteorological Department (IMD) will announce its first long range forecast for 2017 southwest monsoon, today, 18 April 2017. The June-September southwest monsoon is critical for the country's agriculture because a considerable part of the country's farmland is dependent on the rains for irrigation.

Overseas, most Asian stocks were trading higher as a strong post-Easter finish on Wall Street provided upward momentum. US stocks rose the most in six weeks yesterday, 17 April 2017 as investors turned their attention to first-quarter corporate earnings.

Geopolitical tensions, notably those between the US and North Korea, have heightened worries about aggressions escalating into a nuclear confrontation. Over the weekend, North Korea put on a massive military parade, followed by a failed missile launch. In an unannounced visit to the Korean Peninsula's demilitarized zone, US Vice President Mike Pence yesterday, 17 April 2017 warned North Korea not to test the resolve of President Donald Trump or the military strength of the US.

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Key benchmark indices ended with modest losses in a volatile session of trade as a strong intraday rally was derailed by sell-off in late trade. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, fell 94.56 points or 0.32% at 29,319.10, as per the provisional closing data. The Nifty 50 index fell 34.15 points or 0.37% at 9,105.15, as per the provisional closing data. The Sensex hit its lowest level in over three weeks. The Nifty hit three-week low. Fall in Reliance Industries, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and L&T pulled domestic bourses lower.

After seeing a gap-up opening triggered by positive Asian stocks, the key benchmark indices extended gains and hit fresh intraday high in morning trade. Indices hovered in a tight range in positive terrain till early afternoon trade. Key benchmark indices pared intraday gains in afternoon trade as lower opening in European stocks pulled local indices off their highs. Market sink in negative zone and hit intraday low in late trade.

The Sensex gained 287.53 points or 0.97% at the day's high of 29,701.19 in mid-morning trade, its highest level since 12 April 2017. The index lost 127.28 points or 0.43% at the day's low of 29,286.38 in late trade, its lowest level since 27 March 2017. The Nifty gained 78.60 points or 0.86% at the day's high of 9,217.90 in mid-morning trade, its highest level since 12 April 2017. The index fell 43.85 points or 0.48% at the day's low of 9,095.45 in late trade, its lowest level since 28 March 2017.

The BSE Mid-Cap index provisionally fell 0.63%. The BSE Small-Cap index provisionally fell 0.74%. The fall in both these indices was higher than the Sensex's decline in percentage terms.

The breadth, indicating overall health of the market was weak. On the BSE, 1,769 shares declined and 1,120 shares rose. A total of 137 shares were unchanged.

The total turnover on BSE amounted to Rs 4285.37 crore, higher than the turnover of Rs 3478.74 crore registered during the previous trading session.

Metal and mining stocks declined as copper prices dropped in global commodity markets. Vedanta (down 2.73%), JSW Steel (down 3.68%), Steel Authority of India (Sail) (down 1.95%), Hindustan Zinc (down 2.07%), Jindal Steel & Power (down 1.82%), NMDC (down 1.52%), Hindustan Copper (down 1.59%) edged lower. Hindalco Industries (up 1.21%) and National Aluminium Company (up 2.49%) rose.

Copper edged lower in the global commodities market. High Grade Copper for May 2017 delivery was currently off 1.6% at $2.5545 per pound on the COMEX.

Tata Steel lost 2.76% after the company said its board meeting will be held on 20 April 2017, to consider a proposal for fund raising. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 April 2017.

Overseas, most European stocks were trading lower with commodity shares struggling and investors were nervous ahead of the first round of voting in France's presidential election on Sunday, 23 April 2017.

Meanwhile, in a surprise move, UK Prime Minister Theresa May has announced plans for an early general election on 8 June 2017. In an unscheduled speech delivered today, 18 April 2017, May said an election is needed because other parties in parliament are opposed to the Conservative-led government's Brexit plans.

Most Asian stocks finished lower on escalating geopolitical concerns. US stocks rose the most in six weeks yesterday, 17 April 2017 as investors turned their attention to first-quarter corporate earnings.

Geopolitical tensions, notably those between the US and North Korea, have heightened worries about aggressions escalating into a nuclear confrontation. Over the weekend, North Korea put on a massive military parade, followed by a failed missile launch. In an unannounced visit to the Korean Peninsula's demilitarized zone, US Vice President Mike Pence yesterday, 17 April 2017 warned North Korea not to test the resolve of President Donald Trump or the military strength of the US.

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For joint cooperation to promote ETICS for construction of green buildings

NBCC (India) has signed Memorandum of Business Exploration (MOBE) on 17 April 2017 with BOLIX SA, Poland for Joint Cooperation to promote External Thermal Insulation and Composite System (ETICS) for construction of energy efficient and environment friendly Green Buildings.

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Following is the legal twists and turns leading up to the arrest of liquor baron Vijay Vittal Mallya in London. But the extradition hearings in UK courts may take time before he is extradited to India.

April 18, 2017: Scotland Yard announces arrest after Mallya was asked to meet officers at central London police station. Later, gets bail.

February 8: Indian government formally requests the UK to extradite him. The UK Secretary of State sends the request to Westminster Magistrate's Court.

November 10, 2016: Designated court orders seizure of domestic assets of Mallya and entities controlled by him.

June: Designated ED court issues 'proclamation order' asking Mallya to appear before it.

May: UK government takes note of serious allegations against Mallya, suggests request be made under Extradition Treaty (Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty).

May 2: UK government declines request for deportation, saying no requirement of valid passport to remain in the country as long as entry was made on a valid one.

April 28: Formal request made to UK to deport Mallya to India.

April 23: Mallya's passport revoked on ED's request.

March-April: ED issues several summons to Mallya to appear before it. Non-bailable warrant issued by designated courts (ED).

March 1: State Bank of India, other banks move application in Supreme Court to impound Mallya's passport.

March 2: Mallya flees India, leaving behind Rs 8,191 of debts to 17 banks.

January: ED initiates investigations under Prevention of Money Laundering Act based on probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

July 2015: CBI initiates criminal investigations against Mallya.

--IANS

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At least 23 people were killed in airstrikes in Syria allegedly carried out by the US-led international coalition in areas under the Islamic State (IS) terror organisation's control in Syria, said a British war monitor on Tuesday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that 13 civilians and three IS militants were among those killed in an airstrike near the town of al-Bukamal on the Syrian border with Iraq, Efe news reported.

There were also bombings at one of Bukamal's entrances and on al-Hamar oil field in the same town.

Seven other people, including two women and a minor, died in a similar strike against al-Hasaniya village.

Aircraft launched 12 missiles against al-Hasaniya's Faculty of Agriculture, which had been turned into an IS base.

The SOHR added that coalition airstrikes on Syrian territory had caused the deaths of 1,226 civilians.

--IANS

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Iraqi troops killed 60 Islamic State (IS) militants in Mosul, including a commander, a senior official said on Tuesday.

Police forces, backed by Iraqi warplanes and artillery fire, were making progress in combating extremists in the al-Farouk area and in the vicinity of al-Nuri mosque in Mosul, Efe news reported.

This mosque is a prime target for the government forces for its symbolic value as it is the site where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed the caliphate on June 29, 2014.

During the last hours of fighting, the police destroyed five armoured vehicles, eight motorcycles loaded with bombs, six anti-aircraft batteries and dismantled three bombs placed in buildings.

The offensive against IS in Nineveh province began six months ago and has been stagnant for a month in an attempt to access the old town of Mosul.

Iraqi forces ended the offensive in the eastern half of Mosul in January, and in February began the assault on the neighbourhoods west of the river Tigris.

--IANS

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In a fresh missive to his ministers, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has told them to declare by March 31 every year their assets and property.

An official said on Tuesday that the Chief Minister had also warned the ministers against any laxity in this regard.

The ministers in the Bharatiya Janata Party government have also been told to keep a distance from contractors and business entities.

The ministers have been barred from accepting any gift costing more than Rs 5,000.

They have also been refrained from staying in luxurious property and attending parties and dinners.

Both during personal visits and official tours, the ministers have been instructed to stay in government Circuit House and not to accept any favours from anyone.

Ever since Adityanath took charge of Uttar Pradesh in March, he has been advising ministers and officials to cut expenses.

--IANS

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Afghan First Lady Rula Ghani on Tuesday called for protecting girls from child marriage, noting that forced marriage affects physical health of young girls and robs them of their childhood.

"Child marriage is a depressing phenomenon for the young generation of Afghanistan and it is a national responsibility to stop the menace," Xinhua news agency quoted her as saying.

"I urge all Afghan families to avoid child marriage and forced marriage. Your girls face a huge risk when they get married at young age. Early marriage robs them of their childhood and future opportunities," Rula Ghani said at an event to mark the launch of "National Action Plan to Eliminate Early and Child Marriage".

She noted that getting married at an appropriate age reduces girls' risk for physical, sexual, psychological as well as economic abuse.

The plan of action outlines initiatives designed to prevent and end early and child marriage and strives to improve the implementation of laws and services which aim to support people at risk of early and child marriage.

Girls aged 15 to 19 who experience pregnancy and childbirth are twice as likely to die of related complications as women aged 20 to 24 years, according to Unicef.

--IANS

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Looking at the world through the eyes of the Web
A plea was filed in the Delhi High Court on Tuesday seeking directions to the government to approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to secure the release from Pakistan of alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav.

The plea said an Indian citizen had been illegally detained and wrongly awarded capital punishment by a Pakistani military court without providing him a fair trial.

Pakistan has not made public copies of the chargesheet against Jadhav and the copy of the judgment sentencing him to death, said Rahul Sharma, a social activist who approached the court.

Jadhav, sentenced to death on April 10, faced seven charges including espionage and waging war against Pakistan. Islamabad has rejected Indian requests for consular access to Jadhav.

The petition stated that the Indian government must challenge the violations of international law by the Pakistan government by taking the matter to the International Court of Justice.

--IANS

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The government of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has adopted a new "Australians first" approach to skilled migration, announcing it will abolish the controversial for temporary skilled migrants.

The is used mainly to hire foreign workers in the restaurant, IT and medical industries and the majority of such visa holders came from India, Britain and China, the Sydney Morning Herald reported on Tuesday.

According to government statistics, 95,758 people were living in Australia on 457 visas last year, with the highest proportion coming from India (24.6 per cent), followed by Britain (19.5 per cent) and China (5.8 per cent).

Prime Minister Turnbull said it would be abolished to prioritise the recruitment of Australian nationals.

"We are putting jobs first, we are putting Australians first," he said. "We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains that Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs."

Stating that Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs, he said: "We will no longer allow 457 visas to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians."

The scheme will be replaced by two temporary visas that will impose tougher English language tests, stricter labour market testing, at least two years of work experience and a mandatory police check.

The numbers of jobs eligible for the two-year and four-year visa streams will be slashed, with 216 occupations ranging from antique dealer to fisheries officer to shoe maker, cut from a list of 651 professions on the list.

Accounting giant KPMG criticised the decision, saying "there is no evidence the current system is not working".

However, Turnbull dismissed that claim, arguing the abolition of the 457 visa was "a decision of my government... this has been a careful exercise in policy development".

People currently on a 457 visa, which lasts for four years, will be exempt from the new regulations.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said that for the two-year stream, which could be renewed for two years, "there won't be permanent residency outcomes at the end of that".

"In relation to the medium-term stream which, as the Prime Minister pointed out, is targeted at higher skills, (there will be) a much shorter skills list".

He said the government would work with companies to ensure they met labour market testing requirements, and warned "there will be a particular focus on companies that have an unnecessarily high proportion of 457 or foreign workers in jobs as well. There will be a number of ways in which we can clamp down".

The 457 programme was introduced by the former John Howard government in 1996-97.

Turnbull said that it had failed under Labour and would therefore be abolished.
After Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced that he will be abolishing the existing 457 Visa programme, currently used by temporary foreign workers to gain employment in the country, India on Tuesday said it is examining the matter and consulting all stakeholders.

Responding to a query, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said that the government was examining consequences of the new policy in consultation with all stakeholders.

"This is also a matter we will be looking at in the context of CECA (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement) negotiations (with Australia)," Baglay said.

The 457 Visa programme is used mainly to hire foreign workers in the restaurant, IT and medical industries and the majority of such visa holders came from India, Britain and China, reported the Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday.

According to government statistics, 95,758 people were living in Australia under 457 Visa programme last year, with the highest proportion coming from India (24.6 per cent), followed by Britain (19.5 per cent) and China (5.8 per cent).

Turnbull used Facebook to announce the policy, which he said would "put jobs first" and "Australians first", signalling a reduction in the occupations available to skilled foreign workers and raising the threshold to qualify.

"We are putting jobs first, we are putting Australians first," he said. "We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains that Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs."

Stating that Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs, he said: "We will no longer allow 457 Visa system to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians."

At a press conference in Canberra, Turnbull said the 457 Visa system needed to be replaced because it had "lost its credibility".

The scheme will be replaced by two temporary visas that will impose tougher English language tests, stricter labour market testing, at least two years of work experience and a mandatory police check.

The numbers of jobs eligible for the two-year and four-year visa streams will be slashed, with 216 occupations ranging from antique dealer to fisheries officer to shoe-maker, axed from a list of 651 professions on the list.

Accounting giant KPMG criticised the decision, saying "there is no evidence the current system is not working".

However, Turnbull dismissed that claim, arguing the abolition of the 457 Visa regime was "a decision of my government... this has been a careful exercise in policy development", reported the daily.

People currently on a 457 Visa, which lasts for four years, will be exempt from the new regulations.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said that for the two-year stream, which could be renewed for two years, "there won't be permanent residency outcomes at the end of that".

"In relation to the medium-term stream which, as the Prime Minister pointed out, is targeted at higher skills, (there will be) a much shorter skills list."

He said the government would work with companies to ensure they met labour market testing requirements, and warned "there will be a particular focus on companies that have an unnecessarily high proportion of 457 or foreign workers in jobs as well".

The 457 Visa programme was introduced by the former John Howard government in 1996-97.

--IANS

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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Amit Shah on Tuesday appointed General Secretary Bhupender Yadav as party's in-charge of Gujarat.

Yadav, an OBC (Other Backward Classes) face of the party, will replace Dinesh Sharma, who was recently appointed Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

"BJP President Amit Shah has appointed Bhupender Yadav as its new in-charge of Gujarat," the BJP said in a statement.

Yadav's appointment is being seen as party's efforts to woo the OBC community after young Patidar leader Hardik Patel spearheaded a campaign for reservation to the community.

In north Gujarat and Saurashtra region, the BJP wants to win over influential Patels and OBCs, who have been up in arms against the government, demanding educational and job quotas.

Assembly elections in Gujarat are due later this year.

Later, Yadav thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Shah for his appointment and vowed to work tirelessly for the party.

"With inspiration from the BJP leadership, I will continue to work for the party with devotion," Yadav said.

Yadav, a Rajya Sabha member from Rajasthan, has previously worked as party's in-charge in Bihar.

--IANS

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Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan on Tuesday refused to comment on charges that he was a Khalistan backer and said he was proud to have been born in India.

"I have been given many labels through my life," Sajjan said, when he was asked about allegations that he was a Khalistan supporter.

"I don't want to be sucked into the internal of a province of a nation. My goal is to build relationships. I am proud of the fact that I was born here," he said.

Sajjan arrived in India on Monday on a week-long visit. He will visit Punjab too.

Sajjan was dubbed a Khalistan sympathiser by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who has said he would not meet the Canadian minister.

--IANS

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Countries affected by North Korea's nuclear arms programme will prefer a peaceful resolution of the issue, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

In a press conference, Wang said China stays committed to the goal of denuclearisation in the Korean peninsula and would prefer the use of peaceful and diplomatic means to resolve the issue, Efe news reported.

"I think this is a common aspiration of the countries and a realistic way to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue," he said.

"In fact, the US has also reaffirmed its willingness to stick to diplomacy and peaceful means in settling this issue. This is the first option although there are other options on the table," Wang added.

The minister China considers the crisis an opportunity to resume dialogue and negotiations.

North Korea's Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Kim In Ryong, warned on Monday night that the US was pushing the situation to the brink of war.

"It has created a situation where a thermonuclear war may break out at any moment." he said.

--IANS

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A court here on Tuesday directed Delhi Police to conduct the regular medical examination of AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dinakaran's close aide Sukesh Chandrasekar, who was arrested in a graft case.

Special Judge Poonam Chaudhary direction came when she was informed by the defence counsel that their client is being harassed in custody.

Defence counsel Ashwini Kumar and M. Theepa also told court that police are not allowing them to meet him.

The court directed police to allow the lawyers to meet the accused and also to conduct the medical examination of the accused after every 48 hours.

Defence counsel alleged that police is misguiding lawyers. They apprised the court about Monday incident when the police went from one court room to another to seek Chandrasekar's custody but could find any judge.

The defence counsel also told court that Monday's remand proceeding was conducted without the presence of defence lawyers.

On Monday evening, Chandrasekar was remanded to eight days' police custody.

Chandrasekar was arrested from a south Delhi hotel on Sunday night allegedly with Rs 1.3 crore that was meant for bribing the poll panel members.

Chandrasekar reportedly told police that he was Dinakaran's "middleman" and was asked to pay the money to the officials in exchange for the symbol.

AIADMK leader Dinakaran, a nephew of jailed party chief V.K. Sasikala, was accused of trying to bribe the Election Commission with crores of rupees to reclaim the party's disputed and now frozen "two leaves" symbol.

--IANS

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Piping hot coffee could soon welcome guests in what was once a double-storied Danish tavern dating back to the second-half of 18th century in West Bengal's Serampore, celebrated for its Indo-Danish cultural heritage.

Thanks to a restoration project in progress under the National Museum of Denmark's 'Serampore Initiative', the Danish tavern along the banks of the river Hooghly is being shaped into a coffee house, closely resembling the famed Coffee House in Kolkata. The pre-Independence hang-out zone for intellectuals and students is celebrated for being a hub of debate, a crucial aspect of the cultural crucible of Bengal.

"We created an open space so that the ground floor can communicate with the upper floor, a bit like the Coffee House, and immediately the idea of a coffee house in the tavern came up. The old Danish tavern will have a coffee house in the central space and limited accommodation to host tourists," Manish Chakrabarti, a conservation architect executing the restoration work, said here on World Heritage Day.

Chakrabarti said the state tourism department will look after the services.

"The tourism department will do the furnishings, services, electrical connections and air-conditioning, etc. The work is on and we have a timeline to launch it at the end of the year. It overlooks the river and the scenery is beautiful," he said.

Supervised by INTACH, the mammoth initiative has already seen success with the opening of the 210-year-old St. Olav's Church in 2016.

As per the National Museum of Denmark's website, in 1755, local ruler of Bengal Nawab Alivardi Khan granted the Danish Asiatic Company the right to establish a trading post at Serampore (Srirampur) on the banks of the river Hooghly in Bengal, about 25 km north of Calcutta (now called Kolkata).

The aim was to acquire commodities such as silk and cotton textiles as well as the important saltpetre, used for production of black powder.

The trading post was given the official Danish name of Frederiksnagore, though in daily use the Indian name of Serampore or Srirampur was maintained.

--IANS

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The Jammu and Kashmir cabinet on Tuesday expressed anguish over the loss of lives during last week's violence in the valley and directed the security forces to deal with the situation with firmness and restraint.

While reviewing the security situation, the Cabinet directed the Police and security agencies to "exercise maximum restraint while handling law and order situations to prevent loss of human lives."

The Cabinet, which met on Tuesday here, under the chair of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also made an appeal to all shades of political opinion to help restore peace.

"The State Cabinet expressed deep anguish over the loss of precious lives in the Kashmir valley during the prevailing law and order situation," an official release said.

"The Cabinet urged the civil society and parents to counsel the youth to stay away from violent protests which, in spite of maximum restraint, can at times lead to fatal consequences," it added.

The State administration was also directed to take all required measures to tackle the situation "effectively and at the same time ensure that the general public is not put to any inconvenience and their grievances are addressed".

The Kashmir Valley witnessed massive violence during the Srinagar-Budgam Lok Sabha by-poll on April 9, in which eight civilians were killed in security forces firing during clashes with protesters.

Another youth was killed in firing in Srinagar on Saturday. Widespread violence also engulfed a college in Pulwama with students protesting against security forces.

--IANS

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170417EASTER PEACEFUL

By Aloysius Laukai



The newly appointed Commander for South Bougainville Police, Senior Sergeant EMMART TSIMES today praised the Buin Police for creating peace in South Bougainville.

He also thanked the people for abiding to peace and harmony in South Bougainville.

MR. TSIMES said that he was happy the Easter in South Bougainville was incident free and he thanked Police and the communities for creating Peace.

He said that the presence of Police in our communities is a sign of community support for Peace and normalcy throughout the region.

The new commander will be welcomed as the Commander tomorrow.



Ends






Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij on Tuesday ordered an inquiry into the mauling of a dead body by a dog in a civil hospital at Jind in the state.

Vij has appointed Director of Dental Services Parveen Sethi as nodal officer and directed him to submit the report within two days.

In the shocking incident, a body kept in the mortuary of a civil hospital was found mauled by a dog.

Vij has also directed Director General of Health Services Parveen Garg to take action against the staff responsible for negligence in the matter.

--IANS

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Liquor baron Vijay Mallya defaulted on Rs 8,191 crore he had borrowed from a consortium of 17 public sector banks, which have so far recovered Rs 155 crore through auction of his seized properties.

The 61-year-old business tycoon fled to Britain in March 2016 after being pursued in courts by the Indian banks, led by the State Bank of India, seeking to recover the loans owed by his now-defunct Kingfisher Airline.

The Enforcement Directorate, which is probing the matter after it registered a money laundering case in January 2016, said it has attached properties of Mallya and his companies having market value more than Rs 8,000 crore.

Mallya's airline was granted loan in September 2004 and it was reviewed in February 2008.

The Central Bureau of Investigation initiated criminal investigation against Mallya in July 2015 and later the Enforcement Directorate also filed a case in the matter with regard to financial fraud.

The agencies registered cases against Mallya, his Kingfisher Airline, UB Group company United Breweries Holdings Limited and others following a complaint filed by the banks.

Despite multiple injunctions, Mallya failed to appear before investigators -- and then flew out of India in March 2016.

He was on Tuesday arrested by Metropolitan Police in London, following the Indian government's February 8 request to the UK government for his extradition. He later secured bail from Westminster Magistrates' Court.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Theresa Mays first public meeting after declaring general election on June 8 will be a Baisakhi reception she is hosting at 10 Downing Street, her official residence.

The British media is eagerly waiting for the speech she will deliver at the event later on Tuesday. Prominent members of the Indian community like Rami Ranger CBE, a staunch supporter of the Conservative Party, will attend the reception.

In the last general election, the Indian community, especially the Sikhs, supported the Conservative candidates despite the controversy over the Thatcher administration's role in Operation Blue Star -- the 1984 storming of the Golden Temple by the Indian Army to flush out separatist Khalistani militants.

Prime Minister David Cameron then took a series of visits to gurudwaras at major Sikh habitats to regain support.

The support of the 1.5 million strong Indian community is very crucial for winning the marginal seats.

The race will be three-pronged as the recharged Liberal Democrats are seeking votes on a Brexit agenda. Sikhs are crucial in many constituencies.

British Indians, along with other minority communities in Britain, have historically voted for the Labour Party.

In 2010, for instance, 61 per cent of the Indian-origin votes went to Labour candidates in the general election.

But one recent report by the British Election Study said that in 2014 only 18 per cent of Indian-origin voters identified with the Labour Party, compared to 77 per cent in 1997.

Another survey found that 50 per cent supported the Conservative Party in 2015 while 38 per cent supported Labour.

Along religious lines, nearly 49 per cent Hindus and Sikhs favoured the Tories as compared to 41 per cent for Labour. That is why Prime Minister May is making it a point to laud Sikhs.

"As Sikhs across the globe take part in spectacular processions, and neighbourhoods and gurdwaras burst forth with colour, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the immense contribution British Sikhs make to our country," May said in her Baisakhi message.

"Whether it's in the fields of business, the armed forces or the charitable sector, you consistently follow the pillars of your faith and in so doing set an example to us all."

"Your values -- of equality and respect, of fairness and helping those less fortunate than yourselves -- are values we need more than ever, as we forge a new, ambitious, role for Britain in the world," the Prime Minister said.

"I am determined to build a country that works for everyone; a country where no matter who you are, you can achieve your goals, and the Sikh community is a vital part of that mission."

By choosing the Sikh community to deliver the first policy speech after declaring general election, May shows the importance of Sikhs in the diversified tapestry of Britain.

(Anasudhin Azeez is Editor of Asian Lite. He can be reached at md@asianlite.com)

--IANS

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A special CBI court here on Tuesday sent a former director of telecommunication department in the Ministry of Communications and his wife to judicial custody in a disproportionate assets case.

Kailash Patil Aneja, a 1981 batch Indian Economic Service officer, was Director (ERU) in the telecommunication department at Sanchar Bhawan in the national capital.

The special judge at Patiala House Court sentenced Aneja to four years' rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs 25 lakh while his wife Anita was slapped with three years' rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs one lakh in a disproportionate assets case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered the case on September 29, 2005 against Aneja, who allegedly acquired assets during 1982 to 2005 in the form of shares, properties and gold. These were found to be disproportionate to the known sources of his income to the tune of 43 per cent of his legal earnings estimated at Rs 24.45 lakh.

"After investigation, a chargesheet was filed in December 20, 2011 against Aneja and his wife. During the trial, 69 witnesses were examined and a large number of documents were relied upon by the Patiala House Court," a CBI official said.

"The trial court found the accused guilty and convicted them," the official added.

--IANS

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Analysing how glaciers are shaped can help scientists identify which one of them are susceptible to thinning, says a study.

Just how prone a glacier is to thinning depends on its thickness and surface slope, features that are influenced by the landscape under the glacier, said the study published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

The research could help predict how much the Greenland Ice Sheet will contribute to future sea level rise in the next century, a number that currently ranges from inches to feet.

The Greenland Ice Sheet is the second largest ice sheet on Earth and has been losing mass for decades, a trend scientists have linked to a warming climate.

However, the mass change experienced by individual coastal glaciers, which flow out from the ice sheet into the ocean, is highly variable. This makes predicting the impact on future sea-level rise difficult.

"We were looking for a way to explain why this variability exists, and we found a way to do it that has never been applied before on this scale," said lead author Denis Felikson, a graduate research assistant at The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) in the US.

Of the 16 glaciers researchers investigated in West Greenland, the study found four that are the most susceptible to thinning: Rink Isbrae, Umiamako Isbrae, Jakobshavn Isbrae and Sermeq Silardleq.

Three of them - Umiamako Isbrae, Sermeq Silardleq and Jakobshavn Isbrae - are already losing mass, with Jakobshavn being responsible for more than 81 per cent of West Greenland's total mass loss over the past 30 years.

Rink has remained stable since 1985, but through shape analysis researchers found that it could start to thin if its terminus, the front of the glacier exposed to ocean water, becomes unstable. This is a strong possibility as the climate continues to warm.

"Not long ago we didn't even know how much ice Greenland was losing, now we're getting down to the critical details that control its behaviour," Tom Wagner, director of NASA's cryosphere programme, which sponsored the research, said.

The analysis works by calculating how far inland thinning that starts at the terminus of each glacier is likely to extend.

Glaciers with thinning that reaches far inland are the most susceptible to ice mass loss, the study said.

--IANS

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An alarming spurt in violence in early spring has been marked by attacks on civilians by militants, the army using a civilian as a shield against stone-pelters, the lowest ever voter turn-out in a parliamentary by-election and the use of social media as a tool to stoke passions.

These are all indications of bad days ahead for Kashmiris, who were looking forward to a calmer summer in 2017.

If this is the bad news, what is even worse is that the situation appears to be slipping out of the hands of both the state and the non-state actors in Kashmir's sordid drama of pain and suffering.

In the Srinagar parliamentary by-poll on April 9, just seven per cent of the voters came out to exercise their franchise. Eight civilian protesters died while trying to ensure the boycott of an election that was otherwise ignored by a vast majority of Kashmiris.

The fallout of the unprecedented low voter turnout and violence in Srinagar forced the deferment of the Anantnag by-poll that was scheduled on April 12.

While the Election Commission pushed this to May 25, all indications on the ground suggest it would have to be deferred to October or beyond.

In other violence, two civilians were killed in the south districts of Pulwama and Shopian for their political affiliations.

Bashir Ahmad Dar of Rajpora town in Pulwama was killed on April 15 by gunmen for his affiliation with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while a day later, a young lawyer was killed in Pinjura village of Shopian district for his affiliation with the National Conference (NC).

The young lawyer had served as a public prosecutor during the NC government in the state.

On April 16, a video clip was uploaded on social media of a trader of Pulwama town denouncing India and begging for his life with guns pointed at him.

In another video from the same district a civilian was seen cursing himself for being an activist of a mainstream political party and vowed never to even look at politics in the future.

The recent "video war" in the Valley started after images of a CRPF trooper being heckled by youths during the April 9 election were uploaded on social media.

This was followed by the video of a youth tied to the front of an army jeep, apparently to avoid attacks from stone-pelters.

Then, massive Valley-wide protests by students broke out on April 17 after videos showing students of Pulwama college being ruthlessly beaten by the security forces were uploaded on social media the previous day.

To prevent the use of social media as a tool to stoke passions, the authorities on Monday again ordered the suspension of mobile internet services in the Valley.

Also, the internet speed of fixed-line broadband connections has been lowered to prevent uploading of videos.

Following attacks on the families of policemen, the state police department issued an advisory on April 16 asking its men to exercise extreme caution while visiting their home towns.

On Monday, Amnesty International took serious note of armed groups targeting civilians. The human rights watchdog condemned attacks on civilians for their political affiliations and also on the families of state police force.

The operations of the security forces have been highly compromised by civilian protests while they are on, especially in south districts.

Army chief, General Bipin Rawat, visited the state on Sunday. He met Governor N.N. Vohra in Jammu and then Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi.

Gen. Rawat has reportedly expressed displeasure against a youth being tied to an army jeep to avoid stone-pelting.

An FIR has been lodged by the state police against the army personnel involved in the act.

The opposition NC has demanded dismissal of the PDP-BJP government, accusing it of "Pushing into darkness".

The PDP and BJP leaders have, in turn, accused the NC of having left behind the Aegean Stables of trouble during its long years of of rule.

The blame games between the mainstream parties notwithstanding, unless the central and the state governments act fast to pull Kashmir out of its present spiral of anger and violence, 2017 might be worse than what Kashmiris have been through since armed violence started here in the early 1990s.

(Sheikh Qayoom can be reached at sheikh.abdul@ias.in)

--IANS

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The Delhi High Court on Tuesday declined Aam Aadmi Party's request to use second-generation EVMs with paper trail in the April 23 civic polls in the national capital.

Justice A.K. Pathak refused immediate relief to the ruling party, saying that "nothing can be done at the eleventh hour".

"We cannot stay the election nor pass an order to use electronic voting machines which are not there," the court said while seeking a response from the Election Commission of India and the Delhi State Election Commission by Friday, the next date of hearing.

The AAP and its candidate Mohammad Tahir Hussain have approached the High Court for using second-generation EVMs attached with Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in the elections to the capital's three municipal corporations.

The court's order came after State Election Commission counsel Sumeet Pushkarna opposed the plea on the ground that the MCD elections are slated for April 23 and changing all EVMs with VVPAT is not feasible in four days.

The counsel said the EVMs to be used in the civic polls are the same that were used in 2015 assembly elections, after which the AAP came to power.

"But now they have speculation that these machines are tampered with. There are three judgements that elections at this stage cannot be stalled," he added.

Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the AAP and Hussain, contended that the poll panel was duty-bound to use the VVPAT-linked EVMs, adding that the Supreme Court in 2013 termed the second-generation EVMs as the "safest".

Jaising said the EVMs compatible with VVPATs were used in Uttar Pradesh and Goa polls and the Election Commission of India has 13,000, apart from additional 3,000, second-generation EVMs with them.

Raising concern over the EVM security, Jaising said: "There is a demonstrable problem in Dholpur in Rajasthan -- no matter what button you press, the vote will go to the BJP."

The VVPAT is connected with EVMs and dispenses paper proof so that voters can verify that their vote has been cast correctly.

The AAP and the Congress say that the EVMs without VVPAT can be tampered with.

--IANS

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The invocation of the new Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently would put a curb on many activities of government-owned banks, said investment banking firm Jefferies.

In a report issued on Tuesday, Jefferies said the invocation of PCA threshold would require these banks to act on many fronts.

"Some of the actions may require them to stop paying dividends and cease branch expansion. In addition, they may be required to raise capital and increase provisioning," Jefferies added.

Last week, the RBI came out with revised PCA framework whereby capital, asset quality and profitability would be the basis on which the banks would be monitored and has defined three kinds of risk thresholds.

The RBI said mandatory action that would be taken when a bank breaches the risk threshold includes restriction on dividend payment/remittance of profits, restriction on branch expansion, higher provisions, restriction on management compensation and director's fees.

The RBI has classified the risk thresholds into three categories and the PCA depends on the type of risk threshold that was breached.

The RBI said the breach of 'Risk Threshold 3' of CET1 (common equity tier 1) by a bank would identify a bank as a likely candidate for resolution through tools like amalgamation, reconstruction, winding up and others.

"The PCA framework would apply without exception to all banks operating in India including small banks and foreign banks operating through branches or subsidiaries based on breach of risk thresholds of identified indicators," the RBI said.

According to Jefferies, the five associate banks of State Bank of India (SBI) were breaching one or more PCA thresholds.

Post merger of the five banks with SBI, the consolidated bank should not be breaching any of the thresholds, Jefferies said.

According to Jefferies, a total 21 (including the five associate banks of SBI) out of 27 government-owned banks have breached asset-quality trigger.

In fact two of the state owned banks have breached 'threshold 3' of asset quality, with their net non-performing asset (NNPA) above 12 per cent.

Continued losses in the last two years meant eight of the state owned banks are likely to breach 'threshold 1' of profitability.

Jefferies said based on the data up to Q3FY17, the private sector banks are well above the thresholds of the individual areas.

--IANS

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A servitor of Sri Jagannath Temple in Odisha's Puri city was on Tuesday detained by the police for opposing the visit of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to the temple.

The Singhadwara police detained Somanath Khuntia, a secretary of Shri Jagannath Sevayat Sammilani (SJSS), ahead of the West Bengal Chief Minister's visit to Odisha.

SJSS has warned that Banerjee's visit to the Puri temple would hurt the sentiments of lakhs of devotees of Lord Jagannath because she has made controversial statements favouring consumption of beef.

"We came to know from media reports that she supports cow-slaughter. In July 2016, she said consumption of beef is nothing wrong. We will not allow her to enter Jagannath temple," said Khuntia.

"Non-Hindus and people consuming beef are not allowed into the temple. We will decide whether to allow the Chief Minister or not for darshan of the trinity only after she publicly makes her stand clear on the issue," Khuntia added.

On the other hand, senior Puri temple servitor Jagannath Das Mohapatra welcomed Banerjee's visit to the temple.

"West Bengal is Odisha's next-door neighbour and our brotherhood is age-old. As she is the Chief Minister of West Bengal, we'll try our level best to accord her utmost respect and cordial welcome. Disruptive elements have vested interests. By opposing her and resorting to such activities, tourism here is going to be adversely affected," said Mohapatra.

Banerjee, who will be on a three-day visit to Odisha from Tuesday, is scheduled to arrive in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday evening. She will proceed to Puri and stay there. On Wednesday morning, she will visit Sri Mandir to pay obeisance to Lord Jagannath, returning to Kolkata on Thursday morning.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will on Wednesday leave for a five-day visit to the US to attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, an official said.

Jaitley will also take part in a G-20 meeting on the financial sector, as well as interact with American investors, he added.

The Minister will leave on Wednesday evening and arrive in Washington early morning on April 20, a Finance Ministry statement said here.

Jaitley's delegation includes, among others, Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) Arvind Subramanian, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel, it said.

On April 21, Jaitley, along with the RBI Governor and Economic Affairs Secretary, will participate in the G-20 meeting on financial sector development and regulations and other issues, the statement added.

As per their Washington itinerary, Jaitley, Patel and Das will, on the same afternoon, attend a meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) on Global Development and Prospects.

"In the evening (April 21), the Finance Minister along with Secretary Economic Affairs will hold a meeting with the CEOs," the Ministry said.

On April 22, following two IMFC sessions, Jaitley will meet US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, it added.

Later that day, Jaitley is slated to meet Bangladesh Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, as well as with World Bank President Jim Yong Kim.

After the first leg of his tour, Jaitley will, on April 23, reach New York, where he will interact with the Council for Foreign Relations, followed by a meeting with institutional investors.

Thereafter, he will meet long-term investors on April 24, the Indian Finance Ministry said.

"The Finance Minister is supposed to meet the editorial board of the New York Times before leaving for Moscow in the evening on April 24," it added.

Jaitley, who has additional charge of the Defence portfolio, will hold bilateral discussions in Moscow to boost India-Russia military ties.

--IANS

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170417POLICE MINISTER HAPPY

By Aloysius Laukai



The ABG Minister for Police and Justice, WILLIE MASIU today thanked the member for South Bougainville TIMOTHY MASIU for supporting the Bougainville Police service with the delivery of two new vehicles.

Speaking at the delivery of two new cars to the Buin Police, MR. MASIU said that the delivery of vehicles is in time as the ABG budgeted only TWO MILLION KINA for the restructure of the Bougainville Police Service and Police acknowledges the support by the South Bougainville Member.

Police Minister MASIU also called on Buin Police to take care and make good use of these vehicles.

The Minister said that giving excuses like no transport should be a thing of the past.

He called on the Police drivers to use these cars for work related runs and cut off unnecessary runs.

Ends






Diyarbakir (Turkey), April 18 (IANS/AKI) A police helicopter crashed in a remote, mountainous area of eastern Turkey on Tuesday, killing all 12 people on board, including a judge, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said.

The chopper's other passengers were police officers and three crew member, Turkish daily Hurriyet quoted the governor's office in Tunceli province as saying.

Contact was lost with the Sikorsky S-70 Blackhawk-type helicopter at 11.50 a.m., Soylu told journalists.

Reaching the wreckage of the helicopter took two and a half hours, he said.

The Turkish Air Force dispatched a CN235 type aircraft to detect the location of the debris, Hurriyet reported.

Heavy fog in the region made the rescue operation difficult, Turkish media reports stated.

The helicopter disappeared 10 minutes after taking off from the town of Pulumur, in Tunceli province, the regional governor's office said.

Tunceli province is in the eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, about 100 km northwest of Diyarbakir.

--IANS/AKI

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Suspended Trinamool Congress MP and multi-crore-rupee Saradha chit fund scam accused Kunal Ghosh, who was behind bars for over three years, on Tuesday demanded that the CBI take state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee into custody, if she tries to influence the Narada sting footage investigation.

Ghosh's statement came a day after the CBI filed an FIR in the Narada case booking a dozen prominent Trinamool leaders, a development which Banerjee has dubbed a "political game", and vowed to fight politically.

"Mamata Banerjee is constantly trying to hinder the investigation. She tried to stop the investigation from going to the CBI's ambit. She has also made contradicting statements about the video footage. If the Chief Minister keeps on trying to influence the probe, the CBI should arrest and take her into custody first and then interrogate the others," Ghosh claimed.

Ghosh, who gave a number of statements against Banerjee during his days in jail since his arrest in November, 2013, accused Banerjee of "shameless double standards" by supporting her party leaders who were purportedly seen taking money in the sting operation video tape.

"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has exhibited shameless double standards by saying that the FIR does not prove someone's guilt. When an FIR was lodged against Bangaru Laxman for allegedly taken money, why did she leave the party? the crime was not proved at that time," Ghosh questioned.

"Now she is terming this as a political game but in my case when I was arrested and harassed by the police she did not say anything. This is nothing but duality," said the Rajya Sabha member who is currently on bail.

He also demanded the 13 accused persons mentioned in the FIR on the Narada case, should be immediately taken into custody as all of them are influential.

"All the 13 people, mentioned in the FIR are influential. They should be immediately taken into custody before CBI begins the actual probe," he added.

The CBI on Monday filed an FIR against a dozen senior leaders of West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress and an IPS officer in the Narada sting footage case, raising the political temperature in the eastern state.

--IANS

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With Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of a law to ensure that doctors prescribe generic medicines, health experts have said that the new rule will be a boon for patients only if the generic medicines are of "good quality".

Pointing out that a lot depends on the composition of the generic medicine, they stressed the need for a regulatory body to check the quality of generic medicines so that quality is not compromised even if the drug is priced at a much lower rate than equivalent branded medicines.

"Undoubtedly, this law will be a boon for poor patients in terms of medicines. Prescribing generic medicine is indeed very necessary. However, it is to be ensured that the salt in the generic medicine is similar to what a equivalent branded medicine has or else the purpose won't get served," A.K. Rai, Medical Superintendent and an ENT surgeon, told IANS.

Rai said a large chunk of patients deliberately opt for branded medicines, despite having its cheaper version available, considering it of poor efficacy.

A generic drug is identical -- or bio-equivalent -- to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. Although generic drugs are chemically identical to their branded counterparts, they are typically sold at substantial discounts from the branded price.

Modi on Monday, while inaugurating a multi-specialty hospital in Gujarat, said the government will make legal arrangements to ensure that doctors prescribe generic medicines.

According to Rai, making all doctors prescribe generic medicines will also require a huge effort by the government as they will have to ensure that there is no compromise with the standards of generic medicines.

"The government needs to ensure that for generic medicines there is a proper regulatory body to check the quality. The salt and other composition in the medicines should not get compromised," said Rai.

Rai said that making it a rule to prescribe generic medicine will benefit mostly the patients visiting the government hospitals.

Asked if private hospitals had any role in endorsing branded medicines among their patients, Rai said many of the private hospitals usually have both types of medicines in their pharmacies. However, it depends on the patients which one do they need.

Though there is no official data available in India, in the US, generic drugs save consumers an estimated $8 billion to $10 billion a year at retail pharmacies.

Renowned Oncologist and former Dean at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) P.K. Julka said patients in small towns and cities will benefit the most from the new law.

"Certainly, a very good step and will bring down the expenses of patients on medicines. People in small towns and cities will benefit the most," Julka told IANS.

However, Julka -- currently with Max Super Specialty Hospital -- said that despite the announcement not every patient will look for generic medicine at pharmacies.

"At least 20-25 per cent of the patient deliberately look for branded medicines. So they certainly will opt for the branded ones but for the remaining 75-80 per cent prescribing generic medicine will be a boon," said Julka.

Making medicines cheaper is a politically sensitive issue in India where many patented drugs are too costly for most people, and where patented drugs account for under 10 per cent of total drug sales.

India earlier also had schemes to provide generic drugs free of cost to economically weaker citizens from government hospitals.

The Medical Council of India (MCI) has already recommended that doctors prescribe generic drugs.

--IANS

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A 23-year-old law student died while his four friends were injured in an accident when their car collided with a tree here on Tuesday, police said.

Police said the incident took place on the G.T.-Karnal Road at around 12.30 p.m. in north Delhi when Hemant was going to watch a movie, along with his four school friends, including a girl.

Hemant, a resident of Libaspur area, had gone to meet his friend Naman in Narela area in his car where they were later joined by Nischay, Nakul and Kajol.

"As Nischay, Nakul and Kajol are students of B.Tech of a private college in Sonipat, they planned to watch a movie there. When they reached near Tikri border at G.T Karnal Road, their speeding Alto car hit a divider before hitting a tree. Hemant, who was driving the car, died on the spot," said a senior police officer.

The others sustained injuries and were admitted to the nearby Max Hospital where their condition was said to be stable, he said.

Their family members have been informed and police are trying to ascertain whether they had consumed alcohol before or during the ride.

--IANS

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Delhi Congress President Ajay Maken on Tuesday broke down during the recording of a programme on a news channel when asked about former Delhi minister Arvinder Singh Lovely quitting the party to join the BJP.

The former Union minister was responding to the question during an interview on ABP news channel, as to why senior leaders like Sheila Dikshit had not so far participated in the municipal polls campaign and why some leaders, considered party loyalists, were deserting the party and joining BJP.

"It is quite natural that questions would be raised on my leadership. For the last two years I have done every bit for Congress in Delhi. May be there would be few shortcomings in my work style," Maken said, adding that he was not aware of them.

Asked if Lovely joining BJP was a big setback for him, tears welled up in Maken's eyes and he could not speak for some time.

"Yes, it is definitely," he said.

Lovely, who joined BJP on Tuesday, had been elected four times as Congress MLA, was a minister in the Sheila Dikshit government and was considered a prominent Sikh face of the party in Delhi.

--IANS

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Mali offers good opportunities and prospects for Indian entrepreneurs and investors in the gold mining and food processing space, among others, the Indian Embassy in capital Bamako has said.

"Mali is Africa's third-leading gold producer (after South Africa and Ghana) and has an estimated reserve of 600-800 tonnes. There is considerable scope for joint ventures between the two countries for the production of gold and fabrication and marketing of jewellery in Mali," the embassy said in an email interaction with IANS.

The West African country currently produces 60 tonnes of gold per year.

"For Indian businessmen, Mali has great scope of investment especially in the field of agriculture (cotton, food processing, abattoirs and tanneries); mining (gold, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, bauxite, zinc, manganese, tin and copper); automobile (two-wheeler segment), and pharmaceuticals (generic drugs)," the embassy said.

With a population of around 15 million exposed to tropical diseases, Mali is also a good market for Indian generic medicines and pharmaceutical products.

"There is already an awareness of our capabilities and competitiveness in this area, the Embassy said, adding that this needed to be translated into commercial contracts for Indian companies."

"Malian economy is primarily based on agriculture and livestock husbandry which together account for almost 50 per cent of the country's GDP," the embassy said, adding that "Mali is the second largest producer of long staple cotton in Africa, after Egypt."

It said the country is also one of the largest producers of mangoes in Africa but lacks processing facilities.

"Mali also has one of the largest livestock in Africa with 35 million cattle heads inclusive of eight million cows, 26 million sheep and goats and approximately one million camels," the embassy said, adding that this provided opportunities in the food processing sector, including meat -- processing and setting up of modern abattoirs."

The Malian government also welcomed investments in modern tanneries.

"India's total trade with the West African country has grown steadily over the past few years culminating in $350.72 million for the 2015-16 financial year. It represents 64.87 per cent increase over the previous year's $212.72 million," the embassy said.

It said India's exports during 2014-15 totalled $134.12 million, whilst imports from Mali accounted for $78.59 million.

During 2015-16 however, Indian exports slumped to $107.93 million whilst imports suged to $242.78 million.

The trade figure for the first 10 months of 2016-17 is at $167.54 million, with India's exports at $87.13 million and imports at $80.41 million.

The Malian government is keen to undertake exploration and exploitation of its mineral resources and has formally offered the rights on lease to the Government of India or government-designated companies, said the Embassy.

"This provides our public as well as private companies with ample opportunities to exploit the rich mineral resources of Mali," it added.

Businessman Seydou Brahima said: "Most businessmen would want to do business with India, but the fact that we are a Francophone country has been a challenge."

"A few of us have tried to get into business with Indian partners and the response has been good."

(Francis Kokutse can be contacted at fkokutse@ians.in)

--IANS

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Benerjee on Tuesday met ailing Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay, who is currently undergoing treatment at a city-based private hospital.

Banerjee, who arrived in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday evening on a three-day tour to the state, went straight from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Apollo Hospital here to meet Bandyopadhyay.

"Our MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay is unwell. I have come to see him," the West Bengal Chief Minister told reporters here.

TMC Parliamentarian Sudip Bandyopadhyay has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for his alleged links with the Rose Valley chit fund scam. Another TMC MP Tapas Pal was also arrested by the CBI in the chit fund scam.

Banerjee also said that she would meet Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik if time permits.

"I also wish to visit Puri to pay obeisance to Lord Jagannath," she added.

The West Bengal Chief Minister will visit Srimandir on Wednesday morning.

--IANS

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A 17-month-old baby girl from Raipur has become the youngest child in western India to undergo a transplant  from her donor dad  at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, an official said on Tuesday.

Within a month of her birth, the child - identified only as Ashvi - was diagnosed with symptoms of frequent fevers, swollen abdomen and jaundice, which was a complicated problem called Biliary Atresia.

This rare disease of the and bile ducts occurs in infants when the bile flow from the liver to the gallbladder is blocked, trapping it in the liver and causing quick damage and scarring of liver cells or cirrhosis.

After medication and surgery in Raipur, doctors there suggested an urgent liver transplant for which the family came to Mumbai and met KDAH's Transplant Hepatologist Saista Amin.

"She was brought suffering from jaundice and swollen abdomen as all bile had accumulated in the liver, thereby endangering it. It took us three months to plan her transplant, identify a liver donor, make nutritionally fit and infection-free," Amin said.

Fortunately, Ashvi's father proved to be a perfect match and he donated a part of his liver to save his daughter in January, making her the youngest child to have undergone a successful liver transplant in western India, said Vinay Kumaran, head of the KDAH liver transplant surgery team.

He admitted that performing a liver transplant on a 17-month-old child with a weight of just seven kg was a big challenge and she later underwent a neuro-rehab programme for a speedy recovery.

Multiple speciality teams were involved in the surgery, like Paediatric Neurology, Paediatric Cardiology, Transplant Intensivist and Neonatology experts, Kumaran said.

Of the total number of liver transplants carried out at KDAH, nearly 10 per cent are paediatric cases, including the youngest, a 30-month-old child in 2016.
The High Court Bar Association of Manipur on Tuesday staged a protest here against a government proposal to appoint a lawyer from Andhra Pradesh as the new Advocate General.

The lawyers submitted a memorandum urging Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to pick an Advocate General from among local lawyers.

K. Binoykumar, President of the Bar Association, said: "Being a non-local with no knowledge of the state's language, the proposed AG shall not be able to discharge his duties properly."

He added: "This is for the first time in Manipur that the government is planning to appoint a non-local to this post. We are seeking support from all civil society organisations on this issue."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on visiting Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari here on Tuesday.

"Strengthening an age old unique partnership. PM @narendramodi meets President Bidhya Devi Bhandari at @RashtrapatiBhvn," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted along with pictures of the two leaders.

Earlier in the day, Bhandari was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan here. Later, she paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Following this, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the visiting dignitary.

Bhandari will call on President Pranab Mukherjee in the evening and attend a banquet hosted by him.

The Nepal President arrived here on Monday on a five-day visit to India at the invitation of Mukherjee.

This is Bhandari's maiden foreign tour after assuming office in October 2015.

She is accompanied by a 33-member delegation that includes Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat and Peace and Reconstruction Minister Sita Devi Yadav, five women MPs and senior officials.

She will also visit Gujarat and Odisha before returning to Kathmandu on Friday.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he held "fruitful talks" with visiting Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.

"We are honoured to welcome President Bidya Devi Bhandari of Nepal. Had fruitful talks with her," Modi tweeted after calling on Bhandari at Rashtrapati Bhavan where she is staying.

Earlier in the day, Bhandari was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan here. Later, she paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Following this, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the visiting dignitary.

The Nepal President arrived here on Monday on a five-day visit to India at the invitation of President Pranab Mukherjee.

This is Bhandari's maiden foreign tour after assuming office in October 2015.

She is accompanied by a 33-member delegation that includes Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat and Peace and Reconstruction Minister Sita Devi Yadav, five women MPs and senior officials.

She will also visit Gujarat and Odisha before returning to Kathmandu on Friday.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed issues related to terrorism and Afghanistan.

Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval also attended the meeting at Modi's official residence, according to a picture released by the Prime Minister's Office.

Informed sources said they discussed security issues concerning South Asia and how to better cooperate on countering terror threats emanating from the Taliban and Islamic State's presence in Afghanistan.

According to the US embassy, McMaster emphasised the importance of US-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed India's designation as a major defence partner.

"The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counterterrorism cooperation," an embassy statement said.

McMaster arrived here on Monday evening, the first visit by a senior official of President Donald Trump's administration.

On his South Asian trip that began over the weekend, McMaster on Monday visited Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz and the army chief, stressing "the need to confront terrorism in all its forms".

He also visited Afghanistan to review efforts at stabilizing the country.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it was actively considering to put in place a law to protect data and curb sharing of individual data on social networking sites and online messaging services.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told a Constitution Bench of Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A.K. Sikri, Justice Amitava Roy, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice Mohan M. Shantanagouda that the government is mulling a framework for data protection like the one existing in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Telling the court that data protection applies to a host of online platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Paytm, and Twitter, Rohatgi sought adjournment in the case till Diwali by which time, he said, something would emerge.

The court was hearing a plea by Karmanya Singh Sareen and others who have challenged a Delhi High Court September 23 order by which it allowed WhatsApp to roll out its new privacy policy but said it cannot share the data of its users collected up to September 25, 2016, with Facebook or any other related company.

Appearing for Sareen, senior counsel Harish Salve told the apex court that if a regulatory framework is put in place it would be good and they can then focus on the specifics and argue the case.

He said he hoped both the petitioner and the social networking site Facebook and online messaging service WhatsApp may agree to the regulatory framework that the government is considering.

"If law comes and provide for regulation, then it is OK," the court was told.

Even though the Centre sought an adjournment of the hearing so that it could undertake the exercise of putting in place the law for data protection, the court asked Salve to frame the questions that would be addressed to the court in the course of hearing by the Constitution Bench.

As Salve said that they would frame the questions, senior counsel Kapil Sibal, appearing for WhatsApp, raised objection to the case's hearing by the Constitution Bench, questioning what constitutional issues were involved.

He said any hearing by the Constitution Bench is preceded by framing of questions that would be addressed by it.

Sibal told the bench that whatever has been told to it by the petitioners does not apply to his client as they were not sharing messages, contents, data, and voice messages with any third party and everything was encrypted.

Sibal told the court that WhatsApp is compliant with the Information Technology Act and the 2011 privacy law and so no part of the content exchanged between two individuals is ever revealed to the third party.

The court directed for next hearing on April 27.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nasscom will hold its fourth edition of 10,000 Start-ups initiative -- "Innotrek 2017" in the Silicon Valley of the US from May 1-6, said the Indian IT industry's apex body on Tuesday.

"As we want our start-ups to grow and compete with those in the Silicon Valley, the six-day mega event will provide them a platform to step it up a notch and get recognised internationally," said National Association of Software Services and Companies (Nasscom) President R. Chandrashekhar in a statement here.

In all, 27 Indian start-ups and five of the Silicon Valley will showcase their products and technologies, while 70 speakers from the world over will address 150 delegates at the week-long event.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion Secretary Ramesh Abhishek, Electronics & IT Secretary Aruna Sundararajan, Nasscom Product Council Chairman Ravi Gururaj and Chandrashekhar will lead the delegation of entrepreneurs for the tech expo.

"The Innotrek programme will provide our start-ups an opportunity to benefit and improve their products and services and grow in their domains," Nasscom member Ashok Madravally, who leads this initiative, said in the statement.

The Innotrekkers will visit campuses of Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, IBM, and Target in the Valley during the event. They will also have an opportunity to showcase their cutting-edge, future ready innovations to various stakeholders.

"The networking activities and site visits will help our entrepreneurs to get a better understanding of the global work culture and exchange views on building a constructive work environment for their own ventures," added Chandrashekhar in the statement.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Indian Navy may look for other means to procure submarines if the proposed Strategic Partnership model to select key Indian private players for defence manufacturing projects is not implemented, a senior Navy officer said on Tuesday.

Vice Admiral D.M. Deshpande, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, said the Navy needed the submarines to maintain its force level, and admitted that in case the Strategic Partnership model does not work out, it would mean "time penalties" before a plan B can be worked out.

Under project 75 India or 75I, the Indian Navy was to get six conventional submarines, which were to be made in India at a cost of around Rs 60,000 crore - under the Strategic Partnership model.

Asked about project 75I at a press conference at Ficci on Tuesday, Deshpande said: "The programme was linked with the Strategic Partnership model. We had some fair amount of progress on the Strategic Partnership but as things have changed, we have to rework these.

"We need those submarines badly because our force levels are being affected. In case the Strategic Partnership model does not fall into place for whatever reasons, then we will have to look elsewhere."

Asked what the other options were, Deshpande said it is still being looked into.

"We have got to get more submarines and we are looking at ways and means (on how) we can get this. It is still work in progress, and so far as the decision making is concerned whether we go for follow-on of Scorpene or we look at something else... it is still in discussion stages," he said.

The Vice Admiral however added: "We are keeping our fingers crossed, as if the Strategic Partnership happens we will be better off."

"The projects we are looking at right now through the model is submarines and some aircraft. If it does not happen a plan B will have to be put into place, and that plan B right now is something which is very internal to the Navy we are trying to discuss," he added.

Deshpande admitted that it will mean losing more time before the Navy can get more submarines.

"But yes, if it does not come through there would be some sort of time penalties, to make sure that plan B gets into place," he said.

The Indian Navy has 15 submarines, while China has around 70.

Indian submarines include two nuclear propulsion submarines - INS Chakra, which has been taken on lease from Russia for 10 years, and INS Arihant which has been indigenously constructed.

Apart from these, there are nine Russian Sindhughosh class attack submarines, and four German Shishumar class attack submarines. Apart from these, six Scorpene class submarines are under construction in India, with the first of these - INS Kalvari likely to be inducted in the Indian Navy by end of this year.

The Strategic Partnership model was proposed after a report from a committee under former Director General (Acquisition) Dhirendra Singh suggested finding strategic partners for high-end defence production. A task force was then constituted by the Defence Ministry under former DRDO chief V.K. Aatre, which among other things suggested fnalising only one or two partners for each sector.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Tuesday called on her Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee ahead of a banquet hosted in her honour.

"A relationship marked by strong people to people connections. President Bidya Devi Bhandari meets Rashtrapati ji at @RashtrapatiBhvn," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.

Among those present at the banquet hosted by Mukherjee in the honour of the Himalayan nation's President were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar, JD-U chief Sharad Yadav and veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani.

Modi, who called on Bhandari late Tuesday afternoon, said he had "fruitful talks" with her during the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Bhandari was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan here. Later, she paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Following this, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the visiting dignitary.

The Nepal President arrived here on Monday on a five-day visit to India at the invitation of President Mukherjee.

This is Bhandari's maiden foreign tour after assuming office in October 2015.

She is accompanied by a 33-member delegation that includes Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat and Peace and Reconstruction Minister Sita Devi Yadav, five women MPs and senior officials.

She will also visit Gujarat and Odisha before returning to Kathmandu on Friday.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Inviting Indians investors to her country, Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Tuesday said that after political transformation, socio-economic transformation is Nepal's top priority and it is keen to benefit from India's tremendous progress.

"Nepal has undergone political transformation of historic proportion in recent years. Now socio-economic transformation is our topmost priority. If not backed by economic transformation, political transformation cannot be sustainable," Bhandari said at an event here organised by industry chambers CII, Ficci and Assocham.

She said achievements made by India in economic, social, scientific and other fields are remarkable and Nepal is keen to benefit from India's success.

"For Nepal, India remains the largest trading partner... We are closely engaged in SAARC, BIMSTEC and BBIN and these regional and sub-regional platforms could be made more effective in delivering results," she said.

Emphasising that Nepal treats the private sector as a partner for development, Bhandari pointed out that Nepal has opened up almost every sector for foreign investment, including manufacturing, hydropower, tourism, services, mining and agro-based industries.

"The government is committed to creating a climate conducive to investment. No discrimination is made between Nepali and Indian investors. Numerous similarities make us natural partners.

"BIPPA (Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement) with India is under consideration for ratification while the double taxation avoidance agreement has already been signed," she said.

She said that incentives for investment in Nepal are no less attractive than those in many other countries.

"Ours is a virgin land for investment and any area is profitable. Importantly, location of Nepal in the middle of two thriving economies of the world offers greater advantages to potential investors," she said, adding that the abundance of water resources in her country has tremendous potential of utilisation.

"We can put our efforts together to harness these resources for mutual benefit. Capitalising on this potential we can lead in the sector of cleaner technology and greener growth," Bhandari observed.

Inviting the Indian businesses to invest in her country, Bhandari said a prosperous Nepal will also be "in the interest of our neighbourhood and beyond".

In his address earlier, Nepal Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat tried to allay apprehensions about political stability in Nepal, saying there was a complete consensus over economic issues across political spectrum and that Nepal's economy may achieve a growth rate of 8-10 per cent in next few years.

"You may wonder Nepal has different parties -- Communist Party, Maoist Centre etc. If you have some image, erase that. Left parties or right parties, we have a consensus. I am from Nepali Congress and my Prime Minister is from Maoist party, but we are together and there is a total consensus," he said.

Indian Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh said that India's relations with Nepal are just not historical, they are deep and multi-layered and "cannot be defined in words".

He said bilateral economic cooperation is beneficial for both countries.

The Nepal President arrived here on Monday on a five-day state visit to India at the invitation of President Pranab Mukherjee.

Earlier in the day, she was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan here. Later, she paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Following this, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on her.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Bhandari at Rashtrapati Bhavan where she is staying.

"We are honoured to welcome President Bidya Devi Bhandari of Nepal. Had fruitful talks with her," Modi tweeted.

This is Bhandari's maiden foreign tour after assuming office in October 2015.

She is accompanied by a 33-member delegation that includes Foreign Minister Mahat and Peace and Reconstruction Minister Sita Devi Yadav, five women MPs and senior officials.

She will also visit Gujarat and Odisha before returning to Kathmandu on Friday.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Researchers have identified a new type of cells in the body where HIV persists despite treatment, revealing a novel target for developing therapeutic intervention.

HIV cure research to date has focused on clearing the virus from T cells, a type of white blood cell that is an essential part of the immune system.

The new research, published in the journal Nature Medicine, showed that the virus can persist in HIV-infected macrophages.

Macrophages are large white blood cells found in tissues throughout the body including the liver, lung, bone marrow and brain.

"These results are paradigm changing because they demonstrate that cells other than T cells can serve as a reservoir for HIV," said lead author Jenna Honeycutt from University of North Carolina School of Medicine in the US.

"The fact that HIV-infected macrophages can persist means that any possible therapeutic intervention to eradicate HIV might have to target two very different types of cells," Honeycutt said.

Macrophages are myeloid lineage cells that have been implicated in HIV pathogenesis and in the trafficking of virus into the brain.

For the experiment, the researchers used a humanised myeloid-only mouse (MoM) model devoid of T cells.

"This is the first report demonstrating that tissue macrophages can be infected and that they respond to antiretroviral therapy," Honeycutt said.

"In addition, we show that productively infected macrophages can persist despite ART (antiretroviral therapy); and most importantly, that they can reinitiate and sustain infection upon therapy interruption even in the absence of T cells -- the major target of HIV infection," Honeycutt added.

The rsearchers said they next want to find out where in the body persistently infected macrophages reside during HIV treatment and how macrophages respond to possible therapeutic interventions aimed at eradicating HIV from the body.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday began his "Gandhi Smriti Yatra" in Champaran district to mark the 100th year of Mahatma Gandhi's first major satyagraha against the British rule.

"Nitish Kumar along with Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav, other ministers and thousands of local residents walked a stretch of seven km from Chandriya (village) to Motihari (district headquarters of east Champaran)," a district official said.

The Yatra would be followed by a series of programmes, the official added.

Various other functions have already started last week on a large scale to mark the centenary year.

President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday honoured freedom fighters from across the country to mark the ongoing year-long celebrations of the Champaran satyagraha.

Mahatma Gandhi launched his satyagraha -- nonviolent agitation -- against the forced cultivation of indigo by British rulers in Champaran district on April 10, 1917.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Tuesday ruled out any unity in the AIADMK until the now jailed V.K. Sasikala and her family was ousted from the party.

Speaking in Perikulam in Theni district, about 520 km from here, Panneerselvam said there cannot be any unification talks if Sasikala and her family members remained party members.

"Our stand is Sasikala and her family members should not be in the party," he said.

Panneerselvam said AIADMK founder, the late M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), and the late J. Jayalalithaa were against any family controlling the party.

He said there was no change in his fundamental stance that the party and the government should not be under the control of one family.

According to him, MGR never involved his brother in party affairs when he founded the AIADMK and went on to rule Tamil Nadu for a decade until his death in 1987.

Panneerselvam said Jayalalithaa admitted only Sasikala into the party and none from the latter's family.

He also said that doubts regarding the death of Jayalalithaa, who passed away on December 5 while holding the post of Chief Minister, had to be cleared.

Asked if he would allow K. Palaniswami, a Sasikala backer, to remain the Chief Minister if the AIADMK unites, Pannerselvam said there was no point in talking about things that would not happen.

The AIADMK split into two after Jayalalithaa's death. One faction is led by Sasikala and the other by Panneerselvam.

Meanwhile, Sasikala faction legislator Vetrivel questioned how a group of ministers discussed a patch-up without the consent of party Deputy General Secretary T.T.V. Dinakaran, a nephew of Sasikala.

On Monday night, several ministers discussed the issue of a patch-up with Panneerselvam.

Vetrivel told reporters in Chennai that the meeting of the ministers was "unofficial" and only those meetings held at the party office were "official".

Delhi Police have slapped a case against Dinakaran on charges of trying to bribe the Election Commission over the now frozen AIADMK election symbol and arrested one of his aides in Delhi with unaccounted money.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
News / Local

by Stephen Jakes

Shingirai Guchu (21) is headed to Lebanon Valley College in the United States after securing the Almond Tree Scholarship. News of the result of the highly competitive award was announced to him through the Education USA Advising Center last Thursday."That was the most shocking and surprising moment of my entire life so far," says Shingirai (in picture) who grew up in rural Matsika in Manicaland Province. "I needed a week to sleep on it, to believe and accept," he says.He will be one of hundreds of international students at the little known college located 20 minutes from Hershey, Pennsylvania, home to the famous Hershey Chocolate Factory. The scholarship (fully valued at $50,000 per year) will cover tuition, housing, meals, taxes, and includes an annual flexible fund of $6,500 which can be applied to travel expenses, computer, text books, living supplies and visa costs."Growing up, I had feelings of being trapped in a stagnant environment, yet ironically, adversity may have been the greatest motivation I needed," says Shingirai. In his rural hood, very few complete high school education and college education is an idealistic concept, he says. "And college in America is beyond anyone's wildest dreams. I will be the first one in my family to travel abroad," says the last born in a family of four.His family survived from subsistence agriculture, selling crops for cash to fund education. "This was our kind of life and it saw my childhood marked with so many hardships including going to school bare-footed. My three siblings did not manage to get enough education due to financial challenges, and when my father passed on, my mother struggled to take care of us," says Shingirai.Despite the hardships associated with learning in a rural school including travelling long distances every morning the soft spoken Shingirai attained a distinction in electronic data processing at O level, complementing the 10 As and a B in other subjects. Teachers at Nyakuipa Secondary School recommended him for the Solon Foundation bursary at St. Faith Mission High School in Rusape.Even then, says Shingirai, life was a constant struggle. "I could not afford the basic things that came with boarding life such as soap, food, tuck, and other fancy things my friends had," he says. And it was in one of the visits by the EducationUSA Advising Center staff that he got wind of possibilities of studying in the U.S. Shingirai located the EducationUSA Advising Center to attend a public session for students aspiring to study in the U.S.Shingirai was admitted into the Opportunity Fund program, run by the United States Embassy to assist economically disadvantaged students with costs associated with the application process to American colleges. Each year, the Embassy's Education Advising Center accepts 35- 45 students from across the country for such support from nearly 1000 applications."The Opportunity Fund program is a unique and distinctive initiative that assists talented students overcome great odds to pursue their dreams of obtaining a U.S. education," says Tafadzwa Muzhandu, EducationUSA Country Coordinator. Zimbabwe has many talented students, who qualify for admissions to top U.S universities. However, those from low income households often fail to take advantage of opportunities due to lack of information and financial resources."In 2016, Opportunity Funds for Zimbabwe enabled 22 students to begin studies in the United States. This year, Shingirai will join several other Zimbabwean students who are receiving offers from U.S. colleges and universities for the 2017-18 academic year. ZimPAS  April 13, 2017
Among a series of documents signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto here in April, the innovation partnership impressed Nokia's head Risto Siilasmaa the most.

As agreed by the representatives of the two countries, a Sino-Finnish innovation council would be established to guide and promote business cooperation on innovation, explore new ways and provide policy advises, Xinhua news agency reported.

As Chairman of Nokia, the Finnish IT giant, Siilasmaa has been nominated to chair the Finnish team within the council.

"Both countries will nominate key players from the industry, and I hope very much I would get some of my old friends from the Chinese technology companies to join on the other side," Siilasmaa told Xinhua news.

While the list of members of the Chinese side has not been disclosed, Siilasmaa named as hopefuls Jack Ma, Pony Ma, Lei Jun, Robin Li, respectively head of Alibaba, Tencent, Xiaomi and Baidu.

Siilasmaa has sat on the same panel discussions and in the same advisory boards with the above figures and expects to continue working with them in the new framework.

"We are committed to working very hard on finding some innovative ways for the two countries to achieve our common goals together," said Siilasmaa.

Asked to speak about the shared goals, he said: "We have certain challenges that all the humanity faces." No further details have been published by either of the two governments over the new structure so far.

Siilasmaa echos Xi's call on many occasions for embracing "a human community with shared destiny."

"We are moving towards a world that would be even smaller. So we truly have to figure out the way for all of us to live together and support each other," said Siilasmaa.

"Finnish companies are very good in certain areas, on certain narrow but very deep fields, and in those areas we definitely can have an impact on China as well," he said.

Siilasmaa appreciated the fact that Xi praised the Finnish spirit of "sisu" -- a Finnish term meaning persistence in time of hardship.

He disclosed that Nokia China is under discussion with a Chinese investor to turn the Finnish subsidiary company into a joint venture.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Eleven years after he jumped parole, a man convicted for the 1998 rape of a nun was re-arrested on Tuesday, a senior Madhya Pradesh Police officer said.

Accused Pidia Singaria had jumped parole after his release from jail in 2006 following his conviction in the case and was avoiding re-arrest ever since.

Police had announced an award of Rs 10,000 for the arrest of Singaria, Superintendent of Police Mahesh Chand Jain told IANS.

He said that Singaria was involved in committing armed robbery at the nun's house in Navapada in Kalyanpur police station area, apart from rape and attempt to murder.

The convict was re-arrested after locals in Runkheda complained to police about a person creating a ruckus in public.

His subsequent questioning revealed he was absconding for the last 11 years after conviction in the nun's rape case, the police officer said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan National Security Adviser Naseer Khan Janjua on Tuesday said the country "didnt take part in the Soviet-Afghan War, nor was it behind the 9/11 attacks, yet it still bore the brunt of the damage they did".

"At that time, the fear was that if Russia entered Afghanistan, Pakistan would be its next target. And for that, the concept of jihad was exploited and our seminaries were used (to nurture the militants)," he was quoted by Dawn, while addressing an event held at the Pakistan Academy of Letters in Islamabad.

"Had we not supported Afghanistan back then, would the country still be standing," the NSA asked, adding that if Pakistan had instead provided Russia with a "passageway", America may not have been "the only superpower" in the world today.

"Everyone abandoned Afghanistan once Russia lost, and all the militant elements established roots there," Janjua said.

Janjua was of the view that had the members of the Afghan Taliban been formally included in Afghanistan's political processes, the country would have been in a better state of affairs.

"Had the Taliban been included in the election, Afghanistan would not have been in such a fix today," he added.

"Pakistan has played the role of a front-line state for the last four decades," he continued.

"We have to consider matters of national security keeping a view on the world," he added.

The former army-man further said that national security includes the domains cyber security, world politics, the international economy as well as the globe's military strength.

"Pakistan has received many wounds in the war against terrorism," Janjua concluded.

"We are accused of playing a double game. But if we are supporting the Afghan Taliban, why would the Pakistani Taliban be standing against us today?"

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam is ready to unite the AIADMK provided the family of now jailed leader V.K. Sasikala is kept out of the party.

The Panneerselvam faction has also made it clear that he would be the AIADMK General Secretary as well as Chief Minister while incumbent Chief Minister K. Palaniswami, a Sasikala backer, can be his deputy.

"The basic condition is that family members of Sasikala should not be in the party," former AIADMK MP and Panneerselvam confidant K.C. Palaniswamy told IANS.

The nominees for other party posts "can be negotiated", K.C. Palaniswamy added.

Efforts are reportedly on to bring together the two factions of the AIADMK after Delhi Police filed a case against Sasikala's nephew and Deputy General Secretary T.T.V. Dinakaran for trying to bribe the Election Commission to allot his faction the frozen "two leaves" election symbol.

The Election Commission has also postponed the by-election to the state assembly from R.K. Nagar that was set for April 12 as it found that voters were bribed with cash. Dinakaran was the ruling AIADMK's candidate.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US Vice President Mike Pence on Friday reached Japan on a two-day visit and is slated to discuss North Korea and economic ties between the two countries.

In a meeting upon the Vice President's arrival, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that he supported Washington's stance taken to keep all options open for countering threats posed by North Korea, Efe news reported.

"It is important to seek diplomatic and peaceful efforts to address the issue, but at the same time dialogue for the sake of dialogue has no value," Abe told Pence.

Pence said Washington will assess Japan's complicated situation against Pyongyang's continued missile launches.

US President Donald Trump "is determined to work closely with Japan, with South Korea, and with all our allies in the region, and with China, to achieve a peaceable solution and denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula," said Pence.

"We seek peace always as a country, as does Japan. But as you know peace comes through strength," said Pence, and highlighted the strong security ties the countries share.

Pence arrived in Tokyo's Atsugi air and naval base from the Osan air base in Seoul where he had spent the first three days of his 10-day Asia tour.

Ahead of his arrival, Japanese government spokesperson Yoshihide Suga said earlier on Tuesday that Tokyo hopes meetings with Pence will serve to deepen bilateral economic and security ties and will help in coordinating policies to address the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile development programme.

On Wednesday, Pence will visit the Japan Self-Defence Forces base in Yokosuka, where Japan and the US conducted joint military drills and where the American aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan is stationed.

Pence will also attend a business forum in Tokyo and later travel to Indonesia and Australia to continue the rest of his tour.

--IANS

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US Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday arrived in Japan. He is there for a three-day visit to hold talks on the North Korean crisis and bilateral economic ties, a media report said.

Pence's aircraft landed at Atsugi airbase, near here, shortly after midday, NHK news reported.

Later in the day, he was scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He will also attend the first session of a new Japan-US economic dialogue.

Departing from South Korea earlier, Pence was continuing the second leg of his 10-day trip to the Asia-Pacific region, Efe news said.

Pence will have a working lunch with Abe here. Later he would meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso, with whom he will hold a joint press conference.

The issue on the table in both meetings will be the tension in the region in the face of repeated North Korean weapons tests, the latest one being on Sunday.

Washington has responded to the situation by sending the USS Carl Vinson nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and its US Navy strike group to waters off the Korean peninsula.

On the other hand, Pyongyang, far from defusing any tension, has recently paraded what could be new models of intercontinental ballistic missiles, during a military parade.

In addition, it was feared that Pyongyang could soon conduct a new nuclear test, which would exacerbate the situation in the region.

On Monday in Seoul, Pence talked about the recent US military attacks on Syria and Afghanistan and warned Pyongyang of the possible danger from challenging US President Donald Trump's determination.

Japan, an important ally of the US and one of the countries that are most vulnerable to North Korea's missile tests, is considering the possibility of supporting the USS Carl Vinson and its attack fleet in manoeuvres in waters near the Korean peninsula.

During Pence's visit, Tokyo and Washington would also launch discussions on high-level bilateral economic topics.

This new forum, which would be chaired by Pence and Aso, will deal with issues such as trade policy, a sensitive area in the wake of Trump's "America First" policies, as well as investment regulations, infrastructure and energy cooperation.

--IANS

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Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday that the US government will review the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in 2012 with South Korea, a media report said.

The review would be aimed at looking for ways to improve the trade deficit between the two countries, Efe news reported.

Pence made the remark during a meeting with representatives of the US Chamber of Commerce here before leaving for Japan, the second stopover in his 10-day Asia-Pacific tour.

The Vice President praised the good economic relations between the two countries but stressed the need to "be honest about where our trade relationship is falling short".

The remark was referring to the growing US trade deficit derived from excessive barriers for US businesses in the South Korean market.

"Our businesses continue to face too many barriers of entry which tilted the playing field against the American workers and American growth," Pence said.

The Vice President also pointed out that it was necessary to "level that playing field between our two countries" and assured that the US will work together with South Korea to reform the agreement.

The US trade deficit with South Korea in 2016 amounted to $27.6 billion.

The 2016 figure was twice that of 2011, a year before the FTA was signed.

Since taking office in January, the new US administration has called for a turnaround in the US trade policies to be in line with Trump's policy of "America first".

In addition to abandoning the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the world's largest FTA, Washington has criticised a number of Asian trading partners, such as China, Japan or South Korea, saying they have worked together to devalue their currencies to gain competitive advantages over the US.

--IANS

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New research promises a potential new technology for sustainable harvesting of drinking water -- from air.

The atmosphere contains an estimated 13,000 trillion litres of water -- equivalent to nearly 10 per cent of all fresh water present in lakes worldwide -- that has remained untapped.

Now, a team of researchers in the US, including two of Indian origin, have developed a device that extracts potable water from ambient air using only sunlight as the energy source.

The solar-powered water harvester works even when relative humidity (RH) is as low as 20 per cent, the level common in arid areas and deserts of the world, the researchers report.

"This is a major breakthrough in the long-standing challenge of harvesting water from the air at low humidity," Omar Yaghi, chemistry professor at the University of California-Berkeley and one of the corresponding authors, told Nature India.

"The key development in our demonstration is that we used only ambient sunlight, with no electricity needed," Yaghi said. "This is a major improvement over most other air-water harvesting devices which require energy input and therefore are economically not viable."

"I believe this device will work well in most areas of India," Yaghi said. Largescale use of this device "can change the landscape of water utilisation in India, where sunlight is abundant", added co-author Sameer Rao, a post-doctoral associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The heart of the new device -- constructed at MIT -- is a metal-organic framework (MOF) that belongs to a class of unique materials exhibiting extremely high porosity that Yaghi's team had pioneered in the 1990s at Berkeley.

"They have high affinity to water molecules to pull them out of ambient air, but do not hold on to them too tightly so that water can be concentrated and released with a slight temperature change (induced by sunlight)," Yaghi said. The adsorbed (as a thin film) water thus released is then stored by the device in a condenser.

The adsorption-desorption experiments performed in a RH-controlled chamber in the laboratory found the device was able to pull 2.8 litres of water from the air over a 12-hour period at RH levels as low as 20 per cent using one kilogram of MOF. Rooftop tests at MIT confirmed that the device works equally well outdoors.

The scientists found the experimental data to be in "good agreement" with a theoretical framework they had developed.

Yaghi said the daily quantity of harvested water can be scaled up by finding better MOF materials "with enhanced sorption capacity and high intra-crystalline diffusivity" that could absorb more water. The current MOF can absorb only 20 percent of its weight in water.

An official statement released about the solar water harvester said that while Yaghi and his team at Berkeley are at work improving their MOFs, Evelyn Wang, the other corresponding author who led the team at MIT, "continues to improve the harvesting system to produce more water".

It quoted Wang as saying: "We wanted to demonstrate that if you are cut off somewhere in the desert, you could survive because of this device."

Its developers hope their device, when commercialised, could help every household obtain the drinking water it needs out of the air using only the power of the sun.

"The social impact of this in India would be far-reaching," said Rao.

"It would enable greater success for government's grassroot level programmes seeking to increase literacy and education of women and children in villages" because they would be freed from the everyday job of fetching water for cooking and drinking.

How much would the solar water harvester cost?

"We have made the significant first step by building the demonstration model combining chemistry and engineering to show how it works," Yaghi said, adding: "The economic aspects as well as the production of these materials and devices are the obvious next step."

(K.S. Jayaraman can be contacted at killugudi@hotmail.com)

--IANS

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Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli on Tuesday said he was smiling with joy as well as wincing with pain as the curtains came down finally on the filming of his forthcoming magnum opus "Baahubali 2: The Conclusion".

"Last working day. Hopefully. What a journey. What an experience. I am both smiling with joy and wincing with pain," Rajamouli tweeted.

The second part in the franchise, starring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishnan and Sathyaraj, is slated for release on April 28.

The film, about the battle between two warring brothers for an ancient kingdom, will release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam.

"Baahubali 2: The Conclusion" will finally shed the light on why Kattappa killed Baahubali.

--IANS

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Moscow, April 18 (IANS/AKI) Officials from Russia's Foreign Ministry have denied knowledge of reports that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State jihadist group, has been arrested in Syria, Kurdish broadcaster Rudaw said on Tuesday.

"We are not aware of the arrest of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, 'caliph' of the Islamic State, and have not received any information or clarification in this regard," staff from the Foreign Ministry's media office were cited as telling Rudaw.

Russian media had earlier cited the European Department for Security and Information (DESI) non-profit organisation as saying it received information that Baghdadi had been arrested in an operation coordinated between Russian and Syrian government intelligence agencies.

Iraqi news site Ara News cited Iraqi military intelligence officials on Monday as saying Baghdadi had recently crossed to Syria from Iraq after being injured in an airstrike by the US-led coalition in the northwest.

The Iraqi military intelligence unit, known as Suqur al-Istikhbarat , said that the recent reports about al-Baghdadi's death were inaccurate and said he is still alive, Ara News reported.

--IANS/AKI

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News / National

by Staff reporter

WAR veterans secretary-general, Victor Matemadanda has called for government leadership renewal, saying the current "corrupt" Zanu-PF regime had proved beyond doubt that it was not committed to improving the welfare of the liberation war fighters."We can't talk of our welfare with people who don't know how to run a country. We have to ensure that this corrupt system is removed before we talk of our welfare," he said.Matemadanda made the remarks yesterday following reports that government owed $37 million in unpaid school fees for war veterans' children and was struggling to raise former fighters' monthly pension payouts.War Veterans minister Tshinga Dube confirmed the reports, saying the financial squeeze was not peculiar to his ministry, as it had crippled all line ministries."We are a welfare ministry, which is supposed to take care of the welfare needs of war veterans in line with constitutional provisions, but we are struggling to pay school fees for the children of war veterans," he said.Dube said some of the divisions rocking the war veterans' body were being fuelled by lack of welfare support from the government."We see all these things coming to an end once our war veterans are well taken care of. They are hungry and angry after spending time in the bushy fighting for independence, they want to enjoy the fruits. We went to a war veterans conference in South Africa and they had R2 million, which they had not spent and were returning to government."I believe our government is committed to taking care of the war veterans, but the resources are not there, once the economy turns around they will be taken care off," he said.
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday held talks with his Canadian counterpart Harjit Singh Sajjan, discussing bilateral defence and security cooperation issues.

Sajjan, who is on a week long visit to India, was also given a Guard of Honour at South Block, which houses the Defence Ministry. He also laid a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, which a memorial dedicated to unnamed soldiers.

His formal welcome came after some confusion over the Guard of Honour, a ceremonial practice to honour domestic or foreign dignitaries, being cancelled after an advisory from the Defence Ministry said so. It was later clarified by sources that the communique announcing cancellation of the Guard of Honour was a mistake.

--IANS

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A group of Hispanic students living in California is designing a camping tent that can use solar energy to meet the electricity needs of the homeless.

"Our camping house is made with special materials, where we're going to have solar panels, ... (and) LED lights, so that the person can see inside when it's dark," Kenia Shi, a high school student, was quoted by Efe news agency as saying.

These students are also going to have a way to clean the house with ultraviolet lights, which kill bacteria.

The installation of miniaturised solar technology in a mobile tent is the project being pursued by 12 Latino students at the San Fernando Magnet school in Los Angeles County, for which they received a $10,000 grant from the Lemelson InveTeam organisation at the MIT School of Engineering.

"When we were introduced to the programme and they told us that we had the chance to make an invention that could change something in our community, we thought that making a ... (solar) tent was best," Shi said.

The daughter of immigrants from El Salvador, Shi intends to study mechanical engineering at the University of California San Diego.

Statistics from 2016 compiled by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority show that in Los Angeles County there are 43,000 people who live in shelters or in tents on the streets.

The annual tally, which does not includes figures from Pasadena, Glendale or Long Beach, found that the homeless population is 39 per cent African American, 27 per cent Latino and 26 per cent white.

"It's very nice to be able to say that you're helping these people who often the government and the public ... almost ignore," said Araceli Chavez, the daughter of Mexican immigrants.

Fifteen US schools won the engineering grants from Massachusetts Institute of Technology to develop things such as "tents with solar energy" that the students will display at the EurekaFest fair on June 15-17 on the MIT campus.

The students' solution is to install a small solar panel and a light with an energy storage element, so that the accumulated electricity can be transferred to other appliances, among other innovations.

--IANS

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The Telangana government will train Tripura government officials to improve its ranking in the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) index, official said here on Tuesday.

"A group of officials from Telangana government's Industries Department would soon arrive here to teach the officials of Tripura Industries and Commerce Department and other industry related department," an official of Tripura Industries and Commerce Department said.

She said that after the Telangana government's officials' visit to Tripura, a group of officials likely to go to Telangana for on the spot knowledge on EoDB functioning in the southern state.

The EoDB index is a ranking system established by the World Bank Group. In the EoDB index, 'higher rankings' (a lower numerical value) indicate better, usually simpler, policy and regulations for businesses and stronger protections of property rights besides single window approval mechanism.

Telangana ranked first in the country in EoDB this year.

In the recent assessment done by the union Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Telangana government scored 98.78 per cent. The Centre in a recent meeting with all states requested Telangana to train Tripura officials in improving the state's rank.

"States that got top ranks have been asked by the central government to help states that secured poor ranks this year. Tripura has been allotted to Telangana. Industrial officials of Tripura government would visit Hyderabad," the Tripura official added.

She said that Tripura ranked first in EoDB among the eight northeastern states including Sikkim and secured 22nd position among Indian states and union territories.

--IANS

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Known for his flamboyant lifestyle, liquor baron Vijay Mallya has been one of the most wanted fugitives in India -- accused of defrauding at least 17 banks of over Rs 9,000 crore and siphoning off the money to his children.

The saga, which has been going on for years now, started in November 2015 when the State Bank of India (SBI) tagged Mallya a "wilful defaulter", for defaulting on payments and its diversion for purposes other than sanctioned.

This has become the cause of a protracted legal battle between the billionaire and Indian law enforcement agencies, with a consortium of 17 banks led by SBI striving to recover the money loaned to him.

Mallya left the country on March 2, 2016, and has been living in London from where he was arrested on Tuesday only to be bailed out a few hours later.

His fleeing India had come just before the SBI-led banks' consortium petitioned the Supreme Court to recover their outstanding loans amounting to Rs 9,431.65 crore, including interest, which was sanctioned to his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

In April last year, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), at the request of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), had suspended his passport while Mallya was in London.

Mallya has since expressed his wish to come back to India saying he couldn't do so on account of his passport-suspension. At one time, the ministry even asked Mallya to visit the nearest Indian mission where he could get an "emergency certificate" issued, if he wished to return.

Twice a member of the Rajya Sabha, Mallya resigned from Parliament in May last year, a month ahead of his retirement on June 30.

He was declared a "proclaimed offender" in June as per the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on the request of the ED.

Assets worth Rs 8,040 crore have so far been attached by the ED in its pursuit of the case, which include the Kingfisher brand, logo, and also Mallya's plush North Goa 'Kingfisher Villa'.

The last, which was priced at about 90 crore, finally went under the hammer for Rs 73 crore this month.

In March this year, responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar, without naming Mallya, told the House that loan of Rs 8,040 crore to the industrialist was declared a non-performing asset (NPA) in 2009 and was restructured in 2010.

Mallya has more than once extended a proposal to settle the loans which he is due to pay.

"Public sector banks have policies for one-time settlements. Hundreds of borrowers have settled. Why should this be denied to us? Our substantial offer before the Supreme Court was rejected by banks without consideration," Mallya had said in a tweet in March this year.

The banks had last year refused to accept his offer of settling the loans at Rs 6,868 crore.

The Indian government is in talks with the UK for Mallya's extradition. The British had last year expressed its inability to deport Mallya on account his arriving on a valid visa.

-- IANS

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Three men were arrested from a resort in Goa's Anjuna beach village in the early hours of Tuesday, for accepting bets during the match between Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders, which was held in Delhi on Monday night.

The arrested men has been identified as Kiransinh Vaghela, 32, and Jayant Vaghela, 33, both from Ahemadabad, and Narendra Singh of unspecified age from Agra.

Thed police have also seized Rs 15,270 in cash, two laptops, 11 mobile phones and an LED TV and a set top box.

The accused have been arrested under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Goa Prevention of Gambling Act, according to Police Sub Inspector V.A. Kavlekar.

--IANS

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US President Donald Trump called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to congratulate him hours after his narrow victory in a referendum that will grant him sweeping new powers, the White House announced.

During Sunday's vote, about 51.35 per cent backed the constitutional changes, compared to 48.65 per cent for the "no" side.

The constitutional reforms are set to grant more powers to Erdogan, effecting a changeover from parliamentary to the presidential form of government in Turkey. The amendments to the constitution are likely to allow him to hold office for two more terms until 2029.

According to a White House statement, Trump spoke on Monday with Erdogan, discussing the developments in Syria, and Washington's response to the chemical attack. They "agreed on the importance of holding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accountable", the Guardian reported.

Asked during the White House daily briefing to respond to Erdogan's accumulation of power after the referendum, Press Secretary Sean Spicer echoed the State Department statement and said he would withhold reaction until a final report is published.

"Before we start getting into their governing system, let this commission get through its work," Spicer said.

Trump also spoke to Erdogan in February, reports the Guardian.

On the call, Trump reaffirmed Turkey as a strong NATO ally and a partner in the fight against the Islamic State terror group.

The leaders again discussed the campaign against the group on Monday and agreed on "the need to cooperate against all groups that use terrorism to achieve their ends", the White House added.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Turkey's state of emergency will be extended by an additional three months, offiials said on Monday.

The state of emergency would be extended as of April 19 for three more months, with the parliament's approval, Xinhua news agency quoted Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus as saying.

He attributed the reason for the extension to the struggle against terror threats, primarily against the so-called Fetullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) that the government accuses of staging coup attempt on July 15, 2016.

The cabinet meeting followed the National Security Council's advice to extend the state of emergency.

The National Security Council and the cabinet convened successively on Monday, one day after a public vote that confirmed governance system change from the parliamentarian one to the executive presidency.

Turkey declared a state of emergency on July 20, 2016, days after a failed military coup, which Ankara blames on the US-based exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Turkey has already been under a state of emergency for nine consecutive months after a coup attempt on July 15, 2016.

Under emergency rule, the government can bypass the parliament to enact new laws and limit or suspend rights and freedoms.
Up to 2.5 million votes could have been manipulated during Turkey's presidential referendum, a number that if revised could reverse the "Yes" outcome of the vote, a Council of Europe (CoE) electoral observer announced on Tuesday.

Several institutions, including monitors from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), said Sunday's referendum to greatly expand the President's power did not meet democratic standards, Efe news reported.

Alev Korun, an Austrian Green politician who was on the observer mission at the CoE, said that "there is a suspicion that up to 2.5 million votes could have been manipulated".

Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party said it was to formally request the referendum to be annulled.

The party had previously demanded a partial recount of the 2.5 million ballot papers that were accepted by the Supreme Electoral Council as valid despite being unstamped.

Any official challenge regarding the 2.5 million papers would be a threat to the "Yes" camp, which edged past "No" voters by a slim margin of 1.25 million.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose Justice and Development Party (AKP) penned and campaigned for a "Yes" vote, has already claimed victory and later received a congratulatory phone call from US President Donald Trump.

Korun said she herself did not witness any irregularities in the voting process, but that two of her colleagues had been denied entry to a polling station in the predominantly Kurdish city of Diyarbakir, in the country's restive southeast.

The "Yes" campaign claimed 51.4 per cent of a vote in favour of an 18-point overhaul of the constitution that is to scrap the role of Prime Minister and hand almost all executive power to the President.

But many officials have raised their concerns about the environment in which the vote was held.

On Monday, head of the OSCE observation mission for the referendum, Tana de Zulueta, said there was a lack of impartiality in the run-up to Sunday's vote as the "Yes" campaign was given the chance to dominate media coverage, while the other side was restricted and many journalists were arrested.

Several governments in Europe have called on Erdogan to prove that the election was conducted fairly and cleanly by cooperating fully with international observers.

--IANS

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The Punjab Police on Tuesday announced that it has arrested two alleged terrorists belonging to a terror module set up by a Europe-based radical militant group to target leaders and members of socio-religious organisations in the state.

Palwinder Singh and Sandeep Kumar were arrested by the Counter Intelligence Unit of Punjab Police from Batala town, a police spokesperson said.

"Investigations so far have revealed that the duo had been tasked with creating political instability by fanning communal passions in the state," he said.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from their possession.

"The seizure included one 9 mm pistol, 2 magazines and 13 live rounds, two .32 bore pistols, along with 4 magazines and 33 live rounds and one .12 bore countrymade gun," he said.

The module was controlled by Shaminder Singh alias Sherry, currently operating from Germany and believed to be in touch with other militant leaders based in Belgium, such as Jagdish Singh Bhoora, he added.

"These militants, based in different countries of Europe, are also wanted in various criminal cases in several police stations of Punjab on charges of promoting terrorist activities in the state."

The police have also arrested Sherry's mother Jaswinder Kaur from Batala. Two weapons were seized from her also.

Jaswinder has told the police that Sherry had visited Punjab on several occasions, the last visit being in January, 2017. Sherry was supporting the arrested members of the terror module from Germany, police said.

--IANS

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The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday named the Agra airport after Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, the ideologue of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh -- the forerunner of present-day Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

At the third Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, it was also decided that the civil terminal of the Gorakhpur Air Force Station would be named after "Mahayogi Gorakhnath".

The meeting, which lasted a little over 30 minutes, also decided to divide Uttar Pradesh into 12 clusters and approved the e-tendering facility for all tender processes in the state.

The crop insurance scheme also got approval of the state cabinet, which also decided that the state government would give land for the "agriculture centres" to be established by the central government.

The disability welfare department's name has also been changed and from now on, it would be called Divyaang Jan Vikas Empowerment Department.

The movie "Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi" has been accorded tax-free status by the state government. The proposal for this was ratified by the state cabinet.

The Hema Malini-starrer is based on the life of late BJP leader Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia.

--IANS

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News / National

by Stephen Jakes

Villagers are reportedly being forced to vote for Zanu PF in the coming elections or face eviction from the areas in parts of Mashonaland and Midlands.Heal Zimbabwe Trust reported that in Nyanga District's Ward 2 on 24 March 2017, Zanu PF convened a meeting at Avila business centre."The meeting was addressed by Zanu PF ward 2 chairperson, Wilson Sauro and Councillor Joseph Kadyamusuma. They told people that if they fail to vote for ZANU PF in the 2018 elections, Zanu PF was going to unleash violence similar to the one experienced in the 2008 elections. They also announced that all Village heads should ensure that people from their villages attend all Zanu PF meetings called for in the ward," said the trust."On 27 March 2017, Chief Katerere and Village head Chabvura ordered 18 Village heads from ward 3 to evict people who fail to produce Zanu PF membership cards and also ensure that they do not receive food aid. To date, Village head Chabvura has already started asking people in his village to produce Zanu PF membership cards during food distribution meetings."In Gokwe North District at Gokwe Gumunyu ward 19, Village heads Matenga and Marima are forcing people to join Zanu PF. On 26 March 2017, the two Village heads sent out their secretaries who moved around the villages announcing that food aid will only be given to people with Zanu PF membership cards."Failure to purchase the cards would result in denial of food aid. In Gokwe South District Ward 12, on the 27th of March, Zanu PF youth chairman Joskia Chimowa and Zanu PF District Chairperson Tobias Ngwenya convened a meeting at Kwaramba ward centre. The two announced that people who were in the habit of boycotting Zanu PF ward meetings called for, risked eviction from the village. The two also conducted a meeting on 28 March 2017 at Svisvi business centre. At the meeting, the two took down names of people at the meeting and also announced that people who had failed to attend the meeting were going to be denied food aid," said the trust.In Guruve District, Guruve South ward 11, on 25 March 2017, Village head Charles Mukodzani who also doubles as Zanu PF chairperson for ward 11 and Village head Killer Chigonero convened a meeting at Nyamhondoro Secondary school."At the meeting, the two Village heads announced that everyone in the ward was supposed to purchase Zanu PF membership cards that costs $3 if they still wanted to continue receiving food aid. They also announced that if anyone defies the directive, they risked being evicted from their villages. Ward 11 Councillor, Samuel Machumi also attended the meeting and concurred with the Village heads by also announcing that people who fail to produce Zanu PF membership cards during food aid distribution meetings were going to be denied food aid," said the trust."In Mbire ward 9 on the 26th of March 2017, Zanu PF held a meeting at Mushumbi growth point. The meeting was addressed by Zanu PF Provincial member, Jonasi Kushiwa and Zanu PF District chairperson, Robert Chawada .The two told village heads at the meeting that they were supposed to compile names of people who were present at the meeting and ensure that they continue to receive food aid. They also told the Village heads to deny food aid to people who boycott Zanu PF meetings in the ward."
The US on Tuesday deployed 1,250 marines in Australia's Northern Territory, the sixth contingent of a rotation programme, amid a rise in tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

They are "ready to fight" at the time of an eventual conflict with North Korea, according to a senior US military official.

The marines, the first ones on a rotation of six months this dry season, were stationed at the Darwin base, where they are set to undergo a training programme, Efe news reported.

The Commanding Officer of Marine Rotational Force Darwin, Lieutenant Colonel Brian S. Middleton, said the US military was ready for combat in the event tensions between the US and North Korea were to rise.

"Any time a marine force is forward deployed, we are always on standby for anything," said Middleton.

He also said that this was the most complex air-land marine force to be deployed in northern Australia, a zone of strategic importance due to its proximity to southeastern Asia and the Pacific.

"I think that the commitment that we've taken to put a task force here with a conversation to get larger over the years says that we do think this is an important region," added Middleton.

The military deployment will also include four Osprey aircraft, five Bell AH-1 SuperCobra and four "Huey" Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters.

Rotation of marines in Darwin began in 2012 after an agreement was signed between then US President Barack Obama and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard in 2011, to deploy up to 2,500 soldiers by 2016, a number that is set to increase by 2020.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
More than 1,000 US Marines on Tuesday arrived in Darwin as part of a rotation of forces to be stationed in northern Australia.

The 1,250 troops who arrived in the Northern Territory (NT) will soon be joined by 13 aircraft -- four tilt-rotor Osprey helicopters, five Super Cobra helicopters and four Huey helicopters -- in one of the largest deployments of US forces to Australia since World War II.

Commanding Officer of Marine Rotational Force Darwin, Lieutenant Colonel Brian S. Middleton told the media: "The aviation combat element is our most robust deployment to Darwin."

"I think the commitment that we've taken to put a task force here with a conversation to get larger over the years says that we do think this is an important region," Xinhua news agency quoted him as saying.

"Being close to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, the Indo-Pacific position has always been important."

Middleton said the Marines would conduct "important exercises alongside with Chinese partners" and Australia. Troops from the three countries are conducting annual joint exercises codenamed Kowari since 2014.

Brigadier Ben James, Commander of Australia's 3,000-strong 1st Brigade based in Darwin, said he looked forward to working alongside with his US counterparts.

"We're very much looking forward to a great six-month rotation where we can train, operate and exercise alongside with our most important ally," James said.

The rotation is part of a deal struck between former US President Barack Obama and his Australian counterpart Julia Gillard in 2011.

It is the first large-scale arrival of US troops since the arrangement was signed, with a small number of Marines having been sent to Darwin for training since 2012.

Northern Territory's Chief Minister Michael Gunner said Darwin was proud to be a defence town.

"We welcome the arrival of American troops as part of our long-term partnership and friendship," Gunner said.

"They provide an important economic boost which comes at a time when many territory businesses are doing it tough," he said.

"We first welcomed US defence personnel and ships in the days following the bombing of Pearl Harbour in December 1941."

A report by Deloitte Access Economics found that the Marines would inject $3.7 million into the NT economy annually.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks on and issues related to Afghanistan stability.

Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval also attended the meeting at Modi's official 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence, according to a handout picture released by the External Affairs Ministry.

Sources said they discussed security issues concerning the South Asian region and how to better cooperate on countering terror threats emanating from Taliban and surging Islamic State presence in Afghanistan.

McMaster arrived here on Monday evening, the first visit by a senior official of President Donald Trump's administration.

On his South Asian trip that began over the weekend, McMaster on Monday visited Pakistan where he met civilian and military leaders, stressing "the need to confront in all its forms"

Earlier, he also visted Afghanistan to review efforts at stabilizing Afghanistan.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The US on Tuesday reaffirmed that India remained its "major defence partner" as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump's top security aide Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster met to discuss military and counter-terror ties between the two countries.

The visiting US National Security Adviser (NSA) called on Modi at his official residence, a day after he arrived here on the first visit by a senior White House official since President Trump took over in January.

The US embassy said McMaster in his meeting with Modi that was also attended by Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval "emphasised the importance of US-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed India's designation as a major defence partner".

"The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counterterrorism cooperation," an embassy statement said.

McMaster also met separately with Doval and Jaishankar. The embassy noted that the meetings were "productive".

The Prime Minister's Office said in a statement that "McMaster conveyed the greetings of President Trump" to Modi, who recalled "the importance attached by both sides to the strategic partnership and to stepping up India-US engagement across the board".

The PMO statement said Modi and McMaster discussed peace and security in war-torn Afghanistan and the extended region, including the Middle East.

"McMaster shared his perspective with (the) Prime Minister on the security situation in the extended region, including in Afghanistan, West Asia and the DPRK (North Korea).

"During the conversation, they exchanged views on how both countries can work together to effectively address the challenge of and to advance regional peace, security and stability."

The US official's trip was part of his South Asian sojourn that began over the weekend.

On Monday, he visited Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz and the army chief, stressing "the need to confront in all its forms".

He also visited Afghanistan to review efforts at stabilizing the country.

"The visit was a part of regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad," said the embassy statement.

The trip assumes significance amid growing US concerns over terror threats emanating from a resurgent Taliban and rising Islamic State's influence in Afghanistan, where America has some 8,400 troops.

On Thursday, the US military dropped what it said was the "Mother of All Bombs" -- the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast -- on suspected Islamic State hideouts in Afghanistan.

The first use of the bomb in a combat killed some 95 militants, the US said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A suitcase full of fruits and vegetables led to an American woman being stopped from entering New Zealand, officials said on Tuesday.

The woman had failed to declare the produce when she arrived at Christchurch airport on Saturday, Xinhua news agency quoted Primary Industries Ministry as saying.

The ministry staff detected the goods during x-ray screening of the passenger's bag after she arrived on a flight from Sydney. She was forced to return to Sydney on the next available flight.

"The passenger admitted she was deliberately trying to smuggle the food into New Zealand. When asked why, she said didn't want to cause delays for her travelling companions and she wasn't sure what she could bring in," said border clearance manager Andrew Spelman.

"The suitcase included oranges, apples, avocados, sweet potato and carrots. We're talking potential host materials for a range of bugs that could devastate New Zealand's horticulture sector," said Spelman.

"The deliberate and reckless nature of her actions forced our hand. They needed to be dealt with more severely than a warning or a simple infringement notice."

New Zealand has some of the strictest biosecurity rules in the world and inbound travellers must declare a range of products as well as all foods.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for defaulting on over Rs 8,000 crore in bank loans, was arrested here on Tuesday. Within hours, a court granted him bail.

Metropolitan Police said Mallya, 61, was taken into custody after attending a central London police station.

The Westminster Magistrates' Court later gave him bail on a 650,000 pound bond. The next hearing of the case will be on May 17.

The court issued some stringent orders against Mallya before granting him bail, instructing "neither he can apply for travel documents nor attempt to leave the UK".

It further directed the business tycoon to live in Hertfordshire and keep his cell phone on round the clock. Mallya's revoked passport will also be retained until further orders of the court.

A Metropolitan Police statement said officers from the Extradition Unit arrested Mallya on an extradition warrant from India.

"Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud," the statement said.

After getting bail, Mallya tweeted: "Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in court started today as expected."

Mallya fled to Britain in March 2016 after being pursued in courts by Indian banks seeking to recover Rs 8,191 crore owed by his now defunct Kingfisher Airline.

The banks had been able to recover only Rs 155 crore. Despite multiple injunctions, Mallya failed to appear before investigators -- and then flew out of India.

On February 8, the Indian government handed over to British authorities a formal request for Mallya's extradition, saying it had a legitimate case against him on charges of financial irregularities and loan default.

The loan, granted in September 2004, was reviewed in February 2008.

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate initiated criminal investigation against Mallya in July 2015 and January 2016 respectively under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The Indian agencies took the step on the basis of complaint filed by a consortium of 17 banks led by the State Bank of India.

The cases were registered against Mallya, Kingfisher Airline, UB Group company United Breweries Holdings Ltd and others.

The Enforcement Directorate in March and April 2016 issued a number of summons against Mallya to appear before it but he failed to do so.

Subsequently, a non-bailable warrant was issued against Mallya by a Mumbai court in April 2016. His passport was revoked on April 23.

The court in November ordered the seizure of domestic assets of Mallya and entities controlled by him.

The Enforcement Directorate said that it has attached properties of Mallya and his companies having market value more than Rs 8,000 crore.

--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.)
Bearish global cues on the back of rising geo-political tensions, coupled with huge outflow of foreign funds, pulled the Indian equity indices to their lowest levels in three weeks on Tuesday.

The key indices, which opened the day's trade on a positive note, closed with losses for the fourth consecutive session. Heavy selling pressure was witnessed in metal, automobile and healthcare stocks.

The wider 51-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) fell by 34.15 points or 0.37 per cent to 9,105.15 points.

The barometer 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE, which opened at 29,487.78 points, closed at 29,319.10 points -- down 94.56 points or 0.32 per cent from the previous close at 29,413.66 points.

The Sensex touched a high of 29,701.19 points and a low of 29,286.38 points during the intra-day trade.

The BSE market breadth was bearish -- with 1,771 declines and 1,112 advances.

In terms of the broader markets, the S&P BSE mid-cap index fell by 0.63 per cent, while the small-cap index closed lower by 0.74 per cent.

"Markets ended with losses on Tuesday after a positive morning session as a strong intra-day rally was derailed by sell-off in late trade. It was the fourth consecutive session of losses," Deepak Jasani, Head - Retail Research, HDFC Securities, told IANS.

"The Sensex and the Nifty hit their lowest level in three weeks. The weakness came on the back of geo-political tensions, as notably those between the US and North Korea. These have heightened worries about aggressions escalating into a bigger confrontation."

Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit Financial Services, said: "The US and Australia's visa norms turned up the heat on IT companies, while higher possibilities of El Nino put sentiments under check. Global cues weren't helping either after the European markets reopened after Easter Monday holidays with deep cuts."

"With the rupee easing a bit, FII (foreign institutional investors) action will be in focus, as they have been net sellers in equities for the most part of this month so far."

On the currency front, the Indian rupee weakened by 11-12 paise to 64.63 against a US dollar from its previous close of 64.51-52 to a greenback.

In terms of investments, provisional data with the exchanges showed that the FIIs sold scrip worth Rs 930.67 crore, while the domestic institutional investors (DIIs) off-loaded scrip worth Rs 878.08 crore.

According to Dhruv Desai, Director and Chief Operating Officer of Tradebulls, the equity benchmark indices ended in the red dragged by index heavyweights Reliance, Infosys and L&T (Larsen and Toubro).

"At present, the Indian market is going through time wise correction. The Indian Meteorological Department (today) forecast normal monsoon, which may boost some sentiment in the market," Desai pointed out.

"Only the Bank Nifty managed to gain among all other sectors. The sectors which saw maximum loss today was metal, followed by healthcare and consumer durables."

Sector-wise, the S&P BSE metal index plunged by 203.29 points, followed by the automobile index, which dipped by 164.45 points, and the healthcare index, which fell by 145.12 points.

On the other hand, the utilities index inched up by 5.35 points and the power index was up a tad by 0.79 points.

Major Sensex gainers on Tuesday were: NTPC, up 1.60 per cent at Rs 161.70; Wipro, up 0.93 per cent at Rs 496.35; HDFC Bank, up 0.68 per cent at Rs 1,445.75; ICICI Bank, up 0.46 per cent at Rs 283; and Power Grid, up 0.32 per cent at Rs 202.35.

Major Sensex losers were: Tata Steel, down 2.55 per cent at Rs 450.25; Coal India, down 2.34 per cent at Rs 279.10; Sun Pharma, down 1.76 per cent at Rs 665.30; Asian Paints, down 1.68 per cent at Rs 1,040.95; and Reliance Industries, down 1.48 per cent at Rs 1,370.45.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The West Bengal Heritage Commission is mulling an amendment to the West Bengal Heritage Commission Act, 2001, to bring "intangible heritage" under its ambit, an official said here on Tuesday.

"West Bengal Heritage Commission Act, 2001, is only for 'built heritage' and not for 'intangible heritage'. The commission is mulling whether the act could be amended to bring intangible heritage under its ambit," state Heritage Commission Secretary Umapada Chatterjee told the media here.

We will consider opinions of all stakeholders. This will happen in due course of time," he added.

According to the Unesco, the "intangible cultural heritage" means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills -- as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith -- that communities, groups and in some cases, individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage.

Yoga, one of India's ancient practices, has now been inscribed as an element in the Unesco's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Chatterjee said the state government is trying to come up with a new heritage policy and a high powered committee will be set up to look into it.

"The commission's website will also be up and running soon. The sites that have been restored will be put up on the website so that they can be integrated with tourism initiatives. The Commission is in a very bad state and we are trying to revive it," Chatterjee added.

An inventory of 174 heritage sites in Bengal will also be uploaded on the website, he said.

In addition, the Commission has also taken forward the matter of revival of activities at the conservation lab.

Chatterjee was speaking on the sidelines of the World Heritage Day seminar organised by the state government.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The West Bengal Forest Department on Tuesday said it has received reports of presence of a wolf in a village surrounding the Sundarbans mangrove forests.

However, the department has quashed reports of presence of a wolf in the forests itself, amid speculations of the first photographic evidence of the animal in the entire Sunderbans spanning India and Bangladesh. A picture was recently clicked by naturalist Riddhi Mukherjee at Jatirampur village.

"There is likelihood of the presence of only one wolf in the village... but not in the forests. In the history there has never been any wolf in the Sundarbans forests and the area doesn't have the habitat to sustain wolves," West Bengal Chief Wildlife Warden Pradeep Vyas told IANS.

Vyas said department officials have not spotted the animal but it has been sighted by locals.

"We have seen the photographs taken by the locals and other people. They are certainly of value but our people have not seen. Most people have seen the pug marks of one animal. We have placed camera traps and if it is only one, which is most likely, we will have to capture it," he added.

Mukherjee said he had shared the photo, taken on April 14 in Jatirampur village, with wildlife experts.

"They confirmed it as a wolf," Mukherjee told IANS.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Who said goods and services tax (GST) is a tax and accounting game? It has also brought the poet out in some. A WhatsApp message circulated by an association of transporters and tyre dealers urges its members to accept the new GST regime wholeheartedly. Iss soch ko hum salaam karte hain/GST se mat ghabrao/isse apnao aur vyapar badhao (we salute this new thinking/dont fret over GST/accept it and increase your business), it says. A motivational message follows the exhortation: Badal jao waqt ke saath/ya phir waqt badalna seekho/majboorion ko mat koso/har haal mein chalna seekho (change with time or learn to change time/dont plead helplessness/learn to move forward under all circumstances).
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwe Students Association in Turkey (ZIMSAT) will today host an Uhuru party to celebrate Zimbabwe's 37th birthday in the Turkey capital, Ankara."ZIMSAT has organised this event to celebrate Zimbabwe's hard-won independence. The event will be held in the capital of Turkey, Ankara," said Tafadzwa Joseph Dube who is ZIMSAT's public relations officer."Invited are fellow students, Zimbabweans in Turkey, our friends from Africa, and the rest of the world. ZIMSAT took it upon itself to organise such an event since at the moment Zimbabwe does not have an embassy in Turkey... As much as we face challenges as a country, our independence still remains an important occasion in our history which we honour whilst at the same time working for a better future for all," read part of their official invite to Bulawayo24.comMr Cyril Kombedzayi from Bulawayo, who is on a brief vacation in Turkey, said that he will also attend the event as he winds up his holiday.Those who would like to attend the event can contact ZIMSAT President, Timothy on + 9054353011280 or the Vice President on +905512436621.
leader T T V Dinakaran, a nephew of jailed party chief V K Sasikala, was on Monday accused of trying to bribe the Election Commission with crores of rupees to reclaim the party's disputed and now frozen "two leaves" symbol.

The issue which came to light after the arrest of his "close aide" from a Delhi hotel with a huge amount of cash, sparking of a political row. While Dinakaran denied any links with the arrests accused, the Tamil Nadu's opposition PMK demanded dismissal of the government.

A Delhi Police officer told IANS that they arrested Dinakaran's close aide Sukesh Chandrasekar from a south Delhi hotel on Sunday with Rs 1.3 crore that was meant for bribing the poll panel members.

After a long search for a judge, Chandrasekar was presented before a judge at her residence, who sent him to eight days police custody, sources said.

Chandrasekar reportedly told police that he was Dinakaran's "middleman" and was asked to pay the money to the officials in exchange for the symbol.

"Dinakaran has been booked for criminal conspiracy and corruption after Chandrasekar disclosed his name during the late night police raid at the hotel where he was staying," the police officer said.

The officer said the 27-year-old suspect, who is said to own a fleet of luxury cars, confessed he was playing the middleman.

Police raided the hotel following a tip, the officer said. A police team is expected to travel to Chennai to summon Dinakaran.

Dinakaran, who is the candidate of the ruling faction for the R.K. Nagar assembly constituency in Chennai, told reporters there that he didn't know "anybody by the name Sukesh Chandrasekar" and called it a conspiracy to destroy the AIADMK -- divided between two factions after its leader J. Jayalalithaa died on December 5 while she was the Chief Minister.

"Somebody is scheming to destroy the AIADMK. I will meet the allegation legally. If I am summoned by Delhi Police, I will meet it legally," he said.

The by-poll, due on April 12, was postponed following allegations of cash distribution to voters on a massive scale by the ruling AIADMK.

A couple of days prior to the by-poll and on receipt of complaints of large scale distribution of cash to the voters, the Income Tax Department raided the official residences of state Health Minister C.Vijayabaskar, his relatives, business associates, party officials and also the residence of actor-turned-politician Sarathkumar.

According to the documents seized by the IT officials during their raids, the price of one vote in the R.K. Nagar constituency is Rs 4,000.

A senior IT official told IANS that around Rs 100 crore has been distributed by the Sasikalar faction of AIADMK in R.K. Nagar.

Sasikala made Dinakaran the party in charge before she went to prison.

The other faction is led by O. Panneerselvam, who was also close to Jayalalithaa and used to stand in for her as Chief Minister. The two factions have been fighting over ownership of the AIADMK.

The battle reached the Election Commission that gave the two factions new symbols and ordered a freeze over "two leaves" on March 23.

Dinakaran also said he would meet Sasikala in the Bengaluru prison.

Meanwhile, the alleged attempt to bribe the Election Commission by Dinakaran may hasten the process of uniting the two AIADMK factions, said former MP K.C. Palaniswamy, a Panneerselvam supporter.

"If the election panel decided that Sasikala's election (as AIADMK General Secretary) was not legal, then every other thing in the party will automatically settle down," Palaniswamy told IANS.

"First they bribed the voters and now they attempted to bribe the Election Commission officials. The Sasikala faction is bringing shame to Tamil Nadu," he added.

Members of the Panneerselvam camp told IANS that talks are on between the leaders of both the camps towards unification.

Meanwhile the meeting between Chief Minister Palaniswami and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha M.Thambidurai here on Monday has fuelled the patch up speculations between the two factions of AIADMK.

PMK's S. Ramadoss however said the attempt to bribe the Election Commission by Dinakaran should not be seen as his own act but as the act of Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister Palaniswami.

"To save themselves and their posts these people would not even hesitate to negotiate with the Supreme Court and the Parliament," he added.
After a late evening meeting, V K Sasikala faction has formed a group to hold talks with former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and his supporters, which will pave way for the merger of two groups.
Finance Minister D Jayakumar on Tuesday announced that ministers in the AIADMK (Amma) government had decided to keep out the ruling party's jailed general secretary, V K Sasikala, her deputy,T T V Dinakaran, and their family members out of the party.
Finance Minister D Jayakumar on Tuesday announced that a section of ministers had decided to keep AIADMKs jailed General Secretary V K Sasikala and Deputy General Secretary T T V Dinakaran and their families out of the party.
The Saudi-led military coalition fighting in Yemen said one of its helicopters crashed in eastern Yemen today, killing 12 Saudi officers in one of the deadliest incidents for the kingdom's troops since the war began more than two years ago.

The Black Hawk helicopter crashed in the eastern province of Marib, the coalition said, adding that it is investigating the circumstances.

The incident happened as US Defence Secretary James Mattis arrived in the Saudi capital to discuss the Yemen war with Saudi leaders.

The coalition of mostly Arab Sunni countries has waged a campaign to dislodge Yemeni Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, who seized Yemen's capital and some other areas in 2014 and forced the internationally-recognised government to flee the country.

The U war has claimed the lives of more than 10,000 civilians and led to the displacement of some 3 million Yemenis. Dozens of Saudi soldiers have been killed in cross- border attacks from Yemen.

The single deadliest incident for coalition forces killed 45 troops from the United Arab Emirates in September 2015, when a rebel missile hit a weapons depot also in Marib.

It was the deadliest day for its military in the UAE's 44-year history. Ten Saudis were killed in the blast too. Bahrain also lost five soldiers, though it was not clear if they were killed in the same incident.

Mattis told reporters while heading to the kingdom that he will push for a political resolution to end the conflict.

He said the Trump administration's goal is for the crisis "to be put in front of a UN-brokered negotiating team and try to resolve this politically as soon as possible."



He also echoed past Saudi accusations that Houthis have been receiving arms from Iran, saying that the Iranians have supplied Houthis with missiles they use to fire on Saudi Arabia.

Mattis is the highest-level Trump administration official to visit the kingdom. Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also Saudi defence minister, met Trump at the White House last month.

Multiple rounds of UN-brokered peace talks have failed to bridge the gap between the warring parties in Yemen.

President Abed-Rabbo Mansour Hadi insists on the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions which stipulate that the Houthis pull their militias from the cities and hand over heavy weapons, while the Shiite rebels demand on a power-sharing deal before taking any security-related steps.

Hadi's government, backed by the Saudi-led coalition, has regained control over southern Yemen, but has however failed to restore law and order in that part of the country as the extremist Islamic State group and al-Qaida militants have grown in numbers and expanded their footprints.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Rajasthan Police today arrested three persons while accepting a bribe of Rs 4 lakh each from the officials of an Ayurvedic college in Churu district.

Nitin Marwah of Bhopal, Puneet Mishra and Rishi of Lucknow, all representing Central Council of Indian Medicine, had demanded bribe of Rs 12 lakh from the college administration for submitting inspection report in favour of the college owned by Gandhi Vidhyamandir organisation, Churu Additional SP (ACB) Ganesh Nath told PTI.

The college administration had lodged a complaint with us following which a trap was laid, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
More than a decade after an eminent group of scientists gave the green signal for India to undertake a human space flight, the ambitious venture is nowhere near take-off in the absence of government approval.

In November 2006, at a meeting convened by the Indian Space Research Organisation, scientists were highly appreciative of the study undertaken by the space agency on such a mission, and were unanimous in suggesting that the time is appropriate for the country to undertake the venture.

But the mission seems to have fallen off the priority list of the Bengaluru-headquartered ISRO since then.

"We need to get the approval for that programme, till that comes we are working on some critical technologies, like environmentally-controlled laboratory, flight suite," ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar told PTI.

"We have also done some re-entry experiment. Certain technology elements we will continue to develop until the country is ready for taking up this as a full-fledged programme," he said.

"For this (the human space flight programme), the requisite priority has to be there, funding has to be there, then only activities will happen.".

Kiran Kumar said ISRO's immediate priority is to meet the basic needs of communication, navigation and remote sensing.

"First, we have to ensure all this is done adequately, there itself, we are trying to push the envelope and then (we have to undertake) more frequent launches so that we provide the requisite number of satellites in orbit for meeting all these requirements," he said.

"So, that is still happening, not yet happened. That will remain the bigger priority," he said.

According to him, work towards such a mission would continue.

"As and when the approval etc. Comes, then we will take it up in a bigger way. At this point, priority is not that," Kiran Kumar said.

Nearly 80 scientists from across the country had participated in the November 7, 2006 meeting to discuss the issues related to the mission, an ISRO press release at that time said.

The ISRO had conducted studies for four years from 2002 to examine the technological challenges of such a mission and the Indian capability to undertake it.

The concept for the venture included development of an autonomous orbital vehicle which could be launched by India's Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, GSLV-Mk II or GSLV- Mk III, the release had said.

Studies highlighted that the ISRO has maturity in many technologies required for the mission. However, new developments are required in life support systems, improved reliability and safety and crew escape system, among others.

The meeting was attended by eminent scientists like U R Rao, Yash Pal, R Narasimha, R M Vasagam, N Pant, P S Goel, N Balakrishnan, A R Upadhya, T S Prahlad, S Vasantha and Avinash Chander, then ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair and Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to travel in space.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tamil Nadu Government today said the Centre has granted the digital addressable system license (DAS) to its Arasu Cable Television.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a government order that the Digital Addressable System (DAS) license was given to Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable Television on April 17, an official release said.

"It is for the first time that the DAS license has been provided to a State government agency. Through this initiative, people in Tamil Nadu will be able to get world class digital television service at affordable rates", it said.

Tamil Nadu Government provides cable television service on analog signals through local operators at affordable rates.

Following the Centre's notification to digitise four metros by December 2012, the government has been requesting the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to provide DAS license allowing it to provide digital services in Chennai and other parts of the State.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
News / National

by Staff reporter

Top civil servant and former State Procurement Board (SPB) chairperson Charles Tawonerera Kuwaza died early today in a case of suspected suicide.Mr Kuwaza reportedly leapt to his death from the 9th floor of Club Chambers building in Harare.It is said he was collecting documents to help with his defence in a matter before the courts.Kuwaza was facing five counts of corruption involving over $1 million and ZW$2,5 billion. He was freed on $2 000 bail on March 24.Sources at the scene of the tragedy said the former SPB boss went to his office around 11am. His wife who had accompanied then remained in the vehicle.When the wife made a follow up some 40 minutes later, Kuwaza's lifeless body was found crushed on the tarmac.Details to follow..
A judge who lay on a cot as though he were a condemned man on a gurney after issuing an order halting Arkansas' multiple execution plan has been barred from taking up any death penalty-related cases and referred to a disciplinary panel.

The state Supreme Court yesterday reassigned the cases from Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen days after he participated in the anti-death penalty demonstration outside the governor's mansion. Griffen's protest has sparked outrage among death penalty supporters, including Republican lawmakers who described it as judicial misconduct and potential grounds for Griffen's removal from the bench.

"To protect the integrity of the judicial system this court has a duty to ensure that all are given a fair and impartial tribunal," the court said in its two-page order. Justices also referred Griffen to the state Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission to consider whether he violated the code of conduct for judges.

Griffen did not immediately return a message Monday seeking his reaction to the high court's order. He has said he's morally opposed to the death penalty and that his personal beliefs alone shouldn't disqualify him from taking up certain cases. For years, he has been pushing the boundaries of how much a judge can speak out on controversial issues.

"We have never, in my knowledge, been so afraid to admit that people can have personal beliefs yet can follow the law, even when to follow the law means they must place their personal feelings aside," Griffen told The Associated Press on Saturday.

On Friday, Griffen granted a restraining order preventing Arkansas from using its supply of vecuronium bromide, one of three drugs it uses in executions, because the supplier said the state misleadingly obtained the drug. The state has appealed the ruling, which blocked a plan to execute eight men in 11 days in four double executions, starting last night.

Lawmakers have suggested the move may be grounds for the Arkansas House to begin impeachment proceedings, saying the demonstration and a blog post Griffen wrote on the death penalty last week may amount to "gross misconduct" under the state constitution.

"He is outside the bounds of normal behaviour for most judges probably anywhere in America," Republican state Sen. Jason Rapert said.

The Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission confirmed Monday an investigation of Griffen is pending following the state Supreme Court referral. Griffen, who served 12 years on the state appeals court, previously battled with the judicial discipline panel over remarks he made criticising President George W Bush and the war in Iraq. The panel ultimately dropped its case against him.

Griffen testified before the state Legislature in 2015 against a religious objections measure that was criticised as anti-gay, and he regularly blogs about current events in posts that weave in Biblical passages. They include a post days before his ruling that criticised the execution push in Arkansas.

"While the world meditates about divine love, forgiveness, justice, and hope, Arkansas officials plan to commit a series of homicides," he wrote.

Griffen, 64, is a Baptist minister who was first elected as Pulaski County judge in 2010. He ran twice unsuccessfully for state Supreme Court including a bid for chief justice in 2004. In his other state Supreme Court race in 2006, Griffen challenged his rival to a debate over the free-speech rights of judges.

Griffen said he wouldn't consider a person's participation in an anti-execution event enough, on its own, to warrant disqualifying a juror from a death penalty case. The question, he said, is whether the juror could set his or her personal views aside and follow the law.

"We do not require people to come into court with blank slates, either in their minds or their heart," he said Saturday.

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The arrest of Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for defaulting on loans, by the Scotland Yard in London underlines the Modi government's will to act against people accused of defrauding public resources, the BJP said today.

It is a confirmation of the government's relentless efforts and commitment to act against those involved in illegal activities like generation of black money, party spokesperson Nalin Kohli said.

The Modi government has made it clear that such people will be dealt with severely, he said.

It has acted at every level to bring the liquor baron to book, he said, noting that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had taken up the issue with his British counterpart.

Right from the formation of a Special Investigation Team against black money in the first cabinet meeting under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the current initiation of the extradition process against Mallya, the government has acted at every level, Kohli said.

"Investigation agencies have a free hand to act without fear and favour," he said.

The 61-year-old embattled Mallya, who has been declared a proclaimed offender in India, was arrested in London on India's request for his extradition on fraud charges.

He was released on bail a few hours later.

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Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Tuesday condemned the opposition parties for terming the BJP as "anti-Muslims", while rejecting doling out more reservation to the community saying the demand has no "constitutional" merit.

The Minister of State (independent charge) for Minority Affairs said the Muslim community has indicated that they will not let the anti-BJP forces "mislead or befool" them for "political benefits".

Naqvi said the central government is working on programmes for establishing education and skill development facilities for the community and trying to get more industries set up to generate more employment opportunities.

"There are schemes being launched for backward classes and that does not mean Muslims would not avail the benefits of the programmes because more than 50 per cent of the backward population consists of Muslims," he told PTI.

"Muslims will get the major share of the development programmes," he added.

Naqvi lashed out at the opponents who have been demanding reservation for the community, claiming the demand was "not based on legal or constitutional ground".

He said for the districts having domination of Muslims the government has prepared a road map to establish polytechnics, IITs, educational institution right from primary level to higher standards and Garib Nawaz Skill development centres besides Sadbhawna Mandaps (goodwill generating centres) each with an investment of Rs 10 crore.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is touring places within and outside the country exploring avenues to attract business and industries in India.

"Modi is not a PM but a Fakeer," Naqvi remarked.

On opposition parties' claims that alleged tampering of EVMs led to BJP's victories in recent assembly elections, Naqvi said, "The Congress had formed government at the Centre twice and Mayawati, Akhilesh (Yadav), Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal formed governments in their respective states using the same EVMs but none raised an eyebrow against the election commission then."



On BSP supremo Mayawati and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's apparent keenness to form a grand alliance to fight against the BJP, Naqvi said, "When the patriarch of the SP, Mulayam Singh, has opposed the move and the Congress too, so far, wishes to keep away from any said alliance, how the opponents would succeed in their endeavour."



"Moreover if a few patients join hands to combat a wrestler they would again bite dust in the arena of democracy," he said, adding, "Long live the pita-putra klesh (referring to spat between Mulayam and Akhilesh)."



The Union minister also hit out at Samajwadi Party leader and Rampur MLA Mohd Azam Khan for "spewing venom" during the last five years as Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister.

"A person of Rampur has been habitual of spewing poison... It is not a hidden fact that the people pf Rampur experienced utmost zulm (atrocities) during the last five years. Extortion and corruption prevailed here unrestrained," he said, without naming Khan.
When 42-year-old Muhammad Ali Jinnah popped the question to teenager Ruttie, little did he know that the only condition put forward by the bride-to-be would be "shaving off his moustache".

And, Jinnah obliged. Not only did he get rid of his thick moustache, but also redid his hair to impress the lady.

Senior journalist Sheela Reddy has revealed many such anecdotes from the eventful life of the founding father of Pakistan.

In her new book, 'Mr and Mrs Jinnah - The Marriage that Shook India', Reddy has narrated the story about Jinnah's unhappy marriage to the Parsi girl, who was younger to him by 24 years.

In an illustrated lecture about the book held here last evening, Reddy curated a series of rare photos of Mr and Mrs Jinnah and their respective families, complemented with interesting tales from their lives.

Accompanying the photo of Ruttie Petit's father, Dinshaw Maneckji Petit, was this humorous story of Jinnah making the best use of his "cross-examining" skills of a barrister while asking his daughter's hand in marriage.

"Jinnah was having a conversation with Ruttie's father, and he happened to ask him about his view on inter-communal marriage. Now, to sound politically correct Dinshaw said, 'this would be a great thing for the integration of the country'.

"Next question was 'I want to marry your daughter'. It is said that he was thrown out of the door, and they both never met again," Reddy said.

The narratives, however, were not limited to the stories mentioned in the book as she went on to talk about the intriguing story behind the making of the tome as well.

Idling her time in Nehru Memorial Library, Reddy stumbled upon a parcel of private letters written by Ruttie to the two daughters of Sarojini Naidu - Padmaja and Leilamani Naidu.

While initially she thought that she had everything that was required to write a book, it was only a matter of time before she realised that there was a long way to go and Pakistan was an important stop in that journey.

"I went to Islamabad and asked for the letters exchanged between Jinnah and Petite and others. In all this, I did not realise I had written my Indian address in the register.

"Smelling something wrong, they asked me to leave and I was debarred from that place. Even then I managed to get the files with the help of my Pakistani friend, but then there was nothing, barring some letters written by Jinnah's daughter to him," she said.

The author's quest ended after she returned to Mumbai on the recommendation of Pakistani scholars who told her, "You are in a wrong place, go to Bombay."



Jinnah spent a major part of his life in Bombay, where he lived until he moved to Pakistan after the Partition.

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Nepal's largest Catholic Church was today vandalised by some unidentified persons who tried to set it on fire on the outskirts of Kathmandu, the church said.

The arson attack partially damaged the abode of pastor and western entrance of the Catholic Church which is located in Lalitpur district's Dhobighat area, about seven kms form Kathmandu, the church said in a statement.

A car and two bikes parked inside the Assumption Church were gutted in the fire, police said.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Nepal Catholic Church has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and hoped that the government would conduct an impartial investigation into the incident.

The organisation reiterated that such inhumane activities at the holy place cannot falter it in its services.

The Assumption Church has also requested those involved in such violent activities to refrain from violence.

There is a small Christian community in Nepal.

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Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said the Centre wanted a stable government in Tamil Nadu and neither it nor the BJP had any role in the present "internal instability" in the ruling AIADMK in that state.

"The BJP or the Centre has no role in the internal instability in the AIADMK. The Centre does not interfere in the affairs of the states. We want a stable government in Tamil Nadu for the sake of development," the Union Urban Development Minister told reporters here.

"The people there (Tamil Nadu) had voted for Amma (Jayalalithaa) but unfortunately, she is no more. The party (AIADMK) should resolve its differences for the sake of the people," he said.

Refuting the allegation levelled by the opposition that the BJP-led NDA at the Centre was meddling with the affairs of the states, Naidu asserted that the union government did not interfere "unless in an extreme case scenario".

"The opposition has developed a habit of blaming everything on the Centre. Any incident that may happen in any remote corner of the country, the opposition blames it on the Centre. But it must be remembered that law-and-order is a state matter and the Centre does not interfere in it," he said on the sidelines of a meeting here.

"The Centre will not interfere unless in an extreme case," said Naidu, who was here to review the implementation of schemes in the eight north-eastern states under his ministries  information and broadcasting, urban development and housing and urban poverty alleviation.

Regarding the opposition blaming faulty electronic voting machines (EVMs) for its recent electoral loses, Naidu said, "Earlier, when they (opposition) would win elections and we would lose, they found no fault with the EVMs. Now they are calling the same EVMs as Every Vote to Modi."



The opposition charges were "absurd", he said, adding, "They are unable to digest the reality."



Naidu also took a jibe at the Congress by describing the party as a "sinking ship" which was "fast turning into a notional party from a national one".

"All its (Congress) leaders and members are leaving the party and joining the BJP. It will soon cease to be a national party and remain just as a notional party," he claimed.

Naidu declined to comment on demands within the Congress for handing over the party's reins to its vice-president Rahul Gandhi. "It is an internal matter of the Congress. BJP will not say anything about it.

"The Congress believes in dynastic . The same family has been leading it. BJP is a democratic party. We cannot comment on their leadership change," he said.
Chandrapur in Vidarbha today recorded the maximum temperature of 46.4 degree Celsius, which was highest in Maharashtra, the data released by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) revealed.

Chandrapur's temperature shot up by 4.7 degree Celsius above normal to be at 46.4 degree Celsius. The minimum temperature there stood at 26.2 degree Celsius, it said.

Pune recorded lowest temperature in the state at 20.4 degree Celsius, while the maximum temperature was 40.8 degree Celsius, it said.

"There is a heatwave like condition in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, but areas like Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada do not have any heatwave alerts. The temperature is upwards in most of the areas.

"The heat wave intensity is more in the central parts of the country, with Saurashtra, parts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan heating up severely; it is affecting temperature in Maharashtra as well," V K Rajeev, director of IMD-Mumbai told PTI.

Most of the areas except the Konkan region are experiencing maximum temperature of more than 40 degree Celsius in the state.

Mumbai's temperature remained normal as it recorded 33 degree Celsius as maximum temperature and minimum temperature at 26.3 degree Celsius, said the data.

All the weather stations of IMD in Vidarbha recorded maximum temperature above 40 degree Celsius, the IMD data revealed.

While Chandrapur was the hottest, Nagpur recorded 45.5 degree Celsius maximum temperature. It recorded a minimum temperature at 26.5 degree Celsius.

Wardha recorded a maximum temperature of 45 degree Celsius and minimum temperature of 26.5 degree Celsius, the IMD data revealed.

Buldhana in Vidarbha reported highest rise in minimum temperature at 5.3 degree Celsius to 29.4 degree Celsius.

It's maximum temperature was 41 degree Celsius, the IMD data revealed.

In neighbouring Marathwada, Nanded recorded 44.4 degree Celsius. It's minimum temperature was 24.5 degree Celsius.

While Osmanabad reported maximum temperature at 43.1 degree Celsius. The minimum temperature was not available.

Aurangabad, reported maximum rise in its minimum temperature in Marathwada. It's minimum temperature rose by 5.8 degree Celsius taking it to 28 degree Celsius.

Aurangabad reported 41.4 degree Celsius as maximum temperature, said the IMD data.

Malegaon in Nashik district was the hottest place in Madhya Maharashtra with 44.6 degree Celsius maximum temperature. It's night temperature was 25.4 degree Celsius.

Solapur's minimum temperature fell by 1.5 degree Celsius to 23.2 degree Celsius. It recorded a maximum temperature of 43.8 degree Celsius.

Ahmednagar reported 44.3 degree Celsius as maximum temperature. It's minimum temperature was 20.6 degree Celsius, the data revealed.

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The retreat of one of Canada's largest glaciers has changed the flow of a northern river almost overnight in an extreme case of what researchers call climate change "river piracy."



The discovery of the Slims River diversion away from the Bering Sea into another watershed that empties into the Pacific Ocean was published yesterday in the journal Nature Geoscience.

Gerard Roe, co-author of the study and a professor at the University of Washington in Seattle in the US state of Washington, told AFP today that the Slims riverbed had dried up in only four days.

"The habitat was altered," he said in a telephone interview. "The chemistry and biology of the water changed dramatically."



Researchers led by Canadian geomorphologist Daniel Shugar of the University of Washington in Tacoma had traveled to Canada's northern Yukon Territory last August to study the river's currents, but it was gone.

They traced its mysterious disappearance to the Slims River's headwaters, where they found a glacial barrier that once routed its flow northward into the Bering Sea had been breached in the spring.

This "abruptly and radically" altered drainage from the Kaskawulsh Glacier spring melt, according to the study, sent the river in the opposite direction into the Pacific Ocean, 1,300 kilometers away from where the mouth of the river used to be.

Shugar and his team used computer models to show the fast glacier melt -- and the subsequent river diversion -- was due to global climate change, and not natural temperature fluctuations over centuries.

Such changes, they warned in the study, can have "profound downstream impacts" on ecosystems and communities that rely on the discharge.

Last summer, for example, Kluane Lake, which was fed by the Slims River, dropped a full meter below its lowest recorded level for that time of year.

Another research team member, John Clague of Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, said the discovery highlights that while people view climate change as a gradual process, its effects may not be.

"To me, it's kind of a metaphor for what can happen with sudden change induced by climate," he told the daily Globe and Mail.

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The predominantly tourist state of Uttarakhand "cannot afford" to go for a total ban on liquor, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said today, noting that prohibition had "failed" in Bihar and Haryana.

Regulation, he said, is always a better option than total prohibition and the state government is moving steadily towards that goal.

Citing the examples of Haryana where liquor was banned when late Bansi Lal was at the helm and Bihar where prohibition is in force, Rawat said the experiment had failed in both states.

"While it had to be revoked in Haryana with people hitting the streets in protest against the move, I have reports that international conferences are not being held in Bihar's capital Patna any more due to non-availability of liquor in the markets.

"Meets and conferences hosted by Bihar government in which foreign delegates participate are now being shifted to Ranchi, the capital of the neighbouring state of Jharkhand or the neighbouring Varanasi in UP where there is no prohibition," he said in an informal chat with reporters at his official residence on completion of one month in office.

He noted that total prohibition also leads to illicit liquor trade.

"We don't want to make liquor a source of earning revenue and will regulate its sale and consumption in a gradual way to discourage it and save the younger generation from its ill effects. But we are predominantly a tourist state earning around Rs 2000 crore annually from tourist arrivals. We cannot afford to go for total prohibition," the Chief Minister said.

He said from May 1 onwards when the state government's new excise policy will come into effect liquor shops in Uttarakhand will be open only for six hours from 3 PM to 9 PM.

Terming it as one of the first steps towards regulating liquor trade and consumption in the state, he said rules are also being framed to deal toughly with people creating nuisance in public places after consuming alcohol.

On comparisons being drawn between him and his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister said their objective was the same.

"We may be going at our own pace but the goal is the same.We have to provide corruption free, transparent and balanced governance," he said.

Taking electricity to all the villages by the end of 2017, reining in migration from the hills through employment generation and putting an end to illegal mining and prevalent cheating of people in registry of land purchased by them are among the priorities of the state government, he said.

"Following complaints that one piece of land was being registered in the name of as many as four persons, a fool- proof mechanism is being put in place to ensure that no one is cheated by registry officials when they go to them for the registry of their property," he said.

The state government has also set a target of earning Rs 1000 crore this year from mining, he said.

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After maintaining a studied silence for days, the Congress in Maharashtra today moved to pacify its sulking leader Narayan Rane, who reportedly met BJP President Amit Shah in Ahmedabad last week.

The 64-year-old former Chief Minister and his MLA-son Nitesh were spotted with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during his Ahmedabad visit. There were reports that Rane had met Shah and he was headed towards the BJP camp.

However, the Shivsainik-turned-Congressman denied he was joining the BJP, but maintained he was unhappy with the Congress. He also denied meeting Fadnavis in Ahmedabad.

The Congress has so far refrained from speaking on the Rane issue. However, today two of its leaders - former minister Arif Mohammed Naseem Khan and ex-Lok Sabha MP Milind Deora - met Rane at his office in South Mumbai.

Congress sources said the two leaders met Rane, who is an MLC, on the directives of the party's central leadership.

Khan and Deora sought to know Rane's grievances against the party, they said.

Rane told them nothing is being done to strengthen the party organisation in Maharashtra, where the BJP came to power in 2014 after ending the 15-year-old rule of Congress-NCP alliance, the sources said.

Since then the saffron outfit has won a string of local body elections in Maharashtra, which was once a Congress bastion.

Rane lost the 2014 Assembly polls from Kudal in Sindhudurg district, his home turf, while his son Nilesh was defeated from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg seat in the Lok Sabha elections held the same year.

Rane made an attempt to enter the Assembly in April 2015 in a by-election from Bandra (East) but lost to the Shiv Sena. He was later rehabilitated in the Legislative Council.

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News / National

by Staff reporter

A 16 member delegation comprising students and teachers who left the country a week ago for the Orate Africa competitions held in Karibu, Kenya are back in the country with 16 medals and two trophies.The students from Criste Mambo, Mtshabezi and Kuwadzana 2 High School have arrived back in the country from Kenya where they battled it out in the public speaking competitions and came third.The first position was taken by Kenya followed by Botswana with Zimbabwe on third out of the 13 African countries which took part in the competitions.It was a good experience for the students who took part in public speaking, debate, spelling, quiz, poetry and short story competitions.Kuwadzana 2 High School head Mrs Mary Mupandawana who was at the airport to welcome her team said she is delighted with the achievements of the team which won a trophy in quiz.The team won 16 individual medals with Criste Mambo winning a trophy in poetry.
A glacier's risk of thinning can be predicted by analysing its shape, according to a new study that could help predict how much the Greenland Ice Sheet will contribute to future sea-level rise during the next century.

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin in the US identified glaciers in West Greenland that are most susceptible to thinning in the coming decades by analysing how they are shaped.

"There are glaciers that popped up in our study that flew under the radar until now," said Denis Felikson, a graduate research assistant at The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG).

The Greenland Ice Sheet is the second-largest ice sheet on Earth and has been losing mass for decades, a trend scientists have linked to a warming climate.

However, the mass change experienced by individual coastal glaciers, which flow out from the ice sheet into the ocean, is highly variable. This makes predicting the impact on future sea-level rise difficult.

The new study could help predict how much the Greenland Ice Sheet will contribute to future sea-level rise during the next century, a number that currently ranges from inches to feet, researchers said.

"We were looking for a way to explain why this variability exists, and we found a way to do it that has never been applied before on this scale," Felikson said.

The analysis works by calculating how far inland thinning that starts at the terminus of each glacier is likely to extend. Glaciers with thinning that reaches far inland are the most susceptible to ice mass loss.

How susceptible a glacier is to thinning depends on its thickness and surface slope, features that are influenced by the landscape under the glacier.

Thinning spreads more easily across thick and flat glaciers and is hindered by thin and steep portions of glaciers, researchers said.

Felikson said these calculations will help improve estimates on how much Greenland can contribute to future sea- level rise. However, while the method can point out vulnerable areas, it can not predict how much mass loss is likely to occur.

"The approach we demonstrate here allows us to identify which outlet glaciers are not yet changing rapidly, but might," said Tim Bartholomaus, an associate professor at the University of Idaho in the US.

"With that knowledge, we can anticipate potential sea- level rise and set up the observational campaigns in advance to understand these glacier changes," said Bartholomaus.

The study was published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

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The Centre has extended a ceasefire agreement with two insurgent groups in Nagaland for one more year from April 28.

The ceasefire agreement is between the central government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Reformation) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Neokpao- Khitovi).

"It was decided by the government of India to extend the Suspension of Operation with NSCN-R and NSCN-NK for a further period of one year with effect from April 28," an official statement said here today.

The pact was signed by Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs on behalf of the government of India, and Toshi Longkumer and Imlongnukshi Chang on behalf of NSCN-R and Jack Jimomi on behalf of NSCN-NK.

The two insurgent groups, which operate in Nagaland, are among several other armed groups of the state such as NSCN (Isak-Muivah) and NSCN (Khaplang).

While the NSCN (I-M) has entered into a ceasefire agreement in 1997 and has been maintaining it since then, the pact with NSCN (K) has been broken after the group attacked a military convoy in Manipur in June 2015, killing 18 soldiers.

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The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation will buy 3,500 BS-IV compliant buses by this year end, its Managing Director Vijay Nehra said today.

"GSRTC will buy these buses by the end of this year. We will invest nearly Rs 800 crore for the purchase. The decision will also help in addressing the concerns of environment conservation," Nehra told PTI.

The Corporation's decision comes after the Supreme Court banned the sale and registration of vehicles in the country which are not compliant with BS-IV emission norms, from April 1.

Bharat Stage emission standards' are emission standards instituted by the Central government to regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine equipment, including motor vehicles.

The standards and the time-line for implementation are set by the Central Pollution Control Board.

Besides, Nehra said as many as 14 more bus stations (state transport terminals) in the state will be upgraded with modern passenger amenities.

GSRTC has already modernised ST terminals in Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Surat and Mehsana districts.

"We will modernise 14 more state transport terminals in the coming months and the plan includes modernisation of 30 ST terminals located in headquarters of each district in the state," he said.

Nehra said that GSRTC has also launched an app - Track Your Bus - to facilitate passengers with easy bus tracking system.

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The Haryana Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today approved a Bill for setting up a state university at Gurugram.

The Bill will be introduced in the upcoming session of Vidhan Sabha, an official spokesman said here.

The main campus of the state university will be at village Kankarola located at a distance of about 15 km from Gurugram.

The university will impart education, training and research in multi-disciplinary fields, he said.

It has also been decided to transfer 373 kanals and 19 marla of land belonging to Gram Panchayat Kankarola to the proposed university at Gurugram on lease basis.

There is need to double the number of educational institutions by 2020 to accommodate the unprecedented growth of students in higher education, and also to achieve 30 per cent gross enrollment ratio, the spokesman said.

"There is a huge scope and the new university will open new vistas, horizons and opportunities of higher education for the students of the region in particular, and the state, in general," he said.

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Madras High Court today directed former Home Secretary, Apurva Verma to appear in court over a contempt petition by a retired DIG in a matter relating to his promotion.

C Kannan, who attained superannuation as DIG (Prisons) in 2000, had moved the Court,submitting that his name was wrongly excluded in regulation promotion for 1993-94 and his request for being included in the promotion list was rejected.

A single judge dismissed it following which he filed an appeal before a Division Bench.

The bench in its November 19 2014 final order, directed Apurva Verma to consider and pass revival order only for the purpose of giving notional promotion in the cadre of Jailor as well as in the category of Additional Superintendent of Prisons and pass orders within a period of three months.

The order was also communicated to Varma on January 10 2015. But it was not complied with and so he filed the contempt petition, he said.

The contempt petition came up today before a division bench,comprising Justices K K Sasidharan and M V Muralidharan.

After the Additional Advocate General sought more time,the bench noted it had come up for hearing on March March 21 when the Special Government Pleader took time to get instructions.

"Even today, the Additional Advocate General sought for time. Hence, issue statutory notice to Apurva Verma IAS, the then Home Secretary," the bench said.

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State oil firm HPCL and the Rajasthan government today inked a revised MoU of Rs 43,129 crore for an oil refinery in Barmer district which will produce BS-VI fuel.

The work on the refinery will commence in the current financial year and will complete in next four years, Union Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters here.

It will be the largest industrial investment in the state, the minister said further.

Under the new terms and conditions, the refinery cost has come down to Rs 16,845 crore, which was Rs 56,040 crore in the previous MoU done by the Congress government in 2013, Pradhan said.

"It was a direct loss of Rs 40,000 crore to the state of Rajasthan in 15 years. In the previous MoU, the state had to give Rs 3,736 crore interest free loan every year for 15 years, which would have burdened the state finances," Pradhan told reporters after signing of the MoU.

The state government will have 26 per cent stake in the refinery project while HPCL will have the rest shareholding.

The board of HPCL yesterday agreed on reduced fiscal incentives from the state government and approved resumption of work on the oil refinery.

HPCL, in March 2013, had signed an MoU with the Rajasthan government for setting up the refinery-cum- petrochemical complex in the Thar desert near the oil discoveries made by Cairn India.

The refinery however never took off as a change of guard in the state led to the Rajasthan government putting on hold the fiscal incentives for the project.

Elaborating further about the upcoming refinery project, Pradhan said that HPCL, that had to spend Rs 37,230 crore under the previous deal, will now spend Rs 43,129 crore.

"Oil field permission had to end in 2020 but we have provided permission to the refinery to run for 10 more years. Apart from 43,129 crore, additional Rs 27,000 crore investment will be made in the refinery, oil field and petro-chemical complex.

"Overall, Rs 70,000 crore worth investment will be made in next four years," Pradhan said.

According to the fresh MoU, the refinery will produce BS-VI emission norms compliant fuel. The government plans to move to BS-VI emission norms by 2020.

The HPCL board, in March 2013, had approved setting up of the complex at a cost of Rs 37,320 crore. Half of the crude oil requirement at the proposed refinery at Barmer was to come from the neighbouring oil fields of Cairn India. The rest was to be imported crude.

At that point, HPCL had asked the state government to extend fiscal benefits like the ones extended by Gujarat and Odisha to new refinery projects to make the Barmer unit viable.

The concessions included 50 per cent exemption in excise duty, waiver of VAT on products sold in Rajasthan and the state government picking a small stake in the project.

The state government also signed an MoU with Gas Authority of India Limited (Gail) for piped domestic gas line network in Kota.

Rajasthan State GasLimited (RSGL) signed the MoU with Gail authorities to supply domestic gas to households.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said that the work will commence soon for providing clean energy which will improve quality life of the people.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that every year 5 lakh women die due to non- availability of clean fuel.

He said that the BJP-led government has provided 43 lakh domestic LPG connections in almost three years in Rajasthan.

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India is examining "consequences" of Australia's decision to abolish a popular work visa used by over 95,000 foreign workers, majority of them Indians, and said the issue will also be looked at in the context of free trade talks.

The programme, known as 457 visa, allows businesses in Australia to employ foreign workers for a period up to four years in skilled jobs where there is a shortage of Australian workers.

"The government is examining consequences of the new policy in consultation with all stakeholders. This is also a matter we will be looking at in the context of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said today.

Announcing his government's decision to abolish 457 visa, Australian Prime Minister Melcolm Turnbull said though his country was an immigration nation, the fact remains that Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs.

The majority of the visa holders under the 457 category were from India, accounting almost a quarter of the intake, followed by the UK and China at 19.5 per cent and 5. 8 per cent respectively, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

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The CBI and the Indian High Commission in London will present India's case in the UK court for extradition of controversial industrialist Vijay Mallya as the government looks to break the myth that a law breaker is out of bound once he is out of country.

A top source said India is seeking extradition of Mallya for defaulting on loans due to IDBI.

"We want to shatter this myth that by crossing boundaries you are out of bounds. Mallya extradition will act as an important test case," the source said.

The embattled businessman, who has been declared a proclaimed offender in India, was today arrested in London by the Scotland Yard on India's request for his extradition on fraud charges.

The 61-year-old liquor baron, wanted in India for defaulting on loans, was arrested after he appeared at a central London police station this morning.

The flamboyant businessman, who once called himself 'The King of Good Times", was released on bail a few hours later.

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An Indian-American CEO has been ordered to pay USD 135,000 to her former domestic worker after a Labour Department investigation found she underpaid and mistreated her.

Himanshu Bhatia, CEO of Rose International and IT Staffing, will have to pay her former live-in domestic service worker back wages and damages under the terms of a consent judgement entered into the US District Court for the Central District of California.

The judgement, entered on April 11, resolves a complaint filed by the US Department of Labour in August last year. An investigation by the department's Wage and Hour Division found that Bhatia willfully and repeatedly violated federal labour laws' minimum wage and record keeping provisions from July 2012 to December 2014.

The complaint alleged that Bhatia paid her domestic service worker, who had been identified in an earlier complaint as Sheela Ningwal, a fixed monthly salary of USD 400 plus food and housing at Bhatia's home in San Juan Capistrano and other residences in Miami, Las Vegas and Long Beach.

Investigators found that the employee suffered "callous abuse" and retaliation, including being forced to sleep on a piece of carpet in the garage when ill, while Bhatia's dogs slept on a mattress nearby. The complaint also alleged that Bhatia confiscated Ningwal's passport.

Bhatia terminated the worker in December 2014 after she allegedly found her employee researching labour laws online, and after the worker refused to sign a document stating she was being paid an adequate salary and had no employment dispute with Bhatia.

"This consent judgement underlines the department's commitment to protecting workers from exploitation," said Janet Herold, solicitor for the Department of Labour's Western Region.

"The department will take strong and immediate action to ensure that workers are protected against retaliation.

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An Indian-origin woman doctor, charged with performing genital mutilation on two minor girls, has denied the allegations, saying she merely performed a religious ritual for families of a Muslim sect.

Jumana Nagarwala, 44, was arrested and charged with performing female genital mutilation (FGM) on minor girls aged 6 and 8 out of a medical office in Livonia, Michigan.

Her lawyer Shannon Smith said Nagarwala told her that the procedure was part of a religious practice that is tied to a Muslim group Dawoodi Bohra that the doctor belongs to, Detroit Fress Press reported.

According to the complaint, some of the minor victims allegedly traveled inter-state to have Nagarwala perform the procedure, the report said.

All of this was disclosed at a detention hearing for Nagarwala, who was ordered locked up pending the outcome of her case.

The judge concluded she was a danger to the community and a flight risk after hearing arguments from both sides.

The government argued that Nagarwala engaged in secretive practice that has potentially harmed numerous young girls across Michigan. And she did it after hours, in a private unnamed clinic in Livonia, without keeping any records or billing anyone, the government said.

According to Nagarwala's profile in the Henry Ford Health System website, she speaks English and Gujarati.

The complaint alleges that Nagarwala performed FGM on minor girls. This is believed to be the first case brought under a US law, which criminalises FGM.

The number of girls under 18 at risk for FGM in the US has quadrupled since 1997. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 513,000 women and girls are at risk of FGM in the US.

Congress passed a law in 1996 making it illegal to perform genital mutilation or cutting in the US on anyone under than 18. FGM is punishable by up to five years in prison, however, it is not a crime in 26 US states, including Michigan.

The girls were later interviewed by a forensic expert and one of the girls said she was told she was coming to Detroit for a "special" girls trip, but after arriving at the hotel, she learned that she and the other girl had to go to the doctor because "our tummies hurt".

The girls had been taken to Nagarwala, who performed the procedure on the girls.

The World Health Organisation said female genital mutilation comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

More than 200 million girls and women alive today have been cut in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is concentrated.

WHO said FGM, which is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15, is a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

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Opinion / Columnist

Zimbabwe is turning 37 on Tuesday 18th April 2017 with no symptoms of political and economic maturity. All this mess born out of ZANU PF's systematic abuse of the liberation struggle in the process turning themselves into black colonialists and capitalists. Without doubt the liberation struggle was a universal crusade designed for black emancipation, promotion of equality and equity ,economic empowerment and political independence through majority rule. But with only one President for 37 years there is no doubt the country is moving backwards.National People's Party constitution states "We acknowledge and recognize the history of the republic of Zimbabwe in particular colonialism and the liberation struggle.We remain indebted to the role that African countries and many other nations played in the struggle for democracy and liberation in our country".Apparently this year's uhuru is held at a time when the economy is in tatters.High unemployment rate is the order of the day. Everyone has been turned into a vendor. Talk of the diaspora population in search of a better tomorrow. Next door in South Africa our brothers and sisters are enduring xenophobic attacks. Our kids are being forced into prostitution. About 200 Zimbabwean girls were subjected to sexual enslavement and labor exploitation in the Gulf state of Kuwait all in search of green pastures. Ironically ZANU PF had promised 2.2 milion jobs in its 2013 manifesto but instead of creating jobs about 30 000 jobs were lost. Of course we created a well paying job for our dear in-law, Simba, at air Zimbabwe. Does this call for a celebration??The chaotic land reform programme which gave most productive land to Mugabe's cronies has led to the collapse of the Agricultural sector. Zimbabwe is now depending on food handouts. From being a bread basket to a basket case. Cry my beloved country. Zimbabwe needs a wholistic approach to rebuild the agricultural sector not the panel beating techniques such as command agriculture programmes. What's there to celebrate when we have been turned into a nation of beggars.Our independence is also tainted with recent reports of clear abuse of power by the first family.Grace Mugabe displacing villagers in Mazoe living them homeless without food or accommodation. The question then remains while the poor are becoming poorer with the richer becoming richer. Is it worthy to celebrate independence.Corruption is the order of the day. It starts from Zim1 himself to the lowest ranking police officer. The police roadblocks and tollgates are the cash cows to sustain the Singapore trips. The brown envelope please. Should we really celebrate this rubbish??The financial sector is reeling under heavy liquidity crunch. Zero confidence in the said sector. Serious cash shortages have seen long ques in banks with government introducing bond notes and withdrawal limits but to no avail. Tobacco farmers are stranded at auction floors sleeping on floors going for days without food waiting for their hard earned cash. Our pensioners are spending days hoping to make withdrawals. As the saying goes you can cheat the elections but you can't cheat the economy. We don't want casino economics. Things fall apart. Any reason to celebrate!!Our health sector is in shambles. Hospitals are now death chambers. What with unhappy staff operating with zero drugs. Hospital blankets are infested with lice. Very well qualified doctors but underpaid. Strikes by doctors and nurses are the order of the day. Is this a conducive environment to treat patients. Patients die in ques waiting for treatment. This is not the time a mother should die to give a life but this is happening at our biggest referral hospitals. Any reason to celebrate!!Our roads have become death traps due to potholes.So sad.From Zambezi Valley to limpompo ,from the eastern border with Mozambique to western border with Botswana funerals have become birthdays.Surely a closer audit of the liberation struggle shows that Zimbabwe attained flag and anthem with nothing to celebrate out it.Harare Masvingo Beitbridge road network is a bomb on its own. How many have perished on that narrow pothole infested road ? Thousands but are the powers that be bothered. Oh hell not a bit. How much money has Zinara collected from tollgates but don't bother to build a better road network. Always promising but zero deliverable. Everywhere drumholes. The motoring public has suffered heavy losses in front suspensions. But he is enjoying in his motorized massage wheelchair. Should we celebrate!!!There is clear testimony at hand that ZANU PF and Mugabe have completely failed to preserve the values and principles of the liberation strugge hence the only option left to them is to resign,apologise and call for internationally observed elections to afford a chance to Zimbabweans to protect and celebrate their uhuru without compromise.The first option is doubtable though due to ZANU PF's obsession with power. With that in mind, the only option left for both Zimbabweans and ZANU PF is for the inevitable constitutional call to Zimbabwean elections due next year 2018. Zimbabweans are presented with a rare chance to vote for true ambassadors of Zimbabwe's independence non other than National People's Party.As National People's Party we call upon all who calls himself/herself Zimbabwean to please come and let's fight the system that has robbed us of our ubuntu. Let's liberate ourselves through the 2018 vote. Let's start by registering to vote. Zanupf can only rig the election if very few of us vote. Women and youths please let's rise up to the challenge. We are the majority. Now is the time. 18 April 2019 we will surely be celebrating our hard earned independence.Aluta continuaNPP - IBandla laBantuIBandla laBantu - NPPJoy rova bhora - keeper arimu wheelchairMarian ChomboInterim National Chairlady National People's Party
Four warships of the Indian Navy have arrived in Souda Bay in Greece on a three-day visit.

The ships -- INS Mumbai, INS Trishul, INS Tarkash and INS Aditya -- are part of the Indian Navy's Overseas Deployment (OSD) to the Mediterranean Sea and the West Coast of Africa.

The ships arrived in Souda Bay yesterday.

"The warships will engage with the Hellenic Navy during their stay in the country," the Navy said in a statement.

The four warships are part of the Indian Navy's Western Naval Command and are based in Mumbai.

"The Task Group is headed by Rear Admiral RB Pandit, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, who is flying his flag on the indigenous guided missile destroyer, INS Mumbai.

"The current visit seeks to underscore India's peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly and like-minded countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain," the Navy said.

An MoU for defence cooperation between India and Greece was signed in 1998.

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Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has announced that tourists and businessmen from India and 17 other countries can visit the country's far east without visas to boost tourism and investment in the region.

Medvedev said yesterday that businessmen and tourists will not need to undergo the traditional procedure of Russian visas receipt.

According to the official site of the Russian Cabinet, the list of 18 countries comprises Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei, India, Iran, Qatar, China, North Korea, Kuwait, Morocco, Mexico, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Tunisia, Turkey and Japan, Tass agency reported.

"I have recently approved the list of countries, whose nationals can take advantage of the preferential regime," Medvedev said.

"We are pro actively forming the modern infrastructure and creating special regimes in the far east; the law on visits to the Vladivostok free port was approved in March," he said.

Cancellation of visa procedures for tourists and businessmen "will promote growth of investment and tourist attractiveness of the far east," the prime minister said.

The region will earn more money from tourist traffic growth, he added.

Eighteen countries from various regions selected by the reciprocity principle were included into the list, Medvedev said.

"This is not because these states are situated at a closer or longer distance - we are appropriately introducing bilateral agreements on visa-free travel for those ready to use such an approach for us," he said.

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Maximum temperatures dipped in parts of Rajasthan today owing to an incoming western disturbance even as many places in the country continued to sizzle under intense heat.

The national capital today experiencing the hottest day in April in the last seven years as the mercury crossed the 43 degrees Celsius mark in some parts of the city which reeled under heatwave.

The Safdarjung observatory, whose recording is considered the official figure for Delhi, recorded a maximum temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius.

Areas under Palam, Lodhi Road, Ridge and Ayanagar registered maximum temperatures of 43.7, 41.8, 43.4 and 42.6 degrees Celsius, respectively, the MeT department said.

Several places in western Rajasthan experienced a slight relief from the scorching heat as maximum temperatures fell by one to three degrees Celsius.

Western disturbance will reach the state tomorrow thus changing the wind pattern which led to dip in maximum temperatures, the MeT department said.

Sriganganagar was the hottest place in the state with maximum temperature of 45.8 degrees Celsius followed by Churu 45.5 degrees Celsius, Pilani 44.6 degrees Celsius, Kota 44 degrees Celsius Bikaner 43.6 degrees Celsius and Jaipur 43 degrees Celsius.

Odisha continued to sizzle under intense heat, mainly in the western region with Balangir being the hottest place in the state recording a high of 44.5 degrees Celsius.

The mercury breached the 40-degree mark in at least 10 places in the state as Titlagarh, also in Balangir district, recorded a maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius.

Two sunstroke deaths have so far been reported in the state -- one from Bargarh and the other from Angul district.

Bhawanipatna recorded a maximum temperature of 43.7 degrees Celsius, followed by 42.4 degrees Celsius in Malkangiri, 42.3 degrees Celsius in Angul town, 41.4 degrees Celsius in Hirakud and 41 degrees in both Jharsuguda and Talcher.

Intense heatwave conditions continued to prevail in parts of Haryana and Punjab, with Narnaul once again turning out to be the hottest place in the two states at 44.8 degrees Celsius.

Hisar was closely behind at 44.7 degrees Celsius, while Ambala and Karnal also recorded above normal maximum temperatures of 40.2 degrees Celsius and 41 degrees Celsius respectively.

The mercury touched 43.6 degrees Celsius at Amritsar. Ludhiana too had a hot day at 43.2 degrees Celsius, while Patiala sizzled at 42.6 degrees Celsius.

Weather remained dry in most parts of Uttar Pradesh while heatwave conditions were experienced at isolated places in the western region of the state. Jhansi was the hottest place in the state, where mercury touched a high of 43.8 degrees Celsius.

With temperatures soaring above the 40 degree mark in many parts of Telangana today, the IMD has warned of heatwave like conditions in all districts of the state tomorrow.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mahabubnagar, Khammam and Hyderabad city witnessed heatwave conditions yesterday.

Day temperatures rose marginally in most parts of Himachal Pradesh today even as the local MeT office has warned of hailstorm and squall in the lower hills later this week in lower hills.

The mercury rose to 41 degrees Celsius at Una in the lower hills while Shimla recorded a high of 27.5 degrees Celsius.

Manali registered a high of 26 degrees Celsius, while the mercury touched 35.8 degrees Celsius at Sundernagar, 34.8 degrees in Bhuntar and 33.5 degrees Celsius at Solan.

The weather in Bihar remained dry since yesterday with Gaya recording the highest maximum temperature of 39.7 degrees Celsius.

The maximum temperature in the state capital was 37.4 degrees Celsius. Bhagalpur recorded a high of 38.2 degrees Celsius.

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A policeman was killed and three were injured after suspected Islamic State terrorists opened fire on a security checkpoint near Saint Catharine monastery in Egypt's South Sinai, the Ministry of Interior has said.

According to the SITE Intelligence Group, the IS- affiliated Amaq news agency announced that the group's militants carried out the attack on Tuesday.

The gunmen targeted a security checkpoint outside the monastery where they exchanged fire with police forces, a statement by the ministry said.

In retaliatory firing by police, some attackers were injured which forced them to flee, the statement added.

The injured have been transferred to Sharm El-Shiekh Hospital for treatment, security officials said.
India and Canada today held extensive talks on enhancing defence and security cooperation between the two countries.

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and his Canadian counterpart Harjit Singh Sajjan explored ways to deepen the security ties.

Sajjan arrived here yesterday on a seven-day India visit, his first after assuming charge as Canada's Minister of National Defence.

Sajjan, a Sikh, will also travel to Amritsar, Chandigarh and Mumbai.

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A life term convict in the infamous 1998 Jhabua nuns' gangrape case was arrested from a village here today, eleven years after he jumped parole and went underground, the police said.

"Pidiya Singadia (42), who was serving life imprisonment in the nuns' gang rape case, had jumped parole 11 years ago and remained absconding since then. A reward of Rs 10,000 was announced on him by the then Indore Inspector General of Police," Superintendent of Police (SP) Mahesh Chandra Jain told reporters.

Jain said Singadia, who has been arrested from Roonakheda village here, was serving the life term in Indore jail.

"The convict did not return after he was released on parole in 2006 and instead went underground. On a tip off that Singadia was brandishing a sword and threatening people at Roonakheda village, a team of police personnel rounded him up," Jain said.

Following his arrest, Singadia was booked under Arms Act.

The incident dates back to September 23-24, 1998, when a group of persons gang-raped three nuns residing in Preeti Sharan Seva Kendra in Navapara, 25 km away from the district headquarters Jhabua. They had also looted cash and valuables from the place of worship.

The crime had not only shocked the nation, but also caused outrage at international level. The then state government was severely criticised for its failure to protect the missionaries.

The district and sessions court had in 2001 sentenced 17 persons to life imprisonment for their involvement in the gangrape of nuns, while acquitting seven others after the prosecution failed to prove their involvement in the case.

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Days ahead of the Delhi municipal polls, the BJP today expelled her Narela ward candidate Savita Khatri and cancelled her candidature for allegedly allowing sacked AAP minister Sandeep Kumar to campaign for her.

Kumar, a former minister in the Arvind Kejriwal government, was sacked from the party last year over a sex tape purportedly featuring him.

BJP's National Vice President Vinay Sahastrabuddhe announced the party's decision at a press conference at the Delhi BJP office, saying the party has taken a firm stand.

"There is no place in the BJP for the criminal elements of the Aam Aadmi Party against whom there is a serious allegation of rape and exploitation of women.

"The party will not tolerate any kind of association or connivance with any such element from the AAP," he said.

The move comes a day after the party came under attack from the AAP for allegedly inviting Kumar to campaign for Khatri, who was fielded from Ward number 1 of Narela in north- west Delhi of the NDMC.

"There is no place in the party for such persons who may in any way associate with criminal elements," Sahasrabuddhe said.

"Those who do not respect women and people who seek support of such persons, have no place in our party. Such persons never had a place and they will never have it (in the BJP)," he said.

BJP member Shazia Ilmi later said that the party had taken a moral stand.

"I left the party because of bad elements in the AAP, and our party (BJP) did the right thing today. Because of Kumar, Khatri had to pay," she added.

The decision also comes in the wake of the AAP and the BJP sparring over the presence of Kumar during Khatri's campaign.

AAP legislator Alka Lamba had yesterday hit out at the BJP for "inviting" Kumar to campaign for its candidate.

"The BJP has been defaming AAP by taking Kumar's name on radio (commercials). Now, they are even using him in their campaign," she alleged on Twitter.

The BJP has denied the charge, saying Kumar was not invited by the party for campaigning and alleged that it was the AAP which had "hatched a conspiracy" to defame the saffron party.

A video clip had recently surfaced purportedly showing Kumar slamming Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and extending his support to Khatri.

Incidentally, the BJP has fielded only fresh faces in the civic polls due on April 23.

Of the total 272 wards, NDMC and SDMC have 104 seats each while EDMC has 64.

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South Korean consumer electronics giant LG is looking at making India its export hub, banking on good ties between the two countries at a time when its overseas shipments from China are declining.

According to LG Electronics India Managing Director Ki Wan Kim, one of the main reasons for the company to look at making India an export hub is due to tension prevailing between South Korea and China.

LG, which has two manufacturing units in India, exports to the Middle East and countries in the eastern coast of African continent.

Around 10 per cent of sales of the company's Indian arm -- LG Electronics India (LGEI), are currently from exports. Last year, LGEI had sales of Rs 22,000 crore.

"On the other hand ties between South Korea and India have improved. All Korean (companies) have started to see India as a strategically important manufacturing base not only for India but for other areas," Wan told PTI.

When asked if LG is scouting for more global markets for exports from India, he replied in the affirmative saying it is looking for countries where there is little or no manufacturing.

Earlier, LG used to serve such markets from China but "it is declining gradually", Wan added.

"Already we are exporting from Noida and Pune to Middle East mainly in Saudi and Iran and African countries on (the eastern coast of the continent)," he said.

Another major factor for seeing India as a major hub for exports is that the country is becoming more competitive economically and there will be secured and transparent taxation regime with the expected implementation of GST.

"India is becoming more competitive economically. With GST coming up, its secured and transparent taxation regime along with a stable political system would help in project as a bigger manufacturing hub," Wan added.

LG can increase its manufacturing capacity whenever required, he said.

He said the company, which is celebrating its 20 years of operations in India this year, has witnessed very high growth rate in the last couple of years.

India is among the top five global markets for LG in consumer durables category with the USA, Korea, Brazil and Russia.

Reflecting on the company's two decades of journey in India, Wan said: "It is an achievement in itself. We have seen many brands come and go in India. Not only have we sustained but we have become number one here."



On LG's success in India, he said: "We have been able to serve the needs of different consumers here. India is not one country as far as consumer requirements are concerned."



The demand from consumers from South India is different from those of the North or the East, he said, adding, "therefore we have a strong local R&D team, which helps in identifying the specific needs of consumers so that we can deliver it to them.

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In view of severe heat across Maharashtra, the State Election Commission has extended the poll timing by one hour for municipal corporation elections at three places scheduled tomorrow.

"Voters can exercise their franchise for Latur, Chandrapur and Parbhani corporations between 7.30 AM and 6.30 PM tomorrow," the State Election Commissioner J S Saharia said today.

The polling hours at the time of announcement of election for three municipal corporations at Chandrapur, Latur and Parbhani were between 7.30am and 5.30pm.

He said the decision to extend the poll timing was taken in the view of severe heat conditions prevailing in Vidarbha and Marathawada regions of the state.

While Chandrapur falls under Vidarbha region, Latur and Parbhani fall under Marathwada.

Maharashtra has been reeling under severe heat for the last few days, with the temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius in many parts of the state.

Saharia said that adequate arrangements will be made for providing shelter from heat at all polling stations, besides facilities for drinking water.

The extension of poll timing will be also applicable for by-elections to be held tomorrow for one seat each in Akola Zilla Parishad and Akot Panchayat Samiti in Akola district in east Maharashtra.

The bypolls were necessitated as these seats have been lying vacant.

A total of 1,284 candidates are in the fray for 201 seats in the three civic bodies.

While 460 candidates are contesting in Chandrapur, 406 candidates are in the fray in Latur and 418 in Parbhani.

A total of 7,93,621 voters are eligible to cast their votes in the three corporations.

The results of elections, including of the bypolls, will be declared on April 21.

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Industrialist Vijay Mallya, who has been declared a proclaimed offender, was arrested today in the UK by Scotland Yard on India's request for his extradition.

Mallya, 61, will be appearing in Westminster Magistrates' Court in London later today.

India had given a formal extradition request for Mallya as per the Extradition Treaty between India and the UK through a note verbale on February 8.

While handing over the request, India had asserted that it has a "legitimate" case against Mallya and maintained that if an extradition request is honoured, it would show British "sensitivity towards our concerns".

Last month, setting in motion the process of extradition of Mallya, the British government had certified India's request and sent it to a district judge for further action.

The extradition process from the UK involves a number of steps including a decision by the judge whether to issue a warrant of arrest. In case of a warrant, the person is arrested and brought before the court for preliminary hearing followed by an extradition hearing before a final decision is taken by the secretary of state.

The wanted person has a right to appeal to the higher courts against any decision all the way up to the supreme court.

Earlier in January this year, a CBI court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case.

Mallya, whose now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to various banks, had fled India on March 2, 2016.

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Opinion / Columnist

It is easy to see why Africa is the most backward continent on earth; we have the most inward looking and incompetent leaders at both national and continent level. The complete failure by AU Ambassador to Washington, Chihombori-Quao, to understand simple facts left many of the listener to a recent panel discussion with USA Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Harry Thomas, on Voice Of America (VOA) real frustrated.Ambassador Thomas explained the USA sanctions on Zimbabwe were implemented "as a result of the actions and policies of certain members of the government of Zimbabwe and other persons undermining democratic institutions and processes in Zimbabwe".He reiterated that Zimbabwe's economy was in shambles due to poor policies and governance.Ambassador Chihombori-Quao insisted sanctions were one of the challenges that were impeding development in Zimbabwe; making the listeners wonder whether she was sitting on her ears so she could not hear.Corruption in Zimbabwe, for example, has now reached astronomical levels; President Mugabe himself admitted $15 billion in diamond revenue was "swindled". Even our simpleton AU Ambassador has to admit that no nation on earth can prosper given such serious corruption, especially one with a GPD of $10 billion like Zimbabwe."If the sanctions are insignificant and are not contributing to the issues in Zimbabwe, why do we still have them? Remove them, and then there will be one problem out of many that would have been addressed," she argued.The issue of free, fair and credible elections is important to every thinking Zimbabwean because it is the root cause of the country's political paralysis and economic decline. We have been stuck with this corrupt and tyrannical Mugabe regime now for 37 years because the regime has undermined the country's democratic institutions to create a de facto one party dictatorship. The regime has denied us the people our democratic freedoms and human rights including the right to free and fair elections.After 37 years of independence, Zimbabwe is yet to hold its first free and fair elections!It is a great pity that Ambassador Chihombori-Quao has such poor memory otherwise she would remember that in 2008 the AU election observer team refused to accept Zimbabwe's July 2008 presidential run-off as free and fair following the unprecedented level of barbaric violence. The AU and its regional sister-body, SADC, forced President Mugabe to go into the GNU which was then tasked to implement a raft of democratic reforms.Ambassador Chihombori-Quao's complete refusal to accept that the West's targeted sanctions are highlighting Zimbabwe's serious problem of poor governance is truly shocking particularly when both the AU and SADC know there is a problem here and it is going to rear's ugly head again in the coming months. The 2008 to 2013 GNU failed to get even one democratic reform implemented and it a given certainty that next year's elections in Zimbabwe not be free and fair. Another rigged election will drag Zimbabwe even deeper into economic and political chaos that may well drag the whole region and the continent into yet another African man-made tragedy!The targeted sanctions must stay until Zanu PF is forced to hold free, fair and credible elections. Zimbabwe needs free and fair elections desperately and whatever hardship the sanctions are causing to the masses they are nothing compared to the economic and political suffering brought by this corrupt and tyrannical Zanu PF dictatorship. How anyone can continue to bury their heads and be blind to this tragic reality in Zimbabwe, beggars belief!By defending President Mugabe's lies that sanctions and not corruption and bad governance are the root causes of Zimbabwe's economic meltdown and political chaos, she was just defending the indefensible! President Mugabe is a incompetent, corrupt and murderous tyrant and foolishness of some of our leaders at national and continental level who continue to defend these tyrants at the cost of truth and the masses is totally unacceptable.Madam Chihombori-Quao just remember that as the AU Ambassador you represent the people of Africa and not the murderous tyrants who have imposed themselves on the people.
Former CBI Director Anil Sinha said today the arrest of industrialist Vijay Mallya in London was a "success" of law enforcement agencies and that efforts to bring him back would "fructify".

"It is a success of law enforcement agencies. I am confident that efforts to bring him back will fructify," Sinha told PTI.

Sinha said the arrest also signifies the strong resolve of law enforcement agencies and the government.

It was during Sinha's tenure as the CBI chief that the first case against Mallya was registered for alleged loan default of over Rs 900 crore involving IDBI Bank even when lenders were not willing to file FIR against him.

Sinha, as the CBI chief between 2014 and 2016, had pushed for action against bank frauds and loan defaults.

"The message to the public is that the rich and powerful are able to avoid consequences of cheating and fraud, while the ordinary citizens are promptly booked. This undermines faith of people in rule of law, which has dangerous consequences in a democracy," Sinha had earlier said at a bankers' conference in Mumbai.

He had said despite repeated requests from the agency, the banks did not file a complaint with the CBI. "We had to register the case on our own," he had said.

Mallya, who has been declared a proclaimed offender, was today arrested in London by Scotland Yard on India's request for his extradition on fraud charges.

The 61-year-old liquor baron, wanted in India for defaulting on loans, was arrested after he appeared at a central London police station this morning.

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A Delhi-based man allegedly committed suicide in Haryana after being subjected to casteist remarks.

Before dying, he also made a video on his cellphone specifying the reason for taking the extreme step.

The body of 35-year-old Vijay Kumar was found in Haryana today with his family alleging that he was subjected to casteist remarks.

He was a resident of Bawana and belonged to a lower caste. He was allegedly subjected to abuse and ridicule and his family claimed it was the reason he took his own life.

They also claimed that a few days back they had made PCR calls about the matter, but the police arrived and did not listen to them.

However, a senior police officer said that the matter was settled between the two parties.

"We had received a call about the fight between Kumar's family and their neighbours. Our teams also went there but they reached a compromise," said a senior police officer.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mumbai mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar has expressed reservations to stay in the newly allotted bungalow inside the Byculla zoo premises here saying the place falls in silence zone and he won't be able to discharge his duties from there.

Mahadeshwar is presently staying in the mayor's bungalow in Shivaji Park in Dadar. However, the said bungalow has been chosen for the memorial of Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray.

And hence the civic authorities have alloted a bungalow inside the Byculla zoo premises for the mayor.

However, Mahadeshwar has penned a letter to civic chief Ajoy Mehta requesting him to allot a smaller bungalow at posh Malabar Hill area, presently occupied by an officer of the additional municipal commissioner rank.

"The mayor has written a letter and requested the commissioner to allot him a bungalow in Malabar Hill in South Mumbai. According to the mayor, the newly alloted bungalow in Byculla zoo premises falls in silent zone," a senior civic official said today.

"The Mayor has expressed concern over the fact that foreign delegates often visit him and on few occasions, he needs to arrange functions inside the official residence. But since the Byculla bungalow falls in silence zone, therefore, the mayor won't be able to discharge his duties," the officer added.

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As many as 697 or 30 per cent of the 2,315 candidates in the Delhi municipal election are crorepatis and seven per cent of them have criminal cases against them, says a report.

While 163 or 64 per cent of the 256 candidates fielded by the Congress are crorepatis, the BJP has 141 (54 per cent) crorepatis of the 260 nominees and the AAP has 104 (42 per cent) crorepatis out of 250 candidates.

Besides, nine candidates (24 per cent) of the 38 from the NCP are crorepatis, while 41 nominees (22 per cent) of the 191 from the BSP and 1 (8 per cent) out of 12 candidates of the CPI have declared assets worth more than Rs one crore.

The National Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have analysed the affidavits of 2,315 out of the total 2,537 candidates from 18 political parties who are contesting the MCD polls.

"Out of the 2,315 candidates analysed, 697 (30 per cent) are crorepatis," the report said.

According to the report, the average assets per candidate contesting in MCD polls is Rs 1.61 crore.

Among major parties, the average assets per candidate for the BJP is Rs 2.89 crore, Congress Rs 4.36 crore, AAP Rs 1.65 crore, BSP Rs 89.59 lakh and the NCP Rs 92.38 lakh.

Besides, 16 candidates of the CPI(M) have average assets worth Rs 19.20 lakh while 12 CPI candidates have assets worth Rs 23.04 lakh. Also, 1,051 independent candidates contesting the poll have declared average assets of Rs 97.79 lakh.

Of the 2,315 candidates analysed, 173 (seven per cent) have declared criminal cases against themselves, while 116 (five per cent) have serious criminal registered against themselves.

26 (10 per cent) candidates from the BJP, 35 (14 per cent) from the Congress, 21 (eight per cent) from the AAP, 13 (seven per cent) from the BSP, 3 (eight per cent) from the NCP, 1 (six per cent) from the CPI(M) and 1 (eight per cent) from the CPI have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

13 (five per cent) from the BJP, 22 (nine per cent) from the Congress, 15(six per cent) from the AAP, 10 (five per cent) from the BSP, 2 (five per cent) from the NCP, 1 (six per cent) from the CPI(M) and 1 (eight per cent) from the CPI have serious criminal cases against them.

Election to the three municipal corporations of Delhi will be held on April 23.

The erstwhile unified Municipal Corporation of Delhi was trifurcated into North, South and East Delhi Municipal Corporations in 2012.

Out of the total 272 wards, NDMC and SDMC have 104 seats each while EDMC has 64.

The MCD has been ruled by the BJP for the last 10 years.
The iconic main building of the Rashtrapati Bhavan is soon expected to undergo a major conservation drive that will enhance its pristine and majestic glory.

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has undertaken a project to analyse the famed "main building" of the President's Estate and a report in this regard will be presented to President Pranab Mukherjee in the next two months time.

"The main building is fine and there are no big issues but there are some concerns. We will be carrying out an assessment of the entire main building that also houses the family wing. A report will be submitted to the President," Director (Projects) at INTACH Ajay Kumar told PTI.

INTACH is a non-profit heritage conservation body based in the national capital.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan was the erstwhile residence of the British Viceroy and was made after it was decided in the Delhi Durbar of 1911 that the capital of India would be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in the same year.

The vast mansion has got four floors and 340 rooms. With a floor area of 2,00,000 square feet it is built by using 700 million bricks and three million cubic feet of stone.

While interacting with the media about the steps taken to preserve and conserve the heritage of various buildings and architecture in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Kumar said the organisation has completed work for the conservation of two clock towers and two museums in the President's Estate so far.

We are now working on at least eight buildings belonging to the President's Body Guard (PBG) and further more projects will be undertaken, he said at a press meet convened to mark the International Day For Monuments and Sites today.

INTACH convener Swapna Liddle said the effort of the experts of the organisation and others is to prepare a comprehensive management plan and scientifically analyse the buildings' requirements so that they can be made liveable with the present times that require amenities like an air conditioner and mobile ports.

"The Rashtrapati Bhavan is a heritage building but is also a living building as people reside here. We have to conserve it in such a way that it functions as per today's needs," Liddle said.

The experts of INTACH, in collaboration with other conservationists, are using traditional materials and methods to conserve these buildings, she said.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan has 65 buildings or structures.

"We have used things like lime juice, brick powder, granules, non-salty sand, jaggery and similar things in a paste form to restore the pristine glory of the structures here in the President's Estate," Kumar said.

The total expenditure so far, including that for installing electric fixtures and coolers, has been about Rs 10 crore for the restoration of the few buildings, he added.

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The Congress today accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "hoodwinking" the people of India over the arrest of Vijay Mallya in London, and asked him to set a timeline for taking the embattled liquor baron into custody and recovering loans.

Mallya, who was declared a proclaimed offender and fled to the UK after defaulting on loan repayment to banks in India, was arrested by Scotland Yard on India's request for his extradition. He was released on bail a few hours later.

The Congress asked why the Modi government sought Mallya's extradition, and not deportation which it claimed would have ensured his immediate custody to India.

"Strange that he is detained and released in the same go...What kind of extradition is this? He is detained for an hour and is honourably granted bail and is defiant.

"Will it take another dozen years, 15 years, 30 years or our entire lifetime before Mallya is brought back and Rs 9,091 crore of people's money is recovered. These are questions that BJP and Modiji need to answer, instead of hoodwinking the people of India," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

He asked why the BJP government took three years to make the extradition request on February 9, 2017.

"Mallya detained and bailed! BJP shouldn't hoodwink. Tell the timeline of recovery of Rs 9091 crore and his custody.

"Will PM and FM tell the nation the date by which India will recover Rs9091 Cr as also physical custody of Mallya and Lalit Modi? (sic)" Surjewala asked.

He claimed that the action against Mallya has come after a relentless campaign by the Congress, its vice president Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress leader posed seven questions to the BJP government on the matter.

Noting that Mallya's detention is the first of nine steps of extradition with three possible appeals, the Congress leader asked, "When will we have his custody? Why did the BJP government not move for Mallya's deportation instead of extradition? Deportation would have led to immediate custody to India."



Surjewala also asked why the BJP got Mallya elected as Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka on June 9, 2010 when there was a BJP government in the state.

"Why did the CBI not arrest Mallya and attach his properties at the time of registration of FIR on 29/7/2015 itself preventing his escape?" he asked.

"Why did the BJP government grant loan waiver of Rs 1,200 crore to Mallya on September 16, 2016 despite the fact that he had fled the country with Rs 9,091 crore?" he asked.

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Mumbai's famed dabbawalas, who deliver tiffins to over a lakh office-goers with precision daily, today held a protest against Pakistan and condemned the country for "illegally" sentencing Kulbhushan Jadhav to death.

"Pakistan's act should be condemned by all sections of the society. India should do whatever it can, to bring Jadhav back," Mumbai Dabbawala Association spokesperson Subhash Talekar told PTI.

The protest was held outside the Lower Parel railway station in central Mumbai, where around 200 dabbawalas shouted slogans against Pakistan, he said.

"We demand that India should put national and international pressure on Pakistan, which is illegally holding Jadhav, who hails from our Maharashtra state," Talekar said.

"Jadhav should be returned to India without any harm," he said.

"If another surgical strike is needed to achieve this objective, India should go ahead," he added.

A military court in Pakistan recently sentenced Jadhav to death on charges of "espionage".

Last week, protesters had formed a human chain against Pakistan and sought the immediate release of the 46-year-old former Indian Navy official from Pakistani captivity.

The protesters had formed a human chain in front of the building in Powai area where Jadhav was staying with his family before he left for a business-related trip to Iran and from where he was allegedly kidnapped by Pakistani authorities.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh had last week said that all measures would be taken to ensure Jadhav's release, while External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called the former naval officer the "son of the soil".

She termed the death sentence to Jadhav as a "premeditated murder".

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Scientists have developed a new mind-reading technology that can predict a person's thoughts by analysing their brainwaves, an advance that may allow speech-impaired people to communicate.

The technology can recognise the numbers zero to nine with 90 per cent accuracy using electroencephalogram (EEG) readings while the subject utters the numbers.

It can also recognise 18 types of Japanese monosyllables from EEG signals with 60 per cent accuracy, demonstrating the possibility of an EEG-activated typewriter in the near future.

The research group from Toyohashi University of Technology in Japan collected EEG data of subjects speaking Japanese digits and monosyllables. Using this data, the group conducted digit and monosyllable recognition experiments.

Up until now, speech decoding via EEG signals has been inhibited by a lack of data to allow the use of powerful algorithms based on deep learning or other types of machine learning.

The research group has developed a different research framework that can achieve high performance with a small training dataset.

The new framework is based on holistic pattern recognition using category theory, or composite mapping, in which a dual space and a tensor space including exterior algebra are introduced.

In the experiment of spoken-digit recognition from EEG signals, 90 per cent recognition accuracy was achieved.

At the same time, 61 per cent accuracy in 18 Japanese monosyllable recognition was achieved, outperforming previous research efforts.

Humans have sufficient intelligibility of sentences with an 80 per cent monosyllable recognition rate.

Researchers aim to develop a brain computer interface that recognises unvoiced speech, or speech imagery. This technology may enable handicapped people who have lost the ability of voice communication to speak once again.

It is also expected that the technology would give a healthy person the most natural interface without any limitations.

The research group plans to develop a device that can be easily operated with fewer electrodes and connected to smartphones within the next five years.

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Police arrested a Nigerian national and his Indian wife from Noida for allegedly cheating a city based stock broker to the tune of Rs 13.76 lakh under the pretext of a business opportunity, police said today.

Nnabgu Benson Orayzuka (39) and Neharika Deep Orayzuka (37) were arrested from Noida today by a team of Mumbai police, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-VII), Sachin Patil said.

They are remanded to police custody till April 24, DCP Patil said.

"The duo cheated Sandeep Singh of Rs 13.76 lakhs by offering him a business opportunity for supply of herbal seeds," the official said.

He said that the complainant came in contact with Neharika through a social media website.

She was using the name as Mersi John on the social media site, said police.

Both exchanged their cell numbers and started chatting through messaging app, he said.

During the conversations, Mersi told Singh that she was working with a UK based pharmaceutical company, which is deals in herbal seeds and offered business opportunity to him, police said.

Singh also met one of the company director near UK Consulate at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Western suburbs as part of the talks to do business, said police.

The deal was sealed with an initial order of 50 packets, the official said.

Singh placed an order of 50 packets to the Indian supplier, as was suggested by Mersi, Patil said.

He deposited an amount of Rs 2.5 lakh through RTGS in a bank account of the supplier initially and then went on to deposit Rs 6.5 lakh and Rs 3.5 lakh more as part of the business deal, added the official.

After depositing Rs 12.5 lakh, when Singh tried to contact Mersi and the Indian supplier he found that their cell phones were switched off, the official said.

Meanwhile Singh got a call from the company executive, who informed him that they were returning the deposited money due to non-delivery of seeds, he said.

However, the company executive went on to add that the money was converted into dollars and to get this consignment through courier he will have to pay Rs 1.26 lakh, police said.

Singh deposited Rs 1.26 lakh in the given account, but, failed to get any refund of his money, said police.

It was then that he understood that he was being fooled since last few months, said the official.

He then approached Bhandup Police Station and lodged the complaint against Mersi John, her company director Valentine and unidentified Indian supplier, police said.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the accused were staying at Noida, Shripad Kale, Senior Police Inspector of Bhandup Police Station said.

Police team went to Noida and arrested Nnagbu Benson Orayzuka and his wife Neharika Deep Orayzuka, he said.

"We got Orayzuka's image, which was captured in the CCTV at UK Consulate in BKC," he added.

Police have seized a laptop, 14 mobile phones, SIM cards of various countries, internet dongle, memory card, pen drive, ATM cards, passbooks and chequebooks from their possession, he added.

"We suspect that the duo must have cheated some more persons under the pretext of business opportunity in herbal seeds supply," the official said.

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Canadian Defence Miniser Harjit Singh Sajjan today said he has no interest in the "internal politics" of any nation, days after Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh termed him a "Khalistani sympathiser".

At a public event here, Sajjan said he has been given "many labels" in his life and that one should be judged by his actions.

"What you are is determined by what you do. You look at my actions. I don't step into the internal politics of any one province or any one nation.

"My goal is to build relationships as representative of the Canadian government and that is what I am here to do and I am also very proud of the fact that I was born here," he said.

Ahead of Sajjan's visit, the Punjab CM had said he would not meet him alleging that the Canadian minister is a "Khalistani sympathiser".

Canada has termed the allegation as "disappointing and inaccurate".

Addressing a seminar on 'Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping in a Changing World', Sajjan stressed that the military by itself cannot resolve conflicts.

Social factors have to be looked in for effective peacekeeping, he said.

Responding to a query on ISIS, he said grievances within the Sunni population in Iraq and Syria led to the rise of the terror group, and for it to be eliminated the "root causes", including that of recruitment into its ranks, must be addressed.

"We in Canada cannot be an island of stability in an unstable world, while civilians are getting killed," he said.

Sajjan, a Sikh with roots in India, also pitched for bilateral cooperation in the defence sector and the need for a cooperative approach by working with "our allies who share common values in the Asia Pacific".

The event was organised by the Observer Research Foundation based here.

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Opinion / Columnist

Introduction

Conclusion

The 18th of April every year in Zimbabwe, it is Independence day, a holiday decreed by the regime of the day. For [37] thirty seven long years, the people of Zimbabwe have been hearing one and only one voice, bellowing on this day, year in year out. Independence to any country, in simpler terms means a condition of a nation, country, or state in which its residence and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-governance over the territory in which they deem theirs.Independence may not necessarily mean freedom. The country can be independent but not free. From this observation of the idea of independence of a country, some lessons can be drawn from it, especially with particular reference to the peoples of Mthwakazi. The question that should be interrogated now and in any other time is, did we, as Mthwakazi nationals, ever realised the fruits of independence of Zimbabwe?ConventionalityAs Mthwakazi, our woes were transferred from the white colonialists (Britain), to the black Zimbabwean government, led by zanu pf. This government, since 1980, has tirelessly maintained their strong held belief that they were made to rule forever and ordained to subject Mthwakazi peoples to perpetual subjectivity. This belief is strongly supported by the 1979 Grand Plan, created by zanu pf and they have never disputed it thereby proving that its existence was licenced by it. This Grand Plan is zanu pf's Bible and it is the Koran to Min of Education by the name of Gotora. It is zanu pf de facto constitution. Its implementation has been followed without any slipups.As Mthwakazi peoples, we notice that some of the aspects done in our country by the Zimbabwean government, has been done to hoodwink the peoples into believing that independence was for both the Zimbabweans and Mthwakazi peoples. That was fallacy of authority. Examples of tools used to hoodwink the peoples were the schools built throughout the dual country, dams created, clinics and a few other tangibles. That as it may, it is used to proffer lies by the captor zanu pf government, to purvey lies that peoples of Mthwakazi are independent when that is not true. Mthwakazi peoples did not get independent in 1980, but got a continuation of subjugation transferred from British colonial rule to zanu pf, a proxy of Britain. Mthwakazi was not decolonised and remains so to date.In the Newsday 0f 03/04/2017 the zanu pf war veterans vowed to continue backing Mnangagwa, with the spokesperson of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association (ZNLWVA), Douglas Mahiya saying that their move was in line with the Zanu-PF leadership structure agreed upon under the MGAGAO DECLARATION OF 1975."We agreed there that the civilian structure would be religiously followed with no attempt to stop each other. That is why Emmerson (Mnangagwa) is quiet. We must respect the sacredness of the structure of the revolution which even caused the deaths of our gallant sons and daughters," Mahiya was quoted as saying.This declaration is on the affirmative assuring that Zimbabwe got independent to serve the zanla and zanu and their kith and kin. It is therefore noticeable that, when zapu was fighting, off course for a wrong concept, which was Zimbabwe, zanu and its zanla were in continuous meetings and plotting how they were going to seize power and relegate Mthwakazi peoples to obscurity. In his own words, Mahiya confirms. Mthwakazi peoples are not in the picture here but what was reflected was the sustenance of zanuism which we, as Mthwakazi peoples have long deeply believed that zanuism is shonalism and a perpetration of it.Mthwakazi peoples did not get independent, if we were counted in that independence, why then there are concerted efforts to continue to advance the shonalism ideology as confirmed by zanu pf ZNLWVA through Mahiya. If independence also meant for the Mthwakazi peoples why is it that Mugabe and his zanu pf, soon after 1980 embarked on a Lucific extinctionist strategy code named Gukurahundi which has been declared Genocide by the world? In an independent country, no normal government can brazenly butcher its citizens like what zanu did. That proved that Mthwakazi peoples were not as they still are not bonafide Zimbabwean but Mthwakazian. Mahiya, in his own words confirms.Mnangagwa who is proffered by the ZNLWVA became a willing accomplice by planning and implementation in the execution of Gukurahundi Genocide of the 1980s. So how on Earth can we as Mthwakazi peoples agree and see no mistake in having a butcher preside over Mthwakazi? No ways bakwethu!!!We cannot say we are independent as Mthwakazi nation because we have lost hundreds of thousands of our people through the infliction of genocide, massacres, rapes, disappearances, various formats of brutality and torture and ethnic cleansing commonly referred to as the Gukurahundi Genocide (GG). So where is our independence, Mthwakazi?We cannot say we are independent when we have suffered economic marginalisation and absorbed immeasurable insult and injury from the genocidal regime of Zimbabwe. We cannot say we are independent when millions have scattered to exile in neighbouring countries and elsewhere throughout the world, while many thousands are languishing in zanu created poverty and hundreds of thousands more continue to silently suffer from a regime that has trampled on human rights and justice with alarming impunity and arrogance. Mthwakazi, we cannot go on like this?Yes we live in a time of humanity's advancement in which we must learn the lesson of living together. This lesson takes place with all its ups and downs, and makes us face both our inner tendencies and the consequences of our own actions. The planet has become too small for ignoring how Mthwakazi is treated resulting from the Zimbabwean independence. The planet has become even too smaller for such presumably big egos as exaggerated by Zimbabwean independent voices. Mthwakazi, we are not independent yet.Zanu pf and their kin and kith, display a state of indifference towards the ways in which they handle the Mthwakazi peoples up to date, which on its own is a sign that their power is on the brink of believing itself invincible and, abandoning reason, becoming an abominable dictatorship. Freedom is demanded from the black occupying government. It cannot be cajoled and expect Mthwakazi to be RESTORED. The senior occupier (Britain) must be asked to decolonise completely now.When analyzing zanu pf totalitarian systems, it is easily apparent that one of the clearest signs displayed by it, having installed its abominable domination, is exactly the kind of arrogance that manifests itself as power everywhere to everyone. It is a paradox that every occupier has climbed to power through devious means and immediately on attaining that power the occupier (zanu pf) then suppresses all except itself.Mthwakazi needs to understand now, more than ever, that the independence that the peoples thought was also meant for them became a non-event and that it was meant for some secular Zimbabwean tribes. They got independent, we did not get it. It is an infantile statement if we say we are independent. There is nothing worth telling the future generation about. All that peoples had, that was derived from the colonial era, has simple vanished into thin air when zanu pf assumed the governorship from Britain. So Mthwakazi, are we independent when our political space has been occupied by the subjects of the occupier? Not at all. That is tragic.There is need to compel the coloniser, Britain, to come to reality and decolonise completely. RESTORATION through a compelled decolonisation route will lead Mthwakazi to free her political space, free her judiciary space, free her social space, free her economics from the British proxy (zanu pf), free our service delivery systems from the proxy, free our religious systems from this proxy of the British, free Mthwakazi from the cultural assimilation trends we find ourselves being dragged in and be freed from all that is used to keep Mthwakazi from her independence. All these cannot in anyway under the sun, come through by any means other than by the mentioned.Using MTHWAKAZI RESTORATION AGENDA as a package in partaking in the zanu pf Zimbabwean elections, which are designed to advance zanu pf's Zimbabwean trajectory will be a way of subjecting and entrenching the peoples into further servitude of the system we are working hard to dislodge. Then the deceitful regime will use the results (which definitely will not be pleasing-failed) as a way of dismissing the HOLY MTHWAKAZI RESTORATION AGENDA to the world as having been rejected by the owners of it. You cannot come back again and claim RESTORATION when you have been floored by an unfair jab from the British proxy.To partake in those elections, without packaging the MTHWAKAZI RESTORATION AGENDA as part of the winning tool, it will come in handy in the dissemination of the Mthwakazi issues that will form the basis of the ensuing RESTORATION route as cited above. Packaging the RESTORATION AGENDA for elections is telling the people that when voted into MPship or councillorship that will eventually lead to the RESTORATION OF MTHWAKAZI. That is a factual falsehood. Dynamics that go with an elected member of parliament is fully governed by the rules of Zimbabwean Parliament. That strategy is for those who want to remain in Zimbabwe, nothing else.The solution is not outside of us. We as a people who yearn for more than what we are perceived to have got, Zimbabwean independence, we need to be robust and approach our problem and also want to solve it the way we have chosen- RESTORATION, kwaphela nje. We need to come together, in unity and raise our voices in unison. We need to approach our RESTORATION through the use of a practical line of attack which will bear fruits. Fragmentation will never do us good. An all stakeholders is needed to look into this ever slippery route so that something meaningful comes out. Together we stand but fragmented we fall.The independence that never was, for the peoples of Mthwakazi, should be a motivation factor that raise the peoples into a formidable force to challenge the current system and the big brother Britain, to have Mthwakazi decolonized. People cannot move in circles when the route is there and clear. The notion of partaking in elections, though it will not usher Mthwakazi with the required result, it remains the prerogative of those who want to involve themselves in issues not of their country. MTHWAKAZI, UNITE AS UNITY IS A CONDUIT OF SUCCESS.
Sonakshi Sinha-starrer "Noor" has received U/A certificate from Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after making the changes advised by the censor board.

The CBFC had asked the makers of "Noor" to remove words like 'dalit', Barkha Dutt and a liquor brand's name.

"We have raised objection to use of certain words like dalit and sex toy to be replaced by 'adult site'," an official from CBFC told PTI.

"Noor" is based on Saba Imtiaz's novel "Karachi, You're Killing Me!" and narrates the tale of scribe-writer Noor's misadventures and love life as she navigates her way through Mumbai.

Director Sunhil Sippy told PTI that they have accepted CBFC's decision.

"The objection raised by CBFC over certain words was not affecting the narrative of the film. So we have accepted it. We were told the use of Dalit is in reference to a community so it's asked to be removed. We have got U/A certificate," he told PTI.

Another film which has been facing troubles with CBFC is Raveena Tandon's "Maatr".

The movie is based on the sensitive issue of rape and the censor board refused certification owing to some gruesome scenes and usage of foul language in the film.

The makers have, however, submitted the revised version of the movie and CBFC will consider it for giving the certificate.

"Before we could take a decision the applicant themselves have submitted a revised version of the film. So the earlier file has been closed. So the film will be examined again.

"We have not seen the revised version probably it must have been edited. The revised version will be treated as a fresh film," the official said.

"If the producer anticipates difficulty in clearing the film then they should apply well in time. In this case time was sufficient.

"If they would have gone to tribunal they would have missed their release date and so they sent the revised version of the film for certification. We will facilitate the process faster," he added.

According to sources close to the project, the CBFC has asked to delete the word dalit, and reduce the length of the rape scene from 13 minutes to three or four minutes.

"They (CBFC) has asked to tone down the language and scenes of the film and the team has done that and submitted a revised version of the film."



Both "Noor" and "Maatr" are scheduled to release this Friday.

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: Activists of the Nationalist Youth Congress (NYC) today agitated with begging bowls in front of the RBI here, protesting against the currency crunch faced in Kerala recently.

The protesters alleged that the Central government and RBI were denying currency to keralites.

The activists, led by their president Mujib Rehaman, came in a procession and squatted in front of RBI raising slogans.

NCP President Uzhavoor Vijayan inaugurated the agitation.

NCP is a coalition partner of the ruling CPI(M) led LDF in Kerala.

Kerala had witnessed acute shortage of currency notes early this month with government finding it difficult to disburse salaries and pension through state treasuries.

RBI had informed that the shortage was due to the truckers strike.

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One person died and five others sustained grievous burns in a fire that started from a cracker shop and spread to nearby establishments in Ranipur area here today, police said.

Six persons suffered severe burn injuries in the blaze and were brought to the government-run MY Hospital. One of them, after examination, was pronounced dead, the hospital's Emergency Medical Centre In-charge Dr Sumit Shukla said.

The condition of the five others is critical, he said.

The deceased was yet to be identified, the police said, adding the victims were working in the cracker shop and its adjoining establishments.

"The fire started from a cracker shop and quickly engulfed other shops located nearby," Indore Deputy Inspector General of Police H C Mishra said.

The police promptly evacuated people from around the fire site located in a congested lane, he said, adding the blaze was put out after several hours of effort by the fire brigade personnel.

Mishra said the police have started an investigation into the cause of the blaze and are also ascertaining whether the cracker shop had a licence.

According to eyewitnesses, 20 two-wheelers were gutted in the blaze.

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Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa today said Pakistan is not using militant groups as proxies, asserting that the country is itself a victim of "state- sponsored" terrorism.

His remarks came a day after US National Security Adviser H R McMaster asked Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership to confront terrorism in all its forms during a meeting with them.

"Pakistan itself is a victim of state-sponsored terrorism. It strongly rejects allegations of employing proxies from its soil," the army said in a statement quoting Bajwa.

The army said that McMaster, who arrived here during an unannounced visit, the first by a top Trump administration official to this country, was briefed about Pakistan's war on terror and its contributions to regional and global stability during the meeting.

"In the meeting it was highlighted that distinguished feature of Pakistan's counter-terrorism effort is focused against terrorists of all hues and colours," the statement said.

"The US NSA acknowledged Pakistan army's efforts in eliminating terrorists and their infrastructure, assuring US support to bring peace and stability in the region and globe," it said.

McMaster held talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Gen Bajwa, Pakistan NSA Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi.

McMaster's visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan comes just days after the US dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb targeting an Islamic State complex in Afghanistan, close to the border with Pakistan.

This was McMaster's first visit to Pakistan as the US NSA and the first formal high-level exchange between the US and Pakistan under the new Donald Trump Administration.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan's Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on Thursday on the high-profile Panamagate case involving Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif and his children, a ruling which could "make or break" the country's most powerful political family.

The verdict is scheduled to be issued at 2 PM on April 20, confirmed the supplementary cause list released by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan said on February 23, after both the defence and prosecution completed their arguments, that it would reserve its verdict on the Panamagate case and issue a detailed judgement.

The case is about alleged illegal money laundering by Sharif in 1990s when he twice served as Prime Minister to purchase assets in London.

The assets surfaced when Panama papers showed that they were managed through offshore companies owned by Sharif's children.

The five-member bench hearing the case had asked the Sharif family to produce documentary evidence to establish Prime Minister's son Hussain Nawaz as beneficial owner of Park Lane flats in London, in accordance with the family's claim.

It is believed that the outcome of the case is make or break for 67-year-old Sharif ahead of election due next year.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi termed the impending ruling as an important decision in the country's history.

"After waiting 57 days, the decision has come. We hope the decision benefits the country," Qureshi was quoted as saying by the Dawn.

Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, one of the petitioners in the case, referred to the court's announcement as a "historical verdict for the sub-continent".

"We will accept whatever verdict the great judges put forth," said Rashid, and added that further course of action will be discussed with the PTI chief on Wednesday.

"Justice will win and corruption will lose," said the AML chief.

The case filed by various petitioners - Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan, Jamaat-i-Islami emir Sirajul Haq and Sheikh Rashid Ahmed - essentially seeks disqualification of Prime Minister Sharif over his alleged misstatement in his address to the nation on April 5 and his speech before the National Assembly on May 16, 2016.

The petitioners claim that the prime minister lied about the investments made by his children in offshore companies, which led to the acquisition of four apartments in London's upscale Park Lane neighbourhood.

According to documents available on the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists website, Sharif's children - Mariam, Hasan and Hussain - "were owners or had the right to authorise transactions for several companies".

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A beleaguered Vijay Mallya may have walked free on bail within hours of his arrest but the event, which he nonchalantly dismissed as "usual Indian media hype", had rival parties claiming credit for it and engaging in recrimination.

The government and the ruling BJP quickly claimed credit for the arrest of the flamboyant tycoon, while congress dubbed the exercise as an attempt to "hoodwink" the people of India.

Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar said, "We are now assessing the facts how we can bring him back into the country and start judicial proceedings against him."



The government, he said, will leave no stone unturned to bring to justice anyone indulging in financial irregularities.

Mallya's arrest by the Scotland Yard in London underlines the Modi government's will to act against people accused of defrauding public resources, the BJP said.

It is a confirmation of the government's relentless efforts and commitment to act against those involved in illegal activities like generation of black money, BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said.

Right from the formation of a Special Investigation Team against black money in the first cabinet meeting under Modi to the current initiation of the extradition process against Mallya, the government has acted at every level, he said.

"Investigation agencies have a free hand to act without fear and favour," he said.

Mallya, whose now defunct Kingfisher Airlines owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to various banks, had fled India on March 2, 2016, and was arrested at New Delhi's request for his extradition on fraud charges.

The Congress, however, assailed the Modi government for seeking Mallya's extradition and not deportation which, it said, would have ensured his immediate custody to India.

"Strange that he is detained and released in the same go...What kind of extradition is this. He is detained for an hour and is honourably granted bail and is defiant.

"Will it take another dozen years, 15 years, 30 years or our entire lifetime before Vijaya Mallya is brought back and Rs 9091 crore of people's money is recovered. These are questions that BJP and Modiji need to answer instead of hoodwinking people of India," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

He claimed that the action against Mallya came after a relentless campaign by the Congress party, its vice president Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders.

Noting that Mallya's detention was first of 9 steps of extradition with 3 possible appeals, the Congress leader asked "when will we have his custody? Why did BJP Govt not move for Mallya's deportation instead of extradition?"



Surjewala also questioned the government over its failure to bring back Lalit Modi, the former IPL commissioner, who is wanted by India for alleged money laundering. "Why is BJP government shying from moving against 'Chhota Modi' (Lalit Modi), who escaped to UK even before Mallya?" he asked.

Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, claimed consistent efforts by the Modi government had resulted in Mallya's arrest.

"Previous governments could not do anything about it. It is certainly the success of this government, particularly Finance Ministry, whose efforts resulted in his (Mallya) arrest," said Singh.

Amid all the political chest-thumping, former employees of Kingfisher Airlines talked about the bread and butter issue of getting their dues paid.

"Our main concern is that the government should get him (Mallya) to India and we should get our dues," former Kingfisher Airlines pilot Rahul Bhasin said in his reaction to Mallya's arrest.

"We appreciate government's efforts. They have done something, finally," Bhasin said.

Anirudha Ballala, another former Kingfisher Airlines pilot, said that the law is taking its course.

"Mallya is perhaps paying for the karmas (deeds) that he has done by not paying to employees," he added.

Significantly, Ballala along with some other employees had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March last year seeking his intervention to safeguard the interest of the erstwhile airline's staffers after Mallya quietly left for London.

In the middle of all the fuss, Mallya tweeted,"Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected."



"It was a voluntary action. He will be out in a few minutes," said a member of Mallya's team at the Westminster Magistrates' court in London before the former liquor baron was seen walking out leisurely hours later.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US Vice President Mike Pence reiterated his country's commitment to the security of Japan today, as North Korea intensified concerns over its weapons programme with a vow to launch missile tests "every week".

The North, which is intent on developing a nuclear-tipped ballistic missile capable of reaching the mainland United States, defied international pressure Sunday with a test that failed immediately after launch.

As fears grow that it may also be preparing for its sixth nuclear weapons test, Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol said that its programme would only escalate.

"We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis," Han told the BBC in an interview, threatening "all-out war" if the US took any action against it.

Arriving in Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Pence hailed the two countries' longstanding security ties.

"The alliance between the United States and Japan is the cornerstone of peace and security in Northeast Asia," he told Abe.

The Japanese leader called for a peaceful resolution to the North Korea tensions but did not rule out the need for tough measures.

"It is a matter of paramount importance for us to seek diplomatic efforts as well as peaceable settlements of the issue," he said.

"At the same time dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless and it is necessary for us to exercise pressure."



In South Korea on the first leg of an Asian tour, Pence on Monday visited the heavily fortified Demilitarised Zone separating the two Koreas and warned Pyongyang against further provocations, saying "all options are on the table".

North Korea could react to a potential US strike by targeting South Korea or Japan, and officials in both countries have been ill at ease with the more bellicose language deployed by President Donald Trump's administration.

Pence pointed to Trump's recent strikes on a Syrian airbase and an Islamic State complex in Afghanistan as a warning to Pyongyang not to underestimate the administration's resolve.

Throughout his bareknuckle election campaign, Trump repeatedly called into question a mutual defence treaty between Japan and the United States, suggesting Tokyo should pay for its own security.

But now, Pence will try to reassure his jittery hosts that those decades-old security commitments are ironclad, a necessity made more acute after Washington's refusal to rule out military action against the regime.

Tensions between Pyongyang and Washington have soared in recent weeks as a series of North Korean missile tests have prompted ever-more severe warnings from Trump's administration.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US Vice President Mike Pence arrives in Tokyo today bringing a renewed commitment to Japan's security amid a growing threat from a nuclear armed North Korea.

Throughout his bareknuckle election campaign, US President Donald Trump repeatedly called into question a mutual defense treaty between Japan and the United States, suggesting Tokyo should pay for its own security.

But now, Pence will try to reassure his jittery hosts that those decades-old security commitments are ironclad, a necessity made more acute as tensions rise over Pyongyang's latest missile test and Washington's refusal to rule out military action against the regime.

Defying international pressure, the North on Sunday test-fired another missile and fears are growing it may also be preparing a sixth nuclear test.

North Korea could react to a potential US strike by targeting South Korea or Japan, and officials in Tokyo and Seoul have been ill at ease with the more bellicose language deployed by Trump's administration.

During a visit to the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea yesterday, Pence pointed to the new president's recent strikes on a Syrian airbase and an Islamic State complex in Afghanistan as a warning to Pyongyang not to underestimate the administration's resolve.

"All options are on the table" in pushing for an end to Pyongyang's nuclear programme, Pence said, adding that the era of US "strategic patience" in dealing with the regime was over.

Washington is worried that North Korea may soon build a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the United States.

Like South Korea, Japan already faces a direct threat from the secretive regime.

In February, the North simultaneously fired four ballistic missiles off its east coast, three of which fell provocatively close to Japan, in what it said was a drill for an attack on US bases in the country.

Pence's Japanese hosts will likely be cautious about any US military action that could trigger a broader regional conflict.

Their hope is that the White House will focus on pressuring China, Pyongyang's only major ally and biggest trade partner, to redouble its efforts to rein in the regime and prompt North Korea to return to the negotiating table after it abandoned the six-party talks in 2009.

"With close coordination, I expect we will strongly demand North Korea to refrain from taking provocative actions and to adhere to UN Security Council resolutions," said Japanese government spokesman Yoshihide Suga.

Pence's trip will also feature a heavy economic focus.

Trump's decision to scrap a 12-nation trans-Pacific trade deal was a blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who expended substantial political capital to get the deal passed at home.

In Tokyo, there is still hope that the core of the agreement, thrashed out between the United States and Japan and intended to counterbalance China's regional economic power, can be salvaged in some form.

But US officials say expectations of an ambitious bilateral trade deal may be premature.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the concluding ceremony of Narmada river conservation awareness programme next month at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, according to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

"'Namami Devi Narmade - Sewa Yatra,' would conclude on May 15 at Amarkantak from where it originates, in the presence of the Prime Minister," Chouhan said during a public gathering at Gwari Ghat near Jabalpur yesterday.

Earlier, the state government had announced to conclude the campaign on May 11 after it began on December 11, 2016.

Chouhan also said that the awareness campaign would be started again from July 2 wherein saplings would be planted on the banks of Narmada, flowing across various districts of the state.

"A large number of saplings would be planted alongside banks of Narmada on both sides. An effective system would be evolved to ensure the security of these saplings," he said.

Under the ongoing campaign, the government conducted a drive against liquor shops within five kilometres of Narmada's banks.

A stretch of 1831-km on southern bank comprising 548 villages/towns and 1513-km on northern bank comprising 556 village/towns were covered under the campaign.

The state government claims that this programme is one of the biggest river conservation campaigns in the world.

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Politics is no longer seen as a taboo in Hindi movies, holds director Kabir Khan, many of whose films deal with thorny, contemporary issues.

The director of the upcoming film "Tubelight" stresses that it is important for him to give a societal context to the stories that he deals with.

"When I used to watch Bollywood films, I would struggle with the fact that our cinema was set in La La Land, with no social or political context. So I decided that whenever I make a film, I'll try to put some context about what's happening," Khan - the maker of such films as "Kabul Express" and the blockbuster "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" -- told PTI in an interview.

The success of his projects indicates that audiences welcome such films, he points out.

"Fortunately for me, all of the films have done well so that means the audience is also enjoying them. Earlier, there used to be a taboo and people would say, 'Oh, don't put politics in your films; the audience don't watch it.' But if you engage them through your characters, they are ready to follow any politics or the world you've created," he adds.

The story of "Tubelight", his third collaboration with Salman Khan after "Ek Tha Tiger" and "Bajrangi...", is set against the 1962 Indo-China war.

The director did not elaborate on the story but reports suggest that Salman Khan plays a man from India who falls in love with a woman from China, played by Chinese actress Zhu Zhu.

Khan is also happy to have brought together Salman khan with Shah Rukh Khan, who features in a special guest appearance, in the film. The last time they worked together in a movie was "Hum Tumhare Hai Sanam" in 2002.

"I've known Shah Rukh for a long time and the equation with him hasn't changed at all. It's still fun. I was actually very close friends with Gauri, his wife, so we've always been very warm and friendly. When I took the idea of this cameo in 'Tubelight' to him, he readily agreed. I didn't have to convince him at all," Khan says.

It had to be Shah Rukh, he adds, for the role was that of a superstar.

"Trust me, it's a great cameo and a fantastic character. Shah Rukh is someone I've always looked up to as a senior. He is also probably the most well read person in the industry," he says.

The director says he is not worried about matching the success of "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" with his new film but hopes that people will like "Tubelight", too.

"We really enjoyed making 'Bajrangi...' and the people appreciated it and gave it a kind of love which was unprecedented. But I don't think that can become the benchmark for us. You'll always be under pressure if you compare any new film that you make with the one that did so spectacularly well," he adds.

All that he has to do, he says, is to make a film with the "same passion" as they did with Bajrangi. "And hope people like it as much as they liked 'Bajrangi'.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Opinion / Columnist

Howard Phangwana



Secretary General



NPP. MAT. NORTH

18 April we celebrate"independence". One which was hard fought by the unsung Matabele heroes and heroins of 1893 wars through the much heralded and documented Kaguvi and Nehanda of 1897 up to the last 1979 Josiah Magama Tongogara death and many others inbetween unrecorded. We celebrated those that remained and still remain like our erstwhile Dr JTRM. The bid question remains...are we independent as Mat North and Zimbabwe in general. Is this day worth celebrating?As a province we embraced 1980 as a year of our independence but alas little did we know that we have jumped from the Racist Regime to a Fascist ZanuPf that treated us and continues to treat us as second class citizens. Our joy for for Independece was short lived as we were left by this separatist gvnt to suffer untold loss and suffering of the 1982 drought. Whilst we were still mourning the same Gvnt unleashed a genocidal terror the whole of Southern region that wiped in excess of 20 000 of our kith and kin. And is this independence?.Second class citizens we have been thats why we have been neglected by this regime. Thats why not even a single region is inaccessible to the other , we have to via Byo. Thats why we have not even a single referral hospital yet a simple flu and headache on our President is attended in Singapore. Pre and postnatal care of the president daughter is done in Malaysia. Yet 1000 of Infants suffer still birth and many mothers die in labour .The Tongas right on the banks of the Zambezi have to share water with livestock with no source of clean water. They are regared as illegal fishermen bacause they dont have a licence issued in Harare. 37 down the suffering lane the Province has one recently established state university which has 99.9% of its operations in Byo. And we supposed to celebrate independence?We can only thank the efforts of all who wrestled this country from the racist regime but power and the gains of that independence was tacitly grabed by a chosen few who have blindly nourished themselves while all facets of the state have bled to death.Whilst there is nothing to celebrate l urge fellow Zimbabweans and Mat Northerners not to mourn but build up from the fact that it is common kknowledge that as Matland we rejected ZanuPf long back and we have been giving our vote as protest to any party that has approached us and said Phansi LeZanu loMgabe and they have failed to deliver.We now have the National Peoples Party that has all the solutions through a tried and tested nationalist leader Dr Mujuru.NPP has the solutions from now through 2018 and beyond. NPP has the freedom fighters who have long been used and abused. They now have NPP as a platform to solve this 37 year old mess.Lets use this day not to look back and mourn of was supposed to be but fight for was is supposed to be. And this shall not come by occupying offices in NPP and using them to fight each other. It shall not not come by writing long rhetoric like this one on any media. It shall not come by bellicose speeches that we bellow every time we get a crowd and a microphone.It shall come by us as NPP going to the ground and use vox popli as our our spring board for it is the people who can defeat this region.18 April we have nothing to celebrate! !!!!Ayihlome!!!National People's PartyIbandla LabantuBato Revavhu
A man charged with killing five people at a mall in Washington state last year was found dead in his jail cell in an apparent suicide, authorities have said.

Arcan Cetin, 20, was discovered hanging on Sunday evening, said Rosemary Kaholokula, chief criminal deputy prosecutor for Skagit County.

He was being held in neighbouring Snohomish County, where he was awaiting the results of a mental competency evaluation.

The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, which runs the jail, said in a release yesterday that a 20-year-old inmate had been found unresponsive, and that efforts to revive the prisoner failed. The death is under investigation, the statement said.

Investigators say Cetin shot a teenage girl, a man and three women in a department store at Cascade Mall in Burlington, 105 km north of Seattle, on September 23.

Authorities captured him about 30 hours later near his apartment and said he confessed during police interviews but did not explain why he did it.

The family of victim Chuck Eagan said in a written statement they were shocked by the death.

"We pray that the man repented to God before his death," the statement said. "While this event puts to rest our fear of his release, we harbour no ill will towards Mr. Cetin or his family and pray for their comfort as we know all too well the pain of grief."



Cetin had been charged with aggravated murder, which can bring the death penalty, but he had not entered pleas pending mental evaluations. His attorney did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

The 20-year-old had a history of violent behaviour toward his family and ex-girlfriend. Cetin's stepfather, David Marshall, said the family had been trying to get Cetin help for mental health issues.

According to police reports, Cetin had told his ex that his father was connected to "bad people in Turkey." Asked during interviews whether his Turkish relatives had ties to terrorist groups, Cetin said no. He also said he didn't have any contact with those relatives.

He said he had watched beheadings by the Islamic State group online but considered such terrorist actions wrong. Asked if ISIS had inspired the mall killings, Cetin responded, "I can't answer that," police wrote.

The shootings were captured on surveillance video. The victims were Sarai Lara, 16, and Shayla Martin, 52, both of Mount Vernon; Eagan, 61, of Lake Stevens; Belinda Galde, 64, of Arlington; and Galde's mother, Beatrice Dotson, 95, of Kingsport, Tennessee.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin today congratulated Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan for winning a referendum on enhancing his powers, the Kremlin and Turkish state media said.

Putin telephoned Erdogan to congratulate him over the win of the 'Yes' vote in Sunday's poll, the state-run Anadolu agency said, quoting presidential sources.

The Kremlin said in a statement that Putin congratulated Erdogan for the "successful carrying-out" of the referendum.

US President Donald Trump had yesterday also congratulated Erdogan for his victory in the poll, which has been disputed by the opposition and has been greeted coolly by the European Union.

Anadolu said Putin and Erdogan emphasised the importance of normalising ties, which are still recovering after Turkish jets shot down a Russian war plane over the Syrian border in 2015.

The two leaders also noted the importance of maintaining a ceasefire in Syria jointly brokered by Ankara and Moscow, it added.

The Kremlin said that the ceasefire needed to be reinforced as well as the twin talks processes based in Astana and Geneva.

Both sides also emphasised the importance of an "unpartisan" investigation into the suspected chemical attack in Syria earlier this month, the Kremlin said.

Ankara has said that the deadly nerve agent sarin was used by the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, an opinion not shared by Russia.

Some analysts are predicting Ankara will move closer towards Moscow after the referendum as increased strains emerge in its relations with the European Union.

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Former Kingfisher Airlines employees have said their main concern is the recovery of their unpaid salaries and extradition of industrialist Vijay Mallya, who was arrested by Scotland Yard in London today.

"Our main concern is that the government should get him (Mallya) to India and we should get our dues," former Kingfisher Airlines pilot Rahul Bhasin said in his reaction to Mallya's arrest.

Mallya was today arrested in London by Scotland Yard on India's request for his extradition on fraud charges.

The 61-year-old liquor baron, wanted here for defaulting in payment of bank loans to the tune of over Rs 9,000 crore, was arrested after he appeared at a central London police station this morning.

"We appreciate the government's efforts. They have done something, finally," Bhasin said.

Mallya appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London and was seen walking out with his legal team a few hours later after being granted bail.

Anirudha Ballala, another former Kingfisher Airlines pilot, said the law is taking its course.

"Mallya is perhaps paying for the 'karmas' that he has done by not paying to employees," he added.

Significantly, Ballala along with other employees had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March last year, seeking his intervention in safeguarding the interest of the airline's erstwhile staffers. The employees had written to the Prime Minister after Mallya had sneaked out of the country.

According to an open letter written by the former women employees of the erstwhile airline last year, Mallya owes Rs 300 crore as salaries dues to over 3,000 employees.

"The government is only focussed on its dues. We don't have any hope other than the government, it is our last hope," Bhasin said, adding that he expects the government to do all it can do to recover employees' dues as well.

Ballala said while he has no personal enmity with his former employer, "but by leaving his employees in the lurch was not a good thing. Not looking after his employees and their families and leaving them at the mercy of Almighty has perhaps gone against him."



Hoping for an early extradition of Mallya from the UK, Ballala said, "If the government can get him arrested, it can bring him back as well."



India had given a formal extradition request for Mallya as per the Extradition Treaty between India and the UK through a note verbale on February 8.

While handing over the request, India had asserted that it has a "legitimate" case against Mallya and maintained that if an extradition request is honoured, it would show British "sensitivity towards our concerns."



"I thank this government for taking steps to bring him back to the country," Ballala added.

A Delhi court had last week issued an open ended non- bailable warrant against Mallya in a case of allegedly evading summons in a Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) violation case.

In January this year, the Debt Recovery Tribunal ordered a consortium of lenders to start the process of recovering the loans.

Around the same time, a CBI court too had issued a non- bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case.

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It is "unfortunate" that someone has to knock the doors of the court for ensuring respect to the national flag and national anthem, government told the Supreme Court today, asserting that respect for them was "non-negotiable".

As the governnment stated its position on the issue, an apex court bench, comprising Justices Dipak Misra, A M Khanwilkar and M M Shantanagoudar, modified its earlier order to exempt those with disability from standing up at cinema halls when the national anthem is being played.

"We are inclined to modify the orders and direct that the persons who are wheel-chair users, those with autism, persons suffering from cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities, parkinsons, multiple sclerosis, leprosy cured, muscular dystrophy and deaf and blind be treated not to be within the ambit of the orders passed by this Court," the bench said.

At the outset, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench "it is unfortunate that someone has to approach this court for ensuring due respect to national flag and national anthem but what is most unfortunate that some section is opposing it.

"Respect for national anthem and national flag is non- negotiable and every citizen is bound to show due respect to the symbols of national pride."



The apex court had in its December 9 order clarified that a physically-challenged person, who goes to the cinema hall to watch a film, need not stand up if he is incapable of standing but must show such conduct which is commensurate with respect for the national anthem.

The apex court also sought a response from the Centre in four weeks on a plea seeking framing of a policy to promote the national anthem and the national song.

The petition, filed by Delhi BJP spokesperson and advocate Ashwini Upadhaya, also sought to direction for mandatory singing of national anthem and the national song in Parliament, assemblies, courts, schools and colleges on working days.

The court's order had come on a PIL filed by one Shyam Narayan Chouksey seeking directions that the national anthem should be played in cinema halls across the country before a film begins and proper norms and protocol be fixed regarding its playing and singing at official functions and programmes where those holding constitutional posts are present.

During the hearing, senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi appearing for Chouksey, said a direction should be issued to the government to amend the law as there were penal provisions for those who disrespect the national flag, but there are no such provisions for those who show disrespect to the anthem.

Senior advocate C U Singh, appearing for Kerala Film Society, sought recall of the earlier order making playing of the national song in cinema halls mandatory before screening of films saying that courts should not venture into the field of the legislature.

"We show utmost respect to the national flag and national anthem. But it should not be considered anti-national to argue against this petition or seeking recall of the order," Singh said.

Mehta intervened and said that he never used the word anti-national but citizens should show due respect to national flag and national anthem.

To this, the bench asked "is showing respect to national flag and national anthem not inherent in our Constitution?"



Singh said they were not against showing respect to the flag but it does not mean that the court's order was beyond the scope of challenge.

He said the petition is not maintainable as it was Parliament's or the government's job to ensure that cinema halls play the anthem before the screening of a film.

"There are separation of power. This is executive domain and by PIL court cannot assume power of legislation," the senior advocate said adding that court cannot compel anyone to play the national anthem at a particular time.

The bench asked petitioner to file an amended petition with additional grounds within two weeks and allowed intervention application of Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

It clarified that the plea of Kerala film society seeking recall of earlier order will be heard along with the main petition and posted the matter for August 23.

On February 17, the apex court had refused to go into the debate for making singing of the national song mandatory in schools and clarified that it has "kept alive" such a plea only for the national anthem without expressing any views.

The apex court had on November 30 last year ordered cinema halls across the nation to mandatorily play the national anthem before screening of a movie when the audience must stand and show respect.

The apex court, while passing a slew of directions, had also observed that "time has come when citizens must realise they live in a nation and are duty-bound to show respect to the national anthem which is a symbol of constitutional patriotism and inherent national quality".

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The Supreme Court today asked the West Bengal government to file on record the orders passed by the Calcutta High Court in matters challenging the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Act.

"West Bengal government is required to place on record the orders passed by the Calcutta High Court in all pending matters wherein the vires of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Act have sought to be challenged," a bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said.

The bench, which also comprised Justices D Y Chandrachud and Sanjay Kishan Kaul, said it would like to peruse the orders passed by the High Court and listed the plea of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) for hearing on April 20.

Senior advocate P P Rao, appearing for GTA, said it was an elected body and the state government was not holding even the civic polls in the areas falling under it.

Earlier, GTA had moved the top court challenging the West Bengal government's refusal to transfer administrative power and various subjects to it, in spite of a tripartite agreement that was reached between the Gorkha agitators, the state and the Centre in 2011.

The apex court had agreed to hear the plea and asked the GTA to place on record the notification issued by the West Bengal government in 2011, in which it had promised a transfer of power through a memorandum of agreement (MoA) at the tripartite meeting.

The MoA for the creation of GTA was signed on July 18, 2011 at Pintail Village near Siliguri in the presence of then Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leaders.

Recently, the GTA has moved the High Court against the state government and Election Commission for alleged delay in holding of elections to four municipalities in Darjeeling hills.

The five-year term for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik municipalities had come to an end in December last year.

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The police today seized scrapped currency notes with face value worth Rs 2.37 crore from three vehicles here and detained seven persons in this connection.

On a tip off that some people were to visit Thaltej circle to meet a person to exchange their demonetised currency notes for a commission of 15 per cent, police kept a watch and caught them when they arrived on three separate vehicles, the police said.

A Vastrapur police station official said 13,700 notes of Rs 500 and 16,900 notes of Rs 1,000 were seized from these vehicles at around 1.30 am.

"They had come from Vadodara and Himmatnagar and were looking to exchange demonetised currency notes with new notes for a commission of 15 per cent," he said.

Seven persons were detained and the Income Tax Department was informed about the seizure, he said.

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today discussed bilateral ties with visiting Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.

"Shaping our shared historical and cultural linkages. EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on President Bidya Devi Bhandari at @RashtrapatiBhavan," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.

Bhandari, who arrived here yesterday on a five-day visit and was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, is slated to meet President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other Indian leaders.

This is Bhandari's first visit abroad after assuming office in 2015. She was scheduled to have visited India last May, but the trip was cancelled after the then cabinet in Nepal said it was not adequately prepared for it.

During her stay in India, she is also expected to travel to Gujarat and Odisha.

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Tata Housing today announced plans to expand to the African property market and will invest Rs 1,000 crore to develop two projects in Kenya and Tanzania.

The real estate arm of the Tata group plans to raise USD 200 million through private equity to fund the overseas operations.

It recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Housing Bank and a private real estate firm to develop more than 4.5 million sq ft of mixed used townships in Kenya and Tanzania.

The two mixed use development projects are expected to be launched by January 2018 in a price range of USD 75,000 - 1,00,000 per unit catering to the mid-income segment.

"The investment in both projects is expected to be more than Rs 1,000 crores across both the phases over the next 3-4 years," the company said in a statement.

Tata Housing MD & CEO Brotin Banerjee said, "Our early success in Sri Lanka and the Maldives gave us the impetus to further expand our international footprint. Starting with Kenya and Tanzania, we will cater to the mid-income segments and fulfil their demand for superior quality housing."



With 60 per cent of urban population living in informal housing, there is consistent growth in demand for housing across both Kenya and Tanzania.

Tata Housing has recently handed over the government housing project to the Government of Maldives and launched two high-end project at Odeon and Nadhee in the capital city - Male.

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Three women were killed and 12 other people injured, four of them seriously, when a pick up van in which they were travelling overturned in Bihar's Jehanabad district today.

Sub-divisional Magistrate Nawal Kishore Choudhary said that the 15 were returning to their homes at Uchika village after harvesting wheat in Sonepur riverine areas of the district.

The accident took place on Kurtha road in Shakurabad area and the dead are aged between 18 years to 32 years and have been identified.

Of the 12 injured persons, four persons have been referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) while the rest eight have been admitted to the sadar hospital, he said.

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The Turkish cabinet agreed to extend for another three months the state of emergency imposed after last July's failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the deputy premier said.

The decision came yesterday after a meeting of the National Security Council (MGK), chaired by Erdogan, to recommend its extension.

"The recommendation was considered and the Council of Ministers signed to extend the state of emergency for another three months from tomorrow," Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told reporters in Ankara.

The emergency was due to end on April 19. Its extension follows the approval by Turkish voters of constitutional changes boosting Erdogan's powers on Sunday.

The state of emergency has been renewed twice before in October and January after it was first declared on July 20, five days after the attempted putsch.

Now the decision will go to parliament for final approval, Kurtulmus said.

The deputy prime minister said the decision was not made to give the Turkish government free rein but because of its "fight against terrorist groups".

"In this struggle, whatever is necessary will be done" against those accused of links to putschists, Kurtulmus said.

Under the state of emergency, over 47,000 people have been arrested on suspicion of links to the coup while tens of thousands more people working in the public sector have been dismissed or suspended from their jobs.

Many are academics, police officers, journalists and teachers as well as judges and prosecutors. The crackdown has been heavily criticised by Turkey's Western allies.

Over 51 per cent of Turks voted in the referendum in support of changes that will axe the role of premier and allow the president to appoint ministers.

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Opinion / Columnist

The people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, ... we wot not what is become of him. Exodus 32:1.Settled rebellion is incurable. It first originated in heaven with the angel next highest in order to Jesus Christ. This exalted angel had sympathizers who joined him in his rebellion.Satan, the great rebel, was turned out of heaven, and all his rebel sympathizers shared his fate. Since then it has been his special work to excite to rebellion all he can gain control over.All are at liberty to choose and take their position with the rebellious or take their stand with those who are on the side of God and the truth _those who have labored earnestly, faithfully, and unselfishly in this great cause,_ and who have endured trial, reproach, and fought with courage the battles of the Lord.Pure religion have suffered violently because of settled rebellion leading to selfishness.God is calling His not to give chance to the originator of rebellion but do the works of mercy while on earth, exercising "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."A Christian is a Christlike man, a Christlike woman, who is active in God's service, who is present at the *social meeting,* _whose presence will encourage others also._ Religion does not consist in works, but religion works; it is not dormant.Be Blessed!@_ _kaybeesibbs@gmail.com_Word Powered by; TROVOCO a registered Christian oriented Charity Trust wholly devoted to alleviate the plight of the underprivileged (destitute children, the orphans and the disabled amongst others) .Make your donations to the underprivileged kids via our Treasurer on +263 772 937 477( ecocash range from as little as $2 to as much as you can afford).Contact; (Chairperson) Mthulisi Ndlovu +263 778 481 481/ +267763 50865. To get more information or to join us.Or Nkomo Bhekinkosi on +263 777 403 986TROVOCO 'A closer walk with them'.
In order to attract investments, the Uttar Pradesh government today promised uninterrupted power supply and security to mega industry houses, if they wanted to open their units in the state.

"We will provide a conducive environment," Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma told representatives from various industrial units at a meeting here.

Sharma, who heads Group of Ministers on industries, has been entrusted with the task of drafting a new industrial policy for the state by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Other members of the GoM who attended the meeting were Satish Mahana (Industry Minister), Rajesh Agarwal (Finance Minister), Shrikant Sharma (Energy Minister), Nand Gopal Gupta (Stamp Registration Minister) and MoS Industrial Development Suresh Rana.

"The UP government will put in place the single-window system, which will help the industrialists to get all the permissions from a single point itself. This will create an atmosphere of trust among the industrialists," the Deputy CM said.

"Similarly, all the grievances of the investors will be redressed in a time-bound manner and for this an online grievance redressal system is being ensured," he said.

Endorsing the concerns of the industrialists, he assured that the UP government will tackle these issues, while framing the new policy.

"The UP government is committed to take positive steps for industrialists and people. This will result in investments in the state and creation of jobs, which will eventually lead to development of the state," he said.

Mahana said, "If needed, the state government will also mull enacting a law for overall encouragement and protection of industrialists".

He added that industrialists should have a positive frame of mind as a good environment is being created in the state for establishing industries.

Shrikant Sharma explained the discounts for industrialists under the open access power purchase.

Open access allows large users of power to buy cheaper power from the open market.

The idea is that customers should be able to choose among a large number of competing power companies instead of being forced to buy electricity from their existing electric utility monopoly.

It helps large consumers particularly sick textile, cement and steel industrial units by ensuring regular supply of electricity at competitive rates, he added.

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US National Security Adviser HR



McMaster today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and reviewed bilateral ties and the situation in the South Asian region.

Indian NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and some other officials were present in the meeting that took place at the prime minister's residence.

Earlier, McMaster and Doval held detailed discussions on Indo-US relations especially the security aspect of the ties, sources said.

The US NSA arrived here last evening from Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and some top officials.

In Islamabad, the relations between India and Pakistan figured in McMaster's discussions with Sharif.

As part of the South Asia trip, he also visited Afghanistan before travelling to Pakistan.

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The Trump Administration today reaffirmed the Major Defence Partner status granted to India as its National Security Adviser H R McMaster met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held talks with his counterpart Ajit Doval here.

During the meeting between Modi and McMaster, views were exchanged on how India and the US can work together to effectively address the challenge of terrorism and to advance regional peace, security and stability, a PMO statement said.

McMaster, whose trip here marks the first visit by a top official of the Trump Administration, shared his perspective with the Prime Minister on the security situation in the extended region, including Afghanistan, West Asia and North Korea.

The US NSA conveyed the greetings of President Donald Trump to the Prime Minister, the PMO statement said about the meeting in which Doval, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and some other key officials were present.

"NSA McMaster emphasised the importance of the US-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed India's designation as a Major Defence Partner," said a statement issued by the US Embassy here.

India was granted the Major Defence Partner status by the previous Barack Obama Administration in December last year.

Modi recalled his "positive telephonic conversations" with Trump that "reaffirmed the importance attached by both sides to the strategic partnership and to stepping up India-US engagement across the board", the PMO statement said.

McMaster also met Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar.

"The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counter-terrorism cooperation," said the US Embassy statement while giving a gist of the overnight visit and McMaster's meetings before.

Describing the meetings as "productive", the statement said, "The visit was a part of regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad."



Earlier, McMaster and Doval held detailed discussions on Indo-US relations especially the security aspect of the ties, sources said.

The US NSA arrived here last evening from Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and some top officials.

In Islamabad, the relations between India and Pakistan figured in McMaster's discussions with Sharif.

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A comprehensive data protection framework may be put in place by this year end and the TRAI is working on it, the government today told the Supreme Court.

The government told the apex court that there would be a regulatory mechanism in place on data protection, likely by Diwali in October, and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was actively pursuing a framework of this nature.

Stating this, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi urged a five-judge constitution bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, to defer the hearing in the WhatsApp privacy policy matter by a couple of months so that the government can come out with the law on data protection.

"The government is actively mulling over a comprehensive data protection framework," Rohatgi told the bench, which also comprised Justices A K Sikri, Amitava Roy, A M Khanwilkar and M M Shantanagoudar.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the petitioners, told the bench that there was no regulation in place and there should be privacy of data or information shared by the users on social networking or instant messaging platforms.

"It does not look like that even the government is alive to this problem," hesaid, adding that the "TRAI is focussing on net-neutrality. Let them start on the policy for privacy first".

Responding to this, the Attorney General said, "The TRAI is already in the process. By Diwali, we should have it (the new data protection framework)." He said the Centre's stand was "that there is going to be a regulatory regime to save the data base to guide the concept of net-neutrality".

Rohatgi also referred to the privacy aspect and said another five-judge bench would be dealing with it while deciding petitions challenging the constitutional validity of Aadhaar scheme.

Meanwhile, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing WhatsApp, told the apex court that they have an encrypted technology and data or contents, including voice and messages, shared on their platform cannot be accessed by a third party.

"WhatsApp has an end-to-end encrypted technology. We are more concerned about it. We are very popular because we protect privacy. We do not share content, data or anything," he said.

Sibal also questioned the way in which the matter was listed for hearing before a constitution bench, saying it could not have been referred to such a bench without hearing the issue and framing questions.

Salve countered him saying "it has been done under the order of the Chief Justice of India. The CJI has unbridled power. He is master of the roaster. He can place anything before any bench of any strength".

"It is a direction, by exercise of discretion, that this matter be placed for hearing before a five-judge constitution bench," the court said, adding, "we are not concerned with the issue of net-neutrality. We are concerned with the points raised by the petitioner".

Sibal, however, said that bench headed by CJI J S Khehar should have formulated the questions to be deliberated upon by the constitution bench.

The court said that it would deal with the preliminary objection raised in this regard in its final verdict saying, "once an issue has been raised, it has to be addressed. And we think we shall put the controversy to the rest in this regard".

During the hearing, Salve argued that privacy policy of WhatsApp was "unacceptable" and suffers from constitutional vulnerability as it affects the freedom of an individual.

He argued that WhatsApp could not have framed such policy under the garb of data sharing.

Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for Facebook, told the court that they were in compliance with the provision of the Information and Technology Act and the 2011 privacy policy and rules.

The bench, while posting the matter for hearing on April 27, asked Salve to formulate the issues to be deliberated upon by it by August 24.

During the hearing, the court also asked Salve to explain why the petitioners, Karmanya Singh Sareen and Shreya Sethi, had approached the Delhi High Court in the matter.

To this, the senior counsel said they had moved the high court because of the WhatsApp's new privacy policy as per which user information would be shared with Facebook. Social networking service, Facebook, had bought WhatsApp in 2014.

At the fag end of hearing, Sibal said his preliminary submission was that no constiutional issue was involved in the matter.

To this, the bench said, "Whether a constitutional issue is involved or not, it is required to be addressed. We will address it".

When the apex court proposed May 10 for commencement of hearing in the matter, the lawyers said three constitution benches would sit during the summer vacation, which would start from May 11, and this case should be posted in July.

The bench, however, said, "when five of us (judges) have agreed to work, why don't you people want to work. This is a problem".

The apex court is hearing the appeal assailing the high court verdict on the ground that no relief was granted for data shared by users post September 25, 2016 and it amounted to infringement of fundamental rights under Article 19 (Freedom of Speech and Expression) and 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution.

The apex court had on January 16 sought responses from the Centre and TRAI on the plea that privacy of over 157 million Indians has been infringed by social networking sites - WhatsApp and Facebook - for alleged commercial use of personal communication.

The Delhi High Court had earlier restrained WhatsApp, an instant messaging application, from sharing with Facebook the user information existing upto September 25, 2016, when its new privacy policy came into effect.

The High Court, in its verdict in September last year, had directed WhatsApp to delete the information/data of those who had opted out of the service before September 25, 2016 and not to share them with social networking site Facebook or its group companies.

The high court had also directed the Centre and TRAI to examine the feasibility of bringing the functioning of internet messaging applications like WhatsApp under statutory regulatory framework.

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By Devidutta Tripathy and Douglas Busvine

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian businessman Vijay Mallya, who has been pursued by authorities over unpaid loans tied to his now defunct Kingfisher Airlines, was arrested in London on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Mallya, 61, was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud and will be presented in Westminster Magistrates Court later on Tuesday, the statement added.

India had asked Britain to extradite Mallya to face trial after the liquor and aviation tycoon fled there last March after banks sued to recover about $1.4 billion that Indian authorities say Kingfisher owes.

Mallya has repeatedly dismissed the charges against him and defended himself in messages from his personal account on social media network Twitter.

An India-based spokesman for Mallya's UB Group did not comment immediately.

Indian television channel CNN News18 reported that Mallya was arrested by Scotland Yard and a team of Indian law enforcement officials would visit London to begin work on his extradition.

India's foreign ministry and its federal police, the Central Bureau of Investigation, were not immediately available for comment.

(Reporting by Douglas Busvine and Devidutta Tripathy; Editing by Euan Rocha and Clarence Fernandez)

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- The Reserve Bank of India issued guidelines on Tuesday for investments by commercial banks in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), including setting limits on the overall investments.

The RBI said at a policy review earlier this month that it would allow banks to invest in REITs and InvITs.

Among the guidelines issued on Tuesday, the central bank said banks would not be allowed to invest more than 10 percent of the unit capital of a REIT or InvIT.

For full statement see: http://bit.ly/2pxhOod

(Reporting by Aby Jose Koilparambil in Bengaluru; Editing by Biju Dwarakanath)

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(Reuters) - Yahoo Inc reported a 22.1 percent increase in quarterly revenue on Tuesday, ahead of the sale of its core internet business to Verizon Communications Inc .

Yahoo said revenue from Mavens - the mobile, video, native and social advertising units that it has touted as key emerging businesses - rose 35.6 percent to $529 million in the first quarter ended March 31.

Net income attributable to Yahoo was $99.4 million, or 10 cents per share in the quarter, compared with a net loss of $99.2 million, or 10 cents per share, a year earlier.

Revenue rose to $1.33 billion from $1.09 billion.

Verizon in February agreed to buy Yahoo's core business -which includes its internet search and email assets - for $4.48 billion, lowering its original offer by $350 million, in the wake of two massive cyber attacks at the internet company.

Yahoo said on Tuesday it expects the deal to close in June.

(Reporting by Laharee Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Sai Sachin Ravikumar)

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Opinion / Columnist

The fact that we officially commemorate the Holocaust on January 27, the date of the liberation of Auschwitz, means that remembrance of Nazi crimes focuses on the systematic mass murder of Europe's Jews.The other victims of Nazi racism, including Europe's Sinti and Roma are now routinely named in commemoration, but not all survivors have had equal opportunities to have their story heard. One group of victims who have yet to be publicly memorialised is black Germans.All those voices need to be heard, not only for the sake of the survivors, but because we need to see how varied the expressions of Nazi racism were if we are to understand the lessons of the Holocaust for today.When Hitler came to power in 1933, there were understood to have been some thousands of black people living in Germany - they were never counted and estimates vary widely. At the heart of an emerging black community was a group of men from Germany's own African colonies (which were lost under the peace treaty that ended World War I) and their German wives.They were networked across Germany and abroad by ties of family and association and some were active in communist and anti-racist organisations. Among the first acts of the Nazi regime was the suppression of black political activism. There were also 600 to 800 children fathered by French colonial soldiers - many, though not all, African - when the French army occupied the Rhineland as part of the peace settlement after 1919. French troops were withdrawn in 1930 and the Rhineland was demilitarised until Hitler stationed German units there in 1936.Denial of rights and workThe 1935 Nuremberg Laws stripped Jews of their German citizenship and prohibited them from marrying or having sexual relations with "people of German blood".A subsequent ruling confirmed that black people (like "gypsies") were to be regarded as being "of alien blood" and subject to the Nuremberg principles. Very few people of African descent had German citizenship, even if they were born in Germany, but this became irreversible when they were given passports that designated them as "stateless negroes".In 1941, black children were officially excluded from public schools, but most of them had suffered racial abuse in their classrooms much earlier. Some were forced out of school and none were permitted to go on to university or professional training. Published interviews and memoirs by both men and women, unpublished testimony and post-war compensation claims testify to these and other shared experiences.Employment prospects which were already poor before 1933 got worse afterwards. Unable to find regular work, some were drafted for forced labour as "foreign workers" during World War II. Films and stage shows making propaganda for the return of Germany's African colonies became one of the few sources of income, especially after black people were banned from other kinds of public performance in 1939.IncarcerationWhen SS leader Heinrich Himmler undertook a survey of all black people in Germany and occupied Europe in 1942, he was probably contemplating a round-up of some kind. But there was no mass internment.Research in camp records and survivor testimony has so far thrown up around 20 black Germans who spent time in concentration camps and prisons - and at least one who was a euthanasia victim. The one case we have of a black person being sent to a concentration camp explicitly for being a Mischling (mulatto) - Gert Schramm, interned in Buchenwald aged 15 - comes from 1944.Instead, the process that ended with incarceration usually began with a charge of deviant or antisocial behaviour. Being black made people visible to the police, and it became a reason not to release them once they were in custody.In this respect, we can see black people as victims not of a peculiarly Nazi racism, but of an intensified version of the kinds of everyday racism that persist today.Sterilisation: an assault on familiesIt was the Nazi fear of "racial pollution" that led to the most common trauma suffered by black Germans: the break-up of families. "Mixed" couples were harassed into separating. When others applied for marriage licences, or when a woman was known to be pregnant or had a baby, the black partner became a target for involuntary sterilisation.In a secret action in 1937, some 400 of the Rhineland children were forcibly sterilised. Other black Germans went into hiding or fled the country to escape sterilisation, while news of friends and relatives who had not escaped intensified the fear that dominated people's lives.The black German community was new in 1933; in most families the first generation born in Germany was just coming of age. In that respect it was similar to the communities in France and Britain that were forming around families founded by men from the colonies.Nazi persecution broke those families and the ties of community. One legacy of that was a long silence about the human face of Germany's colonial history: the possibility that black and white Germans could share a social and cultural space.That silence helps to explain Germans' mixed responses to today's refugee crisis. The welcome offered by German chancellor, Angela Merkel, and many ordinary Germans has given voice to the liberal humanitarianism that was always present in German society and was reinforced by the lessons of the Holocaust.The reaction against refugees reveals the other side of the coin: Germans who fear immigration are not alone in Europe. But their anxieties draw on a vision that has remained very powerful in German society since 1945: the idea that however deserving they are, people who are not white cannot be German.This article was corrected on January 27 to clarify the situation in the Rhineland between the two world wars.
In a bid to overhaul the state-run lenders amid rising non-performing assets or NPAs, the government is likely to go for the next round of consolidation by allowing Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Bank of Baroda to take over smaller lenders.

The proposed bank consolidation is aimed at increasing operational efficiencies and managing the affairs of the lenders.

The Economic Times reported that the government was actively looking for consolidation with the Prime Minister's Office keen on having a few large banks rather than several smaller ones.

"We may start with some low-hanging fruit. For example, Punjab & Sind Bank can be merged into Punjab National Bank. Big lenders like Bank of Baroda can take over some turnaround banks in the southern region, like Indian Overseas Bank," The ET quoted a senior Finance Ministry official as saying.

However, the report suggests that no decision has been made as yet.

This is not the first time the government is considering the merger option. Earlier, the cabinet approved the merger of State Bank of India with its five subsidiaries.

While approving the proposal, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said: "This merger will lead to far greater operational efficiency and synergy of operations. When the cost of operations comes down, the cost of funds will come down."
Australia today abolished a visa programme used by over 95,000 temporary foreign workers, majority of them Indians, to tackle the growing unemployment in the country.

The programme known as 457 visa allows business to employ foreign workers for a period up to four years in skilled jobs where there is a shortage of Australian workers.

"We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains: Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs, so we are abolishing the 457 visa, the visa that brings temporary foreign workers into our country," said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The majority of the visa holders were from India followed by the UK and China.

"We will no longer allow 457 visa to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians," he said.

He said Australia will adopt a new 'Australians first' approach to skilled migration.

As at September 30, there were 95,757 workers in Australia on primary 457 visa programme, ABC reported.

The programme will be replaced by another visa programme, with new restrictions.

"It is important businesses still get access to the skills they need to grow and invest, so the 457 visa will be replaced by a new temporary visa, specifically designed to recruit the best and brightest in the national interest," Turnbull said.

Turnbull said the new programme will ensure that foreign workers are brought into Australia in order to fill critical skill gaps and not brought in because an employer finds it easier to recruit a foreign worker than go to the trouble of hiring an Australian.

Turnbull's announcement comes days after he visited India where a range of issues, including national security, counter terrorism, education and energy, were discussed and six agreements were signed.
Four lakh shell companies feel the heat of deregistration over non filing of income tax returns, reports TOI.

Over a third of the 11 lakh active Indian companies could be deregistered as they have failed to file their returns for three financial years.

Quoting the sources, the report said that starting last month, notices are being sent out to over four lakh companies, which have failed to file returns for 2013-14 and 2014-15 with the registrar of companies.

Meanwhile, the companies are being given time span of 30 days to do the needful. If any of the firm would fail to file the returns, its name would be strike off by the government.

To ensure that the defunct companies are unable to undertake transactions, the ministry of corporate affairs (MCA) will make their names public and also share information about the companies and their directors with the income tax department, banks and the Reserve Bank of India, added the report.

The Companies Act now allows firms to have a "dormant" tag, however, very few companies have actually opted for it.

At the end of March 2015, there were 14.6 lakh companies, but only 10.2 lakh were considered active with just 214 classified as dormant.

The sources said told TOI, that just the threat of names being struck off has prompted several companies to file their returns.

The government has launched a drive against shell companies after it found that many of those were depositing cash during demonetisation.

The Centre also has set up a taskforce to make a roadmap to ensure that they are not used as vehicles for tax evasion and money laundering.
The fall from grace has been spectacular. From billionaire liquor baron to two-time Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament to fugitive from justice living in London, life may have finally come full circle for UB Group Chairman Vijay Mallya. With his arrest by Scotland Yard in London, Indian government's efforts to extradite the one time 'King of Good Times' seems to have finally borne fruit.



However, he has been granted bail but "Mallya's arrest is definitely one step forward, but one among many to be traversed before getting anywhere close to his extradition. The good part is that a prima facie case has been made out in the extradition request made by the Government of India earlier this year and a district judge in the UK has found merit in this request. This was possible largely due to the emphasis in the request on the cheating and money laundering aspect of the CBI charge-sheet in the IDBI Bank loan sanction issue," says Ramesh Vaidyanathan, Managing Partner of Advaya Legal, adding that a pure civil wrong of loan default of the borrower or the guarantor would not have entitled an extradition request to the UK authorities.

When British Prime Minister Theresa May chose India as her first destination for an overseas trip after taking over, there were some murmurs that the Indian government had forcefully insisted on the extradition of the fugitive businessman. Mallya who fled to UK nearly a year ago, is wanted for non-repayment of loans and advances to the tune of nearly Rs 9000 crore to various Indian banks and institutions.

In the past he has made offers to settle the dispute with the banks provided they take a substantial haircut on their dues. The banks have rejected this. Once Mallya is extradited to India he is likely to be arrested and would face a slew of charges. Earlier in January this year, CBI had issued a non-bailable warrant for Mallya. "Mallya will have the ability to access due process under the UK law, which will include a full hearing before the district court, hearing before the Secretary of State, High Court and the Supreme Court (in fit cases). He will also be entitled to be let out on bail for now upon certain conditions," says Vaidyanathan.

Mallya still owns a substantial chunk of United Brewerie,s his beer company. For the Modi government, Mallya's arrest and extradition to stand trial will be a way to send the message across that this government is tough on 'crony capitalism.'
Liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya was arrested on Tuesday by the Scotland Yard in London. Mallya was taken to Westminster magistrates' court. The arrest comes after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's recent visit to UK. During his visit, Jaitley had personally appealed to UK PM Theresa May for Mallya's extradition.

Mallya was arrested in the loan default case after the order of Wensminster court. Last month, the British government certified India's request and sent it to a district judge for further action.

In an official statement on Mallya's arrest , Scotland Yard said, "Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit have this morning, Tuesday 18 April arrested a man on an extradition warrant. Vijay Mallya, 61 (18/12/1955), was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud. He was arrested after attending a central London police station, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today, 18 April."

19:50 PM: Ministry of External Affairs said that it the two governments are in touch in this context. Holding that Mallya's arrest in London by Scotland Yard today was in connection with the request by the government to the UK authorities for his extradition, external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.



17:15 PM: Mallya's next date of hearing is on May 17 at 14:00 hrs for the extradition hearing.



17:00 PM: Vijay Mallya tweets "Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected."



16:50 PM: In an interview to ET, Vijay Mallya's counsel said that Mallya has already been granted bail and he is already home.



16:19 PM: Mallya will be brought back to India . The government is working towards it continuously, no one will be spared: Minister of State for Finance, Santosh Gangwar

16:15 PM: UK Police has arrested Vijay Mallya under MLAT treaty, confirms CBI



15:45 PM: The CBI has also confirms the arrest of liquor baron Vijay Mallya.

15:40 PM: Minister ofState for Finance, Santosh Gangwar over Vijay Mallya arrest: Nobody will bespared.

15:35 PM: Vijal Mallya arrested at 9:30 AM in London

Earlier in January, a CBI court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case.

Despite multiple injunctions, Mallya failed to appear before investigators at the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

A Delhi court had also put out an open-ended non-bailable warrant against Mallya in a case of alleged violation of foreign exchange rules.

Banks had previously shot down Mallya's offer of Rs 6,868 crore in April 2016 to settle the dues.

Meanwhile, after three unsuccessful attempts, banks have finally managed to sell off Vijay Mallya's iconic villa in Goa . Actor-producer Sachin Joshi has bought the 'house of good times' for Rs 73 crore.

The sale has been done through a private treaty.

The harried lenders to Kingfisher Airlines have ended the jinx to recover the dues of over Rs9,000 crore by monetising assets of the airline under their custody by selling the villa to actor-producer Sachiin Joshi.

"Secured creditors have the right to go for a private treaty if the auction route fails. With this, it seems the jinx over the sale of KFA properties is over. The villa was sold through a bilateral agreement earlier this week for Rs 73.01 crore to actor-producer Sachiin Joshi," a source who is aware of the development told PTI.

However, Sachin Joshi, the new owner of the grand villa might change its name.

Kingfisher House, the erstwhile headquarters of the airline, was put under the hammer at a reserve price of Rs 103.5 crore while the same for Villa in Goa was Rs 73 crore.

The SBI-led consortium had reduced the reserve price of Kingfisher Villa, the plush property situated at Condolim in North Goa, by 10 per cent from Rs 81 crore quoted in the second attempt at auction of this property in December.

The sea-facing property, which had been home to numerous lavish parties hosted by Mallya in the past, was put under the hammer for the first time last October with a reserve price of Rs 85.29 crore.

Mallya owes over Rs 9,000 crore to lenders like SBI, PNB, IDBI Bank, BoB, Allahabad Bank, Federal Bank and Axis Bank, among others. He left the country on March 3 last year for the UK and Indian authorities have been trying since then to bring him back.

(With inputs from PTI)
The thumb rule of hotels charging their customers for a whole day will soon change as some hospitality chains are now offering cheaper rates for shorter durations, according to a report in the Times of India.

The latest move would benefit travellers who needs an accommodation for a few hours en route to their destination.

The report quoted an example saying, booking a hotel through Frotels.com for a two-hour package at Hotel Imperial Palace at Andheri in Mumbai works out to be Rs 630, as opposed to Rs 2,637 per room night.

Branded hotels are stepping into the segment of shorter stay, especially the ones near airports and in pilgrim towns.

The popular hotel chain, Lemon Tree adopted the initiative this year. A report in TOI quoted Devinder Kumar, general manager, Revenue Management and eCommerce, Lemon Tree saying, "We decided to adopt this strategy because in most of our business hotels, 60% to 70% of departures happen early morning and likewise arrivals happen in the evening".

Another hospitality startup, FreshUp is all about shorter stays. It offers two or three hour packages per person for about Rs 299.

Websites such as 6-hourly, Frotels, Mistay, 9to5.com also offer packages for shorter stays.

Experts feel that the new trend would soon pick up and become popular in the industry.




Ruling out any plans to venture into India's domestic aviation business at this stage, German carrier Lufthansa on Monday said the cost of operations here is "very high."

"We are not interested in being another player for domestic operations. Because we are not an expert in that," Lufthansa Group Airlines' Senior Director for South Asia Wolfgang Will said here.

He was responding to a question whether Lufthansa had any plans to set up a local carrier in India following Qatar Airways announcing its plans to foray into domestic airline business.

"We have the highest fuel cost in India, we have a lot of taxes, very high operational cost because airport charges are very high," Will said, adding it (launching a domestic airline) will be a "misadventure".

"And I did not hear of any domestic airline in India making a lot of profit," he added.

Will said Lufthansa is currently busy in integrating its operations here after the launch of services to Mumbai by its subsidiary Brussels Airline.

"We have no time or possibility to look beyond our current engagement," he stressed.

The Lufthansa Group operates 65 flights per week to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Pune from its Frankfurt and Munich hubs.

Of these, Lufthansa Airlines operates 46 flights per week, while the Swiss Airlines and Brussels Airlines, the two subsidiaries, operate 14 and 5 respectively, per week.

The Brussels Airlines launched its services from Brussels airport to Mumbai on March 31.

An airline conducts business when it has a successful plan in place, he said.

Will said India has a huge demand for international travel.

According to Will, all German carriers together were operating 75 per cent of the total weekly seat entitlement agreed upon between India and Germany under the Air Service Agreement.

"We still have the potential to make use of the (unutilised) bilateral. As an airline group, we have very strong brands presence already in the market (India)," the Lufthansa executive said.

The group will now operate 40 additional seats after the launch of its latest wide-bodied Airbus A350 plane to Mumbai from Munich on Sunday, he said.

Mumbai became Lufthansa's second A350 destination in India after New Delhi with the launch of a flight to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here from Munich.

Lufthansa is upgrading its flight services on the Pune -Frankfurt route to six times per week from the current four from June, Will said.
Xiaomi is all set to launch it's latest flagship Mi 6 today. The device will be unveiled in Beijing at the University Of Technology Gymnasium at 11:30 pm IST. This year, the Chinese smartphone brand will most likely launch two versions of the flagship. The device is also expected to feature dual-curved screen with 2K resolution.

The brand has been doing extremely well in the budget segment but hasn't performed spectacularly in the flagship segment.

Last year, the company faced backlash because they just launched the base variant of Mi 5 with a rather expensive price tag.

Contrary to how most Xiaomi products are received in India, the Mi 5 did not do spectacularly well. It will interesting to see how Xiaomi India deals with the company's new Mi 6 and Mi 6 Plus.



Here's what we know about the device so far:

Design

The leaks haven't left much to guess about the Mi 6 and Mi 6 Plus. The device looks as premium as the previous flagship Mi5. The Chinese company has tried to limit the bezels to a minimum on both sides but has let a relatively big chin and top on the screen-front of the device. The front panel also houses a physical home button which will double up as a finger print sensor.

Features

The Mi 6 and Mi 6 Plus are expected to come with Snapdragon's latest 835 chipset. The same chipset is also powering Samsung's flagship, Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus. The screen size and battery capacity will be the major differences between the Mi 6 and Mi 6 Plus. In a few pictures, the Mi 6 Plus is seen sporting a dual camera set-up. Both sensors are expected to have 12 megapixel sensors.

Pricing

In a recent post on China's popular social media website, Weibo the pricing of both the phones have been revealed. Mi 6 is expected to come in a 64GB ROM/4GB RAM combination at RMB 2,199 (Rs 20,500 approximately) or a 128GB/4GB variant at RMB 2,599 (Rs 24,300 approximately). Whereas, the Mi 6 Plus will be available in 64GB/6GB for RMB 2,599(Rs 24,300 approximately) or 128GB/6GB for RMB 3,099 (Rs 29,000 approximately).
FILE - Dereck James Harrison, left, stands beside his attorney Michael Edwards in a courtroom on Monday, Oct. 24, 2016, in Farmington, Utah. Harrison, who pleaded guilty to tying up five people in a basement was sentenced to serve at least 30 years up to life in prison, but first he'll face murder charges in Wyoming connected to the same crime spree. Harrison is expected to be extradited shortly after his sentencing Monday in Utah. (Briana Scroggins/Utah Standard-Examiner via AP, Pool)

KEMMERER, Wyo. (AP)  A 23-year-old man avoided facing the death penalty by pleading guilty to kidnapping and killing a Utah train worker in Wyoming.

Dereck James Harrison entered his plea Monday during his arraignment in District Court in Kemmerer.

Harrison pleaded guilty to first-degree murder while perpetrating a kidnapping and kidnapping in the May slaying of Kay Porter Ricks, 63, The Salt Lake Tribune reported (http://bit.ly/2oFRacD).

Prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty in exchange for Harrisons guilty plea. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 17.

Harrison already is serving at least 30 years in a Utah prison after pleading guilty last year to tying up a woman and her four daughters in a basement.

After that, he and his father snatched and killed a train worker while on the run from police, prosecutors said.

His father, Flint Harrison, killed himself in jail last July.

Dereck Harrison put most of the blame for Ricks killing on his father, saying that his father was the one who killed Ricks and that he thought they were going to let Ricks free in Wyoming, The Deseret News reported (http://bit.ly/2oiyEX3 ).

Harrison told District Judge Joseph Bluemel that his father cut Ricks throat.

Harrison said he then scuffled with his father and argued with him before Flint Harrison hit Ricks four to five times in the head with a metal rod.

You didnt defend Mr. Ricks? the judge asked.

No, I didnt, Harrison replied.

Dereck Harrison had been charged in Wyoming with four counts: murder in the first degree with premeditation and malice, murder in the first degree while perpetrating a kidnapping, kidnapping, and wrongful taking or disposing of property. Two counts were dropped in the plea deal.

Authorities have said that the Harrisons kidnapped Ricks from a Salt Lake City TRAX stop where he was working and drove Ricks truck to a rural area outside Kemmerer in southwest Wyoming and killed him. Ricks body was left in sage brush off a dirt road.

After a five-day manhunt, the Harrisons were arrested at a remote hideout near the small town of Pinedale.

The whole episode stemmed from drugs, police said. The Harrisons had been using methamphetamine for days and wrongly thought the woman they kidnapped had reported them to police. So they kidnapped her and her daughters.

However, the family escaped from the two, prompting the Harrisons to flee and setting up their encounter with Ricks.
In this Thursday, March 30, 2017, photo, Keith Vallejo leaves the courtroom, in Provo, Utah. A Utah judge sentencing the former Mormon bishop said the convicted rapist was an "extraordinary, good man" who did something wrong. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Judge Thomas Low appeared to become emotional on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, when he sentenced Vallejo to up to life in prison for 10 counts of forcible sexual abuse and one count of object rape. (Dominic Valente/Daily Herald via AP, Pool)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  A Utah judicial oversight commission representative says the number of comments about a judge calling a convicted rapist a good man during his sentencing hearing has nearly tripled since Friday.

Jennifer Yim said Monday that she has received in total about 120 emails, phone calls and Facebook messages about Judge Thomas Low.

That number is up from about 46 on Friday.

The messages started coming in late March when Low came under scrutiny for letting Keith Robert Vallejo out of custody after a jury found him guilty of 10 counts of forcible sexual abuse and one count of object rape.

Yim says most of the messages, though, have come since Lows remarks at Vallejos sentencing hearing Wednesday.

Yim says on average her organization receives about two or three comments about Utah judges each week, so this is an extraordinary number.
Opinion / Columnist

Today Zimbabwe marks year 37 of Independence; the first quarter of 2017 has proved to be the worst for Zimbabweans, there is no hope for a solution from the state.Zimbabwe is arrested by an amalgamation of crises with linear dimensions which are jeopardising any potential to recover and an end to the unpalatable suffering of our people.The failure to respond by those in office has robbed our people the right to enjoy the benefits of sacrifice done by the liberators.Zimbabwe is subject to internal, sovereign dimensions of intra-state activities including corruption, the rule of law, toxicity, hatred, contested elections resulting in state failure and fragility.While Zimbabwe is arrested in these dimensions, the citizen continues to wallow in poverty, toiling without gain, unable to get decent jobs, feed their families, access quality health and education.Millions of our people have found their way out of the border in all directions comparatively many people have escaped independence than they escaped the war period.A majority of formal income earners now spend much of their time queuing for a paltry 50 bond at banks.The government continues to punish the working people including the appetite to introduce new taxes on them.It took us close to four decades of independence to go back to Stone Age economics of butter trade courtesy of the madness of Lazarus Dokora.The African policy maker cannot afford to sit on their hands, watch families sliding into poverty, veterans sleep in the street and major cities drowning into villagisation.After 37 years of self-rule ZANUPF created generations of people who have not had the privilege to be in decent work, earning a salary at the end the month.Most of our people are living on less than a dollar a day while those who claim to be their liberators are using millions to purchase diamond rings for their wives.As we speak hundreds of families are homeless exposed to the unrelenting rains after being ruthlessly evicted from their places in Mazoe by the first lady from hell. Such illegality must have no place in an independent Zimbabwe.In an age of global competition, 37 years of ZANUPF mediocrity has made sure we are now bystanders in the global economy.Failure to deal with the internal dimension also means with are now way disadvantaged when we try to deal with issues that affects us outside the Zimbabwean boundary.As a matter of fact the government of an Independent Zimbabwe is doing its best to isolate our nation and further our slide backwards. As at today SADC countries have decided to build a highway bypassing Zimbabwe which will amount to further revenue and job losses.The government's failure to transform the colonial idea of economic activity which is inextricably linked to the metropol specifically designed to extract raw commodities and agriculture produce is now causing serious challenges. It is just but a manifestation of 37 years of leadership with no vision.Even after four decades of governing ourselves, we are still linked to the umbilical cord of extractive economics determined by what happens on the global commodity circuits, lack of leadership has us walking in circles.As a result many of our people are migrating to the major cities with no proper infrastructure to support the population.Millions are in Harare supported by infrastructure designed for 480 000 people, resultantly there are electricity blackouts, water rationing with some suburbs not receiving any water in years.Typhoid out breaks and cholera have claimed lives of Zimbabweans in a country which is ironically commemorating 37 years of independence, let alone the idea that these are diseases of stone age centuries.Our message is on this day is clear, Zimbabweans must unite against the dictatorship depose of them and begin a process of transformation.Zimbabwe must start a process of economic recovery; we need to gradually move into creating sufficient fiscal buffers to protect ourselves from future economic challenges as well as graduate from the traditional entry of capital which is the sale of raw commodities by creating a new model of value addition and beneficiation.As we have stated before we also need to construct ourselves out of this crisis, create decent jobs and lift the masses out of poverty.An independent Zimbabwe must deal with the ghost of inequality as well as uneven development which dominated the 37 years of independence.With ZANUPF in power the efforts of the struggle will go down the drain, we need to rise and RECLAIM ZIMBABWE, pursue the unfinished business of the liberation struggle.Together Another Zimbabwe is PossibleTendai BitiPeople's Democratic Party President
Jonathan Dunn, 29, accused of abusing a six-month-old baby from North Logan.

LOGAN  An Ogden man has been put in jail as a judge postponed sentencing for the 30-year-old man, accused of breaking the arm of a six-month-old baby.

Jonathan A. Dunn appeared in 1st District Court Monday after previously pleading guilty in January to one count of child abuse, a second-degree felony. His attorney asked the court for a continuance, so they could obtain a letter from a counselor who had been treating the defendant.

State attorney Spencer Walsh said hearing from Dunns therapist would be helpful for the court but expressed concern about postponing the sentencing further. He also noted that the victims mother had traveled from Montana to in court.

A victim advocate read a letter from her, asking the court to sentence Dunn to prison. It read in part, the defendant abused a defenseless baby and the woman wanted to know why. She went onto say, he shouldnt have any contact with children. She also asked for a restraining order, saying she was scared for her life.

Dunn was arrested in March 2016 after North Park Police reported a baby was taken to a hospital with a broken arm and severe bruising. While treating the child, hospital staff notified agents with Child and Family Services (DCFS) who then called officers. The baby was not related to Dunn, and the abuse allegedly occurred while he was visiting a home in North Logan. He was later released from jail after posting bail.

During Mondays sentencing, Judge Allen said the case has been pending for a long time. He ordered Dunn to be taken into custody and rescheduled sentencing for May 1, so defense attorney Bryan Galloway can contact Dunns counselor.

<hr /><p style=text-align: center;>will@cvradio.com
Men's Politics Change If They Earn Less Than Their Wives, Harvard Study Says

Trending News: How Your Wife's Salary Secretly Influences Your Politics

Long Story Short

A Harvard Business Review analysis has concluded that when men aren't the breadwinner their opinions change on abortion and government aid to African Americans.

Long Story

Long gone are the days when nearly all U.S. households have a male breadwinner and a stay-at-home mom. Gender roles are shifting  for the better  as women have the opportunity to make as much, or more money than their male counterparts (although, wages are still far from equal).

So with more women bringing home the bacon, and perhaps becoming the breadwinner in their homes, how are men feeling?

The Harvard Business Review crunched the numbers and found clear changes of opinion when women make more money than their husbands.

The Harvard publication looked at responses of 854 men interviewed up to three times between 2006 and 2010, as part of the General Social Survey. The men were asked their opinions on abortion rights as well as government aid to African Americans. Interestingly, opinions changed depending on whether their wife's income superseded their own.

For Republicans who made less money than their wives, support for abortion dropped. For Democrats who made less money, it was the opposite; liberals were more inclined to support abortion rights if they earned less income than their wives.

A similar partisan split occurred for the question of government aid. When Republicans earned less than the woman of the house, they were more critical of government hand outs to African Americans. Inversely, lower earning Democrats were more sympathetic to aid.

Dan Cassino, the professor who wrote the story for HBR, said the reason for the change in opinion has to do with masculinity. When men earn less, they perceive a threat to their manhood, and thus change up their opinions. For conservatives, they tend to double down on their partisan beliefs while liberals may rebel against traditional general roles.

Or, perhaps this says more about the massive political opinion gap in our country than in does masculinity?

Inevitably, more and more homes will have a #1 female earner, and that's A-okay. A recent study found that when men are the breadwinner it isn't good for their health anyway.

At the end of the day, there's really no reason to feel threatened if your wife earns more. There's nothing unmanly about being an awesome dad/homemaker/moral supporter.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

What does money have to do with a women's right to choose?

Drop This Fact

The gender-pay gap is alive and well, unfortunately. In 2015, women earned 84% of what men did, according to Pew.
How Finland could be a smoke-free country by 2030

Published on April 18, 2017

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The days of lighting up in Helsinki are numbered. Finland will become the first country in the world to introduce a total ban on smoking, which is expected to come into effect in 2030.

In Finland, smoking should in the not too distant future, be a thing of the past. It is an unhealthy habit, having detrimental effects on one's health and the environment, and above all, it has become increasingly expensive.

As early as 2010, the Finnish government announced that it was hoping to impose a complete ban on smoking by 2040. But now, the date for the ban has been brought forward by 10 years: in 2030, the government plans to start to phase out all tobacco products. Compared with their European counterparts, Scandinavians are model pupils. Only 15.4.% of the Finnish population are classified as daily smokers, according to an OECD study from 2015, which puts them on an equal footing with their Swedish and Norwegian neighbours. In other European countries, a higher proportion of the population is unable to shake their daily habit: in Greece it's27.3%, in Hungary 25.8% and in Latvia 24.6%.

Finland hits the ground running

When it comes to health consciousness, social justice, and equal rights, Scandinavian countries are leading the way in Europe. The results of the World Happiness Report, an annual study led by the United Nations, support the notion that Scandinavians enjoy a higher quality of life, with three Scandinavian countries - Norway, Denmark and Finland - appearing in the top five. Closeness to nature, environmental protection and access to healthcare can be attributed to these countries' elevated levels of happiness. A whole range of medical problems, from addictions to smoker's leg and infertility, are also less prevalent in Scandinavia.

For some time, the Finnish government has been working towards its goal of making Finland a tobacco-free country and it has been relatively successful: the period between 2005 and 2015 ,saw a significant drop in smoking rates among 14-20 year-olds. Seemingly, smoking in Finland has lost its appeal.

Since 1978, advertising for cigarettes and tobacco has been banned in Finland. In 1995, smoking in public spaces was prohibited, and since 2012 shops have been barred from displaying packets of cigarettes. Furthermore, the price of tobacco goods, as well as alcohol, has become comparatively higher.

The new Finnish smoke detector

However, drastic measures will be needed in order to expunge cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine gum and snuff tobacco from the Finnish consciousness. Imagine your neighbour is enjoying a cigarette on their balcony. It is a warm summer's day, and clouds of smoke drift towards your balcony. Their little habit may be a nuisance, but it is also an individual freedom that could soon be curtailed. As of early 2017, letting agencies have been free to ban tenants from smoking on their balconies, terraces or roofs (with prior warning, of course). Furthermore, pipe- and cigarette-shaped confectionary has disappeared from product lines, so that young people aren't tempted to try smoking. Even nicotine gum is now a distant memory for children who grew up in the 1990s. Good old Scandinavian altruism, or an infringement of human rights?

Further details regarding the ban have been announced. It will become increasingly difficult for Finnish retailers to sell luxury goods to customers: retailers have always been required to have a license in order to sell tobacco products, but now they will be saddled with a surveillance fee of 500 per checkout. The goal is to minimize consumption through higher taxation, and to make sales of tobacco goods increasingly unprofitable.

However, we all know that forbidden fruits taste the sweetest. Is the criminalisation of tobacco products definitely the best course of action? Would it not be more effective to invest in more health awareness campaigns? Of course, the Finnish government is quick to quash any doubts: Kaari Paaso, Prevention Expert at the Finnish Ministry of Health, told CNN in an interview that smoking needs to be systematically "stubbed out" from all corners of the globe.

Personal freedoms aside, restrictions on smoking so far hasn't appeared to have had a negative impact on the levels of happiness of Finnish citizens. In any case, over the next few year, we will keep our eyes on the World Happiness Index, to see if Finland can maintain its position at the top of the leaderboard.

Translated from Rauchverbot ab 2030: Keine Fluppen mehr in Finnland
Bonus Quotation of the Day

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 is from page 44 of Nathan Omans 2016 book, The Dignity of Commerce:

Exchange thus requires a kind of other-regardingness. To be sure, it is not altruism. Our concern with the advantages of the butcher, the brewer, and the baker is not the love of our neighbors. Exchange does not require such love. Commerce, however, is impossible when I am indifferent to the concerns of my trading partner. In a more aristocratic age, tradespeople were an object of scorn precisely because of the servility that the market imposed on them. Gentlemen possessed the luxury of satisfying their needs while maintaining indifference to others. The tradesman, in contrast, could not afford hauteur because he was dependent on the satisfaction of others interests for the gratification of his own needs.

DBx: Quite so. Even when trade results in increases in monetary differences (inequality) among people, trade decreases differences in treatment. Trade discourages the treating of others with contempt, with scorn, or even with indifference. Note also that Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and other merchant billionaires must be as attentive to the needs of their customers as is the corner florist and the local handyman. Indeed, to become unusually wealthy in markets generally requires unusual success at anticipating and meeting the needs of others. And it requires also a politeness toward countless others  toward customers and suppliers alike.

Trade not only enriches. Trade polishes us (that is, trade makes us polite). Trade brings into greater equality the treatment that people of very different social and economic standings are accorded in their market dealings. Trade creates greater social equality even when it results in greater inequalities of monetary incomes and wealth. As the title of Nates book suggests, trade dignifies. Trade dignifies not only by requiring that each of us treat our fellows in markets with respect and attention, but also by according to each of us in markets the respect and attention of those which whom we deal.

Trade civilizes. Obstructions to trade are, therefore, uncivilized and barbaric.

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Barrister ACHU brandishing evidence of threats CIN Screen Capture

Barrister ACHU Julius NGU, the legal representative of the Consortium of Parents which has dragged some Catholic Bishops to court, has revealed that some unidentified people are after his life and want him dead or alive.

Speaking on Equinoxe Television, a Douala based popular Channel; the legal mind said his pictures are flooding Social Media with Red Cross on his face and an inscription, Wanted Dead or Alive. Barrister ACHU Julius, who is the lawyer for the Consortium of Parents which has embarked on a legal battle with the Catholic Church in Bamenda, is claiming the sum of 150.000.000 FCFA as special and general damages for non school resumption.

The Consortium of Parents is accusing the Bishops, Principals, Reverend Fathers and Sisters for their role in ensuring that school does not resume basing their arguments on numerous outings by the latter which according to the legal representative were offences and punishable under the Penal Code.

Samuel Kleda Reacts, Says Catholic Church Is Innocent

Reacting on the accusations, the President of National Episcopal Conference, Archbishop Samuel Kleda said the, The Catholic Church did not begin the strike and cannot be accused today of preventing students from going to school.

The Archbishop of the Douala Archdiocese wondered why only the Catholic Church when schools have been paralyzed in almost all sectors both in Public, Private and Confessional schools.

However His Lordship Samuel Kleda said the Church has no lawyer but will be in Court for Justice to prevail.

By Wilson MUSA
Rev Fonki Samuel, PCC Moderator W. Musa

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, PCC, Rt. Rev Fonki Samuel has been summoned to appear at the Buea High Court on Monday April 24, 2017 to answer charges which at Press time have not been mentioned.

The Information is confirmed by a close aid of the Moderator and later by the Communication Secretary of the PCC, Rev.MOKOKO Mbue Thomas who however said he has not yet read the summons but is aware that his Boss will appear in Court next week.

The Moderators message to Christians read thus, Dear all, I have been summoned at the Buea High Court on Monday 24th of April 2017.The summons is in my name. We need your prayers. Moderator PCC.

Last week some PCC Christians had dispelled rumors that the Moderator had been summoned.

The reasons for his summons have not been made but observers hold that it may be connected with the non school resumption in Presbyterian Schools.

The summons comes barely one week after Catholic Bishops in Bamenda received Direct Summon form Consortium of Parents claiming the sum of 150.000.000 FCFA as special and general damages incurred by them as a result of the stalemate.

By Wilson MUSA
| BY Ricki Green |

Ogilvy Sydney has further bolstered its strategic capabilities, announcing the appointment of Dr Juliette Tobias-Webb (left) to the role of behaviour change lead  OgilvyChange, and Jason Westerman (right) to senior strategy director  Ogilvy Sydney.

Ogilvy Sydneys chief strategy officer, Toby Harrison, said the agencys over-riding focus was to appoint best-in-class professionals with skills and experience across many different disciplines in order to meet the ever changing needs of clients and their customers.

Says Harrison: Every business is different requiring a very specific type of talent with an ability to work in a very precise way. Ogilvy uses its team of highly connected specialists to collaborate and draw on each-others different skills in order to respond to a clients needs in a bespoke and effective manner.

Having professionals of Juliette and Jasons calibre as part of our team puts Ogilvy at the forefront of the Behavioural Science and Customer Experience disciplines and I am delighted to welcome them both on board.

Tobias-Webb was most recently Research Fellow with The Behavioural Insights Team in Sydney and prior to that achieved her doctorate at the University of Cambridge completing a PhD in Psychology. She has also enjoyed stints as a lecturer and research officer at globally-renowned institutions including University of BC, Canada, the Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney and Bond University, Queensland.

Says Tobias-Webb: I am delighted to join an agency with such a strong commitment to behavioural science, I believe its a crucial part of a modern agencys strategic offering.

Joining Ogilvy will allow me to combine my love of brain science and how it influences behaviour with some of the best creative minds in the industry. Together we will develop practical and innovative solutions and create measureable changes to our clients brands.

Previously client services director at Red Engine and prior to that director of planning and content at TheFARM Digital, Westerman brings outstanding experience to Ogilvy encompassing content, digital, brand planning and emerging and interactive platforms.

With a skills set including leadership of multiple teams to develop strategies and content across digital and social media, Westermans immediate remit is driving integrated brand narrative through CX and communications across Ogilvys client roster.

Harrison said Westermans holistic approach to strategy and planning together with his experience, knowledge and technical capability ensured Ogilvys clients could unlock their brands value at every part of the customer experience.

Says Harrison: Whilst Juliette and Jason are both excellent practitioners in their own fields, it is their tremendous ability to collaborate that makes them such an exciting addition to our team.
| BY Ricki Green |

Leading international skincare brand Paulas Choice has partnered with Bohemia Group following a competitive pitch to help grow the brand in Australia.

Says Michael Africa, senior vice president digital, Paulas Choice: We were impressed with Bohemias technical capability in performance marketing and their understanding of the cultural differences in skincare between Australia and the United States. We have been successfully operating in Australia without a local partner in this area, and were excited to see the difference Bohemias strategy and expertise will have in growing our brand down under.

Says Sebastian Graham, group performance director at Bohemia: Were looking forward to working with the team at Paulas Choice. Theyve got big goals for growth and the product to match it. Their attitude as a challenger brand is exactly what were looking for as it allows us to do the best work we can across the entire customer journey.
| BY Lynchy |

Hakuhodo Singapore Creative Director, James Keng Lim, heads this years Crowbar Awards to lend his stewardship in recognising emerging talents.

A multi-awarded communications leader, Lims forte lies in creating authentic and transformative storytelling that connects brands with their audiences.

With 18 years of driving the communications agenda, his work is regularly recognised by highly respected advertising, marketing effectiveness and digital award shows such as D&AD, Cannes, One Show, EFFIES, APPIES, Mob-Ex, and Asia Interactive Awards. In addition, he has also been on the panel of judges for numerous industry award shows such as New York Advertising Festival, Creative Circle Awards, Crowbar Challenge, and Google Creative Awards.

Lim (pictured above) said, There is a new world order. As advertising becomes an increasingly competitive business, creativity alone isnt enough. We need the next generation of creatives to be holistic in their approach: creatively original, entrepreneurial and innovative, knowledgeable of different platforms, and commercially business-savvy.

Whilst creativity still reigns supreme, it is no longer just in the creatives domain. We simply cant afford to operate in silos. Otherwise well all go the way of the dodo. This years Crowbar will be a celebration of creativity in all its glory.

Bernard Chan, CEO of 4As says, 4As is pleased and honoured to have James Keng Lim onboard as Chairperson of the Crowbar Awards this year. We believe that with his knack for storytelling and Hakuhodos belief in grooming young stars of tomorrow by harnessing their talents today, they can bring to the jury table a new and fascinating personality that the Crowbar Awards is looking for. We have exciting activities in the pipeline and are really looking forward to launching this years awards show.

From its commencement in 2001, the Crowbar Awards has since become a leading award show for budding creatives to showcase their best ideas. The show now attracts over 1000 entries from local, regional and international tertiary institutions. This includes entries from the US, UK, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. The entries, which span the disciplines of Advertising, Branding, Design, Digital, Film, Innovation and Technology, are judged by leading industry creatives, clients, and specialists.

The Crowbar Awards is organised by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Singapore (4As).
| BY Lynchy |

An aspiring French filmmaker sits down with Hollywoods top producers of big budget blockbusters to pitch his seemingly eccentric movie ideas. It doesnt go well. Unbeknownst to them, the scripts he describes have already been created and released to critical acclaim, even winning The Palme dOr, the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film

Festival.

This is the crux of new short films released by Alliance Francaise de Singapour, part of the leading global network promoting French language and culture, in support of their efforts to promote French cinema to audiences in Singapore and around the world and grow its popularity.

We are very excited by this campaign as we feel it conveys French cinemas depth of script writing in a fresh and humorous way. The intention is not to be, obviously, in competition with Hollywood but to broaden audiences horizons. Were eager to see how this film will help to promote French cinema in Singapore and abroad and attract larger, more diverse audiences, said Anne-Garance Primel, Executive Director, Alliance Francaise de Singapour.

What the experiment showed is that even the very best French cinematic masterpieces wouldnt have had a chance in Hollywood as they dont fit the traditional formula.
[April 17, 2017] Open Therapeutics Integrates ORCID Identifiers Into Therapoid

Open Therapeutics announces the integration of ORCID into its novel scientific crowdsourcing platform, Therapoid. ORCID establishes "a permanent, clear, and unambiguous record of research and scholarly communication by enabling reliable attribution of authors and contributors." According to Jason E. Barkeloo, Founder and Executive Chairman of Open Therapeutics, "ORCID is an important identifier system for the scientific community. We are grateful to the ORCID team for the seamless integration of the ORCID system into our research collaboration platform." When scientists register to the Therapoid platform they can choose to register via their ORCID. If the researcher does not have an ORCID s/he is encouraged to freely secure one at https://orcid.org/register. Mr. Barkeloo will speak about the Open Therapeutics integration of ORCID at the ORCID conference, Chicago, April 27th, 2017 at the Big Ten Conference Center, Chicago, IL: More on the conference at https://orcid.org/content/orcid-us-roadshow-chicago.



According to Dr. Laurel L. Haak, Executive Director, ORCID, "The ORCID system provides an identifier for individuals to use with their name as they engage in research, scholarship, and innovation activities. We provide open tools that enable transparent and trustworthy connections between researchers, their contributions, and affiliations. We provide this service to help people find information and to simplify reporting and analysis." About Open Therapeutics LLC

Open Therapeutics (http://OpenTherapeutics.org) is a crowdsourcing life science firm that creates and attracts therapeutic biotechnologies and crowdsources them for the global scientific community. The global research community can freely access the biotechnologies and funding to further the development of the biotechnologies at Therapoid (https://Therapoid.net). The Company is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, with laboratory operations in Covington, Kentucky, Cincinnati, OH, Amman, Jordan, and Bangalore, India. About ORCID ORCID's vision is a world where all who participate in research and innovation, from imagining to building and managing, are uniquely identified and connected to their contributions across disciplines, and borders, and time. ORCID provides an identifier for individuals to use with their name as they engage in research and innovation activities. We provide open tools that enable transparent and trustworthy connections between researchers, their contributions, and affiliations. We provide this service to help people find information and to simplify reporting and analysis. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170417005915/en/

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Monday, April 17, 2017 at 10:33PM

One more Uber executive has left the company. This time its Sherif Marakby, Ubers vice president of Global Vehicle Programs, who helped launched the companys self-driving program in Pittsburgh. It isnt clear why Marakby left Uber but according to Automotive News, it isnt related to the lawsuit the company has with Waymo. It cant be said if its related to sexual harassment allegations either. Marakby joined Uber back in April after working for Ford for 25 years.

Sherifs deep experience and knowledge of the automotive industry have helped us tremendously in working to make self-driving cars a reality, an Uber spokesperson told TechCrunch in a statement. Marakby joins at least five other execs whove left the company in the past few months, including its head of comms, president, head of AI Labs, SVP of engineering, and VP of growth.
"In the face of growing intolerance of religious or other conscientious beliefs ... it is very likely that people of faith will suffer discrimination and vilification of various kinds for holding fast to the traditional understanding of marriage," the submission says.
The tour marks the 40th anniversary of Cooper's first Australian tour in 1977, when he broke all existing attendance records. He has continued to tour Down Under over the years, and this will be his 13th tour of Australia.
[April 17, 2017] Theranos Reaches Resolution with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Theranos, Inc. announced today that it had reached a global settlement agreement with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that resolves all outstanding legal and regulatory proceedings between CMS and Theranos. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, CMS has withdrawn the revocation of the company's CLIA operating certificates and reduced its civil monetary penalty against the company to $30,000. As part of the agreement, Theranos affirmed that, consistent with the business plans it outlined last fall, the company will not own or operate a clinical laboratory within the next two years. Theranos exited the clinical lab and retail business last year, and is focusing on its miniaturized, autmated testing platforms and related chemistries. The Company looks forward to working with regulatory authorities to secure approval for these innovative technologies.



The company is also withdrawing its September 2015 appeal of the sanctions imposed by CMS on its Newark clinical laboratory. About Theranos

Founded in 2003 by Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos, Inc. is a health technology company headquartered in Palo Alto (News - Alert), Calif. Its proprietary miniLab platform is designed to enable earlier disease detection and intervention by facilitating low-cost, small-sample collection, testing, and rapid communication of diagnostic information in distributed settings. To learn more about Theranos, visit www.theranos.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170417005931/en/

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[April 17, 2017] IGT Announces Agreement To Sell Double Down Interactive LLC To DoubleU Games As Part Of New Strategic Partnership In Social Casino

LONDON, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC ("IGT") (NYSE:IGT) today announced it has signed a definitive purchase agreement to sell its social casino subsidiary, Double Down Interactive LLC, to an affiliate of DoubleU Games Co., Ltd., a leading global social casino operator headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The transaction establishes a new multi-year strategic partnership between IGT and DoubleU Games to provide innovative player experiences in the social casino market worldwide. "Since acquiring DoubleDown in 2012, IGT has grown it into one of the largest and most successful brands in the North American social casino market," said Marco Sala, CEO of IGT. "After several years of strong, organic growth and increasingly attractive valuation levels, the time is right for us to maximize the value of this asset for our shareholders. We will continue participating in the growth of the social casino market through our multi-year, strategic partnership with DoubleU Games." "This transaction represents a unique and value-accretive partnership combining the operational excellence of DoubleU Games with IGT's world class slot content," said Ga-Ram Kim, CEO of DoubleU Games. "With this partnership, we are excited and confident about DoubleU Games' future as a global leader in social casino." The cash purchase price is $825 million, which represents 10.5x DoubleDown's full-year 2016 Adjusted EBITDA. Proceeds from the transaction will be used for general corporate purposes, including debt reduction. IGT will provide an updated financial outlook that includes the full impact of this transaction in late May, in conjunction with its first quarter of 2017 results. Upon the closing of the sale, the parties will enter into a game development, distribution and services agreement which will enable DoubleU Games to offer IGT's extensive casino game library on DoubleU Games' combined social casino platforms, in exchange for ongoing royalties to IGT. The sale has been approved by the Board of Directors of IGT and the necessary governance body of DoubleU Games, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. The sale is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of 2017. The Raine Group and Credit Suisse International are acting as financial advisors to IGT, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Cooley LLP are providing legal counsel. Deutsche Bank is acting as financial advisor to DoubleU Games, and Kim & Chang and Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP are providing legal counsel. About IGT

IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We enable players to experience their favorite games across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Interactive and Social Gaming. Leveraging a wealth of premium content, substantial investment in innovation, in-depth customer intelligence, operational expertise and leading-edge technology, our gaming solutions anticipate the demands of consumers wherever they decide to play. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the word, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has over 12,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.IGT.com.



About DoubleU Games

DoubleU Games (KRX:192080) is one of the leading social casino gaming publishers based in Seoul, Korea. Founded in 2012, DoubleU Games is the only Asia-based social casino game operator among global top-tier players. For more information, please refer to www.doubleugames.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning International Game Technology PLC and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, dividends, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of International Game Technology PLC as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, such management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "could," "would," "should," "shall," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "guidance," "intend," "may," "will," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project" or the negative or other variations of them. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of International Game Technology PLC's control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements and from past results, performance or achievements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) the possibility that the sale of DoubleDown Interactive may not be consummated in a timely manner or at all, including as a result of a failure to satisfy a condition to closing (including regulatory approvals); the possibility that there may be an adverse effect or disruption from the sale of DoubleDown Interactive that negatively impacts International Game Technology PLC's remaining businesses; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the sale to International Game Technology PLC or the strategic partnership with DoubleU Games may not be realized as presently contemplated or at all; the sale-related costs and charges being greater than anticipated; the possibility that the businesses of International Game Technology (Nevada) and GTECH S.p.A. will not be integrated successfully, or that the combined companies will not realize estimated cost savings, synergies, growth or other anticipated benefits or that such benefits may take longer to realize than expected; unanticipated costs of integration of International Game Technology (Nevada) and GTECH S.p.A.; the possibility that International Game Technology PLC will be unable to pay future dividends to shareholders or that the amount of such dividends may be less than anticipated; the possibility that International Game Technology PLC may not obtain its anticipated financial results in one or more future periods; reductions in customer spending; a slowdown in customer payments and changes in customer demand for products and services as a result of changing economic conditions or otherwise; unanticipated changes relating to competitive factors in the industries in which International Game Technology PLC operates; International Game Technology PLC's ability to hire and retain key personnel; the impact of the consummation of the combination of International Game Technology (Nevada) and GTECH S.p.A. or the sale of DoubleDown Interactive on relationships with third parties, including customers, employees and competitors; International Game Technology PLC's ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers in the manner anticipated; reliance on and integration of information technology systems; changes in legislation or governmental regulations affecting International Game Technology PLC, including as a consequence of the announced withdrawal of the U.K. from the EU; international, national or local economic, social or political conditions that could adversely affect International Game Technology PLC or its customers; conditions in the credit markets; changes in the top management team; risks associated with assumptions International Game Technology PLC makes in connection with its critical accounting estimates; the resolution of pending and potential future legal, regulatory or tax proceedings and investigations; and International Game Technology PLC's international operations, which are subject to the risks of currency fluctuations and foreign exchange controls. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that affect International Game Technology PLC's business, including those described in International Game Technology PLC's annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended December 31, 2015 and other documents filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations section of International Game Technology PLC's website at www.IGT.com. Except as required under applicable law, International Game Technology PLC does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements. Nothing in this news release is intended, or is to be construed, as a profit forecast or to be interpreted to mean that earnings per International Game Technology PLC share for the current or any future financial years will necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings per International Game Technology PLC share, as applicable. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to International Game Technology PLC, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Contact:

Robert K. Vincent, Corporate Communications, toll free in U.S./Canada (844) IGT-7452; outside U.S./Canada (401) 392-7452

James Hurley, Investor Relations, (401) 392-7190

Simone Cantagallo, (+39) 06 51899030; for Italian media inquiries To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/igt-announces-agreement-to-sell-double-down-interactive-llc-to-doubleu-games-as-part-of-new-strategic-partnership-in-social-casino-300440482.html SOURCE IGT

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[April 18, 2017]

Nokia studies outline business return-on-investment from 5G services

Press Release

Nokia studies remove 'guesswork' from operator and enterprise 5G business planning

Findings show solid business case including payback periods for new, high-value services services supported by 5G, their business models and network impact

Data shows only 5G can provide performance required for services including industrial applications and immersive virtual reality video to huge audiences



18 April, 2017



Brooklyn, New York - Nokia is leveraging its business modeling and 5G Acceleration Services capabilities to remove the guesswork from operators' 5G network evolution plans. New Nokia studies have revealed the benefits of deploying 5G and identify those services with the potential to offer the greatest return on investment.

5G promises to change many aspects of the way people live and work, and service providers and enterprises want to understand how it will meet their specific business needs. Using tailored modelling that reflects customer-specific needs, Nokia's 5G Acceleration Services can help operators and enterprises identify how the move to 5G will enable them to deliver new services that transform the customer experience and create new revenue streams.

In-depth Nokia analysis of how 5G will perform in real networks has found that it can:

increase capacity by 40 times compared to 4G, making it the only commercially viable technology for the delivery of a true immersive VR video experience to massive numbers of subscribers in high-attendance venues

substantially reduce the cost-per-device in a smart city deployment handling millions of connected devices, including IoT sensors

deliver the '99.999 percent reliability' and low-latency at-scale required in an Industry 4.0 environment

Nokia's research and analysis also shows how operators and enterprises can capitalize on early 5G deployments to drive the best return on investment (ROI). Business cases include:

'5G to the Home' will break even after four years if the monthly average revenue per user remains above EUR 40

5G events and hotspots, in locations such as stadiums, have a one-year payback period depending on the number of events held at the location, with at least five events per month required to ensure a profitable business case

operators can ahieve tangible early mover advantages in terms of revenue and market share for services such as in-vehicle infotainment







Harold Graham, head of the 5G Business Line at Nokia said: "In these studies we have delivered key new insight into the benefits and business opportunities enabled by 5G. With our 5G FIRST end-to-end technology platform and 5G Acceleration Services, we have a comprehensive offer that we can leverage to help operators and enterprises understand the real value of 5G in relation to their particular business needs. Working closely with our customers we can help them evolve their business cases and provide clear recommendations for investments on their path to 5G."

Nokia will highlight its 5G Acceleration Services capabilities and discuss in more detail the findings from its studies at the Brooklyn 5G Summit from 19 to 21 April. Find out more and register to receive live streaming video from the event.

Did you know

In February, Nokia announced its commercial 5G FIRST system based on early specifications. 5G FIRST leverages the breadth of Nokia's network capabilities and will provide operators with a first-to-market advantage with the delivery of ultra-low latency and ultra-high throughput to meet the growing demands of people and connected things.

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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

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[April 18, 2017] Digital Health Company Murj Emerges from Stealth, Announces $4.5M in Financing

Murj, Inc., a digital health company dedicated to helping clinicians streamline care for patients with implantable cardiac devices, today announced more than $4.5 million in financing. True Ventures led the most recent Series A financing. Social Capital joined the Series A, along with investors from the seed round. Jon Callaghan has joined the Murj Board of Directors with the closing of the Series A. Founded by former Apple (News - Alert) product manager and top-performing Medtronic sales representative Todd Butka, Murj aims to liberate device clinics from paper processes and other ineffective device management tools, freeing clinicians to focus on what truly matters - caring for patients. Today's implantable cardiac devices such as pacemakers, loop recorders and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) continually generate important patient health and technical data. Current data management tools are inadequate and clinicians are overwhelmed by the burden of managing device data, both remotely and when patients visit the office. The lack of effective tools makes it difficult for clinics to track patients and capture reimbursements, and an unexpected event such as a device recall can create an enormous paperwork burden. "As a field representative working with electrophysiologists for over a decade, I was dismayed by the inefficiency of monitoring cardiac devices," said Todd Butka, CEO of Murj. "From my experience at Apple, I saw the tremendous potential for well-designed technology to impact the care of patients with cardiac devices. Our solution dramatically improves clinic productivity, while providing clinicians with previously unavailable insight about ther clinic and patients."



Murj is a cloud-based, HIPAA-compliant application accessed via a secure web browser. Murj consolidates data from all implantable cardiac device types and manufacturers into an elegant, robust platform that delivers rapid clinical care and deep patient insight. Murj will be on display in booth #331 at the Heart Rhythm Scientific Sessions (HRS) conference taking place May 10-13 in Chicago, Ill. "At True, we invest in entrepreneurs that show dedication to long-term market leadership and desire to have a broad, lasting impact; Murj fits this profile perfectly," said Jon Callaghan, co-founder of True Ventures. "As implantable and wearable cardiac devices proliferate, the need for advanced tools to manage the data flowing from these devices is paramount."

"True Ventures has been a terrific partner to help us uncover the potential of our technology. We couldn't be happier to have their participation in our growth," added Butka. About Murj, Inc. Murj is a digital health company dedicated to helping clinicians streamline care for patients with implantable cardiac devices. Murj greets the challenge of managing the rapid growth of cardiac device data as an opportunity to improve care and deliver insight. Murj aims to liberate device clinics from paper reports and inadequate management tools, freeing clinicians to get back to the heart of the matter - their patients. For more information visit www.murj.com. About True Ventures Founded in 2005, True Ventures is a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology startups. With five core funds and capital under management in excess of $1.4 billion, True provides seed and Series A funding to the most talented entrepreneurs in today's fastest growing markets. With a mission to make the world a better place for entrepreneurs, True encourages each founder's vision and has built resources to empower the employees, families and communities of its portfolio companies. The firm maintains a strong founder community and offers innovative educational opportunities to its portfolio, helping entrepreneurs achieve higher levels of success and impact. With more than 200 companies funded and multiple companies acquired, the current True portfolio has helped create over 8,500 jobs. To learn more about True Ventures, visit www.trueventures.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170418005517/en/

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[April 18, 2017] New Patent on Software as a Therapeutic for Depression and other Disorders

SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The US Patent Office has issued a comprehensive patent to Posit Science for inventions utilizing brain training software to address depression, mood and anxiety disorders. It is believed to be the first patent of its kind.

Brain training has recently emerged as a new pathway for treating neurological disorders by harnessing the brains plasticity  its natural ability to change chemically, structurally and functionally. The Posit Science team includes many pioneers in applied brain plasticity research. Its global team is led by Dr. Michael Merzenich, who has been elected to both the US National Academy of Sciences and the US National Academy of Medicine for his work  most notably, discovering lifelong plasticity and harnessing it to improve the human condition. While there has been a lot of talk of digitized medicine, mostly that has meant using software for medical diagostics and enhanced reporting, observed Dr. Henry Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science. This invention is a significant step forward in also thinking of software as a therapeutic  truly as medicine.



We expect this will be especially important in addressing neurological and psychiatric conditions, Dr. Mahncke added. While the pipeline of new drugs for these conditions looks unlikely to deliver the breakthrough treatments that patients need, studies increasingly show the promise of plasticity-based brain training. Drug therapies typically work by flooding the brain with a molecule that alters the action of a single, specific neurochemical pathway at all times. This approach is not very selective  it does not harness the brains natural processes to produce the right amount of the right brain chemicals at the right time.

Plasticity-based brain training is designed to take a very different approach, by exercising the machinery known to stimulate the production of brain chemicals, in an effort to engage systems to produce chemicals on demand, in the instant when they are required. There are now more than 60 peer-reviewed medical and science journal articles on the benefits of Posit Science exercises and assessments in varied clinical populations, including in the areas of brain injury (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury, chemobrain, cardiobrain, HIV); mental illness (depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar, ADHD, addiction); and neurodegenerative disease (mild cognitive impairment, dementia, Parkinsons, multiple sclerosis). Posit Science is the maker of BrainHQ, a commercially available brain-training program shown to improve standard measures of cognition (e.g., speed, attention, memory) and real world activities (e.g., gait, balance, driving) in healthy adults. As its research advances in clinical indications, Posit Science plans to approach appropriate regulatory agencies to explore the shortest path to getting a form of relevant exercises into the hands of patients who may be helped. For more information, contact [email protected]

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Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

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.

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You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
[April 18, 2017] Sierra Monitor Corporation Launches Cloud-Connected Network Discovery and Management Appliance for Facility Automation

MILPITAS, Calif., April 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sierra Monitor Corporation (OTCQB:SRMC), a provider of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions that target facility automation and facility safety requirements, today announced the availability of the BACnet Explorer NG, the industrys first cloud-connected network discovery and management solution for BACnet networks. BACnet is an industry-standard protocol that is widely used in building and facility automation. The combination of the plug-and-play BACnet Explorer NG appliance and Sierra Monitors FieldPoP device cloud enables installers and system integrators to seamlessly and remotely discover and manage BACnet MS/TP and BACnet/IP devices on an automation network, test newly installed devices, debug the network, upload device and network information to the cloud, integrate device and network data with sophisticated cloud-based software applications, and provide a control path back to the network and devices.

BACnet is the most widely deployed and fastest growing automation and control protocol used in commercial facilities and industrial plants, said David Nardone, Membership Manager at BACnet International, an industry association that facilitates the successful use of the BACnet protocol in building automation and control systems through interoperability testing, educational programs and promotional activities. A new approach to exploring and integrating BACnet networks is a great advantage to system integrators, installers, and maintenance teams and can make their job more convenient and efficient. Traditionally, exploring a BACnet network is achieved through software that must be installed on a Windows PC connected to the automation network through additional hardware. A single installer sits at the PC and runs the application to discover and view the network. Unlike such first-generation, tethered, PC-era solutions, Sierra Monitors BACnet Explorer NG is a portable, pre-packaged software plus hardware appliance that can easily plug into a BACnet MS/TP or BACnet/IP automation network and concurrently into the IT network and cloud over Ethernet, WiFi, or cellular connectivity that is include with the appliance. The BACnet Explorer NG can be accessed simultaneously by multiple authorized users locally or remotely using their tablets and smartphones to not only discover and view devices, but to also securely write to those devices.



Complementing the BACnet Explorer NGs network discovery capabilities are value-enhancing applications that run locally on the appliance. The Monitor View application allows users to monitor their entire connected network in real-time and visually track devices and data points of interest. The Historian application gives users the ability to log, store, and graphically display selected device data points over customized time intervals. When connected to Sierra Monitors FieldPoP device cloud portal over the facilitys WAN or through the dedicated cellular link included in the BACnet Explorer NG, the capabilities of the on-site BACnet Explorer NG appliance can be securely and remotely accessed through the cloud by authorized users and applications. Authorized remote users can securely connect and use all the appliance-resident features for monitoring and troubleshooting. Responsible personnel can be set up to receive alerts based on defined triggering conditions in the field. Finally, solution providers can use the BACnet Explorer NG and FieldPoP REST APIs to integrate a facilitys BACnet devices into their specific solutions for energy management, maintenance management, etc.

We have been using the BACnet Explorer NG to help us troubleshoot and fine-tune our BACnet systems and we have been very impressed, said Matt Michniewicz, Service Manager at Halton Global Services. The ability to manage our BACnet network anywhere  ranging from an on-site PC, the smartphone we all own, and remotely through the cloud  and adding more logic to the Explorer itself with value-added applications makes the BACnet Explorer NG a must-own tool for any system integrator and installer. The BACnet Explorer NG enables integrators, facility managers, and the OEMs installation channels to conveniently commission new devices into existing BACnet networks. said Varun Nagaraj, President and CEO of Sierra Monitor. Progressive solution providers can also leverage the BACnet Explorer NG and FieldPoP device cloud to provide a range of new services to their clients such as continuous facility monitoring and maintenance-as-a-service. The BACnet Explorer NG is available for sale immediately from Sierra Monitor Corporation and its authorized partners. To learn more about the BACnet Explorer NG, please visit www.sierramonitor.com/connect/fieldserver-products/bacnet-explorer. About Sierra Monitor Corporation

Sierra Monitor Corporation addresses the industrial and commercial facilities management market with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions that target facility automation and facility safety requirements. The companys FieldServer brand of protocol gateways and FieldPoP device cloud target the facility automation segment and are used by OEMs and system integrators to enable local and remote monitoring and control. With more than 200,000 products, supporting over 140 protocols, installed in commercial and industrial facilities, FieldServer is the industrys leading multi-protocol gateway. Sierra Monitors Sentry IT fire and gas detection solutions address the facilities safety segment, and are used by safety managers to protect facility personnel and assets. Sentry IT branded controllers, sensor modules, and software are installed at thousands of facilities such as natural gas vehicle fueling and maintenance stations, wastewater treatment plants, oil and gas refineries and pipelines, parking garages, and underground telephone vaults. Headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley in Milpitas, California, Sierra Monitor was founded in 1979 and has been a public company since 1989. By combining its distinguished track record in industrial sensing and automation with IoT technologies such as wireless, cloud connectivity, and data services, Sierra Monitor is at the forefront of the emerging IIoT trend. For more information visit: http://www.sierramonitor.com/ Sierra Monitor Investor Relations Contact Varun Nagaraj CEO, Sierra Monitor Corporation [email protected]

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[April 18, 2017] Oranj Acquires Majority Stake in TradeWarrior, Strengthening Digital Advice Platform with Cutting-Edge Rebalancing Capabilities

CHICAGO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Oranj has completed its acquisition of a majority interest in TradeWarrior Software, a provider of institutional-grade investment rebalancing and model management software for financial advisers. The merger will provide independent RIAs, broker-dealers, and enterprises with the opportunity to offer state-of-the-art rebalancing functionality for advisers and their clients as part of the Oranj digital advice platform. Deal terms were not disclosed. To learn more about these platforms, as well as details around the acquisition, please visit http://www.runoranj.com/tradewarrior. "We continue to enhance our digital advice platform with additional functionality for advisers to deliver a customized wealth management experience, which helps them better serve clients and forge stronger connections with prospects," said David Lyon, CEO and Founder of Oranj. "This acquisition enables us to offer advisers the unique combination of Oranj's user-friendly and modern front-office capabilities that enhance client interaction, and TradeWarrior's sophisticated back-office support that streamlines the implementation of investing strategies." Layton, Utah-based TradeWarrior brings to Oranj an institutional-grade trading and rebalancing platform that has an intuitive interface enabling advisers to efficiently and accurately execute trades across multiple custodians. TradeWarrior's algorithms monitor households and accounts, identify tax-loss harvesting opportunities, provide real-time alerts, and support integrations with other industry software providers and custodians. "TradeWarrior has worked closely with us to simplify trading and rebalancing across our practice, and their technology and support have been key drivers of our ongoing growth," said Christopher M. Lee, CFP, Senior Adviser and Co-Oner of New England Capital Financial Advisors. "We are excited about Oranj's acquisition of TradeWarrior because we now have the opportunity to optimize our front office as well as our back officeby using Oranj's cutting-edge digital advice platform to better engage with clients and prospects about strategies that TradeWarrior's institutional-grade software helps us seamlessly execute."



"TradeWarrior and Oranj were both started by former advisers who wanted to provide members of the industry with powerful, intuitive, and user-friendly technology solutions to improve their ability to service clients and optimize their businesses," said Damon Deru, Founder and President of TradeWarrior. "We look forward to working with Oranj to bring our tax-efficient rebalancing software to a broader community of independent advisers." Mr. Deru will continue to lead the TradeWarrior business as President. Mr. Lyon will continue as CEO of Oranj, and take on CEO responsibilities for TradeWarrior.

About Oranj

Oranj is focused on creating the world's best digital experience for enabling financial advisers to help clients effectively manage their financial lives and personal goals, and empowering investors to make smart financial decisions, connect with financial professionals, and pursue better investing outcomes. To achieve this, Oranj builds software for servicing, collaborating, managing, and connecting, which utilize user-friendly applications for a fully interactive human-driven, technology-assisted experience. The Oranj platform offers a secure document vault, client collaboration tools, aggregated data from more than 25,000 institutions, online account opening/transfer capabilities, real-time activity notifications, extensive data analytics, and an archive of adviser/client communication going back to the prospect stage. For more information about Oranj, please visit www.runoranj.com or follow @runoranjdotcom on Twitter. About TradeWarrior

TradeWarrior Software, Inc. was founded by investment advisers with the vision of bringing exceptional software to the financial services industry. Frustrated by the lack of intuitive trading and rebalancing software available to advisers, its founders developed their own solution to the problem and launched TradeWarrior in 2010. TradeWarrior is the product of years of in-depth research into the logistics of portfolio trading and rebalancing, and was designed to meet the real-world needs that advisers and brokers face. TradeWarrior offers all investment professionals the opportunity to utilize powerful portfolio management tools at an affordable price. For more information about TradeWarrior, please visit www.tradewarriorsoftware.com or follow @TradeWarrior on Twitter. CONTACT:

Andrew Jennings

JConnelly

(973) 224-7152

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oranj-acquires-majority-stake-in-tradewarrior-strengthening-digital-advice-platform-with-cutting-edge-rebalancing-capabilities-300440665.html SOURCE Oranj

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While we had our fair share of scoops on the upcoming Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, this is the first time weve spotted the new Corvette king at the Nurburgring.



The car you see in the images is believed to be a late prototype of the new ZR1, meaning its wearing its final production body which comes with some proper racecar-like aero kit bolted to it.

Apart from the different hood, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 is getting an aggressive front splitter with matching side sills, a front bumper with huge air intakes, a clean diffuser at the rear and of course this massive wing that looks like it was directly transferred from a GT3 race car.

Chevrolet is reportedly looking to offer the new ZR1 in two different aero packages, with the one pictured here to clearly be the most aggressive one.

Power is reportedly going to come from either a new twin-turbo V8 codenamed LT5 or an updated version of the Z06s supercharged unit, producing over 700hp and according to some reports even reaching closer to a 750hp figure.

This will be after all the swansong of the C7 generation and the last of the front-engined Corvettes so clearly the company wants it to go out with a bang. And what a bang that will be.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

PHOTO GALLERY
Citroens latest and most important player in the SUV market bears the C5 Aircross moniker. One of its highlights is a function that will remind some of the defunct C6  an innovative hydraulic suspension.



Dubbed Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, it waves goodbye to conventional dampers and springs, and replaces them with two hydraulic stops for each unit, promising a smoother and more comfortable ride.

The new suspension is detailed in a 1 minute and 35 seconds video that shows the SUV being driven around on a twisty mountain road, and leaving the tarmac for a brief moment to highlight the advantage of having the brands Grip Control, which comes with five driving modes.

Besides this cool feature, Citroen has released additional videos that highlight other functions, such as the panoramic sunroof, hands-free opening tailgate, hill start descent control, adaptive cruise control with stop function, 360-degree camera system, and wireless smartphone charging.

Moreover, the French company also shows how their new C5 Aircross has evolved from the Aircross Concept that debuted two years ago, and how it differs from other new vehicles in their lineup, such as the C3 and C4 Cactus.

VIDEOS
A British mother has been sentenced to 26 weeks in jail after crashing her car while drunk with her 19-month-old son in the back seat.



In December, Tania Chikwature drove her Nissan Qashqai into a roundabout at high speed in Peterborough in the UK. Dashcam footage from a following motorist showed the moment the SUV hit the roundabout and flew hundreds of feet through the air.

At the scene, Chikwature told police that she had probably been drinking vodka behind the wheel. Police tests later found that she had three times the legal blood alcohol limit in her system.

Fortunately, she and her young son escaped the crash without serious injury and in sentencing her, District Judge Ken Sheraton said she was lucky not to be facing more serious charges, Cambridge News reports.

It is only by luck, and certainly no judgment of yours, that you are not here facing more serious charges, and you are fortunate that someone did not die in that accident, he said.

Alongside being jailed, Chikwature was banned for driving for six years and forced to pay a 115 pound ($143) victim surcharge.

VIDEO
What started with a series of sketches and continued with a batch of leaked images, finally materialized at Skodas booth in Shanghai, where the Vision E Concept celebrates its world premiere.



Designed in the Czech Republic, the stylish sporty crossover has an appealing look on the outside, dominated by a bold front end with Matrix LED headlights joined together by a light strip that forms a phantom grille.

Furthermore, its sharp character lines, muscular hood, clean tailgate, suicide-opening rear doors, and massive wheels contribute to its unique character.

The new Skoda Vision E concept measures 184,57in (4,688mm) long, 75.75in (1,924mm) wide and 62,63in (1,591mm) tall, with a 112,24in (2,851mm) wheelbase, making it a bit shorter, wider, and lower than the Kodiaq.

Inside there is a minimalistic design with no less than three displays dominating the dashboard, a two-spoke steering wheel, decorative strips, ambient lighting with up to ten colors to choose from, and a four-seat setup.

Tech features include cameras replacing the conventional door mirrors, gesture control for selected functions, Eye Tracking system that constantly monitors the drivers eye movements, Driver Alert fatigue detection, heart rate monitor, and Level 3 automatic driving functions that allow it to accelerate, steer, and come to a complete stop on its own.

Underpinned by the Volkswagen Groups MEB architecture, which will serve as the foundation for several zero-emission vehicles that will be launched by the Germans in the next decade, the Skoda Vision E Concept is powered by two electric motors that produce a combined output of 302hp (306 PS), allowing it to reach a top speed of 112mph (180km/h).

The electric motors get their juice from a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery located in the chassis floor between the two axles, combined with intelligent brake energy recovery, allow the electric study to travel for up to 311 miles (500km) between charges.

The battery pack uses induction technology and does not require a charging station or cable reel. It can recharge automatically overnight, or use the quick charging feature to get up to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

PHOTO GALLERY

VIDEOS
Three months after it had its UK launch, the Toyota C-HR family has welcomed a new limited edition.



Just 100 units will be built, and each one carries a starting price of 29,995, which equals to $37,644 at todays exchange rates.

Distinguishing it from the rest of the models is a two-tone exterior finish, which combines the Metal Stream bodywork with a black roof, rear spoiler and side mirrors, joined by the Limited Edition badging on the center pillars, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The cabin is equipped with black leather upholstery and the same Limited Edition badging on the dashboard, and comes packed with a premium JBL sound system, with 9 speakers and an 8-channel, 576-Watt amplifier.

Building upon the C-HR Dynamic trim level, the Toyota C-HR Limited Edition also has LED headlights, fog lamps, DRLs, sequential LED turn indicators, rear privacy glass, parking sensors on both ends, auto-folding side mirrors, and keyless entry and start. It also gets anodized blue decoration line framing on the dashboard, dark violet trim for the upper instrument panel and door panels, and light blue ambient lighting.

The Toyota Touch 2 with Go multimedia and navigation system is also part of the offering, alongside the Toyota Safety Sense.

Powering it is a petrol-electric powertrain that combines a 1.8-liter engine and an electric motor, delivering 120hp.

PHOTO GALLERY
Photo: Contributed

Do we all struggle to find something good coming out of even the most horrible of circumstances?

I do.

And in the case of road traffic fatalities, there is always a lesson that can and should be learned by the motoring public.

If the lesson is learned, the loss of life might be viewed as a sacrifice that helps keep the rest of us safe.

There was a sudden change in weather and road conditions on the Coquihalla on Sunday, April 2, 2017. A multi-vehicle crash occurred as unprepared motorists encountered that sudden change. One woman was killed.

A lesson reminder from the RCMP is that even though its April, sudden weather and road surface changes can still occur on our mountain passes. We should continue using good winter tires through those passes this time of year and be vigilant about adjusting our speed as we encounter changes.

We shouldnt need reminding, but we do.

There is another critical road safety lesson to be learned. If you are involved in a crash on an icy road, you are safer inside your car than out.

The fatality would not have occurred had the deceased stayed within her vehicle.

I found a helpful web site [icyroadsafety.com] with important advice of what to do if you are in a crash on an icy road.

If your vehicle is still driveable, keep moving until you arrive at a safe place to pull well off the road. An icy road is inherently dangerous. A stopped vehicle blocking traffic multiplies that danger not only for you, but for approaching traffic.

If your vehicle is disabled, stay put if traffic is approaching. Your vehicle can absorb a vehicle impact much better than your body can.

Once you are certain that no traffic is approaching, get out of your vehicle and immediately get out of the way of danger. You are safer on the other side of a guard rail or up an embankment than sitting in your disabled vehicle in the path of approaching traffic.

Of course, if youre on a mountain pass with a rock face on one side and a cliff on the other, with no way to get out of the way of danger, stay in your disabled vehicle.

Please share this lesson with everyone you care about.

A more likely crash related road hazard we might encounter in coming months is a wildlife carcass.

Do you know what responsibilities you have as a motorist if, through no fault of your own, you strike and kill a deer or other animal large enough to be a hazard to approaching vehicles?

I will review the law on that point next week.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
[April 18, 2017] PowerPost Secures $2M in Funding to Transform Brands Into Social Media Power Publishers

ST. LOUIS, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- PowerPost, a SaaS content marketing platform, today announces $2M in investor funding from Arsenal Capital Management (ACM), a St. Louis-based early stage venture capital fund. This financing will help PowerPost rapidly expand its sales and marketing efforts as well as accelerate product development. Launched in 2016, PowerPost led by Dan Curran, CEO, and Paul Shirer, CTO, is headquartered in St. Louis with offices in Chicago. "We are pleased to partner with entrepreneurs focused on building impactful technologies. PowerPost is garnering significant attention for its innovative approach to brand marketing in an environment that is more and more driven by social media," said Pete Reinecke, Managing Director of ACM. "Several of the investors in our fund have particular expertise in marketing technology and we look forward to providing Dan, Paul, and the team at PowerPost with ther insight and experience."



Recently celebrated by Inc. Magazine as the #1 tool in its category, PowerPost revolutionizes brand marketing by automating content publishing to easily create and distribute content across social and web channels. "PowerPost is a disruptive platform that advocates for brands to take control of their content and become power publishers," said Curran. "For the first time, brands can increase market share by accelerating their output of content. PowerPost expedites this entire process." PowerPost serves enterprise brands in the financial, hospitality, manufacturing and retail sectors. Ad agencies can also leverage the platform to better equip themselves in servicing their customers and automating the content publishing process. PowerPost also provides market intelligence, help desk concierge services and a full-service creative studio to further assist brands in garnering market share. Clients include Marriott, Ty, AmericInn, Frisch's Big Boy, Cannon Safe and Kent Foods.

"Content marketing is a top priority for modern marketers," says Curran. "According to the Content Marketing Institute, 70% of B2B marketers plan to create more content in 2017 compared to 2016. With the proliferation of content comes the need to better organize and distribute. PowerPost brings order to a very chaotic marketing problem." About PowerPost and PowerPost Studio: PowerPost software turns brands into instant publishers by automating content marketing. For the first time, brands can organize, schedule and distribute content with the ability to collect leads. PowerPost also features a unique agency newsroom of skilled writers, visual artists and social media experts to assist its clients. For more information and a free trial check out www.powerpost.digital and connect with PowerPost on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to sign up for PowerPost's Power publishing webinar here. http://www.inc.com/ilya-pozin/9-tools-to-simplify-and-automate-social-media.html To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/powerpost-secures-2m-in-funding-to-transform-brands-into-social-media-power-publishers-300440628.html SOURCE PowerPost

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Madison Erhardt

Government officials announced Thursday that cannabis would be made legal for recreational use by July 2018, and those aged 18 and over will be able to buy and grow a small amount of the drug for themselves.

During the announcement, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale noted that Canadian teenagers are "among the heaviest users in the western world."

Canadian Psychiatric Association President Dr. Renuka Prasad said in a statement that early and regular cannabis use can affect memory, attention, intelligence and the ability to process thoughts. He said it can also add to the risk of mental health issues among people who are already vulnerable.

Castanet hit the streets to find out what locals think about legalization.
Photo: Bobbie Jo Brucker

A single-vehicle crash Sunday evening near Kaleden reportedly involved two seniors whose car flipped into the ditch as they headed toward the South Okanagan from Kelowna.

Bobbie Jo Brucker says she was on the scene after the crash, having pulled over to provide help. Brucker says she is first-aid certified and was able to assist in helping the elderly couple out of the car, where "both (were) trapped in the vehicle upside down."

It's not clear how the crash happened, but Brucker said there was damage to some of the trees in the area where the car flipped into and the roof of the car had been crushed in on one side.

Both were cut up on their hands and faces, but Brucker says both were responsive during the rescue. The man, however, appeared to be less injured than the woman.

The couple, in their late-70s or early-80s, were extracted from the car with no use of the jaws of life, put on body boards and sent to hospital, according to Brucker, who called it a successful operation.

Brucker, herself, was there by chance, noting that she was just on an Easter day trip to Grand Forks and happened to pass by the crash on her way back to Penticton.

She said the whole process took about 45 or 50 minutes.
Photo: CTV

Pepper spray was reportedly used on a man who confronted a home invader Sunday night in his Burnaby house.

The man, who has only been identified as Pav, says three people kicked in his door, with one of them running upstairs. He followed to confront the man, only to be pepper sprayed in the face.

The incident reportedly took place at about 10:45 p.m. on Sunday, while Pav and his sister-in-law Mandeep were watching a movie.

While Pav recovered from the pepper spray, the intruders reportedly searched the house. Pav believes they were looking for items to steal.

Meanwhile, Mandeep reportedly left the house to call 911 from hiding in the backyard. Pav's grandparents were also in the home at the time of the invasion, in the first floor of the house.

It's not clear why the men, captured on camera as they left Pav's home, were there Sunday night, but Pav believes it was a mistake.

He also says it may have been a mistake to confront the intruder, saying he should have run away.

with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: Twitter

Mental health has entered the political realm in the upcoming election, with news releases put out from both major parties Monday, first from the B.C. NDP, followed by a response from the B.C. Liberal Party.

NDP leader John Horgan spoke in Coquitlam on Monday, announcing steps he intends to take on mental health if elected  foremost, setting up a ministry that would oversee mental health and addictions.

After years of B.C. Liberal neglect, we will improve B.C.s mental health system by increasing access and investing in early prevention and intervention, Horgan said in the news release. People need to know they only have to ask for help once to get help fast.

On that point, the party introduced what they're calling the "ask once, get help fast" approach to mental health administration. Also on the platform, re-opening Riverview mental health facilities in the Lower Mainland and expanding mental health services in the school system by introducing youth mental health professionals.

In terms of the overdose crisis, the party says it's looking at province-wide distribution of Naloxone kits, supporting police work against drug supplies and support for post-traumatic stress disorder in first responders.

In a release fired out about an hour later, the Liberals took aim at the Horgan camp, noting in particular the NDP's intent to reopen Riverview facilities and to take the B.C. Liberals plan from 2015 and follow through on it.

On the latter, a quote from a CKNW reporter's tweet cited in the Liberal news release, had been criticized by the NDP in 2015, according to the Liberals.

"The plan that John Horgan announced today, the same one we announced 16 months ago, was criticized by NDP MLA Selina Robinson," the Liberal release said.

The release cites two 2015 reports, in which Robinson criticized the Liberals for moving 126 mental health beds from Burnaby to Riverview, adding only 17 new beds.

"Robinson stood and smiled beside Horgan today as he re-announced the same project and plan that she publicly denounced."
Photo: CTV

A Comox Valley winery is battling Real Canadian Superstore over use of the brand name Ziggy.

Family-operated 40 Knots Vineyard produces a Siegerrebe wine called "Ziggy," named after its pet dog.

Siegerrebe grape grows in our vineyard. It was planted in 2011 and 2012,, owner Brenda Hetman-Craig said.

The owners sought to protect the brand with a trademark, but were blocked by Superstore parent company Loblaw Canada Ltd.

We trademarked it back in I believe it was early 2015, Hetman-Craig told CTV. It was approved, and then it goes out for advertising and I believe it was sometime late in 2016 that Loblaws decided to oppose it.

Loblaw has sold a Ziggy's brand of foods since 1971, the company says.

But, the vineyard claims thats never applied to wines.

Our lawyer feels very confident that we have an excellent case, Hetman-Craig said. We have until May 30 to show that we have indeed manufactured the product, the first day we sold the product, the advertisements and what the sales were.

 with files from CTV Vancouver Island
Photo: CTV

An investment dealer and former Olympic rower who went missing for nearly a year and a half is scheduled to appear in court in Victoria today.

Victoria police say Harold Backer turned himself in last week and is facing two counts of fraud over $5,000.

The 52-year-old disappeared on Nov. 3, 2015, when he told his family he was going for a bike ride and failed to return home.

Victoria police say it's unclear where he was, but police in Port Angeles, Wash., have said a man fitting Backer's description was spotted on security footage on a ferry shortly after the disappearance.

Financial crime investigators began looking into Backer and the company My Financial Backer Corporation after his investors received concerning letters.

Mutual Funds company Investia Financial Services Inc. terminated Backer's licence after his disappearance, stating he'd failed to follow its policies and procedures that required him to disclose all outside business activities.

Backer, who was on the Canadian rowing team in the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games, had 20 clients with Investia.
Photo: The Canadian Press AP Photo/Alastair Grant

In a shock announcement, Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday called for an early general election to be held June 8 to seek a strong mandate as she negotiates Britain's exit from the European Union.

Standing outside 10 Downing Street, May said she would ask the House of Commons on Wednesday to back her call for an election, just two years after the last vote and three years before the next scheduled date in May 2020.

She said that since Britons voted to leave the EU in June, the country had come together, but politicians had not. She said the political divisions "risk our ability to make a success of Brexit."

At present, May's governing Conservatives have a small majority, with 330 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons.

With the main opposition Labour Party weakened and divided under left-wing leader Jeremy Corbyn and the pro-EU Liberal Democrats holding just nine Commons seats, May is calculating that the election will bring her an expanded crop of Conservative lawmakers.

That would make it easier for her to ignore opposition calls for a softer EU exit  making compromises to retain some benefits of membership  and to face down hardliners within her own party who want a no-compromise "hard Brexit" that many economists fear could be devastating.

May triggered a two-year countdown to Britain's exit from the EU last month, and high-stakes negotiations to settle divorce terms and agree on a new relationship are expected to start within weeks.

European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted that he had a "good phone call" with May about the election, and the council said the bloc's Brexit plans were unchanged by the announcement. Leaders of EU states are due to adopt negotiating guidelines at an April 29 summit, and the bloc will prepare detailed plans for the talks with Britain by late May.

May took office in July following an internal Conservative leadership contest, after predecessor David Cameron stepped down when voters rejected his call to remain in the EU. Since then she had repeatedly ruled out calling an early election to get her own mandate.

But May said Tuesday she had "reluctantly" changed her mind.

"We need a general election and we need one now," she said.

May said that if there is not an election soon, "the negotiations with the European Union will reach their most difficult stage in the run-up to the next scheduled election."

"Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit and it will cause damaging uncertainty and instability to the country," she said.

May said that "our opponents believe that because the government's majority is so small, our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change course" on leaving the EU.

"They are wrong," she said. "They underestimate our determination to get the job done and I am not prepared to let them endanger the security of millions of working people across the country."

Under Britain's Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, elections are held every five years, but the prime minister can call a snap election if two-thirds of lawmakers vote for it.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Pennsylvania State Police say the suspect in the random killing of a Cleveland retiree posted on Facebook has shot and killed himself after a brief pursuit.

State police say Steve Stephens was spotted Tuesday morning by state police in Erie County, in the state's northwest corner. Authorities say police tried to pull Stephens over and, after a brief pursuit, he shot and killed himself.

Stephens was wanted on an aggravated murder charge in the shooting death of a 74-year-old retired man in Cleveland on Sunday.

He posted video of that shooting on Facebook.
Photo: RDCK

UPDATE: 9:50 a.m.

A reception centre has been set up for residents affected by the evacuation in Kaslo.

The local emergency operations centre says it's too early to say when they might be allowed to return.

Forty-seven homes are under evacuation order due to a landslide.

ORIGINAL: 9:25 a.m.

Emergency officials and geotechnical experts are flying over the scene of a landslide near Kaslo that forced nearly 50 homes to be evacuated late Monday.

Theyre trying to assess the extent of the slide, which moved rock and debris down steep hillsides to the west of the town.

Residents were forced from their homes about 11:30 p.m., after the slide swept down the mountainside just above Zwicky Road, which parallels Highway 31A. People on about seven streets in the area were told they had to leave as a precaution, and police have cordoned off the area to block access.

Officials say there were no injuries or property damage from the slide.

Emergency social services have found accommodation for the residents forced from their homes, said Bronwen Bird, the emergency communications officer for the Regional District of the Central Kootenay.

She says a public meeting will be held this afternoon at the village Legion Hall to find out what happens next. Theres no word when residents will be able to return to their homes.

Kaslo is located on the shore of Kootenay Lake, about 70 kilometres from Nelson.
Photo: Canadian Forces

The Canadian military has deployed 60 members of an Edmonton-based helicopter squadron to Iraq as part of Operation Impact, a mission to fight Islamic State militants in the country's north.

The Department of National Defence says the Royal Canadian Air Force's 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron will take over from their counterparts from Valcartier, Que., who have been providing tactical support since October 2016.

The 408 squadron operates out of 3rd Canadian Division Support Base in Edmonton.

They will fly and maintain up to four CH-146 Griffon helicopters at Camp Erable near Erbil, Iraq.

Maj.-Gen. Christian Drouin, commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, says the squadron will provide support to both Canadian and coalition partners.

There are currently 830 Canadian military personnel based in both Iraq and Kuwait as part of Operation Impact.
[April 18, 2017] Reach150, A SmartZip Company, Partners With Cloud CMA To Enhance Agent Credibility On Real Estate Market Reports

PLEASANTON, Calif., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Reach150 (www.reach150.com), a referral management platform focused on relationship businesses which was recently acquired by SmartZip, announced today a partnership with Cloud CMA, a cloud-based reporting system for real estate professionals that automatically creates comparable market analysis (CMA) reports on residential real estate. With the partnership, subscribers to both Reach150 and Cloud CMA are now able to see all of their Reach150 testimonials in the Cloud CMA-generated reports. This merge of information further strengthens the professional's credibility and presentation using the power of recommendations from their past clients. "We partner with companies where we can lend to the cause of helping real estate agents elevate their brand, generate referral business and close new customers," said Dan Hodges, Founder of Reach150, a SmartZip company. Reach150 has a systematic and simple way to help real estate agents grow their business through referrals. It includes an intuitive mobile app that easily requests, reviews and publishes recommendations from past clients, turning them into powerful online advertising campaigns directed at their sphere of influence as well as to residents in their local area. The system also includes branded profile pages that are continually updated with the new recommendations, which strengthens the user's online reputation, enhances search engine rankings and can ultimately yield more clients. Cloud CMA is a web-based, report generating application designed for real estate professionals to create custom client handouts for buyers and sellers. Report sets include a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), Buyer Tour, Property Report, and Flyers. Cloud CMA merges data from the MLS with various web sources such as WalkScore, Yelp, Panaramio and more to generate content rich reports. Reports can be printed or viewed as an interactive iPad presentation.



Tom Tognoli , founder, President and CEO of Intero Real Estate Services. "Reach150 has done a stellar job at taking what agents have been doing offline for decades  gathering client testimonials  to a strategic and systematic online approach. Reusing their persuasive testimonial content in our CMA reports adds to our end goal of getting agents to a signed listing agreement," said Greg Robertson, co-founder and President of W+R Studios (creators of Cloud CMA).

SmartZip recently announced the acquisition of Reach150. SmartZip is working on folding the Reach150 referral marketing tools and content into its SmartTargeting predictive marketing platform, giving users an easier way to leverage user-generated testimonials and referrals to accelerate their business. ABOUT REACH150, A SMARTZIP COMPANY

Reach150 is the leader in referral management, providing relationship businesses with a systematic and simple way to generate more referrals and close more business. Ninety-two percent of individuals trust referrals from people they know and are six times more likely to do business with them. Reach150 helps people grow their business by proactively building their online reputation, promoting proof of their excellent service, and nurturing their most important relationships. ABOUT SMARTZIP ANALYTICS, INC.

SmartZip Analytics is a national leader in predictive marketing solutions for real estate, lending and related home service industries. Using patent-pending home intelligence, predictive analytics and automated marketing campaigns, SmartZip's SmartTargeting platform offers an integrated solution that can identify top home seller prospects accurately, engage them through targeted online and offline marketing campaigns, and help close more business with smart nurturing and prospecting tools. In addition, leading national real estate and financial companies, including ZipRealty.com, foreclosure.com, HomeSnap, Envestnet|Yodlee, RealtyStore.com and others rely on SmartZip's best-of-breed analytics for their products and online businesses. SmartZip is backed by Intel Capital, Claremont Creek Ventures, Crest Capital, Javelin Venture Partners, Cue Ball Capital, Toba Capital and ORIX Growth Capital, and is headquartered in Pleasanton, CA. ABOUT W+R STUDIOS Founded in 2008, W+R Studios is a privately held web software company located in Huntington Beach, California. The company focuses on creating the next generation of web-based software solutions for the real estate industry. By providing a "less is more" approach to software design, elegant user interfaces, and using the latest in agile programming, W+R Studios' software applications are at the same time powerful, yet accessible to everyone. Co-founders Dan Woolley and Greg Robertson have over 24 years of experience each developing and marketing real estate software solutions. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reach150-a-smartzip-company-partners-with-cloud-cma-to-enhance-agent-credibility-on-real-estate-market-reports-300440566.html SOURCE SmartZip Analytics, Inc.

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Photo: The Canadian Press

The federal government has tailored its highly anticipated marijuana legislation to ensure younger teens don't wind up with criminal records for pot possession.

Currently, people between 12 and 17 can be charged for having any amount of marijuana, but the newly tabled legislation proposes that people under age 18 would not face criminal prosecution for possessing or sharing up to five grams.

Bill Blair, a Liberal MP working with federal ministers on the legislation, said Monday the ultimate goal is to give provinces and territories flexibility to prohibit young people from possessing any amount of cannabis, with the option to introduce non-criminal sanctions for having a small amount.

"There are far better ways to deal with those offences that don't result in a criminal record, which are quite frankly more straightforward to enforce, less onerous to enforce, less costly to enforce but also achieve a much better social outcome by not giving those kids a criminal record," he said.

Provinces could bring in a regulatory ticketing system  much like the one in Ontario for those under 19 caught purchasing, possessing or drinking alcohol, he noted.

This requires "basic regulation" for the provinces, said Blair, a former Toronto police chief.

"I'm not minimizing the amount of work that needs to be done," he said. "This is pretty straightforward . . . I've enforced those laws for 40 years so I'm familiar with how they work."

He also challenged the suggestion responsibilities have been downloaded on the provinces.

"Actually, we want to make sure the rules and regulations that are put in place, in order to be effective, in order to achieve what it is we want to achieve, they've got to be at the right level of governance."
Photo: The Canadian Press

Bus passengers were screaming in horror as the driver repeatedly stepped on the apparently malfunctioning brakes before plunging into a deep ravine in the northern Philippines, leaving at least 29 people dead Tuesday in one of the country's deadliest accidents in years, a survivor and officials said.

The rest of the more than 50 passengers were retrieved by rescuers who struggled with ropes to descend down the 24-metre ravine to reach the wreckage in Nueva Ecija province's Carranglan town, said disaster-response officer Mark Raymond Cano.

Many of the passengers were hospitalized with serious injuries and parents separated from their children in the confusion, officials said.

TV footage showed a line of rescuers and villagers, some holding on to a rope to climb up on a grassy slope with a victim on a stretcher. A throng of villagers waited in a clearing above them to help pull the victim to safety.

Cano said a preliminary investigation showed that the bus "lost its brakes and plunged down the ravine."

Passenger Ralph Raymond Grajo said he saw the driver repeatedly stepping on the malfunctioning brakes as the wayward bus was speeding along a downhill road. The driver attempted to steer the bus to the right, but roadside houses made him veer back in the direction of the ravine as horrified passengers watched, Grajo said.
Photo: Dustin Godfrey

If passed, a new bill from South Okanagan-West Kootenay MP Richard Cannings would compel the federal government to use lumber when maintaining, building or repairing federally owned properties.

Cannings introduced Bill C-354 to the House of Commons on Thursday to spur further use of Canada's softwood lumber, a resource that has been under threat with a former trade deal with the U.S. now expired.

If passed, it would compel the government to prefer lumber in construction work and steer the government toward projects that promote the use of wood, taking into account costs and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through use of wood products.

We know that communities account for over half of all greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, and much of that comes from buildings themselves," Cannings said in a news release. "By promoting the use of wood in its own buildings, which emits much less GHGs than concrete, the Government of Canada can help to reduce its own carbon footprint and help us get closer to meeting our Paris Accord targets."

Cannings points to advances in construction with wood, which have made it a more viable product for heavy-duty construction. In particular, he points to the 18-floor Brock Commons student residence at UBC constructed out of wood, making it the world's tallest wood structure.

In Penticton, too, major projects are seeing the use of more lumber, particularly from the Structurlam facility in Okanagan Falls, including the hotel tower at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and the new casino.

"These are Canadian innovations that we are now exporting to the world and we should be using them more here at home," Cannings said. "The future of the Canadian forestry sector comes from innovations like these."

Cannings says it's up to the government to set an example by making greater use of those products here in Canada.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Scientists have witnessed the first modern case of what they call "river piracy"  and they blame global warming. Most of the water gushing from a large glacier in northwest Canada last year suddenly switched from one river to another.

That changed the Slims River from a three-metre deep, raging river to something so shallow that it barely was above a scientist's high top sneakers at midstream. The melt from the Yukon's Kaskawulsh glacier now flows mostly into the Alsek River and ends up in the Pacific Ocean instead of the Arctic's Bering Sea.

It seemed to all happen in about one day  last May 26  based on river gauge data, said Dan Shugar, a University of Washington Tacoma professor who studies how land changes. A 30-metre tall canyon formed at the end of the glacier, rerouting the melting water, Shugar and his colleagues wrote in a study published in Monday's journal Nature Geoscience.

The term "river piracy" is usually used to describe events that take a long time to occur, such as tens of thousands of years, and had not been seen in modern times, especially not this quickly, said study co-author Jim Best of the University of Illinois. It's different from something like the Mississippi River changing course at its delta and it involves more than one river and occurs at the beginning of a waterway, not the end.

The scientists had been to the edge of the Kaskawulsh glacier in 2013. Then the Slims River was "swift, cold and deep" and flowing fast enough that it could be dangerous to wade through, Shugar said. They returned last year to find the river shallow and as still as a lake, while the Alsek, was deeper and flowing faster.

"We were really surprised when we got there and there was basically no water in the river," Shugar said of the Slims. "We could walk across it and we wouldn't get our shirts wet. It was like a snake-shaped lake rather than a river."

The Kaskawulsh glacier covers about 25,000 square kilometres, about the size of Vermont. The front of the glacier has retreated nearly 1.9 kilometres since 1899, Shugar said.
Photo: Comox Valley Ground Search & Rescue

Comox Valley Search and Rescue used quick thinking when they received a call to save a horse that fell down a cliff.

Rescue members and RCMP officers worked together on Friday to help save the horse, which fell down the steep 60-foot slope and was stuck at the base of a waterfall.

The horse was sedated by a vet, and four haul systems were used to lift the animal up to safety.

Hes a bit larger than our typical rescue load, Comox Valley Ground Search & Rescue posted on Facebook.

Once at the top, rescue crews waited until the horse was able to be walked back to its stable.

 with files from CTV Vancouver Island
Photo: Kennesaw Police

A police officer in Georgia found a stun gun disguised as a package of cigarettes during a traffic stop.

News outlets report that the driver repeatedly requested to smoke while the officer was speaking to him, but he was not allowed to get his cigarettes during the stop. The Kennesaw Police Department posted a video to Facebook on Monday showing the recovered stun gun and reminding the public that requests to retrieve items during a traffic stop will be denied.

The department has not released further details, including the identity of the driver or if any charges were filed.
Photo: Castanet Staff

Penticton's Britco plant is facing a significant slowdown, with the vast majority of its staff laid off earlier this month.

Those layoffs, according to Britco communications manager Meghan Cairns, came "with the objective of building an order backlog." It's not clear how many workers have been hit with layoffs, but Cairns says just a few managers and employees have been kept aboard.

"We have kept a few employees on hand to make some changes to the production line configuration of the plant in anticipation of future work," Cairns said in an email statement. "We hope to be able to call back our Penticton employees in the future based on market need and we are still committed to being a part of the Penticton community."

Previously Britco focused on commercial projects, but Cairns says when the facilities bounce back, they're looking to add building single-family homes to the production line, as well.

"The addition of single-family homes definitely adds opportunities in a positive direction for Britco," Cairns said when asked whether the addition could increase employment.

But if Britco knows when it intends to gear up production or how many it intends to bring back for employment, the company is keeping tight-lipped about it.

Britcos manufacturing plants were sold to Triple M Modular on April 7. Previous owner, WesternOne Inc., also sold off the rental portion of the business to the Black Diamond Group in March.

This month's layoffs aren't the first to hit the plant. In 2015, slow movement in the oil sector led to 60 positions being laid off at the Britco plant, which accounted for 39 per cent of its staff at the time.

Its not clear whether any of those jobs have been since recovered.

In 2013, Premier Christy Clark visited Penticton, touring the Britco plant with then-prospective MLA Dan Ashton ahead of the election, touting economic growth.
Photo: The Canadian Press

The trial of two men from a fundamentalist sect that condones plural marriage began with not guilty pleas being entered on charges of practising polygamy.

The British Columbia Supreme Court criminal trial of Winston Blackmore and James Oler, who each face one count of polygamy, began in a Cranbrook court today, not far from their community of Bountiful in southeastern B.C.

Oler, who is accused of having four wives, pleaded not guilty in court.

Blackmore remained mute and Justice Sheri Ann Donegan said a not guilty plea would be entered on his behalf.

Blackmore, is accused of marrying 24 women over 25 years in the community that follows the beliefs of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

At the start of the trial, Donegan released her reasons for rejecting an application from Blackmore to be tried separately from Oler, saying a substantial overlap in evidence against the two men means it is in the public interest for them to be tried together.

The judge says she's not concerned about the defence argument that hearing evidence against Oler will prejudice her decision in Blackmore's case.

The trial is scheduled to last several weeks.
Photo: CTV

A man who allegedly assaulted a woman, threatened her family, and was in possession of a rifle was arrested after a six-hour standoff with police in Richmond.

The RCMP Emergency Response Team located the suspect in a home on the 11000 block of Cambie Road.

A 28-year-old woman says she was assaulted by the man Monday night. She fled to a nearby house to call police.

A full contingent of Richmond RCMP officers surrounded the house, said Cpl. Dennis Hwang.

It was believed the man had a rifle in his possession and made threats against the victim and other members of her family.

Police asked the suspect to surrender multiple times, but were unsuccessful.

The ERT located the suspect hiding in the house after distraction devices were utilized, said Hwang.

The 31-year-old man was arrested about 2 a.m. Tuesday and taken into custody.

The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.
Photo: Contributed

Two Apex Ski Club members earned spots on an international podium last week at the largest youth ski racing event in North America.

Ana Large, representing Team BC1, picked up third-place in the U14 GS race at the 25th annual Whistler Cup, which attracted 440 athletes from 23 different countries. Large finished behind Tessa Foote of Team Ontario 1 (silver) and Noa Szolas of Hungary (gold).

With top 15 finishes in slalom and dual slalom, Large is thrilled with how the week went.

I was hoping to make the top 10 in the GS race as its my specialty and I knew if I skied well that was possible, but I did not anticipate two top 15 results in the SL events, she said. Its a great feeling to know you can compete with top level athletes from around the world.

Heming Sola of Summerland took gold in the U14 slalom, silver in the dual slalom, and 6th in GS.

High-level international competition on home soil is a rare, and valuable thing, according to Whistler Cup administrator Christine Cogger, normally you would expect that to have this level of competition, they would have to travel to either Europe or South America.
[April 18, 2017] Togo Becomes First Country in Africa to Validate the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis as a Public Health Problem

GSK, Merck Sharp (News - Alert) & Dohme (MSD), and the MECTIZAN Donation Program (MDP) congratulate President Faure Gnassingbe, the government and the people of Togo for becoming the first country in Africa recognized by the World Health Organization to have eliminated lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170418005573/en/ LF, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a debilitating disease caused by a parasite transmitted to humans through the bites of mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), LF is found in 73 countries with an estimated 120 million people infected. Long-term, chronic infection may cause damage to the lymphatic system of people affected, and limbs, breasts, and genitals can become severely and irreversibly swollen, causing extreme discomfort and social stigmatization. In African countries where LF and another parasitic disease called river blindness are co-endemic, the WHO recommends co-administering two medicines, albendazole and ivermectin, annually for at least six years to reduce the level of parasites in infected people and help break the cycle of transmission until the disease is no longer a public health problem. A WHO resolution to achieve the elimination of LF was established by the Fiftieth World Health Assembly in Geneva in 1997. In 1998, GSK announced the donation of albendazole for the elimination of LF, and MSD expanded its donation of MECTIZAN (ivermectin) through the MDP to include the elimination of LF in countries where the disease co-exists with river blindness. Since 1999, GSK has donated over 7 billion doses of albendazole worldwide to fight LF. Since 1987, MSD has donated more than 2.5 billion doses of MECTIZAN to control and eliminate river blindness and LF. The elimination of LF in Togo follows similar progress in seven countries (Cambodia, Cook Islands, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Niue, Sri Lanka and Vanuatu) validated by the WHO to have eliminated LF as a public health problem. Thirteen additional countries have successfully completed large-scale treatment programs and are under surveillance to demonstrate that elimination has been achieved. This remarkable progress has been supported by a public-private partnership, the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (GAELF), which brings together academic and research institutions, endemic counties, non-governmental development organizations, financial donors and the private sector in the fight against LF. "We celebrate this important achievement with the people of Togo. Lymphatic filariasis is a debilitating, but preventable, disease that not only affects patients and their families but also communities and health care systems," said Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, MSD's chief patient officer. "Working with our partners for nearly two decades, we strive to eliminate LF in Africa and Yemen to help improve the lives of tens of millions of people." Phil Thomson (News - Alert), president of Global Affairs, GSK said "Achieving elimination of LF is a fantastic achievement for Togo and is testament to the commitment of the Togolese Government and the dedication of the health workers delivering treatments on the front line. We are committed to playing our part with the donation of albendazole for as long as it is needed to replicate this success throughout endemic countries, freeing communities from the burden of LF." The MDP's director, Dr. Yao Sodahlon, is a Togolese national and expert in tropical diseases who worked closely over the years with the ministry of health and other partners to ensure Togo's success. "I am very proud of my country for achieving elimination of LF. My colleagues in the ministry of health must be congratulated for their dedication to ensuring the medications were consistently delivered to the millions of people at-risk of infection every year since the national elimination program started in 2000. I hope other countries in Africa will soon follow Togo in achieving this goal," he said. About GSK GSK - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and health care companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com.







Contact: Catherine Hartley +44 (0) 20 8047 5502

About MSD For over a century, MSD has been a global health care leader working to help the world be well. MSD is a trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on Twitter. Contacts: Jeanine Clemente Claire Gillespie 908-236-5059 267-305-0932 About the MECTIZAN Donation Program The MECTIZAN Donation Program (MDP) was established in 1987 to provide medical, technical and administrative oversight of the donation of MECTIZAN by MSD for the treatment of onchocerciasis. In 1998, MDP expanded its mandate to include oversight of the donation of albendazole by GSK for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis in onchocerciasis co-endemic areas. Contacts: Joni Lawrence Yao Sodahlon [email protected] [email protected] 404-687-5610 404-371-1460 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170418005573/en/

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Photo: The Canadian Press

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan's visit to his native India this week is being greeted with controversy after one of the country's most recognizable political leaders accused him of being a Sikh nationalist.

Amarinder Singh, the top elected official in India's Punjab province, made the explosive accusation in an interview on Indian TV in advance of Sajjan's trip.

In the interview, Singh expressed anger over being blocked from visiting Canada last year before calling Sajjan a Khalistani.

The Khalistani movement is comprised of Sikhs who want to create an independent homeland and was notorious for a wave of violence in India in the 1980s.

Sajjan's office has refused to be drawn into a war of words with Singh, saying the defence minister is a proud Canadian and that his trip is intended to strengthen ties between Canada and India.

But Sikh groups in both Canada and India have expressed anger at Singh's comment, calling it undiplomatic and unseemly.
Photo: Contributed

The Crown says a man accused of killing his wife confessed to undercover officers that he strangled her and buried her body in the basement of the home they shared with their two children.

The trial of Allan Shyback, who is charged with second-degree murder and causing an indignity to a body, began Tuesday. He is accused of killing Lisa Mitchell, 31, who was last seen walking from her house to a convenience store in October 2012.

An undercover operation police launched in 2013 ended with Shyback's arrest in Winnipeg a year later.

"It ended on Dec. 5, 2014, with the accused confessing to have killed Lisa Mitchell by strangling her to death," prosecutor Heather Morris said in her opening statement.

Mitchell's mother told the judge hearing the case that her daughter and Shyback had a "volatile" on-again, off-again relationship.

Peggy Mitchell said she usually talked to her daughter two or three times a week and last saw her Oct. 28, 2012.

Mitchell said she received an email that same day saying her daughter had met someone and had to get away.

"It seemed to make sense but it wasn't her. It wasn't personal. It wasn't the way she spoke."
Photo: RCMP

Police in Vernon have seized a cache of explosives, weapons, drugs and stolen property. Two men have been arrested.

On April 8, officers stopped a vehicle after recognizing a passenger who was wanted on outstanding warrants.

Both the passenger and driver attempted to flee on foot but were grabbed after a short chase.

After a loaded .22 semi-automatic pistol was found during a search, investigators obtained a search warrant for a storage locker recently visited by the two men.

There, investigators discovered:

one additional handgun, two sawed off shot guns, three semi-automatic assault rifles and assorted ammunition

a large quantity of heroin and other drug trafficking paraphernalia

numerous stolen automotive parts valued at over $11,000 stolen during commercial break and enters in Vernon earlier this year

camera equipment valued at over $10,000 stolen during a residential break and enter in Penticton earlier this year

During the search investigators also located a small amount of explosives in the form of dynamite sticks and had to suspend the search until the RCMP explosives disposal unit could attend and secure the items to ensure everyone's safety, police said.

This seizure will have a significant impact on public safety and is another example of the detachment's commitment to reducing crime in Vernon, said Sgt. David Evans of Vernon's targeted policing unit.

Both men are being held in custody until their next court appearance on Apr. 26.

Taras Becker, 28, of the Lower Mainland, is facing a number of firearms charges.

John Ross, 25, of Vernon, is being held on outstanding warrants and faces new charges related to flight from police and breach of current court imposed conditions.

Investigators expect the two men will face further charges over firearms, explosives, drugs and stolen property offences.
Seniors and professionals who mainly live in the Kelowna area, but maintain a small apartment in Vancouver, are going to be badly stung by the new City of Vancouver bylaw that taxes vacant housing (defined as being used less than 180 days of the year) at 1% of their appraised value annually.

There are a number of legitimate reasons why people may continue to have a small Vancouver presence, including family, illness, specialist treatments, part-time work, academic commitments, etc. We are mobilizing against this punitive, indiscriminate and retroactive application of the bylaw, meant to curb real estate speculation and increase rental housing availability.

An inaugural meeting of the Unfair Vancouver Vacant Homes Tax Coalition was held on the Sunshine Coast March 8th. Recruitment is critical. Mobilizing will take a number of forms including a presentation via city council to amend the bylaw, public protest, legal recourse, etc. If this tax applies to you unfairly, please contact [email protected]

Rainer Borkenhagen
Photo: Contributed

A former Vernon resident charged in the death a woman in the Lower Mainland is expected to plead guilty to sexual assault charges in a separate case later this month.

William Victor Schneider is charged with second-degree murder and indignity to a human body in the death of Natsumi Kogawa last year.

Schneider was arrested in Vernon's Polson Park.

Kogawa was reported missing on Sept. 12. Few details have been released about how she died.

Schneider is the only suspect in the case and has been identified as the man seen on surveillance footage walking with Kogawa in Vancouver on the day she disappeared.

Police say he's a drifter with no fixed address.

Schneider is a former student of Clarence Fulton Secondary School in Vernon who classmates say was often in trouble with the law.

According to court records, Schneider is expected to plead guilty to sexual assault in Vernon on April 27.
Photo: CTV

Former veterans ombudsman Pat Stogran is expected to confirm Thursday his intention to seek the federal NDP leadership.

The retired Canadian Armed Forces colonel is set to make an announcement at a downtown Ottawa hotel.

Stogran is already registered as a candidate on the Elections Canada website.

NDP MPs Niki Ashton, Peter Julian, Guy Caron and Charlie Angus are also registered, along with Ibrahim Bruno El-Khoury, the founder of a Montreal consulting firm.

The NDP says Stogran and El-Khoury must submit nomination paperwork and a registration fee in order to be official candidates.

The race to replace Tom Mulcair at the helm of the NDP ends in October.
Photo: The Canadian Press

A man shot and killed three people on the streets of downtown Fresno on Tuesday, shouting "God is great" in Arabic during at least one of the slayings and later telling police that he hates white people, authorities said.

Kori Ali Muhammad, 39, was arrested shortly after the rampage, whose victims were all white, police said. He also was wanted in connection with another killing days earlier, in which a security guard was gunned down at a Fresno motel after responding to a disturbance.

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said the victims were shot minutes apart in close proximity in areas around downtown. He said Muhammad made other statements to police but he did not disclose them.

The shooting happened outside a Catholic Charities building, but spokeswoman Teresa Dominguez said the charity doesn't believe the suspect was tied to the non-profit organization.

Following the shooting, Fresno city spokesman Mark Standriff said county offices were placed on lockdown, and people were urged to shelter in place.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Christy Clark used the Site C dam megaproject in northern British Columbia as a backdrop today to campaign on the Liberal party's record on jobs and economic growth.

The Liberal leader says the multibillion-dollar BC Hydro project under construction near Fort St. John will mean clean energy and employment for the province.

NDP Leader John Horgan says he wants the project sent to the B.C. Utilities Commission for a review on whether it should proceed.

The dam is two years into construction and has been approved by the federal government, but Horgan did not directly answer a question as he campaigned in North Delta on whether a review by the utilities commission could realistically stop the project.

He says every project ever built before Site C underwent a review by the independent regulatory body, but this time Clark pushed ahead with the project and the public has a right to know whether there is a solid business case for it.

Horgan also announced an expanded apprenticeship and trades training program under a New Democrat government. By investing in tomorrow's workforce, Horgan says they will fill the 96,000 jobs that would be created with school, hospital, highway and home construction.

"Apprenticeships are the best way to train the workforce of tomorrow," he said in a statement.

Clark says Site C has been a job creator for the province.

"Site C means thousands of jobs and 100 years of clean, affordable, and reliable power  enough for 450,000 B.C. homes," Clark said in a statement. "It means being ready to meet increasing demand as Canada's leading economy continues to grow."
Photo: The Canadian Press

Four men who orchestrated a dangerous voyage across the Pacific were out to make a profit, rather than help dozens of Tamil asylum seekers, the Crown prosecutor told their B.C. Supreme Court trial.

In her closing arguments at the human smuggling trial on Tuesday, Maggie Loda says the accused held a privileged position on board the MV Ocean Lady, taking part in operating the vessel, preparing the journey and helping migrants get aboard.

The rickety cargo vessel left Thailand and arrived off the coast of Vancouver with 76 Sri Lankan asylum seekers in Oct. 2009.

Francis Anthonimuthu Appulonappa, Hamalraj Handasamy, Jeyachandran Kanagarajah and Vignarajah Thevarajah are charged under a provision of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

In 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada determined part of the act was too broad and unconstitutional.

The high court ordered a new trial for the men, after ruling the federal government's laws on human smuggling shouldn't apply to those who help migrants on humanitarian grounds or aid between family members.

Loda told the court that those exemptions do not apply to the four accused.

She said while there is no evidence the accused made money out of the scheme, they should be convicted for helping smuggle vulnerable migrants who paid thousands of dollars to agents to bring them to Canada.

Loda described the ship that came to B.C.'s shore as extremely dangerous to those on board, saying the vessel would was not designed for such a long, open-water journey and if the ship sank, at least half of those on board would die.
[April 18, 2017] 27 Teams Chosen for Inaugural Medical Capital Innovation Competition

CLEVELAND, April 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Center for Health Innovation (GCHI), Cuyahoga County, BioEnterprise, and HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) are pleased to announce the inaugural Medical Capital Innovation Competition participants. Registered teams represent a variety of big data healthcare categories including patient engagement and compliance, clinical trial optimization, EHR (electronic health records) optimization, and decision support.

Following are the selected competitors: BehAlvior  Pittsburgh, PA iRxReminder LLC  Cleveland, OH nQ Medical, Inc.  Cambridge, MA CardioLogs  Palo Alto, CA LabAI  Cleveland Heights, OH Proscia  Baltimore, MD CareVoice  Toledo, OH MDOps  Melville, NY Public Insight  Hudson, OH Dash MD  North York, Ontario, Canada MedRespond  Pittsburgh, PA Rubitection  Pittsburgh, PA EternaLedger  Rocky River, OH Mehkos Health  Pittsburgh, PA SimplifiMed  Fremont, CA EXAID  Pittsburgh, PA NeuraMetrix Inc.  Hillsborough, CA TPA Stream  Rocky River, OH Faros Healthcare  Nashville, TN NeuroLogix Technologies  Cleveland, OH Xpress Connection  Santa Fe, NM HealthTech Solutions  Iowa City, IA NeuroRadVision  Cleveland, OH HealthWizz  Falls Church, VA NICUtrition  Ewing, NJ Hyr Medical  Cleveland, OH NopNeu  Cincinnati, OH





The Innovation Competition attracted 180 applications from industry professionals and university students, said Carla Smith, executive vice president of HIMSS. I am thrilled to see the level of interest and expertise in this first inaugural Medical Capital Innovation Competition from applicants and I am especially looking forward to observing the new health IT solutions that develop.



The inaugural Medical Capital Innovation Competition All Things Data in Healthcare, will be held in the HIMSS Innovation Center at the GCHI, Cleveland, OH, April 25-26, 2017. Professional and collegiate teams will compete for $100,000 in prizes, mentoring, and access to business advisors, including world-class healthcare systems and collaborators. Interested individuals, community members, and friends and family are invited to watch the presentations on the second day of the competition, April 26th. Admission is free. For more information, and to register: www.medicalinnovationcompetition.org. One of the key strengths of Cuyahoga County is healthcare and it makes good sense to build upon those assets, said Cuyahoga County executive Armond Budish. This competition promotes a culture of healthcare innovation and fosters further economic development - creating new products and services, helping businesses flourish and supporting job creation.

The healthcare industry generates massive amounts of data. Emerging trends, including Internet of Things (IoT) and Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD), magnify not just the volume of data, but also the number of sources and formats. The industry is only beginning to scratch the surface of managing and optimizing all of the data collected. Cleveland, The Medical Capital, continues to build upon the strengths of its health IT assets, said Aram Nerpouni, president and CEO, BioEnterprise. In the health IT and service sector alone, Cleveland-area startup funding more than doubled from $20 million in 2015 to $50 million in 2016. The Medical Capital Innovation Competition will only further future growth of this important sector. About The Medical Capital

The Medical Capital initiative is a collaboration of Clevelands internationally renowned clinical, educational, and research institutions, philanthropies, government, and economic development engines. Convened by BioEnterprise, the initiative promotes the vibrant biomedical and healthcare industry in the 18-county Northeast Ohio region. The Medical Capital includes more than 700 biohealth companies, 30 clinical, research and educational institutions, 230,000 biomedical and healthcare workers, $650 million annually in research funding, and $200 million annually in private startup funding. For more information: www.TheMedicalCapital.com. About BioEnterprise

BioEnterprise is a business formation, recruitment, and acceleration effort designed to support the growth of bioscience companies. Located in Cleveland, BioEnterprise provides management counsel and support services to health IT, medical device, and biopharmaceutical companies. BioEnterprise founders are Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, and University Hospitals. Additional technology partners include the NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland State University, and BioOhio. The initiative comprises the collective activities of BioEnterprise and its partners commercialization offices: The Case Office of Technology Transfer, Cleveland Clinic Innovations, and University Hospitals Cleveland  Center for Clinical Research. The combined efforts of these groups has created, recruited, and accelerated more than 300 companies in 15 years. For more information: www.BioEnterprise.com. About Cuyahoga County

Cuyahoga County is home to world-renowned healthcare facilities, including Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals and the MetroHealth System. It is also home to 1.2 million people and is comprised of 59 unique and distinctive communities, with Cleveland as its nucleus. The county is the economic center of Northeast Ohio. The County has a booming biotechnology and biomedical industry. There are over 700 bioscience-related companies within its borders. The healthcare and biomedical industry together employ over 230,000 individuals. About HIMSS

HIMSS is a global voice, advisor and thought leader of health transformation through health IT with a unique breadth and depth of expertise and capabilities to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of health, healthcare and care outcomes. HIMSS designs and leverages key data assets, predictive models and tools to advise global leaders, stakeholders and influencers of best practices in health IT, so they have the right information at the point of decision. Through its health IT network of over 1 million experts, over 200 knowledge exchanges and collaborations, including 64,000-plus members, HIMSS drives innovative, forward thinking around best uses of technology in support of better connected care, improved population health and low cost of care. HIMSS is a not-for-profit, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois with additional offices in North America, Europe, United Kingdom and Asia. About The Global Center for Health Innovation

The Global Center for Health Innovation was built in Cleveland to serve as the focal point for healthcare innovation, conventions, and industry-specific meetings, and is home to internationally-recognized brands such as GE Healthcare, Siemens, Philips Healthcare, Cisco Systems, Cardinal Health, and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) along with Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Under the direction of the Cuyahoga County Convention Facilities Development Corporation (CCCFDC) and managed by SMG, the Global Center is home to 45 of the worlds leading healthcare brands and more than 300 industry meetings annually. Each tenant partner space displays innovation and technology contributing to the overall mission of improving patient outcomes and lowering costs for healthcare providers and consumers. To learn more, visit the Global Center website at www.theglobalcenter.com. To learn more about Cleveland as the nations medical capital, visit www.TheMedicalCapital.com.

Contact Information

Eileen Petridis

330.714.8646

[email protected]

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Photo: Getty Images

The federal government stands to raise as much as $280 million in revenue off provincial carbon taxes in Alberta and B.C. in the next two years despite claims carbon taxes would be revenue neutral for Ottawa.

Both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Environment Minister Catherine McKenna have long insisted Ottawa would collect no revenue from the carbon price the federal government is requiring the provinces and territories impose by 2018.

However, a new report from the Library of Parliament shows federal coffers stand to benefit financially when the five per cent GST is applied on top of carbon taxes built into the prices of goods and services such as gasoline or utilities.

In April 2016, the Canada Revenue Agency said provincial carbon taxes would be subject to GST. Warawa asked the library to find out how much Ottawa stood to gain as he prepared a private members' bill to reverse the CRA's decision.

Last week, the answer came back: as much as $130 million this year and $150 million next year in Alberta and B.C., the two provinces where carbon taxes are already in place.

Those numbers represent five per cent each of the annual cost of the carbon taxes in those provinces: $1.3 billion in B.C. per year, and in Alberta, $1.3 billion in 2017-18 and $1.7 billion in 2018-19, an average of $1.5 billion.

"That's where the federal government suddenly gets rich off Canadians," said B.C. Conservative MP Mark Warawa, who requested the report.
BOULDER, Colo., April 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- section.io today announced the hire of Matt Haentzschel as Chief Revenue Officer, a role in which he will oversee and build section.ios global sales team. Haentzschel brings a significant amount of experience in content delivery to section.io: He has held senior positions at EdgeCast, BandCon, and LimeLight Networks, and saw both EdgeCast and BandCon through acquisitions to Verizon and Highwinds respectively. His expertise in selling content delivery solutions to large websites will be invaluable as section.io expands the team and adds functionality to their platform.

Matt Haentzschel joins section.io











section.io is revolutionizing the content delivery industry by providing users with a choice of website performance and security tools built on a flexible platform with features that support Agile and DevOps workflows. The company, which was originally founded in Sydney, Australia, completed TechStars Boulder in 2016 and has since moved into a permanent office in Boulder, announced a partnership with eCommerce platform Magento, and expanded their product offerings.

As a veteran of the content delivery industry Ive yet to see a solution like section.io. The way this platform can replace traditional CDNs as well as Application Delivery Controllers and integrate fully with modern developer workflows is unique. Im excited to join the team and eager to help build our customer base, as well as the global organization, said Haentzschel.

In addition, section.io announced that Derek Nolde has joined the sales team as Enterprise Sales Director. Nolde also brings experience in the website monitoring and performance areas, previously working at New Relic and Fastly. Haentzschel will be based out of Los Angeles while Nolde will be based out of San Francisco, expanding section.ios capacity to work with key eCommerce players on the West Coast.

Stewart McGrath, CEO and co-founder of section.io, said of the hires, We are thrilled to have both Matt and Derek on board. Their experiences in the Content Delivery industry and Matts knowledge of how to build a sales team from the ground up will be crucial as section.io continues to grow.

About section.io

section.io is the only website performance, scalability, and security platform which gives developers the control they need to achieve unmatched website speed and reliability. Unlike legacy Content Delivery Networks, section.io provides a software-defined Content Delivery Grid that enables developers to easily customize their web performance and security compositions while integrating with modern development workflows.
Mitsubishi Materials withdraws from China market

ICR Newsroom By 18 April 2017

Mitsubishi Cement plans to pull out of the Chinese cement market as tighter environmental regulations take their toll and the supply glut hurts the companys profitability, according to Nikkei Report.



The Japanese nonferrous materials maker signed an agreement on 30 March to sell a cement company in Shandong Province for an undisclosed sum to an affiliate of state-run cement giant China National Building Material.



Mitsubishi Materials holds a 66.67 per cent stake in the Shandong company, Yantai Mitsubishi Cement. Trading house Mitsubishi Corporation owns the remaining 33.33 per cent. With a production capacity of around 1.2Mta, Yantai Mitsubishi posted sales of CNY204m (US$30m) in 2016.



In addition, Mitsubishi will liquidate two cement admixture companies in Shandong and Jiangsu as it shifts its operational focus to the US, following an expected boost in infrastructure investment.

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Oman: Raysut Cement gross profit falls 39% in 1Q17

ICR Newsroom By 18 April 2017

Raysut Cement posted a 38.7 per cent decline in gross profits in 1Q17 as profits reached OMR6.29m (US$16.3m), down from OMR10.26m in 1Q16, according to the companys statement to the Muscat Securities Market.



Revenues were down 23.2 per cent to OMR19.43m in the first three months of the year, copared to OMR25.3m in 1Q16. Profit before tax reached OMR4.56m in 1Q17, a 48.6 per cent YoY decrease from OMR8.87m.

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[April 18, 2017] PharmaCyte Biotech Discusses Future of Cannabis Research Program, Competitors and More with Program's Director

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., April 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. (OTCQB:PMCB), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing targeted treatments for cancer and diabetes using its signature live-cell encapsulation technology, Cell-in-a-Box, released today an interview-style Q&A article that discusses the companys Cannabis Research Program with Mark L. Rabe, MD, the Director of PharmaCytes Cannabis Program Development.

Given the latest research recently presented by Dr. Hyslop and his colleagues at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), what are your thoughts about the future of PharmaCyte's Cannabis Research Program? Dr. Mark Rabe: The latest news from Dr. Hyslop and the UNC team was very encouraging. As a result, PharmaCytes Cannabis Research Program is in high gear. The UNC research focuses on developing targeted cannabinoid-based chemotherapy utilizing the Cell-in-a-Box live-cell encapsulation technology. The therapy is designed to work by implanting encapsulated engineered cells in a blood vessel near a tumor. Then, a prodrug is administered upstream and activated by the encapsulated cells at the site of the tumor. Cell-in-a-Box, which encapsulates cells in a bio-inert cellulose-based porous polymer, serves as the platform. Of significance, UNC reported that cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid molecule derived from the Cannabis plant, had anti-cancer effects against several types of cancer cells that were dose-related. It was also reported that an enzyme has been identified that could convert an inactive drug, or prodrug, form of cannabinoid molecules into the corresponding active chemotherapeutic forms. Work is now underway to engineer human cells to produce this enzyme. Importantly, the parental or originating cell line being used is identical to that being used by PharmaCyte for its pancreas cancer therapy, which is soon to enter a pivotal clinical trial. If the cell line that PharmaCyte uses in its pancreas cancer treatment does in fact work with Cannabis as well, what is the significance of this find given how much work has already been done on that cell line? Dr. Mark Rabe: Utilizing the same parental cell line is a major advantage. Earlier work and studies have shown that the cell line being utilized is very amenable to Cell-in-a-Box live-cell encapsulation. Further, this cell line is about to receive additional FDA evaluation as part of PharmaCytes upcoming pivotal clinical trial in the treatment of locally advanced pancreas cancer. In that trial, the treatments parental cell line has been engineered to produce an enzyme that converts the conventional chemotherapy drug ifosfamide, which is a prodrug, into its active form. PharmaCytes Cell-in-a-Box therapy is a biologic, which means it faces far greater regulatory hurdles compared to treatments that use a single molecule. In our opinion, when it comes time to present a Cell-in-a-Box/cannabinoid therapy to the FDA, substantial data supporting the parental cell line choice will already exist. Walk us through the process of how cannabinoids work and how PharmaCyte's therapy can make the cannabinoids work better/be more effective? Dr. Mark Rabe: This question addresses the active component of the therapy. The medical literature is full of evidence that cannabinoids, specifically CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), exert anti-cancer properties in several ways. They: (i) slow the growth of tumor cells; (ii) slow the penetration of blood vessels into tumors that cause metastasis; and (iii) promote programmed cancer cell death. Cannabinoids are believed to exert these actions through interactions with endocannabinoid receptors located on cell membranes and the intracellular processes that control the cancer process. Presently, patients who choose to treat cancer with cannabinoids do so by consuming it. The general approach used is like that of conventional chemotherapy. That is, use as much as safely possible to maximize the concentration of the chemotherapeutic agent at the site of a tumor. However, generalized side effects from large doses of cannabinoids, such as unwanted psychoactivity and sedation, often limit their use. Control over cannabinoid composition is also difficult. The goal of targeted therapy is to optimize drug concentration at the site of a tumor while minimizing side effects. Can you explain what it is that the eventual cell lie being encapsulated would be activating in PharmaCyte's therapy?



Dr. Mark Rabe: This question addresses the prodrug component of the therapy. As mentioned, PharmaCytes therapy is designed to utilize an engineered cell line which, when encapsulated with Cell-in-a-Box, will enzymatically convert a cannabinoid prodrug into its active form. Since the UNC research and numerous other studies have confirmed that cannabinoids like CBD and THC have anti-cancer properties, it is necessary to have an inactive, or prodrug, version of these molecules suitable for enzymatic conversion. We have several prodrug options. For example, in the Cannabis plant, CBD and THC have naturally existing precursors that could be activated. Another approach is to modify CBD and/or THC in such a way as to render the molecules inactive. A cell line that produces an enzyme to un-modify the modified molecules would then generate the active drug.

In what therapeutic areas do you envision PharmaCyte's therapy being able to work? Dr. Mark Rabe: Cell-in-a-Box is extremely well-suited for targeted chemotherapy where prodrugs are enzymatically converted into active drugs at the site of a tumor. The platform can be used with conventional agents, such as ifosfamide, and potentially with cannabinoids. Tumor targets include any solid tumor, including pancreas, brain, breast, prostate, liver and others. The Cell-in-a-Box platform also has potential application in the treatment of other diseases. For example, cannabinoids have well-documented pain-relieving and neuroprotecting effects. Cannabinoids have also been shown to have beneficial effects in the treatment of diseases like Alzheimers disease and diabetes. The challenge with such treatments, in addition to answering the prodrug/active drug and cell line questions, is optimizing dosing. The beauty of Cell-in-a-Box, however, is that the capsule size, and consequently the number of cells contained, can be controlled. Hence, controlled micro-dosing is possible. Do we know where PharmaCyte fits into the current landscape with regard to creating a therapy in this space? Are there competitors? Dr. Mark Rabe: The current U.S. medical Cannabis industry has been estimated to be worth about $3.0 billion, and it is expected to more than double as more states legalize the use of Cannabis as medicine. There are dozens of companies in the space. Multi-billion-dollar big pharma companies such as Merck, Sanofi-Aventis, AbbVie and Bristol-Meyers Squibb hold cannabinoid-related patents and are conducting cannabinoid-related research. These companies also have broad oncology portfolios. GW Pharmaceuticals is a U.K.-based Cannabis-focused company with a market cap of approximately $3 billion. GW Pharmaceuticals has an extensive patent portfolio and already has an approved product, Sativex. Another GW product, Epidiolex, is in clinical trials. There is also an array of smaller, publicly traded specialty pharma, drug delivery and Cannabis-focused companies developing various cannabinoid-based therapies. Within this landscape, PharmaCytes product is quite unique and offers substantial potential benefits over other approaches, including a bio-inert targeted delivery system, control over the number of activating cells and control over prodrug selection and dosing. If they havent already, I would think that many of these companies will be taking notice of PharmaCytes cannabinoid therapy as a great potential partnering or licensing opportunity. What is the process moving forward with the development of PharmaCytes therapy using cannabinoids? Dr. Mark Rabe: Work will continue at UNC to study the anti-cancer effects of cannabinoids as well as to complete development of the cell line. Then, the cell lines ability to convert a prodrug into an active drug will be analyzed. If it works, these cells will then be encapsulated with Cell-in-a-Box and tested in animal cancer models. At the same time, we are also exploring other possible uses of Cell-in-a-Box in combination with cannabinoids. With the current climate in this country in the Cannabis sector, what are your expectations for PharmaCyte's ability to create a therapy and get it into clinical trials? Dr. Mark Rabe: Developing a new therapy is a complicated process, particularly when utilizing a breakthrough technology such as Cell-in-a-Box. To date, PharmaCyte has successfully completed many of the necessary steps with only a few to go. Ongoing work in the remaining areas is promising. One challenge that we have experienced related to development of a cannabinoid-based therapy is working within existing U.S. laws and drug schedules. For example, it took over two years to obtain the necessary licensure and approved Cannabis research material. With a new administration in Washington, it remains an open question as to whether getting a product that utilizes cannabinoid molecules into U.S. clinical trials and available to patients will become harder or easier. Interestingly, in contrast to the U.S., Israel has embraced medical Cannabis and is the world leader in cannabinoid research and production with over 500 companies in the sector and 120 ongoing studies and clinical trials. With estimates that the global market for medical Cannabis may reach $50.0 billion by 2025, the Israeli government is poised to allow these companies to begin exporting their products and dominate the world industry. About PharmaCyte Biotech PharmaCyte Biotech is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing therapies for cancer and diabetes based upon a proprietary cellulose-based live cell encapsulation technology known as Cell-in-a-Box. This technology will be used as a platform upon which therapies for several types of cancer and diabetes are being developed. PharmaCytes therapy for cancer involves encapsulating genetically engineered human cells that convert an inactive chemotherapy drug into its active or cancer-killing form. These encapsulated cells are implanted as close to the patients cancerous tumor as possible. Once implanted, a chemotherapy drug that is normally activated in the liver (ifosfamide) is given intravenously at one-third the normal dose. The ifosfamide is carried by the circulatory system to where the encapsulated cells have been implanted. When the ifosfamide comes in contact with the encapsulated cells they act as an artificial liver and activate the chemotherapy drug at the source of the cancer. This targeted chemotherapy has proven effective and safe to use in past clinical trials and results in no side effects. In addition to developing a novel therapy for cancer, PharmaCyte is developing a treatment for Type 1 diabetes and insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes. PharmaCyte plans to encapsulate a human cell line that has been genetically engineered to produce, store and release insulin in response to the levels of blood sugar in the human body. The encapsulation will be done using the Cell-in-a-Box technology. Once the encapsulated cells are implanted in a diabetic patient they will function as a bio-artificial pancreas for purposes of insulin production. Safe Harbor This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are generally statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "plans," "will," "outlook" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current plans, estimates, assumptions and projections, and speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in light of new information or future events, except as otherwise required by law. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements because of the impact of several risk factors, many of which are discussed in more detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. More information about PharmaCyte Biotech can be found at www.PharmaCyte.com. It can also be obtained by contacting Investor Relations. Contact: Investor Relations: PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. Investor Relations Department Telephone: 917.595.2856 Email: [email protected]

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[April 18, 2017] Park Systems, World Leader Manufacturer of Atomic Force Microscopes Announces Opening of European Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany

SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Park Systems, world-leader in atomic force microscopy (AFM) recently announced the opening of their European Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany and appointment of Ludger Weisser as General Manager. Park Systems is a publicly traded company listed on KOSDAQ since 2015 where they received "AA" from two separate rating agencies on advanced technologies, becoming the first company listed that year through the special technologies IPO program. Dr. Sang-il Park CEO and founder of Park Systems was an integral part of the group at Stanford University that first developed AFM technology. "We are very excited to open our European Headquarters and to create closer relationships with our valued customers in Europe," states Dr. Sang-il Park, Park Systems Founder and CEO. "The appointment of Ludger Weisser as European General Manager demonstrates our commitment to provide best-in-class technical sales support and technology collaboration with our customers to provide unique customer-driven Atomic Force Microscopy solutions." The opening of the European Headquarters will provide support for the vast network of highly skilled Park AFM distributors already establshed throughout Europe. Park Systems European distributors include Schaefer Technologie GmbH in Germany, Elexience inFrance, LOT-Quantum Design in the UK, ST Instruments B.V. inBeNeLux, Gambetti Kenologia Srl inItaly, and Biometa Tecnologia y Sistemas inSpain. To find a distributor location for Park AFM near you, go to: http://www.parkafm.com/index.php/company/locations



Ludger Weisser brings over twenty years of experience in management positions with Atomic Force Microscopy companies, including Director of European Sales with Asylum Research and Managing Director at Atomic Force F&E GmbH, an advanced metrological instrumentation organization for the European research community. His extensive background includes a degree in Physics from the University of Heidelberg, university research on polymer surfaces and work with Digital Instruments, later acquired by Veeco where he was a sales manager. "The fast-paced European scientific and industrial markets continue to make significant advancements in all areas of nanotechnology," says Ludger Weisser, General Manager for Europe. "Park Systems has a long history as a leader in atomic force microscopy, providing unsurpassed nanoscale advances in continuous pursuit of the latest AFM innovations." The Park Systems European Headquarters is launching a focused effort to develop close relationships with European thought leaders within the scientific and manufacturing communities and develop products that meet their needs.

Park Systems is a leading innovator in nanoscale microscopy and metrology and continues to invest in the development of emerging technology. They now have regional headquarters in Korea, United States, Japan, Singapore, China and Germany. As the nanoscale microscopy demands more effective AFM technology, Park Systems is focused on developing revolutionary breakthroughs for the best AFM products for both scientific research and industrial quality control. Park Systems was founded in 1997 and holds over 32 patents related to AFM technology, including True Non-Contact Mode using decoupled XY and Z scanners, PTR measurements for data storage application, NX-Bio technology using Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) on live cell, 3D AFM, and fully automated AFM operation software (SmartScan). About Park Systems Park Systems is a world-leading manufacturer of atomic force microscopy (AFM) systems with a complete range of products for researchers and industry engineers in chemistry, materials, physics, life sciences, and semiconductor and data storage industries. Park's products are used by over a thousand of institutions and corporations worldwide. Park's AFM provides highest data accuracy at nanoscale resolution, superior productivity, and lowest operating cost thanks to its unique technology and innovative engineering. Park Systems Corporation. is headquartered in Suwon, Korea with its Americas headquarters in Santa Clara, California. Park's products are sold and supported worldwide with regional headquarters in the US, Korea, Japan, and Singapore, China and Germany and distribution partners throughout Europe, Asia, and America. Please visit http://www.parkafm.com or call 408-986-1110 for more information. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/park-systems-world-leader-manufacturer-of-atomic-force-microscopes-announces-opening-of-european-headquarters-in-heidelberg-germany-300440643.html SOURCE Park Systems

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[April 18, 2017] LuckyDiem Launches with Over 100 Local Businesses at TechDay New York

NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- LuckyDiem, the first multi-tiered Online-to-Offline (O2O) marketing platform with complete advertising attribution launched today at TechDay New York (#TechDay) with over 100 local businesses on Manhattan's Upper East Side. LuckyDiem is reinventing mobile search by giving consumers an exciting new way to discover local businesses with enhanced listings that include instant discounts, prizes and a game-based loyalty program. While the platform has been used nationally, LuckyDiem now enables small businesses to compete with national brands by removing all the wasted time and money associated with digital marketing. "Most of today's 26M small businesses simply lack the time, skill and resources to implement a digital marketing strategy," says Andrew Landis, CEO of LuckyDiem. "Attribution, the ability to tie online ad spending to offline sales, is the number one challenge facing the digital marketing industry, but is particularly poignant for small businesses given how consumers find a new business today," says Landis. While over 70% of local businesses are discovered through online search (Local Search Association, 2016) nd 4 out of 5 mobile searches end in a purchase (comScore, 2016), only 6% of small businesses advertise with paid search. (Manta Research, 2017). "LuckyDiem builds upon its successful white-labeled platform for national brands such as La Quinta Inns & Suites which saw its loyalty membership grow by over 500% and sales by 206% versus the control group," says Landis.



LuckyDiem enables businesses to sign up without adding any hardware, software or minimum fees. Businesses join LuckyDiem in less than ten minutes to receive a suite of services including local search, mobile payment, a game-based loyalty platform with enhanced branding capabilities, and even a turnkey, integrated sweepstakes platform for their customers to win VIP tickets to major sporting events and concerts. "Businesses only pay a fee on completed sales, enabling retailers to calculate an absolute ROI for online-to-offline promotions with variable incentives for the very first time. Mobile payments' slow adoption by consumers may also get a boost through LuckyDiem which enables users to simply sign up, enter their payment information and automatically receive the discounts they've earned by paying with their smartphone," adds Landis. In addition, with every shared reward, LuckyDiem will donate to Hope & Heroes, a childhood cancer nonprofit at Columbia University Medical Center. "Duke's is very excited to be part of LuckyDiem," says Michael Schatzberg, Managing Partner at Branded Restaurant Holdings. "Online marketing is time consuming and nearly impossible to measure at retail. LuckyDiem members can now find Duke's and use LuckyDiem to instantly win free drinks or earn discounts on their checks, turning them into loyal customers. Its loyalty program is fun for customers, but more importantly it's integrated and helps us accurately identify and reward our best customers. It's easy to implement and gives me absolute ROI on my marketing spend. LuckyDiem is a no-brainer."

To Search, Spin and Win, visit LuckyDiem.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/luckydiem-launches-with-over-100-local-businesses-at-techday-new-york-300440912.html SOURCE LuckyDiem

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[April 18, 2017] Akamai Uses IneoQuest's Cloud Monitoring Service for its Video Assurance Needs

MANSFIELD, Mass., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- IneoQuest Technologies, the global leader in video quality and service assurance solutions, today announced that Akamai Technologies, the world's leading Content Delivery Network (CDN) provider, is leveraging IneoQuest's Cloud Monitoring service to provide in-depth quality monitoring and diagnostic acceleration for its critical video streaming events. This Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offering, now re-branded as FoQus>Delivery, allows IneoQuest's customers to monitor the quality of their Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) video streams through the globally-diverse OTT infrastructure, rapidly detecting and diagnosing streaming quality issues, without requiring significant up-front capital expenditures. As video viewers continue to shift toward OTT video consumption on smart TVs and mobile devices, they expect broadcast-level quality; and with the advent of 4K/UHD and HDR streaming, expectations are even exceeding broadcast quality. At the same time, many OTT video providers do not own or operate the infrastructure they rely on for the quality that will attract and retain viewers, and secure revenue. This shift has created an increasing need for flexible, scalable measurement tools which can address the new reality of video delivery both from a business and technical perspective. "Since the early rollout of IPTV, IneoQuest has been providing our customers with the solutions they need to detect video issues and quickly diagnose their cause", said Calvin Harrison, president and CEO of IneoQuest. "As digital video has evolved, industry dynamics have dictated significant changes in the way video quality and performance must be measured, and issues diagnosed. We recognized thesecoming changes over five years ago, and began migrating to 'all-software' system architectures which could be deployed as virtualized solutions in cloud-supporting datacenters. The FoQus>Delivery service is the next step in this video assurance evolution, and we are honored to have Akamai Technologies, the world's largest CDN, as a customer."



The FoQus>Delivery service provides the flexibility of a "pay as you go" subscription-based business model that is prevalent in the OTT market, supporting both network-less video providers who are offering pure OTT services as well as video providers who are extending beyond their on-network offerings with OTT. Built on IneoQuest's Surveyor and iQ Engine software, FoQus>Delivery provides the features and benefits that broadcasters and network operators across the globe have come to rely on for quality assurance in the digital video age. In addition, the subscription includes all software support and maintenance. FoQus>Delivery customers can test their video streams at locations around the world, and at different points in their distribution pipeline, supporting rapid issue diagnosis for video providers having both regional or global audiences. And because OTT video traffic is notorious for experiencing dramatic demand spikes, FoQus>Delivery was designed with dynamic scalability in mind, empowering customers with a simple solution to scale capacity as necessary. "For Akamai customers, quality and scalability are paramount. IneoQuest provides the fine-grained, per-stream visibility we need to rapidly uncover, diagnose, and even prevent customer-detectable streaming issues from occurring, especially during our highest-visibility events," said Matt Azzarto, director of media operations, Akamai Technologies. "FoQus>Delivery, deployed as a component of our Broadcast Operations Control Center (BOCC), provides us the capability we need to maintain the quality level our customers demand, provides the rich statistics expected from an industry-leading CDN, and offers a dynamic, scalable, subscription based model that dovetails nicely with our needs. These capabilities allow us to extend our quality-based market differentiation."

IneoQuest will be demonstrating the FoQus>Delivery service, as well as the entire suite of FoQus Platform solutions at NABShow stand SU6102 in Las Vegas, NV from April 22-27, 2017. Akamai will be demonstrating their BOCC, which leverages IneoQuest's assurance and diagnostic capabilities, at NABShow stand SL3324. About IneoQuest, a Telestream company

IneoQuest provides the world's leading media companies and service providers the critical insight needed to keep viewers engaged on any device, across any network. Acquired by Telestream in March 2017, IneoQuest's patented solutions continue to set the standard for measuring video quality and viewer behavior. To learn more about how IneoQuest is redefining the video experience, visit www.ineoquest.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akamai-uses-ineoquests-cloud-monitoring-service-for-its-video-assurance-needs-300440053.html SOURCE IneoQuest Technologies

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[April 18, 2017] Getnick & Getnick and Labaton Secure Record-Breaking Settlement for Whistleblower Client in Hedge Fund Tax Case

Getnick & Getnick LLP and co-counsel Labaton Sucharow LLP have secured the largest ever tax whistleblower recovery in New York state history. New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced the $40 million settlement today. The whistleblower, whose identity remains protected, will receive 22 percent of the settlement ($8.8 million), the largest amount and percentage share ever for a whistleblower in a New York False Claims Act case not involving Medicaid. Getnick and Labaton represent a whistleblower in a tax evasion case brought against Harbert Management Corporation, an Alabama-based investment company. Harbert had an investment and business relationship with Harbinger Capital Partners (News - Alert) Offshore Manager LLC, the investment manager for New York-based hedge funds run by Philip Falcone from 2002 to 2009. The case alleges that the defendants evaded New York State and City taxes by shifting income derived from Harbinger from New York to Alabama to avoid New York's higher tax rates. The settlement includes Harbert and related entities and individuals. The Attorney General's Office has announced that its investigation into the conduct at issue in this matter continus.



"This settlement is an important step forward for the use of whistleblower laws to battle tax evasion in New York, and it should serve as a wake-up call for hedge funds with multi-state operations," said Neil Getnick, managing partner of Getnick & Getnick. "The Attorney General's Office did an extraordinary job working with us and our client in developing this case, illustrating the value of the public-private partnership established by state and federal whistleblower laws." "This should be a cautionary tale for wealthy companies and individuals about the probability of detection and prosecution because of whistleblower laws enabling private citizens and their counsel to bring to light misconduct previously invisible to regulators," said Jordan Thomas, Chair of Labaton's Whistleblower Representation practice.

The case was filed under the New York False Claims Act, which was amended to cover tax claims in 2010. Today's press release from the New York Attorney General is here. Getnick & Getnick is a Manhattan-based law firm dedicated to fighting fraud and promoting business integrity. The firm works with whistleblowers, government agencies and companies, guided by the principle that anti-fraud is not anti-business. The firm's whistleblower cases have recovered more than $1 billion for taxpayers, and clients have received record awards, including the largest ever award for a single whistleblower. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170418005962/en/

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[April 18, 2017] Denim Announces Growing Investor Portfolio Including RGAx and American National Insurance Company

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Denim Labs, Inc. (Denim), provider of the leading social media engagement platform, today announced the company's growing investor portfolio, noting support from RGAx, the innovation subsidiary of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated, and American National Insurance Company, one of Denim's first customers. "We are thrilled to welcome RGAx and American National as investors," said Gregory Bailey, co-founder and CEO of Denim. "These companies are veteran leaders in the industry  we are truly working with the best. This new support gives us the opportunity to enhance our product offerings, expand our reach, and further empower our customers and partners across the insurance and financial services industries." Denim's patent-pending platform enables corporate marketers to launch, manage, and scale social media advertising for thousands of agents, advisors, and brokers in just two minutes. Denim-powered ads are corporately managed, but delivered locally on behalf of independent or affiliated agents. Denim frees advisors from social media activities and allows them more time for high-value sales and relationship building with their customers. "At RGAx, we are helping to build and accelerate transformational businesses that tackle the insurance industry's toughest problems," said Farron Blanc, vice president, innovation studio lead of RGAx. "We are proud to support Denim, a company that is reimagining marketing an distribution in the insurance industry."



For more information about Denim and to read more about today's announcement, visit the Denim blog or watch the Denim video. About Denim

Denim is reimagining marketing and distribution in the insurance and financial services industry with wicked smart technology. Denim improves marketing ROI by delivering highly relevant social media advertising at scale, so insurers can focus on what matters most: brand awareness, consumer engagement, lead conversions, and sales growth. With a focus on delivering a simple and intuitive platform, Denim not only delivers results, it's enjoyable to use. For more information, please visit www.denimlabs.com.

About RGAx

RGAx is a wholly owned subsidiary of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (RGA), with a focus on building and accelerating transformational business in the life insurance industry. RGA, a Fortune 500 company, is among the leading global providers of life and health reinsurance and financial solutions. With headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, and operations in 26 countries, RGA delivers expertise in individual life reinsurance, individual living benefits reinsurance, group reinsurance, health reinsurance, facultative underwriting, product development, and financial solutions. To learn more about RGA and its businesses, visit the company's website at www.rgare.com. For more information about RGAx, visit us at www.rgax.com. About American National Insurance Company

American National Insurance Company (American National), headquartered in Galveston, Texas, was founded in 1905 and is licensed to conduct the business of insurance in all states except New York. American National offers a broad line of products and services, which include life insurance, annuities, health insurance, credit insurance, and pension products. For more information, including company news and investor relations, visit the company's website at www.AmericanNational.com. Media Contact:

Ashley Hunt

LS2group

(515) 505-0459

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/denim-announces-growing-investor-portfolio-including-rgax-and-american-national-insurance-company-300440997.html SOURCE Denim Labs, Inc.

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FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, et al., Appellants, v. DIRECTV, INC., etc., et al., Appellees. No. SC151249 Decided: April 13, 2017

Pamela Jo Bondi, Attorney General, J. Clifton Cox, Special Counsel, and Rachel Nordby and Jonathan L. Williams, Deputy Solicitors General, Tallahassee, Florida, for Appellant Florida Department of Revenue Eric S. Tresh, Amelia Toy Rudolph, and Zachary T. Atkins of Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP, Atlanta, Georgia; David A. Konuch, Tallahassee, Florida; and Walter Hellerstein, Athens, Georgia, for Appellant Florida Cable Telecommunications Association, Inc. Katherine E. Giddings and Kristen M. Fiore of Akerman LLP, Tallahassee, Florida; Peter O. Larsen and Timothy J. McDermott of Akerman LLP, Jacksonville, Florida; E. Joshua Rosenkranz, Jeremy N. Kudon, and Nicholas G. Green of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, New York, New York; and Eric A. Shumsky of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, Washington, District of Columbia, for Appellees Gigi Rollini of Messer Caparello, P.A., Tallahassee, Florida, for Amicus Curiae Public Knowledge John S. Mills, Courtney R. Brewer, and Andrew D. Manko of The Mills Firm, P.A., Tallahassee, Florida, for Amicus Curiae Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association John A. Hinman of Hinman Carmichael LLP, San Francisco, California; and Christine Davis Graves of Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, P.A., Tallahassee, Florida, for Amicus Curiae National Association of Wine Retailers

This case is before the Court on appeal from the decision of the First District Court of Appeal in DIRECTV, Inc. v. State, Department of Revenue, 40 Fla. L. Weekly D1375 (Fla. 1st DCA June 11, 2015), where the district court expressly declared a state statute invalid. We have jurisdiction to review the decision. See art. V,  3(b)(1), Fla. Const. Because we find that the statute involved does not violate the dormant Commerce Clause, we reverse the decision of the First District.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

In 2005, DIRECTV, Inc. and Echostar, L.L.C. (the satellite companies) filed suit in the trial court, seeking a declaratory judgment holding the sales tax provision in the [Communications Services Tax] unconstitutional, a permanent injunction against the enforcement of the provision, and a refund of the taxes paid pursuant to the provision. DIRECTV, Inc., 40 Fla. L. Weekly at D1375. Enacted in 2001, the Communications Services Tax (CST) imposed a 6.8 percent tax rate on cable service and a 10.8 percent tax rate on satellite service.  202.12(1), Fla. Stat. (2005). Presently, cable service is taxed at 4.92 percent and satellite is taxed at 9.07 percent.  202.12(1), Fla. Stat. (2015). It is this difference, according to the satellite companies, that violates the dormant Commerce Clause. The trial court disagreed, and [i]n ruling on cross-motions for summary judgment, found that section 202.12(1), Florida Statutes, does not violate the Commerce Clause because it does not benefit in-state economic interests or similarly situated entities. Id.

The satellite companies appealed the decision to the First District, arguing that the statute unconstitutionally discriminates against interstate commerce in both its effect and purpose. Id. The First District agreed with the satellite companies and reversed the decision of the trial court. Id. at D137879. The district court noted that satellite companies and cable companies were similarly situated because they both operate in the same market and are direct competitors within that market. Id. at D1376. Moreover, the district court found cable companies to be in-state interests due to their local infrastructure and local employment. Id. at D1377. The district court held that because the CST favors communications that use local infrastructure, it has a discriminatory effect on interstate commerce. Id. However, the court did not find that the statute was discriminatory in its purpose. Id. at D137879.

Now before this Court, Appellants Florida Department of Revenue and the Florida Cable Telecommunications Association, Inc. (FCTA) argue that section 202.12(1) of the CST does not discriminate in its effect or its purpose and the satellite companies are not entitled to a refund for the taxes paid. This Court reviews decisions evaluating a statute's constitutionality de novo. Fla. Dept. of Revenue v. City of Gainesville, 918 So. 2d 250, 256 (Fla. 2005). All statutes come clothed in a presumption of constitutionality, and this Court will invalidate a statute only if a challenger has shown its invalidity beyond reasonable doubt. Crist v. Fla. Ass'n of Criminal Def. Lawyers, Inc., 978 So. 2d 134, 139 (Fla. 2008).

ANALYSIS

The statute at issue in this case, section 202.12(1) of the Communications Services Tax Simplification Law, states in relevant part:

The Legislature finds that every person who engages in the business of selling communications services at retail in this state is exercising a taxable privilege. It is the intent of the Legislature that the tax imposed by chapter 203 be administered as provided in this chapter.

(1) For the exercise of such privilege, a tax is levied on each taxable transaction, and the tax is due and payable as follows:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, at a rate of 6.8 percent applied to the sales price of the communications service which:

1. Originates and terminates in this state, or

2. Originates or terminates in this state and is charged to a service address in this state,

when sold at retail, computed on each taxable sale for the purpose of remitting the tax due. 



(c) At the rate of 10.8 percent on the retail sales price of any direct-to-home satellite service received in this state.

 202.12(1), Fla. Stat. (2005). The satellite companies contend that section 202.12(1) is facially unconstitutional. They argue that the text of the statute shows it was enacted with a discriminatory purpose and has a discriminatory effect, which violates the dormant Commerce Clause. A facial challenge to a legislative Act is  the most difficult challenge to mount successfully, since the challenger must establish that no set of circumstances exist under which the Act would be valid. United States v. Salerno, 481 U.S. 739, 745 (1987).

Commerce Clause

The Commerce Clause authorizes Congress to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States. Article I,  8, cl. 3, U.S. Const. The Supreme Court recognizes, in addition to the text's affirmative grant of authority, a further, negative command, known as the dormant Commerce Clause. This clause prohibits certain state taxation even when Congress has failed to legislate on the subject. Okla. Tax Comm'n v. Jefferson Lines, Inc., 514 U.S. 175, 179 (1995). A state tax is permissible under the dormant Commerce Clause only if it [1] is applied to an activity with a substantial nexus with the taxing State, [2] is fairly apportioned, [3] does not discriminate against interstate commerce, and [4] is fairly related to the services provided by the State. Complete Auto Transit, Inc. v. Brady, 430 U.S. 274, 279 (1977). The satellite companies' challenge to the CST is limited to the third prong, namely the prohibition on discrimination against interstate commerce.

[S]tatutes that openly discriminate against out-of-state economic interests in order to protect in-state interests are subject to a per se rule of invalidity. Simmons v. State, 944 So. 2d 317, 330 (Fla. 2006). A statute can discriminate against out-of-state interests in one of three ways: (1) it may be facially discriminatory; (2) it may discriminate in its practical effect; or (3) it may have a discriminatory intent. Amerada Hess Corp. v. Dir., Div. of Taxation, 490 U.S. 66, 75 (1989). In this case, the satellite companies argue that the sales tax portion of the CST discriminates in its effect and purpose.

I. Discriminatory Effect

A state law is discriminatory in effect if it affects similarly situated entities in a market by imposing disproportionate burdens on out-of-state interests and conferring advantages upon in-state interests. Or. Waste Sys., Inc. v. Dep't of Envtl. Quality, 511 U.S. 93, 99 (1994). Appellants argue Appellees' discriminatory effect argument fails at the threshold level. According to Appellants, this Court does not need to examine whether the tax imposes disproportionate burdens because satellite and cable companies are not similarly situated.

Substantially Similar Entities

Appellant Department of Revenue argues that cable companies and satellite companies are not similarly situated entities. [A]ny notion of discrimination assumes a comparison of substantially similar entities. Gen. Motors Corp. v. Tracy, 519 U.S. 278, 298 (1997) (footnote omitted). If the differences between the two companies render the entities not substantially similar, the Commerce Clause is not implicated. See id. Appellant contends that cable and satellite providers offer different communications services using different technologies and are subject to different regulatory burdens. In response, Appellees argue that cable and satellite providers compete directly and offer virtually identical products, and consumers view their products as similar and substitutable.

What is required for entities to be considered substantially similar has not been extensively considered by the courts. See Gen. Motors Corp., 519 U.S. at 299 ([The] central assumption [of substantially similar entities] has more often than not itself remained dormant in this Court's opinions on state discrimination subject to review under the dormant Commerce Clause ). It appears that at the very least, the entities must be in competition with one another. [I]n the absence of actual or prospective competition between the supposedly favored and disfavored entities in a single market there can be no local preference  to which the dormant Commerce Clause may apply. Id. at 300; see also Alaska v. Arctic Maid, 366 U.S. 199, 204 (1961) (refusing to compare freezer-ship owners and local fish processors because [t]he freezer ships do not compete with those who freeze fish for the retail market).

We find that cable and satellite providers are similarly situated because they both provide television service and compete directly in the pay-television market for the same customers. Appellant notes that cable offers Internet and phone service and satellite does not. While true, both satellite and cable offer television programming and compete for customers in that market. Appellees' expert offered uncontroverted testimony that cable and satellite TV are economic substitutes, such that an increase in the cost of one will cause consumers, on net, to shift to the otheri.e., that consumers see the services as fungible. Moreover, Appellant FCTA's president acknowledged in depositions that satellite is cable's direct competitor, an alternative provider of multichannel video and another means for customers to get that particular product.

Appellant also states that cable is heavily regulated by the federal government and satellite is not. However, one may argue that because cable predates satellite by decades, Congress may have decided to limit federal regulation on what was a burgeoning industry in order to allow it to compete with cable. See, e.g., DISH Network Corp. v. F.C.C., 653 F.3d 771, 774 (9th Cir. Ct. 2011) (noting Congress passed the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999 to better enable competition between satellite TV and cable TV). The Florida Legislature also appears to view cable and satellite as competitors. In enacting the CST, the Legislature declared that it wanted to provide a uniform method for taxing communications services sold in the state in order to free consumers to choose a provider based on tax-neutral considerations and spur[ ] new competition by simplifying an extremely complicated state and local tax and fee system.  202.105(1), Fla. Stat. (2001).

Although Appellant argues that cable and satellite are not similarly situated because cable offers services that satellite does not and cable is regulated more heavily, they both compete in the same market for the same customers. Accordingly, we consider satellite and cable to be similarly situated for the purpose of the dormant Commerce Clause.

InState Interests

Appellants Department of Revenue and FCTA both argue that cable is not an in-state interest. The Supreme Court has identified in-state and out-of-state businesses based on a distinct geographic connection, or lack thereof, to the home state. See American Trucking Ass'ns v. Scheiner, 483 U.S. 266, 286 (1987) ([A] state tax that favors in-state business over out-of-state business for no other reason than the location of its business is prohibited by the Commerce Clause.); see also Lewis v. BT Inv. Managers, Inc., 447 U.S. 27, 28 (1980) (striking down a Florida statute prohibiting banks with principal operations outside Florida from operating investment subsidiaries or giving investment advice within the state). Appellants argue that cable and satellite companies are both out-of-state interests because they each have corporate headquarters and principal places of business located outside of Florida. Additionally, they each have employees and property in Florida and elsewhere that facilitate the provision of their services to customers. Appellees counter that cable companies are in-state interests because they employ more Florida residents and utilize local infrastructure to produce and distribute their programming.

Cable companies are not in-state interests for the purpose of the dormant Commerce Clause. Instead, we find that both businesses are interstate in nature. Florida's largest cable companies, Comcast Corporation, Coxcom, Inc., Cox Communications Gulf Coast, LLC, and Bright House Networks, LLC, have their headquarters in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Georgia, and New York, respectively. Florida's largest satellite provider, DIRECTV, has its headquarters in California. Florida's second largest satellite provider, DISH, has its headquarters in Colorado. The cable and satellite companies have employees and property both inside and outside of Florida to facilitate their operations and earn income. They both employ Florida residents to sell, maintain, or repair their service to Florida customers. They also own and lease a significant amount of property in Florida.

Neither cable nor satellite produce anything in Florida. Instead, they are service providers that acquire video content from national and regional networks and local broadcasters and distribute that video content to their customers in Florida. To do this, they both employ the use of ground infrastructure. Cable uses headends to aggregate video content from the national and regional networks and process it for further downstream transmission to Florida customers. Satellite uses local collection facilities to receive off-air video content from local broadcast stations, encode the content, and prepare it for long-haul transmission back to their satellite uplink facilities outside of Florida. This local off-air video content is then transmitted over ground, using leased capacity on fiber or coaxial networks owned by telecommunications companies in Florida.

Cable is not a local, in-state interest any more than satellite. While it may be true that cable employs more Florida residents and uses more local infrastructure to provide its services, the Supreme Court has never found a company to be an instate interest because it had a greater presence in a state. Instead, the Supreme Court has affirmed the prerogative of state and local governments to treat different business models differently. See Amerada Hess, 490 U.S. 66; Minnesota v. Clover Leaf Creamery Co., 449 U.S. 456 (1981); Exxon Corp. v. Governor of Md., 437 U.S. 117 (1978). According to these cases, a state may treat two categories of companies differently so long as the discrimination is based on differences between the nature of their businesses and not the location of their activities. Amerada Hess, 490 U.S. at 78. Here, the difference between cable and satellite is not that one is located or primarily operates in-state and the other out-of-state. Instead, it is that their different business models have a different impact on local communities. While cable's business model requires the employment of more people and the use of more infrastructure, it is not a local business. Neither cable nor satellite is produced in Florida, and neither business is headquartered in the state.

For these reasons, we do not consider cable an in-state interest for the purpose of the dormant Commerce Clause. Because we find that cable is not an instate interest, the satellite companies' discriminatory effect argument fails. To date, every state and federal court considering Commerce Clause challenges brought by the satellite industry arguing against state tax measures as favoring the cable industry has held that these taxes do not violate the dormant Commerce Clause. They have found either that cable and satellite are not similarly situated or that cable is not an in-state interest. We agree with those decisions that find cable is not an in-state interest.

II. Discriminatory Purpose

A state law may also violate the dormant Commerce Clause if it has a discriminatory purpose. See Hunt v. Wash. State Apple Advertising Comm'n, 432 U.S. 333, 35253 (1977). To determine discriminatory purpose, courts look to the language and the legislative history of the statute in question. See Bacchus Imports, Ltd. v. Dias, 468 U.S. 263, 27072 (1984). Appellees argue that affidavits from lobbyists and two former legislators, which stated that the cable lobbyists sought a differential tax rate for cable and satellite because satellite was beginning to take over market share, demonstrate that the Legislature acted with a discriminatory purpose. Moreover, they claim that the Supreme Court has made clear that courts can and must consult a broad range of evidenceincluding statements by proponents and sponsors of suspect legislationto unmask the true purpose for an alleged discriminatory enactment.

A general rule of statutory construction is that legislative intent is determined from the statute's text. Heart of Adoptions, Inc, v. J.A., 963 So. 2d 189, 198 (Fla. 2007). In this case, section 202.105, Florida Statutes, provides the legislative intent of the CST:

(1) It is declared to be a specific legislative finding that the creation of this chapter fulfills important state interests by reforming the tax laws to provide a fair, efficient, and uniform method for taxing communications services sold in this state. This chapter is essential to the continued economic vitality of this increasingly important industry because it restructures state and local taxes and fees to account for the impact of federal legislation, industry deregulation, and the convergence of service offerings that is now taking place among providers. This chapter promotes the increased competition that accompanies deregulation by embracing a competitively neutral tax policy that will free consumers to choose a provider based on tax-neutral considerations. This chapter further spurs new competition by simplifying an extremely complicated state and local tax and fee system. Simplification will lower the cost of collecting taxes and fees, increase service availability, and place downward pressure on price. Newfound administrative efficiency is demonstrated by a reduction in the number of returns that a provider must file each month. By restructuring separate taxes and fees into a revenue-neutral communications services tax centrally administered by the department, this chapter will ensure that the growth of the industry is unimpaired by excessive governmental regulation. The tax imposed pursuant to this chapter is a replacement for taxes and fees previously imposed and is not a new tax. The taxes imposed and administered pursuant to this chapter are of general application and are imposed in a uniform, consistent, and nondiscriminatory manner.

 202.105, Fla. Stat. (2001). There is no evidence from the text of the statute that it was enacted with a discriminatory purpose. As noted by the First District, an examination of the 2000 Senate and House Journals reveals that there was no intent to favor cable companies. DIRECTV, Inc., 40 Fla. L. Weekly at D1378. Moreover, the 2000 Senate Staff Analysis and Economic Impact Statement shows that analysts believed the CST's impact would have the benefit of a simplified tax structure for all communication providers. Id.

Appellees argue that courts can and must consider other forms of evidence, such as the affidavits presented in this case. However, the Supreme Court has held that legislative history is far more problematic when sources outside of the Legislature are consulted, or when courts speculate upon the significance of the fact that a certain interest group sponsored or opposed particular legislation. Circuit City Stores, Inc. v. Adams, 532 U.S. 105, 120 (2001); see also Kelly v. Robinson, 479 U.S. 36, 51 n.13 (1986) ([N]one of those statements was made by a Member of Congress, nor were they included in the official Senate and House Reports. We decline to accord any significance to those statements.).

Therefore, we do not find that the CST was enacted with a discriminatory purpose. Because the CST is not discriminatory in either its purpose or effect, the satellite companies' facial challenge fails. Consequently, Appellees are not entitled to a refund of the taxes paid pursuant to the statute.

CONCLUSION

For the reasons set forth above, we reverse the First District's decision holding that the statute is invalid. Section 202.12(1) is not discriminatory in either its purpose or its effect and therefore does not violate the dormant Commerce Clause.

It is so ordered.

FOOTNOTES

. DIRECTV, Inc. v. Treesh, 487 F.3d 471, 480 (6th Cir. 2007) (finding that cable and satellite are distinct, consisting of two very different means of delivering broadcasts); DIRECTV, LLC v. Dep't of Revenue, 25 N.E.3d 258, 26671 (Mass. 2012) (concluding that cable and satellite are not substantially similar for Commerce Clause purposes); DIRECTV, Inc. v. Roberts, 477 S.W.3d 293, 307 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2015) (determining that cable and satellite providers are not substantially similar entities for purposes of the Commerce Clause).

. DIRECTV, Inc. v. State, 632 S.E.2d 543, 548 (N.C. Ct. App. 2006) (holding that cable providers are not local as compared to satellite providers); DIRECTV Inc. v. Levin, 941 N.E.2d 1187, 1196 (Ohio 2010) (explaining that the cable industry is not a local interest benefited at the expense of out-of-state competitors), cert. denied, DIRECTV Inc. v. Testa, 133 S. Ct. 51 (2012); DIRECTV v. Utah State Tax Comm'n, 364 P.3d 1036, 104647 (Utah 2015) (finding that cable providers are not in-state and satellite providers are not out-of-state for Commerce Clause purposes).

QUINCE, J.

LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, and CANADY, JJ., concur. POLSTON, J., concurs in result. LAWSON, J., did not participate.
Construction of a miniature house continues at ChattState in the Civil & Construction Engineering Technology program. The Tiny House Project began in fall of 2016 to give students the opportunity to get hands-on experience with planning, scheduling, and building a fully- functional tiny house. Funding for the project is made possible from the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Lowes, Greens Eco Build and Design, and consulting services from Wind River Tiny Homes.

Chattanooga State hosted a group of students from East Ridge and Ooltewah High Schools on March 31 and April 7, to spread awareness about the project and increase future enrollment in construction-related programs. Associate Professor of Civil and Construction Engineering Technology and Project leader, Caitlin Moffitt said, By establishing a core build project for construction programs, we are able to increase retention, progression, and graduation of students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is expected to grow by 22 percent by 2022.

Throughout the months of March and April, the students will be putting up the walls, framing the roof, and starting electrical work.

The project is also working in partnership with Sandra Lambertino, Associate Instructor Kyle Lee, and Instructor Winston Lay with the students in the Industrial Maintenance and Industrial Electricity Programs from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in the tiny house. Bruce Alston and Jeff Hanna with Media Services are helping to document the build.

The Tiny house project also will be having Build and BBQ Days this summer where high school students or prospective college students can come learn about careers in construction and the programs available at ChattState, as well as getting hands-on experience with the project. More information on that will be available at a later date.

For more information on the Tiny House Project, contact Caitlin Moffitt at Caitlin.moffitt@chattanoogastate.edu or visit https://www.facebook.com/chattanoogastatetinyhouseproject
Axalta Coating Systems announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with The Valspar Corporation and The Sherwin-Williams Company to acquire the assets related to Valspars North American Industrial Wood Coatings business for $420 million in cash. Valspar is divesting the business in connection with the reviews by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Canadian Competition Bureau (CCB) of the proposed acquisition of Valspar by Sherwin-Williams. The business had revenues of approximately $225 million in 2016 and is one of the leading providers of coatings for OEM and aftermarket Industrial Wood markets, including building products, cabinets, flooring and furniture in North America.

Known in the market today as Valspar Wood, the business has a number of widely known and respected brands including Zenith  , Lustre Lac and Graintone, among others. These products are backed by a strong R&D and technology organization and best-in-class customer service.

This is an outstanding opportunity for Axalta to enter the large Industrial Wood Coatings market with an industry-leading portfolio of products and customers, said Axalta Chairman and CEO, Charlie Shaver. The strong reputation enjoyed by these brands among a long-term customer base will provide an excellent platform for future growth in this important market. Our shared commitment to technology and excellence in application services, as well as a strong pipeline of new products, will enable us to meet the needs of both current and new customers. This acquisition continues to build on our strategy to strengthen and further diversify our Performance Coatings segment.

Axalta intends to operate this business as a pure bolt-on. As part of the transaction, Axalta will acquire the personnel, both dedicated manufacturing sites, R&D assets and the underlying intellectual property of Valspars North American Industrial Wood Coatings business. The transaction is subject to the closing of the Valspar and Sherwin-Williams merger, as well as customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including the approval of the FTC and the CCB. Axalta has secured a financing commitment for the transaction through Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, subject to customary closing conditions. Centerview Partners LLC acted as financial advisor to Axalta.
A New York Walgreens store is seen in 2014. Deerfield-based Walgreens Boots Alliance is attempting to purchase Rite Aid but the merger has come under fire from federal antitrust regulators. (Spencer Platt / Getty Images)

The pace of corporate mergers and acquisitions is expected to be brisk this year, but some Chicago-based marquee deals are slowing down the action.

A couple of significant area transactions are stuck in the muck, snagged by regulatory or marketplace complications. Among those in waiting: the Walgreens Boots Alliance buyout of Rite Aid and Canadian-based CIBC's proposed acquisition of consumer and commercial lender PrivateBancorp.

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Despite being bogged down, there's little reason to think the stride of local buying and selling won't accelerate. Emerging from the uncertainty of the 2016 election and the Trump administration's rocky start, the area's deal-making environment looks fit, as does the possibility of buyouts of firms across many segments, including health care, manufacturing, financial services and, of course, food providers.

On that last front, there remains ongoing speculation over whether packaged food giants Kraft Heinz and Mondelez will merge. If not, each might seek all or part of another food company, such as Europe-based Unilever or another U.S. concern.

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"The mergers and acquisition pros are looking for a rebound in 2017," says Jeff Sheban, a Chicago-based journalist and researcher for Mergermarket, which closely tracks the deal-making universe.

Even so, some corporate nuptials are taking more time than anticipated.

The proposed Deerfield-based Walgreens Boots purchase of the Rite Aid drugstore chain, located predominantly in the east, has suffered a series of stops and starts since the estimated $17 billion deal (including debt) was announced in October 2015. At that time, the transaction was expected to close in the second half of 2016, according to Walgreens.

Since then, the acquisition has come under fire from federal regulators, who contend the linking of Walgreens' 8,200 outlets and Rite Aid's 5,000 stores is anti-competitive.

Walgreens tried to soothe the Federal Trade Commission's concerns by agreeing to spin off 865 stores to another retailer but the feds didn't like that plan, so it was back to the drawing board. There is industry chatter that Walgreens could divest up to 1,200 stores, which would change the price and dynamics of its purchase.

"There is no doubt that the process of getting clearance for the transaction is taking longer than we expected," Walgreens CEO Stefano Pessina recently said to industry analysts, adding he's still confident the deal will get regulatory approval.

That may be the case, but the longer the approval process bumps along, the greater the possibility this buyout doesn't get done. Presently, some industry analysts say there's a 50-50 chance of approval, which seems to me to be a reasonable hedge.

Also in the wings is Chicago-based PrivateBancorp, which in mid-2016 agreed to be purchased by CIBC via a stock and cash deal valued at $3.8 billion.

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From there, matters got complicated.

After a healthy run-up in U.S. bank stock prices, brought on largely by the Trump administration's vow to deregulate the banking industry, some PrivateBancorp shareholders, including hedge funds, held off on approving the buyout and pressed CIBC for a higher price.

To that end, the Canadian bank recently raised its bid to $4.9 billion, but in doing so has come under fire from a few financial analysts for overpaying. However, CIBC is ready to pony up because it wants to expand into the upper U.S., and PrivateBancorp, with $20 billion in assets and a viable Midwest banking presence, promises to be an important vehicle.

With CIBC's fuller price  and if no competing bidder for PrivateBancorp soon emerges  this bank deal will likely be made.

The outlook is foggier for a couple of perennial merger and acquisition possibilities, Kraft Heinz and Mondelez. Both are facing slow growth and running out of ways to improve profitability just by cutting staff and tightening operations.

A merger between the two would provide the "synergies" that makes Wall Street drool: Greater cost reduction options, widespread job cuts, more revenues and higher profits.

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Barring such a merger, each company might make a run at buying another large food company, like Unilever or Hershey.

They've tried before.

Earlier this year, Kraft Heinz offered $143 billion to acquire Unilever but was rebuffed while Mondelez last year took an unsuccessful $23 billion stab at Hershey. By the way, Mondelez has retained an executive search firm and could replace CEO Irene Rosenfeld, a move that could open up that company to a whole new range of M&A thinking and possibilities.

Of the area's other large publicly traded companies it would be remiss not to mention Abbott Laboratories, which is digesting a couple of big acquisitions but always in the hunt, and Allstate, which is eager to supplement its core insurance business.

Meanwhile, privately held and family-owned companies promise to be in the midst of the 2017 action, including firms in light manufacturing, auto parts distribution, biotechnology and various service businesses.

Expect deep-pocketed investors, among them Byron Trott, to scout for closely held, well-managed companies to back. Last year, his BDT Capital Partners bought a stake in the Lou Malnati's pizza chain.

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Pending Securities and Exchange Commission approval is the purchase of the Chicago Stock Exchange by a China-led overseas investor group.

Late last year, a majority of deal-makers predicted the number and size of buyouts in 2017 would exceed 2016 levels, according to a survey by professional services firm Deloitte.

Yes, it's taking longer than expected, but barring any economic catastrophes, don't be surprised to see more wheeling and dealing this year.

roreed@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @reedtribbiz
Farmer's Fridge employee Lily Alquizira prepares cucumbers on April 17, 2017, at the company's food manufacturing facility in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. The salad vending machine company received about $10 million in its latest financing round and plans to expand. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

Farmer's Fridge, the Chicago-based company that sells salads out of vending machines, plans to add another 200 locations in the coming year, expanding into Milwaukee and potentially other Midwest markets.

CEO Luke Saunders' dream of increasing the accessibility of healthy food recently received a healthy boost of financing from Danone Ventures, the venture capital arm of the global dairy company, and Cleveland Avenue, the Chicago-based investment firm founded by former McDonald's CEO Don Thompson , among other investors. The financing round amounted to roughly $10 million; none of the investors took a majority stake.

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"We're trying to be scrappy and make it. Because we see that as what matters. Setting the number at 200 (new locations) is ambitious. I think we can do it. But the ultimate goal is to be a successful company," Saunders said.

Farmer's Fridge, which was founded by Saunders in 2013 and currently has 75 locations in the Chicago area, has been busy hiring staff to help with the expansion, adding about 20 employees in the past three months to bring the head count to about 60. That number figures to keep growing.

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Luke Saunders, CEO and founder of Farmer's Fridge, stands with one of his company's newer vending machines on April 17, 2017, in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. The company has salad vending machines at 75 locations and plans to add another 200 in the coming year. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

Saunders wouldn't disclose revenue figures for Farmer's Fridge, but said the privately held company is profitable. He emphasized that expanding the number of locations is just part of the plan.

Other changes coming will enhance the customer experience and improve sales, he said.

Customers buy salads at Farmer's Fridge machines  or fridges, as Saunders calls them  by ordering on a touch screen. Beginning this week, the company's rolling out new touch screen software that will tie in with a new app. Using the app, customers will be able to check the inventory of their nearest Farmer's Fridge machine and access rewards deals customized for their account, he said.

And over the next few months, all of the vending machines will be replaced by a sleeker, more modern design that's already in place in some high-profile locations, such as Merchandise Mart and O'Hare International Airport.

What about Farmer's Fridge attracted the venture capital arm of the French food giant Danone?

"Overall, the ambition they have to reimagine this vending machine channel to be more contemporary, more modern. ... We like the team also. It's a team that's very young but also ambitious and very capable," said Laurent Marcel, managing director of Danone Ventures.

Danone Ventures, launched last year, is part of a recent trend of large consumer packaged goods companies launching venture capital funds to invest in smaller companies better aligned with growing consumer appetites for food considered fresh and natural. Farmer's Fridge is Danone Ventures' first U.S. investment.

Marcel said he believed the investment would be mutually beneficial  Danone helps Farmer's Fridge grow with money and resources, and in turn, Farmer's Fridge can teach Danone about selling healthy food out of vending machines.

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Jose Montas, day shift supervisor at Farmer's Fridge, chops rhubarb April 17, 2017, for a special seasonal salad at the company's West Town food manufacturing facility. The 8,000-square-foot site supplies 75 Chicago-area vending machines. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

Don Thompson, founder of venture capital firm Cleveland Avenue, knows a little something about expansion into new markets as a former McDonald's CEO.

So far, other Cleveland Avenue investments include Drink cafe, a nonalcoholic bar inside the American Eagle Outfitters store in New York City's Times Square, and HalfSmoke, a Washington, D.C., fast casual restaurant.

"We think (Farmer's Fridge) is an attractive investment that aligns with what we view as an innovative food and beverage concept," said Thompson, who also sits on the board of directors for Beyond Meat, the California-based company known for plant-based burgers that resemble beef patties.

Farmer's Fridge first made its salads in Kitchen Chicago, a shared-use kitchen for startups in the West Town neighborhood, before moving operations to its current 8,000-square-foot food manufacturing facility about a mile farther east. The company's corporate office is one large room within the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago incubator building, also in West Town.

Farmer's Fridge CEO Luke Saunders, left, chats April 17, 2017, with employees Lily Alquizira and Jose Montas at the company's kitchen facility in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood. The salad vending machine company has about 60 employees and plans to expand. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

The majority of Farmer's Fridge locations, most of which are vending machines, are situated downtown near the Loop and on the North Side, but there are also locations, often at schools and hospitals, on the Near West Side, in the suburbs and at O'Hare. Farmer's Fridge also sells its salads sans machines in a few Whole Foods Market stores, and the company has a small restaurant in the Revival Food Hall.

Poised on the brink of expansion, Saunders reflected on how far the company's come. Saunders said he started the business with two part-time employees and with half the startup costs on his credit card.

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"If you had told me four years ago that a former CEO of McDonald's would invest in our business, I wouldn't have believed you," Saunders said.

gtrotter@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @GregTrotterTrib
Mondelez International, the Deerfield-based global snack food company known for Oreo cookies and Ritz crackers, announced Tuesday the looming departure of the company's president of North American business.

Executive Vice President Roberto Marques will leave the company, to be replaced by Chief Growth Officer Tim Cofer, who will act as interim president of the North American business while the company searches for Marques' permanent successor. This announcement comes shortly after reports that Mondelez hired a recruiting firm to search for possible replacements for CEO Irene Rosenfeld, who has led the company since 2006, prior to its split from Kraft Foods in 2012.

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On Tuesday, Mondelez spokesman Michael Mitchell said the two developments are unrelated.

"Today's announcement is about a change in leadership in our North America business. It has nothing to do with any other potential succession planning or market speculation. ... We're looking forward to recruiting a permanent successor to help us step up our performance on both the top and bottom lines, as we unlock the full potential of Mondelez International in the U.S. and Canada," Mitchell said in an email.

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Mitchell said he didn't know what's next for Marques, who couldn't be immediately reached for comment.

Last year, Marques earned about $3.7 million in total compensation, which includes base salary, stock and option awards, incentive-based pay, and other compensation, according to company filings. That represented a steep decline, mostly in stock and option awards, from 2015, when he earned $13.5 million in total compensation.

"Over the past two years under Roberto Marques' leadership, the North American team has been executing a large transformation, which has resulted in significant progress on our margin agenda, while stepping up our participation in growth areas such as well-being, broader channel penetration, especially in e-commerce, as well as entering the U.S. chocolate market," Rosenfeld said in the company news release.

Before he joined Mondelez in March 2015, Marques worked as an executive at Johnson & Johnson, according to his bio on the Mondelez website.

Mondelez, which has worked to increase profit margins amid declining revenues, reports quarterly earnings on May 2.

gtrotter@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @GregTrotterTrib
United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. ROLAND STUCKE, Appellant v. CITY OF PHILADELPHIA No. 15-2303 Decided: April 12, 2017

Before: MCKEE, Chief Judge *, FUENTES ** and ROTH, Circuit Judges Timothy R. Hough, Esquire Jaffe & Hough 1500 John F. Kennedy Boulevard 1907 Two Penn Center Plaza Philadelphia, PA 19102, Counsel for Appellant, (Argued) Michael E. Angelotti, Esquire City of Philadelphia Law Department 1515 Arch Street One Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19102, Counsel for Appellee, (Argued)

OPINION*

Ronald Stucke brought an action pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. . The District Court granted summary judgment to the defendant, the City of Philadelphia. Stucke appealed. For the reasons set forth below, we will affirm the judgment of the District Court.

I.

Since we write primarily for the parties involved, the facts of this matter, which are ably set forth in the District Court's thorough opinion, will be discussed only in an abbreviated fashion. Stucke is a Caucasian male, who works for the Philadelphia Prison System. During the relevant time period, he was the Industry Shop Supervisor for PhilaCor, a program for inmates to learn trades while serving their sentences. Stucke had exemplary work attendance and reviews.

In early 2009, Stucke's boss, the PhilaCor Assistant Director, died. The PhilaCor Director, Eleanor Doherty, recommended that Stucke fill the post on an acting basis, and Stucke was promoted to Acting Assistant Director in June 2009. The Assistant Director job description stated that the Minimum Acceptable Training and Experience included a bachelor's degree in business administration, education or a related field at an accredited college or university as well as two years of supervisory experience in a correctional industries program[, o]r any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources. The previous Assistant Director did not have a college degree. Stucke did not have a college degree, nor did he have a high school diploma.

Approximately five months later, Doherty told Stucke that Deputy Commissioner Hammond, under whose portfolio the PhilaCor system fell, had reminded her about the degree requirement for the Assistant Director position. Stucke admits that he had never looked at the job description; thus, he never saw the degree requirement or the exception for similar experience. After his discussion with Doherty, Stucke resigned from the acting Assistant Director position, reasoning that he had no chance at becoming the permanent Assistant Director due to his lack of a college degree and his unwillingness to obtain a high school or college diploma. Stucke returned to his previous position as a shop supervisor. Steven Brooks, an African-American male, became Acting Assistant Director.

Upon Stucke's return to his previous position, Brooks was Stucke's immediate supervisor. Stucke complains about several incidents that occurred after he returned to his position as shop supervisor, including the removal of a computer from his office, his discipline following an altercation with Brooks, several denials of transfers to his desired shifts, and his reassignment as a supervisor to another shop in the PhilaCor program. However, the parties also stipulated that no City employee made any derogatory remarks to Stucke about his race. There is no record evidence of any racial animus directed at Stucke or any other Caucasian employee in the prison system.

Stucke filed an administrative complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and the EEOC on February 14, 2011, alleging that he had been discriminated against because of his race and retaliated against for intending to exercise his Title VII rights. After receiving a right-to-sue letter in 2012, he filed suit against the City of Philadelphia in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

In his second amended complaint, the operative complaint in this matter, Stucke raised four claims: (1) Hostile Work Environment in violation of Title VII, (2) Disparate Treatment in violation of Title VII, (3) Hostile Work Environment and Disparate Treatment under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and (4) a general Retaliation claim. The District Court granted summary judgment to the City on all counts. Stucke appealed.

II.4

Although there are four counts in the second amended complaint, Count III, which alleges violations of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), is evaluated in the same way as violations under Title VII. Thus, in our discussion of the hostile work environment, disparate treatment, and retaliation claims, the analysis of these claims applies equally to the Title VII and PHRA counts.

A.

A plaintiff seeking to prove a hostile work environment claim must show that:

(1) he suffered intentional discrimination because of his [race]; (2) the discrimination was pervasive and regular; (3) it detrimentally affected him; (4) it would have detrimentally affected a reasonable person of the same protected class in his position; and (5) there is a basis for vicarious liability.7

Isolated incidents and offhanded comments  are not sufficient to sustain a hostile work environment claim. We must view the events in the totality of the circumstances to determine if they, taken together, rise to the level of a hostile work environment. They do not.

Stucke bases his hostile work environment on (1) the removal of his office computer for a month, (2) surprise inspections of Stucke's shop, (3) the severity of the discipline meted out in response to an argument with Brooks, (4) his failure to obtain his desired shift work after he was disciplined and transferred from PhilaCor, and (5) his reassignment to the Barricade Shop upon his return to PhilaCor. The District Court considered only the first two categories of incidents, did not address the fifth, and viewed the shift work denials and discipline as discrete acts of disparate treatment that could not be considered for the purposes of a hostile work environment claim.

In failing to consider the discrete acts of denying Stucke his desired shift work and the allegedly disparate discipline, the District Court erred, but the error was ultimately harmless. Nevertheless, we pause here to briefly clarify the correct standard for evaluating discrete acts in the context of a hostile work environment claim. The District Court relied upon the bright-line distinction between discrete acts, on the one hand, and the aggregate of non-actionable individual acts that could form the basis of a hostile work environment claim on the other. That distinction exists primarily for statute of limitations purposes, which are not at issue here, making this rationale inapposite. Here the question is not the timeliness of the plaintiff's complaint but whether those acts complained of can, as a matter of law, rise to the level of creating a hostile work environment. Thus, the District Court should have considered all of the acts alleged, regardless of whether they were individually actionable.

Even taking all of the acts complained of together, Stucke cannot establish a hostile work environment claim. First, there is no evidence that Stucke suffered discrimination because of his race. The parties stipulated that Stucke was not subjected to a single derogatory comment about his race during his employment with the City. The only racially charged comment that appears anywhere in the record is a comment related second hand by Donna Marie Johnson, a corrections captain, who had a long-term relationship with Deputy Commissioner Hammond. Johnson said at her deposition that she recalled Hammond telling her, in regard to Brookswithout mentioning Stuckethat Hammond was looking out for a brother. Johnson testified at her deposition that she did not take the comment to be racial in nature and that she viewed it as Hammond's attempt to take sides in a dispute between Brooks and Doherty, with the issue being gender instead of race. Even assuming that Hammond made the comment and it has the racial overtones Stucke ascribes to it, this single, offhand, hearsay comment is insufficient to create the kind of inference of racial animus necessary to establish a hostile work environment claim. This is particularly true here, where Stucke admits that there was no racial animus among the prison employees and the parties stipulated that no employee ever made a derogatory comment to Stucke about his race.

Moreover, the acts complained of are not sufficiently severe to rise to the level of a hostile work environment. The Supreme Court has made clear that Title VII is not a general civility code and that the ordinary tribulations of the workplace are not grounds for a hostile work environment claim. Stucke's complaints are nothing more than ordinary tribulations indicating friction between a supervisor and an employee, not the type of severe and pervasive abusive environment giving rise to at Title VII claim.

B.

Stucke's disparate treatment claim revolves around his resignation from his position as Acting Assistant Director. The District Court held that Stucke did not suffer an adverse employment action when he stepped down because his removal did not qualify as a constructive discharge. The District Court is correct.

Under the McDonnell Douglas standard, an employee must show that (1) s/he is a member of a protected class; (2) s/he was qualified for the position s/he sought to attain or retain; (3) s/he suffered an adverse employment action; and (4) the action occurred under circumstances that could give rise to an inference of intentional discrimination to set forth a prima facie claim for disparate treatment. Stucke claims that he suffered an adverse employment action because he was constructively discharged from his position as Acting Assistant Director when Doherty told him that the prison system would not change the position's requirements.

A constructive discharge claim may proceed to a jury if a reasonable jury could find that the [employer] permitted conditions so unpleasant or difficult that a reasonable person would have felt compelled to resign. Among the relevant factors to consider are whether an employee was threatened with termination, demoted, had his pay reduced, was involuntarily transferred, had his job responsibilities altered, or was given unsatisfactory job evaluations. None of the factors above apply to Stucke's time as Acting Assistant Director, since, at most, the conversation that Stucke claims caused him to resign pertained to his eligibility for the permanent Assistant Director position, not the acting position he then occupied. Stucke admits he stepped down because he determined that he would not meet the qualifications for the permanent position and he did not intend to do anything to obtain those qualifications. Moreover, there is nothing to indicate that Stucke could not have proceeded in the Acting Assistant Director position for a significant period of time, particularly in light of Brooks' serving in the acting position for three years after ascending to it. Consequently, there was no constructive discharge.

The District Court also held that any argument that Stucke was given disparate discipline was waived because it was not raised until Stucke's Sur-Reply Brief. This was error, since the second amended complaint stated that disciplining and demoting Stucke was one of the ways in which Stucke was allegedly treated differently. Nevertheless, this argument is not pressed on appeal and is therefore waived.

C.

As for the retaliation claims, the District Court considered only whether Stucke was retaliated against for telling Brooks that he was going to file a lawsuit. This was error because the additional retaliatory actions pertaining to not obtaining more desirable shift work and his reassignment to the barricade shop upon his return to PhilaCor were set forth in the second amended complaint and incorporated into the retaliation claim.

All of the retaliation claims fail, however, since Stucke cannot establish a causal link between any protected activity and any alleged acts of retaliation, a necessary condition for any Title VII retaliation claim. First, the District Court was correct that vaguely referring to filing a lawsuit is insufficiently specific to qualify as protected activity under Title VII. As the District Court correctly held, we look to the message being conveyed to determine if an employee has opposed unlawful practices so that his conduct is protected by Title VII. Stucke admits that he did not mention race or any other form of discrimination when he threatened to sue, and merely stated that he was incensed that Brooks was given the Acting Assistant Director job despite not having a degree. Such a generalized grievance, without more, cannot constitute the type of conduct that is protected by Title VII.

Stucke's filing of a PHRC complaint in 2011, on the other hand, is undoubtedly protected activity, since it clearly identified his employer and the practice to which he objected. Yet, assuming Stucke has put forward a prima facie case of retaliation based on his failure to obtain desirable shifts and his transfer to the barricade shop, the City has put forward reasonable non-discriminatory rationales for those decisions. The City claims that he was denied the shift work because of his then existing disciplinary record stemming from his altercation with Brooks and his reputation as a trouble maker and an asshole. These non-discriminatory rationales offered by the City are plausible. Consequently, at the summary judgment stage the burden shifts to Stucke to come forward with sufficient evidence for a reasonable juror to find that the City's plausible rationales are mere pretext. Stucke failed to do so.

III.

For the foregoing reasons, we will affirm the District Court's entry of summary judgment on all counts in favor of the City of Philadelphia.

FOOTNOTES

. 43 P.S.  951, et seq.

. Stucke v. City of Phila., No. 12-6261, 2015 WL 2231849, at *14 (E.D. Pa. May 12, 2015).

. J.A. 63  21.

. The District Court had jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C.  1331 and  1367. We have jurisdiction over the appeal pursuant to 28 U.S.C.  1291. We exercise plenary review over a District Court's grant of summary judgment, making all reasonable inferences in favor of the non-moving party. Wiest v. Tyco Electronics Corp., 812 F.3d 319, 32728 (3d Cir. 2016).

. 43 Pa. Stat.  951 et seq.

. Faush v. Tuesday Morning, Inc., 808 F.3d 208, 213 (3d Cir 2015).

. Carver v. City of Trenton, 420 F.3d 243, 262 (3d Cir. 2005) (quoting Cardenas v. Massey, 269 F.3d 251, 260 (3d Cir. 2001)) (alteration in original).

. Id. (internal quotation marks omitted).

. Id.

. See O'Connor v. City of Newark, 440 F.3d 125, 127 (3d Cir. 2006).

. Faragher v. City of Boca Raton, 524 U.S. 775, 788 (1998) (internal quotation marks omitted).

. Makky v. Chertoff, 541 F.3d 205, 214 (3d Cir. 2008) (citing McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792, 802 (1973)).

. Colwell v. Rite Aid Corp., 602 F.3d 495, 502 (3d Cir. 2010) (alteration in original).

. Id.

. S.A. 10.

. Moore v. City of Philadelphia, 461 F.3d 331, 341 (3d Cir. 2006).

. Id. at 343.

. Id.

. McDonnell Douglas Corp., 411 U.S. at 80203.

. Id.

ROTH, Circuit Judge
In community associations, more people are likely to be affected in a disaster like a fire than when a single-family home is damaged. Developing a plan before a crisis hits can mitigate some of the pain. (Getty Images)

Disasters are rare enough that most people never encounter one. But sometimes they do.

In community associations, the impact of disasters like fire, flood and hail is intensified because residents live in proximity. More people are likely to be affected than when a single-family home is damaged.

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Pre-planning can mitigate some of the pain, said Charissa Ziobro, a regional director for Associa Chicagoland, which has locations in Chicago, Plainfield and Schaumburg.

One of her client associations is a three-story condominium building in Rolling Meadows that was partially destroyed by fire in March 2015. The fire displaced 49 residents who have not yet been returned to their units.

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"Take time to develop a plan before the crisis hits," Ziobro said. "When it happens, it happens so fast."

What should go into your plan? Consider these pointers from industry veterans who have helped their clients rebuild:

Assemble a team. Among your players are manager, attorney, insurance broker, restoration company and local fire department. Invite them to tour your property and offer suggestions, checklists and protocols, said St. Paul, Minn.-based Chuck Schneider, president at Lincoln Hancock Restoration.

"We had strong relationships built with our vendors, and they were ready to jump in at game time," Ziobro said.

Snap pictures. Keep an up-to-date photographic inventory of your buildings and common elements.

"It can be very helpful in making an insurance claim if you have documentation of what your property looked like before the hailstorm or the fire," Schneider said.

Review your insurance, associations. Community associations are divided into two main categories: Condominiums and common interest communities. Their insurance obligations differ.

Typically, condominium associations must insure the buildings and common elements. Their insurance restores individual units with a coat of primer on the walls and basic fixtures comparable to the original ones. Owners are responsible for the rest.

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In common interest communities, owners often must insure their individual portions of the building's roofs and exterior walls plus their personal belongings.

Here's where it gets tricky: If disaster befalls a 10-unit common interest community, and each owner insures with a different carrier, 10 carriers could be trying to coordinate reconstruction. It gets ugly if one or more owners don't have insurance.

Town homes may be developed as condominiums or common interest communities.

Association attorney Robert Prince at Cervantes, Chatt & Prince, which has locations in Chicago and Burr Ridge, advises noncondo-style town home associations to take over their building insurance, although they might have to amend their governing documents to gain the authority.

The cost between the association insuring the building and the owners insuring their portions individually "will be a wash," he said. "What you get out of it is control. You know you have the right insurance when disaster happens."

Residents, you should review your insurance too. All owners typically are responsible for insuring painted walls and everything within the airspace between them. That means their personal possessions plus any improvements, alterations and decorations.

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The $50,000 kitchen remodel you put in may not be covered unless you list it in your policy, said insurance broker Edward Litke at Litke Financial Group in Highland Park.

"Sometimes people pay off their mortgage and think they don't need insurance anymore," he said. "Or they inherited the property and rented it out and their insurance doesn't apply to their situation."

Basic insurance policies pay for additional housing expenses if you are vacated from your unit, but only for 12 months, he said.

Remind and remind again. Associations, nag your residents  nicely. It's for their own good. Send periodic letters that detail exactly what the association's insurance will cover and what they need to insure. Advise them to take the letter to their insurance agents to make sure the policies mesh, Schneider said.

"At the point of disaster, there is nothing you can do to undo the policy," he said. "The coverage is what it is. It's really gut-wrenching to see these people who think the association is going to cover everything."

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ALPHARETTA, Ga.  Republicans had hoped Tuesday's special election in Georgia's wealthy and sleepy 6th Congressional District would be just like every other House race here since 1978: the mostly painless elevation of a rock-ribbed and polished conservative.

Those hopes have died. Now, this suburban swath north of Atlanta resembles the cracked mirror of the GOP's national identity crisis, with 11 candidates bitterly feuding over what it means to be a Republican in the age of President Donald Trump.

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That crowded field is roiled by nerves about Trump and lingering internecine dramas over ideological purity. And with next year's midterm elections beginning to take shape, the race's currents could reverberate far beyond the white college-educated professionals along Interstate 285, regardless of which candidate emerges from the scrum Tuesday.

"You've got a miniature civil war going on there," said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., an ally of House GOP leaders. "We're all paying attention, since anything can happen in a special."

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The splintered GOP has raised the possibility that the leading Democratic candidate, 30-year-old former congressional staffer Jon Ossoff, could win Tuesday's election outright with more than 50 percent of the vote, thus claiming an open House seat previously held by Trump's health and human services secretary, Tom Price.

Trump - who barely won this district last year and tweeted Monday that the media coverage of the race was a "game" and "BAD!" -- is eager to stave off a Republican stumble that could become an ominous bellwether of his standing as he attempts to build support in the coming weeks for the big-ticket legislative items that have eluded him in the GOP-controlled Congress during the early months of his presidency.

If Ossoff places first or second with support in the mid-40 percent range among the 18 total candidates - surveys show that scenario as most likely -- he will face a tougher matchup this summer, when many of the warring Republicans would almost certainly coalesce to save the seat.

Georgia's election law initially piles candidates of all stripes onto a single ballot. If no one wins a majority, the two top finishers move on to a head-to-head contest months later.

"Having 11 people on our side is like eating our young," Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., a friend of Trump, said in an interview Monday. He compared the infighting to the "nightmare" of his own 2014 statewide primary and added: "You risk letting the Democrat slide through without a runoff. But I don't think that will happen if we get the turnout."

Democratic congressional leaders and liberals from around the country have rallied for Ossoff as Republicans have clawed at one another, contributing millions to his insurgent bid and watching him soar to the top of several polls -- and salivating at the prospect of picking up a seat that hasn't gone blue since Georgia's own Jimmy Carter occupied the Oval Office.

Trump has become a complicated figure in establishment Republican enclaves such as Chamblee, which boasts a tony shopping center with a gourmet doughnut shop and a sleek Mexican restaurant whose patio is packed in the evenings with 30-something couples. Passing through the leafy neighborhood on a warm Monday afternoon, one sees a slew of navy-blue Ossoff signs dotting sidewalks and apartment windows.

Republicans' failure to pass their plan to overhaul the nation's health-care system has sown doubts among some suburban GOP voters about Trump's effectiveness in cutting deals with lawmakers in Washington, as well as the party's promises. The health-care episode has particular resonance in this district since Price, a physician, was its representative from 2005 until February, when he joined the Cabinet.

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Cole said the National Republican Congressional Committee, which he formerly chaired, has dispatched staffers to Georgia to stoke turnout among core GOP voters amid those grumbles. The Congressional Leadership Fund, an outfit aligned with the House GOP, has spent more than $2 million on a spate of negative television spots about Ossoff.

At the White House, an official said, the president is paying close attention and has been briefed by aides about the race. Political director Bill Stepien is working with the state party and the congressional committees. Chief strategist Stephen Bannon is involved in discussions about how to encourage Republican turnout.

But Trump's pugilism and lack of a cohesive conservative worldview on fiscal and foreign policy have confounded Republicans here. Previous holders of the seat have included a mainstream, business-friendly Republican, Sen. Johnny Isakson, and a stridently ideological conservative, former House speaker Newt Gingrich.

The district is "a little bit of an oddity," said Ralph Reed, a conservative leader and longtime strategist in both Georgia and national Republican circles. "Just in its socioeconomic profile, it doesn't really lay out as Trump country. It's highly educated, upscale, suburban, and Trump country tends to be more rural to exurban, more high school or only some college."

The way the Republican contenders are handling Trump and the concurrent rise of populism and moderate angst in the wake of his victory is revealing, even though the names of the near-dozen candidates are unfamiliar. Everyone seems to be laboring, with varying success, to figure out a pitch that pulls together the fractured GOP ranks.

Interactions with Trump's political brand have veered from hearty embrace (Dan Moody, Bob Gray, Bruce LeVell, Amy Kremer) to support but not always rah-rah (Karen Handel, Judson Hill) to flat-out defiance (David Abroms). Most of the leading candidates have bounced between those poles depending on the day or the latest controversy.

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Handel, a favorite of antiabortion activists who has the highest name recognition and once served as Georgia's secretary of state, said in an interview Monday that she is concentrating on doing her "level best to represent the interests of the 6th District" in her positions rather than linking arms with Trump.

"Obviously I'm a Republican and support the president," Handel said. "But being in Congress is not the same as being an extension of the White House. I'm more than willing to step up and speak out when the circumstances demand that. ... People want a doer - someone they trust who can move our party from vocal opposition to governing."

Endorsements from prominent Republican players have been scattered to the point of muddying the field. Perdue has backed Moody. Gingrich supports Hill, as does Sen. Marco Rubio, Fla. Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski endorsed LeVell. Former senator Saxby Chambliss is for Handel. But the conservative Club for Growth has opposed Handel and boosted Gray. To counter the club, the Ending Spending advocacy group, which is backed by the billionaire Ricketts family, has poured millions behind Handel's candidacy.

It goes on and on like that further down the line in the state. One group or officeholder goes for Handel, another goes for Gray, another jumps in for Moody or Hill, and Trump supporters of different degrees poke and prod one another on social media.

Unsurprisingly, no one has caught fire, and constant squabbling has remained the thrust of the GOP race. As Ossoff's candidacy has exploded on the left - landing on the cover of New York magazine, raising more than $8 million, and attracting the support of actors such as Samuel L. Jackson and bloggers at MoveOn.org and Daily Kos - the Republicans have hovered below 20 percent in most polls.

"We've got a shot at an upset," Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla., said. "It's like what we're seeing all around, this backlash. The protests, the marches. Democrats want to make a statement."

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As they did in a special House election last week in Kansas, where Republicans narrowly won a seat that has long been safely GOP, Democrats see, if not a chance at victory, at least a chance to rattle Trump and Republicans as they look toward 2018 and the possibility of winning back the chamber. The surge in early voting here has only raised expectations that Ossoff could hit 50 percent Tuesday or do well in a runoff, which would be held June 20 if needed.

Trump signaled in a tweet Monday how Republicans would define Ossoff in a runoff election: "The super Liberal Democrat in the Georgia Congressioal [sic] race tomorrow wants to protect criminals, allow illegal immigration and raise taxes!"

Ossoff replied in a statement: "While I'm glad the president is interested in the race, he is misinformed."

An Emerson College survey released late last week showed Ossoff with 43 percent. Handel garnered 17 percent, Gray -- a former local councilman and businessman -- 15 percent and Moody -- a former state senator -- 9 percent. Hill, another former state senator, was at 6 percent.

LeVell, an African American jeweler and former Trump campaign adviser, as well as Trump-aligned conservative activist Kremer, have struggled, perhaps showing the difficulty of being a die-hard Trump supporter in a Republican district that's not dominated by grass-roots nationalism. Abroms, who has campaigned with anti-Trump independent Evan McMullin, has also found it hard to get on the political map.

Perdue, who has worked closely with the Trump White House, said he is confident that despite the bloodletting among Republicans, a runoff election would end favorably since this "district is a traditionally 60-40 Republican district, and we really don't want to give a vote to Nancy Pelosi," the House Democratic leader.

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But Perdue acknowledged that his party is still figuring things out. "It's a democracy," he said wryly of the clashing Republicans. One upside to the fracas, he volunteered, is that "our candidates are not coached like the Democrats."
The James Beard Awards return to Chicago on May 1 , but you can start celebrating early at these James Beard-related dinners, parties and more.

The events are listed in chronological order. Some are ticketed with limited seats, while others are first come, first served.

James Beard Eats Week Taste dishes and menus inspired by the late, great culinary expert and cookbook author James Beard at 125 Chicago-area restaurants. The so-called week actually runs 11 days. Prices vary. April 21 to May 1. Multiple locations, www.choosechicago.com/jbf.

Between Bites with James Beard winners and nominees Girl & the Goat chef Stephanie Izard (2013 best chef Great Lakes winner) will tell a personal food story at the philanthropic live literary series, along with Nico Osteria chef Erling Wu-Bower (nominated in the same category this year), Naha chef and owner Carrie Nahabedian (outstanding chef semifinalist), and journalists Michael Gebert and Julia Thiel (2011 journalism co-winners). Heavy appetizers, desserts by Bake Me Off and Bang Bang Pie, Moet Champagne, Lagunitas beer, wine and cocktails will be served. Ticket proceeds from the night will benefit a James Beard Foundation scholarship for a Chicago-area culinary student. $40. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Monday, April 24, at River Roast, 315 N. LaSalle Drive, 312-822-0100, www.between-bites.com.

Jeremy Fox cookbook lunch Boka chef and partner Lee Wolen (2017 best chef Great Lakes nominee) and Jeremy Fox, the chef of Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica, Calif., will create a five-course vegetarian lunch with recipes from Foxs debut cookbook, On Vegetables: Modern Recipes for the Home Kitchen." Fox first made his name at the critically acclaimed restaurant Ubuntu in Napa, Calif. Ticket also includes a signed copy of the book. $85, plus optional $35 wine pairing. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Boka, 1729 N. Halsted St., 312-337-6070, www.eventbrite.com.

The Iconoclast Dinner Experience Host chef Joseph "JJ" Johnson (2015 rising star chef semifinalist) of Mintons in Harlem celebrates Beard-recognized chefs, including Aya Fukai of Maple & Ash (2017 outstanding pastry chef semifinalist), Jamilka Borges of Spoon in Pittsburgh (2015 rising star chef semifinalist) and Digby Stridiron of Balter in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands (2014 Beard Boot Camp alumnus). Tickets include food from each chef, plus wine and spirits. All net proceeds benefit Spelman College students from Jamaica and sub-Saharan African countries. $100. 8-11 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Morgan's on Fulton, 950 W. Fulton Market, 312-374-3686, tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com and more information at www.theiconoclastdinner.com.

Miami takeover at Tacoteqa Chef Jimmy Lebron and bar manager Bobby Eldridge of The Broken Shaker (2013 outstanding bar program semifinalist) at The Freehand hotel in Miami will take over Tacoteqa, the late-night taco shop at The Freehand Chicago, offering a special a la carte food and cocktail menu for one night only. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, April 29, at The Freehand, 19 E. Ohio St., 312-940-3699, www.freehandhotels.com/chicago.

Sofra Bakery brunch Avec chef Perry Hendrix and 2017 outstanding pastry chef nominee Maura Kilpatrick of Oleana restaurant and Sofra Bakery in Cambridge, Mass., will collaborate on an a la carte brunch with the latters Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and the formers house Mediterranean- and Midwestern-influenced menu. Reservations recommended. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 30m at Avec, 615 W. Randolph St., 312-377-2002, www.avecrestaurant.com.

Shake Shack, Milk Bar and Bang Bang backyard barbecue Boka chef Lee Wolen hosts another event, this time with Milk Bar pastry chef Christina Tosi (2016 outstanding pastry chef winner), Danny Meyer's Shake Shack and Chicago's own Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits. Shake Shack will create a burger inspired by Wolens Boka menu, while Bang Bang and Tosis New York-based Milk Bar will serve sweets. Tickets also include snacks and alcoholic drinks. $40. 3-6 p.m. Sunday, April 30, at Boka, 1729 N. Halsted St., 312-337-6070, www.eventbrite.com.

Otto Mezzo preview party with Charles Joly Worlds best bartender award winner Charles Joly (Beard outstanding spirits professional semifinalist this year) will mix drinks at soon-to-open Italian cocktail bar Otto Mezzo, helmed by chef Kevin Hickey and mixologist Brandon Phillips. Tickets include Italian food and cocktails. $50. 4-7 p.m. Sunday, April 30, at Otto Mezzo, 311 W. Chicago Ave., www.rockitranch.com.

Izakaya special at Momotaro A three-course special menu will include a beer and a shot at the Tokyo-pub-inspired Izakaya, in the basement of Momotaro (2017 outstanding restaurant design nominee). No ticket or reservations required. $25. 6 p.m. to midnight Sunday, April 30, at Momotaro, 820 W. Lake St., 312-733-4818, www.momotarochicago.com.

Trick Dog and Dirty Dick Tiki takeover Three Dots and a Dash beverage director Julian Cox hosts the bar teams from 2017 outstanding bar program semifinalist Trick Dog in San Francisco and Dirty Dick in Paris. Taste Tiki creations from all three bars. Proceeds benefit two San Francisco nonprofit organizations, Precita Eyes and Creativity Explored. No entry fee; drinks priced a la carte. 5-8 p.m. Sunday, April 30, at Three Dots and a Dash, 435 N. Clark St., 312-610-4220, www.threedotschicago.com.

Common Threads chef takeover A menu inspired by late chef Charlie Trotter, who received dozens of Beard accolades and last won the 2012 humanitarian of the year award, will feature five courses from chefs Fabio Viviani of Siena Tavern and Prime & Provisions, Anita Lo of Annisa (2017 best chef New York City nominee), Brad Kilgore of Alter and Brava in Miami (2017 rising star chef semifinalist), Joseph "JJ" Johnson (2015 rising star chef semifinalist) of Mintons in Harlem, and Dana Cree of the Publican brand (2015 outstanding pastry chef nominee), plus wine pairings by Master Sommelier Serafin Alvarado. Proceeds benefit Common Threads, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing health and wellness to children, families and communities through cooking and nutrition education. $175; $250 chef's table. 5-8:30 p.m. Sunday, April 30, at Prime & Provisions, 222 N. LaSalle Drive, 312-726-7777, www.commonthreads.org/cheftakeover.

Frontera's 30th anniversary party Join chef Rick Bayless, multiple Beard award winner, in celebrating the 30th anniversary of his iconic restaurant Frontera Grill. The event features an all-star symposium with chef Paul Kahan, Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me! host Peter Sagal and more, and a chef food court with dishes from Bayless, Stephanie Izard, Ming Tsai and many more. Ticket proceeds will be divided between the Frontera Farmer Foundation and FamilyFarmed to promote family farming and a more sustainable food system. $500. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday, April 30, at the Art Institute of Chicago, Modern Wing, 159 E. Monroe St., 312-443-3600, www.frontera30.org.

Global Cities, Culinary Soft Power panel and cocktail reception Join multiple Beard award winning journalist and "Bizarre Foods" host Andrew Zimmern, chef Daniel Boulud, Stephen Starr of Starr Restaurants in Philadelphia (2017 outstanding restaurateur nominee), Vermilion owner Rohini Dey and Choose Chicago CEO David Whitaker for a panel moderated by James Beard President Susan Ungaro. Ticket includes Indian-Latin cocktails and appetizers; half of the proceeds will benefit the James Beard Foundations Women in Culinary Leadership Program. $95. 6-8 p.m. Sunday, April 30, at Vermilion, 10 W. Hubbard St., 312-527-4060, www.eventbrite.com.

Cure and Cafe Henri at Violet Hour 2016 outstanding bar program winner The Violet Hour hosts Cure from New Orleans, this years nominee in the same category, to create collaborative cocktails. Chef Alfredo Nogueira of Cures Cafe Henri serves a menu of Southern snacks. No entry free; menu priced a la carte. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, April 30, at The Violet Hour, 1520 N. Damen Ave., 773-252-1500, www.theviolethour.com.

Prune takeover at Nico Osteria Nico will transform its dinner menu to feature 20 Prune dishes and cocktails to honor Gabrielle Hamilton, star of this years nominated television program The Mind of a Chef. Hamilton, chef and owner of the New York restaurant, last year won a Beard journalism award and was an outstanding chef semifinalist. Her book Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef won the 2012 writing and literature award. She also won the 2011 best chef New York City award. Reservations recommended; dinner priced a la carte. 5-10 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, at Nico Osteria, 1015 N. Rush St., 312-994-7100, www.nicoosteria.com.

lchu@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @louisachu






Our thirst for bitter keeps expanding  from cocktail bitters (Angostura and Peychaud have made way for artisan makers Fee Brothers, The Bitter Truth and more) to amaro, the bitter and sweet Italian digestif (Averna and Ramazzotti have inspired American makers like Calisaya) to the aperitif category, the most famous member being Campari.

That red-orange, bitter and sweet drink flavored with herbs and roots  most often taken with soda or in a negroni, paired with gin and sweet vermouth  has enjoyed a surge in the past several years. That wave cut a path for Aperol, a similar bitter aperitif, though lighter in texture and alcohol and sporting a more pronounced orange flavor.

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Lately, the category has expanded again, with more orange red-hued bitter liqueurs showing up in spirit stores and bar menus.

"Aperitivo is starting to be big," says Kelly Levison, national manager of Domaine Select Wines Estates' classic and vintage artisanal spirits portfolio. The company is behind the introduction of a new entry to the category, Casoni 1814 Aperitivo Liqueur. "The proliferation of amaro or aperitivo are basically the evolution of where we need to go."

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Levison argues that the lower alcohol levels of the genre, from 11 to 17 percent, as compared with other spirits means you can enjoy more drinks in an evening "and still be functional." That has contributed to their popularity.

We decided to catch the wave, picking up a bottle of Casoni 1814, which is based on an old recipe from a distillery in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, and three other Italian bitter aperitivo: Luxardo Bitter, Aperitivo Cappelletti and Aperol, the latter as a base for comparison. We tasted them on their own, with soda and in a negroni.

Aperol

Fresh, vibrant, citrus aroma; syrupy with orange, sweet candy flavor at the front, bitter at the back. Nice with soda, refreshing; and a balanced negroni partner.

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Luxardo Bitter

A more subtle aroma, like someone just zested an orange. Sweet and bitter at front with cola notes; a short finish. OK with soda, it's better in a cocktail, making a balanced negroni.

Casoni 1814

Light scent, hint of cola, pleasantly sweet with a bitter root note. Tastes more aged than the others, less bitter with a medium body, dry and astringent. Nice with soda; tastes like orange peel. The herb flavors show through in the cocktail.

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Cappelletti

Candied apple/caramel scent, warm spices and ripe aged orange like Grand Marnier. Lighter texture, probably due to its wine base. Very sour and tangy; most interesting flavor profile of the group. Herbal orange and bitter cough medicine but pleasant; cherry notes. The sour flavor is cut in the cocktail; very interesting, enjoyable cocktail although one taster found it not fruity enough for a negroni; better with soda.

jxgray@tribune.com
Former Fox News contributor Wendy Walsh appears at a news conference in Los Angeles on Monday, April 3, 2017. Walsh says she lost a segment on "The O'Reilly Factor" after she refused to go to host Bill O'Reilly's bedroom following a 2013 dinner in Los Angeles. (Anthony McCartney / Associated Press)

All at once, Bill O'Reilly is fighting for his TV life. The future of O'Reilly's long career at Fox News may hinge on a sexual-harassment accusation raised by a woman named Wendy Walsh, who has alleged that O'Reilly propositioned her in a Los Angeles hotel in 2013, then retaliated against her when she rebuffed him.

Walsh, a Los Angeles radio personality and author who offers relationship advice, hasn't sued or sought compensation - just validation that she and other women were wronged by the blunt-spoken host of "The O'Reilly Factor."

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Her accusation came on top of the disclosure earlier this month that O'Reilly and Fox News have settled five harassment allegations since 2002, paying $13 million to former network employees for their silence.

Yet Walsh's allegation is potentially the most explosive of all: Fox News was apparently unaware of it until she raised it for the first time in an interview with the New York Times this month. Her complaint has triggered an investigation at Fox by the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, the same firm that uncovered widespread harassment allegations against Fox News chairman Roger Ailes last summer, leading to his ouster. A similar fate could await O'Reilly; a negative finding by Paul Weiss could force the hands of Fox News Chairman Rupert Murdoch and his sons, James and Lachlan, who run Fox's parent company.

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In view of the stakes involved, O'Reilly's camp is vigorously contesting Walsh's allegation, in an unusually public way. His advocates have challenged details of her story, as well as some of the media reporting about it.

O'Reilly himself has remained silent; he started an abrupt two-week vacation last week amid a steady exodus of advertisers from his program. The originator of the "No-Spin Zone" has instead left his public defense to a well-known spin doctor, Mark Fabiani, a former spokesman for president Bill Clinton.

According to Walsh, 54, O'Reilly dropped her as a regular guest on his show and reneged on a promise to help her secure a paying position as a Fox News commentator after she turned down his invitation to visit his hotel suite during a dinner meeting in Los Angeles in February 2013.

However, O'Reilly's defenders say O'Reilly never made a job offer and did not retaliate against her. Instead, they say, O'Reilly was continuously helpful to Walsh after their meeting at the Hotel Bel-Air.

O'Reilly, for example, continued to invite her on his program for four months after the hotel encounter. During several of her appearances, which focused on relationships and behaviorial issues, O'Reilly plugged Walsh's book, "The 30-Day Love Detox," a valuable bit of promotion, given O'Reilly's large audience.

But Lisa Bloom, Walsh's attorney, said Walsh continued to go on O'Reilly's program because she hoped to become a paid contributor to Fox News. Bloom called the Fox News host "a mean-spirited bully" who put Walsh in a "no-win situation" when he allegedly asked her to go to his hotel room.

O'Reilly, she said, has "a history of attacking women who complain about his sexual harassment."

As for O'Reilly's help in promoting Walsh's book, Bloom said, "Life is not black or white. Wendy does not contend that every action he took was retaliation. ... She [was] trying to stay very friendly with him to salvage that chance for the job. She wanted him to see her as nonthreatening. She wanted him to be professional and get over it."

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Walsh was a guest on "The Factor" 13 times after her meeting with O'Reilly in Los Angeles, appearing almost weekly from late February until mid-June of that year. He mentioned her book four times after it was published in mid-April and repeatedly showed its cover on the air.

O'Reilly also was apparently instrumental in securing for Walsh an appearance on the daytime chat program "The View" in mid-April during which she also promoted her book.

That year, Walsh wrote to one of O'Reilly's producers in mid-April, asking him for further promotional help. "Please, please, pretty please, can we do a segment on my book on the 25th???," she wrote in an email, proposing several potential ideas for discussion. O'Reilly didn't take up her suggestions, but Walsh did travel from Los Angeles to New York to appear on the Fox News set with him for her regular segment that day.

Another email is from Walsh to O'Reilly's assistant in September 2013, seven months after the hotel meeting.

"Specifically, please convey to 'the boss' [O'Reilly] that I am deeply grateful for his professional kindness," Walsh wrote. "His media power is immeasurable and his call to ["The View's" executive producer] really launched my book tour on a high note. Can't thank him enough."

Bloom did not dispute the emails' authenticity.

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According to both sides, the program's producers told Walsh in mid-June that her regular weekly segments -- titled "Are We Crazy?" -- would be ending. Walsh was identified as a "human behavior expert" on the segments, which covered such topics as online dating, helicopter parenting and declining moral values.

There's some dispute about exactly when her appearances would end. Bloom contends that Walsh was told that her segment would be suspended during the summer vacation period and that there was a chance it could return in the fall. But Bonny Forrest, a psychologist and lawyer who appeared with Walsh each week, said it was clear in June that she and Walsh were finished.

Forrest said Walsh made no mention of the hotel episode or of retaliation by O'Reilly when they spoke about the potential demise of their segments that June.

In an interview, Forrest said Walsh first raised the hotel episode with her in vague terms in September 2013, when it was clear to Walsh that Fox did not intend to bring them back on the air.

Forrest said Walsh told her then that she suspected their cancellation was due to the hotel encounter. But Walsh didn't mention then that O'Reilly had offered and then rescinded a job, Forrest said.

"I heard the allegation from her in September, and what she related to me was very different from what's in the press now," Forrest said.

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Forrest - who has been interviewed by investigators representing Paul Weiss -- added: "I take sexual harassment and racial discrimination very seriously. But I also believe in this instance there are some statements made in press that aren't consistent with my experience."

According to Bloom, Walsh told a number of friends about O'Reilly's alleged behavior since 2013. She declined to come forward last summer when Paul Weiss was investigating sexual-harassment complaints at Fox News on the assumption that the inquiry was focused on Ailes, not O'Reilly. Her first formal mention of it to anyone at Fox News came last week, when she and Bloom made a formal complaint to a company hotline set up for harassment complaints.

When a New York Times reporter called Walsh late last year, she was reluctant to go on the record, but ultimately decided to speak up, Bloom said.

"She was scared," she said. "But she knew that we can never change the epidemic of sexual harassment unless we speak out."

O'Reilly has never admitted to sexual harassment. He said he settled the complaints against him to spare his children from negative publicity about himself. Walsh decided to come forward out of concern for her children, too, Bloom said: "She did it for her daughters."







Watch the latest movie trailers.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
James Gunn is sending out his social-media missives in recent days as deftly as he deploys Star-Lord, Gamora and Groot.

Ahead of next month's release of his "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2," the director said on Twitter that there are five -- count 'em, five -- "post-credits" scenes bundled with his new movie, abundant even for a Marvel film.

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And amid an early wave of positive buzz (which Gunn is retweeting, as well), the director announced Monday on Facebook that he is indeed on board to write and direct "Guardians of the Galaxy 3."

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"In the end, my love for Rocket, Groot, Gamora, Star-Lord, Yondu, Mantis, Drax, and Nebula - and some of the other forthcoming heroes - goes deeper than you guys can possibly imagine," Gunn wrote about weighing the third "Guardians" film, "and I feel they have more adventures to go on and things to learn about themselves and the wonderful and sometimes terrifying universe we all inhabit."

Gunn noted how fraught completing a trilogy can be -- and how Hollywood is littered with third films that didn't live up to the first two (see: everything from "The Godfather 3" to "The Hangover 3). Yet the filmmaker also pointed to how his Guardians will begin interlocking with other realms within the Marvel universe, including the Avengers' "Infinity War."

"It will conclude the story of this iteration of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and help catapult both old and new Marvel characters into the next ten years and beyond," Gunn wrote. "I will be working side-by-side with Kevin Feige and the gang to help design where these stories go, and make sure the future of the Marvel Cosmic Universe is as special and authentic and magical as what we have created so far."

We can expect Gunn to continue to drop tantalizing nuggets of news on social media ahead of "Guardians 2's" May 5 release.

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Watch the latest movie trailers.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
America's major tech companies like to present themselves as cool and countercultural institutions. Their employees and executives wear jeans to work, hold "hackathons" to solve problems and speak in soaring language of how their "disruptive innovations" will positively transform the world. How could these companies not be a force for good?

Jonathan Taplin's excellent new book explains exactly how Google, Facebook and Amazon are undermining democratic institutions, accelerating the rise of oligarchy in America, and destroying both cultural and economic opportunities for millions of people. The book's title is "Move Fast and Break Things," a slogan popular in Silicon Valley that has gradually gained a set of connotations far less flattering than tech oligarchs might realize. As Taplin writes, "a culture and its art are not like an old flip phone  to be thrown in the trash as soon as it has been 'disrupted' by the Next Big Thing."

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Many elements of Taplin's case are familiar. Newspaper ad revenue has declined by roughly $40 billion between 2000 and 2014, recorded music revenue has dropped $10 billion in the same period, and over 5,000 independent book and record stores have closed in the last two decades. Facebook's covert experiments in manipulating the emotions of hundreds of thousands of users, Amazon's atrocious treatment of workers at its distribution centers and Google's cavalier disregard for copyright laws are also well-documented.

Taplin, director emeritus of the University of Southern California Annenberg Innovation Lab, argues that the major tech companies are fundamentally monopolistic and parasitic  they exploit positions of market dominance to ignore legal regulations, extract inflated prices from advertisers and rely on content produced by others, often without their consent or knowledge. But his explanation of how these practices arose starts much earlier. Thomas Jefferson wanted a "restriction against monopolies" added to the Bill of Rights, alongside freedom of religion, freedom of the press and protection against standing armies. Alexander Hamilton, founder of the Bank of New York, disagreed and ultimately prevailed.

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Though wealthy banking interests prevented the adoption of a clause against monopolies in the Bill of Rights, the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 allowed President Theodore Roosevelt to break up John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Trust. Taplin quotes Roosevelt, whose words still resonate: "the prime need is to change the conditions which enable these men to accumulate power which it is not for the general welfare that they should hold or exercise."

"Move Fast and Break Things," by Jonathan Taplin, Little, Brown and Co., 320 pages, $29. (Little, Brown and Co.)

Taplin explores how the influential legal theorist and rejected Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork helped shift public and regulatory opinion in the second half of the 20th century. By claiming that the only question regulators should ask is whether monopolies affect consumer welfare, Bork essentially proposed that as long as prices fall, increasing concentrations of corporate power do not matter. Even if Wal-Mart were the only store in America, this would be a problem only if consumer prices rose.

Of course, this myopic thinking ignores the fact that there might be no consumers to shop at Wal-Mart if it were allowed to obliterate every other retail business in the country. Because Wal-Mart would then be the only purchaser of many goods from wholesalers, it could extract ruinous prices. This is precisely the position of Amazon vis-a-vis book publishers. Because Amazon can deny publishers access to its enormous customer base, it can force them to accept artificially deflated prices. Google and Facebook can do something similar with advertisers by threatening to deny them access to billions of users. Taplin cites the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, a widely used measure of market concentration in antitrust law that allows regulators to determine whether markets are becoming monopolistic. A score of 2,500 is considered highly concentrated. The HHI for internet search markets is 7,402.

The sort of free-market libertarianism that scorns all government regulation is particularly ironic given the origins of the internet. Taplin recounts early research funded by the U.S. Department of Defense that explicitly structured the internet in a decentralized architecture so it could survive a nuclear attack. Not only does the absurdly concentrated power of a few companies contradict this vision, the internet itself might not exist if the anti-government visions of many tech oligarchs had been a reality in the 1960s.

Jonathan Taplins latest book explains how Google, Facebook and Amazon are undermining democratic institutions, accelerating the rise of oligarchy in America, and destroying both cultural and economic opportunities for millions of people. (Little, Brown and Co.)

Taplin makes a forceful and persuasive case that companies like Google and Facebook could employ their powerful artificial intelligence programs to prevent the infringement of existing copyright laws. They've demonstrated their capacity to stop pornography and illegal drug markets from surfacing on search results. It would not be difficult for them to enforce copyright infringements more effectively and share some of their enormous profits with the industries they are decimating.

The 2016 presidential election was a dramatic demonstration of the unintended consequences of gutting the once-influential field of journalism. But Taplin believes that his case has implications far beyond the creative industries.

"We need to understand that every one of us will stand in the shoes of the artist before long. Musicians and authors were at the barricades first because their industries were the first to be digitized. ... (S)oon the technologists will be coming for your job, too, just as they will continue to come for more of your personal data," he writes. This is not a prophecy but a warning  without changes to legislation, corporate behavior and consumer values, the oligarchic dreams of a few billionaires could reshape the country even more than they already have.

Nick Romeo is a freelancer.

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'Move Fast and Break Things'

By Jonathan Taplin, Little, Brown and Co., 320 pages, $29






The American Heart Association hosted the 35th annual Chicago Heart Ball on April 8 at Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom. Attended by a record-breaking crowd of more than 1,100 guests, the event raised funds to support medical research projects, and education and community programs that fight heart disease and stroke.

The evening's festivities began on Lakeview Terrace. At the entrance, a 20-foot custom wine tribute wall showcased bottles etched with donors' names. Decor by Kehoe Designs included a variety of creative lounge seating on the Terrace. The Grand Ballroom was a sea of red with tables draped in scarlet linens and topped with red amaryllis, red roses and gold metal spheres holding glowing, laser-cut hearts.

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Emcee Val Warner, of ABC-7's "Windy City Live," introduced event co-chairs Dean Harrison, president and CEO of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare; Neil Bluhm, managing principal of Walton Street Capital; and Oscar Munoz, United Airlines CEO.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel spoke about Chicago's advances toward becoming a smoke-free city. "I'm proud that Chicago has the highest cost for cigarettes in the country. All the revenue from taxes for cigarettes goes toward free eye and dental care for kids in the inner city in Chicago Public Schools; 100,000 kids receive free eye care, and another 60,000 receive free dental care. ... We have seen the biggest drop in teen smokers, from 25 percent, when I took office, to 9 percent now. A smokeless generation is not just an aspiration, it's achievable now," he said.

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Emanuel thanked Munoz, who had a heart transplant in 2016, for being a "corporate citizen involved in the fabric of the city." He acknowledged United Airlines as the largest private employer in Chicago.

Bluhm was introduced by Harrison as "the individual who made the key phone call and principal gift to Northwestern Medicine's Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute." Bluhm shared his past frustration over seeing people leave the city for heart treatment before the institute was created. "Those who had the means to leave to go to other heart programs were doing so, and I didn't think that was good for the city, nor did I like the fact that those who couldn't afford it didn't have this option," he said. He noted that the American Heart Association has funded over $11 million in active grants at Northwestern Medicine.

Keynote speakers Daryl Groom and his son Colby donated their Colby Red wine for the event. The wine was initiated by and named in honor of Colby, the 19-year-old son of winemaker Daryl and his wife, Lisa. Just before his 10th birthday, Colby underwent back-to-back open-heart surgeries. The wine was created to raise funds for cardiac research and, with support from Walgreens, has raised over $1 million for the American Heart Association to date. Colby presented a check for $100,000 to the Heart Ball.

Before the live auction, emcee Warner acknowledged Joan and Paul Rubschlager, who recently made a generous donation to the Precision Promise Fund, which offers research grants for work in precision cardiovascular medicine.

An Ignite the Night after-party was also held on the Terrace, where the band Maggie Speaks performed.

A record-breaking $3.325 million was raised for the American Heart Association, the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke.

Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.

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Find more photos and events at www.chicagotribune.com/candidcandace. Visit Candid Candace's website at www.candidcandace.com or follow her on Twitter @CandidCandace.

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KANSAS CITY, Kan.  Julie Torrence clearly remembers the emotional jolt she felt the day her father, Clyde Hill, failed to recognize her at his Kansas care center.



For nearly three decades, Parkinson's disease had afflicted Hill in a growing number of ways, from the muscle rigidity and walking difficulties that forced his retirement from farming to the more recent hallucinations and delusions that had him trying to break out of the care center. Now he thought his oldest child was his sister.



Torrence cried.



About two months later, she met her father at his doctor's office after he'd spent four weeks on a new drug, the first approved to treat Parkinson's psychosis. Now he knew her name, his doctor's name and the names of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even better, he seemed happy again.

In the doctor's office, Torrence cried again.



"You've given us our father back," she told Hill's doctor, Rajesh Pahwa, the director of the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center at the University of Kansas Health System.



Most people recognize Parkinson's patients through tremors, slow body movements and other motor problems. Yet up to half of patients develop psychosis at some time during the disease's course, often in the later stages and sometimes as a side effect from drugs prescribed to help motor skills.



Tackling the psychosis has proved difficult, in part because doctors struggled for decades to address the motor problems, Pahwa said. As gains happened there, the nonmotor problems became a bigger and bigger challenge to manage, he said.



Some hallucinations or delusions stay mild or happen infrequently enough that patients can handle them. But others are so scary or difficult to manage that they consume patients and overwhelm their caregivers.



Perhaps a patient has been happily married 50 years but now bitterly believes his or her spouse is having an affair. Or patients may become driven by a fear that strangers or authorities want to hurt them. Some grow so agitated they try to flee their homes or accuse family of colluding with the bad people.



New Yorkers complain of non-existent rats in their apartments. Kansans are more likely to report non-existent cattle in their backyards. One of Pahwa's patients argued with his wife over what he saw in a tree. The patient took a photo to Pahwa to prove that a girl had been sitting there. Pahwa saw only a tree branch.



Antipsychotic drugs used for schizophrenia don't help because they block dopamine in the brain, which also is what Parkinson's does as it damages motor functions.



Researchers searched for a chemical compound that could treat psychosis without impairing motor skills. Acadia Pharmaceuticals first synthesized a solution, pimavanserin, in 2001.



It took 15 years to get the product to the market under the brand name Nuplazid, which the Food and Drug Administration approved a year ago this month. Though the drug is expensive, with a one-month wholesale cost of $1,950, insurance often covers most of that. Acadia offers financial assistance for those lacking insurance coverage.



"The biggest thing with the Nuplazid is, it still does not help every patient," said Pahwa, who participated in Nuplazid's clinical studies and serves as a speaker for Acadia.



Because about one in four patients does not improve after taking the drug, research continues on more options. Two other chemical compounds are being developed or tested, Pahwa said.



Of patients who report benefits from Nuplazid, about half experience a dramatic improvement, he said.



That includes the 78-year-old Hill, who lived most of his life on a farm near Weston. His father also suffered from Parkinson's disease.



As a young child, Torrence watched Hill's father her grandfather struggle with hallucinations and delusions. He would pick things out of the air, call out names of people not present or grow fearful of something and take off running, even though he normally couldn't run because of the disease. Yet there he was, in his 80s, running from his farm home with a daughter or grandchild giving chase.



Torrence's grandfather didn't live as long with Parkinson's as her father has. Not as many helpful drugs existed then.



Symptoms began hitting Hill at about age 52, when he developed difficulty reaching to get his wallet out of a back pocket. Drugs helped for about a decade, allowing him to keep farming, running his construction business and staying active in the Weston community, where he had served as school board president during Torrence's senior year and built a ball field for the high school.



By his early 60s, with his mobility limited and falls increasing, he had to sell the construction business, retire from farming and give up driving. Deep brain stimulation surgery gave his body a reprieve for several years, but the disease kept progressing until he turned to a wheelchair to get around.



One evening about two years ago, he looked across the floor in his house and asked, "Do you see that puppy jumping in and out of the box?" Torrence told him no and explained that his Parkinson's might be causing him to see the puppy. Next, he saw a non-existent horse on the lawn.



"It got to the point he thought the CIA or bad guys were in the house," Torrence recalled. "He had to get out of there."



Last fall, Hall began getting out of bed two to three times a night, dressing and trying to leave. "It's not safe here," he would say. If one of his children tried to talk him out of leaving, he'd accuse the child of colluding with the bad guys.



The situation forced his children to tearfully search out a care center.



One night last fall, staff at Twin Oaks Health & Rehab in Lansing, Kan., found Hill trying to ram his wheelchair through the glass entry doors because he thought he needed to escape drug dealers. Two of Torrence's brothers got there before Torrence, who lives farther away. Dad insisted to his boys that he had to feed the cows and move the bulldozer. They calmed him by promising to handle the chores.



Not long after that, Hall stopped recognizing some people and remembering the names of others. He also grew combative with the nurses. Torrence called Pahwa seeking help. The doctor already had prescribed Nuplazid to about 25 patients. He talked it over with Hill and explained it might not work. Hill agreed to try it.



After Hill spent four weeks on the new drug, his turnaround stunned Torrence. Her father noticed the difference, too. One recent day, he volunteered to a care center visitor, "I'm on a new drug."



Hill still experiences some mild delusions, Torrence said. His legs have swollen a side effect some patients develop but Torrence considers that much better than the psychosis problems.



"It's a miracle drug, as far as I am concerned," she said.



More research is needed to find ways to help more patients, Pahwa said.



"This is still a pretty unmet need," he said. "One drug doesn't help everyone."

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With so many vaccines being required for young children today, some parents are asking their doctors whether they can space out or delay the vaccine schedule. They're concerned that too many vaccines might overwhelm their child's immune system. Parents also worry that getting more than one shot at a time increases the pain and stress.

Debate about childhood vaccinations has intensified in recent years because of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable disease that have been fueled in part by parents who decline to get their children vaccinated at all or according to the recommended schedule.

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After a 2014-2015 outbreak of measles that spread at Disneyland, California passed a law that requires almost all public school children to get immunizations. State health officials announced last week that California's school vaccination rate is now at its highest level in more than 15 years.

Pediatricians and public health experts say parents are continuing to ask questions about the recommended vaccine schedule. Here are some of those questions, and answers from experts.

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Q. Why do kids have to get so many shots at once?

A. The schedule is designed so that vaccines are given at the earliest possible age at which a child's immune system will respond well. The immune system creates protective antibodies in response to the vaccine that prevent a child from coming down with measles, whooping cough, mumps or other serious infections. The longer a child waits for a vaccination, the greater the risk that he or she will be exposed to these diseases while unprotected.

Q. Isn't getting all these shots hard on the immune system of such young children?

A. No. It might seem like your baby is being injected with a lot at once, says Kristen Feemster, a pediatrician and infectious-disease specialist who is research director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "I know that's a big concern. But it's really important to know that what a vaccine is giving your baby is really a small, small part of the bacteria or virus that these vaccines are protecting against," she said.

Babies begin dealing with bacteria and other microbes as soon as they pass through the birth canal. By the end of the first week, the baby's skin, nose, throat and intestines are covered with tens of thousands of different bacteria.

"All of these bacteria, they are each going to have anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 little proteins that our body could respond to if they do cause infections," she said.

By comparison, vaccines have only a few of these stimulating proteins, she said. "Just enough to help our bodies make a minimal response so that we'll have the memory and make an immune response."

Q. It seems as if children are getting more vaccines than before. Doesn't that overwhelm their immune system?

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A. Experts say that while children receive more vaccines now, the vaccines are more precise than before because of better scientific understanding of how to train the immune system to defend children against diseases.

Thirty years ago, children received vaccines that protected against eight diseases: measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hemophilus influenzae type b and polio. The total number of bacterial and viral proteins contained in earlier versions of these vaccines was a little more than 3,000.

Today, young children receive vaccines that protect against 14 diseases: the eight earlier ones plus hepatitis a, hepatitis B, rotavirus, influenza, chickenpox and pneumococcal disease. But the total number of bacterial and viral components in these vaccines is only about 150.

When the vaccine for pertussis, or whooping cough, was developed, for example, it had about 3,000 such components, Feemster said. Now the vaccine contains three to five proteins.

Q. Doesn't it hurt the kids to get so many shots at once?

A. Studies have shown that it is just as stressful for babies to receive one shot as it is to receive more than one shot.

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"Receiving two shots every month could be even more stressful than getting four shots at once," Feemster said. Splitting each set of immunizations into two visits just doubles the stress in a child's life.

Q. Some parents say they would prefer to space out their children's shots. Why is that bad?

A. "If infants don't get vaccinated as recommended, it really increases the time they could be at risk of getting vaccine-preventable diseases," Feemster said.

If a 2-month-old doesn't get a recommended vaccine dose to protect against pertussis, the baby could get this highly contagious disease and become severely ill, she said. Up to 80 percent of babies with whooping cough end up in the hospital, and about 1 in 100 infants die.

Whooping cough makes children cough uncontrollably. The cough is often so hard and so persistent that children make a pitiful "whooping" sound.

"We've seen a lot of whooping cough," said Feemster, who attributed the cases in part to unvaccinated children. When children are not up-to-date on their vaccines, it not only increases the risk of disease for them, but also increases the risk that it will spread to other vulnerable people, she said. "It's a community issue in many ways."

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Q. How do we know that the recommended schedule is the best schedule?

A. The federal government has a committee that reviews all available data on vaccine effectiveness and safety, and it updates the recommendations every year. It's called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP. Its experts come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

"This is a schedule that really has been vetted and developed after consideration of the best way to make sure to protect babies when they are at highest risk for serious disease and the way to do it safely," Feemster said.

The panel issues guidelines that are widely followed, including recommendations for childhood vaccines that form the basis for vaccination requirements set by public schools. The recommendations include when a vaccine should be given, the number of doses needed, the amount of time between doses, and precautions and possible allergic reactions.

The effectiveness of the vaccine schedule is tested extensively to ensure that the vaccines in the combination don't interfere with one another and can be easily handled by the infant and the child's immune system. No new immunization is added to the schedule until it has been evaluated both alone and when given with the other current immunizations.

Q. Why do so many people think vaccines are dangerous?

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A. About 20 years ago, an article in a respected medical journal claimed to show a link between vaccines and autism. The study was later found to be a fraud, but it planted seeds of doubt about vaccines at a time when autism diagnoses were increasing. Since then, many studies from around the world have shown conclusively that there is no link between vaccines and autism, and the apparent increase in autism is largely due to a broader definition of the condition and better diagnosis.

Every major scientific and medical organization has evaluated the evidence and concluded that vaccines only very rarely cause side effects and that the benefit of protecting children from disease massively outweighs any risk. But some prominent figures, including President Trump, have spread misinformation about vaccines, and the myth that they are dangerous persists.






United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. KATHLEEN J. TODD, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF OTHER SIMILARLY SITUATED FORMER AND CURRENT HOMEOWNERS IN PENNSYLVANIA, Appellant v. UNITED STATES BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, P.C. DAVID SCHRAVEN; KELLY SCHRAVEN, Individually and on behalf of other similarly situated former and current homeowners in Pennsylvania, Appellants v. PHELAN HALLINAN DIAMOND & JONES PC; US BANK NA, as trustee for J.P. Morgan Mortgage acquisition trust 2006-CH2, asset backed passed through certificates, series 2006-CH2 No. 16-1126, No. 16-1255 Decided: April 12, 2017

Before: FISHER,*KRAUSE and GREENBERG, Circuit Judges.

OPINION**

These consolidated appeals arise from the dismissal of the Plaintiffs' class-action complaints that allege claims arising out of Pennsylvania state foreclosure proceedings. The District Court held that the Rooker-Feldman doctrine precluded the exercise of jurisdiction over the Plaintiffs' claims. We will affirm.

I.

The Plaintiffs, David and Kelly Schraven, and Kathleen Todd, defaulted on their mortgages. U.S. Bank National Association (the Trustee) commenced foreclosure actions against them. Each foreclosure complaint asked for damages representing the principal balance of the loans, interest, attorney's fees, expenses incurred in foreclosing, and late fees. The Plaintiffs did not defend, so default judgments were entered against them. The Trustee's counsel sought to execute the judgments and the court scheduled sheriff's sales. The sheriff's sales were rescheduled multiple times. Upon motion by the Trustee's counsel, the court reissued the writs of execution to include accrued costs and interest through the new prospective dates of sale. The Plaintiffs did not challenge the reissued writs of execution in state court.

The Plaintiffs allege that the Trustee breached its mortgage obligations and violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), by charging post-judgment attorney's fees, and by charging post-judgment interest before the interest accrued. The District Court dismissed for lack of jurisdiction under the Rooker-Feldman doctrine.

II.

We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C.  1291. We exercise de novo review over questions of subject matter jurisdiction, and we have an independent obligation to determine whether subject-matter jurisdiction exists.

III.

The Rooker-Feldman doctrine precludes federal district courts from hearing cases brought by state-court losers complaining of injuries caused by state-court judgments rendered before the district court proceedings commenced and inviting district court review and rejection of those judgments. Four requirements must be met for the Rooker-Feldman doctrine to apply: (1) the federal plaintiff lost in state court; (2) the plaintiff complains of injuries caused by the state-court judgment; (3) those judgments were rendered before the federal suit was filed; and (4) the plaintiff is inviting the district court to review and reject the state judgments.

As a preliminary matter, the Plaintiffs challenge the validity of the underlying state court judgments because they were entered by a prothonotary. But Pennsylvania law authorizes a prothonotary, on praecipe of the plaintiff, [to] enter judgment against the defendant for failure to file within the required time a pleading to a complaint which contains a notice to defend. And a validly entered default judgment can bar federal jurisdiction under the Rooker-Feldman doctrine. To the extent Plaintiffs urge that this case should be excepted from Rooker-Feldman because the prothonotary exceeded his jurisdiction under state law by awarding unliquidated attorney's fees, their argument also fails. While in dictum we have observed that vacating a state court judgment that is void as a matter of state law may not intrude upon the notion of mutual respect in federal-state interests, we have not so held, and even the single Ninth Circuit case to which we cited for that proposition did not involve an exception to Rooker Feldman, but rather, rested on the conclusion that the bankruptcy court had exclusive jurisdiction of the matter. The exception Plaintiffs propose thus lacks support and would appear to require exactly the sort of review and rejection of state court judgments that the Rooker-Feldman doctrine was designed to avoid.

The first and third requirements are satisfied. The Plaintiffs lost in the state court action and the default judgments were entered before they filed their federal claims. Central to this appeal are the second and fourth requirements, which are related.

With respect to the second requirement, the court must identify those federal suits that profess to complain of injury by a third party, but actually complain of injury produced by a state-court judgment and not simply ratified, acquiesced in, or left unpunished by it. With respect to the fourth element, the court must determine whether evaluating the plaintiff's claims will require [p]rohibited appellate review consist[ing] of a review of the proceedings already conducted by the lower tribunal to determine whether it reached its result in accordance with the law.

The Plaintiffs argue that their injuries are the result of post-judgment activitiesnamely, the inclusion of attorney's fees and anticipated interest in the reissued writs of execution. But the default judgments provided for attorney's fees and interest through the date of the sheriff's sale, and a writ of execution is an enforcement mechanism for a default judgment in Pennsylvania. The injuries complained of were therefore produced by the default judgments, which were neither stricken nor opened at the state court level. The Plaintiffs' federal claims are in effect appeals to the underlying default judgments. This is exactly what the Rooker-Feldman doctrine seeks to preclude. Accordingly, the District Court correctly concluded that it did not have jurisdiction to hear the Plaintiffs' claims.

IV

For the reasons set forth above, we will affirm.

FOOTNOTES

. U.S. Bank serves as trustee to the banks to which the mortgages were assigned.

. 15 U.S.C.  1692 et seq.

. The Schravens also bring related Pennsylvania state law claims.

. Great W. Mining & Mineral Co. v. Fox Rothschild LLP, 615 F.3d 159, 163 (3d Cir. 2010).

. Exxon Mobil Corp. v. Saudi Basic Indus. Corp., 544 U.S. 280, 284 (2005).

. Great W. Mining, 615 F.3d at 166 (brackets and internal quotation marks omitted).

. Pa. R. Civ. P. 1037(b).

. See, e.g., In re Knapper, 407 F.3d 573, 581 (3d Cir. 2005) (concluding that because Knapper could not prevail on her federal claim without obtaining an order that would negate the state courts' [default] judgments, the federal claim was barred by Rooker-Feldman).

. In re James, 940 F.3d 46, 52-53 (3d Cir. 1991) (citing Gonzales v. Parks, 830 F.2d 1033 (9th Cir. 1987)).

. Exxon Mobil Corp., 544 U.S. at 284.

. Great W. Mining, 615 F.3d at 167.

. Id. at 169.

. See Jordan v. Fox, Rothschild, O'Brien & Frankel, 20 F.3d 1250, 1262-65 (3d Cir. 1994) (discussing Pennsylvania's judgment procedure).

FISHER, Circuit Judge.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, but awareness is only half the battle.

"The next step is prevention," said Corielle Heath, founder and president of Chicago-based nonprofit liftUPlift Worldwide. "People need to know what they can do and what they can say to stop sexual violence."

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To that end, liftUPlift has partnered with YWCA Chicago to launch Sexual Assault Prevention Week. Starting Sunday and running through April 28, Heath will lead free, daily seminars at six locations to train people to recognize warning signs of an assault and to intervene if they witness one.

"People hear, 'If you see something, say something,'" Heath said. "But you need to know what to say and what you can do."

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Many of us don't. My colleague recently wrote about being groped on Michigan Avenue  in daylight, walking with a male friend  and not knowing what, if anything, she could do about it. When we discussed her essay as a staff, most of us agreed we'd have no idea what to do in her position  or the position of a witness.

"We're specifically focusing on bystander intervention," Heath told me. "Rather than teaching self-defense, we're teaching what to do  as parents, as peers, as community members  to prevent sexual violence, to intervene if you witness someone being groped, to say something if you overhear people using what Trump called 'locker room' language."

When Donald Trump was elected president, the Chicago Foundation for Women launched a 100 Day Fund to inspire community members to advocate for gender equality during the first 100 days of his administration. The group awarded grants ranging from $500 to $2,500 to groups and individuals launching projects that would benefit women and girls in and around Chicago, and liftUPlift received a grant to fund Sexual Assault Prevention Week.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month dates to the 1970s, when activists in New York and San Francisco started staging Take Back the Night marches, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. In the '80s, the National Coalition Against Sexual Assault polled sexual assault coalitions to choose a time for Sexual Assault Awareness Week, and they settled on a week in April. By 2001, that week had grown to a month.

Heath became a certified sexual violence prevention educator in 2007 at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. She's hoping to reach 500 people with her seminars week.

"Some of the feedback we get from people who go through the training is that it's life-changing and eye-opening," Heath said. "Sometimes it's the first time people truly understand what sexual assault is. We want people to leave feeling empowered to create a cultural change."

I can't think of a better way to turn awareness into action.

Sexual Assault Prevention Week seminars are free and open to the public. Times, locations and registration information at liftuplift.com/sap-week.

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hstevens@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @heidistevens13

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The sun rises over the fields at Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, where visitors can soak in the aroma when the flowers are in bloom. The farm hosts a lavender festival each July. (Edgar Anderson / Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm)

ROCK ISLAND, Wis.  In the parlor of the Pottawatomie Lighthouse, a photo of President William Howard Taft hangs on the wall. Across the room, an Edison wax cylinder record player rests on a table.

Nearby, chamber pots sit beside quilt-covered beds.

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A dining table is set with white stoneware emblazoned in navy blue with the insignia of the U.S. Light House Service. It appears as if the light keeper and his family might walk in any moment for their midday meal  but the lighthouse hasn't been manned since 1946.

Still, the isolated building is full of life for the 18 weeks between Memorial Day and Columbus Day as groups of two to six volunteers take turns living here. Their weeklong stays are free in exchange for agreeing to keep the place clean and provide daily tours.

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"It's been restored to about 1910," Erik Lucia explained. He and his wife, Cyndi, have served as docents the past 13 summers, living for seven days and nights without electricity or running water, spending their evenings reading books by lantern light.

While it's not for everyone, a stay on Rock Island  the second island north of the much-more-visited Door County peninsula  certainly provides an adventurous alternative to a hotel. Adventures abound on and around the county's 34 named islands.

Capt. Matt Olson even named his tour company Door County Adventure Rafting.

Departing on a trip to islands offshore from Fish Creek, Olson played the haunting theme from "Titanic" as he motored his six-passenger boat through the harbor.

It's designed "to make people a little nervous about what type of tour they're going out on," he said.

Moments later, outside the no-wake zone, Olson cranked up the volume on a heavy-metal song as the inflatable watercraft raced across the waters of Green Bay at a bone-jarring 25 miles an hour.

He only slows down (and turns off the music) as he approaches the several islands past which he sails. There's Chambers Island, with its own islands in Mackaysee Lake. Others are named Jack, Little Strawberry and Pirate. Olson states that, when the water level is high, Pirate Island can be completely submerged.

Sometimes, Olson ties up at Horseshoe Island. With a well-sheltered harbor, it's now part of Peninsula State Park.

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"It makes the perfect anchorage for people to go out there on their private boat or boat rental and hang out there for the afternoon," he said.

On the other side of the county, visitors can walk to an island, though they may get their feet wet.

Cana Island, reached by a rocky causeway sometimes covered by a few inches of water, is home to what's probably the most-photographed lighthouse in Door County. The 89-foot-tall tower has cast its guiding light onto Lake Michigan for nearly 150 years.

An outdoor deck is reached by climbing a 97-step spiral staircase. From there, visitors are rewarded with impressive vistas of both land and sea.

Not far away, at the northern tip of the peninsula, a year-round ferry carries both people and vehicles across once-treacherous waters on its 7-mile journey to Washington Island, the largest of the many islands.

While its 700 residents rely on the boat to get to supermarkets and doctors' appointments on the mainland, tourists use it primarily for one-day explorations of the island. Those choosing to leave their cars behind can get around on rented bicycles or mopeds.

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Washington Island's Scandinavian heritage is best recalled at the Stavkirke, a late-20th-century replica of the traditional churches found in Northern Europe. Located across the street from Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, the ornate, wooden Stavkirke is open daily to those in search of a tranquil spot for meditation or prayer. It also hosts occasional church services, as well as weddings.

A quick pedal or drive away leads to another place where people can unwind and commune with nature: Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, where the perfume of thousands of purple plants fills the air each summer.

"The fragrance is ever-present when it's in bloom," said Edgar Anderson, one of the farm's owners. "You can't help but smell the aroma of the plants."

"We have benches located through the field," he added. "People can sit there for hours, as much as they want."

Even when the plants aren't flowering, guests can visit the red barn in which the lavender is dried. The oil is then extracted using a still that looks as though it once belonged to a moonshiner.

A drop of the oil rubbed onto the temples is said to relieve headaches. The plant is also used in a surprising array of toiletries sold in an expansive gift shop, where teas, jams and even chocolates are infused with lavender.

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Folks headed to Rock Island must first travel to Washington Island and traverse it before catching a second, smaller ferry. From the landing at an impressive boathouse, it's a 1.5 mile walk to the Pottawatomie light, perched atop a bluff on the north side of the island.

Those without a fear of heights can climb three steep staircases to the lantern room, where a replica of the original Fresnel lens occupies most of the space.

"When they burned kerosene, the wattage was about the same as a large Christmas tree bulb, but it was visible for about 14 miles," Erik Lucia said of the lens' magnifying power.

From this eagle's nest, visitors can spot ships making their way from the bay to the lake. These days, however, mariners are guided by an automated light on top of an austere metal tower.

"It's a little difficult to get here," Lucia admitted, "but we feel it's worth it."

Jay Jones is a freelance writer.

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IF YOU GO

Pottawatomie lighthouse: www.fori.us

Door County Adventure Rafting: 920-559-6106, doorcountyadventurerafting.com

Ferry service to Washington and Rock islands: 920-847-2546, www.wisferry.com

Cana Island Light Station: www.dcmm.org/cana-island-lighthouse

Stavkirke: www.luther95.net/TELC-WIWI/Stav.htm

Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm: 920-847-2950, www.fragrantisle.com

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Door County Visitor Bureau: 800-527-3529, www.doorcounty.com

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My wife and I recently took an 11-day Southeast Asia cruise onboard the Norwegian Star departing from Singapore. Shortly before our vacation, we were advised that the cruise itinerary had changed due to a technical issue with the ship. This was an extreme disappointment, since we had made plans for my wife's 50th birthday in Thailand as the main part of our vacation.

Since our new itinerary allowed us an extra two days in Singapore, we planned our time carefully. We made arrangements for activities on the days that had been added to our itinerary and confirmed to us by Norwegian. We also changed extra currency to Singapore dollars on the evening prior to embarking on the ship in order to cover the cost of our extra time in Singapore.

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When we embarked, we were informed that there was another change to our itinerary and that we would not be spending the extra time in Singapore as previously advised by Norwegian. Instead, we were setting sail on that day. This was a complete surprise to us, although other passengers had been informed of this change in itinerary.

Norwegian had offered a 20 percent refund on the cruise prior to boarding because of problems it was experiencing before we even set off. We rejected this, as it was not acceptable or appropriate. After the cruise, we were offered a full refund for the cruise only, not including hotel and flights, to be taken as a voucher for a future cruise with Norwegian plus a $1,000 credit that could have been taken as either cash or onboard credit. We accepted this in writing.

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Norwegian subsequently retracted this offer, after acceptance, returning to a standard 20 percent, cruise-only refund.

I have tried contacting Norwegian, but nobody is returning my emails or assisting in any way. This has been going on since December 2016. I do not understand how Norwegian can retract its offer. Can you help?

 Ross Horrocks, Denholm, Scotland

A: I'm sorry to hear about your schedule changes. It's a little-known fact that when you're rerouted, the cruise line owes you virtually nothing. You may get a refund for the port tax, but that's about it.

Don't believe me? Check out Norwegian Cruise Line's Guest Ticket Contract (www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/Guest-Ticket-Contract-11-2015.pdf), the agreement between you and the cruise line. Scroll down to Section 6 for the details. Told you!

In your case, Norwegian offered a vague reason for the change, noting that "there are malfunctions that affect the vessel's speed and, therefore, our ability to deliver the itinerary as scheduled." It probably shouldn't have said anything; it didn't have to.

But this isn't really a case about ticket contracts. No, this is about Norwegian extending an offer and rescinding it  and I can't think of a good reason for that. If a business offers you something and you accept it in writing, it's case closed.

You could have appealed to a Norwegian executive. I list their names, numbers and email addresses on my consumer-advocacy site: http://elliott.org/company-contacts/norwegian-cruise-line-ncl. When I checked with you, I learned that you already had, but to no avail.

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I contacted Norwegian on your behalf, and it agreed to honor its offer.

Christopher Elliott is the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine and the author of "How to Be the World's Smartest Traveler." You can read more travel tips on his blog, www.elliott.org, or email him at chris@elliott.org.

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Patrick Kennedy hugs Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel after speaking about the need to properly treat mental illnesses at a forum at Mt. Sinai Hospital on April 18, 2017. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy 's tragic childhood loss of his father, Robert F. Kennedy, to murder means he understands the gun violence problems plaguing Chicago "better than most," says his cousin, former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy.

And the former congressman says he has spoken about the issue with his cousin Chris. "It's not just a policy decision for him  he's personally invested in this issue," he says.

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Patrick Kennedy was speaking to Chicago Inc. on Tuesday between two events to promote the work of the Kennedy Forum in tackling mental health and addiction issues, both of which he has had public personal battles with and has written about in a best-selling book.

Attended by Democratic power brokers including U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin , Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the events gave Kennedy a chance to press the flesh and remind them of his family's fabled magic.

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"I think they appreciate how the legacy informs all of us," Patrick Kennedy said. "They all know Chris because they've worked with Chris for three decades out here and they all shared that with me and I appreciate that."

In speeches at a breakfast meeting in River North and at lunchtime at Mount Sinai Hospital, the former Rhode Islander alluded to the effect the murders of his uncles President John F. Kennedy and former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy had on his father, U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy.

"My dad suffered from tremendous trauma  think about the trauma you've experienced here in Chicago," he said. "My father saw two of his brothers murdered, not assassinated, murdered, and the impact on all my cousins and growing up without a father because of the impact gun violence had innumerable mental health effects that reverberated around my family that we never discussed, never discussed."

"The common struggle is the fact that we all face silence when it comes to any discussion about these issues. And our response to that is to break the silence."

Patrick Kennedy told Chicago Inc. that gun violence is a subject he has discussed with his cousin, who was just 4 when his father was killed in 1968, because "it's effected our family profoundly. He knows better than most what's going on here in Chicago that all those children are growing up without parents because they're victims of gunshots.

Gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy speaks at a Cook County Democratic forum at Erie St. Cafe on March 27, 2017. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

"Chris knows that story  it's not academic to him. It's not just a policy decision for him. He's personally invested in this issue. He knows the profound effects of violence. And (Chicago) is ground zero for that violence, and Chris is someone who connects to that issue on the most intimate level."

He added, "I think with Chris we're going to see these people getting the treatment which they should be getting and which they've been denied simply because of discrimination and bigotry, and it won't happen anymore under a Gov. Chris Kennedy administration."

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Fired up, Patrick Kennedy in his public comments said that his grandparents' and parents' generations had not known how to deal with mental health issues or addiction. His father told his brother that "all I needed was swift kick in the ass because he didn't understand mental illness and addiction because he came from a generation that never talked about it," he said.

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His aunt Rosemary was given a lobotomy and placed in an institution in Wisconsin, where her brothers were forbidden to visit her until after her father's death, he noted. And his grandmother on his mother's side "died of alcoholism and wasn't found for a week after she slipped in the shower and died in Cocoa Beach, Fla., because she had so alienated herself from everyone around her that none of her children wanted to talk to her."

Chris Kennedy did not attend either event Tuesday, and his staff did not respond to a request for comment.

Durbin  perhaps the most keenly sought endorsement in the Democratic gubernatorial primary  said he had not been pressed by Patrick to side with Chris Kennedy and that he had not yet decided whether he would endorse any of the contenders.

"I've learned the hard way to wait until people file petitions and the time for withdrawal has passed," he told Chicago Inc. "Many people change their minds along the way. But I'm glad that we have a lot of good candidates."

kjanssen@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @kimjnews
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his wife, Patti, address the hoard of media at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Dec. 6, 2011, after the former governor was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Blagojevich began his remarks by quoting a line from a Rudyard Kipling poem: "If you can meet with triumph and disaster." (Nancy Stone, Chicago Tribune)

One of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's favorite philosophical quotes comes from Voltaire, who said it's dangerous to be right when established authorities are wrong.

On Tuesday, Blagojevich's lawyers said once again that federal prosecutors are clearly wrong when it comes to the ex-governor's alleged crimes.

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"The government wants him to apologize for crimes that he didn't commit," attorney Leonard Goodman said after yet another round of appellate arguments before the federal appeals court in Chicago. "The government's position that there is no difference between a request for a campaign donation and a bribe is simply wrong. Every single court that has looked at that issue has found otherwise, and I think that this court will too."

Blagojevich, 60, who has now served more than five years in prison, was unable to attend the argument. But his wife, Patti, speaking to reporters later in the lobby of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, said her husband's "hopes are high" that the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals will rule in his favor this time and either order a new trial or reduce his 14-year prison sentence.

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"Rod's an eternal optimist," she said. "We are continuing to fight for the justice that we deserve."

After two criminal trials, a pair of sentencing hearings and nearly four years of appeals, Blagojevich faced what could be his last hurrah before the 7th Circuit, which heard half an hour of mostly dry legal arguments that produced few of the fireworks of his first appeal.

In a signal of how high the legal hurdle is for Blagojevich, the same panel of judges who ruled in 2015 that the ex-governor's sentence was reasonable  Frank Easterbrook, Michael Kanne and Ilana Rovner  heard the arguments again this time around. For the case to break Blagojevich's way, those judges would have to decide that their previous ruling was erroneous.

After court, Goodman acknowledged that the chances were dimming for Blagojevich, whose only other recourse should the 7th Circuit decide against him would be to petition the U.S. Supreme Court for a hearing  a move that would be considered a legal long shot at best since the high court already passed on taking up the case last year.

"Obviously, your best chance is in front of a jury, and your second best chance is on a direct appeal," Goodman said. "From here it gets more difficult."

Asked why the same three judges were on this appeal, Patti Blagojevich said it was "a mystery that none of us will ever know."

"It's like how is sausage made?" she said. "Who knows?"

Rod Blagojevich was convicted in 2011 of misusing his powers as governor in an array of wrongdoing, including most notably his attempts to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama after Obama's 2008 election to the White House.

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The conviction came less than a year after an initial trial ended with a jury deadlocked on all but one count of lying to the FBI, forcing the retrial.

In its first ruling in 2015, the 7th Circuit threw out five counts involving the Senate seat on technical grounds. But the court tempered the small victory for Blagojevich by calling the evidence against him "overwhelming" and making it clear that the original sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge James Zagel was not out of bounds. Zagel's decision in August to resentence Blagojevich to the original 14 years means he's still slated to remain in prison until May 2024.

In the latest appeal in December, Goodman and co-counsel Michael Nash argued Zagel ignored key evidence presented at the resentencing, including dozens of letters written by fellow inmates about Blagojevich's character and leadership in the federal prison camp outside Denver.

Blagojevich, who appeared at his resentencing via a satellite hookup from the prison, also apologized for his "mistakes"  something his lawyers said Zagel should have taken into account  but he never specifically mentioned the crimes for which he was convicted.

"Judge Zagel dismissed it in effect as being irrelevant," Nash argued Tuesday before the 7th Circuit panel. "It is an important factor that should have been considered ... and the judge dismissed it out of hand."

But Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Riggs Bonamici argued that while Blagojevich may have done good works in prison, he's never apologized for the harm he inflicted on the state of Illinois, including "further eroding the public's faith" in elected officials  a faith that was already "exceedingly damaged by his predecessor," convicted ex-Gov. George Ryan.

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"There's nothing anywhere where (Blagojevich) says, 'I apologize for putting my own personal interests ahead of the interests of the public I was charged with serving,' " Bonamici said.

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In addition to a sentence reduction, lawyers for Blagojevich also asked the 7th Circuit to overturn the convictions themselves, saying the jury in his second criminal trial was improperly instructed by Zagel on what constitutes bribery when it comes to Blagojevich's political wheeling and dealing.

Goodman argued to the panel that recent Supreme Court decisions have shown "there is a higher bar" when it comes to campaign fundraising that prosecutors failed to prove at trial.

"You simply cannot call a trial fair when the jury was instructed to reject a defendant's defense based on conduct that we all acknowledge was lawful," Goodman said.

Bonamici, however, said Blagojevich's requests for campaign donations in exchange for either officials acts or by threatening to hold up legislation were so far over the line there was no question of a quid pro quo.

"What went on here was not just campaign fundraising," she said. "This defendant made that crystal clear."

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jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @jmetr22b
Gabriela Barajas, who came to the U.S. from Mexico as a child, talks about being in limbo regarding her DACA status since the future of the program remains uncertain April 8, 2017. There are about 96,000 immigrants who qualify for DACA status in Illinois, according to the Migration Policy Institute. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune) (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Gabriela Barajas, 32, was overjoyed to learn she could avoid deportation under a policy designed to benefit immigrant children.

But after spending months preparing her application, she's now questioning whether it's worth the risk of divulging her immigration status to enter a program that may be eliminated by the Trump administration.

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Barajas was brought to the United States from Mexico when she was 8. She is one of 96,000 Illinois residents who may qualify for former President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an administrative program launched in 2012 for people brought into the country illegally as children.

A Logan Square resident, Barajas learned at a neighborhood meeting about immigrant rights that she met most of the criteria for DACA. It applies to people who have been in the U.S. since 2007, were under age 16 at the time of their arrival and were under age 31 as of 2012.

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It took the mother of four children  all American citizens  more than six months to compile medical records and school documents to prove she met the requirements. She also enrolled in an adult education program, as required, and saved about $500 to apply for DACA.

But in November, her attorney advised her to stop the application process. Donald Trump had won the election after promising to deport 3 million people who were in the country illegally. It was unclear whether he would keep DACA in place  or use information collected by the program to find and deport people like her.

"I was ready to submit the paperwork, but they told me to wait to see what happens," Barajas said. "What if he takes it away in a couple of weeks or a month or something and all the money goes to waste? It's not worth it."

Being declared eligible does not guarantee a path to legal residency or citizenship, and those accepted to the program must reapply every two years. Many attorneys and activists now are recommending a two-pronged approach.

"If you already have DACA, there's not additional risk to renew it because the government already has your information," said Erendira Rendon, director of national partnerships with the Pilsen-based Resurrection Project. "But if it's the first time, you should seek legal consultation to weigh the risks."

Although Trump since becoming president has expressed sympathy toward immigrants who came as children, many Chicago-based immigrant organizations remain skeptical and fear he will dismantle the DACA program.

"I heard some people are still applying no matter what, but there's always a risk of losing everything you know. Everybody is scared. I'm scared too," Barajas said.

Application process

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About 67 percent of eligible immigrants in the U.S. have applied for the program since 2012, according to the institute. More than 770,000 have been accepted.

Illinois has the nation's fourth-largest population of DACA recipients  the highest share in the Midwest. About 41,800 people in the state have been approved for the program since 2012, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Under the Obama administration, the benefits outweighed the risks for many who were eligible.

Those enrolled are considered a low priority for immigration enforcement, though they are not protected from deportation. They can legally drive and work, which makes them eligible to apply for a Social Security number. While they are still not eligible for federal financial aid, they can qualify for in-state college tuition in some states, including Illinois.

The application itself can be a barrier. People often scramble to collect as many supporting documents as possible to fulfill the application requirements  they submit utility bills, medical records, rent receipts and school transcripts as proof that they've lived in the U.S.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Gabriela Barajas plays soccer with two of her children, Melvin, left, 10, and Antonio, 6, outside their home in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood on April 8, 2017. An undocumented immigrant from Mexico, Barajas qualifies for DACA status, but is reluctant to apply with the future of the program uncertain under the Trump administration. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

"As a general rule, the younger you are, the easier it is to gather the proper documents," said Vanessa Esparza-Lopez, a managing attorney with the National Immigrant Justice Center. "What's harder is for folks who graduated high school but didn't move on to college or who are working but getting paid in cash. So we have to get creative."

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There is a $495 application fee, which can be a "big hurdle" for families with multiple applicants or for people who are trying to renew their status in a timely manner, Esparza-Lopez said.

"All of our clients are low-income. When families are living paycheck to paycheck, it's hard to come up with that money to apply or renew before their work permits expire," she said.

Current students, high school or GED course graduates and veterans are eligible for DACA. They must be at least 15 to apply, unless they're in removal proceedings or have a final removal or voluntary departure order.

In addition to the estimated 96,000 Illinoisans who already may qualify, an additional 9,000 could be eligible once they turn 15  provided they stay in school and out of trouble  according to data from the Migration Policy Institute. Immigrants who have committed a serious crime, have more than two misdemeanor convictions or are deemed to be a threat to national security are automatically disqualified.

There are about 18,000 more people who could qualify in Illinois but don't currently meet the education requirement, the institute estimates.

After learning that the lack of a GED was her only roadblock, Barajas enrolled in an adult education program at Wright College Humboldt Park, making her eligible to apply. She now hopes to obtain a GED certificate in May and apply for DACA status in the future.

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"I'm still waiting, I'm still hoping," she said. "I'm not losing faith."

Esparza-Lopez said many of her clients felt reassured when Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly released a set of Feb. 20 memos that kept DACA in place. Kelly noted the program will be "addressed in future guidance."

"(The memos) let individuals breathe a sigh of relief for now, so we're seeing a lot of people wanting to renew," she said. "The program still exists  we want to make sure that clients are taking ownership of their life situations."

Support for DACA is not universal.

Hans von Spakovsky, senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation, said the program should be repealed because Obama didn't have the authority to institute it to begin with.

"If people believe that some program ought to be in place, Congress needs to do it," he said. "But the president does not have the authority to decide that under federal immigration laws."

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Von Spakovsky said amnesty programs for immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children should exist only in "strict circumstances."

"There's a difference between someone coming here at 2 years old who has no knowledge of their parents' home county ... as opposed to someone brought here at 16," he said. "There's no reason they can't be sent back with their parents to their home country."

An uncertain future

The top two countries of origin for DACA-eligible immigrants living in Illinois are Mexico and Korea  about 77,000 and 2,000, respectively. Mexico has the largest share of DACA-eligible immigrants in the country, and Guatemala is second.

Jessica Salgado, 24, said her parents brought her to the United States from Mexico when she was 3. She didn't realize she was in the country illegally until she tried to apply for financial aid during her senior year of high school.

Unable to afford college tuition, she opted to work and save money for school down the line.

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"College really was something I wanted to do," Salgado said. "But I knew I couldn't do it if I didn't have the income."

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She applied for DACA in July 2015 and filed to renew her status in early April, about three months before the deadline. Immigration officials recommend that people apply at least 120 days before their status expires.

Salgado paid $495 for the application and $75 for the appointment with an attorney, a significant drop from what she was paying to obtain legal residency through her husband, a U.S. citizen.

"I just wanted to do one thing quickly so I could stop working under the table. I knew there was the option of getting a fake Social (Security number), but I didn't want to do that. I just really wanted to get a decent-paying job."

Salgado works two jobs while taking classes at Truman College and caring for her 7-year-old daughter. She said she hopes to save enough money to resume applying for permanent residence.

"The future feels very uncertain. In a way, I'm kind of angered by it," she said. "But I'm really glad I applied sooner rather than later. It's just a confusing time."

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nmoreno@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @nereidamorenos
Ismael Betancourt, 34, was charged in a shooting that wounded a man in the 1100 block of North Ashland around 5:50 a.m. on April 16, 2017. (Chicago Police Department)

A man was charged Tuesday after Chicago police saw him leave the scene of a shooting that wounded a 34-year-old man in the East Ukrainian Village neighborhood, authorities said.

Ismael Betancourt was charged with aggravated battery involving the discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault involving the discharge of firearm and four other gun-related charges, according to police. He was expected to appear in bond court Tuesday.

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Betancourt lives in the 800 block of North Ashland Avenue, not far from where police said he shot a man who was walking down the street in the 1100 block of North Ashland around 5:50 a.m. Sunday.

The man was taken in good condition to Stroger Hospital.

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Police say Betancourt was in a silver SUV when he opened fire. Officers saw him speed away from the shooting and he was later identified as the gunman, police said.

A handgun and shell casings were found in the SUV when he was stopped by police, officials said.
Bernard Williamsis charged with the Nov. 22, 2010, fatal shootingof off-duty police Officer David Blake in his SUV on the Southwest Side. (Chicago Police Department )

An off-duty Chicago police officer was lured to a quiet neighborhood on the Southwest Side and killed by his girlfriend's teenage brother in a botched plan to steal his gun collection, Cook County prosecutors alleged Tuesday.

The slaying of Chicago police Officer David Blake in 2010 was a "cold-blooded execution," prosecutors said during opening statements to the jury in the trial of Bernard Williams, now 25, who is charged with first-degree murder.

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"From the moment that this defendant laid eyes on that gun collection, he was obsessed," said Assistant State's Attorney Patrick Morley. "He had to get his hands on those guns, whether it meant robbing the victim or, in this case, killing the victim."

But Williams' attorneys noted that no physical evidence tied Williams to the killing and said investigators turned to him after becoming frustrated when they couldn't find a suspect weeks after the shooting.

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Assistant Public Defender Dylan Barrett told jurors that police targeted Williams "because of the pressure they felt to solve this crime."

"They came to a conclusion  and they formulated their investigation to meet that," Barrett said.

Blake, a 45-year-old SWAT officer, was found fatally shot on an unpaved alley known as "Dead Man's Alley" in the Wrightwood neighborhood in November 2010. He was among five Chicago police officers shot dead that year.

Blake, who was in a relationship with Williams' sister, had previously shown Williams the extensive gun collection he kept at his home, authorities said, sparking what prosecutors characterized as Blake's desire to steal them and sell them on the street.

On the day of the slaying, Williams asked Blake for a ride, then had Blake drive him to the 2900 block of West Seipp Street, said Morley, who described the area as desolate and quiet.

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"The defendant got out, said he had to do something and that's when he shot the victim in the head over and over and over again," Morley said.

Williams also took Blake's keys with the intentions to go to Blake's house and steal the guns, prosecutors said,. But when Williams got to Blake's house, police were already there.

Williams confessed on video to the crime, telling police he wanted Blake's guns to sell them on the black market, Morley said.

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In addition, he had bragged to his friends about his plans to rob Blake, Morley said.

Members of Williams' family in attendance at the trial declined to comment.

mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @crepeau
United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. JOE PEPPERS, as surviving natural parents and next of kin of Stewart Peppers, Deceased; NATASHA PEPPERS, as surviving natural parents and next of kin of Stewart Peppers, Deceased, Plaintiffs-Appellants, v. WASHINGTON COUNTY, TENNESSEE; CORRECTIONS OFFICER CORNETT, official capacity; CORRECTIONS OFFICER DRAPER, individual capacity; GARWIN, individual capacity, ED GRAYBEAL, individual capacity; JASON LOWE, individual capacity; CORRECTIONS OFFICER MARTIN, individual capacity; RICHARDS, individual capacity, Defendants-Appellees. No. 16-5407 Decided: April 13, 2017

BEFORE: NORRIS, GIBBONS, and ROGERS, Circuit Judges.

OPINION

Stewart Peppers died while in custody at the Washington County, Tennessee, jail awaiting trial. His parents sued the county, as well as the sheriff and several corrections officers in both their individual and official capacities under 42 U.S.C.  1983. After three years of pre-trial litigation, the district court granted summary judgment as to all defendants. The plaintiffs argue that the district court abused its discretion when it excluded the testimony of plaintiffs' key witness and granted summary judgment in favor of defendants. For the reasons that follow, we affirm the judgment of the district court.

I.

A. Factual Background

Stewart Peppers was arrested shortly after 2:00 a.m. on April 26, 2013, in possession of a handgun, more than forty grams of marijuana, and three hundred grams of Nandrolone Decanoate, a steroid. He was suspected of carjacking a woman at gunpoint and aggravated assault in which a man as severely beaten. Peppers was booked into Washington County Detention Center (WCDC) shortly thereafter. Peppers was a large, muscular young man, and arresting officers warned the detention officers that Peppers may have martial arts training and that he may have been using synthetic drugs. Peppers behaved erratically from the start, acting in an arrogant and aggressive manner towards the correctional officers, flexing his muscles, and blowing kisses at the booking officers. He also refused to give his real name, calling himself Hercules, chosen one, the son of god, or the son of Zeus.

Peppers was placed in a cell by himself in the booking center. His erratic behavior continued over the next two days, including tearing up his sleeping mat and uniform and yelling obscenities. A social worker saw Peppers for a mental health consultation, reporting that, Peppers denied suicidal or homicidal thoughts or intentions at that time and did not exhibit aggressive or threatening behavior at that time. The conclusion was that Peppers did not meet the criteria to be committed.

A series of events ultimately leading to Peppers's death began late in the afternoon on April 29, 2013. Peppers started shouting obscenities at the detention staff. The plaintiffs claim that in response to the shouting six corrections officers entered the cell, used chemical spray and a Taser on Peppers, and beat him until he was unresponsive. While Peppers was unresponsive, he purportedly was loaded into a restraint chair and beaten further, for a total of twenty minutes.

The defendants assert that their initial response to Peppers becoming agitated and shouting obscenities was to try to calm him down from outside the cell. Only when Peppers began slamming his head into the door of his cell did the officers feel they needed to intervene. At that time, the officers entered the cell, but Peppers refused instructions and aggressively approached the officers. The officers deployed chemical spray and a Taser in an effort to subdue Peppers, but to little effect. Finally, after much struggle, the officers gained some control of Peppers, placing him in restraints and into a restraint chair and using a spit hood to prevent Peppers from spitting on the officers.

The officers contend that Peppers continued to buck and fight officers as they attempted to get him fully secured. But suddenly Peppers stopped resisting, made unusual respiratory noises, and became unresponsive. The officers first tried to revive him with an ammonia stick and a sternal rub technique. When that failed, he was taken out of the chair and treated with a manual resuscitator and CPR until emergency personnel arrived and took over his care. Peppers, however, died.

The medical examiner conducted an autopsy and determined that his death was accidental, caused by a condition called Excited Delirium, brought on by the misuse of Nandrolone Decanoate (a steroid), exogenous testosterone, and acute cannabinoid. R. 34-1, Cline-Parhamovich Aff., Ex. A, PageID 366. The plaintiffs' expert witness reviewed the autopsy result and averred that the actual cause of death was asphyxiation from the combination of restraint chair and spit hood. R. 66-1, Dragovic Aff., PageID 619.

B. Procedural Background

During the litigation, defendants filed a Motion for Summary Judgment as to all individual defendants based on the doctrine of qualified immunity, asserting that they did not violate Peppers's constitutional rights. The district court denied this motion, citing genuine issues of material fact as to whether the individual corrections officers violated Peppers's clearly established rights. The district court noted that the affidavit of Shawn Dorsey, who was detained in a nearby cell at WCDC at the time of Peppers's death, was the plaintiffs' only evidence. But viewing the facts in the light most favorable to the plaintiffs for summary judgment purposes, the affidavit contents had to be treated as true and therefore qualified immunity was not appropriate.

The district court did grant summary judgment in favor of the county on the plaintiffs' failure-to-train claim, noting that the county presented some evidence that use-of-force training was provided, including use of the restraint chair, while the plaintiffs failed to offer any evidence to suggest that the training was inadequate, let alone so inadequate as to rise to the level of deliberate indifference.

The admissibility of deposition testimony by the plaintiffs' key witness, Shawn Dorsey, is the focus of plaintiffs' appeal. Plaintiffs hoped to have Dorsey, who was by then incarcerated in a federal prison in West Virginia, testify at trial via live video conference. However, that proved to be impracticable because the prison would not allow cameras into the facility. The district court granted plaintiffs' request to take Dorsey's trial testimony by a recorded video deposition instead. But at the last moment Dorsey refused to testify altogether.

The plaintiffs moved the district court to designate Dorsey's prior deposition testimony, taken by defendants during discovery, for use as proof at trial. The defendants opposed the motion, asserting that the deadline for designating depositions had passed and that the prior deposition testimony was inadmissible under the federal rules against hearsay.

The district court denied plaintiffs' motion to designate Dorsey's deposition testimony, holding that while plaintiffs could show good cause for their late designation, the testimony constituted inadmissible hearsay under the federal rules of evidence. The district court reasoned that the testimony was inadmissible, in large part, because the defendants did not get a full and fair opportunity to cross-examine Dorsey about a recorded interview with plaintiffs' counsel played at his deposition where Dorsey admitted his desire to get revenge on the corrections officers.

The defendants moved the court to reconsider its denial of qualified immunity. Without the Dorsey testimony, the district court reversed itself and granted the defendants' motion for summary judgment based on qualified immunity.

II.

A. Deposition Testimony of Shawn Dorsey

Generally, a district court's evidentiary rulings are reviewed for abuse of discretion. United States v. Churn, 800 F.3d 768, 774 (6th Cir. 2015) (quoting United States v. Chalmers, 554 F. App'x 440, 449 (6th Cir. 2014)). We review a grant of summary judgment de novo. Griffin v. Finkbeiner, 689 F.3d 584, 592 (6th Cir. 2012).

Deposition testimony from an unavailable witness may be used against a party, provided that the party was present or represented at the taking of the deposition and it is used to the extent it would be admissible under the Federal Rules of Evidence if the deponent were present and testifying. Fed. R. Civ. P. 32(a)(1). Based on his refusal to testify, Dorsey qualifies as an unavailable witness. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 32(a)(4)(B) & (C).

The question whether Dorsey's deposition testimony is admissible then turns on its admissibility under the Federal Rules of Evidence. Hearsay means a statement that (1) the declarant does not make while testifying at the current trial or hearing; and (2) a party offers in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted in the statement. Fed. R. Evid. 801(c). Usually hearsay evidence is not admissible. Fed. R. Evid. 802. However, the rules of evidence provide several hearsay exceptions for unavailable witnesses. See Fed. R. Evid. 804. The exception at issue here is for Former Testimony, which provides that hearsay testimony may be admitted if it was given as a witness at a trial, hearing, or lawful deposition and is now offered against a party who had  an opportunity and similar motive to develop it by direct, cross-, or redirect examination. Fed. R. Evid. 804(b)(1).

The district court initially rejected defendants' general contention that they did not have a similar motive or opportunity to cross-examine Dorsey at the deposition because it was taken during discovery. That did not end the district court's analysis, however.

At the beginning of defendants' deposition of Dorsey, counsel for the plaintiffs played part of a recording of Dorsey's prior statements to refresh his recollection of events. A full copy of the recording was given to defense counsel and admitted as an exhibit. On the full recording, Dorsey can be heard saying, I ain't going to lie to you okay. I need to get my revenge heard. They been doing me all wrong these years. It's time for me to get one.

The district court noted that the defendants, through no fault of their own, did not hear the statement until the deposition was over, and therefore never had a full and fair opportunity to cross-examine Dorsey regarding the issue. The district court concluded that the defendants would suffer great prejudice by the use of deposition testimony, the reliability of which has been directly called into question by the deponent's own statements learned after the fact with no other opportunity to develop this testimony or cross examine it due to the deponent's refusal to give subsequent testimony. It is the plaintiffs' burden to offer admissible testimony to carry their burden of proof, and this deposition testimony is inadmissible hearsay.

The plaintiffs' appellate brief does not directly address the recording discovered by defendants after the deposition, despite it being relied upon by the district court as a key factor in its decision to exclude the evidence. Further, plaintiffs elected not to file a reply brief even after the defendants highlighted this argument in their response brief. The defendants contend that by failing to offer any argument as to how the district court's reasoning was an abuse of discretion, the plaintiffs have forfeited this issue on appeal. Defendants' argument is well-taken, but we will nevertheless review the merits of the district court's evidentiary ruling.

The district court did not cite Federal Rule of Evidence 403 in its opinion and order, but the court weighed the prejudice that would be suffered by defendants if the testimony were to be admitted, much like the balancing district courts must undertake when applying Rule 403. See Fed. R. Evid. 403 (The court may exclude relevant evidence if its probative value is substantially outweighed by a danger of  unfair prejudice ). On the other hand, it would be an abuse of discretion for a district court to weigh witness credibility and exclude proffered testimony on that basis. See, e.g., United States v. Schultz, 855 F.2d 1217, 1221 (6th Cir. 1988) (Witness credibility is solely within the province of the jury.); Doe v. Clark Equip. Co., 187 F.3d 635 (6th Cir. 1999) (table case) (holding the district court abused its discretion in striking testimony based on witness credibility). In this case, if the district court was concerned about Dorsey's credibility, it had the option to admit his deposition testimony, and rely on defendants' ability to attack its credibility at trial. See Fed. R. Evid. 806 ([T]he declarant's credibility may be attacked, and then supported, by any evidence that would be admissible for those purposes if the declarant had testified as a witness )

However, as noted above, due to a district court's familiarity with the details of the case and its greater experience in evidentiary matters, courts of appeals afford broad discretion to a district court's evidentiary rulings. Sprint/United Mgmt. Co. v. Mendelsohn, 552 U.S. 379, 384 (2008). Assessing the probative value of the proffered evidence, and weighing any factors counseling against admissibility is a matter first for the district court's sound judgment under Rules 401 and 403. Id. (quotation omitted). This is particularly true with respect to Rule 403  Id. For example, we have upheld a district court's exclusion of otherwise relevant testimony based on the prejudice to defendants because the witness was unavailable for full cross-examination. See United States v. Meade, No. 15-5723, 2017 WL 384307, at *11 (6th Cir. Jan. 26, 2017) (affirming district court exclusion of probative statement without any cross-examination to help the jury determine the strength of the statement and the credibility of the witness [because it] has a great risk of misleading the jury and unfairly prejudicing the other party).  Broad discretion is given to district courts in determinations of admissibility based on considerations of relevance and prejudice, and those decisions will not be lightly overruled.  Id. (quoting United States v. Dixon, 413 F.3d 540, 544 (6th Cir. 2005)).

Here, the district court was confronted with a difficult choice, given Dorsey's admission that his statement was motivated, at least in part, by a desire to get revenge on the defendants, and that defendants would have no ability to cross-examine Dorsey on this point. The district court's choice to exclude Dorsey's prior testimony was within the court's discretion. Finally, without the deposition testimony, the district court's grant of summary judgment was appropriate.

B. Grant of Summary Judgment to Washington County

In addition to appealing the district court's evidentiary ruling, the plaintiffs contend that the district court erred when it granted summary judgment in favor of Washington County. The plaintiffs' arguments below included general allegations that Peppers's death was based, at least in part, on the failure of Washington County to properly train the involved corrections officers involved. However, the record does contain evidence that the officers received some use-of-force training, and the plaintiffs do not make any argument that the training received was deficient, or that inadequate training caused Peppers's death. For that reason, the district court's grant of summary judgment in favor of Washington County was proper.

III.

The judgment of the district court is affirmed.

ALAN E. NORRIS, Circuit Judge.
Attorney Victor Henderson and Patricia Green, mother of Christian Green, talk during a news conference April 18, 2017, at the Daley Center after a jury found that Chicago police Officer Robert Gonzalez was not justified in killing Christian. The jury awarded $350,000 in damages. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune) (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

A Cook County jury awarded $350,000 in damages Tuesday in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the mother of a black teen fatally shot by a Chicago police officer during a chase on the Fourth of July nearly four years ago.

In ruling the shooting of Christian Green unjustified, jurors found that Officer Robert Gonzalez did not "reasonably believe" that his life was in danger when he unloaded 11 shots at the 17-year-old from his police SUV, striking him once in the left side of his back.

Seated at the defense table in a dark gray suit, Gonzalez showed no reaction as the verdict was read in Judge Elizabeth Budzinski's cramped Daley Center courtroom. After the jury filed out, Christian's mother, Patricia Green, stood a few feet away from the officer, sobbing softly into a tissue.

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"I think that the outcome could have been greater," Patricia Green told reporters outside the courtroom, referring to the relatively low payout. "But the money can't take the place of my son. ... I can never get him back."

The 10-member jury deliberated for about 16 hours over three days before reaching its verdict  the first time Gonzalez, a veteran tactical officer, has been found liable for wrongdoing in his 19-year career.

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Chicago police Officer Robert Gonzalez, left, leaves the Cook County courthouse April 18, 2017, in Chicago. A Cook County jury awarded $350,000 in damages in a wrongful-death lawsuit brought by the mother of a black teen whom Gonzalez fatally shot in the back during a chase on the Fourth of July nearly four years ago. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

But Gonzalez's legal troubles aren't over. He's facing two pending federal lawsuits  including one filed Monday as the jury in Green's shooting was still deliberating  alleging he helped frame drug suspects as part of a corrupt band of officers working under disgraced former Sgt. Ronald Watts.

Gonzalez is also slated to give sworn testimony in two other police-shooting lawsuits where his partner fired the fatal shots. As in Green's shooting, both of those cases  the 2012 shooting of 16-year-old Rickey Childs and the 2014 death of Ronald Johnson III, 25  involved a black suspect allegedly armed with a gun who was shot in the back while fleeing officers.

Gonzalez, who remains a tactical officer in the Wentworth District, left the courthouse Tuesday without comment. A Law Department spokesman said in an emailed statement that the city was "disappointed" in the jury's verdict and considering legal options.

Outside court, attorney Victor Henderson, who represents the Green family, said jurors told him after the verdict that the officers' accounts of the shooting were "contrived, too polished and coordinated," echoing long-standing issues with the way police shooting probes were handled.

Chicago's city Law Department released videos April 6, 2017, of the events leading up to the July 4, 2013, shooting death of 17-year-old Christian Green by veteran tactical Officer Robert Gonzalez, 42, in Englewood. (Chicago Tribune)

"This investigation just fell short on every level," Henderson told reporters outside Budzinski's courtroom.

While Henderson had not demanded a specific dollar award, he asked the jury in his closing argument on Friday to consider the pain and suffering Green endured as well as the grief his family continues to go through  the kisses his mother no longer gets in the morning, the graduations, birthdays and grandchildren she will never see.

"The money doesn't bring Christian back, but it is a symbol," Henderson said in his argument. "It shows that, yeah, he was somebody. Yeah, he mattered. Yeah, he counts."

On Tuesday, Henderson said jurors indicated in their post-verdict discussion with him that the $350,000 award was something of a compromise, with a few holdouts leaning toward finding in favor of the officer.

"They had to work it out," he said.

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Budzinski said jurors declined her invitation to speak to the media before leaving the Daley Center.

According to court records, Gonzalez and his partner, Officer George Hernandez, were patrolling around 1 p.m. July 4, 2013, when they responded to a call that fellow tactical Officers Manuel Leano and Douglas Nichols Jr. were chasing a person with a gun.

Surveillance video from a nearby liquor store that was played during the trial showed Green trying to throw a gun into a trash can as he sprinted up to 57th and State streets. The gun bounced off the can's rim onto the sidewalk. Green doubled back, bent quickly and picked it up before taking off again.

Gonzalez testified that he saw Green pick up the weapon and was yelling from his unmarked SUV, "Police! Drop the gun! Drop the gun!" But the teen ignored him, he said. As the vehicle came to a stop at the edge of the lot, Gonzalez said he saw the barrel of Green's gun pointed in his direction from about 25 feet away, but he could not recall the exact position of the teen's body at the moment he opened fire.

"I was just focused on the gun," Gonzalez testified. "That barrel was pointed right at me, and I fired my weapon as quickly as I could."

Green was struck in the left side of his back by a bullet that pierced his lung and heart before exiting his chest. He died en route to Stroger Hospital. His gun, meanwhile, was found in the vacant lot about 75 feet from his body, according to court records.

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Initial police reports showed that Green had been shot in the chest, a fact that had not been corrected when the officers were interviewed by the Independent Police Review Authority , which investigates police shootings.

Hernandez, Nichols and Leano all backed up Gonzalez's account in their interviews with IPRA, which ruled the shooting was justified in September 2014.

Christian Green, 17, was fatally shot by Chicago police on July 4, 2013. (Family photo)

The trial drew media attention in part because Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson was called to testify. At the time of Green's shooting, Johnson was the acting street deputy who responded to the scene and signed off on the officers' use-of-force reports of the incident. He also gave a sworn deposition in the lawsuit last year.

In his testimony earlier this month, Johnson said police officers are sometimes justified in shooting a fleeing suspect in the back. He recounted being shot at years ago by a fleeing suspect who had turned and pointed a weapon at him, grazing him in the head.

"Just like this," testified Johnson, demonstrating for the jury by moving his body a quarter-turn and pointing with his finger like a handgun at the wall behind him. "So I know it can happen."

In her closing argument, Assistant Corporation Counsel Victoria Benson said Gonzalez was absolutely justified in firing at Green once he saw the open barrel of Green's semi-automatic handgun pointed at him.

But Henderson said it was ridiculous to think that Green, who stood 5 feet, 5 inches and weighed 116 pounds, would turn to confront police officers chasing him in vehicles, especially when he was running full tilt and about to make his escape.

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In his closing argument Friday, Henderson noted that Green's body was found 150 feet from where the shell casings from Gonzalez's weapon landed on State Street, calling into question the officer's claim that he could clearly see the barrel of the gun pointed at him.

Henderson also said it made no sense that Gonzalez would miss 10 of 11 shots from just 25 feet away.

"Officer Gonzalez is sitting here telling you guys a bunch of lies because he doesn't want to admit that he did something wrong," Henderson said.

The officers' accounts of the shooting were contradicted by a witness, Laticia Whitehead, who said she saw Green running full speed away from the police and that he never turned before Gonzalez opened fire. After the boy jerked and fell to the ground, Whitehead said, the officer who shot him got out of the vehicle, put a foot on his motionless body and started yelling.

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"Mother------! You wanna run? Huh? Huh?" Whitehead quoted the officer as saying in a recorded deposition played in court. "You see how f------ far you got?"

The jury, meanwhile, was barred from hearing about the connection between the officers on the scene that day and the allegedly corrupt tactical squad led by then-Sgt. Watts, who along with another member of the team was sent to federal prison in 2013 for shaking down a drug courier for protection money at the now-shuttered Ida B. Wells housing complex.

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Gonzalez, Leano and Nichols were all investigated by the Police Department's Internal Affairs Division as well as the FBI for their role in Watts' team but were never charged, according to court records.

The Tribune has written several front-page stories since last year detailing the fallout over Watts' nearly decadelong run of corruption. So far, four drug convictions involving three defendants have been tossed out because of Watts' tainted history. In addition, two officers who maintained they were victims of the "code of silence" won a $2 million settlement to their whistleblower lawsuit that alleged they were blackballed for trying to expose Watts' corruption years ago.

On Monday, while the jury was deliberating the Green shooting case, Gonzalez was named in a new federal lawsuit brought by Lionel White alleging Gonzalez helped Watts pin a drug case on him to help out a rival drug dealer at the Ida B. Wells public housing development.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @jmetr22b
A sense of dread came on quickly for Angie Nutter the morning of June 4, 2013. Already worried because her son Colin hadn't come home the night before and wasn't answering his phone, she then realized that her car was missing, as was some dog medication her husband had left on the counter.

She called police, and they arrived at her Highland Park home minutes later.

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"They didn't waste any time telling me," she said from the witness stand Tuesday, her voice trembling and her hands clasped as if in prayer. "They found Colin's body."

Nearly four years after their 20-year-old son was shot to death in his car  his body discovered hours later hidden under leaves and brush near an Edens Expressway ramp in Wilmette  both Angie and her husband, Michael Nutter, testified Tuesday in the murder trial of Philip Vatamaniuc in Lake County court.

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Vatamaniuc was a 17-year-old Highland Park High School student at the time, and he and two friends  Michael Coffee, then 17, also of Highland Park, and Benjamin Schenk, then 20 and of Highwood  were swiftly arrested and charged with killing Nutter.

Angie Nutter, a nurse, said from the witness stand that she was unprepared for and overwhelmed by the news of her son's slaying. She asked a friend to call her husband and work and tell him to come home right away but wouldn't say why.

Michael Nutter then took the stand and described his own growing sense of doom as he got off the train and then saw police cars and news trucks in front of his house. An officer inside told him to sit down next to his wife. Upon hearing his son was dead, "I jumped up, and I believe I swore, and I said, 'Are you sure it was Colin?'" Michael Nutter recalled.

The officer explained that Colin had been identified through his fingerprints.

Authorities allege that the three men targeted Nutter with plans to rob him of marijuana, but then decided to shoot him  using a gun Coffee had stolen from a friend's father  so they could steal his car and drive it into Chicago. Officials first identified Schenk as the alleged gunman, but Schenk is expected to testify that it was Vatamaniuc who shot Nutter in the back of the head.

Schenk pleaded guilty in the case in exchange for his testimony against Vatamaniuc and the possibility of a lighter sentence.

Coffee has been found unfit to stand trial. He is in jail awaiting placement at a psychiatric treatment facility.

Angie Nutter testified that she and her husband were aware of and concerned that their son had been selling small amounts of marijuana. She said Colin had recently begun seeing a psychologist at his parents' request, and they had just helped him purchase the used Dodge Stratus in which he would be killed.

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Authorities said that the three suspects initially hid Nutter's body in the trunk and later went to the home of a friend in Highwood, Lauren Hahn, to try to clean up the car. A neighbor of Hahn, Frances Pieri, testified to seeing a young man cleaning up a car she didn't recognize in front of Hahn's house on June 3, 2013, the day authorities say Nutter was killed.

Under questioning from Vatamaniuc's attorney, Pieri said the young man she saw was not the defendant.

An officer who was called to the Highwood home testified Tuesday to seeing blood stains in the sidewalk and finding bloodied padding from a car trunk, along with the bottle of dog medication, in a garbage can outside.

After dumping Nutter's body, officials said, the three suspects headed toward Chicago but then decided to go back to retrieve Nutter's wallet, which they did after taking some time to locate the body, having forgotten exactly where they left it.

After a trip to the city, Coffee and Schenk dropped off Vatamaniuc the next day and then used Nutter's keys to enter his parents' house, where they stole some marijuana, the bottle of pills and the family's Ford Focus, authorities said.

The three then returned to the city with both cars but abandoned the Stratus there after getting into a minor accident, authorities said.

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Police later saw Schenk trying to break into the Ford Focus in front of Hahn's house because the keys were locked inside.

Later Tuesday, Hahn took the stand and nervously testified about Schenk and Coffee arriving at her house at about 11 a.m. on the day of the killing, later joined by Vatamaniuc. She said Schenk and Coffee were passing around the gun and bullets before the three left, with Vatamaniuc holding the gun.

When they returned a few hours later, Hahn said, they asked her for bleach, and she saw them remove carpeting from the car, which she later found in her garbage along with other bloodied objects. Hahn said she couldn't recall if she called police at that point.

Also testifying Tuesday was Danny Valentine, who described Vatamaniuc as one of his best friends. Valentine said that on June 4, Vatamaniuc and Coffee came to his house in Highland Park and smoked pot with him and eventually told him they killed Nutter.

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On the witness stand, Valentine was reminded that he gave a statement to police indicating Vatamaniuc had said he was the gunman.

But Tuesday, Valentine testified: "I remember what my statement said, that (Vatamaniuc) pulled the trigger, but that doesn't sound like something he would say."

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Valentine said that at the time he signed the statement, he had been up for three days and was "high on amphetamines, weed, painkillers, a whole bunch of stuff. It was a very, very hard time."

"It seems (investigators) were dragging out a story that I really don't remember," Valentine added, saying he was no longer sure exactly who claimed to have been the gunman.

Another witness Tuesday, Nicholas Pacileo, said he was with Schenk's roommate on June 4 when Schenk, Vatamaniuc and Coffee arrived and started gathering materials like towels, gloves and gardening supplies.

Pacileo, who was just 13 at the time, said the trunk of the car the trio arrived in was open, and inside he saw towels, blood and human feet.

Susan Berger is a freelance reporter.
A man has been charged with sexually assaulting and robbing a woman he met at a Lakeview bar Saturday night, according to Chicago police.



Alexander Carter, 46, of the 200 block of West 74th Street, was charged Tuesday with aggravated robbery with a firearm, aggravated criminal sexual assault, theft and reckless conduct, police said.



He is accused of sexually assaulting and robbing a 23-year-old woman about 12:05 a.m. Sunday in an apartment in the 500 block of West Oakdale Avenue, police said. The woman was taken to a hospital, where her condition was stabilized.



Carter had met the woman at a bar just before the attack took place, police said.



He was expected to appear Tuesday in bond court.
A Lawndale neighborhood man has been charged after a fatal shooting near the Garfield Red Line platform which occurred at the close of a violent Easter weekend, police said.

Frederick Stewart, 33, of the 2700 block of West Harrison Street, was charged with murder and is expected to appear in court Wednesday for a bond hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, police said.

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Stewart was identified as the assailant who shot 33-year-old Javontay Tolliver, 33, in the 200 block of West Garfield Boulevard early Monday, according to police and the Cook County medical examiner's office.

Tolliver was among more than 40 people shot in Chicago over the Easter weekend, one of the most violent of the year. More than half the victims were shot over a six-hour stretch from Saturday evening through Sunday morning.

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Tolliver had been arguing with Stewart on the platform when a CTA worker told them to leave around 2:40 a.m., police said. As they walked away from the station, Stewart pulled out a handgun and shot Tolliver in the head, chest and back, police said.



Tolliver was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital about an hour after the attack. An autopsy Tuesday determined Tolliver died of multiple gunshot wounds and his death was ruled a homicide, according to the medical examiner's office. He lived in the 6500 block of South Maplewood Avenue, about five miles from the shooting.



Police said a shooting occurred Monday evening near Tolliver's home, but it is not known if they were connected.



Around 6:25 p.m., a 25-year-old man was shot in the groin while walking in an alley in the 6500 block of South Maplewood, police said. He went to Holy Cross Hospital, where his condition had stabilized, police said.
A federal lawsuit alleged Monday that two former Cook County prosecutors  one of whom is now a judge  conspired with controversial former Chicago police Detective Reynaldo Guevara and others to fabricate evidence that led to a false conviction.

The lawsuit comes just days after a Cook County judge threw out a separate double murder conviction tied to Guevara, resulting in the release of one of the men after more than two decades in prison.

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In filing Monday's lawsuit, attorney Jennifer Bonjean said she is seeking $60 million in damages for her client, Armando Serrano, who was released last summer after more than two decades in prison when prosecutors dropped charges.

The lawsuit alleges that Guevara, his colleagues and then-Assistant State's Attorneys Matthew Coghlan and John Dillon worked together to pressure a key witness into pinning the 1993 murder on Serrano.

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Serrano and co-defendant Jose Montanez were convicted on the testimony of Francisco Vicente, a heroin addict facing four felony charges who allegedly told Guevara that the two men had confessed to fatally shooting Rodrigo Vargas in his van as he left his Humboldt Park apartment for work.

In 2004, after a series of interviews with students from the Medill Innocence Project, Vicente recanted his testimony, saying Guevara had fed him the story.

Serrano spent 23 years behind bars before his conviction was thrown out, and in November he was granted a certificate of innocence.

Coghlan, who is now a Cook County judge in the criminal division, could not be reached for comment Monday on the allegations in the lawsuit. A spokesman for Chief Judge Timothy Evans' office noted that judges are prohibited from commenting publicly about pending court proceedings.

Dillon, now a lawyer in private practice, declined to comment.

A spokesman for the city's Law Department also declined to comment, saying the department had not yet received the suit, as did a spokeswoman for the state's attorney's office.

Prosecutors ordinarily are immune from civil liability after wrongful convictions, but Bonjean argued that Coghlan and Dillon were "intimately involved" in developing Vicente as a witness before Serrano was even arrested. As a result, she maintained that immunity does not apply  a legal argument that likely must be hashed out in the litigation.

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Guevara has come under fire over allegations he bullied witnesses and framed innocent people in dozens of cases. In 2009, Juan Johnson won a $21 million verdict in his wrongful conviction lawsuit against Guevara, who Johnson alleged framed him for a 1989 murder.

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On Friday, a Cook County judge threw out charges against Roberto Almodovar and William Negron, who were convicted in 1995 of a double homicide on the strength of witness testimony obtained in part by Guevara. Almodovar was freed Friday, but Negron remained imprisoned on a separate murder conviction.

Guevara has repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when questioned about the accusations against him.

Serrano and Montanez were released from prison last July after prosecutors dropped murder charges against them. The announcement by prosecutors came after a harshly worded appeals court ruling in June found that "profoundly alarming acts of misconduct" had led to their convictions for the 1993 murder.

At the time of their release, Kimberly Foxx, who had already beaten incumbent State's Attorney Anita Alvarez for the Democratic nomination but still faced a Republican in the November election, had said she would review cases involving Guevara after taking office. But her office has declined to confirm that in recent days, saying only that the office's Conviction Integrity Unit reviews all cases brought before it.

mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @crepeau
Gov. Bruce Rauner carries items into his temporary home on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill., on April 18, 2017, where he will live while the Executive Mansion undergoes an extensive renovation. (Rich Saal / AP)

SPRINGFIELD  Gov. Bruce Rauner traded the historic but rundown Executive Mansion for a more modest house on the state fairgrounds on Tuesday as the 162-year-old building is prepared for a major renovation project.

Rauner's office posted video and photos online of the governor loading bags into the rear of his 1993 Volkswagen van, moving the last few items after crews spent the past several weeks packing antique furniture for storage.

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While Rauner does not live in the mansion full time, he and first lady Diana Rauner spend the night there when in Springfield and have used the building for events like meetings with lawmakers and passing out candy to trick-or-treaters on Halloween. They plan to return to the mansion next summer when renovations are complete. Mansion tours, which were put on hold in January, will also resume then, Illinois Executive Mansion Association spokesman Max Bever said.

In the meantime, the Rauners will stay at a house normally used by the director of the department of agriculture during the Illinois State Fair. Their move comes just days after a private party on the fairgrounds turned violent. Capt. Jerry Felts of the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office said four people were stabbed and at least 20 shots were fired early Sunday during a party at the Illinois Building, which had been rented out for a private event. Felts said no one was shot but the building and some cars were damaged.

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Eleni Demertzis, a spokeswoman for the governor's office, called the matter an "isolated incident" but said the administration "is evaluating policies and procedures for renting space at the fairgrounds to ensure the safety of all visitors at the fairgrounds."

The governor also receives around-the-clock protection from the Illinois State Police.

A spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Agriculture said the agency will continue renting out buildings and facilities throughout the nonfair season.

Diana Rauner has led efforts to renovate the mansion by raising private money. Bever said in an email that $14 million has been raised and pledged to date, with $1 million coming from the Rauners themselves.

The executive mansion has long been in disrepair and hasn't undergone a major overhaul since the early 1970s. A Tribune walk-through in 2015 revealed water stains, buckling wallpaper and a hole in the ceiling of a bedroom honoring a former governor  all housed in a crumbling exterior hidden by overgrown landscaping.

Bever said the project, led by Chicago-based Vinci Hamp Architects, will include renovations to the exterior and interior, mechanical upgrades and improvements to the mansion grounds.

Separately, the governor is also pushing to raise private money to upgrade the fairgrounds, which have fallen into disrepair as well. Some buildings are crumbling, flooding is rampant during heavy rains and power outages have frustrated vendors.

hbemiller@chicagotribune.com

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Alderman Leslie Hairston, 5th, shown here in October 2016, has sponsored a measure that would no longer require independent contractors working for aldermen to disclose who else is paying them, abide by city ethics rules or obey strict limits on outside gifts. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

People working for Chicago aldermen as independent contractors won't have to disclose who else is paying them, abide by city ethics rules or obey strict limits on outside gifts under a measure the City Council is poised to approve Wednesday.

The unanimous vote triggered a quick rebuke from city Board of Ethics Chairman William Conlon, who called it "a very unhealthy secrecy that they are legislating into the laws of the city."

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His comments came after a panel of aldermen on Tuesday voted to carve out the exception, saying they mistakenly classified independent contractors as city employees in early 2016 when they updated the city ethics code. Aldermen contended it was unfair to categorize the contractors as employees because it would require them to disclose details about their own businesses that don't belong in the public realm.

Sponsoring Ald. Leslie Hairston cited the example of political and public relations consultants who are paid to help aldermen respond to media inquiries and prepare newsletters  a task done for her by veteran operative Delmarie Cobb, who also works for other aldermen.

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"The client list  it's none of anybody's business," the 5th Ward alderman said after a committee vote. "What they do for me is already out there. What they do for other aldermen is already out there. But to treat them as an employee without getting any of the benefits, to try to limit what they do, can impact their business."

Hairston said federal law and IRS code make it clear who is an independent contractor  someone with their own business who sets his or her own hours and work terms, pays their own income taxes and does not receive benefits. Both full- and part-time council employees who are paid directly by the city and are at the beck and call of aldermen, however, still would be deemed city employees subject to ethics rules, Hairston said.

But just how employees paid out of the $97,000 annual expense accounts provided by taxpayers to each aldermen are classified is up to aldermen, and to some extent, the employees themselves.

The Tribune has reported extensively on council employees paid from those expense accounts. They have included relatives, political operatives and, in one case, a worker who had been banned from working directly for the city after he was accused of sexually harassing a co-worker. Ald. Matt O'Shea, 19th, was paid out of his predecessor's expense account and a committee fund before he was elected in 2011. It's unclear whether those types of workers are compliant with city ethics rules.

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa referred to a nationwide problem of workers who employers misclassify as independent contractors, even though they follow all the orders and rules set by their employers  a practice that runs afoul of IRS rules but allows employers to avoid paying taxes and benefits.

"It's incumbent upon each one of us as aldermen to ensure that we in our offices are following the law and that we are not misclassifying people," noted Ramirez-Rosa, 35th.

Conlon said no matter what the status of the person being paid with council funds, they have an obligation to reveal whether they have any conflicts of interest and abide by city ethics rules.

"You can give anybody any status you want," Conlon said. "You can call them independent contractors. The reality is, I believe, in city government  where they are being paid in part from city funds  they have a responsibility to disclose publicly any associations that ... are called for on the statement of economic disclosure. ... The light of day is a pretty healthy commodity on issues like this."

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The issue came up after an undisclosed alderman this year asked the city ethics panel for an opinion on whether an unnamed contractor was allowed to receive compensation from a GoFundMe account.

In a Feb. 24 opinion, Conlon wrote that an independent contractor is a city employee subject to the ethics rules, including filing annual financial disclosures, complying with the city code of conduct, not being paid by noncity entities for work related to their council duties and abiding by a gift ban.

A week later, that opinion was reinforced by an ethics board notice to council independent contractors that they had to file financial interest statements by May 31. Not filing could make them subject to fines of $250 a day, the notice warned.

Cobb, the political consultant, called the requirement "ridiculous, just because of the very definition of 'independent contractor.'"

Aldermen are scheduled to vote Wednesday on the amendment, which would remove the requirement that independent contractors file financial disclosures. Whatever the outcome, Ald. Michelle Harris, 8th, chairman of the Rules Committee, indicated she didn't plan to change the way she runs her office.

"For the record, anybody on my staff that works for me full time, whether they are an independent contractor or not, is held in my office to the same standards, and they must do everything that the other employees do," Harris said. "I think it's just a way of keeping things transparent."

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hdardick@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @ReporterHal
Snap-on workers take photos with their cellphones during President Donald Trump's speech April 18, 2017, at the Snap-on Inc. headquarters in Kenosha. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)

KENOSHA  President Donald Trump returned to his populist "America first" message Tuesday, visiting a state key to his presidential victory where he signed an executive order to discourage businesses from hiring low-wage workers abroad and to require the government to buy more from U.S. firms.

Appearing at the southeast Wisconsin headquarters of Snap-on Inc., a tool, automotive and industrial diagnostics equipment manufacturer and distributor, Trump tried to bolster his "Buy American, Hire American" campaign pledge.

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During his remarks, Trump also promised quick work on tax reform  though Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, who also attended, has said such action isn't likely to begin until August at the earliest. In addition, the president urged that action on repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, take place first despite ongoing divides within the Republican-controlled Congress on how to do it.

And Trump once again said the North American Free Trade Agreement should be scrapped unless major changes to benefit U.S. firms and workers could be achieved.

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"Together, we're going to do everything in our power to make sure that more products are stamped with those wonderful words, 'Made in the USA,'" Trump said, paying homage to the Snap-on workforce in lauding the value of U.S. jobs to rebuild the country.

"For too long we have watched as our factories have been closed and our jobs have been sent to other, faraway lands," the president said. "This election, the American people voted to end the theft of American prosperity. They voted to bring back their jobs and to bring back their dreams into our country."

When controversies emerge, Trump frequently heads out of the White House for campaign-style rallies. The president has found himself facing questions about reversals involving U.S. military actions in Syria and Afghanistan, growing tensions over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and a declaration that China does not manipulate its currency. Trump, now needing China to help defuse the U.S. situation with North Korea, had declared China a currency manipulator during the campaign.

A Pew Research Center poll released the day before Trump's visit found the president's national approval rating unchanged from two months ago at 39 percent. The percentage of Americans who disapprove was about the same: 54 percent compared with 56 percent in February.

Though manufacturing no longer takes place at Snap-on's Kenosha campus  that's done at 10 other U.S. sites including nearby Milwaukee  Trump returned to a comfortable theme of pledging to restore domestic manufacturing to improve the nation's economy and spur job growth.

In signing the executive order, Trump said, "American projects should be made with American goods. No longer are we going to allow foreign countries to cheat our producers and our workers out of federal contracts."

The president also said the order was "designed to protect jobs and wages of workers in the United States."

"We believe jobs must be offered to American workers first. Does that make sense?" he asked during his 20-minute speech. "Right now, widespread abuse in our immigration system is allowing American workers of all backgrounds to be replaced by workers brought in from other countries to fill the same job for sometimes less pay. This will stop."

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The executive order Trump signed will affect the issuance of what is known as H-1B visas, which are often used by technology companies to recruit workers from foreign countries.

During the campaign, Trump was critical of the visa program and pledged to end it, saying firms were using it to import cheap labor at the expense of U.S. jobs. Under the program, the government admits about 85,000 immigrants each year, largely for work in high-technology jobs.

The executive order falls short of ending the program but dramatically restructures it by requiring applicants and their potential employers to show that the visas are going only to "the most highly skilled workers" in their fields.

The order also directs all federal agencies to re-examine waivers and exceptions to government rules and trade agreements that require a preference for purchasing from American companies.

"With this action we are sending a powerful signal to the world: We're going to defend our workers, protect our jobs and finally put America first," Trump said.

Job growth, particularly in manufacturing, has been key to Trump's "Make America Great Again" mantra  vowing to "bring back" the jobs of voters who have felt the sting of employment losses and regional economic declines as manufacturing jobs moved out of the country because of globalization or were overtaken by automation.

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Snap-on CEO Nicholas Pinchuk noted the "interesting times" of a shrinking middle class, saying "the traditional strength of America has always been the great middle, making things and keeping them running."

Hailing the performance of his company and pointing to a need for more skilled workers, Pinchuk said the "timeless principle" it was founded upon, "respect for the dignity of work," is in "eclipse" and the type of skilled labor his workers perform is now viewed as a "consolation prize" in an era of technology.

Approaching the 100-day mark of his presidency with few major accomplishments to point to, Trump maintained that "no administration has accomplished more in the first 90 days, that includes on military, on the border, on trade, on regulation, on law enforcement  we love our law enforcement  and on government reform."

The president promised to bring forward a tax reform plan that would "make our industries more competitive and also to provide a level playing field for our workers."

"We don't have a level playing field, believe me. You're going to have one very soon. And our tax reform and tax plan is coming along very well. It's going to be out very soon," he said.

Trump only briefly touched on his use of the country's military might in attacks on Syria and in Afghanistan, indicating it was a show of strength.

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"No matter the circumstances, everyone will know, we act from this core conviction  that America's strength must be unmatched and its first priority, unquestioned, the safety and security of our citizens. This is the surest path to a more peaceful and prosperous world for us all," he said.

Joining Trump for his speech was Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a onetime Republican rival for the presidency, along with Reince Priebus, the Kenosha native who is Trump's chief of staff after having served as Republican National Committee chairman.

Trump's visit took place in the congressional district of Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, who did not attend because of a previously scheduled European trip to NATO countries. At one point, Trump referred to Ryan as "Ron" in saying the speaker was urging NATO countries to increase their contributions to the alliance. The "Ron" reference came after Trump had introduced Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson.

Trump frequently referenced his November win of Wisconsin's 10 electoral votes. He defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton by about 27,000 votes to become the first Republican to win the state since Ronald Reagan in 1984. Trump won Kenosha County, the site of Tuesday's visit, by fewer than 300 votes.

Unemployment in the county is at 5.1 percent, up from 4.2 percent in December, when Trump and his then-running mate Mike Pence made a postelection visit to Wisconsin as part of a victory tour. Trump had been scheduled to visit Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee in early February but canceled.

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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

Amid an increase in international tensions and concerns about policy among supporters at home, President Donald Trump on Tuesday is making his first visit to Wisconsin since taking office.

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Trump is scheduled to stop in Kenosha at the headquarters of Snap-on Inc., a tool, automotive and industrial diagnostics equipment manufacturer and franchiser.

Though manufacturing no longer takes place at its Kenosha campus, Trump's visit is expected to dovetail with his "Buy American, Hire American" message of attempting to help restore domestic manufacturing to improve the nation's economy and spur job growth.

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Growth in manufacturing has been key to Trump's "Make America Great Again" mantra  vowing to "bring back" the jobs of voters who have felt the sting of employment losses and regional economic declines as manufacturing jobs moved out of the country because of globalization or were overtaken by automation.

In a statement, Snap-on Inc. said Trump's visit was "an encouraging development in highlighting the essential nature of American manufacturing to our nation's future."

"It's always an honor when our contributions to society are recognized," the company said.

Last month, Trump trumpeted the findings of a National Association of Manufacturers survey of industry executives that found 93 percent were optimistic about the economy's future. Trump said that percentage had been only 56 percent "just a few months ago."

"It's a new surge in optimism, which is sweeping all across our land," Trump said at the time. "These survey results are a further vote of confidence in our plan to bring back jobs, lower taxes, and provide a level playing field for our workers."

Trump's visit also takes him to the congressional district of Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan of Janesville, which shares a border with northern Illinois. Trump and Ryan are trying to jump-start an effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, after an initial plan was scuttled by a group of House Republicans in the conservative Freedom Caucus.

Trump's visit also takes place in the hometown of his chief of staff, Reince Priebus, the former chairman of the Republican National Committee. Priebus had been among those sparring with Trump's chief political adviser, Steve Bannon, who is now heading into a lesser role at the White House having fallen out of favor.

When controversies emerge, Trump frequently heads out of the White House for campaign-style rallies. The president has found himself facing questions about reversals involving U.S. military actions in Syria and Afghanistan, growing tensions over North Korea's nuclear and missile program and a declaration that China does not manipulate its currency. Trump, now needing China to help defuse the U.S. situation with North Korea, declared China a currency manipulator during the campaign.

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A Pew Research Center poll released the day before Trump's visit found the president's national approval rating unchanged from two months ago at 39 percent. The percentage of Americans who disapprove was about the same: 54 percent compared with 56 percent in February.

Trump won Wisconsin's 10 electoral votes by about 27,000 votes over Democrat Hillary Clinton to become the first Republican elected by the state since Ronald Reagan won it in 1984. In Kenosha County, the site of Trump's visit, the Republican won by fewer than 300 votes.

Unemployment in the county is at 5.1 percent, up from 4.2 percent in December, when Trump and his then-running mate Mike Pence made a post-election visit to Wisconsin as part of a victory tour. Trump had been scheduled to visit Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee in early February, but the event was canceled. (Rick Pearson)

What's on tap

*Mayor Rahm Emanuel will address gun dealer licensing laws at UCAN and preside over a meeting of the Public Building Commission.

*Gov. Bruce Rauner will tour II-VI EpiWorks in Champaign.

*The City Council Finance Committee could consider a plan to send more TIF district surplus money to Chicago Public Schools.

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*Attendees to the Kennedy Forum's morning event on mental health funding at Ocean Cut include Sen. Dick Durbin, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and State's Attorney Kim Foxx. Cardinal Blase Cupich will appear at a luncheon at Glasser Auditorium at Mount Sinai Hospital.

From the notebook

*Alderman tries again on CPS TIF money plan: One alderman who doubts that Chicago Public Schools will get a last-minute cash infusion from state government is resurrecting a plan to siphon money from special taxing districts throughout the city.

Ald. George Cardenas, 12th, first floated the idea to draw down tax increment financing district reserves last year before Mayor Emanuel in October agreed to declare $175 million of those TIF funds as surplus. CPS got about half that money, which helped avert a strike by the Chicago Teachers Union and staved off a City Council push to vote on Cardenas' plan.

Since then, Gov. Rauner vetoed a measure that would have provided an extra $215 million to CPS this year for pension payments  a plan that's one of many casualties of an historic budget stalemate.

CPS CEO Forrest Claypool  who in a lawsuit has accused the state of shortchanging minority students in Chicago  has said that without the money CPS could be forced to close its doors nearly three weeks early and cut summer programs.

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Whether CPS will actually cut short the school year  an idea Emanuel has called "not the right option, not the right choice"  remains to be seen. Emanuel, who also likes to boast of expanding the school day and year and frequently talks about educational gains at CPS, continues to maintain Springfield has the answer.

But Cardenas told the Tribune on Monday he's doubtful Springfield will come through, given the political stalemate. "I'm not optimistic at all," Cardenas said. "I'm just being realistic."

So he's reintroduced his proposal, which is on the agenda for Tuesday's Finance Committee meeting, to at least get people talking about ways to help CPS.

Discussion could be as far as it goes, however, given that a lot of proposals get debated at the Finance Committee led by Chairman Ed Burke, 14th, without getting advanced to the full council.

Under Cardenas' plan, the city would have to declare as surplus all money in TIF district not already committed to specific projects, with half of it automatically going to CPS. It also would allow the city to give its 22 percent share of the TIF surplus to CPS.

TIF funds, which set aside property tax collections for economic development in struggling or stagnant areas, have long been a target of the CTU. (Hal Dardick, Juan Perez Jr.)

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*State gets in on United controversy: In response to recent controversy surrounding United Airlines, a state lawmaker has introduced legislation that aims to protect ticketed airline passengers from being forcibly removed from flights.

The proposal from Rep. Peter Breen, R-Lombard, marks another chapter in the fallout from the incident at O'Hare International Airport last week, when David Dao was dragged off a United flight by aviation security officials when he refused to leave his seat.

Breen's proposal would keep state and local officials from working with airlines to remove passengers unless there's a safety risk or public emergency. He said the state should prevent public employees from being used to hurt people.

"Our public servants were used to abuse a visitor to our city, and that should never happen," Breen said. "We have to set that line down ourselves."

The plan also would keep the state from doing business with airlines that bump ticketed passengers to provide seats for their employees. It would award attorney's fees to people who successfully sue an airline for violating the law.

Breen said it's important for the state to take a stand against airlines that implement these policies, particularly since the United incident happened "in our backyard."

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"This incident caused a real black eye for our state and for our largest city and the crown jewel of our transportation infrastructure," Breen said. (Haley BeMiller)

*Biss gets OFA stalwart: Democratic state Sen. Daniel Biss has hired a campaign manager for his governor bid. It's Abby Witt, a stalwart of former President Barack Obama's campaign operations.

Witt is well-known nationally as an astute political operative. She played several roles in Obama presidential campaigns from regional field director in 2008 to director of political operations in the 2012 re-election bid.

She was responsible for strategic planning and day-to-day operations of Organizing For Action, the offshoot of Obama for America, working for progressive causes through grassroots action.

"If we want real change and to start solving problems in Illinois, we need to build a movement to take our state back from money and the machine," said Biss. "Building a bold and progressive grassroots campaign requires an organizer leading us every day, and we got one of the best in Abby Witt."

Witt said Biss's history as show he "understands that real change doesn't come with the ability to cut a check, but with the ability to organize a community."

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"I'm honored to join a movement to take our state back from money and the machine, and set us on a new course," she said in a statement. According to her LinkedIn page, until February Witt worked as Chicago Public Schools' director of strategic initiatives. (Rick Pearson)

*Rauner's travels: Gov. Rauner on Monday was in Moline to discuss "changes to get Illinois back on track" and in Peoria to discuss "changes to fix Illinois' broken system." Those are the types of descriptions his government press shop typically puts out when he's appearing somewhere to tout what he used to call his "turnaround agenda" and now refers to as "structural reforms." Taxpayers foot the bill for whatever travel costs such appearances generate.

Last week, however, similar events were deemed to be campaign stops, and the governor's political fund covered the cost. We asked Rauner's government press operation why Monday's stops were taxpayer-funded when they mirror what the campaign did last week using private money. What's the difference, we asked.

The press shop offered an answer that shed little light on the distinction.

"Today's visits allow the governor to meet with and talk to constituents in his official capacity as a statewide office holder," Rauner spokeswoman Eleni Demertzis responded in an email.

*Better late than never? It only took about a decade, but the Illinois House Democrats now have a joint social media effort. Comprising the effort are Facebook and Twitter feeds under the branding "Lifting Up Illinois."

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In a news release touting the effort, Steve Brown, longtime spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan, sounded the class-warfare theme that the party has employed against wealthy Republican Gov. Rauner pretty much since he emerged as a force on the Illinois political scene in 2014.

"While Gov. Rauner and House Republicans continue to stand by their corporate agenda, House Democrats are fighting for economic reforms to grow the economy and build a stronger middle class," Brown said in the release. "To this end, House Democrats are working to put more money in the pockets of working families by expanding middle-class tax credits and raising the minimum wage. Efforts by House Democrats are also being made to level the playing field for Illinois' small and medium-sized employers while closing loopholes that allow big corporations to avoid paying any taxes at all."

The three other caucuses in the House and Senate have had such efforts for years, and the House Democratic effort follows grumbling by rank-and-file members that they needed to do the same in the modern era.

What we're writing

*First-term U.S. congressman is last in state in seniority but first in fundraising.

*Emanuel won't 'prejudge' future of aviation police after man dragged off United flight.

*Emanuel wants tougher gun rules on party buses.

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*Gun ranges in Chicago could be allowed in more areas under proposal.

*As state switches to SAT exam, some districts also paying to offer ACT.

*Naperville mayor: City 'could've done better' reporting officer-involved fatal crash.

What we're reading

*Cubs World Series rally damage displaces Grant Park softball teams.

*Secretary of State Jesse White already tweaking new license plate design.

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*Ex-Pope Benedict XVI celebrates 90th birthday  with a mug of beer.

Follow the money

*Illinois campaign finance reports for the first quarter were due at midnight. They've trickled in here.

*Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here.



Beyond Chicago

*V.P. Pence warns North Korea.

*Chris Christie on what might have been.

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*Gorsuch hears arguments for first time on Supreme Court.

*Canada glacier melt rerouted in rare case of "river piracy."
Mayor Rahm Emanuel told reporters this week he wanted to "push the envelope" on setting rules to make it tough for revelers to bring guns onto party buses in Chicago, but a plan he announced Tuesday stops short of outlawing firearms.

Emanuel acknowledged it would be difficult to ban legal guns on the buses without running afoul of the state's concealed carry law, noting Monday that "party buses operate between what an established bar would be, or other type of place where the rules would be pretty clear."

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Rather than press his luck by pushing the envelope, the mayor doesn't address legal firearms in an amended ordinance governing the buses, according to information his administration provided. Emanuel's aides did not provide the Tribune a full copy of the ordinance Tuesday.

Aldermen are set to vote on the mayor's plan in a committee hearing Wednesday, then the City Council would quickly consider it. The party bus issue has been gaining steam at City Hall following a series of high-profile shootings involving drunken passengers in popular nightclub neighborhoods like River North.

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Under the amended ordinance, buses would need to have a licensed security guard on board if there were more than 15 passengers and there was either alcohol on the bus or the bus planned to make "interim stops" at bars, clubs or other places where alcohol would be consumed, according to Emanuel's office.

In addition, the bus owner, driver or the security guard would be required to "take affirmative measures to determine that no passenger is illegally carrying a firearm."

Violations of city rules could trigger the suspension of the licenses for a company's entire fleet of buses, rather than just the one where a violation occurs, the mayor's office said.

Bus operators who follow city statutes have expressed concerns about the City Council's crackdown. They say it will cost them thousands of dollars to install security cameras that the ordinance calls for, and they worry that illegal bus companies will simply continue to ignore the rules.

jebyrne@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @_johnbyrne
United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit. United States of America, Plaintiff - Appellee, v. Jose Luis Romero-Orbe, also known as Jose Ramon Armenta-Valdez, Defendant - Appellant. No. 15-3992 Decided: April 17, 2017

Before LOKEN, SMITH,1 and COLLOTON, Circuit Judges.

Jose Romero-Orbe pleaded guilty to illegal reentry to the United States after a previous removal and conviction for commission of an aggravated felony. See 8 U.S.C.  1326(a) and (b)(2). The district court sentenced him to 36 months' imprisonment.

Romero-Orbe appeals, arguing that the district court committed procedural error in calculating the advisory guideline range. Under the guidelines in effect at the time of sentencing, the defendant's offense level was enhanced by 16 levels if he previously was deported after a conviction for a felony that was a crime of violence. USSG  2L1.2(b)(1)(A) (2015). Crime of violence under the guideline includes any offense under state law that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person of another. Id., comment. (n.1(B)(iii)).

Romero-Orbe contends that the district court mistakenly concluded that his prior conviction for domestic assault under Minn. Stat.  609.2242, subdivision 4 was a crime of violence that triggered the increase. Subdivision 4 provides that a violation of subdivision 1 of the statute constitutes a felony, as opposed to a misdemeanor, if it is committed within ten years of the first of any two or more prior domestic violence-related convictions. Subdivision 1, in turn, explains that a domestic assault occurs when a person, against a family or household member, (1) commits an act with intent to cause fear in another of immediate bodily harm or death; or (2) intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict bodily harm upon another.  609.2242, subd. 1 (2013).

The district court ruled that Romero-Orbe's conviction under  609.2242, subdivision 4 qualified as a crime of violence, because the offense satisfied the force clause of the definition in the guideline. Romero-Orbe disputes this conclusion. He maintains that under subdivision 1(1), a person can be convicted based on an intent to cause fear, without the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force. Therefore, he argues, the Minnesota statute is not categorically a crime of violence, and the district court erred by increasing his offense level.

This case is controlled by the reasoning of United States v. Schaffer, 818 F.3d 796 (8th Cir. 2016). In Schaffer, this court determined that Minn. Stat.  609.2242, subdivision 1(1) qualifies as a violent felony for purposes of the Armed Career Criminal Act, 18 U.S.C.  924(e). The court reasoned that an act undertaken with intent to cause fear in another of immediate bodily harm or death necessarily involves a threatened use of physical force against the person of another. 818 F.3d at 798. Although Schaffer applied  924(e) rather than the sentencing guideline at issue here, the applicable definitions are identical, and we see no basis for a distinction. Accordingly, the district court correctly concluded that Romero-Orbe's conviction under Minn. Stat.  609.2242, subdivision 4 was for a crime of violence under USSG  2L1.2. There was no procedural error.

The judgment of the district court is affirmed.

FOOTNOTES

. The Honorable Ann D. Montgomery, United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota.

COLLOTON, Circuit Judge.
Police officers and rescue workers cordon off a street during searches in Marseille, southern France, on April 18, 2017. (Claude Paris / AP)

PARIS  French police thwarted an imminent "terror attack" and arrested two suspected radicals Tuesday in the southern port city of Marseille, the interior minister said just days before the first round of France's presidential election.

The two men allegedly "intended to commit an attack on French soil in the very short term, which is to say in coming days," Interior Minister Matthias Fekl said during a brief news conference.

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France votes Sunday in the first round of its two-stage election. Extra safety measures are being put in place for the balloting after the extremist attacks in the country that have made security one of the major issues of the presidential campaign.

The men, both French, are "suspected of wanting to commit, in an imminent way, a violent action on the eve of the French presidential election," the minister said.

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Fekl gave no details about potential targets or motives.

The suspects, Mahiedine Merabet, 29 and Clement Baur, 23, were both detained under arrest warrants for terrorist criminal association, according to a police document obtained by The Associated Press.

President Francois Hollande hailed the "remarkable" arrests and the work of police.

Agents from the French domestic security agency, backed by elite police units, conducted the arrests. Searches are also underway, Fekl said.

France's fight against homegrown and overseas Islamic extremism has been one of the main campaign topics for presidential candidates.

Candidates on the right have been especially vocal, seeking to appeal to voters traumatized by Islamic State group-inspired attacks that have killed at least 235 people in France since January 2015, by far the largest casualty rate of any Western country.

With the terror threat "higher than ever," Fekl said "everything is being done" to secure the election, the candidates, their election headquarters and rallies.

He said more than 50,000 police, gendarmes and soldiers will be deployed in France and its overseas territories on Sunday and for the decisive second-round vote on May 7.
Hours after 74-year-old Robert Godwin Sr. was killed in cold blood on a neighborhood street in Cleveland, crowdfunding pages for the slain man's family began popping up online.

One of those pages was created by Wesley Scott Alexander, a stranger 2,000 miles away in Phoenix. Alexander wrote on Facebook that he'd seen the horrific video showing Godwin's shooting death and thought it was "disgusting."

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His goal was to raise $20,000 "and help the family cope," he wrote. In less than 24 hours, the page had exceeded that goal, raising more than $33,000  including $4,500 in a single hour.

"Social Media never ceases to amaze me," Alexander wrote on Facebook.

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There was just one problem at the time.

While donations were pouring into the GoFundMe page Alexander set up, the Godwin family was warning the public not to donate to GoFundMe due to the proliferation of fake pages.

"We've gotten word from Mr. Godwin's family that there are several GoFundMe accounts set up not by the family," Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said at a news conference Monday morning. "So they're asking people not to contribute to any GoFundMe or any memorial or any account right now in Mr. Godwin's name."

Debbie Godwin, who was identified in news reports at Godwin's daughter, further warned people about it on Facebook, saying the family would not be setting up a GoFundMe page at all.

The confusing sequence of events  in which good and bad intentions become difficult to separate  has become a routine element of tragedies that capture the public's attention. In the aftermath of those tragedies, scam artists are quick to take advantage of the public's innate desire to reassure victims and inject order and compassion into chaotic situations.

"If you have questions about a campaign, you should first try to contact the Campaign Organizer directly by visiting their campaign and clicking or tapping the envelope icon to send them a direct message," GoFundMe writes on its page on safety. If you still have concerns that a page is misleading or fraudulent, let our team know by reporting it here."

In the wake of the Godwin killing, GoFundMe is trying to resolve the problem so donations can continue. GoFundMe spokesman Bobby Whithorne said in a statement that it's not uncommon for numerous crowdfunding pages to be set up for one victim.

But, Whithorne told The Washington Post, in the case of Alexander's page, the site has "spoken with the GoFundMe campaign organizer, members of the family, and local authorities. We'll guarantee the money will be deposited directly into the family's bank account."

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Asked whether this is protocol, Whithorne said, "We monitor the entire platform. We ensure the funds raised go to the family or refunded to the donor."

Whithorne suggested that people use Alexander's page for donations for the Godwin family.

"GoFundMe has vetted this campaign and it's authentic," he added. "They are in direct communication with the family and have confirmed all funds will be deposited directly into their bank account. This is the only campaign verified by the family."

Alexander could not immediately be reached for comment, but he noted on Facebook that several fake campaigns had sprung up, while his had been endorsed.

"I am just a kid from Arizona who unfortunately saw this video on Facebook and wanted to help," he wrote on Facebook. "Take initiative. I'll post photos of me delivering the help. I know this won't bring their loved one back but it's the least we can do. I hope they find peace."

Police say Godwin was the victim of 37-year-old Steve Stephens, who pulled up in his Ford Fusion on a road in east Cleveland about 2 p.m. Sunday. Stephens was later seen in a Facebook video, saying, "I found somebody I'm about to kill."

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"I'm about to kill this guy right here. He's an old dude," Stephens said as he approached Godwin, who was reportedly walking on a sidewalk looking for aluminum cans to collect.

"Can you do me a favor?" he said to Godwin before asking him to say the name Joy Lane.

"Joy Lane?" Godwin responded.

"Yeah," Stephens then replied. "She's the reason why this is about to happen to you."

The video showed him ask Godwin how old he was, then raise a gun and pull the trigger. The camera spun around; when the picture came into focus, Godwin was on the ground.

It all lasted less than a minute.
Pennsylvania State Police say Steve Stephens, the suspect in the random killing of a Cleveland retiree posted on Facebook, has shot and killed himself after a brief pursuit. (Erie Times-News via AP, Cleveland Police Department)

The man who randomly killed a Cleveland retiree and posted video of the crime on Facebook shot himself to death in his car Tuesday during a police chase in Pennsylvania, ending a multistate manhunt less than 48 hours after it began.

Acting on a tip, Pennsylvania State Police spotted Steve Stephens, 37, leaving a McDonald's in Erie and went after him, bumping his car to try to get it to stop, authorities said. He shot himself in the head as the car spun out of control, police said.

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"This started with one tragedy and ended with another person taking their own life," said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams. "We would have liked to have brought Steve in peacefully and really talked to him about why this happened."

Steve Stephens was spotted this morning by PSP members in Erie County. After a brief pursuit, Stephens shot and killed himself.  PA State Police (@PAStatePolice) April 18, 2017

Stephens, a job counselor who worked with teenagers and young people, was wanted on murder charges in the shooting of Robert Godwin Sr., a 74-year-old former foundry worker and father of 10 who was picking up aluminum cans on Sunday when he was gunned down.

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The chilling video was posted on Facebook for three hours before it was taken down, drawing criticism of the social network and renewing questions about how responsibly it polices objectionable material.

At a Silicon Valley conference Tuesday, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg briefly addressed the Cleveland case, saying Facebook has "a lot of work to do" and "we will keep doing all we can to prevent tragedies like this."

Police would not speculate on what was behind the killing, but in the video and other footage he posted, Stephens talked about losing everything he had to gambling and having trouble with his girlfriend. He said he "just snapped."

One of Godwin's daughters, Debbie Godwin, said she wished Stephens had been captured.

"I'm not happy he's dead at all, not at all. If you did it, you have to face your crime," she said.

This frame from video posted April 16, 2017, on Facebook shows Robert Godwin Sr. in Cleveland moments before being fatally shot. The search for murder suspect Steve Stephens put authorities in surrounding states on the lookout after police said the man might have left Ohio. (Facebook image)

The break in the case came when police received a tip that Stephens' car was in the McDonald's parking lot in Erie, in the northwestern corner of the state, about 100 miles east of Cleveland, authorities said. The chase lasted 2 miles before Stephens took his own life, police said.

Law enforcement officials had said on Monday that Stephens' cellphone was last tracked Sunday afternoon near Erie.

The police chief said Tuesday that it wasn't clear whether Stephens had any help while he was on the run or where he had been and that investigators will try to retrace he steps.

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Facebook said it removed the video of the shooting 23 minutes after learning of it. The company has since announced it is launching a review for reporting harmful content.

"This is something that should not have been shared around the world. Period," Cleveland's police chief said.

In the video, Stephens told Godwin the name of his girlfriend and said, "She's the reason that this is about to happen to you." Godwin did not seem to recognize the name.

Investigators said that Godwin was the only victim so far linked to Stephens, despite his claim on Facebook that he killed over a dozen people.

Detectives spoke with the suspect on Sunday by cellphone and tried to persuade him to surrender, police said. Within a day, authorities expanded the search nationwide and offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.

Associated Press reporters Michael Rubinkam in Pennsylvania, Dake Kang and Delano Massey in Cleveland, John Seewer in Toledo and Dan Sewell in Cincinnati contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump hopes to revive the economic populism that helped drive his election campaign on Tuesday, signing an order in politically important Wisconsin to tighten rules on technology companies bringing in highly skilled foreign workers.

At a the headquarters of a big-name tool manufacturer, Trump is expected to sign an order aimed at curbing what his administration says are abuses in a visa program used by U.S. technology companies that harm American workers. Dubbed "Buy American, Hire American," the directive follows a series of recent Trump reversals on economic policies.

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The president is to sign the directive at Snap-on Inc. in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a state he narrowly carried in November on the strength of support from white, working class voters. Trump currently has only a 41 percent approval rating in the state.

He is targeting the H-1B visa program, which the White House says undercuts American workers by bringing in large numbers of cheaper, foreign workers, driving down wages.

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The tech industry has argued that the H-1B program is needed because it encourages students to stay in the U.S. after getting degrees in high-tech specialties  and companies can't always find enough American workers with the skills they need.

Trump has traveled to promote his agenda less than his recent predecessors. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said he wanted to visit "a company that builds American-made tools with American workers."

The new order would direct U.S. agencies to propose rules to prevent immigration fraud and abuse in the program. They would also be asked to offer changes so that H-1B visas are awarded to the "most-skilled or highest-paid applicants," said administration officials who spoke only on the condition of anonymity despite the president's frequent criticism of the use of anonymous sources.

The officials said the order also seeks to strengthen requirements that American-made products be used in certain federal construction projects, as well as in various federal grant-funded transportation projects. The commerce secretary will review how to close loopholes in existing rules and provide recommendations to the president.

The order specifically asks the secretary to review waivers of these rules in free-trade agreements. The waivers could be renegotiated or revoked if they are not benefiting the United States.

Trump's visit to Wisconsin takes him to the congressional district of House Speaker Paul Ryan, who won't be joining the president because he's on a congressional trip visiting NATO countries.

Trump campaigned on populist promises to stand up to China, which he contended was manipulating its currency and stealing American jobs, and to eliminate the Export-Import bank, which he billed as wasteful subsidy. In a series of interviews last week, Trump reversed himself on both positions

And while he has long pledged to support American goods and workers, his own business record is mixed. Many Trump-branded products, like clothing, are made overseas. And his businesses have hired foreign workers, including at his Palm Beach club Mar-a-Lago.

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During his campaign, Trump said at one point that he supported high-skilled visas, then he said he opposed the program. At one debate, he said: "It's very bad for our workers and it's unfair for our workers. And we should end it."

Potential changes could be administrative or legislative and could include higher fees for the visas, changing the wage scale for the program or other initiatives.

Critics say the program has been hijacked by staffing companies that use the visas to recruit foreigners  often from India  who will work for less than Americans. The staffing companies then sell their services to corporate clients.

Employers, including Walt Disney World and the University of California, San Francisco, have laid off tech employees and replaced them with H-1B visa holders. U.S. workers are sometimes asked to train their replacements to qualify for severance packages.

Ronil Hira, a professor in public policy at Howard University and a critic of the H-1B program, said Trump's planned order is "better than nothing." But he added, "It's not as aggressive as it needs to be."

Trump carried Wisconsin in November by under 23,000 votes  less than 1 percentage point  making him the first Republican to win the state since 1984. He campaigned on the promise of returning manufacturing jobs that have been lost in Upper Midwest states.

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Snap-on makes hand and power tools, diagnostics software, information and management systems, and shop equipment for use in various industries, including agriculture, the military and aviation. It has eight manufacturing sites in North America and employs about 11,000 people worldwide.

Associated Press writer Paul Wiseman contributed to this report.
Luke Gartman, center, along with veterinarian Eric Rooker, right, and veterinary student Brandon Debbink, left, help a newborn calf at the Gartmans' family farm in Sheboygan, Wis. (Darren Hauck / The Washington Post)

SHEBOYGAN, Wis.  Seven generations of Gartmans have birthed calves in this barn, a white-roofed, red-sided structure within a short walk of the land the first Gartmans are buried on.

But the bull that Luke Gartman, 36, pulled into the world on a recent Tuesday morning was a special one. This calf - steaming and soggy and apparently unbreathing, before Luke begins to poke his face with straw - could be one of the very last calves ever born on the Gartmans' farm.

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The family has two weeks to find a new dairy processing company to buy their milk and sell it into the market. The contract with their existing buyer was just cancelled, the latest casualty of an increasingly acrimonious trade war with Canada over the price of ultrafiltered milk, an ingredient used in cheese.

"We could be in a situation where we have to sell the cows," said Gartman's brother Matt. "If we're to that point of May 1 and have no solutions -- well, we would no longer be a dairy farm."

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The dispute - which has played out in surprisingly barbed remarks across the normally friendly northern border - illustrates the enormous complexity of fulfilling President Trump's promise to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, the free trade pact with Canada and Mexico.

While NAFTA is often portrayed as a single trade agreement to be negotiated, it has specific provisions affecting thousands of products in hundreds of industries. The trade pact contains terms governing dozens of different dairy products alone.

Reworking many of these, experts say, will involve not just complex technical discussions but a fight between powerful political interests on both sides of the border. And in almost every case, on the line will be the livelihoods of the people who grow or make the products, each with a compelling case for why their side should prevail.

This particular dispute has already affected 75 family farms, caused more than a $150 million in losses, and prompted a bipartisan alliance of lawmakers to demand that Trump deliver on his tough talk about protecting U.S. industries from unfair trade practices.

"This could certainly become an issue in any attempt to renegotiate NAFTA," said Luis Ribera, an agricultural economist at Texas A&M who studies North American trade. "Once you open NAFTA, everything is theoretically on the table for debate."

The Gartmans keep a herd of 120 Holsteins on their family farm in Sheboygan, Wis. (Darren Hauck / The Washington Post)

'Farmers are using alternative facts'

The dairy industry, like much of agriculture, has never been predictable. But until receiving the cancellation letter earlier this month from their processor, Grassland Dairy Products, the Gartmans at least knew where their milk would end up.

Every morning at 5, Luke, Matt and their father, Mark, begin herding the family's 120 Holsteins from the 13,000 square-foot barn where they sleep. They guide the cows to pumps in the 12-stall milking parlor, where they produce 3,800 pounds of milk in each of the herd's two daily milkings. The milk is siphoned via stainless-steel pipes to a Civil War-era cold room, where it awaits pickup by an insulated tanker truck.

From there, the milk travels 194 miles west to Greenwood, Wisc., where Grassland processes it into butter, cream, dry milk powder and a high-protein milk concentrate called ultrafiltered milk. The bulk of ultrafiltered milk is then shipped to Canada and used as a protein added to cheese.

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At least that's how it was until April of last year. That's when dairy farmers in Ontario, Canada's most populous province, took steps that undermined their U.S. competitors. Trade agreements between the United States and Canada govern what kinds of tariffs the countries can impose on each other's goods. While NAFTA eliminated many tariffs between the countries, some large tariffs on dairy remained.

But ultrafiltered milk hit the market after NAFTA's 1994 enactment. As a result, it could enter Canada without facing big tariffs.

Ontario farmers, frustrated with the arrangement, last April dramatically cut the prices on Canadian ultrafiltered milk. Other provinces plan to follow suit, posing a dire threat to U.S. farms.

Companies such as Grassland and New York's Cayuga Milk Ingredients have already reported losses of $150 million since the price drop began.

American agricultural interests have decried Canada's actions as deeply unfair.

"Our federal and state governments cannot abide by Canada's disregard for its trade commitment to the United States," Tom Vilsack, president of the U.S. Dairy Export Council and former secretary of agriculture under President Barack Obama, said in a statement. Canada, he continued, has "pursue[d] policies that are choking off sales of American-made milk to the detriment of U.S. dairy farmers."

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The Canadian dairy industry disputes these allegations, arguing that U.S. milk producers have built far too much capacity in recent years and face such an oversupply of milk that they have to cut back.

"To use a phrase that has recently come out of the U.S., Wisconsin farmers are using alternative facts," said Isabelle Bouchard, the director of communications and government relations at the industry group Dairy Farmers of Canada. "The Wisconsin people are trying to find an enemy -- when in reality the problem they have is that they're overproducing."

With dairy farmers scrambling to find new markets for their milk, a bipartisan alliance of policymakers, including New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D, and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, R, have called on the Canadian government to intervene in its dairy industry.

Sens. Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin -- a liberal Democrat and a tea-party Republican, respectively -- joined a statement by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan this month that alleged that the new pricing policies "appear to violate Canada's existing trade obligations to the United States."

Industry groups, meanwhile, have called on the Trump administration to intervene directly. On Thursday, several powerful dairy trade associations sent a joint letter to Trump, asking that he push Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the issue and direct U.S. agencies to "impress upon Canada in a concrete way the importance of dependable U.S. trade." The letter called on Trump to escalate the issue to the World Trade Organization if Canada doesn't respond positively.

Industry is also concerned the dispute could spill into other products. The Ontario price drop applied not only to ultrafiltered milk but also to skim milk powder, which could eventually result in Canadians selling more of the ingredient on global markets. That could depress prices for American farmers, and ultimately hurt them even more than the lost trade in ultrafiltered milk.

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The White House has not yet taken action and did not immediately respond to a request for comment, though the dairy industry is confident it will act. Trump will be in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, visiting a manufacturing plant.

The U.S. Trade Representative's 2017 report on barriers to U.S. trade, which articulate the country's trade enforcement priorities, discussed the dairy concerns. Emily Davis, a spokeswoman for the office, said that USTR was "aware of the importance of the Canadian market for American dairy farmers" and was "examining" the matter.

"The administration has demonstrated strong interest in trying to resolve this issue," said Jaime Castaneda, the vice president of trade policy at the National Milk Producers Federation. "They are definitely paying a lot of attention."

The escalating rhetoric has begun to alarm some Canadians.

"A lot of people are very nervous in Canada because of Mr. Trump's statements about trade," said Sylvain Charlebois, a professor of food policy at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. "You could easily see the U.S. refusing to buy Canadian beef, for instance, unless Canada opened its dairy markets."

Luke Gartman scrapes manure in the milking parlor on his family farm. (Darren Hauck / The Washington Post)

'Nowhere to go with this milk'

Without renewed access to the Canadian market, U.S. dairy farmers find themselves in a deeply precarious situation. They are scrambling to find new processors to buy their milk, but finding few takers because of the overall glut.

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"Everybody knows there's nowhere to go with this milk. Absolutely nowhere," said Stacy Limberg, who heads the Sheboygan County Dairy Promotion Board, gesturing around her own barn. "I can't even begin to fathom what we would do in that situation."

Ten miles east on County Road V, the Gartmans have begun to fathom it. They remain "hopefully optimistic" that they will find a new processor by the May 1 deadline, and have recently heard from a local hauler who believes he might have a connection for them.

Should that fall through, however, the brothers are discussing the possibility of moving their herd, short term, to a relative's farm. And if they still can't find a processor at that point, they'll begin to truck their cows to auction.

That is a prospect that Gartman said he refuses to think about, yet. He knows each of his 120 cows on sight, by name: There's Yodel, Dinah, Egypt, Cosmic, Jolly -- generations of cows milked in this room his mom hand-stenciled with a cow motif in the '80s.

On a recent Monday night, his 8-year-old niece Audrey herded cows around the parlor, unfazed by the fact that most were twice her height. Gartman's own children were off the farm at a 4-H meeting for the night.

"This was supposed to be their farm next," he said. "What will be left for them?"

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Then he headed to the back barn to haul manure. That, at least, remains a constant.
PORTLAND, Maine  Independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders gained roars of approval from a friendly crowd on Monday as he called for a radical transformation of the Democratic Party into a grassroots movement founded on the tenets of his unsuccessful Democratic presidential campaign: fighting against the billionaire class and rigged economic and political systems.

Sanders, of Vermont, and Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez, who faced some boos as he spoke, launched a cross-country tour together in Maine, where Sanders won the Democratic presidential caucuses. The tour will take them from Maine to eight other states, including Florida, Arizona, Montana and Nevada.

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Sanders, who ran as a Democrat against Hillary Clinton but returned to the Senate as an independent, said the Democratic Party must stop ignoring half the nation's states and take on corporate greed on behalf of the working class. Perez urged attendees to resist Republican President Donald Trump by winning seats in Congress, statehouses and school boards.

"That's what we will do: Fight like hell with you," Perez said.

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A crowd of roughly 1,200 filled the State Theatre, with the loudest cheers for Sanders and jeers at mentions of the "1 percent" and Trump's executive orders and proposed budget cuts.

"Our vision for the future of this country is a very different vision than yours," Sanders said, as he called for living wages, protecting Planned Parenthood and fighting income inequality.

He also said he's introducing legislation to create a single-payer health care system.

Some in the crowd also booed at the first mention of the Democratic National Committee. Perez's predecessor, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, resigned after Sanders' campaign pounced on leaked emails that they said showed party officials had favored Clinton during the primaries.

Some attendees said it's time to unite and reform the Democratic Party, while others said they're skeptical of the political establishment and big money in politics.

Sean Potter, a Sanders supporter and musician from Falmouth, said he was curious to hear from Sanders, whom he noted "kind of got shafted by" the Democratic Party.

Sanders' appearance comes as Democratic parties nationwide are trying to appeal to the working class in states including Maine, where a resurgent Republican Party in the last decade has gained ground in rural communities roiled by the closing of paper mills and sluggish economic growth.

Sanders drew thousands to a rally at the civic center in Portland in July 2015, showing he was more than a fringe candidate. In the end, he earned nearly two-thirds of the ballots cast in Maine's Democratic presidential caucuses to beat Clinton. Clinton, though, won the party's presidential nomination.

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Sanders also did well in rural areas that supported Republican candidate Ted Cruz, a U.S. senator from Texas, in the primary and Trump in the November election.

Troy Jackson, a logger from the northern Maine town of Allagash and the Maine Democratic Senate leader, said it's time that Democrats to work harder for those communities.

"Where I'm from, people live their lives far removed from the powerful elites that seem to hold their destinies in their hands," he said.

Jackson also said he's "heard from a lot of pundits that the average American feels powerless."

"We know it's rigged," he said.

Elissa Moore drove two hours to the rally from Dover-Foxcroft, where she voted for Clinton but has remained a "big fan" of Sanders. She's increasingly become involved with politics since Trump's inauguration and worries that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people will suffer under his administration.

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"Republicans picked up on something, whether it was racism or small-town America not feeling respected or understood," said Moore, a mother and occupational therapist. "Democrats have the reputation of being elitist. That offended people when they went to vote."
In his drive to dismantle President Barack Obama's regulatory legacy, President Donald Trump has signed executive orders with great fanfare and breathed life into a once-obscure law to nullify numerous Obama-era regulations.

But his administration is also quietly using a third tactic: Going to court to stop federal judges from ruling on a broad array of regulations that are being challenged by Trump's own conservative allies.

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These cases were filed long before the election. Now, Trump administration officials, eager to flip the government position, want judges to put the cases on hold and give federal agencies time to revise or shrink the Obama-era regulatory regime.

Trump officials are also asking judges to keep any existing stays in place so that the contested regulations do not go into effect while the new administration mulls its deregulatory strategy.

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Much is at stake. The Environmental Protection Agency persuaded an appeals court to give it a chance to revise existing limits on street-level smog. The EPA also wants a court to let it rewrite the Clean Power Plan that Obama showcased at the 2015 Paris climate conference. And the Justice Department has sought to review a Health and Human Services regulation that prohibits health-care providers from discriminating against people on the basis of gender identity, sex stereotyping or the termination of a pregnancy.

The legal strategy is a critical part of the administration's battle to reverse rules enacted in the final years of Obama's tenure.

For the Trump administration, getting the regulations back for reconsideration is also the surest way to stave off court rulings  especially those from liberal-leaning benches  that could hinder its ability to unwind rules adopted by the previous administration.

"If the courts uphold the previous administration, you still have the discretion to change things, but you've lost the argument that you were forced to do it or that the previous administration exceeded legal bounds," said Richard Lazarus, a law professor at Harvard University. He said that if Trump officials "were confident the courts would rule against" the Obama rules, "you wouldn't see them trying to hold cases in abeyance."

While some presidents  including Obama  have used this legal tactic in the past, Trump has expanded on the strategy.

When Obama took office, his administration asked federal courts to hold in abeyance at least half a dozen cases regarding EPA regulations and permits, saying it needed more time to decide whether to defend, revoke or revise the matters.

This time, however, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is calling on courts to send back rules that he had sought to overturn while serving as Oklahoma's attorney general before taking up his current post two months ago.

"The Trump team is trying a shortcut," said David Doniger, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council who has been a leading defender of the Clean Power Plan. He said that because the Supreme Court has issued a stay in the power plan case, the Trump administration could effectively kill the plan with a prolonged reconsideration without going through the established guidelines for undoing a rule.

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But administration backers note that Democrats and Republicans alike have deployed this legal strategy.

"This is actually pretty routine," Jeffrey Holmstead, a lawyer at the Bracewell law and lobbying firm and an EPA official under President George W. Bush, said in an email. "When the Obama Administration [officials] took office, there were a number of Bush Administration rules being challenged that they didn't want to defend."

Lawyers on both sides say fundamental principles are at stake. Before Trump's election, lawyers for the states challenging the Clean Power Plan said that basic federalism meant that the federal government cannot compel states to undertake potentially costly energy programs. But lawyers for environmental groups say legislation adopted by Congress gives the federal government the power and obligation to set limits on emissions from power plants while paying attention to states' rights in designing plans to carry that out.

Some liberals have used federalist arguments to block Trump initiatives, such as the Trump administration's efforts to compel cities to implement immigration laws by threatening to cut their federal funding.

In some cases, the Trump administration has made a court case moot, such as when the Justice and Education departments rescinded guidance that informed school districts that they had to accommodate students' access to facilities based on their chosen gender identities.

In another case, the Justice Department asked the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on April 4 for more time to respond to a lawsuit challenging the HHS regulation on health-care providers and discrimination.

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The rule reflects the previous administration's interpretation of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and was challenged by five states as well as several religious groups who said it represented federal overreach and should have included a carve-out for religiously affiliated medical providers.

A federal judge in Texas stopped two provisions of the rule, pertaining to gender identity and the termination of a pregnancy, from taking effect Jan. 1, while other aspects of it were allowed to go forward.

"Certainly, asking for additional time can be a very strong signal that the administration intends to change course on the subject of litigation," said Sarah Warbelow, legal director of the Human Rights Campaign. "That's very concerning to us."

The most frequent use of the strategy involves Obama-era environmental regulations.

The Clean Power Plan court battle is one of the highest-profile cases. The plan was issued by the Obama EPA on Aug. 3, 2015. A group of 28 states  led by Pruitt  sued to block the plan, and that case has been argued before a full 10-member panel of the liberal-leaning Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. On Feb. 9, 2016, the Supreme Court issued a stay preventing the plan from going into effect while it makes its way through the appeals court.

Now the EPA wants the appellate court to hand the regulation back without ruling on it.

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"They've filed a motion asking the 10-judge panel to hold the case in 'abeyance'  i.e., put it in the deep freeze  and thus not to issue its decision, until the Administration is done with its multi-year review and rulemaking," Doniger said. "They're saying whatever you do, don't decide anything."

Pressing deadlines have pushed the administration to take action.

On April 11, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia granted the EPA's request to delay a long-scheduled April 19 hearing in cases challenging standards used to limit ground-level ozone, which is formed when emissions from industrial facilities and vehicles interact with sunlight and is linked to lung and heart ailments, including asthma.

"We are thankful to the court for granting our motion to postpone oral argument," said EPA spokeswoman Liz Bowman said in an email, adding that it would allow the agency to ensure the rule's "broad implications ... in light of President Trump's pro-growth agenda."

The EPA has also asked a three-judge appeals court panel to hold in abeyance a challenge to the agency's rules that new power plants meet carbon dioxide emissions standards. A Trump executive order directs the EPA to rewrite that standard. Oral arguments scheduled for April 17 have been postponed.

The EPA rule designed to stop the pollution of tributaries of major rivers is in the Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. The Obama administration already filed a brief in the case, a roughly 170-page defense of the law and science that it said justified the rule. The case was postponed because the Supreme Court wanted to rule on a narrow jurisdictional issue. Here, too, the Trump EPA wants to "review and rescind or revise" the rule.

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The Interior Department indicated in court filings in mid-March that it planned to withdraw a 2015 rule restricting hydraulic fracturing on federal and tribal lands, which had been stayed in court; less than two weeks later, Trump issued an executive order calling for the rule to be rewritten.

While some departments, such as the EPA and Interior, have asked the courts to return contested rules to them so they can take a second look, others  including the Labor Department, which still does not have a secretary in place  have not.

Many business officials, who have challenged some of the Obama-era rules, said they support the new administration reclaiming the regulations.

"If the courts rule in favor of the rule that was issued [under Obama], it would be allowed to go into effect," said Dan Bosch, senior manager of regulatory policy for the National Federation of Independent Business, in an interview.

Bosch noted that not only would his group's members have to start spending money to comply with the existing rule, but also, "at that point, it's a lot of harder to make it go away."

David Weil, who headed the Labor Department's wage and hour division under Obama, said in an interview that he hoped the legal challenge to the federal overtime rule continued because he believed it will be upheld. That rule, which was issued last year, is subject to a nationwide injunction.

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"I do feel very confident in the regulation," said Weil, now a Boston University professor of management. "It was a responsible use of our regulatory authority."
Awoman waves a flag with a marijuana leaf on it next to a group gathered to celebrate National Marijuana Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, on April 20, 2016. (Chris Roussakis, AFP/Getty Images)

Imagine for a moment that you could go back in time to 1932, the year before the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, repealing Prohibition (and the 18th Amendment). What might you do with the knowledge that the production, transport and sale of alcoholic beverages was about to be legalized? What sort of investment opportunities might you find? How would you deploy your capital?

Fast-forward to 2017. Might we be in a similar, if not exactly parallel, situation regarding a different investment opportunity?

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It's a question I have been thinking about since the announcement that Canada will consider legalizing marijuana for recreational use. According to Bloomberg News:

"Canada is advancing plans to become the first Group of Seven nation to legalize recreational marijuana nationally, but Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is keeping key details hazy and allowing arrests to continue while parliament debates his plan."

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The proposal would make Canada only the second country in the world to legalize the retail sale and use of pot, after Uruguay (medical marijuana is already legal in about 20 countries).

This is potentially a big deal: Legal marijuana was a $3.4 billion business in 2015 in the U.S.; Arc View Market Research pegged the legal marijuana market in 2016 at $7.1 billion. That is expected to triple during the next three years to $22 billion.

It's not too surprising that with that kind of growth, marijuana is attracting a lot of attention and potential investment dollars.

In an email exchange, Todd Harrison, managing partner at CB1 Capital, a New York hedge fund that plans to focus on marijuana growers and product-makers, wrote that "cannabis is already the fastest growing industry in the world despite the stateside illegality, making it a rare 'outside-in' global phenomenon." He describes an "emerging secular bull market" that covers "disease treatments, wellness supplements, anti-aging creams, sleep remedies, pet food, education, nutraceuticals all while alleviating the societal dependence on opioids."

Harrison's fund, once it opens in July, plans to invest in publicly traded stocks. For private companies, there are numerous venture capital firms that are investing in marijuana-related startups. Note that this isn't limited to small fringe companies: Microsoft has begun offering cloud-based software that tracks marijuana plants from "seed to sale."

In the U.S., the legalization movement began when Oregon decriminalized cannabis in 1973. It picked up momentum when California passed a medical marijuana initiative in 1996. Since then, more than half of the states  28 plus the District of Columbia  have amended laws that classified marijuana as an illegal drug.

As noted above, the comparison with alcohol is imperfect. Marijuana businesses face obstacles with using the banking system that brewers and spirits distributors never had. Federal rules against money laundering make it difficult for legal weed shops to make large cash deposits at banks.

There are other risks and complicating factors. President Donald Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions both have said they oppose the move toward state legalization, which advanced when the Obama administration decided not to strictly enforce federal prohibitions. Also consider what might happen if Canada adopts broad national legalization. The U.S.-Canadian border is the longest international border in the world. Would the Trump administration really devote extra resources to patrolling another, even bigger U.S. border, this time to the north?

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Time and momentum probably are on the side of those pressing for legalization, even without the support of the current White House. The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing more medicinal usages, as are other countries. As more countries and states move forward, the end of marijuana prohibition is looking ever more likely.

Famed investor Bill Miller observes that investors who seek to beat the market need a substantial "active share"  the amount by which their investment holdings differ from their benchmark. Marijuana stocks are not in most major indexes, and they might provide just that sort of difference.

Things are likely to get interesting very soon.

Bloomberg View

Barry Ritholtz is a Bloomberg View columnist.
President Donald Trump would have us believe that crime has reached epidemic proportions and is related to so-called sanctuary cities (a term that has no definition and is therefore of limited value anyway). Neither view is right. Now, a substantial study on crime in the 30 biggest U.S. cities shows how wrong he is.

The Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, utilizing FBI crime statistics and city policy records, found:

"Crime has dropped precipitously in the last quarter-century. While crime may fall in some years and rise in others, annual variations are not indicative of long-term trends. While murder rates have increased in some cities, this report finds no evidence that the hard-won public safety gains of the last two and a half decades are being reversed.

"The national crime rate peaked in 1991 at 5,856 crimes per 100,000 people, and has generally been declining ever since. In 2015, crime fell for the 14th year in a row. Estimates based on preliminary data for 2016 indicate that the overall crime rate will remain stable at 2,857 offenses per 100,000, rising less than 1 percent from 2015. Today's crime rate is less than half of what it was in 1991."

The general trend for violent crime and for murder is similar. With regard to murder, however, here is the wrinkle:

"From 1991 to 2016, the murder rate fell by roughly half, from 9.8 killings per 100,000 to 5.3. The murder rate rose last year by an estimated 7.8 percent. With violence at historic lows, modest increases in the murder rate may appear large in percentage terms. Similarly, murder rates in the 30 largest cities increased by 13.2 percent in 2015 and an estimated 14 percent in 2016. These increases were highly concentrated. More than half of the 2015 urban increase (51.8 percent) was caused by just three cities, Baltimore, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. And Chicago alone was responsible for 43.7 percent of the rise in urban murders in 2016. It is important to remember the relatively small base from which the percentage increases are calculated."

We don't know with certainty what has caused the 25-year drop in crime, although many researchers, including those at the Brennan Center, say it is related to better  and more  policing, an aging population and decreased alcohol consumption. But rather than paint the entire country and all cities as awash in murder and violence, policymakers and voters should look at several data points.

First, it is important to remember that crime rates can be volatile, bouncing up and down for reasons that are not readily discernible. The overall trend, however, remains the same. For example: "In Las Vegas, the violent crime rate has been especially volatile. The rate surged between 1990 and 1994, then steeply declined until 2000. Yet, from 2000 to 2007 crime followed a largely upward trajectory, reaching another peak in 2007. Then crime fell until 2011, and followed another largely upward trajectory until 2015. Yet, the estimated 2016 rate dropped nearly 13 percent from 2015, and now is roughly at the same rate as in 1998."

Second, the national murder rate is down  by a lot. "After peaking in 1991 at 9.8 murders per 100,000, the national murder rate remains near the bottom of a 25-year trend. In 2016, the estimated murder rate was 5.3 per 100,000, a decline of 46 percent. The murder rate in the 30 largest cities has fallen faster than the national rate, declining by more than 60 percent since 1991, from 28.8 to 11.4 killings per 100,000 people."

Now, the president always talks about cities as scary, dangerous places where you get killed walking down the street. This may resonate with members of Trump's white, rural voting base, who view urban America with suspicion and resentment (and who may harbor more racist views than non-Trump voters), but actually, the recent trend in rural America is troubling. In fact, the Brennan study staff members tell me that in 2015, counties with populations of less than 10,000 people saw violent crime increase by 2 percent. Counties with 10,000 to 25,000 people saw increases of 3.4 percent, although both overall have seen a drop in violent crime in the past five years.

Third, several cities have a big crime problem and an even bigger murder problem. "In 2015 and 2016, several cities  especially Chicago  saw their murder rates increase significantly. ... Baltimore, Chicago and Houston together account for around half of the increase in murder in major cities between 2014 and 2016."

Why some cities have done much worse than others and continue to see rising crimes rates is a matter of debate. In a separate study for 2015, the Brennan Center finds: "Only in a few cities are crime and murder projected to increase significantly together: Chicago, Louisville, Oklahoma City, and San Antonio. Other cities are projected to see murder rise while overall crime falls (San Diego), and others will see higher crime without any increase in murders (Charlotte). This indicates there may be a problem with murder in these specific cities, not that there is a national trend of rising crime."

When one looks at the five cities that had the highest murder rate increases in 2015 (Baltimore, Chicago, Charlotte, Houston and Washington), a few specific factors stand out. In Chicago, for example, a low rate of closing out murder cases raises the possibility of repeat offenders, and a dramatic decrease in the number of police officers may play a substantial role as well. In addition, "Chicago homicides are concentrated in the most segregated and poorest areas of the city, such as the South Side and the Austin vicinity. ... The 'national' increase in murders identified by this report, in other words, may owe more to profound local problems in a few Chicago neighborhoods than national trends."

We know, however, that one factor had nothing to do with murder and crime rates: "sanctuary city" status. Arguably the biggest success story in crime and murder reduction, New York, is exceptionally protective of its illegal-immigrant population. Los Angeles falls into the same pattern (big reduction in crime, high level of protection for illegal immigrants). Blaming the illegal-immigrant population for crime is factually wrong, misleading and frankly designed to spur anger toward this population, thereby serving Trump's xenophobic views.

In sum, violent crime and murder rates have declined dramatically in 25 years. A few very problematic cities are responsible for a recent spike in murders, and it would seem logical to focus on the factors in those cities that may contribute to the problem. To portray all cities as crime-ridden hellholes and immigrants as responsible, in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, can only be characterized as ignorant and prejudiced.

Washington Post

Jennifer Rubin writes the Right Turn blog for The Post, offering reported opinion from a conservative perspective.

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United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit. Francisco Emanuel Lemus-Arita Petitioner v. Jefferson B. Sessions, III, Attorney General of the United States 1 Respondent No. 16-1924 Decided: April 17, 2017

Before COLLOTON, GRUENDER, and KELLY, Circuit Judges.

Francisco Lemus-Arita petitions for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals's (BIA) decision affirming the immigration judge's (IJ) denial of Lemus-Arita's requests for asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). For the following reasons, we deny the petition.

I. Background

Lemus-Arita is a native and citizen of Guatemala. He initially entered the United States illegally in 2002 but returned to Guatemala in December of 2011 in anticipation of relocating there with his wife and son. After staying approximately one month, he decided to return to the United States and entered illegally near Brownsville, Texas on January 23, 2012. The Department of Homeland Security detained him and issued a notice to appear. Lemus-Arita conceded removability and filed an application for asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the CAT.

In a hearing before an IJ, Lemus-Arita testified that when he returned to Guatemala, he learned that his cousin Oscar had been killed in August 2011. Oscar was rumored to have been involved in a kidnapping, and his murder was purportedly perpetrated by a vigilante group called the Anti-Secuestro (that is, anti-kidnapping). Lemus-Arita testified that his uncle began a rumor that Lemus-Arita had returned from the United States with money to avenge his cousin's death. Soon thereafter, family members relayed rumors to Lemus-Arita that the Anti-Secuestro group was looking for him and wanted to kill him. Lemus-Arita immediately abandoned his plans to establish a home in Guatemala and returned to the United States. Lemus-Arita conceded that these threats were never conveyed to him personally, that he never saw anyone from the Anti-Secuestro group, and that he was never harmed. Lemus-Arita did not report the threats to the police or the Guatemalan government because of rumors that police officers were members of the Anti-Secuestro group. Lemus-Arita's father made a police report, but no investigation resulted.

Lemus-Arita's sister, Evelyn, testified that, after Lemus-Arita left Guatemala, she saw trucks in her village painted with the mano dura symbol, which identified a Guatemalan political party and which she associated with the people who purportedly killed Oscar (although she did not identify those individuals as members of the Anti-Secuestro group). Evelyn also testified that armed men in black clothing and ski masks who refused to identify themselves came to her house and told her that they were looking for Lemus-Arita and were going to kill him. She testified that they threatened her with harm if she did not reveal her brother's location, and they later watched the house and followed her for several days. Lemus-Arita also testified that Evelyn called him and told him that someone shot at her house. However, she was never harmed, and she did not report these incidents to the police. Evelyn testified that the family never confirmed why Oscar was killed and that she was unaware of whether Oscar had been accused of kidnapping.

The IJ found Lemus-Arita's testimony credible, but he found Evelyn's testimony only partially credible because her statements were inconsistent and she had an asylum application of her own pending at the time. The IJ then found that Lemus-Arita did not qualify for asylum because he had not established that he had suffered past persecution or that he had a well-founded fear of future persecution. As a result, the IJ found that Lemus-Arita also had not carried his burden of establishing that he qualified for withholding of removal or relief under the CAT. In the alternative, the IJ found that Lemus-Arita had not demonstrated that any persecution would be at the hands of the Guatemalan government or a third party the government is unwilling or unable to control. The BIA affirmed the IJ's decision.

Lemus-Arita petitions for review. The BIA's decision was the final agency decision, see 8 U.S.C.  1101(a)(47)(B)(i), and we have jurisdiction to consider the appeal under 8 U.S.C.  1252(a)(5).

II. Discussion

We review the BIA's decision, as it is the final agency action, but to the extent that the BIA adopted the findings or reasoning of the IJ, we also review the IJ's decision as part of the final agency action. Gutierrez-Vidal v. Holder, 709 F.3d 728, 731-32 (8th Cir. 2013) (quotation omitted). We review legal determinations de novo, Agha v. Holder, 743 F.3d 609, 614 (8th Cir. 2014), and accept the agency's factual findings unless any reasonable adjudicator would be compelled to conclude to the contrary, Fofana v. Holder, 704 F.3d 554, 557 (8th Cir. 2013). Further, we review decisions on asylum, withholding of removal, and CAT protection under the substantial evidence standard, upholding the decision if it is supported by reasonable, substantial, and probative evidence based on the record as a whole. Id. (quotation omitted).

Lemus-Arita initially contends that the BIA applied the wrong standard of review to the IJ's finding that Lemus-Arita had not demonstrated an objectively reasonable fear of future persecution and that this issue alone requires remand. The BIA reviews factual findings for clear error and all other matters de novo. 8 C.F.R.  1003.1(d)(3)(i), (ii). [W]hether an asylum applicant has established an objectively reasonable fear of [future] persecution  is a legal determination that remains subject to de novo review. Matter of Z-Z-O, Respondent, 26 I. & N. Dec. 586, 590-91 (BIA 2015). Lemus-Arita argues that the BIA reviewed this finding for clear error, but he relies on a strained interpretation of the BIA's decision. The BIA explained that it review[ed] the Immigration Judge's factual findings for clear error and all other issues de novo. After summarizing the IJ's findings, including those with respect to the objective reasonableness of Lemus-Arita's fear of future persecution, the BIA concluded [w]e see no clear error of fact or mistake of law in the Immigration Judge's assessment. Lemus-Arita contends that the BIA's wording leaves no question that the BIA reviewed for clear error the IJ's finding that Lemus-Arita's fear of future persecution was objectively unreasonable. We disagree. The phrase clear error modifies fact, not mistake of law. Lemus-Arita provides no reason to believe that the BIA failed to use de novo review to determine whether Lemus-Arita had an objectively reasonable fear of future persecution. Accordingly, we find no reason to conclude that the BIA applied the wrong standard of review.

Next, Lemus-Arita challenges the merits of the BIA's decision. The Attorney General may grant asylum to any alien who demonstrates that he is a refugee within the meaning of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Fofana, 704 F.3d at 557 (quoting 8 U.S.C.  1158(b)(1)(A)). The Act defines a refugee as an alien who is unable or unwilling to return to  [his] country [of nationality] because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.  Id. (alterations in original) (quoting 8 U.S.C.  1101(a)(42)(A)). The burden is on the applicant to establish refugee status. 8 U.S.C.  1158(b)(1)(B)(i).

First, substantial evidence supports the BIA's conclusion that Lemus-Arita failed to demonstrate past persecution. Persecution is an extreme concept that involves the infliction or threat of death, torture, or injury to one's person or freedom, on account of a protected characteristic, and though a single death threat may constitute persecution, a threat that is exaggerated, nonspecific, or lacking in immediacy may be insufficient. La v. Holder, 701 F.3d 566, 570-71 (8th Cir. 2012) (citations omitted). Past persecution does not normally include unfulfilled threats of physical injury  Setiadi v. Gonzales, 437 F.3d 710, 713 (8th Cir. 2006). Rather, [t]hreats alone constitute persecution in only a small category of cases, and only when the threats are so menacing as to cause significant actual suffering or harm. La, 701 F.3d at 571 (quotation omitted).

Lemus-Arita was never harmed and never threatened directly, receiving only secondhand warnings. Indeed, Lemus-Arita could not point to anything more than rumors to substantiate the identity of the group threatening him. Lemus-Arita emphasizes the threats against his sister, but these threats did not result in physical harm to her, and she did not immediately flee Guatemala like her brother. Cf. Flores v. Holder, 699 F.3d 998, 1000-01, 1003 (8th Cir. 2012) (calling into question the BIA's determination that an applicant failed to demonstrate past persecution where family members who refused to provide the applicant's whereabouts were killed and his sister was raped). We have found direct and more menacing threats insufficient to demonstrate past persecution. See Ladyha v. Holder, 588 F.3d 574, 577 (8th Cir. 2009) (finding a threat at knifepoint insufficient to demonstrate past persecution); Setiadi, 437 F.3d at 712-13 (finding a direct death threat insufficient to demonstrate past persecution); Valiente-Cifuentes v. Holder, 438 F. App'x 532, 534 (8th Cir. 2011) (unpublished) (finding multiple written death threats insufficient to demonstrate past persecution where applicant was never physically harmed or confronted by the threatening party). Thus, substantial evidence supports the BIA's conclusion that these threats are not of the rare kind so menacing as to cause significant actual suffering or harm. La, 701 F.3d at 571 (quotation omitted).

Second, substantial evidence supports the conclusion that Lemus-Arita failed to demonstrate a well-founded fear of future persecution. To be well-founded, a fear must be both subjectively genuine and objectively reasonable.  Zhuang v. Gonzales, 471 F.3d 884, 890 (8th Cir. 2006) (quoting Feleke v. INS, 118 F.3d 594, 598 (8th Cir. 1997)). The IJ found, and the parties do not contest, that Lemus-Arita demonstrated a subjectively genuine fear of persecution. Thus, we need only address whether Lemus-Arita's subjective fear is objectively reasonable. To demonstrate that a subjective fear is objectively reasonable, an applicant must demonstrate through credible, direct, and specific evidence that a reasonable person in his position would fear persecution. Feleke, 118 F.3d at 598. For an alien's fear of persecution to be objectively reasonable, the fear must have basis in reality and must be neither irrational nor so speculative or general as to lack credibility. Perinpanathan v. INS, 310 F.3d 594, 598 (8th Cir. 2002).

The IJ and BIA concluded that Lemus-Arita failed to demonstrate that his subjective fear is objectively reasonable. The IJ found that Lemus-Arita was never harmed or personally threatened and never observed anyone he thought would attempt to threaten or harm him. The threats his sister related amounted to little more than rumors that did not identify the source of the threats. Moreover, at the time of the IJ's decision, almost three years had elapsed since the threats occurred, and more than five years have elapsed at present. As the IJ reasoned, the fear that the group would seek Lemus-Arita out after so long a time is speculative and objectively unreasonable. To challenge the IJ's reasoning, Lemus-Arita points to his sister's testimony, describing it as unrebutted, credible testimony. However, the IJ found her testimony only partially credible, and we are not at liberty to reweigh the evidence. Eta-Ndu v. Gonzales, 411 F.3d 977, 982 (8th Cir. 2005) (quoting Hasalla v. Ashcroft, 367 F.3d 799, 803 (8th Cir. 2004)). Indeed, [w]e afford credibility findings from the IJ much weight because the IJ sees the witness testify and is therefore in the best position to determine his or her credibility.  Chakhov v. Lynch, 837 F.3d 843, 846 (8th Cir. 2016) (quoting Fofanah v. Gonzales, 447 F.3d 1037, 1040 (8th Cir. 2006)). Lemus-Arita has pointed to no evidence that contradicts the IJ's credibility finding, and we accordingly decline to disturb it. As a result, Lemus-Arita has not demonstrated that the record compels the finding that his subjective fear of persecution is objectively reasonable. Therefore, substantial evidence supports the IJ and BIA's determination that Lemus-Arita failed to establish eligibility for asylum.

Consequently, Lemus-Arita also fails to establish eligibility for withholding of removal. Eligibility for withholding of removal requires proof of a clear probability that the alien's life would be threatened  , which is a more demanding standard than the well-founded fear of persecution standard for asylum. Osonowo v. Mukasey, 521 F.3d 922, 926 (8th Cir. 2008). Thus, as Lemus-Arita has not met the standard for asylum, he cannot meet the standard for withholding of removal. Id.

III. Conclusion

For the foregoing reasons, we deny the petition.

FOOTNOTES

. Lemus-Arita does not meaningfully argue on appeal that he meets the standard for relief under the CAT. Therefore, we deem the CAT claim waived. See Chay-Velasquez v. Ashcroft, 367 F.3d 751, 756 (8th Cir. 2004) (holding that petitioner waives a claim that is not meaningfully argued in the opening brief).

. Lemus-Arita's sister testified that Oscar was killed in August 2010.

. The Attorney General contends that the issue of whether Lemus-Arita established an objectively reasonable fear of future persecution is not properly before us because the BIA never addressed the merits of this claim. The Attorney General is incorrect. The BIA's decision primarily discussed the IJ's findings that any persecution would not come from the Guatemalan government or a third party the government is unable or unwilling to control. However, the BIA also incorporated the IJ's reasoning with respect to the objective reasonableness of Lemus-Arita's fear of future persecution to support its decision. Accordingly, we review both the BIA's and IJ's decisions on this issue. See Gutierrez-Vidal, 709 F.3d at 731-32.

GRUENDER, Circuit Judge.
For the past few years, I've sat in New Orleans high school classrooms watching students debate the fairest way for government to raise revenue. They role-play  first as management consultants advising legislators, then as lawmakers, weighing what to tax  property vs. sales vs. income. Are there limits on what or who can be taxed? Is a flat tax or a progressive rate structure fairer? Sometimes their discussions are heated.

These teenagers, however, have an edge that many adults don't: basic tax literacy. Guided by Tulane law students, the high schoolers explore different philosophies and methods of taxation through TaxJazz, a program I began in 2013. Students who take the week-long course study issues of fairness and technical matters such as bases and rate structures. They examine key concepts such as the difference between marginal rates (the percentage of tax paid on the last dollar of income) and effective rates (the average percentage of tax paid). They learn that narrower tax bases, such as sales tax, need higher rates than broader bases, such as income taxes, to raise equivalent amounts of revenue. They discover that changing the method of taxation increases how much some taxpayers owe and decreases that amount for others.

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If more people knew what these students know, we'd have a far more reasonable tax debate and better tax laws.

On Tax Day, many of us bemoan our tax bills. Why is taxation such a charged issue? Many Americans are fuzzy on who and what gets taxed and the reasons we pay taxes at all. A year ago, 57 percent of Americans polled told Gallup they pay "too much" in federal income taxes; note that 45 percent of Americans pay no federal income taxes at all. We fight about taxes because we disagree about what is fair and what government should do. If we knew more, we'd still have disagreements, but at least our discussions would be more rational and produce more coherent policies. Tax law can be complex, but if high school students can get a handle on the basics, so can the adults who choose the politicians who implement it.

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Is a flat or a progressive tax fairer? It depends on your sense of justice  but before you can even answer that question, you need to know how each mechanism works. So students learn that the relative tax burden on individuals depends on which tax base is used. Sales taxes place a higher burden on lower-income people because they generally spend a greater percentage of their income than higher income taxpayers do. A flat income tax is easy to understand: You pay a certain percentage of your income, no matter how much you make. With a progressive income tax, escalating rates apply as income increases. For example, if a married couple had $52,000 of taxable income in 2016, the return they file this year will show a tax liability of $6,872.50 (assuming no tax credits). They will pay 10 percent on their first $18,550 and 15 percent on the rest of their taxable income. Their marginal rate is 15 percent, but their effective, or average, tax rate is 13.2 percent.

Real-world discussions often occur in a tax-ignorant universe. Many people  including some politicians  incorrectly say that the IRS, not Congress, writes federal tax laws. They say that some taxation is needed to pay for the government but that it should be lower and "fairer." An astonishing number don't realize that they already get tax breaks for many things they want, such as education, housing and child care. Often they state that we should lower the income tax rate to a number that is actually higher than the current top rate. Some have no idea what rate they pay or whether they've benefited from a tax cut.

Unfamiliarity with tax basics is harmful. At the individual level, people may pay more than necessary when they don't know about deductions and credits that can reduce their burden. At the local, state and national levels, lack of tax knowledge hampers the promulgation of rational laws that could help spur the economy and lead to prudent budgets. A tax-literate electorate could demand that politicians provide coherent tax policy options.

To be tax literate, citizens should understand that taxes are not just numbers and abstract principles, and they are not arbitrary. "Taxation is an art and a technique as well as a science," said Harold M. Groves, an economics professor who was a Wisconsin state legislator in the 1930s, "and it always needs to be judged against the conditions of time and place."

How can more Americans become tax knowledgeable? The first step, of course, is to include more discussion of taxes in schools  not just in high school and college, but even elementary school. This is no less important than the financial-literacy programs many schools now incorporate into their curriculums.

Without tax knowledge, voters enable politicians who spout inflammatory, empty rhetoric and perpetuate counterproductive, unfair tax policies. Democracies need informed voters to function properly. The cost of tax ignorance is too high.

Washington Post

Marjorie E. Kornhauser is a professor at Tulane University Law School.
For nearly three decades, the bronze sculpture of a menacing bull has stood in New York's financial district, a massive symbol of American financial might and resilience. But earlier this year, a willowy 4-foot-tall Fearless Girl statue suddenly appeared yards away. Fists on hips, the little girl with windblown dress and ribbon in her ponytail defiantly faces the bull.

The girl was supposed to be a temporary addition, but women across the country embraced the Fearless Girl as a rallying symbol, a tribute to the power of women in leadership during International Women's Day in March. Former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton and actress Jessica Chastain extolled the statue, which was commissioned by State Street Global Advisors, a Boston-based financial firm. "Come on everyone! Let's keep this badass girl strong!" Chastain tweeted.

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But the bull's sculptor, Arturo Di Modica, is, um, seeing red. Di Modica argues that the girl is an insult to his work, and is "attacking the bull." He wants to banish the girl.

The sculptor created the 11-foot-tall, 31/2-ton Charging Bull after the 1987 stock market crash to celebrate the resilience of America. Because of the girl, Di Modica's attorney argues, the bull no longer is a powerful symbol of pride and optimism but "has been transformed into a negative force and a threat."

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The sculptor and his lawyer were quick to say they weren't foes of gender equality. (Smart move there.) But Di Modica still wants the girl removed. The bull is a symbol of "freedom in the world, peace, strength, power and love," Di Modica told The New York Times.

We're partial to bulls here in Chicago, and we love public art even if we can't understand it. (See: Picasso, Chicago.)

But we have faith that pedestrians are capable of appreciating one sculpture at a time or taking in both. One doesn't detract from the other, any more than a van Gogh and a Monet in the same museum battle for attention.

We think the girl enhances the presence of the bull ... and the bull underscores the resolve of the little girl with feet planted firmly against whatever comes next. As a friend wrote: "So what if the little girl is taking on the sacred old bulls of our culture? Isn't that something we want for all our little girls?"

New Yorkers are taking sides. Mayor Bill de Blasio is pro-girl (the statue is a symbol of "standing up to fear, standing up to power, being able to find in yourself the strength to do what's right," he says.)

Our advice to New York: Don't blow this serendipitous pairing. The statue face-off stirs controversy and could attract tourists by the busload. What city wouldn't relish such a magnet?

This is like Cubs or Sox, Beyonce or Rihanna, Muhammad Ali or Joe Frazier, John or Paul. In other words: The rivalry is good for business.

Instead of rearranging the statues, how about unleashing Madison Avenue to make the most of this? A contest to name the girl? The bull? A children's book about the plucky girl and her ferocious pal? An American Girl doll? T-shirts? Mugs?

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Settle this tussle now. We say the girl stays.

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Sunday's tribute to the late and great Mike Royko was outstanding. My 92-year-old father, a retired doctor, born, raised, and educated in Chicago, was one of Mr. Royko's biggest fans. His greatest disappointment was that Mr. Royko did not live long enough to write an article about disgraced Ald. Larry Bloom, whom Mr. Royko regarded as the poster child for a squeaky clean Chicago politician. My father said he would have paid up to $3,000 just to read Mr. Royko's article the day after Bloom's fall was made public. My father meant it, and absolutely would have paid that amount, and more. That alone speaks volumes on how important and beloved Mr. Royko was, and still is, to Chicagoans.

 Daniel Kamen, Buffalo Grove
What can you say to defend yourself after you are accused of roughing up a protester at a Donald Trump campaign rally? Well, you can try blaming Donald Trump.

That's the road taken by Alvin Bamberger, a 75-year-old veteran from Ohio who can be seen in videos of a March 2016 Trump rally in Louisville, Ky., gruffly pushing 21-year-old protester Kashiya Nwanguma through the crowd and toward the exits.

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You may recall seeing the video of Nwanguma, a young black woman, being pushed and jostled through the mostly white and male crowd of Trump supporters while Trump shouts "Get 'em out!" from the podium. She wasn't the only protester, but the scene of the black woman surrounded by angry white men was too dramatic for TV to resist repeated replays.

Now a federal judge has told Nwanguma and two other protesters that they can proceed with a lawsuit that accuses Trump, his campaign and three supporters, including Bamberger, of inciting violence.

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Trump's lawyers tried to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing that when he shouted "Get 'em out!" he was not calling on his supporters to use force. Leave it to super-spinmaster Trump to come up with that stretch.

U.S. District Judge David J. Hale in Louisville wasn't buying it. He ruled Friday that it is "plausible" that the protesters' injuries were a "direct and proximate result" of Trump's words.

"It was an order, an instruction, a command," said the judge, who also noted that the Supreme Court has ruled out constitutional protections for speech that incites violence.

Trump's case was further undermined by Bamberger in a cross-claim against Trump, of all people. Bamberger claimed that Trump had indeed incited him and others as he "repeatedly urged people attending Trump rallies to remove individuals who were voicing opposition to Trump's candidacy," Bamberger's attorneys wrote.

"Indeed, at one or more campaign rallies," Bamberger's filing said, Trump "promised to pay the legal fees of those who  following Trump's urging  removed the protesters."

"Bamberger would not have acted as he did without Trump and/or the Trump Campaign's specific urging and inspiration," his filing said.

"I was caught up in the frenzy," he wrote in an apology letter to the Korean War Veterans Association, whose uniform he was wearing at the rally. "I physically pushed a young woman down the aisle toward the exit, an action I sincerely regret."

Thank you, Mr. Bamberger. I'd be lying if I didn't admit to a certain amount of satisfaction that the pompous Trump is being called to account at least a little for his reckless and dangerous dives into hate-pandering demagoguery on the campaign trail.

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Even as you watch Nwanguma and other protesters being ejected from the Louisville rally you can hear Trump, eventually complaining about busloads of Syrian refugees being let into our country "without paperwork" or "any other way to tell who they are." In fact, refugees typically undergo more than a year and a half of vetting. Yet Trump fed this and other lies without regard to the hate that he was fueling.

With that in mind, it is hardly surprising that one of the other two Trump supporters named as a defendant in the lawsuit is activist Matthew Heimbach, described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as "the face of a new generation of white nationalists."

Still, Bamberger's counter-claim sounds a bit like the proverbial guy who killed his parents, then asks for sympathy because he's an orphan. Getting "caught up in the frenzy" of an agitated crowd isn't an excuse. It's a recipe for mob action.

What happened, I cannot help but ask, to the time-honored conservative virtue of personal responsibility? Suing Trump or any other speaker for inciting you to abandon good judgment reminds me of the lawsuits filed against fast-food companies for making us fat. I'm upset with them, too, but I can't honestly blame them for all the cheeseburgers I've eaten.

So it is with the rallies of Donald Trump or any other charismatic speaker whose hate-baiting gets out of hand. We don't have to take the bait.

Clarence Page, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/pagespage.

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cpage@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @cptime
Whether you're looking to sway to the acoustic sounds of Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy or rock to the tunes of Prince's iconic backing band The Revolution, you're sure to find something worth listening to this week in Chicago.

THURSDAY, April 20

The Magnetic Fields

Thalia Hall

1807 S. Allport St. 312-526-3851

Listen to The Magnetic Fields at Thalia Hall this Thursday and hear a life in music. The indie pop group led by Stephin Merrittthe band's primary songwriter, producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalistwill stop in Chicago on their "50 Song Memoir" tour, promoting their latest album, which chronicles the 50 years of Merritt's life with one song for each year. Advance tickets for the show are sold out, but standing room tickets will be available at the door. 8 p.m. $35. Tickets: thaliahallchicago.com

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FRIDAY, April 21

The Wedding Present, Colleen Green

Lincoln Hall

2424 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-525-2501

Snag a couple tickets to see The Wedding Present perform at Lincoln Hall this Friday night. The British indie rock band has had 18 UK Top 40 hit singles since its formation in 1985, and in 2016 they released their ninth studio album, "Going, Going," which has been described as "a joy from start to finish." Sharing the stage will be indie pop musician Colleen Green. 9 p.m. $20. Tickets: lh-st.com

SATURDAY, April 22

Jeff Tweedy

The Vic Theatre

3125 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-472-0449



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Jeff Tweedy's Annual Benefit for Education returns to The Vic Theatre this weekend. The Wilco frontman will play two all-request solo acoustic shows Friday and Saturday night that will benefit scholarships for Chicago-area students. Tweedy has been described as "one of the most daring songwriters of his generation" and his band Wilco "vital, adventurous ... breaking new stylistic ground with each ambitious and creatively restless album." 8 p.m. $75-$150. Tickets: victheatre.com

SUNDAY, April 23

The Damned, Bleached

House of Blues

329 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2000

Legendary psychedelic punk group The Damned are set to bring their sounds to the House of Blues Sunday night as part of their 40th anniversary U.S. tour. The rock group formed in 1976 and is known as one of Britain's original punk bands, as well as the first U.K. punk act to tour America. Joining them will be American punk rock and pop punk band Bleached, an all-female group consisting of sisters Jennifer and Jessica Clavin and Micayla Grace. 6:30 p.m. $21-$105. Tickets: livenation.com

MONDAY, April 24

The Revolution

Metro

175 N. State St. 312-462-6300

Prince's iconic backing band The Revolution will hit the Metro stage Monday night. The stop in Chicago is part of the band's short, four-city tour, and you can expect the song lineup to be one from the "Purple Rain" era. The Revolution played on two of Prince's best-selling albums, "Purple Rain" and "Around the World in a Day." 8 p.m. $41-$51. Tickets: metrochicago.com

@RianneCoale | rcoale@redeyechicago.com
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. MICHAEL NICHOLS; MINDY NICHOLS; GEORGIA NICHOLS, Plaintiffs-Appellants, v. GIL FERNANDEZ; RAE FERNANDEZ; MATTHEW BEARD, Defendants-Appellees. No. 15-56641 Decided: April 14, 2017

Before: BEA and OWENS, Circuit Judges, and CHHABRIA,** District Judge.

MEMORANDUM*

Plaintiffs Michael Nichols, Mindy Nichols, and Georgia Nichols appeal from the district court's grant of summary judgment in favor of Defendants, Palm Springs police officers Gil Fernandez, Rae Fernandez, and Matthew Beard. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C.  1291, and we affirm. As the parties are familiar with the facts, we repeat only those facts necessary to resolve the issues raised on appeal.

1. Defendants did not violate Plaintiffs' constitutional rights.

Plaintiffs claim that Defendants violated their due process rights by exposing them to danger. Under the state-created danger doctrine, state officials can be held liable when they affirmatively and with deliberate indifference place [ ] an individual in danger she would not otherwise have faced. Kennedy v. City of Ridgefield, 439 F.3d 1055, 1066 (9th Cir. 2006). Before this Court, Plaintiffs claim that the district court erred in granting summary judgment because there is a triable issue of fact whether Officer Rae Fernandez (Rae) revealed [Plaintiffs'] identity as confidential informants by filing two police reports and thereby violated the state-created danger doctrine.

In the police report that Plaintiffs consider most objectionable, Rae states that she knew Michael and Mindy Nichols and that they were the owners of Palm Springs Finest and Collectibles (a pawn shop). This report also states that Rae texted Mindy, that Michael drove a burglary suspect at Rae's request to the suspect's home, and that Mindy answered Rae's questions about whether Mindy had purchased stolen goods from the suspect. This police report was released only to the district attorney and to Mindy Nichols, and the other police report was released only to the district attorney and to the probation office.

Since the police reports did not expressly identify Plaintiffs as confidential informants and the reports were not disseminated to the public, Rae's decision to write and file the police reports did not place Plaintiffs in a known or obvious danger. Kennedy, 439 F.3d at 1064. Although Plaintiffs later experienced threats related to their work as confidential informants, Plaintiffs have not provided evidence that the police reports caused these threats. Thus, there is no evidence that Rae's actions or omissions created a specific danger other than that voluntarily accepted by Plaintiffs when they agreed to be confidential informants. See Gatlin ex. rel. Estate of Gatlin v. Green, 362 F.3d 1089, 109394 (8th Cir. 2004) (affirming a grant of summary judgment when the plaintiff, a confidential informant who was killed by retaliating gang members, claimed that the state failed to do more to protect him); Summar on Behalf of Summar v. Bennet, 157 F.3d 1054, 1060 n.2 (6th Cir. 1998) (affirming the dismissal of the plaintiff's  1983 state-created danger claim because the officer did nothing to increase the risk the confidential informant had voluntarily assumed). Therefore, the district court did not err when it granted summary judgment in favor of Rae.

Plaintiffs do not provide evidence that Officers Gil Fernandez and Matthew Beard disclosed Plaintiffs' status as confidential informants or otherwise affirmatively endangered Plaintiffs. Since an individual can be held liable under 42 U.S.C.  1983 only if that individual personally participated in the alleged civil rights violation, Jones v. Williams, 297 F.3d 930, 93435 (9th Cir. 2002), the district court also did not err when it granted summary judgment in favor of Officers Gil Fernandez and Matthew Beard.

2. Rae is also entitled to qualified immunity.

[G]overnment officials performing discretionary functions are entitled to qualified immunity. Anderson v. Creighton, 483 U.S. 635, 638 (1987). To evaluate a claim of qualified immunity, this Court considers (1) whether the facts alleged show the official's conduct violated a constitutional right and (2) whether the right was clearly established when the conduct took place. Tarabochia v. Adkins, 766 F.3d 1115, 1121 (9th Cir. 2014) (quoting Robinson v. New York, 566 F.3d 817, 821 (9th Cir. 2009)). A right is clearly established if a reasonable public official would know that her specific conduct was unconstitutional. Cunningham v. Gates, 229 F.3d 1271, 1287 (9th Cir. 2000) (citing Creighton, 483 U.S. at 63637).

During the events in question, there was no established law that a police officer violates the state-created danger doctrine when she writes in a police report that she knew certain individuals and worked with them on a case, even when those individuals happen to be confidential informants. Even if Rae filing the police report affirmatively and with deliberate indifference placed [Plaintiffs] in danger [they] would not otherwise have faced, Kennedy, 439 F.3d at 1066, a reasonable police officer would not have known that this specific conduct was unconstitutional based on existing case law. Thus, Rae was also entitled to summary judgment based on qualified immunity.

AFFIRMED.

FOOTNOTES

. Plaintiffs submitted unsigned, unsworn declarations to provide other evidence that Rae allegedly revealed Plaintiffs' identity. The district court did not abuse its discretion in excluding these declarations. See Orr v. Bank of Am., NT & SA, 285 F.3d 764, 773 (9th Cir. 2002).
A Palatine man is accused of stabbing his girlfriend's son and the son's friend following a domestic dispute on Easter Sunday.

Bond was set Tuesday at $1.75 million in Cook County Circuit Court for Duronn Fields, 31, of the 1300 block of East Wyndham Circle, who was charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery following his arrest near the scene, prosecutors said.

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Assistant State's Attorney Maureen McGee and Palatine police said Fields got into an argument with his girlfriend's 23-year-old son and 22-year-old roommate and punched one of them in the face, prompting a scuffle in which Fields used an eight-inch steak knife to stab the two men.

McGee said the latest incident began Sunday evening when Fields tossed a plate of food against a wall in the residence he shares with the girlfriend.

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The son was stabbed twice in the back and suffered a punctured lung, spleen, kidney and liver and is in an intensive care unit, McGee said. The second victim suffered a deep laceration to the right side of his torso, she said.

Fields inadvertently stabbed himself in the leg during the struggle, McGee said.

Authorities said Fields is a registered sex offender because of a conviction for sexual assault of a child in Wisconsin.

George Houde is a freelance reporter.
The Jakubowski family (clockwise from left), including Will, Max, Eric, Zachary, Izzie and Alexis Jakubowski, gathered for a private ceremony to honor their late wife and mother Joni Beaudry, who was killed last summer while riding her bicycle in a crosswalk. The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Christie Webb (right) at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Mount Prospect. (Eric P. Davis / Pioneer Press)

The husband of a Mount Prospect woman, who was killed last summer while riding her bike in a local crosswalk, soon will be headed back to Springfield to show support for a proposed law inspired by the fatal incident.

"The (bill) deals with increasing the punishment, which in the case of my wife's death, the judge opted to let the driver walk away with a $150 fine," said Eric Jakubowski.

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Jakubowski's wife, Joni Beaudry, 55, was struck and killed by an SUV that failed to yield in a Mount Prospect crosswalk last June, leaving behind Jakubowski and their five children. He recently testified in front of Illinois lawmakers, urging support for the proposal, House Bill 625, before the bill easily cleared the Illinois House earlier this month.

As the bill heads to the Illinois Senate for consideration, the chief sponsor, Rep. David Harris, R-Arlington Heights, said the proposal would add penalties for drivers who fail to yield and stop, or cause serious injury or death, at a crosswalk marked by a yellow warning signal, called "Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon," which is also referred to as a RRFB.

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If signed into law, the bill adds penalties of a Class C misdemeanor for failure to stop or yield, and a Class 4 felony for serious bodily harm or death, Harris said.

Once Harris' bill starts to move through the Illinois Senate, Jakubowski said he plans to speak with senators and again show support for the proposed law.

Max Jakubowski hangs a memorial cross to honor his late mother, Joni Beaudry, who was killed last summer while riding her bicycle in a crosswalk, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Mount Prospect. (Eric P. Davis / Pioneer Press)

The legislative activity comes after Jakubowski filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court in January, seeking more than $100,000 from the driver of the SUV involved in the fatal crash, Hanna Burzynska, of Elk Grove Village.

Before the crash on June 9, 2016, Beaudry had activated the warning signal at the crosswalk and then proceeded to ride her bike within the crosswalk at Central Road and Weller Lane, police have said.

Aside from the bill, Harris also wants to work with IDOT to address the limitations of the RRFB warning signals, which increasingly are becoming more common throughout the state, he said. When activated by pedestrians at crosswalks and certain sidewalks, the RRFB flashes yellow lights to warn nearby motorists to yield to pedestrians.

"The whole question I have for IDOT is about the RRFBs having yellow lights, which is confusing to drivers, who only think they need to stop at a red light," Harris said.

Harris said he believes that by swapping the yellow lights with red lights, crosswalks with RRFBs would be safer to navigate, but he noted that federal regulations prohibit IDOT from modifying RRFB devices.

"IDOT can't substitute the yellow light for red on its own, but I'm pushing the department for a waiver to the policy," Harris said.

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The Mount Prospect family involved in Harris' bill also momentarily set aside the ongoing legal and legislative matters this past Easter weekend.

Jakubowski gathered his children, including his son Max, 22; twins Will and Alexis, both 20; and his two youngest children Izzie, 17, and Zachary, 15, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Mount Prospect on April 15 to erect a handmade cross in the church's great room honoring Beaudry.

"This beautiful cross is actually made from four separate crosses, which are all put together," Jakubowski said. "It reminds us that to get through tough times, we all need to lean on each other."

kcullotta@tribpub.com

Twitter @kcullotta
When a woman in the northwest suburbs got a text from an unknown number about an active shooter at a library, she called 911.

Neither the woman nor the dispatcher seemed to recognize Todd Library, but the woman looked it up and found it about 40 miles away at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, according to recordings of the 911 call obtained by the Beacon-News through a Freedom of Information Act Request.

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On April 4  the second day of a three-day emergency training course on Waubonsee's campus  a classroom exercise called for an instructor to text a phone number as part of a simulation, Waubonsee spokeswoman Amanda Geist said. But the text instead went to a private citizen in Rolling Meadows, triggering a 15-minute false alarm and resources from more than a dozen departments, Geist said.

As the dispatcher, and ultimately 18 emergency response agencies, scrambled to figure out what was going on and to ensure the Sugar Grove campus was safe, participants in the training session, apparently oblivious to the chaos, carried on with their active shooter simulation.

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In her 911 call, the Rolling Meadows woman read most of the initial text: "This is Laura from the Todd Library. The shooter is in here. He just shot six students. Send some help. I'm afraid to call He is in military fatigues. He's still in here. Help me."

The dispatcher tried Sugar Grove police, who transferred her to Tri-Com.

A dispatcher called the number that sent the text.

"Hi this is the 911 center, did you send a text message about a situation going on at Waubonsee?" the dispatcher began.

"I really can't talk too much but the shooter was in here," the texter, identified as Laura, the head librarian,said. "He shot six students. I think he's still here."

When the dispatcher asked for the shooter's description, the texter said Caucasian, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and 475 pounds "or so."

"How many?" the dispatcher asked. "One hundred seventy-five pounds?"

"Four hundred seventy-five pounds," the texter corrected. "He's a big guy."

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"Four hundred and seventy-five pounds, correct?" the dispatcher repeated.

"Yeah he  he moves like a ninja," the texter said. "I don't understand how he moves like that."

Two other calls were apparently made on campus from bystanders who were not part of the drill.

"We spoke to campus police so I don't know if they've contacted you guys at all," said one caller, from Collins Hall. "There's people upstairs with guns, we've been told."

From a different building on campus, a woman called 911 to say she saw Collins evacuating rapidly, people were telling students to run fast, and someone waved to her and said to call.

A Kane County supervisor on the initial response believed it was possible the report of an active shooter was not legitimate in part because more people didn't call to report it, Kane County Sheriff's spokesman Lt. Patrick Gengler said. But the sheriff's office didn't adjust its response until Waubonsee confirmed it was a "classroom exercise," he said.

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For about 15 minutes, police swept the building that houses the library and two adjacent buildings, and employees enacted safety plans, Geist said.

Responders from 16 police or sheriff's agencies and two fire districts were dispatched to the college, Geist said. Kane County sheriff's deputies were dispatched at 3:50 p.m. and learned by 4:06 p.m. the threat was not real, Gengler said.

Gengler said the situation could have been avoided with communication. No law enforcement officers were notified beforehand that a group would be conducting an exercise, he said.

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute helped organize the training, a "multihazard emergency planning institution training" that included an element on active shooters, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, institute program manager Eric Arnold said. It was funded by a grant, and FEMA-certified instructors are required to teach the course, he said.

Institute officials did not contact local law enforcement, and Arnold said that's not their responsibility.

"It is the role of the on-site folks and the hosting organization to notify those local authorities," he said.

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The agency is reviewing what happened and will make recommendations to FEMA to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future, he said.

FEMA spokesman Mark Peterson said the training involved agency-accredited instructors and FEMA curriculum, but the agency did not organize the event. If the agency were to host a training, officials would "work with the host" to notify local law enforcement, he said.

Geist said Waubonsee didn't notify local law enforcement because the school provided the space but did not arrange the class. When Waubonsee hosted other emergency preparedness sessions for its staff, officials notified area authorities, she said.

Beacon-News reporter Sarah Frieshtat contributed.

hleone@tribpub.com

Twitter @hannahmleone
Two shootings were reported in Aurora over the weekend, according to an email from police spokesman Dan Ferrelli.

At about 1 a.m. Saturday , a 21-year-old man told police he was standing outside with friends on the 700 block of Logan Avenue when he got into an argument with several people inside a white Ford Taurus, according to a statement the Aurora Police Department published on Facebook. Someone in the Taurus took out a handgun and fired one shot into the air, then the car drove off southbound, according to police.

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Near Logan and Simms, a second shot was fired from the same car, but nothing was apparently struck by the gunfire, according to police.

Minutes later, police said, an officer saw a car matching the Ford's description near River and North Avenue "traveling at a high rate of speed," stopping at Middle Avenue and Gale Street and taking off again. The officer pulled the car over near Lake Street and Cross, according to the statement. Another officer went to the area where the car had stopped on Middle Avenue and found a 9mm handgun that had been reported stolen out of Kenosha, Wisconsin, according to police.

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Police said they took all five occupants of the Taurus, four men and a woman all between the ages of 22 and 28, in for questioning and later released them pending further investigation.

At about 11:10 p.m. Sunday , gunfire struck a home on the 300 block of West Downer several times, but no injuries were reported, according to police. Beyond people in the area saying they heard shots, no one provided police with any suspect information, according to the statement.

Police ask anyone with information to call Aurora police at 630-256-5500 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to any arrests.

People also can submit tips through the Aurora Police Department's free My PD mobile app.

hleone@tribpub.com

Twitter @hannahmleone
The superintendent of Oswego-area schools is urging the state to "fully fund" education, and calling on families, faculty and staff to urge the same.

In a message to state Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Community Unit School District 308 Superintendent John Sparlin called on the state to distribute a certain set of funds owed quarterly to districts by the state, which he said have not yet been sent out for this year. In a separate message, he urged district parents and employees to contact legislators and government officials.

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"The education community and general public were led to believe that K-12 education would be 'fully funded,'" Sparlin said in the message to families. "As of this date, this sadly is not the case."

The messages come as District 308 is facing projected budget deficits in the coming years. Initially, district officials said they expected a $7.3 million deficit for next year, but Sparlin said recently the gap now stands around $4 million.

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Sparlin said in a phone interview the delays in state payments would not have caused the district's deficit, but make it worse.

Sparlin wrote in the letters that the state in June 2016 said it would fully fund education, and has fully funded general aid payments to the district. However, he said, this fiscal year it has not sent out a particular category of funding that is earmarked for specific purposes, including special education services, free and reduced-price lunches and transportation.

He said the district is owed more than $11 million to date in this particular type of funding, which comes in four installments throughout the year. If the district does not receive any of these payments for the entire year, it will be owed nearly $15 million, he said.

In a message on the District 308 website, officials said a representative from the comptroller's office told Sparlin Thursday that the first of the quarterly payments for the current year will be sent within two weeks.

Sparlin said in the letters the district has already had to take on a type of short-term loan to cover payroll and bills until it receives money from local taxes, which will cost the district extra in interest. The delay in state payments could also affect the district's bond ratings, he said.

"(These funding) delays have created cash flow problems for our district," he said.

Sparlin said the public is being led to believe the state has fully funded education, while districts in fact are not receiving a category of payments.

"The letter, I think, is also a call to action for parents," he said. "I think it's very important for parents and the public to know that school districts are not fully funded at this time."

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Twitter @srfreish
East Aurora School District 131 made history Monday night, approving regular, everyday busing for students.

To applause from the audience, school board members for the first time approved buses for all students who live more than 1.5 miles from their school. The move is expected to provide transportation for more than 3,000 additional students.

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The board approved spending millions over three years on the bus plan  some of the details of which are still under consideration  and two new transportation-related staff positions. But district officials are also expecting the additional transportation to bring in new money.

School board President Annette Johnson said she anticipates the additional buses will help raise attendance, test scores and the graduation rate.

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"This solves an age-old problem in the East Aurora School District," she said.

The district already buses special education students, some preschool and kindergarten students and district students who attend the third- through eighth-grade John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School at Aurora University.

But for decades, both the district and voters have rejected widespread busing, often citing the cost. Recently, callers to a Beacon-News comment line have voiced concerns that a busing expansion will lead to higher property taxes or will cause traffic problems.

Mark McDonald, one of the district's two interim superintendents, said the district has "made a commitment" to find a way to pay for transportation, and said the district was not looking to raise taxes or go out for a referendum. Johnson said the board would "absolutely not" rely on a tax hike to pay for expanded transportation.

The board approved paying between $3.9 million and $5.4 million to First Student for busing over three years, though the final numbers will depend on details that have not yet been finalized. They also approved hiring two transportation staff members  an assistant director and a specialist  whose combined annual salary and benefits are expected to be around $167,400.

But the district expects some of those costs to be offset by a state transportation reimbursement and increased attendance, which will affect the amount of aid the state pays to the district. Depending on the final cost of busing and on the amount attendance  and therefore state aid  ultimately goes up, district projections show East Aurora could, all told, be out as much as $466,632 next school year or come out ahead as much as $128,633 that year.

The projections don't include bus monitors, who can handle discipline issues, and assume the state reimburses the district for the full amount it is eligible to receive. This year, the state only reimbursed districts for 71 percent of what they were eligible to receive for transportation.

In most cases, the state will provide some reimbursement for students who live more than 1.5 miles from their school  the distance at which East Aurora is moving to provide busing.

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Whether buses will come in closer to $3.9 million or to $5.4 million will depend in part on how many bus monitors the district determines are needed. It will also depend on whether the district is able to change some school start times during the coming school year.

If the district is able to stagger class bell times the same buses could make multiple runs and the district would pay for fewer buses. School start and end times are laid out in the teachers' and staff contract and changes must be approved by the union. Another year remains on the current contract.

Union President Gerry Mestek said a detailed proposal has not been brought to the union.

Johnson said the expanded busing will put East Aurora "on the same playing field" as other districts. Board member Kim Hatchett thanked administrators.

"My heart goes out to a parent who doesn't have a way to get the kids to school," she said. "So this is great work, a phenomenal job to be able to put it together and have it ready for next school year."

Board members have said they are working to have the new buses in place for the 2017-18 school year, but their vote did not include a timeline.

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Twitter @srfreish
An Orland Park man accused of shooting a gun outside a Tinley Park bar was sentenced to three years in state prison, according to court records.

Ramsey Shelby, 23, pleaded guilty April 7 to one count of felony aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, Cook County court records stated.

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Shelby, a convicted felon, was accused of discarding a weapon during a dispute in November outside J.W. Holstein's Saloon, 17358 S. Oak Park Ave., court records stated.

Prosecutors said he was on probation for a July conviction on identity theft when he allegedly fired a handgun once into the air before driving away in front of police.

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Shelby got the gun from his car during the dispute, prosecutors said. An officer from the Tinley Park dispatch center near the establishment allegedly heard the shot as he responded to the report of a fight.

The responding officer ordered Shelby to drop the metal object in his hand, prosecutors said. Shelby did not and started to walk away despite multiple orders from the officer. Instead, Shelby got into his car, which was driven by his friend, and fled, prosecutors said.

The car nearly hit others outside the bar when it sped from the scene, prosecutors said.

Shelby will receive credit for 174 days in county jail, where he was being held on $300,000 bail, officials said.

He currently is being held at Stateville Correctional Center in Crest Hill.

Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Top 3 Reasons Trump Must Release His Tax Returns

President Donald Trump claims ordinary people "don't care at all" that he's the first chief executive in more than 40 years not to release his tax returns. But a January Washington Post-ABC News poll found three quarters (74%) of Americans say Trump should release his tax returns. That includes a majority (53%) of Republicans.

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A White House petition demanding Trump release his tax returns broke a record for signatures within six days of being posted. It has since collected more than one million signatures.

This broad-based public demand makes sense. There are at least three important questions that can only be answered by the release of Trump's tax returns.

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First, does Trump contribute any taxes to the nation he leads? We already know that he paid zero, or close to zero, federal income taxes in at least five of the past 40 years. We also know that he declared a nearly billion dollar loss in the 1990s that could have wiped out all his federal income tax obligations for up to 18 years. He's proudly declared that not paying taxes "makes me smart."

There's good reason to believe Trump has paid no taxes for years or even decades. His tax-obliterating billion-dollar loss from the '90s is the kind of tax dodge readily available to real estate investors like Trump. Through that and other special breaks  such as depreciation, exemption from "at-risk" rules, and "like-kind exchanges"  real estate tycoons can delay, shrink or completely eliminate their federal tax bills.

Second, what are Trump's foreign entanglements? Our president should be working only for us  not for his own enrichment through deals with offshore partners closely tied to foreign leaders. One ethics expert has noted that many of the foreign businesses with which Trump has struck deals are connected to "unfriendly governments." Such deals could conflict with our national security goals.

The biggest concern is Russia. Trump's son has said his father's real estate business sees "a lot of money pouring in from Russia." A Russian-American trade promoter who has supported Trump claims that our new president has done "hundreds of millions of dollars" of business with Russian investors.

A veteran U.S. senator, Ron Wyden (D-OR), has asked the Senate Intelligence Committee to investigate Trump's business ties to Russia as part of its larger probe of Russian meddling in our elections.

Trump's tax returns might reveal how indebted he is to foreign investors  and how much his ties undermine American national interests.

Finally, how much would Trump personally benefit from his proposed tax overhaul? During the campaign, Trump proposed a $6.2 trillion tax giveaway heavily slanted towards rich people like him: 47% of the tax cuts go to the top 1% of households. The top 0.1%  people like Trump  would receive an average tax cut of more than $1 million a year, while average middle-class families making about $50,000 a year would get just $1 a day.

Three parts of his tax plan in particular would be financial bonanzas for Trump and his family.

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He would eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), which prevents rich taxpayers like Trump from exploiting excessive tax breaks. Without the AMT, Trump would have paid just a 3% tax rate in 2005, according to a portion of that year's return recently leaked to the media.

He would cut the tax rate by up to 60% on a type of business he uses extensively, the so-called "pass-through." Pass-through owners pay their business taxes on their personal returns at individual rates, which for rich taxpayers like Trump can be as high as 40%. Trump would cut the top tax rate to just 15% (20% for undefined larger entities). The president is sole or partial owner of over 500 pass-through businesses, and so could save millions of dollars every year from what's been rightly dubbed the "Trump Loophole."

He would abolish the estate tax, our nation's only tax on inherited wealth, paid exclusively by the richest one of every 500 families. If Trump has as much money as he claims  which could be more accurately deduced from his tax returns  his heirs could wind up billions of dollars richer from abolishing the estate tax.

In cities throughout the country, many marched April 15 to demand answers to these questions. The first answer is for Trump to release his tax returns.

Frank Clemente is executive director of Americans for Tax Fairness.

What's on your mind?

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The Daily Southtown welcomes letters to the editor. Email them to letters@southtownstar.com and include your name, address and phone number. Only your name and the town you reside in will appear with the letter. Please keep a letter to no more than about 200 words. The Southtown is not responsible for the accuracy of the opinions expressed in letters to the editor.
As you know by now, Gov. Bruce Rauner recently toured the state for two days. He denied that the tour had anything to do with the 2018 election, but it was pretty darned clear that he and his team were tuning up the band for the big show down the road.

Campaign funds not only paid for the tour but political money was used to promote it in advance. I'm told Rauner's advertising on social and online media served over a million impressions in the days leading up to the fly-around.

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And like a musician touring to promote a new album, Rauner played up his latest hits. The "Chicago Machine Democrats" just want to "duct tape" the state's problems instead of fixing them. Rauner's latest TV ads, paid for by a "dark money" subsidiary of the Republican Governor's Association, feature him in a pristine workshop using duct tape to explain how Springfield politicians don't ever really fix problems.

Whatever he lacks in governing abilities, there's no doubt that Rauner is a master at laying out a very simple, popular and easy to understand message and then staying on that message no matter what. During his Peoria appearance, Rauner slammed the House Democrats' stopgap budget as just "taping over our problems  duct taping cracks in our system." The only thing missing was the bright, sharply pressed flannel shirt he wore in the TV ad.

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As with all established bands on tour, the governor also played popular tunes from his recent albums. Since about the beginning of the year, when he was asked by a reporter to grade his first two years in office, Rauner has repeatedly pointed to his own successes at unilaterally cutting unspecified waste from the system (which plays right into the hugely popular notion that waste is the state's biggest problem) and then contrasted that with the obstructionism of the "Madigan Democrats" in the General Assembly.

"They've created the worst crisis of any state in America," Rauner said of the Democrats while speaking in Springfield. "On things that I can control, we've done wonderfully. Where the General Assembly has blocked progress, they've made the problem worse."

Rauner even brought back a line from his February budget address, when he encouraged the Senate's leaders to hammer out a grand bargain. He spoke about that effort as if he'd never actually knocked the grand bargain off the rails in March.

And, of course, he brought out the old standards that he's been playing for years: Property tax freeze, term limits and becoming "much more pro-growth, pro-business, pro-investment, pro-job creation," as he said in Rockford.

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The Democratic candidates, for their part, stuck to their #DoYourJob theme in response to Rauner's tour, saying the governor should be getting a budget deal done rather than campaigning. None mentioned that the House and Senate are in the midst of a two-week spring break, so doing a deal or even meeting with the other leaders probably wouldn't be possible. Also, governors often use spring breaks as an opportunity to hit the hustings. This is nothing new.

Much of the Chicago-based print media focused on the fact that Rauner denied he was campaigning while obviously campaigning. But they never put that into the broader context of the governor's habit of saying one thing (cheerleading the Senate's grand bargain) while doing another (killing the Senate's grand bargain).

Channel 7, the most-watched television station in Chicagoland, ran a purely positive piece.

"I want all of you to have a better future, I want your children to have great schools and I want your salaries to go up," Rauner said during the Chicago station's report. There was no mention of the fact that none of that has happened since he became governor, and there is no foreseeable time when any of it will happen as long as we have this never-ending gridlock.

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Rauner also appeared via phone on several talk radio programs during his tour and faced mostly softball questions from conservative hosts. Even conservative activist Dan Proft, who has sharply criticized the governor on his radio program since the start of the year, allowed Rauner to endlessly rattle on about his main talking points, duct tape and all, without much of a peep.

For those on Rauner's side, this was a good tour. For those on the other side (and polls show there are a lot of them), well, they wouldn't like it anyway. Those in the middle probably got the message that the governor and his team wanted to send, with a big assist from the media.

Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.
There's a lot of talk  and concern  about how President Donald Trump is trying to change course on policies and undo the legacy of his predecessor, former President Barack Obama.

For now, at least one aspect of Obama's legacy continues to produce measurable results in the form of increased availability of early childhood programs in the south suburbs.

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Last week, I visited an early childhood program that began operating in February at a new Dolton Park District facility. The program can serve up to 100 children, from infants to age 5, with comprehensive services including child care, nutritious meals, early learning and recreational opportunities.

Parents can drop off their children at the center, where preschoolers spend up to eight hours a day engaged in various activities with teachers and staff members.

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The casual observer might see a small group of kids playing with toys. But adults are teaching the young ones skills designed to help them succeed in education, said Carlos Patton, director of early learning programs for Illinois Action for Children.

Patton said socialization is a big skill they learn at that age. "We believe children learn through play," he said.

In one room, a teacher begins class by singing along with a beat played at a low volume on a CD player. Girls and boys sing along to a song about the rules of the classroom, which include following directions, keeping their hands to themselves, and properly using their voices.

The new, 15,000-square-foot Dolton Park District facility at 721 Engle St. is impressive. A $3.5 million state construction grant awarded in 2013 funded the building. Illinois Action for Children operates the program, along with three others in Chicago Heights, Harvey and Ford Heights.

The programs serve "high-priority" populations, which include children of families living in high poverty, teen mothers, homeless parents and others.

In addition to directly providing child care services, Illinois Action for Children trains personnel who work with children throughout the state and is a leading advocate for early childhood programs. The agency was founded in 1969.

Early childhood programs are not as directly impacted by the nearly two-year state budget impasse as other programs. The state continues to fund preschool programs and pass through federal Head Start dollars.

State funding, however, is disrupted to programs that serve people with disabilities, are homeless or receive mental health services  some of the qualifying factors to enroll children in programs in Dolton and throughout the state.

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Illinois Action for Children's south suburban early childhood programs were among 11 regional operations selected for a recent study designed to increase enrollment and capacity. A federal Race To the Top grant funded the study, which sought to identify best practices and improve accountability through development of "Innovation Zones."

The south suburban Thornton Township Innovation Zone was among programs that successfully used community outreach efforts to increase enrollment, according to the study, "Illinois' Early Childhood Innovation Zones: A New Model for State Policy?"

Study findings were released April 7 by the Southern Illinois University-based Illinois Education Research Council.

"Illinois Action for Children is also to be commended for their willingness to model continuous improvement," the study concluded. "The challenge now is to advance these efforts in the absence of grant support and not revert back to working in isolation."

I spoke by phone with Leah Pouw, director of community systems development for Illinois Action for Children. She elaborated on their community outreach efforts and explained how early childhood programs throughout the region are working together collaboratively  as opposed to competitively  to increase overall enrollment.

"The hardest part is identifying qualifying children and getting them into programs," Pouw told me. "We did comprehensive outreach through a number of social service providers, public housing developments, homeless shelters  to identify families in need of help."

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South suburban providers are now sharing waiting lists and referrals to optimize available capacity of early childhood programs, she said.

"We're stronger together through systems-building," Pouw said. "We're moving out of the competitive space and into a more collaborative one."

Benefits of early childhood programs like the new one in Dolton are clear. For one, adults able to enroll their young children can pursue full-time employment. Children benefit by being better prepared for kindergarten, which makes them more likely to succeed in elementary, secondary and higher education.

During his 2013 State of the Union address, Obama noted that fewer than a third of the nation's 4-year-olds were enrolled in early education programs. The following year, he announced $1 billion in funding to increase opportunities.

In addition to public funding, private donors supporting the initiative included the Walt Disney Co., the LEGO Foundation and the J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation.

"Since 2009, federal investment in early childhood programs has increased by more than $6 billion," the New America Foundation, a nonpartisan think tank, reported in December. "What's more, 40 states are measuring early childhood program quality  up from 17 at the beginning of Obama's administration."

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"Undoubtedly, the Obama Administration did more than those that came before to make children's earliest years an important part of the national education conversation," the New America report concluded.

"Still, rather than fundamentally transforming the early education landscape, it may be more accurate to say that the Obama years have laid important groundwork necessary for large-scale efforts in the years to come  should there be future leaders who make doing so a priority."

Trump has signaled policy shifts radically different than Obama. Trump's initial budget outline and executive orders represent drastic changes in priorities for such areas as the environment and immigration policies.

It doesn't take much to imagine Trump and Congress taking the country in a new direction by emphasizing something other than early childhood programs. Given the state's financial condition and strains put on local taxing bodies, I think it would be difficult to fill the void if federal funding for early childhood is reduced or eliminated.

Obama's commitment to early childhood learning means, for now, increased opportunities are available to south suburban families in need. I think advocates and beneficiaries of the programs will have to work to maintain public funding commitments for such programs in the future.

tslowik@tribpub.com

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Twitter @tedslowik
"Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day" will be held April 27.

This year's theme is "Count on Me." More than just a career day, this initiative gives workers the opportunity to show their children what they do at work when they are not at home. It fosters good relationships and greater understanding of what parents "do" when they are at work.

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But what if you had the opportunity to visit your child at work  and what if that child's job was on a ship in the United States' Navy? Would you go?

Julie Hoffman, of Lockport, a proud mother of three children (all in the military), has been given the opportunity to join her daughter on a Tiger Cruise. These events are organized for friends and family (usually not spouses or fiances) to accompany the person serving in the military.

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The U.S. Navy website describes a Tiger Cruise as "The occasional embarkation of family members of Naval personnel (which) is intended to contribute to good morale and instill in service members, a sense of pride in the Navy, and their ships. It also enhances public understanding of the Navy and increases community awareness."

Hoffman's three children have all found the military as their career. Her oldest, a son, Kenn, served eight years in the U.S. Marines, including a tour to Afghanistan (when it was "hot"), as well as Japan, and the Philippines. He is finishing up his commitment and going on to another profession of law enforcement and will once again be serving others.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Her middle daughter, Olivia, received her associate's degree and decided she needed more out of life so she decided to join the U.S. Navy. She is currently on her first deployment.

Her youngest child, a daughter, Hannah, dreamed of being a U.S. Marine since she was about age seven and is currently pursuing her dream.

Hoffman, who is a single mother, states, "It is by the grace of God that I was able to raise the three of them to be selfless, serving their country and their God. I am doing a GoFundMe so I may be able to visit my sailor, Olivia, for a week on a ship, after not having seen her for six months."

Hoffman's friend encouraged her to reach out to the community in an effort to achieve her goal to raise the funds necessary to be able to join her daughter. Fitting that this year's theme for Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is Count on Me  we count on our military to keep us safe.

Hoffman wants to raise $3,500 to cover airfare, hotel stay, and light meals for travel. More information can be found at: www.GoFundMe.com/GodBlessourMilitary. Any donation  no matter how big or small  will be truly appreciated.

To learn more about Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day and some of the activities and events planned for that day, visit: https://daughtersandsonstowork.org

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Information about Tiger Cruises and the United States Navy can be found at: www.navy.mil.
For 10 years in the 1970s, Assistant Village Manager Don DeMarco and civil rights activist Bill Simpson engaged in an on-going battle about the future of Park Forest. This issue was the same one that has bedeviled and divided this nation for more than 200 years.

It was a matter of race.

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The specific dispute was about a program called integration maintenance. It was hailed as a plan to stem white flight when African-Americans first move into a previously all-white suburb. The goal was simple. Black families would be offered homes throughout the community, not just in one or two areas. Thus, it was said, integration maintenance would stabilize the town, with blacks and whites living together in harmony.

It was DeMarco who was Park Forest's spokesman for the plan. Simpson was an adamant opponent.

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The first African-American family moved into the village on Christmas Eve, 1959. Simpson, along with his wife, Juanita, and their three children moved to Park Forest from Chicago in 1963. By 1971, Simpson was the chairman of the village's Human Relations Committee. DeMarco was hired one year later and the two quickly clashed over the integration maintenance.

For Simpson, the plan was just another way to keep blacks out of the community once a specific number was reached. He was a ceaseless author of letters to newspapers, 900 of which got into print, where he stated his position. In 1979, on the 25th anniversary of the Supreme Court's unanimous ruling against segregated schools, Juanita Simpson and DeMarco debated both the meaning and the implication of the words segregation and integration on the old MacNeil-Lehrer Report on PBS.

Demarco left in 1982, a decade before the Supreme Court ruled that nine south suburban communities could market housing specifically to whites in order to preserve integration. Simpson died in 1996.

At 3 p.m. this Sunday in Freedom Hall, Bill and Juanita Simpson will be among those inducted into the Park Forest Historical Society Hall of Fame. The two were nominated by their debating opponent DeMarco. In his nomination letter, DeMarco reasoned that the two kept the village's feet to the fire. "(T)hey kept Park Forest accountable by calling for more explicit justification and transparency," he wrote.

Simpson and Demarco voiced differing views on the same issue but both agreed on one point.

Race matters.

And More

For the first time in 21 years, the Historical Society will induct four husband-wife teams  Jack and Peg Donohue, Carl and Peggy Glassford and Helen and Herschel Ward, as well as the Simpsons. This year's non-profit inductee is the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.

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For 50 years, both Jack and Peg Donohue touched the artistic, literary and political soul of the community. Peg Donohue was twice elected to both the Park Forest Library Board where she was instrumental in the improvements and renovation for the facility, and to the Prairie State College Board of Trustees. She served as director of the Tall Grass Art School for four years and served on the Tall Grass Arts Association board of directors.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Jack Donoghue was chairman of the Non-Partisan Committee for Local Government, the group that schedules and oversees all political forums in the village, was chairman of the Cable Television Committee and chair of the old Jolly Trolley Commission.

Carl Glassford's passion for the outdoors led him to work with the Friends of the Thorn Creek Woods, as well as becoming the first chairman of the Old Plank Trail Road Association, which opened in 1997 and is one of the highest used recreational trails in the state.

Peggy Glassford helped in preparing Park Forest's successful bid for recognition as an "All-America City" in 1977. She was a village trustee for four years in Park Forest and later spent 25 years working as assistant to the village manager and later village manager in Flossmoor.

Herschel Ward chaired the campaign to build Good Shepherd United Protestant Church and was a founding member of the congregation. He had two thriving businesses in Park Forest, moving his downtown firm, the Council of Industrial Security to an office he added in his home as well as creating Rubber Stamp Specialties in the same home office.

Helen Ward helped co-found the Good Shepherd food pantry, which later became the Food Pantry of Rich Township. She also served as a member or was on the board of United Way, School Dist. 163 PTA, Friends of the Park Forest Library while winning numerous awards for her volunteer work.

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It was founded in 1955 as the Park Forest Symphony Orchestra and renamed the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra in 1982. Since then, the organization has received coveted awards through the years and was named the Illinois orchestra of the year in both 1992 and 2010.

Jerry Shnay is a freelance journalist and can be reached at jerryshnay@gmail.com.
Construction could begin this year on East Dundee's new Speedway fueling center, set to go at the northwest corner of Christina Drive and Route 72 in the village's Terra Business Park.

The project, which will include a 4,600-square-foot convenience store featuring a Speedy Cafe, 10 gasoline pumps and four commercial diesel lanes, is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.

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"But we're hoping it comes in faster," Village President Lael Miller said.

Representatives for Speedway LLC had asked for financial assistance through a combination of business development district taxes, home rule sales tax and state shared sales tax rebates.

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The $9 million project is estimated to generate more than $400,000 annually in sales tax revenue.

At Monday's board meeting, trustees agreed to reimburse up to 41 percent of the project costs, capped at $2.5 million, over 15 years. During the rebate period, the net revenue to the village is anticipated to be $240,000, officials said.

Village Administrator Bob Skurla said Speedway is requesting the assistance due to "the at least $2.5 million in extraordinary expenses in developing the project at that site."

"In the absence of the village's offer of assistance, the project was not going to move forward," he said.

The fueling center project also will include new traffic signals as well as intersection improvements to allow for convenient access into the Speedway fueling center and the Terra Business Park, officials said.

Miller said the project will spur more development along Route 72.

"This is a great thing for us," he said.

Erin Sauder is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
Elgin building maintenance worker Glen Dettman shows a new portion of the changeover system used to heat and cool Elgin City Hall. Dettman did most of the work, using plans he helped Building Maintenance Superintendent Rick Hoke engineer. (Mike Danahey / The Courier-News)

After running for nearly 50 years, the HVAC system at City Hall is getting an overhaul  and most of the work is being done by Elgin staff, at a significant savings to the city.

"By doing this in-house, we're taking $500,000 off the table that would have come from Elgin's budget," Senior Management Analyst Laura Valdez-Wilson said.

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That savings figure comes from the city getting an estimate from a contractor about a year-and-a-half ago for refiguring and installing a revamped changeover system. The City Hall system uses water that is either heated through a boiler or cooled through a chiller to heat and cool the big building. Elgin Building Maintenance Superintendent Rich Hoke said that estimate was about $750,0000.

According to information provided by city staff, most of the current system dates back to 1968, when City Hall opened, with computer controls added in 1996. Many repair parts are no longer available, and the system frequently shows signs of failure, officials said.

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Valdez-Wilson noted that issues typically become apparent on days when the outdoor temperature hovers around 50. A degree or two above that means the air conditioning kicks in, while below 50 means the heat goes on, she said. The building can seem too hot or too cold, particularly in spring and fall when such temperatures are common, she said.

"Regulation is challenging with the old system," Valdez-Wilson said. "The new one will be much more efficient."

Hoke said that necessary replacement work would have required shutting down portions of the HVAC system for days, impacting temperature control within the building.

So instead, last fall Hoke  who teaches HVAC courses at Elgin Community College  began working with fellow veteran Elgin city employee, building operations worker Glen Dettman, on designing and putting together what needs to be replaced.

"I talked him into it," is how Hoke said he got Dettman involved in the project, which focuses mostly on the changeover portion of the basement-based operation  the portion which determines where hot water or cold water will be used to heat or cool the building.

Dettman said a challenge of the work was figuring out what would go where and how to make the new portion more easily serviceable than the old one. To that end, he pointed out that valves on older pipes along a basement wall are high up and hard to reach. The new design has those valves at waist level making for easier access.

Elgin Building Maintenance Superintendent Rich Hoke and staffer Glen Dettman discuss the revamped HVAC system at City Hall. (Mike Danahey / The Courier-News)

Pumps on the new setup are more energy efficient, Hoke noted. The 21-year-old electronic controls also are being replaced, Hoke said, and staff will be able to remotely access the system from outside the building through tablet devices.

Dettman has done most of the work himself as part of his other duties with the department, which oversees 140 structures the city owns and maintains, from picnic sheds in parks to The Centre, City Hall, Hemmens Cultural Center and Elgin Police headquarters downtown.

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Some of the work has to be outsourced, and last week the City Council approved awarding a $52,257 contract with Anchor Mechanical of Chicago to install header piping and a contract for $36,800 with Earley Insulation of Chicago to insulate the 1,000 feet of piping. The two approved contracts are a part of the $250,000 cost of the project.

"It speaks a lot to the quality of the folks who works for us and the creativity they bring forth," Councilmember Tish Powell said last Wednesday.

Elgin building maintenance worker Glen Dettman points out that the old HVAC system for City Hall has valves that are difficult to reach. (Mike Danahey / The Courier-News)

If all goes according to plan, the revamped system should be up and running by June, Hoke and Valdez-Wilson said, meaning it should be operating when temperatures usually are more consistent.

Valdez-Wilson and Hoke hoped the new system also will help keep offices on the south side of City Hall cooler as the glass-design of the structure means they can be hot, even in winter.

mdanahey@tribpub.com
A downtown Elgin bar faces lawsuits from its landlord, beverage supplier and a talent booking agency, and its liquor license will expire before an opportunity for the city to consider renewing it, according to court documents and Elgin officials.

Smooth Fox in Elgin will not have a chance to renew its expiring liquor license, and will not be allowed to sell liquor past April 30, before next month's commission meeting, Elgin Corporate Counsel William Cogley said.

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The bar has not applied to renew its liquor license, Elgin Communications Specialist Molly Center said. The city's liquor control commission will not meet again until May, after the current license expires, Center said.

Smooth Fox proprietor Justin Hodge, 35, has been in the Kane County Jail since March 21 for driving on a suspended license in 2015. He is due for release April 18, according to Kane County Sheriff Department's Lt. Pat Gengler.

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Kane County court records indicate Hodge has eight misdemeanor driving on a suspended license arrests here going back to 2007.

Hodge's attorney, Scott William Sheen of St. Charles, could not be reached for comment.

"We are not going to have a special meeting for his needs," Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain said during a liquor control commission meeting last week, noting that Hodge previously failed to show for meetings the commission asked him to attend regarding police calls and problems at the bar.

Most recently, Elgin police were called to the Smooth Fox just before 3 a.m. April 9 for a fight outside the building, Cogley said. One man involved in the fight was found to have a warrant and was arrested, Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda said. Three other people were arrested on misdemeanor charges and released. However, another fight broke out in front of the Elgin police department when they were released, and two more people were arrested, Swoboda said.

Other calls to the Smooth Fox since February include noise complaints, a credit card theft and a call about patrons loitering outside, according to Elgin police records.

On March 4, a man was charged with violating the concealed carry license for entering a location which had "No Firearms" signs posted, police said.

Before midnight April 7, a member of a band playing at the bar told police a woman hit him in the face with a closed fist. The man was removed from the bar, but officers were not able to locate the woman on the premises.

Smooth Fox has a Class E1 liquor license, where 50 percent of gross revenue must come from food sales.

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"When the business is requesting a renewal, they would need to submit a list of monthly sales throughout the last year," Center said. "They have not submitted a renewal application, so we have not received any monthly or annual reports."

The City has another issue with the establishment. Hodge owes the city of Elgin money related to last October's Nightmare on Chicago Street event.

"The booth allowed downtown businesses to sell hard liquor on public property while the city provided tables and tents," Center said. "The city received a check for the initial booth fee from the establishment which came back not sufficient funds. Based off the other establishments' percentages, the Smooth Fox owes approximately $2,100."

Court records indicate Hodge also owes money to the business' landlord and those with whom he has done business.

According to Cook County court records, Hodge and business partners in Smooth Fox Inc. were sued by Breakthru Beverage Illinois for $41,510 in November, with the case continued until May 18.

The business partners could not be reached for comment.

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In Kane County, there is a small claims court judgment against Hodge for $6,900  plus attorney's fees  from The Bassline Group, according to court records. In that case, a Chicago talent booking agency said Hodge did not pay a contract amount in July and that at least one check for its services bounced. The judge in that case made a summary judgment in favor of Bassline when Hodge did not appear at the December court date.

Eric Spicer, drummer for Naked Raygun which played a show at the Smooth Fox last year, said the band received a check for payment, but the check bounced twice, Spicer said. Hodge sent another check that also bounced, Spicer said.

"This is when things became ridiculously surreal," Spicer said.

Spicer and the band filed a complaint with the Elgin police department, which led to the group getting half the money they were owed.

Kane County records also indicate Hodge is being sued by the property management company for the Smooth Fox's downtown address at 51 S. Grove Ave. for $9,000 in unpaid rent. That complaint was filed March 17. The building was a JC Penney decades ago and has gone through several incarnations in recent years.

In February, the Liquor Commission was set to continue a discussion started in January with Hodge about police-related issues at his business. Hodge failed to show up for the meeting.

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The January Commission discussion centered on 10 or so incidents  including big fights and a nearby building being hit by gunfire  that occurred since Hodge opened Smooth Fox last summer.

Hodge showed up about 50 minutes into the Jan. 11 session, citing issues finding someone to pick up one of his children.

"He has been negligent in attending (meetings). We owe him no special favors at this point," Kaptain said.

Janelle Walker is a freelance reporter for the Courier-News.

mdanahey@tribpub.com
A temporary restraining order against the Kane County Department of Transportation Monday shut down construction work on the latest phase of the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge Corridor due to a bee recently added to the endangered species list, according to court documents.

"The county has downplayed the opposition all along," said Rose Zaffina, who joined with the group Stop Longmeadow to oppose the $115 million project. "Today shows the county that they are accountable."

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Stop Longmeadow filed a lawsuit and a request for the temporary restraining order with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois asking a federal judge stop construction slated to begin Monday based on the addition of the rusty patched bumble bee to the federal endangered species list. The bumble bee has been found in the Brunner Forest Preserve, the lawsuit stated. Brunner Forest Preserve is along the corridor's 5.6 mile route in northern Kane County, county documents show.

A hearing is set for Friday, April 28, for arguments on a preliminary injunction, court documents stated.

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"We are being vigilant and we are determined," said Jo Ann Fritz, who arrived at Sleepy Hollow Road and Longmeadow Parkway Monday morning with other protesters holding signs stating the project is "not a done deal." News about the restraining order spread fast and a man on a bike thanked and congratulated the protesters as he rode past early Monday afternoon.

Federal defendants  which includes the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Interior along with the Kane County Department of Transportation and the Forest Preserve District of Kane County  filed a response stating Stop Longmeadow submitted a last minute and "a bare-bones declaration from one individual asserting purported harm that she speculates may occur to the bee, but where are not borne out by the facts on the ground."

The Kane County State's Attorney's office had no comment on Monday's action and does not comment on pending litigation, a spokesman said.

No permits or funding has been issued on sections of the corridor going through Brunner Family Forest Preserve or "the location which Stop Longmeadow assert that the bee may possibly be found," the response stated. The legal action is "premature" and the group cannot prove irreversible harm, it stated. Additionally, the corridor is in the public's interest because it is needed to reduce congestion in the area, it stated.

Federal Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman ruled a brief stay is warranted, according to court documents. The rusty patched bumble bee was added to the endangered species list on March 21 and the county issued a press release announcing the construction on April 11, the document stated. The group did not delay in filing a lawsuit, it stated. The judge rejected the defendants' argument that the work scheduled to begin Monday would not affect the bumble bee habitat, the document stated.

"The Court finds the balance of harms weighs in favor of the plaintiffs and against the public's interest in reduced traffic congestions," the judge's order stated.

Construction crews began working at 7 a.m. but, the county stopped all work by 2:30 p.m. and a semi-truck hauled off construction equipment from a location on Longmeadow Parkway, just east of Randall Road. Other equipment sat waiting to be taken away.

Lisa Davis lives near Longmeadow Parkway and was "ecstatic at the news" Monday that construction was stopped. She joined Fritz at the protest.

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"We understand there are no guarantees but those of us fighting it believe it is the right thing to do and we are not giving up hope," Fritz said, adding Monday's action gives hope to other opponents.

Stop Longmeadow still needs help raising funds for the lawsuit and has started a GoFundMe campaign, Stop-Longmeadow-Toll-Bridge, she said. The group is also holding a public meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20 at the West Dundee Community Center on Route 72, she said.

At the county, officials were working to check out the lawsuit, Chairman Chris Lauzen said.

"We have to check out all the facets of what this delay means," Lauzen said. "I respect the process, the system and safeguards. I respect those decision need to be made by the proper authorities. I ask to just consider what this is costing the taxpayers in federal, state, Kane County and Forest Preserve funds for lawyers."

There are also costs associated with delaying construction, Lauzen said. The county's preliminary estimates show it could lose between $800,000 and $850,000 on one contract during the 11 day delay, he said.

The delay also means people won't be able to work, Lauzen said.

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Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
Baylor School has been selected to receive the installation of an active learning classroom through the Active Learning Center program, a grant initiative in its third year founded by Steelcase Education. The grant program supports both teachers and students by creating an environment that encourages engagement, collaboration and creativity.

With the installation of a classroom valued at $65,000, Baylor will positively impact teaching and support pedagogies for student engagement. Each room includes modern movable furniture, design, onsite training, installation and a pre- and post-occupancy measurement tool.

Beginning this July and ready by the start of school in late August, this Steelcase Education learning environment will be installed in the Baylor School Hedges Library by Workspace Interiors of Knoxville. This new classroom has a varied, mobile setting which encourages hands-on activities and less formal conversations. With multiple learning modes supported, students and instructors will be able to spark new thinking and understanding.

The Active Learning Center installation will transform a traditional instructor-led computer lab to a flexible space that will foster collaborative work for video projects, audio podcasts, and virtual reality environments that are part of the middle schools learning skills and media studies courses. The space will also be utilized by Baylors Learning Center, which supports upper school students in a variety of curricular areas.

Baylor School was chosen because of a demonstrated commitment to active learning, said Craig Wilson, director of Market Development for Steelcase Education. Research shows that space impacts behavior, and these classrooms will help a new group of teachers and students explore the learning possibilities an interactive space can bring.

In addition to receiving a new classroom, Baylor will receive training from Steelcase on the uses of the furniture in their new spaces, and will also have the opportunity to share insights and best practices with other awarded schools. Over the two-year program, Steelcase Education and Baylor will partner together to conduct assessments and research on the impact of the newly designed space.

We are excited to be recognized by the Active Learning Center Grant for our efforts in promoting personalized, engaged learning with our students, said Julie King, Baylors head librarian. With Steelcase Educations support, we will continue this mission and foster better collaborations between students and teachers in the classroom.

Along with Baylor, 14 other schools and universities out of over 900 applications were chosen for their unique approaches to active learning. For more information on the winners, visit the Steelcase Education website.
Sister Johanna Tremel is in charge of the food pantry at St. Celestine Catholic Church in Elmwood Park. She said she enjoys servicing the parishioners of St. Celestine.

Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?

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A: I grew up in Luxemburg, Wis. I attended a Catholic elementary school.

Q: When did you know you wanted to become a sister?

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A: When I was in seventh grade, I decided I didn't want to get married and have children. I raised my siblings. I knew I wanted to do something where I could do something more for other people.

Q: When did you come to St. Celestine?

A: I moved to Elmwood Park in 1987 and joined St. Celestine. I got involved with their food pantry.

Q: What do you do at St. Celestine?

A: Right now, I'm managing the food pantry at St. Celestine.

Q: What do you do for the food pantry?

A: I collect and I order food. I see which parishioners have a need for the food. When we need more food, I purchase it at Aldi's or the Greater Chicago Food Depository. I have volunteers who help me unload the food.

Q: What do you like the most about managing the food pantry?

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A: I meet a lot of people. I always was a people person. I like to get to know the people of the parish.

Q: What advice would you give someone who would want to be a sister?

A: They have to be willing to obey. You have to follow the rules.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: I'm hoping that God will give me another 10 years. I hope I can continue working with the parishioners of St. Celestine.

Maryann Pisano is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
On a summer night in Long Island, N.Y., a boy gazed at the moon through a telescope for the first time.

"That one event started me on a lifelong path of science and nature," said Fred Espenak.

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Espenak's early interest in astronomy led to a NASA career as an astrophysicist at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. His expertise in eclipses make Espenak an internationally requested speaker  in March, Espenak lectured in China and Hong Kong according to his website, www.mreclipse.com.

On April 22, Espenak visits the Cernan Earth and Space Center at Triton College for a special lecture on the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse.

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Espenak's lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m., followed by questions and a book signing in the lobby. Cernan Center members will have an opportunity to meet Espenak during a members-only reception at 6:30 p.m.

"It's a chance for me to mix and mingle with people and have them ask me questions one-on-one," Espenak says of the members-only reception.

A limited number of free tickets are available for Cernan Center members.

The public may purchase advance tickets by calling 708-456-0300, ext. 3372, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. Tickets are $5 for adults ages 13-54, and $3 for children 5-12 and seniors 55 and older.

Espenak encourages families to attend the lecture, and he will show slides during his presentation that will show them how they may use household items to safely view an eclipse.

"Something like a solar eclipse is accessible to everybody. You can use a colander to watch the partial phase," Espenak said.

Resources including recent books and bulletins, and tips for photographing eclipses are available on Espenak's website, .

Cernan Center director Kristine McCall believes that witnessing a celestial event such as a solar eclipse can have a lifelong impact, especially for a child. McCall missed the 1969 Apollo 11 lunar landing and 1970 east coast solar eclipse due to other family commitments.

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"These are two of the saddest things I regret missing in my childhood. Perhaps if I had witnessed one or both of them, I would have discovered my enthusiasm for space and my life's calling six years earlier," said McCall.

McCall compared a partial versus a total solar eclipse using a local metaphor.

"Here in Chicago, you might say it's the difference between playing in the World Series and winning the World Series," McCall said.

According to McCall, the Cernan Center will provide eclipse education at each public program beginning in June, and eclipse-related books and gifts will be available in the "Star Store" at the center. The Cernan Center will be open for viewing the eclipse on Aug. 21. However, as Chicago will not be in the path of totality, McCall and others encourage interested families to visit the eclipse along its path of totality.

Carbondale will have an especially long time in the moon's shadow, according to the Eclipse 2017 NASA website (https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov).

Theo Wellington is the eclipse planning coordinator at Western Kentucky University, and has heard Espenak speak "several times." She also works at the Hardin Planetarium on the campus of the university.

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Wellington is looking forward to seeing her first total eclipse, especially after hearing how it inspires others.

"I have never heard anyone say, 'Oh, it was just like I thought it would be.' Instead they tell you how emotional it was, how very beautiful, how awe inspiring," Wellington said.

"No image does justice to a total eclipse, and nothing short of standing in the moon's shadow will be the same. Not streaming on a cellphone. I can't begin to imagine how many young minds will be inspired to learn more," Wellington said.

Espenak agrees. One of the goals of his April 22 lecture at Triton will be to "impress on them what an incredible opportunity they have to see a total eclipse."

Rachel K. Hindery is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Gail Doeff, co-owner of Upstairs Cafe in Evanston, talks about the cafe's upcoming closure. (Genevieve Bookwalter \ Evanston Review) (Chicago Tribune)

The closure later this month of a popular Evanston coffee house will not only wrap up more than four years of work for its co-owners, but some customers say it cold signify the end of an era.

Evanston residents Elizabeth Hubbard, Gail Doeff and Shelley Patterson co-own the Upstairs Cafe at a Metra stop in the north suburb.

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But it is scheduled to close April 28 after the baristas couldn't reach a rental agreement with Union Pacific railroad company, which owns the property.

A coffee shop of some variety has served commuters at the Central Street station for about 35 years, Doeff said.

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"It's been a community gathering space for a long time," Doeff said.

The closure comes after a long-term lease expired between Union Pacific and the City of Evanston, both UP and city officials said.

Upstairs Cafe had been a subtenant of the city.

"We did a sublease with the coffee shop because that is the type of business we want," said Paul Zalmezak, senior economic development coordinator for the city of Evanston.

But after the 20-year lease ended, "We were spending a lot of money to maintain that space and decided we no longer wanted to do that," Zalmezak said.

Upstairs Cafe paid $760 per month in rent under the sublease agreement, which ended in 2016, city officials said.

Raquel Espinoza, spokeswoman for Union Pacific, said the company tried to negotiate a new lease with the cafe owners but an agreement could not be reached.

As a result, "We are in the process of identifying the most effective use of the space at Central Street Station to complement and enhance local economic development in the community," Espinoza said in an email.

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The Upstairs Cafe is open only from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. each day, and its crowds come in waves.

Slowly the commuters fill tables in the cozy space that is alongside the tracks at the Metra station. They pay cash for drip coffee and house-made pastries. The yellow-walled room bustles with bodies and voices, as customers pour cream and sugar and inquire about fellow Metra riders' kids.

The noise volume increases with the crowd until the train rolls in with a loud whistle, and everyone is up and out.

"Good bye! Have a good day!" Hubbard waves from behind the counter.

This scene, supporters say, is what they will miss most when the cafe closes.

"It's this wonderful sense of community and family. Strangers get to be friends," said Gale Vineyard of Evanston, holding the hard-boiled egg she bought in the cafe while waiting for her train to the Chicago Loop.

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"It just adds a bit of joy in the morning," Vineyard said.

Doeff said the three of them haven't decided where they will go next. The shorter morning shift has worked well for each of them, who still have children at home, she said.

"If you rent a storefront the rent is so much higher, so you have to be open more hours," Doeff said.

The women started the cafe because "we were looking for adventure and we came across this," Doeff said.

Now they'll probably take the summer off to regroup, she said.

Hubbard said she will miss watching cafe customers do things like swap business cards, comfort each other before surgeries and celebrate upcoming weddings.

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"I really feel for our customers," Hubbard said. "Some people come in early on purpose."

gbookwalter@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @GenevieveBook
Evanston police said they recovered loaded handguns from two men during separate traffic stops Friday, and now each of them faces weapons charges.

Virgil M. Houston, 23, of the 9400 block of Niles Center Road in Skokie, is being held at Cook County Jail on $125,000 bond, according to information from the Cook County Sheriff's office.

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Houston was charged Friday with felony unlawful use of a weapon/armed habitual criminal, misdemeanor unlawful possession of a firearm/ammunition without a Firearm Owner's Identification card, misdemeanor unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and was cited for failure to wear a seat belt, police said.

Kevin MJ Logan, 28, of the 800 block of East Capri Road in Palatine, was charged with felony unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, felony possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number and misdemeanor unlawful possession of firearm/ammunition without a Firearm Owner's Identification card, said authorities.

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According to the Cook County Sheriff's office, Logan is being held in Cook County Jail on $100,000 bond.

Police said the vehicle Houston was a rear passenger in was traveling westbound in the 2400 block of Oakton Street in Evanston around 7 p.m. Friday when officers noticed one passenger not wearing a seat belt.

The vehicle, with its three occupants, was pulled over in the 3000 block of Oakton Street in Skokie, according to Evanston police.

Officers detected the smell of cannabis coming from inside the vehicle, according to police.

Eventually during the stop, police recovered a duffel bag belonging to Houston that contained a glass jar with cannabis, packaging material and a digital scale, authorities said.

Police said a further check of the vehicle led to officers recovering a loaded Jennings-Bryco .380 caliber handgun from under the rear portion of the front passenger seat.

Houston was charged and the other two were issued city citations for minor offenses.

About four hours later that day, police stopped a vehicle at Lyons Street and Darrow Avenue because it had only one headlight, according to a police news release.

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Police said Kevin MJ Logan, who was a rear passenger in the vehicle, "quickly exited the vehicle and began to walk away while adjusting his waistband."

Logan then began running, according to police, and officers gave chase.

Officer's finally caught up with Logan in the rear of a residence in the 1700 block of Lyons Street where they observed him throw away a loaded Ruger .380 caliber handgun before he was arrested, police said in the news release.

Logan was taken into custody and the handgun was recovered, authorities said.

Each of the men were scheduled to appear in court Tuesday in Skokie.

Brian L. Cox is a freelancer
A student shared her experience working in a Chinese labor camp as her family left North Korea to come to America. A teacher shared her father's story of coming to America from former Yugoslavia.

These are two of 57 stories displayed at Glenbrook South High School by Students Organized Against Racism, agroup created this year to raise awareness around race issues, as part of an art exhibit that highlights immigrant stories within the school community, said sponsor Emily Ekstrand. The stories are pinned on a hallway wall around 114 painted cardboard butterflies, she said.

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GBS principal Lauren Fagel said she was "blown away" by the students' project idea. She added that the school does not collect data on how many students are immigrants and has "no way of guessing."

"The exhibit mostly says that we acknowledge, support and embrace everyone's story," she said. "The exhibit hit on an aspect of our diversity that maybe hasn't been brought to the forefront before, and that's this notion of immigration stories."

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Students pause in front of a display of butterflies on April 13, 2017, to read and discuss some of the stories told about immigrants in the school. The Glenbrook South High School club Students Organized Against Racism is displaying handmade butterflies to symbolize the migration of the many ethnic groups at the school. (Jon Langham / Pioneer Press)

Students involved in the organization came up with the idea on the Feb. 16 A Day Without Immigrants protest, Ekstrand said. That day, the organization held "an emergency meeting" and decided it wanted to do more to raise awareness about immigrant issues in the school, she said.

Junior Sana Bouacha said she likes reading Humans of New York, a blog that shares the stories of New York City residents, so she came up with the idea to share immigrant stories in a similar way.

"A lot of people don't really know who the immigrants are in this school, or what they go through, so I hope this project has brought an understanding to ... what an immigrant had to go through to get here," Bouacha said.

Junior Lesly Zavala said she came up with the idea for the butterflies because they "are able to roam freely ... with no borders."

The project is meant to "humanize" the immigrant experience, Zavala said.

Ekstrand said the art exhibit, installed over spring break, keeps growing because more teachers and students have submitted stories and butterflies to include in the project. Many teachers are bringing students down during class time to read and discuss the stories, she said.

Junior Susana Nunez said her story addressed the discrimination her family has faced over the years, like her father being told to speak English instead of Spanish. Nunez also wrote about how after her parents became legal residents, her aunts asked her parents to adopt their children in case the aunts get deported, she said.

Glenbrook South High School social studies teacher Emily Ekstrand talks with students in the club Students Organized Against Racism on April 13, 2017, as they head back to class after checking out their butterfly exhibit on display. The club is displaying handmade butterflies to symbolize the migration of the many ethnic groups at the school. (Jon Langham / Pioneer Press)

Senior Omar Haddad, who came from Jordan last June for a better education, wrote about his appreciation that U.S. citizens "are all one." He said he wanted to write a story because many people assume Jordan is "a war zone," but he wanted them to realize it is "a beautiful country."

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"My story is about human rights and how we should accept others and love others," he said.

Junior Angelena Sanchez wrote about her father's experience of "whitewashing" himself to fit into American culture, and her experience of others making her feel "less American" because she is white, Hispanic and black.

"The whole point of this was to make people realize that not everyone has the same privilege ... and to branch out equality and to make everyone feel welcome here," Sanchez said.

The exhibit will stay up until the end of the school year, Fagel said.

akukulka@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @Akukulka11
Logan Kang, 2, is eager for the start of the April 15 egg hunt at Sunset Woods Park. (Denys Bucskten / Pioneer Press)

In just 60 seconds, 1,700 plastic eggs were gone as hundreds of young children rushed into roped-off areas at Sunset Woods Park on April 15.

Park District of Highland Park officials said this year's Easter egg hunt was one of the largest crowds in the event's history as warm, sunny weather drew eager parents and children to the park in the heart of the city.

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The hunt's rules divided children into three age groups with a stated limit of 10 eggs per child.

Cathy Fiori, recreation supervisor, said employees circulated immediately after the hunt, identifying children who had come up empty handed and giving them eggs to take home.

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A dozen plastic eggs were "golden eggs" with certificates redeemable for prizes, including free time at Deer Creek Courts, a three-foot stuffed bunny, slip 'n slide toys, water balloon launchers and for one winner, a family pass to the city's Hidden Creek Aquapark.

Phoenix Downing, 8, had a strategy that netted her a golden egg that she redeemed for a basket of toys.

Her mother Sitapa Downing said her daughter stood behind the rope line prior to the start, looking intently for a golden egg. Phoenix ignored all the eggs nearest her and made a straight line for the golden egg, her mother said.

Prior to the event, costumed characters dressed as bunnies and chickens circulated among the children as music and an emcee kept the crowd engaged before the egg rush.

The Easter bunny arrived in a horse-drawn carriage, inviting countless photos by smart-phone wielding parents.

Denys Bucksten is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Keo-Kio, McCallies preeminent senior leadership organization, welcomed 12 new members from the Class of 2018, inviting juniors to join the group in a Chapel ceremony.

The senior leadership organization honors students for their leadership, service and loyalty to the school and its abiding principles.



One of the schools oldest organizations, Keo-Kio is instrumental in planning annual events such as the winter semi formal dance, Duck Day, community service projects and supporting new campus activities. The group also raises funds and distributes them to events and efforts made by other organizations at the school.

The 13 new inductees, including seven boarders and six day students, are:

Dewayne Bingham, Chattanooga

Xavier Brooks, Ooltewah

Andrew Cook, Birmingham, Ala.

Chris Duncan, Lookout Mountain, Tenn.

Graham Hartness, Chattanooga

Jack Jestus, Chattanooga

Will Klein, Ashland, Ky.

John Knox, North Augusta, S.C.

Allen Liu, Chattanooga

Logan Russell, Nassau, Bahamas

Grant Smith, Charleston, Tenn.

Hugh Steel, Chattanooga


Community members who missed the opportunity to snatch up tickets for two evening events during Focus on the Arts still have a chance to experience the flavor of Highland Park High School's arts festival.

Thirty-five artists and groups working in a variety visual media will be on hand from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26 to demonstrate their crafts as they work on a piece in progress.

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The Chicago Woodturners will demonstrate their technique of using a wood lathe to craft functional items and fine art, as they will be doing for students during a dozen daytime workshop sessions.

The artists will be working in a multitude of media including body painting, plaster relief sculpture, jewelry, glass, plastic bottle caps, sticky notes, ceramics, oil patinas on copper, origami and special effects and theatrical makeup.

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Art Night will take place in the Highland Park High School cafeteria, the student commons and the surrounding corridors. The adult artists will be joined by 25 student artists exhibiting their work.

Karen Berkowitz
The Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 Board voted to extend its contract with First Student. (Chuck Fieldman / Pioneer Press)

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 expects to spend about $212,000 more for school bus service for the 2017-18 school year than is the case for 2016-17.

The District 181 Board Monday approved adding an additional year to a three-year contract with First Student, which expires June 30.

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"We have negotiated a 4 percent increase in our current rates for the 2017- 18 school year," said Ken Surma, District 181's assistant superintendent of business & operations. "While this is a larger increase than normal, it is based on salary and benefit increases to employees of the vendor."

The 4 percent increase to the $1.8 million contract accounts for $72,000 of the $212,000 total.

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The remaining $140,000 in additional expense for school bus service is due to a March 13 board decision to move back the start of the school day at Hinsdale Middle School and Clarendon Hills Middle School.

Starting this fall, middle school students will begin the day at 8:25 a.m. and be dismissed at 3:15 p.m. Currently, they start school at 7:55 a.m. and are finished at 2:45 p.m. There will be no change for the district's seven elementary schools, which are in session from 8:40 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

"With times for the middle schools that begin next year, bus routes will not be able to be paired between the middle schools and the elementary schools," Surma said, noting that a paired route allows the same school bus to pick up and drop off students at the middle school before picking up and dropping off students at the elementary schools.

The district has seven paired bus routes in the morning and none in the afternoon.

"Having paired routes provides efficiency in pupil transportation and reduces costs," Surma said.

Superintendent Don White said he and the board were aware there would be an increase in bus costs because of the change in middle school start and ending times.

"It came in higher than I anticipated, but this is something being budgeted for," he said.

White said he hopes to have a transportation audit completed, just as Hinsdale High School District 86 recently did, in hopes of finding potential transportation savings through better efficiency of bus routes.

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Changes made in District 86, following its transportation audit, are expected to save the district about $20,000 next year, said James Regan, a managing partner with Capital Works Consulting Group, which completed the audit.

"We also may look into going out to bid next year with District 86 and possibly some other districts in the area," White said, adding that using bus service from a school district with its own vehicles is another option to be considered.

cfieldman@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @chuckwriting
Thessalonika Arzu-Embry rushes.

She rushed to finish her bachelor's degree by age 14 and her master's degree by 16. The 18-year-old is rushing to wrap up her Ph.D. in business psychology at Capella University in the fall.

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"If I see opportunity to go forward, I would say, 'Why slow it down?'" Arzu-Embry said. "It's best to go through it and take advantage of the opportunity, because it will help other people as a whole; it will help businesses and society."

Arzu-Embry, who recently moved from the North Chicago area to Chicago, is writing her dissertation on dreams, which she said a lot of people think of as "junk mail" but can be an interesting way of looking at what they're experiencing in life.

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She's also pursuing her various business enterprises, developing apps for Google and Apple systems, pushing her books and attending speaking engagements. She hopes to use her doctorate to contract with companies in the aviation industry to help them adjust for human factors and keep employees from doing bad things while in the air.

Arzu-Embry also mentors 11-year-old Dorothy Jean Tillman, who has completed her associate's degree, through her Jump the Education Barrier program.

Tillman's mother, Jimalita Hunter, said she remembers meeting Arzu-Embry during the 2013-14 school year. She had seen articles Arzu-Embry had written and seen her speak once, and was impressed.

Hunter said she liked that family was important to Arzu-Embry, that her program allowed children like her daughter to just be a kid and that she talks to her daughter about social issues as well as the academic. It helps to get advice from someone who is "not her mother and is close to her age."

The businesses are a family affair, said Arzu-Embry's mother, Wonder Embry, a Navy veteran who, along with her older son, Jeremy Embry, joined her daughter in Chicago for a meeting about developing an app. The siblings are working on their doctorate degrees after getting their bachelor's and master's degrees at young ages.

"To be successful with anyone, it takes a whole team," Wonder Embry said. "It takes a family. It takes love. It takes commitment, planning, lots of things, so when one person succeeds in a family, all succeed in a family. That's how we tend to see things."

Arzu-Embry first became interested in aviation through her father, Carlos Arzu, an Air Force veteran who still works in the industry. Her earliest memories of being in a plane date to when she was just 2 or 3, with the flights the military family would take from one small airport to another.

She loved traveling, and started flying lessons about two years ago, she said. At an air show when Arzu-Embry was about 5 years old, she got to sit in a plane and an instructor showed her how it worked.

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Arzu-Embry started college early too, attending courses with her mother, who was pursuing a psychology degree while home-schooling her children. Arzu-Embry eventually started attending classes at the College of Lake County, where she thought her interests would lie in medicine. But like her mother, she became more intrigued with how the brain works.

The interest in psychology was helpful as Arzu-Embry pursued her schooling, helping her overcome and respond to questions involving her age as she sought the necessary approvals to enroll in academic programs, she said. She's still encountering those barriers in the business world, but she finds that knowing how to speak the language  be it with developers or those in another industry  helps people know that she's qualified.

"When children are born, they don't know anything and they depend on their parents to walk, to talk, to use the potty, to read and to do all these things. And then at some point, then they start to get it on their own," Wonder Embry said. "That's what happened with Thessa. She began to catch on quick.

"When she was going to college with me, she became my study partner. I would talk to her about my schoolbooks and ideas. Then she would start giving her opinion about it and participating in the assignment."

Embry added that she wasn't surprised, saying both of her children seemed to quickly catch on to things, and she tried to use everything as a learning opportunity. She said she was pretty strict but in a loving way, applying her background in the Navy to her parenting, encouraging them to get up early and work hard.

The approach worked for Arzu-Embry, who encourages other students "to keep going, know their academic plan, have a plan while they're going through school  don't be aimless," and to find a support system if they don't have one.

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emcoleman@tribpub.com

Twitter @mekcoleman
A concrete curb is constructed in downtown Libertyville Tuesday in front of Village Hall. Construction season is set to take off with the arrival of warm days and non-freezing nights. (Frank Abderholden / Lake County News-Sun)

April showers have delayed the start of a lot of roadwork in Lake County, but construction season is poised to take off now in the coming weeks as cones and barrels go up to redirect traffic.

"April has just been rain day after rain day," said Glenn Petko, engineer of construction for the Lake County Division of Transportation. "But now the construction zones are starting to come to life."

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And while construction speed zones can seem like an inconvenience to some motorists, Petko said commuters should remember that the zones are for a motorist's safety as well. So far on county projects, Petko could not think of the last time there was a serious accident in a construction zone.

"There's none that I'm aware of, and that's good news," he said. "And while it's true the speed limits are for the safety of workers, it's also for the safety of motorists, because the pavement markings may not be the same and the roadway can take a turn you aren't used to.

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Westbound Grand Avenue in Gurnee was backed up Tuesday afternoon before rush hour almost to Green Bay Road in Waukegan as utility work took place prior to construction on a replacement railroad bridge this summer. (Frank Abderholden / Lake County News-Sun)

"Slow down, pay attention, use hands-free if you are on a cellphone," he added. "This is so everyone can go home safely."

This year, the county has more resurfacing projects than normal and there are fewer long-term projects getting started, although the Washington Street Thoroughfare near Grayslake is one of the bigger projects in the approximately $94 million of roadwork slated for this year.

"That is actually two projects  the underpass on Washington Street and the intersection improvements ay Hainesville Road west of the bridge," Petko said. He added that the "shoofly," or temporary railroad bridge, is gone west of Lake Street, and crews just need to finish the roadway.

"They are waiting for a gap in the rain to get started with that," he said, adding that the underpass should be in place by the middle of summer.

Over near Gurnee and Waukegan, utility work is already backing up westbound traffic on Grand Avenue at Route 41, where work on a new railroad bridge has begun. This summer, crews will build a shoofly bridge for the train, and the $19.8 million project is not scheduled to be done until spring of 2019, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation's road construction schedule.

It's that time of year to slow down for roadwork, like this operation on Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville where the reflectors in the pavement were being removed and replaced Tuesday afternoon. (Frank Abderholden / Lake County News-Sun)

The bridge replacement and intersection widening is the final piece of the Route 41 at Route 132 interchange improvement project.

The other state projects include a $2.8 million project on Route 59 from Grand Avenue to Highwoods Drive in Lake Villa for resurfacing, intersection work and new traffic signals; a $2.6 million project on Route 22 from Cherry Hill Road to Bertha Lane in North Barrington for resurfacing and traffic signal installation at Old Barrington Road; and a $620,000 project on Grand Avenue from Ferndale Street to Greenview Street in Gurnee.

Aaron Lawlor, chairman of the Lake County Board, said in a statement that, "The past few years, we've done some very big expansion projects, which have made a significant impact on addressing congestion. But this year, I think the heavier focus on preserving our system is equally as important.

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"Spending tax dollars responsibly to perform preservation improvements at the right time saves dollars down the road," Lawlor said.

Petko said the county normally includes three to five full resurfacing projects annually, but this year, 15 are on the schedule, and some roadways, like Rollins Road between Grayslake and Round Lake Beach, are also slated for micro-surfacing, which is a mixture of aggregate, cement and liquid asphalt. It's faster and cheaper.

It's that time of year to slow down for roadwork, like this utility operation on Grand Avenue and Route 41 where a railroad bridge is going to be replaced after a temporary "shoofly bridge" is built this summer. (Frank Abderholden / Lake County News-Sun)

"We feel we've had good success with it," Petko said, noting the roadway can dry in a few hours with the right conditions and reopen for traffic. Full road resurfacing takes about three months.

Division of Transportation Director Paula Trigg said that over the past few years, the county has increased its efforts to connect with residents and motorists through the real-time traffic information network called Lake County PASSAGE, where motorists can find an interactive construction map to show where and what is being worked on.

"You can sign-up for the specific information you are interested in hearing about," Trigg said in a statement. "We understand that residents want to know what to expect when they hit the roads, and we urge everyone to take advantage of these tools and resources."

fabderholden@tribpub.com

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A week after an online petition raised questions about too much pressure being put on Naperville students to succeed, representatives from the city's school districts, police department and social service agencies will meet to address the teen suicides that have occurred this year.

While the student deaths have not been tied to academic pressure, what comes from the conversation could be a positive step toward what Naperville North junior Tessa Newman hoped to accomplish with her petition: changing a high school atmosphere heavily tied to perfectionism.

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During Monday's school board meeting, Naperville District 203 Superintendent Dan Bridges said, "I have to be honest; we can't do it alone.

"We need each other and our community partners  people we can depend on to support us and provide us with the resources maybe that we don't have," he said.

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Bridges and Indian Prairie District 204 Superintendent Karen Sullivan said they will meet this week with Naperville Police Chief Robert Marshall and community agencies, including 360 Youth Services and KidsMatter, to discuss ways to improve their outreach to students and the community.

An essay Tessa wrote as part of the "Naperville North Pressure Culture Must Change" petition on Change.org suggests recent deaths and drug use by students in Naperville may be, in part, the result of kids being pressured to be perfect.

Tessa was inspired to write the essay not only in response to the most recent death of a Naperville North student, but also by her high school's reaction.

She said she dreaded attending school Wednesday because she believes the staff didn't really want to hear what she wanted to say. "All they want to hear is that we're OK," she said.

The 1,458-word essay written in the wee hours of the morning was Tessa's response.

"She wrote it because she was frustrated. It was her therapy," said her mother, Cheryl Newman.

In the essay, Tessa said students often are pushed to take college-prep and Advance Placement courses and to participate in multiple extracurricular activities in leadership roles to improve their chances of getting into the best colleges.

Students who don't follow that path or who don't excel are often looked down upon, and Tessa called out the school community to "stop paving the one true path to success."

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Friends urged her to post her essay as a petition on Change.org. She was surprised how quickly it spread on social media and how it struck a chord not only with Naperville students and parents but with school districts with similar demographics in the Chicago area and across the county.

Other than a perceived cold response from school officials, Tessa said the only real negative reaction she received was from students who've adapted to the culture of success.

Tessa is no slacker, and she admits some of the stress expressed in her essay is of her own design.

This semester she's taking two AP courses, and she's never had a full lunch period because of her desire to participate in both band and choir.

She's also loaded with extracurricular activities, such as serving as drum major in the marching band, performing in the school musical and singing in five different choirs. And that doesn't take into account the music and voice lessons and theatrical productions that are a part her life outside of school.

When she's felt overwhelmed with the pressure, Tessa said she's asked for assistance, sometimes for extra time to complete an assignment.

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Growing up as a child actor has helped Tessa become accustomed to failure because she's been turned down numerous times for roles in film, television, theater and advertising. It's something she's always brushed off, she said.

That changed when she entered high school.

"I want to say it's OK to fail," Tessa said. "When I don't get there, it's invalidating."

Her mother said the district does well to prepare students for college but questions if it might be too much.

Cheryl Newman said her son is studying chemistry at the University of Alabama and has found the college course to be much easier than his class at Naperville North.

"Should high school classes be harder than college classes?" the Naperville mom asked.

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"It's extremely hard to be a parent," Newman said. "You want to raise a child who is kind and resilient.

"And then you want the child to be happy. Every child is different. What does it take to make this child happy?" she said.

subaker@tribpub.com

Twitter @SBakerSun1
A member of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education responds to a question from Naperville Central High School world culture students on Monday. (Suzanne Baker / Naperville Sun)

Students and teachers from Naperville Central High School learned this week that education  even college  is free in Saudi Arabia and that students are separated by gender and learn about Islam just as they do math, science and reading.

Students, mostly freshmen, in world cultures classes listened Monday as Saudi school principals and members of the country's ministry of education shared details on school life in the Middle Eastern country. The visit was an extension of the Illinois Global Scholar program spearheaded by Naperville Central social studies teacher Seth Brady.

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Last year, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation allowing students to earn a special seal -- known as Global Scholar Certification  on their transcripts and diplomas. It will be awarded to students who attain significant expertise in the area of global competencies.

The visit by educators from Saudi Arabia and a recent stop by a group from Indonesia reflects the type of programming the Illinois Global Scholar program provides.

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"It's really such an asset to have them here," said Brady, who also serves as project director of Illinois Global Scholar. "It's nice to see the fruits come back into the school."

Brady said the timing of the visit was perfect because students just completed a unit on the Middle East.

Speaking mostly through an interpreter, delegation members were asked by students to compare Saudi schools to those in the United States. They said that, for the most part, schools are very similar when it comes to technology and curriculum, but the system is centralized and free within the country. Students who wish to attend college abroad have the opportunity for grants and scholarships.

The stop in Naperville was the second for the delegation, which previously toured a charter school and elementary school in the Washington, D.C., area. Members said Naperville Central High School would be the largest on their itinerary.

The group indicated Saudi schools are going through a transition and the information it's gathering on incorporating technology into the curriculum will be evaluated for possible implementation.

subaker@tribpub.com

Twitter @SBakerSun1
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster talks about the importance of federal funding for arts organizations. Also pictured, from left, are Rena Calabrese, president and CEO of Naper Settlement; Donna Sack; vice president community engagement and audience at Naper Settlement; Katie Arko, vice president of development at Paramount Theatre; and Brian Lynch, director of North Central College's fine arts program. (Erin Hegarty / Naperville Sun)

President Donald Trump's proposed cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts would not only be felt by local theaters, arts organizations and museums, but by local businesses and community members, U.S. Rep. Bill Foster and local art leaders said.

Foster, D-Naperville, hosted a discussion at Aurora's Paramount Theatre Tuesday to examine how a reduction in arts funding would affect local communities. Representatives from such groups as Naper Settlement and North Central College in Naperville, the Paramount and the Fox Valley Music Foundation participated.

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Phones in his Washington, D.C., office have been "ringing off the hook" in response to the many federal budget cuts proposed, including arts grants, Foster said.

"The National Endowment for the Arts distributes money to all 50 states and they try to do their best to distribute to rural and suburban areas," Foster said. "It's one of the great things about the program. It raises the awareness of culture throughout the population."

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Steve Warrenfeltz, executive director of the Fox Valley Music Foundation, center, talks about the importance of art funding. Also pictured, from left, are Donna Sack, vice president of community engagement and audience at Naper Settlement; Katie Arko, vice president of development for the Paramount Theatre in Aurora; and Tim Rater, president and CEO of the Paramount. (Erin Hegarty / Naperville Sun)

Arts grants don't just help fund projects and raise awareness, they also provide leverage when an organization is seeking donations and other grants because they carry a certain amount of prestige, said Rena Calabrese, president and CEO of Naper Settlement.

"When a corporation is looking at donating, they're looking at who's getting grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for Humanities," Calabrese said. "They know that those projects go through a rigorous approval process and are vetted."

There's a misconception that museums and arts organizations get all of their money on a silver platter from the federal government, Calabrese said. "It isn't the only source of funding. All of us look for funding in a lot of other places," including donors and sponsors, she said.

And when cuts are made to arts, humanities and museum funding, it's the residents who pay the price, she said.

"People often think when they cut funding, they're taking the money away from the museums, but they're taking it away from the community," Calabrese said.

While Naperville's North Central College doesn't have any programs currently being funded by NEA grants, it has been able to bring several ballet programs to the school thanks to federal funding, said Brian Lynch, director of NCC's fine arts program.

Brian Lynch, director of North Central College's Fine Arts program, talks about what cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts would mean locally. Also pictured, from left, are Steve Warrenfeltz, executive director of the Fox Valley Music Foundation; Tim Rater, president and CEO of the Paramount Theatre in Aurora; Rena Calabrese, president and CEO of Naper Settlement in Naperville; and U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville. (Erin Hegarty / Naperville Sun)

Such art events have secondary benefit of helping a community's economy, arts leaders agreed.

"Where else can you get 1,800 people in one space and then they all leave hungry, ready to visit local restaurants," Lynch said. Cutting federal funding for the arts is "like cutting off a leg," Lynch said. "It's sabotaging a piece of the economic engine."

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Foster agreed.

"If you look at the economic return on investment, for every dollar you spend on things like productions at the Paramount Theatre, you get about $7 of economic activity back in your community," Foster said. "It makes our country wealthier, not only culturally, but economically."

It is encouraging to know people are concerned about arts funding and that Foster is interested in hearing from local arts leaders, said Katie Arko, Paramount's vice president of development.

It can be difficult for theaters outside of Chicago to raise money, Arko said.

"But the National Endowment for the Arts doesn't care that we're a little outside of Chicago," she said. "They care about the work we're doing. It's allowed us to bring additional funding in for new programs."

"Selling music outside of Chicago is equally as difficult," said Steve Warrenfeltz, executive director of the Fox Valley Music Foundation.

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The foundation was founded in 2014, and shortly after received a small grant to help preserve and promote blues recordings done in Aurora's Leland Tower during the 1930s. The foundation is restoring sound quality in addition to preserving the work, Warrenfeltz said.

The Paramount recently received a "modest" grant for a new musical, which allowed them to hire someone to work on the show's program, President and CEO Tim Rater said.

Blues on the Fox, held annually at RiverEdge Park in Aurora, is also partially funded by grant money from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Foster encouraged residents to contact their elected representatives about arts funding.

"People come to the Paramount Theatre from six congressional districts, and every one of them should be contacting their representative saying when that appropriations letter from the NEA comes up, sign onto it," Foster said. "We do pay attention to constituents contacting us."

ehegarty@tribpub.com
Food service on the UTC campus is undergoing several changes, including new restaurants, new facilities and new choices in meal plans.

A strong food service operation is a vital part of any campus community, says Dr. Richard L. Brown, executive vice chancellor for Finance, Operations and Information Technology. UTC is no exception and we strive to offer our students, faculty and staff the absolute best dining experience on-campus.

Among the changes are:

A Panda Express and a Steak n Shake will be added to the Scrappys Food Court in the University Center. Scrappys Mug will be renovated and become a Provisions on Demand Market with Starbucks replacing the existing Java City. The project will be complete by the start of the fall.

Crossroads, the all-you-can eat dining location, will undergo a complete renovation, including additional seating both inside and out. Along with Crossroads current offerings, new choices will include a produce market, a sandwich shop, a Mongolian grill, breakfast, pizza and a bakery. The project is set to begin in summer 2018 and be finished by the start of fall 2018.

The new West Campus Housing will open in fall 2018 with several new dining options, including an Einstein Bros. Bagels and a POD Market. Dippers, which features a variety of Southern fried and grilled chicken options also will be in the residence hall.

Beginning in the fall 2018, freshman students living on-campus will have four flexible meal plans from which to choose, including enhanced Mocs Bucks, exchange meals and guest meals. Sophomore students living on-campus will be able to choose any freshman plan or a more flexible plan exclusively with Mocs Bucks.

Also beginning in the fall 2018, junior and senior students living on-campus will no longer be required to purchase a mandatory meal plan. Flexible voluntary plans, as well as the mandatory plans available to freshman and sophomores, will be open to these students if they choose.
Northbrook gets an average of 26 firefighters to every structure fire, Deputy Fire Chief Dan Quinn said. Here, firefighters rest after striking a fire Oct. 4, 2016 in the 1800 block of Oak Avenue. (Irv Leavitt / Pioneer Press)

The Insurance Services Office has rated the Northbrook Fire Department at its highest rate possible, Class 1, placing it among the top 243 departments of a total 47,000 nationwide, according to village officials.

It's been a long road to the honor for the department, which was rated at Class 5 at the beginning of 1996. The department jumped two rungs to Class 3 that year and improved to Class 2 about three years later, village officials said.

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On a 100-point system, the rating awards a possible 50 points for fire operations, 40 for firefighting water availability, and 10 for communications, according to the ISO. Northbrook cleared the 90-point Class 1 hurdle with 91.72.

"It's a big change," said Northbrook Trustee A.C. Buehler, long-time head of the Northbrook Village Board's Public Safety Committee. "I'm really proud of the fire department, and also public works. It shows very well for us as an organization."

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He said the fire department has "done a lot of work through the last couple of evaluations, training, staffing."

He said that dispatching "has been a big component, and so has automatic aid," the system of having equipment and firefighters automatically sent from cooperating neighboring departments to areas they're closer to.

The rating organization has become more accepting of automatic aid, in recent years, recognizing that in dense suburban areas, it makes sense to share resources, said Northbrook Fire Department Deputy Chief Dan Quinn.

"And we're all-in on automatic aid," Quinn said. In some parts of north Northbrook, the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Protection District "has a station on Waukegan Road 7/10th of a mile away, when for us, it would be a three-and-a-half mile run."

Northbrook's response time has been inching up in recent years, Quinn acknowledged, adding that the steady growth of the village and the call load has been responsible for the increases. But through use of full-time firefighters, paid-on-call part-timers, automatic aid, and non-automatic mutual aid, Northbrook averages 26 people at every structure fire, he said, compared to the 15 that ISO looks for.

And Illinois, typically, gets it done that way now, perhaps more than any other state, he said. Recognition by ISO that mutual and automatic aid is an efficient way of responding to emergencies may be part of the reason, he said, that the number of Class 1 departments has tripled to about a dozen in about a decade, he added. Other towns with the top rating include Skokie, Arlington Heights, Downers Grove and Westmont.

ISO, which sells its rating information to insurance companies, declined comment about Northbrook's new rating, and referred questions to Northbrook officials.

Northbrook officials have recommended that property owners ask insurers if they qualify for a discount after July 1, when the new rating takes effect. But they have said that ISO ratings are often not considered in Illinois premium rate-setting, especially in residential underwriting

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Some insurance companies are on record as preferring to use their own history of fire service to customers, as opposed to ISO's. Allstate, based in an unincorporated area near Northbrook, uses ISO, but other factors, too.

"All carriers treat town class differently," said Allstate's Meghan Sporleder. "There's no one way that carriers approach this."

Other drivers of premium costs include "whether there's been a claim, and the age of the home." She said that some carriers group together classes 1, 2 and 3 as equal.

The top ISO rating is important to fire service professionals as a gauge of how well a department is doing the business of putting out fires.

"It's a sense of pride, to achieve and maintain that credential," Quinn said.

He said that Northbrook has kept up with its necessary training, equipment and firefighting techniques as a matter of course, and reaching Class 1 status didn't cost taxpayers anything extra.

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Northbrook Trustee Todd Heller, a long-time member of the Safety Committee and head of the Public Works Committee, agreed.

"This is very gratifying to me to see this," added Heller, in his last weeks on the Village Board. "You get all the grief, the calls, all the media is about development  and development that doesn't affect many people. But this is what you do as a trustee  police, fire, public works, stormwater."

ileavitt@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @IrvLeavitt
A dozen Oak Park and River Forest High School artists transitioned to their pitchman hats during a recent meeting with Forest Preserve District of Cook County staff.

Inside the board room at the high school April 17, the art students unveiled their three designs for public art pieces to be displayed at forest preserve property in River Forest.

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The students created three models of proposed larger art pieces titled "Branch," "Rose," and "Fish," which use walls made out of cordwood to create sculptures in a variety of shapes and sizes.

"This is a community and student collaborative effort," Division Head of Fine and Applied Arts Sarah Roodhouse said. "It also offers us a way of celebrating community art. The students have been working on and off since the fall on these pieces."

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School officials said the project was made possible with a $70,000 grant and a partnership with professional artists from Transit Studio, who have been working with students to create the sculptures.

Students have already met with Transit artists Jamie Topper, Laura Miracle and Peter Krysko for five, three-hour sessions on Saturdays, and were eager to present their proposals to forest preserve staff.

"When we were at Thatcher Woods, we saw kids running and playing, and those are the people we want interacting with these pieces," freshman Charlotte True said.

As the client, Forest Preserve District officials said they hope to install one large art piece at its headquarters at 536 N. Harlem Ave., in River Forest. The students are also expected to create two smaller pieces for display at Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 Chicago Ave., and the Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., both in River Forest.

The OPRF students are expected to use feedback gathered from forest preserve staff to refine their proposals, and forest preserve officials are expected to choose a primary design for the art pieces at a later date.

sschering@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @steveschering
Police in Oak Park are searching for two men, one who robbed a delivery driver at gunpoint and another who attempted to hijack a second delivery driver in separate incidents during the night of April 12.

In the first incident, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a man approached a food delivery driver who had just completed a delivery and was sitting in her car in the 1100 block of North Humphrey Avenue, police said. According to a police summary of the report, the man opened the driver's side door while reaching inside his pocket and told the delivery driver to get out of the vehicle. The delivery driver did not comply and drove away, police said.

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The suspect is described as a black man in his 20s, standing between 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-10, with a slim build and wearing a light gray hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans, police said.

At 9:07 p.m. that same night, a man sitting inside his delivery truck in the 100 block of Washington Boulevard told police a man entered the truck through one of the rear doors. The suspect displayed a black handgun and demanded money, police said. The victim gave the man $50 in cash and an iPhone, and the man fled from the truck on foot on westbound Washington Boulevard, police said.

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The second suspect is described as a black man between 30 and 40 years old, standing 6 feet tall, wearing a black skull cap with "Chicago" in white letters on the front, a gray pullover sweater and black sweat pants.

Anyone with information about either crime is asked to contact the Oak Park Police Department at 708-434-1636.

sschering@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @steveschering
(left to right) Stephanie Guralnick, Ellen Morgan, Lily Tushman and Sydney Lupo, all seniors at Oak Park and River Forest High School, are headed to San Diego from April 26-30 for the national Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. (Ellen Morgan / Pioneer Press)

A record-setting four Oak Park and River Forest High School students will represent the school at a national science symposium this month.

Ellen Morgan, Sydney Lupo, Stephanie Guralnick and Lily Tushman will attend the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium April 26-30 in San Diego. It's the first time more than one student representing OPRF has advanced to nationals, and it's an all-female group.

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"I think that's also really exciting," Tushman said.

Morgan, Lupo, Guralnick and Tushman, all seniors, are students of Allison Hennings' Investigational Research, Design and Innovation course at the high school. OPRF is one of the few high schools in the country to have such a course, said Hennings, who created the class six years ago.

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The class has students select a particular STEM topic and seek out a published expert in that area who becomes a mentor. Then they conduct an experiment, compile their research and findings, and enter their projects in various science symposiums. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.

Hennings said she's seen exceptional collaboration and perseverance from the group during the year. The students' experiments produced results that showed the potential for noninvasive tests to detect diabetes and possible therapy improvements for stroke patients.

They've been recognized at other science symposiums this year, too, Hennings added.

"I think they've done an amazing job," she said. "They're really a strong group of students.  They were really open to looking at things from a different perspective."

Tushman said the class has not only taught them how to conduct advanced research, but also fosters networking and professional connections that benefit the students.

"This is hands-down the hardest class I've ever taken, and I've taken a lot of hard classes," Tushman said. "We're really lucky to have this class at OPRF."

Lupo, who conducted her research on bones at a lab at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, said each student is passionate about her topic, and it feels great to be recognized for that.

"I've been interested in stem cells, cell biology, genetics for a long time. This project was really a great chance for me to explore that interest," Morgan said of her experiment.

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After winning $1,500 at the regional level in March, Morgan will present her experiment and compete at nationals, with the chance of winning $12,000. Lupo, Guralnick and Tushman will give poster presentations of their work.

All four said they look forward to attending nationals simply to hear and learn about research conducted by their peers.

"It's like listening to TED talks all day long," Guralnick said, "and talking with people who are just as geeky about it as you."

Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
After years of contract-related disputes between Park Ridge's public works union and the city, the two have reached an agreement on a new labor deal  two years after its start date.

The Park Ridge City Council on April 5 unanimously voted to approve a four-year contract with Operating Engineers Local 150, which is retroactive to May 1, 2015 and extends through April 30, 2019.

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The contract covers 28 full-time employees, said Mike Suppan, human services manager for the city. The union's membership has also ratified the contract, he said.

Under the terms of the contract, which is now nearing the end of its second year, employees will receive retroactive pay raises of 1 percent for the first year of the contract and 2 percent for the second year, Suppan said.

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For the third year of the contract, which begins May 1, employees will receive a 2 percent raise that is split between May and November, followed by a 2.5 percent raise in the fourth year, he added.

The contract also calls for employees to pay a higher percentage of their insurance premiums, Suppan said. According to the contract language, employees will pay 13 percent of the premium, which Suppan explained is up from the previous 10 percent they had paid.

"This was the only group [of city employees] that wasn't at the 13 percent," he said.

This provision is retroactive to Aug. 1, 2016, according to the contract.

The full contract can be found on the city's website.

Public works employees joined Operating Engineers Local 150 in 2006, after previously being represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 73.

Contract disputes between the city and the public works union began in 2013, when the late mayor David Schmidt vetoed the City Council's approval of the employees' contact. At the time, he said the three-year contact increased city expenses by approximately $25,000 per year, which did not reflect the city's requirement that it be "cost-neutral."

Aldermen voted to override the veto, allowing the contract to stand, but the union then alleged that the city increased health insurance rates without its approval.

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Local 150 returned before the City Council, seeking to amend the contract with a provision allowing health insurance to be purchased through the union, not the city, but Schmidt again vetoed the contract. This time, the veto was upheld by aldermen, leading to a legal battle between the city and union over the health insurance issue and resulting in unfair labor practice claims filed by both sides. Employees also staged a public protest and demonstration against Schmidt outside City Hall in November 2014.

In March of last year, one year after Schmidt's death, the Illinois Labor Relations Board reinforced an administrative law judge's 2015 ruling that the city violated labor laws when it lifted caps on the monthly insurance premiums paid by union employees.

Suppan said prior to this month's approval of the new contract, employees were paid wages set under the 2013 contract.

jjohnson@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @Jen_Tribune
A former Porter County Sheriff's Department deputy awaiting extradition in Illinois after felony charges related to the alleged injury of his then-infant son last year were filed against him.

Curtis Jones, 47, of Crown Point, is charged with battery resulting in serious bodily injury to a person less than 14 years of age; aggravated battery; and neglect of a dependent. He is awaiting extradition to Porter County from the Will County Jail, Joliet, Ill., according to a release from the sheriff's department.

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Jones was hired as an officer in 1996 by then-Sheriff Larry Dembinski. Jones resigned in 2005, when Sheriff David Reynolds was in his second term of office, according to Sgt. Jamie Erow, the department's public information officer.

The charges and arrest stem from an incident that allegedly took place July 24, 2016, at Jones' residence in rural Porter Township, according to the release. At the time, his 7-month-old son was transported to St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart and later transported to Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago when he showed signs of neurological damage and swelling of the brain.

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Accidental head trauma and preexisting medical conditions were ruled out during the course of an extensive investigation and with medical examinations performed by the doctors at Lurie, the release said.

Detectives with the sheriff's department filed the felony charges Thursday against Jones, according to the release. On Friday, detectives received information that Jones had left Northwest Indiana and was staying in Mokena, Ill.

Detectives contacted the Mokena Police Department, which assisted in locating Jones. He was taken into custody around 11:15 a.m. Friday without incident by the Mokena Police Department and transported to their county jail, police said.

Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Barry Jones of Markham, Ill., works with his dog Ceasar as EP team leader John Brandender practices the heel commands. (Sue Ellen Ross / Post-Tribune)

Barry Jones of Markham, Ill., found much more meaning to life after his dog Ceasar came to live with him. Part of that new outlook is due to the responsibility the U.S. Navy veteran has taken on to teach his canine to become his service dog.

A recent training session, sponsored by Empowering Patriots, found the two learning specific obedience tasks. EP doesn't train each individual dog, or the dogs as a group  that's not the objective. The goal is to give the job of developing the canine into a service dog to the veteran who signs up with their program. So, in effect, they train the veteran to be the trainer.

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"This is an excellent program, it's gotten me out of the house." Jones said, during a recent session at the Whiting American Legion. "Helping Ceasar with his discipline is helping me. He's more than just a dog. He's my buddy."

Griffith residents Anne Marie Piekarczyk and Jeff Piekarczyk developed Empowering Patriots, a not-for-profit organization, in 2013.

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"Both Jeff and I personally know many Vietnam Veterans with PTSD (even before it had a name or any form of treatment)" said Anne Marie. "They are the older brothers of our friends, they are our uncles and they are our friends."

She added that the mission of EP is, "serving veterans with PTSD (or PTSS) and other psychological and physical disabilities"

Classes take place weekly at three locations  Whiting; Porter County; and Crete, Ill.

EP partners with local rescues to identify dogs that have the characteristics and potential to become service dogs. Some veterans bring their personal dogs into the program after being evaluated by one of the EP trainers.

During a recent session at the Whiting American Legion Hall, certified training instructor Danielle Renner discussed using various techniques specific to service dogs.

The instructor feels that the service Empowering Patriots provides helps the veterans help themselves. "They focus on training their dogs, getting their mind off their problems", Renner added. "And, dogs offer emotional support."

According to Anne Marie, she and her husband Jeff were raised in very patriotic homes, where the idea of giving back to the community was deeply ingrained.

In addition to many family members serving in various branches of U.S. Miltary service, the couple witnessed the Vietnam veterans' struggles throughout their lives, she added.

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"Then, my oldest son's friends began coming home from Afghanistan. I saw the significant changes in these young men that I had known since they were children," she said. "It was heartbreaking. With the suicide rates of returning veterans exceeding the casualties of the war, we knew we had to do something"

Aware of the healing power of dogs, they decided to start an organization to offer a holistic approach to mitigate the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury and Military Sexual Trauma.

"We are empowering local disabled Patriots with PTSD, MST & TBI and their families by connecting them with rescued dogs, dog training and programs to help them heal," said Jeff Piekarczyk. "Service dog training was where we started. It is also our way of showing our thanks for what these servicemen and servicewoman have done for us and our country."

The benefits of the EP program are numerous and far-reaching, according to the founders.

"We are educating the public and local businesses about the public stigma of PTSD and Service Dog rules and etiquette, thus creating a well-informed and supportive community for our Patriots to live, work and thrive in."

Another endeavor just launched is the Empowering Patriots Families Program. It also offers access to an abundance of military and civilian resources. This program is made possible by a partnership between Empowering Patriots and Indiana Parenting Institute and is funded by Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs.

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There is no cost to the veterans/spouses/partners/children with special needs for the EP programs.

For more information about Empowering Patriots, call (219) 798-1212, or online at: www.empoweringpatriots.org.

Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Koehler grew up on a farm in northern Germany, where she often milked cows. (Photo Provided by Anne Koehler / Post-Tribune)

"Was Hanschen nicht lernt, lernt Hans nimmermehr."

(What little Johnny can't learn, old John will never learn.)

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 German proverb

I could listen to Anne Koehler's delightful German accent all day. Our interview took place at Indiana University Northwest's library where she is head of the inter-library loan department. In other words, she orders books and articles needed by students and faculty members that are not in stock at IUN.

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Koehler, 82, lives in Burns Harbor and is a member of the Portage Historical Society. Budweiser is her beer of choice.

***

How long have you worked at IUN?

"For 29 years. I'll be here until they kick me out."

From what part of Germany are you from?

"Northern Germany. Real close to Denmark. We speak low German. I speak both high and low German. A person who can only speak high German could not understand low German. Low German is closer to Danish, English, Dutch and all those languages. High German evolved from low German."

You're a Lutheran.

"I am. Northern Germany is Lutheran, potatoes and beer. Southern Germany is Catholic, dumplings and wine."

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What year did you come to America?

"In 1960. I was 25."

Tell me more about the first 24 years of your life.

"We lived on a farm. This is a photograph of my parents house."

Holy wiener schnitzel! It's a mansion.

"Sometimes farmers had big homes. It has 30 rooms. My nephew owns the house today. Here is a photo of me milking a cow on Easter morning of 1955. I had celebrated the night before and wasn't feeling so good. This is a photograph of my grandfather. Everyone said he looked like (Sigmund) Freud."

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That he does. What do you miss most about Germany?

"The fresh seafood. On one side we had the Atlantic Ocean and on the other side we had the Baltic Sea. The man with the fish wagon would come to town twice a week. All the cats would follow him. I'd have to say smoked eel is my favorite. I can't get it over here. I have people smuggle it in when they visit me from Germany."

Education?

"I attended Gudewerdtschule."

Anne, that ridiculously sesquipedalian word you just gutturally uttered is a perfect example of why Germans don't play Scrabble.

"Ja wohl (Yes). The Germans have a knack of putting nouns together. If you want to read a funny story, read Mark Twain's 'The Awful German Language.' Some people complain about the language in ('The Adventures of) Huckleberry Finn,' but that's how people spoke. I like Mark Twain."

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Me, too. Let's switch gears. World War II?

"I remember the planes flying over to bomb the city of Kiel where the submarine factory was. I also remember Hitler shouting on the radio. He would tell the people he was going to make Germany great again. There were scapegoats. There was fear mongering. No. 1, Hitler shut down the press."

What did your parents think of Der Fuhrer?

"Unfortunately, my dad and his brothers were enthused by Hitler. My grandmother was not. They would have bitter arguments. My grandma would try to talk sense into them. She saw what was happening. Grandmother lived with us."

Hilter was born on one of the astrological cusps.

"April 20. We were forced to memorize that."

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A year after you emigrated to the United States, the Berlin Wall was erected. Your thoughts?

"Walls throughout history have not worked. They are ineffective. That includes the Berlin Wall and the Great Wall of China."

President Donald J. Trump?

"The man reads no books. He owns no books. That was in the biography. He thinks he can just wave his hand and it will be done. But guess what? Doesn't work, always.

"Did you see when Trump mentioned to Angela Merkel that what they had in common was they were both spied upon by Obama. Merkel just gave him the look."

I can't help but think of the infamous base-running gaffe during the 1908 pennant race between the New York Giants and Chicago Cubs. Fred Merkle, a rookie, cost the Giants the National League title. The miscue is known as "Merkle's boner."

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"I didn't become an American citizen until 1972. I wanted to be able to vote against Nixon."

Final thoughts?

"Jeff, I don't often brag about Germany, but they've had affordable health insurance for over 150 years. Why is it such a big deal here? Socialism is like a dirty word. A big no no. Public schools and public streets are socialism."

***

From one social Democrat to another, I had to ask Anne whether or not the German word for brassiere really is keepsemfromfloppin.

With a chuckle, Frau Koehler assured me it's bustenhalter.

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Jeff Manes is a freelance columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

jeffmanes@sbcglobal.net
The future leadership of the Gary Community School Corp. this week faces what could be a monumental turning point as state lawmakers grapple with an unprecedented state takeover proposal.

The question legislators will attempt to answer is who is best positioned to pull the troubled district away from further debt while improving its worst-in-the-state academic rating.

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For nearly two years, former Detroit Public Schools emergency manager Jack Martin has acted as the state-mandated financial adviser to the district's superintendent and school board. But under a proposal before the Indiana General Assembly, control of the district and its financial oversight could soon be taken out of local hands.

'A difficult situation to face'

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In the two years since the state appointed Martin's Michigan-based accounting firm, lawmakers have watched as Gary has been unable to dig itself out of massive debt, said Rep. Tim Brown, R-Crawfordsville.

"Since his start, there has still been a struggle on making ends meet, there has been a struggle on making payroll," and keeping up maintenance on buildings, Brown said.

The heart of what lawmakers will decide is how much authority a superintendent and school board would retain if the state would appoint an emergency manager to oversee the school district. Brown said a conference committee's work is expected to be finalized for Gary and Muncie by the end of the week.

The House proposal would install an emergency manager who's vested with fiscal and academic responsibilities, leaving Gary's school chief and board with little say in the district. The Senate version allows the district to retain academic authority and its school board, while ceding finances to the emergency manager and an advisory board composed of two state members, and appointees by the mayor and the school board.

In an interview Tuesday, Martin said Gary has several unique factors that explain why it continues to struggle to address its debt burden: the narrow defeat of an $8 million referendum last November, declining enrollment and declining revenues from dropping property tax assessments and collections.

"It's difficult," he said. "You can only cut so much until there's nothing left to cut."

Many of the district's buildings are in disrepair, he said, and it has struggled to find money for necessary repairs to leaky roofs and damaged boilers. The problem was much more acute than he saw in Detroit, he said. Even after the board voted to close three schools last year, Gary still has more buildings that could be shuttered, he said.

"No matter who is responsible, be it the board or superintendent, or an emergency manager, you are still going to have the problem of declining enrollment, you are still going to have the problem of declining property tax revenue," he said. "That is something that probably requires a fix at a higher level" with lawmakers and policymakers.

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Gary is the state's only F-rated district this year, although it does have a few consistently well-rated elementary schools such as the Benjamin Banneker Achievement Center and the Frankie McCullough Girls Academy.

In September 2015, a State Board of Accounts audit criticized the district for mismanagement including failing to maintain adequate records to account for cash and investment balances. State auditors found the district also didn't maintain records to account for payroll disbursements. It questioned the district's ability "to continue as a going concern."

The State Board of Accounts is scheduled to release its latest two-year audit on Gary's books in September, said Director of Audit Service Ryan Preston.

The district is grappling with $103 million in long-term liabilities including $30 million in common school loan funds owed to the state, about $55 million in bonds and about $20 million owed to creditors and vendors including $8 million owed to the Internal Revenue Service. It has an $8.5 million deficit this year and is projected to run a $6.4 million operating deficit in 2017-18.

Adding to that financial strain is declining enrollment, the rise of charter schools, cuts to revenue under state-mandated property tax caps, property tax collection rates estimated under 50 percent and changes to the school funding formula.

Gary's public school enrollment has plunged to under 6,000 students in 2016. That compares to 15,119 in 2006, according to figures from the Indiana Department of Education.

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"We do not have a bankruptcy" law for school districts, Brown said. "This is the mechanism" lawmakers hope will allow Gary to address its long-standing deficiencies.

"It's a difficult situation to face," he said. "You're not paying your bills. You have to try to think about how to live within the resources you have."

Michigan emergency managers 'less accountable'

In practice, Michigan's emergency manager laws over school districts were "not about increased accountability," said David Arsen, professor of Education Policy and Educational Administration at Michigan State University. "It wasn't more accountable. Actually, it was less accountable. It was mainly about a shift in control."

Policymakers wanted managers "not as tainted by local politics" or connected to a past history of mismanagement that would give them a "freer hand" to make drastic changes such as cutting central administration or outsources services, he said.

The thought was "all you need is good managers who are above politics, who can make hard decisions and these problems can be solved," Arsen said. "We learned in Michigan, that is not so simple."

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As a former Chief Financial Officer in the U.S. Department of Education under George W. Bush from 2002 to 2005, Martin became the third of nine emergency managers overseeing Detroit Public Schools in 2013. He previously worked as, and was appointed as, an emergency manager in Highland Park Schools in Michigan in 2012.

"Under emergency management, situations that were already difficult became much worse," said Thomas Pedroni, associate professor of Curriculum Studies at Wayne State University in Detroit. "What we saw (was) a shifting of funds away from the classroom to administration and external contracts and consultants."

Path to Gary

In January 2015, Martin resigned after 18 months as emergency manager of Detroit Public Schools. During his tenure, he received $340,962 in compensation, not including $50,000 in bonuses he collected under his state-approved contract, according to the Detroit Free Press.

LaMar Lemmons, a member of the Detroit school board, criticized Martin's work in Detroit Public Schools and said he did not collaborate enough with the school board.

Michigan state officials argued Martin was able to make some headway on Detroit's financial woes, including leasing vacant property and restoring some elementary and middle school programs.

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Martin settled an agreement to give 57 vacant school buildings and 20 vacant lots to the city of Detroit in return for having $11.6 million of the district's unpaid electric bills wiped clean, according to the Detroit Free Press. For years, Gary has struggled to sell its nearly two dozen vacant schools.

"I don't think the situations are very comparable," Martin said. "I think we were more aggressive in Detroit in terms of trying to sell our buildings. And, the city had an interest in the buildings, because they had set up a land bank authority. The mayor in Detroit, I believe, wanted to assemble as much land as possible. That's why we negotiated for him to essentially take our buildings.

"I don't think I know what the (Gary) mayor's plans are," he said. The district "controls a lot of vacant land that could be of interest," he said. "Right now, I have not seen any (good) offers."

"We've had a couple of offers," Martin said. "But, in my position as the financial specialist, I was not going to recommend to the board that they sell the building and 20 or 30 acres for $10,000."

In 2015, the Distressed Unit Appeals Board presented a list of three candidates: Robert Bobb, of the Robert Bobb Group in Washington; Gilbert Hopkins with McConnell, Jones, Lanier and Murphy LLP, of Houston; Jack Martin with Martin, Arrington, Desai and Meyers, of Bingham Farms, Mich.

Bobb, Martin's predecessor, was Detroit's first emergency manager from 2009 to 2011. Under his tenure, the power structure shifted to a stronger emergency manager model, consolidating both academics and finances under his office. He hired former Chicago Public Schools superintendent Barbara Byrd-Bennett as a chief academic officer. Byrd-Bennett pleaded guilty to criminal charges in a bribery scheme last year.

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Under Bobb, an early challenge was "who really had academic control at that time," Pedroni said. "Everyone seemed to agree that (the) elected board maintained" that authority. But, "because anything a penny touched  including academics  both involved the spending of money," he said, "Bobb argued that he had to have complete control."

Martin's firm was selected unanimously by the Gary school board. Former school board president Antuwan Clemons then told the Post-Tribune that the board was drawn to its experience in Detroit dealing with declining enrollment and losing students to charter schools.

The board concluded Martin's firm "has the array of experience to help turn this district around," Clemons wrote in a letter to DUAB in July 2015.

In Indiana, lawmakers approved paying Martin's firm $650,000 for his first year overseeing Gary's books in 2015. In June 2016, the firm's pay between August 2015 and August 2016 was boosted by $250,000, in exchange for coming up with a "deficit elimination plan" for paying down its outstanding bills and devising a long-term solvency strategy by July 2016 while updating the DUAB board on a biweekly basis.

The firm's compensation totaled $1.5 million over two years, according to DUAB staff attorney Mike Duffy. Martin's contract runs through August. He said he has not been contacted by the state regarding the emergency manager role.

Pedroni said Martin's performance and Michigan's experience with emergency managers is instructive.

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"If you are going to say that imposing state control is the answer, then show me ... where that single point of authority has lead to positive results," Pedroni said. "That's what you need to show."

mcolias@post-trib.com

Twitter: @meredithcolias
Esteemed and acclaimed Grammy Award-winning guitarist Tommy Emmanuel on Monday announced the May 19 release date of Live! at the Ryman (via CPG Sounds). The album captures a night of music in Nashville on Feb. 27, 2016 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Tommy Emmanuel will be touring across North America in support of the album stopping in Chattanooga on Sunday, May 7, at the Songbird Guitar Museum.

Review for Tommy Emmanuel and Live! at the Ryman:

Live! at the Ryman highlights Emmanuel's fervor as a master guitarist and also encapsulates a landmark moment for the musician as he is joined on stage by Steve Wariner and John Knowles, the only other two living CGPs (Certified Guitar Players: the honor and moniker Chet Atkins assigned not only to himself but four other guitarists he admired and felt contributed to the legacy of guitar playing) for a performance of San Antonio Stroll. GuitarWorld.com has premiered the performance video of that special moment--the only time all three living CGPs shared the stage. You can click here to watch.

"It was an unforgettable experience playing my first solo show at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, said Tommy Emmanuel. I have grown up listening to the music and artists that made those walls famous throughout the world and it was an honor to play on that stage. The night was a lifetime goal of mine and it was made that much more special with the appearance of my two good friends and fellow CGPs, Steve Wariner and John Knowles. I'm so thrilled that we filmed and recorded the show, as John, Steve and I had never collaborated together before and this made the night even more special. The sold-out crowd just about lifted the roof off the hall and we all gave it our best! The spirit of Chet Atkins surrounded us three with love, peace and mojo! I hope those who hear this recording will be uplifted and feel the love we felt for the people who poured their joy into the Ryman Auditorium that February night!"

Mixed in between his own shows, Emmanuel will also be performing at various festivals including the Malibu Guitar Festival, Vancouver International Jazz Festival, TD Victoria International JazzFest and California WorldFest, among others.

Track listing for Live! at the Ryman:



Tall Fiddler

The Mystery

Windy & Warm

Deep River Blues > Doc's Guitar > Blue Smoke > Cannon Ball Rag

Saturday Night Shuffle > Nine Pound Hammer

Angelina

Blood Brother

Beatles Medly > Classical Gas

Sails (featuring Steve Wariner)

San Antonio Stroll (featuring John Knowles & Steve Wariner)

Guitar Boogie

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

I Still Can't Say Goodbye

Workin' Man Blues (featuring Steve Wariner)

Eva Waits




Lake Station is seeking offers for its community center, named for former mayor Shirley Wadding, so it can trim down the debt left behind by its most infamous mayor, Keith Soderquist.

The community center at 4700 Central Ave., which formerly housed the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Indiana, is being offered for sale or lease by the city, Mayor Christopher Anderson said at the April 13 city council meeting.

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He said the Boys & Girls Club moved out of the building several months ago and it's stood vacant. It was formerly the Save-A-Lot grocery store.

After the supermarket closed, the building was empty for 15 years and loomed as an eyesore along the city's key corridor. Lake County donated the building to Lake Station in 1996 as a group called Friends of the Lake Station Civic Center, spearheaded by Wadding, led a campaign to raise money to refurbish it. Red bricks line the walkway in front of the entrance with names of residents who donated to the center.

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The group raised about $300,000 in grants and donations for the renovation of the 14,000-square-foot structure. It reopened in 2001 and officials surprised Wadding with a plaque naming the center in her honor.

Anderson said April 28 is the final day to place an offer the community center. Bids may be submitted to the mayor's office. "We know we will get some offers," Anderson said after the meeting.

Recently, the city learned it has to cut $300,000 from its general fund once the state certified its budget. The city instituted a hiring freeze for full-time positions, but isn't laying anyone off.

The city is also weighing an offer from the Indiana-American Water Co. to sell its water utility plant.

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Merrillville police found alcohol, loaded guns and knives while helping the Department of Child Services do an inspection of a Merrillville home day care last week, according to court records.

The Lake County Prosecutor's office approved 26 felony charges each for three women in connection with the day care, according to Merrillville police. The three women  Tawana Cole, 44, Roberta Sanders, 20, and Adriana Johnson, 40  each face one count of neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury, 12 counts of neglect of a dependent and 13 counts of criminal confinement.

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DCS contacted Merrillville police in the evening of April 11 to assist at the day care, Tender Loving Spirits, in the 1700 block of West 53rd Avenue when doing a follow up check on three children after DCS had been told a caretaker there "had been drinking heavily on a daily basis at the day care," according to a probable cause affidavit.

When a DCS employee went to the day care, "she heard children inside the home playing and making noise," but when she rang the doorbell, "all of a sudden the noise from the children grew faint and became almost inaudible," the affidavit states.

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As she continued to knock and ring the doorbell for several minutes, with no answer, a woman arrived at the home who said that Cole, the owner and operator of the day care, had called and said her 4-year-old son "had fallen and injured his head" and needed to go to the hospital "because the wound looked like it needed stitches," according to the affidavit and release from police.

Sanders later told an officer that when some of the children arrived by a school bus, she heard some yelling that "he fell" and saw the boy bleeding from his forehead, the affidavit states.

Out of concern for the injured child and the welfare of the other children, an officer climbed through an unlocked window and announced who he was, when Cole met the officer in the hallway and began to yell at him "that he had no right to be inside the day care," according to police and the probable cause affidavit.

In the master bedroom, officers found two adult women and 15 small children, according to police and court records, and "the adult women were 'shushing' the children to keep them quiet." There they found the injured child with bloody napkins and an open wound on his forehead that needed medical attention, according to police.

As the injured child's mother took him to the emergency room, the officers identified the other children and called their parents to pick them up, the affidavit states.

In the kitchen, the officer "found a loaded pistol magazine in a box" and next to the box was a "semi-automatic Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol, which had live ammunition in it," according to the affidavit. There were no locks or other devices to secure the floor level doors where the gun was found, according to the affidavit.

Detectives also found a loaded Smith & Wesson .357 revolver in a drawer in the bedroom where the children were found, a loaded 12-gauge pistol grip Mossberg shotgun on the floor in the corner of the room and a loaded and cocked single-barrel 20-gauge Harrington & Richardson shotgun behind a pile of clothes near the dresser.

They also found "a pile of assorted swords and daggers" on top of a chest near the bed, the affidavit states, and shotgun shells in the bedroom.

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In the same room they found a large bottle of whiskey and another large bottle of apple vodka on the bedroom floor in plain view, "accessible to any of the above mentioned children," the affidavit states.

Officers also found various Pack 'n Play cribs, "one of which was resting against an exposed gas line and a dismantled heater with electrical wires exposed," the affidavit states.

"There was a large amount of dirt on the wall vents as well as black mold in the basement of the home where the air circulated back into the rooms," according to the affidavit.

In a dresser at the home, detectives found papers that indicated the Cole was on probation for battery by means of a deadly weapon, according to police.

The child care home license issued by the Indiana Department of Family and Social Service Administrations, which was issued in Cole's name at the address police responded to, had expired on March 31 of this year, and the license listed the capacity of the day care center as 12 children, ranging from infants to 14 years old, according to the affidavit.

Cole was in custody in the Lake County Jail as of Monday afternoon, according Mark Back, Lake County Sheriff's Department spokesman. Sanders and Johnson were not in custody but have active warrants for their arrests, Back said.

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Court records show that Cole is being held without bail.

rejacobs@post-trib.com

Twitter @ruthyjacobs
INDIANAPOLIS  Indiana purges 481K inactive voter registrations from rolls

Indiana's secretary of state says more than 481,000 inactive voter registrations have been purged from the state's voter rolls as part of a long-running effort ordered by lawmakers.

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Secretary of State Connie Lawson said Tuesday 481,235 voter registration records have been removed from voter rolls since November in accordance with federal law.

Those registrations were canceled if voters sent postcard alerts did not update their records or did not vote in any election held in 2014, 2015 or 2016.

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The General Assembly adopted the mandatory voter roll purges in 2014, two years after two voter watchdog groups, Judicial Watch and True The Vote, sued Indiana, claiming the state failed to maintain clean voter registration lists.

Lawson says Indiana's voter roll purge is continuing at both the state and county levels.

Car, prisoner van collide in northern Indiana, injuring 8

BUNKER HILL, Ind.  State police say a car has collided with a van carrying an Indiana Department of Correction work crew, injuring eight people.

Police say the crash occurred Tuesday morning on a Miami County road. A car driven by 41-year-old Zackariah Birdsong of Kokomo went left of center and struck the van head-on.

Police say Birdsong was airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital with life-threatening injuries, and two of the inmate passengers on the van, 61-year-old Norman Clark and 40-year-old Joshua Kochell, also were airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital with severe but non-life-threatening injuries. Van driver 49-year-old Tracy Hullett of Peru and four other inmates from the Miami Correctional Facility were transported by ambulance to a Kokomo hospital.

Marijuana-growing operation found during Indiana house fire

LOGANSPORT, Ind.  Two people were arrested on drug charges after firefighters reported spotting a marijuana-growing operation while putting out a northern Indiana house fire.

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Logansport police say officers found 39 marijuana plants in a second-floor bedroom, along with marijuana in jars in another bedroom.

Police Sgt. Dan Frye tells the (Logansport) Pharos-Tribune that the growing operation included lighting on timers and irrigation and ventilation systems, but wasn't the fire's cause.

Two residents face felony charges of dealing marijuana and maintaining a common nuisance. Police say another resident was charged with felony battery for pushing and punching a firefighter.

Fire officials say the fire was reported about 6:45 a.m. Monday, with flames and smoke spreading through much of the house. Information on the cause wasn't immediately released.

Man jailed after threat to blow up Indiana courthouse

JASPER, Ind.  Authorities say a 38-year-old man is jailed after threatening to blow up a courthouse in southern Indiana.

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The Jasper Police Department says Keith E. Markle Jr. of Huntingburg was spotted Monday on the front lawn of the Dubois County Courthouse acting aggressively toward people and making threats to blow up the building. No injuries were reported.

Police say Markle was taken into custody and jailed on preliminary charges of intimidation and a misdemeanor of driving with a suspended license.

The Dubois County clerk's office says Markle is expected to appear in court on Tuesday. He didn't have a lawyer on record early Tuesday.

Small Indiana city turning dead trees into wood sculptures

DECATUR, Ind. (AP)  A small city in northeastern Indiana is becoming creative with its dead trees by hiring an artist to turn the stumps into wood carvings.

Artist Scott Lepley has finished six tree sculptures since city officials in Decatur hired him last December. WANE-TV reports those include a life-sized bear standing on its hind legs and smaller ones featuring an eagle and a raccoon.

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City operations manager Jeremy Gilbert says the city cuts down about 30 dead trees a year and the carvings are a way to beautify the community rather than just grinding down the stumps.

Gilbert says the project has drawn attention around the community about 20 miles southeast of Fort Wayne and some people have called the city asking about having their dead trees turned into sculptures.

--Associated Press
A crew takes water samples from the Lake Michigan at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk in Portage, Indiana on Wednesday, April 12, 2017.US Steel plant in Portage released hexavelent chromium, a carcinogen, into the Portage-Burns Waterway about 100 yards from Lake Michigan. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

In 1899, botanist Henry Cowles tromped around the sand dunes, documenting the startling plant diversity along Indiana's southern shores of Lake Michigan. Cowles and others led efforts to preserve the dunes with a national park, but they couldn't compete with corporate plans for the lake shore.

Northwest Indiana's future was carved out of sand in 1906 when industrial giants J.P. Morgan and Elbert H. Gary built U.S. Steel on the southern shores of Lake Michigan. The steel plant and a city sprouted on the 9,000 acres of undeveloped lakefront land east of Chicago. World War I and the need for steel erased any hope of preservation harbored by early environmentalists.

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The region's lakeshore filled in with steel mills and coal-fired power plants belching a collective smoke and haze over the skies, hastening vacationing Chicago motorists to drive by and chuckle on their way to Michigan's pristine waters.

Yet, there has been a co-existence of parks in the fragile sand dunes and major industry. It's always been a challenge. Last week, we learned U.S. Steel's Midwest sheet and tin finishing plant in Portage released a cancer-causing toxin into the Burns Waterway, depositing it at the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Park. The spill of hexavalent chromium quickly prompted the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore to close beaches at West Beach, Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Park, and Cowles Bog. Nearby Ogden Dunes also closed its beach.

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Officials are saying they've capped the leak and the EPA says preliminary testing show hexavalent chromium was not present near drinking water intakes. Still, more tests are being done as environmentalists raise serious concerns about government regulation of lakefront industries that can jeopardize Lake Michigan's waters.

President Donald Trump has ratcheted up the concern with talk of dismantling the EPA's oversight into big industries, like U.S. Steel. The plant in Portage is one of six on Lake Michigan's southern shore that records show released a combined 1,696 pounds of hexavalent chromium into Lake Michigan and its tributaries in 2015. That's the same metal that triggered a cancer cluster in a California town chronicled in the movie "Erin Brockovich."

Trump's budget would eliminate an EPA program that's working on standards for hexavalent chromium in drinking water. The work has been delayed by objections from the chemical industry. Under Trump's plan, industry won't have to worry about standards. Trump's budget also would reduce scientific research of toxic chemicals and the EPA's enforcement of environmental laws.

Trump also wants to scrap the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, an EPA cleanup effort that began in 2010. Trump's budget would cut its funding from $300 million to $10 million annually.

This is not just a battle to be fought by environmentalists. It's up to all of us to let our lawmakers know that relinquishing the EPA's watchdog function is not acceptable.

A good opportunity is coming up on Wednesday as EPA chief Scott Pruitt visits East Chicago's lead-contaminated West Calumet housing project. There will be folks there letting Pruitt know they don't like his boss' vision. Join them and make sure Pruitt understands the stakes are not just high for corporate profit.
Sully Baby, 6, front, of Winnetka, warms up with a disc jockey before the start of Winnetkas 44th annual Egg Hunt at West Elm Park on April 15, 2017. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press)

Children hunted for more than 13,000 plastic eggs during Winnetka's 44th annual Egg Hunt at West Elm Park on Saturday.

More than 1,000 people turned out for the Winnetka Park tradition, which featured four egg hunts for children through age 8, said Toby Ross of Glenview, recreation supervisor at the Winnetka Park District.

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"It's an absolutely incredible day," Ross said of the blue skies and temperatures, which reached the low 70s by the start of the 10 a.m. egg hunts. All four hunts began at the same time.

"It's a beautiful day in Winnetka to celebrate spring," said Patrick Smith, parent of Audrey Smith, 2, of Winnetka.

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Many kiddies wore colorful boots due to rain from previous night, which made the ground soggy.

"If it hadn't rained last night, it would have been a little better. The ground is a little saturated and wet," Ross said.

The egg hunts, arranged by age divisions, had some parents and grandparents marveling - or maybe wondering - why kids couldn't pick up their toys or Lego bricks as fast as they snatch up plastic eggs.

Families could visit with the Spring Bunny, enjoy a petting zoo and other attractions. Sponsors and community partners had tables or areas set up with free amenities.

"I love spending time with my grandson," said Stana Radovic of Chicago, who accompanied her grandson, Lucas Karos, 20 months, of Winnetka.

Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
After studying what students and staff had to say about New Trier High School's 2017 seminar day on racial civil rights, district staff say discussions on race must continue to be part of students' education  but probably not in the format of this year's effort, and not every year.

Instead, such talks should be integrated into classroom schedules, broadened beyond issues of black and white America, and expanded to make use of partnerships with other schools, Tim Hayes, New Trier's district superintendent for student services, said Monday.

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Hayes delivered his report at the board's April 17 meeting and recommended scheduling an in-depth look at Martin Luther King Jr. on King's birthday next January.

His report included survey information taken from students and staff after this year's February seminar day. Among the findings, he said, were freshmen students' enjoyment of what they learned from Northfield campus keynote speaker Andrew Ayden, and slightly less satisfaction from Winnetka campus students who heard from writer Colson Whitehead.

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Most students thought the day was moderately to very successful, Hayes said, although that number dipped at Northfield's campus. And, although attendance was higher this year than last year, at more than 76 percent district-wide, "we will continue to examine ways to increase attendance at any future seminar days," Hayes said.

He said that most students who didn't attend cited "wanting a day off" as their reason. Northfield students who were absent cited illness, although the second and third most frequently given reasons were wanting a free day and objecting to the content.

"At Winnetka, wanting a day off was the most frequently cited reason for missing the day. Objecting to the content and pre-arranged absences for family trips, college visits, competitions, etc., were the second and third most frequently cited reasons," Hayes said.

He also said that within the 5 percent of responding students who said they didn't like what they experienced, many said they were bored, while others argued for bringing in different viewpoints or discussing other types of diversity.

Hayes made several recommendations about future seminar days:

 He said the district should develop one more program for next year, but pare it to a program specifically focused on Martin Luther King Jr., which could be held during students' advisory class on the King Day holiday, which will be a regular school day in 2018. He and District Superintendent Linda Yonke said the longer advisory period could be created by slightly shortening other school periods.

 Despite that, he said, the district should "decouple" the seminar day format from perceptions that it's used only to discuss issues of race, thus allowing the format to be used to explore other issues, as it was in the past.

 While the district's dedication to helping students have discussions about race is "unwavering," he said, it needs to be built into different aspects of the curriculum, and not focused solely on specific days of the year. Hayes said the district should also focus on staff development so teachers can continue to engage with students in such discussions. And based on student input, it needs to focus more on current events and issues connected to the New Trier experience, he said.

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 Because creating seminar days takes staff and students as long as a year, Hayes recommended going back to a triennial or quadrennial schedule.

 He recommended that New Trier formalize its existing partnerships with Chicago area schools, strengthening those relationships so that New Trier students have a chance to interact with people outside their own daily experience.

Board president Greg Robitaille said that "as a team, as a board, we learned some lessons."

"I very much like the notion of weaving civil rights into our curriculum," he said.

Board member Patrick O'Donoghue asked about the low level of survey responses, which he noted hovered around 25 percent. Hayes' report stated that 1,359 students answered the survey; according to the district website, New Trier's Winnetka and Northfield campuses serve about 4,500 students.

Hayes and Yonke admitted the number was low, something Hayes said was at least partly attributable to the survey's anonymous electronic nature. Such surveys seem to bring in fewer responses, both said, but the percentage was high enough to make a good sample.

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Board member Lori Goldstein agreed with student respondents who said the discussion about race and civil rights was too centered on issues of black and white. The district's own demographic includes people of Asian and Hispanic background, she said, and the discussion should be broadened.

Betsy Hart, one of the organizers of the Parents of New Trier group that opposed this year's seminar line-up, said after Hayes' presentation that next year's proposed focus on King is "awesome," adding that King's teachings were a contrast to what she claimed were the "more radical" views of groups such as Black Lives Matter.

Hart said she didn't know if the protest and publicity her group generated over the 2017 seminar day offerings led to the proposed changes, but said, "I think there's wisdom in the change."

kroutliffe@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @pioneer_kathy
It's Election Day, Pueblo. Make sure your vote is counted

Ballots must be returned to a staffed voter center or a drop box by 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8 at the latest to be counted. It's not too late to register.
The Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies (AAPCA) has released a new report, The Greatest Story Seldom Told: Profiles and Success Stories in Air Pollution Control.

Released ahead of Earth Day (April 22) and Air Quality Awareness Week (May 1  5), this publication catalogues these trends through publicly available data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies. It includes key metrics from concentrations of criteria pollutants like ground-level ozone and air releases of toxic chemicals to compliance/enforcement activity and operating permit renewals.

Where data sets allow state-to-state comparisons, the report highlights critical areas where the twenty states that serve on the AAPCA Board of Directors have provided leadership.

Air quality has improved dramatically, and ambient air monitoring data continues to reveal the downward trend of air pollutants. It is, perhaps, the greatest story seldom told, and one that is certainly worth telling, said AAPCA President Sean Alteri, Director of the Kentucky Division for Air Quality. This report demonstrates that this progress has been driven by the hard-working state and local agency members of our Association, and we look forward to working with our federal partners to continue this pattern.

According to Vice President Stuart Spencer of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality: AAPCA members, who have primary responsibility for air quality in parts of the country growing in population and economic activity, have demonstrated leadership across all key metrics of air quality success. The Greatest Story Seldom Told helps illustrate that, even under increasingly stringent national standards, these agencies are succeeding and innovating.

Between 2005 and 2015, reported toxic air releases were down 56 percent, or more than 851 million pounds, and AAPCA Member States accounted for nearly two-thirds of the total reduction.

 In 2016, states performed full compliance evaluations for more than 14,500 facilities, 80 times the number conducted by U.S. EPA, and from 2010 to 2014, AAPCA Member States performed full compliance evaluations at nearly 47 percent of facilities annually, well ahead of the national average.

 According to U.S. EPA, AAPCA Member States in 2016 were more efficient in permitting, with only a 15 percent backlog for renewing Title V permits among states with more than 100 Title V sources.

 Between 2000 and 2015, AAPCA Member States saw nitrogen oxide emissions fall more rapidly than the national average.

 As of 2014, AAPCA Member States had reduced sulfur dioxide emissions in the power sector by more than 8 million tons compared to 1990.

 From 2000 to 2014, per capita energy-related carbon dioxide emissions were down 18.1 percent on average nationally, with AAPCA Member States averaging a 19.3 percent reduction.

 The U.S. has far exceeded international trends in air quality, with some of the lowest levels of average annual fine particulate matter and the largest reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the world over the last decade.

Additionally, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) recently released the 2017 edition of The States View of the Air report. The report highlights the air quality in counties and cities in the United States. Like a report card, IDEM has graded areas on the state of their air quality under the federal standards for ozone and fine particles. You can find the full report here, and individual state reports here.

A few of the key statistics from The Greatest Story Seldom Told:

 As of 2015, combined emissions of the six criteria air pollutants for which there are national ambient air quality standards were down 71 percent since 1970.
Chinas One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative has captured the attention of global media, and has been directly linked to Chinese President Xi Jinpings statements concerning the plans development.

A speech given in Kazakhstan in 2013 is often considered the first reference to the OBOR initiative. In the speech, Xi stated that the aim of OBOR was To vigorously strengthen the practical cooperation and to be good partners with mutual benefit and win-win opportunities. We should turn the advantage of political relations, the geographical advantage, and the economic complementary advantage into advantages for practical cooperation and for sustainable growth, so as to build a community of interests. We should create new brilliance with a more open mind and a broader vision to expand regional cooperation.

Later that year, the term One Belt, One Road was used for the first time to describe this vision. However, there are signs that OBOR is becoming a metaphor for something more strictly defined than purely trans-continental overland and maritime development, and what was termed practical cooperation.

The recent launch of Chinas official OBOR website makes the distinction very clear  its only an OBOR project when the Chinese are involved. That may seem obvious, but in fact, certain countries along the Silk Road  and participants in todays regional and maritime development  may not fit into Chinas plans despite creating infrastructure developments that fit right into Chinas stated criteria.

An example is India, which recently announced that they will not be attending President Xis first OBOR conference in Beijing. That was due to China intending to show off developments within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor  which would have been fine except that it contains swathes of disputed territory claimed by Delhi.

Chinas response was to lambast India for dragging its heels over OBOR, and suggest that the country was biased against it unless it attended Xis dialogue. That accusation caught a lot of attention, until one realizes that India is indeed developing OBOR routes. It has announced two rail routes into Bangladesh, a highway through to Myanmar and Thailand, and is spending close to US$12 billion on upgrading its port facilities. Those fit into Chinas OBOR definition, but do not appear to count because China is not involved.

China and India will undoubtedly discuss these issues and catch up on regional developments as India has recently joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

It does, however, suggest that China has significant propaganda criteria attached to the development of OBOR routes.

Here, we can revert to the official OBOR website. It lists 60 participating countries, but only contains details of Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The websites contact us form for cross-border projects only links back to those same Chinese SOEs, despite international partners being involved.

This is fine, as it is a Chinese promotional website. But what it does demonstrate is the difference in determining what is an OBOR project and what is not. It is OBOR if the Chinese are involved. If they are not, it is something else.

The consequence of these OBOR limits is that it makes it rather tricky to work out what is actually going on regarding pan-Eurasian development, as China is excluding other nations development initiatives from its own OBOR promotional ambitions. With 60 countries involved, thats a lot flying under the radar.

But help is at hand. Our new Silk Road Briefing is not an OBOR portal, and covers as much as we can find. Please feel free to let us know if you have projects that fit the description of overland and maritime route development, but do not involve Chinese business interests. Wed also love to hear about those that do  wed be happy to feature all Silk Road projects and opinions in order to build up a complete picture of what is being developed along the belt and road. Articles and news can be submitted to editor@asiabriefing.com.

In the meantime, dealing with Chinese hype over what is and what are not OBOR projects can involve a bit of fun. Even the Chinese didnt stick an OBOR banner on the recent China-London train service which delivered goods into the UKs Eurorail station in January. That was billed as The Yiwu  Barking Express with no mention of OBOR, but with plenty of fanfare for the Yiwu based Chinese rail company that organized it. It garnered plenty of media attention, but with very few people pointing out it took three months to turn those containers around  they only started the return journey last week. But great pre-listing publicity for Yiwu Timex Industrial Investment Co Ltd.

There are other more serious issues concerning the OBOR brand as well. In what has certainly been branded an OBOR project, China has relocated several out of commission cement factories to the outskirts of Dushanbe, Takijistans capital. That has been billed as an example of a Chinese OBOR investment into Central Asia, which is great until one realizes that cement production is one of the worlds most polluting industries. Flogging off old, decommissioned and toxic production lines too often to Chinas poorer relations could make the OBOR initialization toxic itself.

China has never been especially good at self-promotion, as it becomes entwined with the CCPs own brand of political correctness and veers from claims of the outrageous to the watered down through rhetoric. With OBOR, China would do well to promote the concept as something rather more inclusive of other nations ambitions than claiming what amounts to the entire Silk Road as its own. After all, neither Marco Polo nor Ibn Battuta were Chinese, and the famous Monk Xuanzang of the Journey to the West classic only made it as far as India. Using OBOR is a handy title to give to Chinas involvement, but in itself, it doesnt cover the true extent of the development of the new economic Silk Road. The distinction is clear.



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Silk Road Briefing

Our new portal examining the multilateral trade and investment opportunities along the developing overland and maritime Silk Road routes, and updates of multilateral involvement and influence along them. Our new portal examining the multilateral trade and investment opportunities along the developing overland and maritime Silk Road routes, and updates of multilateral involvement and influence along them.

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Dezan Shira & Associates Silk Road and OBOR investment brochure offers an introduction to the region and an overview of the services provided by the firm. It is Dezan Shiras mission to guide investors through the Silk Roads complex regulatory environment and assist with all aspects of establishing, maintaining, and growing business operations in the region.
By Weining Hu

Exporters from the least developing countries (LDCs) in Africa and Southeast Asia can benefit from Chinas new measures for special preferential tariff treatment. In order to be entitled to preferential tariff treatment, a beneficiary country needs to register with Chinas customs the national source of the export product, showing the product is indeed originating from that country.

The Administrative Measures of the PRC Customs on Rules of Origin of Imported Goods from the Least Developed Countries Entitled to Special Preferential Tariff Treatment (the new measures), which became effective April 1, is the latest action taken by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to improve the administration of the origin of the import goods. China began granting preferential tariff treatments to LDCs that have diplomatic relations with China in 2002.

The GACC made two major changes in the new measures:

They expanded the criteria that determine the national source of a product, allowing more products to be regarded as originating from a beneficiary country; and,

They streamlined the consignment process, making the export process more efficient than before.

LDC exporters should seek to understand the benefits of the new measures, which contain both incentives and compliance requirements.

The old rule of origin for imported goods from LDCs

As is common for rules of origin internationally, China uses the rule of origin to determine the national source of a product for purposes of international trade. Generally, the GACC assesses the country of origin for a product as determined by the following two rules:

If a product is wholly obtained or produced completely within one country, then the product is regarded as having origin in that country;

If a product has been produced in more than one country and the last substantial transformation took place in a beneficiary country, then the product is also regarded as having origin in that country. (The change of tariff classification, a four-digit number, is a benchmark that shows a product has gone through the last substantial transformation.)

Many exporters find this rule of origin too rigid to operate in real practice. In a world where global trade has become more complicated and highly interdependent, it is difficult to produce a product that is purely relied on originating materials in one single country. In response to address the operational obstacles, the new measures adjusted the criteria that determines the country of origin through introducing several new rules, which are designed to allow exporters in LDC countries to compete.

The new rule of origin for LDC exporters

Rule of Cumulation

Under the Rule of Cumulation, beneficiary countries are allowed to use other countries originating materials under the following two circumstances:

The originating goods or materials were obtained from or produced in China;

The originating goods or materials were from other beneficiary countries within the same regional economic group as the subject beneficiary country is belong to.

Currently, GACC grants two regional economic groups special preferential tariffs treatment: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Beneficiary countries within the same economic group can share the originating materials or goods for their own production.

If the exporter comes from a LDC beneficiary country in either ASEAN or ECOWAS that is recognized by the GACC, they can use the other member countrys originating materials to produce its own product, and the product can be counted as originating from the country that exports it.

For example, recognized beneficiary countries within ASEAN, Cambodia and Myanmar, can interchangeably use the other member countrys originating materials for its products. If Cambodia uses Myanmars originating materials, then its production is still considered as products purely originating from Cambodia.

Rule of De Minimis

In addition to the Rule of Cumulation, the new measures adopt the Rule of De Minimis to further lower the threshold for determining the origin of products. This means a beneficiary country is allowed to use other countrys imported goods or materials in the process of production, as long as:

The value of all non-originating materials used in the production of the good does not exceed 10 percent of the value of the good;

The good meets all other applicable provisions of the new measures.

Optimized consignment process

Under the new measures, the GACC will use an online data exchange system to administrate the imported goods consignment. Consignees or agents of imported goods no longer need to submit hard copies of the Certificate of Origin or Declaration of Origin to the GACC, as long as the export country has submitted those documents through the online data exchange system. Additionally, if the originating goods value does not exceed RMB 6,000 (US$872), consignees are exempt from presenting a Certificate of Origin or Declaration of Origin at the customs.

Related services Cross-country Competitiveness Benchmarking

The new measures also extended the time for beneficiary countrys export goods to arrive in China. If an originating good of a beneficiary country transports through other countries or regions before arriving in China, the maximum duration of staying in the country or district has been extended from 3 months to 6 months.

In sum, the new measures cut red tape during the import clearance process for LDC beneficiaries, and allows exporters from those countries more flexibility for transportation.

Healthier trade prospects

China has been committed to facilitating trade and economic development in LDCs. In 2002, new ASEAN member states such as Cambodia and Myanmar were among the first batch of LDCs to enjoy the special preferential tariff treatment provided by China. Fifteen years later, the list of beneficiary countries has extended from South East Asian countries and African countries to more than 40 LDCs recognized by the UN.

In addition to expanding the number of beneficiary countries, the percentage of taxable item goods exported to China that were granted zero tariffs has witnessed a significant increase from 60 percent in 2010 to 97 percent in 2015.

According to Chinas Millennium Development Goal White Paper, 26 beneficiary countries have exported originating goods worth at US$4.72 billion in total to China by tapping the preferential measures. Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Tanzania are the top three beneficiaries.

As the administration and regulatory environment has been ameliorated, more and more LDCs will benefit from exporting goods to China under the special preferential tariff treatments.
Students who commit violent acts on campus will be severely punished, according to the central government, which introduced a number of measures to ensure safety in schools at the most recent executive meeting of the State Council, China's Cabinet.

Ensuring safety in primary and middle schools and kindergartens should be a public security priority, according to a statement released after the meeting, presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

"Campus safety concerns the healthy development of millions of students and the happiness of their families. Schools must be solidly built, like those in areas of post-earthquake reconstruction, and they should also be the most secure places when it comes to safety," Li told the meeting.

The statement said principals are responsible for campus safety, while students should be taught to value life and the rights of their classmates. It added that schools must employ the "necessary personnel" and use closed-circuit TV to keep a close watch on potential dangers and safeguard students' safety.

School buildings must comply with national safety and quality standards, while builders, designers and supervisors will hold lifelong liability for any failures, it added.

In addition to classes related to safety, schools will be required to conduct drills to alleviate the dangers posed by earthquakes, fire and stampedes, and more police officers should be deployed near schools.

Security risks on campus must be closely scrutinized, and the education and health authorities have been ordered to monitor and check sanitation, disease prevention and food safety in educational establishments for younger students.

A number of incidents of campus violence and bullying have put school safety firmly in the spotlight. The latest occurred on April 1 in Luzhou, Sichuan Province, when a student surnamed Zhao killed himself by jumping from the top of a building at Taifu Middle School. Despite an official announcement to that effect, the incident aroused suspicions among members of the public that the boy had been beaten to death by five other students, who were believed to have bullied him.

The incident led to heated online debate about an investigation into the cause of death conducted by the local police and the untimely disclosure of information by the authorities.

At the State Council meeting, Li called for an effective mechanism to be established to curb bullying, especially acts of violence, by disclosure, intervention and prevention. He added that the relevant departments should respond to public concerns by disclosing the results of investigations in a timely manner.

In the Government Work Report he delivered in March last year, Li added "safety" to the chapter about education, and stressed "families, schools, the government and society should help to cultivate a secure and healthy environment in which children can grow up and make a contribution to the country".

The meeting sent a warning to "naughty children", who either bully their peers or take advantage of children who are less developed physically or come from deprived families, said Zheng Zonggen, a teacher at Wenfeng High School in Huoshan county, Anhui province.

Surveillance equipment is necessary because teachers cannot watch students 24 hours a day, he said, adding that a punishment mechanism should be established to discipline bullies and allow students to understand the consequences of beating or mistreating their peers, he added.

Xiong Bingqi, vice-president of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, said that in addition to the equipment outlined at the meeting, more money should be spent to help schools eliminate risks, such as bullying and unsafe food.

Bullying and campus safety require more effective implementation of the law, and violators should be subject to police action, rather than punishments handed out by their principals or teachers, he said.

Teachers and schools often conduct investigations into bullying but many perpetrators escape punishment, setting a bad example and giving the impression that violators can escape severe penalties, which further encourages bullying, he added.

Zheng said: "Lessons will be learned to reduce the likelihood of these incidents occurring. Anyone who bullies their peers will be punished in accordance with the law."
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Major celebrations of China's Space Day will start on April 24 in Xi'an, capital city of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

This year's celebrations will focus on the applications of space technology in economic and social development, said Tian Yulong, chief engineer of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence.

Chinese astronauts and scientists will give talks during the celebrations, and exhibitions will be held in Northwestern Polytechnical University, said Tian.

The exhibitions will showcase the achievements of China's lunar probe and the BeiDou satellite navigation system.

China designated April 24 as Space Day last year to mark the anniversary of the country's first satellite launch Dongfanghong-1 in 1970.

Xi'an is home to more than 200 aerospace research centers and enterprises.

Also, there will be over 200 events in other cities in China to celebrate the Space Day.
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More than 10 kilograms of rhino horns ready for embarking in the Maputo International Airport were seized by police on Saturday, said the spokesperson of Maputo city police, Orlando Madumane, on Monday.

The seizure is just few weeks after airport authorities in Malaysia discovered 18 rhino horns coming from Maputo in an operation. The continuous unveiling of rhino horns' smuggling in the capital city of Mozambique indicates that the slaughtering of endangered species such as elephants and rhinos is still going on in this country.

The police's struggle to stop this practice remains far from succeeding as the criminal network gets more and more sophisticated. This time the suitcase in which the horns were found had no identity, let alone left any clue for the police to find out the destination of the product.

"The owner of the suitcase ran away soon after realizing that the police had found out the content inside, now we are investigating to identify the owner of the product," said Madumane.

The police admits that slaughters and the entire chain are adopting cunning tricks, since they find it hard to explain how the smugglers successfully get the suitcases checked in when observing the whole process and then run away after the content is found out.

Mozambique and South Africa in 2016 created a commission to harmonize the legislation of both countries when dealing with this matter, to make the legal framework much tougher for an effective fight against poachers.
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Britain's Prime Minister, Theresa May, delivers a speech to launch the Conservative Party's local elections campaign, in Calverton Village Hall, Calverton, Britain April 6, 2017. [Photo/China Daily]

British Prime Minister Theresa May called a snap general election on June 8 in what was a shock and unexpected announcement from outside 10 Downing Street.

She cited disharmony and divisions in the Houses of Parliament over Brexit as the reason for calling an election.

May spoke of opposition parties, particularly Labour and the Liberal Democrats, threatening to block the Brexit process.

"The country is coming together, Westminster is not," said May in her statement.

May said the only way to guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead is to "hold this election and seek your support for the decisions I must take."

"In recent weeks Labour have threatened to vote against the final agreement we reach with the European Union.

"The Liberal Democrats said they want to grind the business of government to a standstill.

"The Scottish National Party say they will vote against the legislation that formally repeals Britain's membership of the European Union.

"And un-elected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight us every step of the way.

"If we do not hold a general election now, their political game playing will continue."

"Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit," said May.

May concluded her statement saying it was with reluctance that she reached her decision, adding: "It is with strong conviction that I believe it is necessary to secure a strong and stable leadership this country needs."

May will go to the House of Commons Tuesday to lay down the necessary legislation for the calling of an early general election.

Under existing law, an election was not due until May 2020, and until today May has insisted she will not call an early election. The move will require a vote with a two-thirds majority of MPs supporting the measure.

She said her cabinet members had agreed with her decision at a meeting she chaired at Number 10 immediately before her announcement.

Although among British people, May has a high rating as prime minister, she only has a small majority in the House of Commons.

Political observers say May wants to settle once and for all the question of Brexit by going to the country. Her hope is that the voters of Britain will give her a much bigger mandate by increasing her majority in the House of Commons as she holds Brexit negotiations with the European Union.

Even seasoned political commentators were taken by surprise at the announcement which came completely out of the blue.

The main opposition Labour Party is still in a state of civil war under its leader Jeremy Corbyn who remains estranged from many of his own MPs.

Corbyn and the leader of the minority Liberal Democrats Tim Farron both welcomed May's decision to call a general election. Both said they will back the measure in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
By Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg News | Apr. 18, 2017

A Southwest Airlines Co. pilot was arrested after a loaded handgun was found in his carry-on bag while going through a security checkpoint at an upstate New York airport, federal officials said.

The first officer's name wasn't released in a statement issued Monday by the Transportation Security Administration. He was arrested on a weapons charge after an X-ray scanner at Albany International Airport found the .380-caliber handgun in the bag, according to the statement.

The pilot indicated that he wasn't aware a weapon was in his carry-on bag, said Brandy King, a Southwest spokeswoman. The gun wasn't part of a federal program that allows some pilots to have weapons in the cockpit, she said. The Dallas-based airline declined to release the pilot's name.

The Albany County sheriff, whose office arrested the pilot, wasn't immediately available for comment.
4 Takes On Chicago's Latest Gentrification Woes

By Stephen Gossett in News on Apr 17, 2017 7:43PM



18th Street, Pilsen's main street, circa 2010 (photo by Joe Balynas on Flickr

While scholars argue the merits vs. harmsand even the definitionof gentrification, the eternal debate seems to be repositioning front and center in Chicago, even of course, as it never really dissipated. With that being the case, we rounded up four recent essays on gentrification which, to varying degrees of penetration, offer something of a roadmap for where the conversation appears to be headed in our city.

'Confessions of a reluctant gentrifier' by Eula Biss, The Guardian, April 11

An edited extract from Biss' 2009 collection Notes From No Mans Land, this long-form personal reflection from the celebrated essayist takes a complicated dive into the author's relationship with her Rogers Park neighborhood, a place that afforded the writer/educator proximity to the Northwestern University campus where she teaches while also granting a way out of the "cloistered," "insulated" trappings of academia. From pearl-clutch warnings about gangs that Biss encountered from some colleagues, to encountering the use of the word "pioneer" by and about white business owners, to encountering a group of black boys riding their bikes who shout "Don't be afraid of us," the detail-rich essay gets at the "work of being a neighbor" for those who value diversityand don't want to squeeze it out.

Excerpt:



"But this place will probably change, if only because this is not a city where integrated neighbourhoods last very long. And we are the people for whom the new coffee shop has opened. And the pet-grooming store. You know your neighbourhood is gentrifying, my sister said, when the pet-grooming store arrives. Gentrification is a word that agitates my husband. It bothers him because he thinks that the people who tend to use the word negatively, white artists and academics, people like me, are exactly the people who benefit from the process of gentrification. I think you should define the word gentrification, my husband tells me now. I ask him what he would say it means, and he pauses for a long moment. It means that an area is generally improved, he says finally, but in such a way that everything worthwhile about it is destroyed."

"On Chicagos South Side, gentrification is not the great evil" by Natalie Moore, Chicago-Sun Times, March 16

Back in 2014, WBEZ reporter and author of the modern classic The South Side: A Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation Natalie Moore explored why black neighborhoods in Chicago don't gentrify the same way Latino neighborhoods do. In a recent op-ed, Moore revisits some of the studies and indexes that she previously cited to look at how majority-black neighborhoods on the South Side struggle to rebound from the housing crisis. A dwindling middle class, an overall population drop and racial stereotypes on the part of would-be gentrifiers all play a part in how neighborhoods like Bronzeville are presently shaped.

Excerpt:



"[A] 2012 study by Montana State University compared Bronzeville to Pilsen. The latter has experienced gentrification. Why? Because, the study found, Pilsen was treated as a more viable site of ethnic consumption - a la tacos and margaritas - while Bronzeville struggled to redevelop because of stereotypical conceptions of blackness. I get these facts and figures mean little to people who worry about affordability and sustainability in their neighborhoods. Past racial practices in this city, whether public or private, probably echo louder for black households who remember land grabs. Still, I caution that we consider various market forces. In times of insecurity about the future of black neighborhoods, people should clamor for smart economic development and make their voices heard at City Hall, foundations and universities and among any other players they dont completely trust."

"Three ways of understanding gentrification in Chicago" by Alex Bean, Chicago Detours, January 18

Here, the author puts forth a small handful of side effects and perhaps under-considered hallmarks of the debate: one, there's little consensus what "mixed-income" means in relation to developers; two, the "ripple effect" hostility faced by some displaced people who move to outer-ring suburbs; and lastly, the seemingly eternal push by some residents to restrict public housing options, as illustrated by the contentious negotiations around the Lathrop Homes, in Lincoln Park. It's really only kernels offered here, but some of them have potential pop.

Excerpt, with unfortunately clumsy use of "projects":



"These days a large influx of young whites (including yours truly) have moved from the suburbs to the city. This tide of white millennials are flooding into the city and are eyeing neighborhoods like Pilsen, Bridgeport, and Bronzeville. Amidst this in-migration, the Chicago Housing Authority has been working with the suburbs to provide affordable housing for minority residents who wish to relocate. So now white professionals are moving into neighborhoods that were once projects and those projects' former residents are moving to the formerly white-only suburbs. Its confusing."

Four Types of Gentrifiers You See in Your Neighborhood by John Joe Schlichtman, Next City, April 14

Urban sociology professor at DePaul and co-author of the recent Gentrifier, Schlichtman posits four unique categories of newcomer (if you're generous) or interloper (if not so much): the Gentrifier Against Gentrification, the Tiptoeing Gentrifier , the Conqueror and the Curator. Behind the undoubtedly whimsical flair behind Schlichtman's nomenclature, he's onto something in breaking down the psychological impulses that drive, rationalize and defend the different motives that underlie the issue.

Excerpt:


Sha Zukang, former United Nations under-secretary-general for the department of economic and social affairs and chairman of China-Pakistan Friendship Association, addresses the opening ceremony of the China-Khyber Pukhtunkhwa economic cooperation road show in Beijing on April 17, 2017. Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn

Officials from Pakistan, China's long-time friend and important partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, have come to Beijing to host a two-day economic cooperation road show seeking cross-border trade and investment from their neighbor.

The China-Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP province) economic cooperation road show, held from 17-18 April in Beijing and attended by high-level Pakistani officials and around 400 state-owned and private enterprises in China, is aimed at promoting the KP province to potential Chinese investors under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It's the Pakistani province's first road show in China and 11 MOUs on mutual cooperation were signed during the opening ceremony.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, plays a pivotal role in leading the initiative, according to Sha Zukang, former United Nations under-secretary-general for the department of economic and social affairs and chairman of China-Pakistan Friendship Association, who addressed the opening ceremony of the road show.

"The CPEC will push forward social and economic development of both countries. It's mutual, not just Pakistan getting assistance from China. And it will benefit nearly 300 million people in China and South Asian countries," Sha said.

He also pointed out that as of yet, state-own enterprises contributed the most investment in Pakistan, while private companies cannot find a convenient channel due to lack of experience and access.

"I hope that we show support to private companies and help them get familiar with the investment and construction in Pakistan," Sha said.
With the installation of the dome on the containment building, all major civil engineering works have been completed at Unit 5 of the Hongyanhe nuclear power plant developed by China's State Power Investment Corp, located Northeast China's Liaoning province. [Photo/People's Daily Online]

Chinese companies are craving access to the colossal untapped potential of the nuclear power industry in Belt and Road countries, which could yield a market of up to 4 trillion yuan ($580 billion), said the chairman of one of the country's largest nuclear power developers.

"About 72 countries have been or are planning to develop nuclear power, among which 41 are along the Belt and Road, and most of them are still in the earliest stages of nuclear power development. We estimate that if their nuclear energy were raised to reach development levels comparable to those of the US or Japan, it would spawn a market worth 4 trillion yuan, " remarked Wang Shoujun, chairman of China National Nuclear Corp (CNNC).

The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes, in an unprecedented effort that will unite up to 65 countries.

China a powerful nuclear tech player

As domestic demand for electricity soars in China, and the country accelerates its shift to renewable energy, nuclear power will be one of the highest-priority projects. China currently operates 36 nuclear reactors, and is in the process of building 20 new ones, according to an official with the Ministry of Environmental Protection. By the end of 2020, China aims to have 58 million kilowatts of nuclear power capacity in operation and more than 30 million kW under construction, ranking second in the world for number of installed units.

When it comes to homegrown technologies, China is gathering steam to occupy a position of leadership in the world. The Hualong One pressurized water reactor, manufactured by China First Heavy Machinery, completed its hydraulic pressure tests on April 8. This milestone shows that China has mastered the independent design and manufacture of third-generation nuclear power facilities.

On Jan 5, 2017, State Power Investment Corp (SPIC), one of China's five largest power generators, released NuPAC platform, a digital instrumentation and control system for nuclear power plants, complete with independent intellectual property rights. The platform has obtained approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, giving it access to American and European markets.

Photo taken on May 7, 2015 shows the construction site of a nuclear power project in Fuqing, Southeast China's Fujian province. China on Thursday began construction on the pilot nuclear power project using Hualong One technology, a domestically-developed third generation reactor design on Thursday. [Photo/Xinhua]

Sailing abroad

With the third-generation Hualong One reactor as a star export, Chinese nuclear technologies have established a presence in the UK, Romania, Pakistan and beyond.

In March, China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) inked a protocol with Kenya on nuclear power training based on the Hualong One reactor, coming one step closer to actually exporting the Hualong One design to Kenya, and testing the waters on other exports of technology and equipment overseas.

Citing indigenous technologies like Hualong One, the president of CGN Group announced that homegrown technologies "lay the foundation for China's nuclear expansion overseas."

According to CNNC Chairman Wang Shoujun, CNNC has successfully exported six nuclear power units and eight reactors to at least seven countries, and has established links with more than 40 countries for further cooperation spanning the full nuclear industrial chain.

SPIC releases NuPAC Platform, a nuclear reactor protection system with independent intellectual property rights. [Photo/People's Daily Online]

Nuclear, radiation safety measures "reliable"

According to sources from the National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA), from August to September 2016, the International Atomic Energy Agency conducted a comprehensive nuclear and radiation safety evaluation. Their assessment found that nuclear and radiation safety in China is in line with international standards, and regulatory work is effective and reliable.

An unidentified NNSA official noted that, in the past 30 years, the Chinese nuclear industry has maintained a record of safe operations, with no incidents exceeding Level 2 or higher on the 7-level International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale. No radiation was deemed detrimental to the environment.

However, the official also stressed that a shortage of storage space for used fuel and the disposal of radioactive waste is a major issue affecting the development of China's nuclear power.

In March, China's State Council approved a plan for nuclear power safety and radioactive pollution control. According to the plan, China will build five sites for the disposal of solid waste with a low or intermediate level of radioactivity. Underground laboratories will be called upon to dispose of highly radioactive waste.

By 2025, China plans to have fully modernized its supervisory system for nuclear safety and radioactive pollution control. The safety of the country's nuclear facilities will be markedly enhanced by 2020, with a lower rate of occurrence of radiation accidents and better emergency response and safety supervision, according to the plan.
Kjeld Stark, president of Danfoss China.

China's massive urbanization and green transformation has helped Danfoss, Denmark's largest industrial group, to report its strongest growth in six years in 2016, according to its China president.

Danfoss China turned out 4.25 billion yuan ($617 million) in sales revenue last year, up 10 percent from 2015, outperforming the group's other regions. Danfoss worldwide registered 39 billion yuan revenue in 2016, up 3 percent year-on-year.

"China is our second-largest market, after the United States. Danfoss has benefited from the increasing demand in infrastructure, food supply, energy efficiency, and climate-friendly solutions as the country's urbanization and green transformation goes on," said Kjeld Stark, president of Danfoss China.

Such growth is of great significance, according to Stark, given that the Chinese economy is slowing down in growth rate. "It indicates that the real economy has responded to the government's call for green restructuring, promising an exciting future for energy efficiency, environmental protection and green industries."

In recent decades, China has experienced the world's largest and fastest urbanization in history, with the urbanization rate reaching 57.35 percent in 2016, said Fan Hengshan, deputy secretary-general of the National Development and Reform Commission at an EU-China forum on sustainable urbanization in March.

Some 20 million people are moving from rural to urban areas each year, but such unprecedented urbanization is challenged by the overpopulation, shortage of resources and limited capacity of the environment, he said.

With its products and services covering refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, motor control and mobile machinery, Danfoss is well suited to support urbanization.

The Danish industrial giant looks to generate more than 5 billion yuan in sales revenue in 2017, and continue its investment in China, according to Stark.

For example, the company's first assembly line of oil-free compressors will be in full production in its Haiyan base in Zhejiang province in September. The line will mainly serve the domestic market in meeting growing demand for energy efficiency and green growth.

An application development center, involving an initial investment of more than 100 million yuan, will also be established in Haiyan campus to collaborate with OEM partners to create the innovative and differentiated solutions for the future.

"Innovation is in our DNA, and it is also one of the most important ways we are investing in the future," said Stark. In recent years, more than 4 percent of the company's annual sales revenue was invested in research and development, far exceeding the industry average.
By Tian Xuefei in Harbin and Zhang Xiaomin in Dalian, Liaoning province | China Daily | Updated: 2017-04-18 08:02

Daqing, a resource-rich city in Heilongjiang province, is transforming its growth pattern from an overreliance on oil to a more diversified industrial system.

"Facing falling crude output and global prices, Daqing's economy encountered unprecedented difficulties in the past two years," said Han Lihua, Party secretary and mayor of Daqing, home to China's largest oil field.

Daqing has made great strides to promote the chemical, automobile and high-end food sectors as well as electronic and information manufacturing, modern services, and strategic emerging industries.

The city's GDP is expected to hit 66.65 billion yuan ($9.68 billion) in the first quarter, up 2.1 percent year-on-year. Profits made by industrial enterprises realized positive growth for the first time in the past three years.

The Volvo Cars Daqing plant, with an initial annual capacity of 80,000 vehicles, is leading the city's automobile and parts sector to develop rapidly. Exports to the US of Volvo's new S90 sedan, which is selling well in the Chinese market, began on Wednesday. The first batch of 400 vehicles is scheduled to arrive in the US in June.

The Daqing Auto Spare Parts Industrial Park, a 200 million yuan factory producing 200,000 car seats annually, started operating in August. This year, its annual production value is expected to reach 500 million yuan.

According to Song Kui, a researcher from the Heilongjiang Academy of Social Sciences, the Volvo Daqing plant is a successful case of promoting industrial transformation and upgrading a leading company.

As a brand enjoying a world-wide reputation for good quality, Volvo could help upgrade the high-end equipment manufacturing industry of Daqing and bring products made in the city to the global market, said Song.

"The oil industry's decades of development has left the city a treasure of talented engineers and researchers as well as the spirit of the Iron Man Wang Jinxi (a model oil worker living between 1923 and 1970) that should encourage us to work hard," said Han.

Lyu Leyang, vice-general manager of Volvo Daqing plant, said he feels the Iron Man spirit among those working at the plant.

Contact the writer at tianxuefei@chinadaily.com.cn and zhangxiaomin@chinadaily.com.cn
BEIJING  China's housing authority increased residential land supply in the first quarter to meet rising demand, official data showed on Monday.

In the first quarter, residential land supply in first-tier cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou increased by over 50 percent from the same period a year ago, according to data collected by the China Urban Land Price Dynamic Monitor.

Land supply in second-tier cities also rose remarkably while supply in third-tier cities fell.

New home prices in Beijing and Shanghai rose by over 20 percent in the past year as residents rushed to buy new homes in anticipation of higher prices in the future.

China's policymakers announced in December that "houses are for living in, not for speculating with" in its fight against rampant speculation in the property market.
HANOI  Not satisfied with their own backyards, Vietnamese dairy producers are aiming at broadening their global reach, with neighboring China and its giant market topping the list of potential importers.

To Vu Ngoc Quynh, chairman of the Vietnam Dairy Association (VDA), said the more business trips he has taken to China, the more confident he becomes about the prospect of an import market.

"Chinese consumers have showed a very positive attitude towards Vietnamese dairy products," Quynh told Xinhua.

Over the past two years, local firm HanoiMilk has been participating in the annual Asia-China Expo held in Nanning city located in China's Guangxi province. HanoiMilk has been taking this as a precious opportunity to introduce their products to Chinese consumers.

"At the fair, we invited visitors to taste our products. Seeing people queuing in long lines to order our yogurt made us feel so happy," HanoiMilk's Chairman, Ha Quang Tuan, recalled.

According to Tuan, individual traders operating nearby the two countries' borders have imported a significant amount of Vietnamese dairy products into China since the Chinese people are amazingly fond of the goods.

The buyers' reaction encouraged HanoiMilk to build their first-ever plant in China, located in Pingxiang city in Guangxi province. The 2,000-square-meter plant uses advanced technology to package and preserve dairy products.

Tuan said the provincial authority is helping his firm to get approval from China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) to import dairy products from Vietnam to the country.

Like any other producer, Vietnam's largest milk firm Vinamilk considers China to be one of the most valuable potential markets in which it plans to invest further in manufacturing plants, farms and distribution channels.

To date, Vinamilk has boosted its overseas presence with production factories in Cambodia, New Zealand and the United States.

"China is a demanding market with the largest population in the world and its per capita income is increasing rapidly. Vinamilk's products have been welcome by local citizens due to their high quality, diversification and appropriate prices," Vinamilk's Director of External Affairs, Do Thanh Tuan, told Xinhua.

When asked about how Vietnamese products can compete in the Chinese market, local representatives expressed their optimism. They believe that the similarities in the tastes of both countries will help Vietnamese dairy products gain popularity among Chinese people.

"Like Vietnamese, Chinese consumers prefer yogurt in condensed form, which is different from products made in Europe or other Western countries," said Quynh.

In addition, the geographical factor will be an important advantage to Vietnamese products against other foreign brands.

"It is even closer from our factories to Chinese provinces nearby the border compared to the distance from Chinese firm's factories," Quynh said, pointing out the pros of cost and time efficiency while preserving and transporting products from Vietnam.

Speaking of the quality of the products and the confidence in the technology behind it, Tuan said, "We will compete fairly with local firms based on our high quality which meets global standards, but we'll ensure our prices are reasonable."

Across the expansive market, local brands dominate all provinces but people to some extent are becoming more trusting in products from Australia, New Zealand, Europe and South Korea, according to VDA.

"Our products have international standards like products from those countries, but are being sold at a relatively lower price. This is our competitiveness," asserted Quynh.

In the foreseeable future, the official import channel may be fully open to Vietnamese firms. The two governments have been seriously discussing about an agreement to allow imports of farm products from Vietnam to China.

"We are looking forward to the day China opens its doors, then the import procedures will be so much simpler," Quynh said.

Currently, a lack of such an agreement is causing delays and inconveniences for both importers and exporters, which also limits the size of trade deals.

"Paving the way for official imports is to serve the rights and demands of Chinese consumers and businesses who want to import and distribute made-in-Vietnam products," Tuan asserted, adding that a pilot plam could be launched to control the sanitization of imports in the first stages and test the feasibility of the barrier-easing policy.
File photo shows high-speed rail in China. [Photo/Xinhua]

While the United States remains central to innovation research, China has become the biggest spender on later-stage development, a Boston Consulting Group study released on Monday shows.

China is expected to invest up to twice as much as the US, or $658 billion (4.5 trillion yuan), in the back end of the research and development (R&D) chain by 2018, focusing on translating basic and applied research into commercial products and new manufacturing processes.

US leadership in industrial innovation "looks far less secure", despite its push in front-end R&D investment, the report concluded.

The report suggested academic research should align with the interests of manufacturing industries.

Contributions by the private sector account for 34 percent of university R&D budgets in China, while companies contribute less than 5 percent in the US.

About 38 percent of published research in China focuses on engineering, while the figure is only 11 percent in the US, the report cited as another example.

The surge in research spending comes as part of the country's decade-long efforts to upgrade its manufacturing sector.

The world's second largest economy now ranks ninth according to the number of domestically domiciled high-tech public companies. Innovation has sprawled out in diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, drones, e-commerce, electronic vehicles, mobile telecommunications, high-speed rail, robotics and supercomputing.

China's advance also comes as countries including Germany, Japan, and South Korea are unanimously turning to translate technological findings into new commercial products, according to the report.
PHNOM PENH - Cambodia exported 67,482 tons of milled rice to China in the first quarter of 2017, an increase of 82 percent compared to the same period last year, according to a government report on Tuesday.

China is the top buyer of Cambodian rice, followed by France, Poland, Britain and the Netherlands, said the report compiled by the Secretariat of One Window Service for Rice Export.

The Southeast Asian nation is expected to sell some 200,000 tons of its milled rice to China this year, said Agriculture Ministry undersecretary of state Hean Vanhan.

According to the report, Cambodia exported a total of 166,678 tons of milled rice to 53 countries and regions during the January-March period this year, up 3 percent over the same period last year.

The country produced over 9 million tons of paddy rice a year. With this amount, it has more than 3 million tons of milled rice left over for annual export, according to the Agriculture Ministry.
An exhibitor demonstrates Lenovo's prototype Think Mirror at an industry expo in Tokyo. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Lenovo Group Ltd said it plans to pour $1.2 billion into the research and development of artificial intelligence, the internet of things and big data over the next four yearsas the Chinese tech group scrambles to breathe new life into its PC, smartphone and other hardware businesses.

Chairman Yang Yuanqing said in an interview with Japanese news outlet Nikkei that the Beijing-headquartered company aims to find a new growth engine through heavy R&D investment and partnerships with global giants such as Google Inc and Amazon.com Inc.

The company is expected to unveil a new handset that comes with Amazon's voice recognition technology Alexa, and it now already sells a smartphone that uses Google's Tango augmented reality computing platform.

Lenovo, which controls 20 percent of the global personal computer market, has been struggling to revive its profits amid a shrinking demand for PCs and intensified competition with Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd in the smartphone sector.

But as the global artificial intelligence technology made significant progress in recent years, the Chinese company's chairman said his group realized that hefty investments into AI can help it reduce its reliance on PCs and raise the contribution of smartphones and other new business to 50 percent of total sales from the current 30 percent.

Yang said Lenovo planned to spend $6 billion in the next four years for R&D across all its business areas.

"Of that amount, more than 20 percent will go toward AI, big data and IoT," Yang said.

Lenovo on Monday confirmed the report to China Daily.

The major R&D initiative comes shortly after the company recruited top AI expertise to expand its research staffing levels.

Last year, it signed up Rui Yong, then deputy managing director at Microsoft Research Asia, to become its chief technology officer. Xu Feiyu, a well-known AI expert, also joined the company's newly established AI lab in March to lead related research.

Xiang Ligang, a hardware expert and CEO of telecom industry website cctime.com, said it usually takes several years of research before AI can be leveraged enough to boost existing business.

In the first quarter of 2017, total global PC shipments grew 0.6 percent to 603 million units, marking the first increase since 2012, market research firm International Data Corp estimated.
Will The Mag Mile Crate & Barrel Be Replaced By A Massive Starbucks Roastery?

By Stephen Gossett in Food on Apr 17, 2017 9:04PM



Crate & Barrel, Michigan Ave / Flickr / Photo: Andrew E. Larsen

The flagship store for one of Chicago's most famous home-retailer brands could be on its way out, with a new sort of flagship possibly set to arrive from... Seattle's most iconic brand?

That's how it could shake out, as the Tribune reports, citing real estate sources, that Starbucks is considering setting up a massive roastery inside the Magnificent Mile location currently occupied by Crate & Barrel (646 N Michigan Ave.).

Starbucks only has one Roastery in operation at the moment, in Seattle, but others are also in the works for New York, Milan, Shanghai and Tokyo, according to the Tribune. Meanwhile, Crate's lease is set to expire in the near future.

This of course begs the questions, what the heck is a Roastery and, why does it need so much space? (The building boasts four stories, some 35,000 square feet and one dramatic rotunda.) It's basically an all-things-Starbucks mega-center. The Seattle location "combines coffee production, menu testing, and architectural whimsy in a way that can't be found anywhere else in the world," according to a clearly taken Business Insider.

Irony of ironies, the retail tea leaves pointed toward a not-dissimilar integrated future for Crate & Barrel, possibly at that current location. The company, which was founded in Chicago and remains based in Northbrook, reportedly sought to blend a food-and-drink element into its stores, which sell dinnerware and glassware in addition to furniture and other home goods. But Restoration Hardware is suing the company on grounds related to that initiative, alleging that the company poached former RH executive and now recently departed Crate CEO Doug Diemoz after RH made similar moves under his tenure.

Crate & Barrel, which launched in 1962 in Old Town under founder Gordon Segal, had a harder time recovering from the recession than some of its rivals, and a potential vacancy from the Michigan Ave. location has been the subject of speculation in roundups like this.

Haley Drage, Director of Brand Communications for Starbucks, told Chicagoist that the coffee company "doesnt comment on rumors or speculation." And Vicki Lang, Director of Public Relations and Community Affairs, told us that Crate & Barrel has no information to share at this time. So at this point, nothing is confirmed by either side. But if the transition does indeed go forward, it'll be a big one for the Mile.
The logo of Canon Inc is seen at a photographic equipment expo in Japan, Feb 23, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

Japanese manufacturer Canon is stepping up its efforts to expand into digital printing, video surveillance and medical equipment sector.

Canon China chief executive officer Hideki Ozawa said its B2B business is expected to account for 50 percent of its revenue by 2020.

"Enlarging our market share of business inkjet printers and laser printers is one of our priorities." he said.

It is the 20th year since Canon entered the Chinese market.

"The revenue from the Asian market increased most rapidly, accounting for nearly 20 percent of Canons global revenue. The Chinese market made the most contribution and the growth in the photocopier is also very obvious," Hideki said.

Canon will start utilizing more big data, cloud computing and other technologies to promote the digital and intelligent transformation of the office industry, Hideki said.

Canon China and China CITIC Bank have signed a strategic cooperation agreement in the field of finance.

The Japanese tech giant also plans to capitalize on the potential of China's "Healthy China" and "Safe City" programs by expanding its range of security monitoring and medical equipment products.
Students who commit violent acts on campus will be severely punished, according to the central government, which introduced a number of measures to ensure safety in schools at the most recent executive meeting of the State Council, China's Cabinet.

Ensuring safety in primary and middle schools and kindergartens should be a public security priority, according to a statement released after the meeting, presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

"Campus safety concerns the healthy development of millions of students and the happiness of their families. Schools must be solidly built, like those in areas of post-earthquake reconstruction, and they should also be the most secure places when it comes to safety," Li told the meeting.

The statement said principals are responsible for campus safety, while students should be taught to value life and the rights of their classmates. It added that schools must employ the "necessary personnel" and use closed-circuit TV to keep a close watch on potential dangers and safeguard students' safety.

School buildings must comply with national safety and quality standards, while builders, designers and supervisors will hold lifelong liability for any failures, it added.

In addition to classes related to safety, schools will be required to conduct drills to alleviate the dangers posed by earthquakes, fire and stampedes, and more police officers should be deployed near schools.

Security risks on campus must be closely scrutinized, and the education and health authorities have been ordered to monitor and check sanitation, disease prevention and food safety in educational establishments for younger students.

A number of incidents of campus violence and bullying have put school safety firmly in the spotlight. The latest occurred on April 1 in Luzhou, Sichuan province, when a student surnamed Zhao killed himself by jumping from the top of a building at Taifu Middle School. Despite an official announcement to that effect, the incident aroused suspicions among members of the public that the boy had been beaten to death by five other students, who were believed to have bullied him.

The incident led to heated online debate about an investigation into the cause of death conducted by the local police and the untimely disclosure of information by the authorities.

At the State Council meeting, Li called for an effective mechanism to be established to curb bullying, especially acts of violence, by disclosure, intervention and prevention. He added that the relevant departments should respond to public concerns by disclosing the results of investigations in a timely manner.

In the Government Work Report he delivered in March last year, Li added "safety" to the chapter about education, and stressed "families, schools, the government and society should help to cultivate a secure and healthy environment in which children can grow up and make a contribution to the country".

The meeting sent a warning to "naughty children", who either bully their peers or take advantage of children who are less developed physically or come from deprived families, said Zheng Zonggen, a teacher at Wenfeng High School in Huoshan county, Anhui province.

Surveillance equipment is necessary because teachers cannot watch students 24 hours a day, he said, adding that a punishment mechanism should be established to discipline bullies and allow students to understand the consequences of beating or mistreating their peers, he added.

Xiong Bingqi, vice-president of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, said that in addition to the equipment outlined at the meeting, more money should be spent to help schools eliminate risks, such as bullying and unsafe food.

Bullying and campus safety require more effective implementation of the law, and violators should be subject to police action, rather than punishments handed out by their principals or teachers, he said.

Teachers and schools often conduct investigations into bullying but many perpetrators escape punishment, setting a bad example and giving the impression that violators can escape severe penalties, which further encourages bullying, he added.

Zheng said: "Lessons will be learned to reduce the likelihood of these incidents occurring. Anyone who bullies their peers will be punished in accordance with the law."
Zhang Huawei, a former division head for the top anti-corruption watchdog, is himself being investigated for suspected corruption.

The Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection issued a statement on its website on Monday saying that Zhang - who was a senior official at the level of vice-minister - "had seriously violated the Party's code of conduct".

According to Capitalnews, the WeChat account of Beijing Daily, Zhang is the only head of a national inspection team to be investigated.

Yang Weidong, a law professor at the Chinese Academy of Governance, said the move demonstrates the determination of the top anti-graft body to crack down on corruption, including internally.

"The move is in line with the call from the CCDI that no area is untouchable in graft investigations - the zero-tolerance stance," Yang said, adding that Zhang's case signals that there are no exceptions in the nationwide anti-graft campaign.

"More significantly, the case shows the public that anti-graft watchdogs exercise the same iron policy within their own ranks," Yang said.

Zhang took part in several rounds of inspections between 2013 and 2015, either as deputy head or head of a national-level inspection team, according to information on the CCDI website. The teams were stationed at major organizations and companies, including Renmin University of China, China Guodian Corp and the General Administration of Sport.

Wang Qishan, head of the CCDI, said in a meeting in December that 38 officials within anti-corruption bodies at the national level and more than 7,200 anti-graft officials at all levels across the country have been disciplined since late 2012.

Answering public concerns over "who watches the watchers", the CCDI has passed rules for inspectors, clarifying procedures for handling cases and disposing illegal gains.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

zhang_yi@chinadaily.com.cn
China will launch the Gaofen 5 high-resolution Earth observation satellite in September to help with environmental protection efforts, an official overseeing the program said.

Tong Xudong, a senior official at the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, who is in charge of the Gaofen program, told China Daily on Monday that the satellite will be launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province.

"The satellite will soon be assembled and start to go through tests. It will be one of the most advanced satellites of its kind and will have a life span of eight years," Tong said. "Its main tasks will be monitoring air pollutants, water quality and vegetative cover, thus improving environmental protection."

He made the remarks after a news conference in Beijing on Monday, where an industry report on China's high-resolution satellites was circulated.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection, the main user of the Gaofen 5, said the satellite is the most technologically sophisticated in the Gaofen family. It will carry six pieces of scientific equipment including an atmospheric greenhouse gas monitor and a hyper-spectral camera.

It will be the first Chinese satellite capable of performing remote observations of air pollutants and greenhouse gases.

China launched the Gaofen project in May 2010 and has listed it as one of its 16 top projects in science and technology. The country aims to have a high-resolution Earth observation network by around 2020.

The Gaofen 1 was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in April 2013. Another five in the series have been launched since.

Currently, more than 1,800 government departments, business entities and publicly funded organizations in China use images and data generated by Gaofen satellites, Tong said.

zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
In the past week, departments and ministries under the jurisdiction of the State Council, China's Cabinet, have responded to a number of public concerns, including a preferential tax policy, reform of the vehicle sales mechanism, smartphone safety, a national plan to make it easier for students from impoverished backgrounds to attend university and the replacement of business tax with value-added tax.

Preferential policy launched

To promote tax reduction and reduce the burden on businesses, the country's tax authorities have launched a "three-dimensional" preferential policy. Liu Baozhu, deputy director of the department of income tax at the State Administration of Taxation, said the authorities will launch comprehensive policies and regulations related to the collection of taxes and service requirements. It will also reduce the cost of payment and collection. Key issues related to the implementation of the policy will also be clarified to help people understand the new system.

Businesses with preferential tax status will also be allowed to simply notify the authorities of that status, rather than being required to obtain official approval.

New vehicle sales mechanism

The Ministry of Commerce announced that a new method of managing vehicle sales will come into force on July 1 that will promote reform of the system of authorized sales. According to ministry officials, the method will promote a new model of multiple vehicle sales to boost competition, reduce retail costs, improve sales efficiency and energize the market.

A new relationship will be established between suppliers and retailers, and protection of consumer rights and interests will be improved. The main distributors and brand dealers will no longer be required to register with the authorities, while supervision of sales and after-sales services will be improved.

Smartphone safety

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine recently launched inspections related to smartphone safety. Eighteen of the 40 samples inspected had potential safety issues, which resulted in the administration reminding consumers to purchase smartphones through the approved, regular channels and keep valid proof of purchase, such as an invoice. People should also improve their awareness of the protection of private information and update their phone's apps and operating systems regularly to reduce the risk of information leaks.

Preferential treatment

The Ministry of Education has confirmed that it will continue to implement a special nationwide program to make it easier for students from impoverished regions to study at key universities. The ministry said 63,000 impoverished students will be admitted to top schools this year, a rise of 10 percent from last year. The regions implementing the program include counties that face special challenges, along with national poverty relief and development counties and four regions in the south of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The ministry said the relevant universities must ensure that at least 2 percent of their undergraduates come from remote, impoverished areas or regions with large ethnic populations.

Tax reform continues

A year after replacing the business tax with value-added tax, China had reduced taxes by 680 billion yuan ($98.7 billion), according to Wang Jun, director of the State Administration of Taxation, speaking at the fourth meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Global Forum on Value-Added Tax.

After the January 2012 launch of a regional pilot program to replace business tax with value-added tax, levies were reduced by more than 1.2 trillion yuan, the largest reduction in recent years. Full implementation of the reform came into effect last year.

The administration said the financial and tax departments have launched several measures to smooth the implementation of the reform. The tax authorities have provided training for 21.3 million people, established a special phone hotline about the reform, and opened an extra 17,386 consultation windows in tax offices.
Aerial photo taken on April 1, 2017 shows Anxin county, North China's Hebei province.[Photo/Xinhua]

Since China announced plans to develop the new area Xiongan, attention has turned to the previously obscure county of Xiongxian.

Before the surprise announcement at the start of this month, Xiongxian county, 100 kilometers south of Beijing and part of the Xiongan New Area, racked up the largest online sales of any county in the country last year, according to logistics platform Cainiao.

According to Cainiao, the three most common purchases by Xiongxian residents were T-shirts, canvas shoes, and mobile phone covers and cases.

Three kilometers away from the county seat of Xiongxian, Jia Xilin, a resident of Wangheiying village, owns a 600-square-meter house and 0.2 acres of land, which makes him a potential millionaire.

But he has no intention to stop work at a logistic center of Cainiao.

"The era of internet will not change. Whenever there is Taobao and online shopping, there will be express delivery, and we have job to do."

He receives the parcels, sorts them out and loads them onto the vehicle. Thousands of parcels are handled by Jia each day, amounting to about two million a year.

By 8 am, the goods have been loaded on four courier vehicles, and are on their way to 108 villages in the county. Jia and his co-workers can then take a break.

"Every parcel in Xiongxian is delivered by our team," Jia said smilingly.

When the workers take a rest, they talk about the house prices of Xiongxian. A residential community opposite the logistics center has seen its house prices skyrocket from 3,000 yuan per square meter a year ago to 30,000 yuan per square meter today.

In addition to its booming e-commerce trade, Xiongxian also produces more than 80 percent of balloons for the country and is home to the largest manufacturer of condoms in North China.

In setting up the new Xiongan area, which spans Xiongxian, Rongcheng and Anxin counties in Hebei province, the policymakers plan to build a new economic engine and advance the coordinated development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

The move will shift Beijing's non-capital functions to the new area and explore a new model of optimized development in densely populated areas.
Shi Changhong. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Moving art helps people understand ancient calendar in more direct way

The 24 solar terms, a complementary calendar system invented in ancient China, has been brought to life by a creative designer in Guizhou province.

On the eve of Qingming Festival this month, Shi Changhong released his version of reproduced and packaged characters for each solar term in the form of "moving art", or Graphics Interchange Format, known as GIFs.

Since their initial release on March 29 on Zcool, a professional website for designers, the GIFs have won acclaim from the general public and rapidly engulfed social media, with millions of hits during the festival period.

"In my mind, the 24 solar terms represent a complicated social practice system that is formed through observations of the sun's annual motion, and understanding of the year's changes in seasons, climate and phenology. But this is a textbook definition. After looking at the GIFs, I can understand them in a clear and more direct way," Wang Xiaoqian said on Sina Weibo.

To maximize publicity, Shi released his work in three forms - video, animation and graphics - while background sounds add to the brilliance.

"When I watch the short video, I can feel the Chinese-style elements hidden in them. It is really cool to rejuvenate traditional Chinese culture in such a unique way," Xiao Feifei said on WeChat.

Shi told China Daily: "It is comforting for me to see that so many people like my latest work.

"The 24 solar items is a deeply rooted concept that encapsulates the essence of Chinese wisdom. However, only a small number of people know all the names or the correct order of those terms. My intention is to increase Chinese people's desire to learn more about our traditional culture."

Last year, the 24 solar terms were added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and many people have asked Shi if it was the UNESCO listing that inspired him to design the GIFs.

"Actually, the 24 solar terms work is only a part of my whole design program Charm China, which I started over a year ago," Shi said.

"I grew up in a small village. When I was a child, I noticed that my family would do farm work in accordance with the solar terms, which really means a lot to Chinese in rural areas. Therefore, designing the GIFs allowed me to recall happy childhood memories."

Born in Liping county's Qiandong village, Shi is a member of the Dong ethnic group. When he was a child, everything around him, from hats and shoes to embroidery and daily necessities, was embedded with a strong ethnic influence. Shi developed an interest in designing pictures and was responsible for updating the school notice board during high school.

In 2004, he was admitted to Guizhou Normal University and majored in graphic design, laying the foundations for his future career. After graduation, Shi joined Guizhou Sunshine Brand Design and became a professional designer.

In 2011, he won a competition by creating two artistic Chinese characters for "Guilin", the name of a popular city for tourists in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. His initial success prompted him to produce many more Chinese regional logos.

He first gained public attention in September, when he released his full set of Chinese regions to celebrate the National Day holiday. Shi's internet fame has helped him to gain business opportunities.

He said that with investment from other business partners, he would have more control over his work, adding that the 12 zodiac signs and China's 56 ethnic groups are potential projects. "But I will not be a sellout and forget my principles," he said.

Online celebrities have become increasingly common in China, with many people seeking fame in this manner, but Shi has his own priorities. "I would like to be known as a consistent designer rather than an online celebrity. My work does the talking and this is how I intend things to remain," he added.

zhangxingjian@chinadaily.com.cn
China's largest and heaviest spacecraft, the Tianzhou 1, which also is its first cargo spaceship, was moved into place atop the new-generation Long March 7 rocket on Monday at the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province in preparation for its mission.

The launch, scheduled to be carried out between Thursday and Monday, is a crucial development for the nation's upcoming manned space station, scientists said.

It also marks the second flight of the Long March 7, which made its maiden launch in June, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

Starting at 7:30 am, it took about two and a half hours to move the rocket and Tianzhou 1 to the launch site. (Tianzhou means "heavenly vessel" in Chinese.) Engineers will conduct final tests and fuel up the rocket with liquid oxygen and kerosene, the agency said.

Tianzhou 1 was transported by sea to the Wenchang center from Tianjin, where it was built, in mid-February. After its launch, the spacecraft will dock with the Tiangong II ("heavenly palace") space lab, which has been in orbit since September.

The cargo ship was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology and is 10.6 meters long and has a diameter of 3.35 meters. Its maximum takeoff weight is 13.5 metric tons, enabling it to carry up to 6.5 tons of supplies.

It is larger and heavier than Tiangong II, which has a length of 10.4 meters, a diameter of 3.35 meters and a weight of 8.6 tons, according to the academy.

The main goals of the Tianzhou 1 mission are to supply fuel to Tiangong II and test in-orbit refueling technologies, the manned space agency said. In addition, the cargo ship will ferry more than 10 pieces of scientific equipment.

In the future, the Tianzhou series will be tasked with transporting supplies of fuel and other necessities to China's manned space station, which will start construction next year and is expected to enter service by about 2022.

The station will consist of three parts - a core module attached to two space labs, each weighing about 20 tons - and will operate for at least 10 years, the agency said.

A cargo transportation system is key to operating a space station because without it, the station would run out of power and basic necessities and will fall back to the Earth much earlier than the designed time, Chinese scientists involved in the project said.

Pang Zhihao, a researcher of human space activity at the China Academy of Space Technology, said a cargo spacecraft acts like a courier, helping keep the space station in the heavens for a decade or longer, so the courier's debut is important.

"The mission will verify whether the cargo spacecraft was well designed and produced and whether it can work well with other spacecraft," he said. "The most difficult part of this mission will be the refueling process as it will be very sophisticated and will involve some risk."

The world's first cargo spacecraft, Progress 7K-TG, was developed and launched by the former Soviet Union in 1978. Currently, four types are in service, including the United States' SpaceX Dragon and the Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle. zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
State Councilor Yang Jiechi (second from right) and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (second from left) pose on Monday in Beijing at the steering committee on cooperation meeting.Wang Zhuangfei / China Daily

Nations will manage differences, plan for official visits by leaders

China and Vietnam on Monday vowed to push forward with the Belt and Road Initiative and maintain stability at sea.

State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh spoke during the 10th meeting of the China-Vietnam Steering Committee on Cooperation, which they led jointly. Minh is on a China visit from Sunday through Tuesday.

Yang asked both nations to take efforts to ensure successful visits of their leaders to each other's countries this year.

In January, Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, paid a four-day official visit to China. The two sides had "a candid exchange of views" on maritime issues, according to a communique.

Yang said on Monday that Beijing and Hanoi should raise the quality and level of cooperation and forge a solid basis of public opinion for friendship.

The two leaders agreed to plan this year's work, with "deepening high-level interaction" as the main focus.

They vowed to jointly push forward development of the Belt and Road Initiative, the two economic corridors linking China and Vietnam and the Beibu Bay economic zone, as well as cooperation in fields including investment, capacity, infrastructure and cross-border economic cooperation zones.

They also agreed to "properly manage and control differences and maintain maritime peace and stability", according to a news release issued after the meeting.

Minh said his country attaches great importance to comprehensive and strategic cooperation with China.

The China-Vietnam Steering Committee on Cooperation was established in 2006. Its last meeting was in Hanoi in June.

Song Yinghui, an expert on Southeast Asia studies with the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said relations between Beijing and Hanoi have improved since last year.

"Now, against the background of a gloomy global economy, China and Vietnam, as two fast-growing economies, have strong appeals for bilateral cooperation," she said.

In the steel industry, for example, Vietnam needs China's equipment and technique, Song said.

According to official Vietnamese figures, China has become the country's largest exporter, with imports from China reaching $11.9 billion in the first quarter this year, an increase of 12.3 percent from a year earlier.
On April 19 last year, President Xi Jinping called for informatization development and breakthroughs in core internet technology in China, while presiding over a symposium on the topic. One year later, we take a look at changes that have happened and how ordinary people have benefitted.

Two women look at a mobile photo in Jilin city, Northeast China's Jilin province, as the whole city rolls out access to optical fiber network on March 31, 2016. [Photo/VCG]

More than 61 million rural households had access to optical fiber network by the end of November in 2016, rising by 90 percent compared to that at the end of 2015. The central government and private sector companies invested over 30 billion yuan ($6.88 billion) to upgrade and build optical fiber network in villages in 2016. More than 90 percent of villages are expected to have access to optical fiber network by the second half of 2017.
There's No Such Thing As 'Routine' ICE Check-Ins For Fearful Immigrants In Chicago

By Stephen Gossett in News on Apr 18, 2017 8:00PM



Photo: Tyler LaRiviere

Thousands of miles away and months removed, the story of Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos, and others like her's, still linger heavily in cities across America. Garcia de Rayos is the formerly Arizona-based mother of two who was deported in February after what was once a standard check-in with immigration officials. In cities like New York and Baltimore, fear of ICE check-inswhich once felt customary for non-violent undocumented immigrantsare now causing waves of apprehension. According to immigration lawyers and advocates, that worry is burrowing in Chicago, also.

Immigration-related arrests in the U.S. have increased under President Donald Trump's watch, although they are still lower than figures at this time from 2014, during the Obama era, according to ABC News. Locally, there isn't evidence of increased enforcement in Chicago. But after Trump's hardline anti-immigration rhetoric and pledge to increase the categories of criminality under which deportations are conducted, immigration lawyers say they've noticed a pattern of fear among clients.

"I would tell you that [fear of check-ins] is much more common these days," Drew Elesh, a local immigration lawyer," told Chicagoist.

Elesh said:



"People were not that fearful a few years ago of an ICE check-in, but there are stories that circulate in the the national media of some people who are getting detained after a check-inso word gets out, word spreads. People are more fearful in this environment. They're also afraid of reporting crimes, which they were not as fearful of a few years ago Because they're afraid a run-in with police is going to get them detained. The community is fearful, more than in the past."

But high-profile national stories to which Elesh alludes aren't alone in sparking worry here. In Chicago, the story of Francisco Lina remains forefront in minds. The 50-year-old mother of six had reported for years without incident but in March, a gut-punch ruling changed that course: "Immigration officers told Lino to return July 11, suitcases packed and plane ticket in hand. In other words, her deportation date is set," CNN reports.

But there are countless more tales of sustained fear among immigrant communities related to ICE check-ins that don't reach the headlines.

Mike Jarecki, the Chicago Vice Chair of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said he luckily hadn't seen firsthand his clients missing ICE check-ins due to deportation fears, but he told Chicagoist that "absolutely, fear of ratcheting up enforcement has definitely trickled down to people who have to do routine check-ins" in Chicago.

"They're very concerned that what used to be routine is now going to turn into a detention or arrest," Jarecki told Chicagoist. "They're complying with the law, but now the rules have changed, and they haven't necessarily been informed and their life is turned upside down."

Jarecki said he was on standby for an East Coast client, a mother and recent arrival, who feared a meeting would lead to deportation. But "she was lucky, I think," and was spared. Like all of us, he said he and his colleagues are having to just wait and see who enforcement agents are in fact prioritizing when, according to some Homeland Security statements, "seemingly everyone's a priority," as Jarecki puts it.

Also, according to an excellent recent Tribune examination of the issue, lawyers say the tone of officials who conduct check-ins has changed, also, having grown curt and pointedly direct.

"You show up. And then they're telling you, 'We're detaining you today,' or 'We're giving you a new report date, but expect to (be deported),'" Kalman Resnick, a veteran immigration attorney, told the paper.

Jarecki also said some of his clients who are here legally, as permanent residents, have voiced considerable fear about visiting government agencies to which they are freely entitled due to the current climate. He agreed that there has been a change in tone from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office that has had an effect on clients.

"These are the same officers that were working before... But after Jan. 20, it seems that we're in a different environment, and these individuals have taken on the call to enforcement almost in a personal way," he said. "The tensions in how individual clients are spoken to and dealt withand also attorneys, for that matterhave escalated."

Despite potential hostility and persistent fears, immigration lawyers stress that missing a scheduled check-in will only snowball more trouble. Seeking legal counsel and appearing for the ICE meetings remain the best option, attorneys saideven as the political climate makes that a grueling ordeal for many.
People at a social insurance service hall in Zhengzhou, Central China's Henan province, on Monday. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

A social insurance service agency in Zhengzhou, Central China's Henan province, has changed its office design in response to a public complaint about inconvenient service windows.

The windows that separated service staff and clients have now been removed.

In images posted on Sina Weibo earlier this month, people can be seen stooping or squatting at the service windows while trying to talk to staff members on the other side.

"The service windows are neither high nor low, making it uncomfortable whether to stand or to squat," a web user said.

The Party chief of the Zhengzhou social security bureau told thepaper.cn last week that chairs were placed in front of the service windows, but were somehow moved away.

The pictures reminded people of scenarios that appeared in a hit drama, In the Name of the People, about the fight against corrupt officials. In the drama, a service hall of the bureau of letters and calls - an agency that deals with petitions from individuals - in the fictional city of Handong was in spotlight for ill-designed service windows.
An emotional reunion between Wu Jiayu and her long, lost brother Wu Jiayan on CCTV program Waiting for Me broadcast on April 16, 2017. [Photo from web]

A woman in Central China's Hubei province has been reunited with her younger brother, 27 years after he was taken at a railway station and trafficked.

The siblings were reunited on CCTV program Waiting for Me on Sunday ending years of searching which even included getting a DNA test using a sample from their deceased parents.

Current technology is not able to identify relatives using only their own DNA sample. It's the first time in China that DNA taken from the grave has successfully helped connect family members who have lost contact.

In the television program, based on seeking long lost relatives or friends, 31-year-old sister Wu Jiayu said in tears: "My brother, I finally found you. I will take you to the grave of our parents, telling them that you are back. Now they can rest in peace without any regrets."

Wu went missing in the summer of 1990 at Wuchang Railway Station when he was just 2 years old. Wu's father had been planning to take the two children to visit their mother who worked in North China's Shanxi province.

The parents quit their job and left their daughter with her grandparents to hit the road and search for their son.

They traveled many places and wrote of their heartbreak.

"My dear son Yanyan, I have dreamt about you all the time. Where are you indeed? My dear Yanyan, please remember mom's face. Mom is determined to find you," Wu Jiayu read from one of her mother's diaries on the show.

They tried to find their trafficked son for two years, but when their search efforts failed, the couple's grief overwhelmed them and they commit suicide.

Though Wu Jiayu lost her parents at the age of 6, she knows well her parents' unfulfilled wishes. She has kept her parents' diaries and continued to look for her brother.

"Though parents left us forever, our home won't vanish with them," she said.

In 2015, she uploaded her DNA information into the public security official website for locating trafficked or missing children.

Meanwhile, her brother Wu Jiayan, who had been renamed Lin Yihui after being trafficked to East China's Fujian province, was suspicious about the differences in appearance between him and his sisters in the new family. At almost the same time as Wu Jiayu, he added his DNA profile to the site.

Due to the technology barrier, Wu Jiayu faced great ethical pressure as she decided whether to retreive DNA from their parents buried long ago.

With the help of local police, the deceased couple were identified as the birth parents of Lin, the long-disconnected son of the Wu family.
Vice-Premier Liu Yandong and Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek attend the publication ceremony of the Turkish-language version of President Xi Jinping's book Xi Jinping: The Governance of China in the Turkish capital Ankara on April 17, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

The publication ceremony of the Turkish-language version of President Xi Jinping's book Xi Jinping: The Governance of China was held in the Turkish capital Ankara on Monday and was attended by Vice-Premier Liu Yandong and Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek.

Liu is paying official visits to Turkey, Jordan, Iran and South Africa from Monday to April 27.

The book was released as bilateral trade reached $19.5 billion last year, and the two countries have maintained frequent high-level exchanges.

The vice-premier said on Monday that Xi has thought about, discussed and proposed many new ideas and strategies to respond to major issues regarding the development of the Communist Party of China and the country.

The publishing of the Turkish version of the book gives Turkish readers access to the Chinese leader's ideas on governance, the dreams and pursuits of the Chinese nation as well as the goals and tasks of China's reform and development, Liu said.

The release will boost strengthening exchanges between China and Turkey regarding governance, and will exert lasting and profound influence on deepening mutual understanding of the two peoples and cementing the China-Turkey strategic cooperative partnership, Liu added.

Simsek said China's reform and opening up has recorded great achievements, and its significance for the world's economy and politics has been increasing.

The book offers a window for Turkish people to better understand China's political vision, its view and path on development, and it effectively interprets and showcases the achievement and experience of China's progress in recent years, Simsek said.

He said Turkey is willing to boost exchanges with China on sharing experience of governance as well as participating in the building of the Belt and Road - namely the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road - and this will bring new opportunities for bilateral ties.

Prior to the debut of the Turkish version, the Cambodian, Thai and Urdu language versions of the book were released respectively in Cambodia, Thailand and Pakistan earlier this month.

The book contains 79 speeches, talks, interviews, notes and letters of the Chinese leader between November 2012 and June 2014.

More than 6.2 million copies have been distributed around the world.
TIANJIN -- Pan Yiyang, former vice chairman of the government of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a court in Tianjin on Tuesday for taking and offering bribes.

Pan was also fined 4 million yuan (around $580,000), and his illicit gains shall be turned over to the state treasury, said the First Intermediate People's Court of Tianjin in a statement.

Pan was found to have accepted bribes worth 86 million yuan, helping others with business operations and obtaining mining licenses, while holding a series of offices in Jiangxi and Inner Mongolia between 1999 and 2014.

The court found that Pan had offered bribes of 7.6 million yuan to Ling Jihua, then director of the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, from 2000 to 2013.

The court said Pan had been given relatively lenient treatment in return for cooperating with investigators, handing over the proceeds of his corruption and exposing others' crimes.
SHIJIAZHUANG -- Chang Xiaobing, former chairman of China Telecom, went on trial for accepting bribes on Tuesday.

Prosecutors accused Chang of accepting money and valuables worth more than 3.76 million yuan ($550,000) between 1998 and 2014 when he served as a telecom official and chairman of China Unicom.

Chang took advantage of his positions during the period to seek benefits for others in terms of contracting projects and purchases of equipment, according to prosecutors.

China Unicom and China Telecom are two of China's top three telecom service providers.

The case was tried at the Intermediate People's Court of Baoding City in North China's Hebei province.

Chang confessed to his crimes during the trial, according to the court. The verdict will be announced at another date.

The CPC discipline inspection agency announced in July that Chang had been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office for a catalog of offenses ranging from accepting bribes to ignoring frugality rules.
BEIJING -- The State Council, China's cabinet, has approved a document which highlighted the key tasks in deepening economic system reform in 2017.

The document was mapped out by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's economic planning agency.

Supply-side reform should be the key task in 2017, and the market should play a bigger role in economic activity, the document said.

The government should streamline administrative procedures and cut red tape to improve efficiency. State-owned enterprise should deepen mixed ownership reform.

Intellectual property rights should be better protected to nurture entrepreneurship. Fiscal reform such as budget and value-added tax reforms should be advanced.

The document also outlined the importance of reform in finance, agriculture, innovation and urbanization.
GUIYANG -- Standing under the world's largest radio telescope, Yang Tianjue can still make out the site of his old house, which was removed 10 years ago to make way for the project.

"There was once a water cellar and I planted an osmanthus tree beside it," said Yang, 42, pointing somewhere near the feed cabin of the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), which was put into use in September 2016.

The telescope is located at the Dawodang depression, a natural karst basin under Kedu Town of Pingtang county in Guizhou province. Dawodang was once inhabited by 12 families who were relocated after the site was chosen for the telescope over a decade ago.

On April 13, 12 former residents paid a visit to Dawodang at the invitation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the provincial government of Guizhou.

"The feed cabin collects all the information gathered by the telescope, helping people better explore the mysterious universe," explained Peng Bo of the National Astronomical Observatories and a leader of the FAST project.

Peng told Xinhua that Dawodang was chosen out of more than 900 depressions, and the decision was made after the National Astronomical Observatories spent 10 years investigating and analyzing.

"More than 10 years ago, several scientists came to Dawodang and we heard that a big cauldron would be built here, and we would be able to see outer space through it," Yang said.

Yang was so thrilled at the news that he lost sleep for several nights.

"I volunteered to show the scientists around as they carried out their survey," he said.

He remembered that the survey lasted for three years. The villagers had doubts that the project would actually come to be until one day some engineers brought five drilling machines to Dawodang.

The beginning of construction meant that the local farmers had to leave their hometown.

"Of course it was hard to say goodbye to the place we had lived for seven or eight generations," Yang said.

However, the relocation allowed them to lead better lives. Yang said Dawodang was once a remote and underdeveloped place with no road connecting it to the outside world.

There were only about 20 mu (1.3 hectares) of paddy fields, which couldn't feed everyone. They were forced to cultivate the barren mountains nearby.

Some farmers raised pigs, but it was hard to get the pigs out of the mountains to sell them since there was no adequate transportation, he said.

When they moved out of Dawodang, each of the 12 households was given a three-story house in Kedu Town and a subsidy ranging from 520,000 yuan ($75,486) to 3 million yuan, depending on how much land they previously held.

Yang opened a store selling tires, and the store is now the largest of its kind in the town with an annual revenue of some 300,000 yuan.

According to the county government, besides the 12 households in Dawodang, more than 8,000 residents within five kilometers of the telescope should also be relocated. Currently, more than 2,300 people within a radius of three kilometers have already moved out.

Liu Pinyang, an official of Jinke Village of Kedu Town, said that a decade ago, more than half of the villagers were living in poverty, but now more than 90 percent of them are no longer poor since relocation.

The villagers will also benefit from the development of tourism, he said.

Earlier this year, Guizhou Province announced that 5 billion yuan will be spent on building a tourist resort there. A dozen projects including a learning center on radio astronomy, a geological park and a science fiction-themed hotel will be built.

Huang Zhangqing, 54, was formerly a teacher of a primary school in the county. Both his home and the school were relocated. Huang is preparing for the opening of a family inn, hoping to cash in on the tourism boom.

"The telescope can open up the eyes of human beings, and moving out of the mountains has opened up the eyes of locals," Yang Tianjue said.
An exhibition at the Palace Museum in Beijing highlights traditional crafts, including paintbrushes, ink stones and stone carvings from the Huizhou area in Anhui province. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

The Huizhou area has contributed handsomely to Chinese culture throughout Chinese history. Huizhou culture flourished in the southern Anhui region and influenced a wide range of fields - philosophy, literature, medicine, architecture, fine art, handicrafts and folk customs.

An exhibition jointly organized by the Palace Museum in Beijing, the Anhui provincial department of culture and the Huangshan city government is highlighting traditional crafts from the area.

The event, which began on April 11, will run until the end of May.

The traditional crafts from the region include xuan rice paper and Huizhou ink sticks, which used to be offered to royal families as tribute. Many of these items are still made today.

At the exhibition, more than 80 items like ink stones, ink sticks, paintbrushes, lacquer ware, bamboo carvings and stone carvings are on display.
Online writer Tangjiasanshao (Zhang Wei). [Photo/Xinhua]

Online writer Tangjiasanshao, or Zhang Wei, took the crown again on the latest income ranking list of Chinese online writers.

Receiving 122 million yuan ($18 million) in royalties, the writer comes in at first place for the fourth time.

Born in 1981, Zhang once worked for a small IT company after graduating from Hebei University. He got fired by the slumping company in 2003.

In 2004, Zhang started writing his first online novel, Guang Zhi Zi, or Son of Light. In 2012, the young writer was crowned on the royalties ranking list for the first time.

Many web writers, such as Tiancantudou (Li Hu) and Wochixihongshi also rose to fame because of their work and enviable royalties.

A series of popular TV series, animations and games have been adapted from their writings, including Nirvana in Fire and The Journey of Flower.

However, not every online writer is as lucky as them. Most online writers work 10 hours a day according to a report from Yangtze Evening. And they must always be working hard to create intriguing stories.

Angeloscar from Nanjing began to write for the web as a part-time job in 2006. And he resigned from his stable job to write full time from 2015.

"Many people believe online writers are messy and sloppy, and some even think we wear costumes when writing stories about ancient people. We are not. At least I am not," Angeloscar said.

As a father, the writer has a regular life. And he also spends at least 10 hours on writing each day.

"It's easy to become an online writer, but not that easy to become famous. I suggest people to start part-time writing first," he said.

And only especially skilled writers could write for large internet literature websites, such as Qidian.com.

Yang Chen, chief editor of Qidian.com, said there are tens of thousands of writers creating web stories on Qidian.com.

"There are more female online writers now and some are even teenagers," Yang said.

Martial arts fantasy web fiction is the most popular literature genre online. And many foreigners are also faithful readers.

Wuxiaworld.com, a website sharing English versions of Chinese kung fu and fantasy online novels, is pretty popular in the US.

According to data from Alexa in December 2016, the website ranked 1,525 in the world and 986 in the US. It had more than three million daily page views and 241,211 daily unique visitors.
Julian Opie is showing his creations in Shanghai. [Photo provided to China Daily]

British artist Julian Opie is holding his first major solo show in China, with more than 50 works displayed at the Fosun Foundation in Shanghai's Bund area, overlooking the Huangpu River.

From life-size vinyl sculptures and LED monoliths of figures in motion to hand-painted portraits that bear influences of ancient Egyptian reliefs, Roman busts, pop art and manga, the exhibition shows his interests at different stages of his career.

"If you see this show, I think you see what I am doing at that moment. There is not much missing from here," says Opie.

The 59-year-old artist lives in London.

David Tung, Asia head of the Lisson Gallery, which is representing the artist in the Asia-Pacific region, said at the opening of the show that Opie rose to prominence in Britain in the 1980s.

In the past decades, he has created metal sculptures, minimalistic portraits and animated figures, presenting them on walls, postal stamps and T-shirts. He also has an acclaimed compact-disc cover for the British pop band Blur.

Opie's first solo exhibition in China is part of a project celebrating the gallery's 50th anniversary, Tung says.
Trump's Order To Review H-1B Visas Could Spur Opposite Effect, If It Has One At All

By Stephen Gossett in News on Apr 18, 2017 4:26PM



Getty Images / Pool

President Donald Trump is set to officially take aim at the H-1B guest worker visa program on Tuesdayeven as the move may immediately be more about perception than legislative reality.The president is expected to sign an executive order that will review the visa program, which allows 85,000 high-skilled workers into the country annually (many for jobs in the tech industry). Trump in the past has vowed to dismantle the program, saying it allows companies to replace American jobs with low-wage foreign workers, while the tech sector says its a vital engine of the industry.

Trump is expected to sign the order, dubbed Buy American, Hire American, in Wisconsin, at Snap-On Tools in Kenosha.

The number of H-1B applicants has actually been on the decline this year, as Trumps rhetoric appears to have played a part in reversing what had been a four-year upward climb. Even with much attention paid over the supposedly diminished role of strategist Stephen Bannon, the order is a clear continuation of the economic-nationalism line that he and White House senior advisor Stephen Millernever fan of the H-1b programclamor for.

Slowing these visas has been a goal of Stephen Miller for some time, long predating Trump https://t.co/ifiGX3wPC7  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) April 18, 2017

The administration's take is that an eventual overhaul would make employers prove that the most highly skilled workers are getting such visas, thereby dissuading industries from seeking what the White House characterizes as cheap labor. But the net effect would drive companies overseas, according to Robert D. Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.

The effect would end up being exactly the opposite of what Trump wants, Atkinson told the New York Times. Companies would go offshore, like Microsoft did with Vancouver, Canada, to seek talent."

A the same time, it should be emphasized that, like some of Trump's early orders, the order appears to have no immediate teeth and, as Wired points out, could be more about achieving anti-immigration optics while keeping markets placated.

"One should not mistake PR for policy. The media just follows along and says, Oh, the president is issuing another executive order. Hes changing the world, but hes not," Bruce Morrison, an IT lobbyist, told Wired.

Here is the long game that White House reportedly has in mind, according to the Washington Post:



"The [administration] officials said reform could first come through administrative changes, such as raising the visa application fees, adjusting the wage scale to more accurately reflect prevailing salaries in the tech industry, and more vigorously enforcing violations. It could also change the lottery system to give foreigners with U.S. masters degrees a leg up."

(There is indeed a serious conversation to be had about the lottery, especially in cases such as this in which training leads to a sort of piggybacked outsourcing, but the kind of nuanced, departmental reform study that would probably be more appropriate just isn't as splashy.)

Meanwhile, the irony of a tech-targeted order (whether toothsome or toothless) coming from a president who relies on foreign workers to in part staff his hotel operations was not lost on the commentariat.
Joseph Meloy works on a hieroglyphic-like art he calls "confetti motif" on large windows on 4 World Trade Center. [Photo/Agencies]

NEW YORK - On one of the highest floors of a Lower Manhattan office tower, New York street artists have spent the past year spray-painting and splashing their graffiti, murals and other wild creations across pristine walls, windows, floors and ceilings.

But no, it isn't vandalism.

Developer Larry Silverstein allowed the 50 artists to turn 3,200 square meters of office space that normally would rent for about a quarter of a million dollars a month into their own sprawling canvas. Multicolored graffiti and other works by sculptors and painters explode with images of fantasy and reality, tragedy and comedy.

At 86, Silverstein is still a force in the rebirth of the World Trade Center site devastated by the Sept 11 attacks that killed more than 2,600 people in New York.

"Here I am, an old fogy, but I wanted to do something exciting and different, and to provide a sense of beauty, a sense of peace, in an otherwise difficult world," he says.

His 72-floor tower 4 World Trade Center was the first to rise on the 6.5-hectare site a dozen years after the attacks. Now, the unoccupied 69th floor is covered in colors, squiggles, lyrics, faces and sculpted forms. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the 555-meter One World Trade Center, the Hudson River and the memorial reflection pools where the twin towers once stood.

The new tower's top 11 floors, including the art-filled space, have been leased by Spotify, the Stockholm-based music-streaming company that is moving into other floors but hasn't yet decided how to incorporate the artworks into its corporate style.

"It is our intention to keep as much of the art as possible," says Spotify spokesman Graham James.

The free-standing works are the property of the artists who created them, at no charge.

A 9/11 tribute called In Bloom by David Uda is a circle on the floor painted with 2,606 flowers in memory of the dead.

Sean Sullivan has a personal connection to the site; his father was a detective with the city police bomb squad who lost his best friend on 9/11 and was himself hurt. His shield number is highlighted in Sullivan's mural, Beautiful Cleanup.

Sullivan says project participants are getting a big payoff.

"All the promotion and marketing is worth gold to us, plus we need a place to paint; that's payment enough."

Agence France-Presse
Archaeologist Xing Fulai (left) with craft brewers Kristian Li, Laszlo Raphael and Alex Acker. [Photo by Aaron Berkovich/For China Daily]

The recent discovery of a 5,000-year-old 'beer-making tool kit' in Shaanxi province inspires craft brewers in China to replicate the historic recipe, Mike Peters reports from Xi'an and Beijing.

It looks like a conventional kitchen. There are big square pans of mountain yams, ready for a 70-minute roasting. Thirty kilos of broomcorn millet are in line for half an hour of steaming. A food processor growls like a chainsaw as it chops up Job's tears, the pearly dried kernels also known as coixseed.

Anybody's grandma would wonder what on Earth we're cooking. The plan here at Beijing's popular craft brewery Jing-A is to re-create what a recently published archaeology study suggests is a 5,000-year-old beer recipe used in China's Central Plain.

"It's definitely one of the most exciting beers we've ever made," says brewery cofounder Alex Acker. He and his business partner, Kristian Li, are toting roaster pans of beer-to-be after making a quick trip to Shaanxi to collect some key ingredients, meet some of the Chinese researchers, and see "the ancient stuff" that inspired the project.
[Photo provided to China Daily]

Designer Wang Xin is showing his works in Beijing as part of his homecoming. Deng Zhangyu reports.

Designer Wang Xin's works are full of creativity: A spider on a wall becomes an exquisite watch; a rocket ready for launch is actually a pen; and a Star Wars spaceship is a music box.

The 32-year-old Chinese once worked for such Swiss luxury brands as Piaget and MB&F, and returned to China in 2015 to continue his career as an independent designer. His newly produced works and sketches are now on display at an art space called Tru-M in Beijing's Sanlitun area.

At the show, Wang is talkative while introducing his designs. Otherwise, he remains quiet.

A set of porcelain plates hanging on the wall feature various geometric patterns.

A sculpted porcelain inkstand is made like a vivid miniature of Chinese landscape paintings, with mountains and rivers.

"I don't design for the sake of designing. It is more like a magician's work - creating something that expresses my own ideas," says Wang.
A fisherman shows a Spanish mackerel during the Mackerel Festival in Qingdao, Shandong province, April 17, 2017. [Photo by Wang Yonghong/chinadaily.com.cn]

Qingdao, a coastal city in East China's Shandong province, is rich in seafood, such as Spanish mackerel. Every April, crowds of mackerel swim to the fishing grounds in Qingdao's Laoshan district, and local fishermen enjoy the catch.

However, mackerel have a special and deeper significance for locals, besides being April's must-eat table delicacy. Legend has it that there was an orphan boy named Little Wu, who was later adopted by a kindhearted old couple. The couple was hardworking and righteous, and Little Wu grew up and also became an honest and benevolent man, so the old couple let their daughter marry him.

To repay the couple's kindness, Little Wu worked hard every day. One day his father-in-law was suddenly struck ill, and wanted to have fish before dying. However, a consistent strong wind prevented the launch of all fishing boats. The father-in-law's health became worse and worse, but Little Wu risked his life and went fishing.

When Little Wu finally came back home with a big, fresh mackerel, the father-in-law had passed away. Little Wu and his wife were sad and cried. They cooked the fish and sacrificed it at the father's shrine. Later, the young couple worshipped at their father's tomb with fresh mackerel every spring.

Dancers perform during the Mackerel Festival in Qingdao, Shandong province, April 17, 2017. [Photo by Wang Yonghong/chinadaily.com.cn]

For hundreds of years since then, it's become a local tradition for married men to present mackerel to parents-in-law to show their benevolence.

In the 1980s Laoshan district government even set a day every April to celebrate the Mackerel Festival. The festival is aimed at raising more social awareness of caring for the elderly. The festival has been listed as a district-level intangible cultural heritage. This year the festival started Monday and runs till May 1.

Spanish mackerel are distributed in the Western Pacific and spread to China's shores via the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. At the Shazikou fishing port in Laoshan, mackerel is more highly prized than other fish due to its delicate and dense meat, caused by the fish's habitat in cooler waters.
Visitors view the cherry blossoms at night in Tongji University in Shanghai on April 4, 2017.[Photo/Xinhua]

Editor's note: Many Chinese people believe admiring cherry blossom is unpatriotic because it is closely associated with Japanese militarism. Two experts share their views on the subject with China Daily's Wu Zheyu:

Symbol of the Bushido spirit

Cherry blossom (sakura in Japanese) has a close connection with Japanese militarism. Two kinds of flowers can be called Japan's "national flowers": chrysanthemum, which usually symbolizes the elite status of the Japanese imperial household, and cherry blossom, which the Japanese people admire and are proud of.

Sakura's flowering season is very short; as soon as it reaches the most glorious period of its life, it starts to wither away. This is in accordance with an important traditional Japanese aesthetics or doctrine called "substance sadness"being overcome by a sense of sadness over the short span of human life.

This doctrine, or ideology, is a highly valuable part of Bushido, the traditional code of samurai in Japan in the medieval and early modern periods that stresses self-discipline, simple living, loyalty to the emperor, and values honor over life. The samurais were trained to die, just like sakura, even in the most glorious period of their life.

In the last few years of Tokugawa Shogunate (the last feudal Japanese military government between 1603 and 1868), the authorities launched a propaganda campaign to shape citizens' consciousness amid growing domestic strife and foreign aggression. The authorities promoted sakura as a representative of Yamato-damashii (spiritual and cultural values and characteristics of the Japanese people) to propagate nationalism. They painted a picture of the Japanese people as "brave and daring with an indomitable spirit" to further the cause of Japanese military doctrines.

During World War II, many secret service teams sent by Japan to attack Pearl Harbor were named after sakura. It was only after the war and subsequent US occupation that sakura gradually lost its political and nationalist symbolism in Japan.

Tang Yongliang, deputy director of the Institute of Japanese Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Narrow-minded patriotism bad

The origin of cherry blossom, many biologists have said, is the northern side of the Himalayas in China. Japanese people carried the seeds of the cherry blossom tree from China during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) and then carefully nurtured it to such an extent that it became the national flower of Japan.

Therefore, sakura has a long history in Japanese culture and is valued by the Japanese people, while militarism has a relatively short history. It was the imperial Japanese government that tried to establish a connection between sakura and militarism, which had limited influence on the Japanese people. In today's Japan, however, most of the people are well-educated and have the ability to differentiate good from bad, and thus reject the connection.

According to Jack Goody's The Culture of Flowers, flowers are usually conceptualized in different ways as times and situations change. In contemporary society, the people's admiration for sakura would never be inspired by the militarism. Narrow-minded patriots connect sakura and militarism and to some degree help militarists to promote this association. And narrow-minded patriotism usually leads to crude judgments. It also creates inexact logical connections between concepts without the backing of solid facts, which in any circumstances should be avoided.

There is nothing wrong with people admiring cherry blossom. As for us anthropologists, cultural globalization is even more important than economic integration.

Cultural communication naturally transcends borders of nations. The lesson we can learn from this is that interactions between peoples of different countries can help them better understand and admire each others' cultures. They can also help strengthen their inherent cultural consciousness. The development of human being based on cultural confidence, respect, inclusiveness and diversity is more important.

Actually, culture can be turned into "hard power" and help China to play a bigger role in maintaining global peace and building a community of shared destiny.

Zhang Xiaojun, a professor in the Department of Sociology, Tsinghua University
China-EU relations are expected to get a boost when Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, holds the annual political and strategic dialogue with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi on Wednesday. Brussels has said the meeting will pave the way for the bilateral summit, the date for which will be announced soon.

Both China and the EU know full well how fast the already complex situation in the world has been evolving in recent times. Yang and Mogherini are expected to share their views on global development, too. Mogherini, who will visit India and Russia soon, is waiting for Yang to update her about the details of the meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.

The United States' European allies are worried about Trump's attitude and decisions. In a recent interview with The Financial Times, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said that during a conversation on the telephone, Trump mistook him to be European Council President Donald Tusk. Given the EU's worries and the United Kingdom's departure from the 28-member bloc in two years, Beijing needs to reassure Brussels of its full support for strengthening bilateral trade and economic relations. The recent developments in Syria, too, should be high on their agenda.

Yang and Mogherini are likely to discuss other issues before they delve into bilateral topics. And because of the fast-changing global situation, Beijing and Brussels need to hold several rounds of dialogues before deciding how to take bilateral ties to a higher level. The EU also needs to do more homework before exploring the full potential of bilateral relations.

Three years ago, Xi visited the EU headquarters and both sides agreed to promote peace, growth, reform and partnership. This may be the right time for both sides to review the three-year harvests in the four areas.

Judging by Brussels' performance vis-a-vis Beijing last year, there is need to change its approach and strategy. Brussels seemed keen on "punishing Beijing" when it came to steel overcapacity. It tightened its approval procedure on Beijing's inward investment, and its leader even met with the Dalai Lama, who promotes separatism.

When Trump entered the White House in January, some in Brussels said China and the EU should do more to fill the vacuum created by the new US administration's unwillingness to promote globalization and free trade. They were worried about the change in cross-Atlantic relations. But things have started to change, and Brussels and Beijing both are willing to see reality. Beijing and Washington have decided on a 100-day plan to discuss how to boost bilateral relations. And Trump even announced last week that China is not a currency manipulator.

These developments mean Brussels may need more time to finalize its stance toward Beijing. It needs more discussions, and should wait until Beijing and Washington agree on their future relations, before reaching a decision. And three upcoming eventsthe Belt and Road Initiative Forum for International Cooperation in May, the China-EU bilateral summit and the G20 Summit in Hamburg in early Julywill provide the right platforms for the three sides to decide their future ties.

Despite its difficulties in dealing with Brexit, the refugee crisis, terrorism and populism, the EU may be in better economic growth in the coming two to three years. China's Belt and Road Initiative (the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road) has been welcomed by the EU and offers an excellent opportunity to both sides to deepen cooperation and boost their economies.

While dealing with China, the EU should know it is far important to explore opportunities than to focus on challenges and problems. And that Washington has reportedly shown interest in the Belt and Road Initiative should remind Brussels of its importance when it holds talks with Beijing.

The author is deputy chief of China Daily European Bureau. fujing@chinadaily.com.cn
Non-smoking banners are displayed on the iconic Bird's Nest National Stadium in Beijing, capital of China on June 1, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

According to a recent report jointly published by the World Health Organization and United Nations Development Programme, the economic losses associated with tobacco use in China were about 350 billion yuan ($50.82 billion) in 2014 and more than 1 million people die of tobacco-related diseases every year.

Tobacco use is one of the main causes of cancer in China, a WHO official has warned. China has a smoking population of more than 300 million and 740 million people are often exposed to secondhand smoke. This once again highlights the need for the government to introduce a full nationwide ban on smoking in public places.

The harm caused by tobacco use is so great that nearly 92 percent of the public support a full ban on smoking in all indoor public places, indoor workplaces and public transport, a survey conducted by Chinese Association on Tobacco Control in 10 cities in late February showed.

The government has made efforts to curb smoking by, among other things, making local laws and regulations that ban smoking in indoor public places and raising the tobacco tax, but no obvious effects have been achieved, as no consensuses have been reached on the formulation and enforcement of a full ban on tobacco use.

As a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, China is often criticized for its impotent measures to control tobacco use, but it is the huge economic interests of the tobacco industry that serve as a major factor behind China's sluggish progress in promoting full tobacco control in public venues.

Tobacco control is essentially a competition among different interest groups. The obvious effects following Beijing's imposition of the strictest-ever ban on smoking indicate that only after a law banning tobacco use in public places is in place, can effective law enforcement be carried out.

-BEIJING YOUTH DAILY
Food safety administration staffs inspect a restaurant in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on Nov 10, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

ON APRIL 6, the State Council, China's Cabinet, issued a document mapping out a guideline for work on food safety in 2017 with the goal of ensuring people's health and safety. According to the guideline, a legal framework for food safety should be established and law enforcement enhanced to severely crack down on illegal activities such as producing or selling fake and adulterated food. The Mirror comments:

Food scandals have happened repeatedly in the past few years; everybody is aware of melamine contaminated milk, meat that had been stored for decades, as well as gutter oil.

There are many reasons for such dangerous practices, but one of them is that the penalties are too light. As a result, many involved in the producing or selling of counterfeit or adulterated food products simply pay a fine if caught without going to prison.

The Food Safety Law, amended in April 2015, has drawn a "zero-tolerance" line for counterfeit food products, but both the amendment to the Criminal Law and the new Food Safety Law fail to stipulate specific penalties for those producing adulterated and counterfeit food. Such a legal vacuum has left space for producers of counterfeit food and pharmaceuticals not to get their deserved punishments. Thus, it is necessary for the authorities to add targeted clauses to the country's laws.

The next step, as the State Council's document points out, is to list the production and sale of fake and adulterated foods as a crime. The State Council has laid ample foundation for that by emphasizing that anybody producing fake food should be held accountable and punished, and their information should be disclosed to the public.

Of course, if the production of counterfeit and adulterated food is confirmed as a criminal offense, the next step should be to more strictly control food safety risks by strengthening food safety supervision at the grassroots level and cracking down severely on any illegal activities that pose a threat to food safety.
Recently, I had a special experience that personally connected me to both the Chinese Dream and the long sweep of Chinese history when I was honored to be a host-presenter in Shenzhen for the Confucius-Mencius Foundation (CMF) and meet descendants of the two sages, Confucius and Mencius.

The Chinese Dream of course is all about the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, once the worlds most powerful, but in recent centuries subject to humiliation by foreign countries.

In America something is old if it dates back a century. Some places like Harvard University founded in 1636 is practically pre-historic for the country. In China, with a history of millennia, this is a mere speck in time!

In preparing for the Confucius-Mencius Foundation forum, I was reminded that Confucius was active more than 2,000 years ago during the Spring and Autumn period (771-476 BC). He was what we call today a Renaissance man as a philosopher, teacher, editor and public servant. His teachings emphasized personal and governmental morality, justice and sincerity. He is perhaps best known as the originator of the Golden Rule - Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself - which centuries later was incorporated into Judeo-Christian and Muslim core beliefs.

Meng Liang (L), Kong Ren (R) and CMF cultural ambassador Mishal Kanoo who holds a silver coffee urn given as a symbol of Middle East hospitality to the Confucius-Mencius Foundation. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Mencius, who lived after the death of Confucius, was a teacher, evangelist and extender of Confucian thought. One cannot be divorced from the other as both were a team, albeit separated in time, but not in spirit.

The goal of the Confucius-Mencius Foundation is to nourish core Chinese ancient values and virtues in order to make China and Chinese culture great again.

What was so meaningful to me was that the thoughts of Confucius and Mencius werent merely present in dusty old tablets and books, but in the living embodiment of their descendants and co-founders of the Confucius-Mencius Foundation. Kong Ren, 78th generation direct descendent of Confucius and Meng Liang, 79th generation direct descendent of Mencius.

Kong Ren said that the foundation creates a good social atmosphere by advocating ideas of respect, filial piety, honesty and related values. He said that it is committed to pursuing a world of peace, harmony and diversity through cultural exchanges and cooperation with other civilizations. Meng Liang said that one goal is to build Chinas soft power by establishing 50 Confucius-Mencius Academies on every continent.

I was honored to meet and interview CMF Ambassador of Chinese Civilizations former Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski, who displayed great moral strength and humility in assuming office when much of his countrys leadership died in a tragic plane crash, and CMF Cultural Ambassador Mishal Kanoo, chairman of one of the largest and most successful family-owned businesses in the Arab world.

Participates of Confucius-Mencius Foundation pose for a picture. (From left: Mishal Kanoo, Meng Liang, President Bronislaw Komorowski, Ambassador Fernando Lugris and Kong Ren) [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

You wouldnt think that Confucian influence extends 20,000 km from China but it does according to Uruguay Ambassador Fernando Lugris. He spoke about the increasingly close bilateral cultural and economic ties, especially since the state visit to China of President Tabare Vazquez last year.

Serving as host-presenter was not only an honor for me but meeting the descendants of Confucius and Mencius and three outstanding leaders continuing to carry on the noble work of their ancestors was truly inspirational.

The author is a senior featured contributor of China Daily website.

The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and don't represent views of China Daily website.
Ms. Neumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia in Beijing, April 12, 2017.[Cong Ruiting/chinadaily.com.cn]

Industrialization and innovation is the only way to get Namibians out of poverty and joint ventures, especially those from China, should take a lead, Ms Neumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia, said in a meeting with the media on 12, April during her three-day visit in Beijing.

Namibia is home to more than 40 Chinese companies with an annual investment of $4.6 billion, according to Chinese Ambassador to Namibia Xin Shunkang. The ambassador pointed out that Chinese companies employ more than 6,000 Namibians and the current value of Chinese companies' investments in Namibia is about $3 billion.

When talking about innovation, Ms Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed her hopes to develop Namibia under international cooperation through education, trade and joint ventures given the history of the Southwestern African country.

"That is why we pay more attention to education during cooperation with China and other countries thus our people could learn necessary skills. Also we underline the technology which is the root of innovation," Deputy Prime Minister Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

In 2015, a primary school built by the Chinese NGO China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF) made education accessible for over 600 children from the San community of Namibia.

Currently, over 200 students are studying in China. More than 100 of them are receiving training in China to become medical practitioners, according to the Namibia Embassy in China.

In a recent Global Entrepreneurship Index ranking released by Opinium and the Mara Foundation, Namibia tops other African countries for education strength. The index relies on 25 factors across five broad pillars: government policy, infrastructure, entrepreneurial environment, education and finance.

"As a developing country, the development of China is eye-catching and it plays as a leading goose for the developing nations across the world," Deputy Prime Minister Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

At the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in December 2015 held in South Africa's Johannesburg, China announced it would support Africa with $60 billion.

According Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, China-Africa cooperation is undergoing three shifts, namely from government-driven to market-driven, from trading goods to cooperation on production capacity, and from engineering contracts to capital investment and operations, in response to Africa's needs.

"We cherish the friendship of China and welcome the exchanges of the two peoples at different levels, from government, party and normal civilians," Ms Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
British artist Julian Opie is holding his first major solo show in China, with more than 50 works displayed at the Fosun Foundation in Shanghai's Bund area, overlooking the Huangpu River.

Julian Opie is showing his creations in Shanghai. [Photo provided to China Daily]

From life-size vinyl sculptures and LED monoliths of figures in motion to hand-painted portraits that bear influences of ancient Egyptian reliefs, Roman busts, pop art and manga, the exhibition shows his interests at different stages of his career.

"If you see this show, I think you see what I am doing at that moment. There is not much missing from here," says Opie.

The 59-year-old artist lives in London.

David Tung, Asia head of the Lisson Gallery, which is representing the artist in the Asia-Pacific region, said at the opening of the show that Opie rose to prominence in Britain in the 1980s.

In the past decades, he has created metal sculptures, minimalistic portraits and animated figures, presenting them on walls, postal stamps and T-shirts. He also has an acclaimed compact-disc cover for the British pop band Blur.

Opie's first solo exhibition in China is part of a project celebrating the gallery's 50th anniversary, Tung says.
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LISBON -- Five people have confirmed dead after a small airplane crashed near a supermarket in a residential area on the outskirts of Portuguese capital Lisbon on Monday, local SIC TV reported.

The crash took pace around 11 a.m. near Lido supermarket at Tires, outskirts of Lisbon, killing five people including a pilot and three passengers on board.

The plane, which arrived in Portugal on Friday and is flying to Marselille of France, crashed shortly after taking off from a Tires airport.

Fire and smokes were seen rising on the scene after the plane crashed into a truck. Around 50 rescue workers are taking part in the rescue operation.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is on the site to inspect the rescue operation.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) ambassador to the United Nations Kim In Ryong speaks during a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York on April 17, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

UNITED NATION -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "deeply concerned" with rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, his spokesman said Monday, calling on all to "redouble their diplomatic efforts" to de-escalate and return to "dialogue on denuclearization" and implementation of Security Council resolutions.

Reaction to the launch on Saturday of a test missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) came only minutes after Pyongyang's UN Ambassador Kim In Ryong told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday that "if the US dares opt for a military action, crying out for 'preemptive attack' and 'removal of the headquarters,' the DPRK is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the US"

Over the Weekend, US Vice President Mike Pence, visiting Seoul, warned Pyongyang, "the era of strategic patience is over."

"We are obviously deeply concerned about the rising tensions that we've seen in the Korean Peninsula," said spokesman Stephane Dujarric. "We call on all to redouble their diplomatic efforts. The latest launch that we saw over the weekend from the DPRK was troubling."

"We call on the DPRK to take all the steps necessary to de-escalate the situation and return to dialogue on denuclearization," Dujarric said.

"All Security Council resolutions must be fully implemented and we note that the Security Council has consistently stated its commitment to peaceful, diplomatic and political solution," he added.

The Security Council has passed more than 20 resolutions imposing ever-tightening sanctions on the DPRK because of its nuclear and missile programs.

Pyongyang maintains its nuclear development program, and development of missiles to carry nuclear weapons, is because of threats from the United States and South Korea and says it does not recognize the UN resolutions.
Children play with water during Myanmar's New Year Water Festival outside Mandalay, Myanmar April 13, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

YANGON -- A total of 285 people were killed and 1,073 others injured nationwide during a four-day water festival, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Tuesday.

The deaths were 13 more than that of last year's event.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,200 criminal cases were also registered during the water festival.

Among the deaths, 10 were in Nay Pyi Taw, 44 in Yangon, 36 in Mandalay, 26 in Sagaing region, 11 in Tanintharyi region, 37 in Bago region, 11 in Magway region, 20 in Mon state, 17 in Rakhine, 29 in Shan state and 28 in Ayeyawaddy region.

The criminal cases were related to murder, car accident, drug-use, theft, arm possession and group violence respectively, said the report.

This year's traditional Thingyan water festival ran from Thursday to Sunday.

During last year's water festival, a total of 272 people were killed and 1,086 others injured.
Supporters of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan wave national flags as they wait for his arrival at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, April 17, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

ANKARA -- Turkey's state of emergency will be extended by an additional three months, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said late Monday.

The state of emergency would be extended as of April 19 for three more months, with the parliament's approval, the government spokesperson Kurtulmus said after a cabinet meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

He attributed the reason for the extension to the struggle against terror threats, primarily against the so-called Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) that the government accuses of staging coup attempt on July 15, 2016.

The cabinet meeting followed the National Security Council's advice to extend the state of emergency.

The National Security Council and the cabinet convened successively on Monday, one day after a public vote that confirmed governance system change from the parliamentarian one to the executive presidency.

Turkey declared a state of emergency on July 20, 2016, days after a failed military coup, which Ankara blames on the US-based exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Turkey has already been under a state of emergency for nine consecutive months after a coup attempt on July 15, 2016.

Under emergency rule, the government can bypass the parliament to enact new laws and limit or suspend rights and freedoms.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes a question during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, US, April 17, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON -- The White House said on Monday that it does not expect US President Donald Trump to draw a red line on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the United States will continue work with China to solve it.

"Drawing red lines really hasn't worked in the past," White House spokesman Sean Spicer told a briefing.

"He (Trump) holds his cards close to the vest, and I think you are not going to see him telegraphing how he's going to respond to any military or other situation going forward," he said.

Trump does not plan to draw red lines "in the sand", Spicer added.

However, Spicer cited the US decision to bomb a Syrian military airfield early this month as an indication that Trump would take action when necessary.

"I think the action he took in Syria shows that when appropriate, this president will take decisive action."

Spicer added that the United States is going to work with China on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

"We're going to continue to work with China, in particular, to help find a way forward on this."
US economists believe that blaming other countries for US trade deficits is wrongheaded.

In an interview with the Financial Times, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross dismissed the accusation of US protectionism. The 79-year-old billionaire instead cited the US trade deficit as a sign of its openness and blamed other countries for causing the deficits.

His words came after recent remarks by International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde and others, which included veiled concern and criticism of rising protectionism in US President Donald Trump's administration.

The G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting held in Germany last month also failed to include any language rejecting protectionism as the group has done in the past, largely due to pressure from US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

"We are the least protectionist of the major areas," Ross told the Financial Times in an interview published on Sunday. "We are far less protectionist than Europe. We are far less protectionist than Japan. We are far less protectionist than China.

"We also have trade deficits with all three of those places. So they talk free trade. But in fact what they practice is protectionism. And every time we do anything to defend ourselves, even against the puny obligations that they have, they call that protectionism," Ross said.

Wayne Morrison, a specialist in Asian trade and finance at the Congressional Research Service, said Ross and others in the Trump administration may see themselves not being "protectionist" but rather seeking to level the playing field for US firms and workers.

He said the biggest problem with their argument is that they ignore fundamental economic theory, such as attributing bilateral trade imbalances to trade and investment barriers and implying that exports are good while imports are bad.

"Economists hold that a nation's overall trade balance is largely caused by macroeconomic forces, primarily the amount of domestic savings relative to its investment needs. When a country saves too little to meet its investment needs, it will run a trade deficit, and that is the case with the United States," Morrison told China Daily on Monday.

He said the Trump Administration's focus on "bilateral trade deficits" is disturbing to some because resulting trade policies may seek only to reduce those deficits or may use a rising or falling deficit to measure the "success or failure" of their policies.

Morrison cited a scenario of the US imposing large tariffs on imported Chinese toys. As a result, US toy imports from China would likely fall and foreign manufacturers might then move their production to other low-cost countries such as Vietnam. Ultimately the US trade deficit with China could fall, but US trade deficit with Vietnam would rise.

"And the size of the overall US trade deficit would likely remain unchanged," Morrison said, adding that US consumers would probably end up paying higher prices for toys.

Joseph Gagnon, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, also criticized the Trump administration's focus on trade deficits as a wrong approach.

In an article posted on the institute's website on April 7, Gagnon said economists broadly agree that trade barriers do not cause trade deficits. "A country can have a trade deficit only if it is borrowing on net from the rest of the world," he said.

His comments came after Trump on March 31 ordered a study of the causes of the US trade deficit, a study that will focus on trade barriers and unfair trade practices in foreign countries.

Gagnon, a former official at the US Federal Reserve Board and US Treasury, said it is important to stipulate that trade is not a zero-sum game in which imports are losses and exports are wins. "Reducing the trade deficit by reducing overall trade would throw the baby out with the bathwater," he said.
A picture taken on August 1, 2013 shows tombs at the Nolette Chinese Cemetery, the burial place of 842 Chinese workers who died during World War I, in Noyelles-sur-Mer, northern France. [Photo/VCG]

The local government of Noyelles-sur-Mer, a city in northern France, has applied for listing the Nolette Chinese Cemetery as a UNESCO World Heritage to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, according to Jean-Louis Desmarest, the city's mayor.

The Nolette Chinese Cemetery, located at Noyelles-sur-Mer, is the largest Chinese cemetery in Europe. Below the cemetery lays the remains of 842 Chinese laborers who died in World War I.

The mayor announced the application plan on April 9 at a ceremony where about 300 Chinese descendants living in France gathered to commemorate the Chinese laborers killed in the war.

The cemetery has long been a venue for Chinese diplomats to mourn war victims and enhance the bond between China and France. Then Chinese ambassador Kong Quan visited the cemetery in 2013, while Li Zhaoxing, former foreign minister, also visited in 2014.

After World War I began, France and its ally Britain recruited about 140,000 Chinese laborers to undertake heavy behind-the-frontline work, such as digging trenches, building roads, bridges and fortifications and transporting supplies. Tens of thousands of them were killed, while about 3,000 survivors settled down in France.
DUANVALE  Violet Brown spent much of her life cutting sugarcane in the fields around her home in western Jamaica. She attended church regularly, avoids pork and chicken and celebrated her 117th birthday last month.

On Saturday, she is believed to have become the world's oldest living person following the death of Emma Morano of Italy, born Nov 29, 1899.

Brown told The Associated Press she is surprised but grateful to have lived this long.

"This is what God has given me, so I have to take it  long life," Brown said in an interview in her home in the town of Duanvale.

Brown is considered to be the oldest person in the world with credible birth documentation, according to Robert Young, director of the supercentenarian research and database division at Gerontology Research Group, a network of volunteer researchers into the world's oldest people. Its website says she was born on March 10, 1900.

Brown has not yet been declared the world's oldest by Guinness World Records, considered to be the official arbiter of the oldest person title but Guinness depends heavily on Young's group. Young said he has met Brown and examined her birth certificate, which was issued by the British authorities who governed Jamaica at the time of her birth.

"She's the oldest person that we have sufficient documentation for at this time," Young said.

Jamaica's prime minister congratulated Brown on Twitter.

Guinness said it was researching a number of candidates for the new world's oldest person title.

"It can be a uniquely complex and sometimes lengthy process," Guinness spokeswoman Elizabeth Montoya said. "There is no confirmation of a new title holder until our thorough processes are complete."Brown has two caregivers and spends most of the day resting in the home she shares with her 97-year-old son. She is able to sit up by herself and walk short distances. And while she is hard of hearing, she offered swift, complete responses to questions about her life and family.

The secret to long life is hard work, she said.

"I was a cane farmer. I would do every work myself," she said. "I worked, me and my husband, over that hill."She also credited her Christian faith for her long life.

"I've done nearly everything at the church," she said. "I spent all my time in the church. I like to sing. I spent all my time in the church from a child to right up," to today, she said.

AP
Zuo Xiaodong, vice president and senior engineer of the China Information Security Research Institute. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Cyber security has always been an important issue since the internet began to enter people's lives, and it is even more so now, as the world becomes increasingly connected to form a global cyberspace.

In cyberspace, internet users leave their digital footprints that contain personal information. If this falls into the wrong hands through a security leak, such information can compromise the users' financial and even personal safety. A cyber security breach at national level may lead to catastrophic consequences.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has given high priority to cyber security. Calling it a "prerequisite for internet development," Xi has called for coordinated development of cyberspace security and informatization.

Xi, also the head of the Central Internet Security and Informatization Leading Group, outlined this requirement at the Symposium on Cyberspace Security and Informatization held in Beijing on April 19, 2016.

At the symposium attended by representatives from various sectors, the Chinese president called for enhanced development of the internet and harnessing it for the benefit of the nation. He also stressed a "correct outlook on cyber security," urging the development of a system to "protect key information infrastructure and ensure online security."

Dr. Zuo Xiaodong, vice president and senior engineer of the China Information Security Research Institute, applauded President Xi's remarks on cyber security and informatization.

"President Xi's new theories, ideas and conclusions on cyber security and informatization form an independent concept on governance of cyberspace with China's characteristics," he said. "They are part of his ideas about the governance of China, answering a series of major theoretical questions concerning the long-term development of China's informatization and providing comprehensive and clear strategic guidance."

Rapid global informatization is shaping a "future world totally controlled by the internet," henceforth creating a new rule that "who controls cyberspace controls all," said Dr. Zuo, explaining the security issues in politics, economy, culture, and military that are intertwined with cyber security.

Thanks to President Xi's guidance, Dr. Zuo stressed, positive changes had taken place in this regard.

Last November, China's national legislature adopted the Law on Cyber Security. One month later, the Cyberspace Administration of China, the country's top internet regulator, released a cyberspace security strategy, advocating peace, security, openness, cooperation and order.

This March, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cyberspace Administration of China jointly released the International Strategy of Cooperation on Cyberspace, China's first such cooperative plan.

"Particularly, in the Law on Cyber Security, 'ensuring the safe operation of the infrastructure that contains critical information' is highlighted. It indicates that the country put an emphasis on the protection of hardware, too," Dr. Zuo stressed.
LONDON - It was a time when people in mediaeval England thought dead people would rise from their graves, spreading disease and attack the living, but it has been proved real with the discovery of new archaeological evidence.

The evidence, including human bones, gathered from a deserted village in North Yorkshire, have enabled experts to unveil the reasons of why people in the 12th century decapitated, dismembered and burnt corpses before burial. It was because of their fear of the living dead.

The bones suggests that corpses were burnt and mutilated. Researchers believe this was carried out by villagers who thought it would stop the corpses arising from their graves and menacing the living.

Their work in the one time village of Wharram Percy has thrown light on efforts villagers made to resist the living dead.

Historic England, a public body that manages the site, said the findings are believed to be the first good archaeological evidence of the practice of people taking steps to protect themselves from the dead in mediaeval times.

A team from Historic England and the University of Southampton studied the remains and found that many of the bones also showed knife-marks suggesting that the bodies had been decapitated and dismembered. There was also evidence for burning of body parts and deliberate breaking of some bones after death.

A spokesman for Historic England said: "In Mediaeval times there was a folk-belief that sometimes corpses could arise from their graves and roam the local area, spreading disease and violently assaulting those unlucky enough to encounter them."

When talking about the bones excavated from Wharram Percy, Simon Mays, Human Skeletal Biologist at Historic England, said: "It shows us a dark side of mediaeval beliefs and provides a graphic reminder of how different the mediaeval view of the world was from our own."

The new evidence has discounted one theory that the remains of humans were cannibalized and eaten by starving villagers.

The 137 bones found at Wharram Percy came from at least 10 people and date from the 11th to 14th centuries.
Huawei's quality camera helps deliver soaring sales for smartphone

Snapping a picture on your smartphone was once just a matter of recording information easily, but in recent years it has become a hobby. The opening of the world's first-ever smartphone selfie exhibition at London's prestigious Saatchi Gallery last week showed that smartphone photography is now a fashionable means of self-expression.

HUAWEI P10 LAUNCH at World Mobile Congress in Barcelona.

A major innovative force in smartphone photography is the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, a relative newcomer to the phone industry, which has quickly risen to become the world's number three player, after Apple and Samsung.

Sales volume picked up last year when Huawei launched its P9 smartphone, which boasts camera technology developed in partnership with the German upmarket camera maker Leica. Last year, Huawei shipped 139 million smartphones worldwide, a 30 percent year-on-year increase. The phone has been supported by big investment in marketing, evident in a promotion film featuring movie stars Scarlett Johansson and Henry Cavill.

James Jie, chief executive of the Huawei UK Consumer Business Group, says: "The success of our P9 series is due to our product's quality, our branding and marketing strategy and, in particular, our collaboration with Leica."

Behind the attention-grabbing growth statistics, Huawei's smartphone success is down to a lot of hard work, which Jie knows from experience.

Before coming to the UK in 2015, Jie worked with Huawei's smartphone research and development team. He still vividly remembers the experience in 2013 of leading an R&D team developing the Huawei P6, which made a name for itself as the world's thinnest smartphone at the time.

Jie remembers the long nights he spent trying to achieve the target of producing the phone's metal back cover to a thickness of 0.3 millimeter, in order to achieve the overall specification.

Jie says: "We had already set June 18 as the launch date for the product and I knew we had to manage fullscale production before this date so, for about one month, I stayed with our mechanical supplier doing R&D work day and night."

He could have easily reduced the pressure for himself and his team by changing the target for the back cover to 0.35 millimeters, but he did not want to compromise.

"I said to the team, the appearance of the phone represents our attitude. A near miss is as good as a mile."

Within a month of the launch date, Jie's team achieved this target. The phone was 6.18 millimeters thick, quite an achievement, especially considering it has a 5-megapixel camera. That was the beginning of the Huawei smartphone's strong growth internationally.

RICHARD YU, chief executive of Huawei consumer business, at the presentation ceremony of Huawei P10 at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The R&D emphasis is deeply rooted in Huawei's culture, and what Jie learned from experience is representative of the company as a whole. R&D spending has reached $38 billion in the past 10 years and involves 45 percent of its 176,000 employees worldwide.

On the consumer product side, Huawei has continued to launch products pushing the boundaries of tech. Its latest smartphone, the P10, launched at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona this year, comes with upgraded Leica camera functions, fast performance in-house Kirin 960 processors and a stylish finish. Its new colors, developed with the US color tech company Pantone, are well-liked by British consumers, Jie says.

Despite Huawei's growing success as a smartphone maker, it is actually a relative newcomer to this market. Traditionally, Huawei generates most of its revenue from its network business, providing services to operators including Vodafone and Telefonica. Its services and products are used in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than a third of the world's population.

In 2015, it generated $60.8 billion in revenue and remains the only Chinese company in the Fortune 500 list to make more money abroad than domestically.

For Huawei, such global success grew from humble origins. Founded in China in 1987 by Ren Zhengfei with an investment of $3,500, Huawei started as a private reseller of PBX telephone switches.

Its international expansion picked up pace in the 2000s. In 2001 it established an office in the UK, and a major breakthrough came in 2005 when Huawei's international contract orders exceeded domestic sales for the first time.

In that same year, Huawei signed a contract with British Telecom to roll out the latter's 21st Century Network data network program, which delivered superfast broadband to 20 million homes across the UK.

Huawei's success in the UK has helped open doors for expansion into European markets, through partnerships with carriers including Vodafone, Orange and Telefonica.

The company's continued tech-driven expansion into Europe is further demonstrated by the fact that the company filed a notable 2,390 patents with the European Patent Office in 2016, the second-largest filing by a company globally, after Philips with 2,568.

Meanwhile, Huawei continued to invest in research and development work, often in pioneering new technology fields. One example is a partnership with the National Graphene Institute in Manchester on research work looking to incorporate graphene's thermal management properties into Huawei products. Graphene is one of the most interesting inventions of modern times. It enabled two academics to earn the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2010 but, due to its short history, much of its potential is yet to be unlocked.

Another pioneering field in which Huawei leads innovative research is 5G technology, characterized by low latency, high reliability and very high data capacity. It is expected to be realized by around 2020. Huawei has partnerships with 20 universities on 5G R&D and, in the UK, it is a key industry partner for the University of Surrey's 5G Innovation Centre.

Keith Robson, chief operating officer of 5GIC, says he is impressed by Huawei's concentration on R&D and long-term thinking.

He says: "The commitment from Huawei on R&D is second to none, and that may be because its policy is set in this way and it penetrates through the whole company culture".

In 2015, the thinktank Oxford Economics conducted a study on Huawei's economic contribution to the UK market and estimates the company made a 956 million ($1,183 million; 1,118 million euros) contribution to British GDP between 2012 and 2013, supporting 7,400 jobs.

Such statistics show that Huawei is not just creating growth but building an ecosystem to help many local companies grow.

"Huawei's global vision and open attitude makes it a great partner," says Alan O'Prey, managing director of telecoms at the British engineering firm MJ Quinn Integrated Services, which started working with Huawei in 2010. It currently has about seven projects with Huawei.

Huawei's continued success and growth in the telecoms industry has attracted much attention from international competitors and governments, and the fact that telecoms is an area related to national security previously led to the US and Australian governments raising suspicions about the company.

In 2012, the US government warned its companies against buying Huawei equipment, citing national security concerns. It warned that Huawei equipment could be used to leak sensitive information from the US to China. In the same year, the Australian government rejected Huawei's bid for work on its 35.9 billion Australian dollar high-speed broadband network for cybersecurity reasons.

Questions raised by the US and Australian governments have perhaps led to Huawei missing out on some business opportunities, but in more recent years such government attacks have been reduced.

Perhaps the global growth of consumer awareness toward Huawei's brand and story has helped it gain trust. Consumer products such as smartphones greatly contribute toward awareness.

Jie of Huawei Consumer Group says he personally believes the company's increased stress on consumer products in recent years has had three positive aspects. First, consumer products have greatly helped the company to grow its brand. Second, the good performance of these products has helped boost employee satisfaction. Third, the consumer segment generates solid profits.

"So there is a market-driven reason to justify our investment into this segment," he says.

Huawei UK

Industry: Telecoms

Year of entry into UK: 2001

Address: 300S Oak Way, Reading, RG2 6UF

Employees: More than 1,330

Parent company in China

Huawei

Industry: Telecommunications:

Year of founding: 1987

Global employees: 170,000

2015 Revenue: 395 billion yuan ($60.8 billion)

Address: Gaoxin South 10th Road, Nanshan Qu, Shenzhen Shi, Guangdong Sheng, China, 518057
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to the media outside 10 Downing Street, in central London, Britain April 18, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Theresa May, the British prime minister, said Tuesday that she will call for a general election on June 8.

In order to call an election, the government will have to get a two-thirds majority in parliament to overturn the Fixed Term Parliaments Act. Recent opinion polls have shown Mays Conservative Party as much as 21 points ahead of the opposition Labour group.

To contact the reporter: copy@mail.chinadailyuk.com
Steve Stephens, who Cleveland Division of Police said was being sought in connection with the killing of an individual, is seen in an undated handout photo released April 16, 2017. Cleveland Police/Handout via Agencies

CLEVELAND (AP)  The man who randomly killed a Cleveland retiree and posted video of the crime on Facebook shot himself to death in his car Tuesday during a police chase in Pennsylvania, ending a multistate manhunt less than 48 hours after it began.

Acting on a tip, Pennsylvania State Police spotted Steve Stephens, 37, in Erie County, in the state's northwest corner, and went after him. After a brief chase, he took his own life, authorities said.

"This started with one tragedy and ended with another person taking their own life," said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams. "We would have liked to have brought Steve in peacefully and really talked to him about why this happened."Stephens, a job counselor who worked with teenagers and young people, was wanted on an aggravated murder charge in the shooting of Robert Godwin Sr., a 74-year-old man who was picking up aluminum cans on Sunday when he was gunned down.

Stephens posted a video of himself killing Godwin, a former foundry worker and a father of 10. "I snapped, I just snapped," Stephens said.

Police would not speculate on what was behind the killing, but in the video and other footage he posted, Stephens talked about losing everything he had to gambling and having trouble with his girlfriend.

One of Godwin's daughters, Debbie Godwin, said she wished Stephens had been captured.

"I'm not happy he's dead at all, not at all. If you did it, you have to face your crime," she said.

The break in the case came when police received a tip that Stephens' car was in a McDonald's parking lot, Willlams said.

The chase lasted 2 miles, and troopers managed to disable Stephens' car, state police said. As his car was spinning out of control, he shot himself in the head with a pistol, police said. A pursuing trooper's car slid into Stephens' vehicle, but the officer was not injured.

Law enforcement officials had said on Monday that Stephens' cellphone was last tracked Sunday afternoon near Erie, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Cleveland.

Williams said Tuesday that it wasn't clear whether Stephens had any help while he was on the run or where he had been and that investigators will try to retrace he steps.

The video of the killing was up for three hours before it was taken down, raising questions about Facebook's handling of objectionable material posted by its users. Facebook said it removed the video 23 minutes after learning of it.

In the video of the shooting, Stephens told Godwin the name of his girlfriend and said, "She's the reason that this is about to happen to you." Godwin did not seem to recognize the name.

The woman Stephens spoke of, Joy Lane, said in a text message to CBS that "we had been in a relationship for several years. I am sorry that all of this has happened."Investigators said that Godwin was the only victim so far linked to Stephens, despite his claim on Facebook that he killed over a dozen people.

Detectives spoke with the suspect on Sunday by cellphone and tried to persuade him to surrender, police said.

Within a day, authorities expanded the search nationwide and offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
During my enjoyable stay in China over the past 14 years, I have had the opportunity to encounter and interact with a great number of foreigners who share my profound love for China.

Through our discussions of life in China, they have had nothing but praise for the efforts exerted by the Chinese government and people to make their stay in China a memorable experience.

For the sake of objectivity, they mentioned minor inconveniences that tarnish their good fortune of having the chance to share their experience and knowledge with their students.

Motivated by my deep desire to help my beloved China and my fellow expats, I came up with some constructive yet objective suggestions to improve the quality of life for foreigners in China. I decided to focus on the following issues:

Green card:

It is too obvious that China must be cautious and selective in choosing the expats who deserve to be offered green cards with their multiple privileges. However, the Chinese government ought to facilitate the process for those who qualify and hold unequivocal interest in being an active participant in the development of the Chinese society with their sincere efforts.

Foreign talent:

I do believe that China is exerting every possible effort to recruit foreign talent and encourage them to stay while sharing their knowledge and experiences with their Chinese counterparts.

Nonetheless, bearing in mind that most foreign experts prefer to come to China after retiring from their positions in their native countries, some age restrictions may diminish the effectiveness of the recruiting process. With the miraculous advancement in the medical field, people live longer with healthy lifestyles. Consequently, extending the age limit to 70 permits Chinese society to tremendously benefit from the expertise of foreign talent.

The life of expats in China:

Residing in a foreign country is difficult, to say the least.

From my own experience, China and the Chinese people did an excellent job in creating a friendly atmosphere for foreigners to coexist with their fellow Chinese.

However, foreigners need to be heard pertinent to their concerns regarding living in China and take necessary measures to transcend the obstacles that may impede their being full participants in the Chinese life. They should be allowed to express their views without fear as long as those views respect the Chinese traditions and customs. To accomplish that objective, the Chinese media ought to provide them with the proper venues to express their thoughts and views.

I hope that implementing the above suggestions will be helpful in the process of finding effective means to encourage new foreign experts to come to China, and provide an incentive to those who already reside in China to extend their stay.

My suggestions may open the door for others to participate in the discussion with their own thoughts.

That will lead to reaching mutual understanding between Chinese and foreigners.

The author is a Canadian teacher in China. The views are his own.
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The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) ambassador to the United Nations Kim In Ryong (R, Rear) speaks during a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York on April 17, 2017. [Xinhua]

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "deeply concerned" with rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, his spokesman said Monday, calling on all to "redouble their diplomatic efforts" to de-escalate and return to "dialogue on denuclearization" and implementation of Security Council resolutions.

Reaction to the launch on Saturday of a test missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) came only minutes after Pyongyang's UN Ambassador Kim In Ryong told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday that "if the U.S. dares opt for a military action, crying out for 'preemptive attack' and 'removal of the headquarters,' the DPRK is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the U.S."

Over the Weekend, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, visiting Seoul, warned Pyongyang, "the era of strategic patience is over."

"We are obviously deeply concerned about the rising tensions that we've seen in the Korean Peninsula," said spokesman Stephane Dujarric. "We call on all to redouble their diplomatic efforts. The latest launch that we saw over the weekend from the DPRK was troubling."

"We call on the DPRK to take all the steps necessary to de-escalate the situation and return to dialogue on denuclearization," Dujarric said.

"All Security Council resolutions must be fully implemented and we note that the Security Council has consistently stated its commitment to peaceful, diplomatic and political solution," he added.

The Security Council has passed more than 20 resolutions imposing ever-tightening sanctions on the DPRK because of its nuclear and missile programs.

Pyongyang maintains its nuclear development program, and development of missiles to carry nuclear weapons, is because of threats from the United States and South Korea and says it does not recognize the UN resolutions.

This month, Washington holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council and in that capacity has scheduled a ministerial-level meeting on April 28 on the subject of nuclear non-proliferation. The DPRK's nuclear program will be spotlighted.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is expected to chair the session.

"I strongly censure and categorically reject the convening of a briefing on DPRK nuclear issue as another abuse of authority, behavior of double standards and violation of the DPRK's sovereignty by the UN Security Council acting under instructions of the United States," Ambassador Kim said.

"As everybody knows nowadays the U.S., without any hesitation, perpetrates military attacks and threatens a sovereign state while claiming for 'peace by strength,'" he said. "The recent U.S. massive missile attack on Syria tells you well of it."

"The U.S. is disturbing the global peace and stability and insisting on the gangster-like logic that its invasion of a sovereign state is 'decisive, just and proportionate,'" the ambassador said, referring to Washington's justification for the rain of missiles on a Syrian air base following a chemical weapons attack April 4 on Syrian civilians.

In response to an aircraft carrier-led armada of U.S. naval ships to the seas just east of the DPRK, the ambassador said, "the U.S. introduces into the Korean peninsula, the world's biggest hotspot, huge nuclear strategic asses, seriously threatening peace and security of the peninsula and pushing the situation there to the brink of war."

"This has created a dangerous situation in which a thermo-nuclear war may break out at any moment," he said.
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Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe on Monday showed his support to the new education curriculum introduced by government at the beginning of this year, saying it is meant to fully develop learners' potential and prepare them for the world of work.

Speaking at the 2017 Children's Independence Party, Mugabe told over 4,000 students from the country's 10 provinces that the new curriculum was "competence and skills based", state-run news agency New Ziana reported.

"Our goal is to ensure that the updated curriculum supports and sustains the transition from school to the world of work through serious study of a wide variety of subjects that include the sciences, technology and mathematics," Mugabe said.

Lazarus Dokora, Primary and Secondary Education Minister, has been under constant criticism since the new curriculum was introduced, with some educators accusing government of having failed to consult widely before making the changes.

"We must, as we do this, appreciate the profound turn towards innovation and creativity in our nation." Dokora said.

He said agriculture is one of the subjects that had been introduced at primary level as part of the changes, adding its introduction was in line with efforts to ultimately improve productivity on farms following conclusion of the land reform program.

To support the agriculture projects at schools, Mugabe said government had commenced the Zimbabwe Schools Water and Agriculture Project that will see schools being supported through installation of drip irrigation, fish farming tanks and solar.

"Land is like all the country's resources, our natural God-given resource," he said.

Under the water and agriculture project, 45 boreholes have been drilled at different schools to date, with a target to drill 100 boreholes per month from May, until all the 2,500 secondary schools have been completed before it is extended to primary schools.

Mugabe said the projects were expected to complement the schools feeding program that was introduced to support mainly infant learners during the drought period when most families especially in rural areas faced food shortages.

The annual children's party is hosted on the 17th of April by the First Family to allow them to meet and interact with youngsters on the eve of the country's Independence Day.

Zimbabwe will celebrate 37 years of independence from British colonial rule on Tuesday.
(Photo : USMC) An F-35B with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 lands at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.

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The U.S. Marines Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter squadron deployed to Japan in January continues to practice for expeditionary or overseas combat, and is conducting training exercises to operate the jets in real-world scenarios while operating from austere locations.



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Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121) or the Green Knights have loaded live bombs and missiles on their F-35Bs (a process called a hot reload) and conducted aviation-delivered ground refueling (ADGR) at their base at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.



A hot reload is the process of loading ordnance onto an aircraft while the pilot remains in the cockpit with the engine running. The ability to hot reload the F-35B, as opposed to shutting down the aircraft completely to load, can save wear and tear on the aircraft. In a combat situation, a hot load will save time and minimize any failure opportunities with the jet.



The Marines said this is the first time the forward-deployed VMFA-121 loaded ordnance onto a running F-35B at Iwakuni to prepare for real-world scenarios.



The ADGR exercise saw a Marine KC-130J Hercules aerial tanker transfer fuel directly to the F-35B while both aircraft were on the ground. The squadron's first ADGR established flow rates of fuel in gallons per minute to determine how fast the process could be carried out.



The Marines said successfully completing the ADGR is a landmark that increases the capabilities of the squadron, offering the ability to refuel by C-130 aircraft in austere locations when other resources are unavailable.



During the hot reload, 1,000-pound inert GBU-32 satellite-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions were loaded onto the internal weapons bay of the F-35B, which can carry two such weapons.



VMFA-121 has 10 F-35Bs based at Iwakuni, a number that will increase to 16 over the summer, bringing the squadron to full strength. The squadron will go to sea with the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in the fall.



The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) is scheduled to become part of the United States Seventh Fleet forward-deployed naval forces later this year when it moves from Norfolk, Virginia to Sasebo, Japan.



The warship will eventually replace the current forward-deployed amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard, which is due to return to San Diego, California for maintenance and upgrades in 2018.



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TagsU.S Marines, F-35 Lightning II, stealth fighter, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121), Green Knights, hot reload, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, USS Wasp (LHD-1)
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As Zimbabwe celebrates Independence Day on April 18, China remains the country's all-weather friend and continues to give a helping hand during difficult times.

The Chinese embassy in Harare is as old as Zimbabwe's independence, having opened on the same day the Union Jack was put down to symbolize the end of British rule and give way to black majority rule nearly 37 years ago.

Today, relations between the two countries continue to grow on the political, economic and cultural fronts.

China was one of the first countries to rally behind Zimbabwe when it issued a distress call in March for assistance following floods that left hundreds of families homeless and in need of food by donating 1 million U.S. dollars to the government on March 31.

Heavy rains that were worsened by Cyclone Dineo in mid-February left 271 people dead, another 128 injured and nearly 2,000 homeless.

The deaths were caused by lightning strikes, drowning and landslides, according to the Civil Protection Unit, which added that nearly 2,600 homesteads were damaged in varying degrees.

The Chinese Red Cross Society also gave 50,000 dollars and the Chinese embassy and community in Zimbabwe gave another 10,000 dollars to help the flood victims.

On April 3, China also donated 12,000 tons of rice to assist the needy, including the victims of the recent floods.

This was in addition to another 19,000 tons of rice Zimbabwe received from China in 2016 following President Mugabe's declaration of a state of disaster after an El Nino induced drought ravaged parts of the country in 2015/16.

Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare Minister Prisca Mupfumira, who received the latest donation, was full of praise for the Chinese government for the assistance.

"Today we are witnessing another contribution from China where they are donating 12,173 tonnes of rice to Zimbabwe. We appreciate the gesture made by China," the minister said.

Chinese Embassy official Luo Xi said the donation was testimony of China's commitment to maintaining strong, friendly ties with Zimbabwe.

With weather conditions hovering between droughts and floods in recent years, China also came to Zimbabwe's assistance in 2014 when it donated 500,000 dollars to help flood victims in Masvingo province.

Also in 2014, China and Zimbabwe signed agreements under which China would provide financial support for the development of economic enablers such as energy, roads, railways, telecommunication, agriculture and tourism.

This was followed by more signing of agreements during President Xi Jinping's visit to Zimbabwe in December 2015 where, among others, one was signed for the assembly of Chinese motor vehicles in Zimbabwe.

The motor vehicle deal culminated in Chinese automotive company Beijing Automotive Group Co. Ltd (BAIC Group) forming a joint venture with two Zimbabwean companies to form Beiqi Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd which recently launched a top of the range pick-up truck - the Grand Tiger.

The local partners are the government-owned Willowvale Mazda Motor Industries (which had not been operational for more than four years) and automotive and spare parts dealer Astol Motors who jointly own 49 percent of shares in the joint venture.

China has over the past few years been the largest investor in Zimbabwe, injecting more than 46.5 million dollars in Foreign Direct Investment between January and November 2015.

Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Huang Ping recently outlined the projects which had recently been completed or were in progress in the country with China's assistance.

These include the new Victoria Falls International Airport which was done by China Jiangsu International and financed through a 150 million-dollar-loan from China Export Import Bank and was commissioned by Mugabe in the end of 2016.

The Kariba Hydropower Expansion Project is expected to be completed in early 2018 at a cost of 355 million dollars to add 300 MW to the existing 750 MW installed capacity.

"One generator is going to be put into operation by the end of this year," he said.

He also said the expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station was expected to be financed by the Chinese Eximbank while telecommunications projects were also progressing well.

In sickness and in health, the Chinese have stuck with Zimbabwe as evidenced by the agreement by China to build a pharmaceutical warehouse in Harare.

"The Harare Pharmaceutical Warehouse Project has finished the inspection work and the minute has been signed by the two sides," Huang said.

China also built a 6 million dollar hospital in rural Marondera, Mashonaland East Province, under the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The 129-bed Mahusekwa Hospital, also known as the China-Zimbabwe Friendship Hospital and located about 70 km to the south of Harare, opened its doors to the public in 2013.

It offers emergency treatment, x-ray, ultrasound scan, maternity and dental services as well as specialist services such as CT scan, endoscopy and orthopaedics.

With a staff complement of 175 staff members including three medical doctors, the hospital is supposed to serve Marondera District which has an estimated population of around 187,000.

However, due to the extensive and specialist health services it offers, the hospital attracts people from Harare and as far as 200 km away.

China has also in recent years offered health support to Zimbabwe, including a 90 million dollar medical loan facility for the supply of medical equipment and drugs.

Harare is also implementing a water and sanitation rehabilitation project to boost water supply to the city under a 144 million dollar loan facility financed by the China Eximbank.

China has also built schools under FOCAC, and together with the Chinese community in Zimbabwe, given to charity.

"China is a friend indeed and has helped us during our times of need," said Conrad Mashingaidze, a Zimbabwean living in Harare, who added that his aunt had benefited from a free eye cataract operation offered by visiting Chinese doctors in 2011.
Bishop Barrons critique of the Reformation doctrine of sola gratia raises many questions. I will not endeavor to respond to all of his points. I certainly would not even attempt to defend everything Martin Luther said, did, or wrote. I will focus on the good bishops claims about grace in Protestant theology generally.

The crucial question seems to be whether sola gratia, within a Protestant perspective, means gratia sola. Does Protestant theology teach not only that salvation is by grace alone but also that it is only by grace, by which Barron seems to mean the exclusion of any human cooperation?

Protestants disagree among ourselves about the suitability of the language of cooperation. Lutheran and Reformed Protestants tend to discourage it to avoid any hint of Pelagianism (or semi-Pelagianism). Arminians and Wesleyans (e.g., Methodists) are not as shy about itif it is understood correctly.

What all Protestants agree on is that if a person has a right relationship with God, forgiven and justified, it is not because of any personal merit that person can claim. Our main objection to Catholic theology is the implication (if not straightforward claim) that merit other than Jesus own comes into play in the sinners reconciliation and right standing before God.

Protestants do not see how it is possible to give any glory to the sinner before or after salvation and at the same time honor Pauls telling the Ephesians, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faithand this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of Godnot by works, so that no one can boast (2:89). Protestants do not see how it is possible ...

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Does Illinois Want to be Like Colorado? Contact: David E. Smith, Illinois Family Institute, 773-858-6602, s.david@illinoisfamily.org



CHICAGO, April 18, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Illinois Family Institute (IFI) stands in strong opposition to the legalization of marijuana. For decades, authorities within our cultural institutions have recognized the many harms of marijuana use for "recreation" and intoxication. Medical, scientific, education, law enforcement and clergy professionals worked together to warn society, especially our young people, of the dangers associated with getting high, of addiction and of life-changing consequences. These warnings have not expired.



"We are alarmed that certain state lawmakers from Chicago want to legalize marijuana in Illinois despite the overwhelming evidence of adverse outcomes in Colorado and Washington state," said David E. Smith, IFI Executive Director.



"There are so many reasons to be concerned about marijuana legalization. Colorado is now ranked first in the nation for 'past month' use for children between the ages of 12-17. This is 74 percent higher than the national average. Do we really want some of our children to be among these numbers?"



"There are also good reasons to be concerned about Illinois highway safety if marijuana is legalized. In the two years after Colorado's legalization, marijuana-related traffic deaths increased 62 percent. A staggering 21 percent of drivers involved in all traffic fatalities in Colorado tested positive for marijuana. Do we really want this in Illinois?"



"In 2014, the year Colorado's retail marijuana businesses began operating, marijuana-related hospitalizations increased 20 percent and emergency room visits increased 25 percent. The costs to taxpayers, as first responders and medical responses increase, are dramatic."



"And we can't ignore the relationship between marijuana use and psychotic incidents. The news has been filled with these tragedies."



Smith concluded by asking lawmakers to seriously consider these questions. Does Illinois really want to legalize a product which will only lead to a more stoned, distracted, apathetic and violent population? This policy will lead to more people buzzed at home, at construction sites, in operating rooms, in classrooms, and on our roads.

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MA Sex Education Mandate Gets Holy Week Hearing Contact: Andrew Beckwith, 781-569-0400,



BOSTON, April 18, 2017 /



"This bill takes control over sex education of out the hands of local school districts and gives it to state bureaucrats," explained Massachusetts Family Institute's President Andrew Beckwith. "Parents and teachers should be able to decide for themselves what is best for the students in their own community."



One of the sexual health curricula that is recommended by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which would have authority over what schools teach if the bill is passed, is Planned Parenthood's controversial "Get Real" series. These middle school workbooks teach children as young as 12 how to use saran wrap as a "dental dam" for oral to anal sexual stimulation. "The sponsors of this bill argue that it would guarantee sex ed material is 'age appropriate' and 'medically accurate,'" Beckwith observed. "Clearly, that is not the case when you have activists at the state department of education that think it is 'age appropriate' for 12 year-olds to study the finer points of dental dam usage during non-reproductive sexual acts." During his testimony, Beckwith presented the committee chairs with boxes of saran wrap to serve, he said, "as a visual reminder of what this bill would force on our schools and children."



In 2016, an earlier version of the legislation passed through the MA Senate before getting stalled in the House. This year's version of the bill, however, contains disturbing new requirements. For example, local schools are required to teach about abortion as one of the "options for pregnancy." Teachers would also be forced to give an "affirmative representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, relationships, and families." Beckwith doesn't believe most co-sponsors of the legislation even realize this provision is in the text of the bill. "When I ask legislators or concerned parents how they would define a 'bisexual relationship' as required by these bills, I am usually met with confused looks. This begs the question, exactly what type of discussion is that going to be for school children as young as Kindergarten?"

Share Tweet Contact: Andrew Beckwith, 781-569-0400, andrew@mafamily.org BOSTON, April 18, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- Massachusetts Legislators heard testimony on Thursday regarding a bill that is stirring up quite a bit of controversy amongst parents. "An act relative to healthy youth," drew sharp criticism at the morning's hearing. Parents and educators expressed strong concern with the bill, which they say imposes a new statewide standard for the sensitive topic of K-12 sexual health education."This bill takes control over sex education of out the hands of local school districts and gives it to state bureaucrats," explained Massachusetts Family Institute's President Andrew Beckwith. "Parents and teachers should be able to decide for themselves what is best for the students in their own community."One of the sexual health curricula that is recommended by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which would have authority over what schools teach if the bill is passed, is Planned Parenthood's controversial "Get Real" series. These middle school workbooks teach children as young as 12 how to use saran wrap as a "dental dam" for oral to anal sexual stimulation. "The sponsors of this bill argue that it would guarantee sex ed material is 'age appropriate' and 'medically accurate,'" Beckwith observed. "Clearly, that is not the case when you have activists at the state department of education that think it is 'age appropriate' for 12 year-olds to study the finer points of dental dam usage during non-reproductive sexual acts." During his testimony, Beckwith presented the committee chairs with boxes of saran wrap to serve, he said, "as a visual reminder of what this bill would force on our schools and children."In 2016, an earlier version of the legislation passed through the MA Senate before getting stalled in the House. This year's version of the bill, however, contains disturbing new requirements. For example, local schools are required to teach about abortion as one of the "options for pregnancy." Teachers would also be forced to give an "affirmative representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, relationships, and families." Beckwith doesn't believe most co-sponsors of the legislation even realize this provision is in the text of the bill. "When I ask legislators or concerned parents how they would define a 'bisexual relationship' as required by these bills, I am usually met with confused looks. This begs the question, exactly what type of discussion is that going to be for school children as young as Kindergarten?"
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Judicial Watch: HHS Documents Reveal Serious Behind-the-Scenes Security Concerns About Healthcare.gov

Contact: Jill Farrell, Judicial Watch, 202-646-5172



WASHINGTON, April 18, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Judicial Watch today released 944 pages of Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) records showing that the Obamacare website was launched despite serious concerns by its security testing contractor, Mitre Corporation, as well as internal executive-level apprehension about security.



Judicial Watch obtained the HHS documents in response to a court order in a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (No. 1:14-cv-00430)). The lawsuit was filed in March 2014 after HHS failed to respond to a December 20, 2013, FOIA request seeking:

All records related to the security of the healthcare.gov web portal including, but not limited to, studies, memoranda, correspondence, electronic communications (e-mails), and slide presentations from January 1, 2012 to the present.

A July 2013 "Continuous Improvement Plan," prepared for updates and improvements to the healthcare.gov website, defines the "Change Control Board" as a provider of final approval on new features and "politically sensitive issues."



The documents reveal that Mitre recommended a "Denial Authorization to Operate" in the month prior to Obamacare's launch, noting that it could not adequately test the confidentiality and integrity of the system. It said that complete end-to-end testing of the system never occurred. Miter found that 11 "moderate" security findings and eight "low" findings remained open as September 19, 2013  12 days before the launch.



And an unsigned "Authorization to Operate" prepared just five days before Obamacare's launch, indicates that the site's "validation contractor" was "unable to adequately test the confidentiality and integrity of the [Federally Facilitated Marketplace] system in full." That contractor, Blue Canopy, noted that they were able to access data "that should not be publically accessible."



On October 1, Americans started shopping for health insurance on healthcare.gov, and the site crashed.



In an October 2013 email exchange requesting help with an upcoming test, healthcare.gov IT security Chief Tom Schankweiler complained of a lack of a "grand strategy" in security testing the Obamacare website. Schankweiler complained about hackers hitting the site, and noted that confidential information was "growing legs and growing way beyond the normal borders." Fryer agreed with Schankweiler, and also noted "conflict of interest issues" in the security testing.



In November senior CMS official Jon Booth discusses "a contingency system" for higher Obamacare enrollments that CMS Office of Administration wanted "kept under the radar" and "out of the spotlight, even from an internal perspective." George Linares responds to Booth, noting that healthcare.gov was still operating without an "Authorization to Operate," and that the "contingency system" meant they needed a plan to "close the security gap as well."



Among the released documents is a November draft press background briefer, in which CMS officials crossed out a line that read that consumers could "trust that the information that they are providing is protected by stringent security standards" and a line that the ACA website was "compliant with the Federal Information Security Management Act."



MORE: www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/press-releases/judicial-watch-hhs-documents-reveal-serious-behind-scenes-security-concerns-healthcare-gov
home World Worshippers flock to Argentina home to witness 'miracle' as Virgin Mary statue starts 'crying blood'

Hundreds of worshippers have flocked to a home in a remote town in Argentina's Salta province after a video of a statue of Virgin Mary appearing to shed tears of blood went viral.

The mysterious phenomenon is being hailed as a miracle by the worshippers who went to the town of Los Naranjos to see the statue first hand.

According to the Mirror, the statue of the Virgin of the Mystical Rose, one of the names Catholics use for the Virgin Mary, belongs to the Frias Mendoza family, who lives in the city of San JosA de MetAnSan.

The family initially broke the story of the weeping statue through a local radio station.

The owner, who first noticed the icon shedding red tears in March, claimed that Mary visited him in a dream "the day before the miracle began."

"It was the first time something like this has happened and I was very scared. I thought it was some kind of punishment," said Mendoza.

The family's dining room has become a makeshift shrine to the statue after hundreds of people started arriving into the small town to pay their respects.

The icon will be moved to a local Catholic Church to allow more Christians to see it, Express reported.

"A lot of people come here to pray and light several candles devoted to the Virgin," said Priest Ricardo Quiroga. "If she cries again, we need to do something at a high level in the church," he added.

Priest Julio RaAl MAndez has cautioned people not to jump to conclusions, and he noted that there will be an investigation to look for a scientific or natural explanation for the phenomenon.

"The first thing the church does is to do a scientific analysis to see if there is a natural explanation. Only then, the possibility of a supernatural phenomenon is considered," said the priest.

While there have been numerous reports of weeping religious statues over the years, only one has been certified by the authorities in the Catholic Church. Most of the other reports have been proven to be hoaxes.

In 1984, a wooden statue of Our Lady of Akita, another name for the Virgin Mary, in Japan, was certified to have shed real blood, sweat, and tears after eight years of investigations.
5 minutes with Robert Rauschenbergs Accident

Prints specialist Elsie Widing explains why this lithograph  offered at Christies New York, 19-20 April  represents a pivotal moment in the groundbreaking American artists career

Over the course of his six-decade career, graphic artist and painter Robert Rauschenberg revolutionised modern art in America. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, in 1925, he studied at the celebrated Black Mountain College in North Carolina in the late 1940s. His teacher, the German-born American artist Josef Albers, was closely associated with the Bauhaus. Albers stressed discipline and the importance of eliminating all experimentation in art  philosophies against which Rauschenberg rebelled. Lithography  considered the most painterly of printing techniques  was largely absent from the artistic landscape in 1950s America. In 1957 Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE) was founded on Long Island by Tatyana Grosman, and became one of the rare institutions producing lithographs. Under Grosmans careful guidance, ULAE attracted some of the most talented artists of the era, including Grace Hartigan and Helen Frankenthaler, Jim Dine and James Rosenquist, Barnett Newman and Cy Twombly. Grosmans workshop was a new concept in the printmaking world, explains Elsie Widing, a Prints & Multiples specialist at Christies in New York. Grosman understood that Rauschenberg was an important artist, and soon invited him to join ULAE; Rauschenberg began printing with Grosman in the early 1960s.

Open a larger version of this image Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008), Accident, 1963. Image: 37 x 27 in (940 x 686 mm). Sheet: 41 x 29 in (1048 x 743 mm). Sold for $93,750 on 19-20 April 2017 at Christies in New York

Up until that point American artists had generally been viewed as somewhat secondary to their European counterparts. This began to change when Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns burst on the scene. Johns and Rauschenberg were really the first two artists to be embraced by both the European and the American artistic communities, says Widing. Accident (1963), one of Rauschenbergs earliest prints, represents a moment in American art history when the print became a recognisable artistic medium, the specialist adds. In 1963, Grosman submitted Accident to the Ljubljana Biennial of Graphic Arts, where it won the Grand Prize. Rauschenberg probably appreciated the painterly aspect of lithography and the fact that it allowed for greater flexibility and fluidity than techniques such as etching. Abstract Expressionism was still at its height, adds Widing, and in Accident you can still see the gestural brushstroke.

Theres almost a performative aspect to it, an awareness that a lithograph doesnt have to be the result of an exact technical process
Sara Plumbly, Head of Islamic & Indian Art at Christies London, discusses the breadth of Islamic calligraphy, illustrated with a group of exceptional Qurans to be offered in our 27 April sale of Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds

For Muslims, the Quran constitutes the very word of God. As Sara Plumbly, Head of Islamic & Indian Art at Christie's London, explains, the imperative to clearly and elegantly transcribe these words has made calligraphy the oldest and most revered of the arts of Islam. According to some, indeed, calligraphy is considered the epitome of Islamic art.

On 27 April, Christies will bring to auction an extraordinary group of Qurans that demonstrate the evolution of the copying of the Quran across the centuries. Taken together, these beautiful works reflect a real range both in terms of calligraphy and illumination.

One outstanding piece, a Kufic folio on blue vellum, comes from one of the most important early Qurans that we know of today, with calligraphy copied in gold and outlined by red. There is ongoing debate as to the precise attribution, but it is generally accepted that it was copied in the 9th century, in Tunisia, Plumbly explains. The roundels, which would have marked every verse of the Quran, would originally have been a vivid, sparkling silver, and the whole thing would have been even more lavish that it appears today.
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African countries require Chinese expertise, technology and financial resources to accelerate the next phase of socio-economic transformation, a researcher has said.

Executive Director of Africa Economic Research Consortium (AERC), Professor Lemma Senbet, told Xinhua in a recent interview that China's robust engagement with the world's second largest continent has been a game changer in many spheres.

"I regard Chinese engagement with Africa as really transformational both in trade, investments and infrastructure development, there has been positive impact on Africa's growth trajectory," Senbet said.

The Ethiopian born scholar was optimistic that the current geopolitical shockwaves linked to economic nationalism and isolationism in the west will not affect Sino-Africa bilateral cooperation.

He said China has eclipsed traditional African allies in the West to become the leading source of foreign direct investments in the continent.

At the same time, the Asian giant has become the leading trading partner with Africa, a feat credited for the continent's stellar economic growth in the last two decades.

Senbet refuted claims that China was only interested with Africa's natural resources and emphasized that Sino-Africa partnership has been framed around mutual respect and pursuit of common aspirations.

"Basically some people think of natural resources when it comes to China's engagement with Africa yet the country is strong in trade, retail and financial services sector in Africa," said Senbet.

He said African countries should court China as they embark on economic diversification, regional integration and strengthening of political institutions.

Senbet hailed China's investment in modern infrastructure projects across Africa saying the move will hasten the continent's economic development through robust trade and investments.

"China's investments in this continent's infrastructure have been huge. For instance, the Nairobi-Mombasa railway has impacted positively on regional integration," Senbet said.

He added that African countries will benefit immensely from creation of Belt and Road Initiative envisioned by Chinese leaders to revive ancient trading routes.

The initiative is "playing the role of enhancing economic integration of African countries," Senbet said while hailing China's investment in Africa's modern industrial parks.

African countries require Chinese soft loans and grants to support infrastructure development and modernization of social sectors like education and health.

Senbet noted that investments in Africa's knowledge-based economy as opposed to financial aid would sustain the continent's renaissance for the long haul.

He emphasized that China should help African countries strengthen their capacity to harness local expertise and resources in order to propel growth.

The scholar singled out technology transfer as an area that would unleash optimum benefits to both China and Africa.

African countries should forge strong partnership with China in areas that advance democracy, good governance and the rule of law.

Senbet reiterated that African countries can borrow lessons from China to strengthen their political institutions and shield them from internal and external shocks.
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Pakistani security forces have killed 108 terrorists in a major anti-terror operation launched in February, the military said on Monday.

The operation codenamed "Radd-ul-Fasaad," or "Reject Discord" in English, was launched after a series of terrorist attacks that killed over 100 people nationwide.

The regular army and other law enforcement agencies are jointly conducting the intelligence-based operation.

Sharing results of the operation, army spokesman Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor said at a news conference that about 4,500 suspects have also been taken into custody during the operation.

The operation will continue till the complete elimination of terrorists, their abettors and sympathizers, he said.

Ghafoor said that work on fencing along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border is continuing, and under the first phase, the country's border in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province with Afghanistan will be fenced.

In the second phase, border in southwestern Balochistan Province with Afghanistan will be fenced, he said.
Stacy Riendeau's heart swelled and tears came to her eyes as she watched one of her students put on his new pair of glasses for the first time.

Riendeau, who is the nurse at Drew Elementary School, relayed this moving experience in a letter shared during the Crosby ISD school board meeting Monday, April 18.

"Once the glasses were handed to him and he put them on, he looked around the room, squinting and adjusting his vision," Riendeau stated. "All of a sudden, he smiled and a look came over his face like he had just seen color for the first time. The student is not color blind, but the reaction he had was that of someone that is."

This child was one of 65 Crosby ISD students who received a free pair of glasses as a part of the See to Succeed program. The glasses were delivered to school campuses across Crosby ISD on Thursday, April 13.

This was the district's first year participating in the program, which is organized through the Houston Health Department. More than 70 Crosby ISD students traveled to the West End Health Center in January and received free vision screenings.

Campus nurses determined which students were in need of the services. Crosby ISD's nurses perform eye exams on students annually, but not all students referred to get glasses are actually able to do so.

For some students, a pair of glasses can mean the difference between academic success and struggle, according to Patricia Kay, assistant superintendent of student services in Crosby ISD.

"If this effort helps them, there's no excuse for not getting them glasses," Kay said. "It makes me feel good because I know those kids are going to do better academically now. It means so much for these kids to be able to see the board, to see what they're doing and to see what their teacher is writing."

The See to Succeed program not only gets students the correct prescription lenses, it allows the students to pick out their own stylish frames.

"As I brought each student into our office to be fitted, I got to see the excitement on their faces and their eyes light up when (we) opened the box and showed them their special pair made just for them," Riendeau stated.

The district plans to participate in the See to Succeed program again next school year. Campus nurses are already in the process of identifying students.

Next school year, Crosby ISD also plans to participate in a similar program called Saving Smiles. Nurses will help identify second graders in need of dental care.

"Second grade is a critical time when their back molars are coming in and there's a lot of activity going on in those mouths, so we're going to help these kids receive dental care," Kay said. "They will receive a screening when they take the field trip (to the West End Health Clinic), and they will be referred to a doctor in the city of Houston network that can help the parents with dental care."

Additionally, Crosby ISD collected more than 400 teddy bears as a part of the Pay It Forward Pray It Forward Foundation's Teddy Bear Drive in December 2016. The teddy bears were donated to children at the Shriners Hospital and MD Anderson during the holidays.

"These are for kids that are spending Christmas in the hospital," Kay said. "Our kids are aware of what they're giving a teddy bear for. All the schools took part, and even our technology department got into it."

For more information about Crosby ISD, visit www.crosbyisd.org.
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A suspected organizer of a recent St. Petersburg metro blast was detained on Monday in the Moscow Region, Russia's Federal Security Service said in a statement.

Azimov Abror Akhralovich, a Central Asian native born in 1990, has been caught in the Odintsovo District of the Moscow Region, said the statement.

It said the detainee trained previously identified Akbarzhon Dzhalilov, who carried out the deadly bomb attack in the St. Petersburg metro on April 3, killing 14 people and wounding dozens.

Earlier this month, six people in St. Petersburg and two others in Moscow were detained for suspected involvement in the attack.
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Last year, Houston was suffering one of its worst wet spells in history.

Appropriately named the "Tax Day Floods," the storm system dropped as much as 17 inches of rain in parts of the city from April 17 to 18. After it was all said and done, eight people died, and over 700 homes and apartments were flooded.

The trouble began during the overnight hours of April 17 when a group of thunderstorms decided to sit right on top of the Greater Houston area. As the morning hours crept in, rains were already hitting 4 inches per hour.

AERIAL PHOTOS: Get a different perspective of the Tax Day Floods

Highway 6 in west Houston was one of the hardest-hit areas. Between Clay Road and Park Row, high waters had completely overtaken the roadway, despite the nearby reservoir. It would take several weeks before it finally reopened.

Possibly one of the more annoying moments that had occurred throughout the ordeal was the emergence of fake information propagated on social media. Unscrupulous Twitter users announced school district closures, and others used their photo editing skills to show sharks wandering around floodwaters.

RAW VIDEO: Drowning horses fight for survival in flood waters near Houston

Flood victims, especially those in the Greenspoint area, had to abandon their homes due to the storm. Worse, the city's response to their situation was deemed too slow. Just several months into the job, Mayor Sylvester Turner had to apologize to the 1,000 or so people who showed up at community meetings and voiced their concerns.

Houston Chronicle photographers compiled the most powerful photos taken during those weeks. We've organized them all for easy viewing in the gallery above.
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The 10th meeting of the China-Vietnam steering committee on cooperation was held Monday, co-chaired by Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.

In the past year, China-Vietnam relations have continued their good development momentum, and exchanges in various fields have continuously deepened, Yang said.

He called for joint efforts to ensure the success of mutual visits by the leaders of the two parties and countries within the year and to upgrade the quality and standard of pragmatic cooperation.

Echoing Yang on the status of bilateral ties, Pham Binh Minh said his country highly values its comprehensive strategic cooperation with China, and expressed the Vietnamese side's willingness to deepen strategic coordination, enhance political trust, and beef up pragmatic cooperation.

Minh also expressed his wishes for the success of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to be held this year.

Yang and Minh hailed the significant role the steering committee mechanism has played since its establishment around 10 years ago.

Both sides agreed to implement the consensus reached by their leaders and map out plans for the whole year, spearheaded by deepened high-level visits.

The two sides also reached consensus on advancing their comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation by jointly promoting China's Belt and Road Initiative and Vietnam's "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle" plan, expanding cooperation in such areas as investment, capacity, infrastructure, people-to-people exchanges, accelerating the building of cross-border economic cooperation zones, as well as properly managing differences to safeguard maritime peace and stability.

After the meeting, Yang and Minh attended the signing ceremony of the meeting minutes of the 10th meeting of the China-Vietnam steering committee on cooperation.
The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
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China firmly supports the European integration process and positively views the development prospects of Europe and the European Union (EU), a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Monday.

Lu Kang said at a routine press briefing that China and the EU, as two important global powers, are comprehensive strategic partners, and stable development of bilateral ties is very important.

China's policy toward Europe remains consistent, and China hopes that Europe can maintain prosperity, stability and opening up, Lu said.

He said China-EU relations have maintained sound development, with the creation of four partnerships of peace, growth, reform and civilization moving ahead steadily.

Both sides have attached more importance to strengthening strategic communication and coordination on major global issues, he added.

China and the EU will hold their seventh round of high-level strategic dialogues on Wednesday in Beijing, and Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi will co-chair the dialogue with Federica Mogherini, EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, as well as vice president of the European Commission.

Lu said both sides will take advantage of the dialogue to plan for the development of bilateral ties in the next stage and exchange in-depth views on global and regional hotspot issues of common concern in order to deepen mutual trust, promote cooperation and maintain the development momentum of China-EU relations.
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All-Conference WEC teams The All-Conference teams for the War Eagle Conference have been announced with multiple MMCRU and South OBrien volleyball players making...

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Mumbai, April 18 : Bolywood actor Chunky Pandey, who has done a negative role in the recently released "Begum Jaan", says that he was a fan of villains since childhood.



"I have been a fan of villains since my childhood. Finally when I got the role of a villain, I got scary reactions from two women. They were sitting beside me during the screening and left the hall halfway when they realised I was beside them," said Chunky Pandey at a post-release interview of "Begum Jaan".



After trying his hand at comedy and negative genre, Chunky now wants to make his audience cry. "I have done comedy and now I did a negative role. So for future I guess I wanna do an emotional character and make my audience cry," said the "Housefull" actor.



Asked which genre was more tougher to perform Chunky said: "Being a villain was an easy thing to do. Comedy completely depends on the script and the type of dialogues we get. Comedy is dependent on time and so I will say comedy is tougher than being a villain."



Sharing some funny moments from the set, Chunky said: "My first interaction with Vidya Balan was inside her vanity van and I was dressed up in my character. As I stepped into her van, she looked at me and screamed. That was like a compliment for me."



When asked if he took any inspiration from any past villains of the industry for this role, he said: "I would like to become 'Dilavar' from 'Muqaadar Ka Sikander' played by Amjad Khan. That is the kind of negativity a villain should have."



"Begum Jaan", starring Vidya Balan, Gauhar Khan, Illa Arun, Naseerudin Shah and Pallavi Sharda among others, hit the big screen on April 14.
Fundatia de Binefacere Caritas Moldova solicita oferte de pret de la companii cu privire la productia de materiale de vizibilitate
Some of the most resolute holdouts against a plan to build protective sand dunes in a part of the New Jersey shore hit hard by Superstorm Sandy have dropped their lawsuit against the plan.

Seven homeowners in Margate, south of Atlantic City, ended their litigation Thursday against the state Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and others. They were one of at least four groups of Jersey shore property owners who filed lawsuits against Gov. Chris Christies dune plan.

Margate sustained serious damage during the 2012 storm, and the homeowners sought to block the construction of dunes in the borough, which relies on wooden bulkheads to protect against storm surges.

But officials claimed most of the flooding came from the bay, not the Atlantic Ocean. And a federal judge in February declined to block the dunes, ruling that the opponents fears  including transmission of the Zika virus  were not realistic.

An attorney for the Margate homeowners says they realized that nothing they would be able to do in court would prevent the project from beginning in the next few weeks.

There is nothing meaningful that can be accomplished through litigation in the eight weeks before heavy machinery dominates Margates beaches for the entire summer season, said Jordan Rand, the homeowners attorney. Only injunctive relief could have prevented that result. Now, Margate residents have to simply wait and see. Either the Army Corps prognostications will be right, or they wont.

Citing the mosquito-borne illness that has caused birth defects in tropical areas was the most far-reaching of the many tactics used by property owners trying to prevent Christies administration from carrying out its dune project.

The homeowners voiced fears of large lagoons of standing water on the beach that could contain a mixture of trash, oil and other contaminants, providing a breeding ground for mosquitoes that can carry and transmit the Zika virus.

But a judge ruled that the worst fears expressed by the homeowners either werent likely to happen, or could easily be fixed by engineering solutions or, failing that, cash compensation.

Several scientists say the possibility of the dune project causing a Zika outbreak is remote at best, noting that the type of mosquito that typically carries it isnt a problem in New Jersey. The only cases spread by local mosquitoes so far have been in Florida and Texas. And the argument has not been raised by any of the other Jersey shore towns seeking to block the project.

The judge ruled that any puddles or ponding that might occur following construction of the dunes are not likely to be worse than what is already there without the dunes.

Testimony recently concluded in another case in which homeowners in Bay Head are trying to convince a judge that the $5 million they spend on a privately built rock wall provides better and more economical protection than the dune project. A ruling is expected in a few weeks.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
California Woman Convicted of Crash and Buy Auto Insurance Fraud

Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced that on March 23, 2017, 32-year-old Alicia Hernandez of West Sacramento was convicted of filing a false insurance claim and providing false statements of her traffic collision on March 23, 2017. The conviction resulted from a joint investigation between the District Attorneys Office and the California Department of Insurance.

On June 2, 2015, while driving her Nissan Maxima, Hernandezs involved in a traffic collision in West Sacramento, CA. The West Sacramento Police Department responded to the scene of the collision and took a collision report. At the time of the collision, Hernandez did not have auto insurance coverage for her car. Approximately two hours after the collision she purchased an automobile insurance policy from Esurance. During the phone call with Esurance, Hernandez made false statements regarding the collision in an effort to obtain coverage from her insurance claim.. This strategy is often referred to as a crash and buy in the insurance industry.

Hernandez later provided a recorded statement to Esurance stating that she purchased the policy a few hours before the collision. However, the insurance company already had the police report from the West Sacramento Police Department and the recorded conversation from when Hernandez attempted to purchase her automobile insurance. The investigation showed Hernandez version of the events, including her timeline, were suspicious and inconsistent.

Hernandez pled no contest to misdemeanor insurance fraud. Yolo County Superior Court Judge Daniel MaGuire placed her on three years summary probation and sentenced her to 10 days in county jail. Hernandez also pled no contest to driving on a suspended license and was sentenced to five days in county jail.

Purchasing an insurance policy after a collision has occurred and then reporting that a collision took place after the inception of the policy is a crime. Insurance Fraud is the most costly white-collar crime in America behind tax evasion. Insurance industry studies show that about ten percent or more of property/casualty claims are fraudulent. Insurance fraud costs Americans billions of dollars each year. District Attorney Jeff Reisig stated that, Everyone pays substantially higher insurance premiums because of the crooks who commit insurance fraud. We are committed to investigating and prosecuting this type of fraud in our community.

Ohio Siblings to Reimburse Over $6000 for Taking Dead Dads Workers Comp Benefits

A judge has ordered a Fulton County sister and brother to reimburse $6,657 to the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation for taking their fathers BWC benefits in the immediate months following his death in 2014.

Cecilia Williams pleaded guilty Dec. 20 in the Fulton County Court of Common Pleas to a fifth-degree felony count of workers compensation fraud. She was sentenced Feb. 27 to two years of community control and a suspended jail term of seven months. She also must take a theft education course.

Her brother, James Miller was sentenced March 17 to a suspended sentence of six months in jail and a $100 fine after pleading guilty to attempted workers compensation fraud, a first-degree misdemeanor. Both have already paid restitution to BWC.

BWCs Special Investigations Department learned in 2014 that Williams and Millers father had passed away on March 15 that year, but no one had reported his death or returned his BWC cash benefits to the agency. Agents later discovered that a total of $6,657 had been withdrawn from ATMs between the dates of March 27, 2014, and July 17, 2014.

Williams admitted to agents that she withdrew the funds using her deceased fathers debit card for personal monetary gain and then provided half of the money to her brother.

Jail for Washington Man Who Used Fake Name in $114K Workers Comp Scam

A drywall worker who admitted stealing workers compensation benefits and then evaded authorities for a year must serve 60 days in jail.

Pablo Francisco Castillo Murguia of Auburn was sentenced in Thurston County on Wednesday for felony first-degree theft. Superior Court Judge Chris Lanese also ordered the 40-year-old to repay $114,752 for cash benefits along with medical and vocational services he wrongfully received over more than five years.

The Washington Attorney General prosecuted the case based on an investigation by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

Castillo Murguia pleaded guilty in March 2016, but he failed to appear for sentencing later that month. The court issued a warrant for his arrest, yet he remained on the loose for a year. Last month, he was arrested by an officer who noticed the warrant while serving him with an order in an unrelated case.

The case started when Murguia fell from walking stilts as he taped drywall at a Seattle job site, injuring his right knee. He filed a workplace injury claim, calling himself Juan Pedro Castillo.

Treating physicians confirmed that his injury prevented him from working, allowing him to receive cash payments to make up for part of his lost wages. In addition, Castillo Murguia repeatedly stated on official forms that he couldnt work, and wasnt working, due to the on-the-job injury.

L&Is investigation revealed that he not only used a fake name in the claim, but was working while receiving workers compensation benefits, charging papers said.

On Aug. 30, 2012, he reached a settlement with L&I and received a final lump sum of nearly $7,700 for additional vocational training necessitated by his knee injury. L&I closed his case.

Within three weeks, Murguia filed a claim for another workplace injury. He claimed he injured his left leg while working as a drywall taper on Bainbridge Island on Sept. 7, 2012  just eight days after his original case closed. This time he filed under his real name.

L&I was tipped off to the ruse by a Spanish-language interpreter, who had interpreted for Murguia on his first claim. When he asked her to interpret on his second claim, she learned he was using a different name.

Along with L&Is work on this case, charging papers show the Washington Department of Licensing used its facial recognition system to determine that Murguia had fraudulently obtained two state-issued identification cards and a drivers license under fake names. In early 2012, Licensing cancelled the identification cards and suspended the drivers license with the false names.
United Airlines and the city of Chicago, Ill., may find themselves the target of lawsuits by the man who was dragged off a United plane in Chicago last week after refusing to give up his seat.

One of Dr. David Daos lawyers, Thomas Demetrio, said as much Thursday during a news conference in which he suggested that Dao could be a poster child for the mistreatment of passengers by the airline industry.

It took something like this to get a conversation going, attorney Demetrio said.

Dao was forcibly removed from a fully-booked United Express flight out of OHare International Airport on Sunday to make room for crew members.

Demetrio said the 69-year-old Kentucky physician and father of five lost two teeth and suffered a concussion and broken nose during the incident. He also indicated that Dao will be suing the airline and the city of Chicago, which employs the airport police who dragged Dao down the aisle, his face bloody.

Demetrio said the video showed an extraordinary instance of something that happens too routinely: Airlines overbooking flights then bumping paying customers.

It also exposed a corporate culture in which airlines  and United in particular  have long bullied passengers, he said. The situation could have been avoided if the airline, which offered $800 travel vouchers and a hotel stay for passengers to rebook on another flight, had simply upped their offer, Demetrio said.

I hope he becomes a poster child for all of us, he said. Someones got to.

Dao, who didnt attend the news conference, was released from a local hospital late Wednesday and will need reconstructive surgery, Demetrio said. He said his client was in a secure location because he has been hounded by media, but that he would speak at a future date.

One of Daos children, Crystal Pepper, said the family was horrified, shocked and sickened by what happened.

Early on, United CEO Oscar Munoz added to what was already a public relations nightmare for the company when he apologized for the incident but accused Dao of being belligerent. Later, Munoz offered a more emphatic mea culpa, saying: No one should ever be mistreated this way.

He promised to review the airlines policies to make sure something like that never happens again, and said United will no longer use police to remove bumped passengers. The airline also said all passengers on the flight would get a refund.

In a statement issued immediately after Thursdays news conference, United insisted that Munoz and the airline called Dao numerous times to apologize. Munoz himself said on Wednesday that he had left a message for Dao.

But Demetrio said neither Dao nor his family had heard from United.

The union for the airlines pilots issued a statement Thursday seeking to distance them from the incident, pointing out that it happened on a United Express carrier that is separately owned and operated by Republic Airline and that United pilots werent flying the jet. It also said United pilots are infuriated by what happened and blamed the incident on the grossly inappropriate actions of the security officers.

The three officers who removed Dao have been suspended from their jobs at the Chicago Aviation Department.

Pepper said her father and mother had been traveling from California to Louisville, Kentucky, and had caught a connecting flight at OHare.

United had selected Dao and three other passengers at random for removal from the plane after unsuccessfully offering the vouchers and a hotel stay to customers willing to give up their seats. The three other passengers left the plane, but Dao would not.

The attorney was unable to say precisely how Dao was injured. Dao doesnt remember exactly what occurred because of the concussion he suffered, Demetrio said.

For Dao, who came to the U.S. after fleeing Vietnam by boat in 1975 when Saigon fell, being dragged off the plane was more horrifying and harrowing than what he experienced in leaving Vietnam, Demetrio said. After what happened, Dao has no interest in ever seeing an airplane and will probably be driven to Kentucky, he said.

At a City Council committee hearing Thursday, aldermen ripped officials from United and the aviation department about the episode.

There are no excuses, Alderman Michael Zalewski said.

John Slater, a United vice president, said bumping passengers to accommodate airline employees happens infrequently, and that federal guidelines requiring rest for crew members made it necessary to get the employees on the Sunday flight to Louisville.

Aviation Commissioner Ginger Evans told the committee that the officers had the authority to board the flight but that what happened on the plane is being investigated.

The departments roughly 300 officers guard the citys two main airports but are not part of the regular Chicago police force, receive less training and cannot carry guns inside the terminals.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
At least 126,000 acres have burned in wildfires across Florida since January, surpassing the five-year average of acreage burned in a typical year, officials said.

Floridas fire season peaks this month, during the driest part of the year in the state, and experts warn that the fire risk may worsen in the coming weeks.

Its fairly likely were going to get drier before there is relief from this, said state climatologist David Zierden, at Florida State Universitys Florida Climate Center.

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam has described this year as the most active fire season since 2011. As of Thursday, 97 active fires burned statewide, with 28 active wildfires larger than 100 acres, according to a Florida Today report.

Smoke from some fires has forced Florida Highway Patrol troopers to close major highways for hours at a time. Health officials have recommended that people with asthma or chronic lung or heart conditions should stay indoors with windows closed to avoid smoke from blazes near them.

Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency because of active wildfires across the state. He also directed the Florida National Guard to put a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter on standby for potential firefighting missions in Tampa. The aircraft would support the Florida Forest Service and collect and dispense large quantities of water onto fires without having to land.

Dry conditions, particularly in South Florida, have prompted water management districts to prohibit fires on their lands.

Weve just been exceptionally dry because we didnt get any rain in January and February, Bryan Williams, a meteorologist with the Florida Forest Service, told Florida Today. When that fuel moisture goes down and the humidity is down and the winds blowing, thats usually a melting pot for extreme fire conditions.

One fire has scorched nearly 18,000 acres within the Big Cypress National Preserve. Another fire in Collier County has burned more than 26,000 acres.

Southwest Florida is the driest region in the state, according to forest service data, and Lee County is the driest county. The Naples and Fort Myers areas have seen below average rainfall nearly every month since September, according to National Weather Service data.

Kevin Scharfenberg and Steven Ippoliti, forecasters with the National Weather Service in Miami, said this past winters weather pattern caused most cold fronts to dissipate before reaching Southwest Florida.

Typically, cold fronts that move into the region bring us most of our winter rainfall, they said in an email to the Naples Daily News.

Forecasters predict Floridas weather will be hotter and dryer than normal in the coming months, with dry conditions extending into June. When the rainy does finally begin, it will bring storms with lightning, another leading cause of brush fires.

This is definitely the most active season weve seen in several years, said Susan Lindenmuth, a spokeswoman for the Estero fire district. Our average heavy wildfire season is in April, May. Were just in the very beginning of it.

The increased fire activity has stressed local fire departments with brush fires on top of their regular work load of house fires, vehicle crashes and medical calls.

Lindenmuth said one of her districts brush trucks is out of service after being damaged while fighting two Lehigh Acres fires that burned 400 acres and damaged seven homes in early March. Two children eventually confessed to starting one of the fires.

Greater Naples Fire Chief Kingman Schuldt said he had brush trucks running 24 hours a day in early March fighting a 7,000-acre fire. One of them is still down for maintenance. It cost the department about $86,000 to fight that fire.

We dont budget for a significant event, he said. An event like this, we have to figure it out.

Laurence LeBuff, whose home was one of the four that burned in the 7,000-acre fire, said he wasnt surprised by the fierce fire season.

These woods have been dry, dry, dry for months and months, LeBuff said.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Medical marijuana program firming up program But key decisions will be made in '17 from A1

The city of Akron is considering legislation that would "heavily regulate" medical marijuana businesses attempting to operate in the city limits.

(jborchardt/cleveland.com)

AKRON, Ohio - The city of Akron is considering legislation that would "heavily regulate" medical marijuana businesses attempting to operate in the city limits.

But Akronites looking to cultivate marijuana under Ohio's Medical Marijuana Control Program could miss the boat because the state will begin accepting applications in June, well before people could secure required city permits under a new licensing process that has to be approved by city council.

The city said today public hearings will be held on the new licensing and zoning regulations on Monday, May 1 at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Akron City Council Chambers, 166 S. High St. in downtown Akron.

If approved by city council, the new process would wipe out the city's moratorium, which would have been in place until September, on issuing or processing medical marijuana licenses, building permits, certificates of occupancy, conditional use permits and other authorizations.

However, the new legislation would require potential cultivators to secure a conditional use permit and a provisional use permit, which together could take up to eight weeks, said Ellen Lander Nischt, the city's press secretary.

Those permits must be in hand before cultivators can apply to the state.

In June, Ohio will begin accepting applications for review in July. The competitive process will only award 24 licenses, with 12 licenses for up to 25,000 square feet of growing space, and 12 licenses for up to 3,000 square feet. It could be years before the state expands the number of licenses.

Once licenses are awarded, cultivators have nine months to comply with the program requirements. Among them is that no bans or moratoriums are in place locally.

In addition to the local licensing process, Akron's new proposed law would allow the Akron Police to inspect any medical marijuana facility at any time and it would impose city fees.

"Recognizing that medical marijuana will now be legal across Ohio, we felt it necessary to enact additional local restrictions that will limit where medical marijuana businesses can locate in Akron and give us greater control over licensing, regulating, and inspecting these facilities to make sure they are being operated in a legal, appropriate, and safe way," said Mayor Dan Horrigan in a news release. "The goal of this ordinance is to allow patients to access legal medical treatment while ensuring that these facilities do not have any unwanted impact on our neighborhoods."

Ohio's law, passed last June, allows certified physicians to issue recommendations for patients to buy and use marijuana if they have any of 21 qualifying medical conditions, such as AIDS, Crohn's disease, hepatitis C, sickle cell anemia and traumatic brain injury.

The law prohibits marijuana use through smoking or combustion, or any form that is attractive to children. The law approves of oils, tinctures, plant material, edibles and patches.

In Ohio, medical marijuana must be available for licensed patients by September 2018.

cleveland.com is a partner of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Every dollar buys four meals for the hungry. Click here to donate.
Towpath Trail 01 (Summit Metro Parks).JPG

Visitors to Summit Metro Parks are encouraged to follow specific guidelines outlined by park rangers while visiting the Bike & Hike, Freedom and Towpath trails.

(Summit Metro Parks)

AKRON, Ohio -- Summit Metro Parks rangers released safety guidelines for pedestrians and bicycle riders visiting the Bike & Hike, Freedom and Towpath trails.

The warmer spring and summer weather attracts more visitors, especially during the weekends. Visitors are reminded to be safe and respectful to others on the trails.

The guidelines are:

Be courteous: Be respectful of others regardless of speed, skill level or mode of travel (i.e., bicycle, wheelchair or on foot).

Pass on the left: Pass other trail users on their left. Give an audible signal before passing, either by voice (e.g., "On your left!") or other means (e.g., ringing a bell). Pay special attention when passing children and pets.

Stopping: Move to the right when stopping. If possible, exit the trail. Be cautious of others approaching from behind, and make sure they know you are pulling over.

Be predictable: Travel in a consistent and predictable manner. Always look behind you before changing positions on the trail.

Don't block the trail: Use no more than half of the trail.

Obey all traffic signs and signals: Use extra caution where trails cross streets. Stop at all signs and intersections. When entering or crossing a trail, yield to other users.

Dogs must be on leashes: Leashes can be no more than 8 feet long on trails managed by Summit Metro Parks. Mutt Mitts are provided in many high-usage areas to help visitors clean up after their pets. (Note: Dogs are not permitted at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Rd. in Akron.)

Summit Metro Parks manages the 34-mile Bike & Hike Trail, which travels southeast from Sagamore Hills into Munroe Falls and Stow; 22.4 miles of the north-to-south Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Summit County; and the 6.2-mile Freedom Trail, which travels west from Middlebury Road near the Portage County line to Eastwood Avenue in Akron.

For more information, call 330-867-5511 or visit summitmetroparks.org.
Jennifer Conn, Akron reporter, cleveland.com

Take a trolley tour of Summit County Architectural Heritage Award winners

AKRON, Ohio - Akronites are invited to take a trolley tour to learn about some of the county's most important architecture.



The Summit County Architectural Heritage Award recognizes the efforts of individuals and organizations that restore and preserve the community's architecture. It is presented by Progress Through Preservation of Akron and the Summit County Historical Society in even-numbered years, with tours held in odd-numbered years.



This year's tour, held April 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will visit six sites and is $16 per person, which includes transportation, breakfast, lunch and a beverage.



Mail checks to Progress Through Preservation, 2074 W. Market St., Akron, 44313, or buy tickets online here. RSVP to Alice Christie at 330-864-8364 or achristie@malone.edu. Attendance is limited so RSVP early.

(The Foundry, Summit County Historical Society)

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The Triangle Building

The tour begins at the award-winning Triangle Building on at 1200 Firestone Parkway in Akron. The site is the former home of the Firestone Rubber Company, and was built in 1926 along with several other massive buildings. Attendees will take a brief tour of the building, which now houses offices for seven Summit County services.

(Summit County Historical Society)

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The Hower House

The second stop is the grounds of Hower House, Akron's French Second Empire style Victorian house museum built in 1871 by industrialist John Hower.

Attendees will visit the Carriage House and its educational display on transportation, business and industry in Akron in the 19th century, which emphasizes the role of the Hower family in the growth of the city.

(Summit County Historical Society)

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The Hudson Guest House

Next up is a visit to the Hudson Guest House.

One of two matching wings on a funeral home on Hudson's green, the Guest House was built in 1836. It was moved in the 1870s, and has been restored using period materials and details. It now serves as an inn for visitors who appreciate historic accommodations.

(Summit County Historical Society)

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The Foundry

Heading south, the next site is one of the few remaining industrial structures on the river in Cuyahoga Falls.

Now called the Foundry and serving as the offices of TRIAD Communications, the building originally housed the Falls Stamping and Welding Company. Attendees will have lunch and, weather permitting, sit on the large patio overlooking the Cuyahoga River as it flows through the stone channel below.

(Summit County Historical Society)

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The Preservation House

The next stop is back in Akron at the 1870 schoolhouse now known as Preservation House, which is headquarters for Progress Through Preservation.

Saved from demolition through a collaboration between the city of Akron and Progress Through Preservation, the schoolhouse has been restored to its appearance in the 1930s when it served as a community library.

(Summit County Historical Society)

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The Philander D. Hall II House

The stop on the tour is the Philander D. Hall II House on Diagonal Road, a private residence.

Built in 1918 in the Georgian Colonial style the house was restored by its current owners and it stands as a reminder of the fine homes that once graced Mutton Hill.

(Summit County Historical Society)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland Museum of Art and the government of Italy announced Tuesday that the museum would return to Italy an ancient Roman marble portrait head of Drusus Minor after learning that it apparently had been stolen in 1944 from a provincial museum near Naples.

The museum removed the head from Gallery 103 on Monday and is preparing to ship it back to Italy, said William Griswold, the museum's director.

"It is disappointing, even devastating, to lose a great object," he said. "On the other hand, the transfer of this object to Italy is so clearly the appropriate outcome that, disappointed though I may be, one can hardly question whether this is the right thing to do."

The joint statement quoted Dario Franceschini, Italy's minister of fine arts, as saying the return of the Drusus "is the result of an important and fruitful cultural agreement and the full cooperation of CMA with the Italian authorities."

Mistaken faith in title

When it bought the Drusus in 2012 for an undisclosed amount from Phoenix Ancient Art, the museum believed it had clear title, and that the work had been in an Algerian collection as far back as the late 19th century.

The museum and its Italian counterparts now believe that Italian archaeologists excavated the Drusus head in 1925 or 1926 in Sessa Aurunca, in the Caserta Province of Campania, Italy, about an hour's drive north of Naples.

The archaeologists had the Drusus photographed at the time, along with other discoveries including a marble portrait head of the Roman Emperor Tiberius, father of Drusus Minor.

A 1926 photo taken around the time of an excavation in Sessa Aurunca, Italy, documented the discovery of the portrait head of Drusus Minor, lower right, that eventually ended up in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The museum is returning the sculpture to Italy after learning it was stolen from Sessa Aurunca's museum in 1944.

The works were also placed in the archaeological museum at Sessa Aurunca, where they remained until they were removed in 1944.

Given that evidence, Griswold said, the museum and Italy now view the Drusus portrait as having been stolen.

It also does not fall into the category of works looted by tomb robbers from previously unknown sites in violation of the 1970 UNESCO convention aimed at halting illegal excavation and trafficking of antiquities.

In 2008, the museum returned 13 such looted antiquities to Italy, plus a 14th object, a processional cross that was stolen from a church near Siena. The Drusus falls in the same category as the cross, not the 13 other objects, Griswold said.

Big impact on collection

For the past five years, the Drusus helped anchor the museum gallery devoted to the height of the Roman Empire. The sculpture is notable for its luminous white surfaces, supple carving and for the powerful gaze of its subject.

The museum believes the work was made after the death of Drusus in 23 A.D., when his wife, Claudia Livia Julia, known as "Livilla" or "Little Livia," allegedly poisoned him at age 34.

Drusus was the heir apparent to Tiberius, but he disturbed Rome with his enjoyment of blood sport and ritual killing, the museum said on its website.

Purchase criticized immediately in 2012

The museum's purchase of the Drusus portrait in 2012 earned instant criticism from experts including archaeology Professor David Gill at the University of Suffolk in Ipswich, England. He and others complained of gaps in the provenance, or ownership history, of the object.

The museum believed at the time that the portrait had been the property of the Bacri family (later known as the Sintes family) of Algiers, Algeria, as far back as the late 19th century.

The museum said in 2012 that Fernand Sintes and his wife, then of Marseilles, France, inherited the work while living in Algiers. They subsequently moved it with them to Marseilles in 1960.

Fernand Sintes subsequently sold the Drusus at an auction at the Hotel Drouot in Paris in 2004 to an unnamed buyer. A day later, Parisian art dealer Jean-Philippe Mariaud de Serres, who advised Sintes on the auction, provided a "certificate of origin" for the work that included the Bacri-Sintes history.

That document and independent research carried out by the museum later buttressed its faith in its 2012 purchase.

No record of export from Algeria

Yet Franklin said in 2012 that because Algeria was a French possession in 1960, no export documentation was required for the Drusus. As a result, no record of the transfer from Algeria to France exists.

The museum also didn't know who owned the work between 2004 and 2012.

The purchase raised additional suspicions because the principals of Phoenix Ancient Art, brothers Ali and Hicham Aboutaam, with offices in New York and Geneva, Switzerland, had had brushes with the law.

Ali Aboutaam was sentenced in absentia in Egypt in 2004 on charges of smuggling and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Ali Aboutaam's lawyer, Mario Roberty, said at the time that the charges were "absolutely ridiculous" and politically motivated.

Hicham Aboutaam pleaded guilty in New York in June 2004 to a misdemeanor federal charge that he had falsified a customs document to hide the origins of an ancient silver drinking vessel the Phoenix gallery later sold for $950,000.

In 2004, the Aboutaams also sold a large bronze statue of Apollo to the Cleveland museum, which it believes is an original work by Praxiteles, one of the greatest masters of ancient Greek art.

Like the Drusus, the Apollo also has gaps in its ownership history, but the museum believes its title is clear.

Lingering doubts

Despite its high confidence about the Drusus, the Cleveland museum posted a description of it on the "Object Registry" of the Association of Art Museum Directors, a global online clearinghouse for objects whose provenance is not entirely known.

According to the AAMD write-up, the Cleveland museum contacted Fernand Sintes who reconfirmed everything stated in the 2004 certificate of origin authored by de Serres.

Subsequent research by Michael Bennett, the museum's curator of ancient Greek and Roman art, and by scholars and government authorities working independently in Italy, began to raise doubts, however.

Articles published in Italian archaeological magazines in 2011 and 2013 by scholars Giuseppe Scarpati and Sergio Cascella, respectively, reproduced the previously unpublished 1926 photographs taken when the Drusus and Tiberius heads were first unearthed.

Those articles suggested that both pieces had been stolen from the local museum in 1944.

Repatriation requested in 2014

A third article by Scarpati in 2014, in the Bolletino D'Arte, or Art Bulletin, mentioned the Cleveland museum's purchase of the work, and urged that it be returned to Italy.

Scarpati conjectured that the Drusus and Tiberius heads were "trafficked" by French occupation troops in 1944 while they were billeted at the museum in Sessa Aurunca.

He also suggested that the works might have fallen into the hands of North African troops active in the area at the time, perhaps explaining the later appearance of the Drusus in Algeria.

Griswold said the Cleveland museum contacted Italy's Ministry of Fine Arts in late 2016 and proposed collaborating on further research on the Drusus sculpture that also involved the Carabinieri.

"We were able to establish to our satisfaction that the [Drusus] head is the same as the one in the [1926] photograph, and the head in the photograph was in all likelihood removed from the museum at Sessa Aurunca,'' he said.

No blaming

Griswold said that the museum isn't pointing fingers at Fernand Sintes or at Phoenix Ancient Art.

"There's a gap [in the Drusus provenance] from 1944 until the 1960s, when the object was in France," Griswold said.

"We have every reason to believe it was in Algeria through the '50s, but that's not fully documented."

Griswold declined to comment on whether the museum would be reimbursed by Phoenix.

"Although we do customarily require dealers to warrant good title to any object that we purchase from them, we don't comment on the details of private transactions, and so I'm not going to do that now," he said.
18DARCY-TRUMP.jpg

President Donald Trump responded to the Tax Day March protesters' demand that he release his tax returns by boasting about his Electoral College victory over Hillary Clinton.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Can President Donald Trump win public and Congressional support for any tax reform plan he proposes without releasing his full tax returns? We're likely to find out, because it appears unlikely Trump will ever voluntarily release his returns.

"You know, the only one that cares about my tax returns are the reporters. They're the only ones who ask," said Trump in January.

Saturday, thousands of American's asked Trump to release his tax returns. During the Tax March demonstrations that took place in cities nationwide, and at Trump's Mar-a-Largo resort, protesters chanted "Hey, Hey we want to see your Schedule A" and "Chicken-in-Chief" accusing Trump of being afraid of releasing his taxes.

The Tax March reflected the most recent national polls showing 53% of Americans believe Trump should be forced to release his tax returns.

While the Easter Bunny delivered treats Sunday morning, Trump delivered tweets in response to Saturday's Tax March.

"I did what was an almost an impossible thing to do for a Republican-easily won the Electoral College! Now Tax Returns are brought up again?"

"Someone should look into who paid for the small organized rallies yesterday. The election is over!" -- Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump

The Tax March's website was transparent in listing the activist organizations that sponsored the event, and estimated the number of demonstrators was in the six figures. Washington, D.C. and New York City demonstrations were bigger than other cities.

Monday at a town hall gathering, Republican Senator Tom Cotton was soundly booed when he said Trump wasn't releasing his taxes because he's being audited.

Trump's audit excuse for not releasing his taxes fails its own audit. Being under audit does not prohibit tax returns from being released. Every president and vice president has their tax returns automatically audited. Every president since Richard Nixon has released their tax returns, despite that automatic audit.

Trump appears to have decided that any fallout from not releasing his returns is potentially less damaging to him then releasing them.

It's not a question of if Trump has something to hide, it's what is he hiding and why?

Cleveland.com is a partner of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Every dollar buys four meals for the hungry. Click here to donate.
wine

Our wine calendar has news of an Ohio wines event, Royal Park Fine Wines is bringing in a winemaker from Lebanon, Rozi's will feature Oregon wines, and more.

(Marc Bona, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Rozi's and Royal Park Wines have events coming up, plus there are tastings scheduled throughout Northeast Ohio. Have items to submit? Deadline is Thursday. Email mbona@cleveland.com:

APRIL

Tuesday, April 18: Salt+ will hold a Crane Assembly dinner featuring wine from the small California winery. It's 6:30-10 p.m. Tickets are $150. Salt+ is at 17625 Detroit Ave., Lakewood.

Tuesday, April 18: Huth & Harris Wine Merchants will hold a tasting of Elegant Wines via Natural State Distributors 7-9 p.m. Cost is $45. Each wine will be paired with a chef-prepared appetizer. Reservations are required; call 330-815-4959. H2 is at 221 S. Court Street, Medina.

Wednesday, April 19: Blue Canyon will host a five-course beer and wine dinner featuring Southern Tier Brewing of New York and Michael David Winery of California. It's 7-9:30 p.m. Beer option is $55, wine option is $65 (plus fees, tax and tip). Brewery and winery reps will attend. Each course will be paired with the drinks. It's at 8930 Wilcox Dr., Twinsburg. Offerings:

Course 1 - Wine: Sauvignon Blanc. Beer: Lemon Drop Sun.

Course 2 - Wine: Earthquake Zin. Beer: Live Session Pale Ale.

Course 3 - Wine: Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon. Beer: Nu Skool IPA.

Course 4 - Wine: Inkblot Cabernet Franc. Beer: 2X Smash.

Course 5 - Wine: Petite Petit. Beer: 2X Stout.

Wednesday, April 19: 750ml will host Chris Zazo and Hailstone Vineyards of California's Napa Valley at 6 p.m. Cost is $49 ($39, club750 members). Space is limited; call for reservations, 330-794-5754. 750ml is at 2287 W. Market St., Akron.

PLEASE NOTE:

cleveland.com is a partner of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Every dollar buys four meals for the hungry. Click here to donate.

Thursday, April 20: 750ml will hold a vintner visit featuring Hailstone Vineyards of Texas at 6 p.m. Cost is $49 ($39, club750ml members). It's at 750ml, 2287 West Market Street, Akron. Call 330-794-5754

Thursday, April 20: Tartine Bistro will offer a tour of Spain. J.C. Alvarez of Carlos Serres Winery will attend. Cocktails are at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7. Cost is $75 plus tax and tip. Call 440-331-0800. Tartine Bistro is at 19110 Detroit Road, Rocky River. Wines to be served: Senda Verde Godello, Senda Verde Albarino, Carlos Serres Tempranillo, Carlos Serres Rioja Crianza, Carlo Serres Rioja Reserva and a dessert pairing.

Thursday, April 20: Parallax will hold a wine dinner featuring Alfredo Arribas of Portal de Priorat. Cost is $70 plus tax and tip. Call 216-583-9999. Parallax is at 2179 W. 11th St., Cleveland. Wines to be served:

* NV Brut Cruzat Cuvee Reserve, Valle de Uco, Argentina.

* 2015 Grenache Blanc, Gotes Blanques.

* 2013 Montsant Ediciones I-Limitadas Luno (Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cabernet).

* 2014 Negres De Negres Priorat (Grenache, Carignan, Syrah).

* 2014 Gotes Priorat (Grenache, Carignan).

* Meneres White Port.

Thursday, April 20: Ohio Wine Producers will hold a "Trunk" program 7-9 p.m. The event will present the best of regional wines in a relaxing setting to learn, sip and share. It will be conducted by a sommelier or Ohio wine expert. The interactive program will cover glasses, corks, grape growing, bottle shapes and colors, winemaking history, trivia contest and recipes featuring wine and food pairings. Cost is $35 and includes a glass, wine charm, shopping tote, light appetizers and wine sampling. The wine-appreciation series event will be at Newman Creek Cellars, 28 Charles Ave. SW, Massillon. Reservations required, call 440-466-4417.

Friday, April 21: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Cabmania 5-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Friday, April 21: Fleming's will hold a four-course wine dinner featuring Daou Vineyards at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $95. Seating is limited; call for reservations, 330-670-5200. Fleming's is at 4000 Medina Road, Akron. Wines to be served: 2014 Chardonnay, Paso Robles; 2014 Pessimist red blend, Paso Robles; 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles; Quady "Elysium" Black Muscat.

Friday, April 21: West Point Market will feature Wines of the Rhone 7-9 p.m. Twenty wines will be available. Cost is $40. Accompanying food included. West Point is at 33 Shiawassee Ave., Fairlawn.

Friday, April 21: Mustard Seed Market will hold its Cork & Fork casual tasting of four wines with snacks 6-8 p.m. Cost is $7. Mustard Seed is at 3885 West Market St., Fairlawn.

Saturday, April 22: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Cabmania 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Saturday, April 22: Western Reserve Wines will feature Earthy wines for Earth Day 2-5 p.m. "Earthy" is a term used in a positive sense to describe an aroma or flavor evocative of fresh-turned soil, mushrooms or aromas experienced while walking through a forest after rain. Cost is $10 and includes cheeses and crackers. Western Reserve Wines is at 28300 Miles Road, Suite B, Solon.

Saturday, April 22: West Point Market holds weekly Saturday Sips noon-2 p.m. Sample four wines for $2. West Point is at 33 Shiawassee Ave., Fairlawn.

Wednesday, April 26: Rozi's Wine House will have a tasting featuring Roco Winery and Roserock Winery with guests Rollin Soles, co-founder, owner and winemaker of the Oregon wineries and Mark Kalachnik of Dreyfus-Ashby Co. It's 6-8 p.m. Cost is $20 and includes 10-12 wines to sample with hors d'oeuvres. Rozi's is at 14900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. Lineup:

Domaine Drouhin Oregon: 2014 Arthur Chardonnay, 2014 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir.

Roserock: 2015 Chardonnay, 2014 Pinot Noir.

Champagne Drappier Brut Rose, NV.

Roco: 2013 RMS Brut, 2014 Chardonnay Willamette Valley, 2013 Gravel Road Pinot Noir, 2014 Wits End.

Thursday, April 27: Chez Francois will hold a Sonoma Valley wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. featuring Seghesio Family Vineyards. Cost is $110 plus tax and tip. Chez Francois is at 555 Main St., Vermilion. Lineup:

* Vermentino, Russian River Valley/Sonoma, 2015.

* Sangiovese Old Vine, Alexander Valley/Sonoma, 2012.

* Zinfandel Sonoma, Sonoma County, 2014.

* Zinfandel Home Ranch, Seghesio, Alexander Valley, 2013.

* Zinfandel Old Vine, Dry Creek/Alexander Valley, 2013.

* Zinfandel Cortina, Dry Creek Valley, 2013.

* Zinfandel Rockpile, Dry Creek Valley, 2014.

* Red Defiant, Alexander Valley, 2015.

* Red Omaggio, Alexander Valley, 2013.

Thursday, April 27: Ruth's Chris Steak House will hold a five-course Johnnie Walker dinner. Details are in the works. Ruth's Chris is at 200 Public Square, Cleveland. Reservations are required; call 216-539-8404.

Thursday, April 27: The Crosswinds Grille will hold a three-course menu with dishes paired with a different Lakehouse Inn wine. The winemaker will dine at the table with guest to discuss the wines. The event is limited to 12 guests. Reservations are required. Cost is $60 plus tax and tip. The Crosswinds Grille is at The Lakehouse Inn & Winery, 5653 Lake Road E, Geneva.

Friday, April 28: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Frenchmania 5-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Friday-Sunday, April 28-30: The inaugural Grapes under Glass will be held in downtown Cleveland at the Rotunda at Heinen's and The 9. Various tastings are planned. Here are the prices and details.

Friday-Sunday, April 28-30: Red White and Brew Trips will head to Traverse City, Michigan. Bus leaves from East and West Side Cleveland locations, with overnight in Lansing, Michigan. Saturday, the bus will cruise to Traverse City for two days of tastings at eight wineries, with lunches to be determined. A stop at Jolly Pumpkin Brewing Co. is included. Lodging will be provided at Comfort Inn in Traverse City. Prices range from $350 to $425.

Saturday, April 29: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Frenchmania 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.

Saturday, April 29: Western Reserve Wines will feature New Finds from Vanguard Wines 2-5 p.m. Vanguard is a direct importer of European wines. Cost is $10 and includes cheeses and crackers. Western Reserve Wines is at 28300 Miles Road, Suite B, Solon.

Saturday, April 29: West Point Market holds weekly Saturday Sips noon-2 p.m. Sample four wines for $2. West Point is at 33 Shiawassee Ave., Fairlawn.

MAY

Thursday, May 4: For those who love large-scale tastings and don't mind a drive, the 15th Pittsburgh Wine Festival is being held in Heinz Field, Art Rooney Drive, Pittsburgh. VIP tasting is 5-7 p.m. ($250). Grand tasting is 7-9 p.m. ($125). Two-for-one tickets are available.

Friday-Saturday, May 5-6: Wine 'n Bloom is scheduled at 15 to 17 Northeast Ohio wineries. Hit the Vines & Wines Wine Trail to sample wines, enjoy appetizers and collect flower-themed items at participating wineries. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. both days. Tickets are $45 ($60, couple). Go to ohio.org/events/wine-n-bloom for details.

Saturday, May 6: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will hold a Grape Escape Wine-Tasting ride. Theme is Spanish wines. Sample five wines, paired with chef-prepared appetizers. Commemorative glass included. Assigned seating. It's 7-9 p.m. at Akron Northside station. Tickets start at $60.

Saturday, May 6: West Point Market holds weekly Saturday Sips noon-2 p.m. Sample four wines for $2. West Point is at 33 Shiawassee Ave., Fairlawn.

Saturday, May 6: Royal Park Fine Wines will hold a meet-and-greet with Faouzi Issa, winemaker and owner of Domaine des Tourelles of Lebanon. Six of his wines will be available for tasting 5-7 p.m. Appetizers will be served. Cost is $25. Space is limited; call for reservations, 440-582-8766. It will be at 12770 Royalton Road, North Royalton.

Sunday, May 7: Chez Francois will hold a six-course Bordeaux wine dinner at 5 p.m. Bordeaux expert Dan Greathouse of Heidelberg Distributors and Kimberly Keslin of LD Vins SAS- Bordeaux-France will co-host. The dinner will feature 16 wines - four whites, 12 reds. Cost is $165 plus tax and tip. Chez Francois is at 555 Main St., Vermilion. Lineup:

* Clarendelle Rose, Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, 2015.

* Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc, Pessac-Leognan, 2013.

* Aile d'Argent, Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, 2013.

* Le Haut Medoc de Branaire-Ducru, Haut-Medoc, 2010.

* Le Comtes de Malartic, Pessac-Leognan, 2010.

* Le Haut-Medoc d'Issan, Haut-Medoc, 2010.

* Le Conseiller, Bordeaux Superieur, France, 2010.

* Chateau Siaurac, Lalande de Pomerol, 2013.

* Les Haut de Croix Labrie, St. Emilion, 2012.

* Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan, 2012.

* Sarget de Gruaud-Larose, St. Julien, 1999.

* Gassies, Margaux, 2010.

* Chateau Paveil de Luze, Margaux, 2012.

* Chateau Marojallia, Margaux, 2007.

* Chateau Margaux, Margaux, 2013.

* Chateau de Fargues, Sauternes, 2007.

Friday-Saturday, May 12-13: Wine 'n Bloom is scheduled at 15 to 17 Northeast Ohio wineries. Hit the Vines & Wines Wine Trail to sample wines, enjoy appetizers and collect flower-themed items at participating wineries. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. both days. Tickets are $45 ($60, couple). Go to ohio.org/events/wine-n-bloom for details.

Saturday, May 13: The Wine Spot will hold a tasting of Island Wines - vino produced on islands like Sicily, Corsica, New Zealand, Sardinia and other places. It's 4-7 p.m. Cost TBA. The Wine Spot is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 216-342-3623.

Saturday, May 13: Western Reserve School of Cooking at Kitchen 216 will hold Pigs & Pinot 6-8:30 p.m. featuring The Butcher's Pantry, a butcher shop and wine merchant in Solon. Butchers and chefs will prepare everything on site and explain how various cuts of meat are best prepared. Accompanying three sample dishes will be La Petite Perriere From France, Scott Pinot Noir from California and Argyle Pinot Noir from Oregon. Wines are subject to change based on availability. Cost is $65.

Sunday, May 18: Chez Francois will hold a South African wine dinner with master sommelier Fran Kysela at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $110 plus tax and tip. Chez Francois is at 555 Main St., Vermilion. Lineup:

* Sparkling Brut Reserve, Colmant, Western Cape, NV.

* Chenin Blanc Bush Vine, Eikeboom, Western Cape, 2016.

* White Blend Old Vines, Mullineux, Swartland, 2014.

* Sauvignon Blanc Barrel Fermented, Lismore, Western Cape, 2013.

* Pinotage, Eikeboom, Western Cape, 2015.

* Red Blend, Keermont, Stellenbosch, 2012.

* Syrah, Mullineux, Swartland, 2014.

* Cape Ruby Port, Riebeek, Swartland, NV.

Friday, May 19: Grapes & Ale, the annual fundraiser for Our Lady of the Wayside at Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland, is 7-10 p.m. Includes more than 300 wines, craft brews and tastes. The Ace Molar Band will perform. Hosts are Chip Kullik (Majic 105.7), Jeremiah (Q104), Kenny Crumpton (Fox 8 News) and yours truly from cleveland.com. Tickets: $50 (premiere grand tasting), $125 (VIP access), $25 (designated driver).

Friday, May 19: Western Reserve School of Cooking will hold M is for Mixology 6:30-8:30 p.m. It's an introduction to the five main spirit categories - vodka, gin, rum, tequila and whiskey - through five of the world's most popular cocktails, the Moscow Mule, the Martini, the Mojito, Margarita and the Manhattan. Light snacks will be served. Cost is $60. It's at 140 N. Main St., Hudson.

Friday, May 19: Western Reserve School of Cooking has cancelled its cocktails and oysters pairing.

JUNE

Saturday, June 3: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will hold a Grape Escape Wine-Tasting ride. Theme is summer wines. Sample five wines, paired with chef-prepared appetizers. Commemorative glass included. Assigned seating. It's 7:30-9 p.m. at Rockside station. Tickets start at $60.

Wednesday, June 7: 750ml will hold a vintner visit featuring Duckhorn Vineyards of California at 6 p.m. Cost is $49 ($39, club750ml members). It's at 750ml, 2287 West Market St., Akron. Call 330-794-5754.

Thursday, June 8: Chez Francois will hold a Russian River wine dinner featuring the venerable Martinelli Vineyards of California's Sonoma Valley at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $110 plus tax and tip. Chez Francois is at 555 Main St., Vermilion. Lineup:

* Chardonnay, Bella Vigne, Martinelli, 2014.

* Pinot Noir, Bella Vigne, Martinelli, 2014.

* Pinot Noir, Bondi Home Ranch, 2014.

* Pinot Noir, Lolita Ranch, 2014.

* Pinot Noir, Moonshine Ranch, 2014.

* Pinot Noir, Zio Tony Ranch, 2014.

* Syrah, Gianna Marie, Zio Tony Ranch, 2009.

* Zinfandel, Vellutini Ranch, 2014.

* Zinfandel, Guiseppe & Luisa, 2014.

Saturday, June 10: The Wine Spot will hold its Terroir Tasting Series No. 2: Chardonnay from around the world. It's 4-7 p.m. Cost TBA. The Wine Spot is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 216-342-3623.

Friday, June 16: Western Reserve School of Cooking will feature Pitchers on the Patio 6:30-8:30 p.m. Joseph DeLuca will instruct how to make Sangrita (not Sangria), Pimm's Cup, Strawberry Gin Shrub and Magnificent Chocolate Milk Punch. Cost is $60. It's at 140 N. Main St., Hudson.

Saturday, June 24: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will hold a Grape Escape Wine-Tasting Train ride. Theme is Napa Valley, California, wines. Sample five wines, paired with chef-prepared appetizers. Commemorative glass included. Assigned seating. It's 7:30-9 p.m. at Akron Northside station. Tickets start at $60.

JULY

Friday, July 7: Western Reserve School of Cooking will feature whiskey cocktails 6:30-8:30 p.m. with Joseph DeLuca. Participants will learn how to make Mason's Mule, Atlanta Old Fashioned and others. Cost is $60. It's at 140 N. Main St., Hudson.

Saturday, July 15: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will hold a Grape Escape Wine-Tasting ride. Theme is Italian wines. Sample five wines, paired with chef-prepared appetizers. Commemorative glass included. Assigned seating. It's 7:30-9 p.m. at Rockside station. Tickets start at $60.

Saturday, July 15: The Wine Spot will hold its fifth annual tasting of Roses from around the world. Many will not be available in Ohio until later in the year. It's 4-7 p.m. Cost TBA. The Wine Spot is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 216-342-3623.

Friday, July 21: The first of the two-day rain-or-shine Uncorked Medina Wine Festival is 3-9 p.m. Tickets are $25 (advance), $30 (at the door), $10 (designated driver) and $100 (twilight dinner). The event will include wine and craft beers, food, music and culinary demonstrations. The twilight dinner has limited seatings Friday. Proceeds benefit Friends of Medina County Parks. It's at Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville.

Saturday, July 22: The second of the two-day rain-or-shine Uncorked Medina Wine Festival is 1-9 p.m. Tickets are $25 (advance), $30 (at the door), $10 (designated driver). The event will include wine and craft beers, food, music and culinary demonstrations. It's at Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville.

AUGUST

Friday-Saturday, Aug. 4-5: Vintage Ohio is 1-10 p.m. Sample wines from Ohio wineries. Wines range from Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Riesling to fruit wines made from fresh strawberries, blackberries, peaches and raspberries. Includes food, cooking-school demonstrations, three stages of live music, artisans, shopping and Friday fireworks. It's at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland.

Saturday, Aug. 5: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will hold a Grape Escape Wine-Tasting ride. Theme is Australian wines. Sample five wines, paired with chef-prepared appetizers. Commemorative glass included. Assigned seating. It's 7:30-9 p.m. at Rockside station. Tickets start at $60.

Saturday, Aug. 12: The Wine Spot will hold its Terroir Tasting Series No. 3: Sauvignon Blanc from around the world. It's 4-7 p.m. Cost TBA. The Wine Spot is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 216-342-3623.

OCTOBER

Saturday, Oct. 14: The Wine Spot will hold its Terroir Tasting Series No. 4: Surprise varietal. It's 4-7 p.m. Cost TBA. The Wine Spot is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 216-342-3623.
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Medina High School art teacher Bobbie Foy shares a laugh with Educational Service Center of Medina County Superintendent William Koran, left, and former ESC Superintendent Homer B. Smith as she peers through the bottom of an engraved mug at last night's Medina City Schools Board of Education meeting. Foy was being honored as the county's teacher of the year. Smith -- after whom the award is named -- joked that the clear bottom of the mug will allow Foy to spy on her students during class.

(Ann Norman, special to cleveland.com)

MEDINA, Ohio - Medina High School art teacher Bobbie Foy's excitement was contagious last night as she accepted the Homer B. Smith Award at the Medina City Schools Board of Education meeting.

"I feel like a celebrity!" Foy gushed as William Koran, superintendent of the Educational Service Center of Medina County, and award namesake Homer B. Smith presented her with the teacher of the year honor.

She expressed her delight as she received an engraved mug, a plaque and a gift certificate for up to $1,500 to spend on attending an education conference of her choice.

Smith, who noted that this was the 34th annual presentation of the countywide award, said he is sure Foy will continue to build on her history of excellence.

The former Ella Canavan Elementary School art teacher and current high school art department chairperson is known for her passionate encouragement of art education and her students' individual growth as artists.

"Every time I walk past her classroom, I get pulled in," said Medina City Schools Superintendent Aaron Sable.

"She grows passion in her students," he said.

Foy credits those students for her success.

"We aren't necessarily great teachers. We have great students. And I have awesome students," she said.

Approval of tax abatement

The school board unanimously approved a tax abatement request from Montville Investors LLC, which plans to build a Chipotle restaurant, Starbucks coffee shop and Get Go gas station on Ohio 18 just east of Interstate 71.

Under the Community Reinvestment Area Compensation Agreement, the developers would receive a 50 percent tax abatement on the new buildings for the first five years, followed by a 35 percent abatement in the second five years and 25 percent in the third five years.

After the 15 years, the tax rate would return to 100 percent.

In addition, the developers will donate $2,000 a year to the non-profit Medina City Schools Foundation to be used to support educational services.

The agreement must also be approved by the Montville Township trustees and the Medina County commissioners before going into effect.

Bethany Dentler, executive director of the Medina County Economic Development Corp., said construction is expected to begin this spring.

Sable noted that the school district already receives property tax income on the land and will continue to do so at the same rate. The abatement will only apply to the new development.

The schools will also receive sales tax revenue from the businesses once they are up and operating.

Board member Tom Cahalan said the district doesn't receive much money for the undeveloped land. Putting that land to use will mean more tax revenue for the schools, even at the lower levels under the abatement.

"It's a substantial amount of tax, even after that 50 percent abatement," he said.

"I think it's wonderful when you look at what we're receiving now compared to what we'll see in three years once it's developed," Cahalan said.

Strategic plan meeting

Sable reminded board members that the district will hold a special board meeting at 6:30 p.m. May 8 in the high school's Distance Learning Lab to share a rough draft of the schools' new strategic plan.

Sable started work on gathering input for the plan as soon as he started his new job as superintendent last August.

The district has held a number of community meetings and put together committees to come up with goals in a number of areas, including curriculum, facilities and community engagement.

The final report is expected to be presented during a community chat June 10 at the Medina Library.

cleveland.com is a partner of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Every dollar buys four meals for the hungry. Click here to donate.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Billboards have gone up across the nation, border authorities are on alert and tips continue to pour in from as far away as Texas as the search for accused Facebook killer Steve Stephens continues.

Cleveland police and federal partners provided no new information about Stephens' possible whereabouts nearly 48 hours after 74-year-old Robert Godwin Sr. was picked at random and shot dead on the city's East Side.

Officials do not know if Stephens is even still alive.

Update: Law enforcement and Cleveland city officials called a noon press conference to discuss the case.

"Either he's dead somewhere or someone's holing him up somewhere else," said Pete Elliot, U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Ohio. He said cited other similar manhunts where that has been the case, but did not reference specifics in the Stephens case.

Even so, Cleveland police Chief Calvin Williams acknowledged that investigators are unsure if Stephens remains alive three days after the shooting. "We're not sure, no," Williams said during a morning press conference at city hall.

Police say they are leaving no stone unturned. A federal warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution has been issued against Stephens in hopes of making it easier for authorities anywhere in the country to take him into custody, FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Anthony said.

Officials have received 400 tips from across America since Sunday afternoon, Williams said. One tip came in from as far as Texas, and border security has been put on notice, Williams and Anthony said.

None of that information has led to Stephens' arrest and officials continue urging him to turn himself in.

"We're using every tool in our toolbag, Anthony said. "We're playing every one out, we're using everything we have."

Stephens was last known to be driving a white 2016 Ford Fusion, but the car is not equipped with GPS that would allow police to track it, Williams said. Officials initially pursued that information by speaking with Ford and the Bedford dealership from which the car was purchased earlier this month.

It remains unclear how Stephens has managed to stay off the grid this long. No license plate readers have picked up on the Fusion, police said, and authorities continue to monitor any technological leads.

Stephens had at least two cell phones around the time of the killing, but Williams declined to say how many devices police believe he is carrying. When asked about the monitoring of credit card transactions, Williams reiterated that police are using all tools at their disposal.

Mayor Frank Jackson drew particular attention to contacts with the clergy Stephens had prior to Sunday. Local clergy members have made themselves available to Stephens if he wants to reach out, Jackson said.

In the meantime, police asked the American public to continue sharing tips or possible sightings by calling 911 or the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

To comment on this story, please visit cleveland.com's crime and courts comments section.

cleveland.com is a partner of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Every dollar buys four meals for the hungry. Click here to donate.
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The Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) online charter school and the Ohio Department of Education continue battling over state funding of the school and whether the school has adequate documentation of work students do.

(Patrick O'Donnell/The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS, Ohio - ECOT, Ohio's largest online school, has asked for appeals court judge Gary Tyack to step down from hearing its funding case with the state after the judge compared ECOT's founder to a Russian oligarch.

ECOT, the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, is the most prominent of e-echools in Ohio to be slammed by state attendance reviews last year that would require them to return million of dollars worth of state funding to the state.

ECOT is appealing that review and the Ohio Department of Education's determination that ECOT was overpaid about $60 million in state tax money last school year. The school could only document class participation of 6,300 of its 15,300 students, the state found.

After ECOT lost a case in Franklin County Common Pleas Court last year to block the review, it appealed its findings to the 10th Ohio District Court of Appeals, where a three-judge panel heard oral arguments April 13.

At that hearing, according to a transcript in a filing today by ECOT, Judge Tyack asked several questions about ECOT founder, businessman William Lager, and his donations over the years to Republican politicians in Ohio.

Tyack also made comments about David Brennan, founder of the White Hat charter school chain, and his donations.

"The General Assembly cares more about what Mr. Lager [founder of ECOT] and David Brennan [founder of other large eschools] thinks than about what I think, frankly...." Tyack said, according to the transcript.

He added: "It's hard to ignore the fact that between the two of them they've probably gotten a billion dollars worth of State funds that would have gone to public schools because of their clout. In Russia we call them oligarchs. Here, we don't call them anything. We call them influential donors."

ECOT lawyer Marion Little today asked Tyack to step down, or for him to be removed, because his comments " denigrated the founder of ECOT, evinced a general bias toward the computer-based community school model (i.e., "eschool" model) utilized by ECOT as an eschool, and which cast aspersions on the quality of education provided by ECOT."

See the full filing below.

ECOT spokesman Neil Clark said that Tyack must step down to avoid a case "rigged by biased, activist judges."

"Judge Tyack's bias is clear and is the basis for his disqualification," Clark said.

Tyack says he will not step down.

"I have no intention to recuse myself," he told The Plain Dealer by phone. He said the Maureen O'Connor, chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, would have to make that decision.

"I'm not walking away from it," he said. "She will have to throw me off the panel."
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Actress Octavia Spencer will speak at Kent State University's all-campus commencement.

(Kent State University)

Octavia Spencer

KENT, Ohio - Academy Award-winning actress and author Octavia Spencer will be the keynote speaker for Kent State University's first university-wide commencement on May 13.

Spencer won the Academy Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, British Academy of Film and Television Arts and Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress as the feisty and unflappable Minny Jackson in the film "The Help."

She also received Academy Award, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations for her most recent role as mathematician Dorothy Vaughan in the drama "Hidden Figures," the true story of several African-American mathematicians at NASA who were critical to the success of the space race in the 1960s.

"I am looking forward to take part in Kent State's first university-wide Commencement ceremony," Spencer said in a statement. "It's an honor for me to share my personal story of perseverance and hard work. I hope my message inspires others to dream big, never give up and pursue their passion despite the obstacles that might get in the way."

The ceremony, at 10 a.m. in Dix Stadium, will mark the first time all graduates from the eight-campus system are honored in one place. All students -- whether they are receiving an associate, bachelor's, master's or a doctoral degree from any of the university's eight campuses -- and their families will celebrate together.

"Commencement is among the most important events in the lives of our students and families," said Kent State President Beverly Warren. "We are delighted that this inaugural One University Commencement will feature the compelling story of Octavia Spencer, whose meaningful voice and inspiring example are sure to be a highlight of this momentous ceremony."

No diplomas will be handed out at the ceremony. The commencement will be in addition to the college ceremonies at the regional and Kent campuses. Those ceremonies will be held May 12 and the afternoon of May 13.

Information about those ceremonies and speakers is at kent.edu/commencement.

Faculty, staff, graduating students and their families are invited to attend the Dix Stadium ceremony. All guests (including children 1 year and older) must have a ticket to enter.

Graduating students who have not sent their RSVP for the One University Commencement can complete a late ceremony RSVP to secure up to six tickets. Faculty and staff can email graduate@kent.edu to request tickets.

Seating is general admission, and all parking lots will be open. Shuttles will run throughout the day to and from Dix Stadium and other Kent campus ceremony venues, and shuttle buses also will provide transportation from all Regional Campuses to Dix Stadium. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony may be shortened or suspended, the university said.

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Pennsylvania State Police investigate a car and probable suicide of the Cleveland Facebook killing suspect in Erie, Pa. on April 18. The car was stopped near Buffalo Road and Downing Avenue. [GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS]

(Greg Wohlford)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Steve Stephens, the man accused of killing a random 74-year-old man and posting a video of the shooting, was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Tuesday in Erie, Pennsylvania, according to news reports citing Erie police.

Stephens was in a McDonald's parking lot in Erie shortly after 11 a.m. today when someone spotted him and called in a tip, Cleveland police Chief Calvin Williams said at a press conference addressing Stephens' death.

Troopers gave chase when Stephens fled. He stopped a short while later, then shot himself when troopers approached the car, Williams said.

Williams said police searched the area around Erie on Sunday after officials first received reports of a cell phone ping there.

"We were in the process today of going back to do a more-thorough search when this transpired," Williams said.

Police say they do not know where Stephens was prior to Tuesday's sighting at the McDonald's and they do not know if someone was harboring him, Williams said.

Cleveland police are sending officials to Erie now to glean more details from Pennsylvania authorities.

Stephens' Facebook posts revealed that he had some familiarity with Erie as he wrote about his gambling losses at casinos there and in Cleveland. The city of Erie became the focus of intense speculation as law enforcement referenced a "pinged" cell tower early in the investigation before Stephens shut off his phone.

Law enforcement in Cleveland scheduled a noon press conference to update on the case. Cleveland.com will cover the press conference on Facebook live.

Or, if you can't stream it live, refresh this post for the latest updates from the press conference.

The Pennsylvania State Police reported on Twitter that a trooper found Stephens and his white Ford Fusion Tuesday morning, and that he shot and killed himself after a brief pursuit.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A top conservative group with ties to the Trump campaign has endorsed Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel in his 2018 bid to represent Ohio in the U.S. Senate.

Citizens United Political Victory Fund, a campaign arm of the Washington D.C.-based political nonprofit, announced its endorsement on Tuesday morning. In a statement, Citizens United President David Bossie called Mandel a "conservative leader" and "principled outsider" who will fight for President Trump's agenda if he defeats Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in 2018.

"All Sherrod Brown is doing in the Senate is running a permanent obstruction campaign against President Trump" under the direction of Democratic legislative leaders, Bossie said. "Ohioans want more out of their elected leadership than just saying no."

Bossie took a temporary leave of absence from Citizens United in September to become an assistant director for Trump's national campaign. In January, he and other former top Trump campaign aides founded a nonprofit called America First Priorities to help promote Trump's agenda.

But Citizens United is best known as the plaintiff and namesake of the landmark 2010 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that scaled back campaign finance regulations that had previously limited corporations and unions from buying media to advance political candidates. A progressive group dedicated to overturning the ruling last week endorsed Brown in his re-election bid.

In a statement, Mandel said: "I am proud to have earned the support of Citizens United and other conservative groups across the country. Together, we share an important mission of restoring conservative principles to Washington D.C. and transferring power from the politicians to the people."

Mandel is the only Ohio Republican to announce a 2018 Senate bid. But U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi, an ally of Ohio Gov. John Kasich from the Columbus area, has been exploring a run, and has amassed a sizable campaign war chest. While Tiberi decides whether to run, Mandel has landed endorsements from top conservative national groups including the Club for Growth, the Senate Conservatives Fund, and FreedomWorks PAC, the Tea Party Group. Two young Republican U.S. senators -- Tom Cotton from Arkansas and Marco Rubio from Florida -- also have endorsed Mandel.

In a statement, Ohio Democratic Party spokesman Jake Strassberger seized on Mandel's endorsement from Citizens United.

"Just one week after Ohio finds out that Josh's longtime crony is behind a dark money group backing him and days after news breaks that Josh cut a deal with a Washington DC special interest group, the namesake for dark money corrupting our elections endorses him," Strassberger said. "Josh is not only cementing his reputation as the poster boy for shady campaign cash tactics--he's reminding the state why he's a politician Ohioans just can't trust."
Josh Mandel posts his campaign finance numbers, but one under-the-radar candidate continues to amass a huge campaign war chest. Marcia Fudge makes a list she'd probably rather not be on. And a Cincinnati Enquirer reporter searches for the next Ed FitzGerald. Read more in today's Ohio Politics Roundup, brought to you today by Andrew J. Tobias.

Senate cash keeps pouring in: Republican Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel's fundraising apparatus hauled in nearly $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2017 for his bid to try to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown next year, cleveland.com's Jeremy Pelzer reports.

That includes $600,000 raised by Mandel's campaign committee. "Another $817,000 was raised by 'Team Josh,' Mandel's joint fundraising committee, Federal Election Commission records stated. Team Josh, in turn, gave $490,000 to his campaign committee, $193,000 to his political action committee JOSHPAC, and $72,000 to the Republican Party of Cuyahoga County Federal Campaign Committee," according to a Mandel spokesman.

During the same period, Brown's campaign committee alone collected $2.4 million. As Pelzer notes, it looks like it will be "another money-saturated campaign, as the two eye a rematch of the 2012 campaign."

Food for thought: U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi, the Columbus-area congressman, himself reported raising nearly $1.4 million for the first quarter of 2017, according to FEC records. That means Tiberi, who also is considering running for the Republican Ohio U.S. Senate nomination in 2018, now has a whopping $6.3 million in cash on hand.

Among Tiberi's reported first-quarter expenditures: $42,250 on Jan. 17 for an Alexandra polling firm. That's the kind of thing -- public opinion polling more than a year away from the primary -- a candidate would do if gearing up for a protracted campaign.

More national speculation on Cordray: A report in Politico poses this provocative question about Richard Cordray, head of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and former Ohio attorney general: "Can the consumer watchdog Trump loathes win an Ohio election?"

The story, by Lorraine Woellert, Daniel Strauss and Ben White, says that whether or not President Donald Trump decides to fire Cordray, the Ohio Democrat "may already have enough political support to lead the field to replace Republican Gov. John Kasich in 2018." Trump has so far held off on dumping Cordray to avoid causing "a sensation that could boost his candidacy and juice his fundraising."

Renacci on Fox Business: During a Monday afternoon appearance on Fox Business, U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci said he's optimistic that the GOP-controlled Congress will be able to pull off both healthcare reform and tax reform.

"And as you heard the president say, it's a starting point for tax reform, which is another issue we have to get done. So I'm hoping that we get back, we get our feet on the ground running, and we do more than one thing," Renacci told host Stuart Varney.

A few weeks ago, Renacci described the failure of the Trump-backed American Health Care Act a "setback," and told Varney he'd like to get tax reform done "before August."

Sherrod in Cleveland: Brown held a roundtable in Cleveland on Monday with auto workers during which he sought feedback on how he should seek to help Trump renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement.

In a statement afterward, Brown said: "I'm ready to work with President Trump to deliver on his promises, or to hold him accountable if he doesn't."

She's on the list: U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge is on the list of witnesses that former Florida Rep. Corrine Brown may call to testify during her upcoming corruption trial, reports Roll Call's Eric Garcia.

Other possible witnesses include Rep. Bennie Thompson, of Mississippi, and Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee, of Texas.

"Brown is currently facing charges that she used funds from a non-profit called One Door on herself. Her former chief of staff Ronnie Simmons and Carla Wiley, the president of One Door, already pleaded guilty to fraud conspiracy charges."

Facebook killing response: Fudge, Brown and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman were among the public officials who issued "statements of concern for Cleveland residents and support for Cleveland police" in the aftermath of a video-recorded murder in the city, writes cleveland.com's Stephen Koff.

Calling all 'top Chicago gang thugs': Cleveland-area pastor the Rev. Darrell Scott plans a 10 a.m. news conference in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, after which he finally will meet with "some of Chicago's top street guys," according to Matt Sheldon, a rep for a New York public-relations company. The summit also will include officials with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In February, Scott, who served as a top Trump campaign surrogate, made headlines when he said he planned to meet with some of Chicago's "top gang thugs." He later corrected himself, saying he meant "former thugs."

Green light: The Ohio legislature's Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (or J-CARR, as it's known in Capitol Square) signed off on a set of medical-marijuana cultivation rules on Monday, writes cleveland.com's Jackie Borchardt.

The rules -- which will allow medical marijuana to be grown on up to 24 licensed sites statewide, and set some of the highest site fees in the country -- will take effect later this month.

A predictable controversy: "A Butler County lawmaker compared Planned Parenthood to Nazis on her official Facebook page, which has since been unpublished," writes the Cincinnati Enquirer's Jessie Balmert.

State Rep. Candice Keller, who shared an Internet image saying that "one day we will look back at this" [a Planned Parenthood logo] "the same way we look back at this" [the Nazi flag], did not back down from her post, and in her statement to Balmert, in fact doubled down on the Nazi comparison.

What does House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger think? From his spokesman, Brad Miller: "Speaker Rosenberger understands that there is a lot of passion around the issue ... That being said, he does not believe that using such comparisons is an appropriate way to convey that passion or to advance the public discourse."

He's with her: Keller got backing from at least one corner. Mike Gonidakis, president of the anti-abortion group Ohio Right to Life, tweeted in response to the story: "It is an indisputable fact that both groups have killed millions of people."

In case you were wondering: Balmert also checked out the driving records of Ohio's slate of possible 2018 gubernatorial candidates. The most lengthy? Youngstown-area Sen. Joe Schiavoni has been involved in three crashes since 2007, has had four speeding tickets since 1999, "two seat-belt violations and four other traffic or equipment violations."

Cordray had "five speeding tickets since 1998, a 2006 violation for not using a turn signal and a 2004 violation for going the wrong way on a one-way road."

Meanwhile, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine's record doesn't show a single ticket or crash.

But all had driver's licenses, and none had exceptionally bad driving records. So in other words, there's no Ed FitzGerald among them. There's not even an Armond Budish.

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cleveland.com is a partner of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Every dollar buys four meals for the hungry. Click here to donate.
FP redevelopment DSC08831.JPG

This view from Glenbar Drive shows the site where the new Red Robin and Panda Express restaurants will be built.

(Carol Kovach, special to cleveland.com)

FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio - The landscape is changing at West 210th Street and Center Ridge Road in Fairview Park. In the past couple of weeks, demolition got under way in preparation for construction of a new Panda Express and Red Robin restaurant.

Four houses on West 210th Street, just south of Chipotle and across from Westgate, are already being demolished. One more house on Glenbar Drive and a commercial strip that had been anchored by the Minerva Restaurant, 21087 Center Ridge, and another commercial building also have dates with the wrecking ball. Minerva was a popular mon-and-pop eatery for decades until it closed last year.

An update provided recently by city officials indicates the new eateries should be open by the holiday season.

Knowing Your Home: LakewoodAlive's Knowing Hour Home series will focus on garage repair and replacement at the 10 a.m. to noon seminar on April 22 at Cleveland Lumber, 9410 Madison Ave., Cleveland.

The Great Garage Co. will present the program, which will examine the following:

General garage repairs like foundation rot, issues related to dirt floors and no foundation, doors, roofs and carpentry issues.

Leaning garages and what can be done.

Replacement - what to expect when going through the process.

Garage kits.

Working with contractors and architects to get what you want.

Understanding local garage code.

For more information or to reserve a spot at the free program, visit lakewoodalive.org. Attendees are asked to consider donating non-perishable food items for the Lakewood Community Services Center or making a donation to LakewoodAlive in lieu of a charge for the program.

This is the fourth year for the popular Knowing Your Home series. The next program 7-9 p.m. on May 18 at 1st Choice Roofing, 11309 Franklin Ave., Cleveland, will deal with historic roofing material maintenance.

Shred Day: North Olmsted residents can participate in a communitywide Shred Day 9 a.m. to noon April 22 in the parking lot behind City Hall, 5200 Dover Center Road.

Residents can bring up to two bags/boxes of paper per person for shredding.

Haiti fundraiser: Blessed Trinity Parish in Cleveland's West Park neighborhood will have its sixth annual Haiti fundraiser 6-10 p.m. April 21 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 3556 W. 130th St., West Park.

Cost is $20 for all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, meatballs, salad, soft drinks and draft beer. There will be a Chinese auction with tickets drawn 7:45-9 p.m., and 50/50 sideboards.

For more information, call Marge at 216-252-2514.

The fundraiser benefits a vocational school in Baradares, Haiti. Funds will be used to purchase sewing machines and medical supplies and to pay fees to hire a doctor and dentist for a clinic, as well as to help rebuild after damage caused by Hurricane Matthew.

There will be a drawing for this "Red Pop" raffle quilt on April 23. Photo provided by North Coast Needlers.

Quilt show: Mary Krauss from North Coast Needlers sends word that the nonprofit group will have its 15th biennial quilt show, "My Favorite Chix are Quilters," 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 22-23 at Westlake High School, 27830 Hilliard Blvd., Westlake.

A guild-made red and white "Red Pop" quilt will be raffled off on April 23.

The show will feature more than 250 quilts ranging from traditional and contemporary to modern art quilts. Many club members are award-winning quilters.

Expanding on the show's theme, there will be a series of challenge quilts and a block contest display. The contest blocks will be crafted into a "Chix for Kids" quilt, which will be donated to Northeast Ohio Adoption Services.

Friends to meet: Friends of the North Olmsted Library will have their annual meeting at 7 p.m. April 25 at the library, 27403 Lorain Road, North Olmsted. All are welcome.

Campus news: Bethany Thomas of Lakewood was one of seven students from Cuyahoga Community College to be named to the All-Ohio Community College Academic Team, which consists of top students at two-year schools throughout the state.

Thomas expects to earn an associate of science degree in May. She will be the first college graduate in her family. Thomas enrolled at Tri-C more than two decades after graduating from high school. She has a leadership role in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter at the Westshore Campus in Westlake. She also is active in the Westshore Campus Gaming Club.

Thomas volunteers at Hospice of the Western Reserve. All Faiths Pantry and Lakewood Community Services Center.

Maddie Russell of Lakewood and a Rocky River High School graduate, was selected as the All-Ohio Conference Women's Lacrosse Defender of the Week. She is a senior at Baldwin Wallace University.

Russell earned defender of the week honors for the first time and her second OAC accolade for recording eight ground balls, causing three turnovers, seven draw controls, scoring two goals and adding an assist as BW split a pair of games.

Spring has sprung in the western suburbs, as these brightly colored daffodils show.

Keep Lakewood Beautiful: Save the date for the annual Keep Lakewood Beautiful Earth Day city cleanup event, 9-11 a.m. April 29 at Madison Park. Participants should meet near the entrance to Beck's Pool.

After hearing from an arborist, volunteers will plant a tree near the Madison Avenue entrance to the park, clean up sidewalks nearby, mulch trees and plant flowers.

For more information, visit onelakewood.com/KLB, or call 216-529-6601.

Derby Dash: The second annual Gilles-Sweet Elementary Derby Dash will be at 8:30 a.m. April 29. The race begins on Campus Drive next to Mayer Middle School.

Pre-registration is $20 for adults and $10 for students 13 and younger. There is a $10 discount for families of four or more with mail-in registration. Forms can be found at fairviewparkschools.org. Fees increase by $5 on race day.

Proceeds will benefit the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math curriculum. Students have been preparing for the race in their physical education classes.

Coffee with the Cops: The next Coffee with the Cops will take place 8:30-10:30 a.m. April 21 at Peace, Love and Little Donuts, 3786 Rocky River Drive, West Park.

Cleveland Ward 17 Councilman Martin Keane supports the initiative, which brings First District Cleveland police officers and the residents they serve together over coffee to discuss issues, share concerns and craft solutions.

For more information, call Terrance Richardson, 216-470-8259, or Tammy Hanna, 216-664-6634.

Charter and a check: Members of the Rocky River Middle School Interact Club were guests at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River. Rotarians presented the Interact Club members with their charter and a check for upcoming projects.

The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River presents members of the Rocky River Interact club with a charter and a check for upcoming projects. Photo provided by the Rotary Club.

Club advisor is Mary Fancher and members include Clare Duffy, director; Nick Uline, vice president; Ally Rovito, secretary; and Jaidyn Cruz, president.

Interact is Rotary International's service club for students ages 12-18. Clubs must complete at least two community service projects each year.

Earth Fair: North Olmsted Park will be the site of Earth Fair 2017, a free family event celebrating environmental awareness. There will be market vendors, themed activity areas, children's games and crafts, talks, performances, recycled art and more. The event is 1-4 p.m. April 23. The park is at 28114 Lorain Road.

Helping hunger relief: Local musicians will celebrate the music of The Beatles at the sixth annual All You Need is Love (and Food) benefit at 6 p.m. April 29 at Vosh, 1414 Riverside Drive, Lakewood. Ticket and raffle proceeds will support Trinity Lakewood Community Outreach.

Admission is $10 plus a canned food donation. Preferred food donations are peanut butter, canned tuna, canned fruits and vegetables, cereal and beef stew, but all donations are appreciated. Tickets can be purchased at the door - cash only. New this year is a limited number of VIP seating tickets that include drinks and appetizers. To reserve a VIP seat, call Danielle, 517-902-5910.

Vosh will offer complimentary valet parking. A full menu and bar will be available for purchases throughout the evening.

The event began in 2009 as a volunteer outreach arm of Trinity Lutheran Church. Call Jason Weiner, 216-394-9695 or email jasonhweiner@yahoo.com for more information on the event.

Trash and treasures: Olmsted Historical Society will have a Trash and Treasure Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29 at the Event Barn at Frostville Museum complex, 24101 Cedar Point Road, North Olmsted, in the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks.

Anyone with items they want to contribute to the sale should contact Bob Lamb at 440-292-7822 to arrange to meet him at Frostville with the merchandise.

Ribbon cutting, open house: LakewoodAlive will host a Scenic Street open house 5-7 p.m. April 26 at 1427 Scenic St., Lakewood, to celebrate the completion of a unique housing project by builder Dana Paul, owner of Prairie Stone Group. A ribbon-cutting will take place at 5:30.

Paul worked with LakewoodAlive, the city of Lakewood and Cuyahoga Land Bank to covert a vacant lot into a new, single-family home. The open house will be a year after excavation began on the site.

For more information, call Matt Bixenstine, 216-521-0655.

Spring Fling: Students of North Olmsted High School's SITES Service-Learning Program, will host their 26th annual Spring Fling celebration 12:30-3:30 p.m. April 28 at Springvale Ballroom, 5871 Canterbury Road, North Olmsted. Formerly called Seniorfest, the event is an afternoon of refreshments, dancing to a live band, door prizes and interaction between the generations, including a trivia contest.

Admission is by ticket only. Cost is $5 and tickets can be purchased at North Olmsted Senior Center or at the door on event day.

Information, please: Readers are invited to share information about themselves, their families and friends, organizations, church events, etc. in Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted and West Park for the A Place in the Sun column, which I write on a freelance basis. Awards, honors, milestone birthdays or anniversaries and other items are welcome. Submit information at least 10 days before the requested publication date to carolkovach@hotmail.com.

cleveland.com is a partner of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Every dollar buys four meals for the hungry. Click here to donate.
The members of the Mongolian fellowship sang hymns at an Easter Sunday service held by the Dongsheng Church of Ordos City, Inner Mongolia on April 16, 2017.

The Mongols are the main ethnic group in the district and kept a traditional Mongolian lifestyle. Many Mongolian herdsmen still communicate with each other in their own language.

With the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of churches, there have been new converts among the group and there has been a constant rise in the number of Mongolian believers in recent years.

Because of this rise in believers, Dongsheng Church founded the fellowship for the minority to nurture these believers. All the sermons are delivered by Mongolian preachers in the Mongolian language. Using the Mongolian version of the Bible, the members also pray and sing hymns in their native language. The fellowship holds weekly gathering on Thursdays.

As a distinctive fellowship in the church, it is the work of the Holy Spirit that enables the church to be a model for other local churches in the province. It has won praise from the city's government and support from Christians of all ethnic groups.

Translated by Karen Luo
Following is the transcript of a CNBC interview with Briand Greer, President, Southeast Asia of Honeywell. The interview was broadcast on CNBC on 18 April 2017.

All references must be sourced to a "CNBC Interview".

Interviewed by Akiko Fujita, Correspondent, CNBC.

Akiko Fujita: You know, I was looking at the numbers in terms of deliveries forecast for Honeywell globally - 9,300 business jets with strong growth here in the APAC region. Where are you seeing the demand coming from in the region?

Briand Greer: Well it's really from across the region, if you will. Singapore really actually is the hub, you know particularly in Southeast Asia for the business jets. But as the middle class grows in this region, with the rise of all the incomes and everything, then business jets is just a natural outcome of that, we've seen that in the West and that's what's happening here in Asia also.

Akiko: And also I understand the helicopter industry also has some big opportunities there. What are you seeing in that specific sector?

Briand Greer: Yeah it really does. You know there's so many opportunities here. Oil and Gas has been a traditional area, that's been down a little bit obviously with what's been going on in the industry, but we see emergency medical services as a real area of growth. Again as the middle class rises and the economies mature, that demand will come, and that's really the financing that slowed it down a little bit. But I think governments will realize that with that demand, they'll need to provide those services to the population.

Akiko: One of the interesting things that we've seen is, you know you look at traditional companies legacy businesses, like Honeywell make that evolution between going from hardware to now software. What specifically is Honeywell doing especially in this region to tailor to that change?

Briand Greer: Yeah we're really focusing on becoming the leading software industrial company in the world. And if you look at, the real theme that's driving the future of what we're all doing here is around 'Connected'. And when you talk about 'Connected' it's around, used to be for the last 20 years or so around digital to digital, now it's around digital-physical. And when you talk about the Internet of Things, well Honeywell has lots and lots of things.

So all of these things are going to get connected as you go forward. And the power of all of that is going to create these ecosystems and these systems of systems. And we're right now building a platform called 'Sentience' which is going to be able to take in all the data from these Edge devices, do some analytics, and either allow us to be able to build better products and systems, give that information back to the product or the system operator, or put together the metadata to be able to sell to people who that data will be valuable to.

Akiko: It's interesting you point out data, because with IoT certainly we hear so much about the need to improve efficiency using all the data that comes in. When you talk about the strategy for Honeywell, how much of this push into software is driven by the need for additional sources of revenue and also the need to improve efficiency?

Briand Greer: I think it's both really and I think it's just, it's also about the endless march of technology -- and where it just continues to go. And if you look at the world that we're living in right now, we're becoming more and more connected. And the reality is people are demanding this now. For example, if you look from an aerospace perspective, Honeywell is a leading provider of connectivity solutions in the aircraft - whether it's the hardware or the software or the service provider whether it's the airlines or business jets or helicopters, this is going to be a demand now.

You know five or 10 years from now people get on an aircraft and forget what it was like to not be completely seamlessly connected. You'll be able to get on board, you will be able to download files or do emails, stream movies, all of those things as our world becomes more and more connected, and that plays very well into Honeywell's overall strengths around the fact that we're in the home and buildings industry, we're in mobility, we're in industrial safety, and all of these physical products will start getting sensors in them.

It will all be connected to a whole ecosystem that allows us to be able to drive the efficiency that people want, and the connectedness that we that we crave frankly.

Akiko: You talk about the strength that you're seeing in the APAC market especially here in Singapore as well. What's the outlook moving forward? Are you expecting that demand to continue?

Briand Greer: Oh absolutely. At Honeywell we're huge believers in this is the century of Asia. It's why we have you know a large headquarters in Shanghai focused on China.

And now over the last couple of years we've established a headquarters in Kuala Lumpur to service all of developing Asia, all of ASEAN, if you will. And while things may have been down a little bit over the last couple of years you know, growth is more in the four and a half to five per cent range as opposed to six to seven.

We think from a long term perspective, you just look what's happening with the growth of the middle class that's going to continue to grow and particularly in the ASEAN area that's 600 million people of middle class and we just think it's going to continue to grow so we're long term committed to the region and that's why we have headquarters and all the investment that we have here right now.

Akiko: Certainly a lot of growth potential in the region. All right, great to have you in the studio. Thank you so much.
In a constantly evolving digital threat landscape, where firewalls and antiviruses are considered tools of antiquity, companies are looking to more technologically advanced means of protecting crucial data. One such firm, U.K.-based Darktrace, uses machine learning capabilities  advanced algorithms that can adapt and learn  and probabilistic mathematics to learn the normal 'pattern of life' for every user and device in a network and detect anomalies. Their technology is modeled after how a human immune system identifies and responds to foreign threats  swiftly and without compromising the human body's key functions.

Colin Anderson | Getty Images

"The philosophy of our entire portfolio, or our approach, is largely based on this DNA: human immune system," Sanjay Aurora, managing director for Asia Pacific at Darktrace, told CNBC. "How have human beings, for millions of years, thrived and survived? (It) is because of our immune system. Almost every day, we're hit by unknown unknowns, which is the way organizations are also hit ... in terms of viruses and malware." Experts point out the cyber-threat landscape has drastically changed and that criminals are now using more advanced technologies to launch sophisticated attacks. Even a few years ago, launching a distributed denial of service attack to take down a website, defacing webpages and stealing credit card details were considered major instances of cyber-attacks. Today, anything from medical records to airline miles  data that can be sold  are considered targets. Detecting criminals who have breached a network has become harder because they maintain a low profile once they're inside. A recent report from cybersecurity company FireEye showed organizations on average took 99 days in 2016 to realize they had been breached. While that figure improved notably from the average 146 days it took in 2015, experts say attackers can do a lot of damage within that time. In the past, attacks were extremely noisy, according to Eric Hoh, president for Asia Pacific Japan at FireEye. "Your computer would stop working and you'd know about it. There'd be a message that'll show on your computer and you'll know about (the attack)," he told CNBC.

watch now

Today, Aurora said, attackers are spending weeks, months and years looking for crucial information inside a network. More worryingly, he said, cyber-attackers are focused on not only stealing the data but also altering them without detection. If an attacker can alter a single row or column of data in a database once a month, undetected, in the long run the consequences can be severe because companies would find it hard to distinguish between real and fake. For example, if electronic medical records are altered without the knowledge of doctors and nurses, it could potentially lead to misdiagnoses that could put patients' lives in danger. "This is the real scare, to not just a particular industry of a particular size, but to everybody. It is a matter of existence," said Aurora. That's where Darktrace's artificial intelligence system comes in, with the latest technology offering called Antigena. Once a threat is identified, Antigena automatically responds by taking proportionate actions to neutralize it and buy security teams enough time to catch up. In essence, it acts like a digital antibody that can slow down or stop compromised connections or devices within a network without disrupting normal business operations. "Human beings are still going to be fundamental, but right now, the kind of attacks  you find it very difficult to figure out and they're so quick that if you look at traditional means, by the time human beings get to respond, it's too late," Aurora explained. The technology has been operational for about a year among early adopters and was made available on a large scale earlier this month. In February, Australian cybersecurity company Nuix put out a report where they surveyed about 70 professional hackers and penetration testers at last year's Defcon  the global hacking and security conference  to understand their perspective on cybersecurity. In the report, about 88 percent of the respondents said they could break through cybersecurity defenses and into the systems they target within 12 hours, while another 81 percent said they could identify and take valuable data within the same time frame even when the breach may not be detected for nearly 100 days on average.

This is the real scare, to not just a particular industry of a particular size, but to everybody. It is a matter of existence. Sanjay Aurora Managing director, Asia Pacific, Darktrace

The respondents said traditional countermeasures such as firewalls and antiviruses very rarely slowed them down, but having endpoint security technologies were more effective in stopping the attacks. About half said they changed their attacking methods with every target, which limited the effectiveness of security defenses based on known files and attacks. Darktrace's Aurora said organizations need to invest in a new way of thinking about cyber-defense. "If you still do the same, which is put more resources or investment on the border, or put more investment and resources on rules and signatures which are completely not working out, you will be on the back foot," he said. Investment in machine learning and artificial intelligence is crucial, according to Aurora, because machines can respond more quickly to the way attacks are mutating. But that's not the only area that companies should look into. FireEye's Hoh said aside from defense capabilities, companies also need to invest in cyber-intelligence. Intelligence gathering is very common in the physical world  it is used to protect national security interests of countries, thwart terror attacks and bring down illegal networks in areas such as human and drug trafficking. "In the cyber-world, intelligence has played  up till now  a less prominent role," said Hoh. "I think that companies need to really pay more attention to knowing your attackers and understanding what valuable information you have that people would want."

watch now
Amid China's rise to global superpower status, many of its citizens have been lifted out of poverty.

Yet, significant numbers remain impoverished and key challenges lie ahead for the Chinese government's goal of fighting poverty, according to John Donaldson, associate professor of Political Science at Singapore Management University.

Speaking with CNBC's "Capital Connection" on Monday, Donaldson said solving the problem of Chinese poverty is likely to be high on the agenda for the current administration in Beijing.

"It may not look like a lot, percentage-wise. But, because of the size of China, it's still an awful lot of people. And so, we're talking about tens of millions, or even, you know, the high tens of millions, depending on the way that you measure poverty, that are still remaining to be removed," Donaldson said.

"And those, in many ways, are even more difficult to remove than the folks that have already been lifted out of poverty," he added.
Neither Uber nor the executive, Sherif Marakby, said why he was leaving. The former Ford Motor executive joined Uber just last April to help with its autonomous vehicle project in Pittsburgh.

Uber Technologies said on Monday that its vice president of global vehicle programs, who played a role in the company's self-driving car program, has left the company.

"Self-driving is one of the most interesting challenges I've worked on in my career, and I'm grateful to have contributed to what will soon be a safer future for everyone," Marakby said in an emailed statement.

The departure is the latest of several high-profile exits from the ride-hailing company.

Uber has been rocked by a number of setbacks lately, including accusations of sexual harassment from a former female employee and a video showing Chief Executive Travis Kalanick harshly berating an Uber driver.

It has also been sued by Alphabet's Waymo unit for stealing some of its self-driving technology, an accusation Uber denies.

The company is seeking a chief operating officer to help Kalanick manage it, repair its tarnished image and improve its culture.

Separately, the privately held company made public some of its financials on Friday, revealing that it was generating more revenue but still making large losses.
It's no coincidence that some of the most successful start-ups in history  including many of the so-called "unicorns"  are headquartered in Silicon Valley. The Bay Area's proximity to top tech talent, a plethora of incubators and accelerators, and a "who's who" of innovative companies make it a fertile hunting ground for venture capitalists looking to throw money into the next Facebook or Apple. Increasingly, cities like New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, and Austin are developing reputations as start-up hotbeds, as well. While a lot of would-be entrepreneurs dream about starting a company and then moving to Silicon Valley, or vice versa, the reality is that the resources that founders need in order to be successful aren't exclusive to a particular geographic location. More often than not, you can find everything you need right in your own back yard  no matter where in the world that is. The expansion of start-up success The insane amount of investment poured into Bay Area companies over the course of the past decade or so has inevitably given rise to the belief that a start-up's location is a key indicator of its potential to be successful. Certainly, there are many examples of companies that have made it big in the Valley  too many to name here, in fact. But lately, examples of successful innovative companies are popping up all over the map, and that's only going to continue. About 800 miles to the east of the start-up capital of the world lies another valley. Provo, Utah, is now home to three start-ups valued over $1 billion. Qualtrics, an online survey company; Vivint, a home automation provider; and Ancestry.com, a genealogy giant, were all bootstrapped and built from the ground up within walking distance of one another and have helped establish the state's reputation as a start-up breeding ground.

But lately, examples of successful innovative companies are popping up all over the map, and that's only going to continue.

Go due east another 1,500 miles and you'll end up in St. Louis, where Jonathan Herrick has helped build an award-winning customer relationship management and marketing automation platform for small businesses. The chief sales and marketing officer and co-founder of Hatchbuck, together with the firm's other founders, took advantage of T-REX, which offers Hatchbuck and more than 100 other start-ups roughly 160,000 square feet of co-working space. In about five years, Hatchbuck has been able to secure nearly $10 million in investor funds. Meanwhile, in the nation's capital  which has almost always been dominated by government organizations and a plethora of federal contractors they do business with  a burgeoning tech scene has given rise to companies like FiscalNote, a data analytics start-up, and Contactually, a CRM. And up and down the east coast, from Philadelphia to Charleston, South Carolina, start-ups are disrupting nearly every industry imaginable. So what's making it all possible?
The global market for interconnected aircraft is set to exceed $20 billion by 2020, and Honeywell is focusing on leading that trend, according to its Southeast Asia President, Briand Greer.

"Five or 10 years from now, people get on an aircraft and forget what it was like to not be completely seamlessly connected. You'll be able to get on board, you will be able to download files or do emails, stream movies, all of those things as our world becomes more connected," Greer told CNBC's "The Rundown" on Tuesday.

Honeywell's position as a software solutions company for various markets from commercial to consumer puts it at a strong position to lead the charge toward hyper-connectivity, according to Greer.

"We're in the home and buildings industry, we're in mobility, we're in industrial safety and all of these physical products will start getting sensors in them. It will all be connected to a whole ecosystem that allows [Honeywell] to be able to drive the efficiency that people want  and the connectedness that we crave frankly," Greer said.
Investors should buy McDonald's shares because its new technology and food initiatives will drive sales above expectations, according to Bernstein, which raised its rating on the restaurant chain to outperform from market perform. "More menu innovation and, over time, experience of the future [mobile and kiosk digital ordering] will prove beneficial, as it has in other markets," Bernstein analyst Sara Senatore wrote in a note to clients Tuesday. "Elsewhere, strong performance in Japan and healthy macro trends in Europe suggest other major markets are also performing well." The analyst raised her McDonald's price target to $160 from $129, representing 22 percent upside from Monday's close. Senatore cited conversations with McDonald's managers, which revealed the new Mac Trio burger offering in the first quarter has performed "better than planned." She is also bullish on future menu innovations such as fresh beef and slushies. The digital ordering roll-out this year should also "improve throughput in and out of the store and drive higher average check," according to the analyst. In addition, she noted how McDonald's Japan joint venture grew sales by 15.5 percent in the first quarter, which bodes well for other international markets. As a result, Senatore predicts McDonald's will report 2.8 percent comparable restaurant sales growth this year versus the 2.3 percent Wall Street consensus. "We believe value and pricing are critical drivers of MCD's US comps; a return of food inflation and a re-commitment to value should support US comps," she wrote. "Beverage promos amidst a renewed focus on nationally advertised value should help sustain traffic."  CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this story.

Ronald McDonald balloon is seen at the 90th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, 2016 in New York City. Noam Galai | Getty Images
The pan-European Stoxx 600 ended 1.1 percent lower with all sectors and major bourses trading in negative territory.



May, outlining her decision to hold a general election in less than eight weeks, described her "reluctance" in doing so and blamed divisions in Westminster as a key reason for her sudden reversal of position. A Commons vote will take place on Wednesday in order to see whether Parliament will back a general election being held before 2020.



Sterling rebounded sharply against the dollar on Tuesday after Britain's Prime Minister said she wanted to hold a general election. Having fallen in early trading, the U.K. currency surged more than 1.5 percent to hit $1.2758, its highest level since mid-December.



Basic resources led the losses and contracted over 3.1 percent as steel and iron ore prices dropped. Pandora was down by around 12 percent after a Carnegie survey showed the Danish jewelry maker may have struggled to create revenue growth in the firms last quarter.

Galapagos had been trading at the top of the European benchmark after the firm announced it had raised $338 million in a U.S. public offering, Reuters reported. However, its shares fell sharply to close more than 2.1 percent lower.



In other corporate news, Casino Group, slipped 3.4 percent after reporting a slowdown in sales growth. Elsewhere, Post Holdings is set to buy Britain's Weetabix for $1.76 billion, Reuters reported.



Meanwhile, in the U.S., the Dow Jones industrial average and broader S&P 500 both continued lower as stocks slipped after the U.K. government called for early elections.



Goldman Sachs' earnings miss drags on US banks



Goldman Sachs earnings disappointed on Tuesday as a bottom line miss knocked shares down by over 3 percent and weighed on other U.S. heavyweights.

Also on Tuesday, hopes over immediate tax reforms in the U.S. have somewhat dissipated after Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told the Financial Times that a new plan is unlikely to be ready before August.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will meet Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on Tuesday, aiming to open Japan's doors for U.S.-made goods and attracting Japanese infrastructure investment. Earlier, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he supported the U.S. administration stating that pressure is necessary for dealing with North Korea's missile and nuclear threat.



The International Monetary Fund raised its global growth forecast on Tuesday citing manufacturing and trade gains in Europe, Japan and China although suggested protectionist policies could derail an economic recovery.

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Sara Jo Schneider and Hickle, along with fellow Girl Scouts Jayna Kelley and Autumn Helgeson, were killed when a pickup truck crashed into them as the scouts cleaned up debris on the west side of Highway P at about 11 a.m. Nov. 3, 2018. All four were killed at the scene. A fifth girl was injured but later recovered. The girls attended Southview Elementary and Halmstad Elementary in Chippewa Falls. On Wednesday, a 20-foot-tall memorial was dedicated at the crash site, honoring the three scouts and mother killed that day.
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France's presidential election is a major test for euro zone unity, and the first round Sunday could bring on intense market volatility, depending on which candidates make it to the final leg of the race. French stocks closed down 1.6 percent Tuesday, after recovering from the worst intraday selloff since the U.K. voted to leave the European Union last June. Investors globally have been hedging ahead of the vote by piling into safe haven assets like U.S. Treasurys and gold, and buying yen against the euro. "I think it's potentially huge, or it could be nothing, and we'll know that Sunday night before the market opens," said Andrew Brenner, global head of emerging market fixed income at National Alliance. He said the spread between French and German 10-year bonds continues to widen, a signal of market unease. The big fear is that far-right National Front candidate Marine Le Pen will win, since she has run on a platform to divorce France from the euro  an action that could threaten the future of the entire euro zone. As it stands now, there is a good chance Le Pen will emerge from the first round pitted against one of three candidates: far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, conservative Francois Fillon and centrist Emmanuel Macron, a former economy minister. "It is true that four candidates are coming all within a margin of error. It is impossible to know for sure whether the French electorate will look at these polls and decide to vote with their hearts or get excited by the underdogs," said Charles Lichfield, associate, Europe at Eurasia Group. "Something we can say is Mrs. Le Pen is most likely of those four candidates to make the second round. They're all between 18 and 22 percent. Ninety percent of Mrs. Le Pen's 22 percent will vote for her." The candidate favored by markets is Macron, who is expected to beat Le Pen in the final vote. "If it appears Macron is in the race, all of this goes away for the near term," said Brenner.

The disruptive candidate not named 'Le Pen'

However, Lichfield said Melenchon also stands a chance to win. Like Le Pen, he would be considered a disruptive candidate. A fan of Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, he would like to tax individuals who earn 400,000 euros ($430,000) or more at a tax rate of 100 percent. He also would like to renegotiate France's relationship with the European Union, and if it fails, he would seek to leave the EU. "Depending on how high [Le Pen] is, the market could react quite violently. If her runner-up is 6, 7 points behind her, many people would see that it's possible she wins," Lichfield said. The runoff election is set for May 7. "You hear people saying if Le Pen gets elected, France pulls out of the euro and the EU collapses. That's utter nonsense. For France to pull out, there has to be a vote of Parliament and they're overwhelmingly against leaving the euro," said Robert Sinche, chief global strategist at Amherst Pierpont. There is a parliamentary election in June, and it in fact could be the more important election. Le Pen's far-right National Front isn't seen making much in the way of inroads.

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"I still expect Macron and Le Pen to be in the runoffs," said Marc Chandler, chief foreign exchange strategist at Brown Brothers Harriman. "A lot of people think the French election is about the presidential election. It's also about the parliamentary election in June. The president is a figurehead. The problem is none of the candidates have a strong parliamentary presence. The key to the outcome is going to be the parliamentary elections. Political risk is going to subside, but it can't go away." Chandler said a Le Pen victory could foster other nationalist groups in Europe, but it could also be a problem for Italy. Germany also has an election later this year. "The key would be not so much the German election, but the Italian election," he said. Italy, under Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, has undertaken steps to provide emergency liquidity guarantees and capital injections for its banks. Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi resigned in December, after Italy voted down a key constitutional referendum. The views on how France's election could affect markets diverge as much as do potential outcomes. Lichfield said he sees a 35 to 40 percent chance for Le Pen to win. He said there are very slight odds, perhaps 10 percent, that financial market chaos erupts after the election. It could be so volatile it would send French yields skyrocketing and hurt the country's banks. The long-shot scenario could even be extended to consider a French default at which point, France could be forced to leave the euro zone, Lichfield said. More likely is that European Economic and Monetary Union officials keep the situation under control and panic does not set in. Even so, a Le Pen win would not be a positive. "It will be negative because there's this now complacent view that Brexit wasn't so bad. Trump hasn't been so bad, so why are we worried about Le Pen? But if you look at what she wants to do, if suddenly the market slowing into what her actual policies are and realize she's right at the center of a vulnerable monetary union, then it becomes much more troubling," said Lichfield. Watch: The French right comes out of hiding
Steve Ballmer shared his views on technology and the new government transparency initiative USAFacts in an interview Tuesday on CNBC's " Squawk Box ." On Microsoft : "I think the company is well positioned. On the other hand, [it has] a lot of work to do. I think on the cloud side with Office 365 and Azure the company's got a real shot, but not a birth right," Ballmer said. "On the client side of the world I think the work that they're doing with the Microsoft Surface, hardware devices is really good." On his advice for Twitter : "Ignore the short-term stock price because at the end of the day what they have to do is worry about the product innovation," he said. "They have to worry about their cost structure. High cost structure has many bad problems including confusion and chaos." Ballmer is currently the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers and former CEO of Microsoft. He is a significant shareholder of both Twitter and Microsoft, according to the interview. He also discusses: Why he started USAFacts Los Angeles Clippers' postseason chances Sports team valuations Facebook and Snap Apple To watch the broadcast interview in its entirety, you must be a CNBC PRO subscriber .

Steve Ballmer shared his views on technology and the new government transparency initiative USAFacts in an interview Tuesday on CNBC's "Squawk Box." On Microsoft : "I think the company is well positioned. On the other hand, [it has] a lot of work to do. I think on the cloud side with Office 365 and Azure the company's got a real shot, but not a birth right," Ballmer said. "On the client side of the world I think the work that they're doing with the Microsoft Surface, hardware devices is really good."



On his advice for Twitter : "Ignore the short-term stock price because at the end of the day what they have to do is worry about the product innovation," he said. "They have to worry about their cost structure. High cost structure has many bad problems including confusion and chaos."



Ballmer is currently the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers and former CEO of Microsoft. He is a significant shareholder of both Twitter and Microsoft, according to the interview.



He also discusses: Why he started USAFacts

Los Angeles Clippers' postseason chances

Sports team valuations

Facebook Snap

Apple To watch the broadcast interview in its entirety, you must be a CNBC PRO subscriber.
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga.  Georgia voters will deliver an early referendum on President Donald Trump on Tuesday, and the president and his party are worried.

Here in Atlanta's northern suburbs, Democrat Jon Ossoff has a chance to win a special election for the House seat that Republican Tom Price gave up to become Trump's Secretary of Health and Human Services.

If he does, Republicans will suddenly confront the possibility that they could lose control of Congress in next year's midterm elections. That, in turn, could scare away more Republicans from cooperating with the president and cripple the White House agenda.

Under normal circumstances, Ossoff wouldn't have much chance. Republicans have held the 6th House district for nearly 40 years. Price cruised to an easy re-election victory last November.

But Trump, four years after Mitt Romney carried the district lopsidedly against President Barack Obama, barely edged by Hillary Clinton here. That's because the district contains a heavy concentration of residents with college educations  the segment of white voters most skeptical of Trump's bombastic, populist style.

Combine that skepticism with Trump's bumpy debut in office, and Democrats angered by November's outcome see an early chance to demonstrate their ability to fight back.

"The intensity at the grassroots level here is unprecedented," Ossoff said in a campaign office bustling with volunteers. "It's got very little to do with me, and everything to do with the times that we're living in and the kind of community this is."

The 30-year-old former congressional aide treads carefully in this heavily Republican district. He pledges to hold Trump "accountable" but insists he's open to working with the president on bipartisan priorities such as infrastructure improvements.

Republicans tread carefully, too. Trump retains strong support within his party, especially in the South, even as loyalists grumble about his failure to persuade a friendly Congress to pass his bill to repeal and replace Obamacare.

"We're not seeing anything that says  'Oh, we got to put somebody up there to stop President Trump,' " said Adam Pipkin, executive director of the Georgia GOP. "What Republicans want is for Congress to start working with the president."

Pipkin dismisses the surge of volunteers and the extraordinary $8 million in donations for Ossoff as imported enthusiasm from Democrats across the country desperate for a victory. But polls show he leads the mostly Republican field of more than a dozen candidates by a wide margin with more than 40 percent of the vote.

If Ossoff can reach 50 percent Tuesday, he'll win the race outright. If not, he'll face a June 20 runoff against the second-place candidate, which polls suggest will be a Republican.

Ossoff's chances would decline sharply in a one-on-one matchup. Trump's personal stake in the race  displayed in an automated phone message to district Republicans and four tweets in the past two days blasting the " super liberal " Democrat as weak on immigration and taxes  underscores the GOP's urgency about generating enthusiasm among core supporters.

"I was glad to see this morning that President Trump has taken interest in the campaign," Ossoff said Monday. "While I don't expect a congratulatory tweet if I win, I will work with anyone in Washington  including him  to get things done for this district."
Jonathan Rosenberg, Google's former SVP of product, advises one of the most important tech CEOs on the planet, Larry Page of Alphabet, Google's parent company. He's also co-author, with executive chairman Eric Schmidt, of business tome "How Google Works." It's no surprise that someone with Rosenberg's schedule admits to having an "addiction" to his smartphone, something every professional can relate to. But even this busy exec makes a point of putting his phone away while at dinner and before bed. He says the simple habit helps him relax after a busy day and fall asleep. Scientific research says he's on to something.

Google executive Jonathan Rosenberg and executive Chairman EricSchmidt, co-authors of "How Google Works." Rob Kim/Getty Images

"I know this is a shock," he tells CNBC, "but I find that I can control my addiction by not using it at dinner, and be sort of human and social." He also makes a point of not bringing his phone into his bedroom, so that he can fall asleep faster. He's not the only successful business person to encourage professionals to carve out phone-free time. Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post and author of "The Sleep Revolution" says that making time to be without your phone will boost your productivity and your overall happiness. While ditching your smartphone for dinner and bedtime may seem easy, it's actually challenging for many people. In a 2015 Bank of America Survey of 1,000 adults, some 36 percent of respondents said they constantly check their phone, and 71 percent said they fell asleep with their smartphone next to them. While keeping in contact with the office and up to date on the news may help you feel productive, constantly reaching for your phone could be doing more harm than good. A University of Illinois study found that frequent cellphone use was linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms. A study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that high mobile phone use was associated with sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression.

Making time to disconnect from your phone could help you feel more rested and less anxious.
A demonstrator holds a sign to protest against President Donald Trump's executive order banning refugees and immigrants from seven primarily Muslim countries during a rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 4, 2017.

The ideas that the H-1B visa program is "limiting American jobs is a fallacy," Foundation Capital General Partner Paul Holland told CNBC on Tuesday.

President Trump's call for the review of the H-1B visa program, has many tech companies in Silicon Valley worried about possible limitations on the visas for high skilled immigrant workers.

"The concept behind limiting the H-1B visas we think is a pretty bad idea overall," said Holland. "I think the notion that somehow...we're limiting American jobs for these highly trained engineers and highly trained technical people is a fallacy," he said.

Holland says any drastic changes to the program could have dire consequences for tech innovation in the U.S. "We cannot graduate enough highly trained engineers in this country or in Canada or the UK or other places we draw from," he said. With the U.S. tech ecosystem creating jobs across the board worldwide he says we are not in a position to hire the best people without access to international talent.

Yet, we've seen a decline in the number of employers seeking H-1B visas. There are only 199,000 applications for admission in 2018, down from 236,000 last year. Gartner said, "It's probably to some extent related to individual people deciding do I want to come into the country in this environment or would I rather take a job in another country where it may be more welcoming for me and my family?"

Of those 199,000 applications, 85,000 will be accepted, according to the latest guidelines from the Citizenship and Immigration Services web site.
North Korea has surprisingly managed to draw on global resources to develop its nuclear weapons program, despite being a tiny country that's isolated from most the world.

North Korea's economic clout is small  South Korea's central bank estimates its neighbor had a gross national income in 2015 of 34.5 trillion South Korean won ($30 billion), just 2.2 percent that of South Korea. But North Korea spends an estimated 25 percent of its gross domestic product on weapons.

"This is basically a brutal dictator who doesn't really put a lot of stock in the safety, health, education of his people. It wouldn't surprise me at all he would pour resources into nuclear weapons that I hope will never be used," said Sharon Squassoni, director of the Proliferation Prevention Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Here are five sources of North Korea's funding, according to analysts:

1. China

About three-fourths of North Korea's trade is with its communist neighbor China, according to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Other estimates put the percentage even higher.

"China has enormous leverage to influence stability in North Korea, but most of it they feel they cannot use because of adverse consequences for China interests in North Korea," said Scott Snyder, director of the Program on U.S.-Korea policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. Beijing has the ability to shut down food and energy supply for North Korea, he said.

However, a North Korean collapse would likely send refugees flooding over the border into the economically weak northeastern region of China, a situation Beijing wants to avoid.

2. Overseas slave labor

Forced North Korean laborers in China and Russia give Pyongyang desperately needed cash, said Robert Manning, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. Other exports such as coal and minerals also bring in hard currency, in the form of Chinese yuan, U.S. dollars and euros.

"I think a lot of this fuels their nuclear missile companies," he said.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un can also use those funds to buy the support of other leaders in North Korea, Manning said. "If we can take away his hard currency, his hard cash, I think that will create a new political dynamic in North Korea. He can't buy off the political elites," Manning said.

3. Weapons sales

"The North Korean economy is basically being run by its arms deals," said Anwita Basu, The Economist Intelligence Unit's lead analyst for Indonesia, the Philippines and North Korea.

She pointed to export deals North Korea has made with African countries; other political analysts have speculated that there is cooperation between North Korea and Iran on nuclear weapons development.

North Korea "continues to trade in arms and related materiel, exploiting markets and procurement services in Asia, Africa and the Middle East," said a February report from the U.N. Security Council's Panel of Experts.

The report added that North Korea uses its construction companies in Africa to build arms-related, military and security facilities. Last summer, Egypt intercepted a ship from North Korea carrying 30,000 PG-7 rocket-propelled grenades and other weapons parts, the study said.

4. Drugs

North Korea has "a large illicit drug industry," the Atlantic Council's Manning said. "I've seen samples of North Korean pirated Viagra that looks very authentic. It has been a significant source of hard currency."

5. Cybercrime

North Korea was reportedly behind a $81 million cybertheft of funds from Bangladesh's account at the New York Federal Reserve last year. Prosecutors believe Chinese middlemen helped North Korea with the theft, The Wall Street Journal said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Some Chinese financial firms also appear to serve as channels for funds to North Korea.

In February, six U.S. senators  including former presidential candidates Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio  sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that urged him to restrict North Korean banks' access to Chinese banks.

United Nations sanctions against North Korea "have been very modest compared to what we do vis-a-vis Iran or Cuba," Manning said. "The degree to which China is prepared to cooperate will determine how successful we are in imposing pressure on North Korea."

Correction: Egypt intercepted a ship from North Korea carrying rocket-propelled grenades and other weapons parts in 2016. An earlier version misstated the timing.
United used the wrong channels of communication to handle the worldwide backlash it received over the treatment of a passenger who was dragged from his seat, Mohamed El-Erian, chief economic advisor at Allianz, told CNBC on Tuesday.

"What happened to United should come as a lesson to many corporations," El-Erian said on "Squawk Box." "Even if you lose control of the narrative, which United did early on, don't make it worse. ... It made a really bad situation a lot worse."

The company faces intense pressure from the public and lawmakers and even a possible lawsuit after a video surfaced of David Dao, a 69-year-old Vietnamese-American doctor, being dragged off an overbooked United flight in Chicago.

After a series of poorly received statements from United on the matter, the company's CEO, Oscar Munoz, issued an apology, saying, "I want you to know that we take full responsibility and we will work to make it right."

The Department of Transportation has launched an inquiry into the incident, and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called for new rules to curb the airline practice of overbooking flights.

Delta Air Lines said it would change its policy about bumping passengers off flights. United also issued a new policy to ensure a situation in which a passenger is forcibly removed doesn't happen again.

El-Erian said the airlines' recent crisis is not going to impact them long term but has become a huge "reputational risk."

"They should learn and other companies should learn from this," he said.

 Reuters contributed to this report.
29 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana in some form, and 8 have approved laws enabling the sale for recreational use.

The volume of payments coming into the IRS from the legal cannabis industry has prompted the IRS to increase cash-counting capability in Denver and Seattle.

Thousands of companies involved in the $6.7 billion US cannabis industry are forced by disparities in state and federal law to conduct nearly all transactions in cash.

Getty Images

It's Tax Day. No company likes handing money over to the tax collector, but for Oakland-based Harborside Health, settling up with the Internal Revenue Service represents a unique kind of headache. Like many successful retail operations, Harborside  which brought in $44 million in revenue in 2016  owes millions of dollars in taxes to federal, state and local governments. Unlike most other companies, Harborside has to count and hand-deliver those millions of dollars to the IRS and other authorities in cash. That's because legal marijuana businesses have to pay taxes under IRS code 280E, the same category reserved for illegal drug traffickers. Cannabis is categorized as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. While more than half of the states in the U.S. have legalized some form of medicinal marijuana, and several others have passed laws permitting recreational cannabis use, under federal drug laws the sale of cannabis remains illegal. Harborside is one of thousands of companies involved in the $6.7 billion legal cannabis industry forced by disparities in state and federal law to conduct nearly all transactions in cash. As a result, thousands of companies have in the past week counted and delivered millions of dollars in cash to their respective IRS offices and state tax authorities. Those offices then have to count all that cash again  a process that's taxing IRS resources as well. The volume of cash payments coming into the IRS from the legal cannabis industry this year has prompted the IRS to increase its cash-counting capacity at offices in Denver and Seattle. (Colorado and Washington have both legalized the sale of cannabis for recreational purposes, boosting industry revenues.) It's a sign of a larger problem facing a nascent but booming industry that continues to have trouble utilizing the traditional banking industry despite explosive growth.

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Harborside Health pays every bill in cash that it feasibly can, says CEO and founder Steve DeAngelo. That means the company has some volume of cash moving around almost every single day, creating logistical and security problems. With that much cash moving around, there's a real threat to the security of the people doing the moving, essentially painting targets on the backs of cannabis industry employees at a growing number of legal cannabis industries across the United States. "There are thousands [of cannabis businesses] in the United States now, and all of them are carrying around tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash," DeAngelo said. "If something isn't done to change the situation, it's, in my opinion, just a matter of time before we see a tragedy." Even in states that have legalized cannabis, banks are wary of doing business with companies that derive their revenue from the the industry, for fear of running afoul of federal drug law.

The unbanked

For most legal cannabis companies, banking in the traditional sense is an aspiration rather than the norm  a big problem for an industry expected to balloon to $21 billion by 2021, according to Arcview Group, a cannabis industry investment and research organization. Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have now legalized marijuana in some form, and eight have approved laws enabling the sale of cannabis for recreational use (though not all of those laws have gone into effect). DeAngelo describes Harborside as "banked, but tenuously." While the company does have a bank account that allows it to accept debit card payments, the company has to manage that account very carefully. In other words, the company uses the account for card transactions but does not deposit cash into that account for fear that privilege might be revoked. "We've been banked many times, and many times those accounts have been shut down," said Lance Perryman, founder and CEO of Next Harvest, a vertically integrated cannabis company in Colorado that produces and sells its own products and does between $5 million and $10 million in revenue annually. Its dispensary sees more than 500 customers per day, virtually all of which pay in cash. "We're on a purely cash basis," said Marques Moore, COO of Denver-based MMJ America, a 70-person operation with five retail locations that has never had a bank account. While there are banks in Colorado that will deal with the cannabis industry, the process of being vetted and approved to deal with a bank  for an account that might be closed by the bank without warning at any time  is strenuous enough to be prohibitive for many companies, he says. "We were close to getting approved by one of these banks, and then we were told that they weren't taking any new clients, because the IRS was auditing them."

There are thousands [of cannabis businesses] in the United States now, and all of them are carrying around tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash. ... It's, in my opinion, just a matter of time before we see a tragedy. Steve DeAngelo CEO and founder, Harborside Health

The lack of financial infrastructure makes it difficult for cannabis companies to establish exactly the kind of fiscal paper trail that federal and state regulators could use to help enforce regulatory compliance, said Perryman of Next Harvest. His company is currently undergoing an audit, a common occurrence for legal cannabis companies and a process that is particularly fraught when a company has been operating on a cash basis for years. The lack of banking services creates myriad logistical headaches within the day-to-day operations of what are otherwise conventional production and retail operations. "People work with us; we calculate their taxes for them; we fill out their forms for them; we tell them where they can remit their taxes," said Keegan Petersen of Wurk, a Denver-based start-up that provides various technology solutions to help legal cannabis companies account for all their cash and remain in compliance with layers of complicated state and federal tax law. "But they have to figure out how to get their money to the IRS building or the state building."

Armed guards
LA CROSSE  Hmong students who say the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse isnt listening to them made their voices heard Monday.

Members of the UW-L Hmong Organization Promoting Education and their allies demonstrated at the university clock tower Monday afternoon, voicing concerns about the universitys Hmong heritage language program. The students brought a Change.org petition with more than 530 signatures, addressed to UW-L Chancellor Joe Gow.

What do we want? Our voices heard! more than 50 students chanted as they marched to Gows office to deliver the petition. When do we want it? Now!

The petition demands the university listen to the students voices and meet their expectations, which include teaching Hmong language classes in the manner they want and a formal apology to the classs instructor Bee Lo and the Hmong community. Gow was out of the office traveling on Monday. Reached by phone, he said he appreciated students exercising their free speech rights but that such issues regarding academic classes are best handled by faculty and administrators experienced in those areas.

Protesters called out the universitys other top leaders and said they were upset none appeared at the rally. In the crowd were affirmative action director Nizam Arain, Provost Betsy Morgan, outgoing Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Paula Knudson and others, including many staff members from the universitys Campus Climate Office.

The clash between students and the university started in December when UW-L decided not to offer the spring session of a two-part Hmong heritage language program. University staff cited low enrollment. Classes in the series have been canceled in the past due to low enrollment, but this year members of HOPE and the Hmong community have demanded action.

UW-L offered a distance learning Hmong language course in partnership with a Hmong language professor at UW-Stout. The La Crosse Area Hmoob Cultural and Community Agency also offers a number of Hmong language classes and cultural practices training throughout the year.

But Hmong students dismissed the compromise, saying they couldnt learn the language this way, as Hmong was too hard to learn through distance learning. They also said they wanted to be able to take the class from instructor Bee Lo, and as a result, no students enrolled this semester for the course.

Hmong students took their case to the UW-L Student Association, which passed a resolution in December in support of the students and called on the university to reverse its decision. Students and Hmong elders also spoke at a public forum that month, repeatedly stating how important language is to Hmong identity and culture.

This is about more than just a degree, one of the Hmong students who spoke at the forum said. It is about us as a people.

Despite being open to the public, Julia Johnson, dean of the College of Liberal Studies, stopped any members of the public or the media from recording the event, which upset HOPE co-chair Linda Xiong. She said UW-L staff promised to provide a transcript of the comments made but has yet to do so.

The university keeps talking about how they want to be transparent, Xiong said in an interview. This whole process has not been transparent.

A UW-L task force, which includes Hmong faculty in its membership, has been working this semester on ideas on how to improve the language course as well as the campus Hmong cultural offerings as a whole. Morgan said the goal is to offer a Hmong Studies Certificate at UW-L starting next fall for those students interested in learning about the culture and language of the Hmong people, with the Hmong language courses counting toward the certificate.

Members of the HOPE organization have met with members of the university task force. HOPE member and former UW-L student senator Chevana Vang, 21, of Holmen said she was told the task force wasnt looking for student input yet and were still working on curriculum for the universitys Hmong cultural offerings.

Students were also upset when they learned the university planned to offer any future courses to all students, not just those of Hmong heritage. While the university has said the Hmong heritage language courses never excluded non-Hmong students in the past, students have spoken of how the classes were treated as Hmong-only, giving the students a safe space where they could learn about the culture among themselves.

There is absolutely no way this would happen, Morgan said. It would not be legal. Classes should be open to anyone who meets the prerequisites.

At the protest Monday, Hmong students carried two large banners on white canvas proclaiming, UWLAX is racist. Ask me, JGow@uwlax.edu and White supremacy is alive. Speakers spoke about how they feel marginalized on campus for being Hmong and the struggles they face because of it.

Many said they believe the university, which they called an institution of white supremacy and privilege, has failed them, especially Vang, who spoke at the rally about her experiences and how she dedicated so much time to protesting institutional racism on campus she didnt pass her classes.

I did not fail this university, she told the crowd assembled at the rally. This university failed me.

Earlier this month, HOPE members voted to have Xiong act as the groups Hmong studies chair and be its representative to work with the task force. Xiong said she will start in the new role next school year and hopes to be the go-to person for the task force in providing student perspectives.

This whole process has been really frustrating for students, she said. We feel constantly shut down. We feel that administrators dont value the students.

Lynette Prieur Lo, the staff adviser for HOPE, is also the wife of Bee Lo, the instructor who previously taught the language courses at UW-L. Morgan said the university has opened up enrollment for the fall heritage language course; so far only one student has signed up. It is unclear whether Bee Lo, listed as an office associate in Multicultural Student Services, will be the instructor of the language class.

The task force has welcomed student input, Morgan said, and the universitys curriculum committee has student members. But she said faculty and administration have the right to determine what classes are taught and by whom, and the ongoing debate over the issue was becoming a distraction from the larger diversity work the university is undertaking.
Tony Robbins argues that hunger is the most important indicator of success. Self-made real estate tycoon Sean Conlon explains that his own hunger comes from his modest upbringing and immigrant story. Growing up, Conlon's family of seven lived in a 1,000-square-foot home in a small Irish village of about 900 people. When his parents struggled financially, the bank threatened to take their home. "That was ingrained in me," says Conlon.

"I swore then that that would never happen to me or to anyone I cared about." When Conlon moved to America at the age of 18 with $500 in his pocket, he was motivated by his fear of once more facing the same poverty he faced as a child: "I was driven by being afraid of the bank knocking on the door like they did with my parents." America, Conlon explains, was the place he came to fight his fear: "America is a place where you can still be anything today  I am very proud to be an American citizen." He arrived in Chicago in 1990 determined to make good.

Sean Conlon rings the NASDAQ opening bell Rob Kim | Getty Images

Conlon got to the top by being more dedicated than his colleagues, he says: "I outworked all my competitors." That work ethic gave him an edge. "I competed with guys who went to the Ivy League schools and they went to Harvard and Yale and Wharton," he says, "but they wanted to go home earlier in the evening." When they went home, Conlon kept at it. "I got an extra day's work done that night, so I was a day ahead of them the next week and two days the following week," he says. The real estate mogul argues that this fear-based passion is special to entrepreneurs who have experienced difficulty: "I think a lot of people you will talk to who immigrated or came from, as they say, the other side of the tracks, are driven by fear."

Sean Conlon of 'The Deed' Maarten de Boer/NBC | Getty Images

On the flip side, explains Conlon, privilege can often cause entrepreneurs to take things for granted. "Sometimes people who are born here feel they should be entitled" to opportunity and success, whereas "I didn't feel I was entitled to anything except the shot," he explains. Despite being a self-proclaimed "chilled" and "pragmatic" person, the fear of being poor still sparks terror in Conlon: "If somebody tries to screw me over, I think back to all the people who screwed my father out of money, and I react very viscerally to it because I am afraid of being poor still." No matter how much success Conlon manages to achieve, fear continues to drive him: "I am still afraid no matter how confident I seem." His story is a great reminder to work hard, harness your fears to fuel your passions, count your blessings and take nothing for granted. "America is an amazing place," says Conlon "We're very fortunate to be here."
A smattering of snow can be found along California Highway 88 near Carson Pass on April 12, 2015, near South Lake Tahoe, California.

California's snowpack level is near a record high.

New data from NASA show that this past winter's snowpack levels in California's Tuolumne River Basin, located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, are higher than they were in the last four years combined.

Melting snow along the Tuolomne is an important source of water for both California's Central Valley  the heart of California's agricultural sector, and the crowded San Francisco area.

On April 1, NASA's Airborne Snow Observatory measured the Tuolumne Basin snowpack at 1.2 million acre-feet, which NASA says is enough snow to fill the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, nearly 1,600 times.

The snowpack is twice the volume of last year's, and 21 times larger than 2015's level, which was the lowest on record.

NASA's ASO is the only program that measures snow water equivalent, which is what it sounds like: the amount of water present in a measurement of snow. NASA found that combining April 1 snowpack measurements from 2013 through 2016 yielded 92 percent of the snow observed just this year.

In much of the Central Sierra, snow lies 25 feet deep (8 meters). In some high mountain basins, it's deeper than 80 feet (24 meters). And since April 1, it has continued to snow.

California has received heavy precipitation over the last several months, after the state endured one of the most severe multi-year droughts in the state's history.

While the rains offered a reprieve from years of drought, the heavy and frequent storms have flooded communities and damaged crops.

In spite of the rain, portions of the state are still at some level of drought, ranging from "abnormally dry" regions and pockets of "moderate drought" in Southern California, and one small strip of land near the borders with Mexico and Arizona, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin, walks away after speaking during a news conference on Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, March 24, 2017.

With no deal on new health-care legislation and uncertainty about how long the White House will subsidize insurers' participation in the Affordable Care Act, states have begun pushing back deadlines for insurers to submit rates for 2018.

In the last week, New Hampshire, Kentucky and Colorado have moved rate deadlines to June from April or May to give insurers more time to assess the market.

New Hampshire had originally requested 2018 rates by April 24; that date is now June 2, according to a memo from the state's insurance department. Michael Wilkey, the department's director of life, accident and health insurance, told CNBC that new guidance from lawmakers or the White House could cause the deadlines to be pushed back further, if necessary.

"We are watching what unfolds in Washington like everybody else is," Wilkey said. "Carriers need to have as much information as possible to see what the market will look like in 2018."

Senior GOP aides are optimistic that Congress, upon returning from recess, can revive the health-care debate after it works to avert an April 28 government shutdown deadline. But if an agreement on a new law doesn't emerge, the White House must decide whether to continue paying out some $7 billion in subsidies to insurers, an issue that is currently being litigated, with a court-ordered deadline of May 22 for the Trump administration to weigh in.

The Colorado Division of Insurance hasn't settled on a firm date yet but is allowing insurers until "mid-June" to submit rates from a previous May 15 deadline.

"In our discussions with the health insurance carriers, they've asked for more time in developing their plans and rates," said Vincent Plymell, a spokesman for the division. "It is due to the uncertainty in the [subsidy] payments, and uncertainty in general about what will happen."

Some states are holding firm on deadlines that fall before that date. California, Connecticut, Maryland and Oregon have May 1 deadlines for rate submissions, and New York plans to keep its May 15 deadline, a spokesperson for the Department of Financial Services said.

Beth Fritchen, a partner at consultancy Oliver Wyman, said insurers who submit plans based on the status quo can decide at a later date to withdraw, depending on whether Washington takes actions to stabilize the exchanges.

"They're preparing to be in the market, but that could change," said Fritchen, whose firm conducts an annual study on ACA participation.

Nearly all carriers participating in the health-care exchanges plan to remain on them, according to the study. Half of the carriers said it was too early to determine how to price plans for 2018; the other half expected to raise prices anywhere from single-digit percentages to greater than 30 percent.

Members of America's Health Insurance Plans, the industry's lobby, will meet White House officials to discuss the issue on Tuesday. On April 12, the group sent President Donald Trump a letter saying continued payment of the cost-sharing reductions would be "the most critical action to help stabilize the individual market."

Insurers rely on the payouts from the Department of Health and Human Services to subsidize the costs of offering plans to low- and middle-income enrollees, and analysts have suggested that canceling the payments could cause premiums to spike. The White House told The New York Times there would be no change in policy, but Trump has warned that 2017 would be a "very bad year for Obamacare" with "explosive premium increases, and your deductibles so high people don't even get to use it."

Seven million people who considered purchasing ACA plans for the 2017 exchanges qualified to receive the subsidies  about 60 percent of enrollees, according to AHIP.

States like Kentucky recognize that the White House's position could determine whether insurance carriers choose to participate, and at what cost. Its bulletin delaying the rate filing deadline to June 7 included a line noting HHS has the "ultimate authority for the interpretation" of the Affordable Care Act.
For the 360 million people worldwide who lack some or all of their ability to hear, technological interventions have already come a long way. But still, they're not perfect. Hearing aids don't translate certain frequencies as well as regular hearing, and some users find hearing interventions uncomfortable or are ideologically opposed to them. Soon that might all change. Scientists are working on a number of experimental techniques that may soon transform hearing interventions. That could greatly improve the quality of life for millions, who have been waiting a long time  the last major innovation in hearing technology occurred in 1985. Normal hearing is more simple than it may appear. Sound waves move through the ear canal and pulse the ear drum, which then moves the tiny bones inside the middle ear. They in turn tap the cochlea, a snail shelllooking structure that contains thousands of delicate hairs and fluid. The cochlea converts mechanical signals into electrical ones, which it then passes to the auditory nerve, which transmits it to the brain for processing.

BrianAJackson | Getty Images

But the ear presents a difficult engineering problem. If any of these parts are disrupted, a person might lose some or all of her hearing. And what kind of intervention works best depends on which part is affected. Those who lose hearing later in life, either due to a toxin, loud noise or simply as a part of aging, can be fitted with hearing aids to amplify sounds; children born with hereditary hearing loss can get complex devices called cochlear implants surgically placed deep into the ear. The cochlear implant was approved by the FDA in 1985, and the decades since have offered only incremental improvements on existing technology. Though these technologies have improved millions of lives, the devices are not foolproof. Often, people using them can't hear as many sounds as people with normal hearing, resulting in big gaps of frequencies used in things like speech or music. Some people choose not to wear hearing aids, because they find them uncomfortable and add little benefit; cochlear implants do come with health risks and have created a rift within the deaf community. For some, none of these interventions work to substantially improve their hearing. More from Modern Medicine:

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Discovered: Parkinson's link to gut bacteria For those who lost hearing later in life, more sophisticated devices might be the first big step to improving hearing. Tobias Moser, a professor of auditory neuroscience at the University Medical Center Gottingen, is working to improve the function of a cochlear implant by turning it into an optical device instead of an electric one. Instead of turning sound into electrical signals to be transmitted to the brain, as current cochlear implants do, this technique turns sound into light. Micro-LEDs flash onto genetically altered neurons, which send the information to the brain. "This sounds really fancy  it's very cool  but it's also not so easy. This is putting optoelectronics into a pretty aggressive environment [in the ear]," said Moser. He and his team have already shown that the device works in rodent models. In the next four years, before it can be tested in humans, they hope to try their technique in other primates and improve the capabilities and hardiness of the device itself.

I don't think there's something on the horizon, whether it's a technological device or a drug, that will provide an immediate cure. Stefan Heller professor of otolaryngology at Stanford University

Other scientists are turning to other senses to encode information usually communicated audibly. "We're used to thinking that we have five senses, but that's actually not the case  we have tons of different types of sensory receptors in the body," said Scott Novich, the co-founder and chief technology officer at start-up Neosensory. The sense of touch, for example, actually processes pressure, pain, temperature and vibration, each through a different type of sensory receptor in the skin, Novich said. At Neosensory, Novich and his colleagues are developing a commercially available version of VEST, their research project that uses sensory substitution to map sounds onto the skin before the information is transmitted to the brain. Novich's goal is to make a device that can be worn under clothes and may be more comfortable to wear for long periods of time than hearing aids. Initial trials show that it takes some time to train the brain to understand these signals, and Novich doesn't expect VEST to replace hearing aids necessarily  it could compensate for frequencies of sound that hearing aids might not transmit well, or even augment the nuance of information that wearers receive. Neosensory is doing participant research now and hopes to start manufacturing a product in about a year.

Making cells listen

Some researchers are going past devices and working directly on the body's cells to restore hearing. Stefan Heller, a professor of otolaryngology at Stanford University, is figuring out how to revert inner ear cells to their earlier, functional state in order to restore hearing. It's an ability that birds have and mammals lack, so Heller and his team have been working to understand how cells tell each other to regenerate. In five to 10 years, they plan to start testing a few drug compounds on humans. If all goes as planned, their discoveries wouldn't offer a cure for hearing loss but could give people with degenerative hearing loss the option to take a drug and delay getting a hearing aid. Albert Edge, a professor of otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School, is also looking into regenerating cells to restore hearing. But his lab has focused on the hair cells inside the cochlea and the neurons from the auditory nerve connected to it. Four years ago Edge and his collaborators discovered that certain molecular compounds could help hair cells regrow, which led to an improvement in hearing in mice. That showed them it could be done, but the effect was not as dramatic as they would have liked, said Edge. Armed with more knowledge about how cells regenerate elsewhere in the body, Edge and his team have been exploring how various drugs can encourage the regrowth of hair cells and neurons. Ultimately, drugs, which would likely have to be injected deep into patients' ears, could be tailored to individual needs. "What's attractive about our approach and others like us is that our aim is to restore the ear to what it was," Edge said. The goal is providing alternatives to people for whom hearing aids are not a good option. Edge's work is still limited to Petri dishes and mice, but his team hopes to start some small clinical trials in a few years. For those with inherited hearing loss, many of these approaches won't work. If a person had a genetic mutation that caused the cochlear hairs to die off, taking a drug like the one Edge is working on won't fix that problem. "Even if we did regenerate the cells with a drug, they would still be defective and would presumably die off because [the person] would still have the same mutation," Edge said.

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United Continental CEO Oscar Munoz said Tuesday that no one will be fired for the airline's recent debacle involving a passenger being dragged off an overbooked flight.

"The buck stops here. And I'm sure there was lots of conjecture about me personally," the apologetic CEO said on the company's earnings call Tuesday. "Again, it was a system failure across various areas, so no, there was never a consideration for firing an employee."

The company has been embroiled in controversy ever since a video surfaced of Dr. David Dao being dragged off an overbooked flight in Chicago.

The fiasco has hurt shares of United Continental , which dropped about 4 percent on Tuesday, despite the company reporting better-than-expected earnings late Monday.

Munoz once again apologized for the confrontation, saying, "The incident on Flight 3411 has been a humbling learning experience for all of us here at United and for me in particular."



"In addition to apologizing to Dr. Dao, as well as all of the passengers aboard, I also want to apologize to all our customers. You can and should expect more from us and as CEO, I take full responsibility for making this right," he added during Tuesday's conference call.

Munoz reiterated that United will make policy changes, including not using law enforcement to take passengers off a flight unless there is a security issue and requiring that crews be booked at least an hour before takeoff.

Dao, a Vietnamese-American, was bloodied and suffered a concussion and two broken teeth in the confrontation, which created an uproar on Chinese social media. Many users of Weibo, a platform similar to Twitter, called for a boycott of United.

Munoz said Tuesday he spoke with the local Chinese consulate and will be traveling to China on a previously scheduled trip. While there, he plans to discuss the incident with Chinese officials and customers.

United posted first-quarter earnings of 41 cents per share on revenue of $8.42 billion. Analysts had projected earnings of 38 cents per share on revenue of $8.38 billion, according to Thomson Reuters consensus estimates.

United shares 5-day performance
British Prime Minister Theresa May's call for a snap election was about taking advantage of the Labour Party's weakness in the polls, former UK Treasury minister Jim O'Neill told CNBC on Tuesday.

"It's pretty opportunistic politics," O'Neill said on "Squawk on the Street." "You look at the latest opinion polls, her party, the Conservative Party, is significantly ahead of the main opposition, the Labour Party.

European equities fell broadly after May's announcement Tuesday calling for a general election on June 8. Her announcement reversed a pledge she made after coming to power in the wake of the vote to pull Britain out of the European Union.

The prime minister said her decision had been made "recently and reluctantly," but she argued that the U.K. has a "one-off opportunity" to form a unified government while the EU decides its negotiating position on Brexit.

The announcement also sent the British pound for a loop. The currency rose more than 1 percent to $1.272 after briefly falling more than 1 percent.

"We need a general election and we need one now," May said outside 10 Downing Street.

O'Neill, a Conservative Party member and a former Goldman Sachs asset management chairman, said the prime minster's choice was risky considering she had promised no such election would happen.

"But she's looking at the weakness of the Labour Party and thinking it is a low-risk strategy," he said.

CNBC's Karen Gilchrist and Fred Imbert contributed to this report.
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U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday for the latter's marginal victory in a referendum that will allow him to consolidate and extend his domestic powers. "President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to congratulate him on his recent referendum victory and to discuss the United States' action in response to the Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons on April 4," read the official White House press statement. Trump had placed the call to Erdogan despite a concomitant announcement from the U.S. State Department that it acknowledged the concerns flagged by European election monitors regarding the democratic legitimacy of the referendum, which saw a thin 51.4 percent vote in favor of the Turkish President's bid to concentrate his powers. Indeed, while the observer mission from the 47-member Council of Europe reported no evidence of actual fraud, the prominent human rights body criticized a last minute decision by authorities to permit unstamped ballots to be counted as a contradiction of electoral law and described the legal framework as inadequate. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Commissioner Federica Mogherini said they awaited the full assessment from the international monitors. "We encourage Turkey to address the Council of Europe's concerns and recommendations, including with regards to the State of Emergency. In view of the close referendum result and the far-reaching implications of the constitutional amendments, we also call on the Turkish authorities to seek the broadest possible national consensus in their implementation," the commissioners' added in a joint statement.

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel echoed a similar sentiment. "The tight referendum result shows how deeply divided Turkish society is, and that means a big responsibility for the Turkish leadership and for President Erdogan personally," said the German leaders. U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May has yet to publicly comment. Meanwhile, Turkey's Erdogan energetically criticized the electoral monitors complaining to reporters on Monday that, "the crusader mentality in the West and its servants at home have attacked us." "We neither see, hear, nor acknowledge the political reports you'll prepare. We'll continue on our path. Talk to the hand. This country has carried out the most democratic elections, not seen anywhere in the West," he continued defiantly. Trump's relatively enthusiastic support for Erdogan's victory is likely to be the result of a judgment call that the latter is here to stay and that Turkey will be a key U.S. ally in a difficult region, necessitating solid relations with the regime, according to Tim Ash, economist at BlueBay Asset Management. "I guess Trump is also mindful that Russia is circling around Turkey, and offering alternative alliances for this lynchpin NATO ally," posited Ash in an email on Tuesday morning. "The call will be greatly appreciated by Erdogan who took great exception to the (Barack) Obama administration and its failure to do enough to support him in/around last year's coup," he added.

OZAN KOSE | AFP | Getty Images
If the Wisconsin Resistance achieves what past liberal opposition movements have not, activists such as Adam Wood could be among the reasons why.

Wood, 34, is an organizer for Indivisible Madison. Its a local chapter of the national Indivisible movement, which launched after the November election as a tea party of the left.

Wood said the Madison chapter has attracted many like himself: 20- and 30-somethings with little to no political backgrounds.

Its just a lot of people that are completely new to political activism, Wood said. The November election was a tipping point that brought a lot of people out, and a lot of people in.

In the rubble of the 2016 election, one of the most dispiriting in decades for Wisconsin Democrats and liberals, newly energized activists are pushing back against Republican control of federal and state government. Many embrace the resistance label, referring to a loose national coalition that sprung up, post-election, in opposition to President Donald Trump.

Some groups are in their infancy but show early signs of momentum. In many cases, theyre more focused on electing like-minded candidates to city councils and school boards than to Congress or the White House.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin says it has gotten nearly 600 new members post-election, fueled by increases in Dane, Milwaukee, Waukesha and Outagamie counties.

A new political nonprofit, Our Wisconsin Revolution, is building what it hopes will be a permanent presence in Wisconsin on the message of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, who won the states 2016 Democratic presidential primary.

The activist groundswell has drawn comparisons to six years ago, when liberals and Democrats mobilized against Gov. Scott Walkers proposal to roll back public sector collective bargaining, what became known as Act 10.

That didnt unfold as organizers had hoped: The proposal became law and Walker survived a recall election and went on to win a second term.

For this to have a different ending, activists on the left are highlighting what they call the lessons of Act 10. Chief among them: avoid splintering, find a way to sustain the enthusiasm over time, and dont just oppose someone or something  but offer appealing alternative candidates or platforms.

For now, Indivisible Madison is not endorsing candidates for office. Wood said that could change, and he thinks the group could see candidates emerge from its ranks in 2018 and beyond.

Our Wisconsin Revolution says recruiting and electing local and state candidates will be among its chief aims.

Time will tell if these developments yield progress or more frustration for Wisconsins beleaguered Democrats. But Michael Basford, chairman of the Dane County Democrats, said a post-election bump of about 200 new members is lifting his groups spirits.

Weve had a significant youth movement, Basford said.

Election results a wake-up call

For Gina Walkington, the November election results were a wake-up call.

They spurred Walkington and three friends in the Kenosha area, all with left-of-center viewpoints, to discuss what to do next.

We were feeling like our fundamental values were in jeopardy, Walkington said.

The four womens social-media discussions blossomed into a new group, Forward Kenosha. Describing itself as nonpartisan and progressive, Forward Kenoshas Facebook group has enlisted more than 1,400 members.

The mission: spurring voter engagement in the Kenosha area and keeping an eye on Trump and the areas congressman, U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Janesville.

Forward Kenosha is having monthly in-person meetings with guest speakers, including state lawmakers. Theyre doing podcasts. They held rallies on health care, both in support of President Barack Obamas health care law and in opposition to the American Health Care Act, the failed replacement offered by Trump and Ryan.

Walkington said she did phone calls for Obamas presidential campaigns and for Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton last year. After the last election she decided to go all-in, and not just in an election year.

I never fully actually understood how making phone calls was not enough, Walkington said. Engagement needs to be all the time.

Spurring activists to near-constant involvement also is a goal of Indivisible Madison and other Indivisible chapters in Wisconsin, according to Wood.

The group is organizing town hall meetings and group visits to the offices of elected officials. On social media it sends out calls to action that include lawmakers contact information, along with short blurbs about a particular issue or bill.

Its not a script, but it says: Heres the issue and heres what were asking for, Wood said.

Trump has given us many things to sustain people

The January Womens March on Madison, which drew more than 75,000 marchers to State Street shortly after Trumps inauguration, foreshadowed the heightened interest among the partys rank and file, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chairwoman Martha Laning said.

Without a doubt, weve felt the groundswell of grassroots energy throughout the state, Laning said.

U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Black Earth, said his office received more than 7,300 constituent contacts  calls, emails and letters  about the American Health Care Act when it appeared it might receive a U.S. House vote. Virtually all opposed the measure. A typical hot topic triggers 2,000 contacts, Pocan said.

Pocan was in the state Assembly during the Act 10 protests. One of the enduring lessons he said that experience provided was the need to sustain activist enthusiasm all the way to Election Day. In the case of Act 10, more than a year passed between passage of the law and the 2012 recall election, Pocan noted.

Now Pocan predicts a different dynamic.

Donald Trump has given us many things to sustain people, Pocan said. Theres always something new to be upset with and organize around.

Not all the energy is rooted in resistance. Bernie Sanders supporters hope to convert his popularity in Wisconsin, particularly among Democrats and liberals, into a lasting political movement.

Sanders launched a national organization, Our Revolution, last year after conceding the Democratic nomination to Clinton. Wisconsin is one of seven states where theres enough interest to form a state-level chapter, said Peter Rickman, an organizer and officer for Our Wisconsin Revolution.

The group has big ambitions: develop into a political nonprofit  funded with member dues, with chapters in every corner of the state  that recruits and elects state and local candidates.

Some would run as Democrats; others, as third-party candidates. Many of the local races are nonpartisan.

Current administration has to be resisted

Wresting control of state and local Democratic parties, as Sanders enthusiasts have done elsewhere, is not the groups plan here, Rickman said.

Many of our activists call themselves Democrats. But were by no means limited to that, Rickman said.

The groups foundation is what Rickman calls the Sanders platform  changing how campaigns are financed, health care for all, reducing the cost of college, retirement security and combating income inequality and climate change.

That message has drawn more than 1,000 attendees to the groups 27 regional organizing meetings held throughout the state in recent months, Rickman said.

Political parties also are feeling the impact.

After Nov. 8, Dane County Democrats say their dues-paying membership hit near 1,300, up from about 1,100 on Election Day. Many new members are in their 20s or 30s, Basford said.

One of the biggest proportional membership increases came in deep-red Waukesha County, which saw a 40-percent post-election increase swell its ranks to more than 400 members. All figures were provided by the Democratic Party and could not be independently verified.

Alec Zimmerman, a spokesman for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, said it measures success not by party membership but by voter contacts, of which state GOP activists made 4.7 million in 2016. Electoral victories, not party membership, are what count he said.

Wisconsin Democrats can try to distract from their disarray with meaningless noise all they want, but apparently its having no impact on fielding serious candidates for state Supreme Court or governor, Zimmerman said.

But it may be having an impact elsewhere. In deep-blue Dane County, Democrats saw results in local races in the April 4 spring election. The countys Democrats endorsed a slate of local candidates who cleaned up, winning in 35 of the 38 races in which the party made an endorsement.

Still, tensions among Democrats, some of which flared during and after the presidential campaign, have not evaporated. Much of it is between those who supported Sanders and those who backed Clinton in the presidential campaign.

But many also feel the urgency of opposing total GOP control in Washington, D.C., and Madison, Basford said.

The time for squabbling is winding down, Basford said. People are coming to the understanding that the current administration has to be resisted.
From NATO to health care, President Donald Trump has evidenced he is comfortable making major policy flip-flops.

His most recent reversal came last week, when a U.S. Treasury report declined to name China as a currency manipulator despite Trump's repeated promises to formally accuse Beijing  a signature pledge during his campaign trail.

So, what could Trump backtrack on next? One analyst said he hopes it will be the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the world's largest trade deal that Trump withdrew from in January on the claim that it would hurt U.S. manufacturing.

"Whoever thought that Trump would let China, a rival, off the hook on currency? If he can do that with a country that's clearly not a friend, maybe he could reconsider reversing himself on TPP for a friend like Japan," Sean King, senior vice president of Park Strategies, told CNBC on Tuesday.

Japan was set to be a major beneficiary of TPP, particularly the country's auto sector that would have obtained cheaper access to U.S. markets. Tokyo, which has long lamented the trade pact would be "meaningless" without the U.S., has decided to forge ahead with the other remaining 10 participating nations to revive the deal but many are doubtful of whether the TPP will be a game-changer in Washington's absence.

Trump still has time to change his mind on TPP, King warned, noting that the treaty text remains valid until February 2018.

"Trump said [TPP] was a disaster, but I'm sure the other members would be willing to make concessions to get the U.S. back in, just like South Korea was willing to make concessions to Obama for his endorsement of the U.S.-Korea [free trade agreement]," King said.
U.S. President Donald Trump will push ahead with one of his major campaign pledges Tuesday when he signs an executive order that will overhaul the way foreign workers can work in high-skilled jobs in the U.S.

The order will direct federal agencies to recommend changes to the controversial H-1B temporary visa program, which has previously attracted criticism for disadvantaging American workers by replacing them with cheaper foreign workers.

However, the business community has voiced concerns that the revamp could hamper U.S. companies' ability to attract top talent and, in turn, hurt the president's pro-growth agenda.

"It's not a zero-sum game," Eamon Jubbawy , co-founder of software solution start-up Onfido, told CNBC over the phone Tuesday.

It is thought that new limits on foreign work visas could be especially painful for the technology sector, which has been a keen employer of overseas skilled workers and has spawned new start-ups in the country.

"There's no limit to the number of people who can start a start-up," said Jubbawy , arguing that the move to impose new limits on foreign visas could restrict new talent and prevent new business innovation.

H-1B visas allow 65,000 workers and another 20,000 graduate student workers to enter the U.S. each year. Under the current system, visas are awarded on a lottery basis, which critics say has led to exploitation by firms who use the program to hire lower paid employees.

The overhauls will depend on recommendations made to the president by the Departments of Labour, Justice, State and Homeland Security but it is anticipated that this could shift the system to a merit-based model. It could also result in higher application fees.

In a statement made Monday a senior administration official for the White House said that the order, which is due to be signed by the president during a visit to the headquarters of Snap-On in Kenosha, Wisconsin, will lead to a "total transformation" of the program.

"The Hire American rules that govern many of our visa and guest worker policies have gone unenforced or have been abused to the point of rendered, in some cases, even inoperative.

"80 percent (of H-1B visa-holders) receive less than the median wage, and only 10 percent receive the median wage. And so only 5 percent were categorized at the highest wage tier of the four wage tiers that are in place for the H1B guest worker visa," the spokesperson said.

However, Jubbawy argued that the figures fail to account for the number of visa-holders who go on to start their own businesses and reinvest their earnings.

"A lot of entrepreneurs take a small salary and put the rest back into their businesses. Even if only 10 percent (of start-ups) succeed it is still an overall benefit in terms of job creation and innovation."

The executive order marks President Trump's latest endeavor to enact one of his campaign policies aimed at securing jobs for American citizens.

In the past year, the number of H-1B visa applications has fallen to its lowest level since 2014, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS received 199,000 applications in the year to April 2017 versus 236,000 in the year to April 2016.

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One question loomed large Tuesday during the vice president's first diplomatic mission to Japan: Where's the beef?

Take that literally: The $60 billion U.S. beef industry was one of the most ardent backers of the now-defunct free trade agreement known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. That sweeping deal covered a dozen nations along the Pacific Rim, but the big prize for the United States was improved access to the 127 million consumers in Japan.

That is, until President Donald Trump formally withdrew from the agreement on his fourth day in office. On Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence called TPP "a thing of the past."

"The United States seeks stronger and more balanced bilateral trade relationships with every country, including Japan," Pence said. "Our goal is simple: We seek trade that is free, and we seek trade that is fair."

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross  the administration's point person on trade  joined Pence in Tokyo for bilateral trade talks with Japan's deputy prime minister and other senior officials. Pence emphasized the role of Japanese investment in the United States in creating jobs and fostering economic growth. But some tensions remain: The Treasury Department last week said it is "monitoring" Japan's currency practices amid the large trade deficit.

"I'm not sure Japan will be that interested" in a new deal, said Miriam Sapiro, who served as acting U.S. trade representative under President Barack Obama and is now a partner at PR firm Finsbury. "Some concessions that Japan made because the U.S. asked might not make sense in a bilateral agreement."
Photos released by the Navy show that an aircraft carrier group was very far away from the Korean Peninsula, where it was supposedly headed as a show of force.

As tensions mounted between the United States and North Korea, U.S. Pacific Command and members of the Trump administration said that the USS Carl Vinson would head north for the Western Pacific from Singapore, instead of Australia as previously planned.

But an image published by the Navy shows the aircraft carrier off the coast of Indonesia on Saturday, south of where the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group had departed, not north.

Later Tuesday, a representative for Pacific Command told NBC News that the ships cancelled port visits, as had been previously announced, but was also "able to complete a curtailed period of previously scheduled training with Australia in international waters off the northwest coast of Australia."
Verizon Communications announced a deal Tuesday that will further its commitments to growing its wireless broadband network nationwide, as the landscape for telecom companies only becomes more competitive and crowded.

The agreement calls for Corning , a New York-based manufacturer of materials primarily for industrial and scientific applications, to provide up to 12.4 million miles of optical fiber each year for Verizon to purchase starting in 2018 and lasting until 2020, with a minimum purchase commitment of $1.05 billion.

"This new architecture is designed to improve Verizon's 4G LTE coverage, speed the deployment of 5G, and deliver high-speed broadband to homes and businesses of all sizes," Verizon said in a statement.

Verizon launched One Fiber, what has been called a more "nontraditional Fios build" for the company, in Boston last year.

On its website, Verizon describes Fios as giving consumers "a 100 percent fiber-optic network that allows you to enjoy the internet speed you crave, the TV channels you love and a home phone that's reliable."

"Our plans [in Boston] identified a shortfall in fiber supply, and Verizon has been working with business teams to forecast demand and fill supply gaps with existing suppliers," Verizon Chief Supply Chain Officer Viju Menon said in a statement.

"Securing the required volume of optical fiber and hardware solutions with Corning will ensure we meet our planned rollout schedules."

Verizon said Tuesday it's been "reinventing" a network architecture of late  one that supports a "next-generation fiber platform" to support all of its business segments.
Pedestrians pass in front of a Verizon sign in New York City.

The CEO of Verizon , Lowell McAdam is open to discussing the possibility of merging with Disney , Comcast, or CBS, according to a report from Bloomberg.

Shares of Comcast and CBS both rose over 1 percent after the news as trading ended Tuesday. Disney shares ended the day slightly higher.

McAdam told Bloomberg at their New York office, "If Brian [Roberts] came knocking on the door, I'd have a discussion with him about it."

"Given what I know about architecture, financial requirement, cultural fit, there's never a dream deal," McAdam said.

There's an M&A arms race going on in the telecom industry. Verizon rival AT&T , which acquired DirecTV in 2015, is trying to get government approval for its $85 deal to buy Time Warner by the end of the year.

Read more on this report at Bloomberg.

(Disclosure: Comcast is the owner of NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC and CNBC.com.)

Watch: Verizon & Corning agree to deal
As difficult Brexit negotiations get underway, British Prime Minister Theresa May this morning called an early general election to be held on June 8. The pound fell initially on word May was going to make an announcement. But the currency recovered after the news. (CNBC)

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen said she would suspend all legal immigration to France. Polls suggest she's neck-and-neck with centrist Emmanuel Macron, ahead of Sunday's first round of voting. (BBC News)

Seeking to encourage hiring Americans, President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order today directing federal agencies to recommend changes to a temporary visa program used to bring foreign workers to the U.S. to fill high-skilled jobs. (Reuters)

Ahead of meetings with finance ministers and central bankers in Washington this week, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin conceded the administration's timetable for ambitious tax reforms is set to slip following setbacks in negotiations with Congress over health care. (FT)

As procrastinators rushed to file their tax returns by today, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer emphasized again that Trump had no intention of making his public, even as more than a dozen Republican lawmakers now say he should. (NY Times)

Voters in Georgia's Sixth Congressional District will have 18 candidates to choose from today when they decide who should fill the seat vacated by former Rep.Tom Price, a Republican who became Trump's health and human services secretary. (NY Times)

Vice President Mike Pence said today all options are on the table in dealing with North Korea, but that President Trump is determined to work with Japan, China and South Korea to find a peaceful solution. (Reuters)

Washington should "use every arrow" in its quiver to ensure a level commercial playing field in China, the American Chamber of Commerce in China said in its annual business climate report, warning that 2017 could be the toughest year in decades for U.S. firms there. (CNBC)

Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is launching today USAFacts, a database of government statistics structured in a similar way to the 10-Ks that public companies must file for shareholders. Here's a look at how the government compares to the largest American companies. (CNBC)

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg delivers his keynote address at the social network's annual developer conference today, against the backdrop of a police search for an accused killer who uploaded his crime to his Facebook page. (CNBC)

Meanwhile, Facebook is poised to show off how it will continue to follow the 10-year road map that Zuckerberg revealed at last year's event. Among Facebook's top priorities is augmented reality. (USA Today)

Apple is "almost certainly" exploring how to build an entire car but would likely need to partner with a manufacturer due to the complexities of making a whole vehicle, said top tech analyst turned venture capitalist Gene Munster. (CNBC)

Theranos and its founder pledged to stay out of the blood-testing business for at least two years in exchange for reduced penalties from federal health authorities, in an agreement that resolves a year-long regulatory impasse. (WSJ)

Uber said its vice president of global vehicle programs, a former Ford executive, who played a role in the ride-hailing company's self-driving car program, has left, the latest in a string of high-profile departures. (Reuters)

Tesla's Model X SUV was the overall top pick in the Automobile Association of America's 2017 Green Car Guide. AAA testers found the car to be the best choice among the 65 cars tested, including full-battery electrics, hybrids, alternative fuel-based cars and even fuel efficient internal combustion cars. (CNBC)

Meanwhile, lower gas prices have not dampened enthusiasm for electric cars, according to a new report from the Automobile Association of America. More than 30 million Americans are likely to buy an electric vehicle as their next car, and demand among millennials is especially high. (CNBC)
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President Donald Trump spoke in Wisconsin on Tuesday following a tour of tool manufacturer Snap-on's headquarters, touting a new executive order and expressing optimism about his legislative agenda.

Trump signed an executive order Tuesday pushing the hiring of domestic workers by American companies.

The measure will aim to make it more difficult for businesses to hire lower-wage foreign workers, particularly through changes to the H-1B program favored by technology companies, The New York Times reported. The order will also direct a review of government rules related to the use of American companies for federal contracts.

The visit to Snap-on comes amid Trump's continued push to prod U.S. businesses to invest more money domestically and create jobs for American workers  issues that helped propel the businessman to the White House. He has repeatedly attacked U.S. companies, particularly automakers, that produce products or components abroad. He slams trade deals that he says have led companies to abandon American workers.

The Trump administration has repeatedly trumpeted job and investment announcements by American companies, many of which predated his election.

Read more: Trump companies don't always follow his 'buy American, hire American' pledge
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British Prime Minister Theresa May "reluctantly" announced a snap general election on Tuesday, blaming divisions within Parliament over Brexit as the impetus behind her abrupt reversal of position. "I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead is to hold this election and seek your support for the decisions I must take," declared the prime minister upon revealing that the country will vote on June 8, provided a motion proposing early elections to be tabled to lawmakers Wednesday receives the necessary two-thirds majority support. May's decision represents a sharp backtrack from her position until now, which had been that holding an election before 2020 would be an unnecessary distraction from the monumental task of successfully navigating an exit for the U.K. from the European Union. "The country is coming together, but Westminster is not," she said, adding that "division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit."

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Proceed with more legitimacy? Should the Conservative party emerge victorious in June's general election, some commentators have observed that May's push towards a so-called "hard Brexit" will proceed with more legitimacy and most likely less political friction. However, this is not clear cut, says Jonathan Loynes, chief economist at Capital Economics. "For a start, May (originally a 'remainer', don't forget) has sounded fairly conciliatory on some aspects of Brexit such as immigration in the early exchanges with the EU. And if the election does trigger (Jeremy) Corbyn's replacement as Labour leader, that might lead to more effective domestic opposition to the government's Brexit vision," he said in a note to clients on Tuesday, pointing to sterling having recovered all of the losses taken on Tuesday morning prior to the announcement. George Buckley, co-head of European economics at Nomura, agreed with the potential for different implications depending on the election result. "An election which gives Mrs May a more sizable majority would reinforce her negotiating strategy and give the government a more solid mandate to deliver an agreement that it sees fit. That could mean a harder Brexit to the extent that the government believes the mantra that 'no deal is better than a bad deal'," he explained in an email to CNBC on Tuesday. "Alternatively, if the election leads to a better result for pro-European parties such as the Liberal Democrats, that could provide an important counterbalance to aggressive negotiations," Buckley added.

British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to the media outside 10 Downing Street in central London on April 18, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May called today for an early general election on June 8 in a surprise announcement as Britain prepares for delicate negotiations on leaving the European Union. DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS | AFP | Getty Images

May has been criticized in some quarters for keeping her cards close to her chest with regards to her plans for Brexit. The clearest hints about the direction that she intends to take came in a speech in mid-January and with the letter delivered to the EU to trigger the Brexit process at the end of March. On January 17, May announced a 12-point Brexit plan focused on regaining control over laws and immigration alongside confirmation that the U.K. would leave the single market and that in her view "no deal for Britain is better than a bad deal."

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The letter on March 29 repeatedly emphasized the U.K.'s wish to pursue a "deep and special partnership" with the EU, however, in acknowledging that a failure to agree a deal would mean a reversion to World Trade Organization trade terms, May's continued stance regarding her preference for "no deal" over a "bad deal" was clear. "We want a deep and special partnership between a strong and successful European Union and a United Kingdom that is free to chart its own way in the world," said May on Tuesday. "That means we will regain control of our own money, our own laws and our own borders and we will be free to strike trade deals with old friends and new partners all around the world," she added. "This is the right approach, and it is in the national interest. But the other political parties oppose it," the prime minister declared. As of April 13, May's Conservative party held a strong lead over rivals in the latest survey carried out by pollster YouGov/Times which asked the question: "If there was a general election tomorrow, which party would you vote for?". The poll showed the right-wing Conservatives with 44 percent of the vote, leading left-wing Labour on 23 percent, Liberal Democrats on 12 percent and the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) on 10 percent. TWEET

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Experts point out the North's military has other tools at its disposal to learn from its own missile tests. For one, the North's missiles use tracking radar and wireless telemetry signals to provide missile test flight information.

Indeed, the North's missile debris may provide "some value" to the North but is perhaps more helpful to the U.S. and its allies, according to Thomas Karako, a senior fellow with the International Security Program and the director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.

Many of the North Korean missile tests have fallen in the Sea of Japan, which in some places reaches a depth of more than 2 miles.

"They [North Koreans] never try to recover the debris as far as we know, which is surprising," said David Albright, president and founder of the Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington-based think tank. "They don't have many [sea recovery] capabilities and it's hard for them to outrun the South Korean navy to get to the debris."

Over the years, debris recovered at sea has revealed secrets of North Korea's missile development to the West. Yet the rogue state hasn't always been eager (or able) to retrieve those missiles for its own use.

It's possible North Korea's missile development might be even further along had the secretive state retrieved more of the missiles it tested to glean information from their physical remains.

Telemetry data comes back when the North fires missiles and they can use a "firing circuit" on a dummy nuclear warhead during a ballistic missile test to check to see if the circuits work properly as the missile comes down. Also, telemetry communication fed to the ground crew can provide information on whether the dummy warhead detonates at the desired altitude.

Nonetheless, analysts say the North's frantic missile development may have backfired on them to some extent. That's because the regime has a history of sometimes launching missiles right after a failure rather than taking a more cautious approach of spending a few months of studying what went wrong.

"Maybe Kim Jong Un is saying, 'okay boys, let's keep on going,' " said Bruce Klingner, a former CIA deputy division chief for Korea and now an Asia specialist at the Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based conservative think tank.

According to Klingner, the 33-year-old dictator's five years in power has seen him do two to three times as many missile tests as his father did in 18 years. He said rough estimates are about 25 percent of the North's budget goes to military spending.

And while North Korea's capability to recover missiles from extreme depths of the ocean is believed to be limited, Pyongyang was able to obtain missile fragments of a submarine misfire in 2015 when those pieces were spotted floating in the water, according to reports at the time.

Then again, experts believe it has sometimes been intentional for the North to attach explosives to rockets to prevent adversaries from obtaining useful intelligence information.

Even so, the South Korean navy was able to dredge up the first and second stage rockets for both the North's 2012 and February 2016 long-range missile launches. The South was able to do technical analysis and come up with range estimates and also reportedly concluded the missile could carry a 1,200-pound warhead.

The rocket recovery last year also confirmed Chinese firms have supplied parts to North Korea's rocket programs. Earlier this year, a UN Security Council report documented the China link in supplying rocket parts and noted there's still sanctions on North Korea that prohibit military hardware sales.

Chinese-made trucks were used in Saturday's military parade in Pyongyang that carried missiles, according to Reuters. There's also been instances before of Chinese vehicles being used as mobile launchers.

Karako said one of the launcher vehicles at the Pyongyang parade this weekend was similar to a launcher the Chinese are known to use for intercontinental ballistic missiles, or ICBMs.

"This is another instance of the Chinese not being as helpful as we might hope in terms of pressuring the North," said Karako. "I think our friends, the Chinese, have a long way to go. They claim to want to contain and curtail the North Korean programs but I think the actions would be nice as well as the words."

The U.S. has been alarmed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and threats from the regime to build an ICBM capable of reaching North America. The North displayed canisters for the ICBMs this weekend at the parade but Karako said it's still unclear when the regime will have a functional and operational ICBM capability.

"They've clearly expressed their intent to have that [ICBM] capability," Karako said. "They've signaled and displayed missiles already that could have that capability. They haven't yet tested it in a full ICBM test. But it's one of those things folks are anticipating because they've come a long way over the past couple of decades."

Watch: Retired Colonel says close to crisis in Korea
Videos of violent crimes such as Sunday's killing of a 74-year-old grandfather in Cleveland have no place on Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg told USA TODAY.

"We have a responsibility to continue to get better at making sure we are not a tool for spreading" video of violent acts, Zuckerberg said in an interview last week at the company's Silicon Valley headquarters, before Steve Stephens, 37, uploaded a video to Facebook with the title "Easter day slaughter." The video shows an elderly man, Robert Godwin, Sr., being shot at close range while walking home from dinner with his family.

The Facebook CEO was referring to incidents in which people commit violent crimes and post them on the giant social network and, with growing frequency, who stream them live on Facebook Live.

"Those are all against our community standards. They don't belong there," Zuckerberg told USA TODAY.

The Stephens video footage has once again raised questions about Facebook's effectiveness at moderating disturbing content. Facebook prohibits content that glorifies promotes violence, only permitting violent content that is considered to be in the public interest.

Humans and AI

The social media giant deploys teams of content moderators who are trained to remove content that violates the company's policies. It has also begun to use artificial intelligence software to detect prohibited content.

At Facebook's annual conference for software developers on Tuesday, Zuckerberg addressed Godwin's killing. "We will keep doing all we can to prevent tragedies like from happening," he said.

Facebook is within a few years of being able to reduce the amount of violent content on Facebook with the help of artificial intelligence that can detect what's happening in a video, Zuckerberg told USA TODAY last week.

More from USA Today:

Facebook takes steps to stop suicides on Live

Facebook goes all in on live video

Facebook's future will blend physical and digital worlds

"In the near term, the system we have is based on people reporting it and us going through and reviewing the reports. There are some things that I think we can speed up there. But the long-term solution is going to be having better artificial intelligence tools to give context of what's going on," Zuckerberg said. "That won't be this year, but I also don't think that's 10 years from now. I do think over a few-year period, this will get better."

In a nearly 6,000-word manifesto two months ago, Zuckerberg, said artificial intelligence was beginning to prove effective at flagging problems on Facebook, generating about one-third of all reports to the team that reviews content. It's unclear if artificial intelligence played a role in flagging the Stephens footage.

Public scrutiny of disturbing content on Facebook has surged as live streaming, both on Facebook and on Twitter's live-streaming platform Periscope, has given terrorists and criminals a powerful tool to reach a very large audience. Mental health experts warn these live streams risk desensitizing the public and encouraging copycats.

A nationwide manhunt was underway for Stephens, 37, who fatally shot himself Tuesday in Pennsylvania. Police originally said Stephens broadcast the shooting on live-streaming service Facebook Live, but in fact he posted the video footage on Facebook. Facebook eventually removed the videos and deactivated his account, but not before the video had been viewed millions of times and posted elsewhere. The victim's grandson, Ryan Godwin, begged people to stop sharing the video footage, writing on Twitter: "That is my grandfather show some respect."

Justin Osofsky, vice president of global operations and media partnerships at Facebook, said the company would review its processes to make sure "people can report videos and other material that violates our standards as easily and quickly as possible."

Osofsky said Facebook disabled Stephens' account within 23 minutes of receiving the first report about the murder video and two hours after receiving a report of any kind. "But we know we need to do better," he said in a blog post.

Tweet

Facebook opened up its Live feature to the public last year as the company pushes to be "video first." It has been coaxing its nearly 2 billion users to try out the feature, rolling out an advertising campaign and featuring live streams in users' news feeds. It also launched a new video tab and it's paying content creators tens of millions to produce live video. Facebook is reportedly considering launching TV-like programming through licensing deals with media companies.
Every so often I will grab one of my many three-ring notebooks and read again my thoughts of years past.

Our flag is something special to me. As it blew in the Korean breeze in the 50s, it provided a good deal of hope that I would see home again. Alongside of it flew the United Nations flag. They kept watch over our parade field or where we assembled when called for guard duty during night time hours. So yes, it hurts when people set fire to our flag or disrespect it in other ways.

The history of our flag goes back to June 1777. That was when our first Flag Act resolved: That the flag of the United States be made of 13 stripes, alternating red and white and that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a constellation.

Later, in 1818, it was declared that one star would be added for each new state  the stars to be added on the 4th of July following admission of individual states. The states of Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota were added as the 29th, 30th and 32nd states. Wisconsin was admitted in May 1848.

The last two stars added to our flag were Alaska and Hawaii in 1959. And yes, our flag of the United States of America is flown around the clock 24/7 at various places throughout our country, including the Washington Memorial, the White House, the Marine Corps Memorial at Arlington and at Valley Forge State Park in Pennsylvania. We here in this area know of additional sites where our flag is highlighted 24 hours each day.

Each color of our flag has stories to tell. The color white stands for liberty, courage and purity. Blue for freedom, perseverance and justice. Red speaks for itself, for the blood shed by those individuals who gave their lives for our freedom.

Ever wonder about the 21-gun salute fired in honor of our national flag? It dates back to the British Navy. It was standard to have 7 cannons aboard each ship. It was readily agreed that when the ship fired its guns, there would be a corresponding salute from the forts overlooking the harbor. They would fire 3 shots for every cannon round fired. At one time, our national salute was equal to the number of states. Fortunately, that tradition did not continue or we would be covering our ears for a 50-gun salute.

How hard it must be for family members to have had a son, daughter, uncle go off to war and never return. There are still some 10,000 soldiers unaccounted for from the Korean and Vietnam wars. The POW/MIA flag continues to wave as a reminder of our loved ones that didnt make it back home.

An ex-POW from Wisconsin, Lester Tenney, wrote a book based on his time spent in a slave labor camp in Japan. Tenney witnessed the atomic bomb blast on Nagasaki, which brought World War II to a close. Dr. Tenney offered these words: I have learned to forgive and have made peace within myself. I want those responsible for my maltreatment to accept their responsibility. You see, hating, I have found, destroys us spiritually just as the fighting destroyed us bodily.`

Consider this before today closes. Give someone one of your smiles. Say thank you to someone. Maybe, if you are a student, say it to a teacher, the custodian or a bus driver. Remember your parents, brothers and sisters. I know the phrase I love you gets tossed around quite frequently. Often, I get back Luv you too. Say it often and wait for the magic in that phrase to make for a much better day.
Is Catholic Doctrine Cold and Hostile? In new book, Father Scalia invites the culture's best thinkers to reflect on doctrine and devotion in today's world



Contact: Kevin Wandra, 404-788-1276,



SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2017 /



Scalia, a popular priest in the Washington, D.C., area and son of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, reveals a scholar's mind and pastor's heart with inspirational reflections on a wide range of Catholic teachings and practices in THAT NOTHING MAY BE LOST. He addresses deepening one's knowledge of Jesus, partaking of the life of grace through the sacraments and cultivating the art of prayer as a continuous conversation with God, among other topics. Rooted in Scripture, Scalia's insights place the reader on a path to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Christ.



Scalia opens up Catholic teaching in fresh and sometimes surprising directions that will change the way we think about our faith. He shows us that the Church's teaching is not restrictive. In fact, it's really a "saving doctrine" that brings health and peace to the soul.



Each section of the book features a moving essay by a highly regarded Catholic. Scott Hahn, Mary Ellen Bork, Raymond Arroyo and Helen M. Alvare, among others, provide their personal accounts of being Catholic, which are followed by Scalia's illuminations.



"Father Scalia has written a book that deepens our faith and leads us closer to God in a hundred different ways," the Most Rev Charles J. Chaput, archbishop of Philadelphia, says in the foreword to THAT NOTHING MAY BE LOST. "His good work and the powerful witness in his words remind us that we need each other's love and support as brothers and sisters in the Lord's work. Above all, it's proof that the bond of Christian people and their priests is the strength of the Church in a skeptical world that has never needed the Word of God more urgently."



For more information, to request a review copy or to schedule an interview with Fr. Paul Scalia, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or

Share Tweet Contact: Kevin Wandra, 404-788-1276, KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- There is a great, and rapidly growing, divide between the culture and Catholic doctrine and devotion. Even amongst many within the Church, there is a hostility toward doctrine. But doctrine helps Catholics grow deeper in their relationship with Christ, Fr. Paul D. Scalia beautifully explains in his highly anticipated debut book, THAT NOTHING MAY BE LOST: Reflections on Catholic Doctrine and Devotion.Scalia, a popular priest in the Washington, D.C., area and son of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, reveals a scholar's mind and pastor's heart with inspirational reflections on a wide range of Catholic teachings and practices in THAT NOTHING MAY BE LOST. He addresses deepening one's knowledge of Jesus, partaking of the life of grace through the sacraments and cultivating the art of prayer as a continuous conversation with God, among other topics. Rooted in Scripture, Scalia's insights place the reader on a path to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Christ.Scalia opens up Catholic teaching in fresh and sometimes surprising directions that will change the way we think about our faith. He shows us that the Church's teaching is not restrictive. In fact, it's really a "saving doctrine" that brings health and peace to the soul.Each section of the book features a moving essay by a highly regarded Catholic. Scott Hahn, Mary Ellen Bork, Raymond Arroyo and Helen M. Alvare, among others, provide their personal accounts of being Catholic, which are followed by Scalia's illuminations."Father Scalia has written a book that deepens our faith and leads us closer to God in a hundred different ways," the Most Rev Charles J. Chaput, archbishop of Philadelphia, says in the foreword to THAT NOTHING MAY BE LOST. "His good work and the powerful witness in his words remind us that we need each other's love and support as brothers and sisters in the Lord's work. Above all, it's proof that the bond of Christian people and their priests is the strength of the Church in a skeptical world that has never needed the Word of God more urgently."For more information, to request a review copy or to schedule an interview with Fr. Paul Scalia, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com ) of Carmel Communications.
'They truly believe in luck': Winning Powerball ticket worth $2.04 billion sold in LA area
President Donald Trump will sign an executive order Tuesday dubbed "Buy American, Hire American" that calls for sweeping reform of the H-1B visa process.

Its centerpiece is the replacement of the H-1B lottery with a system that distributes visas on the basis of wages, skills and education.

"We want to switch away from a random lottery system, in which it's weighted toward the lowest wage workers, towards a system that prioritizes higher skilled, higher paid workers," said a senior administration official, in a background briefing to reporters on the condition that officials not be identified.

Such an H-1B reform "would make it much more difficult to use it to replace American workers," the administration official said.

With this order Trump makes his H-1B reform effort official, but the changes that the administration wants will take time.

The White House intends to follow a two-pronged approach to H-1B reform. It will make administrative actions as it works with lawmakers on reform bills. But it's unclear how many changes it can make administratively, and how much cooperation it can expect from Congress. Many lawmakers support reform, but there are differences in approaches.

Trump has been telegraphing these visa changes for a while. He was critical of the H-1B program during his election. Disney IT workers, who had trained H-1B holding replacements, spoke at some of his rallies, and the idea that the visa program is being being abused was major theme for Trump.

"An abuse of the H-1B visa program is to bring in a worker -- not because you need their skills or talent -- but for the purpose of undercutting an American worker," said an administrative official, who cited Government Accountability Official data that found about 80% of H-1B workers are paid below median wages.

Trump is expected to sign the executive order as part of visit to Snap-On Tools in Milwaukee. The "buy American" part of the order will affect government contracting.

There are asterisks, as well as criticism, about this White House H-1B reform effort.

The White House order has no impact on the most recent visa lottery, and that means many of this year's visas will go to IT offshore outsourcing companies. That's a major sore point with critics.

"Countless thousands of American workers are likely to be training their replacements as a result of Congress and the Trump administration not taking action," said Ron Hira, an associate professor of public policy at Howard University.

The IEEE-USA had urged Trump to change the visa lottery in time for April 1, and was disappointed that he had not. The next visa lottery will be April 1, 2018 for the federal fiscal year 2019.

With this new Trump order, the administration will muster key agencies to make an administrative review and propose reforms. It will also review its legal authority to make changes. An administrative official on the briefing said they believe it's possible to improve wages administratively as well as increase some application fees.

There will be many questions. What kind of reform in wage tiers can be expected, and what academic credentials, or skills, will win favor in a new system?

The administrative official briefing reporters on the H-1B reform was asked about the Disney displacement, and whether the goal was to prevent similar instances. He said that the reforms that they have in mind "would have the effect of making that kind of displacement impossible."
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Microsoft delayed its February security update slate to finish patching critical flaws in Windows that a hacker gang tried to sell, several security experts have argued.

"Looks like Microsoft had been informed by 'someone,' and purposely delayed [February's] Patch Tuesday to successfully deliver MS17-010," tweeted Matt Suiche, founder of Dubai-based security firm Comae Technologies.

MS17-010, one of several security bulletins Microsoft issued in March, was just one of several cited Friday by the Redmond, Wash. developer when it said it had already patched most of the vulnerabilities exploited by just-leaked hacking tools.

Those tools -- 12 different Windows exploits -- had been included in a large data dump made April 14 by a hacker group dubbed Shadow Brokers, which is believed to have ties to Russia. The exploits, as well as a trove of documents, had been stolen from the National Security Agency (NSA), Shadow Brokers claimed.

In January, the gang tried to sell the exploits, but bidders failed to materialize. As it advertised its wares, Shadow Brokers posted screenshots of the tools' codenames, which matched what Microsoft said Friday it had previously patched.

The timing -- Shadow Brokers' January auction, Microsoft's MS17-010 release in March -- and the unprecedented, and still unexplained, decision by the latter to postpone all of February's security updates, brought several security professionals, including Suiche, to the same connect-the-dots conclusions.

First, someone reported the six vulnerabilities patched in MS17-010 to Microsoft. Second, Microsoft -- working frantically to fix the flaws before Shadow Brokers went public or succeeded in selling the exploits -- canceled February's updates to focus all its attention on delivering the patches in March.

"Remember how [Microsoft] had to push back February security updates to March?" asked SwiftonSecurity, the Twitter nickname for someone who claims to be a Windows system administrator for the North American subsidiary of a multinational corporation. "Was probably to make sure they fixed all the NSA exploits in one pass." A few minutes later, SwiftonSecurity added, "This is an unsourced personal guess and has no evidence. Microsoft will probably never confirm anything."

The evidence, admittedly, is circumstantial.

Shadow Brokers claimed in January that it had exploits of Windows SBM (Server Message Block), the OS's network file sharing protocol. All six vulnerabilities patched in MS17-010 were in SMB, with five rated "Critical," Microsoft's most severe ranking, and were characterized as "Remote Code Execution" flaws, meaning they could be used to run attack code on a victimized system.

"The vulnerabilities had remote code abilities," Suiche pointed out in an interview as he stressed the importance of getting patches out pronto. "And SMB ships in large portions of Windows."

According to Microsoft, the critical vulnerabilities patched by the MS17-010 update were present in Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Server 2008, Server 2008 R2, Server 2012, Server 2012 R2 and Server 2016. In other words, every supported version of the operating system.

Also noteworthy was that Microsoft did not acknowledge who or what organization reported the six vulnerabilities. Although Microsoft does omit acknowledgments -- typically because the reporting researcher has requested anonomity, or because Microsoft's own engineers uncovered the flaw -- it does so only rarely. More important, it would be very unusual for six vulnerabilities bundled into a bulletin to all come sans an acknowledgment.

Two months ago, Microsoft issued only a vague statement when it canceled February's patches, saying, "We discovered a last-minute issue that could impact some customers and was not resolved in time for our planned updates."

Nor has the company explained how it came to find the vulnerabilities it rushed to patch in MS17-010. Although Microsoft asserted that it had not been alerted by outsiders, it did not respond to questions from Computerworld, including how it learned of the bugs.

One patch expert was skeptical that Microsoft had, in fact, shoved aside February's patch set to get MS17-010 out the door.

"Microsoft's developers are so siloed," said Chris Goettl, product manager at Ivanti, formerly Shavlik, referring to how the company segregates, say, the Office team from the Windows team from the Internet Explorer team. His point: It's unreasonable to think that every engineer would be shunted to work on the SMB patches.

"That they stopped everything to put everyone on the SMB thing, that's not realistic," said Goettl, who stuck with his February bet that the patches were canceled because Microsoft had an update infrastructure meltdown.

This story, "Experts contend Microsoft canceled Feb. updates to patch NSA exploits" was originally published by Computerworld .
Christopher Howarth is a senior researcher working in the House of Commons. Prior to this he worked for Open Europe, as a Conservative Foreign Affairs Adviser and senior researcher to a Shadow Europe Minister.

MPs will be asked to vote on Wednesday to reject a Lords amendment to the Higher Education and Research Bill that says that:

no student, either undergraduate or postgraduate, who has received an offer to study at such a higher education provider, be treated for public policy purposes as a long term migrant to the United Kingdom.

This amendment attempts to exempt international students from the ONSs migration statistics, making it impossible to tell the numbers coming in (and out?), while potentially also reducing the Governments ability to decide on numbers. At best it is muddled, at worst it is disingenuous, either way it should be rejected.

So who is behind this? This amendment is, unsurprisingly, the culmination of a campaign by UK universities themselves. Now, academics are by definition experts, they may sometimes be independent, some may even say unaccountable. However, given that they make a sizeable proportion of their income derived from them, when it comes to immigration and international students they are definitely not impartial.

They are also formidable campaigners in their own cause. Their Chancellors and Principals are heavily represented in the House of Lords. Indeed, among amendment 150s supporters we see a Chancellor of Oxford and a Principal of an Oxbridge College. Many other members of the academic nobility spoke in the course of the debate.

No need to change: Temporary international students do not affect net migration figures

International students are counted into the UK and counted out if they return at the end of their studies. Therefore, if no students remained in the UK the net figure would be zero. This is, however, not the case. Statistics show the majority stay on.

Forcing the ONS not to count international students would make it impossible to understand the true extent of student/graduate immigration. If the amendment also blocks the Government from capping the number of student visas per year then we could have an increase in numbers, while refusing to allow the ONS to count it. This is not good policy and would be contrary to international best practice. It would also be inconsistent as the counting of outbound and returning UK students studying abroad would also seemingly continue distorting the statistics still further.

When does an international student migrant become a graduate migrant?

ONS statistics on students coming in and out of the UK in 2015 show that 192,000 came in and 57,000 returned. In other words 70 per cent stayed on either a temporarily or permanent basis. Those leaving in 2015 will obviously relate to previous years, but as the ONS graph below shows a large mismatch remains.

If the ONS was forced to stop counting inbound students, given the time lag, if it continued to count returnees after their courses or later there would be an artificial lowering of the statistics for several years. If their Lordships idea is to continue to count returnees but not to count arrivals then the statistics would become even more meaningless. If this is the plan of their Lordships, it is a very disingenuous one.

Should there be a limit on international students?

While universities benefit financially from international students, the Government needs to look at wider policy considerations in terms of funding of public services and immigration. The decision to allow graduates to stay on in the UK should be taken on its own merits, and not be done simply in order to allow the universities to top up their finances.

Fairness for UK students?

While UK students face strong competition for places at the best UK universities there is evidence that, incentivised by the ability to charge higher fees, universities let in non-UK students on lower grades. This would not create any unfairness if the same students accepted on different grades were not to then compete for the same graduate jobs. The evidence, however, is that they do. Competition for graduate jobs is already extreme, with research finding that nearly 60 per cent of UK graduates end up working in non-graduate jobs. We already have an oversupply of graduates. Added to this oversupply we have a potential 150,000 international students at universities and other institutions staying on and competing for the same jobs and placements.

Recent (and welcome) changes to the visa rules will in future limit international students to jobs earning over 30,000 a year. This could potentially limit competition to the top end of the graduate job market. If the Government also includes EU students in this bracket it will also improve the prospects for the 376,000 students who graduated from UK universities in 2015/16.

There is a case to be made for graduate immigration, but why limit it to foreign students at UK universities and exclude bright graduates from, say, Harvard or indeed the more than seven million graduates per year from China?

Fairness for the taxpayer?

While in the EU, the UK had to treat EU students in the same manner as it did UK students. This meant charging the same fees and providing the same loans (often unpaid). In the case of Scotland, it also meant the iniquity of EU students ending up paying less than English, Welsh or Northern Irish students. EU graduates also had the right to remain and work on graduation. Post-Brexit, the UK can devise a system that is fair to the UK taxpayer in terms of fees charged, public services and university funding.

The need for better statistics

While UK universities and their Lordly patrons would like to get rid of student immigration statistics altogether, there is in fact a dire need to improve the quality of the information the Government relies on. The current statistics rely on surveys and visa applications, which are  at best  rough estimates of the actual student numbers. They do not give a good enough picture of the number of graduates staying on in each year and do not fully account for the effect of the time lag between admission, graduation and staying on, or what type of institution  university or otherwise  they are at. This could be improved to help Parliament decide on an international student policy that is fair to both UK students and the taxpayer.

However, MPs should not allow their Lordships lobbying to force the Government to stop collecting statistics they would rather you do not see. That is a very bad precedent and should be resisted.
Voters hate elections. They tend to hate them especially if they arent necessary  which is so, strictly speaking, in this case. Theresa Mays case for seeking this contest (that it will help Britains Brexit negotiation position) is solidly formed and soundly argued. But it ducked the main point when delivering it yesterday: she wants a poll now because the chances of grinding poor old Jeremy Corbyns Labour Party into the dust have never been better.

The British people voted in a general election only two years ago. They voted in an EU referendum last summer. They have no reason to believe, at this stage, that this Parliament cant deliver Brexit. That a new one might do so better will not strike many of them as sufficient reason for a contest. So now they are being asked to trudge to the polls for a third time in three years  indeed, in some cases, for the second time in two months, since there are local and Mayoral and police commissioner elections in May.

Many will resent it. Some will show their displeasure by the most practical means possible  namely, by not voting at all. So the Prime Minister faces a problem at the outset. Hardline Remainers are likely to turn out and vote Liberal Democrat. Committed Conservatives in Labour marginals may not, since the prospect of Corbyn winning office is remote. Convinced Leave voters, particularly in Labour seats, may think job done  that last Junes referendum did the trick, and that they dont need to turn out again. Mays main problem may not be the hopeless Corbyn, or Tim Farron, or even Nicola Sturgeon, but apathy.

Against this unpromising background, the Tory campaign is bound to talk up the threat of a Corbyn-and-Sturgeon led hung Parliament. And Corbyn will take the only course that over 30 years of knee-jerk opposition-mongering has taught him to take  i.e: ranting windily about the evil Tories. Prepare, therefore, for seven long weeks of attritional campaigning. This is an unpromising background for what, once the tactical manoeuverings and party posturings are stripped away, is the most momentous election in modern times, or should be. Since Brexit is the biggest decision that the British people have made since the war, it could hardly be otherwise.

So the election that very few people want also turns out to be one that offers exciting political choice  or should do. It is a choice not so much between the parties  though the gulf between Government and Opposition is wider than at any point since the mid-1980s  as, so to speak, within them. May could respond to the unpromising background to this election by simply going negative and playing safe. Or she could follow through the logic of her complaint burning injustices, and contest the poll on a radical Tory manifesto that would start to build a country fit for Brexit. Here are seven broad ideas for reform  that favourite May/Nick Timothy/Fiona Hill word.

Economic reform

Public spending fairness across the generations . Public spending on older richer retired people has been relatively protected compared to that expended on younger poorer working ones. So end the pensions triple lock. Pare back free bus passes and the winter fuel allowance And scrap ring-fenced spending (with the exception of meeting the NATO two per cent minimum). This would open up a route to that elusive prospect of ending the structural deficit. And we dont choose to end it by these orderly means, it will eventually be ended by disorderly ones  namely, panic cuts that wreak real harm on the disabled, poor and disadvantaged.

As Mark Wallace has argued on this site , the best industrial strategy consists not of picking winner firms (or trying to), but of the grinding business of producing a better educated and trained workforce. That doesnt just consist of consolidating the Blair and Gove reforms in schools, but also of improving the quality and availability of technical education. This wont be realised without transferring resources from the bloated University sector  see Graeme Archer on the Great University Mis-Selling Scandal  to vocational education. An Industrial Strategy that shifts resources from universities to technical education.

Social reform

More homes for younger people . Alex Morton, David Camerons former housing adviser and a columnist for this site, wrote up Sajid Javids new housing push as follows: There is no point in increasing numbers in local plans if there are no new sanctions for councils that dont have a local plan, or to introduce a system to intervene to put a local plan in place. The delivery test is rather weak, and again has insufficient sanctions. Much of the White Paper is excellent and a skeleton for delivery, but it will need work to put flesh on the bones. The coming manifesto should produce those skeleton-strengthening proposals.

Tax help for families . As Nola Leach has demonstrated on ConservativeHome, scaling up the transferable allowance for married couples would be an efficient means of helping just about managing families whose incomes will be squeezed by the changes to univeral credit. The M word is a missing word from the Governments anti-poverty strategy (see David Burrowess recent article here), and Downing Street seems nervous of trying to design a families policy at all  which means, of course, that it has an undesigned one, consisting of whats left of George Osbornes regressive and inefficient childcare subsidies.

Political reform

Cut the size of the Lords by half . The Blair overhaul, Coalition changes to the Upper House, and the scale of David Camerons appointments have collectively devalued the Lords. It is too big and too Liberal Democrat  if, that is, you accept the Coalition Agreement logic of seeking to make party representation in the upper house mirror that in the lower. May should wait until after Brexit, and then (armed with a manifesto commitment) compel the Lords to find a way of slashing its numbers. And if it wont change itself, then change must be forced on it.

A voluntary cap on Tory donations . There is nothing wrong in principle with big trade unions funding Labour or rich private donors funding the Conservatives: the taxpayer shouldnt be forced to fund either instead. But the wider the sources of the Partys funding are, the more solid its financial foundations will be. May and Patrick McLoughlin should announce that they are working towards a voluntary cap on Tory donations of, say, 50,000 a throw. There has already been some diversification of fund-raising during the Cameron years, and now is the time for more.

Yes: much of this reform is very risky indeed for the kind of election that we describe. But if it cant be attempted now with a Labour leader as weak as Corbyn, then it never will.

And that seventh proposal? The same as usual. All these policies, and everything else, is subject to the requirements of Brexit.
MOOSE CREEK, Ontario  Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry (SD&G) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers are currently at the scene of a two (2) vehicle collision on Highway 138 (north of Sand Road), North Stormont Township.

Preliminary investigation has indicated that at approximately 11:30am, a passenger vehicle was travelling south on Highway 138 when, for reasons under investigation, crossed into the north lane and collided head-on with a transport truck. The adult male driver (lone occupant) of the passenger vehicle was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The truck driver (lone occupant) was not injured.

As the investigation continues, a section of Highway 138 between County Roads 43 (Monkland) and 15 (Moose Creek) is closed to traffic with indicated detours in place.

Further information will be forwarded as it becomes available.
CORNWALL, Ontario  Kevin Gent, 22 of Williamstown was arrested on April 17, 2017 and charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and mischief.

It is alleged on April 14, 2017 the man was operating a motor vehicle in a dangerous manner in the area of Tenth Street and McConnell Avenue. It is also alleged the man purposely struck another vehicle with his vehicle while at a local parking lot and threatened a male with a bat. Police were contacted and an investigation ensued. On April 17, 2017 the man was taken into custody during a traffic stop, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

CORNWALL, Ontario  David Campbell, 44, of Cornwall was arrested on April 14, 2017 and charged with possession of cocaine and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. It is alleged during an unrelated matter on January 26, 2017 the man was found to be in possession of suspected cocaine and an investigation ensued. On April 14, 2017 the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on June 6, 2017.

THREATS

CORNWALL, Ontario  Jarret Jodoin, 19, of Cornwall was arrested on April 14, 2017 and charged with threats. It is alleged on April 11, 2017 the man threatened a 15-year-old youth known to him and police were contacted to investigate. On April 14, 2017 the man attended police headquarters to deal with the matter. He was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court at a later date.

ASSAULT

CORNWALL, Ontario  A 24-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on April 14, 2017 and charged with assault. It is alleged during an argument on April 14, 2017 the man head butted his girlfriend and police were contacted to investigate. During the investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on May 16, 2017. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter.

WARRANT

CORNWALL, Ontario  Dexter Stacey, 20, of Kahnawake was arrested on April 15, 2017 on the strength of a warrant. It is alleged the man failed to attend court on April 3, 2017 for a drive disqualified charge and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On April 15, 2017 the man was stopped at the Port of Entry and police were contacted. The man was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant and held for a bail hearing.

POSSESSION OF FIREARM/ AMMUNITION CONTRARY TO ORDER, UNSAFE STORAGE OF AMMUNITION

CORNWALL, Ontario  Hunter Masson, 23, of Cornwall was arrested on April 16, 2017 and charged with being in possession of a firearm and ammunition despite being bound by a court order not to possess firearms or ammunition. He was also charged with unsafe storage of ammunition. As a result of an ongoing investigation the man was taken into custody during a traffic stop on April 16, 2017, charged accordingly and released to appear in court on May 25, 2017.

DANGEROUS OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

CORNWALL, Ontario  Luis Rodriguez, 24, of Cornwall was arrested on April 16, 2017 and charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. It is alleged on April 16, 2017 the man was operating a motor vehicle in a dangerous manner in the area of McConnell Avenue and Eleventh Street. He was taken into custody during a traffic stop, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.

ASSAULT

CORNWALL, Ontario  Robert Seguin, 42, of Cornwall was arrested on April 17, 2017 and charged with assault. It is alleged on April 17, 2017 the man punched a 59-year-old man known to him in the face and police were contacted to investigate. During the investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing.
IROQUOIS, Ontario  SD&G OPP are requesting public assistance in identifying the driver of a vehicle involved in a fail to remain collision on a property at Plaza Drive in the Village of Iroquois, South Dundas Township.

Investigation indicated that on December 15, 2016 at approximately 4:41am  a darker coloured GMC pick-up struck a yellow metal post in the parking area and left the scene (near Ross Video).

***Video footage was recovered and a still of the suspect is included on the OPP News Portal. Anyone with information is asked to call SD&G OPP at 1-888-301-1122.***
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Eminem fans have been anxiously waiting for their favorite rapper to come out with his new album. In spite of the way that there is still no confirmation from the artist, fans are assuming that his new album would be released on Apr. 9.

According to MobiPicker, fans of Eminem have been eagerly waiting for the release of the legendary rapper's new album. The reports about his new album have been making rounds ever since he confirmed that he is working on a new one. However, the "Cleaning Out My Closet" rapper has refused to confirm as to whether or not he is going to release the new album this year.

Eminem New Album Further Delayed

There is no doubt that a lot of reports and speculations about the new album of Eminem are making rounds in the internet. But, Em assured that he is working on a new one and he even released a diss track aiming the new US President, Donald Trump called "Campaign Speech," during the previous elections.

Apr. 9 Release Date Not True

The Daily Detroit mentioned about Em's post where he was in a 7-Eleven with a writing on his palm, which fans believed is a date of release of his new album. Paul Rosenberg uploaded a photo of him with Em in a 7-Eleven store. "It's been a long time... #7elevenseries," Rosenberg captioned the photo.

Social media users immediately thought that it was "April 9" written on his palm and a Twitter user was quick to comment saying, "Finally... His hand says April 9... Thanks Paul."

Despite the speculations that he was going to release his new album on Apr. 9, the new album of Eminem has only been further delayed. The "Love The Way You Lie" rapper is still reportedly holding off the details about it as well.

As of now, Eminem is yet to confirm and give more information about his upcoming and new album.

See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
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Chiropractic treatment has been long been regarded as a treatment that is not based on solid science and the therapeutic effects are not proven beyond reasonable doubt. Now a study has revealed that it is a relatively effective alternative for pain relief.

An estimated 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain so pain management is considered as one of the main concerns of the US National Institutes of Health. The study by Dr. Paul Shekelle showed that the people he surveyed with lower back pain reported having a pain rating decrease of one point after undergoing spinal manipulation for pain relief, NPR reported. The study analyzed previous publications which involved over 1,700 patients with lower back pain and rated the pain they felt in a scale of zero to ten.

Spinal manipulation involves moving joints in the spine and applying pressure on the spinal area much like what happens during chiropractic treatment, physical therapy and massages. How it relieves pain has been mostly hypothetical as it is not exactly clear how it works. Experts believe that the repositioning of the joints in the spine cause pain relief because of relaxed muscles or cause the body to restore some material between the disks of the spine.

Despite the bad press that chiropractic treatment has been getting people still go to chiropractors because one way or another they are trying out an alternative to pain medication. Even the American College of Physicians encourages people to avoid medication and seek alternative treatment that can speed up the healing process of the body.

Innovations have been made in alternative care that is non-invasive. A new procedure in chiropractic care involves lasers that instead of cutting tissue, the laser penetrates the skin and stimulates muscle tissue to initiate healing. This therapy is called "cold laser therapy" to differentiate it from surgical lasers that burn and cuts through tissue, Globe Newswire reported. The technology is now spreading steadily throughout the US and is seen as a great compliment to physical therapy.

The researchers believe that later studies can help them identify the prime candidates for alternative treatment. After all, spinal manipulation is now recommended for people who are not getting better by conventional means.

See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
Men in charge have always been confounded and terrified by vaginas. But vaginophobia isn't limited to our ancient past. The colossal failure to understand the female anatomy bleeds into many aspects of our supposedly modern world.

4 We Are Dangerously Stupid About Period Stuff

As you've probably noticed by now, close to half of the population bleeds out of their vaginas about 20 percent of the time. That's a lot of vaginal blood. While this is a necessary and regular fact of life, everything that comes out of our nether regions has something of an ick factor. Luckily, our bathrooms come well-equipped to deal with our many biohazards ... well, except the one kind that helps the human race continue to reproduce.

jarmoluk/Pixabay Keep in mind, we've had to deal with our metaphorical indoor plumbing way longer than we've had literal indoor plumbing.

Any menstruating person who's ever had a job, or even left their house, can tell you about the coy dance of slipping a tampon or pad into one's sleeve before scurrying to the restroom. In a pinch, we resort to panhandling hygiene products off of anyone who seems like they might have a uterus of childbearing age. Sometimes (rarely) there will be a vending machine, but no one gets asked to insert two quarters for a few sheets of toilet paper and some running water.

Adding insult to likely abrasion, they seem to only ever stock baroque contraptions made of equal parts asbestos and splinters. Yet your period is an equally important involuntary bodily function as defecation, and dealing with it in a civilized way is an equally important public health issue.
By Ollie BarstowFollow @OllieBarstowF1 on Twitter

Honda is angry with Fernando Alonso, there is good news for Sauber and 'Iceman' Kimi Raikkonen is feeling the heat... it's the Crash.net Debrief following the Bahrain Grand Prix

When will enough be enough for... Honda?

The Fernando Alonso-McLaren-Honda saga is one that has gripped, frustrated and amused F1 for more than two years now, but it is a story that is predominantly told from the perspective of the driver. In fairness, Alonso spent a long time in those first two seasons deflecting awkward questions from the media about the Honda power unit, the mantra of 'it will get better' keeping his spirits up even when the form slipped.

However, Alonso has well and truly detached himself from the party line this year and his rhetoric in the opening three rounds about the Honda engine has stepped up to increasingly hyperbolic levels, whether he is 'driving like an animal' or apparently losing 400m in a straight line.

Now comes paddock speculation that Alonso's 'retirement' two laps from home in the Bahrain Grand Prix was in fact him simply parking it because he didn't want to be classified last. To say Honda are unimpressed is an understatement.

Which begs the question - instead of Alonso wanting out, will Honda consider whether it needs Alonso's barrage of public shaming for another contract term? Given McLaren and Stoffel Vandoorne are prepared to defend Honda and pull in the same direction, though Alonso's opposing actions are arguably refreshing in the corporate world of modern F1, it is plunging morale to a new low.

On the weekend, Alonso basked in the glow of the getting his Indy 500 deal secured, he may want to remember it would not have been possible without Honda's input.

There have been moments in recent years where you have to wonder whether Kimi Raikkonen's heart is still in the racing based on his iconic but persistent taciturn demeanour. However, judging by his increasingly animated rants over the team radio and his slightly child-like decision to cool off his emotions following a breakdown by walking a fair distance in 40+ degree heat back to the garage, the Finn is clearly feeling the pressure.

Ferrari obviously has a quick car in the SF70H but only Sebastian Vettel has harnessed its potential in race conditions so far. Raikkonen has trotted out the 'small details' reasoning for his failure to stay on terms with the leaders, but in the heat of battle it is clear he is frustrated he isn't making the best of potentially his strongest car since 2007.

Sergio Marchionne didn't hold back in his opinion after China and with Maurizio Arrivabene taking a vow of silence as Ferrari clampdowns on its media commitments, an underwhelming Raikkonen is looking increasingly out of sync with Ferrari's newfound professionalism.

As such, the annual 'silly season' will probably revolve around Raikkonen again this year, but based on the opening three rounds it seems the likes of Romain Grosjean, Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz - amongst others - might be wise to use these next few races as their advertisement for what could well be a title-defending team in 2018...

It is fair to say Pascal Wehrlein was left rather bemused by the speculation and debate over his reasons for skipping the opening two rounds following a fitness-sapping back injury. From the suggestion Ferrari and Mercedes were battling to give their juniors seat time to his absence being an aggrieved reaction to driving a Sauber rather than a Force India or even Mercedes this season, Wehrlein faced the media with a smile and one-by-one answered each probing question thoroughly and logically.

In short, Wehrlein played it very safe - but with good reason. He explained to me that the injury had left him unable to train for weeks and the subsequent loss of fitness left him playing catch up in the gym and was affecting his concentration the car. With this in mind, had Wehrlein suffered another crash in Australia or China and done himself another major injury, the alternative of missing two races makes more sense. After all, his substitute Antonio Giovinazzi did put the Sauber in the wall twice in China, so imagine if it had been Pascal?

Better still, Wehrlein was a minor revelation on his return to action in Bahrain, defying his lack of mileage in the C36 to quickly out-perform Marcus Ericsson, reach Q2 and very nearly score a point in 11th.

Speaking of Sauber, it seems the future is looking bright for the plucky Swiss team having seemingly already agreed an engine deal for 2018 just a couple of races into the 2017 season.

Despite Sauber's assertion it 'chose' to use the year-old Ferrari power unit to allow it to develop its chassis around a proven package, most saw the step back as a way of taking two steps forward by saving money to negotiate a new deal for 2018.

It seems Sauber is likely to use either Mercedes or Honda power units next season. From a competitive point of view, a Mercedes power unit currently makes more sense than a Honda, but it would likely receive a lot more financial assistance from the Japanese firm to become an effective 'B team', especially if it can place one of its drivers - Nobuharu Matsushita - into one of the cars.

Furthermore, despite the McLaren struggles, few genuinely believe Honda will always be uncompetitive, in which case Sauber could find itself well placed to haul itself back into regular top ten competition.

At the very least, if Sauber - a team that nearly folded in 2016 - is agreeing deals months in advance, it surely says a lot about its financial security these days too.
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President Trump Set To Sign H-1B Executive Order, Tata, Infosys, Cognizant In Crosshairs

Michael Novinson

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President Donald Trump will sign an executive order Tuesday that revamps the H-1B skilled worker visa program and puts IT outsourcing giants like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and Cognizant in the crosshairs.

The random lottery H-1B system has violated the principles of the H-1B visa program by allowing employers to bring in lower-skilled workers at well below market rates to replace American workers, according to the Trump administration.

The executive order from President Trump will shift the H-1B visa program away from a lottery system weighted toward lowest wage workers to a system that prioritizes higher-skilled, higher paid workers. That shift would make it much more difficult for outsourcing giants to replace American workers, according to the Trump administration.

H-1B VISA The 25 Biggest Channel Users Of The H-1B Visa Program The use of the skilled worker visa program is dominated by a handful of outsourcing giants with ties to India.

President Trump will announce the H-1B executive order Tuesday during a visit to Kenosha, Wisc.-based tool manufacturer Snap-On Inc. Trump will also instruct federal agencies to examine their purchasing systems to more effectively favor buying American goods in federal contracts.

Some 80 percent of H-1B workers are paid less than the median wage in their fields, according to the White House, while just 5 percent of H-1B visas go to the workers in the Labor Department's highest wage tier.

"People, probably in their heads, think most H-1B visas are going to these romanticized, high-skilled firms that are pioneering the technology of the future  [and] not [to] contract workers," a senior Trump administration official said late Monday, according to a transcript of the briefing.

"Companies like Tata, Infosys, Cognizant will apply for a very large number of [H-1B] visas  by putting extra tickets in the lottery raffle," the Trump administration official said. "You have contracting firms that are not skills employers, that often times use workers for entry-level positions, and they capture the lion's share of H-1B visas."

The official told reporters that those three companies have an average wage for H-1B visas of between $60,000 and $65,000, well below the $150,000 earned by the median Silicon Valley software engineer. The remarks weren't intended to be a criticism of Tata, Infosys and Cognizant, the official said, but rather a criticism of the current the H-1B visa program.

"We're going to switch away from a random lottery system in which it's weighted toward the lowest wage workers towards a system that prioritizes higher-skilled, higher-paid workers, which would make it much more difficult to use it [the H-1B program] to replace American workers," said the official, who gave the briefing on the condition of anonymity.

Tata, Infosys and Cognizant didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. Infosys and Tata were the two biggest users of the H-1B visa program in the U.S. government's 2016 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, applying for 25,405 and 13,134 visas, respectively, and offering an average salary of $81,705 and $76,099, respectively, according to U.S. Department of Labor data compiled by Myvisajobs.com.

Cognizant, meanwhile, was the ninth biggest user of the H-1B program in 2016, applying for 5,370 visas and offering an average salary of $74,628. All told, 236,000 H-1B applications were submitted for 85,000 available slots in 2016.

The senior official said some reforms to the H-1B program can be accomplished administratively such as increasing fees for visa applications (to dissuade companies from applying for more visas than they plan to use or adjusting the wage scale to accurately reflect the prevailing wages in those fields.

The Trump administration could also adjust the lottery system to give master's degree holders a better chance of getting H-1B Visas relative to bachelor's degree holders, according to the senior official. Just 20,000 of the 85,000 H-1B visa slots are currently reserved for master's degree holders.

The Department of Justice could also take a more vigorous stance in enforcing gross and egregious violations of the H-1B program, according to the senior official. Infosys paid the U.S. government $34 million in October 2013 to settle allegations that the company was having employees with B-1 visas perform work designated for H-1B visa holders. B-1 visa holders are only allowed to visit the U.S., participate in meetings and negotiate contracts.
Networking News

Verizon Inks $1.05B Fiber Deal With Corning To Build Out Fiber Footprint, Speed 5G Deployment Plans

Gina Narcisi

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Verizon is on a mission to declare its dominance in the fiber-based networking space. The telecom giant Tuesday committed to purchasing $1.05 billion in fiber-optic cable from specialty manufacturing company Corning.

Via the terms of the new deal, Corning will provide Verizon with up to 12.4 million miles of optical fiber cable and associated hardware for three years, starting in 2018 and going through 2020. The three-year, $1.05 billion deal is a minimum purchase commitment, Verizon said in a statement.

Verizon said that it will put this fiber investment toward the expansion of its Fios platform, the carrier's fiber-based network that delivers high-speed Internet, TV, and phone services to consumers and small-business customers. The purchase will also help support Verizon's next-generation networking plans, which include an architecture that can support all the carrier's business units, improve 4G LTE coverage, and speed the deployment of 5G.

[Related: Verizon Channel Chief Schjins On Verizon Business Markets, The XO Acquisition, And Doubling Down On 'The Big Middle' ]

The Basking Ridge, N.J.-based carrier said that it identified a fiber supply shortage and has been working with its business teams to fill supply gaps with its existing suppliers and calculate future demand. The carrier said that with Corning's help, it will be able to meet its fiber rollout goals.

"Corning's unique combination of capabilities delivers solutions that provide us with performance and cost advantages as we continue to expand our network coverage and capacity," Roger Gurnani, Verizon's chief information and technology architect, said in a statement.

Verizon has been aggressively acquiring new fiber assets and building out its network. Verizon closed its $1.8 billion acquisition of XO Communications in February, which gave Verizon access to XOs robust fiber-based IP and Ethernet networks. The deal brought Verizon's fiber footprint into 45 of the 50 largest U.S. cities.

Verizon in 2016 launched One Fiber in Boston, a multi-purpose network that can deliver consumer wireline, wireless and business services that is said to be the next generation of Fios. The carrier has plans to invest $300 million over the next six years to further deploy its One Fiber infrastructure throughout Boston and replace the city's legacy copper-based network infrastructure with fiber.

News of the deal sent Corning's stock up on Tuesday morning by 2.41 percent to $27.18 per share.
Improving the security of the United States' drinking water and wastewater infrastructure has not received the attention it requires. Over the past two decades of combating home grown and international terrorism, the electricity sector has received the majority of critical media headlines; however, the water sector may be the more vulnerable.

The most prominent and likely forms of terrorist attack on the water sector include the intentional release of chemical, biological, and radiological contaminants into the water supply or wastewater systems, disruption of service from explosions, and breaches in cybersecurity. The water sector is complex, composed of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure of varying sizes and types of ownership. The sector has its own unique risks driving sector security and resilience activities, including threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences.

However, utility owners and operators have always had to respond to natural disasters and, as a result, emergency response planning is inherent to the industry to ensure continuity of operations and to sustain public health and environmental protection.

The Water and Wastewater Sector partners with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state agencies, and other federal agencies, sharing in the mission to protect public health, the environment, and security and resilience activities. Significant actions are underway to assess and reduce vulnerabilities to potential terrorist attacks, plan for and practice response to emergencies and incidents, develop new security technologies to detect and monitor contaminants, and prevent security breaches.

The water sector is vulnerable to a variety of attacks through contamination with deadly agents, physical attacks (such as the release of toxic gaseous chemicals), and cyber-attacks. If these attacks were realized, the result could be significant illness, casualties, or a denial of service that could also affect public health and preparedness.

Critical services such as firefighting or healthcare would be negatively impacted by a denial of service from the water sector, as would other dependent and interdependent sectors such as energy, transportation systems, and agriculture and food. Therefore, it is critical that the security and resilience of the nations water infrastructurecollectively known as the Water and Wastewater Sectoris enhanced.

Based off the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the EPAs Sector Specific Plan (SSP), along with known threats to the sector, a number of key concepts should be included when building a comprehensive water security program. A water utility should consider:

Conducting periodic threat and vulnerability assessments, annual security exercises, and regular updates to its response and recovery plans

Developing surveillance, monitoring, warning, and response capabilities to recognize a security event when it is actively happening

Integrating both physical and cybersecurity concepts into daily business operations to foster a culture of security

Improving the identification of potential threats with skilled physical and cybersecurity staff, armed with the knowledge to deter, detect, and delay an adversarys tactics

Identifying ways to implement key response and recovery strategies prior to a crisis

Increasing its understanding of how the sector is interdependent with other critical infrastructure sectors, especially energy and chemical

Enhancing threat communication and coordination among internal and external stakeholders by utilizing the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC) and other information sharing networks

Multiple governing authorities pertaining to the security of the water sector provide for public health, environmental protection, and security measures. Notably, the water sector is currently excluded from the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), a DHS program that regulates high-risk chemical facilities to ensure they have security measures in place to reduce the risks associated with these chemicals. Water associations have won the exclusion argument by suggesting that they are adequately covered by the rules under the Bioterrorism Act of 2002.

Currently, CFATS excludes public water systems (as defined in the Safe Drinking Water Act) and water treatment facilities (as defined in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act) from the program. This exemption has been called into question many times, even by the leadership of the US House Committee on Homeland Security.

Furthering situation-awareness capabilities through the effective sharing of critical, security-related information via the WaterISAC should continue. As the official communication mechanism for the water sector, the WaterISAC should be included to a greater extent in the planning and preparedness-related initiatives to better inform the sector about key security issues, opportunities, and information. Likewise, the WaterISAC should consider partnering with additional ISACs, such as electricity.

While there have not been any highly publicized events surrounding the contamination of water systems, it is worth investing resources and technologies to ensure the water supply stays safe. Water distribution systems are routinely monitored to ensure that drinking water meets mandated standards and that treatment processes are performing as intended. Online sensors measure water quality in real-time and have the potential to serve as an early warning for an intentional contamination event.

Unfortunately, water utilities have not been immune to ransomware and other cyber-attacks on their IT infrastructure. Utilities should continue to update security patches, encrypt sensitive data, and use firewalls between operating systems. Most importantly, utilities should keep utility Industrial Control Systems off the internet.

Owners and operators are responsible for implementing security and resilience activities at the utility level, which allows protective programs to be tailored to the geography and conditions of that locality, with a focus on critical facilities. Many water and wastewater utilities have conducted risk assessments and spent millions of dollars to reduce identified vulnerabilities and install protective measures. The development of security resources that enhance sector resilience, increase education and awareness, and build a business case for security investments today will pay dividends prior to any attack.

It can be assumed that at some point, a North American utility may suffer from a planned and coordinated attack against its water infrastructure. Have these utilities examined credible threats closely enough? Did they prepare to respond, recover, and communicate? As an industry, many will be judged and hard questions will be asked about how seriously threats were considered and what was done to mitigate future attacks. Success will be determined by how quickly the industry responds and the swiftness of system recovery.
Cuba and the Republic of Congo Determined to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Submitted by: Juana

Africa

Havana

Politics and Government

04 / 18 / 2017



The President of the Cuban National Assembly, Esteban Lazo and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, Clement Mouamba expressed on Monday in Havana the determination of strengthening commercial, economic ties and cooperation between both nations.

The Cuban Parliament President welcomed the head of the Congolese government at the Capitol building, new headquarters of the legislative branch where both sides confirmed the friendship ties that unites both nations.

Lazo explained how Cuba values the political relationship with the African country and ratified the islands will in also strengthening Parliamentary ties.

He reaffirmed that Cuba is proud of its relations with the African countries, especially Congo whose history cannot be told without mentioning the legendary guerrilla Ernesto Che Guevara who fought alongside a group of internationalists for the liberation of that nation.

On behalf of the Cuban government and people, Lazo said he was grateful for the profound manifestations of the Congolese people on occasion of the death of the leader of the Revolution Fidel Castro and also thanked the Prime Minister of Congo for paying tribute to the Commander in Chief whose ashes were laid to rest in Santiago de Cuba.

The President of the Cuban Parliament was also grateful to the African country for its unconditional support against the continued economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba for over half a century.

According to the Cuban government official, current cooperation between both countries includes the presence of close to one hundred Cuban doctors in the Republic of the Congo while over two thousand Congolese students are studying in the Caribbean island.

He added that the cooperation is also extended to agriculture, cattle and fishing; sectors that are found in the memorandum of understanding signed last August by authorities of both governments.

Mouamba expressed feeling moved after realizing that Africa has participated in the construction of todays Cuba, with an expression of solidarity that dates back to Cubas struggle for liberation.

The agenda of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo included meetings with government authorities in addition to paying tribute to Fidel at Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba, and Jose Marti at Havanas Revolution Square.

The African leader is scheduled to visit the Park of African leaders in honor to prominent African political figures.
Cuba Celebrates World Girls of Information and Communications Technology Day

Submitted by: Juana

Local

International

04 / 18 / 2017





Cuba will celebrate World Girls of Information and Communications Technology Day next April 27th which is a project supported by the members of the International Telecommunications Union (UIT).

Leticia Barreda, specialist of the Institutional Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Communications (MINCOM) said that the objective is to create a favorable world environment to the empowerment of girls and young women and a way to influence in their decision in the field of TIC.

The Working Group of the Summits of Information Societies coordinated by MINCOM proposed an extension of the national celebrations to all sectors of society with educational and recreational activities that will allow learning, playing and exchange experience on the development of the technologies in the country.

World Girls in the TIC was approved in 2010 during the UIT Conference in Guadalajara Mexico, and is celebrated since 2011 every fourth Thursday of April and is part of the promotional policies of gender equality and the empowerment of women through technology.

The International Telecommunications Union specialized organization of the UN- is made up by 193 countries and over 700 entities of the private sector and academic institutions with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland and has 12 regional offices in the world.
Followers of Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach are suspected of threatening executives at major companies so that they place ads in the paper





Yair Ettinger

Haaretz

April 18, 2017



The police Tuesday arrested 28 people from a Jerusalem-based ultra-Orthodox sect suspected of extorting major companies into advertising in their newspaper.



The police say the suspects threatened executives from both private and state-owned companies so that they would place ads in Hapeles, an ultra-Orthdodox newspaper associated with Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach.



The raid on offices in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv-suburb Bnei Brak culminated an 18-month undercover investigation, the police said.



Loyalists of Auerbach called the action "a world war against the Jerusalem sect." A spokesman for the sect called it "a dictatorial attempt of silencing reminiscent of dark regimes."



Some of the suspects will be brought before the Rishon Letzion Magistrate's Court on Tuesday to have their detentions extended.



The police also raided the homes of executives of the newspaper, arresting Editor-in-Chief Nati Grossman, his deputy Yishayahu Wein and CEO Shmulik Elyashiv.



The police said they launched the investigation after receiving dozens of complaints from executives at major companies in Israel. The suspects set up a special phone line through which they discussed which companies to harass and to what extent, the police said.



On Tuesday, Auerbach supporters gathered around the police during the raids, shouting at them and later burning trash containers, throwing objects and stones at them and trying to prevent the arrests.



Hapeles employees said the men arrested included leaders of the fight against drafting ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, men into the Israel Defense Forces. They also included organizers of recent stormy protests such as members of the sect's Committee for Saving the Torah World. Sect members also said that overnight, the military police arrested yeshiva students.



As the spokesman for Auerbach's sect put it, "Arrests of newspaper editors and writers isn't something that can be part of the public agenda. It's not democracy but a tyrannical dictatorship. The Israel Police and its emissaries don't dare arrest other newspaper editors  as extremist as their opinion is. The Jerusalem sect says that anyone who doesn't stop this madness of silencing now will feel it personally sooner or later."



The police accused the suspects of trying "to disrupt and attack rights to property and privacy through harassment and intimidation."



Two years ago, the police arrested members of the sect suspected of extorting Hapeles advertisers. Most advertisers in the ultra-Orthodox market, mainly government ministries and major corporations, have been shunning the newspaper since its fight with mainstream Haredi newspapers, mainly Yated Neeman.



Two leaders, Rabbi Aharon Leib Shteinman and Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, called on their supporters to boycott Hapeles.



The arrests two years ago led to an indictment against Avraham Traeger, suspected of running the campaign to pressure advertisers to work with Hapeles. The trial of Traeger, who was also arrested Tuesday, is still going on.



Traeger is accused of publishing names of advertisers in rival papers so that other activists linked to the Jerusalem sect would pressure them, mostly through anonymous phone calls, to advertise in Hapeles.



Members of Auerbach's sect say that since the indictment, Traeger's campaign has been advised by lawyers to avoid criminal offenses and stick with what the sect calls "a public fight."



http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.784027
17 Nisan 2017 Pazartesi, 10:30

Article 101 of our Code of Criminal Procedure sets out on whom, and when, detention orders that deprive people of their freedom may be imposed. At the investigation stage, only penal judgeships of the peace may pass detention orders. The ability of penal judgeships of the peace to pass detention orders is dependent on application by the public prosecutor for pre-trial detention. If the prosecutor does not apply for pre-trial detention, the penal judgeship of the peace may not pass a detention order of its own motion. Penal judgeships of the peace are not obliged pass a detention order just because the prosecutor seeks pre-trial detention, either. At the stage at which the trial has commenced and people appear before court, on the other hand, only the court holding the trial may pass a detention order.

The situations under which detention orders may be imposed are laid down in Article 100 of our Code of Criminal Procedure. For a detention order to be passed, it is not sufficient for there to exist concrete evidence pointing to the strong suspicion of guilt. There must also exist grounds for detention ALONG WITH concrete evidence pointing to the strong suspicion of guilt.

As to what constitute grounds for detention, these are enumerated in Article 100 of our Code of Criminal Procedure. The person must flee and hide or there must exist concrete facts that give rise to the suspicion that they will flee. If there is no CONCRETE FACT of this nature, a detention order cannot be passed.

Apart from this, if the persons conduct creates the strong suspicion that they are attempting to destroy, conceal or alter evidence or intimidate witnesses, victims or others, a detention order may be passed. As has been seen, there needs to exist, not an abstract suspicion as to intimidation, but a concrete attempt to intimidate. Also, if there exist grounds for strong suspicion that certain crimes that are enumerated in Article 100 and are known as predicate crimes have been committed, a detention order may be passed.

Along with all this, the detention order must be proportionate to the punishment or security measure that is expected to be imposed on the person, and conditional release provisions (ban on leaving the country, being in certain regions, etc.) must be inadequate.

It is one possibility that a person who has been released pending trial will be convicted at the conclusion of the trial. But, another possibility is that a person held in detention while on trial will be acquitted at the conclusion of the trial. A corollary of this possibility of acquittal is that detention is not, as is widely imagined, a punishment, but a measure and that a thorough examination must be made before a detention order is passed. However, especially the detention orders depriving people of the freedom which are passed by penal judgeships of the peace at the investigation stage and are extended following examination for thirty-day periods are frequently employed by penal judgeships of the peace as if a sentence were being executed at a stage at which it is impossible to determine whether a sentence will be handed down. It is uncertain whether the ironic proposal suggesting that prosecutors and judges need to spend at least thirty days in jail during their internship periods so that they may understand this importance of a detention order that tears people away from a free life would amuse or provoke contemplation in those who implement them, but it is a fact that detention orders that are passed contrary to the law may constitute an offence under Articles 109 and 257 of the Turkish Penal Code. Despite this, the endeavour has been made through Article 141 of our Code of Criminal Procedure to provide rectification for the injustice of a person who has been unlawfully detained. The person may seek compensation for material and non-material damages from the State. Moreover, this application does not apply solely to those who have been acquitted at the conclusion of the trial following detention. According the paragraphs (a)  (d) of the Article of our Code of Criminal Procedure, it also applies to those who are apprehended, detained or whose detention is ordered to be extended outside the conditions laid down in statutes and those who, despite being detained in accordance with statute, are not brought before a judicial organ within a reasonable time and on whom judgment is not passed within this time.

Unlawful procedures by prosecutors and judges that are in violation through error, negligence or intent of the rules governing the institution of detention constitute the offences of abuse of duty in Article 257 of the Turkish Penal Code and depriving a person of their freedom in Article 109 of the Turkish Penal Code. However, if depriving a person of their freedom is conducted systematically in line with a plan against a segment of society for political, philosophical, racial or religious motives, in this case a crime against humanity comes into play. The penalty when depriving a person of their freedom is conducted for the enumerated motives is contained in Article 77 of the Turkish Penal Code.

Article 77 included under the heading of Crimes against humanity of the Turkish Penal Code was drafted, as is stated in the justification for the article, inspired by Article 6 (c) of the Nurnberg Charter. The notion and perspective of crimes against humanity, which found inclusion for the first time in the Nurnberg Charter, was also included in Article 7/1 of the Rome Statute. The Rome statue considers imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty in violation of fundamental rules of international law to be a crime against humanity. However, the crime, just as it can be committed in time of war, can also be committed in time of peace. (*)

In order for the crime to be constituted, while according to the Rome Statute the perpetrator must act in a systematic and widespread manner, the precondition of being widespread is not imposed in the Nurnberg Charter and Article 77 of our Turkish Penal Code. According to Article 77 of the Turkish Penal Code, it is sufficient for the act to be planned and systematic.

The detentions of certain members of parliament, the detentions of certain journalists and the detentions due to the posting of certain tweets made in Turkey in recent times are candidates for examination under Article 77 of the Turkish Penal Code.

And, pursuant to paragraph four of Article 77 of the Turkish Penal Code, no limitation period applies to these crimes.

(*) It is of no significance if the perpetrator of the act is a person who is authorised to detain.
From the King of The South to Black Beatles, the University of Memphis campus has seen quite a few hip-hop artists tear up the Alumni Mall. Rich Homie Quan, Metro Boomin and Travis Porter are set to perform during this weeks Spring Fling event. They will join the nine past performers whove spit fire on campus since 2014. Through a few open records requests, we made a break down of how much these guys got paid to perform at Memphis.

How much did other schools pay?

Since 2014, the U of M has spent nearly half a million dollars to book a dozen rappers to perform on campus for homecoming and Spring Fling concerts. Compared to other school, the University of Memphis has not paid the highest prices. Here is a break down of sum of the most popular performers.

Big Sean

The University of Florida paid $120,000 for Big Sean to perform on their campus in 2017, twice as much as the U of M did in 2014. Tickets for Florida students were also not free as they were at the U of M. UF students paid between $10 to $20 per ticket, according to The Alligator, the UF student newspaper. Big Sean was nominated for a Grammy in 2013, a year before he would perform at the U of M. Big Sean got his second nomination in 2016 for best rap song, which might explain why he doubled his fee.

Ludacris

The University of Georgia paid $68,000 for Ludacris to preform on their campus in 2010 and $65,000 for his performance in 2016, according to The Red & Black. Both times were less than what the U of M paid ($70,000) for the 2015 homecoming concert. But, Ludacris 2016 Georgia concert was not free to students, and the rapper allegedly performed for only 15 minutes. The University of North Alabama spent about $88,000 for Ludacris to perform on their campus in 2014, according to The Flor-Ala.

Rich Homie Quan

Rich Homie Quan performed during a Las Vegas New Years Eve event in 2015 and was paid $90,000, according to TMZ. Although TMZ did not say where they found the information, many of the items listed in his hospitality rider can be found in Quans contract with the U of M. Rich Homie Quans asking price is about $40,000 according to Main Stage Productionss website. The U of M paid $41,000 to have him perform for the Spring Fling Saturday.

T.I.

The current asking price for the King of the South is $100,000, according to Main Stage Productions, a booking agency that caters to college campuses.

But the University of North Alabama spent only $90,000 to book rapper T.I. for their 2015 spring concert, according to student newspaper The Flor-Ala. The University of Memphis paid only $75,000 to have him perform during the 2016 homecoming concert.

Rae Sremmurd

The U of M paid $75,000 to have Rae Sremmurd perform for spring fling 2016. That's $25,000 below their current asking price (as listed on Main Stage Productions). One reason for the price jump may be the success Black Beatles which hit number one in the Billboard Hot 100. Unfortunately, U of M students did not see the song live as it was not released until September 2016.
After almost a decade of making money by milking the contacts he had made as prime minister, Tony Blair recently made a surprise comeback to domestic politics.

He has created an institute to promote his own brand of centre-ground politics, and has again become a familiar figure on the British scene.

I dare say that Mr Blair is hoping we will all forget that he led this country to war against Iraq  a calamity that is still unfolding today with the horrors of ISIS.

Tony Blair faces being taken to court in a private prosecution charging him with telling lies about Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction to take Britain into an illegal war

However, that is a mistaken hope, because the former prime minister still has hugely serious questions to answer about his personal role.

Mr Blair faces being taken to court in a private prosecution charging him with telling lies about Saddam Husseins weapons of mass destruction in order to take Britain into an illegal war.

The litigants argue that Mr Blair is guilty of the crime of aggression  or the illegal invasion of another country. This is the most serious crime anyone can commit under international law.

It was defined as such in the Nuremberg Military Tribunal into Nazi war crimes in 1946 when the chief prosecutor, Justice Robert H. Jackson, declared that the initiation of a war of aggression is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole.

Charges

The case is being brought by the former chief of staff of Saddam Husseins army, General Abdul-Wahid Shannan ar-Ribat. He is seeking a judicial review of a district judges decision last November that Blair had immunity from criminal prosecution.

Some years ago, one of our most eminent soldiers, General Sir Michael Rose, called for the impeachment of Blair

However, General ar-Ribat, who lives in exile, is by no means a vexatious litigant.

Many respected observers are convinced that he is absolutely right, and Mr Blair has serious charges to answer.

Some years ago, one of our most eminent soldiers, General Sir Michael Rose, called for the impeachment of Blair.

More recently, Hans Blix, chief weapons inspector for the UN before the Iraq invasion, told me Blair lied in order to take Britain into an illegal war.

The inspection teams advice at the time was that it was likely Saddam Hussein had terminated his WMD programme some years before.

Last years Chilcot report, while hesitating to reach a judgment, raised serious questions about Blairs conduct concerning the path to war.

Mr Blair, naturally, insists he acted in good faith based on the intelligence available to him at the time.

Notorious

Bear in mind its a fundamental principle of international law that states are prohibited from using force except in self-defence or unless its use is formally authorised by the Security Council under chapter VII of the UN Charter.

Sir John Chilcot demonstrated beyond doubt that the invasion of Iraq was not (as Blair notoriously claimed at the time) a war of self-defence against Iraqi aggression. Sir John also demonstrated that the war was not authorised by the UN Security Council.

The evidence that Tony Blair is a war criminal is therefore powerful and compelling. That being the case, the former prime minister ought to be brought to book.

That is why I am certain that General ar-Ribat is fully entitled to take legal action, and that he and Mr Blair must have their day in court.

And that is why yesterdays story in the Mail that the most senior law officer in the British Government has intervened to request that the case should not go ahead is so profoundly concerning.

Sir John Chilcot demonstrated beyond doubt that the invasion of Iraq was not a war of self-defence against Iraqi aggression. He also found the war was not authorised by the UN Security Council

Jeremy Wright QC, the Attorney General  who was appointed by David Cameron  says the case is hopeless because the crime of aggression does not exist in English law. His position has been backed by the law lords.

Yet this seems to be curiously at odds with a document written by the man who was Attorney General on the eve of the invasion of Iraq in 2003. In a famous memorandum on the legality of the invasion, Lord Goldsmith wrote: Aggression is a crime under customary international law which automatically forms part of domestic law.

To the casual observer, this new intervention to shield Mr Blair from legal scrutiny in court must seem extremely rum. It seems to hint at disturbing double standards at the heart of the British political system.

If the man in the street breaks a law, he should expect to be taken to court and, if found guilty, punished. So is there one rule for ex-premiers and their ministers, and another for the rest of us?

Jeremy Wright QC, the Attorney General, says the case is hopeless because the crime of aggression does not exist in English law. His position has been backed by the law lords

Blair lied to Parliament to make the case for an illegal war that directly led to the deaths of 179 British soldiers and indirectly to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis.

Some of the families of those British troops are seeking a civil action against Blair and other Whitehall officials for misfeasance in public office.

Barristers for the families have pored over last years Chilcot report and conclude there is a strong case that Mr Blair misled Parliament to justify the catastrophic war.

So, why has he never been held to account? And why has the Attorney General been so proactive in stopping this action by the Iraqi general against him?

Its important to remember that this is not the first time Blair has seen the shadow of the law approaching his door.

Just over ten years ago, the Metropolitan Police presented a powerful dossier to the Crown Prosecution Service that they felt proved peerages were up for sale to Labour Party donors.

That investigation, to the bafflement and fury of the police, was to go no further once it reached the CPS.

In the wake of the damning Chilcot report, David Cameron refused to admit that the war was a mistake or wrong

We also know that the British Government was complicit in torture during the Blair premiership as part of the U.S. War on Terror (though, to be scrupulously fair to Mr Blair, we cannot say for certain whether he personally licensed this). The 1988 Criminal Justice Act states that carrying out or abetting torture is punishable by jail, with the maximum of life imprisonment. So the Met had no choice but to investigate, once evidence of wrongdoing emerged.

Once again it mounted a very thorough investigation. Once again, I understand the police presented a powerful dossier to the CPS. Once again the CPS failed to bring any charges against Blair or his ministers.

Much as those were both deeply serious matters, neither compares in scale or historic importance with the Blair governments prosecution of the Iraq war.

Thus far, Mr Blair has not paid the slightest price for the disaster of Iraq, even though the Chilcot report could hardly have been clearer about the appalling lies he told about Saddam Husseins weapons of mass destruction.

What strikes me as odd is the way that two consecutive Conservative governments have failed to make Blair face sanction for his actions.

Shameful

Last year, in the wake of the damning Chilcot report, David Cameron refused to admit that the war was a mistake or wrong. Now we have the Tory Attorney General stepping in to stop a legal action against the former Labour premier.

Cynics would say its almost as though there is a club of ex-PMs whose unwritten rules dictate that no prime minister should allow any of his or her predecessors to be prosecuted or held to account for fear that the same could in due course happen to them.

Time will tell us whether Mr Blair will ever stand in court and answer questions about the Iraq war. But the evidence seems clear enough to me.

Indeed, his lies remain to this day on the parliamentary record, in defiance of the ministerial code that says ministers must correct errors at the first opportunity.

More than that, the failure to prosecute Mr Blair means that he has been free to return to British politics and make the case for the European Union and what he calls the centre ground. What a shameful state of affairs.
The story so far: Suave Detective Inspector Jim Oldman is called to an empty room. Neighbours have reported nothing amiss. Theres not even a corpse.

It's 15 minutes into the episode, and they're growing increasingly concerned.

Theres something about this room that tells me its empty, says Oldman. Theres no reply. He takes this as confirmation, and puts a call through for back-up.

Apple Banana Celery, can you read me? he says to his walkie-talkie. Hes a smoothie.

Were three episodes in, Sarge, and the plots gone missing! he reports. Were in danger of losing em!

The Armed Response Unit arrives. Six armed officers rush up the staircase, in visors, turning around 360 degrees on each stair.

Someones made off with the plot. Ive reason to believe a corrupt officer has infiltrated the anti-corruption unit.

When they get to the top, they feel dizzy, so they take a few minutes to get their bearings.

Presently, the leader of the Armed Response Unit, Inspector Gary Youngman, kicks down the door of the empty room. A.R.U.! he screams.

Very well, thank you, replies DI Oldman. And A.R.U.?

Could be worse. But I thought you said this room was empty!

Well, it was before I got here! At least I think it was. There was no one around to ask.

So how do you account for all these people in black, then? says Insp Youngman, aggressively.

Were all the other members of your unit, Sir.

So you are! You look so different with those visors on! As you were!

Meanwhile, over in the picture-postcard village of Much Askew, Detective Sergeant Cliff Hanger has been called to the corner shop run by kindly old Ted Sinister.

He sniffs around, and then blows his nose.

He scans the shelves. Rice Krispies . . . Corn Flakes . . . Coco Pops. And then a gap. Call it experience, call it sixth sense, but he knows somethings not quite right.

Theres a cereal filler on the loose, he says.

Back in the once-empty room, DI Oldman puts an urgent call through to HQ.

Hilary Quinn, how can I help you? she replies.

Xylophone Yesteryear Zygodactyl, he says. Hes at the end of his tether.

Only then does he spot a crumpled scrap of paper in the empty room. 2 + 2 = 5, it reads. Is it a clue? If so, it just doesnt add up.

Someones made off with the plot. Ive reason to believe a corrupt officer has infiltrated the anti-corruption unit.

Well get the anti-anti-corruption unit onto it, barks Hilary.

But theres something I dont quite trust about the anti-anti-corruption unit, says DI Oldman. This looks like a job for the anti-anti-anti . . . 

Ill have to interrupt you there, boss. Theres an ad break on the way, and theres nothing any of us can do to stop it.

Three minutes and 73 cut-price sofas later, PC Gonemad is faced with a simple question.

If Helen overheard what Kevin said to Jack then why the hell didnt Tony tell Mike that Jill thought that Maureen already knew that Mike had told Tony what Jack said to Kevin?

And then another simple question occurs to him.

If what Jack said to Kevin was true, then why didnt Ian tell Crystal that Katie claimed that Fred thought he saw kindly old Ted Sinister spying on Detective Sergeant Han-ger in the deserted hut behind the rubbish tip in front of the multi-storey car park?

Suddenly, there is a screech of brakes and another simple question leaps out of the car.

PC Gonemad is left with no alternative but to call Sergeant Charlie Roger of the P.O.U., or Plot Overload Unit.

Things are kicking off big-time, Sarge! he yells.

There are plots coming at us from all sides, and I dont have enough men to keep up with them!

As Sgt Roger hangs up the phone, an unknown assailant shoots him dead.

Seconds later, the unknown assailant is shot dead by an unknown assailant.

But was the first unknown assailant the same as the second? If so, it points to suicide by a person or persons unknown.

An urgent call comes through to DI Oldman.

Shocking news: a man has been spotted on CCTV footage  and he wasnt wearing a balaclava.

Refusal to wear a balaclava on CCTV in a prime-time police procedural? Weve got our man, he concludes.

Only then does he spot a crumpled scrap of paper in the empty room. 2 + 2 = 5, it reads.

Is it a clue? If so, it just doesnt add up.
She's known for her luscious plumped lips that have inspired women across the globe to change their looks.

And so it's no surprise the 'Kylie Jenner look' has fuelled a spike in interest in lip injections, with women turning to Sydney's cosmetic surgeon Naomi McCullum for the perfect pout.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the self-proclaimed 'Doll Maker' - who has been a cosmetic doctor for more than 15 years - has lifted the lid on what goes on at her skincare clinic in Paddington.

Scroll down for video

Sydney's cosmetic surgeon Naomi McCullum (pictured right with patient Rita Abdou) has lifted the lid on what goes on under the needle at her clinic in Paddington

Debbie Lentros, known on Instagram as debb.makeupienicole, shared images of her pout

Dr Naomi - who owns a skincare clinic in Paddington - there has been a spike in cosmetic procedures, including lip injections

Dr Naomi sees up to 24 patients a day for injections, and of those treatments, around 10 include lips.

Lip injections cost between $620 to $800 - depending on the product used as a filler.

'For a couple of years now the increase in patients in their early twenties has been more than significant,' Dr Naomi told Daily Mail Australia.

'These 20 somethings have many people who they are inspired by, including of course the Kardashians.

'Beauty achievers love a transformation, and Kylie definitely has had the most famous transformation.'

The renowned doctor said not only are her patients asking for the reality star's look, but she has had some rare requests, including a cartoon character's jawline.

'I've spent my whole career making people look naturally younger and more beautiful, day in day out, so of course it is much more exciting to get the more interesting requests,' Dr Naomi said.

'I've had to make an Elvis impersonator look more like Elvis. Others want to look like Barbie or Bratz.

'One of my patients wanted to look like a cartoon character. They brought in an image and asked for the character's jawline and even for their skin.

'In general, I love the more rare requests. I love our clinic and our patients, we have the ultimate patients, there is never a dull day.'

Before and after: Patient, known on Instagram as @theveganfox, shares her successful results

Dr Naomi sees up to 24 patients a day for injections, and of those treatments, 10 include lips

The Sydney make-up artist has been sharing her impressive transformation on Instagram

Patient Sibel Kanli (pictured) has undergone a lip injection and jaw slimming at the clinic

The stunning brunette has shared her impressive transformation after seeing Dr Naomi

She said one of the most common requests she has received is from patients who ask for specific areas of their lips to be filled - but this is not advisable.

'The common bad request is "don't inject the sides of the lip at all, I just want you to inject in the middle part of the lip only",' she said.

'I say to them, "so you want a beak?". They don't realise where filler needs to be injected to create a beautiful look.'

Other requests have included finger wrinkle treatments, filler in elbows, knees, ears, vulval rejuvenation and sculptra to volumise buttocks.

Dr Naomi revealed the step-by-step process of going under the needle and how she carries out the procedures.

Going under the needle: Dr Naomi said lip injections are made of a safe substance called hyaluronic acid

Quinn, known on Instagram as uniiiversal_angel, went under the needle to get the perfect lips

Before and after: Kylie Jenner previously admitted she had lip fillers since the age of 17

'When a patient attends for a lip enhancement, we take a history, including medical issues, allergies and history of prior cosmetic treatments and satisfaction with these,' Dr Naomi said of the process involved.

'Then we perform a facial assessment, and discuss it. Then we go on to talk about what the patient wishes for, aesthetically.

'Then we discuss options and make a plan. We then have the patient read through a consent form and take some photos, and after that, the patient's skin is thoroughly cleansed, after which we perform the procedure, which takes about 10 minutes.

'We can use various forms of numbing including topical anaesthetic and ice, or happy gas up to a dental block.'

Billie Sarho turned to Dr Naomi get the perfect lips - as she reveals the impressive results

Dr Naomi said lip injections are made up of a safe substance called hyaluronic acid

Model Madison Ashton (pictured) has gone under the needle to get the perfect lips

Dr Naomi said lip injections are made up of a safe substance called hyaluronic acid.

'Hylauronic acid has been used in tens of millions of procedures worldwide,' Dr Naomi explained.

'At The Manse Clinic, we use the most trusted fillers, including the Restylane, Juvederm and Teosyal ranges of hyaluronic acids.

'Of course, lip augmentation is a medical procedure and therefore carries risks, including common ones like bruising and swelling, and other more rare risks including infection.

'All dermal filler treatments should be carried out by appropriately trained and registered practitioners only.'

Dr Naomi calls herself the 'Doll Maker' because it's 'a way of saying I'm transforming people into the most beautiful version of themselves that is possible' (pictured: Suzanne Galea)

Where the magic happens: The cosmetic surgeon is based in Sydney's Paddington

Dr Naomi said she calls herself the 'Doll Maker' because it's 'just a way of saying I'm transforming people into the most beautiful version of themselves that is possible'.

'Dolls are so pretty and flawless,' she said.

'I have always enjoyed making people more beautiful and happy. Those who are devoted to enhancing the beauty of their 'dolls', e.g. hairdressers, stylists and designers, will understand.'

'One of my medical colleagues said she enjoyed following my before and afters because she loves watching transformations of the "girl-next-door into a bombshell".'
Olivia Andrews is an Aussie chef and mother to one-year-old Harriet

Olivia Andrews knows all about juggling a busy schedule with raising a child.

The Sydney-based chef is the culinary creative director at meal kit service Marley Spoon and proud mum of one-year-old Harriet, and with more than 12 years experience in the food industry she understands how to make meal time count.

Ms Andrews has worked in Gordon Ramsay's Michelin star restaurants, worked as a food economist on Masterchef and Ready Steady Cook and has even released a cook book. She shared her top tips for saving time in the kitchen with Daily Mail Australia.

'Now that we're coming into winter don't peel your veggies. Not only does this save you time and energy but there are also a tonne of extra nutrients in the skin of carrots and potatoes,' Ms Andrews said.

In a similar vein don't cut the stems off your coriander and parsley. It gives the dish extra texture and again, saves you that extra time at 5pm when you're in a rush.

If you do need to peel your veggies, like zucchini to make a healthy pasta alternative, Ms Andrews recommends the $12 Savannah peeler.

Zucchini 'pasta noodles' taste just like the carbohydrate version but are packed with more of your daily nutrients (stock image)

'This is honestly the best peeler I've ever used. I've seen people pay hundreds of dollars on spiralisers and I swear I've used them all but this one is hands down the best,' Ms Andrews revealed.

Ms Andrews gives her daughter Harriet a broad range of food options to try. She roasts cauliflower, kale and broccoli with olive oil and often slips silver beet into her meals for added nutrients. The Sydney chef even adds spices like ground ginger into her bowl.

'It's important to have her trying lots of different flavours from a young age. I'll be able to give her more once she's got some teeth but it's a start,' she said.

According to Ms Andrews rice cooker shouldn't just be used for rice either.

Ms Andrews is a fan of the one-pot-wonder and cooking most of her dishes with chicken and vegetables

'I throw some Japanese style chicken stock into the cooker with rice, a piece of chicken thigh or fish and veggies... then you can just leave it to slowly heat up. The trick is to make sure your protein is cut quit thinly so it cooks as quickly as the rice does.

'I can't tell you how good a one pot wonder is for a tired mum,' she said.

Most weekends on a Sunday the Andrews family makes it their mission to organise their meals for the week. Meal prepping is a great way to have nutritious lunches and dinners ready if life gets in the way.

'Not only is it a great way to spend time together as a family it saves you a lot of stress during the week. Cook a whole chicken and make it into portion sizes spread out over the course of five days.

'Our family doesn't eat a whole lot of meat so I'll just stir up my vegetables in one pot with some sauce and you've got yourself a meal,' she said.
It's believed to improve mental well-being, fight heart disease and even prevent dementia, but what makes the perfect cup of tea?

The astonishing health benefits are due to the bioactive compounds found in tea leaves, such as catechins, theaflavins, thearubigins and L-theanine.

While the age-old question of what makes the perfect cuppa will be forever debated, research suggests these compounds are best utilised when tea is brewed for longer.

Tea is believed to improve mental well-being, fight heart disease and even prevent dementia, but what makes the perfect cuppa? (stock image)

Tea's health benefits are due to the bioactive compounds found in tea leaves, such as catechins, theaflavins, thearubigins and L-theanine (stock image)

Boiling water for two or three minutes - as most manufacturers advise - only extracts 10 per cent of tea's beneficial properties, according to research by University of Newcastle's Quan Vuong.

When he found tea should be brewed for 20 minutes at 80C to extract all the compounds, Dr Vuong made the controversial claim that the best method is to microwave the drink for 30 seconds.

While the general consensus is that sugar shouldn't be added to a cuppa, there is less clarity as to whether adding milk impacts the health benefits of drinking tea.

Some research has suggested that milk causes problems with the absorption of tea's bioactive compounds in the body (stock image)

Some research has suggested that milk causes problems with the absorption of tea's bioactive compounds in the body.

'Milk counteracts the favourable health effects of tea on vascular function,' a 2007 study concluded.

But this is not the case, according to a Deakin University-approved 2012 study.

Boiling water for two or three minutes only extracts 10 per cent of tea's beneficial properties, researches say (stock image)

Dr Vuong, who has thoroughly researched the science behind tea brewing, made international headlines this week for his microwave solution.

Zapping your humble brew activates the bioactive compounds within the tea bag, much like boiling for 20 minutes, he claims.

The method has been tested on green and black tea but might just be useful for all types.

Dr Vuong also recommends drinking three cups a day to see any real benefits from the release of compounds.
Rihanna recently rocked one of her original creations while sunbathing during a trip to Mexico.

And now Pirra Allerton is watching her swimwear label become a celebrity favourite just two years after it first launched in Miami.

The Sydney-based designer had originally sent the sporty orange and black bikini to Rhianna as a thank you for being her source of inspiration.

'My previous collection was inspired by her look and attitude,' Pirra, 29, told Daily Mail Australia.

Pirra Allerton, 29, is watching her swimwear label become a celebrity favourite just two years after she first launched it in Miami

Rihanna was sporting the $90 Minnie Fixed Tri top (right) and the $75 Seamless Brazilian Copper bottom from her 2016-2017 Rebel line

'I really like that she can mix tough and feminine aesthetics and that's kind of my vibe as well, and just the way she uses fashion to express herself.'

Pirra couldn't believe it when she saw Rihanna sporting one of her suits as the pop star lounged about in Puerto Vallarta on a trip she gifted to her management team.

The fashion icon was snapped by paparazzi last week as she lounged by the pool and sipped from a chilled glass of wine.

'It was amazing to see my idol wearing my pieces,' Pirra said. 'I really admire her creativity and she's a real inspiration for me.'

Pirra had always known she wanted to design swimwear after a childhood by the Port Macquarie beaches, where she basically 'lived in her bikini'.

'I quickly found a need for swimwear that I could surf and be active in, but was still fashionable and looked good,' she said.

Pirra couldn't believe it when she saw Rihanna (pictured on a previous vacation) sporting one of her suits as the pop star lounged about in Puerto Vallarta on a trip she gifted to her team

Professional surfer Holly Coffee has also been snapped rocking Pirra's sporty designs

Pirra went on to study fashion design at the University of Technology, Sydney and picked up tips and tricks as she worked with a number of major labels.

All that education led up to Allerton, a brand that embodied the fashionable and functional swimwear that Pirra had always wanted growing up.

Pirra makes every pattern of Allerton's suits, ensuring each piece is practical while still maintaining an edge fit for the runway.

And it's no surprise that Rihanna has taken to Pirra's style, as the songstress perfectly fits what the designer calls the 'Allerton woman'.

'I've got an aspirational muse,' Pirra said. 'She's strong, sexy, healthy, and independent.'

Pirra had always known she wanted to design swimwear after a childhood by the Port Macquarie beaches, where she basically 'lived in her bikini'

Pirra's label has since been released into the UK market, where it is stocked at upscale department store House of Fraser, as well as boutiques across the globe

'I design with that in mind and I want to promote and encourage those characteristics.'

Pirra also wants to make sure her suits celebrate curves and that they hug each woman's body in a way that actually suits them.

'A lot of my pieces have adjustable backs and sides to really fit the woman, rather than having the woman fit the pieces,' she said.

'I think it's really important, especially in the moment, to send a positive message.'

Pirra has seen a huge amount of interest in her brand since she launched it at Miami Swim Week in 2015.

The label has since been released into the UK market, where it is stocked at department store House of Fraser, as well as boutiques across the globe.

Allerton was featured on America's Next Top Model, and has since been rocked by the likes of Victoria Secret's Angel Cindy Bruna and surfer Holly Coffee.
In yesteryear, a marriage proposal was a quiet, private affair between two people - a ring presented at sunset or a knee dropped at dinner perhaps.

No more. In 2017, proposals are bigger and more extravagant than ever, with everything from fireworks to Michelin-starred dinners being employed to ensure your loved one has the perfect experience.

Christian Zaya, 28, from Sydney, proposed to his now-fiancee, Natalie, last June, in a lavish affair which incorporated a yacht, a fairy-lit dinner cooked by a private chef and a fireworks display... to the tune of a humongous AUD $14,000, excluding the ring.

Christian Zaya, 28, from Sydney, proposed to his now-fiancee, Natalie, last June (both pictured), in a lavish affair which cost AUD $14,000

The lavish proposal incorporated incorporated a yacht, a fairy-lit dinner cooked by a private chef and a fireworks display (pictured)

'You only propose once in your lifetime,' Mr Zaya told Daily Mail Australia of his desire to put on such a spectacle (both pictured) - 'I knew I wanted it to be an event'

'You only propose once in your lifetime,' Mr Zaya told Daily Mail Australia of his desire to put on such a spectacle.

'I knew I wanted it to be an event.'

Mr Zaya met Natalie while their pair were studying pharmacy at the University of Sydney in 2008.

'We had tutorials and lectures together and soon became firm friends,' Mr Zaya said.

'I fell in love with Natalie almost instantly after we started going out a couple of years after sharing the classes. We had similar morals and interests. As soon as we started dating and going for dinner, I knew I wanted to marry her.'

Mr Zaya met Natalie while their pair were studying pharmacy at the University of Sydney in 2008 - and he soon knew he wanted to marry her (pictured: the proposal)

'While I hadn't put much thought into proposing before, I knew I wanted fireworks and a private boat. But I also wanted a sentimental approach,' Mr Zaya told FEMAIL (pictured: the yacht)

'As soon as we started dating and going for dinner, I knew I wanted to marry her,' Mr Zaya said of Natalie (pictured)

However, Mr Zaya didn't just want a regular run-of-the-mill-type proposal.

'When you fall in love with someone, I think you want to do something spectacular,' he said.

And so, in June 2016, while he was driving through Sydney and caught a glimpse of the Vivid lights festival, he decided he wanted to propose during the fortnight the festival takes place.

When you fall in love with someone, I think you want to do something spectacular

'I hadn't put much thought into proposing before, but I knew I wanted fireworks and a private boat. But I also wanted a sentimental approach.

'This was handy because I knew I could use pictures of Natalie I'd amassed over the six years we were dating.'

Mr Zaya explained that every time he and Natalie went out for dinner over the past six years, he would ask her to make the initial letter of the place with her hands.

'I only did two or three a year to spell out "will you marry me?" so it took a while, but I didn't want her to get suspicious,' he said.

The 28-year-old from Sydney also enlisted the help of a proposal planner, My Proposal Co , to ensure that all of the various elements he wanted involved went to plan

He organised the fireworks, as well as a message that read 'Will you marry me' (pictured) - he did this via photos of Natalie from their dinners together

'I only did two or three a year to spell out "will you marry me?" so it took a while, but I didn't want her to get suspicious,' he said (pictured: Natalie's engagement ring)

The 28-year-old from Sydney also enlisted the help of a proposal planner, My Proposal Co, to ensure that all of the various elements he wanted involved went to plan.

'I ordered the fireworks and did the planning, but My Proposal Co helped hugely,' he said.

'There was a time sheet with music cues, and playlists organised for before, during and after dinner. Nothing was left unplanned.'

The $14,000 proposal panned out by picking up Mr Zaya and Natalie on a yacht with a private chef on-board.

The couple then enjoyed a delicious dinner to a playlist, before Mr Zaya presented his girlfriend with four envelopes.

'In the fourth envelope was the "will you marry me" sign,' he recalled.

'As soon as she opened it, Bruno Mars's "Marry Me" song came on. Everything was timed to perfection.'

The proposal panned out by picking up Mr Zaya and Natalie on a yacht with a private chef on-board (pictured)

The couple then enjoyed a delicious dinner to a playlist, before Mr Zaya presented his girlfriend with four envelopes (pictured: Christian Zaya and Natalie)

'As soon as Natalie opened the fourth envelope, Bruno Mars's "Marry Me" song came on. Everything was timed to perfection,' Mr Zaya explained

Mr Zaya said the reaction of his now fiancee was 'priceless'.

'She was crying tears of happiness. I had gone above and beyond what she ever expected,' he said.

And of course, she said 'yes'.

As for the upcoming wedding later this year, Mr Zaya said 'watch this space'.

'350 invites have been sent out, it's going to be good,' he added.
A sex worker has revealed that she plans to continue her job throughout her pregnancy in a candid blog post.

Summer Sebastian, 30, works at the Moonlite Bunny Ranch in Nevada where men can pay for sexual services.

Summer, who is now entering her second trimester, has revealed that she will continue to work throughout her pregnancy to fund her medical school fees.

She is expecting her first child with her partner - who at 70 is 40 years her senior - and says she hopes her decision to work will make a 'statement'.

However experts have warned Summer's decision could risk her health and that of her unborn baby.

Sleeping with multiple men when pregnant can make sex difficult and Summer is increasing her risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease which could be extremely dangerous for her unborn child.

Summer Sebastian has revealed that she will continue to work in a brothel throughout her pregnancy in a candid blog

However he sex worker appears unconcerned and instead has even admitted that she hopes to fulfill some of her client's pregnancy fantasies.

Writing in her blog on the Moonlite website, Summer said: 'I loved working here before, with my average sex drive, and I am lovin it even more now that I have all of these hormones pumping!'

Summer is expecting her first child with her partner who is 40 years her senior and says she hopes her decision to work will make a 'statement'. Pictured: Summer's ultrasound

Summer, pictured in April, says that she hopes that by continuing to work while expecting she will pave the way for other sex workers

Summer, who has four years left to finish her master's degree in forensic pathology, said that she hopes her decision will pave the way for future expectant sex workers.

She continued: 'I want to make a statement that supports the right of a woman to chooseto work as a prostitute while pregnant.

'And, if I can make it any easier for the next working girl to make the choice to work while expecting, then more power to her.'

Since sharing her story on her blog Summer says that she has been approached by men with pregnancy fantasies

Summer uses her sex work to pay for her masters degree where she is studying forensic pathology

Since sharing her post, in which she suggested she would like to 'accommodate' pregnancy fantasies, she has been inundated with emails from readers.

Speaking to Cosmopolitan she said: 'A lot of emails from people that are either into the pregnancy itself, or the lactation part of it.

'Im very surprised, actually, how many people contacting me [are] interested sexually in that.'
Peru Two drugs mule Michaella McCollum seems to be enjoying her extended holiday on the party island of Ibiza  where she was hired for a doomed 1.5million cocaine smuggling plot.

The 24-year-old hit headlines when she was jailed in Peru in 2013 for attempting to smuggle 1.5 million of cocaine out of the country to Spain with Melissa Reid.

But Michaella, from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, appears to have put her troubles firmly behind her as she paraded along the beach in a tiny bikini, sipping cocktails and laughing with her female friend.

Peru Two drug mule Michaella McCollum showcased her toned bikini body as she sipped cocktails and frolicked in the sea on her lengthy Ibiza holiday after being freed from jail

The 24-year-old wore a pink and black printed bikini as she splashed around in the sea with her friend on her extended holiday

Michaella, who has been holidaying on the island for two weeks now, appeared in high spirits as she laughed and joked with her friend and a male cocktail server on the sun-drenched beach.

Donning a revealing bikini, the former prisoner appeared to be making the most of her downtime.

Earlier this week, she was pictured in a figure-hugging white dress as she hit the town with her friend.

The woman, who was freed from jail, was served a cocktail by a swimming trunk-donning waiter on the beach

The blonde, who had a full face of makeup, enjoyed her downtime as she held a cocktail whilst walking through the sea

Michaella, who has been holidaying on the island for two weeks now, appeared in high spirits as she laughed and joked with her friend

Michealla McCollum beamed as she spent Easter on the beach in Ibiza with friends

The toned blonde laughed and joke with a pal after being served a cocktail by a waiter in a novelty outfit

It was certainly thirsty work for the blonde and her pal as they shared a cocktail in the sea

The duo seemed grateful of the tipple and were seen high fiving their waiter

The 24-year-old seems to have put troubles behind her after release from prison

Michaella, from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, appears to have put her troubles firmly behind her as she paraded along the beach in a tiny bikini

Michaella has returned to Ibiza - where she was hired for the botched cocaine smuggle - for a holiday for the first time since 2013

Miss McCollum has certainly caught a few rays during her jaunt abroad and showcased a deep tan on the beach

The blonde didn't seem to have a care in the world as she enjoyed her trip

The women were seen chatting to another man on the beach, who was serving drinks

The blonde ran her hands through her long locks as she cooled down in the sea

Earlier this week, she was pictured in a figure-hugging white dress as she hit the town with her friend

Michaella and Reid agreed to try and bring in the drugs at the beginning of August 2013. She had only just arrived on the island two months before to work as a dancer in a bar

McCollum and Reid (not pictured) - dubbed the 'Peru Two'  were each sentenced to six years and eight months in jail

Unphased, Michaella returned to the party island with an unknown pal this month

Donning a revealing bikini, the former prisoner appeared to be making the most of her downtime

The friends showed off their pert posteriors as they strutted their stuff on the beach

The pair, who initially protested their innocence, were found in possession of 11kg of cocaine hidden

Michaella and Reid agreed to try and bring in the drugs at the beginning of August 2013. She had only just arrived on the island two months before to work as a dancer in a bar.

McCollum and Reid - dubbed the 'Peru Two'  were each sentenced to six years and eight months in jail after admitting to trying to smuggle cocaine out of the country.

The pair, who initially protested their innocence, were found in possession of 11kg of cocaine hidden inside food packets in their luggage as they prepared to board a flight from Lima to Madrid.

McCollum was released on parole in March 2016 after serving less than half of her sentence but was initially required to stay in Peru, where she carried out voluntary work.

McCollum was released on parole in March 2016 after serving less than half of her sentence

She was initially required to stay in Peru, where she carried out voluntary work

The young woman displayed her toned stomach as she posed in the sea

Michaella's latest Spanish adventure is a far cry from that of 2013

The pals laughed and joked with a male waiter as they enjoyed their holiday
She was reportedly excluded from the guest list for Pippa's wedding due to a 'no ring, no bring' rule - eliminating other halves who aren't engaged or married to their partners.

But now it's been reported that Meghan Markle, 35, will be attending the big day on Prince Harry's arm after all, although there is something of a caveat.

A source told People magazine that the Suits star is now due to attend the reception after the wedding, but is not invited to the ceremony at St. Marks church in Englefield, Berkshire.

And etiquette expert Myka Meier told the magazine that Meghan's evening invite is more likely down to timing than the fact she and Prince Harry aren't engaged or married.

'I would not be surprised if Prince Harry was not given a plus one, as the wedding guest list would have most likely been made in fall of last year when Prince Harrys relationship with Meghan was not as public,' she explained.

Pippa Middleton has reportedly extended an invitation to Prince Harry's girlfriend to attend the evening do following her wedding on 20 May

Meghan, 35, has requested time off from filming so she's free to accompany Prince Harry on Pippa's big day, but she won't be joining him for the full event

Confirmation that Meghan will indeed be jetting in for the nuptials appeared to be strengthened when it was revealed yesterday that the star has requested a break from filming Suits at the same time as Pippa's big day.

The 35-year-old actress is said to have asked for a week's holiday in May, leaving her free to join Prince Harry to celebrate Pippa and James Matthews.

According to Hello!, the US actress wants to take a week off between May 15 and 22, allowing her time to travel to the UK for the wedding.

Last month, Ms Markle joined Harry at his best friend Tom Inskip's wedding to Lara Hughes-Young in Jamaica.

Prince Harry is on the guest list for Pippa's nuptials and will no doubt be delighted to have his girlfriend join him later in the day

Kensington Palace did not comment on whether Ms Markle would be attending the wedding with Harry.

Pippa first came to public attention when she wore a bottom-hugging bridesmaid's dress at her sister's marriage to Prince William in 2011.

But she is said to have wanted a smaller, more intimate 'family' affair for her own wedding to her hedge fund manager partner.

Despite Ms Markle dating her future brother-in-law, Pippa is apparently adamant that the relationship is still too new for her to be a guest at the wedding.

Pippa and her financier beau James Matthews will marry on May 20 with Prince George and Princess Charlotte as pageboy and bridesmaid

Pippa and James will tie the knot on Saturday May 20 at the 12th-century St Marks Church in Berkshire, six miles from Bucklebury where Pippa grew up.

Prince George, three, will be a page boy and Princess Charlotte, who will have just turned two, is due to be a flower girl.

James asked Pippa to marry him last summer and proposed with a dazzling diamond ring worth an estimated 200,000.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are to make an early summer visit to Canada, Kensington Palace has announced.

The royal couple will make the trip across the Atlantic on June 29th as the country marks 150 years of the Canadian Confederation.

Clarence House said Charles and Camilla would carry out engagements in Ontario, Nunavut and Canada's Capital Region before leaving jetting out of the country on July 1st.

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Back to see Mr Trudeau! Charles and Camilla will return to Canada in June, Kensington Palace has announced

The royal couple last visited the country back in May 2014; Charles made his first official visit to the country in 1970

This time, Charles and Camilla will head to the indigenous regions in northern Canada along with a stay in Ottawa and the Capital Region. Pictured: Charles with the Queen and Justin Trudeau in 2015 during a meeting in Malta

It is Charles's 18th visit to Canada and Camilla's fourth; the Prince made his first official tour of the country as a young royal back in 1970.

Together, the royals last visited in May 2014, travelling to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Manitoba.

Canadian Governor General David Johnston said: 'We are pleased they are joining in the sesquicentennial festivities, and look forward to Canadians having the opportunity to showcase the very best that our country has to offer.'

The country is a favourite with the Windsors. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, on an official tour of Canada last year after famously honeymooning there following their wedding in 2011.

William said at the time: 'We feel very lucky to have been able to introduce George and Charlotte to Canada. This country will play a big part in the lives of our children and we have created such happy memories for our family during this visit.'

But while they may have won new legions of fans during their first trip as a couple, Prince Charles was not best pleased with their efforts, according to Sally Bedell Smith's biography of the future king.

According to the writer, the Prince thought the trip featured too many 'tasteless' photo ops, and he 'wasn't pleased with the camera-friendly couple'.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge charmed Canada when they visited just two months after their wedding in 2011, but Prince Charles was 'irked' by their 'tasteless' photo opportunities, according to a new biography

And he was 'more than a little irked' at the pair treating their overseas trip too much like a personal holiday.

Kevin S. MacLeod, Canadian Secretary to the Queen, organised the visit and allowed the couple to make their itinerary a lot less formal than many previous royal tours.

They travelled with a small entourage and made a visit to Prince Edward Island at Kate's specific request - apparently mindful of the fact that Charles and Diana's 1983 Canada tour was based entirely around the Prince's interests and none of his wife's.

The Canada tour saw the couple pose up a storm in cowboy hats when they were given the honour of pressing the button to launch the legendary Calgary Stampede.

But Kate later made headlines for the wrong reasons as her feather-light Jenny Packham yellow frock was blown up by a gust of wind.
She is known and loved for her sartorial flair - and Queen Letizia stepped out in one of her most fashion-forward looks yet on Tuesday.

The 44-year-old looked younger than ever as she took to the stage at the 'Gran Angular' and 'El Barco De Vapor' literature awards at Casa de Correos in Madrid.

The petite royal highlighted her trim legs in flared black trousers, which she teamed with an of-the-minute white bardot top.

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Queen Letizia defied her years as she took to the stage in a trendy outfit at literature awards in Madrid on Tuesday

The mother-of-two wore her hair in voluminous curls and showed off fresh blonde highlights at the event.

The royal was on hand to present awards to the best authors in the country and, as well as making a speech, she mingled with authors, publishers and guests alike.

Letizia is one of the hardest-working royals in the world and isn't shy about carrying out royal duties without the help of her husband, King Felipe.

Earlier today, the Queen's new waxwork was unveiled at a museum in Madrid.

She was immortalised as a waxwork figure after marrying King Felipe VI of Spain in 2004.

But Queen Letizia's likeness has now been changed twice to reflect her appearance since she married into the Spanish monarchy 13 years ago.

The mother-of-two wore her hair in voluminous curls and showed off fresh blonde highlights at the event

The royal was on hand to present awards to the best authors in the country and took to the stage to make a speech

The Queen dished out awards to authors and kissed each recipient on the cheek

The 44-year-old looked younger than ever as she took to the stage at the 'Gran Angular' and 'El Barco De Vapor' literature awards

The mother-of-two wore oversized diamond hoops and wore her hair in curls for the event. She showcased her sartorial prowess in a Bardot top

The petite royal highlighted her trim legs in flared black trousers, which she teamed with an of-the-minute white bardot top

President of the Congress Ana Pastor (L) and Queen Letizia of Spain (R) attended the 'Gran Angular' and 'El Barco De Vapor' literature awards

Letizia looked confident as she arrived at the event - and after working as a news reporter for years, it's little surprise she had no qualms making a speech

The Queen beamed as she applauded recipients of the literature awards

The first figure of the queen consort went on display at the Museo de Cera (Museum of Wax) in Madrid just before she married the then Prince of Asturias.

A second version was sculpted in 2008 to reflect the change after the mother-of-two underwent a nose job and this week the museum unveiled a third - and insiders say it's already dividing opinion.

And on Sunday, the Spanish Royal Family kept up their tradition of spending the Easter holiday on the island of Mallorca.

King Felipe, Queen Letizia and their daughters, Princess Sofia and Princess Leonor, made for the picture-perfect family as they arrived at Palma cathedral on the Balearic isle along with Queen Sofia.

Queen Letizia, 44, looked casually chic in blue leather trousers, a white blouse and blue coat, whilst her daughters looked adorable in blue and red coats with coordinating shoes.

King Felipe, Queen Letizia and their daughters Princess Sofia and Princess Leonor made for the picture-perfect family as they arrived at Palma cathedral on the Balearic isle along with Queen Sofia on Easter Sunday

Queen Sofia, 78, was resplendent in a pink suit and King Felipe looked dapper in a smart suit and yellow tie as the cheery family posed for photos.

It is the first time that Princess Leonor, 11, and Princess Sofia, nine, have been spotted at a public engagement for several months; they are on the island for the family's annual holiday at the Marivent Palace royal holiday residence.

Hundreds of well-wishers were keen to catch a glimpse of the young princesses as they clambered over each other to snap a photo of the young royals on their camera phones.

The young royals smiled for the cameras as they posed with their mother and grandmother, whilst King Felipe waved to the wellwishers
The unicorn coffee trend has reached peak saturation.

With cafes across the country turning out unicorn-themed lattes, Starbucks has decided to throw its hat in the ring with its own magical drink, the Unicorn Frappuccino.

But like the mystical creature, the drink is quite elusive  and will only be available in stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico through the end of the weekend.

An a straw for a horn! Starbucks has debuted a new Unicorn Frappuccino

Blink and you'll miss it: It is only available through the end of the weekend in stores in the US, Canada, and Mexico

Magic in every sip: It's a mix of mango syrup and sour blue powder

The new Frappuccino officially hits stores Wednesday, April 19, and will only be around through Sunday, April 23.

Photos have been popping up on social media all week, posted by giddy baristas who laid eyes on the new ingredients and were too excited to keep the secret.

Official pictures show a blended pink drink with a squiggled blue line running through. It's topped with whipped cream, which is sprinkled with pink and blue powder.

Color-changing: Swirling the drink - or mixing it - blends the pink and blue into a purple drink

Fairy dust: The whipped cream is sprinkled with pink and blue powder

Starbucks says the specialty item is a mix of mango syrup and 'pleasantly sour' blue drizzle.

But there's more than just the colorful combination to make the drink magical. In a press release, the brand explains that swirling the drink changes its color to purple, and the flavor evolves from sweet and fruity to tangy and tart.

Unsurprisingly, news of the new offering and spun social media into a tizzy, with unicorn lovers hotly anticipating the pretty Frappuccino.

So pumped! Social media users are very excited about the new item

Baristas' worse nightmare: Several are ready to line up when the drink comes out on Wednesday

Drink up fast! The news broke to great excitement and anticipation

Here to stay: Starbucks also officially added the Pink Drink to its menu after it became popular last summer

'Starbucks is releasing a new Unicorn Frappuccino and my life is now complete,' wrote one, adding a unicorn emoji.

'This drink is basically pure sugar... and it's so pretty!' wrote another.

'Omg, THE UNICORN FRAPPUCCINO from Starbucks,' added one more.

'I'm in unicorn heaven.'

And while Starbucks has said that the drink will only remain on the menu for a limited period, there is a slim chance that it could make a more permanent return in the future.

Recently, the coffee chain officially added the viral 'Pink Drink' - a popular item from its 'secret menu' - to its official beverage line-up.

The blend of passion fruit, coconut milk, and strawberries was a hugely popular item last summer, thanks in large part to its picture-perfect appearance, which made it a hit with social media lovers the world over.
Eye drops don't just relieve dry and itchy eyes, they could also cure your jet lag.

A new study has found that retina cells could be key to controlling your internal body clock.

Researchers have found that these cells sending signals to a region of the brain which regulates our daily (circadian) rhythm.

They hope this will open avenues for therapeutic treatments to restore biological clocks in people who have jet lag through traveling or working night shifts.

A study from the University of Edinburgh has found a new group of cells in the retina that directly affect the biological clock by sending signals to a region of the brain which regulates our circadian rhythm. This could lead to treatments like eye drops which alter the signaling

Biological clocks are synchronized to light-dark changes and regulate multiple physiological processes including patterns of body temperature, brain activity and hormone production.

Disruption of this can lead to health problems, such as gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders, depression and an increased risk of cancer.

But researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland have discovered a group of cells in the eye that directly communicate with the brain, affecting your biological clock.

WHAT ARE CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS? Circadian rhythms are physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. They respond primarily to light and darkness in an organism's environment. They are found in most living things, including animals, plants and many tiny microbes. Circadian rhythms are driven by our biological clocks. They are produced by natural factors within the body, but are also affected by signals from the environment. Light is the main cue influencing circadian rhythms, turning genes on or off that control an organism's internal clocks. When there is less light, the brain makes more melatonin to make you drowsy but more light means you are more awake. Circadian rhythms can influence sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, body temperature and other important bodily functions. They have been linked to various sleep disorders, such as insomnia. Abnormal circadian rhythms have also been associated with obesity, diabetes, depression, bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Advertisement

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) - also known as the body's 'master clock' - is a region of the brain which coordinates the circadian rhythm using many different signaling molecules including vasopressin (a hormone produced by nerve cells).

The retina sends a signal to the SCN when there are environmental light changes, but it was previously unclear how this process took place.

Research showed that the retina has its own population of vasopressin cells, which directly communicate these light changes to the SCN and are involved with regulating the circadian rhythm.

To test their theory, scientists interfered with the signaling of light information sent to the SCN in rats.

Using a series of physiological tests, they showed that the vasopressin cells in the retina are directly involved in regulating circadian rhythms.

'Our exciting results show a potentially new pharmacological route to manipulate our internal biological clocks,' said lead investigator Mike Ludwig, Professor of Neurophysiology at The University of Edinburgh.

'Studies in the future which alter vasopressin signaling through the eye could lead to developing eye drops to get rid of jet lag, but we are still a long way off from this.'

The research comes two months after a study from Stanford University Medical Center in California found that timed flashes of light during sleep may be the best way to combat jet lag.

Researchers said that exposing volunteers to short 'camera flashes' of light as they slept reset their body clocks.

They concluded that using the flash therapy the night before making a long trip could help a traveler quickly adjust to a new time zone.
Over 800 women are suing the NHS and device manufacturers after being left in permanent pain thanks to their vaginal mesh implants.

Certain implants have cut into women's vaginas, causing discomfort so severe that one sufferer was nearly driven to suicide.

Others have been left unable to walk, work or have sex.

The implants are intended to treat incontinence after childbirth and pelvic organ prolapse, which occurs when the bladder pushes against the vagina's walls.

Between April 2007 and March 2015, over 92,000 women had vaginal mesh implants fitted in England. Of which, around one in 11 have experienced problems, according to NHS data from the Hospital Episodes Statistics.

Over 800 women in the UK are suing the NHS due to the agonising pain caused by their vaginal mesh implants, fitted to treat incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse after birth

The protruding implants have also injured women's partners during sex.

Claire Cooper first experienced pain three years after her implant was fitted, the BBC reported.

Doctors diagnosed the source of discomfort as her womb, which was removed when she was 39.

When the pain continued, a GP even accused her of imagining it.

Claire Cooper planned to commit suicide after a GP suggested she was imagining the pain

WHAT ARE VAGINAL MESH IMPLANTS? The devices repair damaged or weakened tissue in the vagina wall. Some women report severe and constant abdominal and vaginal pain following the surgery. Despite criticism, the procedure is still performed if a woman's incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse is severe. Women should be made aware of the potential risks of the implants and agree to proceed regardless. Advertisement

Ms Cooper's pain was so severe she even planned to commit suicide, but chose to live for the sake of her children.

Her constant pain has forced her husband to become her carer.

She said: 'We haven't had sex for four-and-a-half years. This stuff breaks up marriages.

'I wouldn't at all be surprised if there are mesh-injured women that have taken their own lives and didn't know what the problem was.

'I want the procedure banned, I want the material banned.'

Kate Langley has been admitted to hospital 53 times to try and relieve the pain.

Yet, the mesh is too close to her nerve to be completely removed, leaving her with nerve damage.

Ms Langley was forced to give up her childminder business because the pain left her unable to look after the children.

Consultant urogynaecologist Dr Sohier Elneil has treated patients who have been immobilised by the pain.

Kate Langley has been admitted to hospital 53 times for the pain and is unable to work

She said: 'They become so incapacitated that many of them are either walking by crutches or sitting in wheelchairs and, perhaps more dramatically so, they become unable to look after their families.'

Many of the women fitted with the device claim they were never told of its potential dangers.

Around 100 types of vaginal mesh implants are available in the UK.

No model has been withdrawn to date.

Consultant urogynaecologist Dr Sohier Elneil says she treats women suffering such severe pain that they are confined to a wheelchair and unable to look after their families

The implants are made of a type of plastic commonly used in packaging and are manufactured by many different companies, including Johnson & Johnson.

A leaked email from Johnson & Johnson suggests it was aware of problems with one of its implants back in 2004.

The email said the company needed to start a 'major damage control offensive' because 'the competition will have a field day'.

The manufacturer claims highlighting this email in isolation is 'extremely misleading'.

The vaginal mesh implants have cut into some women's vaginas, causing severe discomfort

According to Carl Heneghan, professor of evidence based medicine, University of Oxford, manufacturers are simply required to demonstrate their implant is similar to an existing one on the market before it is made available on the NHS.

Yet, the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency maintains vaginal mesh implants are safe and effective for the majority of women.

The meshes are prescribed on the NHS throughout the UK, although a recent Scottish review said they should not be routinely used for pelvic organ prolapse.

Professor Carl Heneghan claims manufacturers are simply required to show their vaginal mesh implants are similar to those on the market before they get made widely available on the NHS

If the women are successful in their legal case, the NHS compensation payout could be tens of millions of pounds.

Thousands of women have successfully sued manufacturers in the US, receiving payouts that total several billion dollars.

Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary, Ethicon, said it was 'vigorously defending litigation,' claiming it acted appropriately in the development of these devices, which have helped millions of women.
Customers have slammed the decision to slash sugar levels in Lucozade in response to the Government's crackdown on obesity.

Disappointed shoppers have even likened the energy drink's new recipe to that of bleach - describing it as 'rotten' and 'horrific'.

Others, more jokingly, have said that manufacturer Lucozade Ribena Suntory's (LRS) sugar reduction feels like a 'personal attack'.

Despite the 'game-changing' move being announced in November, many have been left completely unaware as to the change in formula earlier this month.

Experts remain adamant that reducing sugar levels in soft drinks to the desired amount by 2020 will naturally affect the taste.

While diabetics who rely on the popular beverage to prevent fatal complications from their condition have also been affected.

LRS said all of its brands will contain less than 4.5g of sugar per 100ml by 2018 and will be replaced with low calorie sweeteners.

At the time it also said all packaging will be changed to ensure the nutritional information can clearly be seen on the front.

Disappointed shoppers have even likened the energy drink's new recipe to that of bleach - describing it as 'rotten' and 'horrific'

The move means none of the brands will fall into the sugar tax category, which is set to come into effect in 2018.

Having taken to Twitter, one angry shopper said that it was a 'real shame' that the orange-flavoured version now tastes 'completely different'.

While Benito_SK13 was unaware they had changed the recipe, asking what had happened to make it taste off.

Christopher Snowdon, of the Institute of Economic Affairs, told The Times: 'Some of these companies will have to do a U-turn and accept that customers would rather pay the sugar tax than drink an inferior product.'

A spokeswoman for LRS said: We're sorry to hear that some customers have tasted a change in Lucozade.

'We conducted extensive research with a large representation of our consumers who told us that the new recipe was still the brand they loved to drink - and the majority couldn't identify a difference.

'We think our drinks developments team has done a brilliant job to remove 50 per cent of the sugar while keeping the great taste, but we will be sure to pass this feedback onto them.'

One angry Twitter user said that it was a 'real shame' that the orange-flavoured version now tastes 'completely different'

While Benito_SK13 was unaware they had changed the recipe, asking what had happened to make it taste off

Sufferers of low blood sugar spells have long been advised to consume a small amount to stop them from developing hypoglycemia - the medical term for low blood sugar.

This can lead to a diabetic coma, which left untreated, can be fatal.

This could leave those who are unaware at risk of death if they don't check its nutritional label before consumption, experts warn.

Patients experiencing a dizzy spell are advised to drink 20g of sugar to restore their blood levels. This used to be the equivalent of 100ml of Lucozade Energy Original.

The new recipe with its slashed sugar content of 8.9g per 100ml will mean patients need to consume double that amount to fluctuate their levels.

Another Twitter user, Jordan Nohar, said: 'Big bottles of Orange Lucozade are rotten now'

Talia Stewart, who has been an avid fan of Lucozade since she was a child, said the change in recipe was a 'personal attack'

But for a period of time, there will be both old and new stock of Lucozade on sale, so patients will need to check the label before they buy.

Most people display symptoms of hypoglycemic condition before they fall, allowing them to boost their levels.

But others are unaware and get no warning signs, according to The Diabetes Times.

Professor Alan Sinclair, an expert in diabetes in older people at Aston University, previously said: The decision to lower the amount of sugar in Lucozade is seen as a positive attempt by the drinks industry to lower obesity and diabetes risk.

'But it may be a worrying development for those people with diabetes who employ Lucozade to rapidly treat hypoglycaemic episodes that often arise as an unwanted side-effect of their diabetes treatment.

HOW DOES DRINKING LUCOZADE WORK FOR DIABETICS? To treat a hypoglycaemic episode - a period of dangerously low blood sugar, diabetics need to consume between 15 and 20g of sugar. Sufferers can tell they are experiencing the potentially deadly condition when they suddenly feel tired, have difficulty concentrating or feel dizzy. Experts recommend glucose tablets as they enter the bloodstream and restore blood sugar levels the fastest. In terms of judging how much glucose a diabetic takes, they are the easiest form to monitor. The same amount can also be found in sugary drinks, such as 100ml of the old recipe for Lucozade Energy Original. Diabetics will have to consume double the amount to get the same sugar from the new recipe drink. Despite being a little bit harder to judge on their sugar quantity, they are a good emergency option. Source: Diabetes.co.uk Advertisement

This could leave diabetic patients unaware of the changes at risk of death if they don't check its nutritional label before consumption, experts warn

'For many people with diabetes particularly those with memory difficulties or who are frail, using the previous volumes of the drink to treat their 'hypos' may lead to under-treatment of the episode which can have serious consequences such as a seizure.

This reduction of the sugar content of Lucozade may lead to confusion about what is now necessary to adequately treat a hypoglycaemic episode using this drink Professor Alan Sinclair, of Aston University

'This reduction of the sugar content of Lucozade may lead to confusion about what is now necessary to adequately treat a hypoglycaemic episode using this drink.

'Perhaps this was too hastily implemented before there had been more thought, planning, and consideration of the impact of this change?'

A spokesperson for LRS previously said: 'We strongly recommend that consumers check the back of the pack to find out the nutritional information.

'The decision to halve the sugar in our drinks is in response to the growing demand from consumers who now want healthier drinks.'

It added that diabetes organisations throughout the UK and Ireland and hospital trusts had been informed of the changes.
These shocking pictures show an enormous tumour growing out the side of a Thai woman's face.

Kanya Petchnoom, 48, will go blind without treatment in the near future as the lump continues to grow, local doctors claim.

But she has been left unable to work, and therefore afford any such help, since she was diagnosed with a form of cancer in her nasal passage earlier this year.

To add to her misery, her husband, who she lives with in a remote part of the country, is also unable to work.

Kanya Petchnoom, 48, will go blind without treatment in the near future as the lump continues to grow, local doctors claim

She said: 'Of course I was very shocked at the news and now the cancer has spread and devoured the whole of my palate.

'I am so worried as my husband suffers from neuralgia and cant work so our situation is desperate.'

It is believed that the woman suffers from a form of nasopharyngeal cancer, affecting the pharynx.

According to the NHS, only about 240 people are diagnosed with this form of the disease each year.

But she has been left unable to work, and therefore afford any such help, since she was diagnosed with a form of cancer in her nasal passage earlier this year

Her ordeal was made public by a Buddhist monk who is known in his homeland for his kind deeds towards the poor.

Of course I was very shocked at the news and now the cancer has spread and devoured the whole of my palate. Kanya Petchnoom, 48

Monk Bhin hopes that strangers will donate money to try and make her family's situation more bearable on a day-to-day basis.

This comes after MailOnline told the story of a man plagued with a 10kg tumour that is bigger than his head in February.

Watchara Nadee, also known as Kru Lek, from Thailand, discovered that he had cancer in his shoulder last year.

Monk Bhin made the man's ordeal public in an attempt to raise money for treatment, as he became concerned his medical insurance would be insufficient.
A carcinogenic chemical could be hiding in your shampoo.

The toxic substance - 1,4-dioxane - is used in a number of bath products including most pharmacy-stocked shower gels, lotions and even hand soaps.

Despite being identified as a carcinogen, companies are not required to list it on their product labels.

Now, two US Senators are making a big push and calling for the toxin to be banned.

Chemical 1,4-dioxane - linked to causing cancer in the nose, liver and breast - is found in a number of bath products including shampoos, lotions and soaps. New York Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are calling on the FDA to ban it

Chemical 1,4-dioxane is a clear liquid that easily dissolves in water. It is used primarily as a solvent in the manufacturing of chemicals and as a laboratory reagent (a substance used to cause a chemical reaction).

The toxin is generated through a process called ethoxylation, in which ethylene oxide - a known breast carcinogen - is added to other chemicals to make them less harsh.

While the FDA encourages manufacturers to remove 1,4-dioxane, it is not required by federal law.

THREE MORE TOXIC CHEMICALS FOUND IN BEAUTY PRODUCTS 1. Oxybenzone (benzophenone) USED IN: Sunscreens, lip balms, products with SPF This chemical may mimic hormones, cause endometriosis and can pose a risk to reproductive systems. 2. Toluene USED IN: nail varnish and remover This volatile petrochemical solvent and paint thinner is also used in nail products. It is neurotoxic and an irritant that can impair breathing and cause nausea. Human epidemiological studies and animal studies have linked this ingredient with toxicity to the immune system and certain cancers. 3. Phenoxyethanol USED IN: Perfume, makeup, hand sanitizer, deodorant, toothpaste, baby wipes, sunscreen, lotion It has been linked to skin irritation and eczema and can even affect central nervous system function. It has been shown to cause bladder damage in animal studies. Advertisement

Although there are a limited number of studies, research has shown that laboratory rats that breathed vapors of 1,4-dioxane during most of their lives developed cancer inside the nose and abdominal cavity.

Additionally, laboratory rats and mice that drank water containing 1,4-dioxane during most of their lives developed liver cancer.

Because of this, the US Department of Health and Human Services considers 1,4-dioxane to be a human carcinogen.

The Environmental Working Group counts at least 8,000 products on the market in the US with ingredients that may contain 1,4-dioxane.

Although the chemical is not intentionally added to the majority of bath products, it may occur as an unintentional byproduct in some of the ingredients used.

A 2008 survey found that the chemical was in 46 percent of personal care products that were tested.

A number of companies have agreed to stop using 1,4-dioxane including Johnson & Johnson, which reformulated its baby bath products in 2014.

Now, New York senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are calling on the FDA to ban it, saying it doesn't have a real purpose in cosmetics.

'The fact that 1,4-dioxane, a potentially dangerous chemical, is hiding out in everyday products expected to make us clean is very disturbing, and to make matters worse, likely carcinogens like this one can be even more harmful to kids,' Schumer said in a statement.

The senators have also proposed in the new state budget that water providers test regularly for it and two other contaminants found in wells on Long Island or elsewhere in New York, possibly the first such state law in the nation.
Puerto Rico has been accused of hiding the number of Zika-infected babies born on the island in a desperate bid to prevent a dip in tourism.

According to official data, just 16 Zika-infected children have been delivered since the mosquito-born illness swept the Americas last year.

However, more than 3,300 pregnant women contracted the virus in 2016.

Given the high risk of birth defects, the official figure is improbable at best. There were 63 Zika births in mainland America out of 1,300 Zika-infected pregnant women.

And now, a former US health official has said what so many others were thinking.

In an anonymous interview with Stat News, the official said it seems Puerto Rico is covering up the true scale of the outbreak in a desperate bid to save their tourism industry, which is the island's primary source of revenue.

'Puerto Rico's not escaping this. They're just hiding,' the official said.

Puerto Rico's data says just 16 babies were born with Zika last year. Officials say that, given 3,300 pregnant women had the virus, that is unlikely (file image of a baby with microcephaly)

HOW ZIKA INFECTS A FETUS BREAKING DOWN DEFENSES The two Zika proteins smack a 'gatekeeper' cell on the brain until it is disoriented. Eventually that gatekeeper can no longer protect the brain's signaling region to let it develop. GAINING ENTRY Once Zika has infected the cell it destabilizes the brain's bacteria-killed network called autophagy. Normally autophagy digests and kills pathogens. But when Zika (or related flaviviruses like dengue and hepatitis C) infects the cell, that network is manipulated into helping the virus to spread. WEAKENING CELLS INSIDE Zika is so hyperactive, using all the energy of the autophagy to proliferate, that the other cells do not have scope to flourish. The cells are left with metabolic deficits. It means they do not have the chance to differentiate and mature into neurons and other brain cell types. THE RESULT By hijacking fetal neural stem cells, Zika caused the size of brains to half. Advertisement

'They're kind of in denial about what the problem is. And in six months, a year, two years from now, there will be all these babies who aren't learning and all these problems that will come to light.'

The discrepancies in data-gathering started last year, when the CDC stopped reporting the island's Zika rates.

Officials questioned on the subject said the US territory had started using different 'methods' to measure diagnoses.

In a cryptic analysis of the situation, the CDC's birth defect chief Dr Margaret Hoenin told Stat: 'We have an ongoing collaboration with Puerto Rico department of health.

'And we have ongoing discussions about working to align our case definitions. But at this time we're not fully aligned.'

Zika can cause brain defects such as microcephaly, an irreversible condition in which the child's brain and skull are unusually small and misshapen.

But even though some babies are born without any outward signs of defects, they may go on to show developmental delays, so researchers cautioned that their estimates may be lower than reality.

Since Zika erupted on a large scale in mid-2015, more than 1.5 million people have been infected, mostly in Brazil and other countries in South America. Some 70 countries have been impacted.

Zika may lead to an itchy rash but often causes no symptoms.

Its effects on the fetus were particularly acute when the virus attacked a woman in the first trimester of pregnancy.

According to a recent CDC study, released earlier this month, about 15 percent of women infected in their first trimester had babies with Zika-related birth defects.

Most of the cases involved women who acquired the virus while traveling outside the country.

Local cases of Zika have been reported in Florida and Texas, and the virus can also be transmitted through sex.

'Zika continues to be a threat to pregnant women across the US,' said CDC Acting Director Anne Schuchat.

'With warm weather and a new mosquito season approaching, prevention is crucial to protect the health of mothers and babies.'

The CDC continues to track pregnant women who may be infected with Zika, and the current count is about 1,600, she said.

Experts urge pregnant women to consider avoiding travel to places where Zika is spreading, to use condoms or practice abstinence with partners who have been in areas of active Zika transmission, and take steps to prevent mosquito bites.

'All pregnant women should be educated about how to avoid Zika virus exposure during prenatal visits,' said James Ducey, director of maternal-fetal medicine at Staten Island University Hospital.

The World Health Organization declared a global health emergency in February last year due to Zika, and declared it over in mid-November.

The WHO has said no vaccine is likely to be available until 2020.

'Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this infection,' said Michael Grosso, chief medical officer at Northwell Health's Huntington Hospital in New York.

'We should hope that efforts at a vaccine will be successful so that parents and children are spared the neurologic and other disabilities associated with this virus.'
What will you do if your organisation picks your opponent for promotion, while denying it to you? Well, if you go by Bihar BJP leader Sushil Modi's example, you may choose to draw a bigger line and make everyone notice you.

For months - since the BJP lost the Bihar assembly polls in November 2015 - saffron party senior Sushil Modi has largely been seen as ignored by the BJP's national leadership.

He was denied the Rajya Sabha berth in 2016, which could have moved him to the Union Cabinet, adding deserving inches to his stature.

The other Modi: Sushil Modi, former deputy CM of Bahir, has long been shunned by the BJP

Instead, the BJP picked Modi's bete-noire Gopal Narayan Singh for the Upper House, a move that surprised even Modi baiters. Also, Modi was apparently not consulted when the BJP picked Nityanand Rai as party state president in December last year.

As expected, many Modi supporters were musing from the list of party office-bearers Rai picked for Bihar last month.

Sushil Modi was conspicuously absent from the UP elections, with the BJP apparently choosing not to utilise his services there, although other state BJP leaders like Nand Kishore Yadav, Mangal Pandey and Nityanand Rai were invited to campaign in the state.

All this contributed to build an impression about the marginalisation of Sushil Modi in Bihar.

But he has clearly bounced back in the last fortnight with his well-researched findings and targeted allegations against RJD boss Lalu Prasad and his family.

So indisputable has been Modi's findings that Lalu had no option but to accept his family's ownership over the land on which a mall - billed as Bihar's biggest - is coming up in Patna, though he has insisted there was nothing illegal about it.

Lalu Prasad's family own land on which Bihar's biggest mall is being built and Modi has linked them to its construction

Sushil Modi has successfully linked Lalu's family to the mall being constructed near Saguna Mor, which according to him was being built for Rs 500 crore on a plot of land worth Rs 100 crore.

It took a few days for Lalu, but he finally had to admit that Rabri Devi, Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav were partners in the company (Lara Projects LLP, which owns the land).

Sushil stood somewhat vindicated, as there was no mention of Lara Projects LLP in the election affidavits and assets declarations by Tej Pratap and Tejashwi on either the Election Commission or state cabinet secretariat websites.

Sushil Modi's list of allegations against Lalu Prasad's family has continued, with the BJP Legislature Party leader dropping a bomb almost every week.

Though it may not succeed in creating a split in the Bihar Grand Alliance government, Sushil Modi's success stems from the fact that the BJP appears to have bounced back to relevance in Bihar, and even his political opponents are now taking the party seriously.

Nitish Kumar, formerly a minister in the Union Government of India, has served as chief minister of Bihar since 2015

More importantly, the RJD's alliance partners - Congress and JD(U) - have opted not to jump to Lalu's defence in the wake of Sushil Modi's questions.

If chinks are now visible in the Grand Alliance, which hitherto appeared rock-solid in Bihar, both electorally and politically, the credit rests with Sushil Modi and his meticulous research.

On the other hand, the high-flying Union Ministers - who keep travelling to Bihar and make perfunctory allegations against the Nitish government - have failed to earn brownie points against the ruling Grand Alliance in the state.

Fighting alone - and with his back to the wall - is not unusual for Sushil Modi. He has been the unremitting leader of the Opposition for eight years during the Lalu-Rabri regime when most of NDA leaders preferred the comforts of national politics in Delhi.

Again, as a suave deputy CM in the Nitish government for eight years, Sushil Modi was largely credited for prudent fiscal management that contributed to Bihar's turnaround.

During the undivided NDA days, Sushil Modi had a wonderful understanding with Nitish Kumar. He, however, quickly turned into a bitter Nitish critic the day JD(U) snapped ties with the BJP in June 2013.

But, clearly Sushil Modi turned a Narendra Modi supporter more belatedly than the likes of Giriraj Singh, someone given ministerial berth in the Union government - a decision apparently spurred by his loyalty rather than any proven capabilities.

But will BJP leadership take note of its soldier now?

The writer is Senior Associate Editor, India Today
The manifest is complete with 650 veterans for the May 1 Vietnam Veterans Honor Flight to the nation's capitol.

Veterans from 175 Nebraska communities will travel with their comrades to visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall with special plans to honor their service.

Jim Knotts, President and CEO of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund in Washington, D.C., said, This is the largest group of Vietnam veterans from a single state to ever visit the Vietnam Wall since last years flight.

Knotts will speak at the weekends April 30 pre-flight dinner at the La Vista Convention Center. Arriving early May 1, the day will include stops at these memorials: Korean War, World War II, Air Force, Iwo Jima, and Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Veterans will rise May 1 at 2 a.m. before boarding four charter jets to depart from Eppley Airfield in Omaha. They will return to the Lincoln Airport so more Nebraskans can say Welcome Home. Past experience indicates the airport will be filled with flag waving greeters at 8:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Some facts about the Vietnam combat veterans:

* 55 are Purple Heart recipients, some multiple recipients.

* 242 (37 percent) have been diagnosed with Agent Orange, creating many health issues, incl cancer.

* Ten have received the Distinguished Flying Cross, some twice.

* One Army Nurse, the only female in this flight.

Donors for the four charter jets are Pinnacle Bank, Sandhills Publishing Company, Norfolk Iron & Metal Co. and the Harper Family Foundation.

Patriotic Productions organized ten previous Honor Flights that took 2,602 WW II, Korea, and Vietnam veterans to Washington D.C. since 2008. Patriotic Productions has a mission of honoring our military, including the creation, production and touring of Remembering Our Fallen photo memorials. More information can be found at www.PatrioticProductions.org and www.RememberingOurFallen.org.
Looking for an update on Delhi University's admission procedure on Twitter may leave you red-faced with embarrassment, as 21- year-old Aradhana Singh found recently.

The top-ten results for the keyword 'DU' that appeared on Singh's Twitter account included several 'clickbaits' to adult websites with graphic images and explicit messages.

Delhi University, like most educational institutions in the country, does not have an internet monitoring cell to prevent such offences or raise the issues at relevant platforms. DU officials will rather wait for a third party or a victim to flag the issue.

Students checking up on the University's admissions status were left red-faced and embarrased by some of the images and videos on Twitter (file pic)

'Currently, we do not have any official who can look after this kind of menace on social media, hence our hands are tied. There needs to be a complaint filed in the first place to raise the issue,' Neeta Sehgal, proctor at Delhi University, told Mail Today.

A Twitter India official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said such misuse of a brand name must be brought to the notice of the company before it can take action or block the content.

'This appears to be a case luring traction on social media in the name of Delhi University's girl students. But we haven't received a single complaint as yet,' the official said.

Soon after the conversation, the search results for #DU keywords began to show considerable filtering. Mail Today, however, has screenshots of earlier 'clickbait' results. Some

A Delhi University official explained that the college doesn't have anyone on staff who is able to monitor such cyber abuses

of these results read: 'Delhi University Unseen Scandal', 'Exposed Indian Cute Babe from Delhi University', 'Sex with marge Delhi University nude girl', '#Delhi University nude girl', '#delhi university latest sex tubes online games to play for free for adults' along with obscene pictures and minute-long video clips.

'It was so embarrassing to see such a clip playing randomly on my screen,' Aradhana Singh recounted. However, Singh said she would not like to take up this matter with either the police or the university.

According to cyber experts, such cases are complicated because two separate computers or mobile handsets, with different security settings, may throw up varying results for the same keyword.

'Nevertheless, this can certainly hamper the reputation of DU as these are the results of a global search engine. The miscreants are using the hash tag concept to the fullest here by targeting words like #DelhiUniversity and #girls in this foul act,' said Kislay Chaudhary, an ethical hacker and a technical adviser to Delhi Police.

'The university must red-flag such misuse, as this can be a harrowing experience for parents who are not well-versed with new technology,' said Chaudhary.

DU student bodies were quick to condemn the misuse and squarely blamed university administration for not keeping abreast with the latest technology and its possible misuse.

'We do not even have an official Delhi University (Twitter) handle which can bring this to the attention of authorities,' said Akshay Lakra, president of Congress-backed National Students Union of India (NSUI).

'It is a matter of utter shame that porn clips targeting girls from DU are appearing on social media platform.'

A search conducted by Mail Today on Twitter showed several Tweets where the Delhi University name had been misused

The NSUI leader said it was about time that DU administered its official social media platforms like several other colleges and institutions do.

The RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad felt the timing of such misuse of social media needed to be investigated.

'This is particularly the time when students and parents actively search for updates on admission process. Such an experience can be very embarrassing,' said Saket Bahuguna, national media convener of ABVP.

Saket added that his organisation will force Twitter to 'immediately remove those obscene and misguiding search results'.

Calling it a flip side of technology which has given DU its once-in-a-while crisis, Miranda House professor Abha Dev Habib said such offences amount to a form of sexual harassment.

'Even if the girls on DU's campus are not physically harmed, there is still ample reason for the officials to worry. We need to find out who is running such objectionable content and fix responsibility,' Habib said.
Delhi police arrested Sukesh Chandrashekhar on Monday for allegedly setting up a bribe for election officials

Cash for votes is well known in Indian politics. But on Monday, Delhi police crime branch linked up cash with political party symbol. A top and influential leader of Tamil Nadu has been booked and a tout was arrested by Delhi police.

A sensational revelation emerged with the arrest of Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who allegedly have close links with AIADMK deputy general secretary and Sasikala's nephew TTV Dinakaran.

Police have managed to intercept 45 minutes audio conversation of Chandrashekhar and Dinakaran in which they were setting a deal to bribe Rs 50 crore to officials of Election Commission of India (ECI) for obtaining party symbol two leaves.

Crime branch has also seized Rs 1.5 crore cash and two luxury vehicles, a black BMW and a white Mercedes Benz, during the raid at a south Delhi hotel where Chandrashekhar was staying, on Sunday.

Crime branch has booked Dinakaran under IPC sections 170 and 120b and 8 PoC Act. A team will go to Chennai to serve summon in this connection to join the probe.

The fight between VK Sasikala and O Panneerselvam has become more bitter with the FIR registered against the key leader of former camp.

Crime branch has also seized Rs 1.5 crore cash and two luxury vehicles, a black BMW and a white Mercedes Benz, during the raid at a south Delhi hotel

The fight for party symbol between these two camps emerged soon after the demise of Tamil Nadu's most popular leader late J Jayalalithaa and both the camps are desperately after the symbol.

'During brief interrogation at Chanakyapuri crime branch office, Chandrashekher has reportedly revealed about struck deal with ECI officials by paying Rs 50 crore.

The money was given allegedly by Dinakaran to influence ECI officials for obtaining the two-leaf symbol.

However, the number of ECI involved in the deal is unknown yet,' said a senior official of the crime branch.

An official pointed out that Chandrashekher has the history of playing the role of a mediator and he had been arrested once too.

He was directly in contact with Dinakaran and Delhi police have strong evidences as well. Dinakaran however, denied knowing Chandrashekher.

'I am not aware of the name (Sukesh Chandrashekher). I have never met him my life. I came to know about him from TV channels,' he said.
People cover themselves as protection against the heat during a hot weather, as heat wave conditions prevailed in New Delhi

A sharp rise in Delhi's temperature in the month of April has triggered a rise in food and water-borne diseases that were earlier reserved for hotter months of May and June, with many people heading to the hospital emergency wards.

Doctors say that while cases of heatstroke are only a few for now, many people have been diagnosed with high fever, exhaustion and heat syncope, mostly due to intake of road-side food.

On Monday, the city's maximum temperature was recorded at 40 degrees Celsius and the MET department has warned of an intense heat wave starting this week.

Doctors say they get around 50-60 patients with high fever in OPD daily complaining of summer-related complications.

Dr SP Boytra, head of internal medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said: 'Cases of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat syncope have started along with gastrointestinal diseases such as typhoid, food poisoning, diarrhoea and high fever.

'Such diseases are mostly seen in May-June, but this year the temperature is already on the higher side and we are getting more cases.'

A monkey drinks water from a tap during a hot summer day, in Jammu

He added people should avoid roadside food and fruit juices to prevent infections, adding that it is mostly elderly, children and those who suffering from diabetes, heart diseases and other comorbidities who need to be extra careful.

Doctors at Safdarjung, RML, BL Kapoor, and Fortis Hospitals all confirmed this trend.

In the intense summer, heat can cause cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

With heat exhaustion, patients suffer from rapid sweating when body touches high temperature which can lead to heat stroke, a medical emergency, say doctors.

Dr RK Singal, Head of Department in Internal Medicine at BLK Super Speciality Hospital said that people who are used to air conditioned offices and homes most of the time should be careful of sudden change in body temperature.

Despite the heat, cases of mosquito-borne diseases are also on the rise. Municipal Corporations said that 24 dengue, 79 chikungunya and 13 malaria cases have been reported this year so far, the highest recorded in the corresponding period since 2012.
Commuters in Delhi-NCR may face hardship in hiring taxis on Tuesday as the drivers of two app-based cab aggregators, Ola and Uber, have threatened to go off roads for a day against low fares.

They had gone on a major strike in February, which had lasted for 13 days, causing inconvenience to commuters.

However, the Delhi High Court on Monday restrained two taxi-driver unions from disrupting services of cabs run by Ola and Uber in the NCR.

Ola and Uber ad gone on a major strike in February, which had lasted for 13 days, causing inconvenience to commuters

Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw passed a decree 'permanently injuncting' the two unions and anyone associated with them from blocking cabs of Ola and Uber.

According to the agitating Sarvodaya Drivers' Association, the strike might hit private transport service in Delhi and other neighbouring cities as some groups of tourist taxi providers, autorickshaw union have extended their support to it.

The association, which claims to represent around 1.25 lakh app-based taxis in the the Delhi-NCR, demands that fares be increased from existing Rs 6 per km to around Rs 20 per km. It also demands abolition of 25 per cent commission the drivers are charged by companies.

Ravi Rathore, vice-president of the Sarvodaya Drivers' Association, said drivers will take out a protest march against the Delhi government which, he alleged, is not intervening to resolve the issue.

Auto and e-rickshaws often operate as taxis in Delhi as well

'The protest march will be taken out from Majnu-ka-Tila to the CM's residence in North Delhi's Civil Lines area.

'There is grievance among drivers that government is not intervening in raising their issues with Ola and Uber,' Rathore said.

He said the association has called for the one-day strike in favour of the demands and if companies and government do not pay heed, they will go on an indefinite strike. According to the association, app-based cab companies made tall promises to drivers - like they would earn as much as Rs 1.5 lakh every month.

'But the situation is different. They are making us run taxis at Rs 6 per km while they charge 25 per cent from us,' Rathore also said.

Contrary to the association's claim that most autorickshaw and tourists associations have decided to lend their support to the strike, Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union (yellow-black taxis) said they will not participate in it.
Every time Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah mentioned Kerala at the national executive meeting in Bhubaneswar, it was not without a defined purpose and a cut-out plan.

With a clear direction from BJP's top leadership - reach the unreachable, knock every door with the centrally sponsored scheme, find every landless in Kerala and never bow down to 'politics of murder' under the ruling Left government - the state BJP unit is all out to follow the central leadership by launching a mass campaign from the booths and shakhas level to penetrate aggressively in the Left-ruled Kerala.

'The campaign will begin at the two-day BJP state executive in Palakkad starting from Tuesday where we are going to spell out the five thrust areas - food, water, land, housing and employment - which need to be made available to every poor and downtrodden in Kerala,' state BJP president Kummanam Rajashekharan told Mail Today in an exclusive talk in Bhubaneswar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with part president Amit Shah at BJP's National executive meet in Bhubaneswar where the party declared it would set its sights on the unconquered parts of India

BJP in its political resolution on Sunday had clearly defined the 'urgency to reach out to every poor and marginalised, if the saffron party wishes to have its chief ministers in all states'.

'Land will be a big issue as there are nearly three lakh landless in Kerala, where there is excess land with some and none with others  There are nearly six lakh hectare of excess land under the control of a few people.

'Worst violators are the corporate companies holding on to the government land under long lease and some are holding on despite their lease ending long back,' said Rajashekharan, adding, 'We are going to launch a big movement against those who are keeping unauthorised excess land'.

Rajashekharan, who came to attend the national executive meeting here, was joined by the lone BJP MLA in Kerala O Rajagopala.

'The central leadership is very clear in its objective - make inroads and reach out to the every household in Kerala and take up their issues on larger public platform as the state executive, party forum meetings and strengthen booth level gatherings, which is also addressed by top central BJP leaders,' said Rajagopala.

The two leaders seem to have got a clear plan for saffron surge in Kerala.

Kerala BJP boss, Kummanam Rajashekharan, spoke exclusively to Mail Today at the party's National Executive Meeting in Odisha

'We will strengthen the booth level and take up the attacks on BJP workers. The Kerala government's 'murder politics' won't deter us to raise our voice against the gross misgovernance and insecurity under the Left government.

'We have to work out a strategy to fight unemployment as there are nearly seven per cent unemployed in state despite 100 per cent literacy. Mass awareness is needed  we discussed this in Odisha,' said Rajashekharan.

With 2.5 crore voters and nearly 15 per cent vote share in the state, BJP national executive meet discussed Kerala time and again as the 'next thrust state where it wants its chief minister'.

As daunting as the task may be, as just a single MLA in the 140 Assembly seats and no Lok Sabha MP yet, Rajasekharan seems unfazed: 'Ground-level work has started and the booth-level workers' attendance at any gathering is 90 per cent.

'We are spreading our cadre in all 20 parliamentary constituencies to take up local issues and also the one discussed at the Odisha meet.'

Rajashekhar added: 'Our increasing vote share is an encouraging sign'.
General HR McMaster is the national security adviser to President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump's national security adviser discussed the situation in Afghanistan with India's prime minister on Tuesday, nearly a week after the U.S. military dropped a massive non-nuclear bomb in the country that it said killed 95 militants.

HR McMaster's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the first visit by a Trump administration official to India, a key ally in Asia.

The US Embassy said that the two also discussed ways to increase defense and counter-terrorism cooperation, and McMaster assured Modi of India's status as a major defense partner in the global fight against terrorism.

Indian TV stations broadcast images of McMaster and Modi, each flanked by officials, sitting together at Modi's home in the Indian capital.

McMaster also held two-hour-long talks with his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval.

The talks with Indian officials also focused on the security situation in the region and Trump's Afghan strategy. New Delhi wants Washington to pressure Pakistan to stop its support for Taliban militants and act against them.

McMaster's visit to New Delhi was a part of regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad.
Leader: Surya Sen, the 'soft-spoken schoolmaster'

April 18 marks the anniversary of the Chittagong uprising of 1930, when a group of boys and girls, many still in their teens, led by their 'Master Da', Surya Sen, captured the British Armoury.

This remarkable, anti-imperial revolt remains relatively little-known, if not quite forgotten, even though two films were made about it.

Ashutosh Gowariker's Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se (2010), starring Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, and Debabrata Pain's small-budget but award winning Chittagong (2012), featuring Manoj Bajpai and Vega Tamotia, both, unfortunately, flopped at the box-office.

Earlier, Manini Chatterjee, the daughter-in-law of communist leader PC Joshi and Kalpana Datta (1913-95), wrote a gripping account Do and Die: The Chittagong Uprising 1930-34 (1999).

She was well placed to do so because her mother, Kalpana, had been one of the insurgents who took part in the uprising.

Kalpana, along with Bina and Kalyani Das (who were sisters), Santi Ghosh, Suniti Choudhury and Pritilata Wadeddar, all belong to the Chhatri Sangha, an organisation of famed female revolutionaries, many of who studied in Bethune College.

Pritilata (1911-1921) was shot and wounded during the uprising. Apprehending her capture, she swallowed a potassium cyanide capsule, dying at 21.

The leader of the uprising, Surya Sen, the soft-spoken schoolmaster, had been elected president of the Chittagong branch of the Indian National Congress in 1918. But he was disillusioned with Mahatma Gandhi's calling off the Civil Disobedience movement following the violence in Chauri Chaura in 1922.

A film still from Debabrata Pain's 2012 movie 'Chittagong' about the uprising of 1930

He and several other Bengal revolutionaries were members of the Anushilan Samiti, which had two branches, the Jugantar group in Calcutta, and the Dhaka Anushilan Samiti, in the then East Bengal.

The original founders were Sri Aurobindo and his younger brother, Barindra. Both, along with 47 other accused stood trial for the Alipur bomb blast case or the Manicktolla bomb conspiracy.

The trial continued for a year (1908-09). When the verdict was announced, Barindra was sentenced to death, later commuted to transportation for life, and Aurobindo, ably defended by Chittaranjan Das, acquitted.

After Aurobindo left for Pondicherry in 1910, the activities of the revolutionary groups suffered a setback. The colonial government created the Special Branch of Calcutta Police, passed the notorious Defence of India Act (1915), which allowed preventive custody, internments, arrests, even executions, followed by other repressive measures such as the Rowlatt Act (1919).

The Chittagong uprising coincided with Mahatma Gandhi's Salt March in 1930

The Anushilan Samiti became active again between the two World Wars; its boldest, possibly finest, moment was the Chittagong uprising.

Sen's teen forces captured two armouries, burned down the European club, cut off communications with the rest of India by taking over the telephone, telegraph, and railway, even hoisting the national flag to declare the independence of Chittagong from British India.

Though a large cache of arms fell into their hands, they had no information that the ammunition was stored elsewhere. Beaten back, looking for a place to hide, the revolutionaries eventually retreated to the Jalalabad Hills.

There, for three years, they carried on a guerrilla fight with the vastly superior British army, armed with machine guns and rifles. Sen managed to escape, going into hiding, but was eventually betrayed by one of his comrades, Netra Sen.

He was tortured for days, his teeth knocked out, nails ripped, limbs broken, before he was dragged about, hanged, and given a burial at sea. In today's Bangladesh, Islamists have no interest in remembering Master-da; they dismiss him as a Hindu Dacoit.

We may not consider it preordained, but the Chittagong uprising coincided with another revolutionary episode, the historic Salt March to Dandi, undertaken by Gandhi from March 12-April 6, 1930.

These were two sides of the same coin, the nonviolent struggle led by the Mahatma and the desperately brave, if unsuccessful sporadic acts of armed ferocity by the revolutionaries.

This dialectic has to be accepted if we were to write more informed and accurate histories. In fact, the approach of the armed overthrow of the Raj culminated in Subhas Chandra Bose's spectacular assault on the Eastern Front, which he planned to follow by the victorious march of the Indian National Army from Kohima to Delhi.

Alas, that was not to be; instead of a grand march, there was a gloomy retreat, ending in Netaji's death in a plane crash.

But like the latter, still the subject of many incredible legends, the whole history of India's revolutionary movement is marked by grandiose myths and half-truths.

Because we are sympathetic to their cause and glorify their sacrifice, we tend to overlook harsh facts. Our revolutionaries, though brave, were usually badly organised and misinformed.

Missing their intended targets often, they ended up injuring or killing the wrong, sometimes innocent, persons.

The bottom line: they were no match for the British. They also ended up executing their own as punishment for treachery. Was Godse's self-righteous, allegedly Savarkar-inspired, assassination of Gandhi, the 'father' of the nation, the culmination of this?

Even so, this does not mean that we should neglect or erase the revolutionary contribution to our Independence struggle, as the earlier regimes tried.

In his last letter, Master-da exhorted us, 'Never forget the 18th of April 1930, the day of the Eastern Rebellion in Chittagong... Write in red letters in the core of your hearts the names of the patriots who have sacrificed their lives at the altar of India's freedom.'

Indeed, that is the least we owe to the memory of Surya Sen and his band of fearless fighters for India's freedom.

The writer is poet and professor, JNU
Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS), the country's biggest software services exporter, reported a 4.2 per cent increase in its consolidated net profit to Rs 6,608 crore in the three months to March 31, from Rs 6,340 crore in the same period last year.

The revenue of the company also rose 4.2 per cent year-on-year to Rs 29,642 crore during the quarter.

The results come as US President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order on Tuesday to impose restrictions in H-1B visa rules which has increased the uncertainty for Indian companies.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Chief Executive Officer Rajesh Gopinathan announces the company's quarterly results in Mumbai

Any change in the temporary visa program for skilled workers could increase costs for companies such as TCS. The visa program is used by Indian software service companies to fly engineers and developers to the United States temporarily to service clients there.

However, TCS Chief Executive Rajesh Gopinathan, who took over the top job in February expects a robust pipeline of projects in automation and cloud services going ahead.

'We are competitive and as long as the regimes are broadly equal for everyone we don't see our relative competitiveness actually going down,' TCS Chief Executive Rajesh Gopinathan told journalists.

'As we look at 2017-18, N G Subramanian (chief operating officer and I spent the first two months visiting customers primarily in North America, Europe, and APAC (Asia-Pacific).

Employees of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) inside the company headquarters in Mumbai

'A very common theme that we are hearing from all of them is a very strong focus on digital and continuing investments and technology transformation agenda, which play well into TCS' core strengths,' Gopinathan told reporters.

'We continue to stay focused on digital. We are focusing on three themes  agile, cloud and automation  and we see these playing out. We see 2017-18 incrementally positive and quite confident about demand outlook. Retail and hightech verticals have been soft but are expected to bounce back,' he said.

Vishal Sikka, CEO and Managing Director of Indian multinational corporation Infosys Limited, which has projected a growth rate of 6.5-8.5 per cent in 2017-18

Gopinathan's positive outlook has been contrary to executive comments at rival Infosys, which sees macro-economic challenges, technology shifts and countries such as the US pushing for local jobs slowing businesses.

TCS does not give revenue forecasts. TCS grew 8.5 per cent in dollar terms in 2016-17 on a larger base to go past arch rival Infosys, which grew 7.4 per cent.

The firm said FY17 profits grew 8.6 per cent to Rs 26,289 crore on revenues of Rs 1,17,966 crore, which, too, grew 8.6 per cent.

Infosys has projected a growth rate of 6.5-8.5 per cent in 2017-18, indicating that the company is back to its lower growth numbers before Vishal Sikka, its chief executive, was hired from business software maker SAP to take the company on to a high growth trajectory.
Panneerselvam insisting on his demand for the ouster of Sasikala, Dinakaran and their family from the party and the government

In a dramatic turn of events, the K Palaniswami cabinet on Tuesday revolted against AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran and decided to keep him and his family out of the party and the government.

Emerging from a meeting chaired by chief minister EK Palaniswami, finance minister D Jayakumar declared that the unanimous decision was taken in tune with the aspirations of party cadres and people.

'A decision has been taken to fully keep away Dinakaran and his family from the party and the government,' he told reporters.

He claimed it was the desire of all party cadres, top functionaries, district secretaries, MPs, MLAs, and ministers.

A committee will be formed soon to run the day-to-day affairs of the party, he said.

Dinakaran, who was expelled from AIADMK by Jayalalithaa, was re-inducted by Sasikala and appointed the party's deputy general secretary just before she proceeded to Bengaluru to serve the remnant of her jail term after the Supreme Court upheld her conviction and sentence in a disproportionate assets case in February this year.

Sasikala, whose nephew is TTV Dinakaran, is currently in prison serving a four year sentence

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police is likely to send a team to Chennai with summons for Dinakaran, accused of allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official to obtain the 'two-leaves' symbol for his faction.

The sudden announcement by Jayakumar came after efforts for the merger hit a hurdle with Panneerselvam insisting on his demand for the ouster of Sasikala, Dinakaran and their family from the party and the government.

Panneerselvam has made it clear that he would settle for nothing less than ouster of VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran from the party.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Panneerselvam played the 'Amma' card and said it was important that members of the Mannargudi family be evicted if the AIADMK has to survive.

He reiterated his demand for a probe into J Jayalalithaa's death and said details regarding her treatment should be made public.

'Sasikala has betrayed Amma. The treatment and medicines given to Amma should be made public. A thorough investigation must be done into Jayalalithaa's death,' Panneerselvam said.

AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran has been ousted from the party

'We have to follow the path which Amma laid out for us. The way Sasikala brought back Dinakaran into the party and her own elevation as AIADMK general secretary ... everything was unconstitutional,' said Panneerselvam, who had revolted against Sasikala in February after stepping down from the CM's chair.

'That family (Mannargudi family) was not supposed to be in the party. Amma never wanted them in the party. They have betrayed her. Betrayers have to go,' Panneerselvam added.

On the other hand, the revolt inside the EPS (CM Edappadi Palaniswami) camp has spiralled out of control with senior ministers seeking deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran and interim general secretary Sasikala Natarajan's removal.

Sources said Dinakaran has also lost support of influential party leaders Jayakumar, SP Velumani, Thangamani and Vaithyalingam - who helped him enter AIADMK again after Jayalalithaa's death.

The four leaders are apprehensive of their names being associated with health minister Vijaybhaskar who was raided by the Income Tax department earlier this month.
Former Delhi Congress president and a prominent Punjabi face in Delhi politics, Arvinder Singh Lovely, joined the BJP on Tuesday, triggering speculation of further defection from the Congress to BJP.

Upset over his neglect in the party post the 2015 poll debacle, Lovely lashed out at the leadership of his former party, which he said has 'died' under them.

A key minister in the erstwhile Sheila Dikshit government in Delhi, Lovely alleged rampant bribery in ticket distribution for the MCD polls by the Congress and claimed that many senior Congress leaders were feeling 'suffocated'.

A prominent Punjabi face in Delhi politics, Arvinder Singh Lovely (centre), joined the BJP on Tuesday

Lovely, who hails from the Sikh community, joined the saffron party along with Delhi Youth Congress chief Amit Malik.

'The child is dead. Congress is finished,' Lovely told reporters, expressing unhappiness with its leadership, including vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

He heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, saying the two have redefined politics.

This defection is a considerable blow for Congress and its leader Ajay Maken, who is contesting for a seat in New Delhi himself

Another senior Congress leader Haroon Yusuf too has expressed deep dissatisfaction with ticket distribution and neglect of his supporters complaining to the party high command in this regard, party sources said. But Haroon has not given the signals yet of quitting Congress, say BJP insiders.

While Lovely quit the Congress, many others have also expressed displeasure over the leadership of Ajay Maken in the Delhi unit. Another former cabinet colleague of Lovely, Mangat Ram Singhal, had accused Maken of neglecting senior leaders in the party.

'We are angry with the system of ticket distribution. Ajay Maken, who is the president, is responsible since he decides everything on his own,' said Singhal, also a minister in the Sheila government.

Lashing out at Maken, he said somebody who lost his election deposit - an apparent reference to Maken's miserable loss in the assembly polls - was foisted on the party.

He also referred to allegations made by AK Walia, a Congress veteran in the city, that tickets for MCD elections were being sold by party leaders, lamenting that the party leadership did not even look into his complaints.

The BJP believes Lovely's shift to it will boost its prospects in the MCD polls, especially in areas with sizeable Punjabi population.

Lovely blamed scams for the UPA's loss in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, and said it was strange that the party even in opposition is accused of corruption.

Meanwhile, Sheila Dikshit has termed Lovely's joining the BJP as betrayal. She said Lovely has got political honour and respect from the party and was not only a minister but also the party's Delhi chief.

Sitting pretty: It is clear from the BJP attitude at the party's National Executive Meeting in Odisha that leaders PM Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah are feeling quite confident ahead of the MCD civic polls on Sunday

'It's sad news. He got political honour and respect from the Congress and was not only a minister, but was also made Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president,' Dikshit told a news channel after Lovely joined the BJP.

'He has left Congress when its days are not as pleasant as they used to be once. I think this a betrayal,' she added.

A key minister in the Dikshit government, Lovely raked up allegations of bribery in ticket distribution for the MCD polls by the Congress and claimed after meeting BJP chief Amit Shah that many senior Congress leaders are feeling suffocated as the party is no longer what it used to be.
Rehana Reza is the latest poster woman for triple talaq after she claims she suffered heavily at the hands of her in-laws following a phone call where here husband invoked the sharia divorce practice

Rehana Raza says she wants to give up Islam and embrace Hinduism. The Uttar Pradesh resident became the latest poster woman of triple talaq after allegedly being divorced over the phone by her husband and then attacked with acid by her in-laws.

Now, she told Mail Today, she wants to change her religious stripes from green to saffron. 'Hindu law at least reaffirms the right of consensus a woman should have in marriage and gives a woman a say.

'That's something Islam lacks, paving the way for triple talaq,' Rehana said in a telephone interview.

Thousands of Muslim women from across India have raised their voices against the Sharia law custom that allows men to split up with their wives by saying 'talaq' three times.

The instant divorce practice has been barred by more than 20 Muslim countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.

'A common law defends numerous Hindu women who need emotional and financial support after getting deserted.

'I have suffered because of triple talaq, despite my family's revered status in society,' Rehana said.

A five-judge constitution bench will sit during the Supreme Court's summer vacation in May to examine a batch of petitions challenging Islamic practices such as triple talaq and polygamy after women complained of being divorced on Facebook and WhatsApp.

Rehana says she was attacked with acid by her in-laws on April 14 at their house in Neoria town of Pilibhit district.

Rehana claims she was forced to rely on her in-laws after her husband moved her back from the US and then took a job in New Zealand without her. She alleges her and her son were often left without food and electricity

The torture did not surprise the victim, who alleges that her husband started beating her within days of their wedding after the couple moved to the United States in 1999.

'He brought me and my son back to India in 2011 when my mother passed away but he soon left us behind, claiming he had found a job in New Zealand. I had no choice but to turn to my in-laws in Pilibhit who also shunned me,' Rehana told Mail Today.

Her mother-in-law allegedly asked her to not 'show her face' because Matlub had already given her triple talaq over phone, which Rehana says never occurred.

'I had approached them after the Allahabad high court order that termed the practice of triple talaq as unconstitutional which violates the rights of Muslim women.

'But instead I have seen days when my son and I have lived without food and electricity,' said Rehana, who has now been assured support by women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi.

The government told the Supreme Court last year that triple talaq violates the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and said it does not form a part of the 'essential religious practices' in Islam.

Rehana says she spotted the acid bottle, but not before it was too late. While she escaped more severe injuries, she was still burned on her back and marks on her arms, neck and feet

'Given what Rehana has endured for years at her in-laws' house, Maneka Gandhi has taken up the issue with the superintendent of police in Pilibhit to expedite the case,' a ministry official told Mail Today.

Rehana's 14-year-old son was not around on April 14 when she claims her brother-in-law Maqbool Hussain, sisters-in-law Parveen and Shakeela started beating her and threw acid on her.

Despite her narrow escape after spotting the bottle of acid, she suffered burns on her back and marks on her arms, neck and feet.

Terming the Narendra Modi government's bid to attack triple talaq 'genuine', Rehana also said: 'Given how our government has vouched for a common law, the hype around triple talaq is important to make people think about the atrocities inflicted on women.'

The trauma has not ended for Rehana as she points out that her son has grown quiet over time. 'I insisted for a roof at my in-laws' house but I was thrown out every other day.

'When we refused to budge, my husband called my teenage son, and told him that we should vacate the house or he would get him jailed,' alleged Rehana.

'Even now, I am being asked to leave the hospital by the police, who refuse get a warrant otherwise. The harassment has not ended for me.'
Post 2014, those who thought polarisation and hard-line saffron politics would prevail, move on to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's panchtatva  dabe, pichre, shoshit, vanchit and mahila, which would 'drive his government' to reach out to the unreachable up to 2019 general elections.

The government would make women, youth, tribal, marginalized and minorities core to the central social schemes to realise the 'New India' objective spelt out by him at the BJP National Executive in Bhubaneshwar.

Women, youth, tribal, marginalised and minorities would form the base of central social schemes to turn PM Narendra Modi's 'New India' objective announced at the BJP National Executive in Bhubaneshwar into a reality, said government ministers

Triple talaq is nothing but women and minorities in a combo, top Union Ministers and party functionaries told Mail Today.

The paper spoke to Union ministers M Venkaiah Naidu, Prakash Javadekar, Dharmendra Pradhan, national spokesperson Sambit Patra and OBC Morcha National President Vinod Sonkar and they were unanimous in saying, 'PM Modi had directed them to 'take the quantum leap' and while some schemes have already been in motion before the Odisha meet, we are taking it to the next level in mission mode to maximise party's outreach before 2019 general elections.'

Naidu said: 'He believes in Dr Ambedkar's People's Development Model based on due empowerment of all sections, including the weaker sections, women and the minorities.

Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu (left) said Modi believed in true empowerment for the 'weaker' sections of society, while Prakash Javadekar (right) agreed

'Youth is another focus area when he talks about aspirational India. He had started the schemes - PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Mudra Yojana, Beti Padhao-Beti Bachao, Housing for All, Skill India, Ujjwala - with a clear thrust on an inclusive governance directly benefiting the five categories listed in his 'New India' mission.

'Lighting poor houses with LED, making women benefit from Ujjwala and people volunteering to get the medical life cover even if it comes at Rs 12 per person are just the beginning. We aim to take our social schemes next to high output delivery mode.'

Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar added, 'Modi's commitment to upliftment of poor and socially backward, including women, youth and tribals, is final and not a rhetoric.

'He gave a special status to physically challenged by calling them divyang. And by giving a constitutional status to OBC Commission, he has already set in motion streamlining of benefits due to OBC and marginalised.'

The 'New India' objective was announced at the BJP National Executive in Bhubaneshwar (above, Modi pictured with Amit Shah)

Javadekar added, 'for the youth of socially backward classes, we have already given full waiver to SC/ST students in IITs, NITs and higher education. And to promote young and aspirational India, financial assistance for entrepreneurship and innovation by tribal, SC and ST youths are being taken as a priority to give maximum benefits to marginalized classes.'

Modi in Bhubaneswar has stressed to take a 'quantum leap', said Sambit Patra, party national spokesperson.

'Make power (post in government) the medium to reach the people and not enjoy it, is a clear message from PM Modi. He is talking about 'New India' aspirations at grassroots and the demographic dividends  youth, women and tribe as priority areas.

'The message he gave to every karykarta and top leaders at the meet was clear. We will not be satisfied by the incremental changes the previous governments have been claiming, but take a quantum leap to reach millions others,' Patra said.

Pradhan, who was the architect of Bhubaneswar meeting, said: 'Odisha has already become the laboratory of PM Modi's pro-poor policies and we aim to surge ahead in state after the recent panchayat elections results.'
India and Afghanistan have strong diplomatic ties and New Delhi has been supplying weapons and humanitarian aid to Kabul for its rebuilding process

In an embarrassing development, a colonel has been dismissed from the Indian embassy in Afghanistan after he was found to be in possession of unauthorised weapons.

Allegations of other serious kind of misconduct have also surfaced in the investigation after which the officer was made to return mid-way through his tenure there as the deputy military attache.

'The colonel was expelled from the embassy in Kabul and his tenure was cut short after he was found to be in unauthorised possession of two sophisticated pistols which could not be accounted for in a probe conducted by a senior Indian Police Service officer,' government sources told Mail Today here.

Multiple queries sent to the ministry for external affairs spokesperson were not answered by the authorities concerned.

However, senior army sources confirmed that the officer had been sent back to India mid-way through his tenure and has now been attached to the Delhi area headquarters for an internal probe.

According to the sources, the matter came to light when the officer was intercepted at Kabul airport by the local agencies there with the two pistols a few months ago while he was returning to India on leave.

The officer was intercepted at Kabul airport (pictured above) with the pistols a few months ago

When the matter was brought to the notice of Indian authorities, a probe was ordered into the incident as they wanted to establish the facts in the development happening in a country considered to be a strategic partner of India.

Sources said the high-level inquiry into the case was ordered at the level of foreign secretary office.

During the inquiry conducted by the joint secretary-level police officer in the ministry of external affairs, the Indian Army officer could not establish the source of the weapons which were not on record of the embassy in Kabul.

All weapons and equipment in an Indian embassy have to be accounted for in any country where own troops are deployed.

After the report was submitted by the investigating officer to the ministry of external affairs in New Delhi, it asked the defence ministry to call back the colonel and carry out an him to be suitable for Indian interests there, the sources said.

In his defence, the officer has denied the charges against him, claiming the weapons carried by him were due to an 'inadvertent error'.

A couple of years ago also, a senior Indian Army officer was mired in controversy over allegations in media that he was involved in misbehaviour with a local Afghan woman.

India and Afghanistan have been coming together closely as New Delhi has been supplying weapons and humanitarian aid to Kabul for its rebuilding process hindered by Pakistan spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence and its terror groups there.
Millions of families across the country have been hit by energy price hikes, after five of the big six suppliers announced increases to their standard variable tariff rates.

Those affected have seen gas and electricity bills rise between one and 10 per cent, adding an average of 97 to annual bills, according to MoneySupermarket research.

Bill payers in the East of England now pay the most, with average annual bills of 1,263 after an 88 price hike. But households in the North West will experience the largest increase with prices going up by 102 thanks to recent hikes.

Big Six price hikes: Households in the North West will see prices go up by 102

Scottish Power, Npower and EDF Energy customers on standard variable tariffs saw their bills go up in March while SSE and Eon bill payers will experience hikes this month.

From 21 June EDF will add an additional 7.2 per cent to bills for 1.5million dual fuel customers.

Despite prices soaring, those living in the North West still see a typical annual bill coming in at 7 less a year than the average amount paid by those in East of England.

Those living in Merseyside, North Wales and Cheshire have the smallest annual bill at 1,246 - still a 98.27 jump on last year.

The region with the smallest hike in prices was the East Midlands, now paying an extra 95.52 and a total of 1,262.

Switchers could save up to 429

The extra 97 that an average customer will now hand over to providers would have bought an extra 600kWh of energy before the price increases.

To put this into perspective, 600kWh is enough energy to power an LCD TV for two years.

It would also be enough to use your microwave for up to six years, vacuum your home for eight years or power a low energy light blub for up to 30 years, according to the price comparison site's research.

However, as standard variable tariffs are the most expensive deals, savvy households could cut costs by as much as 400 by comparing prices and switching to a cheaper deal.

The cheapest tariff on the market currently offered by small supplier Avro Energy, costing the average family 834 a year, with a fixed price per unit of electricity over the next 12 months.

This comes in at 429 less than the average annual bill paid by families in the East of England.

You can read the full MoneySupermarket report here.

>Skip to This is Money's guide to how to switch provider and where to find the cheapest deals

PRICE HIKES: HOW MUCH PROVIDERS HAVE RAISED PRICES BY Provider Average bill before rise Price rise Average rise Expected average bill

following price hikes Npower 1,158 9.80% 113.48 1,271.48 EDF 1,140 8.49% 96.74 1,236.74 E.on 1,142 8.80% 100.50 1,242.50 Scottish Power 1,184 7.80% 92.35 1,276.35 SSE 1,184 6.90% 81.70 1,265.70 Average Total: 1,162 8.36% 96.95 1,258.55 Source: MoneySupermarket.com

Stephen Murray, energy expert at MoneySupermarket, said: 'EDF Energy dealt bill-payers another staggering blow by raising prices once again.

'At the start of March it hiked electricity bills by 8.4 per cent - and it has now announced a further 9 per cent to electricity and 5.5 per cent to gas, meaning customers will see dual fuel bills rise to 1,160.

THREE QUARTERS OF HOUSEHOLDS ARE STUCK ON DEFAULT DEALS A whopping 85 per cent of homes in the UK are signed up to one of the Big Six suppliers according to recent research by First Utility. And 70 per cent of those homes are languishing on an expensive standard variable tariffs, according to figures from the Competition and Markets Authority. After a two year inquiry into the sector, energy companies were told last year they must work harder to encourage these customers to switch to a cheaper deal. However, last November, consumer group Which? claimed the energy giants were still failing to do this and nearly three quarters of customers had still yet to be contacted by their supplier to encourage them to choose a cheaper deal.

'EDF customers arent alone though. The message is loud and clear for the millions of people hit by Big Six price rises: shop around if youre on a standard variable tariff, or if youre on a fixed deal thats coming to an end.

'Collectively, customers could save 7.4billion by standing up to price rises and shopping around - thats well worth the seven minutes it takes to switch deals.'

How much have bills gone up in your area?

The differences in regional average prices are largely determined by how many people are signed up with the most expensive suppliers in each area.

If the majority of your neighbours are supplied by Npower, which bumped up prices the most at 10 per cent, then your regional average is likely to be higher than a region where most families are signed up with SSE which added the smallest amount to bills.

For example, 23 per cent of families in Eastern England are signed up with Npower, the provider which hiked prices the most - by 10 per cent - and 33 per cent buy their gas and electricity from Scottish Power, which upped prices by 8 per cent.

As a general rule though, regional differences also depend on the costs of getting the energy to you.

There are 14 regional networks which energy companies must pay if they supply gas and electricity in different areas of the country.

These networks all have their own fees, which will be passed on to customers by their suppler.

The price will also depend on how much energy the supplier has bought from local energy generators, and whether it is enough to keep up with demand.

SIX ENERGY PRICE HIKES BY REGION Region Average price increase Average bill value after rise Average savings by switching North West (Norweb) 101.85 1,256.28 385.92 South East (Seeboard) 101.44 1,257.28 386.46 London Electricity 100.63 1,254.24 389.09 North East (Northern Electric) 99.22 1,255.82 388.08 South West (SWEB) 98.64 1,253.54 386.43 Merseywise, North Wales and Cheshire (Manweb) 98.27 1,246.01 385.19 East of England (Eastern Electricity) 97.78 1,263.07 389.24 South West (Swalec) 97.62 1,249.82 387.99 North of Scotland (Scottish Hydro Power) 97.61 1,249.47 389.38 Southern Electric 97.58 1,261.22 389.56 Yorkshire Electricity 97.48 1,258.17 387.48 Central and Southern Scotland (Scottish Power) 96.88 1,247.10 385.85 Midlands Electric 96.76 1,261.69 388.88 East Midlands 95.52 1,262.14 389.44 Source: MoneySupermarket.com
The last remaining survivor of the Doolittle Raid is set to set to mark the 75th anniversary of the World War II mission at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force near Dayton, Ohio on Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Richard Cole, 101, is now the sole survivor of the original 80-member group that bombed Tokyo as revenge for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which forced America to enter the international conflict.

Cole, who acted as co-pilot for the head of the mission, Lt. Col. James Doolittle, plans to take part in events scheduled at the museum Tuesday.

He said it would be 'a somber affair' now that he is the only man left to carry on the Raider tradition of toasting those who have died in the past year, using goblets engraved with their names.

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Lt. Col. Richard Cole (pictured in 2015) is the last surviving member of the original 80-man Doolittle Raiders

Cole (second right) served as co-pilot to the head of the mission, Lt. Col. James Doolittle, second left

Tuesday marks the 75th anniversary of the American bombing mission on Tokyo, which was carried out in retaliation for Pearl Harbor. Above, the Raiders discuss their mission after getting their orders on April 18, 1942

In a private ceremony, he will offer tribute to retired Staff Sgt. David Thatcher, who died last June at age 94 in Missoula, Montana.

Sometimes chuckling, sometimes reflective, Cole sounded clear and military officer-courteous during a telephone interview, with his daughter Cindy sometimes repeating the questions if he didn't fully hear them in his home in Comfort, Texas.

Cole is sorry he won't have any of his mission comrades with him to share stories and joke with as they did in annual reunions that began after World War II. He didn't expect to be the last one standing, since he was older than many others on the mission.

'I never thought in that vein,' Cole said. 'We all know that somewhere along the line, you have to drop out.'

The mission marked the first time that bombing planes were launched off of an aircraft carrier

Cole said that launching the aircraft ended up being the easiest part of the mission

After bombing Tokyo, the Americans headed for China to land since they didn't have enough fuel to get back to get back to the carrier

Above, is a Japanese patrol boat that the bombers sank while heading to Tokyo

The Raiders launched their assault April 18, 1942, in B-25 bombers not built to fly off an aircraft carrier at sea. Suspecting they had been detected by Japanese patrols, they left 12 hours sooner than planned from the USS Hornet, utilizing their mission training in Florida on short-runway takeoffs.

'Everybody thought that the takeoff would be the most challenging thing, but as a matter of fact, it turned out to be easiest thing,' Cole said.

The crews of the 16 planes were 'very quiet' as they neared Japan, he recalled, saying his role next to Doolittle was to 'be seen, not heard... You didn't speak until spoken to.' But the country song 'Wabash Cannonball' started running through his head and he unconsciously began tapping his toe, which caught Doolittle's attention.

'He gave me a look which didn't need any conversation,' Cole said with a laugh.

Doolittle soon ordered bomb bay doors opened, and the attack was on against what turned out to be limited anti-aircraft fire.

'The enemy was doing something else and surprised that we were there, and then I just thought, "So far, so good,"' Cole said.

They then headed to China, running out of fuel. Cole said Doolittle gave the command to prepare to bail out as they neared the coast, adding: 'I wish you all good luck.'

Cole said it was scary to parachute into a dark 'unknown' in rough weather. His parachute caught in a tree, leaving him dangling but safe.

In this July 14, 1943 file photo, Maj. Gen. James Doolittle, (third from left, front row) who led the air raid on Japan and some of the men who flew with him drink a champagne toast from coffee cups during a reunion in North Africa on the first anniversary of the flight. Flyers are left to right front row: Maj. William Bower; Maj. Travis Hoover; Maj. Gen. Doolittle; Lt. Col. Harvey Hinman (not one of raiders); Capt. Neston C. Daniel, Back row left to right: Capt. Howard A. Sessler; Capt. William R. Pound, Jr.; Maj. Rodney R. Wilder; Capt. James M. Arker, Maj. Charles R. Greening, Maj. Joseph Klein; Capt. Griffith P. William, and Capt. Thomas C. Griffin

Three Raiders died trying to reach China, and eight were captured by Japanese soldiers. Three were executed, and a fourth died in captivity.

Their attack inflicted scattered damage, but more important, stunned Japan's people. Its military diverted resources to guard their homeland, while news of the raid lifted U.S. morale after the December 7, 1941, surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and a string of Japanese victories in the Pacific.

'Seven decades later, we are still awed by the sheer audacity of the Doolittle raid and the incredible men whose grit and bravery made it possible,' Democratic House leader Nancy Pelosi of California said when the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the Raiders in a 2015 ceremony. 'Though time has thinned their ranks, it will never dim the daring of their deeds.'

Cole, a Dayton-area native, has been to the Ohio museum for reunions and other special events. He and Thatcher were there in 2015 for events highlighting the Gold Medal.

Cole also led a special public 'final toast' ceremony at the museum in 2013, when four Raiders were still alive, saying of the departed: 'May they rest in peace.'

Cole attended Thatcher's funeral last June in Missoula.

Being an optimist and living his life in 'moderation' probably has contributed to his longevity, Cole said, adding that he can't really say for sure.

Asked about historical legacy, Cole replied that he believes he speaks for his late comrades in saying they considered themselves no more special than anyone else who served.

'We don't want to be remembered any more than the rest of the people who took part in beating the Japanese,' Cole said. 'They started it, and we finished it.'
A South Carolina family were petrified when what they thought was a burglar turned out to be a nine-foot long alligator on their second story porch.

Susie and Steve Polston and their 16-year-old son hid in the master bedroom of their Mount Pleasant home until the racket outside stopped. When their son sneaked a look outside - he spotted the massive animal among overturned furniture.

The family says the alligator climbed a 15-foot stairwell to the porch, crunched through the aluminum screen door and nestled between a sofa and a swinging bench.

'It was just surreal. It was so bizarre,' Susie Polston told the Post and Courier.

The alligator became increasingly aggressive as the Polston's waited for a local animal control company, Gator Getter Consultants, to arrive.

For nearly two hours an agent named Ronnie struggled with the beast, adding that it was likely from 200 to 300 pounds.

They believed the gator to be about 60 years old - and became frustrated when a newly constructed fence obstructed his ability to make it to a new mating pool.

The alligator became increasingly aggressive as the Polston's waited for a local animal control company, Gator Getter Consultants, to arrive

For nearly two hours an agent named Ronnie struggled with the beast, adding that it was likely from 200 to 300 pounds

State law requires a nuisance-trapped alligator to be killed, but the family didn't want that. The other choice was to wait it out, but the alligator was eventually euthanized.

Coming into close contact with one isn't very unusual in the area near the Polston's, who's home lies on the 18th hole at the Rivertowne Country Club.

Gators aren't typically aggressive, but can put on shows when they feel threatened, like baring their teeth and thrashing.

Susie and Steve Polston and their 16-year-old son hid in the master bedroom of their Mount Pleasant home until the racket outside stopped. When their son sneaked a look outside - he spotted the massive animal among overturned furniture

The alligator scaled a 15-foot outdoor staircase and broke through a door to get to the porch

They don't generally interact with humans unless something - or someone - interferes with their mating process, which involves moving directly from waterhole to waterhole and destroying whatever comes in their path.

Authorities warn that alligator spotting in the area will become increasingly more common as the weather continues to warm.

The Polston's, however, hope that their incident won't happen to anyone else.

'We love it here. It's beautiful,' Mrs Polston said. 'We think this was rare. We hope it was rare.'
Parents have spent the Easter long weekend camping outside a primary school in a desperate attempt to snare an elusive enrolment place for their child.

Dozens of parents pitched tents and brought sleeping bags to Seven Hills State School, in east Brisbane, to try and have their child chosen for limited spots reserved for students who live out of area.

Charlie and Luana Forrest were first in line at 10am on Monday, hoping to enrol their son Henry, three, into the school.

The couple said they had only heard good things about the school and that was why they were eager to have their son enrolled.

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Charlie and Luana Forrest were first in line at Seven Hills State School in Brisbane, hoping to have their child Henry, 3, enrolled in the school

More than 20 parents camped out over the Easter long weekend, bringing tents and sleeping bags, in the hope of enrolling their child in the school

'We've been given numbers based on time of arrival, so we're number one ... we're pretty proud of that,' Ms Forrest told The Today Show.

'We're out of catchment. Last year they took 15 people out of 22 applicants or something like that, out of catchment.'

Mr Forrest said those who live outside the catchment area have to line up to get a place for their child.

He said the couple took the extreme measure because of the school's reputation and it was close to where they - and the grandparents - lived.

'Reputation these days with schools, being a public school, is a good thing, so that's what we're basing this on,' he said.

He said there were more than 20 people who had also camped out in front of the school.

Parents came prepared to brave the overnight conditions outside Seven Hills State School, with enrolments opening from 8am on Tuesday

'We got to meet all the possible parents who are going to the school, so it's kind of a good social and community experience,' he said.

But Ms Forrest also acknowledged it has been an 'intense' process.

The family will not find out if their child's enrolment has been successful until later in the year.

'The timing's a little bit tricky because other schools let you know at certain times,' Mr Forrest said.

'But we've put our eggs in this basket based on the reputation and now we've met a whole bunch of people.

'Henry has met other kids as well, so it's probably our first preference now.

'The level of quality you get in public schools, especially in Queensland, seems very good. It would be silly to waste money on education where the public system is really good.'

Enrolment at the school opened at 8am on Tuesday.
While polls, pundits and professors all called the 2016 election wrong, American University history professor Allan Lichtman stood out by predicting a win for Donald Trump.

Soon after, he made another astonishing prediction, that Trump would get impeached. In a new interview with GQ, he's standing behind that assessment and giving it some meat.

'I believe he is more vulnerable than any other president in the history of the nation,' Lichtman said.

President Donald Trump (right), first lady Melania Trump (center) and Barron Trump at today's White House Easter Egg Roll. An American University thinks Trump will be impeached

Candidate Donald Trump on election night. American University's Allan Lichtman was one of the few to publicly predict a Trump victory, but now he also believes Trump will be impeached

Lichtman laid out his thoughts in a new book, 'The Case for Impeachment.'

Unlike his election prediction, his impeachment theory isn't based on a formal methodology because only two presidents have been impeached, while Richard Nixon, resigned before the House of Representatives could do such a thing.

American University history professor Allan Lichtman (pictured) wrote a new book explaining why he thinks President Trump will be impeached

Instead Lichtman said he did a 'deep study of history,' looking at the parallels Trump possesses to those presidents who have been impeached.

He added that he looked at, 'a study of the process of impeachment; a study of Trump's vulnerabilities, particularly those that have arisen over the course of his business career; and a look at the early weeks of his tenure in the White House.'

Looking at Nixon, Lichtman said the parallels between the late president and the current occupant are 'quite chilling.'

'Trump is very thin-skinned and considers the media to be his enemy. He believes in being on the attack at all times, and in the important of getting even with people,' Lichtman said. 'He has a penchant for lying and for deflecting controversy instead of meeting it head-on.'

'Finally, like Nixon, Trump seems bereft of any guiding principles, other than doing what is best for himself,' the professor continued. 'This lack of guiding principles, for a president, is very dangerous.'

Lichtman suggested Trump could get nailed on a variety of things, included the must talked-about Russian election controversy.

'There is still a lot of smoke around the campaign's Russia links,' Lichtman said. 'Carter Page, Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, Jeff Sessions and General Flynn, among others. I think there could be come fire there.'

The professor also pointed out that Trump could get in trouble for business conflicts of interest through the Emoluments Clause.

Other experts have often cited that part of the Constitution as well, when suggesting the current president could be legally impeached.

Lichtman said pushing Trump out the door could be beneficial for Congressional Republicans, who are charged with impeachment and the trial.

'They would love to have Mike Pence in the White House!' Lichtman said of Republicans, especially those in the House.

Pence will be able to pick his own vice president and that could be current House Speaker Paul Ryan, who was the party's vice presidential nominee in 2012: 'The ultimate dream team for Republicans.'

'Assuming Democrats are on board, it would only take about two dozen Republicans to deflect from their majority to secure enough votes to impeach,' Lichtman pointed out.

As for why Lichtman originally picked Trump, the D.C. professor said he had a system, he called 'The Keys to the Presidency,' which essentially looked at the strength of the incumbent president's party.

He tuned out the larger narrative that suggested Trump could not win and instead honed in on details like the fact the Democrats didn't get through another big package after Obamacare.

'A presidential election is, at its core, a referendum on whether the party in power should get four more years in office,' Lichtman noted.

By his measure, they did not.
A Current Affair presenter Tracy Grimshaw has said the week her colleague Ben McCormack was arrested over sharing child pornography was the 'worst of her life'.

McCormack, 42, was arrested on his way to work in Sydney on April 6, charged with using a carriage service to send child pornography and has been admitted to an 'institution' for mental health treatment.

Friends of Grimshaw, 56, said the veteran host is devastated by the incident and cannot even utter McCormack's name, Women's Day reported.

'This really is her worst nightmare - to have someone she worked with a trusted for so many years arrested for child porn,' the friend said.

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A Current Affair presenter Tracy Grimshaw has said the week her colleague Ben McCormack (pictured) was arrested over sharing child pornography was the 'worst of her life'

Friends of Grimshaw, 56, (pictured) said the veteran host is devastated by the incident and cannot even utter McCormack's name

'I honestly don't think she can even bring herself to talk about it'.

Friends also revealed Grimshaw has only been leaving her home to travel to the ACA offices at Willoughby in Sydney's north.

On Wednesday, McCormack's lawyer, Sam Macedone, told a Sydney court he did not know how long it would be before the Nine Network journalist was discharged from the institution.

The court granted a suppression order on the name of the medical institution where McCormack is recovering because his lawyer said there would be a media frenzy.

'For his own wellbeing I'm asking the location of where he is be suppressed,' Mr Macedone told the court.

'Otherwise there will be a media circus outside that institution which will not assist Mr McCormack with his present problems'.

Friends also revealed Grimshaw (pictured with McCormack) has only been leaving her home to travel to the ACA offices at Willoughby in Sydney's north

A Current Affair senior reporter Ben McCormack (pictured) has been admitted to an 'institution' for mental health treatment, a Sydney court has heard

It also emerged McCormack had been reprimanded over piling screenshots of dead Palestinian children on his desk in a bid to rile up a Jewish colleague

Last week, Daily Mail Australia revealed McCormack's Grindr profile, which specified he was looking for 'young slim smooth... dudes' and said 'short is hot'.

His profile, seen in May 2016, was accompanied by a photograph of his shirtless torso.

It also emerged he had been reprimanded over piling screenshots of dead Palestinian children on his desk in a bid to rile up a Jewish colleague.

Daily Mail Australia revealed he directed a risque short film in the early 2000s where father-son incest in a gay bathhouse was a key plot line.

On Wednesday, McCormack's lawyer, Sam Macedone, told a Sydney court he did not know how long it would be before the Nine Network journalist was discharged from the institution

'This really is her worst nightmare - To have someone she worked with a trusted for so many years arrested for child porn,' a friend said of Grimshaw's reaction

The Grindr profile of A Current Affair reporter Ben McCormack is pictured above

In his profile, McCormack specified the type of person he was seeking to date

He is under strict bail conditions preventing him from being exposed to children and has been suspended from the surf life saving club where he volunteered.

McCormack's arrest sent shockwaves through the Australian media, particularly given his work in exposing Hey Dad! abuser Robert Hughes.

McCormack will face Downing Centre Local Court on May 1.

The Nine Network journalist was arrested on April 6 over a child pornography charge (pictured)
Security measures around the Sydney Opera House must be urgently reviewed in order to prevent the possibility of a London-style terror attack, it has been warned.

It comes after several vehicles drove through the harbourside promenade towards the city's most recognisable landmark recently.

The eastern promenade, between Circular Quay station and the Opera House, has several unsecured areas sparking concerns the area is vulnerable to the possibility of vehicles as large as a truck driving into crowds of pedestrians, according to The Australian.

But it's unclear who is ultimately in charge of the precinct, and when agencies including the City of Sydney, Sydney Opera House Trust, Property NSW and NSW Police were approached, most were unable to clarify the matter, the paper reports.

Security measures around the Sydney Opera House must be urgently reviewed in order to prevent the possibility of a London-style terror attack, it has been warned

Patricia Forsythe, the Sydney Business Chamber executive director, said the area has been affected by a 'lack of co-ordination' for some time.

She said the agencies work together to secure the area for large events such as New Year's Eve but year-round security needed to be reviewed.

'We are probably overdue for a review of these agencies,' she told The Australian.

'While they work together in the area of security for large events such as New Year's Eve and Vivid, the question I'm hearing from business people is: 'What about the rest of the year?'

Her call was echoed by residents and workers in the area who said they've seen three vehicles driving onto the busy pedestrian strip in recent weeks.

It comes after several vehicles drove through the harbourside promenade towards the city's most recognisable landmark recently

The concern is the area could become a target for a terror attack, like recent ones in London, Nice and Stockholm where heavy vehicles were used as weapons to mow down people in the street.

A resident of Bennelong Apartments, home to some of the city's most affluent professionals, said he was walking along the promenade last week when a white van drove up behind him.

Patricia Forsythe, the Sydney Business Chamber executive director, said the area has been affected by a 'lack of co-ordination'

'All of a sudden, there's a van coming behind us and there were people everywhere,' he said.

'They drove the entire length of the promenade  it was scary.'

The vehicle  an unmarked Fort Transit van  reportedly drove between metal bollards and along the promenade last Thursday afternoon.

But Property NSW told the Australian that the van had a clearance to be on the promenade.

However, an ice cream van also breached the turning circle by the Opera House at Macquarie Street and parked on the promenade to sell to punters for five hours on Thursday.

Both the Opera House and Property NSW said the area did not fall under its jurisdiction.

The resident added that the area is a 'real target' and security measures need to be taken seriously.

Security experts have backed up the sentiment, saying the area  which attracts more than 8.2 million visitors a year  needs to make safety measures more stringent.
A five-year-old boy fighting for life after he fell from the Cha Cha ride on Easter Monday was related to a carnival worker.

The boy sustained serious head and foot injuries after falling at Rye Carnival, south of Melbourne, on Monday afternoon.

He was a family member of one of the ride operators and had been hanging onto the side of one of the gondolas before he fell, according to 9 News.

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A boy, five, sustained serious head and foot injuries after falling at Rye Carnival, south of Melbourne, on Monday afternoon

Paramedics were called about 5.15pm and the boy was taken to Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne by air ambulance (scene pictured)

However, witnesses claim he was 'flung' from his seat.

The boy is still in a critical condition on Tuesday morning.

Paramedics were called about 5.15pm and worked on him for 45 minutes before he was taken to Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne by air ambulance.

The ride seats 44 people, who must be over 130cm to take the ride. It is made up of small carriages which are lifted off the ground and spun around.

WorkSafe Victoria is investigating the incident.

Paramedics were called about 5.15pm and the boy was taken to Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne by air ambulance (pictured)

Sean Lynch, who witnessed the incident, reportedly said the young boy's mother was distressed at the scene

Sean Lynch, who witnessed the incident, told the Herald Sun the young boy's mother was distressed at the scene.

'I was about 30 metres away from her and I could see she was holding her hands on her head and looked so distraught  she was really upset,' Mr Lynch said.

Another parent, who had been on the ride with their own children, said the boy was flung out of his seat about five minutes into the ride - which was 'the last of the day'.

'There appeared to be a number of carnival workers and relatives of workers on the ride,' the witness said.

The five-year-old boy remained in a critical condition on Tuesday morning (Cha Cha ride is pictured)

The boy was airlifted out of the Rye Carnival (pictured) to Royal Children's Hospital (pictured: another ride from the carnival)

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Wittingslow Carnivals, who run the Rye Carnival.

A website for the carnival says the event is targeted at two to 12-year-olds, the local community, and visitors to the peninsula.

The five-day carnival offers circus workshops, stage performances, roving acts and magic shows, as well as rides.

Google reviews from previous guests say the rides available are 'great' and 'appeared safe'.

One particularly pleased customer referred to it as 'the best place on earth'.
Bear Grylls has criticised schools for not being fully equipped to prepare children for adult life, adding that they need to empower young people more.

The 42-year-old, who has three sons with his wife Shara, also admitted to breaking a few school rules by taking his children away during term time.

He said: I try never to be away for more than a couple of weeks at a time. And even if, like in the last month, Ive been away solidly I try to come back for a weekend. And then if it has to be a long time I get the family out with me.

Grylls said he was never the 'sportiest or the cleverest' at school but he was very determined

Break a few school rules so maybe the boys are out [of school] for a bit longer than they are meant to be.

It is against the law in England for children to miss school without the permission of the head teacher except for reasons such as illness.

Less than two weeks ago, Jon Platt, a father from the Isle of Wight who took his seven-year-old daughter out of school to go to Disney World for a week in 2015, lost a landmark court battle when he refused to pay a fine for taking his child out of school.

Grylls, who attended Eton, criticised schools for focusing on grades at the expense of life lessons.

Grylls wants his kids equipped for the long haul in life and not 'a sprint to get to the top at 18'

The stars son Huckleberry, 10, has just done a term at an international school in the Alps while Jesse, 14, is at boarding school and Marmaduke, eight, is attending prep school.

When asked whether he thinks the education system is failing to prepare kids for adulthood, he told the Radio Times: I do, and the people who suffer are the kids.

I want my kids to be equipped for life and life is not a sprint to get to the top at 18. Its a long haul. Life kicks the s*** out of you and it rewards the persistent.

He added: Schools have got to empower kids for life, rather than getting to a certain level on a league table.

The survival expert said that passing selection for the SAS was the first time he proved his determination to himself

The brain surgeons, the high achievers in life arent always the best at school, they are just determined to get there. I bet that brain surgeon is the guy who got Bs and Cs at A-Level.

The survival expert, who splits his time between living on a houseboat on the Thames and a remote island off the coast of north Wales, added: I was never very brilliant at school. Never the sportiest or the cleverest, but the one thing I could control was I could be determined.

The SAS was the first time I really proved that to myself, when I passed selection. And ever since I have leant on that feeling, that if I hang on in there I can do it.'


Australian taxpayers will fund open days at 13 mosques to help end Islamophobia in Australia.

Mosques across Victoria will open their doors to non-Muslims on May 7 to 'breakdown misconceptions about Islam' by offering tours and discussions of Islam.

The Victorian Government has given the peak Muslim body $16,500 to fund the event.

Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) president Mohamed Mohideen said people of 'all faiths, no faith, nationality and gender' were invited to attend and meet their Muslim neighbours

Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) president Mohamed Mohideen said people of 'all faiths, no faith, nationality and gender' were invited to attend and meet their Muslim neighbours.

'We want the Victorian community to look beyond what is portrayed of Muslims and build dialogue and friendships while sharing mutual respect and understanding,' he said.

The ICV said it received funding from the Victorian Government for the project for the shared goal of breaking down 'misconceptions' about the religion.

The Islamic Council of Victoria told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday it received an extra $16,500 from the government for the Open Day alone

The Islamic Council of Victoria told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday it received an extra $16,500 from the State Government for the open day.

But the peak Muslim body received more than $95,000 in taxpayer grants in 2016-2017, an $80,000 'community harmony' payout and $10,000 for a Muslim arts festival, the Herald Sun reports.

The Andrews Labor Government has long supported the Islamic community in Victoria.

The Government promised almost $1 million in 2015 to 'support a better understanding of Islamic culture'.

The Andrews Labor Government has long supported the Islamic community in Victoria

The government approved a $450,000 grant to the Islamic Museum of Australia in 2015, to help 'educate the community about Islam'.

The funding was to be paid across three years, in addition to earlier capital funding of $500,000.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said Islamic bodies like the ICV fostered 'interfaith and intercultural dialogue'.

'On behalf of the Victorian Government I congratulate the Islamic Council of Victoria on its many achievements during the past year and offer my best wishes for the future,' Mr Andrews said in 2015 when it handed out funding.

'On behalf of the Victorian Government I congratulate the Islamic Council of Victoria on its many achievements during the past year and offer my best wishes for the future,' Mr Andrews said

WHICH MOSQUES WILL OPEN DOORS? Virgin Mary Mosque (Werribee Islamic Centre)

Carlton North Mosque (Albanian Australian Islamic Society of Carlton North)

Islamic Association of Monash Mosque

City Mosque (Islamic Council of Victoria)

Thomastown Mosque (Diyanet)

Emir Sultan Mosque

Benevolence Australia

Elsedeaq Heidelberg Mosque

Gippsland Australian Muslim Community Advertisement

ICV president Mohamed Mohideen praised Premier Daniel Andrews this year for his 'wonderful' leadership.

The Mosque Open Day received no funding from the federal government.

The Islamic Council of Victoria represents more than 180,000 Victorian Muslims in Melbourne and rural Victoria.

From 60 mosques across the state, 13 will cooperate and open their doors to non-Muslims on May 7.

The ICV said people would be welcomed by the Muslim community with open arms.

'(There will be) the sweet smell of musk, soft artisan rugs under every footstep, friendly faces and a serene calm in the air,' it said.
Million-pound apartment sales in England and Wales have nearly trebled in a decade.

Nearly 3,000 flats worth 1 million or more were sold last year, a 196 per cent jump from 1,002 in 2006.

Nearly all of the the plush properties were based in London - 96 per cent - and made up a third of all million-pound addresses sold in the capital that year, data gathered by Lloyds Private Banking showed.

Westminster is home to the most expensive apartments in the UK, with an average price of 2,215,073.

Million-pound apartment sales in England and Wales have nearly trebled in a decade

A spokeswoman said the jump was partly explained by a growing population and increasing demand.

Kensington and Chelsea saw soaring numbers of the luxury spaces being snapped up, where 731 flats sold compared with 357 in 2006, overtaking terraced houses as the most popular million-pound properties.

In up-and-coming Hackney, east London, there were no million-pound apartments sold in 2006. Last year, there were 47.

The figures, taken from the Land Registry, found the exclusive flats now make up 22 per cent of all million-pound property sales in England and Wales.

Sales of flats worth more than 1 million have grown at a far greater pace than houses.

Nearly 3,000 flats worth 1 million or more were sold last year, a 196 per cent jump from 1,002 in 2006

The sale of detached homes over the one million mark rose 88 per cent, while semi-detached increased 154 per cent and terraced houses went up 165 per cent over the same period.

Head of Lending at Lloyds Private Banking, Louise Santaana, said: 'London dominates the million-pound flat market, with the prime areas of Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea accounting for over half of all million-pound apartment sales in England and Wales.

'A finite supply of land in prime central London combined with a growing population has meant the only way is up, with more and more developers focusing on apartments.

'In the past decade there has been a large increase in the building of high value apartments in Knightsbridge, West End, Victoria and King's Cross, while Marylebone and Mayfair being the top two locations for most development.

'With demand still high, there are more in the pipeline.'
Justice Secretary Liz Truss (pictured) has set out plans to make it easier to remove thousands of foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers. A new fast-track system will hasted their removal following failed cases.

Major measures will be unveiled today to make it easier to remove thousands of foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers from Britain.

Following an outcry over illegal immigrants exploiting human rights laws to remain in the UK, ministers have proposed a new fast-track system intended to accelerate their removal.

Justice Secretary Liz Truss has set out plans to speed up significantly around 2,000 cases a year where a foreign national is locked up.

The scheme will make it quicker to get foreign prisoners and unsuccessful refugees who lose their legal challenge on to a plane home. It will save taxpayers an estimated 2.7million a year in lawyers and court fees and the huge costs of detaining those who do not have permission to be in Britain.

The Daily Mail revealed yesterday that the removal of failed asylum seekers had sunk to a record low, fuelling concerns that the UK is failing to get a grip on its borders.

Despite a backlog of nearly 27,000 failed asylum seekers who were deemed subject to removal action, the Home Office deported fewer than 3,500 in 2016. This is a fall of two-thirds since 2010, when the Tories came to power.

Meanwhile, a committee of MPs found last year that there are more than 13,000 foreign criminals in Britain either in jail or walking our streets.

Many of those living in the community after finishing their sentences have successfully resisted deportation by using human rights legislation. Critics said too many illegal immigrants were playing the system.

Miss Truss hopes the new detention fast-track proposals will stem further erosion of public confidence in a failing asylum system. She has published the revamped plans two years after judges found that part of the system was unlawful.

Miss Truss said: It is vital that foreign nationals who have no right to remain in the country should be removed as quickly as possible.

We must ensure that foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers are not exploiting the justice system by attempting to stay in the UK after their claims have been rejected.

Our proposals are also better for detainees as it will see their detention time cut.

Alp Mehmet, vice-chairman of think-tank Migrationwatch which campaigns for balanced immigration, said: This is a welcome and sensible proposal, and not before time.

Despite a backlog of nearly 27,000 failed asylum seekers who were deemed subject to removal action, the Home Office deported fewer than 3,500 in 2016. This is a fall of two-thirds since 2010, when the Tories came to power

However, the Ministry of Justice plan is likely to provoke anger among refugee campaigners, who fought the fast- track system with legal action for years.

The proposals focus on detained foreign criminals or failed asylum seekers who appeal against a decision to remove them from Britain. Under the new scheme, the time between an initial decision and conclusion of an appeal to the first-tier tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber will be no longer than 28 days.

Currently it typically takes a third longer  around 36 days. However, an assessment of detained asylum cases between August 2015 and March 2016 found some individuals were held for more than 100 days while their case was decided.

The detained fast-track system was introduced by Labour in 2003, at the height of the crisis over the first Sangatte migrant camp near Calais.

Ministry of Justice plan is likely to provoke anger among refugee campaigners, who fought the fast- track system with legal action for years. The new plans now have to go before the independent Tribunal Procedure Committee, which sets rules for tribunals

It applied in cases where officials believed an asylum claim had no merits and the application could be quickly resolved.

Any appeal was also fast-tracked and, crucially, the migrant was locked up while the review took place to prevent them absconding.

But this aspect was ruled unlawful by the Court of Appeal in June 2015 because rejected asylum seekers were given only seven days to appeal. Applicants and their lawyers were not able to properly prepare their cases, judges said.

In a surprise move, then-immigration minister James Brokenshire took the step of suspending the entire system. He made the decision in the face of further legal challenges.

The new plans now have to go before the independent Tribunal Procedure Committee, which sets rules for tribunals. It will consider whether and how the proposals should be implemented.
One in five British businesses has been hacked by cyber criminals in the past year, research suggests.

Larger companies, defined as those with at least 100 staff, are more susceptible to cyber attacks, according to the report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

It found that 42 per cent of big businesses had fallen victim to cyber crime, compared with 18 per cent of small companies.

One in five British businesses have been targeted by cyber criminals in the past year, with 42 per cent of big business falling victim to hackers. Companies targeted include Yahoo and Ashley Madison (file photo)

Despite this, only 24 per cent of the 1,200 firms surveyed had security measures in place to guard against hacking.

Web giant Yahoo, telecoms firm TalkTalk and controversial dating website Ashley Madison are among the high-profile businesses to have suffered cyber attacks in recent years, with the loss of millions of customers' account data.

Adam Marshall, BCC director-general, said: 'Cyber attacks risk companies' finances, confidence and reputation, with victims reporting not only monetary losses, but costs from disruption to their business and productivity.

'Firms need to be proactive about protecting themselves from cyber attacks.

'Security accreditations can help businesses assess their own IT infrastructure, defend against cyber-security breaches and mitigate the damage caused by an attack. It can also increase confidence among the businesses and clients who they engage with online.

'Businesses should also be mindful of the extension to data protection regulation coming into force next year, which will increase their responsibilities and requirements to protect personal data.

Even though cyber crime is affecting almost half of big business, only 24 per cent of all companies had security measures in place to guard against cyber criminals (file photo)

'Firms that don't adopt the appropriate protections leave themselves open to tough penalties.

'Companies are reporting a reliance on IT support providers to resolve cyber-attacks.

'More guidance from government and police about where and how to report attacks would provide businesses with a clear path to follow in the event of a cyber-security breach and increase clarity around the response options available to victims, which would help minimise the occurrence of cyber crime.'
The trust, covering Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, says it has an acute problem in holding on to British-trained doctors

A hospital trust struggling to recruit British doctors has turned to refugees from Iraq and Syria to help combat staff shortages.

The trust, covering Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, says it has an acute problem in holding on to British-trained doctors.

Now a pioneering scheme is paying for 11 refugee doctors to take the medical and language exams they need to pass in order to apply for jobs in the NHS.

The cost, which is being met by Health Education England, is estimated to be under 3,000 per doctor.

This is far less than the 163,000 bill to train a British doctor. But local politicians last night said the move was a publicity stunt that papers over failures to properly tackle the NHS staffing crisis.

The pilot scheme was opened to those who had been granted asylum. It involves one pharmacist and 11 doctors from Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Pakistan.

No bailouts! NHS overspenders face shutdown Hospital units face closure in areas which have overspent their budgets. NHS chiefs are drawing up lists of centres that will have to make difficult choices. A report published by NHS England warns that some districts and services are effectively relying on bailouts from other parts of the country. It said: Some organisations and geographies have historically been substantially overspending their fair shares of NHS funding and their control totals. In effect they have been living off bailouts arbitrarily taken from other parts of the country or from services such as mental health. This is no longer affordable or desirable. The authors warned that action would be taken in the next 12 months to cut back services that are overspending. Going into 2017/18 it is critical that those geographies that are significantly out of balance now confront the difficult choices they have to take, they said. Where necessary this may mean explicitly scaling back spending on locally unaffordable services. Any cutbacks or closures are expected to be made as part of a sustainability and transformation plan. The Health Service Journal, which revealed the cutbacks proposal, calculated that Staffordshire was the most likely to face cuts, having breached its control total by 68million last year. The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area overspent by 45million, 3 per cent of its income. An NHS England spokesman said: It is grossly unfair if one part of the country continually overspends at the expense of other areas. Advertisement

The doctors will take a test under the International English Language Testing System to prove they are a good to very good user of English and have an operational command of the language.

Next they will undergo tests of their medical competence and language carried out by the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board. These tests are taken by all doctors outside the EU seeking to work in the UK.

They will then be supported to get jobs, but none will be paid until they are registered with the General Medical Council and working for the NHS.

Organisers stress that the refugee doctors will not carry out any clinical duties until they have full GMC registration.

The refugees are the first recruits for the Refugees Programme for Overseas Doctors, set up between the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and a Middlesbrough-based charity called Investing in People and Culture.

The scheme began in December and the first intake are expected to begin clinical training placements soon.

Professor Jane Metcalf, deputy medical director of the trust, said: The programme has the potential to provide much-needed support for the NHS.

This area of the country has a particularly acute problem in recruiting and retaining doctors so a side effect of the programme will be to fill gaps we couldnt otherwise fill. These are early days but it is looking really promising.

But local representatives have raised concerns that the trust has failed to put more long-term measures in place to retain staff.

Ray Martin-Wells, a Conservative councillor, said: Good publicity for the trust is one thing but good patient safety is another. One would hope were not going to be putting these people in a position where they are out of their depth.

Ukip councillor John Tennant, leader of the official opposition at Hartlepool Borough Council, added: This cant be a long-term solution. In Hartlepool we have internationally recognised services, but were slowly losing the people who provide those services.

But Karen Wilkinson-Bell, chairman of Investing in People and Culture, said: These people are skilled doctors and yet some were surviving by delivering pizzas.

Now, for a relatively small investment, this programme is achieving great things on a humanitarian level while also benefiting our local area immensely by plugging gaps in the NHS.

The recruits include orthopaedic specialist Ahmad Zia Baluch, who fled Afghanistan a year ago with his family after he became a target of the Taliban because of translation work he did for Nato.
When Amanda Knox was on trial in Italy for allegedly murdering her flatmate in 2007, she had received support from then-private citizen Donald Trump.

But after Knox, who was subsequently acquitted, supported Hillary Clinton for president, Trump is no longer in her corner.

The president is said to be 'very upset' with the 'ungrateful' Knox, according to a Trump neighbor who was the subject of a profile in The New York Times on Sunday.

The neighbor, George Lombardi, was the subject of a profile by the Times.

Lombardi is a neighbor of Trump's at Trump Tower who is also known as an associate with contacts in European far-right political circles.

In the Times piece, Lombardi said that Trump was 'very upset' that Knox had publicly endorsed his opponent, Clinton, for the presidency.

President Donald Trump is reportedly 'very upset' with Amanda Knox (above), the American woman who was detained for four years and eventually acquitted of murdering her flatmate in an Italian apartment in 2007

Trump (left) was stunned to learn that Knox (seen right in 2008) did not vote for him in the recent presidential election

Trump was a supporter of Knox and believed in her innocence. 'Everyone should boycott Italy is Amanda Knox is not freed - she is totally innocent,' Trump tweeted in September 2011

Trump even donated money to Knox's defense fund while she was incarcerated in Italy. 'Amanda Knox is innocent,' he tweeted in October 2011. 'Italian government should pay for this travesty'

Knox was arrested and tried for the November 1, 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher, who was stabbed to death in a student apartment she shared with Knox in Perugia, Italy.

A lengthy legal process in the Italian court system meant the case dragged on for eight years in total - finally concluding in March of 2015.

In 2009, two years after Meredith died, Knox was sentenced to 26 years in prison for the murder and sexual assault, while Sollecito got 25 years.

Another man, drifter Rudy Guede, was jailed for 30 years  cut to 16 on appeal.

The revelation of Trump's feelings toward Knox was made by Guido Lombardi (center), a neighbor of Trump's who owns an apartment at Trump Tower. He was the subject of an expose by The New York Times

But then in 2011, both Knox and Sollecito were controversially cleared and freed after the prosecution's key evidence collapsed.

It was only in 2015 that the appeals process finally came to an end and the pair's acquittal stood - a final verdict; Guede is now the only convicted murderer.

When Knox was facing trial and incarceration in Italy, Trump tweeted in support of her innocence and urged sanctions against Italy if she went to jail.

Knox even wrote that Trump had donated money to her defense fund when she and her family were strapped for cash.

But when Knox returned to the United States after her acquittal in 2015, she endorsed Clinton because of her views on abortion.

'Trump's statements about abortionwere misinformed,' Knox wrote in an op-ed for the West Seattle Herald.

Knox (left) endorsed Trump's opponent, Hillary Clinton (right), because she agreed with her views on abortion rights and reproductive health

'Hillary's position on women's reproductive health was the source of my enthusiasm for her presidential candidacy,' she wrote.

When Knox had publicly stated her support for Clinton, she said she began to receive backlash from Trump supporters who demanded that she owed the Republican her vote because of his advocacy for her cause.

'Politics is not a tit-for-tat game,' Knox wrote. 'It's not: I helped you, now you help me.'

'Only in Banana Republics do rich political leaders dole out favors in exchange for your silence and your vote.'

'Tit-for-tat politics are a threat to Democracy, and it troubles me that some Trump supporters subscribe to that policy.'

Knox noted that while Trump was correct in his belief of her innocence, he has maintained that the teens arrested in the Central Park Five case were guilty  even though authorities acknowledged that they were wrongfully imprisoned.

'In a time when my entire family had already tapped into their retirement savings and taken out second mortgages, we were grateful when any supporters, including Trump, donated to my defense and spoke out about my innocence,' she wrote.

'And like some of my supporters, Trump had his own ideas and his own way; he called for the U.S. to sanction Italy until they released mea pronouncement which only amplified anti-American sentiment towards me in the courtroom.'

'Even if Trump means well, his schemes tend to be blunt, selfish, and short-sighted, rather than nuanced, empathetic, and thought through.'
Hundreds of British troops will deploy to South Sudan in the coming weeks as the UK government tries to stave off the world's fastest growing refugee crisis.

Some 300 soldiers will be sent to two major bases in the war-ravaged nation as part of a new east Africa mission designed to tackle migration at its source.

They will be part of a UN peacekeeping mission in a country gripped by the world's first famine in six years. It will be one of the largest deployments of UK troops across the globe.

Hundreds of British troops will deploy to South Sudan in the coming weeks as the UK government tries to stave off the world's fastest growing refugee crisis

Millions of pounds of UK aid money will also be poured into South Sudan this year to help save desperate children fleeing 'unimaginable horrors'.

The Daily Mail was granted access to a crisis clinic where starving toddlers are being treated after they were forced to flee from gunmen carrying out massacres.

They were saved from death by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) - which receives British foreign aid money.

Speaking from war-torn Ganyiel, aid workers from the IRC warned without 'urgent' intervention there will be a 'catastrophic' number of deaths in the country.

They said the civil war had created a 'melting pot' which had culminated in children fighting for survival.

Lieutenant Colonel Jason Ainley, the commanding officer in the country, said UK troops, along with others, were 'playing a huge role in trying to alleviate the problems here in South Sudan'.

Some 300 soldiers will be sent to two major bases in the war-ravaged nation as part of a new east Africa mission designed to tackle migration at its source

They will be part of a UN peacekeeping mission in a country gripped by the world's first famine in six years

He said: 'Our part in this mission is contributing to the UN objective of solving the source of the problem. There is no doubt, this is a major deployment for the UK.

'The UK will play a significant role in the coming months. We have been preparing for this for 6-8 months and to be finally here it fills you with pride.'

Defence minister Mike Penning, who visited the region, said: 'This mission, along with others in the region, aims to end destabilising conflict that is prompting migration and shows how Britain works globally to promote security.'

Some 1.6million people have either been displaced or fled to neighbouring countries in the past eight months as a result of a famine and fighting.

More than 2,800 people are fleeing the country every day to neighbouring African nations.

Those that have stayed in the country are reliant on aid cash - but it is running out.

One of those currently seeing the benefits of UK aid cash at the IRC clinic is Ton Biel, 27.

It will be one of the largest deployments of UK troops across the globe. Pictured: Effects of famine in Ganyiel

She was forced to flee her home in the middle of the night with her four children - including twins - as tribesmen raided her village and shot dead her husband.

After wading for eight hours through marshland, Mrs Biel and her children, Luelgok, Nyaboth, aged 1, Nyak, 4, and Nyareik, 10, arrived at the town of Ganyiel.

Speaking from the centre, she said: 'I am scared we will die. I am scared the tribesmen will come from the villages.

'I am scared of starvation. If we had stayed there (Polmok village), we would have died of hunger and it was not safe.

'We don't know whether we will survive this year or not.'

She was taken in by the Ganyiel primacy care centre - covering an area of 99,000 people - because her emaciated twins nearly died on the journey.

Millions of pounds of UK aid money will also be poured into South Sudan this year to help save desperate children fleeing 'unimaginable horrors'

The Daily Mail was granted access to a crisis clinic where starving toddlers are being treated after they were forced to flee from gunmen carrying out massacres

Weighing just 5kg each at 18-months-old - and with their arm width at just 10cm, the girl and boy twins are suffering from severe malnutrition.

She said: 'I am here because my children are sick. Their father died and I cannot feed them alone.

'He was killed by tribesmen who raided our home in November.'

Speaking about the incident as she fed one of the twins, she said: 'We heard shooting noises and we were scared and my husband told me to run and keep running with our children.

'We ran to the bushes and hid there. Then we came back and he was lying dead on the floor. He had been shot.'

She added: 'We had to leave. It took us eight hours to get to Ganyiel. My children were ill, and I was struggling to produce enough milk because of my sorrow.

'We waded through the marshes and survived on wild fruits and water lilies.'

Toddlers were saved from death by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) - which receives British foreign aid money

Speaking from war-torn Ganyiel, aid workers from the IRC warned without 'urgent' intervention there will be a 'catastrophic' number of deaths in the country

Crucially, the IRC is equipped with canoes to navigate through the swamps to remote islands off the River Nile and reach those who need it most.

Doctor Stacey Mearns, a health co-ordinator with the IRC's emergency response team, said: 'The level of need is enormous here and it is challenging because of access and insecurity.

'Our biggest issue is the geography, it is difficult getting to people because of the swamps and marshes which is why we need to use canoes.

'These people are on the brink of survival.

'The level of humanitarian suffering is overwhelming. Without urgent humanitarian intervention, there will be a catastrophic number of deaths.

'People will simply starve to death and many more will suffer and die from disease.'

Speaking of the causes, she added: 'The war has directly caused the famine.

Experts say the civil war has created a 'melting pot' which had culminated in children fighting for survival

'It created a melting pot that has brewed and brewed and culminated in this situation.

'I think it would be completely immoral and unjust to stand back and watch catastrophic numbers of people die from famine.'

As well as starvation, children are also dying from cholera and other diseases such as malaria and pneumonia.

One million people - including hundreds of thousands of children - are on the brink of starvation due to the man-made crisis.

Famine has been declared in two counties in South Sudan, where civil war between different tribes has raged since 2013.

Lieutenant Colonel Jason Ainley, the commanding officer in the country, said UK troops, along with others, were 'playing a huge role in trying to alleviate the problems here in South Sudan'

Britain has pledged 100million out of its 12billion foreign aid budget to South Sudan for this year.

Babar Baloch, a spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, has warned: 'A famine produced by the vicious combination of fighting and drought is now driving the world's fastest growing refugee crisis.'

Aid minister Priti Patel said: 'UK Aid is providing a lifeline for those fleeing unimaginable horrors but without concrete steps to end the violence by those in power more people will die long, slow painful deaths from the brutal famine.'
Abdel Hakim Belhaj, 50, is willing to drop his case for a token 1 in compensation

A legal battle to silence a Libyan dissident who claims Britain helped hand him over to Colonel Gaddafi's torturers has cost taxpayers 1.5million.

Abdel Hakim Belhaj, 50, is willing to drop his case for a token 1 in compensation and an apology for the UK's complicity in his abuse, but the Government has refused.

He says during Tony Blair's time in office he and his pregnant wife Fatima Bouchard were kidnapped and delivered to Libya thanks to MI6 intelligence and tortured with the help of British spies.

In January the Supreme Court gave the couple permission to sue the Government over their extraordinary rendition  where suspects are flown to another country for imprisonment and interrogation.

It raises the prospect of former foreign secretary Jack Straw and ex-MI6 counter-terror chief Sir Mark Allen being hauled into the witness box to explain their role in the scandal. Mr Belhaj, an opponent of Gaddafi, was handed over to the tyrant's henchmen in 2004  the same month as Mr Blair struck his notorious 'deal in the desert' with the despot.

A court hearing could lay bare the depth to which the Blair Government was complicit in the CIA's torture programme. A Freedom of Information request revealed the Treasury Solicitor's department  the Government's law office  has spent a total of 1,572,017 on internal and external legal costs in a failed attempt to keep the case out of court.

Cori Crider, a lawyer at Reprieve, which represents Mr Belhaj, said: 'The Government has wasted a staggering sum of public money  it seems no expense is too great to spare the blushes of the security services.'

Mr Belhaj, a former Islamist fighter, said: 'I am not interested in revenge  only for the British Government or those involved in the case to admit to and apologise for what happened.'

He said he had gone through 'a lot of pain and suffering' and accused Mr Blair of 'stepping all over the principles of human rights and justice' that the UK was known for. Mr Belhaj fled Libya as a dissident in the 1990s and sought asylum through the UK.

He says during Tony Blair's time in office he and his pregnant wife Fatima Bouchard were kidnapped and delivered to Libya

But it is claimed MI6 agents tipped off the CIA, and Mr Belhaj and his wife were taken into Libyan custody, where he says he suffered six years in a torture dungeon. Among his claims is that Sir Mark is guilty of negligence and complicity in torture.

Lib Dem MP Alistair Carmichael said: 'The Government could settle this case tomorrow for 1 and an apology but sorry seems again to be the hardest word to say.'

In a statement, Mr Straw said he had acted lawfully at all times and had never been complicit in unlawful rendition by other states.

A Cabinet Office spokesman said: 'It would be inappropriate for the Government to comment on this case due to the ongoing legal proceedings.'
Motorbike riders in Thailand are accustomed to all kinds of dangers in a country that has an extremely high road toll.

But one rider could not have been expecting a shocking wildlife encounter as he enjoyed a scenic ride through the mountains.

Video captured the moment he came under attack from a flying snake, which leapt toward him as he rode through jungle in Lampang, in the country's north.

The incredible footage initially appears innocuous, with the man riding casually in a bushland area.

While riding through the mountainous stretch of road, the man can be seen moving to the left of his lane.

Suddenly, a long object appears in the middle of the road and begins slithering in the direction of the motorbike rider.

As the motorbike rider slows down to and tries to take evasive action, the huge snake leapt into mid-air in an effort to attack him.

A motorbike rider has been given the fright of his life after coming under attack from a leaping snake (pictured) as he rode through a mountainous region of Lampang, in Thailand's north

Desperate to avoid being bitten, the man was forced to lift his legs up into the air to get out of the way of the metre-and-a-half long snake

Desperate to avoid being bitten, the man was forced to lift his legs up into the air to get them out of the way of the metre-and-a-half long snake.

Apparently frightened by the near-miss, the rider can be seen looking around in shock after the incident.

But just moments later, having shaken off the scary encounter, the man continues on with his casual ride as if nothing had happened.
A new elite team of Royal Marines will defend Britain's coast from terrorist attacks.

The Maritime Operations Commando Unit is being set up to tackle ISIS jihadis entering the country via boat.

It will be comprised of 450 expertly trained troops from the 42 Commando Royal Marines in Plymouth, and liaison officers from the SAS and the Special Boat Service.

The Maritime Operations Commando Unit is being set up to tackle jihadis entering the country via boat (file photo)

The unit will carry out raids on enemy vessels and will execute their orders at short notice, reports the Mirror.

The team has been assembled as the Government becomes increasingly concerned about the dangers of terrorist groups infiltrating the nation's ports and smuggling armed fighters inland.

News of the new unit was revealed in a leaked document by Major General Rob Magowan, of the Royal Marines.

He said that focus must turn from 'land-centric campaigns in the Middle East' to fighting on future battlegrounds that are likely to be 'complex'.

Major Magowan said: 'It [the unit] will focus on maritime interdiction and boarding operations, protection teams for Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ships deployed globally.

'It will also provide our core contribution to the UK in response to a terrorist event.'




Hawaii lawmakers want state officials to update plans for coping with a nuclear attack as North Korea develops nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles that can reach the islands.

The state House public safety committee unanimously passed a resolution Thursday.

Committee Vice Chairman Matt LoPresti says he's not trying to spread fear.

But he wants the public to know the government is taking steps to protect them in the worst case scenario.

He's aiming to get state funding to re-equip Cold War-era fallout shelters.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Executive Officer Toby Clairmont showed lawmakers a response plan from 1985 that hasn't been updated since.

This April 15, 2017 picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on April 16, 2017 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (right) attending a military parade in Pyongyang marking the 105th anniversary of the birth of late North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung

US Vice President Mike Pence (above) warned North Korea on Monday that recent American military strikes in Syria and Afghanistan showed President Donald Trump's resolve should not be questioned, but Pyongyang vowed to continue missile and nuclear tests

He says there's also a need to educate the public about what they can do for themselves.

US Vice President Mike Pence warned North Korea on Monday that recent American military strikes in Syria and Afghanistan showed President Donald Trump's resolve should not be questioned, but Pyongyang vowed to continue missile and nuclear tests.

After a huge display of missiles in Pyongyang and a failed North Korean missile test during the weekend, US officials praised China for stepping up efforts to rein in North Korea, Beijing's neighbor and ally.

But Pence and South Korea's acting president, Hwang Kyo-ahn, said they would proceed with the early deployment to South Korea of the US THAAD missile-defense system, in spite of Chinese objections.

This file photo shows the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as transits the South China Sea. The US Navy announced April 15, 2017 it had sent the USS Carl Vinson to the Korean peninsula in a show of force against North Korea's 'reckless' nuclear weapons program

At a White House Easter celebration on Monday, Trump was asked if he had a message for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and replied: 'Gotta behave.'

But senior North Korean officials remained defiant.

North Korea's deputy representative to the United Nations, Kim In Ryong, accused Washington of creating 'a situation where nuclear war could break out an any time' and said Pyongyang's next nuclear test would take place 'at a time and at a place where our headquarters deems necessary.'

North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol told the BBC that missiles would continue to be tested on 'a weekly, monthly and yearly basis.'

The North Korean government under the leadership of Kim Jong Un has carried out an alarming number of missile launches compared to that of his father, Kim Jong Il

The probability of a North Korean missile strike on Hawaii is low, but, as the above graphic points out, Pyongyang does possess an arsenal of ballistic missiles that could be developed to one day be able to reach the US

Kim Song Gyong, director general of the European Department of North Korea's Foreign Ministry, told Reuters in Pyongyang that if Washington made 'the slightest movement' to make a nuclear strike on North Korea, Pyongyang would strike first and 'destroy the aggressors without any mercy.'

He went on to clarify that the approach of a US naval strike force led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Carl Vinson to Korean waters would not be considered enough to constitute 'the slightest movement'.

Korean tensions have escalated following repeated North Korean missile tests and concerns that Pyongyang may soon conduct a sixth nuclear bomb test in defiance of UN sanctions.

Washington is increasingly worried about North Korean efforts to develop a nuclear-tipped missile that could hit the US mainland.
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A talented photographer who documented the plight of poor neighborhoods for the US government during the 1940s captured captivating images of black Chicagoans during the 'Golden Age of Documentary Photography.'

Farm Security Administration (FSA) photographer Edwin Rosskam traveled around the Windy City during the spring of 1941 to illustrate what life was like for the generations of black residents in the city.

The series of photos he took expose the day-to-day living for residents, as some of the images show children playing in the street, people heading to the theater, men hanging out together and families leaving church.

As part of the FSA, the images and information provided by the photographers from the unit, including Rosskam, are now regarded as some of the country's most treasured photos.

Farm Security Administration photographer Edwin Rosskam traveled around the Windy City during the spring of 1941 and captured images showing generations of black residents in the city. Rosskam captured the image above of children playing a game

During the early decades of the 20th century, the Great Migration saw roughly six million African-Americans leave the rural South and travel North in search of better opportunities. Rosskam captured the image above a young man sitting on his bicycle

Those who left the southern states were fleeing segregation, disenfranchisement and the violence associated with the racist Jim Crow South. Rosskam captured the image above showing people outside of homes on the South Side

At the time, Chicago was known as an industrial hub that offered better opportunities for those seeking employment in the railroad and meatpacking industries, as the Windy City offered the best prospects for self-determination, survival and success. Rosskam captured the image above showing men outside of a store on the South Side

However, for those who did move North, life wasn't easy as they still faced many obstacles including resistance from entrenched white ethnic groups like Irish-Americans. Rosskam captured the image above showing men hanging out

During the early decades of the 20th century, the Great Migration saw roughly six million African-Americans leave the rural South and travel North in search of better opportunities.

Those who left the southern states were fleeing segregation, disenfranchisement and the violence associated with the racist Jim Crow South.

At the time, Chicago was known as an industrial hub that offered better opportunities for those seeking employment in the railroad and meatpacking industries, as the Windy City offered the best prospects for self-determination, survival and success.

However, for those who did move North, life wasn't easy as they still faced many obstacles including resistance from entrenched white ethnic groups like Irish-Americans.

In addition, racist housing covenants forced many to live in a narrow strip of impoverished neighborhoods on the Chicago's South Side. Rosskam captured the image above showing a young couple on the South Side

That area became known as the 'Black Belt' and consisted of dilapidated housing that stretched 30 blocks along State Street. Rosskam captured the image above showing children playing a game of marbles on the South Side

Decades later, the South Side is still an area that is predominately black. Rosskam captured the image above showing a young boy walking down the street on the South Side in the 1940s

Rosskam was tasked with traveling the country as part of the Farm Security Administration to capture images from 1935 to 1944 to provide educational materials and press information to the public. The photo above he took shows people on Easter Sunday on the South Side

As part of the FSA, the images and information provided by the photographers from the unit, including Rosskam, are now regarded as some of the country's most treasured photos. The photo above Rosskam took shows people on Easter Sunday on the South Side

Many of the images taken by FSA photographers have appeared in dozens of magazines over the years. The photo above taken by Rosskam shows children playing jump rope on the South Side

The images taken by Rosskam and other FSA photographers show the day-to-day living of people in cities across the country during the 1940s. Rosskam captured the image above showing a young boy leaning on a post in 1941

Rosskam captured the image above showing a young man on the South Side of Chicago in 1941

In addition, racist housing covenants forced many to live in a narrow strip of impoverished neighborhoods on the Chicago's South Side.

That area became known as the 'Black Belt' and consisted of dilapidated housing that stretched 30 blocks along State Street.

The restrictive covenants prevented blacks from moving outside the Black Belt until U.S. Supreme Court cases such as Hansberry v. Lee (1940) and Shelley v. Kraemer (1948) eliminated such restrictions in housing.

Rosskam captured the images above showing two young boys nicely dressed in suits on the South Side in 1941

Rosskam captured the image above showing children hanging out in front of an apartment building on the South Side in 1941

Rosskam captured the image above showing young children nicely dressed and standing in line on the South Side

Rosskam captured the image above showing people heading to a moving picture theater on the South Side

Rosskam captured the image above showing people standing in line for tickets at a moving picture theater on the South Side

But still decades later, housing issues are still a problem as a report from the Chicago Urban League last year found that 19 predominantly African-American neighborhoods -15 of which are located on the South Side - have shown 'little to no change (in) residential segregation, economic growth or poverty reduction over the past several decades.'

The study also found that more than 40 per cent of residents in those neighborhoods live below the federal poverty line.

In addition, Chicago is plagued by violence, as the city's 762 homicides in 2016 were the highest in 19 years.

Rosskam captured the image above showing young boys on the South Side in 1941
Laeticia Brouwer, 17, died after her left leg was bitten off at the hip by a shark as she surfed with her father

The father of a teenage surfer who was mauled to death by a shark tried desperately to save her life by using a surfboard leash as a tourniquet to stem the bleeding.

Laeticia Brouwer, 17, died after her left leg was bitten off at the hip by a shark as she surfed with her father Leon, near Esperance, Western Australia, on Monday afternoon.

Her father battled to save Laeticia, known affectionately as Teesh and dragged her ashore, where he, the teenager's mother, Julie, and an off-duty nurse performed CPR until paramedics arrived, 20 minutes later.

But tragically, Laeticia passed away at Esperance Hospital a short time later.

Fisheries officers returned to the scene of the tragedy early on Tuesday morning, 7 News reports.

They are now on the hunt for the creature that killed the teenager, which they believe to be a great white shark.

'Since 2000 all fatal attacks in WA have been caused by great whites,' Department of Fisheries spokesman Russell Adams said.

'So you could assume safely it was a great white.'

However he added they couldn't be certain, as images of the board following the attack couldn't prove what species of shark it was.

There have been 15 fatal shark attacks in Western Australia since 2000.

Laeticia's father Leon, who desperately to save his daughter's life by using a surfboard leash as a tourniquet, embraces one of her sisters following the 17-year-old's horrific death

Laeticia's family is 'terribly heartbroken and saddened' by her death. Pictured, her father in grey embracing her uncle who said the teenager died 'doing what she loved'

The WA government have said it will not deploy drum lines following the fatal shark attack, but will soon announce details of its policy for shark deterrent devices.

Fisheries minister Dave Kelly described the 17-year-old's death as a tragedy but said drumlines would not be deployed.

'We made it clear in opposition that we don't see the merit in automatically deploying drumlines because they don't actually make our beaches any safer,' he said on Tuesday.

Mr Kelly said the new Labor government wanted to promote individual shark deterrents and hoped to announce a new policy in the next few weeks.

'Obviously the whole incident is very raw at this point in time so I don't intend to debate the whole pros and cons of various elements of the shark mitigation policy today,' he said.

'It would be great if we were in position where we could actually prevent further incidences rather than debating what you should do after an attack.

Laeticia (left, with her family), known affectionately as Teesh by her family, was out surfing with her father near Esperance, Western Australia, on Monday afternoon when she was attacked by the shark

Laeticia's father (the family are pictured surfing) heard her ear-piercing scream as she was dragged underwater by the monster predator near Esperance, Western Australia, on Monday afternoon

Laeticia's uncle, Steve Evans, said the family was 'terribly heartbroken and saddened' by her death, adding that the 'ocean was her and her family's passion'.

'We can take comfort that Teesh died doing something that she loved,' he added.

The girl's surfboard, which had a chunk bitten out of the front of it, has been handed to the police for forensic analysis.

Laeticia was surfing with her father when she let out an ear-piercing scream.

He turned to see her being dragged underwater, but carried her body back to shore with another teenage surfer after she surfaced, The West Australian reported.

Laeticia's mother and two sisters also watched in horror from the beach near Kelps Bed, 3km east of Wylie Bay, as the shark's jaws clamped down on the girl's left leg just before 4pm.

By the time she had been carried ashore, the teenager was unconscious and had lost copious amounts of blood.

The girl's family treated her at the scene while they waited for paramedics to arrive, with a nurse who was on the beach performing CPR on the teenager for 30 minutes.

She was taken by ambulance to Esperance Hospital in a critical conditon and later died.

The girl's surfboard, which had a chunk bitten out of the front of it, has been handed to the police for forensic analysis

The church-going family, from Singleton, north of Mandurah, had been in the area on an Easter holiday.

Mr Evans said: 'Teesh will be greatly missed by her family, friends and everyone who knew her.

'We are thankful for the support from the police, SES, ambulance and bystanders at the scene.

'We are also thankful for the help and support from our community at home, especially our church.

'We can take comfort from the fact that she is now in heaven with the Lord in eternal peace.'

A 17-year-old girl has died after being attacked by a shark in Western Australia's south during an Easter holiday with her family. Pictured, paramedics at the scene

The distraught family were seen leaving a police station hand-in-hand on Tuesday afternoon

The girl's mother and two sisters watched in horror from Kelps Bed, 3km east of Wylie Bay, as the shark's jaws clamped down on her leg just before 4pm

Esperance Police acting senior sergeant Ben Jeffes said Laeticia was a competent surfer.

Her broken surfboard has been recovered and will be analysed to determine what kind of shark attacked her.

'What we have now are the debris which make a complete board,' he told ABC radio.

'There's a real sense of sadness and loss in the community here, it's just terrible,' he added.

Wylie Bay Beach will remain closed today and surfers have been warned to stay away for at least the next 48 hours.

A great white shark had been spotted near the beach within the last week, it was reported.

The beach was closed on Tuesday and surfers were warned to stay away for the next couple of days

The teenager was surfing with her father near Esperance when she was attacked. Pictured, paramedics at the scene

Wylie Bay Beach (pictured) will remain closed today and surfers have been warned to stay away for at least the next 48 hours

Surfer Sean Pollard was attacked at Wylie Bay in 2014. He lost his right hand and left arm in the attack.

Fisherman and surfer Neville Manstead told the West Australian that he would never enter the water at the beach again.

'That's twice now in the same spot. It could have been my son,' he said.

He added that great white sharks were 'breeding like flies' near the beach.

Esperance shire president Victoria Brown said the teenager's death was 'devastating news' for the community.

Laeticia is the third person to die in a shark attack in Western Australia in a year.

Surfer Sean Pollard was attacked at Wylie Bay (pictured) in 2014

Grandmother Doreen Collyer, 60, died after she was attacked by a great white shark while scuba diving on a reef near Perth on June 5, 2016.

Ben Gerring, 29, was killed by a shark just a day earlier after having his leg severed at Falcon Beach, in Mandurah.

The area where the 17-year-old girl was attacked is isolated and sits about 16kms outside of Esperance.

The remote beaches are surrounded by shrubbery and connected to area towns by lengthy roads.

Esperance is home to the Pink Lake, which is famous for its bright pink water.
An Australian woman claims she visits extra-terrestrials on a ship that's like a Greek island every month  and she's upgraded her DNA to become 'half-alien.'

Judy Carroll, 64, from Brisbane, doesn't always recall her interactions with the aliens, called Greys, but they have become 'normal' for her, she told New Idea.

Mrs Carroll says she has been communicating with the Greys  who she describes as having thin bodies, no hair and teardrop-shaped eyes - since she was a child.

But her first encounter came when she was 30. She said she had been lying down when suddenly her body was paralysed and three extra-terrestrials were standing over her.

Judy Carroll (pictured above) says she has been in touch with aliens since she was a child

They told her she needed to learn to meditate to keep in touch with them.

But now, she regularly visits them on an alien ship she describes as like a Greek island  pure white, with beautiful archways and no sharp corners.

'I don't always remember as I'm taken during sleep, but I do have many conscious memories too,' she said.

For years, she didn't tell anyone  but when she told her husband Charlie, she says he saw an alien over her as she meditated.

Both he and her brother are understanding, she says.

The 64-year-old Brisbane woman said she visits an alien ship 'like a Greek island' every month

She believes she made a decision to be half-alien before birth and has upgraded her DNA

Mrs Carroll, who has written books about her alien experiences, says her memories include working on humans while on the ship.

There, she says she and her teacher Maris have developed a close relationship  which she describes as 'soul-to-soul' - and he has healed her ailments in the past.

'I remember him massaging my neck and putting his long fingers in my mouth and down my throat, where I said I was tight,' she said.

Mrs Carroll said she wasn't surprised that she had problems as she's half-Grey and the aliens do not have moving jaws.

She believes she had made the choice to be half-alien before she was born and upgraded her human DNA with the Greys.

The species' aim is to heal humans and help them evolve, she says.

But she adds that they can't force themselves on humankind  they have to be ready.
Air Canada has apologized for bumping a tearful 10-year-old boy off an overbooked flight.

Cole Doyle was told he could not have his plane seat the day before a family holiday to Costa Rica last month.

His distraught parents Shanna and Brett offered to give up their seat so he could travel - but were told it might be given to a more frequent flyer instead.

Cole Doyle, 10, was told by Air Canada that he could not have his plane seat the day before a family holiday to Costa Rica last month

Mr Doyle had booked four tickets in August for the family to travel from Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island to Montreal - where they were connecting to a flight to a Costa Rica vacation.

After two hours on the phone on the eve of the flight, he was told he could not reserve a seat for Cole.

'I was crying. I dont know if Im going to make it with my family,' Cole told CBC.

The entrepreneur from Prince Edward Island said the family then drove to Moncton, New Brunswick, to catch a different flight to Montreal - only to discover at the airport that it had been canceled.

'I thought it was a joke, that there were hidden cameras or something,' he recalled.

Mrs Doyle added: 'We're spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars on airline tickets and we're not guaranteed a seat  so my question is what in reality are we paying for?'

The family contacted Air Canada, the country's largest carrier, in March.

They claim they only received an apology and the offer of a C$2,500 trip voucher after the story was published by a Canadian newspaper on Saturday.

An airline spokeswoman told the Canadian Press: 'We are currently following up to understand what went wrong and have apologized to Mr. Doyle and his family as well as offered a very generous compensation to the family for their inconvenience.'

The family had four tickets in August for the family to travel from Charlottetown (pictured) on Prince Edward Island to Montreal - where they were connecting to a flight to a Costa Rica

His distraught parents Shanna and Brett (pictured) offered to give up their seat so he could travel - but were told it might be given to a more frequent flyer instead

Mrs Doyle added: 'We're spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars on airline tickets and we're not guaranteed a seat  so my question is what in reality are we paying for?'

The family finally arrived in Montreal and was able to connect to Costa Rica.

Mr Doyle said he understood the public outcry after a 69-year-old passenger was dragged from his seat on a United plane in Chicago on April 9 to make space for crew members.

'People are fed up,' he said of airline overbooking. 'You shouldn't be able to sell something twice.'

United's parent company, United Continental Holdings Inc, which is still recovering from the public relations debacle, apologized again on Monday for David Dao's forceful removal, while reporting quarterly earnings.

Doyle said the incident on United Flight 3411, which spread rapidly on social media after being shot on video by passengers, resonated with his family.

'I ... said things could always be worse,' he said after hearing about the United incident. 'At least we weren't thrown off the plane.'

Footage of Dr Dao being unceremoniously dragged from a plane at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Sunday has traveled around the world, leading to mass condemnation of United and its policies.

Dr David Dao is pictured bleeding from the mouth (left) after he was body slammed by cops and dragged off (right) the overbooked United flight at Chicago O'Hare

Video has emerged showing Dr David Dao arguing with police and a flight attendant just moments before he was dragged off an overbooked United flight in Chicago on Sunday night

Dr Dao was heard in videos captured of his shocking eviction saying he needed to get home to Louisville so he could see patients.

DailyMail.com can reveal Dr Dao is a father of five and a grandfather, who specializes in internal medicine. Four of his five children are doctors.

The video emerged as United CEO Oscar Munoz, 57, spoke to Good Morning America on Wednesday in his first public appearance since the scandal broke.

The interview started when the 57-year-old - who earned about $6.7million last year - was asked what his first reaction was to seeing the videos of a bloodied Dr Dao being pulled from the plane.

'It's not so much what I thought it's what I felt - probably the word shame comes to mind,' he told ABC's Rebecca Jarvis.

'As I think about our business and our people the first thing I think is important it to apologize to Dr David Dao and his family, to the passengers on that flight, to our customers, and our employees.

'That is not who United is... you saw us at a bad moment.'
The young woman who had two children with slain senior citizen Robert Godwin has revealed her lover's last words to her, minutes before he was murdered.

Wiping away tears, Angela Smith, 34, said the 74-year-old had promised to be back quickly after a brief pursuit collecting empty soda cans, which was his hobby.

'He said "I love you girl" as he left. He always said that. He was looking forward to the lunch I was cooking.

'He said "Call me when the food done" and I was laughing as I said "Ok I'll call you. I got you".

'He loved my chicken and dressing and couldn't wait to eat it.'

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Angela Smith, pictured center of left and right, told DailyMail.com that Robert Godwin, the senior citizen randomly killed by fugitive Steve Stephens, was the love of her life. She is pictured left with their two sons Terell and Marsean at a memorial in the spot where he Godwin killed

But Mr. Godwin never came back. He was murdered at random and in cold blood by shooter Steve Stephens, who is now a fugitive and being hunted nation wide.

A vigil was held in his memory on Monday night, as the nationwide manhunt for his murderer continues.

Dozens of family, friends and community members gathered Monday evening to remember 74-year-old Robert Godwin Sr.

They carried flowers and balloons and hugged and comforted each other, while urging an end to the violence on their city streets.

A vigil was held in his memory on Monday night, as the nationwide manhunt for his murderer continues

Robert Goodwin Sr, 74, was murdered on the sidewalk by Steven Stephens, 37, after having Goodwin say the name of killers girlfriend, Joy Lane

Smith said Mr. Godwin, who was killed close to the house she shares with their children, left the house that day to collect tin cans, a hobby he held for years after retiring in 2011.

'My Baby-daddy had money in the bank. He was driving a 2016 (car). It wasn't about selling the cans, it was his hobby.

'Whenever we went to the grocery store, he'd be checking for cans. This was nothing out of the ordinary for him. He didn't need no money.

Godwin told Smith, center wiping away tears, that he would be right back for lunch and he was going out to collect tin cans, which was a hobby of his after retiring in 2011

Smith cried on the shoulder of her cousin Destiny Flores at a remembrance gathering for Robert Godwin, 74, who was shot and killed by Stephens who broadcast the slaying on Facebook live

'He had nothing to do at the weekend and sometimes he would take his kids.'

She said their children, who were borne out of an 18-year relationship, were devastated by their father's death, but could not fathom why he had been gunned down.

'I keep asking myself "why would you take him? Why would you take him from his children?"... from his son, four days before his birthday.

'I want him (Stephens) to turn himself in so my kids can get justice. They are hurting right now, but they can't understand why this man has done this to them.

'They just want to know why he took somebody who was so precious to them.'

She said their children, who were borne out of an 18-year relationship, were devastated by their father's death, but could not fathom why he had been gunned down

The children are aged 11 and eight and have been given a simple explanation for now, she said.

'I told them he is up there with God. God needed him. I couldn't really explain.

'He was just in the wrong place, wrong time. Anywhere he went he would just protect the kids and now this has happened to him.

'To see him holding his bag up as a defense was like seeing a kid in trouble. It is heartbreaking.'

The Ohio man is wanted on charges of aggravated murder for shooting dead 74-year-old Robert Godwin in a video he then posted to Facebook (above). His girlfriend Angela Smith said the footage was 'heartbreaking'

She said Mr. Godwin had been the love of her life and that she had met him as a teenager.

'He was a good man, I loved him and he loved and respected me. The age difference didn't matter. I didn't care what anybody said. Now I have to live without him and it's very hard.

'I just want him (Stephens) to turn himself in to the police.'

Godwin had ten children, six girls and four boys. A $50,000 reward had been offered for information to help catch his fugitive killer.

Police in Philadelphia deployed SWAT teams and tactical vehicles during a potential sighting of Steve Stephens on Monday, which turned out to be a false alarm

Steve Stephens, who is still on the run in Cleveland, was a loser in love as well as on the gambling tables.

It was a combination of losing the girl he loved and his pay packet on the casino tables that drive him to murder Godwin - and to post the Easter Sunday horror video to Facebook.

The ruthless killer, who randomly took the life of the 74-year-old had little luck and developed a creepy 'party trick' to win the attention of girls in the Cleveland suburb where he grew up.

As a teenager he bought a python and would approach women with his slithering pet around his neck to try and win their attention.

'It was a slimy thing to do and now he's just a snake in the grass too,' said next-door-neighbor Alexis Lee.

Wanted with $50,000 price on his head: Law enforcement in Cleveland say that Steve Stephens could be anywhere in the country

Home: The Facebook killer Steve Stephens was brought up in this eastern section of Cleveland and lived at this home with his mom while growing up, pictured left, and frequented Jack Casino in Cleveland, right, where he gambled

Remembered: Tributes are being laid at the scene of Steve Stephens' Facebook murder of Robert Goodwin. The father and grandfather was walking on the sidewalk when the killing was broadcast

Creepy: Alexis Lee, 34, who had known Stephens since he was a teenager told DailyMail.com he had tried to get her to spend time with him in the local casino, where he had lost heavily. Charisse Leonard, 28, (right) said: 'I thought he was confused about his sexuality and could even have been gay.'

The 34-year-old mother of three said: 'He didn't really know how to talk to us ladies.

'The snake was meant to draw my attention and he regularly told me he had a crush on me.

'But he wasn't my type at all. There was nothing attractive about him. He did have a nice personality though.

'He was great with the kids around here and when he was driving out after seeing his mom he'd stop his car.

'He would tell the kids 'Stay out of trouble, go to school and don't be knuckle heads'.

She added: 'He was good to the kids and he would worry about them crossing the street or getting lost and said' Hold hands now'.

'But he always seemed a bit lost and I'm not surprised that he's upset about his girlfriend and blaming her for what he's done.

'I saw him at the casino a couple of times and he would remind me that he always had a crush on me.

'One he asked me to sit next to him at the tables saying 'Be my queen... be my lucky charm'. But I wasn't interested. I just went home.'

Another local woman Charisse Leonard, 28, said: 'I thought he was confused about his sexuality and could even have been gay.

Stephens said that he wouldn't stop killing until Lane or his mother called him. Lane is reportedly in protective custody now

Loser: Neighbors told how Steve Stephens had no success with girls as he grew up and had been an unsuccessful gambler

Apology: Joy Lane, who Stephens blamed for his actions, said: 'We had been in a relationship for several years. I am sorry that all of this has happened.'

Earlier on Sunday, Stephens blamed casinos and his lack of self control for the 'Easter Sunday massacre' in Cleveland. He specifically names the Jack Casino in Cleveland

'I had never known him to have had a girlfriend. But he had a nice nature as did his mother and family. I never saw his dad.'

Theresa Blevins-Odom, 54, saw the killer, who is 37, just 48 hours before he carried out the slaying of the senior citizen and later posted a Facebook video of the murder.

She told DailyMail.com: 'He seemed quite normal and said have a nice day.

'I am sorry for him and his mother who is a good woman and who has brought her children up to be good people.

'Everybody goes through some problems in their lives and maybe Steve couldn't handle it. I still think he's a good kid.'

He graduated from Myers College business school in 2002 and had found a steady job.

Stephens, worked as case manager at Beech Brook, a behavioral health agency headquartered in Pepper Pike, near Cleveland.

He joined in 2008 and began as a youth mentor for teens and for the past two years as a vocational specialist for the Assertive Community Treatment team, which provides support to older teens and young adults.

He did not have a criminal record and had only been accused of traffic offenses.

But he blew his salary at the tables in the Jack casino, in a former department store in downtown Cleveland, and at one point petitioned for bankruptcy.

He now has a $50,000 price on his head after law enforcement announced reward for information leading to his arrest.

He has been on the run since the deadly incident on Sunday, after cops tried and failed to convince him to turn himself in.

Around midday on Monday, police in Philadelphia investigated multiple calls about a possible sighting of Stephens in a city park, but authorities say it was a false alarm.

Earlier in the day, cops in Cleveland announced that they had widened their search for Stephens to Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana and Michigan.

When officers tried to track Stephens' phone after the shooting, it 'pinged' in Erie, Pennsylvania - 100 miles east from the scene of the crime.

Residents in these states were asked to be on the lookout for Stephens, who is wanted for aggravated murder and is considered armed and dangerous.

Robert Godwin's son says his father was a retired foundry worker

'We were shocked and horrified to learn of this news today,' agency spokeswoman Nancy Kortemeyer said in a statement

Police Chief Calvin Williams said in a Monday morning press conference that his officers searched dozens of locations the previous night 'to no avail' and have admitted that Stephens could be anywhere.

He added that no more victims have been found, despite Stephens' claim on Facebook that he killed up to 15 people.

He also issued a warning to anyone who may be harboring Stephens.

'If you think you're helping Steve, you're really not. You're going to get yourself in trouble along with him,' Williams said.

Steve Anthony, special agent in charge of Cleveland's FBI office, said Stephens could be almost anywhere now.

'He could be in a lot of place. He could be nearby, he could be far away and anywhere in between,' Anthony said.

Authorities released an update as Stephen's ex-girlfriend, Joy Lane, apologized for the shooting.

Stephens says in the video that he was motivated to kill after breaking up with his girlfriend, identified as Lane, earlier in the day.

He wrote that he 'messed up' in postings on social media and said he would only stop killing if his girlfriend or his mother called him.

Lane is said to be an Air Force veteran, and he said the two dated for three years, and he wishes he'd never met her. Lane is said to be in protective custody.

Stephens says the name of a woman, whom Godwin does not seem to recognize.

'She's the reason that this is about to happen to you,' Stephens tells Godwin before pointing a gun at him. Godwin can be seen shielding his face with the shopping bag.

In a text message to CBS, she said: 'We had been in a relationship for several years. I am sorry that all of this has happened.

'My heart and prayers goes out to the family members of the victim(s).

On Monday, authorities asked residents in Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana and Michigan to be on the lookout for the Ohio man

'Steve really is a nice guy. He is generous with everyone he knows. He was kind and loving to me and my children.'

The killer's mother,Maggie Green, said Stephens had called by her house on Saturday afternoon and told her, 'If you see me again, it'll be a miracle'.

'He said this is the last time I was going to see him,' she told CNN.

The video of the killing was on Facebook for about three hours before it was removed. Stephens' Facebook page also was eventually removed.

In a separate video posted on Facebook, Stephens claimed to have killed more than a dozen other people.

'Like I said, I killed 13, so I'm working on 14 as we speak,' he said.

Police have not verified any other shootings or deaths, Police Chief Calvin Williams said.

The killing has struck a blow to Facebook's reputation.

'This is a horrific crime and we do not allow this kind of content on Facebook,' said a company spokesperson. 'We work hard to keep a safe environment on Facebook, and are in touch with law enforcement in emergencies when there are direct threats to physical safety.'

The victim's son, Robert Godwin Jr., told Cleveland.com that he can't bring himself to watch the video.

'I haven't watched the video. I haven't even looked at my cellphone or the news,' Godwin said. 'I don't really want to see it.'

He said his father, a retired foundry worker, collected aluminum cans and often walked with a plastic shopping bag, picking cans up if he saw them on ground. The son said he believed his father was looking for cans on Sunday when Stephens approached him.
A Hawaii man arrested after the remains of his mother were discovered in a freezer in his apartment told police 'She's in the fridge,' when they arrived.

Yu Wei Gong, 26, was charged on Sunday with the second-degree murder of his mother, Liu Yun Gong. She was found wrapped in seven plastic bags inside a refrigerator freezer in her the sixth floor apartment in Honolulu's beachfront neighborhood of Waikiki.

Gong reportedly told police he accidentally killed her after he became angry because he didn't want to go to school. He reportedly admitted to killing her in September.

Authorities said Wong called dispatchers on April 11 saying he was suicidal and telling them 'I killed my mother.'

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Yu Wei Gong, left, speaks to Deputy Public Defender Diamond Grace in court in Honolulu on Monday as he was charged with the second-degree murder of his mother

Hawaii man, Yu Wei Gong, 26, was arrested on charges of second-degree murder of his mother after police found human remains in his apartment (his building, pictured). Gong's mother has reportedly been dead since September

Police said they found the chopped up remains of Yu Wei Gong's mother in bags inside the freezer

Upon arrival to the home at Aloha Waikiki, 414 Launiu St, police said they at first could not find the victim's remains and Gong told them '[She's] in the fridge.'

Police looked in the refrigerator's freezer and found seven plastic bags, containing the head and body parts of the victim.

Authorities determined she had died from blunt force trauma to the head.

Police said Gong called it an 'accident' and said he didn't mean to do it.

Gong appeared in court Monday following his release from a psychiatric hospital and he did not speak. His public defender asked for a Mandarin interpreter.

His bail was set at $2million, according to the Star Advertiser.

Liu Yun Gong worked at a spa as a licensed therapist. When she didn't show up for work one day, her boss, Julie Kim, told the outlet she tried her cell phone several times but got no answer. 'Usually she responds very quick,' Kim said.

Later, she said Liu Yun's son called her and told her his mother had gone to a neighboring island and left her phone at home and wouldn't be back for a couple of months.

She said the last words the doomed woman said to her were 'See you tomorrow.'
The U.S. will not relent until it achieves its objective of ensuring the Korean Peninsula is free of nuclear weapons, Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday while visiting Japan.

After meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other leaders, Pence told reporters that President Donald Trump was confident that economic and diplomatic pressure has a chance of compelling North Korea to cooperate.

'It is our belief by bringing together the family of nations with diplomatic and economic pressure we have a chance of achieving a freeze on the Korean Peninsula,' Pence said.

'We will not rest and will not relent until we obtain the objective of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula,' he said.

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US Vice President Mike Pence (left) shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right) in Tokyo on Tuesday

After meeting with Abe, Pence held talks with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on a new US-Japan 'economic dialogue'

Pence and Aso gave a joint press conference at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's official residence in Tokyo following their discussion

During his time in Japan, Pence also visited the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo with his wife, Karen

The Trump administration has signaled a more forceful U.S. stance toward North Korea's recent missile tests and threats, including a warning from Trump that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has 'gotta behave.'

So Pence struck a stern tone after arriving at a U.S. naval base from South Korea.

'We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan,' he said. 'We are with you 100 percent.'

On Monday, Pence traveled to the tense Demilitarized Zone dividing North and South Korea, where he warned North Korea's leaders that after years of testing the U.S. and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, 'the era of strategic patience is over.'

A senior North Korean official then accused the United States of bringing the countries to the brink of thermonuclear war.

Pence, on a 10-day Asia trip that will also take him to Indonesia and Australia, said Trump hopes China will use its leverage to get its longtime ally North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program and ballistic missiles.

Pence, left, and his wife Karen, second from left, with daughter Audrey and Charlotte, right, wave on their arrival at U.S. Navy's Atsugi air facility in Ayase, southwest of Tokyo on Tuesday

Pence arrived in Japan for talks Tuesday expected to focus largely on trade with America's anchor ally in the region

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a fresh appeal for calm.

Wang told reporters that although U.S. officials have made clear that a military strike remains a possibility, he believes that Washington would still prefer to de-escalate tensions through multi-sided talks.

Abe said Japan likewise hopes for peaceful dialogue with Pyongyang, 'but at the same time, dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless.' Pressure on North Korea is crucial, the prime minister said.

After meeting with Abe, Pence held talks with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on a new U.S.-Japan 'economic dialogue' to be led by the two.

The new forum for trade talks was launched by Trump and Abe during the Japanese leader's visit to the U.S. in February. In part, it is meant to take the place of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the regional trade pact that Trump withdrew from shortly after taking office.

White House officials said the economic meetings in Tokyo are meant to forge a framework for future discussions after the U.S. withdrew from a Pacific Rim trade pact

Pence and Aso said they believed the dialogue could yield opportunities to create new jobs on both sides and to fortify the economic aspects of the alliance.

'We would like to seek the best shape and forum for our bilateral relationship,' Pence said. 'The TPP is a thing of the past for the United States of America.'

He said Trump is certain that negotiating trade deals with individual countries was the best way to ensure they yield 'win-win' situations for both sides.

The talks Tuesday did not delve into sector-by-sector issues such as auto exports. With no U.S. trade representative yet in office and other key positions still unfilled, such nitty-gritty discussions will have to come later.

During his visit to South Korea, at the outset of his 10-day trip to Asia, Pence's attention mostly was directed at the North Korean situation. He is seen above visiting the Demilitarized Zone with his family

Pence warned Pyongyang that after years of testing the U.S. and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, 'the era of strategic patience is over'

A North Korean soldier (left) takes a picture while another soldier looks on during Pence's visit to the DMZ

The loss of U.S. participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership was a blow to Japan following strenuous negotiations, especially over opening its long-protected farm sector to more imports, especially of dairy and meat products.

For now, both sides seem eager to downplay potential for conflict, with Aso repeatedly saying that trade friction has been vanquished in a 'new era of cooperation.'

As Indiana governor, Pence saw firsthand the impact of Japanese automakers Toyota, Honda and Subaru, whose factories employ thousands of people in his home state.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who met with Japan's trade minister, Hiroshige Seko, earlier Tuesday, said he hopes to soon begin talks on a free trade agreement with Japan.
A gang of Sudanese teenagers allegedly bashed an autistic boy, 17, in an horrific attack on a Melbourne bus on Saturday.

Max, 17, was travelling alone on the bus at Tarneit, 25km west of the CBD, when five Sudanese men approached him and told him to hand over his mobile phone and shoes.

When Max refused, the gang attacked him, kicking him in the head so hard he suffered a concussion and required a CT scan to check for permanent damage, his mother said.

Max, 17, was travelling alone on the bus at Tarneit when five Sudanese men allegedly approached him

Max's mother Julie told 3AW on Tuesday her distressed son called him in tears.

'He said "mum I'm scared",' Julie said.

'It has taken a lot out of him because he doesn't want to go on public transport again.'

Julie said she immediately drove to meet her injured son where the bus pulled over at Tarneit McDonald's.

Within minutes, she said the group of five Sudanese men grew to a group of about 30.

Within minutes, she said the group of five Sudanese men grew to a group of about 30 at the Tarneit McDonalds

A spate of criminal activity has swept across Melbourne in the past 18 months, with a series of car-jackings, armed robberies and home invasions, blamed largely on the notorious Apex gang

Julie said Tarneit was 'overrun by Sudanese' people and claimed they often gathered at the local McDonald's.

She said reports of violent behaviour from young Sudanese men in the area left her feeling scared for her son and the larger Melbourne community.

'It's not safe for anyone, let alone for someone with a disability, they put so much trust in everybody,' she said.

A spate of criminal activity has swept across Melbourne in the past 18 months, with a series of carjackings, armed robberies and home invasions, blamed largely on the notorious Apex gang.

Apex gang members are primarily from a Sudanese refugee background.

Apex gang members are primarily from a Sudanese refugee background (two members pictured)

Julie called on the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to take action.

'For Christ sake, just open your eyes and see what's going on around you, there will be more than one life taken soon,' she said.

'My son was lucky he got out of it the way he did.

'When is the Government going to wake up? I'm very angry, very very angry.'
Two days after he was lit up by the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers ace pitcher Justin Verlander appears to be taking his poor performance in stride.

Verlander posted a boomerang video of himself on social media relaxing in a beachside pool while drinking a Corona.

The caption reads: 'Working on my tipping,' with the hashtag #nooffdays.

Verlander was referring to reports that the Tigers are worried he may have been tipping his pitches during Detroit's 13-6 loss to Cleveland on Saturday.

The ace pitcher gave up a career-high 9 earned runs on 11 hits in four innings.

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander posted a boomerang video of himself on social media relaxing in a beachside pool while drinking a Corona

The caption reads: 'Working on my tipping,' with the hashtag #nooffdays

'Tipping pitches' is when a pitcher inadvertently telegraphs which pitch he is about to throw the batter.

It is usually detected by the opponent whenever he notices subtle differences in the pitcher's movement or placement of the ball.

In two starts this season, Verlander is 1-1 with an ERA of 5.71.

He is a six-time All-Star who has won rookie of the year as well as the American League Cy Young Award.

Verlander was referring to reports that the Tigers are worried he may have been tipping his pitches during Detroit's 13-6 loss to Cleveland on Saturday

The ace pitcher gave up a career-high 9 earned runs on 11 hits in four innings of work against the Indians

Verlander allowed home runs by Cleveland's Carlos Santana and Lonnie Chisenhall (seen top celebrating with Jose Ramirez after hitting a home run)

Verlander allowed home runs by Cleveland's Carlos Santana and Lonnie Chisenhall.

The 2011 AL Cy Young Award winner and MVP also gave up nine runs against the Chicago White Sox on April 6, 2008, and versus Texas on May 25, 2014.

'It's tough to say not to dwell on this, but I've been around long enough to know you can't go getting all depressed over one start,' Verlander said.
A California teen is suing his ex-girlfriend from high school for allegedly fabricating rape allegations against him in order to deter him from attending the same college, it was reported on Monday.

Ari Grossman, a freshman at Manhattan's Pace University, filed a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court charging his classmate, Kalya Torrey, with making up charges that resulted in him being arrested, shackled, and detained in a cell for 12 hours, according to the New York Post.

Grossman says that Torrey has been engaged in a smear campaign to punish him after he ignored her warnings not to attend Pace.

The two teens from Malibu, California, who dated in high school but split up amicably at age 15, are both enrolled at the college.

Ari Grossman (left), a freshman at Manhattan's Pace University, filed a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court charging his classmate, Kalya Torrey (right), with making up charges that resulted in him being arrested, shackled, and detained in a cell for 12 hours

Grossman claims that when he was accepted to Pace's acting program, Torrey's parents phoned his parents and demanded that he drop out.

When Grossman refused, Torrey sought to bring charges against him.

When prosecutors declined to bring charges, Torrey filed a temporary restraining order against Grossman.

The judge, however, told the two to settle their differences out of court and to keep a distance from each other.

After they arrived at Pace, the situation got worse.

Grossman claims that when he was accepted to Pace's acting program, Torrey's parents phoned his parents and demanded that he drop out

When Grossman refused, Torrey sought to bring charges against him

The two accused each other for stalking and harassment.

Torrey filed a total of seven complaints against Grossman during the first week of class alone.

The lawsuit claims that Pace administrators had intervened and told the two students to cut it out.

Then, in November, Torrey filed a new complaint alleging that Grossman stalked her in the food hall.

This resulted in Grossman being sent to a detention cell for 12 hours in handcuffs with his legs shackled, according to the lawsuit.

Grossman was eventually released. The NYPD dropped the charges after video surveillance from Pace showed no evidence of stalking.

In addition to Torrey, Grossman is also suing the university for having campus security arrange for his arrest after he was falsely accused of stalking. Pace University's Manhattan campus is seen in the above stock image

In addition to Torrey, Grossman is also suing the university for having campus security arrange for his arrest.

His attorney is also planning to sue the NYPD.

'It's just been a horrible college experience for him,' his lawyer, Julie Goldberg, told the Post.

'We feel at this point he is not being protected.'

Torrey's father said the entire ordeal was 'a sad situation.'

'Obviously we don't agree with anything' in the lawsuit, he said. 'But we think it is inappropriate to comment.

'This is playing with these kids lives and it's a sad situation,' he said.

Pace declined to comment on the matter.
A strange video posted to Facebook shows a beaver leading a herd of cattle on a ranch in Canada.

The bizarre scene unfolded in Saskatchewan on Friday went to check on their cattle.

Footage shows a beaver slowly walking through a field, with a crowd of 150 of tightly-packed cows patiently following it.

The video shows a huge group of cows all huddled together and following around a beaver.

At one point the beaver stops in its tracks, and all of the cattle stop and wait for it to continue walking again.

Adrienne Ivey and her husband Aaron told CJME that they couldn't believe the odd sight they were seeing.

The video shows a huge group of cows all huddled together and following around a beaver

'When we first saw this we knew that people would get a great chuckle out of it because you cannot get more Canadian than that.

'We talk about how awesome our Canadian beef is, but a beaver leading cattle around? It's the most Canadian thing ever,' she said.

She explained that while it's normal to have wildlife around the ranch, they have never seen a beaver draw that kind of attention from cow.
A man who shared his heartwarming photo of a Hasidic couple scooting over on a subway train so they could make room for a Muslim mother feeding her baby has gone viral.

The man, Jackie Summers, who blogs for The Good Men Project, and who is a Taoist, said he gave up his seat to the Hasidic couple on the F train in New York City on Easter Sunday. The F train runs from Brooklyn, through Manhattan, and into Queens.

'A Taoist (me) gives up his seat so a Hasidic couple could sit together. They scoot over so a Muslim mother could sit and nurse her baby, on Easter Sunday,' wrote on Facebook and in his blog. 'This is my America: people letting people be people.'

A Taoist, a Hasidic couple, and a Muslim mom: All living peacefully on the F train, noted Jackie Summers who snapped the photo, which went viral

The post has been shared almost 30,000 times on Facebook since Sunday and shared over 4,000 times on Twitter.

'THIS is what makes America great and these days I've been struggling to find ways to feel good about America,' wrote Lisa Smith Zwart. 'Thank you for restoring a little of my faith in humanity today, Jackie.'

The country has been divided since the presidential election over immigration policies, including a planned wall along the Mexican border and extreme vetting for people coming from primarily Muslim countries.

Jackie Summers, a Brooklynite who blogs for The Good Men Project, snapped the photo

People reacted to the photo on Twitter saying we should 'embrace each other and our differences'

President Donald Trump has twice ordered a ban on Syrians entering the country, and has said in the past he would send back those refugees already located here. So far, courts have blocked the orders.

There has been a reported uptick in hate crimes, including Jewish cemeteries that have been vandalized in New York and Philadelphia, and mosques that have been reported vandalized across the country.

But the reaction online to the photo restored a sense of harmony for many.

'This gives me JOY! I will always pray that we as a nation might become ONE as we embrace each other & our differences! A Beautiful Tapestry!' wrote Lynette Branch on Twitter.

'Now that's the kind of America I would like to live in,' wrote David Lockley.

'This *is* the future that liberals want. It checks out,' said Janie Jones.

'Such a NY way of life. As a New Yorker living in other parts of the country, I hope that soon the rest of the country catches up,' wrote Muddy Magnolias.
A Melbourne man has pleaded guilty to entering a marriage with a 14-year-old bride.

Mohammad Shakir, 34, is charged with going through a formal ceremony of marriage with a person not of marriageable age at Noble Park last September.

As part of the plea, two charges were withdrawn by prosecutors in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, including allegations Shakir had sex with the girl between September 30 and October 1, 2016, following their wedding.

A Melbourne man has pleaded guilty to entering a marriage with a 14-year-old bride (stock image)

The ceremony was conducted in Noble Park by former imam Ibrahim Omerdic, 61, who also faces charges relating to the illegal marriage.

He will front court in May for a contested hearing.

Omerdic, former imam of the Bosnian Islamic Society and Noble Park Mosque, was stood down after his November arrest and later sacked.

'A new Imam has been appointed. Omerdic is no longer the Imam of the Noble Park Mosque and has no role with the Society,' a Noble Park Mosque statement read at the time.

The girl is in a 'fragile state' and has 'ongoing health issues', prosecutor Ranjani Padmanabhan told Melbourne Magistrates Court in February.

The ceremony was conducted in Noble Park by former imam Ibrahim Omerdic, 61, (pictured) who also faces charges relating to the illegal marriage
A desperate search is underway for a mother, aged 50, last seen at her family's home on Easter Sunday.

Jillian Fahey was last seen by family members at home in Crookwell on the NSW Southern Tablelands, about 10.30am on Sunday.

Officers, police rescue, and PolAir on Monday searched a property on Cummins Road in rural Laggan.

Her devastated daughter has taken to Facebook with further details, saying Ms Fahey was on foot and may be north of Bolong river from Golspie Road crossing.

Jillian Fahey, 50, was last seen by family members at home in Crookwell on the NSW Southern Tablelands, about 10.30am on Sunday

Her devastated daughter has taken to Facebook with further details, saying Ms Fahey is on foot

'Very concerned for our mum's welfare,' the daughter wrote.

Attempts to contact her have been unsuccessful, police said.

The search at Laggan was stopped about 6pm due to poor conditions.

Local police and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers resumed the search about 8am on Tuesday.

'Very concerned for our mum's welfare,' Ms Fahey's daughter wrote (Ms Fahey is pictured)

Officers, police rescue, and PolAir on Monday searched a property on Cummins Road in rural Laggan (the property is pictured)

Local police and SES volunteers resumed the search about 8am on Tuesday (part of the property is pictured)

NSW Police have released an image of the woman in the hopes someone will recognise her.

Ms Mahey is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of thin build, fair complexion, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

She was wearing pink and blue Asics runners, beige cargo pants, and a white or grey short sleeved t-shirt, according to her daughter.

The daughter has urged people in the area to check their properties.

Anyone who sees Ms Fahey, or knows her whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
John Crawford III was fatally shot in 2014

An Ohio city has spent more than $430,000 defending two officers in connection with the fatal police shooting of a man at a Walmart who was carrying an air rifle from a store shelf.

The cost to the Dayton suburb of Beavercreek includes about $210,000 paid to two law firms, according to Dayton Daily News.

The city's law director says outside counsel was necessary to defend Officer Sean Williams and Sgt. David Darkow.

The officer fatally shot father-of-two John Crawford III in 2014 after a 911 call about someone waving a rifle at the Walmart.

Police say he didn't obey commands to drop what later turned out to be an air rifle.

Mr Crawford was shot in the arm and torso by Officer Williams and was taken to Dayton's Miami Valley Hospital where he later died.

Following the shooting, a grand jury decided not to indict any of the officers involved on charges of either murder, reckless homicide, or negligent homicide.

A federal probe for any possible civil rights violations is continuing and could go on for years.

The City of Beavercreek has spent $430,000 defending Officer Sean Williams, left, and Sgt David Darkow, right

The city paid significantly more in legal fees for Sgt. Darkow spending more than $178,000 - 5.5 times the $32,000 paid for Officer Williams.

The Crawford family's attorney Michael Wright says the money used to defend the officers could have gone toward a settlement for the family.

'It's unfortunate that the city of Beavercreek has taken this stance and spent so much of the taxpayers money to continue to fight the Crawford family,' he said. 'This family and John's two sons deserve justice.'

The Walmart in Beavercreek where Crawford was shot as he carried an air rifle

City law director Stephen McHugh said: 'The city expects to incur additional legal fees in connection with the pending litigation and investigation.

'However, because these two matters are still ongoing, I cannot comment as to why the city retained the specific legal counsel that it did or why the legal fees for Sgt. Darkows representation are higher than those of officer Williams.'

Officer Williams has remained on administrative duty throughout the duration of the probe.
One Nation party leader Pauline Hanson has taken credit for Malcolm Turnbull's decision to scrap the 457 visa.

Moments after the Prime Minister announced the government would ditch 457 visas for skilled migrants, Ms Hanson took to Twitter to take credit for the decision.

'The government will deny their tough talk on immigration and plan to ban 457 visas is because of One Nation but we all know the truth!' the senator tweeted on Tuesday.

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One Nation party leader Pauline Hanson (pictured) has taken credit for Malcolm Turnbull's decision to scrap the 457 visa

Ms Hanson's supporters congratulated and thanked her for pushing the government toward the decision.

'Congrats, keep the pressure on them,' one man said.

Others were not so positive in reply to the Queensland senator's tweet.

'Dream on, you nitwit!' one man said.

Malcolm Turnbull announced on Tuesday he would abolish the 457 visa program for skilled migrants

Malcolm Turnbull said on Tuesday that Australia was a successful multicultural 'immigration nation' but it was time to put Australians first.

'The fact remains Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs,' he said in a video posted to Facebook on Tuesday.

'We will no longer allow 457 visas to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians.'

Mr Turnbull said it remained critical to give businesses access to skilled staff.

Shock announcement: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the government will scrap 457 visas for foreign workers

'The 457 visa will be replaced by a new temporary visa specifically designed to recruit the best and the brightest in the national interest,' he said.

'The new visa will better target genuine skills shortages, including in regional Australia.'

The new visa program will include requirements around work experience, English language proficiency and labour market testing.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten slammed the plan via Twitter.

'Make no mistake, the only job Malcolm Turnbull cares about saving is his own,' he wrote.

'Make no mistake, the only job Malcolm Turnbull cares about saving is his own,' Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said

Mr Turnbull later told reporters in Canberra that Mr Shorten, as employment minister in a Labor government, was the gold medal winner of issuing 457 visas.

'The fact is that Bill Shorten likes to talk about Australian jobs, but whenever he's had the opportunity in government to protect them, he's failed them.'

Under the government's plan the list of occupations that qualify for a temporary visa will be reduced from its current number of more than 200.

The visas will be limited to a two-year period that require previous work experience.

WHO COMES TO AUSTRALIA ON 457 VISAS? A 457 visa allows foreign workers in 'skilled' occupations to live and work in Australia for up to four years. As of March 2016, more than 177,000 workers and members of their family held 457 visas. A Parliamentary Library report said the most 457 workers come from India, the United Kingdom, China and Ireland. The biggest industries employing 457 visa holders were accommodation, food services, and IT. Source: Parliamentary Library

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'Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs,' Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said in a video released on Tuesday

A second four-year visa will require a higher standard of English language skills as well as a proper criminal check.

The new system would be 'manifestly, rigorously, resolutely' conducted in the national interest to put Australian jobs first, Mr Turnbull said.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the new two-year visa would not allow permanent residency.

Anyone now in Australia on a 457 visa will not be affected by the new arrangements.

'They will continue under the conditions of that visa,' Mr Dutton said.
Jennifer Frechette was charged with second-degree sex assault, fourth-degree sex assault and risk of injury to a minor on April 13

A Connecticut high school drama teacher is accused of having sex with one of her students after allegedly being caught with the boy in a dressing room with a blow up bed, tea light candles and condoms.

Jennifer Frechette was arrested and charged with second-degree sex assault, fourth-degree sex assault and risk of injury to a minor on April 13.

Frechette appeared for arraignment in court on Monday and was released after posting a $100,000 surety bond.

She was photographed walking hand-in-hand with her husband to court in New Haven and did not comment about the charges against her.

Two security officers caught the Wilbur Cross High School drama teacher in a dressing room with an underage male student in January, an arrest warrant stated, according to WFSB.

Authorities say the teen left, but Frechette, who is a 44-year-old mother, appeared to be hiding 'in a fetal position.'

The married Wilbur Cross High School drama teacher is accused of having sex with one of her students after allegedly being caught with the boy in a dressing room with a blow up bed, tea light candles and condoms. She is pictured above Monday with her husband heading to court

'Also in the room on the floor were battery operated 'tea light' candles, a mat that was made to look like a bed with pillows, a quilt, and a 'Beats' headphone case that contained several unused condoms,' the warrant said.

Frechette first denied that anything was going on, but the teen told investigators that he and the teacher exchanged text messages about having sex and had planned to do so the night they were caught, the warrant said.

The teen told investigators that back in December Frechette performed oral sex on him on a couch inside of her classroom, the warrant goes on to state.

Frechette was placed on administrative leave after the school was notified about the alleged inappropriate relationship in January.

Authorities investigated for months after Frechette was reported to them by the school.

According to an arrest warrant, Frechette first denied that anything was going on, but the teen told investigators that he and the teacher exchanged text messages about having sex and had planned to do so the night they were caught at the school (pictured above)

Police filed search warrants for Frechette's and the alleged victim's phones.

The alleged victim's phone contained text conversations with Frechette that mentioned sexual intercourse, oral sex and how she was not attracted to her husband anymore, police said.

School officials are currently taking the steps to fire Frechette.

'The care and safety of students is the top priority for New Haven Public Schools,' Interim Superintendent of Schools Reginald Mayo said in a statement.

'A breach of that responsibility by any staff member is cause for concern. The arrest of a New Haven teacher on allegations of sexual assault and risk of injury is deeply troubling.'

Counseling and staff support is being offered to students who may be affected.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will replace the abolished 457 visa with two stricter programs to bring skilled workers into Australia.

The list of more than 650 occupations would be cut by 200 and the length of stay slashed from four years to two, and will require two years work experience.

'It is focused, relentlessly, on ensuring that temporary migration visas are not a passport for foreigners to take up jobs that could and should be filled by Australians,' Mr Turnbull said.

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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will replace the abolished 457 visa with two stricter programs to bring skilled workers into Australia

NEW VISAS SUMMARY The 457 visa will be replaced with two new ones

Short term two-year one with shorter list of jobs

Medium-term four-year visa for high-skilled workers on small list of 183

It can't lead to permanent residency

Will need better English and labour market testing

Both will need tough police checks and two years experience unlike the 457 visa requirements

The short-term visa would cost $1,150 and medium-term $2,400 Advertisement

'It will be manifestly, rigorously, resolutely conducted in the national interest to put Australians and Australian jobs first.'

A short-term two-year visa with a smaller list of eligible jobs will essentially replace the 457, which has about 96,000 current holders in the country.

The medium-term will be for four years and require a better standard of English and mandatory labour market testing.

It will be of much shorter list of 183 occupations, mostly high-level professionals, but also nurses and some tradespeople.

'It will require a full - a proper police record, a criminal check, which is not the case at the moment,' Mr Turnbull said.

He said the new visas would allow businesses to fill 'real skill gaps' with foreign workers but wherever Australians would be given jobs first.

The government would establish a new training fund to help train Australians to fill skills gaps so fewer foreign workers would be necessary.

Fewer occupations will be included for both visas and the length of stay slashed in half from the current four years, and would require two years work experience

Cooks were one of the top occupations employed on 457 visas last year

The short-term visa would cost $1,150 and the medium-term one $2,400 - more than the $1,060 the 457 visa cost.

'This rigorous focus - this laser-like focus - on our national interest will ensure that where skill gaps arise and can't be filled by Australians, then foreign workers can come in, but not otherwise,' he said.

Almost 1.3 million people have entered Australia in the past 20 years on 457 visa, with more than 120,000 applications approved on the busiest years.

The IT industry was the biggest employer of workers on 457 visas

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said although 457s lasted for four years they were 'essentially open-ended.

'It results, in many cases, in a migration outcome, somebody going into permanent residency and becoming a citizen, which is a significant part of the attraction to using the 457 visa,' he said.

More than 11,500 people applied for permanent residency in the 12 months to September 2016.

He said the medium-term visa was aimed at higher skills with a 'much shorter skills list', but could be applied for in Australia instead of just overseas.
A UC Berkeley honors student student fell off a balcony and died, say authorities.

The 21-year-old woman, identified as Kimberly Tze of Elk Grove, California, was a junior honors student studying computer science and had been a software engineer intern at Originate, according to her LinkedIn profile.

She reportedly fell off a fourth floor balcony just after midnight in the 2700 block of Dwight Way across from student housing, reported the Los Angeles Times.

Kimberly Tze of Elk Grove, California, was identified as the woman who died falling off a balcony early Sunday morning

She plummeted to the sidewalk below and when paramedics arrived, was breathing but unresponsive. She was rushed to the hospital, but later died. She suffered severe head trauma, reported the Berkeley Side.

Police are investigating how the woman fell from the balcony and may be performing toxicology testing. An autopsy is also expected to be done.

Tze, 21, was an honors student, computer science major, and member of Upsilon Pi Epsilon, an international honor society for the computing sciences

Tze went to UC Berkeley (above) and was a honor student and belonged to the Gamma Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega

But an eyewitness said it appeared to be an accident, according to ABC News 7.

Tze was a member of Upsilon Pi Epsilon, an international honor society for the computing sciences and a member of UC Berkeleys Gamma Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, according to Berkeley Side.

She also attended Laguna Creek High School in Elk Grove, where she was a member of the band and National Honor Society, according to the outlet.

UC Berkeley released a statement saying, 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kimberly's family and friends during this difficult time.'
Don Davis Jr, 54, was still permitted to eat his last meal despite being granted a stay of execution, which consisted of fried chicken, rolls, great Northern beans, mashed potatoes, strawberry cake and fruit punch

An Arkansas death row inmate was given his last meal as he awaited a final minute US Supreme Court decision on his stay of execution.

Don Davis Jr, 54, was served fried chicken, rolls, great Northern beans, mashed potatoes, strawberry cake and fruit punch on Monday night.

Arkansas's Attorney General was determined to get the execution underway before the warrant expired at midnight.

But the US Supreme Court refused to overrule the state Supreme Court's decision to uphold a stay of execution granted on Saturday.

The legal battle comes after eight prisoners were abruptly scheduled to die over just 11 days as Arkansas's supply of the lethal injection ingredient, Midazolam, approaches its expiration date.

Over the weekend, US District Judge Kristine Baker granted temporary stays of execution for all of the prisoners - putting off Davis's for one day.

Davis, 54, murdered 64-year-old Jane Daniels by shooting her in the back of her head in her home during a robbery.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said the US Supreme Court's decision was 'heartbreaking' for the victim's family.

She told CNN: 'Davis was convicted of his crimes in 1992, and my office took every action it could today to see that justice was carried out.

'Ultimately, the US Supreme Court has the final say and has decided not to lift the stay at this time.'

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Officials in Arkansas are frantically appealing court decisions in an effort to press ahead with the executions of Bruce Earl Ward (left) and Don Williams Davis Jr. (right) on Monday. Their executions are the first of eight scheduled before April 27

Bruce Earl Ward, 60, was also scheduled to die on Monday. He was sentenced to death for strangling 18-year-old Rebecca Doss in 1989 in the men's bathroom of a convenience store where she worked.

He was granted a previous stay by a different judge on Friday after his lawyers argued he was not mentally fit to receive the injection. Ward was not given his last meal on Monday night, according to KATV.

The rushed execution schedule attracted a barrage of legal complaints from pharmaceutical companies and lawyers acting on the prisoners' behalf.

Judge Baker accepted inmates' concerns about the lethal injection and its ingredients.

They voiced fears about Midazolam, a pain killer which is meant to render recipients unconscious has failed to do so in previous executions across the country.

The drug expires at the end of the month. Two other chemicals are used in the injection - vecuronium bromide, a paralytic, and potassium chloride which stops the heart.

The Arkansas Supreme Court also overturned a temporary restraining order, issued by state Judge Wendell Griffen on Friday, banning the use of vecuronium bromide.

The case had been was by the pharmaceutical company which sold the drug to the state who claimed it was sold for medical use and not capital punishment.

The execution schedule has been met with widespread protest from anti-capital punishment protesters who gathered in Little Rock on Friday before the stays were granted (above)

Their objection to it being used in executions echoes wider trend in the pharmaceutical industries which has seen drug manufacturers step away from supplying states with the ingredients for lethal injections.

But the Supreme Court banned Judge Griffen from ruling on any death penalty cases after he was caught taking part in an anti-capital punishment protest on Friday.

The Pulaski County Circuit judge was pictured tied to a cot outside the Capitol in Little Rock on Friday in a dramatic show of activism. It came within hours of his decision.

Judge Wendell Griffen, who halted the use of one of the drugs after the pharmaceutical company which manufactured it complained last week, was removed from all death penalty cases on Monday after taking part in an elaborate protest in Little Rock last week. He is pictured lying on on a cot with his arms tied to the sides

The Supreme Court reassigned the case and referred him to the state Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission to consider whether he violated the code of conduct for judges.

The other six men scheduled to be executed are Stacey Eugene Johnson, Jack Harold Jones, Ledell Lee, Kenneth D Williams and Marcel W Williams.

Jason McGehee was also due to be executed on April 27 but he was granted a permanent stay.

TOP, L-R: Bruce Earl Ward, Don W Davis, Ledell Lee and Stacey Johnson. BOTTOM, L-R: Jack Jones Jr, Marcel Williams, Kenneth Williams and Jason McGehee

The European Union on Wednesday urged Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to commute the death-row inmates' sentences.

And Amnesty International called on Arkansas to urgently halt 'the conveyor belt of death which it is about to set in motion.'

Ms Rutledge noted that there are still five upcoming executions 'with nothing preventing them from occurring.'

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said she plans to fight the inmates' legal efforts at every turn

'These men have been sentenced to death and that's what the attorney general is working towards,' a spokesman told DailyMail.com.

Ward and Davis's executions are the first two of eight executions scheduled in Arkansas before the end of April when the state's supply of lethal injections expires. With a growing shortage of the drug across the country, the state is trying to make use of its only remaining supply before it reaches its use-by date.

The hurried executions will be the first in the state for ten years and have sparked controversy across the country. Protesters on each side of the debate gathered in Little Rock over the weekend.

Johnny Depp joined those fighting the state's execution schedule at one demonstration.

Former executioners have joined the inmates' fight, speaking out to accuse the state of playing 'Russian roulette' with the prisoners' lives by relying on the unreliable lethal injection cocktail.

Johnny Depp and Damien Echols joined the protests in Little Rock on Friday

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said he's disappointed after the US Supreme Court declined to lift a stay that would have allowed the state's first execution in 12 years.

He has justified the hurried schedule by directing his sympathies to the murderers' victims families.

ARKANSAS DEATH PENALTY SCHEDULE April 17: Bruce Ward and Don Davis April 20: Stacey Johnson and Ledell Lee April 24: Jack Jones and Marcell Williams April 27: Kenneth Williams and Jason McGehee Advertisement

He said: 'When I set the eight execution dates in accordance with the law and my responsibilities, I was fully aware that the actions would trigger both the individual clemency hearings and separate court reviews on varying claims by the death row inmates.

'I understand how difficult this is on the victims' families, and my heart goes out to them as they once again deal with the continued court review; however, the last minute court reviews are all part of the difficult process of death penalty cases.

'I expect both the Supreme Court of Arkansas and the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals to review the decisions quickly, and I have confidence in the Attorney General and her team to expedite the reviews.'
The abolition of the 457 visa, which is used by about 95,000 foreign workers, has prompted mixed reactions from industry bodies in Australia.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced on Tuesday the Federal Government would be scrapping the visa for temporary foreign workers and replacing it with a tighter regime.

The 457 visa will be replaced initially by a new temporary two-year visa specifically designed to recruit the 'best and the brightest' in the national interest.

'The fact remains Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs,' Mr Turnbull said.

While the National Farmer's Federation and Tourism Accommodation Australia welcomed the move, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia and Australian Hotels Association were less supportive.

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'Australia First' plan: Malcolm Turnbull made the stunning 457 announcement on social media then at a Canberra press conference (pictured) on Tuesday

The National Farmer's Federation welcomed the decision, claiming there were longstanding issues with access to the former 457 visa program (stock image of farmer)

National Farmers Federation chief executive Tony Mahar said the 457 visa's demise was not disastrous for the farm sector.

'Overseas workers are important in meeting these critical skills shortages however we have had longstanding issues with access to the 457 visa program,' Mr Mahar said.

He said the current program did not recognise many of the skills Australian farmers require because many occupations have their skill levels classified too low to meet the required threshold.

TAA Chair Martin Ferguson said they welcomed the Prime Minister's move to protect Australian jobs through a more streamlined and rigorous visa process.

The Australian Medical Association said they 'cautiously welcomed the move' but were seeking more detail on the impact of the changes on medical workforce shortages.

The Association for Professional Engineers Australia, said they couldn't see any evidence the visa changes would have a positive impact on the profession (stock image of engineers)

The Australian Medical Association said they 'cautiously welcomed the move' but were seeking more detail on the impact of the changes on medical workforce shortages (stock image)

AMA president Dr Michael Gannon said international medical graduates (IMGs) had made a huge contribution to the Australian medical workforce, especially in rural areas and during periods of chronic workforce shortages.

'Australia is presently in the fortunate position of producing sufficient locally-trained medical graduates to meet current and predicted need,' Dr Gannon said.

'It is time to focus our energies on training the hundreds of Australian medical graduates seeking specialist training.

'But we still need to have the flexibility to ensure that under-supplied specialties and geographic locations can access suitably-qualified IMGs when locally trained ones cannot be recruited.'

Chris Walton, chief executive of The Association for Professional Engineers Australia, said they could not see any evidence the visa changes would have a positive impact on the profession.

'At present, unemployment among engineers remains historically high, students are being pushed away from engineering, there are no skill shortages in any engineering discipline, engineering job vacancies remain at all-time lows, and rampant skilled migration is exacerbating the problem,' Mr Walton said.

Both Bill Shorten (pictured left) and Pauline Hanson (right) were quick out of the blocks. Mr Shorten said Malcolm Turnbull didn't care for workers, while Ms Hanson claimed credit for the shock announcement saying she was well ahead of the game

The Australian Hotels Association called on the Federal Government to consider the specific needs of the hospitality sector.

AHA chief executive Stephen Ferguson said retention of chefs and cooks in the skilled occupation list was a must.

Chief executive of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, Peta Rutherford said 'the devil would be in the detail' of the new visa classification.

'A lot of rural and remote communities have had wonderful international doctors who have come here on the 457 visa and have provided a strong service to the community. Without them, some of those rural communities would have had no doctor working in them,' Ms Rutherford said.

'We're just conscious of the lag time and also there's still a fair bit of work to go in relation to the workforce distribution,' she said.

Under the government's plan the list of 650 occupation classifications that qualify for a temporary visa will be reduced by 200.

The new visas will require applicants to have previous work experience.

The Australian Hotels Association said retention of chefs and cooks in the skilled occupation list was a must (stock image of hotel chef)

CEO of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, Peta Rutherford said 'a lot of rural and remote communities' had experienced wonderful international doctors through the visa

A second four-year visa will require a higher standard of English language skills as well as a proper criminal check.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the new two-year visa would not allow permanent residency, but anyone currently on a 457 visa would not be affected by the new arrangements.

Mr Shorten slammed the plan, tweeting: 'Make no mistake, the only job Malcolm Turnbull cares about saving is his own.'

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson took some credit for the policy change.

'The government will deny their tough talk on immigration and plan to ban 457 visas is because of One Nation but we all know the truth!' the senator tweeted.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said restructuring the program would make it more sustainable and provided a chance to hit the 'reset button' on temporary skilled migration.

It would also give business the confidence to continue to access skills from overseas workers.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said there were still jobs in regional areas that Australians did not want to 'whether it is packing offal in an abattoir or boning out skulls'.

Unions NSW secretary Mark Morey dismissed the new arrangements, saying it was unlikely there would be any real change.

'What we really need is a root and branch review, so that migrant exploitation and wage theft is properly tackled and Australian standards are both maintained and improved.'
An Air Canada plan landed in London without a wheel after the tyre snapped off mid air.

The incident happened shortly after take-off on the Montreal to Heathrow flight yesterday.

But the pilot only realised after being told by airport workers in Britain after landing safely, without any difficulties.

Damage to the Boeing 777-300's suspension was also reported after landing at Heathrow.

The missing wheel was later found rooted in a fence just a few miles from Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport in Montreal.

An Air Canada plane landed in London without a wheel after the tyre snapped off in mid air (file photo)

A Heathrow worker, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Sun: 'I've never seen anything like this in my life. There is no way the plane would have taken off in Canada without someone doing the final checks on it and they would have noticed if a wheel was missing.

'The proper checks could not have been carried out because these wheels are worth around 10,000 each and they don't simply just fall off.

'None of the passengers knew what had happened and neither did the pilot, he was in shock when he landed and was told about the wheel.

'Heathrow and Air Canada will try and keep this to themselves but that isn't right, they should inform the public because this could have been fatal.'

The aircraft, which was due to be cleaned to provide a service back to Montreal at 1pm, was grounded and it is unlikely to be used for another three days.

A spokesman for Canada Air confirmed the incident and added that losing the wheel had 'no impact on the safe operation of the flight'.
Prince William used FaceTime to speak to Lady Gaga from as part of a campaign to raise awareness about mental health.

The pair joined forces from his London study to the pop star's kitchen in Los Angeles in the Heads Together #oktosay film series.

The Royal Family's Facebook page hosted the World Premiere of the new film of the pair.

They discussed the powerful films that have been released showing people from all walks of life discussing their mental health challenges under the #oktosay banner.

Prince William used FaceTime to speak to Lady Gaga from as part of a campaign to raise awareness about mental health

The pair joined forces from his London study to the pop star's kitchen in Los Angeles in the Heads Together #oktosay film series

The Royal Family's Facebook page hosted the World Premiere of the new film of the pair

Following his brother Harrys confession that he struggled to cope with their mothers death, William pledged to ensure his children grow up feeling able to talk about their emotions.

The prince said for too long it has been taboo or weak to talk about personal issues. And he warns that while the traditional stiff upper lip has its place, it should not be at the expense of mental wellbeing.

Williams candid interview yesterday came as his brother brought mental health to the top of the agenda with a deeply personal account of his battle to cope with Princess Dianas death.

Lady Gaga praised them for the 'beautiful stories' they told. Last year the Poker Face singer released an open letter through her Born This Way Foundation revealing that she lives with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The Duke was hugely impressed with the openness displayed in the letter and asked her to get involved with the Heads Together campaign.

In their FaceTime call they discussed how opening up and having conversations about mental health was vital to shatter the stigma that still surrounds these issues.

Lady Gaga said she felt people with mental health challenges were 'not hiding anymore' with The Duke adding that it is time 'to feel normal about mental health  it's the same as physical health' and that good conversations can 'really make such a difference.'

The Duke and Lady Gaga also made plans to meet in the UK in October to discuss how they can work together and do more to tackle stigma on mental health with Lady Gaga saying 'we have to make the strongest, most relentless attempt we can to normalise mental health issues.'

They discussed the powerful films that have been released showing people from all walks of life discussing their mental health challenges under the #oktosay banner

Last year the Poker Face singer released an open letter through her Born This Way Foundation revealing that she lives with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The Duke was hugely impressed with the openness displayed in the letter and asked her to get involved with the Heads Together campaign

They want to have a particular focus on young people.

In the film Prince William said: 'It's time that everyone speaks up and really feels very normal about mental health, it's the same as physical health.

'Everybody has mental health and we shouldn't be ashamed of it and just having a conversation with a friend or family member can really make such a difference.'

'It's really important to have this conversation and that you won't be judged. It's so important to break open that fear and that taboo which is only going to lead to more problems down the line.'

Lady Gaga said: 'Even though it was hard, the best thing that could come out of my mental illness was to share it with other people and let our generation, as well as other generations know that if you are feeling not well in your mind that you're not alone and that people that you think would never have a problem, do.'

'We have to make the strongest, most relentless attempt we can to normalise mental health issues, so that people feel like they can come forward.'

LADY GAGA'S LETTER ON PTSD Last year Lady Gaga released an open letter through her Born This Way Foundation revealing that she lives with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 'I have wrestled for some time about when, how and if I should reveal my diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). After five years of searching for the answers to my chronic pain and the change I have felt in my brain, I am finally well enough to tell you. There is a lot of shame attached to mental illness, but its important that you know that there is hope and a chance for recovery. It is a daily effort for me, even during this album cycle, to regulate my nervous system so that I dont panic over circumstances that to many would seem like normal life situations. Examples are leaving the house or being touched by strangers who simply want to share their enthusiasm for my music. I also struggle with triggers from the memories I carry from my feelings of past years on tour when my needs and requests for balance were being ignored. I was overworked and not taken seriously when I shared my pain and concern that something was wrong. I ultimately ended up injured on the Born This Way Ball. That moment and the memory of it has changed my life forever. The experience of performing night after night in mental and physical pain ingrained in me a trauma that I relive when I see or hear things that remind me of those days. I also experience something called dissociation which means that my mind doesnt want to relive the pain so I look off and I stare in a glazed over state. As my doctors have taught me, I cannot express my feelings because my pre-frontal cortex (the part of the brain that controls logical, orderly thought) is overridden by the amygdala (which stores emotional memory) and sends me into a fight or flight response. My body is in one place and my mind in another. Its like the panic accelerator in my mind gets stuck and I am paralyzed with fear. When this happens I cant talk. When this happens repeatedly, it makes me have a common PTSD reaction which is that I feel depressed and unable to function like I used to. Its harder to do my job. Its harder to do simple things like take a shower. Everything has become harder. Additionally, when I am unable to regulate my anxiety, it can result in somatization, which is pain in the body caused by an inability to express my emotional pain in words. But I am a strong and powerful woman who is aware of the love I have around me from my team, my family and friends, my doctors and from my incredible fans who I know will never give up on me. I will never give up on my dreams of art and music. I am continuing to learn how to transcend this because I know I can. If you relate to what I am sharing, please know that you can too. Traditionally, many associate PTSD as a condition faced by brave men and women that serve countries all over the world. While this is true, I seek to raise awareness that this mental illness affects all kinds of people, including our youth. I pledge not only to help our youth not feel ashamed of their own conditions, but also to lend support to those servicemen and women who suffer from PTSD. No ones invisible pain should go unnoticed. I am doing various modalities of psychotherapy and am on medicine prescribed by my psychiatrist. However, I believe that the most inexpensive and perhaps the best medicine in the world is words. Kind wordspositive wordswords that help people who feel ashamed of an invisible illness to overcome their shame and feel free. This is how I and we can begin to heal. I am starting today, because secrets keep you sick. And I dont want to keep this secret anymore.' Advertisement

The Heads Together campaign, led by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, today also released new YouGov research on the way young people talk about their mental health, including how they increasingly use phones, emails and social media for these conversations.

The YouGov research published today shows that people aged 18-24 are talking more often than older age groups about their mental health but that they are more likely to talk to a friend and less comfortable talking to family members or the GP, than other age groups.

It also shows that young people are much more likely than other age groups to start a conversation about their own mental health via text, email or a social media chat.

It comes after Prime Minister Theresa May praised Prince Harry for his bravery in revealing that he sought counselling to come to terms with the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

Prince William used FaceTime to speak to Lady Gaga from as part of a campaign to raise awareness about mental health

William pledged that he and his wife Kate would ensure their children George and Charlotte would grow up feeling able to talk about their emotions

Harry, who was only 12 when she was killed in a car crash in Paris, said he later had two years of total chaos, often felt on the verge of punching someone and had finally sought counselling for his demons.

His intervention earned praise from mental health charities, MPs and campaigners.

William, who has been more reluctant than Harry to show his feelings in public, does not reveal in his own interview whether he has sought help to cope with Dianas death.

Princess Diana is pictured with her two sons William and Harry in 1988 - nine years before her death in a car crash

Diana was killed when the car carrying herself and her lover Dodi Fayed smashed into a pillar inside a Parisian tunnel in the early hours (pictured, Diana's funeral in 1997)

Harry revealed how his brother William (pictured together at a service commemorating their mother's life in 2007) implored his younger sibling to get help after 'shutting down'

Instead he highlights the absolutely appalling toll of young male suicide and insists it is essential to talk through traumatic or stressful experiences.

William, who was 15 when his mother died, says: For too long there has been a taboo about talking about some important issues. If you were anxious, its because you were weak. If you couldnt cope with whatever life threw at you, its because you were failing.

Successful, strong people dont suffer like that, do they? But of course  we all do. Its just that few of us speak about it. There may be a time and a place for the stiff upper lip but not at the expense of your health.

Diana's death would send shockwaves around the world and triggered an unprecedented outpouring of grief in Britain

William praised his employers for encouraging him to speak about the difficulties he faces at work, but insists many are not so lucky. Sometimes, emotions have to be put to one side to get the job done, but if you have been through an especially traumatic or stressful situation it is essential to talk it through after the event, he says.

And in what appeared to be a direct reference to his brother, he says: If you dont acknowledge how you feel it will only bottle up, and could reassert itself later as illness.

His brother opened up about his personal struggles in an interview with the Daily Telegraph yesterday.

The crux came, he said, at the age of 28 when he began to suffer panic attacks during royal engagements. I have probably been very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions.

Prince William and Kate Middleton will feature in a two-part BBC series called Mind Over Marathon on Thursday night.

The show will follow 10 people who are running the London Marathon on Sunday, which has chosen Heads Together as its main charity.
Two Spanish Air Force planes and a trawler have been seen entering Gibraltar's territory in just 48 hours, it has emerged.

A Navy P3 Orion surveillance plane was spotted flying at low altitude just a mile south of the Rock yesterday - two days after a military C212 propeller plane was seen flying along the length of Gibraltar's east side.

The two incursions came as it emerged that the Spanish fishing trawler Virgin Carmen Primer had sailed into Gibraltar's waters illegally on Monday morning.

A Navy P3 Orion surveillance plane was spotted flying at low altitude just a mile south of the Rock yesterday (pictured)

On Saturday, a military C212 propeller plane was seen flying along the length of Gibraltar's east side (pictured)

A Navy P3 Orion surveillance plane was spotted flying at low altitude just a mile south of the Rock (pictured) yesterday - two days after a military C212 propeller plane was seen flying along the length of Gibraltar's east side

The incidents come amid rising tensions over Gibraltar in the run-up to Brexit. It follows years of disagreements between Britain and Spain over the peninsula, off the Spanish coast, which has been a British overseas territory since the 18th century.

Just days ago, a Spanish warship was chased away for the second time this month.

According to the Royal Navy HMS Scimitar intercepted the Infanta Cristina off the Gibraltar coast shortly after 9am British time last Friday.

The same ship sailed past the coast of the British territory earlier this month in what Gibraltar said was an illegal incursion. It was pursued by a British naval vessel patrolling the Rock until it left.

Disputes between Gibraltar and Spain over the waters are frequent but the latest comes after the territory of some 33,000 people took centre stage in the wrangling over Britain's exit from the European Union, which was triggered on March 29.

The two incursions came as it emerged that the Spanish fishing trawler Virgin Carmen Primer had sailed into Gibraltar's waters illegally on Monday morning

HMS Scimitar was forced to intercept the Spanish warship Infanta Cristina last week

An EU draft position published earlier this month after Prime Minister Theresa May filed formal divorce papers said the application of any EU-UK trade deal to Gibraltar had to be agreed between Britain and Spain, which has long claimed sovereignty over the enclave.

In response, May issued a statement saying London was 'steadfast' in its commitment to the territory. Her spokesman however played down comments by a former leader of her Conservative Party that she would be prepared to go to war to defend it.

Gibraltar was captured by Britain in 1704 and ceded to Britain in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht.

In a 2002 referendum, Gibraltarians rejected by 98 percent a proposal for joint British-Spanish sovereignty.
Protective drum lines will not be deployed following the death of Laeticia Brouwer, who was fatally mauled by a shark, the Western Australian government announced

Drum lines will not be deployed at the West Australian beach where a shark fatally mauled teenage surfer Laeticia Brouwer.

The 17-year-old, who was surfing with father Leon at the popular surf break Kelp Beds near Esperance, south-east of Perth, was bitten on the leg and suffered massive blood loss on Easter Monday.

Her father and another surfer pulled Laeticia to shore where a nurse helped perform first aid and applied a tourniquet to stem the bleeding.

It is understood the teenager lost so much blood that CPR was ineffective, and she did not regain consciousness, dying at Esperance Hospital a short time later.

Fisheries minister Dave Kelly described the girl's death as a tragedy but said drum lines would not be deployed.

'We made it clear in opposition that we don't see the merit in automatically deploying drum lines because they don't actually make our beaches any safer,' he said on Tuesday.

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Laeticia (left, with her family), known affectionately as Teesh by her family, was out surfing with her father near Esperance, Western Australia, on Monday afternoon when she was attacked by the shark

The 17-year-old had been surfing with her father at the popular surf break Kelp Beds near Esperance. The beach was closed on Tuesday and surfers were warned to stay away for the next couple of days

Mr Kelly said the new Labor government wanted to promote individual shark deterrents and hoped to announce a new policy in the next few weeks.

'Obviously the whole incident is very raw at this point in time so I don't intend to debate the whole pros and cons of various elements of the shark mitigation policy today,' he said.

'It would be great if we were in position where we could actually prevent further incidences rather than debating what you should do after an attack.'

Drum lines consist of a floating barrel with two lines attached to it.

One line holds a large baited hook suspended from a the floating plastic drum, which in is anchored to the sea bed by the second line.

Fisheries minister Dave Kelly described the girl's death as a tragedy but said drum lines would not be deployed. Pictured, paramedics at the scene after the attack

Last year while in opposition, Labor proposed a $200,000 subsidy scheme for personal shark deterrent devices.

Under the plan, 1000 devices such as Shark Shield would be available with a $200 state government subsidy.

Opposition leader Mike Nahan said on Tuesday that if his party was still in government they would have put out drum lines, saying the Liberals would always 'give priority to human life over sharks'.

He also questioned the effectiveness of Shark Shields.

'This is a tragedy. It is however a tragedy that is recurring and we have to as a community come to grips with it,' he said.

'Clearly there is a growth in numbers of sharks, clearly humankind is being exposed to those dangerous sharks more often and we have to respond in a manner that is befitting.'

Dr Nahan said he wanted a report to examine whether the justification for putting sharks on the global protected species list was still valid in WA.

'My understanding is they have looked at it in South Africa and come to the conclusion that there is plentiful white pointers ... you might come to the same conclusion in Australia,' he said.

The distraught family were seen leaving a police station hand-in-hand on Tuesday afternoon

The girl's surfboard, which had a chunk bitten out of the front of it, has been handed to the police for forensic analysis

Laeticia's uncle, Steve Evans, said the family was 'terribly heartbroken and saddened' by her death, adding that the 'ocean was her and her family's passion'.

'We can take comfort that Teesh died doing something that she loved,' he added.

The church-going family, from Singleton, north of Mandurah, had been in the area on an Easter holiday.

Mr Evans said: 'Teesh will be greatly missed by her family, friends and everyone who knew her.

'We are thankful for the support from the police, SES, ambulance and bystanders at the scene.

'We are also thankful for the help and support from our community at home, especially our church.

'We can take comfort from the fact that she is now in heaven with the Lord in eternal peace.'

The girl's mother and two sisters watched in horror from Kelps Bed, 3km east of Wylie Bay, as the shark's jaws clamped down on her leg just before 4pm
More than 1,200 highly-trained U.S. Marines and 13 powerful military aircraft have touched down in Darwin 'ready to fight' as tensions in North Korea escalate.

The first of the Marines arrived in Australia's tropical north on Tuesday for a six-month deployment during which they will conduct exercises with Australian and visiting Chinese forces.

The annual deployment program started by former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2011 is part of the U.S. 'pivot' to Asia at a time of increased assertiveness by China.

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Over a thousand highly-trained U.S. Marines touched down in Darwin, Australia, on Tuesday

Marines' commander Lieutenant Colonel Brian Middleton (not pictured) said his troops stood 'ready to fight and win the night always'

The decision to send 1,250 US Marines and 13 high-tech aircraft to Darwin comes as tensions in North Korea escalate (pictured, soldiers march during military parade in Pyongyang)

'I think that the commitment that we've taken to put a task force here with a conversation to get larger over the years says that we do think this is an important region,' Marines' commander Lieutenant Colonel Brian Middleton said after the first troops arrived in the Northern Territory.

'Being close to south-east Asia and the Indian Ocean, the Indo Pacific position has always been important.'

The strength of this year's deployment at 1,250 troops lags well behind the initial plan for the deployment to reach 2,500 Marines this year, but it will see the largest U.S. aircraft contingent to Australia in peacetime history.

Lt Middleton said the 13 aircraft, including tilt-rotor Ospreys, Super Cobra helicopters and Huey helicopters, triple the four aircraft in past deployments, was a 'tangible kind of sign of our commitment to the region and to this partnership'.

He said the decision to send the aircraft pre-dated the recent escalation in tensions over North Korea.

'Regardless, I think it is just a good move any time we can strengthen the long standing partnership and alliance between our two countries. We stand ready to fight and win the night always,' Lt Middleton said.

U.S. President Trump has ordered the USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group (pictured) to sail to near the Korean peninsula as a show of force

The first of the Marines arrived in Australia's tropical north for a six-month deployment during which they will conduct exercises with Australian and visiting Chinese forces

Pyongyang launched a failed missile test on Sunday and has warned Washington against taking military action against North Korea

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group to sail to near the Korean peninsula as a show of force aimed at deterring North Korea from conducting more missiles tests.

Pyongyang launched a failed missile test on Sunday and has warned Washington against taking military action against North Korea.

The Australia-US-China military exercises are also aimed at Australia charting a course between its most important security ally the United States and its biggest trading partner China.

Australia has drawn rebukes from both superpowers as it tries to strike a balanced stance on the disputed South China Sea, with China criticizing Australian freedom-of-navigation flights in the area and a senior U.S. soldier calling on Australia to do more there.

It comes as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has condemned the rogue North Korean regime as a 'reckless' and 'dangerous' threat to the security of Australia.

The North Korean regime is a threat to the peace of the region,' he told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

'It is a threat to all of its neighbours in the region, and if it were able to develop a missile that could travel as far as the United States with a warhead, or as far as Australia, then it obviously could threaten Australia and, indeed, the United States.

It comes as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has condemned the rogue North Korean regime as a 'reckless' and 'dangerous' threat to the security of Australia
He is one of the most iconic figures in children's literature, yet to his creator, Paddington Bear is much more than just a character.

As the fictional bear approaches his 60 birthday, it appears the teddy who inspired a series of books and a hit film is not too old to be caught up in the emotional crossfire of divorce.

Creator Michael Bond, 91, has revealed he shares joint custody of the toy he describes as 'very real' with his first wife Brenda - and over the years they have taken it in turns to see him.

Very real: Paddington creator Michael Bond, pictured above with his beloved bear, revealed he and his first wife Brenda share joint custody over him

The bear spends part of his time at Mr Bond's home in London's affluent Maida Vale area. Pictured above: An early illustration of Paddington by the bear's first illustrator the late Peggy Fortnum

Making a splash! The bear, who turns 60 this year, was the star of a hit 2014 film about his escapades

Because to Mr Bond, the special teddy with the battered suitcase and fondness for marmalade sandwiches is very much a real person - and a friend.

Speaking from his beautiful London home, he told Emily Retter from The Mirror the bear splits his time with him and his first partner.

Mr Bond lives in the affluent area Maida Vale in London, just a stone's throne away from Paddington Station which gave him the idea for the toy's name.

Mr Bond told the reporter the bear was a real presence to him.

He said 'He's here, he's in the room. He's looking at you.'

He described it as 'hard to explain' but added 'he is a very real person'.

And the author's attachment for the now-world famous animal is hardly surprising, given he has now lived with him for six decades, since he first bought him from Selfridges in the 1960s.

Mr Bond revealed he would even like Paddington to stay with him into the afterlife.

The 91-year-old grandfather said: 'I don't worry about death, I sort of feel it's good to get to 91 and I can't complain.

'And I hope Paddington might come with me, wherever we go - up or down.'

Starry friends: Actor Hugh Bonneville, who appeared in the 2014 hit film about Paddington's escapes

Pictured: Michael Bond received a CBE at Buckingham Palace for his services to children's literature (left) and the cinematic version of Michael Bond's now-famous teddy Paddington Bear (right)

Mr Bond said he and his first wife, who he bought the toy for in the 1960s, used to talk to him and take him out for dinner.

He said the bear, whose escapades were turned into a hit 2014 film , starring Downton Abbeys Hugh Bonneville, was fond of food and enjoyed trips out to restaurants.

Mr Bond was inspired to start writing about Paddington after he hit a wall with his creative stories and his agent suggested he start by what he had in his room.

And so Paddington's journey was born, through pages in a children's book, partly inspired by the Jewish refugees Mr Bond recalls seeing at Reading Station, close to where he grew up.

This year Mr Bond may be turning 92, but he has no plans to retire from writing yet.

Mr Bond said he still makes sure he is sitting down at his desk each day by 9am - even at Christmas.

The tales about Paddington's exploits from darkest Peru to Britain have been translated into 40 languages, with latest release of his 15th novel - Paddington's Finest Hour - this month.

Now Mr Bond said he has just finished the very latest book.

He said he would like Paddington's adventures to continue even after death but said the only person he would entrust to write them would be daughter Karen, who shares his passion for the bear.
A heartbroken family has vowed to track down the vicious killer who decapitated and tortured their beloved kitten.

The Osborne family's three-legged kitten Sooty was found beheaded and wired to a car in Oakey, about 160km west of Brisbane, last week.

Veteran RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty said the 'awful' killing was among the worst acts of animal cruelty he had seen and police were investigating.

Sooty the eight-month-old kitten was found decapitated and wired to a car

His owners, the Osborne family, have vowed to track down the sick killer

Sooty's owner Dawn Osborne pledged to bring the killer to justice in a Facebook post.

'I know this person expects to get away with this and I promise they won't,' she wrote.

'Their day will come when they are standing before that judge and I will be there to make sure he/she gets the maximum penalty.'

The eight-month-old kitten had already survived a tussle with the family dog which claimed his leg when he was two months old.

They said the resilient cat had bounced back from the dog attack and formed a deep bond with her husband.

'This kitten was my husband's best mate. They were thick as thieves,' Ms Osborne wrote.

The resilient kitten had already survived losing one leg to the family dog

The family searched desperately for the cat last Wednesday before putting out a plea on lost-pet Facebook pages

Sooty's owner, Dawn Osborne, pledged to bring the killer to justice in a Facebook post

The family searched desperately for the cat last Wednesday before putting out a plea on lost-pet Facebook pages.

The family did not make the grim discovery until a neighbour called to deal the news.

Ms Osborne's Facebook post about the heinous act has since gone viral, leading police to find new leads.
Harvey Weinstein has declared that he could stop the Oscars looking like a 'variety show' by bringing in Steven Spielberg to produce it.

The super-producer joked that he and Spielberg would 'do a great job' of using special effects and virtual reality to revamp the Academy Awards.

His boasts come after this year's epic Oscars blunder, which saw La La Land being wrongly announced as Best Picture winners in an excruciating onstage mix-up.

Harvey Weinstein (left) has declared that he could stop the Oscars looking like a 'variety show' by bringing in Steven Spielberg (right)

The super-producer joked that he and Spielberg would 'do a great job' using special effects and virtual reality to revamp the Academy Awards (pictured with Stephen Fry and Amy Adams)

Discussing how the Oscars could be improved, Weinstein, 65, told The Hollywood Reporter: 'Steven Spielberg and I once talked about producing it together.

'If we could survive each other, we'd do a great job. They're not using technology properly. It still feels like a variety show.'

He added that this year's host Jimmy Kimmel, was 'brilliant' but that bosses could have given him some 'mind-blowingly cool' tricks to really impress audiences.

Weinstein said that he would get past host Billy Crystal back on-board - having previously fronted the Oscars from 1990 to 1993, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2004 and 2012.

Crystal won two Emmys for hosting and writing the 63rd Academy Awards and an Emmy gong for writing the 64th Academy Awards.

Weinstein also addressed the now infamous Best Picture gaffe, which saw presenter Warren Beatty announce La La Land as the winners.

He said this year's host, comedian Jimmy Kimmel (right) was 'brilliant' but that bosses could have given him some 'mind-blowingly cool' tricks to really impress audiences. Weinstein added that he would get Billy Crystal back to host

'Oh, Warren would have to announce best picture,' he joked. 'The suspense would be incredible.'

In a heart-stopping moment, the stars and producers of La La Land were stopped midway through their acceptance speeches and forced to hand their trophies to the stars of Moonlight.

The terrible end to an otherwise triumphant show left the audience gasping in horror as Beatty revealed he and Bonnie and Clyde star Faye Dunaway incorrectly read La La Land as the winner.

As the La La Land cast were walking on stage to accept the accolade, a stagehand standing in the wings could be heard saying 'Oh ... Oh my god, he got the wrong envelope' and walking back and forth, according to the LA Times.

While still on stage, Beatty blamed the epic mishap on being given the wrong envelope, saying he had seen the name Emma Stone from 'La La Land' when he opened his envelope.

Weinstein also addressed the Best Picture gaffe, which saw presenter Warren Beatty wrongly announce La La Land as the winners over Moonlight

A-listers like Michelle Williams, Casey Affleck, Matt Damon and Mel Gibson sat shocked as Warren Beaty explained that Moonlight were the real winners

'I want to tell you what happened I opened the envelope and it said Emma Stone, La La Land and that is why I took such a long look at Faye and at you.

'I wasn't trying to be funny. This is Moonlight for best picture,' Beatty told the shocked crowd as he explained the blunder.

Weinstein and The Weinstein Company's latest success at the Oscars saw them rack up six nominations for Lion.

The emotional drama received nods for best picture along with supporting actor for Dev Patel, supporting actress for Nicole Kidman, adapted screenplay for Luke Davies, cinematography for Greig Fraser, and score for Dustin O'Halloran and Hauschka.

In 1998, he produced Shakespeare In Love starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes, which took the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Islamic State is talking to Al-Qaeda about a potential alliance to form a combined terror group as Iraqi troops close in on jihadis in Mosul.

Messengers representing ISIS' leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi and his al-Qaeda counterpart Ayman al Zawahiri have discussed what is understood to be a potential merger deal.

This month it was reported the two terror groups had already formed a partnership in Libya amid mounting pressure on the jihadi movements and a leaked memo suggested they could be working together as one organisation by 2021.

Demonstrators chant pro-Islamic State group slogans as they wave the group's flags in front of the provincial government headquarters in Mosul

Messengers representing ISIS' leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi (left) and his al-Qaeda counterpart Ayman al Zawahiri (right) have discussed what is understood to be a potential merger deal

Osama bin Laden (left) sitting with his deputy and eventual successor Ayman al-Zawahiri at his hide out at an undisclosed location in Afghanistan

Iraqi Vice President Ayad Allawi revealed the new information in an interview on Monday, citing regional contacts in the country.

'The discussion has started now,' Allawi said.

'There are discussions and dialogue between messengers representing Baghdadi and representing Zawahiri.'

Islamic State split from al-Qaeda in 2014 and the two groups have since waged an bitter battle for recruits, funding and the mantle of global jihad.

Zawahiri has publicly criticized Islamic State for its brutal methods, which have included beheadings, drownings and burning prisoners to death.

It is unclear how exactly the two groups may work together, Allawi said, but mergers have popped up elsewhere in the Middle East and Africa.

Libyan branches of the two terror groups held talks this month about sharing a governing council, according to documents leaked to newspaper Al Sharq al Awsat.

The memos also revealed ISIS and Al-Qaeda believed they would be united fully by 2021.

A general view shows a damaged street as Iraqi counter-terrorism service (CTS) forces advance towards the Sekak neighbourhood in western Mosul on April 11, 2017, during the ongoing offensive to retake the city from Islamic State jihadis

An Iraqi federal policeman fires a machine gun at an Islamic State position on a nearby rooftop during the battle to recapture west Mosul on April 12, 2017 in Mosul, Iraq. Despite being completely surrounded, Islamic State fighters are continuing to put up stiff resistance to Iraqi forces who are now having to engage ISIS in house to house fighting through the narrow streets as they continue their battle to retake Iraq's second largest city of Mosul

Islamic State blazed across large swathes of northern Iraq in 2014, leaving the Iraqi central government reeling.

Baghdadi declared a caliphate over the territory the group controlled from the al-Nuri mosque in Mosul the same year, which also became a point of contention with al-Qaeda.

File photo of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi

Last October, Iraqi security forces and Shi'ite volunteer fighters, commonly referred to as the Popular Mobilization Units teamed up with an international coalition, including the United States, to drive Islamic State from of Mosul and the areas surrounding the city.

The group has been pushed out of the half of Mosul that lies east of the Tigris River, but Iraqi soldiers and their allies are now bogged down in tough fighting in the narrow streets of the Old City of Mosul, west of the river, according to Iraqi security officials.

Islamic State has used suicide bombers, snipers and armed drones to defend the territory under their control.

The group has also repeatedly targeted civilians or used them as human shields during the fighting, according to Iraqi and American security officials.

The militant group has lost ground in Mosul but still controls the towns of Qaim, Hawija and Tal Afar in Iraq as well as Raqqa, their de facto capital in Syria.

Even if Islamic State loses its territory in Iraq, Allawi said, it will not simply go away.

'I can't see ISIS disappearing into thin air,' he said.

'They will remain covertly in sleeping cells, spreading their venom all over the world.'
This is the incredible moment a brave greengrocer fought off an attacker who was armed with a huge shotgun by pelting him with tomatoes from his shop.

The bizarre incident happened in the Sanliurfa Province of Turkey when an armed attacker entered the shop of greengrocer Mehmet Tosun.

The whole incident was captured on security cameras and has since been shared online.

The footage shows Mr Tosun, who has owned the shop for 30 years, looking for a way to protect himself from a known attacker who came in to shoot him, the ex-husband of his sister, named only as Mahmut P.

The video shows Mahmut entering the shop with a shotgun and start shooting at the unarmed man who looks around desperately for something to defend himself with.

Unable to find a weapon, he comes up with the next best thing - tomatoes.

He picks up the fruit and starts throwing them at his attacker, who looks shocked at the turn of events.

This is the incredible moment a brave greengrocer fought off an attacker who was armed with a huge shotgun by pelting him with tomatoes from his shop

The bizarre incident happened in the Sanliurfa Province of Turkey when an armed attacker entered the shop of greengrocer Mehmet Tosun

The attacker, clearly perplexed, can be seen shooting a few more times with the shotgun before running away.

It has been confirmed that the attacker was later detained by police.

Brave Mehmet Tosun said: 'I was busy working. Mahmut P. all of a sudden appeared in front of me. I was standing right by the tomatoes.

The whole incident was captured on security cameras and has since been shared online

The footage shows Mr Tosun, who has owned the shop for 30 years, looking for a way to protect himself from a known attacker who came in to shoot him, the ex-husband of his sister, named only as Mahmut P

'When he pointed the shotgun towards me I threw a tomato in his eye. He lost balance and started shooting around.

'He is my ex-brother-in-law. Maybe he attacked because we took my sister back. We haven't had any problems before.'

The case is being investigated by police.
The US is sending two more aircraft carriers towards the Korean Peninsula, it has been claimed.

Donald Trump has already dispatched the USS Carl Vinson, powered by nuclear reactors, carrying almost 100 aircraft and accompanied by destroyers, a cruiser, and a submarine to the region.

Reports in South Korea claim the US President is bolstering the deployment by sending the USS Ronald Reagan and the USS Nimitz to the Sea of Japan next week.

It comes as Trump warned North Korea that it needs to keep its nuclear ambitions in check, telling dictator Kim Jong-un he has 'got to behave'.

The US is sending two more aircraft carriers, including the USS Nimitz (pictured), towards the Korean Peninsula, it has been claimed

Reports in South Korea claim the US President is bolstering the deployment by sending the USS Ronald Reagan (pictured) and the USS Nimitz to the Sea of Japan next week

US President Donald Trump (left) has warned North Korea that it needs to keep its nuclear ambitions in check, telling dictator Kim Jong-un (right) he has 'got to behave'

USS Ronald Reagan is currently stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, according to Yonhap News Agency while the USS Nimitz is undergoing 'final pre-deployment assessment' off Oregon.

Like the USS Carl Vinson, both vessels are more than 1,000ft long, and capable of carrying more than 90 aircraft.

News of their possible deployment comes days after North Korea staged a huge military parade as part of a day of celebrations to mark the 105th anniversary of the birth of the country's founder Kim Il Sung.

There are fears Pyongyang is preparing to carry out a sixth nuclear test.

This morning, US Vice President Mike Pence assured Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Tuesday that America is ready to work closely with its Asian allies in the region to achieve 'a peaceable resolution and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.'

'We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan,' Pence said after arriving from Seoul for talks with Abe.

USS RONALD REAGAN Length: 1,092ft Aircraft: 90 fixed wing and helicopters Speed: 30+ knots Weight: 103,000 tons Crew: 5,680 Home port: Yokosuka, Japan Commissioned: July 2003 Advertisement

USS NIMITZ Length: 1,092ft Aircraft: 90 fixed wing and helicopters Speed: 31.5 knots Weight: 101,600 tons Crew: 5,680 Home port: Kitsap, Washington Commissioned: May 1975 Advertisement

Donald Trump has already dispatched the giant USS Carl Vinson, powered by nuclear reactors, carrying almost 100 aircraft and accompanied by destroyers, a cruiser, and a submarine to the region. It is pictured (right) on Friday in the Indian Ocean alongside USS Michael Murphy (left) and USS Lake Champlain (centre)

'We are with you 100 percent,' the visiting vice president said. President Donald Trump earlier warned that North Korean President Jong Un has 'gotta behave.'

At the outset of their meeting, Pence reiterated to Abe his statement in South Korea that the United States has run out of patience with Pyongyang's moves.

'While all options are on the table,' Pence said, 'President Trump is determined to work closely with Japan, with South Korea, with all our allies in the region, and with China' to resolve the problem.

'We seek peace always as a country, as does Japan, but as you know and the United States knows, peace comes through strength and we will stand strongly with Japan and strongly with our allies for a peace and security in this region,' Pence added.

Abe said: 'It goes without saying that it is a matter of paramount importance for us to seek diplomatic efforts as well peaceable settlements of the issue.'

USS CARL VINSON Length: 1,092ft Aircraft: 90 fixed wing and helicopters Speed: 30+ knots Weight: 102,900 tons Crew: 6,062 Home port: NAS North Island San Diego, California Commissioned: March 1982 Advertisement

'But at the same time,' the prime minister said, 'dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless and it is necessary for us to exercise pressure North Korea so that it comes forward and engages in this serious dialogue.'

Trump, in Washington, and Pence at the tense Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea earlier, have signalled a forceful U.S. stance on North Korea's recent actions and threats. But no one was predicting what might come next.

Behind the heated rhetoric, in fact, Trump's strategy in the region looks somewhat similar to predecessor Barack Obama's - albeit with the added unpredictability of a new president who has shown he's willing to use force.

Pence on Monday had travelled to the tense zone dividing North and South Korea, where he warned North Korea's leaders that after years of testing the U.S. and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, 'the era of strategic patience is over.'

The unannounced visit at the start of his 10-day trip to Asia was a U.S. show of force that allowed the vice president to gaze at North Korean soldiers from afar and stare directly across a border marked by razor wire.

As the brown bomber jacket-clad vice president was briefed near the military demarcation line, two North Korean soldiers watched from a short distance away, one taking multiple photographs of the American visitor.

Pence told reporters near the Demilitarized Zone on Monday that Trump was hopeful China would use its 'extraordinary levers' to pressure the North to abandon its weapons program, a day after the North's failed missile test launch.

Vice President Mike Pence said in South Korea that America's era of 'strategic patience' with Pyongyang has come to an end

A huge military parade took place in Pyongyang on Saturday to mark the 105th anniversary of the birth of the country's founder Kim Il Sung

There are fears Kim Jong-un is planning to carry out a sixth nuclear test. Pictures show a North Korean KN-08 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile during the military parade on Saturday

But Pence expressed impatience with the unwillingness of the regime to move toward ridding itself of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters he hopes 'there will be no unilateral actions like those we saw recently in Syria and that the U.S. will follow the line that President Trump repeatedly voiced during the election campaign.'

For its part, China made a plea for a return to negotiations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said tensions need to be eased on the Korean Peninsula to bring the escalating dispute there to a peaceful resolution.

Lu said Beijing wants to resume the multi-party negotiations that ended in stalemate in 2009 and suggested that U.S. plans to deploy a missile defence system in South Korea were damaging its relations with China.

Pence's Asia tour came amid increasing tensions and heated rhetoric on the Korean Peninsula.

While the North did not conduct a nuclear test, the spectre of a potential test and an escalated U.S. response has trailed Pence as he undertakes his Asian tour.
The 31-year-old grandfather of baby Aria has a warrant out for his arrest while the newborn's grandmother is due to face court this week on stealing charges.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal the complex criminal history of baby Aria's family less than a week after she was taken from a Sydney hospital by her teen parents.

Three-day-old Aria was smuggled out of Nepean Hospital in Penrith, west of Sydney, in the early hours of Thursday by her parents - Jayden Lavender, 14 and Jenifer Morrison, 15.

Both parents intended to take their daughter back to the housing commission home they shared with Jayden's mother Tracey Lavender, 47, at Dharruk, in the city's west, once she was released from hospital.

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Tracey Lavender (pictured) the grandma of newborn baby Aria, who was taken from a Sydney hospital by her teenage parents last week, has been charged with multiple stealing offences

The revelation comes as a warrant was issued on Tuesday for the arrest of Jayden's father Adam Taranto (pictured), after he failed to show at court for allegedly breaching an AVO

Ms Lavender (right) and Mr Taranto (left) were once in a domestic relationship and are believed to have four children together, including Jayden

Lavender, who has four children and also acts as a guardian for Jenifer, is due to face Blacktown Local Court on Thursday charged with multiple offences.

The revelation comes as a warrant was issued on Tuesday for the arrest of Jayden's father Adam Taranto after he failed to show at court for allegedly breaching an AVO.

Lavender and Taranto were once in a domestic relationship, and are believed to have four children together including Jayden.

On Tuesday, Jayden and Jenifer were briefly reunited with Aria for the first time since handing her back to medical staff at Nepean Hospital on Thursday afternoon after more than 12 hours in hiding.

Jayden said he and Jenifer burst into tears when their family was briefly brought back together and it gave them hope she would be returned to them permanently.

The young couple hid their newborn baby under a blanket and left the hospital in the early hours of Thursday, camping overnight in a tent purchased from Kmart.

Lavender spoke out in defence of the teenage parents last week, saying they had only taken Aria from the hospital because they 'didn't want to be apart from their baby'.

On Tuesday, Jayden and Jenifer were briefly reunited with Aria for the first time since handing her back to medical staff at Nepean Hospital

Jayden Lavender, 14, and his girlfriend Jenifer Morrison, 15, (both pictured) hid their newborn baby Aria under a blanket and left Sydney's Nepean Hospital early on Thursday morning

Both parents intended to take their daughter back to the housing commission home (pictured) of Jayden's mum Tracey at Dharruk, in the city's west, once Aria was released from hospital

Pictures show the yard of the house littered with up-turned shopping trolleys and abandoned cars, right near where children's play equipment including a trampoline is located

Ms Lavender spoke out in defence of the teens last week, saying they were able parents and pledging to help them raise baby Aria under her roof, where they had already set up a nursery in readiness for her arrival. Pictured is their home in Sydney's west

An overflowing skip bin, which neighbours say is largely filled with the family's trash, is located at the back gate of their Dharruk home

She said the teens were both able parents and pledged to fully help them raise baby Aria under her roof where they already set up a nursery in readiness for her arrival.

On Wednesday morning, two people who are believed to be welfare officers visited the family home, but left when no one answered the front door. It is not clear what the purpose of the visit was.

Photographs show the backyard of the house littered with up-turned shopping trolleys and an overflowing skip bin, which is largely filled with the family's trash.

The backyard where Lavender's young children regularly play on a trampoline is filled with two dumped cars, while the grass is unmowed.

Photographs of the front yard show where her home came under attack from arson in the early hours of last Friday as Lavender, Jayden and Jenifer slept inside.

Pictures of the frontyard of the home show where it came under attack from arson in the early hours of last Friday while Ms Lavender, Jayden and Jenifer all slept inside

A trail of burnt grass leads to a heavily scorched and boarded-up door, where the grandmother told Daily Mail Australia her home had been 'firebombed' after the teens returned with Aria

The teenagers (Jayden is pictured with baby Aria) were reportedly told they are 'too young to decide' what happens to the child and so decided to flee the Nepean Hospital, sleeping in the elements in a Kmart tent

A trail of burnt grass leads up to a heavily scorched and boarded-up door where the grandmother told Daily Mail Australia her home had been 'firebombed' by an unknown person hours after the teen couple returned home with Aria.

Lavender and her children were not home at their Dharruk residence on Tuesday.

But speaking out about the incident last week, both Lavender and Jayden said the family were left 'terrified' following the arson attack.

'There were flames coming underneath the door, it was a petrol fire and I'm putting it out with water,' Jayden said.

Neither Jayden or Jenifer have reportedly been allowed to see their daughter since handing her back over to medical staff at Nepean Hospital
Dozens of brides-to-be face having their plans cancelled and losing thousands of pounds after a wedding planner at a 15th century castle allegedly pocketed deposits and fled.

One devastated couple arrived at the picturesque Guthrie Castle, in Angus, Tayside, to find their big day clashed with a conference.

Others fear that their deposits for the venue, where weddings cost in excess of 20,000, will be lost after wedding planner Craig Williamson 'did a runner'.

Dozens of brides-to-be face having their plans cancelled and losing thousands of pounds after a wedding planner at the 15th century Guthrie Castle pocketed deposits and fled

He is said to have had the deposits paid into a private account then wiped the hotel's computer systems before fleeing abroad, leaving no record of the bookings.

It means that the castle now has no idea who has booked, how to contact them, and which bookings to honour.

Dundee couple Lynsey Swan, 28, and her partner Gavin Smith, 31, are due to marry at the castle next June and fear for the 2,000 deposit that they have paid.

Lynsey said: 'It is a total nightmare but there are other people whose weddings could be next weekend.

'We put down a deposit of just over 2,000 and we don't know what will happen with that.'

One groom, who is due to marry in less than a month, said the situation is 'horrendous' as he and his bride are left in limbo over whether the date will go ahead.

Police Scotland say they are investigating, and it is so far unknown exactly how many people are affected by the issue.

Guthrie Castle is now appealing for people who have booked weddings to get in touch immediately.

The website, which is displaying no other information or links, simply says: 'Anyone who has booked for a Wedding or Event with Guthrie Castle. Kindly contact us...'

A widely-shared post on social media claims: 'Apparently their wedding coordinator was taking double and triple bookings, pocketing the money, only having one booking in the diary and so the venue doesn't know who to contact or who is booked.

A widely-shared post on social media claims that the wedding co-ordinator was taking double and triple bookings and pocketing the cash before running away

Wedding photographer Kirstie Brown also posted to try and alert anyone who may have had a wedding booked at the castle

'For people who have booked, some are in the diary but haven't paid deposit and some aren't in the diary but have paid the deposit so they don't know who to honour the booking to.

'Meanwhile, the coordinator has done a total runner with around half a million and the venue can't get in touch with all the couples because they don't know who they all are.'

Dundee-based photographer Kirsty Brown, who runs Memento Wedding Photography, said she had several clients due to be married there.

She said: 'I spoke to the make-up artist that did the wedding on Saturday that was double booked and she said it was all true.

'Apparently the wedding coordinator had used bank details of a private account for people to put the deposits into rather than the business account.

'I then spoke to one bride on the phone who has booked me to take their photos at Guthrie Castle.

'Thankfully she's not getting married there until 2018 so hopefully it will be sorted out before then.

'She was absolutely devastated. She did wonder about that because the account didn't seem like a business account.'

Guthrie Castle has not responded to requests for comment but is now appealing for people who have booked weddings to get in touch immediately

Photographer Angus Forbes said he had half a dozen weddings booked there in the next couple of years.

He said: 'Clients have been contacting me about the situation. It seems that the Castle is pulling out the stops to try to solve the issues.

'It's a popular venue, an expensive venue and a great place to take photographs in.'

A Dundee couple who are due to marry at Guthrie Castle next month described the situation as 'horrendous'.

They are still to discover whether their wedding is the only event booked for the venue and called on the castle staff to be more 'transparent'.

The groom, who asked not to be named because he wanted to maintain a positive relationship with the castle, said: 'At the end of last week we were contacted by email asking us to get in touch, which I did on Thursday afternoon.

The news has sent shockwaves through the community of businesses and performers that work the wedding circuit in the area

'They explained that the wedding coordinator hadn't turned up to work when expected and they contacted the police with a missing person report.

'Then they said it emerged that the guy had left the country and that he had wiped out their computer records.

'They have no records of the bookings and will only know when people contact them.

'We still don't know for sure if we are the only wedding booked for our date.'

CASTLE BUILT BY LORD TREASURER AND FRIEND OF THE KING Guthrie Castle dates back to the 15th century with a tower house originally built by Sir David Guthrie. Sir David was armour bearer to the king, captain of the guard and was appointed Lord Treasurer of Scotland in 1461. He obtained a charter under the great seal to build Guthrie Castle in 1468 and was later appointed Lord Chief Justice of Scotland. The historic keep remained in the Guthrie family until 1983. In 2003, the castle and its grounds were opened to the public, for wedding parties, corporate functions and for group bookings. It has a 200-seat pavilion, 22 bedrooms and a private nine-hole golf course. The grounds include one of Scotland's most significant walled gardens, dating back to 1614. Advertisement

The man, who booked the venue almost a year ago, said that the revelation had added greatly to the stress of preparing the wedding which is just a few weeks away.

'I checked with the Registrar's Office in Angus and their records showed there was no weddings happening on that day other than ours,' he said.

'However someone might have booked it for a reception or a conference.

'There's a lot of stress in the run up to a wedding. At this stage we are trying to keep relationships with the castle as good as possible because we are in a very vulnerable position.'

He recalled that toward the end of last year, the former employee at the centre of the scandal mentioned that the bank account details to make payments towards the wedding would shortly be changed.

'We never heard anything more about that so I hope we've been making payments into the castle's account but I've not had conformation of that,' he added.

'I do think the castle could have handled this situation better from a customer services point of view.

'Although this is a terrible shock for them and I have a great deal of sympathy for them, they could have been more transparent and made more effort to try to get people to come forward as quickly as possible.

'There has been very little in the way of apologies or "this must be awful for you". The feeling is very much how awful it is for them.

'It is awful for them but for people getting married it's quite horrendous.'

A police spokesman said: 'Police Scotland is aware of the matter and is carrying out inquires'.
US forces are accused of killing at least 40 civilians by bombing a Syrian mosque which their intelligence believed was hosting an Al Qaeda meeting.

The airstrikes allegedly hit a well-known western Aleppo mosque full of hundreds of worshipers on March 16 and injured dozens, Syria said.

The first bomb hit the mosque during prayers before a second blast hit survivors outside, according to a Human Rights Watch report.

US forces are accused of killing at least 40 civilians by dropping a bomb on a Syrian mosque which they reportedly believed was an Al Qaeda meeting. Pictured, volunteers sorting through the rubble after the reported airstrike

The airstrikes allegedly hit a well-known western Aleppo mosque full of hundreds of worshipers on March 16 and injured dozens, Syria said

Syrian civil defence volunteers, known as the White Helmets, dig through the rubble of a mosque in the village of Al-Jineh

Harrowing footage captures a man crying and being restrained by volunteers at the scene of the blast

Others who ran towards the blast to help were also killed, a witness said.

The US claimed the bombings targeted an Al Qaeda meeting hall - but the report claimed there was no evidence that terrorists were meeting there.

The investigation found that the mosque was well known for hosting lectures every Thursday between sunset and evening prayers, CNN reported.

Photos of the building before the attack show it had shelves for shoes and prayer rugs, suggesting that it was a mosque.

Another shot taken after the attack shows a sign that reads 'Saydina Omar ibn Al-Khattab Mosque', according to the report.

The first bomb hit the mosque during prayers before a second blast hit survivors outside, according to a Human Rights Watch report

The US claimed the bombings targeted an Al Qaeda meeting hall - but the report claimed there was no evidence that terrorists were meeting there

The investigation found that the mosque was well known for hosting lectures every Thursday between sunset and evening prayers, CNN reported

US military said an airstrike killed 'several terrorists' at a meeting of senior Al Qaeda terrorists in Idlib in March.

An official told CNN they bombed a building 50 feet from the mosque, and said satellite imagery showed the mosque still standing.

But the Human Rights Watch investigation said US forces got the location wrong - and that it was not in Idlib but the southwest of al-Jinah.

The attack was documented by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Syria Civil Defense, better known as the White Helmets.

Human Rights Watch interviewed a member of the the Syria Civil Defense, known as the White Helmets, who was at the scene, and four people who were in the building during the strikes.

Photos of the building before the attack show it had shelves for shoes and prayer rugs, suggesting that it was a mosque

Syria Civil Defense workers work tirelessly to try to rescue people from the rubble

Civilians were left in chaos after the blasts. Others who ran towards the blast to help were also killed, a witness said

They collaborated with investigative group Bellingcat, which analyzed footage and photos from the attack, and Forensic Architecture, which created reconstructions of the airstrikes and models of mosque.

'The US seems to have gotten several things fundamentally wrong in this attack, and dozens of civilians paid the price,' Ole Solvang, deputy emergencies director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.

'The US authorities need to figure out what went wrong, start doing their homework before they launch attacks, and make sure it doesn't happen again.'

In 2015 US airstrikes killed 42 civilians after hitting a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders in Kunduz, Afghanistan.

It comes after US airstrikes killed 42 civilians after hitting a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders in Kunduz, Afghanistan in 2015

A Doctors Without Borders employee walks inside the charred remains of the organization's hospital after the bombing

It comes amid reports that Islamic State is talking to Al Qaeda about a potential alliance to form a combined terror group as Iraqi troops close in on jihadis in Mosul.

Messengers representing ISIS' leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi and his al Qaeda counterpart Ayman al Zawahiri have discussed what is understood to be a potential merger deal.

This month it was reported the two terror groups had already formed a partnership in Libya amid mounting pressure on the jihadi movements and a leaked memo suggested they could be working together as one organisation by 2021.

Iraqi Vice President Ayad Allawi revealed the new information in an interview on Monday, citing regional contacts in the country.

'The discussion has started now,' Allawi said.

'There are discussions and dialogue between messengers representing Baghdadi and representing Zawahiri.'

Islamic State split from al Qaeda in 2014 and the two groups have since waged an bitter battle for recruits, funding and the mantle of global jihad.
Marc Williams said he was stunned when a Google reCAPTCHA programme asked him about Heinrich Himmler when verifying he was not a robot on an online McDonald's Monopoly game

A father playing McDonald's Monopoly online claims he was greeted by a sick Nazi joke in a Google security programme which referenced murderous SS chief Heinrich Himmler.

Father-of-two Marc Williams was left stunned when he was confronted by the baffling statement as he tried to log on to the restaurant's website to see if he'd won a prize.

When prompted to verify he was not a robot, Google's reCAPTCHA programme asked him to 'select the phrases that sound incorrect' - to which one of the potential answers was 'sent to Heinrich Himmler'.

Himmler was a high-ranking Nazi who later helped Adolf Hitler set up concentration camps and was one of the key architects of the Holocaust.

Google said the suggestion had now been removed and was only visible to 'a very tiny percentage of people'.

Mr Williams, 27, from Cwmbran, Wales, said: 'I'm not easily offended but this really shocked me. There are some things you just don't joke about.

'I had to look at it twice. Obviously the kids don't know what it means, but I certainly do. Himmler is one of the most horrible people who has ever lived.

'What if it had been a Jewish customer who saw that? It's disgusting. Of all the answers in the world they could have listed, why pick something as controversial as that?

'Even the other answers listed mentioned immigration - there's no need really. It's a game for goodness sake.

'As soon as I saw it I took a screengrab and logged off the website. I don't think it's appropriate at all.

'Even if it is technically a correct answer, I just think it's a crass thing to even mention on a website that's going to be used by families.'

The father-of-two, pictured right with his partner Persephone Cummins, stepson Ifan Ballantyne, and daughter Ffion, right, said the programme asked him to select 'incorrect phrases' including 'sent to Heinrich Himmler', left

Mr Williams, pictured with Ms Cummins, described the programme as 'disgusting'

Mr Williams, pictured with his family, called on both Google and McDonald's to remove the answer, and the web giant confirmed it has since taken it off the programme

Civil servant Mr Williams visits the McDonald's restaurant in Pontypool once a week after going swimming with his stepson Ifan Ballantyne, six, and one-year-old daughter Ffion Williams.

Mr Williams, who lives with his partner, 27-year-old Persephone Cummins, said: 'It was one of those boxes that pops up every now and then on websites to make sure you're not a robot.

HOW CAPTCHA WORKS CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart. They initially started out as tests based on distorted words and images asking humans to spell out what they could see. But as spam BOTS have become more advanced, a shift towards questions and information took place, with information automatically generated from the web and used in questions. Other captures are designed around a specific word or brand and ask people to describe it, with a BOT unlikely to be able to come up with a correct answer. Advertisement

'I had collected quite a few of the codes to put in and see if I'd won a prize. Sometimes it's a free burger but it can be a car or a holiday, so it's worth checking.

'We go to McDonald's after swimming once a week as a treat so we've got quite a few codes saved up.

'It must have thought I was a bit suspicious because I was entering so many of them so that's why it asked me to verify I was a human.

'Sometimes you just tick a box, other times there's pictures, and this time it was a questions and that's when I saw the Himmler answer.

'The sick thing is, someone must have put that in or allowed it to get past a certain stage. It's not on.

'I contacted McDonald's straight away and they've told me it's Google's responsibility, but I think they both need to act.'

A spokesperson for Google said reCAPTCHA text was automatically generated from various sources on the web and the Himmler suggestion had now been removed.

A McDonald's spokesperson said: 'The phrases referenced in this verification tool have been generated by a Google service.

'It is disappointing to learn that inappropriate content appears to have been used and we are seeking guidance from Google as to how this has happened and asked that they review and resolve this issue as a matter of urgency.'
A horrifying new ISIS propaganda video appears to show a six-year-old child assisting in a double beheading.

The boy, wearing a black headscarf and camouflaged army gear, delivers a speech to camera while holding out two knives.

Executioners then walk past him and each take a knife before beheading their prisoners in Syria.

With the blade balanced in his hands, he asks that the terrorists who butcher the victims are given peace by the Prophet Muhammad and Allah before delivering the chilling line, 'The infidel and his killer never meet in hell'.

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This boy delivers a speech to camera before handing knives to an ISIS killer in propaganda video

Two prisoners are forced face-down in a stream before ISIS terrorists cut off their heads

The boy hands two knives to the executioners as another follows behind with a prisoner

Two jihadis then walk in front of the young child and each take a knife from his hands.

They can both be seen pushing victims along a path in the rocky countryside.

It is not clear from the video what supposed crimes the prisoners are said to have committed against Islamic State, but both men are wearing matching tracksuit bottoms which are black with orange detail.

After being frogmarched through a stream, they are pushed face down into the water before being beheaded by two terrorists wearing black cloaks and masks.

Their bodies are left in the water as their blood runs downstream.

The video then cuts to another series of sick beheadings carried out by the Khalid Ibn al-Walid Army branch of ISIS.

The boy, pictured here having given his knife to the first ISIS butcher, is the latest youngster the terror group has paraded in its propaganda videos

The video, which was shot in Syria by the Khalid Ibn al-Walid Army branch of ISIS, goes on to feature a series of beheadings

Children are being routinely paraded in the terror group's propaganda videos, with multiple videos showing very young boys shooting prisoners in the head.

In January, a sickening video appearing to show a toddler shooting a prisoner dead in a ball pit in Syria was published online by Islamic State.

In the video, the child is seen walking across a ball pit, full of broken plastic balls, towards a prisoner who is tied to a fence by his wrists.

A man then hands the toddler a gun, and he is seen aiming the gun before seemingly pulling the trigger.

Last year, a chilling video from ISIS showed a British boy and four other children executing prisoners in cold blood in Syria.

The grotesque nine-minute video is believed to have been recorded recently in the ISIS capital of Raqqa in Syria.
Britons dreaming of a new life in Australia have been dealt a major blow after its Prime Minister scrapped the visa programme for skilled foreign workers.

The 457 visa programme, which is currently used by around 18,000 British citizens, will end tomorrow and will be replaced by a new one.

Australia's Department of Immigration published a list of jobs removed from the new visa regime, which includes pilots, butchers, flight attendants, futures traders, web developers, public relations managers and journalists.

In a video statement posted today, Australia's Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull said: 'Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs.'

Scroll down for video and a full list of the occupations removed in the new visa programme

'Australia First' plan: Malcolm Turnbull made the stunning 457 announcement on social media then at a Canberra press conference (pictured) on Tuesday

The 457 programme, introduced by John Howard's government in 1996, allowed overseas workers to stay in Australia for up to four years.

Businesses could sponsor 'skilled' foreign workers to come to Australia for work - as long as they couldn't find a citizen or permanent resident to do the job instead.

But Mr Turnbull said the programme has 'lost its credibility'.

He said his new visa scheme will attract the 'best and brightest' to Australia and target regional skills shortages.

'We're putting Australians first,' he added.

According to the Australian Government, by the end of last month, there were 177,390 457 visa holders in Australia.

The main countries of citizenship for primary visa holders in Australia were India (19,360), the UK (18,270), China (6,950) and Ireland (6,780).

And the largest numbers were employed in New South Wales (40,430) followed by Victoria (23,310) and Western Australia (14,790).

The top industries of employment for primary visa holders were accommodation and food services (15,260), other services (13,890) and information, media and telecommunications (10,030).

Mr Turnbull and Immigration Minister Peter Dutton announced they will scrap 457 visas for foreign workers and replace them with a new scheme with tougher English standards

Mr Turnbull's plan involves a short-term two year visa, with the number of available occupations cut from the current list of 200.

(Current 457 visa holders) will continue under the conditions of that visa - Immigration Minister Peter Dutton

His programme also includes a longer-term four year visa where workers will need to meet a higher standard of English.

People will need to undergo a criminal record check and show work experience.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the shock decision won't affect current Australian visa holders.

'There will be a grandfathering arrangement. They will continue under the conditions of that visa.'

THE FINE PRINT ON 457 VISA REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME By Nic White for Daily Mail Australia The 457 visa is being replaced with two stricter programmes to bring skilled workers into Australia. Fewer occupations will be included for both visas and the length of stay slashed from four years to two. 'It is focused, relentlessly, on ensuring that temporary migration visas are not a passport for foreigners to take up jobs that could and should be filled by Australians,' Mr Turnbull said. 'It will be manifestly, rigorously, resolutely conducted in the national interest to put Australians and Australian jobs first.' A short-term two-year visa with a smaller list of eligible jobs will essentially replace the 457, which has about 95,000 current holders in the country. The medium-term will be for four years and require a better standard of English and mandatory labour market testing. 'It will require a full - a proper police record, a criminal check, which is not the case at the moment,' Mr Turnbull said. He said the new visas would allow businesses to fill 'real skill gaps' with foreign workers but wherever Australians would be given jobs first. The government would establish a new training fund to help train Australians to fill skills gaps so fewer foreign workers would be necessary. The short-term visa would cost $1,150 and the medium-term one $2,400 - more than the $1,060 the 457 visa cost. Advertisement

Both Bill Shorten (pictured left) and Pauline Hanson (right) were quick out of the blocks. Mr Shorten said Malcolm Turnbull didn't care for workers, while Ms Hanson claimed credit for the shock announcement saying she was well ahead of the game

WHO COMES TO AUSTRALIA ON 457 VISAS? A 457 visa allows foreign workers in 'skilled' occupations to live and work in Australia for up to four years. As of March 2016, more than 177,000 workers and members of their family held 457 visas. A Parliamentary Library report said the most 457 workers come from India, the United Kingdom, China and Ireland. The biggest industries employing 457 visa holders were accommodation, food services, and IT. Source: Parliamentary Library

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Political reaction was swift in Australia today.

'Make no mistake, the only job Malcolm Turnbull cares about saving is his own,' tweeted Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

One Nation senator Pauline Hanson claimed credit for the decision.

'The Government will deny their tough talk on immigration & plan to ban 457 visas is because of One Nation but we all know the truth!,' she said on Twitter.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the visa abolition sounded 'more like a dog whistle than a genuine policy to grow jobs for young Australians.'

The announcement came just weeks before Treasurer Scott Morrison hands down the Federal Budget.

And it comes less than a day after Mr Turnbull's predecessor, Tony Abbott, warned Australians were 'sick of governments that don't deliver'.

Mr Turnbull's announcement came shortly after a barrage of criticism from his predecessor Tony Abbott

OCCUPATIONS REMOVED (A-F) Below is a list of the occupations removed in the new Australian visa programme, along with the ANZSCO Code: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker 411511 Actor 211111 Actors, Dancers and Other Entertainers NEC 211199 Aeroplane Pilot 231111 Air Traffic Controller 231112 Air Transport Professionals NEC 231199 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) 323111 Amusement Centre Manager 149111 Antique Dealer 142112 Apparel Cutter 393211 Archaeologist 272414 Archivist 224211 Art Director (Film, Television or Stage) 212311 Artistic Director 212111 Auctioneer 611111 Author 212211 Bed and Breakfast Operator 141911 Betting agency Manager 142113 Biochemist 234513 Biotechnologist 234514 Blacksmith 322111 Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator 149911 Broadcast Transmitter Operator 399511 Building and Engineering Technicians NEC 312999 Business Broker 612111 Butcher or Smallgoods Maker 351211 Call or Contact Centre Manager 149211 Canvas Goods Fabricator 393111 Caravan Park and Camping Ground Manager 141211 Cinema or Theatre Manager 149912 Clinical Coder 599915 Clothing Patternmaker 393212 Clothing Trades Workers NEC 393299 Commissioned Defence Force Officer 139111 Commissioned Fire Officer 139112 Commissioned Police Officer 139113 Communications Operator 342312 Community Arts Worker 272611 Composer 211211 Conservation Officer 234311 Construction Estimator 312114 Conveyancer 599111 Corporate Treasurer 221212 Court Bailiff or Sheriff (Aus) / Court Collections Officer (NZ) 599212 Deer Farmer 121314 Defence Force Member - Other Ranks 441111 Defence Force Senior Officer 111212 Dental Hygienist 411211 Dental Prosthetist 411212 Dental Therapist 411214 Detective 441311 Director of Photography 212313 Diver 399911 Dog or Horse Racing Official 452318 Drama Teacher (Private Tuition) 249213 Dressmaker or Tailor 393213 Driller 712211 Driving Instructor 451211 Education Reviewer 249112 Electorate Officer 224911 Electronic Engineering Draftsperson 312411 Electronic Engineering Technician 312412 Electroplater 322112 Emergency Service Worker 441211 Engineering Patternmaker 323411 Engraver 323311 Entertainer or Variety Artist 211113 Environmental Health Officer 251311 Exercise Physiologist 234915 Film, Television, Radio and Stage Directors NEC 212399 Financial Institution Branch Manager 149914 Fire Fighter 441212 Fire Protection Equipment Technician 399918 First Aid Trainer 451815 Fisheries Officer 311311 Flight Attendant 451711 Floor Finisher 332111 Flying Instructor 231113 Food Technologist 234212 Funeral Director 451311 Funeral Workers NEC 451399 Futures Trader 222212 Advertisement
Shocking images have emerged of a dead stingray with its wings and tail hacked off in an appalling case of animal cruelty.

The 250kg animal was found near Rye pier, off the coast of Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, and has provoked enraged divers to call for an end to barbaric attacks on marine creatures.

Local resident and diver who found the injured animal, PT Hirschfield, believes the removed parts of the stingray 'had been removed to use as shark bait'.

'You can literally see the knife cut marks along both sides of this animal plus the tail was cut off,' she told Herald Sun.

Local diver PT Hirschfield gets a close up look of the dead stingray which suffered horrific fatal injuries as the result of an inhumane attack

The 250kg stingray had large parts of its body removed including its large wings and tail

The fatal injuries the large ray suffered from the attack are one of several acts of animal cruelty encountered by Mornington Peninsula divers daily.

Diving instructor Jane Bowman reported to Fisheries Victoria she spotted 18 dead fiddler rays with stab wounds during a recent dive.

It is believed they are being killed as they are eating fish in which fisherman are trying to catch or simply because they don't want to catch them again.

Larger species like the one found may also have been used as bait for the fisherman.

'They're being thrown back like rubbish.' Ms Hirschfield added.

The tail of the sea creature had been hacked off as it was disposed of on the seabed of Port Phillip Bay

A close up of the shocking injuries sustained by the stingray as it is believed fishermen are killing rays as they're eating the fish they are trying to catch

Port Phillip Bay does have a constant patrol of undercover and uniform inspectors safeguarding the iconic tourist area yet local divers and have called for more action following the latest in a long line of cruel attacks on marine life.

Travis Dowling, director of Fisheries Victoria, confirmed it was illegal to use stingrays as bait, as well as throwing back dead ones. He also said offenders would face a $310 on-the-spot fine or up to $2000 in court.

Ms Hirschfield told Daily Mail Australia it was 'devastating to find the smooth ray in that condition under the pier after diving with it regularly over many months'.

'People worldwide were angry, sickened and saddened to see what had happened,' she continued.

'It's not very sporting to kill a graceful resident animal like this which is loved by locals and tourists alike in shallow water under a pier and pretty distressing to see it having met such a brutal fate.'

Campaigners Project Banjo Action Group held a rally in an attempt to stop the killing of harmless stingrays.

One protester displays one of the dead rays which were found while diving at Mornington Peninsula

Enough is enough! Locals turned out in force to show their support for the rays of Port Phillip Bay

Divers and locals combined to take a stance on the issue at Rye pier

Local families came down to lend a hand in an attempt to get their poignant message across

Campaigners Project Banjo Action Group urged for stricter laws and punishments for those responsible at a recent rally on the peninsula.

They had gathered with signs brandished with 'Stop the Slaughter!' and 'Protect Peninsula rays!' in an attempt to raise awareness of the issue.

The images of the dead stingray harbored strong social media attention with many users commenting on the shocking pictures.

'Whoever did this this is just the first stage of becoming a serial killer or a mass murder,' one user commented.

'Prosecute them and throw away the key as the fish can't defend themselves,' another suggested.
Olympic champion James Cracknell has fired the starting gun on his bid to become an MP - but his race has started shakily after he praised North Korea's approach to tackling obesity.

A UN report released last month revealed damning statistics showing nearly half its population is going hungry due to food shortages.

But, appearing on Sky News, the two-time rowing gold medallist - who wants to run for Parliament to get Britain fitter - listed North Korea and Cuba as the only two countries in the world to have a 'handle on obesity.'

Aappearing on Sky News, James Cracknell listed North Korea and Cuba as the only two countries in the world to have a 'handle on obesity

His comments left presenters Sarah-Jane Mee and Jonathan Samuels (right) stunned, as the latter pointed out that many North Koreans are currently starving

Announcing his bid to become an MP, he said: 'You can either moan about it from the outside and not try to do anything, or go about and do it from the inside.

'If you think of the two countries that have a handle on obesity, what do you think they are?

Anchor Sarah-Jane Mee replied: 'Do you know what? I'm stumped there, I don't know.'

'North Korea and Cuba,' Cracknell replies. 'They're quite controlling on behavioural trends. It'll have to be worked and you'll have to get people to buy into it

Presenter Jonathan Samuels interjects: 'Well people are starving in North Korea. They're not obese because they haven't got any food.

A damning UN report showed more than 70 per cent of citizens in the secretive nation rely on food aid while most lack even basic healthcare provision or sanitation

Kim Jong-Un plans to 'accelerate' his nuclear and ballistic missile programme amid heightened tensions with the South and the US

James Cracknell (second from left) during his gold-winning race in the men's coxless four event during the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games

Cracknell then stumbles over a repost to this, before saying: 'Exactly, but there's sanctions and everything else. But the example is behavioural change.'

Samuels' comments relate to a damning UN report that showed more than 70 per cent of citizens in the secretive nation rely on food aid while most lack even basic healthcare provision or sanitation.

The shocking report emerged as Kim Jong-Un outlined plans to 'accelerate' his nuclear and ballistic missile programme amid heightened tensions with the South and the US.

And Cracknell's praise for Kim's ability to keep his civilians from getting obese sparked outrage on social media.

One Twitter user wrote: 'Starving your people will do that.'

Another added: 'Ummmm by starvation!! That's not a "handle" on obesity. What a fool!!'

A further post said: 'Ethiopia in the Eighties had a handle on it too. What a ridiculous statement. '

And another poster took a more direct swipe at the leader, saying: 'Cant resist this - only because Kim eats it all and the rest get none!!!!'

It is not Cracnell's first attempt at politics, having failed to be elected as an MEP in the 2014 European Parliament election and also as a Conservative candidate for the Kensington seat for the 2015 general election.
British motorists face being stung with fines of up to 640 for speeding in Europe under a controversial change to EU law.

But European drivers caught breaking the limit in the UK will not be hit with the same penalties because of a difference in motoring laws in Britain.

Previously, British motorists could only be fined if they were stopped by police at the roadside or had rented a hire car which had their details registered.

But the new controversial directive gives European countries new powers to use the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency's (DVLA's) database of nearly 40 million motorists to track down the driver's details.

British motorists face being hit by hefty fines for motoring offences while driving abroad, under a controversial EU directive coming into force. But British police forces cannot use the law because of a legal loophole

The new law, which will comes into force by May 7, covers a string of motoring offences including speeding, failing to stop at a red light, using a mobile phone at the wheel not wearing a seatbelt.

The change means hundreds of thousands of British drivers face being hit by hefty penalties for motoring offences while traveling in the continent this summer.

Britain had been given a two-year exemption from the rules, which were rolled out across the EU in 2015, but had to introduce them this spring.

But British police forces cannot use the system to track down foreign drivers who break motoring laws in the UK.

This is because the directive is based on the principle that the registered owner of a vehicle should be held responsible for the fines, as is the case in EU countries including France, Spain and Italy.

But under British law the actual driver of the vehicle is to blame, and this may be someone other than the registered owner.

An estimated half a million British motorists are flashed by speeding cameras in France every year, attracting a maximum fine of 750 euros, the equivalent of 640.

The fines will come into force this May, meaning British holidaymakers traveling abroad this summer in countries including Spain and France face being stung by the financial penalties

Simon Williams, RAC spokesman, said that European drivers who break the laws of the road should not evade justice.

He told the Times: 'Of course, it's right that any UK driver found to be breaking motoring laws in another European country will have to face the relevant penalty as this has been an unacceptable loophole for too many years, but equally, it is also right that any motorist in charge of a European-registered vehicle found to be exceeding a speed limit, or other such offence, in the UK should face the consequences in his or her own country.'

The Department for Transport hinted that the directive could be scrapped once Britain leaves the European Union in 2019.

A spokesman said: 'On 23 June, the EU referendum took place and the people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union.

'While the UK is still a member of the EU, we are obliged to bring in rules on cross border enforcement. Once we have left the EU, our Parliament will have the power to amend the law.'
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Theresa May sprung a massive surprise on the nation and her own ministers today by announced a snap general election for June 8 - after having a moment of clarity on a walking holiday in Wales.

In a dramatic statement on the steps of Downing Street, the Prime Minister fired the starting gun on a poll that she hopes will deliver her an unassailable majority to shape the country's future.

She blamed opposition parties who have been trying to frustrate Brexit for her sudden change of heart after months insisting she will not hold an election - singling out Nicola Sturgeon's efforts to exploit the situation to tear the UK apart.

The bold move took even Cabinet members by surprise, having been kept a closely guarded secret between a handful of the premier's closest allies and aides.

Brexit Secretary David Davis and Chancellor Philip Hammond have been jointly pressing the PM to call an early vote for some time, and were informed of Mrs May's decision at a meeting yesterday. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Amber Rudd are understood to have been told this morning shortly before the gathering of her top team in No10.

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A beaming Theresa May leaving Downing Street after making her dramatic announcement on the steps of the famous building today

Mrs May said weakness in Westminster would weaken her hand in the Brexit negotiations - knowing an election against Jeremy Corbyn could hand her a huge Commons majority

Mrs May revealed the shift was driven by soul-searching while she hiked in Snowdonia with husband Philip over the Easter break.

On another high-octane day in UK politics that could have repercussions for decades to come:

Jeremy Corbyn declared Labour will back holding a snap election despite polls showing it could deliver a 140 majority for Mrs May. MPs including former home secretary Alan Johnson and Tom Blenkinsop announced they will stand down rather than fight for their seats again.

MPs will hold a 90-minute debate in the House of Commons tomorrow before voting on whether to scrap the Fixed Term Parliaments Act timetable for holding the next election in May 2020.

Tory aides were left scrambling to work out the impact on local elections due to be held next month, while the by-election in Manchester Gorton due for May 4 is now likely to be abandoned.

Mrs May has been accused of 'bottling' TV debates after it emerged she will not agree to take part in TV debates during the campaign.

The leader of the socialist bloc in the European Parliament, Gianni Pitella, condemned Mrs May's decision to stage an election as 'immoral' and accused her of exploiting concerns about Brexit.

The media were given barely an hour's notice of the speech this morning, and there had been no rumours at Westminster about her change of heart. Even as the Cabinet meeting began this morning, aides to senior ministers were still sending out updates on other areas of government business.

Mrs May said Britain needed strong leadership to navigate the fraught divorce talks with the EU, insisting she was now convinced an early poll was in the 'national interest'.

She said 'every vote for the Conservatives' would give her a stronger hand when she sits across the negotiating table from the EU's presidents and prime ministers to hammer out a Brexit deal.

The election is an astonishing U-turn from the Prime Minister who has repeatedly said she would not call another ballot before 2020 - insisting it would cause instability and hurt the country.

Theresa May has announced a snap general election will be held on June 8 in a shock revelation that stunned Westminster today. The PM said she needed a Brexit mandate that have her a strong hand in the negotiations with the EU

Mrs May addressed the nation via a huge pack of reporters who scrambled to Downing Street after the surprise speech was announced at around 10am

Mrs May walked back into No 10 following her historic statement, which lasted about seven minutes

Mrs May's election call was made in the knowledge a series of polls have shown the Conservatives with historic leads in a series of opinion polls. The most recent YouGov at the weekend showed a 21-point lead

The most recent polls suggest Mrs May could get a huge Commons majority of 140. She leads Jeremy Corbyn by more than 30 per cent when voters are asked who would make the best PM.

A survey carried out by ICM for the Guardian after the news was delivered this morning found 55 per cent of the public back her call for an early ballot. Just 15 per cent opposed it.

The PM discussed her plans for an early election with Queen by telephone yesterday. Her Majesty is expected to dissolve Parliament ahead of the poll on May 3.

Political guru Sir Lynton Crosby - who masterminded David Cameron's shock 2015 victory - is set to run the campaign for the Tories.

But she has suffered a blow with the announcement that No10 communications chief Katy Perrior is leaving.

The Premier made the announcement immediately after a long Cabinet meeting with her top team.

MAY MUST GET THE CONSENT OF MPS TOMORROW NIGHT Theresa May will call a vote in the Commons tomorrow night to confirm her election timetable. The vote will carry with Labour support, confirming the poll for June 8. A vote is needed because the Fixed-term Parliaments Act stripped the Prime Minister of the power to call a general election at a point of her choosing. Under this law, the next general election would be expected in May 2020 - subject to a tiny number of exceptions. Under the law, Mrs May must get a two third majority supporting the election in the Commons tomorrow night. This is 435 MPs - far fewer than the combined force of 559 Conservative and Labour MPs. Once tomorrow's vote is passed, the next key date will be May 3 when Parliament is officially dissolved. The day after, on May 4, many voters will go to the polls in local and council elections - and the Manchester Gorton by-election. Advertisement

MPs will hold a 90-minute debate tomorrow before voting on whether to scrap the timetable in the Fixed Term Parliaments Act - which would have meant no election until 2020.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said he will vote for an early election even though the polls suggest his party will be routed - making the vote a formality.

It means Britain will go to the polls in just seven weeks, little more than two years after the last election in May 2015.

Mrs May said: 'Our opponents believe that because the government's majority is extremely small that they can weaken our resolve and persuade us to change course.

'I am not prepared to let them endanger the security of millions of working people across the country.'

Let us tomorrow vote for an election... and let the people decide.'

The premier added: 'If we do not hold a general election now, their political game playing will continue as the negotiations with the European Union will reach their most pivotal stage in the run up to the next general election.

'Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit, and it will cause damaging uncertainty and instability to the country.

'So we need a general election and we need one now.'

'The decision facing the country will be all about leadership.'

She said: 'We need a general election and we need one now, because we have at this moment a one-off chance to get this done while the European Union agrees its negotiating position and before the detailed talks begin.'

Asked in an interview with ITV News later if there was a 'moment' when she changed her mind, Mrs May said: 'As we were going through the Article 50 process the opposition attempts to jeopardise or frustrate the process in future became clearer.

'Before Easter I spent a few days walking in Wales with my husband and thought about this long and hard.

'I came to the decision that to provide that stability and certainty for the future this was the way to do it, to have an election.

'I trust the British people.'

Labour leader Mr Corbyn confirmed he would back the early election - but suffered an immediate blow as Labour MP Tom Blenkinsop said he would quit Parliament rather than stand under Mr Corbyn.

Mr Corbyn said: 'I welcome the Prime Minister's decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.

'Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS.

'In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country.

'We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain.'

The Premier made the announcement immediately after a long Cabinet meeting with her top team. MPs will vote on holding the election tomorrow

Mrs May emerged from No 10 with her announcement still a closely guarded secret after she shocked Westminster by announcing the speech just an hour ahead of time

Mrs May directly blamed Jeremy Corbyn (pictured left in London today) and Nicola Sturgeon (pictured in Edinburgh today) for forcing her to take the nation to the polls

Even Remainer Tory MPs like Anna Soubry welcomed the PM's decision to call an election - although the feeling in the wider country may be less positive

POUNDS LEAPS AS MAY CALLS ELECTION After Theresa May made her speech, the pound regained the ground it lost against the US dollar this morning and then rocketed higher The pound rocketed higher as Theresa May called for a snap General Election on 8 June, in what is being regarded as a show of strength for the Prime Minister. Sterling had dropped 0.3 per cent this morning on news of a surprise announcement by the Prime Minister, falling to $1.251, but as she gave her speech it recovered and then shot up to trade higher at $1.266. Traders are expecting a volatile two-and-a-half months before voters go to the polls, with the Tories expected to win a greater majority in an election but also the possibility that they could lose ground and Brexit could be stalled. Advertisement

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: 'This election is your chance to change the direction of our country.

'If you want to avoid a disastrous Hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the Single Market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance.

'Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority.'

The Liberal Democrats claimed to have recruited 1,000 new party members in the first hour after the election announcement.

Scottish First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said: 'The Tories see a chance to move the UK to the right, force through a hard Brexit and impose deeper cuts. Let's stand up for Scotland.'

The surprise move was endorsed by David Cameron, Mrs May's predecessor at No 10 who won a surprise election victory in 2015.

He tweeted: 'Brave - and right - decision by PM Theresa May. My very best wishes to all Conservative candidates.'

As recently as last month, Mrs May ruled out holding an early election despite record breaking polling leads over Labour and Jeremy Corbyn.

It is widely believed the Prime Minister would be able to secure the two-thirds majority among MPs needed to overturn the provisions of the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act which require a five-year period between elections.

The other EU leaders meet on April 29 to agree their own position. Little can then happen before French presidential election ends on May 7.

But Mrs May's official spokesman told a Westminster media briefing on March 26: 'There is no change in our position on an early general election, that there isn't going to be one... It is not going to happen.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, pictured today on GMB, has welcomed the general election but Nicola Sturgeon, pictured right in Edinburgh today, said the PM was putting party before country

'There is a Fixed-Term Parliaments Act.

'We have been clear that there isn't going to be an early general election and the Prime Minister is getting on with delivering the will of the British people.'

Mr Corbyn had repeatedly confirmed in public he would be prepared to vote for an early general election, despite his grim and deteriorating position in the polls.

As recently as March 26 he insisted Labour was ready for a poll.

With polls regularly giving Conservatives a double-digit lead over Labour, some Tory MPs have argued an early election would give Mrs May an opportunity to secure a comfortable majority in the House of Commons.

MASTERMIND BEHIND CAMERON'S 2015 POLL VICTORY IS TO RUN TORY CAMPAIGN Sir Lynton Crosby will be running the Conservative campaign The politcal guru credited with delivering David Cameron's shock majority in 2015 is being drafted in to run Theresa May's election campaign. Sir Lynton Crosby will be running the Conservative campaign. The Australian maestro was credited with forging Boris Johnson's career by running his successful bid to become London Mayor. Mr Cameron rewarded him for his role in the election battle two years ago with an honorary knighthood. Sir Lynton famously used to play Queen's One Vision at high volume in Tory HQ to raise morale among activists. But he opted to stay out of the historic EU referendum battle last year. Advertisement

They warn that her precarious 17-seat working majority will leave her vulnerable to rebellions during the protracted process of negotiating withdrawal from the EU.

Even Remain-supporting Conservatives have voiced support for the PM's dramatic move today.

Browtowe MP Anna Soubry, who rebelled over some Brexit Bill amendments, compared Mrs May favourably with Gordon Brown - who notoriously backed away from holding a poll in 2007 after allowing speculation to run riot.

'Winning a GE gives PM the mandate & authority she needs especially for Brexit negotiations. TM no Gordon Brown! She is brave & principled,' Mrs Soubry tweeted.

There was widespread delight as it emerged Sir Lynton Crosby, who masterminded Mr Cameron's surprise election victory in 2015, will be running the Conservative campaign.

Sir Lynton was credited with forging Boris Johnson's career by running his successful bid to become London Mayor. But he opted to stay out of the historic EU referendum battle last year.

Meanwhile, Ms Perrior is leaving the post of director of communications at 10 Downing Street and is not expected to play any part in the upcoming campaign.

Her departure sparked speculation that Mrs May's chief of staff Fiona Hill will run communications for the Tory campaign, but party sources said they were not discussing staffing at this stage.

Ms Perrior said she supported Mrs May's decision to call a poll but had always said she would not stay on for an election.

'Always said I wouldn't stay past an election,' she told the Guido Fawkes website.

'Good decision, right choice. A vote for Theresa May and a Conservative Government is the only route forward. As for me - new opportunities ahead. Exciting times.'

A former Conservative Party staffer who worked as Mrs May's press officer in opposition, Ms Perrior founded the PR company iNHouse Communications in 2006 and was recruited to head the new PM's communications team at Number 10 following her elevation to the premiership last year.

The PM has been boosted by new forecasts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), upgrading its growth expectation for the UK economy this year by 0.5 per cent to 2 per cent.

The organisation has also pushed up its estimates for next year by 0.1 per cent to 1.5 per cent, despite warning of uncertainty around the Brexit negotiations.

Mrs May spoke to EU council president Donald Tusk today to let him know her decision.

But Mr Pitella, the leader of the powerful socialist bloc in the European Parliament, accused her of 'immoral' behaviour.

'Theresa May is playing the same game that David Cameron played some years ago by exploiting Brexit to strengthen her political grip within her party and the country. It is immoral in a way. It is unacceptable to exploit such a sensitive issue as Brexit,' he said.

A huge media scrum scrambled to Downing Street after No 10 made a mysterious announcement of a speech from Mrs May at around an hour's notice.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and Aid Secretary Priti Patel arrived in Downing Street for today's Cabinet, after which Mrs May spoke to the nation to reveal her election plans

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson was seen arriving into Downing Street for the Cabinet meeting earlier today

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire and Brexit Secretary David Davis arrived at No 10 for the regular Cabinet meeting this morning

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling were also in Downing Street this morning

Corbyn faces losing a THIRD of his MPs in election catastrophe but is STILL picking fights with moderates over demand for reselection votes

Jeremy Corbyn faces losing a third of his MPs in a general election catastrophe - but is still picking fights with moderates for control of the Labour Party.

Polls show the veteran left-winger is headed for disaster in the ballot being called by Theresa May for June 8 - with around 70 seats forecast to be surrendered.

The exodus from the party gathered pace after the PM's announcement with grandee Alan Johnson saying he will not stand again in Hull West and Hessle.

Corbyn critic Tom Blenkinsop has also said he will not run in the national vote.

Jeremy Corbyn is picking another fight with Labour moderates despite facing losing up to a third of his MPs in the looming general election

Labour MP and Corbyn critic Tom Blenkinsop (left) announced he would not be standing for re-election. Labour heavyweight Alan Johnson will also not seek re-election

But despite the growing turmoil Mr Corbyn is set to escalate tensions with moderate MPs by demanding they face re-selection.

Normal practice would be for sitting MPs to be automatically adopted when an election is called at such short notice.

But the leader is expected to press for all the politicians to go through a trigger ballot process, which would mean they would need more than 50 per cent of votes in their local party.

The issue could go before Labours ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) as early as tomorrow.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Mr Blenkinsop said 'irreconcilable differences' with Mr Corbyn's team meant he would not seek re-election, while Mr Johnson told party members he wanted to 'do other things with my life'.

Mr Johnson has previously said Mr Corbyn is 'not up to the job' of being leader of the opposition and his decision not to stand is a further blow to the party.

As a widely-admired politician, who has often been encouraged to run for the party's leadership, he was one of the few senior figures in the party who maintained a broad appeal.

The former Home Secretary Mr Johnson told local Labour party members: 'I've decided that going now will give me the opportunity to do other things with my life and is therefore in the best interests of me and my family. I also think it's best for the Party.'

Speaking of his 20 years as MP for West Hull, he said: 'Every day has been a privilege and a pleasure but it can't go on for ever and the electoral cycle means that each incumbent has to think again about what's best for them, the constituency and the Party.'

Nicola Sturgeon blasts Theresa May's decision to call an early general election as 'one of the most extraordinary U-turns in recent political history'

Nicola Sturgeon has blasted Theresa May's decision to call an early general election as 'one of the most extraordinary U-turns in recent political history'.

Scotland's First Minister said the Prime Minister is 'once again putting the interests of her party ahead of those of the country'.

The leader of the Scottish National Party vowed to 'stand up for Scotland' as the UK goes to the polls in June.

Nicola Sturgeon (pictured in Edinburgh today) hit out at the PM's announcement that she will call a shock early general election, describing it as one of the most extraordinary U-turns in recent political history

Ms Sturgeon said: 'She is clearly betting that the Tories can win a bigger majority in England given the utter disarray in the Labour Party.

'That makes it all the more important that Scotland is protected from a Tory Party which now sees the chance of grabbing control of government for many years to come and moving the UK further to the right - forcing through a hard Brexit and imposing deeper cuts in the process.

'That means that this will be - more than ever before - an election about standing up for Scotland, in the face of a right-wing, austerity-obsessed Tory government with no mandate in Scotland but which now thinks it can do whatever it wants and get away with it.'

Ms Sturgeon said it was 'a huge political miscalculation' by the Prime Minister.

THE TOP TORY TARGET SEATS 1. Chester, majority 93, swing needed 0.18 per cent to win from Labour 2. Ealing Central and Acton, majority 274 over the Tories, swing needed 0.54 per cent to win from Labour 3. Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, majority 328, swing needed 0.60 per cent to win from the SNP 4. Brentford and Isleworth, majority 465, swing needed 0.81 per cent to win from Labour 5. Halifax, majority 428, swing needed 0.98 per cent to win from Labour 6. Wirral West, majority 417, swing needed 1.00 per cent to win from Labour 7. Ilford North, majority 589, swing needed 1.20 per cent to win from Labour 8. Newcastle-under-Lyme, majority 650, swing needed 1.51 per cent to win from Labour 9. Barrow and Furness, majority 795, swing needed 1.84 per cent to win from Labour 10. Wolverhampton South West , majority 801, swing needed 1.99 per cent to win from Labour Advertisement

THE TOP LIB DEM TARGET SEATS 1. Cambridge, majority 599, swing needed 1.16 per cent to win from Labour 2. Eastbourne, majority 733, swing needed 1.39 to win from the Conservatives 3. Lewes, majority 1,083, swing needed 2.14 per cent to win from the Conservatives 4. Thornbury and Yate, majority 1,495, swing needed 3.08 per cent to win from the Conservatives 5. Twickenham, majority 2,017, swing needed 3.25 per cent to win from the Conservatives 6. Dunbartonshire East, majority 2,167, swing needed 3.95 per cent to win from the SNP 7. Kingston and Surbiton, majority 2,834, swing needed 4.78 per cent to win from the Conservatives 8. St Ives, majority 2,469, swing needed 5.11 per cent to win from the Conservatives 9. Edinburgh West, majority 3,210, swing needed 5.85 per cent to win from the SNP 10. Torbay, majority 3,286, swing needed 6.83 per cent to win from the Conservatives Advertisement

Theresa May's statement in full: Read the shock announcement that's stunned Westminster

Here is the full text of Prime Minister Theresa May's statement from Downing Street announcing that a general election is to be held on June 8:

'I have just chaired a meeting of the Cabinet, where we agreed that the Government should call a general election, to be held on June 8.

'I want to explain the reasons for that decision, what will happen next and the choice facing the British people when you come to vote in this election.

The Prime Minister addresses dozens of reporters and photographers on the steps of Downing Street to make the shock announcement

Mrs May said she is calling a general election because 'at this moment of enormous national significance there should be unity here in Westminster, but instead there is division'

'Last summer, after the country voted to leave the European Union, Britain needed certainty, stability and strong leadership, and since I became Prime Minister the Government has delivered precisely that.

'Despite predictions of immediate financial and economic danger, since the referendum we have seen consumer confidence remain high, record numbers of jobs, and economic growth that has exceeded all expectations.

'We have also delivered on the mandate that we were handed by the referendum result.'

'Britain is leaving the European Union and there can be no turning back. And as we look to the future, the Government has the right plan for negotiating our new relationship with Europe.

'We want a deep and special partnership between a strong and successful European Union and a United Kingdom that is free to chart its own way in the world.

'That means we will regain control of our own money, our own laws and our own borders and we will be free to strike trade deals with old friends and new partners all around the world.

'This is the right approach, and it is in the national interest. But the other political parties oppose it.

'At this moment of enormous national significance there should be unity here in Westminster, but instead there is division.

'The country is coming together, but Westminster is not.

'In recent weeks Labour has threatened to vote against the deal we reach with the European Union.

'The Liberal Democrats have said they want to grind the business of government to a standsill.

'The Scottish National Party say they will vote against the legislation that formally repeals Britain's membership of the European Union.

'And unelected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight us every step of the way.

'Our opponents believe that because the Government's majority is so small, our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change course.

Theresa May hit out at Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party for threatening to vote against a Brexit deal

'They are wrong.

'They under-estimate our determination to get the job done and I am not prepared to let them endanger the security of millions of working people across the country.

'Because what they are doing jeopardises the work we must do to prepare for Brexit at home and it weakens the Government's negotiating position in Europe.

'If we do not hold a general election now their political game-playing will continue, and the negotiations with the European Union will reach their most difficult stage in the run-up to the next scheduled election.

'Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit and it will cause damaging uncertainty and instability to the country.

'So we need a general election and we need one now, because we have at this moment a one-off chance to get this done while the European Union agrees its negotiating position and before the detailed talks begin.

'I have only recently and reluctantly come to this conclusion.

'Since I became Prime Minister I have said that there should be no election until 2020, but now I have concluded that the only way to guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead is to hold this election and seek your support for the decisions I must take.

'And so tomorrow I will move a motion in the House of Commons calling for a general election to be held on the eighth of June.

'That motion, as set out by the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, will require a two-thirds majority of the House of Commons.

'So I have a simple challenge to the opposition parties, you have criticised the Government's vision for Brexit, you have challenged our objectives, you have threatened to block the legislation we put before Parliament.

'This is your moment to show you mean it, to show you are not opposing the Government for the sake of it, to show that you do not treat politics as a game.

The PM also criticised the Scottish National Party led by Nicola Sturgeon (pictured in Edinburgh today) for saying they will vote against legislation that formally repeals Britain's membership of the European Union

'Let us tomorrow vote for an election, let us put forward our plans for Brexit and our alternative programmes for government and then let the people decide.

'And the decision facing the country will be all about leadership. It will be a choice between strong and stable leadership in the national interest, with me as your Prime Minister, or weak and unstable coalition government, led by Jeremy Corbyn, propped up by the Liberal Democrats - who want to reopen the divisions of the referendum - and Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP.

'Every vote for the Conservatives will make it harder for opposition politicians who want to stop me from getting the job done.

'Every vote for the Conservatives will make me stronger when I negotiate for Britain with the prime ministers, presidents and chancellors of the European Union.

'Every vote for the Conservatives means we can stick to our plan for a stronger Britain and take the right long-term decisions for a more secure future.

'It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond.

'So, tomorrow, let the House of Commons vote for an election, let everybody put forward their proposals for Brexit and their programmes for Government, and let us remove the risk of uncertainty and instability and continue to give the country the strong and stable leadership it demands.'
A pride of lions stunned motorists when they brought traffic to a standstill by crossing a busy road.

Drivers were left speechless on Saturday night when they spotted the big cats crossing the Pipavav-Rajula highway in Amreli, a district in the Indian state of Gujarat.

Once they appear on the highway from the nearby Gir Forest National Park, the world's only natural habitat for Asiatic lions, the big cats patiently wait on the highway for the vehicles to pass by.

The traffic, however, came to a standstill after commuters on both sides of the roadway halted their vehicles for the big cats.

Two men on a motorcycle were seen remarkably unfazed by the unexpected presence of the cats and one of them even got off the bike to take the pictures.

In the video, the cats can be seen waiting on one side of the highway and soon after, led by one lion, gently crosses the highway divider to the other side of the road.

The lions were being relocated to a safer place after a fire broke out at Sarasiya forest in Gir Sanctuary.

A pride of lions stunned motorists when they brought traffic to a standstill by crossing a busy road

The Asiatic lion census in 2015 revealed that there are only a few hundreds left in the wild.

They are slightly smaller than African lions and unlike African lions, the males do not tend to live with the females of their pride unless they are mating or have a large kill.

The subspecies used to range from Turkey, across Asia, to eastern India, but the rise of firearms across the world meant that they were hunted to near-extinction for sport.
Sudaporn Beddoes, 25, was killed in Thailand

A Thai woman was electrocuted at a foam party just weeks before she was due to travel to the UK with her British husband.

Supaporn Beddoes, 25, had been celebrating the Songkran Thai New Year at an outdoor party in Udon Thani, northern Thailand on April 11.

She was splashing around in a foam pool when powerful spotlights melted wires which were lying in the liquid, causing a massive surge of electricity to hit her which killed her instantly in front of horrified clubbers.

Supaporn had been due to arrive in the UK in June for a dream holiday with husband Michael, 36, at his home in Felixstowe, Suffolk.

Heartbroken Michael, a painter and decorator, had been married to Supaporn for six years and has now flown out to Thailand for her funeral.

He said: 'I still can't believe it. It's like a dream. You never think it will happen to you, just something you read about.

'She had just wanted to go out and have a night out like anyone else during the Thai new year.

'Now she's dead. She was just 25, it's too young to die.

'We had our whole lives ahead of us and she was so excited about coming to England.

'I was at home when I had the call from her mum. Her family are devastated.

'Her mum has not taken it well and her grandfather is hardly eating or sleeping. It's so sad, unbelievable.

'When you look at where the foam party had been happening and the wires it's just disgraceful.

'If this had happened in England, the guy would be in prison.'

Sudaporn Beddoes and her husband Michael, who had been married for six years

Sudaporn's loved ones gather around a framed picture of her in the immediate aftermath of her tragic death

The area understood to be where Sudaporn Beddoes, 25, died while partying in the foam

Strong lights melted through wires that were laying in the foam, causing the fatal electrocution

Police are investigating after the family refused to accept a compensation offer of 500

The Thai woman, pictured, was at a foam party just weeks before she was due to fly to the UK

Supapron's grieving mother Duangchai Saengchart, 47, said she was offered 20,000 Thai baht (461) compensation from the party organisers after the death of her daughter.

But she refused and demanded police investigate the accident and prosecute the organiser of the event.

Lieutenant Colonel Wattana Mee Thonglang said the cause of the accident was spotlights that had been left running for several hours which then melted the wires.

He said the power cord then fell down and touched the metal supporting pole for the lights which was in contact with the wet foam.

Thonglang added: 'We have investigated the scene of the incident and we have interrogated the organisers.

'We have asked them to acknowledge the allegations of negligence.

'We will look after the family of the deceased and assist with negotiations with the family about compensation. '
Polling equipment containing information on every Georgia voter has been stolen just before Tuesday's special election.

News outlets report four ExpressPoll machines were stolen from a poll manager's truck in Marietta on Saturday.

Cobb County Elections Director Janine Eveler says the machines have a list of voter names and addresses, as well as driver's license numbers.

State officials are investigating after voting machine equipment was taken from a Cobb County precinct managers vehicle, but the theft wasn't reported for two days

She says it's unclear if the thieves would be able to access the information.

Eveler said the stolen machines cannot be used to fraudulently vote in Tuesday's election and she has said that officials will completely replace the machines at the Piedmont Road precinct.

'It's very shocking, especially with the climate we have of voter fraud out there,' one Georgia voter told Channel 2.

'It should be as secure as the banks, or anywhere else with our information,' another voter said.

Secretary of State Brian Kemp has criticized the county elections office for waiting two days to publicize the theft. His office has rendered the stolen units ineffective.

Cobb County Elections Director Janine Eveler said the stolen machines cannot be used to fraudulently vote in Tuesdays election. The machines have voter information on them

Cobb County police are investigating and a formal State Election Board investigation has been opened.

Cobb County is within the congressional district at play in the April 18 election to fill the seat held by Tom Price, who resigned to become President Donald Trump's health secretary.

Kemp released the following statement Monday afternoon: 'It is unacceptable that the Cobb County Elections Office waited two days to notify my office of this theft. We have opened an investigation, and we are taking steps to ensure that it has no effect on the election tomorrow. I am confident that the results will not be compromised.'

Voters head to the polls Tuesday for a special election to fill the House seat vacated by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, pictured right

Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff for Georgia's 6th Congressional District special election speaks during an election eve rally in Roswell, Georgia

Voters head to the polls Tuesday for a special election to fill the House seat vacated by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price.

Price, a Republican, won his seat in 2016 in the conservative district by more than 20 points before joining the administration.

Democrats are casting the race as a referendum on Trump and his administrations policies, with the party hoping to turn the reliably-red Georgia blue this year.

Georgia is holding an all-party special election in which any candidate can win the seat outright by receiving more than 50 percent of the vote on Tuesday.

If no candidate reaches that threshold, there will be a runoff between the top two finishers in June.
An air ambulance has released amazing GoPro camera footage showing the rescue of a hiker after he injured his leg during a walk near a volcano.

Footage taken by a paramedic of the Spanish GES rescue group in the Canary Islands shows him carefully leaning out of the helicopter while feeding a wire down to the ground near Mount Teide, Tenerife, yesterday.

The paramedic, who recorded the footage via a camera on his helmet, was seen holding the wire as another medic attached himself and the hiker to it.

Footage taken by a paramedic of the Spanish GES rescue group in the Canary Islands shows him picking up another medic and an injured hiker

The video shows him lowering a wire down to Mount Teide in Tenerife so the pair can ascend in to the helicopter

The duo then ascend into the helicopter and before going to hospital.

This is not the first time the GES has filmed the safe recovery of an injured person.

The public service set up its YouTube channel in 2010 and began filming search and rescue missions two years ago.

It began filming missions using a GoPro one year ago.

In March, the Spanish emergency services rescued 250 people in the national park after a cable car service broke.

This is not the first time the GES has filmed the safe recovery of an injured person - the public service set up its YouTube channel in 2010 and began filming search and rescue missions two years ago

In March, the Spanish emergency services rescued 250 people in the national park after a cable car service broke

A total of 70 tourists had to abseil 250ft to safety while firemen, police and park rangers were called in to help with a pulley system to get the trapped tourists back on the ground

A total of 70 tourists had to abseil 250ft to safety while firemen, police and park rangers were called in to help with a pulley system to get the trapped tourists back on the ground.

There were no fatalities and it is understood no-one was hurt. However, there are reports of some of the people needing treatment for shock and altitude sickness.

There were 35 people in each of two cable cars which were automatically stopped half way up the volcano, the highest mountain in Spain and a major tourist attraction.
A mother is facing jail after her American bulldog mauled a three-year-old boy to death during a playdate at her house.

Dexter Neal died in hospital in August last year after he was bitten on the head by the dog Ruby while playing at Jade Dunne's home in Halstead, Essex.

Today, Dunne, 29, admitted being in charge of the American Bulldog while it was dangerously out of control.

Jade Dunne, 29, (left arriving at court) is facing jail after her American pitbull Ruby mauled three-year-old Dexter Neal (right) to death at her home in Halstead, Essex

Colchester Magistrates' Court heard how little Dexter had previously told Dunne that he was afraid of the dog.

The animal - which had bitten other dogs - was usually kept out of the way but had been let out of the room on the day of the attack.

The court heard how, as Dexter walked past the dog, it growled, scaring the little boy. The dog then attacked and bit him on the back of the head.

Neighbours tried to remove the animal before Dexter was flown to hospital by air ambulance.

Following Dexter's death his parents said: 'Our hearts have been broken and can never be fixed'. The little boy is pictured above

He suffered 'several' cardiac arrests due to loss of blood and died shortly after arriving at hospital.

Speaking after the attack, neighbours described seeing a woman coming out of the house carrying a 'bloody child' in her arms.

Moments later, an the animal was dragged from the property with 'its face was covered in blood'. The dog was later destroyed.

Scott Howell, 19, who called the police after realising what had happened, said: 'I saw the man dragging the dog out. Its face was covered in blood.

'That is when I thought I need to call the police. As I was describing what was happening to the police I saw a woman come out of the house and she was holding a very bloody child in her arms.

'She quickly went back in the house. I could hear the man counting 'one two three four' like they were doing CPR.

'The whole while the woman was crying her eyes out sitting in front of the house. The dog was taken away and put into a police van.'

Phyllis Younger, 82, said: 'I was awake in the middle of the night, and all I could think about was those screams.'

Dexter (pictured left last year and right with his mother Pamela) lived around the corner. He was taken to hospital but suffered several cardiac arrests

Meanwhile, a man described seeing Dexter's mother run to a local shop following the attack to pick up a defibrillator - a machine that delivers an electric current to heart.

The man, who didn't wish to be named, said: 'The boys mum came running screaming and shouting 'my boy's not breathing, I need the machine'.'

Following the tragedy, Dexter's parents Pamela and Andrew said in a statement: 'When Dexter was born our family became complete and we were happier than we could ever have imagined.

'Watching him grow into such a happy joyful child made every day a pleasure and we felt honoured to have him in our lives.

'Dexter made everyone smile with his beautiful face and cheeky grin. He was always polite and kind to everybody and all who met him fell in love with him.

After the fatal attack, flowers were left at the scene of the property. Dexter was at the house for a playdate

'Our lives will never be the same without Dexter, he was the life and soul of our family. Our hearts have been broken and can never be fixed.

'We now have to learn to continue our lives without our cheeky little boy and remember the joy and happiness he brought us in the short time he was allowed to be with us.

'We love you baby boy always and forever.'

Dunne will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court next month. The maximum sentence for the offence is 14 years in jail, but the starting sentence for a 'lesser culpability' offence is one year.

Chairman of the bench Michael Ferrier granted Dunne conditional bail and said: 'This offence needs greater punishment than we can give.'
This is the chilling moment a gang of five Sudanese teenagers allegedly bashed their autistic classmate, 17, in a horrific attack on a Melbourne bus on Saturday.

Josh*, 17, was travelling alone on the bus at Tarneit, west of the the city's centre, when five boys approached him and told him to hand over his mobile phone and new Nike shoes.

When he refused, the group allegedly attacked him, kicking him in the head so hard he suffered a concussion and required a CT scan to check for permanent damage, his mother Sarah* said.

CCTV footage from inside the bus obtained by 9 News shows the group of boys surrounding Josh and taunting him before one allegedly launches a flying kick.

Josh (pictured), 17, was travelling alone on the bus at Tarneit when five Sudanese boys allegedly approached him and told him to hand over his new Nike shoes and wallet

When he refused, the group allegedly attacked him, kicking him in the head so hard he suffered a concussion (pictured is CCTV footage from inside the Melbourne bus)

'The kid who bullied me at my school, he said to me, "Do I know you?" [And] I'm like, "Well yeah you're the kid who bullied me",' Josh told 9 News.

'As soon as we turned the corner I got one kick to the face straight across from me, and then one kick to the face from in front of me.'

Josh's mother Sarah told 3AW on Tuesday her distressed son called him in tears.

'He said, "Mum I'm scared",' Sarah said.

'It has taken a lot out of him because he doesn't want to go on public transport again.'

Josh claims one of the boys involved in the alleged attack was a classmate of his. A 16-year-old boy has since been charged over the incident and Victoria Police are investigating

When Josh's mother drove to meet him at Tarneit McDonald's, she claims the group of five Sudanese men grew to a group of about 30 within minutes

Sarah said she immediately drove to meet her injured son where the bus pulled over at Tarneit McDonald's.

Within minutes, she said the group of five Sudanese men grew to a group of about 30.

'When we drove past the McDonald's, they spotted my son in the car. They [five offenders] chased the car so I drove off and waited for police on the side of the road,' she told 9 News.

Sarah said Tarneit was 'overrun by Sudanese' people and claimed they often gathered at the local McDonald's.

She said reports of violent behaviour from young Sudanese men in the area left her feeling scared for her son and the larger Melbourne community.

A spate of criminal activity has swept across Melbourne in the past 18 months, with a series of car-jackings, armed robberies and home invasions, blamed largely on the notorious Apex gang

Apex gang members are primarily from a Sudanese refugee background (two members pictured)

'It's not safe for anyone, let alone for someone with a disability, they put so much trust in everybody,' she said.

A spate of criminal activity has swept across Melbourne in the past 18 months, with a series of carjackings, armed robberies and home invasions, blamed largely on the notorious Apex gang.

Apex gang members are primarily from a Sudanese refugee background.

Sarah called on the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to take action.

'For Christ's sake, just open your eyes and see what's going on around you, there will be more than one life taken soon,' she said.

'My son was lucky he got out of it the way he did.

'When is the Government going to wake up? I'm very angry, very very angry.'

Wyndham North police have charged a 16-year-old boy with attempted robbery and assault over the incident.

Police arrested the teen at the scene and he's been bailed to appear at a Children's Court at a later date.

The police investigation to identify others involved in the incident is continuing.

*Names have been changed as the matter is before the Children's Courts.
This is the adorable moment a previously blind and stray Cocker Spaniel sees her owners for the very first time thanks to some much-needed surgery.

Vlogging on the way to the veterinary clinic in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, owner Holly Emmerson expresses excitement and anxiety while preparing to witness her beloved pooch, Olive, see her in the flesh for the very first time.

After three years of relative darkness, emerging from the vets wide-eyed and excited, the patched-up pooch bounds towards Holly and husband Bart, transfixed on their faces as her tail wags behind her gleefully.

Olive, a stray dog, had cataracts and was therefore unable to see for three years

Owners Holly Emmerson (above) and Bart decided to raise money for surgery so that the pup would be able to see

Jumping up for a better look of her owners, the enhanced hound can't get enough of her newly found vision, with her attention quickly shifting from her much loved owners to the roaring traffic outside, which leaves the canine stunned to the spot.

Holly, originally from Canada, said: 'It was such an incredible moment to witness, seeing her that alert and looking us in the eyes.

'The second she came around the corner, Bart and I were both crying, it was such an emotional moment for us all.

'She was definitely overwhelmed to see the world for the first time, when we took her home she just stared out the window for ages, taking in all these new sights.'

Holly vlogged the experience of Olive being able to see again. Here, she was explaining her excitement and anxiety before picking up her dog

Footage shows Olive bounding over to the pair gleefully and wagging her tail as they embrace her

Holly said: 'We've now launched our own YouTube channel, Holly and Bart, documenting our lives as a trio'

Rescued after roaming the streets of LA alone and unable to see, the jet-black cocker spaniel was diagnosed with a severe cataract in both eyes, rendering her virtually blind and requiring immediate surgery.

Costing more than $5,000 (around 4,000), Holly and Bart liaised with the team at West Coast Cocker Rescue (WCCR), who found Olive, to help the to raise the required funds for medical bills.

Holly said: 'Thanks to a lot of help from family, friends and the WCCR, we were able to raise the required amount for Olive's surgery.

'We've now launched our own YouTube channel, Holly and Bart, documenting our lives as a trio.

'Olive is an amazing example that no obstacle should get in your way of enjoying life, and we hope her story can inspire people to view life the same way.'
Police are investigating a message on a high school bathroom wall which threatens a mass shooting this morning.

The warning, written in red pen, was discovered at Skyview High School in Nampa, Idaho, on Thursday.

The note claims the shooting will take place on Tuesday April 18.

The threatening message scrawled on the bathroom wall at Skyview High School

It reads: 'School will be shot up at 4-18-17 at 10.24am There will be a gang of 17 students doing this.

'They will target all the teachers and administrators first, then they will kill the students one by one.'

The message also says that if emergency services are called, 'all hell will break lose'.

It ends: 'If you want to survive... Stay home!'

The note also names a student who is allegedly involved in the plot.

According to KTVB, in a letter sent to parents Friday, Skyview Principal Will Barber said the school was aware of the treat.

Skyview principal Will Barber said the school was aware of the treat and is working closely with police

He said the school is working closely with police to make sure students are safe.

Barber wrote: 'The well-being and safety of the school, our students, and staff is the priority of the Nampa School District and the Nampa Police Department.

'We appreciate those who have called to make sure we know about the situation and encourage you to always keep us in the loop if you see or hear anything that concerns you.'
President Donald Trump renewed his attacks Tuesday on the leading Democratic candidate running in a special congressional election in a conservative part of Georgia.

'Democrat Jon Ossoff would be a disaster in Congress. VERY weak on crime and illegal immigration, bad for jobs and wants higher taxes. Say NO,' Trump wrote on Twitter.

'Republicans must get out today and VOTE in Georgia 6. Force runoff and easy win! Dem Ossoff will raise your taxes-very bad on crime & 2nd A[mendment].'

Ossoff faced new criticism during a morning interview on CNN, admitting that he can't vote for himself because he lives outside the district where he's running.

President Donald Trump, shown Tuesday in an unrelated interview on Fox News, renewed his attacks on the leading Democratic candidate running in a special congressional election in a conservative part of Georgia

For the second day in a row, the president used Twitter to hammer Democrat Jon Ossoff in an attempt to drive Republicans to the polls

The object of Trump's wrath is Jon Ossoff, the leading option among five Democrats who will appear on the ballot; Ossoff could win the seat outright on Tuesday with a 50% showing

'I have been living with Alicia, my girlfriend of 12 years, down by Emory University, where she is a full time medical student,' Ossoff said.

'And as soon as she concludes her medical training, I will be ten minutes back up the street into the district where I grew up, but I want to support her and her career and do right by her.'

On Monday Trump tweeted that the 'super Liberal Democrat in the Georgia Congressioal [sic] race tomorrow wants to protect criminals, allow illegal immigration and raise taxes!'

Republicans are trying to prevent a massive upset in the primary on Tuesday. Democrats have united behind Ossoff, a 30-year-old former congressional staffer who has been boosted by opposition to Trump and an $8 million fundraising haul.

His bid to replace Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price in Congress carries implications beyond the northern suburbs of Atlanta as both major parties position themselves for the 2018 midterm elections.

The primary includes 18 candidates  Republicans, Democrats and Independents.

Trump first weighed in on Monday on the special election in Georgia that will decide the fate of a seat vacated by his Health and Human Services secretary, Dr. Tom Price

Trump is hoping to avoid a Democratic pickup of Price's seat, an outcome that would feed a narrative about his unpopularity just 12 weeks into his presidency

The GOP hopes to force a June runoff with the GOP's top candidate by keeping Ossoff below 50 percent of the vote.

Republicans in Georgia's 6th Congressional District are miffed at Ossoff's attempt to engineer an upset with millions of anti-Trump dollars from all around the country.

Just 5 per cent of Ossoff's campaign cash came from inside his district.

'I don't care what party you're from,' said Marty Aftewicz, a 66-year-old Republican voter from Marietta. 'If the money's coming from outside the district, it's dirty.'

Democrats see the flood of donations as a sign they're not alone in opposing the president.

'It gives me some hope, even though Georgia is a heavily red state,' said Barbara Oakley, a 65-year-old retired pharmacist. 'I think Democrats got surprised by Trump in November and they're ready to work.'

Approaching Tuesday's primary, Republicans are trying to prevent victory by a previously unknown former congressional staffer, 30-year-old Jon Ossoff.

Five Democrats will appear on the ballot, but Ossoff is considered the greatest threat to the GOP. Two independent candidates also are running.

Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price (left) vacated the Georgia 6th Congressional District seat when he was nominated to serve in Trump's cabinet

Ossoff, shown with girlfriend Alisha Kramer, 'wants to protect criminals, allow illegal immigration and raise taxes,' according to the president

The 18-candidate 'jungle primary' comes a week after Republicans sweated out a single-digit special congressional victory in Kansas. Republican winner Ron Estes had previously coasted to easy statewide victories as state treasurer, but won a House seat based in Wichita by just 7 percentage points, with little outside investment from national Democrats.

In Georgia, by contrast, both parties have dispatched paid field staffers, and a Republican political action committee backed by House Speaker Paul Ryan has spent more than $2 million pounding Ossoff.

Trump underperformed other Republicans in the suburban district, making it a soft target for Democrats.

'Jon is being bankrolled by the most extreme liberals,' said Republican candidate Karen Handel, referring to Ossoff's fundraising haul that exceeds $8 million, most of it from outside the district. 'No one is naive enough to think that he will not be beholden to those who are bankrolling him.'

The message sank in for Aftewicz, who cast an early ballot for Republican candidate Dan Moody. Unprompted, Aftewicz echoed the barrage of campaign ads attempting to tie Ossoff to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California.

'Anyone raising that much outside money can't represent me,' Aftewicz said.

For his part, Ossoff pledges to be an 'independent voice' in Congress, and he defends his campaign as a grassroots success powered by small and medium donors.

Ossoff's rise to prominence has been fed by anti-Trump sentiment in the suburbs of Atlanta

Republicans essentially concede Ossoff will lead the voting Tuesday. That leaves 11 Republican candidates hoping the investigative filmmaker fails to reach a majority. If he doesn't, Ossoff and the top GOP vote-getter would meet in a June 20 runoff.

The Republican leaders appear to be Handel, a former Georgia secretary of state; technology executive Bob Gray; and two former state senators, Moody and Judson Hill - all of whom national Republicans say could defeat Ossoff in a second round.

From the outset, Trump has loomed large in the contest.

Ossoff has used the anti-Trump windfall to blanket the expensive television market with advertising that tries to stoke liberal angst but also woo disaffected Republicans in a district Trump barely won in November.

Oakley, who cast an early ballot for Ossoff, moved to Georgia about six years ago and often feels 'like a fish out of water' as a staunch Democrat in the red state. She considers her vote a small indicator of her disapproval toward Trump.

'The environment, women's rights, even the forest service are going to be affected by Trump's actions,' Oakley said. 'Pretty much everything he's done worries me.'

Ossoff pledges to fight Trump when he 'embarrasses' the country. But he tells voters in one ad, 'I'll work with anybody in Washington who respects your tax dollars.'
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This is the moment a crocodile launched a ferocious attack on a gazelle, before tearing it in half using its powerful jaws.

The 16ft reptile was lying in wait as its thirsty prey ran into a river to drink in the Masai Mara National Reserve, in Kenya.

Snatching the female by its leg, the half-ton beast dragged the gazelle underwater and drowned it before hauling its prey closer to the shore.

But after realising the Thompson's gazelle was too big to eat whole, the predator used its jaws to break the antelope two.

Dramatic pictures capture the moment a crocodile launched a ferocious attack on a gazelle, before tearing it in half using its powerful jaws

Snatching the female by its leg, the half-ton beast dragged the gazelle underwater and drowned it before hauling its prey closer to the shore

The 16ft reptile was lying in wait as its thirsty prey ran into a river to drink in the Masai Mara National Reserve, in Kenya

The male crocodile was then able to swallow its dinner in just two gulps.

Wildlife photographer Jeffrey Wu, of Toronto, Canada, was in Kenya when he saw the 'shocking' attack unfolding.

Mr Wu said: 'I was leading a photographic tour in Kenya and Botswana and we were waiting on the shore of the Mala river in the hope of capturing the wildebeest crossing.

'Gazelles regularly cross the Mala river in migration season as they follow the rain for grass.

'But they usually mix with large herd animals like wildebeest and zebra when they try to cross, as crocodiles tend to hunt the larger mammals.

'That afternoon, despite the threat of the crocodiles, a gazelle was too thirsty to care about the predators.

'It ran straight into the shallow water and the rest of the small herd, made up of around 12 gazelles, followed.

Attack: The male crocodile dragged its prey underwater before ripping it to shreds. It was then able to swallow its dinner in just two gulps

The gazelle were trying to cross a river in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya when a 16ft crocodile launched a frenzied attack

Gruesome: Wildlife photographer Jeffrey Wu, of Toronto, Canada, was in Kenya when he saw the 'shocking' attack unfolding

'They were intercepted by crocodiles, four gazelles were killed by five huge crocs and this set of images captured one of them.

'The rest of the herd went back to shore and had to watch the others being eaten but that's how they learn and next time they'll be more careful.

'The crocodile closest to the gazelle snatched it by the leg then pulled it underwater for about 7 to 8 minutes to drown it.

'The crocodile then carried the dead body across the river to the shore and bit into the middle of the gazelle before lifting it up and firmly slapping it against the water again and again until the body snapped into two, which took around 15 seconds.

'The gazelle was quickly swallowed - the lower body and upper body - in two gulps. It was like a snack for the crocodile.'

At first the crocodile was unable to eat its prey whole. Instead, the 16ft predator shook the gazelle in its jaws until it broke in two

Gruesome pictures show how the gazelle was torn to shreds by the massive 16ft crocodile, which had sneaked up on its prey as it crossed a river

The 51-year-old added: 'To see a half-ton crocodile hunting and eating this gazelle was frightening and the power and brutality was shocking.

'This one was a male, about five metres long and at least 10 years old.

'From the gazelle stepping into the water to being snatched by the crocodile only took about 30 seconds.

'We were about 25 metres away from the crocodile and seeing this, I felt the true power of nature displayed by these pre-historic killing machines.

'The scene was wild and raw from the speed and precision when they attacked to the strength and fury when they slapped the gazelle like a ragdoll. It was unbelievable.'
A college was placed on lockdown after a gun threat was made over social media.

Tameside College in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, received a threat of the attack on Twitter.

Around 2,000 students and staff members were evacuated at lunchtime.

An unknown social media user threatened the attack after the college posted a message welcoming students back to college today after the Easter break.

The user wrote he would attend the college 'with my gun loaded' and 'rip to the kids'.

Tameside College in Greater Manchester, pictured, was on lockdown after a 'gun threat' was made over social media

Closed signs have been put up on the college gates and it is thought around 2,000 students and staff were evacuated

An unknown Twitter user responded to a 'welcome back' message from the college with 'my gun is loaded' and a threat to go to college with a gun, pictured

Greater Manchester Police were notified of the message and are at the scene.

Police said they were also investigating threats made about Bury College, 14 miles away.

In a series of eerie tweets, the Twitter user wrote 'my gun is loaded' and 'hello there i will be st the collage [sic] today with a gun loaded! At 11am'. Another read 'rip to the kids'.

The Twitter account of the user who made the threats appeared to be removed this afternoon.

A spokesperson for GMP said: 'At around 10.30am on Tuesday 18 April 2017, police were called to reports of a threat made against a college in Tameside.

'At 11.30am on Tuesday 18 April 2017 police were called to reports of a threat made against a college in Bury.

'Inquiries into both are ongoing.'

A spokesman for the college confirmed a 'lockdown procedure' was put in place.

A later statement confirmed the students were evacuated and the college would reopen tomorrow.

It said: 'At lunchtime today, Tameside College evacuated staff and students from all its sites.

'This precaution was taken in collaboration with Greater Manchester Police. Tameside College will remain closed for the rest of the day. All evening classes have been cancelled.

'Tameside College will be open as normal tomorrow morning.'

An eye witness said all of the gates of the building were closed, with staff members checking people leaving and going.

A number of worried parents were outside the gates earlier today.

One parent arrived to find her daughter is still stuck in a classroom 'on lockdown'.

She said: 'It's scary. I came straight down. I've just spoken to her tutor who said they're all in the classroom safe.'

Another parent outside the college added: '(My daughter) said someone has threatened to shoot someone. She said we shouldn't be here but I can't go home now.

'My daughter's been told to turn her phone off and put it down. We've got no idea what's going on.'

Police are at the scene, pictured, and the building was evacuated block by block

'She said the college is in lockdown and nobody is allowed in or out. When it's your child it's really scary. I just want her out of there.'

Another parent who went to the college after her daughter called her to tell her about a 'threat'.

The parent, who has asked not to be named, says she can't go home until she knows her daughter is safe.

She said: 'My daughter said the students have been told to stay away from the windows and don't go outside.'

A member of college staff has told pupils arriving this morning to go home.

There are currently 'college closed' signs on the gates which have been locked.
A 13-year-old Jack Russell could lose feeling in her back legs after being mauled by two American Staffordshire Terriers in front of her family.

Toni Cowie said she was walking with her son and dog, Jackie, in south-east Melbourne on Monday afternoon when the two staffies suddenly lunged at them.

'One was attacking her face and the other was attacking her legs,' the 34-year-old mother told 9News.

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A 13-year-old Jack Russell (pictured) named Jackie could lose the use of her back legs after being mauled by two American Staffordshire Terriers in front of her family

Toni Cowie (pictured) said she was walking with her son and Jackie in Hampton Park, south-east Melbourne, on Monday when the two staffies attacked them

Ms Cowie said she helped fight off the staffies, injuring her knee in the process, and rushed Jackie to the vet.

Jackie has a broken leg and several horrific bite marks can be seen on her stomach and backside.

She may also have nerve damage and could lose the use of her hind legs.

Jackie will receive treatment at a vet clinic over the next few days, Leon Salter, who shares the dog with Ms Cowie, said.

Ms Cowie said she helped fight off the staffies and rushed Jackie to the vet with a broken leg and bite marks all over her body (pictured)

She may also have nerve damage and could lose the use of her hind legs (pictured)

Ms Cowie injured her knee (pictured) while trying to fight off the staffies, who have since been seized

The staffies have been seized by the City Council of Casey and an investigation is ongoing.

It is believed the staffies escaped from a gated yard.

'It's not good enough dogs like of that nature should be muzzled and behind gates,' Ms Cowie said.

'I love her. I'm shattered. Im shattered that at the age of 13 she has to go through this,' Mr Salter added.
Sales for the Ivanka Trump brand have hit their highest numbers in history this year despite numerous controversies surrounding the company and calls to boycott the first daughters' fashion empire.

At the same time, new lines of activewear and a collection of affordable jewelry have been launched, while Ivanka Trump Marks LLC has won provisional approval from the Chinese government for four new trademarks.

There is now another controversy brewing however, as the company won those provisional trademarks on the same day that Ivanka dined with President Xi Jinping of China at Mar-a-Lago.

These trademarks now give Ivanka Trump Marks LLC monopoly rights to sell the brand's jewelry, bags and spa services in China, the world's second-largest economy.

Criminal conflict of interest law prohibits federal officials like Ivanka from participating in government matters that could impact their own financial interest.

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She's got the look: Ivanka Trump's eponymous fashion brand is recording its highest sales ever in company history (Ivanka in one of her brand's dresses leaving home last month)

The bling ring: The company recently won approval for four provisional trademarks from China which could prove to be very lucrative for the company (l to r: Ivanka, Peng Liyuan, President Trump, President Xi Jinping and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago on April 7)

Problematic provisions: Those trademarks were awarded to the company on the same day that Ivanka sat down with President Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago (l to r: Ivanka, Jared Kushner, Peng Liyuan, and Xi Jinping on April 6)

In a recent interview with CBS News, Trump argued that her business would be doing even better if she hadn't moved to Washington and placed restrictions on her team to ensure that 'any growth is done with extreme caution.'

China, however, remains a nagging concern.

'Ivanka has so many China ties and conflicts, yet she and Jared appear deeply involved in China contacts and policy. I would never have allowed it,' said Norman Eisen, who served as chief White House ethics lawyer under Barack Obama.

'For their own sake, and the country's, Ivanka and Jared should consider stepping away from China matters.'

Instead, the first daughter and her husband have emerged as prominent interlocutors with China, where they have both had significant business ties.

Last year, Kushner pursued hundreds of millions of dollars in real estate investments from Anbang Insurance Group, a financial conglomerate with close ties to the Chinese state.

Talks were called off after media reports about the deal.

Publicly, Ivanka has taken a gracious, charming approach toward Beijing.

During the Mar-a-Lago meetings, her daughter, 5-year-old Arabella stood in a gilded room and sang a traditional Chinese song, in Mandarin, to President Xi Jinping.

The video, which was lavishly praised by Chinese state media, played over 2.2million times on China's popular news portal qq.com.

The week of the summit, 3.4tons of Ivanka Trump handbags, wallets and blouses arrived in the U.S. from Hong Kong and Shanghai.

US imports of her merchandise grew an estimated 40 per cent in the first quarter of this year, according to Panjiva Inc., which maintains and analyzes global shipping records.

Trouble brewing: Conflict of interest law prohibits federal officials like Ivanka from participating in government matters that could impact their own financial interests (Ivanka and President Trump on February 1 at the White House)

On display: Shoes from the Ivanka Trump collection are displayed at a Lord & Taylor department store in New York (above)

It was revealed in March that the brand had its best ever month in February, despite being dropped by Nordstrom and other national retailers for poor sales.

In an interview with Refinery 29, company president Abigail Klem said: 'Since the beginning of February, they were some of the best performing weeks in the history of the brand.

'For several different retailers Ivanka Trump was a top performer online, and in some of the categories it was the [brands] best performance ever.'

On Amazon, Ivanka had the top selling fragrance for that month, new stock was frequently being added to her Zappos page, and the London-based e-commerce startup Lyst had Ivanka as the eleventh best seller on the site for the month of February.

That represented an increase of 346 per cent from January, when the brand ranked at 550 on the site.

Ivanka is no longer doing that well on those sites, but numbers are still up from last year at this time.

February was a roller coaster month for the brand, from which Ivanka stepped down in January one week before she and her family moved to Washington DC.

It all began when President Trump lashed out at Nordstrom for dumping his daughter's clothing line.

'My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by Nordstrom,' the president wrote on Twitter last month. 'She is a great person  always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible!'

Song and dance: During the Mar-a-Lago meetings, Ivanka's daughter, 5-year-old Arabella stood in a gilded room and sang a traditional Chinese song, in Mandarin, to President Xi Jinping (above)

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer then defended President Trump's comment later in the day, saying that he was responding to 'an attack on his daughter.'

Spicer also implied that the Seattle-based retailer made the decision to drop Ivanka's line because they did not agree with President Trump's ban on immigrants from seven Muslim-majority nations entering the country.

But Nordstrom revealed in a statement to DailyMail.com at the time that Ivanka was personally told about its decision in early January - weeks before the travel ban.

'To reiterate what weve already shared when asked, we made this decision based on performance,' read the statement. 'Over the past year, and particularly in the last half of 2016, sales of the brand have steadily declined to the point where it didnt make good business sense for us to continue with the line for now.'

The statement went on to read: 'We've had a great relationship with the Ivanka Trump team. Weve had open conversations with them over the past year to share what we've seen and Ivanka was personally informed of our decision in early January.'

Spicer meanwhile justified Trump's tweet, saying: 'He has every right to stand up for his family and applaud their business activities, their success.'

'So, look, when it comes to his family I think he's been very clear how proud he is of what they do and what they've accomplished. And for someone to take out their concern with his policies on a family member of his is just, is not acceptable. And the president has every right, as a father, to stand up for them.'

Proud papa: President Trump looks at his daughter during a 2012 fashion show (above)

Spicer was later asked how Ivanka could be targeted seeing as she made the decision to step down from her eponymous fashion company last month, just before moving to Washington DC.

'I think there's clearly a targeting of her brand, and it's her name still out there. So while she's not directly running the company, it's still her name on it,' said Spicer.

'And there's clearly efforts that  to undermine that name based on her father's positions on particular policies, that he's taken.'

Spicer went on to state: 'This is a direct attack on his policies and her name. And so that  there's clearly an attempt for him to stand up for her, because she is being maligned, because they have a problem with his policies.'

The following day things took another turn when Kellyanne Conway promoted the brand during a television appearance.

She was later counselled after that move, which is an ethics violation.

White House lawyers then concluded that 'Ms. Conway acted inadvertently and is highly unlikely to do so again.'
A row has broken out in Austria after a study suggested Islamic kindergartens in Vienna were helping to create 'parallel societies' or even produce dangerous homegrown radicals of the future.

Some 10,000 children aged two to six attend around 150 Muslim preschools, teaching the Koran much like Christian ones do with Bible studies, according to the study's author, Ednan Aslan, a Turkish-born Austrian professor at Vienna University.

At least a quarter are backed by groups propagating arch conservative strains of Islam like Salafism, or organisations that see religion not just as a private matter but integral to politics and society, Aslan believes.

A row has broken out in Austria after a study suggested Islamic kindergartens in Vienna (file picture) were helping to create 'parallel societies' or even produce dangerous homegrown radicals of the future

'Parents are sending their kids to establishments that ensure they are in a Muslim setting and learn a few suras (chapters from the Koran),' Aslan, a respected researcher into Islamic education, told AFP.

'But they are unaware that they are shutting them off from a multicultural society,' he said.

The study, published last year, has been jumped on by critics of immigration - not least the far-right Freedom Party - in the wake of attacks such as Paris and Brussels perpetrated by Muslims who grew up in Europe. But many reject Aslan's findings, questioning its methodology.

The magazine Biber, which writes for and about minorities, sent a veiled Muslim reporter undercover posing as a mother looking for a place for her son at 14 Muslim kindergartens.

She found no evidence to back up Aslan's suggestions that they were churning out 'little Salafists' or that things like the children singing - frowned upon by ultra-strict Muslims - were banned.

But around a third were according to the magazine 'problematic', 'cutting off or isolating children' from mainstream society. It also voiced concerns about the 'openness' of some staff and the level of German spoken.

Vienna City Hall has since sought to calm the situation by commissioning an in-depth study involving a six-strong research team which will be published later this year.

The Freedom Party, under Heinz-Christian Strache (right) is riding high in the polls. Surveys suggest that public attitudes to Muslims have hardened. Attacks on migrant shelters soared last year

But the first problem is establishing how many Islamic kindergartens there are. Vienna has 842 registered kindergartens, 100 of them Catholic-run and 13 Protestant, but the number of Muslim ones is not known.

Part of the reason is that there has been an explosion in the number that are privately run, stretching the ability of the authorities to keep tabs and allowing some to operate under the radar.

Vienna is home to 1.8 million people, half of whom have a parent born abroad or who were born abroad themselves. Ever since it was the capital of a vast empire, it has been a magnet for outsiders, not all of them always welcome.

'But what is new in recent years has been the religious aspect of the debate about integration,' said Thomas Schmidinger, political scientist and Islam specialist at Vienna University.

Austria, a nation of 8.7 million people, has received more than 130,000 asylum applications since 2015 following the onset of the European Union's biggest migration crisis since World War II.

The Freedom Party is riding high in the polls. Surveys suggest that public attitudes to Muslims have hardened. Attacks on migrant shelters soared last year.

The ruling centrist coalition has moved to the right with plans to ban full-face veils in public and oblige migrants to sign an 'integration contract'.

Organisations representing Austria's 700,000-strong Muslim population say that in this context, Aslan's flawed report has only fanned the flames.

'This study feeds populism and forces Muslims to justify themselves constantly,' said Murat Gurol from newly created pressure group the Muslim Civil Society Network.

The 45-year-old IT worker said he sent his own son to a Muslim kindergarten in order to learn 'the values of solidarity, humanity and responsibility'.

As a child he went to a Christian preschool, and 'I don't see why that should be allowed for one religion and not for another', he told AFP.
A woman from south-west China was reportedly killed by her husband by accident as he was trimming trees using a brush cutter.

The man is said to have cut off both of his wife's legs while weaving the cutter across a tea farm as his wife stood nearby on April 16.

She was rushed to a local hospital and died later due to severe blood loss.

The man was using a hand-held brush cutter, such as the one shown on the left, as the incident occurred on a tea farm (right) in China. The woman died after being rushed to the hospital

Doctors said the arteries and shinbone on Xu's right leg had been cut off while deep cuts had been made to the shinbone of her left leg. Pictured, Xu's injured legs were wrapped in gauze

Villagers from Daiqiao Cun of Leshan city, told Chengdu Business Post, that the man was trimming tea trees while his wife, surnamed Xu, was collecting the tea leaves.

They heard a loud scream and found out that Xu had fainted holding both of her legs.

Pictures emerged online shows a pool of blood on the tea farm where the accident happened.

Xu's husband and other villagers immediately took the woman to the Mucheng Town Health Centre.

However, doctors told Xu's husband that she died due to severe blood loss.

They explained that the arteries and shinbone on Xu's right leg had been cut off by the blades. The brush cutter also made deep cuts to the shinbone of her left leg.

Xu was sent to the hospital by her husband but was pronounced dead due severe blood loss

Xu was admitted with a hemorrhagic shock, a life-threatening condition of severe fluid loss. She was also reported to have no heartbeats and dilated pupils when she arrived.

As most of the villagers grow tea at their homes, some of them would use machines and tools to help trim the tea trees in order to enhance the quality of the product, according to the report.

Although using machines such as a brush cutter can save up time, most of the tea pluckers still prefer the traditional method of using scissors to cut off tea leaves.
Turkey's main opposition party has said it will fight to have the result of the country's referendum annulled.

The People's Republican Party will submit a formal request to election authorities on Tuesday, members said, after European observers criticised the vote as unfair.

But President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is due to be handed sweeping new powers after the vote, said his critics could 'talk to the hand.'

The People's Republican Party has said it will ask Turkey's electoral board to annul the result of Sunday's referendum (pictured, armed guards outside electoral board headquarters)

Thousands of people queued outside the headquarter's of Turkey's electoral board in Anakra, a city which voted against Erdogan, to call for the result to be annulled

People wave petitions arguing that the result of the referendum should be abandoned over allegations of intimidation and fraud

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim announced on Tuesday that Erdogan will be invited to rejoin the ruling AK Party when official results are published two weeks from now.

The move signals that the government has no intention of waiting to see the outcome of opposition appeals.

Under the outgoing constitution, the president had been required to remain impartial and renounce party political ties.

Few in Turkey expect legal challenges to the referendum to lead to a recount, let alone a re-run.

But if unresolved, they will leave deep questions over the legitimacy of a vote which split the electorate down the middle, and whose polarising campaign drew criticism and concern from European allies.

Turkey's bar association said a last-minute decision by the YSK electoral board to allow unstamped ballots in the referendum was clearly against the law, prevented proper records being kept, and may have impacted the results.

European observers such as Tana de Zulueta had criticised the result, saying the battle was fought on an 'unlevel playing field'

But President Erdogan brushed those criticisms aside, telling observes to 'talk to the hand'

Supporters of Erdogan were also out in force yesterday, cheering outside his palatial Presidential Palace, which is also located in Ankara

'With this illegal decision, ballot box councils (officials at polling stations) were misled into believing that the use of unstamped ballots was appropriate,' the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB) said in a statement.

'Our regret is not over the outcome of the referendum, but because of the desire to overlook clear and harsh violations of the law that have the potential to impact the results,' it said.

YSK Chairman Sadi Guven said on Monday the decision was not unprecedented as the government had previously permitted such a move.

It was not immediately clear how many unstamped ballots the electoral board had counted.

Guven said his agency had received complaints that polling stations didn't have stamps and made the decision to accept the ballots after an appeal from a ruling AK Party official.

An Austrian member of the Council of Europe observer mission said up to 2.5 million votes could have been manipulated, almost double the margin of Erdogan's victory, and that the YSK decision on unstamped ballots appeared illegal.

'These complaints are to be taken very seriously and they are, in any case, of such an extent that they would turn around the outcome of the vote,' Alev Korun told ORF radio.

Members of the Republican People's Party, Turkey's main opposition, gather outside a courthouse in Ankara to submit a petition calling for the referendum to be annulled

Thousands of people took to the streets to protest the referendum result on Tuesday, the second straight day of demonstrations

Opponents of Erdogan hold a Turkish flag with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey and a proponent of democracy, outside an Ankra courthouse

Election authorities have said preliminary results showed 51.4 percent of voters had backed the biggest overhaul of Turkish politics since the founding of the modern republic, a far narrower margin than Erdogan had been seeking.

Erdogan argues that concentration of power in the presidency is needed to prevent instability. Opponents accuse him of leading a drive toward one-man rule in Turkey, a NATO member that borders Iran, Iraq and Syria and whose stability is of vital importance to the United States and the European Union.

Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, Yildirim said 'rumours' of irregularities were a vain effort to cast doubt on the result.

'The people's will has been reflected at the ballot box, and the debate is over,' he said. 'Everyone should respect the outcome, especially the main opposition'.

The YSK said on its website on Sunday, as votes were still being cast, that it had received 'considerable complaints' that voters had been given slips and envelopes without official stamps and that it would accept unstamped documents as long as they were not proven to be fraudulent.

The bar association, whose head Metin Feyzioglu is seen as a potential future leader of the opposition CHP, said it had also received phone calls from many provinces about unstamped ballots on Sunday and that its lawyers had advised that records of this should be closely kept once ballot boxes were opened.

While Erdogan claims his new powers will create stability in Turkey, opponents believe he will use the laws to turn himself into a virtual sultan

Sadi Guven, the head of Turkey's election board, has defended the decision to allow ballots without stamps on them to be accepted

But it said that had failed to happen, and that evidence of irregularities had therefore not been properly archived.

On its website, the YSK gave four examples of cases in previous decades where unstamped ballots had been accepted at individual ballot boxes. But those cases only affected several hundred votes and the decision was taken days after the vote and only once the possibility of fraud had been ruled out.

The YSK has also decided to annul elections in the past because of unstamped ballots. It cancelled the results of local elections in two districts in southeastern Turkey in April 2014 and re-held them two months later.

And in Sunday's referendum, the YSK's overseas election branch had already rejected an appeal by a ruling AK Party official to have unstamped envelopes counted as valid.

YSK officials could not be reached for comment.
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Iran has paraded a missile with the sign 'Death to Israel' attached to it during a huge military parade showcasing deadly weapons this morning.

The ceremony was held in the capital Tehran and troops from all units took part to mark National Army Day in the country, but one weapon in particular looked a lot like a North Korean missile critics said was a fake at a similar parade.

The nose of a rocket mounted onto a bigger missile appears to be pointing skywards, in the same way the North Korean weapon was comically built which prompted people to take to Twitter to say it was an empty, painted box.

North Korea celebrated the 105th anniversary of the birth of the nation's founder Kim Il-Sung on the weekend and also hosted a procession of weapons and soldier marches.

In Iran, President Hassan Rouhani delivered a speech as a conveyor belt of military might was displayed to the gathered high-ranking officials and commanders.

The parade included missiles, tanks, armored vehicles, rifles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), fighter jets, radar systems and air defense missile systems as well as soldiers in the latest camouflage gear.

National Army Day parades are used to celebrate the military's latest achievements and despite insisting no threat is posed to regional countries, the intimidating missile with the Israel banner raised questions.

A missile with an anti-Israeli banner, which reads in Persian, 'Death to Israel,' is displayed, as Iranian armed forces commanders review an army parade next to a portrait of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on National Army Day, in front of mausoleum of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Iran

A massive missile is wheeled through the streets of Tehran on the back of a lorry that is kitted out in camouflage

The nose of the North Korean missile (circled) was called into question with some saying the weapon is a fake during a procession for the Day of the Sun celebrations in the coutnry over the weekend, and the weapon looks a lot like the Iranian weapon

As a BBC journalist delivered a piece to camera from North Korea's 105th anniversary of the birth of the nation's founder Kim Il-Sung, the procession of dodgy-looking missiles went by behind him

Wearing ghilli suits, Iranian army troops march during a parade marking National Army Day which is a display of the country's military success

Iranian army troops march in unison, wearing traditional camouflage hear and holding their rifles across their chests and over their left soldiers as they shoot a glance towards the gathered officials in the grandstand

A Russian-made S-300 air defense system is driven past a portrait of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a parade marking National Army Day in front of of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini's mausoleum, just outside Tehran

Iranian army soldiers in full camouflage suits march during a military parade marking the annual National Army Day in Tehran as the high-ranking officials watch on from the grandstand above

Iranian armoured vehicles with missiles mounted on the back crawl through the streets of Tehran during the military parade

A soldier makes his descent having dazzled with a parachute jump as part of the elaborate military parade in Tehran, Iran

Military truck carrying an Iranian mid-range missile pass in front of a picture of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iranian army cadets march in uniform holding their rifles across their chest to their left shoulders with white gloves covering their hands during the parade

Naval soldiers pose up in their camouflage gear, pointing guns out of their vessel and saluting as part of their participation in the parade

The ceremony passed near the mausoleum of the late founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Imam Khomeini, and representatives from Ground Force, Navy, Air Force and Air Defense Force were on the march.

According to Tasnim News, Army Commander Major General Ataollah Salehi, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan, Army Ground Force Commander Brigadier General Kiomars Heidari, and ranking commanders of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) attended the ceremony.

Iran an and Israel are bitter enemies and in February Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged British Prime Minister Theresa May to follow the American administration and impose new sanctions on Iran over a missile test earlier this year.

Iran's new air defence Iran displayed the latest version of Sayyad (Hunter) 3 missiles used in the country's air defense systems for the first time this morning. At the National Army Day parades, the high-precision striking missiles were rolled out in front of gathered officials. Commander of Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmayeeli said the new weapon would be mounted on its long-range S-200 anti-aircraft system. He told Fars News that the new weapon has an increased precision compared to the previous model as well as longer range and destruction power. Advertisement

Netanyahu vehemently opposes the 2015 international agreement that imposed curbs on Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions.

US President Donald Trump is also a critic of the Iran deal and his administration imposed sanctions on more than two dozen companies and individuals after Tehran tested a ballistic missile at the end of January.

In pointed remarks at the start of his meeting with May, Netanyahu said he wished other countries would follow the US lead.

'Iran seeks to annihilate Israel, it seeks to conquer the Middle East, it threatens Europe, it threatens the West, it threatens the world,' he said.

'And it offers provocation after provocation.

'That's why I welcome President Trump's assistance of new sanctions against Iran. I think other nations should follow suit, certainly responsible nations.'

The Trump administration is also perceived as sympathetic to Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land, an issue that caused friction between Netanyahu and former President Barack Obama.

The Palestinians claim the West Bank and east Jerusalem, captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war, as parts of a future state.

They say the settlements, home to 600,000 Israelis, are making it increasingly impossible to partition the land into two states  a position that has wide international backing.

Heavily camouflages soldiers, usually deployed as snipers, walk in front of the grandstand holding their disguised weapons

Dozens of soldiers kitted out in traditional camouflage hold their assault rifles to their chests and over their left shoulders

Two tubular weapons mounted on camouflaged launching pads are wheeled by the grandstand which is full of delegates

Iranian soldiers wearing camouflage, with white sashes, red headbands and red flags pass by the grandstand during the parade

Iranian soldiers in elaborate and colourful uniform march in unison as they carry their weapons and glace at the grandstand

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks before a parade on National Army Day during which a procession of military might was displayed

A Russian-made S-200 air defense system is driven past portraits of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, left, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a parade marking National Army Day, in front of Khomeini's mausoleum, just outside Tehran

Military trucks carrying Iranian S300 missiles system drive in the military parade marking the annual National Army Day in Tehran, Iran, with the country's leaders pictured on the cabin of the truck

Iran an and Israel are bitter enemies and in February Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged British Prime Minister Theresa May to follow the American administration and impose new sanctions on Iran over a missile test earlier this year.

Netanyahu vehemently opposes the 2015 international agreement that imposed curbs on Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions.

US President Donald Trump is also a critic of the Iran deal and his administration imposed sanctions on more than two dozen companies and individuals after Tehran tested a ballistic missile at the end of January.

In pointed remarks at the start of his meeting with May, Netanyahu said he wished other countries would follow the US lead.

'Iran seeks to annihilate Israel, it seeks to conquer the Middle East, it threatens Europe, it threatens the West, it threatens the world,' he said.

'And it offers provocation after provocation.

Iranian soldiers leave smoke trails in the sky as them make a parachute jump during a military parade to mark the National Army Day, in Tehran, Iran

Iranian naval forces attend a military parade held to mark the National Army Day, in Tehran, Iran on April 18, 2017

An Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force missile it taken by the grandstand in front of a display of flowers

High-ranking officials and commanders salute as a missile is carried by above an anti-Israel banner during the parade in Tehran

A missile with the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force's logo emblazoned up on it is paraded on a truck above an anti-Israel banner

An Iranian soldier salutes in front of a massive mounted machine gun during a military parade to mark the National Army Day

'That's why I welcome President Trump's assistance of new sanctions against Iran. I think other nations should follow suit, certainly responsible nations.'

The Trump administration is also perceived as sympathetic to Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land, an issue that caused friction between Netanyahu and former President Barack Obama.

The Palestinians claim the West Bank and east Jerusalem, captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war, as parts of a future state.

They say the settlements, home to 600,000 Israelis, are making it increasingly impossible to partition the land into two states  a position that has wide international backing.
A takeaway customer claims she was racially abused by two woman who called her a 'p***' before punching her in the face.

Safia Sidki, 23, said she was subjected to the vile attack while waiting in a takeaway waiting for a pizza when she was attacked by the two women who pulled clumps out of her hair.

Miss Sidki was called 'racist' after she was overheard joking with staff at the diner that she was ordering a magharetia pizza for her 'basic friend who likes basic English food'.

Pictured: Safia Sidki, 23, claims she was racially abused at a takeaway and is looking for people to come forward so they can catch who did it

Miss Sidki said it was a private joke as it was not her regular order.

She said: 'They came up to me saying I was being racist towards English people, but I am English - so is my mother and my dad is from Morocco.

'I explained to them I was joking with the guys behind the counter because that's not my normal order and then they started calling me things like p*** and dirty skin, then one of them punched me in the face.'

She said: 'The men in the takeaway had to hide me behind the counter and when my taxi arrived the two women stood in front of me and started pulling my hair out and dragged me to the ground.'

Forced to hide under the counter, staff removed the women from the shop but the attackers waited outside for Miss Sidki until she came out half an hour later.

Miss Sidki said: 'The guys at Bella wouldn't let me out and kept saying I had to stay inside with them until the women left.

Miss Sidki said she was dragged to the floor and started kicked in the ribs during the attack

'But I needed to leave because my friends were waiting for me so I ordered a taxi and asked them to pull up right outside the door so I could jump straight in.

'The women were still waiting outside and the guys walked out with me to protect me.

'That's when they said, 'You're not going anywhere', and pulled my hair out. The police have told me they found clumps of my hair on the path.

'They dragged me to the floor and started kicking me in my ribs and my neck and just punching me.

'It didn't last too long because people helped get them off me and I managed to jump into the taxi.'

The two women are described as white and in their late 30s to early 40s.

They are both of a large build and had very short, cropped, greying hair. One of them was wearing a dark hooded top.

Police said they are investigating the incident.

Anyone with information should call Humberside Police on 101, quoting log 50 of April 15.
The Philippine police have given bonuses for killing drug suspects, planted evidence at crime scenes and carried out most of the murders they blamed on vigilantes, said two senior officers.

The officials, who are critical of President Rodrigo Duterte's 'war on drugs,' challenged the government's explanations of the killings in interviews.

Almost 9,000 people, many small-time users and dealers, have been killed since Duterte took office on June 30. Police say about a third of the victims were shot by officers in self-defence during legitimate anti-drug operations.

Human rights monitors believe the remaining two thirds were killed by paid assassins working with police or by police disguised as vigilantes - a charge the police deny.

Philippine police have received cash payments for executing drug suspects, planted evidence at crime scenes and carried out most of the killings they have long blamed on vigilantes, claim officials critical of President Rodrigo Duterte's (pictured) 'war on drugs'

The two senior officers, one a retired police intelligence officer and the other an active-duty commander, claimed the killings are in fact orchestrated by the police, including most of those carried out by vigilantes. They spoke on the condition of anonymity.

'It is the Philippine National Police doing it,' said the retired intelligence officer.

'This killing machine must be buried six feet under the ground.' He said he was angry about the impact of the killings on police discipline and wanted 'to put Duterte on the defensive.' Reuters was unable to independently verify if the police are behind vigilante killings.

The president's office and the Philippine police did not respond to questions from Reuters.

The intelligence officer has authored an unpublished 26-page report on the conduct of the drug war in an effort to organize opposition to Duterte's campaign.

The report, titled 'The State-Sponsored Extrajudicial Killings in the Philippines,' provides granular detail on the campaign's alleged methods, masterminds and perpetrators. The document has been shared with leaders of the Catholic Church in the Philippines and with the government-funded Commission on Human Rights.

Some of the report's accusations against individuals could not be confirmed by Reuters; the news agency is therefore not publishing the full document.

Many of its findings, however, support and expand upon previous investigations of the drug war by Reuters and independent human rights monitors.

Human rights monitors believe paid assassins operating with police backing or by police disguised as vigilantes killed two thirds of the 9,000 people who have died since June 30 - a charge police deny

The report claims that police are paid to kill not just drug suspects, but also - for 10,000 pesos ($200) a head - rapists, pickpockets, swindlers, gang members, alcoholics and other 'troublemakers.'

It also claims that civilian members of the so-called Davao Death Squad, which rights activists allege killed hundreds of people in Duterte's hometown of Davao, were drafted to 'augment and assist' the police's current nationwide anti-drug operation.

The report doesn't provide documentary evidence for its accusations, which the intelligence officer said were based on accounts from 17 serving or former policemen, including the commander Reuters interviewed. The police commander said he agreed to talk because he was upset that authorities are targeting only petty drug suspects. 'Why aren't they killing the suppliers?' he asked. 'Only the poor are dying.'

The second half of the report is largely political in nature, asserting that Duterte has close ties to Communist forces in the Philippines. Many in the military and police are concerned by what they see as Duterte's leftist sympathies. Since taking office, the president has released Communist rebels from prison to restart peace talks.

The report also calls the drug war a 'social cleansing' campaign similar to that launched in Mao Zedong's China, with Duterte aiming to have drug addicts 'physically eliminated.'

The Commission on Human Rights has reviewed the report and the accounts could open up new leads in ongoing investigations, said chairman Chito Gascon. Church officials confirmed receiving the report as well.

A report claims that police are paid to kill not just drug suspects, but also - for 10,000 pesos ($200) a head - rapists, pickpockets, swindlers, gang members, alcoholics and other 'troublemakers' (pictured, police interrogating local residents in operation against drugs

'We should do all we can to follow any lead that could ultimately shed light on these killings with the view to ultimately holding the perpetrators to account,' said Gascon.

The fresh claims come amid growing criticism of the drug war. In February, the country's influential Catholic Church called it a 'reign of terror.' The campaign has also sparked street protests and lawsuits.

Duterte's police chief, Ronald Dela Rosa, halted police operations for most of February after it emerged that an anti-drug unit had kidnapped and murdered a South Korean businessman last year. The killings continued but at a slower pace. On March 6, Dela Rosa announced that the police were resuming their drug operations.

In March, a former policeman, Arturo Lascanas, testified in the Philippine Senate about his role in vigilante-style killings in the southern city of Davao, where Duterte was once mayor. Lascanas was the second Senate witness to link Duterte to the Davao Death Squad. Duterte denies ordering any killings, either as president or mayor.

In a subsequent interview, Lascanas told Reuters that for over a decade he was paid for carrying out the liquidation of drug suspects and criminals. In the early 1990s, he said, he was paid 3,000 to 5,000 pesos ($60-$100) for each of the 'jobs' he performed.

By the early 2000s he was earning tens of thousands of pesos for each operation, he said. Lascanas said he had no documentary proof of the payments. He has since left the country.

In the past nine months, police acknowledge having shot dead more than 2,600 suspects during their operations. They say such shootings occur after suspects open fire on undercover officers trying to catch them dealing drugs.

It also claims that civilian members of the so-called Davao Death Squad, which rights activists allege killed hundreds of people in Duterte's hometown of Davao, were drafted to 'augment and assist' the police's current nationwide anti-drug operation. Pictured, Duterte with Trade Secretary Liam Fox)

But these so-called 'buy-busts' are actually well-planned executions, said the commander interviewed by Reuters. The commander said targets are chosen from lists of suspects drawn up by police and local officials, who later coordinate to unplug security cameras in the neighbourhood where a killing is planned. According to the report, street lamps are also switched off.

'There is no such thing as a legitimate buy-bust,' the commander said. 'The dealers know the cops and won't sell to them.'

Instead, he said, a team of police operatives will execute the target, who is almost always unarmed, then plant guns and drugs at the crime scene to justify the use of deadly force.

'We have to plant evidence for the legality of the operation,' the commander said. 'We are ordered to do these operations, so we have to protect ourselves.'

The commander said officers put the gun in the dead suspect's hand and pull the trigger with the victim's finger so forensic testing will show that the suspect fired a gun.

Late last year, he said, police crime-scene investigators told their fellow officers to place the guns at a slight distance from the suspects, rather than in their hands, to make things look more realistic.

Most drug suspects in his precinct are shot by rookie cops who are either eager for the experience or nominated by their superiors, the commander said. The superiors refer to this as a 'baptism by fire.'

Each member of the team is quickly paid according to two factors, said the commander: his role in the killing and the target's value.

According to the report, the cash 'reward scales' for drug killings range from 20,000 pesos ($400) for a 'street level pusher and user,' to 50,000 pesos for a member of a neighborhood council, one million pesos for 'distributors, retailers and wholesalers,' and five million for 'drug lords.'

Police officers kill for money, said the commander, but also out of fear: Even the police are afraid of being included on a 'watch list' of drug suspects drawn up by police and local officials.

Officials have been killed for not cooperating, he added. He said he was aware of two cases but did not provide details on exactly what happened.

Most drug suspects in his precinct are shot by rookie cops who are either eager for the experience or nominated by their superiors, the commander said. Pictured, armed Filipino policemen stand guard next to the wall of a prison facility

Reuters reported last year that the watch lists were effectively hit lists, with many of those named ending up dead. Another Reuters investigation showed that police officers were killing 97 percent of the suspects they confront in violent buy-bust operations, the strongest evidence yet that the police were summarily executing suspects.

Officers also cooperate because they know the police force's flawed disciplinary system, which fails to adequately investigate even a fraction of the killings, means there is little chance they will get caught, said the intelligence officer.

One sign of the drug war's success, says the government, is that more than a million users and pushers have voluntarily registered with the police, a process known as 'surrendering.'

But the commander said police are given a quota of 'surrenderers,' and fill it by using city ordinances to arrest men who are drunk or shirtless - a misdemeanor known as 'half-naked' - then forcing them to register as drug suspects.

Reuters learned of the intelligence officer's 26-page report from him and interviewed two Catholic priests in Manila who said they had encouraged him to compile it. One of the priests said he edited the report; the other said he helped distribute it among a small group of clerics and human rights activists. Both are helping organize opposition to Duterte's drug campaign.

The Church's initial reluctance to criticize Duterte's drug war was prompted by a desire to 'give him a chance' when he took office, said one of the priests. But the killings, along with the president's overtures to Communists, made many in the Church feel their values were under attack, he said.

The intelligence officer said he hoped the report would be used as evidence at the International Criminal Court. In October, the Hague-based tribunal said it could prosecute suspects if the killings were 'committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population.'
KFC has spiced up their menu with a new range of Tabasco-marinated chicken that looks to be a recipe for success.

The chicken chain is now selling all of their boxed meals in Australia with pieces marinated for 24 hours in the world-famous hot sauce.

Social media has heated up over the world-first recipe, but it looks to be an overwhelmingly positive response.

Get it while it's hot! KFC has launched a new range of Tabasco-marinated chicken for a limited time

'The meeting of these two legends has been a long time coming, and the flavours are like nothing KFC Australia has created before,' KFC Australia spokesperson Catherine Tan said.

The Australian exclusive recipe will be available at 620 KFC stores nation-wide from 18 April until May 15th.

For those with an extra-spicy tolerance, the fast-food store will also be offering 'Blister Packs' of Tabasco Sauce to add to meals.

'We are delighted to be able to add a kick of flavour to KFC's Extra Crispy Chicken and bring together two legends of the industry.'

Spicing up their menu: The chicken-chain is now selling all of their boxed meals with pieces marinated in the famous hot sauce

Recipe for success: Social media has offered an overwhelmingly positive response to the new recipe

Tabasco sauce has been using the same recipe for the past 150 years, with all products aged in white oak barrels for up to three years.

The Tabasco launch comes as KFC rolls out another product popular in Australia - the spicy Zinger burger- across the United States.

The burgers are a favourite in Australia, where more than 22 million Zingers are sold each year.
President Donald Trump says he hasn't changed his mind about China.

It just wouldn't make sense for him to start a trade war with Beijing while it's complying with international sanctions aimed at the curtailment of North Korea's nuclear program, Trump says.

'I havent changed my stance. Chinas trying to help us,' Trump told Fox & Friends host Ainsley Earhardt in an interview that aired Tuesday morning.

Candidate Trump said China had been allowed to 'rape our country' economically for far too long. He pledged to label Beijing a currency manipulator his first day in office.

His administration held off on making a formal designation, pending a review, and Trump said last week he no longer backs the action that could trigger new tariffs.

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President Donald Trump says he hasn't changed his mind about China. It just wouldn't make sense for him to start a trade war with Beijing while it's challenging North Korea, he says

After a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump turned around and said the country he had so tersely talked about in the lead-up to his election is not a currency manipulator, as he had routinely claimed, while he applied pressure on its leader to challenge North Korea.

China is North Korea's most important trading partner. Strategic crackdowns of imports and exports could cripple Kim Jong-un's government.

In line with a United Nations resolution, China has barred the purchase of coal from North Korea until the end of this year. Beijing expanded the punishing actions to include rare metals earlier this month. It stopped exporting jet fuel to Pyongyang, for the most part, at the same time.

'Hes working so nicely,' Trump said of Xi on Fox. 'Many coal ships have been sent back, fuel has been sent back. Theyre not dealing the same way. Nobodys ever seen it like that. Nobodys ever seen such a positive response on our behalf from China.'

The White House said last week as it tried to explain Trump's about-face on currency manipulation that the issue had 'evolved towards' the president's position, although Trump's spokesman could not say how.

Press Secretary Sean Spicer noted the complexity of the issue and directed inquires about the matter to the president.

Trump hinted in a weekend tweet that the evolving issue was North Korea - and Xi's newfound willingness to enforce economic sanctions on Kim's government.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) and his wife Peng Liyuan (2nd L) pose for a photo with U.S. President Donald Trump (C), his wife Melania Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump in the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida earlier this month. Since then, Trump has refused to call China a currency manipulator

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday, that China's 'unfair trade practices' have cost the US economy trillions.

'China is not manipulating its currency right now, but it could in the future,' he said. 'If [Trump] had labeled them a manipulator, it would send a shot across their bow.'

Schumer told reporters Trump 'seems to be backing off all the tough talk on China' even though 'they haven't changed one bit.'

'And the president's not challenging them to change,' he contended.

Earhardt asked Trump in her interview Monday at the White House's annual Easter Egg Roll about China's assistance in the confrontation with North Korea and the accusations that he'd softened his position on Beijing, and Trump denied that's what he'd done.

'Ainsley, look. I didnt soften my stance. China came to the United Statesthe President, whosIve developed a really good relationship with. I think hes a terrific person, I got to know him really well over a two day period,' he said. 'We were together hours and hours and hours by ourselves.'

Their meetings were supposed to last 15 minutes, Trump explained, but they went on longer.

'We had a good chemistry together. He understands its a big problem. Hes working on it,' Trump said, referring back to the conflict with North Korea over unauthorized missile tests.

Trump hinted in a weekend tweet that the evolving issue was North Korea - and China's newfound willingness to enforce economic sanctions on Kim's government

'Now, what am I going to do? Start a trade war with China while in the middle of him working on a bigger problem, frankly, with North Korea?' he stated.

Continuing, Trump told Earhardt, 'So Im dealing with China with great respect. I have great respect for him. Now, well see what he can do.

'Now, maybe he wont be able to help. Thats possible. I think hes trying. But, maybe he wont be able to help, and thats a whole different story. But, well see what happens.'

Trump has said that the United States and its allies will go it alone in the battle with North Korea if China's unwilling or unable to provide additional leverage. He'd prefer that China play a lead role, though, given its significant regional influence.

'What am I going to do? In the middle of him talking with North Korea Im going to hit them with currency manipulation?' he told Earhardt in the Monday interview that aired Tuesday. 'This is the fake media that just does a number.'

Trump bashed news outlets for pointing out his apparent turnaround on currency manipulation and his change of heart about Beijing after his meeting with Xi, twice calling them the 'fake media.'

'Chinas trying to help us. I dont know if they are going to be able to or not, but do I want to start heavy heavy trade or currency manipulation statements against someone whos out there trying to stop what could be a very bad situation? You understand that,' he told Earhardt.

The Fox News host replied, 'I understand that.'

'Nobody ever mentions it that way, though. But, thats OK,' Trump told her. 'I think were doing really well. China has been helping and other people have been helping, but I dont know if that is going to work.

'It may have to be a different solution,' he admitted.
A California immigrant activist is missing in Mexico after posting a Facebook Live video of him pleading for help claiming he was being 'hunted' by a criminal gang.

Hugo Castro, a US citizen and activist based in San Diego, posted the harrowing 20-minute video on Thursday night saying he feared for his life.

The father of four said he was stranded on the side of a busy highway on his way to Puebla, which is about 80 miles south-east of Mexico City.

Castro, 45, said he had been followed for several days by a criminal organization believed to be from Tamaulipas and claimed drivers in freight vehicles had cornered him on the highway.

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Hugo Castro, a US citizen and activist based in San Diego, posted the harrowing 20-minute Facebook live video on Thursday night saying he was being 'hunted' by a criminal gang

Speaking in Spanish, he told those watching his Facebook Live video: 'Seriously, I was threatened, they want to kill me.

'It's like they're hunting me. I can't trust the police.'

He added that he had been travelling on buses and taxis but was running out of Mexican Pesos and his phone battery would die soon.

The footage is the last anyone has heard from Castro and his distraught family have reported him missing.

US consular officials in Mexico said on Monday they were helping authorities in the search for Castro, according to San Diego's KBPS.

Castro, a father of four, is a well known volunteer with the San Diego-based non profit Border Angels. He was in Mexico to help migrants travel to the US-Mexico border

US consular officials in Mexico said on Monday they were helping authorities in the search for Castro and his family are spreading missing photos (above) on social media

'The welfare of U.S. citizens is one of the Department's highest priorities,' the spokesman said. 'We stand ready to provide all possible consular assistance.'

Castro is a well known volunteer with the San Diego-based non profit Border Angels. He hasn't been in touch with the organization for a week.

He had traveled to Mexico to take part in an effort helping migrants travel from Central America to the US-Mexico border. Castro was believed to be making his way to Chiapas to join the group.

The effort was meant to draw attention to the alleged abuse suffered by refugees in Mexico.

His partner Gaba Cortes has been giving updates on the search via Facebook, saying she was meeting with authorities in Mexico City on Tuesday morning to look at surveillance footage for any clues on Castro's whereabouts.

His partner Gaba Cortes (right) said she was meeting with authorities in Mexico City on Tuesday morning to look at surveillance footage to see if there were any clues

Castro said he was stranded on a highway on his way to Puebla. He was believed to be making his way to Chiapas to help migrants travel to the US-Mexico border

She said she spoke to an individual on Friday who identified himself as a taxi driver. He said he had given Castro a ride to Mexico City's bus station where the activist said he planned to take a bus.

Border Angels founder Enrique Morones said it was not uncommon for volunteers to be threatened by smugglers who make money by preying on immigrants.

'About three weeks ago, Hugo was threatened,' Morones told NBC.

'He was trying to help these Haitians and people who were trying to take advantage of them said "It's none of your business. Stay out of it".'
A Wisconsin man accused of stealing numerous firearms and sending an anti-government manifesto to the White House talked back to a court official during a hearing to face state charges.

Joseph Jakubowski, 32, already has federal charges against him for allegedly stealing firearms from a Janesville, Wisconsin, gun store and court officials advised him Monday of charges he faces in Rock County.

Jakubowski sat with his defense attorney and appeared via video feed while court Commissioner Larry Barton informed him of three state charges of theft and burglary.

At one point the 32-year-old asked a question about one of the charges and Barton warned him not to make statements.

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Joseph Jakubowski, 32, lashed out at a court official during a hearing in Wisconsin on Monday. He is pictured in court on April 17 following his arrest last Friday

Jakubowksi lashed out in response, telling the official: 'I'm not your slave, man.

'You can't tell me what to do as a free individual, you can't tell me what to do.'

The 32-year-old's cash bond was set at $30,000. He is charged with burglary, felony theft and possession of burglarious tools.

NBC News reports he is also banned from any contact with the owner of the gun-shop he allegedly burgled.

Authorities arrested Jakubowski on Friday after a 10-day manhunt. He was found hiding at a 'primitive camp site' he had set up on a farm in Vernon County, Wisconsin.

The 32-year-old (pictured in court on Monday) allegedly sent a 161-page anti-government memo to the White House

The FBI released these mug shots last week as it desperately attempted to track down the 32-year-old

Police took the 32-year-old into custody without firing a single shot.

A force of some 150 local, state and federal police had been searching for the suspect.

Police received a tip late Thursday that a man matching Jakubowski's description was at the farm near Readstown - 130 miles northwest of Janesville.

Authorities said Jakubowski had spoken of plans to carry out unspecified attacks, in addition to sending his 161-page long screed to the White House.

Jakubowski's car was found burning not far from the gun shop after the robbery

Police released pictures of Joseph Jakubowski's tattoos during their search to find him last week. The tattoo on the left reads 'Jigga' and the one on the right are vthe letters BOS

Sheriff Robert Spoden described the manifesto as, 'a long laundry list of injustices that he believes the government and society and the upper class have put forth onto the rest of the citizens.'

The threat prompted area schools to close last Friday prior to a scheduled spring break, and patrols were increased at local churches because Jakubowski's manifesto had included 'anti-religion sentiment'.

State governor Scott Walker also scrapped an annual Easter egg hunt scheduled for Saturday amid the manhunt.

The car registered to Jakubowski was found burning on a rural road not far from the gun shop
Allied forces knew about the Holocaust two years before Nazi death camps were discovered during the Second World War, according to a secret archive.

The documents reveal that the US, UK and Soviet governments were preparing charges as early as December 1942 after learning that millions of Jewish people had been killed with many more at risk.

The files of the United Nations War Crime Commission - which date back to 1943 - are being released to the public for the first time ever at the Wiener Library in London.

It is widely thought that Britain only learned of the true extent of the Holocaust when Allied forces captured - then liberated - Nazi concentration camps in 1945.

But the archive shows that testimonies from concentration camp prisoners were smuggled to Allied forces in December 1942 - leading to the UK's Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden making a statement to Parliament that month.

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The UN documents reveal that the US, UK and Soviet governments were preparing charges as early as December 1942. Pictured are children in Auschwitz after the camp's liberation by Allied forces army in January 1945

Bulgarian commissioner for Jewish Affairs Alexander Belev, centre wearing a brimmed hat, is pictured overseeing the deportation of Jews in Skopje, Yugoslavia in March 1943. He is one of those named in the files

Although information in the War Crimes Commission archive files has long been known to investigators and historians, the documents have not been accessible to the public

He said: 'The German authorities, not content with denying to persons of Jewish race in all the territories over which their barbarous rule extends, the most elementary human rights, are now carrying into effect Hitler's oft-repeated intention to exterminate the Jewish people.'

However, the Allied forces are said to have done little to provide sanctuary to the estimated five million Jews who were in danger.

In March 1943, Viscount Cranborne - a minister in Winston Churchill's war cabinet - said the British Empire already had too many refugees and could not make a special case for the Jews.

Some of the files have lists of personnel at concentration camps, including Auschwitz, pictured

Author Dan Plesch, who researched the documents while working on his book Human Rights After Hitler, told The Independent: 'The major powers commented two-and-a-half years before it is generally assumed.

'It was assumed they learned this when they discovered the concentration camps, but they made this public comment in December 1942.'



The secret archive reveals horrific new details about the wartime atrocity in which las many as 11 million were killed.

It includes accounts smuggled out of occupied Eastern Europe of victims forced to strip and how the terracotta gas chamber floors became 'very slippery when wet'.

In March 1943, Viscount Cranborne - a minister in Winston Churchill's war cabinet - pictured, said the British Empire already had too many refugees and could not make a special case for Jewish people

Although information in the documents has long been known to investigators and historians, the files have been inaccessible to the public.

Even researchers at the UN had to submit petitions for access through their governments.

In addition to the allegations of mass murder against Hitler and his high-level henchmen, the files list thousands of horrendous cases from across Europe and Asia.

There is Franz Angerer, a member of the Gestapo, accused of rounding up inmates in Sosnowiec, German-occupied Poland, to send to Auschwitz.

The archive includes about 500,000 digitized microfilm images with more than 10,000 case files. This image shows Bridget Sisk, chief of Archives and Records Management Section (ARMS) at the United Nations, as she views a 1947 negative file in February 2012

One of those mentioned in the files is Bulgarian commissioner for Jewish Affairs Alexander Belev, who oversaw the deportation of Jews during the Second World War.

Meanwhile Helmut Steinmetz in Warsaw, German-occupied Poland, was accused of murdering a crippled Jewish man he met on the street, as well as killing a railroad porter with a stick for refusing to carry his luggage.

And Elimar Luder Precht, who served as chief dentist at several concentration camps, was accused of selecting Auschwitz inmates for execution based on whether they had gold or platinum teeth that could be forcibly taken.

The vast collection includes about 500,000 digitized microfilm images with more than 10,000 case files in multiple languages from Europe and Asia on people identified as war criminals.

There are also meeting minutes, trial transcripts and 37,000 names listed in a central registry of war criminals and suspects. Some files have lists of personnel at concentration camps, including Auschwitz and Ravensbruck.

Author Dan Plesch, pictured, who researched the documents while working on his book Human Rights After Hitler, said: 'It was assumed they learned this when they discovered the concentration camps, but they made this public comment in December 1942'

While some case files are brief, others are more extensive collections of charging documents, witness statements, correspondence and commission reports.

The evidence was submitted by 17 member nations for evaluation to try to assure that war criminals would be arrested and tried, but the war crimes commission was shut down in 1948.

For decades, the archive was largely forgotten. In 1987, researchers and historians were granted limited access, but names of witnesses and suspects not convicted of war crimes were kept off limits.

Prosecutors and historians with the US Justice Department's Nazi-hunting unit have used the archive for investigations, as have others in an on-and-off effort to hold Holocaust perpetrators accountable.
Shocking video has emerged of a daycare worker slamming an 18-month-old face down on the ground while trying to get him to go to sleep.

Jazmine Torres, 22, was filmed on surveillance cameras at The Children's Courtyard in Plano, Texas, lifting the toddler up by his arms and planting him on his nap mat on Friday.

The boy's mother Caitlin Gilmore was watching on a live feed during her lunch break at Wells Fargo when she saw the daycare worker roughly laying him down. What she initially saw was not recorded.

When she left to collect her son, friends in her office continued watching and started filming the live stream on their iPhones.

Jazmine Torres, 22, was filmed slamming the 18-month-old down on his chest to get him to go to sleep at The Children's Courtyard in Plano, Texas, on Friday

It was then that Torres was recorded slamming him down again. She now faces a child endangerment charge from Plano Police Department.

The footage shows her carrying one child under one arm while Gilmore's 18-month-old, who has not been named, stood nearby.

The boy's mother Caitlin Gilmore was watching a live feed of the daycare on her lunch break and saw Torres roughly handling her son

She first pushed him to the ground to make room on the mats for the other toddler she was carrying.

After laying the first child down, she was then seen lifting the boy up abruptly by the arms and swinging his feet back to plant him face down.

Gilmore's friends shared the video on Facebook to alert other parents. It has been viewed more than 800,000 times since it was uploaded.

The child's mother took him to hospital afterwards where doctors checked him over. He was not hurt.

'It was horrifying for her to watch. They took him to the ER immediately after the incident and he checked out to be okay. Doctor said you'd be surprised how resilient kids are,' Amber McHenry, who posted the footage online, told DailyMail.com.

Police issued a warrant for Torres' arrest after being alerted to the footage by both the boy's mother and the daycare center.

She is expected to turn herself in on Tuesday on a count of felony child endangerment.

The child (dressed in a white romper) was standing up when Torres approached him with another child in her arms. She pushed him to the floor first to set the other toddler down on their mat

Torres then lifted the boy up by his underarms and threw him on to the blue nap mat

After tucking him under the blue blanket, Torres then sat between the child and another with her head in her hands

Authorities deemed the video 'unacceptable' but said Torres had been cooperative with investigations.

She has until the end of the day on Tuesday to hand herself in to police.

'Any parent out there, it's going to be something that's just horrific. Any human being to see a toddler treated that way is just, that's just unacceptable,' spokesman for the police department, David Tilley, said.

The Children's Playground said it supported the police investigation. It fired Torres after being made aware of the video.

'Upon being made aware of this situation, we immediately notified the authorities and partnered with the state as well as conducted our own investigation.

'Those involved are no longer employed with us,' the daycare center said in a statement.
Senator Elizabeth Warren said Tuesday morning that she isn't planning to challenge President Donald Trump for the White House in 2020.

'No,' Warren said flatly on NBC's 'Today' show.

'I am running,' she added  'in 2018, for senator from Massachusetts.' Warren faces a re-election fight next year.

Senator Elizabeth Warren said Tuesday morning that she isn't planning to challenge President Donald Trump for the White House in 2020

'No,' Warren said flatly on NBC's 'Today' show, but later grinned and stayed silent when asked if 'She persisted' would be a 2020 campaign bumper-sticker message for her

Co-host Matt Lauer pressed her, saying 'a lot of people are already printing up those bumper stickers for 2020 that say "she was warned, she was given an explanation, nevertheless she persisted".'

Warren grinned and stayed silent.

Trump said last month during a Fox News Channel interview that running in 2020 against Warren would be 'a dream come true.'

'I think she would lose so badly,' the president said then.

Now the Massachusetts liberal is promoting her 11th book, 'This Fight Is Our Fight,' but says it isn't meant to be a launch vehicle for any presidential ambitions.

Lauer's reference to Warren's accidental tag-line  'nevertheless, she persisted,' is a hat-tip to a February 7 episode that saw Warren silenced on the Senate floor.

Warren clashed with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Feb. 7 after violating a Senate rule against impugning another senator  in this case, Jeff Sessions

As a protest against the nomination of then-Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as attorney general, she read aloud a passage from a 1986 letter written by Coretta Scott King to complain about Sessions' nomination for a federal judgeship.

The King letter said that as an Alabama federal prosecutor, Sessions had used 'the awesome power of his office to chill the free exercise of the vote by black citizens.'

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell squelched her, ruling that she had violated a rule against denigrating fellow senators.

'Sen. Warren was giving a lengthy speech. She had appeared to violate the rule. She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted,' McConnell said then.

Two days later in a closed-door meeting with senators from both major parties, Trump blasted Warren as 'Pocohontas'  his favorite epithet for her.

Warren infamously inflated her Native American bona fides early in her career to gain favorable treatment in applying for university professorships.

'Pocahontas is now the face of your party,' Trump told Democratic senators in the room on February 9, CNN reported.

He then claimed that the only reason she said she had Native American origins was due to her 'high cheekbones.'
Hillary Clinton downloaded emails sent and received by her top staff from her failed run for the Presidency in 2008 to see who had been plotting against her, claims a blockbuster new book about the campaign.

The Democratic presidential candidate obtained the emails from her campaign server to see who had been disloyal and who had been leaking against her.

Armed with this she held meetings with the staffers to try to determine what went wrong during the election - with the aides apparently unaware she had been reading their messages.

The extraordinary claim puts the scandal over Clintons use of a personal email server, which dogged her presidential campaign, in a new light.

It also shows how little she trusted even those closest to her not to conspire against her behind her back.

In Shattered: Inside Hillary Clintons Doomed Election Campaign, political journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes claim that Clinton learned about the power of digital snooping when she decided to do it herself after losing the Democratic ticket to Barack Obama in 2008.

New book Shattered: Inside Hillary Clinton's Doomed Campaign claims the scandal over Hillary's private server wasn't the only time she crossed the line

Hillary's top staff in her 2008 campaign included chief strategists Patti Solis Doyle and political director Guy Cecil. Shattered does not name whose emails Clinton asked for

She instructed a trusted aide to access (her) campaign server and download the messages sent and received by top staffers,' according to the authors.

The book explains that she was conducting an autopsy and wanted an honest accounting of what went on during the campaign.

She believed her campaign had failed her - not the other way around - and she wanted to see who was talking to who, who was leaking to who, a source familiar with the operation told Allen and Parnes.

During the post-election meetings with her staff in Washington disloyalty and dysfunction were rarely far from Clintons mind.

According to Shattered: The men and women she met with, apparently unaware she has access to their emails, were amazed that a woman who had been traveling the country in pursuit of the presidency had such a detailed grasp of the machinations at the campaigns command center in the Washington suburbs.

Shattered does not offer any examples of the emails that Clinton obtained.

Nor does it make clear if Hillary sorted personal emails her staff sent through their campaign email from professional ones.

Neera Tanden served as Hillary's the policy director in the 2008 campaign. Shattered does not reveal if Hillary obtained her emails from the campaign server.

During the scandal over her own email server in 2016 Clinton claimed that she did not hand over all her emails from Secretary of State because some were personal in nature.

Among those who worked on Clintons campaign in 2008 was Guy Cecil, her political director, Mark Penn, her chief strategist, Neera Tanden, the policy director, and chief strategist Patti Solis Doyle

One anonymous aide is quoted in Shattered as saying that they were surprised that Clinton had a remarkably accurate idea of what was going on among her staff and that she had a mosaic of information.

The email scandal - stemming from Clintons decision to install the private email server at her home in Chappaqua when she became Secretary of State instead of using her official account - dogged her campaign and led to an FBI investigation into whether she breached rules regarding the handling of classified information.

The book reveals that privately Obama was exasperated by the email scandal and thought that it amounted to 'political malpractice'.

Publicly he supported Clinton but privately he 'couldn't understand what possessed Hillary to set up the private email server'. Obama felt that Hillary's tactics were to 'obfuscate, deny and evade' were exactly the things which sank her in 2008 when she ran against him for the Presidency.

Obama 'said nothing of this to Hillary' but in the privacy of the West Wing he 'scratched his head or rolled his eyes'.

Mark Penn served as Hillary's chief strategist in her 2008 presidential bid. The book Shattered does not reveal which staffers were subject to her email search

President Clinton his then political pollster Mark Penn prior to the second presidential debate between the President and Senator Bob Dole in 1996

Last July FBI director James Comey initially said that she had not done so but branded her extremely careless.

Then a week before the election Comey revealed he was reopening the investigation, based on emails the FBI had obtained from the computer of Anthony Weiner in his own scandal - one revealed exclusively by DailyMail.com over his sexting with a then 15-year-old high school girl. The announcement caused Clintons poll numbers to drop and, she would later tell friends, cost her the election.

The investigation was later closed again.

A separate investigation by the State Department found that Clinton broke the rules by using her private email server instead of her official work account.

She was also investigated by the House Select Committee on Benghazi and the scandal was the subject of eight reporters by seven Congressional committees.

The drip drop of stories about the email server caused Clinton immense damage but Shattered argues that in the beginning she failed to realize how serious it was.

The book says that overall she was a terrible judge of how her actions could backfire and turn into full blown scandals.

The response of Clinton and her team reflected an epic underestimation of an existential threat posed to her campaign because many people thought of her as a liar.

The biggest damage was done by Comey after the FBI investigation in which agents read through all 30,000 emails that she had turned over to the Department of State.

They found 110 emails contained classified information at the time they were sent or received, however they were not labelled as such at the time, meaning that Clinton could claim she was not aware they needed to be handled with care.

Obama was exasperated by the email scandal and thought that it amounted to 'political malpractice'

In his statement in July last year Comey said it was especially concerning that seven email chains contained the highest level of classification because they were sent on such an unsecure email system.

Comey said that the investigation concluded that it was possible that hostile actors gained access to her email system, though he could not be sure.

Ultimately, Comey's announcement that the FBI was reopening the inesgation into Hillary's emails would be one of the factors leading to her defeat.Hillary's defeat.

The book describes how, on election night President Obama phoned Hillary to offer consolationt after she conceding to Donald Trump and she told him: Im sorry.

The Democratic presidential candidate stepped into an anteroom for the conversation to apologize for losing to Trump in a conversation which has never previously been reported.

As she took the call Clinton knew she had let her country down and that Obamas legacy lay shattered at Donald Trumps feet, a new book reveals.

Minutes earlier Clinton had called Trump and suppressed the anger that touched every nerve in her body as she conceded.

She said: Congratulations, Donald. Ill be supportive of the countrys success and that means your success as president.

The drama of Clintons election in the Peninsula Hotel in Manhattan is detailed in Shattered: Inside Hillary Clintons Doomed Election Campaign.

Political journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes tell the hour by hour drama of how Clintons confidence at her victory was replaced by anxiety and resignation as Trump won the biggest upset in modern political history on November 9 last year.

The book says that as the results rolled in for states like Pennsylvania, the clear tipping point for the race for the White House, Obama called Clinton and said: You need to concede

According to the book, Obama was determined to make sure that his friend understood that the election was over and that she had to accept the loss with dignity to counter Trumps attempts to undermine the electoral system.

Obama said that he didnt see any point in prolonging the inevitable and didnt want to turn the election into a recount mess - then having delivered his message he hung up.

The call worked and Clintons close aide Huma Abedin called Trumps campaign manager Kellyanne Conway.

The two candidates were brought to the line and Clinton conceded.

The authors write that Trump credited her for being a smart opponent who ran a tough campaign. The conversation lasted about a minute.

Next came a second, previously undisclosed call from Obama which crystallized everything for Hillary.

The book says: Hillary winces. She wasnt ready for this conversation. When shed spoken with Obama just a little bit earlier the outcome of the election wasnt final yet.

Now, though, with the President placing a consolation call, the reality and dimensions of her defeat hit her all at once.

She had let him down. She had let herself down. She had let her party down. And she had let her country down.

Obamas legacy and her dreams of the Presidency lay shattered at Donald Trumps feet. This was on her. Reluctantly she rose from her seat and took the phone.

Mr President, she said softly. Im sorry.

As she drafted her acceptance speech Clinton defied her aides who asked her to criticize Trump and said that she wanted a gracious exit.

Had Clinton won, her victory speech would have been a testament to her beloved mother Dorothy Rodham, the book reveals.

Beneath the glass ceiling of the Javits Center in Manhattan she would have imagined going up to her mother when she was eight years old and telling her: As hard as it might be to imagine, your daughter will one day grow up and become President of the United States.

Shattered also offers a blunt assessment of why Clinton lost and says that some of her team thought that Clinton Inc, referring to the baggage and machinery of the Clinton family, was an albatross around the campaign.

In early 2016 one of her advisers had given her a clear warning that Trump could beat her, a warning which seemed to go ignored.

At the time Clinton was beating Trump 46 points to 41 though neither candidate had secured their partys nomination.

On election night as it became apparent his wife would lose Florida, Clinton had a sinking feeling that the British vote to leave the European Union had been a harbinger for a kind of screw-it vote in the United States

According to Shattered, the memo said: FACT: Donald Trump can defeat Hillary Clinton and become the 45th President of the United States.

The memo warned that Clinton should not underestimate his capacity to draw people to the polls who normally do not vote because it could tip the scales in key states.

Clinton however did not seem to get it and once told her close aide Minyon Moore: I dont understand whats happening with the country. I cant get my arms around it.

Bill too had sensed that his wife and her campaign team were not grasping the danger that Trump posed.

The authors contend that Bill felt that Brexit showed there was a strong contempt for existing power structures that reflected the mood of the American electorate.

The book says that Clinton felt his wifes team were underestimating the significance of Brexit.

Clinton had come to power in 1992 by tapping into similar frustrations and he knew what it was like to be an insurgent candidate.

The book says: Bill had a better feel for the working stiff, whether American or British, than anyone in Hillarys orbit.

He knew that and he felt like he was being heard. But he couldnt figure out why Hillary and her team werent executing.

On election night as it became apparent his wife would lose Florida, Clinton had a sinking feeling that the British vote to leave the European Union had been a harbinger for a kind of screw-it vote in the United States.

He said: Its like Brexit. I guess its real.

Hillary was 'so mad she couldn't think straight' after being humiliated in the Michigan Democratic primary.

Shattered: Inside Hillary Clinton's Doomed Campaign is available for pre-order on Amazon.
Riana Lane, 23, turned herself in on Sunday and was arrested for allegedly having sex with a 17-year-old high school student who kept stolen goods inside her car

A special education teacher was arrested for allegedly having sex with a 17-year-old student who kept stolen goods inside her car.

Riana Lane, 23, turned herself in to officials on Sunday where they arrested the high school teacher for allegedly having sex and oral sex with a minor student, the Benicia Police Department said on Monday.

Lane, who is a special education and English teacher at Benicia High School in California, was previously arrested when police found marijuana edibles and stolen property in her vehicle on school grounds on April 7.

Police were originally tracking down the 17-year-old student who kept disappearing during school hours.

They found him going to Lane's car and the found stolen property he had stashed there and marijuana edibles which police said belonged to Lane, leading to both of their arrests.

Detectives later learned that the teacher was allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with the student from the earlier incident, according to police.

Lane is a special education and English teacher at Benicia High School in California. She was previously arrested in April when police found marijuana edibles and stolen property in her car

The unidentified minor took responsibility for the stolen goods, which were reported stolen from vehicle thefts on March 23 and March 28, reported The Times-Herald.

The male student told police he had taken the stolen property and kept it inside Lane's car, reported ABC 7.

He was arrested for petty theft and then released to a parent.

Lane, in the earlier incident, was arrested and released with a citation for misdemeanor possession of stolen property and possession of marijuana on a school campus, reported SF Gate.

Police said there was a 'small amount' of the edible marijuana in Lane's car and it is illegal to have any marijuana on school grounds.

Lane's bail is currently set at $10,000 and has been charged with one felony count of oral copulation with a minor and one felony count of statutory rape.
Teenage parents who who were accused of smuggling their three-day-old baby from a Sydney hospital have been reunited with their daughter Aria.

Aria was returned to Jayden Lavender, 14, and his 15-year-old fiancee, Jenifer Morrison, on Tuesday after five days apart.

Jayden told 7News the young couple burst into tears when their family was briefly reunited and it gave them hope she would be returned to them permanently.

Jayden Lavender, 14, and his 15-year-old fiancee, Jenifer Morrison, have been reunited with their newborn daughter Aria on Tuesday after five days apart

Teenage parents, Jayden and Jenifer (pictured) fled Sydney's Nepean Hospital with their three-day-old daughter (right) on Thursday amid fears social services would take her

'Definitely brought a smile to my face, I havent been able to smile properly in a couple days and that's definitely brought a smile to my face and I know it's definitely brought a smile to her face and she started crying as soon as we literally saw her she started breaking down,' the 14-year-old said as he hung his arm around his fiancee.

Jayden and Jenifer Morrison drew national attention on Thursday when they hid Aria under a blanket and left Nepean Hospital under the cover of darkness.

The trio camped in a tent they bought at Kmart overnight but returned to the hospital after 12 hours.

The teen cried as they faced the media the day after taking their daughter over fears social services would take her. No charges will be laid over the incident, police said.

Jayden and Jenifer claimed social workers had previously told them they were 'too young to decide' what happens to the child.

After returning Aria to the hospital, the couple (pictured) claimed she had been taken again and they had no idea where she was

Close friends of Jayden and Jenifer have urged people to give the pair a chance at parenthood

In the days following, the couple claimed Aria had been taken from the hospital again and they had no idea where she was.

Aria was discharged in good health on Friday afternoon, a hospital spokesman said.

He would not elaborate on where the baby had been taken to.

Close friends of Jayden and Jenifer have urged people to give the pair a chance.

Cheyanne Eastment-Cameron, 16, and her boyfriend Brendan Nelson - who is best friends with Jayden - have since defended the young lovers.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Cheyanne - who is pregnant with her second child after having her first aged 14 - claimed the pair were 'good with kids' and deserved a shot at parenthood.

Jayden cradles his newborn daughter Aria as his mother Tracy Lavender stands behind him

The teenagers (Jayden is pictured with baby Aria) were reportedly told they are 'too young to decide' what happens to the child

'They should be allowed to have the baby. They are good with kids and every teen parent should be given a chance,' she told the publication.

Her boyfriend, Brendan, said Jenny and Jayden were more than capable of raising a child and had helped them raise their own baby.

'I reckon teen parents should be given a chance to prove they can do it. They should get a trial so they prove they can do it,' Brendan, who only turned 18 last week, said.

'The amount of times Jayden used to come over, even Jenny, they would volunteer to help with Brenda... they can do it.'

Cheyanne Eastment-Cameron, 16, and her boyfriend Brendan Nelson (pictured together with one-year-old daughter Brenda) claim their close friends deserve a chance to raise their baby

Brendan (pictured with young daughter) is best friends with Jayden and believes the teenage father deserves the 'chance to prove' he can raise his daughter

Cheyanne Eastment-Cameron, who is pregnant with her second child, also says her close friends Jenifer and Jayden deserve a shot at raising their daughter

Jayden said he has also been receiving threats of physical abuse from strangers after they took Aria from the hospital.

'I appreciate what people are doing for us, but there are those people who are saying if they see me on the streets they say they are going to bash me,' he said.

This comes as Ms Lavender - Aria's paternal grandmother - said the family have become 'terrified' after an arson attack on their home about 12am on Friday.

'You can see the burning from the firebombing... someone did it while we were sleeping,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

A trail of burnt grass through the front yard leads to a heavily scorched and boarded-up front door.

'There were flames coming underneath the door, it was a petrol fire and I'm putting it out with water,' Jayden said.
A lawsuit alleges two former prosecutors conspired with a Chicago police sergeant and others to fabricate evidence that led to a wrongful murder conviction.

The federal lawsuit filed Monday seeks $60 million in damages for Armando Serrano, claiming that former detective Reynaldo Guevara and then-assistant state's attorneys Matthew Coghlan and John Dillon collaborated to pressure a key witness into pinning the 1993 murder of Rodrigo Vargas on Serrano.

He and co-defendant Jose Montanez were released from incarceration in July 2016, after more than two decades in prison, when prosecutors dropped the charges, according to ABC News.

Armando Serrano (second from L) filed a lawsuit Monday seeking $60 million in damages, alleging that a detective and state's attorneys collaborated to pressure a key witness

Serrano was wrongfully convicted of Vargas' murder in Cook County, Illinois, in 1993 and spent 23 years behind bars.

Francisco Vicente was a key witness in the murder trial. He faced four felony charges at the time that he allegedly told Guevara that Serrano and Montanez had confessed to him that they fatally shot Vargas in his vehicle in 1993.

Vicente recanted his account of the admissions in 2004 after several interviews with students from the Medill Innocent Project, according to the Chicago Tribune. He said that Guevara had fed him the story.

Detective Reynaldo Guevara (L) has come under fire over allegations he bullied witnesses and framed innocent people in dozens of cases; Jose Montanez (R) was Serrano's co-defendant and was also released for wrongful conviction in the Rodrigo Vargas murder trial

Demonstrators hold a sign showing what are supposedly the faces of men Guevara helped to wrongfully convict in photo from a July 2016 ABC News report on Serrano's release

Guevara has come under fire over allegations he bullied witnesses and framed innocent people in dozens of cases.

On Friday, a Cook County judge dismissed another case involved Guevara, against Roberto Almodovar and William Negron. The two men were convicted of a double homicide in 1995 on the strength of witness testimony obtained in part by Guevara. Almodovar was granted his freedom again on Friday, but Negron remained incarcerated for a separate murder conviction, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.

Guevara has also already been held civilly liable for a wrongful conviction.

Serrano is seen here waving to reporters after his release in July 2016

Russell Ainsworth (L), attorney for Jose Montanez (R), looked on as Montanez embraced family following his release in July 2016

In 2009, Juan Johnson won a $21 million verdict against him in 2009 when he successfully argued that Guevara framed him for a 1989 murder.

One of the issues to be litigated in Serrano's suit will likely be whether Coghlan and Dillon can invoke prosecutorial immunity from civil liability for his wrongful conviction.

Jennifer Bonjean, attorney for Serrano, has argued the immunity does not apply in this case because the two former assistant state's attorneys were 'intimately involved' in Vicente's development as a witness, even before Serrano's arrest.

Coghlan, now a circuit court judge in Cook County's criminal division, couldn't be reached for comment.

It should be noted that judges are prohibited from commenting publicly about pending court proceedings, a spokesperson for Chief Judge Timothy Evans' office said, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Dillon, now a privately practicing attorney, declined to comment.

'I'm hurt because the people that did this to me where supposed to administer justice,' Serrano said to ABC upon his release.

Serrano (C) is seen here with an unidentified woman (L) and attorney Jennifer Bonjean (R) after his release in July 2016

Guevara has invoked his right against self-incrimination when questioned about the accusations.

'It's not OK to commit the kind of misconduct that he did, framing innocent men and then pleading the fifth,' Russell Ainsworth, attorney for Montanez, told ABC in July 2016.

Ainsworth did not immediately return a message regarding whether Montanez would be filing a similar lawsuit.
Dr. Jumana Nagarwala, 44, of Northville was arrested Thursday, days after two 7-year-old girls identified her as the person who performed female genital mutilation on them in February

A Detroit-area doctor charged with performing genital mutilation on two 7-year-old girls is denying the allegations, saying it was a religious practice for families in a Muslim sect that did not involve cutting.

A lawyer for Dr Jumana Nagarwala, 44, told a judge Monday that the doctor agrees that genital mutilation is inappropriate.

Attorney Shannon Smith says Nagarwala scraped off mucous membranes from the genitals of two Minnesota girls in February and then handed the gauze containing the skin to the family for burial.

Smith says Nagarwala, an emergency room doctor at Henry Ford Health System, is a member of the Dawoodi Bohra community, a Gujarati-speaking Muslim sect concentrated mostly in India. The group has a mosque in suburban Detroit.

Despite Nagarwala's protestations of innocence, Magistrate Judge Mona Majzoub ordered the doctor held in jail without bond at the conclusion of the 90-minute hearing, saying she's a danger to the public and a flight risk.

Nagrawala, who appeared in court in an orange jail jumpsuit and a hijab, remained impassive throughout the proceedings.

Federal prosecutors say the Detroit case marks the first time someone has been charged with violating a US ban on female genital mutilation.

Nagarwala, of Northville, Michigan, was arrested last Thursday while attempting to board a flight to Nairobi, Kenya, to visit her daughter, days after the two seven-year-olds identified her as the person who performed medical procedures on them at a private Livonia clinic after hours in February.

The FBI says the girls were accompanied to the clinic by their mothers.

Nagarwala is also charged with transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and making a false statement to a federal officer.

Last week, authorities in Minnesota filed child protection petitions for the two 7-year-old girls, one of whom was removed from her family's suburban Minneapolis home and placed in a shelter on a 72-hour health and welfare hold. Her 11-year-old brother remains in the home.

Her father told a child protection investigator that 'if they knew what would come of it, this would never have happened,' the petition stated.

During Monday's court hearing, prosecutors said they have identified three more victims on whom Nagrawala was alleged to have performed FGM in Michigan dating back to at least 2005, though she has not been charged in connection to those procedures.

Assistant US Attorney Sarah Woodward told the court Nagrawala performed the procedures in secret after the Livonia clinic was closed for the day and did not bill for any of them.

According to the owner of the Livonia medical office, Nagrawala was not part of the practice and only used the site after hours on Fridays and Saturdays, up to six times a year.

The doctors attorney argued that her client never performed female genital mutilations, but rather removed a mucous membrane from the Minnesota girls' genitals using a 'scraper.'

Judge Majzoub challenged the defense by pointing out that doctors who examined the victims found that parts of their genitals appeared to have been altered or removed.

Smith responded by saying her client, Dr Nagrawala, disagreed with those conclusions and insisted that she was not responsible for any abnormalities in the girls' genitals, suggesting that the children may have caused the injuries by scratching, reported the Detroit Free Press.

The judge also asked why the doctor handed the girls pads, presumably to absorb bleeding, as alleged by the prosecution, to which Smith replied that the feminine hygiene products were given to soak up iodine that was used during the procedure, not blood.

In the wake of her arrest, Dr Nagrawala has been suspended from her job at Henry Ford Health System.

Female genital mutilation of minors is illegal in the US unless there's a legitimate health reason.

Acting US Attorney Daniel Lemisch said in a statement: 'Female genital mutilation constitutes a particularly brutal form of violence against women and girls. It is also a serious federal felony in the United States. The practice has no place in modern society and those who perform FGM on minors will be held accountable under federal law'.

'According to the complaint, despite her oath to care for her patients, Dr. Nagarwala is alleged to have performed horrifying acts of brutality on the most vulnerable victims,' acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department's Criminal Division added.

What is FGM? Female genital mutilation is the practice in which some or all of the female genitals are removed, typically with a blade or a razor and sometimes without anesthesia. This includes removing the clitoral and the fold of skin above it, and removing labia  the inner 'lips' of the vagina. In the most severe form, the inner and outer labia are removed and the opening of the vagina is closed with a small hole so the woman can pass urine and menstrual blood. Sometimes the vagina is then cut open for sex or childbirth. Women sometimes bleed to death or can be left with horrifying health effects, such as infections, chronic pain, cysts, infertility and problems giving birth. Female genital mutilation is prevalent, particularly, in the Middle East and African subcontinent and within pockets of the Muslim, Christian, and Jewish faiths, according to the organization. Worldwide, an estimated 140 million women and girls have undergone the procedure, according to the World Health Organization. More than 3 million girls in Africa undergo the procedure each year. Advertisement

'The Department of Justice is committed to stopping female genital mutilation in this country, and will use the full power of the law to ensure that no girls suffer such physical and emotional abuse.'

According to Detroit News, Henry Ford Hospital has issued the following statement: 'The alleged criminal activity did not occur at any Henry Ford facility,' health system spokesman David Olejarz said Thursday. 'We would never support or condone anything related to this practice.'

In a court filing, the FBI says Nagarwala denied performing genital mutilation.

The FBI also says the doctor is a member of a 'cultural community' that believes in the practice.

Nagarwala is a US citizen who was born in Washington DC and currently resides in Northville, Michigan, with her husband, Moiz Yusuf Nagarwala, 48, who works at Visteon Corporation, an 'automotive electronics supplier'.

A child forensic interviewer talked to one of the alleged victims of FGM from Minnesota, who said she was brought to Detroit with a second girl for a 'special girls' trip,'according to the FBI.

The girls said they were told to keep the trip a secret.

The FBI had launched an investigation after receiving a tip that Nagarwala performed female genital mutilation on two seven-year-old girls at a Livonia medical clinic, according to the criminal complaint.

But according to the complaint, Nagarwala does not work at the clinic and there are no billing records indicating that she has performed medical procedures there.

In February, FBI agents obtained a court order to review the doctor's phone. The records showed several calls between Nagarwala's phone and a Minnesota phone number, according to the FBI.

And hotel records showed that two families, each with a young girl, stayed at the hotel on February 3.

Seven days later, the FBI child forensic interviewer talked to the 7-year-old who told him about the 'special girls' trip.'

After arriving in Farmington Hills, the girls were taken to a doctor because 'their tummies hurt.'

'While at the doctor's office, a procedure 'to get the germs out,' was performed on the first girl, according to the criminal complaint.

A traditional razor blade used to perform female genital mutilation in parts of Africa

The girl was shown a photo of Nagarwala and said she was the doctor who performed the procedure, according to the FBI.

She told the FBI that Nagarwala 'pinched' her on the "place [where] she goes pee."'

'(The girl) said that she was told not to talk about the procedure,' FBI Special Agent Kevin Swanson wrote in the complaint.

A subsequent medical examination showed that the young girls' genitals did not appear normal and a section had been altered or removed.

'Finally, the doctor observed some scar tissue and small healing lacerations,' the agent wrote.

The complaint details the second girl's experience with the doctor and she said she underwent a procedure and identified Nagarwala as the doctor.

'She said that she "got a shot," and that it hurt really badly and she screamed,' the FBI agent wrote. 'Her parents told her that the procedure is a secret and that she is not supposed to talk about it.

'[The girl] said that after the procedure, she could barely walk, and that she felt pain all the way down to her ankle,' the agent continued.

A subsequent medical exam showed the girl's genitalia had a small incision and a small tear.

On Monday, Minnesota Child Protective Services personnel and a federal agent interviewed the second girl's parents.

They confirmed the trip to Detroit, saying they took the girl to see Nagarwala for a 'cleansing' of extra skin, according to the court filing.

Agents have identified other children who may have been victimized by the doctor between 2005 and 2007, including children in Michigan, according to the FBI agent.

A US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report in 2012 found that roughly 513,000 women and girls in the US were at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation, which was more than three times higher than an earlier estimate based on 1990 data.
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Roger Ailes, the former chairman and CEO of Fox News, looks desperate to sell off his New Jersey home. Just weeks after he placed the house on the market, he brought down the asking price by $255,000.

Ailes first purchased the 4-bedroom, 6-bathroom, 3,502 sq. ft. property in Cresskill, New Jersey for $1.85 million in 2000. On March 9, he listed it for $2.25 million.

The ex-CEO's rush to pass on his home may have something to do with the slew of summonses he has been receiving at the address, notifying him that he is being sued by former Fox News contributor Julie Roginsky for sexual harassment.

Since April 5, process servers have attempted to serve him the legal documents six times, according to papers filed in Roginskys lawsuit.

Just weeks after Roger Ailes placed his New Jersey home on the market, he has slashed $255,000 from the asking price

Ailes first purchased the 4-bedroom, 6-bathroom, 3,502 sq. ft. property in Cresskill, New Jersey in 2000 for $1.85 million. On March 9, he listed it for $2.25 million

The property has an expansive backyard, an elegant foyer, a state-of-the-art kitchen and a glass-enclosed sunroom

The real estate listing for the home emphasizes seclusion, stating: 'Magnificent landscaping allows for privacy and discretion with an abundance of plantings, with many varieties of shrubs and flowers'

And Ailes, who is married to Elizabeth Tilson (pictured), has certainly been looking for privacy over the past few months. In early April, former Fox News contributor Julie Roginsky sued the former CEO for sexual harassment

Roginsky is accusing her former boss of retaliating against her professionally after she rejected his sexual advances. Her lawsuit states that Ailes would 'frequently steer' their conversations to her personal and romantic life and 'remarked that he was loyal but that loyalty was a two-way street.'

The court filing claims that Ailes would insist Roginsky, 43, kiss him when she entered the room for one-on-one meetings while he sat in his armchair, forcing her to bend down.

Ailes also made sexist comments about her co-hosts on the talk show 'The Five,' according to the complaint, and allegedly said Kimberly Guilfoyle would 'get on her knees for anyone.'

'These comments and their delivery made it clear that Ailes wanted a sexual relationship with Roginsky,' the lawsuit states.

And conveniently, amid the legal turmoil, the real estate listing for Ailes's Ranch-style New Jersey home emphasizes the seclusion of the house.

'Magnificent landscaping allows for privacy and discretion with an abundance of plantings, with many varieties of shrubs and flowers,' it states, adding details about the swimming pool and other amenities.

The property also has an expansive backyard, an elegant foyer, a state-of-the-art kitchen and a glass-enclosed sunroom.

If the home is sold at the reduced price of $1,995,000, Ailes would still profit roughly $145,000 based on the amount he originally paid.

Roginsky is accusing her former boss of retaliating against her professionally after she rejected his sexual advances

Though Ailes is downsizing in New Jersey, he's making quite the opposite move in Florida. Last September he purchased an ocean-front mansion in Palm Beach, Florida for $36 million through a trust with City National Bank of Florida

Neither Ailes nor his wife Elizabeth's figures are in official records for the purchase of the Palm Beach home, which features six bedrooms, ten bathrooms, a multi-tiered pool and stunning furnishings

The house was completed in late 2015 and boasts an interior designed by the Florida-based Marc-Michaels Interior Design

Though Ailes is downsizing in New Jersey, he's making quite the opposite move in Florida.

After feeling the pressure from other high-profile, on-air women at Fox who sued him for sexual harassment - including Gretchen Carlson and Andrea Tantaros - Ailes formally resigned last July. He received a $40 million payout from the cable company.

Mere months later in September, he purchased an ocean-front mansion in Palm Beach for $36 million through a trust with City National Bank of Florida.

Neither Ailes nor his wife Elizabeth Tilson's figures are in official records for the purchase of the Palm Beach home, which features six bedrooms, ten bathrooms, a multi-tiered pool and stunning furnishings.

The house was completed in late 2015 and boasts an interior designed by the Florida-based Marc-Michaels Interior Design.

The purchase could have been a way for Ailes to shield part of his personal fortune from current and future sexual harassment lawsuits. In Florida, courts cannot force the sale of someone's home to pay off judgments, and troubled tycoons have routinely used the state's law to invest in real estate.

On September 6, Fox announced it had settled the Carlson legal action for $20 million, along with the cases of a 'handful' of other Fox employees who requested anonymity.

More than 20 women reportedly spoke with lawyers about inappropriate behavior by Ailes, and an unknown number retained legal counsel.
One woman has been hailed as 'the voice of the nation' after a video of her exasperated reaction to finding out there would be a general election went viral.

Theresa May shocked the UK today when she announced voters will go to the polls yet again, this time on June 8, despite denying she planned to hold an early vote.

But weary voters were quick to criticise the move, with one woman protesting that 'there's too much politics' and the electorate should be given a break.

The clip of 'Brenda from Bristol' voicing her despair has proved a hit on social media, with her name soon trending above 'Mrs May' and 'Nicola Sturgeon'.

Social media users were quick to praise Brenda online, with many expressing how her weary reaction to the news summed up the national mood.

Many Twitter users expressed how they were left feeling weary and apathetic to news of a big political vote

Theresa May shocked the nation today when she announced voters will go to the polls on June 8, despite repeatedly denying she planned to hold an early vote

The comments come after a tumultuous few years in British politics, with voters repeatedly called to the polling booth on big issues.

Among them was the momentous referendum on the European Union and Scottish independence, London's mayoral vote and the previous General Election in 2015.

Speaking soon after news of the election broke, Brenda aired her frustration to the BBC's Jon Kay in a video which was posted on Twitter.

Asked how she felt in response to the breaking news, she said: 'You're joking  not another one. Oh for God's sake, honestly I can't stand this.

'There's too much politics going on at the moment, why does she need to do it?'

Speaking in Bristol, Brenda added: I think the whole country has had enough of politics, politicians telling us this, that and the other, and to have us in June for a General Election, no, definitely not.

Social media users shared Brenda's exasperation about yet another important public vote, a year on from 2016's EU referendum

BBC presenter Jon Kay praised the honest reaction of Brenda in a tweet, sharing this picture of the pair shortly after they met

Labour former minister John Spellar told MailOnline the public would be deeply sceptical about the snap election.

The vox pops have been clearly indicating voters have had enough of elections, he said.

They have had the general election, local council elections last year. Then there we had a referendum.

Many of them just say, why? There is a government with a majority with three years left to run.

People will sort of wonder, does Theresa May know something we dont?

The looming General Election is the latest development in one of the most dramatic periods of modern British political history.

Voter Brenda airs her frustration at news of the early general election, complaining that there is too much politics at the moment

Twitter has found a new hero after a video of a woman's exasperated reaction to finding out there would be a general election went viral

In September 2014, Scottish voters were asked to decide on the future of the United Kingdom in an independence referendum.

Just eight months later, electors across the EU went to the polls for the General Election, which gave the Conservative Party a narrow majority in the House of Commons.

Do you know Brenda? Fed-up voter Brenda has vented her frustration at Theresa May's plans for an early general election. She says there is 'too much politics' going on in Britain and electors want a break. Do you know Brenda? if so, get in touch with the Mail Online's newsdesk on 0203 615 3767. Advertisement

But voters did not get much of a break as then Prime Minister David Cameron announced he would hold an historic referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union.

Voters turned out again to cast their ballots in the EU referendum after a long and bruising campaign which resulted in Mr Cameron's resignation.

While Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, has called for a second Scottish independence referendum in the wake of the Brexit vote.

The election is an astonishing U-turn from the Prime Minister who has repeatedly said she would not call another ballot before 2020 - insisting it would cause instability and hurt the country.

The most recent polls suggest Mrs May could get a huge Commons majority of 140. She leads Jeremy Corbyn by more than 30 per cent when voters are asked who would make the best PM.

Voters in Britain have endured a tumultuous few years in politics, voting in the general election, Scottish independence referendum and the EU referendum

Brenda said she cannot stand the prospect of another election

A survey carried out by ICM for the Guardian after the news was delivered this morning found 55 per cent of the public back her call for an early ballot. Just 15 per cent opposed it.

The PM discussed her plans for an early election with Queen by telephone yesterday. Her Majesty is expected to dissolve Parliament ahead of the poll on May 3.

MPs will hold a 90-minute debate tomorrow before voting on whether to scrap the timetable in the Fixed Term Parliaments Act - which would have meant no election until 2020.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said he will vote for an early election even though the polls suggest his party will be routed - making the vote a formality.

It means Britain will go to the polls in just seven weeks, little more than two years after the last election in May 2015.

Mrs May said: 'Our opponents believe that because the government's majority is extremely small that they can weaken our resolve and persuade us to change course.

Nicola Sturgeon (pictured in Edinburgh today) hit out at the PM's announcement that she will call a shock early general election, describing it as one of the most extraordinary U-turns in recent political history

Mrs May's election call was made in the knowledge a series of polls have shown the Conservatives with historic leads in a series of opinion polls. The most recent YouGov at the weekend showed a 21-point lead

'I am not prepared to let them endanger the security of millions of working people across the country.'

Let us tomorrow vote for an election... and let the people decide.'

The premier added: 'If we do not hold a general election now, their political game playing will continue as the negotiations with the European Union will reach their most pivotal stage in the run up to the next general election.

'Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit, and it will cause damaging uncertainty and instability to the country.

'So we need a general election and we need one now. The decision facing the country will be all about leadership.'

She said: 'We need a general election and we need one now, because we have at this moment a one-off chance to get this done while the European Union agrees its negotiating position and before the detailed talks begin.'

Mrs May addressed the nation via a huge pack of reporters who scrambled to Downing Street after the surprise speech was announced at around 10am

Asked in an interview with ITV News later if there was a 'moment' when she changed her mind, Mrs May said: 'As we were going through the Article 50 process the opposition attempts to jeopardise or frustrate the process in future became clearer.

'Before Easter I spent a few days walking in Wales with my husband and thought about this long and hard.

'I came to the decision that to provide that stability and certainty for the future this was the way to do it, to have an election. I trust the British people.'
Princess Diana's former bodyguard has spoken out to praise Prince Harry as a 'new Diana' after his courageous decision to speak openly about mental illness.

Ken Wharfe said Harry's brave move to talk so freely about his own personal demons has put a 'spotlight' on a subject that few are willing talking about.

'It is a courageous thing to do and he is really continuing his mother's legacy by championing a cause that few others would tackle. I am sure she would be so proud' the former close protection officer said.

'Diana did this with AIDS in the late 1980s and also with her landmine campaign. They were problems people were not comfortable talking about, but by her involvement she brought them out into the open.

'Prince Harry has done this with his talk on mental health issues. He really is just like his mother.'

Ken Wharfe, pictured above in the blue jumper with Princess Diana, Harry and William in 1992, said Harry's brave move to talk so freely about his own personal demons shows how he carrying on her legacy

Thats my boy: Harry is cuddled in his mother Princess Dianas loving arms just short of his third birthday. He spoke this week of his torment at missing his mother after her death in August 1997

Fun with mum: Prince Harry with Diana enjoying the rides at Thorpe Park in 1993

'He has picked a subject and because it is getting so much publicity will do so much good. By being so open and emotional it shows how much Harry is like his mother. He is willing to take on things that others wouldn't. That was what Diana was like.'

In a rare glimpse into the mind of a young royal Prince Harry revealed that by bottling up his emotions of the death of his mother he came close to a mental collapse.

The 32-year-old revealed he had undergone therapy as he tried to come to terms with his emotional loss at the age of 12 when his mother died in a Paris car crash. The Prince said he later had two years of 'total chaos', often felt 'on the verge of punching someone' and had finally sought counseling for his demons.

His intervention earned praise from mental health charities, MPs and campaigners. This August marks the 20th anniversary of Diana's death and both Harry and William will be involved in commemorating the tragedy.

Princess of hearts: Diana, Princess of Wales is seen cuddling a child during a visit to a hostel for abandoned children many of whom are HIV positive or suffer from AIDS on April 24, 1991 in Sao Paolo, Brazil

Like mother, like son: In an evocative image Prince Harry is seen cuddling orphan Mutsu Potsane, six, in the grounds of Mants'ase children's home, 24 April 2006, while on a return visit to Lesotho in Southern Africa

Earl Spencer, Prince William, Prince Harry and Prince Charles look at the coffin of Diana, Princess of Wales, during her funeral in London in September 1997

This image of him walking behind his mothers coffin between his father Prince Charles and his uncle Earl Spencer, with William and their grandfather Prince Philip, was the most poignant moment of Dianas funeral

Millions in Britain will also remember the fateful day Diana died after the Mercedes car she was being driven in slammed into a concrete support in a Paris underpass.

Although Ken Wharfe had resigned as Diana's close protection officer by the time of her death in 1997 he was asked to oversee internal security for her funeral attended by 400 heads of state and watched by a global audience in the billions.

As a close friend and confidant to the Princess the former bodyguard had a unique insight into the close bond between Harry and his mother.

'Harry was absolutely devoted to his mother as was William. They had a very close bond and she was so affectionate to the boys', he said.

Torment: Prince Harry spoke movingly of how he shut down his emotions in the years following his mother's death. He said he went through 'two years of chaos', but even the emergence of pictures of him naked while playing a game of strip billiards in a Las Vegas hotel in 2012 did little to damage his image

Princess Diana with Harry in Majorca in 1987

'She was crucial in their early years and Harry more than William was affected by her death.

'By Harry talking about mental health issues you have to admire his honesty and it will have done a lot of good to a lot of people.

'He has broken new ground as a member of the royal family and that has to be applauded.'

Ken, who wrote a bestselling book 'Closely Guarded Secret' about his time as a Royal Protection Officer, said he believes Harry has followed directly in Diana's footsteps by choosing a subject that others might shy away from.

'Diana was, of course, very open and there has been no better role model for Harry than his mother. Growing up he saw what she did with her charities and how by choosing those that others would not get involved with has left a lasting legacy.

'In the late 1980s Diana championed the cause of AIDS. It brought so much publicity and funds to the charities involved. The same for landmines. They were issues that needed public support and by lending her name to them she got that.

'It is the same with Harry and mental health. Everyone is talking about it. Turn on the radio and they are talking about the Harry interview. He has drawn attention to the issues and that is fantastic. He is certainly continuing the legacy of his mother.'

A pivotal figure in his life was former royal nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who was especially close to Harry. They are pictured here together in 1999

During his years at Diana's side until his resignation in 1993, Wharfe was witness to the disintegration of her marriage to Prince Charles.

He also saw firsthand the devotion of Diana to her sons and her determination to bring them up away from the gilded life with the royal family, accompanying the boys and their mother for days out, including on a memorable visit to Thorpe Park in 1993 where the princes rode the log flume.

'Harry was always the mischievous one. He would go round saying he could do anything he wanted as William was going to be King and have all the responsibility,' he said.

His mother's son: Harry jokes around with three-year-old orphan Lerato during a visit to Phelisanong Children's Home in Maseru, Lesoth
A Dallas man was woken up as his house was being robbed, despite being more than 200 miles away.

Tye Shirley was staying at his parents home in Abilene for the Easter break when he received an alert at 4am on his smart phone, telling him that someone was in his front room.

A 'Nest' home security system fed him crystal clear images of the man who was holding a machete as he made his way through the home looking for valuables.

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A man was caught on camera wielding a machete as he broke into a Dallas home

The intruder rummaged through possessions looking for cash and valuables

Tye Shirley is very angry about the whole incident having pulled him away from his family

'I pull it up and there he is,' said Shirley to KHOU. 'He moved through the house very stealthily, cautiously, but at the same time somewhat bold.'

Shirley broke away from watching the shocking break-in to call the police and tell them he was being robbed and should make their way over.

'I was able to give the crime scene investigators perfect samples of where to dust for fingerprints,' Shirley said.

The thief was caught on camera going from room to room for 25 minutes taking watches, cash and medication.

He was completely unaware that he was being filmed and that his every move was being caught on camera.

Shirley was also able to give the burglar a bit of a shock as his security system allows him to speak directly to anyone who is present in the home.

The robber was totally unaware that his every move was being caught on camera

The man only left the house after Shirley was able to speak to him over the security system to tell him that the police were on their way

He switched on the microphone and warned the suspect that police were on their way.

It was at that point the thief made a run for it.

Despite making off with hundreds of dollars of valuables, Shirley believes that the $200 he spent on his home surveillance system was well worth it.

'I'm just kind of amazed at the technology and what is available to us as civilians and so easily accessible,' he said.

Writing on Facebook, Shirley shared his frustration over the entire episode. 'I just feeling so violated and angry right now. Not only did they rob me of my property, more importantly they've robbed me of quality time with my family,' he said.
Glenn Beck counter-sued his former Blaze star Tomi Lahren on Monday, saying she was suspended for insubordination and not because of her views on abortion.

Lahren's show as taken off the air last month, after the conservative said she was pro-choice in an interview on The View.

The 24-year-old immediately filed a lawsuit against her employers, saying that she was fired because of her beliefs.

But Beck's lawyers counter-sued on Monday, saying that it was months of bad behavior that led them to cancel her show.

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Glenn Beck (right) has issued a counter lawsuit against his former Blaze star Tomi Lahren (left), arguing that she was suspended for insubordination and not her beliefs on abortion

According to documents filed in Dallas civil court, lawyers for The Blaze said Lahren had a history of insubordination.

They say she refused to work with on-staff make-up artists and was 'divisive and created conflicts' with over Blaze 'personalities'.

Lahren's 'word choices on air had to be addressed repeatedly for bordering on profane' and she was 'inappropriate and unprofessional' to the television floor crew, the court documents claimed.

They say Lahren also turned down advertisers for 'unexplained reasons' and that 'many employees' overheard her complaining about the company.

Her interview on The View was 'simply the latest in a series of events that led The Blaze management' not to extend her contract beyond its expiration in September 2017.

Lahren is currently trying to sue the company into letting her out of her contract so that she can seek a job elsewhere.

The Blaze did not technically fire Lahren, but are continuing to pay her until her contract expires at the end of the summer.

Last month, Lahren, right, revealed she was pro-choice in an interview on the The View. The news shocked her conservative fan base

Her attorneys say that being out of work that long will make it all but impossible for Lahren to find another job.

'In six months, nobody will have heard of you,' Lahrens attorney, Brian Lauten, argued at a court hearing. 'When Glenn Becks done with you in six months, nobody will have remembered you. Thats wrong.'

Lahren has won one major victory so far. On Monday, a judge blocked a temporary retraining order and instructed Beck and the Blaze to let her post on her Facebook page.

Another hearing is scheduled for two weeks, when witnesses will be called.

Last week, Lahren gave an interview to ABC News, in which she tried to justice her comments on abortion and begged Beck to 'let me move on' from her contract.

Lahren stood by her views saying: 'I believe you can be anti-abortion and pro-choice  I don't believe in abortion.'

She stressed that her belief in limited government was consistent with allowing women the freedom to get abortions in the first trimester.

Lahren became very emotional as she discussed the fact she is still bound under contract, which means she cannot find another job until her contract expires in September.

TheBlaze said they found the lawsuit puzzling as they are still paying Lahren adding that they had complied 'fully with the terms of our agreement with her.'

Lahren appealed to Beck in tears on ABC, to allow her to 'move on.'

'It's my job, it's my life. Without that, I feel lost. When your outlet is taken away from you, when your catharsis is stripped from you, and you don't understand why and you're so disappointed and you're so blindsided by it, it hurts.'

The outspoken 24-year-old joked that she was 'supposed to be tough' as she cried, while insisting she was not a feminist, and said: 'I will not lay down and play dead ever  because I'm not the kind of girl that sits in the corner and cries about things.'

Lahren, who joined the Blaze in 2015, became a viral sensation for her incendiary rants.

But she upset her fans after she appeared on the daytime talk show The View on March 17, saying she was pro-choice.

Lahren said: 'I can't sit here and be a hypocrite and say I'm for limited government but I think the government should decide what women do with their bodies.'

'Stay out of my guns and you can stay out of my body, as well,' she said.

Lahren said a producer from The Blaze who accompanied her to The View taping congratulated her immediately after the appearance - but the fallout was swift.

Her conservative fan base immediately lashed out on Twitter, incensed that she had branded many of them hypocrites.

When Lahren defended herself for being an 'independent thinker' on Twitter, Beck stepped in and appeared to question her intellectual honesty.

Lahren claims both Beck and The Blaze knew about her views on abortion, and did not appear to have a problem with it before she appeared on The View, the lawsuit said.
A married Mexican man in Sydney on a working visa will not spend a day behind bars after stalking and then attacking two young women in one night earlier this year.

Ivan Arias, 32, was captured on CCTV footage grabbing a woman from behind in a suburban street in southern Sydney, holding her mouth to mute her screams.

The chilling footage showed the woman in running gear putting up a fight before falling to the ground heavily, prompting Arias to sprint away in the darkness.

Chilling attack: Mexican national Ivan Arias was caught on CCTV stalking and grabbing a woman, 22, from behind as she went on a run in a suburban Sydney street

Just 15 minutes before that attack, Arias (pictured getting into car) indecently assaulted a teenage woman in a similar manner as she walked home from a train station

Just fifteen minutes before that attack, he indecently assaulted a teenage woman in a similar manner as she walked home from a train station.

Police found Arias (pictured), a construction worker on $1,200 a week with a degree in international business, hiding in a drain

Court facts state police found Aria, a construction worker on $1,200 a week with a degree in international business, hiding in a drain, The Daily Telegraph reported.

He pleaded guilty to indecent assault, assault with intent to commit indictable offence and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

In a letter seen in Sutherland Local Court, Arias said he 'just [couldn't] explain what happened to [him] that day.'

'He can't understand what the trigger was but he appreciates the fear that he would have imposed on these women,' his barrister Arjun Chhabra told the court.

Magistrate Jayeann Carney took into account his clean criminal record and gave him a 12 month suspended sentence on Tuesday afternoon.

He was taken to Villawood detention centre and is set to be deported.
A body found behind a South Florida restaurant has been identified as that of an 18-year-old college student from New Jersey.

Lynn University student Shayan Mortazavi, 18, was found dead around 6am on Sunday behind Truluck's seafood restaurant in an upscale retail complex in Boca Raton, Florida.

Mortazavi was a college freshman with an interest in film and journalism, officials at the private university in Boca Raton said in a statement.

Lynn University student Shayan Mortazavi, 18, was found dead around 6am on Sunday in an upscale retail complex in Boca Raton, Florida

Mortazavi was found dead behind this restaurant in the Mizner Park shopping center

The rear of Truluck restaurant is shown. Police said Mortazavi's body was found there with injuries consistent with a fall

Boca Raton police told reporters that Mortazavi's injuries were consistent with a fall, but they've offered no other details.

The body was reportedly found by security and cleaning workers in the Mizner Park shopping complex.

The dead student had previously raised money to fund a 'YouTube prank channel,' and a channel under his name described him as 'YouTube's ONLY Iranian American prankster.'

Authorities say an autopsy will determine the cause of death.

Anyone with information about the death is urged to call Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.
'They were wrong.'

Strong words from Theresa May this morning outside Number 10 as she announced a snap election on June 8.

She explained: 'Our opponents believe that because the Government's majority is so small, our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change course.'

Looking the Remainiacs, Labour, the Liberals and the SNP square in the face, she told them all - they were wrong.

And she is going to prove it.

Prime Minister Theresa May is pictured this morning outside Downing Street as she announced an election on June 8

Mrs May addressed the nation via a huge pack of reporters who scrambled to Downing Street after the surprise speech was announced at around 10am

Prove that the 52% knew what they were voting for and meant it.

Prove the Government has the right plan for negotiating our new relationship with Europe.

Prove that Britain can be great when we control our own money, our own laws and our own borders.

And prove that the Conservative party is the party of hope and optimism. Of ruthless ambition that brings hard workers with it. But leaves those who choose to be victims to their issues.

In this one moment, Theresa May sounded truly Presidential. A strong leader prepared to back the people of Britain and put The United Kingdom first.

There was reluctance on her part. Reluctance to go against her promise she made to the people that there would be no general election until 2020.

But she has had her mind changed. The division in Westminster has convinced her to clear the decks early. To demand unity rather than to request it. To oblige people to work with her - or step aside for those who will.

Justifying the decision she said: 'The country is coming together but Westminster is not.' She said the 'division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit'.

She is making sure that by the time the Brexit deal is on the table all those on Team Theresa have their colours and their names pinned firmly to the mast, tied there - so they are not distracted by the wailing lament of the Sirens (or in this case, Gina Miller).

This is a clear call to action to her party. Theresa will steer the Brexit ship. And the rats better get off early.

Anna Soubry. It will be a pleasure to see you go.

Katie Hopkins (pictured) says the election is Britain's chance to prove the Remainiacs, Labour, the Liberals and the SNP wrong

George Osborne. The peddler of fear. We will not worry for your financial well-being after you leave.

As Theresa says, 'Despite predictions of immediate financial and economic danger, since the referendum we have seen consumer confidence remain high, record numbers of jobs, and economic growth that has exceeded all expectations'.

This is a call to action to UKIP voters too. If your loyalty is to the cause - of leaving the European Union - the only vote that makes sense is to vote with Team Theresa. UKIP died long ago. And if we split this vote, there are only losers.

And the losers are already feeling excited. The whole of Remain country is suddenly engorged. The good folk of Richmond hosting champagne brunches to toast this second referendum they longed for.

She pointed the finger straight at them;

'The Liberal Democrats have said they want to grind the business of government to a standsill.

Tim Farron felt the first twitch in the trouser department he has had in decades on hearing the news. He believes this is his moment. The moment the ginger hamster finally becomes resplendent in his golden coat and shines in the glow of the 48%, elevated to the Remainers Rodent in Chief.

Tim knows this is the election where the Lib Dems could overtake Labour to become the party of the opposition. More than that, he may well believe he can win.

I am looking forward to seeing his excited face all over our state broadcaster on a daily basis. After all, this is the BBC's best hope of over-turning Brexit. And as their political commentator, Nick Robinson acknowledges, they no longer need to pretend they are not partisan.

And this is a call to action to the Scots too.

Theresa reminds them: 'The Scottish National Party say they will vote against the legislation that formally repeals Britain's membership of the European Union.'

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon pictured leaving Bute House in Edinburgh, after warning that the Prime Minister's plans for a general election could be a 'huge political miscalculation'

Announcing her plans, Theresa May hit out at Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party for threatening to vote against a Brexit deal. The Labour leader is pictured in the Commons earlier this year

So if you are sick to the back teeth of the Ginger Dwarf from the North spouting her nonsense in Westminster, acting as first minister for Independence, instead of First Minister for Scotland, now is your chance.

June 8 is your day to shine. To vote for the Scottish Conservatives and send a message to Nicola that we are stronger together and better off without her.

Her only ambition is for herself.

Rid yourselves of the Ginger Dwarf from the North and we can create a truly United Kingdom, trading with each other and the rest of the world, in a known currency we all understand.

(If you can get rid of Mhairi Black whilst you are at it so much the better. She can spend her newly found free time learning some useful life skills. Like how to talk. Or write. Or use shampoo.)

And it is a wake up call to the elderly and incontinent shuffling their way around the House of Lords on care home carpeting too.

The Prime Minister said 'unelected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight us every step of the way.'

I believe their days are numbered. Physically and metaphorically. The grim reaper or abolition, whichever gets there first.

But most importantly this is a call to action to brave Brexiteers and to those who tell me they wished they had voted Leave on June 23.

June 8th is your day. Your day to vote Leave. Your day to vote for the Tory party - even if it is for the first time - and to bring this country together. To support the party of optimism, certain of our ability to succeed as a proud country on the world stage.

You can be the force for good that unifies this country - and takes us, emboldened on to the world stage.

The 52%. The Brave Brexiteers. And those who come to sail with us. Now you are the people and the party of hope.

Let's leave the haters to hate.
An inmate, who penned a TripAdvisor-style review of his prison cell, is back in jail again after stealing a van so he could 'clear his head' behind bars.

Christian Willoughby, 35, from Grimsby, hit the headlines a year ago when he posted a Trip Advisor-style review from custody on social media for 'light-hearted banter'.

The review joked he would give his cell at Grimsby Police Station '4 stars. It's the all day breakfast that lets it down really. Apart from that the staff are pleasant enough.'

The criminal quipped that the cell was 'ideal for winding down after a hard day'.

Christian Willoughby, 35, from Grimsby, hit the headlines a year ago when he posted a Trip Advisor-style review from custody on social media for 'light-hearted banter'

The review joked he would give his cell at Grimsby Police Station '4 stars. It's the all day breakfast that lets it down really. Apart from that the staff are pleasant enough.'

The post prompted an urgent investigation by police into what they called a serious security breach.

On April 7, Willoughby was back at court to be sentenced for further crimes which his barrister said he committed as he wanted to be jailed so he could 'clear his head'.

Felicity Campbell, mitigating, said that Willoughby had lost his job in London, started drinking and his relationship broke down.

'He needed a period in custody to clear his head and put him back on the straight and narrow,' she said.

'He feels that a period in custody will help sober him up and help focus his mind.'

Willoughby admitted taking a vehicle without consent and having no insurance on March 11.

The post prompted an urgent investigation by police into what they called a serious security breach

Patricia Doherty, prosecuting, told the court that police were told about a van in a ditch at Saltfleet.

Willoughby was found in the driver's seat and was with his father, Arnold Willoughby.

Willoughby - who has 53 previous convictions - was jailed for 15 months and banned from driving for 12-and-a-half months

The defendant was aggressive towards the police and had to be squirted with parva spray.

The van had come from a council depot.

He also admitted breaching a one-year suspended prison sentence imposed on March 24 last year for producing cannabis, assault, theft and driving offences.

He had punched his wife, Anna Willoughby, in the face and kicked her when she fell down.

He took her mobile phone and told police he had thrown it out of a car window.

The court heard police found 47 cannabis plants and growing equipment after going to his home on an unrelated matter on July 12, 2015.

Willoughby - who has 53 previous convictions - was jailed for 15 months and banned from driving for 12-and-a-half months.
A United Nations employee has been arrested over a string of New York bank robberies he allegedly committed while on his lunch break.

Abdullahi Shuaibu, 53, was arrested at the UN offices in Manhattan on Monday when he returned to work after allegedly trying to rob a HSBC bank nearby.

Police said Shuaibu opted to stay close to the UN headquarters when he allegedly robbed three banks in February and March and stole $10,000.

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Abdullahi Shuaibu, 53, was arrested at the UN offices in Manhattan on Monday when he returned to work. Police claim surveillance footage (above) shows him robbing four banks

Shuaibu was caught on his fourth heist after a retired UN worker recognized him from a wanted photo released by police.

Police claim Shuaibu would pass a note to the teller in the alleged robberies saying he had a gun and demanding cash, NBC reports.

Surveillance images released by police show Shuaibu talking on a cell phone and wearing white-tipped gloves while allegedly carrying out the robberies.

Police were waiting to arrest him at the UN's Foreign Press Centers on Monday.

Shuaibu works as a communications officers at the UN. His Facebook page shows photos of him posing with UN General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft (above)

Shuaibu was arrested (left) after his fourth heist after a retired UN worker recognized him from a wanted photo (right) released by police

Shuaibu, who lives in Queens, works as a communications officers at the UN.

He is also believed to be a journalist with an African news agency.

His Facebook page shows photos of him posing with UN General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft and on assignment in Sudan.

Shuaibu has been charged with two counts of robbery and two counts of attempted robbery.
An Islamic sheikh living in hiding who wants to modernise his faith has called for a royal commission into radical Muslim groups.

Imam Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi's call for an official enquiry into Islamist extremism comes only days after Hizb ut-Tahrir released a video promoting domestic violence.

'We urgently need a royal commission into Wahabism, Salafism, Hizb ut Tahrir and all other forms of radical Sunni Islam,' he said on Facebook on Tuesday.

'Their books must be banned, centres closed, and leaders deported. I will proudly support and stand by this.'

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Shia imam Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi has called for a royal commission into radical Islamism

The Islamic leader from Adelaide posted a Facebook message calling for an inquiry

Sheikh Mohammad Tawhidi says he would support the deportation of radical Islamist leaders

The call from the Adelaide-based Shia imam comes only a day after Daily Mail Australia revealed a radical Sydney Sunni group, the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Association, appeared to tell teenage girls they would go to hell for having non-Muslim friends.

'The reality is, my sisters, any friendship that is not built on the fear of Allah is only going to lead to hell fire so you need to be cautious,' Sheikh Mohamad Doar said on Saturday night.

'With your actions, you distance yourself from the corrupted people.'

Despite being recorded on video making those remarks, Sheikh Doar posted a Facebook message claiming his comments were taken out of context in the lecture organised by Muslim charity Sisters United.

'I say the following in response to the lies and fabrications made against my words which is nothing but a tactic used to create fear within the wider Australian community,' he said.

The Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Association also runs this Bukhari House Islamic Bookstore at Auburn, in Sydney's west, which reportedly radicalised a boy, 15, who killed an accountant

His Sunni group, also known as ASWJ, runs a radical Islamic bookstore at Auburn, in Sydney's west.

The Bukhari House Islamic Bookstore has been linked to Farhad Jabar, the 15-year-old boy who killed accountant Curtis Cheng outside police headquarters at Parramatta in 2015.

Hizb ut-Tahrir has also refused to apologise for a video showing two women in hijabs, who say it is acceptable for a husband to hit his wife with a small stick.

In that footage, Sydney primary school teacher Reem Allouche demonstrated how to use a 'sivaak' while fellow panelist Atika Latifi described a marital assault as 'a beautiful blessing'.

Despite the outcry from politicians, including Women's Minister Michaelia Cash, Hizb ut-Tahrir spokesman Hamzah Qureshi issued a Facebook post accusing politicians of making 'politically convenient' comments.

'Great to see politicians and officials lining up to take the moral high ground when it comes to violence,' he said.

Sydney school teacher Reem Allouche demonstrates who a man can hit his husband

Hizb ut-Tahrir spokesman Uthman Badar told a forum ex-Muslims deserved to be killed

Last month, another Hizb ut-Tahrir spokesman Uthman Badar told a forum at Bankstown, in Sydney's south-west, that people who left Islam deserved to be killed.

'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.

Hizb ut-Tahrir is legal in Australia despite former prime minister Tony Abbott's call to ban it in October 2014.

But the group is illegal in Germany, The Netherlands and a range of Muslim-majority nations including Bangladesh, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan.

While One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has called for a royal commission into Islam to determine if it is a religion or an ideology, Sheikh Tawhidi wants a more specific focus on Islamist groups that advocate sharia law.

It is a legal system which secular Muslims reject.

Sheikh Tawhidi wants a royal commission to also look at Wahabism and Salafism - fundamentalist, ultra-conservative versions of Islam which have increasingly been exported from oil-rich Saudi Arabia since the late 20th century.
Talitha Cummins will make her eagerly anticipated return to television screens after scoring a job on Network Ten's Studio 10.

The new gig for the new mother comes after she settled her high-profile lawsuit with former employer Seven.

Her dispute with Seven revolves around her claims she was sacked as Weekend Sunrise newsreader while she was on maternity leave, only nine weeks following the birth of her first child.

The recent settlement of the confidential case will be some temporary relief for Seven, who are facing two further civil cases with former employees in the NSW Supreme Court, Herald Sun reported.

Talitha Cummins used to host the Morning Show on Seven before she was controversially fired while on maternity leave

Talitha Cummins pictured here with her eight-month-old son Oliver

One of those cases is the much talked about face-off with Amber Harrison, the ex-mistress of Seven boss Tim Worner.

Cummins said she was 'very excited to be back on TV'.

She joins Sarah Harris, Joe Hildebrand, Jo Casamento and Susie Elelman in a guest appearance on the show.

'The brain's a bit rusty, but I'll be in safe hands of the great Studio 10 Crew,' Cummins said.

'Conversations with my eight-month-old are very one sided, so I do hope they'll pull me into line.'

Talitha Cummins has settled her dispute with Seven after being sacked while on maternity leave for her son, Oliver (pictured)

The 36-year-old mother will be joining the usual panelists on Ten's Studio 10

Studio 10 executive producer Rob McKnight welcomed the friend of host Harris onto the show, suggesting her 'strong opinions on hot topics' made her a perfect fit.

Earlier today, Cummins responded to a tweet from the network welcoming her to the show.

'Looking forward to it,' she replied.

The morning talk show, which succeeded The Circle in the network's breakfast slot, is hoping for success at this weekend's Logie Awards either in the best panel or current affairs categories.
Terrifying footage has emerged of survivors running for their lives after an ISIS suicide bomber blows up a car in Aleppo.

The massive explosion was captured by a drone, and the blast obliterated the surrounding buildings in Syria.

The vehicle can be seen slowly driving around what appears to be a square packed with other cars and people before a terrorist detonates a bomb.

A huge black crater and burning cars are left behind after the Islamic State jihadi blew himself up

When the car explodes, the square is packed with vehicles and people in Aleppo, Syria

As the car blows up, people can be seen desperately scuttling away from the scene in an attempt to flee the fireball.

A massive plume of smoke billows into the air and a black crater is left behind.

The death toll is not known at the moment, but it comes days after a suicide bomber killed more than 120 people in Syria by luring children toward him by handing out crisps before detonating his explosives.

The car drives around the buildings and into the busy area before the explosives are detonated

A massive plume of smoke billows into the air in the city as survivors flee for their lives

The bomb, which killed at least 126 people including 68 children, tore through buses carrying evacuees from besieged government-held towns, the worst in war-torn Syria in more than a year.

The blast hit a convoy carrying residents from the northern towns of Fuaa and Kafraya as they waited at a transit point in rebel-held Rashidin, west of Aleppo.

A vehicle carrying food had arrived at the transit point and started distributing crisps and attracting children before exploding.

Syria's war has left more than 320,000 people dead since erupting in 2011, with more than half the population forced from their homes and hundreds of thousands trapped under siege.
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Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko and his wife have been spotted holidaying in Italy aboard his 240million yacht.

The 45-year-old, his wife Aleksandra and their child were seen on a spring vacation on the Italian Riviera coastline of Portofino having stepped off his luxury 390ft 'Motor Yacht A'.

They were using the vessel despite Mr Melnichenko having only recently upgraded to one of the largest private sailing yachts in the world - the 360million 'Sailing Yacht A'.

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Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko (front, left) and his wife (front rigth) Aleksandra have been spotted holidaying in Italy aboard his 240million yacht

The 45-year-old, his wife Aleksandra and their child were seen on a spring vacation on the Italian Riviera coastline of Portofino having stepped off his luxury 390ft 'Motor Yacht A' (pictured)

Pictures show Mr Melnichenko's distinctive motor yacht anchored off the coast and dwarfing other vessels nearby

Motor Yacht A's huge launch is pictured coming into shore at Portofino in northern Italy. Melnichenko has also upgraded to purchase a new superyacht

Mr Melnichenko, who has an estimated net worth of $13.4 billion (10.8 billion), is said to favour using the letter 'A' so that his vessels are listed first in shipping registers.

Pictures show Mr Melnichenko's distinctive motor yacht anchored off the coast and dwarfing other vessels nearby. Another shot shows Mr Melnichenko and his Serbian model wife on the shore next to the vessel's luxurious launch.

The 5,959-ton yacht was created by French designer Philippe Starck and is believed to have been fitted out with 1.7ins thick bomb-proof windows.

It is also said to have a helipad on the sixth of its eight decks and includes a disco with glass ceiling looking up into the swimming pool on the floor above.

It was thought that billionaire industrialist Andrey Melnichenko, who made his vast fortune with investments in coal, fertilisers and banking, had no need for Motor Yacht A (pictured on the River Thames) after replacing it with the grander Sailing Yacht A

The huge 240million vessel was spotted off the coast of Italy. It is pictured here on a previous voyage to the country's coastline in 2012

The vast Motor yacht A, which has eight decks, is pictured moored up on the River Thames during a visit to London in September 2016

Mr Melnichenko had the vessel custom-built so he and his wife Aleksandra can cross the world's oceans in luxury

Another shot shows Mr Melnichenko's Serbian model wife (left) on the shore next to the vessel's luxurious launch

The family was using the vessel despite Mr Melnichenko having only recently upgraded to one of the largest private sailing yachts in the world - the 360m 'Sailing Yacht A'

Mr Melnichenko (pictured, wearing sunglasses) recently upgraded to include a vast 468ft sailing superyacht complete with three 300ft masts taller than Big Ben's tower. It boasts eight floors, a helipad and an underwater observation room

The couple are understood to have met in the South of France - when Aleksandra - known as Sandra - was 28 and Andrey was 33

The Russian billionaire has recently upgraded to the 360million 'Sailing Yacht A' (pictured) - but was not using the vessel in Italy

The cruise speed of Sailing Yacht A (pictured) is 18mph and its has a top speed of 24mph. The hull is made of steel, with a teak-finish deck

Mr Melnichenko recently upgraded to include a vast 468ft sailing superyacht complete with three 300ft masts taller than Big Ben's tower. It boasts eight floors, a helipad and an underwater observation room.

The cruise speed of the ship is 18mph and its has a top speed of 24mph. The hull is made of steel, with a teak-finish deck.

The yacht has a high-tech digital control system operated using a touch sensitive sheet of black glass in the bridge.

This will allow the crew to raise and lower the sails and even drop the anchor with a brush of their fingers.

The 5,959-ton Motor Yacht A was created by French designer Philippe Starck and is believed to have been fitted out with 1.7ins thick bomb-proof windows

Mr Melnichenko recently upgraded to include a vast 468ft sailing superyacht complete with three 300ft masts taller than Big Ben's tower

Mr Melnichenko (front left) founded the fertiliser producer EuroChem, coal producer Suek, and power generator SGK

Mr Melnichenko was named as the 89th wealthiest person on the planet by Forbes and the ninth richest in Russia

The multi-billionaire already has one luxury home on the seas - the Motor Yacht A - but turned his turned his attention to sailing power earlier this year. He is pictured with his wife on holiday in Italy

Relaxed: Mr Melnichenko, (front left) was on a spring holiday with his Serbian model wife Aleksandra (pictured, right)

Spring vacation: The family was pictured preparing to board a launch believed to belong to Motor Yacht A

At the time it was reported that the yacht would continue to Cartagena in Spain where she was due to undergo further sea trials and joinery before being handed over to her new owner in the Spring.

As the boat made its way to Spain earlier this month, Mr Melnichenko's Project Director, Dirk Kloosterman said: 'This has been the most challenging assignment of my career. I am confident Sailing Yacht A will be the world's greatest yacht in terms of design and technology for the years ahead.

'Her beauty is breathtaking, and Philippe Starck's astonishing design and ultimate vision will be the subject of many conversations wherever she travels around the globe.'

Mr Melnichenko founded the fertilizer producer EuroChem, coal producer Suek, and power generator SGK.

He was named as the 89th wealthiest person on the planet by Forbes and the ninth richest in Russia.

Mr Melnichenko is said to have paid Jennifer Lopez $2 million to perform at his wife's lavish 30th birthday party at their English mansion in Ascot Read
Sofia Vergara's former fiance Nick Loeb has now accused her of violating his First Amendment rights by trying to stop him from bringing the frozen embryos they made together to life.

Loeb's latest move is the most recent development in the long-winded legal saga over the two fertilized eggs which the pair created together while they were engaged in 2013.

The pair broke up in May 2014. Loeb, 41, wants to see the frozen embryos, which he has named Emma and Isabella, grow to term and become his daughters whereas 44-year-old Vergara, who is now married to Joe Manganiello, wants to see them remain frozen.

The estranged pair have been locked in a legal battle over the issue since 2014 when Loeb filed a lawsuit trying to establish his rights as a parent to the embryos.

Sofia Vergara's ex-fiance Nick Loeb has accused her of violating his First Amendment rights by trying to block his legal efforts to bring their frozen embryos to life. The former couple is pictured above in May 2014 shortly before they broke up

On May 11, Loeb will attend court in Los Angeles to accuse Vergara of trying to 'chill' and 'punish' his unrelenting attempts to become a father.

Vergara fought the original 2014 lawsuit, pointing to a fertility clinic agreement the pair signed which said neither one of them could claim them without the other's consent.

He claims it is not valid for anything beyond medical procedure and should not be considered a contract.

Loeb dropped the original lawsuit last year after being told he would have to reveal the identities of two former girlfriends who'd had abortions while with him 20 years ago.

In December, the businessman launched his second legal attempt to see the embryos brought to term - a lawsuit filed in Louisiana by a pro-life group on behalf of the frozen eggs, claiming they had a right to life.

Vergara, 44, (pictured in Beverly Hills on Monday) does not want the embryos brought to term

Vergara batted that motion away in Californian court with her own counter-suit.

The most recent development is a motion filed by Loeb's lawyers in Los Angeles to have that counter-suit dismissed on the grounds Vergara is restricting his right to free speech by filing it in the first place.

He said she is trying to 'chill' his rights and is 'punishing' him by trying to moot his claims to the embryos.

'The sole purpose of Plaintiff's Complaint is to punish Loeb for, and prevent him from engaging in, protected speech by initiating legal proceedings to establish and exercise his legal rights to Female Embryos,' the lawsuit states.

Vergara's lawyers are yet to respond to his most recent accusation.

The pair's very public spat has drawn attention to the issue of reproductive law. The embryos the pair made are technically 'pre-embryos' meaning the eggs have been fertilized and frozen but have not begun to develop.

Vergara, who has said in the past that she wished the issue could have remained private, believes they should not be brought to life under such hostile relations between the two people who created them.

She believes Loeb, a wealthy business scion and part-time actor, is trying to use their spat to keep his public profile alive.

'This latest maneuver is nothing more than another attempt on the part of Loeb to keep himself in the public eye by keeping himself linked to Ms. Vergara,' Fred Silberberg, her lawyer, said of the Louisiana lawsuit in December.

The Modern Family actress has also spoken on the issue, sharing her anger that it ever became public.

Vergara and Loeb (left in 2013) dated for four years between 2010 and 2014. She married fellow actor Joe Manganiello (right) in November 2015

'I don't think it's fair. I've been working very hard for 20 years to get to this point where I am. I promote my movies, I promote all my work but I don't like promoting my private life and I don't want to allow this person to take more advantage of my career and try to promote himself, to get press.

Loeb (above in September last year) says the embryos have a right to life

'This shouldn't be out there for people to give their opinion. There's nothing to talk about, there's papers signed,' she told Good Morning America in 2015.

Loeb claimed to have wanted to keep the issue private in a New York Times op-ed.

'I wanted to keep this private, but recently the story broke to the world.

'When we create embryos for the purpose of life, should we not define them as life, rather than as property?' he wrote in the April 2015 piece.

'I asked her to let me have the embryos, offering to pay for all expenses to carry our girls to term and raise them.

'If she did not wish to share custody, I would take on full parenting responsibilities and agree to have her declared an egg donor. She has refused,' he continued.

Vergara married Magic Mike actor Joe Manganiello in a lavish Palm Beach ceremony in November 2015.

She and Loeb were dating for four years before they broke up in May 2014. She and Manganiello became engaged that December.

She has an adult son, Manolo, from a previous relationship.
This is the shocking moment an 18-month-old girl got run over by a car twice in Hubei Province, central China.

The girl miraculously survived and sustained just minor injuries on her face, according to reports.

Doctors who inspected the toddler were surprised by her miraculous survival.

Yiyi, 18 months old, was mowed down by a car reversing out of an alley in central China's Hubei

She fell on the ground with her face down and soon the rear wheel ran her over

According to Chutian Metro Daily, the incident took place in an alley at the Yima Building Materials Market in Chongyang city on April 1.

CCTV footage, released by CGTN, caught the moment the toddler was mowed down as a black Audi car reversed out of an alley.

The two wheels on the car's right side ran over the girl.

The child, nicknamed Yiyi, faced down when the wheels squeezed her from feet to head.

The driver did not stop after the first impact and continued the manoeuvre. The girl was hit the second time by the right front wheel.

It's been suggested that the car was reversing at a low speed.

Yiyi could not get up after the accident. Seconds later, a woman walked out to the street and quickly picked her up.

It is unclear whether the driver was aware of the hit after the incident.

The driver did not stop after the first impact and continued the manoeuvre

The front wheel hit the toddler again and Yiyi can be seen lying motionless on the road

Yiyi's parents rushed their daughter to the hospital after being informed by the neighbours

Reporters from Chutian Metro Daily interviewed Yiyi's father, Mr Chen, on April 16. According to the interview, the 18-month-old baby was playing on the street alone at the time of the accident.

Chen said the Audi driver was a son of his friend's and he knew that the car had no reversing camera installed.

Chen and his wife rushed to send Yiyi to a nearby hospital for examination after being informed of the accident by their neighbours.

Surprisingly, doctors failed to find any fractures or cuts on Yiyi's body and they had no clue how an 18-month-old had managed to survive after a two hits.

'How can a toddler sustain a weight of a car and not getting any fractures? This is a medical miracle that science cannot explain,' One doctor told Chutian Metro Daily.

Yiyi was diagnosed with no major injuries. She sustained just bruises and scratches on her face

Doctors said the toddler is 'very lucky' and her survival is 'a miracle science cannot explain'

Yiyi was diagnosed with minor bruises and scratches on her face.

Her father told the reporters that scabs had already formed since ointment was applied on the wound area.

Yiyi is expected to visit the hospital by the end of April for follow-up examination.

Reporters showed the clip to neurosurgery specialist and orthopaedic surgeons at Chongyang People's Hospital and Tongji Xianning Hospital to seek for medical explanation.

Feeling shocked, the doctors said 'the toddler is very lucky'.

They also had a theory that young children has more elastic properties in their bones. They insisted that 'it is something that science cannot explain'.
Incredible footage has been released showing the infamous 'scooter waterfall' in Taiwan's capital city.

The motoring phenomenon occurs when rush-hour traffic clogs up the city's roads forcing thousands of scooters, a popular mode of transport in Taipei, cascading down a particular junction leading off Taipei Bridge.

While morning and afternoon rush-hour traffic is already very much part and parcel of life in the city, the sight of scooters jamming the motorway is still fascinating tourists from around the world.

This recent clip of the infamous 'jiche pubu' - Mandarin for 'scooter waterfall' - confirms the long-running traffic problem in the city.

The junction where the scenes are usually filmed is often packed with tourists from Japan who fly over to witness what is for the Taiwanese a very common sight.

Incredible footage has been released showing the infamous 'scooter waterfall' in Taiwan's capital city

In the footage, an endless number of scooter riders squeeze shoulder to shoulder down the slip road on their way to work.

In the city of 2.7 million people, there is roughly one scooter for every 2.5 residents.

In Taiwan as a whole there are around 15 million registered scooters.
The FBI is adding a man to its 'Most Wanted' list who allegedly stabbed his wife to death at the Dunkin' Donuts shop where they worked

Bhadreshkumar Patel, 27, is now one of its 'Ten Most Wanted Fugitives,' with a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Patel is charged with murder in the 2015 slaying of 21-year-old Palak Patel, in a back room of the shop in Hanover, Maryland.

Police said that Patel, hit his wife multiple times with an object and then fled.

Police have said that 27-year-old Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel, hit his wife Palak Bhadreskumar Patel multiple times with an object until she died and then fled

The FBI put up signs with Patel's image and he is now on the top ten most wanted list

The FBI is is offering up to $100,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel

Patel has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, as well as dangerous weapon with intent to injure.

Shortly after the killing, a taxi driver told investigators that she picked up Patel across from the Dunkin Donuts and drove him to a Best Western in Newark, New Jersey, approximately 185 miles away, according to WTOP.

The couple worked at this Hanover Dunkin' Donuts store and is where the attack took place

It's believed Palak Bhadreskumar Patel wanted to return to India, but her husband didn't

He then seen taking a hotel shuttle to Newark Penn Station. At the time of the killing, people were completely shocked.

One of the store's frequent customers, Idrisa Wurie, told the Capital Gazette 'Oh my goodness. I am shocked because they are very nice people.'

Investigators theorize that Palak Patel wanted to return to India but that her husband didn't.

The FBI says relatives and friends in the New Jersey area may be helping him.

They also believe he may have fled to Canada or somehow made his way back to India.

Patel was born in India and was in the United States legally on a visa, but his visa expired at the end of March 2015.

The FBI even put up billboards to help locate Patel, who is described as weighing approximately 165lb and 5ft 9in tall with brown eyes and hair.
Danielle Baggett (pictured), 37, was arrested for allegedly running a drug flop house on April 11

A Florida woman arrested for allegedly running a drug flop house, charged people an entry fee they had to pay for with narcotics, according to police.

Danielle Baggett, 37, was arrested on April 11 and charged with running a nuisance dwelling after Sarasota County Sheriff's deputies responded to seven overdoses, including her own, according to a police statement.

Police started keeping a close eye on Baggett's home at 4502 S. Lockwood Ridge Road last year.

Since August 2016, the sheriff's office responded to the home '33 times for several reasons including drug arrests, wanted persons, and disputes'.

Deputies were dispatched to the home for seven separate heroin or fentanyl overdoses.

Baggett was at the house each time deputies would respond and resuscitate them.

One victim said he was dragged from the house and left in the front yard as he was overdosing, according to the Bradenton Herald.

In the month of March, three of the overdoses occurred over three consecutive days, according to police.

While interviewing residents, several described the home as a 'drug flop house', where Baggett allowed people to stay in exchange for drugs.

An affidavit says Baggett assured deputies she was trying to 'clean up' illegal activities at the house. But the overdoses continued.

Since August 2016, the sheriff's office responded to the home (pictured) '33 times for several reasons including drug overdoses, wanted persons, and disputes'. An affidavit says victims told investigators Baggett created an environment 'for everyone to get high'

The affidavit says victims told investigators Baggett created an environment 'for everyone to get high'.

Baggett was charged with a single count of maintaining a nuisance dwelling, a felony charge that carries a $1,500 bond.

She bonded out of jail the next day.

Baggett has been arrested in the past for marijuana possession, drug paraphernalia possession, dealing in stolen property and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to the sheriff's office.

Authorities said an investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.
Sir Vince Cable is among a slew of hardline Liberal Democrat Remoaners hoping to make a comeback at the general election.

The former business secretary, who was humiliatingly defeated by the Tories in Twickenham in 2015, has announced he will fight for the seat again this time around.

And he will be joined by a host of other 'retreads' - as Lib Dem leader Tim Farron attempts to use tensions over Brexit to revive his party's fortunes.

They include another former Cabinet minister, Sir Ed Davey, as well as former minister Sir Simon Hughes and ex-Cambridge MP Julian Huppert.

Sir Vince Cable said said he was 'surprised' Mrs May had gone back on her pledge to wait until 2020 before holding an election

Declaring his candidacy today, Sir Vince said: 'Bring it on!'

He said he was 'surprised' Mrs May had gone back on her pledge to wait until 2020.

He warned that Brexit was 'a big issue' for people the London constituency, where around 70 per cent voted Remain.

The former business secretary held the south-west London seat from 1997 to 2016, when he was the most prominent victim of the party's electoral collapse.

With a slim Conservative majority of just 2,017 and strong local opposition to hard Brexit, Twickenham represents one of the party's best hopes of claiming a Tory scalp.

Mr Farron was jubilant this morning after the Prime Minister dropped the bombshell that she wants to hold an election on June 8.

He made clear the Lib Dem ambition was to prevent the Tories having an outright majority, giving his party leverage over the terms of Brexit.

'If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance,' he said.

'Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority.'

Former Cabinet minister Sir Ed Davey is also hoping to make a comeback at the election

Sir Simon Hughes is trying to regain his seat in Bermondsey, south London in the forthcoming general election

Sir Vince was among the biggest victims as the Lib Dems were routed at the 2015 general election - losing to Tania Mathias in Twickenham

Mrs May lashed out at political opponents including Mr Farron for trying to block Brexit, and also singled out Nicola Sturgeon's efforts to exploit the situation to rip up the UK.

The Lib Dems have taken a gamble by adopting a hardline stance against Brexit, despite the potential for it to backfire in areas that voted heavily for Leave.

The party has claimed its membership surged by more than 2,000 people in the hours following Mrs May's shock election announcement.

The Lib Dems currently have just nine MPs, down from more than 50 before the rout at the 2015 general election.
This is the gut-wrenching moment a war photographer raced to save a wounded boy after the Syrian bus attack - then broke down in tears after finding another child dead on the ground.

Abd Alkader Habak was working on Saturday when a suicide bomb tore through buses carrying evacuees from besieged government-held towns outside Aleppo.

The activist was briefly knocked out by the blast, but got up and started rescuing injured people - only to find that many of the children were dead.

A devastating photo shows him 'overcome with emotion' and sobbing on his knees next to a dead boy's body, who he had tried to save moments earlier.

This is the gut-wrenching moment war photographer Abd Alkader Habak dashed to save a wounded boy after the suicide bombing of buses holding evacuees of rebel-held towns outside Aleppo on Saturday

A devastating photo shows him 'overcome with emotion' and sobbing on his knees next to a dead boy's body, who he had tried to save moments earlier

Mr Habak described children 'wailing and dying' in front of him after the horrifying attack, which left bodies strewn on the ground (pictured)

The boy was one of 68 children killed in the suicide car bomb that rocked buses evacuating Fuaa and Kafraya, two villages in northern Syria under rebel siege.

It is believed that 126 people died overall in the horrifying blast, the worst in war-torn Syria in more than a year.

'The scene was horrible, especially seeing children wailing and dying in front of you,' Mr Habak told CNN.

'I was overcome with emotion. What I and my colleagues witnessed is indescribable.'

The photographer and his colleagues put down their cameras and raced to save as many people as they could.

The first child he checked on was dead, Mr Habak recalled. He ran towards another - despite warnings that the second child was also dead.

But Mr Habak saw that the youngster was alive and barely breathing.

He scooped the boy - who he guessed was six or seven - into this arms and started running to safety.

68 children were among the 126 people killed in the suicide car bomb that rocked buses evacuating Fuaa and Kafraya, two villages in northern Syria under rebel siege

A desolate Syrian family, who were injured in a suicide car bombing, sit in a tent on the Syrian-Turkish border in Idlib province

Hoards of injured children were treated and taken to rest at tents on the Syrian-Turkish border

Pictured, a crying child receives treatment following the blast

A heartbreaking photo shows Mr Habak, face screwed up with anguish, carrying the boy away from the blazing bus towards an ambulance.

His camera was still on and recording the destruction.

'This child was firmly holding my hand and looking at me,' he recalled.

Mr Habak said he left the wounded boy with the medics and does not know if he survived.

Saturday's blast hit a convoy carrying residents from the northern towns of Fuaa and Kafraya as they waited at a transit point in rebel-held Rashidin, west of Aleppo.

A Syrian child with a dressed head wound holds onto a blown up hospital glove as he is carried by medics

Two wounded young boys wait with their father to receive treatment at a hospital in the government-held part of Aleppo after the blast

The suicide bomber lured children toward him by handing out crisps before detonating his explosives.

A vehicle carrying food had arrived at the transit point and started distributing crisps and attracting children before exploding.

It is unclear how the vehicle gained access to the restricted area without government permission.

A witness told Syrian news outlet ZamanEnglish News: 'A van was distributing crisps. Children started running after it. It then exploded.'

A girl who was wounded in the blast and lost four siblings in the explosion, said that a man in a car had approached the children and told them to eat the crisps.

Doctors operate on a Syrian child who was wounded in the suicide car bombing

It targeted an area where dozens of buses carrying mostly Shi'ite residents of two villages that are being evacuated

She said that many of the children had been deprived of food for years.

The girl told a regional TV station that that once many children had gathered, the man set off the bomb.

At least 109 of the dead were evacuees, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, while the rest were aid workers and rebels guarding the convoy.

The evacuations were taking place under a deal between Syria's regime and rebels that is also seeing residents and rebels transported out of Madaya and Zabadani, towns near Damascus which are surrounded by pro-government forces.

The agreement is the latest in a string of evacuation deals, which the government of President Bashar al-Assad says are the best way to end the violence after more than six years of civil war.

A gunman passes by the buses that were damaged in a blast at the Rashideen area, a rebel-controlled district outside Aleppo city

The convoy of buses were left strewn with dead bodies and injured evacuees

Saturday's blast hit a convoy carrying residents from the northern towns of Fuaa and Kafraya as they waited at a transit point in rebel-held Rashidin, west of Aleppo

Rebels say they amount to forced relocations after years of bombardment and crippling sieges.

Body parts and the belongings of evacuees - including clothes, dishes and even televisions - were still strewn at the scene of the attack on Sunday.

The shattered buses were nearby as was the shell of a pick-up truck - with little left but its engine block - that was apparently used to carry out the bombing.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombing, though the key Ahrar al-Sham rebel group denied any involvement.

The government blamed 'terrorists' - a catch-all term for its opponents.
Richard Simmons has left the confines of his California estate three years after he retreated from the world.

The reason for his reemergence is severe indigestion, which has landed the workout guru in a local hospital.

'Richard Simmons was hospitalized on Monday at an undisclosed location in California,' his rep Michael Catalano told ABC News.

'After a few days of battling severe indigestion and discomfort while eating, we agreed it was best for him to seek treatment.'

Catalono added: 'Hes already feeling better and is expected to make a full recovery.'

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Rough week: Richard Simmons (above in November 2013) has been hospitalized in California since Monday

Coming out of the dark: He has been holed up in his home (above) for the 36 months since he became a recluse

This news comes just a few weeks after a report that Simmons may finally be ready to come out of hiding.

That report also came from Catalano, hot on the heels of a report stating that the fitness guru had just signed a lucrative deal with Prominent Brand + Talent.

This new deal gives Prominent the rights to represent Richard Simmons for licensing, merchandising and endorsement opportunities around the globe.

And it was set in motion by a 2016 DailyMail.com story about Simmons reclusive behavior that one year later was explored in the popular six-episode podcast 'Missing, Richard Simmons.'

'All I can say, at least for now, is it is possible,' Catalano said in an interview with The New York Times about Simmons leaving his home after holing up inside the residence for the past 38 months.

'But it is yet to be determined, I would say.'

Catalano's statement offered hope to those who followed the podcast detailing the odd game of hide-and-seek that Simmons is playing with the public.

It was the most popular podcast for two straight months leading up to the final episode, but then ended without ever managing to speak to Simmons himself or getting an explanation of what brought about his behavior.

Money however appears to talk much louder than public concern and a podcast host according to Catalano, who is not only Simmons' manager but also the co-founder of the company that has obtained the global rights to sell Simmons' products.

In that role it would seem that he, more than anyone else, would benefit financially from Simmons coming out to help sell his products.

In fact, even suggesting that he could possibly come out might help drum up interest in some vendors.

The company does manage a number of other high-profile fitness brands as well, including Madonna's Hard Candy.

'Richard Simmons is a beloved American icon and a proven retail brand,' Dan Levin, a managing member of Prominent, told License Global.

'Everything he stands for has been the gold standard in health and wellness. He has paved the way for every subsequent fitness personality in this country, yet none of them have matched the impact of Richards indelible imprint on Americas psyche.'

He later stated that the company 'plans to launch a global line of thoughtful motivation and inspiration-based products that will achieve the tenets Richard has always espoused - love yourself no matter what you weigh, make time to do good for others and laugh a little.'

On the mend: Simmons (above in December 2013) is expected to make a full recovery and is already feeling better

Dan Taberski, who was behind the hugely popular podcast, also spoke about his former pal Simmons' new popularity, and how he managed to somehow mastermind a perfect and massively lucrative comeback without doing a single thing .

'Telling his story was a huge part of the podcast,' said Taberski, who has never appeared to show anything other than a genuine concern for Simmons and desire to see him again.

'He changed lives, and hes a genius businessperson. If I had even the smallest part in reminding people of that, fantastic.'

Catalano meanwhile bemoaned what he said were 'a lot of the mistruths' in the podcast, which he believes 'didnt really uncover or reveal anything new that hasnt been reported previously.'

He was however excited that a new younger generation is aware of his client, saying: 'At the end of the day, if it helps deliver his message to people who were unaware of it previously, fantastic. Thats what Richards mission has always been.'

Meanwhile, in the final episode Taberski was able to speak with Catalano, who told him: 'I cant say Richard feels better as a result of the podcast. Perhaps you do.'
Kelsey Wheeler is accused of trying to sex traffic her daughter, three, for $6,000 but told the FBI she was trying to rob the man she met online, when she was arrested in Portland on Friday

A mother was arrested after she allegedly offered up her three-year-old daughter for sex with a man she met online in exchange for $6,000.

Kelsey Wheeler is accused of attempting to traffic her toddler daughter in exchange for thousands of dollars but told FBI agents she was merely trying to rob the prostitution client when she was arrested on Friday, according to court records.

The investigation began when Eugene, Oregon, police tracked down Barret Spangler on suspicion of viewing child pornography on April 13.

The man admitted to viewing the illegal images and added he was in contact with 27-year-old Wheeler and accused her of offering up her three-year-old child to him for $1,000, according to a probable cause affidavit.

In turn, Wheeler told officials that Spangler offered $6,000 for a 'mother-daughter' sexual experience but she was only playing along with the purpose to rob him, according to reports.

The mother of Southeast Portland, Oregon, faces a federal charge of attempted sex trafficking of a child and is held without bail at Multnomah County jail.

Barret Spangler told police Wheeler, 27, offered her daughter, 3, for sex. Officials questioned Wheeler at her home at the 12500 block of Southeast Powell Court (pictured)

Wheeler and Spangler originally met on a website that is known for advertising prostitution services and met up at her home in January, reported Oregon Live and KATU.

Spangler said Wheeler was using the online alias of Kelly Kox and the two often discussed dark sexual fantasies that included children and 'mother-daughter' scenes, according to the affidavit.

It was in one of these conversations that Spangler said Wheeler offered him her young daughter for $1,000 but she insisted that she must be in the room during the encounter, the document continued.

Police said they then found Wheeler at her home in the 12500 block of Southeast Powell Court and questioned her about the allegations.

She admitted to have been in contact with Spangler and said she had been working as a prostitute on and off since she was 15 years old, police said.

Wheeler said it was Spangler that proposed a 'mother-daughter' sexual experience and offered $6,000 for the arrangement but due to her past abuse, she had no intentions of following through on it, according to the affidavit.

The mother of Southeast Portland, Oregon, faces a federal charge of attempted sex trafficking of a child and is held without bail at Multnomah County jail (pictured)

Instead she was planning on robbing him, police said.

Later, FBI investigators found an old Child Protective Services report from Nevada that accused Wheeler of being found in an apartment building with a man and a child, where everyone was wearing 'minimal clothing'.

When shown the mounting evidence stacking up against her, Wheeler told officials, it was all looking 'very bad' for her, according to the affidavit.

Spangler's fate is not known yet. He hasn't been arrested on any child pornography charges as of Monday and is not listed as an inmate at any nearby jails in the county.
A suspect accused of raping and murdering a Google executive while she was out jogging near her mother's Massachusetts home last summer was arraigned this morning on assault charges and ordered held on $10million cash bail.

Angelo Colon-Ortiz, 31, was taken into custody on Saturday in connection to the August 2016 killing of 27-year-old Vanessa Marcotte in Leominster, Massachusetts.

The suspect, a US citizen who had only recently moved from his native Puerto Rico to Worcester, Massachusetts, was led into Leominster District Court on Tuesday morning and used the services of a Spanish-English interpreter to follow the legal proceedings.

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Suspect in court: Angelo Colon-Ortiz (left), 31, appeared in Leominster District Court on Tuesday for his arraignment in the August 7, 2016, deadly attack on Vanessa Marcotte (right)

The suspect, a US citizen who only recently had moved from his native Puerto Rico to Worcester, Massachusetts, was ordered held on $10million cash bail

Colon-Ortiz was arraigned on criminal counts of aggravated assault, aggravated assault and battery and assault with intent to rape.

Prosecutors said they sought the multimilion-dollar bail because they expect to charge him with murder within about a month.

Judge Mark Noonan agreed to set Colon-Ortizs bail at $10million and scheduled his pre-trial conference for May 24.

Attorney Edward Ryan Jr representing the 31-year-old suspect, who was described in court as a married FedEx employee, according to the Boston Globe, entered not guilty pleas to the assault counts on Colon-Ortizs behalf. He did not argue for lower bail, but reserved the right to seek lower bail later.

Vanessa Marcottes father, John Marcotte, and uncle Steven Therrien were present at the arraignment but made no statements to the press.

State police arrested Colon-Ortiz in Worcester after police used DNA found on Marcotte's hands to link him to the killing.

Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr commended Marcotte's bravery at a press conference on Saturday.

'It was through her determined fight and efforts that we obtained the DNA of her killer,' he told the crowd.

Police say that the struggle Vanessa Marcotte (left and right) put up before her death led to the arrest of the suspect in her killing. She was raped and murdered on August 7, 2016

Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr (pictured on Saturday) said the DNA helped build a profile of the killer that was used to identify the suspect, Angelo Colon-Ortiz, 31

Residents from the community applauded as Early confirmed Colon-Ortiz's arrest, which came after police built a DNA profile of Marcotte's killer.

They used that profile - and a report of a dark SUV spotted near the scene of the August 7, 2016 killing - to identify the suspect, Early said.

In a written statement, her parents said: 'After eight long months, we're able to take the first step toward justice for Vanessa.

'She was a beautiful, intelligent, and generous young woman whose passion for giving back to the community will always be remembered.

'As we move forward, her spirit will live on through The Vanessa T Marcotte Foundation that strives to empower women to live boldly and fearlessly.'

According to its website, the foundation's goal is to to help women 'live free from the fear of violence.'

It aims to to that by 'partnering with organizations that deliver educational programs to promote female empowerment, challenge and undermine gender stereotypes, and provide mentorship opportunities [for women].'

Marcotte's body was found near the Massachusetts home of her mom (right), whom she was visiting from New York. Her hands, feet and head were burned

Marcotte, a graduate of Boston University, was found near her mom's Princeton, Massachusetts, home on August 7, 2016. Her hands, feet and head had been burned.

The New Yorker, who was visiting her mother at the time, was found dead after she didn't return to their home from a run.

Colon-Ortiz is being held in at the state police barracks in Millbury on $1 million bail.

Early Jr said that a Massachusetts State Trooper saw a dark SUV in Worcester, similar to the one that had been spotted driving from the scene.

The man driving fitted a description of the suspect, he said, so the trooper went to the man's home and was able to take a DNA sample from the man's cheek.

The test results, which came in on Friday, said that the sample matched DNA found on Marcotte's body.

Colon-Ortiz was then arrested, and is set to make his first appearance in court on Tuesday.

Investigators search the wooded area where Marcotte's body was found last year. The Google executive was murdered while out for a jog

Early Jr said that Colon-Ortiz was working near where Marcotte was killed on the day of her brutal death. He has no criminal history.

In February, Early Jr said they had made a DNA breakthrough in the case, and revealed that they were seeking a Hispanic man of average height.

The suspect was also likely to have had scratches or cuts on his face, neck, hands and arms that day, police said.

They added that they believed him to be the same man seen driving a dark colored SUV in the area around the time that the young jogger was killed.

Police have not revealed how they acquired the DNA, saying only that they got it during the course of their investigation, and that it was on Marcotte's hands.

Marcotte vanished on an afternoon run while on a visit to the home her mom Rosanna. Investigators are seen combing through the scene

State police received over 1,000 tips in connection with the case after the DNA profile was built. They also linked a dark SUV spotted near the scene to the killing

Marcotte vanished on an afternoon run while on a visit to the home of her mom in Worcester from New York.

Her naked body was found at around 8.20pm in woodlands near the home.

It's believed she was killed some time between 1pm, when she left her mom's home, and 4pm.

She had been sexually assaulted, and her hands, feet and part of her head were burned.

Marcotte's shocking murder left her family shattered, they said towards the end of last year.

Her uncle, Steven Therrien, read an emotional statement at a church in the town on December 31, asking for help finding the young woman's killer.

Her body was found not far from this house in Princeton, Massachusetts. She was on a run when she was killed

'It has been more than four months since Vanessa was tragically taken from us,' Therrien said.

'Not a day goes by that we don't reflect on the enormity of our loss. She had already achieved much but we know she had much more to do.

'She was a loving, caring, intelligent young woman who had her whole life ahead of her.'

Marcotte's shocking murder left her family shattered. They have started up a foundation to carry on her memory by helping women 'live free from fear of violence'

Marcotte's parents, Rossana and John Marcotte, stood silent next to Therrien at the news conference, holding back tears.

Her father held a banner that read: 'Justice for Vanessa.'

And at Marcotte's funeral, her best friend, Leah Abrahams, gave a moving eulogy to her slain friend.

'She was so perfect, it was otherworldly,' she said.

'Something about Vanessa always reminded me of the ocean - so breathlessly beautiful, quiet and peaceful.'

She later said: 'You epitomize grace, light, humility, and absolute magic.'

Marcotte was killed just weeks after Queens jogger Karina Vetrano was brutally raped and murdered while she was out for a run. A suspect in her death, Chanel Lewis, admitted murdering her in February.
Darren Flood, pictured left, married Victoria Beckham's younger sister Louise but reports suggest they separated in 2014

A man who married Victoria Beckham's sister has appeared in court accused of a 'boiler room' fraud targeting elderly people.

Darren Flood was accused with six others of trying to get unsuspecting OAPs to invest in 'green energy bundles.'

Flood married Victoria Beckham's younger sister Louise but reports suggest they separated in 2014.

He was a founding partner and non-executive director of a company which allegedly sold investments in rare metals to elderly people.

It allegedly promised them returns for metal compounds like yttrium - which is used in LEDs, lasers, and phosphors.

39-year-old Flood's then-partner Louise was said to have been consoled by her sister after criminal investigations into Commodities Link Ltd began in 2014.

Flood, of Ware Road, Hertford, was accused of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation with several fellow company workers.

They were Mark Whitehead, 58 and of Easter Green, Bury St Edmunds, Genarrio Fiorentino, Ike Obiamiwe, 54 and of Parryn Road, East Acton, London as well as Jonathan Docker, 31 and of Chigwell, Essex.

Also in court were Daniel Jordan, of Ditton Road, Bexleyheath, Kent and aged 33 years, and Vikki King aged 37 years and of Pattiswick Square, Basildon, Essex.

Forty-eight-year-old Tarun Jain appeared with them and gave his address as Dubai.

The men and the woman were further charged with two counts theft but all of them denied the charges at Guildford Magistrates' Court.

District Judge William Ashworth told the group they will have to appear before a judge at Guildford Crown Court on May 16.
Air Asia has slashed its prices on flights to Bali, Phuket and Bangkok following the Easter holiday.

Flights from Darwin to Bali are going for just $99 each way, according to the airline's website.

Under the deal, a round-trip to Bali is estimated to cost a total of about $220 with booking fees.

Air Asia has slashed its prices on flights to Bali, Phuket and Bangkok following the Easter holiday

Flights from Darwin to Bali are going for just $99 each way

Flights from Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast and Melbourne to Bangkok are going for $199 one-way.

One-way flights from Perth to Phuket have also been slashed to $199.

All deals are available until April 23 and do not appear to include baggage.

The travel period for all three deals is April 10 to September 30.

Other deals for those wanting to escape the colder months include, flights from Sydney to Jarkarta for just $269.

A trip from Sydney to Seoul will cost $249 with Air Asia.
A Danish diplomat took matters into her own hands when a burglar broke into her Manhattan apartment over the weekend.

The New York Police Department says Marie Wandel, 58, went to investigate a noise late Saturday and found the intruder in her home in the Morningside Heights section of Harlem.

She snatched her valuables back from the would-be thief before he scampered away empty-handed.

Danish diplomat Marie Wandel chased off a burglar when he broke into her Manhattan home and tried to flee with her valuables (stock photo above)

The police report says the unidentified perpetrator had tried to steal a camera and jewelry, worth about $1,000.

Wandel told the New York Daily News on Monday that everything is all right, but declined to comment further.

The newspaper reported that the failed home invasion took place while Wandel and her husband, fellow Danish diplomat Christian Wandel, 54, were spending an evening with two friends in their first-floor apartment.

Mrs Wandel managed to catch up to the hapless intruder as he was making his towards the front door with the diplomat's possessions in hand.
Chelsea Clinton has stood up for President Donald Trump's children amid calls for them to stop receiving Secret Service protection.

Trump has faced mounting criticism in recent weeks over the high cost of protecting himself and his family, including his wife Melania and his five children.

Clinton has now weighed in on the argument, saying the safety of the president's family should never be politicized.

'It makes me very sad to read this and to know that anyone would ever say this. The President's family's protection should not be politicized,' she tweeted on Monday.

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Chelsea Clinton stood up for Trump's children amid calls for them to stop receiving Secret Service protection as she argued the safety of the president's family shouldn't be politicized

The former first daughter was responding to a tweet by journalist Yashar Ali that argued a national security crisis would erupt if one of Trump's children were hurt

The former first daughter was responding to a tweet by journalist Yashar Ali that said: 'Some say Trump kids shouldn't have Secret Service. Do you not care about nat sec crisis that would arise if 1 of them was kidnapped/hurt?'

Clinton responded to some on Twitter who suggested the Trumps were abusing their Secret Service protection by going on frequent trips and the first lady choosing to remain in New York with her 11-year-old son Barron until the school year finishes.

'The answer isn't to endanger Trump's family-it's to vote him out of office (& vote in people who will hold him accountable),' she wrote to one critic.

Clinton has also previously defended Trump's 11-year-old son after he was subjected to taunts on Twitter about his behavior at the inauguration.

It comes after the Secret Service reportedly asked for an additional $60 million in funding to cover costs associated with protecting the Trump family, including his four adult children Don Jr., Eric, Ivanka and Tiffany.

The funding boost was turned down, according to The Washington Post.

The Secret Service reportedly asked for an additional $60 million in funding to cover costs associated with protecting the Trump family but were turned down

The secret service has seen a 40 per cent increase in the amount of protection they are providing to the first family compared to a non-campaign year, a New York Times report stated.

The president's frequent trips to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida are believed to cost $3 million each time.

The cost of protecting Trump Tower where the First Lady lives could reportedly reach $183 million per year.

Trump's son Eric and Don Jr. have traveled with agent protection on international work trips. Eric's earlier trip to Uruguay to visit a Trump Organization condo property cost taxpayers $100,000 for security and embassy costs associated with the trip.

Three of the president's adult children also traveled to Aspen, Colorado over the spring break, which required the protection of about 100 secret service agents.

Trump defended his wife on Sunday and confirmed that she will indeed be moving to Washington, D.C.

'Melania goes back and forth and once Barron finishes school, it's hard to take a child out of school with a few months left, she and Barron will be moving over to the White House,' Trump told reporters on Sunday.
The man accused of masterminding the Saint Petersburg train bombing that killed 14 people has denied being responsible.

Abror Azimov, 26, who is believed to be from Kyrgyzstan, told a Russian court on Tuesday that he was involved in the attack, 'but not directly'.

Azimov's lawyer had earlier told reporters that his client 'fully confessed' to being behind the blast, which happened two weeks ago.

Abror Azimov, 26, has denied being the mind behind the St Petersburg terror attack, telling a Russian court that he was involved in the plot 'but not directly'

Azimov's own lawyer said on Monday that his client had 'fully confessed', but appearing in court he claimed 'I did not realise what I was doing'

Police say Azimov trained suicide bomber Akbarzhon Jalilov, 22, who killed 14 people on the St Petersburg subway when he detonated between stations

Ask to explain that confession, Azimov told the court: 'I did not realise what I was doing. I was given orders, and I only followed them.'

Azimov also revealed he is a married father-of-one, the BBC reports.

Police say Azimov trained suicide bomber Akbarzhon Jalilov, 22, before he blew himself up on a subway train between two stations on April 3.

Like Azimov, Jalilov was from Kyrgyzstan, though took Russian citizenship around 2013 having moved to the country five years before.

Dramatic video released yesterday show Russian officers grabbing Azimov and wrestling him to the ground in Odintsovo, a city just outside Moscow.

Footage shows the officers finding what appears to be a pistol loaded with four bullets in the back of Azimov's jeans.

He was also found to be carrying a new phone in a plastic carrier bag.

Officers say they tracked Azimov using contacts found on Jalilov's phone.

Azimov was arrested on Monday after police say he activated a phone SIM card and accidentally revealed his location

Dramatic video showed officers chasing down Azimov before bundling him to the floor

Azimov bought two new mobile phones and Sim cards on Monday, but gave away his location when he activated one of the cards, newspaper Kommersant said.

Azimov is the ninth person to have been detained on suspicion of having colluded with the bomber.

According to Russian media, bomber Jalilov had made a telephone call to someone in Moscow before the attack but it's not clear if this was Azimov.

The impoverished, predominantly Muslim countries in Central Asia are seen as fertile ground for Islamic extremists. Thousands of their citizens are believed to have joined the Islamic State group.

At least 14 people were murdered and 50 injured in the blast and horrifying pictures show bodies, blood and wreckage strewn across the carriage of the train blown up between Sennaya Ploshchad and Sadovaya metro stations in Russia's second city.

Video shows officers pulling a loaded pistol from Azimov's belt, and finding a new phone in a carrier bag he was holding

This is the carriage where Jalilov detonated his homemade explosive belt on April 3, sending shrapnel tearing into innocent passengers
One of the last surviving veterans of the sinking of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor has been reunited with his fallen shipmates after 75 years.

Raymond Haerry was interred on the ship in a ceremony on Saturday that his granddaughter says was solemn and beautiful.

Haerry was 19 years old when bombs started falling on his battleship on December 7, 1941. He never returned to Pearl Harbor while he lived because the memories were too painful.

As he neared the end of his life, he told his family he'd like to be laid to rest there. Haerry died September 27 in Rhode Island at age 94. Only five Arizona survivors remain.

Raymond Haerry (pictured in 2016) was one of the last surviving veterans of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was reunited with his fallen shipmates 75 years later when he was interred there on Saturday

Pictured: Divers take the urn containing the remains of Haerry, who died at the age of 94 on September 27, underwater to his final resting place within the sunken hull of the USS Arizona in Honolulu

Haerry was 19 years old when bombs started falling on his battleship (pictured) on December 7, 1941. He never returned to Pearl Harbor while he lived because the memories were too painful

Haerry's granddaughter, Jessica Marino, traveled from New Jersey to Hawaii with her family for Saturday's ceremony. She handed his urn to divers, who placed it within the ship's sunken hull. Hundreds of sailors and Marines are entombed there.

'That was the point at which I kind of lost it,' Marino said. 'It was really sad, but also really sweet to see. It was amazing.'

Only USS Arizona survivors can be interred on the ship. Haerry served for 25 years in the Navy, retiring as a master chief.

He's the 42nd survivor to rejoin his shipmates, according to the National Park Service.

Spokesman Jay Blount said these ceremonies help bring closure to the families, allow sailors to return to their shipmates and raise awareness of the sacrifices made 75 years ago. The National Park Service and the Navy conducted the interment.

Rear Adm. John Fuller talked about Haerry's courage - not the absence of fear, but a deep abiding belief in something greater than oneself.

'I can't help but think about him being reunited into these simple, hallowed spaces. The calm that comes from being again with your crew, and the lessons we can learn from all he taught us,' said Fuller, commander of Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific.

Marino said she knows her grandfather better now.

Only five soldiers, who were aboard the bombed USS Arizona, remain today

Haerry is the 42nd survivor to rejoin his shipmates, according to the National Park Service

'I know this part of his life really did shape him,' she said. 'To be a part of getting him back to his ship and with his shipmates, it's an honor for me.'

Health issues prevented Raymond Haerry Jr. from joining his daughter in Hawaii. It was Haerry Jr. who pieced together the narrative of what happened in Pearl Harbor by asking questions of his father over 50 years.

Haerry was trying to get ammunition when a large bomb detonated, igniting fuel and powder magazines, Haerry Jr. said in October. Most of the bow was instantly separated and the ship was lifted out of the water.

Haerry Jr. said his father swam through flaming waters, sweeping his arms in front of him to push the flames away. He shot at Japanese planes from shore. Later, he helped retrieve corpses from the harbor.

The ship lost 1,177 men, nearly four-fifths of its crew. At first, Haerry's family was surprised by his request to be laid to rest there, but soon they understood.

'That brotherhood doesn't go away and as he got closer to the end of life, it resonated with him,' Marino said. 'He didn't want to see the site or relive that disaster, but he wanted to relive that camaraderie.'
Multi-millionaire Ukip donor Arron Banks has declared he will stand in the General Election against party defector Douglas Carswell.

The insurance tycoon vowed to carry through on his threat to try to unseat his one-time Ukip colleague turned rival at the upcoming election on June 8.

While the battle for the Clacton seat in Essex will pit two of Ukip's most famous faces against each other, neither is a member of the party anymore after they both left amid bitter infighting.

Multi-millionaire Ukip donor Arron Banks has pledged to run against Douglas Carswell at the General Election on June 8. It is unclear if the insurance tycoon will stand for Ukip or not

Mr Carswell defected from the Tories to join Ukip in August 2014, but left the party last month claiming it had fulfilled its purpose by helping to secure the historic Brexit vote.

While Mr Banks pledged to set up a new movement which he dubbed Ukip 2.0 after being kicked out of the party when his membership lapsed.

It is unclear who Mr Banks will stand for in the election, or if he will run as an independent.

Ukip donor Arron Banks took to Twitter to confirm he will be standing in the General Election on June 8

He has previously suggested he will set up a new party called The Patriotic Alliance and has also said he will bankroll 200 candidates to 'drain the swamp' at Westminster.

But Mr Banks' spokesman Andy Wigmore has suggested the businessman could put aside his differences with Ukip and stand on the party ticket on June 8.

Douglas Carswell quit Ukip last month and now sits as an independent MP. He has said Ukip has served its purpose by helping to secure Britain's departure from the European Union

He told The Guardian: 'Whether Banks stands as an independent, Patriotic Alliance or Ukip, those things are all up for discussion.

'We were due to launch it on 5 May, but events supersede everything. We will just concentrate on the Clacton swamp. Make Clacton great.'

Mr Carswell's decision to quit Ukip has left the party without a single MP in Parliament despite attracting 3.9 million votes at the last general election.
Australian businesses looking to bring in foreign workers could be hit hard by Malcolm Turnbull's decision to scrap the 457 visa program.

According to The Australian, the next budget will include a foreign worker tax which will be compulsory for businesses looking to sponsor skilled workers from overseas.

Under the short-term two year visa which is set to replace the 457, companies will have to pay the government a lump sum of money for each worker they sponsor.

According to recommendations made in a 2014 report, the payments will be flushed into a national fund dedicated to training Australian workers to fill job shortages.

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The decision to scrap 457 visas could hit businesses in the wallet hard - with the next budget reportedly set to include a compulsory foreign worker tax

Under the short-term, two-year visa set to replace the 457, companies will have to pay the government a lump sum of money for each worker they sponsor (stock image)

The compulsory payments by businesses - scaled according to company size - will be flushed into a national fund dedicated to training Australian workers to fill job shortages (stock image)

The strict new visas will slash the number of available occupations for foreign skilled workers by 200 and force them to have at least two years of work experience.

A medium-term, four-year visa will require a higher standard of English, mandatory labour market testing and a criminal check - with just 183 eligible occupations.

The 2014 Azarias report into the 457 program said the mandatory financial contributions by businesses would be scaled according to each company's size.

'This recommendation is based on the concept of a 'social licence' ... that in return for the privilege of being able to recruit an overseas worker, the sponsor should contribute to a national benefit,' the report said.

'Australia First' plan: Malcolm Turnbull made the stunning 457 announcement on social media then at a Canberra press conference (pictured) on Tuesday

In a video statement posted on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said the visa would be replaced by a new program.

'Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs,' Mr Turnbull said.

The 457 program, introduced by John Howard's government in 1996, allowed overseas workers to stay in Australia for up to four years.

Businesses could sponsor 'skilled' foreign workers to come to Australia for work - as long as they couldn't find a citizen or permanent resident to do the job instead.

But Mr Turnbull said the program has 'lost its credibility'.

He said his new visa scheme will attract the 'best and brightest' to Australia and target regional skills shortages.

'We're putting Australians first,' he said.

Mr Turnbull and Immigration Minister Peter Dutton announced they will scrap 457 visas for foreign workers and replace them with a new scheme with tougher English standards

Mr Turnbull's plan involves a short-term two year visa, with the number of available occupations cut from the current list of 200.

(Current 457 visa holders) will continue under the conditions of that visa - Immigration Minister Peter Dutton

His program also includes a longer-term four year visa where workers will need to meet a higher standard of English.

People will need to undergo a criminal record check and show work experience.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the shock decision won't affect current Australian visa holders.

'There will be a grandfathering arrangement. They will continue under the conditions of that visa.'

Both Bill Shorten (pictured left) and Pauline Hanson (right) were quick out of the blocks. Mr Shorten said Malcolm Turnbull didn't care for workers, while Ms Hanson claimed credit for the shock announcement saying she was well ahead of the game

WHO COMES TO AUSTRALIA ON 457 VISAS? A 457 visa allows foreign workers in 'skilled' occupations to live and work in Australia for up to four years. As of March 2016, more than 177,000 workers and members of their family held 457 visas. A Parliamentary Library report said the most 457 workers come from India, the United Kingdom, China and Ireland. The biggest industries employing 457 visa holders were accommodation, food services, and IT. Source: Parliamentary Library

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Political reaction was swift. 'Make no mistake, the only job Malcolm Turnbull cares about saving is his own,' tweeted Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

One Nation senator Pauline Hanson claimed credit for the decision.

'The Government will deny their tough talk on immigration & plan to ban 457 visas is because of One Nation but we all know the truth!,' she said on Twitter.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the visa abolition sounded 'more like a dog whistle than a genuine policy to grow jobs for young Australians.'

The announcement came just weeks before Treasurer Scott Morrison hands down the Federal Budget.

And it comes less than a day after Mr Turnbull's predecessor, Tony Abbott, warned Australians were 'sick of governments that don't deliver'.

Mr Turnbull's announcement came shortly after a barrage of criticism from his predecessor Tony Abbott
Melbourne gangland widow Roberta Williams has allegedly been sent death threats by the infamous thug who bludgeoned her former husband to death.

Maximum security inmate Matthew Johnson was found guilty of murdering Carl Williams in 2011 and sentenced to a minimum of 32 years behind bars.

Now Johnson is reportedly pushing Ms Williams into testifying that her former husband was planning to kill him, which would let him lodge a self defence appeal.

Police are investigating allegations Johnson sent the threatening messages to Ms Williams through other inmates, according to Herald Sun.

Melbourne gangland widow Roberta Williams (pictured leaving the Victorian County Court) has allegedly been sent death threats

Maximum-security inmate Matthew Johnson (left) was found guilty of murdering Carl Williams in 2011

Concerns for Ms Williams' safety are linked to several members of Johnson's Prisoner of War gang being released from prison recently.

Ms Williams is believed to have refused to make a statement to police about the threats for fear of reprisal.

Police have reportedly advised the family to move out of their Essendon home to a safer location.

It is not the first time criminal associates of Johnson have been accused of terrorising the Williams family.

Now Johnson (pictured leaving the Supreme Court) is reportedly pushing Ms Williams into testifying her former husband was planning to kill him

Ms Williams was married to Carl Williams (pictured) at the height of Melbourne's infamous gangland war in the 2000s

In July 2015, Prisoner of War thugs Rodney Phillips and Sam Liszczak attempted an arson attack on Roberta Williams' home.

The pair firebombed the wrong address just days after walking free from jail, before fatally shooting police officer Ben Ashmole in the head.

When police raided Liszczak's house they found posters of Roberta Williams scrawled with the ominous words: 'Last seen working for VicPol'.

Roberta was married to Carl at the height of Melbourne's gangland war of the 2000s.
The Chinese navy has tested its new guided-missile destroyer, Xining, in a first-ever live-fire exercise.

The full-on drill was carried out on the Yellow Sea, which is situated between China and the Korean Peninsula.

Footage of the exercise was broadcast yesterday on the China Central Television Station (CCTV) as Beijing urged North Korea to give up its nuclear ambitions amid growing military tensions.

North Korea threatened to launch weekly missile tests yesterday after US Vice President Mike Pence warned that the 'era of patience' with Kim Jong-un is over.

China has conducted a live-fire exercise on its new guided-missile destroyer Xining

The drill was held on Yellow Sea, which is situated between China and the Korean Peninsula

According to CCTV, a series of exercises were held on the Yellow Sea to test Xining's weapon performance during 'complex weather conditions' and through 'complicated electromagnetic environment'.

Footage of the drill has also been shared by state-run People's Daily on its Twitter account.

Xining is a Type 052D-class guided-missile destroyer. It was commissioned to service the North Sea Fleet of the PLA Navy in January.

During the exercise, the destroyer's main artillery was tasked to shoot down enemy targets which were quickly approaching the vessel on waters and in air. Its torpedo and sonar system were also put to test during the intensive mock battle.

The exercise is said to have lasted for several days.

Xiang Zhihong, a supervising officer from the North Sea Fleet, told CCTV: 'This live-fire exercise not only provided officers and sailors with an opportunity to fire the artillery, but also tested and regulated their firing techniques and help them gather battling experience.'

XINING: CHINA'S NEW DESTROYER Xining (pictured) is named and commissioned in January to service the PLA Navy Xining is China's homegrown guided-missile destroyer, which was named and commissioned on January 22. The vessel is integrated with 'many new types of weaponry', including main artillery on the deck, anti-aircraft and anti-missile close-in weapon system, torpedo and missile. It has high informatisation level, advanced stealth capability and electro-magnetic compatibility. The destroyer is mainly responsible for formation command, regional air defense, anti-submarine warfare and other missions. Source: China's Ministry of National Defense Advertisement

The destroyer was tasked to shoot down enemy targets approaching on waters and in air

A supervising officer said the drill had provided soldiers with an opportunity to fire the artillery

The exercise was carried out by the PLA Navy on the Yellow Sea near the Korean Peninsula

CCTV's footage of Xining's live-fire drilled appeared just days after the station flaunted China's arsenal of missiles during a military programme.

Both reports appeared at a sensitive time as military tensions escalated in North Korea over the nation's nuclear projects.

Tension has risen as U.S. President Donald Trump takes a hard rhetorical line with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who has rebuffed admonitions from China and pursued nuclear and missile programmes that Washington sees as a direct threat.

The mock battle was conducted during 'complex weather conditions', reported CCTV News

The footage was released just days after the station flaunted China's arsenal of missiles

On Sunday, North Korea attempted to fire a missile - but it was an embarrassing failure when the weapon blew up four or five seconds after being launched.

The South Korean defence ministry said it had detected a failed launch from Sinpo - where North Korea's biggest submarine base is located.

It was thought to be one of the country's new 'game-changer' intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) which was revealed to the world just hours before on Saturday.

North Korea unveiled the new weapons on Saturday during a display of the country's military might in the country's capital Pyongyang as Kim Jong-un warned of an 'annihilating strike' if the US attacked.

North Korea has threatened to launch weekly missile tests after US Vice President Mike Pence warned that the 'era of patience' with Kim Jong-un is over.

Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol yesterday ramped up the tension between the two nations by saying: 'We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis.'

He also said that an 'all out war' was a possibility if the US responded by taking military action against Pyongyang.

Missiles are paraded across Kim Il Sung Square during a military parade on Saturday

Defying international pressure, the North on Sunday tried to test-fire another missile in an attempt that failed, but which fuelled fears that it may be preparing for its sixth atomic weapons test. On Saturday, Pyongyang showed off its military strength during a huge parade
Private schools are looking to create Indigenous-only campuses which could benefit from hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funding.

The Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) is pushing the idea of 'satellite' Aboriginal campuses, which would benefit from federal funding worth tens of thousands a year per student, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

The organisation has put the idea to the Federal Government, which is planning to undertake a huge overhaul to school funding.

The Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) is pushing the idea of 'satellite' Aboriginal campuses

Many have raised concerns the proposal to create Indigenous-only campuses could segregate school communities.

But AHISA chief executive Beth Blackwood says the plan is 'not an isolationist approach' and students would have opportunities to integrate in the wider school community through extra-curricular activities.

'At the end of the day, if you're working in partnership with the Indigenous communities and it's something they want for their youth then it can work,' Ms Blackwood told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Ms Blackwood referred to the Gawura Aboriginal School, part of St Andrew's Cathedral School, in Sydney which had accomplished 'exceptional results'.

But Grattan Institute's school education program director Pete Goss argued that in order to avoid segregation schools had an 'obligation to take any Indigenous student who [were] needy'.

It is understood the government will back away from the plan on Tuesday, with Education Minister Simon Birmingham saying they already provided $278 million a year to schools in Indigenous loadings.
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Tens of thousands of new homes are now being built from wood in a factory in the Oxfordshire countryside ready to be erected all over the country.

Bosses of the expanding firm making the wooden houses say they are cheaper and quicker to build than brick homes and thus could solve the British housing crisis.

But despite being built in a factory and put together elsewhere, they insist the houses are better than prefabricated homes.

Housing 'of the moment': Tens of thousands of new homes are now being built from wood in a factory in the Oxfordshire countryside ready to be erected all over the country

'In the standard and quality, in the understanding of how building materials perform, we are nowhere near pre-fabs,' Alex Goodfellow, managing director of Stewart Milne Timber Systems, told The Times.

At the factory near Witney, former Prime Minister David Cameron's old constituency, the Scottish company builds 3,000 wooden homes a year.

Mr Goodfellow says that their own contractors can then build the homes in 'half the time' of a brick house, taking just nine weeks on site, compared to the industry's standard 14-20.

He also claims that the homes are more energy efficient because of the nature of wood compared to concrete, and because the panels can be packed with insulation.

Mr Goodfellow believes that with the growing shortage and rising cost of labour, wooden houses will become even more essential.

Currently, around 50,000 are built a year but he expects that to double to 100,000 as 'surging' demand increases, the company claims.

Bosses of the expanding firm making the wooden houses say they are cheaper and quicker to build than brick homes and thus could solve the British housing crisis

The claim comes after think tank The Resolution Foundation published a report that revealed:

The UK is in the middle of a national housing crisis.

The total numbers of buyers has fallen by a third in the last decade

Affordability of housing was cited as one of the greatest hurdles, as well as availability

The report coincides with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) warning of a construction slowdown with the potential to wipe out more than a third of the GDP growth.

Mr Goodfellow said: 'We may be in the middle of a national housing shortage but there is a clear opportunity to address it now.

'Offsite construction is a proven way of building faster, to extremely high quality and without the same labour costs required by traditional brick and block construction.

'Greater uptake of offsite construction in large-scale housebuilding could make the difference between consigning an entire generation to lifetime renting, and creating enough new housing stock to kick over the obstacles to home ownership.'

Quality: Despite being built in a factory and put together elsewhere, bosses insist the houses are better than prefabricated homes

He added: 'Factory-manufactured timber systems enable tighter control on costs, they're precision-engineered to exacting standards, and they can be ready for moving in many weeks faster than with current building methods.'

Stewart Dalgarno, director of product development at Stewart Milne Group, said: 'The UK's shortage of housing is well-documented, but solving a challenging problem is made even harder by a persistent and chronic lack of skilled labour. Currently there are not enough people to build the UK's shortfall of 264,000 homes.

'Realigning the industry around offsite construction means the UK will be less constrained and less dependent on current trades skills.

'The project is the beginning of an answer to this triple threat to the country's housing ambitions, and having experts from industry and academia working together means we are in a strong position to deliver something meaningful for the good of the whole industry and the UK housing market.'

At the factory near Witney, former Prime Minister David Cameron's old constituency, the Scottish company builds 3,000 wooden homes a year

The project includes a timber systems offsite manufacturing technical training centre at Stewart Milne Timber Systems' facility in Witney, Oxfordshire.

The centre includes a product gallery, conference centre, and learning centre which gives visitors the chance to visualise the construction process end to end, view training videos, interact with the latest technology and take part in simulations. It also includes a 'training rig' to allow hands-on experience of the real-life process of construction.

Dr Robert Hairstans, head of the centre for offsite construction and innovative structures at Napier University, said: 'Offsite systems are more technically advanced due to the inherent quality assurance process of a factory environment and adoption of lean production principles.

'Bringing these advanced systems together on-site requires a new skill level. Stewart Milne Timber Systems' investment in the process of upskilling is admirable, and the new centre of excellence being launched is a showcase of what can be achieved through collaboration.'
Steve Stephens has committed suicide. He was wanted for shooting dead 74-year-old Robert Godwin in a random act of violence on Sunday

The man wanted for shooting dead a 74-year-old man and posting video of the heinous act to Facebook has committed suicide.

A tip came in shortly after 11am Tuesday that a car matching the description of Steve Stephens' white Ford Fusion was at a McDonald's near Erie, Pennsylvania, said Cleveland, Ohio Police Chief Calvin Williams at a press conference.

A worker recognized Stephens as he was waiting in his car to pick up his meal of chicken nuggets and fries.

By the time he pulled up to the pick-up window, employees were on the phone with state police.

One of the fast food workers tried to stall Stephens by saying his fries weren't ready yet and he did not respond well to the delay.

'I can't wait! I need my McNuggets!' he said before driving off.

Cops got to the establishment in time to see Stephens leaving and a short chase ensued.

Eventually cops cornered Stephens on a stretch of Buffalo Road, near an old elementary school, where he came to a stop.

Officers were walking over to arrest Stephens when he shot himself inside his vehicle around 11.10am.

Erie is located about 100 miles east of Cleveland, where Stephens shot dead Robert Godwin on Sunday, in a random act of violence after breaking up with his girlfriend.

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Police were tailing Stephens' white Ford Fusion Tuesday morning when he suddenly shot himself. Above, a view of the scene after the suicide

Cops found Stephens after getting a tip that his car was parked at a McDonald's near Erie, Pennsylvania

Police say they are looking into where Stephens was between the time of the murder and when he shot himself

Pennsylvania State Police cordon off a one-block radius area as they investigate the scene where Stephens shot himself

It's about 100 miles between Cleveland, Ohio and Erie, Pennsylvania - where Stephens shot Godwin and then killed himself

On Monday, Cleveland cops said they had expanded their search to five states including Pennsylvania.

Stephens' cellphone pinged in Erie not long after the murder, but it seems that he didn't travel further after that.

Chief Williams says they'll be looking into where he has been in the time between the shooting and his suicide, and whether he had any ties in the Erie area.

Williams noted that there 'are a lot of remote areas' around Erie where Stephens could have hidden.

Williams said he hoped the search for Stephens would have ended differently.

'This started with one tragedy and ended with another person ending their life We would like to have brought Stephens in peacefully and talked to him about why this happened,' Williams said.

The mother of two of Godwin's children lashed out on Tuesday at Stephens, for 'escaping justice' by committing suicide.

Angela Smith, speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, described Stephens as a 'coward.'

She added: 'If he was going to do that he should have done it right at the beginning.

'He was better killing himself than doing what he did.

'He shouldn't have taken my baby-father and robbed them of him.'

Angela, 34, crying and screaming, added: 'He escaped justice.

'My kids ain't never gonna get closure. He should have given himself up to the police.

Stephens was wanted on aggravated murder charges for killing 74-year-old Robert Godwin and then posting video of the shooting (above) to Facebook

Shortly after the murder, Stephens' cellphone pinged in Erie. It seems he had stayed put in the town - located 100 miles east of Cleveland - since then

'He's escaped justice and left our lives in a mess. I can't take this. I just gotta take care of my kids now that their precious father is gone'

Her 74-year-old lover had nine children with different women and was a grandfather at least a dozen times.

Angela, who is also known by the last name of Small, said she had fallen out with some members of her partner's family.

'They be blaming me for his death. They said that if he hadn't had come to my house on Sunday to see his kids, he would be alive today.

'But that ain't fair. I didn't know this shooter would take my baby-daddy's life like that. We never knew that man.

'My man just in wrong place at wrong time. That is it.'

Angela Smith, pictured center of left and right, told DailyMail.com that Robert Godwin, the senior citizen randomly killed by fugitive Steve Stephens, was the love of her life. She is pictured left with their two sons Terell and Marsean at a memorial in the spot where he Godwin killed

Earlier Tuesday, 911 calls were released from the day of the murder, showing how people across the country called in to report the violent Facebook video.

Dispatchers answered 300 more calls on Easter Sunday than the previous Sunday because of the brutal murder.

Dispatchers say when the first calls started coming in, they weren't from people near the scene of the crime, but from those who watched the disturbing clip online - some as far away as California, according to Fox 8.

Dispatchers struggled to keep up with the calls, some of which were from people who just wanted to check in to see if the suspect had been caught.

'Ma'am, ma'am, ma'am, I got about a 100 911 calls about this,' a dispatcher told one woman who called in.

Meanwhile, former neighbors have spoken out about Stephens' creepy behavior growing up.

Tony Henderson lived across the street from Stephens and his family. When the Stephens family moved to his neighborhood, he says Steve was in his early teens and he was in his late 20s.

When he heard what happened on Sunday, he said he wasn't surprised because Stephens always seemed 'out there'.

'I never quite understood that kid through his entire life, because on some days he would talk to you, and then on others he would be mean and staring at you and very quiet,' Henderson told the Daily Beast.

Henderson says he 'could see something wasn't right' with the boy, a feeling that was confirmed when he was invited over to see the teen's pet bird.

'He had a parakeet and he had that bird crawl from the cage and on to his finger. Then he slapped the bird as hard as he could with his other hand, and the bird was lying on the floor. The bird looked dead to me. I looked at him and he was smiling and laughing as he looked at me and that bird,' Henderson recalled.

That lack of empathy is concerning. Science has shown that many rapists and serial murderers tortured animals as children.

'Hey, animals dont make you weird like that,' he added. 'He was that way before he got that bird. Heard he used to torture other pets he had. He was like that from the time I first met him.'

Alexis Lee, 34 (left), who had known Stephens since he was a teenager told DailyMail.com he had tried to get her to spend time with him in the local casino, where he had lost heavily. Charisse Leonard, 28, (right) said: 'I thought he was confused about his sexuality and could even have been gay.'

The Facebook killer Steve Stephens was brought up in this eastern section of Cleveland and lived at this home with his mom while growing up

Next-door-neighbor Alexis Lee was also creeped out by Stephens. She told DailyMail.com that as a teenager he bought a python and would approach women trying to women their attention.

FACEBOOK'S RESPONSE TO THE DISTURBING MURDER VIDEO: 11:09am: First video from Stephens, in which he threatens to murder, is uploaded to Facebook. No one reports it to Facebook. 11:11am: Video of the shooting is uploaded. 11:22am: Confesssion is recorded via Facebook Live. 11:27am: Live video ends and reports start coming in. 12:59am: Video of the shooting is first reported. 1:22pm: Suspect's account is disabled and all videos are no longer visible to the public. Advertisement

'He didn't really know how to talk to us ladies,' Lee said. 'The snake was meant to draw my attention and he regularly told me he had a crush on me.

'But he wasn't my type at all. There was nothing attractive about him. He did have a nice personality though.

Another local woman Charisse Leonard, 28, said: 'I thought he was confused about his sexuality and could even have been gay.

'I had never known him to have had a girlfriend. But he had a nice nature as did his mother and family. I never saw his dad.'

Stephens, worked as case manager at Beech Brook, a behavioral health agency headquartered in Pepper Pike, near Cleveland.

He joined in 2008 and began as a youth mentor for teens and for the past two years as a vocational specialist for the Assertive Community Treatment team, which provides support to older teens and young adults.

He did not have a criminal record and had only been accused of traffic offenses.

But he blew his salary at the tables in the Jack casino, in a former department store in downtown Cleveland, and at one point petitioned for bankruptcy.

Rambling videos he shared showed his despair, saying he was out of options and wanted to kill as many innocent people as he could.

Stephens posted a video of himself killing Robert Godwin Sr., a former foundry worker who had 10 children, police said. In it, he said, 'I snapped, I just snapped.'

In the video, Stephens told Godwin a woman's name and said, 'She's the reason that this is about to happen to you.' Godwin did not seem to recognize the name.

The woman Stephens spoke of, Joy Lane, said in a text message to CBS that 'we had been in a relationship for several years. I am sorry that all of this has happened.'

She also said Stephens was 'a nice guy' who was good to her and her children.

Stephens reportedly went on the rampage after his girlfriend, Joy Lane, broke up with him earlier in the day. The former couple pictured above

Stephens said that he wouldn't stop killing until Lane or his mother called him

Stephens filed for bankruptcy two years ago despite holding down a job as a counselor helping young people develop job skills and find employment. The behavioral health agency where he worked said an extensive background check before he was hired turned up nothing worrisome.

In one video posted on Facebook, Stephens said that he gambled away everything and that he and his ex-girlfriend had planned to marry but did not, without saying why. He blamed her for what was about to happen.

Some friends said they knew about his gambling. But the videos showed a man they did not recognize.

Alexis Lee, who saw Stephens last week, said his childhood friend always seemed respectful and got along with everybody.

'He never ever told me he had problems or issues. It was always good things,' Lee said. 'He was always just so happy and cool, calm, collected, like, that's why it's so shocking.'

Other neighbors said he was quiet as a kid and intelligent, recalling how he went to college and got a master's degree.

'He was just a no problem person at all, compared to a lot of people,' said Cynthia Coley, a former neighbor.

Tributes are being laid at the scene of Steve Stephens' Facebook murder of Robert Goodwin. The father and grandfather was walking on the sidewalk when the killing was broadcast

Robert Godwin's (pictured) son says his father was a retired foundry worker

It's believed that Godwin was out collecting cans when he was shot dead on Sunday

In one video in which he blamed his girlfriend, Stephens said he woke up last week and 'couldn't take it anymore.'

Investigators said that Godwin was the only victim so far linked to Stephens, despite his claim on Facebook that he killed over a dozen people.

On Monday evening, Facebook announced that it was launching a review for reporting harmful content following the killing. The company said that Stephens posted a video of himself announcing his intent to commit murder, then two minutes later posted another video of himself shooting and killing Godwin. A few minutes after that, he went live and confessed.

The company said it disabled Stephen's account within 23 minutes of receiving the first report about the video of the fatal shooting and two hours after receiving any report.

'In this case we did not receive a report about the first video, and we only received a report about the second video - containing the shooting - more than an hour and 45 minutes after it was posted,' said Justin Osofsky, Facebook's vice president of global operations. 'We received reports about the third video, containing the man's live confession, only after it had ended.'
A South African hunter is believed to have been eaten by crocodiles after human remains were found inside two beasts.

Scott Van Zyl, 44, vanished last week after going on a hunting safari with a Zimbabwean tracker and a pack of dogs.

The father-of-two, whose company runs hunting trips for foreign clients, is thought to have been eaten by crocodiles on the banks of the Limpopo River in Zimbabwe.

South African hunter Scott Van Zyl, 44, is believed to have been eaten by crocodiles after human remains were found inside two beasts

He vanished last week after going on a hunting safari with a Zimbabwean tracker and a pack of dogs

The professional hunter and his tracker had left their truck and walked into the bush in different directions.

Later that day his dogs returned to the camp without Mr Van Zyl. His rifle and belongings were found inside the truck.

A rescue team of helicopters, divers and trackers combed the area while friends gave out missing posters in villages and to fishermen along the river.

Mr Van Zyl's footprints were later spotted leading to the river bank and trackers found his backpack nearby.

Sakkie Louwrens, who was part of the search team, said police suspected two Nile crocodiles may have eaten Mr Van Zyl.

'We found what could possibly be human remains in them,' he told The Telegraph.

The father-of-two, whose company runs hunting trips for foreign clients, is thought to have been eaten by crocodiles on the banks of the Limpopo River (pictured) in Zimbabwe

The professional hunter and his tracker had left their truck and walked into the bush in different directions. Later that day his dogs returned to the camp without Mr Van Zyl (pictured right, with his wife)

Police and animal nature conservation services decided to shoot the reptiles.

The remains are being tested by forensic experts to see whether they belong to Mr Van Zyl.

At least four people have been killed by crocodiles in Zimbabwe in the past month.

In March, villagers cut open a crocodile and found the remains of an eight-year-old boy inside the beast.

The shocking scene was captured by an eyewitness with a smartphone in the village of Mushumbi Pools in northern Zimbabwe's Mashonaland Central Province.

Villagers suspected the crocodile had killed and eaten the young boy, and shot the animal dead.

Sakkie Louwrens, who was part of the search team, said police suspected two Nile crocodiles may have eaten Mr Van Zyl (pictured)

Police shot the crocodiles and are testing the remains found inside them to see if they belong to Mr Van Zyl (pictured with his wife)

Zimbabwe has recently been hit by heavy rain, raising river and dam levels, which can bring crocodiles to areas where they are not normally seen.

A crocodile was recently shot dead in Beatrice, a farming community in the neighbouring province of Mashonaland East, with what were believed to be the remains of a fisherman in its stomach.

In November, last year a 13 year old boy who was fishing to pay for his school fees was killed by a crocodile in southern Zimbabwe.

Owen Chianga and his friend, Liberty Ruzivo, 15, were attacked by two crocodiles while they were fishing in the Save River near the village of Birchenough Bridge.

Nile crocodiles typically feed on fish, antelope and zebra, which they snatch from the shallows and before engaging in a twirling, drowning method known as 'the death roll'.
In a show of strength toward the North Koreans, the U.S. could shoot down the country's next missile test, the Guardian has learned.

The Pentagon is currently looking at ways to strong arm the North Korean regime to stop its nuclear program, short of actually going to war, as Vice President Mike Pence traveled to the region this week.

The idea would be that the U.S. would intercept a missile test after the North Koreans hold another nuclear test, with the message being that the nuclear test was 'unacceptable,' as President Trump has said.

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President Donald Trump salutes servicemembers outside Marine One today. His Pentagon is looking into ways to show strength to the North Koreans

Vice President Mike Pence is seen on his trip to the Demilitarized Zone between South and North Korea on an Asian trip this week

North Korean missiles were paraded down the streets of Pyongyang on Saturday to commemorate the birthday of Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong-un's grandfather

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was photographed this week attending a military parade. Experts worry that is the U.S. knocks down one of his missiles he'll attack Japan or South Korea

However, uncorking such a bottle with North Korea could lead to disastrous consequences, as the nation could attack American allies like South Korea and Japan, military experts pointed out to the Guardian.

'I would see such an action as escalatory, but I couldn't guess how Kim Jong-un would interpret it,' Abraham Denmark, the senior Pentagon policy official Asia under President Obama, told the Guardian of the unpredictable North Korean leader.

'But I would be concerned he would feel the need to react strongly, as he would not want to appear week,' Denmark added of the 33-year-old Kim.

This new plan is separate from the U.S.'s decision to supply South Korea with a missile defense system called THAAD, an acronym for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense.

The U.S. deployed the first stage of the system in March, though it could take months for the whole thing to come online, according to Fox News.

China hasn't been a fan of the South Koreans getting THAAD, though President Trump has been trying to persuade China's President Xi to join the Americans in pressuring North Korea to stand down.

The Guardian's two sources said instead of using THAAD, the plan would consist of either using the Aegis missile defense system about a U.S. Navy destroyer or by convincing Japanese officials to use their own missile-defense system against the North Koreans, especially if the ballistic missile test traverses Japanese waters.

The USS Carl Vinson carrier striker group, which includes destroyers equipped with Aegis missile defense systems, are headed toward the Koreas, after a miscommunication between the White House and the Pentagon, and will be there toward the end of the month.

However, what if the U.S. tried to shoot down a North Korean missile and failed?

Such a blunder could embolden the country's unpredictable leader.

Patrick Cronin, senior director of the Asia-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security told the Guardian that such a screw-up would give Pyongyang a 'psychological advantage.'

Speaking more broadly about Kim Jong-un on Sunday's Meet the Press, Sen. John McCain pointed out, 'This guy in North Korea is not rational. His father and his grandfather were much more rational than he is.'

McCain explained why the U.S. hasn't wanted to take Kim out militarily.

'I think you never want to do that ... because of the proximity of North Korean artillery to Seoul, a city of how many million people,' McCain said. 'But, at the same time, to risk a situation where they have [nuclear] ability and we rely on our ability to intercept,' he said, pointing to what could happen if North Korea made good on its threat of nuclear attack.

'This could be the first test, real test, of the Trump presidency,' McCain said.

Knocking down a North Korean missile, at least one expert argued, could be the best option as Pyongyang thumbs its nose at the United States, and the United Nations, which says North Korea cannot do any missile or nuclear tests.

'North Korea is banned from testing missiles by the UN, so in that sense we should be shooting all of them down,' Robert Kelly, an associate professor at South Koreas Pusan National University, told the Guardian. 'But instead the world has turned a blind eye.'

'I don't think it would be a bad idea to shoot down a test missile, as an attack on North Korea itself would be too provocative,' he added.
The sale of the gravestones of two Australian war heroes has caused an uproar after the headstones fell into the hands of a private dealer.

Ben Hardy and Ralph Jones, who were both recipients of the George Cross, were ruthlessly murdered during the Second World War as Japanese prisoners overthrew the Cowra prisoner of war camp.

New gravestones have been made for the war heroes, so their old stones had been sent to be destroyed, The Daily Telegraph reported.

The two gravestones of Ben Hardy and Ralph Jones, which somehow found there way into an auction up for sale

Yet protocol had not been followed and they found themselves in the possession of war memorabilia collector Ron Horsfall who claims he picked them up Cowra rubbish tip 25 years ago.

Australian War Memorial director Dr Brendan Nelson ordered for the headstones to be reacquired when they went up for sale at a private auction in Goulburn.

'I think it's disappointing the headstones of two highly decorated Australians should be auctioned in the first place. Why someone should wish to profit from them is beyond my understanding,' Dr Nelson said.

'We paid $325 for the two, which is $325 more than anybody should have paid because common decency would suggest a man's headstone, particularly a George Cross recipient's, should not be sold.'

War hero and George Cross recipient Ben Hardy

Fellow George Cross recipient Ralph Jones was stabbed to death by Japanese prisoners of war

Hardy and Jones were killed as Japanese prisoners of war escaped from the Cowra camp, with 359 getting away.

The pair, who were clubbed and stabbed to death respectively, deliberately broke their machine guns so the Japanese could not seize them.

They were both posthumously awarded the George Cross.

Cities Assistant Minister Angus Taylor, who notified Dr Nelson about the sale of the headstones in his electorate, said it was 'appalling' they were available at auction.

Local RSL members were also mortified by the news that the gravestones were to be sold.

'We were aghast that they had fallen into private hands, it's disrespectful,'Crookwell RSL sub-branch member Malcolm Barlow said.
Janie Hall, 45, saved her Plenty of Fish date's life when she performed CPR on him after he collapsed at the table

A Missouri woman saved her Plenty of Fish date's life by performing CPR on the floor of a restaurant after he passed out at the table earlier this month.

It was the first time Janie Hall, 45, a former respiratory therapist, had met her suitor, who has asked to remain anonymous, after chatting on the dating website for several weeks.

The pair met up at The Cheesecake Factory in Kansas City on April 7 and had lunch.

They had finished their meal when Janie's date, who is in his late fifties, began coughing then suddenly fell to the floor.

She sprung in to action, performing CPR with the waitress until an ambulance came to take him to the hospital.

She has since visited him and was 'honored' to have been asked out a second time.

Reflecting on their unforgettable first encounter, Janie told People: 'We had a wonderful meal and great conversation.

'They boxed our food and we continued to talk for 45 more minutes, chatting about family and friends.'

The gentleman suddenly began coughing and lifted his hand to excuse himself but soon fell to the ground.

'I turned my head to the side to give him some privacy and then the next thing I knew there were dishes falling onto my side of the booth.

Janie and waitress Becca Bartholomew (above together at the restaurant) performed CPR until paramedics arrived

The incident occurred at The Cheesecake Factory in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 7

'He had glazed-over eyes and blood was coming from his mouth. I checked and he had no heart rate so I began chest compressions and CPR,' she said.

When the ambulance arrived, she followed it to the hospital then slipped her card to hospital staff so that the man's family could contact her.

The couple struck up a rapport on the dating website Plenty of Fish

The next day, she phoned the hospital and asked to be put through to his room.

She then exchanged text messages with his daughter and went to visit him days later in the hospital.

'He remembered everything about our conversation at the restaurant. I told him, "I never got to thank you for the meal," and he said, "Oh my god, you saved my life!".

'He asked for a second date in the hospital. I was extremely honored. What means the most to me is that he works on his health and wellness right now.'

Janie has not revealed what caused the incident, leaving the choice of whether to share it not with him.
An explosive bus brawl was captured on video after a shouting match erupted and the driver kicked a passenger on crutches.

Brian Betancur said he no longer feels safe on public transportation after he was in an explosive clash with bus driver Leslie St. Lewis in March in Montgomery County, Maryland.

The fight, filmed by another passenger, shows the two men in a heated argument and as Betancur hobbles away on one crutch, St. Lewis is seen kicking him in the back of the leg, sending him lurching forward.

Betancur turns around and hurls his crutch at the driver and the two begin exchanging blows, all while the two are cursing at each other.

Other riders on the Ride On bus quickly move out of the way to escape any misdirected blows and the video abruptly ends as the person filming stops to break up the fight.

A bus brawl was captured on video on a Ride On bus in Maryland between passenger Brian Betancur and driver Leslie St. Lewis, who kicked Betancur, who was on a crutch (pictured)

Betancur (left) is banned from riding on the bus for 90 days while St. Lewis (right) is still employed but is not driving while the incident is under investigation

The altercation began when Betancur became angry when he thought the bus tried tried to roll past a stop he had been waiting at for 45 minutes, causing him to hustle on his crutch across the street, FOX 5 first reported.

Angry, he boarded and asked for St. Lewis' name, which he refused to give.

St. Lewis was not behind the wheel of the bus and was standing nearby the driver's seat because he was training a new bus employee, according to the news outlet.

Betancur eventually sat down but claims that he heard St. Lewis make a comment about his mother, sparking him to get out of his seat and confront the man.

The video begins where the two are seen in each other's faces yelling.

One of the men says: 'Don't disrespect me and think I'm not going to disrespect you back.'

The altercation began when Betancur thought the bus was going to skip his stop and asked for St. Lewis' name. The two then got into an argument (pictured St. Lewis and Betancur fighting)

Betancur is seen left arguing with St. Lewis, who was training another driver at the time. The injured man claims St. Lewis made a comment about his mother

Betancur is heard saying: 'Don't say s**t about my mom. I'll take you down right now.'

Once St. Lewis has him tangled up, Betancur yells out to other riders to call the police as passengers scurry to different seats, away from the fight.

FOX 5 learned that St. Lewis is still employed by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation but is not driving buses while the incident is under investigation.

Betancur is banned from riding the county bus system for 90 days.

He told Fox 5: 'Ride On shouldn't be employing people that are like that, period. I don't even feel safe there.'

He added: 'They're completely wrong.'
A Scottish teacher at the centre of an international manhunt for the murder of his colleague has been found living less than a mile from a police station in Glasgow.

Harris Binotti, 26, from Dumfries in Scotland, was drinking with Gary Ferguson in Rangoon, Burma, in November 2016 on the day of the murder.

Mr Ferguson's body was discovered by his Thai wife in Mr Binotti's apartment. He had suffered stab wounds to his face and chest.

Interpol issued a 'red alert' seeking the arrest of Harris Binotti, right, who is suspected of the murder in Burma of his teaching colleague Gary Ferguson, left, in November 2016

Police said Binotti, pictured had been seen 'drinking and fighting' with Mr Ferguson on the day of the murder and subsequently fled the country without telling anyone

Mr Binotti is now said to be living in a flat back in Scotland with his girlfriend Elsy Dovlder, under the noses of officers at nearby Govan police station.

Police officers are expected to arrest the murder suspect as soon as they are given the all clear by the Crown Office.

Burmese police say he left the country immediately after the murder.

Interpol issued a 'red alert' for Mr Binotti after he vanished and are seeking his extradition to Burma.

Harris Binotti, pictured, has been spotted living in Glasgow under the noses of police

The notice alerted police forces around the world that Mr Binotti was wanted for extradition.

It states that he faces a charge of murder and describes him as 1.68m (5ft 5in) with brown hair and blue eyes.

Both Mr Binotti and Mr Ferguson taught English at the Horizon International School in the city, which is also known as Yangon.

Mr Ferguson had worked there for a year while Mr Binotti had been there for around three months.

A Facebook page for Mr Binotti shows that he had a number of different jobs before taking up a post as an English teacher in Rangoon.

These ranged from being a holiday representative, a ski representative and an assistant duty hotel manager.

A police officer in Rangoon said: 'At the time they were together drinking. They were talking and fighting.'

He added: 'We don't know exactly what happened.

'They were together and they had been drinking and enjoying the night and after that he (Mr Ferguson) was found dead on Sunday morning.

'They were friends but they had been drinking.

'He (Mr Binotti) is now missing and there is an investigation.

'We send our condolences to Mr Ferguson's family.'

Mr Ferguson's wife is thought to be Thai.

A school secretary, who gave her name as Yamin, said: 'We are very shocked about the news. These two teachers were very close friends so everyone is shocked.'
Boris Johnson yesterday likened Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to a monster that needs decapitating.

The Foreign Secretary also suggested Britain could join the US in future strikes on the Syrian leaders chemical weapons stockpiles.

Although no such decision has been taken, he said it would be very difficult for the UK to say no if Washington asked for military support.

Mr Johnson (pictured) updated MPs on global events after the Commons returned following the Easter recess

Mr Johnson was asked in the Commons to explain how Assad could be punished for using chemical weapons without allowing a virulent Islamist regime to replace him.

He said efforts to secure peace in the war-torn country must preserve the states institutions while decapitating the monster.

During a statement to MPs on the situation in Syria and North Korea, he said assistance would depend on a reasonable request by the Trump administration and in pursuit of similar objectives.

It is understood action would have to be related to chemical weapons attacks like the use of sarin gas earlier this month in Khan Sheikhoun. Last night it was unclear whether a US request would force a fresh vote. MPs voted against military action in Syria in 2013 following a similar attack.

Boris Johnson has called on Russia to end its 'blind support' for Syrian president Assad (left), while urging China to use its influence to restrain North Korea (shown right, Kim Jong-Un)

Asked by former foreign minister Alistair Burt if the UK was bound by that decision, Mr Johnson replied: We were not asked for specific support, but it is my belief, though I stress no such decision has yet been taken... that were such a request to be made in future, were it be a reasonable request in pursuit of similar objectives, then I think it would be very difficult for the United Kingdom to say no.

In a US strike earlier this month 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles were targeted at an airbase where a suspected chemical attack was launched from.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has said Parliament would be consulted if the UK was asked to take part in other strikes.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Johnson said Donald Trump had sent an emphatic message that the era when Assads barbarism was met with passivity and inaction has finally come to an end. Americas determined response creates an opportunity to break the deadlock and pave the way for a political settlement of Syrias tragedy, he said.

But that will only happen if Russia is prepared to bring Assad to the negotiating table and begin a transition to a new government that represents the sole chance of peace in Syria.

As relations between the UK and Moscow reach a new low, Mr Johnson called on Vladimir Putin to end his blind support for Assad. He urged: Stop the gas attacks and the barrel bombs, allow the delivery of aid to those who need it, deliver a real ceasefire and begin the political process that will include a transition away from Assad.

He said the US had acted with the full support of the Government over its missile strikes.

Mr Johnson said the UK has 'no intention of dislodging Russian interests in Syria' (pictured: Russian president Vladimir Putin greets supporters in Veliky Novgorod

Referring to both Syria and North Korea, he said: In each case, hereditary dictators presiding over cruel tyrannies have challenged the essential rules that underpin our world peace.

The United States has responded with strength and resolve and in accordance with its traditional role  as the guarantor of the rules-based system. And in both cases the US has acted with the full support of the British Government.

Mr Johnson said an analysis of the chemical weapons attack in Khan Sheikhoun had clearly identified chemical signatures that are specific to the sarin manufactured by Syria.

He said: There is only one conclusion  that the Assad regime almost certainly gassed its own people in breach of international law and the rules of war. He said the attack showed the emptiness of an agreement reached in 2013  guaranteed by Russia  that was supposed to rid Syria of chemical weapons.

Sources last night downplayed Mr Johnsons comments. It is understood there has been no shift in Government policy and it would be unlikely for the US to ask for UK help in strikes. The bombing earlier this month was considered narrowly-focused and limited.

He reiterated that Britain was given notice of a US attack on a Syrian airfield suspected of launching the chemical attack.

'America's determined response creates an opportunity to break the deadlock and pave the way for a political settlement of Syria's tragedy,' he said.

'But that will only happen if Russia is prepared to bring Assad to the negotiating table and begin a transition to a new government that represents the sole chance of peace in Syria.'

Mr Johnson said the UK has 'no intention of dislodging Russian interests in Syria', adding: 'But Russia's position in Syria does not depend on Assad.'

The cabinet minister went on: 'I hope I have the support of everybody in this House when I say I call on the Russians to end their blind support for Assad.

'Stop the gas attacks and the barrel bombs, allow the delivery of aid to those who need it, deliver a real ceasefire and begin the political process that will include a transition away from Assad.'
A town hurriedly arranged a graduation ceremony and wedding for the children of a beloved cancer-stricken doctor after learning he would not live to see either.

Dr Dan Harrahill, 52, a father-of-four from St Paul, Nebraska, was told he would not survive long enough to attend his teenage son's high school graduation or his daughter's summer wedding on March 23.

Within hours of hearing about his bleak prognosis, the town's residents arranged for both events to take place the next day.

The family doctor died eight days later after watching both from his wheelchair in the chapel of the CHI Health St. Francis, the hospital where he was being treated.

Dr. Dan Harrahill with his daughter Emilea and son-in-law Kyle after they tied the knot in the chapel at the hospital where he was being treated for colon cancer. They moved their wedding from June to March 24 hours after learning her father would not live long enough to attend in the summer

Dr. Harrahill was diagnosed with colon cancer in November. On March 23, doctors told him it had spread, was inoperable and that he did not have long left to live.

His teenage son Noah was due to graduate from high school in May and his daughter Emilea's wedding was scheduled for June.

A day after learning her father would not live long enough to attend her wedding, Emilea and her fiance decided they would exchange vows in the hospital chapel.

Their friends scrambled to arrange flowers and outfits and wedding guests from other states raced to Nebraska to attend.

Local newspaper, Omaha World Herald, shared details of the nuptials on Tuesday.

As they arranged for the wedding to take place, teachers from Dr. Harrahill's son Noah's school started organizing an impromptu graduation ceremony.

The graduation took place at 4.30pm and the wedding 30 minutes later. Despite the circumstances, the doctor's widow Shelly said: 'He was smiling from ear-to-ear the whole time we had the wedding and the graduation.

'It was one of the best days of his life, even under the circumstances.'

Dr. Harrahill watched from his wheelchair as his daughter and son-in-law got married

The doctor's teenage son Noah also had his high school graduation on the same day in the chapel. His wife Shelly joined him in the front row, placing one arm around his neck as they watched Noah receive his diploma

Other students from Noah's school took part in the ceremony which was pulled together within a few hours. They all found graduation gowns and caps to wear for the occasion

Photographs from the occasion show him beaming in his wheelchair as his daughter and new son-in-law pose either side.

Mrs Harrahill kept one arm around her husband's neck as they watched Noah's graduation.

Eight days after the joyous events, Dr. Dan, as residents affectionately referred to him, died in hospital.

His widow said the community's support and remarkable outpouring of compassion was easing the family's grief.

'We have such amazing people around us. We didnt have to do anything.

Dr. Dan grew up in St Paul, Nebraska, and returned there to become a family doctor after gaining his medical license

'The unending support and prayers and meals weve received is just completely overwhelming.

The 52-year-old died eight days after the ceremonies

'Thats whats getting us through this.'

A Facebook page titled Dr Dan's Fans has been flooded with warm memories from former patients, friends and family since his death.

Among those to leave messages are the parents of a baby he delivered weeks before his death.

In his obituary, the doctor's family told how he loved his job as a local family doctor.

'Dan was always willing to lend a helping hand. He visited many patients in their homes and was known for his selflessness, humility, generosity, humor and work ethic.

'His love for medicine was surpassed only by his love for his family. He tried hard not to miss any of his childrens school activities, whether it was music, sports, speech or school plays. He also enjoyed traveling with his family.'

His wife told the World Herald that he prided himself on never losing a baby during his 18 years of work.
He was once the golden boy of Hollywood starring in some of the biggest blockbusters of the 1980s and 1990 including the likes of Pretty Woman and An Officer And A Gentleman.

Yet, despite once being one of the most sought after leading men of his generation, Richard Gere has not made a big studio movie in nearly a decade.

The 67-year-old believes it his outspoken criticism of China and his Tibetan activism that has scared off the big studios, who are worried his casting could upset the superpower - which has quickly become the world's second-biggest box-office market.

'There are definitely movies that I can't be in because the Chinese will say, "Not with him,"' he told the Hollywood Reporter. 'I recently had an episode where someone said they could not finance a film with me because it would upset the Chinese.'

Richard Gere (pictured on April 12 at the screening of Norman) says the studios won't hire him because his Tibetan activism will upset China

Gere has been devoted to Buddhism for four decades and is a friend of the Dalai Lama (at the Bender Arena on the campus of American University on June 13, 2016 in Washington, DC)

The American Gigolo star was even banned from the Academy Awards in 1993, after he spoke out about China's occupation of Tibet and its 'horrendous, horrendous human rights situation' when he was invited to present the award for best art direction.

That did not stop him from becoming an outspoken critic of China's regime and Gere has gone onto create two foundations, the Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet and The Gere Foundation in New York.

The Buddhist, who has a long standing friendship with the Dalai Lama, is banned for life from China.

Gere claims he was not bothered by the Academy ban, saying: 'I didn't have to put on a tuxedo again. I was fine with that.'

Gere was once the golden boy of Hollywood starring in some of the biggest blockbusters of the 1980s and 1990 including the likes of Pretty Woman (pictured)

Hit movie An Officer and a Gentleman (pictured) also helped to make Gere a star in the 1980s

But his Arbitrage co-star Susan Sarandon, who was also banned after she spoke out about Haitian refugees at the awards, pointed out the inconsistencies between their ban, and the scores of actors who attacked Donald Trump at the last awards.

'It doesn't matter if you're outspoken about Trump, because Hollywood hates Trump,' she said. 'But it was brave of Richard to say what he said. He was drawing attention to the things that everyone has agreed not to pay attention to. That's the sin.'

A few years after his Academy speech, Gere said he began to realize just how much impact that one night had on his career - as well as how much influence China had over the American studios.

In 1997, the actor was starring in thriller Red Corner as an American wrongfully accused of murder in China.

With filming complete, Gere was doing the press rounds when he got a call. MGM was axing the film.

'China told them, "If you release this film, we're not buying it." And so, they dumped it.'

Gere, who has never been nominated for an Oscar, admits the only time he was affected by the Academy's decision was when he missed a nomination for Chicago - which won him a Golden Globe.

The American Gigolo star was even banned from the Academy Awards in 1993, (pictured at the awards) after he spoke out about China's occupation of Tibet and its 'horrendous, horrendous human rights situation' when he was invited to present the award for best art direction

He said everyone was in a hotel in Paris listening to the nominations on the radio.

'You could hear the "whoas". Like this one got nominated. "Whoa!" The next one. "Yay!" Then silence. There certainly was a moment there of "Oh."'

However, Gere's supposed exile from Hollywood has been surprisingly good for his career.

While his earlier blockbusters made him a wealthy man - divorce proceedings with his ex-wife Carey Lowell revealed an estimated $250 million fortune - the past decade has seen him carve out an interesting career within the indie movies market.

In fact, his leading roles in Sony Pictures Classics' Norman and The Orchard's The Dinner, have earned the star some of the best reviews of his life.

But his beef with China keeps coming back to bite him.

Gere recalled one independently financed movie, which was never planned to be released in China, where he was forced to pull out of because of his activism.

He described how the indie movie's Chinese director called him on a protected line and confessed that if he worked with Gere, the director and his family would never be able to leave China, and he would never work again.

But the actor says his longstanding activism and criticism of China's occupation of Tibet has scared off the big studios (pictured in 1987 with the Dalai Lama)

Richard Gere, left, talks to greeting members of the local Tibetan community as he arrives in Jerusalem's Artist's House gallery for the opening of his photo exhibition with pictures of his trips to Tibet, Thursday, June 3, 2004

Gere says that even if Hollywood were to offer him a role in next summer's blockbuster, he would be unlikely to take it.

'I'm not interested in playing the wizened Jedi in your tentpole,' he said. 'I was successful enough in the last three decades that I can afford to do these [smaller films] now.

'The studios are interested in the possibility of making huge profits. But I'm still making the same films that I was making when I started. Small, interesting, characterdriven and narrativedriven stories. It hasn't impacted my life at all.'

However, Gere may get his first Oscar nomination after all after Sony Pictures Classics revealed it plans to run an awards-season campaign for Gere in Norman.

While the handsome leading man has had some career highs and lows, his love life has been somewhat checkered.

He was famously married to supermodel Cindy Crawford in 1991. They parted in 1995, and from 2002 to 2013 he entered a long relationship with former Bond girl Carey Lowell, the mother of his son, Homer.

Nearly two years ago, Richard met Spanish socialite Alejandra Silva at a charity event and the couple have been going strong ever since.

Nearly two years ago, Richard met Spanish socialite Alejandra Silva at a charity event and the couple have been going strong ever since

PDA: Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva looked more loved up than ever at the The Dinner premiere during the 67th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin in February

Richard, who early in his career starred in such highly regarded classics as American Gigolo, Looking For Mr. Goodbar and An Officer and a Gentleman, also discussed his days as a philosophy student (after enrolling on a gymnastics scholarship) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

This evolved into a deepening interest in Zen Buddhism, which included a 1978 trip to India where he met the 14th Dalai Lama and veered into Tibetan Buddhism. Richard's embrace of Buddhism's cultivation of wisdom, kindness and compassion led Gere to co-found Tibet House, which advocates for human rights in Tibet, and The Gere Foundation, which aids the Tibetan people.

His devotion to Buddhism spans four decades.

And in January, Gere was seen in an engaged conversation with his longtime friend, the Dalai Lama, while in India for the religious event Kalachakra.

The 67-year-old actor was spotted hanging on to every word conveyed by his 81-year-old Holy companion.

The human rights activist and Silva, 33, were among thousands of devotees who came to hear the Dalai Lama's teachings in Bodh Gaya. The small village is believed to be the place the Buddha achieved enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago.

Talking to the Tibet Sun, the Pretty Woman star revealed he has been coming to Bodh Gaya since 1985, saying he has 'a lot of memories' in the small town.

Gere may get his first Oscar nomination after all after Sony Pictures Classics revealed it plans to run an awards-season campaign for Gere in Norman

'Participation in Kalchakra and receiving the Dalai Lama's sermons is a lifetime achievement. Visiting Bodh Gaya is very challenging but Dalai Lama's charm made it pleasant,' Geer shared.

Gere said of the event: 'Obviously his Holiness [the Dalai Lama] is getting stronger and stronger. Usually it's the other way around. So many devotees. We couldn't get more people [into the venue].'

The actor is currently in divorce proceedings with the mother of his child Carey Lowell.

Alejandra - who confirmed her relationship with Richard at the Taormina Film Festival in June 2015, is a Spanish publicist.

Having attended Leweston School in Dorset, Kent, Alejandra is described as a regular among Madrid's glitterati.

The socialite is reported as being the estranged wife of Govind Friedland, the son of American mining magnate Robert Friedland.

Together the pair have a young son, Albert.

It's believed the duo were seeing one another for at least a year before going public with their romance at the film festival last year.

Meanwhile Richard has been promoting his latest flick The Dinner, a mysterious and dramatic thriller that takes a look at how far parents will go to protect their children based on a novel by Herman Koch.

The Dinner is due to hit big screens in May 2017, opening in cinemas across the US first.
A White House meeting on the future of the Paris climate change agreement that was scheduled for today has been postponed.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a spokeswoman for President Donald Trump, said the meeting would be rescheduled 'at some point over the next couple of weeks' and denied that it was being put off because of bickering between senior White House officials like Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner.

Sanders said the meeting was called off because of 'a lot of scheduling conflicts,' including the president's out-of-town travel.

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President Trump had said he'd 'cancel' the climate pact when he was running for president, but his White House has yet to take a formal position on the pact that Steve Bannon (center) is against and Jared Kushner (not pictured) is in favor of

President Trump said he'd 'cancel' the climate pact when he was running for office, but his White House has yet to take a formal position on the Obama-era agreement that China and India have also ratified.

The climate agreement sets individual emissions and aims to drive down carbon pollution. Its critics says it lacks a mechanism for firm enforcement.

Trump's EPA administrator Scott Pruit and chief strategist Stephen Bannon oppose the climate accord. Trump's eldest daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared, want the US to stay in it, however. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has talked about the pact favorably, as well.

White House officials were supposed to hold a meeting to discuss the United Nations agreement that's been signed by 194 nations on Tuesday.

It was postponed and has not been rescheduled, Sanders confirmed this afternoon as Trump flew to Wisconsin with Bannon and other top aides for a manufacturing event.

Kushner did not go on the Trump trip, and was celebrating Passover still as of Monday.

'Several of the people that wanted to participate in that meeting' are on the president's trip to Wisconsin, Sanders said, 'and a couple of other things.'

Discord among White House officials was not one of them, she said.

'They wanted to have that conversation. They haven't had it. I don't think they can say that there's a lot of discord between where everyone is if that's the purpose of the meeting,' she said.

A Trump spokesman said last month that the administration would reach a decision on the climate pact before Trump makes his first overseas trip.

'We are currently reviewing issues related to the agreement, and expect to have a decision by the time of the G7 Summit, late May-ish, if not sooner,' White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said.

A White House meeting on the future of the Paris climate change agreement that was scheduled for today has been postponed as Bannon traveled with Trump and Kushner (seen above with wife Ivanka) celebrated Passover

Trump's trip will take him to Brussels, to meet with NATO member nations, and Sicily, where he'll attend the G7 Summit.

Pruitt became the first Trump official to publicly say the US should 'exit' the deal last week, saying on Fox & Friends, 'Its a bad deal for America.'

'It was an America second, third, or fourth kind of approach. China and India had no obligations under the agreement until 2030. We front-loaded all of our costs,' Pruitt said.

The Republican president has committed his administration to nationalistic 'America First' policies that are also supported by his chief strategist, Bannon.

But Bannon is on the outs with Trump, who last week referred to his senior aide as 'a guy who works for me.'

Bannon has clashed with Kushner over the direction he's pulling Trump in, particularly when it comes to issues like global warming. Trump affirmed claims last week that he told them they needed to find a way to work it out.

Trump has called climate change a 'hoax' that was constructed by the Chinese, and he promised last year to get rid of 'draconian climate rules.'

He's followed through on commitments to slash EPA regulations on greenhouse gas emissions - and the agency's funding - even as he's held back on his stated intention of ripping up the Paris Agreement.

Sanders said Tuesday that a conversation with the president on the matter had not yet occurred, and she would not confirm that Trump still wants to pull out.

'I think that's a lot of what this meeting will be about,' she said, 'is the conversation and open discussion about that.'
Cuberon co-founder Abhishek Gattani, 38, will have his felony assault charge against his wife reduced to a felony accessory after the fact - with an accompanying misdemeanor of 'offensive touching'

A Silicon Valley CEO has been allowed to plead no contest to abusing his former Apple engineer wife over their 10-year marriage, despite her providing audio evidence of him beating and verbally abusing her.

The plea agreement means Cuberon co-founder Abhishek Gattani, 38, will have his felony assault charge reduced to avoid the risk of him being deported back to his native India, the Daily Beast reports.

His estranged wife Neha Rastogi, 36, read a harrowing victim impact statement during Gattani's scheduled sentencing last week at the Santa Clara Supreme Court urging the judge, who is currently on vacation, to rethink the punishment.

Gattani's reduced charge of felony accessory after the fact - with an accompanying misdemeanor of 'offensive touching' - means he will likely only spend 30 days in prison and could have the felony removed from his record under the terms of the plea deal.

Rastogi, who used to work at Apple helping to develop products like iPhones, started secretly recording the abuse on May 17, 2016.

In one six minute recording, Gattani can be heard verbally berating his wife before he starts hitting her as they discussed software bugs.

'We are talking about a bug, what is a bug... NEHA... Rastogi?' he asks.

His estranged wife Neha Rastogi, 36, read a harrowing victim impact statement during Gattani's scheduled sentencing last week

'No, no, no. When did I say that's a bug? We talked about bugs right? Is it getting very difficult for you to focus? You really do need help. You need me to take another step and come to you. You need help?

'You don't want to get beaten up? Then control yourself.'

At one point in the video, Rastogi can be heard begging for him to stop hitting her.

'Abhishek, please don't hit me more,' she said. 'I am just trying to be more critical over here. I am just trying to question this... Please don't do this, please don't do this. Please don't do this. Please don't do this. Please don't do this.'

In another recording on June 14, 2016 Rastogi can be heard asking him: 'You are telling me that you are at the brink of cutting my throat and killing me?'

'Yeah I would like to see you murdered,' he says. 'And I am not kidding. If you can't believe me I can swear on anyone's life.'

Rastogi then took the recordings and several photos of her injuries to police and Gattani was arrested for his second domestic violence charge. He was previously charged with felony assault in 2013 after a postal worker saw him beating his wife on the street. The charge was reduced at Rastogi's request.

The pair wed in an arranged marriage in 2009 and they have a 3-year-old daughter.

Santa Clara Supreme Court (above) Judge Allison Marston Danner who presided over the case was not present for Gattani's sentencing last Thursday. The judge filling in for her, Rodney Stafford, postponed the sentencing so Danner could hear details of the victim statement

She read her victim impact statement to the court on Thursday after Judge Allison Marston Danner scheduled Gattani's sentencing for a day she was away.

But the judge filling in for her, Rodney Stafford, postponed Gattani's sentencing until May saying he didn't know how the negotiations for the plea deal were made.

He added that Judge Danner may not have known some of the more harrowing details included in Rastogi's 'powerful' victim statement.

Rastogi told the court she had been abused by Gattani for the entire duration of their decade-long marriage. She said she had been silenced during her marriage and the court proceedings were her only chance to speak out.

She made clear her outrage at the reduced charge, including a misdemeanor of 'offensive touching'.

'Please explain to me is it offensive touching when a 8 month pregnant woman is beaten and then forced to stand for the entire night by her husband, is it offensive touching when a mother nursing her 6 day old child is slapped on her face by her husband because he thinks she is not latching properly with the child, is it offensive touching when a women is flung to the floor and repetitively kicked in her belly, is it offensive touching when a woman is slapped 9 times by her husband until she agrees to everything he is saying and then gets hit again for not agreeing with it sooner?', she said.

Rastogi said she called the abuse terrorism.

'That's how I felt - terrorized and controlled, held hostage by the fear of pain, humiliation and assault on my being and my daughter's.'
A leopard strayed into a village in India and attacked a boy and a forest ranger before officials were able to tranquillise it and lock it up in a cage.

The boy, Milan Rana, and forest ranger Bijay Khuntia were attacked in Bolangir district in the state of Orissa.

Another man, Satyajit Kundakel, suffered minor injuries when he jumped off the roof of a house in a bid to save himself from the marauding leopard.

People scatter as the leopard runs towards a crowd of villagers

Satyajit Kundakel suffered minor injuries when he jumped from the roof while being chased by the leopard

After a rescue operation which lasted 12 hours the leopard was captured, caged and taken away.

The animal first appeared in the village in the early hours of Monday morning, when it sneaked inside the house of a villager, Aniruddh Rana.

His neighbours spotted the animal and raised the alarm.

But the big cat badly mauled Milan, the son of his neighbour Barun Rana, before the neighbors came to his rescue.

When local forest ranger Bijay Khuntia was notified about the leopard on the loose he arrived and took stock of the situation.

People watch as forest rangers hunt down the beast to an abandoned house in the village

A forest ranger shows off a wound to his hand caused by the leopard

But the animal attacked Mr Khuntia, inflicting critical injuries on his face and hands.

Eventually forest rangers managed to tranquillise the animal and avert further injuries.

Rashmi Ranjan Nayak, Bolangir district forest officer, said: 'Actually, the main challenge was to control the mob.

'We would have captured the animal if the villagers wouldn't have created disturbance to during the operation. I am glad that we finally managed to cage the beast.'
A top designer loved by Rihanna, Jay Z and Kanye West allegedly sold stuffed endangered animals, including a crocodile and Indonesian pig.

Sasko Bezovski, 48, the co-owner of a fashion label KTZ, is alleged to have traded in the illegal taxidermy specimens from his west London fashion boutique in July.

The fashion labels most famous creation was the swan dress worn by Bjork to the Academy Awards in 2001.

The label was set up by Bezovski and Marjan Pejoski and known as Kokon to Zai and is a favourite with other stars including Katy Perry as well as DJs Diplo and A-Trak.

The fashion labels most famous creation was the swan dress worn by Bjork to the Academy Awards in 2001. It is also a big favourite with celebrities including Rihanna (right)

Sasko Bezovski (pictured left) is the co-owner of a fashion label KTZ and is alleged to have traded in the illegal taxidermy specimens from his west London fashion boutique in July

The endangered animals are said to have been sold in the form of accessories as well as taxidermy at the labels premises in Golborne Road, West London.

Animals included a false gharial crocodile, knifetooth sawfish, a spur thighed tortoise, a green turtle and a rare Indonesian pig, the court heard.

But Bezovski failed to appear at Hammersmith Magistrates Court as he was said to have been on a flight from Los Angeles to London.

His hearing was adjourned until later this month.

Bezovski faces one count of offering for sale or keeping for sale specimen of endangered species.

The label was set up by Bezovski and Marjan Pejoski and known as Kokon to Zai and is a favourite with other stars including Kanye West (seen sporting KTZ gloves)

Among the species was the freshwater crocodile Sunda/False Gharial native to the rainforests of south east Asia and listed as a vulnerable species on the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Other species are the endangered Knifetooth Sawfish which lives in the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to Australia, the endangered Green Turtle, one of the largest sea turtles, the vulnerable Spur Thighed or Greek Tortoise and the vulnerable pig-like North Sulawesi Bairusa native to Indonesia.

He is charged under regulation 8(1) and (8) of the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997.

If convicted Bezovski, of St Johns Wood, north west London, faces a maximum of five years in jail and an unlimited fine.
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Twin sisters born just before their father shipped out for a 35-month Royal Navy deployment greeted him with a kiss and a cuddle as he returned to dry land.

Summer and Amelia Payne were dressed in matching pink quilted jackets as they waved Union flags and hand-painted 'Welcome home, Daddy' signs to greet Leading Hand Dixon Payne.

He was shipped out nearly three years ago, and covered 150,000 nautical miles before returning to Plymouth, Devon, on Tuesday afternoon.

LH Dixon Payne gets a kiss on each cheek from his twins girls Summer and Amelia, who were born just before he went out to sea for three years

The little girls were all smiles as they prepared to welcome their father home, wearing matching pink jackets for the occasion

The Royal Navy vessel was at the heart of operations to prevent people smuggling in the Mediterranean and saved the lives of more than 9,000 people who were pulled from the ocean as the refugee crisis took hold.

At least 200 British citizens were evacuated from the capital of Libya, Tripoli, after the ship launched in 2014.

Another 117 unseaworthy vessels used by people traffickers were destroyed by the Navy.

Commanding Officer Philip Harper said: 'The crew of HMS Enterprise are justly proud of the work they have done since deploying, and the wide variety of operations will be hard to match in the rest of our careers.'

Adam South, returning to land, with his partner Jenny and their children Harry and George. Seamen were welcomed home by the families who have had to carry on in daily life without them for months at a time

George (two) and Harry (five) holding a homemade 'Welcome Home Banner' for their Dad AB(CIS) Adam South

Thomas and James Wharton waving union jacks to welcome home thier Aunt Stefanie Merlo, who was also greeted by her brother Daniel, Daniel's partner Amie Whorton, and Stefanie's mother Brenda - all the way from Preston

The ship entered Plymouth proudly flying an efficiency pennant - an award given to the ship last year and granted special permission to be flown on the home stretch.

Sailors worked four months on, four months off, and the youngest person waiting at the shore was newborn baby Isaac, the son of the ship's navigating officer Lieutenant Nicholas Radue.

Born only five weeks ago, Isaac was waiting in the arms of his mum, Alex Radue, on the jetty on Tuesday.

Ltd Radue flew home for the birth of his first child but shortly afterwards rejoined the crew, and he said: 'It's wonderful to see little Isaac again.

'Even though the Navy kindly allowed me home to see him when he was born before I had to rejoin the ship for the journey back.

'I have missed half of his short life and he is a different boy already.'

HMS Enterprise entering Plymouth Sound after three years, covering 150,000 nautical miles and saving the lives of 9,000 people

The Royal Navy officers stand on the deck of the ship, looking out at dry land as they prepare to return home from their three year deployment

Chief Petty Officer John Williams joined the ship part way through the deployment. He was ovewhelmed by a warm welcome from his wife Claire, and children Gabby, 15, and son Kane, 19, and Kane's girlfriend, Jess Lowe.

John said: 'It's really good to see my family again and spend more time with them. This is the third time I've served on the ship and she's a great vessel to serve in.

'It's been a long time away from her baseport for Enterprise and it's also good to see her back home. The trophies and accolades we have been awarded are testimony to that.'

Petty Officer Stefanie Merlo, 32, the ship's manpower co-ordinator and 'policeman' was greeted by her brother Daniel and his union flag-waving sons Thomas, ten, and James, four, Daniel's partner Amie Whorton, and Stefanie's mother Brenda - all the way from Preston.

Stefanie said: 'It's lovely to have such a warm welcome, especially from James and Thomas. I joined the ship in the South Atlantic, so it's been a long trip back and pretty rough in the Atlantic. It's been quite an epic achievement by ship and crew.'
A U.S. aircraft carrier the Navy had said was heading toward the Korean Peninsula amid rising tensions has not yet started sailing to the region, a U.S. defense official acknowledged Tuesday.

Other Pentagon officials told CNN that the USS Carl Vinson supercarrier and its strike group won't arrive near Korean until the end of the month.

The Navy on April 8 said it was directing a naval strike group headed by the USS Carl Vinson supercarrier to 'sail north' as a 'prudent measure' to deter North Korea.

Secretary of Defense James Mattis on April 11 said the Vinson was 'on her way up' to the peninsula. President Donald Trump the next day said on the Fox Business Network that 'we are sending an armada. Very powerful.'

Truth about the 'armada': The USS Carl Vinson has only just crossed from the Indian Ocean where it was on exercise; the USS Ronald Reagan is in port in Japan; and the USS Nimitz is off the coast of Oregon

A US defense official now says the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier and her strike group remain off the northwest coast of Australia, although the Navy said 10 days ago that it was directing the group 'north' as a deterrent to North Korea

Kim Jong-Un could have the last laugh if America's naval posturing encourages him to take greater risks in provoking U.S. military might in the region

President Donald Trump said a week ago that he was sending 'an armada' in Kim's direction  something that turned out to be an empty bluff

But a Defense Department official on Tuesday said the ships remained off the northwest coast of Australia.

A Navy photograph showed the Vinson off Java over the weekend, traveling through the Sunda Strait.

'They are going to start heading north towards the Sea of Japan within next 24 hours,' the official said on condition of anonymity.

The official added that the strike group wouldn't be in the region before next week at the earliest.

It is thousands of nautical miles from the Java Sea to the Sea of Japan.

At the time of the strike group's deployment, many media outlets said the ships were steaming toward North Korea, when in fact they had temporarily headed in the opposite direction.

And White House press secretary Sean Spicer played along  either in the dark or as part of a ruse.

This U.S. government photo, released Monday, shows the Vinson transiting the Sunda Strait, away from Korea, on Saturday

Asked about the decision to send the carrier group to North Korea, Spicer said it would be a strategic deterrent.

'A carrier group is several things. The forward deployment is deterrence, presence. It's prudent. But it does a lot of things. It ensures our  we have the strategic capabilities, and it gives the president options in the region,' he said.

'But I think when you see a carrier group steaming into an area like that, the forward presence of that is clearly, through almost every instance, a huge deterrence. So I think it serves multiple capabilities.'

News that the U.S. hadn't followed through on its threat to North Korea was greeted in Chinese media with raucous laughter on Tuesday, according to The Washington Post.

'Tricked badly!' the Global Times chirped on its social media account.

'None of the U.S. aircraft carriers that South Korea is desperately waiting for has come!'

The United States ratcheted up its rhetoric ahead of North Korea's military parade and failed missile launch over the weekend, and Vice President Mike Pence on Monday declared that the era of US 'strategic patience' in dealing with Pyongyang was over.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un responded with his own fiery warnings and threatened to conduct weekly missile tests.

The strike group has been conducting drills with the Australian navy in recent days, the official said.

It has scrapped a planned port visit in Australia as a result of sailing north.
A Florida woman was arrested after she bashed in her long-term boyfriend's windshield with a tire iron because he called her fat.

Kari Corwin took her rage out on her boyfriend of three year's company truck after an argument that was sparked when he tried to fat-shame her on Saturday night in Umatilla, Florida.

The 25-year-old had been drinking when she took a tire iron to his windshield and wreaked havoc on the vehicle, totaling more than $2,000 in damage, she admitted to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Kari Corwin, 25, took her rage out on her boyfriend's company truck after an argument that was sparked when he called her fat on Saturday night in Umatilla, Florida

She admitted to the Lake County Sheriff's Office she had been drinking when she caused an estimated $2,350 in damage. According to Corwin's Facebook page, she is engaged to a man named Jason Marshall (pictured together)

The owner of the work truck intends to press charges against the woman, Click Orlando reported.

Corwin didn't stop at the windshield in her reported alcohol-induced rampage.

After hurling the tire iron at the glass, she took a lawn ornament and banged it so hard against the hood, that it left the metal dented.

Then she wrangled up a hose with a sprinkler attached and thew it through a window on the passenger's side.

When police arrived to the scene they found the tire iron in the middle of the road, reported Fox 35.

The boyfriend told police he was also drunk when he called Corwin fat.

The boyfriend told police he was drunk when he called Corwin fat. In addition to smashing the windshield, she dented the hood with a lawn ornament

In total, the damages are estimated to be $2,350 and Corwin was charged with criminal mischief of $1,000 or greater.

According to Corwin's Facebook page, she is engaged to a man named Jason Marshall, who she first met in 2012, began a relationship with in 2014 and got engaged to in August 2016.

Her Facebook page lists her as a pharmacy technician at Leesburg Regional Medical Center.
The US military intercepted two Russian bombers in international airspace off Alaska's coast.

Navy Commander Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, said a pair of F-22 Raptor aircraft intercepted the Russian TU-95 Bear bombers on Monday.

Ross described the intercept as 'safe and professional.'

Fox News said Tuesday the Russian planes flew within 100 miles of Alaska's Kodiak Island, and about 280 miles southwest of the Elmendorf Air Force Base.

The US military intercepted two Russian TU-95 bombers in international airspace off Alaska's coast. Picutured it a TU-95 Bear bomber in 2012

Navy Commander Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, said a pair of F-22 Raptor aircraft intercepted the Russian TU-95 Bear bombers on Monday. Pictured are two F-22's in 2011

The Russians were first spotted inside the Air Defense Identification Zone, which extends 200 miles off the coast of Alaska.

The zone is defended by the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which monitors air approaches to North America and defends the airspace.

The network claimed the American jets escorted the Russian bombers for 12 minutes, and that an E-3 airborne early warning plane was also used to detect the jets.

The bombers then flew back to eastern Russia.

This map shows where the intercept on Monday took place near Kodiak Island, Alaska

A Russian TU-95 is seen on a mission over Syria on November 17, 2016. The same model of plane was intercepted near Alaska on Monday

The mid-air incident comes just days after secretary of state Rex Tillerson said US and Russian relations had reached a 'low point'.

Tillerson made the remark while seated with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The two met in Moscow during the secretary's visit, during which Russian bombers also caused a similar incident near Japan.

The Japanese military scrabbled 14 fighters after a trio of bombers was spotted off the coast.

One of the three American planes scrambled after the Russians were detected was a E-3 (pictured in 2006)

The mid-air incident comes just days after secretary of state Rex Tillerson said US and Russian relations had reached a 'low point'. Tillerson is pictured with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on April 12 in Moscow

Monday's incident marked the first time in almost two years since Russian bombers last came so close to the American coast.

The previous confrontation in the skies took place on July 4, 2015, as President Vladimir Putin seemingly wanted to deliver a message to the US.

The bombers were off the coast of Alaska and California.

'Good morning, American pilots. We are here to greet you on your Fourth of July Independence Day,' the bombers told US officials, CNN reported at the time.
President Donald Trump called Turkey's Islamic president Recep Tayyip Erdogan to congratulate him on a controversial referendum victory, the White House confirmed Tuesday.

That was not the only reason he called the NATO ally, though, a White House spokeswoman said as she defended Trump from criticism over the call during his flight to Wisconsin.

'We want to encourage democracy,' Sarah Huckabeee Sanders told reporters asking about Trump's conversation with Erdogan after the Turkish leader won sweeping powers in referendum election that's being contested. 'The purpose of the president's call yesterday was not to discourage that but simply to talk about some of the things like Syria where they can work together.'

President Donald Trump called Turkey's Islamic president Recep Tayyip Erdogan to congratulate him on a controversial referendum victory, the White House confirmed Tuesday

The referendum was on proposals to give the Turkish presidency massively enhanced powers, and bitterly divided the country, with the opposition now planning a legal challenge.

But a defiant Erdogan denounced the West's 'crusader mentality' on Monday after European monitors criticized the referendum.

Erdogan, whose narrow victory laid bare the nation's divisions, told flag-waving supporters that foreign election observers should 'know their place' and Turkey did not 'see, hear or acknowledge' criticism that the vote did not live up to international standards.

It was unclear whether that was before or after his call from Trump.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer had sidestepped questions on the call, saying that there would be no discussion of it before the full official report of international election monitors.

'There is an international commission that is reviewing this and issues a report in 10 to 12 days. We will wait and let them do their jobs,' he said.

Sanders was hit with additional questions on Tuesday afternoon, when she filled in for Spicer on the president's trip to Wisconsin and tangled with reporters topic on the during two flights on Air Force One.

'The purpose of his call, obviously: one, to congratulate; but two -- and I think the bigger point and priority -- was to talk about shared interests as a NATO ally and a partner there,' she said in one of her responses. 'And look, the Middle East is a pretty rough neighborhood, and sometimes you have to get together to help them beat the bullies, like Syria.'

Attack on the 'crusaders': Erdogan, who appeared with his wife Emine, at his presidential palace, accused European election monitors who raised concerns over the referendum of having a 'Western crusader mentality'

Division: Campaigners against Erdogan's referendum were back on the streets of Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, on Monday. He won by a wafer-thin margin, with cities including Istanbul and the capital Ankara voting against him

Sanders said later, on another flight, that Trump did not regret making the call for that reason.

'Why would he ever regret taking steps to protect Americans?' she said.

Opponents accuse Erdogan of leading a drive towards one-man rule in Turkey, a NATO member that borders Iran, Iraq and Syria and whose stability is of vital importance to the United States and European Union.

The main opposition party rejected the result and called for the vote to be annulled.

Thousands of people marched through at least three neighborhoods of Istanbul, some chanting 'Thief, Erdogan', 'no to the presidency' and 'this is just the beginning' after calls on social media for protests in several cities.

Late on Monday, his cabinet extended a state of emergency by three months- the third such extension since a failed coup attempt last July.

Election authorities said preliminary results showed 51.4 percent of voters had backed the biggest overhaul of Turkish politics since the founding of the modern republic.

But the narrowness of his victory could add to volatility in a country that has lately survived an attempted coup, attacks by Islamists, a Kurdish insurgency, civil unrest and war across its Syrian border.

The result laid bare the deep divide between the urban middle classes who see their future as part of a European mainstream and the devout rural poor who favor Erdogan's strong hand.

Erdogan reiterated his readiness to restore the death penalty at several appearances on Monday, which would effectively end Turkey's decades-long quest to join the EU.

He said it was not important if the EU suspended Turkish accession talks.

'The crusader mentality in the West and its servants at home have attacked us,' Erdogan told a crowd as he arrived at Ankara airport, referring to the foreign monitors' assessment.

'We neither see, hear, nor acknowledge the political reports you'll prepare,' he said later at the palace. 'We'll continue on our path. Talk to the hand. This country has carried out the most democratic elections, not seen anywhere in the West.'

The mission of observers from the 47-member Council of Europe, the continent's leading human rights body, said the referendum was an uneven contest. Support for 'Yes' dominated campaign coverage, and the arrests of journalists and closure of media outlets silenced other views, the monitors said.

'In general, the referendum did not live up to Council of Europe standards. The legal framework was inadequate for the holding of a genuinely democratic process,' said Cezar Florin Preda, head of the delegation.

While the monitors had no information of actual fraud, a last-minute decision by electoral authorities to allow unstamped ballots to be counted undermined an important safeguard and contradicted electoral law, they said.

Turkey's foreign ministry dismissed the observers' criticism as lacking objectivity and impartiality.

Ottoman legacy: Erdogan marked his victory with a visit to Yavuz Sultan Selim, who ruled the Ottoman empire from 1512 until 1520. The powers gained through the referendum - if it survives legal challenge - make him the country's most significant figure since Ataturk

Palatial: The disclosure of a call from Trump to Erdogan was made by sources inside the presidential palace in Ankara

The U.S. State Department said it had taken note of the European monitors' concerns and looked forward to a final report, urging the Turkish government to protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens, however they voted.

Trump's spokesman said Tuesday, as she talked to reporters during the president's flight to Wisconsin, that the White House invites an independent elections commission to review the results.

'We certainly want them to do everything that they would normally do in that process and make a determination and put out a full report,' she said.

Erdogan, a populist with a background in once-banned Islamist parties, has ruled since 2003 with no real rival, while his country emerged as one of the fastest-growing industrial powers in both Europe and the Middle East.

He has also been at the center of global affairs, commanding NATO's second-biggest military on the border of Middle East war zones, taking in millions of Syrian refugees and controlling their further flow into Europe.

He vowed Turkey's recent incursion into northern Syria would not be its last such venture in the region, saying it would carry out as many military operations as necessary, wherever necessary, in its fight against terrorism.

The White House leaned on that fact as it justified Trump's call to Erdogan in Tuesday conversations.

'The President's number-one priority is protecting Americans, keeping Americans safe, and sometimes we're going to have to work with other countries and some of our NATO partners in order to do that,' Sanders told reporters on AF1.

Backing: Erdogan has significant support from the poorer and more devoutly Muslim parts of the country, and they rallied at his palace in Ankara after the result

The two largest opposition parties in Turkey have challenged the referendum, saying it was deeply flawed.

The pro-Kurdish opposition Peoples' Democratic Party said it presented complaints about unstamped ballots affecting 3 million voters, more than twice the margin of Erdogan's victory.

The main secularist opposition People's Republican Party said it was still unclear how many votes were affected.

'This is why the only decision that will end debate about the legitimacy (of the vote) and ease the people's legal concerns is the annulment of this election,' deputy party chairman Bulent Tezcan said.

The country's president survived a coup attempt last year and responded with a crackdown, jailing 47,000 people and sacking or suspending more than 120,000 from government jobs such as teachers, soldiers, police, judges or other professionals.

Boost: As Erdogan celebrated victory in the face of legal moves to challenge the outcome, the country's currency, the Turkish lira, rallied

The changes could keep him in power until 2029 or beyond, making him easily the most important figure in Turkish history since state founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk built a modern nation from the ashes of the Ottoman empire after World War One.

The result triggered a 2 percent rally in the Turkish lira from its close last week.

Germany, home to several million Turks, said it was up to Erdogan himself to heal the rifts that the vote had exposed.

'The tight referendum result shows how deeply divided Turkish society is, and that means a big responsibility for the Turkish leadership and for President Erdogan personally,' said Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel in a joint statement.

Relations with Europe were strained during the referendum campaign when Germany and the Netherlands barred Turkish ministers from holding rallies. Erdogan provoked a stern German response by comparing those limits to the actions of the Nazis.

Under the changes, most of which will only come into effect after the next elections, due in 2019, the president will appoint the cabinet and an undefined number of vice-presidents, and will be able to select and remove senior civil servants without parliamentary approval.
In the last month, President Trump's approval rating sank a point  and the president has lost female support  though he's still faring better than the 45.9 percent he received on election night.

A new Harvard-Harris Survey, first given to the Hill newspaper, shows Trump's approval rating sitting at 48 percent.

Last month, respondents to the Harvard-Harris poll gave him a 49 percent approval rating, higher than most other surveys.

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President Donald Trump saw a slight dip in his approval rating in the Harvard-Harris survey between March and April, with female regsitered voters falling away

Male voters surveyed liked Donald Trump's (pictured) leadership style, the survey found, while women preferred that of former President Obama

The current Real Clear Politics average puts Trump at 42.5 percent.

This month, the Harvard-Harris found that 22 percent strongly approve of the job Trump is doing, while 26 percent somewhat disapprove. Another 15 percent somewhat disapprove, while the biggest chunk of registered voters, 37 percent, strongly disapprove of the job Trump has done.

The poll also found that Trump's approval rating is suffering from an ever-widening gender gap.

For example, among registered female registered voters Trump's approval rating slid from 44 percent in February to 41 percent in April, while 59 percent of female registered voters now say they disapprove of the job Trump has done.

On the favorability scale, women again hurt Trump's numbers.

While 44 percent of voters overall have a positive view of the president, 38 percent of women view Trump favorably.

That's in contrast to the 51 percent of men who think he's great.

And it's down from the 40 percent of women who approved of Trump last month.

'Men see President Trump as a strong leader while women prefer the leadership of former President Obama,' Mark Penn, the Harvard-Harris co-director, told the Hill.

While 50 percent of registered voters say the country is headed in the wrong direction, several recent moves Trump made have gotten support.

For instance, two-thirds of those surveyed said they believed Trump's missile strike in Syria was justified on the heels of a deadly gas attack.

Another 55 percent said they were happy that the Senate approved of Neil Gorsuch to serve on the Supreme Court.

Seventy-five percent of registered voters are in favor of Trump's campaign promise to put $1 trillion into infrastructure.

While a majority are in favor of Republicans and Democrats working together to improve the tax code.

However, one of Trump's campaign promises is still not popular with the masses.

The new poll shows that 62 percent of registered voters are against him building a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, while 38 percent are for the wall.
Fox News and Bill O'Reilly are reportedly in exit negotiations with a final decision on the popular host's future with the network expected by the end of the week.

A well-placed source tells CNN Money that reps for the host and the cable news leader are currently in discussions ahead of a 21st Century Fox board meeting later this week on Thursday.

O'Reilly is expected to be the primary topic of discussion among the board members of the network's parent company at that meeting.

Earlier on Tuesday, three sources told New York reporter Gabriel Sherman that Rupert Murdoch may not have O'Reilly return to the network after he comes back from his vacation in a week.

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More allegations: A new woman is accusing Bill O'Reilly (above) of sexual harassment

Protests: The unnamed African-American woman is represented by Lisa Bloom and claims the Fox News host would grunt at her like a boar and call her 'hot chocolate' (protesters outside Fox News on Tuesday)

Meanwhile a new accuser has come forward to make sexual harassment allegations against O'Reilly.

Attorney Lisa Bloom told The Hollywood Reporter that the woman in question worked for another network back in 2008 but had a desk near O'Reilly's office, and claimed that he would refer to the African-American woman as 'hot chocolate' when he walked by during the day.

O'REILLY CLAIMS HE HAS 'BEEN SUBJECTED TO A BRUTAL CAMPAIGN OF CHARACTER ASSASSINATION' Marc E Kasowitz, attorney for Bill OReilly said in a statement: 'Bill OReilly has been subjected to a brutal campaign of character assassination that is unprecedented in post-McCarthyist America. 'This law firm has uncovered evidence that the smear campaign is being orchestrated by far-left organization bent on destroying OReilly for political and financial reasons. 'That evidence will be put forth shortly and is irrefutable.' Advertisement

The woman is not asking for any money, just 'accountability' according to Bloom.

'He would never talk to her, not even hello, except to grunt at her like a wild boar,' alleged Bloom on O'Reilly's treatment of this latest alleged victim.

'He would leer at her. He would always do this when no one else was around and she was scared.'

Marc E Kasowitz, attorney for Bill OReilly said in a statement: 'Bill OReilly has been subjected to a brutal campaign of character assassination that is unprecedented in post-McCarthyist America.

'This law firm has uncovered evidence that the smear campaign is being orchestrated by a far-left organization bent on destroying OReilly for political and financial reasons.

'That evidence will be put forth shortly and is irrefutable.'

Fox News declined to comment on all three reports. Bloom did not respond to a request for comment.

Bloom said that this latest woman to make allegations against O'Reilly has called in her complaint to Fox News.

'She was afraid if she told him to knock it off shed get fired,' explained Bloom.

'Now thats she's aware this is all in the news, shes decided to phone in a complaint to the Fox News hotline.'

An earlier statement from O'Reilly's lawyer said: 'It is outrageous that an allegation from an anonymous person about something that purportedly happened a decade ago is being treated as fact, especially when there is an obviously orchestrated campaign by activists and lawyers to destroy Mr. O'Reilly and enrich themselves through publicity driven donations.'

Speaking about O'Reilly's future with the network, sources claim that James and Lachlan Murdoch want him out and and James is working to convince his father.

This is not just in response to the outcry in America either according to the report, but also to help the Murdochs as they try to acquire the pay-TV provider Sky in Europe.

There have been reports that this latest scandal could end up hurting the Murdochs in their bid to purchase Sky.

'Its up to the family,' said a senior Fox News source.

Viewership of the Fox News host's show O'Reilly Factor has dropped 26 per cent just three days after he went on vacation.

Dana Perino, Eric Bolling and Greg Gutfeld have stepped in to host his show while he is on leave.

Nielsen company figures show that so far Bolling did the best with his 3.11million viewership, down 16 per cent from O'Reilly's performance a week earlier.

The 2.32million who watched Gutfeld on Friday was down 39 per cent from the previous Friday.

O'Reilly's viewership spiked in the days following the report on the harassment allegations.

In the week that followed, viewership increased to an average of 3.71 million, up 12 per cent from the week before the report and 28 per cent over the same week in 2016.

That may not be enough to keep O'Reilly however, with Bloom tweeting on Tuesday: 'Dear Murdochs, I'm not giving up until he's gone. My phone's ringing off the hook. I'm representing them all for free. Sincerely, Lisa Bloom.'

She followed that tweet up by writing: 'P.s. I may not have your billions, but I have boundless energy for women's rights. I can do this tomorrow, next month, next year. And I will.'

Time to go: This report comes as Rupert Murdoch is reportedly considering terminating O'Reilly according to three sources (l to r: Lachlan, Rupert and James Murdoch in March 2016)

Bloom is also representing Dr. Wendy Walsh, who has also accused O'Reilly of harassment.

Walsh previously said that in 2013 O'Reilly asked her to dinner one night at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles and then made the network contributor an offer, telling her that he was friends with Roger Ailes and could make secure the lucrative position for the psychotherapist.

It was after dinner when things began to shift according to Walsh, who said that O'Reilly asked her to come up to his hotel suite.

She politely declined and decided to steer the two towards the bar, where she claims O'Reilly became hostile over drinks and said she could forget his career advice.

Then, as a coup de grace, Walsh claims that O'Reilly said her purse was ugly.

It was revealed earlier this month that five women had been paid by the network after making accusations against the popular host.

Walsh was not one of those women and had never publicly accused O'Reilly until the release of The New York Times report.

The report claimed that close to $13 million had been paid to five women who accused O'Reilly of inappropriate behavior in the workplace: Rachel Witlieb Bernstein, Andrea Mackris, Rebecca Gomez Diamond, Laurie Dhue, and Juliet Huddy.

It was Mackris' lawsuit that made headlines when it was settled back in 2004 by the network for a formerly undisclosed sum which over the weekend was revealed to be $9million.

In her complaint, Mackris claimed she had been sexually harassed by O'Reilly and detailed their phone sex conversations in which he allegedly listed off his female conquests.

O'Reilly also allegedly detailed a sex fantasy he had about Mackris using 'that little loofah thing' in the shower, but towards the end accidentally called it a 'falafel thing'.

First case: The first known person to accuse O'Reilly of sexual harassment at Fox News was Andrea Mackris (above with her lawyer in 2004)

According to the complaint, O'Reilly called Mackris one night to inform her he was watching pornography and then began to engage in a phone sex fantasy about having her come to the Caribbean with him.

'So anyway Id be rubbing your big boobs and getting your nipples really hard, kinda kissing your neck from behind... and then I would take the other hand with the falafel thing and Id put it on your p***y, but youd have to do it really light, just kind of a tease business,' said O'Reilly according to court papers filed by Mackris.

Her complaint went on to say that during his monologue O'Reilly also suggested Mackris perform oral sex on his 'big c***' and that 'it became clear that he was using a vibrator upon himself and had ejaculated.'

When the two reached a settlement a statement was released from both parties that said 'no wrongdoing whatsoever' occurred while Mackris worked with O'Reilly.

She was also not allowed to speak about the suit in public before or after the settlement, while O'Reilly was able to say that Mackris' complaint was 'the single most evil thing I have ever experienced' to his millions of viewers.

Mackris was also written about negatively in a number of articles at the time.

It was seven years until the next woman received a settlement, with Diamond being handed an unknown amount from O'Reilly himself according to multiple sources after confronting him with a recording of comments he had made to and about her while she worked as a host on the Fox Business Network show 'Happy Hour.'

The payout was so secretive that 21st Century Fox was not even aware of the what had transpired between the two parties until last year, when it was revealed during an internal investigation into sexual harassment claims being brought against Ailes.

Laurie Dhue, who worked as a reporter on the television show Geraldo at Large and was the host of Fox Report Weekend for eight years between 2000 and 2008 also received a payout after accusing Ailes and O'Reilly of sexual harassment.

She received $1million over the summer from the network, shortly after she announced her plan to write a tell-all book.

The network quietly paid Dhue (left) more than $1million in 2016 after the anchor claimed she was sexually harassed by both O'Reilly and Ailes while Huddy (right) got $1.6million

Fox News also settled with Huddy for $1.6million back in September after she claimed that O'Reilly had tried to pursue a sexual relationship with her while she appeared on the network as a guest on his show.

Huddy stated that O'Reilly would repeatedly call her at home in Long Island and once tried to kiss her, which caused her to fall over as she pulled away from the host.

Soon after she stopped being asked to appear on O'Reilly's program.

Both Dhue and Huddy's stories had been reported before, but it was not known Dhue had complained about O'Reilly's behavior in addition to Ailes.

The fifth settlement came back in 2002 after O'Reilly reportedly screamed at junior producer Rachel Witlieb Bernstein, who left soon after with a settlement.

That incident did not involve sexual harassment.

O'Reilly fired back soon after the release of the report, releasing a personal statement on his website in which he said that he had to consider his children when settling these claims.

'Just like other prominent and controversial people, I'm vulnerable to lawsuits from individuals who want me to pay them to avoid negative publicity. In my more than 20 years at Fox News Channel, no one has ever filed a complaint about me with the Human Resources Department, even on the anonymous hotline,' O'Reilly began his statement.

'But most importantly, I'm a father who cares deeply for my children and who would do anything to avoid hurting them in any way. And so I have put to rest any controversies to spare my children.'

He added: 'Those of us in the arena are constantly at risk, as are our families and children. My primary efforts will continue to be to put forth an honest TV program and to protect those close to me.'

O'Reilly has a daughter Madeline, 18, and son Spencer, 13, with his ex-wife Maureen.

The couple divorced in 2011, and it was in the years after that divorce that three of the five women who received settlements claimed they were sexually harassed by O'Reilly.

He currently makes $18million annually as the host of his Fox News show, which he launched back in 1996 at the birth of the network.

Rebecca Diamond (right) a host on the Fox Business Network, revealed her recorded conversations with O'Reilly after the network told her they would not be renewing her contract

O'Reilly made comments similar to his official statement last year while appearing on 'Late Night With Seth Meyers' and defending Ailes after women began coming forward claiming he had sexually harassed them over the years.

'In this country, every famous, powerful or wealthy person is a target,' O'Reilly told Meyers.

'Youre a target. Im a target. Any time somebody could come out and sue us, attack us, go to the press or anything like that.'

O'Reilly then began to say 'until America,' but quickly interrupted himself to explain what he has to deal with in his life because of his fame.

'It's a deplorable situation because I have to have bodyguards. I have to hire bodyguards, physical bodyguards.'

He then continued with his previous thought, telling Meyers: 'Until the United States adopts the English system of civil law, whereby, if you file a frivolous lawsuit, and you lose, the judge has a right to make you pay all court costs.'

'Until we adopt that very fair proposition, we are going to have this out of control, tabloid society that is tremendously destructive.'

O'Reilly also went after then co-worker Megyn Kelly on CBS This Morning back in November when she publicly accused Ailes of sexual harassment in her memoir.

'I'm not interested in basically litigating something that is finished that makes my network look bad. Okay?' said O'Reilly.

'I'm not interested in making my network look bad at all. That doesn't interest me one bit. '

Kelly, an actual victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, refused to be silenced or shamed by O'Reilly and fired back the following day, saying: 'I believe that Roger Ailes made the company look bad.'

Ailes made a remarkably swift exit from the company back in July, packing up his office just three weeks after he was accused of sexual harassment in a lawsuit filed by former host Gretchen Carlson.

He still managed to walk away with a reported $40million severance package after leaving his post, and maintains that the allegations being made by Carlson in her lawsuit are false.

Carlson recounted a conversation she had with Ailes in September of 2015 in her court filing, during which he allegedly said to her: 'I think you and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago and then you'd be good and better and I'd be good and better.'

That conversation allegedly occurred when Carlson went to speak with Ailes about what she believed were discriminatory practices at the network.

The popular host of 'The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson' claimed in her lawsuit that her refusal to have a sexual relationship with her boss was why she was let go on June 23 after 11 years with the network.

She was eventually awarded $20million, and told she could not speak about the lawsuit.

Former Fox News event planner Laurie Luhn received a settlement following her relationship with Ailes, which she claimed required her to perform sexual acts with the man and for two decades and eventually caused her to suffer a mental breakdown.

It was after that breakdown that Luhn decided to tell the network about the years of sexual harassment at the hands of Ailes and how he would allegedly tape her and once forced her to engage in bed with another women while seeking out younger women for him to meet.

The network quickly responded by giving Luhn a $3.15million payout, and making her sign 'extensive nondisclosure provisions.'

It was also revealed just last month that Tamara Holder and 21st Century Fox reportedly worked out a deal in February that awarded the lawyer and author $2.5million following an incident that occurred two years ago.

Other clients: Bloom is also representing Dr. Wendy Walsh (above earlier this month)

Holder, who joined the network in 2010 and has appeared on Hannity and guest hosted The Five, approached Fox News' executive vice president for business and legal affairs Dianne Brandi back in September and alleged that she had been sexually assaulted by Francisco Cortes.

She alleged that Cortes, the vice president of Fox News Latino, tried to force her into performing oral sex on him when the two were alone in his office.

Fox News also fired Cortes, who in 2004 was personally selected by Roger Ailes as the first member of the disgraced CEO's apprentice program.

Kelly wrote about what she saw as problems with the way Ailes handled complaints in her memoir, saying that the 'entire structure was set up to isolate and silence' victims.

Finally, there is Andrea Tantaros, who is still suing the company for $50million.

The former Fox News host claims that Ailes and O'Reilly both subjected her to unwanted sexual advances while she was an employee.

'Fox News masquerades as a defender of traditional family values, but behind the scenes, it operates like a sex-fueled, Playboy Mansion-like cult, steeped in intimidation, indecency and misogyny,' claimed Tantaros in her lawsuit.

Tantaros, 37, went on to claim in the suit that she was taken off the air when she complained about being sexually harassed by Ailes.

She also claimed that Ailes once asked her to perform 'the twirl' for him; said 'come over here so I can give you a hug'; and told her 'I bet you look good in a bikini.'

O'Reilly meanwhile invited Tantaros to his Long island home to stay with him, telling her it would be 'very private' she claimed in her lawsuit, also telling her that he could 'see [her] as a wild girl' and that she had a 'wild side.'

Tantaros said that she and her agent told Shine, Scott, and Brandi about numerous examples of Ailes's alleged harassment.

'Ailes did not act alone,' claims Tantaros in her lawsuit.

'He may have been the primary culprit, but his actions were condoned by his most senior lieutenants, who engaged in a concerted effort to silence Tantaros by threats, humiliation and retaliation.'

In a statement released over the weekend regarding the O'Reilly report, 21st Century Fox said: 'Notwithstanding the fact that no current or former Fox News employee ever took advantage of the 21st Century Fox hotline to raise a concern about Bill OReilly, even anonymously, we have looked into these matters over the last few months and discussed them with Mr. OReilly.

'While he denies the merits of these claims, Mr. OReilly has resolved those he regarded as his personal responsibility. Mr. OReilly is fully committed to supporting our efforts to improve the environment for all our employees at Fox News.'

Fox News referenced the 21st Century Fox statement when asked for comment over the weekend.
A high school student from Texas has been accused of hacking into his school's computer system to change grades.

A sophomore at Memorial High School was arrested on March 31 and could end up going to jail on charges of breaking computer security.

According to Spring Branch Independent School District, a stolen password was used to access the system and adjust the grades with the student even offering to change the grades for his classmates for a fee.

Despite the temptation, only one student ended taking up the offer.

A high school student from Texas has been accused of hacking into school's computer system to change grades (pictured, Memorial High School)
One day after Secretary Treasury Steven Mnuchin sowed doubt on whether tax reform could get done by its original August deadline, President Trump countered that  and taunted him  saying that it's on time.

'We're also working with Congress on tax reform, and simplification, and we're on time,' Trump told an audience today at the Snap-On Tool headquarters in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Though he noted a caveat: 'If we get that health care approval.'

Trump told the crowd that they needed to get in touch with lawmakers in order to usher a Republican-led health care bill through. Then tax reform, as originally planned, would quickly follow.

President Trump (left) challenged Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's (right) assessment that tax reform would be delayed - though they both cited health care reform as a problem

President Trump told a Wisconsin audience today that tax reform was on time, though health care still needed to be dealt with first

'So press every one of your congressmen, press everybody, because we want to get that approval and it just makes tax reform easier and it makes it better and it's going to make it steeper, it's going to be bigger and that's what we want to do,' the president proclaimed.

No matter what, Trump suggested, a tax reform package was in 'good shape,' he said today.

'We have the concept of the plan,' he noted. 'We're going to be announcing it very soon.'

'But ... we have to get health care taken care of,' he warned. 'And as soon as health care [gets taken] care of, we are going to march very quickly, you're going to watch, we're going to surprise you.'

'Right, Steve Mnuchin? Right?' he said, calling out to his secretary of treasury.

It was Mnuchin who said yesterday that getting a tax reform bill to Trump's desk before August was 'highly aggressive to not realistic at this point.'

'It is fair to say it is probably delayed a bit because of the health care,' Mnuchin said in an interview with the Financial Times.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin sat down with the Financial Times and said he now expected tax reform to be delayed - thanks to the failure of the Republicans' health care bill

Trump signaled he wants to streamline the income tax system, cut federal regulations, reduce corporate income tax and add new taxes to prod companies to keep or move production to the United States.

He's already being rebuffed by Democrats, who say they won't play ball on tax reform as long as Trump holds out from releasing his taxes.

Yesterday, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Trump won't be releasing his 2016 returns, as they, too, are under audit.

'It's gonna be much harder to get tax reform done if the president doesn't disclose his taxes, for the very simple reason, that when there's a provision in [the] bill, people are gonna say, "Oh, this is for Trump and his business not for the benefit of the American people,' Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. warned.

Trump and Republicans in Congress are also trying to overhaul the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.

But efforts to pass a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to repeal and replace Obamacare failed last month, dealing a major setback to the administration.

Now the timeline of quickly tackling health care to then move through a tax reform bill by summer recess is messed up.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had originally pointed to an August deadline for tax reform, though is now walking back from that assessment

'It started as [an] aggressive timeline,' Mnuchin said first of tax reform, before telling the Financial Times he thought it would be delayed.

He noted that a sticking point on reform is whether to implement a 'border adjusted' plan that would tax imports while exempting exports.

Senior administration officials told FT that the measure is unlikely to survive, meaning the Republicans could be short $1 trillion in cash over a 10 year span.

Mnuchin suggested there are other ways that revenue could be raised, though also stated that the 'border adjustment' plan hasn't been taken off the table.

'Economic growth creates lots of revenues,' Trump's treasury secretary pointed out. 'When you calculate whether it is deficit-neutral or not, there are a bunch of different calculations and a bunch of models.'

'I am just pointing out the magnitude of what economic growth does,' he added.
An Iraqi unit with U.S. and Australian advisers has been hit by mustard gas by ISIS forces.

Six soldiers suffered breathing problems and another 19 were forced to seek treatment after ISIS militants launched the gas attack against the US-backed unit in the city of Mosul, northern Iraq.

It is the second chemical attack against the Iraqi troop in two days, after an officer with the anti-terrorism unit said ISIS fired a rocket loaded with chlorine at the al-Abar neighborhood in western Mosul.

An Iraqi unit with U.S. and Australian advisers has been hit by mustard gas by ISIS forces (a member of the Iraqi forces wears a gas mask in the old city of Mosul on April 16)

Six soldiers suffered breathing problems and another 19 were forced to seek treatment after ISIS militants launched the gas attack against the US-backed unit in the city of Mosul, northern Iraq

Gas masks and other equipment is now being distributed to forces in case of future gas attacks.

The allied Iraqi forces are battling ISIS and local officials say more than half of western Mosul has been retaken from the extremists.

ISIS was driven out of the eastern half of Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, in January.

But hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians are still trapped in the ISIS-held parts of the city which could turn into the worst humanitarian 'catastrophe' in the war against the militants, the United Nations warned on Tuesday.

'If there is a siege and hundreds of thousands of people don't have water and dont have food, they will be at enormous risk,' U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Iraq Lise Grande told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Smoke billows from Mosul's Old City on April 17, 2017, during an offensive by Iraqi security forces to recapture the city from ISIS

An Iraqi federal policeman uses a helmet on a stick to try and draw fire from an Islamic State sniper in an attempt to make him reveal his position during the battle to recapture west Mosul on April 13

'We could be facing a humanitarian catastrophe, perhaps the worst in the entire conflict,' she added.

Mosul, the largest city in northern Iraq, was captured by the ultra-hardline Sunni Muslim fighters in mid 2014.

Iraqi government forces have taken back most of it in a U.S.-backed offensive launched in October, including the half that lies east of the Tigris river.

The militants are now surrounded in the northwestern quarter including the historic Old City, using booby traps, sniper and mortar fire against the assailants.

Iraq's army has built a new pontoon bridge over the Tigris river south of Mosul, after flooding blocked all crossing points, to create an escape route for families fleeing fighting between government forces and Islamic State.

The army had dismantled makeshift bridges linking the two parts of Mosul due to heavy rain on Friday, forcing residents fleeing the city to use small boats.

Mosul's permanent bridges were largely destroyed during a six-month military campaign to seize back Mosul from the Sunni Muslim Islamists.

A member of the Iraqi forces wears a gas mask as he stands by rocket-propelled grenade launchers in the old city of Mosul on April 16

Long queues formed at the new bridge on Tuesday with families crossing in public buses, trucks and taxis.

Aid shipments also resumed to the Hammam al-Alil camp, southwest of Mosul, the main arrival point for people fleeing the fighting.

Deliveries from Erbil, located some 80 km (50 miles) east in peaceful Iraqi Kurdistan, where aid agencies are based, had stopped due to the flooding.

'Everything is back to normal,' said a spokeswoman for the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR.

Some 20,000 people have escaped from Mosul in the past four days, fewer than before due to the lack of transport, the UNHCR said in a report. Almost 330,000 people have fled Mosul since Iraq started an operation to expel Islamic State in October.

They were some of the around 400,000 people still in western Mosul where military forces are trying to dislodge the militants from the Old City.

Fighting continued in the Old City where heavy smoke could be seen from the area of the Grand al-Nuri Mosque, from where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a 'caliphate' spanning parts of Iraq and Syria.

Islamic State is talking to Al-Qaeda about a potential alliance to form a combined terror group as Iraqi troops close in on jihadis in Mosul (demonstrators chant pro-ISIS slogans as they wave the group's flags in front of the provincial government headquarters in Mosul)

Aircraft, helicopter and artillery opened fire, while gunfire could also be heard at several positions of Iraq's federal police near the Old City.

'They (Islamic State militants) carry out attacks on our defensive lines, but each time we repel them and they run away, leaving bodies of their dead fighters behind,' Lieutenant Colonel Hussein Lazim Zghayer said of the force's 9th division.

'Minutes ago, they launched an attack and we responded by shelling them with mortar rounds, killing two of them and their bodies were left in front of our defensive lines,' he said earlier today.

But after months of fighting, it appears that the government forces are winning after ISIS turned in desperation to Al-Qaeda to seek a potential alliance.

Messengers representing ISIS' leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi and his al-Qaeda counterpart Ayman al Zawahiri have discussed what is understood to be a potential merger deal for a combined terror group as the Iraqi troops close in on jihadis in Mosul.

This month it was reported the two terror groups had already formed a partnership in Libya amid mounting pressure on the jihadi movements and a leaked memo suggested they could be working together as one organisation by 2021.
A married father, who worked in maintenance, was killed on Tuesday morning when a large portion of a tree fell on him near the US Capitol.

Matthew McClanahan worked as a pipe fitter in the maintenance division of the office of the Architect of the Capitol.

The father-of-two was working on an irrigation pipe when the large American elm tree branch collapsed and struck him around 9.15am.

US Capitol Police spokeswoman Eva Malecki said in a statement that a portion of the tree hit McClanahan at the intersection of Independence Avenue and First Street, in Southeast DC.

Matthew McClanahan was killed on Tuesday morning when a large portion of a tree (pictured) fell on him near the US Capitol. The married father-of-two was working on an irrigation pipe when the tree struck him

After police and firefighters freed him, McClanahan was rushed to a hospital in 'very critical' condition, according to District of Columbia Fire and EMS spokesman Vito Maggiolo.

The Architect of the Capitol Stephen T Ayers asked the public to keep McClanahan's family in their prayers, according to the Washington Post.

'Please keep his family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,' Ayers wrote. He described McClanahan as a 'talented, dedicated' employee.

House Speaker Paul Ryan released a statement confirming that McClanahan was married with two young children, according to the Post.

'Their loss is so sudden and unimaginable,' Ryan said. 'I ask my colleagues and everyone in the Capitol community to keep Matthew's loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.'

Malecki said crews are removing the branch and inspecting the remainder of the tree. Independence Avenue between Washington Avenue and First Street will remain closed for some time, officials said.
Tim Farron (pictured today) has confirmed he believes homosexuality is not a sin after he was heavily criticised for refusing to 'clarify his views'

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has confirmed he believes homosexuality is not a sin after he was heavily criticised for refusing to 'clarify his views'.

The Christian politician was criticised last night by a string of celebrities including comedians Sue Perkins and David Walliams after he repeatedly sidestepped questions about his stance.

The 46-year-old had made clear he supports equal marriage and LGBT rights, but refused to say on Channel 4 news to say whether or not it was a 'sin'.

This afternoon, during a debate in the Commons, Tory MP Nigel Evans, who is gay, asked Mr Farron whether he thought being gay was a sin.

He replied: I do not.'

Mr Farron then continued: I am very proud to have gone through that lobby in the coalition government where the Lib Dems created gay marriage, equal marriage.

The comments came hours after the Lib Dem leader had launched a staunch defence of his views on gay rights insisting: 'Equality runs through me like a stick of rock.'

Speaking in Richmond this morning after facing a barrage of criticism, Mr Farron said: 'I have never judged anybody, I am massively in favour of people being absolutely free to have the right to love who they love, be who they are, marry who they marry.

'As a liberal I believe in human rights, in equality for every single person ... and LGBT rights are absolutely central to those human rights I am massively passionate about.'

Asked if he felt the electorate may be concerned over the apparent disparity between his personal and political views he replied: 'You just need to look at my (voting) record.'

He went on: 'My belief for equality runs through me like a stick of rock and likewise through our party as well. I am a liberal to my fingertips and that especially applies to LGBT rights.'

In 2015, Ms Newman had quizzed Mr Farron on the same issue as part of a live TV interview. He famously failed to answer three times if he regarded homosexuality as a sin.

During last night's interview, Ms Newman against asked the politician about his views.

The Christian politician was criticised last night after he repeatedly sidestepped questions about his stance during a Channel 4 interview (pictured)

David Walliams posted last night that Mr Farron was a 'sinner' for his 'continued intolerance'

Former Great British Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins criticised the politician after his interview

David Baddiel called the Lib Dem leader a 'fundamentalist Christian homophobe' on Twitter

She said: 'A while back I asked you if you thought that homosexuality was a sin and you struggled to answer.

'Now you've had a while to consider that question, what is the answer?'

Mr Farron replied: 'I don't think I struggled to answer it at all, Cathy. I think I'm not in the position to make theological announcements over the next six weeks.

'I'm not going to spend my time talking theology or making pronouncements.'

Ms Newman added: 'I asked you three times if homosexuality was a sin and you said "we're all sinners". Is that still the answer?'

He replied: 'As a Liberal, I'm passionate about equality, about equal marriage and about equal rights for LGBT people, for fighting for LGBT rights, not just in this country but overseas.

This morning, on Good Morning Britain, Piers Morgan asked Charlie Condou (pictured): 'Tim Farron thinks you're a sinner?', to which he replied: 'Or does he? He hasn't actually said'

In 2015, Ms Newman had quizzed Mr Farron on the same issue as part of a live TV interview (pictured). He famously failed to answer three times if he regarded homosexuality as a sin

'Just because I'm Christian, it would be a bit boring for everybody to spend the next weeks asking me to make theological announcements that I'm not going to make.'

After the interview, Mr Farron came under fire from celebrities.

Ms Perkins wrote to her 819,000 followers: 'Tim Farron on C4 news failing to clarify his views on the gay community. 'We're all sinners'. It's 2017.'

Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams wrote: 'Tim Farron you are definitely a sinner for your continued intolerance and prejudice. Please try and join the rest of us in the year 2017.'

David Baddiel called the Lib Dem leader a 'fundamentalist Christian homophobe' on Twitter, before writing the hashtag #notsurehowwegotthere.

This morning, on Good Morning Britain, co-host Piers Morgan asked ex-Coronation Street star Charlie Condou: 'Tim Farron thinks you're a sinner?', to which he replied: 'Or does he? He hasn't actually said.'

Green Party co-leader Jonathan Bartley wrote in response to Ms Newman's tweet: 'It's time to be honest' (pictured)

One Twitter user, Josh, said that Tim Farron 'dodges' the question because he won't admit he thinks homosexuality is a sin

Another Twitter user, Anna Keats, said that the interview is likely to cost the Lib Dems votes

Mr Condou then continued: 'I think he should absolutely say what he means. His voting record is very strong on LGBT rights, certainly stronger than Theresa May's, so his actions perhaps speak louder, but I think he should perhaps stop sitting on the fence.'

But Baroness Featherstone, a Liberal Democrat peer, posted on Twitter that Mr Farron is 'solid' on LGBT rights.

She wrote: 'Turn your attack on those religions that make their followers choose between their sexuality and their faith. Tim is solid on lgbt rights'

Today, Mr Farron was in Richmond with Sarah Olney as they launched the Liberal Democrats' election campaign following Theresa May's shock announcement of a snap election.

The pair were joined by supporters at the scene of the shock by-election which saw her over-turn a 23,000 majority and oust Zac Goldsmith from his Tory-held seat in December.

The party hailed a membership surge which saw more than 5,000 people join and the party website temporarily crash in the hours following the news of a June 8 vote.
Though it may have taken some time, Theresa May has finally woken up and seen sense. The Prime Minister had repeatedly ruled out even the possibility of calling a General Election, most recently late last month.

This was plain bonkers. It has long been obvious to anyone with a scintilla of political intelligence that a General Election was the only course of action. Indeed, I have called for just such a bold decision in these pages since the start of the year.

Now, Mrs May has the opportunity to secure for herself a personal mandate as Prime Minister. She can negotiate Brexit on her own terms. She can win the substantial parliamentary majority she desperately needs, rather than scrape by on a tiny majority that barely stretches past single figures. And she can change British politics for ever.

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I believe this will be one of the most important elections in British democratic history

I believe this will be one of the most important elections in British democratic history because it gives Mrs May the chance to do what every Tory leader since Winston Churchill has yearned to achieve: put an end to the Labour Party once and for all.

The brutal fact is that Labour cannot survive as a mass political party after the General Election on June 8. Jeremy Corbyns restless rabble now stands at 23 per cent in the opinion polls.

For all his faults, I admire Mr Corbyn, who is a decent man, if a profoundly limited politician.

But I have bad news for him. The chances are that the 23 per cent figure will fall like a stone as the election progresses, because he has shown little ability to fight an effective General Election.

Furthermore, he leads a Labour Party that is more split than at any time since the Thirties.

Indeed, part of the reason why Mrs Mays strategists so badly wanted her to call a General Election was the fear that Mr Corbyn might resign in the wake of calamitous results in next months local elections and be replaced by a more popular and effective leader.

Frankly, we should not rule out one final attempt to ditch Mr Corbyn ahead of June 8, because many Labour MPs are painfully aware that their partys position is considerably more precarious than it was even under Michael Foot in 1983.

Under Foot, the Labour Party was very badly ill. With Corbyn at the helm, it is dying.

Though it may have taken some time, Theresa May has finally woken up and seen sense

Foot, after all, managed more than 27 per cent of the popular vote in June 1983. That is far more than Corbyn is likely to get.

Back in 1983, in the wake of the Falklands War and facing the strongest peacetime Conservative leader of the 20th century, Labour managed to scramble to 209 Parliamentary seats.

With the benefit of hindsight, that feels hugely impressive. I predict that Corbyns Labour  which now has 229 seats  will crash well below that figure.

In my view, the result of this election is not in doubt. Only the scale of Labours debacle remains to be decided.

Mrs May can put an end to Labour for ever

Nor is it simply Labour MPs in marginal seats who are facing the execution squad. Some of those in hitherto safe seats look doomed, too.

Labours backstabbing and treacherous deputy leader Tom Watson thinks that with his 10,000 majority in West Bromwich East, he has a safe seat. I am beginning to wonder.

Ed Miliband has an 11,780 majority in his Doncaster North seat. Even that looks a touch dodgy.

The former minister Ben Bradshaw, who has a majority of 7,183 in Exeter, looks in real trouble.

So is former leadership contender Liz Kendall in Leicester West. Its the opposite story with the Conservatives, who currently have 330 MPs.

I predict that figure will surge to 400  far more than even Maggie Thatcher managed in her pomp, and the most since the Tory Party scored 470 under Stanley Baldwin in 1931.

The other winner of this General Election will be the Liberal Democrats. Its just two years since they suffered the most grievous defeat in their entire history as their MPs fell from 55 to just nine. It looked as if they were finished.

Now, Mrs May has the opportunity to secure for herself a personal mandate as Prime Minister

For all his faults, I admire Mr Corbyn, who is a decent man, if a profoundly limited politician

Many Labour MPs are painfully aware that their partys position is considerably more precarious than it was even under Michael Foot in 1983

In fact, last years Brexit vote, allied to chaos inside Labour, has meant that the Lib Dems have become the repository of pro-European sentiment across Britain.

They may double or even triple their number of seats, and over time have the potential to emerge as a Centrist party capable of challenging the Tories.

Meanwhile, Ukip are in trouble and may not win a single seat.

This all adds up to a staggering opportunity for Theresa May. After June 8, she is likely to wield more power than any British premier in decades, with the ability to shape this nation for good or for ill.

This is cause for celebration for the Conservatives, but a word of warning is required here. Huge majorities are also very dangerous for the country, as we all discovered to our cost after Tony Blair secured his landslide victory by more than 170 seats over the Conservatives in 1997.

It is a sound maxim that good government requires a strong opposition. There is no chance of a strong opposition after this election.

Remember that the Labour Party, for all its many faults, has played a huge role in holding Britain together over the past 100 years. What will replace it if it does implode at the polls? Something must. One-party rule never lasts long.

Its also important and relevant to recall that the Thirties, which saw that massive Tory majority, was the most divisive decade in 20th-century British history.

It gives Mrs May the chance to do what every Tory leader since Winston Churchill has yearned to achieve

There was certainly stability at Westminster during that decade of Tory rule, but there were also huge divisions between rich and poor, and between different regions of Britain.

This was very dangerous to British political stability, because a minority of people felt cut out of the political system altogether  meaning that they resorted to violence or succumbed to despair.

In 1932, a National Hunger March ended with rioting in London, while four years later the infamous Battle of Cable Street saw a pitched battle between the British Union of Fascists and their political opponents.

Thanks to that lesson from history about social dislocation, Theresa May knows she will require great wisdom to keep Britain together.

First and foremost, she needs to show that she can govern for all of Britain, not just the traditional Tory areas of strength in the South and the South West.

Peter Oborne: I believe that integrity will help the PM secure a famous victory in June

I feel certain that the key to this election are the Labour voters in the North of England who were cynically betrayed by Tony Blair, and now, with the failures of Labour and the increasing marginalisation of Ukip, have nowhere to go.

Mrs May needs to show that she can offer these voters a home where they can feel comfortable.

The marginalisation of Jeremy Corbyns party is echoed north of the border in Scotland, which until only 15 years ago was a famous Labour stronghold. Now Scotland has turned into a one-party state run by the SNP.

Indeed, this election is a huge potential boost to its leader, Nicola Sturgeon. She will plan to wipe out the pathetic remains of the Labour Party in Scotland, then claim she has a mandate for a referendum on Scottish Independence in the wake of Brexit.

Here again, Mrs May  along with the charismatic young Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson  fundamentally needs to show the Scots that they have a brilliant future as part of the Union. In political terms, how can all this be achieved from the Downing Street bunker? Mrs May does not have to look far for the answers.

This Prime Minister spelled out her vision exactly nine months ago in the superb speech she made as she entered No 10 on her first day as Prime Minister.

Then, she spoke meaningfully of making a country that works not for a privileged few, but for every one of us. She specifically recognised that working-class people and ethnic minorities had materially worse life chances than others in Britain.

Since then, Mrs May has shown that she is a different kind of leader to her predecessor David Cameron. This vicars daughter does not come from a wealthy or privileged background. She does not surround herself with old school friends or rich cronies, as Cameron did.

For that reason, she has brought a new integrity into Downing Street.

Above all, she has ended the favouritism and nepotism of the Blair and Cameron period of British politics.

Mrs May has shown that she is a different kind of leader to her predecessor David Cameron

Mrs May has brought a new integrity into Downing Street. Above all, she has ended the favouritism and nepotism of the Blair and Cameron period of British politics

More than any other political leader in Britain today, Mrs May commands the trust of the voters

I believe that integrity will help her secure a famous victory in June. And armed with the authority of that victory, she must aim to strike out confidently with policies of her own.

She has already given a flavour of what some of these will be. I have no doubt that she will deal with the rancid corruption of the House of Lords, which is stuffed full of party donors and political time-servers from the previous governments.

She will continue her reforms to the education system by giving parents what they want, rather than cravenly giving in to the power of the education lobby. She will build on the grammar school revolution she set in motion last year.

Mrs May needs to show she can deal with the housing crisis (a favourite hobby horse of Jeremy Corbyn, even though it is, in part, caused by the unfettered immigration he favours), and undertake a house-building programme that enables hard-working young couples to get a foot on the property ladder.

She must deal with the nonsense of an overseas aid programme that gave 4 million in the past six years to the rogue state of North Korea, and does little or nothing to help those in genuine need. In a terrifyingly volatile world, much of that money can, and should, be moved to the defence budget.

We now come to the future of Britain outside the EU.

It would be ridiculous to expect Mrs May to set out her exact objectives in the negotiations with Europe that lie ahead. However, she must expect to explain in general terms what sort of trading relationship she wants with the EU, and whether Britain is prepared to pay billions to Europe in order to stay within the single market.

More than any other political leader in Britain today, Mrs May commands the trust of the voters. This coming General Election should give her the legitimacy to shape Britains future in the way she wants to.

If she gets it right, she can lead a great reforming Government that could transform Britain profoundly for the better over the coming years.
Before she went off on an Easter walking holiday with her husband Philip in Snowdonia National Park last week, Theresa May said in an interview: Walking in Wales is an opportunity to get out and about . . . to see the scenery, clear your mind and your thinking.

And it was on that break that the doubt and uncertainty she had been harbouring finally lifted like the mountain mist.

For some weeks, the PM had been grappling with her conscience over whether to heed the advice of senior ministers, aides and editors to call a snap General Election  which would mean reneging on her many public promises not to do so.

But after five days in her husbands company, her mind was made up. Not for the first time, Mrs May had turned to Philip  her most loyal adviser, who she met at Oxford.

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For weeks Theresa May has been grappling over whether to call a snap election but after seeking the counsel of her husband Philip on a walking trip in Wales - her mind was made up

Before she went away, the PM was anxious she would be portrayed as breaking her word for opportunistic political gain by reacting to good opinion polls, said a senior source.

Philip gently urged her to call the election to give her more legitimacy in her negotiations with the EU and the SNP.

The Mays have a tremendous marriage. They are a team.

The contrast in style with her predecessors at Number 10 as she deliberated this momentous decision could not have been more marked.

David Cameron tended to act only after consulting the public school chumocracy he surrounded himself with.

Tony Blair took decisions with his sofa government of advisers, including thuggish spin doctor Alastair Campbell.

But Theresa May preferred to take stock with her husband in the rugged Snowdonia countryside.

What is equally telling about the PMs style of government is that news of her intentions did not leak.

The PM called the election because she said she needed a Brexit mandate that gave her a strong hand in the negotiations with the EU

By the time Mrs May returned to London in the middle of last week she had confided in ten or so of her most dependable officials and Cabinet ministers.

The Prime Ministers confidants included her joint chief-of-staff Nick Timothy, an adviser when she was Home Secretary, who is regarded as Mrs Mays brain and closest consigliere.

She also told Fiona Hill, her other chief-of-staff: a tough, no-nonsense, media-savvy former Sky News journalist who was also at the Home Office.

Mrs May told Chancellor Philip Hammond  as well as Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary, and David Davis, the Brexit Secretary.

Sir Lynton Crosby, the Australian political strategist who masterminded David Camerons unexpected election victory in 2015, was also informed.

He warned her the Lib Dems, who have only nine MPs, will make gains in the south of the country, but that the Tories could advance at Labours expense in the North due to the collapse in the Ukip vote.

The Prime Minister and her husband Philip (pictured) are said to have a 'tremendous marriage'

Sir Patrick McLoughlin, the Tory chairman, who will work side-by-side with Sir Lynton, was also taken into the PMs confidence. Many have long been pressing the PM to go for a snap election.

Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill  dubbed the unofficial deputy prime ministers  had led the backroom pressure to go to the country.

Meanwhile, David Davis, who has forged a strong working relationship with the PM, had been pressing hard, arguing a large majority would give power to his and the PMs elbows in negotiations with Brussels.

Once Mrs May had informed her inner circle of her decision, she spent the weekend in her constituency home in Sonning, near Reading. On Saturday night she was with her husband working on her papers and watching television.

It was with disbelief that, on Sunday morning, she read a newspaper column suggesting that she no longer enjoyed being Prime Minister, that her health was bad and that she was considering standing down!

Later that morning the Prime Minister went to her local church, St Andrews, for the Easter Sunday service. The sermon, focusing on the importance of the Resurrection, reinforced the PM and her husband in their conviction that she was doing the right thing. A vicars daughter, Mrs Mays faith is a huge part of her life.

After church it was back home to cook Sunday lunch for her husband before they returned to Downing Street in the evening.

The PM made the election announcement immediately after a long Cabinet meeting with her top team

The die was cast on Monday afternoon when the PM telephoned the Queen at Windsor Castle to tell her of her intention to go for an election on June 8. One official said: The election date is after the Derby and before Royal Ascot so the Queen will be happy.

As Tuesday dawned, one or two of Mrs Mays officials began to suspect something was afoot. She emerged for her first meetings of the day in a new outfit. It was a smart new haircut, too, said a senior source. Something was up.

At a long-arranged Cabinet meeting yesterday, the Prime Minister dropped her bombshell and went round the table asking for views.

There was no dissent and party chairman Sir Patrick McLoughlin made a short presentation.

When the lectern was placed in Downing Street for Mrs Mays short public speech it was minus the usual Government crest  a clear indication that she was to announce party political business.

The shock in the media was testament to the very tight ship Mrs May runs and her refusal to give a running commentary on everything shes doing.

How long do you think this would have stayed a secret under David Cameron? said one source.

Absent from Downing Street yesterday was Philip May, who had gone to work in his suit and trademark spectacles at Capital Group, a U.S. financial services company.

For him, it was another normal day in the office. The same can hardly be said for his wife.
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Three Liberal Democrat knights from the Coalition era will make a comeback to try to win back their seats in the snap election.

The trio of Remainers  all former Cabinet members  put themselves forward as the party attempts to come back from the political dead.

Veterans Sir Vince Cable, Sir Ed Davey and Sir Simon Hughes all lost their seats in 2015 when the party was reduced to just eight MPs.

Within hours of the PMs announcement, membership of the party surged by thousands. Leader Tim Farron declared that the poll was a chance for voters to avert a disastrous Brexit.

He hailed it as a chance to change the direction of the country and vowed to campaign to keep Britain in the single market.

Polls show that Theresa May is set to return after June's election with a majority of more than 100. But the Conservatives are vulnerable to the Lib Dems in several areas of the country

The unashamedly pro-European party hopes to walk back into some of the 49 seats it lost to both Labour and the Tories in the bloodbath of 2015.

However, Lib Dem sources refused to say definitively how many seats they hoped to win.

Nick Clegg, who resigned as leader after the humiliating defeat, will stand again to defend his seat in Sheffield Hallam, insiders said.

Some 50 per cent of those Lib Dems who stood in 2015 and lost have been re-selected to stand again. Sir Vince, 73, will make a political comeback after he lost his seat in Twickenham as the Tories swept to victory.

The former Business Secretary, who held the seat from 1997 to 2015, will stand against Tory MP Tania Mathias.

Sir Simon, who was an MP from 1983 to 2015, will stand in his former constituency of Bermondsey and Old Southwark.

The former deputy leader will challenge Labour MP Neil Coyle in the south-east London seat. Sir Simon, 65, said the Liberal Democrats had as good a chance of winning again as we ever had.

He claimed that Labour MPs are focused on fighting internal battles within their party. Former Energy Secretary Sir Ed, 51, hopes to reclaim his former seat in Kingston and Surbiton from Conservative James Berry.

Sir Vince Cable lost his seat, which had been considered safe, to Tory candidate Tania Mathias in 2015 general election, losing his place in the cabinet in the process

Sir Ed Davey (left) and Sir Simon Hughes (right) also lost their seats in 2015 when the party was reduced to just eight MPs

Mr Farron said: Bring this election on. The fightback starts here. This election is your chance to change the direction of our country. Striking an optimistic tone, he insisted that only his party could prevent a Tory majority.

Mr Farron said: Labour wont win any seats off the Conservatives. The SNP could only possibly win one seat off the Conservatives.

But there are dozens of Conservative seats where the Lib Dems are the challengers.

Mr Farron told voters: If you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the single market.

If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance.

Party sources said: We are pretty confident, we expect to do quite well. But the appeal of the Lib Dems in former strongholds like Cornwall, Devon and Somerset which came out in favour of leaving the EU may be a struggle.

Within hours of the yesterdays announcement, membership of the party surged by thousands. Leader Tim Farron (pictured) declared that the poll was a chance for voters to avert a disastrous Brexit

Those thousands of voters who backed Brexit may prove unlikely to support Mr Farrons pro- Brussels message.

With polls putting the Lib Dems on only 10 per cent, any chance of returning to the parliamentary force they were in 2005 and 2010 seems unlikely.

But the party has always concentrated more on local campaigning in winnable seats than the national polls.

The 2015 backlash after five years in coalition with the Tories saw them lose ground to their former partners in south-west England and the London suburbs.

They will be hopeful that Sarah Olneys success in the Richmond Park by-election last year is a sign the party is bouncing back in south-west London. Her victory took the party up to nine MPs.

Mr Farron indicated that the Lib Dem ambition was to prevent the Tories from having an outright majority, giving his party leverage over the terms of Brexit.

A surge in membership yesterday  gaining 2,500 new members within hours  meant the party has doubled in size since May 2015.
Former President George HW Bush was readmitted to the hospital on Tuesday with a 'mild case' of pneumonia, his spokesperson said.

Bush, 92, received treatment at Methodist Hospital in Houston but is now said to be doing fine, according to KHOU.

'He is already well on the path to recovery and going home,' the spokesperson, Jim McGrath, said.

The former president's office released a statement on Tuesday which read: 'President George HW Bush was admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital on Friday for observation due to a persistent cough that prevented him from getting proper rest.'

'It was subsequently determined he had a mild case of pneumonia, which was treated and has been resolved.'

'President Bush is in very good spirits and is being held for further observation while he regains his strength.'

In March, Bush seemed to have fully recovered from the bout of pneumonia that kept him in the hospital for two weeks earlier this year as he and his wife Barbara picked up an award for their service to the Jewish community.

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Former President George HW Bush was readmitted to the hospital on Tuesday with a 'mild case' of pneumonia, his spokesperson said. Bush (right) and his wife, Barbara, are seen above during their most recent public appearance in Houston last month

'President Bush is in very good spirits and is being held for further observation while he regains his strength,' according to a statement released by his office

Bush, 92, received treatment at Methodist Hospital in Houston but is now said to be doing fine. He is seen above with his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush

On April 9, former President Bill Clinton (left) tweeted a picture of him visiting Bush in Houston

In January, Bush came home from the hospital, where he spent some time in the ICU and needed a breathing tube for a couple of days.

His wife, 91-year-old Barbara, kept him company after being hospitalized for five days and receiving treatment for bronchitis.

The illnesses kept the couple from attending the presidential inauguration on January 20, with their son George W Bush announcing that he and his wife Laura would represent them instead.

Before the inauguration, the elder Bush sent a letter to Donald Trump saying that his doctor had told him that going to the event would put him 'six feet under'.

In January, Bush came home from the hospital, where he spent some time in the ICU and needed a breathing tube for a couple of days. He is seen far left with his son, former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura

The elder Bush and his wife, who were married 72 years ago on January 6, 1945, have had the longest marriage of any presidential couple in American history.

Their family kept giving supportive updates throughout their hospitalization.

A spokesman told the DailyMail.com after Bush was released from the hospital that his son and fellow former president was happy to know his father was back home.

'43 is just thrilled that 41 is home and well,' the younger Bush's spokesman Freddy Ford said, calling George Bushes by their numbers in the order of US presidents.
MPs will today overwhelmingly back a snap General Election on June 8 in a historic House of Commons vote.

Theresa May needs a two-thirds majority in Parliament to trigger the poll  but Labour MPs are expected to back the motion.

The vote is expected to take place following Prime Ministers Questions at midday, and will be preceded by a 90-minute debate.

Mrs May could seek to repeal the Fixed-term Parliaments Act in her new manifesto

Theresa May needs a two-thirds majority in Parliament to trigger the poll  but Labour MPs are expected to back the motion

Until recently, prime ministers could decide when to call an election  as long as one took place at least every five years  using so-called prerogative powers dating back hundreds of years. Governments also fell if they lost a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons.

But the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 fixed the date of the 2015 general election, and said subsequent polls would take place every five years. The next election was due on May 7, 2020.

The law was passed by David Cameron and Nick Clegg to try to ensure the coalition governments survival even if there was a political crisis. Critics described it as an act of constitutional vandalism.

It dictates that the Commons must pass by a two-thirds majority a motion stating that there shall be an early parliamentary general election.

It was seen as a possible obstacle to a snap election, but Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has long said he would support a poll. Yesterday he confirmed this, saying his MPs would back Mrs Mays motion.

Despite dire opinion poll ratings, Mr Corbyn said he welcomed the Prime Ministers decision

Former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond, now an SNP MP, accused Mrs May of blatant opportunism

ALL THE TIMES SHE SAID 'NO' TO A SNAP ELECTION All the times Theresa May said there shouldnt be a snap election, before her hand was forced by die-hard Remainers in Parliament. June 30, 2016 Before she became PM, Mrs May was opposed to a snap election. Launching her bid for the Tory leadership, she said: There should be no general election until 2020. July 12, 2016 Addressing party staff she pledged her determination to build the support we need to go to the country in four years time, and not just win, but win big. August 30, 2016 Ruling out a second referendum, her spokesman said: There is no need for a general election either. September 4, 2016 She told BBCs Andrew Marr Show she would be continuing the manifesto on which the Government was elected in 2015, so I dont think theres a need for an election. She said there was a need to deal with the issues that the country is facing and have that election in 2020. October 2, 2016 In an interview with The Sunday Times she said it was right that the next general election is in 2020. She added: This isnt about political games, its about what is right for the country. I think an early general election would introduce a note of instability for people. October 4, 2016 In another appearance on Andrew Marr the PM was asked again whether the Brexit debate was the trigger for another general election. Mrs May replied: Its not just about leaving the EU, its about that essential question of the trust that people can have in their politicians. The people have spoken, we will deliver on that. November 4, 2016 Her spokesman said: There shouldnt be a general election before 2020. This remains the PMs view. March 7, 2017 After former Tory leader William Hague called for an election, Downing Street sources said it was not something the PM plans to do or wishes to do. Advertisement

Despite dire opinion poll ratings, Mr Corbyn said he welcomed the Prime Ministers decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.

We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain, he added.

The Lib Dems will also support the election, and the SNP said they would not stand in the way of the poll.

Only one Labour MP, Chris Matheson, has said publicly he will vote against the election. His majority in Chester is 93, making it his partys most marginal seat.

A handful of others could also try to block the vote. Asked if he would back the motion, Labour MP Mike Gapes wrote on Twitter: Do turkeys vote for Christmas?

If the Commons does not support the election with sufficient numbers, the Government could theoretically collapse itself by passing a vote of no confidence.

Mr Corbyn would then have two weeks to try to form a government, and if he failed, the election would go ahead. Former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond, now an SNP MP, accused Mrs May of blatant opportunism.

After everything she said about governing the country, she has taken one look at the opinion polls and dashed to an election, he said. Mrs May could seek to repeal the Fixed-term Parliaments Act in her new manifesto.

If the vote goes through, Parliament will sit until May 3. Local elections are already being held the next day on May 4, and the General Election campaign is likely to begin on Monday, May 8.

Mrs May has ended the favouritism and nepotism of the Blair and Cameron period of British politics

Mrs May has shown that she is a different kind of leader to her predecessor David Cameron

GRAMMARS? AID? WHAT COULD BE IN MANIFESTO... Lift ban on new grammar schools Theresa Mays flagship education policy will be put before voters for the first time. Labour and Lib Dem peers had threatened to stop the Prime Minister lifting the 19-year ban on new grammar schools, imposed by Tony Blair in 1998, as it was not in the Tory 2015 manifesto. But by getting a mandate for the change at an election, the Lords will be expected to follow convention and allow a new generation of selective schools. Likelihood of being in manifesto 5/5 Cap on energy bills Ministers had been preparing to announce a cap on rip-off energy bills within weeks. Now they will be able to unveil a scheme to protect families as a popular vote winner. After EDF hiked tariffs for the second time in only a few months last week, a spokesman for Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: We will shortly set out proposals to help energy consumers. 4/5 Scrap 0.7 per cent aid target Tory backbenchers have been calling on the PM to scrap David Camerons commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of national income on overseas aid. Ministers had pledged to review the target before the 2020 election and could now offer a fresh promise of an appraisal. But a Government spokesman at the weekend firmly dismissed claims it could be scrapped, saying: We take our international responsibilities seriously and remain fully committed to them. 2/5 Bring net migration below 100,000 The goal of curbing annual net migration to the tens of thousands appeared in both the 2010 and 2015 Tory manifestos, but it has been repeatedly missed. Mrs May has signalled that free movement of EU citizens could continue during a transitional phase after the UK leaves the EU in spring 2019, but it would be problematic for her to admit defeat in the long-term drive to cut numbers. 4/5 Rise in VAT, NI contributions or Income Tax Chancellor Philip Hammond was forced to abandon his Budget proposal to increase National Insurance on the self-employed last month after he was accused of breaking a 2015 pledge. The new manifesto will likely exclude a promise to freeze tax rates so the Chancellor is uninhibited at the next budget in the autumn. 1/5 Hike retirement ages Next month ministers were due to respond to the Cridland review, which suggested the pension age should rise from 67 to 68 between 2037 and 2039. The Mail revealed last week that the Government was considering accelerating the rise even further so people in their 50s would also face their state pension age being pushed back a year. But any decision is now likely to be kicked into the long grass as a pledge to increase the state pension age would be risky. 1/5 British bill of rights Plans to axe the Human Rights Act and introduce a British bill of rights have been repeatedly shelved. Mrs May has made clear her desire to quit the European Court of Human Rights. But after the Brexit vote, ministers have said any change would have to wait until after we leave the EU as the Government could only do one constitutional reform at a time. 2/5 Advertisement

Charges against Remainers who tried to thwart her every move

Theresa May yesterday said she was reluctantly calling an election to guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead.

Her hand was forced by opposition parties and Remainer peers, who threatened to try to block Brexit or exploit the Governments narrow majority to undermine negotiations with the EU.

Here, Executive Political Editor JACK DOYLE sets out the charge sheet against the wreckers:

LABOUR

Before Mrs May triggered Article 50 last month, Labours Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer raised the prospect that the party could abstain on the final deal.

Then on March 29, in an interview with the BBCs Andrew Neil, Jeremy Corbyn went further. He declared for the first time that Labour MPs would block any agreement between the UK and EU unless it delivered unfettered access to the single market.

As the party leader must have known at the time, this is an impossible outcome  and something the EU has already ruled out. He was accused of setting implausible tests in order to find an excuse to block Brexit.

The significant hardening of the Labour position made it much more likely that the House of Commons would vote the deal down  and gave Remainer Tory MPs a powerful stick with which to beat the Government.

Labours Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer raised the prospect that the party could abstain on the final deal

LIB DEMS

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has proudly dubbed himself the Remoaner-in-chief.

He has spent the last nine months attempting to secure the support of ardent Remainers by demanding a second referendum on Brexit.

Despite having only nine MPs, the Lib Dems could  with the help of their 98 life peers  have formed a significant road block to Britain leaving the EU. In particular, they could attempt to unpick or block the legislation needed for Brexit to happen.

Additionally, as Mrs May pointed out yesterday, they are also determined to obstruct in both the Commons and the Lords every single element of the Governments domestic agenda.

Recently the partys chief whip, Tom Brake, threatened to grind the Governments agenda to a standstill unless the Lib Dems get their way over Brexit.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has proudly dubbed himself the Remoaner-in-chief

LORDS

The upper chamber is stuffed full of Remainer peers, many of whom would be delighted to block Brexit or force the Governments hand during the talks.

Leading blockers include Labours Lord Mandelson  who sparked outrage last week by telling the EU to forget Great Britain and take care of your own interests  and Tories such as Lord Heseltine, who recently claimed Brexit was a betrayal of the troops who won the Second World War. Such peers could be expected to take any and every opportunity to amend the legislation needed for Brexit, such as the Great Repeal Bill.

Ministers feared Remainer peers would try to amend the Immigration Bill to retain free movement for EU migrants after Brexit. They also thought the Governments new customs laws could face attempts to keep Britain in the single market.

Mrs May hit out at unelected members of the House of Lords [who] have vowed to fight us every step of the way.

Leading blockers include Labours Lord Mandelson  who sparked outrage last week by telling the EU to forget Great Britain and take care of your own interests

SNP

The Scottish National Partys MPs all voted against the Article 50 legislation needed to trigger Brexit, and could be counted on to do anything in their power to try to block the process.

Party leader Nicola Sturgeon demanded a separate deal for Scotland to keep it inside the single market.

As a mark of their dedication to Brussels, the SNPs Europhile MPs even sang EU anthem Ode to Joy when the Article 50 Bill was going through Parliament.

The party will vote against the Great Repeal Bill  which gets rid of the 1972 European Communities Act and translates vast swathes of EU law into domestic legislation. With help from Labour, Tory Remainers, and the Lib Dems, they could have eventually stopped the Commons approving the final Brexit deal.

The SNP is also trying to use Brexit to demand a second Scottish independence referendum.

Party leader Nicola Sturgeon demanded a separate deal for Scotland to keep it inside the single market
Tony Blair last night called on voters to elect anti-Brexit MPs on June 8  no matter which party they are from.

The former Labour leader said he wanted people who would put the national interest before party interest to be elected.

And, hinting that he feared a disastrous result for his party, he warned that the country is facing the dangerous situation of a Tory majority in part delivered because of the state of Labour.

Tony Blair has called on voters to elect anti-Brexit MPs on June 8  no matter which party they are from

His comments come very close to being an endorsement for Liberal Democrat candidates in areas where Labour has put up an MP who supports leaving the EU.

Last night there were even claims that Mr Blair could share a stage with Lib Dem leader Tim Farron to fight Brexit during the election campaign.

The former prime ministers intervention will stoke claims that he and other moderates are seeking to create a centre party if  as expected  Jeremy Corbyn leads his party to a disastrous defeat.

It came as a Remain-backing former Tory cabinet minister issued a call for voters to back candidates who want the UK to play a full part in the life of the continent in which we live.

Stephen Dorrells comments, issued in his role as chair of the European Movement UK, raise the spectre of Remain-backing Tories turning their backs on the party in protest at Theresa Mays approach to Brexit.

In a letter to the Movements supporters, the former health secretary said: Britain is still a member of the EU.

Rumours are circulating that Blair could share a stage with Lib Dem leader Tim Farron (right) to fight Brexit during the election campaign

We urge voters to support candidates who pledge to ensure that we continue to develop our relationship with these neighbours.

Yesterday Mr Blair said voters need to put candidates under sustained pressure to say whether or not they would vote against a Brexit deal that does not deliver the same benefits as single market membership, or against a damaging decision to leave without a deal.

This should cross party lines, he added.

Mr Blair denied he was calling for tactical voting or some anti-Tory alliance. But he said it was vital to keep open the possibility of MPs being ready to put the national interest before party interest when it comes to the final Brexit deal.

And he warned of huge damage to the country if Mrs May secures a majority, permitting her to pursue a Brexit at any cost deal without restraint.

In an article on his website, Mr Blair wrote: The country did vote for Brexit; but narrowly. And there are many, on both sides of the debate, who will want to know the terms of a deal before making up their minds finally.

Blair warned of huge damage to the country if Prime Minister Theresa May secures a majority in the election, permitting her to pursue a Brexit at any cost deal without restraint

CYBER EXPERTS ON ALERT OVER HACKING FEARS Cyber security specialists will be on high alert during the election campaign amid concerns about foreign interference. Political parties were offered assistance by GCHQs National Cyber Security Centre in March, with the authorities warning that events in the United States ... and elsewhere act as a reminder of the potential for hostile action against the UK political system. Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has previously accused Russia of using cyber attacks to threaten democracy. Moscow was alleged to have interfered in last years US presidential election. Cyber security expert Ewan Lawson said there was a risk that political parties would be targeted, with the potential release of sensitive information. The senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute told the Press Association that parties and think-tanks often did not have particularly robust cyber security because of a lack of money to spend in this area. Advertisement

The PM can call an election, get a landslide, and then claim a mandate for Brexit At Any Cost. These unique circumstances demand a unique response.

He added: The political situation the country faces is unprecedented and dangerous.

We risk a Parliament which is lop-sided in its make-up; which has a big Tory majority  in part delivered not because of the intrinsic merits of Brexit or the Tories themselves but because of the state of Labour  where they will claim a mandate to take us wherever they will, when we desperately need representatives who will at least keep an open mind.

Mr Blair later insisted: To be clear: I am not urging tactical voting or some anti-Tory alliance. I am urging that ... [we] elect as many MPs as possible with an open mind on this issue who are prepared to vote according to the quality of the deal and the interests of the British people.

Last night a senior Lib Dem source said Mr Blair could join Mr Farron on stage during the election campaign to make pro-EU interventions.

We are the only party that opposes a hard Brexit and believes that the British people should have their say in a second EU referendum, they said. If any politicians from Tony Blair to [Labour MP] Chuka Umunna agree with us then we will welcome their support.

Mr Blairs spokesman said the claim was not true.

EU leaders back election

European Council president Donald Tusk compared the snap election to an Alfred Hitchcock plot twist

The Prime Ministers key opponents in Brussels yesterday praised her surprise announcement, saying an election win would give her vital breathing space.

German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel said it would bring clarity and predictability to talks with the EU. He added: Drawn-out uncertainty does the political and economic relationship between Europe and Britain no good.

European Council president Donald Tusk highlighted how the move sent shockwaves through Brussels by likening it to an Alfred Hitchcock plot twist.

He wrote on Twitter: It was Hitchcock who directed Brexit: first an earthquake and the tension rises.

EU diplomats also backed Mrs Mays announcement, calling it an obvious decision to cash in on her political support. One senior official said it would give her a buffer against salvoes from other EU leaders who insist a deal must leave Britain worse off.

It will mean the concessions she has to make during talks wont leave her open to attack, the official said.

Czech MEP Petr Jezek, from the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, joked that Mrs May had announced the date of Jeremy Corbyns departure. Victory would push back the next general election to 2022, giving her longer to complete a Brexit deal without distractions at the polls.

Brexit secretary David Davis said victory would hand Mrs May significantly more power to broker a good deal with Brussels.

But the European Parliaments Brexit negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt, hinted that politicians on the continent may seek to influence the election as he called for voters to use it as a protest against Britain leaving the bloc.
John Woodcock said Jeremy Corbyn is not fit to be Prime Minister

One of Jeremy Corbyns own MPs last night urged him to quit to avoid a Labour meltdown in the election, saying he could not support him entering No 10.

In an extraordinary outburst, John Woodcock, a moderate MP with a wafer-thin majority, said the hard-Left leader was not fit to be prime minister.

He told constituents: There is still time for Jeremy to stand down rather than lead Labour to defeat.

Mr Corbyn refused to say whether he would quit if Labour  trailing by more than 20 points in the polls  suffers a wipeout. Dozens of Labours 229 MPs are expected to lose their seats with the party forecast to end up with fewer than the 209 Michael Foot achieved in 1983.

Humiliation on such a scale would effectively shut Labour out of power for more than a decade. However, some Blairites see defeat as the only way to get rid of Mr Corbyn and elect a more voter-friendly leader.

Last night former business secretary Lord Mandelson said that Corbynites must own the result and not blame it on those on the Right of the party.

And in a sign of unease on the Labour backbenches, Ilford Souths Mike Gapes said voting for the snap election in the Commons today would be like turkeys voting for Christmas.

Mr Corbyn refused to say whether he would quit if Labour  trailing by more than 20 points in the polls  suffers a wipeout

Mr Woodcock, MP for Barrow and Furness, has a majority of just 795 over the Tories  which could be wiped out thanks to Mr Corbyns opposition to the nuclear industry. In February, neighbouring Copeland fell to the Tories in a by-election.

In a message to constituents yesterday, Mr Woodcock said: I will not countenance ever voting to make Jeremy Corbyn Britains prime minister. I realise that Jeremy has been elected and then re-elected as the leader of my party. But my first duty is to you, my constituents.

Jeremys opposition to the Trident renewal programme is lifelong and is well-known, but more than that, I cannot countenance endorsing him for a role which I think even he  although he may say differently in front of the cameras  does not think he is fit to carry out.

Last night former business secretary Lord Mandelson said that Corbynites must own the result and not blame it on those on the Right of the party

Now my party, locally and nationally, will need to decide how to treat my desire for reselection in these circumstances.

He added: There is still, of course, time for Jeremy to stand down rather than lead Labour to defeat. But I promised when I first asked you to vote for me that I would put Furness first and that means in these circumstances doing what is right rather than what is easy.

Another staunch critic of Mr Corbyn, Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Tom Blenkinsop, announced he will not stand for re-election.

Caught on the hop by Mrs Mays announcement, Mr Corbyn would not be drawn on whether he would resign as Labour leader if the party loses seats.

We are campaigning to win this election, thats the only question now, he told Sky News.

He said a fairer economy, the NHS and social justice for all would be at the centre of Labours campaign. He added he was very confident. Mr Corbyn was met with applause as he attended a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party in Westminster last night. A senior aide said it was a very positive meeting.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said there was a great atmosphere while deputy leader Tom Watson described it as very buoyant.

Earlier Chris Bryant, MP for Rhondda, said it was extremely irresponsible of the Prime Minister to hold an election when the situation in Northern Ireland is volatile and the UK is part-way through Brexit negotiations.

Chris Matheson, MP for Chester  the most marginal Labour seat in the country  said he was thinking about voting against Mrs Mays motion to call an election as there was no shame in calling it out as the Conservatives acting in their own self-interest.

Alan Johnson among Labour MPs resigning

Labour grandee Alan Johnson is to stand down as an MP at the election, spelling more trouble for the party.

The former home secretary was the second Labour MP to depart after Tom Blenkinsop resigned minutes after Theresa Mays announcement, citing significant and irreconcilable differences with the current leadership.

Other Labour MPs who have said they will not contest their seats include Pat Glass in North West Durham, while others are considering following suit.

Labour grandee Alan Johnson is to stand down as an MP at the election, spelling more trouble for the party

Also among high-profile departing MPs is Remainer Tory Ken Clarke, the longest serving MP at Westminster.

Mr Johnson, 66, who has represented Hull West and Hessle for 20 years, said the vote has given me the opportunity to do other things with my life, adding that he also thinks it is best for the party.

Mr Blenkinsop, 36, has represented Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland since 2010. Departing Tory MPs include David Camerons former policy chief Oliver Letwin in West Dorset and Simon Burns in Chelmsford.

None will get a golden goodbye payout as current rules require MPs to contest seats and lose to be entitled to an award of up to 37,500.

90% of Corbyn funding now from unions

So perilous is the partys financial state that in the last set of returns the Lib Dems took marginally more in donations

Labour will be almost entirely reliant on trade unions to fund its election campaign  after it emerged private donations have all but dried up.

The latest returns show 90 per cent of Labours money is coming from unions. Unite  run by Len McCluskey  and the GMB union combined accounted for 36 per cent of the money the party received. Some 21 per cent of all donations came from Unite.

So perilous is the partys financial state that in the last set of returns the Lib Dems took marginally more in donations. Both parties registered totals of just over 1.9million. The Lib Dems have targeted leading Remain campaign donors, and have also been bolstered by a fast-growing membership.

The total figure raised by the Conservatives is 3.6million, meaning Mrs May is likely to have little trouble raising enough money to fight the election.

Ukip faces the biggest struggle to raise enough money for the campaign, after receiving a paltry 44,000 in donations in the last set of returns. Many donors who backed the party because of its support for Brexit could refuse to hand over more cash. Arron Banks, a leading Ukip donor in the past, has said he will no longer bankroll the party.
Top cop: Cressida Dick in Lewisham yesterday

Britain's new top police officer last night said diversity was at the heart of her role as she confirmed she was in a same-sex relationship with a colleague.

Cressida Dick, 56, said she believed passionately that every modern police force must represent the communities it serves.

The Scotland Yard Commissioner said there was some way to go for the countrys biggest force to have the confidence of all our public.

Speaking after becoming the first woman to lead British policing, Miss Dick pledged to drag it into the brave new world of 21st-century technology. She warned that more officers will carry Tasers, that the frontline is likely to shrink further, and controversial stop-and-search tactics may increase.

The fiercely private officer, who commands huge respect across the ranks, also opened up for the first time about her private life. Miss Dick confirmed in an interview with Londons Evening Standard that she is in a relationship with a Scotland Yard inspector called Helen.

Describing herself as incredibly well supported and a very happy person, she said her partner was a response team leader in a busy South London borough.

In a further insight into her personal life, she said she enjoyed exercise and reading biographies and she attends church, although she is not super-religious.

Miss Dick won one of the most prestigious jobs in world policing after being urged to apply by Prime Minister Theresa May. During a 31-year career, she has led some of the most sensitive and high- profile inquiries, including overseeing the fight to bring Stephen Lawrences killers to justice.

Miss Dick said she was committed to diversity, and revealed she is in a relationship with a woman called Helen

She was also ultimately responsible for the disastrous operation that led to the death of Jean Charles de Menezes, but was vindicated by an Old Bailey jury.

HER OLIVE BRANCH TO THE MEDIA The police must rebuild their relationship with the media for the good of society, Cressida Dick said last night. She said she was fundamentally committed to the role of a free Press in Britain, and pledged to reset the relationship after the phone hacking scandal and Leveson Inquiry plunged it into the deep freeze. Miss Dick indicated she did not want to repeat the mistakes of her predecessor Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, who came under fire for shutting out the media. Sir Bernard was accused of fostering a climate of paranoia in which officers were forced to declare any contact with journalists and left in fear of explaining their work. I want to reset the relationship with the media if I can, Miss Dick said. I want to open the Met up so more officers do feel that within professional guidance, they can and should talk to you. Advertisement

After leaving the Met Police in 2014 amid rumours of tension with her predecessor as commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, she spent two years in a senior Foreign Office security role.

During a round of media interviews yesterday, Miss Dick said she suspected she was slightly different from other officers. But she said forces were chock full of people who are very diverse and the stereotype of monochrome and monolithic policing institutions was wrong.

Miss Dick said her commitment to diversity will mark me out as a chief officer.

I believe passionately that we need to represent the public, that we need to have confidence from all our public and theres some way to go for the Met, she said. You will see me doing an enormous amount to try to improve confidence in our communities.

Miss Dick set herself apart from Sir Bernard by abandoning his 65,000 Range Rover and taking a voluntary 40,000 pay cut. His macho total policing motto has been dropped from the forces website.

The new commissioner said battling to reduce surging levels of violence, including gun and knife crime, will be at the centre of her role. She added that in many cases young people not linked to gangs were carrying weapons in the mistaken belief it made them safer.

Miss Dick also warned that the number of frontline officers may shrink because of budget cuts, but the force can still deliver a very effective service.

'I'll pursure Lawrence killers as long as I live'

Cressida Dick says she will fight to bring all the killers of Stephen Lawrence to justice for as long as I am alive.

The new Scotland Yard commissioner said there was a huge public interest in seeing the remaining suspects jailed.

After years of working alongside Stephens parents, Doreen and Neville, Miss Dick said she was looking forward to hearing details of the progress of the inquiry.

I was very pleased that we got the convictions that we did eventually  far too late, of course. I will remain committed as long as I am alive, she said.

Miss Dick has spent more than 13 years as the most senior officer responsible for the investigation into the 1993 attack.

Stephen, 18, was stabbed to death by a racist mob as he waited with a friend at a bus stop in Eltham, south-east London. Failures by police and the criminal justice system let the killers escape unpunished and led to the Daily Mail accusing five men of murder 20 years ago.

David Norris, 40, and Gary Dobson, 41, were convicted in 2012 after a forensic breakthrough. But three other gang members  Neil Acourt, 41, his brother Jamie, 40, and Luke Knight, 40  have never been successfully put on trial.

Miss Dick added: I havent had a briefing on the case. I will. There will be questions at some stage of whether, if we havent secured a conviction, it is time to pause and wait.

This is a crime of huge public interest and will be until those who we believe to be the other offenders have been convicted.

Neil Acourt was jailed for more than six years in February for his role in a 4million drugs racket. Norris is suing the Government for 10,000 after he was beaten up in prison. He claims the authorities failed in their duty to protect him.
Brenda from Bristol spoke for Britain. Ambushed on her doorstep by a BBC reporter seeking reaction to Theresa May's decision to call a General Election, Brenda shrieked in disbelief: 'You're joking! Not ANOTHER ONE?

'Oh, for God's sake, I can't, honestly, I can't stand this. There's too much politics going on at the moment. Why does she need to do it?'

This exasperated West Country matron summed up my sentiments exactly. And I suspect most of yours, too, whichever way you voted in the Brexit referendum.

When Radio 2 interrupted the Ken Bruce Show with the news from Downing Street, I almost choked on my mid-morning coffee. Those of you listening on car radios could be forgiven for swerving off the road. After the relative respite of the Easter weekend, it was back to politics with a vengeance.

Brenda was approached outside her home in Bristol and could not believe the announcement on Tuesday

Brenda from Bristol (pictured) reacted in disbelief after learning that there was going to be a general election in June by saying: 'You're joking! Not another one'

Don't these people ever take a day off?

Apparently not. Mother Theresa is reported to have decided to go to the country during a walking holiday in Wales, when she was supposed to be breathing fresh air and clearing her head, away from the pressures of office.

But while we were working our way through hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, her always-on political brain was whirring away, calculating her chances of winning a landslide victory.

Couldn't she have made her mind up last week? At least that way the election could have been held to coincide with the local elections on May 4.

Perhaps she was worried that if she fired the starting gun too soon, the Boys in the Bubble would start trucking in lorryloads of asphalt over the holiday weekend.

College Green, opposite Parliament, is already starting to resemble Westminster's answer to Britain's biggest illegal travellers' camp at Dale Farm in Essex.

Yesterday it was teeming with gipsies, tramps and thieves from the political class, queueing up to have their three minutes with Sky's Adam Boulton, resident ringmaster on these occasions, who has been known to sleep in his suit rather than miss a moment's 'Breaking News'.

How long before the broadcasters start setting up mobile homes and burning a few tyres to keep warm? As it is they'll be there for at least the next seven weeks  and probably much longer.

It took ten years to evict the stragglers from Dale Farm. The politicians and TV pundits will have to be dragged screaming and kicking from College Green long after we've left the EU.

The election won't be held until June 8, so before then we'll be forced to endure one of the longest official campaigns on record. The country has already been in election mode for the past two-and-a-half years.

The 2015 General Election effectively began in January and was followed by a year-long EU referendum campaign.

We thought the decision to Leave was settled once and for all in June 2016. We thought wrong.

Ever since, the national discourse has been dominated by assorted refuseniks, Remoaners, malcontents, members of the House of Lords and Supreme Court judges doing their damnedest to derail Brexit.

Well, now they've got the second referendum they wanted  dressed up as a General Election. But why the hell should we need seven weeks to sort it out?

Some of us are old enough to remember the days when General Election campaigns lasted three weeks, tops.

Brenda questioned why Theresa May had to call for another election and added: 'There's too much politics going on at the moment'

Prime Minister Theresa May (pictured) stunned the nation on Tuesday and revealed the UK will have a general election on June 8

The responsibility/blame for our second vote in two years lies squarely at the door of all those who refused to accept the democratic will of the people.

I can understand entirely why Mrs May has gone back on her earlier determination not to call an election until the end of the fixed term in 2020.

The Tiny Tim Farrons, Anna Soubrys, Nicky Morgans, Cleggs, Mandelsons, et al, have tried to frustrate Brexit at every turn.

The unelected House of Lords is determined to wreck the whole process. Normal parliamentary business has become increasingly impossible.

Now their bluff has been called. It's time to lance the boil before they can sabotage our formal negotiations with the EU.

What was needed was a short, sharp shock  not a protracted seven-week campaign, with all the opportunity for mischief and mayhem that presents. Theresa clearly wants her own mandate, encompassing not just Brexit, but a much broader agenda.

Fair play to her. Unlike gutless Gordon Brown, who bottled calling an election which he could have won comfortably, May has cast caution to the wind.

Having spent the EU referendum campaign hiding behind the sofa, she has embraced Brexit with the zeal of the convert and, to her credit, has decided to put her political career on the line in pursuit of that goal.

It would be churlish not to congratulate her on her courage. But it still has the potential to blow up in her face.

OK, some might say Mrs May's not taking much of a gamble, given that she's got a 21-point lead in the polls and Labour appears to be in a death spiral.

The pollsters and the 'experts' predict that she'll romp home with a three-figure majority. But the pollsters and 'experts' have been spectacularly wrong before. If we've learned one thing, it's not to trust opinion polls.

College Green (pictured), opposite Parliament, is already starting to resemble Westminster's answer to Britain's biggest illegal travellers' camp at Dale Farm in Essex

Another thing those of us a little longer in the tooth have learned is that voters don't like unnecessary elections and are capable of punishing those who call them.

The first General Election I covered was in 1974, when Grocer Heath went to the country early on the question of who runs Britain  the Government or the unions? He didn't get the answer he was looking for.

Seven weeks is a long time to have the politicians in our faces 24/7. Voter fatigue can easily set in.

This may seem a straight- forward choice between a popular Prime Minister determined to implement the will of the people and an Opposition led by a hapless, IRA-loving, Hezbollah-worshipping North London Trot, wedded to sky-high taxes and suffocating state control.

But the headline figures don't always tell the full story.

This isn't a straight yes/no election, like the referendum. The Tories may be miles ahead, but it will be fought on the old constituency boundaries, which give Labour an inbuilt advantage.

Since the implosion of Ukip, which did Labour so much damage in the North, there's no guarantee that former Faragista voters will automatically switch to the Conservatives. Come election time, old tribal Labour loyalties may kick back in.

The Lib Dems might be a rabble led by a spotty schoolboy, but no less a figure than Tory strategist Lynton Crosby warned recently that they pose a serious threat in Remain areas, such as South-West London and the South West of England.

There's ample time for what Harold Macmillan called 'events, dear boy' to crash the party.

What if Donald Trump's foreign adventures escalate into full-blown engagement in Syria or North Korea?

Britain would be bound to support America, which would bring the Stop The War gang back onto the streets and provide Corbyn with a perfect pulpit. Who knows how that could play out?

It would take only one baby dying on a hospital trolley to push the NHS to the top of the agenda. Tory 'cuts' would be blamed  and then what?

Look, I hope that Theresa May romps home, even though I've never been a fan, because I want a tungsten-tipped Brexit. Not that I'm convinced that, when push comes to shove, she'll deliver everything we thought we were getting when we voted Leave. But she's the only show in town right now.

With any luck a few treacherous Tories such as Soubry will lose their seats into the bargain, and Wee Burney's Toytown Tartanistas will get a nasty surprise north of the border, too.

What I'm dreading is seven weeks of wall-to-wall politicking, endless opinion polls, Question Time specials and TV debates.

The truth is May should have triggered Article 50 the day she moved into No 10. Although she's ostensibly being bold now, she's spent far too long dithering.

The 17.4 million who voted Leave last June didn't think they'd have to go through another General Election a year later before their decision could be implemented.

May's biggest obstacle is voter cynicism and disgust at the self-serving antics of the entire political class.

No wonder Brenda from Bristol reacted as she did yesterday. 'You're joking! Not ANOTHER ONE? Oh, for God's sake, I can't, honestly, I can't stand this.'

Me neither, Brenda.
I know . . . I know . . . one should beware of triumphalism but, in all probability, a Labour Party led by the ineffectual, hard Left and  lets face it  slightly dim Jeremy Corbyn will crash in spectacular fashion come June 8. Which is why I believe that Theresa May will be accorded the role of its saviour.

Corbyns reaction yesterday on hearing there would be an election was hardly bullish. He looked stunned. Perhaps even he fears the worst.

Many Labour MPs certainly do, realising their party is heading for a bloodbath, and in many cases expect to lose their seats.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn leaves his office in Parliament after Prime Minister Theresa May called a surprise general election

Prime Minister Theresa May General Election announcement, which took Jeremy Corbyn by surprise too

Tom Blenkinsop, whose Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland marginal constituency seems likely to be seized by the Conservatives, has said that he will not be standing for re-election, citing irreconcilable differences with Jeremy Corbyn.

Others will stay and fight as best they can, while knowing in their hearts that Corbyns hopeless leadership and extreme views will almost certainly lead Labour to its worst defeat since 1983 under Michael Foot  or perhaps an even more cataclysmic result.

Indeed, it seems possible that a Labour Party led by Corbyn and the more sinister figure of John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, may do even worse than the polls suggest as the media shine a spotlight on their policies and past allegiances.

So far both men have only been scrutinised during two internal Labour leadership elections which Corbyn easily won. Now they will have to justify themselves to the wider electorate who are unlikely to relish what they see.

Corbyn, of course, has never disavowed his former support for the IRA. Nor has he explained away his endorsement of Hamas and Hezbollah, two terrorist organisations committed to the destruction of the State of Israel. He has described them as his friends  something that last year he admitted regretting  and has met several of their leading lights.

As FOR McDonnell, here is a man who in 2003 hailed the bravery of the IRA. In 2010 he famously said that he would like to go back to the 1980s and assassinate Margaret Thatcher. Admittedly McDonnell apologised not long ago for this shameful statement, which he pretended was an appalling joke, but there are some things that cant be unsaid.

Its true that these days McDonnell likes to present himself as a suave and avuncular character whom we have no reason to distrust. But beneath the recently applied veneer lurks an extremist who may be revealed in his darker colours over the coming weeks.

Stephen Glover speculates that even Corbyn may know this election may be bad news for his party

Not least damaging are the lunatic economic views of a man caught on video last year describing himself as a Marxist. He hasnt bothered to change his Whos Who entry, in which he asserts that his hobby is fermenting [he means fomenting] the overthrow of capitalism.

I dont imagine that his barmy plan to throw 250 billion at a National Investment Bank or his idea of a universal basic income (i.e. free cash hand-outs) are going to play very well with most level-headed voters.

Nor can we expect anything resembling unity in the upper echelons of Labour. Only two weeks ago, Corbyns criticisms of an American missile strike in response to a chemical weapon attack seemingly perpetrated by the Syrian government were promptly contradicted by his deputy, Tom Watson.

Labour is a divided, fractious and unhappy party dominated by mostly third-rate extremists whose views, I suggest, will be unpalatable to the great majority of British people once put under a microscope.

Almost laughably, these same extremists are in the grip of a delusion, namely that ordinary voters hanker after their madcap policies. Michael Chessum, a big-wheel in Momentum  the hard Left group trying to take over the Labour Party  tweeted yesterday that there absolutely is a path to victory for Labour.

What tripe! Ive no doubt that such fantasies will be exposed for what they are on June 8. And I fervently hope that decent, moderate Labour people will then use a calamitous defeat to revive their party as an effective Opposition.

Theresa May is said to have decided to call the election after a walking holiday over Easter. Pictured above on one in the Alps last year with Philip

Granted, Jeremy Corbyn is as stubborn as he is intellectually limited. Last August, when asked whether he would quit as leader if the Tories won another term, he replied that nothing is inevitable. Backed by Momentum and John McDonnell, as well as by misguided and sometimes half-witted acolytes such as Diane Abbott, he could try to cling on after a rout. But, deflated as he would undoubtedly be, he might finally grasp what most people have already seen  that he is unfit to be leader of the Labour Party.

And after an electoral wipe-out there would surely be a good chance that Labour moderates would finally reclaim their party from the ideologues who have captured it, and made it so palpably unelectable.

Labour is never going to be an effective opposition party as long as it remains extremist and is led by Jeremy Corbyn. By calling an election Theresa May has offered it a path to eventual salvation. That is why everyone who treasures a robust democracy should be pleased.
President Donald Trump's senior staff member Omarosa Manigault arrived back in Washington DC over the weekend after her honeymoon.

The former Apprentice star married Pastor John Allen Newman earlier this month at the Old Post Pavilion in the nearby Trump Hotel before jetting off to Italy for their honeymoon.

It was back to work on Monday however for Manigault, 43, who was photographed the night before as she touched down in DC while flashing her massive diamond engagement and wedding rings.

Home sweet home: Omarosa Manigault was photographed returning from her honeymoon in Italy late Sunday night (above)

Bling: She flashed her large diamond engagement and wedding rings

Fun and games: She was back at work on Monday at the annual Easter Egg Roll

Manigault went for comfort as she arrived home in flowered leggings and a fuzzy pink coat.

She also carried with her a bag of chocolate from Peterbrooke as she chatted away on her phone.

Not seen with her however was her new beau, 61, who was likely off to Florida where he has a ministry in Jacksonville, The Sanctuary @ Mt. Calvary.

The couple had originally been scheduled to wed there in late March but cancelled their nuptials after allegedly receiving death threats.

President trump was not able to attend the wedding as he was in palm Beach that weekend, having ordered a missile strike on a Syrian air base from Mar-a-Lago.

Attendees at the wedding included Katrina Pierson, Lynne Patton and Lynette 'Diamond' Hardaway and Rochelle 'Silk' Richardson.

This is Manigault's second marriage.
A seven-year-old boy from China has survived after intimating a cartoon character and leaping out from a 10th-storey window with an umbrella.

The child who had been left at home alone by his parents was found seriously injured on April 15 after landing on the ground with his 'umbrella parachute', according to Huanqiu, a publication affiliated to People's Daily.

He has escaped death after being rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

The child, seven, was found lying on the ground injured with his red umbrella in China

A set of photos published by CCTV on Weibo shows the boy lying injured on the ground with his red umbrella in Jiangsu Province.

A 23-second video clip, posted to QQ.com, shows his mother who collapsed at the scene upon seeing her son. The case was immediately reported to police.

The boy was sent to the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Suzhou University for emergency treatment, according to Huanqiu.

He was critically injured while he was taken to the hospital. Yet his conditions are not life-threatening now, a doctor said.

The boy, inspired by an animated character, decided to leap from the window holding an umbrella as a parachute on April 15

A woman (in green), reported to be the young boy's mother, collapsed at the scene

The doctor also said that the boy had been left alone at his home in Kunshan city. His parents expected him to watch cartoon by himself.

Inspired by an animated character he likes, the child decided to leap from the window holding an umbrella as a parachute.

The report did not state which cartoon the boy had been watching before the incident.

The boy jumped out from a window on the 10th storey after he had been left at home alone

The boy landed on the cement ground next to a hair salon (pictured left) with his umbrella

His home is located on the 10th storey and all flats in the building are reportedly two-storey high.

Luckily his fall was partially intervened by an utility pole which the boy hit before landing on the cement ground next to a hair salon. This has apparently saved his life.

Similar incident happened last month in China's Urumqi city in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

A five-year-old girl reportedly jumped out of a window on the 11th floor after watching a popular Chinese cartoon named 'Boonie Bears'.

She jumped from the window wearing a backpack and carrying an umbrella. The little girl suffered severe injuries after landing on a cement platform on the fourth floor.
Nearly half of the worlds most valuable natural assets are being threatened by the illegal wildlife trade, a damning report has warned.

Poaching, illegal logging and fishing and the trafficking of rare species are damaging World Heritage Sites, from Tanzanias Serengeti National Park, to the Great Barrier Reef.

The sites, designated for their importance to nature, are being increasing threatened by man, according to conservation charity the World Wildlife Federation (WWF).

Illegal fishing has been reported at 18 of the world's 39 coastal World Heritage sites

Poaching of species such as elephants, rhinos and tigers has been reported in at least 43 World Heritage sites, while illegal logging of valuable plants such as rosewood and ebony has been reported in 26 designated places.

Illegal fishing has been reported at 18 of the worlds 39 marine and coastal World Heritage sites.

Harvesting species protected under international law - from snow leopards to scaly anteaters or pangolins - is also a significant problem and occurs in around half of African, Asian and Latin American sites, the report warned.

Natural World Heritage sites are home to a third of the worlds remaining tigers and 40 per cent of all African elephants.

In some areas, like the Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia, they are the last refuge for critically endangered species such as the Javan rhino.

A group of Nilgri Tahr in the Western Ghat mountains of India. Some of the World Heritage sites are the last remaining safe havens for critically endangered species

But researchers found that 45 per cent of sites are being put in jeopardy by illegal trade, which is estimated to be worth 15 billion globally.

The worrying report comes just months after Prince Harry said that saving endangered animals is Gods test for humanity.

Following his fathers well-known love of conservation, the prince called for an international body to regulate anyone who owns or manages wildlife.

Loss of species and habitat through illegal activity such as logging also threatens the services World Heritage sites provide to local people, from tourism jobs to clean water, while deforestation has an impact on the planet as a whole by increasing carbon emissions.

Chris Gee, head of campaigns at WWF-UK, said: Even the wildlife living in places which should benefit from the highest levels of protection are suffering at the hands of criminals.

Wildebeests on the Serengeti. The illegal logging and poaching near World Heritage sites also threatens local people's livelihoods

Not only does this threaten the survival of species, but its also jeopardising the future heritage of these precious places and the people whose livelihoods depend on them.

He called for a united front from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) and the World Heritage Convention to tackle the illegal wildlife trade.

Next year London will host the 4th Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference, the UK Government must bolster efforts to support the end of this devastating trade.

Now is not the time to drop the ball on this issue. These findings show that for the future of many of our most endangered species its a matter of life and death.

Inger Andersen, director general of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), said: Illegal wildlife trafficking robs the world of its natural heritage, threatens local communities and hampers global efforts to reduce poverty.

This report is a sobering reminder of just how far this type of organised crime can reach, extending even into the supposed safety of World Heritage sites.

This is a global challenge that can only be tacked through collective, international action.
Machines that can think for themselves - and perhaps turn on their creators as a result - have long been a fascination of science fiction.

And creating robots that can learn without any input from humans is moving ever closer, thanks to the latest developments in artificial intelligence.

One such project seeks to pit the wits of two AI algorithms against each other, with results that could one day lead to the emergence of such intelligent machines.

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Researchers have pitted AI algorithms against each other to create more realistic 'imaginings' of the real world. The results could one day lead to machines that can learn without human input, a long fascination of science fiction - including films like The Terminator (pictured)

BATTLE OF THE BOTS Google's Generative Adversarial Network works by pitting two algorithms against each other, in an attempt to create convincing representations of the real world. These 'imagined' digital creations - which can take the form of images, videos, sounds and other content - are based on data fed to the system. One AI bot creates new content based upon what it has been taught, while a second critiques these creations - pointing out imperfections and inaccuracies. And the process could one day allow robots to learn new information without any input from people. Advertisement

Researchers at the Google Brain AI lab have developed a system known as a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN).

Conventional AI uses input to 'teach' an algorithm about a particular subject by feeding it massive amounts of information.

This knowledge can then be employed for a specific task - facial recognition being just one example.

GANs seek to generate new content from this learned information, creating digital content like pictures and video based on their understanding of similar real life images and footage.

Google's approach is to set two algorithms against each other, to further refine these 'imaginings'.

One AI bot creates new content based upon what it has been taught about the real world, while a second critiques these creations - pointing out imperfections and inaccuracies.

This allows the system to create more realistic images, sounds and other original creations that are far more realistic than if the first bot was working alone.

And the process could one day allow robots to learn new information without any input from people - a process called 'unsupervised learning' that would represent a giant leap forward in AI technology.

Speaking to Wired, Dr Ian Goodfellow, who works at Google mind, said: 'If an AI can imagine the world in realistic detaillearn how to imagine realistic images and realistic soundsthis encourages the AI to learn about the structure of the world that actually exists.

'You can think of this like an artist and an art critic.

'The generative model wants to fool the art critictrick the art critic into thinking the images it generates are real.'

Artificial intelligence systems rely on neural networks, which try to simulate the way the brain works in order to learn.

As a neural network trains it adapts to solve that particular task, but when a new task is introduced, it loses the knowledge it has previously acquired. This phenomenon is known as 'catastrophic forgetting' and is one of the limitations of neural networks

MACHINE LEARNING Artificial intelligence systems rely on neural networks, which try to simulate the way the brain works in order to learn. These networks can be trained to recognise patterns in information - including speech, text data, or visual images - and are the basis for a large number of the developments in AI over recent years. They use input from the digital world to learn, with practical applications like Google's language translation services, Facebook's facial recognition software and Snapchat's image altering live filters. But the process of inputting this data can be extremely time consuming, and is limited to one type of knowledge. Advertisement

These networks can be trained to recognise patterns in information - including speech, text data, or visual images - and are the basis for a large number of the developments in AI over recent years.

They use input from the digital world to learn, with practical applications like Google's language translation services, Facebook's facial recognition software and Snapchat's image altering live filters.

But the process of inputting this data can be extremely time consuming, and is limited to one type of knowledge.

This is not the first time that Google has set AI bots against each other, to expand the limits of this type of machine learning.

In February, a Google team used a game they designed to examine whether competing algorithms would work together or turn on each other.

These experiments showed that AI may be more or less likely to work together depending on the situation.

The results could add to our understanding and control of complex multi-agent systems such as the economy, traffic systems, or the ecological health of our planet  all of which depend on our continued cooperation.
In 1740, a Dutch merchant ship called 'De Rooswijk' sank on the notorious Goodwin Sands in Kent, killing all 350 people on board.

Now, almost 280 years later, a huge research mission is being launched to salvage the enormous merchant ship.

Researchers hope that recovering the wreck will provide valuable insights into life during the Dutch Golden Age.

In 1740, a Dutch merchant ship called 'De Rooswijk' sank on the notorious Goodwin Sands in Kent, killing all 350 people on board. Now, almost 280 years later, a giant research mission is being launched to salvage the enormous merchant ship (artist's impression)

WHAT HAS BEEN FOUND SO FAR? Divers have already been exploring the wreckage site near the town of Deal in Kent to unlock some of its secrets since it was discovered in 1996. In 2004, diver Ken Welling visited the wreck, and retrieved two complete chests and hundreds of silver bars. Several dives since have recovered several hundred Mexican silver cobs of the 1720s and early 1730s, and transitional 'klippes' that date to around 1733. Hundreds more 'pillar dollars' have also been discovered and sold at auction. Advertisement

De Rooswijk belonged to the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and was built in 1737.

In 1740 it set sail from the Netherlands on its second voyage to the East, laden with silver ingots and coins to buy up hugely profitable spices in what is now known as Indonesia.

Yet the ship never made it to Asia as it went down just off the British coast in January 1740, with all 350 people on board drowning.

Divers have already been exploring the wreckage site near the town of Deal in Kent to unlock some of its secrets since it was discovered in 1996.

In 2004, diver Ken Welling visited the wreck, and retrieved two complete chests and hundreds of silver bars.

Divers have already been exploring the wreckage site near the town of Deal in Kent to unlock some of its secrets since it was discovered in 1996

Several dives since have recovered hundreds of Mexican silver cobs of the 1720s and early 1730s, and transitional 'klippes' coins that date to around 1733.

Hundreds more 'pillar dollars' have also been discovered and sold at auction.

Today, the Dutch government announced plans to salvage the wreck so it can be fully investigated.

Several dives since have recovered several hundred Mexican silver cobs (pictured) of the 1720s and early 1730s, and transitional 'klippes' that date to around 1733

The Dutch merchant ship sank on the notorious Goodwin Sands in Kent, killing all 350 people on board

Maritime archaeologist Mr Martijn Manders, who will lead the research, said: 'A big part of our history lies on the bottom of the sea.'

As the wreck is being threatened by currents and a future sand extraction project there is some urgency involved.

Ms Jet Bussemaker, Dutch Minister for Education, Culture and Science said: 'The ship offers a unique look to the past.

Objects already salvaged from the wreck, such as this wood, are on shown in a museum in the maritime museum of Vlissingen in the Netherlands

Since 1996, when the wreck was first discovered, there have been several missions to the wreck, in which pieces of wood and silver have been recovered

THE DE ROOSWIJK MERCHANT SHIP De Rooswijk belonged to the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and was built in 1737. In 1740 it set sail from the Netherlands on its second voyage to the East, laden with silver ingots and coins to buy up hugely profitable spices in what is now known as Indonesia. Yet the ship never made it to Asia as it went down just off the British coast in January 1740, with all 350 people on board drowning. Advertisement

'The archaeological information which we can get out of the wreck is of utmost value to interpret this period in our history.'

Mr Manders hopes that by retrieving the full inventory of the ship, a lot more secrets will be uncovered about maritime trade during the Dutch Golden Age.

He said: 'A part lies underneath the sand, where the conditions are very good.

'How did you manage in those days to keep 350 men during the entire journey - which could last for months - alive? It was a real small community. We are really curious about this.'

Maritime archaeologists and students from both the UK and the Netherlands will work on the project from July to October, 24 hours a day, in shifts lasting twelve hours.
Sabre tooth tigers and woolly mammals were killed off by rapid changes to the climate rather than mankind, according to a new study.

Scientists were previously unsure whether the emergence of early humans or environmental factors had led to the sudden dying out of the giant mammals.

But new research has shown that massive increases in moisture levels led to the eradication of habitats which previously allowed large creatures, known as megafauna, to thrive.

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An international team of researchers has studied the bones of animals that roamed the ancient world (pictured). The team found that melting glaciers led to the loss of habitats favoured by the giant herbivores, who lived between 11,000 and 15,000 years ago

MEGAFAUNA EXTINCTION An international team of researchers has analysed 511 bones from wide range of creatures that lived between 11,000 and 15,000 years ago. By using carbon dating, the team found that the bones contained evidence of huge environmental upheavals. They measured nitrogen isotopes preserved in dated ancient animal bones and teeth recovered from permafrost areas and caves across Europe, Siberia, North and South America. They found distinctive biochemical signals that reflected massive increases of moisture on the landscape. Melting permafrost turned widespread grasslands into peats and bogs, annihilating the habitats of the large herbivorous grazers. Advertisement

An international team of researchers, led by the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD) at the University of Adelaide, studied the bones of animals that roamed the ancient world.

Using over 500 bones from a wide range of creatures - including a bison, horse, and llamas - the team was able to investigate the role of environmental change in the mysterious megafaunal extinctions that claimed the vast majority of existing large land animals.

By using carbon dating, the team found that the bones contained evidence of huge environmental upheavals.

They found that melting permafrost turned widespread grasslands into peats and bogs, annihilating populations of the large herbivorous grazers between 11,000 and 15,000 years ago.

Among the better known creatures killed off were sabre tooth cats, woolly mammoths and giant sloths.

Professor Alan Cooper, ACAD Director, said: 'We didn't expect to find such clear signals of moisture increases occurring so widely across all of Europe, Siberia and the Americas.

'The timing varied between regions, but matches the collapse of glaciers and permafrost and occurs just before most species go extinct.'

The international team of researchers included the University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Oslo, the Yukon Government, and palaeontologists across Russia and Canada.

By using carbon dating, the team found that the bones contained evidence of huge environmental upheavals. Pictured is a mammoth tusk

Melting permafrost turned widespread grasslands into peats and bogs, annihilating populations of the large herbivorous grazers between 11,000 and 15,000 years ago

The team found distinctive biochemical signals that reflected massive increases of moisture on the landscape

They measured nitrogen isotopes preserved in dated ancient animal bones and teeth recovered from permafrost areas and caves across Europe, Siberia, North and South America.

They found distinctive biochemical signals that reflected massive increases of moisture on the landscape.

Grassland megafauna were critical to the food chain at the time, acting like giant pumps that shifted nutrients around the landscape.

When the moisture influx pushed forests and tundras to replace the grasslands, the ecosystem collapsed and took many of the megafauna with it.

The shifting landscape during the post glacial period (pictured). Figures A and B shows the flourishing of rangelands, which provided the optimal conditions for megafauna, with the spread of grassland represented in light green

In figures C and D, rangelands are replaced by forests, represented in dark green, and large areas of tundra, represented in brown. This is believed to have led to the mass extinctions of the megafauna

Professor Cooper added: 'The idea of moisture-driven extinctions is really exciting because it can also explain why Africa is so different, with a much lower rate of megafaunal extinctions and many species surviving to this day.

'Africa's position across the equator means that grassland zones have always surrounded the central monsoon region.

'The stable grasslands are what has allowed large herbivores to persist - rather than any special wariness of hunters learned from humans evolving there.'
Mark Zuckerberg has unveiled Facebook's augmented reality system - and confirmed rumours the firm is developing a 'mind control' brain interface.

The social network's founder took to the stage at the firm's annual F8 developer conference at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center to introduce what he called the 'second act' in Facebook's camera strategy - a new platform to allow developers to build AR apps that intensifies its battle with Snapchat.

He also hinted at the firm's more distant future, confirming rumours it is developing a radical mind reading computer interface - and promised more details on the project 'soon'.

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The social network's founder took to the stage at the firm's annual F8 developer conference at San Francisco's Bill Graham Civic Center to show off new AR software and confirm rumours of a new neural 'mind control' interface.

'We're building further out beyond augmented reality, and that includes work around direct brain interfaces that one day will let you communicate using only your mind, although that stuff is pretty far out,' he said.

Zuckerberg also addressed the tragedy in Cleveland, saying 'our hearts go out to the family and friends of Robert Godwin Sr, we have a lot of work to do and we'll do everything we can to help prevent these tragedies.'

He first unveiled a new augmented reality platform allowing developers to build AR apps.

FACEBOOK GOES VR WITH SPACES Facebook also revealed its first VR app, called Faces, for the firm's Oculus Rift. It uses a virtual avatar, and allows to users to virtually meet and interact with friends. It will be available from today in beta form. Facebook Spaces launches in beta for Oculus Rift and Touch today, and lets users interact with friends in a virtual environment The system uses AI to choose an avatar for people, before allowing them to customise it. It showed off the system with demos including people showing off holiday destinations and even new apartments. 'Spending time with friends and family creates many of our most meaningful memories, but its impossible to always be physically near the people we care about, said Facebook's Rachel Franklin. The VR software even includes a virtual selfie stick so participants can capture their time together Users can draw or write messages using Facebook's Oculus Touch Controllers 'Thats where the magic of virtual reality comes in. 'Today, were introducing a new VR app where you hang out with friends in a fun, interactive virtual environment as if you were in the same room. ' Facebook Spaces launches in beta for Oculus Rift and Touch today. Advertisement

Zuckerberg said new phone-based applications might include creating a three-dimensional scene from a single two-dimensional photo or splattering the walls of your house with colorful (virtual) art.

'We're gathered here for the second biggest event called F8 this week,' said Mark Zuckerberg, referencing the release of the hit film F8: The Fast and the Furious.

'You may have noticed we rolled out cameras across our apps, that was act one,' he said.

Today, we're going to talk about act two - augmented reality.

'We know where we want this go eventually - glasses or contact lenses that overlay this,' Zuckerberg said.

'We know where we want this go eventually - glasses or contact lenses that overlay this,' Zuckerberg said.

'This will help us mix the physical and digital in new ways, and make reality better'.

'I used to think glasses would be the firm major firm factor. But we are seeing versions with out phone cameras'.

'Giving developers the power to build for augmented reality.

MESSENGER BOOSTS SHARING Facebook also announced a bevy of updates to Messenger, its increasingly independent messaging app. Messenger head David Marcus claims the app has become the de facto "white pages" of messaging, since people can find and chat with friends without knowing their phone number. Now, Messenger wants to do the same for businesses, creating a "yellow pages" of sorts that let companies communicate with their customers. Messenger will also let people chat with outside businesses as a group. That would, for instance, allow groups of friends to share Spotify playlists or to make a restaurant reservation through OpenTable that keeps everyone on the same page. The idea is simplify what might otherwise require a flurry of texts and sharing of links. Advertisement

'We'll start today with basic effect such as face masks.

You'll have thousands of options.'

However, Zuckerberg said the system will be more complex than simple snapchat-style filters.

Last year, CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled Facebook's 10-year road map that calls for powerful technologies to radically alter how people connect with friends and family and the world at large.

Uswers without VR headsets can use Messenger to appear in a video window in the VR chats

Facebook also revealed its first VR app, called Faces, for the firm's Oculus Rift.

Zuckerberg said games were likely to be a key component, and showed off a demo of a game turning a table into an AR game, allowing children to interact with objects on it.

'This isn't going to happen overnight, over time I think this will change how we use our phones, and eventually all of our technology,' he said.

'Even if we were a little slow to add cameras to our apps, I'm confident we will move this along.'

The social network's founder took to the stage at the firm's annual F8 developer conference at San Francisco's Bill Graham Civic Center to show off new AR software.

Zuckerberg showed several demos of possible Facebook AR apps

Zuckerberg also confirmed the firm was developing a 'mind computer interface' that will one day allow users to communicate machine,, and said more details would be made available about the project soon.

In April, the site revealed the existence of a new division, known only as 'Building 8' which is dedicated to creating ground-breaking products at the intersection of hardware, software, and content.

And a new job advert posting suggested that the mysterious division could be working on mind-reading technology.

One advert is for a 'brain-computer interface engineer' to work on a '2-year B8 project focused on developing advanced BCI technologies.'

Details on what the job will involve are limited, but the advert adds that one of the key responsibilities will be applying 'machine learning methods, including encoding and decoding models, to neuroimaging and electrophysiological data.'

The second advert is for a 'neural imaging engineer' who will be responsible for 'a project focused on developing novel non-invasive neuroimaging technologies.'

Both jobs are based at the Menlo Park site in California.

These limited descriptions suggest that Building 8 might be working on monitoring how brain activity changes when looking at pictures or videos.
The appearance and disappearance of 'magic islands' on the surface of titan has long baffled astronomers.

Now they believe they have solved to mystery - and says it's down to bubbles.

The hydrocarbon lakes and seas of Saturn's moon Titan may erupt with dramatic patches of large bubbles big enough to be spotted by radar, researchers found.

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These images from the Radar instrument aboard NASA's Cassini spacecraft show the evolution of a transient feature in the large hydrocarbon sea named Ligeia Mare on Saturn's moon Titan. The images in the column at left show the same region of Ligeia Mare as seen by Cassini's radar during flybys in (from top to bottom) 2007, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The bottom image was acquired by Cassini on Jan. 11, 2015, and adds another snapshot in time as Cassini continues to monitor the ephemeral feature. The feature is apparent in the images from 2013 and 2014, but it is not present in other images of the region.

'Titan, Saturn's largest moon, is the only extraterrestrial body known to support stable liquid on its surface, in the form of seas and lakes that dot the polar regions,' The University of Reim team wrote in Nature Astronomy.

Radar images from Cassini previously showed unexplained bright regions in Ligeia Mare, the second largest body of water on Titan's surface.

The sea is 50% larger than our own Lake Superior and is comprised of liquid methane, ethane and nitrogen.

'Many indications suggest that the liquid should be composed of a mixture of nitrogen, methane and ethane.

'Recent observations by Cassini's Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) instrument of Titan's large sea, called Ligeia Mare, have shown unexplained and ephemeral bright features, possibly due to rising bubbles.

'Here we report that our numerical model, when combined with experimental data found in the literature, shows that Ligeia Mare's bed is a favourable place for nitrogen exsolution.

'This process could produce centimetre-sized and RADAR-detectable bubbles.'

The team also say other oceans could habour 'fizzing islands'.

'Our argument can be applied to other seas such as Kraken and Punga,' the team say.

TITAN'S 'MAGIC ISLANDS' The notion of nitrogen bubbles creating fizzy patches on Titan's lakes and seas is relevant to one of the more enchanting unsolved mysteries Cassini has investigated during its time exploring Titan: the so-called 'magic islands.' During several flybys, Cassini's radar has revealed small areas on the seas that appeared and disappeared, and then (in at least one case) reappeared. Analysis by Cassini scientists indicates that the bright features, informally known as the 'magic island,' are a phenomenon that changes over time. Cassini captured this mosaic of images showing the northern lakes and seas of Saturn's moon Titan on Feb. 17, 2017. The hydrocarbon lakes and seas of Saturn's moon Titan may erupt with dramatic patches of bubbles, NASA has since revealed. They conclude that the brightening is due to either waves, solids at or beneath the surface or bubbles, with waves thought to be the most likely explanation. They think tides, sea level and seafloor changes are unlikely to be responsible for the brightening. Researchers proposed several potential explanations for what could be creating these seemingly island-like features, including the idea of fields of bubbles. The new study provides details about the mechanism that could be forming such bubbles, if they are indeed the culprit. Advertisement

Nasa has previously said says the phenomenon is similar to the bubbles when a soda bottle is opened.

Experts say the find could mean probes have to be redesigned to swim through 'fizzy' water.

Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, simulated the frigid surface conditions on Titan, finding that significant amounts of nitrogen can be dissolved in the extremely cold liquid methane that rains from the skies and collects in rivers, lakes and seas.

They demonstrated that slight changes in temperature, air pressure or composition can cause the nitrogen to rapidly separate out of solution, like the fizz that results when opening a bottle of carbonated soda.

'Our experiments showed that when methane-rich liquids mix with ethane-rich ones - for example from a heavy rain, or when runoff from a methane river mixes into an ethane-rich lake - the nitrogen is less able to stay in solution,' said Michael Malaska of JPL, who led the study.

NASA's Cassini spacecraft has found that the composition of Titan's lakes and seas varies from place to place, with some reservoirs being richer in ethane than methane.

The release of nitrogen, known as exsolution, can also occur when methane seas warm slightly during the changing seasons on Titan.

A fizzy liquid could also cause problems, potentially, for a future robotic probe sent to float on or swim through Titan's seas, the researchers say.

Excess heat emanating from a probe might cause bubbles to form around its structures - for example, propellers used for propulsion - making it difficult to steer or keep the probe stable.

'Thanks to this work on nitrogen's solubility, we're now confident that bubbles could indeed form in the seas, and in fact may be more abundant than we'd expected,' said Jason Hofgartner of JPL, who serves as a co-investigator on Cassini's radar team and was a co-author of the study.

In characterizing how nitrogen moves between Titan's liquid reservoirs and its atmosphere, the researchers also coaxed nitrogen out of a simulated ethane-rich solution as the ethane froze to the bottom of their tiny, simulated Titan lake.

Unlike water, which is less dense in its solid form than its liquid form, ethane ice would form on the bottom of Titan's frigid pools.

As the ethane crystalizes into ice, there's no room for the dissolved nitrogen gas, and it comes fizzing out.

While the thought of hydrocarbon lakes bubbling with nitrogen on an alien moon is dramatic, Malaska points out that the movement of nitrogen on Titan doesn't just move in one direction.

TITAN: EARTH'S 'TOXIC TWIN' Aside from Earth, Titan is the only place in the solar system known to have rivers, rainfall and seas - and possibly even waterfalls. Of course, in the case of Titan these are liquid methane rather than water on Earth. Regular Earth-water, H2O, would be frozen solid on Titan where the surface temperature is -180C (-292F). With its thick atmosphere and organic-rich chemistry, Titan resembles a frozen version of Earth several billion years ago, before life began pumping oxygen into our atmosphere. Because Titan is smaller than Earth, its gravity does not hold onto its gaseous envelope as tightly, so the atmosphere extends 370 miles (595km) into space. With Titan's low gravity and dense atmosphere, methane raindrops could grow twice as large as Earth's raindrops. Advertisement

Clearly, it has to get into the methane and ethane before it can get out.

'In effect, it's as though the lakes of Titan breathe nitrogen,' Malaska said.

'As they cool, they can absorb more of the gas, 'inhaling.' And as they warm, the liquid's capacity is reduced, so they 'exhale.''

The new footage has been released by Nasa to mark the nearing end of the Cassini mission, as the spacecraft is due to descend in a self-destruct mission into fiery Saturn in September this year. The images reveal Titan's dunes are gigantic, reaching, on average, 0.6 to 1.2 miles (1 to 2 kilometers) wide, hundreds of miles (kilometers) long and around 300 feet (100 meters) high.

A similar phenomenon occurs on Earth with carbon dioxide absorption by our planet's oceans.

Recent footage released by Nasa shows exactly what it looks like to land on an alien world.

It may seem like stuff of science fiction, but the scenes in the new video happened in real life, 12 years ago.

The stunning video was captured when the space agency's Huygens probe descended onto the mysterious world of Titan, Saturn's biggest moon.

THE CASSINI MISSION Since it left earth in 1997 and arrived at Saturn in 2004, Cassini has been touring the system with an up-close study of the planet, its rings and moons. During its journey, Cassini has made dramatic discoveries, including a global ocean within Enceladus and liquid methane seas on Titan. Before Nasa's Cassini probe captured the most detailed images of Saturn ever seen, it dropped its companion Huygens on the planet's largest moon, Titan. After nearly 20 years in space, the mission is drawing near its end because the spacecraft is running low on fuel. Advertisement

Before Nasa's Cassini probe captured the most detailed images of Saturn ever seen, it dropped its companion Huygens on the planet's largest moon, Titan - also known as Earth's toxic twin.

The video includes an animation showing this moment.

The new footage has been released by Nasa to mark the nearing end of the Cassini mission, as the spacecraft is due to descend in a self-destruct mission into fiery Saturn in September this year.

Huygens, a European Space Agency project, travelled to Titan as the companion to Nasa's Cassini spacecraft.

It then separated from its mothership on Christmas Eve, 2004, for a 20-day coast toward its destiny at Titan.

The new footage shows a series of images captured by a tiny camera on Huygens, pieced together into a video.

The video shows highlands of rugged ice as Huygens headed to the surface, with dried-up riverbeds seen from above.

'Twelve years ago, a small probe touched down on an orangish, alien world in the outer solar system, marking humankind's most distant landing to date, said Jim Green, director of planetary science at Nasa.

'Studying Titan helps us tease out the potential of habitability of this tiny world and better understand the chemistry of the early Earth.'

Images taken during the Huygens probe's descent revealed river channels and flood plains. The probe's cameras unveiled a plateau with a large number of dark channels cut into it, forming drainage networks that bore many similarities to those on Earth. The narrow channels converged into broad rivers, which drained into a broad, dark, lowland region. Earth-like river rocks, composed of water ice, were also observed at the Huygens probe landing site.

The video even reveals the parachute shadow from the Huygens lander, which is shown moving around. The location of the Huygens probe's resting place, a soft, sandy riverbed, was only confirmed after some time by the detection of two dark, longitudinal sand dunes, about 20 miles (30 kilometers) north of the landing site. The elusive landforms were visible in images from both Cassini radar and the probe. Radar evidence from Cassini suggests that flash flooding has sculpted streambeds on Titan with these rounded cobbles of water ice, which likely originated in water-ice bedrock in higher terrain.

Saturn's largest moon, Titan, is one of the solar system's most interesting places to study when it comes to the search for alien life.

The moon, with its lakes and clouds of liquid hydrocarbons, is the only place in the solar system other than Earth with an active weather cycle where rainfall erodes the landscape.

The stunning video was captured when the space agency's Huygens probe descended onto the mysterious world of Titan, Saturn's biggest moon 12 years ago. Pictured is an artist's impression of the probe

With its thick atmosphere and organic-rich chemistry, Titan resembles a frozen version of Earth several billion years ago, before life began pumping oxygen into our atmosphere.

But until Huygens landed on the moon, our understanding of just how interesting it is was limited.

During a descent lasting 20 days, the Huygens probe sampled Titan's dense, hazy atmosphere as it slowly rotated beneath its parachutes, analysing the complex organic chemistry and measuring winds.

'The Huygens descent and landing represented a major breakthrough in our exploration of Titan as well as the first soft landing on an outer-planet moon,' said Linda Spilker, Cassini project scientist.

The moon, with its lakes and clouds of liquid hydrocarbons, is the only place in the solar system other than Earth with an active weather cycle where rainfall erodes the landscape.

With its thick atmosphere and organic-rich chemistry, Titan resembles a frozen version of Earth several billion years ago, before life began pumping oxygen into our atmosphere

'Cassini and Huygens have shown us that Titan is an amazing world with a landscape that mimics Earth in many ways,' said Alex Hayes, a Cassini scientist at Cornell University.

'During its descent, the Huygens probe captured views that demonstrated an entirely new dimension to that comparison and highlights that there is so much more we have yet to discover.

'For me, Huygens has emphasised why it is so important that we continue to explore Titan.'

After nearly 20 years in space, the Cassini mission is drawing near its end because the spacecraft is running low on fuel.
Take a deep breath and layer up for this ride.

Fascinating footage reveals the underwater world of whales in Antarctica.

Scientists from the World Wildlife Fund attached cameras to a group of humpbacks in a bid to learn more about their lives in the frigid waters.

Swimming with the greats: Scientists from the World Wildlife Fund attached cameras to a group of humpbacks in a bid to learn more about their lives in the frigid waters

Keep your cool: Viewers are whisked underwater on a shiver-inducing journey, navigating chunks of ice to the chilly depths below

The resulting video takes viewers on a shiver-inducing journey, under chunks of ice to the chilly depths below.

There doesn't seem to be much marine life in the water, although at one point a small fish shoal swims in front of the camera.

After spending some time below the surface, the whale comes up for air and produces spray from its blow hole.

Viewers are treated to spectacular views of the Antarctic landscape as the sun gradually descends in the sky.

Scientists say the cameras have helped gather information on where, when and how whales feed, their social lives, and even how they must blow hard to clear sea ice so they can breathe.

Spraying parade: After spending some time below the surface, the whale comes up for air

Scientists say the cameras have helped gather information on where, when and how whales feed, their social lives, and even how they must blow hard to clear sea ice so they can breathe

Non-invasive: To attach the 'whale cams', researchers placed suction cups onto the backs of humpback and minke whales

This data will help experts to pinpoint where the whale feeding areas are so that they can be protected.

To attach the 'whale cams', researchers placed suction cups onto the backs of humpback and minke whales.

They also applied non-invasive digital tags, which contained tracking sensors.

The small appendages stayed on the whales for between 24 and 48 hours before they detached and were retrieved by scientists to be reused.

WWF-Australia has provided funding for three 'whale cams'.

Blue planet: There doesn't seem to be much marine life in the water, although at one point a small fish shoal swims in front of the camera

Spring break: The whale-cam footage released by the WWF was filmed in March

The research is being conducted in collaboration with scientists at the Australian Antarctic Division in Hobart and under the auspices of the International Whaling Commission's Southern Ocean Research Partnership (IWC-SORP).

Most of the worlds largest whale species are found in the Antarctic.

Baleen whales, such as humpbacks, rely on krill and other small crustaceans as their staple source of food.

The population of Antarctic krill is large, but fishing and climate change are impacting this population.

The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the fastest warming areas on the planet, and sea ice levels are hitting record lows, putting severe pressure on krill.

The whale-cam footage released by the WWF was filmed in March.
Having your arms in a sling is normally a sign that something has gone badly wrong.

But not with this unique new product  its a sign that life has become somewhat dreamy.

Its called the Dream Sling and could be the answer to guaranteeing 40 winks while youre travelling.

The maker, Aran Higa, from Hawaii, claims that the Dream Sling enables users to cradle themselves to sleep

The Dream Sling comes in three colours  siesta blue, midnight navy and moon gray  and should be available to buy this summer

The maker, Aran Higa, from Hawaii, claims that the Dream Sling enables users to cradle themselves to sleep.

This is because it supports the head and offers the user a place to rest their arms.

Higa explained that he got the steer for the product while helping his cousin move his car business.

He said: The story of the Dream Sling began in an auto shop. I was helping my cousin move his business to a new location. We were busy lifting heavy parts and equipment all day.

Exhausted, I sat down to rest. Next to me was a steering wheel cover. I picked it up and placed it on my shoulder, cradling both arms inside the loop. I then rested my head on the improvised pillow. Lo and behold! The first Dream Sling.

Higa is keen to point out that the Dream Sling isnt just a travel aid, but can be used in a variety of situations, such as while cramming for exams, waiting in hospitals or in movie theaters.

The Dream Sling comes in three colours  siesta blue, midnight navy and moon gray  and should be available to buy this summer.

Higa is seeking funding for the product through the crowdsourcing Kickstarter website.

He is hoping to raise $25,000 to manufacture it.
Twenty years ago Ellen DeGeneres came out to America.

And in honor of the history-making moment, the 59-year-old invited talk show queen Oprah Winfrey to join her for a very special tribute.

The media mogul played a special part in Ellen's coming out when the star first revealed she was a lesbian on Oprah's talk show in 1997.

Big anniversary! Ellen DeGeneres is celebrating 20 years since she first came out this week. In honor of the life changing moment, the comedienne is dedicating her Friday show to her big reveal, inviting Oprah and other special guests

Ellen's coming out was a big moment for both the actress and the world, revealing her orientation at a time when nearly no one in Hollywood was openly LGBT.

So the Louisiana native is celebrating by dedicating her entire Friday episode to the life-changing moment.

Oprah and Ellen teamed up to talk about the star's brave decision and how far Hollywood has come in the past 20 years.

Help from her friends: Oprah played a special role in Ellen's coming out. The star first announced she was gay on Oprah's talk show in 1997, pictured above

Affirmative: The star's coming out made national news back in 1997. The star even graced the cover of Time Magazine and was quoted saying 'Yep, I'm Gay' in bold red text

Back in 1997, Ellen's sexuality made national news.

After outing herself on Oprah, Ellen's character made the same revelation on her eponymous sitcom.

In the historic program, titled The Puppy Episode, fiction mirrored real life with Ellen's on-screen persona coming out to a therapist played by O herself.

The episodes ran to coincide with Ellen on the cover of Time Magazine, where the star was quoted saying 'Yep, I'm Gay' boldly on the cover.

Monumental: Ellen first revealed she was a lesbian on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Above you can see the star during her coming out interview in 1997

Fact and fiction: After revealing she was gay on Oprah's talk show, Ellen later had the host play a character on her sitcom. Above you can see the fellow talk show talents acting opposite each other, where Oprah played the star's therapist

During the special tribute episode, the actress also reunited the rest of the cast of the Ellen sitcom.

At her Burbank, California studio, the blonde laugh-bringer was joined by former castmates Joely Fisher, David Anthony Higgins, and Clea Lewis.

It marked the actors' first reunion since the sitcom wrapped in 1998.

Ellen's special coming out tribute is not-to-be missed TV, airing this Friday on NBC.

Together again: The Louisiana native also reunited the cast of her eponymous sitcom for the special tribute episode. Above you can see former costars David Anthony Higgins, Joley Fisher, Clea Lewis and Ellen (l to r)
She gave birth to her second son Forest in December last year.

And Teresa Palmer, 31, has revealed her plans to try for a girl, complaining that there is too much male energy in her home.

The Berlin Syndrome actress, who is married to filmmaker Mark Webber, joked to Sunrise that 'there are a lot of penises' in her household and she needed another female to even things up.

'There are a lot of penises': Teresa Palmer reveals plan to try for a baby girl after feeling outnumbered with the birth of second son Forest

Teresa told David 'Kochie' Koch and Natalie Barr that she was outnumbered at home thanks to her husband Mark, stepson Issac, 9 and sons Bodhi, 3, and Forest, four months.

'My gosh there is a lot of male energy at my house because I have a stepson,' she said. 'There are a lot of penises, even my dog is a boy!'

The Hacksaw Ridge star revealed she was talking to her husband about having another baby in the hopes of getting a girl.

Odd one out: Teresa told David 'Kochie' Koch and Natalie Barr that she was outnumbered at home thanks to her husband Mark, stepson Issac, 9, and sons Bodhi, 3, and Forest, four months

'We need another woman in my home': The Hacksaw Ridge star revealed she was talking to her husband about having another baby in the hopes of getting a girl

'We need another woman in my home,' Teresa said. ' I'm trying to convince my husband, we will keep on going until one day we get the girl.'

Looking after three kids at their Adelaide Hills home, Teresa and her husband were lucky to have less than an hour of time to spend with each other everyday.

'It is such a balance everyday. I said to my husband, "Hi honey, we literally have 40 minutes to ourselves everyday", we have timed it,' she revealed. 'It is just what it is when you are a parent.'

'We literally have 40 minutes to ourselves': Looking after three kids at their Adelaide Hills home, Teresa and her husband were lucky to have less than an hour of time to spend with each other everyday

Having such young children meant that Teresa was increasingly selective about what projects she took.

'For me, it means not taking projects that don't inspire me or that I'm not excited by,' she said.

'I try to work once or twice a year, and the rest of the time I am a stay at home mum. My children travel with me too which is great, I have the luxury to bring them with me and bring them on set.'
It's a dark family drama that has gained critical acclaim.

And on Monday, Netflix dropped a sinister and haunting 37-second teaser for the third and final season of Bloodline.

It stars an ensemble cast including Sissy Spacek as the matriarch of the troubled Rayburn family, seemingly hard-working pillars of their Florida Keys community.

Coming clean: Sissy Spacek, who plays Sally, the matriarch of the Rayburn family, says, 'I'd like to confess...I don't know how to begin...I think my family's cursed....' in the teaser for the third and final season of Netflix drama Bloodline, released on Monday

Season two revealed that long absent black sheep of the family Danny Rayburn, played by Ben Mendelsohn, had been murdered after his return by his brother John (Kyle Chandler) as paranoia, mistrust and lies piled up.

In the brooding teaser, the shakey voice of Sissy as Danny's mother Sally is heard saying to a priest: 'I'd like to confess...I don't know how to begin...I think my family's cursed....'

A male voice replies, ominously: 'God is apparent within insanely violent and destructive children.

Family fear: Brother Kevin Rayburn, played by Norbert Leo Butz, will have difficult choices

'He had two choices...Destroy them or...die for them,' as s single shot rings out.

The 10-episode third season will hopefully answer some of the questions remaining at the end of the second season, like where John Rayburn was going when he drove away from the Keys with the ghost of his brother sitting next to him.

And whether John's detective partner Marco Diaz, Enrique Murciano, is dead or alive after being bludgeoned with a stauette.

Afraid of the dark: John, played by Kyle Chandler, was last seen at the end of season 2 driving away from the Keys with the ghost of his dead brother Danny (Ben Mendelsohn) next to him

Ben won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2016 for playing Danny.

Co-stars Chloe Sevigny, Kyle Chandler, Linda Cardellini and Norbert Leo Butz will reprise their roles when Netflix bows the 10-episode final season in one binge-worthy chunk on May 26.

Bloodline premiered in the Berlin Film Festival's Special Galas section on February 9, 2015.
British actor David Bradley is set to reprise his role as William Hartnell's first Time Lord in this year's Christmas special of Doctor Who.

As reported by the Mirror, the 75-year-old will help the current Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi, complete his last task in the TARDIS, before he regenerates in the festive episode.

David, who is best known as Argus Filch in the Harry Potter franchise, played William Hartnell and the original Time Lord in An Adventure In Space and Time - the docu-drama to honour the show's 50th anniversary - following Hartnell's death in 1975.

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Comeback kid: British actor David Bradley is set to reprise his 2013 role as William Hartnell's first Time Lord (above) in this year's Christmas special of Doctor Who

The episode will follow the first Time Lord helping the current figure (Capaldi) save Gallifrey by moving it to another dimension, in his last mission as the Doctor.

An insider said of David's return: 'David was convincing as Hartnell, it's exciting he's back

'Four years ago it took all the previous Doctors to save Gallifrey, so maybe some of the others will also pop up in Capaldi's swansong.'

Special farewell: The 75-year-old will help the current Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi (above), complete his last task in the TARDIS, before he regenerates in the festive episode

Iconic: David is best known as Argus Filch in the Harry Potter franchise (above)

With Capaldi set to regenerate into the 13th Time Lord in the special, the source added: 'It's great that the 1st Doctor will be there to help out during those all-important regeneration moments.'

The Harry Potter actor played William Hartnell, who famously appeared as the first ever Doctor, in 2013 for the 50th anniversary docu-drama An Adventure In Space and Time.

The special followed the initial creation of the sci-fi show, and featured David as both Hartnell himself rehearsing and communicating with producers, as well the Doctor in the first ever episode.

Reprise: The actor (L) played William Hartnell (R), who famously appeared as the first ever Doctor, in 2013 for the 50th anniversary docu-drama An Adventure In Space and Time

Main man: The special followed the initial creation of the sci-fi show, and featured David as both Hartnell himself rehearsing, as well the Doctor in the first ever episode

Second reunion: In the docu-drama in 2013, he had appeared alongside the Doctor at that time, Matt Smith (R)

Hartnell himself had played the famous character between 1963-66, but passed away in 1975.

The poignant addition of the first Doctor is only set to make the episode more special as Peter Capaldi's last.

Last week, rumours emerged that Capaldi will regenerate into My Family actor Kris Marshall.

Goodbye: The poignant addition of the first Doctor is only set to make the episode more special as the last for Peter Capaldi

Sources told the Mirror on Friday that Kris has already been selected as the new Time Lord, and will begin filming imminently.

The insider said: 'Kris Marshall has already joined the cast and will regenerate at the end of this series, not in the Christmas special.'

Kris had first sparked rumours he was taking on the sci-fi part after quitting crime comedy Death In Paradise earlier this year, causing him to rise in the betting odds.

However a spokesperson for the BBC told MailOnline: 'No casting decisions have yet been made on Series 11.'

Lucky number 13? Last week, rumours emerged that Capaldi will regenerate into Kris Marshall (above) - who has reportedly already signed up for the role

While it has not been confirmed whether Pearl Mackie will return in the next series, her debut went down a storm with fans on Saturday night.

Viewers flocked to Twitter to praise her role as Bill Potts, who they penned a 'great, relatable character' and even the Doctor's 'best companion ever'.

One fan kicked things off by writing: 'I already like bill 100 times more than rose & amy combined,' as another added: 'I was dreading not liking Bill but she is a great, relatable character - well done @Pearlie_mack'

Another particularly enthusiastic fan joined the fray by commenting: 'BILL POTTS IS MY IDOL AND SPIRIT ANIMAL,' as another simply agreed: 'I approve of the new series and Bill.'

New girl in town: New openly gay assistant Bill Potts seemed to capture the hearts of fans on the first episode of the twelfth series

High praise: Viewers flocked to Twitter to praise her role as Bill Potts, who they penned a 'great, relatable character' and even the Doctor's 'best companion ever'

Pearl has garnered more attention than past assistants ahead of her first appearance, due to the fact her character Bill is the first openly gay sidekick to the timelord - a concept fans also praised on the site.

Many expressed their delight with show runner Steven Moffatt, who will bow out after series 12 along with Capaldi, writing in a gay character.

One tweeted: 'Handling a gay woman respectfully? what is this? is it real? i'm in shock,' while another added: 'There's literally tears streaming down my face over this gay representation right now.'

Mackie alongside Moffat spoke about the show's return in a Youtube interview for Doctor Who: The Fan Show - admitting her casting was important to show diversity to audiences.

Doing it right: Many expressed their delight with show runner Steven Moffatt, who will bow out after series 12 along with Capaldi, writing in a gay character

She said: 'I think it's crucial to have that kind of representation in mainstream TV, on shows that are aimed at children as well as adults.

'I think it's important for younger children to see someone like them or who may be experiencing similar feelings to them on TV, so they can see themselves within it.'

However, Peal added that actors could not be expected to represent minorities in their entirety, stating: 'I'm just here to play one character. My job is to play Bill, as truthfully as I can in all situations.

'And to think that I am representing all ethnic minorities or all gay people in the world is ridiculous. I don't think I should be expected to do that.'
The 'seafood king' and his rude behaviour have been the subject of scathing criticism from furious viewers and shocked contestants.

And Della and Tully have told New Idea they're sick of Josh's attitude and his claims the pair are secretly feuding while on the cooking show.

The Queensland team insisted 'he's simply trying to s*** stir' as they discussed his controversial on-screen performances and hurtful accusations with the publication.

'He's simply trying to s*** stir': MKR stars Della and Tully hit back at villain Josh's s*** comment and deny claims made by the 'seafood king' that they secretly hate each other in an interview with New Idea this week

MKR 'villain': 'Seafood King' Josh and his rude behaviour have been the subject of scathing criticism from furious viewers and shocked contestants... including THAT s*** slur aimed at MKR rival Amy last month

Josh recently started the vicious rumours that he could see 'cracks forming' in the pair's relationship and previously labelled the amateur chefs 'cheaters'.

'It's disappointing. I'm just sick of the Josh show - we've had enough. Australia's had enough. Let's move on,' Della said.

Tully, however did admit that falling pregnant during the series made her more emotional and tired on set, which did cause tensions to rise between her and Della.

'Just sick of the Josh show - we've had enough': Della and Tully told the publication they're sick of Josh's attitude and outbursts on the show

Hitting back: Josh recently started the vicious rumours that he could see 'cracks forming' in the Della and Tully's relationship, with the friends saying they are 'like sisters' and are not feuding

She refused to state those disagreements were anything as major as Josh was claiming.

'Della and I are really good friends, more like sisters - we fight, but we get over it in two seconds, no-one holds on to any grudge... we're also mature enough to know that filming a reality show isn't a normal friendship activity,' Tully said.

The pair claimed there was one large argument behind-the-scenes between the friends, but Josh wasn't even there to witness it.

'We fight, but we get over it in two seconds, no-one holds on to any grudge': Tully has admitted that falling pregnant during the series made her more emotional and tired on set, but while the pair may have had tense moments, they never 'hold on to any grudge'

Fighting back: Josh and his rude behaviour have been the subject of scathing criticism from furious viewers and shocked contestants - one of whom, Della (L), has spoken out about his antics

Della previously told The Daily Telegraph that she warned Josh he was going to 'look bad' in front of the nation, but that he brushed the advice off and 'didn't give a s**t'.

She said: 'Because I'm a mum I was genuinely concerned for him and said to him off camera" you need to stop this, you're going to look so bad in front of 1.5 million people" and he laughed it off. He really didn't give a s**t.'

Josh's most recent controversy came last month when he called Amy a 's***' as she served him a course at her and Tyson's instant restaurant.

The 25-year-old's vocal criticisms of the other contestants' culinary offerings has even pushed his wife Amy to her limits on various episodes.

Mr unpopular: Josh has been easily the most controversial contestant on the current season of My Kitchen Rules

Shocker: Josh's most recent controversy came earlier this week when he called Amy a 's***' as she served him a course at her and Tyson's instant restaurant

And Della, who is cooking alongside best friend Tully on MKR, said the abrasive Josh has overshadowed the bond between the rest of the contestants.

'It's also sad because he gets all the airtime and has taken the shine off such a really fun and dynamic team,' she said.

The 30-year-old Brisbane resident was one of the few contestants to condemn Josh for his now infamous slur at Amy.

Shame: Della, who is cooking alongside best friend Tully on MKR, said the abrasive Josh has overshadowed the bond between the rest of the contestants

Standing tall: The 30-year-old Brisbane resident was one of the few contestants to condemn Josh for his now infamous slur at Amy

Good on ya: Della made her feelings towards Josh's actions clear in no uncertain terms as she spoke to the camera after the exchange

Della made her feelings towards Josh's actions clear in no uncertain terms as she spoke to the camera after the exchange.

She said: 'That's so rude. If he was my husband, he would have copped an elbow to the groin.'

My Kitchen Rules continues at 7.30pm on Channel Seven on Tuesday night.

Cheers! Della and Tully will take their turn in the kitchen on Sunday night's episode of My Kitchen Rules when they welcome the other couples, including Josh, to their instant restaurant
Hunting The KGB Killers

Rating:

No one can say that Russian assassins lack a dry sense of humour. When committing murder in London, they make sure to use the most British methods with a touch of lethal irony.

Bulgarian dissident writer Georgi Markov was killed in 1978 by an unknown agent armed with a KGB poison, who injected his victim with deadly ricin by stabbing him in the leg with an umbrella on Waterloo Bridge.

No doubt the murderer was wearing a suit and tie, with a bowler hat and a raincoat folded over his arm  in those days, still the uniform of the City commuter.

When Alexander Litvinenko was killed, allegedly on the orders of Putin, the murder weapon was a teapot. The painstaking documentary Hunting the KGB Killers uncovered a secret world that is usually glimpsed only in the novels of John Le Carre

And when Russian defector Alexander Sacha Litvinenko was silenced, allegedly on the orders of President Vladimir Putin, the murder weapon was a teapot.

As a Met copper pointed out on Hunting The KGB Killers (C4), the crime was as English as a game of Cluedo: it was Mr Red, in the hotel tea-room, with the radioactive Darjeeling.

This painstaking documentary uncovered a secret world that is usually glimpsed only in the novels of John Le Carre.

Litvinenko was a British citizen when he died, but he had been a Russian soldier and a spy most of his life, and served as a senior officer in the Kremlins FSB  the modern version of the KGB. He turned whistleblower after he was ordered to kill a prominent critic of the Putin regime, billionaire Boris Berezovsky.

Much of the fascination of this programme was the background detail: we know him only from his final photograph, a bald man dying in a hospital bed, but his widow painted a portrait of a reckless idealist.

Celebration of the week Morecambe And Wise Forever (ITV3) was the best TV profile of the duo ever shown. It even tracked down a child star who shared a wartime stage with them. Every comedy fan should seek this out. Advertisement

Marina Litvinenko had an acute ear for the memorable quote. When her husband first confronted Putin, then head of the FSB, he told her this ruthless man had a very soft handshake.

Mainly the story was told by officers of the Mets Counter Terrorism Unit, who tracked Sachas killers back to Russia by following the trail of radioactive Polonium 210  a poison that can only be manufactured in an atomic research facility.

The detectives believe they were also poisoned in Moscow, with an acute tummy bug . . . administered once again in cups of tea.

These national stereotypes begin to look like a serious security weakness. If the Russians ever invade us, theyll do it on a wet Bank Holiday when were all stuck in motorway traffic jams.

What the investigation didnt tell us was if anyone else in London was contaminated by the Polonium 210, a poison so virulent that traces of radioactivity could still be detected on the hotel teapot after it had gone through a dishwasher repeatedly. Were there other, accidental victims? That should not remain part of a spy mystery.

Nature's Weirdest Events

Rating:

Shabani the western lowland gorilla belongs to a different literary genre, the romantic novel.

This silverback at Kyoto zoo attracts hundreds of human female admirers every day, who come to swoon at his rippling physique and handsome face.

Chris Packham studied Shabanis mysterious sex appeal in Natures Weirdest Events (BBC2) and concluded its all in the eyes: unlike most gorillas, this hairy lothario has white irises, which give his gaze a smouldering look.

The one-off show, Nature's Weirdest Events, was packed with amazing stories without a duff item. The show is much better as an occasional treat than padded out as a series

That answer was unconvincing: Chris has white irises too, and if Japanese women queue all day to blow kisses at him, he keeps very quiet about it.

This one-off episode was packed with amazing stories without a duff item.

The show is much better as an occasional treat than padded out as a series.
Sofia Vergara is TV's highest paid actress.

And the Modern Family star cashed in on that title as she carried a $3800 Gucci bag in Beverly Hills on Monday.

The 44-year-old looked stunning as she left lunch toting the bag that sported a nod to her successful sitcom with the word 'Modern' embroidered on it.

Boss: Sofia Vergara, 44, carried a $3800 Gucci bag in Beverly Hills on Monday

The star was casually chic as she donned a pair of grey cargo pants and simple black top.

She covered up in a khaki over coat and sported open-toed heels.

The Colombian-American kept her brunette tresses long and loose.

The main attraction was the Dionysus Modern-Embroidered Gucci bag that retails for $3800.

Model: The star looked incredible as she donned a pair of grey cargo pants and simple black top

Top of the charts: Sofia is TV's highest paid actress

Meanwhile on Sunday, Sofia and her husband Joe Manganiello, 40, treated fans to a feast of decadent food as they played host over the Easter holiday at their home.

The couple treated friends and themselves to plates of decadent delights.

From chocolate rabbits, a full buffet, and plates full of sweets, guests were spoiled by the generous hosts.

The hostess with the mostess! Sofia Vergara nd her husband Joe Manganiello treated fans to a feast of decadent food as they played host over the holiday at their home

Eye candy! From chocolate rabbits, a full buffet, and plates full of sweets, guests were spoiled by the generous hosts.

The star was clearly enjoying a cheat day as she shared a photo of a broken chocolate bunny along with the caption, 'We r going to eat him.'

It seemed like the household was in no shortage of laughs and fun that day.

The guests, along with Sofia's 24-year-old son Manolo, were the picture of happiness as they gathered around for a group snap.
They're the wildlife power couple whose seemingly unbounded young love has charmed the nation.

But Bindi Irwin, 18, and her American beau Chandler Powell, 20, may be struggling with the comparison with late father Steve and US-native Terri.

Reports have emerged this week claiming the pair have 'clashed on more than one occasion' amid fears he's 'struggling to cope' with the pressure of filling Steve's shoes.

Clashing? Reports have emerged alleging Bindi Irwin and boyfriend Chandler Powell have clashed on more than one occasion' since he moved to Australia Zoo this year

According to Woman's Day, sources are worried Chandler has succumbed to the stress of leaving his family at home in Florida to live and work at Australia Zoo.

After previously being the subject of engagement rumours, they claim he wants to 'slow down' in the relationship.

'Zoo insiders are worried the pressure of stepping up and filling Steve's shoes may have become too much to bear for Chandler, who is reportedly struggling to cope with what's expected of him,' they said.

They claim the pressure has led him to tell Bindi he'll 'Never be Steve!'

Struggling: Insiders allege he's 'struggling with the pressure of filling Bindi's late father Steve's shoes

Missing home? Reports also alleged the 20-year-old US-native is struggling with being away from his family (pictured)

Slow down: After previously being the subject of engagement rumours, the combination of these factors has led reports to claim he wants to 'slow down' in the relationship

Commenting on the couple's recent Today Show interview, they concluded the couple had 'different ideas' about the idea of marriage.

'Who knows what the future holds?' a positive Bindi said on the show.

Chandler on the other hand, offered a more tentative: 'We're just having fun and taking our time.'

'Taking our time': Woman's Day concluded the couple had 'different ideas' about the idea of marriage after Chandler said the pair were 'having fun' and 'taking their time' during a Today show interview

Comparisons: Back on her 18th birthday, Bindi spoke to the publication, drawing comparisons between her boyfriend and Steve, who passed tragically in 2006

Similar: 'It's no coincidence I've chosen to share my life with a young man who has similar qualities to my dad...'Protective, loving, trusting, loyal - I'm very lucky,' she said

Back on her 18th birthday, Bindi spoke to the publication, drawing comparisons between her boyfriend and Steve, who passed tragically in 2006.

'It's no coincidence I've chosen to share my life with a young man who has similar qualities to my dad,'she said at the time.

'Protective, loving, trusting, loyal - I'm very lucky.'

Cause of the stress: It's comparisons like this that the publications alleges has led to the American wake-boarder being overwhelmed with filling Steve's lofty legacy

Support of the family: Regardless, Bindi's mother Terri and brother Robert have both gone on record to throw the support behind him

It's comparisons like this that the publication alleges has led to the American wake-boarder being overwhelmed with filling Steve's lofty legacy.

They claim it's led the pair to 'clash on several occasions' since he moved to the Zoo this year.

Regardless, Bindi's mother Terri and brother Robert have both gone on record to throw support behind him.

Mixed messages? Likewise, the pair shared a loved-up Instagram snap as recently as Sunday

Likewise, the pair shared a loved-up Instagram snap as recently as Sunday.

Chandler met Bindi while on a family trip to Australia Zoo in 2013.

When initial reports alleged the pair were on the rocks earlier in the year, representatives for Australia Zoo adamantly denied the claims, disputing the credibility of the sources.

Still going strong? Chandler met Bindi while on a family trip to Australia Zoo in 2013




She's the provocative amateur chef who's never been shy of promoting her 'assets' on social media.

Now it seems that My Kitchen Rules finalist Betty Banks has drawn the ire of producers for posting provocative photos on social media and self-promoting.

New Idea alleges that the tattooed beauty is causing waves at Channel Seven due to her insistence of posting racy pics and promoting herself, with the magazine suggesting that producers are 'furious' with the 27-year-old.

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Provocative: New Idea reports that MKR star Betty Banks is causing waves at Channel Seven due to her insistence of posting racy pics and promoting herself

'Seven are furious she's ignoring their warnings, especially because she is continuing her provocative posting,' an unnamed source told the magazine.

The magazine goes on to say that she is also causing problems for the station given that she is promoting third parties on social media.

'The show is sponsored and multi-million dollar advertising deals have been done,' the unnamed source added.

The self-proclaimed 'social media influencer' hashtags her posts with her own name on Instagram and boasts more than 53,000 followers.

Posting under her full name Bettina Banks, the tattooed beauty often uploads racy lingerie and topless selfies as well as flaunting her toned body in numerous bikini shots.

Daily Mail Australia has approached Channel 7 for comment.

Hot water: 'Seven are furious she's ignoring their warnings, especially because she is continuing her provocative posting,' an unnamed source told New Idea

It's not the first time that the dishy 'dishmaker' has found herself in social media hot water.

The brunette stunner, who partners David Vu on the hit reality show, found herself the subject of at least three separate fake social media accounts that were found to contain hardcore porn, in March.

The profiles, which have since been deleted, were in the reality star's name and were established in 2014 and 2015 - well before she shot to fame on the cooking show.

Social star: Posting under her full name Bettina Banks, the tattooed beauty often uploads racy lingerie and topless selfies as well as flaunting her toned body in numerous bikini shots

Further, the provocative star also appears to have been flouting the New South Wales road rules, posting two videos to Instagram, in as many months, from the driver's seat, while on public roads.

Under New South Wales law, Betty could have faced a fine and/or lose demerit points had she been caught by police.

Social hot water: Betty, who partners David Vu on My Kitchen Rules found herself the subject of at least three separate fake social media accounts that were found to contain hardcore porn, in March
Last month, she welcomed her first child with husband Thomas Sadoski.

And weeks later, Amanda Seyfried stepped out in jeans and a T-shirt - without any shoes or socks.

The actress, 31, was seen barefoot outside a residence in Los Angeles on Monday.

Super casual: Amanda Seyfried stepped out in jeans and a T-shirt - without any shoes

The new mom chose a black and white T-shirt with cuffed light wash jeans.

Low key: The actress was near a residence in Los Angeles barefoot on Sunday

Not only did she choose to step out without socks or shoes, Amanda didn't wear any makeup either.

The blonde actress pulled her golden locks back into a casual bun.

Amanda welcomed a baby girl with Thomas in late March.

The Mean Girls star revealed her pregnancy news in November 2016.

She stepped out for the Givenchy fragrance launch with her belly bump on display.

Thomas and Amanda wed in March 2017 after they confirmed their engagement just six months prior.

Beaming: The new mom chose a black and white T-shirt with cuffed light wash jeans

In mid-March, Thomas revealed that he and Amanda eloped during his appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

The 40-year-old actor told the host: 'We just took off into the country with an officiant and just the two of us, and we did our thing...We had a great day. It was perfect.'

Thomas added that Amanda's beloved dog Finn - who has his own Instagram account as well - was at the ceremony.

They fell in love in early 2016 while working on their film The Last Word.

Natural beauty: Not only did she choose to step out with socks or shoes, Amanda didn't wear any makeup either

Comfortable ensemble: The blonde actress pulled her golden locks back into to a casual bun

However, they first met while working on the off-Broadway play The Way We Get By in 2015.

For the March premiere of their comedy The Last Word, Amanda and Thomas stepped out together on the red carpet.

The starlet told E! News at the premiere that she was 'ready to go' and 'ready to meet the kid!'

Thomas added: 'I'm terrified but I couldn't be more excited. She gets the singing. I do the diaper changing.'
Earlier this year, Seven Network faced a backlash for casting Josh Lawson as Paul Hogan in a biopic of the Crocodile Dundee star, despite their lack of physical resemblance.

And it appears Channel Nine should prepare for a similar reaction to miniseries House Of Bond, which follows the life of disgraced businessman Alan Bond.

Actor Ben Mingay has been cast in the lead role, but as the network begins to air promos it is already being remarked he does not look like the late entrepreneur.

Actor Ben Mingay (R) has been cast as Alan Bond (L) in upcoming Channel Nine biopic House Of Bond, but it is already being remarked he does not look like the late Australian businessman

Twitter user @ackpack wrote: 'House Of Bond looks ridiculous because they cast someone who doesn't look like Alan Bond in any way.'

And @ryanfish_20 tweeted: 'Channel 9's Alan Bond looks nothing like Alan Bond.'

Instagram account 'gigglingben' joked the casting of Alan and his wife Eileen 'Red' Bond, played by Adrienne Pickering, was 'uncanny'.

'(It) looks ridiculous because they cast someone who doesn't look like Alan Bond in any way': Twitter users criticised the casting after Nine debuted the first promos for the TV mini series

Earlier this year, Seven Network faced a backlash for casting Josh Lawson as Paul Hogan - and it appears Nine should prepare for a similar reaction. Pictured: Alan and Eileen Bond

It comes after biopic Hoges: The Paul Hogan Story made headlines for casting an actor who looked very different from the real-life subject.

One Twitter fan suggested their 'right toe' looked more like the Australian comedian, and another asked why Seven's wardrobe department dressed Josh Lawson like a 'drag queen'.

Meanwhile, Eileen Bond has expressed mixed feelings about the two-part TV series which follows her late ex-husband's 'rags-to-riches-to-rags tale'.

Rise and fall: Alan Bond (pictured in 1986) was known for bankrolling the successful challenge for the 1983 America's Cup, but was later jailed for the biggest fraud in Australian history

In May last year, she praised the 'great cast' of House Of Bond - but more recently criticised the production for its portrayal of her marriage to the late tycoon.

She complained about scenes where Alan threatens to have Eileen killed for $10,000 and where Eileen vows to sue her ex-husband for tens of millions of dollars.

'I just don't know what they are trying to do. It's just appalling,' she told News Corp last month. 'I don't want my grandchildren to see this, but (the trailer) keeps coming on.'

'It's just appalling': Eileen Bond has expressed mixed feelings about the two-part TV series which follows Alan's 'rags-to-riches-to-rags tale'. Pictured: Ben Mingay and Adrienne Pickering
Recently Actor Samuel Johnson's terminally ill sister, Connie, 40, made the heartbreaking decision to end all cancer treatment after battling with the disease for years.

And Connie and Sam, who have now accumulated $2.1 million to raise cancer awareness, have one 'last hurrah' planned with the hopes of raising another million dollars.

On the sibling's Love Your Sister page - which has over 370,000 likes - Sam has revealed, 'I can't pretend on telly while our families are falling. Cancer is the last true riddle of our time and I wanna be part of the push to solve it once at for all.'

One last hurrah: Connie and Sam, who have now raised $2.1 million, have one 'last hurrah' planned with the hopes of raising another million dollars

No more suffering: Love Your Sister's Connie Johnson has made the decision to stop all treatments

Connie is is the co-founder of the charity Love Your Sister with her brother and her current cancer diagnosis is her third.

Together they hope to make another one million dollars for breast cancer awareness and research and on May 10th the Big Heart Project.

The campaign has been collecting five cent coins and on the day will use to them to form a giant love heart.

Schools around the country are already involved, hosting 'Five Cent Friday' as part of the initiative.

Big plans: After seven years of battling breast cancer Connie will put her last energy in to one big final project

She hopes to hit the one million dollar mark: by making a 'one million dollar heart' out of five-cent coins

Family meeting: Connie said she immediately called a family meeting after making her decision to cease treatment

Connie suffered bone cancer at age 11, a tumour in her womb at 22 and was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago.

She said after a double mastectomy and gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, the side effects have become harsher and harder to ignore.

Sibling power: Connie and her brother Samuel developed the Love Your Sister organisation to raise money and awareness around breast cancer

'So that's 10 to 11 years of cancer treatment in a 40-year lifespan and I guess my organs are just saying, "No more. No more",' the mother-of-two told the Canberra Times.

Connie said she immediately called a family meeting after making her decision to cease treatment.

Born a year apart: The inseparable bond between the pair has brought them closer to fight breast cancer together

Impressive: Samuel raised over one and a half million for Connie and cancer research when he uni-cycled around Australia

'Basically, it wasn't my choice. I can't have any more chemo medically. So that's a game changer,' she said.

'I asked what to expect and at some point the tumours will grow back and grow bigger and I'll go into liver failure and I'll sleep a lot. Apparently it's quite peaceful.'
After his second major car accident, Family Feud host Grant Denyer, 39 said he thought his wife Cheryl might ask him to quit motor racing for good.

But on Tuesday, Cheryl penned an emotional piece on her blog The Chezzi Diaries expressing her support for her husband's racing career.

'I've been asked many a time in the past three weeks, will I make him give up racing because of this latest accident, the truth is that no, I will not make him give it up,' Cheryl revealed in her piece aptly titled Keeping On Track.

Full support: On Tuesday, Cheryl Denyer penned an emotional piece on her blog The Chezzi Diaries expressing her support for her husband Grant's racing career

'He has managed TV full-time and racing part-time for 25 years. It's who he is. It's how he works. I support him in his (sic) wholeheartedly,' the mother-of-two added.

The accident in question was Grant's second major racing accident after a crash in 2008 saw him suffer a serious back injury and undergo a long recovery.

When asked previously on The Project whether he was going to hang up the keys, the TV host hinted that it would be a decision that he would not make lightly.

'Racing? Survey says: Bah, bow!' Family Feud's Grant Denyer thought his wife Cheryl would force him to QUIT motor racing after second accident

'Motorsport is something I have been doing since I was 14 years of age. I won the GT Australian Motor Sport game,' he said.

'I have to remember I am a father, first and foremost. And I have got a duty to turn up on television for Family Feud every single night. I will reassess things.'

Grant joked: 'I am not as worried about the doctor coming here to check my temperature as I am my wife is about to walk into this hospital.'

He was pressed on whether he had had a conversation with his wife about the next stage of his racing career.

Grant joked: 'I am not as worried about the doctor coming here to check my temperature as I am my wife is about to walk into this hospital.'

But despite what her husband has said in the past, Cheryl said in her blog although she does not want her children to grow up without a father, the decision is not clear cut.

Champion driver: 'Motorsport is something I have been doing since I was 14 years of age. I won the GT Australian Motor Sport game,' he said

'I do not want my girls to grow up without a father but I dont believe this decision is that clear cut,' she says.

'I want my daughters to follow their passion with every ounce of their soul ... They learn by what they experience and they see and they see this in their Dad. I'm proud of Grant's driving.'

Happy family: Cheryl married Grant in 2010 and they share two children Sailor, five and Scout, one

They learn from their dad: Cheryl said: 'They learn by what they experience and they see and they see this in their Dad'

Reassess things: 'I have to remember I am a father, first and foremost. And I have got a duty to turn up on television for Family Feud every single night'

She added: 'Maybe it's my Bathurst heritage. I grew up following Peter Brock and I certainly do not want my husband to have the same fate, but I believe in his ability to read situations and I believe he is no cowboy with my core.'

Cheryl married Grant in 2010 and they share two children Sailor, five and Scout, one.

She said of the accident, 'he told me Grant had been in a car accident. My heart sank but I just knew somehow he was OK.'
She's the younger sister of Kourtney Kardashian.

And on late Monday night, Khloe Kardashian shared a hilarious video of her oldest sibling in honor of her birthday.

In the brief clip, Kourtney, who turns 38 on Tuesday, is seen in a variety of embarrassing moments - including sitting on a toilet.

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Hilarious: On late Monday night, Khloe Kardashian shared a hilarious video of her oldest sibling Kourtney Kardashian in honor of her 38th birthday

Khloe, 32, captioned the Instagram video: 'Happy birthday to the Milly to my Vanilli @kourtneykardash.'

The toilet clip is from Khloe's August Snapchat while the sisters attended younger sister Kylie Jenner's 19th birthday party at The Nice Guy.

Another piece of the funny birthday video showed the infamous scene of Kourtney as she enjoyed lunch following a dental procedure; part of her mouth was numb and caused her lip to droop on one side.

Playful: Another piece of the funny birthday video showed the infamous scene of Kourtney as she enjoyed lunch following a dental procedure

Khoe continued the funny moments with bits from their Cuba trip last year, as they enjoyed drinks and cigars.

Kourtney, who sported a colorful cropped blouse with a top knot, made a face as she took a sip of her drink.

All the while the song 'Happy Birthday' was playing in the background of the video.

Cheers to holiday: Khoe continued the funny moments with bits from their Cuba trip last year, as they enjoyed drinks and cigars

Making memories: Kourtney, who sported a colorful cropped blouse with a top knot, made a face as she took a sip of her drink

What a good sister: Khloe shared a video of a happy Kourtney as she packed her bags, adding: 'I truly love her'

The sisters were then seen sharing a hug before Khloe picked her up and spun her in a circle.

From the same night of Kylie's birthday, Khloe had fun asking her random questions.

One question included asking her is she's a celebrity, to which Kourtney jokingly said: 'I'm a celebrity, get me out of here!'

Laughs: From the same night of Kylie's birthday, Khloe had fun asking her random questions
We all have our rituals for overcoming jet lag after a long flight - whether it be sleeping, avoiding alcohol or staying active after departure.

But LA-based Australian model Ashley has quite the trendy post-flight recovery ritual.

The 28-year-old was seen at a Melbourne hydration clinic getting a shot of vitamins in her arm over the weekend.

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Shot in the arm: LA-based Australian model Ashley Hart has posted a blissful photo of her receiving an IV drip of vitamins

'Peacing [sic] out on the good juice post flight @iv.me.hydrationclinic you are life savings [sic]. #hydration #vitamins #ivdrip #detoxifying #immunsystemboost,' Ashley wrote alongside the post.

While she is normally seen in skimpy bikinis or figure hugging yoga attire, Ashley was sporting a decidedly rock chic look as she reclined blissfully while flashing a 'peace' sign.

The blonde beauty wore a denim jacket, an Iron Maiden T-shirt and a pair of what looked to be black leather trousers.

Famous face: The jet-setting model, who has graced the covers of Men's Style and Women's Health magazines, is the younger sister of supermodel Jessica Hart

The ensemble was rounded out with a pair of funky white Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers, a bone-coloured scarf and a wide-brimmed khaki hat.

The jet-setting model, who has graced the covers of Men's Style and Women's Health magazines, is the younger sister of supermodel Jessica Hart.

Ashley shocked her fans in January this year when she announced her separation with husband Buck Palmer, after less than two years of marriage.

Dare to bare: Ashley posed topless during a recent trip to Bali

In a statement released to the Herald Sun at the time of the announcement, Ashley and Buck were adamant that the pair would remain friends.

'Our happiness evolved into a deep friendship that we will always have, but we have come to the conclusion that the path forward for both of us if best travelled as separate journeys,' the statement said.
The former Bachelor contestant was arrested last month and is facing criminal charges for allegedly running a drug syndicate.

And Georgia Tripos, 25, has now shared a troubling post with her followers.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the reality star posted a cryptic passage about death with no clarification given in her caption.

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When we leave this world, we give up all our memories: Is everything OK Georgia? Accused drug dealer and former Bachelor star Georgia Tripos shares troubling post about death on Tuesday

Was looking for love: The 25-year-old accused drug runner competed unsuccessfully for Richie Strahan's affection on last year's The Bachelor

The excerpt was from Lang Leav's Lullabies novel, a sequel to his best-selling Love And Misadventure release, which explores the intricacies of love and loss.

The post read: 'When we leave this world, we give up out possessions and our memories.'

It also continued: 'Love is the only thing we take with us. It is all we carry from one life to the next.'

'Love is the only thing we take with us. It is all we carry from one life to the next': The reality star posted a cryptic passage about death with no clarification given in her caption

The passage also appeared to reference a loved one: 'Through every collapse and creation, there is a pulse that echoes of you and I.'

Georgia was last month charged with trafficking amphetamine and cocaine, allegedly running a drug syndicate with her friend Kristiana Karakostas, 9News reported.

The pair, who were arrested at a Melbourne real estate agency they both worked at, are accused of selling the drugs online via Craigslist.

Charged: Georgia was last month charged with trafficking amphetamine and cocaine, allegedly running a drug syndicate with her friend Kristiana Karakostas, 9News reported

Last week, Georgia broke her silence on social media with a series of bizarre photos in which she seemingly labeled herself as a snake.

The accused drug runner was granted bail to live with her mother in North Balwyn, Melbourne.

Last Tuesday, Georgia shared a selfie of herself in a car captioning the photo with an emoji of a snake.

What is she trying to say? Former Bachelor contestant Georgia Tripos shares selfie labelling herself a snake after drug trafficking charges

Different: The reality TV star, who describes herself as an artist in her Instagram bio, also posted a bizarre self-portrait to the social media site on Sunday

The reality TV star, who describes herself as an artist in her Instagram bio, also posted a bizarre self-portrait to the social media site on Sunday.

The painting shows Georgia choking on a crucifix, with the former Bachelor hopeful writing in the caption: 'Sa. Cri. Fice. Your. So. Ul. [sic].'

Another selfie posted last Wednesday shows Georgia pouting while looking to the ground, her midriff exposed and fishnet stockings visible beneath her ripped jeans.

'Wasted on the young': Another selfie posted last Wednesday shows Georgia pouting while looking to the ground, her midriff exposed and fishnet stockings visible beneath her ripped jeans

'Wasted on the young,' she captioned the photo to her 2000 Instagram followers.

Georgia's time in the mansion wasn't without controversy, with the Bachelor reject going on a limo back seat expletive-laden rant after her eviction.

Furious that she had been booted by Richie while intruder contestants had stayed, Georgia labelled them 'f***ing skanks'.

But she would later tell news.com.au that the show's producers had 'threatened' her and she thought the cameras were off.

For further support contact Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800, Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.
She is always one to bring the glamour.

But choosing to sport a much more laid-back look on Monday, Tamara Ecclestone flaunted her natural beauty as she ditched the make-up for a shopping trip with her three-year-old daughter Sophia Ecclestone-Rutland in Brentwood, California.

The mum-of-one, 32, decided to indulge in a spot of retail therapy to brush off her recent troubles, as just days before she had publicly hit out at The Peninsula Beverly Hills for the 'horrible experience' she'd had when visiting the hotel for an Easter breakfast.

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Natural beauty: Tamara Ecclestone, 32, ditched the make-up for her latest shopping trip in LA with her three-year-old daughter Sophia on Monday

Tamara cut a low-key figure for her outing in Brentwood and decided to sport an all-black ensemble.

She donned an over-sized black t-shirt and teamed it with a pair of leggings that featured a number of rips down the front.

The British model hid behind a huge pair of mirrored aviator shades and wore a sporty black cap on top of her head, while her brunette locks fell past her shoulders in cascading curls.

Tamara then finished off her getup with a funky pair of fluffy sliders on her feet, while her daughter Sophia looked just adorable as she sat in her pink pushchair.

Cute: Little Sophia seemed mesmerised by a shark puppet she held in one hand while cutting a sweet figure in a patterned dress and a mini pair of trainers with pink laces

Low-key look: Tamara, meanwhile, sported an all-black ensemble and hid behind a sports cap and a pair of huge mirrored aviator shades

The tot appeared to be mesmerised by a shark puppet she held in one hand, as she cut a sweet figure in a patterned dress and a mini pair of trainers that boasted pink laces.

The mother and daughter duo had been joined by Tamara's sister Petra Stunt and her daughter Lavinia.

Their family outing came after the Ecclestones had celebrated Easter together in the States - although their festivities hadn't exactly gone to plan.

Tamara had taken Sophia - whom she shares with husband Jay Rutland - to The Peninsula Beverly Hills for breakfast on Saturday, but was left disappointed by their visit.

She had wanted to re-create memories that she'd had as a child, visiting the hotel with her own parents every Easter, but took to Twitter claiming the moment had been 'ruined' by 'horrible service'.

Disappointed: She had hoped to re-create memories from her own childhood over Easter in Beverly Hills but was later seen sharing her disappointment on Twitter

In a series of tweets, Tamara penned: 'As kids we used to go to the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills every Easter with our parents have many fond memories there.

'Unfortunately it's all been ruined today by a horrible experience horrible service. We took our kids there for breakfast this morning to make our own memories. Wish we had not bothered beyond disappointed to say the least.

'I hate to complain and almost never do but today we left with four hungry unfed kids.'

MailOnline have contacted a representative for The Peninsula Beverly Hills.

Despite the breakfast not going to plan, Tamara didn't let it tar the rest of her Easter celebrations with her family.

Taking to Instagram over the long weekend, she shared a series of photos with her 265k followers and gushed she'd had the 'best day' with her little girl.

'Best day': Her breakfast didn't tar the rest of her festivities, though, and she made sure to share plenty of photos featuring Sophia with her followers on Instagram

Tamara shared a selfie with Sophia, before uploading a snap of herself and her tot cuddling up to an Easter bunny in the sunshine.

The daughter of Bernie Ecclestone is often seen raving about motherhood on social media and recently told fans: 'No idea how I got so lucky.'

However, despite loving being a mum, Tamara has said she isn't quite ready to expand her brood.

Speaking to Hello! magazine in February, she explained: 'You never know what's going to happen in the future but right now I'm so consumed with Sophia and I'm still breastfeeding.

'I personally don't feel ready, my body doesn't feel ready... I think I will know when the time is right.'
She's not exactly known for her shy and retiring behaviour.

And Lisa Appleton, 48, threw caution to the wind as she let it all hang out by going braless under a completely see-through kaftan while on an Easter break in sunny Spain on Monday.

Appearing to be oblivious to her public nudity, the former Big Brother contestant strolled along the quiet streets with her breasts exposed under the sheer top.

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Throwing caution to the wind: Lisa Appleton, 48, let it all hang out by going braless under a completely seethrough kaftan during an Easter break in sunny Spain on Monday

The reality TV star went barefoot as she carried her flip flops in one hand, letting her trotters free after undoubtedly spending hours on them.

Lisa sported smudged black eye make up and false eyelashes that appeared to have been applied a while before several hours of high jinks.

Adding a slick of nude lipgloss to her lips, Lisa had clearly got into the party spirit by donning the kaftan, which was made up of silver metallic netted thread.

Worse for wear: The former Big Brother star appeared to be oblivious to her public nudity, strolling along the quiet streets with her breasts exposed under the sheer top

Lisa appeared to be in high spirits as she laughed and tucked her hair behind her ear.

The mother-of-one giggled as she accidentally dropped her bags, and just about preserved her modesty with a red thong as she bent down to pick them up.

The renowned party animal appeared to be a little worse for wear as she stepped out alone and wore a white cowboy hat.

Whoops! The mother-of-one giggled as she accidentally dropped her bags, and just about preserved her modesty with a red thong as she bent down to pick them up

Lisa's first taste of fame came when she appeared on Big Brother in 2008, and she has been determined to forge a career in the spotlight ever since.

She has quickly become known for her shameless escapades and her barely-existent outfits have made her a firm favourite on the Blackpool party circuit.

The brunette has likened herself to the UK's version of Kim Kardashian, and previously revealed that she would be undergoing a host of beauty treatments to stop her 'looking like a testicle'.

She told OK! Online: 'If you want to let yourself go and look like a testicle then go for it, but I don't want to look a testicle, thanks.

Ageless: The brunette has likened herself to the UK's version of Kim Kardashian in the past

'I want to look young again and it's possible to reverse some of the ageing.'



Part of her bid to stop the ageing process could also be down to the fact that she attracts younger men.

The reality star made the confession on Lizzie Cundy and Stephen Leng's Fubar radio show, revealing: 'I've had a few toy boys, I attract them all in.

'I think they like the older, experienced woman who can put them in their place.'

She added that older men were not for her as 'they wouldn't be able to keep up with me.'
They made waves when they appeared at the 2017 Golden Globes alongside proud dad Sylvester Stallone.

And now 'It girls' Sophia, 20, Sistine, 18, and 14-year-old Scarlet are going global, after appearing in their first international fashion campaign together.

The sisters wowed in the 'Meet The Stallones' photo-shoot for Australian business The Daily Edited, ahead of the accessory-brand's US launch Tuesday.

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Golden girls: Sophia, 20, Sistine, 18, and 14-year-old Scarlet Stallone are continuing to make a mark, after appearing in their first international fashion campaign together

In a series of images released with the campaign, the girls stunned as they donned gorgeous gowns and showed-off items from the personalised leather label.

In one shot, the girls appeared on a couch with navy blue bags, with Sophia looking effortlessly elegant in a shiny velvet number, Sistine cutting a sultry and chic figure in a long floral frock and Scarlet appearing relaxed in a thick-strapped dress.

In another, the girls stood poolside in summery outfits, their long locks falling around their faces as they held monogrammed phone cases and box bags.

Trio: The sisters wowed in the 'Meet The Stallones' photo-shoot for Australian business The Daily Edited, ahead of the accessory-brand's US launch Tuesday

The campaign was designed to give fans a look into the lives of the up-and-coming models, as the girls opened up about everything from their recent red-carpet experience to their go-to accessories from the line.

While youngest sister Scarlet said she preferred the range's notebooks, middle-daughter Sistine revealed she couldn't go past the overnight tote bag thanks to her penchant for travelling.

And while one may have expected a fight to ensue with three sisters in one room, the girls revealed that joining forces was easy and special.

'It's so much fun. We like doing shoots together, but the fact that this is a campaign just totally upped the ante,' Sistine said.

Up-and-comers: The campaign was designed to give fans a look into the lives of the models, as the girls opened up about everything from their recent red-carpet experience to their go-to accessories from the line

Proud dad Sylvester Stallone dropped by the photo-shoot to support the girls too, describing them as 'volcanic, eruptive, disruptive, earth-shattering and seismic'.

When asked why, he replied that their exuberant personalities meant there was rarely silence in the Stallone household.

'It's never quiet with you three, which I love. The carnival is always in town,' he said.

'It's never quiet with you three': Dad Sylvester Stallone dropped by the photo-shoot to support the girls, describing them as 'volcanic, eruptive, disruptive, earth-shattering and seismic'

Taking on a special role this year as the Miss Golden Globes, the three brunette beauties also discussed the awards night and their personal highlights.

Although siblings Sistine and Sophia looked at the overall experience as the most memorable, Scarlet revealed her favourite part was celebrity spotting.

'Standing up on stage and seeing all my favourite stars, was really crazy,' she said.

'I saw Ryan Reynolds, and then Blake Lively, and then I looked next to me and Jimmy Fallon. I was star struck... I couldn't speak!'

Getting along: While one may have expected a fight to ensue with three sisters in one room, the girls revealed that joining forces was 'fun' and 'special'

New talent: Youngest sister Scarlet revealed her favourite pieces from the label, which was established in 2011 by two law friends from Australia, included the clutch bags and leather notebooks

The campaign is not the first international outing for The Daily Edited, which was established in 2011 by two law friends from Perth, Western Australia.

The personalisable accessories line, based in Sydney, Australia, has since branched out to Singapore and America.

Last year, the group worked with American model Hailey Baldwin on a campaign, with co-founder Alyce Tran saying the business is always eager for new talent to join the ranks.

Miss Golden Globes: The three brunette beauties also discussed their role at this year's awards night, with Sistine (pictured here with dad Sylvester), claiming the whole experience was a highlight

'For us, it is about getting someone with that bigger profile and with that international profile,' Alyce told The Sydney Morning Herald last year.

And with the addition of the Stallone girls' campaign, Alyce revealed the label was had found people who embodied the label's core values.

'The sisters have a fresh, fun, and youthful point-of-view, sense of style and personalities,' she said.
Rapper Drake was given an unwanted surprise after a thirsty fan broke into his lavish Los Angeles home.

TMZ claim a member of his entourage was confronted by the 24-year old woman after entering the $7.7 million property, dubbed YOLO Estate by the Canadian rapper, at 10:30pm on April 3.

The fan was understood to be wearing a hooded top owned by Drake, 30, when she was found in one of the homes six bedrooms.

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Unexpected: Rapper Drake was given an unwanted surprise after a thirsty fan broke into his lavish Hollywood home

But instead of using the Hidden Hills propertys numerous accoutrements, amongst them a 25-seat theatre, a games room, spa, wine cellar and enormous outdoor pool complete with 80-foot waterslide, she only took advantage of the fridge.

Its understood the fan, who insisted she had permission to enter the gated home, claimed she only helped herself to the rappers assortment of chilled soft drinks and mineral water.

LAPD officers were called and the woman, who is yet to be identified, was charged with a felony burglary and taken into custody.

Unwanted surprise: TMZ claim a member of his entourage was confronted by the 24-year old woman after entering the $7.7 million property (pictured), dubbed YOLO Estate by the Canadian rapper, at 10:30pm on April 3

It is yet to be established how she gained access to the gated home, or indeed how long she was inside before being discovered.

Drake originally purchased his Los Angeles home for $7.7 million from Saddle Ranch Chop House owner Larry Pollack in 2012.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, the Hotline Bling rapper admitted he had his heart set on the house years before he actually bought it.

Harmless: But instead of using the Hidden Hills propertys numerous accoutrements, amongst them a 25-seat theatre (pictured), the intruder claims she only took advantage of the fridge

'I was like, "What are the worlds craziest residential pools?" and when I searched online, this came up,' he explained. 'This house was the desktop image on my computer years before I bought it.'

But while it sits in an exclusive and highly sought after area, he admitted to having previous issues with fans intent on snatching a piece of its valuable memorabilia.

'Originally, I had a sign outside that said the YOLO estate,' he said. 'But it got stolen three times, and it was getting a bit costly to replace it, so I just changed it to the street number. I love that some kid has that sign in his bedroom.'

According to property records Drake has since putt the Hidden Hills estate back on the market for close to $20 million.

Drake's representatives declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.

Stunning: Speaking to Rolling Stone , the Hotline Bling rapper admitted he had his heart set on the house years before he actually bought it
She's a busy actress and proud mum.

But Rose Byrne took a break from her busy schedule on Monday to take her son Rocco Cannavale for a spin around a trendy park in New York.

The X Men actress, 37, and her tot, 14 months, enjoyed the pleasant Spring weather as they headed to the playground.

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Yummy mummy! Rose Byrne took a break from her busy schedule on Monday to take her son Rocco Cannavale for a spin around a trendy park in New York

Putting on stylish display in a monochrome floral maxi dress, she teamed it with a casual pair of trainers.

And accessorising with a pair of square rim sunglasses, she smiled happily as she carried her curly-haired tot.

Little Rocco looked adorable in a mini shirt and shorts ensemble, appearing quite delighted with the picturesque surroundings.

Family fun: The X Men actress, 37, and her 1-year-old tot enjoyed the pleasant Spring weather as they headed to the playground

Meanwhile despite being an AACTA award winner, who has starred in various Hollywood blockbusters, Rose recently revealed she feels she hasn't quite 'made it' as an actress and in fact, still has the mindset of a budding actor.

The Bridesmaids star told Foxtel magazine on Monday that despite her many feats, which include working alongside media tycoon Oprah Winfrey and winning various acting awards, she tries not to get too caught up in her own achievements.

'I think it's such a bad trap to fall into,' she said.

Opening up: Rose says she hasn't quite 'made it' as an actress in Hollywood and in fact, still has the mindset of a budding actor

'I think most actors always retain that sense of auditioning and waiting to hear back and the rejection - you sort of remember all the bad stuff more than the good stuff.

She added: 'So I think I've got a healthy dose of that still in my brain.'

The 37-year-old stars in the forthcoming TV film The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, which is produced by Oprah.

Success all around: The Balmain-native has been in a relationship with Emmy award-winning actor Bobby Cannavale since 2012 and the couple share a one-year-old son Rocco

In addition to landing notable movie roles in the likes of X-Men and neighbours, Rose has also acheived success in her private life.

The Balmain-native has been in a relationship with Emmy award-winning actor Bobby Cannavale since 2012 and the couple share a one-year-old son Rocco.

Last month, fans of Rose wee left stunned after Oroton announced that brand ambassador Rose would be dumped in favour of 'younger influencers.'

Younger and cheaper? Oroton found itself in hot water last month when a spokesperson for the brand announced that Rose would be dumped in favour of 'younger influencers'

The fashion accessories brand issued a second statement in response to the backlash across a wide variety of media outlets.

In a previous statement received by Daily Mail Australia, Oroton confirmed that it will continue it's contract with Rose as brand ambassador until August this year.

'No new brand ambassadors have been appointed nor are there any under consideration.

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

'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.'

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.

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'.
1 Always Dreaming Todd Pletcher BodemeisterAbove Perfection, by In Excess Boy, is it close up at the top. But rather than keep switching the No. 1 horse every few weeks based on the latest big-race winner, I decided to stick with this guy for now, partly because of his potential to be any kind and his combination of tactical speed, acceleration, and stamina. Also, fast track or not, he did run by far the fastest 1 1/8 miles of the year and did it pretty much on his own. And he continues to work super. Showing once again how pushbutton he is and how you can turn him on and off, he went off very slow in his most recent work and then came home his second quarter in :23 2/5 before galloping out strongly, as he always does. Most people are saying what a wide-open Derby this is, but it is very possible its not as wide open as one might think. It could actually be about two or three classy, fast horses, in this case Always Dreaming, Irish War Cry, and Classic Empire, who have the ability to separate themselves from the others. This has been the trend in recent years, and that could be due to the decrease in pure stamina and increase in lightly raced horses who simply are not prepared for such an arduous task, making the Derby more about superior talent and brilliance than anything else. We saw it in the Breeders Cup Juvenile last year. We also saw it in last years Derby when Nyquist and Gun Runner opened a 5-length advantage at the quarter pole. The year before, American Pharoah, Dortmund, and Firing Line opened up by 3 lengths at the quarter pole and 4 lengths at the eighth pole. In 2014, California Chrome opened a 5-length lead at the eighth pole. And in 2012, Bodemeister opened a 5-length lead at the three-sixteenths, with Ill Have Another the only horse within striking distance. The exception was 2013 when it was sloppy and the pace was brutal, setting it up for the deep closers. So, if that trend continues, its easy to envision Always Dreaming, Irish War Cry and Classic Empire opening up on the field turning for home. The only question one might have with Always Dreaming is whether he will bounce off a huge 9-point jump on Thoro-Graph. But he does have a fairly strong 2-year-old figure to fall back on and five weeks between races.

2 Irish War Cry Graham Motion CurlinIrish Sovereign, by Polish Numbers Motion will keep him at Fair Hill, where he has been thriving, and will work him the Saturday before the Derby, so he wont be doing much serious training at Churchill Downs. It used to be that you wanted your horse to work over the Churchill track, but that hasnt been the case in recent years. As mentioned with Always Dreaming, his main strengths are the weapons that have been used by recent Kentucky Derby winners, and we can certainly see him and Always Dreaming, and even Classic Empire, separating themselves from the others, especially considering the inconsistency of so many of this years 3-year-olds. He is the only 3-year-old with three triple-digit Brisnet speed figures, and in one of his other two races he earned a 99. The only blemish on his record of consistently fast races is his inexplicably dismal performance in the Fountain of Youth; a mystery that will remain unsolved and soon likely will become totally meaningless. With Classic Empires big comeback score in the Arkansas Derby, you probably will get slightly better odds on him and Always Dreaming at Churchill Downs. He does have pretty much the same running style as Always Dreaming, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out between John Velazquez and Rajiv Maragh. But the key is going to be how well he relaxes, which is something you dont have to worry about with Always Dreaming. He has always been a bit precocious, and he must get through that early cavalry charge into the first turn without getting too keyed up. Once he gets through those early stages and settles, thats when he becomes extremely dangerous.

3 Gunnevera Antonio Sano Dialed InUnbridled Rage, by Unbridled He turned in a sharp 5-furlong work in 1:00 3/5 by himself at his home base at Gulfstream Park West, coming home his last quarter in :24 1/5. It looks as if he came out of the Florida Derby in excellent shape, and well see how he thrives in Kentucky and how he handles the track, He is scheduled to ship to Churchill Downs April 22. I still believe he is the most reliable of all the closers, who can make his move early or late, and has the pedigree to sustain it, regardless of how far they go. If there is one horse who can adjust and take dead aim on Always Dreaming, Irish War Cry, and Classic Empire it is this honest and consistent colt, who has shown what kind of devastating turn of foot he has on more than one occasion. Some seem to be down on him after the Florida Derby, feeling he is tailing off because he couldnt threaten Always Dreaming, but the feeling here is that he ran as good as could be expected, especially considering he didnt need to win, coming off a monster Thoro-Graph figure that was by far the fastest number run by a 3-year-old this year, and was at a huge disadvantage with absolutely no shot the way the track was playing and how the race set up. On top of that, he was beaten by an extremely talented colt with unlimited potential. Lets see what he looks like from a physical standpoint as the Derby nears. If the pace is solid enough and he has a relatively trouble-free trip, I fully expect those blue silks to be flying down the stretch, possibly even before that. And he is one horse you can count on not getting tired late.

4 Classic Empire Mark Casse Pioneerof the NileSambuca Classica, by Cat Thief It was great to see the champ return to his form of last year, and Im sure most people will elevate him back to the No. 1 spot. I need a bit more time to digest everything before doing that. Im still trying to decide whether he is going to move forward off his victory or regress, coming back in three weeks after a long, but eventful, layoff, having only one disappointing effort in 5 1/2 months prior to the Arkansas Derby and a 2 1/2-month layoff between his last two races. Can he come back in a relatively short period of time after a hard-fought race? And with the first five finishers within 2 1/4 lengths of each other, and two horses flying from the back of the pack and the speed hanging tough, do we really know the true quality of this field? Remember, he was all out to defeat Conquest Mo Money, who was crushed by Hence over his home track in the Sunland Derby. For Beyer pundits, his 94 speed figure is nothing to rave about, but at least it leaves him with room to improve rather than regress off a huge figure and he does have three very fast races on Thoro-Graph at 2. But most important, will Classic Empire maintain his good behavior, especially on Derby Day? These are all questions that one must ponder. There is a good chance he simply is the classiest horse in the Derby; certainly the most accomplished at 2 and 3, and won the Arkansas Derby purely on class. Coming off the layoff, that race might have just been the tip of the iceberg, and if it is and he should move forward off it, hes going to be awfully tough on May 6. All the credit to Mark and Norm Casse for a tremendous training job and coming up with the brainstorm of getting this colt to Winding Oaks Farm for his final few works, where, as I mentioned before, he worked brilliantly and professionally and obviously was inspired by the ghosts of Dr. Fager and all the greats who were born, raised, and trained there when it was Tartan Farm. Hey, it makes a great story, and anything to romanticize the Derby.

5 McCraken Ian Wilkes GhostzapperIvory Empress, by by Seeking the Gold He bounced out of the Blue Grass in rousing fashion with another superb work, drilling a sharp half in :47 4/5, coming home his final eighth in :11 2/5 and going out an additional eighth past the wire in :12 1/5 and then galloping out 6 furlongs in 1:13 2/5. All the pieces seem to be coming back together. The more I watch the Blue Grass Stakes, the more I wish he would have had just a little more punch in the stretch, even with his bad trip. What was most amazing was that he, J Boys Echo, and Tapwrit, the three strongest closers, all were one-paced in the stretch and not making up an inch of ground. That could add up to a dislike for the surface on that day, if youre looking for any excuse. I have found over the years that many horses who run super at Keeneland do not duplicate that form on the Churchill Downs surface and vice versa. I have seen many impressive Ashland winners do nothing in the Kentucky Oaks and have seen many horses who disappointed in the Ashland run huge in the Kentucky Oaks, the latest being last year when Cathryn Sophia finished a disappointing third in the Ashland at 1-2 with no excuse and then won the Kentucky Oaks by almost 3 lengths at a generous 9-2. There is a reason why the last Blue Grass winner to come back and capture the Kentucky Derby was Strike the Gold in 1991. So, while there appears to be mixed emotions regarding the merits of his Blue Grass performance, I am expecting a much improved effort at Churchill Downs, where he is undefeated in three starts, including two stakes victories. I also have faith in Ian Wilkes and the Carl Nafzger influence in getting a horse to peak on Derby Day. We saw Wilkes do the exact same thing with Fort Larned, who was a well-beaten third in the Jockey Club Gold Cup as the 5-2 favorite, and then came back to win the Breeders Cup Classic at 9-1. I would love to have him ranked higher, but the four above him are just too strong to lower.

6 Girvin Joe Sharp Tale of EkatiCatch the Moon, by Malibu Moon He went a little quicker than Sharp would have liked in his first work since the Louisiana Derby, drilling a half in a bullet :47 4/5 in company after an opening eighth in :11 3/5 and the 3 furlongs in :35 2/5. It was the fastest of 29 works at the distance. Actually, I always like to see a horse come back from a tough race with a sharp work, and Rosie Napravnik, who was aboard, was happy with the way he went. The Derby is still three weeks away and Sharp can always adjust by slowing him up a bit next time when hes not as fresh. He still hasnt decided whether his next work will be at Churchill Downs or the Trackside training center where he is stabled. You probably will wind up getting shorter odds on him than youd want having Mike Smith aboard. But that also will move him up, as his style suits a sharp-thinking rider like Smith, who you know will have him positioned in the best spot possible. All the talk about his 91 Beyer figure in the Louisiana Derby could negate Smith and raise his odds and make him awfully enticing. We have no idea what hes been beating at Fair Grounds, especially with the lightly raced maiden winner Patch shipping in and finishing second off two lifetime starts and Guest Suite not firing. But with this guy, it is all about gut feeling and the way he does it. If you look at his Brisnet figures, he and Always Dreaming have the fastest late pace figure (112), but Always Dreaming did it after a 54 middle pace figure, while he did it after an 80 middle pace figure. So based on that, gut feeling, the addition of Mike Smith, and his increasing Brisnet speed figures, I still feel he is a major threat.

7 J Boys Echo Dale Romans MineshaftLetgomyecho, by Menifee This surprise return to the Dozen, and this high up, is based on several factors. He had more trouble in the Blue Grass Stakes than I originally thought and he is the only horse to have earned triple-digit Brisnet middle and late closing figures (101 and 103, respectively) in the same race (in the Gotham), the fastest Brisnet speed figure this year (104 in the Gotham), and has the third fastest late closing figure (110 in the Withers). In the Blue Grass, he bobbled slightly coming out of the gate and was bumped from both sides, then had McCraken cut him off going into the first turn. When asked for his run nearing the half-mile pole, he was moving quickest of all when he ran smack into a traffic jam, was jostled around a bit between horses and had to throttle back just enough to lose his momentum and fall back to last. As for historical perspective, I cant help but think of Thunder Gulch running an uninspiring fourth in the Blue Grass only to score a decisive victory in the Derby at 24-1. I cant help but think of Bluegrass Cat finishing fourth in the Blue Grass, getting trounced by over 21 lengths, then rebounding to finish second to Barbaro in the Derby at 30-1. I cant help but think of Sea Hero finishing fourth in the Blue Grass and then winning the Derby by 2 1/2 lengths at 12-1. I cant help but think of Invisible Ink tiring to finishing fourth, beaten 8 1/2 lengths, in the Blue Grass, rallying from far back to finish second at 55-1 in the second fastest Derby of all time. And I cant help but think of Closing Argument finishing third, beaten 9 lengths in the Blue Grass, just getting caught in the final strides in the Derby at 71-1, with the horse who won that Blue Grass by 6 lengths, Bandini, finishing 19th in the Derby. As you can see, every one of these horses mentioned who made a dramatic turnaround from the Blue Grass to the Derby all finished an uninspiring fourth at Keeneland, except Closing Argument, who finished third, a neck away from fourth. Sound familiar? For that reason, along with his excellent Brisnet speed figures and his trouble in the Blue Grass, I am putting him back in the Dozen as a forgotten longshot and potential overlay just like those mentioned above.

8 Practical Joke Chad Brown Into MischiefHalo Humor, by Distorted Humor He is one of the biggest enigmas in the race. Last week I listed all the Derby winners who were coming off the exact same effort in their final prep he turned in at Keeneland. And if I was more certain about his ability to stay the mile and a quarter, he would be way up near the top, but I honestly dont now how far he wants to go, and that question mark still hangs over his head. He had every opportunity to get past Irap the length of the stretch, and even though he couldnt, I dont hold that against him, being it was only his second start and he did move way forward off the Fountain of Youth. Again, going by gut feeling, he gets major points for winning the historic Champagne and Hopeful Stakes the way he did. And hes a big powerful colt with muscles on top of muscles who can fire at any point in the race, and I want to believe he is now ready to stretch out to 10 furlongs and turn in a peak effort. But I havent been able to fully convince myself, and there are others I know for sure who will get the distance. So still being indecisive, Im going to keep him on the fringe for now and see how he trains at Churchill Downs.

9 Hence Steve Asmussen Street BossFloating Island, by A.P. Indy It looks like his bandwagon is filling up fast, and I can see him moving up the list as we get closer to the Derby. With Iraps victory in the Blue Grass Stakes and Conquest Mo Moneys gutsy second in the Arkansas Derby, the Sunland Derby is looking better and better, and he totally dominated that race with a powerful 5-furlong sustained run, sweeping past horses on the far outside and getting floated wide by Conquest Mo Money turning for home. Not only did he crush his field by nearly 4 lengths in 1:48 flat, with another gap of 4 lengths back to the third horse, his 103 Brisnet speed figure is the fastest last-out number of any of the Derby horses. In addition, he is one of the early arrivals at Churchill Downs and is working brilliantly, breezing a half in :47 4/5 and then working 5 furlongs in 1:00 2/5 in company with Local Hero, coming home his final eighth in :11 4/5 and galloping out 6 furlongs in 1:13 2/5 and 7 panels in 1:27 in a terrific lung opener that should have him fit and tight for the Derby. This was the kind of work you wanted to see from a horse who is going to have 6 weeks between races. And as I have mentioned on numerous occasions, his remarkable maiden victory at Oaklawn was one of the great recoveries from near disaster youll ever see. I still dont know how he managed to win that race. What happened to him in the Southwest Stakes is one of the many mysteries that likely will go unsolved, along with Irish War Crys debacle in the Fountain of Youth Stakes and Gormleys uninspiring effort in the San Felipe Stakes. Now with Classic Empire, this no doubt is the year of the rebound performance. Well have to see if the colt will have a change of riders in the Derby, as Asmussens phone Im sure has been ringing constantly.

10 Gormley John Shirreffs Malibu MoonRace to Urga, by Bernstein Shirreffs gave him a little 3-furlong blowout in :37 4/5 just to keep him on edge. It is extremely rare to have the top-ranked Santa Anita horse at No. 9 after all the success they have had in recent years, but with Mastery out of the picture, this is a confusing bunch, especially with the only success they have had shipping East has been with maidens. In his case, what was important was seeing him rate several lengths off the pace in the Santa Anita Derby and come on in the stretch to run down the speed. The race was extremely slow, time-wise and speed figure-wise, but he has already demonstrated his speed, getting a very fast Thoro-Graph figure in the Sham Stakes. He no doubt will be big odds at Churchill for a Santa Anita Derby winner, and you just have to decide whether to look at his race in a positive light or negative light. And if you consider his pattern of winning race, bad race, winning race, bad race you have to wonder if its time for a bad race or if he can finally put together back-to-back good races. In short, there is a lot to ponder with him, as there are all the Southern California-based horses.

11 Battalion Runner Todd Pletcher Unbridled's SongTamboz, by Tapit Having four lifetime starts and considering his style of running, he probably is better suited for the Preakness, but still has to be considered a legitimate contender for the Kentucky Derby based on his good second to Irish War Cry in the Wood Memorial coming off a two-month layoff. The question is, how much improvement does he have in him and how will he be able to negotiate a trip going a mile and a quarter with so little experience and facing several brilliant horses who have the same running style? He would also need to find a new rider, with John Velazquez riding Always Dreaming. And if Javier Castellano sticks with Gunnevera, Pletcher will have to look outside his two go-to riders. There is no doubt this colt has a great deal of talent and a bright future, which is why he is in the Top 12, and whether or not he would be better off waiting for the Preakness, it is tough for an owner to bypass the Derby. Pletcher is in the same position with Malagacy, who appears to have stamina issues, and Patch, with the latter having only three lifetime starts. So all we can do is wait for the dust to clear at the Pletcher barn and see how many he will put in the starting gate on May 6.

12 Irap Doug ONeill TiznowSilken Cat, by Storm Cat If you watch the finish of Blue Grass Stakes carefully, you will see that Irap, despite being on his wrong lead the length of the stretch, actually is increasing his lead over Practical Joke as theyre approaching the wire. Was it a fluke or is Irap a much better horse than people think, and is just now putting it all together? Ive been talking quite a lot about high altitude training, referring to the shocking Derby upsets by Mine That Bird and Canonero, both having trained in high altitude cities before coming to Louisville. And then you had Conquest Mo Money nearly pulling off the Arkansas Derby upset at 17-1 in a very game effort after training all winter at Sunland Park, with an altitude of 3,800 feet. Well, it is interesting to note that Irap did run twice at Sunland Park this year before winning the Blue Grass Stakes. Granted, 3,800 feet is not like training in the Andes, but even if it helps a little when coming back down to sea level it could make a difference. Whether it would continue to help four weeks later is another matter, but it is still a point of interest, especially if we have no idea how good this horse is right now and no idea if he can duplicate that effort at Churchill Downs. He is a son of Tiznow and apparently has his sires tenacity and toughness, and the Tiznows keep getting better, so we really dont know for sure what to expect from him.

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR

I dropped MALAGACY, even though he ran a terrific race from the 12 post and battled through quick early fractions, just giving way in the final 70 yards. Although it was a courageous effort, I just dont think, with four lifetime starts, two of them sprints, and Pletcher once saying hes likely a one-turn horse, that hes quite ready to go a mile and a quarter. He could, however, be a live Preakness horse with the extra two weeks.

I also dropped ROYAL MO, who was a late addition last week with the last-minute defection of One Liner, because he sits at No. 24 right now on the points leaderboard. With late closers LOOKIN AT LEE and SONNETEER, who were both flying late in the Arkansas Derby, leapfrogging him and no doubt headed to Churchill Downs, he would need THUNDER SNOW and Malagacy to drop out just to get to the No. 21 spot, and then would need another defection.

Lookin At Lee in particular ran a big race to finish third, having to meander through the field in the stretch looking for openings, his rally falling 1 1/2 lengths short. He actually cut his margin of defeat against Classic Empire in half from the Breeders Futurity and chopped 10 1/2 lengths off his margin of defeat to the champ in the Breeders Cup Juvenile, so there is hope for him if he can make the cut. Sonneteer closed strongly on the far outside to finish a half-length behind Lookin At Lee, proving his second-place finish in the Rebel Stakes was no fluke. You can make a case for either one these two to be in the Top 12, but its difficult putting one on and not the other, even though Lookin At Lee is a lot more accomplished. But these both are one-dimensional late closers who come from the back of the pack and will be totally dependent on a very fast pace in the Derby.

As of this writing, a decision whether to put up the $200,000 supplementary fee for CONQUEST MO MONEY, a gutsy second, beaten a half-length, in the Arkansas Derby will be made sometime later today (Tuesday). As Ive been saying, I find it uncanny how these horses racing and training at high altitudes have come down to sea level and run their tails off. Even horses who just raced there recently like Firing Line and Irap (who raced their twice) have run big races in their next start  Firing Line a close second to American Pharoah in the Kentucky Derby and Irap in the Blue Grass Stakes. It is also interesting to note that Mine That Bird finished second in the Borderland Derby and fifth in the Sunland Derby before upsetting the Kentucky Derby, while Irap finished second in the Borderland Derby (Now the Mine That Bird Derby) and fourth in the Sunland Derby before upsetting the Blue Grass Stakes.

Speaking of Irap, have you wondered what the name Irap means and where it came from? One of Reddams unnamed babies who was being vanned to Ocean Breeze Ranch had just undergone Interluekin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein therapy, more commonly known as IRAP, used to treat the effects of joint disease in horses. When he arrived at the farm, the van driver saw the word IRAP on the horses papers and assumed that was his name, so he identified the young horse as Irap. When Paul Reddam was told about the vans drivers mixup the next day, he got a kick out of it and said, Why dont we just name him Irap?

The Louisiana Derby, which many feel was a weak field, received a boost Saturday when sixth-place finisher SENIOR INVESTMENT just got up to win the Lexington Stakes at 11-1. NO DOZING finally woke up after getting away from Tampa Bay Downs, finishing third, beaten a head and a neck, in the Lexington.

One horse no one is talking about or taking very seriously is the Spiral Stakes winner FAST AND ACCURATE, who is riding a three-race winning streak since being given Lasix. But they have all been on synthetic or grass and he did break his maiden for a $30,000 claiming tag and was not nominated to the Triple Crown. But he has been training brilliantly on the dirt at Churchill Downs Trackside training center, turning in a pair sharp works, his latest a 5-furlong drill in :59 3/5, coming home his final eighth in :12 flat after a pair of :11 4/5 eighths. He then galloped out the 6 furlongs in 1:13 4/5.

When asked about STATE OF HONORS tendency to throw his head up early in the race, regardless of whether hes wearing blinkers or not, assistant trainer Norm Casse said he believes he got angry in the Florida Derby when Three Rules came over into him. Casse said they probably will work him alone leading up to the Derby. Even with this bad habit, the son of To Honor and Serve has racked up four second-place finishes and one third-place finish in stakes since breaking his maiden last year at Woodbine. Like he did in the Florida Derby, once he settles in stride, he hangs in tough, and its obvious there is no quit in this horse. He tuned up at Churchill Downs with an easy half-mile breeze in :49 4/5.

Santa Anita Derby runner-up BATTLE OF MIDWAY turned in a solid half-mile work in :48 2/5 at Santa Anita. Louisiana Derby runner-up PATCH, breezed a half in :49 2/5 at Palm Beach Downs. I dont know if people realize just how good this one-eyed colt is, but he has to have a world of ability to do what he did in the Louisiana Derby off only two lifetime starts. But is it asking too much to throw him into the Kentucky Derby stampede with only three starts? If you want to know where MASTER PLAN, a fast-closing third in the UAE Derby, is these days, he breezed a half in :51 2/5 at the WinStar Farm training center. Will he try to make it back-to-back Belmont Stakes victories for co-owner WinStar Farm?

As the field finally begins to firm up and we have a pretty good idea who the 20 starters will be, with a few exceptions, it is interesting to note that there appears to be as many as eight horses who want to be on or near the lead  Always Dreaming, Irish War Cry, Battalion Runner, Irap, State of Honor, Royal Mo, possibly Battle of Midway, and Conquest Mo Money if they decide to put up the money.

If youre looking for an interesting four-horse exotics box, how about the four horses who ran inexplicably terrible races with no noticeable excuses this year and bounced back to win their next start  Irish War Cry, Classic Empire, Hence, and Gormley. Even Royal Mo came back off a dismal performance and ran a huge race in the Santa Anita Derby. No reason for mentioning a potential wager this early, just a way of pointing out the weird trend this year of horses rebounding big-time off dreadful races.
As a radio host, she's bound to encounter a celeb or two.

But for Emily Jade O'Keeffe, she was clearly starstruck upon meeting Chris Hemsworth at her Gold Coast studio on Tuesday.

Taking to Instagram to reveal she had made the Thor star tea, the presenter stated: 'I'm never washing the cup.'

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'I'm never washing the cup': Radio host Emily Jade O'Keeffe gushed over making Chris Hemsworth tea, in an Instagram post on Tuesday

'I'm the happiest tea lady that ever lived. Chris Hemsworth asked me to make him a cup of tea, exactly like I like it. With Milk and Honey,' Emily began her gushing caption.

'He practically asked the only person in the building who drinks tea and honey to make his tea...it was fated. I then lent him my cup. And he drank it.

'And told me, after I told him that he had made my day, that I had made his day right back...dreams do come true people, they do come true.

'And I'm never washing the cup and I may have sipped the leftover tea, just to make sure I'd made a good team, and to grab any leftover DNA. The tea was amazing and so was he,' she continued to gush.

Appeal: The star's gym-honed frame has earned Chris a legion of female admirers

Hot property: Meanwhile Chris' latest movie Thor:Ragnarok is a hot topic. The homegrown star's film is already smashing records before its been released

Meanwhile Chris' latest movie Thor:Ragnarok is a hot topic.

The homegrown star's film is already smashing records before its been released.

Thor: Ragnarok became the most viewed trailer in Marvel and Disney's history within its first 24 hours of release.

The movie, which is released in Australia in October, was viewed 136 million times.

Chris has played the role of Thor since 2011. He was previously known as Kim Hyde on Australian soap Home And Away.

Popular: Thor: Ragnarok became the most viewed trailer in Marvel and Disney's history within its first 24 hours of release. The movie, which is released in Australia in October, was viewed 136 million times. Pictured with co-star Tom Hiddleston, 36
Their relationship came to a bitter end after it was revealed Lewis Bloor had cheated on his Geordie Shore star ex on several occasions.

And now, after returning from a friendly trip to Dubai with Lewis that ended in a blazing public row, Marnie Simpson, 25, has stated that if she were to tell all about her ex, he would be 'ruined'.

Writing in her column for Star, she said: 'Lets just say if people knew the truth of whats gone on and how Lewis has treated me, it would ruin him. But I couldnt do that to him, even though he deserves it. Karma will do my dirty work for me.'

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Slammed: Marnie Simpson has slammed her ex Lewis Bloor in her new column for Star magazine, saying that if she revealed his secrets he'd be 'ruined'

Her comments come after she and Lewis were caught on camera in the midst of a blazing row in Dubai as Marnie accused her former beau of taking her bank card.

Admitting that she was mistaken in her accusation, she wrote of the incident: 'Wed been drinking all afternoon and had been arguing for a good hour.

'To clear things up, Lewis didnt steal my bank card. I thought hed taken it so I couldnt storm out of the hotel. I was so angry.'

'It was karma ten times over': Marnie Simpson, 25, has shared her regret over her cheating past and insists her love rat ex Lewis' infidelities have been 'karma' for her

In her column, she went on to comment that the 'truth' would 'ruin' Lewis, as she touched upon the Twitter spat they had last week, after their return to the UK.

The toxicity bubbled to the surface when Lewis took to the micro-blogging site to deem himself a 'mug' after seeing pictures that appeared to show brunette beauty Marnie getting close to her ex Aaron Chalmers as she shot season 14 of her show.

Lewis dredged up an old loved-up tweet he'd written about Marnie as she filmed her show, which read: 'Spoke to my lovely gf today really cheered me up. Shes ok.. i can imagine its tough living with exes.. cant wait to get my arms round her.' (sic)

Sharing the old tweet with his 409,000 followers, he wrote: 'How jokes when i tweeted this and she was doing that... what a mug. #PotKettle.' (sic)

'I've learned a valuable lesson': The raven-haired beauty hit out at her ex-beau's unfaithful antics and claimed there is more to their split than what has been made public knowledge

His words soon met the wrath of his fiery ex, who struck back: 'U we're tweeting me when u were s***ging every Tom dick and harry! R u crazy.' (sic)

While Lewis, who admitted to cheating on Marnie during their relationship when he kissed another girl, later deleted the tweet, his ex wasn't finishing ranting.

But rather than directly reveal further details surrounding their ill-fated coupling, she opted for a more cryptic route as she added: 'If people knew the truth. That is all.'

During a recent interview, Marnie lamented over her own cheating past and insisted her romance with Lewis has taught her a 'valuable lesson'.

Make or break: Despite Marnie revealing she and Lewis had 'salvaged a friendship' on their Dubai holiday, she has since claimed the trip made her realise their relationship was 'not worth fighting for'

Marnie and Lewis had split in February after footage emerged of him kissing another girl on Valentine's Day.

He later confessed to cheating on Marnie during a trip they had taken to Barcelona at the beginning of their relationship and she has since revealed that Lewis is the first person to have cheated on her.

Marnie, meanwhile, has been unfaithful in the past to former boyfriends and speaking about her messy split with Lewis, she claimed that it had been 'karma' for her previous wrongdoings.

In an interview with Daily Star, Marnie lamented: 'Lewis was my karma, but it was karma ten times over.

War of words: Their Twitter spat last week was ignited when Lewis tweeted about snapshots apparently showing Marnie getting close to her ex Aaron Chalmers while they were together

'That's fine, but I've learned a valuable lesson... 'I'll never ever do to anyone what Lewis did to me. Ever.'

Marnie went on to explain that she and Lewis are now completely over, after failing to rekindle their relationship during a make or break trip to Dubai.

She claimed that the break had made her realise that there 'was nothing left to fight for' when it came to Lewis.

While away, she had taken to Instagram to tell fans that she and Lewis had 'salvaged their friendship' on the getaway, but their holiday was left on a sour note after footage emerged of Marnie in an explosive row with her former boyfriend - accusing him of 'stealing her bank card'.

Happier times: The pair had embarked on a romance after starring alongside each other on Celebrity Big Brother in August last year - before splitting six months later

Lewis denied the claims and branded them 'absolutely ridiculous'.

Now, Marnie has claimed that there is more to her split with Lewis than meets eye.

Hinting that not everything that happened between them has been made public knowledge, she cryptically said: 'If I was honest about what happened between Lewis it would ruin him... But I am the bigger person.'

Fans of the duo saw Marnie and Lewis get together while starring on Celebrity Big Brother in August last year.

Serious: They had continued their love affair after the show and Marnie had even moved away from her hometown of Newcastle to live with Lewis in London

After just ten days in the Elstree compound, Lewis had claimed he was 'in love' with Marnie.

They were forced to defend their relationship against claims they were putting on a 'showmance' and had continued their love affair on the outside.

Marnie had even moved away from her hometown of Newcastle to live with Lewis in London.

Her latest comments come after Lewis appeared to make a dig at his ex-girlfriend while proving he is now moving on from their failed romance.

Pucker up! The former Celebrity Big Brother star was seen receiving a kiss from both Made In Chelsea's Daisy Robins and Love Island star Tina Stinnes as he attended the same showbiz party as Marnie on Wednesday night

While attending the same showbiz bash as Marnie on Wednesday night, Lewis shared a photo of himself sandwiched between reality beauties Daisy Robins (of Made In Chelsea fame) and Love Island's Tina Stinnes.

The girls were seen draped over Lewis and in one photo even planted a kiss on either of his cheeks.

Lewis suggested that he is keen to embrace single life again and teased alongside his snap of the trio: 'Summer's always funner.'
She recently shared her excitement after Michelle Obama personally congratulated her on her memoir Unfiltered.

And Lily Collins looked in good spirits as she arrived at the ITV studios in London on Tuesday.

The daughter of The daughter of English musician Phil Collins and an American mother, Jill Tavelman, 28, wore a Matrix-style trench coat for the occasion.

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Happy: Lily Collins looked in good spirits as she arrived at the ITV studios in London on Tuesday in an Altuzarra gown

Putting on a leggy display in a sheer flower-encrusted gown by Altuzarra, the ethereal piece featured a slit slashed high on the thigh.

Cinched in at the waist with a wide leather belt, she added a Gothic edge in black platform shoes and a racy PVC mac.

With her brunette shoulder-length hair in tousled waves and wearing a touch of blusher, the actress put on a glamorous appearance.

Leggy: The daughter of The daughter of English musician Phil Collins and an American mother, Jill Tavelman, 28, wore a Matrix-style trench coat for the occasion

Lily has been open about her battles with anorexia and bulimia and has penned a memoir at the tender age of 27.

And last week Lily revealed that she can count former Michelle Obama as one of her many fans.

The actress delightedly told her Instagram followers the former First Lady had penned her an 'epic' letter of encouragement.

Lily sent a copy of her memoir Unfiltered to Michelle, who wrote back to tell Lily she looked forward to sharing the book with her daughters Malia, 18, and Sasha, 15.

Telling fans about Michelle's letter in an Instagram video and the Rules Don't Apply, she could barely contain her delight.

In the clip, she read out Michelle's letter without telling her fans who the letter was from and when the big reveal came, Lily could not help a grin from spreading across her face.

Michelle wrote to Lily to thank her for sending the book and it seems that she did indeed read it.

'I am writing to thank you for the copy of your new book,' the former First Lady began. 'The gift was such a nice gesture and I look forward to sharing it with my daughters.

Passion for books: Michelle spent her tenure as First Lady promoting the need for all girls to have access to education so it is no surprise that she took an interest in Lily's book

'The outpouring of support I have received from women across the country continues to amaze me and I am filled with a great sense of hope for our shared future,' Michelle continued.

'I heard this quote recently and it reminded me of your book so I wanted to share it with you.

'"Here's to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them."'

Michelle ended the elegantly written note by thanking Lily for sending her the book.

'Again thank you for your kindness Lily. I wish you all the best.'

Delight: The actress couldn't wait to share the news of her very important fan with her Instagram followers

Lily was astonished that her role model had written to her and quickly took a picture of the letter which she shared with her 6.5 million Instagram followers.

She captioned the image: 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart Michelle Obama for your encouragement and support. You have no idea how much this means to me.'

One thing that particularly delighted Lily was that Michelle's letter was posted with a Wonder Woman stamp.

She added: 'And that Wonder Woman stamp is everything. You truly are such an incredible inspiration. I'll definitely be framing these! #Unfiltered...' (sic)

The star added in a separate post that receiving the letter was the 'best way to start off my week'.

Incredible! Lily refused to tell fans who had written the letter as she read it out and when she revealed that it was in fact from Michelle Obama, she beamed in disbelief

A letter of note: Lily shared a picture of the letter on Instagram and declared that she would frame it in her home

She wrote: 'I can't believe this letter I received from someone I deeply respect and admire. It's absolutely epic. I'm in complete shock but just had to share!'

The star's latest film To The Bone, which sees her plays an anorexia patient, has seen her drawing on her own experiences after suffering from a secret eating disorder when she was a teenager.

Lily published her memoir, Unfiltered: No shame, no regrets, just me on March 7 which made a series of revelations about her life.

Wonder Woman! Lily added that she was absolutely delighted that the letter was posted with a Wonder Woman stamp

Endless thanks: She thanked Michelle Obama 'from the bottom of my heart for your encouragement and support. You have no idea how much this means to me'

The actress made public a letter to her father - British musician Phil Collins, 66 - whom she said she forgave for being absent from her life as a child.

'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.'

She told People: 'Its definitely like having my diary published.'
It's the controversial experiment that sees couples on the brink of separation, give their relationship one last shot.

But on Tuesday night's episode of Seven Year Switch, Johnny was dealt a devastating blow.

'I don't love him,' partner Tracey revealed in a video counselling session.

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'I don't love him': Seven Year Switch's Johnny was dealt a devastating blow on Tuesday night's episode, as he learned of partner Tracey's true feelings

The show's resident psychologist Peter Charleston quizzed Tracey in the video counselling session, as to whether she and Johnny could make their marriage work.

'I'd hate the kids to get confused and, you know, see Mum and Dad trying again,' she shared on-camera.

'What would be very difficult to say to him?' Peter then asked Tracey.

Candid: Tracey revealed to the show's psychologist Peter Charleston that she was no longer in love with Johnny: 'I do love him, I care for him, but just not in love, I think,' she stated

'That I don't love him (Johnny). I think that would be difficult because I wouldn't like...I do love him, I care for him, but just not in love, I think,' she continued.

Scanning over to Johnny, who is visibly heartbroken, he's asked by 'partner' Stacey Louise, as to how he's feeling.

'Yeah, that's...you know, she's being completely honest and that's fine, really. I'm cool with that.'

Awkward: Scanning over to Johnny, who is visibly heartbroken, he's asked by 'partner' Stacey Louise, as to how he's feeling

Opening up: 'Yeah, that's...you know, she's being completely honest and that's fine, really. I'm cool with that,' Johnny shared to Stacey

Hopeful: Not ready to call time on their marriage, Johnny continued: 'Come down the track, you might find out that she'll actually say that she is in love with me again. Hopefully'

'Really?' Stacey asked Johnny.

Not ready to call time on their marriage, he continued: 'Come down the track, you might find out that she'll actually say that she is in love with me again. Hopefully.'

Meanwhile Johnny was not the only one to receive a devastating blow.

During a video counselling session, Felicity revealed she was doubting her relationship with fiance Michael.

It's exhausting: Meanwhile, Felicity admitted on Tuesday's episode that she finds her relationship with Michael to be draining

'It's draining. It's absolutely draining. Yeah I'm exhausted,' she told to the resident psychologist referring to the challenging times.

'Once I say something like that (that she's not in love), I can't take that back.'

Clearly not prepared to hear Felicity's words, Michael went into a rage.

In shock: Clearly not prepared to hear Felicity's words, Michael went into a rage: 'I feel like this could have been addressed prior to going into the house,' he began

'I feel like this could have been addressed prior to going into the house,' he began.

'To hear it first-hand for the first time via video, sort of, yeah, it pisses you off.

'My relationship's tarnished. So, I don't know if there's any coming back from that, to be honest with you.'
They have been spotted enjoying very public displays of affection.

But Karl Stefanovic, 42, appears adamant to keep his new flame Jasmine Yarbrough, 33, away from the red carpet, having this week announced that she won't join him at the upcoming TV Logie Awards.

A representative from Channel Nine told News Corp on Tuesday: 'Karl is going solo.'

Keeping her out of the spotlight? Karl Stefanovic, 42, appears adamant to keep his new flame Jasmine Yarbrough away from the red carpet, having this week annoucned that she won't join him at the upcoming TV Logie Awards

His new sister-in-law Sylvia Jeffreys will also be attending without her other half, with husband Peter Stefanovic away filming a story for 60 minutes.

She will take the stage during the event to co-host the fashion preview alongside Lisa Wilkinson.

Meanwhile, Karl and Jasmine appear to be taking things to the next level, with new reports the Today host has plans to propose to his girlfriend.

Wedding bells? Karl and Jasmine were spotted kissing passionately in LA, where he allegedly revealed his plans to marry his new love, according to New Idea

The pair have also been pictured kissing passionately in Los Angeles while Karl was taking a break from hosting duties on Today show.

New Idea reports while Karl 'stopped short of proposing until his divorce is final' from his ex-wife of 21 years, Cassandra Thorburn, during his trip he let Jasmine know he intends to marry her in the near future.

'Karl said he spent the entire 14-hour flight from Sydney to LA thinking of Jasmine and how he couldn't wait to one day make her his wife,' a reported insider said.

The pair appear to be taking things to the next level, with new reports the Today host, 42, has plans to propose to his girlfriend, 33

'And as soon as he saw her at the airport, he couldn't wait to tell her just that,' the source continued.

The new images captured of the couple show Jasmine flinging herself into Karl's arms as he picks her up and they immediately embrace.

The photos 'will break Cassandra's heart', an alleged friend of the mother of three claimed.

Hiatus: Karl traveled to Los Angeles on a week-long break from hosting the Today show

'Karl would have known Cass would see these photos, and it's like he didn't even care,' they continued.

Karl traveled to Los Angeles to visit Jasmine on a week-long break from hosting the Today show.

He flew back into Sydney on Sunday with his travel partner Christian Wilkins, son of his Today co-host Richard Wilkins.

'Karl would have known Cass would see these photos, and it's like he didn't even care,' they continued

It was his most recent visit to his girlfriend and the one where the couple reportedly decided to take things between them to the next level.

With his divorce nearing settlement, Woman's Day reports the television host recently asked Jasmine's father Robert for permission for the couple to get married.

'He told him he wants to marry Jasmine and is keen to have kids with her,' the magazine's source apparently revealed.

The lovebirds have reportedly been spending ample time with Jasmine's family, with Karl 'desperate' to prove his commitment to his girlfriend.
She embarked on a modelling career at the age of 14, before deciding to make her name in the realm of acting just a year later.

But Liv Tyler showed that she could quite easily return to her clotheshorse roots on Tuesday, when she was the star guest at the grand opening of British fashion brand Belstaff's flagship store in Tokyo.

The Lord Of The Rings beauty wowed as she arrived at the Ginza Six in a high-collared flowing black dress, over which she wore a biker leather jacket.

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Special Guest: Liv Tyler attended the grand opening of Belstaff's flagship store at Tokyo, Japan's Ginza Six on Tuesday

She teamed her simple yet eye-catching ensemble with a pair of black suede shoes with golden heels as she posed for photographers gathered at the fashionable event.

Her voluminous raven tresses rested about her shoulders in lustrous waves, while pillar box red lipstick and varnish added flourishes of colour to her lips and fingernails, respectively.

Before arriving at the event, the actress shared a short clip on Instagram of herself going for an enclosed rooftop swim at her luxury hotel in the Japanese capital.

Turning heads: The Lord Of The Rings beauty wowed as she arrived in a high-collared flowing black dress, over which she wore a biker leather jacket

Strike a pose: She blew kisses at the crowds as she posed up a storm for photographers

Bursts of colour: Pillar box red lipstick and nail varnish added flourishes of colour to her look

Pearly: The mother-of-three flashed her pearly whites as she smiled for event photographers

New arrival: The star arrived in the Japanese capital on Sunday, after jetting over from London

She was spotted touching down at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Sunday, after jetting in from London - and she excitedly uploaded a pre-departure video of her first class cabin surroundings on the plane.

Popping out from behind her seat, the star struggled to contain her glee as she flashed a huge grin to the camera, beneath a black and white filter.

Liv appears to have headed to Japan alone - leaving her fiance Dave Gardner as well as their two children, Sailor, two, and nine-month-old daughter Lula Rose, behind.

She also has an 11-year-old son called Milo with her British rocker ex-husband Royston Langdon.

Living it up! She was joined by (l-r) Beltaff Japan president BelHajime Takuwa and Belstaff CEO Gavin Haig at the event

Drum: She laughed as they knocked a drum to signify the opening of the flagship outlet

Swim: Prior to arriving at the event, Liv enjoyed a rooftop swimming session at her hotel

Jovial: She appeared to be in jovial spirits as she soaked up the celebratory atmosphere

The screen star recently gushed to Hello! that she was thrilled to have welcomed her first girl after two boys, admitting: 'It is so sweet.

'Every time I've gone into a children's store for the last 11 years I have to turn away from the girls stuff and go straight to the boys, I always think: "oh I want that so bad!"'

Despite only giving birth nine months ago however, the star has already returned to her acting duties - as she is currently filming new period drama Gunpowder.

Starring alongside Kit Harrington, the brunette will play Ann Vaux in the drama following Guy Fawkes' plan to blow up the House of Lords and kill King James I in the early 17th century.

Social butterfly: She has been keeping her fans informed on her travels via Instagram

Partygoers: She posed for a snapshot with producer Theodore Miller and model Mika Ahn

Ab fab: Model Emi Renata displayed her enviably taut abs in her leather ensemble of choice

All luxuries on deck: As Liv jetted off from London to Tokyo over the weekend, she shared a brief clip of her first class cabin surroundings
He had a twisted, on-again, off-again marriage to Pamela Anderson that ended when they filed for divorce in 2007.

But now it looks like Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, is ready to walk down the aisle again.

On Tuesday it was reported the 46-year-old rock star popped the question to longtime love Audrey Berry with a large oval-cut diamond ring.

Soon to be man and wife: Kid Rock has proposed to girlfriend Audrey Berry, TMZ claimed on Tuesday. Here they are seen on a cruise

Sparkly! The beauty is seen showing off the rock earlier this month in Los Angeles

The ring has an oval-cut center stone

The engagement took place 'earlier this year,' according to TMZ.

And earlier this month, the dark-haired exotic-looking beauty flashed the big rock during Rock's Chillin' The Most cruise.

He has been with the beauty since splitting from Anderson.

The rocker has not talked much about Berry.

But in 2015 he told Q magazine his song First Kiss was about his longtime love.

The lyrics include: 'I like the way you hold my hand/And play just like my baby grand. I like how you dont give a damn/And love me just the way I am.'

She's in love with her bling! Here Audrey is seen staring at her piece of ice

Stand by your man: The siren next to Rock, who looks as if he just lost some money gambling

'Life is so much simpler being with one girl,' he also told Q. 'Now Im not chasing chicks around Ive got so much more free time.'

Rock's marriage to Anderson was high profile.

They started seeing each other in 2001 after meeting at the VH1 tribute to Aretha Franklin.

In April 2002, they were reportedly engaged, but called it off.

They later got married in a surprise wedding on July 2006 in Saint-Tropez after it was reported Anderson was pregnant.

Hit maker: Kid is best known for the hits All Summer Long, Picture, Only God Knows Why and Cowboy. Pictured 2013

But four months later it was announced that Anderson had miscarried while in Vancouver.

The actress was shooting the film Blonde And Blonder.

Seventeen days later, the Playboy model filed for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences.

Before they got serious: Here the couple are seen in 2008 at a hockey game in Detroit

Rock has a son, Robert Jr, born in 1993.

Kid is best known for the hits All Summer Long, Picture, Only God Knows Why and Cowboy. He is a five-time Grammy Award nominee and has sold 25 million albums in the US, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

His last album was First Kiss in 2015.

The way they were: Rock began a relationship with Anderson in 2001 after meeting at the VH1 tribute to Aretha Franklin. Pictured 2007
She made headlines on Monday, after a notorious website claimed to have published nude pictures of her.

But Samara Weaving, 25, says nude images recently uploaded by Celeb Jihad are fake, according to The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday.

The former Home and Away star reportedly told her father Simon that the photos are doctored.

Doctored? Samara Weaving, 25, says nude images recently uploaded by Celeb Jihad are fake, according to The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday

'She has said they are doctored ... We have been texting all morning, but haven't spoke about the situation at length,' Simon told the publication on Tuesday.

'I think the best theory with this sort of this is not to give it oxygen.

He added: 'I have told her to ignore it and to concentrate on her work ... She has been on set since 6am so she has other things to think about.'

Speaking out: The former Home and Away star reportedly told her father Simon that the photos are doctored

'She has said they are doctored ... We have been texting all morning, but haven't spoke about the situation at length,' Samara's father Simon said

The actress, who is currently filming the remake of Picnic at Hanging Rock, became the latest target of a celebrity nude photo website this week.

On Sunday, Simon spoke out about a hacking report but did not confirm the nude photo claims.

'We have dealt with things like this in the past ... her [email account] was hacked, but I am not sure if that has anything to do with this,' he said according to the publication.

Drama: Samara is the latest target of a celebrity nude photo website

'We are used to her being in the spotlight and what that involves.

He added: 'She is a strong girl and she is resilient.'

The beauty is said to be making her way to Melbourne from the US.

Daily Mail Australia previously reached out to Samara's representatives for comment.

More than a dozen images show a woman resembling Samara lying naked in bed and exposing herself, however appears the photos have been doctored.

Samara, whose uncle is legendary actor Hugo Weaving, is the latest celebrity to be targeted by Celeb Jihad.

Social media: On Sunday, the 25-year-old's father Simon spoke out about a hacking report but did not confirm the nude photo claims

Hollywood starlets Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Emma Watson are among several stars who have been targeted in recent weeks.

Harry potter star Emma previously took legal action against Celeb Jihad, with a lawyer confirming images were stolen from the actress.

'Photos from a clothes fitting Emma had with a stylist a couple of years ago have been stolen. They are not nude photographs. Lawyers have been instructed and we are not commenting further,' a statement to BBC read.

Not alone: Hollywood starlets Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Emma Watson are among several stars who have also been targeted in recent weeks

Last year, American father-of-two Ryan Collins, 36, was jailed after admittedly hacking into dozens of Google and Apple accounts over a two year period.

He used phishing schemes to access 50 iCloud accounts and 72 Gmail accounts belonging to the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union.

Bonds ambassador Samara first launched her acting career in 2008 on out Of The Blue.

She has since appeared on long-running soap Home and Away.

In 2012, Samara suffered a nip slip while filming bikini scenes for Home and Away and photos later surfaced online.
Anne Hathaway and her one-year-old son Jonathan enjoyed a mommy-and-me moment that won't be forgotten.

The Oscar winner appeared on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon on Monday and recalled an outing to a playground earlier in the day that almost ended in injury.

The mother-of-one was left red-faced after she miscalculated the effect of their combined weight on a slide that sent them thundering down onto the ground.

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Funny: Anne Hathaway recalled a near-disaster on a playground with her son on Monday ahead of appearing on Jimmy Fallon's late-night program

'I took him to a park and he loves swings,' she began.

'And I noticed all these other kids were coming down the slide. It looked like an unusual slide,' she explained. 'Like, maybe it was built before they had child safety measures in place. It was gorgeous and I noticed the kids weren't going that fast so I said, "OK, I'll bring Johnny on."'

The Devil Wears Prada actress said onlookers noticed her famous face and began to observe her in action.

So precious! Anne and her husband Adam Shulman welcomed their 1-year-old son in March last year

'I [pulled my] skirt around me and I put Johnny there and we are going down the slide and now the moms are watching, but what I hadn't thought about was physics.

'So we just go around the corner and instead of slowing down like the other kids we speed up,' she explained. 'It starts to go so fast and all the moms are watching and I'm so self-conscious. As it speeds up my thoughts slow down and I just look ahead and I get very serious and very focused and just think, "I must stick this landing."'

Anne and her husband Adam Shulman became parents for the first time together when they welcomed the youngster in March last year.

'You know when you almost killed your child, but you didn't. In the inside you're like, "Everything's OK. Walk it off, walk it off,"' she continued. 'Then we went back to the swings and stayed there forever.'

Stylish: Hathaway covered up in a voluminous gown for an appearance

For the appearance, the A-list star looked stunning in a voluminous gown.

The ankle-length dress was tied at one shoulder for an asymmetrical neckline.

The actress, 34, who is busy promoting her new movie Colossal, left her long dark hair loose for an overall flowing effect.

The star added chunky-soled open-toed black sandal stiletto heels with tiny embellishments on the top.

She accessorized with several chunky bracelets.

Gorgeous: The actress, 34, who is busy promoting her new movie Colossal, left her long dark hair loose for an overall flowing effect

In high spirits: The ankle-length dress was tied at one shoulder for an asymmetrical neckline and The Devil Wears Prada star added chunky-soled black sandal stiletto heels

Earlier on Monday, Hathaway went on Good Morning America wearing what she described as 'a $15 flea market dress.'

'I'm trying to be more sustainable with my fashion choices, so I'm trying to wear vintage wherever I can,' she explained.

The sleeveless floral-print black dress that fell to just below the knee featured frayed seams along the skirt and shoulder hemlines.

Different look: Earlier on Monday, Hathaway went on Good Morning America wearing what she described as 'a $15 flea market dress'

In her new film, a science fiction comedy in which she stars opposite Jason Sudeikis, she portrays Gloria, a woman with a drinking problem who has a psychic connection to a Godzilla-like monster in Seoul.

Anne said that she told her agent she wanted to do 'something different' from her usual cinematic fare.

'This one has a few plot twists in there, and people that have gone in without any knowledge of what it's about seem to enjoy it the most,' the actress said on GMA.

'I think nowadays when you say different, that means depressing, or that signals some kind of sadness, and I loved that this was a movie that was dark, but silly at the same time, and that's really an odd combination and rare as well. I read it and literally every page I couldnt believe what was coming next.'
He was spotted passionately embracing girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough, 33, in Los Angeles last week.

And it seems Karl Stefanovic, 42, spent his week-long break from hosting duties in Mexico with the model and her parents, according to The Daily Telegraph.

It comes as reports allege the Today Show star is head over heels for the blonde beauty and is looking to one day 'propose'.

Welcome to the family! Karl Stefanovic happily posed with girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough and her family during his recent trip to Mexico

Karl reportedly flew overseas to reunite with Jasmine during celebrations for her brother Josh's 30th birthday.

The festivities took place in Cabo San Lucas, according to the publication, with the TV presenter spotted in family photos from the night.

In one happy snap, he is seen with his arm around Jasmine's mother Cheryl, who spoke out about her daughter's relationship with the prominent media personality.

Cuddlign up: The Today Show host reportedly flew overseas to reunite with his model girlfriend, with the two cosying up during celebrations for her brother Josh's 30th birthday

She claimed that Jasmine and Karl's romance has taken a toll on the young beauty, who has struggled with the scrutiny.

'There has been a lot of untrue things printed. She's struggled with that,' the Brisbane teacher told publication.

As a result, she said the family are reluctant to talk too openly about the pair, saying: 'It is all very sensitive, you have to understand.'

'I can't say too much at the moment, I have been asked not to talk about things,' the mother added.

Wedding bells? Karl is reportedly looking towards a future with new flame Jasmine according to New Idea, with the two passionately embracing upon his arrival in the US

The couple appeared at ease with one another during the family getaway, with Jasmine linking her arms over Karl's chest in another photo.

Placing his hand across Jasmine's and holding her close, the Logie-winner beamed at the camera.

During the getaway, the couple were said to have stayed at a luxurious five-star retreat, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Struggles: Jasmine's mum Cheryl claimed that her daughter's relationship with Karl has taken a toll on the young beauty, due to the scrutiny

It comes as New Idea reported earlier this week that Karl is looking towards a future with his new flame, after the two embraced passionately upon his arrival in the US.

While the father-of-three 'stopped short of proposing until his divorce is final' from his ex-wife of 21 years, Cassandra Thorburn, he reportedly let Jasmine know he intends to marry her in the near future.

'Karl said he spent the entire 14-hour flight from Sydney to LA thinking of Jasmine and how he couldn't wait to one day make her his wife,' an insider said.

They continued: 'And as soon as he saw her at the airport, he couldn't wait to tell her just that'.

Comfortable with each other: The couple appeared at ease during their getaway, with Jasmine seen linking her arms over Karl's chest

With his divorce nearing settlement, Woman's Day reported the television host recently asked Jasmine's father Robert for permission for the couple to get married.

'He told him he wants to marry Jasmine and is keen to have kids with her,' the magazine's source apparently revealed.

The lovebirds have reportedly been spending ample time with Jasmine's family, with Karl 'desperate' to prove his commitment to his girlfriend.

After his latest catch-up, Karl flew back into Sydney on Sunday alongside travel partner Christian Wilkins, the son of his Today co-host Richard Wilkins.
A Carlisle man Tuesday announced his candidacy for the 11th Congressional District seat held by Republican Lou Barletta.

Though the election for that race will not take place until next year  this years primary and November election are mostly for judge and municipal races  Robert Alan Howe said hes seen enough of skinny budgets that cut services and benefit the richest Americans.

Howe said he will seek the Democratic nomination for the 2018 race.

Republican policies that reduce money coming into our communities to a trickle help no one, Howe said in his announcement. These policies dry up demand, causing businesses to wither and jobs to disappear. It is time to restore local growth. It is time for Democratic policies.

Howe said he will visit voters in the 11th Congressional District over the next 19 months to listen to their concerns.

The 11th District covers Cumberland County and runs in a narrow strip north to Hazleton.

Howe is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving 24 years, 20 of which were overseas assignments in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. He was a communications and operations planner, helping plan and launch special operations actions in the 2003 Iraq War. Howes medals include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, U.S. Air Force Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal (two awards) and the U.S. Air Force Achievement Medal.

Howe retired in 2005, and purchased a house with his wife, Hiromi Kowaguchi, in Carlisle in 2012. He moved to Carlisle full time in 2014 and has served on several local boards, most recently as the Carlisle Borough representative on the LeTort Regional Authority.

In politics, Howe in 2006 authored a stabilization plan for Iraq to advance the U.S. Senate debate. He also lobbied Senate offices in 2007 and 2008 with the help of professors from American University and Wayne State University, eventually being asked to write elements of his plan into a Senate amendment for consideration by the Democratic caucus.

Howe and his wife also worked with staff in Sen. Bill Nelsons office to reverse decisions by the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service that discriminated against military families.

Howe fly fishes on local streams and is involved in teaching stream ecology to Carlisle students. Howe has a daughter and four grandchildren, as well as a son-in-law on active duty with the U.S. Army.
Catelynn Lowell Baltierra discussed her struggle with postpartum depression a year after her month-long stint at Arizona treatment center Sierra Tucson.

The 25-year-old reality star came down with the baby blues following the birth of her second daughter Novalee 'Nova' Reign in 2015.

'With Nova, I thought it was severe because I struggled with anxiety already and panic attacks and depression [since age 21],' the Michigan native told People on Tuesday.

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'My girl and I': Catelynn Lowell Baltierra (pictured right with co-star Amber Portwood) discussed her struggle with postpartum depression a year after her month-long stint at Arizona treatment center Sierra Tucson

'People used to dog on me bad, but I don't think people understood the fact that my panic attacks are paralytic panic attacks, which is where I can not think, I can not function or move or hear any noises. I just sit in a ball and cry. It's weird, but I cannot function.'

Baltierra admitted her PPD was the only thing holding her back from expanding her family with stepbrother-turned-husband Tyler Baltierra.

'That is definitely the thing that scares me the most. I want to have a big family and have a lot of kids, but it's scary. It's definitely scary,' Catelynn explained.

'Especially because they say if you've had postpartum once, you have a higher chance of getting it with your next.'

'It was severe': The 25-year-old reality star came down with the baby blues following the birth of her second daughter Novalee 'Nova' Reign in 2015

The Michigan native told People: 'People used to dog on me bad, but I don't think people understood the fact that my panic attacks are paralytic panic attacks, which is where I can not think, I can not function or move or hear any noises. I just sit in a ball and cry. Its weird, but I cannot function'

'It's definitely scary': The Conquering Chaos author admitted her PPD was the only thing holding her back from expanding her family with stepbrother-turned-husband Tyler Baltierra

The Conquering Chaos author plans to ask for help from her mother the next time she has a baby.

Meanwhile, 25-year-old Tyler - whose incarcerated father Butch is married to Catelynn's mother - sees a therapist for his own depression and suicidal thoughts.

She didn't experience PPD when they welcomed their first daughter Carly, 7, who was adopted by a couple called 'Brandon and Theresa.'

Baltierra told People on Tuesday: 'They say if you've had postpartum once, you have a higher chance of getting it with your next'

Pictured in 2015: Meanwhile, 25-year-old Tyler - whose incarcerated father Butch is married to Catelynn's mother - sees a therapist for his own depression and suicidal thoughts

High school sweethearts: She didn't experience PPD when they welcomed their first daughter Carly, 7, who was adopted by a couple called 'Brandon and Theresa'

Fans can catch more of the high school sweethearts on the seventh season of Teen Mom OG, which airs Mondays on MTV.

The Baltierras - celebrating two years of marriage on August 22 - are both reportedly studying to become social workers at Baker College.
Over the weekend 15-year-old Sarah Ikumu wowed Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent.

And it looks as though Gemma Collins was also hoping to catch his attention, as she belted out a powerful rendition of the song as she watched the teen on TV.

The 36-year-old TOWIE star shared the video online, impressing her fans with her voice.

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Wow! Gemma Collins showed off her hidden talent as she belted out a powerful rendition of BGT contestant Sarah Ikumu's And I'm Telling You as she watched the teen on TV on Sunday

Dressed in a flowing leopard-print blouse and leggings, her plush white-themed house was visible in the background.

Standing by a pretty mirrored cabinet filled with flowers and picture frames, she gave a passionate effort at singing Jennifer Hudson's hit and I'm Telling You.

Spurred on by successful contestant Sarah's singing, she got right into the performance, recalling the lyrics word for word as she waved her hands dramatically.

Inspiration! Spurred on by successful contestant Sarah's singing, she got right into the performance, recalling the lyrics word for word as she waved her hands dramatically

The TOWIE star, who attended the Sylvia Young Theatre Company, spoke out about her passion for singing in her 2013 autobiography Basically.

'I would sing all the time and developed a good voice,' she revealed.

'On a few occasions I would get told off at school for singing in class but I was generally a very good pupil and never got in any serious trouble.'

Gemma added: 'I have always dreamed of being a star.

'I would say to others, don't ever listen to anybody who tells you can't do something.'

Talented: The 36-year-old TOWIE star shared the video online, impressing her fans with her voice

Plush: Dressed in a flowing leopard-print blouse and leggings, her plush white-themed house was visible in the background

Meanwhile Gemma is keen to slim down in an effort to get pregnant.

The blonde reality star, who was recently devastated when she was told she couldn't have her eggs frozen, revealed: 'If you are overweight and you're trying to have a baby, you're at a 40 per cent chance, basically. So less than half way. I need to lose weight.'

'If I had the body to match I'd be the fittest girl in Essex, I know I would. I'd be pregnant in five minutes.'
He has been busy working on his third album with boy-band 5 Seconds Of Summer over the past few months.

And it was time for Australian rocker Luke Hemmings to kick back on Sunday night as he hit a West Hollywood's trendy Delilah restaurant.

Looking slightly worse-for-wear, the vocalist was spotted leaving the establishment alone following a wild night on the town.

Need a rest? 5 Seconds Of Summer rocker Luke Hemmings looked worse-for-wear as he left a Hollywood hot-spot on Sunday night

Exiting separately was his band-mate Ashton Irwin who was flanked by a female companion.

Earlier this week, 5SOS sent fans into a tizzy with the announcement that they are gearing up to release their third studio album.

Taking to Twitter last Wednesday, Ashton Tweeted a photo of himself posing with a guitar, along with the caption: 'Insert album Due Date 00//00//17.'

Double trouble! Exiting separately was his band-mate Ashton Irwin who was flanked by a female companion

Fans immediately speculated this to mean that the album is set for release some time this year.

Days earlier, Ashton Tweeted: 'Thinkin late night about how much I want this 3rd album to be legendary for fans of this band, and how much I wanna show you what we can do.'

Guitarist Michael Clifford has also confirmed that the third album will go ahead, telling Nova Smallzy's Surgery in October 2016: 'We will start working on the album earlier next year.'

'With the third album we want to take a step back': The boys are gearing up to release their third studio album

'With the third album we want to take a step back and think 'okay how can we make this the best possible album we can make,' he said.

5SOS rose to stardom in 2013 after going on tour with One Direction.

While One Direction have seemingly called it quits, the 5SOS boys have been going from strength to strength.
He's been spending a quiet Easter with his family after welcoming a son with his wife Sophie Hunter.

And Benedict Cumberbatch was spotted heading out for a solo stroll in the Cotswolds in Oxfordshire, enjoying some fresh air and a break from his daddy duties.

The British actor was casually clad in a cable knit jumper and loose jeans, topping off the country chic look with suede boots.

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Stepping out: Benedict Cumberbatch was spotted heading out for a solo stroll in the Cotswolds in Oxfordshire, enjoying some fresh air and a break from his daddy duties

Benedict ventured out alone without his wife and their two sons, Christopher, almost two, and baby Hal.

The star, 40, hasn't been seen in public for a few weeks as he makes the most of his time with his newborn.

In true thespian style, Imitation Game actor named his boy after a Shakespearean hero.

New addition: He's been spending a quiet Easter with his family after welcoming a son with his wife Sophie Hunter

Hal was the nickname Henry V had before he became the hero of Agincourt. But in choosing the name, Cumberbatch could also be acknowledging his affection for fellow screen star Tom Hiddleston.

The pair starred together in 2012 in The Hollow Crown, an amalgamation of Shakespeares history plays in which Cumberbatch played Richard III and Hiddleston took the role of Hal.

They have been close pals ever since meeting on the set of Steven Spielbergs film War Horse in 2010.

Country chic: The British actor was casually clad in a cable knit jumper and loose jeans, topping off the country chic look with suede boots

We became friends for life, Hiddleston has said.

Sophie and the Sherlock star, 40, welcomed their son Christopher in June 2015, just a few months after their Valentine's Day wedding.

Benedict has previously said he hoped to add to his brood, joking he might 'go for a (Cumber)batch of boys.'
Georgia Kousoulou and Tommy Mallet are one of TOWIE's power couples - and it's easy to see why he's so enamoured with her judging by her latest fashion triumph.

The Only Way Is Essex lovebirds headed out for lunch at The Brickyard In in Essex for TOWIE filming on Tuesday, where Georgia slipped into a daringly short black mini.

Her slender pins look endless in the number, which she teamed with a short black hoodie which flashed a hint of her toned tummy.

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Only eyes for you! Loved-up Georgia Kousoulou (left) put on leggy display in daring mini skirt as she headed out for lunch with Tommy Mallet for TOWIE filming on Tuesday

The swimwear brand owner carried a stylish handbag as she spent the day with her love, who she now lives with.

She sashayed down the sidewalk in sky-high black boots complete with a trendy transparent heel.

The Essex beauty let her hair down as her tumbling glossy golden locks fell like a waterfall in cascading curls down her back.

All eyes: She sashayed down the sidewalk in sky-high black boots complete with a trendy transparent heel

Killer accessories: The swimwear brand owner teamed with a fitted long-sleeved top and a stylish handbag

Pleased as punch, Tommy, 24, showed he was very much in love as he couldn't stop smiling all afternoon when he headed out to lunch with his squeeze.

He looked very dapper in his ripped skinny jeans and trendy brown leather jacket, finished with a furry collar.

The London native opened up about their relationship in a recent interview, revealing he always knew the blonde bombshell was The One.

Dressed to impress: The 24-year-old looked very dapper in his ripped skinny jeans and trendy brown leather jacket, finished with a furry collar for the lunch date

Tommy told The Mirror: 'The difference between Georgia and me and some other couples [on TOWIE] is that we're soul mates.

'I knew we were the moment we got together.'

While the cosy TOWIE power couple couldn't keep their eyes off each other, they were joined by Amber Turner and Megan McKenna.
Her romantic dramas have kept TOWIE audiences captivated.

And Megan McKenna looks like her turbulent appearances are only set to heighten as she was spotted outside filming on Tuesday while having what appeared to be a heated debate on the phone.

The 24-year-old reality veteran has been locked in a raging row with her ex Pete Wicks with whom she has been hurtled into the central story of the show leaving her seen more sad than joyous while on-screens.

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Fuming: Megan McKenna looks like her turbulent appearances are only set to heighten as she was spotted outside filming on Tuesday while having what appeared to be a heated debate on the phone

Megan and Pete's love story has spun a convoluted tale ever since they first coupled up in March last year - with accusations of adultery flaring up resentment and hurt.

In January, the couple were seen rowing at the NTAs while filming descended into chaos earlier this month when the duo were locked in a furious row in the street shortly after Pete was pictured looking close with co-star Chloe Sims.

On Tuesday, it seemed Megan was locked in yet another fuming talk, although there is no indication that she was talking with or about Pete, as she paced outside filming at Brickyard club in their glam native county.

Despite her dramas, Megan ensured she looked nothing short of sensational as she marred smart and casual with a long-line blazer paired with sexy ripped jeans.

Who's that? The 24-year-old reality veteran has been locked in a raging row with her ex Pete Wicks with whom she has been hurtled into the central story of the show leaving her seen more sad than joyous while on-screens

Furious: Megan and Pete's love story has spun a convoluted tale ever since they first coupled up in March last year - with accusations of adultery flaring up resentment and hurt

In true Essex style, she was keen to inject aspects of designer chic as she sported Valentino Rockstud heels which market for around 600 while also rocking a stunning Prada handbag - adding the perfect touches to the chic look.

Atop the Prada and Valentino additions, the stunning star also proudly pinned a gold Chanel brooch to her lapel which stood as the only accessory alongside her huge mirrored aviators which masked her perfectly made-up face.

She scraped her extension enhanced tresses into a chignon at the nape of her neck, while backcombing at her scalp to add the perfect touch of volume.

On Sunday's episode of the show, Megan locked horns with Chloe after the beauty salon owner branded the EOTB star an 'attention seeker' in the midst of the drama.

Glam: In true Essex style, she was keen to inject aspects of designer chic as she sported Valentino Rockstud heels which market for around 600 while also rocking a stunning Prada handbag - adding the perfect touches to the chic look

Coming to a head at Gemma Collins' Easter party, the blonde, 34, was seen defending her words that Megan had been bringing other people into their dramatic split - brutally stating that 'no one wants to talk' about their breakup anymore.

After the photos emerged last month of Chloe and Pete looking cosy in the street, sparking romance rumours just weeks after his split from Megan.

While the pair staunchly denied the claims, Chloe and Megan soon clashed after Megan supposedly claimed she had a problem with the photos - and the lack of explanation for them from Chloe as a friend of both her and Pete.

The mother-of-one had first voiced her concerns about the situation to Georgia Kousoulou, during an Easter trip to the farm on the episode.

Chic: She scraped her extension enhanced tresses into a chignon at the nape of her neck, while backcombing at her scalp to add the perfect touch of volume
If you have ever wanted to live like a reality star - or at least look like you do - now is your chance.

The home used in Keeping Up With The Kardashian as a stand in for Kris Jenner's property has hit the market.

But the 61-year-old momager is not moving house as she lives in Hidden Hills, California, and the property up for sale is actually located almost an hour drive away in Studio City.

Up for grabs: The home used in Keeping Up With The Kardashian as a stand in for Kris Jenner's property has hit the market

All for show: But the 61-year-old momager (pictured Feburary) is not moving house as she lives in Hidden Hills, California, and the property up for sale is actually located almost an hour drive away in Studio City

The just listed home was long shown as Kris' house on the reality show for security reasons.

The very over-the-top mansion has served as the facade for the momager and former partner Caitlyn Jenner's property.

The Studio City home is on the market for $8.995 million, according to Los Angeles Times' Hot Property.

The home was previously listed in 2014 for $6.25 million but was taken off the market. It was last sold in 2005 for $5.225 million.

Stand in: The very over-the-top mansion has served as the facade for the momager and former partner Caitlyn Jenner's property since season 4

Not chump change: The Studio City home is on the market for $8.995 million

The home is located inside the gated the Fryman Estates and is concealed from the street thanks to a giant hedge.

The fact fans cannot just drive by and spot the home, makes it the perfect dummy house to ensure the security of Kris and also the residents of the Studio City home.

Past the hedge, fans may recognize the outside of the home but inside looks nothing like Kris' grand but restrained house.

Behind closed doors: The home is located inside the gated the Fryman Estates and is concealed from the street thanks to a giant hedge

Over-the-top: The home was previously listed in 2014 for $6.25 million but was taken off the market. It was last sold in 2005 for $5.225 million

That's different: Past the hedge, fans may recognize the outside of the home but inside looks nothing like Kris' grand but restrained house

Instead the Studio City stand-in house takes grandeur to another level and is far from understated.

The Italian-themed property is heavily decorated with every inch of the 7,800-square-foot house covered in ornate and over-the-top details.

For instance, while Kris' foyer is a dramatic black and white affair, the Studio City home welcomes guests with stone columns, chandeliers and a giant cupid statute.

Heavily decorated:The Italian-themed property is heavily decorated with every inch of the 7,800-square-foot house covered in ornate and over-the-top details

Spot the difference: For instance, while Kris' foyer is a dramatic black and white affair, the Studio City home welcomes guests with stone columns, chandeliers and a giant cupid statute

New hieghts: But that is nothing compared to the master bath which includes a curved ceiling complete with mural

Not done there: Another bathroom is part grotto, part castle with stone and gold throughout

But that is nothing compared to the master bath which includes a curved ceiling complete with mural.

In total, the home boosts seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms.

Its main sitting area is also packed full of Italian-inspired design features including a huge carved fireplace, a coffered ceiling, Venetian plaster walls and custom tapestry drapes.

Room for all: In total, the home boosts seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms

Specific taste: Its main sitting area is also packed full of Italian-inspired design features including a huge carved fireplace, a coffered ceiling, Venetian plaster walls and custom tapestry drapes

The home has been used by the E! network since 2004 after the original home said to be the Jenner household in Calabasas was demolished.

The home has also been used in HBO shows Rome and True Blood, LA Times reports.

Recently the back of Kris' real home and its pool area has been used.

Hollywood star: The home has also been used in HBO shows Rome and True Blood

Changing it up: Recently the back of Kris' real home and its pool area has been used

All of the Kardashian stars use facades of homes that are not their own for their security.

Kim Kardashian previously explained why they no longer used their own homes, saying on Twitter back in 2014: 'My old home in Beverly Hills was really my home & I would get people showing up at all hours ringing my gate & had to call the police on several occasions. People hoping the gate & scaring me.

'It was so unsafe. The Hollywood star tours would stop by too, bc they recognized my home from our show. After that we realized how unsafe it is to show the exterior of our homes. So now we use different homes for the outside for security purposes. When we film inside, that's obviously our real home.'
Janet Jackson's creative director Gil Duldulao came to her defense on social media Saturday after reports she was after a hefty divorce settlement.

'I want to state what I have to say as a friend. Even if there was a possibility that my friend could make 500 mil off of having a child. It's not in her character to want and or accept 500 mil,' her longtime pal on the payroll wrote on Instagram.

'It's character people and she is not the one. She would never accept a pay out or want a pay out. That's the human being I know. So you f***ers that state that - f*** you. That's not my friend and will never be. Point blank period AND if you checked your facts. She has been married for four years not 5 and something months to claim she will get 500mil. So keep trying you a**holes.'

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'It's not in her character': Janet Jackson's creative director Gil Duldulao came to her defense on social media Saturday after reports she was after a hefty divorce settlement

Her longtime pal on the payroll wrote on Instagram: 'It's character people and she is not the one. She would never accept a pay out or want a pay out. That's the human being I know'

'Never will you drag my besties name into the ground': Duldulao - who also tweeted 'Gold digger/not Jj' - was only 17 when he joined the 50-year-old pop diva's The Velvet Rope Tour

Duldulao - who also tweeted 'Gold digger/not Jj' - was only 17 when he joined the 50-year-old pop diva's The Velvet Rope Tour back in 1998.

The Hawaiian choreographer has also reportedly worked for Madonna, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Prince, Tina Turner, Nicki Minaj, and Christina Aguilera.

Gil considers the five-time Grammy winner family and even calls her newborn baby Eissa Al Mana his 'beautiful nephew.'

Janet - who boasts a $150M fortune - announced her separation from her billionare third husband Wissam Al Mana just three months after welcoming their son.

'My baby and me after nap time': The Hawaiian choreographer considers the five-time Grammy winner family and even calls her newborn baby Eissa Al Mana his 'beautiful nephew'

More likely a $200M settlement: Janet - who boasts a $150M fortune - announced her separation from her billionare third husband Wissam Al Mana just three months after welcoming their son

Meanwhile, the 42-year-old Qatari businessman penned a post-split message on his website: 'I love you so much, inshallah we will be together in the Great Forever'

Page Six reported Jackson will more likely receive a $200M settlement since their prenup outlined $100M for five years of marriage and another $100M for having a child.

'She loves to be in control,' a family confidante told the site.

'She ceded that control [in marriage] and she was not happy about it. She wants to get back to being Janet Jackson and not Mrs. Wissam Al Mana or being the obedient Muslim wife.'

Back to work! According to The Sun, the No Sleeep songstress and Duldulao will begin rehearsals this summer for her State Of The World Tour kicking off October in North America

Pictured in 2015: Last year, Janet abruptly canceled 75 concerts during her Unbreakable World Tour in order to focus on marriage and motherhood

Meanwhile, the 42-year-old Qatari businessman penned a post-split message on his website: 'To the most beautiful person in the world, thank you for your divine love, your eternal support and for being my best friend. I love you so much, inshallah we will be together in the Great Forever.'

According to The Sun, the No Sleeep songstress and Duldulao will begin rehearsals this summer for her State Of The World Tour kicking off October in North America.

Last year, Janet abruptly canceled 75 concerts during her Unbreakable World Tour in order to focus on marriage and motherhood.
They were seen enduring an explosive shouting match on the street last week, following their less-than-amicable split.

But Megan McKenna seems keen to make amends with her ex Pete Wicks, as she calls him to discuss their issues on the upcoming episode of TOWIE.

In new scenes set to air on Wednesday night, the brunette beauty, 24, becomes instantly emotional as she calls her ex, in their first formal chat since coming to blows on the streets of Essex.

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Reaching out: Megan McKenna seems keen to make amends with her ex Pete Wicks, as she calls him to discuss their issues on the upcoming episode of TOWIE

Last week, the Ex On The Beach star was pictured in the throes of a fierce argument with her former flame - reaching such fiery heights that producers were later forced to restrain Megan and remove her from the scene.

However things only went from bad to worse for the heartbroken beauty on Sunday night, after she endured another spat with Chloe Sims - who accused her of 'making a scene' of her breakup with Pete.

After a stressful few weeks however, it now seems Megan is ready to diffuse tension with her ex, as she is seen reaching out to Pete on the new episode of TOWIE.

Moving on? With Pete cutting a stony figure on the other end of the line, it remains to be seen whether the feisty pair can put their animosities aside and move forward as friends

Giving him a call to avoid any awkward confrontation in person, things appear to soon become emotional as Megan leans up against her car, with her head despondently in her hands.

With Pete cutting a stony figure on the other end of the line, it remains to be seen whether the feisty pair can put their animosities aside and move forward as friends.

Having first got together when she joined the show in March 2016, Megan and Pete finally called it quits on their romance last month - after admitting to themselves that Pete's sexting scandal, which emerged in September, still plagued their minds.

Reflecting: Megan and Pete (above) called it quits on their romance last month - after admitting to themselves that Pete's sexting scandal still plagued their minds

Megan confessed on the show that she had not been able to forgive her boyfriend for sending explicit texts to his ex Jacqui Ryland during a trip to Marbella, resulting in their turbulent relationship finally coming to a close.

However the split later became much more dramatic when photos emerged of Pete and Chloe Sims looking cosy in a nightclub.

While both parties have staunchly denied any chance of a romance between them, Chloe went on to brand Megan an 'attention seeker' for the way she dealt with both the photos and their breakup.

Fuming: However Megan was later accused of being an 'attention seeker' in the split by Chloe Sims - resulting in a row between the pair, which Megan goes on to discuss with Amber (above)

Catching up: Elsewhere on the episode, Tommy and Georgia (above) have dinner with Tommy's friend Nathan Massey, who fills them in on his breakup with Cara De La Hoyde

Her claims then resulted in a fierce spat between the girls on Sunday night's TOWIE - with Chloe claiming Megan had dealt with their breakup too publicly.

However, Megan goes on to confess on Wednesday's episode that despite clashing with Chloe, their conversation was definitely the best - a thought the blonde agrees with.

Elsewhere on the episode, Tommy and Georgia have dinner with Tommy's friend Nathan Massey - who fills them in on the truth behind his break up with Cara De La Hoyde and admits he's longing for a relationship like theirs.

Fraught: Yaz remains unhappy about Lockie's attitude in their relationship, and her woes are worsened when she hears about comments Pete has said about her

Easing tension: After an emotional chat with Megan and Amber Turner, who try to console her, Yaz speaks to Pete, while Megan tells Lockie how Yaz is feeling

Yaz remains unhappy about Lockie's attitude in their relationship, and her woes are worsened when she hears about comments Pete has said about her.

After an emotional chat with Megan and Amber Turner, who try to console her, Yaz speaks to Pete, while Megan tells Lockie how Yaz is feeling.

Later, when alone together, Yaz sets Lockie some ground rules - but is he prepared to stick to them?

The drama continues in The Only Way Is Essex on Wednesday 19th April at 10pm on ITVBe.
They kept their relationship under wraps for a few months.

But it seems like Billie Lourd and Taylor Lautner are now quite comfortable with publicly displaying their affection for one another.

The 24-year-old actress walked hand-in-hand with her 25-year-old hunky beau on a stroll through trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice Beach, California on Monday.

Relaxed: Billie Lourd was joined by boyfriend Taylor Lautner and her dog Tina as they took a stroll through trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice Beach, California on Monday

The two were not alone for the occasion as they were joined by Billie's prize French bulldog Tina.

The Scream Queens actress showed off her legs in a black mini skirt paired with matching leather boots.

She also sported a vintage black graphic T-shirt from 2004's The Verizon Ladies First Tour with a design featuring images of Beyonce, Missy Elliott, and Alicia Keys.

Loved up: The 24-year-old actress walked hand-in-hand with her 25-year-old hunky beau

On trend: The Scream Queens actress showed off her legs in a black mini skirt paired with matching leather boots along with a vintage graphic print top

Billie wore her long blonde hair down as she let her natural kooks show with minimal make-up on her face.

Taylor was dressed comfortably in a wrinkled pink shirt, black joggers and matching Vans Old Skool high-tops.

The Twilight star accessorized with a black trucker hat and a pair of aviators hanging off his top.

What a gent! The hunky actor seemed to be quite the gentleman as he not only walked alongside Billie's pup while holding onto the leash but also carried her

The hunky actor seemed to be quite the gentleman as he not only walked alongside Billie's pup while holding onto the leash but also carried her as they headed into their car.

The two stars began dating shortly before the deaths of Billie's mother Carrie Fisher and grandmother Debbie Reynolds in December.

Just days ago the starlet paid tribute to her late mom during a Star Wars Celebration in Orlando rocking a custom white Tom Ford dress to pay homage to Fisher's iconic character Princess Leia.

She also took to the podium during the panel to speak about her mother during the event, which was live-streamed, calling her a 'stronger soldier of a woman'.

The force is with her: Last week Billie made her first public appearance following the death of her mother Carrie Fisher last year at the Star Wars Celebration in Orlando

Paying tribute: She wore a Princess Leia-inspired number at the gala

Billie wore a Tom Ford creation that paid homage to Fisher's Princess Leia costume (pictured in 1977)

'My mom used to say she never knew where Princess Leia ended and Carrie Fisher began,' Lourd said onstage.

'She was imperfect in many ways but her imperfections and willingness to speak about them are what made her more than perfect.

'My mom, like Leia, wasnt ever afraid to speak her mind and say things that might have made most people uncomfortable, but not me and not you. That was why she loved you, because you accepted and embraced all of her.'

Billie also posed for a cute snap with her mother's famous co-stars Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford backstage before the event.

Legend: A tribute to the actress was also shown at the event which was live-streamed from Orlando on Thursday

Co-stars: The montage of clips included behind the scenes footage like this of Carrie with Billie on set
Police search for suspected robber

Police have issued an arrest warrant for a man they say robbed Members 1st Credit Union in Carlisle in January.

Terrell L. Waters, 46, of Harrisburg, is wanted on numerous charges including felony possession of firearm by a prohibited person and 24 counts of felony robbery, according to court records.

Waters and two other people robbed the Members 1st Credit Union in the 800 block of West High Street on Jan. 20 before fleeing in a black Lexus sedan, Carlisle Police said.

Two other suspects are being held in Mifflin County Jail.

Anyone with information about the robbery should call Carlisle Police at 243-5252.
Blake Lively has built her reputation on being a red carpet glamorpuss who has starred in both action films (Green Lantern) and classy, quirky fare (Cafe Society).

Now the mother of two is changing course a bit to become a part-time activist.

The 29-year-old Los Angeles native told Variety that she has become involved with cracking down on child pornography after a chance meeting with the Child Rescue Coalition at an event.

Caring: Blake Lively has taken one of the covers for Variety's Power Of Women NY issue where she talked about cracking down on child pornography

Her man: The star is married to Ryan Reynolds who she has two children with: Ines and James. Pictured January

'There are millions of files all over the world being traded every single day of child pornography,' said Lively, who appeared on one of the covers of Variety's Power Of Women NY.

Chelsea Clinton, Audra McDonald, Jessica Chastain, Shari Redstone and Gayle King took the other covers.

The Gossip Girl actress added: 'Its so disturbing. A lot of these people are fathers.'

In good company: Other covers were taken by Jessica Chastain (left) and Audra McDonald (right)

A force: Chelsea Clinton wore a black leather motorcycle jacket and jeans

More big names on the covers: Gayle King, left, wore orange, while Shari Redstone, right, modeled a blue suit

Lively is helping the Child Rescue Coalition promote 'a groundbreaking technology that flags the IP addresses of people who share and download sexually explicit images of minors,' according to Variety.

The Coalition's work has led to the arrest of 9,000 predators, and rescued 2,084 children from active abuse.

'If you proactively find these predators, you can save so many children,' added Lively.

Blake has been a joy to work with, says Coalition CEO Carly Asher Yoost.

Having some fun: The Cafe Society actress looked lovely on vacation in this social media post

'We hit it off, and were both passionate about protecting kids,' she said. 'We stayed in touch, and she really wanted to help. She got us a meeting at a technology summit at Facebook.

'Our mission is to protect the innocent. We try to get [the data] in the hands of law enforcement,' added Carly.

Yoost founded the nonprofit organization in 2013, in Boca Raton, Florida.



Blake's last few films since leaving Gossip Girl have included The Age Of Adaline with Harrison Ford, Cafe Society with Kristen Stewart, The Shallows with Oscar Jaenada and All I See Is You with Wes Chatham.
Tom Cruise travelled in style as he arrived in Paris after shooting more heart-stopping scenes for the highly-anticipated Mission Impossible 6 on Tuesday.

The 54-year-old - who will reprise his lead role as special agent Ethan Hunt - appeared giggly and relieved as he jumped into a car after filming fast-paced sequences for the sixth installment of the franchise.

As he completes most of the films daring stunts himself, no doubt he was pretty pleased with himself as he made his way to his next destination, wearing a comfy fitted jumper and dark blue skinny jeans.

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Action man! Tom Cruise touched down by helicopter in Paris to shoot daring Mission Impossible 6 scenes on Tuesday, before heading off in a waiting car

Get going! One of his crew members was appropriately wearing a 'Mission' jacket as Tom waved to him before heading off

The Top Gun heartthrob was seen climbing into a car, with his eyes hidden behind designer shades.

The actor appears to have slipped back into the role effortlessly after a grueling year of training.

It has been 21 years since the first Mission Impossible film hit cinemas but Tom has maintained his youthful appearance and his happy-go-lucky charm.

Step up: The star (pictured as Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol in 2011) will reprise his lead role as the special agent in the sixth installment of the franchise

Look back: It has been 21 years since the first Mission Impossible film hit cinemas but Tom has maintained his youthful appearance and his happy-go-lucky charm

Top man! The star who is famed for performing all his own stunts has slipped back into the role effortlessly after a grueling year of training

He got behind the wheel of an old fashioned BMW as he tore up the streets of the city for an exciting car chase sequence on Saturday.

The three times Golden Globes winner teamed up with Sean Harris for the dramatic scenes which promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Alec Baldwin, Superman star Henry Cavill, Simon Pegg and The Crown's Vanessa Kirby will join Cruise for the latest in the Mission Impossible franchise.

A-Team! The three times Golden Globes winner joined Sean Harris for the dramatic car chase scenes which promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats

Spotted! While eagle-eyed onlookers have caught sneaky glimpses of the flick, the team have been tight-lipped about the details of the plot

While eagle-eyed onlookers have caught sneaky glimpses of the flick, the team have been tight-lipped about the details of the plot.

Skydance Media CEO David Ellison told Collider: 'What Tom is doing in this movie I believe will top anything thats come before.

'It is absolutely unbelievablehes 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 [in 2015]. Its gonna be mind-blowing.'

The latest installment of the film is set to hit cinemas for release in 2018.

Revealed: The latest installment of the Mission Impossible is set to hit cinemas for release in 2018




The Emoji Movie is one star closer to filling up their keyboard.

Sofia Vergara announced on Tuesday that she will be playing the role of Flamenco Dancer in the upcoming Sony film.

'And she is always doing the Flamenco. She does it in the morning when she gets up, she does it when shes eating, she probably does it when shes sleeping. It makes things like driving or putting on her makeup very difficult,' she told People.

Dancing queen: Sofia Vergara announced on Tuesday she would play the role of Flamenco Dancer in Sony's The Emoji Movie, posting this photo with her character to Instagram

The Colombian beauty tells the magazine that she's often compared to the commonly-used emoticon.

'I thought it was going to be a perfect role for me because people are always saying that I look like her.'

The character seen in Sofia's post differs slightly from the universally-known version of the emoji where the dancing woman is wearing a red dress.

Lady in red: Vergara, seen here at the 2013 Emmys has joked that she often gets told she resembles the emoji

The animated film takes place in Textopolis where all of the characters can only experience the emotion or action they represent.

One character named Gene, voiced by T.J. Miller, was born without a filter and can experience all emotions.

Gene leads his fellow emojis on an adventure to find the code that will allow him to fit in with his one-note friends.

'I'm Latin, we all dance,': The 44-year-old actress, here in 2015, says her Colombian roots are responsible for her dancing skills

The Emoji Movie isn't Vergara's first job voicing a dancing character.

In 2011's Happy Feet 2, she voiced a penguin named Carmen who loves to dance in the Disney/Pixar film.

'I'm Latin, we all dance,' she told Digital Spy while promoting the film, adding that artists like Pitbull and Lady Gaga get her up out of her seat.

She's got moves: Colombian-born Sofia takes the stage with Pitbull at the 2016 Grammy Awards

She later went on to dance with Pitbull at the 2016 Grammy Awards for his performance of Taxi.

Sofia's husband Joe Manganiello recently voiced a role in The Smurfs: The Lost Village.

The couple just spent the Easter holiday together upon Sofia's return from Rome where she was shooting a new movie called Bent.
She's the stunning Spanish wife of Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, 33.

But on Wednesday Elsa Pataky, 40, revealed on the Today Show that despite being married for over six years her husband still hasn't learned to speak Spanish.

The Fate of The Furious actress told host Richard Wilkins: 'He promised me, he said, "I'll be speaking Spanish in two months there we go, we have been together for six years.'

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Not a word? On Wednesday Elsa Pataky, 40, revealed on the Today Show that despite being married for over six years her husband Chris Hemsworth still hasn't learned to speak Spanish

'Not a word?' questioned Richard, who appeared a little taken aback after he had said he had imagined Chris had 'gone the full length of the pool' to learn Spanish.

'He's improving, every year he knows one or two words more,' Elsa clarified.

The blonde beauty, who speaks five languages herself (English, Spanish, Italian, French and Romanian) said that she speaks Spanish to their kids at home.

'That's important, that's what my mum did to me, talked in Romanian. I start to speak in English, I'm like, "I don't express myself great." I got used to making an effort to speak to them in Spanish,' Elsa said.

Elsa also spoke of her life in Australia and how much she loves it.

'Byron Bay has something special. I don't know what it is. The energy, the people, how beautiful amazing it is. I feel it's a paradise. Chris took me there for like a weekend, I fell in love with that place,' she said.

'Except for the jellyfish!' Elsa joked, making reference to the incident that occurred when Matt Damon and his family visited them in Byron Bay and his daughter was stung by a jellyfish.

Elsa said that the little one dealt with the experience well.

'The girl was amazing. She cried just a little bit. She is so tough. He bit her on the arm and the belly.'

The Fate of The Furious actress told host Richard Wilkins: 'He promised me, he said, "I'll be speaking Spanish in two months there we go, we have been together for six years

Meanwhile, Elsa was unveiled an ambassador for a LOreal Paris hair care range in Australia this week, starring in a stunning new advertising campaign for the well-known brand.

'I love using this range of products  everything from the scent to how it makes my hair feel and the beautiful packaging,' Elsa said in a statement.

You beauty! Elsa Pataky unveiled as ambassador for LOreal Paris hair care in stunning new advertising campaign

Her high profile modelling gig comes as the blonde beauty spoke last week of her desire to be known as more than just Chris Hemsworth's wife in Australia.

'We live in Australia and I want to do things here and start working and for people to know me a little bit more than as Chris' wife,' she told Stellar.

The actress has also opened about what marriage to the Hollywood heart throb is like, with Chris previously being named the sexiest man alive by PEOPLE magazine in 2014.

'I was the sexiest in Spain for years!' The actress has also opened about what marriage to the Hollywood heart throb is like

'Hes like, "Im the Sexiest Man Alive," and Im like, "I was the sexiest in Spain for years! You have just one (title)",' Elsa joked.

Elsa and Chris married in 2010 after a whirlwind romance and have three children together India, 4, and twins Tristan and Sasha, 3.

The couple have recently been spending time in Byron Bay with longtime friend Matt Damon and his family.
After 22 years playing Sami Brady on hit daytime soap Days Of Our Lives, actress Alison Sweeney retired from the show in 2014.

But the retirement is apparently short-lived, as she announced on Instagram Monday that she's returning to play her villainous role.

'Im coming back to Days. Im so excited to tell all of you in person,' she said in the video.

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Returning role: Alison Sweeney informed fans on Monday she'd be coming back as her popular Days Of Our Lives character Sami Brady

'Im really, really excited to be back in Salem. I start shooting in a couple of weeks.'

The character of Sami left the fictional town of Salem, Illinois in 2014 for Hollywood after watching her husband get shot by character Clyde Weston.

In Ali's final scene, her character signs over the rights of her enterprises before she says a tearful goodbye.

Villain: Here she is seen as Sami Bradi on the hit soap in 2010

Sami and her two sons head to Los Angeles after executives offer to write the Sami Brady Story based on her struggles.

Two years later, fans will find out if Sami's story became a success or if she's returning to Salem to resume the life she lived before Los Angeles.

'You'll have to tune in to find out more,' Ali teased Days Of Our Lives fans.

Working woman: The 40-year-old actress has starred in a string of TV movies since leaving the soap in 2014, here she's pictured in September 2016

Die-hard fans of the soap suspected that she would return since her character was not killed off in her final appearance.

Since leaving Days in 2014, Alison has appeared in a string of TV movies including Murder She Baked: Just Desserts, The Irresistible Blueberry Farm and Love On The Air.

She also hosted The Biggest Loser and appeared in commercials for Arm & Hammer toothpaste.
Thailand has some of the world's most lethal roads, with accidents spiking over Songkran, the April new year festival

The number of people killed on Thailand's roads during the country's traditional new year week dropped by more than ten percent following a junta campaign to end the annual carnage.

The kingdom has some of the world's most lethal roads, with accidents spiking over Songkran -- the April new year festival -- as millions of city workers return to their country homes.

Both Songkran and the western New Year are both dubbed the "seven deadly days" because of the surge in crashes and road fatalities.

Figures released on Tuesday showed 390 people lost their lives on Thailand's roads during the previous seven days, an eleven percent decrease on the previous year.

Thailand's junta government has launched repeated crackdowns on drink driving since its 2014 power grab, including approving harsher penalties for offenders, seizing vehicles and forcing drivers to visit mortuaries holding the bodies of accident victims.

But until now all the previous campaigns showed no reductions.

People take part in a water fight during Songkran, or Thai New Year, celebrations in the southern province of Narathiwat, on April 13, 2017

Junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha on Tuesday said there was still work to be done to persuade Thais to drive more responsibly.

"No I am not satisfied because people are still dead," he told reporters.

Despite relatively good infrastructure, Thailand has the world's second most dangerous roads in terms of per capita deaths, according to data collected by the World Health Organization in a 2015 report.

Figures show drink-driving remains stubbornly entrenched in Thailand.

Nearly a third of accidents over this year's Songkran -- 28 percent -- were caused by drunk driving. Military authorities said they also seized 5,600 motorbikes and 1,800 cars driven by people who were over the limit.

Experts say speeding and a lack of helmet-wearing among motorcyclists are also major factors behind the high death rate.

The kingdom's traffic cops are also notorious for bribe-taking and letting wealthy, well-connected drivers off the hook for offences.

Neighbouring Myanmar, which also celebrates the traditional new year over the same period, said 285 people were killed on its roads last week.
Taiwan cannot grant political asylum to mainland Chinese but may give "long-term stay" permits

Taiwan said Tuesday it was reviewing a request for political asylum by a Chinese tourist, reportedly an anti-corruption activist who was previously jailed on the mainland.

The man named Zhang Xiangzhong has been identified by local media and a human rights group as the same person who was part of a movement calling for Chinese government officials to disclose their assets.

Zhang arrived in Taiwan on April 12 but separated from his tour group the next day.

He sought help on Monday from the Taiwan Association for Human Rights in applying for political asylum.

Taiwan's immigration department said Tuesday it had located Zhang and was providing him with temporary accommodation while authorities investigate his case.

Any decision to let Zhang stay could further sour relations between Beijing and Taipei, which has worsened since China-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen won Taiwan's leadership last year.

"We have to clarify details of his case to make further judgement and conclusions," said Chiu Chui-cheng of the Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan's top policymaking body on China.

"He would need to provide sufficient proof, including his involvement with democratic movements and that his life may be endangered if deported back to China," Chiu, the council's vice-chairman, told AFP.

Chui said mainland Chinese could not be granted political asylum but the government would evaluate whether he qualifies for a "long-term stay" permit.

He said authorities still need to verify whether Zhang is the same activist associated with the New Citizens Movement who was jailed for three years by a Beijing court in 2014 on a credit card fraud charge.

Zhang said he was motivated to leave the mainland by the wife of detained Taiwanese rights activist Lee Ming-cheh, according to a Radio Free Asia interview.

In a case that has drawn international scrutiny, Lee Ching-yu pledged she would "rescue" her husband, who is under investigation in mainland China for suspected activities "endangering national security."
A woman holds the portrait of a Palestinian prisoner during a rally in the West Bank city of Ramallah on April 17, 2017 to show support to hundreds of hunger strikers in Israeli jails

Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan vowed on Tuesday not to negotiate with hundreds of Palestinian detainees on the second day of a hunger strike led by popular leader Marwan Barghouti.

More than 1,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons launched the hunger strike on Monday, issuing a list of demands ranging from better medical services to access to telephones.

Issa Qaraqe, head of prisoner affairs for the Palestinian Authority, said on Monday that around 1,300 prisoners were on hunger strike and the number could rise.

The Palestinian Prisoners' Club had put the number at 1,500.

A spokesman for the Israel Prisons Service said around 1,100 prisoners started the hunger strike and roughly the same number were believed to be continuing on Tuesday.

Erdan vowed that Israeli authorities would not negotiate with the prisoners and said Barghouti had been moved to another prison and placed in solitary confinement.

"They are terrorists and incarcerated murderers who are getting what they deserve and we have no reason to negotiate with them," Erdan told army radio.

He said Barghouti had been placed in solitary confinement because calling for the hunger strike was against prison rules.

Some 6,500 Palestinians are currently detained by Israel for a range of offences and alleged crimes.

Of those, 62 are women and 300 are minors.

Some 500 are held under administrative detention, which allows for imprisonment without charge.

Palestinian prisoners have mounted repeated hunger strikes, but rarely on such a large scale.

Palestinian protesters wave flags bearing the image of jailed uprising leader Marwan Barghouti at a rally in the West Bank city of Ramallah on April 17, 2017 in support of a hunger strike he has called among prisoners in Israeli jails

Barghouti's call for the strike has given it added credibility, with the 57-year-old serving five life sentences over his role in the second Palestinian intifada or uprising.

He was convicted of attacks that killed five people.

He is popular among Palestinians, with polls suggesting he could win the Palestinian presidency.

"Decades of experience have proved that Israel's inhumane system of colonial and military occupation aims to break the spirit of prisoners and the nation to which they belong, by inflicting suffering on their bodies, separating them from their families and communities, using humiliating measures to compel subjugation," Barghouti wrote in a New York Times opinion piece.

"In spite of such treatment, we will not surrender to it."
Bangladesh police say online harassment has grown alarmingly with the rise of smart phone use, with teenage girls the main target

Bangladesh on Tuesday began training thousands of teenage girls to fight cyber crime, citing an "alarming" rise in social media-related abuses mostly targeting adolescents.

Police said online harassment had grown alarmingly with the rise in smart phone use in Bangladesh, and teenage girls were the main targets.

More than 10,000 school-age girls will take part in government workshops around the country in April and May to teach them what to look out for and how to respond.

"Every day, we have 10-12 complaints of cyber crimes. Some 90 percent of these victims are pre-teen and teenage girls," Nazmul Islam, a deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, told AFP.

Police said girls were being tricked into posing for intimate photographs and video footage that were later posted on social media or used for trolling.

On some occasions, hidden cameras were used to secretly film young people having sex, with the footage later posted online.

"Sometimes these photos and videos are being used by boyfriends to emotionally blackmail the girls or their families," said Islam.

Bangladesh in 2013 set up a special trial court to deal with social media-related crimes and since then more than 450 cases have been heard.

"(The) majority of the victims are young girls. In many cases, once they were married, they found that their former lovers posted their intimate photos to social media," prosecutor Nazrul Islam Shamim told AFP.

"In one incident, a young woman committed suicide after her lover sent some of her intimate photos to her mobile phone," he said.
Philippines bus accident

At least 25 people were killed and 22 injured when a passenger bus crashed into a deep ravine in the mountainous northern Philippines on Tuesday, authorities said.

The bus plunged about 24 metres (80 feet) in the upland province of Nueva Ecija before noon after its brakes failed while travelling on a windy road, police and local officials said.

"The vehicle is totally wrecked," said senior inspector Robert De Guzman, police chief of the town of Carranglan where the accident occurred. The impact appeared to have ripped the top off the vehicle, he added.

"Almost all of the passengers, both dead and injured, were found outside the bus."

Authorities were still investigating the cause of the accident but Carranglan Mayor Mary Abad told ABS-CBN television there were 60 passengers onboard although the bus had a capacity of only 45.

Abad added the wounded, some of whom sustained critical injuries, were rushed to nearby hospitals.

"The road is really risky. There are many ravines along that road going to Abra," Abad said, referring to the northern province where the bus was headed.

Dr. Arlene Jara, chief of the nearby provincial hospital treating the wounded, said children were among those injured.

Road accidents are common in the Philippines, where old, badly maintained buses ply poorly lit roads. Poor road habits and drivers working long hours also contribute to frequent mishaps.
State Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) will host her fifth annual breakfast and recognition ceremony to recognize veterans and active military personnel residing in the 88th Legislative District.

The event will take place May 2 at the First Church of God Community Center, 201 E. Green St., Mechanicsburg. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. The program will begin at 8 a.m. Vietnam veterans will receive a special commemorative lapel pin as part of the nations celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

All service members are welcome to participate, regardless of when they served.

We owe our veterans and active duty military a debt of gratitude for protecting and defending Americas freedom and independence, Delozier said. This is just one small way to thank them for their service.

Brig. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvanias adjutant general, will be this years keynote speaker for the event.

Veterans and active duty personnel are invited to bring a guest to the event; however, seating is limited, and registration is required. Those interested in attending can register online at RepDelozier.com or call Deloziers district office at (717) 761-4665.
US Vice President Mike Pence and Japan's Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso have agreed to hold further economic talks later this year that could lead to a bilateral trade deal

The US and Japan on Tuesday launched economic talks that Vice President Mike Pence said could result in a bilateral trade deal, salvaging some of the progress made in negotiations towards the now-abandoned TPP.

"At some point in the future there may be a decision made between our nations to take what we have learned in this dialogue and commence formal negotiations for a free trade agreement," Pence said at a joint news conference with Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso.

Pence's comments came as the two countries kicked off talks aimed at achieving a new economic relationship -- in line with US President Donald Trump's vow to focus on bilateral trade deals rather than multilateral ones that he says have damaged the United States.

Trump's decision to scrap the ambitious 12-nation Trans-Pacific Trade (TPP) deal championed by former president Barack Obama was a blow to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who expended substantial political capital to get the accord passed at home.

In Tokyo, there is still hope that the core of the agreement, thrashed out between the United States and Japan and intended to counterbalance China's regional economic power, can be salvaged in some form.

Pence, however, reaffirmed that there was no hope of reviving the TPP itself, which he called a "thing of the past" for the US.

Aso said the two countries had agreed to hold a second round of economic talks by the end of this year.

"I will continue having constructive talks with Mr Pence so as to deepen the win-win economic relations between Japan and the US," he said.
A US-led coalition has been carrying out air strikes against the Islamic State group in Syria since 2014

Air strikes by the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group killed 20 civilians in Syria's eastern Deir Ezzor province, a monitor said on Tuesday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the deaths came in two separate incidents on Monday.

It also reported 10 civilians, among them nine children, were killed in a suspected Russian air strike on Tuesday on a town in the rebel-controlled province of Idlib.

The Observatory, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria for its information, says it determines whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used.

The Britain-based monitor said a US strike on Monday night on the Deir Ezzor town of Albu Kamal had killed 13 civilians, among them five children.

The strike also killed three members of IS, which controls the town by the Syria-Iraq border, the monitor said.

Earlier Monday, a US-led coalition strike killed seven civilians, including a child, in the village of Husseinyeh, the monitor said.

The US-led coalition has been carrying out air strikes against IS in Syria since 2014 and is providing air support for a Kurdish-Arab alliance advancing on the jihadist bastion of Raqa.

Last month, the coalition said its campaign against IS in Syria and Iraq had unintentionally killed at least 220 civilians, but monitors say the real number is far higher.

Most of the oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor, in Syria's east, is held by IS, including parts of the provincial capital, Deir Ezzor city.

The jihadists have besieged the remaining government-held parts of Deir Ezzor city, trapping civilians inside with limited access to supplies.

More than 320,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began with anti-government protests in March 2011.
Members of the OPEC oil cartel agreed in November to reduce output for six months to support crude prices

Economic growth in Saudi Arabia and most other Arab oil exporters will slow this year following production cuts aimed at propping up energy prices, the International Monetary Fund said Tuesday.

In its latest World Economic Outlook report, the IMF cut its 2017 growth forecast for the region comprising the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan to 2.6 percent, down from the 3.1 percent projected in January.

"The subdued pace of expansion reflects lower headline growth in the region's oil exporters, driven by the November 2016 OPEC agreement to cut oil production," the Washington-based IMF said.

It "masks the expected pickup in non-oil growth as the pace of fiscal adjustment to structurally lower oil revenues slows," the IMF added, referring to measures to cut budget deficits.

Members of the OPEC cartel of oil exporters, mostly from the region, agreed last year to reduce output by 1.2 million barrels per day from January 1 for six months, to support crude prices that had shed half of their value since mid-2014.

"Growth in Saudi Arabia, the region's largest economy, is expected to slow to 0.4 percent in 2017 because of lower oil production and ongoing fiscal consolidation, before picking up to 1.3 percent in 2018," the IMF said.

It said that growth is likely to dip in most Gulf Cooperation Council member states, which also include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

One bright spot is gas-rich Qatar which is expected to register 3.4-percent growth this year, compared with 2.7 percent in 2016. Kuwait's economy, in contrast, is forecast to shrink by 0.2 percent.

In Algeria, the IMF sees economic growth of 1.4 percent this year, down from 4.2 percent last year.

Growth is also predicted to slow sharply in Iran, to 3.3 percent in 2017, from 6.5 percent last year when the Islamic republic won a boost from the lifting of economic sanctions.

Iraq's economy is expected to contract by 3.1 percent in 2017 after surging by 10.1 percent last year on the back of expanding oil exports after sharp contractions in the previous two years.

- Egypt reforms 'to deliver' -

The overall figure for the region overshadows a faster pace in many of its oil-importing countries.

Morocco's economic growth is forecast to jump from 1.5 percent last year to 4.4 percent this year, while Tunisia's economy is seen expanding by 2.5 percent compared with just one percent the year before.

On the other hand Egypt, whose currency plummeted in value after authorities floated it in November, will see slower growth of 3.5 percent this year, compared with 4.3 percent last year.

"In Egypt, comprehensive reforms are expected to deliver sizable growth dividends, lifting growth ... to 4.5 percent in 2018," it said.

The IMF, whose forecasts exclude war-torn Syria, noted that "continued strife and conflict in many countries in the region also detract from economic activity."

Meanwhile, a "broad-based recovery is expected to continue at a healthy pace" in Pakistan, the IMF said, forecasting growth of five percent this year, and 5.2 percent in 2018, "supported by ramped-up infrastructure investment."
A suicide blast that tore through buses evacuating families from northern Syria killed dozens, including at least 68 children, and wounded hundreds

Fatima Rashid was recovering in a Syrian hospital after a deadly suicide blast when she glanced at a teenager with a bloody, disfigured face. She did not recognise her daughter.

The wounded teenager was later taken across the border to Turkey for treatment and now Rashid, like many parents caught up in a horrifying attack on Saturday, is searching frantically for her child.

"I lifted the curtain back in the emergency room and I saw a girl. Half her face was gone and she was bleeding," Rashid told AFP, speaking at a shelter for displaced families near the Syria-Turkey border.

"I didn't think about whose daughter she was."

"When I woke up the next day, the doctors came to show me a picture of that girl. I remembered what my daughter Ghadir had been wearing. That was her," she said, with tears in her eyes.

At least 68 children were among 126 people killed when a suicide car bomb tore through buses evacuating Fuaa and Kafraya, two villages in northern Syria under rebel siege.

Children, wounded in a suicide car bombing that targeted their buses as they were being evacuated from two besieged government-held towns in northern Syria

Dozens of wounded, including 37-year-old Fatima and her children, were rushed to hospitals in nearby opposition-controlled territory, while others were taken to government-held Aleppo city.

Fatima has no news of Ghadir, her son Adel, 15, her 13-month-old daughter Rimas, or her husband Mohannad.

Only Zahra, seven, is safely at Fatima's side.

- 'Didn't even have her name' -

The carnage on Saturday came as thousands gathered to be evacuated from Fuaa and Kafraya as part of a complex deal that also saw people leave Madaya and Zabadani, towns near Damascus surrounded by pro-government forces.

"I saw a car distributing potato chips to the children. My daughter asked me to get her a bag, but a little kid came and snatched the bag from me," Fatima said.

A smile briefly crossed her face before it turned dark again, as she remembered the devastating scene that followed.

"I went to get another one and suddenly something exploded. I flew back onto the ground and there were bodies on top of me.... I pulled myself and my daughter out from under the bodies and ran."

Syrians wounded in a suicide car bombing that targeted buses carrying evacuees from besieged government-held towns. At least 68 children were among 126 people killed in the attack

"They took us to a hospital and treated us well... But when they took Ghadir to Turkey, I didn't know anything. They didn't even have her name," Fatima said.

Dozens of survivors from Fuaa and Kafraya were squatting on blankets and rugs in the displacement centre, awaiting news of relatives of whom they lost track after the explosion.

Several children, some as young as three, sat shell-shocked in a row, staying quiet as people asked for their names or where their parents were.

One woman, whose daughter was taken to another village for treatment, anxiously tried to locate her in unfamiliar rebel-controlled territory.

"Where is this village? How am I supposed to know anything about her?" she called out.

- 'Did he die?' -

Nearby, Umm Mohammad, her face scratched and her left hand wrapped in gauze, was hysterical.

She was flanked by her two young boys, whose faces were bandaged, but her third child was nowhere in sight.

"I want information about my son. Is he in Turkey? Did he die?" she screamed, as mothers nearby tried to soothe her.

"He's eight months old, he can't tell people who he is. No one knows his name. How am I supposed to get to him?"

In a section of the tent reserved for men, Shareef al-Hussein, 35, waited with his two sons.

Haydar, 10, was lightly wounded in the forehead. All that was visible of four-year-old Hamza's face from behind his bloodied bandages was his nose.

"My children cry every day because they want to see their mother. We hope to go back one day" to Kafraya, Hussein said.

He and fellow evacuees were besieged for two years by rebel fighters -- some of whom helped rescue people hurt in the suicide attack.

"They got us medication and food, they helped us with the kids," Hussein told AFP, which requested that rebel fighters not be present during the interview.

Osama, a resident of Fuaa who had joined a local pro-government militia in the village, said he was "not afraid" of being in opposition-controlled territory.

"Our brothers here are assuring us that we are not their hostages," he said.

Syria's six-year war has so bitterly divided its population that many anti-regime rebels and residents of government-held territory struggled to believe they were under the same tent.

Abu Obeida, a 33-year-old rebel fighter, said he helped rescue wounded civilians after Saturday's attack, but acknowledged it was "difficult" to say how he would have reacted if a deal between the two sides had not been underway.

"But I had to rescue the children and the old people," he added.

"It's a human issue."
US President Donald Trump (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk together at the Mar-a-Lago estate on April 7, 2017

US President Donald Trump praised China for its help in pressuring North Korea, while defending his softening stance on trade and other issues with the Asian giant, in an interview that aired Tuesday.

In the comments to Fox News, Trump cited the strength of his newfound relationship with President Xi Jinping in explaining why he has dropped his past criticism of China.

"Now, what am I going to do? Start a trade war with China while in the middle of him working on a bigger problem, frankly, with North Korea?" he said. "So, I'm dealing with China with great respect. I have great respect for him. Now, we'll see what he can do."

"What am I going to do? In the middle of him talking with North Korea I'm going to hit them with currency manipulation? This is the fake media that just does a number," he said, speaking Monday on the sidelines of the annual White House Easter egg roll.

"Think of it. He's working so nicely. Many coal ships have been sent back, fuel has been sent back. They're not dealing the same way. Nobody's ever seen it like that. Nobody's ever seen such a positive response on our behalf from China."

The turning point in Trump's relationship with China appears to have come when he met with Xi at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on April 6-7.

During the US presidential campaign, Trump harshly attacked Beijing as a currency manipulator and threatened to slap 45 percent tariffs on Chinese imports.

Since taking office, however, US tensions with North Korea have soared amid a drumbeat of missile tests and fears Pyongyang may be readying a sixth nuclear test.

When asked if he had ruled out some sort of military strike against North Korea, Trump said he did not wish to reveal his plans.

"I don't want to telegraph what I'm doing or what I'm thinking," he said.

"I hope there's going to be peace, but they've been talking with this gentleman (Kim Jong-un) for a long time. You read (Bill) Clintons book and he said 'Oh, we made such a great peace deal' and it was a joke. You look at different things over the years with President Obama. Everybody has been outplayed. Theyve all been outplayed by this gentleman and well see what happens."

US experts believe that only China has sufficient economic and political leverage to restrain Pyongyang's drive to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead.
US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis briefs reporters en route to Riyadh on April 18, 2017, at the start of a Middle East tour

The United States and China are working "closely" together over North Korea, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said on Tuesday, two days after a new missile test by Pyongyang.

Sunday's test "shows why we are working so closely right now with the Chinese, coming out of the Mar-a-Lago meeting" in Florida between the two nations' leaders earlier this month, Mattis told reporters.

The American-Chinese effort seeks to "get this under control and aim for the denuclearised Korean peninsula" desired by China, the US, South Korea and Japan, he said as he flew to the Middle East for a tour.

"We all share that same interest."

North Korea has defied international pressure over its quest to develop a nuclear-tipped ballistic missile capable of reaching the US mainland.

American officials said the missile test-fired on Sunday exploded seconds after launch.

North Korea still has many technical problems to resolve, but the intensity of its current testing worries Pentagon strategists.

Estimates vary about how much time Pyongyang would still need to build intercontinental ballistic missiles, but some at the Pentagon think it could happen within two years.

Others believe several more years might be needed, noting the difficulty of designing and testing the warhead.

This component, which contains the nuclear bomb, must be able to resist the enormous heat and shock accompanying its atmospheric re-entry after being fired into space.

Mattis arrived on Tuesday in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, his first stop on the Middle East tour that will also see him visit Egypt, Israel, Qatar and Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.
Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff speaks to his supporters on April 18, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia

Republicans were dealt an unwelcome reminder of Donald Trump's unpopularity Wednesday after a young Democrat's inconclusive but rousing first round victory in a race for a congressional seat long held by the president's party.

Jon Ossoff, 30, fell just short of an outright win with 48.1 percent, but came in first by a wide margin in a crowded field of candidates in Georgia's conservative 6th district, where Tuesday's vote was seen as an early test of strength for the president.

That sets the stage for a battle royale June 20 when Ossoff faces off against second place finisher Karen Handel, a Republican who won just 19.8 percent of the vote but will almost certainly benefit from her party coalescing around her.

Ossoff, a documentary filmmaker and former congressional aide, told energized supporters before all the returns were in that he and Democrats "shattered expectations" with their performance.

"There is no doubt that this is already a victory for the ages," Ossoff said.

Trump, his political brand at stake, jumped into the race as voters went to the polls, attacking Ossoff and urging Republicans to vote in a burst of tweets and robocalls.

"Despite major outside money, FAKE media support and eleven Republican candidates, BIG "R" win with runoff in Georgia. Glad to be of help!" he tweeted after the results came in.

Handel said Trump called Wednesday to congratulate her and to let her know "it's all hands on deck for Republicans" going into the runoff.

- Democratic resurgence? -

Supporters of Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff wait for election returns

Democrats still hope Ossoff can capitalize on Trump's lackluster popularity -- his poll numbers lag at around 40 percent, a record low for an incoming president.

As they see it, a win in Georgia could jumpstart efforts to retake control of the House of Representatives in next year's midterm elections.

"I'd rather be Jon Ossoff than Karen Handel right now," Tom Perez, the Democratic National Committee chairman, told CNN. "The progressive energy out there is palpable and the volunteers are out there. The DNC is all in and other partners all in. I feel good."

Georgia's 6th district is in the relatively affluent and conservative suburbs of Atlanta. It has remained a Republican fortress since 1978 when it was won by Newt Gingrich.

The special election is being held to replace congressman Tom Price, who resigned to become Trump's health secretary.

In the run-up to Tuesday's vote Ossoff had marshalled an army of volunteers, and reportedly amassed millions of dollars in out-of-state contributions by Democratic groups.

Liberal advocacy group MoveOn.org in a statement called Ossoff's first-place finish "a huge triumph for the Resistance and for progressives."

"The reason is clear: voters are rejecting Trump and his policies."

- Grassroots energy -

Part of what is fueling Democratic excitement about the race is that while Trump won Georgia by six percentage points, the district that Ossoff seeks to win supported Trump by barely one point over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

It has many well-educated voters who are reliably Republican but frustrated by Trump.

Voters cast their ballots for Georgia's 6th Congressional District in a special election

"This is a Republican district but it is not a strongly Trump district just as there are Democratic districts that are Trump districts," said Tom Cole, a Republican leader in the House of Representatives.

"It does tell you this is the kind of seats that Democrats would and should focus on and where they need to win. Last night they weren't able to do that. We'll see how we did on June 20th," he said on CNN.

The race quickly gained national attention, becoming the 11th most expensive election in House history, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution has reported that Republicans and Democrats have spent a combined $14 million on ad blitzes.

Ossoff is an untested candidate. He praises the grassroots organizers who he said are fueling support for his campaign and those of other Democrats considering mounting challenges in Trump-friendly territory.

To date Democrats have been unable to translate such energy into tangible election victories in the Trump era.

Last week, a Democrat challenging for an open congressional seat in a deep-red district in Kansas fell short of an upset.

The Democrat lost that race by seven percentage points, but the party sought to spin the result as a positive, pointing out that Trump won the district in November by 27 points.
A Saudi-led coalition began air strikes over Yemen in March 2015

Twelve Saudi soldiers, including four officers, were killed on Tuesday when their helicopter went down in Yemen, the Arab coalition fighting Yemeni rebels said in a statement.

The Saudi Black Hawk "fell during operations in the province of Marib" east of Sanaa, the coalition said in a statement carried by SPA state news agency, without clarifying the reason.

"The causes of the incident are being investigated," the statement added.

Coalition spokesman General Ahmed Assiri told AFP it was "too early" to comment on the causes of the crash, which is one of the deadliest incidents involving coalition forces in Yemen.

The rebel-controlled Saba news agency said a helicopter crashed east of the provincial capital Marib without giving further details.

Two years of conflict in Yemen

A Saudi-led coalition began air strikes over Yemen in March 2015 in support of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's internationally recognised government in its fight against Iran-backed Huthi rebels.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which play key roles in the coalition, have suffered the alliance's heaviest losses in Yemen, with dozens of soldiers killed.

In September 2015, a rebel missile strike on a coalition base in Marib killed 67 coalition soldiers, most of them Emiratis.

The United Nations says that more than 7,700 people have been killed since March 2015 in Yemen, which also faces a serious risk of famine this year.

Seven ceasefires brokered between government and rebel forces by the United Nations have failed, while UN-backed peace talks have repeatedly broken down.
Like many of Donald Trump's executive orders to date, the newest decree on worker visas will have little practical impact, but sends a signal for the various government departments to come forward with ideas for reform

President Donald Trump moved Tuesday to make good on his emblematic pledge to "Buy American, Hire American" by tightening skilled-worker visa rules, but his room for maneuver remains limited without wider congressional reform.

Speaking in Kenosha, Wisconsin -- one of the states that carried him to his upset victory last November -- Trump vowed: "We're going to do everything in our power to make sure more products are stamped with those wonderful words, 'Made in the USA.'"

Like many of Trump's executive orders to date, his newest decree will have little practical impact, but sends a signal for government agencies to come forward with ideas for reforming the country's H-1B visa system.

Trump is looking to stamp out "abuses" of the time-limited work permits, which are pervasive in the US high-tech sector, as a first step towards reforming the regime.

Intended for scientists, engineers and computer programmers, H-1B visas have become an important gateway for the many Indians drawn to Silicon Valley. The United States issues 85,000 each year.

Trump's decree namely instructs the Labor, Justice and Homeland Security departments to tackle abuses and draw up reforms aimed at bringing the program back to its original intent: awarding visas to the most skilled and highly paid applicants.

The Trump administration argues that the current system has led to a "flood" of relatively low-wage, low-skill workers in the tech sector -- and in doing so has harmed American workers.

"We believe jobs must be offered to American workers first," Trump said.

The US Chamber of Commerce voiced immediate reservations: While it agreed there was room for improvement of the H-1B program, it warned the Trump administration not to do away with it altogether.

"For too long, rather than operating as designed and allowing only the best and brightest to come in and fill key positions, the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program has been administered in a way that harms American workers," a White House official said

"It would be a mistake to close the door on high-skilled workers from around the world who can contribute to American businesses' growth and expansion and make the US more competitive around the world," the business lobby said in a statement.

The White House sees the decree as a way to spur momentum towards a broader congressional reform of the H-1B scheme -- whose outline remains unclear.

"This is a transitional step to get towards a more skill-based and merit-based version," a US official told AFP. "There is a lot we can do administratively, and the rest will be done hopefully legislatively."

In his maiden speech to Congress, on March 1, Trump had proposed introducing an Australian-style merit-based system to reduce the flow of unskilled workers into the United States.

- Seeking momentum -

Trump's new decree also includes a "Buy American" component, calling for stricter implementation of existing laws that are intended to favor US-manufactured goods in public tenders.

Without making specific new announcements, the Republican president once more pointed the finger at the North American Free Trade Agreement between the US, Canada and Mexico, dubbing it "a complete and total disaster."

"It's been very, very bad for our companies and for our workers and we're going to make some very big changes or we are going to get rid of NAFTA for once and for all," he warned.

As Trump's presidency nears the symbolic 100-day mark, the 70-year-old leader is looking to regain momentum on the domestic front after his flagship travel ban was blocked in court, and his vaunted health reform foundered in Congress.

Trump's promise of an ambitious tax reform -- another central campaign pledge that would notably involve slashing corporate taxes -- is also struggling to take shape.

"Our tax reform and tax plan is coming along very well," Trump said in Wisconsin. "It's going to be out very soon."

But Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin acknowledged in the Financial Times earlier Tuesday the reform would likely be delayed, calling the target of getting it through Congress before August "highly aggressive to not realistic at this point."
Carlisle native and Cumberland Valley graduate Capt. David E. Brown of the Arizona Rangers Show Low Company was recently named Ranger of the Year for the state of Arizona.

At the same time, he received the Captain Burt Mossman Award for leadership.

Having retired from the Army, Brown lives in Show Low with his wife of 24 years, Heidi. The couple has two children, daughter Kayla and son Skyler.

Q. Tell me about the Arizona Rangers. What they do as a law enforcement auxiliary?

A. The Modern Day Arizona Rangers support law enforcement across the entire state of Arizona. We are trained in weapon tactics, baton, handcuffing, radio communication, traffic control, active shooter training, etc. Law enforcement can call upon us at anytime with the benefit of knowing that, if they need us, we are already trained and prepared for duties and emergencies. We purchase all of our own uniforms, gear and training equipment. We receive no pay. Our rangers carry firearms in every event we take part in. The governor of Arizona is the Chief Arizona Ranger. There are 18 companies across the state of Arizona and approximately 300 active men and women currently in the Arizona Rangers. I am the captain of Show Low Company, and we cover two counties, Apache County and Navajo County.

Q. The Rangers are celebrating their 60th year. Would you tell us a little about their history, including the Territorial Arizona Rangers?

A. The Territorial Arizona Rangers were active from 1901 to 1909. They were modeled after the Texas Rangers. During that time span, a total of 107 men rode horseback and cleaned up the territory of cattle thieves, horse rustlers and just plain bad men. These brave men did their job so well they basically worked themselves out of a job, being disbanded in 1909. Nine out of 10 times they would capture their man dead or alive. The Territorial Arizona Rangers played a major role in helping Arizona achieve statehood.

In 1957, with the help of four living Territorial Arizona Rangers, the state of Arizona reinstated the Arizona Rangers as an all-volunteer, law enforcement auxiliary. Our main priority is law enforcement assistance. We also give back to the youth of Arizona and our communities. Finally, we keep our history alive through our uniforms and giving history classes where able.

Q. How did you become a Ranger?

A. My wife actually introduced me to a couple of Arizona Rangers at a preparedness fair. Before meeting these two men, I had never even heard of the Arizona Rangers before. I was impressed by their uniforms and the fact that they were willing to put their lives on the line while giving so much back to the community that they reside in. The fact that they did all of this without receiving a paycheck seemed to impress me even more. I can honestly say that from the moment I met them, I knew I was going to become an Arizona Ranger.

Q. How were you selected for these awards?

A. I was selected in March of 2017 to receive the Ranger of the Year Award and the Captain Burt Mossman Award for my leadership role of helping with the Cedar Creek Fire. This emergency lasted well over a week and almost caused the evacuation of the town of Show Low. Our town also had a local police officer killed in the line of duty last November. His name was Darrin Reed. Immediately, my company and I volunteered to assist the surrounding police departments with anything they needed to continue their duties. These two emergencies, along with leading by example, was the main reason that I achieved these two awards.

Q. What drew you first to the Army and then to working with the Rangers?

A. I enlisted in the U.S. Army my senior year of high school. At the time, I wanted the chance to learn a job skill while being able to travel. I served as a motor transport operator and an Army recruiter. My wife and I moved to Arizona after our retirement in 2012. Upon meeting with the Arizona Rangers, I realized that I had so much more that I wanted to personally contribute to society. I mentioned before that we do not get paid money as Modern Day Arizona Rangers. Our payment comes from helping people whose lives we touch daily on and off duty.
Egyptian Bedouins wait for tourists with their camels outside the walls of St Catherine monastery in the Sinai desert

A policeman was killed and three others wounded Tuesday when gunmen opened fire on a checkpoint near St Catherine's monastery in Egypt's Sinai, the interior ministry said, in an attack claimed by Islamic State jihadists.

"A number of gunmen... facing one of the checkpoints on the road to St Catherine's in south Sinai shot at security forces at the checkpoint," the interior ministry said in a statement on its Facebook page.

Security forces returned fire, wounding some of the attackers and "forcing them to flee", it said.

The police were pursuing efforts to find the gunmen, the ministry said.

Khalid Abu Hashem, the health ministry official for South Sinai province, earlier told state television that one person had been killed and four wounded.

The injured were in a stable condition and had been taken to hospital in the nearby Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, he said.

IS claimed responsibility for the attack shortly after.

"The attack that took place near St. Catherine Monastery in south Sinai was carried out by Islamic State fighters," the group's Amaq propaganda agency said on social media accounts, citing a "security source".

St Catherine's monastery, a Christian site which lies some 500 kilometres (300 miles) southeast of Cairo in the south of the Sinai peninsula, attracts thousands of visitors a year.

The attack comes nine days after Palm Sunday services at Coptic Christian churches in the cities of Tanta and Alexandria were bombed by IS, killing 45 people.

IS has threatened to carry out more attacks on the minority, which makes up about 10 percent of Egypt's 92 million people.

Egypt is battling a jihadist insurgency in north Sinai that has killed hundreds of policemen and troops since the 2013 ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

In October 2015, IS claimed the bombing of a Russian airliner carrying holidaymakers home from the popular south Sinai resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, killing all 224 people on board.
Soldiers from the United Nations Stabilisation Mission for the Congo are seen in an abandoned quarry in Munigi in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2013

South Sudanese former rebels on Tuesday released 16 UN staff after holding them hostage for several hours in a camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a UN official said.

About 530 former rebels from South Sudan are living in the Munigi camp, just outside of Goma, where they fled when fighting flared in the South Sudanese capital of Juba in July.

"We are pleased to confirm that all 16 MONUSCO staff, who were earlier being held in a camp for former combatants in Munigi, have been released," said a UN official.

The 16 staff worked for the UN mission, known as MONUSCO, but there were no details about their nationalities.

"The camp is quiet and under full control of MONUSCO. All staff have returned safely to their homes," said the official.

The official added that there were no casualties from the incident and that the mission had opened an investigation.

The combatants, who were disarmed when they entered the camp, have for months demanded to be relocated, but UN officials have been unable to find countries willing to take them in.

Rebel leader Riek Machar remains in South Africa and has been prevented from returning to South Sudan.

After gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan descended into war in December 2013, leaving tens of thousands dead and 3.5 million people displaced.
Malian army forces patrol east of Timbuktu in 2015

Suspected jihadists killed five Malian soldiers Tuesday in the restive northern Timbuktu region, the government said, while the French army said it had "neutralised" around 10 fleeing attackers.

The attackers made a dawn raid on an army camp in the remote Gourma Rharous area, about 120 kilometres (75 miles) from the ancient city of Timbuktu, a statement from Mali's government said.

The assault "by a terrorist group" led to "the deaths of five soldiers and around 10 wounded," the statement said without identifying the attackers.

The French army said troops serving under Operation Barkhane, its counterterror operation targeting jihadist groups in the Sahel region, had arrived at the scene after Malian soldiers raised the alarm.

They sent a plane and a team of French commandos and about 10 of the fleeing attackers were "neutralised" about 30 kilometres from the camp they raided, it said, without specifying if the attackers had been killed or wounded.

The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali condemned the "terrorist" attack and said it had sent a helicopter to evacuate the injured soldiers.

Mali's north fell under the control of jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012 who hijacked an ethnic Tuareg-led uprising, though the Islamists were largely ousted by a French-led military operation in January 2013.

But swathes of the country remain beyond the control of Malian, French and UN forces, which face regular attacks despite a 2015 peace deal that was supposed to isolate the jihadists once and for all.
A US defense official on April 18 told AFP that the ships, including the USS Carl Vinson, seen in 2014, remained off the northwest coast of Australia, though the Navy said it was directing the group "north" as a deterrant to North Korea April 8

An aircraft carrier the US Navy said was steaming toward the Korean Peninsula amid rising tensions has not yet departed, a US defense official acknowledged Tuesday.

The Navy on April 8 said it was directing a naval strike group headed by the USS Carl Vinson supercarrier to "sail north," as a "prudent measure" to deter North Korea.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis on April 11 said the Vinson was "on her way up" to the peninsula.

President Donald Trump the next day said: "We are sending an armada. Very powerful."

But a defense official told AFP Tuesday that the ships were still off the northwest coast of Australia. A Navy photograph showed the Vinson off Java over the weekend.

"They are going to start heading north towards the Sea of Japan within the next 24 hours," the official said on condition of anonymity.

The official added that the strike group wouldn't be in the region before next week at the earliest -- it is thousands of nautical miles from the Java Sea to the Sea of Japan.

At the time of the strike group's deployment, many media outlets said the ships were steaming toward North Korea, when in fact they had temporarily headed in the opposite direction.

The United States ratcheted up its rhetoric ahead of North Korea's military parade and failed missile launch over the weekend, and Vice President Mike Pence on Monday declared that the era of US "strategic patience" in dealing with Pyongyang was over.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un responded with his own fiery warnings and threatened to conduct weekly missile tests.

It was not clear if the issue was the result of poor communication by the Navy, but some observers were critical.

Joel Wit, a co-founder of the 38 North program of the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University, said the matter was "very perplexing" and fed into North Korea's narrative that America is all bluster and doesn't follow through on threats.

"If you are going to threaten the North Koreans, you better make sure your threat is credible," Wit said.

"If you threaten them and your threat is not credible, it's only going to undermine whatever your policy toward them is."

The strike group has been conducting drills with the Australian navy in recent days, the official said, though it scrapped a planned port visit in Australia as a result of the new orders.
GOOCHLAND, Va. (AP) - Virginia authorities are investigating the death of an Army veteran, paralyzed from the waist down, who was found early Monday in a wheelchair outside his apartment complex.

Paul Chisholm, 38, showed no signs of trauma other than to his feet, which apparently dragged under his wheelchair, leaving a trail of blood from his apartment, Goochland County Sheriff Jim Agnew said. The blood pooled outside other apartment doors, where he may have sought help.

A newspaper carrier found his body.

Chisholm's mother said he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and was medically discharged after he was injured in Afghanistan, where he served with the 101st Airborne. After returning from Afghanistan, he was struck by a car, leaving him paralyzed from the upper chest down, Alice Farley said.

She described her son as a sweet, thoughtful person who played piano by ear, loved to fish and appreciated a good haircut.

"It's a really tragic time for the family," Farley told The Associated Press on Monday evening.

Army service records show he received six awards during just over two years of service.

Agnew said the sheriff's office is not looking for any suspects. The medical examiner was working to determine how Chisholm died.

Farley said she had no idea what happened to Chisholm.

"It's all speculation right now," she said. "The family is waiting to hear, ourselves."
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Independent Vermont U.S. senator and former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is calling for a radical transformation of the Democratic Party.

Sanders and Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez launched a cross-country tour together Monday in Maine, where Sanders won the Democratic presidential caucuses. The 10-day tour will take them from Portland to Nevada.

Sanders says the Democratic Party must stop ignoring half the nation's states and take on corporate greed on behalf of the working class.

Perez urges attendees to resist Republican President Donald Trump by winning seats in Congress, statehouses and school boards.

Sanders earned nearly two-thirds of the ballots cast in Maine's Democratic presidential caucuses to beat Hillary Clinton.

Some attendees say it's time to unite the party. Others say they're skeptical of political parties and big money in politics.
BEIRUT (AP) - An overnight airstrike likely carried out by the U.S.-led coalition struck an eastern Syrian town held by the Islamic State group, killing at least 10 people and wounding dozens, opposition activists said. Another airstrike, this one during the day, hit a rebel-held village in the northwest on Tuesday, killing a woman and nine children.

The activists said the late Monday strike on the town of Boukamal, on the Iraqi border, was similar to airstrikes carried out by the U.S.-led coalition that has been targeting IS in both Syria and Iraq. Airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition have killed dozens of civilians over the past several weeks as the battle against the extremists intensifies.

The new purported took place as the U.S.-led coalition came under fire from Human Rights Watch over another deadly incident in northern Syria last month, in which dozens of people were killed.

The IS-linked Aamaq news agency said the strike of Boukamal killed six people and wounded 15 - all of them women and children. It did not say whether any IS fighters were also killed.

The U.S. military's regional command, CENTCOM, said in response to a query by The Associated Press that it was aware of the reports and was looking into them.

Activists gave different casualty tolls. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Boukamal strike killed 15 civilians, including women and children, as well as three Iraqi IS fighters.

Opposition activist Omar Abu Laila, who currently lives in Europe but is from the province where the strike took place and maintains contacts there, said 10 people were killed, including an Iraqi family of four. He said IS cordoned off the area and cut all telecommunications after the strike, which heavily damaged at least four buildings.

"The number of casualties is huge," Abu Laila said, adding that mosque loudspeakers were used to urge people to head to hospitals to donate blood.

IS used to control wide parts of Syria and Iraq, where the group declared a caliphate in 2014. Over the past year the extremists have suffered a string of defeats at the hands of an array of Syrian and Iraqi forces.

On Tuesday in northern Syria, an airstrike on the village of Maaret Harmeh killed 10 people and wounded several others, activists said. The Observatory said those killed were all relatives. The Civil Defense, another activist group, said 10 people were also wounded in that attack.

Maaret Harmeh is close to the town of Khan Sheikhoun where a chemical weapons attack killed nearly 90 people on April 4.

The United States has accused the Syrian government of being behind the attack and fired missiles at a Syrian army base. Syria denies the charges.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch said in a report Tuesday that U.S. forces appear to have failed to take necessary precautions to avoid civilian casualties in a March 16 airstrike that killed dozens of people in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo.

U.S. officials said at the time that the airstrike hit an al-Qaida gathering, killing dozens of militants. Syrian opposition activists said around 40 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the crowded Omar Ibn al-Khattab Mosque in the Jeeneh district. U.S. officials at the time also said they found no basis for reports that civilians were killed.

However, Human Rights Watch's 16-page report said it found no evidence to support the allegation that members of al-Qaida or any other armed group were meeting in the mosque. It said a religious lecture was being held at the time of the attack and that prayers were about to begin.

"The U.S. seems to have gotten several things fundamentally wrong in this attack, and dozens of civilians paid the price," said Ole Solvang, HRW deputy emergencies director. "The U.S. authorities need to figure out what went wrong, start doing their homework before they launch attacks, and make sure it doesn't happen again."

Lama Fakih, the New York-based watchdog's deputy for Mideast and North Africa, told the AP that the report concluded the mosque strike killed at least 38 people. She added that the U.S.-led coalition appears to "have failed to understand" that the building being hit was a mosque.

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Associated Press writer Maamoun Youssef in Cairo contributed to this report.
SYDNEY (AP) - Australia will scrap a temporary visa for skilled overseas workers, the prime minister said Tuesday, arguing that Australians must be given priority over foreigners for local jobs.

The popular 457 visa, which allows foreigners to live and work in Australia for up to four years, will be replaced with a stricter scheme that requires a criminal background check and includes tougher English language requirements, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said. The list of occupations that qualify for the new visa will be sharply reduced.

"We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains: Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs," Turnbull said in a Facebook video announcing the change.

In this Aug. 10, 2016 photo, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull addresses the media from the government offices in Sydney. Turnbull said Tuesday, April 18, 2017, that the country will scrap a temporary visa for skilled foreign workers, arguing that Australians must be given priority for Australian jobs. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

The decision by Australia comes one day before President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order that will make changes to a visa program that brings high-skilled workers to the U.S. The White House said the current visa program undercuts American workers by bringing in cheaper labor.

Australia's 457 visa was created to address shortages of local workers in certain skilled professions. But critics argued that businesses abused it by paying foreigners lower wages than most Australians would accept.

Turnbull said the new visa scheme would ensure that businesses only bring in foreign workers who are crucial to filling shortages of critical skills.

"It is focused relentlessly on the national interest and in ensuring that temporary migration visas are not a passport for foreigners to take up jobs that could and should be filled by Australians," Turnbull told reporters in the nation's capital, Canberra.

The 95,000 people already in Australia on 457 visas will not be affected by the change.

Members of Australia's far-right political parties, particularly the anti-immigration One Nation party, were fierce critics of the 457 visa, arguing that it was allowing foreign workers to steal jobs from Australians.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson took to Twitter on Tuesday to claim credit for Turnbull's decision.

"The government will deny their tough talk on immigration and plan to ban 457 visas is because of One Nation but we all know the truth!" Hanson tweeted.
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - The family of a guard killed during a prison riot and five other officers who survived the inmate uprising sued the state of Delaware in federal court on Tuesday, accusing officials of ignoring security and staffing problems.

The lawsuit claims state officials have failed to meet their obligation to provide adequate staffing and safe working environments within Delaware's prisons.

Defendants include former governors Ruth Ann Minner and Jack Markell, Department of Correction Commissioner Perry Phelps, and three former commissioners.

Inmates took four correctional workers hostage at the maximum-security Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna in February, setting off a nearly 20-hour standoff during which correctional officer Steven Floyd was killed.

The siege ended when tactical teams used a backhoe to breach the building and rescue a female counselor. Two other guards had been released earlier after being tormented and beaten by inmates. Three other correctional workers locked themselves in a basement for hours before climbing to an attic and onto a roof, where they were rescued.

"The complaint charges that this calamity is all due to the dereliction of duty by these two governors, and their appointees," plaintiffs' attorney Thomas Neuberger said in a prepared statement.

If there had been adequate staffing at Vaughn Correctional Center, the inmates would not have been able to overpower the officers, take control of the building and kill Floyd, the president of the Correctional Officers Association of Delaware has said.

Union members say chronic understaffing has left prison guards badly outnumbered and unable to ensure operational security. The union has argued for years for increasing pay and benefits so that more officers can be recruited and retained, ending a heavy reliance on forced overtime to meet minimal operating needs.

According to the lawsuit, overtime costs during Markell's eight years in office increased from around $13 million a year to $23 million a year, even as vacant positions went unfilled.

While Gov. John Carney, who took office in January, is not named as a defendant, the lawsuit alleges that he violated prison policy by intervening in the emergency response to the uprising.

According to the DOC policy manual, the warden is the "ultimate commander" in the event of a major emergency and is in charge until the situation is resolved.

The complaint alleges that Warden David Pierce had given the green light to a prison emergency response team to retake the building and rescue the hostages within an hour of the start of the uprising, but "the governor instead intervened, "overruled the warden and halted the rescue attempt, for presently unknown reasons."

The complaint says the warden, who has since been reassigned, was "enraged" by the governor's intervention.

The lawsuit notes that the plaintiffs have been unable to determine when Floyd's death occurred because of Carney's refusal to release autopsy results to his family.

In response to a query from The Associated Press, a Carney spokesman last month denied that the governor had made any decisions during the emergency response.

"The governor trusted his law enforcement team on the ground to make decisions on how best to respond throughout the incident," Carney spokesman Jon Starkey said in an email.
Australia abolishes 457 Visa Programme largely used by Indians

Published: April 18, 2017

Australia has abolished the 457 Visa Programme used by thousands of temporary foreign workers, a majority of them Indians to address growing unemployment in that country. Instead, Australia wants to adopt Australians first approach to skilled migration.

Since access to the skills is important for the growth and investment of that countrys businesses, it intends to replace the 457 visa programme by another visa programme, with new restrictions. The new temporary visa will be designed in such a way it will help in recruiting the best and brightest to fill critical skill gaps in the interest of that nation. The new visa will ensure that foreign workers are not brought into Australia just because it is easy for the employers to recruit a foreign worker than go to the trouble of hiring an Australian.

There are about 95,757 workers in Australia on primary 457 visa programme. Worryingly, the majority of the visa holders are from India followed by the UK and China. This announcement has come days after Prime Minister Turnbull visited India where a range of issues, including national security, counter-terrorism, education and energy, were discussed. Totally, six agreements were signed during his visit.

457 Visa

The 457 visa allows Australian employers to employ foreign workers for a period up to four years in skilled jobs where there is a shortage of Australian workers. The visa holders are eligible to bring family members, who have unrestricted work and study rights in Australia. The visa was introduced during the tenure of Prime Minister John Howard in 1996.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2017

Topics: India-Australia  International

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WASHINGTON (AP) - Tuesday is Tax Day, that dreaded day when millions of procrastinators rush to fulfill their civic duty by filing state and federal tax returns.

But for most, it's not that bad. Sure, the forms are complicated and yes, there is math. But tax season also generates about $300 billion in refunds, a significant boost to the U.S. economy.

Five things to know about Tax Day:

FILE - In this April 13, 2014, file photo shows the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) headquarters building in Washington. Tuesday, April 18, 2017, is Tax Day, that dreaded day when millions of procrastinators rush to fulfill their civic duty by filing state and federal tax returns. But for most, it's not that bad. Sure, the forms are complicated and yes, there is math. But tax season also generates about $300 billion in refunds, a significant boost to the U.S. economy. (AP Photo/J. David Ake, File)

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MOST GET REFUNDS

The IRS so far has processed 101 million tax returns from individuals and about 80 percent have qualified for refunds. The average refund is $2,851, an increase of $53 over last year.

By the end of filing season, the IRS expects to process 150 million returns. That's after millions file for automatic six-month extensions.

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CHANCES OF GETTING AUDITED ARE SLIM

The number of people audited by the IRS in 2016 dropped for the sixth straight year, to just over 1 million. That's less than 1 percent of filers.

The last time so few people were audited was 2004. Since then, the U.S. has added about 30 million people.

The IRS blames budget cuts as money for the agency shrank from $12.2 billion in 2010 to $11.2 billion last year.

But rich people beware. The higher your income, the more likely you are to be audited. Agents audited 5.8 percent of returns that reported more than $1 million in income.

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RETURNS DOWN, REFUNDS DELAYED

Tax season got off to a slow start because the IRS delayed refunds for more than 40 million low-income families as part of the agency's efforts to fight identity theft.

The delays affected families claiming the earned income tax credit and the additional child tax credit. The tax breaks are geared to benefit the working poor, and many families claim both.

The tax filing season started Jan. 23. But a new law required the IRS to delay tax refunds for people claiming these credits until Feb. 15.

The delay was designed to give the agency more time to screen the returns for fraud. Throughout the tax filing season, the number of tax returns processed by the IRS has been lower than last year.

As of April 7, the IRS had received 104 million tax returns and processed 101 million. Both numbers are down about 3.5 percent from last year.

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PEOPLE ILLEGALLY IN US PAY TAXES

There is a common myth that people in the U.S. illegally don't pay taxes. But data from both the IRS and the Social Security Administration says otherwise.

Yes, some work in the underground economy. But in 2015, the Social Security Administration estimated that immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally paid $100 billion in Social Security payroll taxes over the previous decade. They paid the taxes even though few will ever be able to collect benefits.

How does Social Security know when it receives taxes from immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally? One way is by tracking reported wages in which the Social Security number does not match the name the agency has on file.

Some of these are clerical errors or unreported name changes. But the agency estimates that a majority of the wages come from immigrants who have made-up Social Security numbers or used someone else's.

Also, the IRS has issued more than 20 million Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) to foreigners.

The ITINs are supposed to be used by foreigners who have some form of U.S. income, and therefore owe U.S. taxes. However, the tax agency believes that many of them are used by people who are working in the U.S. illegally.

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TAX DAY ISN'T MUCH OF A DEADLINE IF YOU'RE DUE A REFUND

The IRS doesn't like to talk about it, but penalties for filing late federal tax returns apply only to people who owe money. The penalty is a percentage of what you owe. If you owe nothing, there is no penalty.

But it doesn't make much sense to file late if you are owed a refund. And beware - if you have unpaid taxes, the late fees add up quickly.

The failure-to-file penalty is generally 5 percent of your unpaid tax bill for every month, or part of a month, you are late. It kicks in on April 19. In general, the maximum penalty is 25 percent of your original tax bill.

There also is a penalty for failing to pay your tax bill, separate from the penalty for failing to file at all, but it's much smaller. That's because the IRS wants you to file a return even if you don't have enough money to pay your bill.

The failure-to-pay penalty is 0.5 percent of your unpaid taxes for every month, or part of a month, you don't pay.

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Follow Stephen Ohlemacher on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephenatap
HAYANGE, France (AP) - Two things now grow around the rusting carcasses of the last blast furnaces in this French steel town: weeds, and votes for populist Marine Le Pen.

For months, labor leader Walter Broccoli fought to keep the fires burning, fearing that failure could drive enraged workers into the arms of Le Pen and her virulently nationalistic politics. He never imagined his own son would become part of the stampede.

He says they've not spoken in the three years since he discovered to his horror from their local newspaper that David Broccoli was registered as a candidate in municipal elections for Le Pen's anti-European Union, anti-immigration National Front.

In this Friday April 7, 2017 photo, sunlight streams into a "British Steel" factory during steel production at Hayange, a commune in the Moselle department in Grand Est in north-eastern France. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

"I said to myself, 'Impossible! What's happened to him?' I called him up. We argued. He told me, 'That's the way it is' and hung up on me," Walter Broccoli says. "I've had nightmares where I saw him dressed in an SS uniform, all in black, with a cap. I took it very hard. It shocked me: My son, in the National Front? Impossible. Unbearable."

Yet the National Front is now an inescapable part of the landscape in France's industrial eastern rustbelt and its once left-leaning towns. Le Pen is projected to win millions of votes Sunday in the first round of France's two-stage presidential election, likely catapulting her to within one step of an electoral earthquake that would shake France and the EU to its core.

Disgruntled working-class voters will cast ballots for the anti-establishment Le Pen not solely out of conviction but also in protest. She is their nuclear option, their way to flip the bird at the French political mainstream they feel has betrayed and abandoned them.

Steel worker Pascal Grimmer doesn't share Le Pen's politics; he doesn't, like her, want a "Frexit" to take France out of the EU or to ditch its shared euro currency. But she will get his vote because he's "angry with politicians, filled with rage," and "she is the candidate who most scares the others," Grimmer says.

He hopes that an electro-shock-high score for Le Pen - not quite enough to install her in the presidential Elysee Palace but an uncomfortably close shave - will jolt more mainstream politicians "to use their brains to ask themselves, 'What do people want?'"

"You reap what you sow. And our politicians have treated the French people like idiots," he says. "Politicians don't fulfill their promises. They lie as easily as they breathe."

Last time, Grimmer voted Francois Hollande, the Socialist whose presidency, now in its final weeks, lasted just one term, sunk by his unpopularity.

Grimmer was impressed when Hollande came stumping during the 2012 campaign for working-class votes at the ArcelorMittal steel plant where he works. Labor leaders were in the thick of their battle to save Hayange's furnaces, the last in eastern France still serving the steel industry.

Incongruous in his suit and tie, Hollande clambered onto the roof of a van with union leaders, took a microphone and promised to push for a law to help save plants facing closure. The crowd, which included Grimmer, cheered. In a seemingly trivial detail, but one which workers subsequently wouldn't let him forget, Hollande even shared a spicy barbecued 'merguez' sausage with them.

"I said to myself, 'Oh, I like this guy.' Naively, I believed him," Grimmer recalls. "I was completely hoodwinked."

Grimmer and others felt betrayed when the furnaces were extinguished in 2013, as part of a deal the Socialist government struck with steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal seven months after Hollande's election. Hollande beat conservative Nicolas Sarkozy, another one-term president under whom ArcelorMittal also closed a plant in nearby Gandrange.

The deal included jobs elsewhere or retirement for furnace workers. ArcelorMittal also promised to invest 180 million euros ($190 million at today's rates) in other sectors of the giant steel works, which still produce high-grade metals for automakers and other clients and sprawl across three towns, including Hayange, in the Fensch valley.

Workers had hoped for more. The mothballing of the furnaces that used to turn the skies incandescent red, dust soot over the valley's towns and draw laborers from across Europe and North Africa hit hard. In a final show of defiance, Grimmer, Broccoli and other members of their Workers' Force union unveiled a plaque of protest in Hayange when the scorching fires which had melted ores into metal went cold.

"SELLOUT," the plaque read. "Here lie the promises of change that F. HOLLANDE made to workers and their families."

Still bitter, Grimmer says: "Politicians are forcing me to vote Le Pen. That's why I'm doing this. Not with a happy heart but because I'm forced to. And increasing numbers of French people are starting to think this way."

And if Le Pen wins?

"So be it. They will have to live with that," he says.

Broccoli says he warned Socialist officials that extinguishing the furnaces would be "electoral suicide." Sure enough, the year after they were put out, Hayange voted in a National Front mayor in 2014 - one of just a handful of towns in France to do so.

"It really hurts me to see workers turning toward fascism, the extreme right," Broccoli says. "They are so angry that they are prepared to vote National Front, to destroy everything. They have nothing left to lose."

Broccoli's son, a computer technician, doesn't work in the steel industry. Still, the father assumes his son felt "abandoned by the government" after losing a job in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, leaving him unable to pay rent. He says the son moved in with his mother, also a National Front supporter. The parents are separated.

"I feel as though he's been stolen from me," Walter Broccoli says. "All these people - like his mother, his stepfather - they weren't like this 15 or 20 years ago. It happened gradually."

David Broccoli didn't respond to calls and a text message from The Associated Press. Herve Hoff, who stood with him as a National Front candidate in 2014, says David Broccoli and his mother "adopted our ideas because they felt that the left had betrayed them. Simple as that."

Hoff, a restaurateur, is now seeking election to parliament. He proudly showed the AP his letter from the National Front investing him as its candidate in the Fensch valley in June legislative elections. Saying Le Pen appeals to "forgotten people," he drew parallels with Donald Trump's election to the White House, won with strong support from disgruntled workers in coal country.

"We'll have the same phenomenon. Deepest France, rural France, will lift up Marine Le Pen and you'll see villages where she'll get crazy scores," he says.

Michel Liebgott, the valley's current lawmaker, a Socialist, handily beat a National Front opponent last time. This time, he's not so confident. If he decides against running again, he says the National Front could win the seat.

Liebgott, who was born in the valley and remembers Hayange as its jewel, a bustling steel town, says the region is dividing between haves and have-nots. Many of the better-off work across the nearby border with Luxembourg, braving gnarled traffic on the highway to Luxembourg City for higher wages in its services economy. An estimated 90,000 such jobs have helped fill voids left by decades of steel plant and mine closures in France.

"The poor are here. The others have gone elsewhere," Liebgott says.

With the benefit of hindsight, the lawmaker says Hollande's campaign stop in the valley in 2012 "was bloody stupid." It gave steel workers false hope that the furnaces, which had long been earmarked for closure, could be saved.

Now firmly ensconced in Hayange, where the eyesore furnaces dominate the skyline, National Front Mayor Fabien Engelmann says he did not propose saving them because that would have been "impossible."

"I didn't lie to my voters. I offered them a coherent program: security, cleanliness, lower taxes, reduced debts, road building, work on schools - things a mayor can do," he says smugly.

The unemployment rate in Hayange is 14 percent, the mayor says - above the already high national average of 10 percent.

Jean-Paul Holtz sees the decaying cathedrals of once-belching pipes and chimneys from his windows. The drum player in Hayange's brass band spent all his working life in steel plants, starting as a 14-year-old apprentice. Now 66 and retired, he wishes the furnaces could be torn down because "it makes me sick to the stomach to see them like that."

Holtz plans to vote for far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, who is making a late surge in polls.

"People came to set up industries, money was made, people were provided with jobs. But it's over, finished," Holtz says. "We have to move on. Will we move on? When? I don't know. It drags on and on and on, rusting away."

In this Monday April 3, 2017 photo, an electoral poster showing the face of Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's National Front (FN), is pasted on a wall of an abandoned factory on the outskirts of Hayange, France. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

This Tuesday April 4, 2017 photo shows an abandoned steelworks with blast furnaces through a window at Hayange, a commune in the Moselle department in Grand Est in north-eastern France. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Monday April 3, 2017 photo shows helmets of former workers inside an inactive factory at Hayange, a commune in the Moselle department in Grand Est in north-eastern France. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Wednesday April 5, 2017 photo, an out of order railroad track leads to an inactive factory in Rombas, a city located in the north east of France, near Hayange. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Monday April 3, 2017 photo, a crane hangs from the roof, inside an inactive factory at Hayange, a commune in the Moselle department in Grand Est in north-eastern France. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Tuesday April 4, 2017 photo, a general view of one of the main streets of Hayange, a commune in the Moselle department in Grand Est in north-eastern France. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Tuesday April 4, 2017 photo, a mural depicting miners is displayed along one of the main streets of Hayange, a commune in the Moselle department in Grand Est in north-eastern France. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

This Tuesday April 4, 2017 photo shows the main control panel of a former steel factory abandoned inside an industrial unit at Hayange, a commune in the Moselle department in Grand East in north-eastern France. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

This Monday April 3, 2017 photo shows unloading hoses and couplings covered by dust and cobwebs abandoned inside an inactive factory at Hayange, a commune in the Moselle department in Grand Est in north-eastern France. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Wednesday April 5, 2017 photo, the main entrance of a former steel factory is covered by vegetation on the outskirts of Rombas, a french city located north east of France, near Hayange. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

This Wednesday April 5, 2017 photo shows an industrial unit that served as a factory, abandoned on the outskirts of Rombas, a city located in the north east of France, near Hayange. Signs read in French: "For your safety, think before acting." In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Monday April 3, 2017 photo, a former repair shop inside an abandoned industrial unit at Hayange, a commune in the Moselle department in Grand Est in north-eastern France. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Thursday, April 6, 2017 photo, people play tennis at a private club as smoke rises from a chimney at a nearby factory in Hayange. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Thursday April 6, 2017 photo, a former steel factory is photographed through the gate of an abandoned industrial unit on the outskirts of Rombas, a french city located north east of France, near Hayange. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Friday April 7, 2017 photo, monitors show the activity as a worker controls the production inside the "British Steel" factory at Hayange, a commune in the Moselle department in Grand Est in north-eastern France. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Tuesday April 4, 2017 photo, a poster showing a portrait of an independent candidate for the 2017 French Presidential election Nicolas Dupont Aignan is pasted next to others showing Francois Asselineau, candidate of the UPR party (Union populaire republicaine ie Popular Republican Union) on a wall of a former factory on the outskirts of Hayange. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

This Thursday April 6, 2017 photo shows the main entrance of a former factory closed and abandoned on the outskirts of Rombas, a city located in the north east of France, near Hayange. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

In this Thursday April 6, 2017 photo, an abandoned steel factory is photogrpahed through the broken window of a industrial unit on the outskirts of Rombas, a french city located north east of France, near Hayange. In eastern France's industrial rustbelt, workers are massing behind the virulently nationalistic politics of populist Marine Le Pen. A large chunk of them will come from once left-leaning industrial towns like Hayange, scarred by the closure of its blast furnaces. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
LONDON (AP) - Prince William has brought Lady Gaga onboard in his efforts to persuade people to be more open about their mental health and crush the stigma associated with the issue.

The heir to the throne released a video on Tuesday in which he speaks with the pop superstar in a FaceTime call from his home in London to her home in Los Angeles.

William says it is "time that everyone speaks up and really feels very normal about mental health. It's the same as physical health."

Screen grab image taken from recent undated video issued Tuesday April 18, 2017 by the Heads Together campaign of Lady Gaga speaking to Britain's Prince William via FaceTime. Prince William has brought Lady Gaga on board with in his efforts to persuade people to be more open about their mental health and crush the stigma associated with the issue. The heir to the throne released a video on Tuesday in which he speaks with the pop superstar in a FaceTime call from his home in London to her home in Los Angeles.(Heads Together campaign via AP)

Lady Gaga says that talking more openly about mental health would allow people to feel like "we are not hiding anymore."

William, his wife the Duchess of Cambridge and his brother Prince Harry have made mental health a focus of their charitable work.

Screen grab image taken from recent undated video issued Tuesday April 18, 2017 by the Heads Together campaign of Britain's Prince William speaking to Lady Gaga via FaceTime. Prince William has brought Lady Gaga on board with in his efforts to persuade people to be more open about their mental health and crush the stigma associated with the issue. The heir to the throne released a video on Tuesday in which he speaks with the pop superstar in a FaceTime call from his home in London to her home in Los Angeles.(Heads Together campaign via AP)

Screen grab image taken from recent undated video issued Tuesday April 18, 2017 by the Heads Together campaign of Lady Gaga speaking to the Duke of Cambridge via FaceTime. Prince William has brought Lady Gaga on board with in his efforts to persuade people to be more open about their mental health and crush the stigma associated with the issue. The heir to the throne released a video on Tuesday in which he speaks with the pop superstar in a FaceTime call from his home in London to her home in Los Angeles.(Heads Together campaign via AP)
LONDON (AP) - Delivering the latest jolt in Britain's year of political shocks, Prime Minister Theresa May called Tuesday for a snap June 8 general election, seeking to strengthen her hand in European Union exit talks and tighten her grip on a fractious Conservative Party.

With the Labour opposition weakened, May's gamble will probably pay off with an enhanced Conservative majority in Parliament - but it's unlikely to unite a country deeply split over the decision to quit the EU.

May returned from an Easter break in the Welsh mountains to announce that she would make a televised statement on an undisclosed subject early Tuesday outside 10 Downing St. Speculation swirled and the pound plunged against the dollar amid uncertainty about whether she planned to resign, call an election or even declare war.

Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street in London, Tuesday April 18, 2017. May has called for a snap June 8 General Election, seeking to strengthen her hand in ongoing European Union exit talks and tighten her grip on a fractious Conservative Party. (Philip Toscano/PA via AP)

Since taking office after her predecessor David Cameron resigned in the wake of Britain's June 23 vote to leave the EU, May had repeatedly ruled out going to the polls before the next scheduled election in 2020. But on Tuesday, she said she had "reluctantly" changed her mind because political divisions "risk our ability to make a success of Brexit."

"We need a general election and we need one now," May said. "Because we have, at this moment, a one-off chance to get this done, while the European Union agrees its negotiating position and before the detailed talks begin."

For decades British prime ministers could call elections at will, but that changed with the 2011 Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, which established set polling days every five years. Now, the prime minister needs the backing of two-thirds of lawmakers and May said she would put her election call to the House of Commons on Wednesday.

"Let us tomorrow vote for an election. Let us put forward our plans for Brexit and our alternative programs for government and then let the people decide," May said.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, welcomed May's announcement, making it very likely she will get lawmakers' backing for an election.

May's governing Conservatives currently have a slight majority, with 330 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons.

With Labour demoralized and divided under left-wing leader Corbyn and the pro-EU Liberal Democrats holding just nine Commons seats, May is calculating that the election will bring her an expanded crop of Conservative lawmakers.

That would make it easier for her to ignore opposition calls for a softer EU exit - making compromises to retain some benefits of membership - and to face down hard-liners within her own party who want a no-compromise "hard Brexit" that many economists fear could be devastating.

Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, said that even for a cautious politician like May, the temptation of an early election was irresistible.

"She has a small majority, a big task ahead of her and a huge opinion poll lead," he said. "If you put all those things together they equal a general election."

Bale said a bigger majority would give May a new batch of loyal Conservative lawmakers and leave her less at the mercy of euroskeptics in her party "who otherwise could have made negotiations much more difficult."

May triggered a two-year countdown to Britain's exit from the EU last month, and high-stakes negotiations to settle divorce terms and agree on a new relationship are expected to start within weeks.

European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted that he had a "good phone call" with May about the election, and the council said the bloc's Brexit plans were unchanged by the announcement. Leaders of EU states are due to adopt negotiating guidelines at an April 29 summit, and the bloc will prepare detailed plans for the talks with Britain by late May.

Labour, the second-largest party in Parliament, campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU, but Corbyn said he would respect voters' decision to leave. He said Tuesday that Labour's election platform in June would be for a more equal society and economy, and "a Brexit that works for all."

Polls give May's Conservatives a double-digit lead over Labour, which could have its worst election showing in decades. But the election still carries risk for May, with voters' potentially wary at being asked to go to the polls again, less than a year after the EU referendum.

"I think actually it makes her look a little bit arrogant and a little bit complacent," said Liberal Democrat lawmaker Alistair Carmichael. "She's taking people for granted already and voters never like that."

The strongly pro-EU Liberal Democrats have seen thousands of new members join since the referendum and are likely to make gains. Leader Tim Farron said Tuesday that only his party can prevent a "disastrous hard Brexit."

Rather than helping the country unite, the election could widen divisions within the United Kingdom. The U.K. voted 52 percent to 48 percent to leave the EU, but Scotland backed remaining by a large majority, and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is seeking to hold a referendum on independence from the U.K.

Sturgeon said Tuesday that May was seeking "to crush the voices of people who disagree with her."

It was "all the more important," she said, "that Scotland is protected from a Tory (Conservative) Party which now sees the chance of grabbing control of government for many years to come and moving the U.K. further to the right - forcing through a hard Brexit and imposing deeper cuts in the process."

The Scottish National Party currently holds 54 of Scotland's 59 seats in the British Parliament, making it the third-largest party there.

Still, currency markets welcomed May's announcement as a harbinger of greater stability. The pound surged 0.7 percent against the dollar to $1.2658, recovering from a 0.4 percent drop an hour earlier as rumors swirled about the surprise statement.

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Associated Press writer Danica Kirka in London contributed to this report.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to the media outside her official residence of 10 Downing Street in London, Tuesday April 18, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May announced she will seek early election on June 8 (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Britain's Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn arrives for a meeting in Birmingham central England Tuesday April 18, 2017. In a shock announcement, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday called for an early general election to be held June 8 to seek a strong mandate as she negotiates Britain's exit from the European Union. (Ben Birchall/PA via AP)

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon leaves Bute House in Edinburgh Tuesday April 18, 2017 . Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May has called for an early general election for June 8 to seek a strong mandate as she negotiates Britain's exit from the European Union. In a shock announcement, Theresa May says that she will ask the House of Commons on Wednesday to back her election call. (John Linton/PA Wire(/PA via AP)

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May walks back into her official residence of 10 Downing Street in London, after speaking to the media on Tuesday April 18, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May announced she will seek early election on June 8 (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

A silhouette of the Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower containing Big Ben, centre, at dusk, in Westminster, London, Tuesday April 18, 2017. Britain's Prime Minister, Theresa May, announced Tuesday a snap general election to be held on June 8. (Yui Mok/PA via AP)
PARIS (AP) - The Latest on the upcoming French presidential election (all times local):

9:05 p.m.

French far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon is on stage along with six holograms that enable him to hold seven simultaneous rallies across France.

A hologram of French Left party leader and candidate for the 2017 French presidential election Jean-Luc Melenchon speaks to supporters who gathered in Grenoble, southeastern France, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Melenchon held a rally in Dijon and his hologram was projected by satellite to six other cities. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

The 65-year-old is holding a rally in Dijon, in eastern France, while his image is projected by satellite to crowds in six other cities, including one on the island of La Reunion.

Melenchon suggested his three main rivals - conservative Francois Fillon, far-right Marine Le Pen and centrist Emmanuel Macron - were potential targets after the arrest of two suspected radicals who were allegedly preparing a terror attack in France. He expressed his solidarity toward them.

"We will never make the gift to criminals to divide in front of them. We are not afraid", he told the crowd.

Melenchon has risen in polls ahead of the first round of France's presidential election on April 23, with some pollsters saying he has a chance of reaching the May 7 presidential runoff.

He leads a far-left alliance that includes the Communist Party.

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7:45 p.m.

Former president Nicolas Sarkozy has expressed his support for conservative candidate Francois Fillon ahead of Sunday's first round of the French presidential election.

Sarkozy said in a video posted on his Facebook and Twitter accounts that Fillon "has the experience, the will, the project that will enable France to ensure a political change after the five disastrous years we have known."

Sarkozy, who lost to Fillon in the conservative primary in November, is calling on voters to unite behind his former rival.

"I worked five years with Francois Fillon, he was my prime minister, I know we can trust him", he said.

Fillon's campaign has been damaged by accusations that he misused taxpayer money to pay his wife and children for government jobs that they allegedly did not perform.

French investigators are probing the case. Fillon denies wrongdoing.

Latest polls suggest he is one of the four candidates who have a chance to be among the two top Sunday and advance to the runoff on May 7.

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6:20 p.m.

French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has pointed to "a devastating multiplication of attacks and threats of attacks" in France, after the arrest of two suspected radicals planning an attack.

She said in a written statement that this is the result of "Islamic fundamentalism" that "has expanded exponentially" in the last decade in France.

She said that "it's time to put back France in order," using one of her campaign's mantras.

Le Pen, who is campaigning on anti-immigration, anti- European themes, is among the four top contenders for the presidential race.

The top two candidates in Sunday's vote advance to a May 7 runoff.

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3:10 p.m.

Top presidential contenders Emmanuel Macron and Francois Fillon have offered congratulations to French police after the arrest of two suspected radicals who were allegedly preparing a terror attack in France.

Macron, an independent centrist considered one of the front-runners of the vote, said in a written statement: "This event serves as reminders that the terrorist threat is still very high on our territory."

Macron recalled he has pledged to pursue military intervention in Iraq and Syria, boost intelligence services and fight against terrorism on the internet.

Conservative candidate Fillon said "democracy must not get on its knees in front of the threats and intimidations from terrorists. The campaign must continue until the end."

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12:55 p.m.

The French interior minister says police have arrested two suspected radicals who were allegedly preparing an "imminent" terror attack in France as it prepares to vote Sunday in the first round of its presidential election.

The minister, Matthias Fekl, said at a brief news conference that the arrests took place in the southern city of Marseille.

He said those arrested were suspected of preparing an attack in the coming days.

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11:30 a.m.

French centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron says he will simplify the country's famously complex labor laws within weeks of taking office.

In comments at the Rungis wholesale market outside Paris, Macron says that it's not a question of taking rights away from workers, but of lowering the 10-percent unemployment rate that has plagued France for years.

Macron, who has never held elected office, is running without the backing of an established party and claims to be neither of the right nor the left.

The pre-dawn market is a regular campaign stop for French politicians looking to show solidarity with workers, who rise before the sun to feed the Paris region.

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10:55 a.m.

French far right candidate Marine Le Pen is promising a freeze on long-term visas as soon as she takes office, followed by a tax on any company that hires foreign workers.

Ahead of Sunday's first-round election, Le Pen told RTL radio on Tuesday she would issue an order to immediately stop issuing long-term visas for two weeks so the government can verify that they are not taking jobs away from French citizens.

Le Pen, who has campaigned against immigration and Europe's open borders, also wants to impose a 10 percent tax on labor contracts that go to foreigners and seize back control of French borders.

Polls show Le Pen is among four leading French candidates, with no clear front-runner. The top two candidates advance to a May 7 runoff.

A hologram of French Left party leader and candidate for the 2017 French presidential election Jean-Luc Melenchon speaks to supporters who gathered in Grenoble, southeastern France, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Melenchon held a rally in Dijon and his hologram was projected by satellite to six other cities. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

French conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon acknowledges the crowd before his campaign meeting in Lille, northern France, Tuesday, April, 18, 2017. The two-round presidential election is set for April 23 and May 7. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)

Hooded police officers patrol outside a building during searches in Marseille, southern France, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Security concerns shook France's presidential campaign Tuesday as authorities announced arrests in a thwarted attack on the eve of the vote, and candidates urged tougher counterterrorism efforts for a country already under a state of emergency. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)

French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron, left, visits the Rungis wholesale food market, south of Paris, Tuesday April 18, 2017. Macron, an independent centrist with pro-business, pro-European views, is among the front-runners in France's unpredictable presidential race. The top two vote-getters in the first round Sunday will advance to the May 7 presidential runoff. (Philippe Wojazer; Pool via AP)

French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron, right, visits the meat pavilion at the Rungis wholesale food market, south of Paris, Tuesday April 18, 2017. Macron, an independent centrist with pro-business, pro-European views, is among the front-runners in France's unpredictable presidential race. The top two vote-getters in the first round Sunday will advance to the May 7 presidential runoff. (Philippe Wojazer; Pool via AP)

French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron, second left, talks with butchers as he visits the meat pavilIon at the Rungis wholesale food market, south of Paris, Tuesday April 18, 2017. Macron, an independent centrist with pro-business, pro-European views, is among the front-runners in France's unpredictable presidential race. The top two vote-getters in the first round Sunday will advance to the May 7 presidential runoff. (Philippe Wojazer; Pool via AP)
LONDON (AP) - The Latest on the announcement that Prime Minister Theresa May is seeking to call a general election on June 8 (all times local):

12:15 p.m.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says Prime Minister Theresa May's call for an early general election reflects her desire to move Britain to the right of the political spectrum as the country negotiates its exit from the European Union.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May walks back into her official residence of 10 Downing Street in London, after speaking to the media on Tuesday April 18, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May announced she will seek early election on June 8 (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Urging voters to "stand up for Scotland," Sturgeon said in a tweet that May's Conservative Party see "a chance to move the U.K. to the right, force through a hard Brexit, and impose deeper cuts."

Sturgeon also said in a statement that Scotland must be "protected" from a Conservative Party trying to seize control of government for many years to come.

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12 p.m.

The British pound has risen strongly after Prime Minister Theresa May called for an early general election in June.

The British currency, which had weakened before the announcement, was up by more than a cent against the dollar. By midday trading in London, it was trading 0.7 percent higher at $1.2658.

May is seeking a stronger mandate as she negotiates Britain's exit from the European Union. She is hoping to win a stronger position in the House of Commons, where her Conservative Party has a small majority.

Analysts at ETX Capital say in a note to clients that the election call "adds another layer of complexity to an already uncertain picture for U.K. and European assets."

They say that a government with a stronger mandate could get a better deal for the U.K. However, it could also push through a more aggressive version of Brexit that cuts off business more from the EU's single market.

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11:50 a.m.

Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Labour Party, says he is backing Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to call an early general election for June 8 - a decision that will ensure the vote takes place.

In a statement Tuesday soon after May made her surprise announcement, Corbyn said he welcomes the decision to "give the British people the chance to vote."

The decision is important because it suggests May will have little trouble securing enough votes to overturn the Fixed Parliaments Act, which set the date for the next election for 2020. Labour is the main opposition party in parliament.

Corbyn, whose party is trailing May's Conservatives in opinion polls, said: "We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain."

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11:20 a.m.

Prime Minister Theresa May has accused her opponents of "political game-playing" and undermining the country in the upcoming talks to exit the European Union.

May said Tuesday that the divisions in Parliament explained her change of heart on an early election. Since becoming prime minister last July in the aftermath of Britain's vote to leave the EU, May had consistently said she would not seek an early election.

May said she has concluded that the "only way to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead is to hold this election."

Under the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, the next general election date was to be in 2020. But an early election can take place if two-thirds of lawmakers in the House of Commons vote for it. The opposition Labour Party, which trails May's Conservative Party in opinion polls, has said it supports such a move.

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11:15 a.m.

Prime Minister Theresa May has said she is planning to call a general election for Thursday, June 8.

In a surprise statement in Downing Street, May said Parliament will be asked to vote for the election on Wednesday.

May's Conservative Party is way ahead of the main opposition Labour Party in opinion polls. A resounding win would bolster her mandate in upcoming talks with the European Union over the country's exit.

She said "division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit."

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10:45 a.m.

The British pound has fallen amid mounting speculation that Prime Minister Theresa May is planning to call an early general election.

In the wake of an announcement that May will make an unexpected statement in Downing Street at 11:15 a.m. (1015GMT), the pound was down 0.3 percent at $1.2525.

May's office says she will speak after the weekly meeting of her Cabinet.

FXTM Vice President of Market Research, Jameel Ahmad says that "truth be told, nobody is really that aware of what is going on but this uncertainty has caused a reaction."

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10:30 a.m.

British Prime Minister Theresa May is due to make an unexpected statement in Downing Street, triggering speculation that she plans to call an early election.

May's office says she will speak at 11:15 a.m. (1015GMT) Tuesday, after the weekly meeting of her Cabinet.

Such statements are generally reserved for major news, such as resignations and election calls.

May, who took office in July after predecessor David Cameron stepped down, could be tempted to go to the polls to secure her own mandate as she negotiates Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.

But she has previously said she will stay in office until the next scheduled national election, in 2020.

Under Britain's Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, the prime minister can call an election if two-thirds of lawmakers vote for it.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives to speak to the media outside her official residence of 10 Downing Street in London, Tuesday April 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to the media outside her official residence of 10 Downing Street in London, Tuesday April 18, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May announced she will seek early election on June 8 (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to the media outside her official residence of 10 Downing Street in London, Tuesday April 18, 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May announced she will seek early election on June 8 (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
TOKYO (AP) - The Latest on U.S. Vice President Mike Pence's trip to Asia (all times local):

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11:05 a.m. Wednesday

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, center, speaks to U.S. servicemen and Japanese Self-Defense Forces personnel on the flight deck of U.S. navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan at the U.S. Navy's Yokosuka base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo, Wednesday, April 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has once again pledged the Trump administration's commitment to defending its allies in Asia from North Korea and any other threats.

Speaking to U.S. and Japanese troops on board the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier Wednesday, he called North Korea the most urgent and dangerous threat to the peace and security of the Asia-Pacific region.

He said that under President Donald Trump, the U.S. will stand up to its enemies with its allies.

Pence also said the U.S. would protect freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, the sea lanes vital to global shipping where China has been staking claim to disputed territory.

The American vice president is on a 10-day trip to Asia that has been dominated by the North Korea issue.

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9:30 a.m. Wednesday

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is on board an American aircraft carrier stationed in Japan amid heightened tension on the Korean Peninsula.

A ship bell signaled his arrival Wednesday morning on the USS Ronald Reagan at the U.S. Yokosuka naval base south of Tokyo. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is undergoing scheduled maintenance at its home port.

Pence told the ship's captain that he had spoken to President Donald Trump, and Trump "wishes he were here."

The vice president is on a 10-day tour of Asia. He visited South Korea earlier and will head to Indonesia after his stop in Japan. The trip so far has been dominated by U.S. and allies' concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile development efforts.

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7:15 p.m.

A Japanese official says a difference in approach remains with the U.S. despite an agreement on a framework for new bilateral economic talks.

The official said Tuesday that Japan still hopes to bring the U.S. back into a multilateral framework such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 12-country trade agreement after his inauguration in January.

The official briefed reporters on customary condition of anonymity after U.S. Vice President Mike Pence met Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso in Tokyo to launch the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue.

Pence said after the meeting that Trump believes it is in America's interest to negotiate economic deals on a bilateral basis. He said that the dialogue could lead to formal talks on a U.S.-Japan trade agreement, but that he would leave that decision to the future.

--AP writer Mari Yamaguchi

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6:50 p.m.

After meeting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other top Japanese officials, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is ending his first day in Tokyo with a visit to an ancient Buddhist temple.

Pence, his wife Karen and two daughters walked inside the main hall of colorful Senso-ji temple Tuesday as incense burned.

It's Tokyo's oldest temple, and a highly popular tourist site that attracts crowds from around the world.

Japan is the second stop on a four-country trip that is taking Pence to South Korea, Indonesia and Australia. It is his first trip to Asia as vice president.

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5:40 p.m.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence says the U.S. will not relent until it achieves its objective of ensuring the Korean Peninsula is free of nuclear weapons.

Pence told reporters President Donald Trump was confident that economic and diplomatic pressure from the "family of nations" had a chance of compelling North Korea to cooperate.

After talks with Japan's deputy prime minister, Taro Aso, Pence said the U.S. would work with Japan, China and other nations to get Pyongyang to give up its atomic weapons program.

Asked what North Korea must do, he repeated that "all options are on the table, and there they will remain."

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4:40 p.m.

Japan and the U.S. have outlined a path forward for economic talks between the countries.

The announcement followed an inaugural meeting Tuesday of the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue in Tokyo chaired by visiting U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso.

It said the dialogue would focus on three areas: trade and investment rules and issues, cooperation in macroeconomic policy and specific industry sectors.

The dialogue was set up by President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the Japanese leader's visit to the U.S. in February.

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3:40 p.m.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso are kicking off a new U.S.-Japan economic dialogue that was launched during Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's meeting with President Donald Trump in the U.S. in February.

As talks began Tuesday, Aso said the U.S.-Japan alliance has underpinned peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and that trade friction with the U.S. has given way to an "age of cooperation."

Pence said Trump sees the talks as a way to improve business ties with Japan and is hoping for quick results. The discussions are to focus on economic and structural policy and trade and investment strategies aimed at strengthening both countries' economies.

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2:15 p.m.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Japanese leaders have begun talks expected to focus largely on trade with America's anchor ally in the region, though tensions with North Korea loomed large.

Pence reassured Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday that the U.S. considers its alliance with Japan to be a cornerstone of security in the region.

Pence said, "We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan."

He also said, "We are with you 100 percent," adding that the U.S. always seeks peace.

Abe said Japan hoped for peaceful dialogue with Pyongyang, "but at the same time, dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless and it is necessary for us to exercise pressure North Korea so that it comes forward and engages in this serious dialogue."

Pence was having lunch with Abe at the prime minister's official residence after arriving in Japan earlier in the day for the second stop of a 10-day Asia tour.

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12:15 p.m.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has arrived in Japan for the second stop of a 10-day Asia tour.

His plane touched down Tuesday at the U.S. military's Atsugi base outside Tokyo.

The focus of his trip is expected to shift in Japan to trade. North Korea's nuclear and missile development dominated the agenda on his first stop in South Korea.

Pence told business leaders before leaving Seoul that the Trump administration is reviewing all trade agreements as part of its "America First" policy.

White House officials say the meetings in Tokyo are meant to forge a framework for future discussions after the U.S. withdrew from a Pacific Rim trade pact.

U.S. servicemen and Japanese Self-Defense Forces personnel wait for the arrival of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on the flight deck of U.S. navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, at the U.S. Navy's Yokosuka base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo, Wednesday, April 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

U.S. servicemen and Japanese Self-Defense Forces personnel wait for the arrival of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on the flight deck of U.S. navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, at the U.S. Navy's Yokosuka base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo, Wednesday, April 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, and his wife Karen, second from right, with their daughters Audrey, right, and Charlotte visit the main shrine of Sensoji Buddhist temple in Tokyo, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visits the main shrine of Sensoji Buddhist temple in Tokyo, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso listen to a question from a reporter during their joint press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. After meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Pence held talks with Aso on a new U.S.-Japan "economic dialogue" to be led by the two. The new forum for trade talks was launched by U.S. President Donald Trump and Abe during the Japanese leader's visit to the U.S. in February. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Taro Aso, right,walk in the venue of the joint press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Taro Aso, third right, attend during Japan U.S. Economic Dialogue at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence shake hands prior to a luncheon hosted by Abe at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Pence arrived in Japan for talks Tuesday expected to focus largely on trade with America's anchor ally in the region. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence shake hands prior to a luncheon hosted by Abe at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Pence arrived in Japan for talks Tuesday expected to focus largely on trade with America's anchor ally in the region. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool)

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, center left, waves with his wife Karen, center right, and daughters Audrey, top left, and Charlotte, top right, on their arrival at U.S. Navy's Atsugi air facility in Ayase, southwest of Tokyo, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence waves before leaving for Japan, at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
BERLIN (AP) - German authorities say there were 169 violent offenses against homes for asylum-seekers last year, almost as many as in 2015, though the figures sank as the year progressed.

The Federal Criminal Police Office said Tuesday that the number of violent offenses compared with 177 the previous years.

In all, authorities counted 994 offenses against asylum shelters in 2016, a little below the previous year's 1,031. The police office said that most of them had a far-right motive.

In this April 6, 2017 file photo, migrants are rescued from a rubber boat by members of Proactiva Open Arms NGO, in the Mediterranean sea, about 56 miles north of Sabratha, Libya. With the Greek smuggling route largely closed off, the path of least resistance drifted to Libya _ a sprawling lawless country with a huge coast and competing rebel and government factions. Migrants have flooded into Libya from across Africa, producing a bonanza for smugglers. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)

Justice Minister Heiko Maas wrote on Twitter that the figures were "deeply shameful."

Germany saw a huge influx of asylum-seekers and other migrants in late 2015 and early 2016. That tailed off about a year ago, and the number of crimes targeting asylum homes declined over the course of the year.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - The Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy has instated a new bilingual chaplain team to serve Spanish-speaking workers.

WAVE-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2oHYtAz) that about 85 percent to 95 percent of those working behind the scenes at Churchill Downs speak Spanish. In addition to leading prayer and preaching in the chapel on the grounds, chaplains will operate a clothing closet and food pantry for workers.

Chaplain Joseph del Rosario says his aim is to help the workers who keep operations running smoothly in any way possible. He also says that representation of women among the workers is growing.

The chaplaincy was founded in 1989 to specifically serve the workers in the barn and training areas.
The Daily Journal is partnering with one of the area's largest local employers, as well as one of the region's biggest training and education centers when Career Fair 2017 takes place from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Robert E. Sechrest Sr. Field House on Mineral Area College's Park Hills campus.

The event is once again being sponsored by ODACS Inc. and presented by the Daily Journal/Monster and J98.

Alison Sheets, MAC Career Services director, admitted that when the Daily Journal agreed to partner with the college and use it as its venue  the fair has been previously held at Centene Center  she was thrilled at the opportunity it will provide the school to assist area employers and job-seekers.

We have an annual college fair, the health fair is held here, and there are so many ways the community uses our public facilities, she said. So our set-up is great, but were also very invested in working with both employers and employees on creating great opportunities for a strong workforce.

According to Jessica Myers, an inside sales representative for the Daily Journal and one of the event organizers, attendees should dress for success and have their resumes in hand.

Dress for the job you want, not the one you have," she said. "Making a great first impression is a goal, not only for job seekers, but the employers as well. Missouri Career Center will be attending and offers a resume building program online for access at home and a team of trained individuals in the Park Hills location for help. Job seekers should be prepared with several copies of their typed resumes."

Daily Journal Publisher Eugene Jackson believes potential job candidates should find the fair helpful and that employers will particularly enjoy the new venue for the event, as well as having access to MACs dining services.

The Daily Journal has been coordinating the Career Fair since 2010," he said. "During those seven years we have partnered with great, local businesses to provide job seekers the opportunity to apply face to face with representatives. We take great pride in helping our community find careers that theyll love and be proud of.

With the event's new location comes a large parking lot for employers to get in early and set their booths up. Mineral Area College is also helping make the set up go smoothly for everyone involved. For instance, the dining hall in the Cards Nest will not only offer a wide selection of food items without employers having to leave the campus, but debit and credit cards are accepted, as well.

MAC Vice President Gil Kennon is looking forward to seeing hundreds of people on campus, including some who might not have made it onto MACs campus before.

Its one thing to see our campus and buildings from Highway 67, and another to actually come onto campus and explore our buildings and grounds, he said. Some job-seekers might even feel intimidated, but theres no reason to be.

"If you ask anyone out in public if theyve been to MAC or if they know someone whos come to MAC, youre probably talking about 90 percent of the population in this region. Were accessible and friendly, so again, this career fair is a good fit with our mission. Were happy to have every visitor that day.

Employers participating in Career Fair 2017 include Piramal Glass, Talent Force, Presbyterian Childrens Home, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Faith Foundation, Farmington Fire Department, US Tool, Mercy Hospital, Isle Casino, Valley Springs Youth Ranch, Forte Products, Pyramid Home Health, Mondi Jackson LLC, Department of Corrections, Department of Agriculture, Startek, Mineral Area CPRC, IUOE Engineering, Advantage Nursing, Presbyterian Manor, Pony Bird Home, Iron County Medical and Lee Mechanical, among others.

For more information, call 573-518-1256 or visit www.dailyjournalonline.com/career-fair.
BERLIN (AP) - The U.N.'s top human rights official said Tuesday he is alarmed by what appears to be a "widespread pattern" of rallies in Burundi in which members of a pro-government youth militia chant a call to "impregnate" or kill opponents.

An online video emerged this month of an incident in a rural province involving the Imbonerakure militia. It showed members singing in the local Kirundi language: "Impregnate those opponents, so that they give birth to Imbonerakure."

Burundi's ruling party criticized the song. The party normally supports the Imbonerakure, despite accusations of rights violations perpetrated by its members.

The U.N. human rights office cited reports of several similar incidents early this month.

"The grotesque rape chants by the young men of the Imbonerakure across several provinces in various parts of Burundi are deeply alarming - particularly because they confirm what we have been hearing from those who have fled Burundi about a campaign of fear and terror by this organized militia," the high commissioner for human rights, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, said in a statement.

Zeid welcomed the governing party's condemnation but said reports senior officials were present at other rallies are "very disturbing" and called for an acknowledgement that the rally caught on camera "was not an isolated incident."

Burundi has been plagued by violence since President Pierre Nkurunziza successfully sought a disputed third term in 2015. Hundreds of people have been killed, and hundreds of thousands have fled the country.

Zeid said his office has received "credible reports of grave human rights violations, including the systematic use of torture by security forces and nightly raids by the Imbonerakure into the homes of people who refuse to join the ruling party."
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is rallying voters in Georgia's 6th Congressional District to "get out and vote" Republican ahead of Tuesday's special election.

In a tweet early Tuesday, Trump urged voters not to vote for Democrat Jon Ossoff for the House seat vacated by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price.

Trump says, "Democrat Jon Ossoff would be a disaster in Congress. VERY weak on crime and illegal immigration, bad for jobs and wants higher taxes. Say NO."

In a second tweet, he wrote, "Republicans must get out today and VOTE in Georgia 6. Force runoff and easy win! Dem Ossoff will raise your taxes-very bad on crime & 2nd A."

Democrats opposed to Trump have rallied behind Ossoff, who has raised a significant amount of money for a special election.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says North Korea's latest failed missile launch was a reckless act of provocation.

Mattis commented on the weekend missile launch in an interview with reporters traveling with him Tuesday to Saudi Arabia, where he begins a weeklong Mideast tour. His language was stronger than in an initial written statement he issued shortly after the launch, in which he simply said he was aware of the failure.

"The leader of North Korea again recklessly tried to provoke something by launching a missile," he said.

FILE - In this April 11, 2017 file photo, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis pauses during a news conference at the Pentagon. Mattis is looking to the Middle East and North Africa for broader contributions and new ideas to fight Islamic extremism as the Trump administration fleshes out its counterterrorism strategy. His trip to the region this week includes stops with longstanding allies Israel and Saudi Arabia, and new partners like Djibouti. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

Mattis did not identify the type of missile but said it was not of intercontinental range, meaning it could not reach U.S. territory. He did not comment on what might have caused the missile to fail.

Mattis credited China with trying to help get the North Korea situation "under control" with the goal of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.

Asked about his visit to Saudi Arabia, Mattis said the desert kingdom is a "pillar of our security framework for the region."

The U.S. military is providing support for a Saudi-led coalition fighting anti-government Houthi rebels, but Mattis said the U.S. focus is on arranging a United Nations-brokered negotiating team to resolve Yemen's civil war diplomatically.

"This is something, with the number of innocent people dying inside Yemen, that simply has to be brought to an end," he said.

The U.S. security alliance with Saudi Arabia, dating to 1944 and based largely on the Saudis' oil riches, has made Washington the kingdom's most important arms supplier.
"Notes on a Banana: A Memoir of Food, Love, and Manic Depression" (Dey Street), by David Leite

Much has been contributed to the cannon of first-person literature on anxiety and mental health disorders.

But David Leite, a James Beard Award-winning food writer and cookbook author, offers a witty account to the trove with his new memoir, "Notes on a Banana: A Memoir of Food, Love, and Manic Depression."

This cover image released by Dey Street shows "Notes on a Banana: A Memoir of Food, Love and Manic Depression," by David Leite. (Dey Street via AP)

Leite takes the reader on a coming-of-age journey - from his childhood in the blue-collar city of Fall River, Massachusetts, to a working professional in New York City.

First, Leite grew up in a devoutly Catholic and food-crazed Azorean family. "Food. It was one of the ways we bonded," he writes.

In this traditional Portuguese family, living in what he calls the "armpit of Massachusetts," Leite learned to be a big dreamer. In fact, dreaming is what sustained him throughout a childhood that was speckled with transgressions like a neighbor's sexual advances. The whole time, Leite is struggling to understand the range of his emotions that seems to run higher and lower than what he believes to be the normal spectrum.

As a nod to the book's title, his mother often referred to her son affectionately as "banana." She also writes brief messages on bananas for her son. One of these messages is "Jesus loves you!"

Admittedly, his mother "is a blood hound for Jesus," he writes. "She can sniff out sin before it happens the way some people smell burnt toast before a seizure."

Complicating his early teen years, Leite starts becoming aware of the fact that he's gay. This isn't something he shares with his parents until he's an adult and in a relationship with his long-term partner, Alan, many years later.

Leite's dreaming and ambition propelled him to a considerable amount of success as a writer for the likes of Bon Appetite and other glossy magazines. He eventually started his own website, Leite's Culinaria, for which he won the coveted James Beard Award - twice.

Logophiles will appreciate the author's expansive vocabulary and readers will enjoy Leite's ability to bring levity to a host of serious - and sometimes sad - subjects.

The book gives a universal account of complications that many lives encounter, but "Notes on a Banana" brings levity and humor to the hardships the author recounts.
ISLAMABAD (AP) - A Pakistani retired army officer was lured to Nepal with a job prospect before being seized by Indian intelligence, which hopes to use him to secure the release of an Indian agent sentenced to death by Pakistan, security officials said Tuesday.

According to two senior security officials, Indian agents abducted Lt. Col. Mohammad Habib, who went missing on April 6 after arriving in Nepal. They said Habib's abduction was aimed at pressuring Pakistan to release Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian naval officer convicted of espionage who was sentenced to death on April 10.

Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters about the case. Indian officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

One of the officials said records show that Habib "arrived at the Kathmandu airport on April 6. An Indian national took him to a hotel after receiving him" at the airport.

The second official also confirmed the account, saying Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing planned Habib's abduction.

The two Pakistani officials said Jadhav has been linked to 1,345 deaths in acts of terrorism in Pakistan. They told The Associated Press that he joined India's Naval intelligence in 2001 and was later posted in Iran, from where he made secret trips to Pakistan using fake ID documents before his 2016 arrest.

The officials claimed that Jadhav had confessed to espionage and terror-linked activities during his interrogation. He has the right to appeal to a military appeals court or petition the army chief for mercy. Also, under the constitution, Pakistan's president could pardon Jadhav.

Pakistan and India have a history of bitter relations, and Jadhav's death sentence has further strained ties. India has denounced Jadhav's trial as a farce, insisting he was abducted from Iran and that his subsequent presence in Pakistan was never credibly explained.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - A senior Hamas official says threats by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cannot force the militant group to cede control in the Gaza Strip.

Khalil al-Hayya told reporters on Tuesday that Abbas' threat to take "unprecedented steps" to restore political unity to the Palestinian territory will not succeed.

Al-Hayya says "Gaza can't be threatened or terrified and Hamas doesn't accept threats."

The Islamic militant group seized Gaza from Abbas' Palestinian Authority in 2007, leaving the Palestinians divided between rival governments in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Repeated attempts at reconciliation have failed.

Seeking to put pressure on Hamas, Abbas has slashed the salaries of thousands of former civil servants in Gaza and imposed a tax on fuel shipments to Hamas-ruled Gaza.

Al-Hayya called on Abbas to reverse the measures.
LEOMINSTER, Mass. (AP) - A man arrested in connection with the death of a Google employee near her mother's Massachusetts home last summer has been held on $10 million cash bail.

Angelo Colon-Ortiz was charged with assault and attempted rape, and prosecutors said they sought the high bail because they expect to charge him with murder in the Aug. 7 slaying of 27-year-old New York City resident Vanessa Marcotte.

An attorney for 31-year-old Colon-Ortiz entered not guilty pleas to charges of aggravated assault and battery and assault with attempt to rape at his arraignment Tuesday in Leominster (LEH'-mihn-stur) District Court.

FILE - This undated driver license photo released by the Worcester County District Attorney's Office shows Vanessa Marcotte. Angelo Colon-Ortiz will be arraigned Tuesday, April 17, 2017, in Leominster District Court on assault with intent to rape and other charges in the death of Marcotte on Aug. 7, 2016. (Worcester County District Attorney's Office via AP, File)

Marcotte's body was found in the woods after she didn't return from a run in Princeton, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Boston.

Colon-Ortiz's attorney did not argue for lower bail, but reserved the right to seek lower bail.
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - A U.S. Navy officer charged with hazing and maltreatment of sailors is facing a general court martial.

The Virginian-Pilot reported Tuesday (http://bit.ly/2pxAXGK) that the unnamed lieutenant commander is accused of verbal abuse and retaliating against a sailor who asked to stop being called Charlie Brown. Court documents say the officer told the sailor to carry a Charlie Brown cartoon figurine at all times.

The officer also is accused of punching a chair next to a sailor, yelling at someone for more than an hour and lying about his actions.

The lieutenant commander is a reservist assigned to a cargo handling battalion in Lakehurst, New Jersey.

Military hazing has drawn extra scrutiny in recent years after a series of high-profile cases.

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Information from: The Virginian-Pilot, http://pilotonline.com
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A mail handler accused of robbing a bank on his day off from the U.S. Post Office has reportedly told FBI agents why he did it.

The SunSentinel (http://bit.ly/2oIMvqk ) reports that 40-year-old George Murillo told agents he's been in a "desperate financial situation" as the sole provider for two families, that of his ex-wife and his girlfriend.

Court documents show Murillo's ex-wife told him she would be evicted if he didn't pay the rent. But he had just spent his money on a car and a gun for his girlfriend, and decided his only option was to rob a Bank of America.

Authorities say a GPS-tracking device in the money led to his arrest.

A judge ordered him held Monday in jail, where records don't list a defense lawyer.
The anticipation of low enrollment for the upcoming summer and fall semesters at Mineral Area College was brought to the attention of the community college's board of trustees when it met in regular session April 13 in the boardroom on the school's Park Hills campus.

In reporting the latest enrollment figures to the trustees, Dean of Students Jean Merrill-Doss minced no words about either the problem or the efforts that will be made to help boost school attendance.

"Good afternoon board members, summer enrollment is down about 53 students and 220 credit hours from where we were at this same time last year, so we are down about 8 percent for summer," she said. "Fall, we're down about 25 percent from where we were this time last year.

"We do have on the 24th we have our next Cards program. It's in the evening. Typically, that program doesn't fill and it's full now. We've added a few more seats to get it up to 130 students. We're 100 percent sure we will be down, but we're going to do everything we can to turn over every stone and think outside the box for students we're not reaching.

"I'm not sure yet if it's continuing students that aren't applying or students who have taken off a semester and haven't come back. So we're going to be looking at many different lists of students and looking at data and trying to make all the phone calls possible and to help some of those students hurdle those barriers that are keeping them from coming to school."

Merrill-Doss also informed the trustees there will be an increased emphasis on retaining students who are already attending MAC.

"We will do a few more Cards programs through the end of June," she said. "Then, beginning in July until school starts, Student Services advisors and a few other folks  including myself  will then take all advising appointments one-on-one with the students so we can spend a little bit more time talking to them ... helping them build a schedule that's more suitable to them ... talking about financial aid ... sending them to different resources if they need them.

"Sometimes at Cards if you're a business advisor and you've got 10 students to see, you don't get to spend a lot of time with them. So, we're hoping this will be a trial for us this summer and give us more time to spend with students individually and through that give us a chance to build that retention piece from the time they enroll."

As Missouri's economy has improved, declining enrollment has increasingly become an issue for Mineral Area College, as well as other state community colleges. In an interview several years ago, MAC President Dr. Steve Kurtz explained that the sharp increase in enrollment MAC experienced eight or nine years ago was due to the nation's economic tailspin beginning in 2008.

Typically, when the economy isnt doing well, we do well with enrollment, he said in 2015. We are seeing the opposite now that our economy is picking up. Our enrollment is down slightly this semester and it has to do with people in our area having more employment opportunities. During the Great Recession, those jobs that were typically for students were taken by folks who used to have full-time work.

Now the college is faced with a double whammy as enrollment numbers are increasingly low and Gov. Eric Greitens has recommended deep cuts in the state's new budget for institutions of higher learning in Missouri.

In other action, three members of the board uncontested in the April 4 election were sworn into office for a two-year term by outgoing Board President Scott Sikes. They are Subdistrict 2 Trustee Lisa Umfleet, Subdistrict 4 Trustee Harvey Faircloth and Subdistrict 4 Trustee Dr. Don VanHerck. Following the election, Subdistrict 3 Trustee Jerry Sullivan took over the meeting as board president.

The board approved the George K. Baum & Company and Gilmore & Bell Bond Counsel to prepare and come back to the trustees with a refinancing place for the school's Series 2008 Certificates of Participation to lower interest costs.

Kurtz informed the trustees that MAC commencement will take place at 10:30 a.m. May 13. Commissioner of Higher Education Zora Mulligan will be the speaker. Central Methodist University commencement will be held at 11 a.m. May 20. U.S. Congressman Jason Smith, R-8th District, will be the speaker. Both ceremonies will be held in the Bob Sechrest Sr. Field House on MAC's Park Hills campus.

The next board of trustees meeting is set for 2 p.m. May 11 in the boardroom.
WASHINGTON (AP) - A federal judge has rejected efforts to reinstall in the U.S. Capitol a painting that some lawmakers and police groups found offensive.

David Pulphus, a student artist from Missouri, and Rep. William Clay, his Democratic congressman, had sued Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers for removing the painting in January. They sought a preliminary injunction to have the painting restored as the lawsuit proceeds, but the judge denied their motion.

The painting showed what appears to be a pig in a police uniform and divided members of Congress for its depiction of events in Ferguson, Missouri. In August 2014, a white police officer shot and killed an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown.

U.S. District Judge John D. Bates said in his ruling that the government used its editorial discretion in the selection and presentation of the art. As a result, it was engaging in "government speech" and the plaintiffs have no First Amendment right to display the painting at the Capitol. The First Amendment limits government regulation of private speech, but it does not restrict the government when it speaks for itself.

Bates said he was "sympathetic" to Pulphus and Clay given how the artwork was treated, but he concluded that they were unlikely to succeed on the merits of their arguments. He also noted that all of the paintings in this year's arts competition are to be taken down May 1, little less than two weeks away.

The plaintiffs in the case had sought a preliminary injunction to have the painting restored to a tunnel that leads to the Capitol from a House office building. That's where hundreds of winning paintings in an annual Congressional Art Competition are hung.

Ayers had determined, after Republican lawmakers criticized the portrayal of police, that the artwork didn't comply with the House Office Building Commission's prohibitions for the Congressional Arts Competition. The rules of the competition prohibit artworks "depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy" or those of a "sensationalistic or gruesome nature."

Leah J. Tulin, a lawyer representing Pulphus and Clay, said they are likely to appeal the judge's ruling. She said that under the court's ruling, there was a danger that the government speech doctrine "can swallow the First Amendment protections" provided to Americans in a limited public forum.

"I'm confident we will ultimately prevail on the merits," Tulin said.
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - White nationalist Richard Spencer spoke in a crowded auditorium at Auburn University on Tuesday after a federal judge blocked the school from banning his appearance.

Only a few chairs were empty in the more than 400-seat room as Spencer and other speakers railed against ethnicity and racial diversity, liberals, the media and more. They say they want to promote white pride.

Supporters and opponents engaged in shouting marches beforehand, and photos showed a man with a bloody face after a physical altercation outside.

Kimberly Costen, Auburn freshman, right, yells at supports for Richard Spencer right to speak at Auburn University on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, in Auburn, Ala. The man who rented Foy Hall for Richard Spencer and was denied, filed a law suit and was granted an injunction by a federal judge to allow Spencer to speak. (Albert Cesare/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)

Officers led at least one person away, but details weren't immediately available.

A judge cleared the way for Spencer's speech after hearing arguments in a lawsuit filed by a Georgia man who rented the room where he spoke. The suit claimed the university violated free-speech rights by trying to stop Spencer's appearance.

Auburn officials cited public safety concerns in trying to stop Spencer from appearing in the student union building.

Spencer previously made news by addressing a far-right gathering where audience members gave a Nazi salute.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Iowa State University's military training program has expelled a promising cadet, accusing him of falsely claiming that he was sexually assaulted during an altercation that left him hospitalized.

The cadet testified that during a July 4 bonfire near his family's lake house in Nebraska, a 19-year-old acquaintance rubbed the cadet's genitals and inner legs with a beer bottle against his wishes. He said he pushed the man away, and that the man hit him on the head with a bottle. The cadet went to the hospital in need of several stitches on his face.

ISU Navy ROTC commanding officer Capt. Scott Curtis alleges that the cadet, his lawyer and supporters concocted the sexual assault claim to win sympathy from military officials and paper over that the cadet had been in a fight while drinking underage - he was 20 at the time. Curtis has adopted a panel's recommendations to expel the student from the ROTC program and require him to pay back 2  years of out-of-state tuition and stipends, which is expected to amount to about $100,000.

Supporters of the cadet, who'd long dreamed of becoming a Marine Corps officer, say the conspiracy claim is outrageous and that the sexual assault did occur, noting that a friend of the cadet who was there corroborated his story in testimony. They're calling on the Navy to reinstate him and investigate the program, which is dealing with an unrelated scandal in which seven members were involved in taking and posting explicit photos of themselves on Facebook.

The student's attorney, Sean Timmons, said the case shows how male-on-male sexual assault in the military isn't taken seriously.

"Instead of being concerned about his injury, they mocked him," said Timmons, who specializes in military law. "They only looked at it from the point-of-view that this had to be two drunken guys fighting. Everything we say is fiction and a lie and some kind of conspiracy."

He said his client is being treated more harshly than those involved in the Facebook case, who remain with the program. His appeal has remained pending for months without action from Navy leaders. An inquiry by the university into the program's treatment of the cadet, who is in his junior year, is also open.

Curtis declined to comment Tuesday.

A Nebraska sheriff's investigation of the incident was inconclusive and led to no charges. The other man involved told investigators that he swung the bottle in self-defense after the cadet punched him for no reason.

During training in California days after the incident, the cadet told military officials that his injuries were work-related and was cleared to participate.

The ROTC launched a review after learning from the sheriff's office that he had been assaulted and hospitalized, alleging he hadn't been forthcoming about what happened. The cadet later told the ROTC that he'd been embarrassed to report the improper touching.

The cadet declined to cooperate with police or pursue charges, saying he wanted to put the matter behind him. He admits he consumed alcohol earlier that evening.

The Associated Press isn't naming him under a policy of generally not identifying sexual assault victims. Improper touching qualifies as assault under military rules.

In his removal decision, Curtis wrote that the cadet is smart, disciplined, fit and has significant officer potential. He said underage drinking and fighting alone wouldn't end his career. But Curtis accused the cadet of going along with an unethical legal strategy that attempted to take advantage of the sensitivity surrounding sexual assault, calling that a disservice to actual victims.

Timmons, his lawyer, said that claim had no factual basis and revealed bias against his client, adding that a female making the same report would've been taken seriously.

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Follow Ryan J. Foley at https://twitter.com/rjfoley
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Officials have released bacteria-infected mosquitoes near Key West, testing a new way to kill the insects that carry Zika and other viruses.

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District released 20,000 male mosquitoes bred by the Kentucky-based company MosquitoMate and infected with naturally occurring Wolbachia bacteria.

The offspring produced when the lab-bred mosquitoes mate with wild female mosquitoes don't survive to adulthood. Male mosquitoes don't bite, and Wolbachia is not harmful to humans.

The infected mosquitoes were flown in cardboard tubes to Key West on Tuesday morning. At the test site, district staff released the mosquitoes by shaking or blowing into the tubes.

Mosquito Control District Executive Director Andrea Leal said is exploring new ways to suppress Aedes aegypti mosquito populations because conventional methods are costly and labor-intensive.

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Information from: The Key West (Fla.) Citizen, http://www.keysnews.com
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - If you didn't know better, you might think this New Hampshire town is best known for gun-toting wedding parties.

A Google search for the town of Londonderry has repeatedly turned up a wedding photo of resident and Republican state Rep. Al Baldasaro with five women, including the bride, posing with rifles while wearing their wedding attire.

Town Manager Kevin Smith said the photo appeared earlier this year, prompting the town to send a letter in February to Google asking for it to be removed. That seemed to do the trick but then the photo resurfaced again this week, prompting the town to reach out to Google again. The latest image was a near-duplicate of the one that was removed earlier this year, and was posted on a different page. This new image was pulled into Google's Knowledge Panel algorithmically.

By Tuesday afternoon, the wedding photo had been replaced by a town map.

Rather than a family wedding photo, Smith would prefer the town get noticed for its apple orchards, accomplished high school band that has marched in four Tournament of Roses parades, or its status as home to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

"It's not that we take great exception with the photo. It's that we don't think that it's representative of the town," Smith said. "Well, we think there are so many other images that represent the town more fairly, and we have named then in the letters we have sent to Google."

In its letter to Google, the town's attorney claimed critics of Baldasaro raised the profile of the photo by sharing it numerous times on social media, hoping it would have been deemed embarrassing enough to help defeat Baldasaro last November.

Google confirmed the image had been removed.

Baldasaro, who won re-election and was an early supporter of President Donald Trump, said he agrees the photo should not represent the town. He said his wife, Judy, had written to Google on Monday night to request that it decouple the photo from the town's biographical information.

"My picture has no business being up there," he said Tuesday. "But I've got no control over it. I just found out yesterday it was up there again."

But he insisted there was nothing inherently wrong with the photo - which he says was his wife's idea and was taken as a joke after a fellow legislator showed up at his wedding with his guns.

"I have no regrets whatsoever. I only wish I could take credit for it," he said. "I love the picture. I don't care if anyone doesn't like it. Tough. They'll get over it. The second Amendment is a beautiful thing."
NEW YORK (AP) - Political currents have always flowed through the Tribeca Film Festival, founded in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. But this year, the festival has a slightly pugnacious edge to counter the policies of its midtown neighbor, President Donald Trump. Tribeca co-founder Robert De Niro, after all, has repeatedly said he'd like to punch Trump in the face.

Trump's 100th day in office will fall during the New York festival, which opens Wednesday with a Clive Davis documentary, "Soundtrack of Our Lives," and star-studded concert tribute to the legendary music producer. Tribeca , now in its 16th year, is the first big film festival to be programmed and substantially oriented in the political climate since last November's election.

And Tribeca organizers acknowledge it has shaped this year's festival all the way down to its slogan: "See yourself in others." It recently trotted out an accompanying video in which New Yorkers walk the streets with mirrored cubes for heads: an intended message of empathy, it says, for "a very divisive year."

This image released by the Tribeca Film Festival shows director David Crowley on the set of "Gray State," a film that will be shown at the Tribeca Film Festival. (Mason Hendricks/Tribeca Film festival via AP)

"We programmed the festival this year the way the current administration did their budget," Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of the festival, said tongue in cheek. "That said, we're also about entertaining - which this administration has also done for us."

Tribeca, which runs for 12 days, is a particularly eclectic festival that encompasses celebrity talks (Springsteen and Hanks!), television premieres (this year Hulu's anticipated "The Handmaid's Tale" debuts there), an ever-expanding virtual reality component and several movie anniversary celebrations. This year, parts one and two of "The Godfather" will play at Radio City Music Hall, with the casts in attendance.

So while defining a theme in an increasingly multi-screen, multimedia festival only goes so far, there's an undeniable presence of films that dig into the past for clues that lead to today. Many are documentaries that, though they've been in production for years, help articulate the populist unrest that pushed Trump to the White House.

"A Gray State," by "Grizzly Man" producer Erik Nelson, is about an Iraq veteran from Minnesota named David Crowley who was trying to create a dystopian science-fiction film that gave voice to libertarian and right-wing fears. But his death, along with that of his wife and young daughter, led to their own conspiracy theories. It's a tragedy in which an intelligent but increasingly troubled man appears to internalize the fringe politics he consumes himself with.

"It's really a core sample, to me, of what's going on today," says Nelson, whose film is executive produced by Werner Herzog. "David was speaking to that subcutaneous audience out there who are looking for truths that they don't see provided in the quote-unquote 'mainstream media. And on election night, we saw those people kind of come out of the shadows and tip a few elections."

Crowley documented much of his disintegration on video and social media, and Nelson considers his obsessive self-broadcasting part of his sickness. "It's not the right film for the right time," says Nelson. "It's the right film for the wrong time."

"The Reagan Show," by Sierra Pettengill and Pacho Velez, uses archival footage to show how extensively Ronald Reagan redefined the role of the U.S. president through television. It shows the former Hollywood star's savvy manipulation of his media image: hitting his marks and sticking to the script.

After working on it for the last three years, the filmmakers completed it on inauguration day. "Which was surreal," says Pettengill. "The Reagan Show" will undoubtedly be watched as illuminating another TV veteran in the White House.

"This is the roots. This is the formative moment that allowed us to get where we are," says Pettengill. "I don't think there would have been a Trump without a Reagan. The idea of having a media personality who millions and millions of people feel like they have access to, who they feel like has been in their living rooms."

There is, naturally, much dissimilarity between the two. Reagan, who is seen in the film wondering how previous presidents managed without prior acting experience, is a clearly more polished performer. Pettengill suggest that's the difference between the skills of a movie star and a reality TV star. "What being a performer means is very different in those two different realms," she says.

David Byars' "No Man's Land" tells the story behind the Oregon protesters who occupied the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge last year. "Get Me Roger Stone," by Daniel DiMauro, is about the Republican self-proclaimed "trickster" and Trump associate currently under FBI scrutiny for his role in Russian interference in the presidential election.

There is a trio of films that dig into police brutality: "Frank Serpico," on the famous whistleblowing New York police officer; "LA92," on the Rodney King assault and its subsequent riots in Los Angeles; and "Copwatch," about a police-documenting organization.

And there are also issues of equal rights (the trans icon investigation "The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson"), a number of environment-focused films and events scheduled around Earth Day, and even an appearance from Michael Moore for an anniversary of his 2002 documentary on guns and mass shootings, "Bowling for Columbine." The festival declares, "In the age of Trump ... there's no better time to revisit" the film.

"What's interesting," says Rosenthal, "is that we have films that are looking back that show: How did we get here?"

___

Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP

___

This story has been updated to correct that the co-director of 'The Reagan Show' is Pacho Velez.
A selection of AP offerings that are especially good reads, shareable, consumer-friendly, or likely to generate talk or buzz. Please see the News Digest and News Coverage Advisory 10:15 for top stories and other highlights. All times EDT.

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FRESNO FATAL SHOOTING - Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer says three people have been killed in a shooting in the downtown central California city. SENT: 130 words. UPCOMING: Developing.

UNITED STATES-EBOLA DRILLS - Feds practice Ebola evacuations despite past Trump criticism. SENT: 340 words, photo.

SPACE STATION-GLENN - John Glenn's trailblazing legacy took flight Tuesday as a cargo ship bearing his name rocketed toward the International Space Station. SENT: 400 words, photos. UPCOMING: NASA news conference at 2:30 p.m.

USS ARIZONA SURVIVOR-CEREMONY - USS Arizona survivor rejoins shipmates, interred aboard ship. SENT: 540 words, photos.

BRITAIN-ROYALS-MENTAL HEALTH - Prince William speaks with Lady Gaga on mental health. SENT: 600 words, photos, video.

TV FOX-O'REILLY - Through three days of Bill O'Reilly's vacation, his show's viewership declined by 26 percent in the hands of substitutes. SENT: 200 words, photos.

MONEY FOUND BY ROAD - Ohio man turns in $14,000 found on side of road. SENT: 130 words, photo.

GOOGLE-WEDDING PHOTO - Google search of town turns up gun-toting wedding photo. SENT: 120 words. UPCOMING: Developing.

KFC CHICKEN SANDWICH - KFC changing chicken sandwich prep, aiming to improve taste. SENT: 300 words, photo.

OLYMPIC MEDAL - South Dakotan pole vaulter receives medal from 2008 Olympics. SENT: 250 words, photo.

DETROIT RIVER-RESCUE - Officers, mail boat rescue pregnant woman from Detroit River. SENT: 240 words.

POLICE CHIEF TICKETS HIMSELF - Oklahoma police chief issues himself a speeding ticket. SENT: 100 words, video.

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HOW TO REACH US

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At the Nerve Center, Ron DePasquale can be reached at 800-845-8450 (ext. 1600). For photos, Alyssa Goodman (ext. 1900). For graphics and interactives, ext. 7636. 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 877-836-9477.
BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Progress is being made eradicating a microscopic pest that has been threatening Idaho's $900 million potato industry the last decade, federal officials say.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said viable potato cyst nematodes can no longer be detected in three additional fields. The agency on Friday released the first quarter report for 2017 on the Pale Cyst Nematode Eradication Program that said 20 of the 27 infected fields have now reached that step in a lengthy process to return to production.

About 9,300 acres (3,700 hectares) are being regulated because of the pest in southeastern Idaho. Canada, Mexico, and Korea initially banned Idaho potatoes when the pests were discovered in 2006, and Japan banned all U.S. potatoes. Japan still bans Idaho potatoes.

The report said that extensive surveys have not found the pale cyst nematode, or PCN, in Idaho beyond the 27 confirmed fields. "The general opinion by our trading partners is that potatoes produced outside regulated areas do not pose the biological risk for introduction of PCN," the report said.

Nematodes feed on potato roots and can reduce crop production by 80 percent, but experts say they aren't harmful to humans. Idaho produces about 30 percent of the nation's potato crop

Federal officials didn't respond to calls from The Associated Press on Tuesday.

There are two related fronts involving nematodes.

A federal lawsuit filed by farmers seeking to have their fields removed from a federal quarantine continues to work its way through the court after a judge denied the government's request to dismiss the case.

Also, a supplemental environmental impact statement currently in a comment period lists as the preferred alternative for dealing with the nematodes one that doesn't use methyl bromide. The chemical treatment, which was stopped in 2014, has been highly effective at killing nematodes but concerns have been raised that it has sickened livestock.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - The Florida House is formally apologizing for decades of abuse at a Florida reform school and to the families of four young black men accused of raping a white woman 68 years ago in what's now seen as a case of racial injustice.

The House unanimously passed two resolutions Tuesday acknowledging the state's misdeeds involving the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys and the group known as the "Groveland Four."

Men who were sent to the Dozier school in the 1950s and 1960s have worked to get the state to acknowledge beatings and sexual abuse they endured.

The House separately apologized to relatives of the "Groveland Four." One of the four men was killed during a manhunt and the other three were convicted with dubious evidence.
ST. LOUIS (AP) - Two men were sentenced Tuesday to nearly 12 years in federal prison for their involvement in an armored car robbery that was among the biggest heists ever in St. Louis.

U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry sentenced Charles Johnson, 36, and Shayne Kier Jones, 30, both of St. Louis. Both pleaded guilty in December to conspiracy charges.

Jones worked for Dunbar Armored Car Co. and told authorities he was threatened into participating in the robbery.

The crime happened April 4, 2016. Jones stopped at a gas station pretending to be lost, the U.S. attorney's office in St. Louis said. When he got out of the truck, Johnson and another man rushed him and demanded money as part of the ruse. Court documents show Jones obliged, throwing bags of money out the back door of the armored truck to Johnson and the other man.

They put the money in a white car and drove away with more than $2 million, according to court documents. Prosecutors said the money was taken to a home and divided into thirds.

Johnson and Jones were arrested days later. The third suspect has not been arrested. U.S. Attorney's office spokeswoman Terri Dougherty said about $750,000 of the stolen money was recovered.

The heist is believed to be the second-biggest ever in St. Louis. In 2010, $6.4 million was taken in a gunpoint heist from the office of ATM Solutions, a company that serviced and stocked cash dispensers. About half of that money was later recovered. Several people involved in that crime are now in prison.
Before a lively crowd attending the annual Washington County Lincoln Days celebration, Chris Dinkins of Annapolis, announced her bid to replace a term-limited Rep. Paul Fitzwater, R-Potosi, in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Dinkins was serving as a keynote speaker at the gathering of local conservatives, alongside Fitzwater and Sen. Gary Romine, R-Farmington.

Dinkins currently serves as the legislative assistant to Rep. Fitzwater and as deputy treasurer for Fitzwaters campaign committee. Originally from Piedmont, the candidate lives in Iron County along with her husband at their family farm, along with operating a small business in Lesterville. The district consists of Iron, Reynolds, Wayne and part of Washington County.

I have deep roots in this district, Dinkins said, and I have enjoyed having the opportunity to work on behalf of the constituents in this district these last four years.

Prior to her work in the Capitol, Dinkins spent 17 years working in education.

As a small business owner Ive seen first hand how burdensome government regulations have been hurting our small business owners and their families. We have to work on getting government out of the way and getting jobs back to rural Missouri, she said.

Among other issues, Dinkins speech highlighted the need to keep Obamacare, Common Core and other federal programs out of Missouri.

These one-size-fits-all programs are hurting real Missourians every day," she said. "We need to return control back to local schools, communities, and healthcare providers where they know the needs of their students and neighbors best.

According to Dinkins, the outpouring of support she has received since making her announcement has been "humbling."

"I am looking forward to getting out into the communities and talking with the voters about the issues most important to them, she said.
BOISE, Idaho (AP) - The Latest on a school bus crash in Idaho (all times local):

8:30 p.m.

Police have identified the driver of the school bus that rolled in rural Idaho Tuesday while carrying students to a track meet.

Emergency personnel help to remove passengers after school bus that Tuesday, April 18, 2017, west of Richfield, Idaho. At least 17 students have been taken to hospitals, some with serious injuries, after a bus carrying 39 students to a track meet rolled over on a rural stretch of road in central Idaho. (Drew Nash/The Times-News via AP)

Idaho State Police say 67-year-old Richard Mecham of Carey, Idaho, was behind the wheel of the 2011 bus when he drove off the right shoulder, overcorrected and rolled the bus.

Police say Mecham sustained no injures while adult chaperones were treated and released at the scene. Police say 12 of the 39 students on the bus were taken to hospitals for treatment.

The investigation is ongoing.

___

5:15 p.m.

A mother of one of the students on the school bus that crashed in rural Idaho says her daughter remembers coaches yelling to get the driver's attention before it flipped over.

Cindy Stocking of Carey said students heard coaches scream "hey, hey, hey!"

Stocking said when she got news of the crash, she hopped in her car to meet her 13-year-old daughter, Hailee Stocking, at the scene.

Stocking said her daughter is fine, but she decided to take her to the hospital emergency room anyways just to get checked out by a doctor.

"There were students with severe lacerations, some with concussions, one broke a bone in her back," Stocking told The Associated Press via text message. "Some with whiplash."

___

3:50 p.m.

An Idaho sheriff says a bus carrying 39 students rolled over in a central Idaho crash on Tuesday and at least 11 have been taken to hospitals.

Lincoln County Sheriff Rene Rodriguez says the bus crashed for unknown reasons on an open stretch of rural road where the speed limit is 65 mph.

He says none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening.

He says the bus was taking students from Carey School to a track meet. Idaho State Police are investigating.

Six of the students were taken to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, two of them by air.

Five more students were transported to North Canyon Medical Center in Gooding.

Rodriguez says most of the students were transported back to Carey School.

____

2:04 p.m.

A school official says Idaho students are being transported by air and ambulance to receive medical treatment Tuesday after a school bus rolled in a crash.

According to the Blaine County School District, five students were transported by helicopter and another five students went by ambulance. Twelve more students are still being assessed by emergency personnel and 14 other students have been released.

Idaho State Police reports that the bus was driving junior high students to a track meet on when it crashed in central Idaho, 125 miles southeast of Boise.

There were no immediate reports of fatal injuries.

ISP did not disclose the cause of the crash.

A student athlete has his arm looked at at the scene of a bus crash Tuesday, April 18, 2017, west of Richfield, Idaho. At least 17 students have been taken to hospitals, some with serious injuries, after a bus carrying 39 students to a track meet rolled over on a rural stretch of road in central Idaho. (Drew Nash/The Times-News via AP)

A medical helicopter takes off from the scene of a bus crash Tuesday, April 18, 2017, west of Richfield, Idaho. At least 17 students have been taken to hospitals, some with serious injuries, after a bus carrying 39 students to a track meet rolled over on a rural stretch of road in central Idaho. (Drew Nash/The Times-News via AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump has congratulated Turkey's president for sweeping up more power. He has hailed Egypt's strongman leader as a "fantastic guy." When China's president has visited, Trump made no public mention of Beijing's dismal human rights record.

Since taking office, Trump has displayed a willingness to embrace autocrats as potential partners, even if it means ignoring their heavy-handed tactics at home.

Trump is not first U.S. president willing to look the other way in dealings with governments that flout democratic values. For decades, Republican and Democratic administrations have cooperated closely with Saudi Arabia and China. President Barack Obama opened new diplomatic channels with Iran and Cuba, despite concerns about their repressive rulers.

President Donald Trump gives a thumb-up as he walks from Marine to Air Force One at General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Trump went to Kenosha, Wis., to visit the headquarters of tool manufacturer Snap-on Inc., and sign an executive order that seeks to make changes to a visa program that brings in high-skilled workers. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

But rarely are U.S. presidents as warm and unabashed about their relationships.
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Australian troops provided help after the Islamic State group attacked Iraqi government troops with some type of gas in western Mosul, Australia's prime minister said on Wednesday.

Joint Operation Command in Iraq spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasool told The Associated Press that six soldiers suffered breathing problems from the attack on Sunday and were treated in a nearby field clinic.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said no Australian military advisers were affected by the gas.

"My advice right at the moment is that no Australian troops were affected by the chemical attack, but Australian forces did provide assistance following the attack," Turnbull told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

"Now that's my current advice which I received literally in the last few minutes," he added.

ABC reported that the Iraqi military unit that was attacked had both Australian and U.S. military advisers.

An investigation was launched to determine what type of gas was used.

Australia has 300 troops and New Zealand 110 troops involved in military training at the Taji Military Complex northwest of Baghdad.
Writer Irvine Welsh urged walkers to Hoof it to Hyderabad as he kicked off the first mile of a 5,000-mile walking challenge.

The Hibs fan opened the registration for the virtual challenge which asks competitors to walk the equivalent of 12,106,000 steps from Scotland to the south Indian city.

Trainspotting author Welsh, a long-term ambassador for Scottish charity Scottish Love in Action, walked the first mile of the 5,000 miles between Scotland and Hyderabad on Monday.

Irvine Welsh, right, leads off the charity challenge

The charity, which helps the poorest children in India, is raising cash through its Girls Lives Matter appeal.

Welsh opened registration for the fundraiser at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade with a small group of participants before setting off down the Royal Mile.

The charity wants help to virtually walk the 5,000 miles/8,000km, from Scotland to Hyderabad during June 2017.

Irvine Welsh, left, and a group of girls in the charity cahllenge

Participants can walk, run or cycle a minimum of 10km, which will contribute towards the equivalent distance between the countries.

SLA provides funding to three grassroots non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which run projects in the south east Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Numerous children it helps are orphans and have been forced to beg and live on the streets.

Founder and chairwoman Gillie Davidson said: Many of the children we care for have only managed to survive by scavenging in rubbish tips, or living on the streets where they are open to being trafficked into prostitution or forced labour.

All the money we raise from challenges like Hoof it to Hyderabad give these children a chance in life and wed like to thank everyone for this support.
Jeremy Corbyn joked he had made too many mistakes to mention but insisted voters would begin to understand his partys anti-austerity message.

The Labour leader said over time people would understand the credible sense behind the partys message on issues such as tackling inequality in society.

Mr Corbyn was setting out plans for Labour to give a 10 boost to the carers allowance to around one million unsung heroes who care for vulnerable relatives.

Jeremy Corbyn on GMB (PA)

But in an occasionally tetchy interview on ITVs Good Morning Britain he was challenged about Labours dismal poll ratings, just weeks ahead of the May 4 local elections.

He insisted the partys position would improve, saying: I think the issue will get out there more and more, people will begin to understand that we dont have to go through these levels of austerity in Britain, we dont have to have these levels of inequality in Britain.

I think people will begin to see that actually what we are saying makes a lot of credible sense.

I can't help liking @jeremycorbyn. Like Wenger, a decent principled man - but seems oblivious to reality.  Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 18, 2017

In an exchange with presenter Piers Morgan, Mr Corbyn said: Why dont you ask me questions about policy, why are you only asking questions about polling and me?

The Arsenal fan dismissed as nonsense an absurd comparison between him and beleaguered Gunners boss Arsene Wenger. Morgan, also an Arsenal fan, said Wenger refused to acknowledge mistakes, like Mr Corbyn.

'Can you name one mistake you've made?'

After refusing to answer numerous times, @jeremycorbyn replied: 'There have been too many..' @GMB  Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 18, 2017

The Labour leader said: Im not going to go into any big public self analysis. What I will say is of course I reflect on issues, I reflect on decisions weve made. I want the party to be united around these policies. I think you will find the vast majority of Labour members would support these policies.

Pressed to give one mistake he had made, Mr Corbyn joked: I cant give you a mistake this morning. There are too many.

Carers could get a cash injections (PA)

Under Labours plans, Conservative cuts to inheritance tax would be scrapped to pay for the 17% hike in carers allowance.

Weekly payments would rise from 62.70 a week to 73.10, which would bring the rate into line with jobseekers allowance.

Mr Corbyns policy drive comes as recent polling on who would be the best prime minister saw him slump to 14% among all voters and also follows criticism by Labour MP Neil Coyle, who said a complaint made about him by the Islington North MPs office was absurd.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan has finally fulfilled his long-held ambition to expand his powers after a referendum handed him the reins of Turkeys governance.

But the presidents victory leaves the nation deeply divided and facing increasing tension with former allies abroad, while international monitors and opposition parties have reported numerous voting irregularities.

An unofficial tally carried by the countrys state-run news agency gave Mr Erdogans Yes vote a narrow win, with 51.4% approving a series of constitutional changes converting Turkeys political system from a parliamentary to a presidential one.

Supporters wave flags as Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers a speech

Critics argue the reforms will hand extensive power to a man with an increasingly autocratic bent, leaving few checks and balances in place.

Opposition parties called for Sundays vote to be annulled because of a series of irregularities, particularly an electoral board decision to accept ballots that did not bear official stamps, as required by Turkish law.

Monitors from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, who also listed numerous irregularities, said the move undermined safeguards against fraud.

(Press Presidency Press Service via AP, Pool)

The referendum campaign was heavily weighted in favour of the Yes campaign, with Mr Erdogan drawing on the full powers of the state and government to dominate the airwaves and billboards.

The No campaign complained of intimidation, detentions and beatings.

In Istanbul, hundreds of No supporters demonstrated in the streets on Monday, chanting thief, murderer, Erdogan and banging pots and pans.

No supporters protest in Istanbul (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)

Mr Erdogan was unfazed by the criticism as he spoke to flag-waving supporters in the capital Ankara.

We have put up a fight against the powerful nations of the world, he said as he arrived at the airport from Istanbul.

The crusader mentality attacked us abroad. We did not succumb. As a nation, we stood strong.

In a speech before a massive crowd at his sprawling presidential palace complex, Mr Erdogan insisted Turkeys referendum was the most democratic election ever seen in any Western country and told the OSCE monitors to know your place.

Mr Erdogan addresses supporters (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

The referendum was held with a state of emergency still in place, imposed after an attempted coup in July.

The Council of Ministers decided on Monday to extend the state of emergency, which grants greater powers of detention and arrest to security forces, for a further three months. It had been due to expire April 19.

There is also the risk of increased international isolation, with Mr Erdogan appealing to patriotic sentiments by casting himself as a champion of a proud Turkish nation that will not be dictated to by foreign powers in general, and the European Union in particular.

Turkey has been an EU candidate for decades, but its accession efforts have been all but moribund for several years.

Supporters of pro-'no' vote chant slogans as they protest in Istanbul

They have made us wait at the gates of the European Union for 54 years, Mr Erdogan told his supporters at the presidential palace.

We can conduct a vote of confidence on this as well. Would we? What did England do  they did Brexit, right?

Either they will hold their promises to Turkey or theyll have to bear the consequences.
Theresa May has called a snap general election on June 8, with a plea to British voters to put their trust in her to deliver a good result from Brexit.

Making her shock announcement, the Prime Minister claimed divisions at Westminster risked jeopardising the negotiations to pull the UK out of the European Union.

Having repeatedly ruled out calling a snap election in the past, Mrs May said she had reluctantly taken the decision to go to the country after seeing other parties playing games with the process of preparing for Brexit negotiations.

Her final decision was taken during a walking holiday in Snowdonia with husband Philip, and she told the Queen on Easter Monday before getting the full approval of Cabinet on Tuesday morning.

Speaking to The Sun ahead of a parliamentary vote to approve her election plans on Wednesday, Mrs May said: What I hope comes out of the election is support from the public to say we agree with their plan for Brexit, so that when I go into Europe Ive got that backing of the British people.

She also revealed a concern that the May 2020 election date stipulated by the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act would leave her vulnerable to pressure from Brussels as she neared the end of the two-year withdrawal negotiations in March 2019.

If were negotiating at a point that is quite close to a general election, I think the Europeans might have seen that as a time of weakness when they could push us, she explained. Now we will be much freer.

I welcome the PMs decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first pic.twitter.com/9P3X6A2Zpw  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) April 18, 2017

This is your chance to change the direction of your country pic.twitter.com/wfj4wC7yn3  Tim Farron (@timfarron) April 18, 2017

The gap before talks begin in earnest in June gave her a window of opportunity to strengthen her hand by improving her slim 17-seat majority and pushing the next election date back to 2022, by which time the UK should have long ago left the EU.

Mrs May indicated that Conservative candidates will be expected to sign up to her manifesto in full, putting pressure on remaining europhiles within her party to toe the line.

She insisted that the election would not focus solely on EU withdrawal but would see Conservatives set out plans for the UK beyond Brexit.

And she set out her line of attack against Labour, saying voters would face a choice between stable and strong leadership, which I hope they have seen, and a coalition of Corbyn supported by the Liberal Democrats and the SNP.

Mrs Mays announcement shocked Westminster, but both Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron quickly indicated that their parties will back it

Under the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act introduced by her predecessor David Cameron, the Prime Minister will require the support of two-thirds of MPs to go to the country, with a vote scheduled in the Commons on Wednesday.

Tory Party puts its own interests before the national interest.  Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) April 18, 2017

Mrs May and Number 10 have repeatedly insisted she would not seek a general election before the scheduled 2020 poll.

But she rejected suggestions she was simply seeking to take advantage of an opportunity to extend her lead at a time when polls put Conservatives as many as 21 points ahead of Labour, insisting an election now was in the best long-term interests of this country.

Right decision - it's in the national interest to call a GE, strengthening PM's negotiating hand in Europe. #GE2017  Philip Hammond (@PhilipHammondUK) April 18, 2017

Sun is shining. Perfect moment for an election. Let's go.  Stephen Crabb (@SCrabbPembs) April 18, 2017

Brave - and right - decision by PM @Theresa_May. My very best wishes to all Conservative candidates. @Conservatives  David Cameron (@David_Cameron) April 18, 2017

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Mrs May acknowledged she needed a stronger position in the Commons to secure her plans for the UKs future outside the EU.

Our opponents believe because the Governments majority is so small that our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change. They are wrong, she said.

They under-estimate our determination to get the job done and I am not prepared to let them endanger the security of millions of working people across the country, because what they are doing jeopardises the work we must do to prepare for Brexit at home and it weakens the Governments negotiating position in Europe.

Whatever happened to 'now is not the time'? UK General Election: 8th June. Straight choice in Scotland between @theSNP and Tories. #VoteSNP  Angus Robertson (@AngusRobertson) April 18, 2017

Mr Corbyn said Mrs Mays decision had given voters the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.

Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a Government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS, said the Labour leader.

Mr Farron said the election provided an opportunity to block a disastrous hard Brexit.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the election call as a huge political miscalculation by the Prime Minister, accusing Mrs May of once again putting the interests of her party ahead of those of the country.

Good phone call with PM @theresa_may on upcoming UK elections.  Charles Michel (@eucopresident) April 18, 2017

It was Hitchcock, who directed Brexit: first an earthquake and the tension rises.  Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) April 18, 2017

Tony Blair issued a call for voters to back candidates who would be ready to vote down Mrs Mays final Brexit deal if it is bad for the country. He warned the UK risked huge damage if a Tory landslide allowed Mrs May to pursue Brexit at all costs without restraint.

The former Labour prime minister insisted he was not calling for tactical voting or an anti-Tory alliance but his comments came close to endorsing a vote for non-Labour candidates who oppose Brexit.

Following her election announcement, Mrs May made separate phone calls to US President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Council president Donald Tusk, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny, said 10 Downing Street.

The White House said President Trump wished the British people the best of luck in their electoral process in his conversation with Mrs May.
An Indian business tycoon wanted in his home country over fraud allegations has been bailed after appearing in court.

Entrepreneur Vijay Mallya, chairman of the UB Group and co-owner of Silverstone-based Sahara Force India F1 team, was released from Westminster Magistrates Court after paying a 650,000 security, court officials said.

He was arrested earlier on Tuesday by the Metropolitan Polices extradition unit on behalf of authorities in India, where he is wanted in connection with money laundering and high value bank demands. The 61-year-old, a former MP in India, entered the UK on a valid passport in March 2016.

Vijay Mallya (Nigel French/PA)

Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 18, 2017

Indias Enforcement Directorate has been gathering evidence as part of its investigation into the tycoons debts, totalling 977 million, linked to Mr Mallyas now defunct airline Kingfisher.

Mr Mallya sold off his drinks firm United Spirits to Diageo in 2013 in order to prop up the airline, which went bust shortly after.

Indian investigators said last year Mr Mallya had not been co-operating and had ignored their summons to give evidence three times.

Extradition warrant arrest on behalf of Indian authorities https://t.co/cXET0Q13q5 pic.twitter.com/s90THSa0nD  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) April 18, 2017

Mr Mallya was bailed on condition that he resides at his home address, that he does not leave or attempt to leave England and Wales, that his passport is surrendered to police and he does not apply for any travel documents.

A brief statement on Mr Mallyas Twitter account said: Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in court started today as expected. A case management hearing was scheduled for May 17.
Perhaps it was something in the mountain air of Snowdonia that helped clear Theresa Mays mind to make the boldest decision yet of her short premiership.

The Prime Minister used the day Parliament returned from the Easter recess  part of which she spent walking in North Wales  to say she had recently and reluctantly concluded that she would call a snap general election.

The decision to call an election marked a screeching U-turn after repeated denials that she would go to the country at a time when the UKs future relationship with the European Union was up for negotiation.

Snowdonia

But in the end it was the headache caused by Brexit, and the risk of trying to take deeply divisive measures through the Commons with a working majority of just 17, that forced her hand.

Our opponents believe that because the Governments majority is so small, our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change course. They are wrong, she said defiantly.

But she acknowledged that what they are doing jeopardises the work we must do to prepare for Brexit at home and it weakens the Governments negotiating position in Europe.

Her decision will also have been influenced by the clear opinion poll lead she enjoys over Jeremy Corbyns Labour, with senior Tories urging her in recent weeks to take advantage of the disarray in the opposition ranks to secure a stronger mandate.

Mrs May  who was derided as Theresa Maybe by the Economist magazine in January  is also anxious to avoid comparisons with Gordon Brown, whose dithering over whether to call an early election after entering Number 10 in 2007 left him damaged.

Like Mr Brown, she took over in Downing Street without winning a general election. She was sensitive to the comparison whenever it was made and it appears she has decided not to make the same mistake he did.

While Brexit may be the reason Mrs May cited for her decision to seek a strengthened Commons majority, she has also faced difficulties with rebellious backbenchers on domestic policies.

Her Chancellor, Philip Hammond, was forced into a humiliating U-turn over his Budget when it emerged that his plans to increase self-employed National Insurance contributions faced resistance in the Tory ranks.

And Mrs Mays flagship education reforms, including a new generation of grammar schools, would also be vulnerable to a rebellion by a handful of Tory critics.

The prospect of election expenses investigations in a series of seats won by the Tories in 2015 may also have influenced Mrs Mays decision to hold a fresh ballot.

The bookmakers have already installed the Tories as firm favourites to win the most seats in the general election.

But as the EU referendum and Donald Trumps victory in the USA showed, any election is a gamble.

The Prime Minister has just placed the biggest bet of her career.
Workers at car giant BMW are to stage the first of a series of strikes in a bitter dispute over pensions.

Members of Unite at Cowley, Hams Hall in the West Midlands and Swindon, will walk out for 24 hours on Wednesday.

Unite said it will be the first strike by workers at the German carmaker, warning that production lines making the Mini and car engines face disruption.

Mini on the production line

Strike action starts on 19 April | BMW workers get set for eight 24 hour strikes over pension robbery https://t.co/Kq77NqGaHK pic.twitter.com/OZDAiITcDT  Unite the union: join a union (@unitetheunion) April 6, 2017

A programme of industrial action stretching over five weeks is being held over the closure of the pension scheme.

Car workers will be on picket lines outside the plants, with placards accusing BMW of pension robbery by forcing through changes the union says could see some lose up to 160,000 in their retirement income.

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: "It is very much the last resort for a world-class workforce that takes great pride in making the iconic Mini and world-renowned Rolls-Royce motor cars and one which could have been avoided if BMWs bosses had been willing to negotiate meaningfully with Unite.

UK-Based BMW Employees to Strike Over Pension Closure - Chief Investment Officer https://t.co/VWMpcqxZWZ  BMW updates (@BMWupdates) April 13, 2017

A BMW spokesman said: We regret the decision by Unite to stage industrial action and are hopeful that the unions representatives will return to the negotiating table.

We have been in meaningful discussions with Unite since September of last year and have put forward a number of options to help staff transition to the proposed new pension scheme arrangements.

Like many businesses, we know that the costs and risks associated with defined benefit pension schemes makes them unsustainable and unaffordable in the long term.
Two school boards are holding meetings tonight

Farmington

The Farmington Board of Education will hold a special meeting today at 4:30 p.m. at the board office to swear in one new member and two incumbents following the certification of the April 4 election.

During the special session, the board will recognize incumbents Angela Hahn and Howard Hoehn, and new member Jerry Freeman to the board.

In addition, the board will reorganize with the election of a new board president, vice president and treasurer.

Following the special session, the board will reconvene at 5 p.m. for its regular monthly meeting.

At the meeting, the board will hear from Andrea Richardson, the college program director for the high school, who will deliver the yearly achievement report for Dual Credit at the high school.

During the presentation, the high school will recommend to the board the continuation of the Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment programs, including CTE expansion, Career NOW expansion and the scholarship programs with Mineral Area College.

Also on the agenda, Don Eaton, the director of business services, will ask the board approve his recommendation for the districts group health and life insurance plan at a cost of $2.65 million, an increase of $225,000.

Mark Krause, the director of operations, will address the board and give an operational/bond issue construction update on projects throughout the district.

Following Krause, Wade Welch, with Hoener Associates inc, will deliver an update on projects in the district.

The board will discuss other matters pertaining to the school district before adjourning to closed sessions.

West County

The West County Board of Education is meeting at 6 p.m. for a regular session in the Board of Education room located at 1124 Main St. in Leadwood.

A recognition ceremony for the achievements of elementary, middle and high school students is first on the agenda, followed by reports on an attendance program and community education. The board will also hear presentations from school administrators and the superintendent.

Items of old business will include updates on fundraisers, the West County Foundation, the school calendar, new middle school updates and drilling bids for the ball field.

In new business, board members will consider lunch prices for the 2017-2018 school year, a facility usage request, bus bids and an extra-curricular matter. In addition, a date for the May board meeting will be set.

Toward the end of the meeting, the board will certify the recent election results, dissolve the old board, swear in the new board members and elect new officers.

The meeting is open to the public.
A man who randomly killed a 74-year-old in Ohio and posted video of the crime on Facebook has fatally shot himself in his car during a police chase in Pennsylvania.

Steve Stephenss death ended a multi-state manhunt less than 48 hours after it began.

Acting on a tip, Pennsylvania state police spotted Stephens, 37, leaving a McDonalds in Erie and went after him, bumping his car to try to get it to stop, authorities said.

Steve Stephens (Cleveland Police via AP)

He shot himself in the head as the car spun out of control, police said.

This started with one tragedy and ended with another person taking their own life, said Cleveland police chief Calvin Williams.

We would have liked to have brought Steve in peacefully and really talked to him about why this happened.

Steve Stephens was spotted this morning by PSP members in Erie County. After a brief pursuit, Stephens shot and killed himself.  PA State Police (@PAStatePolice) April 18, 2017

Stephens, a job counsellor who worked with teenagers and young people, was wanted on murder charges over the shooting of Robert Godwin Sr.

The 74-year-old former foundry worker and father of 10 was picking up aluminium cans on Sunday when he was gunned down in Cleveland.

The chilling video was posted on Facebook for three hours before it was taken down, drawing criticism of the social network and renewing questions about how responsibly it polices objectionable material.

At a Silicon Valley conference on Tuesday, Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg briefly addressed the Cleveland case, saying Facebook has a lot of work to do and we will keep doing all we can to prevent tragedies like this.

Police would not speculate on what was behind the killing, but in the video and other footage he posted, Stephens talked about losing everything he had to gambling and having trouble with his girlfriend. He said he just snapped.

One of Mr Godwins daughters, Debbie Godwin, said she wished Stephens had been captured.

Im not happy hes dead at all, not at all. If you did it, you have to face your crime, she said.

An armour police vehicle drives through Fairmount park in Philadelphia

The break in the case came when police received a tip that Stephenss car was in the McDonalds car park in Erie, in the north-western corner of the state, about 100 miles east of Cleveland, authorities said.

The chase lasted two miles before Stephens took his own life, police said.

Facebook said it removed the video of the shooting 23 minutes after learning of it.

The company has since announced it is launching a review for reporting harmful content.

This is something that should not have been shared around the world. Period, Clevelands police chief said.

Robert Godwin Sr (Facebook via AP)

Godwin did not seem to recognise the name.

In the video, Stephens told Mr Godwin the name of his girlfriend and said: Shes the reason that this is about to happen to you.

Mr Godwin did not seem to recognise the name.

Investigators said that Mr Godwin was the only victim so far linked to Stephens, despite his claim on Facebook that he killed more than a dozen people.
The election will be the latest in a string of votes over the last three years, sparking concerns a wearied electorate is suffering from voter fatigue.

Since autumn 2014 the UK public will have headed to the polling stations in two general elections, up to two referendums, plus a host of local elections and others for mayors and police and crime commissioners.

Theresa May

Scottish independence referendum.

UK general election, plus local elections in England.

elections for Scottish parliament, Welsh assembly, Northern Ireland assembly, local authorities in England, police and crime commissioners in England and Wales, and four mayors including London.

EU referendum.

Northern Ireland assembly election.

local elections in England, Wales and Scotland, plus elections for new regional mayors.

UK general election.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

Members of the public polled in Birminghams busy New Street shopping area said they had little enthusiasm for the upcoming election.

Rob Horton, 44, said: I would rather we had the terms of Brexit before voting, I think at the moment theres a danger of giving the PM, whoever it is, a mandate for something that the public hasnt been asked for.

Its better to get a deal, and then put it to the country and see what decision we want.

Darren Martin said: No I dont think it is (the right time), I think the countrys had enough of politics for a little while, just let it settle down.

I dont think theres any appetite at all to go and do it now. I think people are fed up with it.

Their views were echoed online.

2014: Scottish Indy Ref

2015: General Election

2016: EU Referendum

2017: Another general election



When will the cycle of horror end???  dan (@dannycharleston) April 18, 2017

At least a snap election means it'll all be over in 6 weeks. Don't think any of us have the stomach for a longer campaign.  You can call me V (@vspearson85) April 18, 2017

However others disagreed that apathy would necessarily play a decisive factor.
Cristiano Ronaldo plundered a hat-trick as Real Madrid saw off 10-man Bayern Munich 4-2 after extra-time at the Bernabeu to secure the holders place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Robert Lewandowski, who missed the first leg with a shoulder problem, put Bayern ahead on the night from the penalty spot to level the tie on aggregate following Reals 2-1 win in Munich, where Ronaldo had scored twice.

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski (scores his side's first goal (Mike Egerton/Empics)

Ronaldos bullet diving header in the 76th minute then looked to have sent Real through, but a bizarre own goal from captain Sergio Ramos moments later levelled things up at 3-3 overall.

The Germans had to head into extra-time with only 10 men following a second caution for midfielder Arturo Vidal, which looked harsh on the Chile international.

Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben complains as referee Viktor Kassai, sends off Arturo Vidal (Mike Egerton/Empics)

Real made their numerical advantage count as Ronaldo grabbed his second of the match in the 105th minute  taking him to 100 Champions League goals in the process  although he looked to have been offside.

There was also some debate about Ronaldos hat-trick goal four minutes later, with the Portugal forward possibly offside again when he knocked the ball in following a fine run from Marcelo.

Asensio Marco scores his side's fourth (Mike Egerton/Empics)

Substitute Marco Asensio added a fourth on the break in the 112th minute to complete a 6-3 aggregate win for the Spanish league leaders as former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti endured a miserable return to the Bernabeu.

Real, who host title rivals Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday, were without injured Wales forward Gareth Bale.

The German champions, meanwhile, were missing suspended defender Javi Martinez after his red card in Munich.

Needing to score at least twice to avoid exiting the competition, Bayern produced a strong start as former Real winger Arjen Robben fired into the side netting.

Real, seeking to make it a record seventh straight Champions League semi-final appearance, finally came alive as the half-hour mark approached when Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer pushed behind a low drive from defender Dani Carvajal.

We are just winners, Ronaldo said, quoted on the Real Madrid website. Making six goals against a team like Bayern is not easy and we deserve to move through to the semi-finals. We knew we had to play very well because Bayern can score goals from anywhere on the pitch and proved to be an excellent team, but Real Madrid is Real Madrid.

We fought till the very end and left our hearts on the pitch. Unfortunately some things you just can't control...



Congrats to @realmadriden  Mats Hummels (@matshummels) April 18, 2017

"We played very well and deserved to come away with more tonight," says @MrAncelotti after #RMAFCB. pic.twitter.com/H46BvgueNQ  FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) April 18, 2017

Ancelotti, who left Real after two seasons in 2015 having won the Champions League in the previous campaign, felt the Germans had done themselves proud despite the final result: Neuer and the whole team played well, we deserved to come away with more tonight. It is hard to come to Madrid and win over 90 minutes and moreover with 10 men. Now, Madrid continue and I wish Zizou and his side all the best.
MOSCOW, April 17 (Reuters) - The following are some stories in Russia's newspapers on Monday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

VEDOMOSTI

www.vedomosti.ru

- Official annual income and property declarations by ministers and parliamentarians bear little resemblance to their actual wealth which remains unreported, the daily says, commenting on the latest publication of such declarations.

- State-controlled companies were responsible for generating 70 percent of Russia's gross domestic product last year, a situation that presents a serious risk to competition in the economy, the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service says. Conversely, the pace of privatisations has fallen away since 2010, it said.

KOMMERSANT

www.kommersant.ru

- Political analysts forecast Vladimir Putin will win next year's presidential election since his popularity is very high, the daily reports. But analysts say there is also a risk that voter turnout will be low because of apathy and people's belief that they cannot influence the outcome, the daily says.

IZVESTIA

www.izvestia.ru

- Russia suspects Abkhazia of re-exporting Turkish tomatoes banned in Russia, the daily says. Exports grew by 15 times in 2016 year-on-year.

NEZAVISIMAYA GAZETA

www.ng.ru

- Russian lawmakers could pass a bill making April 19 the official date when Crimea and the Taman and Kuban regions formally became part of Russia, the daily says, a reference to a decree that Empress Catherine the Great signed in 1783. (Reporting By Tatiana Ustinova; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
HANOI, April 18 (Reuters) - Vietnam land protesters in the capital Hanoi have released about half the 30 officials, including police officers, they took hostage on Saturday when a land dispute escalated, a lawyer involved in negotiations said on late Monday.

The residents of My Duc, on the outskirts of Hanoi, accused the local authority of taking over land for a telecommunications project without paying appropriate compensation.

The local government said the people did not own the land and were breaking the law by protesting. Four of the residents were arrested, including 83-year-old local leader Kinh.

The residents of My Duc took police and other officials hostage to demand the release of those arrested. Residents' lawyer Tran Vu Hai said all local people had now been released and that half those held by residents had been freed.

Land disputes are common in Vietnam and the one in My Duc has lasted for years, but it is rare for residents to take officials hostage in the communist state where there is little tolerance of dissent. (Reporting by My Pham; Editing by Matthew Tostevin and Michael Perry)
By Clyde Russell

LAUNCESTON, Australia, April 18 (Reuters) - In the first two months of the year, China's steel and iron ore prices were surging because output was growing strongly, but now they are falling for exactly the same reason.

Perhaps it's just proof that eventually you can have too much of a good thing, or more likely, another example of how investors try to shape the market narrative to suit what they want to happen.

In this case, increasing steel output at the start of 2017 was viewed as proof of the strength of the Chinese economy and optimism that infrastructure spending and construction were going to keep demand robust.

But that market sentiment started to shift toward the end of March as investors finally started to focus on the strong buildup of both steel and iron ore inventories.

The increasingly bearish view received a huge boost with Monday's news that steel output climbed to a record 72 million tonnes in March, exceeding the prior record of 70.65 million from March 2015.

China, which produces about half of the world's steel, produced 201.1 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2017, up 4.6 percent from the same period last year, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

The strong steel production in the January-March period does help explain why imports of iron ore were also gaining, and does go some way to explain the sharp increase in prices.

The price of spot iron ore in China <.IO62-CNO=MB> rose 20.3 percent from the end of last year to the peak so far this year of $94.86 a tonne on Feb. 21.

Since then the price has been steadily retreating, but the pullback has accelerated sharply in the recent weeks, with the price slumping to $66.25 a tonne on Monday, down from $81.54 as recently as April 5.

The drop in iron ore has been mirrored in steel rebar contracts traded on the Shanghai Futures Exchange, which ended on Monday at 2,932 yuan ($426) a tonne, down 13.2 percent from their closing peak this year of 3,377 yuan on March 15.

SENTIMENT SHIFT?

While there is little doubt that steel and iron ore prices ran too hard, too fast at the start of this year, the question remains as to whether the fundamental supply-demand outlook has changed so dramatically in the last few weeks as to change the entire market dynamic?

The answer is probably no, but what does appear to be happening is that investors are finally returning to a more realistic appraisal of the Chinese economy and its prospects for this year.

Growth was stronger than expected in the first quarter at 6.9 percent, beating the consensus for a 6.8 percent gain, but there are some concerns about the resilience of property and infrastructure construction.

This alone should lead to some caution on the steel sector, and while March's output of 72 million tonnes is likely to be the high water mark for now, there is little reason to believe that steel production is on the verge of a major pullback.

Already there are signs that the elevated inventory levels are starting to ease, with rebar stocks <SH-TOT-RBARINV> monitored by industry consultants SteelHome dropping to 6.23 million tonnes in the week to April 14, from a recent peak of 8.4 million on Feb. 17.

While rebar inventories are cyclical, tending to build in winter and be drawn down in summer, there is still room for further declines before a lack of stocks will provide price support.

Iron ore inventories at Chinese ports <SH-TOT-IRONINV> have also softened somewhat in recent weeks, but are still at historically high levels.

Stockpiles declined to 130.4 million tonnes in the week to April 14, down from the record 132.5 million from March 24, but still well above the 2016 low of 79.4 million from June of that year.

More so than steel, iron ore inventories have some way to drop before there would be pressure to rebuild, meaning the iron ore price probably has more downside potential than that for steel.

(Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
April 18 - Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Tuesday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 2 hours):

CHINESE INVESTMENT Chinese investors parked much less money in Poland than Hungary or Romania last year, the daily Rzeczpospolita reported. By mid-2016, Chinese investment in Poland totalled 462 million euro ($491.71 million), while in Hungary 2.1 billion euro and in Romania 741 million euro. BALTIC PIPE Polish and Danish gas system operators will launch in coming days a key phase in their plan to build Baltic Pipe, a gas connection between the two countries, which will enable Poland to import up to 10 billion cubic metres of gas from Norway, the daily Rzeczpospolita reported. The Open Season procedure to be launched by Poland's Gaz-System and Denmark's Energinet.dk is a market survey that will help the operators confirm the demand for the pipeline capacities.

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS An increasing number of Polish real estate developers are investing in properties abroad, including in Germany, the daily Rzeczpospolita writes.

VAT As of last year, the total of unpaid value added tax (VAT) by Polish firms came to 35 billion zlotys ($8.78 billion), business daily Puls Biznesu reported.

ARCELORMITTAL POLAND ArcelorMittal Poland, a unit of the world's top steelmaker ArcelorMittal, will hold another round of talks on Friday with labour unions on pay increase, the daily Dziennik Gazeta Prawna reported. RAIFFEISEN BANK POLSKA Raifeissen Bank Polska, a Polish unit of the Central and eastern Europe-focused lender Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), will have difficult time convincing investors to buy shares at its planned listing as it has lower profitability than some other Polish banks, the business daily Parkiet reported.

RBI is required to list at least 15 percent of the Polish unit, which is Poland's ninth-largest bank in terms of assets, in Warsaw by the end of June.

****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.****

For other related news, double click on: Polish equities E.Europe equities Polish money Polish debt Eastern Europe All emerging markets Hot stocks Stock markets Market debt news Forex news For real-time index quotes, double click on: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX ($1 = 3.9867 zlotys) ($1 = 0.9396 euros) (Reporting by Warsaw Bureau; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
The following are some stories in Russia's newspapers on Tuesday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

VEDOMOSTI

www.vedomosti.ru

According to a poll conducted by the Russian non-governmental research organization Levada Center, 55 percent of respondents think it is wrong that funding for the development of the Crimea Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014, is coming mainly from the state budget.

SIBUR, Russia's largest integrated gas processing and petrochemical company, sold the Uralorgsintez plant group of companies to petrochemical group Ektos for 22 billion roubles ($391 million), the daily reports.

Russia may lose $1.5 billion due to a ban on the export of Russian agricultural products to Turkey, the daily reports, citing analytical research from the Academy of the National Economy of Russia.

KOMMERSANT

www.kommersant.ru

Highland Gold, co-owned by Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich, and Canadian company Kinross Gold are considering the possibility of establishing a joint venture for gold mining in the Chukotka region of Russia, daily reports citing the sources.

The Chinese manufacturer of food products Hunan Super Industrial plans to invest $150 million (8 billion roubles) in the construction of a plant to produce tea, canned fruit and juices in the Moscow region, the newspaper reports, citing Moscow region authorities.

($1 = 56.2505 Rub) (Reporting by Margarita Popova; Editing by Christian Lowe)
By Anna Ringstrom and Rebecka Roos

STOCKHOLM, April 18 (Reuters) - March sales growth at Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) fell short of a preliminary estimate, the Swedish budget fashion group said on Tuesday, in another sign it may struggle to reach a new full-year target.

For decades a fast-growing success story, H&M repeatedly missed sales forecasts last year and saw profits fall amid stiff competition from budget rivals such as Britain's Primark and new players online.

The world's second-biggest fashion retailer after Zara owner Inditex said local currency sales in March - the first month of its fiscal second quarter - rose 6 percent, one percentage point below a reading for the first 28 days of the month.

"It's not a sensation but yet another confirmation it is a tough market," said Carnegie analyst Niklas Ekman.

Societe Generale analyst Anne Critchlow said the final reading was a fresh blow after disappointing preliminary data.

In February, H&M saw local currency sales shrink for the first time in four years.

Chief Executive Karl-Johan Persson said in March weaker than expected sales in the first quarter made it harder to meet a full-year growth target of 10-15 percent.

Carnegie's Ekman, who has a "sell" recommendation on H&M's shares, was surprised the company continued to open so many stores in a weak clothing market.

"The first thing they should do is slow down expansion," he said. "Things are looking pretty tough for H&M."

H&M replaced its old growth target which focused on store openings to reflect the shift towards growing e-commerce, but is still opening many shops. At the end of March, it had 4,426 stores, up 11 percent from a year earlier.

In April, the timing of Easter should support sales, though chilly weather across key northern and western European markets such as Germany may limit demand for spring wear.

"In our view the greatest challenge facing the group is that the main H&M concept operates in the 'value fashion' arena, which is the most price competitive and crowded part of the clothing market," said Societe Generale's Critchlow, who also has a "sell" recommendation on H&M's shares.

H&M is branching out into brands with higher prices than its core H&M chain, but these still account for a small share of turnover.

Sourcing the bulk of clothes in Asia with long lead times, it is also investing to make its supply chain more flexible and responsive to swings in demand. A more nimble supply chain has long helped Inditex outperform H&M.

H&M shares were down 0.3 percent at 0815 GMT, and have fallen around 26 percent over the past year. (Reporting by Anna Ringstrom and Rebecka Roos; Editing by Terje Solsvik and Mark Potter)
DUBAI, April 18 (Reuters) - Commercial Bank of Qatar (CBQ), the Gulf Arab state's third-largest lender by assets, reported a 68.3 percent drop in first-quarter net profit on Tuesday, missing analysts' forecasts, as bad debt charges rose sharply.

The bank earned a net profit attributable to equity holders of 91.2 million riyals ($25.1 million) in the three months to March 31, it said in a statement. That compares with a profit of 288.1 million riyals in the same period a year earlier.

That was below the average forecast of three analysts polled by Reuters, who had expected the bank to report a net profit of 209.4 million riyals.

The bank earned net profit, inclusive of non-controlling interests, of 91.2 million riyals for the first quarter, compared with 274.2 million riyals in the same period of last year.

The bank, which completed a 1.5 billion riyals rights issue in the first quarter, was hit by a 84.7 percent rise in net provisions for loans and advances to 478.7 million riyals.

CBQ has had to contend with a rise in bad loans linked to troubles facing some of its overseas investments, as well as cutbacks in state and consumer spending in Qatar.

CBQ last year raised its stake in Turkey's Alternatifbank to 100 percent and also holds shares in National Bank of Oman and United Arab Bank. UAB on Sunday reported a 38 percent fall in first-quarter net profit to 28 million dirhams ($7.6 million), although impairment losses dropped 51 percent over the same period.

In a statement, CBQ chief executive Joseph Abraham said provisions would remain elevated for the next few quarters as the bank continued to ensure it had adequate provisions against its loan book.

Abraham launched a five-year plan in November to try to stem a dismal earnings run that has included five quarters of falling profits and one net loss in the past six quarters.

Loans and advances stood at 82 billion riyals at the end of March, up 8.6 percent on the same point of 2016. Lending growth was mainly driven by services, consumption and industry sectors, it said.

($1 = 3.6410 Qatar riyals)

($1 = 3.6730 UAE dirham) (Reporting by Tom Arnold; Editing by Mark Potter)
Some gossip and false information have been going around since Park Hills City Administrator Matt Whitwell tendered his letter of resignation to the city council shortly after the municipal election on April 4.

As is standard procedure for all matters relating to personnel, the council met in a closed executive session on April 7 to discuss the terms of Whitwell's resignation from city employment. Whitwell was not present at the meeting.

Although the details discussed among city council members during the meeting remain confidential, the vote regarding whether to accept or reject the proposed terms of Whitwells resignation is a matter of public record, as is the fact that City Attorney Ed Pultz presented a severance and release agreement from Whitwell for the councils consideration, along with the resolution that was passed during the meeting.

Contrary to the speculation voiced by Leadington resident Gary McKinney, who spoke to a reporter from the St. Louis TV news station KMOV on Thursday, the severance agreement was a part of the original employment contract  pursuant to an Employment Agreement as (the) city administrator  Whitwell and the city entered into when he was originally hired as city administrator back in 2013.

During the interview, McKinney, who was misidentified as a Park Hills resident by KMOV, said, Who negotiated this? Did the city administrator draw this up himself and the good old boy system get this through for him? McKinney seemingly disapproved of Whitwell receiving a severance package because of his arrest in Festus for DWI and leaving the scene of an accident in late January.

During the interview, McKinney said, "If you get a DWI and he was in the wrong, then you just need to walk and why they didn't let that happen, I don't understand."

Whitwell was arrested and charged for the crimes but has not been convicted.

It was also claimed that Councilman Steve Sutton placed the deciding vote in favor of accepting the terms of Whitwells resignation.

According to documents obtained from the City of Park Hills, after council members had discussed the proposed severance agreement, Sutton made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Charlotte House, to approve the agreement. A roll call vote was recorded with Councilman Adam Bowers voting no, followed by Suttons vote of yes, a no vote by Councilwoman Sara Cruse, another no vote cast by Councilman Tom Reed, and yes votes by House, Councilman Charles Politte and, lastly, by Councilman John Clark.

It was also reported Whitwells severance agreement was a six-figure severance package in the amount of $100,000.

According to House and City Clerk Terri Richardson, KMOV did not ask the city for the details of Whitwells severance package, despite the fact that its a matter of public record. According to documents obtained from the city, Whitwell received a gross total of $72,411.83, with a net total of $66,872.34 after appropriate taxes were deducted.

The total included, as per Whitwells contract, a lump sum payment equal to six months of his annual salary (base salary plus 12 percent of the base salary in lieu of retirement contributions)  a lump sum payment for any and all hours of accrued but unused hours of vacation, sick and compensatory time as of the date of resignation  payment in the amount of $3,792.76, representing the remainder of (his) employees educational allowance for the year, which is considered taxable income.

Whitwell, per his contract, was also given six months of health care benefits for himself, his spouse and dependents in accordance with the citys current plan.

In addition, upon written request from Whitwell or a prospective employer, the city agreed to provide a letter pertaining to Whitwells employment, which shall read  Matthew Whitwell worked for the City of Park Hills, Missouri, as the Community Development Director from March 22, 2010 to July 23, 2013, and as the City Administrator from July 23, 2013 until April 7, 2017. Mr. Whitwell was proficient in his service to the city in both roles, and his job performance was satisfactory.

House emphasized that, despite the opinion of some residents, Whitwell resigned in good standing after years of dedicated service and was entitled to the same courtesies, rights and privileges granted to every private and government employee and was also, according to the principles of the American criminal justice system, innocent until proven guilty.

Had the council rejected the terms of Whitwells severance agreement, they would have effectively forced him to remain employed or put the city in jeopardy of a lawsuit for, essentially, denying him the benefits of his contract with the city without just cause because he has not been convicted of the charges pending against him.

House added that, had they fired Whitwell for being arrested but before the case was fully adjudicated, he could have chosen to file a lawsuit against the city, especially if the case is dropped or he is found to be not guilty of the charges.

Former Mayor David Easter also remarked recently that because Whitwell is, under the law, presumed innocent until proven guilty, the council deemed it only fair to wait until the court case was resolved before taking action regarding Whitwells position with the city.

He also remarked that to suspend someone with pay is essentially giving them an extended vacation, while suspending someone without pay puts that person in a position where theyll eventually need to find paid employment.
By Noah Browning and Bozorgmehr Sharafedin

MANAMA/DUBAI, April 18 (Reuters) - At a wake in Iran's holy city of Qom in February, a small group of Bahraini emigres and clerics mourned a young militant killed in a gun battle with Bahrain's security forces.

The eulogy was delivered by an exiled Bahraini cleric who has called for the island's Shi'ite Muslim majority to uproot the Sunni Al Khalifa monarchy in a holy war.

"The choice of resistance is widening and spreading on the ground," said the cleric, Murtada al-Sanadi, who has been named by the United States as a "specially designated global terrorist" backed by Iran.

The ceremony shines a light on Iran's widening influence over an armed fringe of the opposition in Bahrain, a country with a strategic value that belies its small size. It hosts a U.S. naval base and is a close ally of Saudi Arabia, Iran's main regional rival. A quickening tempo of mostly crude bombing and shooting attacks has accompanied a government crackdown, which culminated last year in the dissolution of the main opposition bloc.

The dead 29-year-old militant, Reda al-Ghasra, was shot and killed when security forces ambushed the speedboat carrying him and fellow fugitives at dawn on February 9. Ghasra had just a few weeks earlier escaped from a prison where he was serving a life sentence for terrorism.

Ghasra's two brothers, both wanted on militant charges, also appeared at his wake in Qom. They played a recorded phone call of Reda saying his boat was on its way. The Bahraini government has asserted he was fleeing to Iran.

A confidential assessment by Bahrain security officials, reviewed by Reuters, names Sanadi as the leader of the Ashtar Brigades, a militant group that has carried out bombings and shootings directed at the kingdom's police. In a statement online, the group hailed Ghasra as a "martyr commander" on his death.

According to the security assessment, Sanadi tasked Ghasra with forming militant cells with Iranian help.

Iran's foreign ministry called Bahraini government accusations that Iran had any role in supporting Sanadi or the Ashtar Brigades in violent acts "baseless and fabricated." Sanadi did not respond to requests for comment.

SUPREME LEADER

An uprising by some in Bahrain's Shi'ite majority was quelled in 2011 with the help of a Saudi intervention.

Low-level protests followed. Clashes with police killed scores of activists and suspected militants, while Bahrain says 24 of its officers have been killed. Most clashes involve youths throwing rocks and molotov cocktails, but there has been a series of bombings in recent years. Opposition activists say these attacks show that a government crackdown is pushing Shiite youths into the arms of extremists.

An analysis of years of statements by Bahrain's public prosecutor on Ashtar Brigades suspects suggests that the group operates in cells of fewer than 10 young men overseen by emigre militants like Sanadi based in Iran.

Recruited on religious pilgrimages or study trips to Iran, Bahrain's prosecutor has said, the suspects were given weapons and explosives training in Iran or neighbouring Iraq. Iran denies the accusation.

Sanadi has powerful allies in Iran, where he has lived since he went into exile in 2012.

The official website of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei published an editorial by Sanadi in December accusing the U.S. of helping repress Shiite activism in Bahrain.

The U.S. State Department put Sanadi on its proscribed "terrorist" list on March 17. His name appears alongside leaders in al Qaeda and Islamic State. The U.S. cited Sanadi's links to the Ashtar Brigades which, it said, "receives funding and support from the Government of Iran."

Bahrain accuses Sanadi of having organized deadly attacks on police and smuggling arms from Iran.

According to Bahraini security dossiers on Ghasra and Sanadi reviewed by Reuters, Bahraini authorities consider the Ashtar Brigades to be the armed wing of Sanadi's Islamic Wafa Movement, a political party that is banned in Bahrain.

Wafa and the Ashtar Brigades did not respond to requests for comment about their relationship. A Wafa party representative contacted by Reuters agreed to relay questions to Sanadi but did not ultimately reply.

Sanadi, the security documents say, receives funding from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and commissioned Ghasra to organize the military training of Bahraini militants in Iran by the IRGC and in Iraq by the Hezbollah Brigades militia.

The Ashtar Brigades announced an alliance with the Iran-backed Hezbollah Brigades via an online statement in February.

Sanadi spoke of his relationship with Ghasra in a communication to his followers on messaging app Telegram, dated in March and seen by Reuters. "I found him a lover of (Shi'ites), ready for the highest sacrifice and dedicated to the choice of resistance." Ghasra's brother Yasser, speaking to Reuters from Iran, acknowledged that his brother Reda was a fighter but denied he received Iranian help. He declined to comment on links between his brother and Sanadi.

PROUD TO BE AN ENEMY

Speaking to Iranian state TV channel al-Alam in March Sanadi said: "I'm proud that America considers me an enemy."

While not commenting directly on the state department accusations, he said the U.S. was using "so-called terrorism and ... an imaginary danger they claim is coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran" to sell arms to Gulf allies and maintain influence.

Sanadi is the only official of his party to have eluded a long-term jail sentence, though he spent six months behind bars amid 2011 protests on rioting charges.

Six months later he departed legally for Iran.

Chronicling his experiences in a prison manifesto called "Pain and Hope" published in Iran last year, he said he suffered torture and watched fellow detainees killed at the hands of Jordanian and other foreign officers he scorns as "mercenaries."

Bahraini security officials denied to Reuters that Sanadi suffered torture in custody. "There have been isolated abuses which have been investigated and addressed but this is not a systematic phenomenon," said one official

In January, Sanadi called on Bahrain's opposition to abandon mostly peaceful protests in public squares and to take up arms. "From today and hereafter, the period has changed. We in the Islamic Wafa Movement announce that we have begun a new phase as a tribute to the martyrs: one grip on the squares and one grip on the trigger!" he said in a speech in Qom.

Iran's promotion of Sanadi appears to point to an endorsement of his agenda. Next to an Iranian flag and a banner reading "Death to the House of Saud," referring to Saudi Arabias rulers, Sanadi delivered a sermon at Friday prayers in the country's most prestigious mosque in Qom in September - an exceptional honor.

Sanadi also took to the main stage at a 2013 conference of Ahl al-Bayt, a Qom-based global fraternity of scholars founded by Khamenei in 1990. The meeting commemorated Bahrain's uprising. "We are truly thankful to the Iranians, especially the leader of all Muslims, Ayatollah Khamenei," Sanadi declared. For his part, Irans Supreme Leader in a speech last summer warned that Bahrain government moves against top opposition figures was "removing an obstacle in front of the passionate, heroic Bahraini youth to fight against the ruling system."

(edited by Janet McBride)
BRUSSELS, April 18 (Reuters) - The European Commission called on Turkey on Tuesday to investigate "alleged irregularities" in Sunday's referendum boosting the powers of President Tayyip Erdogan.

"We call on the Turkish authorities to consider the next steps very carefully and to seek the broadest possible national consensus in the follow-up to the referendum," Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas told a regular briefing.

"We also call on the authorities to launch a transparent investigation into these alleged irregularities," he said, citing international observer reports and a last-minute decision to allow unstamped ballots in the referendum. (Reporting by Robin Emmott; editing by Philip Blenkinsop)
ERBIL, Iraq, April 18 (Reuters) - The fighting in the Islamic State-held Old City of Mosul, where hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians are trapped, could turn into the worst humanitarian "catastrophe" in the war against the militants, the United Nations warned on Tuesday.

"If there is a siege and hundreds of thousands of people dont have water and dont have food, they will be at enormous risk," U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Iraq Lise Grande told Reuters in a telephone interview.

"We could be facing a humanitarian catastrophe, perhaps the worst in the entire conflict," she added.

Mosul, the largest city in northern Iraq, was captured by the ultra-hardline Sunni Muslim fighters in mid 2014.

Iraqi government forces have taken back most of it in a U.S.-backed offensive launched in October, including the half that lies east of the Tigris river.

The militants are now surrounded in the northwestern quarter including the historic Old City, using booby traps, sniper and mortar fire against the assailants. (Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli)
By Emmanuel Jarry and Sarah White

PARIS, April 18 (Reuters) - Two men arrested in Marseille on Tuesday planned an "imminent and violent attack" ahead of the first round of France's presidential election on Sunday, authorities said.

"These two radicalised men ... intended to commit in the very short-term - by that I mean in the coming days - an attack on French soil," Interior Minister Matthias Fekl told a news conference.

Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins said in a news conference that weapons, explosives, videos and jidhadist propaganda materials had been found in the flat rented by French nationals Clement Baur, 23, and Mahiedine Merabet, 30, since April 1.

"A video intercepted on April 12 showed a machinegun placed on a table, with a daily newspaper from 13 March which had on its front page one of the presidential candidates.

"This morning the investigators managed to locate the apartment," Molins said, without naming the candidate.

France's internal intelligence agency had warned the main candidates of a threat, campaign officials said.

Comments by officials indicated that former prime minister Francois Fillon, centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen were among those alerted to the risk.

France goes to the polls on April 23 and on May 7 in one of the most unpredictable elections in its modern history with security a key issue after attacks by militant Islamists which have killed more than 230 people in the past two years.

ISLAMIC STATE

Molins said the Marseille suspects met in 2015, while sharing a prison cell for petty crime.

He said Baur had converted to Islam in 2007, was known to have had links with Chechen and Belgian jihadist networks and Belgian authorities had been investigating him.

A tip-off from another country had said Merabet was likely to carry out a violent act and was seeking to make contact with Islamic State, either to pledge allegiance to the group or ask it to claim responsibility for the planned attack, Molins said.

"The main candidates were warned in the middle of the last week that there was a risk and that two individuals had been identified. We received their photos and security of the candidates. Their meetings and headquarters were given extra protection," Macron's spokesman Benjamin Griveaux told Reuters.

Officials from Fillon's camp and Le Pen's National Front said they also had received word of a possible attack.

With the country still under a state of emergency, Fekl said 50,000 police, gendarmes and soldiers would be deployed for each leg of the election, and security reinforced for the candidates.

"Everything has been put in place to ensure the security of this big event for our democracy and our Republic. The security forces are mobilised everywhere across France to ensure the security of French people and to ensure the presidential campaign goes smoothly," he said.

Le Pen, one of the frontrunners in the race for the Elysee, is scheduled to hold the last big rally of her campaign in Marseille on Wednesday, according to her programme.

(Additional reporting by Matthias Blamont, Simon Carraud and Bate Felix; Writing by John Irish and Richard Balmforth; Editing by Andrew Roche)
LUXOR, Egypt, April 18 (Reuters) - Egyptian archaeologists have unearthed the tomb of a nobleman from more than 3,000 years ago, the latest in a series of major discoveries of ancient relics that Egypt hopes will revive a tourist business that has been hit by political instability.

The find near the Nile city of Luxor, is the tomb of Userhat, a judge from the New Kingdom. It consists of an open court leading into a rectangular hall, a corridor and inner chamber, the Ministry of Antiquities said on Tuesday.

In one of the rooms in the tomb, archaeologists found a collection of figurines, wooden masks and a handle of a sarcophagus lid. Excavation is continuing in a second chamber.

Earlier this year, Swedish archaeologists discovered 12 ancient Egyptian cemeteries near the southern city of Aswan that date back almost 3,500 years.

In March, Egypt unearthed an eight-meter statue in a Cairo slum that is believed to be King Psammetich 1, who ruled from 664 to 610 BC.

Hisham El Demery, chief of Egypt's Tourism Development Authority, said tourism was picking up and discoveries like the one at Luxor would encourage the sector.

"These discoveries are positive news from Egypt's tourism industry, which is something we all really need," he said.

Tourism in Egypt has suffered in the aftermath of the mass protests that toppled former president Hosni Mubarak in 2011. Militant bomb attacks have also deterred foreign visitors. (Reporting Mohamed Mahrous, Arwa Gaballa; Writing by Asma Alsharif; Editing by Giles Elgood and Pritha Sarkar)
DUBAI, April 18 (Reuters) - A Saudi helicopter came down during military operations in Yemen on Tuesday, killing 12 officers aboard, Saudi media reported, and a Yemeni defence ministry news website said the cause was friendly fire.

The death toll was one of the largest in a single incident involving Saudi forces since a Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen's war in 2015 to try to roll back the dominant Houthi group and restore President Abd-Rabu Mansour Hadi to power.

The official Saudi news agency SPA quoted a statement from the Saudi-led coalition as saying the Black Hawk came down in Marib province, east of the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa.

"As a result, four officers and eight non-commissioned officers from the Saudi armed forces were martyred," it said, adding the possible cause of the crash was under investigation.

But the Yemeni defence ministry's 26 September news website quoted an officer in Yemen's military high command as saying the helicopter was shot down 5 km (3 miles) from its landing spot because of "a technical fault that caused a misreading of the air defence system, which resulted in the destruction of the plane before it landed".

It provided no details on who fired at the helicopter.

The Houthi-run Saba news agency said the helicopter crashed in an area known as al-Tadaween, northeast of the Marib provincial capital, and that 13 officers and soldiers had died.

In September 2015, a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis at a coalition military base in Marib killed more than 60 soldiers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The Saudi-led coalition has recently made gains against the Houthis in western Yemen but fighting on other fronts, including Marib, has been static, with little ground changing hands.

The Houthis seized much of northern Yemen including Sanaa in a series of lightning military operations that began in 2014, eventually forcing Hadi to flee.

The coalition accuses Iran of trying to use the Houthis to expand its influence in Yemen, one of the poorest Arab countries. Iran denies this. The Houthis regard their move on Sanaa as a revolution against corruption. (Reporting by Ali Abdelaty, Mohammed Ghobari and Mohammed Mukhashaf; writing by Eric Knecht and Sami Aboudi; editing by Mark Heinrich)
By Chris Mfula

LUSAKA, April 18 (Reuters) - Zambia opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema, arrested last week on suspicion of treason, was charged in a magistrate's court on Tuesday with trying to overthrow the government.

Relations between the government and opposition have been raw since last August, when President Edgar Lungu's Patriotic Front (PF) party beat Hichilema's United Party for National Development (UPND) in a vote the opposition says was rigged.

Police in Africa's No. 2 copper-producing country raided Hichilema's house on April 11 to arrest him and he was initially charged with treason for obstructing Lungu's motorcade.

In court on Tuesday, he was charged with treason in that "(he together with other persons did prepare or endeavoured to overthrow by unlawful means the government" between Oct. 10 last year and April 8 this year.

The charge in the motorcade incident was changed to disobeying instructions from a police officer by failing to give way to a presidential motorcade and using insulting language.

The court directed that Hichilema should be allowed visits by his children and at least five other family members following an application by his defence lawyers, who said he had so far been allowed to see only his wife.

Dressed in a red coat and khaki shirt, Hichilema waved his party symbol to supporters in court and stood throughout.

The prosecution is expected to respond to the issues raised on Wednesday after which the magistrate will make a ruling. Hichilema and five others facing the same charges, who are all members of his party and include his driver, did not enter pleas as treason can only be tried in the high court.

Lungu has narrowly beaten Hichilema, an economist and wealthy businessman who goes by the nickname "HH", in two presidential elections by a razor-thin margin.

Rising political temperatures in Zambia, a landlocked and impoverished southern African nation, has come against the backdrop of an economy hobbled by low commodity prices, mine closures, rising unemployment, power shortages, a widening budget deficit and diminishing foreign-currency reserves.

The political turbulence, however, does not appear to have closed the taps of international finance or aid. The presidency said on Tuesday Zambia was on the verge of a possible $1.2 billion programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), saying it was expected to be sealed by the end of April. (Reporting by Chris Mfula; Writing by Ed Stoddard; Editing by Alison Williams and Angus MacSwan)
By Nikolaj Skydsgaard

COPENHAGEN, April 18 (Reuters) - Uber Technologies sees opportunities to expand in the Europe Union, despite withdrawing its ride-hailing service from Denmark and facing the possibility of an EU court ruling that could mean tougher rules for the firm, an Uber executive said.

Danes hailed their last rides on the UberPOP app on Tuesday before enforcement of a new law making taxi meters mandatory for drivers and imposing other requirements that meant Uber could no longer operate there. It has already quit Hungary and Bulgaria.

"I am ... rather excited about some of the momentum and support I see across the EU, despite the Danish setback," Uber's head of operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Pierre Dimitri Gore-Coty told Reuters.

In the past three months, more than 7.5 million people hailed rides in the 21 EU states where Uber operates, five times more people than two years ago, Uber said. The firm said it had more than 120,000 active drivers in the region.

"Of course, there is more to do" to expand operations in the region, Gore-Coty said in an telephone interview from Amsterdam.

For the final quarter of 2016, Uber's revenues were $2.9 billion but losses were $991 million in the period.

Uber has expanded across the world, from Chile to China, but has often faced challenges from local taxi firms, unions and lawmakers complaining about unfair competition and saying Uber did not meet standards required for established taxi firms.

Gore-Coty dismissed such criticism. "In every country we operate, we already operate within the transport regulation law that exists today," he said about Uber's operations in the EU.

Looming later this year the EU's top court, the European Court of Justice, is due to rule on a dispute between Uber and Barcelona's main taxi operator, which in 2014 accused the company of running an illegal taxi service via UberPOP.

The ruling could label Uber a digital service or a transport company. If it is the latter, it could constrain Uber by subjecting it to stricter rules on licensing, insurance and safety in the countries where Uber still operates peer-to-peer services such as UberPOP.

Uber says it is a digital platform that connects willing drivers with customers and says it is not a transport service.

Supporters of the app say it provides a more flexible work schedule, allowing independent drivers to work when they want. However, some drivers want Uber to recognise them as employees and offer them any associated benefits.

To deal with its worldwide expansion, Uber said in March that its international headquarters in Amsterdam would move to a larger building to accommodate an increase in staff to 1,000 from 400.

"We are very happy with how our business develops across the EU, but also ... all across the world," Gore-Coty said, adding he also saw promising prospects for a food delivery service called UberEATS. (Editing by Edmund Blair)
By Linda Sieg and Ami Miyazaki

TOKYO, April 19 (Reuters) - Their youth long gone, members of Japan's generation of "parasite singles" face a precarious future, wondering how to survive once the parents many depended on for years pass away.

Some 4.5 million Japanese aged between 35 and 54 were living with their parents in 2016, according to a researcher at the Statistical Research and Training Institute on a demographic phenomena that emerged two decades ago, when youthful singles made headlines for mooching off parents to lead carefree lives.

Now, without pensions or savings of their own, these middle-aged stay-at-homes threaten to place an extra burden on a social welfare system that is already creaking under pressure from Japan's aging population and shrinking workforce.

Hiromi Tanaka once sang backup for pop groups, and epitomised the optimism of youth.

"I got used to living in an unstable situation and figured somehow it would work out," Tanaka told Reuters as she sat at the piano in a small parlour of an old house connected to her elderly mother's next door.

Now aged 54, Tanaka relies on income from giving private singing lessons to a dwindling number of students, and her mother's pension to make ends meet. She has no pension plan of her own, and has used up most of her savings.

"My father died last year so pension income was halved," she said. "If things go on like this, my mother and I will fall together."

Tanaka is one of the growing ranks of "life-time singles," whose numbers hit a record in 2015, according to data released this month that showed that among 50-year-olds, one-in-four men and one-in-seven women were unmarried.

"During the 'bubble economy' until the mid-1990s, the 20-somethings were happily amusing themselves. They thought by the time they were in their 30s, they'd be married," said Masahiro Yamada, a Chuo University sociologist who coined the term "parasite singles" in 1997.

"But one-third never married and are now around age 50," Yamada told Reuters in an interview.

FRAGILE FUTURE

The trend is not only a factor behind Japan's low birth rate and shrinking population. It also puts an extra damper on consumption since new household formation is a key driver of private spending.

And since about 20 percent of the middle-aged stay-at-home singles rely on parents for support, they also threaten to weigh on social safety nets. "Once they use up inherited assets and savings, when nothing is left, they will go on the dole," Yamada said.

The rise in those shunning marriage, experts say, is due not only to more diverse life-styles but to an increase in low-paying, unstable jobs. Part-timers, temps or contract workers now account for nearly 40 percent of the workforce compared to about 20 percent in the 1980s.

Although recent tightness in Japan's labour market has meant a slight fall in the number of singles living off parents, the overall trend probably won't change, said Katsuhiko Fujimori, an economist at Mizuho Information and Research Institute.

"That's because of the increase in irregular workers and the fact that more and more people cannot marry for economic reasons, even if they want to," he said.

Some middle-aged singles living with parents once had steady jobs but slipped off the career track due to illness or corporate restructuring as companies cut costs to compete.

"Once you fall off the regular employment ladder, it's tough," said Hirotoshi Moriyama, a member of a non-profit organisation that tries to help middle-aged people find jobs.

LEFT BEHIND

Akihiro Karube, 53, worked in the advertising business after graduation and by his 30s was earning a hefty salary. He moved back with his parents after a short-lived marriage but paid his own rent until, aged 43, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and had to quit.

Efforts to find work as a qualified home helper for the elderly have failed and he says he now relies on his father's pension and a disability pension of his own.

"I just wish I had a stable income, that's the main thing," said Karube, who lives with his widowed 84-year-old dad in public housing in a Tokyo suburb.

The future looks especially bleak for an extreme sub-set of people who not only live at home with their parents but also seldom venture out, living out their days in hermit-like seclusion. Known in Japan as "hikikomori", and once stereotyped as mostly young men, these stay-at-homes are also ageing.

Fuminobu Ohashi was one himself, but now he works with a support group that last year began holding workshops for parents worried about their offsprings' future.

"The problem is what they will do after their parents pass away," Ohashi said. "It is a quietly ticking time-bomb." ($1 = 108.6100 yen) (Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for Asia and the Pacific Alok Sharma will visit Sri Lanka from Thursday to Saturday, the British High Commission in Colombo said today.

Minister Sharma is scheduled to deliver a speech under the theme Opportunities and Challenges in a Post-Brexit World at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, Colombo 07 on Friday.

While addressing the High-Level segment of the 34th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva held in March, Minister Sharma said Sri Lanka should be given time to fully implement the UNHRC resolution.

We must give Sri Lanka time to fully implement the October 2015 resolution and post-conflict measures required to embed stability, reconciliation and justice, he said.
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The Kesbewa Magistrate today granted permission to the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to dump garbage collected from Colombo at Karadiyana in Piliyandala on a temporary basis.

CMC Commissioner V.K. Anura said the CMC would dump garbage not only at the Karadiyana but also at several other places.

He refused to reveal the exact locations where garbage would be dumped saying it would provoke the people in the respective areas against the move.

He said the CMC would begin dumping garbage from today.

Earlier, the Government said it would temporarily use Karadiyana and Dompe to dispose garbage collected in Colombo.
Kotikawatta residents this evening staged a protest against moves to dump garbage collected from the Colombo Municipality limits in Kotikawatte. They burnt tyres and blocked the Old Avissawella Road. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi
The best solution for Colombo's garbage disposal quagmire was given by former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the government should implement it without being fixated on who will receive the credit, MP Udaya Gammanpila said today.

He said dumping garbage at Karadiyana or somewhere else was not the best solution to this crisis.

He said Mr. Rajapaksa had suggested that the garbage collected daily within the Colombo Municipal Council limits and those already piled up at Meethotamulla and Bloemendhal be transported by train to the Aruwakkalu limestone quarry in Puttalam.

Mr. Rajapaksa had suggested that the limestone pits be turned to sanitary land fills prior to depositing garbage in them. Cabinet approval was given to the proposal in August 2014 and Rs.2 billion allocated in the 2015 budget for the project. However, with the change of government, the project was abandoned, he told a news conference organised by the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya.

Mr. Gammanpila said the government had claimed that the project had hit a snag after the Wildlife Department had opposed it because some of the limestone pits were situated within the Wilpattu National Park buffer zone.

"Although unauthorised human activities are banned within a buffer zone, activities approved by the authorities can be carried out or otherwise the buffer zone could be moved 300 meters towards the perimeter of the national park, he said.

Referring to the Megapolis and Western Development Ministrys announcement that it would not permit garbage to be dumped on Urban Development Authority (UDA) lands, Mr. Gammanpila said it was not a solution and the UDA should assist the local government (LG) authorities by providing expertise when disposing garbage.

"The LG bodies are not capable of handling this crisis alone. This is an act of side stepping the issue, he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gammanpila said western Province Chief Minister and Megapolis Minister dont see eye to eye when it came to the garbage crisis in Colombo. However, the President also remains silent by allowing the two to work things out which will never happen, he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said yesterday the Government had assured it would release several more blocks lands occupied by the security forces in the North and East.

TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran said the lands to be released would be identified after discussions were held with the district secretaries of Mullaitivu, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Mannar districts, the Tri-forces Chiefs, district politicians and the residents on April 19 and 20 .

People in the North and East are protesting against the delay in releasing their lands which are still being occupied by the security forces even though the war ended nearly eight years ago. The Army Commander told us they were acting on the instructions of the President and the Defense Secretary with regard to the need to early release of the lands. He said gradually the lands occupied by the security forces will also be released, Mr. Sumanthiran told a news conference.

He told a news conference that discussions would be held at district level to identify the exact lands that could be released to the original owners.

Mr. Sumanthiran said a final decision on the extent of lands to be released would be taken at a discussion to be held in Colombo early next month. (Ajith Siriwardana)

Video by Indika Sri Aravinda
India had helped Sri Lanka fight the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) even without being asked to, says former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an exclusive interview to www.wionews.com posted on Monday.

They (India) helped us! We didnt have to ask! Because I was fighting your war, Indias war, not my war, actually, Rajapaksa told the Indian interviewer, Padma Rao Sundarji.

The LTTE killed your prime minister, Rajiv Gandhi and so many other people in India and on your soil, not ours. So in that way, it was not only my war, it was an Indian war, it was a humanitarian war. India helped us in every possible way, he asserted.

 We didnt want to publicize it, tell the press too much. And not only China and Pakistan, even the British and the Americans helped us, he added.

Asked to comment further on his earlier claim that the Indian external intelligence agency RAW had engineered his ouster in the January 2015 Presidential election, Rajapaksa said: You know, I dont want to go into the past. Whats done is done. Its a new page now.

In the light of the allegation that it was under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis watch that RAW, led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, had engineered his electoral defeat, Rajapaksa was asked what he thought of Modi.

 I regard myself a friend of your PM Modi. I admire what he has done for your country, India. And his international prestige. I really like the way he has harnessed the support of the Indian Diaspora in a way I couldnt! I admire his patriotism and his drive at modernizing India. Yes we admire him, theres no question.

On Indias view that full implementation of the 13 th. Constitutional amendment is the best way to solve the Tamil-Sinhalese conflict in the country, Rajapaksa said:  I wont say its the best solution. If it were, the problem would have surely been solved by now. We must remember that all communities must get together to give a solution. You cant come up with one solution only to satisfy one section or community. We have to satisfy all.

Asked to comment on the fear that China might colonize Sri Lanka given the financial control it has acquired under his government as well as the present one, Rajapaksa said: China is a valued friend and a partner in development, thats all. There can be no talk of colonization as such.

But he added that there is a significant difference between the approach of his government and that of the incumbent regime to Chinese projects like the Hambantota port.

The Chinese projects were negotiated by our government as per the structures I described. For Hambantota, it was a Supply-Operate-Transfer (SOT) arrangement only for the terminal and the land was leased to them. The port was under our control. But the present government has changed all those policies, Rajapaksa said.

Asked if it would not be better for Sri Lanka to befriend India rather than an Pakistan which breeds Islamic terrorists, Rajapaksa said: We believe in improving relations with all countries in our neighborhood. This I must tell you. Both India and Pakistan have helped us as best as they can, we have traditionally been friends of both. And that friendship has not been mutually exclusive and contradictory, that is, friendship with one has not been at the expense of the other.

We are mindful of the sentiments of our citizens of Islamic faith, he added to the Muslims who are 8% of Sri Lankas population.

Rajapaksa still thinks that there is a lurking danger of an LTTE revival.

Commenting on the arrest of some former cadres of the militant organization, he said: Theyre probably the tip of the iceberg. The problem is much larger.
It is all about a good catch

At the break of dawn on March 05, 2017, as the rest of world was sleeping, Charles and four other fishermen fired up the engine of their trawler and left for fishing from Pamban Island, Rameswaram, India. Charles and his fellow fishermen were waiting for hours after setting the net in the middle of the sea near Danushkodi. Later, Charles pulled the net into the trawler and checked what was collected, but it was empty.

The fishermen were anxious as they did not want to return empty-handed. One of the fishermen suggested to sail a little far and see whether they would be able to get a good catch. Charles and the others have already heard of stories of local fishermen being arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy when they tried to reach Sri Lankan Island Kachchaithivu which is known as rich with fish and aquatic resources.



With hopes of getting nets filled with prawns, fish and crabs, they set the nets in the seas near Kachchaithivu and started having lunch prepared by their wives. Suddenly, they spotted patrol boats of the Sri Lanka Navy that were nearing them. Charles threw his lunch aside and tried to turn the trawler to escape being arrested. However, his effort was to no avail. The Navy arrested Charles and his fellow fishermen on charges of trespassing Sri Lankan waters and using trawlers, which is illegal in Sri Lanka.



Thirty year old Charles and the other fishermen aged between 28-35 were taken to the Talaimannar (SLNS Thammanna) Navy Camp. Mannar Court ordered them to be remanded for two weeks at Vavuniya Prison. Charles claimed that they were forced to sleep in toilets on the first day in prison. He also said they didnt eat anything for two days after having home-made lunch minutes before being arrested in the sea.



Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan government decided to release some 85 Tamil Nadu fishermen in a goodwill gesture on March 11 after four days of the controversial death of a 21-year-old Rameswaram fisherman Britto who was shot allegedly by the Sri Lanka Navy. Charles was one of 85 fishermen who were lucky enough to return home even before completing the period of imprisonment.

They see no borders

The Chairperson of the All India Traditional Fishermens Association X. Chinnathambi, said Tamil Nadu fishermen would brave any dangerous water in order to get a good catch because they call themselves hunters.



Our lives are very tiring and dangerous as with every fisherman in any country including Sri Lanka. When we leave home to the sea for three to five days at a time, we dont know whether we will come back safe. Our families are always anxious due to the uncertainty of our profession. Our life is all about fighting with waves to get the best catch. We are working hard because we dont want to hand over this profession to our future generation. We dont want them to face the struggle which we are facing. We want to send our children to school to hold other jobs and lead better lives. We cross the international maritime border as we cant find enough fish on the Indian side, Chinnathambi said.

He said beating, arresting or shooting of Tamil Nadu fishermen will not stop them coming to Sri Lankan waters.



Meanwhile, Chinnathambi alleged that four of his brothers had died in the sea after being shot by the Sri Lanka Navy.



I want to say something to the Sri Lanka Navy. You shoot or not, we are coming to your waters. We are hunters. We can see no borders in the sea. All we need is fish. If we were afraid of death, we would not choose fishing as our profession. Even when we have lost our father, brothers and relatives, we still continue to fish in that region, he said.

Centuries-old fraternity

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror interviewed the Chairperson of the National Fisherfolk Forum (NFF) M. Ilango who is fully involved in the subject.



The fishermen in five districts of Tamil Nadu (Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, Thanjavur and Thiruvarur and Karaikal of Puducherry UT) fish for their livelihood in the Palk Strait, the sea between India and Sri Lanka. For centuries the traditional fishermen of India and Sri Lanka have fished in the region in between the two countries with mutual fraternity and friendship. The fishermen from the North and North East region of Sri Lanka used to reach the shores of Tamil Nadu and would get their fishes sold, would stay back and eat in the houses of Tamil fishermen, stay over night to see movies of popular actors such as MGR and Sivaji Ganesan. The scenario drastically changed after 1983 when civil unrest arose in Sri Lanka. As a result, the fishermen of both the sides found it difficult to fish peacefully, he said, explaining how the problems for the fishermen of both countries started.



After the LTTE war began in the Northern Part of Sri Lanka, fishing in Sri Lankan waters for Tamil Nadu fishermen was banned due to fears of arms and drugs transportation for LTTE via sea. Speaking about the ban, Mr. Ilango said there were reasons for the Sri Lankan Navy to start looking at the Indian fishermen as criminals.



Illegal activities in the disguise of fishing

According to Mr. Ilango, since the fishermen of the region other than Rameswaram and the 5 other concerned districts work under the traditional fisher panchayat system, they have never been involved in any illegal activities. However, people from non-fishing communities of Tamil Nadu started getting involved in fishing in the Rameswaram area.



Those non fisher community people infiltrated the fisher communities and were involved in illegal activities in the disguise of fishing, he revealed.



He said because of a few who engaged in illegal activities, the Sri Lankan Navy had been chasing even the fishermen who were actually fishing in the region, attacked and even shot them down sometimes. The boats were even sunk by them, their fishing gear destroyed and the equipments and boats were confiscated. Around 600 fishermen were killed and over 1500 were wounded. The fishermen who fish for subsistence were treated as enemies and are being attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy, he alleged.

Photographs by Steni Simon and Shyam Gowtham



Disastrous trawling techniques

However, in 1954 the Indian Ministry of Agriculture introduced trawling nets fishing technique to Indian fishermen under the Indo Norwegian Project (INP) aimed for developing fishing technology. The fishing technique is banned in Sri Lanka due to the damage of the seabed. As a result of the introduction of the new fishing technique, even traditional fishermen got involved in mechanized trawling.



Looking at the devastation caused to our waters, we are forced to think that the government of Norway introduced trawling to India with the sole objective of destroying the marine resources of India. We have understood this at the very end of the resource depletion, he said.

Mr. Ilango said despite Sri Lankan fishermen demanding that trawling should be given up, Indian fishermen are not willing to give up trawling.



According to him, about 95% of Indian fishermen do not even have a house or owned land. They live in puramboke land either in thatched houses or temporary stone walled houses. As they do not have their own land, they cannot provide landed collateral to Indian banks to obtain loans to set up boats and gear.



Their demands and proposals

Mr. Ilango has got some proposals and solutions through which he believes the problem can be solved.



It is the duty of the Indian governments, central and the state, to ensure that the fishermen of the region have livelihood option that would encourage them to give up fishing in the region between the two countries. If the fishermen are forced to take up solutions on their own without the support of the governments, then it will only lead to competing within the shallow water resources, resulting in loss of income for everyone of them. After spending thousands of rupees from loans for fuel and food stock for the camp fishing, quite often the fishermen end up selling for a cost lower than what they have spent. There is no guarantee of income and safety against loss. Hence it is important to provide loans upto Rs. 1 crore with a subsidy of 50%. For the loan amount of Rs. 50 Lakhs the very boat to be bought is to be taken on hypothecation. Funds should be provided through National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) refinancing schemes and through the Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) scheme, he said.



He emphasized that the loan scheme should be introduced throughout the country immediately and for the fishermen who fished in the waters between India and Sri Lanka as the first set.

He proposed a survey that should be done in the given 6 districts to identify those traditional fishermen who wish to go to deep sea under the new scheme of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



Boats of those who did not wish to go into the deep sea, shall be bought by the government so as to make them incapacitated for use. A suitable compensation shall be provided for the same so that they can venture into other livelihood options. We insist that the scheme should be available only to the traditional fisher families in the Rameswaram region. Since the others are involved in illegal actitivies under the guise of fishing, resolving the issue is being delayed. And so their boats shall be simply taken over by the government and a compensation shall be provided. It is only thus we can arrive at a long standing solution to the issue of the Palk Bay region, he added.

He said the fishermen could consider engaging in deep sea fishing only if the Indian authorities improve their boats with basic facilities that are needed to suit deep sea fishing.



As we need to get the support of union and state governments in this regard, we need time to take up this transformation. Since we are awaiting the financial support of both Central and State governments and since the number to take the transition is large, we estimate that we would need 3 years to get them all to venture into deep sea and therefore these fishermen request permission to continue trawling till then. The Sri Lankan fishermen, during the dialogue, have been raising the question about the guarantee that the Indian fishermen will not venture into Sri Lankan waters after three years. By providing this assurance, the government of India can bring an amicable solution to this issue, he said.





Kachchaithivu retrieval

The island was historically owned by the kings of Ramanathapuram kingdom, Tamil Nadu. However, in 1974, India handed over the abandoned island Kachchaithivu to Sri Lanka. The waters around the island are rich with fish and aquatic resources. Tamil Nadu fishermen have put many efforts to get back the gift given to Sri Lanka and the efforts have even reached Supreme Courts several times.



The Chairperson of Alliance for Release of Innocent Fishermen (ARIF), Mr. Arulanandam, told the that they believe that the retrieval of Kachchaithivu would solve all the problems pertaining to both countries.



This can be stopped only by taking back Kachchaithivu. If it was included in our territory, there is no need for our fishermen to cross over to Sri Lanka.



However, the Indian Central Government is still of the view that the gifts cannot be asked back.

While many arrests are being made by both parties, the real point of the problem does not seem to be addressed, as both governments stay mute. Many politicians are willing to keep the problem unsolved, so that they can make use of it for their survival in politics, he said.



The fishermen issue between Sri Lanka and India has been dragging on for several years, as both governments have failed to give a resolution despite having a number of discussion tables. However, not only Indian fishermen, but Sri Lankan fishermen too, are often arrested by the Indian Navy for poaching in Indian waters. Despite knowing it is illegal to trespass, their efforts for a good catch have not been reduced.



Sri Lanka Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Mahinda Amarasinghe had previously told the media that the total loss of income to Sri Lanka from poaching by Indian trawlers could amount to Indian Rupees 80 lakhs to 200 lakhs per day and Indian Rupees 300 crore to 700 crore per year.



It is not a surprise that the use of bottom trawlers has ruined the fish and aquatic resources of India. On the other hand, if the Indian fishermens constant arrival is not stopped by giving them a good solution compatible to both countries, the fate of Indias seabed will be the same for Sri Lankas Northern Province as well, depriving the livelihood of Sri Lankan fishermen in the area.
In his essay Tradition and the individual talent, T. S. Eliot made an observation of poets that was taken to promote a separation of the personal and the social in the artiste: ... the more perfect the artist, the more completely separate in him will be the man who suffers and the mind which creates. When I read Eliots essay, I thought of two composers who were opposed to and accommodative of this thesis: respectively, Beethoven and Mozart. The popular image of the former as an erratic genius constrained by physical disability and of the latter as a quiet prodigy has, I believe, confirmed this dichotomy well.

Decades later (in 1986), Regi Siriwardena in an article resorted to another such dichotomy, based on Isaiah Berlins essay The Hedgehog and the Fox in which those two animals were used to make a contrast between artistes who thought of the world as reducible to themselves and artistes who thought of it as irreducible. For Siriwardena, Beethoven was the hedgehog because his middle period (his richest) is filled with rhythms that pulsate with the kind of power he hankered after in his life. Mozart, on the other hand, was the fox, because (echoing Eliot) in his work theres a separation between the creator and the creation.



That an artist goes through numerous phases in his career isnt always proof of his being a hedgehog, although that thesis is manifestly valid for Beethoven. They do, however, indicate a soul in search of some meaning in his art. Which brings me to the subject of my piece.



We know Premasiri Khemadasa went through certain chapters in his career. We can extrapolate and contend that, whether or not Eliot, Berlin, and Siriwardena were right, the fact that these chapters remain sharply distinct from each other is proof (however untenable) of the musical hedgehog in the man. Which begs the question: what were these chapters in the first place?



Eric Iliyaparachchis biography hints at three periods in Khemadasas career: the early sixties, the mid-sixties up to the eighties, and the nineties onwards. In the first period, he entered the world of theatre music. When I listen to the songs he composed during this time  like Sirikatha Ena Maga  I glean a vague and uneasy disconnect between two musical traditions: the raghadari sampradaya and the Western melody. He had as of yet not resolved this conflict.



The second period saw him enter our film industry through Robin Tampoe. Initially (as with Samma Sambudu from Ariyadasa Peiris Sobana Sitha) he had been hesitant to break away from the raghadari code. Tampoes films  in particular, Sudu Sande Kalu Wala  saw him embrace Western music, while with K. A. W. Pereras Senasuma Kothanada he made his defection complete. His middle period became his richest for this reason: accentuated as his songs are with energetic rhythms, he almost seems to brag about his defection.



Before getting to his third and final period, however, we must assess what exactly he stood for. To answer that, its apt that we compare him to that other giant in his field, Amaradeva.

Amaradevas career cant really be chapterised, unless you count in those early compositions that echo some of Sunil Shanthas melodies (like Shantha Me Rae Yame), qualitatively different to his later work. But then for most if not all, his later work represents THE Amaradeva that matters.



His songs from this period are underscored by a deeply felt, though never flaunted poignancy, at once profound and simple. Coupled with his (for the most) spare use of instrumentation (as with Palu Anduru, Ma Mala Pasu, and Atheethayen Ganga Gala Basi), this confirms what scholars and music lovers alike consider as his single biggest contribution: the sarala gee. In other words, Amaradeva was a simplifier who reduced North Indian classical music for the common Sri Lankan.

Khemadasa, on the other hand, was a flaunter. In the seventies, he went beyond anyone else experimenting in Western musical structures  Somadasa Elvitigala and Shelton Premaratne included  and broke into new territory. While Elvitigala died prematurely and Premaratne was denied the patronage he should have received for his versatility (I remember a prominent playwright from his time telling me, for instance, that he had the ability to move from baila to Beethoven in a matter of seconds), Khemadasa was able to move ahead and become the obverse of Amaradeva.

As with Beethoven, Khemadasas works represent the shattering of inherited forms: they dally with the same raghadari tradition he repudiated, only to playfully revert to Western rhythms (this playfulness is evident in such hits as Mey Gee Eda). What is in my heart must come out and so I write it down, Beethoven is reported to have said, and we can take this to be his principle when it came to rejecting traditional musical forms: he is reputed to have once recorded 17 different attempts at proving that a certain rule of harmony was wrong. Thats where Khemadasas opposition to his contemporary comes out: while Amaradeva was the artisan, he was the trapeze artist who used his compositions to project his larger-than-life self.



But even trapeze artists have their moments of doubts, which soon give way to self-reflection and, eventually, self-repudiation. That explains Khemadasas decision to purge his craft: an act that was seen as a betrayal by some, a necessity by others.



From the nineties, he diverted his energies to three different musical streams: his collaboration with Jayantha Chandrasiri, his experiments with the three-minute song, and his operas and symphonies. His work with Chandrasiri kept him back from a complete rejection of his earlier phase, though that did not prevent him from rejecting it with the two other streams.



When I listen to middle period Khemadasa  think of Loke Jeewath Wannata and Manamalai Manaharayi  I sense a search for popular acceptance. By rejecting the forms and structures underpinning these songs, he was in effect trying to get rid of his image as a populist. Compared with his work from that time, not surprisingly, his later compositions (Sara Gee, Suwandai Mal, and Wala Athula) lose out in colour and instrumentation. These are hence what I consider to be his lost songs, remembered only marginally (though celebrated nevertheless) today.



Of his operas and symphonies, while some contend that these were too imitative to merit serious attention, I personally think that the problem goes deeper than such a superficial critique. Opera, after all, unlike the stylised musical theatre which evolved here, was reserved for the top brass of societies that subsisted on class stratifications. There is a kind of aestheticism involved in it, despite its superficial elegance and interplay of music and words, which appeals to those who have the luxury of time and leisure on their hands. This fatal disjuncture  between the kind of acceptance Khemadasa tried to get and the classist constraints of the genre he was working with  explains at least partly why opera never really took off in Sri Lanka.



These are reflections, I admit, and for the time being I am done with them. I will hence conclude.

Beethoven, in his last few years, made peace with himself through compositions that were more graceful than his previous work. Mozart, on the other hand, never felt the need to tone down, because in him we find a confirmation of Eliots dichotomy between the creator and the creation, as a composer who never altered his music to become artier or more personal.



To compare Mozart to Amaradeva would be, I admit, a bit remiss. Suffice it to say, then, that in Sri Lanka, as with the Europe of the Romantic Era, we come across two composers who exhibited two different conceptions of their medium. Whether the one triumphed over the other, we cant tell. Theres no point comparing a fox with a hedgehog, after all. No point comparing an artisan with a trapeze artist. In the end, we can only comment. Since thats not my task, I will stop here.
In the several eulogies delivered at Ravi Jayewardenes funeral on April 6, and the many articles published since then, no mention has been made of the sacrifices he was prepared to make to promote and set up a National Airline or a flag carrier for Sri Lanka. I therefore take this opportunity to fill in the blanks by bringing these facts to light as a tribute to his memory because on his own he would never have mentioned them.



I came to know Ravi, as a colleague at the Civil Aviation Flying School in Ratmalana, where we were training for a career as professional Airline pilots. He was known as Ravi by all those who came in contact with him and hardly referred to as the son of one of Sri Lankas most illustrious political leaders.



Ravi turned out to be an excellent pilot in all areas of Commercial flying, additionally excelling in aerobatics. He made it a point to join the other trainee pilots in all the fun and mischief that the group of young airmen were involved in, even eating out with us at cheap wayside food outlets and going with us for movies and occupying the cheapest seats. Ravi always found time to listen to and help any person who came to him for assistance. He helped them all in whatever way he could and I know of none who was turned away. In lighter vein we described it as his fee-less private practice. This side of his character amazed the rest of us, who only had the time to talk about airplanes and lived mainly focused on flying Airplanes. Ravi also excelled as a Rifle and Pistol Shooter and won several Awards both nationally and internationally, representing Sri Lanka at the Tokyo Olympics and the Asian Games.



After qualifying as a Commercial Pilot, which also required a candidate to pass the Theory part of the examination set by the British Board of Trade, Ravi achieved his ambition of becoming an Airline Pilot in 1969 by being selected to join Air Ceylon as a First Officer on the Avro aircraft. He was joined by three of his batch mates -- Nihal Jayawickrema, R. Baladharan and myself for whom this was a dream come true.



Needless to say, Ravi performed his duties earning the reputation of being very Safe and Reliable Airline Pilot -- the greatest compliment that could be paid to one of them.



In the course of time, Ravi came to know first-hand the problems that slowed down the progress of Civil Aviation in Sri Lanka mainly because of the reluctance of the Airline Management to keep up with the rapid strides taken by the Aviation industry worldwide. Instead of training and developing the airlines human resources and the infrastructure facilities, the management, hand in hand with the then political powers-that-be paid little or no heed to the local aviation scene other than being keen to sell Sri Lankas Sovereign Air Service Rights to various Foreign Airlines whenever possible.

Try as he might, Ravi never had the opportunity to change this situation and sadly though, a few years later suffered his first heart attack, which cut short his career as an Airline Pilot. This health condition continued to plague him for the rest of his life, finally leading to his recent demise. I remember walking into his room at Ratnams Hospital after his heart attack and the first words he spoke was, Thats the end of my flying. At the time neither was by-pass surgery nor stent insertion acceptable according to the medical Standards for Airline pilots. Shortly after, Ravi left Sri Lanka, first for a short period to study and to practice Buddhism in Thailand and thereafter to live in Australia with his wife Penny.



Civil Aviation in Sri Lanka cruised along as in the past, though a few unsuccessful attempts were made to change its flight path with more Sri Lankans recruited and several efforts being made to correct the situation ending in failure because of management and political agendas.

From time to time I corresponded with Ravi about these futile attempts to give Sri Lanka an Airline it deserved. In 1977, Ravis father, J.R. Jayewardena was elected Prime Minister. His government decided to close down Air Ceylon -- because of the heavy losses it was incurring and the rampant corruption plaguing the Airline -- and launch a new National Airline as a joint-venture operation. It was then that I received an Aerogram from Ravi saying he now had the opportunity of launching the proposed Airline so that it will be of benefit to the many talented Sri Lankans interested in Aviation.

Ravi envisaged that the proposed Airline would have a free hand to be operated and managed without any political interference and being only answerable to the then President J.R. Jayewardene, who was also the Minister of Aviation. Ravi had plenty of work to do, which meant several trips to Sri Lanka to achieve his goal.



Nothing much seemed to be happening on the matters that Ravi had worked so hard and diligently. Some two months later, I got another aerogram from Ravi, asking me to go immediately and meet his father to tell him that unless this proposed Airline started up soon and in the manner agreed to by President Jayewardena, Ravi would never return to Sri Lanka. This side of his character increased my estimation of my friend Ravi and left me wondering whether anyone else would even contemplate such a deed for such a personally unrelated cause. A strange sight greeted me when I walked into the Presidents Residence Braemar in Ward Place the next morning, in the outer verandah were seated several top bureaucrats of the day some of whom were handling Aviation hoping perhaps one of them would head the new Airline. I was ushered into the Presidents room. He called me in and said, I say. Ravi says he will never return unless I start this Airline in the way he has asked for and that it has to be done right away. I responded, Yes Sir, Ravi has written to me as well saying the same thing and knowing Ravi, once he has made up his mind he will never change it, to which the President replied, I know. Whats the use of my being President and having all this, without my only son being by my side, come and meet me for lunch at Presidents House today and I will issue all the necessary directives to get it off the ground.



So was born Air Lanka, which won many accolades for its high Service Standards while being much-respected as Sri Lankas flag carrier with Sri Lankan pilots piloting the latest and largest aircraft and Sri Lankan Engineers setting new benchmarks by maintaining the aircraft according to the highest Standards.Thanks are due to Ravi Jayewardenes single handed efforts and single minded purpose against so many odds for no personal gain or glory.



With his former colleagues busy flying airplanes to many parts of the world and being involved either directly or indirectly in the actual operations of Air Lanka, a lifestyle we only dreamt of earlier, I had on several occasions asked Ravi to join us. He always declined, saying he was happy to sit back and watch Sri Lankans having this great opportunity in Aviation and assured me of his support at all times to help in achieving our goals, a promise he always kept.



Ask not what your Country can do for you, but what you can do for your Country, were words made famous by US President John F. Kennedy and instilled many years before in the hearts and minds of schoolboys by Warden Buck of S. Thomass College, the other school which Ravi and his forefathers attended. These words would illustrate and summarize the unique life and times of Ravi Jayewardene.



May Ravi find Eternal Rest and Peace he so richly deserves for all his endeavours on Earth. Rest in Peace my dear friend.

Herby Wanigatunga
Reports of a hefty rise in recruitment fees for Sri Lankan domestic helpers, including maids, are misleading, said Sri Lankan Ambassador Azmi Thassim on Sunday.

The Sri Lankan government is not involved in the hike of recruitment fees because business transactions are done by private Saudi and Sri Lankan agents, he said.

A report published in local Arabic press said Sri Lankan recruitment offices have raised recruitment costs of domestic workers from $1,560 to $3,000, representing a 92 percent hike.

The report added that Sri Lankan agents have been delaying or suspending travel permits of workers waiting to be deployed in the Kingdom to put pressure on Saudi recruitment offices to pay the hefty amount for hiring domestic aides.

Thassim said: The Kingdom and Sri Lanka will be holding talks soon to address the grievances of the parties concerned, and will hammer out a solution to the problem.

The Saudi Embassy in Sri Lanka earlier issued an instruction for Saudi recruitment agents to pay $1,560 to hire a Sri Lankan housemaid, he added.

In the run-up to the holy month of Ramadan and Eid festivities, Saudi Arabia requires more household workers.

Both governments are keen to talk and solve the issue, but private business transactions between Saudi and Sri Lankan recruitment agencies cannot be stopped by the government until Riyadh and Colombo reach a settlement, the envoy said.

The report quoted Hussain Al-Mutairi, head of the recruitment committee at the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as saying: Sri Lankan recruitment offices have played with recruitment costs, which were at $1,560 as stipulated by an agreement signed between the Saudi and Sri Lankan offices.

He added that the Sri Lankan offices have also hiked other related charges including the monthly salary, which was raised and fixed at SR1,300 ($346) by Sri Lankan agents last February compared to SR1,100 as previously agreed.

Al-Mutairi accused Sri Lankan recruitment offices of exerting enormous pressure on their Saudi counterparts.

He called on Saudi offices not to respond to these pressures ... A unified position from the Saudi side will make the Sri Lankan offices work in line with the unified price agreed upon by both parties.

Saudi Arabia is home to about 200,000 Sri Lankan workers, about 50 percent of them domestic helpers, mostly housemaids. (Arab News)
REUTERS, 17th APRIL, 2017 - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Monday that diplomats from Russia, the United States and the United Nations plan to discuss the Syrian crisis in Geneva next week, Russian news agencies quoted him as saying.

Bogdanov also said Moscow was still waiting for confirmation from Washington that the meeting would take place.
REUTERS, 17th APRIL, 2017- South Korean prosecutors on Monday charged ousted president Park Geun-hye and Lotte Group chairman Shin Dong-bin with bribery in the latest twist to a corruption scandal that rocked the country for months.

Prosecutors charged Shin without detaining him.

The retail giant Lotte, with interests ranging from hotels and retail to food and chemicals, becomes the second conglomerate mired in the political scandal after Jay Y. Lee, the chief of the biggest, Samsung Group, was arrested suspected of bribing Park and her friend, Choi Soon-sil.

Lee, Park and Choi are being held at detention centers.

Lotte, South Koreas fifth-biggest conglomerate, is grappling with the Chinese shutdown of dozens of its stores in China, after it agreed to provide land for the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system outside Seoul.

South Korea, which accuses China or discriminating against some South Korean companies working in China, and the United States say the sole purpose of THAAD is to guard against North Korean missiles. China says its powerful radar can penetrate its territory and undermine its security and spoke out against it again on Monday.

Lottes chief Shin is also on a separate graft trial involving family members charged with embezzlement and breach of trust.
Indian business tycoon Vijay Mallya who was accused of defaulting on loans worth Indian crores has been arrested in London and will be produced in a metropolitan court today, NDTV said.

India had in February asked the UK to extradite Mr Mallya, who is facing charges of money laundering and several warrants in the country.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sources count the arrest, which took place around 9.30 in the morning, as a big win in attempts to bring the liquor baron to justice.

Last month, the UK told India that its request had been certified by the Secretary of State.

A Delhi court last week put out an open-ended non-bailable warrant against the 61-year-old in a case of alleged violation of foreign exchange rules.

Mr Mallya left India a year ago amid attempts by a group of banks to recover around Rs. 9,000 crores in loans to his collapsed Kingfisher Airlines.

New Delhi had cancelled Mr Mallya's passport and asked the UK government to deport him to India. But initially, British officials said even without an Indian passport, he could legally stay on in London as he had a UK visa.

Mr Mallya has been charged with cheating and conspiracy by the CBI that filed a 1,000-page chargesheet against him for defaulting on a 900-crore loan taken from the IDBI bank in 2009.

The CBI probe found that 250 crore of this - given to buy aircraft parts - was diverted abroad.

Amid multiple attempts to extradite him, Mr Mallya was seen at events in the UK linked to his formula one team Sahara Force India.

In a series of tweets recently, he accused the government of holding him guilty "without a trial".
US Vice President Mike Pence used a visit to the heavily militarised border between the two Koreas on Monday to declare all options are on the table in dealing with Pyongyang, the day after the Norths latest failed missile test.

Pences trip to the flashpoint frontier underscored Washingtons shifting policy towards the isolated state after years of nuclear and missile tests carried out in defiance of the international community.

The visit comes after a huge military parade during which North Korea showcased apparent intercontinental ballistic missiles, and as a US carrier group converges on the Korean peninsula, ratcheting up tensions to their highest point in years.

Washington wants to achieve security through peaceable means, through negotiations. But all options are on the table as we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of South Korea, Pence said at the village of Panmunjom inside the Demilitarised Zone. Pence, speaking at Freedom House, a few metres from the military demarcation line that he described as a frontier of freedom, said Americas relationship with South Korea was ironclad and immutable.

PANMUNJOM AFP April17, 2017 -

Did the US cyber-hack North Koreas missile?

(Daily Mail, London), 16.04.2017 - North Korea attempted to fire a medium range missile that it introduced at a massive military parade, however, the weapon blew up roughly five seconds after being launched from a site near the port city of Sinpo.

Former British conservative Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind told the BBC on Sunday: It could have failed because the system is not competent enough to make it work, but there is a very strong belief that the US -through cyber methods- has been successful in interrupting these sorts of tests and making them fail. Deputy National Security Adviser K.T. McFarland appeared on Fox News Sunday and declined to say whether the U.S. cyber-sabotaged North Koreas failed missile launch.
A jubilant US President Donald Trump was all praise for the US army for successfully dropping the Massive Ordinance Air Blast bomb, better known as Mother of All Bombs" (MOAB), the largest non-nuclear bomb ever used in a conventional US operation, on the Islamic State terrorist base in Nangarhar province in Afghanistan, bordering Pakistan.

Afghan authorities estimate about 100 jihadi terrorists were killed when the GPS guided bomb, officially named GBU-43, hit the IS hive of tunnels and caves, from which they used to launch attacks on the US and Afghan forces.

The USs choice of IS target in Afghanistan to drop the huge bomb, is rather strange. The IS is fighting its last ditch battles in its home ground in Syria and Iraq, and Afghanistan is probably not on its radar right now.

Despite its long sounding name in Afghanistan - the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant: Khorasan Province (ISIL-KP) - its cadres number less than 1,000 in Afghanistan and Pakistan, just one third of the Taliban and its affiliated terrorist groups strength.

The ISIL-KPs two founder leaders - Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant Hafiz Saeed Khan and Afghan Taliban commander Abdul Rauf Aliza - were killed within first two years after it was formed in 2015.

IS terrorists are suspected to have carried out about 20 attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan, mostly against soft sectarian targets like Shia mosques and hospitals.

However, it is the resurgent Taliban that is posing an existential threat to the Afghan government, after it made huge inroads last year in Kunduz province.

As a soldier I was taught "economy of effort" as a basic principle of war, scrupulously observed in the Indian Army. So it is shocking to see the US army using the 10,000 kilogram-behemoth, costing $16 million apiece, to kill about 100 guys holed-up in caves in distant Afghanistan at the cost of $16,000 per person!

Why did the US use the Mother against the IS and not the Taliban in Afghanistan?

Can the Mother give birth to peace in Afghanistan?

These questions probably never figured when the US army planned to use the device in Afghanistan.

At best, it was used as an exercise to test the device in battlefield conditions.

So, it is not surprising that the bombing created a backlash in Afghanistan. Former president Hamid Karzai questioned Afghan president Ashraf Ghani permitting Americans to use a device equal to an atom bomb in the country.

Dropping the MOAB on the eve of McMasters visit to Afghanistan and South Asia is clearly not in pursuit of peace. Photo: Reuters

He said if the government had permitted them to do this, it has committed national treason.

Even though Trump is unpredictable, there are some clear strands emerging in his convoluted and contrarian actions to explain the bombing.

The presidents national security adviser is Lieutenant General HR McMaster, a veteran of Afghan and Gulf wars; so is the secretary of defence James Norman Mattis, a retired Marine Corps general, who fought in West Asia.

Obviously, Trump has given the freedom of action on matters military to the two generals occupying security appointments.

Trumps statement after the bombing makes it clear: Everybody knows exactly what happened, what I do is I authorise our military. We have the greatest military in the world, they've done a job, as usual, so we have given them total authorisation and that's what they're doing, and frankly, that's why they've been so successful lately."

Dropping the MOAB on the eve of McMasters visit to Afghanistan and South Asia is clearly not in pursuit of peace.

It is to make a strong statement that the US under President Trump means business, not only in Afghanistan, but in other trouble spots as well.

The bombing in Afghanistan had followed the launching of 59 Tomahawk missiles against a Syrian air base that is alleged to have carried out gas attacks on civilian population, killing 89 people.

The missile attack has virtually derailed the Russia-initiated Syrian peace process that was in the making.

The dispatch of US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and its group towards the Korean Peninsula, close on the heels of reports that the US was considering a preemptive strike on North Korea to wipe out the nuclear arsenal of the rogue state, is yet another act of US muscle flexing.

Collectively, these actions indicate a new belligerence in US actions, not seen in recent times.

These actions have both a local context in the US and a global context of Washigtons rapidly deteriorating relations with Moscow, increasing the possibility of revival of Cold War.

Will the MOAB intimidate Moscow or for that matter Syria?

The answer is simple: Russia had developed and tested in 2007 Father of All Bombs (FOAB), officially known as Aviation Thermobaric Bomb of Increased Power (ATBIP). With a yield of 44 tonne of TNT, the bomb is reported to have four times the destructive power of the MOAB.

Using the Father and Mother, the two powers are capable of killing thousands of hapless civilians, if the Cold War erupts all over again.

To sum up, the dropping of the MOAB in Afghanistan has nothing to do with peace.

It is all about Trump administrations posturing from Moscow to Damascus to Kabul to Pyongyang.

Peace in Afghanistan has a chance if only Pakistan ponders over US NSA Lt General McMasters comments made during his maiden visit to Kabul.

He said in a television interview: As all of us have hoped for many, many years - we have hoped that Pakistani leaders will understand that it is in their interest to go after these groups less selectively than they have in the past.

If this is the indication of the US following a tougher line on Islamabad, few would believe it in India. In the past, the US had shown a singular inability to walk its talk on Pakistan.

Can the US under Trump, with the slogan America first, make a difference?

I doubt it; in the near term the chances for peace in Afghanistan appear bleak.

But there is no harm in hoping for it, particularly on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modis first ever official visit to Washington after President Trump came to power.
A disturbing pattern is emerging on the Indian strategic and security front  a restive Kashmir, a poke-you-in-the-eye Pakistan and a seething China that has, only last week, warned India of consequences over the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

The three theatres have seen flashpoints off and on in the past and there is nothing unusual about it. However, what is different is that this time they are experiencing flashpoints at the same time. Thats why it is but disturbing.

One cannot recall when was the last time when all the three theatres had become a melting pot for India simultaneously. This kind of situation hadnt arisen even during the Kargil war 18 years ago as China chose to stay aloof.

Indias relations with its nuclear-armed contiguous neighbours  Pakistan and China, the only two countries India has fought wars with  have reached their lowest ebb in years.

Let us focus on the three theatres, one by one.

China

China is smarting under its perceived humiliation at the hands of India as the Modi government remained defiant on the Dalai Lama issue despite repeated warnings from Beijing and the Tibetan spiritual leader visited Arunachal Pradesh for as many as 10 days and even visited Tawang. The Indian defiance was like a flea in the ear for the Chinese.

But days after the Dalai Lamas visit to Arunachal Pradesh, China hasnt yet come out with its counter. However, that doesnt mean that it wont ever. Jingoists may interpret this as a rare case of India taming the dragon, but make no mistake, the Chinese counter will come, though it remains to be seen whether it would be an overt or covert entry.

My assessment is that it will be the latter. After all, China perceives itself as a world superpower that has replaced Soviet Union/Russia as the second most powerful nation. And superpowers are supposed to exercise restraint! Besides, Beijing has its plate full with the rapidly deteriorating North Korean plot and the tinderbox situation in Syria, apart from the usual bugbears like the South China Sea issue and rivalries with Japan.

One such high degree deniability policy-level change may be stirring the Northeast insurgency cauldron. Photo: Reuters

In view of the delicate situation China finds itself in, it is difficult to imagine that it would come up with an overt response  if it was an option, it would have come by now.

Instead, a covert option, having a high deniability quotient, may be unleashed by China and it could entail major policy-level changes.

One such high degree deniability policy-level change may be stirring the Northeast insurgency cauldron. Decades ago, China used to be pro-actively involved in the training, arming and funding of Northeast insurgents, but it stopped all that for improving its relations with India.

However, in the last few years, China seems to have gone back on its hands-off-with-Northeast policy, albeit in a tacit manner. Several northeastern states' chief ministers, including Arunachal Pradesh CM, have repeatedly made on-record statements accusing China of aiding and abetting the insurgents.

The one way China can get even with India without shedding a drop of blood of its soldiers is by covertly fanning insurgency in the Northeast. This can be one of the consequences that China has repeatedly warned India about. Its a tangible threat that New Delhi can ignore at its own peril.

Pakistan

The Kulbhushan Jadhav episode has demonstrated, yet again, that Pakistan wont let go of any opportunity to poke India in the eye. To expect positive vibes and genuine peace overtures from Pakistan is as ridiculous as expecting ghosts to produce babies.

All-round support from China has meant there is a spring in the step of top functionaries of Pakistans strategic establishment. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has come as a major shot in the arm for Pakistan and made Pakistan upbeat, perhaps like never before.

A member of Pakistan Navy is seen at the Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan Province April 12, 2016. Photo: Reuters

Islamabad is gung-ho with the belief that the CPEC is a game changer of a remedy for all the woes of Pakistan, and that China is indeed Aladdin's magical lamp.

Therefore, buoyed by China's support in every possible manner, Pakistan is adopting a care-two-hoots kind of approach towards India. This can only harden in the coming weeks and months. Recent setbacks to India in Kashmir will only embolden Pakistan further.

Kashmir

The Valley has, once again, turned into a melting pot it was seven summers ago. The dismal 7.14 percent voter turnout in the Srinagar Lok Sabha by-election, which National Conference leader and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah won comfortably, was an embarrassing reality check for India.

Thus far, Indias biggest trump card in Jammu and Kashmir has been its strong and vibrant democracy. With the unprecedented and dismal turnout, India has lost even the democracy card.

Clearly, the central government misjudged and misread the Kashmir situation. It should not have held the Lok Sabha and Assembly by-elections at this point of time and deferred them till the winter, so the situation in the Valley could improve substantially.

The Army should have exercised restraint. Photo: Screengrab

The Indian security forces have displayed avoidable knee-jerk reactions  by tying up a Kashmiri youth to an Army Jeep to keep stone pelters at bay. They may have succeeded in their short-term mission, but with this mindless act, they have alienated the local population further. A first information report by the Jammu and Kashmir police against the Army for using a civilian as a human shield has muddied the waters further, as it conveys that governance in Jammu and Kashmir has touched its nadir.

Terror attacks on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have become alarmingly more frequent. The stone pelters are back in business, even after demonetisation. The turbulence in Kashmir shows that it is going to be a long and tenuous summer.
A blog about life under, and resisting, a dictatorship
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. produces and markets titanium dioxide pigments (TiO2) in Europe, North America, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company produces TiO2 in two crystalline forms, rutile and anatase to impart whiteness, brightness, opacity, and durability for various products, including paints, coatings, plastics, paper, fibers, and ceramics, as well as for various specialty products, such as inks, foods, and cosmetics. It also produces ilmenite, a raw material used directly as a feedstock by sulfate-process TiO2 plants; iron-based chemicals, which are used as treatment and conditioning agents for industrial effluents and municipal wastewater, as well as in the manufacture of iron pigments, cement, and agricultural products; specialty chemicals for use in the formulation of pearlescent pigments, and production of electroceramic capacitors for cell phones and other electronic devices, as well as for use in pearlescent pigments, natural gas pipe, and other specialty applications. In addition, the company provides technical services for its products. It sells its products under the KRONOS brand through agents and distributors to paint, plastics, decorative laminate, and paper manufacturers. The company was founded in 1916 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Kronos Worldwide, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Valhi, Inc.
Embraer S.A. designs, develops, manufactures, and sells aircrafts and systems in Brazil, North America, Latin America, the Asia Pacific, Brazil, Europe, and internationally. It operates through Commercial Aviation; Defense and Security; Executive Jets; Service & Support; and Other segments. The Commercial Aviation segment designs, develops, and manufactures a variety of commercial aircrafts. The Defense and Security segment engages in the research, development, production, modification, and support for military defense and security aircraft; and offers a range of products and integrated solutions that include radars and special space systems, as well as information and communications systems comprising command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems. The Executive Jets segment develops, produces, and sells executive jets. It also leases Legacy 600 and Legacy 650 executive jets in the super midsize and large categories; Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 executive jets in the midlight and midsize categories; Phenom family executive jets in the entry jet and light jet categories; Lineage 1000, an ultra-large executive jet; and Praetor 500 and Praetor 600, disruptive executive jets in the midsize and super midsize categories. The Service & Support segment offers after-service solutions, support, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for commercial, executive, and defense aircrafts; provides aircraft components and engines; and supplies steel and composite aviation structures to various aircraft manufacturers. The Other segment is involved in the supply of fuel systems, structural parts, and mechanical and hydraulic systems; and production of agricultural crop-spraying aircraft. The company was formerly known as Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. and changed its name to Embraer S.A. in November 2010. Embraer S.A. was incorporated in 1969 and is headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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The following companies are subsidiares of NOV: APL France SAS, APL Norway AS, APL do Brasil Ltda., ASEP Otomotiv Sanayi Ticaret Ltd., Acker Holdings LLC, Ackerman Holdings C.V., Ackerman Holdings GP LLC, Advanced Production and Loading, Advanced Wirecloth S. de R.L. de C.V., American Pipe and Construction International, Ameron B.V., Ameron International, Ameron International Corporation, Ameron Pole Products LLC, Ameron Polyplaster Industria E Comercio de Tubos Ltda., Ameron Singapore Holding LLC, Andergauge Limited, Andergauge Redback LLC, Arabian Rig Manufacturing Company, Big Red Tubulars Limited, Bondstrand Ltd., Brandt Oilfield Services (M) Sdn. Bhd., C.M.A. Canavera S.R.L., CJSC Fidmash, CJSC Novmash, Chemineer Inc., Coil Services Middle East LLC, Cooperatie Intelliserv Holding U.A., Cooperatie NOV NL U.A., Danco AS, Elmar Far East Pty Ltd, Enerflow Industries, Environmental Procedures LLC, Fiber Glass Systems (Qingdao) Composite Piping Co. Ltd., Fiber Glass Systems L.P., Fiber Glass Systems Oman L.L.C., Fiberspar, Fiberspar Australia Pty. Ltd., Fibra Ingenieria y Construccion S.A., FidService LLC, Fjords Processing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Fjords Processing AS, Fjords Processing Australia Pty Ltd, Fjords Processing France SAS, Fjords Processing Korea Co. Ltd., Fjords Processing Limited, Fjords Processing Middle East DMCC, Fjords Processing UK Ltd., Fryma S.a.r.l., GPEX L.P., Grant Prideco (Jiangsu) Drilling Products Co. Ltd, Grant Prideco (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Grant Prideco III C. V., Grant Prideco Inc., Grant Prideco Jersey Limited, Grant Prideco Mauritius Limited, Grant Prideco Netherlands B.V., Grant Prideco PC Composites Holdings LLC, Grant Prideco S. de R.L. de C.V., Grant Prideco de Venezuela S.A., GustoMSC B.V., Hebei Huayouyiji Tuboscope Coating Co. Ltd., Hydralift AmClyde Inc., Hydralift France SAS, Inspecciones y Pruebas No Destructivas S. de R.L. de C.V., IntelliServ Norway AS, Intelliserv GP Holdings LLC, Intelliserv Inc., Intelliserv International Holding Ltd, Intelliserv LLC, JiangYin Tuboscope Tubular Development Co. Ltd, Keystone Tower Systems Inc., MSI Pipe Protection Technologies UK Limited, Merpro Group Limited, Midsund Bruk AS, Mono Group Pension Trustees Limited, Mono Pumps New Zealand Company, Monoflo NOV S.A.I.C., Moyno Inc., NKT Flexibles I/S, NOV (Asia) Inc., NOV (Barbados) Holding SRL, NOV (Barbados) SRL, NOV (Caymans) Ltd., NOV (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., NOV - Oil Services Angola LDA., NOV APL Limited, NOV Africa Pty Ltd, NOV Australia Pty Ltd, NOV Azerbaijan LLC, NOV Brandt Europe France, NOV Brandt Oilfield Services Middle East LLC, NOV CAPS Pte. 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Bhd., NOV Process & Flow Technologies Pte. Ltd., NOV Process & Flow Technologies UK Limited, NOV QFZ LLC, NOV Rig Solutions Pte. Ltd., NOV Romania LLC, NOV Saudi Arabia Co. Ltd., NOV Saudi Arabia Trading Co., NOV Services Ltd., NOV Servicios de Personal Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., NOV Tanajib Kuwait for Services and Maintenance of Oil Rigs Refineries and Petrochemicals W.L.L., NOV Tuboscope Italia S.R.L., NOV Tuboscope Middle East LLC, NOV Tuboscope NL B.V., NOV Tubulars and Connectors Ltd., NOV UK (Angola Acquisitions) Limited, NOV UK Finance Limited, NOV UK Holdings LLC, NOV UK Holdings Limited, NOV UK Korea LP, NOV Wellbore Technologies Norway LLC, NOV Wellbore Technologies do Brasil Equipamentos E Servicos Ltda., NOV Wellsite Services Germany GmbH, NOV Worldwide B.V., NOV-BLM SAS, NOVM Holding LLC, NOW International LLC, NOW Nova Scotia Holdings LLC, NOW Oilfield Services LLC, NQL Holland B.V., National Oilwell (U.K.) Limited, National Oilwell Algerie, National Oilwell Varco (Beijing) Investment Management Co. Ltd., National Oilwell Varco (Thailand) Ltd., National Oilwell Varco Algeria, National Oilwell Varco Almansoori Services, National Oilwell Varco Bahrain WLL, National Oilwell Varco Belgium SA, National Oilwell Varco Denmark I/S, National Oilwell Varco Egypt LLC, National Oilwell Varco Eurasia LLC, National Oilwell Varco Guatemala Limitada, National Oilwell Varco Guyana Inc., National Oilwell Varco Hungary Limited Liability Company, National Oilwell Varco Korea Co. Ltd., National Oilwell Varco L.P., National Oilwell Varco MSW S.A., National Oilwell Varco Mexico S.A. de C.V., National Oilwell Varco Muscat L.L.C., National Oilwell Varco Norway AS, National Oilwell Varco Peru S.R.L., National Oilwell Varco Petroleum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., National Oilwell Varco Poland Sp.z.o.o., National Oilwell Varco Pte. Ltd., National Oilwell Varco Rig Equipment Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., National Oilwell Varco Romania S.R.L., National Oilwell Varco Solutions S.A. de C.V., National Oilwell Varco UK Limited, National Oilwell Varco Ukraine LLC, National Oilwell Varco de Bolivia S.R.L., National Oilwell Varco de Chile - Servicios Limitada, National Oilwell Varco do Brasil Ltda., National Oilwell de Venezuela C.A., National-Oilwell Pte. Ltd., National-Oilwell Pty. Ltd., PT Fjords Processing Indonesia, PT H-Tech Oilfield Equipment, PT NOV Oilfield Services, PT National Oilwell Varco, PT PROFAB INDONESIA, Pesaka Inspection Services SDN.BHD., Pipex Limited, Pipex PX Limited, Pridecomex Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., R&M Energy Systems Australia Pty Ltd, R&M Energy Systems de Argentina S.A., R&M Energy Systems de Venezuela C.A., R&M Singapore Holding LLC, RE.MAC.UT. S.r.l., RHI Holding LLC, ReedHycalog International Holding LLC, ReedHycalog L.P., ReedHycalog LLC, ReedHycalog UK Limited, Robannic Overseas Finance A.V.V., Robbins & Myers B.V., Robbins & Myers Foundation, Robbins & Myers GP LLC, Robbins & Myers Holdings LLC, Robbins & Myers Holdings UK Limited, Robbins & Myers Inc, Robbins & Myers Inc., Robbins & Myers Italia S.R.L., Robbins & Myers N.V., Rodic S.A. de C.V., Romaco S.a.r.l., STAR Sudamtex Tubulares S.A., STSA, Screen Manufacturing Company Unlimited, Slip Clutch Systems Limited, South Seas Inspection, Subseaflex Holding ApS, T-3 Energy Preferred Industries Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., T-3 Energy Services Cayman Holdings Ltd., T-3 Energy Services Cayman Ltd., T-3 Energy Services LLC, T-3 Energy Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., T-3 Investment Corporation IV, T-3 Mexican Holdings Inc., Telluride Insurance Limited, Tianjin Grant TPCO Drilling Tools Company Limited, Tuboscope & Co. LLC, Tuboscope (Holding U.S.) LLC, Tuboscope Brandt de Venezuela S.A., Tuboscope Norge AS, Tuboscope Vetco (France) SAS, Tuboscope Vetco (Osterreich) GmbH, Tuboscope Vetco Capital Limited, Tuboscope Vetco Moscow CJSC, Tuboscope Vetco de Argentina S.A., Tubular Coatings Solutions Ltd., Tucom Composites Polyester Sanayi Ticaret Ltd., Urban WLY LP, Varco BJ B.V., Varco CIS LLC, Varco International de Venezuela C.A., Varco L.P., Varco US Holdings LLC, Vetco Enterprise GmbH, Vetco Saudi Arabia Ltd., Visible Assets Inc., Wilson International, Woolley Inc., XL Systems Antilles N.V., XL Systems Europe B.V., XL Systems International Inc., voestalpine Tubulars Corporation, voestalpine Tubulars GmbH, and voestalpine Tubulars GmbH & Co KG.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Nokia Oyj: AO Nokia Solutions and Networks, ATG Germany GmbH, Aircom International, Alcatel - Lucent, Alcatel Centroamerica S.A., Alcatel IP Networks Limited, Alcatel Lucent, Alcatel Lucent Middle East North Africa DMCC, Alcatel Lucent Teletas Telekomunikasyon A.S., Alcatel SEL Unterstutzungs GmbH, Alcatel Submarine Networks, Alcatel Submarine Networks Brazil Ltda., Alcatel Submarine Networks Denmark ApS, Alcatel Submarine Networks Hong Kong Limited, Alcatel Submarine Networks Marine, Alcatel Submarine Networks Norway AS, Alcatel Submarine Networks UK Ltd, Alcatel Submarine Networks USA Inc., Alcatel de Venezuela C.A., Alcatel-Lucent Angola Limitada, Alcatel-Lucent Benin SA, Alcatel-Lucent Centro Caribbean Holding Limited, Alcatel-Lucent East Africa Limited, Alcatel-Lucent India Limited, Alcatel-Lucent International, Alcatel-Lucent International Holdings Inc., Alcatel-Lucent Managed Solutions India Private Limited, Alcatel-Lucent Nigeria Limited, Alcatel-Lucent Pakistan Limited, Alcatel-Lucent Participations, Alcatel-Lucent Participations Chine, Alcatel-Lucent Portugal S.A., Alcatel-Lucent RT International B.V., Alcatel-Lucent Saudi Arabia Co. 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Ltd., IRIS Service Delivery UK Ltd, IRIS Telecommunication Austria GmbH, IRIS Telecommunication France, IRIS Telecommunication GmbH, IRIS Telecommunication Poland sp. z o.o., IRIS Telekomunikasyon Muhendislik Hizmetleri A.S., InTalk Corporation, Intellisync Corporation, Intellisync LLC, Ipsilon Networks Inc., LCC International's U.S., LLC "Nokia Solutions and Networks Ukraine", Loudeye Corp., Lucent Technologies GRL LLC, Lucent Technologies Investment Co. Ltd., Lucent Technologies Nanjing Telecommunications Co. Ltd., Lucent Technologies Networks (Thailand) Limited, Lucent Technologies Nicaragua S.A., Lucent Technologies Philippines Inc., Lucent Technologies Qingdao Telecommunications Enterprises Co. Ltd., Lucent Technologies Qingdao Telecommunications Systems Ltd., MRAC Inc., Matra Nortel Communications, Mesaplexx Limited, MetaCarta Inc., Metrowerks Corporation, Mformation Software Technologies India Pvt Ltd, Motally, NE-Products Oy, NGI Industrial (NGI), Nakina Systems, Nassau Metals Corporation, Navteq, Network Alchemy Inc., Nokatus Insurance Company Designated Activity Company (DAC), Nokia (Shanghai) Enterprise Management Co. Ltd., Nokia (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Nokia Apps Distribution LLC, Nokia Arabia Limited  100.0, Nokia Asset Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Nokia Bell NV, Nokia Canada Inc., Nokia Costa Rica S.A., Nokia Denmark A/S, Nokia Display Technics GmbH i.L., Nokia Dominican Republic S.A.S., Nokia Egypt S.A.E., Nokia El Salvador S.A. de C.V., Nokia Electronics Bochum GmbH i.L., Nokia Federal Solutions LLC, Nokia Hong Kong Limited, Nokia India Private Limited, Nokia Innovations Japan G.K., Nokia Innovations Oy, Nokia Innovations US LLC, Nokia Investment Management Corporation, Nokia Investments Oy, Nokia Ireland Limited, Nokia Jamaica Limited, Nokia Kunststofftechnik GmbH i.L., Nokia Networks (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., Nokia Networks S.R.L., Nokia New Zealand Limited, Nokia Operations de Guatemala S.A., Nokia Operations de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Nokia Paraguay S.A., Nokia Puerto Rico Inc., Nokia Services Pty Limited, Nokia Services and Networks Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Nokia Shanghai Bell (Hong Kong) Limited, Nokia Shanghai Bell Co. Ltd., Nokia Shanghai Bell Lao Sole Co. Ltd., Nokia Shanghai Bell Philippines Inc., Nokia Shanghai Bell Software Co. Ltd., Nokia Siemens Networks Afghanistan LLC, Nokia Siemens Networks Algerie SARL, Nokia Slovakia A.S., Nokia Solutions Networks Iletisim A.S., Nokia Solutions and Networks (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Nokia Solutions and Networks (Suzhou) Supply Chain Service Co. Ltd., Nokia Solutions and Networks AB, Nokia Solutions and Networks Argentina S.A., Nokia Solutions and Networks Asset Management Oy, Nokia Solutions and Networks Australia Pty Ltd, Nokia Solutions and Networks B.V., Nokia Solutions and Networks Baku LLC, Nokia Solutions and Networks Bangladesh Limited, Nokia Solutions and Networks Bolivia S.A., Nokia Solutions and Networks Branch Operations Oy, Nokia Solutions and Networks CCC, Nokia Solutions and Networks CJSC, Nokia Solutions and Networks Chile Ltda., Nokia Solutions and Networks Colombia Ltda., Nokia Solutions and Networks Czech Republic s.r.o., Nokia Solutions and Networks EOOD, Nokia Solutions and Networks Ecuador S.A., Nokia Solutions and Networks Ethernet Services Ltd., Nokia Solutions and Networks GmbH & Co. KG, Nokia Solutions and Networks Hellas Single Member S.A., Nokia Solutions and Networks Holding Osterreich GmbH, Nokia Solutions and Networks Honduras S.A., Nokia Solutions and Networks India Private Limited, Nokia Solutions and Networks International Holding GmbH, Nokia Solutions and Networks Investment (China) Co. Ltd., Nokia Solutions and Networks Israel Ltd., Nokia Solutions and Networks Italia S.p.A., Nokia Solutions and Networks Japan G.K., Nokia Solutions and Networks Kazakhstan LLP, Nokia Solutions and Networks Kft., Nokia Solutions and Networks Korea Ltd., Nokia Solutions and Networks Kuwait Company W.L.L, Nokia Solutions and Networks LLC, Nokia Solutions and Networks Lanka (Private) Limited, Nokia Solutions and Networks MEA FZ-LLC, Nokia Solutions and Networks Management GmbH, Nokia Solutions and Networks Morocco SARL, Nokia Solutions and Networks Myanmar Limited, Nokia Solutions and Networks Nederland B.V., Nokia Solutions and Networks Nicaragua S.A., Nokia Solutions and Networks Nigeria Ltd., Nokia Solutions and Networks Norge AS, Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy, Nokia Solutions and Networks OU, Nokia Solutions and Networks Pakistan (Private) Limited, Nokia Solutions and Networks Peru S.A., Nokia Solutions and Networks Philippines Inc., Nokia Solutions and Networks Portugal S.A., Nokia Solutions and Networks S.R.L., Nokia Solutions and Networks S.p.A., Nokia Solutions and Networks SIA, Nokia Solutions and Networks Schweiz AG, Nokia Solutions and Networks Serbia d.o.o. Beograd, Nokia Solutions and Networks Singapore Pte. Ltd., Nokia Solutions and Networks South Africa Pty. Ltd., Nokia Solutions and Networks Sp. z.o.o, Nokia Solutions and Networks System Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Nokia Solutions and Networks Taiwan Co. Ltd., Nokia Solutions and Networks Tanzania Limited, Nokia Solutions and Networks Tashkent LLC, Nokia Solutions and Networks Technical Services Vietnam Company Limited, Nokia Solutions and Networks TraffiCOM Kft., Nokia Solutions and Networks Tunisia SA, Nokia Solutions and Networks UK Limited, Nokia Solutions and Networks Venezuela C.A., Nokia Solutions and Networks d.o.o., Nokia Solutions and Networks d.o.o. Banja Luka, Nokia Solutions and Networks d.o.o. Sarajevo, Nokia Solutions and Networks do Brasil Telecomunicacoes Ltda., Nokia Solutions and Networks telekomunikacijske resitve d.o.o., Nokia Solutions and Networks Osterreich GmbH, Nokia South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Nokia Spain S.A., Nokia Technologies (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Nokia Technologies (UK) Limited, Nokia Technologies Oy, Nokia Technology Center Philippines Inc., Nokia Technology GmbH, Nokia Teknologia Oy, Nokia Training Center Russian Federation, Nokia Transformation Engineering & Consulting Services Spain S.L.U., Nokia UK Limited, Nokia US Holdings Inc., Nokia Unterstutzungsgesellschaft GmbH, Nokia Uruguay S.A., Nokia West and Central Africa SA, Nokia of America Corporation, Novarra Inc., OOO Nokia Solutions and Networks, OOO RTK  Network Technologies, OZ Communications, OZ Communications HK Limited, P.T. Lucent Technologies Network Systems Indonesia, PT Nokia Solutions and Networks Indonesia, Pishahang Communications Networks Development Company (Private Joint Stock), Plazes, Plum, R.F.S. (UK) Limited, RFS Brasil Telecomunicacoes Ltda, RFS Holding GmbH, RFS India Telecom Private Limited, RFS Italia SRL, RFS Radio Frequency Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., RFS Radio Frequency Systems (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Radio Frequency Systems (Africa) Pty Ltd, Radio Frequency Systems (S) Pte Ltd, Radio Frequency Systems France, Radio Frequency Systems GmbH, Radio Frequency Systems Inc., Radio Frequency Systems Pty Limited, Radio Frequency Systems de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Ramp Networks Inc., Redback Networks Inc., Rooftop Communications Corporation, SAC AE Design Group Inc., SAC Wireless, SAC Wireless LLC, SAC Wireless of CA Inc., SRA Computer C.V., STC, Sega.com Inc., Smarterphone, Societe de Telecommunication Camerounaise  Sotelcam, Space Time Insight, Symbian Limited, Symbian Ltd, Tahoe Networks, Taiwan International Standard Electronics Limited, Technophone Ltd, Telekol Group, Trolltech (Qt Development Frameworks), Twango, UAB Nokia Solutions and Networks, Unium, User Interface Design, Vertu Holdings Oy, Vienna Systems Corporation, Western Electric Company Incorporated, Western Electric International Incorporated, Withings, Zyzyx Inc., bit-side GmbH, cellity AG, earthmine, and gate5 AG.

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 Albemarle County hosts a series of community meetings to discuss the Neighborhood Improvement Funding Initiative. Meetings will be held for the Places29-North area at 6 p.m. Thursday at Woodbrook Elementary School; for the 5th & Avon area at 7 p.m. Thursday at Cale Elementary School; for the Pantops area at 6:15 p.m. Monday at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital Outpatient Center; and for the Places29-Rio area at 6 p.m. April 27 at Woodbrook Elementary School. Details are available at albemarle.org/cac. (434) 296-5822.

 Allen & Allen Law Firm accepts nominations through May 5 for its Hometown Heroes Awards. Details and nomination forms are available at allenandallen.com/hometownheroes. (434) 295-4961.

 Blue Ridge Chapter United Nations Association meets at 3 p.m. Sunday with Philip Potter of University of Virginias Department of Politics presenting Understanding Terrorism at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church  Unitarian Universalist at 717 Rugby Road. una-brc.una.avenue.org. (434) 409-0264.

 Charlottesville City Schools holds kindergarten open houses from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday at all Charlottesville elementary schools. Children must be 5 by Sept. 30. Bring an original birth certificate, a physical with immunizations and proof of city residency. Paperwork can be completed online in advance of the open house at charlottesvilleschools.org. (434) 245-2400.

 Charlottesville Waldorf School holds an open house for prospective students and their families from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at 120 Waldorf School Road. cwaldorf.org. (434) 973-4946.

 Cville Eco Fair seeks volunteers to help with the event, which is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday on the Downtown Mall. Details are available at earthweek.org/volunteer. (434) 806-9864.

 Fluvanna County Habitat for Humanity hosts Interest Meetings at 7 p.m. Sunday and April 27, and a Homeowner Orientation Meeting at 7 p.m. May 10 at Fluvanna County Library in Palmyra. (434) 589-3752.

 Literacy Volunteers holds New Volunteer Training from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Jefferson City School Center at 233 Fourth St NW. Register in advance at literacyforall/tutors. (434) 977-3838.

 Madison County seeks responses from citizens and businesses through May 23 to a county-wide broadband survey. The survey is available at madcova.org. (540) 948-4455.

 Monticello Area Community Action Agency seeks feedback from citizens through May 31 to its Community Needs survey. The survey is available online at macaa.org and on paper at the Department of Social Services, MACAAs Rural Outreach centers and MACAAs main office at 1025 Park St. (434) 295-3171.

 My Help List Essay Contest, coordinated by Mr. Alex-Zan, accepts entries from Central Virginia Students in kindergarten through 12th grade through Friday. Entries, titled Its important to help others because ., must be 150 words or fewer and list five things you have done to help others or can do to help someone. Four winners will be chosen by judges in grade categories for kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grade, sixth through eighth grade and ninths through 12th grade, and there will be a cash prize of $100 and a reception for all winners. Entries can be mailed to or dropped off at Carver Recreation Center at 233 Fourth St. NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903. Details are available at myhelplist.wordpress.com. (804) 321-3636.

 NAACP Culpeper Branch, serving Madison County, meets at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Culpeper Town Police Conference Room at 740 Old Brandy Road in Culpeper. (540) 222-1565.

 Piedmont Virginia Community College holds a Getting Started information session for prospective students from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Crozet Library. Additional sessions will be scheduled. pvcc.edu/outreach. (434) 961-5275.

 Piedmont Virginia Community College holds information sessions for veterans and service members interested in attending PVCC and registering for summer and fall semester classes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27 and on May 11, 18 and 25 at 501 College Drive. pvcc.edu/veterans. (434) 961-5282.

 Senior Center hosts a shredding truck from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 26. $5 for up to five paper grocery bags of papers to be shredded; additional bags are $1 each. 1180 Pepsi Place. (434) 974-7756.

 Town of Scottsville seeks applicants to serve on the Town Council, Planning Commission and Architectural Review Board. Submit a letter of interest by email to towncouncil@scottsville.org or by mail to 401 Valley St., Scottsville, VA 24590. (434) 286-9267.

 Womens Center at UVa offers a free legal clinic from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at OpenGrounds at 1400 University Ave. Appointments are required. (434) 982-2361.
With Charlottesville officials now directed to arrange a sale of the citys statue of Robert E. Lee, the citys top attorney is preparing to argue in court that a state law that prohibits localities from disturbing memorials to war veterans does not apply to the Lee statue.

On Monday, the Charlottesville City Council voted 3-2 to sell the statue. The sale of the statue is pending on the outcome of a legal challenge against the councils assertion that it can move the statue.

In spite of the contested vote on selling the statue, the council unanimously agreed Monday to rename Lee Park. The council also determined that Jackson Park, home to a statue of Gen. Thomas Stonewall Jackson, Lees Confederate compatriot, also will be renamed.

Charlottesville is currently facing a lawsuit over its intention to remove the Lee statue and redesign the two parks, which would include adding a memorial to the enslaved population that once lived in the city.

As they did in February, when the council voted on whether to remove the Lee monument, Mayor Mike Signer and Councilor Kathy Galvin on Monday voted against moving the statue.

That opinion is still where I am on this  to add, rather than subtract. I entirely respect my colleagues and the passion they brought to this and the community, Signer said during Mondays council meeting before being interrupted by Councilor Kristin Szakos.

With all due respect, Mr. Mayor, that decision has already been made and council has taken a position on it, she said.

Thats fine, but I can still vote the way that I see fit, he responded.

Last month, a coalition made up mostly of local residents and the Virginia division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans sued the city, alleging that the councils vote violates Virginia Code 15.2-1812 because the Lee and Jackson monuments are memorials to the War Between the States.

The state law, adopted in 1950, authorizes localities to build and permit monuments to veterans of any war or major conflict. However, it also says that it shall be unlawful for the authorities of the locality, or any other person or persons, to disturb or interfere with any monuments or memorials so erected

According to a court filing that City Attorney Craig Brown submitted to Charlottesville Circuit Court on Monday, the city is asking that the court dismiss the lawsuit against the city over the City Councils decision to remove the statue.

 Virginia Code 15.2-1812 was not in existence at the time the Lee statue and [Thomas Stonewall Jackson] statue were erected in Lee Park and Jackson Park, respectively, and therefore has no application to either statue or park, Browns court filing says.

Last fall, in a memo that was submitted to a community panel created by the council to assess whether the Lee statue should be removed, Deputy City Attorney Lisa Robertson cited a Danville Circuit Court case revolving around a Confederate monument and the Virginia statute on war memorials.

After the city of Danville passed an ordinance in 2015 that prohibited Confederate flags from being flown on city property, a group called the Heritage Preservation Association sued the city.

The association alleged that the Danville City Council violated the state war memorial statute by prohibiting the group from flying the Third National Flag of the Confederacy on a flagpole over an obelisk on the lawn of the Sutherlin Mansion, a site thats known as the last capitol of the Confederacy.

The Danville Circuit Court ruled in 2015 that the monument at the mansion is not protected by the war memorial statute, and that the General Assembly did not make the provisions of the Statute applicable to cities until 1997, Robertson said. ...[T]herefore the Statute doesnt apply retroactively to monuments or memorials erected prior to 1997.

The decision was appealed, but the Virginia Supreme Court in 2016 declined to review the lower courts decision. Robertson said the Supreme Court said it found no reversible error in the Danville court's ruling.

Robertson wrote in September that a local circuit court decision can provide helpful analysis, but its not binding on courts elsewhere in Virginia.

Regarding Charlottesvilles Lee and Jackson monuments, Robertson said, a court would review factual information individually, with respect to each statue, and would consider circumstances of how the statues originally came to be placed in the city parks and evidence of the intentions of the parties involved in that process.

The lawsuit against the city says removing the statue and redesigning the parks would violate the terms of the deed that led Charlottesville native and philanthropist Paul Goodloe McIntire to gift the land and the statues to the city.

Brown dismissed those claims in his filings, saying that the only conditions in the terms for the gifts stipulate that the properties be used in perpetuity as public parks, and that no buildings be erected thereon.

The complaint fails to identify any actions taken or contemplated by the defendants that would violate either condition, Brown wrote.

The citys motion to dismiss the case asserts that the city is allowed to redesign and rename the two parks  the litigants suing the city claim that Charlottesville has no authority to rename and redesign the parks because Virginia restricts localities from enacting laws or taking actions that the state has not expressly permitted.

The litigants are currently seeking a court injunction to prevent the city from disturbing the Lee statue before the suit is settled. Charles Weber, a spokesman for the group, said a court hearing on the motion for an injunction is scheduled for May 2.

After the council meeting Monday, City Manager Maurice Jones said its unlikely that staff will be ready with a request for proposals to purchase the Lee statue before then.
Despite a pending court case that will ultimately determine the generals fate, the Charlottesville City Council voted 3-2 Monday evening to sell the citys statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.

After more than a year of contentious debates about what should be done with the statue gripped the community and created divisions among some neighbors, the council directed staff to solicit proposals for a purchase of the statue.

According to the resolution Councilor Kristin Szakos put forward Monday, the buyer would be responsible for removing and transporting the statue.

Before the vote Monday, Councilor Bob Fenwick, who become the tie-breaker earlier this year in the vote to move the statue, said hes ready for a pause.

It is now time for our city to rest, he said.

The reprieve Fenwick envisioned might be short-lived, however.

Moments before the council voted on the measure, City Attorney Craig Brown said the city will need to clear a monumental legal hurdle before the statue can be sold and relocated.

 [T]here is a pending court suit challenging the right to relocate the Lee statue, Brown said. I think the process is geared toward a contractual agreement to move the statue somewhere else, but my advice is to have that be contingent on a favorable ruling in the court case.

The council unanimously agreed to renaming Lee and Jackson parks, as well.

According to that resolution, staff will engage the public over the next few weeks to come up with potential names for the two parks. The citys Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Historic Resource Committee will then narrow the name recommendations and share them with the council.

The City Council will then consider the new park names at its June 5 meeting.

After voting 3-2 in February to remove the statue, city staff devised options for how the city might move the statue. The staff advised that the city can sell, auction off or donate the statue.

The decision to sell the statue contradicts a recommendation a community panel the council created last year to identify solutions to resolve the controversy surrounding the statue.

Among other recommendations, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Race, Memorials and Public Spaces said the council should consider moving the Lee statue to McIntire Park.

During the public comment period at the beginning of Mondays meeting, several community members addressed the Lee statue.

That emblem of white supremacy should have never been put up in the center of the city, and it could not be removed quickly enough, Ben Doherty said about the Lee statue. I encourage City Council to pursue the options that most efficiently lead to its removal.

Doherty, an organizer with Showing Up for Racial Justice, asked Mayor Mike Signer not to oppose whatever decision is made about removing the statue. Along with Councilor Kathy Galvin, Signer voted against removing the statue.

If we truly want to be the capital of the resistance, then lets show some leadership on this difficult issue, Doherty said. Respect the 3-2 vote of the City Council and work with your colleagues to move forward as quickly as possible in removing this racist statue from our midst.

A panel created last spring to address community concerns about the cultural appropriateness of the statue recommended that the city move the statue to McIntire Park.

The three councilors who voted to remove the statue said last week that they are not interested in that option.

Genevieve Keller, a member of the citys Planning Commission, also spoke about the possibility of the statue being relocated. Keller said she wants the council to make sure that any decision about the statue be made openly and with consideration of how the public might access it if its relocated.

Any relocation should stipulate continued access to the resource. It should be conducted in a manner that promotes the preservation and protection of the resource, she said. The city could even contemplate continued ownership and pursue relocation alternatives that might be based on a loan or co-ownership basis to ensure continued curation.

The city currently is facing a lawsuit over the councils decision to remove the Lee statue.

The litigants  a coalition of mostly local community members and the Virginia Division Sons of Confederate Veterans  are seeking an injunction so that the suit can be resolved before the city takes action to remove the statue.

Charles Weber, a spokesman for the group suing the city, said Monday that a court hearing for the injunction has been scheduled for May 2.

According to legal documents filed Monday, the city wishes to have the request for injunction dismissed.
I feel torn about taking time off from dance to have a child. Im married and my biological clock is ticking. I just dont know what age to take the leap for the health of the child.

Would-Be Mother, San Francisco, CA

In addition to the babys health, theres also your health to consider when contemplating motherhood. For example, the risks of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and cesarean sections are higher for women who get pregnant after 35. Your babys chance of having Down syndrome or another chromosomal disorder begins to rise significantly starting in your mid-30s, so your doctor may recommend prenatal screening. You can reduce chromosomal risks by freezing your eggs in your 20s or early 30s. Doing so could also help you avoid problems with fertility that develop with age. The timing is up to you, but its easier to get back in shape for dance if you dont wait too long. For example, New York City Ballet principal dancer Ashley Bouder had a baby at 32 and returned to performing in less than five months.

Send your questions to Dr. Linda Hamilton at [email protected]
Senior Spotlight on Claire Koile of Elkhorn brought to you by United Republic Bank Free Access To read the Senior Spotlight Claire Koile of Elkhorn brought to you by United Republic Bank click the PDF link below. dc_split_014.pdf

Antlers rally past Wolves 10-9 ELKHORN  The seventh-ranked Elkhorn Antler softball team capped its regular season with a heart-stopping 10-9 home win over Elkhorn North on Sept. 29. The two teams combined for 19...

Antlers use big plays to pull away from Wolves ELKHORN  The fourth-ranked Elkhorn Antlers were able to outlast rival Elkhorn North in a wild shootout held at Elkhorn High School on Friday night. The two teams combined for...

Top-ranked Badgers roll to a 45-7 victory BLAIR  The top-ranked Bennington football team stretched its win streak to 19-straight games with a dominating 45-7 road win on Friday night over conference foe Blair. Junior punt returner...

South duo hand Wolves first loss ELKHORN  The Elkhorn South tennis team was defeated by the top-ranked team in Class B, the Elkhorn North Wolves on a breezy and mild Friday afternoon. The highlight of...
The situation remained normal as the auto and taxi unions have decided not to participate in the strike.

New Delhi: A one-day strike called by Ola and Uber drivers here had no major impact today as commuters easily found cabs to reach their destination during the morning rush hours.

Sarvodaya Drivers Association of Delhi (SDAD), which has given a call for the strike, claimed that more drivers will join the protest from afternoon onwards against "low fares".

Although cabs were easily available on several routes, app-based cab aggregators resorted to surge-pricing on some routes.

The situation remained normal as the auto and taxi unions have decided not to participate in the strike.

Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union (yellow-black taxis) said they will work as usual.

"We will not support the strike in Delhi," Rajendra Soni, the general secretary of both the associations, said.

SDAD, which claims to represent to 1.25 lakh drivers of Ola and Uber, has demanded that fares be increased from existing Rs 6 per km to around Rs 20 per km. They also demand abolition of the 25 per cent commission the drivers are charged by companies.

In February this year, a strike called by SDAD had hit hard the commuters in Delhi-NCR as most of Ola-Uber drivers remained off road for 13 days.
New Delhi: Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha today sought to allay concerns over radiation emitted from mobile towers, saying studies so far have not revealed any health hazards.

The minister further emphasised that prescribed limits for radiation emissions in India are more stringent than global norms. The comments come in the wake of a report that Supreme Court has ordered shutting down of a BSNL mobile tower in Gwalior on the plea of a 42-year-old cancer patient.

The order is expected to intensify ongoing deliberations on the impact of radiation from mobile phone towers on health. Sinha also said that call drops situation had improved significantly in the last few months.

"In the last four months, our data shows that call drops have reduced by 60 per cent," the minister said on the sidelines of a CII event.
New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will leave tomorrow on a five-day visit to the United States to participate in the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and IMF as well as deliberations of G20 nations.

During his stay in Washington and New York, he will hold meetings with American CEOs and institutional and pension fund investors, where he will pitch India as a favourable investment destination.

The official delegation, led by Jaitley, includes among others, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das and Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian. Also, a team of RBI officials led by RBI Governor Urjit Patel will be attending the meeting.

Jaitley and Patel will participate in the G-20 meeting on April 21, which will focus on financial sector development and regulations and other issues. Das will also participate in the meeting, according to an official statement.

Later, the finance minister, along with Patel and Das, will attend the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) introductory session on Global Development and Prospects. This will be followed by a session on Early Warning Exercise.

The Spring Meetings bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, private sector executives and academics to discuss issues of global concern, including world economic outlook, global financial stability, poverty eradication, jobs and growth, economic development, and aid effectiveness.

Later in the day, Jaitley will hold a meeting with the CEOs. On April 22, Jaitley will participate in the IMFC Plenary Session, along with Patel and Das. The finance minister is also slated to hold a meeting with US Treasury Secretary and participate in the Development Committee Plenary Meeting of the World Bank.

In the evening, he will meet with his Bangladesh counterpart and call on the President, World Bank, the statement added. On April 23, Jaitley and Das will leave for New York and later in the evening and participate in dinner to be hosted by Indian industry chamber.

On April 24, Jaitley will have an interaction with the Council for Foreign Relations, followed by meetings with institutional and long-term investors. Later in the evening, Jaitley will travel to Moscow to boost military ties with Russia.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has convened a meeting of NITI Aayog's Governing Council on Sunday to deliberate on the 15-year road map for development.

The council, with all chief ministers on board, will also discuss 3-year action plan and 7-year development strategies. "The Governing Council meeting is being scheduled on April 23. The agenda of the meeting is being finalised.

The council is likely to deliberate on three-year action plan prepared by the NITI Aayog," a source said. Since the government has done away with five-year plans with effect from April 1, 2017, it is imperative that the new three-year action plan is put into place at the earliest to guide various central ministries, departments and states to achieve the goal envisaged in the 'Vision 2030' document, the source added.

The 12th Five-Year Plan, which was the last of its kind in the series, was terminated on March 31, 2017. The new three-year plan will also provide in detail the government's expenditure classification on the basis of capital and revenue categories.

The government has also done away with the classification of Plan and non-Plan expenditure from April 1, 2017. The policy-making body had been mandated to come up with a 15-year vision document for a period up to 2030, which will be co-terminus with sustainable development goals.

The NITI Aayog has also been working on a 7-year strategy starting from 2017-18 to 2023-24 to convert the vision document into implementable policy and action as part of the National Development Agenda. It has also prepared a draft of the 3-year action plan for 2017-18 to 2019-20 which will be aligned with the 14th Finance Commission award period.
New Delhi: With Sahara failing to deposit Rs 5,100 crores, the Supreme Court on Monday appointed official liquidator of the Bombay High Court to auction the Aamby Valley project near Pune in Maharashtra valued at Rs 34,000 crores to realise the dues from Sahara chief Subrata Roy, who is now on parole. On February 28, the Court while attaching the Aamby Valley project near Pune had permitted Sebi to sell some of the properties and directed Sahara to deposit about Rs 5,100 cr on or before April 17.

During the resumed hearing a three-judge Bench of Justices Dipak Misra, Ranjan Gogoi and A.K. Sikri refused to accept the arguments of senior counsel Salman Khurshid that time was needed till May 24 to deposit the amount. The court asked the official liquidator to submit a report by April 27 indicating the value of the properties and how he is going to sell them.

Meanwhile, taking a serious view of the US-based company M.G. Capital Holdings not complying with the earlier order to deposit Rs 750 cores, the court asked the power of attorney holder Prakash Swami to deposit Rs 10 crores as costs and asked him not to leave the country and to be present in the court on April 27.
Mumbai: Reacting on the ongoing debate started by Abhay Deol over actors endorsing fairness cream, Sushant Singh Rajput on Monday said it is inappropriate to endorse such products.

Recently, Abhay had criticised Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor and John Abraham for featuring in campaigns that promote and sell fairness creams.

Asked about his views on the same Sushant said, "As responsible actors, or responsible citizens we should not in anyways endorse or prefer one skin tone over another."

Sushant said he feels nepotism does exist in Bollywood but he has never faced it.

"All the films that I did and will be doing in the next one and half year are the films that I really wanted to do. I had many options and I had the luxury to choose. So from personal point of view I cannot complain. Having said that it is not like (nepotism) is not there it is there everywhere in all sorts of industries and not just Bollywood," the actor said.

Sushant added that if the industry is welcoming towards the talent from outside the Bollywood families there should not be any problem.

"Nepotism can peacefully co-exist with the fact that you also allow new talent from from outside to flourish and encourage them. But if you don't allow that (referring to giving chance to outsiders) then there is a problem. Then the whole structure of the industry will collapse."

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old actor has confirmed that his most talked about film Paani with Shekhar Kapoor is not happening, but spending time with the filmmaker did bring changes in his outlook towards the world.

"We were working together on 'Paani' and unfortunately it did not get made.

"I think I was quite rigid in my point of view and I was quite opinionated and in those six months that I spent with him he convinced me that there is not just one right way of looking or doing things. It depends on your perspective as anything could be right or wrong."

Sushant was talking at the trailer launch of his upcoming film Raabta in which he is paired opposite Kriti Sanon.

Releasing on June 9, the film marks the directorial debut of producer Dinesh Vijan.
Mumbai: Yet again, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has used its razor-sharp snipping tool to chop off two words from the film  Dalit and Sex toy. Now one can understand as to why the board members had a problem with the word sex toy but how is Dalit an objectionable term?

And if all this wasnt enough, Pahlaj Nihalani led CBFC has instructed the makers to replace the word sex toy with adult site. And how are these two related?

A source close to the development told a popular daily, The word Dalit has therefore been muted from Noor wherever it occurs. Their explanation for this move is that references to the community will invoke reference to the caste system that is prevalent in India.

Another source added, Weirdly, the Board wants sex toy to be replaced by adult site.

All in the name of culture!
Mumbai: Politics is no longer seen as a taboo in Hindi movies, holds director Kabir Khan, many of whose films deal with thorny, contemporary issues. The director of the upcoming film 'Tubelight' stresses that it is important for him to give a societal context to the stories that he deals with.

When I used to watch Bollywood films, I would struggle with the fact that our cinema was set in La La Land, with no social or political context. So I decided that whenever I make a film, Ill try to put some context about whats happening, Khan  the maker of such films as Kabul Express and the blockbuster 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan'  told PTI in an interview.

The success of his projects indicates that audiences welcome such films, he points out. Fortunately for me, all of the films have done well so that means the audience is also enjoying them. Earlier, there used to be a taboo and people would say, Oh, dont put politics in your films; the audience dont watch it. But if you engage them through your characters, they are ready to follow any politics or the world youve created, he adds.

The story of 'Tubelight', his third collaboration with Salman Khan after 'Ek Tha Tiger' and 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan', is set against the 1962 Indo-China war. The director did not elaborate on the story but reports suggest that Salman Khan plays a man from India who falls in love with a woman from China, played by Chinese actress Zhu Zhu.

Khan is also happy to have brought together Salman khan with Shah Rukh Khan, who features in a special guest appearance, in the film. The last time they worked together in a movie was 'Hum Tumhare Hai Sanam' in 2002. Ive known Shah Rukh for a long time and the equation with him hasnt changed at all. Its still fun. I was actually very close friends with Gauri, his wife, so weve always been very warm and friendly. When I took the idea of this cameo in Tubelight to him, he readily agreed. I didnt have to convince him at all, Khan says.

It had to be Shah Rukh, he adds, for the role was that of a superstar. Trust me, its a great cameo and a fantastic character. Shah Rukh is someone Ive always looked up to as a senior. He is also probably the most well read person in the industry, he says. The director says he is not worried about matching the success of 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' with his new film but hopes that people will like 'Tubelight', too.

We really enjoyed making Bajrangi and the people appreciated it and gave it a kind of love which was unprecedented. But I dont think that can become the benchmark for us. Youll always be under pressure if you compare any new film that you make with the one that did so spectacularly well, he adds.

All that he has to do, he says, is to make a film with the same passion as they did with Bajrangi. And hope people like it as much as they liked Bajrangi.
They have taken it up with the Union I&B ministry.

Mumbai: The women's wing of Republican Party of India (Athawale faction) has objected to a condom advertisement (TV commercial) featuring the actress Sunny Leone for its obscene expressions.

Sheela Gangurde, national secretary of RPI's women's wing, said in a statement here that she had taken up the issue with the Union I&B Ministry.

"Expressions of the actor in this advertisement are obscene and against the Indian culture," she said.

"If the government didn't act, RPI will approach the State Women's Commission," she added.
Mumbai: It was the 128th birthday of the worlds most celebrated comic actor, filmmaker and composer Charlie Chaplin on April 16.

On the occasion of his birthday, Sonam posted a childhood picture of herself dressed in the attire of legendary Charlie Chaplin.

Quoting Charlie from his iconic film The Circus, Sonam wrote, "You'll never find a rainbow if you're looking down."

She further expressed her love for Chaplin saying, "When little girls wanted to be princesses I wanted to be Charlie Chaplin. Happy birthday Charlie, I never look down and walk, I never forget that a day without laughter is a day wasted and that life might be tragedy when seen in close-up but a wonderful comedy in long shot."

Here is the picture which Sonam posted on Instagram:

The actor recently received a Special Mention at the 64th National Film Awards for her stellar performance in 'Neerja'.

Talking more about on work front, Sonam is currently shooting for her upcoming film 'Padman' with Akshay Kumar and Radhika Apte.

She is also a part of Sanjay Dutts biopic and will kick start shooting for sister Rhea Kapoors 'Veere di Wedding' with friend Swara Bhaskar and Kareena Kapoor Khan.
James Gray has been set to write and direct the movie.

Mumbai: Actor Brad Pitt appeared extremely thin as he walked down the street here.

Clad in white long-sleeved shirt and jeans, paired with brown shoes and sunglasses, the 53-year-old actor was photographed, while taking a stroll through one of the streets in LA, reported AceShowbiz.

There are reports doing the rounds that Pitt has lost weight for his new film, 'Ad Astra', which will begin filming in July.

The sci-fi film tells a story of an autistic engineer who travels to space in order to look for his father who is missing after trying to find a new extra-terrestrial life in Neptune.

James Gray has been set to write and direct the movie.
The film is scheduled to release on December 15.

Mumbai: Are you one of those who are trying to figure out who 'The Last Jedi' is?

Well, we might have an answer for you.

Rian Johnson, director of 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' while talking to ABC news revealed that 'The Last Jedi' is singular and, for him, refers to Luke Skywalker, reports The Independent.

During the 'Star Wars Celebration' event, he said, "It's so funny when people started asking that. I had never even pondered that question."

Continuing, "In my mind, it's singular. In my mind it is. As to whether Luke is the Last Jedi, they say in 'The Force Awakens' he's going to find the last Jedi temple and Luke is the last Jedi."

Many fans of 'Star Wars' have debated whether 'The Last Jedi' is singular or plural, when it was officially announced.

Meanwhile, Mark Hamill, also speaking at 'Star Wars Celebration' said he was disappointed that Han Solo and Luke were never reunited in the new trilogy.

On a related note, helmed by Rian Johnson, 'Star Wars: the Last Jedi' stars Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac and John Boyega in pivotal roles.

The film is scheduled to release on December 15.
Have you ever wondered what happened to the beautiful jinkemari (meaning fawn in Kannada) whosuccessfully danced into the hearts of Kannada audience with her debut film Nanda Loves Nanditha which released in 2008? Bengalurus Nandita Shwetha is now one of the leading ladies of Kollywood with a high track record of hit films. She recently made a record-smashing debut in Tollywood when the entire film industry was reeling under the demonetisation move as well! She speaks exclusively with Bengaluru Chronicle, on her love for acting, on getting offers from Sandalwood and waiting for that big comeback venture, even as she has at least four films releasing this summer.

Acting was a random decision for me. I was a keen learner even as a student, and my love for the art was evident with good skills at dancing, acting and anything I would take it up. When the makers of Nanda Loves Nanditha asked me to be part of it, I embraced it though I had no knowledge about acting in films nor how they things work in the film industry. It was a huge hit, and when everybody was expecting me to do more films, I choose to learn the art more seriously by taking some time. After three years, another pleasant thing happened when I was offered my debut film in Tamil  Attakathi, says Nandita Shwetha.

She goes on to add that she knew nothing about Tamil language and was, in fact, nervous after accepting the film. To be frank, I was nervous. I did not know Tamil but again, I was determined and started learning and now I speak and act fluently in Tamil. Most of them think that I am actually from Tamil Nadu and when I tell them I am a Kannadaiga, they are totally surprised. Again, when I did my first Telugu movie Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada which ran to packed houses when demonetisation was enforced.

She has certainly achieved a rare feat as an actress hailing from Karnataka doing so well in other languages. Legendary actress B Saroja Devi is another actress from the past who stands tall with an unbreakable record for successfully acting in all south Indian languages and even in Hindi too. I want to make a comeback in Kannada too with it a bigger venture. It is very important in both Kannada and Telugu industry to work with established filmmakers and actors when making a comeback. I feel proud when audiences from Karnataka still recognise me and appreciate my good works in other languages and want to know when I will return, Nandita says.

In her upcoming venture, she plays a lady boxer and a cops role. If everything goes as planned she may act in the Kannada remake of her debut Telugu super hit film. However, she has presently taken up the Tamil remake of it. She has so far 16 films to her credit of which one in Telugu. Actors and directors with whom I have acted in Tamil films have gone on to do good work in future. My first film director Pa Ranjith went on to do Kabali, and it feels glad to work with national award filmmakers and great talents. Its an amazing experience to work so far and the best with deglam characters which offered me ample opportunity to excel as an actor.

The Bengaluru girl who has an MBA degree wishes to pursue her Ph. D and eventually take up competitive examination such as KAS, and to share the big screen with Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar and Rocking Star Yash, as the jinkemari runs away.
Software engineer-turned- film director, P C Shekar is back with a bang and is hoping for a blinder this time. The film Raaga, which is striking the right chords prior to its release, is a 14-year-old dream, and was first composed for Tamil actor Vikram, who was impressed with the directors first film Kadhalae En Kadhalae, reveals the director. P C Shekar, speaks to Bengaluru Chronicle about how challenging it was to direct a different subject while creating a whole new world for his blind characters on screen.

I was just another student who was focused on my education. But an unexpected event changed everything. In 2002, when I was still doing my MCA, I happened to visit the shoot of Pithamagan, featuring Vikram and Suriya and directed by Bala, for which Vikram even won the National Award for Best Actor, recalls Shekhar. We were having lunch one afternoon and I openly expressed how in awe I was, about the fact that making films came so easily to him. Thats when everybody laughed and said that if it was so easy to make films, everybody would be doing it. And I took it up as a challenge, confesses the director who then went on to learn the art filmmaking and with the help of a digital camera, shot a short film which became an instant hit in his friends circle. This was followed by a another nine-minute short film, titled My Imagination, which went on to win 23 International Awards in 2003!

When his first ever full-length Tamil feature film Kadhalae En Kadhalae was released in 2005, it earned critical appreciation and bagged a state award as well. The trailer of the film was a great hit even though the film didnt do as well in terms of commercial success. Vikram expressed his desire of always wanted to play the role of a blind character and asked me to come up with such a character. Thats when I began working for Raaga, says the Bengaluru-born director who then began working with Kannada films. Vikram too, started getting busier and hence Mithra stepped in to play the role. Even if Vikram had agreed to act in his 14-year-old dream, I would have made the required changes. But the character requires a short and dark complexioned person and Mithra fits the character perfectly. He is also very dedicated, which makes it all worth it. Whoever is surprised by my selection of the lead actor will be pleased with the outcome. The detailing, is what makes it very satisfactory, expresses Shekar, who has created a different world for the two blind characters. The idea is to view the film through ones mind. While Mithra is a far more mature character with a philosophical touch, Bhama on the other hand, has a childish heart. And while composing a different Raaga, the film-maker is hoping for a blinder!
Some of the pictures of Prabhas, Rajamouli and Rana on the sets of the film. (Photo: Twitter)

Mumbai: The promotion of a film nowadays starts off with a poster, then a teaser and trailer, followed by songs and dialogue promos.

However, when a film is as big as Baahubali: The Conclusion, fans are already anticipating the release with the few posters, one trailer and few grand events that the makers have shared and there has not been any need for songs and other promos.

When makers are hardly sharing any pictures or songs and keeping the mystery of the film alive, we have got hold of several behind-the-scenes pictures from the sets of the film.

We see Prabhas interacting with his director SS Rajamouli in one of the pictures and chilling out with producer Shobu Yarlagadda in another picture.

Rajamouli is very much the captain of the ship that we see as he directs Rana Daggubati before he fires his massive weapon or as he discusses the formation of the sets with art director Sabu Cyril.

Unlike the intensity in the film, we see Rana Daggubati, Ramya Krishnan and Prabhas smiling in the pictures.

Rana Daggubati took to social media to share some of these pictures, and said that he felt blessed to be in the esteemed company of his colleagues.

Baahubali: The Conclusion also stars Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Sathyaraj and others and releases on April 28.
A former state drug controller says the government has to first improve the administration of drugs by bringing the drugs division under the ministry of health rather than under the ministry of chemicals and petrochemicals.

Hyderabad: Doctors across the board have welcomed the move of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to formulate a law to prescribe generic medicines but say that the quality and efficacy of generic drugs must be improved and the drug controllers must ensure that only good quality generic medicines are available in the market.

A generic drug is identical  or bioequivalent  to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.

Many doctors do not prescribe the cheaper generic version of a drug because it may not be efficacious. It is not that we do not prescribe the drugs, but the major problem is the availability of good quality of drugs, said a senior doctor in a private hospital in the city.

Apollo Hospitals has its own pharmacy that stocks both generic and branded medicines. They source most of the medicines directly from the manufacturers. A senior doctor with Apollo Hospitals said the hospital carries out independent testing of generic products before stocking them in its pharmacy. Presently, whatever we supply from our chain of medical stores is tested and only then stored. The generic medicines which are in our pharmacy are used by our doctors as they are assured of the quality of drugs. But they would hesitate to take the same from outside. This is because some patients have reported back with the same problems when the drugs were taken from the open market.

Doctors therefore want the government to ensure that the drug controller monitors the quality of the generic drugs. Dr K.K. Aggarwal, president of the Indian Medical Asso-ciation, says medical professionals are concerned about spurious and substandard drugs in the market, and this has still not been addressed by the government. There are only 1,800 drug inspectors in the entire country, which is not adequate to monitor the pharmaceutical industry, he says.

To add to this there are quacks and practitioners from alternative medicine systems who dispense allopathic medicines, which has to be controlled. For this we require very strong monitoring from drug controllers in various states, Dr Aggarwal said.

The Union health ministry in its recent review admitted that less than 0.01 per cent of drugs produced in the country are tested for quality. Given this scenario, doctors state that it will not be fair for the government to expect them to prescribe substandard drugs.

A former state drug controller says the government has to first improve the administration of drugs by bringing the drugs division under the ministry of health rather than under the ministry of chemicals and petrochemicals as at present.

This will be the first step which will bring clarity that these drugs are used for health purposes and must be monitored by this ministry. There are also loopholes in governance of the drug controller, as state governments are not following what the central government proposes, and that gap has to be bridged, he added.

Consumer awareness

The government must promote the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) so that consumers are aware that these are available at a cheaper price.

Doctors must write in the prescription which drugs are on the NLEM list and which are not.

The NLEM drugs must be available under one window in the pharmacy and those chemists who do not keep these drugs must be punished.

IMA doctors state that writing just the generic name of the drug is not helpful; the prescription must also mention the name of the company, whether it is NLEM or non-NLEM.

Writing the prescription in capital letters must be made compulsory say chemists in order to avoid mistakes that arise out of bad handwriting.

What the Act says

All services that clinical establishments offer should be displayed along with the rates in English and Telugu.

Doctors' qualification, registration number and hospital registration certificate should be displayed.

Hospitals should submit the services and price list to the Registering Authority by 1st June every year.

DM&HO can cancel the registration of a hospital if it fails to comply with the law.
The mass change experienced by individual coastal glaciers, which flow out from the ice sheet into the ocean, is highly variable. (Photo: AFP)

Houston: A glacier's risk of thinning can be predicted by analysing its shape, according to a new study that could help predict how much the Greenland Ice Sheet will contribute to future sea-level rise during the next century.

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin in the US identified glaciers in West Greenland that are most susceptible to thinning in the coming decades by analysing how they are shaped. "There are glaciers that popped up in our study that flew under the radar until now," said Denis Felikson, a graduate research assistant at The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG).

The Greenland Ice Sheet is the second-largest ice sheet on Earth and has been losing mass for decades, a trend scientists have linked to a warming climate. However, the mass change experienced by individual coastal glaciers, which flow out from the ice sheet into the ocean, is highly variable. This makes predicting the impact on future sea-level rise difficult.

The new study could help predict how much the Greenland Ice S

heet will contribute to future sea-level rise during the next century, a number that currently ranges from inches to feet, researchers said. "We were looking for a way to explain why this variability exists, and we found a way to do it that has never

been applied before on this scale," Felikson said.

The analysis works by calculating how far inland thinning that starts at the terminus of each glacier is likely to extend. Glaciers with thinning that reaches far inland are the most susceptible to ice mass loss. How susceptible a glacier is to thinning depends on its thickness and surface slope, features that are influenced by the landscape under the glacier. Thinning spreads more easily across thick and flat glaciers and is hindered by thin and steep portions of glaciers, researchers said.

Felikson said these calculations will help improve estimates on how much Greenland can contribute to future sea-level rise. However, while the method can point out vulnerable areas, it can not predict how much mass loss is likely to

occur. "The approach we demonstrate here allows us to identify which outlet glaciers are not yet changing rapidly, but might," said Tim Bartholomaus, an associate professor at the University of Idaho in the US.

"With that knowledge, we can anticipate potential sea-level rise and set up the observational campaigns in advance to understand these glacier changes," said Bartholomaus. The study was published in the journal Nature Geoscience.
Ballari: Winds of change are sweeping the World Heritage Site of Hampi and nearby Anegundi as they are not merely tourism attractions anymore.

Of late not only are a large number of Hindu pilgrims, particularly from the Hindi heartland, making their way to them drawn by a cave, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, on a hill nearby, and the many ancient temples located here, but also wildlife enthusiasts and even hippies.

Visit the site and you see pilgrims from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and other northern states crowding the Virupaksha temple, Hampi bazaar, Krishna Bazaar, Badavi Linga, Queens Bath, Vijaya Vitthala temple and other monuments besides the shrines associated with Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman.

The trend has been growing since the Modi government assumed charge at the Centre and included Hampi-Anegundi in the Ramayana Circuit of the tourism ministrys Swadesh Darshan programme, say locals.

Last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi's, wife Jashodaben and his brother, Pankaj Modi visited Anjanadri Hill in Anegundi and on Sunday, the Prime Ministers other brother, Prahladbhai Damodardas Modi, visited the temple town of Hampi along with his family, said local tourist guide, Hanumanthu.

If pilgrims are now seen more than usual at these ruins of the 15th century Vijayanagar empire, wildlife enthusiasts too are arriving in larger numbers than before at the nearby the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, the river otters sanctuary in the backwaters of the Tungabhadra and serene hillocks of Anegundi.

And Virupapura Gadde, a forest land surrounded by the Tungabhadra, has in recent years become a haunt of the hippies.

With Hampi turning into an attraction for more than one category of people, the countrys top hoteliers have begun to eye it, much to the dismay of historians and naturalists.

So high is the demand for property here now that realtors are reportedly prepared to pay as much as `30 lakhs per acre to farmers if they are willing to part with their land.

And despite the Unesco- approved Master Plan for the world heritage site , the realtors have allegedly managed, with help from politicians and bureaucrats, to get the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority (HWHAMA) to approve conversion of farmland into non-agriculture land for their projects.

A concerned Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has intervened to make it clear that HWHAMA cannot go against the guidelines of the master plan for Hampi.
Lucknow: In a shocking incident, a woman was chased and shot dead inside a police station in Mainpuri district on Monday night. Sources said the reason was the attack is a land dispute.

Eleven persons have been arrested in connection with the incident. According to reports, the man who shot her tried to run away but was caught and beaten by a crowd that had gathered at the police station in Mainpuri.

Police reports said that the disputed property is close to the police station in a crowded market area. Sources said, when on late Monday night, a street fight erupted between the two families involved in the dispute and a woman belonging to one group allegedly ran into the police station for protection while the man from the rival group chased her with a gun.

The policemen inside the station were outnumbered by the crowd and failed to stop the shooter from firing at the woman at point blank range.
Chennai: Close on the heels of Jallikattu, an association has approached the Madras high court to direct the police to permit traditional cock fight play events. Veera Vilayattu Sangam, represented by its president V.M. Kadhirvel has filed the petition to direct the inspector of police, Alandhurai police station in Coimbatore to permit it to conduct cock fight function in Nadhegoundanpudur village in the district between April 20 and 24.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M. Sundar, before whom the petition came up for hearing impleaded Animal Welfare Board of India and Union Ministry of Environment and Forest as respondents in the case and posted to April 19, further hearing of the case. According to petitioner, villagers have been celebrating functions for cattle and domestic birds traditionally. Seval Sandai or cock fight was one such event being celebrated in the village from time immemorial. The cocks participating in the event were not fed with artificial food and medicine.

The villagers had celebrated the function from 2012 to 2014 peacefully with the participation of farmers and villagers. This year, the permission was denied following which they filed a petition. This court dismissed it granting liberty to the petitioner to make a fresh representation to the police seeking permission. But police also rejected it. In the representation itself, the petitioner gave an undertaking that th-ere will not be gambling or law and order problem. There would be qualified veterinarian who would diagnose the cocks.

Therefore, the apprehension raised by the police was totally unwarranted. When the state government has enacted a new law and protect the events like jallikattu/bull taming, preventing the petitioner from conducting similar traditional play was arbitrary and violation of Article 14 of the Constitution, he contended.
New Delhi: Congress leader Jagdish Tytler on Tuesday yet again refused to undergo a lie detector test in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

A Delhi court has reserved its order till May 9.

Earlier in February this year, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had sought the court's permission for lie-detector tests on Tytler and arms dealer Abhishek Verma.

Earlier, the CBI had in its plea requested the court to direct the duo to appear before it and accord their consent for conducting polygraph test so that further investigation can be conducted in the matter.

Tytler is accused of leading a mob in the 1984 Pul Bangash case in which three Sikhs were killed.

The CBI had earlier given a clean chit to Tytler in the case but re-opened the investigation following the December 4, 2015, order in the wake of Verma's allegation.

The court also ordered the agency to find out whether Verma's statement was authentic.

The agency had in September 2016 filed its investigation report in the case.
Chennai: AIADMK MLAs from both factions, one led by jailed leader Sasikala and the other by former Chief Minister O P Panneerselvam, were today holding informal meetings to arrive at a formula for a possible merger.

According to party sources, MLAs from both factions were holding informal meetings over the issue. An MLA from Sasikala camp, who was on board the INS Chennai, said there are likely to be formal meetings on the matter during the later part of the day.

On Panneerselvam's demand for ending family rule by Sasikala of AIADMK (Amma) and Deputy General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran, her nephew, the MLA said the senior leaders would have to decide on any such issue.

However, Finance Minister Jayakumar said there was no such development regarding demands for removal of Sasikala and Dhinakaran from the party posts.

Commercial Taxes Minister K C Veeramani said the split in the party ranks was "temporary".

Speaking to a Tamil TV channel, he said some "good news could come in hours", indicating the next course of action on possible merger of the two factions.

However, he did not elaborate.

AIADMK (Amma) Presidium Chairman and Higher Education Minister KA Sengottaiyan and Environment Minister Dindigul C Srinivasan held discussions with Chief Minister K Palanisamy.

This comes a day after their senior cabinet colleagues discussed the modalities of a merger, placing the focus on redeeming the party's frozen 'Two Leaves' symbol.

The Chief Minister was not present during the meeting late last night to discuss the matter.

This morning, Srinivasan and Sengottaiyan met Dhinakaran, who returned from Bengaluru without meeting his aunt Sasikala.

Dhinakaran is also facing heat from the Delhi Police for allegedly attempting to bribe an Election Commission official to retain the original party symbol.

The AIADMK suffered a vertical split on February 7 when Panneerselvam alleged that he was forced by Sasikala to make way for her elevation as Chief Minister.

This was two months after her appointment as AIADMK

General Secretary following then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's death.

The late leader was then chief of the party.

The two factions had since staked claim to the two leaves symbol which the Election Commission subsequently froze.

Last night, some of the ministers met at the residence of Electricity minister P Thangamani where they discussed the modalities of a patch-up.
New Delhi: A special court on Tuesday directed the Delhi Police to ensure regular medical check-up of a man arrested for allegedly striking a deal of Rs 50 crore to help an AIADMK faction keep the 'two leaves' poll symbol.

Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry passed the direction after the counsel for accused Sukesh Chandrashekhar, an alleged middleman, filed an application alleging that the police was not allowing them to meet him and said he should be regularly medically examined in police custody.

The court asked the Delhi Police's Crime Branch to medically examine Chandrashekhar, who is in police custody till April 25, after every 48 hours and allowed his lawyers to meet him in custody.

Defence counsel Ashwini Kumar sought the copy of the FIR and, while narrating the manner in which Chandrashekhar was produced before a court yesterday, told the court that the police had kept the lawyers in the dark and misguided them to make sure that defence lawyers are not present when they produce the accused at the judge's residence.

The counsel said the police secured custody of the accused without their presence and took away his right to be defended.

Chandrashekhar, who was arrested from a five-star hotel in New Delhi on April 16, was remanded to eight days police custody.

The case pertains to an alleged attempt to bribe an Election Commission (EC) official by AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dinakaran for trying to get the party's poll symbol of 'two leaves' in a by-election to the R K Nagar Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu. The polling was later cancelled by the EC.

Chandrashekhar was arrested on April 16 after which an FIR was lodged. According to the police, his links with EC officials was being probed.

Chandrashekhar had struck a deal for Rs 50 crore to help the AIADMK faction to keep the 'two leaves' symbol, the police alleged, adding that Rs 1.3 crore and two luxury cars, a BMW and a Mercedes, were recovered from him.

The EC had frozen AIADMK's symbol after two factions led by Sasikala and former chief minister O Panneerselvam staked a claim to it.

The bypoll to the R K Nagar Assembly constituency was scheduled for April 12, but the EC cancelled it, saying the electoral process had been "seriously vitiated" by parties through use of money power. Dinakaran was the candidate of the Sasikala faction.

The bypoll was necessitated following the death of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on December 5 last year.
New Delhi: Soon after Vijay Mallya was arrested in London following India's extradition request, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar on Tuesday assured that the beleaguered liquor baron will be brought back after completion of all required legal procedures.

Addressing the media in Delhi, Gangwar claimed that although bail was granted to Mallya, who is facing money laundering charges, this does not imply any leniency towards him. He added that granting bail was required on grounds of a 'legal formality'.

"Eradication of black money has been discussed since the Lok Sabha elections. We will not let miscreants like Mallya escape. We will make sure he is brought back to India and produced before the law after due consideration of legal formalities," he said.

"Our government will make sure that nothing diverts this country's progress. Mallya's case will be investigated thoroughly," added Gangwar.

Mallya, who was finally caught after repeatedly refusing to appear before courts and investigators in India since he secretly fled to Britain last March, is set to be produced before the Westminster Magistrates' court.

Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that extradition of the absconding liquor baron has been stratified by the Secretary of State of the U.K. Government and added that a warrant would soon be released against him.

The Supreme court had started proceedings against Mallya a year ago and had issued notice to him on March 8, 2016, on a plea by a consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) for recovery of about Rs. 9,000 crore which the businessman and his companies owed to them. Mallya, however, fled the country days before the apex court took up the case against him.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi urged the court to direct him to bring back the USD 40 million which he had received from Diageo. He told the bench that Mallya had breached the court orders and his refusal to bring back the money had aggravated the breach. Rohatgi also said that Mallya should be directed to appear personally before the court.
CHENNAI: In fresh trouble for AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran, the Delhi police on Monday filed a First Information Report (FIR) against him for attempting to bribe Election Commission officials for getting a favourable order for his faction in the Two Leaves symbol case. A case was filed against Mr Dhinakaran under Section 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which deals with taking gratification, by corrupt or illegal means, to influence public servant and Section 120 B (criminal conspiracy) of Indian Penal Code after an alleged middleman, Sukesh Chandrasekhar, was picked up from a five-star hotel in New Delhi late on Sunday night.

Sukesh, as per information, has promised TTV Dhinakaran of AIADMKs Sasikala faction that he would influence Election Commission to obtain a favourable order for them in lieu of consideration of Rs 50 crore. Rs 1.30 crore in cash has been recovered from his possession, Madhur Verma, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Delhi Police, told reporters in New Delhi. Sources in the Delhi Police said Mr Chandrasekhar, who had cheated several people to the tune of several crores of rupees in southern states, was picked up from Hyatt Hotel in South Delhis RK Puram area and two luxury cars  a BMW and a Mercedes Benz  were recovered from his possession.

This is fresh trouble for Mr Dhinakaran as he is already facing a banner of revolt within the AIADMK against his leadership. Twelve ministers of the Edappadi K Palanisami government have put Mr Dhinakaran and his aunt VK Sasikala on notice asking them to leave the party or face action within two days. Sources said that Chandrasekhar had, on the face of it, promised Mr Dhinakaran that he would get a favourable order from the EC for his faction in the Two Leaves symbol case. The EC had frozen the symbol on March 22 after rival factions staked claims to it and is likely to hear the case in the next few weeks.

Sources said there was evidence to show Mr Dhinakaran was in touch with Mr Chandrasekhar and investigators are looking into the phone call details of the arrested person to check whether he was in touch with any EC officials. As of now, there is no evidence to establish that he was in touch with Election Commission officials, a senior police officer said. The investigators are also looking at whether the arrested person was in touch with any Tamil Nadu Government official in New Delhi. They also said a team of investigators would fly to Chennai on Tuesday to issue summons to Mr Dhinakaran to join the probe.
Chennai/Mumbai: AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakarans alleged middleman Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who was arrested from Delhis Hyatt hotel on Monday for trying to bribe an Election Commission (EC) official with Rs 50 crores, is the same man wanted in 19 criminal cases in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru.

According to a report in Mid Day, Sukesh Chandrasekhar, whose real name is Shekhar Chandrasekhar, is accused of running a ponzi scheme to dupe 500 people from Mumbai of Rs 19 crore.

Chandrasekhar is well-connected with power centres in Delhi, and had even boasted that he could get AIADMK chief Sasikala out of the Bengaluru jail she is lodged in.

Chandrashekhar also claimed to own several farmhouses. Following his arrest, the police recovered Rs 1.30 crore along with two cars  a BMW and a Mercedes, said the report.

Chandrasekhar has been booked under Prevention of Corruption Act and Indian Penal Code sections for impersonation, criminal conspiracy and corruption.

He has been sent to 8 days police custody, said an NDTV report. However, before he could be so sentenced, another problem emerged. The police took him to the Patiala House Court in Delhi, but could not find a judge. He was then taken to the Tis Hazari court, but after failure to find any judges, the police finally approached Special Judge Poonam Choudhary at her home.

But Sukeshs history of crime dates back to his teenage days when he was jailed several times. When he was 17, Sukesh introduced himself to Subramaniyam, (85), as the relative of as a close friend of Nikil Gowda, former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamys son and offered to retrieve land of 7,200 sq ft at HBR Lay out from Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), which was allotted to Subramaniyam and was later withdrawn. Sukash collected about Rs 1.14 crore in installments in 2007 and handed over a forged allotment order for the disputed land.

In Tamil Nadu, he posed as Jayakumar IAS, working as Social Welfare Secretary and Karnataka Project Development Board Director to two businessmen. He contacted Balasubramanian, owner of Future Technic Pvt Ltd and convinced him to apply for bank loans with Canara Bank SME branch  Ambattur. Based on fictitious and forged communiques sent by Sukash stating Balasubramanians firm had been shortlisted to supply 30,000 vending machines worth `120 crore, loans to the tune of Rs 12.7 crore were sanctioned. The money was then diverted into several accounts held by Sukash across the country. Following complaints, Citys Central Crime Branch (CCB) arrested Sukash from a Court in Delhi Saket Court Complex, on July 8, 2013,

The 27-year-old Don Juan of crime was addicted to luxury cars, luxury watches, and jewels, while his forte  a silver tongue helped him hoodwink even the managers of public sector banks, besides businessmen and soft targets. The class-X-drop out from Baldwin Boys School in Bengaluru, had a chequered schooling as his schoolmates reserved kariya (Bengaluru slang referring to people of dark complexion) jibes for him. Sukash, a polyglot, could converse fluently in English, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Hindi and Gujarati. His English would bear a neutral accent while his Tamil would be better than of those who were born and brought up here. No one from Tamil Nadu would be able to tell from his Tamil that he is a Kannadiga.

Sukesh fell in love with Leena Maria Paul, who began her acting career in Mollywood in tiny roles, and was featured in the Mohanlal starrer Red Chillies in 2009. She acted in Husbands in Goa directed by Shaji Surendran and another comedy thriller Cobra in 2012. Leena made her Bollywood debut with Madras Cafe directed by Soorjit Sircar and starring John Abraham. In course, she became Sukashs comrade in crime.

After the Delhi police arrested Chandrasekhar on Monday, they also booked Dhinakaran for conspiring to bribe the EC to get ownership of the AIADMKs Two Leaves symbol.

The EC had earlier this month allotted two different symbols to the Dhinakaran and Panneerselvam factions of the AIADMK, for contesting the RK Nagar bypoll in Chennai. However, the bypoll was cancelled after Income Tax officials found that Rs 89 crores had been distributed to voters by the Dhinakaran camp in an attempt to win the election.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday exempted the categories of disabled persons from standing during national anthem before screening of a film.

In its earlier order, the apex court had ordered that every person has to stand during the screening of national anthem.

The court also issued notice to the Centre on the plea seeking Vande Mataram essential for all educational institution.

The Centre has been given a time period of 4 weeks to revert. The next date of hearing in the matter is on August 23.

The Union of India (UOI) is to consider not making it mandatory for people people suffering from cerebral palsy, Parkinson disease, muscular dystrophy and other categories of disability to get up during the national anthem before the screening of film.
The panchayat raj and rural development department, which manages rural water supply, has sought Rs 400 crore in contingency relief to supply water to villages through tankers and to repair wells and bore wells.

Hyderabad: The drinking water crisis has worsened across the state with the onset of summer. Out of 67 municipalities in Telangana, 60 municipalities are facing acute water shortage.

Only seven municipalities get water supply every day. Elsewhere, water is supplied once every two, three or even four, days.With ground water levels falling, the water supplied to each household has been decreased to 40 LPCD (litres per capita per day) from 100 LPCD in municipalities where water is supplied every day.

The situation is worse in rural areas, with two more months to go for summer to end and rains to begin. At a recent collectors conference, the collectors of 16 districts brought the dire water situation to the notice Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and expressed fears of the situation worsening in April and May.

The water stressed districts are Asifabad, Adilabad, Bhupalpally, Jagtial, Kamareddy, Mahbubnagar, Medak, Nirmal, Nalgonda, Nagarkurnool, Ranga Reddy, Surya-pet, Siddipet, Wanaparthy, Vikarabad and Mancherial.

In municipalities with alternate day supply, the water quantity has been decreased to 10 LPCD against 56 LPDC, based on the availability of water from both surface and power bores wells.

In municipalities where water is supplied once in three days, the quantity has been halved to 20 LPCD. Municipal minister K T Rama Rao directed the irrigation department to release water from various projects to fill nearby tanks to meet drinking water needs. However, the irrigation officials have expressed their helplessness as all the irrigation projects have already hit dead storage levels, said an MAUD official.

The panchayat raj and rural development department, which manages rural water supply, has sought Rs 400 crore in contingency relief to supply water to villages through tankers and to repair wells and bore wells.

PR&RD minister Jupally Krishna Rao said, We have identified 11,800 habitations that face severe drinking water crisis in summer. We need to supply water through tankers.
The footpath is barricaded to prevent pedestrians from walking on the road but pedestrians still make their way across at NTR Marg, ignoring the foot overbridges. (Photo: R. Surender Reddy)

Hyderabad: In spite of having 12 footover bridges, pedestrians in the city prefer to weave their way through heavy traffic. The footover bridges were constructed help pedestrians cross roads with heavy traffic at busy junctions.

According to traffic police, pedestrians tend to use the bridges only when its mandatory for them. Otherwise, they find it easier to dodge the traffic to cross the road instead of climbing the stairs to take the footover bridges.

The GHMC had planned to equip foot overbridges with escalators and elevators to encourage pedestrians to use the, especially the elderly. The FOB near LV Prasad Eye Hospital was the first to be equipped with elevators and escalators in the state.

A woman crosses the road at Filmnagar, where barricades have been placed.

Mr Satya Kumar, a pedestrain at Necklace Road said, the overbridge is not securely covered. The FOB is not user friendly and cannot be used by the aged and the differently abled.

Mr C. Naren, a pedestrian at Filmnagar, said, The government should build underground subways instead of overbridges. Even though subways are expensive, people will use them instead of overbridges as not all people can climb so many steps.

He was wrong on both counts. Subways do have stairs and the subways at Koti and RTC crossroads were not used. The one at RTC crossroad has been closed.

Mr S. Adishankar of the NGO Road Craft, said, Most overbridges in the city have vanished due to Metro Rail work. People will avoid the overbridges if they can. They will use it only if the central divider is sealed, the road is wide and has fast moving traffic.

He too pointed out that the elderly and the physically challenged find it difficult to cross the road through thick traffic, but they find climb the stairs to use the overbridge equally difficult.

For the FOBs to be used properly, access is very important. Sometimes, the entry and exit to the overbridges is blocked by hawkers or parked vehicles. I remember it used to be the case at Chermas, Ameerpet.

Inspector Narsing Rao incharge of the e-challan section of the Hyderabad traffic police, said, We often observe people that until and unless the dividers are sealed people do not use the footover bridges. Hyderabadis do not follow traffic rules until it is made mandatory.

He said the solution was to seal the dividers at place where the overbridges had been built. Among all the road fatalities, 80 per cent of victims are pedestrians and two wheelers. Pedestrians should be more careful and use the facilities provided to them for their own safety, he said.
New Delhi: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking response from the Centre on exploring remedies via International Court of Justice for Kulbhushan Jadhav's release.

The petitioner Rahul Sharma sought the intervention of court on the issue of release of Jadhav and also requested it to seek response from the Centre on the possibility of seeking legal remedies through International Court of Justice for Jadhav's release.

The Pakistan Army has ruled out any consular access to alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, saying he is not eligible for it as per the laws.

"Kulbhushan is not eligible for consular access nor will be granted consular access," said Pakistan Armed Forces spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor.

He alleged that Jadhav, caught on anti-state activities, was trialed under court martial.

"This was purely an act by the Army to which the Army as an institution said we will not compromise on his sentence," he said.

The Pakistan Army had earlier said there will be 'no compromise' on the issue of death sentence awarded to Jadhav.

Jadhav was awarded death penalty on April 10 in an unprecedented decision that triggered diplomatic spat between the two hostile neighbours.

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had earlier warned Islamabad that it risked damaging bilateral ties with New Delhi if it went ahead with the execution of Jadhav.

Jadhav was arrested in March last year in the restive Balochistan province and accused of being a Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) agent.

India has, however, so far categorically denied such charges.
London: Liquor baron Vijay Mallya was arrested in London Tuesday morning on behalf of authorities in India, where he is wanted on charges of money laundering and demands that he pay back nearly Rs 9,000 crore in bank loans extended to his now-collapsed Kingfisher Airlines.

A few hours later, the Westminster Magistrate's Court granted Vijay Mallya bail.

"Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit this morning arrested a man on an extraction warrant. Vijay Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud," Scotland Yard said soon after Mallya was held.

Mallya was arrested after showing up in a police station and subsequently appeared in the Westminster Magistrate's Court for the bail hearing.

India had in February requested the UK for Mallya's extradition according to the rules of the Extradition Treaty between the two countries. Mallya is accused of defaulting on bank loans worth 9,000 crores and is facing charges of money laundering.

While handing over the extradition request, India had said it had a "legitimate" case against Mallya and maintained if an extradition request was honoured, it would show British "sensitivity towards our concerns".

The business magnate left India for the UK last year amid attempts by banks to recover the loans on which he has defaulted.

An Indian court in January had ordered Mallyas lenders to start the process of recovering the loans.

Senior Indian officials described his arrest as the first step in the extradition case which would now begin a legal process in the UK to determine if Mallya could be extradited to India to face charges in courts here.

The extradition process from the UK involves a number of steps including a decision by the judge whether to issue a warrant of arrest.

In case of a warrant, the person is arrested and brought before the court for preliminary hearing followed by an extradition hearing before a final decision is taken by the secretary of state.

The wanted person has a right to appeal to the higher courts against any decision all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Soon after he left, India cancelled Mallyas passport, but his extradition was refused by the UK earlier because under the countrys laws, visitors could stay in the country even if their passports had expired.

But last month, the British government set in motion the process of extradition by certifying India's request and sending it to a district judge for further action.

Mallya, who launched Kingfisher Airlines which now owes Rs 9,000 crores to banks, has been charged with cheating and conspiracy by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which filed a 1000-page chargesheet against him. The chargesheet specially mentioned covered one specific case -- the large loan given to him by IDBI Bank.

In January this year, a CBI court issued a non-bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case.
Police said that the case was registered against OPS son and brother as they allegedly attacked a worker of rival AIADMK(Amma) faction in R K Nagar, on April 6. (Photo: File/Representational)

Chennai: The Madras High Court on Monday granted anticipatory bail to the son and brother of former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam in a rioting case related to the RK Nagar Assembly by-poll campaign.

When the petition filed by O P Ravindranath Kumar, son of Panneerselvam, along with his uncle O Raja, came up, Justice S Baskaran granted anticipatory bail with a condition that they appear before the Investigating Officer as and when required.

The petitioners had moved the Court apprehending arrest in connection with the rioting and criminal intimidation case registered against them. They alleged that police had foisted the case on them "due to malaise and political vendetta."

According to police, the case was registered on a complaint lodged against the two that they, along with some other persons, had attacked a worker of rival AIADMK (Amma) faction in R K Nagar, on April 6.

The by-poll scheduled to be held on April 12 has been cancelled by the Election Commission over the use of money power to influence voters.
New Delhi: Asserting that the legal process is underway over the extradition of absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who was arrested and subsequently granted bail in London on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that both India and the British governments are in touch in this context.

"Responding to a query regarding Shri Vijay Mallya, the Official Spokesperson said that his arrest in London today was in connection with the request by the Government to UK authorities for his extradition. Legal process in this regard is underway in the UK. The two governments are in touch in this context," the MEA said in a statement.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Indian High Commission will start the process of Mallya's extradition, government sources said.

India needs to set precedent and Mallya's extradition is one such case, also those defaulters who think that their money are safe in tax heavens are on wrong foot, sources added.

The 61-year-old liquor businessman, wanted in India for defaulting on loans, appeared before the Westminster's Magistrates' Court in London for his bail hearing where the court granted bail to him.

Downplaying the din surrounding his sensational arrest in London, Mallya who is on the run over money laundering charges, took a swipe at the Indian media.

Taking to Twitter after getting bail, Mallya took a swing at the media accusing them of 'hyping' the development.

Earlier today following Mallya's arrest, the Scotland Yard issued a statement saying that the absconding businessman was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar has assured that the beleaguered liquor baron will be brought back after completion of all required legal procedures.

Addressing the media, Gangwar claimed that although bail was granted to Mallya, this does not imply any leniency towards him. He added that granting bail was required on grounds of a 'legal formality'.

"Eradication of black money has been discussed since the Lok Sabha elections. We will not let miscreants like Mallya escape. We will make sure he is brought back to India and produced before the law after due consideration of legal formalities," he said.

"Our government will make sure that nothing diverts this country's progress. Mallya's case will be investigated thoroughly," added Gangwar.

Mallya, who was finally caught after repeatedly refusing to appear before courts and investigators in India since he secretly fled to Britain last March, was granted bail.

Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that extradition of the absconding liquor baron has been stratified by the Secretary of State of the U.K. Government and added that a warrant would soon be released against him.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday dedicated the Indian Navys indigenously designed guided missile destroyer, INS Chennai to the city. A series of drills and events marked the dedication ceremony of the P15A Guided Missile Destroyer at the Chennai Port Trust. Named after the city, INS Chennai is commanded by captain C. R. Praveen Nair and has 45 officers.

The ship, commissioned by then Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar last year, is one of the most potent warships to have been constructed in India. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister urged the Navy to protect the maritime interests of the state and the fishermen. We are proud of our armed forces, who protect us from external enemies. They ensure that we are able to enjoy our freedom and democracy. The Indian Navy has always assisted the state during natural disasters, the Chief Minister said.

I urge the Indian Navy to protect the maritime interests of India and Tamil Nadu. Our fishermen must be protected against attacks so that they peacefully engage in the tradition of fishing in the exclusively economic zone, he said. Noting that the state government had always addressed issues relating to armed forces, he said it would continue to provide all necessary support in this regard.

Eastern Naval Command, Commanding-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral, H C S Bisht, who was present, said the Navy was fully geared to meet the challenges at sea. The vessels anti-submarine warfare capabilities include indigenously developed rocket and torpedo launchers. Besides, it is equipped to fight under nuclear, biological and chemical warfare conditions. Some major indigenised equipment on-board include combat management system, rocket launcher, torpedo tube launcher, automated power management system and the bow mounted SONAR.
New Delhi: US National Security Adviser HR McMaster today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and reviewed bilateral ties and the situation in the South Asian region.

Indian NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and some other officials were present in the meeting that took place at the PM's residence.

Earlier, McMaster and Doval held detailed discussions on Indo-US relations especially the security aspect of the ties, sources said.

The US NSA arrived here last evening from Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and some top officials.

In Islamabad, the relations between India and Pakistan figured in McMaster's discussions with Sharif.

As part of the South Asia trip, he also visited Afghanistan before travelling to Pakistan.
Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday ruled out possibility of merger between the two factions of the AIADMK if VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran remain in the party.

Jayalalithaa kept Sasikala's family away when in power. No dialogue if they remain in party, said Panneerselvam on the possibility of a merger of AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, led by him, and VK Sasikala-led AIADMK (Amma).

Panneerselvam said that a petition has been submitted to the Election Commission (EC) to declare Sasikala's appointment as general secretary as illegal. He also raised the issue of corruption during the election campaigning in RK Nagar. Rs 4000 offered to voters, he said.

Dhinakaran was not even member of the party till Amma's demise, elections for office-bearers of AIADMK was itself illegal, Panneerselvam said. He added that the party should not be controlled by one family and it was nothing short of treason to allow Sasikala to control party affairs.

"Judicial probe into Jayalalithaa's death is our first demand. Sasikala's appointment as general secretary is illegal and we will not accept it. Family politics will not be accepted. Dhinakaran is only tarnishing the image of the party and it will not be tolerated," he said.

However, the Edappadi K Palanisamy camp stated that such preconditions by Panneerselvam were not welcome.

Panneerselvam had earlier on Tuesday said that the Sasikala faction had formed a committee to conduct talks on merger of the two factions.

NDTV reported that Chief Minister E Palanisamy would be leading a 10-member team to meet Panneerselvam and hold talks.

The development comes after the Delhi Police booked AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dhinakaran for allegedly trying to bribe an EC official in a failed bid to obtain the coveted "two leaves" party symbol for his faction.
New Delhi: Clearing the air over allegations of being a Khalistani sympathiser, visiting Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan has said that his trip is aimed at forging better bilateral ties and not to 'break any country'.

"I have been given many labels throughout my life and your actions define who you are. I don't personally suck into the internal politics of any province or nations," he said while addressing an audience here as he spoke on 'Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping in a Changing World'.

"I do not promote the breakup of any country... My job is to promote a relation," he added.

The visiting minister's comments come in the wake of Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh describing Sajjan "a Khalistani sympathiser". During an interview last week, Singh stated that there were four other ministers in the Justin Trudeau government with Khalistani links.

The chief minister even went on to say that he would not meet the Canadian Minister on his India visit.

Sajjan is on a seven-day visit to India during which he is scheduled to hold several high-level ministerial meetings.

In Punjab, Sajjan will visit the Golden Temple and civil society organisations. He will inaugurate the new office of the Consulate-General of Canada in Chandigarh.

In the financial capital, Sajjan will visit the Mumbai Port and meet several business and industry leaders.
New Delhi/Chennai: Amid speculations that the two factions of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) may merge, the politicos in Tamil Nadu voiced mixed opinion with some stating the conditions put forth by former chief minister O Panneerselvam to the VK Sasikala camp was extremely shocking while others stating the demand is not something new.

Expelled AIADMK MP Sasikala Pushpa said that Panneerselvam has cheated the Tamil community, Tamil people and the Tamil youth with his shocking reply.

"He did not consult the senior leaders," she added while stating that the decision might be personal.

Pushpa told ANI that Panneerselvam must have got afraid.

"I thank the Prime Minister for the Income Tax raid as because of that he has got afraid. When he was the Chief Minister, he did not order for the CBI probe and now he is asking for one. He is cheating everybody, even late Jayalalithaa," she added.

AIADMK MP KC Palanisamy on his part said Panneerselvam's demand is not something new, adding this has been their position from day one.

"There is no compromise on that. This is not something we have brought up. Whatever is to be investigated that will be done by the investigative agency," he added.

He further said Sasikala and her family has to be kept away from the party directly or indirectly.

"They should not have any role within the party," he asserted.

Tamil Nadu Law Minister C.V. Shanmugam said he welcomes the statement of merging the two factions and said that he looks forward to a united AIADMK.

"We have no demands. We want all our programmes to be successfully implemented. The leadership will be decided only when we all will sit together and discuss," he added.

Demanding the ouster of Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran from the AIADMK, Panneerselvam told the media in Chennai earlier in the day that the party should not be controlled by one family, adding it was nothing short of treason to allow the former to control the party's affairs.

He said that he has sent a petition to the Election Commission to declare Sasikala's appointment as AIADMK general secretary 'illegal'.

"During the election campaigning in R.K. Nagar, many malpractices were done and Rs. 4000 were offered to each voter. We have submitted all this to the Election Commission yesterday and asked to inquire into the matter," Panneerselvam said.

He further said that Dinakaran, who was not even a member of the party till Jayalalithaa's demise, is tarnishing the AIADMK's image and added it won't be tolerated

"Judicial probe into Jayalalithaa's death is our first demand. Sasikala's appointment as the general secretary is illegal and we will not accept it. Family politics will not be accepted," he asserted.

Both factions have constituted two committees to mull the merger.

Reports state that key members of both factions have already arrived on a consensus that there will not be any Sasikala family members in both the party and the government, which means Dinakaran will be shown the door.
Chennai: Senior AIADMK Amma leader M Thambidurai on Monday said the Dhinakaran faction was ready to hold talks with the Panneerselvam camp so as to work for the merger of the two factions.

"Those who left due to differences... let them come, we are ready to talk," he told reporters in Chennai.

He was replying to a question about rival group leader and former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam earlier in the day expressing confidence about the scope for merger talks.

Asked if this can be taken as an invite to Panneerselvam, Thambidurai, who is the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, said, "It is not an invite, I do not have that authority, I am only answering your question."

Repeatedly asserting that "all are united," and there was "no split" in the party, he said there may be differences in a democracy and it should be addressed.

Stating that all the leaders, including him and Panneerselvam, were elected on the 'two leaves' symbol of AIADMK, he emphasised that it was the collective responsibility of all party men to continue the regime of 'Amma' (late chief minister Jayalalithaa).

Thambidurai, who earlier called on Chief Minister K Palaniswami at the Secretariat, said, "We will get back the 'two leaves' symbol and to get that we will function unitedly."

He said there was no question of state Health Minister C Vijayabasakar, who was recently raided by the Income Tax department, being eased out of the cabinet.

He said Amma regime should continue and for that "All should give their support," adding "it is important to retain the government and all MLAs are united."

Denying that the party symbol had been frozen, he said it was applicable only for the bypoll which had been cancelled.

"To freeze a symbol, there should be a split...comprising exit of two-thirds of partymen including MPs...there is no such split," he added.
Chennai: Rebel All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader O Panneerselvam on Tuesday said the Sasikala faction of the party has formed a committee to conduct talks on merger of the two factions.

NDTV reported that Chief Minister E Palanisamy would be leading a 10-member team to meet Panneerselvam and hold talks.

This comes after state Finance Minister D Jayakumar on Monday hinted at the possibility of a merger between the two groups.

Jayakumar said all 122 AIADMK lawmakers and party cadres were on the same page and discussed about the possibilities of retaining the 'Two Leaves' symbol, which had been frozen by the Election Commission.

On Monday, Panneerselvam, a former Chief Minister of the state, had expressed confidence that the Dhinakaran faction leaders would approach him for merger talks.

"If approached, we are ready to sit and talk and I have confidence that they (leaders) will come (for talks)," he told reporters at the airport here.

"Given the opinion (voiced by OPS), modalities to strengthen the party and to run it with unity were discussed," Jayakumar told reporters, briefing them about the meeting which was attended by most of the ministers of E K Palanisamy government.

Several senior Tamil Nadu Ministers on Monday night went into a huddle in Chennai amid reports about coming together of rival AIADMK factions led by TTV Dhinakaran and O Panneerselvam.

The development came on a day when the Delhi Police booked AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dhinakaran for allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official in a failed bid to obtain the coveted "two-leaves" party symbol for his faction.

Emerging from the more than an hour-and-half-long meeting at the residence of Electricity Minister K Thangamani late tonight, Finance Minister D Jayakumar said modalities were being worked out to pave the way for the merger of the two factions.

Speculation is rife about a possible pact between Palanisamy and Panneerselvam under which both VK Sasikala, the jailed AIADMK general secretary, and Dhinakaran, her nephew and deputy, would be ousted.

Unconfirmed reports had it that under the arrangement Palanisamy would continue as Chief Minister while Panneerselvam would occupy the coveted post of AIADMK general secretary, which was held by J Jayalalithaa till her death last December. However, Panneerselvam had earlier in the day told journalists nobody had approached him with such a proposal so far.

Asked about speculation in political circles that Sasikala, who is serving a prison term in connection with a disproportionate assets case in which Jayalalithaa was also an accused, was preparing to quit as general secretary, Jayakumar said, "There is no such thing."

Law Minister C V Shanmugam termed it as "a lie". Shanmugam said since Dhinakaran was in Bengaluru for a meeting with Sasikala, the merger issue will be discussed on his return here.

On Panneerselvam's stand that Sasikala's family should not be a part of the party, Jayakumar evaded a direct answer and said, "The decision of the last party cadre is the decision of the party and all of us."

He said, "We will get the two-leaves symbol for sure as it is the desire of all the party workers."

The election symbol is seen as part of Jayalalithaa's enduring legacy. The Election Commission had frozen the two-leaves symbol after both Panneerselvam and Sasikala-Dhinakaran factions staked claim to it ahead of the now countermanded April 12 byelection to RK Nagar assembly constituency.

Jayakumar also said the submission of affidavits of district-level party workers to the Election Commission in the symbol dispute was discussed at the meeting. On the possibility of meeting Panneerselvam to take forward the merger proposal, he said "For everything there is a time."

When a reporter pointed out that Panneerselvam had been demanding a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jayalalithaa, and if it was to be made a condition for merger, he shot back, asking "Did he (Panneerselvam) spell out this as a condition?"

Another senior Minister and a heavy weight of the party in the western region, S P Velumani said "For sure we will be united, and retrieve the Two Leaves symbol."

"Those who exited (Panneerselvam and his followers) are also part of our family. It is like a fight between two brothers. Together we will get back the Two Leaves symbol," he said.

There was reportedly unease in Tamil Nadu's ruling party ever since Income Tax officials raided Health Minister Vijayabaskar's premises and seized evidence of bribing voters for the bypoll to R K Nagar assembly seat. The poll, scheduled for April 12, was countermanded by the Election Commission on April 9 amid allegations of rampant inducement and bribing of voters.

Dhinakaran was the candidate of AIADMK (Amma) faction for

the seat. He was earlier in the day booked by the Delhi police after it arrested an alleged middleman who, according to police, was purportedly helping the AIADMK leader reach out to an unidentified official in the Election Commission in return for an astounding Rs 50 crore.

No arrest warrant has been issued against Dhinakaran. But police have in their custody Sukesh Chandrasekhar, the alleged middleman who was picked from a 5-star hotel in New Delhi yesterday, a senior police official said.

Sasikala had reinducted Dhinakaran, who was expelled from the AIADMK by Jayalalithaa, and appointed him the party's deputy general secretary just before proceeding to Bengaluru to serve the remnant of her jail term after the Supreme Court upheld her conviction and sentence in February this year.
CHENNAI: Strongly denying charges of trying to bribe the Election Commission of India to get back the Two leaves symbol, AIADMK (Amma) deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran on Monday vowed to fight the case legally and alleged that efforts were being made to destroy our organisation politically.

I do not know who is Sukesh Chandrasekhar. I came to know only through television that he has told my name. I am attending thousands of phone calls every day. This can be one of them. Somebody is doing this to destroy the party. I do not know who that is. He also said he did not get any summons from Delhi police. If I get summons, I will face it legally, he asserted.

He added, No one asked me to dismiss health minister C. Vijayabaskar. He will continue as health minister. The three ministers who were charged with obstructing the I-T officials during the I-T raids on Vijayabaskar would also face it legally, he said. How does a broker or somebody say the money was from TTV Dhinakaran? I dont know anybody by that name nor have I come across any such name in my life, he told reporters here. Such information is being spread to destroy our organisation politically. He was on his way to meet his aunt and jailed party chief Sasikala in Bengaluru, he said in conclusion.
New Delhi: Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan on Tuesday said that he would propose a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh as courtesy, adding it is up to the latter to decide his acceptance or refusal.

Sajjan's remarks came as last week the Punjab chief minister dubbed him as a Khalistani sympathiser, who supports a Sikh nationalist movement demanding an independent state for the Sikh people. He also said that he would not hold a meeting with the visiting minister.

"I have been taught to show courtesy to the leadership of a country and I do this around the world. It is my responsibility to offer up a meeting (to the Captain) and if he decides he doesn't want to meet me ..that's for them to figure out. My actions and services speak for me..there is no ill will from me," Sajjan told the media here.

He added that his motive to visit Punjab is to pay respects to the place he was born at and to pay respect to the Harmandir Sahib.

"I'm not going to get into petty politics of one Chief Minister or any province my reason of going to Punjab is to pay respect to.as I'm a Sikh and pay respect to the village I was born in. I'm very very proud of my routes," he added.

Talking about his meeting with his Indian counterpart Arun Jaitley, he said that the two leaders talked about enhancing defence relationship through high-level dialogues.

"We talked about enhancing our defence relationship. it is only through dialogue and exchange on senior leadership that we will be able to further look at and get a better idea as to what kind of training we need to provide. We have one of our frigates coming here in May and our army leadership will also be looking at greater cooperation," he said.

The minister also commended India's contribution in the conflict ridden Afghanistan saying, "India has done some really good work in Afghanistan when it comes to development, for eg. building roads. It sounds very minor but it is a very important part."

Sajjan arrived here on Monday on a seven-day India visit, his first after assuming charge as Canada's Defense Minister.

Sajjan will also travel to Punjab and Mumbai.

In Punjab, he will visit the Golden Temple and civil society organisations. He will inaugurate the new office of the Consulate-General of Canada in Chandigarh.

Sajjan, the highest-profile Indo-Canadian in the Justin Trudeau government, is the fifth Canadian Minister to be in India just this year, and the eighth within the span of only nine months, upping the intensity of the bilateral dialogue process.
Hyderabad: The AP government has written to the TS government expressing its willingness to exchange Secretariat employees category-wise.

AP ministers committee convener and Principal Secretary (State Reorganisation) L. Premachandra Reddy has sent a letter to this effect to his TS counterpart K. Ramakrishna Rao in this regard.

While 182 employees working in TS government have opted for AP, 888 employees working in AP government have opted for TS.

The AP government has proposed that these employees be exchanged on the basis of cadre. For example, a director-level should be exchanged with an employee holding same level post in the other state.

However, the TS government had objected to this, and wanted the exchanges be done on numerical basis. For example the same number of employees from both states be exchanged, irrespective of their posts or ranks.

Thus far, the AP government was not in favour of such an exchange but it appears that it has had a change of heart.

The latest proposal from AP is that the employees are exchanged on category basis. For example if TS government takes one gazetted officer from AP, AP will take one gazetted officer from TS.

As of now, the AP government is waiting for a response from TS. AP officials said that if TS accepts this proposal, the exchange process will commence.
There are hospitals that charge patients differently for the same service. (Representational image)

Vijayawada: Regulation of hospitals by the government is abysmally poor in the state. Hospitals are not checked anywhere in the state to ensure they comply with the rules and health officials say, erroneously, that they can only act of they get a complaint.

There are hospitals that charge patients differently for the same service. Prices can vary depending on whether a patient has medical insurance.

Diagnostic tests conducted on those who have insurance policies are charged according to the rates approved by the concerned insurance agencies, whereas the same tests are charged at a higher rate if a patient pays directly to the hospital.

The government only pays a specified amount for any particular service under NTR Vaidya Seva. Hospitals are charging 20 to 30 per cent more from the other patients. In fact, the Andhra Pradesh Speciality Hospitals Association has publicly opposed the proposal of health for all scheme proposed by the state government.

President of the Indian Medical Association, Andhra Pradesh chapter, Dr P Gangadhar Rao, accuses some corporate hospitals of malpractices in charging customers. He says that though it is not possible for any hospital to display all the charges for all ailments as treatment procedures vary from patient to patient, the costs of standard procedures like diagnostic tests, consultation fee, room rent etc can be displayed.

General secretary of the Praja Arogya Vedika, Dr D Suresh, says the Private Medical Care Establishments' Act 2007 has remained on paper since its inception and the dual pricing resorted to by hospitals goes on unabated.
Hyderabad: The Indian Meteorological Department has announced a normal monsoon across India. However, for the two Telugu speaking states, the monsoon could be similar to that of 2016, or probably slightly less, with a variation of 4 per cent.

Director-General of Meteorology of the IMD, Dr K.J. Ramesh, told this newspaper that the monsoon will be normal for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, as it was in 2016.

However, the Rayalseema region may not get sufficient rain because the area falls in the rain shadow region. The Andhra Pradesh government has to re-think the surface water management programme, especially for districts in Rayalaseema, he said.

There has been an alarming decrease in water levels in all major irrigation dams in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The IMD director-general said that one can only hope there will be good inflows this year in Mahabaleshwar, the origin of the Krishna river, and Nashik, the origin of the Godavari river in the Western Ghats. A good rain in the central parts of Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh will also improve the water inflows into the river Godavari considerably.

The Krishna and Godavari rivers are the principal contributors and major sources of water for the two states, whose rivers originate in the western region and may have good inflows this season.

Both the Telugu-speaking states are heavily dependent on the monsoons, particularly on the south-west monsoon. All major reservoirs  Narayanpur, Almatti, Jurala, Srisailam, Nagarjunasagar  are almost dry.

There were no rains in the Tungabhadra basin, resulting in nil inflows in rivers in Andhra Pradesh last year. The local weather bureau said it would release an explicit monsoon forecast for the two states in mid-June 2017.
Hyderabad: A documentary film focusing on the historical Osmania University has been announced.

University authorities roped in Nagabala Suresh to direct the film on the occasion of the institutes centenary celebrations starting April 26.

OUs vice-chancellor. Prof. S. Ramachandram has already launched the shoot of the film  in Telugu and English  at the Arts College building. The film is expected to be released across theatres on April 25  a day before the centenary celebrations.

The documentary focuses on the universitys extensive history; from its establishment in 1917 thanks to Nizam VII, Mir Osman Ali Khan; the growth of various departments over the years and the alumni settled across the world; to other crucial milestones.

Vice-chancellor Ramachandram said Osmania University has rolled out thousands of students over the years and some occupy top positions in India and abroad. We will present the Universitys entire history in the film he said.

Mr Suresh, the documentarys director, said the Osmania University was an inspiration.

There are scores of Osmania students living abroad. This small film is like seven oceans confined to a box and will be like the Sankranti, Ugadi, and Bathukama festival for Telugus, he said.
Bengaluru: Bracing to tackle the worst ever drought in the state, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday blamed the Centre for not releasing funds for providing relief as per the norms to the state.

However, the state government has ensured that there is no dearth of drinking water anywhere and the district administrations are being provided adequate funds to face any eventuality.

Speaking to reporters after a video conference with the CEOs of zilla panchayats (ZPs) and deputy commissioners of 30 districts, Mr Siddaramaiah said about 1,575 villages were being supplied water in tankers. District officials have been asked to hire private borewells and draw and provide water to people in need. Private borewell owners would be paid on a monthly basis for renting their water sources, he said, adding that the DCs and ZP CEOs would be held responsible if water is not provided to any village or town.

Meanwhile, each task force functioning under the local legislator has been provided Rs 1.9 crore each while the ZP CEOs have been given Rs 1 crore each. Besides, the government had released Rs 95 crore to the RDPR department and Rs 60 crore to the revenue department for the year 2017-18, he said. Reacting to reports in a section of media that there was a fodder scam in the state, Mr Siddaramaiah said the reports were false and baseless. The government had stocks to last upto 20 weeks and has opened 384 fodder banks and 84 cattle shelters, besides distributing 7 lakh fodder mini-kits among farmers. Under the job guarantee scheme, the government had spent Rs 3316 crore under MGNREGA during 2016-17 and released another Rs 10 crore for 2017-18. As per norms, the Centre had to release over Rs 4702 crore, but has released only Rs 1685 crore, he disclosed.
The conspiracy hatched in 1990 by Advani and others culminated in the demolition, the CBI said and added that conspiracy charge was dropped on technical grounds and should be revived. (Photo: DC File )

New Delhi: The Supreme Court will pronounce on Wednesday its verdict in appeals in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case, for reviving conspiracy charge against BJP leaders L.K. Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and 19 others.

While reserving orders a bench of Justices Pinaki Ghose and Rohinton Naruman has said it will revive conspiracy charges and direct the trial court in Lucknow to complete the trial in two years by ordering day-to-day hearing.

Now separate trials are held in Rae Bareilly (against Advani and others without conspiracy charge) and Lucknow (with conspiracy).

The CBI chargesheet had alleged that a secret meeting took place at the residence of Vinay Katiyar on the eve of the demolition during which the final decision to demolish the disputed structure was taken.

The conspiracy hatched in 1990 by Advani and others culminated in the demolition, the CBI said and added that conspiracy charge was dropped on technical grounds and should be revived.

Haji Mahboob Ahmad in his writ petition to the Supreme Court questioned the dropping of conspiracy charge against Advani and others.
New Delhi: When 40-year-old Muhammad Ali Jinnah popped the question to teenager Ruttie Petit, the only condition put forward by the bride-to-be was: "you have to shave off your moustache."

And Jinnah obliged. Not only did he get rid of his thick hair on his upper lip but he also re-did his hair to impress the lady.

Senior journalist Sheela Reddy has revealed many such anecdotes from the eventful life of the founding father of Pakistan.

In her new book, 'Mr. and Mrs. Jinnah - The Marriage that Shook India', Reddy reveals personal details and episodes from Jinnah's unhappy marriage to the Parsi girl, who was younger to him by 24 years.

In an illustrated lecture about the book held here last evening, Reddy curated a series of rare photos of Mr. and Mrs. Jinnah and their respective families, complemented with interesting tales from their lives.

Accompanying the photo of Ruttie Petit's father, Dinshaw Maneckji Petit, was this humorous story of Jinnah making the best use of his "cross-examining" skills of a barrister while asking his daughter's hand in marriage.

"Jinnah was having a conversation with Ruttie's father, and he happened to ask him about his view on inter-communal marriage. Now, to sound politically correct Dinshaw said, 'this would be a great thing for the integration of the country'.

"Next question was 'I want to marry your daughter'. It is said that he was thrown out of the door, and they both never met again," Reddy said.

As Ruttie, short for Rattan Bai, was only 16 at the time, they had to wait two years for her to become legally eligible for marriage. As soon as she turned 18 they got married in Bombay at Jinnah's house in 1918. None of her family members attended the marriage.

Reddy said Ruttie, who accepted Islam to get married and took on the name Maryam, had only one condition.

"When he proposed , the only condition she put was you have to shave off your moustache. He obliged, and got married without his moustache. And he also redid his hairstyle. This was very very English movie at that time, and all the Parsi dudes were doing that," Reddy said.

She also narrated the intriguing story behind the making of the book.

Idling her time in Nehru Memorial Library, Reddy stumbled upon a parcel of private letters written by Ruttie to the two daughters of Sarojini Naidu - Padmaja and Leilamani Naidu.

While initially she thought that she had everything that was required to write a book, it was only a matter of time before she realised that there was a long way to go and Pakistan was an important stop in that journey.

"I went to Islamabad and asked for the letters exchanged between Jinnah and Petit and others. In all this, I did not realise I had written my Indian address in the register. "Smelling something wrong, they asked me to leave and I was debarred from that place. Even then I managed to get the files with the help of my Pakistani friend, but then there was nothing, barring some letters written by Jinnah's daughter to him," she said.

The author's quest ended after she returned to Mumbai on the recommendation of Pakistani scholars who told her, "You are in a wrong place, go to Bombay." Jinnah spent a major part of his life in Bombay, where he lived until he moved to Pakistan after the partition in 1947.

Ruttie died in 1929 of cancer and Jinnah visited her grave in Bombay one last time before leaving for Pakistan.
Kochi: A total of 470 cadets from 14 schools across the district and 100 police officers are taking part in the five-day summer camp of the Student Police cadet, SPC Metropolis Summit- 2017, which got underway here on Monday. Kochi mayor Soumini Jain inaugurated the camp at a function presided over by C A Santosh, District Deputy Director, Education Department. City Police Commissioner M.P. Dinesh, Deputy Police Commissoner G.H. Yatish Chandra and Deputy Excise Commissioner

A.K. Narayanan Kutty were present. According to the organisers, cadets get a chance to interact with police officers, take part in physical training programmes, and display their talents during the residential camp. The camp will also include parade, physical training classes, classes by experts in science and technology, discussions with political and socio-cultural personalities and field visits. The passing out parade will be held on April 21 in which District Collector K Mohammed Y Safirulla will take the salute. P Vijayan, Inspector General of Police, Kochi Range, will be the chief guest.
KOZHIKODE: On April 18 which is observed as World Heritage Day, among the several monuments with a story to tell in Kozhikode is its only Parsi temple in Kerala. The local people are not well aware of this fire temple, the Parsi Anju Amman Baug, where Parsis are the only worshippers. This sacred temple, which is over 200 years old, is located off the busy streets of the famous Sweet Meat Street. Over 300 Parsis once resided there but today, Kozhikode is left with only one family, the Marshalls, which has only six members.

Parsis live chiefly in Mumbai and in a few towns and villages mostly to the South of Mumbai, but there are a few in Karachi and Bangalore. The fire temple was built in the 18th century when Parsi traders settled in Kozhikode about 200 years ago. The Parsis, the name means Persians, have descended from Persian Zoroastrians who immigrated to India to avoid religious persecution by the Muslims. Devotees visit the temple for mainly two purposes, related to marriage and for good health and longetivity of the husband.

They come here for worship only on Sundays, says a nearby shopkeeper of the flower shop. A Parsi has to be cremated in here. They are very unique in their costumes and rituals, he added. There customs are different from that of the other communities. Fire is given supremacy in the Zoroastrian faith. It is closely associated with Ahura Mazda, the lord of endless light and wisdom, according to the Parsis. Most religious ceremonies are performed in the presence of fire. Just before entering the temple, the hands are washed and a kusti (ritual) is performed and a scarf is used to cover the head.
The photograph circulating in social media of women in the prohibited age group in the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple recently.

Thiruvananthapuram: An investigation is underway into a photograph purportedly showing presence of women in the restricted age group at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.

The police officials who were in charge of screening the devotees have stated that though the women looked young, they were above the restricted age group of 50.

The picture being circulated in the social media shows a group of women, including two in churidar, staying close to the sanctum sanctorum and offering prayers. They were believed to have secured the VIP darshan facility with the help of a leading cashew businessman in Kollam, who is a known Sabarimala devotee.

Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran ordered the probe by Travancore Devaswom Boards (TDB) vigilance wing as entry of women in the age group of 10 to 50 is banned by custom at the Sabarimala shrine. The minister even got a complaint that the women managed to enter by misusing the VIP darshan facility being enjoyed by the Kollam-based businessman.

If anybody is enjoying undue benefits in the name of VIP darshan, it would be strictly checked, the minister said in a statement. TDB sources said that the entry of the women under question took place on April 10 or 11.

The police officials who used to screen the devotees at Pamba maintained that they though couple of women in the group looked young, they were examined and even produced valid proofs for age.

Meanwhile, a fresh allegation was raised over the opening time of the temple on the Vishu day. It was alleged that the opening time was altered in violation of the rituals.

However, sources close to the temple said that it was the temple thantri who used to decide the opening time and there were no change in that practice during this year also.
KOCHI: In spite of the health departments claim on preventive measures being taken, the number of H1N1 cases in the district is rising. Nearly 40 cases were reported this year with the number of patients witnessing a sharp increase in March and April. As on April 15, as many as 260 confirmed cases were reported in the state with 17 deaths. Meanwhile, in Ernakulam, the number of cases reported this year is 46 while 13 cases were reported in April. No deaths were reported.

Earlier, in 2010 and 2012 when the H1N1 influenza cases were reported, doctors in government and private hospitals were put on high alert for symptoms of infection, especially if accompanied by other health complications. This time, however, when the number of confirmed cases is on the rise, no special screening centres were opened at hospitals. Even existing centres are not functioning properly. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), the anti-viral drug, is not available in all taluk hospitals," said a senior doctor in government health service on condition of anonymity. Since Tamiflu is not available in syrup form, paediatricians have to prescribe the capsule to children.

Meanwhile, district medical officer Dr N.K. Kuttappan told this newspaper that the situation is not alarming and there is enough stock of Oseltamivir. "Screening centres are functioning in most of the district and taluk hospitals with facilities to collect and send throat swab samples for lab test, he said. "Since the symptoms of virus infection are similar to that of common cold like running nose and cough, medical advice should be sought if the symptoms do not subside in two or three days. Especially, the high risk group persons like pregnant women, children and elderly with suggestive symptoms should not treat symptoms with over the counter drugs, the DMO added.
BENGALURU: The losses in bypolls in Nanjangud and Gundlupet did not figure in the national executive meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Bhubaneswar last week.

A member of the executive committee from Karnataka, who participated in two-day meet, told Deccan Chronicle that central leaders did not even mention about losing the by polls in the party forum in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and national president Amit Shah. In fact, the outcome of none of the by polls held across the country in which BJP won in six constituencies, also was discussed. The leaders focused on upcoming Assembly polls in Mr Modis home state, Gujarat, and in Himachal Pradesh and vowed to win in both states by employing a different strategy. Since those two states are going to polls in October-November this year, the party leaders gave more impetus on winning in both states, the member added.

The member said the meeting acknowledged BJP's victory in taluk and zilla panchayat polls in Odisha, as well as Assembly elections in five states including UP. Mr Shah, during his inaugural address, mentioned about plans to visit all states. But his visit to Karnataka was yet to be finalised.

The member felt the caste factor did not work for the BJP in Nanjangud and Gundlupet. Besides, state unit president B.S. Yeddyurappa and other leaders were overconfident about the outcome of these two by-elections.
Hyderabad: Demanding remunerative prices for chilli, turmeric and red gram farmers who are reeling due to the sharp drop in prices this year, TS TD leaders L. Ramanna and A. Revanth Reddy, along with scores of party cadres staged a dharna at agricultural commissioners office at Basheerbagh on Tuesday.

Accusing the government of failing to intervene and help farmers, Mr Revanth Reddy and Mr Ramanna submitted a memorandum to the commissioner. They alleged that the farmers went for commercial crops on the advice of the government, but unfortunately fell victims to a cartel formed by traders. The cartel slashed prices resulting in farmers losing hundred of crores of rupees, the TD leaders said.

Mr Reddy said that the government should have intervened in the market and done justice to farmers, which it failed.

The CM turned all the farmers this year into beggars. KCR is better at telling tales to people than solving issues, Mr Reddy said.

Police took the protesters into preventive custody for blocking traffic on the main road.
You would have thought that water alone has the anomalous property of expanding when frozen. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal displays a similar propensity. He expands where others would retreat. The more the media mocks and berates him and tries to put him in the deep freeze, the fierier he comes out. In this regard, he is somewhat like Donald Trump, but the similarity ends here. Unlike the flashy billionaire who loves the good things of life, Kejriwal is a middle-class family man, happy with his vegetarian meal and cough syrup. As the US president seeks to discard the pro-poor healthcare and moves to auction away public spaces of learning and education, Kejriwal veers closer to the old-fashioned economics that harks back to Indias early quest to become a welfare state. Unlike most of his competitors Kejriwal revels in his hostility to crony capitalism, which he believes has stunted Indias growth. He was likened to Pakistans Imran Khan. That was unintelligent. If anything, Imran veers closer to the BJPs politics of riding religious identity. Would he be able to say, for example, I will never use religion to win an election even if I have to lose a 100 times? Thats what Kejriwal said publicly when the BJP won Uttar Pradesh in a polarised election.

Some events more readily set him apart from his rivals. When mobs attacked Muslims in BJP-ruled Haryana, Kejriwal dispatched a fact-finding team to the neighbouring state. In 2015, Haryana chief minister M.L. Khattar reportedly asked Muslims to leave the country unless they gave up eating beef, a claim he later denied. Khattar sahib should resign His statement is not only unfortunate, but shameful, Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party said. He set up a special investigation team to revisit the Sikh massacre of 1984. When Hindutva mobs vandalised churches in Delhi, it was the AAP that led the face-off with the communalists. The more Kejriwals rivals throw muck at him, the cleaner he looks. How many times has the Delhi Police picked up his MLAs for this or that alleged crime only to be rapped on the knuckles by the courts? By a quirk of logic, the Delhi government has no control on the citys police who fall under federal supervision. Even the chief ministers offices were not spared from being raided by the agencies. They only got frustration to show for their heavily publicised efforts. The anomalous rise of Kejriwal persists with its perverse logic. In 2013, according to an English daily, the Congress government moved to probe alleged foreign funding to Kejriwals party. The following day, the daily donation to the AAP increased six-fold. Kejriwal thanked the BJP and the Congress for the windfall.

I have met Kejriwal once for five seconds at a public event where I thought of giving him a book on corporate corruption. He may never have needed it actually, because it turned out that he knew more than the book could reveal. I am told he is allergic to leftists, which is not strange since the left has vainly put up candidates against him. But then, what is a former Maoist doing in his cabinet? There must be some meeting of the minds. Easily the single-most important factor shoring up Kejriwals pronounced secularism is Ashish Khetan. This journalist-turned-politician carried out the most damaging exposes on Hindutva fanaticism in Gujarat during Prime Minister Modis tenure as the states chief minister. Last week, the Modi government through the lieutenant governor shut down the AAP party office in Delhi claiming it did not have official clearances. Kejriwal was the first to stall the Modi juggernaut in Delhi. In response, the prime minister, that for the first time in Delhi municipalitys history, has staked his reputation to defeat Kejriwal. But in Kejriwals case when he loses, he wins.

By arrangement with Dawn
By narrowly winning a referendum on his countrys future direction, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has crowned himself Turkeys king of kings. By transforming the parliamentary system into a presidential model, he has given himself vastly more power that is enjoyed by the Presidents of the United States and France without their checks and balances. The trajectory of Mr Erdogan  from his fiery rhetoric as mayor of Istanbul to when he got in trouble with the law  is a unique journey during his stints as Prime Minister and, since 2014, as an elected President. He began as a reformer hoping to get into the European Union, but unlike the maker of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who pulled the remnants of the Ottoman Empire by bootstraps into the modern age, Mr Erdogan chose the reverse direction. Mr Erdogan, leader of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), realised that his main base of support lay in Anatolia, with an aspirant conservative religious people. He, therefore, adopted a religion-tinged policy  his wife wears a headscarf  also in tune with his own feelings. His peace moves with the restive Kurds, their party PKK designated as terrorists, were given up. But Mr Erdogan came into his element in the steps he took following the failed coup of last July.

Thereby hangs a tale. Mr Erdogans ascent to power was in collaboration with Fetullah Gulen, a cleric leaning towards Sufism and running countless schools and other organisations. What is more, the Gulenists, as they are known, infiltrated in hordes into various organisations such as the judiciary, government and the Army. After the breaking point came over charges of corruption among Mr Erdogans senior ministers, Mr Erdogan used the coup to sack and imprison thousands in the bureaucracy, the government and the Army under sweeping powers he gave himself after the coup. Mr Erdogans evolution continues. The Prime Ministers post will be abolished and he will be overseeing judicial appointments, sit above Parliament and control the Army with a firmer hand. We must remember that after Ataturk, the Army was the dominant power, a period interspersed by periodic coups when one weak civilian government made way for another. In recent times, Mr Erdogan has made a major geopolitical shift. Although Turkey remains a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), it has drawn closer to Russia, now a principal actor in the Syrian tragedy, and had a wobbly relationship with the rest of Europe with an agreement to stop the flow of refugees to the European Union for a hefty price.

Turkeys membership of the European Union was never a serious proposition, given major countries objection to the prospect of an influx of 80 million Turks. With Mr Erdogan giving himself extraordinary powers, the prospect is even more remote now that he has also promised to initiate bringing back the death penalty. Whatever the European Unions feelings, the West cannot get away from the regional importance of Turkey, lying on the verge of the tempestuous Middle East and for long a route for jihadists going to Syria and Iraq. (Mr Donald Trump recognised Turkeys importance by making a congratulatory call even as Western Europe fumed). But Mr Erdogan faces his own kind of problems. Turkish Kurds remain a menace, the PKK leader is still in jail. Turkey briefly intervened in the Syrian civil war to ensure that the Syrian Kurds, close fighting allies of Americans, would not carve out a border area as a Kurdish free state that could be joined with the Turkish Kurds dominant in the countrys southeast. It is no secret that Kurds, spread over several countries, want a homeland of their own. Second, even more importantly, as the results of the referendum show, Mr Erdogan rules a country divided down the middle. He won the referendum, with the official machinery fully behind him, largely on the strength of rural votes and those of dual citizens living in Germany and the Netherlands. The urban voter in the major cities and towns voted No. As it happened, Mr Erdogan was not shy in denigrating the German and Dutch leaderships as neo-Nazis, a particularly hurtful epithet, for denying Turkish ministers space to campaign for the Yes vote.

Mr Erdogans drifting away from European liberal values will have inevitable consequences. So will the concern among Nato members of how long its membership will last. Much depends upon how long it will take to end the bloodshed in Syria and Iraq. Mr Trumps resolve to defeat the so-called Islamic State is within reach as far as its physical presence is concerned. But as a stream of terrorist incidents in Europe shows, individual attempts at terrorism by indoctrinated or inspired by IS ideology are impossible to stop. India can form its own opinion of the shape of things to come if his visit to New Delhi late this month materialises. But it would be impossible to miss the significance of a changed Turkey in Indias larger neighbourhood. Besides, Mr Erdogan is likely to make a strong pitch for the extradition of Gulenists living in India. A tug-of-war between the United States and Turkey is in the offing because Gulen has long lived in self-exile in the United States. To hand him over to the Turkish authorities would condemn him to a lifelong prison term or worse. Dictatorships are the norm, rather than the exception in the Middle East and neighbouring countries. But extinguishing the promise of democratic times in Turkey is particularly distressing. With the Trump presidency in the United States and unpredictable future policies, the Turkish twist has added a new element of uncertainty in the most explosive region in the world. During an earlier meeting with a few journalists in New Delhi, Mr Erdogan had sounded rational although he also undertook his willingness to solve the Kashmir problem. Predictably, New Delhi ignored his offer of mediation.
Monday was decidedly a bad day in the Kashmir Valley, with dangerous portents  leading some observers to worry whether it was back to square one, a reminder of the militancy that had gripped Kashmir in 1989-91. What has set the mood for this pessimism is the attack by armed militants on workers of mainstream parties. A quarter-century ago, the party that was being pursued and hunted down was the National Conference, but this time around no one is being spared. Dr Mehbbob Beg, a former minister and chief spokesman of the ruling PDP, restrained himself when speaking to this newspaper and merely called the trend unfortunate. Amnesty International, on the other hand, has been forthright, calling it human rights abuse since this freshly emerged tendency signified an attack on civilians by armed militants. College students in all 10 districts of the Valley clashed with the security forces, with the confrontation in Srinagar and Pulwama showing signs of unusual intensity. At Lal Chowk in the heart of Srinagar, well-organised contingents of stone-pelters attacked the security forces. Overall, the disturbances for the past week are suggestive of the fact that the all-out attack on the security forces  by stone-pelting mobs as well as armed elements  is part of a well-orchestrated design.

Besides the confrontation on the streets is the not-so-hidden social media war by those hostile to India. There also appears to be a proliferation of the very efficient use of fake videos that suggest Indian oppression in Kashmir. This calls for an urgent inquiry, including into the video showing how local Army commanders sanctioned the tying of a young man to the front of a jeep as a deterrent against a violent stone-pelting mob. This is not the classic human shield phenomenon that usually refers to the use of human beings as shields against shooting and bomb-throwing, and is usually a strategm found in the armoury of insurgents and terrorists. In the Kashmir case, the man who was tied to the jeep to thwart stone-pelters designs was at no point at risk of losing his life, and was promptly released once the Army unit had physically distanced itself from the dangerous mob. It can be plausibly argued that this was a far less dangerous alternative to the Army opening fire on civilian mobs. What recent events in the Valley suggest is the state government has ceased to exist. The Centre too, whether as part of its design or out of helplessness, has failed to take any political initiative to arrest the sharp descent into chaos. The time to act is now. Any delay is apt to make the situation messier, possibly bloodier. Nothing would please Pakistan more.
The young Rumi and his family fled to Turkey, where he spent most of his life -- he died in the city of Konya in 1273.

Let me give you the mirror, but if you see some fault on its face, do not blame the mirror, but something reflected onto the mirror. Know that it is your own image; find the fault in yourself!

 Excerpt from The Conversations (Maqalat)

of Shams of Tabriz

When a mirror is stained with dirt, it cannot properly reflect the image that appears in it. The human heart is the index of the purity of the individuals spiritual system. It is its hologram. Everything that we experience as a problem is within ourselves. Consequently the solution to the problem is also within us. We can heal. We can forgive. We can bless. We can create abundance. All of this is possible through the positive action of polishing, purifying, clearing, cleaning what is within us. All toxic emotions smudge the heart. These have the power to neutralise and erase those psychic toxins. The heart, likewise, is capable of becoming rusted by impressions of immoralities and by depletion of God consciousness and has, therefore, to be polished so that it gets clearer and cleaner. As Rumi famously put it:

Do you not know why your mirror does not glitter?

Because the rust is not cleansed from its surface.

How does one polish the mirror of the heart? Prophet Mohammad says in a well-known tradition that the polishing of the heart is the act of invoking or remembering God (dhikr). In other words, the more one remembers God and burnishes the mirror of his substance, thereby cleansing it of the stain of forgetfulness that stubbornly clings to it, the more the heart becomes cleaner and clearer. Rumi explains it in this way:

Through remembrance and meditation, the heart is polished

until the mirror of the heart receives virginal images.

The purity of the Sufi is due to his constant remembrance of God. The more he remembers God, the more he comes to know Him; and the more he comes to know Him, the more he comes to love Him. This is why the act of polishing the mirror of the heart is the key to entering into a love-relationship with God. The Sufis heart, in other words, is like white snow because of its purity, which it has attained through the remembrance of God. In one important tale, Rumi seeks to illustrate this idea in a more concrete way.

He tells the story of a naked man who jumps into a pool of water in order to escape from being stung by a swarm of bees that have been chasing him and will not relent in their efforts to attack him. But since he cannot remain submerged for very long, he resurfaces for air only to find the bees waiting for him so they can resume their assault. The story sheds light on an important point, namely that the bees represent our remembrance for things in this world, while the water represents the act of remembering God. Rumi explains that the heart that is pure not only heads towards the ocean, but it also becomes a part of it.
A spectre is haunting Europe  the spectre of Communism, so wrote Karl Marx in 1848 in the Communist Manifesto. Today, another spectre haunts Europe  that of nationalism. It is a spectre which has been haunting Europe for some time now and which on April 23 may loom again. The occasion is the first round in the French presidential polls, and the spectre takes the form of Marine Le Pen, leader of the nationalist Front National and presidential hopeful. Ms Le Pen, 49, an articulate former advocate, took over the leadership from her father Jean-Marie Le Pen six years ago. He was a bruiser of the hard right, prone to anti-Semitic jibes and suspected of having tortured guerrillas during the Algerian uprising against French rule. His daughter has worked hard to modernise the party and remove its nastier elements. Even so, Ms Le Pens programme is extreme. If elected, she would cosy up to Russias Vladimir Putin, seek to take France out of the European Union, close its borders, institute economic protectionism and launch a culture war against Frances Muslims, some 10 per cent of the population. Against her range candidates from the hard left to the conservative right, but the frontrunner is probably Emmanuel Macron.

He is 39, a former banker and graduate of Frances elite institution for top officials, Ecole Nationale dAdministration, married to his schoolteacher 24 years his senior, and without a formal party machine behind him. His programme is diametrically opposed to Ms Le Pens: a supporter of the European Union, a believer in free trade, open borders, and a staunch defender of liberal values. Opinion polls suggest that Ms Le Pen and Mr Macron are neck and neck, with about 25 per cent of the vote each. Opinion polls also suggest that Ms Le Pen would lose against Mr Macron in the second round runoff two weeks later, with about 35 per cent of the vote. If so, that would be the highest vote ever in a French presidential election for the extreme right, roughly twice her fathers vote in 2002. But the opinion polls also suggest that some 30 per cent of voters remain undecided, and another 30 per cent may not vote. The result is, therefore, wide open and the outcome highly uncertain. This uncertainty is accentuated because Ms Le Pen seems able to attract support from the most unpredictable places. A little while ago I was passing a minor manor house in the village where I live in France. I saw plastered on the entrance sign a Front National poster. The property is owned by a couple who run it as a guesthouse. She, slight, possibly of Mediterranean origin, vaguely bohemian in style; he stocky, ruddy-faced and down-to-earth; both apparently pragmatic, reasonable and comfortable; neither giving any clue that they are active supporters of Ms Le Pen.

On the other side of the political divide, more recently I struck up a conversation with a young woman, a lawyer by training, once a volunteer helper at the so-called Jungle, the refugee camp in Calais. She explained to me that none of the candidates spoke to people of her generation, like her: educated, motivated, internationalist and generous-minded. The hard-left Jean-Luc Melenchon has a programme which in practical terms is much like Ms Le Pens, save for the Islamophobic elements. Francois Fillon, the traditional right-wing candidate, has a programme of social conservatism which appears to be Le Pen-lite. Anyway, he is embroiled in a corruption investigation involving illegal payments of public money to his wife and children. Benoit Hamon, the moderate-left candidate of the Socialists, is trailing badly in the polls and has been eclipsed by Mr Melechon. That leaves Mr Macron. And that is the problem for Mr Macron. His support is indifferent and lukewarm. Ms Le Pens support, on the other hand, is fervent and committed. One of the students I taught in Paris put it very well: she asks the right questions, but her answers are wholly wrong. Wholly wrong certainly, but also highly persuasive. The questions are how to address economic dislocation and stagnation and how to create a sense of community and coherence as France becomes multi-cultural and multi-ethnic. Ms Le Pens answer is a programme of national priority, neatly summed up as France for the French. To that segment of the electorate which feels culturally and economically insecure, Ms Le Pen gives the reassurance that she understands them. She plays to their sense that they are an embattled people, menaced by the liberal elite, the forces of globalisation and the Islamisation of France. She, and she alone, will defend them.

Mr Macrons appeal is more cerebral. He refers to himself as doubly liberal: politically and economically. The concern is that an appeal to peoples intelligence and better natures when they are feeling uncertain and anxious does not have traction. Important as the choice between Ms Len Pen and Mr Macron is for France, it is doubly important for Europe. The French presidential election is another in a sequence of elections where the fight has been between differing conceptions of Europe  atavistic Europe against altruistic Europe. First came the Hungarian parliamentary elections in 2010, won by Viktor Orban. In power ever since, he proudly claims that he wants an illiberal democracy. Next came the Polish parliamentary elections in 2015, won by the like-minded Law and Justice Party. Then came the UKs vote by the slimmest of margins in mid-2016 to leave the European Union: another victory for nationalism and intolerance. The first reverse came at the end of 2016 in the Austrian presidential polls, where the far-right candidate was defeated by a narrow margin. The second reverse happened in the Dutch parliamentary elections in March, when the nationalist Freedom Party failed to make an expected breakthrough, although its vote did increase. But these contests were relative sideshows. France is the main event. France, the home of the Rights of Man, the second largest economy in Europe, one of two European nuclear powers (the other being the UK), is a founder member of the European Union. The Franco-German alliance is the axis around which Europe revolves. Without France, European integration comes to a stop and European coherence dissolves. A victory for Ms Le Pen would be a mortal blow to the European Union and a fatal relapse into Europes dark past. A victory for Mr Macron would allow Europe to breathe a sigh of relief, but celebration would be misplaced. There is still much to be done to exorcise the spectre.
A microscopic look at the atomic structure of a cobalt-manganese-titanium mixture (Co2MnTi) that is one of the newly predicted and manufactured magnetic materials. Each color shows the distribution of a different element. The uniformity for each material matches the predictions for a stable three-element material. (Image: Duke University)

Material scientists have predicted and built two new magnetic materials, atom-by-atom, using high-throughput computational models. The success marks a new era for the large-scale design of new magnetic materials at unprecedented speed.

Although magnets abound in everyday life, they are actually raritiesonly about five percent of known inorganic compounds show even a hint of magnetism. And of those, just a few dozen are useful in real-world applications because of variability in properties such as effective temperature range and magnetic permanence.

The relative scarcity of these materials can make them expensive or difficult to obtain, leading many to search for new options given how important magnets are in applications ranging from motors to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. The traditional process involves little more than trial and error, as researchers produce different molecular structures in hopes of finding one with magnetic properties. Many high-performance magnets, however, are singular oddities among physical and chemical trends that defy intuition.

In a new study, materials scientists from Duke University provide a shortcut in this process. They show the capability to predict magnetism in new materials through computer models that can screen hundreds of thousands of candidates in short order. And, to prove it works, theyve created two magnetic materials that have never been seen before.

The results appear April 14, 2017, in Science Advances.

"Predicting magnets is a heck of a job and their discovery is very rare, said Stefano Curtarolo, professor of mechanical engineering and materials science and director of the Center for Materials Genomics at Duke. Even with our screening process, it took years of work to synthesize our predictions. We hope others will use this approach to create magnets for use in a wide range of applications."

The group focused on a family of materials called Heusler alloysmaterials made with atoms from three different elements arranged in one of three distinct structures. Considering all the possible combinations and arrangements available using 55 elements, the researchers had 236,115 potential prototypes to choose from.

To narrow the list down, the researchers built each prototype atom-by-atom in a computational model. By calculating how the atoms would likely interact and the energy each structure would require, the list dwindled to 35,602 potentially stable compounds.

From there, the researchers conducted a more stringent test of stability. Generally speaking, materials stabilize into the arrangement requiring the least amount of energy to maintain. By checking each compound against other atomic arrangements and throwing out those that would be beat out by their competition, the list shrank to 248.

Of those 248, only 22 materials showed a calculated magnetic moment. The final cut dropped any materials with competing alternative structures too close for comfort, leaving a final 14 candidates to bring from theoretical model into the real world.

But as most things in a laboratory turn out, synthesizing new materials is easier said than done.

It can take years to realize a way to create a new material in a lab, said Corey Oses, a doctoral student in Curtarolos laboratory and second author on the paper. There can be all types of constraints or special conditions that are required for a material to stabilize. But choosing from 14 is a lot better than 200,000.

For the synthesis, Curtarolo and Oses turned to Stefano Sanvito, professor of physics at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. After years of attempting to create four of the materials, Sanvito succeeded with two.

Both were, as predicted, magnetic.

A microscopic look at the atomic structure of a manganese-platinum-palladium mixture (Mn2PtPd), that is one of the newly predicted and manufactured magnetic materials. Each color shows the distribution of a different element. The uniformity for each material -- with the exception the small spots indicating a different phase state -- matches the predictions for a stable three-element material.

The first newly minted magnetic material was made of cobalt, manganese and titanium (Co2MnTi). By comparing the measured properties of similarly structured magnets, the researchers were able to predict the new magnets properties with a high degree of accuracy. Of particular note, they predicted the temperature at which the new material lost its magnetism to be 940 K (1232 degrees Fahrenheit). In testing, the actual Curie temperature turned out to be 938 K (1228 degrees Fahrenheit)an exceptionally high number. This, along with its lack of rare earth elements, makes it potentially useful in many commercial applications.

Many high-performance permanent magnets contain rare earth elements, said Oses. And rare earth materials can be expensive and difficult to acquire, particularly those that can only be found in Africa and China. The search for magnets free of rare-earth materials is critical, especially as the world seems to be shying away from globalization.

The second material was a mixture of manganese, platinum and palladium (Mn2PtPd), which turned out to be an antiferromagnet, meaning that its electrons are evenly divided in their alignments. This leads the material to have no internal magnetic moment of its own, but makes its electrons responsive to external magnetic fields.

While this property doesnt have many applications outside of magnetic field sensing, hard drives and Random Access Memory (RAM), these types of magnets are extremely difficult to predict. Nevertheless, the groups calculations for its various properties remained spot on.

It doesnt really matter if either of these new magnets proves useful in the future, said Curtarolo. The ability to rapidly predict their existence is a major coup and will be invaluable to materials scientists moving forward.

This work was supported by the Science Foundation of Ireland, the EU Commission and the National Science Foundation (DGF1106401).

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LG unveiled its G6 smartphone at this years Mobile World Congress that took place in February. Now the company has set up a pre-registration page for customers in India to show their interest in buying the LG G6 smartphone.

Interested buyers can go on to LGs website and simply register to buy the device by providing the company with details like name, email and contact number.

As far as the specifications of the LG G6 smartphone are concerned, the device packs a 5.7-inch Quad HD+ full vision display and is powered by Qualcomm Snapdraogn 821 processor. The smartphone offers 4GB of RAM and comes in two storage variants: 32GB and 64GB.

On the camera front, the LG G6 smartphone packs a dual rear camera setup with 13MP sensors along with a 5MP front shooter. The LG G6 smartphone runs on LG UX 6.0-built on top of Android 7.0 Nougat with Google Assistant.

The LG G6 is powered by 3,300mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0 support.

There is no official word on the price of the device yet. However, a GSMArena report states that the LG G6 smartphone may be priced at Rs 50,100.

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Nokias recently launched Nokia 6 smartphone has apparently started receiving Android Nougat 7.1.1 update. According to Android Soul, HMD Global, the company that owns exclusive rights to Nokia mobile brand, has reportedly started rolling out the update to the Nokia 6 smartphone.

The update consists of several new features along with a security patch released by Google in April.

New features such as shortcut-support on home screen, updated emojis, a new power-saving mode and background app management ability come along with the Nougat update. Apart from that, the update also includes bug fixes and system enhancements.

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Apart from South Korea, the smartphone will be going on sale in the United States and Canada as well on the same day.

According to a new report from South Korea, the Samsung Galaxy S8 pre-orders have crossed the 1 million units mark. The Investor reports that the device crossed the milestone within 10 days, since the pre-orders began on April 7 in South Korea.

The reports also suggests that 1 million pre-orders is the highest ever for a new smartphone in South Korea. The Galaxy S8 will hit the shelves on April 21 in the country. Apart from South Korea, the smartphone will be going on sale in the United States and Canada as well on the same day. Samsung has also set a sales target of over 60 million units, which is more than what was expected for Galaxy S7.

Talking of the Galaxy S8, the smartphone is powered by a 1.9GHz octa-core Samsung Exynos 8895 processor paired with 4GB of RAM. Theres 64/128GB storage on board along with 256GB expandable microSD card slot. A 12MP f1.7 dual pixel camera does the rear cameras duty while an 8MP f1.7 auto-focus camera is there to work as the front camera. The standard S8 has a 5.8-inch 1440p Super AMOLED Infinity Display while the S8+ has to do with a 6.2-inch 1440p version of the same. Theres Bixby on board along with the Google Assistant to assist you in your daily life.

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The boy was found unresponsive the next morning when paramedics were unable to revive him. (Photo: Facebook)

Michigan: A one-year-old boy died in a day care centre in Michigan, after his mother dropped him and his three siblings there last Thursday evening. The boy was found unresponsive the next morning when paramedics were unable to revive him. The police are investigating the cause of his death.

According to a report in the Daily Mirror, Korey was upset and started crying after his mother Bryanna Reasonover headed off to work for an overnight shift after leaving the children at the centre. An unidentified eight-year-old girl, who was left alone with Korey is suspected of killing him.

The police believe the girl and Korey were left unsupervised for a while when he started crying and she intervened. They said her actions could have led to his death.

Chief of Police Jeffrey Lewis in Muskegon, Michigan said that the only other person with them in the room was another 5-year-old child, who was a witness to what had happened in the room.

The prosecutors may eventually file charges against the Keysha Keeper Daycare staff. Koreys mother said that her children had begun staying there only three weeks ago.
The US embassy in London summoned a three-month old baby for an interview after his grandfather mistakenly identified him as a terrorist. Harvey Kenyon-Cairns had been due to fly to Orlando in Florida for his first overseas holiday, until his grandfather Paul Kenyon made the error on a visa waiver form, the Guardian reported.

Mr Kenyon accidentally ticked yes in the form which asked: Do you seek to engage in or have you ever engaged in terrorist activities, espionage, sabotage, or genocide? He learned of his error when his grandsons travel was refused. I couldnt believe that they couldnt see it was a genuine mistake and that a three-month-old baby would be no harm to anyone, the 62-year-old told the newspaper. The baby was taken to the London embassy to be questioned by officials.

I thought about taking him along in an orange jumpsuit, but thought better of it, joked Mr Kenyon. They didnt appear to have a sense of humour over it at all and couldnt see the funny side, adding If you were a terrorist, I suspect youd not be ticking yes on the Esta form anyway.The mess-up cost him an extra 3,000.
Cleveland police issued an arrest warrant on Monday for a gunman they said murdered a man in a crime he broadcast live on Facebook. Officials in the Ohio city said suspect Steve Stephens, 37, shot his 74-year old victim Robert Godwin Sr at random on Easter Sunday, in cold blood.

Suspect did broadcast the killing on Facebook Live and has claimed to have committed multiple other homicides which are still not verified, Cleveland police said in a statement. Suspect in this case is... armed and dangerous. If seen call 9-1-1. Do not approach, police said.

Police said Stevens may be out of the midwestern state, and asked residents of Indiana, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania to be on alert. Stevens worked for Beech Brook, a behavioral health agency serving children through mental health services, foster care and adoption, at-risk youth programs and other services.

In his broadcast, Stevens displayed his Beech Brook badge. The facility did not immediately respond to requests for comment. At a press conference late on Sunday, authorities urged Stephens to turn himself in.

Everyone is out there looking for Steve. We want this to end with as much peace as we can bring to this right now, and we want him to turn himself in, Cleveland police chief Calvin Williams told mediapersons, adding that local authorities were working with the FBI and regional law enforcement.

We have all of our partners in on this, and well look until we find him, he said. Mayor Frank Jackson said that police were still trying to communicate with the suspect.

We want to communicate to him that we know who he is, and that he will eventually be caught. And that we're saying to him that he need not do any more, said Jackson.
The Pentagon has not discussed which missile blew up 'almost immediately' after launch early Sunday from near Sinpo on the North's east coast. (Photo: AP)

Washington: The latest North Korean missile launch may have been of a new and hitherto unknown system being developed by Kim Jong-Un's regime, a weapons expert said on Monday.

The Pentagon has not discussed which missile blew up "almost immediately" after launch early Sunday from near Sinpo on the North's east coast, and the White House has said only that it was a medium-range device.

John Schilling, a weapons expert with the 38 North monitoring group, said the launch failure was indicative of a new systems test.

"The discussion of it failing very early in launch, that's a common failure mode for North Korean missiles very early on in their development cycle when they are working out the bugs in the propulsion and guidance system," Schilling told AFP.

"More detail would always be nice, but I am going to suspect that this was a new missile or certainly one that has not been well-developed."

Schilling thought the test could have been of a new design that Kim showed off in a massive military parade Saturday in Pyongyang.

That missile was being carried on a Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile transporter, but was a different type of device, Schilling said.

"It was a two-stage missile that looks somewhat like a two-stage version of their KN-08 ICBM mockups," Schilling said, referring to the intercontinental ballistic missile North Korea is also developing.

"That's something that we've never seen tested. If they are trying to demonstrate that as a real capability, it would make sense for them to test it as soon as possible after showing it to the world."

Susan Thornton, acting assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said it was difficult to glean much information given how quickly the rocket failed.

"Our understanding is that it was not one of the longer range missiles that they were trying to test there. It was something like a medium-range ballistic missile but still with prohibited technology, but it's still an object of ongoing discussion," Thornton said.

Sunday's launch failure led some observers to speculate that US hacking efforts might have played a role.

The New York Times last month reported that under former president Barack Obama the US stepped up cyber attacks against North Korea to try to sabotage its missiles before launch or just as they lift off.

Britain's former Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind told the BBC "there is a very strong belief that the US -- through cyber methods -- has been successful on several occasions in interrupting these sorts of tests and making them fail."

But Schilling said the ability to hack North Korea's missiles is overblown. "From what we know of North Korean missiles, the propulsion technology in particular is fairly primitive with no digital or electronics to be hacked," said Schilling said.

The 38 North program is part of the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University in Washington.
Pakistan should use diplomacy and not proxies that engage in violence to pursue its interests in Afghanistan and elsewhere, US national security adviser Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster has said as he criticised the Pakistani leadership for selectively targeting terror groups.

McMaster in an interview to Afghan television channel ToloNews appeared to take a tougher line on Pakistan, which has been accused of using the Taliban as a proxy force and giving its leaders sanctuary.

As all of us have hoped for many, many years we have hoped that Pakistani leaders will understand that it is in their interest to go after these groups less selectively than they have in the past, McMaster said during his latest visit to the war-torn country, according to a report in The New York Times.

The best way to pursue their interests in Afghanistan and elsewhere is through the use of diplomacy, and not through the use of proxies that engage in violence, it quoted him as saying.

The report added that Afghan officials aware of the discussions with McMaster said there was a common understanding of the threat of terrorist groups emerging from Pakistan.

And there are other indications that the United States may be weighing a tougher stance on Pakistan, among them General McMasters reported pick of a point person on the country who has strongly advocated that the United States stop treating Pakistan as an ally and condition any future military aid on fighting terrorist groups, the report added.

It said many analysts, as well as some coalition partners, have been critical of the United States uphill struggle to persuade Pakistan to crack down on the Afghan Taliban leadership, which has used Pakistan as a base for its battles in Afghanistan.

Many people in Afghanistan are wondering about the nature of relations between the United States and Pakistan, particularly the fact that everyone recognisers the principal role of Pakistan in supporting Taliban and other terrorist groups, said Davood Moradian, the director of the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies.

Moradian said the new administration realised that the prior appeasement policy with Pakistan had not worked and needed to be reconsidered.

Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser arrived in Kabul on Sunday for talks meant to help shape the administrations strategy toward Afghanistan, but the high-level visit, announced last week, appears to have caught several Afghan and American officials by surprise.

McMaster met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, according a statement from the US embassy in Kabul.

They discussed a host of security matters, including how Afghanistans government intends to confront widespread internal corruption that continues to undermine Natos broader objectives. He also met US Ambassador Hugo Llorens and the top American war commander, Army Gen. John Nicholson.
New York: An Indian-origin woman doctor,charged with performing genital mutilation on two minor girls, has denied the allegations, saying she merely performed a religious ritual for families of a Muslim sect.

Jumana Nagarwala, 44, was arrested and charged with performing female genital mutilation (FGM) on minor girls aged 6 and 8 out of a medical office in Livonia, Michigan.

Her lawyer Shannon Smith said Nagarwala told her that the procedure was part of a religious practice that is tied to a Muslim group Dawoodi Bohra that the doctor belongs to, Detroit Fress Press reported.

According to the complaint, some of the minor victims allegedly traveled inter-state to have Nagarwala perform the procedure, the report said.

All of this was disclosed at a detention hearing for Nagarwala, who was ordered locked up pending the outcome of her case.

The judge concluded she was a danger to the community and a flight risk after hearing arguments from both sides.

The government argued that Nagarwala engaged in secretive practice that has potentially harmed numerous young girls across Michigan. And she did it after hours, in a private unnamed clinic in Livonia, without keeping any records or billing anyone, the government said.

According to Nagarwala's profile in the Henry Ford Health System website, she speaks English and Gujarati. The complaint alleges that Nagarwala performed FGM on minor girls. This is believed to be the first case brought under a US law, which criminalises FGM.

The number of girls under 18 at risk for FGM in the US has quadrupled since 1997. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 513,000 women and girls are at risk of FGM in the US.

Congress passed a law in 1996 making it illegal to perform genital mutilation or cutting in the US on anyone under than 18. FGM is punishable by up to five years in prison, however, it is not a crime in 26 US states, including Michigan.

The girls were later interviewed by a forensic expert and one of the girls said she was told she was coming to Detroit for a "special" girls trip, but after arriving at the hotel, she learned that she and the other girl had to go to the doctor because "our tummies hurt".

The girls had been taken to Nagarwala, who performed the procedure on the girls. The World Health Organisation said female genital mutilation comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

More than 200 million girls and women alive today have been cut in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is concentrated.

WHO said FGM, which is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15, is a violation of the human rights of girls and women.
President Donald Trump asserted on Sunday that China was working with the United States on the North Korea problem. He reinforced his commitment to the armed forces under his control. Our military is building and is rapidly becoming stronger than ever before, he tweeted.

More directly on North Korea, the President returned to a theme of placing much onus on China for reining in the North. Last week, he said he would not declare China a currency manipulator, pulling back from a campaign promise, as he looks for help from Beijing.
It seems financial literacy - the ability to understand how money works, enables people to accumulate more assets and income during their lifetime, and so increases confidence for the years ahead, researchers said.

People who have better understanding of finance are less likely to be worried about the later stages of their life, a new study has found.

It seems financial literacy - the ability to understand how money works, enables people to accumulate more assets and income during their lifetime, and so increases confidence for the years ahead, researchers said. Additionally, financial literacy seemingly engenders a greater perception for risk and enables those who have it to face off later-lifes dilemmas with ease.

The findings, from Associate Professor Yoshihiko Kadoya of Hiroshima University and Mostafa Saidur Rahim Khan of Nagoya University in Japan, stem from a study which asked people questions assessing their calculation skills, understanding of pricing behaviour, and financial securities such as bonds and stocks.

Respondents were also asked about their accumulated wealth, assets, and lifestyle - and to rate the level of anxiety they felt about life beyond 65.

Financial literacy helps shape peoples perception towards risk and uncertainty.
Tokyo: US Vice President Mike Pence assured Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday that the United States stands "100 percent" behind its anchor ally in Asia in working to defuse risks from North Korea's nuclear program.

Pence struck a stern tone as he began talks with Abe and other Japanese leaders after arriving at a US naval base from South Korea.

"We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan," Pence said. "We are with you 100 percent."

The Trump administration has signaled a more forceful US stance toward North Korea's recent missile tests and threats, including a warning from Trump that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has "gotta behave."

On Monday, Pence traveled to the tense Demilitarized Zone dividing North and South Korea, where he warned North Korea's leaders that after years of testing the US and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, "the era of strategic patience is over."

A senior North Korean official then accused the United States of bringing the countries to the brink of thermonuclear war.

At the outset of his meeting with Abe, Pence said that "While all options are on the table," Trump was determined to work with Japan, South Korea and other allies in the region to resolve the problem.

Pence, on a 10-day Asia trip that will also take him to Indonesia and Australia, said Trump hopes China will use its leverage to get its longtime ally North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program.

But the vice president expressed impatience with the unwillingness of the North to move toward ridding itself of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a new appeal Tuesday for calm on the Korean Peninsula.

Wang told reporters that although US officials have made clear that a military strike remains on the table, he believes that Washington would still prefer to de-escalate tensions through multi-sided talks.

Abe said Japan likewise hopes for peaceful dialogue with Pyongyang, "but at the same time, dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless." Pressure on North Korea is crucial, the prime minister said.

After meeting with Abe, Pence held talks with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on a new U.S.-Japan "economic dialogue" to be led by the two.

The new forum for trade talks was launched by Trump and Abe during the Japanese leader's visit to the U.S. in February. In part, it is meant to take the place of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the regional trade pact that Trump withdrew from shortly after taking office.

While Japan's trade surplus with the US is much smaller than China's, Trump has decried the imbalance, especially in auto exports.

Pence's advisers told reporters that he hopes to win better U.S. access to Japanese markets and to attract more Japanese investment in the US

Both sides said they do not expect the talks in Tokyo this week to delve into sector-by-sector talks on trade. With no U.S. trade representative yet in office and other key negotiator positions still unfilled, such nitty-gritty discussions will have to come later.

But the meetings could indicate how forcefully the U.S. will pressure Japan to further open its farm and automotive sectors.

The loss of U.S. participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership was a blow to Japan following strenuous negotiations, especially over opening its long-protected farm sector to more imports, especially of dairy and meat products.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters over the weekend that Japan might push ahead with a revised, 11-nation version of the TPP despite the U.S. rejection of the trade accord.

For now, both sides seem eager to downplay potential for conflict. "My understanding is that our talks are premised not on friction but on cooperation," Aso told reporters before Pence's arrival.

As Indiana governor, Pence saw firsthand the impact of Japanese automakers Toyota, Honda and Subaru, whose factories employ thousands of people in his home state.

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who met with Japan's trade minister, Hiroshige Seko, earlier Tuesday, said he hopes to soon begin talks on a free trade agreement with Japan.
FOCUS ON DEFENSE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND OCEANIA
Brussels: The EU said Tuesday it did not expect negotiating guidelines for Britain's exit from the bloc to be affected by the British government's call for an early general election.

British Prime Minister Theresa May called Tuesday for snap polls in a surprise announcement as Britain prepares for delicate Brexit negotiations.

"The UK elections do not change our EU27 plans," said Preben Aamann, spokesman for Donald Tusk, president of the European Council of the remaining 27 member states.

"We expect to have the Brexit guidelines adopted by the European Council on 29 April and, following that, the Brexit negotiating directives ready on 22 May," Aamann said. "This will allow the EU27 to start negotiations," he added.

Tusk issued a set of draft guidelines late last month rejecting May's call for talks on the terms of the divorce bill and on a future trade deal in parallel during the two years of negotiations ahead of Britain's exit in March 2019.

The remaining 27 EU countries are set to rubber-stamp Tusk's guidelines at a summit on April 29, paving the way for chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to begin formal negotiations with Britain at the end of May.
London: The head of Britain's main opposition Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn on Tuesday backed Prime Minister Theresa May's call for an early general election on June 8.

"I welcome the prime minister's decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first," Corbyn said.

Earlier, in an surprise announcement, British Prime Minister Theresa May called for an early general election on June 8 as Britain prepares for delicate negotiations on leaving the European Union.

Speaking outside her Downing Street residence in London, May warned that "division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit".

She said Parliament would be asked to vote Wednesday to decide on whether or not to hold an election. The dramatic announcement comes after months of tumult in British politics following the Brexit vote.

Meanwhile, EU said it did not expect negotiating guidelines for Britain's exit from the bloc to be affected by the British government's call for an early general election.

"The UK elections do not change our EU27 plans," said Preben Aamann, spokesman for Donald Tusk, president of the European Council of the remaining 27 member states.
Britains Prince Harry has revealed that he was very close to a complete breakdown after the tragic death of his mother Princess Diana in 1997 and sought counselling four years ago to deal with the total chaos, he said.

He shut down all his emotions for almost two decades after losing his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, despite his older brother, Prince William, trying to persuade him to seek help, the 32-year-old said in an interview published by the Telegraph on Monday.

Disclosing that he has spoken to a professional about his mental health, he describes how he only began to address his grief when he was 28 after feeling on the verge of punching someone and facing anxiety during royal engagements.

My way of dealing with it was sticking my head in the sand, refusing to ever think about my mum, because why would that help? Its only going to make you sad. Its not going to bring her back, the fifth in line to the British throne said of his mothers death.

I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12, and therefore shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years, has had a quite serious effect on not only my personal life but my work as well, Harry said. I have probably been very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions when all sorts of grief and all sorts of lies and misconceptions and everything are coming to you from every angle, he added.

It was 20 years of not thinking about it and then two years of total chaos... I didnt know what was wrong with me, he said. So from an emotional side, I was like right, don't ever let your emotions be part of anything.
London: Downplaying the din surrounding his sensational arrest in London, absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya who is on the run over money laundering charges, took a swipe at the Indian media.

Taking to Twitter after getting bail, Mallya took a swing at the media accusing them of 'hyping' the development.

Earlier on Tuesday, following Mallya's arrest, the Scotland Yard issued a statement saying that the absconding businessman was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud.

"Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit have this morning, Tuesday 18 April arrested a man on an extraction warrant. He was arrested after attending a central London police station, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today, 18 April," read the official statement of the Scotland Yard.

His arrest came after a Delhi court had issued an open-ended non-bailable warrant against Mallya in connection with the the 1995 FERA violation case.

Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that extradition of absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya has been stratified by Secretary of State of the U.K. Government and soon a warrant would be released against him.

"Somewhere in the month in the month of February, the home office of the U.K. Government conveyed that India's request for extradition of Mallya has been stratified by Secretary of State and sent to Westminster Magistrate court for a district judge consider issue of releasing of warrant," MEA official spokesperson Gopal Bagley told the media.

In March, the Supreme Court fast-tracked the proceedings against Mallya and reserved its order on contempt proceedings against him for allegedly diverting $40 million to his children's accounts in foreign banks in violation of court orders.

A bench of Justices A.K. Goel and U.U. Lalit reserved its order on whether or not Mallya was guilty of contempt and what action should be taken to bring back the money.

The court concluded the proceedings after a three-and-a-half-hour hearing during which the Centre contended that Mallya was mocking the Indian system after fleeing the country. It said the government was holding talks with U.K. authorities to get him deported.

The apex court had started proceedings against Mallya a year ago and had issued notice to him on March 8, 2016 on a plea by a consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) for recovery of about Rs. 9,000 crore which the businessman and his companies owed to them.

The liquor baron, however, fled the country days before the apex court took up the case against him.
According to Syrian opposition activist Omar Abu Laila 8 people were killed, including an Iraqi family of 4. (Photo: Representational/File/AFP)

Beirut: Syrian opposition activists say an air strike has killed at least 10 people in an eastern town that borders Iraq.

The activists say the air strike late Monday in Boukamal was most likely carried out by the US-led coalition that has been targeting the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

Air strikes by the US-led coalition have killed dozens of civilians over the past several weeks as the battle against the extremists intensifies.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Tuesday that the air strike killed 13 civilians, including women and children, as well as three IS fighters.

Opposition activist Omar Abu Laila, who is from the province where the strike took place and currently lives in Europe, said eight people were killed, including an Iraqi family of four.
Palestinian officials said some 1,500 inmates affiliated with all political factions including rival Fatah and Hamas were taking part in the protest. (Photo: AP)

Jerusalem: Hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli jails began a hunger strike on Monday in response to a call by prominent prisoner Marwan Barghouti, widely seen as a possible future Palestinian president.

Palestinians termed the open-ended strike a protest against poor conditions and an Israeli policy of detention without trial that has been applied against thousands since the 1980s.

Israel said the move by the prisoners, many of whom were convicted of attacks or planning attacks against Israel, was politically motivated.

The protest was led by Barghouti, 58, a leader of the mainstream Fatah movement of the Palestine Liberation Organization, serving five life terms after being convicted of murder in the killing of Israelis in a 2000-2005 uprising.

The strike, if sustained, could present a challenge to Israel and raise tensions between the two sides as the 50th anniversary of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip approaches in June.

Israeli troops and settlers pulled out of the Gaza Strip, now run by Hamas Islamists, in 2005, but peace talks on the creation of a Palestinian state collapsed with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in 2014.

In an opinion piece in the New York Times on Monday, Barghouti said a strike was the only way to gain concessions after other options had failed.

"Through our hunger strike, we seek an end to these abuses ... Palestinian prisoners and detainees have suffered from torture, inhumane and degrading treatment and medical negligence. Some have been killed while in detention," he wrote.

Israeli and Palestinian media reports said Barghouti had been moved from the prison where he was being held in central Israel to another in the north and was isolated from other prisoners. The Prisons Service did not initially comment on his status.

Israel denies Palestinian inmates are mistreated, and Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said the Barghouti-led protest was "prompted by internal Palestinian politics and therefore includes unreasonable demands".

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement: "The Palestinian prisoners are not political prisoners. They are convicted terrorists and murderers. They were brought to justice and are treated properly under international law."

Palestinian officials said some 1,500 inmates affiliated with all political factions including rival Fatah and Hamas were taking part in the protest. An Israel Prisons Service spokesman said some 1,100 inmates at eight jails had joined the strike.

Almost 6,500 Palestinians are being held in 22 Israeli prisons, said Qadoura Fares, head of the Palestinian Prisoners' Club that advocates on behalf of the inmates.

The Prisoners' Club said a main demand was for Israel to halt detention without trial for some 500 Palestinians currently being held, and for an end to solitary confinement.

The strikers also want better medical treatment and that disabled inmates or those suffering chronic illness be freed, access to more television channels and more phone contact with relatives and more family visits.

The strike prompted a large rally in Gaza and a protest broke out near the occupied West Bank town of Bethlehem where Palestinian demonstrators clashed with Israeli forces.

Palestinians consider brethren held in Israeli jails as national heroes. Long-term mass hunger strikes by Palestinian prisoners are rare, but in past cases of individual inmates who stopped eating for weeks, detention terms were shortened or not renewed after they were hospitalized in critical condition.

Erdan said a field hospital would be erected next to one prison - an apparent move to pre-empt transfers to civilian medical facilities, which could draw wider media attention.

Abbas, 82, said in a statement that efforts would continue to secure prisoners' freedom. He condemned what he called Israel's intransigence in the face of "fair" prisoner demands.
The military said 1,000 security personnel, including police and special task forces, have been deployed for rescue operation. (Photo: AP)

Colombo: The death toll in the giant open garbage dump which collapsed and buried dozens of houses near the Sri Lankan capital has climbed to 30 after rescuers pulled out more bodies from the rubble on Monday.

At least seven children were among 30 people killed in the collapse of the garbage dump in Meetotamulla area in Kolonnawa near Colombo, local media quoted officials as saying.

According to the Disaster Management Centre, at least 625 people belonging to 180 families had been displaced due to the tragedy, the report said.

Survivors of the garbage dump site blamed politicians for the tragedy. "I lost my three children. My wife is in a critical condition. My battle has ended," said N Keerthiratne, who as the Convenor of the movement 'People Against the Meethotamulla Dump' has led many protest since 2009 when the dumping of heaps of Colombo garbage began at the site.

"Please do not report this as a natural tragedy, please say this was a planned massacre, relatives of the victims cry hoarse," he said.

"Is this my fate? Now I only have to live for my grandson," Keerthiratne, a retired prison official sobbed looking at the rubble that is left of his two storied house.

The military said 1,000 security personnel, including police and special task forces, have been deployed for rescue operation. It said troops from the Sri Lanka Light Infantry, Commandos, Gemunu Watch and Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment were carrying out relief operations, the Colombo Gazette reported.

The National Building Research Organisation said the site of the accident be declared a "danger zone" and people living in over 130 houses in the area must be relocated for safety.

Officials said hundreds of people have been moved to temporarily shelters and the government will soon begin shifting more people.

Since, the residents of the north Colombo Bloemendhal ward were protesting against the dump site there, the Supreme Court ordered that it should be relocated at Meethotamulla, limited to two acres.

"What was limited to be just two acres continued to expand. Two acres have now become 18 acres. We protested but were beaten up by the police using tear gas," Stanley Silva, a resident said.

"In 2011, several houses began to crack open because of the dump. We protested in January, August 2012 and throughout 2013. We represented the matter to the former Rajapaksa government and the current government. Prime Minister promised to give a solution within 6 months. But nothing happened," Nuwan Bopage, a lawyer who had led the protests, said.

Nearly 80 houses completely destroyed while 17 more have suffered partial damage, officials said. Schools and others facilities will be moved as well, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harsha De Silva said.

He said the dumping of garbage at the site has been banned. Ironically, the government had signed agreements a few weeks ago to convert the waste into energy, he said in a post on Facebook.

Police were investigating whether the collapse of the 91-metre open garbage pile could be a sabotage. A 10-member team of geologists, officials from mining and excavation divisions, have been sent to the spot.

More than 600 people had to flee in the aftermath of the mishap on Friday. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a statement has apologised for the delay in relocating the garbage dump.

The residents near the dump had been protesting for months, demanding that the garbage dump be relocated. The authorities, however, claim that they had given enough warning to the slum dwellers to relocate themselves.

"We had even paid compensation to them to relocate," De Silva said. He said the state will bear the funeral expenses of the dead.

The massive garbage caught fire and collapsed on dozens of homes as the residents celebrated the traditional New Year. Police said the true scale of the damage remained unclear.

Sri Lanka's Parliament was recently warned that 23 million tonnes of garbage at Kolonnawa dump was a serious hazard. About 800 tonnes of garbage were added to the dump daily.
The tragedy has sparked an outrage and demands to reform the laws dealing with blasphemy. (File Photo)

Islamabad: Pakistan's National Assembly has passed an unanimous resolution to condemn the "barbaric and cold-blooded murder" of a 23-year-old university student who was lynched by a violent mob over alleged blasphemy.

Mashal Khan, a journalism student, in Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan was killed by an enraged mob last week, blaming him of passing anti-Islam remarks.

The tragedy has sparked an outrage and demands to reform the laws dealing with blasphemy. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Senate or upper house of parliament

has sought changes in the blasphemy laws to avert its misuse after the lynching.

Dawn reported that the Senators in yesterday's session called for amending the blasphemy law to punish those who concoct blasphemy accusations against others and demanded a campaign against those taking the law into their own hands.

Pakistan Peoples Party senator Farhatullah Babar said a religious scholar had proposed that those who levelled false accusations should suffer the same sentence as provided for a blasphemer.

He recalled how a federal Shariat Court decision had prompted the maximum punishment for blasphemy to be increased from life imprisonment to death, reminding the house that Raja Zafarul Haq ? the current leader of the House ? was the chairman of law and justice committee at the time.

He said the committee had made some suggestions while approving the bill and called for that report to be made the basis of any further action.

"The assassination of Mashal Khan should make us think about concrete measures to prevent the misuse of the blasphemy law; we need to revisit this law," he remarked.

Retired Gen Abdul Qayyum of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PL-N) also called for flaws in the blasphemy law to be addressed.

He stressed that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance and prohibits any excesses, even against animals. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Siraj-ul-Haq said that the rule of law was what defined a civilised society and that even if someone was guilty of a crime, no individual or organisation had the right to punish that individual unilaterally.

"This shows an imbalance and lack of tolerance in society," he remarked. Winding up the discussion, Minister of State for Interior Baleeghur Rahman said there was clarity on the issue at a political level as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the heads of political parties had condemned the incident.

However, he admitted that there was a need to check intolerance and revealed that work on a new curriculum was under way. The controversial blasphemy laws were enacted in 1980s when military dictator Ziaul Haq was in power.

There are reports that the laws are misused to settle personal issues. An allegation of blasphemy makes the people vulnerable to violence by extremists who have so far thwarted efforts to reform these laws.
Dismissing concerns over radiation remitted from mobile towers, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said studies so far have not revealed any health hazards.



Claiming that prescribed limits for radiation emissions in India are more stringent than global norms, the Minister said the Supreme Court order in this regard is only interim and not final.



The Minister was reacting to the recent Supreme Court order, where the court had asked a BSNL mobile tower in Gwalior to be shut down after a petitioner claimed the radiation from the tower had given him cancer.



Though the court order is expected to intensify ongoing deliberations on the impact of radiation from mobile phone towers on health, the Minister told reporters on the sidelines of a industry body CII event here that call drops situation has improved for the past six months. The telecom industry and government working jointly to address the call drop problems, the Minister added.



The Minister also said the Department of Telecom has been taking number of steps to address the call drops problem and telecom service providers have installed about 2,12,917 additional BTSs (Base Transceiver Stations) across the country during the period from June 2016 to February 2017, he said.



Earlier, the telecom industry body Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI) had appealed to the public "not to panic" about the Apex Court order on tower radiation.



The industry appeals to the citizens and the public to not panic and read the interim order in its entirety. There are four EMF (Electric and magnetic fields) related cases which have been clubbed together. The interim SC order relates to only one of them whereas cell towers included in the other cases were left untouched," said Rajan S Mathews, Director General of COAI had said.



"Citizens have no reason to panic as mobile towers emit low level radiation, which is within the prescribed DoT, government of India, norms which makes mobile towers completely safe," he said.




Chief Minister K Palaniswami has stressed for unity in taking the ruling AIADMK and its government forward, senior party leader K A Sengottaiyan said today, as informal meetings continued over a possible merger between the rival factions.



A day after several ministers discussed the modalities of a merger, placing the focus on redeeming the party's frozen 'Two Leaves' symbol, Sengottaiyan, Presidium Chairman of the AIADMK (Amma) camp and Higher Education Minister, held discussions with Palaniswami.



"The Chief Minister said all of us have to be united in taking the party and the government forward and that it should continue (through the rest of its term)," he said. Palaniswami was not present during the meeting late last night held by the ministers to discuss the modalities of a possible patch up with the former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam-led faction.



The Chief Minister also insisted that the party should win "when the elections are held again," Sengottaiyan said. According to party sources, MLAs from both factions were holding informal meetings over the possible merger issue.



An MLA from Sasikala camp, who was on board the INS Chennai, said there are likely to be formal meetings on the matter during the later part of the day. Sengottaiyan also held discussions with the faction's Deputy General Secretary T T V Dhinakaran.



Dhinakaran is facing heat from the Delhi Police for allegedly attempting to bribe an Election Commission official to retain the original party symbol. On the other hand, sources in the Panneerselvam camp said none from the rival side had approached them for talks. While the next Lok Sabha polls are scheduled in 2019, the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are slated for 2021.



Sengottaiyan parried questions on reports of party chief Sasikala and Dhinakaran quitting their respective posts. He said talks between the two groups could take shape gradually, indicating that the possible merger process could take some time.



Some of the ministers had met at the residence of Electricity Minister P Thangamani last night where they discussed the modalities of a patch-up. The AIADMK suffered a vertical split on February 7 when Panneerselvam alleged that he was forced by Sasikala to make way for her elevation as Chief Minister. The two factions had since staked claim to the two leaves symbol which the Election Commission subsequently froze.
In the first top-level interaction, US National Security Adviser Lt. General H R McMaster called on Narendra Modi on Tuesday, sharing President Donald Trump's perspective with the Prime Minister on the security situation in the extended region, including in Afghanistan, West Asia and North Korea.



During the conversation, they exchanged views on how both countries can work together to effectively address the challenge of terrorism and to advance regional peace, security and stability, a Prime Minister Office (PMO) statement said.



In the first visit by a senior official of the Trump administration, McMaster also held discussions with his Indian counterpart Ajith Doval and foreign secretary S Jaishankar before departing in what was described by the US embassy in India as "productive meetings."



During the talks, which were expected to set the course of bilateral relations, McMaster emphasized the importance of the U.S.-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed Indias designation as a major defence partner, the US embassy said in a press statement after the meetings here.



The PMO said McMaster conveyed the greetings of President Donald Trump to the PM. Modi recalled his positive telephonic conversations with Trump soon after he took office, which reaffirmed the importance attached by both sides to the strategic partnership and to stepping up India-U.S. engagement across the board.



McMaster's visit to Delhi was a part of US regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad. Significantly, McMasters visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India came just days after the US dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb targeting an Islamic State complex in Afghanistan, close to the border with Pakistan.



The US NSA arrived in Delhi on Monday evening from Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and some top officials on Monday. He had also met Prime Ministers Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Pakistan NSA Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi.



Reports from Pakistan had said that, during McMasters call on Sharif, the latter reiterated his firm conviction that sustained dialogue and meaningful engagement was the only way forward for India and Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute.



They also said Sharif welcomed President Trumps willingness to help India and Pakistan resolve their differences particularly on Kashmir and noted that this could go a long way in bringing sustainable peace, security and prosperity to the region, the statement said.



The Pakistan Prime Minister Office had said in a statement that he shared his concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and the continuing impasse. Sharif conveyed Pakistans readiness to work with the international community to explore ways in which the Afghan crisis can be resolved, it said.
Jammu and Kashmir police has begun an operation to identify moles within, who are suspected to be leaking vital operational information to terror outfits as their families are being threatened by the militants.



While the J and K Police top brass is silent on the issue, sources in the security establishement say some policemen have been earmarked for carrying out a thorough probe into the cases where militants, mainly belonging to the banned Hizbul Mujahideen, have threatened the families of policemen engaged in counter-insurgency operations.



A recent incident in which militants barged into the house of a policeman at Shopian, who is posted as the personal assistant to an officer in Pulwama, raised eyebrows within the security establishment in the Valley.



The militants, while firing warning shots and threatening the family members with dire consequences, told them that the policeman (identity not disclosed) was responsible for the death of their fellow terrorists as he had tipped off the establishment about their whereabouts.



The incident sounded an alarm bell as the matter about the alleged tip-off was highly classified, the sources said.



They said the terror groups have been increasingly targeting the policemen, their families and political workers in the recent past.



While the families of policemen have been receiving threats since March this year, such incidents have reached an alarming level last weekend when as many as 14 families of cops engaged in counter-insurgency operations were targeted in Shopian and Kulgam areas of South Kashmir, they said.



The sudden spurt in such incidents has prompted the police headquarters to issue an advisory whereby the policemen were asked not to visit their homes for a few months.



"In view of these unfortunate incidents, police personnel, particularly from South Kashmir, are advised to exercise extreme caution while visiting their homes. They should preferably avoid visiting their homes for the next few months as their personal security is of paramount importance," the advisory issued on Sunday said.



On Friday and Saturday last week, as many as 14 families of police personnel were threatened in the Kulgam and Shopian belt, sending a shockwave among officers and men involved in counter-insurgency operations for over two decades, the sources in the security establishment said.



Two constables, including one posted with the Special Security Group guarding Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, were beaten up in Shopian.



One of the constables, currently posted in a battalion, was dragged publicly to a local mosque and forced to make an announcement of his resignation on a loudspeaker in Shopian, the sources said.



The family of a station house officer, now posted in Srinagar, was also attacked a couple of weeks ago after he had stopped an ambulance, following an intelligence tip-off that militants could use such vehicles to sneak into the city, they said.



The house of an Additional Superintendent of Police, who is currently posted in North Kashmir, was also ransacked at Khudwani in earlier this month, they said.



Some posters and messages in social media have appeared showing militants asking policemen to announce their resignations on the social media or through local newspapers.



This act is a reminiscent of 1990's when many of the Valley's political workers had announced their resignations through the local newspapers.


The postal departments new initiative appears to have helped to revive the letter writing.



Traveling Letter Box (TLB), an initiative of department of post, promises to deliver the letter on the same day for short distances. All one has to do is to drop the letter in a box in one of the five short-haul trains.



Charles Lobo, Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle on Tuesday said that the department started the TLB concept on February 13 is available inMadras Mail, Rani Chennamma Express, Netravathi express, Hubli to Vijaywada and Bengaluru to Coimbatore trains.



This has become popular and every day at least 200 letters are carried on every train. This service is limited only to those trains which carried mails before too, Lobo added.



On selection of these particula trains, Lobo said: ``Earlier these trains used to carry mail in sacks. The mails were sorted at the stations before being dispatched to individuals. As people know their destination, one can drop the letter in the TLB in the train to ensure quick delivery.



POST CROSS:



To tap young generation in an era of digitisation, the department is popularising Post Cross, an online pen pal club.



"This is similar to the pen pals concept. It started ten years ago. We are aggresively promoting it now. One can register on the post crossing website, become pen friends with others across globe and send picture postcards. There are 6.70 lakh members globally, of which over 1,000 are from Bengaluru alone, Lobo said.



NEW SPECIAL COVERS:



Earlier, Lobo released three special postal covers on the occasion of World Heritage Day. The covers include Keerthinarayana temple in Talakad, Halebeedu Hoysaleshwara Temple and Chennakeshava temple in Belur. S Rajendra Kumar, Postmaster General, South Karnataka Region and Arun Raj T, Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Bengaluru Circle were present. Raj said that the postal department and ASI were tying up to promote archaeology. Lobo said that during Mysuru Anche, postmen also also worked for intelligence wing.



"As they travel long distances and visit remote villages, postmen would bring information from everywhere. But this stopped over the years. They can even today help in collecting information and preserving heritage sites, he said.
Digvijaya blames Centre for bail

AICC general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Digvijaya Singh accused the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre of helping industrialist Vijay Mallya get bail in the United Kingdom, reports DHNS from Dharwad.



Singh told reporters: This is all a big drama. Without support from the Modi-led NDA government at the Centre, Mallya could not have remained elusive...Now, even before he was arrested in London, where he is staying, the BJP government has ensured that he got bail before the CBI could catch up with him...



Troubled times seem to have deepened for industrialist Vijay Mallya who had a dream run, expanding his business from liquor to aviation to IPL.Mallyas businesses were in the ascendancy in the first decade of the 21st century, but his empire landed in trouble soon with Kingfisher Airlines account books landing in the red. The airlines shut operations in 2012.After getting bail from a Westminster court, Mallya said the jubilation over the development is nothing but usual Indian media hype, adding, extradition hearing in court started today as expected.Mallya left for the United Kingdom on March 2, 2016, after banks approached the Supreme Court seeking action against him for not settling loans taken for the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines.The then Rajya Sabha MP, who resigned two months later in May following intense pressure and a possible expulsion from Parliament, used his diplomatic passport to get out of the country.The arrest comes as a shot in the arm for the NDA government, which faced an Opposition onslaught for letting him leave the country.Mountain of troubleAt present, he is facing two cases registered by the CBI on separate loan default complaints filed by SBI on behalf of a consortium of banks and IDBI. Another FIR was filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on money laundering charges.The CBI FIR talks about Mallya seeking to recast his loan repayment in which certain information was suppressed.Another case is about the non-payment of IDBI loan. In January, former IDBI chairman Yogesh Agrawal and seven others were arrested by the CBI for their involvement in sanctioning around Rs 900 crore to Kingfisher Airlines.According to the CBI FIR filed in July 2015, IDBI officials colluded with the promoters/directors and the then chief financial officer of Kingfisher Airlines to sanction credit limits in violation of banking norms, thereby causing loss to the bank by such fraudulent act.The ED has already attached Mallyas assets worth Rs 8,041 crore in two instalments, in June and September.The assets which were attached include bank balance of Rs 34 crore, a flat each in Bengaluru and Mumbai, a 4.5 acre industrial plot in Chennai, a 28.75 acre coffee plantation in Coorg and residential and commercial constructed area in UB City and Kingfisher Tower in Bengaluru, among others.
The Delhi high court today said that it cannot issue directions for the use of VVPAT equipment attached to electronic voting machines in the upcoming MCD polls without any knowledge about its availability with the Election Commission.



Justice A K Pathak issued notices to the Election Commission of India and the Delhi state Election Commission asking them to file their responses on Aam Aadmi Party's plea for use of VVPAT (Voter-verified paper audit trail)-enabled Generation 2 or Generation 3 EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) in the MCD polls.



The judge, however, observed that "at the eleventh hour, I cannot issue any direction to stall the MCD elections".



"We cannot interfere with the process when the machines are not available," the court said, asking the EC to inform it on affidvait within two days whether VVPAT equipments were available with them or not.



The court, which fixed the matter for further hearing on April 21, was hearing a petition, filed by Mohd Tahir Hussain, who is contesting in the MCD election, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging that in the recent past, the EVMs have been manipulated in various states.



VVPAT is an equipment which provides a feedback on paper to the voters about whom they have voted using the ballotless voting system.



The matter was listed for hearing after senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the petitioners, mentioned before a bench headed by acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal, to list the issue for hearing today on the ground of urgency.



The petitioner sought to know why the Delhi poll panel had asked for Generation-1 EVMs, which are the least secured with minimum security features, to conduct the MCD polls.



Advocate Sumeet Pushkarna, appearing for Delhi state Election Commission, opposed the petition saying there was a legal bar to their demand as only four days were left for holding the elections in the national capital.



"There is a speculative news of EVMs being hacked, which is totally false. MCD election at this stage cannot be interfered with or stalled," the state poll panel said, adding that these were the same EVMs used in the last assembly polls when the AAP came into power in Delhi.



Advocate Kushal Kumar, appearing for North Delhi Municipal Corporation, also objected to the maintainability of the petition filed by the AAP and its candidate Hussain who is contesting from ward number 59E of East Delhi.



The petitioners have strongly opposed the use of machines sourced from Rajasthan for the MCD election.



Recently, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also demanded withdrawal of the allegedly tampered EVMs brought from Rajasthan for the MCD polls and said only VVPAT equipped voting machines should be used.



During the course of the arguments, the AAP submitted that there were around 15,000 VVPAT machines available with the Election Commission of India which was sufficient for the conduct of the municipal election.



It also submitted that the Supreme Court has categorically said that all elections should be held with VVPAT machines.



The petitioner sought to know why the commission did not make an attempt to procure the VVPAT machines.



Challenging the decision of the state Election Commssion to conduct the MCD election using Generation-1 EVMs, the petitioners contended that on four occassions in the past two years, during the pre-election trials, it was discovered that EVMs were tampered with to cast votes only for candidates of the BJP, regardless of any button being pressed on the machine.




Students of Class V and VIII will get just one additional chance to clear their annual examination which is to be conducted for the two classes at the elementary schools in many of the States.



The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has proposed amendments to the Right to Education (RTE) Act to tweak the no detention policy and enable States re-introduce the annual examinations for the students of Classes V and VIII.



"We will soon enable states to reintroduce annual examinations for students of classes V and VIII with amendment to the RTE Act. A student failing to clear his or her first (annual) examination in March will be given an additional chance in June," HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday.



He was speaking to media on the sidelines of a national conference organised under the aegis of the NCERT to deliberate on the innovations in school education.



Inaugurating the conference, the HRD Minister unveiled the subject-wise minimum learning outcomes laid down by the NCERT for each of the elementary classes.



Elementary school students are currently given automatic promotion up to class IX under the no detention policy under the RTE Act.



Several studies including those conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), however, observed a consistent decline in the learning outcome of the elementary school children, putting the blame on the no detention policy.



This prompted majority of the State governments including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Punjab to demand scrapping of the no-detention policy followed in elementary schools.



As many as 25 states want a change in the no detention policy, HRD Minister said.

The amendment bill, drafted by the Ministry in consultation with the Union Law Ministry to tweak the no detention policy, is pending for the approval of the Union Cabinet. Once it gets approval of the Cabinet, the Ministry will have to introduce the amendment bill in Parliament for its nod.
A nonchalant Vijay Mallya took to Twitter today to poke fun at the "Indian media hype" over his arrest in London and said the extradition hearing was "as expected".



The 61-year-old liquor baron, who is co-owner of Sahara Force India Formula One Team, made a series of retweets of the team's practice session in Bahrain.



Known for his flamboyance, the only reference Mallya made to his arrest was to blame the Indian media with an earlier tweet.



"Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected," Mallya tweeted.



Apart from the Formula One action, he showed his interest in health matters, retweeting two tweets from Doctify, a health platform in the UK that offers solutions to patients who want to search, compare and book doctors online.



While one was on medical data security and health challenges, his other retweet was on contact lens hygiene routine.



Earlier in the day, Mallya - who has been declared a proclaimed offender - was arrested in London after he appeared at a central London police station.



Mallya is wanted in India for defaulting on loans. His now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to many banks.



He had fled India on March 2, 2016 and has repeatedly dismissed the charges against him.


Oregon State University officials are calling on students to come to the Memorial Union to get shots for meningococcal disease in an effort to stem a campus outbreak that has sickened three students so far.

By late Monday, 360 students had shown up for the first day of a mass vaccination clinic, according to Steve Clark, OSU vice president for university relations and marketing.

The event will continue from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today in the MU Ballroom, with roughly 200 health workers and volunteers on hand to give shots, assist with insurance screenings and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Well continue to push for students to be vaccinated, Clark said.

Two students fell sick in November with the B strain of meningococcal disease, a potentially serious illness that primarily afflicts young people. A third case was diagnosed in early March, prompting public health officials to declare an outbreak.

About 2,500 students got initial injections at the student health center or during a previous mass vaccination clinic in March, and an unknown number have received the vaccine through private health care providers.

OSU and public health officials want all students age 25 or younger to be vaccinated, but they are especially concerned about a target population of 7,000 students who live in dorms or off-campus group housing such as sororities and fraternities. While not highly contagious, meningococcal disease can be transmitted by prolonged exposure to an infected individual and spreads more readily in close quarters.

This weeks clinic was aimed at ensuring students get follow-up injections. To be effective, the vaccine requires either two or three doses, depending on what brand is used.

Were reminding everyone of the importance of completing the series, said Jenny Haubenreiser, the executive director of OSU Student Health Services.

Thats the main message, she added. Its not a one and done  its two and done or three and done.

Haubenreiser said officials are still trying to find a work-around to federal privacy restrictions that would allow them to cross-reference vaccination records with enrollment data to determine how many OSU students have been vaccinated.

No one has died so far in the OSU outbreak, but a similar situation at the University of Oregon two years ago resulted in one student fatality.
Banks will have to wait for some more time to settle its outstanding issues with Vijay Mallya but they expect Tuesday's development will put pressure on the liquor baron to cough up money he owes to them.



A team of Indian officials will soon be leaving for the United Kingdom to tie any loose ends to ensure speedy extradition of liquor baron Mallya in connection with the IDBI loan default case. Mallya's arrest has set in motion the extradition process but India will have to wait till the judicial proceedings in the United Kingdom culminates.



The businessman, who owes over Rs 9,400 crore to banks, got bail within three hours of his arrest but officials here said that there is nothing abnormal about it. An arrest prior to extradition hearing is as normal as the bail, a senior official said adding the CBI will now have to convince the court hearing the extradition case about the charges it slapped on Mallya.



With Mallya owning assets in the UK, the official said, a bail is not seen as a problem by the courts because it ensure his appearance at the hearings. A number of steps need to be crossed for the final extradition from the UK. The extradition process starts with the judge deciding on whether to issue a warrant of arrest. If a warrant is issued, the person is arrested and brought before the court for preliminary hearing. This is followed by an extradition hearing following which the final decision is taken by the Secretary of State. The person facing extradition has the right to appeal to higher judiciary, including the Supreme Court there, against the decision.



"We are now assessing the facts as to how we can bring him back into the country and start judicial proceedings against him," Minister of State for Finance Santosh Gangwar said adding no stone will left unturned to bring to justice anyone indulging in financial irregularities. Government had last year admitted that getting people extradited from the UK is an onerous task with continuation of death penalty in India and European Commission's provisions on human rights are acting as hurdles in acceding to these requests.



UK Minister of State for Immigration James Brokenshire had told Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju in February 2016 that New Delhi will also have to convince British courts on the pending cases.
The endangered 'caracal' (a long-legged cat specie) has been spotted in Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan's Bharatpur district. Formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, park hosts around 350 bird species.



The caracal (Caracal caracal) a medium-sized wild cat native of Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and India is threatened by anthropogenic mortality and habitat loss due to conversion of natural habitat for agricultmural land and settlements. It's natural habitat includes semi-deserts, open savannas, shrublands, moist woodlands and montane forests.



The camera trapping installed for the leapord moment in the Keoladeo national Park (KNP) has captured the first and rare picture of caracal in the middle of the road. Deputy conservator Forest at KNP Bijo Joy told DH, "We had installed trapping cameras to check the movement of leopards and suddenly we saw a caracal in the camera on April 18th. Its a rare thing. Caracal lives in Ranthambore and its for the first time it has been spotted in Bharatpur."



The Caracal, listed under Schedule 1 in the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 considered to be endangered species, are left with just 28 in Rajasthan. Once dominating the forests of India's heartland Madhya Pradesh has been reduced to oblivion. The Forest department in Rajasthan is marking its entry in Bird Park as feather in its cap. "Its good for biodiversity and since 10 sq kilometer is wet land in Bharatpur it will find both grass and wetland. It predates on Rabbits so its not a threat to the bird species," Joy added.



Its spotting in KNP comes one week after an injured caracal had been rescued from a dry well in core area of Ranthambore National Park in a serious condition. After a preliminary treatment, it was referred to the Jaipur Zoo for surgery where an orthopedic surgery was conducted.


As the Valley continues to remain on edge in the wake of civilian killings in recent days, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday asked the security forces to "exercise maximum restraint while operating in provocative situations."



The Chief Minister has directed the security forces to exercise maximum restraint while performing their duties in provocative situations and follow the laid down standard operating procedures (SOPs) strictly in such cases," an official spokesman said.



He said while chairing a cabinet meeting in Jammu, Chief Minister directed the administration to take all required measures to tackle the situation effectively and at the same time ensure that the general public is not put to any inconvenience and their grievances are addressed.



The Cabinet also expressed deep anguish over the loss of precious lives in the Kashmir valley during the prevailing law and order situation and made a fervent appeal to all shades of political opinion to help restore peace and normalcy in the valley, the spokesman said. The Cabinet urged the civil society and parents to counsel the youth to stay away from violent protests which, in spite of maximum restraint, can at times lead to fatal consequences.

Earlier, Mehbooba met Governor N N Vohra at the Raj Bhavan here and discussed law and order issues with him.



Meanwhile, educational institutions remained closed across Kashmir on Tuesday a day after widespread student protests in the valley. Officials said the educational institutions were closed as a precautionary measure to prevent further protests. Nearly 100 students were injured in security forces action on Monday as college and university campuses across Kashmir erupted against the thrashing of Pulwama Degree College students on Saturday.



In the wake of the spiralling violence in the Valley especially clashes between college students and security forces, the authorities Tuesday evening announced that all colleges of Kashmir division will remain closed on April 19 as well as a precautionary measure.



The youth wing of Opposition National Conference took out a protest rally in Srinagar against use of unprecedented force by security forces against the people, especially students, in Kashmir. The NC youth activists, wearing black shrouds, were shouting slogans against Mehbooba government.
The President Pranab Mukherjee has rejected a parliamentary panels recommendation for making Hindi education compulsory upto class X in all schools across the country.



He, however, accepted in principal the committees recommendation for making Hindi a compulsory subject upto Class X in central government run schools and those affiliated to the central board of secondary education (CBSE).



India has more than 14 lakh schools in the country while the schools affiliated to the CBSE are just a little over 18000.



In its recommendation, the Committee of Parliament on Official Language wanted the Government to bring a proposal in Parliament for making Hindi education compulsory up to Class X.



This recommendation is accepted with modification that Hindi subject be made compulsory up to class tenth in Region A, the President stated in his order on the recommendation of the Parliamentary panel.



According to the official languages rules, the region A includes States of Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh as well as the Union Territories of Delhi and Andaman and Nicobar Islands only.



The Union Government should formulate a policy after consultations with the State Governments, The President added.



In another proposal, the committee sought that the HRD Ministry should make Hindi a compulsory subject upto tenth standard in all schools of CBSE and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan.



This recommendation is accepted in principle. Union Government should form a policy in consultation with State Governments, the President said in his order.
The Punjab Police have arrested two alleged terrorists belonging to a terror module set up by a Europe-based radical militant group to target leaders and members of socio-religious organizations in the state.



The accused Palwinder Singh alias and Sandeep Kumar were apprehended by the counter intelligence unit of Punjab police today.



Investigations so far have revealed that the duo had been tasked with creating political instability by fanning communal passions in Punjab. A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from their possession.

The module was controlled by one Shaminder Singh alias Sherry, currently operating from Germany and believed to be in touch with other militant leaders based in Belgium, including Jagdish Singh Bhoora, originally from Ludhiana in Punjab.

These militants, based in different countries of Europe, are also wanted in various criminal cases in several police stations of Punjab on charges of promoting terrorist activities in the state.



The police have also arrested the mother of one of the accused who was found in possession of two of the seized weapons.

Investigations revealed that Sandeep Kumar had earlier served a sentence in Gurdaspur Jail during 2008-2009 when he had come in contact with other criminals and gangsters.

The government said further investigations are in progress to unravel the entire conspiracy and network of operatives based in India and abroad.
The Modi government on Tuesday projected liquor baron Vijay Mallya's arrest in London on India's request for extradition as a major boost to its fight against corruption.



Mallya's arrest is also expected to take some sheen off the Opposition attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being pro-corporate by waiving off Rs 1.14 lakh crore loans taken from public sector banks.



It (Mallya's arrest) is a big success of the Indian government and the finance ministry, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh told reporters here.



BJP spokesman G V L Narasimha Rao said the Mallya's arrest was a demonstration of the Prime Minister's committement to bring the corrupt to book.



Law Minister Ravishankar Prasad said India had put up a strong case against Mallya.



Modi, during his talks with his British counterpart Theresa May in November last year, had flagged the issue of Mallya's extradition. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley followed it up during this discussions with British leaders during a recent visit to London.



The Congress accused the Modi government of hood-winking the country over Mallya's arrest. It claimed that Mallya's arrest was a result of the relentless campaign carried out by Rahul Gandhi against Modi's pro-corporate policies.



Will it take another dozen years, 15 years, 30 years or our entire lifetime before Mallya is brought back and Rs 9,091 crore of people's money is recovered, Randeep Surjewala, in-charge of the AICC Communication Department said pointing out that Mallya was released on bail within hours of his arrest.



We will consider it as a success only when all the money (Mallya owes to banks) is recovered, Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha said.



Surjewala demanded that the government spell out a timeline for the recovery of Rs 9091 crore that Mallya owed to banks in India.



He noted that arrest was the first of nine steps of extradition with three possible appeals.



When will we have his custody? Why did the BJP government not move for Mallya's deportation instead of extradition? Deportation would have led to immediate custody to India, Surjewala said.



The Congress sought answer from the BJP over its support to Mallya in getting elected as Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka in June 2010.
In a dramatic development, the AIADMK (Amma) faction on Tuesday decided to de-link the party and the government from deputy general secretary T T V Dhinakaran and his family.



The decision, taken at a meeting chaired by CM K Palaniswami, came a few hours after leader of the AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) faction and former CM O Panneerselvam ruled out a merger if jailed AIADMK (Amma) general secretary V K Sasikala, her nephew Dhinakaran and her family are not kept out of the party.



We have decided to keep Dhinakaran away from the party after taking views of senior leaders and functionaries, said Finance Minister D Jayakumar. It was still not clear whether Sasikala will be removed from the party or not.



The minister also pointed out that the late chief minister Jayalalithaa and party founder M G Ramachandran were always against family rule. We have based our decision on that, said Jayakumar.



Stating that the ministers have decided to save the party and its two leaves symbol, Jayakumar said a committee would be formed for holding talks with Panneerselvam for the merger.



To make the patch-up easier, the minister said, We are ready for talks with Panneerselvam. We are waiting for it.



When asked about Panneerselvams another demand, a judicial enquiry into Jayalalithaas death, Jayakumar said, Everything will be discussed.



But some MLAs are still backing Dhinakaran. Sattur MLA S G Subramanian told reporters that Dhinakaran is their leader and the party deputy general secretary. The legislators were bound only by his directions, he added.



A few MLAs, including P Vetrivel, said that Jayakumar does not have the authority to make such an announcement. How can Jayakumar make the announcement without consulting Dhinakaran. There is no clarity. We have to wait and see, said Vetrivel.



Dhinakaran, who returned to Chennai early on Tuesday from Bengaluru, is yet to express his views on the developments. With this, there are three factions in Tamil Nadu headed by Palaniswami, Panneerselvam and Dhinakaran (Sasikala).



In the Tamil Nadu Assembly, the Sasikala faction earlier enjoyed the support of 122 MLAs and Panneerselvam 12. The present tally is not clear.
BJP State president and former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa has said that Congress party does not have any moral right to speak about B R Ambedkar.



Yeddyurappa spoke to reporters at Bhagawan Buddha Educational Institution on his way to Kunduru in the taluk on Tuesday.



When asked to react to Congress allegations that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was misusing Ambedkars name for electoral benefits, Yeddyurappa said that the Congress had no moral right to speak about Ambedkar as the party did not permit Ambedkars last rites in Delhi. The rites were later performed in Mumbai, Yeddyurappa said.



The state has witnessed its worst drought ever and farmers are ending their lives. Livestock are dying due to scarcity of drinking water. Farmers are demanding waiver of farm loans but the government has not considered it so far. I will tour the state tour from next week to stress upon loan waiver, Yeddyurappa said.



Check migration

Inaugurating a programme held in memory of Tenkalli Kunduru Betta Rasasiddeshwara mutt seer in Malavalli taluk, Yeddyurappa said that leaders cutting across party barriers, should join hands for the betterment of farmers and check migration of younger generations to cities in search of jobs.



Irrigation projects should be implemented in such a way that it benefits farmers. Scientific price should be fixed for the produce to protect farmers. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be invited to participate in the 110th birthday celebrations of Siddaganga mutt seer Shivakumara Swami.



Suttur mutt seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami, Siddaganga mutt seer Siddalinga Swami and seers of various mutts participated in the programme.


Former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said that the Yettinahole project should not be used for political gains.



Kumaraswamy, along with JD(S) legislators, visited the project site and gathered information from the officials and contractor. He inspected the check dam works at Kadumane, Aluvalli, Kadagaravalli and Kesaganahalli.



Kumaraswamy told reporters that he was on a visit to verify whether Rs 12,900-crore project would supply water to Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru Rural and Tumakuru districts by December-end as was claimed by Legislature Assurance Committee Chairman Rajanna, who visited the project site recently.



It is not possible to supply water on even an experimental basis by December-end, as the works are progressing at a snails pace. While the residents have pinned high hopes on the project, the state government is neglecting it, Kumaraswamy said.



The government lacks clarity on the project. About 60% of the pipeline work is yet to be completed and the compensation for the land acquired is yet to be disbursed. The works should be expedited and the compensation should be disbursed immediately, he said.



In reply to a query, he said it was not the time to discuss the pros and cons of the project as the government has already spent Rs 1,800 crore on it.



Replying to a query, he said that JD(S) would be strengthened if Congress leader A H Vishwanath joins the party. He is an experienced politician and he has to take a decision in this regard.



The party will field candidates from all the constituencies in the upcoming Assembly elections. Those who had been claiming that the JD(S) is limited only to four districts, will get a befitting reply after the elections, he said.



To a question on whether former prime minister H D Deve Gowda has asked the Congress not to issue tickets to suspended JD(S) MLAs, Kumaraswamy said, We are not so strong to dictate terms to them. But, if people believe so, it means the regional party is getting stronger.



MLAs H D Revanna, H K Kumaraswamy, Shivalingegowda, H S Prakash, Suresh, Manjunath and Krishnareddy and MLC Kantharaj were present.


The district police have embarked upon the innovative attempt for empowering the lower rung staff in the system and simultaneously bridge the public-police divide.



The new beat system titled One Police One Village has been introduced in the district from April 1. The new system entrusts task-bearing responsibility to the lower rank staff in the police system. Superintendent of Police K T Balakrishna told DH that the constables are made in-charge of each village in their jurisdiction. It works as if all the constables have responsibilities much similar to those of higher officials. He added that there would be 709 beats in the district. The head constables/police constables are supervised by assistant sub-inspectors, who in turn are monitored by police sub-inspectors.



The previous beat system did not thrust any obligations on any of the personnel working in the station. However, the new system would entrust such responsibility on the staff. Under the old system, any policeman including the one deputed for computer operation would go for patrolling during night. The new system ensures that the head constable/constable concerned is part of the system and they are recognised as crucial part of the force. Every ward in city limit is considered a village. The police personnel concerned can work on one or two beats every week. They also discharge duties such as warrant updating, gun licence updating, revision of rowdy sheeter list, verifying antecedents of criminals among others. Earlier all these duties were carried out by the crime constable and some by the PSI-level officers. Besides, the constable concerned would be familiar to the local population.



Additional Superintendent of Police Vishnuvardhan said that the constable in-charge of the beat should form a 50-member committee in the respective village. The members should be keen to work for effective policing. Regular meetings should be held for facilitating exchange of ideas. The committee would act as a vital link between the system and society. The programme would be effective especially in the villages adjoining the shore as Coastal Security Police can also take part in the activities to track the illegal activities. The constable would have the FIR dairy and if at all any crime takes place he can offer information to the PSIs and other higher officials instantly. The information will percolate into the police hierarchy.



There are 365 villages and wards in the district, 528 HCs/ PCs, around 70 ASIs, 32 PSIs, 6 CPIs and 3 DySPs, besides an ASP and SP. The system ensures that each staff member is part of the patrolling.
Herbert E. Eggers, 86, died on Saturday, April 15 in Corvallis. A memorial service will be held in his honor at 10:30 a.m. April 22 at Zion Lutheran Church. Please leave your condolences for the family at www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.

Earl Lloyd Hendrickson, 90, of Sweet Home, died Tuesday. Celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Saturday May 20 at Sweet Home VFW. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.

Charlotte Poehlman, 76, of Albany died March 16 at her home. A celebration of her life will be at 1p.m. Saturday May 6 at the Albany Boys and Girls Club. Fisher Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Charles R. Chuck Vorderstrasse, 90, of Lebanon, died Sunday, April 16 at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House. Viewing will be from 5 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 at Huston-Jost Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 20 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, followed by a reception. A committal service will follow at 2:00 PM at the Lebanon I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Central Division police arrested three persons and recovered one kg marijuana from them while they were trying to sell it to customers near a college at Shanthinagar.



The arrested have been identified as Augustin (24), a resident of Austin Town, Harish (22) a resident of Halasuru, and Amaran (25), a resident of Viveknagar.



According to police, they received information about the sale of marijuana near St Joseph's College at Akkithimmanahalli on Monday evening. Posing as customers, the policemen in plainclothes approached them and nabbed them red-handed with packs of marijuana.



Around 1,100 gm of marijuana was recovered from them.



They were produced before a magistrate and were remanded in judicial custody. Ashoknagar police have registered a case and are further investigating.


The state government has decided to adapt the training module followed by the Bavarian police force in Germany.



We have decided to follow the technology and training module used by the Bavarian police in crime prevention and women safety, Home Minister G Parameshwara told reporters here on Tuesday after a meeting with the parliamentary delegation of Bavaria, a state in Southeastern Germany.



We discussed extending cooperation in cyber crime and safe city areas with the Bavarian government. Karnataka has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bavarian government in commerce, tourism, industry and information technology, he added.



Both the governments have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and extend cooperation in other areas, he said.



Home Ministers adviser Kempaiah and DG&IGP RK Dutta were also present.


The High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday refused to hear the petition filed by Syed Riyazathula (Riyaz), former public relations officer of the Karnataka Lokayukta.



Riyaz sought relaxation of his bail conditions to allow him to fly to Medina in Saudi Arabia to perform obsequies for his late mother. Justice Rathnakala, refusing to hear the matter, said the petitioner can approach the court during the vacation.



At the time of granting conditional bail, the court had asked Riyaz to surrender his passport. Riyaz was one of the accused in the extortion scam in the Lokayukta office.



The judge ordered notice to the Special Public Prosecutor and directed him to file objections in two weeks.



Filing its statement of objections, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) said that relaxing the bail conditions may hamper the speedy progress of enquiry and trail.



The SIT said the petitioners mother died in 2014 and no yearly obsequies were performed in the subsequent years. Though he was free to travel in 2015, Riyaz has not produced any material to show that he visited Medina to perform such yearly obsequies. The ground of yearly obsequies is invented only for the purpose of this petition the SIT said, contending that other members of his family are capable and available to conduct the yearly obsequies.


Defying resistance against dubbing culture in Kannada film industry, a Mumbai-based production house has dubbed an English movie which is likely to be released this week-end.



The film, titled in Kannada as Vega Mattu Udwega-8 (VU-8) is the Kannada version of Fast and Furious released on April 14. VU-8 is the first ever Kannada movie dubbed from a Hollywood film.



Asmith Samanth of Shakti Films has bagged dubbing rights of the English movie. The film has been dubbed in Hindi, English, Telugu and Kannada. Shakti Films had planned to release UV-8 on April 14.



However, the release was postponed due to lack of theatres and also in the wake of recent protests against the release of Sathyadev IPS, the Kannada version of Tamil film Yennai Arindhaal.



News a secret

The crew kept the news of dubbing of Fast and Fury-8 into Kannada secret as situation is not still ripe for dubbed movies in Karnataka. In all probability, VU-8 should be released this weekend, an artiste involved in UV-8 in Mumbai told Deccan Herald.



The dubbing began in March. Shakti Films roped in Arusha Shetty and Jayasheel Suvarna, both translators and voice-over artistes in Mumbai. Arusha, a writer-cum-theatre personality and Suvarna, the founder member of Association of Voice-Over Artistes in Mumbai hail from Mangaluru. They have lent their voices for many advertisements, documentaries and short films in Kannada. It took about two weeks for us to translate the script in Kannada. The biggest challenge was finding correct words to adjust lip movements of actors Arusha said.



Dubbing artistes

Besides Arusha and Suvarna, Shivaraj Suvarna, Mohan Marnad, Shiva Suratkal, Avinash Kamath, Surendra Marnad, Roopa Bhat, Abhinanda Tejaswi, Chandana Bala, Radhika Rao, Latesh Pujar and Ramesh Shivapur have lent their voices. These artistes hail from Karnataka and have settled in Mumbai.



VU-8 will herald a new dawn for dubbed movies in Kannada film industry as we roped in the best talent for the dubbing. Why should a section in film industry resist the release of dubbed movies when they don't oppose the release of Tamil and Telugu movies? Suvarna said.



They dont oppose the export of actors, musicians and technicians from other states and even Pakistan. They should understand that dubbing surely opens up new job opportunities. They should come out of fixed ideas and think about bigger spectrums, he said.
A team of officials from India will soon leave for the United Kingdom (UK) to tie any loose ends to ensure a speedy extradition.



Mallyas arrest has set in motion the extradition process but India will have to wait till the judicial proceedings in the UK culminate.



Mallya got bail within three hours of his arrest, but officials here said that there is nothing abnormal about it.



An arrest prior to extradition hearing is as normal as the bail, a senior officer said, adding that the CBI will now have to convince the court hearing the extradition case about the charges it slapped on Mallya.



With Mallya owning assets in the UK, the officer said, a bail is not a problem because it will ensure his appearance at the hearings.



The extradition process begins with the judge deciding on whether to issue a warrant of arrest.



If a warrant is issued, the person is arrested and brought before the court for preliminary hearing. This is followed by an extradition hearing, then a final decision is taken by the secretary of state.



The person facing extradition has the right to file an appeal before the higher judiciary, including the Supreme Court (UK).



Last year, the government had admitted that getting people extradited from the UK is an onerous task with continuation of death penalty in India and European Commissions provisions on human rights acting as hurdles in acceding to these requests.



UK Minister of State for Immigration, James Brokenshire, had told Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, in February 2016 that New Delhi will also have to convince the British courts on the pending cases.


In the hope that the new government will waive farm loans, farmers in Punjab have stopped the repayment of their loans, putting their banks in a spot.



Estimates suggest that over Rs 7,500 crore has been handed in loans to lakhs of farmers by banks in Punjab before the ongoing cropping season. The farmers have now stopped paying loan instalments hoping for a bonanza.



Punjab is closely following the footsteps of Uttar Pradesh, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a waiver of loans to farmers soon after taking charge. Yogi took the lead by making the announcement first, even though it was the Punjab Congress that had announced a waiver on the loans given to farmers months ago in its poll manifesto.



But, unlike UP, the Punjab government is not rushing through the decision. However, this has left banks with a phenomenally high number of non-performing assets (NPA), the highest in the category in several years.



Until January this year, when farmers were paying their debt, the NPA was less than 7%, said sources, adding that the NPA is now touching nearly 95%, with the recovery of loans at an all-time low. As many as 23 government banks had lent more than half the total loan amount to farmers, which now appears unrecoverable  at least for now.



On Saturday, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh constituted a three-member expert committee to draw an action plan for farm debt waiver. The committee has been asked to submit a report in 60 days.



The arithmetic of farm debt waiver in Punjab is far more complex than in UP. Thats partly because of the dissimilarity in landholdings by farmers in UP and Punjab. Over 80% of the farmers have less than two acres of landholdings. This is not the case in Punjab, where only a little over 30% of the farmers have less than two acres of land.
Thousands of underprivileged students may lose an opportunity to study in reputed schools under RTE for the 2017-18 academic year with the case related to the schools minority status stuck in various courts.



Many ICSE and CBSE schools are seeking the linguistic minority tag to get exemption from the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE) and have approached the high court and Supreme Court.



At least 50 schools imparting central board syllabus have approached the courts claiming to be linguistic minority schools. But with no competent authority to certify their status, students seeking admissions for the academic year 2017-2018 are likely to be affected.



According to B N Yogananda, general secretary, RTE Students and Parents Association, none of the schools which have approached the court is eligible for the linguistic minority tag. The rule says there must be at least 25% of students having the same mother tongue as that of the school management to apply for the certification.



He said there is a procedure to apply before the Directorate of Urdu and Other Minority Languages Education which refers the matter to the block education officer, who does a head count of the students to endorse the school for the certification to the Union government.



Johra Jabeen M, Director, Urdu and Other Minority Languages Education, said they are receiving many applications from schools for the tag, but they have stopped referring the matter to the BEO. Ever since the Supreme Court ruled that the central government has to notify the linguistic minorities in each state, we have stopped referring the matter to the BEO. We are only issuing endorsement to applicants about the apex court's directions, she said.



In a recent judgement, a single judge of the Karnataka High Court directed the schools claiming to be linguistic minority to admit students under the RTE quota till they are certified. The schools appealed to a division bench questioning who is the 'competent authority' to certify the status. A division bench stayed the single judge order. Jabeen said the government was working on filing its objections to the appeal and getting the stay vacated as soon as possible.


Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who was arrested in connection with an attempted bribery of Election Commission officials, had promised T T V Dhinakaran to use his influence to settle the party symbol issue in favour of the AIADMK (Amma) faction, police have claimed.



Dhinakaran, an AIADMK (Amma) leader, and Sukesh entered into a Rs 50-crore deal. A huge amount was transferred through hawala channel, with the money ultimately reaching a hawala operator in Chandni Chowk from Kochi.



Sources said around Rs 10 crore had been transferred to Delhi through hawala channels.



During the arrest, Sukesh was in possession of Rs 1.30 crore, all in denomination of new Rs 2,000 notes, investigators said. His arrest in the wee hours of Sunday came a day before the EC was likely to hear the Tamil Nadu matter, they said.



Learning that Sukesh was staying at a hotel in the national capital and was in possession of huge cash, the police raided his room and recovered the money.



According to the police report, Sukesh was impersonating a Member of Parliament and had MP painted on the number plates of his Mercedes Benz to pull off the act.



Police also claimed they have recovered recordings of his purported telephonic conversations with Dhinakaran and a retired bureaucrat. However, they said only a forensic analysis would establish the claim.



Investigators are also verifying whether Dhinakaran first contacted Sukesh for help or whether the latter approached the leader with a promise to help the AIADMK (Amma) faction get the Two Leaves symbol.


BJP national president Amit Shah will be visiting Karnataka in August to chalk out the partys election strategy for the 2018 Assembly polls.



According to party sources, Shah has indicated that he will spend three days in Karnataka and interact with state BJP leaders. The dates will be finalised in the coming weeks.



Shah will be visiting Karnataka as part of his 90-day nationwide tour. Senior BJP leader Jagadish Shettar on Tuesday said Shahs tour commences in April or May.



State BJP president B S Yeddyurappa had announced in Mysuru on Monday that Shahs tour in Karnataka would be for three days in August. Expectations are high from Shah as he is known for drawing poll strategies. Shah had recently told Karnataka BJP leaders that their mission should be to win all the 224 seats in the state.
LINN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

ID theft charges  Monday afternoon. Tabitha Rachelle Malcom, 28, of Albany, was charged with three counts of identity theft. The crimes allegedly occurred on or about Feb. 28 and there was one victim.

Coercion, assault charges  Monday afternoon. Cody Michael Kent, 27, of Lebanon, was charged with fourth-degree assault, strangulation and coercion. The crimes allegedly occurred on Sunday and there was one female victim.

Theft charge  Monday afternoon. John Pablo Scott II, 27, of Sweet Home, was charged with first-degree theft. He allegedly stole a laptop computer on March 27. Scott also was arraigned on a probation violation charge.
The Congress is learnt to have given the green signal to the JD(S) rebel MLAs to soon join the party.



Three of the seven rebel legislators, including Zameer Ahmed Khan and N Cheluvarayaswamy, on Tuesday met AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka Digvijaya Singh. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was also present on the occasion. Eight JD(S) rebel MLAs had crossvoted to favour the Congress in the Rajya Sabha election held last year. However, Mahalakshmi Layout MLA K Gopalaiah, returned to the party fold recently after tendering an apology.



A source in the Congress said the party high command has given the green signal to induct them into the party. But the party has not promised them tickets to contest the next Assembly elections. They are likely to join the party by the end of this year.
A local court here has dismissed a petition filed by an advocate accusing actor and former MP Ramya of sedition.



Ramya had said that Pakistan is not hell and there are good people in Pakistan.

Katnamane Vittal Gowda, a lawyer, had filed a private complaint in the local court last year. The court dismissed the complaint on March 27, it is learnt.



Lack of evidence



The court said that there was no sufficient evidence to prove the case which was registered under Section 124-A of IPC. It noted that Pakistan has not been considered as an enemy nation officially and Ramyas statements do not amount to an act of sedition.



Meanwhile, Vittal Gowda, said that he would challenge the order in the higher court.




Flamboyant businessman Vijay Mallya, pursued by the authorities over unpaid loans tied to his defunct Kingfisher Airlines, was arrested by the Scotland Yard in London on Tuesday.



He was freed on a bail bond worth 6,50,000 pounds on strict conditions and will next appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on May 17.



Mallya must follow extradition rules, which include a requirement that he remain at the address provided to the court. The government had revoked Mallyas Indian passport last year. He must surrender that revoked travel document and is also forbidden from possessing any international travel documents, according to well-placed sources in the UK.



Mallya has also been directed by the court that he remain in contact with UK authorities, with his mobile phone accessible at all times.



Officers from the Metropolitan Polices Extradition Unit this (Tuesday) morning arrested a man on an extradition warrant. Vijay Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud, the Scotland Yard said.



A source close to Mallya said he attended a police station voluntarily and the arrest was a technical procedure. Mallya, in a message on Twitter, called the news of his arrest usual Indian media hype.



Senior Indian officials described his arrest as the first salvo in the case. The arrest comes weeks after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had indicated that Mallyas extradition would feature in his talks during his visit to the UK.



On February 8, India asked Britain to extradite Mallya to face trial after the liquor and aviation tycoon fled to UK last March after banks sued to recover about Rs 9,000 crore that Kingfisher owes.



But Mallya has repeatedly dismissed all charges, saying, Not one rupee was misused.



Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar said, We are now assessing the facts on how we can bring him back into the country and start judicial proceedings against him.



India and Britain have a mixed record on extradition, say legal experts. Some cases have collapsed when evidence fell short of the standard of dual criminality, or actions that amount to a crime in both countries.



Legitimate case

While handing over the request, India had asserted that it has a legitimate case against Mallya and maintained that if an extradition request is honoured, it would show British sensitivity towards our concerns.



The UK Home Office declined to comment on individual cases but said that Mallyas case will be handled under Part 2 of the UKs Extradition Act 2003.



In January, an Indian court ordered a consortium of lenders to start the process of recovering the loans, and a Central Bureau Investigation court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case.



Mallya also co-owns the Force India Formula One team. He has a base in London and a country home bought from the father of triple Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton.
A recent string of car break-ins in the Pacific Highlands Ranch neighborhood of Carmel Valley has left the community buzzing on the social network Nextdoor. In the last few months, neighbors have reported that their cars are being broken into while parked on residential streets and in their own driveways.

I think we are no longer strangers to the fact that our communities are being targeted, said resident Shanti Wu.

When she hears that an incident has happened in the neighborhood, like after a neighbors car was broken into a few weeks ago, Wu will check the footage from the Nest camera affixed outside her home.

In startling footage from the morning of April 3, a man is seen walking down the street around 1:49 a.m. He strolls right up to the car in Wus driveway and peers into the vehicle with a flashlight. He leaves because Wu said her family is adamant about not leaving a single thing in their car.

However, he is seen a short time later passing the home with what looks like a purse or bag in hand, likely stolen from a neighbor on the street.

Wu has a similar video of a man peering into her van on Feb. 17.

After posting the video on Nextdoor, residents of Carmel Valley and Pacific Highlands Ranch chimed in about similar thefts. Most involved unlocked car doors although in one March 29 incident on Blue Dawn Trail in Pacific Highlands Ranch, a window was smashed to steal an iPhone and Chromebook.

A Nest video from April 1 in the Ashley Falls neighborhood shows a man walking down the street around 2 a.m. finding an unlocked door on a car parked in the driveway, grabbing cash, a debit card and an old wallet with ID and other cards.

The suspect then checks to find the other car in the driveway locked and he walks away.

We live in a cul-de-sac so its disconcerting that someone is roaming the streets late at night looking to steal, the resident wrote on Nextdoor.

Officer Trevor Philips, community relations officer for the San Diego Police Departments Northwestern Division, was hesitant to call the cluster of crimes a spree or an uptick, as the crime rate is still relatively low compared to other neighborhoods in San Diego.

Through social media and sites like Nextdoor, people are better communicating with each other so more people are aware of these things happening, Philips said.

Philips said even though the numbers are low, car break-ins are a problem city-wide and are very frustrating cases from a law enforcement standpoint.

We really try to get officers out there into the neighborhoods as much as possible but if a purse is left in plain sight and the car doors havent been locked, that makes it very difficult for us, Philips said. In a criminals mindset, to physically break into a car is the next level but simply opening an unlocked car door is easy.

As the Nest videos can attest, most of these crimes are crimes of opportunity and Philips reminded people how important it is to make yourself a hard target. The tips are simple but solid: Lock car doors and do not leave valuables in plain sight. He said he knows people have busy lifestyles and it can be a lot to ask to completely clean out your car before you turn in every night but, as much as possible, people should not leave valuables in the car, even hidden.

Many people do not report these kinds of crimes because they figure the criminal will never be caught and their items will not be returned but Philips said it is important to report break-ins.

Reporting helps us see crime trends and track it, he said. I keep track of all the hot spots and then I can direct patrols to that area.

As an example, there was a pretty substantial amount of unreported break-ins in the Village of Pacific Highlands Ranch, particularly in the Crunch gym parking lot. Once the police department received word of the break-ins from center ownership, they were able to address the issue with more patrols.

He said as typically thieves dont just break into one or two cars, crime reports can also help link a suspect to multiple crimes and hopefully get some jail time out of it.

Additionally, with more reported crimes, Philips said the Northwestern Division can also show the need for more officers in the area.

Contact the Northwestern Division at (858) 523-7000. Officer Philips can be reached at (858) 523-7031 or at ttphilips@pd.sandiego.gov
The LG G6 will offer an all new 5.7-inch Univisium display and a new dual camera setup

A sign-up page on LGs Indian website is now live asking interested customers to register for the LG G6( 24999 at amazon), also suggesting the launch of the device in India is imminent. The LG G6, which was announced back at MWC this year, is the latest flagship from the Korean giant and will be going against the likes of Apple iPhone 7 and the soon to launched Samsung Galaxy S8. LGs website does not actually let interested customer book the device, but it does ask for your name, email, mobile and city if you are interested.

The LG G6 strays away from the modular design of the G5 and brings an all new unibody metal design. This is also the first LG flagship to be IP68 certified, which means it is dust and water resistant, just like the Samsung Galaxy S7. However, the main feature remains the new 5.7-inch univisium display, which has an unorthodox 2:1 aspect ratio with a 2880 x 1440p resolution. LG claims that this new aspect ratio will help consumers view content from streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime in its native aspect ratio. In addition, the display supports standards like Dolby Vision and HDR 10.

On the hardware front, it is business as usual, but instead of the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC, LG has gone for the older Snapdragon 821 SoC. Whether this will affect the overall performance, is yet to be seen. Beyond that, the phone features 4GB of RAM and 32/64GB of on-board storage, which can be expanded using a microSD card. A 3300mAh battery powers the device and the phone gets Android Nougat out of the box.

The camera also stands updated on the rear. The LG G6 has a dual camera setup featuring two 13MP rear cameras with different specifications. One sensor has a f/1.8 aperture, 3-axis OIS and phase detection autofocus. The other sensor has a f/2.4 aperture and no autofocus, but a 125 degree field of view. At the front, the phone has a 5MP camera with f/2.2 aperture with 100 degree field of view.

While LG has not revealed any specific launch dates, rumours suggest that the phone could launch within this month or before the end of May. We can expect the device to be priced like previous LG flagships, sharing the same premium space as the Apple iPhone 7.
The latest Samsung flagship will be powered by an Exynos 8895 SoC in India and will feature an all new curved design.

While LG is looking to launch the G6 in India soon, Samsung is all set to launch the Galaxy S8 and S8+ today. Flipkart already has a page up on the website teasing the two devices and reiterating the features they house. The two phones were previously announced last month during the Samsung unpacked event. Samsung has not yet revealed details about the price and availability of the two devices.

The main attribute of the Galaxy duo is the almost bezel-less design. Samsung is also using a newer resolution of 2960 x 1440p with a 2:1 aspect ratio on both the phones. The Galaxy S8 and S8+ now feature a 5.7-inch a and a 6.2-inch display respectively. Samsung calls it infinity display and to accommodate it, Samsung has also moved the fingerprint scanner to the back. To make the phones ergonomic Samsung has shaved off almost all the bezels, with slim bezels at top and bottom.

The distinctive physical home button has now been moved below the display and offers a haptic feedback when pressed. The Indian variant of the phone will be powered by an Exynos 8895 SoC along with 4GB of RAM. This combo is supposed to produce a similar performance as the phones US variant, which possess a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 platform. On the storage front, all varaints will be equipped with 64GB internal storage and will offer support for micoSD cards.

The phones are IP68 certified making them dust and water resistant, just like the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. The rear camera hasn't been changed either, but Samsung claims that the 12MP rear camera is now better assisted by improved software. The front facing camera on the other hand got a slight bump in specs and is now an 8MP unit.

With the Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung is also introducing its new AI assistant called Bixby, which will take centrestage instead of Googles Assistant and even comes with a dedicated physical button. Samsung is also using the iris scanner technology on the S8 Duo, which was previously introduced on the Galaxy Note 7.Buy Samsung Galaxy S8( 38000 at amazon) from flipkart at Rs 57900.
Google has reportedly agreed to develop a tool that will allow Android users to choose a default search engine on their mobile devices

Google has agreed to open up its Android mobile operating system to rival search engines in Russia. As part of a deal to settle its two-year dispute with Russian competition authorities, Google will no longer require exclusivity of its apps on Android-based devices in Russia.

Google was accused by Russia's Yandex of abusing its dominant position by imposing restrictions on Android device makers. "Russia's competition watchdog, FAS, ruled in 2015 that Google was breaking the law by requiring the pre-installation of applications, including its own search tool, on mobile devices using Android," reports Reuters.

Google has reportedly agreed to develop a tool that will allow Android users to choose a default search engine on their Android devices. "Users will be able to change settings at any time and choose the default search engine which suits their needs," FAS said.

Google has been criticised worldwide for abuse of its dominant position in Android-based devices to protect its online search market. Reuters reports that Google has reached a commercial agreement with Yandex that "provides new opportunities for Yandex to promote its search service within Chrome (internet browser)."

The new agreement between Google and Russia's FAS sets a new precedent and might be replicated in other markets as well. The deal is for a period of six years and nine months and Google has been ordered to pay $7.85 million in fines.
ASA Resource Group announced on Tuesday that, further to its announcement on 4 April, its board had now received and considered the initial report it commissioned into anonymous allegations made in relation to Freda Rebecca Gold Mine, Zimbabwe, in which the group has an 85% interest.

The board of the AIM-traded company said it was extremely disappointed to report that there is strong evidence of funds amounting to several million US dollars being transferred from the accounts of FRGM to entities in China, without full value being received by FRGM.

As a result of the findings of the report and the lack of any explanation, the board removed Yat Hoi Ning from the board and from his post as chief executive.

The board also removed the group's finance director, Yim Kwan, from the board and terminated, without notice, his contract of employment.

It said it had made a number of appointments, including Toi Muganyi as interim chief executive, Batirai Manhando as an interim executive director and Carla Mackay as interim finance director.

Both Muganyi and Manhando had long experience at FRGM and Bindura Nickel Corporation, the board said, and Mackay had more than eight years of experience in dealing with the group's accounts and administration.

The directors are satisfied that a number of anonymous allegations and press reports into matters at FRGM are unfounded and, particularly, that there has been no thefts of gold from the gold room at FRGM, nor had there been shipments of gold ore to China, the board said in its statement.

Ernst & Young, auditors to the group, who are already progressing their audit for the group's financial year ended 31 March, will undertake further investigation. It is intended that a full procurement audit will be undertaken as necessary.

The Directors said they had, and continued to, inform the authorities in all jurisdictions where the group carries on business of the relevant developments.

It is anticipated that senior Zimbabwean directors of ASA, FRGM and BNC will the meet the relevant government ministries and authorities in Harare this week.

The financial controller of FRGM was suspended from his duties on 10th April 2017 in light of perceived breaches of FRGM procedures.

FRGM is following its own internal disciplinary procedures.

The company said it identified that funds were still to be accounted for by group subsidiaries managed from Hong Kong, which was a matter Ernst & Young would be attending to.

It added that the cash analysis revealed that there was a pressing need for cash at ASA, FRGM and BNC levels and that the matters now under investigation had prejudiced their normal cash flows.

Steps are being taken to bring all cash management under the direct control of Carla Mackay and Jan Lampen - deputy finance director who already has been given a dual role of heading financial controls at BNC and FRGM.

In consequence of the developments, a number of appointments made by Mr Yat Hoi Ning of Chinese managers and department heads are being rapidly reviewed and are likely to change.

The directors said they knew that the news would come as a shock to many who placed their trust in Yat Hoi Ning and Yim Kwan, and they shared the consequent disappointment with a feeling that they had been misled.

At an initial meeting with the Workers Council at FRGM last week feedback was said to be constructive and the directors hoped that the workers would see that by those actions that the board mean[s] business.

This is a very sad day for all who have been connected with ASA, Kwan and Ning, said ASA chairman David Murangari.

We feel very sorry that we have been misled and are only thankful that the anonymous allegations led to an inquiry as a consequence of which we have identified a lot of what has gone wrong.

The executives in whom the directors reposed their trust were misled and so it was necessary for the independent directors to take decisive and rapid action.
Africa and Europe-focussed upstream gas company Sound Energy announces the mobilisation of a rig to its Sidi Moktar asset, onshore Morocco on Tuesday.

The AIM-traded firm said the Sidi Moktar licences covered 2,700 square kilometres in the Essaouira basin, central Morocco and contained an existing gas discovery in the Lower Liassic - Kechoula - and significant deeper potential.

Sidi Moktar was reportedly close to existing infrastructure, including the large scale Moroccan state-owned OCP Phosphate plant.

Two wells had already been drilled at Kechoula by previous operators and had been estimated to have an unrisked mid-case original gas in place of 293 billions of standard cubic feet gross.

As previously announced by the company, the Sidi Moktar licences were also estimated - similar to the company's Eastern Morocco positions - to have significant pre-Jurassic exploration potential from the TAGI and Paleozoic in excess of 1 trillion cubic feet cf unrisked gross gas originally in place.

Sound Energy noted the quantitative assessment prepared by a previous operator in 1998 which referred to exploration potential of the Sidi Moktar licences of up to 9 tcf unrisked GOIP gross in the TAGI and Paleozoic.

It said it would require the reprocessing of existing 2D seismic, acquisition of new 2D seismic and drilling results before forming its own volume estimates for the exploration potential of the Sidi Moktar licences.

As part of the work, Sound confirmed that the SAIPEM rig used to drill the company's most recent Tendrara well - TE-8 - had now been mobilised to Sidi Moktar.

The rig would, upon arrival in May, execute the re-entering and testing of the two existing wells on the Kechoula discovery which, subject to initial well results, may include a sidetrack and an extended well test thereafter.

Given the company's reportedly strong financial position, the board said it decided not to proceed with the previously-announced proposed farm out of Sidi Moktar, and to instead retain its 75% operated position in the licences.

Once the workovers, and any sidetrack and extended well tests were complete, the company intended to renew the Sidi Moktar licences - which currently expire on 28 August - thereby starting a new eight year period.

The first activity following the renewal of the Sidi Moktar licences would be 2D seismic reprocessing and the acquisition of new 2D seismic, scheduled for 2018, after which the deeper pre-salt horizons could be drilled.

We are hugely excited about Sidi Moktar with the opportunity to demonstrate a commercial gas discovery, with potential near term production and significant deeper exploration potential in the pre-salt, said Sound Energy chief executive James Parsons.

Our financial strength enables us to avoid asset dilution therefore retaining a greater exposure to the very material deeper upside.

Once the rig has finished at Sidi Moktar we expect it to return to Tendrara to continue our unlocking of the recently proven transformational Eastern Morocco TAGI and Paleozoic plays.
Cereal brand Weetabix is set to be sold by China's Bright Food Group to US consumer company Post Holdings , as the breakfast product failed to fuel enough interest in the Chinese market.

Weetabix has been made in the UK since 1932, but Brights 60% stake in the brand was put up for sale in January off the back of poor performance in China.

Post Holdings has paid 1.4bn to buy the controlling stake of the cereal company, which was one of a series of UK firms taken over by Chinese investors in 2012. It was family-owned until 2004, when it was acquired by investment group Lion Capital.

Weetabix chief executive Giles Turrell said the company was excited to begin working with Post.

"Post is a leader within its markets and shares our commitment to providing great tasting nutritious products for the whole family. I'm confident they will help us open doors for continued expansion," Turrell said in a statement.

George Salmon, Equity Analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said that the sale of Weetabix comes as no real surprise to most investors.

"It's also unsurprising to see one of the UKs biggest cereal brands remain in foreign ownership, due to the pounds weakness. UK-listed Associated British Foods was rumoured to have been interested in a deal, but any domestic buyers would have had to overcome the headwind of the pounds reduced buying power," Salmon said.
France's presidential election race tightened with just five days to go before voting begins, with radical leftist Jean-Luc Melenchon picking up support at the expense of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen.

Centrist Emmanuel Macron's lead increased, as opinion polls showed Melenchon, whose policies include a 90% tax for salaries above 400,000 and an exit from Nato and the World Trade Organisation, climbed to an average of 19.4% in the polls, up from 18% in the middle of last week and around 12% early last month.

Le Pen slipped down to 22.3% from 23.5%, while Macron stabilised at 23.3% and scandal-hit centrist reformer Francois Fillon regained some support to climb to 19.4% from 18.8%, according to an average of the last polls of eight pollsters' results over the Easter weekend.

However with 30% of French voters still undecided, accurate predictive polling for the four major candidates was nearly impossible, with the gap between the quartet within the margin of error.

The first round of voting begins on 23 April to decide the two candidates who will face each other in a second round run-off on 7 May.

An Opinionway poll for the second round showed Macron had stretched his lead, with a potential match-up with Le Pen giving him a 64/36 victory, up from 62/38 last week; while if Fillon meets Le Pen the centrist was seen winning 60/40, up from 58/42 previously.

"For the second round, polls seem more clear cut. If he makes it into the run-off, Macron would likely win handsomely against any of his three potential opponents whereas Le Pen would probably lose against any of the other candidates," said economists at Berenberg, who compiled the averages.

If Melenchon and Fillon are level in the first-round polls, they said Melenchon was likely to prevail and ascribed a 10% risk that Melenchon and a 10% risk that Le Pen may win the French presidential elections.

Le Pen and Melenchon are both unhappy with the current terms of being in the European Union, with Le Pen calling for a 'Frexit' referendum and Melenchon pushing for re-negotiation of the current terms, or an exit if this cannot be achieved.

Said Berenberg's Holger Schmieding: "In both cases, France and Europe would be in for a period of trouble. However, both radical candidates would likely fail to gain the parliamentary support needed to take France out of the EU or the euro."

Although market-friendly candidate Macron remains well ahead of his three main rivals, Deutsche Bank strategist Jim Reid said investors were concerned that the independent will fail to make the second round run-off, with the worst case market scenario a Le Pen-Melenchon battle.

He predicted "a lot of noise" and elevated volatility this week, with the VSTOXX index closing last Thursday at 23.39, the highest level this year and also the highest level since early November.
Criticism of Turkey's referendum result grew louder on Tuesday, with the European observers claiming close to three million votes could have been manipulated.

Nevertheless, US President Donald Trump telephoned to congratulate counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan after his 51.4% victory on Sunday.

The win gives Erdogan the power to make significant constitutional changes, granting him sweeping powers in Turkey's transformation from a parliamentary democracy to a presidential republic.

While the result confirmed a much lower margin than had been expected, an observer from the Council of Europe said on Tuesday that up to 2.5m votes could have been manipulated, far eclipsing Erdogan's victory margin of 1.3m votes.

Furthermore, the pro-Kurdish opposition Peoples' Democratic Party complained that 3m votes had been unstamped.

Trump and Erdogan spoke via phone on Monday in a pre-arranged call, in which the US President offered congratulatory words, as well as discussing topics such as the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Other world leaders have struck a different tone to Trump after the vote in Turkey, in response to preliminary findings from international bodies which described the referendum as taking place "on an unlevel playing field."

Trump and Erdogan spoke via phone on Monday in a pre-arranged call

German chancellor Angela Merkel urged Erdogan to open dialogue with some of his major opponents within the country in order to move the country forward.

"The German federal government expects the Turkish government to seek respectful dialogue with all political and societal powers in the nation after a tough referendum campaign," the statement from Merkel and German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel read.

Turkey was plunged into political upheaval last summer when a coup attempt in July failed and 265 people were killed as a result.

Erdogan launched a major crackdown on his opponents in the aftermath of the coup, with thousands of judges and high-ranking security officials dismissed and dozens of politicians and journalists arrested.

The Turkish Lira pushed 2.5% higher on Monday before being reined in towards the end of the day, with London Capital Group analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya asserting that the USDTRY rate would break a critical resistance if it heads over 3.80.

"A break above 3.80 should suggest renewed anxiety against the lira and could encourage a fresh attempt toward the 4.00 level," Ozkardeskaya said.
Markets in Asia finished mixed on Tuesday with traders mostly shrugging off geopolitical tension in the region, after another failed missile test from Pyongyang as US Vice President Mike Pence toured the region.

Japans Nikkei 225 was up 0.35% at 18,418.59, with the yen weakening against the greenback for much of the session.

It was last slightly stronger after markets went to bed, however, advancing 0.14% to JPY 108.76 per $1.

Banks and financial stocks made serious gains, led by Mizuho Financial which was 1.1% higher.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite was down 0.79% at 3,196.60, while the smaller, technology-focussed Shenzhen Composite was off 0.62% at 1,946.42.

Fresh data suggested a 0.6% rise in house prices month-on-month in China in March, even after the government had introduced measures to try and cool the property market.

South Koreas Kospi was 0.13% higher at 2,148.46, while Hong Kongs Hang Seng Index ended down 1.39% at 23,924.54.

Technology plays were among the best performers in Seoul, with microchip manufacturer SK Hynix a standout, adding 2.03%.

The defence sector was another winner as tensions on the peninsula tightened, with Korea Aerospace up 1.1% by end of play.

Former president Park Geun-hye was formally charged with bribery on Monday as well, after her cash-for-influence corruption scandal saw her booted from office, though that seemed to have little effect on markets by Tuesday.

The US Vice President met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the second stop of his tour of Asia, reiterating his rhetoric that America was set to work with allies on dealing with the North Korea problem.

He had visited the South Korean side of the demilitarised zone that divides the Korean Peninsula on Monday.

In a press conference metres away from North Korean soldiers, he said all options are on the table when it came to dealing with North Koreas belligerence.

One suspects the concerns in North Korea has further to play out, noted IG chief market strategist Chris Weston.

With this in mind, there will be a strong focus on next week's meeting between the Russians, the US and the United Nations to discuss Syria and North Korea, although a week seems a long time in markets.

Oil prices were lower on Tuesday after reports that shale production was set to rise in the US.

Brent crude was last down 0.89% at $54.87 per barrel,

In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.9% at 5,836.74, with miners the big losers of the day.

Fortescue Metals slid 7.45% during the session.

In New Zealand, the S&P/NZX 50 rose 0.05% to 7,233.6, with healthcare software developer Orion Health surging 5.2%.

The rise came after the company confirmed it had signed a contract with Dorset County Council in the UK for its Amadeus medicine platform, worth NZD 9.3m.

It was a mixed day for the down under dollars, with the Kiwi last 0.12% stronger at NZD 1.4248 against the greenback and the Ausse retreating 0.67% to AUD 1.3272 per $1.
Polls showing French Far-Left presidential candidate Jean Luc Melenchon was continuing to win new backers with just under a week before the first round of voting saw investors duck for cover, with news of snap general elections in the UK adding a large dose of volatility.

The benchmark Stoxx Europe 600 index fell 1.11% to 376.35, while Germanys DAX retreated 0.90% to 12,000.44 and Frances CAC was 1.59% weaker at 4,990.25.

Meanwhile, Brent crude fell 0.80% to $54.92 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate was down 0.47% lower at $52.40.

The Stoxx 600's gauge of Basic Resource firms paced Tuesday's decline, falling 3.11%, alongside a 1.99% drop for Oil&Gas as Construction stocks gave back 1.45%.

Christine Lagarde, the head of the International Monetary Fund warned of "rising uncertainty" from the French presidential election race as it entered the final stages for the first round of voting on Sunday.

Lagarde said that the election was creating a "huge question mark" over the Eurozone, with one of the largest partners of the currency bloc wondering if its destiny and fate is in or out of the group.

Long-time frontrunners centrist independent Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen are expected to reach the final run-off on 7 May, Melenchon could disrupt proceedings after making a late charge.

Both Melenchon and Le Pen are eurosceptic and hostile to European institutions.

Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg, said: "Although Melenchon remains behind the two top contenders Macron and Le Pen, he still has a little momentum on his side. With around 30% of French voters still undecided, any of the four major candidates could make it into the run-off round on 7 May. In most polls, the gap between these four candidates is now within the margin of error."

Elsewhere, Prime Minister Theresa May called a snap general election for the 8 June, pending the repeal of the Fixed Term Parliament Act in Parliament.

Investors were also mulling other geopolitical risks, with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan winning Sundays referendum on granting him more presidential powers and rising tensions between the US and North Korea.

In corporate news, stock in Ashmore Group was down 2.23% despite saying it returned to net inflows into its funds in the three months to the end of March as investors regained confidence in emerging markets.

Miners were pulled lower after iron ore prices fell to their lowest level in five months. ArcelorMittal fell 6.18%, Glencore was 5.58% lower, Tenaris was down 3.40%, and Antofagasta declined 3.41%.
Amec Foster Wheeler has been awarded a new contract by China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Power Engineering Co (GPEC), for the design and supply of two circulating fluidized-bed (CFB) steam generator boilers, and technical advisory services.

Located in Attarat Um Ghudran, around 100km southeast of Amman, the two 235 MWe CFB boilers are designed to burn 100% of Jordanian oil shale.

Amec said this was a significant project for the company with GPEC, which was selected in 2014 to perform the EPC of the $2.1bn 554-megawatt oil shale fired power plant, Jordans first.

This project will help Jordan utilise its substantial oil shale reserves, estimated to be around 30 billion tonnes, reducing its reliance on imported oil and gas. It is expected to meet 10-15% of Jordans annual power demand.

Tomas Harju-Jeanty, president of Amec Foster Wheeler Energia Group, said: As leading energy markets around the world aim to introduce energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions with challenging fuels, this project is further testament to Amec Foster Wheeler's leadership and track record in CFBs, which is central to this effort.

We will use our CFB technology that is successfully operating in four European plants to burn oil shale.

At 0912 BST, the shares were down 0.9% to 574p.
Cape s Kingdom of Saudi Arabia subsidiary, Cape R B Hilton, has been awarded a contract by Nasser S Al Hajri to provide 120,000 km2 of suspended scaffold on the Sulphur Recovery Unit project at Saudi Aramcos Fadhili Gas Plant.

The Saudi Aramco Fadhili Gas Program is expected to have a total processing capacity of 2.5 billion standard cubic feet per day and comprises onshore Khursaniyah upstream facilities, the Fadhili downstream pipelines, a residential camp and industrial support facilities.

It will be built approximately 30 kilometres southwest of the existing Khursaniyah Gas Plant.

Paul Cockerill, managing director KSA & Bahrain, said: This scaffold contract award is a significant strategic win for Cape R B Hilton, its an important stepping stone into the Fadhili Gas Plant Project with one of our major clients with whom we have had a long and successful relationship.

We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable service and will look to secure additional work packages at this prestigious project.

Cape provides critical industrial services to the energy and natural resources sectors.

At 0915 BST, the shares were down 0.4% to 236.75p.
Shares in South32 fell on Tuesday after the miner said that it will no longer pursue the acquisition of the Metropolitan Colliery and a 16.67% stake in the Port Kembla coal terminal in Australia from Peabody Energy Corporation.

It will no longer proceed as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission was concerned that acquisition may substantially lessen competition in the supply of metallurgical coal to Australian steelmakers.

The London-listed company stressed that metallurgical coal is a globally traded commodity and that South32 is not prepared to make significant concessions in favour of Australian steelmakers that would likely be required to mitigate the competition concerns which would be contrary to the global market in which metallurgical coal producers compete and would adversely affect the value proposition of the acquisition.

South32 chief executive Graham Kerr said: "Our approach to acquisitions is always opportunistic and seen through the lens of creating value for our shareholders.

"To proceed with the acquisition, in light of the anticipated concessions, would have compromised the merits of the transaction and this is not something we are prepared to do."

Shares in South32 were down 2.95% to 166.44p at 1224 BST.
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Corning talks up 3D cell cultures in Taiwan

As part of Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen's five-plus-two innovative industries initiative, Taiwan is looking to transform into a center of biotechnology and medical R&D in Asia and has budgeted NT$10.94 billion (about US$360 million) in 2017 for a biomedical promotion plan.

Recently, Corning Life Sciences VP Richard M Eglen visited Taiwan for the first time to meet with ITRI and discuss possible future partnerships between Corning and Taiwan organizations. Digitimes sat down with Eglen to discuss key trends in the life sciences market.

Q: In Taiwan, Corning is known for its glass products, can you provide some background for the Life Sciences Division at Corning?

A: Life sciences at Corning got stated about 100 years ago with the invention of Pyrex glass (Pyrex is a Corning brand name). Pyrex was a mainstay of the life sciences and chemistry industry for many years. For example, Pyrex containers were used when they were first scaling up insulin production, Pyrex glass was used when penicillin was first being scaled up and Corning was involved when Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine.

The thing about Pyrex is that it is very resistant to chemical damage so it is perfect in terms of surviving broad ranges of hot and cold temperatures, which is a necessary trait for certain types of experimentation. It is also perfect for holding chemicals since there is no interaction between the glass and the chemicals. So it quickly became a standard product for chemical research as well as biological experimentation.

Since then, Corning Life Sciences has moved more toward plastics but we remain focused on the same principles that have made us a success in the past.

Q: What is the focus now for the Life Sciences Division?

A: There are three major areas where we focus. The first is on standard laboratory products. Almost anywhere you go in a life science laboratory you will see Corning lab bottles or containers.

Another area is in the growth of cell cultures. When it comes to growing cells in the lab you need specialized products that can host the cells and that are really a fit when it comes to growing the cell cultures.

Q: What do you mean when you say specialized products?

A: Well, you have to offer a range of vessels that come in a variety of shapes and feature an assortment of coatings. Some of the coatings are naturally derived like agar but other vessels need to be chemically coated in order to make the plastic more friendly to the cells; in a way you need to influence the cell biology.

Q: What is the third area of focus?

A: The growth of cell cultures has naturally flowed into the area of bio production. For example, drug development needs to be able to move from basic research or cell discovery into mass production of vaccines or the mass production of biologically based drugs, just like any other industry. As a manufacturing company, Corning has strong understanding of this area and we are a key player in that ecosystem.

Q: When we see plastic bottles or containers, even in the medical field, the first thought of many people may be of inexpensive production from China rather than a value-added brand such as Corning. How can you compete in the market? Is it the quality of the products or the specific coatings that enables Corning to be a major player in this area?

A: Of course the first point is the high quality of everything we produce. If you are doing a life science research project the quality of material you are using has to be perfect, really. For many researchers, the Corning brand is a differentiator and we are instantly recognizable in the lab due to the orange caps on all our products.

We also have some proprietary designs on the vessels and some proprietary coating that we put on the plastic. But like any business, you cannot simply look at the products; you need to look at the entire operation. As I mentioned previously, Corning is a manufacturing company so we also understand the importance of a reliable and efficient logistical supply chain and the importance of customer service.

For example, we have application laboratories all around Asia where customers can receive support from Corning in areas varying from the design of their experiments -- and we do that for pharma and academic customers -- to the best way to supply products that can have requirements such as being very sensitive to temperature. So when you talk about quality, a lot of things can be done that stand behind the product.

Q: This is your first visit to Taiwan. Can you talk about some of the trends Corning Life Sciences is seeing in the Taiwan market and why they are of interest to you?

A: Like many regions in Asia, Taiwan is facing an aging population and low fertility rates, which has led to a growing interest in healthcare. To give you some numbers, the percentage of the population that is 65 or older accounted for about 11.5% of the population of Taiwan in 2013. That share will rise to 20% by 2020. So you have this aging population which means there is an increase in demand for related health care professions, such as for therapists, but there is also strong government interest in terms of looking at a biological approach to addressing this issue.

With regard to Taiwan's five-plus-two programs, areas such as healthcare, biotechnology and biological drug production are seeing increased investment. So my purpose here is to evaluate the situation in terms of the interest level in terms of products but to also see if we can develop partnerships with local organizations. For example, I will be meeting with ITRI to discuss technology associated with 3D cell cultures, which is an area that ITRI is interested in researching

Q: Can you speak briefly about trends in 3D cell cultures?

A: As you can imagine, cells grow in your body in three dimensions to form tissue but historically biologists have grown cells on a flat surface - think of the petri dish most people were first introduced to in high school. In a petri dish, cells grow on the agar in flat sheets. This may be a convenient way of growing cells but there is an increasing recognition that cells don't behave in the body like they do in a petri dish so there is strong interest in developing technologies that allow cells to grow in three dimensions, which is closer to the way cells grow in nature.

And this is not just for basic research but it can also be used to produce better models for disease. Think of a cancer tumor. Tumors are 3D spheres. So there is an interest in doing drug development on cells that are grown in 3D as well.

This has been a huge area of interest at Corning Life Sciences. We already know how to engineer plastics. We know how to coat plastics and manufacture them at scale. So now we have gone about producing new design systems to let people do 3D cell cultures and there has been strong interest in this worldwide.

Q: How is it done?

A: The sheet of cells is grown on a surface where they come together and form a ball of cells. Then, for example, maybe that ball of cells will behave like a tumor does and the related drug research that is done on that ball would be like how a drug would react with a tumor from a patient. It is a new way of doing drug discovery.

And the potential can go all the way to making complicated tissues, where you can even print the cells or print tissue structures just you can with 3D printers. So you are getting the authentic biology that you don't get on a flat dish.

Q: How new is this development?

A: The concept of using 3D cell structures has been in the background for many years but it has really accelerated in the past five years. The reason is that technology companies have become increasingly involved in making the technology simple and easy to use.

And this is where a manufacturing company like Corning comes into play in the ecosystem. Previously, this type of research may have been done in isolated research labs but each case was different and the technologies were very unique to that laboratory. So the results didn't scale and were hard to use by others due to complicated protocols, etc.

Q: How big is the market?

A: Globally, the market for cell cultures is about US$700 million and is growing at about 10% a year.

Q: What are some of the key challenges for the life sciences industry moving forward?

A: First of all, the biology is moving quickly. People used to make vaccines using chicken eggs, now you can grow them in a dish. So you have this dramatic acceleration of the biological methods. The next challenge is bringing scale to the technical solutions. A research team may be able to achieve something in a closed sterile system but they need to turn it into a manufacturing process because you want to scale production. For example, demand for a new rabies vaccine is very high and would come from all over the globe. So you would need to figure out how to satisfy that demand. And that brings us to the final challenge. Different regions of the world have different barriers when it comes to regulations and barriers for introducing new drugs. After all, we are talking about medicines and this means requiring medical approval.

Richard M Eglen, VP and general manager, Life Sciences, Corning

Photo: Company
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By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER

Associated Press

WASHINGTON  Now that's its Tax Day again, let's show some love for the good people who live in the nation's capital.

Washington D.C., that swampy den of iniquity that politicians love to scorn, sends the most tax dollars per person to the U.S. government.





. . .
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EVERETT (AP)  Airport officials in Snohomish County say they have reached a formal agreement with counterparts in Japan to help grow their aerospace businesses.

The Everett Herald reports that county representatives traveled to Japan and reached an agreement on Friday with officials from Chubu Centrair International Airport, which is roughly 320 kilometers southwest of Tokyo.





. . .
Salvator-John A. Liotta, Fabienne Louyot: Reinventer Paris, Faire Paris, Reinventer la Seine, Reinventer la Metropole: the innovative aim of all these new programmes lies in asking architects to abandon the idea of merely being the ones who draw lines. Instead, the goal is for architects to become part of a process where they are inventors of systems.

Alexandre Labasse: One of the various objectives of Reinventer Paris is to conceive a different way of selling plots of land. Usually in France, when a plot is sold, a survey is conducted and then a call for bids is announced. The firm that makes the best offer gets the plot. The winner decides the programme and, if they feel like it, they might launch an architectural consultation. With Reinventer Paris, we decided to proceed in a totally different way. We asked the participating teams to suggest a good programme to build on these council-owned plots. The idea is to invite someone else to construct the city rather than the usual sets of people. There were over 800 entries and more than 300 replies. In the rules of Reinventer Paris, theres an article that Im particularly fond of: the architect is the only person who must obligatorily make part of the team.

So every group includes an architect who has the responsibility to organise a team or join another group to promote an urban reinvention programme on a site indicated in the call for bids. The juries were mostly composed of city councillors under the presidency of Jean-Louis Missika  the councillor for city planning and architecture who initiated this competition format  along with all the municipal councillors, political groups, district councillors, and then professional bodies such as the Pavillion de lArsenal, which assisted and accompanied the jurys decisions.

This process was remarkably successful. About 70,000 people visited the exhibition, and with the results of the competition we sold over 3,000 volumes. Then the Reinventer la Seine competition was launched immediately afterwards for Paris-Rouen and Le Havre, which are cities connected by the Seine. This contest was followed by Reinventer la Metropole, which focuses on the city of Paris but embraces all the towns in the greater belt. The ambition is to make Paris a city that dialogues on the same scale as the worlds biggest metropolises, while maintaining its quality of life on the small scale.
Donegal cancer patients who travel to University Hospital Galway for radiotherapy  and the journey they must take to get there  are the subject of a new documentary to be broadcast this week on TG4.

It takes the pressure off everybody, your family and everything, Nuala Boyle said. Its a big asset for the Donegal people to have this bus.

Turasna hAilse  The Cancer Journey, by Galway-based Hawkeye Films and Phantom Limb Productions, will be on TG4 at 8.30pm on Wednesday, April 19th.

Twice a week, cancer patients from Donegal make a 200-km journey to receive radiotherapy in University Hospital Galway, the nearest treatment centre.

While in Galway, they stay in Inis Aoibhinn, a home-from-home environment supported by Cancer Care West. The two charity-supported services make a world of difference for Donegal cancer patients who have to make the difficult journey.

The film speaks with Treasa Ni Ghallachoir, originally from An Bhealtaine, Gort an Choirce, who now lives in Glasserchoo. After being diagnosed with cancer, Treasa travelled to Galway on Bus Feda on Monday and returned on the Good and New bus on Friday for the four weeks of her treatment.

Film-makers also speak with James McConn, a farmer from Three Trees, Quigleys Point, who travelled to Galway for radiotherapy.

That meant James had to wake at 4am on Monday and make his way to Letterkenny for the Good and New bus to Galway, returning Fridays on the same bus. He did this for seven weeks.

The project depicts the reality of life and treatment for cancer patients in the north west.

Its such a whirlwind, Ann McLoughlin said. If you knew what was ahead youd run a mile if you could, but you just get through it.
Easter Monday saw a historic day at former army barracks at Rockhill House in Letterkenny, where 230 past and present members of the Irish Defence Forces returned to the landmark building for a special reunion.

The event was organised to give those who were formerly stationed at Rockhill a look at the renovation works that have been ongoing for the last two years.

The day was hosted by the estate owners, John Molloy and his family, and was coordinated by the former Commanding Officer at Rockhill, Col. Declan OCarroll (Rtd).

The house will be re-opened in the coming months as an exclusive weddings a special events centre.



The day began with Mass celebrated by Army Chaplain Father Alan Ward CF, who travelled from Finner Camp in Bundoran as part of a significant delegation of serving Army staff in attendance at the event.

Music was provided by Amy Meehan and a team of army pipers.

Commandant John Martin of the 28th Battalion addressed the gathering and paid tribute to the camaraderie of the soldiers and former soldiers who endured good and bad times together in Letterkenny.

He stated: The comradeship and teamwork that existed here is something we should not forget. Those are very important qualities and I pay tribute to you as soldiers and former soldiers of the 28th battalion, the 24th battalion, the 50th battalion and other units that are here today.

He paid tribute to John Molloy and his family for the work they have done to restore the house to a very high standard.

Rockhill is now a going concern, beautifully restored and beautifully brought back to life in a manner that will enhance not just Letterkenny, but also the entire North West of this country. That is a significant achievement; we are delighted that you have done it; and we pay tribute to you for doing it, he added.

After the formalities, the serving and retired members enjoyed a trip down memory lane during a tour of the house. Many stories were shared of days in the barracks, tours of duty and the life-long friends that they made while serving in the defence forces.

Former soldiers John D Brennan, Raymond Edwards, Hugo Callaghan and Joe O'Brien pictured in the newly restored Rockhill House.

Reflecting on the day, Col. Declan OCarroll, said it was a great initiative by the new owners to keep a connection with the defence forces because of the estate's military history.

The invitation was really very appreciated by all who attended. It was so great to see the house not only being restored, but restored far beyond what it ever was in the past. I would just like to wish him well going forward as a business concern. He has done an unbelievable job, he told the Donegal Democrat.

Former members of the Military Police stationed at Rockhill, enjoying the reunion on Easter Monday. Left to right:Tony Ramsey, Pat Price, Frank Coyle and Freddie Gillen.
The parents of the young Donegal man found dead on a Manchester street last week have expressed frustration at what they say is a lack of information coming from police.

Two men arrested in connection with the death of 20-year-old Dylan Crawford from Killygordon have appeared in court on fraud and theft charges.

Mr Crawford was found unconscious in the early hours of last Wednesday morning and was declared dead at Manchester Royal Infirmary shortly afterwards.

A post mortem has proved inclusive and police have released CCTV images of a third man they want to speak to in connection to the death.

The Crawfords say they are frustrated at the information coming from GMP.

Speaking on the Shaun Doherty Show on Highland Radio they said they have had very little information from the police since their sons death almost a week ago.

We have had no information, nothing, since last week, Dylans father, Austin, said.

Local councillor, Patrick McGowan, said the family just want to bring Dylans remains home as soon as possible.

They just want to get Dylans remains home to Ireland so they can mourn him properly, have a wake and bury their son, he said.
A local judge officially awarded custody of the animals found recently at an alleged Dothan puppy mill to the citys animal shelter, paving the way for the dogs to be adopted.

District Judge Benjamin Lewis issued the order this week in response to a petition filed earlier by the Houston County District Attorneys office.

In order to award custody to the city, Lewis had to determine the animals recovered last month from a Peachtree Drive home were neglected. Overall, 69 dogs and 16 birds were recovered after police responded to a report of mistreated animals in Dothan. One French Bulldog puppy had to be euthanized. Le Ngoc Pham, 34, and Hoan Cong Nguyen, 47, were arrested and charged with 24 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 57 counts of animal cruelty.

Lewis determined the couple could not provide proper care for the animals and, therefore, were unfit, unable or unwilling to have custody.

Lewis also ordered Pham and Nguyen to bear the cost of upkeep for the animals as long as they are at the Dothan Animal Shelter and the Big Bend Wildlife Sanctuary, which is where the birds were taken.

The following breeds/types of animals were recovered: 21 bulldogs, 19 terriers, nine Pomeranians, two Chihuahuas, one golden retriever, 17 mixed breed dogs, 12 blue macaws and four red macaws.
AUBURN - Hate-speech promoter and alt-right leader Richard Spencers vow to defy Auburn Universitys cancellation of his planned Tuesday night event has led to a volley of calls to action by opposing factions that threaten to descend upon Auburn at the same time.

Police and university officials are urging normal caution be observed for such political events, but they also are taking precautions and will staff as appropriate to mitigate or address any issues or safety concerns.

Political activist groups from strongly opposite platforms spent Monday encouraging their supporters to come to Auburn and participate in Tuesday protests.

Defend Auburn, Alabama Against the White Power Invasion April 18th a large, bold headline cries out on the website itsgoingdown.org, which touts itself as a media platform for revolutionary anarchist, anti-fascist, and autonomous anti-capitalist and anti-colonial movements. 

That post came in response to Spencers vow last week to ignore Auburns cancellation of his planned speaking engagement at Foy Hall by calling on his supporters to show up anyway.

The event was planned for 6 p.m. Tuesday, which is the time being posted on multiple sites asking for participation from supporters, which run the gambit of free-speech, ultra-conservative, neo-Nazi, anti-Nazi and anti-hate groups, as well as at least one peace gathering planned. Actual participation, however, is hard to predict.

Neither the university nor local police would comment on what they expect Tuesday, nor on the validity of the various websites, many of which contain posts from anonymous contributors.

Spencer has a past record draped in controversy, something he seemingly thrives upon based on various media accounts from around the country and a trait he reflected in his verbal defiance of Auburns move to cancel his speech.

They think they have shut this down, but they havent, Spencer said in a video posted Friday. I will give a speech on their campus. It is a public place. I think Auburn University is naive and has totally misunderstood who I am if they think that I am going to politely back out of this.

I will be there 100 percent.

Spencer garnered national attention over the last year with his support of white supremacy and has called for peaceful ethnic cleansing, according to an article in The Atlantic. Spencer was punched in the face during an interview at an anti-Trump protest in January.

Auburn officials cited security concerns for canceling Spencers planned appearance. Spencer, who developed his reputation espousing far-right beliefs and using hate speech often laced with racism to highlight his views, was scheduled to speak at James E. Foy Hall, which remains the advertised rally point in the various online postings.

"In consultation with law enforcement, Auburn canceled the Richard Spencer event scheduled for Tuesday evening, based on legitimate concerns and credible evidence that it will jeopardize the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors," the university said in its Friday statement.

However, neither Auburn University nor Auburn police elaborated Monday on the safety concerns or what plans are in place for Tuesday night.

The Auburn Police Division has a constant presence at Auburn University and will be there Tuesday, Assistant Chief Will Mathews said on Monday.

The Auburn Police Division is continuing to work with its state and federal partners to monitor threat assessments associated with this event and will staff as appropriate to mitigate or address any issues or safety concerns," Mathews said.

Mathews encouraged students to focus on their classes and preparing for exams, but advised any participation in forums or protests to be peaceful and civilized.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones, when asked Monday, confirmed his department is on standby to help if needed.

At the request of the Auburn Police Division, we are sending some personnel to assist with security in regard to the speaker tomorrow, Jones said. We are prepared to provide support to ensure public safety in any manner required.

Meanwhile, Prevail Union, a coffee shop in downtown Auburn, is hosting A Celebration of Diverse Community from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday to counter Spencers stance against inclusion.

When we began Prevail Union, our passion was to create a space that fosters authentic and diverse community, organizers said on Facebook. On Tuesday, a man who does not seem to value these ideals is coming to speak in Auburn. Wed like to offer an alternative.

The shop is inviting community members to hang out in the shop instead of attending Spencers talk, and enjoy free coffee and high fives. It also will be accepting donations for the Equal Justice Initiative.

Staff writer Cynthia Williford contributed to this report.
The little Suzuki Swift hatchback has managed a pretty amazing feat. In fact, it has done what very few other compact, cutesy hatchbacks have; it bridged the gender divide.

While plenty of small city cars tend to appeal to one sex or the other, by crossing that divide the Suzuki pulled off a major coup and one that didn't hurt its chances of sales success one little bit.

And don't underestimate that gulf that is the gender gap, either; plenty of otherwise worthy cars simply fail to appeal to the girls while the boys wouldn't be dead in some others.

The breadth of its appeal is no real secret either, and while its practicality and easy to live with nature gave both sexes extra reasons to take a second look, the sporty looks and performance reputation of previous Suzuki Swifts bearing the GTi badge made the car acceptable to a broad church.

All that means that the Swift sold in relatively big numbers and, in turn, that means that there are plenty out there now as bargain usedies.

But don't lose sight of the fact that this was a cheap set of wheels even in the day, and on that basis, the best buys now are from the latest, youngest generation which went on sale here in 2011.

And because Suzuki wasn't demanding a king's ransom for a brand-new Swift, they're pretty keen buying second-hand.

So what are you buying? Essentially, it's a re-do of the previous model Swift that was also a big success for the brand in Australia, with slightly sharper lines and a hint of a freshen up. The new car was slightly bigger than the one it replaced in most dimensions, but luggage space was still tight and the rear seat was still really only for smaller kids.

Meantime, Suzuki's own research had told it that the cheeky look was a major selling point of the Swift, so that aspect was left pretty much alone.

The truth is, so was pretty much everything else apart from safety, improvements to which bumped the Swift from a one-star rating (pre-2011 models) to a five-star performer.

So you still got a small capacity (1.4 litres in this case, slightly down from the previous model's 1.5-litre unit) four-cylinder engine, front-wheel-drive and the choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

By 2011, of course, a four-speed auto was seriously off the pace and the drive of a two-pedal Swift confirms that view. The manual is a much nicer car with more accessible performance and a nice light clutch and gearshift action that is really no hardship.

The version you really want, however, didn't arrive until February 2012. Called the Swift Sport, it got a bigger, 1.6-litre engine with a full 100kW of power (up from the 70kW of the 1.4) and either a CVT transmission for the lazy or a six-speed manual for those who were a bit keener on doing the driving themselves.

Whether you opt for the two- or three-pedal version, the bigger engine makes for a much nicer experience with much less need to be revving the thing silly to make forward progress.

The Sport also comes into sharper focus when you consider the wants and needs of younger drivers these days. For instance, it was the only variant with cruise control and Bluetooth; two fitments considered deal breakers by many millennials.

But it got better, because the Sport also got 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, climate-control air-conditioning and, to prove the point that the Sport tag was deserved, it also got 30 per cent stiffer suspension and even detail stuff like bigger, stronger wheel bearings to maintain reliability.

Speaking of which, the Swift is generally regarded as being made of tough stuff. Common problems are pretty sparse and the howler of a problem with the previous model, a batch of deformed rear axles that led to all sorts of rear tyre-wear dramas and iffy handling, was banished in the later car.

But a few owners have reported issues with the automatic and CVT-equipped versions, and it's usually down to a loose bolt that secures the torque converter and supplies the drive to the front wheels. Suzuki actually issued a nationwide recall to check each vehicle and fix them if necessary.

A handful of other recalls affected this model Swift, too, starting with a fuel-system clamp that could fail, leading to a fuel leak.

The steering box cover was also found to be the wrong shape and design and could allow moisture into the steering system.

Finally, a potential leak-point was identified on the rear brakes, so Swifts were also recalled to check that.

Probably a bigger danger in second-hand Swift buying is getting limbered with a car that has been poorly maintained or simply abused. Many people who buy budget cars tend to take a similar view of preventative maintenance and are tempted to skimp on important stuff like oil changes and general maintenance.

The second half of that syndrome is a car that has been driven carelessly, so watch for mis-matched paint, scraped bumpers, kerbed rims and a general look of having been left out in all weathers.

Our pick would definitely be the Sport model, with the six-speed manual transmission and a full service history. Find that car, and you're well on your way to plenty of hassle-free, low-buck motoring with a decent splash of fun thrown in.

Our rating: 3/5

Nuts and bolts

Engine/s: 1.4 4-cyl/1.6 4-cyl

Transmissions: 4-auto/CVT/5-man/6-man

Fuel economy (combined): 5.5 litres per 100km (1.5)/6.5 litres (Sport)

Safety rating (courtesy of www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au): 5 stars

Likes:

Funky looks have aged really well.

Appeals to both sexes.

Sport model is a great drive.

Awesome value second-hand.

Dislikes:

Rear seat tight for space.

So is luggage area.

Base-model auto is a drone.

Beware under-serviced examples.

Competitors:

Volkswagen Polo  Classy and well resolved small car that drives like a size bigger. Be wary of DSG gearboxes which can give trouble and make absolutely sure the service record is intact. 3/5

Mazda 2  The most recent 2 is a terrific city car with a sensible driveline and supple handling. But it can also be great fun on the right road. Works well with the optional automatic which is no gimme in this company. 4/5

Ford Fiesta  Often overlooked but shouldn't be. Three-cylinder is not the cheapest variant but is great fun and probably the pick of the Fiesta bunch. 3.5/5

What to pay (courtesy of Glass's Guide):

Model Year New Now

GA 2011 $15990 $5800

GL 2011 $16690 $6000

GLX 2011 $18,990 $6800

Sport 2011 $23,990 $8900

GA 2012 $15,990 $6200

GL 2012 $16,690 $6500

GLX 2012 $18,990 $7400

Sport 2012 $23,990 $9600

GA 2013 $16,390 $6400

GL 2013 $17,090 $6700

GLX 2013 $19,390 $7600

Sport 2013 $23,990 $10,700

GA 2014 $15,990 $7200

GL 2014 $16,990 $7700

GLX 2014 $18,990 $8900

Sport 2014 $24,490 $11,800

GL 2015 $18,240 $11,800

GLX 2015 $21,690 $12,900

Sport 2015 $24,490 $14,200

GL 2016 $15,990 $11,200

GLX 2016 $20,990 $14,000

Sport 2016 $24,490 $16,600
NBCC signs deal with arm of Berger Paints

NBCC (India) Ltd., signed a Memorandum of Business Exploration (MoBE) with Poland's Bolix S.A. to import a building technology solution that can save energy consumption by upto 35 per cent. This deal seems to be cost effective for NBCC as it will help to reduce power consumption.



Bolix is 100 per cent subsidiary of Berger Paints India. It is a leading producer of external thermal insulation and composite systems (ETICS) solutions technology. Its revenue stood at 35 million euros last year.



According to NBCC's chairman, this new technology will extend the life of a building by up to 20 years. NBCC is going to use this ETICS technology in its ongoing and upcoming projects in India and abroad. Bolix will export these building materials and technology.



NBCC Ltd., is a PSU engaged in the business of project management consultancy (PMC), real estate and engineering procurement and consultancy (EPC). Through PMC, which contributes 88% of the revenue, the company has been executing many landmark projects. NBCC is currently having domestic orderbook of Rs 80000 crore and overseas orderbook is about more than Rs 1000 crore. It has bagged new construction projects in Mauritius and Maldives also. Company is expecting revenue growth of around 30 per cent for FY18.



In today's trade, NBCC opend at Rs 182.9 and touched an intraday high of Rs 184.6 on NSE. At 11:28 a.m., the stock was trading at Rs 184.45 on NSE.
The business impacts of cloud technology and the benefits of partnering with start-ups were discussed by a media panel at Amazon Web Services (AWS) Sydney Summit, this month. Panelists included Dan Stinton, Head of Digital (WA) at Seven West Media, Scott Farquhar, the co-founder and co-CEO of Atlassian and David Curran, CIO of Westpac.

Stinton spoke about where start-ups sit in Seven West medias diverse portfolio of offerings and investments.

Weve invested in a few start-ups with HealthEngine and Airtasker being the most prominent, he said. We are not interested in taking educated bets, we have very specific investment criteria.

Stinton said that for start-ups to attract investment, they must either have an audience Seven West Media is seeking to reach or be able to take advantage of the media companys existing audience to grow.

Take Airtasker, for example, he explained. Its a fantastic company with a great team and culture. Once we invested in [the company], we threw a stack of audience at it to improve its audience. Its strategic.

Farquhar also discussed the importance of strategic investments for homegrown software giant Atlassian, noting its acquisition of Trello for US$425m earlier this year.

Trello fits into our portfolio really well between some of our other products, he said. The integration is going really welland the team has been great, its a great culture fit for us.

Farquhar explained that cultural fit is the first and last thing Atlassian looks at when considering an acquisition.

[When considering] an acquisition, you wantto make sure you bring on a great team, he said. We want to make sure any acquisition we do is successful so we dont do huge ones back to back. We ask, Does it fit with our adjacent markets, does it fit with our business model? We want ones that fit with our business model.

On the topic of strategic alignment, Curran spoke about how the conversation, three years ago, was that FinTech was going to destroy banking but the reality has been banks and FinTech businesses working together: We can move far more quickly working with fintech, but similarly fintech can leverage the scale and safety and history of banks because the regulations, the capital requirements and the risk management are all pretty sophisticated.

When the conversation turned to the impact of cloud technology on Australian businesses, Farquhar referenced Geoffrey Blaineys 1966 historical text The Tyranny of Distance.

It talked about how for a long time Australia had nothing to ship back to England, he said. We couldnt ship wood back because it was too heavy and we really didnt have a spice trade. [However,] wool was small enough, light enough and valuable enough to ship to England  and thats why they say Australia was built off the sheeps back.

Farquhar said digital is an opportunity for Australia to not only escape the tyranny of distance but become a leading technology player. Whereas a car manufacturer might be a long way from the markets they wish to serve, Farquhar explained that cloud technology means it no longer takes days to reach a market: Software is weightless, instant and it can go around the world to every country from Australia. Its providing an even playing field.

Despite the advantages afforded by cloud, Curran said not enough people understand it. He also noted that architects and engineers with complete cloud experience are hard to come by in the job market. Curran described cloud education as a journey businesses must take their stakeholders on, adding that its incumbent on employers to do more to assist staff with changes in technology.

Youve got a bunch of 40+ year olds who, when they left university, believed they had a skillset that would see them most of the way through their career, he said. That was fairly reasonable when you left uni in the 80s but the [lifespan] of someones skillset is now vastly shorter. [My parents] got through their careers on theirs skills, Im having to adapt a couple of times along the way. The kids coming out of university now are having to adapt all the time.

Curran said the question for employers to consider is how they can help people work in an environment where technologies might be out of date before they have finished learning about them and where projects might become obsolete before they ever go live.
Personal relationships in the office can be expensive for employees and their employers in both a financial and reputational sense. In recent months there have been a series of highly publicised cases where big business has been hauled over the coals for its approach to the issue. But this can be just as costly for small and medium enterprises and start-ups  indeed, in smaller organisations there can be fewer places to hide and the consequences of a love affair gone sour can bring a business to its knees.

QBE recently took a strong stance after its Chief Executive was, in the companys mind, too slow to disclose a relationship with his personal assistant. In response, the company cut the executives short term incentive by 20 per cent, stripping $550,000 from his take home pay.

The action by QBE follows the controversy at the Seven network, where chief executive Tim Worner was reportedly docked $100,000 over an affair with executive assistant Amber Harrison. Westpac became the latest company subject to sexual misconduct allegations following a number of complaints by two female staff about the behaviour of a senior executive at its wealth management division, BT Financial Group.

Naturally, media reports concentrate on the big end of town. But the impact on an SME or start -up of a love affair gone wrong can be just as profound. It is also important to note that whilst the traditional picture of sexual harassment is a heterosexual one, this is of course not always the case. The allegations by James Ashby against MP Peter Slipper, are just one example of this. Employers should ensure that their own policies, procedures and training adequately deal with the issues of sexual harassment across the spectrum of sexual orientation.

Key considerations

So what are the legal and HR issues that all employers (irrespective of the size of their business) need to be across in order to protect themselves, their reputations and their bank balances?

Does the personal relationship create a conflict of interest?

Does the company have a conflicts policy that deals with interpersonal relationships in the office? Without such a policy, it may be difficult to allege that employees have any obligation to disclose a consensual relationship between adults.

What are the relevant HR considerations? How will a company handle disclosures of this kind? And why are such disclosures necessary from an HR perspective?

Does the business have policies and procedures in place to let employees know of the companys expectations and the obligations owed by employees to the company and to each other?

Finally, at the executive and director level, are there additional obligations owed by each party to the other?

For start-ups, there are additional considerations: are the romantic partners also shareholders in the company? What happens if the affair goes sour  will it break the business? Can remedies be codified? Also, how do you deal with millennials? Their definition of a personal relationship might be vastly different to the companys.

Policies and procedures

HR professionals and lawyers often advocate for companies to update their policies, procedures and training programs. In recent years, case law tells us that simply putting values down on paper is not enough. There is significant value placed on training, from a moral responsibility perspective but also in terms of a companys liability.

The policies and procedures companies should be thinking about and providing training on are:

core values;

conflicts of interest;

appropriate workplace behaviours; and

social media, because in todays technologically integrated society, personal relationships can not only proliferate into work, but also onto social media.

When looking at your policies, whether you are an SME, start up or multinational corporation, it is important to consider whether there is a nexus between employee behaviours and work. This involves a consideration of not only physical location and whether an employee is behaving in a certain manner at the office or another work-related location such as a clients premises or a work conference, but also, whether and how the employee is using company property such as a laptop, phone or email system. It is also not as simple as drawing a line in the sand and saying, We are only concerned with what happens during work hours. Employers responsibilities and liability can and will extend beyond the confines of the office and office hours.

Culture

It is important for companies to think deeply about workplace culture and the atmosphere and working environment they want to create. For start-ups, there is a real opportunity to set the tone from the beginning. For SMEs, in circumstances where personal relationships in the office create a conflict of interest, there may not be the opportunity to change reporting lines or eliminate conflict altogether due to the size of the enterprise, which is why it is perhaps even more important in smaller organisations to set the tone clearly and to live by those standards.

If personal relationships that also have a workplace component either go pear-shaped or otherwise infiltrate into a workplaces culture, there is a significant risk for companies from a brand perspective. For very obvious reasons, highly visible companies with a fiercely protected brand are concerned about what happens when personal relationships either deteriorate or become public property, as was the case with Channel 7 or, infamously, David Jones. Not only is the negative publicity unwelcome, but the longer term risk of reputational damage is significant.

At this point in the incidents life cycle, companies might switch gears, from assessing conflicts of interest to monitoring and perhaps improving workplace behaviours. Companies must always ensure they are discharging their duties, both contractual and legislative, to all employees. Otherwise, a failure to take action in circumstances where the company is aware of inappropriate or unlawful behaviour may trigger a vicarious liability claim.

In industries and professions where branding and reputation are highly prized and heavily scrutinised, businesses may need to take a tough stance on office romances. Whilst historically, the cost of personal relationships in the office was measured by legal fees and settled claims, more recently, there is a trend by businesses to penalise employees for breaches of a companys moral standards.

About the author

Kristy Peacock-Smith and Leila Moddel are partner and associate in the Sydney office of international law firm Bird & Bird.




L.A. Times noted without flinching that last months state registration report reveals an accelerated erosion of Republican strength. Their hold on those 14 districts is weak-- and that in The biggest Democratic delegation in Congress is, by far, from California. Of California's 53 House members, 39 are Democrats. Only 14 are Republicans and it's realistic to imagine that 14 being cut in half in the 2018 midterm cycle. Yesterday'snoted without flinching that last months state registration report reveals an accelerated erosion of Republican strength. Their hold on those 14 districts is weak-- and that in not a single one do they hold a majority of voters . "There are a number of Republican incumbents who are sitting on ticking time bombs, said Eric McGhee, a researcher at the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California.

The GOPs statewide brand was once lustrous enough to carry six straight presidential elections, from 1968 to 1988. Compare that with last November, when President Trump lost half of the Republican congressional districts. In eight of the nominally Republican districts, Democratic voter registration has risen since 2013. How many of those saw an uptick in Republicans? Zero.



Two Republican pluralities have shrunk more than others in the last four years: those in districts represented by Reps. Steve Knight (R-Palmdale) and Mimi Walters (R-Irvine).



Theres a long-term trend for Republican registration to be sagging, McGhee said. The reason, as he and other researchers have found, is that young Californians coming into the political mainstream are registering either as Democrats or as unaffiliated no party preference voters. While some still occasionally choose GOP candidates, voters from days gone by-- the ones being replaced-- were reliable and registered as Republicans.



That replacement process is just inexorably driving Republican numbers down, McGhee said. And its not clear where the bottom is.



...[T]he Republican wall could crumble in the next round of political map drawing. In 2001, a bipartisan closed-door agreement gave 19 House seats to the GOP, a gerrymandering that sparked the creation of an independent redistricting commission. When the commission ignored political party registration in 2011, Republicans lost five House seats. The commission will again draw districts after the 2020 census. If demographics truly are destiny, the Grand Old Party has work to do. And fast.

election of regional Vice Chairs. In California, Ted Lieu was unanimously elected. He's not part of that DCCC losing DNA and isn't tied to any of the Rahm Emanuel precepts that have made the committee the fail-safe insurance policy the Republicans needed for holding onto the House in perpetuity. If Californians have to wait for that for the Republican wall to crumble it will be due entirely to an incompetent and horribly corrupt DCCC, incompetence and corruption California Democrats are sick of and unwilling to take any longer. Some power was wrested from the hands of Nancy Pelosi whose grip on the DCCC has resulted in an erosion of control of dozens and dozens of House seats nationally since she started appointing DCCC chairs. Her selection of Rahm Emanuel was the literal death knell for any notion of an effective or even vaguely competent DCCC. It hasn't gotten any better with her subsequent appointments and this year rank-and-file Democrats in Congress forced her to accept some changes including theof regional Vice Chairs. In California, Ted Lieu was unanimously elected. He's not part of that DCCC losing DNA and isn't tied to any of the Rahm Emanuel precepts that have made the committee the fail-safe insurance policy the Republicans needed for holding onto the House in perpetuity.





Local Democratic county parties have come to loath the DCCC and recognize it as an enemy of accomplishing anything. One county chairman told me this morning that "The DCCC keeps screwing up our congressional elections. We're sick of it and we're not going to let it happen anymore. Everybody has high hopes that Ted Lieu is going to approach this very differently from the way the DCCC has in the last decade." The chairman of the L.A. County Democratic Party-- and probably next state party chair-- Eric Bauman, told Bay Area Democrats last week that the goofballs at the DCCC have been "carpetbagging [their loser candidates] into districts where we have perfectly good candidates of our own." And as state party chair, Bauman is committed, for example, to working with Lieu to do something the DCCC has adamantly refused to ever do-- recruiting a solid Democratic candidate to take on Devin Nunes in CA-22 (Fresno, Tulare, Visalia) and starting to build towards winning that seat.





No doubt Bauman had CA-25 in mind, where the DCCC drove a local candidate out of the congressional race, replaced him with some outsider, Brian Caforio, who proceeded to under-perform Hillary Clinton dramatically and lose-- badly lose-- what should have been a sure Democratic win. This cycle a local candidate, Katie Hill, is running for the nomination. She remarked that "Most of the Republican-held seats left in California are made up of a combination of suburban and rural communities, like those that make up my home district. These communities have strong identities, pride, and their own cultures. If we want to successfully reclaim these seats, it is imperative that we have candidates who have a deep understanding of their districts and are qualified based on life experience and community ties, not just their ability to fundraise. It doesn't matter how much money the Democrats throw at a race-- if you have a candidate that is perceived as an outsider, we will never win."

I ran into Ted Lieu the other day and he told me he's meeting with Wendy Reed this week, the Democrat taking on the longshot campaign to dislodge Republican Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, something that is sure to displease Pelosi who doesn't believe in challenging Republican leaders electorally and has relentlessly kept the DCCC from ever doing so. McCarthy and Nunes have been exempt and have free-passes to reelection year after year after year. Those free-passes should be a thing of the past, at least in the region Ted Lieu is overseeing. When we reached Wendy today, she told us that she "understands the need for the DCCC to heavily invest in best-bet districts like CA-25, but districts like CA-23 next door deserve some party support as well. The Los Angeles and Tulare County portions of CA-23 voted 10 points more liberal than Kern, and deserve representation. Not only do people in such districts deserve candidates in a basic sense of representational democracy, but Democratic candidates market the Democratic Party and its values and ideals with our campaigns, we promote party membership, the party platform, and future votes. I have heard that our reorganized DNC/DCCC understands this and intends to help more districts, so I will continue to hope and advocate for it."





This cycle, Lieu is encouraging Democrats to run in districts the DCCC has never even considered before-- including against a powerful GOP chairmen like Ed Royce and Devin Nunes, not to mention Dana Rohrabacher, Darrell Issa, Mimi Walters, as well as the regular suspects the DCCC has continuously screws up (Denham, Valadao, Knight). And in the past, where the DCCC has aggressively discouraged Democrats from taking on Republicans like McCarthy, Duncan Hunter, Ken Calvert and Paul Cook, Lieu has been willing to spend time helping candidates even in these "impossible" districts.
In Kyrgyzstan, it is known as "Ala Kachuu" or kidnapping for marriage.

Since Kyrgyzstan became an independent nation in 1991, there has been a boom in bridal kidnappings with woman and girls being abducted from their family homes, sometimes with the consent of the brides' parents but often not. With an estimated 8,000 kidnappings occurring each year, the practice shows no sign of abating despite tougher laws aimed at protecting women from abduction. Now, a new series of animations have aimed at publicising bridal kidnappings and allowing victims to tell their own story has reignited debate, not to mention heated protests from conservative elements in Kyrgyrz society.

Tatyana Zelenskaya is an artist and, along with her animator spouse Egor Tankov, has created five "One Day They Stole Me" animations which are already being made available on the Internet. With Russian language text and Kyrgyz-language voiceover, each animation presents a different story though the names have been changed to protect vulnerable women against potential retaliation. One of these animations documents the story of "Nazik" and was released last month in time for International Women's Day.

According to Nazik, her mother had disliked who she was dating and arranged for a marriage with "Abay" without her knowledge. Aided by her brother, the mother made Nazikgo with Abay to the local cinema. Instead, she was forced into a car being driven by one of Abay's friends and taken to his house for her wedding, which had already been arranged. Though Nazik protested, her brother arrived and told her, "Nazik, our father has decided that you will stay here. Abay is a good man and will make a good husband. Getting married means happiness for any girl!"

In reality, her brother was lying and her father had no idea that she had been abducted. When he learned what had happened, he was furious but a mullah had already blessed the marriage by that time. While her mother relented and offered Nazik the chance to come home, she decided to remain due to the stigma that she would face over breaking off the marriage. The video concludes with Nazik describing how her husband's family had kicked out her and her child just four years later.

A second video describes the ordeal faced by "Elzada" who was forced into marriage while her father was seriously ill. Though her husband's family tried gentle encouragement at first to make her accept the marriage, they eventually threatened to spread vicious gossip about her not being a virgin if she attempted to leave. Forced to remain with her captor, Elzada finds herself in the strange position of needing to support him financially since he refuses to work. "Only our children keep us together, Elzada says. I am the one who earns the money and I make all the decisions. Not only do I not love him, I don't respect him.

The animations provide many more examples of bridal abductions but a final story, that of Nargiza, is definitely the most hopeful. When Nargiza was brought to her husband's home with the assistance of a matchmaking aunt, she threatened to call the police and cited a recently introduced law. The new law is aimed at bridal kidnappers with sentences ranging from five to ten years. Not only did the abductors back down but Nargiza is now a presenter on Kyrgyz state television. She was also the only one in the animation series to give her real name.

In a recent article, Tatyana Zelenskaya explained that she released the animations with Nargiza's story at the end to provide abductees with a concrete example of how to fight back. She is also hoping that one of the country's national television channels will show the animations so that the message can reach to the outlying provinces and rural regions where Ala Kachuu is most common.

For more information
Wonder Woman has always been my super hero. Then and now she never fails to amaze me. She to me is the epitome of an empowered woman. I love her more than girls my age love Barbie in my childhood. They watch Barbie on TV, I watch Wonder Woman with Lybda Carter as the lead (yes I am that old). They play dress up Barbie, I play with my lasso, climb trees, and play Karate Kid stuff.

We spent our lenten weekend on a trip up North of the Philippines , Cagayan Valley. It is actually my mothers hometown but since it was too far from Manila I never get to visit until now. I was one of the media partners of the 4th Partakan Festival which always happens at this side of the country. I took the opportunity to finally step foot at my moms province. I also invited some bligger friends to join me in this trip. I knew I needed great company with me on a long roadtrip.

Reaching the edge of the Philippines up North , we took the chance to take as many photos and videos as we could as souvenirs.

This shoot with Mang Ted (haha) Ted Claudio of Wazzup.Ph was one of my favorite as it captured my Wonder Woman inspired look. Let me gloat on all the gorgeous photos I have. So here is an #OOTD #WIWTD

What I Wore:

Bikini Top: I Love Koi Swim

Highwaist bikini bottom: Eika Swimwear

Shot at: Anguib Beach Sta.Ana Cagayan Valley

Shot by: Ted Claudio

It was a long roadtrip to reach Sta.Ana Cagayan Valley, going there from Manila took us 21 hours ride! Watch our roadtrip from Manila to Sta.Ana Cagayan here:

Stay gorgeous everyone!
Video footage of a senseless murder in Cleveland, posted after the fact on Facebook Live, has attracted national attention to the role of the platform in criminals minds.

Authorities Tuesday morning announced that Steve Stephens  the 37-year-old suspect wanted for the cold-blooded shooting of Robert Godwin Sr.  shot himself to death after a short pursuit by Pennsylvania State Police. Officials had responded to a tip about a sighting of Stephens white Ford Fusion in a McDonalds parking lot in Erie, Pennsylvania.

We are grateful this has ended, said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams. We would prefer that it had not ended this way, because there are a lot of questions Im sure that not only family, but the city in general would have had for Steve, as to why this transpired.

Stephens had been on the run after allegedly killing 74-year-old Godwin shortly after he left an Easter Sunday dinner with family. Stephens apparently chose his victim at random and shot him at point blank range before taking off in a white Ford Fusion.

Stephens uploaded the shooting to Facebook Live later on Sunday. He claimed that he had shot 15 other people as well, but officials said that claim thus far appears unfounded.

Philadelphia police officials confirmed via Twitter that several schools in the city were put on lockdown Monday afternoon, amid reports that Stephens was in the area of the Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Police later said that the lockdown was lifted, and they found no information indicating the suspect was in the city.

Cleveland P. D.s Williams confirmed that a cellphone ping from Erie had been noted earlier during the manhunt, but he was not aware why the suspect was in the Erie area.

Platform for Violence?

The video of the shooting, which went viral across social media over the weekend, has put Facebook on the defensive, raising new questions about the suspects use of the live-streaming feature to commit a cold-blooded murder against an innocent man that he didnt even know.

The suspect posted a video to Facebook announcing his intent to commit a murder, and then two minutes later posted another video of himself shooting an elderly man, who turned out to be Godwin, Facebook VP of Global Operations Justin Osofsky said Monday. A few minutes later, Stephens went live, confessing to the killing.

Facebook is reviewing its reporting flows to be sure people can report videos and other material that violates Facebook standards as easily and quickly as possible, Osofsky said, noting that the report about the shooting video did not come into Facebook until an hour and 45 minutes after it was posted.

The suspects account was closed 23 minutes after Facebook received the report about the murder video and two hours after it received a report of any kind, he noted.

Artificial intelligence plays a major part in preventing unacceptable videos from being reshared, Osofsky said, adding that the company was working on improving its review process.

Thousands of people around the world review millions of items that are reported to the company every week, he pointed out, and Facebook prioritizes items that have serious safety implications.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, speaking at the companys F8 developer conference on Tuesday, expressed his condolences to Godwins family and friends.

We have a lot more to do here  and we will keep doing all we can to prevent tragedies like this from happening, he said.

Law enforcement authorities have cautioned before that people not live their lives on social media, Cleveland P. D.s Williams said in response to a reporters question.

The shooting was not something that should have been shared around the world, he added.

Facebook Live drew attention last summer, following its use to document the immediate aftermath of the police shooting of Philando Castile in Minnesota.

St. Anthony Police Officer Jeronimo Yanez is facing a charge of second-degree manslaughter and two counts of intentional discharge of a dangerous weapon in that case.

Castiles fiancee, who was sitting next to him during the traffic stop that led to the shooting, filmed the aftermath while he was in the car bleeding to death.

Other violent events have been live-streamed on Facebook in the past, including a triple shooting in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2016.

Criminals Thought Processes

Certain types of personalities may be prone to using social media as a platform for promoting their crimes.

Like any social media, it depends on the person behind the screen, observed Tina Meier, executive director of the Megan Meier Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on cyberbullying and harassment.

I do think that live feeds allow [the type of people] who want to commit crimes or certain actions to feel powerful, knowing that it can be seen by hundreds, thousands or even millions of people in an instant, she told the E-Commerce Times.

Social media companies may need to take further steps to restrict live video feeds to prevent violent actions from being broadcast.

If a pattern of copycat incidents should follow this latest tragedy, it could justify a case for additional regulation of the platform, said Rick Edmonds, a media business analyst at Poynter.

However, Facebook cannot be held responsible for any wrongdoing in this case, he suggested.

As commentators have noted, there are precedents  mercifully infrequent, he told the E-Commerce Times.

There have been two on-air suicides, and the shooting of the young morning show film crew in Virginia, a few years back, Edmonds recalled, but no one is talking about closing down TV live shots as a precaution.
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When Im not studying hard in 1st grade, Im working on my podcast. Thats the adorable Twitter tagline of six-year-old podcaster Nate Butkus, who hosts The Show About Science.

The Chicago-based youngster started his show when he was only five years old with the help of his producer dad, Eric Butkus. Episodes cover complex scientific topics, from radiation to genome-editing, and feature renowned scientists from around the world.

In a recent episode, Dr. John Wiens, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Arizona, discussed climate change and its impact on evolution.

The inquisitive first-grader asked, Why are people causing climate change? and, So, um, how fast is the rate of extinction going? and, Why dont our politicians believe in climate change?

During one part of the interview, Wiens suggested cutting out or reducing meat consumption to reduce carbon and methane emissions.

I want to do it, but I love bacon, Nate charmingly commented, but later agreed to eat less to help the environment.

According to STAT, each episode has been downloaded about 4,000 times. Nate hopes to one day interview science educator Bill Nye as well as Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps about the physics of swimming.

You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. Also, check out Nates appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show:
Vietnamese aviation authority close to all clear for direct flights to US

Vietnam Airlines will launch direct flights to the U.S. next year if safety protocols meet stringent standards.

Vietnams aviation authority is likely to have its safety credentials approved by the United States next month as part of the process to allow Vietnamese airlines to open direct flights to the U.S., a Vietnamese aviation official said.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to grant its approval in May for the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) to get its Category 1 (CAT1) rating, which recognizes the CAAV as having the capacity to ensure safety on Vietnamese airlines.

Pending further good results, the FAA will give official recognition this year, CAAV director Lai Xuan Thanh told VnExpress.

The CAAV currently follows standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, but in order to earn the CAT1 it has to make certain improvements, including completing a new set of regulations, ensuring a sufficient number of staff and improving its supervisory capacity.

Thanh said Vietnam is prepared for the overall assessment on aviation safety supervision and U.S. evaluation.

After receiving the CAT1 rating, the CAAV will supervise airlines based in Vietnam and ensure they are eligible to operate direct flights to the U.S.

Vietnam and the United States signed an air transport agreement in 2003 to allow airlines to operate direct flights between the two countries.

In 2004, national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines sought permission from the U.S. to provide direct services. However, the request was denied because the CAAV did not meet safety supervision requirements set by the FAA.

The airline said it has reapplied to the U.S. Department of Transportation to launch direct flights, and if Vietnam gets the CAT1 rating, Vietnam Airlines will start offering the service in 2018.
By Andy Rowell

New research published in the journal Nature Geoscience Monday outlines the first documented case in modern times of what is being called river piracy, in which one huge river suddenly flows into another.

On a research trip last summer in Canadas remote Yukon territory, scientists found that the vast Slims River had suddenly and unexpectedly changed direction.

For centuries, the Slims River had flowed north, carrying meltwater from the massive Kaskawulsh Glacier towards the Bering Sea. It was not a small river, spanning some 150 meters (492 feet) at its widest point.

However, the unusually hot spring last year caused an intense melting of the glacier that cut a new channel through the ice to the Alsek River, which flows southwards and into the Pacific. Where once the two rivers were comparable in size, the Slims has been reduced to a trickle and the Alsek is now some 60-70 times larger.

The Alsek had stolen the waters of the Slims.

The first recorded case of river piracy in the modern era shows how quickly climate change can alter natural topography. And more troubling for the scientists is that a phenomenon that they would expect to happen over hundreds of years occurred in a matter of days. Moreover, they do not expect it to be reversed. The river theft is likely to be permanent, they argued.

We were pretty shocked. We had no idea what was really in store, said Professor Dan Shugar, the papers lead author and a geoscientist at the University of Washington Tacoma. Day by day, we could see the water level dropping.

Another of the scientists involved, James Best, a geologist at the University of Illinois, described the discovery. We went to the area intending to continue our measurements in the Slims River, but found the riverbed more or less dry, he said. The delta top that wed been sailing over in a small boat was now a dust storm. In terms of landscape change, it was incredibly dramatic.

The paper outlines that climate change is to blame.

In just fifty years, the Kaskawulsh Glacier has retreated by up to 700 meters (2297 feet). But last year, that rate increased dramatically with the unseasonably warm weather. The scientists argue that the chance of the river piracy occurring due to natural variability is at 0.5 percent. So its 99.5 percent that it occurred due to warming over the industrial era, said Best.

The phenomenon could have major ramifications for areas such as the Himalayas, the Andes or Alaska as global warming continues and glaciers continue to retreat. Professor Shugar told the New York Times that, as climate change causes more glaciers to melt, We may see differences in the river networks and where rivers decide to go  We may be surprised by what climate change has in store for usand some of the effects might be much more rapid than we are expecting.

Indeed, the Nature Geoscience paper was published alongside an essay from Rachel M. Headley, an Assistant Professor of Geoscience at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. As the world warms and more glaciers melt, populations dependent upon glacial meltwater should pay special attention to these processes, she warned.
(Photo: Church of Scotland)Rev. Sarah Brown and her Church of Scotland congregation hold a cutting the ribbon ceremony to celebrate the opening of Castlemilk's new church on Sept. 4, 2016.

The number of people who regularly attend church services in Scotland has fallen by more than half over the last 30 years, according to a new survey which finds that there are only 390,000 regular churchgoers there.

The statistics were revealed in the results of 2016 Scottish Church Census, which was recently published by Brierley Consultancy which found that 42 percent of churchgoers were aged over 65.

Lead researcher Dr. Peter Brierley said the figures indicated a crisis in Christianity across Scotland, but the biggest church, the Church of Scotland sees some "green shoots of growth" in attendance.

He noted, "We are living in the 21st century and one of the features of the 21st century is that people's allegiance to particular faiths is no longer as strong as it used to be."

In 1984 there were 854,000 churchgoers in Scotland of 17.4 percent of its population which was then closer to 5 million about 300,000 less than now.

The research also revealed that 42 percent of churchgoers were aged over 65 and 7.2 percent of the population are regular attendees of Christian services.

One leading cleric said the findings presented a "crisis and an opportunity" for Christians in Scotland.

The statistics were revealed in the results of 2016 Scottish Church Census, which was recently published by Brierley Consultancy.

The census found that a third (35 percent) of all churchgoers (counting congregational numbers against churches) were Evangelical, up from 26 percent in 1994, while another third (32 percent) were Catholic.

Catholics and Charismatic Evangelicals recorded the youngest followers.

The Church Census held in May 2016 was the fourth Census which has been undertaken of Scottish Church attendance, the first being held in 1984, thus giving an overall time frame of 32 years.

Each has encompassed a variety of factors, but has especially focused on congregational numbers attending a place of Christian worship on a Sunday.

Other key findings include:

 7.2% of Scotland's population regularly attend church, down from 17% in 1984.

 The number of congregations dropped from 4,100 in 1984 to 3,700 in 2016.

 40 percent of churchgoers are male.

 Four-fifths of church leaders (79 percent) are male, with an average age of 57.

 43 percent of leaders are responsible for more than one church.

Attendance among the Pentecostals has doubled since 2002 and now stands at 19,000, making up 5 percent of all churchgoers in Scotland.

The census also revealed a growth in new churches - 12,000 people regularly attend around 300 new churches started since 2002.

The Church of Scotland, the nation's biggest church found some positive signs from the new data.

'SLOWING RATE OF DECLINE'

It said that although overall church attendance figures show a continued decline, the rate of such decline has slowed significantly, with some denominations and geographical regions seeing encouraging signs of growth.

This is partly due to a significant influx of immigrants coming to Scotland and the growth of Pentecostal churches

Aberdeenshire in the north of Scotland, for example, has seen the number of its churches increase from 196 in 2002 to 228 in 2016, due to an increase of Polish labourers working in the oil industry and north east of Scotland.

More people (75, 350 or 1.4 percent of the population) are also now attending midweek worship.

Rev. Colin Sinclair, chair of the Scottish Church Census Steering Committee and Moderator of the Church of Scotland Presbytery of Edinburgh, said, "Whilst there are a number of challenges facing Christian churches in Scotland, including a broadly aging demographic and ministering in an increasingly individualised culture; these are similar challenges facing society at large both in Scotland and across Western Europe."

He said that Scotland is seeing less attendance at various mass cultural activities.

(PHOTO: ECUMENICAL NEWS / JAEMO KIM) Kenneth Ross, Council Secretary at the Church of Scotland World Mission council, speaks at a discussion on new ecumenical landscapes at the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Busan, South Korea on November 4, 2013.

For example only around 4 percent of people (213,108) visit the cinema at least once a week  a great deal less than the 390,000 Christians regularly attending Church according to the 2013 Scottish Household Survey that was revised I October 2015.
School choice supporters already hope to broaden Arizonas newly expanded education savings account program that allows any parent to seek public funds for private schools, even as teachers and school groups decry the most expansive such law in the country.

Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican, signed the law April 6 , opening up eligibility for the accounts, known as ESAs, to any of the states 1.1 million students. In a last-minute compromise, the law capped the number of students receiving the voucherlike funds, at about $4,400 per child a year, to some 30,000 students after 2022.

Victor Riches, the president of the Goldwater Institute, an Arizona-based group that advocates for school choice nationally, said Arizonas law will be seen as a model as other states and the federal government seek to expand private-school-choice options under President Donald Trumps administration. The group will seek to lift the cap on Arizonas Empowerment Scholarship Accounts if there is demand.

Its a huge issue for Arizona, butits also a big issue at the national level, Riches said. With the passage of this bill, Arizona becomes the first state to have genuine school choice.

But teachers and school groupsincluding a group of Teachers of the Year who met with Ducey on April 11criticize the law as snatching money away from public schools in a state that ranks near the bottom of school funding nationally$7,528 per pupil, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus 2014 figures. Critics also worry that more-affluent families would use the accounts to partially pay for private schools, which often charge more than the allocated amount. Plus, the costs could grow even higher for special education students.

Pathbreaker

In 2011, Arizona became the first state in the country to approve such savings accounts, but only for students with disabilities. Since then, Arizona slowly has expanded the program to other student groups.

ESA programs are similar to private-school-voucher plans. In ESAs, states set aside moneypegged in some way to state per-student fundingin individual accounts so parents can pay for approved expenses. Traditional voucher programs allocate public funding for students to attend private schools. Nevada also had a widely available ESA program, but the courts struck down the way it was funded last year. Efforts to revive it this year have faced resistance.

Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee also have ESAs, and other states are trying to launch new ones, including Missouri, where a bill passed in the Senate.

School choice has been the key education issue at the federal level, with supporters including Trump and U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who congratulated Arizona on the expansion of its program in a tweet.

After Arizonas law passed in 2011, critics filed a challenge, but the courts declared the law constitutional because parents control the money.

Opponents are studying the new law and weighing their options, said Timothy Ogle, the executive director of the Arizona School Boards Association, one of the groups that challenged Arizonas law in 2011. This is about privatization, Ogle said. Opponents at least will work to make sure that the caps stay, Ogle said.

Joe Thomas, the president of the Arizona Education Association, was pessimistic about the success of a challenge.

I think these [provisions] have been so carefully lobbied and carefully crafted that winning in the courts will be very difficult, he said. Sen. Bob Worsley, a Republican who shepherded the compromise bill that passed, said it would have failed without the caps. He said they allow the state to try out a limited program to see if it improves education.

Were looking to not kill the public schools in the process, Worsley said. Prove it to me that we want this product before we go crazy and take all the caps off.

How It Works

Already, students can obtain ESA funds if they have disabilities, are in D- or F-rated schools, receive foster care, come from military families, or reside on a Native American reservation. About 3,100 students are enrolled in the program, costing about $46 million this year, and far below the eligible number.

Under the new law, a maximum of about 5,500 new students can join the program annually. The states Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimates it could save the state about $1.6 million next year because the per-student amount is slightly less than what would go to public schools, although the per-pupil amount for low-income students is higher.

However, the purported savings are highly speculative, according to the committee.

The law fails to outline which students would be given a priority to receive money if the requests exceed the cap. The Arizona education department is charged with devising a system.

Also in the compromise: Students who receive funds are required to take one of four tests, such as a statewide assessment. Private schools that enroll at least 50 students in the ESA program must publicize results for all their students.

Some Democrats, including Sen. Steve Farley, believe the law has too little accountability.

Its devastating to anybody who believes in the power of public education, Farley said.

Sen. Debbie Lesko, a Republican who sponsored the new and previous legislation, said the law will give parents more options to choose the right school for their children.

Their concern is totally inaccurate and really dramatically overblown if they think 5,500 students out of 1.1 million students is going to hurt the public school system, Lesko said. I think its historic for Arizona and also for the nation.
At Impact Academy, one of a growing number of teacher-powered schools across the country, teachers fingerprints are all over the purple walls, even though they cant really be seen. Thats because the schools layout, its mission, the style of learningeverything is decided by the teachers themselves.

For longtime teacher Julene Oxton, the fingerprint analogy may even be literal: With family members, she tore down a classroom wall to make way for a different kind of learning environment. In 2011, Oxton had been part of a small group of teachers with a vision for the school, then known as Orchard Lake Elementary. It called for more personalized learning, fewer top-down mandates, more teacher collaboration, and fewer silos.

Breaking away from the 11,000-student Lakeville district, about 30 minutes outside Minneapolis, and becoming a charter elementary school felt like their only option. But the district superintendent asked the teachers to stay, and in 2013, the school board voted unanimously to let the teachers open a student-centered pilot program at Orchard Lake.

This school year, that program has been expanded to all 428 students at the school, which was renamed to reflect the change. Now, Impact Academy at Orchard Lake is officially considered a teacher-powered school, meaning its 34 teachers have the autonomy to make decisions about a variety of areas, including curriculum, assessments, and the physical learning environmentincluding whether to create open classroom spaces without walls.

A reported 115 teacher-powered, or teacher-led, schools are operating in 18 states, and advocates suspect that the real number is much higher. The goal of the Teacher-Powered Schools Initiative, a program of the nonprofits Education Evolving and the Center for Teaching Quality, is that in 30 years, every teacher in the country will have the option to work in a teacher-led school.

Minnesota is one of the centers of the movementit has 24 teacher-powered schools, more than any other state except California. Teacher-powered schools have been around since the 1970s, but supporters sense theyre in a moment now.

If you look at the new type of learning that is being asked for by parents and communitiespersonalized and student-centeredand the struggles to retain and attract and satisfy teachers, as well as the natural organic spreading of the [movements] ideas, I think thats coming together to make this really the time for this model to grow more exponentially than it has for the past 10 years, said Lars Esdal, the executive director of Education Evolving.

Oxton, now Lakevilles innovation coordinator, is seeing the model spread firsthand. Inspired by Impact Academy, teams of teachers in two other district schools now have planning grants from the state to consider what it would mean to make their own decisions about student learning.

An ambassador for the Teacher-Powered Schools Initiative, Oxton seemingly never tires of telling Impacts story.

She has learned a few messaging tricks along the way: You cant rush change. Never use the word better, although last years state test results for Orchard Lake showed that students who were in the Impact pilot pathway scored significantly higher than the students who were in the original pathway. And, most importantly, keep students at the center of all the decisions.

Were not fighting against anything, Oxton said. Were trying to change the system.

A Growing Movement

Teacher-led schools vary widely in the degree to which teachers can control what goes on in them. The Teacher-Powered Schools Initiative identifies 15 areas of teacher autonomy that range from those focused on instruction, such as determining curriculum and learning materials, to fiscal and administrative powers, like allocating funds, setting the schedule and school policies, and making staffing decisions. There is no minimum number of areas of autonomy a school needs to have in order to be considered teacher-powered.

Despite the name, most teacher-powered schools do have principals. The difference, supporters say, is that the principals are accountable to the teachers.

Impact Academys principal, Marilynn Smith, sees her role as a buffer between teachers and the district. While the district has been supportive, Smith said, the school is still a small cog in a very big system, and shes had to fight to increase teacher voice in some district-level decisions.

I want to be a leader I would have wanted to work for when I was a teacher, she said. I have instructional expertise, but they have way more of it. So why would I go in and say, This is how you should do this, this is how you should do that? 

Since Impact Academys teacher-powered model is new, Smith said the staff is still figuring out its decisionmaking processes: When does everyone need to be at the table? There is no set process now, but Smith has been educating teachers about district and budget policies so they can make informed decisions.

Sometimes, its a slower process, and thats OK, she said. Sometimes, Im like, Well, I can make that decision [myself], but Im not going to. You need to develop people. People arent going to automatically do this.

A state grant enables the school to fund planning time. Last year, the Minnesota legislature established a $500,000 grant program for teacher-powered schools within districts. Schools exploring the idea can apply for a one-year planning grant of up to $50,000, and schools that already operate as a teacher-powered school can apply for a one-year implementation grant of up to $100,000.

Impact Academy and two other Lakeville schools have planning grants and hope to get implementation grants next year, if the program is funded again. A fourth district school applied for, but didnt get, a grant.

Student-Centered Learning

On a visit in March, students from kindergarten to 5th grades were learning math in a wide-open space in Impact Academy. Years after Oxtons family knocked down one wall, the district paid $400,000 to remove some others and transform the learning space. A kindergartner can now look all the way down the room to see a 5th grader.

Impact Academy is split into three vertical, K-5 communities. During a communitys math and English/language arts instruction, the six groups of students are taught by their teachers simultaneously in an open space. Despite the large number of students in the room, most of the children were on taskwhich teachers attribute to students being grouped as learners, not by grade. Before each math or ELA unit, students take an assessment screener.

The walls were knocked down to remove any stigma for a child going to a different room. Instead of a 4th grader having to go down the hall to the 2nd grade classroom during math time, a student can just walk a few feet to his right-fit group.

Tutors, English-as-a-second-language teachers, and special educators are there to give individualized attention to students performing below grade level.

Were not just meeting kids where theyre at and being complacent in that, were helping them get caught up, Oxton said.

The arrangement also breaks down silos for teachers, Oxton said, calling it highly embedded PD.

Because you share kids, you have to talk about instruction, she said.

There was a community feel to the spacewhen one teacher had to step out in the middle of the lesson, she called to her colleague nearby, asking him to watch her students.

I think the collaboration piece is hugefeeling like you are a team and these kids are yours together, said Leah Johnson, a 2nd grade teacher.

Collaboration was a priority for teachers when designing Impact Academy. In addition to their professional learning community time, teachers in each community meet weekly for 100 minutes to reflect on instructional strategies and go over student data. The teachers opted to cut one instructional period a week of both science and social studies, so they can collaborate while students take music or art or work in maker spaces.

Teachers ability to make at least some decisions about the schedule is part of the five areas of autonomy that Impact Academy has. To varying degrees, teachers also have the power to determine student assessments (with the exception of Minnesota state tests, which the school still must administer), the learning program, how to measure school success, and staffing.

To acquire that autonomy, Oxton and the other teachers have had to work closely with all stakeholders, including the district, the school board, the teachers union, parents, and the community. Lakeville is an open-enrollment district, and some students at Impact Academy are from nearby districts.

It hasnt been smooth sailing, the teachers acknowledge. But the main goals of student-centered, personalized learning have aligned with the districts strategic plan.

Lisa Snyder, the district superintendent, said she embraced Impact Academys model because she wanted to create a learning environment where there would be no achievement gaps, no labels, and kids could simply show up to learn.

The district is still mulling how to give more autonomy to teachers, Snyder said: This isnt the norm for a big school district.

But Snyder will leave the district in June, leaving some worried about the future of teacher-powered schools here. Impact Academys teacher autonomy is not all in writing, Smith said, which is an issue that she and the teachers are grappling with.

My hope [is] that enough teachers have been empowered to be decisionmakers, to be creators and co-creators, that that attitude and mindset will continue in the culture of the district, Snyder said.

Meanwhile, teachers are still working on getting more autonomy and strengthening what they already have. For example, teachers want to be able to set professional-development days, rather than follow the district schedule.

For me, the teacher-empowerment piece is very validating, said 3rd grade teacher Michelle Johnson. It helps you be a reflective teacher, having and knowing your beliefs and passions. When teachers have a mindset of being empowered, you naturally get that from children.
This February, leaders of the nations historically black colleges and universities traveled to Washington to meet with the new U.S. secretary of education, Betsy DeVos, and representatives from a number of government agencies in order to begin this new relationship. Before several of the presidents and chancellors made their remarks, DeVos opened the convening with hers. She made the statement that "[HBCUs] are the real pioneers when it comes to school choice. I wrote this quote down in my folder. At the time, I saw this as her attempt to bridge her school choice background with the work of HBCUs. As we all know, the blow-back was tremendous. And by the next day, during a luncheon address as part of a Congressional Fly-In on HBCUs, she amended her comments.

But there is a choice being made when it comes to historically black colleges and universities. Since Brown v. Board of Education and the integration of Southern universities that followed, most black students have chosen not to attend HBCUs. Weve gone from a monopoly, enrolling over 90 percent of black students prior to the Brown decision, to less than 10 percent today. I was part of that new wave of black students in the 1980s who came from all-black public school systems but opted out of attending an HBCU, and instead ventured into a new educational environment. In 1985, I enrolled at the University of Georgia, 24 years after it was forced by court order to desegregate.

As the exodus from HBCUs continues, a question must be raised: Have too many black students and their families made a poor choice by leaving HBCUs? Over the course of the past few years, new studies and national events have indicated that not choosing to attend an HBCU is perhaps doing harm to black students, their undergraduate experiences, and their future prospects.

One of the drivers of this exodus has been the belief that better-resourced, predominantly white universities are simply preferable to black colleges. The logical choice for some families has been that if you can go to the better college, you will have a better outcome. But a 2015 report by the Association of American Medical Colleges, titled Altering the Course: Black Males in Medicine, challenges this theory.

The very first sentence of the AAMCs press release reads: Since 1978, the number of black males applying to and attending medical school in this country has declined.

In 1980, there were 463,000 black men enrolled in higher education. By 2015, that number had swelled to 998,000. If the number of black male collegians doubled in almost four decades and most of those students attended predominantly white colleges, having fewer black males in medical schools today means those young men might have made a poor choice. Similar studies show flat or lower numbers of blacks attending law school, as well.

While black students have been admitted to some of these 'better' schools, they have not been accepted."

While black students have been admitted to some of these better schools, they have not been accepted. When I speak on college campuses and meet black students, I hear story after story of their feeling alienated, unaware of basic resources on the campus that could help them prepare for careers or graduate and professional school. On these campuses where they pay to attend, they simply occupy space without fully accessing the resources that space provides.

What makes this situation more tragic is that while fewer black students attend HBCUs, they arent even attending the better institutions. A study by the Hechinger Report found that not only is the proportion of black students enrolled in public flagships small, it is declining. Similarly, a report in The Atlantic noted that while black student enrollment at colleges has skyrocketed in the past 20 years, at top-tier institutions the share of black students has declined since 1994. Since 1994, black enrollment at top-tier schools has been basically flat, while it has increased 40 percent at associate degree (two-year) institutions, and 114 percent at other schools, such as for-profit colleges, which have been under fire for high costs, predatory recruiting, and poor academic quality.

Denied admission increasingly by the private elites and flagships, black prospective students are actually choosing two-year and for-profit colleges over HBCUs because they believe they will have a better educational experience. They wont. A 2015 Gallup study found black graduates from HBCUs had a well-being edge over their peers who did not attend HBCUs. HBCU graduates were stronger in all areas, including purpose and financial well-being, twice as likely to feel their professors cared about them, and three times as likely to have felt support. In addition, the Brookings Institution recently found that HBCUs do a better job than the average postsecondary schools moving low-income students into upper-level income quintiles.

With decision day looming, black students and families should consider these three ideas in order to find a college that is the best fit. First, are they choosing fit or fluff? We are a brand-name nation, and we ascribe value based on the name. Frank Brunis 2015 book, which all prospective college families should read, gives you this advice in its title, Where You Go Is Not Who Youll Be. Brand-name schools do not guarantee success.

Next, will you accept the school for what it is? Black student protests on many predominantly white campuses over the past two years are partly the result of these same students agreeing to attend schools with limited diversity, and then all of a sudden expecting diversity overnight. As my wife likes to say, dont get mad at people in France because they speak French.

Finally, know what is important to you. In recent years, we have learned through campus protests that black students want to be around other black students. They want to have black faculty and administrators as mentors and a curriculum that reflects their experiences. They are looking for spaces on campus that reflect their culture, that are free of racial micro- and macro-aggressions. Those who willfully choose colleges that dont reflect whats important to them have chosen poorly, and the blame is all theirs.

Black colleges are a better fit, and ultimately a better choice for not all but many more black students than are presently benefiting from this option.
Vietnam to keep Paradise Cave off global beauty contest over safety concerns

The proposal to use the cave as venue for a beauty contest has been rejected following concerns among locals and conservationists.

A global beauty contest should be held outside the Thien Duong (Paradise) Cave in central Vietnam due to safety reasons, according to the Quang Binh provincial authority, which recommended a local coastal resort instead.

The Paradise Cave in the UNESCO-recognized Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park and SunSpa Resort have initially been put forward by the province's tourism department as candidates to host Miss Grand International 2017's National Costume Contest.

"Due to the steep terrain, flood intensity is high and it can trigger flash floods," the state owned Nhan Dan daily cited a Quang Binh tourism department report to the culture ministry as saying.

The report said the cave will also limit the number of allowed guests and hinder logistics and security work.

Paradise Cave had been expected to make a global beauty contest a unique experience. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Tao

Miss Grand International is a global female beauty contest and one of the five Gland Slam Beauty Pageants. Held once a year since 2013, the contest has picked Vietnam for 2017 after Las Vegas hosted it last year.

Despite public concerns, the report claimed the event would not damage the cave's environment. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Tao.

Quang Binh has been chosen for the national costume contest, the southern province of Kien Giang will host the swimsuit competition and the final show will take place in Ho Chi Minh City. All the events are scheduled for October 4-25.

Meanwhile the Paradise Cave is often struck by flooding in September and October, the Quang Binh tourism department said, suggesting SunSpa Resort as an alternative venue. The organizing committee will later finalize the venue.

Earlier Le Thanh Tinh, head of the Phong Nha Ke Bang national park, has expressed concern that any large gathering of people could increase carbon dioxide concentrations, which will in turn reduce stalactites' shine.

Paradise was named by a British Cave Research Association team, which explored it following a discovery by a local man in 2005.

The team called it the most beautiful cave in the world for its stalactite structures. They also said it is the longest dry cave in Asia, stretching 31.4 kilometers (19 miles).

Opened to tourists in 2011, Paradise is one of 300 different caves and grottos at the world famous Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

The park won UNESCO recognition in 2003 for having unique limestone structures and the oldest karst formation in Asia, dating back to some 400 million years ago. Only some of the caves in the park are accessible to the public, including Paradise.
May you live in interesting times. Chinese curse (apocryphal)

Early in my career, when I was teaching at a magnet school in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York City, I was baffled every year when at least one student would submit an essay making the case for Adolf Hitler as a misunderstood genius. I never refused to let a student make his or her case. Instead, I would monitor the students work closely, demand rigorous evidence for any argument, and play devils advocate. Their arguments extolling historical tyrants tended to fall apart as soon as the investigation pushed past internet imagery and memes.

Generally, if students in the United States want to work through what may seem a dubious political or ethical topic, history teachers do not flatly deny them the opportunity to do so. Regardless of the students motives, a flat denial of their inquiry will often be counterproductive. The history teachers job is not to tell students what to think; instead, we must give students opportunities to challenge conventional wisdom. We dont want our students to become automatons regurgitating narratives, but critical thinkers who can take their place as informed citizens in an advanced democracy.

On the surface, my current experience as a teacher at an international school in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) could not be more different. Here, I have not only had to shut down the research choices of my students, but my colleagues and I have been instructed to avoid certain historical topics altogether. In the PRC, the impact of communist revolutionary Mao Zedong on modern China and The Three Ts (Tibet, Taiwan, and Tiananmen Square) are considered no-go zones for historical study. The government actually provides a guideline for understanding Mao that stems from a statement by former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in 1981 : Mao was 70 percent right in his actions, and 30 percent wrong. Full stop. Develop your curriculum from here.

Two years ago, this matter came to a head when one of my students wanted to write her extended essay (the senior thesis required to earn an International Baccalaureate, or IB, diploma) on Maos culpability during the Great Leap Forward, his largely failed attempt to industrialize China in 10 years through subsequent USSR-style five-year plans. After her choice of essay was denied by school representatives without an explanation, her parents petitioned me for a reason.

I referred to the schools by-laws, which explicitly state that the school, its employees, and its students will operate in compliance with the laws and the constitution of the PRC. Studying an English translation of the PRCs constitution, I learned that the treatment of historical subjects of sensitivityas defined by the stateis subject to state scrutiny and possible prosecution, especially if shared or distributed online. As IB extended essays are now uploaded to the internet for submission, the schools position in accordance with the law was clear.

To be fair, my students and their families moved to China voluntarily and no one forced them to enroll at my school. I also came of my own accord, knowing very well that I may face challenges as a history teacher working within an unfamiliar political system.

This is not my first close encounter with autocracy. Before visiting Burma (now Myanmar) in 1999, I asked my senior thesis advisor from college, an expert in Burma and decolonization, about the ethics of being a tourist in an authoritarian state. He encouraged me to go, advising, Bill, how else are we going to learn about the truth of the situation there? And how sure are you that the government of the United States hasnt resembled Burmas in the past, or that it wont in the future? Dont throw stones until you test the walls.

Keeping an open mind, however, is different than avoiding controversial topics, especially those of critical contemporary relevance. Our challenge as teachers in the PRC is finding a way to respect the schools obligation to its government and community, while still helping students grapple with the big questions of their dayall without getting fired.

Here are a few solutions my colleagues and I have devised:

1. We redesigned the curriculum to focus not on East Asia, but on the Americas (one of the four choices offered by the International Baccalaureate organization). In this framework, we can still cover Chinas role in international events like World War II and the Cold War, while avoiding sensitive domestic issues.

2. We reselected our core units to include decolonization, civil rights, human rights, and U.S. foreign policy. This allows us to address key human rights issues as faced by people in the United States, Latin America, and the former European colonies.

3. We made the issues of the day a primer for learning about the issues of the past. Using worldwide current events as a springboard for our discussions, we make connections between contemporary consequences and their historical causesand always round back to discuss change and continuity over time.

The end result? We have cultivated a cohort of students who have never directly addressed the three Ts and Maos 30-percent culpability through their submitted work, but have been exposed to parallel case studies that give them the critical thinking tools they need to grapple with these forbidden topics. Hallway conversations about Chinas expansion in the South China Sea, challenges to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, and government responses to Hong Kongs Umbrella Revolution are not against the law, and, as Mark Twain would observe, they rhyme well with past events like the annexation of Tibet, the continued sensitivity over the One China policy, and the 1989 demonstrations in Tiananmen Square.

History rhymes right across the Pacific. My experience in China has taught me to raise controversial issues in challenging circumstances. As a teacher in the PRC, I strive to respect all members of the community while refusing to retreat from necessary conversations. This can instruct teachers conduct in American classrooms as well.

How are the walls in your classroom these days? Do they stand solidly against the challenge of alternative facts'; threats to defund programs critical to historical literacy, like the National Endowment for the Humanities ; and movements to ban seminal revisionist history texts, like A Peoples History of the United States ?

There is no 70/30 rule in the United States, so be creative. Respect your community and stay in the classroom, but hold the powerful accountable for their actions. Remember, its our duty as American educatorsand as citizensto ensure that our nations Ts are not shielded from history, but face scrutiny in both the present and the future.


New Products Date: 18/04/2017 Compact MIMO tech antenna and RF module for 5G base stations To cater to the market needs of high-speed wide-band communication required for smart cities, smart factories, and autonomous vehicles, fifth-generation ( 5G) is emerging as best solution. Targeting this opportunity, Mitsubishi Electric developed a compact massive-element antenna and RF module that achieves a wide 800MHz bandwidth and wide-angle beamforming for 28GHz communications in 5G radio base stations. Mitsubishi presenting the details at the Brooklyn 5G Summit to be held in New York City from April 19 to 21.



This RF communication product features wide-angle beamforming. The Beam control technology is combined with a proprietary massive 256-element antenna and RF device.

The Wide-angle beam forming at 45 degrees horizontally expands area coverage.



The product also design as a compact system by using highly efficient RF devices for easy installation.



Key technologies of 5G: Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), which use high frequency bands to secure wide bandwidth, and MIMO, which spatially multiplexes multiple signals at the same time in the same frequency while compensating for large propagation loss in higher frequencies through the use of multi-element antennas.



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Movie Night: 'The Dressmaker'

April 18, 2017 | 02:35 am PT

Opening: 08:00 pm, Sat 22 Apr 2017

A woman uses her talents for crafting top-line designer wear to exact revenge on her childhood home.
This spring marked the solemn anniversary of one of the most tragic chapters in recent history, the 1994 genocidal slaughter of some 800,000 men, women and children in Rwanda.



The sad facts are well known. On April 6, 1994, a plane carrying Rwanda's president and his Burundian counterpart was shot down as it was landing in the capital, Kigali. Both men were killed, setting off a wave of revenge and ethnic cleansing. Extremist members of the president's Hutu people savagely attacked and murdered members of Rwanda's Tutsi minority, and many moderate Hutus too. U.N. peacekeepers withdrew after some of their troops were killed, and the rampage continued for 100 days.



Rwandans from all walks of life have worked heroically over the past 20 years to repair their lives and move forward, but an important part of the rebuilding remains unfinished. Most of the men accused by an international criminal tribunal of playing key roles in the genocide fled the country, and nine remain at large. None should enjoy impunity.



The United States is cooperating with the Rwandan government, INTERPOL, the United Nations and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda to make it harder for the fugitives to continue to elude justice. We are offering rewards up to five million dollars each for information leading to the arrest, transfer or conviction of these murderers:



Augustin Bizimana was Defense Minister in the interim Rwandan government, helping to prepare the genocide campaign and preparing lists of people to be killed.



Businessman Felicien Kabuga is alleged to be the main financier and backer of the political and militia groups that committed the genocide, and transporting death squads in his companys trucks.



Fulgence Kayishema, police inspector of the Kivumu commune, is accused of orchestrating the massacre of thousands of Tutsis and Hutu moderates there in April 1994.



Protais Mpiranya, commander of the Rwandan Presidential Guard, is alleged to have directed his soldiers in killing the Rwandan Prime Minister and murdering ten UN peacekeepers guarding her home.



Charles Sikubwabo, mayor of the Gishyita commune in the Kibuye Prefecture, is accused of instigating massacres at the church of Mubuga and elsewhere. Charles Ryandikayo, the manager of a restaurant in the commune, is accused of taking part in the church massacre.



Ladislas Ntaganzwa, mayor of Nyakizu commune in Butare Prefecture, is accused of being one of the main instigators of the genocide in the prefecture and of making speeches calling for eliminating Tutsis in the region.



Pheneas Munyarugarama, a lieutenant colonel in the Rwandan Army, is charged with helping direct and take part in the systematic killing of Tutsi refugees fleeing the fighting.



Aloys Ndimbati, mayor of the Gisovu commune in the Kibuye Prefecture, is accused of conspiring to kill Tutsis in the Prefecture and being directly involved in massacres that took place in the area of Bisesero between April and June 1994.



If you or anyone you know has information on any of these men, it can be provided with complete confidentiality. You may contact the nearest U.S. embassy or within the DRC you can call (081-715-2501) and internationally (243-81-715-2501). Also by email at WCRP@state.gov or on the Internet at www.state.gov/warcrimesrewards
For the eighth time since the start of the Syrian conflict  when Syrian President Bashar al-Assad first used overwhelming force against peaceful pro-democracy protestors  Russia, Assads most powerful ally, vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that would have held Assad and his regime accountable for its unconscionable acts.

On April 11, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France put forward a resolution condemning the heinous, illegal chemical weapons attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun April 4, which resulted in an agonizing death for scores of Syrians, including children. In response to that attack, the U.S. launched an airstrike on the airfield from which the chemical attack was launched.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said, There is no doubt the Syrian regime is responsible for the decision to attack and for the attack itselfThe United States will not passively stand by while Assad blithely ignores international law and employs chemical weapons.

In addition to condemning the use of chemical weapons, the proposed Security Council resolution expressed a determination to see that the perpetrators of the attack on Khan Sheikhoun be held accountable, and called on the Assad regime to cooperate with UN investigators.

The resolution would have easily passed; only two members  Russia and Bolivia-- voted against; and three, including China, which had joined Russia in vetoing a series of prior Syria-focused resolutions, abstained. President Donald Trump praised Chinas vote, which, observers noted, marked a shift and a significant difference with Russia. However, because Russia, as a permanent member of the Council has veto power, the resolution was blocked.

U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Nikki Haley deplored Russias action: With its veto, Russia said no to accountability, Russia said no to cooperation with the UNs independent investigation. And Russia said no to a resolution that would have helped promote peace in Syria.

Todays vote could have been a turning point, Ambassador Haley said. This vote could have been the moment when Russia saw that its interests do not lie with a murderous dictator, but rather with the many countries in the international community, including those across the Middle East, that want to end this conflict. By its failure, Russia will continue to be isolated.

Ambassador Haley urged Russia to join forces with the overwhelming number of countries that are pushing for a political solution. The international community has spoken. Russia now has a lot to prove.
Vice President Mike Pence put North Korea on notice during his recent trip to Asia.

In a joint appearance, Vice President Pence and South Korean acting president Hwang Kyo-ahn said they would strengthen South Korea's defenses by moving ahead with the early deployment of the THAAD missile-defense system.

"Just in the past two weeks," said Vice President Pence, "the world witnessed the strength and resolve of our new president in actions taken in Syria and Afghanistan."

"North Korea," he said, "would do well not to test [President Trump's] resolve or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region."

The U.S. Navy this month struck a Syrian airfield with 59 Tomahawk missiles after a chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime. Several days later, the U.S. military dropped "the mother of all bombs", the largest non-nuclear device it has ever unleashed in combat, on a network of caves and tunnels used by ISIS in Afghanistan.

During a visit to the border between North and South Korea, Vice President Pence, whose father served in the 1950-53 Korean War, said the United States would stand by its "iron-clad alliance" with South Korea.

"All options are on the table to achieve the objectives and ensure the stability of the people of this country," Mr. Pence told reporters at the demilitarized zone, which separates the North from the South.

"We're going to abandon the failed policy of strategic patience," said Vice President Pence. "But we're going to redouble our efforts to bring diplomatic and economic pressure to bear on North Korea. Our hope is that we can resolve this issue peaceably."
North Korea warns the United States that it would counter "reckless acts of aggression" in relation to the deployment of a US naval strike group in the Korean peninsula.

On Monday, North Korea's foreign ministry, through the Korean Central News Agency, said that the deployment of the US naval strike showed "reckless moves for invading" and that it had "reached a serious phase," USA Today reported.

"We will hold the US wholly accountable for the catastrophic consequences to be entailed by its outrageous actions," the statement wrote. "The DPRK is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the US," the ministry continued using the country's full title the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The US sent its USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier in the Korean peninsula along with the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain and two destroyers, USS Wayne E. Meyer and USS Michael Murphy, as its escort. This happened after the latest missile test that North Korea conducted last week, according to CNN.

The US naval strike group, according to reports, was scheduled to leave from Singapore to Australia for a port visit on Saturday. But Head of US Pacific Command, Admiral Harry Harris, was ordered to change their course to the Korean peninsula "as a prudent measure to maintain readiness and presence in the Western Pacific," USA Today reported.

Many analysts strongly believe that the deployment of the US naval strike group in the Korean peninsula is more likely to be defensive in nature. Senior defense analyst at Rand Corp, Bruce Bennet, said that the warships may have the potential to intercept the test ballistic missiles from North Korea - if the country ever decides to fire them into the East Sea or Sea of Japan.

While this may be the case, it US naval group also has offensive strike capabilities, mainly by using the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, which is carrying 5,000 sailors on board with 60 airships.
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Armed police have closed off the A12 just outside Chelmsford.

Pictures show a group of officers, one wielding what looks like a rifle, surrounding a white Citroen on the southbound carriageway of the road between Witham and Hatfield Peverel this afternoon (Tuesday, April 18).

Eye-witnesses reported seeing officers holding a gun to a woman's head. Both the woman, who is reportedly wearing a white dressing gown, and a man appear to have been detained by the officers, with the man seen in handcuffs by the side of a police vehicle.

One of the police cars is blocking off a section of the road, with all traffic currently being held further up the London-bound stretch.

Essex Police have been approached for a comment on the incident.
The U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, announced this month a new grant to support the work of the National Election Committee, or NEC, to administer Cambodias 2017 and 2018 elections. The two-year, $1.8 million dollar Cambodia Election Management Project, awarded to the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, will help the NEC implement voter education campaigns, strengthen its election dispute resolution processes, and enhance its ability to identify and mitigate weaknesses in the countrys electoral system.

This program follows previous USAID support for the National Election Committee, which included an internal capacity assessment, training on election administration, and assistance to produce a set of public service announcements about voter registration. The new grant will help ensure the NEC follows through on its commitment to effectively administer elections and advance meaningful electoral reform through the commune elections in 2017 and national elections in 2018.

USAID was founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and serves as the lead agency of the U.S. Government for foreign assistance. Since 1992, USAID has invested approximately $1 billion dollars towards Cambodias development. The International Foundation for Electoral Systems supports citizens rights to participate in free and fair elections. Its independent expertise strengthens electoral systems and builds local capacity to deliver sustainable solutions. Since 1987, IFES has worked in over 145 countries  from developing democracies, to mature democracies.

Electoral participation is the foundation of a healthy democracy, said U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia William Heidt. We look forward to working with the National Election Committee, civil society, and political parties to continue to strengthen democracy in Cambodia.
To reach me for collaborations, sponsorships, and event invitations, I am contactable at

the-ice-angel@hotmail.com


The European Union remains deeply concerned about the present stalemate at the Eritrea-Ethiopia boundary between both states. The ongoing violent standoff between Eritrea and Ethiopia is part of the protracted violence in the Horn of Africa that, as Brussels fears, could exacerbate regional instability and have potentially negative implications for international peace, security and international trade, which could also in turn hamper regional cooperation and development. The border conflict, which has been ongoing since the Eritrean-Ethiopian War of 1998-2000, has included multiple clashes ever since.

Eritrea and Ethiopia, both of whom are among the worlds poorest countries, spent hundreds of millions of dollars on the war over the disputed territory of Badme. Both sides suffered tens of thousands of casualties but the direct consequence was only a minor change to the border. An international commission established in The Hague maintains that Eritrea broke international law and triggered the war by invading Ethiopia, which held Badme at the end of the conflict. However, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) holds that the disputed territory belongs to Eritrea, though as of 2017 Ethiopia still occupies it.

The EEBC was established as part of the Algiers peace agreement signed by the leaders of Eritrea, President Isaias Afwerki, and Ethiopia, late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, in Algiers, Algeria in December 2000. The EU signed the deal as a witness alongside Algeria, the United States of America, the United Nations, and the Organization of African Unity. The EU maintains that both parties have all to gain from a full implementation of the provisions of the EEBCs decision. Brussels therefore encourages both parties to take concrete steps that could lead towards the final demarcation of the border in accordance with the EEBC ruling and thus begin building constructive and peaceful relations.
Dollar to yen exchange rate hits 2017 lows - 108.12 reached before reversing towards 108.8

- 108.12 reached before reversing towards 108.8 North Korea continues to weigh on risk sentiment providing support for the JPY

Lloyds see some consolidation before USD/JPY continues downtrend towards 1.08

Risk sentiment hard to gauge as weaker USD a boost for many

On a subdued day of holiday trade, the USD continued its fall against the Japanese Yen, hitting 108.12 before rebounding strongly back up to 108.75.

The initial shock to risk sentiment that boosted the Yen, continues to be events in North Korea, as a senior official out of Pyongyang was quoted as saying "We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis," Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol told the BBC's John Sudworth. This sort of rhetoric is seen as increasing the risk of US intervention, which is considered a risk to stability in the region.

The JPY as a safe haven has enjoyed a tremendous run during this period of risk and as such looks a little overbought across the board. The most recent CFTC report sees the commercials as heavy sellers of the JPY at its current level despite their net long position overall, while the non-reportable investors have been heavy buyers. This could be why we saw the JPY reverse today, as it is a little tired after its bullish progress over the last few weeks.

In a release to investors over the weekend, Lloyds Bank released its international outlook and a fundamental forecast for the USD/JPY. They note the impressive strength in the JPY against the USD but do not see risk off as being the main driver behind its impressive rise. Instead they see two other significant reasons, the first of these is the March rate hike by the US Federal Reserve which was interpreted so dovishly by the markets when the median expectations of the dot plot were not increased in the face of high expectations for some additional hawkishness by the bank. The second reason was the failure of Trump to pass his healthcare bill which showed that the administration might not be as successful as markets first thought in pushing through any decent economic stimulus. Given that US treasury yields have moved lower, the currency pair is at yearly lows. The bank notes that they hold a fairly consensus view of market expectations for both the Japanese and US central bank monetary policies moving forward,

The Federal Reserve looks most likely to enact two further 25bp rate rises in 2017, while the Bank of Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to its yield curve control strategy. Risk sentiment remains stable, with global equity markets consolidating close to their record highs. However, model estimates still suggest the yen is undervalued. Over the coming quarters, there is scope for some consolidation within its broader range. But, beyond that, we expect the JPY to continue to appreciate, towards 108 by end-2017.

It is curious how reluctant Lloyds are to acknowledge that risk sentiment is falling. They claim it remains stable but that seems to be based purely by focusing on the equity markets. The Yen is strengthening alongside Gold, and while it is obvious that a weak USD has something to do with that, there can be no doubt there is some fresh buying in these two markets. A diminishing likelihood of a rate hike in June due to rising tensions may also be propping up equities, but it seems inappropriate to suggest risk sentiment is stable. Any time President Trump sails an armada somewhere, and suggests he is going to sort something, risk will respond appropriately.
Hi, thanks for the quick reply, the Solicitor just keeps stringing her along saying its getting done.

My friend is worried that if she gets too confrontational with the Solicitor she wont give her back the important documents. Im not sure about the biometrics I will have to ask her as she only recently told me about this problem, if she had told me before I would have helped her submit the application herself.



Either the Solicitor has not submitted the application, or it has been lost in the post, or it has been submitted and is taking a long time which I think is very unlikely because no applicaton fee has been paid from her bank account.



If my friend cannot get her documents returned to prepare a new application what can she do? Could she use a photocopy of the Life in the UK test certificate instead because it took a her quie a few attempts to pass.



Thank for your advice.
I moved to Lyon at the end of August 2016 on a student visa that will end at the end of June 2017.



I would like to prolong my visa for another year by either continuing my language studies or entering into a university degree program, but I'd prefer to move to Montpellier after my visa ends.



How would I go about doing this? Can I simply request an appt. at the prefecture here in Lyon and present my acceptance documents for a university in Montpellier and hope to get a visa extension and then update my address when I move to Montpellier?



If it is too much of a hassle, then I would probably continue in Lyon, but I would prefer to move to Montpellier if the process is not too painful.
People in parts of Europe are becoming more pessimistic with research highlighting a growing trend in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Poland and Sweden of widespread gloom and anxiety.The pan-European study found low levels of trust in both European Union and national political institutions and less support for cultural and ethnic diversity at a time when immigration has become a major issue in many countries.  The research, led by British based think tank Demos, also found that the majority in every country apart from France regard globalisation as having been a positive force in their country, and there is generally widespread support for other aspects of social liberalism, including same sex marriage and womens economic emancipation.Some five think tanks contributed to the study to put together a snapshot of feelings in the six major countries in the EU and sought to find out views on the outlook for 2017 as well as an insight into each of their respective social, cultural, economic, historical and political environments.France was found to be the most pessimistic with a distrust and despair taking hold in the run up to this months first round of the 2017 Presidential Elections, with the vast majority of citizens believing both further terrorism and financial crises are imminent.The research recorded an acute sense of economic and security concerns along with distinctly negative views about both globalisation and cultural diversity, compared to other EU member states.In the UK the research detected a big divide between those who welcome globalisation and see leaving the EU as a positive move and those who have a more closed global attitude views on international cooperation, cultural diversity, frequency of international travel, and the breadth of social and work networks displaying a gulf.People in Germany are concerned about the EUs impact on their national finances and welfare system, and large minorities are also concerned about its capacity to erode national identity and compromise employment levels. It also found a significant gulf of understanding between German citizens and politians who dismiss concerns as generalised or misplaced.Anti-immigration feeling has been growing in Sweden which has always been regarded as one of the more liberal countries in the EU. It detected a growth in nationalist views.Poland remains strongly pro-European and in favour of globalisation, despite the election of a far right populist Government but Government supporters were found to hold much stronger fears of Islamic terrorism, migration and national security than economic matters.While Spain stands as an exception to the trend towards far right populism but the research found that attitudes towards immigration are hardening and many citizens believe it should be reduced to help boost the economy and job prospects.The picture painted by the research is certainly cause for concern for those who would like to see Europe, and a post-Brexit UK remain both internally cohesive and open to the world. There is no doubt that we are living through a transition that feels cataclysmic in nature, disruptive, challenging and potentially dangerous, said Sophie Gaston, head of international projects at Demos.But the question as to whether this is the beginning or the end of something has not yet been decided. It is important that European governments, and the European Union itself, do not succumb to reactive policy making and short term thinking to try to stem the tide of populism, nationalism and authoritarianism, she added.
OBERLIN, Ohio  Members of Firelands FFA are spending spring break in Ashland, Kansas, helping farmers in need.

Member Garrett Lewis had been following the devastation in the news and learned about other groups going out West on Facebook.

He, too, wanted to help, so about three weeks ago, he recruited his sister and six friends to go. They started a GoFundMe account and requested donations from local businesses to support their trip and donate to the victims.

So far, they have raised nearly $7,000.

Connections

They connected with the owners of Duma Meats in Portage County, Ohio, who had helped to organize one of the original relief convoys from Ohio, to get contact information of those organizing volunteers in Kansas.

We are driving down there and are going to spend the week helping to reconstruct fences, just as laborers, said Christopher Fath, a sophomore at Firelands High School.

The group of eight members  Sean Miller, Clayton Spiegelberg, Christopher Fath, Tyran Ostrander, Evan Born, Garrett Lewis, Clay Palmer and Madison Lewis  and an adult, Dani Lewis, left April 15 and plan to return April 21.

Read more about Ohioans brining relief to wildfire victims in Kansas Facebook spurs army of Ohio farmers headed for Kansas

I have cattle of my own, Fath said. I can understand how hard it must be to have everything gone.

Fath has a herd of seven cattle that he shows at the Lorain County Fair.

Ive never been that far west, I am excited to see what it is like and see exactly what the fires did, Fath said.

The group rolled into Wichita, Kansas, and saw some areas that had been burned, but quickly learned those were from controlled fires, Lewis said. As they moved farther west, they came to Ashland, Kansas, and saw the real damage.

Telephone poles were burned in half, fence posts were charred. The destruction was amazing, Lewis said.

Accommodations

The group is staying at a Christian camp. The camp hosted 200 volunteers last week and are planning for 100 this week.

When they arrived, the Ohio teens were quickly were put to work. The farmers split them into two groups, those who were comfortable driving a tractor and those who werent. In the rural area they are working in, 20 homes and 30 structures were lost, said Lewis.

There are a lot of proud people out here, who didnt want to ask for help, said Lewis. One of the farmers they are helping just now asked for help, six weeks after the fires devastated his land.

One element of good that has come out of the tragedy is that the community has come together, Fath said. Farmers shared that they never talked to their neighbors as much as they do now.

One farmer they are helping has 400 head of cattle, waiting to come back to the farm. Some of those cattle survived and fires and some cattle he has purchased since the fire.

We are using teamwork out here, working together to tear down the burned fence, Fath said. That is something Ive learned through FFA that is helping me now.

Reflection

(Reporter Katy Mumaw spoke with Garrett Lewis after they returned.)

Garrett Lewis, sophomore, reflects on the weeklong experience, sharing that the conditions of the land in Ashland, Kansas, were better than he thought they would be.

I thought there would just be nothing left, but after the fires, they got 2-3 inches of rain, helping the grass to grow back and the tree leaves to start coming out, said Lewis. The houses havent started to be rebuilt because the owners are working on taking pictures, cleaning up and working with their insurance companies.

The most memorable part was working with the farmers. They didnt have the attitude youd expect, they were just joyful, he said. They probably figured being down didnt help in making things better and moving forward.

Lewis shared that unfortunately the Christian camp they were staying out is closing its doors to relief volunteers. They have to renovate camp before the summer camps begin, so he thinks they may have been the last group to benefit from the camp accommodations.

Lewis thinks the farmers impacted need money the most, so they can get what they need slowly get back on their feet.

The stockpiles of hay people had donated was off-the-wall, he said. Acres and acres of bales.

Lewis hopes to make another trip out over the summer with his mom, Dani, and sister, Madison, to check on the farmers they helped and see what else they need.

Day 1: Fireland FFA members serve Looking out over farm in Ashland, Kansas, with burned fence posts. < > < > 1 View Day 1: Fireland FFA members serve Looking out over farm in Ashland, Kansas, with burned fence posts. 2 View Day 1: Fireland FFA members serve What is left of a house destroyed by fire. 3 View Day 1: Fireland FFA members serve Farmer shares with Fireland FFA members the state of the farm after the fires 4 View Firelands fire relief_day2_1 Cattle graze on the grass as it starts to grow back 5 View Day 1: Fireland FFA members serve Garrett Lewis returns to the Christian camp they are staying at, dirty after the first day of pulling fence posts. 6 View Day 3: Firelands FFA members serve Truck destroyed in wildfires. But also a picture of hope with grass beginning to grow around it. 7 View Day 3: Firelands FFA members serve Livestock trailer destroyed by the wildfires 8 View Day 3: Firelands FFA members serve The FFA members continue to pull and haul fencing materials from the field back to the farm. 9 View Day 3: Firelands FFA members serve The FFA members continue to pull and haul fencing materials from the field back to the farm. 10 View Day 3: Firelands FFA members serve 11 View Day 3: Firelands FFA members serve Christopher Fath holds a dead rattlesnake. 12 View Day 4: Firelands FFA members serve A landscape shot of the land recovering after the devastating fires that charred the land. 13 View Day 4: Firelands FFA members serve The volunteers took some time to do some sightseeing as well, this photo was captured as they walked around Dodge City, Kansas. 14 View Day 4: Firelands FFA members serve Acres of donated round bales visualize the support Ashland, Kansas, has received.

Day 1: At the end of the first day, they came back dirty and compared stories about how hard it was pulling out burned fences and posts. The youth also helped roll out hay bales to feed the farmers 400 cows.

Day 2: The day started foggy with dew on the ground. The volunteers were separated into two groups, both headed to different areas to remove more fence.

The Kansas sun was a bit unforgiving as most of the boys got a little sun burnt. Both groups saw rattlesnakes on their adventures.

In the evening the group discussed how it was the right decision to come and help for the week and all they have learned, such as different farming techniques and about water tables.

Day 3: The group has gotten to know volunteers from Iowa, New York and Missouri. One gentleman from Missouri came out alone with his four-wheeler, skid steer and post hole attachment. Another lady from New York flew into Witchita, rented a care and arrived at the camp they are staying at to help for a week. She owns cattle of her own.

The group heard a story from a local farmer about two brothers, who hadnt talked to each other for 20 years and the day of the fire the smoke was so black one couldnt tell which direction they were going. One of the brothers had a compass and helped both of them to get to safety, saving both of their lives. Now they realize how petty the last 20 years has been.

Im proud of these kids. I am blessed they let me come with them, said Dani, who is keeping notes of their experiences. On Danis way back to the camp after dropping the FFA members off at the farms to work today, she saw a cow giving birth along a charred fence row, another sign of hope.

Day 4: The group continued to pull fence lines today. It was extremely hot in the afternoon so one of the farmers they were working with took part of the group on a tour of his farm and let them finish early.

The group did some sightseeing in the evening, walking around Dodge City and stopped at St Jacobs Well and the Big Basin Prairie Preserve.

They also met a man from Wooster, Ohio, Joe Wenger, owner and operator of Eyster Harvesting. He had done custom harvesting for a farm in Kansas the past several years and decided to come back and help plant crops and mend fences.
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Last week Singapore announced that it has adopted the ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Systems Management Standard to help companies there implement and manage anti-bribery best practices.

Singapores adoption of ISO 37001 comes shortly after Peru, which formally adopted the Standard on April 4, becoming the first Latin American country to do so.

SPRING Singapore, an agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is working with Singapores Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) to launch the Standard.

In a joint statement, SPRING Singapore and the CPIB said ISO 37001 is based on internationally recognized good practices [and] provides guidelines to help Singapore companies strengthen their anti-bribery compliance systems and processes [to] ensure compliance with anti-bribery laws.

SPRING Singapore and the Singapore Accreditation council expect to have an accreditation mechanism ready for certification bodies by the end of the year.

Choy Sauw Kook, assistant chief of Quality and Excellence at SPRING Singapore said, To encourage local enterprises to adopt the standard, SPRING will be working with public and private stakeholders to provide assistance in terms of training, consultancy, certification and funding.

Wong Hong Kuan, director of the CPIB, said Corruption will always be a work in progress because of the innate human nature of greed and temptation, and the CPIB remains vigilant to keep Singapore corruption-free.

In 2016, the CPIB said it received 808 corruption complaints, down from 877 the year before. The vast majority of people prosecuted last year for bribery in Singapore were private sector employees.

The adoption of the ISO 37001 Standard by Singapore and Peru mark an important milestone, as governments around the world begin adopting the Standard.

As the global nature of anti-bribery enforcement continues to gain momentum, companies must look to an international approach to their anti-bribery and compliance programs. Singapore and Peru are leading the way in what is expected to be a continuing stream of government adoptions of the ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Systems Management Standard.

______

Kristy Grant-Hart the CEO of Spark Compliance Consulting and author of the book How to be a Wildly Effective Compliance Officer. She is an adjunct professor at Delaware School of Law, Widener University, teaching Global Compliance and Ethics. She can be found at www.ComplianceKristy.com, @KristyGrantHart and emailed here.
Jennifer Garner's friends threw her an intimate birthday party on Sunday (16.04.17).

Jennifer Garner

The '13 Going On 30' actress turned 45 on Monday (17.04.17), and friends of the brunette beauty organised a small and intimate celebratory bash at Little Beach House in Malibu just the day before she hit the milestone, which saw her and her close pals watch the sun set together.

Speaking about the party to E! News, a source said: "Jen arrived with a small group around 6:30 p.m., just as the sun was starting to set.

"The ladies started out at the bar area, and once everyone arrived, they were moved to tables along the railing overlooking the ocean. The tables looked pretty with little votive candles, hydrangeas and roses."

However, a handful of Jennifer's pals arrived earlier to help add the finishing touches to the site.

The source continued: "A few of Jen's friends arrived before the party started to get everything set up."

Reese Witherspoon was among the guests who attended the event, as well as Jennifer's manager and publicist, and the star's "mom friends".

The insider explained: "Some of the girls were mom friends from school. Her manager and publicist were there as well."

Although Jennifer filed for a divorce from her former partner Ben Affleck last week - almost three years after the couple separated - she is believed to have looked "happy" being surrounded by "people closest to her".

Speaking about the Texas-born star - who has Violet, 11, Seraphina, eight and Samuel, five, with the dark haired hunk - the source said: "Jen looked so happy to be surrounded by the people closest to her. She had the best evening and was so gracious. She gave a little speech and thanked everyone for coming. Everyone went out of their way to make Jen feel special and be there for her. Her friends adore her and think the world of her."
Mark Hamill said fans who saw the first 'Star Wars' film thought it was a joke.

Mark Hamill

The 65-year-old actor, who starred as Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker in the three original sci-fi films, said fans laughed at the cinematic debut of 'A New Hope' back in 1977.

Mark told The Hollywood Reporter "At the end of the trailer it said: 'a billion light years in the making. And it's coming to your galaxy this summer.' Somebody in the balcony yelled out: 'yeah and it's coming to the Late Show two weeks after that'."

The actor, who was at the screening with his now-late co-star Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia, said they both giggled with the crowd but also said they were horrified.

Mark has recently returned to the 'Star Wars' franchise for the 2015 'The Force Awakens' and will be starring in the upcoming 'The Last Jedi'.

However the actor has said he has one regret about the 2015 film which is he wishes his character came to the rescue of Princess Leia after the death of Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford.

Speaking to website www.fandango.com, he admitted: "When I was reading it, I thought if Leia is trying to mentally contact me and she is unsuccessful, she'll rush to his [Han's] aid and get into some dire situation, and that's when I show up.

"I save her life, and then we rush to Han, and then we are in the same position that Rey and Finn and Chewie are -- too late to save him, but witnesses."

Meanwhile, Mark has said that his character could turn to the dark side in new movie 'The Last Jedi'.

Speaking at the Star Wars Celebration in Florida over the weekend, he teased: "It's possible, anything's possible."

Mark also admitted that he doesn't agree with "everything" that has been decided for his character by producer Rian Johnson in the forthcoming film.
Lottie Moss will "never" join 'Made in Chelsea', according to Georgia Toffolo.

Lottie Moss

The 19-year-old model is currently dating dark haired hunk Alex Mytton, and she is also good friends with Georgia, as well as Frankie Gaff and Emily Blackwell who star on the E4 show, but the blonde beauty has no plans to join the programme.

Speaking about the possibility of the catwalk icon appearing in a future series, the blonde beauty - who is nicknamed Toff - said: "I'm good friends with Lottie and see her a lot, but she would never come on the show."

And the reality star has teased her new beau could feature in a forthcoming episode.

When asked about her love life and if she is dating anyone, she said: "Yes. Keep on watching, because I can't say anything about him at the moment."

This season of 'Made in Chelsea' has seen the arrival of newcomer Mimi and Georgia has admitted she has formed a close bond to the Canadian star because she is "honest".

Georgia said: "I've made new girlfriends, which is really nice. I love Mimi.

"[We are] really, really close. She's honest, unlike some girls. She's not shady and doesn't go behind other girls' backs.

"She's headstrong and very confident, which the other girls find intimidating."

And Georgia, who previously dated her co-star Francis Boulle briefly on the show, before he embarked on a brief romance with Olivia Bentley, has admitted she feels "awkward" when she sees her former flame.

Speaking about the 28-year-old television personality, the 22-year-old star told Star! magazine: "After a guy treats you like that you should stay clear. I don't even talk to him, really. I say hi, but it's awkward when we're in the same room."
A popular quote by an anonymous writer, which has been doing the rounds on the internet goes like thisUnless it's mad, passionate, extraordinary love, it's a waste of your time. There are too many mediocre things in life. Love shouldn't be one of them. Here are a few examples of people who have made grand romantic gestures, wearing their heart on their sleeve, and risked it all for lovemad, passionate, extraordinary love.Also known as PK, this artist met Charlotte von Schedvin, a Swedish girl, when she came to India because she had heard of him and had come to India to get her portrait made. It was love at first sight and they got married. In 1975, Charlotte had to return to Sweden. In 1978, however, unable to stay away from his love any longer, PK sold all his belongings, bought a secondhand bicycle and rode it from Delhi to Gothenburg, across eight countries over a period of four months.This British soldier was taken to a Nazi concentration camp in 1940, where he fell in love with Jewish translator, Rosa Rauchbach. When he was moved to a camp 40 miles away, he escaped the camp to be with her an estimated 200 timessometimes up to four times a week.This monarch just wanted a happy life with his beloved, the bewitching American divorcee, Wallis Simpson. British law didnt allow for such a marriage, and the king and his favorite commoner were both urged to give up the affair. Instead, Edward gave up the throne of England in December of 1936 and married his lady love six months later in France.The wife of Argentinian president, Juan Peron, was dying of cervical cancer, as attempted revolts shook the presidency of her husband. On October 17, 1951, the first lady appeared on the balcony of the Casa Rosada, Argentinas equivalent of the White House. She was so weak that the president had to hold her around the waist as she stood. She praised him and begged the people to be loyal to him in her absence. She died the following year.One day, this writer heard her husband, the renowned writer Robert Browning vehemently complaining about thematic shortcomings in poetry written with personal emotions and situations. To counter his beliefs, she got him to read 44 sonnets that she had written, to express how deeply she felt for him. The result was an awestruck Browning, who encouraged her to publish them. Barretts book Sonnets From The Portuguese was published in 1850.Ten days before she died of cancer in March 2017, writer of childrens books, short film maker, public speaker and radio show host, Rosenthal published an essay in a leading newsletter. In this, she created a profile for her husband telling women all the reasons that they would want to be with a man like him. She even signed off the letter with Ill leave this intentional empty space below as a way of giving you two the fresh start you deserve.Take a leaf from their book and show your partner how much you love him, because when it comes to love, grand romantic gestures never go out of style.
In a collaborative research project, Texas Tech University is working to design clothing that specifically addresses the needs of Alzheimers patients. From memory loss and impaired physical abilities to medical costs, Alzheimers disease creates many hardships for both patients and those involved in their care. Then, there are issues not discovered yet.

Su-Jeong Hwang Shin (Su Shin), an associate professor and the programme director of apparel design and manufacturing in the department of design and the College of Human Sciences, has been working since 2015 on the project.

Its not just making clothing; we need to understand the needs of the individuals with Alzheimers from their view. There are so many issues with unknown factors of Alzheimers disease that we have not discovered yet. It was necessary for us to research the characteristics related to Alzheimers disease and patients dressing issues. We tried to understand the views from caregivers and caretakers, Shin said.

In a collaborative research project, Texas Tech University is working to design clothing that specifically addresses the needs of Alzheimer's patients. From memory loss and impaired physical abilities to medical costs, Alzheimer's disease creates many hardships for both patients and those involved in their care. Then, there are issues not discovered yet.#

Working with David Hancock, a postdoctoral researcher in the department of psychological sciences, and Julie Chang, an assistant professor in hospitality and retail management, Shin researched what it would require to create clothing for Alzheimers patients. One of Shins apparel design students, Leisha Womble, became particularly interested in the project because of her father-in-laws battle with the disease.

Having someone with Alzheimers disease in our family brought me to a place where I was able to see there was a large gap in clothing design for individuals in that situation. They have special needs that are very specific to this disease, Womble said.

There comes a time when they begin to want to disrobe because theyre uncomfortable in the outfit theyre wearing. Thats a problem for caregivers, not only in the home but also in an institutional setting. They need a garment that is difficult to remove but that is comfortable and easy for caregivers to remove and wash, and also that makes them feel good about themselves and makes the family feel good about them when they come to visit.

Shin and Womble created a prototype garment. They started with a collared sportswear-type shirt for a more professional appearance, but sewed shut a button-up area in the front. They then sewed the shirt to a pair of black sweat pants made from a heavy cotton fabric, sewing closed the pockets and the fly. They added a soft Velcro product inside the pant legs to allow them to stretch over shoes and be shortened as needed. Then they added a 24-inch zipper along the back of the garment to make it easier for caregivers to dress and undress a patient. And for the patients comfort, they added a Velcro flap over the top of the zipper.

There are some garments on the market that have some of these facets, but we feel like we can come up with a better garment. If we continue in the research, we can come up with a lot better fabrics, a lot better drape, a lot better silhouette and comfort for the wearer, Womble said.

With a recent $12,500 grant from the College of Human Sciences Research Office, the team will purchase samples of commercially available adaptive clothing that Alzheimers patients and caregivers will use through July. After feedback and evaluation of adaptive clothing, for the future, we want to develop effective adaptive/therapeutic clothing for the individuals with Alzheimers, understanding the needs from the individuals with Alzheimers and caregivers view, Shin said.

One of the problems with other garments currently on the market is their prohibitive price at around $100 per outfit. When somebody is in care, you have medications and doctors appointments, and a garment is just an added expense. Wed like to find something thats not only economical but is something that they would feel proud to have their loved one wear. Womble explained.

I noticed when I would take my children to visit their grandfather, they were somewhat disturbed by the fact that most of the people who lived there seemed to wear pajama-type clothing. They didnt understand why it was the middle of the day and everyone seemed to have their pajamas on. That was one of the first things I thought. It was very important that they have dignity - not only for themselves but also for the family and for the caregivers.

Wombles impression has been backed up by research. I found a really good study that found people in institutional settings, not only did they react differently when they were dressed appropriately for the day, but everyone who dealt with them behaved more appropriately, she said. If they were more dressed for success, caregivers tended to treat them with more dignity than if they were in pajamas or a robe.

That research led to another question Shin hopes to answer about the quality of care Alzheimers patients receive as a result of their clothing.

We see the clothing as an important media, Shin said. How we dress or how we present in a certain situation, it provides different impressions in society. For example, someone who is going for an interview wants to have a nice dress because it creates a good impression. So we thought, if individuals have a better dress, couldnt they get better treatment or better attention from other people? That is a more likely psychological aspect were looking at. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Aamir Fayyaz, chairman of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) exhorted the Chinese textile sector to invest in Pakistan by setting up joint ventures with Pakistani entrepreneurs or by relocating their facilities to Pakistan. He said the Chinese investors could take advantage of the duty free market access under the GSP+ facility."Fayyaz was addressing a delegation of textile companies from Tianjin city of China in the APTMA Punjab office," Pakistan media reported.

Aamir Fayyaz, chairman of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) exhorted the Chinese textile sector to invest in Pakistan by setting up joint ventures with Pakistani entrepreneurs or by relocating their facilities to Pakistan. He said the Chinese investors could take advantage of the duty free market access under the GSP+ facility. #

He also pointed to the incentives provided to textile value added exporters by the government recently, which include provision of DLTL at 4 per cent on yarn and gray fabric, 5 per cent on processed fabric, 6 per cent on textile made ups and 7 per cent on apparels against export realisation.Fayyaz also added that Pakistan's foreign investment policy allows zero per cent duty on imports of capital goods, zero per cent corporate income tax rate and 10 years corporate income tax holiday among various other subsidies. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Mimaki USA, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and cutters, has designed a new direct-to-textile printer, TX300P-1800B, which has an advanced belt transport system to ensure stable feeding of stretchy and thin fabrics. The printer with many features of high-end direct-print models is suitable for users making samples or short-run pieces.

The 74-inch wide TX300P-1800B direct-to-fabric textile printer has been designed specifically for direct-to-textile applications. It includes new print heads with a high gap setting that maintain accurate ink droplet placement and enable printing on thick or thin textiles, dimensionally unstable fabrics, woven patterns or raised fibre surfaces. Mimaki original inks are specifically designed for exceptional colour reproduction onto natural or synthetic fibres for producing fashion textiles, performance sportswear, interior decor, flags, banners, and more.

The model uses an advanced textile feeding and conveyance mechanism  including rear tension bars as well as a sticky belt that ensures stable and high quality textile printing and transportation. Delivering the highest quality direct-to-fabric printing, the TX300P-1800B printer uses an embedded belt washing mechanism and belt feed compensation to clean the belt and stabilise the image quality.

Mimaki USA, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and cutters, has designed a new direct-to-textile printer, TX300P-1800B, which has an advanced belt transport system to ensure stable feeding of stretchy and thin fabrics. The printer with many features of high-end direct-print models is suitable for users making samples or short-run pieces.#

Mimaki original textile inks are optimised for TX300P-1800B printer. These purpose-developed Mimaki textile products provide an industry leading solution delivering consistency and reliability essential for the production of the highest quality direct-to-fabric products.

Sb420, direct-to-fabric dye sublimation, Ac400, acid dye, Rc400, reactive dye, Tp400, textile pigment, Dd400, disperse dye, are all Mimaki original textile inks designed to suit specific fabric characteristics ensuring exceptional colour reproduction on either natural or synthetic fibres for producing fashion textiles, performance sportswear, interior decor, flags, banners, and more.

Dye sublimation, textile pigment, reactive dye, and acid dye inks are available at the time of the machine release while disperse dye inks are planned for future release.

The TX300P-1800B printer, along with its sister product the TX300P-1800 (without belt) printer will be able to accommodate two different inks in one printer. This dual ink capability gives users the ability to print onto natural materials with textile pigment inks (Tp400) or on polyester materials with sublimation dye inks (Sb420) using only one printer. Since neither Tp400 nor Sb420 inks require a steaming and washing process  resulting in an environmentally friendly production (less water usage)  this configuration simplifies the textile production and is ideal for designers, fabric workshops, education and research institutions, and entrepreneurs. Dual ink capability is expected to be available in later part of 2017, for both models. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Stakeholders of various textile and value added products associations urged the Pakistan government to release funds to disburse duty drawback to exporters, against realisation of export proceeds. They also urged the government to also release funds to refund sales tax, against the already issued RPOs, and save the sector from a liquidity crisis.These demands were put up at a joint press conference of various textile associations including All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA), Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) and Towel Manufacturers Association (TMA).

Stakeholders of various textile and value added products associations urged the Pakistan government to release funds to disburse duty drawback to exporters, against realisation of export proceeds. They also urged the government to also release funds to refund sales tax, against the already issued RPOs, and save the sector from a liquidity crisis. #

"Refund of drawback on exports should be processed immediately as the amount to be disbursed is estimated at Rs 30 billion," APTMA chairman Aamir Fayyaz said."Benefit of GSP+ from the European Union has been virtually nullified due to the Pakistan textile sector losing its competiveness in global markets," PHMA chairman Adil Butt added. "The declining euro has hit the exporters hard and if the funds are released, it will provide succour to the textile export industry." (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Shahid: Kareena's My Senior

"Bahot accha lag raha hai. We started working together with Ken Ghosh's film and it's an honour to work with her. She's my senior." To which Kareena awkwardly replied, What rubbish'.

Shahid Is Gonna Be The Biggest Superstar: Bebo

While talking to the same reporter, Kareena was also seen gushing about her then boyfriend, Shahid and told, "I think that in two years, he's gonna be the biggest superstar."

Shahid On His Off-screen Chemistry With Kareena

In another interview with Rediff, Shahid had talked about his off-screen chemistry with Kareena, helps him to perform he scene more nicely. He had said, "It certainly helps. If two actors are unknown or uncomfortable with each other, it takes time to break the ice. Here, the results were instantaneous."

Shahid On Rumours That Bebo Controls His Career

When Bebo & Shasha were dating, rumours were rife that Kareena controls the Shahid's career and apparently asked him to walk out from Karan Johar's film owing her personal difference with KJo.

When Shahid Was Asked About His Future With Kareena

When Shahid was asked about his future, he had rather given a positive reply and had said, "It's too early and too premature to comment. We'll think of crossing the bridge when we reach there. But yes, everything is fine and positive. We are very happy with each other."

They've Done Six Films Together

As of now, Shahid & Kareena have done six films together including Milenge Milenge, Fida, 36 China Town, Jab We Met, Chup Chup Ke and Udta Punjab.

Fans Wanna See Them Together Again

There're still many crazy fans of Shahid & Kareena, who want to experience the on-screen chemistry of Shasha & Bebo again. But we wonder, whether it is ever gonna happen!
Photographers Were Desperate To Know About Katrina's Love Interest

According to Spotboye, Katrina Kaif used a trick to throw off the photographers, who were desperate to know about her love life.

Before They Moved In Together

This was before Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor made their relationship official and moved in together.

Here Is What Katrina Used To Do

Ranbir and Katrina lived in separate addresses in Bandra and as soon as Katrina reached Ranbir's home, she would immediately send her car back to her place.

Nobody Came To Know About Katrina's Tryst With Ranbir

Bollywood lens-men recognise the stars and their cars and use that knowledge to keep track of their comings and goings. So, nobody came to know of Katrina's trysts with Ranbir.

Now Shraddha Kapoor Is Following The Same Trick

Shraddha has borrowed the same trick from Katrina Kaif. Recently, she dropped by at Farhan Akhtar's Bandra home at 10 in the night.

This Is What Shraddha Told Her Driver

Later, Shraddha Kapoor asked her driver to go and park her car outside her Juhu residence.

She Left Around 2:30 AM

According to sources, she finally left Farhan's place at 2.30 am and made a quick exit before she could be noticed.

Shraddha & Farhan Wanted To Live-In Together

After Shraddha moved in to Farhan's apartment in December last year, her father Shakti Kapoor played the villain in the love story and forced her to move back to the Kapoor's family home.
Bharathi Reveals What Exactly Happened:

"Somebody from Zee News asked for a comment on Pakistan's decision about hanging Kulbhushan Jadhav. At this point, Dinesh Vijan (Raabta's producer) turned around and said rather imperiously, "We won't take any question other than on Raabta."

'They Were Taking Few Questions Other Than Raabta'

She further added, "But later, I observed that they were taking quite a few questions other than on Raabta. Like, they started giving their take on nepotism. And I believe Sushant even spoke on fairness creams."

Bharathi Blames Kriti Sanon

When Bharathi was asked if she believes Kriti started all this, she agreed and responded, "Yes, Kriti told Dinesh Vijan (sitting to her right) something to the effect that they should not talk on the Kulbhushan Jadhav topic. Yes, I think she initiated the whole thing.

'Asking About Kulbhushan Jadhav Was Not A Personal Question'

"I just got up and told Sushant, "Excuse me, but I think you should be taking the question on Kulbhushan Jadhav." If somebody is asking you a personal question, you certainly have the right to duck it- but asking about Kulbhushan Jadhav was definitely not personal," further added Bharathi Pradhan.

'SSR Is A Very Rude Man'

Talking about SSR, Bharathi revealed, "Sushant was not allowing me to complete my question. He just didn't want to take it. Pata nahin kya kya bolne laga. I only knew he is a good actor, but now I also know that he is a very rude man."

SSR Should Learn From Big B & SRK

"We can ask Fawad Khan about Uri attacks. We ask national interest questions to Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan- and they reply politely. I have been to conferences when Ashok Kumar took stage- but such a thing never happened. But you can't ask Sushant or Kriti anything about national interest! Pray, why?," said Bharathi.

Here's What Irked Bharathi During The Trailer Launch..

"I totally understand that every celebrity need not know everything about every issue.I am not a frivolous or silly person to insist that every celebrity must know everything."

"And then he cross questioned me: If I ask you questions on national interest, would you be able to answer? Heavens!"

"What disturbs me is the fact that Team Raabta didn't want to talk about Kulbhushan at all. Right from Kriti's prompt to Dinesh's orders, it was clear that they were ducking the question," mentioned Bharathi Pradhan.
Mammootty's upcoming movie with Rajadhiraja fame Ajai Vasudev, which will feature the actor in the role of a college professor, did go on floors yesterday (April 17, 2017). The shoot of the film commenced at Fathima College in Kollam.

The film, which has a huge star cast in it will reportedly have three female lead actresses in it. Earlier, it was reported that Varalaxmi Sarathkumar will play an important role in the film.

Now, according to the latest reports, actresses Mahima Nambiar and Poonam Bajwa will also play vitally important roles in the movie.

This upcoming film will be Poonam Bajwa's third movie with Mammootty. Earlier, the actress had shared the screen space with Mammootty in the movies, Shikari and Venicile Vyapari.

On the other hand, Mahima Nambiar, the popular actress from Tamil, had earlier played a brief role in Dileep starrer Karyasthan, released in 2011.

The upcoming film of Mammootty has its script written by Udaykrishna. The film also features Unni Mukundan, Gokul Suresh, Maqbool Salman, Santhosh Pandit, Mukesh etc., in important roles. Mammootty is expected to join the sets of the movie soon.
Fanaa (Destroyed In Love) is the 2006-released romantic drama which had Aamir Khan and Kajol in the lead roles. The movie, which narrated the love story of a blind woman and an insurgent, was directed by Kunali Kohli.

The movie was scripted by Shibani Bathija and produced by Aditya Chopra for Yash Raj Films. Fanaa has been considered as one of the most underrated films in the careers of its lead actors, Aamir Khan and Kajol.

Let's see who will be the right replacements for the lead cast, if Fanaa is remade in Malayalam now... Have a look....

Fahadh Faasil as Rehan Quadri/Khan The role of the insurgent, who falls head over heels in love with a blind girl, was brilliantly portrayed by Aamir Khan in the original. If Fanaa is remade in Malayalam, Fahadh Faasil is undoubtedly the best choice for the role. We are sure that the actor can play this grey-shaded role to near perfection. Parvathy as Zooni Ali Beg Kajol delivered one of the finest performances of her career, as Zooni Ali Beg of Fanaa. The role of the immensely courageous blind girl, who is forced to make a choice between the love of her life and motherland, will be safe in Parvathy's hands. Manju Warrier as Malini Tyagi (Extended Cameo) Tabu, the super-talented actress made an extended cameo appearance as intelligence officer Malini Tyagi, who is specially assigned to evacuate Rehan and his team. If the movie is getting a Malayalam remake now, Manju Warrier will be a great choice for the role. Lalu Alex as Zulfikar Ali Beg Zulfikar Ali Beg, played by veteran actor Rishi Kapoor in the original, is a doting father who lends immense support to his daughter throughout the thick and thin. He is also a very responsible, patriotic citizen. Lalu Alex will be a good choice for the role, if Fanaa is remade in Malayalam now.

Kajol, who made a comeback to mainstream cinema with Fanaa after a hiatus of 5 years, earned wide appreciations for her performance in the movie. The actress was paired up with Aamir Khan for the first time in her career, in the movie.

The movie also marked Aamir Khan's first association with Yash Raj Films, which is one of the most prestigious production banners of Hindi cinema. Fanaa went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of the year, as well as earned huge critical acclaim.

Fanaa bagged several awards and accolades, including 3 awards at the 52nd Filmfare Awards. Kajol bagged the Best Actress trophy of 2016 at almost every popular film awards of the industry.
Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi actors Smriti Khanna and Gautam Gupta recently declared their relationship. The duo got engaged in Goa.

Smriti and Gautam's co-actor Radhika Madan took to social media to congratulate the couple on their engagement. She added that she is extremely happy for the couple.



Radhika shared Smriti and Gautam's picture and wrote, "Sooo sooo soooo happy for u both!!!! Pehle din se bola tha k kuch toh hoga tumhaara and ab dekh! Congratulations you two!! Finally is saal kisi ki toh shaadi ho rhi hai!! Kapde banwao bhaii!! #dillikiladki#bombaykaladka @smriti_khanna @mistergautam."

It has to be recalled that Radhika played Ishaani, while Smriti played the negative role of Ritika on Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi. Also, Gautam Gupta played Ishaani's brother and Ritika's fiance, Sharman on the show. Although, on-screen Radhika and Smriti were enemies, off-screen they bonded extremely well.

Smriti had shared her engagement picture and wrote, "I am yours and you are mine...From today, till the end of time!! #itsofficial ." She had also wished her beau by sharing an adorable picture.

About her engagement, Smriti was quoted by the leading daily as saying, "We are here in Goa to celebrate Gautam's birthday (April 13), and he just swept me off my feet with this lovely surprise. We started dating after Meri Aashiqui got over and I think its magical how we connected and found love. Our families are really excited and it is an amazing feeling."

Smriti had added that once they are back with their families they will fix the marriage date.
Well, Bahubali 2 is all geared up to hit screens on 28th April worldwide and fans are equally pumped up to grab their first set of tickets to watch the magnum opus and to find out answer to the most sought after question, "Why Katappa Killed Bahubali" ?

However, the scenario seems to be different in Karnataka as some activists from certain social outfits and members of social media have raised objection for the movie's release in Karnataka. The reason for the protest against the movie is none other than Katappa. No, it's not Katappa, the character but instead Satyaraj, the actor who has portrayed Katappa character.

The incident in question happened close to a decade ago. During the time of Hogenakkal protest, actor Satyaraj is said to have allegedly made some remarks against the Kanadigas and a social activist, Vatal Nagaraj.

Though the incident happened nearly a decade ago, and that Satyaraj had acted in over a dozen of movies which were released in Bangalore, including the first part of Bahubali, the protesters in Karnataka were not much aware of the 62-year old actor's movies.

With Bahubali raising the fame of Satyaraj in the form of Katappa, the social outfits in the state want an open apology from Satyaraj to Kannadigas and Vatal Nagaraj.

This protest might result in some initial hiccups for the Bahubali 2 for its release in Karnataka as the distributors and film producers are confident that the movie would make a cool business of somewhere between 40-50 Cr share in the Karnataka circuit itself.

40-50Cr distributor is quite an amount and it is sure that neither the makers nor the distributors would take any chances with the movie's prospects in Karnataka.

So, will the producers or distributors of the movie hold amicable talks with the Rakshana Vedike and other social outfits who are protesting against the movie seeking Satyaraj's apology or will they request the Amaidhi Padai actor to tender a soft apology and clear the air in a harmonious manner?

Only time needs to tell and the time is not too far. All eyes are set on April 28, which is the release day of the movie.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2017) - Braveheart Resources Inc. (TSXV: BHT) ("Braveheart" or, the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Keele to the Board of Directors.

Mr. Keele holds a B.Sc. in Mining Engineering from Queen's University and is a registered professional engineer in the Province of Alberta. He has more than 30 years experience in all facets of the mining industry particularly in engineering, operations and senior management. Mr. Keele retired from Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) in 2016 where he held the position of VP, Mining. Prior to joining CNRL, Mr. Keele held senior positions with a major Canadian mining company in western Canada.

The board is delighted to welcome Mr. Keele to the board. Mr. Keele's experience and expertise will benefit the company's development immensely and we look forward to the results of his role and leadership with Braveheart

In addition, the Company announces that it is doing a financing of up to $750,000 comprised of units and flow through units at $0.06. Each unit includes one common share and a warrant which entitles the holder to acquire one additional common share at a price of $0.12 for 24 months. The flow through units include one common share and one-half warrant where each warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional common share at $0.12 for 24 months. The proceeds of the financing will be used to advance the Company's exploration efforts in British Columbia and for general working capital.

In addition, the Company also announces the granting of up to 3,000,000 options at a strike price of $0.06 and an expiry date of five years to officers, directors and consultants of the Company.

About Braveheart Resources Inc.

Braveheart is a Canadian based junior exploration company focused on building shareholder wealth through aggressive exploration in a favorable and proven mining jurisdiction - the West Kootenays in southeast British Columbia (silver and gold). Braveheart's shares are listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol BHT.V. Braveheart has approximately 31,314,505 common shares issued and outstanding.

Qualified Person

Braveheart's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Jim Decker, P.Eng., a director of Braveheart who serves as a qualified person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101.

Contact

David W. Johnston, CEO/President

403-701-2781

davidwjohnston@shaw.ca

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about strategic plans, future work programs and objectives and expected results from such work programs. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, (more) uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information and the risks identified in the Company's continuous disclosure record. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

All forward-looking information contained in this news release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this news release.
~ Also highlights global impact

SHANGHAI, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) has a significant impact on Shanghai, where its main campus is located, and its influence extends well beyond China, according to a report by the highly regarded European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). CEIBS is the first Chinese business school whose influence has been evaluated by the EFMD's Business School Impact System (BSIS).

"It is important to keep in mind that the strategy of CEIBS is a global strategy and that the international development of its other campuses has an impact on Shanghai and China in terms of knowledge transfer and international training of Chinese managers," notes the report. In addition to Shanghai, CEIBS has campuses in Beijing, Zurich and Accra as well as a teaching centre in Shenzhen, a major city in southern China. The EFMD report, which focuses on the impact the school has on Shanghai, adds, "CEIBS has an impact on different zones: the Jinqiao township and its "Green City"; the Pudong district; the Shanghai region, the whole of China and finally a worldwide impact."

The BSIS assessed seven broad areas where CEIBS' influence can be seen in Shanghai: financial, educational, business development, intellectual, regional, societal and image. In terms of financial impact, the BSIS estimates that CEIBS contributes more than RMB 2 billion per year to the Shanghai economy and could increase that amount by more than RMB 200 million if it increased the number of students by 10%.

The report also highlighted the roles CEIBS plays in providing a world-class education in its capacity as an international business school headquartered in China. It assessed CEIBS' impact on the managerial community and local environment as it fulfils its mission to educate responsible business executives who can lead globally and found that CEIBS' international structure strengthens its ability to prepare a great number of managers to work internationally. "With its MBA and GEMBA programmes, CEIBS plays a key role in developing the interactive exchange between Chinese, overseas Chinese and non-Chinese. CEIBS is a major provider of high-level executive education (of senior managers and CEOs)," notes the report. It also highlighted the school's well-earned reputation, at the Chinese government level, for educational excellence. "CEIBS not only contributes to the training of managers from foreign companies, but also to a considerable extent to the training of local government officials. This is an important local impact because it concerns the managers of public services, which are quite substantial in China. It also reveals the trust that the public authorities have in CEIBS' competency in management education," says the report.

In assessing the impact that CEIBS has had on business development in Shanghai, the BSIS looked at the number of new businesses created, as well as how students and faculty support existing enterprises. It found that "CEIBS has a very significant impact on the economy of the Shanghai region thanks to the resources brought through internships, consulting missions by students and professors and, above all, through the dynamism of the entrepreneurial ecosystem created by the School". It estimates CEIBS' financial impact in terms of business development in Shanghai at around RMB 9.5 million. "The entrepreneurial ecosystem created is more difficult to evaluate, but is much larger," the reports notes. They also highlighted CEIBS' role in attracting foreigners to Shanghai, noting that almost 400 of the school's foreign alumni work in the city.

Meanwhile, the criteria used to assess the intellectual impact CEIBS has had on Shanghai included the dissemination of new ideas to the managerial community and society as a whole. The report cited the faculty's "relevant and significant impact" on numerous fields (logistics, healthcare, economy transformation, finance, etc.); the large volume and wide dissemination of academic output (articles, books, cases, etc.) as well as the numerous events the school organises in order to disseminate research results to practitioners. "Concerning the intellectual impact, we have to highlight the significant contribution of CEIBS to Shanghai," the report says.

The school was also lauded for how it has become an integral part of life within the Jinqiao community, and Shanghai as a whole. CEIBS has been described as the centre of the Jinqiao ecosystem, and credited with bringing an international element (bolstered by its faculty and student composition as well as its campuses abroad) to the community. "CEIBS has a clear understanding of its responsibility towards the regional ecosystem in which it seeks to play an active role," says the report. It highlights the school's good relationships with the main private and public sector players (both Chinese and international); and its role in training faculty from other Chinese universities through the Shanghai MBA Case Development Platform, which it spearheads. Also, as the report notes, "The involvement of CEIBS in the development of the "FOUR CENTERS" in Shanghai is a significant contribution. And, the intimate relationships developed with alumni and students are an important asset for CEIBS but also for the region in terms of impact."

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has long been an integral part of CEIBS. It is seen in courses, events, faculty research, and in how the school engages with the wider community. The report highlighted these aspects of CEIBS in its assessment of the school's impact on society. "One can assert that the School is working hard to develop a CSR culture and that the faculty have a lot to say on these topics," it notes. "Thanks to the content of the courses on CSR and to students' activities, CEIBS is an important driver of change in a context where CSR has become essential."

Shanghai has become synonymous with CEIBS as the city is the location for the school's first ever campus. The Shanghai skyline is often used in the school's promotional material and CEIBS has earned the reputation of being a "calling card" for the city. There is a mutually beneficial relationship. The BSIS report looked at CEIBS' image within Shanghai, across China, and internationally. Its findings highlighted the role CEIBS plays in making Shanghai an even more attractive place to live and work; the school's "very strong and positive local image" among its stakeholders; its "strong positive international image"; and - in and outside of China - CEIBS' "efficient, proactive and reactive communication".

In summarising its findings, the report notes CEIBS' numerous strengths:

1. Specialisation: CEIBS has a very specialised strategy. This strategy is very readable and clear at the regional level as well as at the national or international one. It is clear that this positioning differentiates CEIBS very well from the other business schools and therefore its impact on the Shanghai region is very important.

2. Role as bridge:

CEIBS plays a unique role as bridge between different worlds and this function is a significant vector of the impact on the region in which CEIBS is operating.

 Bridge between international companies and Chinese companies through the training of managers and executive education on the Chinese campuses but also now on the Zurich campus.

 Bridge between international companies based in Shanghai and public authorities through the training of civil servants from Shanghai authorities.

 Bridge between the domestic sector and the public one thanks to the legitimacy of CEIBS in the field of management education.

 Bridge between Europe and China reinforced by the Zurich campus.

3. Public Management Impact:

CEIBS provides management training to high-level public servants and through these actions makes a huge impact both on future public managerial practices and also on raising the awareness of public authorities of international managerial issues.

4. Management Teaching Impact:

Because CEIBS is in charge of the development of management cases for business schools of different universities, it is a vector of development of knowledge in the field of management education in China.

5. Finally, all the actions of CEIBS contribute to the development of Shanghai and particularly to the development of the Jinqiao Township.

About CEIBS

China Europe International Business School (www.ceibs.edu) offers a unique combination of "China Depth, Global Breadth" taking advantage of its position as a leading business school in Asia to train responsible leaders.
Agreement centered on next-generation sequencing oncology research and companion diagnostic development programs

CARLSBAD, California, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Thermo Fisher Scientific has signed an agreement with the Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology at University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, to establish the leading institution as the first partner in the Next Generation Sequencing Companion Dx Center of Excellence Program, a new initiative designed to develop and refine Thermo Fisher's NGS-based research assays from its Oncomine' oncology portfolio with the intent to eventually introduce them into the clinic as companion diagnostics.

As part of the agreement, both organizations will work together to form global alliances and strategic partnerships with biopharma groups and others in an effort to accelerate oncology and immune-oncology trials. Additionally, the Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, managed by Markus Tolnay, MD, will serve as one of the NGS Companion Dx Center of Excellence Program's global sites focused on conducting research and validation of Thermo Fisher's Oncomine NGS portfolio of products.

"The Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology at University Hospital Basel is proud to partner with Thermo Fisher Scientific as a Center of Excellence during this pivotal moment in time when scientific research is at the cusp of potentially making a real difference in how cancer can be addressed in the 21st century," said Tolnay. "Through this agreement, we are confident that together we will make great strides to accelerate clinical trial enrollments and develop novel solutions that will benefit hospitals and the patients they serve in the future."

The Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology at University Hospital Basel is one of the leading diagnostic centers in Switzerland - with thousands of samples already profiled using NGS - and part of the Swiss Excellence Forum, a strategic influencer of Swiss pathology and diagnostic strategy. The close partnership between the Institute, which is part of the oldest university in Switzerland, Thermo Fisher, and a multidisciplinary team of pathologists, will enable discovery and innovations that will benefit from Basel's rich life science and pharmaceutical research environment.

Thermo Fisher's growing Oncomine-branded portfolio of targeted NGS-based cancer research assays will serve as the central toolbox from which Tolnay's lab and its collaborators will carry out Center of Excellence-related activities in companion diagnostic NGS development.

"Demand for novel technologies that can one day reduce testing times and provide accurate answers for oncologists and patients is driving the development of targeted NGS-based solutions to support precision medicine," said Mark Stevenson, president of Life Sciences Solutions for Thermo Fisher Scientific. "We are committed to being the industry's partner of choice in this effort and Thermo Fisher will continue to forge new strategic alliances with leading global organizations that share our vision of a healthier world."

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $18 billion and more than 55,000 employees globally. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands - Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services - we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive support. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/490330/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific.jpg


Quantum3D Government Systems Wins Contract to Supply its Award-Winning Image Generation Platform as Part of Cooperative Technology Upgrade Program Between U.S. Air Force and NATO

ORLANDO, Florida, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Quantum3D Government Systems, a leading provider of training and simulation services for government applications, today announced that it has been awarded a contract from the Link Simulation & Training division of L3 Technologies, Inc. in support of a Flight Crew Training System for the U.S. Air Force's new Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources Replacement of Avionics for Global Operations and Navigation (DRAGON). Quantum3D Government Systems will deliver Quantum3D's MANTIS Image Generation Software, its GeoScapeSE World-Wide Synthetic Environment, a CatalystSE digital content creation system, and a variety of program and integration services starting immediately and continuing throughout the remainder of 2017.

AWACS aircraft provide an integrated command and control battle management, surveillance, target detection, and tracking platform. The aircraft provides an accurate, real-time picture of the battlespace to the Joint Air Operations Center.

The DRAGON upgrade provides several benefits to the AWACS platform. It ensures compliance with current and future air traffic control requirements, giving the aircraft a better ability to conduct operations in airspace around the world. It replaces aging analog equipment with commercially viable digital avionics, replacing 1970s-era systems, and it also reduces the cockpit crew personnel requirement from four to three by providing automated navigation. The DRAGON program is a cooperative effort between the U.S. and NATO.

"At L3 Link Simulation & Training, it remains our goal to provide E-3 flight crews with an efficient, effective, and cybersecure learning environment, and Quantum 3D's image generation software is a key component of this," said Lenny Genna, President of L3 Link Simulation & Training.

"Our MANTIS-based systems train military pilots who put their lives on the line every day," said Mike Pavloff, President, Quantum3D Government Systems. "We're proud to play a role in the AWACS DRAGON technology upgrade by providing the most realistic visual scene generation experience available today."

About Quantum3D Government Systems

Quantum3D Government Systems is a provider of services and complete training solutions tailored specifically for government customers, both U.S. and worldwide. Quantum3D Government Systems draws from a wealth of past experience in delivering on programs to U.S. military organizations, and operates with a broad network of teaming partners to combine best-in-class technologies to solve any system-level challenge.

Quantum3D Government Systems is headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Together with its sister company Quantum3D Inc., both are members of Quantum3D Group, a Delaware corporation which is in turn wholly owned by HAVELSAN, a major global software and systems provider based in Ankara, Turkey.

For more information about Quantum3D Government Systems, please visit www.q3dgs.com.

Quantum3D, MANTIS, GeoScapeSE, CatalystSE, and the Quantum3D logo are registered trademarks of Quantum3D Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
TOKYO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) and PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom Indonesia) established the "APAC Telecom Innovation Initiative (ATII)" as a joint research and development initiative on April 17 with a view to creating new network services in the Asia-Pacific region with a look beyond 2020 focusing on virtual infrastructure technologies. The ATII launch was attended by Tadashi Ito, Senior Vice President, Head of NTT Information Network Laboratory Group, NTT, and Arief Mustain, Executive General Manager (EGM) of Digital Service Division, Telkom Indonesia, in Tokyo on April 17. The initiative will develop technical studies and proof of concepts (PoCs) regarding requirements for new network services in the virtualization era, and aims to expand this initiative together with various partners, including other service providers, who share the initiative's goals.

Currently, APAC service providers are faced with several common issues such as sustainability due to natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes and typhoons) and unique traffic demands/requirements due to uneven population distributions (growth/erosion of population) with a similar geography as island nations in the APAC region. With this in mind, ATII will propose new services and technologies for the APAC region. Moreover, ATII will attempt to accelerate innovation and create new markets using information and communications technology (ICT) to benefit society with a focus on sustainable development through collaboration and promotion with various partners in the APAC region so as to realize the vision of APAC service providers/countries to lead the world economy in the future.

With consideration of the APAC market environment, joint technical studies and PoCs will be conducted focusing on the instantaneousness and availability characteristics of virtualization infrastructure technologies to realize flexible and efficient network services. Initially, the following three projects have been established:

1) High Value-added Network Services,

2) Server Platform Virtualization, and

3) Flexible Access Network Virtualization.

ATII will immediately start the joint technical studies and has plans to publish whitepapers on the identified requirements, specifications and PoCs results. Further, ATII will liaise and share these findings with the related standards developing organizations (SDOs) and industrial alliances to expand and further develop ATII's activities.

ATII eventually hopes to perform field trials with participating service providers and partners in emerging markets which will lead to deployable commercial services based on lessons learned from the ATII studies and PoCs.

About NTT

NTT Group delivers advanced technology and innovative solutions in networking, communications, software and cloud computing that help transform businesses, governments and societies around the world. NTT Information Network Laboratory Group is undertaking R&D of network technologies for contributing to the development of an information network society platform which is able to connect all things. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.ntt.co.jp/inlab/e/index.html

About Telkom Indonesia

Telkom Group is a state-owned telecommunications enterprise as well as a telecommunications and network service provider in Indonesia. Telkom Group serves millions of customers throughout Indonesia with a complete range of telecommunications services that include fixed wireline and fixed wireless connections, mobile communications, networking, and interconnection services as well as Internet and data communication services. Telkom Group also provides various services in the field of information, media and edutainment, including cloud-based and server-based managed services, e-payment services and IT enabler, e-commerce and other portal services. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.telkom.co.id/en/
ASCHHEIM, Germany and NEWCASTLE, England, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Wirecard collaborates with Payment Card Solutions, AFEX and Global Processing Services to deliver a combined Payroll, Expenditure and Incentives solution for Corporates

Wirecard Card Solutions, a subsidiary of Wirecard AG, has partnered with Payment Card Solutions (PCS), AFEX, and Global Processing Services (GPS) to deliver a full end-to-end payment programme for corporates. The PayFEX prepaid Mastercard programme, issued by Wirecard Card Solutions, provides an all-in-one payroll, expenditure and incentives solution that allows multiple cards to be managed from a single platform.

The flexible and convenient programme is expected to appeal to a wide range of companies across Europe, including those in the shipping, haulage, construction, travel management, business aviation, legal and oil and gas industries who will benefit from a combined solution for managing employee payments. Corporates can modify expenditure limits, add or withdraw funds and produce comprehensive reports with an easy-to-use online portal. Issued in three single currencies, EUR, USD and GBP, PayFEX is available as a physical or virtual card.

AFEX, one of the world's largest non-bank providers of global payment and risk management solutions launches the programme: "Workforces are changing rapidly as the result of technological advancements, a rising number of millennials entering the business world and the growing gig economy," said Jan Vlietstra, Chief Executive Officer for AFEX. "This is having a profound impact on the relationships between employers and employees as well as on traditional banking relationships. At AFEX we're committed to providing our clients with innovative and relevant products to manage their global payments. The PayFEX prepaid card gives businesses a real alternative to banking when it comes to managing their employee payments and gives employees and customers the greater flexibility they demand."

The simple, online portal, developed by Payment Card Solutions (PCS), a leading UK based prepaid Programme Manager, enables eligible card users to capture and upload receipts via their smartphone, with the ability to add accounting categories and segregate VAT: "We are delighted to be launching this product for AFEX by leveraging our existing technology stack and look forward to its successful rollout to AFEX's thousands of clients globally," said Paul Swinton, CEO of Payment Card Solutions.

Global Processing Service (GPS) is the leading emerging payments issuing processor and processing partner of choice for PCS. PCS utilises GPS's risk management platform, GPS Protect which is a system designed to identify and help prevent fraudulent payment card transactions. "GPS Protect gives clients the added benefit of real-time monitoring: the system is automated, checks every transaction for risky activity and then takes the necessary actions to prevent the fraud from happening; analysing each transaction significantly reduces the financial risk to the program managers and issuing banks alike," comments Suresh Vaghjiani, Managing Director at GPS.

"Once again we're delighted to be partnering with PCS and delivering this dynamic and innovative solution to AFEX, one of the leading global FX and payment organisations. The solution provides a convenient and cost efficient platform for businesses to manage their employee expenses domestically and overseas", said Tom Jennings, Managing Director at Wirecard Card Solutions.

Wirecard Card Solutions is the number one issuer of prepaid cards in Europe. The UK-based company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and operates under its Electronic Money license with permissions to issue cards throughout the SEPA region. Wirecard Card Solutions accompanies its clients throughout all stages of their business development and offers a vast array of products, services and experience needed to take a new a prepaid card programme to market.

About Wirecard AG:

Wirecard AG is a global technology group that supports companies in accepting electronic payments from all sales channels. As a leading independent supplier, the Wirecard Group offers outsourcing and white label solutions for electronic payments. A global platform bundles international payment acceptances and methods with supplementary fraud prevention solutions. With regard to issuing own payment instruments in the form of cards or mobile payment solutions, the Wirecard Group provides companies with an end-to-end infrastructure, including the requisite licences for card and account products. Wirecard AG is listed on the Frankfurt Securities Exchange (TecDAX, ISIN DE0007472060, WDI). For further information about Wirecard, please visit http://www.wirecard.com or follow us on twitter @wirecard.

About Wirecard Card Solutions:

Wirecard Card Solutions Ltd (WDCS), a subsidiary of Wirecard AG, is a multi-award winning issuer of prepaid cards and products in Europe. WDCS is an FCA regulated Electronic Money institution specialising in BIN Sponsorship and is a principal member of both MasterCard International and Visa Europe. WDCS issues plastic and digital prepaid products for many of the biggest and most innovative programmes in the European marketplace. http://www.wirecard-cardsolutions.co.uk

About Payment Card Solutions (PCS):

PCS is a pan European program manager operating in the prepaid market for over 10 years. Operating its own products and a limited number of client installations, PCS comprises a first rate technology platform to serve corporate and consumer card holders alike with a deep understanding of the operating models required to operate successful prepaid programs. Visit http://www.paymentcardsolutions.co.uk to find out more.

About AFEX:

Established in 1979, AFEX is a leading global payment and risk management solutions provider that specializes in cross-border transactions and provides market expertise and unrivalled customer service for businesses and private clients. With a client base of over 35,000 active commercial customers worldwide, AFEX prides itself on tailoring its payment and foreign exchange services to meet its clients' needs. AFEX's online payment platform - AFEXDirect provides clients with one consolidated overview of their currency exposure and makes it easy for companies to manage international invoices. AFEX maintains offices across the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific. To find out more, please visit http://www.afex.com

About GPS:

GPS is globally certified with Mastercard and Visa, one integration provides programme managers global access to our award winning technology. PCS utilises GPS's risk management platform, GPS Protect which is a system designed to identify and help prevent fraudulent payment card transactions.

Media Contact:

Wirecard AG

Jana Tilz

Tel.: +49(0)89-4424-1425

Email: jana.tilz@wirecard.com

Wirecard Card Solutions Limited

Annelleise Miles

Tel.: +44-191-227-5472

Email: marketing.uk@wirecard.com
CAMPBELL, California, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Hip Swedish fashion house aims to support rapid growth and improve collaboration with Centric Software PLM solution

Acne Studios, the Swedish high-fashion brand, has selected Centric Software to provide its product lifecycle management (PLM) solution. Centric Software is the leading PLM solution for fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor and consumer goods companies.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/455901/Centric_Software_Logo.jpg )



Acne Studios began in 1996, when founder and Creative Director Jonny Johansson made 100 pairs of jeans with unique red stitching and gave them away to people in the Stockholm art and fashion worlds. The jeans took off and today Acne Studios is a multi-disciplinary fashion house with 50 stores in 13 countries, including flagship stores in fashion capitals Paris, New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles and London.

Acne Studios had been using a custom in-house product data management (PDM) system to manage the design and production of their clothing lines but the rapid growth of the company soon outstripped the system's capabilities. In early 2016, they began the selection process to find a PLM system that would support their expansion as well as their creative and collaborative approach to design.

"We have felt for some time now that for us to continue growing, we needed proper infrastructure to communicate between departments," says Mattias Magnusson, CEO of Acne Studios. "We had our in-house PDM and a web of Excel sheets that different people used. It was difficult to have all the information updated in one place for everyone to view and that made it time-consuming to develop a collection. We wanted to collaborate better, spend less time on administration tasks and spend more time developing better products."

After a long selection process, Acne Studios selected Centric Software to implement its PLM solution. Acne were impressed by Centric's helpful, knowledgeable approach and the system's capabilities.

As Magnusson explains, "Centric is focused on fashion and retail businesses. They understand us as a company and we know we can build great things together. We can learn a lot from best practices and improve our processes from those learnings. Also, we don't have to customize the system. We can just use it straight out of the box and configure it as we like."

Magnusson emphasizes that Acne Studios positive relationship with Centric was key to their decision to invest in the system.

"Centric had been in contact with us quite early, before we had started our selection process," he explains. "They have been there all along and are always available when we have questions. It's a very good relationship. Centric are positive, always available, always proactive and constantly have new ideas and features coming up. Also, it's very beneficial to have someone available locally and to be able to meet with people from Centric's Sweden office."

"We're very pleased to announce that Acne Studios is our newest customer in the Nordic region," says Chris Groves, President and CEO of Centric Software. "Acne Studios collaborative approach to creative fashion is fresh and is aligned to our approach to innovation. We look forward to partnering with Acne Studios now and as they keep growing."

Acne Studios (http://www.acnestudios.com)

Acne Studios is a Stockholm-based fashion house with a multidisciplinary approach. Through founder and Creative Director Jonny Johansson's interest in photography, art, architecture and contemporary culture, an alternative path has been found, turning Acne Studios into a well-respected creator of ready-to-wear, magazines, furniture, books and exhibitions.

The collections are defined by Jonny Johansson's signature juxtaposing design and attention to detail, with an emphasis on tailoring and an eclectic use of materials and custom-developed fabrics. The collections cover men's and women's ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories and denim.

Acne Studios is housed within a historic building at Lilla Nygatan 23 in the heart of Old Town in Stockholm. In addition to the Stockholm headquarters, Acne Studios has flagship stores in Paris, London, New York City, Los Angeles and Tokyo.

Centric Software (http://www.centricsoftware.com)

From its headquarters in Silicon Valley and offices in trend capitals around the world, Centric Software builds technologies for the most prestigious names in fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor, and consumer goods. Its flagship product lifecycle management (PLM) platform, Centric 8, delivers enterprise-class merchandise planning, product development, sourcing, business planning, quality, and collection management functionality tailored for fast-moving consumer industries. Centric SMB packages extended PLM including innovative technology and key industry learnings tailored for small businesses.

Centric Software has received multiple industry awards, including the Frost & Sullivan Global Product Differentiation Excellence Award in Retail, Fashion, and Apparel PLM in 2016 and Frost & Sullivan's Global Retail, Fashion, and Apparel PLM Product Differentiation Excellence Award in 2012. Red Herring named Centric to its Top 100 Global list in 2013, 2015, and 2016.

Centric is a registered trademark of Centric Software. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Contact: Kristen Salaun, Batby: ksalaun-batby@centricsoftware.com , numero de tel: +33(0)6-87-88-23-22
Contract with China's Guangdong Power Engineering Co.

Amec Foster Wheeler tasked with designing and supplying two CFB boilers

Marks the Company's involvement in Jordan's first oil shale fired power plant

Amec Foster Wheeler announces today that it has been awarded a new contract by China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Power Engineering Co., Ltd. ("GPEC"), for the design and supply of two circulating fluidized-bed (CFB) steam generator boilers, as well as technical advisory services.

Located in Attarat Um Ghudran, approximately 100km southeast of Amman, the two 235 MWe (net) CFB boilers are designed to burn 100% of Jordanian oil shale.

This is a significant project for Amec Foster Wheeler with GPEC, which was selected in 2014 to perform the EPC of the $2.1 billion 554-megawatt oil shale fired power plant, Jordan's first.

This project will help Jordan utilise its substantial oil shale reserves, estimated to be approximately 30 billion tonnes, thereby reducing its reliance on imported oil and gas. It is expected to meet 10-15% of Jordan's annual power demand.

Tomas Harju-Jeanty, President, Energia Group, Global Power Group at Amec Foster Wheeler, said:

"As leading energy markets around the world aim to introduce energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions with challenging fuels, this project is further testament to Amec Foster Wheeler's leadership and track record in CFBs, which is central to this effort. We will use our CFB technology that is successfully operating in four European plants to burn oil shale."

Mr. Bai, Vice-President of China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Power Engineering Co., Ltd., said:

"This project is the first utilising Jordan's abundant oil shale reserves. The successful cooperation between China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Power Engineering Co., Ltd. and Amec Foster Wheeler is a giant achievement in oil shale-fired power plants. We believe that future growth of our market will generate more opportunities to achieve win-win situations."

Mr. Zhang, Project Manager and Vice-President of China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Power Engineering Co., Ltd. International said:

"We consider Amec Foster Wheeler to manufacture the best CFB boilers. Their high quality, on-time delivery, successful technology and good after-sale service meet the requirements of this project. We are looking forward to the smooth implementation of this project."

End

Notes to editors:

Amec Foster Wheeler (www.amecfw.com) designs, delivers and maintains strategic and complex assets for its customers across the global energy and related sectors.

Employing around 36,000 people in more than 55 countries and with 2016 revenues of 5.4 billion, the company operates across the oil and gas industry from production through to refining, processing and distribution of derivative products and in the mining, power and process, pharma, environment and infrastructure markets.

Amec Foster Wheeler has sold over 400 CFB steam generating units around the world, bringing high-value technology solutions to utilities, independent power generators and industrial clients. Our leadership position in CFB combustion has resulted from our commitment to deliver superior designs providing high efficiency, fuel flexibility and low emissions.

On the 2 March 2017, Amec Foster Wheeler announced that it had signed an agreement to sell its core boiler business to Sumitomo Heavy Industries.

Amec Foster Wheeler shares are publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange and its American Depositary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Both trade under the ticker AMFW.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains statements which constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements include any statements related to the timing, results and success of contracts, and are generally identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "will," "may," "continue," "should" and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Amec Foster Wheeler, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking statements. Amec Foster Wheeler does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements after this date to conform such statements to actual results, to reflect the occurrence of anticipated results or otherwise.

Publication on Website

A copy of this announcement will be made available on Amec Foster Wheeler's website at www.amecfw.com by no later than 12 noon (London time) on the business day following publication of this announcement. For the avoidance of doubt, the contents of this website are not incorporated into and do not form part of this announcement.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170417005700/en/

Contacts:

For further information contact:

Amec Foster Wheeler

Lauren Gallagher, +1-602-757-3211

lauren.gallagher@amecfw.com

or

Achilleas Georgiou, +44 (0)20 7429 7511

achilleas.georgiou@amecfw.com
18 April 2017

Goldcrest Resources plc

("Goldcrest" or the "Company")

Posting of GM Notice Regarding Acquisition of Georgian Oil and Gas Assets and Name Change

Further to the announcement of 11 April 2017, regarding the acquisition of Georgian Oil and Gas Assets, Goldcrest is pleased to announce that it is today posting a notice of General Meeting to all Shareholders, convening a General Meeting to be held at 3 St Michaels Alley, London EC3V 9DS at 9:00 a.m. on 5th May 2017. The matters to be considered relate to:

Acquisition of Norio PSA

Authority to allot shares

Disapplication of the pre-emption rights

Notice of the General Meeting will be available on the Company's website shortly at: http://goldcrestresourcesplc.com/

Following discussions amongst the Board, brokers and advisers, the Directors are actively seeking admission to the AIM market and are confident that there will be parties interested in financing an IPO of the Company.

The Directors note that the Company will need to raise a minimum of 12 months working capital as part of the IPO and also intend to raise enough to complete at a minimum the recompletion and horizontal sidetrack part of the Company's Development Plan. The Company is confident that the capital can be raised and will be in the interests of current Shareholders. Key existing Shareholders have agreed to support the planned IPO.

The notice of General Meeting setting out full details of the matters to be considered is set out below in this announcement.

Unless otherwise stated, terms and expressions defined in the notice of General Meeting have the same meaning in this announcement.

Name Change to "Block Energy plc"

In line with the Company's change of focus from gold exploration into oil and gas, the Company announces its intention to change its name to "Block Energy plc", effective from 6 May 2017.

The Directors of the Issuer accept responsibility for this announcement.

For further information contact:

Goldcrest Resources plc

Technical Director

Niall Tomlinson

Tel: 020 3053 3631

niall@goldcrestresourcesplc.com Peterhouse Corporate Finance Tel +44 020 7469 0930 Guy Miller

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

GOLDCREST RESOURCES PLC

Directors:

Paul Haywood (Chairman)

Niall Tomlinson

Gareth Northam

To the holders of Ordinary Shares and for information only, to holders of Options

18th April 2017

Dear Shareholder,

General Meeting

I have pleasure in inviting you to a General Meeting of the Company to be held at 9.00 am on 5th May 2017 at 3 St Michaels Alley, London EC3V 9DS.The purpose of the meeting is to consider matters arising from the acquisition by the Company of an interest in the Norio PSA in the Republic of Georgia as detailed in the Company's announcement dated 11th April 2017.The Agreement calls for a number of shares to be issued to the vendor in addition to monies paid and work to be done as consideration for shares in the company GOG Norioskhevi which has a 38% interest in the Norio PSA. The Agreement is summarised below.

The Agreement

The Agreement as announced on 11th April 2017 provides for the acquisition by the Company from GOG of 100% of the shares of GOG Norioskhevi which has a 38% participating interest in the Norio PSA in the Republic of Georgia for a consideration of US$380,000 in cash, already paid upon signing of the Agreement and the issuance of US$300,000 of Ordinary Shares in the Company to the vendor at a share price of 0.5p per share. In addition within 18 months of completion of the Company's acquisition of GOG Norioskhevi, the Company must recomplete a minimum of five existing wells (to be agreed with GOG in advance) in the Norio PSA acreage. Completion of the acquisition by the Company of 100% of the shares of GOG Norioskhevi took place on 7th April 2017.

The remaining 62% interest in the Norio PSA ("Option 1") can be acquired by the Company by no later than 31st August 2017 by a further payment of US$620,000 in cash, the issuance of US$250,000 Ordinary Shares and a commitment to drill 2 new wells in the Norio PSA within 3 years of exercise of Option 1.

The Agreement also includes an option ("Option 2") to form a farm-in agreement with GOG (on terms to be agreed) to acquire a 70% interest in the Block VIII PSA by 31st May 2017 through the drilling of one appraisal well to a depth of 3400m (in a timeframe to be agreed) and issuing to the vendor US$600,000 Ordinary Shares in the company.

In addition to the above-mentioned consideration shares to be issued to GOG the Agreement also provides for a specified number of Performance Shares to be issued upon success in enhancing production in the Norio PSA as a result of the recompletions of existing wells or the drilling of new wells. The Company shall issue to GOG the following Performance Shares upon achieving production levels in the Norio PSA as a result of recompletions of existing wells:

a) Performance Shares with a value of US$250,000 in the event daily average production under the Norio PSA during any period of 60 days reaches 350 barrels as a direct result of recompletions; or

b) Performance Shares with a value of US$750,000 in the event daily average production under the Norio PSA during any period of 60 days reaches 500 barrels as a direct result of recompletions.

The Company shall issue to the vendor the following Performance Shares upon achieving production levels in the Norio PSA as a result of drilling of the two Option 1 wells:

c) Performance Shares with a value of US$250,000 in the event daily average production under the Norio PSA during any period of 60 days reaches 550 barrels as a direct result of the drilling of a single new well.

d) Performance Shares with a value of US$750,000 in the event daily average production under the Norio PSA during any period of 60 days reaches 750 barrels as a direct result of the drilling of a single new well.

Performance Share allocations c) and d) as specified above are only payable on the first two new wells to be drilled in the Norio PSA following the exercise of Option 1.

Under Option 2 the following Performance Shares are payable in respect of production levels achieved in the Block VIII PSA as a result of the Option 2 Farm In appraisal well:

e) Performance Shares with a value of US$750,000 in the event daily average production under the Block VIII PSA during any period of 60 days reaches 1,000 barrels as a direct result of the farm-in well and recompletion of such well; or

f) Performance Shares with a value of US$1,000,000 in the event daily average production under the Block VIII PSA during any period of 60 days reaches 1,300 barrels as a direct result of the farm-in well and recompletion of such well; or

g) Performance Shares with a value of US$1,500,000 in the event daily average production under the Block VIII PSA during any period of 60 days reaches 1,800 barrels as a direct result of the farm-in well and recompletion of such well;

All issuances of consideration shares and Performance Shares in the Company, aside from the initial issuance of US$300,000 of Ordinary Shares for the acquisition of GOG Norioskhevi priced at 0.5p per share, are to be priced at 20 day VWAP, except for the issuance of shares to the value of US$250,000 on exercise of Option 1, which shall be priced at the same share price used for the Company's AIM IPO, or at 20 day VWAP should the Company's equity not, at such time, be listed on AIM. GOG has agreed to observe orderly market conditions in the sale of consideration shares and Performance Shares.

The Company has agreed to pay GOG a monthly payment in an amount of US$12,500 for performing certain tasks on behalf of the Company regarding the Norio PSA, starting on 1 May 2017 and ending on 1 September 2017.

In certain circumstances, in the event of a breach of the Agreement by the Company or GOG Norioskhevi, the Company's percentage holding in the Norio PSA (through GOG Norioskhevi) would be reduced by transfer of a portion of that interest back to GOG. In particular, if the Ordinary Shares due to GOG in respect of the initial acquisition of 100% of the shares of GOG Norioskhevi are not settled in timely fashion, the Company (through GOG Norioskhevi) will lose a 17% interest in the Norio PSA.

The Agreement contains certain warranties given by GOG in favour of the Company.

The Resolutions

The Company proposes the following shareholder Resolution to grant the Directors the necessary authority to issue the Ordinary Shares relevant to the transaction. The Board also seeks additional authority to issue shares to allow the Company to raise additional funds through equity issuances to complete the cash payments relevant to the acquisition, complete work programmes at the Norio project and for general working capital.

Set out below is an explanation of the Resolutions to be considered at the GM. Resolutions 1 and 2 will be proposed as ordinary Resolutions. This means that for each of those Resolutions to be passed, more than half of the votes cast must be in favour of the Resolution. Resolution 3 will be proposed as a special Resolution. This means that for Resolution 3 to be passed, at least three-quarters of the votes cast must be in favour of the Resolution.

Ordinary Business

Authority to allot shares (Resolution 1 and Resolution 2)

Resolution 1 will authorise the Directors to allot Ordinary Shares to Georgia Oil and Gas Ltd for the purposes of consideration for the acquisition of shares in Norioskhevi and otherwise under the Agreement up to a total nominal value of 1,000,000.

The authority sought under Resolution 1 will expire on 28 April 2021.

Resolution 2 will authorise the Directors to allot Ordinary Shares to up to a total nominal value of 2,000,000.

The authority sought under Resolution 2 will expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or, if earlier, 15 months after the passing of Resolution 2.

Disapplication of pre-emption rights (Resolution 3)

If the Directors wish to allot new shares for cash, the new shares must be offered first to existing

Shareholders in proportion to their existing shareholdings. An offer of this type is called a "rights

issue" or a "pre-emptive offer" and a Shareholder's entitlement to be offered the new shares is known as a "pre-emption right". For legal, regulatory and practical reasons, however, it might not be possible or desirable for new shares allotted by means of a rights issue or other pre-emptive offer to be offered to certain Shareholders, particularly those residents overseas. Furthermore, it might in some circumstances be in the Company's interests for the Directors to be able to allot some shares for cash without having to offer them first to existing Shareholders. To enable this to be done, Shareholders' pre-emption rights must be disapplied. Accordingly Resolution 3 will empower the Directors to allot Ordinary Shares in connection with a rights issue to Shareholders and to allot certain new equity securities without Shareholders' pre-emption rights applying to such allotment. Specifically: paragraph (a) will confer authority on the Directors to make any arrangements which may be necessary to deal with any legal, regulatory or practical problems arising on a rights issue, an open offer or any other pre-emptive offer in favour of holders of Ordinary Shares, for example, by excluding certain overseas Shareholders for such issue or offer; and paragraph (b) will disapply Shareholders' pre-emption rights by empowering the Directors to allot shares on a non-pre-emptive basis, but only up to an aggregate nominal value of 2,000,000 as at the date of this notice.

The authorities sought under Resolution 3 will expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or, if earlier, 15 months after the passing of Resolution 3.

Recommendation

The Directors unanimously recommend Shareholders to vote in favour of the Resolutions as they intend to do in respect of their combined holding of 17,347,273 Ordinary Shares, representing 8.45% per cent of the issued share capital of the Company.

Yours faithfully

Paul Haywood

Chairman
Vilnius, Lithuania, 2017-04-18 08:31 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



18 April 2017 an Advisory Committee for INVL Technology, a company that invests in IT businesses, has been appointed by the board of INVL Asset Management, its management company.



The Advisory Committee of INVL Technology is composed of Invalda INVL board members Alvydas Banys and Indre Miseikyte, Lietuvos Draudimas's Investment Director for the Baltic countries Gintaras Rutkauskas, and one of the owners of the E-energija group of companies Virginijus Strioga.



Additional information:



An Advisory Committee for INVL Technology, a company that invests in IT businesses, has been appointed by the board of INVL Asset Management, its management company.



The Advisory Committee of the closed-end investment company INVL Technology is composed of Invalda INVL board members Alvydas Banys and Indre Miseikyte, Lietuvos Draudimas's Investment Director for the Baltic countries Gintaras Rutkauskas, and one of the owners of the E-energija group of companies Virginijus Strioga.



"INVL Technology currently aims to form the right portfolio of business holdings and development strategy, so the Advisory Committee's experts, together with the Investment Committee, will play an important role in developing the company's operations," said Darius Sulnis, the CEO of INVL Asset Management.



As the Rules of the Advisory Committee foresee, it comprises outside experts and representatives of the shareholders. The committee's purpose is to advise the Investment Committee of INVL Technology on investment decisions by providing reasoned opinions and expressing an independent position, thereby ensuring and protecting shareholders' interests.



The new committee will seek to objectively assess proposals for the purchase and sale of investment objects by INVL Technology as well as for increases and decreases of their share capital and other decisions directly related to their capital. It will also make proposals for new investment ideas and improving management processes at the company.



The Investment Committee for INVL Technology, active since mid-2016, is composed of its chairman Kazimieras Tonkunas, who is Managing Partner for INVL Technology at INVL Asset Management, as well as Vytautas Plunksnis, Vida Juozapaviciene and Nerijus Drobavicius, all of whom work at INVL Asset Management and participate in the operations of multiple businesses owned by INVL Technology.



INVL Technology invests in and develops IT businesses based in European countries which have the potential to become global players. In seeking to transform them into global businesses, the company takes advantage of the access to markets and the intellectual capital of the other businesses it owns. INVL Technology's goal is, after boosting the value of its business holdings, to sell them profitably and thus generate a significant return for investors.



Currently INVL Technology has invested in the Norwegian company Norway Registers Development AS with its subsidiaries NRD UAB and ETRONIKA UAB in Lithuania, Norway Registers Development East Africa Ltd in Tanzania, Norway Registers Development Rwanda Ltd in Rwanda, NRD Bangladesh Ltd in Bangladesh, and the associated company Infobank Uganda Ltd in Uganda. It has also invested in BAIP UAB with its subsidiary ACENA UAB as well as NRD CS UAB and ALGORITMU SISTEMOS UAB, all in Lithuania, and Estonia's Andmevara AS with its subsidiary Andmevara SRL in Moldova.



On its receipt of a closed-end investment company license in July 2016, INVL Technology's management was assumed by INVL Asset Management - a part of Invalda INVL, one of the leading asset management groups in the Baltics. INVL Technology will operate until 14 July 2026.



The person authorized to provide additional information: Kazimieras Tonkunas INVL Technology Managing Partner e-mail k.tonkunas@invltechnology.lt

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IRW-PRESS: Sovereign Metals Limited: Sovereign Metals Limited: MALINGUNDE: Die weltweit grote gemeldete in Saprolith gelagerte Graphitressource

MALINGUNDE: Die weltweit grote gemeldete in Saprolith gelagerte Graphitressource

Sovereign Metals Limited (das Unternehmen oder Sovereign) freut sich, die erste JORC-konforme Mineralressourcenschatzung fur das Projekt Malingunde in Malawi bekannt zu geben.

Die Mineralressourcenschatzung bestatigt die globale Bedeutung der Graphitlagerstatte Malingunde und bietet die Grundlage fur einen naturlichen Flockengraphit-Abbaubetrieb mit potenziell geringem Investitions- und sehr geringem Betriebsaufwand, der sich auf den weichen in Saprolith (Tonerde) gelagerten Anteil der Lagerstatte konzentriert.

Saprolith-Mineralressourcenschatzung (angezeigt + abgeleitet): 28,8 Mio t mit 7,1 % TGC (Cutoff-Wert 4,0 % TGC)

einschlielich hochgradiger Anteil: 8,9 Mio. t mit 9,9 % TGC (Cutoff-Wert 7,5 % TGC)

Wichtigste Ergebnisse:

- Malingunde als weltweit grote gemeldete in weichen Saprolith gelagerte Graphitressource1 bestatigt. - Hochgradiger Anteil im Umfang von 8,9 Mio. t mit 9,9 % TGC (Total Carbon Content; Gesamtkohlenstoffgehalt) wird im Mittelpunkt der anstehenden Rahmenbewertung stehen. - 80% der gesamten Saprolithressource und 80 % des hochgradigen Anteils als angezeigte Mineralressourcen eingestuft. - Das gesamte weiche Saprolithmaterial befindet sich innerhalb eines Bereichs von 30 Metern von der Oberflache und kann durch einfache Grabungen mit sehr geringem Erz-Abraum-Verhaltnis abgebaut werden, was deutlich geringere Abbaukosten wahrend der Lebensdauer der Mine (LOM) bedeuten sollte. - Das Saprolithmaterial muss nicht zerkleinert oder zermahlen werden, woraus sich im Vergleich zu Festgesteinslagerstatte wesentlich niedrigere Verarbeitungskosten ergeben. - Die weitlaufige, 3.788 km2 groe Liegenschaft enthalt zahlreiche andere Saprolith-Zielgebiete enthalt, die zwar abgegrenzt, jedoch noch nicht mittels Bohrungen untersucht wurden, was auf zusatzliches und betrachtliches Explorationspotenzial hinweist.

Dr. Julian Stephens, Managing Director von Sovereign, sagte dazu: Die erste Mineralressourcenschatzung hat unsere Erwartungen bei weitem ubertroffen und bestatigt, dass Malingunde eine erstklassige Graphitlagerstatte ist. Der separate hochgradige Anteil der Ressource wird im Mittelpunkt der bevorstehenden Rahmenbewertung des Unternehmens stehen. Angesichts dieser herausragenden Ressourcenbasis kann das Unternehmen nun die Durchfuhrung dieser Rahmenbewertung in Angriff nehmen und dabei die inharenten Vorteile des Projekts wie etwa sein Potenziel fur einen Betrieb mit sehr geringem Betriebs- und niedrigem Investitionsaufwand und Spitzenmargen nutzen.

ANFRAGEN: -- Dr. Julian Stephens - Managing Director-+618 9322 6322

Einfuhrung

In Saprolith gelagerte Graphitlagerstatten sind dank ihres im Vergleich zu in Festgestein gelagerten Graphitproduktionsstatten geringeren Investitionsaufwands und niedrigeren Betriebskosten gefragt.

Sovereign erkundete das Gebiet Malingunde im Jahr 2015 und 2016 und entdeckte dabei die weltweit grote gemeldete in Saprolith gelagerte Graphitressource.

Die Lagerstatte Maligunde weist folgende Vorteile auf:

- Ein hochgradiger Kern mit etwa 10 % TGC, der im Mittelpunkt der bevorstehenden Rahmenbewertung stehen wird; - Sehr weiches, durch einfache Grabungen abbaubares Material fur die gesamte Lebensdauer der Mine mit einem sehr geringen Erz-Abraum-Verhaltnis, woraus sich sehr geringe Abbaukosten ergeben; - Primare Zerkleinerung und Mahlung nicht notwendig, was deutliche Einsparungen beim Investitionsbedarf und den Betriebskosten bedeutet; - Nahe zur Hauptstadt Malawis bedeutet Zugang zu bestehender Infrastruktur: Eisenbahn, Wasser, Strom & Arbeitskrafte; - Mit einem Spitzenkonzentrat (Best in Class) in puncto Flockengroe und Gehalt kann ein Spitzenpreis erzielt werden.

Die obengenannten Vorteile zeigen insgesamt, dass Malingunde ein potenziell erstklassiges Projekt mit geringem Investitionsbedarf, niedrigen Betriebskosten und hohen Einnahmen pro Tonne Konzentrat ist, was voraussichtlich einem margenstarken Betrieb entspricht.

Mineralressourcenschatzung

Die Mineralressourcenschatzung fur Malingunde wurde von CSA Global angefertigt und wird gema JORC Code (Ausgabe 2012) gemeldet.

Bei Anwendung eines geringeren Cutoff-Werts von 4 % TGC umfasst die Mineralressourcenschatzung (angezeigt + abgeleitet):

- 28,8 Mio. Tonnen Saprolith mit 7,1 % TGC; - 17,0 Mio. Tonnen verwittertes Grundgestein mit 7,0 % TGC; - 19,3 Mio. Tonnen frisches Gestein mit 7,0 % TGC.

Die Mineralressource beinhaltet insgesamt 65,1 Millionen Tonnen mit 7,1 % TGC (Saprolith, verwittertes Grundgestein und frisches Gestein; 80 % angezeigt + 20 % abgeleitet).

Bei Anwendung eines hoheren Cutoff-Werts von 7,5% TGC umfasst der Saprolith-Anteil der Ressource 8,9 Millionen Tonnen mit 9,9 % TGC (ebenfalls 80 % angezeigt + 20 % abgeleitet).

Der Saprolith-Anteil der Mineralressource befindet sich vollstandig innerhalb eines Bereichs von 30 Metern von der naturlichen Erdoberflache. Das Unternehmen beabsichtigt, den hochgradigen Saprolith-Anteil der Mineralressourcen in den Mittelpunkt der bevorstehenden Rahmenbewertung zu stellen. Die 8,9 Millionen Tonnen hochgradiges Material sollten den Erwartungen zufolge Einsatzmaterial fur einen im Zuge der Studie zu bewertenden Minenbetrieb mit einer beachtlichen Lebensdauer liefern.

Der zustandige Sachverstandige und das Unternehmen vertreten die Ansicht, dass angemessene Aussichten auf die eventuelle wirtschaftliche Forderung der Mineralressource bestehen. Berucksichtigt wurden unter anderem die relative Nahe der Mineralisierung zur Oberflache, woraus sich eine Eignung fur den Tagebau ergibt, und die bestehende Infrastruktur unweit des Projekts einschlielich Eisenbahn, Strom, Arbeitskrafte und Wasser. Die bisherigen metallurgischen Testarbeiten zur Flockengroenverteilung und Reinheit sprechen nach Einschatzung des Sachverstandigen und des Unternehmens fur die Marktfahigkeit eines Konzentrats.

http://www.irw-press.at/prcom/images/messages/2017/39475/170418 Malingunde JORC Resource April 2017_Final_DEprcom.001.png

Tabelle 1. Erste JORC-konforme Mineralressourcenschatzung fur Malingunde unter Anwendung von Cutoff-Werten von 4,0 % und 7,5 % TGC http://www.irw-press.at/prcom/images/messages/2017/39475/170418 Malingunde JORC Resource April 2017_Final_DEprcom.002.png

Abbildung 1. Dreidimensionale Schragansicht des Blockmodells fur die Malingunde-Mineralressourcenschatzung http://www.irw-press.at/prcom/images/messages/2017/39475/170418 Malingunde JORC Resource April 2017_Final_DEprcom.003.png

Abbildung 2. Querschnitt bei 8,437,000mN, der die bei der Mineralressourcenschatzung verwendeten Blocke und die TGC-Gehaltsbereiche anzeigt

Die vollstandige Pressemeldung finden Sie hier: http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170418/pdf/43hkny1xxq8mq0.pdf

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Summary of Resource Estimate and Reporting Criteria

The following is a summary of the pertinent information used in the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) with full details provided in Table 1 included as Appendix A.

Geology and Geological Interpretation

The Malingunde area is underlain by Neo-Proterozoic to Cambrian semi-pelitic paragneisses of the Mchinji Group. Lithologies include kyanite, biotite, garnet, pyrrhotite and graphite bearing gneisses and schists.

Malingunde flake graphite deposit strikes north-west, dipping between 25 and 50 degrees to the north- east. It is currently modelled as three zones of mineralisation, with a depth extent of 50 m, a strike length of 4,500 m and a plan width varying between 50 and 230 m.

Malingunde occurs in a topographically flat area west of Malawis capital known as the Lilongwe Plain. Here, a deep tropical weathering profile is preserved. A typical profile from top to base is generally ferruginous pedolith (FERP, 0-4m), mottled zone (MOTT, 4-7m), pallid saprolite (PSAP, 7-9m), saprolite (SAPL, 9-25m), saprock (SAPR, 25-35m) and fresh rock (FRESH >35m). For the purposes of the MRE, all units from saprolite and above are included under the heading saprolite. This is justified because all are soft and free-dig, and all have consistent and similar metallurgical characteristics.

Within the Malingunde deposit itself, high-grade graphite gneisses are interlayered and separated by biotite and locally kyanite bearing gneisses. Two discrete, internal high grade graphite zones exist and appear to be slightly oblique to the overall trend of the mineralisation (Figure 1).

Further high-grade saprolite-hosted graphite mineralisation has been discovered in hand auger drilling along strike over 1km to the south-east of the resource area and is yet to be followed up. Regionally, the Company controls a large, prospective ground package totalling 3,788km2 within which six additional saprolite-hosted prospects have been located.

Drilling and Sampling Techniques

The MRE is based upon data obtained from 13 diamond core (DD) drill holes (432.39 m), 170 aircore (AC) holes (3,352 m) and 212 hand auger (HA) holes (1,499 m) drilled across the three deposits. Five (5) pairs of AC/DD and eight (8) pairs of AC/HA twinned holes are included in the drilling totals.

HA holes are located on east-west transects across the entire strike of the modelled deposit spaced nominally at 200 m x 20 m with infill spaced at 10 m along section. AC holes were generally drilled at 200 m x 20 m along existing HA transects with infill of 100 m x 20 m over the northern and southern portions of the deposit. DD holes were drilled on existing HA transects spaced between 200 m and 400 m north-south along the strike extent of the deposit. All HA holes were drilled vertically whilst the majority of the AC and DD holes were angled, designed to intersect broadly orthogonal to the shallow-moderate east dipping mineralisation.

The majority of HA and all AC/DD drill hole collars were surveyed using a differential global positioning system (DGPS) to centimetre accuracy. All DD holes were down-hole surveyed using a Reflex Ez-Trak multi-shot survey tool at 30m intervals down hole. Owing to their shallow depths (maximum 12 m), HA holes were not downhole surveyed. AC holes were not routinely down-hole surveyed, however 9 holes (5%) were surveyed to verify the amount of downhole deviation.

HA and AC drill samples were geologically logged, recording relevant data to a set template at 1m intervals. DD core was geologically logged based on geological intervals. DD core was also geotechnically logged and digitally photographed.

DD core (PQ3) was quarter cut and sampled according to geological intervals. HA samples were composited on geological intervals (2-3m) in the field, and submitted for Total Graphitic Carbon (TGC) analysis. AC samples were sampled at 1-metre in the SOIL, FERP, MOTT weathering zones and composited nominally at 2-metres in the PSAP, SAPL, SAPR, FRESH weathering zones. Field quality assurance procedures were employed, including the use of analytical standards, coarse blanks and duplicates.

Sample Analysis Method

Samples were shipped to Intertek sample preparation laboratory in Johannesburg or Perth. Upon receipt of the sample, the laboratory prepared ~100g pulp samples for shipment (in the case of Johannesburg) to Intertek Perth where they were analysed. A 0.2g charge is analysed for TGC using an Eltra carbon analyser resistance furnace.

Classification Criteria

Classification of the MRE was carried out taking into account the geological understanding of the deposit, quality of the samples, bulk density data and drill hole spacing, supported by metallurgical test results that indicate general product marketability.

The MRE is classified as a combination of Indicated and Inferred, with geological evidence sufficient to assume geological and grade continuity in the Indicated volumes. All available data was assessed and the Competent Persons relative confidence in the data was used to assist in the classification of the Mineral Resource.

Resource Estimation Methodology

TGC wireframe interpretations were based upon a lower cut-off of 4% TGC, which is equivalent to the graphitic gneiss domain boundary, from geological logging of HA/AC/DD drill holes.

The Mineral Resource block model consists of 3 zones of TGC mineralisation, with 1 major zone and 2 minor zones, with respect to strike extent. Mineralisation domains were encapsulated by means of 3D wireframed envelopes. Domains were extrapolated along strike or down plunge to half a section spacing. Internal waste units were modelled within the graphitic gneiss mineralisation envelopes to define barren domains.

No top cutting was applied to constrain extreme grade values because the TGC grade distribution does not warrant their use.

All drill hole assay samples were composited to 2 m intervals. All assayed HA/AC/DD drill hole intervals were utilised in the grade interpolation.

Grade estimation was by ordinary kriging (OK). A minimum of 8 and maximum of 16 composited samples were used in any one block estimate for all domains. A maximum of 5 composited samples per drill hole were used in any one block estimate. The PSAP, SAPL, SAPR and the top portion of the FRESH domain (pseudo transitional material) were combined into one estimation domain. The FERP and MOTT weathering zones were estimated as a separate single domain.

The grade model was validated by 1) creating slices of the model and comparing to drill hole samples on the same slice; 2) swath plots comparing average block grades with average sample grades on nominated easting, northing and RL slices; 3) mean grades per domain for estimated blocks and flagged drill hole samples; and 4) cross sections with block model and drill hole data colour coded in like manner.

Cut-off Grades The MRE has been reported using lower cut-off grade of 4.0% and 7.5% TGC, which is consistent with the grade used to report previous MREs for this style of mineralisation.

Mining and Metallurgical Methods and Parameters

No selective mining units were assumed in this resource model. No depletion of the Mineral Resource due to mining activity was required due to no mining having occurred historically.

Sovereign have announced several sets of metallurgical results to the ASX (7th September 2016; 23rd November 2016; 27th February 2017 and 20th March 2017), relating to flake size distribution and purity of graphite concentrate. Metallurgical testwork is ongoing.

Sovereign engaged SGS Canada to conduct an initial bench scale laboratory flotation testwork program on drill samples obtained from the Malingunde flake graphite deposit. The main objective was to investigate the metallurgical response of shallow saprolitic mineralization (PSAP+SAPL) and the testwork was performed on two master composites samples produced from fifteen drill holes of located in the northern and central part of the deposit. The majority of the testwork was performed using two master composite samples described as north composite and southern composite from shallow auger drill samples. The testwork was largely based on the flowsheet previously developed for weathered material from Sovereigns Duwi and graphite deposit, located 40 km to the north-east.

In addition two separate master composites of the mottled zone (MOTT) using intervals from the same HA drill holes were produced and tested using the same flowsheet conditions as the saprolite master composites.

A subsequent variability tetwork program was undertaken on the PQ3 diamond drill core to evaluate the metallurgical response of the FERP, PSAP+SAPL (upper saprolite), SAPL (lower saprolite) and SAPR weathering domains.

The flotation testwork on auger and diamond drill core samples demonstrated that generally between about 50% and 80% of the liberated flakes were larger than 150 m, and that final overall concentrate grades were in the range of 97% to 99% Carbon.

The flake size distribution and purity are considered to be favourable for product marketability.

Property testing of final concentrates produced from the metallurgical tests were undertaken by a specialty laboratory in Germany indicate that the potential products from Malingunde should be suitable for expandable graphite markets.

Competent Person Statement

The information that relates to Mineral Resources is based on, and fairly represents, information compiled by Mr David Williams, a Competent Person, who is a Member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Williams is employed by CSA Global Pty Ltd, an independent consulting company. Mr Williams has sufficient experience, which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration, and to the activity he is undertaking, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Williams consents to the inclusion of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

The information that relates to Exploration Results is extracted from announcements on 29 August 2016, 12 October 2016, 26 November 2016, 18 January 2017, 21 February 2017 and 15 March 2017. These announcements are available to view on www.sovereignmetals.com.au. The information in the original announcements that related to Exploration Results were based on, and fairly represents, information compiled by Dr Julian Stephens, a Competent Person who is a member of the Australasian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG). Dr Stephens is the Managing Director of Sovereign Metals Limited and a holder of shares, options and performance rights in Sovereign Metals Limited. Dr Stephens has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcements.

Forward Looking Statement

This release may include forward-looking statements, which may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "projects", "plans", and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on Sovereigns expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Sovereign, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Sovereign makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this release, to reflect the circumstances or events after the date of that release.

Footnote 1

The Malingunde Mineral Resource is understood by the Company to be the largest known saprolite-hosted flake graphite deposit in the world that has been reported under recognised western Mineral Resource reporting codes (i.e. JORC, NI 43-101, SAMREC).

Appendix 1: JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data Criter JORC Code Commentary ia explanation

SampliNature and Hand Auger (HA), Air-core (AC) and ng quality of Diamond core (DD) drilling form the Techn sampling (e.g. basis of the Mineral Resource iques cut channels, Estimate (MRE) and are described

random chips, below: or specific

specialised HA drilling was employed to obtain

industry samples vertically standard

measurement from surface at nominal 1-metre depth

tools intervals, with appropriate to

the minerals samples composited on geologically under determined intervals. Composite investigation, samples were riffle split on such as down site.

hole gamma HA drilling was completed as a number sondes, or of phases during 2015 and 2016. A

handheld XRF total of instruments,

etc.). These 212 HA holes (1,499 m) were used in

examples should the not be taken as MRE limiting the .

broad meaning AC drilling (angled and vertical) was of employed to obtain bulk drill sampling. cuttings at nominal 1-metre depth

(downhole) intervals from surface. All 1-metre samples were collected in plastic bags directly beneath the sample cyclone underflow. The entire individual 1-metre sample was manually split at the drill site using conventional riffle splitters. A total of 170 AC holes (3,352 m) completed during 2016 were used in the MRE . DD drilling (angled and vertical) was designed to obtain representative large diameter (PQ3) core for geological, geotechnical and metallurgical testwork purposes. Subsequent to completion of all geological and geotechnical logging and sampling (whole core samples removed laboratory bulk density and strength testing) drill core was either manually hand split or sawn using a circular saw and sampled as  PQ3 core. Upon completion of laboratory bulk density and strength testing of the whole core intervals the entire core was submitted to the laboratory. A total of 13 DD holes (432.39 m) completed during 2016 were used in the MRE . All HA/AC/DD assay sample splits were submitted to either Intertek Johannesburg or Intertek Perth for assay sample preparation. Total Graphitic Carbon (TGC) analysis of all assay pulps samples was performed by Intertek Perth.

Include All HA/AC/DD drilling and sampling reference to activities were supervised by a measures taken suitably qualified Company geologist to ensure who was present on site during the sample drilling of holes. All

representivity anHA and AC holes were geologically d the logged at a nominal 1-metre interval appropriate by the geologist at the drill site. calibration of any measurement DD holes were geologically logged on a tools or geological intervals basis. systems Geotechnical logging was completed used. for each core run interval. All mass

reduction (field and laboratory splitting) of samples were performed within Gys Sampling Nomogram limits relevant to this style of mineralisation. Field duplicate splits of HA/AC samples and quarter DD core were undertaken nominally every 20 th sample to assess sampling errors. HA: The auger spiral and rods are cleaned between each metre of sampling to avoid contamination. AC: The sampling cyclone was routinely cleaned out between each drill hole. Sample recovery was quantitatively assessed throughout the duration of the drilling program. A program of field replicate splitting of selected (~5%) mineralised intervals was completed at the conclusion of the drill program to assess the sampling repeatability DD: core recovery was closely monitored during drilling particularly through the mineralised zones. Standard industry drilling mud mixtures were employed to improve core recovery especially through the softer upper clay rich

pedolith and saprolith horizons. Aspects of the Flake graphite content is visually determination estimated as volume % for each of 1-metre HA/AC bulk drill samples and mineralisation DD core logging interval during that are geological logging by a Company

Material to the geologist. Public Report.

In cases where A nominal lower cut-off of 4% TGC industry assay has been applied to define

standard work zones of has been done mineralisation this would be . relatively simple (e.g. reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information.

DrilliDrill type (e.g. HA: drilling was performed manually by

ng core, reverse Sovereign Techn circulation, employees

iques openhole using a conventional hand auger employ

hammer, rotary ing a combination of air blast,

auger, Bangka, 62mm and 50mm diameter spiral auger

sonic, etc.) flight and details and

(e.g. core 1-metre long steel rods. Each 1m of

diameter, drill advance triple or

standard tube, is withdrawn and the contents of the depth of auger flight removed. An additional

diamond tails, 1-metre steel facesampling

bit or other rods is attached and the open hole is type, whether re-entered to drill the next metre. core is This is repeated until the drill oriented and if holes is terminated or reaches a

so, by what maximum depth of 12m. method, etc.). The auger spiral and rods are cleaned between each metre of sampling to avoid contamination. AC: conventional blade bit aircore dril ling was employed to obtain all drill cuttings from surface. Drilling was completed using a P900 truck mounted rig with and separate truck mounted air compressor. Drilling was completed using standard 3-inch or 4-inch diameter/3m length drill rods equipped with inner tubes. Drilling was performed with standard face discharge aircore blade bits. The nominal drill h ole diameter for 3-inch and 4-inch holes is 85mm and 114mm respectively. The nominal inner tube inside diameter for 3-inch and 4-inch holes is 37mm and 45mm respectively. Drilling of all 3-inch holes employed a 2-stage compressor rated at 300CFM :200PSI run continuously on high stage. All 4-inch holes were drilled employing a 2-stage compressor rated at 900CFM :350PSI with high-stage generally run below about 15m downhole. DD: conventional wireline PQ triple tube (PQ 3) diamond drilling (DD) was employed to obtain all drill core. Drilling was undertaken with an Atlas Copco Christensen CT14 truck mounted drilling rig. The nominal core diameter is 83mm and the nominal hole diameter is 122mm. Coring was completed with appropriate diamond impregnated tungsten carbide drilling bits. Drill runs were completed employing either a 1.5m or 3.0m length PQ3 core barrel. Co re from all drilling runs was orientated using a Reflex ACTIII Electronic Orientation device. The orientation and marking of the bottom of hole (BOH) orientation line along the core was completed whilst the core was still within the drilling split. Core was transferred from the drilling split into PVC splits which were then wrapped with plastic layflat material, securely sealed and placed into core trays.

Drill Method of HA: sample recovery was monitored Sampl recording and visually during removal of the sample

e assessing core from the auger Recov and chip sample flights. ery recoveries and

results AC: sample recovery was recorded for

assessed. all holes. The 1- metre drill samples collected in plastic bags from directly beneath the cyclone underflow were individually weighed and moisture content (dry/damp/moist /wet/saturated) recorded prior to further splitting and sampling. The outside diameter of the drill bit cutting face was measured and recorded by the driller prior to the commencement of each drill hole. Each 1-metre sample interval was separately geologically logged using standard Company project specific logging codes. Logging of weathering and lithology along with drill hole diameter, recovered sample weight, moisture content and dry bulk density measurements of PQ diamond core allow the theoretical sample recovery to be assessed. Analysis of the calculated sample recoveries indicate an average recovery of greater than 75% for all mineralised (>=4% TGC) intervals. DD: drilling core recovery was recorded for each drill run by measuring the total length whilst still in the drilling splits prior to being transferred into core trays . Downhole depths were validated against core blocks and drill plods during each shift. Holes MGDD0001, MGDD0004 and MGDD0005 were re-drilled due to core loss within a number of mineralised zones. An overall core recovery of 92% was achieved for all

sampled core. Measures taken HA: drill holes were terminated where

to maximise they intersected sample recovery

and ensure the upper (perched) water table (approx

representative .. nature of the 7-8m) samples. AC: drill bit type (face discharge) used were appropriate for the type of formation to maximise amount of drill cutting recovered. Drill bits were replaced where excessive wearing of the tungsten cutting teeth had occurred. Adequate CFM/PSI of compressed air was used to maximise the drying of sample prior to recovering up the drill string. A number of the 2016 PQ diamond core holes were twinned by aircore holes to assess the representiv ity of AC drill samples. Where the ingress of water in deeper sections of holes resulted in wet samples (usually at the Saprolite/Saprock interface) the drill hole was terminated. DD: core recovery was closely monitored during drilling particularly through the mineralised zones. Standard industry drilling mud mixtures were employed to improve core recovery especially through the softer upper clay rich material of the Pedolith and Saprolith zones. Other measures such quantity of water, amount of rotation and drill bit types that are appropriate to soft formation drilling were considered and employed during drilling when required. At the completion of each drill run the steel splits containing the core were pumped out of the retrieved core tube. Core was then carefully transferred from the drill split into plastic sleeves ( layflat) which were secured in rigid PVC splits. The layflat was securely bound and sealed (to preserve moisture) with tape prior to transferring PVC splits into plastic core trays.

Whether a Twin hole comparison of AC/HA and

relationship AC/DD drill hole exists between

sample recovery TGC assay grades indicates that no and grade and sample bias exists. There does not whether sample appear to be any relationship between bias may have sample recovery and the visual

occurred due to graphite preferential content. loss/gain of fine/coarse material.

LogginWhether core and HA/AC/DD: drill holes were geologically g chip samples logged have been by a suitably trained Company geologically geologist using standard Company code and system. All geological logging was initially recorded using geotechnically lo a gged to a level standard A4 paper template and later of detail to digitally entered into customised support Company MS Excel spreadsheets appropriate utilising functional validation Mineral tools. Excel files are checked and Resource loaded to MS Access by the Database estimation Administrator. Upon loading into the mining studies Access database further validation is

and performed. metallurgical

studies. HA/AC: holes were geologically logged

nominally at 1-metre intervals. Reference samples of each 1-metre intervals were collected and stored in plastic chip trays for future reference. DD: holes were logged on a geological interval basis. In addition all holes were geotechnically logged by trained Company geologists to ISRM standards. DD holes MGDD0008-0013 were geotechnecnically logged by a consulting geotechnical engineer. All drill core was photographed prior to sampling and images were digitally catalogued. This information is of a sufficient lev el of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation , preliminary mining studies and metallurgical

testwork. Whether logging Logging is both qualitative and quantit is qualitative ative or quantitative . Geological logging includes but is

in nature. Core not limited (or costean, to

channel, etc.) lithological features, estimated photography. graphite content

and flake characteristics. The logging and reporting of visual graphite percentages (on a volumetric basis) is semiquantitative. A reference to previous logs and assays is used as a guide. Geotechnical logging of DD core is both qualitative and quantitative.

The total length 100% of the HA/AC/DD drill hole sample and percentage intervals of the relevant have been geologically logged.

intersection logged

Sub-saIf core, whether Quarter PQ3 DD core is manually split mpling cut or sawn and and/or cut using a motorised diamond techn whether blade core saw and sampled for

iques quarter, half laboratory or all core analysis. and taken. sampl e prepa ration

If non-core, HA: 1-metre samples are composited on whether geological intervals and then riffle riffled, tube split at 50:50 using a standard Jones sampled, rotary riffle splitter. Wet samples are split, etc. and first air dried and then manually whether sampled broken up prior to compositing or

wet or splitting. dry. AC: Individual 1-metre drill samples we re manually split in entirety using either a 3-tier (87.5:12.5) or single tier (50:50) riffle splitter or a combination thereof to facilitate mass reduction of the drill sample to produce an assay sp lit . Additional compositing of the assay off-split was controlled by geological logging. Mineralised (>=3% visual TGC content) off-splits obtained from the soil (SOIL), ferruginous pedolith (FERP) and mottled zone (MOTT) weathering horizons were not composited, whereas mineralised splits of the underlying pallid saprolite (PSAP), saprolite (SAPL) and saprock (SAPR) weathering units were composited nominally at 2-metres. Unmineralised (=<3% visual TGC) 1-metre splits were composited nominally at 4-metres. All bulk rejects splits of the original 1-metre intervals were transported to a secure undercover storage facility in Lilongwe . All 1-metre wet samples were removed from the drill site without splitting and relocated to the Companys premises in Lilongwe. The wet samples were transferred into large metal trays and sun dried. Samples were subsequently manually broken up and thoroughly homogenised prior to splitting 50:50 with a single tier riffle splitter. One off-split was submitted to the laboratory for assay . The other off-split (i.e. the material not sent for assaying) of each individual 1-metre interval were returned to original sample bag, cable tied and placed in storage for future reference.

For all sample HA samples: sample preparation is types, the conducted at Interteks laboratory in nature, quality Johannesburg. Each entire sample is and crushed to nominal 100% -3mm in a appropriateness Boyd crusher then pulverised to 85% of the sample -75m in a LM5. Approximately 100g preparation pulp is collected and sent to

technique. Intertek Perth for TGC analysis. AC samples: sample preparation was conducted at either Intertek in Perth or Johannesburg. The entire submitted sample (=< ~3kg) is pulverised to 85% -75m in a LM5. Approximately 100g pulp is collected and sent to Intertek- Genalysis Perth for chemical analysis. DD samples: all sample preparation was conducted at Intertek Perth. Each entire sample is crushed to nominal 100% -3mm in a Boyd crusher then pulverised to 85% -75m in a LM5.The entire submitted sample (=< ~3kg) is pulverised to 85% -75m in a LM5. Approximately 100g pulp is collected and sent to Intertek- Genalysis Perth for chemical analysis.

Quality control HA/AC/DD: All sampling was carefully procedures supervised. Ticket books were used adopted for all with pre-numbered tickets placed in sub-sampling the laboratory sample bag and double stages to checked against the hardcopy sample maximise register.

representivity of samples. Field QC procedures involve the use of

certified reference material assay standards, blanks, duplicates, replicates for company QC measures, and laboratory standards, replicate assaying and barren washes for laboratory QC measures. The insertion rate of each of these averaged better than 1 in 20.

Measures taken All mass reduction (field and to ensure that laboratory splitting) of samples were

the sampling is performed within representative

of the in situ Gys Sampling Nomogram limits relevant material to this style of mineralisation. collected, Field duplicate splits of HA/AC including for samples and quarter DD core were instance undertaken nominally every 20th results for sample to assess sampling field errors. duplicate/second A program of field replicate splitting

-half of selected sampling. ( 10%) mineralised AC intervals was completed at the conclusion of the drill program. In addition, a number of air core holes were drilled to twin existing HA and DD holes, to assess the representivity of the AC drill samples. The results of these programs indicate there are no significant sampling errors.

Whether sample All mass reduction of HA/AC/DD drill sizes are samples undertaken during field appropriate to sampling and laboratory sample the grain size preparation were guided by standard of the material sampling nomograms and fall within being sampled. Gys safety limits for the style of

mineralisation being sampled.

QualitThe nature, The analytical and laboratory y of quality and procedures are considered to be assay appropriateness appropriate for reporting graphite data of the assaying mineralisation, according to industry

and and laboratory best practice. labor procedures used atory and whether the

tests technique is Each entire sample was pulverised to considered 85% -75m. Approximately 100g pulp is partial or col total. lected for analysis at Intertek Perth.

A sample of 0.2g is removed from the 100 gram pulp, first digested in HCl to remove carbon attributed to carbonate, and is then heated to 450C to remove any organic carbon. An Eltra CS-2000 induction furnace infra-red CS analyser is then used to determine the remaining carbon which is reported as Total Graphitic Carbon (TGC) as a percentage.

For geophysical No non-laboratory devices were used

tools, for spectrometers, handheld XRF chemical analysis. instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.

Nature of Field QC procedures involve the use of

quality control certified reference procedures material

adopted (e.g. (CRM) assay standards, blanks, standards, duplicates blanks, and replicates for company QC duplicate, measures, and laboratory standards, external rep laboratory eat assaying and barren washes for checks) and laboratory QC measures. The insertion whether rate of each of these averaged better

acceptable than 1 in levels of 20.

accuracy (i.e. Performance of the primary laboratory

lack of bias) across all assay batches and precision were

have been within acceptable tolerance levels established. and that there is no appreciable bias.

VerifiThe verification Significant mineralisation cation of significant intersections were verified by of intersections alternative company sampl by either personnel. ing & independent or An independent resource consultant assay alternative conducted a site visit during ing company December 2016 during the AC drilling personnel. program. All drilling and sampling

procedures were observed by the consultant during the site visit.

The use of A number of AC holes were drilled to

twinned twin existing holes. HA and DD holes as verification of sampling and assaying .

Documentation of All data is initially collected on primary data, paper logging sheets and codified to data entry the Company's templates. This data procedures, was hand entered to spreadsheets and data validated by Company geologists. verification, This data was then imported to a data storage Microsoft Access Database then

(physical and validated electronic)

protocols. both electronically and manually. Assay

data is provided as .csv files from the laboratory and loaded into the project specific drill hole database. Spot checks are made against the laboratory certificates.

Discuss any No adjustments have been made to assay

adjustment to data. assay data.

LocatiAccuracy and HA/AC/DD on of quality of All collars have been picked-up by the data surveys used to Companys consulting point locate drill s holes (collar surveyor, using a Leica GPS System and down-hole 1200 in RTK mode to define the surveys), drill-hole collar coordinates to

trenches, mine centimetre workings and accuracy. other locations

used in Mineral Down-hole surveying of all DD holes Resource was undertaken on selected holes to estimation. determine drill

hole deviation. Surveys were carried out using a Reflex Ez-Trak multi-shot survey tool at nominal 30m intervals. Downhole surveying using the same method was also completed for selected AC holes. Results indicate that no significant deviation occurs over the relatively short length of the AC holes. HA holes were drilled to a maximum depth of 12 and were not downhole surveyed.

Specification of WGS84 (GRS80) UTM Zone 36 South

the grid system used.

Quality and The Companys consulting surveyor used

adequacy of a Leica topographic

control. DGPS System 1200 in RTK mode to

accurately locate the x, y, z of drill collars. Previous checking of Hand Auger holes with the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) 1-arc second digital elevation data has shown that the Leica GPS System produces consistently accurate results. Given the low topographic relief of the area it is believed that this represents high quality control.

Data Data spacing for HA: drill holes are located across the spaci reporting of entire strike and width of the ng & Exploration modelled deposit with spacing on a distr Results. nominal 200m x 20m spacing with

ibutio infill of 10m along n section. AC: drill holes were generally drilled at 200m x 20m along existing HA transects with infill of 100m x 20m over the northern and southern areas of the deposit. DD: holes were drilled on existing HA transects spaced between 200 and 400m along the strike extent of the deposit between 8,435,400mN to 8,437,200mN.

Whether the data The data spacing is sufficient for the spacing and estimation of a Mineral Resource (see

distribution is Section 3 of JORC Table sufficient to 1) establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.

Whether sample No sample compositing has occurred.

compositing has been applied.

OrientWhether the No bias attributable to orientation of ation orientation of sampling upgrading of results has

of sampling been data achieves identified. in unbiased relat sampling of ion possible to structures and geolo the extent to gical which this is struc known ture considering the deposit type

If the No bias attributable to orientation of relationship sampling upgrading of results has

between the been drilling identified.

orientation and Flake graphite mineralisation is the orientation conformable with the main primary of key layering of the gneissic and mineralised schistose host lithology.

structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.

SampleThe measures Samples are securely stored at the secur taken to ensure Companys compound in Lilongwe. Chain ity sample of custody is maintained from time of security sampling in the field until sample is

dispatched to the laboratory.

AuditsThe results of It is considered by the Company that or any audits or industry best practice methods have revie reviews of been employed at all stages of the

ws sampling exploration. techniques and data

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

Criter JORC Code Commentary ia explanation

MineraType, reference The Company owns 100% of 3 Exclusive l name/number, Prospecting Licences (EPLs) in tenem location and Malawi. EPL0355 granted in 2015 for

ent & ownership 2 years, EPL0372 granted in 2016 for land including 2 years, EPL0413 granted in 2014 for

tenur agreements or 3 years. All EPLs are renewable for e material issues two additional periods of 2 years

statu with third each upon s parties such as expiry.

joint ventures, All drilling was located on EPL0372.

partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environment settings.

The security of The tenements are in good standing and the tenure held no known impediments to exploration

at the time of or mining reporting along exist. with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.

ExplorAcknowledgement No other parties were involved in

ation and appraisal exploration done of exploration . by by other other parties. parti es

GeologDeposit type, The graphite mineralisation occurs as y geological multiple bands of graphite gneisses, setting and hosted within a broader Proterozoic style of mineralisation paragneiss package. In the Malingunde a nd

Lifidzi areas specifically, a deep topical weathering profile is preserved, resulting in significant vertical thicknesses from near surface of saprolite-hosted graphite mineralisation.

Drill A summary of all No new exploration results are

hole information included in this infor material to the release. mation understanding of the exploration results including a tab ulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: easting and northings of the drill hole collar; elevation or RL (Reduced Level-elevation above sea level in metres of the drill hole collar); dip and azimuth of the hole; down hole length a nd interception depth; and hole length

If the exclusion All drill holes within the resource of this area have previously been reported in information is releases to the ASX providing collar justified on easting, northing, elevation, dip, the basis that azimut the information h, length of hole, and mineralised

is not Material intercepts as and this encountered. exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case

Data In reporting No new exploration results are aggre Exploration included in this release. All drill gation Results, holes within the resource area have

metho weighting previously been ds averaging reported. techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high-grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.

Where aggregate No new exploration results are intercepts included in this release. All drill incorporate holes within the resource area have

short lengths previously been of reported. high-grade result s and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail.

The assumptions No metal equivalent values are used in

used for any this reporting of report. metal equivalent values should be clearly stated.

RelatiThese Preliminary interpretation of onship relationships mineralised zones in betwe are en particularly aircore holes supported by DD (2016) miner important in orientated core measurements suggests alisat the reporting that mineralised zones are ion of Exploration shallow-moderate east

width Results. dipping. s & inter cept lengt hs

If the geometry Flake graphite mineralisation is of the conformable with the main primary mineralisation layering of the gneissic and

with respect to schistose host the drill litholog

y. AC drill hole inclination of -60

hole angle is degrees are known, its generally

nature should near orthogonal to the regional dip be of the host units and dominant reported. foliation

and hence specific drill hole intercepts for -60 degree holes may only approximate true width. The averaged st rike of mineralised zones is approximately 16 0 grid whereas all -60 inclined aircor e holes were orientated at grid east.

If it is not Not Applicable, refer to explanation

known and only directly the down hole above. lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. 'down hole length, true width not known'.

DiagraAppropriate maps See Figures 1 and 2 within the main

ms and sections text of this (with scales) report. and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported. These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of the drill collar locations and appropriate sectional views.

BalancWhere No new exploration results are ed comprehensive included in this release. All drill repor reporting of holes within the resource area have

ting all Exploration previously been Results is not reported. practicable, representative reporting of both low and high -grade s and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of exploration results.

Other Other No additional meaningful and material subst exploration exploration data has been excluded antive data, if from this report that has not explo meaningful and previously been reported to the

ration material, ASX. data should be reported including (but not limited to: geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.

FurtheThe nature and The next phase of exploration is to r scale of complete additional resource infill, work planned further extensional and step-out work (e.g. test for lateral Aircore/ Reverse Circulation drilling.

extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).

Diagrams clearly See Figure 2 within the main text of

highlighting this the areas of report. possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive.

Section 3 Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources

Criteri JORC Code Commentary a explanation

DatabasMeasures taken Data used in the Mineral Resource e to ensure that estimate is was sourced from an MS integr data has not Access database. The database is

ity been corrupted maintained by by, for Sovereign. example,

transcription Relevant tables from the database or keying were exported to csv format, and

errors, then imported into between its

initial Datamine Studio RM software for use

collection and in the Mineral Resource its use for estimate. Mineral Resource estimation purposes.

Data validation Validation of the data import include procedures checks for overlapping intervals, used. missing survey data, missing assay

data, missing lithological data, and missing collars.

Site Comment on any The Competent Person (Mineral visits site visits Resources) visited the project in

undertaken by December the Competent 2016.

Person and the The aircore drilling rig was in outcome of operation and the Competent Person

those reviewed drilling and visits. sampling procedures. Planned drill sites were examined and assessed with respect to strike and dip of the interpreted geological model. Sample storage facilities were inspected. Discussions were held with the Sovereign geological staff regarding all drilling and sampling procedures and outcomes. Selected diamond drill core was inspected, with all weathering types pertinent to the Mineral Resource reviewed. There were no negative outcomes from any of the above inspections, and all samples and geological data were deemed fit for use in the Mineral Resource estimate.

If no site Not applicable, site visit was

visits have undertaken. been undertaken indicate why this is the case.

GeologiConfidence in There is a reasonably high level of cal (or confidence in the geological interp conversely, interpretation, based upon retatio the lithological logging of diamond

n uncertainty drill core, of) the

geological aircore chip samples and hand auger

interpretation samples. of the mineral

deposit. Multi-spectral satellite imagery and

airborne g eophysical data provided guidance for the strike continuity of the deposit. Drill hole intercept logging and assay results ( aircore, hand auger and diamond core), structural interpretations from drill core and geological logs of aircore and hand auger drill data have formed the basis for the geological interpretation. The drilling mostly targeted the SAPL and SAPR weathering horizons, with limited sampling below the upper level of the fresh rock (FRESH) domain.

Nature of the Assumptions were made on depth and data used and strike extension of the gneiss,

of any using drill assumptions

made. hole assays as anchor points at depth

and at intervals along strike. Geological mapping also supports the geological model. Seven weathering domains were modelled and support the grade interpolation and Mineral Resource classification.

The effect, if No alternative interpretations were any, of considered because the geophysical alternative models and diamond core support the

interpretations current on Mineral interpretation. Resource estimation.

The use of Graphitic Graphite mineralisation is geology in hosted within a graphitic gneiss,

guiding and which is mapped along controlling

Mineral its strike length within the project Resource area and within the license area. estimation. Grade (total graphitic carbon,

TGC%) is assumed to be likewise continuous with the host rock unit. Mineralised waste and non-mineralised waste zones were modelled within the graphitic gneiss.

The factors The graphitic gneiss is open along

affecting strike and down continuity dip. both of grade and The interpretation of the

geology. mineralisation domains is based upon a pre-determined lower cut-off grade

for TGC, which is equivalent to the graphitic gneiss domain boundary. A variation to the cut-off grade will affect the volume and average grade of the domains, however there are no geological reasons identified to date to support higher grade TGC domains within the graphitic gneiss.

DimensiThe extent and Malingunde mineralised bodies strikes ons variability of north west, dipping between 25 and the Mineral 50 degrees to the north east. It is Resource currently modelled as three zones of expressed as mineralisation, with a depth extent length (along of 50 m, a strike length of 4,500 m strike or and a plan width varying between 50

otherwise), m and 230 plan width, m. and depth below surface to the upper and lower limits of the Mineral Resource.

EstimatThe nature and Datamine Studio RM software was used ion appropriateness for all geological and of the modell estimation modelling, block modelling, grade ing technique(s) interpolation, Mineral Resource techni applied and classification and reporting. ques key assumptions, GeoAccess Professional and Snowden including Supervisor (V8.7) were used for

treatment of geostatistical analyses. extreme grade values, All samples were composited to 2 m domaining, intervals. All drill interpolation

parameters and hole assay data (diamond, aircore and maximum hand auger) were utilised in the

distance of grade interpolation. extrapolation from data

points. If a A block model with parent cell sizes computer 25 m (E) x 50 m (N) x 5 m (RL) was

assisted constructed for estimation

method was Malingunde, compared to typical drill

chosen include spacing of 50 m x 100 m. a description of computer

software and Grade estimation was by ordinary parameters kriging (OK) with inverse distance used. squared (IDS) estimation run as a

check estimate. A minimum of 8 and maximum of 16 composited samples were used in any one block estimate for all domains. A maximum of 5 composited samples per drill hole were used in any one block estimate. Cell discretisation of 3 x 3 x 3 was used. The pallid saprolite, saprolite, saprock and top of fresh rock domain (pseudo transitional material) were combined into one estimation domain.

The Inverse distance squared (IDS)

availability estimation of check

estimates, was run as a check estimate of the ord

previous inary kriging (OK) estimates

and/or mine grade estimation. No depletion of the production Mineral Resource due to mining records and activity was required due to no whether the mining having occurred historically. Mineral This Mineral Resource is the maiden

Resource MR reported for estimate takes appropriate Malingunde. account of such data.

The assumptions No by-products were modelled.

made regarding recovery of by-products.

Estimation of No estimation of deleterious elements deleterious or non-grade variables of economic

elements or significance were other modelled. non-grade variables of economic significance (e.g. sulphur for acid mine drainage characterisatio n).

In the case of Grade estimation was by ordinary block model kriging (OK) with inverse distance interpolation, squared (IDS) estimation run as a the block size check estimate. A minimum of 8 and in relation to maximum of 16 composited samples the average were used in any one block estimate sample spacing for all domains. A maximum of 5 and the search composited samples per drill hole employed. were used in any one block estimate.

Cell discretisation of 3 x 3 x 3 was used. The pallid saprolite, saprolite, saprock and top of fresh rock domain (pseudo transitional material) were combined into one estimation domain. The ferruginous pedolith (FERP ) and mottled zone (MOTT) were combined into a separate estimation domain.

Any assumptions No selective mining units were

behind assumed in this modelling of model. selective mining units.

Any assumptions TGC grade was the only variable

about estimated. correlation between variables.

Description of TGC interpretations were based upon a how the lower cut-off of 4% TGC, which is geological equivalent to the graphitic gneiss interpretation domain boundary, from logging of

was used to diamond drill core and control the resource aircore chips.

estimates. The Mineral Resource block model

consists of 3 zones of TGC mineralisation, with 1 major zone and 2 minor zones, with respect to strike extent. Mineralisation domains were encapsulated by means of 3D wireframed envelopes. Domains were extrapolated along strike or down plunge to half a section spacing. Waste domains (total=31) were modelled within the graphitic gneiss envelopes to excise barren zones of gneiss.

Discussion of Top cuts were not used to constrain basis for extreme grade values because the TGC using or not grade distribution did not warrant

using grade their cutting or use. capping.

The process of The grade model was validated by 1) validation, creating slices of the model and the checking comparing to drill hole samples on process used, the same slice; 2) swath plots the comparison comparing average block grades with of model data average sample grades on nominated to drill hole easting, northing and RL slices; 3) data, and use mean grades per domain for estimated of blocks and flagged drill hole reconciliation samples; and 4) cross sections with data if block model and drill hole data available. colour coded in like manner. No

reconciliation data exists to test the model.

MoisturWhether the Tonnages are estimated on a dry basis.

e tonnages are estimated on a dry basis or with natural moisture, and the method of determination of the moisture content.

Cut-offThe basis of Visual analysis of the drill parame the adopted analytical results demonstrated that ters cut-off the lower cut-off interpretation of grade(s) or 4% TGC corresponds to a natural quality break in the grade population

parameters distribution. applied. The lower cut-off of 4% TGC is approximately equivalent to the graphitic gneiss domain boundary, from logging of diamond drill core and

aircore chips. Mining Assumptions It is assumed the deposit, if mined, factor made regarding will be developed using open pit s or possible mining methods. No assumptions have assump mining been made to date regarding minimum

tions methods, mining widths or minimum mining dilution. dimensions and

internal (or, The largest mineralisation domains in if applicable, plan external) view have an apparent width of up to mining 250 m which may result in less dilution. It selective mining methods, as opposed is always to (for example) mining equipment necessary as that would need to be used to mine

part of the narrow veins in a gold process of mine. determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential mining methods, but the assumptions made regarding mining methods and parameters when estimating Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the basis of the mining assumptions made.

MetalluThe basis for Sovereign have announced several rgical assumptions or sets of metallurgical results to factor predictions the market (7th September 2016; s or regarding 23rd November 2016; 27th February assump metallurgical 2017 and 20th March 2017), relating tions amenability. to flake size distribution and It is always purity of graphite concentrate. necessary as Sovereign are continuing with

part of the further test process of work. determining

reasonable Sovereign engaged SGS Canada to prospects for conduct an initial bench scale

eventual laboratory flotation economic

extraction to testwork program on drill samples

consider obtained from the potential

metallurgical Malingunde flake graphite deposit. methods, but The main objective was to the investigate the metallurgical

assumptions response of shallow regarding

metallurgical saprolitic mineralization and the test work treatment was performed on composites from processes and fifteen drill holes of which most parameters are located in the northern part of

made when the reporting Mineral deposit.

Resources may The majority of the testwork was not always be performed using two master composite rigorous. samples described as north Where this is composite and southern composite the case, this from shallow auger drill samples.

should be The reported with

an explanation testwork was largely based on the of the basis flowsheet previously developed for of the weathered material from Sovereigns

metallurgical assumptions Duwi graphite deposit.

made. The flotation testwork on auger and

diamond drill core samples demonstrated that generally between about 50% and 80% of the liberated flakes were larger than 150 m, and that final overall concentrate grades were in the range of 97% to 99% Carbon. The flake size distribution and purity are considered by the Competent Person (industrial minerals) to be favourable for product marketability. Property testing conducted at a specialty laboratory in Germany indicates that the potential products from Malingunde should be suitable for expandable graphite markets. The Competent Person recommends additional variability flotation testing to investigate different geological and weathering domains and to improve confidence in product quality across the deposit.

EnvironAssumptions A large portion of the Mineral mental made regarding Resource is confined to the factor possible waste s or and process saprolitic weathering domains, and

assump residue any tions disposal

options. It is sulphide minerals have been oxidised i always n the geological past. Therefore acid necessary as mine-drainage is not anticipated to part of the be a significant risk when mining

process of from the determining

reasonable oxidised domain. Acid-mine drainage prospects for would be considered if mining of the eventual fresh-rock domain was to be

economic undertaken in the extraction to future. consider the

potential No major water courses run through environmental the resource area, although a fresh impacts of the water dam is located at the southern mining and end of the deposit, which may processing continue along strike under the operation. water body. No Mineral Resources are

While at this reported within the dam stage the limits. determination

of potential The Malingunde deposit is located environmental within a farming area and has impacts, villages located along the strike of particularly the deposit. Sovereign holds regular for a discussions with local landholders and community groups to keep them greenfields proj well informed of the status and ect, may not future planned directions of the

always be well project. advanced, the

status of Malingunde is in a sub-equatorial early region of Malawi and is subject to consideration heavy seasonal rainfall, with rapid of these growth of vegetation in season.

potential environmental impacts should be reported. Where these aspects have not been considered this should be reported with an explanation of the environmental assumptions made.

Bulk Whether assumed Density was calculated from 69 densit or determined. billets of core taken from across y If assumed, the deposit, with density measured

the basis for using wax coated the

assumptions. immersion method performed by If determined, Intertek Perth. Density data was

the method loaded into a used, whether

wet or dry, Datamine drill hole file, which was the frequency flagged against weathering horizons of the and mineralisation domains.

measurements, the nature, size and representativen ess of the samples.

The bulk All bulk density determinations were density for completed by the waxed immersion

bulk material method. must have been measured by methods that adequately account for void spaces (vughs, porosity, etc.), moisture and differences between rock and alteration zones within the deposit.

Discuss An average density value of 1.7 t/m3 assumptions was determined for the soil domain, for bulk 1.8 t/m3 for the ferruginous density estimates used pedolith (FERP) domain, 1.8 t/m3 for

in the the mottled evaluation

process of the zone (MOTT) domain, 2.0 t/m3 for the

different pallid materials. saprolite (PSAP) domain, 2.0 t/m3 for the saprolite (SAPL) domain, and 2.2 t/m3 or 2.3 t/m3 for the saprock (SAPR) rock profile, dependent upon the depth of the profile. A value of 2.4 t/m3 or 2.7 t/m3 was assigned to the transitional / fresh rock profile, dependent upon the depth of the profile. A small data population did not allow for discernible differences in density between the waste and mineralisation zones to be determined.

ClassifThe basis for Classification of the Mineral ication the Resource estimates was carried out classification taking into account the geological of the Mineral understanding of the deposit, Resources into quality of the samples, density data varying and drill hole spacing, supported by confidence metallurgical test results that

categories. indicate general product marketability. The Mineral Resource is classified as a combination of Indicated and Inferred, with geological evidence sufficient to assume geological and grade continuity in the Indicated volumes.

Whether All available data was assessed and appropriate the competent persons relative account has confidence in the data was used to been taken of assist in the classification of the

all relevant Mineral factors (i.e. Resource. relative confidence in tonnage/grade estimations, reliability of input data, confidence in continuity of geology and metal values, quality, quantity and distribution of the data).

Whether the The current classification assignment result appropriately reflects the Competent

appropriately Persons view of the reflects the deposit. Competent Persons view of the deposit

Audits The results of No audits or reviews of the current or any audits or Mineral Resource estimate have been review reviews of undertaken, apart from internal

s Mineral reviews carried out by CSA Global Resource and estimates. Sovereign.

DiscussWhere An inverse distance estimation ion of appropriate a algorithm was used in parallel with

relati statement of the ordinary ve the relative

accura accuracy and kriged interpolation, with results

cy/ confidence very confid level in the similar. ence Mineral

Resource No other estimation method or estimate using geostatistical analysis has been

an approach or performed. procedure deemed

appropriate by Relevant tonnages and grade above the Competent nominated cut-off grades for TGC are Person. For provided in the introduction and example, the body of this report. Tonnages were application of calculated by filtering all blocks statistical or above the cut-off grade and geostatistical sub-setting the resultant data into procedures to bins by mineralisation domain. The quantify the volumes of all the collated blocks relative were multiplied by the dry density accuracy of value to derive the tonnages. The the resource graphite metal values (g) for each within stated block were calculated by multiplying confidence the TGC grades (%) by the block limits, or, if tonnage. The total sum of all metal such an for the deposit for the filtered approach is blocks was divided by 100 to derive not deemed the reportable tonnages of graphite

appropriate, a metal. qualitative discussion of the factors that could affect the relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate.

The statement The Mineral Resource is a local should specify estimate, whereby the drill whether it relates to hole data was geologically domained ab global or ove nominated TGC cut-off grades, local resulting in fewer drill hole estimates, samples to interpolate the block and, if local, model than the complete drill hole state the dataset, which would comprise a

relevant global tonnages, estimate. which should be relevant to technical and economic evaluation. Documentation should include assumptions made and the procedures used.

These No production data is available to

statements of reconcile model relative results. accuracy and confidence of the estimate should be compared with production data, where available.

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AXC0054 2017-04-18/08:57
KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- FISSION URANIUM CORP. (TSX: FCU)(OTCQX: FCUUF)(FRANKFURT: 2FU) ("Fission" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that two additional high-grade holes have grown the recently discovered R1515W shallow depth, high-grade land-based zone at its PLS property, host to the Triple R deposit, in Canada's Athabasca Basin region. Of particular note is hole PLS17-557 (line 1530W), which encountered 47.0m total composite mineralization, including 5.29m of total composite greater than 10,000 cps, making this the strongest hole to date at 1515W. Holes PLS17-557 (line 1530W) and PLS17-560 (line 1545W) have expanded the strike length of R1515W to 30m. In turn, the strike length of the mineralized trend at PLS has now grown to 3.17km. In addition, exploration drilling has identified new areas of interest within the Forest Lake and Patterson Lake corridors.

Drill Results Highlights

-- R1515W - two additional mineralized holes, including strongest hole to date on this zone (discovered via regional drilling earlier in the winter program) -- Zone expanded to 30m strike length with 15m step-outs to the west on line 1530W and on line 1545W -- PLS17-557 (line 1530W) returned -- 47.0m total composite mineralization over a 125.0m section (between 107.0m to 232.0m), including: -- 27.5m continuous mineralization (189.0m to 216.5m), including: -- 5.29m of total composite greater than 10,000 cps -- PLS17-560 (line 1545W) returned -- 58.5m total composite mineralization over a 108.5m section (between 137.0m to 245.5m, including: -- 1.57m of total composite greater than 10,000 cps -- Patterson Lake Mineralized trend now expanded to 3.17km -- New areas of interest discovered on Forest Lake Corridor and Patterson Lake Corridor

Ross McElroy, President, COO, and Chief Geologist for Fission, commented

"We are very pleased with the results of our regional exploration drilling. These final regional holes have not only expanded the newly-discovered high-grade, shallow-depth R1515W zone with our strongest hole to date on that zone, they have also extended our mineralized trend strike length at PLS to 3.17km. Other regional holes have identified further areas of interest at PLS, which will be targeted for follow up in future programs."

Patterson Lake Corridor

Table 1: R1515W Zone Drilling

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i) Hand-held Scintillometer Results On Mineralized Drillcore (greater than 300 Collar cps / greater than 0.5M minimum) ---------------------------------------------------- CPS Grid From To Width Peak Hole ID Zone Line Az Dip (m) (m) (m) Range ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-557 R1515W 1530W 333 -82.6 107.0 108.0 1.0 300 - 620 134.5 135.0 0.5 320 157.5 159.0 1.5 350 - 590 less than 300 166.0 172.0 6.0 - 1100 less than 300 189.0 216.5 27.5 - 37000 less than 300 219.0 228.0 9.0 - 44200 230.5 232.0 1.5 1700 - 4100 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- less than 300 PLS17-560 R1515W 1545W 340 -79.8 137.0 142.0 5.0 - 1300 155.0 155.5 0.5 460 less than 300 175.0 176.5 1.5 - 620 181.0 185.0 4.0 480 - 22500 less than 300 188.0 192.0 4.0 - 1000 196.0 210.5 14.5 410 - 25000 less than 300 214.0 242.5 28.5 - 11000 245.0 245.5 0.5 550 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basement Total Lake Sandstone Unconformity Drillhole Depth From - To Depth Depth Hole ID Zone (m) (m) (m) (m) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-557 R1515W NA NA 104.0 302.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-560 R1515W NA NA 104.0 302.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 2: Exploration Core Drilling - Patterson Lake Corridor Western Extension

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i) Hand-held Scintillometer Results On Mineralized Drillcore (greater than 300 cps / greater Collar than 0.5M minimum) ---------------------------------------------- CPS Grid From To Width Peak Hole ID Conductor Line Az Dip (m) (m) (m) Range ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-532 PLG-3D 3165E 338 -70.5 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-535 PLG-3A 3045W 327 -81.8 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-538 PLG-1C 3240W 25 -85.1 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-558 PLG-3A 1665W 302 -82.4 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basement Total Lake Sandstone Unconformity Drillhole Depth From - To Depth Depth Hole ID Conductor (m) (m) (m) (m) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-532 PLG-3D NA NA 74.0 258.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-535 PLG-3A NA 104.7 - 109.4 109.4 221.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-538 PLG-1C NA NA 104.0 236.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-558 PLG-3A NA NA 110.1 364.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 3: Exploration RC Drilling - Patterson Lake Corridor Western Extension

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Down-Hole Gamma Probe Intervals Collar Averaging greater than 500 cps -------------------------------------------------- CPS Grid From To Width CPS Peak Hole ID Conductor Line Az Dip (m) (m) (m) Average Range ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLSRC17- 017 PLG-3B Ext 1770W 340 -79.7 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLSRC17- 018 PLG-3B Ext 1770W 54 -74.5 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLSRC17- 019 PLG-3B Ext 1770W 315 -76.6 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basement Total Lake Sandstone Unconformity Drillhole Depth From - To Depth Depth Hole ID Conductor (m) (m) (m) (m) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLSRC17- 017 PLG-3B Ext NA NA 125.0 344.4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLSRC17- 018 PLG-3B Ext NA NA 143.3 353.6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLSRC17- 019 PLG-3B Ext NA NA 123.4 335.3 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

R1515W Area - Eight exploration core holes and five exploration RC holes led to the discovery and initial delineation of the R1515W zone as previously and currently reported.

1665W Area - Four core holes tested another anomalous area on the Patterson Lake Corridor on line 1665W, with 2 holes returning anomalous radioactivity. Three of these holes have been previously reported (see news releases Feb 27, 2017 and Mar 20, 2017). In addition hole PLS17-558 targeted the PLG-3B extension conductor on line 1665W using the same offset as the mineralized drill holes on R1515W. PLS17-558 intersected strongly chloritic mafic gneiss underlain by moderately clay - chlorite altered quartz-feldspar-biotite-garnet gneiss. No anomalous radioactivity was encountered. Results from the 1665W area are encouraging with respect to preferred lithology, hydrothermal alteration, structural disruption local anomalous radioactivity, which may lead to possible near-by mineralization.

PLS17-532 is located on line 3165E, approximately 1545m to the east of the R1620E zone. The hole targeted what was interpreted to be the same graphitic corridor that hosts the Triple R deposit along strike the east of Patterson Lake, which was first identified in hole PLS16-511. PLS17-532 intersected a wide zone of moderately altered, variably graphitic mafic gneisses underlain by quartz-feldspar-biotite-garnet gneiss but no significant radioactivity was encountered. Follow up drilling is warranted in this target area.

PLS17-535 is located on line 3045W along the interpreted western extension of the PLG-3B conductor trend that hosts the Triple R deposit approximately 2.2 km west of R840W and 1km to the east of the high-grade boulder field. The hole intersected strongly altered, likely paleoweathered, mafic gneisses locally sheared to graphite-sulphide rich mylonite all underlain by the typical north side quartz-feldspar-biotite-garnet gneiss. No anomalous radioactivity was encountered but follow up drilling along gaps in the PLG-3B western extension is warranted.

PLS17-538 is located on line 3240W approximately 2.2 km west of the R840W. The hole targeted the PLG-1C EM conductor and intersected unaltered coarse garnet quartz-feldspar-biotite gneiss to end of hole. No anomalous radioactivity was intersected and no follow up is presently warranted in this area.

Forest Lake Corridor

Table 4: Exploration Core Drilling - Forrest Lake Corridor

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i) Hand-held Scintillometer Results On Mineralized Drillcore (greater than 300 cps / greater Collar than 0.5M minimum) ------------------------------------------------ CPS Grid From To Width Peak Hole ID Conductor Line Az Dip (m) (m) (m) Range ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-540 PLG-19D 120W 338 -72.3 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-543 NA 4215W 331 -67.0 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-544 PLG-19E 1560E 338 -76.6 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-549 PLB-37E 375W 326 -72.9 173.5 174.0 0.5 800 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-550 PLV-13A 3900W 324 -69.4 257.5 258.0 0.5 320 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-552 PLG-56A 4830W 352 -72.3 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-554 PLV-13A 3900W 329 -72.3 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-556 PLG-19A1 4440W 341 -66.9 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-559 PLV-19A 3900W 331 -67.7 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basement Total Lake Sandstone Unconformity Drillhole Depth From - To Depth Depth Hole ID Conductor (m) (m) (m) (m) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-540 PLG-19D NA NA 109.6 332.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-543 NA NA NA 121.1 443.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-544 PLG-19E NA NA 134.3 303.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-549 PLB-37E NA NA 91.8 304.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-550 PLV-13A NA NA 126.6 425.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-552 PLG-56A NA NA 155.0 323.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-554 PLV-13A NA NA 122.9 275.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-556 PLG-19A1 NA NA 110.3 275.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-559 PLV-19A NA NA 128.1 293.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLS17-540 located on line 120W targeted a coincident magnetic low and recently interpreted ground electromagnetic (EM) conductor trace and interpreted cross cutting fault. Lithology consisted of an intercalated sequence of mafic and quartz-feldspar-biotite-garnet gneiss. No anomalous radioactivity was intersected but a strongly silicified mafic gneiss was cored and the bottom of the hole similar to what is commonly seen around the Triple R deposit. Further follow up work is warranted along this trend.

PLS17-544 is located on line 1560E approximately 1.7km to the east of PLS17-540. The hole targeted a recently interpreted ground EM conductor. Lithology was dominated by relatively unaltered quartz-feldspar-biotite-garnet gneiss with minor amounts of mafic gneiss. A graphite-sulphide rich shear zone was cored from approximately 213m to 218m down hole. No significant radioactivity was encountered.

PLS17-543 / PLS17-550 / PLS17-554 and PLS17-559 - These holes were located within 300m of each other to the west of PLS17-540. PLS17-543 located on line 4215W, targeted a significant NE trending mag low (interpreted to be a shear zone) cross cut by a NNE trending mag low (interpreted to be a fault / alteration corridor). Lithology was dominated by variably altered quartz-feldspar-biotite-garnet gneiss with minor amounts of mafic gneiss. A zone of broad, elevated radioactivity and strong to moderate alteration was intersected 380 m down hole, returning up to 280 cps on handheld scintillometer (RS-121). Additional follow up is warranted in this target area. Hole PLS17-550/554/559 were drilled as a widely spaced fence on line 3900W and targeted the broad zone of alteration and anomalous radioactivity in hole PLS17-540 along strike to the east on the PLV-13A VTEM conductor. All three holes were dominated by variably altered quartz-feldspar-biotite-garnet gneiss with minor amounts of mafic gneiss and all three holes intersected zones of elevated radioactivity (greater than 160 cps on RS-121 hand held scintillometer) with peak radioactivity of 320 cps at 257.5 m in hole PLS17-550. Additional follow up is warranted in this target area.

PLS17-556 located on line 4440W targeted the same NNE trending mag low as hole PLS17-543. Lithology was comprised of dominantly weakly altered quartz-feldspar-biotite-garnet gneiss with minor mafic lenses. No anomalous radioactivity was encountered.

PLS17-549 located on line 375W targeted a recently interpreted ground EM conductor along the northern shore of Forrest Lake. Lithology was dominated by quartz-feldspar-biotite-garnet gneiss with minor amounts of mafic gneiss. A thin zone of weak radioactivity was encountered at a depth of 173.5 m down hole returning 800 cps on hand held scintillometer (RS-121) which is interpreted to have been caused by Thorium (identified by RS-125 spectrometer). The thin anomalous radioactivity was underlain by a significant graphitic shear zone. Follow up work is still warranted.

PLS17-552 located further to the south on line 4830W targeted a pronounced resistivity low on the western PLG-56A EM conductor cut by an interpreted NW trending fault. Lithology was dominated by quartz-feldspar-biotite-garnet gneiss with minor amounts of mafic gneiss. Alteration was overall weak and the resistivity low was interpreted to be caused by abundant sulphide (dominantly pyrrhotite) and graphite from approximately 170 - 240 m down hole.

Carter Corridor

Table 5: Exploration Core Drilling - Carter Corridor

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i) Hand-held Scintillometer Results On Mineralized Drillcore (greater than 300 cps / greater Collar than 0.5M minimum) ------------------------------------------------ CPS Grid From To Width Peak Hole ID Conductor Line Az Dip (m) (m) (m) Range ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-555 NA 120E 321 -61.6 No Significant Radioactivity ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basement Total Lake Sandstone Unconformity Drillhole Depth From - To Depth Depth Hole ID Conductor (m) (m) (m) (m) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS17-555 NA NA 155.0 - 162.0 162.0 242.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLS17-555 located on line 120E within the Carter Trend. The hole targeted the extension of a magnetic low trend with associated anomalous geochemistry reported in assessment reports to the northeast. The hole intersected several meters of coal rich sediments in the overburden overlying strongly paleoweathered orthogneiss. No significant alteration or anomalous radioactivity was intersected and the hole was lost due to technical problems at 242 m.

Natural gamma radiation in drill core that is reported in this news release was measured in counts per second (cps) using a hand held RS-121 Scintillometer manufactured by Radiation Solutions, which is capable of discriminating readings to 65,535 cps. Natural gamma radiation in the drill hole survey that is reported in both core and reverse circulation "RC" holes this news release was measured in counts per second (cps) using a Mount Sopris 2GHF-1000 Triple Gamma probe, which allows for more accurate measurements in high grade mineralized zones. The Triple Gamma probe is preferred in zones of high grade mineralization. The reader is cautioned that scintillometer readings are not directly or uniformly related to uranium grades of the rock sample measured, and should be used only as a preliminary indication of the presence of radioactive materials. The degree of radioactivity within the mineralized intervals is highly variable and associated with visible pitchblende mineralization. All intersection measurements are down-hole. All depths reported of core interval and down-hole gamma measurements including radioactivity and mineralization intervals widths are not always representative of true thickness and true thicknesses are yet to be determined in zones outside of the Triple R deposit. Within the Triple R deposit, individual zone wireframe models constructed from assay data and used in the resource estimate indicate that both the R780E and R00E zones have a complex geometry controlled by and parallel to steeply south-dipping lithological boundaries as well as a preferential sub-horizontal orientation.

PLS Mineralized Trend & Triple R Deposit Summary

Uranium mineralization at PLS occurs within the Patterson Lake Conductive Corridor and has been traced by core drilling approximately 3.17km of east-west strike length in five separated mineralized "zones". From west to east, these zones are: R1515W, R840W, R00E, R780E and R1620E. Thus far only the R00E and R780E have been included in the Triple R deposit resource estimate, where-as the R840W and R1620E zones and the recent addition of the R1515W zone, fall outside of the current resource estimate window.

The discovery hole of what is now referred to as the Triple R uranium deposit was announced on November 05, 2012 with drill hole PLS12-022, from what is considered part of the R00E zone. Through successful exploration programs completed to date, it has evolved into a large, near surface, basement hosted, structurally controlled high-grade uranium deposit.

The Triple R deposit consists of the R00E zone on the western side and the much larger R780E zone further on strike to the east. Within the deposit, the R00E and R780E zones have an overall combined strike length validated by a resource estimate of approximately 1.05km with the R00E measuring approximately 105m in strike length and the R780E zones measuring approximately 945m in strike length. A 225m gap separates the R00E zone to the west and the R780E zones to the east, though sporadic narrow, weakly mineralized intervals from drill holes within this gap suggest the potential for further significant mineralization in this area. The R780E zone is located beneath Patterson Lake which is approximately six metres deep in the area of the deposit. The entire Triple R deposit is covered by approximately 50m to 60m of overburden.

Mineralization remains open along strike in both the western and eastern directions. Basement rocks within the mineralized trend are identified primarily as mafic volcanic rocks with varying degrees of alteration. Mineralization is both located within and associated with mafic volcanic intrusives with varying degrees of silicification, metasomatic mineral assemblages and hydrothermal graphite. The graphitic sequences are, associated with the PL-3B basement Electro-Magnetic (EM) Conductor. Recent very positive drill results returning wide and strongly mineralized intersections from the R840W zone, has allowed interpretation to merge the previously described R600W zone into the R840W zone. The R840W zone, located 495m west along strike of the Triple R deposit, now has a defined strike length of 465m and is still open. Drill results within the R840W zone have significantly upgraded the prospectivity of these areas for further growth of the PLS resource on land to the west of the Triple R deposit. The recent discovery of high-grade mineralization on the R1515W zone, a further 510m to the west along strike of the R840W zone. has significantly upgraded the prospectivity for further growth to the west along the Patterson Lake Corridor. The recently discovered high-grade mineralization in the R1620E zone, located 270m to the east along strike has significantly upgraded the prospectivity for further growth of the PLS resource to the east of the Triple R deposit.

Updated maps and files can be found on the Company's website at http://fissionuranium.com/project/pls/.

Patterson Lake South Property

The 31,039 hectare PLS project is 100% owned and operated by Fission Uranium Corp. PLS is accessible by road with primary access from all-weather Highway 955, which runs north to the former Cluff Lake mine and passes through the nearby UEX-Areva Shea Creek discoveries located 50km to the north, currently under active exploration and development.

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by Ross McElroy, P.Geol., President and COO for Fission Uranium Corp., a qualified person.

About Fission Uranium Corp.

Fission Uranium Corp. is a Canadian based resource company specializing in the strategic exploration and development of the Patterson Lake South uranium property - host to the class-leading Triple R uranium deposit - and is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia. Fission's common shares are listed on the TSX Exchange under the symbol "FCU" and trade on the OTCQX marketplace in the U.S. under the symbol "FCUUF."

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Ross McElroy, President and COO

Cautionary Statement:

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the future operating or financial performance of Fission and Fission Uranium which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company and Fission Uranium disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.

Contacts:

Fission Uranium Corp.

Rich Matthews

Investor Relations

TF: 877-868-8140

rich@fissionuranium.com

www.fissionuranium.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Volcanic Gold Mines Inc. ("Volcanic") (TSX VENTURE: VG) is pleased to report that it has entered into a binding letter agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire 80% of West African Mining Associates SARL ("WAMA"), a private Guinean company. The assets of WAMA comprise two exploration permits and three mining permits (the "WAMA Project"), which together adjoin the entire length of the southern boundary of, and lie within the same mineralized trends as Volcanic's existing Mandiana Project ("Mandiana"). This acquisition will expand Volcanic's holding in the Mandiana district to almost 500 square kilometers.

The WAMA Project

One of the most notable mineralized occurrences within the WAMA Project is the Farabakoura Prospect. During 2014 and 2015 WAMA drilled 89 inclined RC holes beneath lateritic artisanal workings at Farabakoura, results of which include:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- From To Interval Gold Grade Hole (meters) (meters) (meters) (g/t) Comments ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FKRC003 64 71 7 29.0 Visible gold observed in RC chips ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- incl. 64 65 1 171.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FKRC005 68 80 (end of 12 40.1 Visible gold observed in RC hole) chips ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- incl. 69 71 2 220.3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FKRC006 74 80 6 14.8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- incl. 75 76 1 38.6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FKRC035 52 56 4 6.2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- and 68 74 6 14.9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FKRC037 77 80 3 9.1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FKRC048 27 39 12 4.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FKRC051 103 120 (end 17 2.0 of hole) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FKRC071 62 69 7 103.5 Visible gold observed in RC chips ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- incl. 63 66 3 236.4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FKRC074 71 77 6 17.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- incl. 73 75 2 39.8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FKRC075 69 75 6 6.7 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FKRC076 81 87 6 18.2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- incl. 81 83 2 52.2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FKRC077 78 79 1 148.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FKRC087 43 49 6 65.8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- incl. 45 47 2 192.5 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The reader is advised that the above results are historic in nature and are yet to be verified by Volcanic.

As seen at Mandiana, artisanal workings at Farabakoura follow a semi-continuous north-south trend for approximately two kilometers, only a minor portion of which has been drill-tested. This trend is consistent with the orientation of dominant north-south mineralized structures seen elsewhere in the Siguiri Basin; east-west displacements to this structure appear to give rise to higher grade zones of auriferous quartz-vein stockworks.

QA/QC

Drilling was performed using a track-mounted UDR650 RC rig. Samples were then sent to ALS Minerals laboratory in Bamako, Mali where they were analyzed by 50 gram fire assay with an AAS finish. RC drill chips are preserved in chip trays, which have been inspected; quartz vein material similar to that observed in the overlying artisanal workings coincides with elevated gold values. Coarse, visible gold was observed in quartz veins from several holes. PVC drill collars are cemented and clearly labelled by WAMA, and are still in good condition. Based on verification of selected collars and their orientations against WAMA's drilling database, no discrepancies were observed.

The Agreement

Volcanic has the right to acquire 100% of the issued shares of a British Virgin Islands corporation ("BVI"), which will hold 80% of the issued shares of WAMA, on the following terms:

a. over a period of 34 months, Volcanic must issue in stages a total of 12 million shares pro-rata to the shareholders of BVI, and incur exploration expenditures on the WAMA Project in stages totalling at least CDN$11.5 million. Of these expenditures, Volcanic must spend during an initial 120 day period ("Initial Phase") a minimum of CDN$500,000 on evaluation exploration work, including drill-testing, after which Volcanic will decide if it wishes to continue making the prescribed share issuances and exploration expenditures to complete the acquisition of BVI and the WAMA Project. b. Volcanic will assume, subject to certain conditions, US$9.1 million of debt (the "Debt") currently owing by WAMA to its principal shareholder (the "Debt Holder"). The Debt will become payable by Volcanic only upon the definition by Volcanic of a minimum Mineral Resource prepared in a manner consistent with current definitions and requirements as set out by CIM and Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("Minimum Resource") of 1.5 million ounces of gold at a minimum grade of 2.0 g/t gold on the WAMA Project. The Debt would be repaid partly in cash and partly in Volcanic shares. Volcanic will initially make a secured cash loan of US$500,000 to the Debt Holder, toward payment of the Debt, but this loan will be reimbursed should Volcanic not opt to proceed beyond the Initial Phase. c. Volcanic will issue warrants (the "Warrants") entitling the Debt Holder to purchase up to 6.0 million shares of Volcanic exercisable for a period of five years at a price of CDN$1.00 per share, to be exercisable (i) as to 50% at such time as Volcanic has completed its acquisition of 100% of BVI and has established the Minimum Resource, and (ii) as to 100% at such time as Volcanic has completed its acquisition of BVI and has established a Mineral Resource prepared in a manner consistent with current definitions and requirements as set out by CIM and Canadian National Instrument 43-101of at least 2.0 million ounces of gold at a minimum grade of 2.0 g/t gold.

The Agreement is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Volcanic

Volcanic brings together a deeply experienced and successful mining, exploration and capital markets team focused on building a multi-million ounce gold resource in the underexplored West African country of Guinea and its neighbouring countries. Through the strategic acquisition of mineral properties with demonstrated potential for hosting gold resources, and by undertaking effective exploration and drill programs, Volcanic looks to become a leading junior gold resource company.

Qualified Person

Mr. Simon Meadows-Smith is a Qualified Person as defined by "National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" and has approved the disclosure of the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Meadows-Smith holds a BSc degree in geology from Nottingham University, England, and has been involved in mineral exploration since 1988, including 20 years of experience working in West Africa. He is a Fellow in good standing of the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining in London.

Volcanic Gold Mines Inc.

Jeremy Crozier, President

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and include, without limitation, statements about the Company's proposed acquisition of the WAMA Project. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "estimates", "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "upgraded", "offset", "limited", "contained", "reflecting", "containing", "remaining", "to be", "periodically", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

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 results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, whether the Company will complete the acquisition of the WAMA Project as planned; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; the Company or any joint venture partner not having the financial ability to meet its exploration and development goals; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the Company will complete its acquisition of the WAMA Project as planned; that the Company's stated goals and planned exploration and development activities will be achieved; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

Volcanic Gold Mines Inc.

Alex Langer

VP Capital Markets

604-765-1604

www.volgold.com




SAN JOSE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 --Comba Telecom Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Comba Telecom Systems Holdings Limited ("Comba Telecom", "Comba" or "the Group") (HKSE: 2342) and global leading wireless solutions provider, proudly announced that its CriticalPoint Public Safety BDA received the Innovation Award from TESSCO Technologies ("TESSCO") at the TESSCO One Innovation Showcase and Conference 2017 held in the US, to recognize the innovative design of the product.

The winning product is designed specifically for critical communications in the public safety sector. For first responders and public safety personnel, the robustness and integrity of the communications network at the location is essential to facilitate in-building communications for the rescue and safety of both first responders and the public under emergency situations.

CriticalPoint public safety BDA (Class A) supports 700MHz or 800MHz single band or dual band configurations. Users can switch band via software license and web-based graphical user interface. The product supports up to 32 channels per band and has 2W power per band. Others key features include channelized uplink (AGC), channelized uplink squelch and NEMA 4 enclosure. Also, users can upgrade from single band to dual band through a software upgrade, with no downtime.

Mr. Simon Yeung, Executive Director and Senior Vice President of Comba Telecom, said, "We are delighted to receive such a prestigious award from a trusted leader in the wireless industry. For Comba, it indicates that its commitment to bringing the most innovative products to the public safety market is well-recognized."

Mr. Charles Kriete, SVP of Commercial Sales, Product Marketing & Supply Chain, TESSCO, said, "We received the most entries ever for our Innovation Awards this year and Comba's CriticalPoint Public Safety BDA stood out among them. It has exactly the kind of award-worthy advancements we look for and we are glad to recognize Comba's hard work and contribution to the industry."

Availability and Pricing

The CriticalPoint Class A, AC or DC versions, with LTE support will be available April 2017 for a starting MSRP of $15,460. A Class B version will also be available in April 2017 for a starting MSRP of $12,720 USD. For more information visit: www.combausa.com.

About Comba Telecom Inc.

Comba Telecom, Inc., based in San Jose, California, is a subsidiary of Comba Telecom Systems Holdings Ltd., a $1B publicly traded company and the leading supplier of RF communications solutions and equipment to the wireless industry. With R&D innovating in the heart of Silicon Valley and a manufacturing base in Asia, Comba Telecom manufactures cutting edge technologies and cost-effective solutions for OEM, integration and operator partners.

About TESSCO Technologies

TESSCO Technologies, Inc. is a value-added technology distributor, manufacturer, and solutions provider. TESSCO was founded more than 30 years ago with a commitment to deliver industry-leading products, knowledge, solutions, and customer service and supports customers in the public and private sector. TESSCO supplies more than 50,000 products from 400 of the industry's top manufacturers in mobile communications, Wi-Fi, Internet of Things, and wireless backhaul. As Your Total Source, TESSCO is a single source for outstanding customer experience, expert knowledge, and complete end-to-end solutions for the wireless industry.

All company and/or product names may be trade names, trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability, and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Media Contact:

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Comba Telecom, Inc.

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LONDON, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --ABI Research predicts that large-scale telco cloud deployments will reach global critical mass after 2020, in parallel with the deployment for 5G. This network generation will likely require a new core network to allow for advanced concepts, including network slicing and services geared toward different business verticals. Early 5G deployments, during which time there will not be an immediate need for a new telco core, will likely focus on enhanced mobile broadband.

"Although telcos are transforming their technology and business platforms to become more agile and to evolve past their monolithic access-based business models, they are finding it much more challenging than anticipated," said Dimitris Mavrakis, Research Director at ABI Research. "Software, cloud computing, and open source are promising and will simplify operations, but in the short term, telcos are preferring to rely on their trusted vendors to continue this journey."

AT&T, DT, Telefonica, and Verizon are honing their strategies and planning their networks as shared platforms, rather than a mix of individual network appliances. This means that network resources will be virtualized, distributed, and software controlled, leading to a much more agile network. This will allow the implementation of an "Untelco" strategy, selling tailored network resources to different verticals.

However, there are a few indications that end-to-end systems are still the end goal. For example, Telefonica O2 UK awarded an end-to-end contract to Nokia for a cloud-native packet core, something that would be a considerable challenge to implement in-house with a true vendor agnostic, common-off-the-shelf network. ABI Research expects many more end-to-end telco cloud contracts will be awarded in the years to come.

"Although a few open source projects are contributing valuable inputs toward the evolution of telco networks, there is also competition among open source projects, and the concept is also misunderstood and in some cases, misused by several industry players," concludes Mavrakis. "The golden ratio is somewhere between end-to-end systems and open source components, if vendors provide open interfaces and flexibility to integrate third-party and smaller vendors."

These findings are from ABI Research's Telco Cloud Framework and Deployment Roadmaps (https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/product/1027179-telco-cloud-framework-and-deployment-roadm/) report.

About ABI Research

ABI Research stands at the forefront of technology market research, providing business leaders with comprehensive research and consulting services to help them implement informed, transformative technology decisions. Founded more than 25 years ago, the company's global team of senior and long-tenured analysts delivers deep market data forecasts, analyses, and teardown services. ABI Research is an industry pioneer, proactively uncovering ground-breaking business cycles and publishing research 18 to 36 months in advance of other organizations. For more information, visit www.abiresearch.com.

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Americas EMEA/APAC Mackenzie Gavel Denise Duffy Tel: +1.516.624.2542 Tel: +44.203.326.0142 pr@abiresearch.com duffy@abiresearch.com

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LEEDS, England, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Defence company Hesco, announces sponsorship of World Record holder Charlie Martell to be the first person to solo row across the North Pacific Ocean.

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Known for military barriers, flood defence and body armor, the UK and US based company is proud to work with the former Royal Engineer to take on the largest water mass on the planet and become the first person to row land-to-land across the North Pacific.

Husband, father, and a Guinness World Record holder; Charlie Martell is no stranger to a challenge, having rowed the Atlantic and trekked to the North Pole and whose active service in Iraq, Bosnia and Northern Ireland led to a post-Army career in the humanitarian sector where he specialises in clearing explosive hazards.

With the support of Team Hesco, Charlie will leave Japan in his boat BLOSSOM and head to USA, with enough food on board to last 180 days and a goal of completing the voyage within six months while raising funds for charities; Give Them a Sporting Chance, Veterans in Action and the Allied Forces Foundation.

Charlie first attempted this Pacific challenge in 2012 before encountering the destructive forces of Typhoon Mawar and having to cut the journey short.

"It's testament to the design and rigorous build of Blossom that she survived the storm in 2012. The bulkhead was damaged after a pitch-pole capsize and we've had to strengthen the aft cabin where I sleep and seek refuge," Martell said.

"The Pacific is not an easy ocean and 2018 will not be an easy trip, but now we're ready to try again. I'm looking forward to really testing myself and to raise awareness for three incredibly important charities."

Hesco have been a proud supporter of Charlie's adventures and fund raising over the years and also sponsors of other great challenges including; the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge and BONEFROG, the world's only OCR race engineered by Navy Seals.

Hesco Group, CEO, Michael Hughes, is excited to help a veteran and ambassador to fulfil his mission.

"We admire both Charlie's sense of adventure and his passion to help and protect people; qualities that reflect the Hesco values. It's going to be an exciting venture and one that Hesco will support all the way."

Martell will begin training later this summer, with his sights set on sailing April 2018.

About

Hesco (http://www.hesco.com ) is synonymous with force protection and is recognized across its industry for its commitment to saving lives, property and the environment, whenever and wherever it is needed.

More details on Charlie's adventures can be found on charliemartell.com
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian dollar declined against its major rivals in early European deals on Tuesday. The aussie declined to 5-day lows of 0.7546 against the greenback and 1.4111 versus the euro, off its early highs of 0.7596 and 1.4004, respectively. The aussie hit a 1-1/2-month low of 1.0750 versus the kiwi, from a high of 1.0832 hit at 8:00 pm ET. Pulling away from an early 11-day high of 1.0122 against the loonie, the aussie fell to a 5-day low of 1.0058. The aussie eased to 82.23 versus the yen, from an early 1-week high of 82.95. The next possible support for the aussie is seen around 0.73 against the greenback, 1.43 against the euro, 0.99 against the loonie, 1.05 against the kiwi and 80.00 against the yen. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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PARIS, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --TS and NeoXam announced today a strategic partnership to provide asset managers, private banks, and CIBs with customized front and middle office solutions, optimizing their investment management workflows. Today's Investment Manager has a broadened scope adding new asset classes to their portfolio and trading on new exchange venues while simultaneously trying to keep pace with an increasingly stringent regulatory environment. This partnership will benefit financial clients everywhere through a multi-asset execution management system that aligns operations and trading workflows while fostering long-term firm growth.

NeoXam complements TS workflows solutions through its Portfolio Management Solutions (PMS). The NeoXam PMS suite spans across several core competencies of the asset management portfolio and risk professionals, by combining an efficient deployment in agile methodology with insightful and user-friendly dashboards.

From global high-volume asset management firms as well as more specific institutional and alternative investment funds, NeoXam provides a tailored solution for all portfolio management needs. NeoXam takes pride in implementing its projects on time and within targets.

"We look forward to working closely with NeoXam as part of our TS Partner Program," said Varghese Thomas, Chief Strategy Officer at TS. "By combining NeoXam's complex yet easily deployable PMS solution with our core offering in OEMS, we will meet the needs of traditional and alternative asset managers at every step on their value chain. Both operations managers and end-users will benefit in the flexibility and reliability of our combined offering, which integrates well with pre-existing internal systems."

Yan de Kerland, Head of Sales EMEA at NeoXam, added: "We are pleased to partner with TS to integrate two market leading solution suites and provide a comprehensive front office offering which supports the exacting requirements of the asset management industry. We look forward to leveraging this strategic partnership, alongside our respective technical and consulting expertise, which will be of real benefit to our common client base."

About TS

TS, formerly TradingScreen, is the leading global provider of multi-broker, multi-asset class, investment management and electronic trading solutions. We are accelerating the technological evolution of financial markets by providing fully integrated OMS & EMS, customer-oriented platforms to our buy-side and sell-side clients. TS provides global coverage from offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.

For more information on TS, go to: www.tradingscreen.com

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About NeoXam

NeoXam is a leading financial software company, delivering solutions and services for 150+ customers in 25 countries worldwide. NeoXam is committed to its clients' success: we deliver reliable and scalable solutions, processing more than $14 trillion worth of assets per day and serving over 10,000 users. Through its combined talents and transparent approach, NeoXam helps buy- and sell-side players address the continuous changes in the financial market industry, to grow and better serve their clients. NeoXam relies on 450+ staff with offices in Paris, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Zurich, Geneva, Milan, New York, Boston, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Tunis and Cape Town.

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Gary Holland to head up international team's customer care, Artem Kruzhilin named channel manager for international markets



LONDON, 2017-04-18 10:05 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AccessData Group, a leading provider of integrated digital forensics and e-discovery software, today announced the appointment of two professionals to lead their customer experience teams for international markets.



Gary Holland has been named director of customer care for international markets and will be based in Germany. Artem Kruzhilin has been named channel manager for international markets and will be based in the UK.



"We are laser-focused on making sure that our customers receive all of the care and support they need to ensure a successful experience with our software tools, professional services and training programs," said Abdeslam Afras, vice president of international markets for AccessData. "Gary and Artem will play key roles in driving this collaboration with our international customers so they have personal AccessData relationship managers who will respond to any need that arises."



Holland is charged with building the customer care team for AccessData's international division, which provides a dedicated resource to new and existing AccessData customers so their needs are served at all times. The international customer care team was created to provide a unique and more personalized experience for new and existing AccessData customers, offering frequent communication about product roadmaps, patches and updates, training, webinars and other educational opportunities. The team makes regular courtesy calls and conducts frequent satisfaction surveys to make sure AccessData's international customers are extremely satisfied.



Holland has three decades of experience in technology development and support. He comes to AccessData from Hewlett Packard Enterprise AG, where he worked for the last 10 years in various management roles involving enterprise partner programs. Previously, he was a service sales manager at Concat AG, a service sales representative at Siemac AG and a service engineer at Digital Equipment GmbH. A native of London, Holland graduated from technical college at Slough and served an apprenticeship in aviation electronics. He has lived in Germany for more than 30 years.



Kruzhilin is tasked with managing all aspects of AccessData's interactions with the partners responsible for distributing AccessData software products in international markets. His key goals are improving communications between AccessData and the channel, creating a comprehensive standardized partner enablement program and supporting the company's partners in building new revenue opportunities.



Kruzhilin rejoins AccessData, where he was an account executive for Central and Eastern Europe from 2012-2015. Most recently, he was a regional sales manager in Central and Northern Europe for Wandera, where he oversaw strategic partner relationships, and was previously the enterprise IT sales manager for Avecto Ltd. Kruzhilin earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Birmingham in the UK. He is a resident of London.



Afras noted that AccessData will be hosting its Partner Conference this summer in Dublin, Ireland. The event is expected to attract some of the company's valued channel partners from around the world for a series of discussions about how to leverage technology, services and support in ways that best assist AccessData's customers worldwide.



"As we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year, we're intensely focused on the future," said Afras. "With a portfolio of industry-leading software tools and an exciting strategic vision in place, we're committed to advancing relationships with our partners and customers in the international markets."



For more information about software tools from AccessData, please click here.



About AccessData



Whether it's for investigation, litigation or compliance, AccessData offers industry-leading solutions that put the power of forensics in your hands. For 30 years, AccessData has worked with more than 130,000 customers in law enforcement, government agencies, corporations and law firms around the world, providing both stand-alone and enterprise-class solutions that can synergistically work together. The company is backed by Sorenson Capital, a leading private equity firm focused on high-growth portfolios. For more information on AccessData, please go to www.accessdata.com.



Media Contact: Lori Tyler Vice President, Marketing ltyler@accessdata.com

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SANTA CLARA, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Cyphort Inc. today introduced the Quilt Security Ecosystem, a technology integration program consisting of more than 30 security and networking vendors working with Cyphort to create a seamless, integrated security fabric for customers. Quilt members exchange relevant information between their products and Cyphort's Anti-SIEM, an open software platform that combines advanced threat detection, analytics, and mitigation capabilities to strengthen security and accelerate incident response for mid and large sized organizations.

"The analytics engine within the Anti-SIEM ingests security event and log data from Quilt partners, which is then correlated with our own threat detection intelligence to provide customers with a consolidated timeline view of all events related to each security incident," explained Franklyn Jones, Chief Marketing Officer at Cyphort. "We then use the mitigation features of the Anti-SIEM to automatically create updated policies that strengthen the tools of Quilt partners so they can prevent similar threats in the future."

One of the Quilt vendors leveraging this two-way information exchange is Carbon Black (Waltham, MA) with its CB Endpoint Security Platform. "The widely deployed joint solution from Cyphort and Carbon Black empowers customers with maximum visibility in their environments," said Jim Raine, Carbon Black's Director of Technology Alliances. "Now, as Cyphort delivers an innovative SIEM alternative, customers can correlate detections from multiple sources, empowering response teams to pinpoint what needs immediate attention."

Another Quilt vendor working with Cyphort is Bradford Networks (Boston, MA), a leading provider of security automation and orchestration solutions. "Through our integration with Cyphort's Anti-SIEM and its threat detection technology, we can automatically isolate endpoint devices known to be compromised, restricting their access and movement," said Frank Andrus, CTO at Bradford Networks. "The joint solution brings visibility and automated policy-based control to every device that is on the network, whether the device is a guest's laptop or an IoT device such as a security camera."

In total, Cyphort has integration with more than 30 vendors across multiple product categories, including endpoint security, firewalls, IPS, SWG, CASB, and NAC, as well as various network infrastructure products. In addition, the Anti-SIEM can integrated with existing SIEMs to provide critical advanced threat detection and analytics capabilities, or it can operate as a SIEM on its own.

About the Anti-SIEM

The Anti-SIEM is a distributed software platform that begins with a focus on threat detection, by ingesting raw data from web, email, and lateral spread traffic, as well as log and event data from a variety of other security tools in the network. All information is fed into its analytics engine, which uses machine learning and behavioral analysis technologies to first identify advanced threats, then correlate all related alerts and log events from other sources, and finally add user/host identify information. The Anti-SIEM then presents analysts with a consolidated timeline view of the entire security incident, showing the threat and all related events over time, as well as progression through the cyber kill chain. The entire process takes as little as 15 seconds.

About Cyphort

Cyphort, Inc. is a security software company providing mid- and large-size enterprise customers with innovative security analytics for advanced threat defense. The solution is built with an open architecture that integrates with existing security tools to discover and contain the advanced threats that bypass the first line of security defense in an organization. Based in Santa Clara, California, the company was founded in 2011, is privately-held, and distributes its software through direct sales and channel partners across North America and international markets. Learn more at www.cyphort.com.

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Madison Alexander PR

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M: +1-949-231-2965

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PUNE, India, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

According to a new market research report "Pharmaceutical Robots Market by Type (Traditional Robots (Articulated Robots, SCARA Robots, Delta Robots, Cartesian Robots), Collaborative Robots), Application (Picking and Packaging, Laboratory Applications) - Global Forecast to 2021", published by MarketsandMarkets', this report studies the global market for the forecast period of 2016 to 2021. This market is expected to reach USD 119.5 Million by 2021 from USD 64.4 Million in 2016, at a CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period.

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Browse 98 market data Tables and 40 Figures spread through 141 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Pharmaceutical Robots Market"

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/pharmaceutical-robot-market-210985096.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.

The key factor driving the growth of the market is the benefits offered by robotic systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The global Pharmaceutical Robots Market is segmented on the basis of type, application, and region.

Based on type, the market is segmented into traditional robots and collaborative robots. The traditional robots segment is expected to command the largest share of the global market. The traditional robots segment is further categorized into articulated, SCARA (selective compliance articulated robot arm), delta/parallel, Cartesian, and other robots (which include spherical and dual-arm robots). The articulated robots segment accounted for the largest share of the global pharmaceutical traditional robots market in 2016.

Download PDF Brochure: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=210985096

On the basis of application, the global Pharmaceutical Robots Market is segmented into picking and packaging, inspection of pharmaceutical drugs, and laboratory applications. In 2016, the picking and packaging segment accounted for the largest share of the global Pharmaceutical Robots Market. Factors such as demand for personalized packaging configurations and advantages of robots in pharmaceutical manufacturing such as high speed, accuracy, ability to track and trace, error-free operation, fewer accidents, and better utilization of the floor space are contributing to the large share of the picking and packaging segment.

Based on region, the Pharmaceutical Robots Market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. In 2016, Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest share of the global market. This segment is also projected to register the highest CAGR of 14.1% during the forecast period.

Talk To Our Research Analysts: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalyst.asp?id=210985096

Factors such as the increase in domestic industrial robot companies, flourishing pharmaceutical industry, increasing number of conferences and exhibitions, investment and funding in the robots industry, and Japan's Robot Strategy are driving the growth of the APAC Pharmaceutical Robots Market.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. (Japan), FANUC Corporation (Japan), KUKA AG (Germany), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Denso Corporation (Japan), Seiko Epson Corporation (Japan), Marchesini Group S.p.A (Italy), Universal Robots A/S (Denmark), Yaskawa Electric Corporation (Japan), and Shibuya Corporation (Japan) are the prominent players in the global Pharmaceutical Robots Market.

Browse Related Reports:

Medical Robots Market by Product (Instruments & Accessories and Robot Systems (Surgical Robots, Rehabilitation Robots, Hospital Robots, Non-invasive Surgery Robots)), Application (Orthopedic, Laparoscopy, Neurology) - Global Forecasts to 2021.

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/medical-robotic-systems-market-2916860.html

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MarketsandMarkets' provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets' for their painpoints around revenues decisions.

Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets' are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets' now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets' is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

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SONIPAT, India, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Jindal Global Law School (JGLS) of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), India has been declared runners-up in the final round of the 24th Willem C Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot at Vienna, Austria. JGLS was the only Indian team from the quarter-final onwards and won 2nd prize in the international moot competition.

The JGLS team comprising of Sayantan Chandra, Amartya Ashish Saran, Vasudha Ahuja, Anubhav Khamroi, Ananyaa Mazumdar and Harsha Pisupati won against prestigious schools of the world including FGV Rio Law School, the University of Zurich, Institut d' Etudes Politique de Paris, University of Cambridge and Columbia Law School.

Congratulating the team, JGU, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. C Raj Kumar, said, "This extraordinary achievement of students of JGLS in winning the second prize in the International Commercial Arbitration moot court held in Vienna is as much a victory for India as it is a victory for JGU. It has demonstrated the outstanding abilities of Indian law students to compete internationally and excel in these mooting and advocacy programmes. The global legal education offered by JGLS is a testimony to the institutional vision and interdisciplinary curriculum; hard work and passionate commitment of the students and the competence and dedication of the faculty members."

The Willem C Vis Moot is widely regarded as the world's pre-eminent arbitration moot competition. Held annually in Vienna, it brings together the global arbitration community around issues concerning the laws of international arbitration and The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).

In the past too, JGLS students have won laurels at the Oxford Media Law Moot Court Competition, Herbert Smith Freehills Moot Court Competition, Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, ULC Bangalore Moot, 10th Nani Palkhiwala Tax Moot Court Competition to name a few.

JGLS harbours a vibrant mooting culture and imparts a rigorous and multi-disciplinary legal education with a view of producing world-class legal professionals, scholars, leaders and public servants. The School's expert faculty comes from across the globe and engages in critical scholarship that contributes to public debates both in India and abroad.

For more information, visit: http://www.jgu.edu.in

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Kakul Rizvi

krizvi@jgu.edu.in


Automation that easily integrates into IoT environments will boost spending in major industries

SINGAPORE, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Government infrastructure plans, growing population, and the development of Mega Cities will transform the Indonesian automation and process control market. Automation and process control solutions are a key enabler for augmenting growth, and the development of industries such as power, food and beverage, and water and wastewater. Vendors investing in new service offerings and technologies will gain prominence.

"To differentiate their products and drive revenues, companies are offering innovative cybersecurity services for real-time monitoring of Internet of Things (IoT) machine-to-machine (M2M) traffic, including volume, advanced diagnostics, and fraud detection features," said Frost & Sullivan Industrial Automation and Process Control Industry Analyst Krishnan Ramanathan.

Opportunities in Indonesia for Automation and Process Control System Manufacturers, Forecast to 2021, part of Frost & Sullivan's Industrial Automation and Process Control Growth Partnership Service program, finds that the total automation and process control market in Indonesia generated $194.8 million in 2016 and is expected to reach revenues of $246.9 million in 2021.

Click here 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.

The top five automation and process control participants-Yokogawa, Siemens AG, Honeywell, Rockwell Automation and Schneider Electric-contributed 72.0 percent of total market revenue. Indosat embraces technology developments by focusing its strategies on investing in an extensive range of IoT and M2M products and services across connectivity, managed connectivity, and end-to-end solutions.

New automation technology that is easily integrated into IoT environments will boost IoT spending in major industries. Other noteworthy developments bolstering the market include:

The direct investment in Indonesia's processed food and beverage industry surpassed $3.82 billion in 2016. Growth will be due to the increased use of processed foods, with Java being the major area of focus.

processed food and beverage industry surpassed in 2016. Growth will be due to the increased use of processed foods, with Java being the major area of focus. Indonesia has set an ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by close to 30 percent by 2030. The government plans to significantly boost renewable energy sources.

has set an ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by close to 30 percent by 2030. The government plans to significantly boost renewable energy sources. The number of e-commerce transactions in Indonesia is rising steadily, indicating the potential for IT-related solutions. Recently, multinational organizations such as IBM have forged ties with local organizations to help address the requirements pertaining to data center operations.

is rising steadily, indicating the potential for IT-related solutions. Recently, multinational organizations such as IBM have forged ties with local organizations to help address the requirements pertaining to data center operations. Indonesia will look to harness semiconductors that are used in the renewable power sector to meet the needs of its growing domestic and industrial requirements. Automation will play an important role in assembly and other areas that involve complex sequences and processes.

"Automation and process control system manufacturers should look towards opportunities in the renewable energy sector as power requirements increase and cleaner and cheaper sources of energy are targeted. The food and beverage, packaging, and electronics and semiconductors industries also offer opportunities for growth as lifestyles evolve and disposable incomes increase," noted Ramanathan.

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

Opportunities in Indonesia for Automation and Process Control System Manufacturers, Forecast to 2021

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Contact:

Melissa Tan

Corporate Communications - Asia Pacific

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MUMBAI, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Aegis Limited, a global outsourcing and technology services company, today announced it has been positioned in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Customer Management Contact Center BPO 2017 report. Gartner has named Aegis as a Challenger in the magic quadrant based on a bi-dimensional matrix, evaluating its ability to execute and completeness of vision.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120710/NY37889LOGO )

As per the Gartner report - The worldwide customer management business process outsourcing market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5.2% (CAGR 2016 through 2021). By 2021, Gartner estimates the market will increase in size to approximately $46 billion. The market is rapidly changing and moving to more digital, multichannel, automated (RPA and IA) service adoption, with embedded advanced analytics built into business processes.

Sandip Sen, Global CEO, Aegis Limited said, "At Aegis, we design, enable, and deliver customer experience that is aligned with our clients' business strategy and that positively impacts their growth and profitability. We continue to focus on scaling up operations and providing best-of-breed processes and technologies, with better service quality leading to enhanced customer experience."

Aegis is leveraging digital media platforms, customer experience analytics and transformational business process services to offer an integrated solution across multiple communication channels in order to help provide high levels of customer experience to its clients. The company has more than 40,000 employees based in 46 centers across 9 countries. Its primary focus is on vertical industry markets, including telecommunications, financial services, healthcare, and travel and hospitality.

The Gartner report cites that by 2021, digital, automation and advanced analytics services - non-human-agent-based services - will account for 55% of the total market (by revenue) and 75% of total transactions. Digital-based multichannel services continue to gain traction with buyers as these services exhibit enduring demand and growth potential from client organizations - at least for the next two years.

About Gartner's Research:

Source: Magic Quadrant for Customer Management Contact Center BPO, Worldwide

22 March, 2017, TJ Singh | Brian Manusama | Misako Sawai

Disclaimer: Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Aegis:

Aegis is a global outsourcing and technology services company committed to impacting clients' business outcomes by focusing on enhancing customer experience across all touch points and channels. Aegis has operations in 46 locations across 9 countries with more than 40,000 employees. Aegis services over 150 clients from verticals such as banking and financial services, insurance, technology, telecom, healthcare, travel & hospitality, consumer goods, retail, and energy & utilities. The company is wholly owned by Essar, a USD 27 billion conglomerate.For more information, write to us at info@aegisglobal.com or visit http://www.aegisglobal.com.



Media Contacts:

Aegis (Global)

Danveer Bhasin

Vice President - Global Marketing and Strategy

Aegis Limited

Phone: +91-9930135788

Email: Danveer.Bhasin@aegisglobal.com


JAMESTOWN, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Green EnviroTech Holdings, Corp. (OTC PINK: GETH) is pleased to announce that it has signed the building lease for its Carbon Finishing Plant and will start construction work immediately. The lease includes an option to utilize the total of three buildings with over 170,000 sq/ft of space for additional carbon processing lines.

"I am very pleased that we will start work on constructing our first carbon black finishing line in our centralized Carbon Finishing Plant in Ironton, Ohio," said Chris Bowers, CEO of GETH. "I would like to express my thanks to Dr. Bill Dingus for his excellent help and support in closing the deal in Ironton. We look forward to working with the local population in Ironton and to a long and very productive partnership with the LEDC."

Gary De Laurentiis, Chairman of GETH, added, "I am very proud to announce that we have secured the site for the installation of our first GETH carbon processing equipment. The State of Ohio offers a tremendously capable workforce and excellent locations for our processing plants and we look forward to working with the LEDC and the State of Ohio on additional facilities."

Dr. Bill Dingus, the Executive Director of the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation, said, "We are pleased to bring the first tenant into the former DOW Ethafoam site within only a few months of closing on that transaction. We will work with the GETH group of companies to fully utilize the site and grow the number of jobs to over 200. The LEDC is thankful to the many local and state organizations that will be contributing funds to establish the infrastructure needed to utilize the former DOW site including Jobs Ohio and American Electric Power. Additionally, we appreciate the DOW team for their partnership with LEDC to leave this legacy of opportunity to the community."

About GreenEnviroTech Holdings

GreenEnviroTech Holdings, Corp. (GETH) is a pioneer in sustainable development. Our mission is to find and implement practical, economical solutions that will clean up the environment. Our technologies will convert waste into valuable products and help to protect the planet. We will create local jobs and stimulate economic growth in the communities where we do business.

About LEDC

LEDC is a non-profit community improvement corporation formed with the goal of job creation and retention. LEDC offers services that include financing assistance, technical assistance, resource information, community profiles, industrial development, industrial development bonds, and site and building inventory. A partnership with the Ironton Port Authority, Lawrence County Port Authority, and the Ironton/Lawrence Community Action Organization also opens up more opportunity for future and expanding businesses.

For more information on GETH:

www.greenenvirotech.com

For more information on LEDC:

http://www.ledcorp.org

Forward Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that relate to future events, including our ability to raise capital, or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our public filings with the SEC are available from commercial document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Public Relations and Media Contact:

LCG

Headquarter Office

702.333.4886

www.lcginfo.com




VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - April 18, 2017) - GoldQuest Mining Corp. (TSX VENTURE: GQC) (FRANKFURT: M1W) (BERLIN: M1W) ("GoldQuest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of two important members to the management team to assist with the permitting and development of its assets in the Dominican Republic. Georges Boisse has been appointed as Special Advisor to the Company and Robert Crowley has been engaged as the full time Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager. These appointments reinforce GoldQuest's commitment to active engagement with the Dominican communities at both a national and local level as it advances the permitting process of the Romero Gold/Copper Project and the regional exploration programs.

Mr. Boisse previously served as Canadian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic from 2012 to 2014. He joined the Canadian Foreign Service in 1991 working in Costa Rica, the Philippines, Poland, Tunisia, Paris, New York, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and, before his ambassadorial appointment held a number of senior positions including Immigration Manager in Tunis, New York and Mexico. Originally from Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, he is widely recognized as a proponent of responsible mining.

Mr. Crowley is based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and has 30 years of international leadership and management experience across 15 Latin American, Caribbean and Central Asian nations. His experience includes 12 years of large, multi-national project management and strategic planning, financing and planning to international standards for soil and water conservation, biodiversity, protected area management and financing of natural resources. He also has over 15 years' experience in training, managing and motivating teams in developmental themes for Non-governmental organizations and communities, as well as fundraising skills resulting in US$126.5 million bi-lateral and multi-lateral grants, complementing funding of US$100 million national level co-funding. Specifically in the Dominican Republic, he served as Bi-National Project Director of the Artibonite River Basin Management (Dominican Republic-Haiti), United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/ United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) liaison to forestry planning and USDA liaison to the Secretariat of the Presidency. As USAID's Technical Assistance Specialist to the Dominican Republic, he developed national guidelines for agriculture, forestry and watershed management. Much of this work was carried out in the San Juan Valley and environs, where GoldQuest's Romero Project and other exploration concessions are located.

"We are honoured to have attracted such high profile and skilled personnel to enhance our team as we go through the mine permitting processes," commented Bill Fisher, GoldQuest's Executive Chairman. "These appointments allow us to further engage with the Dominican authorities and stakeholders at all levels. Following our recent C$23 million financing (see March 8, 2017 new release), we are building a first-class team charged with the development of the Romero Project and have doubled our drilling efforts in the surrounding district."

Further to the Company's news release dated April 10, 2017, the board has authorized the grant of an additional 230,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") to certain officers and employees of GoldQuest, at an exercise price of C$0.50 per share. The Options are exercisable for a five-year period from the date of grant and will vest as follows: 1/3rd on the 6 month anniversary from the date of the grant; 1/3 on the first anniversary from the date of the grant and the final 1/3rd on the 18 month anniversary from the date of the grant.

The information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Jeremy Niemi, P. Geo., Vice President, Exploration of GoldQuest and a Qualified Person for the technical information in this press release under NI 43-101 standards.

About GoldQuest

GoldQuest is a Canadian based mineral exploration company with projects in the Dominican Republic. GoldQuest is traded on the TSX-V under the symbol GQC and in Frankfurt/Berlin with symbol M1W.

GoldQuest is actively exploring the favorable Tireo Formation which hosts the Romero deposit discovered in May 2012. Recently the Company released results from the Pre-feasibility study on the Romero project (see the Company's September 27, 2016 news release).

Forward-looking statements:

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking information that involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, the Company's plans and programs for its mineral properties, including the timing of such plans and programs and the merits of the Company's mineral properties. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "has proven", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "potential", "goal", "enable", "proposed", "appears", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "at least", "intends", "hope", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved".

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 the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks and uncertainties inherent in mineral exploration and the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; commodity prices; changes in general economic conditions; market sentiment; currency exchange rates; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's ability to raise funds through equity financings; risks related to operations in foreign countries; future prices of metals; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; title disputes or claims; limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of litigation. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Company and may cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, do not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements are made as of the date of this news release and the Company is under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable, including expectations regarding mineral exploration and development costs; expected trends in mineral prices and currency exchange rates; the accuracy of the Company's current mineral resource estimates; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

CONTACT INFORMATION



GoldQuest Mining Corp.

www.goldquestcorp.com



Julio Espaillat

President & Chief Executive Officer

+1-829-919-8701

JEspaillat@GoldQuestCorp.com



Bill Fisher

Executive Chairman - Toronto

+1-647-271-4505

BFisher@GoldQuestCorp.com



Katherine Fedorowicz

Investor Relations

1-877-919-5979

KFedorowicz@redcloudKS.com
Seeks to Enjoin Hytera from Continued Infringement of Patented Technology

Remains Committed to Protecting Valuable Patents Around the World

Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: MSI) ("Motorola Solutions" or the "Company") today announced that it has filed patent infringement complaints with the Regional Court of Dusseldorf in Germany (the "Regional Court") against Hytera Communications Corporation Limited (SHE: 002583) of Shenzhen, China and Hytera Mobilfunk GmbH of Bad Munder, Germany (collectively, "Hytera"). This legal action follows the patent infringement complaint filed by Motorola Solutions against Hytera with the U.S. International Trade Commission on March 29, 2017 and the patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation complaints filed on March 14, 2017 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

The Regional Court complaints assert that Hytera's two-way wireless communication devices that utilize "pseudo-trunking" functionality are infringing Motorola Solutions' patent EP 2 342 851 B1. Motorola Solutions seeks an injunction preventing Hytera from offering and delivering products with the pseudo-trunking feature in Germany, as well as the recall and destruction of infringing products and various damages.

Mark Hacker, general counsel and chief administrative officer of Motorola Solutions, said, "Today's action is another important step in our efforts to protect Motorola Solutions' long and distinguished track record of innovation. We are committed to safeguarding our valuable intellectual property, including our extensive portfolio of more than 4,000 patents, for the benefit of our customers, shareholders, employees, partners and other stakeholders around the world. We remain confident that the legal actions we are taking globally will be effective in stopping Hytera's unlawful conduct."

For additional information regarding Motorola Solutions' legal actions against Hytera, please visit https://newsroom.motorolasolutions.com/presskits/motorola-solutions-intellectual-property.htm.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements including statements regarding expectations with respect to litigation filed by Motorola Solutions, Inc., and the outcomes possible if successful. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and depend on circumstances that will or may occur in the future and are outside the control of Motorola Solutions, Inc., and its officers. Actual results may differ from those expressed in such statements depending on a variety of factors including those discussed in this release.

About Motorola Solutions

Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) creates innovative, mission-critical communication solutions and services that help public safety and commercial customers build safer cities and thriving communities. For ongoing news, visit www.motorolasolutions.com/newsroom or subscribe to a news feed.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170418005733/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts

Andrew Siegel Aura Reinhard

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

+1-212-355-4449

or

Elvan Lindberg

Motorola Solutions

+46 (0)707448893

elvan.lindberg@motorolasolutions.com

or

Investor Contact

Chris Kutsor

Motorola Solutions

+1 847-576-4995

chris.kutsor@motorolasolutions.com
For Immediate Release

18 April 2017

DORIEMUS PLC

("Doriemus" or the "Company")

County Council approval for drilling of second production well at Lidsey Oil Field.

Doriemus PLC is pleased to announce that the operator of the Lidsey Oil Field, Angus Energy Plc ("Angus" or the "Operator"), advise that the West Sussex County Council have now approved details under the provision of the planning consent for the proposed drilling of the second well, the new Lidsey-X2 onshore production well at the Lidsey Oil Field (PL241) near Bognor Regis in the south of the United Kingdom.

This second well on the Lidsey Oil Field is planned to be drilled to a depth of approximately 1,000 metres and will target the upper crest of the Great Oolite reservoir that has until being temporarily suspended in February 2016 produced oil from the Lidsey-X1 well which was first discovered in 1987. Lidsey-X2 will also assess the Kimmeridge formation which is located above the Great Oolite reservoir.

Under the provisions of the site planning consent, Condition 8 requires prior approval by West Sussex County Council of details of the drilling rig and equipment and the period of their use to drill additional wells. West Sussex County Council have now approved details under the provision of the extant planning consent for the proposed drilling of the second well together with their approval for a new site security fence and new site administration facilities comprising offices, toilets and mess facilities.

The Angus Energy Plc Lidsey Oil Field update news release is included below.

David Lenigas, Doriemus's Chairman, commented;

"This is an important and timely approval from the West Sussex County Council, and Doriemus looks forward to participating in this important conventional oil production well in the southern part of the UK's Weald Basin area. "

Interest in Lidsey Oil Field (PL 235):

Doriemus owns a 20% direct interest in the onshore Lidsey Oil Field (PL 241) with an option to increase its holding to 30%.

The directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement.

For further information please contact:

Doriemus Plc:

www.doriemus.com

David Lenigas (Executive Chairman) +44 (0) 20 74400640

Hamish Harris (Non-Executive Director)

Peterhouse Corporate Finance Limited +44 (0) 20 7469 0930

Guy Miller

Fungai Ndore

Square 1 Consulting (Public Relations) +44 (0) 20 7929 5599

David Bick

Angus Energy Plc's News Release dated 18 April 2017, is as follows:

18 April 2017

Angus Energy plc

("Angus Energy", "Angus" or the "Company")

County Council approval for drilling of second production well at its Lidsey Oil Field.

Angus Energy is pleased to announce that West Sussex County Council have now approved details under the provision of the planning consent for the proposed drilling of the second well, the new Lidsey-X2 onshore production well at the Lidsey Oil Field (PL241) near Bognor Regis in the south of the United Kingdom.

Angus Energy has planning consent for the development and operation of a three wellhead and beam pump oil production facility plus ancillary works at its Lidsey Oil Field. As permitted by the site planning consent, the first well has already been drilled at the site (Lidsey-X1) and the tophole/cellar completed and installed to enable a second well to be drilled (Lidsey-X2). This second well has not yet been drilled and is planned to be drilled to a depth of approximately 1,000 metres and will target the upper crest of the Great Oolite reservoir that has until being temporarily suspended in February 2016 produced oil from the Lidsey-X1 well which was first discovered in 1987. Lidsey-X2 will also assess the Kimmeridge formation which is located above the Great Oolite reservoir.

Under the provisions of the site planning consent, Condition 8 requires prior approval by West Sussex County Council of details of the drilling rig and equipment and the period of their use to drill additional wells. West Sussex County Council have now approved details under the provision of the extant planning consent for the proposed drilling of the second well together with their approval for a new site security fence and new site administration facilities comprising offices, toilets and mess facilities.

There is no change to the Company's earlier guidance with regards to operations at its Brockham Oil Field.

Jonathan Tidswell-Pretorius, the Company's Chairman, commented:

"We welcome the news from West Sussex County Council. The Lidsey-X2 well fully aligns with our business plan of providing low cost, low geological risk, long term conventional oil production.

Lidsey-X2 will target the upper crest of the producing Great Oolite reservoir and will also pass through the Kimmeridge layers allowing us to electronically log the layers and sample the drill cuttings for a detailed comparison to the encouraging results Angus encountered at Brockham-X4Z.

Subject to Environmental Agency consent and approval from the Health and Safety Executive for Lidsey-X2 (both are in process), we will ask the Oil and Gas Authority for consent to drill Lidsey-X2"

END
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Accend Capital Corporation (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: ADP.H) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a letter of intent effective April 13, 2017, pursuant to which the Company has agreed to acquire 100% of the Block 103 iron ore property ("Block 103" or the "Property") from ML Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: MLG) ("ML Gold") an arm's length party (the "Transaction").

Block 103 is a series of Newfoundland and Labrador mineral licenses, located in the Labrador Trough, Labrador, approximately 30 kilometres (km) northwest of the mining town of Schefferville, Quebec. The Labrador Trough is a well-known iron ore producing region. The Property is adjacent to Tata Steel Canada's iron mining operations, Wuhan Iron and Steel (Group) Corp. (WISCO)'s operations and the New Millennium Iron Corp.'s NuTac-KeMag deposit. Block 103 was subject to extensive exploration and geological work by ML Gold (formerly Cap-Ex Iron Ore Ltd.) from 2011 to 2013, including 28,000 metres of drilling in 115 drill holes.

Block 103 has an inferred iron ore resource of 7.2 billion tonnes at 29.2% total iron and 18.9% magnetic iron. The inferred resource covers an area with a strike length of approximately 4 km and a width of 2.5 km. Based on available information, including drilling and magnetic airborne surveys, the banded iron formations hosting the inferred resource extend the length of the Block 103 Property, over 12 km, indicating mineralized zones remain open toward the northwest, southeast and at depth. Block 103 is located close to rail infrastructure which provides potential for access to port facilities at Sept Iles, Quebec.

Information concerning the inferred resource on Block 103 was obtained from a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") on the Property prepared for ML Gold by Watts, Griffis and McQuat Limited (WGM), and BBA Inc., consulting geologists and engineers, effective June 27, 2013. The PEA was filed on SEDAR by ML Gold on August 6, 2013. The Company considers this resource to be a "historical estimate", and is not treating it as a current resource. Discussions are underway with WGM and BBA to prepare a current 43-101 compliant report on Block 103.

In consideration for the Property, the Company has agreed to complete a series of cash payments and share issuances to ML Gold on the following terms:

Closing: A cash payment of $200,000 and the issuance of 12,000,000 common shares of the Company (the "Consideration Shares"). Two-year Anniversary of A cash payment of $800,000 (ML Gold will be Closing: entitled to receive 10% of the gross proceeds of any financing completed by the Company following closing of the Transaction as a credit towards this payment). Completion of Pre-Feasibility A cash payment of $5,000,000, or at the Study on the Property: election of the Company an equivalent value of common shares of the Company. Completion of Bankable A cash payment of $15,000,000 or, at the Feasibility Study on the election of the Company, an equivalent value Property: of common shares of the Company.

The Consideration Shares will be subject to the terms of a voluntary pooling arrangement in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange").

In connection with the proposed Transaction, the Company intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 10,000,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.20 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000 (the "Financing"). Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company, and one-half-of-one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to acquire a further common share of the Company at a price of $0.40 per share for period of twenty-four months, subject to accelerated expiry in the event the common shares of the Company trade on the Exchange at a price of $0.75 or higher for ten consecutive trading days. All securities to be issued by the Company pursuant to the Transaction and the Financing will be subject to a four-month hold period.

The Transaction constitutes a "Qualifying Transaction" for the Company under Exchange Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies. Following completion of the Transaction, it is anticipated that the Company will be listed on the Exchange as a Tier 2 Mining Issuer under the name "Maple Leaf Iron Corp." Closing of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions including completion of satisfactory due diligence, entering into a definitive agreement, completion of the Financing, completion of a technical report in respect of the Property, approval of the Exchange and satisfaction of other closing conditions as are customary in transactions of this nature. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Trading in the common shares of the Company will remain halted pending further filings with the Exchange. The Transaction is not a Non-Arm's Length Transaction as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange. The Transaction is not subject to shareholder approval.

Further information regarding the Transaction, including a detailed use of proceeds for the Financing and details regarding the proposed board and management of the Company will be made available in due course. Readers are encouraged to review the filing statement which will be prepared by the Company in connection with the Transaction and made available under the Company's profile on SEDAR.

Simon Clarke, Director of the Company stated, "we are pleased to announce the acquisition of this world-class iron ore deposit which we believe is the world's largest wholly-owned iron ore magnetite resource. With a growing global focus on the need to produce higher quality iron ore products and to reduce the environmental impacts associated with traditional steel making, especially in parts of Asia, the potential to produce clean, high-quality iron ore products from Canada is better than ever."

Andy Bowering, Chairman of ML Gold commented, "we have always believed that the Block 103 iron ore property is a world-class asset. We are very pleased with the proposed transaction as it will bring the focus, resources and attention needed to create and unlock value for shareholders of both the Company and ML Gold."

This news release has been reviewed by Adrian Smith, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

On behalf of the Board,

Accend Capital Corporation

Andy Edelmeier, Chief Executive Officer

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance. The Transaction cannot close until the required approvals are obtained, and the outstanding conditions satisfied. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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 other 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, fluctuations in the market for iron ore, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the Province of Newfoundland, status of aboriginal title and associated rights, 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.

Contacts:

Accend Capital Corporation

Andy Edelmeier

Chief Executive Officer

604.897.8149

andy.edelmeier@gmail.com



Accend Capital Corporation

Simon Clarke

Director

604.551.9665

simonclarke@telus.net






BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - France's presidential election is adding to the existing political uncertainty worldwide as it raises several questions on the future of the euro area, the International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said Tuesday.



There is an uncertainty and growing concern about the outcome of the French election, Lagarde said in an interview to a group of European reporters.



The IMF Chief said she faced anxious questions over the French election in every country she visited in recent months. The election debate also weighs on the confidence and stability of the euro area, Lagarde added.



The outcome of the French election is important because of the size of the economy, second only to Germany in the euro area, and also because of the anti-euro comments made by some contestants in the election, she said.



Lagarde also said that Greece's debt needs to be sustainable for the IMF to join the country's bailout programme. There was no doubt that Greece needs debt restructuring, she reiterated.



The IMF is set to release its latest World Economic Outlook at 9.00 am ET on Tuesday.



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Announcement



18 April 2017



Coloplast - transactions in connection with share buy-back programme



As mentioned in Announcement No. 2/2017 Coloplast has initiated the second part of the share buy-back programme totalling up to DKK 1bn. This part of the programme of DKK500m is expected to take place from 27 February, 2017 to 28 August, 2017.



The buy-back programme will be structured in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and Regulation 2016/1052, also referred to as the "Safe Harbour" rules, which ensure that the company is protected against violation of insider legislation in connection with the buyback programme.



The following transactions have been executed during 10 - 12 April 2017:



Date Number of Buying Amount DKK shares price -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 April 2017 12,674 540.89 6,855,232.26 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 April 2017 0 0.00 0.00 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 April 2017 0 0.00 0.00 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accumulated until now under the 344,161 515.52 177,421,510.77 programme --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Henceforth, Coloplast owns 3,927,817 treasury B shares of DKK 1 equal to 1.82% of the company's total share capital.



An overview showing the transaction data for the period 10 - 12 April 2017 is enclosed.



Kind regards,



Investor Relations



Coloplast A/S



Tel. +45 4911 1800



For further information, please contact



Investors and analysts



Ellen Bjurgert



Director, Investor Relations



Tel. +45 4911 1800/+45 4911 3376



Email: dkebj@coloplast.com



Rasmus Srensen



Sr. Manager, Investor Relations



Tel. +45 4911 1800/ +45 4911 1786



Email: dkraso@coloplast.com



Press and the media



Dennis Kaysen



Director, Corp. Communication



Tel. 4911 2608



Email: dkdk@coloplast.com



This announcement is available in a Danish and an English language version. In the event of discrepancies, the Danish version shall prevail.



Coloplast develops products and services that make life easier for people with very personal and private medical conditions. Working closely with the people who use our products, we create solutions that are sensitive to their special needs. We call this intimate healthcare.



Our business includes ostomy care, urology and continence care and wound and skin care. We operate globally and employ more than 11,000 people.



The Coloplast logo is a registered trademark of Coloplast A/S.  2017-04 All rights reserved Coloplast A/S, 3050 Humlebk, Denmark.



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BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks were broadly lower on Tuesday after North Korea threatened to conduct missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis and warned further it is prepared to respond to U.S. military action with 'all out war'. Concerns raised by international monitoring groups over last Sunday's referendum in Turkey and the election uncertainty in France also weighed on markets. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Theresa May is due to make a statement in Downing Street later today amid speculation she could call an early general election. The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index was down 0.94 percent at 377.02 in late opening deals, while the German DAX, France's CAC 40 index and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 were down between 0.7 percent and 1.3 percent. Miners Anglo American, Antofagasta, Glencore, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto fell 2-3 percent in reaction to a sharp drop in iron ore prices. Energy majors Total SA, BP plc and Tullow Oil dropped 1-2 percent as oil prices hit one-week low on worries about global oversupply. Ashmore Group fell 2 percent. The emerging markets-focused asset manager reported a 7 percent rise in its total assets in the three months to the end of March. Newspapers group Daily Mail and General Trust lost 1 percent after announcing the sale of Elite Daily to Bustle Digital Group. Novartis slid half a percent after it has entered into a clinical trial agreement with Allergan plc for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Hennes & Mauritz shares fell 1 percent. The Swedish retailer reported a 6 percent rise in sales during March, compared to the same month last year. On the positive side, biotech firm Galapagos NV rallied 3 percent after raising $338 million gross proceeds in a U.S. public offering. 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.
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.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- American Lithium Corp. (TSX VENTURE: LI)(OTCQB: LIACF)(FRANKFURT: 5LA)(WKN: A2AHEL) ("American Lithium"; or, the "Company") announces revised sample results from near surface auger sampling on the North Playa, Fish Lake Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada.

54 brine samples from the North Playa project were identified as erroneous in November of 2016. The 54 samples have been re-assayed by ALS Minerals ("ALS") in their Vancouver, BC facility utilizing the ICP AES analysis process. The 54 of these samples were previously reported on October 12th and November 3rd, 2016 prior to the identification of the flawed assays process. The earlier, flawed assays were produced by Florin Analytical Services ("FAS") in Reno Nevada utilizing the Atomic Absorption (AA) analysis process. As an early stage exploration program the company relied on the FAS internal QA/QC program, including duplicate and blanks, to assure that the results were being reported correctly. Florin Analytical Services, is the analytical arm of Kappes, Cassiday & Associates. KCA is a well-respected process engineering company that started in 1972 in Reno, Nevada that works on and develops complex metallurgical flowsheets for both the precious as well as industrial metal industry. This work has included the development of flow sheets for lithium deposits.

The 54 flawed assays were from areas that had not been historically sampled and some down slope from a historic lithium clay deposit. In November of 2016, subsequent assays returned from FAS indicated higher values than had been reported in historic exploration work in the same area and the QP requested check assays be completed at ALS. Six brine sample splits were sent to ALS and the assays returned were found to be materially lower that the FAS assays and also in agreement with historic assays. This resulted in an inquiry into how the assay process was being conducted at FAS and which assay laboratory was more accurate.

FAS routinely uses a series of checks and balances aimed at producing accurate results. These checks and balances were in place but were not used correctly. In the case of the brine solutions the standards used did not provide sufficient quality control for the program completed. In summary, after comparison of all results from both laboratories the results from ALS were found to be valid. Errors early in the program from FAS were determined to be due to systematic errors. Systematic errors can only be corrected by the use of a series of standards. FAS was able to develop an in house synthetic brine "standard" that allowed for more extensive QA/QC of the results and those results then compared well with those from ALS in the later part of the program

The 54 samples with flawed FAS assays originally reported a range of 2 mg/L to 537 mg/L and an average of 272 mg/L. All remaining sample material from FAS was sent directly from FAS to ALS Vancouver for re- assay. Corrected ALS assay values for the 51 of the 54 samples now report a range from 'below detection' to 130 mg/L with an average 71 mg/L Li, (The company would note that 3 were not re-assayed due to non- sufficient sample) (see Table 1 at the end of the press release).

"The sample results from our near surface auger program are in line with historic results and our expectations. These results provide a clear vector for the next phase of our planned sampling and drilling program on the north playa as we work towards our goal of identifying economic lithium resources in the Fish Lake Valley and becoming Nevada's premier lithium exploration company ", comments Interim CEO Michael Kobler.

Near surface brine samples for the first 25 samples were collected by using a conventional hand held auger to sample sub surface brines at a depth of 78" (2m), The brine was sampled at the bottom of the auger hole and then separated from residual clays before being sent for analysis. For the subsequent near surface brine sampling program the Company developed a new methodology for sampling. Instead of an auger system, a four-inch diameter pipe is driven into the ground to a depth of approximately 55" (1.4m) and then pulled out of the hole. A 2.5" (6.3cm) perforated pvc pipe is placed in the hole to keep it open while clay solids settle to the bottom of the hole. The brine is then sampled just above the settled material at the bottom of the hole. The change in sampling method was driven by the difficulty of operating an auger in wet playa clays. Both processes return a similar near surface brine sample.

The QP requested blank material (tap water) to be inserted on a 5% basis as were duplicate samples. This protocol was not implemented by the site geologist and this error was not discovered until the end of the short program. It is not expected that either of these two actions would have identified the flawed assays any earlier than was done. Neither the Company nor the QP are aware of Lithium standard material for brines that would have been available for insertion into the samples stream at the time of the program. Insertion of independent standard material would have revealed the assay problems earlier in the process. The absence of certified standards is not unreasonable in an early stage exploration program. The Company is currently working on obtaining relevant certified lithium standard materials for future programs.

Two samples were collected in the field at each location by independent third party contractors, both were clearly labeled, stored in a secure climate controlled facility and then one was shipped by courier to Reno, Nevada where the samples were submitted to either FAS or subsequently to ALS facilities. Excepting the previously discussed "flawed assays," the reported assays in this press release were processed at the ALS Minerals Laboratory in Reno Nevada and analyzed at the ALS facility in Vancouver BC. The lithium brine samples were collected, diluted and analyzed directly by inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Down hole sediment samples were dissolved with a de-ionized water leach, and analyzed directly by inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES).

Table #1 Comparison between previously reported flawed assay results and revised results

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flawed Revised Flawed Revised Sample ID Assays assays Sample ID Assays assays Li (mg/L) Li (mg/L) Li (mg/L) Li (mg/L) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431001(i) 434 NSS 1431019(i) 94.2 10 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431002(i) 321 70 1431020(i) 24.5 NSS --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431003(i) 537 NSS 1431021(i) 23.8 less than 10 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431004(i) 479 110 1431022(i) 2.4 less than 10 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431005(i) 510 120 1431023(i) 98.7 20 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431006(i) 398 90 1431024(i) 412 40 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431007(i) 401 100 1431025(i) 188 20 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431008(i) 488 60 1431026(i) 198 60 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431009(i) 380 90 1431027(i) 269 90 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431010(i) 47 10 1431028(i) 233 70 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431011(i) 382 90 1431029(i) 240 70 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431012(i) 286 40 1431030(i) 292 80 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431013(i) 385 90 1431031(i) 263 70 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431014(i) 503 120 1431032(i) 249 70 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431015(i) 369 90 1431033(i) 144 40 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431016(i) 397 100 1431034(i) 10 10 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431017(i) 102 20 1431035(i) 91 30 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1431018(i) 47.9 10 1431036(i) 179 60 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- Flawed Revised Sample ID Assays assays Li (mg/L) Li (mg/L) --------------------------------------- 1431037(i) 243 70 --------------------------------------- 1431038(i) 246 70 --------------------------------------- 1431039(i) 288 80 --------------------------------------- 1431040(i) 310 90 --------------------------------------- 1431041(i) 314 90 --------------------------------------- 1431042(i) 324 100 --------------------------------------- 1431043(i) 319 90 --------------------------------------- 1431044(i) 310 100 --------------------------------------- 1431045(i) 301 90 --------------------------------------- 1431046(i) 271 80 --------------------------------------- 1431047(i) 265 80 --------------------------------------- 1431048(i) 222 60 --------------------------------------- 1431049(i) 187 50 --------------------------------------- 1431050(i) 197 50 --------------------------------------- 1431051(i) 330 110 --------------------------------------- 1431052(i) 348 100 --------------------------------------- 1431053(i) 312 90 --------------------------------------- 1431054(i) 426 130 ---------------------------------------

Note NNS indicates non-sufficient sample for re-assay, original assays completed by Florin Assay Services, Reno Nevada, revised assays completed by ALS Minerals, North Vancouver, BC

Michael Collins, P.Geo. is the Company's designated Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101, he is independent of the company, and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

ABOUT American Lithium Corp.

American Lithium Corp. is actively engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of lithium deposits within mining-friendly jurisdictions throughout the Americas. American Lithium holds options to acquire Nevada lithium brine claims totaling 22,332 acres (9,038 ha), including 18,552 contiguous acres (7,508 ha) in Fish Lake Valley, Esmeralda County; 2,240 acre (907 ha) San Emidio Project in Washoe County; and the 1,540 acre (623 ha) Clayton-Valley-1 Project. The Company's Fish Lake Valley lithium brine properties are located approximately 38 kilometers from Albemarle's Silver Peak, the largest lithium operation in the U.S. American Lithium is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol "Li". For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.americanlithiumcorp.com.

On behalf of the Board,

American Lithium Corp.

Michael Kobler, Interim Chief Executive Officer

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Figure is available at the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1091945_Fig1.pdf

Contacts:

Michael Kobler

Interim Chief Executive Officer

1-604-689-7422

info@americanlithiumcorp.com

www.americanlithiumcorp.com




LONDON (dpa-AFX) - British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday announced a snap general election for June 8. In a surprise statement at 10 Downing Street, May said the U.K. needed stability, certainty and strong leadership after the June 2016 referendum. Her government has delivered that, she claimed. She also sought unity in the Westminster. 'The country is coming together, but Westminster is not,' May said. May said that an election is needed now because other parties are opposed to her government's Brexit plans. 'So we need a general election and we need one now. We have at this moment a one off chance to get this done,' May said. She is set to move a motion in the Commons on Wednesday for holding the snap election on June 8. An election was set to happen only in 2020 in the normal schedule. 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.
REDWOOD CITY, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- GuideSpark, leading the transformation of employee communications, today announced the appointment of Yext Chief People Officer and former head of HR for well-known tech companies like Twitter, Groupon and Cisco, Brian "Skip" Schipper, as the newest member of the company's Board of Directors.

"We are delighted to have an HR industry visionary such as Skip join the GuideSpark board as we expand our leadership in the employee communications market," said GuideSpark co-founder and CEO Keith Kitani. "His more than 30 years of industry experience combined with his unique customer point of view will give us invaluable strategic insight into the trends and demands of today's transformational HR leaders as they seek to reach and engage an ever-evolving workforce. We expect that Skip's diverse background and expertise will help inform and enhance our solutions as we work with companies to transform their employee experience through better communications."

Schipper commented, "It can be a real challenge to build authentic, inspiring connections with employees, yet we know that committed, engaged employees build better companies. I have been impressed by GuideSpark's ability to enable meaningful employee communications that not only reach, inspire and inform diverse employee populations, but that also help to foster engagement, build stronger organization cultures and provide demonstrable ROI. I look forward to working with Keith, his talented team and the other members of the Board in support of the next phase of growth for this innovative company."

A 34-year HR industry veteran, Schipper currently leads the People team for Yext, a leading platform for managing digital knowledge. He and the Yext HR and Recruiting teams provide the people and organization strategy to support the rapid scaling, growth and international footprint of the company and build on the company's track record of providing a great employee experience. Yext recently moved from the number 20 spot up to 10 on Fortune magazine's Best Companies list. Prior to joining Yext, Schipper led the HR function for Twitter, which was also named one of Fortune magazine's Top 25 Best Companies to Work For in Twitter's debut year on the list. He also previously directed the global HR and administration functions for Groupon, supporting the unprecedented growth of the company in an entirely new business category.

Schipper has held several additional HR leadership roles throughout his career, including CHRO at Cisco Systems, corporate vice president of HR for Microsoft, head of HR and administration at Andor Capital Management, CHRO for DoubleClick and vice president of HR at PepsiCo. During his tenure at Cisco, the company improved its ranking in Fortune's Best Companies survey from 48th to 6th and also received recognition for its diversity and business ethics practices. An experienced tech industry professional, Schipper began his HR career with Harris Corporation and then spent eight years in HR at Compaq.

Schipper has served on a number of technology companies' boards, including serving 10 years as a member of the board of directors at VerifiedPerson. He currently sits on the board of directors of DHI Group, Inc., where he chairs the compensation committee. Schipper earned an MBA from Michigan State University and a bachelor's degree from Hope College.

About GuideSpark

GuideSpark is the leader in employee communications, with over 650 customers who use its solutions to effectively engage over 10 million employees and achieve HR program adoption goals. GuideSpark is the only company that blends SaaS technology and innovative, multimedia content that inspires, informs and reinforces the employer value proposition.

To learn more about how you can transform your employee communications, visit http://www.guidespark.com.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3129958


VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Timmins Gold Corp. (TSX: TMM)(NYSE MKT: TGD) ("Timmins Gold" or the "Company") announces that it is proposing to change its name to Alio Gold Inc. at its upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Shareholders. If approved, the Company expects to begin trading on both the TSX and the NYSE MKT under the ticker ALO on Tuesday, May 16, 2017.

Chief Executive Officer, Greg McCunn, said, "The word Alio in Latin means 'to go in a different direction' and is reflective of the important operational and management changes that have been made in 2017. The portfolio of assets we have will form the platform for the growth of Alio Gold into a mid-tier gold producer over the next several years. In the near-term, there are a number of exciting catalysts for Alio Gold including a Prefeasibility Study for our high-grade, high-margin Ana Paula Project and the plan for revitalizing our San Francisco Mine."

Annual General Meeting

The Company's Annual General Meeting will be held on May 12, 2017 at the offices of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, 595 Burrard Street, Suite 2600, Vancouver, British Columbia. Please note the time of the meeting has been changed from 2:00pm to 10:00am PST. Along with the proposed name change to Alio Gold, the Company will also propose consolidation of its shares on a 10:1 basis, and, re-election of its current slate of directors as well as other routine annual meeting matters.

The details of all matters to be put forward to shareholders at the AGM are set forth in the Management Information Circular which is available at both www.sedar.com and the Company's website. Shareholders requiring assistance with the voting process may contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, the proxy solicitation agent, by telephone at: 1-877-452-7184 (North America Toll Free) or 416-304-0211 (collect outside North America) or by email at: assistance@laurelhill.com

Please vote your shares before 10:00am PST on May 10, 2017

About Timmins Gold/Alio Gold

Timmins/Alio Gold is a Canadian gold mining company engaged in exploration, development and production in Mexico. Its principal assets include the producing San Francisco mine in Sonora, Mexico and the development stage Ana Paula project in Guerrero, Mexico. The Company also has a portfolio of other exploration properties, all of which are located in Mexico.

Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) nor the New York Stock Exchange MKT accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements which relate to future events including: estimates, forecasts and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, among other things, business and financial prospects, financial multiples and accretion estimates, future trends, plans, strategies, objectives and expectations, including with respect to production, exploration drilling, reserves and resources, exploitation activities and events or future operations.

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "should", "expects", "plans, "anticipates", believes", "estimates", "predicts", "potential", or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggestions herein. Except as required by applicable law, the Company does not intend to update any forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.

Contacts:

Greg McCunn

CEO and Director

604-638-8980

greg@timminsgold.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Q1 2017 Highlights:

-- Record quarterly gold production of 58,187 ounces and gold sales of 57,812 ounces, in line with 2017 production guidance of 230,000 - 240,000 ounces -- US$69.3m in gold revenue at an average realized price of US$1,199 per ounce -- 908,463 tonnes processed during the quarter, a new quarterly record, with a feed grade of 2.05 g/t -- Industry-leading safety record maintained, despite one LTI reported during the quarter, and a rolling 12 month LTIFR of 0.21. -- Strong balance sheet with unaudited cash and immediately convertible working capital balances of approximately US$65 million (March 31, 2017)

Asanko Gold Inc. ("Asanko" or the "Company") (TSX: AKG)(NYSE MKT: AKG) is pleased to announce production results for the first quarter of 2017 ("Q1") from the Asanko Gold Mine, located in Ghana, West Africa.

Commenting on the quarter's performance, Peter Breese, President and CEO, said, "I am pleased to report a second consecutive quarter of record production, with over 58,000 ounces produced in Q1 2017, which positions us well to meet our guidance for the year.

Looking ahead, 2017 will be a year of two halves. With the first half focused solely on mining fresh ore from Nkran, production volumes will be lower and costs will be higher compared to H2. In H2, as we bring our second pit, Dynamite Hill, into production, the softer oxide ore is cheaper to both mine and process and we expect that the incremental ore from Dynamite Hill, coupled with the Project 5 Million plant expansion, will deliver increased volumes and lower operating costs enabling us to meet our 2017 production and cost guidance.

Project 5 Million is progressing well and ahead of schedule, with commissioning now expected in Q4 2017. All the long lead items have been ordered and we will be starting the upgrades during this quarter."

Mining

With the strategic stockpile of 1.5 million tonnes, which is equivalent to five months of production, now in place as well as the dual ramp system, ore mining rates dropped during the quarter to more optimal levels.

Ore mining rates for the quarter averaged 339,096 tonnes per month at an average mining grade of 1.8 g/t. Waste mining took place in the north and western sides in preparation for the next sequence of ore mining in the centre of the pit. The next pushback sequence will commence during Q2 2017.

The grade for the quarter was lower as a result of mining through a planned lower grade section of the orebody. The increase in the strip ratio this quarter was driven by the implementation of the new CSA Global resource model mid-way through the quarter. Going forward, the life of mine strip ratio for Nkran is expected to be around 6:1, which will be confirmed by the new life of mine plan that will be included in the Expansion Definitive Feasibility Study due to be published in Q2 2017.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Key Mining Statistics Units Q4 2016 Q1 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Tonnes Mined 000 t 7,231 6,637 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Waste Tonnes Mined 000 t 5,931 5,620 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ore Tonnes Mined 000 t 1,300 1,017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Strip Ratio W:O 4.6:1 5.5:1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Gold Grade Mined g/t 2.0 1.8 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Processing

The processing plant continued to operate at an annualized rate of 3.6 million tonnes per annum (20% above design) during the quarter. The upgrades to the crushing circuit were commissioned during the quarter, which is now capable of handling the increased throughput requirements to the milling circuit, in anticipation of commissioning Project 5 Million later this year. Metallurgical recoveries continued to exceed design levels at 95%. Gold production for the quarter averaged 19,300 ounces per month.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Key Production Statistics Units Q4 2016 Q1 2017 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ore Treated 000 t 901 908 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gold Feed Grade g/t 2.10 2.05 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gold Recovery % 94 95 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gold Produced oz 57,178 58,187 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sales and Liquidity

Gold production for the quarter was 58,187 ounces with gold sales of 57,812 ounces at an average realized price of US$1,199 per ounce, generating gold sales revenue of US$69.3 million.

At March 31, 2017 the Company's balance sheet had approximately US$48 million in unaudited cash, US$11.5 million in gold receivables and US$5.3 million in dore (with a market value of US$7.7 million). The Company has no significant current long term debt obligations with its first principal repayment on its US$150 million debt facility not due until July 1, 2018. As previously stated, the Company continues to expect to fund Project 5 Million and the development of Esaase, and the associated conveyor, from current balances and future cash flows.

Health and Safety

There was one lost time injury ("LTI") reported during the quarter and the 12-month rolling lost time injury frequency rate ("LTIFR") per million man hours worked is 0.21.

Enquiries:

For further information, please visit: www.asanko.com or email: info@asanko.com.

About Asanko Gold Inc.

Asanko's vision is to become a mid-tier gold mining company that maximizes value for all its stakeholders. The Company's flagship project is the multi-million ounce Asanko Gold Mine located in Ghana, West Africa. Asanko is managed by highly skilled and successful technical, operational and financial professionals. The Company is strongly committed to the highest standards for environmental management, social responsibility, and health and safety for its employees and neighbouring communities.

Forward-Looking and other Cautionary Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address estimated resource quantities, grades and contained metals, possible future mining, exploration and development activities, are forward-looking statements.

Although the Company believes the forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices for metals, the conclusions of detailed feasibility and technical analyses, the timely renewal of key permits, lower than expected grades and quantities of resources, mining rates and recovery rates and the lack of availability of necessary capital, which may not be available to the Company on terms acceptable to it or at all. The Company is subject to the specific risks inherent in the mining business as well as general economic and business conditions. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's Annual Form 40-F filing with the United States Securities Commission and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Neither Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note to US Investors Regarding Mineral Reporting Standards:

Asanko has prepared its disclosure in accordance with the requirements of securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of US securities laws. Terms relating to mineral resources in this press release are defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects under the guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") permits mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. Asanko uses certain terms, such as, "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources", "inferred mineral resources" and "probable mineral reserves", that the SEC does not recognize (these terms may be used in this press release and are included in the public filings of Asanko which have been filed with securities commissions or similar authorities in Canada).

Contacts:

Asanko Gold Inc.

info@asanko.com

www.asanko.com



Alex Buck

Manager, Investor and Media Relations

Toll-Free (N. America): 1-855-246-7341

+44-7932-740-452

alex.buck@asanko.com



Ryan Walchuck

VP Corporate Development and Investor Relations

+1 778 986-2000

ryan.walchuck@asanko.com




Growth Accelerates as Enterprise and Hybrid-Cloud Demand Continue to Increase in Parallel with the Shift to Digital Transformation

Veeam Software, the innovative provider of solutions that deliver Availability for the Always-On Enterprise, today announced another record quarter, fueled by explosive gains in Enterprise and Cloud revenues. During Q1'17, Veeam recorded a 33 percent YoY increase in total bookings revenue while Enterprise new license bookings grew 17 percent annually. Cloud revenue enabled by Veeam Cloud and Service Providers (VCSPs) grew 59 percent YoY, helping enterprises transform their operations to deliver 24.7.365 Availability that users demand in today's digital world.

"It's no small feat for a company with more than $600 million in annual bookings to deliver 33% growth YoY, and I'm enormously proud of our entire team," said Peter McKay, President and COO at Veeam. "Looking ahead, we expect continued growth for the remainder of this year, fueled by new Veeam product releases, joint product offerings with our Alliances partners, further share gains in Enterprise, and Veeam-powered cloud solutions."

"Globally, organizations now recognize they need the 24.7.365 Availability that only Veeam provides. We continue to expand our worldwide Enterprise sales teams to meet that demand, especially in North America and EMEA," said McKay. "These additions will support our customers' and partners' strategic digital transformation initiatives."

Additional highlights from Q1 2017 include:

DRaaS and BaaS adoption: The Veeam Cloud Business, which provides service providers with ready-made opportunities to offer Disaster Recover-as-a-Service (DRaaS) and Backup-as-a-Service (BaaS), reported 59 percent YoY revenue growth.

The Veeam Cloud Business, which provides service providers with ready-made opportunities to offer Disaster Recover-as-a-Service (DRaaS) and Backup-as-a-Service (BaaS), reported 59 percent YoY revenue growth. Enterprise growth and momentum: At the end of Q1 2017, Veeam counted 74 percent of the Fortune 500 and 56 percent of the Global 2000 as customers. Enterprise new license bookings grew 17 percent annually,

At the end of Q1 2017, Veeam counted 74 percent of the Fortune 500 and 56 percent of the Global 2000 as customers. Enterprise new license bookings grew 17 percent annually, 242,000 customers worldwide : Veeam added close to 12,000 total paid customers in Q1 2017, keeping pace with the historical new customer acquisition average of approximately 4,000 per month.

: Veeam added close to 12,000 total paid customers in Q1 2017, keeping pace with the historical new customer acquisition average of approximately 4,000 per month. 13.9 million virtual machines (VMs) are protected with Veeam Availability solutions. More than 1 million of these VMs are protected via Veeam Cloud Service Providers (VCSPs).

(VMs) are protected with Veeam Availability solutions. More than 1 million of these VMs are protected via Veeam Cloud Service Providers (VCSPs). Partner expansion: Veeam's 100 percent commitment to the channel continues to attract new resellers. There are now 47,000 Veeam ProPartners and 15,000 VCSPs globally.

Veeam's 100 percent commitment to the channel continues to attract new resellers. There are now 47,000 Veeam ProPartners and 15,000 VCSPs globally. Expanded executive team: Jeff Giannetti joined Veeam as Vice President of North American Sales from Cleversafe, where he was Senior Vice President of Global Sales. Previously, Jeff spent more than 10 years at NetApp where he served as Vice President of US Commercial Sales.

Jeff Giannetti joined Veeam as Vice President of North American Sales from Cleversafe, where he was Senior Vice President of Global Sales. Previously, Jeff spent more than 10 years at NetApp where he served as Vice President of US Commercial Sales. Strengthened Alliances: Veeam joined the Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Complete program. The program adds Veeam solutions to HPE's price list so that customers can purchase complete HPE and Veeam solutions directly from HPE and its resellers, providing a one-stop shop for the validated solution. Veeam also launched the only fully integrated Data Protection solution for Cisco HyperFlex, providing the first native snapshot capability for the hyper-converged infrastructure offering.

Registration is now open for VeeamON 2017, the world's Premier Hybrid Cloud Availability Event, which will take place May 16 18, 2017 in New Orleans, LA. Keynote speakers will include Mark Russinovich, Chief Technology Officer for Microsoft Azure, and Sanjay Poonen, COO, Customer Operations, VMware.

About Veeam Software

Veeam recognizes the new challenges companies across the globe face in enabling the Always-On Enterprise, a business that must operate 24.7.365. To address this, Veeam has pioneered a new market of Availability for the Always-On Enterprise by helping organizations meet recovery time and point objectives(RTPO) of less than 15 minutes for all applications and data, through a fundamentally new kind of solution that delivers high-speed recovery, data loss avoidance, verified recoverability, leveraged data and complete visibility. Veeam Availability Suite, which includes Veeam Backup Replication, leverages virtualization, storage, and cloud technologies that enable the modern data center to help organizations save time, mitigate risks, and dramatically reduce capital and operational costs, while always supporting the current and future business goals of Veeam customers.

Founded in 2006, Veeam currently has 47,000 ProPartners and more than 242,000 customers worldwide. Veeam's global headquarters are located in Baar, Switzerland, and the company has offices throughout the world. To learn more, visit https://www.veeam.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170418005665/en/

Contacts:

Veeam Software Public Relations Manager, Corporate Americas

Heidi Monroe Kroft, 614-339-8200 x8309
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Nutritional High International Inc. (the "Company" or "Nutritional High") (CSE: EAT)(CSE: EAT.CN)(OTCQB: SPLIF)(FRANKFURT: 2NU) is pleased to announce that Palo Verde LLC ("Palo Verde"), a company's licensed tenant in Colorado has filled a major order for Natures Herbs and Wellness Center in Colorado ("Natures Herbs").

FLI Product Sales Orders with Natures Herbs

Palo Verde has fulfilled a large order of 1/2 gram FLI-branded vape pen cartridges with Natures Herbs in anticipation of increased demand for products on 420. Nature's Herbs owns several dispensaries in the Denver area.

Palo Verde continues to expand its product distribution network, as it ramps up the sales of FLI-branded products. The Company will post additional pictures in this regard on its social media pages.

David Johnson, Owner of Palo Verde commented - "We are excited to announce this partnership between Palo Verde and Nature's Herbs and look forward to continue developing the relationship as we introduce additional product lines."

About Nutritional High International Inc.

Nutritional High is focused on developing, manufacturing and distributing products and nationally recognized brands in the hemp and marijuana-infused products industries, including edibles and oil extracts for nutritional, medical and adult recreational use. The Company works exclusively through licensed facilities in jurisdictions where such activity is permitted and regulated by state law.

For updates on the Company's activities and highlights of the Company's press releases and other media coverage, please follow Nutritional High on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+ or visit www.nutritionalhigh.com.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR OTC MARKETS GROUP INC., NOR THEIR REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Such statements include submission of the relevant documentation within the required timeframe and to the satisfaction of the relevant regulators, completing the acquisition of the applicable real estate and raising sufficient financing to complete the Company's business strategy. There is no certainty that any of these events will occur. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration, or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

Contacts:

Nutritional High International Inc.

David Posner

Chairman of the Board

647-985-6727

dposner@nutritionalhigh.com

www.nutritionalhigh.com



360 Aviation Services Inc.

Greg Shafransky

Investor Relations

604-671-3327

stockshaman@outlook.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- ICC International Cannabis Corporation ("ICC" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: ICC) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an Importation Agreement with ARA - Avanti Rx Analytics Inc. ("Avanti"), a licensed dealer under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) and its regulations overseen by Health Canada.

"We are pleased to enter into the Importation Agreement with Avanti with a view to working together to provide Canadians with a broader supply of cannabidiol ('CBD') oil and cannabis extract oils, and other related products from our Uruguayan operations at competitive price points," commented Guillermo Delmonte, Chief Executive Officer of ICC. "In addition, Avanti brings to the table extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of quality control, cannabis extraction, and CBD purification. The business relationship with Avanti is expected to allow ICC to leverage Avanti's dealer license and laboratory facilities in order to facilitate sales in Canada, and represents a positive next step in ICC's strategy to export to global markets where lawful."

The Importation Agreement establishes a non-exclusive contractual business relationship between ICC and Avanti where Avanti agrees to act as a Canadian importing agent for ICC for its cannabis products and distributor to customers identified by ICC from time to time. Avanti has also agreed to act as a Health Canada GMP approved contract analytical lab in Canada for ICC's CBD oil. The activities contemplated by the Importation Agreement remain subject to applicable regulatory approvals, including those from the TSX Venture Exchange, the Instituto de Regulacion y Control del Cannabis ("IRCCA"), the Uruguayan Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fishery and Health Canada.

ABOUT ICC INTERNATIONAL CANNABIS CORPORATION

The Company has operations in Uruguay, and is focused on the licensed production, development and sale of recreational cannabis, cannabinoid extracts and by-products for medicinal uses and industrial hemp. For more information, please see www.intcannabiscorp.com.

ABOUT ARA - AVANTI RX ANALYTICS INC.

Avanti specializes in the field of controlled drugs and substances particularly in the area of medicinal marihuana, hemp, cannabinoids, and marihuana based concentrated products.

Avanti offers a comprehensive menu of services ranging from analytical R&D and quality control testing, cannabis extraction under controlled environment, cannabinoids purification, cannabis infused-product formulation, packaging, and cannabis waste management by means of material denaturation, as well as the quality assurance and regulatory consulting.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including: (i) the Company's ability to obtain the requisite regulatory approvals in Canada and Uruguay, including approvals from the TSX Venture Exchange, Health Canada, the Uruguayan Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fishery and IRCCA; (ii) the Company's ability to produce the requisite cannabis products for export; (iii) the agricultural risks associated with cannabis production in Uruguay; and (iv) the ability to sell its cannabis products at competitive price points. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company.

Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.

Contacts:

ICC International Cannabis Corporation

Guillermo Delmonte

Chief Executive Officer and Director

598-2900-0000

ir@intcannabiscorp.com

www.intcannabiscorp.com




REDWOOD CITY, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Host Analytics, a leading provider of scalable, cloud-based enterprise performance management (EPM) systems, today announced that Ray Wang is the latest addition to the heavy-hitting cast of keynote presenters at Host Analytics World 2017 in Nashville on May 16-19, 2017. Founder of Constellation Research, Inc. and best-selling author, Wang joins the lineup alongside the CEO of FUBU and New York Times best-selling author, Daymond John. Wang will address business strategy and disruption at the industry's premier cloud enterprise performance management (EPM) event.

"Ray Wang is a Silicon Valley insider with a first-hand view into the changing nature of technology," said Dave Kellogg, CEO of Host Analytics. "A savvy business strategist, Ray understands real disruption doesn't rely solely on technology. I can't think of a better speaker for our attendees to get insight on how disruptive technologies and new business models, such as digital transformation, are impacting the modern finance realm."

As the Principal Analyst, Founder, and Chairman of Silicon Valley based Constellation Research, Inc., Wang works with Global 2000 companies on business strategy and disruptive technology adoption. He is the voice of the popular business strategy and technology blog, "A Software Insider's Point of View," and is the author of the best-selling book, Disrupting Digital Business, published by Harvard Business Review Press.

Wang has held executive roles in product, marketing, strategy, and consulting at companies such as Forrester Research, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Personify, and Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Host Analytics World is the premier industry event for professionals in the finance function. This year's lineup of keynote speakers also includes entrepreneur, "Shark" and CEO of FUBU, Daymond John; Dave Kellogg, CEO of Host Analytics; and as outlined on the Host Analytics World site -- customers including Swissport, Capitol Petroleum, Pinterest, LT Apparel, Colonial Pipeline, Grand Canyon University, and more. Event sponsors include Accenture, Bakerfield Solutions, Bright Point, Canopach, CFO Solutions, Cogenics, Deloitte, FP&A, Formos Consulting, RSM, and WG Consulting.

Host Analytics World 2017 brings together Host Analytics' customers and partners, as well as subject matter experts to share new ideas and strategies for leveraging technology in finance departments to help organizations drive peak performance. Customers and partners will share how they are leveraging cloud-based EPM solutions to automate the financial processes, accelerate execution, and align their organization. For more information, or to register, please visit the conference website.

About Host Analytics

Host Analytics is the industry's leading provider of scalable, cloud-based enterprise performance management (EPM) systems. Companies of all sizes, from $10 million startups to $15 billion multi-nationals, rely on Host Analytics to provide financial planning, budgeting, modeling, consolidations, and reporting. More than 600 customers use Host Analytics including Bose, Boston Red Sox, FitBit, La-Z-Boy, Mayo Clinic, NPR, OpenTable, Peet's Coffee & Tea, Pinterest, Swissport, TOMS Shoes, True Value, and Vitamin Shoppe. Host Analytics is a private company backed by leading venture capitalists and is headquartered in Silicon Valley with customers in over 90 countries.

For more information about Host Analytics, please visit www.hostanalytics.com

Read the Host Analytics blog at www.hostanalytics.com/blog

Follow Host Analytics on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/host-analytics-inc.

Become a fan of Host Analytics on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HostAnalyticsInc

MEDIA CONTACT:

Stefanie Maragna

Host Analytics

press@hostanalytics.com

650-430-3667




HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Wellness Center USA, Inc. (OTCQB: WCUI), today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, StealthCo, Inc., dba Stealth Mark, is expanding its anti-counterfeiting ActiveDuty System to provide actionable intelligence in the worlds of money laundering and human trafficking/slavery. The scope of the work is being conducted in collaboration with prominent organizations, and is classified in nature.

Human trafficking, believed to be the third-largest criminal activity in the world, is a form of human slavery, which includes forced labor, domestic servitude and commercial sex trafficking. It is a heinous crime that exploits the most vulnerable in society with reported figures of up to 27 million people, many of whom are here in the United States.

Recent government estimates show that money laundering in current US Dollars is $800 billion to $2 trillion. That's 2% to 5% of the global GDP. By its very nature, much like human trafficking, the deeper the "dirty money" gets into the international banking system, the more difficult it is to identify its origins. Because of the clandestine nature of these illicit activities, it has been difficult to estimate the total economic impact. With the new covert ActiveDuty it will be possible to be pro-active, instead of reactive, and start seeing the world through a new lens by creating strategy and an actionable global view that puts us ahead of those who conspire against us.

"When we created our ActiveDuty system, it was designed knowing that the advancement of the internet has made the selling of illicit goods online easy and very accessible. We knew we needed to build a powerful weapon to help defend against that threat," explained Lee Anne Patterson, VP of Sales and Marketing for Stealth Mark. "Some of our initial ActiveDuty reports have provided us powerful insights demonstrating that the links between counterfeiting, human trafficking and money laundering are heavily entwined. The same tools that we developed to fight the online battle of counterfeiting are providing a global understanding of the inter-workings of criminals that move in these circles. The opportunity to support the efforts of organizations and law enforcement to pursue criminals in this fashion is something that we are excited to be a part of and we believe this work will be impactful on numerous battle lines," Patterson added.

Development of the ActiveDuty platform for covert applications has already begun, with initial deployment planned to begin in the next 30 to 45 days.

Stealth Mark's ActiveDuty System is a proprietary Digital Threat Assessment Platform powered by mPathDiscovery. The platform utilizes leading-edge algorithmic human behavior modeling technology called Digital Sociology to provide actionable intelligence that will provide clients much more than just data. Rather, it will make available a comprehensive and global umbrella of strategic information regarding potential threats and illicit activity.

The ActiveDuty System resolves the problem that, at a strategic level, conventional methods for understanding the potential threat is not enough. It is essential to be aware of patterns of behavior, evaluate threat strengths and weaknesses over time, and explore key events and personas that drive the behavior of a threat. This is where a comprehensive understanding of aspects outside of the typical technical domain is essential to compliment the tactical and operational levels of cyber intelligence.

Secondly, geopolitical context, human networks, and world events can all greatly influence the development of cyber indicators. Together, these two concepts provide a strategic level, common cyber intelligence picture, and empower organizations with a more holistic understanding of the overall threat landscape.

Rick Howard, CEO of Stealth Mark, commented, "As we build resources to wage this point-counterpoint battle against counterfeiting, slavery and money laundering, whether it's our Intelligent Microparticles or our ActiveDuty System, it's important to remember that while all of this is very technical and highly sophisticated with statistical data that is valuable, at the end of the day we are talking about people's lives -- children, sons, daughters, wives that need help. It's important for humanity that we are successful."

All information regarding the organizations, the application(s), use, and methodologies, along with the Stealth Mark technology in use, shall remain confidential per request until its official deployment.

About Wellness Center USA, Inc.

Wellness Center USA, Inc. (www.wellnesscenterusa.com) is a hybrid healthcare company that combines best in class technologies, software, devices, providers, protocols, goods, and services. It was created to address important healthcare and wellness needs via breakthrough solutions, all centered around the "well-being of the body and mind". Wellness Center USA, Inc. is the parent company of three businesses reporting consolidated: Stealth Mark, National Pain Centers, and Psoria-Shield.

Safe Harbor Statement:

Certain statements and projections contained in this presentation that are not statements or financial results of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements and projections include statements regarding any proposed exchange transactions, the anticipated closing date of such transactions and future results following a closing of the transactions. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words like "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "pending", "estimate," and "intend" or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may." While it is not possible to identify all factors, risks and uncertainties that might relate to, affect or arise from the proposed transactions and plans which might cause actual results to differ materially from expected results, such factors, risks and uncertainties include delays in completing the transactions, difficulties in integrating operations following the transactions, difficulties in manufacturing and delivering products, potential market rejection of products or services, increased competitive pressures, changes in general economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes that adversely affect the business in which the parties are engaged, changes in the securities markets and other factors, risks and uncertainties disclosed from time to time in documents that the Company files with the SEC.

Contact Info:

At Wellness Center USA, Inc.

Tel: (847) 925-1885

www.wellnesscenterusa.com



Investor Relations Contact:

Arthur Douglas & Associates, Inc.

Arthur Batson

Phone: 407-478-1120

www.arthurdouglasinc.com



Stealth Mark

Corporate Office: (865) 298-5166

Oak Ridge, TN

Sales Office: (408) 769-6288

Sunnyvale, CA

www.stealthmark.com




MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- WSP Global Inc. (TSX: WSP) ("WSP" or the "Corporation") will host its annual meeting of shareholders and release its 2017 first quarter results on Wednesday, May 10, 2017.

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

The annual meeting of shareholders will be held at the Crystal Hotel, 1100 de la Montagne Street, in Montreal at 10 a.m. (Eastern Time). During the meeting, WSP will discuss its 2016 performance and its 2017 strategy and will also unveil its new brand. For those who are unable to attend in person, the Corporation will webcast the meeting live on its website at www.wsp-pb.com in the Investors section.

Information related to the annual meeting can be found at www.wsp-pb.com in the Investors Section.

FIRST QUARTER 2017 RESULTS

The Corporation will also announce its 2017 first quarter results on May 10, 2017. A conference call will be held on the same day at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss the results.

To participate in the conference call, dial 1-647-788-4922 or 1-877-223-4471 (toll-free).

A presentation of the 2017 first quarter highlights and results will be available on the same day at www.wsp-pb.com in the Investors section.

A replay of the call will be available until May 19, 2017. The telephone numbers to access the replay of the call are 1-416-621-4642 or 1-800-585-8367 (toll-free), access code 88011086. The replay of the conference call will also be available in the Investors section of the WSP website under Presentations & Events, in the days following the event.

ABOUT WSP

As one of the world's leading professional services firms, WSP provides technical expertise and strategic advice to clients in the Property & Buildings, Transportation & Infrastructure, Environment, Industry, Resources (including Mining and Oil & Gas) and Power & Energy sector. We also offer highly specialized services in project delivery and strategic consulting. Our experts include engineers, advisors, technicians, scientists, architects, planners, surveyors and environmental specialists, as well as other design, program and construction management professionals. With approximately 36,000 talented people in 500 offices across 40 countries, we are uniquely positioned to deliver successful and sustainable projects, wherever our clients need us. www.wsp-pb.com.

Contacts:

Isabelle Adjahi

Vice President

Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

WSP Global Inc.

isabelle.adjahi@wspgroup.com

Phone: 514-340-0046, ext. 5648




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- International Cobalt Corp. (CSE: CO)(CSE: CO.CN)(FRANKFURT: 42L) (the "Company" or "International Cobalt") is pleased to provide the following Corporate Update in relation to its Blackbird Creek Cobalt Project ("Blackbird Creek" or the "Project").

Dahrouge Geological Retained Ahead of Upcoming Exploration Program

The Company is pleased to announce that it has retained Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd. ("Dahrouge") to manage the upcoming exploration program at Blackbird Creek. Dahrouge is a mineral exploration, consulting, and project management group based out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with considerable experience in numerous jurisdictions and over a wide array of commodities (including cobalt, lithium and other specialty metals/minerals). Dahrouge is credited with the discovery of several notable mineral deposits in specialty metals including Upper Fir (Ta-Nb), Ashram (REE) and J-Zone (U).

International Cobalt President, Timothy Johnson, stated: "We value the wealth of knowledge and experience that Dahrouge brings to the table and feel very fortunate to have them working alongside us as we develop the Blackbird Creek Cobalt Project. Working with a strong, established geological team with a proven track record of discovery is one of the hallmarks to success in the exploration business and we believe that we have one of the best in Dahrouge."

Among the significant historic results at Blackbird Creek, a Noranda exploration program in 1979 at the Ludwig Prospect (Conicu prospect), which consisted of sampling surface exposures as well as surface sampling of a historic short exploration adit, and an eight-hole exploration drilling campaign, yielded results include drill hole CA-79-2A with 7.9 m of 0.4% cobalt and chip sampling of the exploration adit with 7.0 m of 0.71% cobalt. This historic exploration led Mr. Gregory A. Hahn, P. Geo, of Noranda (1980) to conclude that two exploration models suggest the presence of a stratabound deposit within the Blackbird Breccia Stratigraphy.

This program along with others has never been properly followed-up in a coordinated manner and with modern exploration technologies and techniques. Given the known information at the Project, the Company believes an aggressive, multi staged exploration program can rapidly develop Blackbird Creek to an advanced stage of exploration. Further information on the upcoming exploration program(s) will be made in future announcements.

Further Acquisitions Under Review

The Company is actively reviewing several potential property acquisitions within the Idaho Cobalt Belt. The Company intends to aggressively add to its land tenures to ensure it holds a dominant position within the region. The district is host to numerous historic Co, Cu, Au showings and / or workings, which attest to the mineral potential of the area.

ABOUT THE BLACKBIRD CREEK COBALT PROJECT

The 1,720-acre Blackbird Creek Cobalt Project is located adjacent to and along strike from eCobalt Solution's advanced stage Idaho Cobalt Project (ICP) as well as the former producing Blackbird Co-Cu-Au Mine. Despite cobalt mineralization having been recognized at Blackbird Creek as early as the 1940's, the area only witnessed intermittent exploration in the late 1970's. International Cobalt will be the first company to bring modern exploration techniques to the Project. The Blackbird Creek Cobalt Project contains several historical cobalt showings including the Ludwig Prospect, where surface sampling of an exploration adit returned 0.71% cobalt over 7.0 meters and a historic drill hole returned 0.4% cobalt over 7.9 meters. In addition to the historic showing several un-tested geochemical anomalies require immediate follow-up.

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed by Neil McCalum,. P.Geol., Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL COBALT CORP.

International Cobalt Corp. (CSE: CO) is a Canadian based mineral exploration and development business focusing on the burgeoning cobalt sector. The rapidly growing large battery industry, a major consumer of cobalt, makes cobalt an appealing sector of focus. The Company seeks to add shareholder value by sourcing and developing projects in safe, progressive jurisdictions adhering to strict environmental and social standards.

On behalf of:

INTERNATIONAL COBALT CORP.

Timothy Johnson, President

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future production, reserve potential, exploration and development activities and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see our public filings at www.sedar.com for further information.

Contacts:

International Cobalt Corp.

604-687-2038

604-687-3141 (FAX)

www.internationalcobalt.com




MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- goeasy Ltd. (TSX: GSY), ("goeasy" or the "Company"), a leading full-service provider of goods and alternative financial services that improve the lives of everyday Canadians, will hold a conference call with shareholders, analysts, and portfolio managers on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. A Press Release will be issued after the market closes on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.

Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Time: 11:00am EST

Dial-in (local/international toll-free): 647-427-7581 local & 1-877-499-8176 international

Passcode: 8962949 please dial in the passcode, followed by # to enter the call

Webcast: http://investors.goeasy.com/

Media are invited to listen to the call by telephone or through the webcast. For questions, media may contact David Ingram, President and CEO or Steve Goertz, CFO at 905-272-2788.

After the conference call, a recording will be available until May 17, 2017 by calling 1-855-859-2056 and entering passcode number 8962949.

goeasy Ltd. is a leading full-service provider of goods and alternative financial services that improve the lives of everyday Canadians. Today, goeasy Ltd. serves its customers through two key operating divisions, easyfinancial and easyhome. easyfinancial is a non-prime consumer lender that bridges the gap between traditional financial institutions and costly payday lenders. It is supported by a strong central credit adjudication process and industry leading risk analytics. easyfinancial also operates an indirect lending channel, offering loan products to consumers at the point-of-sale of third party merchants. easyhome is Canada's largest lease-to-own company, offering brand-name household furniture, appliances and electronics to consumers under weekly or monthly leasing agreements through both corporate and franchise stores. Both operating divisions of goeasy Ltd. offer the highest level of customer service and enable customers to transact through a national store and branch network of over 200 easyfinancial and 170 easyhome locations across Canada and through its online and mobile eCommerce enabled platforms.

goeasy Ltd. is listed on the TSX under the symbol 'GSY'. For more information, visit www.goeasy.com.

Contacts:

David Ingram

President and Chief Executive Officer

(905) 272-2788



Steve Goertz

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(905) 272-2788




MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- DiaMedica Therapeutics Inc. (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: DMA)(OTCQB: DMCAF), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of DM199 (recombinant human KLK1), is pleased to announce it has completed a non-brokered private placement with a prominent U.S. investor (the "Offering") with the issuance of 10,526,315 units (the "Units") at an issue price of USD$0.19 (CAD$0.25) per Unit for gross proceeds of approximately USD$2,000,000. The proceeds will be used by the Company to advance its research and development program, including DM199 for the treatment of neurological and kidney diseases, and for general corporate purposes.

"The U.S. based life science investor has numerous academic, national, and international awards for leadership and contributions to the biopharmaceutical industry," commented Rick Pauls, President and CEO of DiaMedica Therapeutics. "The investor's deep understanding of recombinant proteins, as well as her experience and understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, makes the investment in DiaMedica an excellent strategic combination."

Each Unit consisted of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one additional common share at an exercise price of USD$0.23 (CAD$0.31) per share until 5:00 p.m. (Central Time) on the date that is: (i) twenty-four months after the date of issuance, or (ii) if on any date (the "Accelerated Exercised Date") (a) the volume-weighted average closing trading price of the common shares on any recognized Canadian stock exchange equals or exceeds USD$0.30 for a period of 10 consecutive trading days, then, at the Company's sole discretion and upon the Company sending the holder written notice of such Accelerated Exercise Date (the "Notice") and issuing a news release announcing such Accelerated Exercise Date (the "News Release"), the day that is 21 days following the later of: (i) the date on which such Notice is sent to the holder; and (ii) the date on which the News Release is issued.

The common shares and warrants issued by the Company under the Offering are subject to restrictions on resale in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. These restrictions will expire four months and a day following the issuance of the Units. The Offering is subject to final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

About DiaMedica Therapeutics

DiaMedica Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for neurological and kidney diseases. DiaMedica's shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "DMA" and on the OTCQB under the trading symbol "DMCAF". Follow us on social media - Twitter, LinkedIn.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts contain forward-looking information that involves risk and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, which address DiaMedica's expectations, should be considered forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's exercise of business judgment as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. When used in this document, the words "may", "will", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and words of similar import, are intended to identify any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals, future plans and statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information described in detail in the DiaMedica's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, all of which are available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. DiaMedica undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update, revise or otherwise publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of any unanticipated events, unless required by law. Although management believes that expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, no assurance can be given that these expectations will materialize.

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 the contents of this press release.

Contacts:

Paul Papi

Vice President of Business Development

DiaMedica Therapeutics Inc.

(617) 899-5941

info@diamedica.com




INDIANAPOLIS, IN--(Marketwired - April 18, 2017) - Vision Investments, the exclusive importer of SONAX car care products in the United States (www.sonaxusa.com), experienced record sales in the first quarter of 2017. The US SONAX distributor was recently awarded the SONAX "Climber Award for 2016" for largest year-over-year growth of all North & South America distributors. SONAX, the German market leader in premium car care products, established in 1950, has distribution channels in over 100 countries.

March 2017 was also a record sales month for the SONAX brand in the US with impressive year over year triple digit growth. "We are elated with our continued month-over-month sales records," said Rob McCrary, Managing Director of Vision Investments, the SONAX representative in the United States. "We attribute part of our growth to the launch of SONAX CC36 Ceramic Coating which has been very well received. We are also seeing an increase in bulk product purchases. Currently we import eight products in the 200 Liter sizes with the ability to not only increase the product range but sizes up to 1000 Liters," he said.

Marketing efforts continue with SONAX being featured in four episodes of season two of Velocity Channel's "Competition Ready" (airing April 21, May 19 & 26 and June 9) hosted by AJ Janic and Mike Phillips. Other marketing efforts in 2017 include segments on Velocity's "Two Guys Garage", Bloomington Gold, as well as global sponsorship of FIA World Rallycross team Hoonigan Racing Division (drivers Ken Block and Andreas Bakkerud). SONAX will finish the year at the 2017 SEMA show in Las Vegas.

About SONAX

Through intensive research and development, SONAX constantly improves and expands its product portfolio. Since 1950, the brand has been synonymous with the highest standard and constant advancement in the car care sector. SONAX is the #1 brand in Germany and a leading brand in Europe. SONAX is an official sponsor of Hoonigan Racing Division and Ken Block. Innovation, keen feel for market demands and excellent product performance have played a major role in the success of SONAX. All SONAX products are developed and manufactured in Neuburg, Germany. For more information, visit www.sonaxusa.com.

Media Contact:

Lee Ann Davis

317-295-7056

leeann@sonaxusa.com
Greece's EETT reports over 10 million Greek resident telephone numbers have been ported successfully since 2004

iconectiv, an authoritative partner of the global communications industry connecting more than two billion people every day, along with its longtime partner Nevapark Management Consulting Services, announce the successful number portability transactions of more than 10 million fixed and mobile ported telephone numbers in Greece since 2004.

In 2003, iconectiv was selected by the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) as the mobile and fixed number portability clearinghouse in Greece after an international bid where its experience with number portability in other countries had been taken into consideration. Since then, iconectiv has been the provider of number portability for subscribers in Greece. Each year about 1 million fixed and mobile numbers are ported securely, letting consumers keep their telephone number as they transfer between carriers.

"iconectiv provides a centralized number portability clearinghouse to Greece and has been working closely with EETT and the service providers to ensure the solution consistently delivers reliable processes and protocols to facilitate and complete secure portability transactions," said Scott Puopolo, Executive Vice President, Information Solutions, iconectiv. "Greece is one of the earliest adopters and pioneers in fixed and mobile number portability and iconectiv is looking forward to providing continued support. Over 10 million numbers have been ported in Greece, signifying another milestone in iconectiv's global presence of providing number portability services globally."

iconectiv is a leading number portability provider for Tier 1 subscribers and top U.S. operators. The continuation of Greece's number portability contract and successful porting rate further illuminates iconectiv's prowess and authority in number portability worldwide. iconectiv also manages number portability in over 20 countries worldwide, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Egypt, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tunisia, Turkey, U.A.E., and the U.S.

About iconectiv

As the authoritative partner of the communications industry for more than 30 years, iconectiv's market-leading solutions enable the interconnection of networks, devices, and applications for more than two billion people every day. Working closely with private, government, and non-governmental organizations, iconectiv continues to protect and secure telecommunication infrastructures for service providers, governments, and enterprises, while providing network and operations management, numbering, registry, messaging, and fraud and identity solutions to more than 1,200 organizations globally.

A U.S.-based company, Telcordia Technologies, doing business as iconectiv, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ericsson. For more information, visit www.iconectiv.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170418005432/en/

Contacts:

iconectiv

Sharon Oddy

+1-732-699-5130 908-809-2268

soddy@iconectiv.com

or

Global Results Communications

Lora Wilson/Gabe Uribe

+1-949-608-0276

iconectiv@globalresultspr.com
Funding to advance NeuroTronik CANS Therapy to improve the treatment of Acute Heart Failure in the Hospital

Pre-clinical and clinical experience has been highly-encouraging as to the promise of the therapy

NeuroTronik Limited and NeuroTronik, Inc. today announced closing on a $23.1 million Series B Preferred Stock Financing, tranched in line with project plan milestones. The funding was led by Boston Scientific Group, plc. Other major investors include Hatteras Venture Partners, Synergy Life Science Partners, Lord Baltimore Investment Partners, Mountain Group Capital, and Sovereign's Capital. The investor group also includes other financial and industry participants.

NeuroTronik is in development and investigational clinical use of a novel medical technology approach to help physicians treat heart failure patients who come to the hospital because of their worsened symptoms. Acute Heart Failure (AHF) is the leading cause of older-adult hospitalizations in developed healthcare markets around the world. AHF is a difficult clinical and large economic challenge. NeuroTronik seeks to enhance clinical outcomes for patients, improve patient management for physicians, shorten hospital stays, and reduce the rate at which patients must return to the hospital within a few weeks of discharge.

"Physicians need better therapy tools to treat Acute Heart Failure in the hospital. With the achievement of our Series A milestones and through subsequent work, our team has demonstrated that NeuroTronik CANS Therapy holds considerable promise to be a unique and valuable tool for physicians for use in this clinical setting," said Fred McCoy, CEO and Director, NeuroTronik Limited.

NeuroTronik CANS Therapy is cardiac autonomic nerve stimulation delivered via a NeuroCatheter, placed temporarily in a vein just above the heart, in combination with a NeuroModulator, positioned bedside. The result of stimulation is enhanced cardiac output free of elevated heart rate.

"Our team has made substantial progress in the development of NeuroTronik CANS Therapy," said Steve Masson, CTO and Senior Vice President of Research and Development, NeuroTronik, Inc. "The results from our clinical work thus far are highly-encouraging as to safety, efficacy, and ease-of-use. We are now prepared for our next steps in clinical investigation."

The Series B Preferred Stock Financing is designed to resource the Company through to CE Mark approval of the NeuroTronik CANS Therapy System.

About NeuroTronik

NeuroTronik was founded in July 2012 to pursue a novel neurostimulation therapy for the enhancement of heart function in the hospital or clinic. The therapy approach was conceived through work at Synecor LLC and Interventional Autonomics Corporation. The Company achieved its Series A Preferred Stock Financing in May 2013, led by Hatteras Venture Partners. NeuroTronik leadership and development functions are focused primarily in Ireland and the United States. Early development has been performed by a team located in Durham, North Carolina at NeuroTronik, Inc., the United States subsidiary of NeuroTronik Limited.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170418005501/en/

Contacts:

Crossroads B2B Consulting (for NeuroTronik)

Kristi Lee-John, +1 919-270-8054

klee@crossroadsb2b.com


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Nearly three months after the Republican Party regained power and took control of the Congress, the public gave low job ratings to the President and even lower ratings to the Speaker of the House, a new poll shows.



Donald Trump's overall job rating stands at 39 percent, the same as it was in February, while just 29 percent approve of the way Paul Ryan is handling his job as the House Speaker, according to a national survey conducted by Pew Research Center earlier this month.



Trump's job rating today is more politically divided than other recent presidents at comparable points in their first year.



In addition, fewer than half (46 percent) are very or somewhat confident in Trump's ability to work effectively with Congress, an area that had been seen as a relative strength for him. Over this period, the share expressing confidence in Trump to avoid major scandals in his administration also has fallen eight percentage points from 44 percent to 36 percent.



The public is divided in its views of the impact of Trump's policies on terrorism. While 31 percent say Trump's policies have made the U.S. safer compared to the policies of Barack Obama's administration, 33 percent say they have made the country less safe. But more say Trump's policies have placed the U.S. in a weaker than stronger position internationally (45 percent vs. 31 percent).



The survey, conducted during April 5-11 among 1,501 adults, gave House Speaker Paul Ryan a negative job rating. 54 percent disapprove of the way Ryan is handling his job as speaker of the House. Democrats and pro-Democratic voters overwhelmingly disapprove of Ryan's job performance.



About two-thirds of the public say the Republican Party is 'mostly divided,' while just 29 percent say it is 'mostly united.'



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2.2 billion common equity investment to fund growth and sector consolidation

Largest ever dedicated equity capital commitment to European (excluding UK) run-off life insurance

Focus on buying run-off liabilities and completing reinsurance transactions to support German and European life insurers with sophisticated capital solutions

AGER Bermuda Holding Ltd. ("AGER"), the holding company of Athene Holding Ltd.'s ("Athene") German Group Companies, has received binding subscriptions for a capital raise that was conducted through a private placement of common equity securities. The offering received subscriptions representing 2.2 billion from Athene and a number of global institutional investors and is intended to support capital and reinsurance transactions in the German and European guaranteed life insurance market. The capital raised is permanent equity capital and does not include any financial leverage.

Athene will be a large minority shareholder in AGER, having committed up to 375 million in the offering. In addition, Athene expects to be a long-term strategic partner for AGER and will support its business in a number of different ways. As part of the long term partnership, Athene will be a preferred reinsurer for AGER's spread liabilities.

"We see an unprecedented need in the German and broader European market for equity capital and reinsurance solutions to support run-off portfolios and closed block reinsurance transactions, particularly those with high guarantees," said Deepak Rajan, Executive Vice President at AGER. "The closing of this capital commitment will allow us to complete transactions of significant scale across various European jurisdictions. We are delighted by the high quality nature of our investor base and believe this represents an industry solution to the issue of high cost legacy liabilities across Europe. Given the support of Athene, we believe that we are a highly credible counterparty for European insurers and provide them with the execution certainty they need."

AGER's strategy is to provide assistance to existing insurers by allowing them to free up capital, management capacities and operating resources through the sale or reinsurance of legacy portfolios or companies. AGER is a specialist in the run-off market and understands the unique needs of legacy companies and their policyholders. AGER is staffed to evaluate, structure, and complete large and complex transactions.

AGER is based in Bermuda, the second largest reinsurance market in the world. Bermuda is one of the first countries among Switzerland and Japan that has been granted full Solvency II equivalency by the European Commission. AGER's principal operating subsidiary is Athene Lebensversicherung AG ("Athene Leben"), based in Germany. Athene Leben had 5 billion in invested assets as of 31 December 2016. Athene Leben has been in run-off since 2010 and since that time has developed the experience and efficiencies critical to succeed as a run-off specialist.

Ina Kirchhof, CEO of Athene Leben, added: "We are well-positioned to seize appropriate opportunities in the German and European run-off market with our core operating principles of policyholder protection as well as high quality asset and risk management. Policyholder satisfaction remains a top priority for us as we develop our company over the long term."

The AGER offering is conditioned upon obtaining certain regulatory approvals, and other customary terms and conditions.

About AGER Bermuda Holding Ltd.

AGER, through its subsidiaries, is a specialist in the European life run-off market. The company works with insurers to monetize their legacy portfolios while expertly serving the needs of policyholders. The company's principal operational subsidiary (Athene Leben) is located in Wiesbaden, Germany and it offers management services via its subsidiary in London, United Kingdom.

About Athene Lebensversicherung AG

Athene Leben is a Germany-based insurance company specialized in the efficient management of insurance portfolios in the areas of life, annuities and retirement planning. The company's 200 employees efficiently manage and service approximately 300,000 contracts in Germany from its headquarters in Wiesbaden. Athene Leben is part of the Athene Deutschland group, which also includes Athene Pensionskasse AG, a specialist entity that offers customized retirement and survivor's pensions under the occupational pension scheme.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170418005811/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts

In U.S., UK and Bermuda:

Athene Holding Ltd.

Karen Lynn, +1 441-279-8460 or +1 515-342-3910

klynn@athene.com

or

In Germany:

Hering Schuppener

Folker Dries, +49 69 921 874 26

or

Andrea Maibaum, +49 69 921 874 26

or

Investor Relations Contact

Athene Holding Ltd. (NYSE:ATH)

Paige Hart, +1 441-279-8527 or +1 310-698-4478

phart@athene.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 18, 2017) - Pancontinental Gold Corporation (TSXV: PUC) (the "Company") is issuing this press release at the request of IIROC, the Company wishes to confirm that management is unaware of any material change in the Company's operations that would account for the recent increase in market activity.

About Pancontinental Gold Corporation

Pancontinental Gold Corporation (www.pancongold.com) is a Canadian-based mining company focused on the exploration and development of the Jefferson Gold Project in South Carolina, USA, and on acquiring additional prospective properties. The Company's shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, trading under the symbol PUC. In 2015, Pancon Gold sold its interest in its Australian rare earth element (REE) and uranium properties, formerly held through a joint venture, and retains a 1% gross overriding royalty on 100% of future production.

For further information, please contact:

Layton Croft

President and CEO

1-416-293-8437 or laytoncroft@pancongold.com

For additional information please visit our website: www.pancongold.com, and our Twitter feed: @PanconGold.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain assumptions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.
DENVER, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- American Cannabis Company, Inc. (OTCQB: AMMJ) (the "Company"), a business-to-business consulting firm and distributor of ancillary products and services to the cannabis industry, today announced it has secured its first retainer client (the "Client") in the state of Louisiana. The Client, CB Medical, LLC ("CB Medical"), is a newly formed entity that is one of the applicants for the LSU-sponsored medical marijuana program. LSU has indicated that it will select finalists for live presentations next month, and then it will determine a winner in June 2017.

CB Medical retained American Cannabis Company to assist them in designing and operating a medical marijuana program for patients in Louisiana in partnership with the Louisiana State University ("LSU") and the Louisiana State University AgCenter ("the AgCenter"). The medical marijuana program plans feature a production facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that will be custom-built to produce medical marijuana for the program, complete with an indoor cultivation center, an extraction and formulation lab, a testing lab, and an LSU research lab. The CB Medical production facility will showcase American Cannabis Company's proprietary cultivation methods in two phases: phase 1 will use the Cultivation Cube model, a self-contained growing system purposed for commercial-scale growing and speed-to-market execution; and phase 2 will apply the High Density Cultivation System, which maximizes potential profit and space utilized with its vertical racking structure.

CB Medical Chairman of the Board, Dr. Kenneth Perego, MD, adds, "We are excited to have American Cannabis Company as our long-term partner for the LSU project. We selected them as our [cannabis] consultant because we believe that they are the best at what they do in the industry. In particular, we were impressed by their proprietary cultivation methods and their past experience with projects similar to this one. This is the right group to help us produce pharmaceutical-grade medicine at our production facility."

The LSU medical marijuana program is requiring bidders to compete for one of only two medical marijuana licenses issued by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry to produce pharmaceutical-grade cannabis for patients in the state. Seven (7) companies applied for the offer and submitted SFO proposals to LSU Procurement Services, including CB Medical. Per LSU Procurement Services and Louisiana WAFB Channel 9 News, CB Medical is one of the six out of seven applicants located in the state of Louisiana. The LSU Solicitation for Offer ("SFO") was issued earlier this year and was due on March 31.

American Cannabis Company was retained to complete the required SFO for LSU's medical marijuana program in an effort to organize the first legal, commercial-level cannabis operation within the state of Louisiana. If CB Medical is awarded the offer by LSU, the Company will work with their executive team to plan, deploy, and oversee cultivation and marijuana-infused product manufacturing operations. The team expects to have medical marijuana available to Louisiana patients by the end of the year.

Terry Buffalo, CEO of American Cannabis Company, commented: "We are excited to be working with the CB Medical group, and we would be honored to partner with LSU and the LSU AgCenter as well. For this program, we have assembled a world-class team of experts that we believe are exceptionally qualified to contribute to this project. Louisiana is a unique market because of the state's mandate for oil-based products (i.e. no smoking or vaping), so we had an opportunity to create some new, custom strategies to fulfill the expected patient demand."

Earlier this week, CB Medical announced that it had partnered with American Cannabis Company in anticipation of the LSU medical marijuana production license. (http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/business/article_f88c001a-195e-11e7-af97-1b6becf5643d.html).

About American Cannabis Company, Inc.

Based in Denver, Colorado, American Cannabis Company, Inc. offers turnkey and end-to-end solutions to existing and aspiring participants in the cannabis industry. Their team of industry veterans leverages hands-on experience and knowledge to provide business planning and market assessment services, to assist with state licensing procurement, and to create business infrastructure and operational best practices. Since 2013, American Cannabis Company has worked with dozens of companies that are now thriving in the cannabis industry, many of which were awarded legal marijuana licenses in multiple states with the assistance and support of the Company. American Cannabis Company also owns a portfolio of proprietary cultivation products, including: The Satchel, Sohum Living Soils, The Cultivation Cube, and The High Density Cultivation System. The building and development of its brands and product suite is based on the Company's geoponics philosophy of "combining the art and science of agriculture in soil."

For more information, please visit:

www.americancannabisconsulting.com

www.americancannabiscompanyinc.com

www.sohumsoils.com

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" which are not purely historical and may include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities and words such as "anticipate", "seek", "intend", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "project", "plan", or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects, the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should review all the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please visit www.sec.gov.

Contact:



Steven Lico

Marketing Manager

American Cannabis Company, Inc.

IR@americancannabisconsulting.com

303-974-4770




IRVINE, CALIFORNIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Identillect Technologies Corp. (the "Company" or "Identillect") (TSX VENTURE: ID)(OTCQB: IDTLF), a trusted leading provider of SaaS email security today announced a new service collaboration with the National Association of Professional Agents ("NAPA"), providing NAPA members access to the Company's suite of compliance tools, including the Identillect Delivery Trust email encryption service. These security solutions are designed to respond to agents need to successfully ensure or improve their HIPAA compliance. The requirement to be compliant with HIPAA is critical in the prevention of a data breach and HIPAA fines.

NAPA founder, Lou Marinaccio states, "NAPA assists over 100,000 insurance agents across the U.S. with all facets of their business. We are proud to be working with Identillect's security platform to provide another benefit to our members, while increasing their level of HIPAA compliance."

"Identillect offers an array of secure, convenient and easy-to-use solutions which ensure regulatory compliance and provide the flexibility to adapt to ever-changing business needs," said Todd Sexton, Identillect CEO. "This collaboration is about assisting NAPA members in delivering best-of-breed solutions in the area of HIPAA. Due to the fact customer's only pay a flat subscription fee per user, the cost can be significantly lower than similar services. Many organizations can leverage their operating expense budget versus capital expenditures. NAPA members can also get their first 60 days free."

Delivery Trust is an email encryption solution being deployed by small businesses and enterprises at a monthly subscription fee. The multiplatform software is available for Gmail, Outlook, Microsoft 365, and web/mobile access making it a very simple solution for businesses with varying email platforms to use.

About NAPA

Since 1989, NAPA has offered access to a broad portfolio of insurance products and professional services including Errors & Omissions, Life, Health and dozens of ancillary offerings to over 100,000 NAPA Members nationwide. Many of the most prominent insurance and financial companies in the industry utilize NAPA as their voluntary benefits provider. NAPA specializes in building custom company-sponsored E&O and benefit programs tailored to meet the unique needs of a sponsoring companies' distribution force. Visit http://www.napa-benefits.org to learn more.

About Identillect

Identillect (TSX VENTURE: ID)(OTCQB: IDTLF) is a leading provider of proprietary email encryption services. Identillect's Delivery Trust email security technology platform empowers individuals and businesses of all sizes a cost effective way to create a more secure digital environment and protect against cyber security risks. Delivery Trust is the industries simplest plug and play security solution with a broad range of features including; state of the art encryption technology, restricting email forwarding and printing, receipt confirmation, limiting time available to view, and retracting sent emails. Delivery Trust is available for iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows and Mac PCs and Laptops and the web's most popular email platforms. Since commercializing the product, Identillect has quickly grown its subscriber base and is becoming recognized in the security industry as a top e-mail security provider. To get more information, visit www.identillect.com; follow us on Twitter @IdentillectTech or on Facebook @identillecttechnologies.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.

Contacts:

Identillect Technologies Corp.

Todd Sexton

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (949) 468-7878

todd.sexton@identillect.com

www.identillect.com



Investor Relations:

Arlen Hansen

Kin Communications

1-866-684-6730

id@kincommunications.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Darnley Bay Resources Limited (TSX VENTURE: DBL) ("Darnley Bay" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of an independent Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") of the 100% owned Pine Point Project ("Pine Point" or the "Project") located near Hay River, Northwest Territories.

The PEA shows a robust economic return with a relatively low capital cost compared to similar projects and an after-tax payback of only 1.8 years. The PEA was prepared under the direction of JDS Energy & Mining Inc. ("JDS"), an industry-leading, international engineering firm, with extensive experience in planning, construction and operation of mining projects in the Canadian north. The study is being summarized into a Technical Report (the "Darnley Technical Report") to be filed on SEDAR in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") within 45 days. The PEA examined several development scenarios and settled on a mining plan where a number of open pit deposits would be developed using dense media separation plants followed by traditional grinding and flotation to upgrade mineralized material into lead & zinc concentrates, similar to the methods employed by Cominco when the mine was in production in the past. The study confirms that the Project has robust economics at the assumed parameters.

Darnley Bay President and Chief Executive Officer Jamie Levy remarked that, "This Preliminary Economic Assessment supports that management's confidence in this project was well-placed when it was purchased this past December. What is also very encouraging is that there are multiple opportunities, including underground mining, to enhance the economics and extend the project life. The Company plans to initiate a feasibility study in the near future while drilling to add additional resources to the mine plan."

Darnley Bay Chief Operating Officer John Key adds, "We had faith that the project would demonstrate healthy economic potential which this very thorough study by JDS supports. Darnley Bay looks forward to working closely with the stakeholders in the South Slave region to advance Pine Point to the benefit of the region."

PEA Study Highlights - Base Case

-- Pre-Tax Net Present Value (NPV) of $340.8 million at a discount rate of 8%, and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 47.8%, with a payback period of 1.4 years; -- After-Tax Net Present Value of $210.5 million and Internal Rate of Return of 34.5%, with a payback of 1.8 years. Sensitivity analyses are included in Tables 5 and 6; -- Pre-production capital costs of $153.8 million, including a 15% contingency, with sustaining capex of $117.5 million over the life of the mine. It is assumed that sustaining capex will be entirely funded out of cash flow; -- The Pine Point project is envisioned as a series of 10 open pit deposits mined in sequence. Total mineral resources included in the PEA mine plan are 25.8 million tonnes of measured and indicated resources grading 2.94% zinc and 1.12% lead, and an additional 3.7 million tonnes of inferred resources grading 2.90% zinc and 0.77% lead; -- A 13-year mine life with total life-of-mine production of 1.35 billion pounds of zinc and 536 million pounds of lead. Total shipments of 1.23 million tonnes (dry) of zinc concentrate grading 58.9% zinc, and 394,000 tonnes (dry) of lead concentrate grading 65% lead. Net of by-products, the average cash cost to produce zinc is US$0.60 per pound; -- The assessment estimates net smelter return over the life of the mine at $2,020 million, with gross pre-tax income of $908 million (Table 8); -- Total on-site operating costs of $37.64 per tonne processed, and total transport and refining costs of $23.07 per tonne material mined and processed; and -- A LOM average manpower of 321 persons including staff and contractors at full production.

Table 1: Summary of Economic Results

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parameter Unit Value ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-Tax NPV @ 8% C$M 340.8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-Tax IRR % 47.8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-Tax Payback Years 1.4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- After-Tax NPV @ 8% C$M 210.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- After-Tax IRR % 34.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- After-Tax Payback Years 1.8 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 2: Sensitivity Analysis: Pre-Tax NPV @ 8% (C$M)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parameter -20% -10% Base +10% +20% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Price 29 185 341 496 652 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAD:US FX 730 514 341 199 81 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mill Feed Grade 100 220 341 461 582 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recovery 7 181 341 497 652 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPEX 469 405 341 276 212 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAPEX 385 363 341 319 297 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 3: Sensitivity Analysis: Pre-Tax IRR (%)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parameter -20% -10% Base +10% +20% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Price 13% 32% 48% 62% 75% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAD:US FX 81% 63% 48% 34% 20% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mill Feed Grade 22% 36% 48% 59% 69% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recovery 9% 32% 48% 62% 75% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPEX 59% 53% 48% 42% 36% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAPEX 62% 54% 48% 42% 38% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 4: Sensitivity Analysis: Discount Rate

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discount Rate 0% 5% 8% 10% 12% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-Tax NPV (C$M) 637 428 341 294 254 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 5: Sensitivity Analysis: After-Tax NPV @ 8% (C$M)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parameter -20% -10% Base +10% +20% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Price 6 111 211 310 410 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAD:US FX 459 321 211 120 41 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mill Feed Grade 54 133 211 287 364 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recovery -11 108 211 210 410 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPEX 294 252 211 169 127 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAPEX 254 233 211 189 167 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 6: Sensitivity Analysis: After-Tax IRR (%)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parameter -20% -10% Base +10% +20% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Price 9% 23% 35% 45% 55% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAD:US FX 60% 46% 35% 24% 14% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mill Feed Grade 16% 26% 35% 43% 51% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recovery 6% 23% 35% 45% 55% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPEX 43% 39% 35% 30% 25% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAPEX 47% 40% 35% 30% 26% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 7: Sensitivity Analysis: Discount Rate

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discount Rate 0% 5% 8% 10% 12% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post-Tax NPV (C$M) 423 273 211 177 149 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 8: Pre-Tax and After-Tax Cash Flows

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parameter Unit Value ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue (net of treatment charges and transportation) C$M 2,020.8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating Costs C$M 1,112.1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital Costs C$M 271.3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-Tax Cash Flow C$M 637.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income Taxes C$M 214.3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- After-Tax Cash Flow C$M 423.2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: All dollar amounts other than metal prices are quoted in Canadian dollars ("$"). The study assumes a zinc price US$1.10 per pound and a lead price of US$1.00 per pound, and a US$-C$ exchange rate of $0.75-$1.00.

PEA DETAILS

Mineral Resources

Table 9: Summary of Open Pit Resources

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pit Measured & Indicated Inferred ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Feed Pb Zn Pb Zn Feed Pb Zn Pb Zn (kt) (%) (%) (M Lb) (M Lb) (kt) (%) (%) (M Lb) (M Lb) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- J68 304 2.25 4.90 15 33 - - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- HZ 1,549 2.76 3.58 94 122 - - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- W85 3,983 1.98 3.46 174 304 - - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- X65 5,430 0.80 2.41 95 288 56 0.00 3.67 0 5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- O533 81 0.91 2.90 2 5 121 0.83 2.79 2 7 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- N204 10,005 0.80 2.98 177 657 3,527 0.78 2.89 61 224 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- M67 1,365 0.84 3.55 25 107 - - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- K68 1,193 0.81 2.77 21 73 - - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- L65 1,578 0.70 1.95 25 68 - - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- M6263 352 1.42 2.13 11 16 - - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 25,841 1.12 2.94 640 1674 3,703 0.77 2.90 63 236 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes to Table:

1. The effective date for the open pit mineral Resource is March 27, 2017. 2. Mineral Resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. 3. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Resources as an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource category.

The Pine Point Project, located 65 kilometres east of Hay River, N.W.T., was purchased in late December 2016 by Darnley Bay. It was operated as a successful zinc mine for several decades by Cominco Ltd., producing from 49 separate open pit and two underground mines lying along a 35-kilometre trend. Approximately 64 million tonnes of ore at a grade of 7.1% zinc and 3.1% lead were mined between 1964 and 1987. Previous drilling on the property totals approximately 1.3 million metres in 18,422 holes by previous operators.

The PEA envisions the use of conventional open pit mining and processing methods. Mining rates will range from 4,000 to 6,800 tonnes per day of mineralized material for processing over the life of the mine using a fleet of 90-tonne trucks, 8.0 m3 shovels and 8.0 m3 front end loaders.

Mineral processing will include a combination of portable and fixed crushers and dense media separation plants located near each deposit which will concentrate the mineralized material from the initial head grades of 2.93% and 1.08% lead-zinc, and a pre-concentrate will then be trucked to a central 1,800 tonne-per-day milling facility where it will be subject to standard grinding and flotation methods to produce a final concentrate. The concentrate will then be trucked to the Hay River railway facility approximately 65 km west, from which it will be shipped to markets.

JDS engaged Knight Piesold Ltd. (KP) to develop tailings and water management plans for the Project. Tailings will be conveyed from the centralized milling facility and deposited within historic and new open pits. There will be no need to construct a new on-surface tailings facility. Dewatering of the open pits was an important component of the historic mining at Pine Point. The substantial historic site-specific data set related to pit dewatering and pumping tests provided a unique opportunity to calibrate an appropriate pit dewatering and management system for the Project, such that inflow estimates are based on past site experience rather than models. The Project includes $19.7 million in pre-production and sustaining capital costs for water management equipment, and an additional $32.2 million over the life of the project in operating costs directly related to dewatering.

Currently, the company is working with local First Nations groups to identify opportunities of local employment and business opportunities.

The next steps for the project include the launch of a feasibility study and the initiation of permitting. Provided the feasibility study supports the results of the PEA, and subject to financing and permitting, construction of a mine at Pine Point would be expected to take 12-18 months.

Opportunities for Enhancement of the Project

The Company believes there are several potential opportunities to further improve the economics of the Pine Point Project through:

-- The addition of underground resources into the mine plan. Pine Point has two significant underground deposits, R190 and X25, that have potential to contribute higher grade feed to the process plant. Further evaluation of these deposits is planned during the Feasibility Study, planned to commence in H2 2017. Resources at these two deposits include: -- R190: 1.0 Mt (Measured & Indicated) grading 5.28% Pb and 10.98% Zn -- X25: 2.1 Mt (Indicated) grading 2.32% Pb and 6.73% Zn -- Conversion of historical resources into Measured and Indicated Resources, through confirmation drilling. Historically there are 46 undeveloped deposits on the Pine Point Project and of these, 10 are included in the PEA. Darnley Bay intends to evaluate the remaining deposits and, where considered appropriate, initiate confirmation drilling programs in an effort to add additional deposits to the mine plan prior to the feasibility study. -- Explore for additional deposits. Although more than 100 distinct deposits have been outlined historically in the Pine Point area, there are several portions of the mineralized trends that remain under- explored and Darnley Bay intends to begin exploring this spring to identify additional deposits. -- Additional metallurgical testing planned for 2017 could increase either recoveries, concentrate grades, or both. -- Additional surface and groundwater studies to determine ways to lower the costs of water handling. -- The PEA envisages the use of electric power sourced from a combination of local grid power and natural gas generators on the property. The Company intends to initiate a dialogue with the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to discuss the potential of obtaining more or all of Pine Point's power needs from the grid through upgrades to the Taltson River hydroelectric dam, which would reduce capital and operating costs significantly.

Cautionary Statement

Readers are cautioned that the Pine Point 2017 PEA is preliminary in nature and includes the use of 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. There is no certainty that the PEA will be realised. There is no certainty that the Inferred Resources will be converted to the Indicated or Measured categories, or that the potential Measured or Indicated Resources would be converted to the Proven or Probable Mineral Reserve categories. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

The estimates of Mineral Resources in the PEA and the Mineral Resource statement may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. The Pine Point 2017 PEA recommends that the Project be advanced to a Feasibility level study in order to increase confidence in the estimates.

Darnley will be filing a National Instrument (NI) 43-101 Technical Report on the Pine Point PEA within 45 days of this news release.

Conference Call Details

PEA Study Conference Call

A conference call will be held on April 19, 2016 at 4:15pm EST to discuss the PEA Study.

Dial-In Number: 647-478-7145

Code: 437077

Qualified Persons

The Pine Point 2017 PEA was prepared by JDS and is based on a Mineral Resource estimate for the Pine Point Project published as a NI 43-101 Technical Report with an effective date of March 4, 2017. JDS has a long and successful track record of delivering high-quality technical engineering and economic studies for a wide range of mineral resource companies, both in Canada and internationally. JDS is a specialized, private mineral engineering, consulting and construction company focused on adding value to mineral projects with fit-for-purpose designs and exceptional execution. The JDS team has a long history of northern Canadian and diamond experience including the construction of the Gahcho Kue diamond mine and the Silvertip silver and base-metals mine.

The following Qualified Persons have participated in the development of the PEA, or are responsible for specific inputs into the PEA.

-- Garett Macdonald, P.Eng. - JDS Energy & Mining -- Dino Pilotto, P.Eng. - JDS Energy & Mining -- Kelly McLeod, P.Eng. - JDS Energy & Mining -- Ken Embree, P.Eng. - Knight Piesold -- Albert Daniel Siega, P.Eng. -- Paul Gann, P.Geo.

Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future production, reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that Darnley Bay expects are forward-looking statements. Although Darnley Bay believes the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. These include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Darnley Bay, investors should review registered filings at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Darnley Bay Resources Limited

Jamie Levy

President and Chief Executive Officer

(416) 567-2440

jlevy@darnleybay.com

www.darnleybay.com



Renmark Financial Communications Inc.

Steve Hosein

(416) 644-2020 or (514) 939-3989

shosein@renmarkfinancial.com

www.renmarkfinancial.com




LAS VEGAS, NV -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- South American Gold Corp (OTC PINK: SAGD) is announcing that it has taken control of cNation, a cannabis focused social outlet.

cNation Channel (www.cNation.com) is a social media outlet focused on delivering accurate news and timely information to those interested in cannabis issues. The core audience of the cNation Channel is the open-minded individual who isn't necessarily familiar with the overall direction and developments of the cannabis culture. cNation has been spreading cannabis related information and news through the Internet since 2014.

The decision to come to an agreement to merge cNation into SAGD comes from the results of cNation's ability to expose SAGD products to the cannabis community. SAGD and cNation have been in a working relationship over the past 30 days focused on informing the cannabis public about SAGD's upcoming PotCircles social media network. Through this relationship cNation has been successful in generating public interest in SAGD's products. As an example of cNation's outreach, just one ad by cNation regarding WeedFeed.live generated 28,499 public views creating 1,531 direct link clicks to WeedFeed.live. cNation's use of its Facebook outlet helped create the direct link from Facebook to WeedFeed.live of 2,626 unique visitors. WeedFeed.live has received over 13,200 hits since the announcement of its launch on the 12th of April. SAGD believes, as this interest continues, WeedFeed.live can continue to increase its response in its first 30 days, creating a well-qualified basis for its advertising media package.

"The philosophy of the cNation channel is to create a network of information that speaks directly to people looking for interesting ideas and unique ways to participate in the growing cannabis industry," said Julie Peterson of cNation.

SAGD President, David Reeves, stated, "cNation has been a vital part in the successful exposure of SAGD's products to the public. With the combination of cNation's outreach and SAGD's social division, we can grow the public interest in both cNation and SAGD's other social products. As we grow in the marketplace we look to grow cNation as a standalone web based video channel product dedicated to the cannabis industry."

cNation Channel shall immediately be rebranded dropping "Channel" and becoming just "cNation".

SAGD's use of social networks and cNation's exposure of SAGD's products have generated over 225,000 impressions, thousand plus likes, and increased the database of reserved and locked usernames for PotCircles. PotCircles' free t-shirt giveaway, which ran from Friday the 14th through Sunday the 16th, resulted in 25,679 impressions. The recent Facebook campaigns run by cNation for SAGD products have reached 65,885 people on Facebook.

SAGD President, David Reeves, added, "We are working diligently on the Beta product of PotCircles and look forward to submitting it to Google Play and the App Store in the near future."

In recent news:

SAGD announced the launch of the stage 1 format of WeedFeed.live, an online site which provides up to date news on cannabis and marijuana laws, business activities, and research. The site also tracks the exposure of hashtags for cannabis and marijuana, posts fun videos, and provides links to get involved in the marijuana legalization movement.

SAGD announced the formation of its subsidiary "Arkansas Medical Cannabis, Inc.", a company designed to apply for a cultivation license in the state of Arkansas.

About SAGD: South American Gold Corp is a publicly traded company on the OTC under the symbol SAGD, focused on the cannabis industry and lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This release contains forward-looking statements that are based on beliefs of South American Gold Corp. management and reflect South American Gold Corp.'s current expectations as contemplated under section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When we use in this release the words "estimate," "project," "looks," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "plan," "predict," "may," "should," "will," "can," the negative of these words, or such other variations thereon, or comparable terminology, are all intended to identify forward looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of South America Gold Corp. with respect to future events based on currently available information and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties pertaining to development of mining properties, changes in economic conditions and other risks, uncertainties and factors, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievement expressed or implied by such forward looking statements to differ materially from the forward looking statements. The information contained in this press release is historical in nature, has not been updated, and is current only to the date shown in this press release. This information may no longer be accurate and therefore you should not rely on the information contained in this press release. To the extent permitted by law, South American Gold Corp. and its employees, agents and consultants exclude all liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of, or reliance on, any such information, whether or not caused by any negligent act or omission. This press release may incorporate by reference the Company's reports and other filings. Investors are encouraged to review all filings. There is no assurance South American Gold Corp. will identify projects of merit or if it will have sufficient financing to implement its business plan. There is no assurance that the Company's due diligence on the potential projects and/or acquisitions will be favorable nor that definitive terms can be negotiated. Investors should consult their financial advisor before making an investment in a company.

South American Gold Corp

Corporate Website: www.sagdcorp.co

Media contact: info@sagdcorp.co

General contact: info@sagdcorp.co




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Quadron Capital Corporation (the "Company" or "Quadron") (CSE: QCC)(CSE: QCC.CN) welcomes the federal government's introduction of a regulatory framework to legalize the adult use of cannabis.

When implemented, an adult in Canada will be allowed to legally engage in the activity of purchasing fresh or dried cannabis, cannabis oils, plants and seeds for cultivation from either a provincially or territorially regulated retailer, or where this option is not available, directly from a federally licensed producer.

CEO of Quadron, Rosy Mondin commented, "We are pleased to see that the proposed legislation provides the creation of a viable inclusive industry through a licensing framework, one which is flexible to allow for a diversity of participants. These are exciting times, and the tabling of this draft legislation is a momentous step forward as Canada takes a global leadership role in cannabis law and policy."

Ms. Mondin, through her work as the Executive Director of the Cannabis Trade Alliance of Canada (CTAC), has been actively advocating for the inclusion of small to medium producers and processors, nursery production, wholesaling & independent retailers in the legalized framework. Ms. Mondin, in her role with CTAC, was invited to participate in the roundtable discussion with the Federal Legalization Task Force, and is proud to have CTAC cited in the Federal Task Force report at pages 97 & 99. This Task Force report, published in December 2016, provided the basis for many of the provisions reflected in the proposed Cannabis Act.

According to a Mackie Research Capital Corporation report, which assumes full legalization (medical and recreational), the growth of cannabis oil consumption in Canada is expected to grow from 284L(i) in 2015 to 562,613L by 2020 (198,000% growth) versus dried marijuana consumption of 6,388 Kg in 2015 to 110,034 Kg in 2020 (1,600% growth).

Quadron, being a leader of innovation, fabrication and automation of cannabis extraction and processing equipment and technology, is well positioned to capture this growing mega trend of consumer preference shifting from dried cannabis to extracted cannabis products.

(i) Equivalent amount (kg) of dried marijuana (Equivalent factor: 6.4ml/g)

About Quadron: Quadron, through its subsidiaries, provides a variety of products and services structured to address the complex needs and requirements of cannabis industry participants in Canada and the US. Quadron's principal focus is on the design and production of automated cannabis extraction and processing equipment, which it leases and/or sells to industry participants. In addition, the Company distributes ancillary products, such as customized dispensing devices (i.e. vaporizer pens) and branded consumption type products (i.e. capsules) along with a variety of packaging options to authorized cannabis industry participants (via Greenmantle). Quadron's subsidiary Cybernetic specializes in providing equipment automation services, control solutions and process manufacturing expertise to a variety of industry sectors.

For more information, visit: www.quadroncapital.ca.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of QUADRON CAPITAL CORPORATION

Rosy Mondin, CEO

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

Quadron Capital Corporation

Rosy Mondin

CEO

(604) 346-8118

rosy@quadroncapital.ca

www.quadroncapital.ca



Investor Relations Contact:

KIN Communications Inc.

Caleb Jeffries

VP, Investor Relations

1-866-684-6730

QCC@kincommunications.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Augusta Industries Inc. (the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE: AAO) is pleased to announce that it has released its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Corporation had record revenues of $4,596,000, an increase of $2,478,000 or 117% as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.

"We are pleased with the record sales and the financial results for 2016," said Allen Lone, President of the Corporation. "The results are an indication of the success that the Corporation has had in 2016 and are a true reflection of the Corporation's efforts to increase its sales, decrease costs and focus on a growing market."

Other highlights:

-- Net income before tax for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $6,000 as compared to a loss of $925,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015, an improvement of $931,000. -- Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $1,026,000 (22%) an increase of $484,000 or approximately 89% as compared to $542,000 (26%) for the year ended December 31st2015. -- The Corporation's operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $1,019,000, a reduction of $225,000 or 17% as compared to $1,244,000 for the same period in 2015.

Consolidated Financial Highlights

Years ended December 31, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2016 2015 $'000s $'000s ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales $ 4,596 $ 2,118 Cost of sales (3,570) (1,576) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit 1,026 542 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expenses Research and development (155) (199) Selling (34) (48) General and administrative (830) (997) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total expenses (1,019) (1,244) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income (loss) before the undernoted 7 (702) Finance costs (18) (80) Loss on sale of investments - (133) Unrealized gain on investments - 90 Foreign exchange gain (loss) 17 (100) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss) for the year before tax $ 6 $ (925) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The financial statements, notes to the financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2016 are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

About the Corporation:

Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Marcon International Inc. ("Marcon") and Fox-Tek Canada Inc. ("Fox- Tek"), the Corporation provides a variety of services and products to a number of clients.

Marcon is an industrial supply contractor servicing the energy sector and a number of US Government entities. Marcon's principal business is the sale and distribution of industrial parts and equipment (Electrical, mechanical and Instrumentation.) In addition to departments and agencies of the U.S. Government, Marcon's major clients include Saudi Arabia-Sabic Services (Refining and Petrochemical), Bahrain National Gas Co, Bahrain Petroleum, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Gas, Qatar Petrochemical, Gulf of Suez Petroleum, Agiba Petroleum and Burullus Gas Co.

Fox Tek develops non-intrusive asset health monitoring sensor systems for the oil and gas market to help operators track the thinning of pipelines and refinery vessels due to corrosion/erosion, strain due to bended/buckling and process pressure and temperature. The Corporation's FT fiber optic sensor and corrosion monitoring systems allow cost-effective, 24/7 remote monitoring capabilities to improve scheduled maintenance operations, avoid unnecessary shutdowns, and prevent accidents and leaks.

The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions, uncertainties and management's best estimates of future events. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements are detailed from time to time in the Corporation's periodic reports filed with the Ontario Securities Commission and other regulatory authorities. The Corporation has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

Augusta Industries Inc.

Allen Lone

President, CEO

(905) 275 -8111 Ext 226

atlone@fox-tek.com




WILTON, CT -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Cadenza Innovation, a pioneering provider of energy storage solutions based on disruptive architectures for lithium-ion battery packs, today announced that Founder and CEO Dr. Christina Lampe-Onnerud will speak at the 2017 Angel Capital Association Summit. The world's premier professional development event for angel investors, the ACA Summit will be held April 26-28 at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis.

A collective of more than 13,000 accredited angel investors, the ACA is the largest angel professional development organization in the world. Its annual ACA Summit brings together 700-plus investors and professionals in the startup ecosystem to share best practices in angel investing; discuss the latest data and trends in startup investing in tech and life sciences; and listen to presentations from thought-leading investors and entrepreneurs.

At the ACA Summit, on Thursday, April 27, from 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. PDT, Dr. Lampe-Onnerud will participate in the panel "Structured Exit - How to Structure Angel Investments to Ensure Returns, Independent of the Company's Exit." The session will be moderated by Gwen Edwards, one of Golden Seed's leaders in San Francisco/Silicon Valley; the firm is one of the world's largest investor groups focused on supporting women entrepreneurs. Also featuring BJ Lackland, CEO of Lighter Capital, and Ian Sobieski, Chairman of Band of Angels, the panel will explore the best practices in structured exits to enable angel investors to achieve the greatest return on their investments while reducing their risks. In her remarks, Dr. Lampe-Onnerud will discuss a new investing model she developed to bring Cadenza Innovation to market -- one that's proving especially compelling to seed and angel investors -- that enables entrepreneurs and investors alike to achieve longer-term financial and business objectives.

"With seed and angel investment reaching $6.6 billion in the U.S. alone last year, it's clear that angels are an integral part of the entrepreneur-investor ecosystem," said Dr. Lampe-Onnerud. "Notably, there's emerging interest from angels to back startups that are addressing large, global market opportunities and are capable of delivering compelling returns over a number of years. Cadenza Innovation is an example of that trend, and I'm excited to participate at the ACA Summit to share our story."

"Golden Seeds focuses on identifying high potential startups with additional focus on women-led businesses," said Peggy Wallace, a Managing Partner of Golden Seeds and its Funds. "Cadenza Innovation is emblematic of exactly that type of early stage, high-growth potential business. We're excited to be lead investors in the company and look forward to continued collaboration with Dr. Lampe-Onnerud to ensure success for Cadenza and its investors alike."

Cadenza Innovation is bringing to market a safe, low cost and high-performance technology platform for licensing to lithium-ion battery manufacturers worldwide. Securing more than $7 million in oversubscribed Series A funding, the company is backed by marquee investors that include Golden Seeds, Connecticut Innovations, Scale Investors, Summit Power Group Co-chairman Eric Redman, and entrepreneur, philanthropist and investor Mark Torrance, along with prominent angels from Asia, Europe and North America. Additionally, the company has earned funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) and the state of New York. Cadenza Innovation's first target markets are transportation and residential/grid energy storage.

In addition to founding Cadenza Innovation, Dr. Lampe-Onnerud is among the world's foremost authorities on battery chemistry and design, and a 20-year battery industry expert. She is a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer; has shared insights into energy storage and climate change at Davos and for various United Nations groups; is an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Hall of Fame winner and MIT Technology Review Young Innovator award recipient; and has earned multiple distinctions for her commitment to environmental sustainability. Earlier in her career, Dr. Lampe-Onnerud founded Boston-Power, which today is based in China.

A prolific speaker, Dr. Lampe-Onnerud will also participate on the Future of Clean Transportation Technology panel at Columbia University on Thursday, April 20, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. EDT. Part of the Center on Global Energy Policy's Women in Energy program, the session will feature Dr. Lampe-Onnerud and experts from Columbia University, MIT and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) discussing the future of clean transportation technology and innovation. Topics will include smart mobility, electric vehicles (EVs) and battery technologies from the technological maturity, market readiness and policy outlook perspectives. Last month, Dr. Lampe-Onnerud keynoted the 34th annual International Battery Seminar and Exhibit, among the most respected industry gatherings showcasing the state-of-the-art in energy storage technology developments for consumer, automotive, military and industrial applications.

About Cadenza Innovation

Cadenza Innovation was founded in 2012 by Dr. Christina Lampe-Onnerud, one of the pre-eminent battery experts in the world. With corporate headquarters in Wilton, Connecticut, the company's mission is to deploy its intellectual property, field-proven operational and mass production expertise along with its key technology partners to build Cadenza Innovation into a global technology leader in energy density, lowest cost and safety. Driven by an unmatched team of industry experts, a number of whom held key leadership roles at lithium-ion battery cell, pack and system provider Boston-Power and Arthur D. Little, Cadenza Innovation is licensing its technology to allow immediate access to its highly simplified design for large lithium-ion energy storage systems. For more information, visit www.cadenzainnovation.com.

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3129743



Contact:

Liza Vilnits

CHEN PR for Cadenza Innovation

Email Contact

781.672.3141




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Copper Lake Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: CPL)(FRANKFURT: W0I) ("Copper Lake" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has signed an agreement with Rainy Mountain Royalty Corp. ('RMO') to acquire all of the camp assets owned by RMO at the Marshall Lake property. Copper Lake and RMO have also agreed to extend the option agreement for a further 12 months, to July 15, 2018. As consideration for the purchase of the camp assets and the one-year extension of the option agreement, Copper Lake will issue a total of 600,000 shares to RMO.

Terry MacDonald, Interim CEO stated "The purchase of the Marshall Lake camp assets now gives Copper Lake full operational control over the property, and will allow us to upgrade the camp in preparation for the planned summer drilling program. The extension of the option agreement gives us added flexibility in completing the terms of the option agreement to increase our interest to 75%."

The agreement is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Copper Lake Resources

Copper Lake Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded Canadian company currently focused on advancing two significant properties located in Ontario, Canada:

1. The Marshall Lake VMS copper, zinc, silver and gold property is an advanced exploration stage property located 120 km north of Geraldton, Ontario via good all weather gravel road from the Trans-Canada Highway and just 22 km north of the main CNR rail line. Copper Lake currently has a 68.75% interest in the property and has the option to increase its interest to 75% by incurring additional expenditures of $670,000 by July 15, 2018. The Company can further increase its interest to 87.5% by taking the project to bankable feasibility stage. 2. The Norton Lake nickel, copper, PGM property (69.79%) is located approximately 100 km north of the Marshall Lake property.

The Company also recently entered into a mineral property option agreement to acquire up to 100% of four separate properties in Ontario made up of seven claims. The properties are situated in the Kenora and Patricia mining divisions in Northwestern Ontario and are known as the Queen Alexandria Gold Property, the Mine Lake Gold Property, the Grand Chibougamau Gold Property and the Centrefire-Redhat Gold-Copper Property.

On behalf of Copper Lake Resources Ltd.

Terrence MacDonald, Director and Interim CEO

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed this news release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address such matters as future exploration, drilling, exploration activities, potential mineralization and resources and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward looking statements and, as such, are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors of which are beyond the reasonable control of the Company. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include such matters as market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Any forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and subject to change after that date.

Contacts:

Copper Lake Resources Ltd.

Terrence MacDonald

Director and Interim CEO

778-867-9533




MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd (TSX: OR)(NYSE: OR) is pleased to report that Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. ("BGM"), one of Osisko Gold Royalties' accelerator model investments, has announced a new discovery from their ongoing 130,000 metre Phase II Island Mountain and Valley Zone exploration drilling program at the Company's Cariboo Gold Project (see BGM press release dated April 17, 2017).

Osisko Gold Royalties owns 116,372,506 common shares of BGM (35.2%) with a fair value of approximately $136.2 million as at April 17, 2017, exceeding its acquired cash price by approximately $87.0 million. Osisko Gold Royalties also owns a 2.25% NSR royalty over the BGM land package and holds a right of first refusal relating to any gold stream offer received by BGM with respect to the Cariboo gold project.

Sean Roosen, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, commenting on BGM's discovery news noted: "We would like to congratulate the BGM team on the new discovery at Cariboo and their excellent drill results. The success at BGM is an example of the strength of our unique accelerator model and the leverage it provides to Osisko Gold Royalties shareholders. Osisko Gold Royalties has developed one of the best growth portfolios of the royalty sector through its accelerator model. We look forward to continuing success at BGM and helping all of our partners further de-risk their projects while creating value for our shareholders."

BGM (TSX VENTURE: BGM)

BGM is focused on exploring and developing an extensive land package in the historical Cariboo Mining District of Central British Columbia. BGM is currently executing a 130,000 meter exploration drilling program and reports that the company has received all permits to initiate production from its Bonanza Ledge underground project at an initial rate of 150,000 tonnes per year.

Additional information on BGM can be obtained on their corporate website www.barkervillegold.com and on SEDAR.

About Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd

Osisko is an intermediate precious metal royalty and stream company focused on the Americas that commenced activities in June 2014. It holds over 50 royalties and streams, including a 5% NSR royalty on the Canadian Malartic Mine (Canada), a 2.0% to 3.5% NSR royalty on the Eleonore Mine (Canada) and a silver stream on the Gibraltar Mine (Canada). It maintains a strong financial position and has distributed $30.8 million in dividends to its shareholders during the past nine consecutive quarters. Osisko also owns a portfolio of publicly held resource companies, including a 14.8% interest in Osisko Mining Inc., 13.3% in Falco Resources Ltd., and 35.2% interest in Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd.

Osisko's head office is located at 1100 avenue des Canadiens-de-Montreal, Suite 300, Montreal, Quebec, H3B 2S2.

Qualified Person

Mr. Paul Archer is the qualified person for this release as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has reviewed and verified the technical information contained herein. Mr. Paul Archer is an employee of Osisko Gold Royalties and is non-independent.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may be deemed "forward looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian Securities Laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, the "forward-looking statements"). All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, that address future events, developments or performance that Osisko expects to occur including management's expectations regarding Osisko's growth, results of operations, estimated future revenues, requirements for additional capital, mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, production estimates, production costs and revenue, future demand for and prices of commodities, business prospects and opportunities are forward-looking statements. In addition, statements (including data in tables) relating to mineral reserves and mineral resources and gold equivalent ounces are forward-looking statements, as they involve implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, and no assurance can be given that the estimates will be realized.

Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "scheduled" and similar expressions or variations (including negative variations), or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur including, without limitation, the benefits deriving from its investments in BGM, the successful results for BGM's drilling program, including the fact that any discovery may become economic and the timely production of the Bonanza Ledge deposit in accordance with the amended mining permits. Although Osisko believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors and are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may accordingly differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, without limitation: fluctuations in the prices of the commodities that drive royalties or other interests held by Osisko; risks related to the operators of the properties in which Osisko holds a royalty or other interest; development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any of the properties in which Osisko holds a royalty or other interest; risks and hazards associated with the business of exploring, development and mining on any of the properties in which Osisko holds a royalty or other interest. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: the ongoing operation by the operators of the properties in which Osisko holds a royalty or other interest by the operators of such properties in a manner consistent with past practice; the accuracy of public statements and disclosures made by the operators of such underlying properties; the absence of material adverse change in the market price of the commodities that underlie the asset portfolio; the accuracy of publicly disclosed expectations for the development of underlying properties that are not yet in production; and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Certain of the information contained in this press release relating to the investee corporations is based on and derived from publicly available information of the investee corporations. The forward-looking statements issued from these investee corporations reproduced in this press release are subject to change after the date of this press release. Osisko has relied upon this information without having made independent inquiries as to the accuracy or completeness thereof; however, Osisko has no reason to believe such information is misleading or inaccurate.

For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements made in this press release, see Osisko's annual and/or quarterly management discussion and analysis and other of its public disclosure documents filed with the Canadian securities commissions and available electronically under Osisko's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements set forth herein reflects Osisko's expectations as at the date of this press release and is subject to change after such date. Osisko disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Contacts:

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd

Vincent Metcalfe

Vice President, Investor Relations

Tel. (514) 940-0670

vmetcalfe@osiskogr.com



Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd

Joseph de la Plante

Vice President, Corporate Development

Tel. (514) 940-0670

jdelaplante@osiskogr.com




TORONTO, April 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mandalay Resources Corporation ("Mandalay" or the "Company") (TSX:MND) is pleased to announce that its 2016 Annual Report is now available online at www.mandalayresources.com/reports/mandalay-financials-2016. The Annual Report, published as an online content centre, highlights the Company's financial and operational results in 2016 and its strategy going forward. It includes a video message from the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Sander. The Company is also pleased to announce that an online content centre for the Company's corporate responsibility initiatives is also available. Mandalay's Living our Values content centre provides comprehensive information on Mandalay's values-based approach to decision making, and the success factors that guide its activities. The Living our Values report can be accessed here: http://www.mandalayresources.com/living-our-values/. About Mandalay Resources Corporation: Mandalay Resources is a Canadian-based natural resource company with producing assets in Australia, Sweden and producing and exploration projects in Chile. The Company is focused on executing a roll-up strategy, creating critical mass by aggregating advanced or in-production gold, copper, silver and antimony projects in Australia, the Americas and Europe to generate near-term cash flow and shareholder value. For Further Information: Mark Sander President and Chief Executive Officer Greg DiTomaso Director of Investor Relations Contact: 647.260.1566

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.


BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The pound advanced against its key counterparts in the European session on Tuesday, trimming its early losses, as the U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May called for an early election in June amid divisions in the Westminister regarding the Brexit negotiations.



In a surprise statement, the Prime Minister announced plans for a general election to be held on June 8, with an aim to remove the uncertainty in the Brexit negotiations with the European Union.



May conceded that the opposition parties are opposing the government's Brexit plans, adding that it risks 'our ability to make a success of Brexit and it will cause damaging uncertainty and instability to the country.'



She will hold a vote in the House of Commons for the approval of an early election on Wednesday.



U.K. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn welcomed May's surprise announcement, saying that the decision will 'give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.'



The pound showed mixed performance in the Asian session. While the currency fell against the franc and the greenback, it rose against the yen. Against the euro, it held steady.



After having fallen to a 4-day low of 1.2515 hit against the greenback at 5:15 am ET, the pound firmed to 2-1/2-month high of 1.2678. Continuation of the pound's uptrend may see it challenging resistance around the 1.28 region.



The pound advanced to an 8-day high of 138.10 against the Japanese yen, following a low of 136.15 hit at 5:45 am ET. The pound is seen finding resistance around the 140.00 level.



S&P Global Ratings maintained the sovereign rating of Japan at 'A+' with 'stable' outlook.



The rating agency said the economy's strong external position, prosperous and diversified economy, political stability, and stable financial system balance its very weak public finances.



The pound reversed from an early weekly high of 0.8512 against the euro, rising to near a 2-month high of 0.8415. Further uptrend may see the pound challenging resistance around the 0.83 region.



The International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said that France's presidential election is adding to the existing political uncertainty worldwide as it raises several questions on the future of the euro area.



There is an uncertainty and growing concern about the outcome of the French election, Lagarde said in an interview to a group of European reporters.



Following a 4-day low of 1.2552 hit at 4:30 am ET, the pound spiked up to a 4-month high of 1.2701 versus the Swiss franc. The pound is poised to challenge resistance around the 1.28 mark.



Looking ahead, U.S. industrial production for March is due shortly.



At 9:00 am ET, Kanas City Fed President Esther George speaks before the Levy Economics Institute of Bard College's 26th Annual Minsky Conference.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Proto Script Pharmaceutical Corp. dba PSP Homecare ("PSP" or the "Company") (OTC PINK: PSCR), a durable medical equipment provider, is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a Supply Agreement with PAKmed LLC ("PAKmed"), a manufacturer of premium orthotic braces based in Louisville, Kentucky.

Under terms of the Supply Agreement, PAKmed will provide PSP certain premium orthotic braces for shipment to patient customers, as directed by PSP. The Supply Agreement specifically covers five (5) of the most commonly prescribed types of orthotic braces in the United States and sets price per brace including shipping costs.

"We are very pleased to have come to a long term nationwide direct-to-patient supply agreement with a leading American manufacturer of orthotic braces," commented Michelle Rico, CEO of Proto Script Pharmaceutical Corp. "Established supply agreements like this one enable PSP to continue to efficiently expand its product offerings while allowing us to focus our resources on reaching out to new potential patients across the country."

Further details regarding PSP Homecare's sales and marketing strategy and other updates will be made as additional information becomes available.

About Proto Script Pharmaceutical Corp.

Proto Script Pharmaceutical Corp. dba PSP Homecare provides a comprehensive collection of durable medical equipment (DME) like canes, crutches, walkers, commodes, patient lifts, hospital beds, orthotics (braces), wheelchairs, scooters, power wheelchairs, rehabilitation equipment, and accessories. Currently serving California and Nevada, PSP Homecare has specialized in the repair of power wheelchairs and the sale of orthotics since 2011. The Company deals with a growing list of federal, state and private insurance providers such as Medicare, Medi-Cal, Nevada Care and Blue Cross among several others.

Additional information regarding PSP Homecare can be found at www.psphomecare.com.

Proto Script Pharmaceutical Corp. files reports with the Securities & Exchange Commission on EDGAR and anticipates continuing to file such reports. The Company's filings can be viewed at www.sec.gov.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This Proto Script Pharmaceutical Corp. press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including those with respect to the Company's mission statement and growth strategy, are "forward-looking statements." Although the Company's management believes that such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee that such expectations are, or will be, correct. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's future results to differ materially from those anticipated. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, general economic conditions and conditions affecting the industries in which the Company operates; the uncertainty of regulatory requirements and approvals; and the ability to obtain necessary financing on acceptable terms or at all. Additional information regarding the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements is available in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update any of the information contained or referenced in this press release.

PSP Investor Relations Contact:

Toll-Free: (855) 476-7679

E-mail: info@psphomecare.com

Website: www.psphomecare.com




Press-release

Krasnodar

April 18, 2017

PJSC "Magnit" Announces the 3rd Coupon Yield Payment and the Advanced Redemption of the Nominal Value of Exchange-Traded Bonds

Krasnodar, April 18, 2017: PJSC "Magnit", Russia's largest food retailer (the "Company"; MOEX and LSE: MGNT), announces the 3rd coupon yield payment against bonds and the advanced redemption of the nominal value of exchange-traded bonds.

Please be informed that on April 18, 2017 PJSC "Magnit" fulfilled its obligation of the third coupon redemption against bonds of the BO-11 series in the amount of 583,400,000.00 rubles and the redemption of the nominal value of exchange-traded bonds.

Parameters of the bond issue:

Type of securities: Non-convertible interest-bearing certified exchange-traded bonds to the bearer of the BO-11series with the obligatory centralized custody, International Stock Identification Number (ISIN) RU000A0JVUZ6 Identification number of the securities issue and the date of its assignment: No. 4B02-11-60525-P as of 30.07.2013 Reporting (coupon) period which the yield is paid for: The third coupon period (18.10.2016-18.04.2017)

The total amount of the interest to be paid against bonds:

583,400,000.00 rubles excluding tax and other deductions

The amount of the interest to be paid against one bond:

58.34 rubles The total number of bonds against which the yield is paid: 10,000,000 bonds The method of payment: Monetary funds in the currency of the Russian Federation by means of non-cash settlement

The record date:

April 17, 2017





The date of the obligation fulfillment:





April 18, 2017

The total amount of the interest paid against bonds following the reporting period:

Following the 3rd coupon period the amount of 583,400,000.00 rubles was paid excluding tax and other deductions. Obligation has been fulfilled.

The number of bonds which were redeemed in advance:

10,000,000 bonds

Basis for advanced bonds redemption:

redemption of the nominal value of bonds according to the Decision on the issuance of PJSC "Magnit" securities approved by the Board of Directors on June 25, 2013, and the Decisionof the CEO on the advanced redemption of the bonds w/o No. as of October 12, 2015 The date of advanced redemption of bonds: April 18, 2017

For further information, please contact:

Timothy Post Head of Investor Relations

Email: post@magnit.ru

Office: +7-861-277-4554 x 17600 Investor Relations Office MagnitIR@magnit.ru

Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562

Website: ir.magnit.com/ Media Inquiries Media Relations Department

press@magnit.ru

Company description:

Public Joint Stock Company "Magnit" is one of Russia's leading retailers. Founded in 1994, the company is headquartered in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar. As of December 31, 2016, Magnit operated 35 distribution centers and 14,059 stores (10,521 convenience, 431 hypermarkets and 3,107 drogerie stores) in 2,494 cities and towns throughout 7 federal regions of the Russian Federation.

In accordance with the audited IFRS results for 2016, Magnit had revenues of RUB 1,075 billion and an EBITDA of RUB 108 billion. Magnit's local shares are traded on the Moscow Stock Exchange (MOEX: MGNT) and its GDRs on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: MGNT) and it has a credit rating from Standard & Poor's of BB+. Measured by market capitalization, Magnit is one of the largest retailers in Europe.
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Federal Reserve will release industrial production data for March at 9:15 am ET Tuesday. The consensus is for growth of 0.4 percent. Ahead of the data, the greenback traded mixed against its major rivals. While the greenback declined against the euro, pound and the franc, it held steady against the yen. The greenback was worth 1.0691 against the euro, 1.2715 against the pound, 0.9999 against the franc and 108.77 against the yen at 9:10 am ET. 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.
MISSION, KS -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- (Family Features) Hunger in America is much closer than you may think. With the USDA reporting that one in eight Americans struggles with hunger, including more than 13 million children, food insecurity is an issue facing families in every county across the country. Spring and summer are especially difficult. During this time, food banks face a "spring hunger gap," when food supply is often at its lowest level. Also, during the summer when school is not in session, millions of children lose access to free and reduced-price meals.

To help provide meals to people struggling with hunger, companies like Walmart have created unique campaigns like "Fight Hunger. Spark Change." that call on the public to take action and join in the fight against hunger. The campaign takes place every spring and encourages the millions of customers who shop at its stores each week to take action by supporting the Feeding America network of food banks and the more than 46 million Americans it serves throughout the country.

"The campaign is an important part of Walmart's commitment to helping families who struggle with hunger," said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation and chief sustainability officer for Walmart. "Together with our suppliers, customers and friends at Feeding America, we're dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those who live and work in the communities we serve."

The "Fight Hunger. Spark Change." campaign provides support to each of Feeding America's 200 member food banks. The retailer's commitment to fighting hunger can be seen through food bank programs across the country, such as those offered at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in Charlotte and Feeding Tampa Bay.

Feeding Tampa Bay's Summer Meals Program provide kids with free, nutritious meals when school lets out and many lose access to free and reduced-priced meals. In addition, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina's Backpack Program helps ensure kids facing hunger have access to nutritious, ready to eat or easy to prepare foods on weekends and during holidays when school lunches aren't available.

Getting involved to help fight hunger in your community may be easier than you think. Here's what you can do:

Volunteer. It doesn't take a big time commitment to make an impact. Visit your local Feeding America food bank and ask about volunteer opportunities.

Donate. If you can't contribute time, donate food or money. Your local Feeding America food bank can always use help restocking its shelves.

Spread the word. Get to know the facts about hunger and spread the word through your social media activities. The "Fight Hunger. Spark Change." campaign relies heavily on social media to raise awareness of the issue and drive donations to Feeding America food banks across the country.

To learn more about what you can do to help curb the spring hunger gap and provide meals to families facing hunger in your community, visit walmart.com/fighthunger.

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate

Established in 1974, Family Features is a leading provider of free food and lifestyle content for print and online publications. Our articles, photos, videos and web content solutions save you time, money and help create advertising opportunities. Registration is fast and free -- with absolutely no obligation. Visit editors.familyfeatures.com for more information.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3130446



Michael French

mfrench@familyfeatures.com

1-888-824-3337

editors.familyfeatures.com




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Reflecting a substantial rebound in utilities output, the Federal Reserve released a report on Tuesday showing that U.S. industrial production increased in line with economist estimates in the month of March. The report said industrial production climbed by 0.5 percent in March after inching up by 0.1 percent in February. The increase in production matched the consensus estimate. Utilities output showed a significant increase, spiking by 8.6 percent in March after tumbling by 5.8 percent in the previous month. The Fed said the rebound came as demand for heating returned to seasonal norms after being suppressed by unusually warm weather in February. The report also said mining output edged up by 0.1 percent in March after jumping by 2.9 percent in February, while manufacturing output fell by 0.4 percent after rising by 0.3 percent. The central bank said the pullback in manufacturing output was led by a large step-down in the production of motor vehicles and parts. Capacity utilization for the industrial sector rose to 76.1 percent in March from a revised 75.7 percent in February. Economists had expected capacity utilization to climb to 76.2 percent. While capacity utilization in the utilities sector jumped to 75.7 percent, capacity utilization in the mining and manufacturing sectors dipped to 81.9 percent and 75.3 percent, respectively. 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.
HAUPPAUGE, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 --



NAB 2017 Highlights:

Globecomm to discuss latest managed services, systems integration & cloud based services for media and broadcast customers

Introducing new video delivery platform system for Enterprise users with partner Kollective

CCO Bryan McGuirk speaking on April 26 panel on satellite innovation

Meet Globecomm at booth SU 5921 & follow on Twitter: @Globecomm

Globecomm announced today that its latest innovations for end-to-end managed services, systems integration and cloud-related offerings for transporting video content and data over multiple networks -- from satellite and fiber to broadband and mobile -- are being presented at this year's National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas beginning on April 22.

Also, the company announced that it would have a special participation at its booth (SU 5921) with partner Kollective to present a high performance, low bandwidth, peer-to-peer content delivery service designed for improving access to corporate communications.

The Kollective Software Defined Network provides live video and file-based delivery via the Internet or private internal networks which meet content consumption and growth requirements. Globecomm's interactive cloud-based enterprise video platform, satellite and fiber network connectivity, coupled with Kollective's system, ensures that local and remote office locations have access to any content required to reach every desktop, tablet, or smartphone in the enterprise.

"Globecomm has a long history of delivering critical communications with zero downtime and at an optimized efficiency for our customers. We believe that meeting content delivery and consumption requirements through our blend of technologies, design and network management provides an unquestionable edge to companies looking to make their content distribution networks more powerful and bandwidth efficient," said Paul Scardino, SVP Sales and Marketing of Globecomm.

At the Satellite Industry Association (SIA) roundtable panel at NAB 2017, Globecomm Chief Commercial Officer Bryan McGuirk will discuss satellite technology innovation and its successes and failures related to the challenges of mobile connectivity. The panel takes place at 1:30 PM on April 26th in room N255. Mr. McGuirk will join speakers from Inmarsat and Kymeta to identify how the satellite industry has mainly overcome technical challenges and delivers broadband to meet terrestrial-based WiFi performance requirements of mobile customers.

Also, on Thursday, April 27th at 11:00-11:30 am in NAB Show's North Hall, Globecomm's Mike Scotto, SVP Business Development, will join SSPI to speak about Satellite, CDNs, OTT: The New Rules of Content Distribution on the stage in the Media Infrastructure and Management Systems section of the exhibition floor called Destination: NXT.

Globecomm will be at booth SU 5921. Stop by to talk to Globecomm about their latest studio, control room and broadcast system installations around the world and their hosted content delivery managed service platforms.

About Globecomm

Globecomm is the leading engineering-driven, global connectivity provider serving media, maritime, enterprise and government markets in over 100 countries. We develop smart connectivity solutions to address customer issues across a broad spectrum of areas, including system design and integration, managed communication services including mobile and IoT, media services and mission critical networks. We are known for our unique ability to provide robust connectivity to the most remote locations under the most treacherous conditions. Globecomm is dedicated to improving communications and leverages its world-class, global network to offer end-to-end, managed service communication's solutions worldwide. Based in Hauppauge, New York, Globecomm also maintains offices in Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, the Netherlands, South Africa, Germany, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan. For more information, please visit www.globecomm.com
NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity and its partner in the Prize in Ethics Essay Contest, LRN, announced today that Micah Latty, Class of 2017, from Bethel University, is the first place winner of the 2016 Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize in Ethics Essay Contest.

Latty, a philosophy and computer science major, considered the role of silence in a divisive America in his winning essay, "Welcoming Silence." As Latty writes: "We live in a culture filled with tensions and conflicts, old and new. In order for us to have any hope of flourishing together, we must learn to exercise hospitality toward one another, allowing those who are 'other' to be other in our presence. Fundamental to this practice of hospitality in the face of division and distrust is the simple willingness to allow for silences -- welcoming silences, in which the voice of the other can dwell in all its irreducible strangeness."

Other winning students include: Dana Kiel of the University of Denver, Luiza Lodder of Pennsylvania State University, Devon Flanagan of Boston University and Eliah Medina of University of Houston-Clear Lake. The winning essays can be found on the Foundation's website: http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/2016prizewinners.aspx.

The Prize in Ethics Essay Contest is an annual competition that challenges college students to submit essays on the urgent and complex ethical issues that confront us in the modern world. The Prize was founded in 1989 by Professor Elie and Marion Wiesel, and since, thousands of young people have written essays for consideration. Professor Wiesel, who passed away in 2016, personally judged this year's contest and hand-selected the winners. The Elie Wiesel Foundation and LRN are continuing the Prize in Ethics in his memory.

"The 2016 winners of the Prize in Ethics exemplify Professor Wiesel's indelible exhortation 'to think higher and feel deeper.' We couldn't be more proud of the students, their winning essays and their commitment to considering the ethical implications in their own lives, asking deep questions about the world around them and taking stands on issues that matter to them but affect all of us," said Dov Seidman, CEO of LRN.

About The Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest

The Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize in Ethics Essay Contest encourages students to write thought-provoking personal essays that raise questions, single out issues and offer rational arguments for ethical action. The contest is open to undergraduate full-time Juniors and Seniors who are registered at accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States. All submissions to the essay contest are judged anonymously. Winning essays present intensely personal stories, originality, imagination, and clear articulation and convey genuine grappling with an ethical dilemma. For suggested essay topics and more information, visit http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/prizeinethics.aspx

About The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity

Elie Wiesel and his wife, Marion, established The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity soon after he was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize for Peace. The Foundation's mission, rooted in the memory of the Holocaust, is to combat indifference, intolerance and injustice through international dialogue and youth-focused programs that promote acceptance, understanding and equality. For more information: www.eliewieselfoundation.org, "like" us on Facebook, or follow @eliewieselfdn on Twitter.

About LRN: Inspiring Principled Performance

Since 1994, ethics & compliance firm LRN has helped companies simultaneously navigate complex legal and regulatory environments and foster ethical cultures. LRN works with companies to translate their values into concrete corporate practices and leadership behaviors that create sustainable competitive advantage. LRN has offices in major cities and regions around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Mumbai, Paris and South America. For more information, visit www.LRN.com, find us on Twitter @LRN, or call: 800 529 6366 or 646 862 2040.

Contact:



Eric Mosher

(212) 255-8386

eric@sommerfield.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Viscount Mining Corp. (TSX VENTURE: VML)(OTCQB: VLMGF) ("Viscount" or "the Company"), is pleased to announce that geologist James P. Robinson, Ph.D., has consented to join the Company's technical advisory board. As advisor to Viscount's technical board he will be called on to provide insights based on his deep knowledge of Nevada, structural geology, precious-metals deposit models, and exploration techniques.

Recently, Dr. Robinson was a senior consulting geologist for Summit Mining Exploration, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation and was involved with all aspects of the initial two-year evaluation program of Viscount Mining's Cherry Creek property. His responsibilities included comprehensive geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, drill target generation, drilling supervision, and subsurface interpretations.

Dr. Robinson has over 35 years of experience as a professional geologist, including approximately 30 years in precious metal exploration. Most of his mineral experience has focused on frontier and early-stage exploration in the eastern and southern Basin and Range of Nevada and Utah. This included managing successful exploration programs for Alta Gold Company, Pilot Gold Company, DNI Metals, and Battle Mountain Exploration Company. Dr. Robinson was instrumental in the development of the Alta Gold Griffon Mine from grassroots discovery through production and the Alta Gold Kinsley Mine from development drilling to the discovery of several satellite deposits.

Dr. Robinson holds a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from Cornell University, an M.S. in Geology from the University of Southern California, and a B.S. in Geology from Ohio University. He is a Registered Professional Geologist in the states of Utah, Idaho, and Arizona.

Dr. Robinson stated, "I am very pleased to join the Company's advisory board. With my time on the Cherry Creek project, I feel it represents a rare opportunity in eastern Nevada to be the first modern comprehensive exploration program to evaluate a mining district with historic production of gold, silver, tungsten and base metals. In addition to the high-grade veins and replacement deposits exploited in the historic mines, recent geologic mapping, sampling, and limited drilling identified disseminated sediment-hosted gold in a previously unexplored area of Cherry Creek. The stratigraphic section, geochemical signature, and structural and igneous history of the sediment-hosted gold occurrence at Cherry Creek shares characteristics with modern gold mines in the general vicinity, including the Newmont Long Canyon Mine and Pilot Gold Kinsley Mountain Mine. Subsequent exploration will further delineate gold anomalies defined by recent field work and greatly enhance the potential of finding an economic gold deposit in the subsurface."

Kaare Foy, Chairman of Viscount stated, "Dr. Robinson will collaborate closely with Viscount's management to provide guidance and recommendations to help Viscount set the direction of the company's roadmap and strategic initiatives at Cherry Creek as the company accelerates exploration and development plans."

About Viscount Mining (TSX VENTURE: VML)(OTCQB: VLMGF)

Viscount Mining is project generator and an exploration company with a portfolio of silver and gold properties in the Western United States, including Cherry Creek in Nevada and Silver Cliff in Colorado.

The Cherry Creek Property is focused on exploration in the immediate vicinity of an area commonly known as the Cherry Creek Mining District, located approximately 30 miles north of the town of Ely, in White Pine County, Nevada. Cherry Creek consists of over 400 unpatented and patented claims as well as mill rights, and is comprised of more than 9,000 acres. Cherry Creek includes more than 20 past producing mines including Blue Bird, Chance Mine, Filmore, Last Chance, Exchequer/ New Century Mine, Ticup and Motherlode mines.

The Silver Cliff property in Colorado lies within the historic Hardscrabble Silver District in the Wet Mountain Valley in south-central Colorado in Custer County. The property consists of 96 lode claims where high grade silver, gold and base metal production that came from numerous mines during the period 1878 to 1894. The property underwent substantial exploration between 1967 and 1984 for the purpose of defining mineral inventories. The major explorers were Freeport, Hecla, Homestake, Moly Corp, Coca Mines and Tenneco Minerals. In January 2017, Viscount Mining reported additional high grade silver intersections from the drill program completed in December 2016.

For additional information regarding the above noted property and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.viscountmining.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jim MacKenzie, President, CEO and Director

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Viscount Mining Corp. believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Viscount Mining Corp. management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Viscount Mining Corp. undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Contacts:

Viscount Investor Relations

604-960-0535

info@viscountmining.com

www.viscountmining.com




Choozle, the world's fastest growing self-service programmatic advertising platform, has expanded its European footprint with the opening of a London-based office with key personnel, Austin Saunders and Kristen Ditsch, to manage European operations. With the major growth in online display advertising in the European, Choozle recognized a significant opportunity to provide a data-driven programmatic advertising platform in a single, simple interface to advertising agencies within the European market.

"We are delighted to have seasoned digital media veterans like Austin and Kristen to spearhead our expansion into the UK and across Europe," said Andrew Fischer, co-founder and CEO of Choozle. "We are committed to providing agencies with the best demand-side buying technology in ad tech, along with the exceptional client service we're known for."

Austin Saunders and Kristen Ditsch will support Choozle's entry into the local British market and manage European operations. Saunders, formerly GroupM Business Director at The Exchange Lab, has been named Commercial Director of UK. In this position, he will oversee all United Kingdom and European commercial sales to increase Choozle's global presence. In addition, Kristen Ditsch, Senior Manager of Client Success, has re-located from Denver to lead client support via onboarding and support and client education materials. She will also act as account strategist to Choozle's international clients, advising partners on campaign strategy and optimization, industry trends, and how to leverage programmatic in-house to grow their business.

Fischer added that he expects robust growth in the European markets in the near- and long-term, citing an eMarketer report published in September 2016 that puts European programmatic advertising spending at $4.08 billion which will account for 70% of all UK digital display ad spending by the end of 2017.

Choozle's cloud-based platform blends the power of big data and real-time programmatic advertising into one simplified platform. Choozle provides access to industry leading data services including data management (DMP) and CRM matching as well as a complete buy-side suite of tools (DSP) to power video, mobile, display, and social ad campaigns.

To learn more about Choozle, please visit www.choozle.com.

About Choozle

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Choozle Digital Marketing Made Easy provides a programmatic platform that leverages detailed consumer data to power real-time advertising campaigns across display, video, mobile and social mediums all from a single, simple interface. Choozle brings programmatic to any marketer or advertiser with its simple, elegant, and affordable solution. As a Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) member, Choozle is committed to transparent and responsible data management practices. As a proud member of the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Colorado (EFCO), Choozle donates 1 percent of founding equity to support Colorado nonprofits. Learn more at https://choozle.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170418005869/en/

Contacts:

for Choozle

Allyse Sanchez, 925-548-2535
Charles Taylor plc ("the Company")

Director/PDMR Shareholding

The Company announces that on 21 April 2017, the following persons discharging managerial responsibilities ("PDMR") received nil cost ordinary shares of 1p each in the Company ("shares") on the maturity of a third each of their deferred annual bonus share awards granted in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Following the maturity, each recipient requested that the Trustee of the Charles Taylor Employees' Share Ownership Plan ("the Trustee") sell sufficient shares to cover their tax and NI liabilities and dealing costs and transfer the balance into their name as indicated below:-

PDMR: Number of shares vesting: Number of shares sold: Number of shares retained: Ivan Keane 11,170 5,261 5,909 Jeffrey More 9,736 3,553 6,183 Jason Sahota* 3,047 1,435 1,612 Richard Wood 10,105 3,038 7,067

*The figures for Jason Sohota only relate to an award granted in 2016.

The shares sold were sold on 24 April 2017 at 235.1118p per share. Formal notifications in respect of the PDMRs are below;

1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Ivan Keane 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status Group Company Secretary and General Counsel and a member of the Company's Executive Committee (PDMR) b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Charles Taylor plc b) LEI 2138009V1NHVCXIQ6V62 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument;

(ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument



Identification code Ordinary shares of 1 pence each





GB0001883718

b) Nature of the transaction Vesting of share awards under the Charles Taylor Deferred Annual Bonus Plan c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) Nil 11,170

d)

Aggregated information



-Aggregated volume

N/A (single transaction) e) Date of the transaction 2017-04-21 f) Place of the transaction Outside a trading venue

1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Ivan Keane 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status Group Company Secretary and General Counsel and a member of the Company's Executive Committee (PDMR) b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Charles Taylor plc b) LEI 2138009V1NHVCXIQ6V62 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument;

(ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument



Identification code Ordinary shares of 1 pence each





GB0001883718

b) Nature of the transaction Sale of Shares c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 2.351118 5,261

d)

Aggregated information



-Aggregated volume

N/A (single transaction) e) Date of the transaction 2017-04-24 f) Place of the transaction London Stock Exchange, Main Market (XLON)

1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Jason Sahota 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status Chief Information Officer and Chief Executive Officer, Charles Taylor InsureTech and member of the Company's Executive Committee (PDMR) b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Charles Taylor plc b) LEI 2138009V1NHVCXIQ6V62 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument;

(ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument



Identification code Ordinary shares of 1 pence each





GB0001883718

b) Nature of the transaction Vesting of share awards under the Charles Taylor Deferred Annual Bonus Plan c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) Nil 3,047

d)

Aggregated information



-Aggregated volume

N/A (single transaction) e) Date of the transaction 2017-04-21 f) Place of the transaction Outside a trading venue

1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Jason Sahota 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status Chief Information Officer and Chief Executive Officer, Charles Taylor InsureTech and member of the Company's Executive Committee (PDMR) b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Charles Taylor plc b) LEI 2138009V1NHVCXIQ6V62 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument;

(ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument



Identification code Ordinary shares of 1 pence each





GB0001883718

b) Nature of the transaction Sale of Shares c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 2.351118 1,435

d)

Aggregated information



-Aggregated volume

N/A (single transaction) e) Date of the transaction 2017-04-24 f) Place of the transaction London Stock Exchange, Main Market (XLON)

1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Jeffrey More 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status Chief Executive Officer, Charles Taylor Insurance Services (IOM) Limited and member of the Company's Executive Committee (PDMR) b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Charles Taylor plc b) LEI 2138009V1NHVCXIQ6V62 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument;

(ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument



Identification code Ordinary shares of 1 pence each





GB0001883718

b) Nature of the transaction Vesting of share awards under the Charles Taylor Deferred Annual Bonus Plan c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) Nil 9,736

d)

Aggregated information



-Aggregated volume

N/A (single transaction) e) Date of the transaction 2017-04-21 f) Place of the transaction Outside a trading venue

1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Jeffrey More 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status Chief Executive Officer, Charles Taylor Insurance Services (IOM) Limited and member of the Company's Executive Committee (PDMR) b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Charles Taylor plc b) LEI 2138009V1NHVCXIQ6V62 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument;

(ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument



Identification code Ordinary shares of 1 pence each





GB0001883718

b) Nature of the transaction Sale of shares c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 2.351118 3,553

d)

Aggregated information



-Aggregated volume

N/A (single transaction) e) Date of the transaction 2017-04-24 f) Place of the transaction London Stock Exchange, Main Market (XLON)

1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Richard Wood 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status President & Chief Executive Officer, Charles Taylor Americas and member of the Company's Executive Committee (PDMR) b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Charles Taylor plc b) LEI 2138009V1NHVCXIQ6V62 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument;

(ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument



Identification code Ordinary shares of 1 pence each





GB0001883718

b) Nature of the transaction Vesting of share awards under the Charles Taylor Deferred Annual Bonus Plan c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) Nil 10,105

d)

Aggregated information



-Aggregated volume

N/A (single transaction) e) Date of the transaction 2017-04-21 f) Place of the transaction Outside a trading venue

1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Richard Wood 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status President & Chief Executive Officer, Charles Taylor Americas and member of the Company's Executive Committee (PDMR) b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Charles Taylor plc b) LEI 2138009V1NHVCXIQ6V62 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument;

(ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument



Identification code Ordinary shares of 1 pence each





GB0001883718

b) Nature of the transaction Sale of Shares c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 2.351118 3,038

d)

Aggregated information



-Aggregated volume

N/A (single transaction) e) Date of the transaction 2017-04-24 f) Place of the transaction London Stock Exchange, Main Market (XLON)

For more information, please contact:

Ivan Keane - Group Company Secretary and General Counsel - 020 3320 2206

Gerry Absalom - Deputy Group Company Secretary - 020 3320 2317

Charles Taylor plc

24 April 2017

Notes to editors

About Charles Taylor

Charles Taylor provides professional services to make the business of insurance work efficiently. We have been providing insurance-related professional services since 1884 and today we employ over 1,800 permanent and contract staff in 71 offices spread across 28 countries in the UK, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe the Middle East and Africa.

The Group operates through three businesses - Management Services, Adjusting Services and Insurance Support Services. We also own international life insurers, creating value by undertaking targeted acquisitions and achieving operational efficiencies.

Our breadth of services, our technical skills and resources and our global presence means we can manage and resolve virtually any insurance-related matter, wherever and whenever it occurs.

Further information is available at www.ctplc.com
MCLEAN, VA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) announced today that it plans to issue a new three-year USD Reference Notes security, CUSIP number 3137EAEF2, due on April 20, 2020. The issue will be priced on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, and will settle on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at benchmark size.

The new three-year Reference Notes security will be offered via a syndicate of dealers headed by Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, Inc. and TD Securities.

This announcement is not an offer to sell any Freddie Mac securities. Offers for any given security are made only through applicable offering circulars and related supplements, which incorporate Freddie Mac's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 16, 2017; all other reports Freddie Mac filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) since December 31, 2016, excluding any information "furnished" to the SEC on Form 8-K; and all documents that Freddie Mac files with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c) or 14 of the Exchange Act, excluding any information "furnished" to the SEC on Form 8-K.

Freddie Mac's press releases sometimes contain forward-looking statements. A description of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in these and other forward-looking statements can be found in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and its reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, filed with the SEC and available on the Investor Relations page of the company's Web site at www.FreddieMac.com/investors and the SEC's website.

Freddie Mac makes home possible for millions of families and individuals by providing mortgage capital to lenders. Since our creation by Congress in 1970, we've made housing more accessible and affordable for homebuyers and renters in communities nationwide. We are building a better housing finance system for homebuyers, renters, lenders and taxpayers. Learn more at FreddieMac.com, Twitter @FreddieMac and Freddie Mac's blog FreddieMac.com/blog.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lisa Gagnon

703-903-3385

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Sean Forde

571-382-4090






BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. dollar declined against its major counterparts in the early New York session on Tuesday, as U.S. housing starts plunged more than expected in March, adding to recent run of disappointing data that indicates a slowdown in economy.



Data from the Commerce Department showed that the housing starts plunged by 6.8 percent to an annual rate of 1.215 million in March from an upwardly revised 1.303 million in February.



Economists had expected housing starts to drop by 2 percent to a rate of 1.262 million from the 1.288 million originally reported for the previous month.



The U.S. treasury yields also declined, with the benchmark yield on 10-year note falling 2.21 percent, while that of 2-year equivalent was down by 1.18 percent. Yields move inversely to bond prices.



Meanwhile, the Commerce Department said building permits, an indicator of future housing demand, jumped by 3.6 percent to a rate of 1.260 million in March from a revised 1.216 million in February.



Building permits had been expected to climb by 3.1 percent to a rate of 1.250 million from the 1.213 million that had been reported for the previous month.



Investors also focus on economic dialogue between the U.S. and Japan aimed to boost bilateral trade agreement, after the Trump administration scraped the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact as part of protectionist policy.



The U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence is in Japan to negotiate free trade agreement that would result in opening doors for U.S. goods in Japanese markets.



The currency has been trading in a negative territory in the European session.



The greenback declined to 0.9989 against the Swiss franc, a level unseen since March 30. The next possible support for the greenback-franc pair is seen around the 0.985 region.



The greenback fell to near a 3-week low of 1.0700 against the euro, from a high of 1.0637 hit at 8:00 pm ET. Continuation of the greenback's downtrend may see it challenging support around the 1.08 mark.



The International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said that France's presidential election is adding to the existing political uncertainty worldwide as it raises several questions on the future of the euro area.



There is an uncertainty and growing concern about the outcome of the French election, Lagarde said in an interview to a group of European reporters.



The greenback retreated to 108.65 against the Japanese yen, from a 4-day high of 109.22 set at 8:00 pm ET. The greenback is seen finding support around the 106.00 level.



S&P Global Ratings maintained the sovereign rating of Japan at 'A+' with 'stable' outlook.



The rating agency said the economy's strong external position, prosperous and diversified economy, political stability, and stable financial system balance its very weak public finances.



The greenback dropped to a 4-1/2-month low of 1.2757 against the Sterling, off its early 4-day high of 1.2515. Further weakness may take the greenback to a support around the 1.30 area.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- DroneDeploy, the leading cloud software platform for commercial drones today announced the beta release of its new Fieldscanner product offering real-time drone mapping, just in time for the spring growing season. With Fieldscanner, available as part of DroneDeploy's iOS app, farmers can use any DJI drone to create a map of their fields as the drone flies so that they can view insights before it lands.

"Growers have been asking for real-time, in-field mapping for a long time, and we're excited to be the first company to deliver a solution," said Mike Winn, CEO of DroneDeploy.

Real-time mapping means more informed crop scouting, more timely decisions

Changes happen fast during the growing season so having timely information to spot and address problems is key. Aerial imagery helps growers detect variability that large fields and tall crops make difficult to see from the ground, but conventional methods are often too slow. Where growers might wait days for airplane or satellite imagery, or spend hours uploading and processing a typical drone map, Fieldscanner can capture a field map in minutes so that growers can make crop management decisions on the spot or use the Fieldscan as a guide for more targeted boots-on-the-ground inspection.

"Real-time data directly from your drone right to the tailgate of your truck while the drone is inflight -- it's so easy, anyone can use it," said Chad Colby, General Manager at Central Illinois Ag, who helped test Fieldscanner before release. "Testing this product, I knew this was a game-changer. Fieldscanner just made a drone the ultimate scouting tool!"

Drone maps have already helped many growers improve efficiency, decrease costs and increase yields. With the ability to provide an instant, on-demand view of their fields, Fieldscanner promises to have an even bigger impact by helping growers:

Spot weeds and pests for timely, efficient pesticide application

Detect plant stress to inform nutrient application and monitor results

Evaluate crop damage from weather events

And monitor dry-down and decide when to harvest to maximize yields.

"DroneDeploy has continuously pushed DJI's aerial platforms to become part of the standard enterprise toolkit," said Jan Gasparic, Head of Enterprise Marketing. "Developed based on DJI's software development kit, the DroneDeploy Fieldscanner software has the ability to provide instant, insightful and accurate data for better business decision making. This will also help enterprises save money, time and expand the use of UAVs across various commercial applications."

Built for use in the field. No laptop or data connection required.

Poor connectivity and slow internet speeds have long challenged adoption of drone mapping in remote rural areas. Built for use in the field, Fieldscanner can operate entirely offline, with no need for cellular or data coverage.

Fieldscanner uses DroneDeploy's existing automatic flight planning for DJI drones and adds local processing on the drone and mobile device to create a low-resolution Fieldscan as the drone is flying, instead of requiring the user to process imagery into a map at a computer after the flight. Once the drone lands, the Fieldscan informs crop scouting and helps growers take notes in the field. A grower can use it to spot variability in his fields, see his location as he navigates to specific areas for ground truthing, and (if a data connection is available) pin notes and photos of findings directly to the map. If greater precision is needed, imagery captured during flight can still be uploaded to DroneDeploy to process a regular, high-resolution map and 3D model.

"Time is in short supply on the farm, so when considering a new tool, the faster and easier, the better," said Jim Love, Light Robotics Manager at Beck's Hybrids. "With the ability to capture data in minutes, offline, with just a drone and a phone, Fieldscanner represents the missing link that will transform drones from useful tool, to a must-have for weekly crop scouting."

The Fieldscanner beta is being rolled out to all DroneDeploy customers for use with DJI drones and iOS devices, including customers who purchased drone DroneDeploy from a partner or reseller. Any customers of the Case IH UAV solution and New Holland PLM Drone Data solution sold through CNH Industrial's network dealers in North America will now get access to Fieldscanner at no additional cost.

"For our growers, time is one of the most valuable assets they control," said Joe Michaels, Director of Global Precision Product Management with CNH Industrial. "Fieldscanner allows our customers to save time and improve their efficiency by enabling them to get more information without leaving the field."

The next generation of real-time mapping is already in development

The launch of Fieldscanner represents the first big step in real-time mapping for DroneDeploy and for the commercial drone industry as a whole.

"This is just the beginning," said Jono Millin, co-founder and Chief Product Officer at DroneDeploy. "We already have exciting new improvements in the works to further unlock the potential of real-time mapping."

Learn more about Fieldscanner or download the DroneDeploy mobile app from the App Store today.

About DroneDeploy

DroneDeploy is the leading cloud software platform for commercial drones. Trusted by users in more than 160 countries across a variety of industries including agriculture, construction, mining and insurance, DroneDeploy is transforming how businesses collect, manage and interpret drone data to improve workflows. Scalable image processing, data storage and sharing in real-time form the backbone of the DroneDeploy platform, while user-friendly applications make it intuitive to fly and capture drone data, view and analyze maps on any device. The robust DroneDeploy platform enables users to leverage best-in-class apps through the drone industry's largest App Market, and to leverage open APIs to build custom tools and integrations.

To learn more visit www.dronedeploy.com and join the conversation on Twitter @DroneDeploy.

Embedded Video Available

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Kyra Tillmans

dronedeploy@10fold.com

(925) 271 8214




Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Governance, Risk and Compliance The Hungarian Insurance Industry" report to their offering.

The 'Governance, Risk and Compliance The Hungarian Insurance Industry' report is the result of extensive research into the insurance regulatory framework in Hungary.

It provides detailed analysis of the insurance regulations for life, property, motor, liability, personal accident and health, and marine, aviation and transit insurance. The report specifies various requirements for the establishment and operation of insurance and reinsurance companies and intermediaries.

The report brings together research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on prevailing insurance regulations, and recent and upcoming changes in the regulatory framework, taxation and legal system in the country. The report also includes the scope of non-admitted insurance in the country.

Key Highlights:

The new Solvency II regime is applicable from January 1, 2016.

The Hungarian insurance industry is regulated by the Central Bank of Hungary (Magyar Nemzeti Bank MNB).

Composite insurance is not allowed in Hungary. However, a life insurance company can underwrite accident and health insurance.

Non-admitted insurance is prohibited in Hungary. However, insurance and reinsurance companies from EEA and EU member states are permitted to operate without a license.

Motor third-party liability insurance is mandatory in Hungary.

Key Topics Covered:

1 INTRODUCTION

2 GOVERNANCE, RISK AND COMPLIANCE

2.1 Legislation Overview and Historical Evolution

2.2 Latest Changes in Regulation

2.3 Legislation and Market Practice by Type of Insurance

2.4 Compulsory Insurance

2.5 Supervision and Control

2.6 Non-Admitted Insurance Regulation

2.7 Company Registration and Operations

2.8 Taxation

2.9 Legal System

3 APPENDIX

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5snwrr/governance_risk

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170418006015/en/

Contacts:

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

Related Topics: Insurance
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 05/11/17 -- Rubicon Minerals Corporation (TSX: RMX)(OTC: RBYCF) ("Rubicon" or the "Company") announces that it has filed its unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and related Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017. The Company confirms that copies of Rubicon's interim financials can be obtained at www.rubiconminerals.com or www.sedar.com.

Specific Items from the First Quarter 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements:

-- Cash balance: As at March 31, 2017, cash and cash equivalents were C$33.5 million. As of May 11, 2017, cash and cash equivalents were approximately C$31.8 million. -- Exploration and evaluation expenditures: for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, the Company spent approximately C$1.5 million in exploration expenses relating to the hiring of external consultants, historical core re-logging, the mobilization of the drill rigs, and drilling expenses. Rubicon anticipates exploration expenditures to increase as it ramps up its drilling program. -- General and administrative, salaries and benefits, and consulting and professional fees: for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, the Company had approximately C$0.9 million on expenses related to general and administrative, salaries and benefits, and consulting and professional fees. The Company anticipates these expenses to remain steady throughout the remaining quarters of 2017.

Please refer to our Consolidated Financial Statements and related MD&A for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 for further details.

2017 Exploration Program Update

As of May 11, 2017, the Company has re-logged 3,873 metres ("m") of core from historical drilling for structural geology, which is unchanged from the last exploration update on March 29, 2017. Rubicon has temporarily paused the re-logging of historical core to prioritize the logging of new core from the current drill program, whereupon the re-logging of historical core will re-commence afterwards. Structural geology analysis by Golder Associates Inc. is ongoing. Rubicon continues its oriented diamond drilling of the F2 Gold Deposit on the 244- and 305-metre levels and has commenced infill and step-out drilling on the 610-metre level with a second drill rig added in April 2017, as scheduled. There had been no previous drilling from the 610-metre level. As of May 11, 2017, the Company has completed approximately 3,302 m of combined drilling. The table below summarizes the progress of the exploration activities undertaken to date:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exploration activity Year-to-date Planned ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Historical core re-logging 3,873 m 10,000 m ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Drilling on the 244- and 305-metre levels 2,753 m 3,500 m ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Drilling on the 610-metre level 549 m 20,000 m ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please review Rubicon's January 10, 2017 news release for more details on the 2017 Exploration Program. The Company intends to provide periodic updates as it completes the various elements of the exploration program.

About Rubicon Minerals Corporation

Rubicon Minerals Corporation is an advanced exploration company that owns the Phoenix Gold Project, located in the prolific Red Lake gold district in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Additionally, Rubicon controls over 280 square kilometres of prime exploration ground in Red Lake and more than 900 square kilometres of mineral property interests in the emerging Long Canyon gold district that straddles the Nevada-Utah border in the United States. Rubicon's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (RMX) and the OTC markets (RBYCF). For more information, please visit our new website at www.rubiconminerals.com.

RUBICON MINERALS CORPORATION

George Ogilvie, P.Eng., President and CEO

Cautionary Statement regarding Forward-Looking Statements and other Cautionary Notes

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "intends", "may", "will", "should", "plans", "anticipates", "potential", "expects", "estimates", "forecasts", "budget", "likely", "goal" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results may or may not be achieved or occur in the future. In some cases, forward-looking information may be stated in the present tense, such as in respect of current matters that may be continuing, or that may have a future impact or effect. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements regarding the details of the planned exploration of the F2 Gold Deposit.

Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and represent management's best judgment based on facts and assumptions that management considers reasonable. If such opinions and estimates prove to be incorrect, actual and future results may be materially different than expressed in the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Rubicon to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery or throughput rates; uncertainty of mineral resources, inability to realize exploration potential, mineral grades and mineral recovery estimates; actual results of current exploration activities; actual results of reclamation activities; uncertainty of future operations, delays in completion of exploration plans for any reason including insufficient capital, delays in permitting, and labour issues; conclusions of future economic or geological evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents and other risks of the mining industry; delays and other risks related to operations; timing and receipt of regulatory approvals; the ability of Rubicon and other relevant parties to satisfy regulatory requirements; the ability of Rubicon to comply with its obligations under material agreements including financing agreements; the availability of financing for proposed programs and working capital requirements on reasonable terms; the ability of third-party service providers to deliver services on reasonable terms and in a timely manner; risks associated with the ability to retain key executives and key operating personnel; cost of environmental expenditures and potential environmental liabilities; dissatisfaction or disputes with local communities or First Nations or Aboriginal Communities; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; market conditions and general business, economic, competitive, political and social conditions; our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or obtain adequate financing to fund our capital expenditures and working capital needs and meet our other obligations; the volatility of our stock price, and the ability of our common stock to remain listed and traded on the TSX.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and Rubicon disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Readers are advised to carefully review and consider the risk factors identified in the Company's annual information form dated March 29, 2017 under the heading "Risk Factors" and in other continuous disclosure documents of the Company filed at www.sedar.com for a discussion of the factors that could cause Rubicon's actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Readers are further cautioned that the foregoing list of assumptions and risk factors is not exhaustive and it is recommended that prospective investors consult the more complete discussion of Rubicon's business, financial condition and prospects that is included in this news release. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Rubicon Minerals Corporation

Allan Candelario

Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Development

+1 (416) 766-2804

ir@rubiconminerals.com

www.rubiconminerals.com




Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 18, 2017) - Cornerstone Metals Inc. (TSXV: CCC) ("Cornerstone" or the "Company") announces the appointment of Michael Mracek, P.Eng., to its Advisory Board, effective immediately. Mr. Mracek is a professional mining engineer registered in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. A graduate of the University of Saskatchewan in 1970, he spent his summers working underground at Eldorado, United Keno Hill, and Placer's Craigmont sublevel caving operation. He moved to Thompson, Manitoba in 1970, where he spent 10 years with Inco, learning his craft from the bottom up. In the 1980's, he moved on to Dickenson, Amok Cluff Mining, and Terra Mines, becoming a Chief Engineer, Mine Superintendent, and finally, Mine Manager. In 1990, he moved to Timmins, where he spent 5 years for Royal Oak as General Manager at several mines including: Pamour, Hope Brook, and Colomac. Commencing in 1996, spent 11 years overseas where he worked in Ghana, Armenia, and Tanzania for Ashanti Goldfields, Sterlite Gold, and Barrick Gold in various capacities, including VP and General Manager. He returned to Canada as Chief Operating Officer for Tournigan Gold before returning to Ghana as VP and General Manager of Golden Star's Wassa operation. Since 2011, he has provided consulting services through Mracek Consulting, working for major consulting firms, including SRK and SNC-Lavalin, advising on various studies, including feasibility studies. The Company is pleased to have Mr. Mracek join the group.

Over the past 6 months, the Company has taken significant steps to strengthen its Boards of Directors and Advisors with the addition of experienced, highly regarded professionals in their respective fields of expertise. Collectively, the Company now has the advantage of a deep and broad skill set ranging from financing, to mineral exploration, to mine development, construction and operations, including mining and processing - a unique attribute compared to many of its peers.

About Cornerstone Metals Inc.

Cornerstone's objective is to advance exploration/development stage copper and precious metals properties to production in the Americas. The Company's Management and Board Core Competence is in exploration, permitting, development, construction, and operation of mining projects.

Cornerstone owns 100% (subject to 1.5% NSR) of the West Jerome property, near Jerome, Arizona, on the west side of Freeport McMoRan patented lands. The property, in a Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide camp, is a high-grade, massive sulfide target located 2.4 km south of the past-producing United Verde (32 million tons grading 4.4% copper, 1.5 oz/t silver and 0.04 oz/t gold). The West Jerome property has attractive untested drill targets.

On Behalf Of Cornerstone Metals Inc.

per:

"Paul Cowley"

CEO & President

For further information, please contact:

Paul Cowley

Tel: (604) 340-7711

Email: pcowley@cornerstonemetals.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - Despite backing off a campaign pledge to label China a currency manipulator on his first day in office, President Donald Trump claims he has not softened his stance on the communist nation. Trump suggested in an interview with 'Fox & Friends' that he does not want to risk starting a trade war when China is providing assistance in dealing with North Korea. 'I haven't changed my stance. China's trying to help us,' Trump said in the interview that was taped Monday and aired Tuesday morning. He added, 'I don't know if they are going to be able to or not, but do I want to start heavy, heavy trade or currency manipulation statements against someone who's out there trying to stop what could be a very bad situation?' Trump offered praise for Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling him a 'terrific person' and saying they 'have a good chemistry together.' The president repeatedly attacked Chinese trade policies on the campaign trail but blamed the media for suggesting he has changed his position. 'Nobody's ever seen such a positive response on our behalf from China, and then the fake media goes 'Donald Trump has changed his stance on China,' Trump said. The comments from Trump come amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula, with North Korean Vice-Foreign Minister Han Song-ryol telling the BBC the country plans to conduct weekly missile tests. Han also warned that the U.S. would face 'all out war' if it responded to the continued missile tests with military action. Vice President Mike Pence has said 'all options are on the table' to address North Korea's missile and nuclear testing programs, declaring that 'the era of strategic patience is over.' During the interview with Fox, Trump refused to provide details about his strategy to deal with North Korea, arguing that he does not want to telegraph his actions. 'I'm not like other administrations, where they say we're going to do this in four weeks. It doesn't work that way,' Trump said. 'We'll see what happens. I hope things work out well. I hope there's going to be peace.' (Photo: Gage Skidmore) 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.
IRW-PRESS: Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.: Osisko Accelerator Model News: New Discovery by BGM

Osisko Accelerator Model News: New Discovery by BGM

(Montreal, Quebec, April 18, 2017) Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd (TSX & NYSE:OR - http://www.commodity-tv.net/c/search_adv/?v=297432) is pleased to report that Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. (BGM), one of Osisko Gold Royalties accelerator model investments, has announced a new discovery from their ongoing 130,000 metre Phase II Island Mountain and Valley Zone exploration drilling program at the Company's Cariboo Gold Project (see BGM press release dated April 17, 2017).

Osisko Gold Royalties owns 116,372,506 common shares of BGM (35.2%) with a fair value of approximately $136.2 million as at April 17, 2017, exceeding its acquired cash price by approximately $87.0 million. Osisko Gold Royalties also owns a 2.25% NSR royalty over the BGM land package and holds a right of first refusal relating to any gold stream offer received by BGM with respect to the Cariboo gold project.

Sean Roosen, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, commenting on BGMs discovery news noted: We would like to congratulate the BGM team on the new discovery at Cariboo and their excellent drill results. The success at BGM is an example of the strength of our unique accelerator model and the leverage it provides to Osisko Gold Royalties shareholders. Osisko Gold Royalties has developed one of the best growth portfolios of the royalty sector through its accelerator model. We look forward to continuing success at BGM and helping all of our partners further de-risk their projects while creating value for our shareholders.

BGM (TSXV-BGM)

BGM is focused on exploring and developing an extensive land package in the historical Cariboo Mining District of Central British Columbia. BGM is currently executing a 130,000 meter exploration drilling program and reports that the company has received all permits to initiate production from its Bonanza Ledge underground project at an initial rate of 150,000 tonnes per year.

Additional information on BGM can be obtained on their corporate website www.barkervillegold.com and on SEDAR.

About Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd

Osisko is an intermediate precious metal royalty and stream company focused on the Americas that commenced activities in June 2014. It holds over 50 royalties and streams, including a 5% NSR royalty on the Canadian Malartic Mine (Canada), a 2.0% to 3.5% NSR royalty on the Eleonore Mine (Canada) and a silver stream on the Gibraltar Mine (Canada). It maintains a strong financial position and has distributed $30.8 million in dividends to its shareholders during the past nine consecutive quarters. Osisko also owns a portfolio of publicly held resource companies, including a 14.8% interest in Osisko Mining Inc., 13.3% in Falco Resources Ltd., and 35.2% interest in Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd.

Osiskos head office is located at 1100 avenue des Canadiens-de-Montreal, Suite 300, Montreal, Quebec, H3B 2S2.

Qualified Person

Mr. Paul Archer is the qualified person for this release as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has reviewed and verified the technical information contained herein. Mr. Paul Archer is an employee of Osisko Gold Royalties and is non-independent.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may be deemed forward looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian Securities Laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, the forward-looking statements). All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, that address future events, developments or performance that Osisko expects to occur including managements expectations regarding Osiskos growth, results of operations, estimated future revenues, requirements for additional capital, mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, production estimates, production costs and revenue, future demand for and prices of commodities, business prospects and opportunities are forward-looking statements. In addition, statements (including data in tables) relating to mineral reserves and mineral resources and gold equivalent ounces are forward-looking statements, as they involve implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, and no assurance can be given that the estimates will be realized. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential, scheduled and similar expressions or variations (including negative variations), or that events or conditions will, would, may, could or should occur including, without limitation, the benefits deriving from its investments in BGM, the successful results for BGMs drilling program, including the fact that any discovery may become economic and the timely production of the Bonanza Ledge deposit in accordance with the amended mining permits. Although Osisko believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors and are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may accordingly differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, without limitation: fluctuations in the prices of the commodities that drive royalties or other interests held by Osisko; risks related to the operators of the properties in which Osisko holds a royalty or other interest; development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any of the properties in which Osisko holds a royalty or other interest; risks and hazards associated with the business of exploring, development and mining on any of the properties in which Osisko holds a royalty or other interest. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: the ongoing operation by the operators of the properties in which Osisko holds a royalty or other interest by the operators of such properties in a manner consistent with past practice; the accuracy of public statements and disclosures made by the operators of such underlying properties; the absence of material adverse change in the market price of the commodities that underlie the asset portfolio; the accuracy of publicly disclosed expectations for the development of underlying properties that are not yet in production; and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Certain of the information contained in this press release relating to the investee corporations is based on and derived from publicly available information of the investee corporations. The forward-looking statements issued from these investee corporations reproduced in this press release are subject to change after the date of this press release. Osisko has relied upon this information without having made independent inquiries as to the accuracy or completeness thereof; however, Osisko has no reason to believe such information is misleading or inaccurate.

For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements made in this press release, see Osiskos annual and/or quarterly management discussion and analysis and other of its public disclosure documents filed with the Canadian securities commissions and available electronically under Osisko's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements set forth herein reflects Osiskos expectations as at the date of this press release and is subject to change after such date. Osisko disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

For further information please contact:

Vincent Metcalfe Joseph de la Plante Vice President, Investor Vice President, Corporate Develo Relations pment

Tel. (514) 940-0670 Tel. (514) 940-0670 vmetcalfe@osiskogr.com jdelaplante@osiskogr.com

In Europe: Swiss Resource Capital AG - Jochen Staiger info@resource-capital.ch - www.resource-capital.ch

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AXC0213 2017-04-18/17:57
Nigeria's Ministry of Power has signed two put/call option agreements with local solar developers Afrinegia Nigeria Limited and CT Cosmos Nigeria Limited. The two companies are planning to build two PV plants with a combined capacity of 120 MW.Babatunde Fashola, Nigeria's Minister of Power Works and Housing has signed two put/call option agreements (PCOA) with Afrinegia Nigeria Limited and CT Cosmos Nigeria Limited. The agreements are related to two large-scale PV projects that the two Nigerian developers are planning to build in the country. Afrinegia Nigeria Limited intends to build a 50 MW solar plant, while CT Cosmos' project is expected to have a capacity of 70 MW. The ministry has not revealed more details about the projects. In Nigeria, solar IPPs usually negotiate and execute a put ...

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.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Pan Global Resources Inc. ("Pan Global" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: PGZ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Timothy Moody as President and Chief Executive Officer and to provide a permitting & development update on the 100% owned flagship Minera Aguila copper and lead-silver project in Andalucia, Spain.

Mr. Moody has over 30 years of international experience in the mining industry, gaining expertise in mineral exploration, resource assessment, business development and strategy. He spent 24 years with Rio Tinto, including Exploration Director from 2005 - 2010, and Vice President and Director for Business Development from 2010 to 2015.

Mr. Moody has an impressive track record of discovery of mineral resources as well as commercial transactions globally. This includes leading the teams in identification and exploration of several projects now in feasibility and/or production, such as Mina Justa, Constancia, La Granja, Corani and Ollachea in Peru and Castillejito in Spain. As Director of Business Development at Rio Tinto, his responsibilities included corporate strategy, M&A and public market transactions.

Mr. Moody has a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Geology and Geophysics from the University of New England. He is also a graduate of the Senior Leadership Program from the London Business School and Business Leadership Development Program from the Australian Graduate School of Management, and a Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists.

Tim Moody, Pan Global President & CEO, stated "On behalf of the Pan Global team, I would like to thank Brian Kerzner for his period as CEO and leadership in redirecting the company to commencement of activities in Spain. The company is pleased to have Brian's continued contribution as a Director. I look forward to building a strong portfolio of opportunities and advancing exploration on the Spanish project, where the first results from the current exploration are expected soon."

Pan Global is also pleased to provide the following project update on the Minera Aguilas project in Spain.

Aguilas Project - Work commences

The company manages the Aguilas Project through its agreement to acquire Spanish company, Minera Aguila SLU. Minera Aguila SLU holds the Las Aguilas I, II and III Investigation Permit applications, referred to as the "Aguilas Project".

Permitting of Aguilas I, II and III mineral rights continue to progress. Definitive Admission and Publication of the permits in the Official Bulletin will precede a mandatory Public Consultation period and full granting of the Investigation Permits.

Reconnaissance prospecting has commenced in the Aguilas Project aimed at helping map the extent and nature of the copper and lead-silver mineralization. Detailed review and compilation of historical exploration data has also commenced. The results of this work will be used to delineate areas for more detailed geological mapping, geochemistry and geophysics. The recent prospecting has identified copper mineralization in float and outcrop together with suspected ancient mine workings over a strike length of approximately 1.4 kilometers (open). Prospecting will continue this quarter with the first assay results anticipated before the end of April.

The Company also announces the grant of an aggregate of 2,425,000 stock options to directors, officers and consultants. The options are exercisable for a period of 10 years for $0.10 per option share.

Qualified Person

Robert Baxter (FAusIMM), a Director of Pan Global Resources and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Mr. Baxter is not independent of the Company.

About Pan Global Resources

Pan Global Resources Inc. is actively engaged in base and precious metal exploration in Spain, and is pursuing opportunities from exploration through to mine development.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

www.panglobalresources.com.

Statements which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, environmental and technological factors that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and prices. Readers should refer to the risk disclosures outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis of its audited financial statements filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission.

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:

Michelle Borromeo

Investor Relations

mborromeo@prismresourcesinc.com

604-715-6845






BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - The European markets ended Tuesday's session solidly in negative territory. Markets got off to a weak start after returning to action following a 4-day Easter holiday weekend. Uncertainty ahead of the upcoming French election weighed on investor sentiment, as well as persistent geopolitical concerns over rising tensions with North Korea.



British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday announced a snap general election for June 8. The announcement sparked a sharp rise in the value of the pound sterling, which triggered an acceleration of the losses in the FTSE.



In a surprise statement at 10 Downing Street, May said the U.K. needed stability, certainty and strong leadership after the June 2016 referendum. Her government has delivered that, she claimed.



She also sought unity in the Westminster.



'The country is coming together, but Westminster is not,' May said.



May said that an election is needed now because other parties are opposed to her government's Brexit plans.



'So we need a general election and we need one now. We have at this moment a one off chance to get this done,' May said.



France's presidential election is adding to the existing political uncertainty worldwide as it raises several questions on the future of the euro area, the International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said Tuesday.



There is an uncertainty and growing concern about the outcome of the French election, Lagarde said in an interview to a group of European reporters.



The IMF Chief said she faced anxious questions over the French election in every country she visited in recent months. The election debate also weighs on the confidence and stability of the euro area, Lagarde added.



The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index weakened by 0.96 percent. The Euro Stoxx 50 index of eurozone bluechip stocks decreased 1.12 percent, while the Stoxx Europe 50 index, which includes some major U.K. companies, lost 1.08 percent.



The DAX of Germany dropped 0.90 percent and the CAC 40 of France fell 1.59 percent. The FTSE 100 of the U.K. declined 2.46 percent and the SMI of Switzerland finished lower by 1.16 percent.



In Frankfurt, Volkswagen climbed 2.74 percent after saying it would meet new rules for the sale of clean vehicles in China.



In London, Ashmore Group dropped 5.45 percent. The emerging markets-focused asset manager reported a 7 percent rise in its total assets in the three months to the end of March.



Newspapers group Daily Mail and General Trust lost 1.40 percent after announcing the sale of Elite Daily to Bustle Digital Group.



Novartis slid 1.35 percent in Zurich after it has entered into a clinical trial agreement with Allergan plc for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.



Hennes & Mauritz fell 0.09 percent in Stockholm. The retailer reported a 6 percent rise in sales during March, compared to the same month last year.



Germany's manufacturing employment increased in February from a year ago, data from Destatis showed Tuesday. The number of people worked in local manufacturing units rose by around 53,000 or 1.0 percent from prior year in February.



New residential construction in the U.S. pulled back sharply in the month of March, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Tuesday, although the report also showed a rebound in building permits.



The report said housing starts plunged by 6.8 percent to an annual rate of 1.215 million in March from an upwardly revised 1.303 million in February. Economists had expected housing starts to drop by 2 percent to a rate of 1.262 million from the 1.288 million originally reported for the previous month.



Reflecting a substantial rebound in utilities output, the Federal Reserve released a report on Tuesday showing that U.S. industrial production increased in line with economist estimates in the month of March. The report said industrial production climbed by 0.5 percent in March after inching up by 0.1 percent in February. The increase in production matched the consensus estimate.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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HALLANDALE BEACH, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- The Movie Studio Inc. ("MVES") (the "Company") (OTC PINK: MVES) www.themoviestudio.com announced today that on March 27th, 2017, it entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "Securities Purchase Agreement") with GPL Ventures LLC ("GPL"), a leading Manhattan-based Alternative Investment Fund.

Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company, at its sole and exclusive option, may issue and sell to GPL shares of the Company's common stock ("Shares") equal to a value of up to Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) once the Company has filed its S-1 Registration Statement and it is deemed effective by the SEC. Upon the S-1 Registration being deemed effective, the Company may elect to trade on the OTCQX or other larger national markets subject to meeting minimum requirements.

Charles Miller, COO of The Movie Studio, stated, "We're excited to be working with GPL Ventures with their proven track record of successful investments in emerging growth companies like The Movie Studio."

"We're happy to add The Movie Studio to our investment portfolio and are looking forward to being part of its explosive growth going forward," said Alexander Dillon, the Managing Member of GPL Ventures.

This mutually beneficial agreement has the potential to give The Movie Studio and its subsidiary's the financial strength needed to continue growing at a rapid rate without taking on adverse debt.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company, at its option, may issue and sell to GPL, and GPL may purchase from the Company, the Shares upon the Company's delivery of written notices to GPL. The aggregate maximum amount of all purchases that GPL may make under the Securities Purchase Agreement shall not exceed $5 million. Once a written notice is received by GPL, it shall not be terminated, withdrawn or otherwise revoked by the Company. GPL is not obligated to purchase any Shares unless and until the Company has qualified the Shares pursuant to an offering statement on Form S-1.

GPL Ventures LLC is compensated for a commitment to purchase securities which is the subject of this press release. Payment is made through the one time issuance of a $100,000 Convertible Promissory Note. GPL Ventures LLC intends to sell such securities into the market place upon the sooner of (1) the effectiveness of a registration statement as to such securities; or (2) the availability of Rule 144 as to the re-sale for such securities.

The Company plans to use the proceeds from this Securities Purchase Agreement to complete the acquisition of the "Arrowhead Film Library" the Company announced on Aug 16, 2016 (http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/MVES/news/The-Movie-Studio-to-Acquire-12-Major-Motion-Pictures?id=138493&b=y). The completion of this acquisition will add an additional 14 major motion pictures to the Company's growing library of full length feature films.

In addition, the Company intends to fund domestic and international marketing of its latest production "Bad Actress" a light-hearted comedy starring Colombian film sensation "Excelina" (http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/MVES/news/The-Movie-Studio--Inc--Premiers-Latest-Feature-Film-Bad-Actress-for-Worldwide-Release-at-the-2016-American-Film-Market-in-Los-Angeles--California?id=143143&b=y).

Other funds from the investment are slated to be used to:

Expand the Company's proposed production facility at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida

Add personnel to its sales & film distribution department

Complete other upcoming acquisitions that are the result of recent successful negotiations (details to be announced)

Produce new films in 2017



"We are very excited about putting this Securities Purchase Agreement in place as a new funding vehicle for the company," said Gordon Venters, CEO of The Movie Studio Inc. "MVES plans to use this capital to fuel the growth of our full-length feature film production business, our acquisition of other completed feature films and the sales of those films across multiple platforms in both domestic and international markets."

"This investment will be key for us and our investors as we continue to build the The Movie Studio into an internationally recognized brand throughout North America, Europe, Asia and beyond."

About The Movie Studio Inc.

The Movie Studio, Inc. is a vertically integrated motion picture production and distribution Company with completed motion picture and production assets. The Company acquires, develops, manufactures, and distributes independent motion picture content for worldwide consumption in Theatrical, Video on Demand (VOD), Foreign Sales and on various media devices. For more information, visit http://themoviestudio.com/.

Forward Looking Statements and Disclaimer

Statements made in this press release that express the Company or management's intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations or predictions of future events, are forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "will" and similar expressions are intended to further identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Those statements are based on many assumptions and are subject to many known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company's actual activities, results or performance to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in such forward-looking statements. The Company cannot guarantee future financial results; levels of activity, performance or achievements and investors should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. No information contained in this press release should be construed as any indication whatsoever of the Company's future financial performance, future revenues or its future stock price. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgment of the Company as of the date of this press release, and the Company expressly disclaims any intent, obligation or undertaking to update or revise such forward-looking statements to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements are based. No information in this press release should be construed as any indication whatsoever of the Company's future revenues or results of operations.

Contact:

The Movie Studio, Inc.

Gordon Scott Venters

President and CEO

Gulfstream Park

800 Silk Run

Suite #1330

Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009

gsv@themoviestudio.com

954-332-6600

Telephone: 954-332-6600

Fax: 954-440-7818




BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Swiss stock market ended Tuesday's session solidly in negative territory. The market got off to a positive start after returning from the long holiday weekend, but quickly slipped into the red and continued to decline throughout the day. Uncertainty ahead of the upcoming elections in France weighed on investor sentiment Tuesday, as well as the continued geopolitical risks in North Korea and the Middle East. British Prime Minister Theresa May also announced a snap general election for June 8. The Swiss Market Index decreased by 1.16 percent Tuesday and finished at 8,529.28. The Swiss Leader Index dropped 1.18 percent and the Swiss Performance Index lost 1.07 percent. Credit Suisse was among the weakest performing stocks Tuesday, falling 1.7 percent. The stock took a hit after big bonus payouts for its senior managers angered the bank's shareholders. UBS dropped 1.6 percent and Julius Baer finished lower by 3.3 percent. The banks were under pressure following quarterly reports from U.S. competitors Goldman Sachs and Bank of America. Shares of bakery group Aryzta weakened by 2.5 percent. LafargeHolcim declined 2.0 percent and Swatch fell 1.9 percent. Clariant and Sika dropped by 1.8 percent each. ABB decreased 1.1 percent. The company is slated to report first quarter results on Thursday. Among the index heavyweights, Roche dropped 1.5 percent and Novartis lost 1.4 percent. Nestle also closed lower by 0.7 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation on Tuesday to move up the special election for the Senate seat previously held by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Sessions' seat is currently held by Republican Senator Luther Strange, R-Ala., who was appointed by former Governor Robert Bentley. The new schedule sets the primary on August 15th, a potential runoff on September 26th, and the general election on December 12th. 'I promised to steady our ship of state. This means following the law, which clearly states the people should vote for a replacement U.S. Senator as soon as possible,' Ivey said. 'The new U.S. Senate special election dates this year are a victory for the rule of law.' With the new schedule, the special election will take place almost a year before the previously scheduled election, which was due to be held the same day as the 2018 midterm elections. Ivey noted that the cost of holding the special election earlier could be great but argued following the law trumps the expense. While the seat is likely to remain in Republican hands, the decision to move up the special election could lead some members of Alabama's House delegation to challenge Strange for the GOP nomination. 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.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Askida, a leader in custom software development and software quality assurance, is proud to announce that it has been named SME of the Month for April 2017 by the prestigious PME en Lumiere initiative.

Organized by the Quebec Technology Association (AQT) in collaboration with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), CGI and Videotron Business Solutions, PME en Lumiere is an initiative that seeks to promote Quebec technology companies that have distinguished themselves by their accomplishments and commercial successes.

"Being named SME of the Month by PME en Lumiere continues what's been an incredible year for us so far," says Steeve Duchesne, Askida's CEO and cofounder. "It's a tremendous honor for us that clearly demonstrates how hard our team has been working, which has allowed us to experience incredible growth in a market that's changing."

"Askida is on an amazing run right now," adds Michel Lacasse, Askida's VP of Business Development. "In 2016, Askida doubled in size and we feel that we're in a very good position moving forward. Being named SME of the Month by PME en Lumiere motivates us to continue working hard to be a leader in software quality."

PME en Lumiere's SME of the Month was selected by an independent jury composed of leaders and specialists in the Information and Communications Technology sector.

About Askida

Askida is a company specialized in software development and quality assurance whose aim is to enhance the competitive advantages of its clients while also reducing costs and risks. The company develops high-quality custom software solutions and guarantees the quality of existing software through its own ASKIDA solution. Located throughout Quebec and North America, its clients consist of innovative organizations that require top-of-the-line solutions that cater to their unique business processes and high standards of software quality. www.askida.com

Contacts:

Askida

Guillaume Morissette

Communications officer

Office: 514 286-9366 #256

guillaume.morisette@askida.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Rupert Resources Ltd. ("Rupert" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: RUP)(FRANKFURT: R05) is pleased to welcome the start today by James Withall as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Withall has also been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company. See the Company's April 4, 2017 press release for more information regarding Mr. Withall.

Also, the Company announces the grant of incentive stock options to Mr. Withall to acquire a total of 2,000,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $1.01 per share, such options to vest as to one-half on April 18, 2018 and one-half on April 18, 2019. The options expire five years from the date of grant.

About Rupert

Rupert is a Canadian based gold exploration and development company that is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "RUP". The Company owns the Pahtavaara gold mine, mill, and exploration permits and concessions located in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt in Northern Finland (see the Company's November 9, 2016 press release). The Company also holds a 100% interest in the Gold Centre property, which consists of mineral claims located in the Balmer Township, Red Lake Mining Division of Ontario.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking statements", including approval by the TSX Venture Exchange of James Withall as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made, and are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other known and unknown factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the general risks of the mining industry, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's annual Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended February 29, 2016 available at www.sedar.com. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Contacts:

Brian Hinchcliffe

Executive Chairman

Tel. +1 (914) 815 2773

info@rupertresources.com

www.rupertresources.com




TYSONS CORNER, VA and SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - April 18, 2017) - For the second consecutive year, Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, LLP is pleased to announce its nomination for the Chambers USA Awards Award for Excellence in the category of Construction. Only five law firms in the United States received this prestigious nomination. Founded in 2014, VLMG also holds the distinction of being the newest firm nominated in any of the 23 practice areas.

"To be nominated for this award in two of our three years of existence as a firm is a tremendous honor," Virginia Partner Paul Varela said. San Francisco Partner Bennett Lee recognized, "VLMG sincerely appreciates the feedback provided by our clients, with whom we are business partners, which allowed us to secure this honor." "We have great respect for the other nominated firms, and are proud to be recognized among them," added Virginia Partner Todd Metz. "We view this nomination as recognition for every member of the VLMG Team who implements our unique vision of client service on a daily basis," said Virginia Partner Joe Guarino.

Chamber shall announce the award on May 25th in New York City. These awards are based on research conducted for the 2017 edition of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, and shine a spotlight on firms that have excelled above all others in the U.S. legal market, reflecting pre-eminence in key practice areas and notable achievements, including outstanding work, impressive strategic growth and excellence in client service.

Chambers and Partners, a London-based publisher, selects leading firms and lawyers by researching firms and lawyers for each state, in over twenty areas of commercial law. To identify and rank the world's best lawyers and law firms, Chambers and Partners' team of more than 140 full-time researchers conduct an in-depth assessment of recent work and extensive interviews to identify and assess the firm's legal abilities, professional conduct, client service, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by clients. The USA Guide was first published in 2003. To learn more about Chambers' methodology, visit http://www.chambersandpartners.com.

About Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, LLP (VLMG)

Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, LLP is a law firm representing clients spanning the breadth of the construction and engineering industry, including owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, sureties, and public agencies. VLMG's attorneys have handled litigation and arbitration across the United States and around the world involving a diverse spectrum of construction projects, including civil, industrial, power, commercial, and government projects, among many others. Learn more about VLMG at http://www.vlmglaw.com.

Media Contact:

Marsha Batchellor

Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, LLP

Emai: mbatchellor@vlmglaw.com

Phone: +1 703.454.0170
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Platinex Inc. (CSE: PTX) (the "Company") announced a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of 2,500,000 units ("Units") at $0.16/Unit to raise $400,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share ("Common Share") of the Company and one warrant ("Warrant") of the Company.

Each Warrant is exercisable into a Common Share at an exercise price of $0.20 on or before the date which is 12 months after the closing of the Private Placement and thereafter at an exercise price of $0.30 on or before the date which is 60 months after the closing of the Private Placement. Provided that if the average closing price of Common Shares trade at a price of $0.25 for 20 consecutive days four months after the closing of the Private Placement, or if the average closing price of the Common Shares trade at a price of $0.40 for 20 consecutive days 12 months after the closing, the Company may give written notice to the holders of the Warrants changing the expiry date to a date which is not less than 30 days following that written notice.

The Company will use the proceeds for working capital.

The Company may pay finder fees of up to 7% of the gross proceeds raised by registered brokers, and other finders where permitted by law.

All securities issued in connection with this Private Placement will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities issued, or to be issued, under the Private Placement have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

Existing Security Holder Exemption

The Private Placement is being made available to existing shareholders of the Company ("Existing Security Holders") who qualify under the "existing security holder prospectus exemption" available in certain jurisdictions in Canada (the "Existing Security Holder Exemption").

As the Existing Security Holder Exemption contains certain restrictions and is only available in certain jurisdictions in Canada, others that do not qualify under the Existing Security Holder Exemption may qualify to participate under other prospectus exemptions.

Terms and Restrictions Relating to the Existing Security Holder Exemption

The criteria of the Existing Security Holder Exemption are set out in various regulatory instruments of the participating jurisdictions in Canada. To comply with the criteria of the Existing Security Holder Exemption, the offering to Existing Security Holders shall be subject to, among other criteria, the following:

-- April 10, 2017 has been set as the record date (the "Record Date") for the purpose of determining existing security holders entitled to purchase Units pursuant to the Existing Shareholder Exemption. -- To participate, a qualified shareholder must deliver (a) an executed subscription agreement in the required form, which will include requirements of the Existing Security Holder Exemption (e.g., that the subscriber was as of the Record Date and continues to be as of the date of closing, a shareholder of the Company) and (b) pay the subscription amount no later than June 2, 2017. Contact information to obtain the subscription form is set out below. -- The aggregate acquisition cost to a subscriber under the Existing Security Holder Exemption cannot exceed $15,000 per twelve month period unless that subscriber has obtained advice from a registered investment dealer regarding the suitability of the investment. -- A maximum of 2,500,000 Units of the Company will be offered to shareholders as of the Record Date under the Existing Security Holder Exemption, which, assuming all Warrants underlying the Units are exercised, amounts to 5,000,000 Common Shares, being less than 100% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, the maximum permitted to be issued under the Existing Security Holder Exemption. -- Subscriptions will be accepted by the Company on a 'first come, first served' basis. Therefore, if the Private Placement is over-subscribed it is possible that a shareholder's subscription may not be accepted by the Corporation. Additionally, in the event of an imbalance of large subscriptions compared to smaller subscriptions, management reserves the right in its discretion to reduce large subscriptions in favour of smaller shareholder subscriptions. -- In accordance with the Existing Security Holder Exemption, the Company confirms there is no material fact or material change related to the Company that has not been generally disclosed and that the Company's "core documents" and "documents" as defined under applicable securities laws do not contain a misrepresentation.

Further terms and conditions shall be set out in the form of subscription agreement that will be made available to interested shareholders, who are directed to contact the Company as follows:

James R. Trusler, President and CEO Tel: (416) 565-5616 Email: jtrusler@platinex.com Web: www.platinex.com/

Insider Participation

Insiders of the Company are expected to participate in the Private Placement (the "Insider Participation"), which will be considered a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). The Company intends to rely on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of any Insider Participation.

About Platinex Inc.

Platinex's goal is to create shareholder value through entrepreneurial endeavors and its existing mineral exploration activities. The mining focus is currently on the Shining Tree gold camp, which has received little modern exploration compared to other gold camps in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, but its potential is accentuated by several major discoveries along strike in recent years. Its current entrepreneurial activities include the establishment of an online cannabis mall. Shares of Platinex are listed for trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") under the symbol "PTX".

The information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by James R. Trusler, Geological Engineer, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Qualified Person for exploration at the Shining Tree property, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects".

To receive Company press releases, please email jtrusler@platinex.com and mention "Platinex press release" on the subject line.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

Except for statements of historical fact, all statements in this news release - including, without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Platinex Inc.

James R. Trusler

President and CEO

(416) 565-5616

jtrusler@platinex.com

www.platinex.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/17 -- Kenadyr Mining (Holdings) Corp. (TSX VENTURE: KEN) (the "Corporation" or "Kenadyr") is pleased to announce it has finalized a drill contract with Quest Exploration Drilling ("QED").

Kenadyr is in a strong position to embark on this upcoming program, having a strong balance sheet, no debt nor significant payments owing, a strong institutional shareholder base and a management team with extensive in-country operational experience, and merger and acquisition expertise.

QED and its predecessor company have a 30 year history and QED has grown their business to be an industry leader in the provision of drilling services to varied clients. QED's services includes diamond drilling, reverse circulation (RC) drilling, RC grade control, geothermal, geotechnical drilling, water boring and slope stability solutions. QED acts as a drill contractor for multiple public and private companies around the world including major, mid-tier and exploration focused companies.

Drilling is expected to commence within the next 90 days and the updated contract with QED reflects a focus on high impact areas of the project. The drill program will include both core drilling and reverse circulation drilling. A focus of the initial drill program is to establish correlation between extensive previous historical Soviet drilling and modern drilling. Drilling at the Borubai project has the potential to increase both the size, and the grade, of the mineralization (from historic numbers) as a result of increased core recovery and modern drilling and assaying (Fire Assay versus ICP analysis) techniques. Core recovery during Soviet drilling averaged only 60%.

In addition to initial drilling in the high priority South Zone, an area of mineralization directly adjacent to the Zijin Mining Group Co Ltd.'s ("Zijin") Taldy-Bulak Levoberejny ("TBL") mine, Kenadyr will undertake drilling, bull dozer trenching and sampling cuts on the SS Zone and SS Trend. As well as drilling, the Corporation intends to take approximately 1,250 channel samples and 2,200 soil geochemistry samples in this area.

Dr. Alexander Becker, Kenadyr Chief Executive Officer, states, "The underlying geology within this belt is conducive to large size and high grade. Based on this, the strategic location and the immense amount of historical investment in drilling to guide us, we are enthusiastic about the start of this work program. Kenadyr will seek to confirm and enhance past historical estimates of both size and grade."

Kenadyr's Bourbai project comprises a 100-per-cent-owned exploration licence covering a contiguous 164-square-kilometre land package that encircles the Zigin/Kyrgyz/Altyn newly constructed and operational TBL mine, which was built at a cost of $296-million (U.S.), in northern Kyrgyz Republic.

Zijin, the majority owner of the TBL mine, is one of China's largest gold producers, second-largest copper and zinc producer, as well as a major producer of tungsten and iron ore. In 2015, Zijin's sales revenue and net profit attributable to the parent company reached $11.44-billion (U.S.) and $255-million (U.S.), respectively, ranking first and second, respectively, among 14 major global public gold miners (source: Zijin website). According to a news release published by Zijin. on Aug. 15, 2011, the national resources table of Kyrgyz Republic stated that the TBL field contains (C1 plus C2) 8,906,100 tonnes of gold ore (the average grade is 7.23 grams per tonne) and the gold metal volume is 64,420.5 kilograms, among which the C1 grade (initial mining reserve) is 4,949,754 tonnes of gold ore (the average grade is 7.02 grams per tonne) and the gold metal volume is 34,754.6 kilograms. The TBL mine is designed to produce 125,000 ounces of gold per annum. The TBL mine deposit is directly adjacent to Kenadyr's initial drill target, the South Zone, which was previously drilled by the Soviets, with drilling on the Bourubai License exceeding 98,000 meters.

Readers are cautioned that the resource and reserve estimates relating to the TBL mine do not extend to the Borubai project. Kenadyr has not independently verified the information with respect to the TBL mine provided in this news release and it is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the Borubai project. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates on the TBL mine as current mineral resources or mineral reserves, and Kenadyr is not aware of the resource and reserve categories, or the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to prepare the historical estimates on the TBL mine. Kenadyr is not treating the historical estimates on the TBL mine as current mineral resources or mineral reserves as defined in National Instrument 43-101. While Kenadyr considers the historical estimates on the TBL mine disclosed in this news release to be relevant to investors, Kenadyr cautions readers that they should not be unduly relied upon in drawing inferences on the mineralization on the Borubai project.

Kenadyr's Borubai project, which surrounds the TBL mine, has been the subject of extensive historic exploration including drilling (98,200 metres in 184 diamond drill holes), trenching (13,800 cumulative metres), bulldozer cuts (33,400 cumulative metres), geologic mapping at 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 scales, ridge, spur and grid soil geochemistry for multi-elements (14,200 samples), rock geochemical sampling (2,320 samples), pan concentrate sampling (790 samples), 100 metres of adits, and 184 metres of underground raises. Additionally, the entire area has been subject to airborne magnetic, radiometric and gravity surveys, as well as ground-based resistivity and induced polarization surveys. Additional high grade gold targets exist throughout the Borubai license. The entire license has been subject to extensive geochemical and geophysical surveys, with follow up trenching and drilling on only a few of the identified anomalies.

Additional information in respect of the Corporation's business and the Borubai project is available in the Corporation's filing statement dated February 27, 2017, available under the Corporation's profile on SEDAR.

Kenadyr has an expert team of mine developers with considerable local and regulatory knowledge, led by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Alex Becker, who has operated successfully in the country for much of the past 20 years. The board and management team includes; R. Stuart (Tookie) Angus (Chairman), Alexander Becker (Chief Executive Officer), Bryan Slusarchuk (President), Douglas J. Kirwin (Director), Brian Lueck (Director) and Kevin Ma (Chief Financial Officer). Mark Eaton will act as an adviser to the Corporation.

Kenadyr has 83,947,623 common shares issued along with common share purchase warrants exercisable at various prices for an aggregate of 4,633,044 common shares. Additional to this, Kenadyr is also pleased to announce that the Corporation has retained Skanderbeg Capital Advisors Inc. (principals Carson Seabolt and Mario Vetro, of British Columbia, Canada) to provide investor relations services to the Corporation for an initial 12-month term at a rate of CAD $6,000 plus GST per month and 500,000 incentive stock options exercisable at a price of $0.80 cents for period of 5 years and vesting quarterly over the first 12 months following the grant. Investor relation services include communication with existing and prospective Kenadyr investors. Further, the Corporation has granted an additional 7,885,000 incentive stock options exercisable at a price of $0.80 cents for a period of 5 years to various directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation, also subject to 20% vesting on the date of grant and 20% vesting each 6 months thereafter over a 5 year period from the date of grant.

Brian Lueck, P. Geo, a director of the Kenadyr and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.

On behalf of Kenadyr Mining (Holdings) Corp.

Dr. Alexander Becker

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Corporation and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Corporation are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Corporation's expectations include the success for failure of the Corporation's proposed exploration activities on the Bourabi Project or its resource potential relative to the TBL Mine and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Corporation with securities regulations.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Corporation. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Corporation will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

Contacts:

Kevin Ma

CFO

(604) 687-7130

info@kenadyr.com

www.kenadyr.com




DUBLIN, Apr. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Unmanned Sea Systems Market 2017-2021" report to their offering.

The global unmanned sea system market to grow at a CAGR of 7.70% during the period 2017-2021.



The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global unmanned sea system market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

Unmanned sea systems are remotely controlled or pre-programmed autonomous water vehicles. They are mainly classified into two: unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Globally, the Navy uses unmanned sea systems for underwater mapping missions, surveillance, and as surface targets during naval exercises or to clear naval mines.



According to the report, one driver in market is predisposition for the deployment of UUVs. The demand for UUVs is increasing for naval intelligence; mine countermeasures (MCM); intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roles; and anti-submarine warfare missions. The naval forces predominantly deploy two types of UUVs: AUVs and ROVs. ROVs are connected to a surface naval vessel via cables that are controlled manually, whereas AUVs are fully autonomous in function. In naval operations, these UUVs are specially designed and deployed for underwater surveillance, hull inspections, dock inspections, and underwater mines deactivation.



Market Dynamics

Market drivers



Growing demand for stealth platform

Increasing investment in maritime surveillance capabilities

Predisposition for the deployment of UUVs

Market challenges



Design and operational challenges

Increasing investments for deploying manned submarines

Data breaching due to malicious cyber wars

Market trends



Growing investments in undersea warfare capabilities

Emergence of 3D printing and composite materials

Advancement of electromagnetic and acoustic sensors technologies

Key vendors



ATLAS ELEKTRONIK

BAE Systems

General Dynamics

Lockheed Martin

Thales



Other prominent vendors



BaltRobotics

Boston Engineering Corporation

GATE Elektronik

Kongsberg Gruppen

Ocean Aero

Saab Group

Teledyne Technologies



Key Topics Covered:



Part 01: Executive summary



Part 02: Scope of the report



Part 03: Research Methodology



Part 04: Introduction



Part 05: Market landscape



Part 06: Market segmentation by platform type



Part 07: Geographical segmentation



Part 08: Market drivers



Part 09: Impact of drivers



Part 10: Market challenges



Part 11: Impact of drivers and challenges



Part 12: Market trends



Part 13: Vendor landscape



Part 14: Appendix

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/fmbrrx/global_unmanned

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TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 05/18/17 -- Prime Dividend Corp. (The "Company") declares its monthly distribution of $0.06142 for each Class A share and $0.04167 for each Preferred share. Distributions are payable June 9, 2017 to shareholders on record as at May 31, 2017.

Under the distribution policy announced on July 17, 2014, the monthly dividend payable on the Class A shares is determined by applying a 10.00% annualized rate on the volume weighted average market price (VWAP) of the Class A shares over the last 5 trading days of the preceding month. As a result, Class A shareholders of record on May 31, 2017 will receive a dividend of $0.06142 per share based on the VWAP of $7.37 payable on June 9, 2017. The yield will remain stable at 10.00% (based on the VWAP) under this distribution policy.

Preferred shareholders continue to receive prime plus 0.75% with a minimum rate of 5.00%.

Since inception Class A shareholders have received a total of $9.30 per share and Preferred shareholders have received a total of $6.18 per share inclusive of this distribution, for a combined total of $15.48.

The Company invests in a portfolio of high yielding Canadian Companies as follows:

Banks Investment Management Bank of Montreal AGF Management Ltd. Bank of Nova Scotia CI Financial Corp. CIBC IGM Financial Inc. National Bank of Canada Royal Bank of Canada Toronto-Dominion Bank Life Insurance Utilities & Other Great-West Lifeco Inc. BCE Inc. Manulife Financial Corporation TransAlta Corp Sun Life Financial Inc. TransCanada Corp Power Financial Corp. TMX Group Inc. Distribution Details Class A Share (PDV) $0.06142 Preferred Share (PDV.PR.A) $0.04167 Ex-Dividend Date: May 29, 2017 Record Date: May 31, 2017 Payable Date: June 9, 2017 ------------------------------------------------------------

Contacts:

Investor Relations:

1-877-478-2372

Local: 416-304-4443

info@quadravest.com

www.primedividend.com




PETC Malaysian Private Equity Tech Conference



KUALA LUMPUR, Apr 19, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Malaysian Private Equity Tech Conference (PETC) is now back with the second edition, which gathers the region's leading institutional investors and fund managers to discuss best practices and real cases that affect private equity and venture capital in the Asian region.While Asia has been constantly eyed by global investors as an investment hub for alternative investments, given the rapid growth in the private sector, there exists potential for substantial investment for high return in the industry.At the event, attendees will take on a local and regional perspective to explore private equity as a value driver and investment alternative in the region, under the theme "Unleashing Investment Opportunities in Asia". The event will feature industry top-tier leaders in discussions of compelling issues such as the latest demand for investing from Asian investors, the local operational challenges, regional deal flow and trends in tech-investing in the VC space.The event will be held on 18th of May 2017 at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel.The conference will be attended by 150+ attendees spanning Private Equity Funds, Fund of Funds, Venture Capital, service providers and exciting fast-growing businesses. Companies that attended the event include Temasek, Adam Street Partners, Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners, CVC Capital Partners, the Carlyle Group, Blackstone, Partners Group, Ardian, Unigestion, Kuwait Investment Authority, Affinity Equity Partners and many more.About PETC Ltd.PETC Ltd. produces Asia's foremost Private Equity Tech Conferences. We bring together global and regional industry pioneers to discuss and share insights on the trend toward technology and its unrivaled role in the private equity markets in Asia. Operating in the world's fastest growing financial marrkets, our conferences connect top industry leaders and professionals with investors, private equity and venture capital fund managers, service providers and technology businesses from across Asia. To learn more, please visit http://PE-TechConference.com.Please email or telephone:Nicole GohRegional Manager,PETC Ltd.(Techspace Sdn. Bhd.)Telephone: +60 173 576 860nicole@PE-TechConference.comSource: PETC, Ltd.Copyright 2017 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Establishment Labs, a NYC-based global medical device company focused on breast surgery technologies, closed an $18m financing round.

Backers included Kilowatt Capital and Florence Capital Advisors.

The company intends to use the funds to launch Motiva Implants and Puregraft in some of the largest markets worldwide.

Led by Juan Jose Chacon Quiros, CEO, Establishment Labs is a breast implant and medical technology company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets an innovative product portfolio consisting of advanced silicone-filled breast and body shaping implants. Its CE-marked Motiva Implants line of silicone breast implants utilizing medical-grade silicone is sold in more than 60 countries worldwide. Puregrafts FDA cleared and CE-Marked technology provides plastic surgeons with purified fat for reinjection on the sterile field. The technology is used in hospitals and clinics around the world.

Over the last six months, the company has received regulatory clearances in Russia, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Vietnam and Brazil -among others- and is currently in the process of scaling up production capacity at its manufacturing plant in Costa Rica.

FinSMEs

18/04/2017
Innovapptive Inc., a Houston, TX-based provider of configurable mobile workforce management solutions in the Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), field operations and Supply Chain space, completed a $1.5m funding.

The round wad led by Hyderabad Angels (HA) .In conjunction with the funding, Kishore Ganji from Hyderabad Angels will join Innovapptives Board of Directors.

The company intends to use the funds to scale its sales and marketing teams, accelerate product innovation and expand customer acquisitions in the mobile workforce management market.

Led by Sundeep Ravande, President and Co-founder, Innovapptive provides configurable cloud based enterprise mobile solution frameworks for enterprise asset management (EAM), field operations and supply chain.

With over 150 employees across offices in USA, Germany and India, the company serves some of the worlds largest brands within the Oil & Gas, Life Sciences, Chemicals, and Manufacturing industries, among others.

FinSMEs

18/04/2017
Inoviem Scientific, a Strasbourg, France-based Contract Research Biotech (CRB) company, secured 750k in funding.

Funding includes:

 650k ($693k) from Cap InnovEst, the French public investment bank Bpifrance and its own banks, and

 100k ($107k) grant from Strasbourg Eurometropole.

The company intends to use the funds to broaden its range of services and finance its move to new laboratory facilities with more space in the Illkirch-Graffenstaden innovation park in northeast France.

Led by Dr. Pierre Eftekhari, president and founder, Inoviem Scientific supplies pharmaceutical companies with key information on drug-target interaction to support decision-making along the value chain from drug discovery to post-marketing, including the pre-clinical and clinical stages of development via two label free technologies, NPOT and PIMS, which work on human tissue in clinical conditions.

The company had already received funding of more than 1 million ($1.07M) in 2015, from Cap InnovEst and Bpifrance.

FinSMEs

18/04/2017
MortgageHippo, Inc., a Chicago, IL-based provider of white-label digital mortgage solutions to lenders, brokers and other mortgage originators, raised approximately $2.25m in seed funding.

The round was led by CMFG Ventures, the venture capital entity of CUNA Mutual Group.

The company, which had raised an initial seed round of $750k in January 2016, will use the funds primarily to further expand its software development and sales team.

Led by Michael Salichs, President, and Valentin Saportas, CEO, MortgageHippo provides a white-label digital mortgage platform  known as SwiftDLP  that allows lenders to devise and implement their digital mortgage strategies, deliver a modern borrowing experience, improve borrower conversions, reduce origination costs and integrate with other technologies. The platform is customizable to lender preferences and configurable to their workflows and processes.

FinSMEs

18/04/2017
Obvious Ventures, a San Francisco, CA-based early stage tech venture capital firm, raised $178.4m for its second fund.

Per an SEC filing, Obvious Ventures II, LP, was subscribed by 38 investors.

Led by Ev Williams, Co-founder, James Joaquin, Co-founder & Managing Director, Vishal Vasishth Co-founder & Managing Director, Andrew Beebe, Managing Director, Nan Li, Principal, Gabe Kleinman, Director of Content & Marketing and Sami Inkinen, Venture Partner, the firm focuses on investing in three focus areas including:

 Sustainable Systems investing in such sectors as Energy, Agriculture and Resources.

 People Power investing in such sectors as Work, Money and Community.

 Healthy Living investing in such sectors as Food, Wellness and Health IT.

The portfolio includes Diamond Foundry, Enbala, Enervee, Flux, Mosaic, Loup, Proterra, Zymergen, Gusto, Joy, Medium, Lucid, Happiest Baby, Olly, Urban Remedy, etc.

FinSMEs

17/04/2017
RippleNami, Inc., a San Diego, CA-based provider of a map-based data visualization platform accessed via the cloud, closed a seed funding of undisclosed amount.

Backers included Bootstrap Incubation, Prosper Capital, Capital Innovators, Golden Seeds, and Chatham Venture Partners.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate operations growth and development of its technology.

Led by president and chief executive officer Jaye Connolly-LaBelle, RippleNami provides a cloud-based mapping platform that allows governments, corporations, NGOs, and aid organizations to access a wide variety of real-time information that matters most to them. The technology ingests any kind of data, including blockchain, and connects that information to a map adding meaning that enables users to make decisions and collaborate.

The company recently partnered with BanQu, a blockchain technology platform, to offer people living in extreme poverty access credit and other financial resources, as well as capture and visualize their life events such as banking, healthcare records, global supply chain and more.

FinSMEs

18/04/2017
Air India seems to be mulling over whether to impose a hefty financial penalty on passengers who delay flights so that such potential trouble creators can be deterred by the large amount involved, the Mint newspaper reported.

The United States, which is a large aviation market, is already dealing with unruly flyers by charging them a hefty penalty. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) jacked up the amount it can propose for unruly passenger cases from $1,100 to $25,000 per violation through Reauthorization Bill (April 16, 2000). On its website, the FAA says one incident can result in multiple violations. This over 22-times increase in penalties is obviously working: The FAA database shows unruly passengers dropped to 92 in the entire calendar 2016 against 105, 147 and 149 in each preceding year. In four months till 5 Aprii in 2017, only 9 such cases were reported.

So, will Air India finally be able to extract large sums from passengers who are unable to control their anger in the skies? The Mint report says an internal note, not surprisingly, mentions three incidents of unruly passenger behavior which led to flight delays and each was the result of a Member of Parliaments (MP) act.

An official of a private domestic airline told Firstpost that said such a step, if implemented, would show an intention to curb unruly behavior in the skies but might not be doable. The official wondered who would decide the precise quantum of flight delay due to a passenger's misbehaviour (ruling out other factors for flight delays), and how will the penalty be enforced? Will it fall foul of existing consumer rights provisions?

Another official from a private airline said the simple solution for dealing with such passengers would be to offload them immediately and file an FIR against them. These officials declined to say whether all airlines would come together and decide to follow Air India by imposing a financial penalty on unruly flyers. Remember, last month, all airlines had come together to bar Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad from flying after he assaulted an Air India staffer and delayed the aircraft by over an hour.

It is clear that Air India is rattled by the Gaikwad controversy but still, it may or may not eventually come out with a guideline where it expects passengers to pay Rs 5 lakh per hour of flight delay when the cost of a one-way Delhi-Mumbai journey is sometimes not even a hundredth of this amount. But it is interesting to see how Indias airlines have been struggling to get some rules in place as the aviation market expands in the country.

First, the obvious: The air safety regulator of India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, does not maintain data of unruly flyers. Unruly flyers are those who make the life of co-passengers and crew miserable on a flight by their obnoxious behavior and are considered fit to either be offloaded from the flight or barred from flying in future. Unlike the Indian habit of shunning any kind of data and statistics which could help improve services in the burgeoning aviation industry, the United States and some other countries maintain certified data of such incidents. These countries also have a No Fly list of individuals who are barred from boarding an aircraft due to unacceptable behavior in the past.

The only data available as per DGCA is a breakup of reasons for flight delays every month. As per this statistic, which the airlines themselves provide, at most 3 percent of the reasons for flight delays were passenger related in the last six months. In fact, close to fifth of flight delays are due to a combination of ATC and airport issues!

Data for the last six months, from February this year to September 2016 show:

** February 2017: Delays due to passengers only 2% versus 20% due to ATC and airport combined

** January 2017: Delays due to passengers only 2% versus 14% due to ATC and airport combined

** December 2016: Delays due to passengers only 2% versus 14% due to ATC and airport combined

** November 2016: Delays due to passengers only 3% versus 17% due to ATC and airport combined

** October 2016: Delays due to passengers only 3% versus 23% due to ATC and airport combined

** September 2016: Delays due to passengers only 3% versus 22% due to ATC and airport combined

If the airlines are not imposing financial penalties on ATCs and Airports, would flyers agree to bear the burden?

http://dgca.nic.in/cars/D3M-M6.pdf

This Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) which defines an unruly flyer and what can be done to deal with such passengers does not mention any financial penalties. It merely says passengers who are likely to be unruly and disruptive must be carefully monitored, and if necessary, refused embarkation or off-loaded, if deemed to pose a threat to the safety and security of the flight, fellow passengers or staff while on board aircraft.

Till the DGCA comes on board with levying of financial penalties, perhaps Air Indias endeavour would be a mere good-intention exercise. Besides, what happened to that No-Fly list that the ministry of civil aviation said it was developing after the Gaikwad incident? Having such a list perhaps is a precursor to any form of financial penalty on unruly flyers.
Mumbai: Tata Sons on Monday welcomed the NCLT dismissing the petitions by the Cyrus Mistry camp and said it vindicates the position of the group. "The ruling today by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) dismissing the waiver application of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group companies, on behalf of Cyrus Mistry, represents a vindication of our position. We hope this brings to an end a vexatious campaign against the company, the Tata Trusts and Ratan N Tata. Tata Sons will continue its focus on its future development under the stewardship of our chairman N Chandrasekaran," F N Subedar, chief operating officer of Tata Sons said in a statement late Monday evening.

"We are pleased that Mistrys claims have been dismissed by the NCLT," he added and welcomed the NCLT ruling.

Earlier in the day, the NCLT dismissed the waiver application by the Mistry camp filed against Tata Sons. The petitions were filed by two firms belonging to Cyrus Mistry's family, and sought waiver of an eligibility condition for moving the forum against Tata Sons.

Dismissing the petitions, NCLT bench led by BSV Prakash Kumar and V Nallasenapathy said, "The waiver is dismissed, the company petition dismissed." The reasons for the order will be given out later in the week.

"We interpret the NCLT ruling as demonstrating that the petitioners failed to make a convincing or compelling case that warranted a hearing on alleged mismanagement, oppression or other actions," Subedar said.

Monday's was the fifth such ruling by the company law tribunals, rejecting reliefs requested by the Shapoorji Pallonji Group companies and Mistry.

"Mistry has made many ill-advised and groundless allegations intended to besmirch the name of the Tata Group," Subedar, said, adding, "Todays ruling makes clear that there is no case to be heard. Over the past six months, Mistry has failed demonstrably to build a case. We trust that the NCLTs decision brings this matter to a close," he concluded yesterday.

The two firms -- Cyrus Investments and Sterling Investments -- wanted NCLT to waive the requirement that shareholders hold at least 10 percent of a firm to file a petition alleging mismanagement and oppression.

While the Pallonji Group owns 18.4 per cent of ordinary shares in Tata Sons, their ownership comes down to only about 2.17 per cent when preference shares are counted.

Together, Pallonji Group is the single largest shareholder in the US $105 billion group with 18.4 percent stakes in Tata Trusts, which collectively own 64 percent in the group.

Aryaman Sundaram, counsel for the Mistry family firms, had argued for the waiver citing concerns on voting and veto rights accorded to Tata trustees on the board of Tata Sons.

Mistry, after being ousted from the group as chairman on 24 October last, had alleged that there was mismanagement and oppression of minority shareholders and urged NCLT to use its discretion and waive an eligibility condition for filing such a petition.

The NCLT had on 6 March, 2017 held last month that the plea was not maintainable, because the petitioner firms did not meet one of the eligibility criteria prescribed by Section 244 of the Companies Act of 2013.

Mistry contended that under the Companies Act, the tribunal can waive a requirement that petitioner should hold at least one-tenth of issued share capital of the company, or represent at least one-tenth of minority shareholders.

Tata Sons had argued that if preference capital was also considered, the petitioner firms held only 2.17 percent of the total issued share capital of Tata Sons.
The Supreme Court on Monday delivered a major blow to the beleaguered Sahara group chairman Subrata Roy, passing an order to auction its prime Aamby Valley township near Lonavala in Pune. The order came after the Sahara chief failed to abide by the court directive to deposit Rs 5,000 crore of the Rs 14,000 crore dues in the stipulated time frame. The top court had told the group earlier that no extension of time would be granted for depositing the amount.

Below are the key highlights of the Sahara-Sebi issue:

1) The Supreme Court bench comprising of justices Dipak Misra, Ranjan Gogoi and A K Sikri said the group had failed to honour the 21 March order, which asked it to deposit Rs 5,000 crore by 17 April. "As no amount has been deposited by the contemnor (Subrata Roy), we are inclined to go ahead with the auction of Aamby Valley City near Lonavala, Maharashtra," The Economic Times report said quoting the bench.

2) The SC appointed the official liquidator of Bombay High Court and said it must complete the exercise of valuation over the next ten days, and submit a report to the apex court. "We are sure all shall work in harmony to comply with the directions passed by this court", the report said.

3) The bench also directed Roy and his group as well as Sebi to provide all necessary details relating to the properties to the official liquidator within 48 hours.

4) The Court also directed its chief Subrata Roy to personally appear before it on 28 April, 2017.

5) In 2012, Sahara group had told the court that the Aamby Valley property was worth Rs 39,000 crore, but in a statement on Monday, it claimed the township was valued above Rs 1 lakh crore, and any attempt to sell the assets could result in a distress sale. Sahara is committed to making the payment of Rs 10,000-crore-plus by July/August 2017 but the Honble court is instead asking for the auction of Aamby Valley. Since the last hearing, the court is insisting on the auction. The market valuation of Aamby Valley is above Rs 1 lakh crore. Auctioning under distress will give the bidder undue favour/benefit, The Business Standard report said quoting Sahara lawyer Gautam Awasthi in an email.

6) On the other hand, Sahara group claims that it has already paid Rs 22,000 crore to investors, and the additional Rs 12,000 crore it deposited pertains to duplication of payments. "The SC should understand and do justice, otherwise a 39-year-old company and bread and butter of its 12 lakh workers shall collapse," The Times of India report said quoting the group.

7) The court had last month ordered an international real estate firm, which had shown willingness to buy Sahara's stake in New York-based Plaza Hotel for $550 million, to deposit Rs 750 crore in the Sebi-Sahara refund account, instead of the apex court registry to show its bonafides.

8) The court had on 6 May, 2016 granted a four-week parole to Roy to attend the funeral of his mother. His parole has been extended by the court ever since. Roy was sent to Tihar jail on 4 March, 2014. The court had on 28 November last year asked Subrata Roy to deposit Rs 600 crore more by 6 February in the refund account to remain out of jail and warned that failure to do so would result in his return to prison.

9) Besides Roy, two other directors -- Ravi Shankar Dubey and Ashok Roy Choudhary -- were arrested for failure of the group's two companies, Sahara India Real Estate Corporation (SIRECL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corp Ltd (SHICL), to comply with the court's 31 August, 2012 order to return Rs 24,000 crore to their investors.

10) The apex court also asked one Prakash Swamy, an official who had filed an affidavit on behalf of MG Capital Holdings, a US-based real estate company, from leaving the country. The court has asked Swamy to deposit Rs 10 crore as costs and also directed him to appear in person on 27 April, 2017.
The chemical fertiliser subsidy needs to be replaced with a subsidy that will promote the use of organic fertilisers. This is not just environmentally correct but also important for the future of farmers and agriculture in the country.

The use of chemical fertilisers leads to a rapid deterioration in soil quality. Chemical fertilisers are nothing but alkaline salts of various kinds. As a result, they add to the salinity content of the soil. This saline residue accumulates with the usage of fertilisers. Chemical fertilisers also have heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, copper, nickel, etc., which accumulate in the soil.

The fall in productivity of wheat yields is well-documented in states like Punjab and projections for the next 20 years show that yields will continue to slip though and nitrate consumption will increase. The positive correlation between nitrate consumption and increase in wheat yields is over because of high usage.

This deterioration of yield is taking place across the country. When yield falls, the farmer resorts to even higher use of chemical fertilisers, which affects the soil and also the ground water and river water. Nitrate contents leach into the ground and affect ground water. This then gets into the bio ecosystem and has long-term effects on health.

The alternative to this is to move towards organic fertilisers, but to wean Indian farmers away from chemical fertilisers is not easy. Moreover, the debate about chemical fertiliser usage has always been linked to productivity and has been smartly directed in recent times to usage of right chemicals. The last standing committee on agriculture explored this issue in 2015-16 right after the pesticide scare.

The thrust of the committee's report was that the 'right chemicals' were not being chosen by farmers. As a result, productivity in soil was deteriorating. It cleverly skirted the overuse of chemical fertilisers. It recommended that the government should prepare soil quality cards so that appropriate chemicals can be used by farmers. While overusage of urea or nitrogen compound is certainly a problem, it diverts the issue to one single kind of chemical fertiliser. This happens as the chemical fertiliser industry lobby does not really want its subsidy cash cow to be affected. But there is change underway, from an unexpected quarter.

Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertiliser Company (GNFC) is building a model for neem-based fertilisers. The model is important and the efforts laudable as GNFC is trying to do what can be an industry model. A distributed model for collection, extraction and manufacture of neem-based organic fertilisers. The model came out as GNFC was asked to coat its chemical fertilisers with neem so that it is not diverted to other industries. Diversion of subsidised chemical fertilisers is a major problem and coating it with neem makes it almost impossible to be diverted. GNFC found that after it had collected and extracted the oil from neem seeds, it was left with a thousand of tonnes of neem residue. The residue had natural ingredients and could be used as fertilisers and pesticide.

The company began collecting and extracting neem oil in Gujarat, but has now extended these operations to other states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Extraction of neem oil will be done at local levels in these states at third party units and the cakes or residue left will be packaged and sold to farmers. Currently, the model is being financed through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds of GNFC as collection of neem seeds have to be paid for. Moreover, the price of each bag is almost 2.5 times the price of urea. Company officials said that they were working on thin margins as the objective is to build a model that also provides employment.

The Gujarat state government has taken the initiative to give subsidy support to GNFC for its neem fertilisers. Neem seeds are seasonal and so the company has to quickly build a network of collection workers across these states. Local expellant and solvent extraction units have to be tied up so that the oil can be extracted. Neem seeds cannot be transported over long distances, hence the need for a distributed model of small units.

The model of manufacturing and distribution spreads across states. Instead of large factories, several smaller units have to be set up. This is the model which has to be adapted and built for organic fertilisers as it is not done on a large manufacturing scale. The subsidy element becomes that much more important as the government needs to promote such models to make it happen.

Currently, under the MNREGA scheme the government includes building pits for organic fertilisers. But it is a cursory exercise and not really pushed or connected with distribution of such fertilisers. Farmers are still obsessed with chemical fertilisers as it is much easier to buy a cheap bag of fertiliser than spend time and effort in making organic fertilisers. The process of making organic fertilisers is tedious and laborious.

Other fertiliser companies like the Delhi-based Indian Farmers Fertilisers Co-operative (IFFCO) is also trying to set up a plant for neem extraction and may look at packaging the residue. Neem oil is an extremely useful product and can be used in the making of soaps, shampoos, and even hair oil. All these products are being made by GNFC. Maybe, it will inspire IFFCO to do more too, as it is a much bigger company than GNFC.

More importantly, if the government starts using its subsidy to make chemical fertilisers companies build a distributed model for manufacturing and distributing organic fertilisers, the country will benefit. Public sector fertiliser companies may be more amenable and private sector companies may follow as they see the potential.

(K Yatish Rajawat is a policy analyst based in New Delhi. He tweets @yatishrajawat)
Yesterday, 17 April, 2017 would go down as a watershed day in the annals of Indias judiciary. The three-member bench of the Supreme Court walked its talk, and ordered the official liquidator of the Bombay High Court to auction Saharas Aamby valley township project. The purpose of the article is not to repeat the facts leading up to the stern order to auction the property worth Rs 34,000 crore which in addition is a symbol of lavish opulence rivalling for parallel attention of those who eyed Dubais Palm Grove project raised on sea that was dried up first.

It is significant to note that the Court has repeatedly used the word contemnor to describe Sahara promoter Subrata Roy and his misdemeanours. Indeed a person who has the gall to look askance at the highest court of the land and seeks indefinite parole merits no sympathy.

The SC knows that acceptance of deposits aggregating to some Rs 24,000 crore by two Sahara group companies Sahara India Real Estate Corporation (SIRECL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corp Ltd (SHICL) that were conveniently converted into bonds in defiance of listing norms was a calculated and careful attempt to launder black money of the rich and famous using gullible village folks as cats paw. It expected Roy to spill the beans through means that bore resemblance to custodial torture without actually subjecting him to one because in Delhis Tihar jail he has been enjoying all the creature comforts and more. But the threat of incarceration can dispirit anyone especially free-birds.

One suspects that the 17 April, 2017 order is just the prelude to events that are going to unfold. Once the Aamby Valley property is disposed off, the Court would logically follow it up with transferring the same to the Sebi-Sahara fund with a view to repaying the so-called bondholders. In all likelihood the true owners are not likely to surface for the fear of courting ignominy nor are all of them benami holders living persons, with ghosts pitching in for many of the real owners. Indeed, the SC would be enacting its own version of the benami law and confiscating for the government huge amounts of money from the Sahara group, long suspected of being money launderer to the nation.

And SC is using the Sahara case to send a stern message to other crooks. Already, Vijay Mallya must be shaking in his boots in his London hideout. The two cases are not on all fours but both have cheated the nation in their own distinct ways. If money-laundering and hiding black money is a crime, the crime committed by Mallya is to blithely use banking system and listing to finance his luxurious life style and vaulting ambition with repayment figuring only tangentially in his scheme of things.

Hiding behind corporate veil is no longer a ready escape route for crooks, certainly not if what the SC is doing in Sahara is any indicator.

Prime Minister Modi sent chill down the spines of black money owners through demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The SC too has been sending chill down the spines of crooks masquerading as pedigree industrialists. The message sometimes is more important than the outcome. Demonetisation might not have flushed out the entire black money nor even a substantial part of it but it has succeeded in sending home the message that this government would rise again and again to make a frontal attack on it.
New Delhi: Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha today sought to allay concerns over radiation emitted from mobile towers, saying studies so far have not revealed any health hazards.

The minister further emphasised that prescribed limits for radiation emissions in India are more stringent than global norms.

The comments come in the wake of a report that Supreme Court has ordered shutting down of a BSNL mobile tower in Gwalior on the plea of a 42-year-old cancer patient.

The order is expected to intensify ongoing deliberations on the impact of radiation from mobile phone towers on health. Sinha also said that call drops situation had improved significantly in the last few months.

"In the last four months, our data shows that call drops have reduced by 60 percent," the minister said on the sidelines of a CII event.
Vijay Mallya, the former boss of Kingfisher Airlines, has received a bail after being arrested three hours ago by Scotland Yard in London (UK) in relation a fraud case, a CNN News18 report said.

The Westminster Court granted him bail after being arrested earlier in the day.

The Indian billionaire businessman fled India in March 2016.

Soon after his arrest, there were reports that Mallya is likely to be presented before Westminster court in London.

Reports also suggested that the beleaguered industrialist will also be soon extradited to India.

His arrest was made following request made by India's Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.

Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 18, 2017

India had given a formal extradition request for Mallya as per the Extradition Treaty between India and the UK through a note verbale on 8 February.

Mallya has been on the run after he failed to repay bank loans worth Rs 9,000 crore taken on behalf of the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Multiple courts in India have issued warrants against Mallya in various cases over the past one year.

So far, banks have not made any significant progress as far as the recovery of Kingfisher loans even as Mallya's Kingfisher Villa was recently sold to a Mumbai-based businessman.

Recently, a Delhi court had issued an open ended non-bailable warrant against the businessman in a case of allegedly evading summons in a FERA violation matter.

On 4 November last year, while issuing non-bailable warrant against Mallya, the court had observed that he had no inclination to return and had scant regard for the law of the land. The court also said that on 4 October it had specifically noted that he could approach authorities and obtain emergency document to return to India but the situation is that he has not taken any such step.

Last month, the British government certified India's request for extradition of Mallya, and sent it to a district judge for further action.

"The UK Home department on 21 February conveyed that the request of India for extradition of Mallya has been certified by the secretary of state and sent to the Westminster Magistrates' Court for a district judge to consider the issue of releasing of warrant," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay had said.

While handing over the request, India had asserted that it has a "legitimate" case against Mallya and maintained that if an extradition request is honoured, it would show British "sensitivity towards our concerns".

The extradition process from the UK involves a number of steps including a decision by the judge whether to issue a warrant of arrest. In case of a warrant, the person is arrested and brought before the court for preliminary hearing followed by an extradition hearing before a final decision by the secretary of state.

With PTI inputs
Filmmaker Karan Johar recently convinced Telugu superstars Prabhas and Rana Daggubati to fly down to Mumbai to promote their upcoming film, SS Rajamouli's war epic Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. Johar, who has purchased the rights of the Hindi version of the film, managed to make a reserved person like Prabhas talk about the film passionately.

Now, India Today reports that Johar has convinced Prabhas to make his Hindi film debut, that too under his film banner Dharma Productions. This comes after Prabhas gained pan-Indian popularity through Rajamouli's 2015 film Baahubali: The Beginning, the prequel of their upcoming film which Johar marketed as well.

Prabhas' popularity is suggested by the fact that Baahubali: The Beginning was the first dubbed film to cross the Rs 100 crore mark in the Hindi film industry. Johar has already collaborated with Daggubati in films like Ayan Mukerji's 2013 romantic comedy Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and the recently released Sankalp Reddy's underwater war drama The Ghazi Attack.

DNA reports that Johar now wants to project Prabhas as an action romance star in Hindi cinema.

However, Prabhas has claimed that he will take a break from high-octane action films for a few years as shooting a physically exhausting film like Baahubali for the last five years has taken a toll on his health.

Thus, there is no official word of confirmation about his Hindi debut from Prabhas, Johar or Rajamouli yet.

Baahubali: The Conclusion also stars Tamannaah Bhatia, Sathyaraj and Anushka Shetty. It is produced by Shobhu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni's Arka Media Works. It will release simultaneously in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam and is slated to release on 28 April.
After the quintessential romantic song in the rain, Baarish, the makers of Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor-starrer Half Girlfriend have finally released the much-awaited video song which shows up in the trailer, 'Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga'.

Fans have been waiting for the song so badly that the makers decided to release the song prior to the planned date, reports Hindustan Times.

The film is an adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's book of the same name, which sees the Bhojpuri speaking Madhav Jha (played by Arjun Kapoor) fall in love with the elite Riya Somani (Shraddha Kapoor).

The soulful song is written by Manoj Muntashir, who has written songs for Baahubali: The Beginning and Wazir in the past.

He wrote this song 16 years ago on a trip to Kashmir, he says in a tweet:

I wrote #PhirBhiTumkoChahunga 16 years back while I was on my Kashmir trip. I had no intention or idea about... https://t.co/2IxQ05yFlp  PhirBhiTumkoChahunga (@manojmuntashir) April 18, 2017

Composed by Mithoon, the song has the beautiful voices of Arijit and Shashaa T.

The song takes us on a journey from the city of Patna, to the streets of Dumrao to New York.

It follows the second part of the story (from what we know of Chetan Bhagat's book) where Arjun Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor spend time together in Dumrao and Patna after being away from each other for a few years, then cuts to New York where Arjun Kapoor tries to find Shraddha Kapoor among the millions of faces.

Arijit Singh's voice is very soothing and helps lift the melody of the love ballad. But it is Shashaa T's voice that takes your breath away.

Here's the very anticipated 'Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga' from Half Girlfriend which releases in cinemas on 19 May:
The trailer of Dinesh Vijan's directorial debut Raabta caught everyone's attention with its surprise element. However, the makers have yet another surprise in store for the title song of the film.

Hindustan Times reports that Vijan confirmed his lucky mascot Deepika Padukone has done a special dance performance on the title song of the film, which is a rehash of the song 'Raabta' from Sriram Raghawan's 2012 spy thriller Agent Vinod.

While the original song featured Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, the rehashed version by music composer Pritam will see Padukone shake a leg on the same. She especially flew to Budapest to shoot for the song.

Bollywood Life reports that the leading lady of Raabta, Kriti Sanon, also lauded Padukone for her dance moves and dubbed her as the perfect choice for the song.

The report quotes her as saying, "Firstly , I hate the term `item number. Its a special dance number, which is the title track of our film. If I am offered a superb song like this in some movie, I will lap it up. In fact, I was present on the set when it was being filmed and we had a gala time. Its not a random song, its very much a part of the narrative. Deepika was looking super hot and was the best choice for it."

Padukone has been a lucky charm to both Vijan and his fellow filmmaker Homi Adajania. She has been the leading lady of three films co-produced by the two - Imtiaz Ali's 2009 film Love Aaj Kal, Adajania's 2012 film Cocktail and his 2014 film Finding Fanny.

Raabta also stars Sushant Singh Rajput, Jim Sarbh and Varun Sharma. It is co-produced by Adjania and Vijan's Maddock Films and Bhushan and Krishan Kumar's T-Series Films. The romantic thriller is slated to release on 16 June.
You might not know her but she is one of the most talented Indian actresses today. The recent Malayalam film Take Off, based on a real-life ordeal, had Parvathy the lead role and proving to the audience  yet again how she is uber-talented. Now, she is set to make her Bollywood debut with Irrfan Khan in a Tanuja Chandra film.

Parvathy snagged her debut flick in 2006 and since then nearly every film of hers has been critically and/or commercially acclaimed.

Having essayed roles in Malayalam, Tamil and Kannada, Parvathy already has 16 awards in her kitty.

Repertoire of films

So what makes Parvathy unique? Firstly, its her choice of films. She loves strong, character-driven roles and language is no bar for her. If in the Tamil film Poo, Parvathy played a young married village girl, in Bangalore Days, she was an RJ in a cosmopolitan city.

In the acclaimed Ennu Ninte Moideen, Parvathy was Kanchana Mala in the tragic love story. And in the survival thriller Take Off, she was Sameera who got 19 nurses safely back to India from war-torn Iraq.

Secondly, the literature grad is very clear on what roles she would be open to and which she would shun outright. The Malayalam actress said in a recent interview she would never accept movies that vulgarise gender or make fun of those who are physically/mentally challenged. In fact, she went on to add that she was ashamed of such films.

Parvathy doesnt compromise on her values and has often turned down films to work with newcomers in smaller films because she believed in the script.

Over the years, she has worked in many new-gen Malayalam films and women directors like Vijayalakshmi Singh, Anjali Menon and Roshni Dinaker. Shes not necessarily the protagonist in her films but her role leaves a lasting impression on you.

Bold and Beautiful

This Malayalam actor is also known to be very outspoken when it comes to social issues and womens rights.

In 2015, Parvathy rebelled against having a caste surname  Menon - tagged to her by journalists in 2008.

In a Facebook post she wrote candidly:

I am not the religion or the caste I was born into, alone. I am also not my gender or my skin colour, alone. I believe that I am a bit of everything and so are [sic] everyone else. I also do not believe that any of these aspects are of any value in defining how well I live or how qualified I am at work.

The actress went on to add that she wanted to wash the poison off our minds as we go forward and retain what is in our culture that supports a healthy co-existence. Parvathy was widely applauded for this stand of hers.

Child abuse and sexual assault of women is now widely spoken about with more influential women coming out and speaking against it. Recently, Parvathy revealed that she was also a victim of these.

In an interview, the Bangalore Days actress stated that she was assaulted by her co-workers in the film industry and she has also experienced child abuse and eve teasing.

She reportedly added, I am never a victim to such a crime, I am a survivor who won over them through positive thinking. I would tell all my sisters that such crimes often happen in our society and never feel that you are the only one affected. While her revelations have shocked some people, it has given courage to many women as well to stand up and fight.

Currently, Parvathy has two films that the audience can look forward to  My Story in Malayalam with Prithviraj and a Hindi romcom with Irrfan Khan.

Incidentally, both these films are helmed by women and its a given that Parvathy will be essaying stellar roles in these films.

All set to make her Hindi film debut, there's no doubt that young Parvathy from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has firmly cemented her place in Indian cinema today.
By Steve Holland

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump on Tuesday will order federal agencies to look at tightening a temporary visa program used to bring high-skilled foreign workers to the United States, as he tries to carry out his campaign pledges to put "America First." Trump will sign an executive order on enforcing and reviewing the H-1B visa, popular in the technology industry, on a visit to the headquarters of Snap-On Inc, a tool manufacturer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, senior administration officials said.He will also use what the White House called the "Buy American and Hire American" order to seek changes in government procurement that would boost purchases of American products in federal contracts, with one aim being to help U.S. steelmakers.The moves will show Trump once again using his power to issue executive orders to try to fulfill promises he made last year in his election campaign, in this case to reform U.S. immigration policies and encourage purchases of American products. Senior officials gave few details on implementation of the order but Trump aides have expressed concern that most H-1B visas are awarded for lower-paid jobs at outsourcing firms, many based in India, which they say takes work away from Americans. They seek a more merit-based way to give the visas to highly-skilled workers.As he nears the 100-day benchmark of his presidency, Trump still has no major legislative achievements. With his attempts to overhaul healthcare and tax law not bearing fruit so far in a Congress controlled by his fellow Republicans, Trump has leaned heavily on executive orders to seek changes to the U.S. economy.The venue for Trump's visit on Tuesday is a nod to his voter base in the manufacturing centers of the American heartland. Wisconsin unexpectedly voted for the Republican last year, partly due to his promises to bring back industrial jobs. His order will call for "strict enforcement of all laws governing entry into the United States of labor from abroad for the stated purpose of creating higher wages and higher employment rates for workers in the United States," a senior official said.It will call on the departments of Labor, Justice, Homeland Security and State to crack down on what the official called "fraud and abuse" in the U.S. immigration system, in order to protect American workers.Instead of directly ordering a change to the H-1B visa program, Trump is taking a more cautious route that will likely take some time to produce actual results. He will ask those federal departments to propose reforms to ensure those visas are awarded to the most skilled or highest paid applicant.

TECH INDUSTRY

H-1B visas are intended for foreign nationals in occupations that generally require higher education, including science, engineering or computer programming. The government uses a lottery to award 65,000 visas every year and randomly distributes another 20,000 to graduate student workers.Companies say they use the visas to recruit top talent. More than 15 percent of Facebook Inc's U.S. employees in 2016 used a temporary work visa, according to a Reuters analysis of U.S. Labor Department filings.Facebook, Microsoft Corp and Apple Inc were not immediately available for a comment.Most H-1B visas are awarded to outsourcing firms, sparking criticism by skeptics who say those companies use the visas to fill lower-level information technology jobs. Critics say the lottery benefits outsourcing firms that flood the system with mass applications.

The senior official said that under the current system foreign workers are often brought in at less pay to replace American workers, "violating the principle of the program."Indian nationals are by far the largest group of recipients of the H-1B visas issued each year to new applicants.NASSCOM, the Indian IT service industry's main lobby group, said it supports efforts to root out any abuses occurring in the H-1B system, but said the idea that H-1B visa holders are cheap labor is inaccurate and a campaign to discredit the sector.It warned that any onerous additional restrictions to the visa program would "hurt thousands of U.S. businesses and their efforts to be more competitive," by hindering access to needed talent. The Indian commerce ministry, which has been liaising with the United States on the visa issue, declined to comment. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Washington in February to be open minded on admitting skilled Indian workers.

India's No. 2 IT Services firm, Infosys, has said it is ramping up work on on-site development centers in the United States to train local talent in an effort to address the visa regulation changes under consideration.Infosys also warned last week that onerous changes to U.S. visa rules could affect its earnings.Before Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration, his transition team discussed the possibility of scrapping the H-1B lottery and replacing it with a system to favor visa petitions for jobs that pay the highest salaries, in an effort to curb visas given to lower skilled tech workers."We hope the goal of President Trumps executive order on the H-1B program is 'mend it, dont end it,' Robert Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation professional association, said in a statement.He said replacing the H-1B lottery with a more merit-based system could advance the programs goals of attracting people with advanced science and technology skills.The number of H-1B visa applications for this year actually fell to 199,000 from 236,000 received for 2016, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.Trump's order will also ask federal agencies to look at how to get rid of loopholes in the government procurement process.Specifically, the review will take into account whether waivers in free-trade agreements are leading to unfair trade by allowing foreign companies to undercut American companies in the global government procurement market."If it turns out America is a net loser because of those free-trade agreement waivers, which apply to almost 60 countries, these waivers may be promptly renegotiated or revoked," the second official said. (Writing by Steve Holland, Euan Rocha and Alistair Bell; Additional reporting by Eric Beech in Washington, David Ingram in San Francisco, Sankalp Phartiyal in Mumbai and Manoj Kumar in New Delhi; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Frances Kerry)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Devidutta Tripathy and Douglas Busvine

| MUMBAI/NEW DELHI

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI Flamboyant businessman Vijay Mallya, pursued by Indian authorities over unpaid loans tied to his defunct Kingfisher Airlines, was arrested in London on Tuesday and appeared in court for an extradition hearing.A source close to Mallya said he attended a police station voluntarily and the arrest was a technical procedure. Mallya, 61, was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities over accusations of fraud and appeared in Westminster Magistrates' Court, British police said.Television channels said he was granted bail at the hearing.Mallya, in a message on Twitter, called the news of his arrest "usual Indian media hype".India had asked Britain to extradite Mallya to face trial after the liquor and aviation tycoon fled there last March after banks sued to recover about $1.4 billion that Indian authorities say Kingfisher owes.

Mallya has repeatedly dismissed the charges against him and defended himself in messages on Twitter. On January 28 he said that "not one rupee was misused".A spokesman for India's foreign ministry said "the two governments are in touch" over India's extradition request.India and Britain have a mixed record on extradition, say legal experts. Some cases have collapsed when evidence fell short of the standard of "dual criminality", or actions that amount to a crime in both countries.

"The court usually focuses on whether there is sufficient evidence of criminality to extradite someone," said Andrew Smith, a partner at London law firm Corker Binning."India needs to show a prima facie evidential case against this man."

Television channel CNN News18 said a team of Indian law enforcement officials would visit London to begin work on the extradition. The Central Bureau of Investigation did not immediately comment.Mallya co-owns the Force India Formula One team. He has a base in London and a country home bought from the father of triple Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton.India's top brewer, United Breweries, part-owned by global giant Heineken, this year asked Mallya, its non-executive chairman, to step down from the board, following a regulatory order. United Breweries was not immediately available to comment after Tuesday's development.India's capital markets regulator has barred Mallya from participating in the securities market for having allegedly diverted funds from whisky maker United Spirits. (Additional reporting by Swati Bhat and Sudipto Ganguly in Mumbai, Alan Baldwin in London and Sanjeev Miglani in New Delhi; Editing by Andrew Roche)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
New Delhi: Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who was arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly taking money from AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran to bribe Election Commission officials in getting his party the AIADMK's poll symbol of two leaves, is an accused in several cheating cases.

He is also known as a flamboyant conman having a fetish for luxury cars. At the age of 27, Chandrashekhar has cases of cheating and illegal money laundering against him in the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Chennai Police and the Bengaluru Police, a senior Delhi police officer said.

He was arrested on Monday from a five-star hotel in New Delhi. He claimed that he has known AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dinakaran for the last four years and had told him that he would get a favourable verdict from the Election Commission (EC) in the party symbol case, the officer said.

Chandrashekhar had allegedly told Dinakaran that he has contacts in the EC and they will help the Sasikala faction to get the AIADMK's poll symbol of two leaves in the by-election to the RK Nagar Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu.

Police got on Chadrashekhar's trail after they received a tip-off from an informer about certain EC official being approached.

"We were having some information that Dinakaran is trying to reach out to the EC through a middleman, who was later identified as Chandrashekhar," he said.

It has been learnt that the conman had struck a deal for Rs 50 crore for helping the AIADMK (Amma) faction to keep the 'two leaves' symbol, said an officer privy to the probe.

Till now, he had got Rs 10 crore of the deal amount and the remaining was to be given to him in a time-bound manner. On Monday, police recovered Rs 1.30 crore in cash and two luxury cars  a BMW and a Mercedes  from him.

One of the cars also had 'MP' written on it, thereby hinting that he used to pose as a Member of Parliament to dupe the gullible people.

It has been found that he was getting money through a Chandni Chowk-based hawala operator. Police also has some phone conversations between the AIADMK leader and Chandrashekhar, sources said, adding that some part of the money was also paid in Kochi.

It is also being probed whether Chandrasekhar had any links with any Election Commission officials. The official said that the man is known for his conversation skills and used to drive around in cars with red beacon to show people that he exercises influence in political circles.

He claimed that he knew a political leader and used his name to con people.

Chandrashekhar also claimed that he is married to actress Leena Maria Paul, who had also acted in a film 'Madras Cafe', and arrested in 2013 here by a team of Delhi and Chennai police.

He and Leena were arrested on the charges of duping Canara Bank in Chennai of Rs 19 crore, the officer said, adding that he had allegedly duped the bank by posing as an IAS officer and Leena as his aide.

While Leena was arrested from Delhi, Chandrashekhar was held from Bangalore in connection with the case after the actress gave the police a tip-off about his whereabouts. She, at that time, had claimed that he had befriended her on the pretext of getting her modelling offers.

Chandrashekhar is an alumnus of the Bishop Cotton School in Bengaluru and an MBA dropout. He had floated a company "King Investment" and allegedly made Rs 2,000 crore by duping people through the firm.

While in Bengaluru, he had even posed as the grandson of DMK chief M Karunanidhi and conned people. He used to buy luxury cars through the money he earned by conning people. He has conned more than 100 people till now and has more than 15 FIRs lodged against him, the officer said.
Rampur: Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi condemned opposition parties for terming BJP as "anti-Muslims", and rejected doling out more reservation to the community, saying the demand has no "constitutional merit".

The minister of state (independent charge) for minority affairs said the Muslim community has indicated that they will not let the anti-BJP forces "mislead or befool" them for "political benefits".

Naqvi said the central government is working on programmes for establishing education and skill development facilities for the community and trying to get more industries set up to generate more employment opportunities.

"There are schemes being launched for backward classes and that does not mean Muslims would not avail the benefits of the programmes because more than 50 percent of the backward population consists of Muslims," he told PTI. "Muslims will get the major share of the development programmes."

Naqvi lashed out at opponents who have been demanding reservation for the community, claiming the demand was "not based on legal or constitutional ground".

He said for districts having domination of Muslims the government has prepared a road map to establish polytechnics, IITs, educational institution right from primary level to higher standards and Garib Nawaz Skill development centres besides Sadbhawna Mandaps (goodwill generating centres) each with an investment of Rs 10 crore.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is touring places within and outside the country exploring avenues to attract business and industries in India. "Modi is not a PM but a Fakeer," Naqvi remarked.

On opposition parties' claims that alleged tampering of EVMs led to BJP's victories in recent assembly elections, Naqvi said, "The Congress had formed government at the Centre twice and Mayawati, Akhilesh (Yadav), Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal all formed governments in their respective states using the same EVMs, but nobody raised an eyebrow against the election commission then."

On BSP supremo Mayawati and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's apparent keenness to form a grand alliance to fight against the BJP, Naqvi said, "When the patriarch of the SP, Mulayam Singh, has opposed the move and the Congress too, so far, wishes to keep away from any said alliance, how the opponents would succeed in their endeavour."

"Moreover if a few patients join hands to combat a wrestler, they would all bite dust in the arena of democracy," he said, adding, "Long live the pita-putra klesh (referring to spat between Mulayam and Akhilesh)."

The Union minister also hit out at Samajwadi Party leader and Rampur MLA Mohd Azam Khan for "spewing venom" during the last five years as Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister. "A person of Rampur has been habitual of spewing poison... it is not a hidden fact that the people pf Rampur experienced utmost zulm (atrocities) during the last five years. Extortion and corruption prevailed here unrestrained," he said, without naming Khan.
Sukesh Chandrasekhar, said to be the alleged middleman who was working for AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran, was arrested in New Delhi on Sunday and Rs 1.3 crore was recovered from him. Chandrasekhar and Dinakaran were allegedly involved in a deal worth Rs 50 crore to help the latter's AIADMK (Amma) faction clinch the all-important election symbol of 'two leaves'.

Who is Sukesh Chandrasekhar

However, a look at Chandrasekhar's chequered past shows he is not new to ponzi schemes or to conning people.

According to a report in Mid-Day, Delhi police DCP (crime) Madhur Verma said Chandrasekhar had been arrested under sections of Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code for impersonation, criminal conspiracy and corruption. It also said he had once tried to impersonate the personal assistant of a Union Cabinet minister, to try and derail Bombay High Court proceedings.

The report further added that there are a total of 19 criminal cases against him in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi, on charges ranging from forgery to cheating. In the most recent case, he is said to have told Dinakaran (the duo have known each other for four years) that he was well connected to the power centres in Delhi, and could even get party general secretary VK Sasikala released from prison.

Karunanidhi's grandson, Leena Paul's partner

Chandrasekhar had claimed to be a grandson of former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi, and flaunted his connections to convince people he was an influential person who hobnobbed with politicians. According to a report in India Today, Chandrasekhar is a flamboyant person who liked living the high life.

At one point, the article mentions, he befriended actor Leena Paul with promises of getting her a meeting with filmmakers, but instead got her to join in on his "conning" exploits. In 2015, when the Delhi police arrested Paul, the duo were living in a rented villa worth Rs 4 lakh, and had a fleet of luxury cars, including several Aston Martins, a Rolls Royce, a Land Cruiser, a Hummer, a BMW, and an Audi.

Among the different people they duped was a Chennai-based business couple and a nationalised bank. In 2013, Chandrasekhar posed as a Karnataka government official who wanted a Rs 132-crore sanitary napkin machine order from a company called Future Techiniks Private Limited, the report added.

Modus operandi

Chandrasekhar, still only 27-years-old, started cheating and duping people early, and has been working on the other side of the law for over 10 years now. A report in The Hindu mentions his glib silver tongue with which he conned people into buying into his schemes. In 2007, he promised a senior citizen help to bag a land deal, but conned him of Rs 1.4 crore.

The Chennai police then arrested him for conning victims after promising them to help them buy luxury cars at cheap rates. "A polyglot, he speaks fluently in English. Even the well-educated often fall for his glib talk. Whenever he is arrested, he drops names of influential people and attempts to mislead investigations," a senior police officer who has handled Sukesh was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

As a report in Mid-Day illustrated, even after being in police custody, Chandrasekhar continued duping people. In April-May 2014, while in judicial custody for a cheating case, he got himself admitted to a local hospital. The doctor who was treating him, Dr A Ilango, received a phone call from someone pretending to be a close aide of a powerful Tamil Nadu minister. "The caller asked Ilango to take care of Chandrasekhar, and promised to get him a plush house for Rs 50 lakh," the report quoted an officer of Chennai police as saying.

But when the doctor agreed and paid the money to an associate, he never heard from either the caller or from Chandrasekhar ever again.
Research is still trying to establish if physical attractiveness accrues you any advantages at the workplace; and if yes, to what degree.

However, the Rajasthan government seems already to have made up its mind on that score. A chapter on 'Skills Development' for Class 12 students in government schools, lists out, as qualities desirable for entrepreneurs: "good height" and "beautiful complexion".

The textbook is one among those on "socially relevant schemes" that have been introduced in secondary and senior secondary classes in government schools, as part of the latest curriculum change. These textbooks, dedicated to key central and state government schemes, focus mainly on announcements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and instructs students to internalise each word of his Swacch Bharat pledge, reported The Indian Express.

Coming back to the textbook (in Hindi), and chapter, in question: it lists out the physical attributes that an entrepreneur would benefit from, including "uttam swasthya, prabhavshali vyaktitva, acchi unchai, sundar rang, shaleenta, gambhirta (perfect health, impressive personality, good height, beautiful complexion, sobriety, seriousness).

We suppose intelligence, creativity, drive, risk-taking and confidence are all over-rated. Future entrepreneurs would then do well to invest in skin treatments at their local salons to get the "beautiful complexion" that is going to ensure their venture is a success.

Ventue capitalists and angel investors too will now have an easy way to determine which entrepreneur they might want to back.

This is not the first instance of textbooks containing questionable 'lessons' in recent times.

In February 2017, it emerged that an HSC Sociology textbook in Maharashtra attributed the practice of dowry to "ugly brides". The offending passage said:

"If a girl is ugly and handicapped, then it becomes very difficult for her to get married. To marry such girls, bridegroom and his family demand more dowry. Parents of such girls become helpless and pay dowry as per the demands of the bridegroom as family. [sic]

That same textbook also contained this gem on disharmony in the family home:

"If wife is also more ambitious she concentrates on her career and attempts to get promotion. She becomes somewhat negligent about her home and so her husband expresses his anger. Children are somehow neglected if both husband and wife are in service and as a result children can become deviant. For that they both blame each other. Many of the working women are not in a position to take care of their husbands or even some of them are not willing to take care of in-laws. As a result husband becomes angry. [sic]

According to a report in India Today, a text book prescribed by CBSE for Class 12 described the "best body shape" for a woman to have is 36, 24, 36  "as even beauty pageants like Miss India and Miss World" take the said figure into consideration. An older incident involved a textbook mentioning "women stealing men's jobs" as a cause for rise in unemployment.
New Delhi: The HRD Ministry has formed a committee to review the recommendations made by a UGC panel on implementation of the seventh pay commission in educational institutions.

The development comes against the backdrop of teachers' associations of various universities threatening to go on strike over the "delay" in implementation after the UGC panel submitted its report earlier this year.

"Seventh Pay Review committee for implementing the recommendations (of the 7th pay commission) in educational institutions, universities and colleges has submitted its report to the ministry. I have constituted a committee headed by higher education secretary to study them," Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters.

The committee will have officials from the finance ministry and other relevant offices and it will submit its final recommendations which will go to Cabinet, he added.

Javadekar urged the teachers to refrain from going to strike in view of the examination time and to avoid any disruption in the academic functioning of the varsities.

"I appeal to everyone not to stage any protests as exams are around the corner and the ministry will ensure that justice is done to everyone.

"Those who had some doubts whether the government is moving in this direction, let me dispel their doubts that we have already started the action and soon they will get good news," he added.

The pay review committee of the University Grants Commission (UGC), which was formed last year and was headed by it member VS Chauhan, had recommended scrapping ad-hoc and temporary appointments of teachers across universities.

The panel had also suggested that pay of teachers should be in accordance with the Seventh Central Pay Commission, which means the overall salary of teachers would also go up if the suggestion is accepted by the human resource development (HRD) ministry.

Linking grants to universities to the vacant posts filled by them was also among the recommendations made by the committee.
One of the premier institutions of the country, IIT-Delhi has asked girls to come in 'full' and 'decent' dresses on House Day in a notice issued to students on Tuesday, says media reports. The House Day is an annual event scheduled on 20 April where residents can invite guests in the hostel for an hour.

A IIT-Delhi girls' hostel has asked its residents to wear 'full covered decent western or Indian dresses' on the House day. pic.twitter.com/cEGfBtmebW  ANI (@ANI_news) April 18, 2017

According to Hindustan Times, the notice which was put up at Himadri hostel and signed by the warden was shared by the inmates with Pinjra Tod  a students' group fighting against discriminatory rules for women in hostels, universities and colleges.

Students said this is not the first time that they have been given such instructions but this is the first time that a discriminatory practice has been conveyed through a written circular.

However, the dean of students of IIT-Delhi has said they were not aware of such a circular. Upadhyayula, the warden, denied having issued such a notice. As the hostel inmates took to social media and criticised the notice calling it "moral policing", Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chief Swati Maliwal flayed the prestigious

institute for its "patriarchal" mindset.

Following the uproar, the IIT administration swung into action and withdrew the 'notice' saying the authorities were not aware of any such "circular". S Krishna, IIT Delhi's Dean of Students' Welfare, said, "We normally don't issue notices regarding what type of dress they should wear. In fact I was not even aware that such a notice has been put up".

"I have instructed my office to call the hostel and tell the staff that it should be immediately removed. We don't indulge in the personal affairs of students-- either boys or girls-- and we don't have a dress code too," he added. There are two girls' hostel at IIT Delhi- Himadri and Kailash. The 'notice' irked the students who shared it with Pinjra Tod - a students' group in the national capital fighting against discriminatory rules for women in hostels, universities and colleges. The DCW Chief also said the commission will look into the matter.

"It is a horrible display of a patriarchal mindset by a prestigious institution like IIT. This kind of moral policing needs to stop. The DCW is looking into the matter," she said. The warden said, "I have not issued any such notice. It looks like some prank by students as it has been circulated on social media as well. I have been told that it has my signatures as well and I have called a meeting of the hostel staff to investigate the issue."

The notice is shocking because it comes at a time when the institution is planning to increase the number of women students across the country.
In common perception, Left parties in India have been seen as "secular" at best and "pro-Muslim" at worst. This perception was part of the phenomena that brought the Left parties to power, and resulted in the defeat of Congress in two out of three states (West Bengal and Kerala) with the highest percentage of Muslim voters in post-partition India. Muslims constitute over a quarter of voters in both Bengal and Kerala.

Specifically in West Bengal, where they came to power in 1977, the Left front enjoyed consistent and overwhelming support from Muslims; it was one of the primary reasons that they enjoyed uninterrupted power for over 34 years there. It would be expected that with all their secular rhetoric, Left governments would have helped Muslims enjoy a significant share of power and equal opportunities in the economic and social spheres. However, when we take a closer look, a different picture emerges.

Let us take CPM, the largest party of this bloc, for example. Although Muslim support has been crucial for their ascension to power, till 2008, there were no Muslim members in the politburo, the highest executive body of the party. This is highly surprising for a "secular" party ruling over states with large Muslim populations. Even in 2015, only two of 17 politburo members are Muslim, and even this seems like a forced gesture made necessary by their defeat in West Bengal.

In contrast, even the most supposedly "anti-Muslim" party, BJP, has had at least one Muslim in its highest executive circle from the time of its inception in 1980. Sikandar Bakht was general secretary, and later vice-president, while Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi is still serving as vice-president.

In terms of ministry distribution, the performance is equally poor. When at its electoral peak in the 2001-2006 period, the Left government had three Muslim ministers in a 33-member Cabinet in West Bengal, around 9 percent. Interestingly, chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya held the minorities development portfolio himself.

Even BJP does not show such confidence: In the Centre, where it has no Muslim in the Lok Sabha, Najma Heptullah was brought in through Rajya Sabha to take charge of minorities affairs; and in Uttar Pradesh, where it has no Muslim MLA, Mohsin Raza was made minorities development minister through the legislative council.

It becomes clear that Muslims have been kept out of the important decision making offices and posts in the Left parties' governments.

If we look at the socio-economic indicators in West Bengal, it paints an even worse picture. Since Kerala has been ruled by the Congress-led UDF alliance as well, and has a significant regional party, Muslim League, which caters to local Muslim demands, Bengal provides the only example of uninterrupted Left rule. And 34 years of a stable government should have led to decreasing disparity between Hindus and Muslims. However, this did not happen.

In fact, the disparity has worsened in many fields. The Sachhar Committee report from 2006 is an illuminating document in this respect. West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam and Kerala are the states with largest Muslim populations. Barring the more prosperous Kerala, the other four states have significant disparity between indicators for Muslims and Hindus. However, it is West Bengal that shows maximum disparity and deterioration in many crucial fields, such as employment, education and poverty.

Let's begin with state employment. Muslims comprised around 3.4% of all state employees in West Bengal in 2006, following around three-and-a-half decades of Left rule. In contrast, in 2016, following five years of Trinamool Congress (TMC) governance, the figure now stands at 5.7%, which is a significant increase. This figure alone is enough for indicting the Left regime and for describing them "anti-Muslim".

The TMC government partially achieved it by including a large number of backward communities in the OBC fold, something which had been denied to the backward Muslims by successive Left front governments.

In terms of education, the mean year of schooling (MYS) for West Bengal was 3.58, while for Muslims it is far lower at 2.58. SC/STs have fared better with 3.12 years of schooling on average. In literacy, the figure for Hindus was 72.4, while for Muslims it was 57.5. In contrast, Bihar had 47.9 percent Hindu literacy and Muslims had 42 percent literacy. Although Bihar was generally more illiterate, the gap between Hindus and Muslims was definitely lower than West Bengal.

More surprising is the percentage of matriculates. Around 24 percent of all Muslims had completed matriculation in India. However in West Bengal, only 12 percent Muslims were matriculates, while the figure of SC/STs and caste Hindus was 13 and 38 respectively. Even in Bihar, a poorer state, 16 percent Muslims had passed the matriculation exam. In terms of graduates, the scene is equally poor: Around 5 percent of Muslims were graduate in India, while caste Hindus had around 13 percent graduates. In West Bengal, the percentage of graduates among caste Hindu was around 14 percent, while the figure for Muslims was around 3 percent. Even in this case, Bihar can be used as a contrast: Caste Hindus had around 10 percent graduates, while around 5 percent Muslims were graduates in Bihar.

On all the three levels of education  literacy, matriculation and graduation  Muslims in West Bengal lag behind the national Muslim average. In addition to that, the disparity between Hindus and Muslims is greater than the disparity in poorer states like Bihar. And as far as matriculation and graduation is concerned, Bihar's Muslims have a higher percentage than Bengal's Muslims, even though Bihar is far more illiterate.

Another important economic indicator is the poverty index. In urban Bengal, 10 percent of Hindus were below the poverty line, while the figure for Muslims is 27 percent. In rural Bengal, 21 percent of Hindus were poor, as against 33 percent of Muslims. Much of West Bengal's Muslims are rural. In Bihar, 34 percent of rural Hindus and 38 percent of rural Muslims were poor. Hence, although it is a poorer state, the disparity is definitely less than West Bengal.

Another important dimension is over Waqf property. The Waqf property are the assets of Muslim communities which are used for the welfare of the community. West Bengal, according to the Sachhar Committe report, has the highest concentration of Waqf properties. The damage done by the Left government to the Waqf properties has been noted by the committee. We quote the report directly:

The West Bengal Assembly in 1981 enacted a Thika and Other Tenancies and Lands (Acquisition and Regulations) Act, popularly known as Thika Act, which was amended in 2001. By virtue of this Act, the tenants of a large number of properties across the state became their owners. While the Act exempts the application of Thika Act to the government and municipal properties, the same benefit was not extended to cover the Wakf properties. Consequently the Wakf Board lost a large number of properties and income there from. Efforts have been made by the Wakf Board and NGOs to seek exemption of Wakf land from the Thika Act. The West Bengal Government may be advised to accord the solicited exemption.

West Bengal is probably the only state with a significant Muslim population where the Muslims, who started with better condition at Independence, have fallen behind SC/STs in almost all major indicators of socio-economic development. Successive Left front governments are also responsible for this stunted growth as well as deterioration among Muslims in West Bengal.

To conclude, if anyone talks about the mainstream Left parties' struggle for liberation of minorities, especially of Muslims, please ask them to cast a cursory glance at the Sachhar Committe report; it would become evident that the Left flag is coloured red with Muslim blood.
Having banned 4G and 3G services in the Valley, the Jammu and Kashmir government is now likely to ban Facebook and WhatsApp in the coming days, purportedly to stop videos and pictures of alleged atrocities by security forces from going viral. The state government had suspended 3G and 4G mobile internet services across Kashmir on Monday, although fixed line internet facilities were not taken back.

This is the third time the state government has stopped internet services in the last two weeks. Authorities had even snapped broadband internet last week ahead of bypolls to the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, but it was restored after a two-day gap. On the midnight of 8 April, a few hours before polling was due to begin for the parliamentary by-election, authorities pulled the plug on all internet services. This was done to clamp down on rumour mongering and mobilisation of mobs by disruptive elements seeking to disrupt the poll process.

"We have advised chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to shut Facebook and WhatsApp groups responsible for spreading rumour and circulating videos. Facebook is used to circulate videos that raise passion and mobilise crowds," a senior PDP leader told Firstpost, on condition of anonymity. "This is also the opinion of the security agencies."

The Kashmir police on Monday asked service providers to snap internet services until further notice. The development comes in the wake of fresh violence that erupted across the Valley, as college students clashed with security forces over alleged police brutality in a Pulwama college.

The likely decision to ban Facebook and WhatsApp has been discussed in security review meetings chaired by Mehbooba Mufti. Several party leaders, according to sources, have advised the chief minister to snap internet for some time, as social networking sites have been utilized to mobilise crowds recently.

"Shutting the internet every time is not the solution. But we are thinking of banning Facebook and WhatsApp. They are more dangerous than militants and unruly mobs on the streets," a top police official, said. "Since a long time, we have been asking the state government to block some sites, including Facebook, to stop spread of rumors."

The decision to suspend 3G and 4G was taken after several videos surfaced in recent days, showing political workers being threatened at gunpoint, and also alleged atrocities committed by troops deputed for the parliamentary bypoll.

"Kashmir is not a game of 2G or 4G, but of aspirations," Irfan Quraishi, a reporter based in Srinagar, wrote on his Facebook page. "As Pakistan is ready to go 5G, we in J&K have gone 2G. Mufti's vision taking final shape," Khalid Gul, a reporter with the Greater Kashmir newspaper, wrote on Facebook.

On Monday, as reports of protests started coming in from different districts of Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir government issued a directive asking telecom operators to shut mobile internet immediately. This, according to sources in the government, was done to prevent students from uploading videos on social networking sites showing protests that took place throughout the Valley. Around 65 students were reportedly injured in the clashes.

"2G is working on some networks but it takes a lot of time to even check an email leave aside uploading the pictures and videos, Amir Nowshari, a resident of Srinagar, told Firstpost.

As protests by students rocked valley the state authorities ordered closure of all colleges and higher secondary schools in the valley on Tuesday, while primary and middle schools will remain open. The universities in Kashmir have also postponed all the examinations scheduled tomorrow.

The priorities of the government are wrong. Do you think by blocking the Internet service or only allowing 2G will help the it, no! There was no internet when the militancy erupted in 1989, Sajad Ahmad, owner of a hotel in Rajbagh area of Srinagar.
The president, prime minister, and all Cabinet ministers will soon deliver speeches and issue statements only in Hindi. This will soon become a reality, after President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to the recommendations made by the Parliamentary Committee on Official Languages.

According to a report in India Today, the government is also expected to simplify many Hindi words for better communication. But while accepting these recommendations, Mukherjee rejected some other suggestions made by the committee. One of them is the mandatory use of Hindi for correspondence in public shareholding companies and all private companies for providing information about products in Hindi.

According to The Times of India, the move is seen as an attempt by the Centre to encourage the use of Hindi for official work. "All dignitaries including Hon'ble President and all the ministers especially who can read and speak Hindi may be requested to give their speech/statement in Hindi only," the report said.

The report claimed that every Hindi speech/statement will be accompanied by a English translation. This will be in contrast to the existing system, wherein ministers issue statements in English, which is supplemented with a Hindi version.

Currently, states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan conduct their official business in Hindi. The new rule is expected to impact the working of Union ministries.

The Economic Times reported that the notification has been sent to the Prime Minister's Office, Union ministries and states for compliance. The statutory parliamentary panel had submitted its ninth report making these recommendations in 2011 under the tenure of the then Home Minister P Chidambaram.

However, it is interesting to note that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with most of his ministers. do speak in Hindi while conducting business of the House. The parliamentary panel's 2011 report made 117 recommendations. While many were accepted by the president, some could not make the cut.

The Economic Times report said that Mukherjee also accepted the recommendation to provide more Hindi newspapers and magazines on Air India flights, since the report inferred that the language was being neglected by the national carrier. It also recommended printing of Air India tickets in Hindi. However, the recommendation setting a minimum level of knowledge of Hindi to qualify for a government job was rejected.

The president "in principle" also accepted the recommendation to extend Hindi as a compulsory subject until Standard X in all CBSE and Kendriya Vidyalaya schools across India. However, the final decision will be taken only after consultations with respective state governments.

The Times of India reported that the president also rejected the recommendation to create posts related to Hindi language promotion in every ministry and spend more funds on Hindi advertisements.
New Delhi: US National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt Gen HR McMaster on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks on terrorism and issues related to Afghanistan stability.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval also attended the meeting at Modi's official 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence, according to a handout picture released by the External Affairs Ministry.

Sources said they discussed security issues concerning the South Asian region and how to better cooperate on countering terror threats emanating from Taliban and surging Islamic State presence in Afghanistan.

McMaster arrived on Monday evening, the first visit by a senior official of President Donald Trump's administration.

On his South Asian trip that began over the weekend, McMaster on Monday visited Pakistan where he met civilian and military leaders, stressing "the need to confront terrorism in all its forms"

Earlier, he also visited Afghanistan to review efforts at stabilising Afghanistan.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the government whether a Special Investigation Team (SIT) should be constituted to probe the offshore accounts of Indians revealed in the Panama Papers leak.

A bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) PS Narasimha to seek instruction on whether a separate SIT can be tasked to probe the Panama Papers leak, besides Multi-Agency Group (MAG) set up by the government to probe into the black money cases.

The court asked Narasimha to file the seventh report of MAG within three days and took on record six reports filed in a sealed cover with regard to the investigation in the black money cases.

The bench, which also comprised Justices AM Khanwilkar and Justice M M Shantanagoudar, asked the ASG to inform about the decision and posted the matter for hearing in July.

At the outset, the ASG said that investigation into the names leaked by a website was not simple and multiple agencies were probing and trying to ascertain the details.

"The investigations into such names are still going on and all cases will be thoroughly investigated," he said, adding that the MAG's report had a complete chapter on the Panama Papers leak.

Narasimha, while opposing separate investigation, said the probe into these cases were not like normal crime incidents as it involved various aspects, like treaties with

foreign countries, agreement for disclosures etc.

He said each of the transactions spanned different jurisdictions and may involve multiple entities and individuals for which the probe by MAG was needed.

The bench, told advocate ML Sharma who has sought an independent probe into the Indian offshore account holders named in Panama Papers leak, "they (multi-agencies) are investigating into the matter and we will see in due course what is the outcome of their investigation".

The Centre had constituted MAG consisting of officers of the Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Enforcement Directorate and Financial Intelligence Unit to investigate black money cases and is also probing the Panama Papers leak.

The apex court had on 7 March asked the Centre to place before it in a sealed cover all the six reports of MAG after it was informed that the sixth report has been completed and the government was prepared to place all reports before the court.

The Centre had sought dismissal of the PIL, saying MAG has already been set up to ensure "speedy and coordinated" probe against Indians whose names have figured in the Panama Papers.

The reports have already been submitted by MAG to the apex court-appointed Special Investigation Team on black money, led by Justice (retd) MB Shah, and to a Supreme Court bench hearing the case.

The Centre had on 3 October, 2016 informed the court that Rs 8,186 crore, illegally kept in offshore banks by Indians, has been brought under tax ambit despite constraints like non-sharing of information by Swiss authorities.

Seeking dismissal of the PIL, it had said the SIT on black money has been kept informed on a regular basis about the development made in the probe.

Sharma in his PIL had sought a court-monitored independent probe into the Panama Papers leak which contained an unprecedented amount of information, including more than 11 million documents covering 2,10,000 companies in 21 offshore jurisdictions.

The petition had alleged that Panama Papers included the names of nearly 500 Indians, including celebrities and industrialists, who have allegedly parked funds in offshore accounts in transactions brokered by the law firm.
The Supreme Court issued a notice to Centre on the plea seeking that the singing of Vande Mataram be made mandatory in all educational institutions. The apex court has given four weeks to the Centre to issue a reply.

The next hearing on the issue will take place on 23 August, say media reports. The Supreme Court has also exempt physically disabled people from standing up during the song at cinemas.

Supreme Court issues notice to Centre on the plea seeking singing of Vande Mataram essential for all educational institutions. pic.twitter.com/gu1a0RjlQ1  ANI (@ANI_news) April 18, 2017

Vande Mataram matter: Supreme Court asks Centre to respond in 4 weeks; next hearing on 23 August.  ANI (@ANI_news) April 18, 2017

On 17 February, the Supreme Court had refused to enter into a debate on the plea seeking declaration that Vande Mataram is the National Song. "...We do not intend to enter into any debate as far as the National Song is concerned," said the bench of Justice Dipak Misra, Justice R Banumathi and Justice Mohan M Shantanagouder, declining the plea by a lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay.

According to India Today, even before the row over the order asking cine-goers to stand up before a movie for the National Anthem had died down, the Supreme Court had admitted a plea which said "equal respect and status" should also be given to National Song Vande Mataram.

With inputs from IANS
New Delhi: BJP MP Subramanian Swamy on Tuesday suggested that the troubled Kashmir Valley should be de-populated and Kashmiris sent to refugee camps in Tamil Nadu to curb protests in the state.

"Solution to (the) Kashmir Valley revolt is to depopulate as was done to Kashmir Valley Hindus. For a few years keep them in refugee camps in TN (Tamil Nadu)," Swamy tweeted, a day after university and college students across the valley clashed with security forces.

The valley has been on a boil and the government has ordered the temporary closure of all schools and colleges.

The fresh protests followed a sequence of recent poll-related violence in the state where eight people were killed in firing by security forces when people tried to storm polling stations in Budgam district.
Fifty-one years after their historic first march against triple talaq highlighted the need to abolish the regressive practice, the Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal is set to organise a symbolic recreation in Pune on Tuesday. Demanding justice and equal rights for Muslim women, the Mandal is appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to scrap triple talaq.

Mehrunissa Dalwai, 86, was present at that first march and has seen half-a-century and countless governments go by without any legal respite. Mehrunissa, her husband Hamid Dalwai  the organiser of the movement  along with six other women had marched down to the Mantralaya in Mumbai to protest against triple talaq, polygamy and halala.

"I was 35-years-old and pregnant with my second child" recalls Mehrunissa. "We met the then Maharashtra chief minister Vasantrao Naik and handed over our memorandum of demands. Our demands were simple, yet complicated at the same time. We demanded that triple talaq be abolished, uniform civil code (UCC) be implemented and polygamy be banned"

This march towards the Mantralaya, held on 18 April, 1966, marked the first steps taken towards safeguarding Muslim womens rights and was the beginning of the social justice movement against triple talaq.

"Because this was the first such march, we did not meet any opposition. But once the news spread, we started getting threats," Mehrunissa added.

Her husband Hamid, who spearheaded the movement, had a clear idea about the path ahead. "After the march, he kept trying to gather support for almost two years. But it was only on 22 March, 1970, that his attempts led to the formation of the Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal," said Sayyadbhai, a noted social activist, who had worked with Hamid since the inception of the Mandal."Its first meeting was held in Pune in a hope to gather support."

"Hamid invited stalwarts from the Muslim community. With their support, it became difficult for religious groups to protest against the movement," recalls Abdul Kadar Mukadam, an activist.

Hamid's protest march led to the formation of the Mandal, which then paved the way for social reforms."We started organising conferences in various parts of the country. Sometimes the gatherings used to be small, like just 25 people. At times, the number went up to 100. Hamid used to speak about 'the cause' at every gathering. Word started to spread, leading to opposition from several religious organisations. People used to protest at our meetings. They used to say lets finish their work by finishing them. But these threats never deterred Hamid" added Sayyedbhai.

"And then, the Shah Bano case happened. We met the then prime minister, Rajiv Gandhi, seeking justice for Bano. But our plea was unheard," he added.

Hamid started organising conferences at various places to gather support for Bano. But people were angry. "While touring the state, people would pelt stones at us. Once the bus we were travelling in was vandalised. We had to turn back from the tour... it was a horrible experience," Mehrunissa said.

Then, on 3 May, 1977, Hamid passed away due to kidney failure. But his fight and the Mandal's push for equal rights was far from over. "When he died, people used to say the Mandal is history now. But we continued to work and it is going strong even today. This is the perfect response to the protesters... our supporters have only increased," Sayyadbhai added.

Half a century later, has anything changed?

The situation has become even more grim, if you ask Sadiya Khan. Sadiya got married on 29 April, 2016, and within two months of her marriage, her husband and in-laws started harassing her. They were angry because she did not bring any steel utensils as dowry, and brought copper ones instead.

"They used to harass me every day. In July 2016, I went to my maternal home. My husband informed me that the doors to his house were closed for me forever. It was only after our families intervened that he agreed to take me back. After a few days passed, he came to know that I was two months pregnant. He made me drink shampoo, which resulted in an abortion." alleged Sadiya.

"I was hospitalised for a while after which my family members were told to take me to their home for rest. This was just a ruse... they wanted me out of their house. Within a few days, I received a text message on WhatsApp of talaq. How can a talaq happen over WhatsApp? I did not agree to it and filed a police case. The matter is sub-judice now,"

"Now he says that he wants to remarry me but wants me to go through the halala process. In halala, I have to marry another man and spend a night with him. After that, if he agrees to divorce me, I can go back to my husband and remarry. Why should I suffer? Is this legal?" asks Sadiya. "I do not want to go back to their house again."

While Sadiya is fighting triple talaq, Samina Shaikh has to fight against polygamy. After almost 16 years of marriage, her husband left her and married some other woman. He said that since she could not fulfil their demand for a dowry of Rs four lakh, he doesn't want to be with her. They have three kids. After Samina refused to leave, he moved to a different house with his second wife. After Samina pressed charges, she was promised an alimony of Rs 9,000 per month." But I have to struggle to get that amount. They want me to leave and hence are troubling me in every possible way. They disconnect the water supply at times. Or start the connection in the middle of the night so that I will have to wake up to fill up water. But I am not going to give up. Why should I leave?

"I have to struggle to get that amount. They want me to leave and are troubling me in every possible way. They disconnect the water supply at times or start the connection in the middle of the night, just so that I will have to wake up to fill water. But I am not going to give up. Why should I leave?" Samina said.

Modi, speaking at BJP's National Executive meet in Bhubaneswar, said that Muslim women deserved social justice and pressed for the abolition of triple talaq. This was seen as a positive step and reflected the unequivocal stand taken by the Centre on the issue of triple talaq.

"But this is not the first time that a government has made such a statement," claimed Shamshuddin Tamboli, present chairman of the Mandal. "After Shah Bano, there were cases of Shabana Bano and Shaira Bano. Shaira's case is yet to reach its conclusion. The Muslim personal law board (AIMPLB) says that it is against triple talaq but also opposes any legal move for its abolition. They are demanding social boycott instead. Is this the way? Social boycott will only worsen the situation."

"Since Hamid's march, we have been demanding that the law be changed. But, none of the governments till date have shown the willpower. The courts have time and again directed the government on this, but they have not taken a step forward. If the law changes, everything will change. Our demand for implementation of uniform civil code is of prime importance," said activist Anwar Rajan.

But despite all this, Mehrunissa is hopeful that change will come. "Though none of our demands since our first march have been met, every move, every protest, every case is a step forward this is how social reform works. We cannot expect it to happen overnight. It will take time and we will keep fighting for justice."
Editor's Note: The Supreme Court on Tuesday will pronounce a historic judgment on whether the practice of triple talaq among Muslims is fundamental to the religion. This article, originally published in May, 2017, is being republished in the view of the judgment.

Abolition of triple talaq and reform in Muslim personal law are quintessential to justice and equality for Muslim women. No doubt, this is necessary apart from education, economic independence, freedom to make life choices, safety and security. The Muslim womens movement that has come about in the last five years or so is historic in that the most marginalised and ignored voices are now being raised.

Ordinary Muslim women are valiantly fighting the legal discrimination they have been subjected to  despite our constitutional democratic values of justice, equality and non-discrimination. The women have approached the apex court, they are questioning the patriarchal hegemony of the religious leadership signified in the personal law board. Muslim women are no longer in the mood to allow clerics to speak on their behalf. They are reminding the clerics of the Quranic injunctions for a just and fair divorce. They are refusing to abide by triple talaq and are vocal that the Quran doesnt permit it. Several women are speaking out after being divorced unilaterally and instantly, and they are demanding justice through democratic means.

Contrast this with the Stone Age mindsets of patriarchs and conservatives which shows in the recent announcements made by the personal law board. In fact, they have said nothing new. As reported by the media they have come out with a new ploy in the name of code of conduct. Although the code is yet to be announced. They have tried to pass off the old concoction of their male-dominated worldview in a new avatar. Let us take a look at the hypocrisy and misogyny that clearly stands out in the announcements. They have insisted that the shariat gives equal rights to men and women, but a man can still instantly divorce his wife. The law board has also stated that the triple talaq protects women from danger. Danger from whom?

The law board has said they would want the Supreme Court to decide on the Babri Masjid matter but the same court can't decide on the triple talaq? It is horrible that the supposed code of conduct is based on social boycott. Social boycott is an abhorrent and repugnant notion as signified in the caste system and untouchability. The Constitution has enabled several legal measures against this practice. It is astounding that in 2017, the board in its wisdom thinks social boycott can be a solution to injustice to women. This shows the utter lack of understanding and/or disregard for basic concepts of justice, equality and democracy. It also indicates total lack of awareness about the core values of the Quran  justice, kindness, compassion, wisdom. And the board did not elaborate on how this social boycott repugnant as it is, result in recourse, help and support for women whose lives are affected. It is clearly not an idea based on application of mind or thought. Or perhaps it is a desperate move to remain relevant.

The board is clearly under a lot of pressure as it was caught napping by the Muslim womens movement. To put the record straight, the board has never deliberated on the woman question in all the decades of its existence. On the contrary, they have always come in the way of womens equality and gender justice. Take for example, the Shah Bano campaign, Imrana and Gudia case, fatwas against working women, opposition to gay rights, clamour for the preservation of triple talaq, justification for nikah halala  the evidence is there for all to see. The law board is not in touch with the ground realities. Scores of Muslim women being victims of triple talaq, being thrown out of homes, being rendered destitute, women running pillar to post for help (for themselves and their children), clerics abusing women in the name of halala  all of this suffering and pain has been noticed, documented and opposed by the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, and other women's groups and the cause has been taken up by some lawyers even, in the last five-six years.

The first national public hearing against triple talaq was held in December 2012 in Mumbai where survivors from 15 states narrated their harrowing plight in their own words. We (Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan) have been demanding abolition of triple talaq and reform in personal law but the board has remained unconcerned. In 2015, we submitted a memorandum to the National Commission for Women signed by 50,000 women calling for an end to triple talaq. The board ran a signature campaign taking a cue from us although democratic methods have so far never been part of their worldview and tactics.

A modern secular democracy should be guided by the Constitution. Besides, gender justice is a fundamental principle in the Quran. Our society should have no place for patriarchal and regressive bodies to call the shots. Bodies such as khap panchayats and personal law boards are all self-appointed and self-anointed dispensations meant for preservation of the male patriarchal order. The community has rejected them and so must the law of the land. We are confident that we will get justice from the Supreme Court.

Zakia Soman and Noorjehan Niaz are co-founders of Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan
New Delhi: The US on Tuesday reaffirmed India's designation as a Major Defence Partner and emphasised the importance of its strategic relationship as its National Security Adviser HR McMaster met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held talks with his counterpart Ajit Doval.

"The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counter-terrorism cooperation," the US embassy said in a press statement after the meetings in New Delhi.

"NSA McMaster emphasised the importance of the US-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed India's designation as a Major Defence Partner," it said and noted that the meetings were "productive".

McMaster, whose trip here marks the first visit by a top official of the Trump Administration, also met Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar.

"The visit was a part of regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad," the statement said.

During the US official's meeting with the prime minister, the two sides discussed key bilateral and regional issues, including defence and counter-terrorism cooperation.

Doval, Jaishankar and several key officials were present in the meeting that took place at the prime minister's residence.

Earlier, McMaster and Doval held detailed discussions on Indo-US relations especially the security aspect of the ties, sources said.

The US NSA arrived in New Delhi on Monday evening from Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and some top officials.

In Islamabad, the relations between India and Pakistan figured in McMaster's discussions with Sharif.
New Delhi: It would not be easy to extradite controversial industrialist Vijay Mallya, who went to the UK a year ago and did not return despite summons to him by the courts here for defaulting on loans, legal experts said. Senior advocates K T S Tulsi and Dushyant Dave were of the view that the courts in the UK are very independent and do not grant extradition easily.

Tulsi said that though the Indian government has sent the evidence against Mallya to the UK courts while requesting his extradition, the courts there will "evaluate it independently to see if the evidence is sufficient" to send him back here. He also said that Mallya's arrest on Tuesday by Scotland Yard and his subsequent release on bail the same day shows it may not be easy to get him back here.

Tulsi said when there is a request for extradition then normally bail is granted only after 60 days, but Mallya was given the relief on the same day. He also said that in the past 50 requests for extradition sent to the UK, the courts there have granted only one. Dave was also of a similar view as he said that courts there are independent and "do not grant extradition so easily".

He, however, refused to comment further on it saying he was not fully versed with the procedure followed by the courts there. This reason was cited by several other senior lawyers who wished not to be named. Mallya, who has been declared a proclaimed offender in India, was arrested in London by the Scotland Yard on India's request for his extradition on fraud charges.

The 61-year-old liquor baron, wanted in India for defaulting on loans, was arrested after he appeared at a central London police station this morning. The flamboyant businessman, who once called himself 'The King of Good Times", was released on bail a few hours later.
New Delhi: India is in touch with the UK on the issue of extradition of Vijay Mallya who has been declared a proclaimed offender, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday.

Holding that Mallya's arrest in London by Scotland Yard was in connection with the request by the government to the UK authorities for his extradition, MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said legal process in this regard is underway in the UK.

"The two governments are in touch in this context," he added.

The 61-year-old liquor baron, wanted in India for defaulting on bank loans, was arrested after he appeared at a central London police station this morning.

The flamboyant businessman, who once called himself 'The King of Good Times', was released on bail a few hours later.

Last month, setting in motion the process of extradition of Mallya, the British government had certified India's request and sent it to a district judge for further action. The extradition process from the UK involves a number of steps including a decision by the judge whether to issue a warrant of arrest.

In case of a warrant, the person is arrested and brought before the court for preliminary hearing followed by an extradition hearing before a final decision is taken by the secretary of state. The wanted person has a right to appeal to the higher courts against any decision all the way up to Britain's Supreme Court.

Under the 2003 Act, the British secretary of state may only consider four issues when deciding whether to order a person's extradition. They are whether the person is at risk of the death penalty; whether special arrangements are in place; whether the person concerned has previously been extradited from another country to the UK and the consent of that country to his onward extradition is required; and whether the person has previously been transferred to the UK by the International Criminal Court.
Bad karmas of the "king of good times", Vijay Mallya have finally caught up with him. He may have got conditional bail by a Westminster magistrate court as per the provisions of British law hours after his arrest in London, but it surely means that his time to freedom and living in luxurious surroundings is counted.

His arrest in London where he had been residing since the time he fled from India on 2 March 2016 on a diplomatic passport should ring alarm bells to other absconders like Lalit Modi.

All available information suggest that Mallya was arrested and produced in a court in London on varied persuasions made by the Narendra Modi government to the British government, through structured official channels and through track II negotiations.

Though Mallya is entitled to a legal course and will have the option of going to appeal to higher courts against his arrest, under the given situation, as indicated by the British government's decision to take him in police custody, things are not going to be easy for him hereafter. There is a now a real strong possibility that he would be deported to India to face legal consequences.

That way it is a big achievement for Modi and his team  ministerial as well as official. Mallya's arrest in London gives Modi government strong taking points at two levels  first, it was walking the talk on its so-called war against corruptions and the corrupt.

Today morning, for instance, quite a few actions of the law enforcement agencies against corruption made front page headlines in newspapers: "CBI filing FIR against 13 in Narada case closes on Trinamool... FIR against Sasikala's nephew for bid to bribe EC officials... 40 lakh companies face deregistration for not filing I-T returns... ED notice for Karti Chidambaram for alleged FEMA violation."

Second, it shows that BJP can pull punches at a political level. Mallya's arrest was a classic example that strong political will of the government of the day can make India chase a high flyer accused and make him face the law of the land. The party can contrast Mallya's case with Ottavio Quattrocchi, the prime accused Bofors bribery case.

During his visit to Britain two months ago, finance minister Arun Jaitley had taken digs at the British government for allowing Mallya to live there without any valid passport. After Mallya had fled to London and showed no intentions to return to face civil and criminal proceedings, his passport was revoked. It is worth noting what Jaitley then said at a function organised by London School of Economics' South Asia Centre: "Many thought that when you take loan from the banks, the money need not be repaid and you can come to London and stay out here... And democracy is liberal enough to permit defaulters to stay here. That normal needs to be cracked... It is the first time that you have strong action being taken. In fact, it has never happened that defaulters are on the run. The fact that they are on the run and their properties are being attached, is a signal that India as a country is sending for the first time. Otherwise, we had learned to live with defaulters."

It is believed that Mallya's potential deportation figured in his talks with British authorities.

The government would like Mallya to get deported rather than go through the lengthy process of extradition. His arrest by police in London indicates that the British government is in sync with the India government and is willing to consider its requests with certain promptness.

The BJP has already started taking credit for events unfolding in London. Party MP Subramanian Swamy, minister of state in finance ministry Santosh Gangawar, minister of state in Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh, party spokesman Nalin Kohli to name a few, quickly got on to TV channels to boast about Modi's resolve against corruption and his government's machinery relentlessly following the cases, high profile or otherwise.

This would give further ammunition to the BJP to counter Rahul Gandhi's "suit-boot ki sarkar" charge against Modi. Even as loans given to Mallya, his subsequent default and restructuring of loans was done during the UPA regime, the Congress had been targeting the Modi government for allowing him to flee the country. BJP's strong rebuttals notwithstanding, it had become a slanging match between BJP and Congress, as also with some other opposition parties.

The leakage of Mallya's internal mail with his senior company officials where he gave details about his meetings and "kind indulgence" of then prime minister Manmohan Singh and then finance minister P Chidambaram had caused severe embarrassment to the Congress party and its top leadership. The only defence Singh and Chidambaram could find was to hide behind a small technicality by terming their noting on the Mallya-Kingfisher bailout as "ordinary routine pieces of paper". Their defence was too thin to give them a shield from the evidence that has been introduced against the Congress leadership in the case.

Hours before Mallya was taken into custody by police, he was re-tweeting tweets of Sahara Force India, still trying to live up to his king of good times image. After his arrest and conditional release by the Westminster court, he issued an audacious tweet:

Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 18, 2017

Mallya should now realise that his time is now counted.
If Congress allegations are to be believed, then according to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, all valorous, independent and powerful Indian women from Rani Lakshmi Bai and Captain Lakshmi Sahgal to Kalpana Chawla and PV Sindhu are equivalent to 'demons'.

In a scathing attack on Adityanath and the BJP leadership, the Congress alleged on Monday that the Uttar Pradesh chief minister has 'insulted and belittled' women by writing an article on his website. While eulogising the qualities of women on one hand, Adityanath on the other has quoted Sanskrit texts from Hindu scriptures stating that if a woman procures the attributes and characteristics of a man, she becomes a 'rakshas' (demon). By this definition, if a woman exhibits 'manly' traits such as courage and power, and if such 'energy is left uncontrolled', it may turn 'destructive'.

"The Uttar Pradesh chief minister has stated this profound truth in his latest critique on feminism on his website: www.yogiadityanath.in," alleged the Congress.

Yogi Adityanath's article by Firstpost on Scribd

And in doing so, he has not only enraged half the country, but handed ammunition and a much-needed issue to a decimated Congress to roll up its sleeves and take the BJP head on.

Taking strong exception to Adityanaths article in Hindi (Matri Shakti, Bharatiya Sanskriti ke Sandharbh Mein), the Congress has demanded the Uttar Pradesh chief minister to apologise to women for his "disparaging, distasteful and dishonourable remarks against Indias women" and withdraw the article from his website with immediate effect.

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala taking umbrage to the latest article by Adityanath, remarked on Monday, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah must forthwith condemn such disparaging and distasteful remarks against India's women passed by Adityanath and issue him an advisory after condemning him that never hereinafter will he ever use such distasteful language to dishonour and disrespect India's women power."

"Modi spoke on Sunday about equality for women of India, spoke about respect and regard for women of India and spoke about fighting injustice against women of India irrespective of religion, caste, creed or colour in Odisha. Adityanath also spoke about the same equality for women, the same rights and fair treatment for India's women. He wrote this article in 2010 but again uploaded it on 12 April on his website, after he became chief minister. While he speaks about the freedom and liberty of women in public, his article speaks differently. The mindset of BJP is reflected from this piece of writing," Surjewala told Firstpost.

Referring to the text of the article, he further alleged, "In his article, Adityanath says that India's women always require protection. As energy cannot be left uncontrolled or independent, women also can never be left uncontrolled, independent or this can lead to wastefulness or destruction of women. That is indeed shocking. He further goes on to say that women and he specifically uses a phrase that I will repeat...'Stree ko swatantrata ki nahin, upyogi roop mein sanrakshan aur channelisation ki avashaykta hai' (The women of this country or this world do not need independence, do not deserve independence but they need to be channelised and controlled like commodities)."

Justifying its stand, the Congress has also released a video on YouTube quoting paragraphs from Adityanaths article and questioning the writers logic while defining Indian women:

"In the article he says a woman always needs to be protected  whether by her father, husband or by her son... a woman can never be independent or a woman does not deserve either independence or the right to decide for herself, because she always needs protection of men in different forms. More shocking is the part in which he says if a man was to ever get the same attributes as a woman of humility, of compassion, of love, then he is equal to God. But if a woman becomes powerful, if a woman is brave, if a woman adopts what he calls 'Purusharth', or 'Shaurya', then she becomes a 'rakshas' (demon)! So, should we call Goddess Durga, Kali or Chamunda demons? What should we call Jhansi ki Rani Lakshmi Bai or Captain Lakshmi Sahgal for their contributions in Indias freedom movement," Surjewala asked.

Five questions posed by Congress to BJP and Adityanath

Referring to the article, the Congress has posed five questions to top BJP leadership and Adityanath:

1) Cant the women of this country become self-reliant? Should they always be viewed through the lens of the BJP?

2) Will women become 'destructive and demonic' if they are independent? Is this the character and face of the BJP?

3) Does the BJP think the women of this country are incapable of protecting themselves and should always be under the protection of father, husband and son?

4) Should women in India be kept in shackles, as they feel that women shouldn't be free?

5) What will the BJP, Adityanath, Modi and Shah call Goddess Durga, Kali or freedom fighters like Rani Lakshmi Bai, Capt Lakshmi Sahgal and others, as they were the epitome of courage, valour and power?

BJPs view

"In Indian culture, a woman has never been considered as a commodity; rather she is an object of reverence. Its the duty and responsibility of a nation to utilise the attributes inherent in a woman like energy, knowledge, sacrifice, devotion, dedication and power in the pious work of building a prosperous nation," Uttar Pradesh BJP spokesperson Himanshu Dubey told Firstpost, while sharing the BJP's view and ideology about a woman.

Another BJP leader on condition of anonymity remarked, "Adityanath didnt mean to say what the Congress has been alleging against him. It's an old article written by him during the period when the 'Women's Reservation Bill' was under discussion in the Parliament. He simply quoted texts from Hindu scriptures in his article to prove his point."
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday filed a prosecution complaint against controversial preacher and televangelist Zakir Naik's close aide Aamir Gazdar for money laundering. The chargesheet filed against Gazdar of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) has Naiks elder sister, Nailah Nooranis statement that says she acted as a front for companies established by her brother after 2013, Hindustan Times reported.

According to The Asian Age, Noorani said that she only signed cheques as told by Naik for the money to be transferred to her bank account.

Last year, the ED had registered a money laundering case against Naik's Islamic Research Foundation under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) on the basis of an FIR registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Based on the investigation conducted, Gazdar was arrested by the ED under Section 19 of the PMLA on 16 February and is currently in judicial custody.

"It was alleged that Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik and his associates were indulging in unlawful activities and through his provocative utterances, promoting enmity and hatred between different religious groups in India.

"His inflammatory speeches and lectures have inspired and incited a number of Muslim youths in India to commit unlawful activities and terrorist acts," the statement from the ED said.

According to The Indian Express, ED said that Noorani claimed she only came to know about the existence of Harmony Media Pvt Ltd in 2013. According to the ED, Harmony Media, which produced videos of Naiks provocative speeches, was formed in 2005.

Noorani told ED that Gazdar, too, was a director in the same companies. Noorani also provided details of the financial transaction in her statement. According to The Times of India, she said that between 2013 and 2016, she received Rs 15.06 crore as loan from her father's account and Rs 14 crore as loan from her mother's account. Noorani said she signed cheques without knowing the transactions and that it was only after checking the accounts did she notice that Rs 14 crore was given to Long Last Constructions (one of the companies) as loan and Rs 14.7 crore to Harmony Media.

The Indian Express reported that Noorani holds 95 percent of the shares in the companies, with arrested accused Gazdar holding five percent of the shares. Gazdar has given an amount aggregating to the tune of Rs 2.35 crore during the period from 2005 to March 2016 to Harmony Media as a loan. This amount has been received back by him and no dues are pending," the ED chargesheet states, according to The Indian Express.

The Times of India reported that the complaint also stated that Gazdar first came in contact with Naik in 2003 when he had gone to Islam International School in Dongri for his son's admission. He said it was on Naik's request that he joined as a director in Harmony Media in 2005 and did not receive any remuneration.

The ED said during the investigation, it was found that certain dummy companies were established by Naik for routing the proceeds of crime. Out of the various companies established by Naik, Gazdar was a director in at least six of those.

The investigation also revealed that Gazdar, a confidant of Naik, was in close touch with him and also involved in illegal activities at the behest of Naik and was not only aware of many of his nefarious and illegal activities but actively collaborated and assisted in such activities.

"Gazdar has even gone beyond and knowingly assisted Naik and his associated companies in their financial shenanigans by providing 'accommodation entries' and parking and utilising these tainted monies through his personal bank accounts and the bank accounts of his family members," the ED statement read.

Noorani told ED that she was not aware from where the money to buy the companies originated. According to The Times of India, the companies include Harmony Media, Alpha Lubricants, Long Last Construction, Majestic Perfumes and Right Properties.

Further Hindustan Times reported that Noorani in her statement said that she was appointed the director of these companies and agreed to sign documents and cheques on the instructions of Naik. According to Hindustan Times, Noorani also said that she had never received any money from Naik. She told the agency, I have never enquired about his job or business so I am not aware of his earnings in Dubai.

Naik, 51, who is said to be staying in Saudi Arabia to evade arrest after some perpetrators of the Dhaka terror strike last year claimed they were inspired by him, has been booked along with unnamed Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) officials under section 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony) of the IPC, besides various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

A special court on 13 April issued a non-bailable warrant for arrest against Naik after he failed to appear before the ED despite four summons served on him. The statement added that the ED may file supplementary prosecution complaints against Naik as he had so far not appeared before it.

With inputs from agencies
Speculations about a patch-up between the two warring AIADMK factions touched a new high this week with Chief Minister K Palaniswami calling all lawmakers supporting him, in Chennai, on Tuesday.

The AIADMK got divided into two camps soon after its leader and former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa died in December 2016.

Her closest aide, VK Sasikala, was named the new party chief but was jailed within weeks after the Supreme Court found her guilty of corruption.

Before going to jail, Sasikala had appointed her nephew TTV Dinakaran as the party's Deputy General Secretary.

The other faction is led by O Panneerselvam, who was also close to Jayalalithaa and used to stand in for her as chief minister. The two factions have been fighting over ownership of the AIADMK.

The battle reached the Election Commission that gave the two factions new symbols and ordered a freeze over "two leaves" on 23 March.

Here is a brief time-line of events since Jayalalithaa's demise in December 2016.

With inputs from agencies
Just when a patch-up between the two AIADMK factions seemed unlikely, Tamil Nadu minister D Jayakumar announced late Tuesday night that 20 ministers have decided to oust party general secretary VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran, the deputy general secretary, from the party.

Jayakumar said, "We have decided to delink Dinakaran and his family from the party, a committee will run the party."

He further informed that the decision to oust Sasikala and family was "unanimous" and based on the views of all ministers, including chief Minister, MLAs, MPs and the public, reported PTI.

"A panel will be formed for the day-to-day functioning of AIADMK," the Tamil Nadu minister announced after a meeting that was held at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister EK Palaniswami's residence.

Earlier on Tuesday, any reconciliation between the two camps had hit a hurdle with former Tamil Nadu chief minister and leader of the rebel camp, O Panneerselvam making talks conditional to the ouster of Sasikala and Dinakaran, a demand that EK Palaniswami camp (also Sasikala loyalists) had rejected outright.

Panneerselvam had made it clear that his group's "basic principle" of keeping the party and the government free from the "clutches" of a single family cannot be compromised. His assertion had come after late last night confabulations, including the one attended by several senior Tamil Nadu ministers, after which they appeared inclined to end the face-off with the Panneerselvam camp. But, it seems Panneerselvam's demand has thrived.

His assertion had come on Tuesday after late Monday night confabulations, including the one attended by several senior Tamil Nadu ministers, after which they appeared inclined to end the face-off with the Panneerselvam camp. But, it seems Panneerselvam's demand has thrived.

An otherwise unassuming Panneerselvam had revolted against AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala in February last, alleging that she forced him to resign as chief minister following party supremo J Jayalalithaa's death last December.

"Our founder MGR (MG Ramachandran) and Amma (Jayalalithaa) created this party as one for the people and the cadre. This is a democratic organisation. If we don't follow this path, it shall be an injustice to the people," he had said.

He also said that MGR never involved his brother in party affairs when he founded the AIADMK and then ruled Tamil Nadu for a decade until his death in December 1987 and Jayalalithaa admitted only Sasikala into the party and none of the latter's family.

It was Panneerselvam who had first sent out signals of a possible rapprochement between the rival factions, a move which was promptly welcomed by the Sasikala camp followers. However, the former Tamil Nadu chief minister and Jayalalithaa loyalist had made it clear that no merger was possible unless Sasikala and her nephew Dinakaran were ousted from the party.

The OPS camp also reportedly wants him (Pannerselvam) to be made both the AIADMK general secretary and chief minister, with Palaniswami as his deputy. However, the EPS camp had earlier rejected these demands.

The new developments have made it clear that the Mannagudi mafia may finally be out of the government. To read more about how the recent turn of events transpired, follow our blog here. You can also read an account of the political drama in Tamil Nadu before the merger was announced here.
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The Indian Express reported that post the bribe allegations, political ambitions of TTV Dinakaran are coming to an end. AIADMK deputy general secretary and nephew of jailed party leader V K Sasikala, Dinakaran is most likely to meet the jailed former general secretary and resign from the post.

Sasikala faction is discussing a number of scenarios by which the party can be safeguarded, including a possible merger with the opposing camp of O Panneerselvam. But speaking to The Indian Express , sources from Sasikala faction said that all options had one common strand: Dinakaran must go.

After a late-night huddle of senior AIADMK ministers about a possible merger, O Panneerselvam has reportedly said that a committee has been formed by Sasikala team to begin talks about uniting the party. "I'm expecting them to contact me anytime," OPS reportedly said.

Rebel leader and former chief minister O Panneerselvam had earlier hinted at fresh efforts at a unified AIADMK, provided that VK Sasikala and TTV Dinakaran resign from their posts.

Nine ministers of the Edappadi Palaniswami camp had an impromptu meeting around midnight on Monday. D Jayakumar, finance minister in the Palaniswami government said after the meeting that the group had discussed the party's election symbol issue and Panneerselvam's suggestion at merger.

He is also known as a flamboyant conman having a fetish for luxury cars. At the age of 27, Chandrashekhar has cases of cheating and illegal money laundering against him in the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Chennai Police and the Bengaluru Police, a senior Delhi police officer said. He was arrested on Sunday from a five-star hotel in New Delhi.

Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who was arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly taking money from AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran to bribe Election Commission officials in getting his party the AIADMK's poll symbol of two leaves, is an accused in several cheating cases.

Till now, he had got Rs 10 crore of the deal amount and the remaining was to be given to him in a time-bound manner. On Sunday, police recovered Rs 1.30 crore in cash and two luxury cars  a BMW and a Mercedes  from him.

"We had the information that Dhinakaran is trying to reach out to the EC through a middleman, who was later identified as Chandrashekhar," he said. It has been learnt that the conman had struck a deal for Rs 50 crore for helping the AIADMK (Amma) faction to keep the 'two leaves' symbol, said an officer privy to the probe.

Chandrashekhar had allegedly told Dhinakaran that he has contacts in the EC and they will help the Sasikala faction to get the AIADMK's poll symbol of two leaves in the by-election to the R K Nagar Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu. Police got on Chadrashekhar's trail after they received a tip-off from an informer about certain EC official being approached.

Meanwhile, missing in action, TV reports said that Dinakaran has reached his residence in Chennai.

The Delhi Police Crime Branch team which was supposed to leave for Chennai today has postponed the visit citing focus on a Delhi-centric investigation, CNN-News18 reported.

- Enquiry Commission into Jayalalithaa's death. - No interference of VK Sasikala or her kin in AIADMK functioning. - Sasikala faction should extend the olive branch to OPS' camp as AIADMK cadres are with Panneerselvam.

He was booked following the arrest of Sukesh Chandrasekhar, a middleman, from a five-star hotel in Delhi on Sunday. The leader of the V K Sasikala faction of the ruling party also claimed he did not know Sukesh Chandrasekhar, a middleman arrested by the Delhi police in this matter. "I will answer if I get summons. I will face it legally. How does a broker or somebody say the money was from TTV Dinakaran? I don't know anybody by that name nor have I come across any such name in my life," he told reporters in Chennai.

AIADMK (Amma) Deputy General Secretary TTV Dinakaran, booked by Delhi Police for allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official, vowed on Monday to fight the case legally and alleged that efforts were being made to "destroy our organisation politically".

Tuesday was reportedly the deadline fixed by some MLAs when they had met TTV on 14 April on Tamil New Year Day, for him and his aunt to quit.

Two senior ministers  Sengottiayan and C Srinivasan  considered close to sasikala will meet Dinakaran to convey to him the party mood. The writing on the wall is clear for Dinakaran: Step aside and let both factions merge.

With TTV Dinakaran back at his Chennai residence after failing to meet aunt VK Sasikala at the Bengaluru jail, Tuesday promises to be a day of fast paced developments.

Writing on the wall clear for Dinakaran: Step aside and let both factions merge

However, Dinakaran, who still enjoys the support of at least 25 MLAs, is not likely to go down without a fight. Also, when elections were held, Sasikala personally decided on tickets to some 90 candidates. Would they continue to stay loyal or jump ship? That is the crucial question.

CNN-News18 has reported that the O Panneerselvam camp has conveyed to the Sasikala camp that they want internal elections to be held to elect the party general secretary and the merged AIADMK's chief ministerial pick.

Dinakaran, however, is learnt to have been buying time on the grounds that he has not been able to consult Sasikala yet. Dinakaran had apparently sought to meet Sasikala, who is lodged in jail, but the meeting couldn't take place.

According to India Today TV, TTV Dinakaran is reportedly unwilling to vacate the not very keen to step down as party's deputy general secretary, even as pressure mounts on him to resign on moral ground following the bribery charges.

According to reports, the merger talks are happening around the fact that OPS will be appointed as the chief of a re-united AIADMK, replacing Sasikala. Some news channels called it the "compromise formula."

By the looks of it, political turmoil is back to haunt Tamil Nadu. After O Panneerselvam laid out his demands for the possible merger of the two factions of AIADMK, Palaniswami - who beat Panneerselvam for the top post earlier this year with most AIADMK legislators supporting him - will remain chief minister under the formula being discussed, NDTV reported quoting sources. Paneerselvam's supporters, however, want him to be both party chief and chief minister.

The reason for it, she said, was the ruling party's fears over the survival of the government and the party in Tamil Nadu.

The BJP's Tamil Nadu unit said the ruling AIADMK (Amma) has apprehensions over its survival in the state, given the split in the party and various crisis faced by the government. "They are unnecessarily targeting the BJP and me," BJP state president Tamilisai Soundararajan said reacting to the AIADMK (Amma) faction's chief TTV Dinakaran's remark blaming her party BJP, the DMK, the IT Department and the Election Commission and former TN CM O Panneerselvam for working as a "coalition" against his party.

CNN-News18 also reported that sources had told the TV channel that Panneerselvam's faction had on Tuesday placed some conditions for the possible merger. He had reportedly demanded a probe panel for former chief minister J Jayalalithaa's death and wanted no interference from Sasikala's kin in party matters. Read the full story here

On speculations about merger of the two AIADMK factions and that he was going to be made "general secretary", he had said that no one has approached him for it so far. "If approached, we are ready to sit and talk and I have confidence that they (leaders) will come (for talks)," he had told reporters at the airport in Chennai.

After the Delhi Police on Monday booked AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dinakaran for allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official for obtaining the party symbol for his faction following the arrest of an alleged middleman, there were speculations that a merger between the two AIADMK factions was on the cards. Rebel AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam had expressed confidence that the TTV Dinakaran-led faction leaders would approach him for merger talks.

Tamil Nadu minister Sellur Raju on Tuesday morning said that the bone of contention between the two factions is the symbol. "In order to retrieve the symbol both factions must work unitedly," Raju was quoted as saying by ANI. He further added that O Panneerselvam on Monday had said that there are possibilities that both factions could sit together and talk to iron out differences.

Delhi police is likely to interrogate two more people in the EC bribery case. Meanwhile Dinakaran is reported to have consulted his lawyers on his legal options. But politically, even as both sides have talked positively in favour of a merger, Dinakaran may still have the ace up his sleeve. His loyalist MLAs, who wouldn't agree to work under O Panneerselvam's leadership, will ensure that the government is in a minority. But for Dinakaran, the priority is not so much to take care of the political crisis but to wriggle out of the bribery case against him.

According to Times Now, the Delhi Police is questioning Sukesh Chandrashekhar, the alleged middleman in the bribery case, to ascertain whether Dinakaran was conned or did the man really had some connections in the poll panel.

In an aside, looks like TTV Dinakaran is overwhelmed with problems at the moment. On one hand is the state's politics, where his stint within the AIADMK is likely to come under threat, in case the merger does take place. On the other hand, the AIADMK deputy general secretary is having a tough time dealing with the bribery allegations laid out against him.

Minister for School Education K Sengottiyan at a press conference said that there has been no formal talk between the EPS and OPS faction regarding the merger of the AIADMK. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Sengottiyan, who is from the Sasikala camp, remained silent on whether TTV Dinakaran will be stepping down as the party deputy general secretary.

"The second-most powerful leader in the party now finds himself increasingly isolated with ministers and party leaders seen as loyalists of his jailed aunt VK Sasikala giving thought to O Panneerselvams offer of a reunion."

Dinakaran's list of supporters are thinning, or so it seems. As the Delhi Police are inching closer to Dinakaran, his posse of supporters seem to be taking one back, News18 reported.

"Dinakaran has heard the updates keenly and has welcomed OPS' statement. He will take a decision soon. There have been no talks about the Dinakaran and Sasikala issue. Even the OPS faction has not raised any questions about it," says KA Sengottaiyan.

Sources in the O Panneerselvam camp said that the party general secretary or the Chief Minister's post is not a nominated position, it is an elected one. "We will go by what the people want. We will not agree to anything right now as tomorrow we might end up as scapegoats," sources from the OPS camp told News18.

Speaking to CNN-News18, Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambidurai, who also belongs to the Sasikala camp, said, "There is no split in the party, only differences in opinion. We are sorting out the issue. People are still supporting Amma's legacy. This is proved by the fact that AIADMK has 50 percent vote bank, while the DMK has only 30 percent. We need to protect the party symbol, so all must come together. This is not a question of the CM post; only of Amma's legacy."

A meeting has been called at the Police Head Quarters after names of bureaucrats, senior officials have come up in the investigation. Investigating officers have been asked to report with case papers.

Former chief minister O Panneerselvam addressed the media in Chennai and in clear words stated that if the EPS faction wants a merger, then the family of VK Sasikala cannot be a part of the re-united AIADMK. Speaking to mediapersons, OPS said, "TTV Dinakaran's clout reduced after the RK Nagar bypolls. Moving away from Jayalalithaa's legacy will be treason. Must clear doubts on Jayalalithaa's death, hence a probe must be initiated. When the EC was investigating the matter on Monday, The family which betrayed Jayalalithaa has to go. AIADMK must be saved from the dynastic politics. We will not change our demands for the merger. We will not accept any family rule."

OPS states demands clearly: No one from Sasikala family will be tolerated in AIADMK

With Sasikala in jail and Dinakaran out of the job, the AIADMK will be ridden with multiple caste and loyalty-driven factions. And that is an ideal setting for a compromises at least among the most prominent factional leaders such as OPS, chief minister Edappadi Palaniswamy and MP M Thambidurai. It remains to be seen how they share power - Edapaddy is likely to continue as the chief minister, OPS might take over as the deputy general secretary and finance minister and Thambidurai will be partys point-man in Delhi. OPSs associate and a Jayalalithaa favourite Mafoi K Pandiarajan is likely to get back his portfolios. Sasikala is unlikely to be touched any time now, but her influence will certainly wane.

In the public eye, an apparently virtuous OPS, who rose to some sort of star status by defying Sasikalas hegemony, will win and all will be well with the AIADMK; but in reality, it will be the BJP  that has been pulling the strings from Delhi  that wins. Without the BJP, OPS wouldnt have rebelled and sustained himself this long, let alone won the battle.

At least for the time being, TTV Dinakaran (also spelled as Dhinakaran), Sasikalas nephew, who had himself planted at the top of the AIADMK as its deputy general secretary when his aunt went to jail in Bengaluru for corruption, will be ousted. Sasikala is unlikely to be touched for two reasons: First, she is in jail and cannot meddle with the party on a daily basis; and second, a number of MLAs cannot simply abandon their loyalty to her.

In roughly two months since he fired the first shot against VK Sasikala on the sprawling sands of Marina Beach in Chennai, rebel AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) seems to be winning his battle. By all indications, his section of the party and the bigger ruling faction are likely to close ranks in a day.

"After Jayalalitha's demise, there was some ruckus and factions happened. We are sad on that and even some hate speeches have rolled out. But, it's now time for all to forget the past and work for the future," Minister for Cooperation Sellur K. Raju said, adding that both the factions were eventually "brothers from the same family"

By publicaly airing the terms for negotiation, the OPS camp has put its foot down on it's demands in the wake of a merger. With this, now the ball lies in EPS camp's court. The Tamil Nadu chief minister will not only have to sack Sasikala and Dinakaran from the party, but also negotiate other terms and conditions of the merger with OPS.

Meanwhile, reports also suggests that EPS is keen on keeping the post of party general secretary for himself. What remains to be seen is how much ground are the two factions ready to cede to successfuly cement a reunion and to sustain it.

According to a report by India Today, sources close to the party have said that the Cabinet is ready to support O Panneerselvam as the new chief minister if E Palanisamy is made the deputy CM.

OPS has never appeared this confident  not even when he came out with his dramatic rebellion in February. The rival camp is clearly in a quandary and its they who seemingly want protection through a merger with the OPS camp. The Sasikala family will not leave without a fight; they are known to dig their heels in.

O Panneerselvam hardening his stand that he would not talk merger unless Sasikala and Dinakaran are thrown out of the party is a clear indication that he has the upper hand. Most voices from his rival camp are expressing their desire quite openly for a compromise even while not distancing themselves from the Sasikala family.

OPS has the upper hand in this fight, but will Sasikala clan quietly go away?

"The chances of the panel holding talks are high," Raju told a Tamil TV Channel. He said that since there was a "split between siblings", it would not be fair on the part of either side to put terms and conditions for the merger talks.

The AIADMK (Amma) faction announced constitution of a team to hold talks with the rival Panneerselvam camp on the issue of a possible patch up. Senior leader in the VK Sasikala faction and Cooperation Minister, Sellur K Raju, said Chief Minister K Palaniswami has constituted a team of "senior ministers" for the purpose.

The O Panneerselvam camp took to Twitter to express its willingness to hold talks with the AIADMK (Amma) faction. "The AIADMK (Amma) faction has constituted a team to hold talks. We are ready to hold consultations with that team if it meets us," the twitter handle, @OfficeofOPS, said.

The nominees for other party posts "can be negotiated", Palaniswamy added. Efforts are reportedly on to bring together the two factions of the AIADMK after Delhi Police filed a case against Sasikala's nephew and Deputy General Secretary TTV Dinakaran for trying to bribe the Election Commission to allot his faction the frozen "two leaves" election symbol.

The Panneerselvam faction has made it clear that he would be the AIADMK General Secretary as well as Chief Minister while incumbent Chief Minister K Palaniswami, a Sasikala backer, can be his deputy. "The basic condition is that family members of Sasikala should not be in the party," former AIADMK MP and Panneerselvam confidant KC Palaniswamy told IANS.

It will finally come down to who will blink first especially since Delhi Police is a significant non-political player in this game of thrones. If Dinakaran and Sasikala lay down their arms, the game is over. But if they do not and EPS refuses to vacate his chair, it will be back to political rhetoric and status quo.

His first priority will be to get out of the Delhi Police mess but that has now got linked to the pressure on him to quit as deputy general secretary. The case has weakened his bargaining strength but it would be a mistake to underestimate Dinakaran. All said and done, he managed to ensure the MLAs did not desert his aunt in February by putting them up at Golden Bay resort, 60 km from Chennai. There is no reason he will go down without a fight.

5) KA Sengottaiyan, minister of school education, said that EPS has urged party unity while staying mum on the future of the Sasikala family in the party.

3) Thambidurai, the Sasikala camp leader, said that the party has not split while welcoming a merger

1) OPS camp wants Sasikala and Dinakaran out of the party. They also want OPS to be the chief minister while accommodating EPS as the deputy chief minister.

The O Panneerselvam (OPS) camp's insistence on bagging all the three top posts  chief minister, party general secretary and Presidium chairman  has miffed the Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) camp. While OPS projects himself as having been Jayalalithaa's chosen one on more than one occasion, EPS was hoping to stay the chief minister while allowing OPS to become party chief. Offering the post of deputy chief minister to EPS is an option the OPS camp is mulling but there is no clarity if the chief minister will agree to a demotion.

A reunited AIADMK, minus Sasikala and her family, would be ethically and electorally an ideal entity for the BJP to align with. And it would be naive to believe that the BJP is a mere spectator in his drama-it's a catalyst from outside, if not an agent provocateur from inside.

The realisation that the popularity of scam-tainted Sasikala, who is now in a Bengaluru jail, was limited to some two dozen legislators and didn't extend to people at large, followed by a split in the AIADMK, was an obvious cause of worry for the BJP. Then came the I-T raids on 7 April on a minister close to Dinakaran, which allegedly proved that he had distributed Rs 89 crore to voters in the run-up to the RK Nagar by-election, rescinded later. The Delhi Police case against him on Monday added a new twist: He was accused of attempting to bribe the Election Commission to get the united AIADMK's seized two-leaves symbol for his faction.

The BJP was wooing the united AIADMK led by Jayalalithaa for nearly 10 years till her death in December 2016. After supporting the NDA and famously backing out in 1998, she was in and out of the alliances of BJP, Congress and Third Front, but remained non-aligned since the 2014 election. The BJP warmed up to her even more after Narendra Modi became the prime minister in 2014 and, after her death in December 2016, cosied up to her friend Sasikala who seemed like her heiress-obvious.

The BJP is desperate to see a merger between the factions of Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy of AIADMK (Amma) and former chief minister O Panneerselvam of AIADMK (Puratchi Thalavi Amma), the latter backed by Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran.

Panneerselvam had earlier said there was no likelihood of talks of merger commencing if their key demand for ousting Sasikala and Dinakaran, the AIADMK deputy general secretary, was not met. The OPS camp also reportedly wants him (Pannerselvam) to be made both the AIADMK general secretary and chief minister, with E Palaniswami as his deputy. However, the EPS camp had earlier rejected these demands.

What can be termed as a big victory for the O Panneerselvam camp, Tamil Nadu minister D Jayakumar announded on Tuesday that 20 ministers have decided to oust VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran from the party. In a late night development, the minister also said that the party will be run by a committee.

TTV Dinakaran and his family to be kept away from AIADMK and its government. Decision "unanimous" and based on the views of all ministers, including the chief minister, MLAs, MPs, public. Panel to be formed for day-to-day functioning of AIADMK, said D Jayakumar after the meeting held at Chief Minister E Palaniswami's residence.

TTV Dinakaran and his family to be kept away from AIADMK

Just when a patch-up between the two AIADMK factions seemed unlikely, Tamil Nadu minister D Jayakumar announced late Tuesday night that 20 ministers have decided to oust party general secretary VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran, the deputy general secretary, from the party.

On a day of fast-paced developments, the efforts for merger of Palaniswamy and Pannerselvam camps had earlier appeared to have hit a hurdle with the former chief minister insisting on the ouster of Sasikala and Dinakaran for talks to begin. The way for talks have been paved after his key demand was met by the Palaniswamy camp.

After Tuesday night's development, as the political crisis in Tamil Nadu deepens and enters the third day, it looks like the AIADMK is split within three factions  EPS camp, OPS camp and a group of leaders (even though small in number) with Dinakaran.

After being kicked out from the AIADMK (Amma), Dinakaran has reportedly called for a meeting of MLAs and district secretaries at party headquarter in Royapettah on Wednesday afternoon at 3 pm, ANI reported. AIADMK leader and state finance minister D Jayakumar had said that the party was decided on 'delinking' Sasikala and Dinakaran from the party.

As the political crisis in the state deepens and has been ongoing since Jayalalithaa's demise in December 2016, it is an important day to watch whether the OPS and EPS camps are able to get over their high horses and join hands against the remaining Sasikala loyalists in AIADMK.

Even though there is a slim chance that the faction supporting Dinakaran will eventually gather enough support for its leader, nothing can be confirmed for the state of Tamil Nadu.

A lookout notice has been issued against TTV Dinakaran, sources told media on Tuesday. According to reports, police fears that ousted former deputy general secretary of AIADMK (Amma) may try and flee the country.

Panneerselvam had put forth a condition that merger between the two factions would take place only if Sasikala and Dinakaran were ousted from the party.

"Former chief minister O Panneerselvam, while going to Madurai, had said that he was ready for the merger without any conditions, which was acceptable to us. But when he imposed the condition today, we decided not to consider this. We will never accept this condition. Because it was TTV Dinakaran, who gave a new direction to the AIADMK," party leader Nanzhil Sampath was quoted as saying by ANI.

Hours after AIADMK leader and finace minister of Tamil Nadu D Jayakumar announced that VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran were decided to be 'delinked' from the party, several MLAs and Dinakaran supporters rallied behind him and denounced the former's statement.

The BJP was wooing the united AIADMK led by Jayalalithaa for nearly ten years till her death in December 2016. After supporting the NDA and famously backing out in 1998, she was in and out of alliances with the BJP, Congress and Third Front, but remained non-aligned since the 2014 elections. The BJP warmed up to her even more after Modi became prime minister in 2014 and after her death in December 2016, cosied up to her friend Sasikala who seemed like her heiress-obvious. Read the full story here

The BJP is desperate to see a merger between the factions of Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy of AIADMK (Amma) and former chief minister O Panneerselvam of AIADMK (Puratchi Thalavi Amma), the latter backed by Sasikala and her nephew Dinakaran.

Over the past few days, rumours were rife that the two factions - EPS camp and OPS camp - could iron out differences and merge to form a united AIADMK once again.

A senior Tamil Nadu minister claimed that twenty ministers within the government had ousted VK Sasikala and her family from the AIADMK 'unanimously.' AIADMK leader and an O Panneerselvam loyalist C Ponnaiyan told CNN-News18 that his camp (OPS) believed in a merger in total. "We want the general council to vote Sasikala out," he said.

- On the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, Tamil Nadu finance minister, J Jayakumar and eight other ministers from the EPS camp held an impromptu meeting. - After the meeting, J Jayakumar said that the group had discussed the party's election symbol issue and O Panneerselvam's suggestion at merger - Dinakaran, who had been missing, turns up at his Chennai home. Holds meet with his legal team

Ruling out any change of Chief Minister in the state for this possible patch up, Thambidurai said people from the opposing faction may be included in the organisation. However, Thambidurai, who had maintained a stoic silence on the ouster of Dinakaran and aunt Sasikala from the party, the senior leader later on Monday said that if Dinakaran interfered in tge party, "we will not like it." "There is no weakness in the party. We are all united. I am just an ordinary worker of the party but I know that 50 percent vote bank is with us. There is no doubt about it. If Dinakaran can garner support from the party members then he can run the party and we all will cooperate," Thambidurai said.

Mooting a patch-up with the rival AIADMK group led by O Panneerselvam, senior AIADMK leader and deputy speaker in Lok Sabha M Thambidurai said it will be in the party's interest if both factions merge to take forward the legacy of late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha. "We have to take Amma (J Jayalalithaa)'s legacy forward," Thambidurai said.

After being mum on Dinakaran, Sasikala ouster, Thambiduria now says rival AIADMK factions should merge

Tamil Nadu finance minister speaks to CNN-News18 and says that the gates have been thrown open to O Panneerselvam. "120 MLAs and all district heads are with us. Only Edappadi Palaniswamy as the general secretary can decide on party affairs. Despite whatever the rival factions might claim, all 120 MLAs and district heads are with us. We will rule as per Amma and MGR's guidelines," D Jayakumar told News18.

Within minutes after news broke that a lookout notice was issued against Dinakaran by the Delhi police, media gathered outside the residence of the former chief minister which was earlier deserted.

Dinakaran, who is the nephew of former party general secretary VK Sasikala, was also supposed to meet his aunt who is lodged in a Bengaluru jail following her conviction in a disproportionate assets case. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, didn't take place, according to a report in Economic Times , and there are chances that the duo might meet on Wednesday to try and work out a solution.

TTV Dinakaran puts up a brave front by saying all his MLAs are with him but it is clear his numbers are dwindling. Only 8 MLAs are on his side. And even the 3 pm AIADMK MLA meeting he has convened could be in jeopardy as finance minister D Jayakumar has said only party secretary E Palaniswamy can convene such a meeting.

According to sources from the party headquarters the venue for MLAs meeting is not yet finalised except for the time of the meeting which is scheduled at 3 pm on Tuesday.

"The revolt against me could have been due to some fears," he further said. "We will have to consult Sasikala on resigning as she appointed me as Deputy General Secretary."

"I have stepped aside in the interest of party so question of resigning doesn't arise," PTI quoted Dinakaran as saying.

"The removal of Sasikala's family is our victory in this dharma yuddhan. The reason for our struggle is going well," Panneerselvam further said.

"We will act according to the people's wishes," he said. "Sasikala's family had taken over after Amma's death."

"(Panneerselvam's) meeting (with MLAs) was not show of strength," O Panneerselvam said as he addressed reporters.

Firstpost has learnt that E Palaniswamy wants to continue as chief minister and is ready to give the post of AIADMK general secretary to O Panneerselvam. Negotiations are currently on.

VK Sasikala's nephew added that the MLAs' meeting called by him later today should not be seen as a show of strength. "All MLAs have been asked to come. It is not a show of strength," he said.

"They might have done this (revolt) due to some fear. May be there was some dissatisfaction against me. But I don't know," he told reporters.

He also said he has "stepped aside" last night itself in the interest of the party and made it clear that the MLAs meet called by him was not a show of strength.

Deputy general secretary of AIADMK TTV Dinakaran struck a conciliatory note, saying he had no problem with the merger of rival party factions and felt that the rebellion against him was due to some "fear".

"They can maximum put me behind bars. If that is my destiny, I will face it and come out," he added.

When asked if he was being "targeted" by way of Income Tax raids on Health Minister C Vijayabaskar and countermanding of the 12 April RK Nagar bypoll, he said "may be."

Dinakaran also said he had no problems with a possible merger of the factions now headed by Chief Minister K Palaniswamy and his predecessor O Panneerselvam.

On quitting the AIADMK party post, TTV Dinakaran said he was appointed by the general secretary (Sasikala), and he has to consult her before taking the final decision. He also indicated Sasikala was not apprised of the developments. "How can someone inside the jail be informed," he asked.

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Wednesday said the ouster of the rival AIADMK faction's two leaders was his faction's first victory in the "dharma yudh". He was referring to the ruling AIADMK faction's decision to sideline now jailed general secretary VK Sasikala and her nephew and deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran.

He was apparently referring to the possible angst in the party following income tax raids at Health Minister C Vijayabaskar's premises ahead of the assembly bypoll to the RK Nagar seat which was countermanded following allegations of bribing and inducement of voters. Dinakaran was the party's nominee for the election.

He, however, claimed the rebellion against him was out of "fear". "They (ministers) might have done this (revolt) due to some fear. Maybe there was some dissatisfaction against me. But I don't know," he told reporters.

Seeking to avoid any confrontation, Dinakaran said he had "stepped aside" last night itself "in the interest of the party". He said that he had no issues with the rival camps merging together.

The economic offences court is likely to frame charges against him in the second FERA case pertaining to Barclay's Bank, where Dhinakaran has been charged with transferring 37 lakh Pounds illegally.

With the framing of charges by the court, Dinakaran now stands formally indicted in the Dipper investment case in which he has been accused by the Enforcement Directorate of transferring $ One crore illegally. A court frames charges against an accused after it finds sufficient prima facie evidence against him to put him on formal trial in the case.

An economic offences court on Sunday framed charges against AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran in a FERA violation case as the Madras High Court on Wednesday refused to quash it along with another similar case.

Dinakaran had, soon after the arrest of Sukesh Chandrasekhar asserted that he will face the matter legally. He had denied any knowledge of Chandrasekhar.

Delhi Police officials at midnight on Wednesday served summons to TTV Dinakaran in a case of alleged bribery to EC officials for retrieving the party's two leaves symbol.

The suspicion is that by sacking the duo, Palaniswami is trying to endear himself to the powers-that-be in Delhi. It is not just the Dinakaran camp that has accused the BJP of playing a part in the internal affairs of the AIADMK. Many observers also feel that the invisible pressure from the Centre is what is moving many pieces on the political chessboard in Chennai. It is logical for EPS campers to believe that in the post-Sasikala era, they can be on the right side of the BJP, replacing Panneerselvam.

While it appeared that Palaniswami had blinked first, there was more than what met the eye. By sidelining the aunt and the nephew, the EPS group was washing away the Chinnamma taint that they had acquired by staying on for one week at the Golden Bay Resort in February, backing Sasikala.

According to Times Now, the OPS camp has put forth three new points as to negotiate for power in the AIADMK post the merger.

If everyone thought the expulsion of the Sasikala-Dinakaran duo would pave the way for an easy merger, it won't come as a surprise if talks between the two factions get stuck on who gets what.

With Mannargudi clan out of their way, OPS camp puts forth fresh demands for AIADMK merger

How the entire saga will actually unfold remains to be seen, but Panneerselvam has clearly achieved the upper hand in light of his other demand, which is far more intrepid: He wants to replace Palaniswamy as the chief minister, while demoting him to deputy chief minister."

"With Sasikala finding it tough to operate her faction from prison, notwithstanding her nephew Dinakaran, her supremacy is slipping away quickly. What will hasten this slide, perhaps irreversibly, will be Dinakarans actual arrest by the Delhi Police. In that event, the Sasikala camp will have an additional headache: Of extracting Dinakaran from this mess  or sacrificing him  and managing the fracas within the party.

The Mannargudi mafia is alleged to have spread out across the government machinery into important positions taking advantage of Sasikalas proximity to Jayalalithaa. While Panneerselvams deft political maneouvre may have trumped Sasikala in power circles, she very much retains control, if only by proxy, on her familys powerful nexus.

Mannargudi is a small town in Tiruvarur district in the Cauvery delta where Sasikala hails from.

Mannargudi Mafia is down but not out in Tamil Nadu

Dinakaran, who was scheduled appear for the hearing of a financial irregularities case in court today, did not turn up for the hearing. The court has given a 24th April deadline to Sasikala's nephew, according to India Today TV.

Political commentator TS Sudhir has told Firstpost that a meeting is underway between senior AIADMK leader M Thambidurai and theTamil Nadu governor C Vidyasagar Rao. Thambidurai had sided with the Sasikala camp at the time of the rift between the two factions and has been batting for E Palaniswamy to continue as the state's chief minister despite the merger talks.

He was apparently referring to the pending FERA cases against him in a court here in connection with which he has surrendered his passport.

TTV Dinakaran questioned the need for the lookout notice issued by the Delhi Police in a bribery case, saying as his passport "is in court" for 20 years how could he flee the country. "My passport is in court for 20 years. How can I escape from India," he told reporters.

Party sources indicated that he was expected to appear at the Economic Offences court here later in the day on a case against him for alleged violation of FERA regulations.

"There is no opposition to me in the party," he said, breaking his silence since influential section of Ministers revolted against him last night and decided to keep General Secretary V K Sasikala and him out of the party. According to 'Jaya Plus' Tamil TV channel, Dinakaran said a "good decision" will be taken in the interest of the party.

Beleaguered leader TTV Dinakaran on Wednesday said none in the party were against him, asserting that all party MLAs stood behind him.

However, this one man, clearly an MGR fan, kept the media occupied outside OPS' residence in Chennai.

Thursday is a rather slow day as far as developments from Tamil Nadu capital was concerned. All the three camps  O Panneerselvam, E Palaniswamy, TTV Dinakaran  remained mum on the future of AIADMK merger.

As OPS, EPS, Dinakaran camps decide on merger plans, this is how media keeps itself busy

AIADMK deputy chief Dinakaran has been asked to appear before the Crime Branch of Delhi Police on Saturday in a case of alleged bribery to EC officials for retrieving the party's 'two leaves' symbol. The Delhi Police had last night served summons to him in the case.

An alienated, cowed down Dinakaran, however said that he had distanced himself from the party for the betterment of the organization, while he vowed to fight all charges against him legally. He also expressed some doubts about the circumstances under which his party members had rebelled against him.

First, the poll panel repealed the RK Nagar assembly polls as he drew flak for allegedly trying to bribe the voters. Next came the EC bribery case, which essentially triggered a domino effect. An influential faction, led by the chief minister, within his party rebelled against him. And on top of that, an ED court has framed charges against him in a financial irregularity case against him, lodged some 20 years ago.

The leader, whose extended family is notoriously called the Mannargudi mafia and is arguably the most influential clan in the southern Indian state, has been having a tough time staying afloat amid legal troubles and a rebelling party.

The past few days have been all about set-backs for TTV Dinakaran, who until recently enjoyed a powerful status in the ruling party in Tamil Nadu.

He was apparently referring to the pending FERA cases against him in a court here in connection with which he has surrendered his passport.

TTV Dinakaran questioned the need for the lookout notice issued by the Delhi Police in a bribery case, saying as his passport "is in court" for 20 years how could he flee the country. "My passport is in court for 20 years. How can I escape from India," he told reporters.

Party sources indicated that he was expected to appear at the Economic Offences court here later in the day on a case against him for alleged violation of FERA regulations.

"There is no opposition to me in the party," he said, breaking his silence since influential section of Ministers revolted against him last night and decided to keep General Secretary V K Sasikala and him out of the party. According to 'Jaya Plus' Tamil TV channel, Dinakaran said a "good decision" will be taken in the interest of the party.

Beleaguered leader TTV Dinakaran on Wednesday said none in the party were against him, asserting that all party MLAs stood behind him.

However, this one man, clearly an MGR fan, kept the media occupied outside OPS' residence in Chennai.

Thursday is a rather slow day as far as developments from Tamil Nadu capital was concerned. All the three camps  O Panneerselvam, E Palaniswamy, TTV Dinakaran  remained mum on the future of AIADMK merger.

As OPS, EPS, Dinakaran camps decide on merger plans, this is how media keeps itself busy

But here's a question: Will he be as willing to relinquish the power it represents for the sake of AIADMK merger?

AIADMK deputy chief Dinakaran has been asked to appear before the Crime Branch of Delhi Police on Saturday in a case of alleged bribery to EC officials for retrieving the party's 'two leaves' symbol. The Delhi Police had last night served summons to him in the case.

However, according to CNN-News 18, Thambidurai has termed it a courtesy call, adding "No politics to be read into this. I have already said the CM will continue. He is an elected man.

Senior AIADMK leader and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai today met Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao. However, AIADMK sources remained tight light over the agenda behind the meeting.

An alienated, cowed down Dinakaran, however said that he had distanced himself from the party for the betterment of the organization, while he vowed to fight all charges against him legally. He also expressed some doubts about the circumstances under which his party members had rebelled against him.

First, the poll panel repealed the RK Nagar assembly polls as he drew flak for allegedly trying to bribe the voters. Next came the EC bribery case, which essentially triggered a domino effect. An influential faction, led by the chief minister, within his party rebelled against him. And on top of that, an ED court has framed charges against him in a financial irregularity case against him, lodged some 20 years ago.

The leader, whose extended family is notoriously called the Mannargudi mafia and is arguably the most influential clan in the southern Indian state, has been having a tough time staying afloat amid legal troubles and a rebelling party.

The past few days have been all about set-backs for TTV Dinakaran, who until recently enjoyed a powerful status in the ruling party in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu Finance and Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar also met Rao. Jayakumar said: "The meeting was in connection with the selection of Vice Chancellor of a university."

Thambidurai later told reporters that it was a courtesy call as he has known Rao for a long time. He said he did not discuss the political situation in the state with Rao.

KP Muniswamy from the Panneerselvam camp says they never asked for the post of the CM of the party general secretary. We never went into this assuming we were heading for elections. But if there are elections, Panneerselvam will definitely win. We are demanding the resignations of TTV Dinakaran and Sasikala. If these conditions are met, we will immediately start talks, says Muniswamy. News-18

Several senior Tamil Nadu ministers went into a huddle on Monday night in Chennai amid reports about coming together of rival AIADMK factions led by TTV Dinakaran and O Panneerselvam. The development came on a day when the Delhi Police booked AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dinakaran (also spelled as Dhinakaran) for allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official in a failed bid to obtain the coveted "two-leaves" party symbol for his faction.

Emerging from the more than an hour-and-half-long meeting at the residence of Electricity Minister K Thangamani late tonight, Finance Minister D Jayakumar said modalities were being worked out to pave the way for the merger of the two factions. Earlier on Monday, Panneerselvam, a former Chief Minister of the state, had expressed confidence that the Dinakaran faction leaders would approach him for merger talks.

"If approached, we are ready to sit and talk and I have confidence that they (leaders) will come (for talks)," he told reporters at the airport here.

"Given the opinion (voiced by OPS), modalities to strengthen the party and to run it with unity were discussed," Jayakumar told reporters, briefing them about the meeting which was attended by most of the ministers of E K Palaniswami government. Earlier in the day, speculations swirled about a possible pact between Palaniswami and Panneerselvam under which both VK Sasikala, the jailed AIADMK general secretary, and Dinakaran, her nephew and deputy, would be ousted.

Unconfirmed reports had it that under the arrangement Palaniswami would continue as Chief Minister while Panneerselvam would occupy the coveted post of AIADMK general secretary, which was held by J Jayalalithaa till her death last December. However, Panneerselvam had earlier in the day told journalists nobody had approached him with such a proposal so far.

Asked about speculation in political circles that Sasikala, who is serving a prison term in connection with a disproportionate assets case in which Jayalalithaa was also an accused, was preparing to quit as general secretary, Jayakumar said, "There is no such thing."

Law Minister C V Shanmugam termed it as "a lie". Shanmugam said since Dinakaran was in Bengaluru for a meeting with Sasikala, the merger issue will be discussed on his return here.

On Panneerselvam's stand that Sasikala's family should not be a part of the party, Jayakumar evaded a direct answer and said, "The decision of the last party cadre is the decision of the party and all of us."

He said, "We will get the two-leaves symbol for sure as it is the desire of all the party workers." The election symbol is seen as part of Jayalalithaa's enduring legacy.

The Election Commission had frozen the two-leaves symbol after both Panneerselvam and Sasikala-Dinakaran factions staked claim to it ahead of the now countermanded April 12 byelection to RK Nagar assembly constituency.

Jayakumar also said the submission of affidavits of district-level party workers to the Election Commission in the symbol dispute was discussed at the meeting.

On the possibility of meeting Panneerselvam to take forward the merger proposal, he said "For everything there is a time."

When a reporter pointed out that Panneerselvam had been demanding a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jayalalithaa, and if it was to be made a condition for merger, he shot back, asking "Did he (Panneerselvam) spell out this as a condition?"

Another senior Minister and a heavy weight of the party in the western region, S P Velumani said "For sure we will be united, and retrieve the two-leaves symbol."

"Those who exited (Panneerselvam and his followers) are also part of our family. It is like a fight between two brothers. Together we will get back the two-leaves symbol," he said.

There was reportedly unease in Tamil Nadu's ruling party ever since Income Tax officials raided Health Minister Vijayabaskar's premises and seized evidence of bribing voters for the bypoll to R K Nagar assembly seat.

The poll, scheduled for April 12, was countermanded by the Election Commission on April 9 amid allegations of rampant inducement and bribing of voters.

Dinakaran was the candidate of AIADMK (Amma) faction for the seat. He was earlier in the day booked by the Delhi police after it arrested an alleged middleman who, according to police, was purportedly helping the AIADMK leader reach out to an unidentified official in the Election Commission in return for an astounding Rs 50 crore.

No arrest warrant has been issued against Dinakaran. But police have in their custody Sukesh Chandrasekhar, the alleged middleman who was picked from a 5-star hotel in New Delhi yesterday, a senior police official said.

Sasikala had reinducted Dinakaran, who was expelled from the AIADMK by Jayalalithaa, and appointed him the party's deputy general secretary just before proceeding to Bengaluru to serve the remnant of her jail term after the Supreme Court upheld her conviction and sentence in February this year.
Silvassa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accused the previous UPA governments of failing to allot land to tribal people in those union territory areas where they had "direct control".

He also accused the Congress-led UPA governments at the Centre of not fulfilling its duty of according land rights to tribal people and blaming the states instead for it.

Addressing a public meeting in Silvassa, he said while it is the duty of the Centre to accord land rights to the tribal people, the previous Congress government always blamed the states for it.

"Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh saw best progress in giving land rights to the tribals. But the government of India and the Congress leaders used to instigate the tribals that the Modi government (when he was the Gujarart chief minister) was not giving land rights to the tribals," he told the gathering.

He said when he became the Prime Minister, he realised it is the duty of the Centre and not the states to hand over the land rights to the tribals.

"When I became the Prime Minister, I was stunned to find out that they (the UPA government) had not given the land rights to a single tribal person in the Union territories, where they had a direct control," Modi said.

"They were in power for 10 years, but they always put the states on the docks (for not giving land rights)... not even a single tribal in the Union Territory was given the land rights," he said.

Modi said he was the first prime minister to visit this Union territory in the last 35 years. Earlier, erstwhile Prime Minister Morarji Desai had visited Silvassa.

Before the meeting, Modi handed over the land rights documents to the tribals, gas connections to the women and other aids to the physically challenged people.

"After we came to power, we decided to give land rights to tribals. Tribals were tilling the land for years, but they did not get the land rights for years. Today, 2,325 families have been given land rights for the first time," Modi said.

Modi promised houses to tribals in Dadra and Nagar Haveli under the 'Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojna,' by 2022.

"We have conducted a survey here in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. We found out that 6,234 people do not have houses in rural areas while 800 do not have houses in Silvasa town. All of them will get houses by 2022," he said.

On the occasion, financial assistance and distribution of equipment to the physically-challenged was announced for 21,000 beneficiaries of different Central schemes.

Modi accorded the financial assistance and distributed equipment to some of the beneficiaries.

Continuing his broadside, the Prime Minister said the Congress contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections on the plank of increasing subsidised gas cylinders from nine to 12.

"But after we came to power, we have provided gas connections to 2 crore households," he said adding that it has helped improve the health of women who used to cook using wood as fuel.

Referring to his government's push for generic medicine, Modi said the poor should also get the medicines and asserted that the cheap medicine does not mean it lacks quality.

He also cautioned people against the propaganda that generic medicines lack quality.
New Delhi: The Congress has finally kicked off the process of its organisational polls long overdue that will culminate with the election of the Congress President by 15 October.

The process was set rolling after the Election Commission gave the party six more months time till December to complete its internal elections.

With this the process of a possible revamp in the party, after its spate of drubbings at the hustings, has also gained momentum with insiders saying a meeting of the Congress Working Committee is likely soon.

The party, however, is not clear about the elevation of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi as party chief. The CWC, the highest decision-making body of the party, had during its November 2016 meeting unanimously resolved and urged that it is time Rahul takes over as party chief.

Senior party leader AK Antony had said that "it was the right time for him to take charge" as Congress chief and all CWC members would apprise Sonia Gandhi of their sentiments, but the final call will be taken by Sonia.

The party's internal elections which are due every five years have to end by December 31. The party has since sought three extensions from the Election Commission.

The EC earlier turned down the party's request for a year's extension for completing internal polls and asked it to complete the formality by the end of June, but gave more time. According to the organisational poll schedule issued by Congress' Central Election Authority chairman Mullapally Ramachandran, the election to the post of Congress president will be held between 16 September and 15 October.

Ramachandran has also asked the all district Congress chiefs to end by 15 May their primary membership enrolment drive that started in 2015. He also asked them to publish the list of members by 30 May.

In the second phase, the election of president, vice president and other office bearers of block Congress committees is required to be completed between 21 August and 4 September, while those to district Congress committees are to be completed between 5 and 15 September.

After the election to state Congress committees and of AICC members and Congress president between 16 September and 15 October, the election of CWC members by AICC members will be held during the plenary session, dates of which will be announced later.
Puri: A servitor of the Jagannath Temple was detained by the police on Tuesday for allegedly threatening to oppose West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's visit to the 12th-century shrine in Puri on Wednesday.

The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief, however, is not likely to face any problem as the sevayats of the temple and the temple administration said she is welcome to visit the shrine,

Banerjee is on a three-day visit to Odisha from Tuesday as a state guest. She is scheduled to have a darshan of Lord Jagannath on Wednesday.

Somanath Khuntia, a sevayat of the temple, had reportedly claimed that the servitors were annoyed with Banerjee as she had allegedly supported the consumption of beef.

"We came to know from media reports that she supports eating beef. It is against our culture and traditions. She should not be allowed to enter the Jagannath Temple. We will oppose her visit to the shrine," he had reportedly said.

Khuntia was detained for questioning by the police, Puri Superintendent of Police Sarthak Sarangi said.

He said adequate security arrangements were in place for Banerjee's visit to the coastal town and the Jagannath Temple.

"All sevayat communities of Shri Jagannath Temple welcome Mamata Banerjee to visit the shrine and seek the blessings of the Lord," chief administrator of Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Suresh Mohapatra said.

There is no bar should the West Bengal chief minister decide to visit the shrine and all servitors and priests would be happy, he said.

Expressing similar views, Jagannath Daitapati, the chief daitapati (servitor) of Lord Jagannath's Chariot, said, "It will be a proud privilege for the people if Mamata Banerjee visits Shri Jagannath Temple. We welcome her visit."

There should be no politics over Banerjee's visit to the temple and there are no restrictions on her entry into the shrine, he added.

Other sevayats echoing him said that Shri Jagannath Temple was open to all Hindus and Banerjee was welcome to visit the shrine and seek the Lord's blessings.

Arya Kumar Gyanendra, the state convenor of TMC, claimed that Banerjee's Odisha visit was "purely personal" and had nothing to do with politics.

Sources in the Chief Minister's Office here, however, said Banerjee was likely to call on her Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik during her visit.

Banerjee and Patnaik had met at the Parliament House in Delhi on 10 April.

The proposed meeting of the two non-BJP chief ministers of the neighbouring states assumes significance as both the ruling parties in West Bengal and Odisha have been entangled in the chit fund scam which is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Speculation is also rife that Banerjee and Patnaik may draw a specific strategy to counter the saffron surge in their respective states.
New Delhi: Days ahead of the Delhi municipal polls, the BJP on Tuesday expelled its candidate from Narela ward, Savita Khatri, for allegedly allowing sacked AAP minister Sandeep Kumar to campaign for her.

Kumar, a former minister in the Arvind Kejriwal government, was sacked from the party last year over a sex tape purportedly featuring him. BJP's national vice president Vinay Sahastrabuddhe announced the party's decision at a press conference at the Delhi BJP office, saying the party has taken a firm stand.

"There is no place in the BJP for the criminal elements of the Aam Aadmi Party against whom there is a serious allegation of rape and exploitation of women. The party will not tolerate any kind of association or connivance with any such element from the AAP," he said.

The move comes a day after the party came under attack from the AAP for allegedly inviting Kumar to campaign for Khatri, who was fielded from Ward number 1 of Narela in north-west Delhi of the NDMC.

"There is no place in the party for such persons who may in any way associate with criminal elements," Sahasrabuddhe said. "Those who do not respect women and people who seek support of such persons, have no place in our party. Such persons never had a place and they will never have it (in the BJP)," he said.

BJP member Shazia Ilmi later said that the party had taken a moral stand. "I left the party because of bad elements in the AAP, and our party (BJP) did the right thing. Because of Kumar, Khatri had to pay," she added.

The decision also comes in the wake of the AAP and the BJP sparring over the presence of Kumar during Khatri's campaign. AAP legislator Alka Lamba had yesterday hit out at the BJP for "inviting" Kumar to campaign for its candidate. "The BJP has been defaming AAP by taking Kumar's name on radio (commercials). Now, they are even using him in their campaign," she alleged on Twitter.

The BJP has denied the charge, saying Kumar was not invited by the party for campaigning and alleged that it was the AAP which had "hatched a conspiracy" to defame the saffron party.

A video clip had recently surfaced purportedly showing Kumar slamming Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and extending his support to Khatri.

Incidentally, the BJP has fielded only fresh faces in the civic polls due on 23 April. Of the total 272 wards, NDMC and SDMC have 104 seats each

while EDMC has 64.
New Delhi: Asserting that his dispensation has done a remarkable job in every field, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said even ex-CM Sheila Dikshit's 15-year rule cannot match the work done by his government in its two years so far.

Addressing a rally at Deoli, Kejriwal appealed to people to give AAP a similar mandate in upcoming MCD polls as it had got in 2015 Assembly polls.

He alleged that votes in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) could be tampered to the tune of 5-7 percent and asked people to vote in large numbers so that the "tampering" goes for a toss.

Kejriwal had alleged tampering of EVMs after his party's poor show in Punjab assembly polls. He vehemently opposed use of EVMs in Delhi MCD polls and demanded that elections should be conducted through paper ballots.

Noting that electricity rates in Delhi are cheapest in the country, Kejriwal once again claimed that the power andwater departments will be "snatched" from the Delhi government if BJP is voted to power again.

He said, before 1998, the power and water departments were with the civic bodies.

The AAP chief alleged Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and PWD and Health Minister Satyendar Jain are being "targeted" for taking on education and health mafias.

Hitting out at the BJP, Kejriwal said the party's claim that municipal corporations cannot abolish house tax stems out of the fear that it will suffer huge losses. He also vowed to make the cash strapped corporations economically viable a year after coming to power.
The upcoming MCD election on 23 April is being seen as a power barometer for various political parties and though this power struggle has hogged the limelight, this election also represents hope and an opportunity for change for many in the capital.

Hoping to be the change that she wants to see in her area, Vimlesh Koli, 31, is contesting from the Sundarnagari constituency in northeast Delhi. As a woman who was born and brought up in abject poverty in the slums in the area, she believes that it is her duty to highlight and address the issues faced by her community.

Vimlesh, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party candidate for the locality, is seen as a ray of hope by many slum dwellers as they trust her and believe that she can help improve their condition.

"Sundarnagari means a beautiful town. But as you can see, it is a misnomer since it is one of the filthiest places in the capital, with stinking drains and garbage dumps everywhere. I want to make it beautiful and make it Sundarnagari in the true sense of its name," Vimlesh said.

She said that people in her locality have already realised that other parties are not looking to solve their problems, as conditions in the slums have not improved over the years.

"The drains in the slum remain blocked for days, the garbage is not collected for weeks at a time and the alleys have not been repaired in years. There are more than 250 sanitation workers deputed in the ward but only 25 of them, at the most, are seen working. Wherever I go, people in the locality ask why they have to survive in such filth," she added.

Vimlesh's goal for a better Sundarnagari is more than just an election promise. Having been brought up in a family that struggled to make ends meet, she can understand the plight of the people living in the slums. To do her part for the community, she had joined Parivartan in the year 2005  an NGO led at the time by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Kejriwal had begun his career working as a social activist for Parivartan in Sundarnagari. Vimlesh followed his lead and later joined the Aam Admi Party.

"As a worker in the NGO, Vimlesh would help people in asserting their rights as citizens and in getting benefits like old-age pensions etc without paying bribes. She would also raise agitation programs against MCD's negligence in solving the problems of the slum," Kokila, a slum dweller, said.

"Arvind bhaiya did a lot for the people of Delhi after he won the 2015 election and I hope that he will be able to do the same with Sundarnagari if Vimlesh wins," her mother, Chandravati Koli, said.

Though expectations are high, Vimlesh had to face many hurdles during her election campaign; the first being money.

"My parents did not have enough money to send me to college. So, it was an extremely ambitious decision on my part to contest the MCD election, which is an expensive business. If not for my supporters, I could not have contested," she said.

Aabid Khan, one of Vimlesh's backers, told Firstpost that they had released a video on social media, asking for donations.

"We were moved by people's response. Whenever we go out to campaign, someone or the other contributes towards our cause," Khan said.

However, things are not all good for Vimlesh as Kejriwal's perceived negligence towards Sundarnagari is creating a negative perception towards the party.

"Sundarnagari was like home for Kejriwal before he became the chief minister. But, he had visited the place only once since he won the election till recently. When he visited Sundarnagari to campaign for Vimlesh Koli, it was just his second visit here in as many years," a slum dweller said.

But Vimlesh disagrees with this critique. "He is the chief minister of Delhi and cannot keep attending local meetings. He has entrusted the local MLA to take care of the development issues of the locality."

She said that people were more concerned with AAP's performance and did not care about such electoral optics.

"We are fulfilling our promises one after another, and that is what matters," she added.
Days ahead of the elections for the new Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Congress has faced a major setback with two of its leaders, Arvinder Singh Lovely and Amit Malik, joining the rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) camp, reports said.

The news was also confirmed by BJP, which tweeted photos of Lovely and Malik via its official Twitter handle. One can see the two former Congress leaders being welcomed by BJP president Amit Shah and Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari.

Former DPCC President Shri Arvinder Singh Lovely & Former Congress Youth leader Shri Amit Malik joined BJP In the presence of Shri @AmitShah pic.twitter.com/2MeJpMU3Zo  BJP Delhi (@BJP4Delhi) April 18, 2017

A former president of Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) Lovely's shift to BJP is likely to give a major jolt to Congress's hopes in the MCD polls, which the party has been looking forward to as an opportunity to revive itself in the national capital. Whereas, Malik's move to BJP will take along with it a large portion of the party's youth followers.

Lovely is said to have a lot of influence among Punjabis in the national capital, and his shift to BJP could further thin out votes to Congress.

A close aide of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, Lovely is also believed to be close to 10 Janpath, and this sudden shift in loyalty is likely to create a few flutters within the party leadership. Needless to say, his shift to BJP drew sharp criticism from Dikshit, who labelled his exit as "unfortunate". She said:

Unfortunate.When even leaders who got everything from the party leave then whom do you trust?: Sheila Dikshit,Congress on Arvinder Lovely pic.twitter.com/XtBCSdHxTG  ANI (@ANI_news) April 18, 2017

However, Dikshit blamed the senior leadership of Congress for the same. Speaking to ANI, Dikshit said: "The current Delhi Congress chief is not able to reach out to leaders as needed, that is also a reason for people leaving."

According to Zee News, earlier, three-time Congress MLA, Dalit leader, and ex-Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Assembly, Amrish Gautam, had also joined the BJP.

The report added that there's high massive resentment in the party's Delhi unit over ticket distribution for the upcoming MCD polls.

According to an ABPNews report, Lovely has been in touch with BJP leaders over the last 15 days. The report also claimed, citing insiders, that nearly 10-15 Congress leaders are in touch with BJP and can shift loyalty anytime.
In roughly two months since he fired the first shot against VK Sasikala on the sprawling sands of Marina Beach in Chennai, rebel AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) seems to be winning his battle. By all indications, his section of the party and the bigger ruling faction are likely to close ranks in a day.

At least for the time being, TTV Dinakaran (also spelled as Dhinakaran), Sasikalas nephew, who had himself planted at the top of the AIADMK as its deputy general secretary when his aunt went to jail in Bengaluru for corruption, will be ousted. Sasikala is unlikely to be touched for two reasons: First, she is in jail and cannot meddle with the party on a daily basis; and second, a number of MLAs cannot simply abandon their loyalty to her.

In the public eye, an apparently virtuous OPS, who rose to some sort of star status by defying Sasikalas hegemony, will win and all will be well with the AIADMK; but in reality, it will be the BJP  that has been pulling the strings from Delhi  that wins. Without the BJP, OPS wouldnt have rebelled and sustained himself this long, let alone won the battle.

The sudden tipping point for the merger of the two factions is a strange case registered against Dinakaran by the crime branch of the Delhi Police on Monday. Reportedly, an FIR has been filed against him for attempting to bribe the Election Commission officials to reclaim the disputed two-leaves symbol of the AIADMK. The Election Commission had frozen the symbol because both the OPS and Sasikala factions had laid claim to it.

The case was the last nail in Dinakarans political coffin because he was already buried in unprecedented ignominy when the Election Commission cancelled a by-election in a Chennai constituency (RK Nagar)  where he was seeking a place in the state Assembly  on charges of bribing the voters. Although Tamil Nadu is endemic to the cash-for-votes syndrome, what RK Nagar witnessed was rather unparalleled; reportedly, the Income Tax Department has estimated that around Rs 89 crore was spent by the AIADMK to pay off voters.

A failed attempt to buy votes and another failed attempt to buy back the election symbol were too burdensome for the Sasikala faction that had already hit rock bottom in the popularity charts. And both have been unearthed by the agencies of the Central government. For the MLAs and leaders of the Sasikala faction of the AIADMK, this was an unequivocal message from Delhi to jettison Dinakaran and Sasikala and reunite with the OPS faction.

Apparently, many in the Sasikala camp are now worried about possible raids against them and the collapse of their party if they continue their loyalty with the family. The only option before them is what the BJP would like  a patch up with OPS, which incidentally means sacrificing Dinakaran. They might agree for some softness on Sasikala as a face-saver.

With Sasikala in jail and Dinakaran out of the job, the AIADMK will be ridden with multiple caste and loyalty-driven factions. And that is an ideal setting for a compromises at least among the most prominent factional leaders such as OPS, chief minister Edappadi Palaniswamy and MP M Thambidurai. It remains to be seen how they share power - Edapaddy is likely to continue as the chief minister, OPS might take over as the deputy general secretary and finance minister and Thambidurai will be partys point-man in Delhi. OPSs associate and a Jayalalithaa favourite Mafoi K Pandiarajan is likely to get back his portfolios. Sasikala is unlikely to be touched any time now, but her influence will certainly wane.

This forced purge will also resonate well with the supporters of the AIADMK and the general public. Sasikala was never a natural choice of the party supporters, neither was she a nominee of Jayalalithaa; but she took control of the party by virtue of her influence over the MLAs and other leaders. By her own admission, she had been involved in the party leadership affairs even during Jayalalithaas time. Its an open secret that most of the MLAs got their seats through her and her family.

Although one cannot find fault with the Centre for being extra vigilant in the RK Nagar constituency and unearthing the cash-for-votes scam, the case to bribe the EC appears a little far-fetched. The person who has accused Dinakaran of engaging him to bribe the EC officials is an amateur fraudster involved in minor scams of duping people and running away with their money. Even if Dinakaran really harboured the bizarre idea of bribing the EC, he is unlikely to hire a petty conman. But a prima facie case has been made out against him, a summons has been issued and he can be arrested any time.

The fate of Dinakaran in the EC bribery case will be the biggest giveaway of the BJPs involvement in the affairs of the AIADMK. If the case goes cold, one can be certain that it was indeed a pressure tactic. If he gets arrested, then theres something more.

When Sasikala took over the party following Jayalalithaas death, comparisons were made with the situation in 1987 when the founder of AIADMK and former chief minister MGR Ramachandran died in similar circumstances. A coterie of the party backed MGRs widow and seized power while Jayalalithaa, then a rising star and MGRs protege, was left with a handful of MLAs. MGRs widow had the party apparatus, but not public support. In two years, Jaya took back the party and in another two years, became the chief minister. Unfortunately for OPS, who appeared to have been in a situation similar to that of Jaya, the elections were still four years away and the only way to come back was by precipitating a crisis.

Under normal circumstances, Sasikalas incarceration would have been enough; but she and her family were tenacious. But, with Dinakaran too coming under raucous fire, the familys plot has fallen apart. This time they are almost certain to lose control.

Follow all the live updates here
Despite screaming headlines in media following CBI's move to lodge FIR against 12 prominent Trinamool Congress leaders and ministers in the Narada sting case, Mamata Banerjee has little to fear. Her immediate reaction bears testimony to her apparent level of comfort.

In her comments to reporters shortly after CBI booked a bevy of TMC heavyweights, serving ministers and SMH Mirza, an IPS officer, under the Prevention of Corruption Act (POCA), 1988, which enables investigating agencies to arrest the accused even without a warrant, the West Bengal chief minister said, "There is no need to worry. This is a political game and we will fight it politically. Filing an FIR does not prove that the leaders are guilty."

It would be wrong to interpret the Bengal chief minster's apparent dismissive attitude towards a development that may have deep political ramifications as false bravado. This goes deeper. Mukul Roy, Saugata Roy, Aparupa Poddar, Sultan Ahmed, Prasun Banerjee, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Firhad Hakim, Suvendu Adhikari, Sovan Chatterjee, Subrata Mukherjee, Madan Mitra and Iqbal Ahmed  effectively TMC's second rung of leadership  may draw some comfort from the confidence displayed by their supreme leader at a time when they are under the CBI cosh. Yet the defiance isn't just pep talk.

It is interesting to note Mamata's rhetoric. Not without reason does she use expressions such as "political game", "political fight" or "not guilty" even before proceedings have begun. Explicit in her words is an attempt to dismiss CBI's due investigative process into the Narada scam as a "sham" and an effort to paint India's premier investigative agency as a "political tool." Implicit in her words is an accusation that the Narendra Modi government is trying to 'use the CBI' to inconvenience the ruling TMC at a time when Bengal is witnessing the rise of BJP as a rival opposition force.

The problem is, and Mamata is aware of it, that it was the Calcutta High Court that ordered the CBI to look into the Narada sting videos that purportedly showed TMC leaders accepting thick wads of cash. And it was the Supreme Court that upheld the ruling when TMC and the state government rushed to the apex court to get a stay on proceedings.

While the Bengal chief minister charges CBI of being a 'puppet' in Centre's hands, it was a division bench of the Calcutta HC under acting Chief Justice Nishita Mhatre that termed Mamata's police as "puppets" and had made biting observations during proceedings on 17 March this year.

"The state police, unfortunately, puppets on a string, the end of which is with the respondents. Therefore it is of utmost importance that the preliminary inquiry should be conducted by a neutral and independent investigative agency," the HC had held while asking the CBI to initiate an inquiry. The court also reposed faith in CBI's neutrality, holding that "there is no other investigating agency besides the CBI which is independent" and was unflattering in its observations about the Mamata Banerjee government's conduct. "It surprises me that the state in this case, rather than acting independently has supported the respondents with all the vehemence at its command."

The TMC obviously didn't take it well. In a special leave petition against HC order, it accused the High Court of bias in words that were astonishingly abrasive. "Findings of the high court are perverse, done with a pre-conditioned mind. High court has developed a bias. High court has transgressed all constitutional norms and made unwarranted comments". It then had to withdraw the petition and issue an "unconditional apology" before the Supreme Court.

In some ways, the Narada case is a microcosm of the framework under which Indian democracy operates. It encapsulates nearly all symptoms of the disease that affects Indian politics. In his book When Crime Pays, that traces the roots of corruption in Indian body politic and the role that money and muscle play in Indian elections, author Milan Vaishnav shows how criminality instead of being an impediment, is actually an advantage among candidates. Milan's research shows that criminals in India are more likely to get elected and re-elected than candidates who do not have a criminal record.

The author, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, says that among many other factors, India's embracing of democracy before its civilian institutions, had the chance to develop stability but allowed criminals to step in.

In a recent interview with Reuters, Milan expanded on the nexus between crime and politics in India. According to him, "As elections in India have grown costlier, parties are desperate to identify candidates with deep pockets" and have in the process been forced to ignore their dubious past.

But what about voters? What incentive do they have in propagating criminality? The author says, "Voters have their own reasons to support candidates with questionable pasts. Where government is unable to fulfil its basic responsibilities and social divisions are rife, voters seek refuge in strongmen who can deliver what the state cannot... Whereas the West built institutions before democratising, India embarked on both journeys simultaneously. Layered on top of this, India boasts tremendous ethnic and religious diversity, which politicians can skillfully manipulate to slice and dice the electorate."

This may help explain why parties in India feel no apparent political discomfort even when serious charges of corruption are levelled against them.

For instance, some of the observations made by the Supreme Court against TMC while upholding the HC order are scathing. A bench led by Chief Justice of India JS Khehar, Justices DY Chandrachud and Sanjay K Kaul held, "There are very good reasons why the CBI the High Court has said you are very powerful person. There is another reason. When a complaint against you was filed with the police in March 2016, nothing happened for more than a year. But when the wife of one of the respondents (TMC leaders) filed a complaint against one of the petitioners, everything was expedited by the police.

What is the fount of Mamata Banerjee's confidence against such damning judicial observations and CBI's FIR against nearly the entire crop of TMC leadership? There are two big reasons. One, there is virtually no political alternative to TMC at the moment. Two, an expansion of the point that Milan Vaishnav makes in his book  the high degree of tolerance that Indians have towards corruption.

Let's take the first point. The TMC is in a sweet spot in Bengal. The Left Front is in an existential crisis, the Congress is non-existent and the BJP, despite its recent political strides, is still too nascent a force to throw a political challenge. BJP's recent growth has been entirely at Left Front's expense while the TMC has been steadily gaining in seats, vote share and confidence. Despite the stink of corruption all around her, Mamata enjoys an image of incorruptibility and has total command over the party.

The demographics of Bengal also works to her advantage. The state's substantial minority population (27 per cent according to 2011 Census) is solidly behind her. She is also aware that BJP's attempts at a larger Hindu consolidation wont be easy in a border state such as Bengal with its unique cultural moorings.

The second point  and here the Bengal chief minister isn't the lone beneficiary  is that Indians have a high degree of tolerance for corruption. In a 2005 paper called 'Do Attitudes Towards Corruption Differ Across Cultures?' authors Lisa Cameron, Ananish Chaudhuri, Nisvan Erkal and Lata Gangadharana did a comparative analysis of Australia, India, Indonesia and Singapore through experimental evidence. Published in ResearchGate, their work elucidates how "subjects in India exhibit a higher tolerance towards corruption than the subjects in Australia while the subjects in Indonesia behave similarly to those in Australia."

The authors posit that, "Higher levels of exposure to corruption in daily life may promote a tolerance of corruption that is reflected in norms of behaviour. A corrupt environment may make it easier to justify ones own corrupt behaviour. Hence, corruption may gain more acceptance as it becomes more widespread and such acceptance of corruption may contribute to its further spread and sustenance (Dey, 1989)."

Simply put, corruption in India is pervasive and minutely ingrained in the body politic. To the electorate, a leader's involvement in a corruption scandal or his/her criminality are hardly decisive factors in electoral fortunes. This allows leaders like Subhendu Adhikari, TMC MLA and state transport minister whose name has been included in CBI's FIR, to say, "All know that the sting was conducted to oust the Trinamool from West Bengal. Still we won elections by a margin of over 30,000 or 40,000 or 80,000. People are the last word in democracy."

Adhikari isn't far from truth. This is also the reason why Mamata has nothing to fear.
The CBI on Monday booked 12 top Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, including MPs and ministers, in connection with the Narada sting operation case, drawing a sharp reaction from the party chief Mamata Banerjee, who called it a "political game". The list comprises the who's who of TMC leadership and also an IPS officer.

In the sting operation, which was claimed to have been conducted during April-May 2014, the TMC leaders are seen purportedly accepting money from representatives of a fictitious company in return for favours. The tapes, broadcast by a portal Naradanews.com just before the assembly elections last year, had sent shock waves through West Bengal's ruling party but the party posted a resounding victory under the ebullient Banerjee.

The TMC leaders against whom the CBI has registered the FIR include Rajya Sabha MP Mukul Roy, Lok Sabha MPs--Saugata Roy, Aparupa Poddar, Sultan Ahmed, Prasun Banerjee and Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar. West Bengal ministers including Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim, Transport Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Environment Minister Sovan Chatterjee, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Subrata Mukherjee have also been named in the FIR.

Former Minister Madan Mitra, MLA Iqbal Ahmed and IPS officer Saiyaad Mustafa Hussain Mirza have also been made accused in the case. Mirza, who was then posted as the Superintendent of Police of Burdwan, was too purportedly seen accepting money on camera.

Banerjee, who has been frequently locked in confrontation with the Modi government over a host of issues, including alleged involvement of TMC leaders in the chit fund scam cases, termed the registration of FIR a "political game" which, the chief minister asserted "we will fight politically".

"Because they (CBI) have filed the FIR, does it mean that their guilt is proved? Let them (CBI) first prove the guilt. There is no cause for any worry," she told reporters at the state secretariat in Kolkata. "The CBI conducted the Preliminary Enquiry into the said allegations expeditiously.

"The inquiry revealed prima facie material for registration of a Regular Case (FIR) under appropriate sections of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and IPC," CBI spokesperson R K Gaur said on Monday. The FIR alleged that the suspected offence against the accused persons involved accepting or agreeing to accept illegal gratification, committing offences of habitual acceptance of bribe, criminal conspiracy and criminal misconduct.

The maximum sentence for these crimes ranges from five to seven years imprisonment.

The Calcutta High Court had ordered the CBI to conduct a preliminary enquiry in the matter. The order was challenged by the West Bengal government in the Supreme Court which refused to provide relief on March 17 and gave the CBI one month to file an FIR, if required.

The FIR has been registered under section 120 (b) of IPC related to criminal conspiracy and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act dealing with bribery and criminal misconduct.

The sting operation was supposed to be published in a magazine where Mathew Samuel, the man behind it, was then working. However, the tapes were later run on Naradanews.com where he is now the CEO. The CBI, in its FIR, claimed that it had conducted forensic analysis of the tapes at Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Gujarat which showed that the recordings had not been tampered with.

"There was no tampering or editing of the movie files, which were found in the pen drive handed over by Mathew Samuel to the three-member committee constituted by the Calcutta High Court," the agency has said in the FIR.

The CBI's preliminary enquiry found the suspect public servants, who were shown on the video, either accepted money in cash given by the representative of Impex, the fictitious firm, or asked him to hand over the money to someone else, the FIR alleged.

In some cases, Samuel was asked to arrange money for others known to the suspects, it alleged. Referring to the contents of the video files, the CBI has alleged that Iqbal Ahmed had assured Mathew that he would arrange a meeting with Abhishek Banerjee, the nephew of Mamata.

The agency alleged that during the preliminary enquiry it found several other people had also conspired with the accused in the commission of alleged offences.

BJP demands arrest of tainted ministers

BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya demanded immediate resignation of the "tainted" Cabinet ministers of West Bengal after CBI booked top 12 ruling TMC leaders in connection with the Narada sting operation case.

"We demand that the tainted ministers resign from the Cabinet immediately. They have lost the moral right to continue in office. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should immediately remove them from the ministry.

"The TMC claims to be a symbol of honesty. If the tainted ministers are not removed, it means TMC supports corruption," he said.

With inputs from PTI
Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mohsin Raza on Tuesday lashed out at All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). The minister also dubbed AIMPLB as All India Maulvi Personal Law Board and said that organisations which do not work for the public good should be banned as they are against the Constitution of India, according to ANI.

I consider it as persecution of women, Islam doesn't allow such things: UP min Mohsin Raza on #TripleTalaqpic.twitter.com/SfWTXlfNJU  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 18, 2017

Such orgs(Personal Law Boards)which don't work for public holistically should be banned as they are against constitution-M Raza #TripleTalaq pic.twitter.com/2bWYlsTT9s  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 18, 2017

Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's stance on the issue of triple talaq, Raza said that a law needs to be implemented which ensures that women are granted their rights. He also said that the board is not part of Shariat.

A law should come on this and women should get their rights: Uttar Pradesh Minister Mohsin Raza on #TripleTalaqpic.twitter.com/WntMFZrBiL

 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 18, 2017

It is not part of Shariat. It should not be called muslim personal law board, it's maulvi personal law board: Mohsin Raza on #TripleTalaqpic.twitter.com/NEJXrOKVCu  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 18, 2017

Adityanath on Monday said that the politicians maintaining silence on the issue of triple talaq were equally responsible as those practising it. He also linked the Muslim practice of divorce to the disrobing of Draupadi in the Mahabharata. Adityanath also called for an end to the practise of triple talaq and advocated implementation of a common civil code in the country.

His remarks had come a day after Modi made a strong pitch against the divisive issue, insisting that the exploitation of Muslim women should end and justice be done to them. Modi had, however, deprecated any attempt at creating a "conflict" within the Muslim community on the issue and suggested tackling it through social awareness.

According to The Times of India, Member of AIMPLB Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, reacting to Raza's comments, said that the political leaders are making political issue out of the triple talaq, while adding that Muslim Personal Law Board is a registered organisation.

"From the very first day nothing Islamic or nothing religious is being said or done as far as the issue of triple talaq is concerned. It has been completely made a political issue. Anyone can see that from the time of the election campaigning for the UP election till now. We think it will continue till 2019. Muslim Personal Law Board is a registered organization under the Society Act," Mahali told The Times of India.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has asserted Muslims have a "constitutional" right to follow their personal law of which triple talaq was a part.

AIMPLB general secretary Maulana Wali Rehmani had on Sunday said that the board had decided to issue a code of conduct and warned that those who give talaq without following the 'Sharia' (Islamic law) will face social boycott.

A five-judge constitution bench of the apex court will start hearing from 11 May the petitions against triple talaq, Daily News and Analysis reported. The court will hear pleas filed by several Muslim women challenging the practice under which men can divorce their wives instantly by uttering the word talaq thrice.

With inputs from agencies
It's perhaps a short time to draw any clear conclusions but the one month report card of the BJP government headed by chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat in Uttarakhand gives an indication about the fresh challenges in store for it  especially in tourism, mining and excise sectors which are considered to be the backbone of the hill-state's economy.

Trivendra Singh, who took oath as the chief minister on 18 March, began his innings on a confident note by announcing that the Kandi road would be opened for better coordination between the two regions of the state  Kumaon and Garhwal  without impinging on Uttar Pradesh's budget. He also did not lose much time in tackling the state's most complicated task of negotiating with his counterpart in the Uttar Pradesh government for proper settlement of assets and liabilities between the two states. Trivendra Singh's meeting with Yogi Aadityanath over division of assets and liabilities, seems to be promising and a right step in the direction of solving pending issues between two states. It may reduce the hurdles and speed up the development work in the state. In fact, taking a cue from Uttar Pradesh, perhaps, the new government has tightened the noose around illegal meat shops in Uttarakhand and have ordered to shut down such shops along the river Ganga.

Rawat sent across a clear message about his zero tolerance policy against corruption, the chief minister wrote a letter to the union government seeking a high level CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in the land acquisition for the proposed NH-74. In the first month, the chief minister has also tried to send out a strong message against the illegal mining in the state by undertaking special campaign against those involved in this. Illegal mining is considered to be a serious threat to environment in this hilly state. Now the government is planning to monitor illegal mining through geographical information system (GIS) mapping and tracking of mining vehicles through geo-positioning system (GPS). The government has undertaken initiatives to adopt Mining Surveillance System developed by the Centre.

In terms of improvements in the medical sector, the government has proposed to implement the linking of Aadhaar numbers of doctors with their attendance to ensure presence. As far as housing is concerned, Uttarakhand has also set an ambitious target to become the countrys first state to complete the centers 'housing for all' scheme. In a major decision, Trivendra government decided to dissolve the Badrinath-Kedarnath temple committee. However, High court has put a stay on government order currently. In relief to farmers borrowing from banks by mortgaging their land, the government has decided to waive off stamp duty for period of five years from the existing one year.

However, everything is not rosy in Trivendra Singh's government. There is an emerging unrest among the women in different parts of the state, following the excise department's attempts to relocate liquor shops. There are reports that groups of women are protesting the excise department's move to shift liquor shops. Liquor remains in high demand and thus, there is a proverb in hills, Surya ast, pahad mast (After sunset, the hills are drunk). Perhaps, Trivendra Singh's government may not ignore the protest of women against liquor shops. But, it will be not easy for it to pacify them at the cost of its big source of income from excise department in this debt-ridden state. With the Centres decision to implement the Supreme Court order regarding ban on sale of liquor on state and national highways, Uttarakhand is facing fresh challenge to maintain its source of revenue, a portion of which gets generated through the allotment of liquor shops. The new government has taken a decision to de-notify 64 highways. Sources have said that the excise department is still not in a position to look at options to relocate the liquor shops at the right places.
Lucknow: In a fresh missive to his ministers, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has told them to declare by 31 March every year their assets and property.

An official said on Tuesday that the chief minister had also warned the ministers against any laxity in this regard.

The ministers in the Bharatiya Janata Party government have also been told to keep a distance from contractors and business entities.

The ministers have been barred from accepting any gift costing more than Rs 5,000.

They have also been refrained from staying in luxurious property and attending parties and dinners.

Both during personal visits and official tours, the ministers have been instructed to stay in government Circuit House and not to accept any favours from anyone.

Ever since Adityanath took charge of Uttar Pradesh in March, he has been advising ministers and officials to cut expenses.
CAIRO An attack on security forces near Egypt's Saint Catherine's Monastery in South Sinai has killed at least one, and injured four, state television reported on Tuesday.

The attack comes just a week after two bombings on churches claimed by Islamic State killed 45 people.

(Reporting by Ali Abdelaty; Writing by Eric Knecht; Editing by Alison Williams)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
The European Union said on Tuesday that it did not expect negotiating guidelines for Britain's exit from the bloc to be affected by the British government's call for an early general election.

British Prime Minister Theresa May called on Tuesday for snap polls in a surprise announcement as Britain prepares for delicate Brexit negotiations.

"The UK elections do not change our EU27 plans," said Preben Aamann, spokesman for Donald Tusk, president of the European Council of the remaining 27 member states.

"We expect to have the Brexit guidelines adopted by the European Council on 29 April and, following that, the Brexit negotiating directives ready on 22 May," Aamann said.

"This will allow the EU27 to start negotiations," he added.

Tusk issued a set of draft guidelines late last month rejecting May's call for talks on the terms of the divorce bill and on a future trade deal in parallel during the two years of negotiations ahead of Britain's exit in March 2019.

The remaining 27 EU countries are set to rubber-stamp Tusk's guidelines at a summit on April 29, paving the way for chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to begin formal negotiations with Britain at the end of May.
British Prime Minister Theresa May called for an early general election on 8 June in a surprise announcement on Tuesday as Britain prepares for delicate negotiations on leaving the European Union. "We need a general election and we need one now. We have at this moment a one-off chance to get this done... before the detailed talks begin," May said, despite previously denying that she would do so.

Speaking outside her Downing Street residence in London, May warned that "division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit".

She said parliament would be asked to vote Wednesday to decide on whether or not to hold an election.

Prime Minister Theresa May has accused her opponents of "political game-playing" and undermining the country in the upcoming talks to exit the European Union.

May said Tuesday that the divisions in Parliament explained her change of heart on an early election. Since becoming prime minister last July in the aftermath of Britain's vote to leave the EU, May had consistently said she would not seek an early election.

The dramatic announcement comes after months of tumult in British politics following the Brexit vote.

A round of opinion polls over the Easter weekend also showed her Conservative Party far ahead of the main opposition Labour Party.

The Conservatives polled at between 38 percent and 46 percent, with Labour at 23 percent to 29 percent, according to the polls by YouGov, ComRes and Opinium.

The poll lead had prompted many senior Conservatives to call for an election, particularly as May will need a strong parliamentary majority as she seeks to negotiate Britain's exit from the European Union.

The Conservatives currently have a working majority of just 17 from the last election in 2015 and some of their MPs have indicated they could vote against the government on key aspects of Brexit legislation.

EU leaders except May are set to hold a summit on April 29 where they will agree on the strategy for negotiating Britain's expected departure in 2019.

The negotiations themselves are not expected to start until May or June at the earliest. The European Commission has said it wants the exit talks to be concluded by October 2018 at the latest.

Britain's next election was due to have been held in 2020 -- a date enshrined in legislation according to which elections have to be held every five years in May.

But the law can be overruled if two-thirds of lawmakers in the British parliament vote in favour of early elections -- something that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has previously indicated he would do.

Corbyn, a veteran socialist with support on the left of the party, won the Labour leadership in September 2015 after the party's defeat in that year's election.

Corbyn, 67, enjoys grassroots support from left-wingers but is opposed by most of the party's more centrist lawmakers, who say that Labour under his leadership is not appealing to the middle classes.

May, in contrast, has scored consistently well in terms of personal popularity and polls have shown approval of her handling of the run-up to Brexit negotiations.

When asked who they thought would be the best prime minister, 50 percent of respondents in the YouGov poll said Theresa May and only 14 percent Corbyn.

May came to power in July 2016 after her predecessor David Cameron resigned following the shock Brexit referendum vote in June for which he had campaigned for Britain to stay in the European Union.

The 60-year-old vicar's daughter is Britain's second prime minister after Margaret Thatcher and many commentators have drawn comparisons to the steely determination of the "Iron Lady".

May worked in finance, including at the Bank of England, before being elected as MP for the London commuter town of Maidenhead in 1997.

As Conservative chairwoman in 2002, she made waves by suggesting the Tories were seen as "the nasty party" and needed to overhaul their image  something that they did under Cameron's leadership.

When the Conservatives won the 2010 general election, May was named home secretary, the hardest job in government which has wrecked a string of other political careers.

With inputs from agencies
Beijing: Leaders of 28 countries are set to attend a Chinese summit in May showcasing President Xi Jinping's signature foreign policy initiative, but few will hail from major Western countries.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Tuesday that Vladimir Putin of Russia, Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Spain's Mariano Rajoy are among those slated to appear next month in Beijing for a summit to discuss Xi's "One Belt, One Road" programme to stitch together the Eurasian continent with infrastructure investment.

The May 14-15 summit is seen as a measure of China's international prestige at a time when Xi has positioned China as a rising outward-looking regional power, and as questions have arisen over President Donald Trump's commitment to maintaining the United States' traditional global leadership.

Wang said leaders from France and Germany will not attend due to their domestic election schedules, not because they snubbed China.

"This is a positive, cooperative conference, it shouldn't be politicised," Wang told reporters in Beijing, in response to a question asking if China felt insulted by the absence of top leaders from the U.S. and its allies, including Japan, Britain and Australia.

China has sought to frame Xi's vision for the China-led development program as an inclusive, mutually beneficial project rather than a statement of geopolitical ambitions that should arouse Western suspicions. The program aims to build roads, railways, ports and other infrastructure along the ancient Silk Road's maritime and overland routes with close to $100 billion in funding.

The program is closely linked to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, China's version of a global financial institution that faced similar Western scepticism upon its formation last year. In the year since, the bank has succeeded in attracting U.S. allies as members, including Germany, Canada and Britain, although Washington continues to maintain its distance.

Xi unveiled the first outlines of his Belt and Road plan as early as 2013, but the inaugural summit next month will provide the Chinese leader with the most high-profile stage so far to deliver a focused pitch to a world audience.

"This is an economic cooperation forum, an international cooperation platform that everyone is paying attention to, supports and hopes to participate in," Wang said characterising the summit as an effort to uphold globalisation.

Aside from Putin, other Chinese allies including Pakistani President Nawaz Sharif and Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi will attend, as will Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, Wang said. British Finance Minister Philip Hammond will also attend in the place of Prime Minister Theresa May.
United Nations: North Korea is preparing for "any mode of war" triggered by US military action, Pyongyang's envoy to the United Nations warned on Monday, saying his country would respond to a missile or nuclear strike "in kind."

The statement from North Korean Deputy Ambassador Kim In Ryong followed warnings from US Vice President Mike Pence to Pyongyang not to test US resolve following another missile test.

"If the United States dares opt for a military action (...) the DPRK is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the Americans," Kim told a news conference.

"We will take the toughest counteraction against the provocateurs," said Kim.

North Korea has taken "self-defensive" measures in response to US threats of military action and these reflect Pyongyang's determination to "counter nukes and ICBM in kind," he said, referring to intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Pence told a news conference in South Korea that "the era of strategic patience is over" after North Korea on Sunday test-fired another missile as fears mounted that it may be preparing a sixth nuclear test.

Pyongyang is seeking to develop a long-range missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead, and has so far staged five nuclear tests, two of them last year.

US President Donald Trump's decision at the weekend to send the Carl Vinson carrier-led navy strike group to the Korean peninsula shows that the "US reckless moves for invading the DPRK have reached a serious phase," said Kim.

The North Korean deputy envoy asserted that Pyongyang would hold the United States "wholly accountable for the catastrophic consequences to be entailed by its outrageous actions."

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will next week chair a special meeting of the UN Security Council on North Korea.
Islamabad: Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Tuesday that Pakistan is not using militant groups as proxies, asserting that the country is itself a victim of "state-sponsored" terrorism.

His remarks came a day after US National Security Adviser HR McMaster asked Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership to confront terrorism in all its forms during a meeting with them.

"Pakistan itself is a victim of state-sponsored terrorism. It strongly rejects allegations of employing proxies from its soil," the army said in a statement quoting Bajwa.

The army said that McMaster, who arrived in Islamabad during an unannounced visit, the first by a top Trump administration official to this country, was briefed about Pakistan's war on terror and its contributions to regional and global stability during the meeting.

"In the meeting it was highlighted that distinguished feature of Pakistan's counter-terrorism effort is focused against terrorists of all hues and colours," the statement said.

"The US NSA acknowledged Pakistan army's efforts in eliminating terrorists and their infrastructure, assuring US support to bring peace and stability in the region and globe," it said.

McMaster held talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Gen Bajwa, Pakistan NSA Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi.

McMaster's visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan comes just days after the US dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb targeting an Islamic State complex in Afghanistan, close to the border with Pakistan.

This was McMaster's first visit to Pakistan as the US NSA and the first formal high-level exchange between the US and Pakistan under the new Donald Trump Administration.
Lahore: At least 13 persons were injured on Tuesday after four bogies of a Quetta-bound train derailed in Pakistan's Punjab province, with authorities suspecting sabotage by terrorists. "Jaffar Express train, which was coming from Peshawar, derailed after the train's driver applied emergency brakes when he observed the track bent near Aiman Abada, Gujranwala some 80km from Lahore," a Railways spokesman said. The Railway authorities did not rule out a sabotage in the derailment.

"Possibility of terrorism can not be ruled out in this case," the spokesman said, adding the authorities would also carry out technical review of the incident with a possibility that the track might have been tampered by someone. He said another train also passed through the same track 50 minutes ago. Army troops arrived at the site of the accident to assist civil administration in rescue efforts, Inter-Services Public Relations said.

The rescue teams shifted the injured to a local hospital. The condition of three passengers is stated to be critical. Passengers were pulled out of the bogies with the help of ladders. A relief train was also sent to Gujranwala to bring the passengers to Lahore. Federal Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique ordered the Railways authorities to directly supervise the rescue and relief activities.

He said the detailed report involving all aspects, including track tampering, would be presented in 72 hours. The spokesperson of Pakistan Railways said that a comprehensive investigation will be carried out to determine the exact cause of the accident. Meanwhile, the Railways authorities have changed the routes of three trains including Green Line Up and Down and Tezgam Up following the incident.
By Roberta Rampton

| TOKYO

TOKYO U.S. Vice President Mike Pence reassured Japan of American commitment to reining in North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions on Tuesday, after warning that U.S. strikes in Syria and Afghanistan showed the strength of its resolve.Pence arrived in Tokyo from South Korea, where he assured leaders of an "iron-clad" alliance with the United States in the face of the reclusive North, which has conducted a series of missile and nuclear tests in defiance of U.N. sanctions."The era of strategic patience is over and while all options are on the table, President (Donald) Trump is determined to work closely with Japan, with South Korea, with all our allies in the region and with China to achieve a peaceable resolution and the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," Pence said in Tokyo before lunch with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Pence and Abe agreed that they needed to persuade China to play a larger role in dealing with North Korea, a Japanese government spokesman said.North Korea regularly threatens to destroy Japan, South Korea and the United States and it showed no let-up in its belligerence after a failed missile test on Sunday, a day after putting on a huge display of missiles at a parade in Pyongyang.North Korea's deputy representative to the United Nations, Kim In Ryong, accused the United States on Monday of creating "a situation where nuclear war could break out an any time" and said the North's next nuclear test would take place "at a time and at a place where our headquarters deems necessary".North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol told the BBC that missiles would be tested on "a weekly, monthly and yearly basis". The North has warned of a nuclear strike against the United States if provoked. It has said it has developed a missile that can strike the mainland United States, but officials and experts believe it is some time away from mastering the necessary technology, including miniaturising a nuclear warhead.Pence said on Monday the world had seen Trump's resolve in the past two weeks, with a U.S. missile attack on a Syrian airfield and the dropping of a powerful non-nuclear bomb on Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan.

The Trump administration has said military action remains an option for dealing with North Korea.But, mindful that this would likely trigger massive retaliation and casualties in South Korea and Japan, U.S. officials say Trump's main focus is on tougher economic sanctions.U.S. officials say tougher sanctions could include an oil embargo, a global ban on North Korea's airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks doing business with Pyongyang. They also say greater Chinese cooperation is vital."DIPLOMACY FIRST CHOICE"

Susan Thornton, acting U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asia, said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and China's top diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, agreed in a phone call on Sunday on the need for strict enforcement of U.N. resolutions.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi repeated China's line that the crisis could only be resolved by diplomacy."I've seen that the United States has reiterated it is willing to use political and diplomatic means to resolve this, as this is their first choice," he told reporters in Beijing."Of course I think that any country will feel that political diplomatic means are of course the first choice," Wang said. Pence's economic discussions in Tokyo will be closely watched to see how hard a line Washington is prepared to take on trade. Trump campaigned on an "America first" platform, and has vowed to narrow big trade deficits with nations such as China and Japan.

However, Trump has also shown willingness to link trade to other issues, saying he would cut a better trade deal with China if it exerts influence on North Korea.China banned imports of North Korean coal, its most important export, in February, and Chinese media have raised the possibility of restricting oil shipments to the North.But North Korea used Chinese-made trucks to display missiles at the military parade on Saturday, according to photographs, underlining the difficulty in enforcing U.N. sanctions.China and North Korea maintain "normal contacts, including normal business contacts", said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang, when asked about the trucks."At the same time, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, China strictly adheres to its international responsibilities, including those from Security Council resolutions," Lu told a daily briefing.Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-1953 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. South Korea hosts 28,500 U.S. troops to counter the threat from the North.Trump's decision to launch a missile strike against Syria, a Russian ally, drop a giant bomb on Afghanistan and stick with Obama-era policies on Crimea mean Russian hopes of him befriending the Kremlin have been on the slide.Russian state media, which hailed his election win, have made a U-turn. On Sunday, media said he was scarier than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (Additional reporting by Sue-Lin Wong in PYONGYANG, Jack Kim, Ju-min Park and James Pearson in SEOUL, Daniel Trotta in NEW YORK, Ben Blanchard in BEIJING and Andrew Osborn in MOSCOW; Writing by Nick Macfie; Editing by Paul Tait, Robert Birsel)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
The worlds first ever celebrity giraffe mommy who gave birth to a calf on a live feed to an internet audience of over a million people over Easter weekend will finally get some privacy after her injured leg also went viral, crushing the park with an email explosion that was a tall ask for a young park that's not even cut the ribbons yet. Cameras at the Animal Adventure Park in New York state will come down between Wednesday and Friday this week after becoming the second-most-watched livecam ever in YouTube history, with more than 232 million live views.

Mommy April had a "small twist of her leg" on Monday, which of course was live on the park's wildly popular webcam and the resulting email blast has forced a tech nightmare at the zoo.

"This injury is not unheard of in such long-legged animals. Veterinarian Dr. Tim was on site and all is well. We appreciate concern but the bogging down of email servers and other platforms is the exact reason the giraffe cam will need to be pulled.... While we appreciate the concern, it is interfering with normal park operations and preparation for opening; at a period when our resource of time is limited and cannot be hindered," staff said.

April, the giraffe sensation gave birth to a male calf Saturday before Easter in full view of the virtual world - never before has the birth of any animals calf been streamed live for so many hours as this one. Aprils calf can safely be called the worlds first social media giraffe. From the time its hooves appeared to its full body gently plopping on the soft sandy floor of Aprils barn to the collective relief of wildlife afficionados across the Planet, it swept up millions of watchers gushing and cooing on social platforms of their choice. This is the picture that America's #AprilTheGiraffe followers woke up to Saturday and stayed glued to until noon when the confetti rained down.

We learnt, for instance, that theres no giraffe emoji and social media chatter did not dwell too long on whether April had a view on this voyeuristic exercise of a live cam beaming her 15-month pregnancy and the birth of her fourth calf.

The feed had been briefly interrupted by YouTube in February after complaints by some viewers over what they deemed to be "sexually explicit" content. But it was restored after Patch argued for its educational value.

Animal Adventure Park which opens only in May is already a hit with its potential audience and is crowdsourcing precious dollars for the round two of their #AprilTheGiraffe business plan - a $1 fee for every vote on naming Aprils calf. So far, the park has revealed five of the top vote-getting names: Patches, Unity, Peter, Apollo and Harper.

If you missed the Easter weekend livecam blast, you can watch April and her newborn, wobble-legged calf here.

The yet to be named calf is April's fourth baby, the father Oliver is a five year old giraffe kept in the same petting zoo. A selection of the park's top social spray pictures are here for you, starting with April's latest munchkin and Daddy Oliver.

Good morning! We will be performing morning calf weigh-in around 8:45 am Eastern if you wish to watch! Photo:Dad & Baby meet! pic.twitter.com/7Hc0MYwApk  April The Giraffe (@AprilTheGiraffe) April 18, 2017

Good Morning from the Giraffe Barn!

Good Morning America on site and expected to be live around 7:44 am

Tune in for updates & announcements. pic.twitter.com/EN5mionTUf  April The Giraffe (@AprilTheGiraffe) April 17, 2017

Vet Check and a

This morning the team got hands on with baby to do a full vet check & record height & weight. Height:5' 9"

Weight:129 lbs pic.twitter.com/9m3ZND9IjC  April The Giraffe (@AprilTheGiraffe) April 16, 2017

Twitter | @AprilTheGiraffe @byniknat
DUBAI A Saudi Black Hawk helicopter crashed during military operations in Yemen on Tuesday, killing 12 officers, Saudi news agency SPA reported.It quoted a military statement as saying the plane came down in Marib province, east of the capital Sanaa."As a result, four officers and eight non-commissioned officers from the Saudi armed forces were martyred," SPA said.

It gave no details on the cause of the crash, saying it was under investigation.The death toll was one of the largest in a single incident involving Saudi forces since a coalition of Arab states began military operations against the armed Houthi movement in 2015 to try to restore Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to power.

A ballistic missile fired by the Houthis towards a coalition military base in Marib in 2015 killed more than 60 troops from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The Saudi-led coalition has recently made some gains against the Houthis in western Yemen, but fighting on other fronts, including Marib, has been static, with little ground changing hands.The Houthis seized much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, in a series of military operations that began in 2014, eventually forcing Hadi to flee.The Saudi-led coalition accuses Iran of trying to use the Houthis to expand its influence in Yemen, one of the poorest Arab countries. The Houthis regard their move on Sanaa as a revolution against corruption. (Reporting by Ali Abdelaty, writing by Eric Knecht and Sami Aboudi; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)

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By Manuel Mogato and Clare Baldwin

| MANILA

MANILA The Philippine police have received cash payments for executing drug suspects, planted evidence at crime scenes and carried out most of the killings they have long blamed on vigilantes, said two senior officers who are critical of President Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs."In the most detailed insider accounts yet of the drug war's secret mechanics, the two senior officials challenged the government's explanations of the killings in interviews with Reuters.Almost 9,000 people, many small-time users and dealers, have been killed since Duterte took office on June 30. Police say about a third of the victims were shot by officers in self-defence during legitimate anti-drug operations. Human rights monitors believe many of the remaining two thirds were killed by paid assassins operating with police backing or by police disguised as vigilantes - a charge the police deny.The two senior officers, one a retired police intelligence officer and the other an active-duty commander, claimed the killings are in fact orchestrated by the police, including most of those carried out by vigilantes. They spoke with Reuters on the condition of anonymity."It is the Philippine National Police doing it," said the retired intelligence officer. "This killing machine must be buried six feet under the ground." He said he was angry about the impact of the killings on police discipline and wanted "to put Duterte on the defensive." Reuters was unable to independently verify if the police are behind vigilante killings.The president's office and the Philippine police did not respond to questions from Reuters.'ONLY THE POOR ARE DYING'

The intelligence officer has authored an unpublished 26-page report on the conduct of the drug war in an effort to organize opposition to Duterte's campaign. The report, titled "The State-Sponsored Extrajudicial Killings in the Philippines," provides granular detail on the campaign's alleged methods, masterminds and perpetrators. The document has been shared with leaders of the Catholic Church in the Philippines and with the government-funded Commission on Human Rights.Some of the report's accusations against individuals could not be confirmed by Reuters; the news agency is therefore not publishing the full document. Many of its findings, however, support and expand upon previous investigations of the drug war by Reuters and independent human rights monitors. (To view the cover page of the report, click on the link: tmsnrt.rs/2o8U73N)The report claims that police are paid to kill not just drug suspects, but also - for 10,000 pesos ($200) a head - rapists, pickpockets, swindlers, gang members, alcoholics and other "troublemakers."It also claims that civilian members of the so-called Davao Death Squad, which rights activists allege killed hundreds of people in Duterte's hometown of Davao, were drafted to "augment and assist" the police's current nationwide anti-drug operation.The report doesn't provide documentary evidence for its accusations, which the intelligence officer said were based on accounts from 17 serving or former policemen, including the commander Reuters interviewed. The police commander said he agreed to talk because he was upset that authorities are targeting only petty drug suspects. "Why aren't they killing the suppliers?" he asked. "Only the poor are dying."The second half of the report is largely political in nature, asserting that Duterte has close ties to Communist forces in the Philippines. Many in the military and police are concerned by what they see as Duterte's leftist sympathies. Since taking office, the president has released Communist rebels from prison to restart peace talks.The report also calls the drug war a "social cleansing" campaign similar to that launched in Mao Zedong's China, with Duterte aiming to have drug addicts "physically eliminated."

NEW LEADS

The Commission on Human Rights has reviewed the report and the accounts could open up new leads in ongoing investigations, said chairman Chito Gascon. Church officials confirmed receiving the report as well."We should do all we can to follow any lead that could ultimately shed light on these killings with the view to ultimately holding the perpetrators to account," said Gascon.The fresh claims come amid growing criticism of the drug war. In February, the country's influential Catholic Church called it a "reign of terror." The campaign has also sparked street protests and lawsuits.Duterte's police chief, Ronald Dela Rosa, halted police operations for most of February after it emerged that an anti-drug unit had kidnapped and murdered a South Korean businessman last year. The killings continued but at a slower pace. On March 6, Dela Rosa announced that the police were resuming their drug operations.In March, a former policeman, Arturo Lascanas, testified in the Philippine Senate about his role in vigilante-style killings in the southern city of Davao, where Duterte was once mayor. Lascanas was the second Senate witness to link Duterte to the Davao Death Squad. Duterte denies ordering any killings, either as president or mayor.In a subsequent interview, Lascanas told Reuters that for over a decade he was paid for carrying out the liquidation of drug suspects and criminals. In the early 1990s, he said, he was paid 3,000 to 5,000 pesos ($60-$100) for each of the "jobs" he performed. By the early 2000s he was earning tens of thousands of pesos for each operation, he said. Lascanas said he had no documentary proof of the payments. He has since left the country.UNPLUGGING CAMERAS

In the past nine months, police acknowledge having shot dead more than 2,600 suspects during their operations. They say such shootings occur after suspects open fire on undercover officers trying to catch them dealing drugs.But these so-called "buy-busts" are actually well-planned executions, said the commander interviewed by Reuters. The commander said targets are chosen from lists of suspects drawn up by police and local officials, who later coordinate to unplug security cameras in the neighbourhood where a killing is planned. According to the report, street lamps are also switched off."There is no such thing as a legitimate buy-bust," the commander said. "The dealers know the cops and won't sell to them."Instead, he said, a team of police operatives will execute the target, who is almost always unarmed, then plant guns and drugs at the crime scene to justify the use of deadly force."We have to plant evidence for the legality of the operation," the commander said. "We are ordered to do these operations, so we have to protect ourselves."The commander said officers put the gun in the dead suspect's hand and pull the trigger with the victim's finger so forensic testing will show that the suspect fired a gun.Late last year, he said, police crime-scene investigators told their fellow officers to place the guns at a slight distance from the suspects, rather than in their hands, to make things look more realistic.

Most drug suspects in his precinct are shot by rookie cops who are either eager for the experience or nominated by their superiors, the commander said. The superiors refer to this as a "baptism by fire."Each member of the team is quickly paid according to two factors, said the commander: his role in the killing and the target's value.CASH REWARDS

According to the report, the cash "reward scales" for drug killings range from 20,000 pesos ($400) for a "street level pusher and user," to 50,000 pesos for a member of a neighborhood council, one million pesos for "distributors, retailers and wholesalers," and five million for "drug lords."Police officers kill for money, said the commander, but also out of fear: Even the police are afraid of being included on a "watch list" of drug suspects drawn up by police and local officials.Officials have been killed for not cooperating, he added. He said he was aware of two cases but did not provide details on exactly what happened.Reuters reported last year that the watch lists were effectively hit lists, with many of those named ending up dead. Another Reuters investigation showed that police officers were killing 97 percent of the suspects they confront in violent buy-bust operations, the strongest evidence yet that the police were summarily executing suspects.Officers also cooperate because they know the police force's flawed disciplinary system, which fails to adequately investigate even a fraction of the killings, means there is little chance they will get caught, said the intelligence officer.One sign of the drug war's success, says the government, is that more than a million users and pushers have voluntarily registered with the police, a process known as "surrendering."But the commander said police are given a quota of "surrenderers," and fill it by using city ordinances to arrest men who are drunk or shirtless - a misdemeanor known as "half-naked" - then forcing them to register as drug suspects.Reuters learned of the intelligence officer's 26-page report from him and interviewed two Catholic priests in Manila who said they had encouraged him to compile it. One of the priests said he edited the report; the other said he helped distribute it among a small group of clerics and human rights activists. Both are helping organize opposition to Duterte's drug campaign.The Church's initial reluctance to criticize Duterte's drug war was prompted by a desire to "give him a chance" when he took office, said one of the priests. But the killings, along with the president's overtures to Communists, made many in the Church feel their values were under attack, he said.The intelligence officer said he hoped the report would be used as evidence at the International Criminal Court. In October, the Hague-based tribunal said it could prosecute suspects if the killings were "committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population." (Additional reporting by Neil Jerome Morales in Manila. Edited by Peter Hirschberg and Andrew R.C. Marshall.)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Idrees Ali

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON On his first trip as U.S defense secretary to parts of the Middle East and Africa, Jim Mattis will focus on the fight against Islamic State and articulating President Donald Trump's policy towards Syria, officials and experts say.His trip may give clarity to adversaries and allies alike about the Trump administration's tactics in the fight against Islamic State militants and its willingness to use military power more liberally than former President Barack Obama did.One of the main questions from allies about Syria is whether Washington has formulated a strategy to prevent areas seized from militants from collapsing into ethnic and sectarian feuds or succumbing to a new generation of extremism, as parts of Iraq and Afghanistan have done since the U.S. invaded them.U.S.-backed forces are fighting to retake the Islamic State strongholds of Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria, and questions remain about what will happen after that and what role other allies such as Saudi Arabia, can play. There are signs that Trump has given the U.S. military more latitude to use force, including ordering a cruise missile strike against a Syrian air base and cheering the unprecedented use of a monster bomb against an Islamic State target in Afghanistan last week.Administration officials said the U.S. strategy in Syria -- to defeat Islamic State while still calling for the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad -- is unchanged, a message Mattis is expected to reinforce. Arriving in the region on Tuesday, his stops include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and Israel. "Particularly with the Saudis and the Israelis, part of the discussion will be clarifying for them what our strategy is towards Syria in light of the strike," said Christine Wormuth, a former number three at the Pentagon.Islamic State has lost most of the territory it has held in Iraq since 2014, controlling about 6.8 percent of the nation.

DEEPER INTO YEMEN

The United States also is considering deepening its role in Yemen's conflict by more directly aiding its Gulf allies that are battling Houthi rebels who have some Iranian support, officials say, potentially relaxing a U.S. policy that limited American support."The Saudi concern is strategically Iran... The near-term Saudi concern is how they send a message to the Iranians in Yemen, and they would like full-throated American support," said Jon Alterman, head of the Middle East programme at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington.

The review of possible new U.S. assistance, which includes intelligence support, would come amid evidence that Iran is sending advanced weapons and military advisers to the Houthis. Congressional sources say the Trump administration is on the verge of notifying Congress of the proposed sale of precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia. Some U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern about civilian casualties in Riyadh's campaign in Yemen.Experts say Egyptian officials are likely to seek more support from Mattis, a retired Marine general, for fighting militants in the country's Sinai peninsula.

Islamic State has waged a low-level war against soldiers and police in the Sinai for years, but increasingly is targeting Christians and broadening its reach to Egypt's heart."They would also like more American support in fighting terrorism in the Sinai peninsula and they like more American confidence that they are doing it the right way," said Alterman.Mattis also will be visiting a U.S. military base in Djibouti, at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, where operations in Yemen and Somalia are staged, and just miles from a new Chinese installation.The White House recently granted the U.S. military broader authority to carry out strikes against al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants in Somalia.Last week the Pentagon announced that a few dozen U.S. troops had been deployed to Somalia to train members of the Somali National Army. (Editing by John Walcott and Alistair Bell)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
US Vice President Mike Pence and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed on Tuesday that the two countries need to persuade China to play a larger role in dealing with North Korea, a Japanese government spokesman said.

The two confirmed during a working lunch that China's role was important in dealing with North Korea, and they needed to work on China to take on a bigger role, Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Koichi Hagiuda told reporters.

North Korea has conducted a series of ballistic missile launches in recent months in defiance of United Nation sanctions and concerns have been growing that the reclusive state could soon conduct a sixth nuclear test.

With a US aircraft carrier group steaming to the area in a show of force, fears of a confrontation have been rising.

Pence also said on Tuesday that all options were on the table in dealing with North Korea, but that President Donald Trump is determined to work with Japan, China and South Korea to find a peaceful solution.

"We appreciate the challenging time in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocation across the Sea of Japan," Pence said in Tokyo before a lunch with Abe. "We are with you 100 percent."

Abe said he supported Trump's stance that strategic patience with North Korea had run out, and that all options were on the table.
New York: Pakistan should use diplomacy and not "proxies" that engage in violence to pursue its interests in Afghanistan and elsewhere, US National Security Adviser Lt Gen HR McMaster has said as he criticised the Pakistani leadership for selectively targeting terror groups.

McMaster in an interview to Afghan television channel ToloNews appeared to take a "tougher line" on Pakistan, which has been accused of using the Taliban as a proxy force and giving its leaders sanctuary.

"As all of us have hoped for many, many years  we have hoped that Pakistani leaders will understand that it is in their interest to go after these groups less selectively than they have in the past," McMaster said during his latest visit to the war-torn country, according to a report in The New York Times.

"The best way to pursue their interests in Afghanistan and elsewhere is through the use of diplomacy, and not through the use of proxies that engage in violence," it quoted him as saying.

The report added that Afghan officials aware of the discussions with McMaster said there was a common understanding of the threat of terrorist groups emerging from Pakistan.

"And there are other indications that the United States may be weighing a tougher stance on Pakistan, among them General McMaster's reported pick of a point person on the country who has strongly advocated that the United States stop treating Pakistan as an ally and condition any future military aid on fighting terrorist groups," the report added.

It said many analysts, as well as some coalition partners, have been critical of the United States' uphill struggle to persuade Pakistan to crack down on the Afghan Taliban leadership, which has used Pakistan as a base for its battles in Afghanistan.

"Many people in Afghanistan are wondering about the nature of relations between the United States and Pakistan, particularly the fact that everyone recognisers the principal role of Pakistan in supporting Taliban and other terrorist groups," said Davood Moradian, the director of the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies.

Moradian said the new administration realised that the prior "appeasement policy" with Pakistan had not worked and needed to be reconsidered.
The war of words between North Korea and the United States continues to ratchet up. After North Korea attempted a missile launch that reportedly failed on Sunday, US vice-president Mike Pence on Monday warned the Kim Jong-un regime not to test Washington's resolve, and warned them that the era of "strategic patience" was over.

The "strategic patience" doctrine, which was used by the previous Barack Obama administration, hinged on the US focusing on isolating North Korea by putting pressure on them through sanctions and waiting for them to denuclearise.

During his time in office, Obama focused on the Middle East, achieved a nuclear deal with Iran, and spoke of wanting to achieve denuclearisation. However critics accused him of ignoring Asia, especially the problem in North Korea.

The policy was officially unveiled in February 2015 by then US National Security Adviser Susan Rice, according to a report in Foreign Policy.

Rice had described the policy as America flexing its military might when it had to, but avoiding reflexive responses that could entangle it in long-term conflicts such as Vietnam.

The Obama administration summarised strategic patience as "Partnerships, with military power", and "with a long-term perspective, influencing the trajectory of major shifts in the security landscape today in order to secure our national interests in the future".

At the time, the release of the document was a push back against criticism from US lawmakers, policy experts and leading US journalists, who criticised Obama as being too slow to react to global crises and the diminished role of US as a global leader, Foreign Policy reported.

In contrast to Obama, Trump has directly taken on North Korea, recently deploying aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and an associated strike group of vessels to waters near North Korea. He also warned North Korea that "they have to behave".

The Guardian reported that Pence, on the first leg of his South Korea tour, warned Pyongyang, saying that Washington's commitment to Seoul was iron-clad, and said that "all options, including military action, were on the table in order to stop North Korea from obtaining a nuclear bomb capable of striking the US". Any use of nuclear weapons by Pyongyang, he added, would be met with an "overwhelming and effective" response.

Pence also visited the Demilitarized Zone on Monday, and urged China to use its influence over North Korea to pressure the regime into abandoning its quest for nuclear weapons.

However, North Korea does not seem to be cowed. BBC reported that a senior North Korean official told them that despite growing tensions with the US and international condemnations, the Kim Jong-un regime would conduct more missile tests. "We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis," vice foreign minister Han Song Ryol told BBC's John Sudworth. He also warned that US military action could lead to an "all-out war," BBC reported.

With inputs from agencies
Top British DJ Paul Oakenfold braved thinning air and freezing temperatures to host the "highest party on earth" at Everest base camp on Tuesday, playing to around 100 climbers -- all in full mountain gear.

The 53-year-old artist, who trekked for 10 days to reach base camp, mixed his beats on a makeshift stone stage set against the spectacular backdrop of the world's highest mountains.

With brightly coloured Tibetan prayer flags fluttering overhead, climbers and trekkers danced as best they could in their heavy hiking boots and thick down jackets.

"It was truly amazing. I feel very lucky to have played here. We did a wonderful event and had people from all over the world. I feel very blessed," Oakenfold told AFP by phone from base camp after the performance.

Base camp lies at an altitude of 5,380 metres (17,600 feet), and around 100 climbers and trekkers were there for the gig.

"It was pretty cool. I've been here many years but never seen anything like that," 38-year-old American climber Ben Jones told AFP by phone.

The number of trekkers at the camp will swell in the coming weeks as the climbing season gets into full swing.

Hundreds of climbers spend weeks acclimatising to the altitude before attempting to reach the summit during the brief spring window when the weather is at its best.

It was a dramatic departure for Oakenfold, who admitted he was more used to playing the world's top clubs and the beaches of Ibiza and Goa than the mountains of Nepal.

Oakenfold, who had never trekked before, trained for four months before arriving in Nepal, fitting it in between a hectic schedule of late night gigs.

"I'm not going to pretend it was easy to get here... but it has been a wonderful trek. If you could see the view I'm looking at, it is very inspiring," he told AFP on Monday.

The gig is the first in the record producer's SoundTrek series, aimed at drawing attention to the effects of global warming and raising money for charities.

Oakenfold, whose three-decade long career has included collaborations with Madonna and U2, is also raising funds to help survivors of Nepal's devastating 2015 earthquake, which killed nearly 9,000 people and left thousands homeless.

"I want to support in the rebuilding and to shed light on the environment... I would like to do my bit," he said.
Lenovo is celebrating its third anniversary on Flipkart with Lenovo Days sale on April 18th and 19th with some great deals including up to Rs. 3000 flat discount on its popular P2 smartphone, which now starts at Rs. 13,999 after discount, flat Rs. 900 discount on ANT VR headset that is available for Rs. 399, flat Rs. 700 discount on Umido VR Controller that is available for Rs. 299. There are also offers on tablets and laptops. Check out all the deals below.

Offers on Lenovo smartphones, tablets, laptops on Flipkart

We have listed some best deals, you can check out all the Lenovo Days deals on Flipkart website, app and Flipkart lite. Flipkart is also offering 25% Wallet Cashback (Max Rs. 150) on payments with PhonePe on some products. This limited period offers are only available on April 18th and 19th, which is Tuesday and Wednesday or till stocks last.
Google has reached a settlement with Russias Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) agency in the two year Android antitrust case. In 2015, Russian search rival Yandex had complained that Google was abusing its position in the market by forcing Android devices to pre-install certain apps including its own search tool.

Under the settlement, Google will no longer demand exclusivity of its applications on Android-based devices in Russia and will not restrict the pre-installation of rival search engines and other applications. For smartphones already sold to Russian residents, Google will develop a pop-up window in the Chrome browser that allows users to change their default browser. The company has also agreed to create a tool that will allow Android device owners to set up a default search engine.

The FAS Russia imposed a fine on Google for violating Article 10 of the Federal Law On Protection of Competition in the amount of 438 million rubles (US$7.8 million). This makes the applications pre-installation channel on mobile devices open for application developers who will get equal rights and opportunities to access the devices on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Google spokesperson said in a statement,

We are happy to have reached a commercial agreement with Yandex and a settlement with Russias competition regulator, the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS), resolving the competition case over the distribution of Google apps on Android.

Igor Artemiev, Head of the FAS Russia said,

Implementation of the settlements terms will be an effective means to secure competition between developers of mobile applications. We managed to find a balance between the necessity to develop the Android ecosystem and interests of third-party developers for promoting their mobile applications and services on Android-based devices.

Source | Via
President Donald Trumps top aides were set to meet Tuesday to debate whether or not Trump should make good on his campaign promise to pull the United States out of the Paris climate accorda global pact aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions. However, according to the New York Times, the meeting was canceled after some of the planned attendees flew to be with Trump at a scheduled event in Wisconsin.

A White House spokesperson told the Times that the meeting would be rescheduled.

The opposing sides  EPA chief Scott Pruitt and Trumps senior strategist, Stephen K. Bannon who want out of the deal, versus Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and the presidents daughter Ivanka Trump, who reportedly are urging the president to remain committed to the agreement.

Pruitt told Fox News last week that in his opinion, the U.S. should exit the deal as soon as possible.

Its a bad deal for America. It was an America second, third, or fourth kind of approach. China and India has no obligations under the agreement until 2030. We front-loaded all our costs, Pruitt said.

On the other hand, Tillerson, the former ExxonMobil CEO, supported the deal during his confirmation testimony in January, saying, Were better served by being at that table than by leaving that table. Exxon, Royal Dutch Shell and BP also have endorsed the pact.

And while Trumps daughter Ivanka has yet to offer a concrete public statement on her thoughts around climate change, Politico has reported that she wants to become an ambassador for the cause. She has reportedly met with former Vice President and environmentalist Al Gore and climate change activist and actor Leonardo DiCaprio privately to discuss the issue.

The international agreementwhich is non-bindingwas forged in Paris in December 2015 and officially went into effect last November. Under the agreement, more than 195 countries pledged to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions in 2025 by 26 to 28 percent, which would be a reduction of about 1.6 billion tons of annual emissions.

Pruitt has questioned the science behind climate change predictions.

"I think that measuring with precision human activity on the climate is something very challenging to do, and there's tremendous disagreement about the degree of impact, so no, I would not agree that it's a primary contributor to the global warming that we see," Pruitt told CNBC in March.

Andrew Light, former senior climate change advisor at the State Department, tells FOX Business that if Trump decides to leave the agreement, it will have a ripple effect that will go way beyond climate change.

If President Trump now decides to leave the Paris Agreement, he will be answering for that decision on issues that go well beyond climate, finding it difficult if not impossible to get his agenda across to a world stunned by this decision, starting at the G7 Summit in May, Light says.

Other environmentalists argue the accord, as is, can help Trump deliver on another campaign promise: creating jobs.

Why would President Trump walk away from a deal that brings jobs, security and prosperity for Americans? The United States economic and national security interests are best served by staying in the Paris Agreement. But if the U.S. withdraws from its Paris commitments, it would be left out and left behind at a time when countries around the world are seizing the huge opportunities from taking action, David Waskow, director at the International Climate Initiative tells FOX Business.

While Trump promised during the campaign to cancel the Paris agreement, shortly after winning the election he told the New York Times that he had an "open mind" regarding the 195-country pact. And last month, after meeting with Trump, Gore told The Washington Post that he thinks there is a realistic chance Trump will opt to keep the United States as a participant in the agreement.

I do believe there is an ongoing deliberation in the White House about what to do with respect to the Paris agreement, Gore told The Washington Post. I will simply express the hope that there is a realistic chance that the president will ultimately decide that the cost to the United States and to his presidency of withdrawing from the Paris agreement would far outweigh any quote-unquote benefits from withdrawing.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer has told reporters that the president will make up his mind on the Paris agreement before a summit of the Group of Seven leading industrial nations in Taormina, Italy in late May.
Honda Motor Company(NYSE: HMC) finally offered investors some, er, clarity around its green-car strategy. In a presentation in New York last week, Honda showed off all three variants of its Clarity sedan -- powered by plug-in hybrid, fuel cell, and battery electric drivetrains.

But the details left a lot of analysts wondering exactly what Honda is thinking with these products -- and whether Honda is already falling behind in the emerging race to bring electric cars to the mass market.

The 3 Honda Clarity models at Honda's New York event. From the left: Clarity Electric, Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, and Clarity Fuel Cell. Image source: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

What Honda said about its new Clarity green-car models

At a press event at the New York International Auto Show, Honda officially unveiled the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid and Clarity Electric sedans. The two Claritys join a third, the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, which went on sale in parts of California late last year.

All three Clarity variants share the same basic shape and features. They're four-door sedans about the size (inside and out) of Honda's popular and roomy Accord sedan. Like the Accord, the Clarity triplets look good inside, with crisp styling, comfortable seats, and sensibly laid-out controls.

As with the other Clarity models, the interior of the Clarity Electric is typical of Honda. That's a good thing. Image source: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

But unlike the handsome-if-generic Accord, the Claritys' exterior styling is best described as...quirky. Honda said the Claritys' lines were optimized for low aerodynamic resistance, but they also seem to have been calculated to make the 3 Clarity models stand out from more mainstream vehicles.

The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid combines a 1.5 liter gasoline four-cylinder with a 181-horsepower electric motor and a 17 kilowatt-hour battery pack. Honda expects it to earn an EPA miles-per-gallon-equivalent rating of 105, with a respectable electric-only driving range of 42 miles.

The Clarity Electric has a 161-horsepower electric motor powered by a 25.5 kilowatt-hour battery pack. Honda says it can be fully recharged in just over three hours with a 240-volt charger, and it can get to 80% charge in 30 minutes with a DC Fast charger.

The Clarity Electric will launch in select U.S. markets later this year, while the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid will launch in 2018. Honda is targeting sales of 75,000 Claritys (of all types) in the U.S. over the next four years.

What is Honda thinking with the Clarity Electric's tiny range?

The biggest question on everyone's minds had to do with the Clarity Electric and its tiny 25.5 kilowatt-hour battery pack, which is expected to earn an EPA range rating of just 80 miles.That's a very short range for a car with a price tag that's expected to be around $35,000.

The bar for mass-market electric vehicles was raised a long way last year with the debut of General Motors' (NYSE: GM) Chevrolet Bolt EV. The Bolt offers an EPA-rated range of 238 miles -- for about the same price Honda is expected to ask for its Clarity Electric.

The Clarity Electric is expected to have a range of just 80 miles. Image source: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda executives in New York argued that the Clarity Electric should have a somewhat higher price because it's a larger vehicle. The Bolt is a small crossover, while the Clarity Electric is a midsize sedan. But that's weak sauce: Plain and simple, Honda's electric car is coming out of the gate a couple of big steps behind the competition. (Just wait untilTeslalaunches its Model 3.)

Frankly, the Clarity Electric's range is an embarrassment for Honda. It suggests that the proud Japanese automaker has fallen behind on this important emerging technology.

Will the new Honda Clarity models sell?

Honda's goal of 75,000 sales over four years for all Clarity models combined is pretty modest. It should be able to make that number on the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid alone. At least on paper, the Plug-in Hybrid is a competitive offering -- though its toughest competition may turn out to be another Honda, the Accord Hybrid.

I certainly don't see the Clarity Electric or Clarity Fuel Cell generating more than a handful of sales over the next four years -- at least, not without some big price cuts, a range upgrade for the Electric, or both.

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With geopolitical tensions rising, now is the time when many investors are looking to spend some green to pick up some gold. From junior exploration companies to senior producers, the number of choices can be overwhelming for investors looking to gain exposure to the industry. So let's dig in and look at three top companies, Alamos Gold (NYSE: AGI), Barrick Gold (NYSE: ABX), and Goldcorp (NYSE: GG), where investors may be able to strike gold.

Ready player #1

At $2.2 billion, Alamos Gold -- a Canadian-based intermediate gold producer -- is the smallest company among the three discussed here by market cap, but that shouldn't preclude it from serious consideration. Coming off a great 2016, in which the stock doubled, Alamos seems poised to succeed even further in 2017.

In early April, the company announced that it had retired $315 million in senior debt, leaving the company debt free -- an especially advantageous position for a gold miner. According to management, this will save the company $24.4 million in annual interest payments.

Image source: Getty Images.

In fiscal 2017, management forecasts all-in sustaining costs (AISC) to equal $940 per gold ounce -- about 7% lower than the $975 it reported in fiscal 2016. Management also foresees a year-over-year rise -- about 6% -- in gold production, thanks to a ramp-up in production at its Young-Davidson mine in Ontario and higher mill production at the Mulatos mine in Mexico.

Alamos trades at 4.5 times trailing sales, which seems attractive compared to its five-year average price-to-sales ratio of 5.3, according to Morningstar. Its price tag seems even more enticing when you consider the stock trades at 16.1 times cash from operations on a trailing-12-month basis -- considerably lower than the 37 times cash from operations it was trading at less than a year ago in July.

Ready player #2

Turning to the other end of the market-cap spectrum, we find Barrick Gold, valued at $23.1 billion. Like Alamos, Barrick had a great 2016 -- rising more than 106% -- and is continuing its climb, rising more than 24% year to date. But what Alamos lacks in notoriety, Barrick makes up for in spades. And that name recognition has certainly grown recently as the company has announced a couple of major transactions.

For one, Barrick announced the $960 million sale of a 50% interest in Veladero -- one of its core mines -- to the China-based company, Shandong Gold Co., Ltd. And in another major deal -- this one closer to home -- Barrick announced a joint venture with Goldcorp to develop assets in Chile.

Reporting low all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of $730 per gold ounce in fiscal 2016, management expects modest gains, if any, in the current year -- it forecasts AISC between $720 and $770 per gold ounce. This shouldn't disappoint investors, however, as cash flow should still be strong.

In fiscal 2016, management achieved its goal of being able to generate free cash flow, even if the price of gold fell to $1,000 per ounce, and it forecasts the same achievement this year. Additionally, the company is on track to further execute its debt-reduction strategy.

The company aspires to reduce its debt by $5 billion through 2017 and 2018. On the company's fourth-quarter conference call, Kelvin Dushnisky, the company's president, reported that "Barrick wouldachieve this through a combination of cash flow fromoperations, potentially selling non-core assets and creating new joint ventures and partnerships." And the deals with Shandong and Goldcorp prove the company is executing its strategy effectively.

Trading at 2.7 times sales, which is higher than its five-year average of 1.8 according to Morningstar, Barrick may seem expensive, but we're looking to buy top gold stocks and hold them for the long term. The stock may seem richly priced now, but the company's long-term potential certainly supersedes this. And it's not as if the company is unreasonably valued.

NEM EV to EBITDA (TTM) data by YCharts.

In fact, it's arguably a bargain. The company has an EV (enterprise value)/EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) ratio well below its closest competitor, Newmont Mining Corp.

Ready player #3

Lastly, in-between Alamos and Barrick by market cap, we have Goldcorp. Climbing more than 13% year to date, Goldcorp has fared well this year, but it certainly has the potential to rise even higher. In executing its five-year strategy to grow net asset value per share, Goldcorp has demonstrated a long-term perspective that will benefit shareholders -- something we love to see.

For one, the company aspires to grow its gold production about 20% from the 2.5 million ounces it forecasts in fiscal 2017 to more than 3 million in 2021. In addition to ramp-ups in production at the Eleonore and Cerro Negro mines, Goldcorp is counting on increased grade and the completion of the Pyrite Leach Project at Penasquito to affect the five-year increase in production.

In terms of a farther peek into the future, we find that the aforementioned joint venture in Chile with Barrick represents a significant opportunity for the company to continuously increase its production. Additionally, Goldcorp seeks to increase its gold reserves by 20% and reduce AISC by 20% over the next five years, ensuring the company has a lustrous future.

Goldcorp, with a sales multiple of 3.7, seems reasonably valued compared to its five-year average of 4.6. On the other hand, the stock may seem pricey compared to the other companies in this group.

AGI Price to CFO Per Share (five-year Median) data by YCharts.

Valuing a stock, however, is far from black and white. And Goldcorp's long-term prospects suggest that paying a higher price today may well pay off tomorrow.

Investor takeaway

Alamos, Barrick, and Goldcorp all offer compelling arguments for investment, but those looking for lower-risk opportunities would be better served by focusing on Barrick and Goldcorp. Regardless of which company investors choose, all three provide clear benchmarks that can be monitored to ensure that their long-term successes remain on track.

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In this clip from Industry Focus: Energy, Motley Fool analysts Sean O'Reilly and Taylor Muckerman explain how Russia might end up taking over one of the biggest petroleum refiners in the United States.

A full transcript follows the video.

10 stocks we like better thanWal-MartWhen investing geniuses David and TomGardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter theyhave run for over a decade, the Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

David and Tomjust revealed what they believe are theten best stocksfor investors to buy right now... and Wal-Mart wasn't one of them! That's right -- theythink these 10 stocks are even better buys.

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*StockAdvisor returns as of April 3, 2017The author(s) may have a position in any stocks mentioned.

This video was recorded on April 13, 2017.

Sean O'Reilly:Last night,Taylor, you sent me a really cool article about Russia, not about ourgovernment --

Taylor Muckerman:Yeah,not about government ties.

O'Reilly:-- not aboutanything going on in the world. But, they'retrying to take over my local gas station. Whatgoing on here? That's not cool.

Muckerman:Youmight have heard ofCitgo Petroleum, one of the top 10petroleum refiners in the United States.

O'Reilly:They'reactually owned by Venezuela.

Muckerman:Yes,they are owned by Venezuela.

O'Reilly:Or,we should say, state run.

Muckerman:What is it,PDVSA? The state-owned oil company down there. Unfortunately for them, they'renot doing so well because of oil prices --

O'Reilly:Which wereall connected by the circle of life, you'llremember that Venezuela was one of the countries begging OPEC to cutproduction, like, "We need higher oil prices, we're bleeding money!"

Muckerman:So they're close todefaulting on some debt that Russia owns. And as a condition of that loan, they can take over PDVSA's stake in Citgo Petroleum.

O'Reilly:Thisfeels like Chapter 11, but on an international scale.I didn't know that was how it works.

Muckerman:Rosneft, notRussia the country, but Rosneft, which has close ties to the government -- we'renot going to get into that -- but they pledged a 49.9% stake inthe company if theydefaulted, as their collateral. So it's not a majority stake, but it's darn near close.

O'Reilly:Plus, it's Putin.

Muckerman:It'sclose enough. CEO Igor Sechin, has long beenconsidered Putin's right-hand man. So, aninteresting little tidbit.Still waters run deep in the oil industry.

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Decades ago, nearly every employee could look forward to retiring on a pension. Today pensions are far less common: according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), only 13% of all employees were participants in a pension plan by 2013. If you happen to be one of the lucky few who still has access to a pension, it's important to be aware of how healthy said pension is before you decide to count on it for your retirement income.

Why pensions are disappearing

Few employers offer pensions these days because they're very expensive for the business to maintain. When it offers a pension, a business is promising its retired employees that they will receive a certain sum per month for the rest of their lives. Of course, that means the business has to have the money to pay the promised benefits and to keep doing so every month for decades. Having that much cash available can be extremely difficult for a business, and as a result many pensions are seriously underfunded compared to their liabilities.

Image source: Getty Images.

Part of the funding problem stems from the fact that in order to have enough money, companies don't just stick their pension funds in a savings account: they invest that money in hopes of getting better earnings. After all, the higher the return they can get on invested pension funds, the less capital they're required to put up in the first place. Unfortunately, if the pension manager makes a few bad investment choices, those funds can be seriously depleted by the losses. That puts even more strain on the employer's ability to provide the cash it needs to meet its pension obligations.

How to tell if a pension is underfunded

By law, employers who offer pensions are required to send pension participants a funding notice every year that gives detailed information on how well-funded the pension is. If the pension's assets are at least 80% of its liabilities, it's in good shape.If the percentage of assets is any smaller than that, the pension is underfunded and could be in danger.

The good news is that if your pension is underfunded, that doesn't necessarily mean it's about to fail. If your company is in good overall financial shape, it should be able to meet those liabilities and keep the pension going. However, if the pension is underfunded and the company is struggling, you need to worry.

Pension freezes

If financial troubles reach the point where your employer no longer feels capable of funding its pension, it may place a freeze on the pension. A pension freeze means that benefit accumulation for some or all employees will be halted. The benefits that employees have already earned will remain, but affected employees will not be able to accumulate higher benefits. A soft freeze typically affects only certain employees, for example new hires, and/or it may allow for some types of benefit accumulation to continue. A hard freeze puts a stop to all benefit accumulation. Hard freezes often lead to the company's phasing out the pension and switching to a 401(k) or similar defined contribution plan instead.

Since a pension freeze doesn't affect the benefits you've already earned, at least you'll know that money is safe. Or is it? Companies can terminate pensions entirely under certain conditions, such as a bankruptcy. In that case, the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) will step in and pay the pension benefits to retirees, assuming that particular pension is insured (you can check for your own pension on the PBGC website). However, it won't necessarily pay the full benefit; PBGC guarantees are capped based on the benefit amount, the year the PBGC takes over the pension, and an employee's retirement age. You can look at the PBGC's Maximum Monthly Guarantee Tables online to get an idea of the highest benefit you could potentially receive from them (but be aware that these tables list maximum benefits, and your own benefits may be considerably lower based on the aforementioned factors).

All in all, pensions simply aren't the ironclad guarantee they once were. If you are covered by an employer pension, consider opening an IRA and making regular contributions just in case your own pension goes the way of so many others.

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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Oil prices fell on Tuesday, then slid more in post-settlement trade after an industry group reported that U.S. crude stockpiles fell less than expected in the latest week while gasoline stockpiles grew unseasonably.

U.S. crude prices were down more than 1 percent at $52.32 a barrel in post-settlement trade after the American Petroleum Institute released its weekly data, indicating that crude stockpiles declined less than analysts had forecast.

Oil futures fell during the trading session, touching their lowest in 11 days as the U.S. government reported that shale oil output in May was expected to post the biggest monthly increase in more than two years.

The oil market has been caught in a tug-of-war, with OPEC production cuts supporting prices while signs of rising U.S. production have pressured crude on concerns about a glut. On Tuesday, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude touched a low of $52.10 before bouncing on suggestions that Saudi Arabia is holding crude off the market.

"We're right at the battle ground: the bulls and the bears are facing off against each other, trying to make their last stand," said John Kilduff, Partner at Again Capital in New York.

Global benchmark Brent crude futures swooned as low as $54.61, the lowest since April 7, then settled down 47 cents at $54.89 a barrel.

U.S. WTI futures settled at $52.41 a barrel, down 24 cents. U.S. crude's intraday low was also the weakest since April 7.

At a time when OPEC and other producing nations have been trying to cut output, government drilling data showed U.S. shale production next month was set to rise to 5.19 million barrels per day (bpd). Output from the Permian play, the country's largest shale region, was expected to reach a record 2.36 million bpd.

Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries are cutting oil production 1.2 million bpd from Jan. 1 for six months, the first reduction in eight years.

"The battle between the 'sheiks and the shale oil producers' is far from decided ... with all attempts by OPEC to achieve a lasting production deficit on the oil market being torpedoed by non-OPEC producers  first and foremost the U.S.," analysts at Commerzbank wrote.

The energy minister of OPEC member the United Arab Emirates predicted healthy oil demand growth this year and said inventories would fall, but it would take time.

OPEC leader Saudi Arabia tightened February crude oil exports to the lowest since mid-2015, official data showed.

"We've fought to a draw today and the inventory report will help break us out of this logjam," Kilduff said.

The market will watch Wednesday morning to see if U.S. government data confirms the API report. A Reuters poll showed analysts expected data to show U.S. crude stocks fell in the week to April 14.

(By Jessica Resnick-Ault; Additional reporting by Aaron Sheldrick in Tokyo and Karolin Schaps in London; Editing by David Gregorio and Chizu Nomiyama)
Former Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) said that there is no military solution to dealing with ISIS and believes U.S. generals shouldnt have the power to make major bomb strikes without Congressional approval.

There is no military solution and if you want to get rid of ISIS, dry up there funds. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and other nations including the U.S., covertly have helped ISIS. Lets dry up their funds and then they are vulnerable, he told FOX Business Charles Payne.

Kucinich disagrees with President Trumps approach on giving generals more power and said they shouldnt of had the authority to drop the mother of all bombs in Afghanistan last Thursday.

This idea of letting generals make the decision on dropping these kind of bombs, whats next? Letting generals drop atomic bombs? No.The president has to maintain a tight leash on this so things dont spiral out of controlThe Congress has to definitely get involved in this as it is constitutional duty.

The former Ohio Representative also added that right now to escalate a war and send more of our men and women to die out there, total waste.
AOL Co-Founder and The Third Wave author Steve Case says he supports President Trump's buy American, hire American executive order to reform Americas H-1B visa program. The goal of buying American, hiring American is of course the right thing," Case told the FOX Business Networks Neil Cavuto. Case said the U.S. should be enforcing existing laws and reviewing the visa program. "I'm fine with that," he said.

On the other hand, Case says we should also be supporting innovation in America as well.

At the same time we need to continue to invent in America and part of the theme of The Third Wave is how do we win in this next wave and create the right kind of environment for entrepreneurs all across the country, not just in places like Silicon Valley.

Case pointed out the influence of immigration on Americas biggest tech companies and the jobs they generated.

We need to remember that part of whats made America great is being a magnet of talent from all around the world. Some of our great companies have immigrant roots. The founder of Apple was a son of a Syrian refugee, the founder of Google was a son of a Russian immigrant, so we want to welcome those people who can create the companies that can create the jobs here."

Last September, Case endorsed Hillary Clinton in an op-ed for The Washington Post, citing Clinton's positions on innovation and immigration. Two big concerns there," Case said of his endorsement. "One was some of his [Trumps] rhetoric around immigration which I thought was unhelpful, I still believe that to be the case. Hopefully the policies around immigration including things like the startup visa will be different.

Secondly, Case was concerned about a lack of specificity on his [Trumps] policy around innovation, entrepreneurship.
Governor Scott Walker (R-WI) weighed in on President Trumps tax reform plan and explained how tax cuts can help improve the U.S. economy.

If we are able to get the employer tax rate, the corporate tax rate down to a level that is commensurate with most of the rest of the industrialized world I believe it will help bring back American jobs, he told FOX Business Neil Cavuto.

Walker said that the best way to bring confidence back to the economy is to begin cutting taxes.

I would literally just cut the rate, make it easier to bring those dollars back, cut individual rates along the way if you can afford to do that, that as well as the regulatory reform the president and his administration have already done.

The Wisconsin governor also discussed how tax cuts have benefited his state. We continue to see dramatic economic growth; were down at an unemployment rate of 3.7 percent. In fact, our cumulative benefits of all of our tax cutswill exceed $8 billion dollars. And yet even while weve cut rates on income, weve cut rates on property, weve cut taxes on businesses, we actually see more revenue coming into our state.

Walker said that the U.S. needs tax cuts nationally and believes that President Trump will be able to do that.

If you cut taxes, you put more money back in the hands of not just individual tax payers, but employers. Thats the best stimulus you can provide not only for more jobs, but for higher wages. Thats the best way to truly stimulate the economy.
President Trump will sign the buy American, hire American executive order Tuesday, which in part targets the H-1B visa program. The executive order would revamp the program and address alleged abuses.

Its a lottery now and the American worker never wins that lottery," said White House National Trade Council Director Peter Navarro. "Its turned into a game and if you want to get a game that wins for American workers youve got to change the rules and thats what the hire American part of this executive order today does.

In an interview with the FOX Business Networks Stuart Varney, Navarro responded to allegations of fraud in the visa program that admits foreign workers. Well, fraud I think is the wrong word," he said. "I think abuse and gaming is the problem. What you have is, you have firms basically that load up on the number of people that participate in that lottery in a way which advantages those people at the expense of the American worker.

Navarro says Trump's executive order has buy American in its title because its going to mean good jobs for American workers when taxpayer money is spent on government procurement, its going to be made in America, buy America, hire America.

When Varney asked if Congress should work through their summer recess until they achieve something on taxes and Obamacare, Navarro reacted, We need a tax bill thats consistent with President Trumps promises and we need that as soon as possible.
The special election to fill Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Prices vacated Georgia House seat Tuesday has the GOP on edge, as liberals across the nation toss money at their top candidate hoping to inject momentum into a party struggling to find its way in the wake of the 2016 election.

"This election is significant because the Democrats have made it a referendum on Trump. A Democrat win in a very Republican district would provide much needed momentum for a flailing Democratic Party," Kevin Paul Scott, an Atlanta-based Republican strategist, told FOX Business.

The front-runner, a Democratic, 30-year old political newcomer, Jon Ossoff, has garnered national attention in recent months and even drew the ire of President Donald Trump Tuesday morning.

Democrat Jon Ossoff would be a disaster in Congress. VERY weak on crime and illegal immigration, bad for jobs and wants higher taxes. Say NO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017

Republicans must get out today and VOTE in Georgia 6. Force runoff and easy win! Dem Ossoff will raise your taxes-very bad on crime & 2nd A.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017

Ossoff has raised more than $8.3 million for his House campaign from 200,000 donors across the country, according to the latest FEC report. In fact, 95 percent of his donations are from out of state. He has endorsements from a string of celebrities and political legends including civil rights icon John Lewis, actress Jane Fonda, comedian Chelsea Handler and television personality Rosie ODonnell.

On the other hand, one of the Republican front-runners  former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel  said 90 percent of her donations have come from in-state sources. Her campaign said it has raised $436,000.

"Ossoff is the hand-picked candidate of liberal elites, almost completely funded from out-of-state. The only reason this is even a race is due to a deep Republican bench in the 6th district, with a great slate of candidates vying for the job," Paul said.

Tom Price has occupied the seat in question since 2004 and it has been under Republican control for decades. If Ossoff were to best his Republican opponents, it would be the first time a Georgia Congressional seat flipped during a special election since 1872, according to a political scientist at the University of Minnesota.

For [Republicans] its not a good sign when they have to pour money into districts that have been easy wins for them, Atima Omara, a Democratic National Committee member, told FOX Business.

As Democrats look ahead to the 2017 gubernatorial races and the 2018 mid-term elections, a win in a district that traditionally hasnt even been on their radar could provide a much needed source of hope for the party, which lost pointedly in November.

[This is people] wanting to see change in Washington, a continued rebelling against the Trump administration and what Republicans are doing in Congress  for 2018, I think that will continue, Omara said.

If one or both chambers of Congress flip in 2018, that could put a larger dent in the Trump administrations policy agenda, which is off to a slow start so far this year. The administration has yet to pass any major pieces of legislation requiring Congressional approval.

There are 18 political hopefuls in the race and the all-candidates primary requires the winner to secure more than 50 percent of the vote or the race will advance to a runoff election between the top two contenders. A runoff election would take place on June 20.

While President Trump barely edged out a victory in Georgias 6th district over rival Hillary Clinton this past Novemberby a margin of just 1.5 percentage pointsRep. Tom Price won the seat handily, by more than 23 percentage points.
During a visit to the headquarters of tools and manufacturing services company Snap-on (NYSE:SNA) in Kenosha, Wis. Tuesday, President Donald Trump sought to alleviate fears associated with his administrations timeline for tax reform.

Our tax reform and tax plan are coming along very well. It's going to be out very soon, he said during a speech at the Snap-on factory.

The president urged members in the audience to pressure their congressional leaders on health care, insisting that accomplishing that legislative feat first would pave the way for a more expansive and steeper tax bill.

Were on time [for tax reform] if we get that health care approval, Trump said. It makes the tax reform easier, and it makes it better  Were in very good shape on tax reform, we have the concept, were going to be announcing it very soon.

Trump also gave vocational education a push, praising Snap-on for its commitment to technical training, saying Vocational schools are going to be a big factor in the Trump administration."

Snap-on provides a Tools for Life technical education program that includes hands on training with Snap-on products. The company has partnerships with technical schools around the country to offer its vocational training and certification to American workers.

Directly after his speech, the president signed a new executive order aimed at protecting American workers through the administrations Buy American, Hire American push.

We are sending a powerful signal to the world, we are going to defend our workers, protect our jobs and finally put America first, he said.

The executive order signed Tuesday seeks to transform the immigration systemparticularly the H-1B visa programfrom operating as what the administration perceives as a lottery system to a merit-based system. The White House believes this will stop the influx of unskilled, foreign workers who work for low wages and undercut the domestic workforce. It also calls for a comprehensive review of procurement among government agencies including waivers and exemptions. The government has promised to hold all agencies not complying with the Buy American policies accountable.

The policy of our government is to progressively promote and use American made goods and to ensure that American labor is hired to do the job, Trump explained.

The government will also allow agencies to take the impact of foreign trade abuses, like dumping, into account while assessing their ability to execute the administrations goals. President Trump took aim specifically at NAFTA Tuesday, promising to make the United States trade relationship with both Mexico and Canada more favorable.

NAFTA has been a complete and total disaster  the whole thing is ridiculous  were going to make some very big changes or were going to get rid of NAFTA once and for all, he said.

Tuesday marks Trumps first visit to Wisconsin since taking office, and his choice of the Kenosha-based manufacturer is significant. President Trump is the first Republican to win the liberal-leaning Kenosha County since President Richard Nixon in 1972.
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Adriana Lima celebrated Easter Sunday by stripping down for Love magazine.

The 35-year-old Brazilian model teamed up with the UK-based fashion publication to create a series of NSFW videos where she took a steamy shower and ate chocolate to the sounds of The Weather Girls 1982 hit Its Raining Men.

VICTORIA'S SECRET ANGEL ADRIANA LIMA: 'THE CHURCH IS IN ME'

However, the veteran Victorias Secret Angel didnt just show off her famous assets during the holiday. The mother of two also posted photos on Instagram celebrating with her daughters, 7-year-old Valentina and 4-year-old Sienna.

Love Magazine also teamed up with several other models, including Gavin Rossdales 28-year-old daughter Daisy Lowe, to showcase their take on the holiday.

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We take a look at a few Easter traditions from around the world, both old and new, wrote Love. Apparently, weve been egg dancing in the UK since the 5th Century  who knew!
After Moriah Peters auditioned for American Idol during her senior year of high school, she walked away feeling discouraged. However today she looks back and realizes that that rejection has actually led to the best things in her life.

The now 24-year-old has said that the Idol judges once mocked her religious lifestyle, but now she looks back on the experience as a lesson.

Peters is now starring in her first movie, a faith-based film titled Because of Gracia. She plays a high schooler named Gracia who shares striking similarities with Peters in real life. In the film, Gracia is mocked for her good girl image.

Peters told Fox News that the movie will strike a chord with viewers because of the characters in the film.

 At one point I thought the director created [the] story based on my experiences that he had seen in interviews online because they are so similar, but I think that people will really find a connection to characters she said.

Peters was 16 when she stood in front of the Idol judges.

The thing I have come to realize about my American Idol experience is that just like so many of the other things that we go through in life that are difficult, those are the moments that make us and lead us to all of the opportunities to get to find as we are older.

Peters said the rejection brought a sense of gratitude.

Now I have come to look back on that time with such gratitude, because had that opportunity not closed I wouldn't have found all the incredible experiences I have been able to have years later. I think national recording records and touring, meeting my husband eventually and making this movieall of that stemmed from that what was once rejection and now I can now see a redirection.

Because of Gracia hits theaters September 15th.
Hollywood is invading Georgia.

Democrats are pumping millions into the Georgia congressional election set for Tuesday, hoping 30-year-old political upstart Jon Ossoff can leverage celebrity endorsements to deliver a rebuke to President Trump and his first 100 days in office, and help the party reclaim lost momentum.

Paving the way is actor Samuel L. Jackson, who helped create a radio ad urging voters to flip the seat previously held by Republican Tom Price, who is now Trumps health secretary.

His ad highlighted Pulp Fiction" references as he announced: Vote for the Democratic Party. Stop Donald Trump, a man who encourages racial and religious discrimination and sexism. We have to channel the great vengeance and fury we have for this administration into votes at the ballot box.

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Special elections today in Georgia. Vote for @JonOssoff in Georgia. He's our man.  Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) April 11, 2017

Comedienne Chelsea Handler invited nearly 7 million followers to get out and vote for Ossoff on April 11th  even though the election wasnt taking place until April 18th.

The New Yorker reported Ossoff had raised nearly two million dollars by March since declaring his candidacy in early January and has received online support from actress Debra Messing and Star Trek icon George Takei.

Actress Alyssa Milano has also taken to Twitter where she actively tweeted her support for Ossoff. The 44-year-old also pinned a tweet from February 2nd, where she announced that anyone who tells a celebrity not to discuss politics on social media are the same ones who voted for an uninformed celebrity.

Actor/comedian John Leguizamo went to Facebook to show his support of Ossoff, urging fans to save America from #kleptocracy from the GOP. And Ossoffs Federal Election Commission (FEC) report made public on Tuesday revealed Leguizamo, along with Sam Waterston, Kristen Bell, Connie Britton, Jessica Lange, Lynda Carter, Rhea Perlman, Jane Fonda and Jon Cryer contributed to his campaign.

Despite his celebrity support, Ossoff insisted on his campaign site that his goal is to help the people of Georgia.

Our team has taken down human traffickers, exposed dozes of corrupt officials around the world and uncovered atrocities committed by ISIS in Iraq, he announced. Previously, I was a senior national security staffer in the U.S. Congress, working with our military and intelligence community to keep Georgians safe while investigating wrongdoing by government contractors.

During five years as a Congressional aide, I learned how to get things done in Washington, he added. On Capitol Hill and as a journalist, Ive learned how to expose and fight the abuse of power. I will use my experience and all of my energy to fight for Georgia.
Sienna Miller may no longer be in a relationship with the father of her daughter but she revealed she and Tom Sturridge spend a lot of time together.

The two live near each other in New York City.

We do bedtime every day, she told Allure. We felt like as much togetherness as possible would be ideal, and fortunately we really love each other and are best friends, and so that works. Its not that its not complicated, because it is.

The actress revealed that motherhood has had a big impact on her. She described a recent evening where her 4-year-old daughter got sick and vomited.

I get her in the bath and in my bed, and Im just, like, literally naked, mopping, and crying at midnight, Miller said. You know, and thats parenthood. Youre so enriched by it and so fulfilled, but at the same time, I look at these people who just dont have any responsibility, and it feels like the responsibility is crippling.

She also added, I do miss my breasts being where they were.

Miller also revealed that, for now, she is very happy living in New York instead of Los Angeles. She said she likes the fast-pace of Manhattan.

People sort of complain about the pace. Friends of mine from London find it really intense, but I thrive in that kind of environment, she said. Its sort of cliche, but its motivating and inspiring. It feels incredibly open and boundaryless. You can barely speak English and be a New Yorker. New York takes anyone, accepts everyone.

She concluded her thought by touching on the current political climate with the recent election of President Donald Trump.

I feel increasingly, in light of current events, that I want to be around that kind of openness, she said. I think subliminally thats probably the most important part.
Women in the beer industry are banding together Memorial Day Weekend for the country's the first FemAle BrewFest in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The event will highlight female beer experts and brewers in the industry.

At the festival, presented by womens advocacy group Fem Collective, you can expect beer tastings, art, food from local female-owned restaurants, and live music, according to the festival website.

The FemAle Brew Fest is unique because of its focus, Frances Antonio-Martineau, event organizer and CEO of Fem Collective, told Miami New Times.

For years, the women in this industry have been overshadowed by men. But with this event, some of the best female-run breweries in the country will be in attendance, showcasing both their regular and seasonal products, making this the first and only festival of its kind in the U.S.

Brewers from all over the country will be in attendance, including co-founder and owner of Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, Emily Thomas; co-owner of Accomplice Brewery and Ciderworks, Felonice Merriman; director of quality at Ballast Point, Lauren Zeidler; and head brewer at Lagunitas Brewing Company, Mary Bauer.

The festival will take place on May 28 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., with tickets now available online ranging from $20 to $45.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Pink Boots Society, an organization that aims to help women grow their careers in the beer industry through educational programs and scholarships.
A compromised crop of potatoes on Japans north island of Hokkaido has forced one the countrys largest chip manufacturers to halt production of some of its most popular flavors. Now the country is facing a drastic shortage of the snack, with prices of some bags soaring as high as 1500 yen, or about $14.

An unprecedented series of typhoons last summer battered Hokkaido  a key spud-producing region  and decimated the islands potato crop, which has led to a nationwide scarcity of the tasty tuber. Now Calbee, Japan's largest snack food manufacturer, has been forced to halt the sale of 15 types of chips.

Were doing everything we can to resume sales again, Rie Makuuchi, a spokeswoman for Tokyo-based Calbee, told Bloomberg.

SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE SNACK FOOD BRANDS

Makuuchi added that Calbee was mulling over importing potatoes from the U.S. and has already pleaded with potato farmers in the southern island of Kyushu to harvest their crop earlier than scheduled. Japan, however, has strict regulatory hurdles that limit the amount of imported potatoes that can be used in products. Makuuchi added that this regulatory hurdle has exacerbated the shortage.

Photos posted on social media show shelves at supermarkets and local grocers devoid of chips and reports have surfaced that bags of Calbees pizza-flavored chips are selling for between 1,250 and 1,500 yen ($12 to $14) on Yahoo Japan Corp.s auction website. The bags normally retail for around 130 yen-- less than $1.20.

Besides the online auctions, a thriving black market chip trade has cropped up in areas most affected by the shortage.

In Tokyos Akihabara district, reports have surfaced of a man hocking bags of pizza-flavored chips for around 800 yen and store owners are attempting to dissuade hoarders and resellers with signs that read, Limit one bag per customer.

While not all brands and flavors have been as hard hit by the potato shortage (plum-flavored chips, anyone?), the spud scarcity has deeply affected Calbees bottom-line, which reported a 3 percent drop in its stock on Japans Nikkei and competitor, Koike-ya, saw its stock drop 8 percent following a similar announcement.

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In the land that produces such high-end culinary delicacies like sushi, shabu-shabu and yakitori, it may seem strange that a potato chip shortage has been deemed a national crisis-- but this classic snack food is an even bigger deal in Japan than it is in the United States.

Even rice crackers and Pocky sticks take a backseat to chips in Japan, where a recent TV Asahi poll of 10,000 people found that Calbees chips were the first and second most popular snack in the country  an issue that warranted a primetime television special of more than two hours.

If there is one upside to the chip crisis, it's that people in Japan have come to terms with how dependent they've become on their favorite crunchy snack.

I realized how addicted I was to potato chips after the halt, one person tweeted. Ill be waiting for sales to resume. Hang in there!
The number of babies born in Puerto Rico with microcephaly and other birth defects caused by the Zika virus appears to be unexpectedly low  so low that experts are beginning to question whether the actual count is being significantly underreported by authorities on the island.

As Zika surged across the Americas last year, US health authorities warned that Puerto Rico was facing a perfect storm  and braced for a large number of pregnancies affected by the virus.

But, to date, Puerto Rico has reported only 16 cases of congenital defects associated with Zika, even though more than 3,300 pregnant women are known to have contracted the virus and several times that number are believed to have been infected.

By contrast, US states and the District of Columbia, where the threat posed by Zika was thought to be much lower overall, have registered congenital defects in 63 fetuses or newborns among 1,300 pregnant women who have contracted the Zika virus.

Read more: Scientists begin mid-stage trial of Zika vaccine for first time

Some observers believe Puerto Rico, which is heavily dependent on tourism, is downplaying the scale of its Zika problem.

Puerto Ricos not escaping this. Theyre just hiding, one former US official said of the situation. The individual, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said months ago it was clear dozens and dozens of babies in Puerto Rico bore the hallmarks of Zika damage. But territorial health officials declined to label most of them cases of Zika congenital syndrome.

Theyre kind of in denial about what the problem is, the former official said. And six months, a year, two years from now there will be all these babies who arent learning and all these problems that will come to light.

Puerto Ricos health department did not respond to a request for comment, nor did its top epidemiologist.

Last October, without fanfare, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stopped reporting the outcomes of pregnancies in US territories in which women had been infected with Zika. Without providing details, the agency simply said that Puerto Rico wasnt counting cases the same way.

CDC is using a consistent case inclusion criteria to monitor brain abnormalities and other adverse pregnancy outcomes potentially related to Zika virus infection during pregnancy in the US states and territories. Puerto Rico is not using the same inclusion criteria, the CDC website states.

Dr. Margaret Honein, chief of the CDCs birth defect branch and a senior member of the agencys Zika response team, said an agreement between the agency and other jurisdictions that contribute to its Zika pregnancy registries prevented her from providing specific details about how Puerto Ricos case definition varies from the CDCs without the explicit permission of authorities there.

We have an ongoing collaboration with Puerto Rico department of health, she said. And we have ongoing discussions about working to align our case definitions. But at this time were not fully aligned.

Last August researchers from the Puerto Rico health department and the CDC published a study predicting that Zikas first wave of activity would strike a large number of pregnancies there, based on analyses factoring in the percentage of the population thought to be infected and the number of pregnant women on the island.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, projected that between 100 and 270 babies with Zika-induced microcephaly would be born between mid-2016 and the same time in 2017.

That study didnt forecast figures for a host of other birth defects that Zika is known to cause but that are not always readily apparent shortly after birth, including destruction of brain tissue, damage to newborns optical nerves, and partial or total hearing loss.

A more recent study from the CDC mined the US Zika pregnancy registry to try to get a clearer picture of how often infections in pregnancy lead to birth defects in infants.

According to that study, 5 percent of babies born to women with confirmed or suspected Zika infection during pregnancy had Zika-related birth defects; when the researchers only included women with confirmed Zika infection, the rate was 10 percent.

And when confirmed infection occurred in the first trimester of pregnancy  when the risk Zika poses to a developing fetal brain is highest  15 percent babies born or fetuses lost had Zika-related defects.

Read more: Obama administration declares Zika public health emergency in Puerto Rico

Its not possible to perform the same calculations for Puerto Rico. The health departments weekly report does not indicate how many of the 3,356 pregnancies with confirmed Zika infections have been completed.

Questions about Puerto Ricos Zika birth defects count have started to appear in local newspapers. A former health secretary, Dr. Johnny Rullan, described the situation as Puerto Ricos Zika baby puzzle in a recent column in the San Juan newspaper, Nuevo Dia.

When Zika first hit Puerto Rico, Rullan was brought in to advise the government on how to handle the new threat. He quit after the territorial government, under pressure from residents, rejected a plan to conduct aerial spraying to tamp down populations of the mosquitos that transmit Zika.

In the column, Rullan suggested there was evidence pointing toward substantially more births affected by Zika than have been reported. He urged the health department to follow up on babies born to women who may have been infected with Zika, because it needs to plan to deliver services to the affected children.

If we do not identify them early, we can not give them the benefit of early interventions to avoid the ton of rehabilitation, he wrote.

When contacted by STAT, Rullan declined to comment further, saying it was up to the Puerto Rican health department to respond to the questions he raised.

I recommend you get the PR health officials to react to it! Rullan said. You have to ask them!

Dr. Jose Cordero, a professor of public health at the University of Georgia who has been tracking Zika-related birth defects as part of an international study, offered a possible explanation for why Puerto Rico is reporting such a low number of affected pregnancies.

Cordero said the CDC has been casting a broad net for possible signs of damage by the virus, including in the offspring of all women infected during pregnancy if theres any sign of the types of birth defects associated with Zika.

That doesnt appear to be the way health authorities in Puerto Rico are counting cases, he said.

Cordero said he was recently invited to a Zika issues planning meeting on the island. There he heard Dr. Miguel Valencia, director of the health departments division for infants with special medical needs, describe the case definition Puerto Rico is using to identify Zika birth defect cases.

As I understand the conversations that I had with Dr. Valencia he was going in the opposite direction [of the CDC]  that the child must have microcephaly before hes considered to be affected, Cordero said.

Cordero called Valencia the keeper of all those numbers. And hes certainly keeping them very close to his vest.

Valencia did not respond to a request for comment.

Does Cordero believe Puerto Ricos official report on Zika-affected infants represents the true number in Puerto Rico? I dont know. I dont know the answer to that, he said. I think that one has to be intrigued in terms of the differences.

Cordero said part of the problem may relate to the number of challenges Puerto Rico is facing. The islands finances are in dire straits, making Zika only one of several major issues the territorial government must address.

The economic situation has also led to the migration of Puerto Ricans elsewhere. Some women who know theyre going to give birth to a baby with Zika birth defects or who have done so in Puerto Rico may move to the US mainland in the hope of accessing better services for the child, Cordero said. That could also contribute to a lower-the-expected count of affected pregnancies on the island.

There are many variables here, Cordero said.
Sitting in his spotless office in the New Hope Fertility Clinic in Mexico City, soft music playing in the hallway in the background, Doctor Alejandro Chavez-Badiola shows an affable smile. Three-parent babies is not the title I would have chosen for the treatment, the clinic director says. But if the press had not given it such an attractive title, the news of what were doing probably would not have had such an impact.

Indeed, three-parent baby is easier to remember than mitochondrial replacement treatment (MRT), a relatively new procedure offered to couples who want to reduce the chance of passing certain genetic diseases onto their children.

DOCTOR CALLS WORLD'S FIRST THREE-PARENT IVF BABY BIRTH 'REVOLUTIONARY'

It is controversial because the embryo takes eggs from two mothers.

Pregnancies through MRT, which is banned in the U.S., are achieved by transferring the nucleus from a mothers egg to a donor egg, which in turn had its nucleus removed. The new egg is then fertilized by the fathers sperm and ultimately placed in the mothers uterus.

Mexico Citys New Hope is a branch of a namesake New York City fertility clinic founded by John Zhang in 2014. Critics say New Hope picked Mexico merely because of its weak regulatory framework.

JUDGE ALLOWS WOMAN TO UNDERGO IN VITRO FERTILIZATION WITH DEAD HUSBAND'S SPERM

Dr. Chavez-Badiola, a gynecologist and obstetrician trained in Mexico and the United Kingdom, told Fox News he hopes to apply MRT to 20 pregnancies in the first half of 2017. He would not disclose, however, how many three-way pregnancies are underway at this time.

The first three-parent baby was conceived in Mexicos New Hope in 2015 but delivered in New York City last year. He was born to a Jordanian couple at risk of reproducing a rare disorder called Leigh disease, an incurable that can lead to a childs death within years from birth.

The Jordanian couple was treated in the New Hope clinic in Mexico by a U.S. team led by Dr. Zhang. So far, the boy appears to be healthy, according to New Hope, and the successful procedure led Chavez-Badiola and his peers to the conclusion that their work should be extended to a larger number of couples in Mexico.

STORY ABOUT MARRIED COUPLE DISCOVERING THEY WERE TWINS DURING IVF APPEARS TO BE FAKE

It isnt the first mitochondrial replacement technique ever developed. Earlier procedures applied in the 1990s yielded good results, but were different  they transferred healthy mitochondria to the mothers egg. New Hopes technique is called spindle nuclear transfer and involves cutting-edge technology and equipment rarely seen in developing countries.

Aside from the morals, critics of MRT believe it is still far too early to consider the procedure to be safe. They worry that some defected mitochondria could be transferred with the mothers nucleus into the donor cell. According to the science magazine Nature, some also worry that New Hope has rushed into the wider application of the procedure.

The clinic, located in Polanco, one of the swankiest neighborhoods of the Mexican capital, is currently waiting for enough patients to achieve Chavez-Badiolas ambitious goal of 20 pregnancies. So far, he is principally counting on patients from abroad because Mexican couples are harder to find.

There are families in Mexico suspected of having mitochondrial diseases, but as far as I know there isnt anyone to offer them the means to diagnose, he said.

Nor is money a problem, at least in theory. According to Chavez-Badiola, the procedure isnt more expensive than a regular IVF-treatment. We first want to know if the technique can be replicated and give us the results were hoping for, he said. Right now wed be willing to absorb the extra costs, as its a treatment that stems from extraordinary technology.

Chavez-Badiola acknowledges the criticisms, but counters them with the argument that he and his colleagues are on the vanguard of medical research, which always causes some discomfort.

Mitochondrial diseases arent diseases that have been known for centuries. Theyre diagnosed through technologies that are relatively recent, he told Fox News. I believe that, if youre going to study such a thing, studying it alone has the potential of changing the way the medical profession acts.
When Ms. N came to Dr. John Hogans office last August, it had been nearly three months since she had felt like herself. Previously completely healthy, the 25-year-old woman had been plagued by shaking chills, fevers, and unremitting fatigue, barely able to drag herself to her job in a Boston-area accounting office. Most troubling, though, was the thin yellow fluid draining from her thighs and the undersides of her breasts. Little did she know this was the beginning of a life-changing saga.

Ms. Ns symptoms had started a little over two weeks after she underwent an operation in the Dominican Republic last May. The cosmetic surgery  known colloquially as a Brazilian butt lift  had entailed sucking fat out of the belly and low back, then injecting it into the buttocks and thighs. She also underwent breast augmentation.

The clinic had looked pristine, Ms. N later relayed. She received a weeklong course of antibiotic pills after the operation, and the surgical wounds seemed to be healing well. As instructed by the doctor, she kept the incisions clean, and didnt swim or use hot tubs.

Just a few days after she returned to her home near Boston, she started draining the fluid from her breasts and thighs.

My first day back at work, I noticed my shirt felt wet, Ms. N said in an interview with STAT. I looked in my bra and saw this thin liquid. Some days, the towels she stuffed into her bra to absorb the fluid became soaked within an hour or two.

Read more: Finding the worlds unknown viruses  before they find us

Around this same time, Ms. N noted large bruises on her legs; these became red and excruciatingly painful, sometimes opening up at night and releasing the same thin fluid.

It stung like something was trying to push through my skin, she said. Sometimes Id wake up soaked in the fluid.

Shed become extremely fatigued  falling asleep at 5 p.m. some days  and was spiking fevers. She was also losing weight without trying to.

Worried about these symptoms, Ms. N went to see her primary care doctor, who took samples of this draining fluid and prescribed antibiotics, presumably thinking the draining sores stemmed from a standard postoperative infection. Over the next few months, the samples would show just a sprinkling of the types of bacteria that normally live on the skin, such as Staphylococcus aureus. Doctors prescribed Ms. N various types of antibiotic pills, and although her symptoms sometimes improved temporarily, they always returned.

Alarmingly, the silicone breast implants also eroded through her skin about a month after her surgery; they were visible through the incision. The implants were removed at a hospital in the Boston suburbs; the surgeon told Ms. N he thought they might be infected. Although the wounds were rinsed with an antibiotic called cefazolin, no samples were sent for microbiological studies.

Ms. N knew she didnt feel quite right, but her doctors didnt seem concerned.

They were all telling me it was normal, she said.

Putting it all together

By August 2016, Ms. N was fed up. She was then seen by Hogan, a fellow in infectious diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital.

In Hogans office, her vital signs were normal; she did not have a fever. On exam, Hogan noted that the opening in the fold beneath her left breast was draining something that was thinner than pus, but was nevertheless indicative of infection. He was alarmed at the way the infection had bored holes through Ms. Ns flesh.

She had multiple draining ulcers separate from the surgical sites, said Hogan, who has followed Ms. N closely ever since that first appointment. It looked like a deep infection from within the soft tissue making its way to the skin, he said.

Labs showed slightly high white blood cell and platelet counts, both of which can be high when theres an infection or inflammation. Her kidney and liver tests were normal. Looking over Ms. Ns imaging, Hogan noticed what looked like areas of infection in the parts of her breasts seen in a CT scan of her chest  done a few weeks before to look for a clot in the blood vessels of the heart and lungs. Although it wasnt noted in the radiology report, Hogan thought it might show some smudges indicating a collection of infected fluid. He made a mental note to dig deeper into this later.

Given her ongoing fevers, lab results, and skin findings, Hogan felt confident Ms. N was infected. The timing of her symptoms made Hogan fairly certain her infection was related to the surgery. He ruled out other possible sources of infection: Ms. N had no pets. She was not a drug user and never had been. She hadnt traveled out of the country other than her recent trip for the cosmetic surgery.

The question was which microbe was causing the infection, and why the previous treatments hadnt gotten rid of it.

Something didnt quite fit

There were a few options, Hogan thought. Ms. Ns primary care doctor might have treated her with the wrong antibiotics, or for too short a time, for a commonplace bacterial infection. There also might be a walled-off collection of pus inside of her body that the antibiotics couldnt reach. Yet if that were the case, the samples collected from the wounds should have grown a lot more bacteria; a mix of a few bugs commonly found on the skin wasnt exactly a slam-dunk for an infection that just wouldnt quit.

The other possibility, he thought, was an infection different from the usual ones after surgery in the United States. As opposed to fast-moving staph and strep infections, for example, bacteria in the mycobacterial family could cause chronic, draining infections.

At the forefront of his mind were Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium chelonae, and Mycobacterium abscessus, which can cause infections of the skin and underlying tissue and are cousins to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis. M. abscessus can cause lung infections, and more rarely meningitis or infections in the brain; thankfully, Ms. N did not have any of these. Special material is needed to grow mycobacterial species, so it wouldnt be surprising that previous lab tests hadnt revealed these bacteria.

Read more: My son had a devastating, mysterious illness. The conversation about palliative care knocked me flat

Another clue pointing to a mycobacterial infection was where Ms. N had undergone surgery. Operations performed outside of the United States  known as medical tourism  have been linked to Mycobacterium abscessus infections, particularly after cosmetic surgery, although the infection has occurred domestically as well. In fact, there was a recent outbreak among patients at a major US hospital who underwent a lung transplant or heart surgery.

But Hogan needed microbiological proof of what was causing the infection, so he cast a wide net, sending samples of the fluid from her legs and chest for analysis for fungi, mycobacteria, and nocardia, another rare cause of chronic bacterial infections. He also ordered breast and thigh ultrasounds to look for the hidden pockets of infection possibly seen on the CT scan. Finally, he switched Ms. Ns antibiotic to better treat staph on the off-chance that this was the cause of her symptoms.

At last, a diagnosis

Hogan and Dr. Raj Gandhi, his more senior colleague on the case, were not surprised when the cultures revealed Mycobacterium abscessus. The defining characteristics of the case  from the chronicity, to the sites and nature of fluid drainage, to the preceding surgery, to the recalcitrance of the infection to many antibiotics  pointed to an infection by this bug.

It really was classic for mycobacterial disease, Hogan said.

The tempo of the infection  never disappearing, but never ramping up to the extent that Ms. N developed a life-threatening systemic infection  was also typical. If the staph isolated from her wounds had been causing the infection, for example, Ms. N likely would have become much sicker, much more quickly  progressing over days, instead of lingering for months. The staph bacteria in her samples were innocent bystanders, not the root of her infection.

Another clue pointing to M. abscessus was the way more and more wounds kept popping up; run-of-the-mill postoperative infections tend to solely entail the area where the surgery was originally performed.

This was an inside-out kind of thing, said Gandhi. Something that was inside from the procedure was expressing itself as drainage.

For Ms. N, getting a diagnosis after months of searching felt like a breakthrough.

I was relieved, because at least I had an answer, she said.

Read more: 5 strange disease outbreaks that still puzzle scientists

The story continues

Although Ms. N is improving on powerful antibiotics, the infection isnt gone yet; she has already undergone seven surgeries on her thighs and breasts to combat it, and may need more to eliminate it completely. Unfortunately, the antibiotics have serious side effects, including irreversible hearing loss. And her medical care has become so all-consuming that she had to leave her job. Still, she and her doctors hope shell end up infection-free.

Ms. Ns experience is a good reminder for clinicians of the importance of recognizing when a diagnosis doesnt quite fit a patients constellation of symptoms.

Doctors are taught certain patterns, said Gandhi. What you learn is then what you see, and if you see it a few times, it gets solidified, and that recognition gets easier.

And for Ms. N, her story has driven home how crucial it is to listen to the bodys cues.

Trust yourself and trust your body; you know when something is wrong, she said. I knew from the beginning that something wasnt right.

If you have dealt with a diagnostic puzzle, either as a caregiver or a patient, please email Allison at allisonbondmd@gmail.com.
When Jo Piazza got engaged at age 34, she had trouble finding books on marriage that resonated with her, much less any that discussed how to be married after the wedding cake has been cut and the honeymoon is over.

Every book written about marriage is awful and doesnt relate to a modern woman, Piazza, who got engaged three months after meeting her husband on a boat in the Galapagos islands, told Fox News. They dont give you advice to make a marriage work before its broken, before everyones sobbing on the floor.

8 SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE DATING A NARCISSIST

With that void in mind, Piazza decided to take matters into her own hands, gathering advice from successful married couples around the world.

I thought, We crowdsource everything else in our lives these days  so why cant I crowdsource how to make a marriage work? the travel journalist recalled. So, thats what I did.

9 SIGNS YOUR PARTNER MAY BE CHEATING ON YOU

The result is Piazzas latest book, How to Be Married: What I Learned from Real Women on Five Continents About Surviving My First (Really Hard) Year of Marriage, in which she shares the insight she gleaned over the course of a year interviewing women in places like Africa, Scandinavia and Latin America.

Here, Piazza divulges some of those proven ways shes learned can help make a marriage last:

1. Take care of yourself.

When Piazza traveled to politically embroiled Jerusalem, she met Jewish women whose children risk their lives daily walking to school as bombs frequently detonate in the street. It may seem counterintuitive, but to deal with that reality, they make self-care a priority, as Orthodox Judaism mandates. For example, their religion asks that women refrain from having sex with their husbands during certain times of the month in lieu of taking time for self-reflection, Piazza said. Its like what the flight attendants tell you on the plane: Secure your own oxygen mask before you secure another persons, she explained. In Jerusalem, Their world is typically more dangerous than ours, but the world is generally hard and dangerous, so if youre trying to be someone elses caretaker, you have to take care of yourself to make sure you can do that.

6 MYTHS ABOUT DATING OVER AGE 50, DEBUNKED

2. Dont lose your identity.

In France, the married women Piazza spoke with advised spending one night away from your husband, either alone or with girlfriends. When youre in a marriage, there are too many people who dont talk to their friends at all, Piazza said. Everyone else told me to take vacations away from my husband. In her case, Piazza has found the old adage Absence makes the heart grow fonder to be true: [My husband] is on a business trip  now, Im so excited to see him.

3. Maintain a sense of mystery.

Also in France, Piazza expected women to be relaxed about cheating and having an open marriage, but, she said, They debunked that myth right away  no one wants to be cheated on. But what they did say helps keep the flame alive in their marriages is acting like a mistress. In other words, dont let your partner know what youre doing all the time and dont resort to wearing sweatpants all the time. Find ways to make him intrigued, put on makeup, get dressed up, wear sexy lingerie, dont go to the bathroom in front of him, she said. I dont feel anti-feminist saying that the more you feel sexy and vibrant, the better youll feel too.

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4. Communicate  but also, listen.

A lot of couples in the United States dont communicate, but even fewer listen, Piazza said. In Tulum, Mexico, marriage guru Bobby Klein posed a five-minute listening exercise in which one person speaks for five minutes and the other person has to listen without speaking. Its been one of the best things weve used in our marriage, Piazza said. It feels like a mini therapy session.

5. Dont let your job dictate your marriage.

The Dutch and the Danes know a thing or two about disconnecting for the good of their marriages. Of course, Northern Europeans have shorter work weeks than Americans. But more important, their jobs end when they leave the office, and for the many of the couples Piazza spoke with, cellphones arent allowed at the dining table or in bed. They value quality time more than we do, Piazza observed. Americans create more busy work instead of prioritizing their marriages.

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6. Build a support system.

In Kenya and Tanzania, Piazza met polygamist tribes from whom she learned the importance of having a support system beyond the immediate partnership a marriage affords. In America, we often go off into these tribes of two, and its you and your partner against the world, she said. But in Africa, What I learned was the importance of community and delegating labor  your spouse cant be everything for you, and you cant be everything for your spouse. Its important to have other people around you to help you take care of yourself, your spouse and your kids.
Every pregnant womans sex life is different, but often, levels of desire follow the course a roller coaster as much as the pregnancy itself does.

During the first trimester, physical and hormonal changes may deter you from getting busy, while increased vaginal lubrication and blood flow to the pelvis in the second trimester usually boosts the libido. Yet in the third trimester, the body tends to go into nesting phase, often reducing sex drive. In fact, 92 percent of pregnant women had problems with arousal, orgasm and satisfaction after 36 weeks of pregnancy, an April 2017 study in the Alexandria Journal of Medicine found.

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Regardless of the course you and your partner take, heres what to know before jumping into the sack with a baby on board.

1. Dont: Have sex if you have a high-risk pregnancy.

A number of conditions may make sex inadvisable for you during pregnancy, Dr. Hilda Hutcherson, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, told Fox News. Those conditions include a placenta previa, a shortened cervix or a cervical cerclage (stitch) for an incompetent cervix, and preeclampsia.

2. Do: Make sex a priority if you can have it.

Thanks to the hormone oxytocin, which is released during orgasm, sex can reduce stress and anxiety.

Sex can also help you strengthen the bonds with your partner before your baby is born, as studies show that the years after the birth of a baby are not only stressful, but they can cause your sex life to decline.

If you and your partner are up for it, having sex can help you stay connected, strengthen your relationship, and help you ease into your new life after your baby is born, Dr. Erica Marchand, a licensed psychologist in Los Angeles who specializes in sexual and relationship issues, told Fox News.

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3. Do: Try different positions.

In the first trimester when your belly is still small, any sex position will do. After about 16 weeks as your uterus gets bigger, however, missionary position or any position where youre lying flat on your back isnt a good idea.

It can compress the big blood vessel behind the uterus called the inferior vena cava and restrict blood flow return to the heart and women will feel a little lightheaded or like their blood pressure is going down, Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a board-certified OB/GYN in Mt. Kisco, New York, and author of The Complete A to Z for Your V, told Fox News.

Instead, try positions that take all pressure off the uterus: on top, side by side or from behind.

4. Do: Choose the right lube.

Thanks to pregnancy hormones, youll notice an increase in vaginal discharge, also known as leucorrhea, which can make the need for a sexual lubricant unnecessary.

If you do use a lube, however, stick with a water-based type and avoid petroleum-based lubrications, mineral oil or cooking oils, which can cause a change in the pH of the vagina or small nicks that promote infection, Dweck said.

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5. Do: Try other forms of intimacy.

If you cant have sex or aren't feeling up for it, find other ways to keep the intimacy going strong in your relationship, like by kissing, cuddling, having oral sex, and engaging in mutual masturbation.

If you have oral sex, your partner should never blow air into your vagina because, although rare, it could cause a venous air embolism (VAE), a blocked blood vessel, which can be life-threatening for you and your baby, Dweck said.

6. Dont: Have sex after your water breaks.

Of course, you should never have sex after your water breaks because of the risk for infection.

"Sex wont start your labor if youre full term or past your due date, but the prostaglandins in semen may help to ripen the cervix and orgasm can cause uterine contractions. So if youre in the mood, theres no reason not to do it.

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7. Do: Talk about it.

Just as your desire for sex can change throughout your pregnancy, your partners can as well. In fact, mens testosterone levels can decline as pregnancy progresses, a December 2014 study in the American Journal of Human Biology found.

Pregnancy and the birth of a baby can change your sexual relationship, but if you keep the lines of communication open and work together, your sex life can be even better than it was before.
British Prime Minister Theresa May stunned her nation today by announcing an early general election, to be held on June 8, 2017. This is three years ahead of scheduled elections, which were due in May 2020.

The election offers an opportunity for the ruling Conservative Party to significantly increase its working majority in the House of Commons. It currently stands at just 17, but recent polls suggest the Conservatives could secure a landslide victory in June, with a parliamentary majority as high as 68.

The Conservatives currently have a commanding poll lead over their Labour rivals stretching to more than 20 percentage points. Theresa Mays personal approval rating far exceeds that of left-wing Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn, who has failed to impress at the helm of Britains Socialists.

According to Mrs. May, "The only way to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead is to hold this election". While the government is already in a strong position, having successfully triggered Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union (which begins the formal process of exiting the EU), an emphatic victory at the polls this summer would further strengthen the May government and her own position as prime minister.

It would also give a further powerful mandate for the government as it begins the two-year process of extricating itself from the EU, and negotiating a trade deal with Brussels. And it would consolidate her own position as prime minister, after she succeeded David Cameron in the wake of the Brexit referendum on June 23 last year.

What does Britains general election mean for the United States? Undoubtedly, a strengthened British government and prime minister with a powerful mandate from the British people will be good for the Special Relationship. In her first 10 months in office, Theresa May has offered exemplary leadership and a firm commitment to ensuring that Brexit is a success. She has already established a promising working relationship with President Donald Trump, and Mays Conservative government gaining a greater majority this summer in the House of Commons would certainly help this partnership.

In contrast a shock win (highly unlikely) for the Labour Party, would place the future of Brexit in question. It would also complicate the relationship with the Republican administration in Washington, with a sharp ideological divide across the Atlantic.

Great Britain is by far Americas most important friend and ally on the world stage. What happens at the polls in Britain will have a direct impact upon the United States and U.S. strategic interests. If the polling is accurate, and the Conservatives sweep to victory again (as they did in 2015), this time with an increased mandate, we will likely see a robust US-UK alliance in the next few years, with an intense focus on an Anglo-American free trade agreement that would advance prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.

Such a deal could be in place within 90 days of Britain leaving the European Union at the end of May 2019. A Brexit Britain, freed of the shackles of the supranational EU, will be a significantly more powerful actor in the global arena, working even more closely with the United States.

Brexit is a tremendous opportunity for both the US and UK. Britains June 8 general election will likely send a clear signal that the Brexit era has truly begun.
Where does establishing end, and prohibiting begin?

That, essentially, is the question the U.S. Supreme Court will answer in the case of Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer, which the high court will hear on April 19. It is likely the most important religious freedom case before the court this term, made even more significant by it being one of the first oral arguments in which newly minted Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch will participate.

The First Amendment charges Congressand, by incorporation, the statesto make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. But what to do when, in the normal course of their activities in the public square, citizens of one religious faith are shunned from participating in a public benefit offered to everyone?

This is not a case about the too-often erroneous interpretation that the First Amendments establishment clause trumps its free exercise clausethat government must always err on the side of treating religious groups like asbestos in the ceiling tiles of society. The two are not in conflict: Not establishing doesnt mean actively opposing or that government must deny religious groups even secular public benefits available to everyone in order to not establish religion..

That is government hostility toward religion disguised as a way to avoid favoritism. The Trinity case brings to the forefront a different interpretation: government hostility disguised as neutrality.

The crux of Trinity is the idea that in situations involving public programs and servicesfrom fire and police to garbage pick-upreligious groups should be treated equally and not discriminated against solely because of their religious status.

Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbia, Missouri, owns and operates a preschool, The Learning Center. Like most schools, The Learning Center grapples with the challenge of providing a reasonably safe setting for its youngsters outdoor play and activities. Knees, elbows, bones, and skulls are especially vulnerable, during childrens formative years, to the hard realities of solid ground, and the pure joys of swings, teeter-totters, slides, and monkey bars can only postpone those realities so long.

In recent years, schools, parks, and childrens hospitals nationwide have begun covering their playgrounds with rubberized material made from old tires. Soft and durable, the material cushions the harder landings of recess activity while providing states with an environmentally friendly alternative to storing, stacking, or burning the tens of thousands of tires that pile up annually at city dumps nationwide.

Missouri came up with a grant program that makes this expensive rubberized ground cover more accessible to financially pressed groups and facilities. By meeting basic requirements with regard to safety, usage, community service, etc., these groups can put themselves in contention to be reimbursed for the monies they invest in rubber ground cover.

The fine print of the application for Missouris program says that religious groups need not apply. Trinity Lutheran officials efforts to clarify that discrimination met with evasive responses from the programs administrators, so the church applied anywayand scored high enough in the requisite factors to place fifth out of 44 applicants. State officials were all set to award a grant when they belatedly realized the schools church affiliation and denied the award, citing state constitutional prohibitions against government aid to religious groups.

The obvious solution to this perceived quandary is neutrality. Real neutrality. The government shouldnt give a school a grant it hasnt earned simply because its church-ownedbut neither should it withhold that same grant when the school has earned it, simply because the school is owned by a church.

Otherwise, the government is forced to argue that the safety of children in a church preschool is somehow less important than the safety of children in other preschools. And where exactly does that logic lead, in terms of other government protections?

Under the states principle, it would be allowed to refuse to send the fire department if a religious pre-school was on fire, or to withhold the police in an emergency at a church. The states primary job should be to promote the health, safety, and welfare of all of its citizens, regardless of their beliefs.

So, the Learning Center staff cant quite fathom where the problem lies. In addition to the above, everyone who purchases tires in Missouri, including the people who run the preschool and the families that use their playground, pay into the fund for the tire grants. But now the state is saying that they cant benefit from what they have paid in if the grant is going to a faith-based preschoolone widely regarded as one of the premier schools in the Columbia area. The school is so well respected that, of the 82 children enrolled last summer, only four came from church families.

And dont forget that we are talking about a playground that the church makes available outside of school hours to anyone in the neighborhood, so that any family can come make sand castles or push their children on a swing.

Given that easy mutual tolerance, what threat is the state trying to block with its policy? Surely a government that strives to be color blind when serving the public should endeavor to be religion blind as well. Instead, Missouri officials contend that their constitution actually requires them to be hostile to people of faith and religious organizationsand so theyre effectively punishing this church for meeting all the other standards of their program. Thats nothing more than religious discrimination, cloaked in the Establishment Clause.

Theyre calling this the playground case, but make no mistake. The Trinity case cuts to the ABCs of religious freedomand the most critical implications of the First Amendment.
Afghanistan was back in the news last week, as President Trump authorized the use of the MOAB in Afghanistan to target ISIS-Khorasan enclaves. The MOAB was detonated in the border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan where ISIS has taken root and festered, attempting to continue the destabilization of Afghanistan. So, now that America has taken action, what is in store next for Afghanistan? That may still be difficult to answer, but I recently had a small glimpse into the spirit of the people, especially the women, of Afghanistan.

A few days before the Presidents new actions in Syria and Afghanistan, I visited Kabul, my first time back since December 2012. Riding through the bustling streets of the capital city, I noted how ordinary things can seem on the surface, in spite of the unstable environment. I was on my way to the American University of Afghanistan to speak at an economic conference. Over the past five years, I have been privileged to be involved in several educational initiatives in Afghanistan, and was recently appointed to the universitys Board of Friends.

The long war in that country can seem endless and without hope at times. And yet my heart is always drawn back to the people of Afghanistan, especially the young women, who continue to give me hope that the war against terrorism is indeed winnable.

This was never more true than when I looked out at the crowd assembled for the conference  students and women in business, many of them entrepreneurs. I told them how many in America thought I was brave to go to Kabul during such a turbulent time. But the truth is the real courage was within that room. Those women not only had the tenacity to earn a higher education, but to start businesses and to dream of an Afghanistan that they may one day run themselves.

It struck me then what it really means to have a war on women. If it exists anywhere, it is certainly there. Both ISIS and the Taliban despise everything that the women I spoke to represent: strong, educated women whose achievements and ambition are not limited to the circumstances in which they were born.

In the Middle East and Southeast Asia, our 16+ year fight against Al Qaeda, ISIS and the Taliban can be complex and sometimes confusing, and to those of us in the field of counterterrorism it can feel like a game of whack-a-mole.

Hashtags and platitudes will not stop the enemies of freedom. Weve seen how ineffective they are. And while the might and power of the American and coalition forces cannot be underestimated, neither should the quiet determination of the women of Afghanistan, who I truly believe will be major contributors to winning the long war. For these women, it is not a question of debating foreign policy themes of intervention, realism, globalism, or nation building. For them it is a very basic question of their binary fate: defeat the extremists or go back to an Afghanistan where they are faceless and nameless.

Almost nowhere in the world does a woman face the insurmountable odds than those she faces in Afghanistan, but in Kabul I saw fire in the eyes of young women who will not go down without a fight, and hopefully will help shape the future of their nation. They have my pledge to help carry the flame.
President Trump is once again left to deal with a foreign policy failure passed down from the Obama and Clinton administrations  the volatile situation in North Korea.

Over the weekend, North Korea held a military parade to show off its alleged intercontinental ballistic missiles and other weaponry. On Sunday, North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un conducted a new missile test, which failed at launch but succeeded in showing the world he is a desperate and dangerous man.

Vice President Mike Pence was at the Korean demilitarized zone to send a clear message north: The Trump administration is not going to simply kick this can down the road like Obama and Clinton did.

We stand with the people of South Korea, Pence said. And all options are on the table to achieve the objectives and ensure the security of the people of this country and the stability of this region.

If we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. And here is our history of appeasement with the North Korean regime:

Back in 1994, President Clintons administration struck a deal with Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il, where according to The New York Times, the U.S. agreed to give North Korea over $4 billion in energy aid over a decade in exchange for North Korea freezing and eventually ending its nuclear weapons program.

As part of the deal, North Korea agreed to allow inspectors into its nuclear sites. But they were also allowed to keep their nuclear fuel rods, which could be used to make weapons for an unspecified number of years. Even The New York Times was suspicious of that part of the deal, writing at the time, "This provision means that the potential that North Korea could break its agreements and quickly produce nuclear weapons will not disappear until the end of the decade."

Yet, nothing got in the way of Clintons victory lap.

This is a good deal for the United States, he gushed. North Korea will freeze and then dismantle its nuclear program. South Korea and our other allies will be better protected. The entire world will be safer as we slow the spread of nuclear weapons.

Of course, Clinton was just as wrong about that as Obama was when he claimed he made Syria get rid of its chemical weapons. Hoping to change the behavior of ruthless dictators by appeasing them simply does not work.

It didn't take very long for North Korea to turn its back on the deal made with Clinton and show new signs of aggression. In 1998, Pyongyang fired a long-range missile over Japan into the Pacific Ocean. And by 2006, the rogue regime had conducted their first nuclear test.

Under President Obama, we saw an explosion in dangerous, threatening activity from North Korea that included various nuclear and missile tests that went largely ignored by the Obama administration for eight long years.

If this approach sounds familiar, you might be thinking of the disastrous deal Obama struck with the radical mullahs in Iran. President Obama gave the rogue regime in Tehran $150 billion in exchange for their promise not to build nuclear weapons. Tehran agreed to let inspectors into their nuclear facilities, but guess what? Iran is still allowed to spin their centrifuges and conduct missile tests.

Its easy to see where the Iran deal is going. All you have to do is look where we are with North Korea and Syria, where the president, John Kerry and Susan Rice all said Syria had gotten rid of their chemical weapons because the president drew a red line in the sand. It never happened.

Now President Trump has to deal with this mess because after eight years of the Obama administration, North Korea thinks it can do anything it wants without any sort of response.

The good news is President Trump has already shown that those days are over. He has taken a tough stance, and persuaded North Korea's key ally, China, to help resolve the situation. China has already agreed to stop buying North Korea's coal, which could cost Pyongyang about $1 billion a year.

Cleaning up the foreign policy debacles of past presidents is not easy, but President Trump knows making the world safer cant wait for the next administration. Hes addressing these backstabbing dictators, and this time, they arent going to get the better end of the deal.

Adapted from Sean Hannity's monologue on "Hannity," April 17, 2017
Attorney General Jeff Sessions new guidelines on illegal immigration, which he announced last week on a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, will bring far-reaching changes to the way federal officials and, in some cases, local law enforcers, handle illegal immigrants.

For those that continue to seek improper and illegal entry into this country, be forewarned: This is a new era, Sessions said. This is the Trump era. The lawlessness, the abdication of the duty to enforce our immigration laws, and the catch-and-release practices of old are over.

That new era will feature three specific changes to U.S. policy on illegal immigration:

-- The Justice Department will have a more visible and forceful role in handling immigration, which heretofore had been handled by the Department of Homeland Security;

-- Fraudulent identification will now be handled as a more serious illegal activity, leading to criminal charges, jail and deportation; and

-- Transporting and harboring illegal immigrants also will be treated in a more serious manner and cover more types of situations.

Until now, the face of U.S. immigration policy has been that of the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. That department includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP.

Now, however, the Justice Department will have a prominent role in enforcing immigration policies, including tougher border security and a more dogged pursuit of people here illegally, whether or not theyre serious criminals.

As part of that newer, hawkish approach, Sessions is instructing the nations 94 U.S. attorneys  those along the border states as well as in the interior -- to make immigration enforcement a priority of their job. He also has instructed them to create by Tuesday a new position in their office, that of an assistant U.S. attorney devoted solely to investigate cases involving non-U.S. citizens  who may be illegal or have legal status but not be naturalized  and to prosecute them.

Thats virtual 180-degree change from the Obama administrations practice. Former Attorney General Eric Holder led court battles against state efforts to crack down on illegal immigration. Under Obama, the Justice Department led a lawsuit against Arizonas immigration law, which made illegal immigration a state crime and required local law enforcement to question anyone they suspect of being undocumented about their immigration status. The department also challenged a Texas-led lawsuit over the Obama administrations executive orders temporarily suspending deportation for millions of immigrants who came as children and were here illegally, as well as for undocumented parents of U.S.-citizen kids or legal permanent residents.

"The district court's decision wrongly prevents these lawful, commonsense policies from taking effect," the White House said in a statement at the time. "The Supreme Court and Congress have made clear that the federal government can set priorities in enforcing our immigration laws  which is exactly what the President did when he announced commonsense policies to help fix our broken system.

Does he really want to prosecute some dishwasher? It's a diversion of resources away from real crimes -- bank robberies, drug activities. It's the use of law to persecute, not just prosecute. Federal prosecutors have more important things to do.  David Leopold, past president of American Immigration Lawyers Association

The second major change to U.S. immigration policy concerns fraudulent documents. The vast majority of illegal immigrants have false documents  whether its a Social Security card they obtained from third parties or a counterfeit document they used to get employment or rent an apartment, among other things.

That seldom landed someone in trouble with law enforcement, at least not the kind of trouble that ended up with criminal charges, detention and deportation.

An exception was a controversial raid in 2008, under the Bush administration, in Postville, a city in Iowa of 2,000. About 400 illegal immigrants were arrested at a slaughterhouse, most of them on identity fraud charges for bogus documents they used to secure employment.

Most were deported after spending several months in jail.

Sessions indicated that finding and arresting those who are involved in document fraud will become a priority.

Where possible, prosecutor are directed to change criminal aliens with document fraud and aggravated identity theft  the latter carrying a two-year mandatory minimum sentence, he said.

The third change will be a strict enforcement of laws against harboring illegal immigrants. Until now those laws were used mainly against smugglers and those who ran safe houses where trafficked people were kept. Sessions said the Justice Department will hike efforts to track and prosecute people who transport and harbor illegal immigrants. Some lawyers and immigration experts say that, strictly interpreted, that could cover a pastor who provides shelter to illegal immigrants or transports them to church.

Proponents of more flexible immigration policies say that Sessions' handling of immigration is draconian and harmful. They say it brushes all immigrants with the same broad stroke, treating them as dangerous.

Hes trying to make the Justice Department an immigration enforcement agency, thats the job of Homeland Security, said David Leopold, the past president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Hes taking a very aggressive approach. What he is trying to do wholesale is the criminalization of the immigrant population.

Especially with document fraud, theres the potential to criminalize a lot of folks, Leopold said. "Does he really want to prosecute some dishwasher? It's a diversion of resources away from real crimes -- bank robberies, drug activities. It's the use of the law to persecute, not just prosecute. Federal prosecutors have more important things to do."

You have to remember that there's a system, a legal justice system in place. And the law deports people. Secretary Kelly doesn't. ICE doesn't. It's the United States criminal justice system or justice system that deports people.  John Kelly, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

In California, San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon supported the nomination of Sessions for attorney general. And the sheriff strongly supports collaborating with ICE agents, such as when they hold immigrants who have been charged with serious crimes until federal officials can pick them up and put them in their custody for deportation proceedings.

But McMahon, like many other law enforcement officials, does not want the local-federal partnership in immigration to extend to his force checking the legal status of people they encounter during the normal course of their work, or when someone is cited for anything that is not a serious misdeamanor or felony. California laws do not allow such cooperation, but the sheriff also believes that acting as quasi-immigration agents works against fighting crime in the community.

We are very concerned about our cooperation with the communities that we serve, McMahon said to the San Bernardino Sun. We dont want to do anything that would prevent people or would inhibit people from reporting a crime or reporting to us that theyve been a victim of a crime. We dont want anyone to think that, because of their status in the country, that they cant call local law enforcement and ask for help. So, thats why we dont do any street level immigration enforcement.

As for immigrants who pose a threat to public safety, the sheriff said everyone wants them out of the country.

Nobody seems to have any issue with that, McMahon said. To be quite honest, somebody whos been convicted of, or is charged with a serious violent crime, and theyre in the country illegally, I dont know that anybody would suggest that they need to stay in this country.

On Sunday, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly reiterated Sessions' pronouncement of a new era in immigration enforcement.

In an interview with NBC, Kelly said that immigration officials will pursue immigrants who have until now not been priorities for enforcement.

Someone, as an example, with multiple DUIs, Kelly said, will now get more attention for deportation. Even a single DUI, depending on other aspects, would get you into the system."

You have to remember that theres a system, a legal justice system in place, he said. And the law deports people. Secretary Kelly doesnt. ICE doesnt. Its the United States criminal justice system or justice system that deports people.
Alabama's new governor has moved up the election for the Senate seat left vacant by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to this summer, reversing former Gov. Robert Bentley's plan to wait until 2018.

Gov. Kay Ivey announced Tuesday she was calling a special election.

The new schedule sets the primary Aug. 15 with a runoff Sept. 26. The general election will be Dec. 12.

Ivey says the law "clearly states the people should vote for a replacement U.S. Senator as soon as possible."

Bentley appointed former Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange to the seat and said the election would coincide with the 2018 scheduled elections.

The state's GOP lieutenant governor, Ivey replaced Bentley who resigned April 10 after a scandal involving allegations that he had an affair with his top political adviser.
A playground at a Missouri church is at the heart of the first big blockbuster case that Justice Neil Gorsuch is primed to hear in his newly assumed role as the ninth member of the Supreme Court.

The case of Trinity Lutheran Church deals with a double dose of contentious issues: religious freedom and taxpayer funding, all playing out before a fully stocked Supreme Court bench.

The Christian church in Columbia, Mo., sued after being denied state funds to improve the surface of a playground used by its preschool. The program gives grants to nonprofits seeking a safer recreational environment for children, and Trinity Lutheran wanted funds to replace the gravel with softer, recycled synthetic rubber.

With Gorsuch participating in only his third public session, the high court on Wednesday is set to consider whether the exclusion of churches from the government aid program violates the Free Exercise and Equal Protection clauses of the Constitution.

Missouri's law -- similar to those in about three-dozen other states -- prohibits direct government aid to educational institutions that have a religious affiliation.

GORSUCH BREAKS THE MOLD, ASKS NUMEROUS QUESTIONS IN SUPREME COURT DEBUT

Gorsuch and his views will be closely watched on Wednesday.

"With Justice Gorsuch on the bench, who has been fairly protective of religious liberty rights, and indeed apparently fits President Trump's litmus test of a pro-evangelical religious liberty, everybody will be looking at that case," said Elizabeth Wydra, president of the left-leaning Constitutional Accountability Center.

The Supreme Court accepted the petition for review back in January 2016, when Justice Antonin Scalia was still the senior conservative. His death a month later kept the case on hold, possibly because the eight justices believed they would ultimately tie. Such splits mean no nationwide precedent is set.

Trinity Lutheran's high-profile case was finally put on the argument schedule for April, just in time for Gorsuch to perhaps cast the deciding vote.



Soft Landings, Hard Consequences

Trinity Lutheran operates its Child Learning Center to serve families, incorporating "daily religion and developmentally appropriate activities in a preschool program."

To minimize injuries on its playground, it applied to the state's "Scrap Tire Surface Material Grant" program, funded by a 50-cent tax on the purchase of new tires. The church says its application ranked fifth out of 44 other nonprofits but was ultimately denied.

Missouri's constitution says "no money shall ever be taken from the public treasury, directly or indirectly, in aid of any church, section or denomination of religion."

"Missouri isn't toeing the line of an even-handed exercise of government neutrality. Rather, it is teeter tottering off the edge into heavy-handed hostility toward religion and religious entities," said James Gottry, legal counsel at the Alliance Defending Freedom, which represents the church. "Offering an environmentally friendly playground surface that enhances the safety of children is a laudable goal, even if some of the students and community members benefit from that surface while on the property of a religious institution.

But the state argues, "This is not a 'public forum' case." In its brief to the Supreme Court, government lawyers call this "a case of the state choosing where to spend limited funds over which it 'retains plenary control.'

The Constitution's First Amendment speaks on religion in the public sphere with two important provisions. The Establishment Clause prohibits the government from unduly preferring or promoting religion over non-religion, and vice-versa. And the Free Exercise Clause protects Americans' rights to practice their faith, absent a "compelling" government interest.

The Supreme Court has never fully answered whether "free exercise of religion" compels states to provide taxpayer funds to religious institutions, through neutral means that do not promote faith-based beliefs or practices.

But the justices have acted on the margins. A 2002 high court ruling upheld Ohio's plan to directly give parents vouchers for private and parochial school tuition.

Teachers unions worry a ruling favoring Trinity Lutheran would add nationwide momentum for private school voucher programs. And some organizations fear a sweeping conservative-majority court opinion would lead to discrimination with the backing of government money.

"It seems quite likely that the [Trinity] Learning Center would refuse to admit a child of same-sex or transgender parents, or even a child whose parents hailed from a differing religious tradition," said lawyers for Lambda Legal, an advocacy group for the LGBTQ community.

Gorsuch Factor

Into the debate jumps Gorsuch, who took heat from Senate Democrats during his confirmation over past cases dealing with religion while serving as a federal appeals court judge in Denver.

Perhaps his highest-profile case was the 2013 concurrence supporting the right of for-profit, secular institutions (and individuals too, he argued) to oppose the Obama's administration mandate to provide contraceptives to their workers. Gorsuch affirmed his past ardent commitment to religious freedom against claims of government "intrusion."

In the so-called "Hobby Lobby" case, the judge concluded, "For some, religion provides an essential source of guidance both about what constitutes wrongful conduct and the degree to which those who assist others in committing wrongful conduct themselves bear moral culpability."

Gorsuch later supported the right of religious nonprofits to challenge the contraceptive coverage mandate. The Supreme Court later partially vindicated Gorsuch's views on both cases.

Besides the Trinity case at hand, the Supreme Court in coming days could accept two other religious liberty disputes for future review: Whether a Colorado baker and a Washington state florist can be compelled to do business with same-sex couples, which they say would violate their "sincerely-held" religious beliefs.

Legal experts say Gorsuch's views could prove decisive.

"These religious liberty issues have been ones where the court has been deeply split," said Thomas Dupree, a former Bush deputy assistant attorney general. "With the arrival of Justice Gorsuch, and the possibility of having a 5-4 conservative majority, I think you're going to see the court taking on more religious liberty cases, because now there are in a position to resolve these cases on the merits, where on an eight-justice court, they would have been deadlocked."

The case is Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Inc. v. Comer (15-577). A ruling is expected in late June.

Fox News Shannon Bream contributed to this report.
Key electronic voter logs used in the Georgia special election to fill a vacant Congressional seat were swiped from the pickup truck of a poll worker during a grocery run, according to a police report obtained by Fox News.

The theft of early voting check-in books has raised the specter of fraud in the hotly contested race to fill the state's sixth district seat left open when Tom Price was named Health and Human Services secretary. Tuesday is election day, but thousands of voters took part in early voting.

Democrats are pouring resources to back 30-year-old Jon Ossoff's bid to flip a formerly solid red zone in what could be a symbolic blow to President Donald Trump. Ossoff has emerged as the frontrunner in a crowded field, but needs to top 50 percent to avoid a runoff on June 20.

The theft could just be a random thing, but the timing makes it much more worrisome."  Jason Shepherd, chairman of the Cobb County GOP

The books that were stolen on April 15, the day after early voting ended in Cobb County, were so-called 'E poll' books used by elections officials to check-in voters at the polls. The books, which resemble computer tablets, store information ofn voters, maps, and polling site reports. They have signature pads that enable poll workers to compare new signatures with those on record.

The Cobb County Police Department, which is heading up the investigation, provided the police report to Fox News in response to a Georgia Open Records request. Poll manager, Craig Joe Rogers, 60 of Marietta, told police he parked his Ford F-250 Super Duty near the front of a Kroger supermarket in Marietta.

Rogers bought groceries and returned to his car to find thousands of dollars' worth of elections equipment missing. There were no signs of forced entry, and Rogers admitted he may have left the doors unlocked.

A responding Cobb County police officer viewed surveillance video from the supermarket and stated in the report, A dark gray colored Dodge Charger or Chrysler 300 drove through the lanes in the parking lot. It appears that someone gets out of the Charger/Chrysler vehicle and goes into the victims vehicle. The suspect then gets into his vehicle and leaves the scene.

The police report notes there was another auto break-in down the street at the Marietta fish market around the same time.

We have opened an investigation, and we are taking steps to ensure that it has no effect on the election," said Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp. "I am confident that the results will not be compromised.

It is unfortunate timing, agreed Michael Owens, chairman of the Cobb County Democrats. But I do not believe this is targeted. I dont believe it will have any impact on the election results. Was someone literally tracking poll managers? I highly doubt it.

Kemps office has been critical of the Cobb County officials for not informing the Secretary of State until two days after the incident.

It is ridiculous that they waited to notify our office, said Kemps press secretary, Candice Broce. We should have been one of the first calls that they made after the theft occurred. We are always accessible to county elections officials, even on the weekends.

Meanwhile, Pam Burel, of the Cobb County County Elections Department, told Fox News the agency has taken all necessary steps to insure that the equipment cannot be used to impact this election.

But others directly involved in the bitterly contested "jungle primary" between Osoff and 17 other candidates, say the theft of the polling equipment, happened at a very suspicious moment.

This election has gotten very contentious, said Jason Shepherd, chairman of the Cobb County GOP. The Democrats have sent in busloads of activists from Washington, Connecticut, and Michigan.

While Shepherd says hes waiting for the police investigation to conclude before reaching any conclusions, he told Fox News the circumstances raised red flags.

The theft could just be a random thing, but the timing makes it much more worrisome," he said. "I think there is cause to be concerned about the integrity of the elections. Did they look in the back of that truck and saw what they knew to be voting machines, and thought they could get something to affect the election? Thats a concern.

According to the police report there were four Expresspoll E poll books stolen, each valued at $2,000. Cobb County Elections Department Director Janine Eveler said the E poll books had flash cards with voter lists on them. They have the whole county on there, said Lawrence Norden, of the NYU Brennan Centers Democracy Program, If you wanted to target people based on their party affiliation, theres potential that it could be used for getting out the vote.

An E Poll book in the wrong hands could wreak havoc, according to Norden, It is very dangerous, where these machines dont have the right security. They could be tampered with and manipulated so that if people show up on election day, you can make it seem like somebody already voted, or you could create something where the E Poll book cant communicate with the central database creating long lines.

Still, Norden and other experts say that there is very little risk of such scenarios, since the authorities say they have taken the necessary precautions, and also that much of the information contained on the E poll books is already available to campaigns and the public.

Its not clear that whoever stole the machines knew what the machines were, said Dana Chisnell, of Harvards Kennedy School of Government, They may have just thought they were computers or something else of value.

But authorities are taking no chances.

We are asking poll workers to be vigilant today, and we are calling on members of the public to report any and all irregularities at the polls, said Broce.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized his predecessor's foreign policy record since taking office, but former White House senior adviser and Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove told Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor" Monday that repeated criticism "will quickly become tiresome."

"Look, [Trump] is right that a lot of what we are facing today is a direct result of failed policies under Barack Obama," Rove told host Dana Perino. "Having said that, though, it doesnt make President Trump look strong. Better for him to focus what time he has with the American people ... on looking at what hes doing and carrying it forward."

"The first 90 days of my presidency has exposed the total failure of the last eight years of foreign policy!" So true. @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2017

Rove argued that Trump's repeated criticism of Obama has overshadowed the new administration's global successes, such as this month's missile strike against Syria's military.

"If hed use [Twitter] to help advance his cause when it comes to these kind of foreign policy ... then he does get more political credit," Rove said. "Simply bashing President Obama ... works with the people who are with him already, it doesnt help expand [his base] by drawing to his side people who either sat out the election or were mildly disposed to be for Hillary Clinton over him."

TRUMP WHITE HOUSE DROPS POLICY OF IDENTIFYING VISITORS

Rove also adressed the controversy over the White House's refusal to make its visitor logs public. He said the Trump administration was on "solid legal ground" to make the decision, but added that it was "needless controversy."

"He is already under fire for not releasing his tax returns as previous presidents have done," Rove said. "Now, he has this where he looks like hes trying to constrict peoples information, peoples access to whats going on."
The Supreme Court rejected Arkansas request to lift a stay late Monday that would have allowed the state to conduct its first execution since 2005.

Justices turned down Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledges request to vacate a stay for Don Davis, who was set to die Monday night by lethal injection. It is the second time in seven years Davis has come within hours of execution before the courts intervened.

Arkansas had planned to execute eight inmates before the end of April, when one of its lethal injection drugs expires.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said in a statement he was disappointed by the Supreme Courts decision. But the Republican governor said he was heartened by other court rulings earlier Monday that could pave the way for the state to execute several more inmates before the end of the month.

While this has been an exhausting day for all involved, tomorrow we will continue to fight back on last minute appeals and efforts to block justice for the victims' families, Hutchinson said.

Rutledge noted that there are five upcoming executions "with nothing preventing them from occurring."

Earlier, the Arkansas Supreme Court granted stays for Davis and Bruce Ward.

Davis and Ward wanted stays of execution while the U.S. Supreme Court takes up a separate case concerning access to independent mental health experts by defendants. Oral arguments in that case are set for April 24  putting a serious time constraint on Arkansas, which is trying to fast-track the lethal injections before one of the three key execution drugs expire on April 30.

A federal judge on Saturday temporarily blocked plans by the state to push through the executions, claiming that Arkansas rush to execute is reckless and unconstitutional. In response, Rutledge said all the issues being raised previously had been dealt with and claimed it was a stalling tactic.

The inmates are all convicted murderers, including one found guilty of raping and murdering a mother of two and another convicted in the torture-killing of a 15-year-old boy.

The unprecedented pace of executions sought by the state stems from a practical dilemma  its supply of midazolam, one of three drugs used in its lethal injection procedure, is set to expire at the end of the month. Since 2013, at least four botched executions have been traced back to midazolam.

The executions had originally been expected to start on Monday. But even before the federal judge decision over the weekend, a state judge on Friday blocked the use of one of the drugs used in the three-drug lethal cocktail after a complaint from a drug distributor -- though the company said Saturday it was withdrawing its complaint due to the federal order.

Fox News Barnini Chakraborty and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Well, the tax protesters got the presidents attention.

The weekend rallies, with a handful of celebrities sprinkled among them, used the tax filing season to demand that Donald Trump release his returns.

That demand will be about as effective as North Koreas latest missile test.

But the protests did produce a pair of presidential tweets: I did what was an almost impossible thing to do for a Republican-easily won the Electoral College! Now Tax Returns are brought up again?

Trumps view is that he got himself elected while defying the demands that he release his returns, and that settles the issue. And its true that the issue never got that much traction, except in the media.

Leaving aside his explanation of being under audit, Trumps essential message is: Read My Lips. No Tax Returns.

In a second tweet, he said: Someone should look into who paid for the small organized rallies yesterday. The election is over! One organizer denied that anyone was paid.

The protesters turned out in such cities as Washington, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago and Denver. In Berkeley, 21 people were arrested as the demonstrators clashed with Trump supporters in a melee that included rocks, sticks and smoke bombsthe kind of violence that gives peaceful protest a bad name.

I doubt the protesters thought they were going to pressure the president into changing his mind. They just see it as a good club to whack him with.

I happen to think that Trump should have followed the 40-year tradition among presidential candidates and made at least some of his returns public. But it is hardly the most burning issue now, given the airstrikes against Syria and the threats emanating from North Korea.

On Sunday, NBCs Chuck Todd said: If we ever see his tax returns, and I do think we will at some point, it is going to be because some government entity forced them public.

Well, maybe. Its hard for me to imagine a subpoena from one of the Hill investigations of Russia, as Todd suggests, with Republicans controlling both houses of Congress.

Trump critics have long suspected that he paid no taxes. But that much-hyped leak featured on Rachel Maddows program showed that he paid $38 million a decade ago, at a much higher rate than Mitt Romney.

That isnt to say that Trump didnt utilize all kinds of real estate tax breaks, but it has taken much of the sting out of the issue.

This will surface again, of course, when the White House starts pushing a tax reform bill. Detractors will demand to know how the proposed changes will affect Trumps IRS bill, as if his sole goal is to make himself richer.

With tensions rising against North Korea and in the wake of the Syrian airstrikes, the tax-return flap will remain on the back burner. But after the presidents decision not to release White House visitor logs, he risks further criticism on the broader issue of transparency.
President Trump told Fox News that criminal illegal immigrants are getting the hell out of the U.S. or being thrown behind bars, as he also took to Twitter to rail against gangs like MS-13 and the Obama administration policies he claims allowed them to flourish in American cities.

In an interview that aired Tuesday morning on Fox & Friends, Trump spoke highly of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, who is responsible for enforcing Trumps border policy. Reprising remarks he made at the very start of his presidential bid, he emphasized the importance of removing criminal aliens.

Weve gotten tremendous criminals out of this country, Trump said. Im talking about illegal immigrants that were here that caused tremendous crime. That have murdered people, raped people  horrible things have happened. Theyre getting the hell out or theyre going to prison.

Trump echoed those comments on Twitter, pointing to Central American export MS-13, a gang thought to be behind a quadruple homicide on Long Island last week. Though the gang has been around for decades, its grown more dangerous.

The weak illegal immigration policies of the Obama Admin. allowed bad MS-13 gangs to form in cities across U.S. We are removing them fast! Trump tweeted.

Deporting illegal immigrants and clamping down on crime were central planks of Trumps presidential platform. As he tightens immigration policies, Kelly and Attorney General Jeff Sessions are planning to visit the U.S.-Mexico border together later this week.

And so many towns and cities are thanking me because we have gotten rid of a burden that you would not believe. It is a serious problem and we never did anything about it, and now were doing something about it, Trump told Fox News.

On North Korea, Trump again refused to spell out his strategy for dealing with the countrys volatile dictator. He also wouldnt comment when asked if the U.S. disrupted a recent North Korea missile test via cyber weapons.

I dont want to telegraph what Im doing or what Im thinking ... well see what happens, Trump said. I hope things work out well. I hope theres going to be peace. But you know, theyve been talking with this gentleman for a long time ... everybodys been outplayed. Theyve all been outplayed by this gentleman and well see what happens.

Asked what would happen if North Korea were to test another missile  as it has vowed to do  Trump cryptically replied: Well find out.
President Trump will travel to Wisconsin Tuesday, where he will sign an order aimed at changing a visa program that brings in highly skilled workers from overseas.

The order, dubbed "Buy American, Hire American," would direct the departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Labor and State to propose new rules to prevent immigration fraud and abuse. Those departments would also be asked to offer changes so that H-1B visas are awarded to the "most-skilled or highest-paid applicants."

The White House said the H-1B program is currently undercutting American workers by bringing in cheaper labor and said some tech companies are using it to hire large numbers of workers and drive down wages.



Administration officials said the order also seeks to strengthen requirements that American-made products be used in certain federal construction projects, as well as in various federal transportation grant-funded projects. The officials said the commerce secretary will review how to close loopholes in enforcing the existing rules and provide recommendations to the president.



The order specifically asks the secretary to review waivers of these rules that exist in free-trade agreements. The administration said that if the waivers are not benefiting the United States they will be "renegotiated or revoked."



During his campaign, Trump said at some points he supported high-skilled visas, then came out against them. At one debate, he called for fully ending the program, saying: "It's very bad for our workers and it's unfair for our workers. And we should end it."



The officials said the changes could be administrative or legislative and could include higher fees for the visas, changing the wage scale for the program or other initiatives.



About 85,000 H-1B visas are distributed annually by lottery. Many go to technology companies, which argue that the United States has a shortage of skilled technology workers.



But critics say the program has been hijacked by staffing companies that use the visas to import foreigners -- often from India -- who will work for less than Americans. The staffing companies then sell their services to corporate clients who use them to outsource tech work.



Employers from Walt Disney World to the University of California in San Francisco have laid off their tech employees and replaced them with H-1B visa holders. Adding to the indignity: The U.S. workers are sometimes asked to train their replacements to qualify for severance packages.



On the planned order by Trump, Ronil Hira, a professor in public policy at Howard University and a critic of the H-1B program, told the Associated Press, "It's better than nothing." But he added, "It's not as aggressive as it needs to be."



The tech industry has argued that the H-1B program is needed because it encourages students to stay in the U.S. after getting degrees in high-tech specialties -- and they can't always find enough American workers with the skills they need.



Congress is considering several bills to overhaul the visa program. One, introduced by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill. and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, would require companies seeking H-1B visas to first make a good-faith effort to hire Americans, a requirement many companies can dodge under the current system; give the Labor Department more power to investigate and sanction H-1B abuses; and give "the best and brightest" foreign students studying in the U.S. priority in getting H-1B visas.



Trump will sign the order at the Kenosha headquarters of tool manufacturer Snap-on Inc. His visit comes as the president faces an approval rating of just 41 percent in Wisconsin, a state he barely won in November. The visit also would take him to the congressional district of House Speaker Paul Ryan, who won't be joining the president because he's on a bipartisan congressional trip visiting NATO countries.



Trump has traveled to promote his agenda less than his recent predecessors. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump wanted to visit "a company that builds American-made tools with American workers."



Trump carried Wisconsin in November by nearly 23,000 votes -- less than 1 percentage point -- making him the first Republican to win the state since 1984. He campaigned on the promise of returning manufacturing jobs that have been lost in Upper Midwest states.



Founded in Wisconsin in 1920, Snap-on makes hand and power tools, diagnostics software, information and management systems, and shop equipment for use in a variety of industries, including agriculture, the military and aviation. It has eight manufacturing sites in North America, including one in Milwaukee. The company employs about 11,000 people worldwide.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.


If youre the person whos been guiding the drones that have been dropping cellphones and drugs into prison yards in England and Wales, now would be a great time to stop.

Or, if you cant stop, now would be a good time to go underground, because officers of the law would like to have a few words with you. And those words are youre under arrest.

The British prison service and police announced Monday that they will pool their intelligence to find out who is flying the drones, which they say are increasingly being used to deliver contraband to prisoners.

WATCH A POLICE EAGLE TAKE DOWN A DRONE

"We are absolutely determined to tackle the illegal flow of drugs and mobile phones into our prisons and turn them into places of safety and reform, Prisons Minister Sam Gyimah said, according to a BBC report.

"The threat posed by drones is clear, but our dedicated staff are committed to winning the fight against those who are attempting to thwart progress by wreaking havoc in establishments all over the country.

"My message to those who involve themselves in this type of criminal activity is clear: We will find you and put you behind bars."

WOMAN BRANDISHES GUN, SCARES OFF DRONE

But critics of the initiative, said to cost an estimated 3 million pounds ($3.78 million), say the initiative is an unrealistic solution to what may not be a big problem, after all.

"I have seen no evidence that there is a real problem with drones," said John Podmore, former head of the Prison Services anti-corruption unit. "I think the number of incidents last year was 33.

"There are some 10,000 mobile phones found every year in prisons. My question to the Prison Service would be, how many of those were found hanging from drones?"

FOR THE LATEST TECH FEATURES FOLLOW FOX NEWS TECH ON FACEBOOK

Mike Rolfe, national chair of the Prison Officers Association, agreed. Though he acknowledged that prisoners told him they were seeing two or three drones a night delivering packages over the walls, he agreed with Podmore that the initiative was an attempt to distract people from "the real issue [of] jails in complete chaos, in a crisis and flooded with drugs, mobile phones and weapons."

Podmore said a better solution would be to look at the wider issue of smuggling contraband into prisons, including the main route [of] staff corruption.
Imagine what its like to be the victim of revenge porn.

Someone snaps an inappropriate photo of you in the bathroom, then you find out it is all over the Internet and on social media. It can cause a lot of stress and even depression.

Revenge porn is obviously unethical and immoral, Blank Rome divorce attorney Stacy Phillips told Fox News. Its a life-altering problem for the victim because being exposed in a compromising situation (such as being photographed or videotaped in the nude or in sexual acts) violates the victims privacy and causes immense humiliation."

PORN SITES WANT YOU TO WATCH WORRY-FREE

Now, Facebook has decided to do something about the problem.

For now, theres no artificial intelligence that can identify an image as non-consensual; however, if a user labels an image as revenge porn, Facebook has started using pattern recognition that can block the propagation of those images and warn users about the issue.

The pattern recognition in this revenge porn application is a form of content-based retrieval  or associative memory  which is how human olfactory memory is thought to work, says Dr. Lav Varshney from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, an AI expert and member of IEEEs Signal Processing Society. If any future image is similar to what is memorized, it will point it out.

PRISONERS IN OHIO HID COMPUTERS FILLED WITH PORN, INFO ABOUT MAKING EXPLOSIVES

Varshney says the Facebook alerts help because the user might think twice about posting the image on other social networks or by text message in the future.

However, for AI to block the initial image, he says there has to be context. He says there is no AI that can understand the context of a photo and whether it was consensual or not. However, thats why the reporting step is so important and allows the machine learning to take over.

Matt Zeiler, the CEO and founder of machine vision company Clarifai, says the reason Facebook is using AI for revenge porn pattern recognition is due to the scale -- there are hundreds of thousands of images shared and reposted on the social network, and no human operator could ever identify all of the images and block them. In the end, this does help the victims because it reduces the number of shares, which is often a cause for emotional distress.

FACEBOOK ROLLS OUT FEATURES TO CURB FAKE NEWS

Still, while the experts tell Fox News this is a good step, Facebook could do more.

Dr. Holly Jacobs, a victim of nonconsensual pornography herself, is the Founder, President, and Executive Director of the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative. She says she likes that Facebook is warning users and blocking additional posts, but even one posted revenge porn image is too many.

Once an image is uploaded, it's out there for others to see, download, share, and upload to other sites within a matter of seconds, she says. The best way to prevent any harm from being done to a victim is to block an image from being uploaded or otherwise shared the first time around. We have been pushing and will continue to push the tech industry to make this possible.

FACEBOOK ADDS SUICIDE PREVENTION TOOLS FOR LIVE VIDEO

For that to happen, say experts, the AI will need to improve far beyond its current capability. As Varshney noted, it would have to understand the context before an image is ever posted -- who is in the photo, why it might cause emotional harm, and why it should be blocked.

The AI will get there eventually, but for now -- all of the experts applauded Facebook for taking action on this sensitive and potentially life-altering issue.
A longtime Associated Press writer and editor in New York who helped shape the news service's coverage of stories from terror attacks to the evolving landscape of aging has died. Jim Fitzgerald was 66.

His wife, Ellen Nimmons, a manager at the AP's headquarters, says he died Monday at a hospital after fighting leukemia for more than a year and a half.

Fitzgerald worked at the AP for 45 years. His career included covering New York City's northern suburbs and editing local and national stories.

Fitzgerald was known for handling the news with a can-do demeanor, professionalism and gentlemanly grace.

In 2014, the New York journalism organization Society of the Silurians honored him with its Peter Kihss Award, which recognizes distinguished reporters who mentor younger colleagues.

___

This story has been corrected to show he worked at AP for 45 years, not 43 years.
A 23-year-old man has pleaded guilty to kidnapping and killing a Utah train worker in Wyoming.

Dereck James Harrison entered his plea Monday during his arraignment in District Court in Kemmerer.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/2oFRacD) that Harrison pleaded guilty to first-degree murder while perpetrating a kidnapping and kidnapping in the May slaying of 63-year-old Kay Porter Ricks.
Complaints keep pouring in about a Utah judge who called a convicted rapist a "good man" during his sentencing hearing. But the chances of the judge being punished appear slim because his remarks don't seem to fit within any of the five forms of judicial misconduct that would trigger reprimands, one expert said.

At least four of these categories of misconduct don't apply to Judge Thomas Low's remarks, Paul Cassell, a professor of criminal law at the University of Utah, said Monday. The fifth category would only apply if officials determined that his comments were damaging to the administration of justice, which is difficult to prove, Cassell said.

Last week, Low sentenced Keith Robert Vallejo, a former Mormon bishop, to up to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of 10 counts of forcible sexual abuse and one count of object rape.

The judge is now facing a deluge of complaints after saying during the hearing, "The court has no doubt that Mr. Vallejo is an extraordinarily good man .... But great men sometimes do bad things."

Utah's Judicial Conduct Commission is tasked with investigating judges who receive complaints. It can then make a recommendation to the state's Supreme Court about whether the judge should be reprimanded or removed.

Democrat Rep. Brian King, the commission's chair, said the group looks into every complaint it receives, but such information is confidential. If the commission decides to conduct an investigation, it could take months, he said.

A Utah LGBT-rights group, Restore our Humanity, plans to file a complaint with the commission against the judge later this week. Mark Lawrence said the group has identified a handful of reasons the judge should be sanctioned, including bias and a lack of independence.

The judge's remarks "are exactly the type of things that make it difficult for victims and survivors of sexual abuse to come forward," Lawrence said. "It was completely outlandish for him to say that."

Jennifer Yim, a representative from another state judicial oversight commission, said the group has received in total 120 emails, phone calls and Facebook messages about Low since late March, when the judge came under scrutiny for letting Vallejo out of custody after his conviction. But the vast majority of them have come since Low's remarks at Vallejo's sentencing hearing.

Yim said on average her organization receives about two or three comments about judges each week, so this is "an extraordinary number."

She wouldn't say whether or not these were all complaints, but she said: "It'd be pretty unlikely that people would write to praise him."

Low declined comment through a spokesman who said judges aren't supposed to comment on cases that are still pending.

The sexual abuse occurred in Provo, a Mormon stronghold that is home to Brigham Young University. Low attended the school, where almost all students are Mormon, but it is not clear whether he is a member of the faith.

In the faith, bishops are regular church members who lead their congregations for four to five years. The position is unpaid and part of the religion's lay clergy structure that makes it different from many other religions.
U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley was determined to hold a Security Council meeting on the importance of human rights to international peace and security and it will happen on Tuesday  but only after the U.S. addressed objections from Russia, China and other council members.

Haley told reporters at the start of the U.S. presidency of the U.N.'s most powerful body in early April that she wanted a meeting that didn't "point fingers at anyone" but looked at underlying human rights issues that lead to conflict and unrest.

As examples, she cited student protests against Syrian President Bashar Assad that sparked the six-year conflict, the self-immolation of a Tunisian fruit vendor who was harassed by police and not able to work that sparked nationwide demonstrations, and massive rights violations in North Korea.

But Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador Petr Iliichev took issue with the premise of the proposed debate saying: "A general statement that international peace and security are threatened by human rights violations is not true."

He also argued that other U.N. bodies including the Geneva-based Human Rights Council and the General Assembly already deal with human rights. "Why are we taking everything to the Security Council? Then those bodies should be dismantled," Iliichev said.

Haley said the U.S. wanted the debate on April 18, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres briefing.

But it wasn't on the Security Council "program of work" for the month because that needs unanimous agreement of all 15 council members, which the U.S. didn't have.

That set the stage for two weeks of behind the scenes discussions to see how the U.S. could get a meeting.

The United States initially wanted the debate under a new agenda item for the council entitled "Human Rights and International Peace and Security"  which would mean that item could be raised again and again in the council.

The U.S. Mission circulated a "concept paper" saying this would give council members the opportunity to reflect on the way the council addresses human rights in its work "for the first time."

Since the late 1980s, the Security Council has focused on human rights issues as drivers in numerous situations, and it has authorized human rights experts and monitors for most of the U.N. peacekeeping and political missions it has authorized. The council, however, has never had a so-called "thematic debate" on human rights related to the Security Council's main mission of promoting international peace and security.

In order for the U.S. to get its new agenda item approved it would have had to hold a procedural vote at the start of Tuesday's meeting and get nine "yes" votes to go ahead. But council diplomats said it appeared the U.S. might have only eight "yes" votes and seven "no" votes  Russia, China, Egypt, Bolivia, Ethiopia, Khazakhstan and possibly Senegal.

So the United States agreed to a compromise.

In a note on Tuesday's meeting, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations said Monday it is being held under an old agenda item: "Maintenance of international peace and security," with a focus on "human rights and prevention of armed conflict."

That means no procedural vote is required and all 15 council members are now on board with the debate.
Four U.S. Army veterans who rescued seven people from a burning transport plane during the Vietnam War each received a Silver Star on Tuesday for their heroic actions.

Robert Monette, Robert Frank, Spc. John Deslouriers and Spc. Leonard "Bruce" Shearer -- the crew members of UH-1H "Huey" -- reunited in Little Rock, Ark., for the ceremony, Stars and Stripes reported.

Arkansas Rep. French Hill presented the medals to the veterans. Three of the crash survivors who were rescued in the mission also attended, according to Hill's Facebook post.

The Silver Star is the third highest military combat decoration that can be awarded.

Monette, the helicopter pilot during the 1972 rescue mission, told Stars and Stripes on Monday that the medals were "unexpected, and very, very humbling."

The "Huey" crew saw the C-130 Hercules plane crash when they were on a research mission in Saigon, Vietnam, 45 years ago.

They never made a Mayday call. By all accounts, no one knew they had been shot down, Monette recalled to Stars and Stripes.

They thought there wouldn't be any survivors, but flew closer and spotted people moving among the burning wreckage, Frank said. They initiated a rescue mission despite being low on fuel.

Deslouriers, the gunner, fended off the North Vietnamese Communist forces as the rest of the team pulled five airmen from the wreckage. Frank called a second helicopter to rescue two more people. No one was killed that day.

The call to bestow the crew with Silver Stars came almost immediately. Frank first wrote a recommendation for Shearer and Deslouriers to receive Siver Stars before he returned to the United States in 1972, according to Stars and Stripes. Frank said he thought his request would get "lost in the shuffle."

The bid to award the crew with Silver Stars reignited in 2005 when retired Maj. Jack Shields, who commanded the "Huey" crew, requested for all four members to receive the medals.

Shields finally got in contact with Tom McNabb and David Carnahan at Hill's office about 14 months ago. They worked with the Department of Defense to finally award the honors to the men.

We wanted to get an award for these guys, and it finally came to pass. Im just glad to see it happen," Shields said.
Accused Facebook killer Steve Stephens faced numerous evictions in Ohio and bankruptcy prior to allegedly filming the murder of an elderly man and posting the video onto the social media website.

Stephens was recently evicted from an apartment in Euclid and faced another eviction at a separate apartment in Warrensville Heights five months prior, according to court records obtained by the Cleveland Plain-Dealer on Monday. The documents shed light on Stephens massive financial troubles.

According to the records, the Warrensville Heights complex successfully sued Stephens for $1,800 in back rent and started to garnish his wages last month. Stephens also was saddled with a ton of debt, the paper reported. He declared more than $35,000 in debts, including $21,000 owed on a loan for a 2007 Dodge Charger and more than $5,300 on student loans. He was sued in Euclid Municipal Court in 2012.

Stephens said in a court filing that he owned about $1,500 in household possessions and had more than $350 in his bank account. The Plain-Dealer reported he was discharged from bankruptcy in August 2015.

In another Facebook posting Sunday, Stephens said he gambled his money away at Jack Cleveland Casino and said he lost everything and that he was out of options.

The casino told Fox 8 Cleveland that security was increased as a result of the manhunt for Stephens.

Cleveland police announced a $50,000 reward was posted by Crimestoppers for information leading to the capture of Stephens. Police also issued a nationwide search for him and asked residents of Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana and Michigan to be on alert.

Police Chief Calvin Williams said officers searched dozens of locations for Stephens with no success, while the department was working with federal, state and other local agencies to find him.

As far as we know right now, we dont know where hes at," Williams said. "The last location we had him at was the homicide.
A federal lawsuit alleges the U.S. Army has issued less-than-honorable discharges for potentially thousands of service members without adequately considering the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions.

Stephen Kennedy and Alicia Carson, two Army veterans from Connecticut who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said in a lawsuit filed Monday that they were wrongly denied honorable discharges.

They said a review board set up to give veterans a second chance often doesn't do an adequate job in considering PTSD and related conditions.

"As my PTSD became impossible to manage on my own, my commander told me that the only way I could receive treatment was by leaving the Army with a bad paper discharge," said Kennedy, a decorated Army veteran and leader of the Connecticut chapter of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Just like that, the Army wiped away years of distinguished service to my country and deemed it less than honorable," he said.

Students and professors with the Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic filed the case on behalf of the veterans.

According to the clinic, since Sept. 11, 2001, hundreds of thousands of veterans have received less-than-honorable -- bad paper -- discharges imposing a lifetime stigma, impairing their employment prospects and denying them access to critical government services. Such services include the GI bill, mental health treatment and disability benefits.

The lawsuit claims that tens of thousands received these bad-paper discharges as a result of misconduct attributable to conditions like PTSD and traumatic brain injury.

"In 2014, the Department of Defense ordered the Army Discharge Review Board (ADRB) and other discharge review boards to take into account the role of PTSD and other mental health conditions in veterans' discharges," said Jonathan Petkun, one of the law students in the Yale Veterans Legal Services Clinic representing the plaintiffs.

"But the ADRB routinely and callously denies veterans that raise mental health as a factor in their applications," said Petkun. "This lawsuit seeks to compel the Army to live up to its obligations, fairly adjudicate PTSD applications, and to finally secure justice for the countless veterans whose honorable service to this country has gone unrecognized for too long."

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport, names Acting Army Secretary Robert Speer as the defendant in the suit. An Army spokesman was not immediately available for comment Tuesday.

"As a matter of policy, the Army does not comment on ongoing litigation," Lt. Col. Jennifer Johnson told Army Times on Monday.

Kennedy, 31, of Fairfield, Conn., joined the Army after two years at Boston University. He served as an infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division from 2006 to 2009, and was deployed to Iraq for 14 months. There, Kennedy was tasked with protecting U.S. convoys from IEDs and enemy fire.

Upon returning home in 2009, Kennedy began planning his wedding while stationed at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C. The young soldier -- who was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and PTSD -- said he went AWOL for 10 days when he was told he couldn't take the time off he needed to attend his wedding.

"I was having a hard time dealing with high stress situations," Kennedy told Fox News. "I was drinking a lot. And I was having suicidal thoughts."

"Because I went AWOL, I got 'general under honorable conditions' instead of an 'honorable discharge,'" he said.

"Aside from this single action that was influenced by a mental health condition, I was a great soldier," said Kennedy, who received a Combat Infantryman Badge and Army Commendation Medal.

Kennedy -- now married with two children and pursuing a doctorate in chemistry -- said he filed the lawsuit on behalf of all veterans with similar stories.

"Id much rather let this go and not be the face of this issue but something needs to be done," Kennedy said. "There are veterans who are much worse off than I am."

FoxNews.com's Cristina Corbin and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Police say they've identified a body found behind a South Florida restaurant as that of an 18-year-old Lynn University student from New Jersey.

Local news outlets are reporting that security and cleaning workers found Shayan Mortazavi's body behind a Boca Raton restaurant early Saturday morning.

Boca Raton police told reporters that Mortazavi's injuries were consistent with a fall, but they've offered no other details. Authorities say an autopsy will determine the cause of death.

University officials said in a statement that Mortazavi was from Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, and was a freshman who had expressed an interest in film and journalism.
The man behind the Calexit movement, which pushed for California to secede from the union, is now distancing himself from the controversial effort and said he will stay in Russia.

Louis Marinelli, who helped launch the movement to make California an independent state, said that he intends to make Russia his new home. As a result, he is withdrawing his petition for a Calexit referendum.

Marinelli has said in the past that in Russia he has found, a new happiness, a life without the albatross of frustration and resentment towards ones homeland.

The activist said in a statement he does not intend to return to California in the foreseeable future and therefore feels its only right for him to withdraw the Calexit petition.

As I have stated in the past, I do not wish to live under the American flag, Marinelli said in a statement posted on Yes Californias webpage. I do not wish to live under the American political system or within the American economic system.

The effort to make the nation's most populous state its own country, with what would be the world's sixth-largest economy, gained steam after last year's election of President Donald Trump. But those efforts appear to have been briefly halted.

Marcus Ruiz Evans, the vice president of Yes California, withdrew the California nationhood ballot measure and told the Associated Press that hes leaving the group and joining the California Freedom Coalition, another pro-secession group that recently formed.

The coalition plans to file its own ballot measure in coming weeks, without the baggage of Marinelli's Russian ties, said Steve Gonzales, the group's secretary-treasurer and board member.

"It prevented Yes California from getting any serious money, I can tell you that," Gonzales told the AP, noting that he is a native Californian who has never been to Russia. He added that the new group will accept no foreign money, and contributions from other states must be cleared by the coalition's board.

There have been over 200 proposals for secession since California achieved statehood in 1850.

Marinelli has described Yes California in the past as a progressive initiative that aims to establish a liberal republic independent of the U.S. But the other pro-separatist group, the California Nationalist Party, distanced itself from Yes California after Marinelli started aligning himself with Russia  even opening an embassy in Moscow.

"We don't think that Russia needs to be an enemy of California, or that it even is one to begin with," Marinelli said in a December interview. "The idea that Russia is an enemy of the U.S.  that's a Cold War mentality."

The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.
Steve Stephens, the so-called Facebook killer who sparked a multi-state manhunt after he brazenly gunned down a Cleveland man at random, killed himself Tuesday morning in Pennsylvania as cops closed in, authorities said.

Stephens was spotted in a McDonald's parking lot in Erie County just after 11 a.m. by a member of the public who quickly contacted Pennsylvania State Police. After a 2-mile chase, "troopers attempted a PIT maneuver to disable Stephens vehicle...As the vehicle was spinning out of control from the PIT maneuver, Stephens pulled a pistol and shot himself in the head," a state police Facebook statement said.

We have closure in regards to the search for Steve Stephens, Mayor Frank Jackson said during a Tuesday afternoon news conference in Cleveland.

Stephens was driving a white Ford Fusion, a picture of which had been circulated by police, when he was discovered.

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said officials knew of no ties Stephens had to the Erie County area, but they were continuing to investigate.

"We are grateful this has ended," Williams said.

It was not believed that Stephens killed anyone else during his nearly 48 hours on the run, FBI Special Agent in Charge Steve Anthony said.

Pennsylvania police said they kept a close watch on an Erie casino in recent days because Stephens had a history of gambling.

Pennsylvania State Police Major William Teper Jr. said he was only aware through social media that Stephens' cellphone had been located Sunday afternoon in Erie just hours after killing 74-year-old Robert Godwin Sr. on a Cleveland street. Teper said investigators are trying to determine Stephens' movements in the area.

Stephens' mom, Maggie Green, told Fox News on Tuesday she heard the news of her son's death on the radio. She said she believed he would commit suicide because he visited her house before the murder to say goodbye.

"'Momma this will be the last time you see me...I just wanted to see you for the last time,'" Green said that Stephens told her.

Green said Stephens had an issue with gambling.

"Steve was a good Christian person...he just snapped...he had a gambling problem," she said.

At a press conference earlier this morning, Cleveland police said they did not know where Stephens was.

Stephens, 37, shot and killed Robert Godwin seemingly at random on Sunday, recording the encounter on his phone and uploading the horrific video to Facebook. Godwin's family said he had no connection to Stephens or a woman Stephens mentioned during the incident.

Cleveland police on Monday advised residents of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana and New York that Stephens could be in those states, and the manhunt for Stephens soon expanded nationwide.

Erie County, Pa., is about 100 miles northeast of Cleveland.

Fox News' Matt Finn contributed to this report.
Police said the man who killed three people on a shooting spree in downtown Fresno, California, on Tuesday while shouting "Allahu Akbar" wanted to kill as many people as possible after a warrant was released for his arrest in the murder of a motel security guard last week.

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said Kori Ali Muhammad, 39, knew he was being searched for and he "decided he was going to kill more people."

Chief Dyer said Muhammad goes by nickname "Black Jesus" and said Ala Akbar when arrested https://t.co/IoSLNSOspb pic.twitter.com/ttAJbjAnPb  Fox26 News (@KMPHFOX26) April 18, 2017

According to Dyer, Muhammad surrendered to officers at the scene and told police "you guys are looking for me."

Police do not think the shooting spree was tied to terrorism and was "solely based on race" as all the victims were white males.

Muhammad went by the nickname "Black Jesus" and has made posts against white people and the government on his Facebook page.

"These individuals who were chosen today did not do anything to deserve what they got," Dyer said. "These were unprovoked attacks by an individual that was intent on carrying out homicides today. He did that."

The shooting spree began around 10:45 a.m. local time, when one person was shot in a PG&E utility truck, a second person was shot on Fulton Street and a third person was shot in the parking lot of Catholic Charities, FOX 26 News reported.

Dyer said the victims were aged 34, 37, and 58.

Police said Muhammad also pointed his gun at two woman and a toddler in a car but did not shoot.

All three shooting locations were close to each other in the downtown area. Around 16 shots were fired during the shooting spree, police said.

What we know is that this was a random act of violence, Dyer said. There is every reason to believe he acted alone.

Stephen Hughes, 66, said he and his wife rushed home after receiving a frantic call from a neighbor. Hughes came home to see a body draped in a blanket on the sidewalk leading to his front door.

He first thought the shooting was gang-related, but then he noticed the bag of groceries near the body.

"This guy doesn't look like a drug guy. It looks like a guy carrying his groceries home from the store," Hughes said.

Muhammad was already wanted in connection to the killing of an unarmed security guard at a Motel 6 last week, police said. He now faces four counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, according to court records.

It's too soon to say whether Muhammad, who was homeless, had ties to any militant groups or causes, Dyer said. Muhammad has a criminal history that includes arrests on weapons, drugs and false imprisonment charges and making terrorist threats, police say. He had been associated with gangs but was not a validated member.

On what appeared to be Muhammad's Facebook page, he repeatedly posted "#LetBlackPeopleGo" and encouraged "black warriors" to "mount up." A flurry of posts emerged in the past day.

He wrote that his "kill rate increases tremendously on the other side" and also posted about "white devils." On several occasions, he wrote updates that included the phrase "Allahu Akbar," meaning "God is great" in Arabic.

"Our thoughts are with all involved in the incident that occurred in Fresno today," PG&E said in a statement. "Public and employee safety is always our top priority. We are still gathering information on what happened, and will work to support first responders and law enforcement in their efforts."

Dyer said Fresno police have called the FBI to assist in the investigation. FBI officials told Fox News the agency is not treating the shooting as an incident of terror, but is sending agents to the scene at request of local police.

Fresno Mayor Lee Brand said it was "a sad day for us all" in a statement to FOX 26.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. None of us can imagine what they must be going through. I am grateful for the quick and decisive response of our Police Department in preventing further senseless violence," he said.

"If there were ways to prevent tragedies like this in the future, I would not hesitate in using them. Again, my heart goes out to the families that lost loved ones today."

Muhammad made other statements to police, but Dyer did not disclose what they were.

The imam of the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno told the Associated Press that Muhammad was not a member of his center.

Seyed Ali Ghazvini told the AP that he and other faith leaders are trying to identify gunman.

"We're kind of shocked and surprised for what happened," Ghazvini told the AP. "We are very sorry for this to happen. We offer condolences for the victims, we pray for the victims and their families."

One of the shooting scenes happened outside a Catholic Charities building, but officials don't believe the suspect was tied to the nonprofit organization.

Teresa Dominguez, chancellor for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno, told the Fresno Bee the diocese is providing support for those who witnessed the shooting.

The diocese will be present to the needs of all those serving as witnesses to this violent and traumatic event, she told the newspaper, such as counseling and pastoral care, and Bishop Ochoa asks for the prayer of all the faithful for the victims of this violent crime and their families, and that law enforcement will be successful in the their investigation in identifying the perpetrator.

Following the shooting, Fresno city spokesman Mark Standriff said county offices were placed on lockdown, and people were urged to shelter in place.

Read more from FOX 26 News.

Read more from The Fresno Bee.

Fox News' Jake Gibson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Authorities in Idaho were frantically searching for a 17-year-old boy who vanished Friday after his high school prom.

Orofino police were still searching for Kristian Perez on Monday. Perez apparently left the prom at about 9:30 p.m. and his family has not seen or heard from him since, KREM-TV reported.

Police confirmed that the teen had signed out of the prom at 9:32 p.m. He had gone to the event with a relative and his tuxedo jacket, one shoe and a broken cell phone were recovered near the vehicle.

Police said in a statement they obtained a search warrant to scour through Perezs call records and text messages to try and find out any information that could be useful in their search.

Police, using a K-9 officer, indicated he may have walked from where the prom was being held to a nearby parking lot along U.S. Highway 12 and got into a car.

Lewiston police confirmed they followed up on a possible sighting of Perez in the city, about 40 miles west of Orofino, but surveillance video showed it was not him, Orofino police said.
A U.S. pro-immigrant activist visiting Mexico has been reported missing after he lost touch with family and friends on April 13. Hugo Castro, a volunteer coordinator at the San Diego-based group Border Angels, was last seen that day on a Facebook Live pleading for help.

"I need help. I'm here with very little money, they do not want to take dollars, and I was attacked by a group of criminals," Castro said. "If some companeros could come for me. It's outside Mexico City (...)near Puebla."

Castro, a 40-year-old American citizen, was reportedly taking part in an activity called the Viacrucis del Migrante, an annual march from Central America to Tijuana meant to raise awareness about the dangers migrants face on their route to the United States.

They want to kill me, he said at some point, visibly distressed, identifying his attackers as adoradores de la muerte or death adorers. He said they had caused him to separate from his caravan and to go into hiding.

TRUMP: ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CRIMINALS ARE 'GETTING THE HELL

OUT'

In the 20-minute recording posted late Thursday afternoon, Castro said that he had been followed for days by individuals he believed were part of the government and even the police.

"I can't trust the police," he said.

According to KPBS, the U.S. Consulate is following the case closely.

"The welfare of U.S. citizens is one of the Department's highest priorities," said Preeti Shah, a spokesman for the U.S. Consulate, as quoted by KPBS. "We stand ready to provide all possible consular assistance. Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time."

REPORT: ARRESTS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS JUMPED 32% IN TRUMP'S FIRST MONTHS

A little over a month ago, Castro posted another Facebook video saying that he had received a death threat by taxi drivers for interfering with his plans to pick up the deported migrants.

KPBS reported the he posted it on March 10 on the San Ysidro Port of Entry, where he was working with a newly deported group offering tips on how to avoid being robbed, kidnapped and exploited in Tijuana.

"If anything happens to me, I hold responsible the Taxi Amarillo line of cabs here in Tijuana," he said then.
An Iraq War veteran's dogs were taken off death row Monday after a Michigan judge ruled there was not enough evidence to prove the canines had killed three goats in July 2016.

The pit bull mixes, named Mario and Luigi, were released from an Ionia County animal shelter Tuesday morning, according to the Detroit Free Press.

The judge ruled that there were "too many unanswered questions" to prove the dogs killed the goats.

Owner Allen Hustin, who is an Iraq War veteran, was not at Monday's hearing. His mother-in-law, Susan Owen Vamvakias, called Hustin after the ruling.

On July 8, Mario, Luigi, and another dog escaped from their backyard and were later discovered in a pen with three dead goats, the Detroit Free Press reported. A dead cat was also found nearby.

The owner of the goats and cat accused the dogs of killing the animals.

The judge initially ordered the dogs to be euthanized. The third dog, named Major, disappeared from the shelter that fall and was never found, according to the Free Press.

The judge granted a second trail in March after Hustin's attorneys said there was evidence that the dogs killed the animals.

Three veterinary experts testified and said they examined the dogs and found no blood or blood stains on them. Another witness said the dogs were seen running in a different area before they were found in the goat pen, The Free Press reported.

Vamvakias also testified and said Hustin depended on the dogs for comfort, adding that they "helped him to be more normal."

Hustin served two tours of duty in Iraq and received a Purple Heart for injuries suffered during a military conflict. A veterans group recommended Hustin get the two dogs to help him deal with depression and trauma.
A Florida man was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday for attempting to provide material support to ISIS and use a weapon of mass destruction, according to the Department of Justice.

Harlem Suarez, also known as Almlak Benitez, a 23-year-old of Monroe County, Fla., was sentenced to life in prison for attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and an explosive device.

Suarezs Facebook postings dating back to April 2015 contained extremist rhetoric and promoted ISIS, federal prosecutors said.

Suarez also told an FBI informant that he wanted to make a timer bomb. Evidence presented during the trial showed Suarez bought components for a potential weapon of mass destruction, and planned to fill it with galvanized nails.

According to the DOJ, Suarez planned to conceal the device in a backpack and detonate it remotely with a cellular phone at a public beach in Key West.

Suarez was convicted at trial in Key West, Fla. on January 27.

In addition to the life sentence for attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, Suarez was sentenced to an additional 20-year term for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State.
A lawsuit alleges two former prosecutors conspired with a Chicago police sergeant and others to fabricate evidence that led to a wrongful murder conviction.

The lawsuit filed Monday seeks $60 million in damages for Armando Serrano. He and co-defendant Jose Montanez were released last summer, after more than two decades in prison, when prosecutors dropped charges.

The lawsuit alleges former Detective Reynaldo Guevara and then-assistant state's attorneys Matthew Coghlan and John Dillon collaborated to pressure a key witness into pinning the 1993 murder of Rodrigo Vargas on Serrano.

Coghlan, now a judge, couldn't be reached for comment. Dillon declined to comment.

Guevara has come under fire over allegations he bullied witnesses and framed innocent people in dozens of cases. He's invoked his right against self-incrimination when questioned about the accusations.
An Oklahoma sheriff's deputy was shot and killed Tuesday while serving an eviction notice.

Logan County deputy David Wade, 40, was pronounced dead at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City at around 9 a.m. local time. The suspect, 45-year-old Nathan Aaron Leforce, was arrested approximately five-and-a-half hours later by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP).

Logan County Sheriff Damon Devereaux told reporters the deputy was shot several times, including in the face. Wade was able to return fire, Devereaux said, then radioed in to headquarters to say that he had been shot. The sheriff said Wade was "a warrior."

Suspect has been identified by OHP as 45 year-old Nathan Aaron Leforce. pic.twitter.com/nc9jPpPBxS  FBI Oklahoma City (@FBIOklahomaCity) April 18, 2017

"He gave his life serving his community, and I don't think you can have a bigger honor than that," Devereaux said, holding back tears.

Investigators say Leforce stole Wade's cruiser after the shooting in Mulhall and drove it about 25 miles to a convenience store near Coyle. There, authorites say Leforce stole a Mazda 3. That car was later found abandoned near Guthrie.

OHP spokesman Lt. John Vincent said Leforce was found in a nearby outbuilding, where he surrendered to authorities. Devereaux said Leforce would now be interviewed to get his version of events. It wasn't immediately clear what charges he might face.



The search for Leforce caused authorities to put Langston University on lockdown, as well as public schools in Mulhall and Coyle.

Flags in Logan County and neighboring Oklahoma County were ordered to half-staff in Wade's honor.

Devereaux said Wade had served in the U.S. Army and described him as personable and funny. Wade was married with three children and had worked for the sheriff's office about three years.

Mulhall is located about 50 miles noth of Oklahoma City.

Click for more from OKCFox.com.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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A man accused of killing a Google employee near her mother's Massachusetts home last summer is due in court.

Angelo Colon-Ortiz will be arraigned Tuesday in Leominster (LEH'-mihn-stur) District Court on assault with intent to rape and other charges in the death of Vanessa Marcotte on Aug. 7.

The body of the 27-year-old New York resident and account manager for Google was found in the woods after she didn't return from a run in Princeton, a small town about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Boston.

Authorities say Marcotte fought her attacker and DNA taken from her hands helped solve the case.

They say Colon-Ortiz, a Worcester resident, had been working in the area at the time. He's been in custody since his Friday arrest. It's unclear if he has a lawyer.
The man suspected of killing Google employee Vanessa Marcotte near her mothers home in Massachusetts last summer posed as a motorist with a disabled SUV, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Angelo Colon-Ortiz, 31, was charged with assault and attempted rape, and was held on a $10 million cash bail. Prosecutors said they sought the high bail because they expect to charge him with murder for the slaying of the 27-year-old New York City resident.

New details have emerged to what led to Aug. 7 murder in Princeton, about 40 miles west of Boston.

Prosecutors said Marcotte left her mothers home on Brooks Station Road for a walk just after 1 p.m. Her body was found in the woods about a half-mile from her mothers home about seven hours later.

Her iPhone was disabled or shut off at 2:11 p.m.

The Boston Globe reported that a man authorities allege was Colon-Ortiz was spotted in the area standing next to a black SUV just before Marcottes disappearance. An area resident reportedly told police that the SUVs hood was up and the man was on the phone.

Prosecutors said the resident passed the same location around 2:05 p.m. and saw that the hood was down and all the windows were closed. The man thought nothing about it until police sought information from people in the area that day.

According to the Globe, a state trooper spotted a Hispanic man driving a black SUV in Worcester. When trooper went by the drivers home  identified as Colon-Ortiz  he hold found his wife.

However, the trooper returned later, and in the presence of Colon-Ortizs wife, asked the suspect for a DNA sample.

Colon-Ortiz was arrested on Friday after his DNA profile was allegedly matched with DNA recovered from Marcotte, police said.

On Tuesday, Edward P. Ryan Jr., Colon-Ortizs attorney, entered not guilty pleas to charges of aggravated assault and battery and assault with attempt to rape at his arraignment Tuesday in Leominster (LEH'-mihn-stur) District Court.

Ryan, who said Colon-Ortiz was born in Puerto Rico, did not argue for lower bail, but reserved the right to seek lower bail.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A man charged with killing five people at a mall in Washington state last year was found dead in his jail cell in an apparent suicide, authorities said Monday.

Arcan Cetin, 20, was discovered hanging Sunday evening, said Rosemary Kaholokula, chief criminal deputy prosecutor for Skagit County.

He was being held in neighboring Snohomish County, where he was awaiting the results of a mental competency evaluation.

The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, which runs the jail, said in a news release Monday that a 20-year-old inmate had been found unresponsive, and that efforts to revive the prisoner failed. The death is under investigation, the statement said.

Investigators say Cetin shot a teenage girl, a man and three women in a department store at Cascade Mall in Burlington, 65 miles north of Seattle, on Sept. 23. Authorities captured him about 30 hours later near his apartment and said he confessed during police interviews but did not explain why he did it.

The family of victim Chuck Eagan said in a written statement they were shocked by the death.

"We pray that the man repented to God before his death," the statement said. "While this event puts to rest our fear of his release, we harbor no ill will towards Mr. Cetin or his family and pray for their comfort as we know all too well the pain of grief."

Cetin had been charged with aggravated murder, which can bring the death penalty, but he had not entered pleas pending mental evaluations. His attorney did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

The 20-year-old had a history of violent behavior toward his family and ex-girlfriend. Cetin's stepfather, David Marshall, said the family had been trying to get Cetin help for mental health issues.

According to police reports, Cetin had told his ex that his father was connected to "bad people in Turkey." Asked during interviews whether his Turkish relatives had ties to terrorist groups, Cetin said no. He also said he didn't have any contact with those relatives.

He said he had watched beheadings by the Islamic State group online but considered such terrorist actions wrong.

Asked if ISIS had inspired the mall killings, Cetin responded, "I can't answer that," police wrote.

The shootings were captured on surveillance video. The victims were Sarai Lara, 16, and Shayla Martin, 52, both of Mount Vernon; Eagan, 61, of Lake Stevens; Belinda Galde, 64, of Arlington; and Galde's mother, Beatrice Dotson, 95, of Kingsport, Tennessee.
A pair of Russian nuclear-capable bombers flew near Alaska Monday night, two U.S. officials told Fox News, coming as close as 100 miles from Kodiak Island -- the first time since President Trump took office that Moscow has sent bombers so close to the U.S.

The two Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers flew roughly 280 miles southwest of Elmendorf Air Force Base, within the Air Defense Identification Zone of the United States.

The U.S. Air Force scrambled two F-22 stealth fighter jets and an E-3 airborne early warning plane to intercept the Russian bombers.

The American jets flew alongside the Russian bombers for 12 minutes, before the Russian bombers reversed course and headed back to their base in eastern Russia.

Last week in Moscow, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said U.S.-Russian relations were at a low point while sitting next to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

While Tillerson was in Moscow, three Russian bombers flew near the east coast of Japan, forcing the Japanese military to scramble 14 fighter jets at various times to intercept the bombers. A Russian spy plane also flew along Japans west coast.

The last time Russian bombers flew near the U.S. was July 4, 2015, when a pair of Russian bombers flew off the coasts of Alaska and California, coming as close as 40 miles to Mendocino, Calif.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called then-President Barack Obama to wish him a happy Independence Day while the bombers cruised the California coastline.
A Plano, Texas daycare worker is facing charges after video surfaced showing her tossing a child onto the ground.

Police said theyve talked to and issued an arrest warrant for Jazmine Torres. She will be charged with endangering a child, a state jail felony.

According to a Facebook post, a mother was watching live surveillance video from Childrens Courtyard of Plano and saw Torres sling an 18-month-old boy onto a nap mat.

REPORT: FLORIDA WOMAN CHARGED 'COVER FEE' AT DRUG FLOP HOUSE

The child was checked out at Childrens Health hospital in Dallas. Doctors said he was not physically hurt.

Childrens Courtyard, which is located on Parkwood Boulevard, has had several violations this year. Since 2015, there have been nine high risk violations, according to a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services report.

In February there was a violation where a caregiver used inappropriate methods to discipline children. In January a child was left unattended and in a separate incident that month a child was left alone on a playground for nearly 30 minutes.

Read more at Fox 4 News.
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An Egyptian court has acquitted Aya Hijazi, a dual U.S.-Egyptian citizen, after nearly three years of detention over accusations related to running a foundation dedicated to helping street children.

Egyptian authorities arrested Hijazi, her husband and six others in May 2014 on charges of abusing children in her care and engaging in human trafficking, kidnapping, sexual exploitation and torture. Local human rights groups have said the charges are fabricated and part of a crackdown by Egypt's government on civil society.

The trial has been delayed multiple times on what human rights groups say are absurd pretexts, like the inability to turn on a computer at a court hearing.

Former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, along with several congressmen and international rights groups, had called for Hijazi's release.
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Thousands of Hungarians have taken part in a march remembering the 550,000 Hungarian Jews who died during the Holocaust.

The March of the Living on Sunday was held on Hungary's national Holocaust Memorial Day, which marks the mass detention and deportation of Hungary's Jews in 1944.

Speakers called for tolerance and facing up to the truth.

Hungarian Jewish writer Gabor Szanto said: "No nation bears collective guilt for the past, but we all have a personal responsibility for the present and the future."

This was the 15th year the march has been held.

Near the end of the event, amateur runner Peter Hajdu began an eight-day run covering 420 kilometers (260 miles) to Auschwitz, Poland. Many of Hungary's Jews who died during the Holocaust perished at the Nazi death camp in Auschwitz.
Every war bears a human face, and last August the face of Syrias war became that of Omran Daqneesh  bloody cheeks, covered in debris, eyes wide with shock and his tiny slumped frame in an orange ambulance seat. Its an image that woke up the world. At just 5 years old, Omran became the symbol for civilian suffering in a war older than he is.

The young boy had just been rescued from the rubble, alongside his parents and three siblings, and was being taken to a hospital following an airstrike on his then-rebel-held neighborhood of Qaterji in Aleppo. An hour later that building collapsed. Three days later, his 10-year-old brother Ali died when a bomb struck the street he was playing in.

Today, the Bashar Assad regime has his family under lock and key, according to photojournalist and opposition activist Mahmoud Raslan, who snapped that haunting portrait of Omran.

I lost contact with the family of Omran when we were forced out of Aleppo last year. The Assad militia had arrived and his family was guarded under house arrest where they could not be reached by the Western media, the 29-year-old photographer  who gave up his profession as a pastry chef to document the conflict that started in early 2011  told Fox News. Their residence was changed and they were put under security.

Raslan, whose claims could not be independently verified, said that his last communication with a relative of the family was in February and that this relative affirmed the family remained under house arrest. Raslan said he has not been able to reach that relative in recent weeks. The media appears not to have documented Omrans whereabouts since the ensuing days after the attack. In December, the Financial Times reported that his whereabouts was unknown.

The photographer explained simply that the Syrian presidents regime does not want the family speaking out. When asked to respond to the photograph weeks later during an interview with Swiss media, President Assad asserted that it was a "forged picture and not a real one." However, an interview with Russia Today, his wife Asma acknowledged the little boy by name and questioned why children in the Alawite village of Zara, which was assaulted by Al-Qaeda linked groups last May, were not afforded the same media attention.

Nonetheless, the sudden attention on the now iconic photograph last year also fast became fodder for theories that the anti-Assad photographer himself fraternized with terrorist factions. But Raslan, who vows that all he wants is freedom from regime oppression, takes such speculation  as well as the phony photo narrative  with a grain of salt.

The whole world saw Omran and learned about him and his tragedy, which is not false. I am fully prepared to sit in front of Bashar Assad and call out his lies, he said. I was in there in Aleppo and we were bombarded by air raids. I was there with my lens and I have a full archive of footage.

Other activists have also captured footage and photographs of the traumatized child in the ambulance that night, including the Aleppo Media Center as featured above.



The viral image of Omran ignited not only an immediate awareness of the dire situation in Syria, but was also a bump in donations for major NGOs operating in the area. Raslan said that the attention devoted to the video and photograph did not change his life and he did not get any prize for it, but it helped the world to witness the crimes of the government.

I think photography sometimes stops Assad a little bit because of the intensity of the international pressure, after the world sees these massacres, he noted.

LIFE IN WAR-TORN SYRIA: BOMB BLASTS AND NO UTILITIES, BUT COFFINS ARE FREE

SYRIA EVACUATION POSTPONED AFTER BLAST KILLS 80 KIDS

Raslan remembers that night vividly: The razed six-floor building that Omrans family once called home, the bleeding bodies, the chaos and crying as survivors swarmed to medical staff for help. But, he emphasized, Omrans condition was a unique case" and after shooting some video, he stopped to take some stills.

Omran was in the ambulance exhausted, very shocked at the fall of the rocket near him. When I capture many of the children, they are crying and screaming, Raslan recalled. But Omran was silent, which distinguished him from the rest of children that day.

And it struck an extra chord close to home.

When Omran was bombed, I thought of my child who was only four days old, he continued. I lived in Aleppo and I suffer what everyone suffers there. After that night, we were forced out of Aleppo and into a bigger disaster. I lost my home, my land, my neighborhood, my neighbors, my everything.

But that night on the job is just one of many for Raslan to fold into memory as the 6-year civil war drags on, with little end in sight.

I wished that the picture would have stopped the bombing, he added. But still, I want the world to know that there are thousands of Omrans suffering. I want the world to see all the children who are being bombed.
Syrian opposition activists say an airstrike has killed at least eight people in an eastern town that borders Iraq.

The activists say the airstrike late Monday in Boukamal was most likely carried out by the U.S.-led coalition that has been targeting the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

Airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition have killed dozens of civilians over the past several weeks as the battle against the extremists intensifies.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Tuesday that the airstrike killed 13 civilians, including women and children, as well as three IS fighters.

Opposition activist Omar Abu Laila, who is from the province where the strike took place and currently lives in Europe, said eight people were killed, including an Iraqi family of four.
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With their tall conical hats, monkish robes and facial hoods that only show their eyes, the so-called "nazarenos," or penitents, in Spain's immensely popular Easter processions cut an eerie, and stunning, look as they parade solemnly in silence, or to the beat of drums and wailing bugles.

While no longer the bastion of Roman Catholicism it once was, Spain has lost none of its fervor for religious celebrations, and Easter week is a spectacular example.

For days leading up to Easter Sunday each year, hundreds of colorful processions featuring penitents and magnificently decorated and sculpted religious floats, take place through streets of villages and cities, celebrating the Passion of Christ from the crucifixion to resurrection. The parades, particularly those in Seville and other Andalusian cities, have become major tourist attractions and are televised nationally.

The processions vary greatly depending on the region but common elements are the hooded penitents, some carrying crosses or candles. The hats, which remind some of Klu Klux Klan costumes, are said to date back to the Spanish Inquisition when prisoners were made to wear them in public as a form of humiliation. The faces are covered so as to allow the penitent sinners to hide their identities.

In some processions, the penitents dress as Roman soldiers. In La Rioja region, many wear ankle chains and flagellate themselves while in northeastern Aragon, nazarenos draw their own on beating bass drums for hours on end.

Women traditionally form the backline of the processions, playing the role of mourners but dressed in stylish black dresses and high-heels, elaborately embroidered veils and intricately designed hair combs.

Some of the processions date back hundreds of years and their sculpted tableaux figures of Jesus and the Virgin Mary are considered much appreciated works of art.

The floats are extremely heavy and are carted by 10 or more so-called "costaleros," normally strong young men who wear protective corsets to avoid injury.

The processions are staged by brotherhoods, or clubs, whose members come from all walks of life and which nowadays often have no religious purpose beyond the processions.
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Two things now grow around the rusting carcasses of the last blast furnaces in this French steel town: weeds, and votes for populist Marine Le Pen.

For months, labor leader Walter Broccoli fought to keep the fires burning, fearing that failure could drive enraged workers into the arms of Le Pen and her virulently nationalistic politics. He never imagined his own son would become part of the stampede.

He says they've not spoken in the three years since he discovered to his horror from their local newspaper that David Broccoli was registered as a candidate in municipal elections for Le Pen's anti-European Union, anti-immigration National Front.

"I said to myself, 'Impossible! What's happened to him?' I called him up. We argued. He told me, 'That's the way it is' and hung up on me," Walter Broccoli says. "I've had nightmares where I saw him dressed in an SS uniform, all in black, with a cap. I took it very hard. It shocked me: my son, in the National Front? Impossible. Unbearable."

Yet the National Front is now an inescapable part of the landscape in France's industrial eastern rustbelt and its once left-leaning towns. Le Pen is projected to win millions of votes Sunday in the first round of France's two-stage presidential election, likely catapulting her to within one step of an electoral earthquake that would shake France and the EU to its core.

Disgruntled working-class voters will cast ballots for the anti-establishment Le Pen not solely out of conviction but also in protest. She is their nuclear option, their way to flip the bird at the French political mainstream they feel has betrayed and abandoned them.

Steel worker Pascal Grimmer doesn't share Le Pen's politics; he doesn't, like her, want a "Frexit" to take France out of the EU or to ditch its shared euro currency. But she will get his vote because he's "angry with politicians, filled with rage," and "she is the candidate who most scares the others," Grimmer says.

He hopes that an electro-shock-high score for Le Pen  not quite enough to install her in the presidential Elysee Palace but an uncomfortably close shave  will jolt more mainstream politicians "to use their brains to ask themselves, 'What do people want?'"

"You reap what you sow. And our politicians have treated the French people like idiots," he says. "Politicians don't fulfill their promises. They lie as easily as they breathe."

Last time, Grimmer voted Francois Hollande, the Socialist whose presidency, now in its final weeks, lasted just one term, sunk by his unpopularity.

Grimmer was impressed when Hollande came stumping during the 2012 campaign for working-class votes at the ArcelorMittal steel plant where he works. Labor leaders were in the thick of their battle to save Hayange's furnaces, the last in eastern France still serving the steel industry.

Incongruous in his suit and tie, Hollande clambered onto the roof of a van with union leaders, took a microphone and promised to push for a law to help save plants facing closure. The crowd, which included Grimmer, cheered. In a seemingly trivial detail, but one which workers subsequently wouldn't let him forget, Hollande even shared a spicy barbecued 'merguez' sausage with them.

"I said to myself, 'Oh, I like this guy.' Naively, I believed him," Grimmer recalls. "I was completely hoodwinked."

Grimmer and others felt betrayed when the furnaces were extinguished in 2013, as part of a deal the Socialist government struck with steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal seven months after Hollande's election. Hollande beat conservative Nicolas Sarkozy, another one-term president under whom ArcelorMittal also closed a plant in nearby Gandrange.

The deal included jobs elsewhere or retirement for furnace workers. ArcelorMittal also promised to invest 180 million euros ($190 million at today's rates) in other sectors of the giant steel works, which still produce high-grade metals for automakers and other clients and sprawl across three towns, including Hayange, in the Fensch valley.

Workers had hoped for more. The mothballing of the furnaces that used to turn the skies incandescent red, dust soot over the valley's towns and draw laborers from across Europe and North Africa hit hard. In a final show of defiance, Grimmer, Broccoli and other members of their Workers' Force union unveiled a plaque of protest in Hayange when the scorching fires which had melted ores into metal went cold.

"SELLOUT," the plaque read. "Here lie the promises of change that F. HOLLANDE made to workers and their families."

Still bitter, Grimmer says: "Politicians are forcing me to vote Le Pen. That's why I'm doing this. Not with a happy heart but because I'm forced to. And increasing numbers of French people are starting to think this way."

And if Le Pen wins?

"So be it. They will have to live with that," he says.

Broccoli says he warned Socialist officials that extinguishing the furnaces would be "electoral suicide." Sure enough, the year after they were put out, Hayange voted in a National Front mayor in 2014  one of just a handful of towns in France to do so.

"It really hurts me to see workers turning toward fascism, the extreme right," Broccoli says. "They are so angry that they are prepared to vote National Front, to destroy everything. They have nothing left to lose."

Broccoli's son, a computer technician, doesn't work in the steel industry. Still, the father assumes his son felt "abandoned by the government" after losing a job in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, leaving him unable to pay rent. He says the son moved in with his mother, also a National Front supporter. The parents are separated.

"I feel as though he's been stolen from me," Walter Broccoli says. "All these people  like his mother, his stepfather  they weren't like this 15 or 20 years ago. It happened gradually."

David Broccoli didn't respond to calls and a text message from The Associated Press. Herve Hoff, who stood with him as a National Front candidate in 2014, says David Broccoli and his mother "adopted our ideas because they felt that the left had betrayed them. Simple as that."

Hoff, a restaurateur, is now seeking election to parliament. He proudly showed the AP his letter from the National Front investing him as its candidate in the Fensch valley in June legislative elections. Saying Le Pen appeals to "forgotten people," he drew parallels with Donald Trump's election to the White House, won with strong support from disgruntled workers in coal country.

"We'll have the same phenomenon. Deepest France, rural France, will lift up Marine Le Pen and you'll see villages where she'll get crazy scores," he says.

Michel Liebgott, the valley's current lawmaker, a Socialist, handily beat a National Front opponent last time. This time, he's not so confident. If he decides against running again, he says the National Front could win the seat.

Liebgott, who was born in the valley and remembers Hayange as its jewel, a bustling steel town, says the region is dividing between haves and have-nots. Many of the better-off work across the nearby border with Luxembourg, braving gnarled traffic on the highway to Luxembourg City for higher wages in its services economy. An estimated 90,000 such jobs have helped fill voids left by decades of steel plant and mine closures in France.

"The poor are here. The others have gone elsewhere," Liebgott says.

With the benefit of hindsight, the lawmaker says Hollande's campaign stop in the valley in 2012 "was bloody stupid." It gave steel workers false hope that the furnaces, which had long been earmarked for closure, could be saved.

Now firmly ensconced in Hayange, where the eyesore furnaces dominate the skyline, National Front Mayor Fabien Engelmann says he did not propose saving them because that would have been "impossible."

"I didn't lie to my voters. I offered them a coherent program: security, cleanliness, lower taxes, reduced debts, road building, work on schools  things a mayor can do," he says smugly.

The unemployment rate in Hayange is 14 percent, the mayor says  above the already high national average of 10 percent.

Jean-Paul Holtz sees the decaying cathedrals of once-belching pipes and chimneys from his windows. The drum player in Hayange's brass band spent all his working life in steel plants, starting as a 14-year-old apprentice. Now 66 and retired, he wishes the furnaces could be torn down because "it makes me sick to the stomach to see them like that."

Holtz plans to vote for far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, who is making a late surge in polls.

"People came to set up industries, money was made, people were provided with jobs. But it's over, finished," Holtz says. "We have to move on. Will we move on? When? I don't know. It drags on and on and on, rusting away."
Iraqs vice president said rival terror groups ISIS and Al Qaeda are exchanging ideas on ways to join forces.

Vice President Ayad Allawi told Reuters he got the information from contacts in Iraq and the region. He did not reveal more specific details about the source of his information.

Allawi said the leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and the head of Al Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri, are not communicating with each other directly but through intermediaries.

I dont know exactly when, but there are discussions and dialogues between messengers, he said, adding that its not clear how the two groups will work together.

TRUMP GIVES GENERALS MORE FREEDOM TO MAKE DECISIONS IN ISIS FIGHT

The Islamic State, which made territorial gains in Mosul and parts of northern Iraq, has more recently been pushed out of much of the region under pressure from an international coalition that includes the United States.

Despite losing ground, the group still controls areas in Mosuls Old City, where the narrow streets have slowed coalition forces. ISIS still maintains control of a handful of other Iraqi towns and its base in Raqqa, Syria.

Iraqs prime minister last month called for more support from the international community to combat ISIS and Al Qaeda. Talk of the terror groups working together could help raise more military aid.

Despite concerns the groups might be trying to forge an alliance, they have been competing with another for fighters, money and other resources ever since ISIS split from Al Qaeda in 2014.

IRAQ: ISIS LAUNCHES CHLORINE GAS ATTACKS IN WESTERN MOSUL

Earlier this year, Al Qaedas leader repeated criticism of the Islamic States violent attacks, such as beheadings of civilians. Al Qaeda refused to recognize ISISs self-declared caliphate in Iraq and Syria.

Some analysts said animosity between the two groups is further fueled by competition to each be seen as the true leader of the Islamic jihadist cause.

Although ISIS might now be on the run, Allawi said that does not mean the group has been eliminated.

I cant see ISIS disappearing into thin air, he said. They will remain covertly in sleeping cells, spreading their venom all over the world.
In December 2015, an international panel blasted the United Nations for indifference and cover-up in the investigation of sex crimes against children by non-U.N. peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR) between 2013 and 2014. Ever since, the U.N. has claimed it is doing everything it can to change its ways, especially in bringing help to the victims of those crimes.

But is it?

An investigation by the Swedish public television network SVT has reopened the issue with charges that the U.N.s child relief agency UNICEF failed to follow up with care and support for some of the handful of children mentioned in the original investigative report of the so-called Sangaris scandal.

The program includes a local UNICEF spokespersons claims on-camera that all of the children absolutely have received such rehabilitation and reintegration care, and are tracked on a weekly basis -- though the journalists were not allowed to speak with any of them.

But the program, which aired in Sweden last month, offers interviews with at least two boys who were in their early teens when they suffered sexual abuse at the hands of the international peacekeeping forces known locally as Sangaris, and now wash cars and tote water on the street to survive.

The two youngsters offered vivid recollections of the sex acts committed on them and others in exchange for food or money; neither one said they had been contacted by the U.N., though the filmmakers apparently did not have much difficulty finding them.

A young woman, who the documentarists say was 14 when she was impregnated by a Sangaris soldier and also contracted HIV from the encounter, told the Swedish TV crew that while UNICEF officials knew of her predicament, she had received only the equivalent of about $17 in cash and a bag of rice as aid at the time she talked with the journalists.

The ugly litany of abuse, coupled with assurances that the problem was being well taken care of, was reminiscent of some of the charges levied against U.N. agencies in the original, 143-page international panel report on the CAR scandal, which was published in December 2015.

Among other things, the report specifically singled out UNICEF for an appalling year-long lag in providing medical help to six children as young as 8 who claimed they suffered rape and sexual abuse from the French and African peacekeepers operating under a U.N. mandate in CAR in late 2013 and early 2014.

It also scored UNICEF for claiming to provide psychological support to the abused children that turned out to be a single, two-hour session with a social worker, assisted by a lawyer.

Finally, the panel report scored the U.N. for its lack of follow-up in searching for additional sexual abuse cases, despite the fact that the violations were likely not isolated. It called the agencys performance a serious breach of UNICEFs duty to protect children.

The current work by Swedish investigative journalist Karrin Mattisson and her colleagues apparently also gave a strong sense of deja vu to the chairperson of that investigative panel: former Canadian Supreme Court Justice Marie Deschamps, who appeared in New York late last week at a press conference to publicize the Swedish program.

The testimony of children in the film, she declared, is consistent with some of the allegations in the report, and indicates that the culture of the U.N. has not changed in the two years [actually, 16 months] since the reports release.

By then, the CAR scandal had already involved a lengthy history of high-level cover-up and retaliation against a U.N. staffer, Anders Kompass, who broke U.N. protocols to pass on word of the accusations to French government officials, whose troops were the backbone of the Sangaris effort.

The panel report exonerated Kompass and strongly criticized U.N. officials, including Kompass boss, the current U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, for spending more effort on an investigation of Kompass than on stopping the sexual abuse.

Kompass, a Swedish diplomat, subsequently resigned from the U.N. and returned to Swedish government service.

By then, however, a floodgate of accusations had opened, with literally hundreds of victims of sexual abuse by peacekeepers, both from the U.N. and other agencies, being identified -- not only in CAR but around the world.

The tally of victims posted on a special U.N. website was 311 in 2016, vs. 99 in 2015. The latest total provided a grim backdrop last month for yet another declaration of war against sexual abuse by the new U.N. Secretary General, Antonio Guterres.

For its part, UNICEF is pushing back against the latest claims that it has neglected sexual abuse victims with carefully worded denials.

A UNICEF spokesperson in New York, who told Fox News that agency officials had seen the documentary, insisted that over 200 children are enrolled in our program to assist victims of sexual exploitation and abuse and they have all received assistance.

(That number was already a monumental expansion of the handful of cases involved in the original CAR scandal, and Guterres latest war declaration against sexual abuse was a sign that more victims are expected. In fact, on the U.N.s own website, four alleged sexual abuse cases against children by U.N. peacekeepers have been registered so far in 2017. Two of them took place in CAR.

The roster of aid programs, the UNICEF spokesperson in New York said, include on a case-by-case basis, school, vocational training, income-generating activities, psychosocial support and medical services, mostly provided through local partners.

One of the aid recipients, the spokesperson declared, was the young woman interviewee in the Swedish TV program, who, they said, is now enrolled in a vocational school and is receiving medical care, along with her baby.

The now in that sentence, however, seemed to indicate that she previously wasnt; the documentary program took two months to prepare after the interview with the young mother was conducted in January.

At the same time, UNICEFs response indicated it was likely the agency still did not know how many sexual abuse victims were left out of their calculations, or where those might be.

On-camera, UNICEFs local spokesperson said it was likely there was a gap here and a gap there in the agencys coverage. The UNICEF spokesperson in New York asserted that we stand ready to extend the necessary support to other victims who are reported to us, and we urge anyone with information on children who may have been abused to share that information with us so we can assist them.

Those gaps are one of the reasons that AIDS-Free World, a non-government organization whose Code Blue campaign against U.N. sexual abuse brought the Swedish TV team to New York , insists that the U.N. has to get out of the business of investigating sexual abuse, according to Paula Donovan, the NGOs co-executive director.

The organization is faced with a fundamental conflict of interest, she argues, when it must probe such sensitive crimes that are allegedly committed by another branch of the U.N., or others acting in its name. That chore, her organization asserts, should be taken on by an independent panel of experts.

The U.N. cannot function unless it takes care of this crisis, she declared.

Said Swedish TV journalist Mattisson: I very much hope the U.N. will put more effort into the victims perspective.

That, supposedly, is the aim of the refocused program that Secretary General Guterres announced just a month ago -- albeit without adopting AIDS-Free Worlds suggestions. And that approach, according to his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, is gathering steam, at least in bureaucratic terms.

Among other things Dujarric told Fox News, Guterres has requested that all heads of [U.N.] agencies with operations and programs in the field provide action plans to address sexual exploitation and abuse -- known in U.N. parlance as SEA -- by the end of this month.

A new U.N. assistant secretary general focused on victims rights is expected to be hired by July 1, subject to budgetary approval by U.N. member states, and Field Victims Rights Advocates currently exist in two major U.N. peacekeeping missions.

A new, voluntary compact between Guterres and those member states, outlining both parties commitments in the fight against SEA, is also in the works, Dujarric said, and a special victims trust fund intended to create projects to help victims -- but not compensation for damages -- is already operating.

The amount of money involved, however, is not very impressive. So far, there is about $225,000 budgeted for 2017.

A high level summit of heads of state on the overall sexual abuse topic is supposed to take place on the margins of the main U.N. General Assembly session in September, to give further momentum to the campaign.

And a system-wide incident reporting form for sexual abuse, Dujarric added, should be finalized and field tested soon.

The same goes for a new victims assistance protocol that is being tried on a pilot project basis in Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

It is intended, Dujarric said, as a means to guide all United Nations entities in the field in providing sensitive, respectful assistance to victims in a coordinated manner, with special attention to child victims.

Providing, of course, that they know who all the victims are.

George Russell is Editor-at-Large of Fox News. He is reachable on Twitter at @GeorgeRussell and on Facebook at Facebook.com/George.Russell
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The Latest on U.S. Vice President Mike Pence's trip to Asia (all times local):

___

4:40 p.m.

Japan and the U.S. have outlined a path forward for economic talks between the countries.

The announcement followed an inaugural meeting Tuesday of the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue in Tokyo chaired by visiting U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso.

It said the dialogue would focus on three areas: trade and investment rules and issues, cooperation in macroeconomic policy and specific industry sectors.

The dialogue was set up by President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the Japanese leader's visit to the U.S. in February.

___

3:40 p.m.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso are kicking off a new U.S.-Japan economic dialogue that was launched during Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's meeting with President Donald Trump in the U.S. in February.

As talks began Tuesday, Aso said the U.S.-Japan alliance has underpinned peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and that trade friction with the U.S. has given way to an "age of cooperation."

Pence said Trump sees the talks as a way to improve business ties with Japan and is hoping for quick results. The discussions are to focus on economic and structural policy and trade and investment strategies aimed at strengthening both countries' economies.

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2:15 p.m.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Japanese leaders have begun talks expected to focus largely on trade with America's anchor ally in the region, though tensions with North Korea loomed large.

Pence reassured Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday that the U.S. considers its alliance with Japan to be a cornerstone of security in the region.

Pence said, "We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan."

He also said, "We are with you 100 percent," adding that the U.S. always seeks peace.

Abe said Japan hoped for peaceful dialogue with Pyongyang, "but at the same time, dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless and it is necessary for us to exercise pressure North Korea so that it comes forward and engages in this serious dialogue."

Pence was having lunch with Abe at the prime minister's official residence after arriving in Japan earlier in the day for the second stop of a 10-day Asia tour.

___

12:15 p.m.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has arrived in Japan for the second stop of a 10-day Asia tour.

His plane touched down Tuesday at the U.S. military's Atsugi base outside Tokyo.

The focus of his trip is expected to shift in Japan to trade. North Korea's nuclear and missile development dominated the agenda on his first stop in South Korea.

Pence told business leaders before leaving Seoul that the Trump administration is reviewing all trade agreements as part of its "America First" policy.

White House officials say the meetings in Tokyo are meant to forge a framework for future discussions after the U.S. withdrew from a Pacific Rim trade pact.
We knew we were coming here at a newsy time. We didnt expect it to be this intense.

The countys banned nuclear and missile programs are riling the Trump administration. And Fox News found the officials on the ground in Pyongyang, publicly at least, standing their ground  albeit nervously.

The government official who was assigned to Fox News (everyone gets a "minder" when they're in the country, Fox got two) was open about his belief that the U.S. had hostile intentions toward North Korea and his country would respond in kind.

NORTH KOREA NUCLEAR THREAT: DEFIANCE ON DISPLAY IN PYONGYANG

Talk from the Trump administration that all "options are on the table" only helps feed a narrative the regime has been pushing for years: That the imperialist U.S. enemy is eager to invade North Korea.

The huge military parade Fox News attended over the weekend bristled not just with missiles and tanks but tough-shouting, well-armed troops ready to fight to the finish.

This was echoed to some degree by U.S. and South Korean troops Fox News spent time with during military exercises in South Korea the prior week. Several American officers told us they were ready to "fight tonight" if threatened.

As for whether North Korea will be giving up its missiles and nuclear bombs  our government representative rejected that. To paraphrase his reply: Forget about it.

SYRIA STRIKE SENDS POWERFUL MESSAGE TO NORTH KOREA

Arguably the top North Korea expert around, Andrei Lankov, told us the same thing when we met with him in Seoul a few days before our visit.

"For a change, they are quite honest," he said, "they say they want to become a true nuclear state and they will soon become such."

Or will they? Not if the Trump administration has its way. There is discussion of more sanctions, forcing China to apply pressure to ally Pyongyang, strengthening regional defenses.

All strategies, experts note however, which have been tried before. Even a military strike was looked at during the Clinton administration.

As for Pyongyang itself, it has been five years since we were last there. The North Korean capital has a new bustle. Cars, taxis, trucks and trams filled the streets. Well-dressed women and men walked the boulevards.

And the skyline has changed. The Soviet-style architecture is dwarfed by a number of high-rises. As well as more shops, kiosks, and markets.

Lankov, the North Korea expert, warned us about this as well.

"Kim Jong Un has a vested interest in economic growth," Lankov said. "Without economic growth the chances of internal revolution is higher."

Lankov further noted the gains are not big or evenly distributed. Likewise, political repression of the public and crackdowns on the inner circle continue. Important survival tools for the savvy young North Korean leader.

Probably the best hope for achieving change and avoiding calamity might come down to one word: Information. More and more, people in North Korea are learning about the outside world in a range of digital forms...otherwise strictly forbidden by the government.

"Spread of information about the outside world, Lankov said, threatens the legitimacy of the regime."

The presumption is as the people of North Korea learn more about how others live, they will eventually turn against the government.

The hitch is that it could take time the U.S. doesn't look like it has.

SPYING ON NORTH KOREA: US AIR FORCE KEEPS EYE ON KIM JONG UN

And so, all of this leaves the people of North Korea caught in the middle.

While Fox Newss reporting in Pyongyang was carefully monitored by the government, the people who we saw and met with during these visits are real.

Its not hard to read into a smile from one person, a kind gesture from another, a wave or an agreed-to selfie from still others that they probably simply want for their families what everyone wants: a happy, satisfied life.

All on hold for the North Korean people courtesy of some insane regional geopolitics.
President Trump isn't spelling out his North Korea strategy, but it sounds like the rogue nation - which just vowed to continue testing missiles on a weekly basis - won't like it.

Speaking exclusively to "Fox & Friends" Tuesday, the commander-in-chief hinted at his own growing frustration with dictator Kim Jong Un, and indicated he won't appease the tyrant's continued saber rattling.

I dont want to telegraph what Im doing or what Im thinking ... well see what happens, Trump told "Fox & Friends" Tuesday. I hope things work out well. I hope theres going to be peace. But you know, theyve been talking with this gentleman for a long time ... everybodys been outplayed. Theyve all been outplayed by this gentleman and well see what happens.

Asked what would happen if North Korea were to test another missile  as it has vowed to do  Trump cryptically replied: Well find out.

A senior North Korean official said Monday the Hermit Kingdom has no intention of stopping its missile and bomb tests.

"We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis," Vice Foreign Minister Han Song Ryol told BBC, adding that all-out war would occur if the U.S. took military action.

Han reiterated North Koreas position that it would react with a nuclear pre-emptive strike by our own style and method should the U.S. plan a military attack on the country.

Tensions have escalated over North Korean moves to accelerate its weapons development. The North conducted two nuclear tests and 24 ballistic missile tests last year, defying six Security Council sanctions resolutions banning any testing, and it has conducted additional missile tests this year including one this past weekend that failed.

North Koreas deputy U.N. ambassador Kim In Ryong said during a news conference that the U.S. was turning the Korean Peninsula into the worlds biggest hotspot and creating a dangerous situation in which a thermonuclear war may break out at any moment.

He said the Trump administration's deployment of the Carl Vinson nuclear carrier task group to waters off the Korean Peninsula again "proves the U.S. reckless moves for invading the DPRK have reached a serious phase of its scenario."

Kim stressed that U.S.-South Korean military exercises being staged now are the largest-ever "aggressive war drill" aimed at his country, formally the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The prevailing grave situation proves once again that the DPRK was entirely just when it increased in every way its military capabilities for self-defense and pre-emptive attack with a nuclear force as a pivot," he said.

Kim spoke on the a day Vice President Pence kicked off his 10-day Asian tour in South Korea. Pence travelled to the demilitarized zone separating the North and South and warned Pyongyang that after years of testing the U.S. and South Korea with nuclear ambitions, the era of strategic patients is over.

Pence, on Tuesday, reassured Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that the U.S. is ready to work closely with its Asian allies in the region to achieve a peaceable resolution and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

"We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan," Pence said. "We are with you 100 percent.

At the outset of their meeting, Pence reiterated to Abe his statement in South Korea that the United States has run out of patience with Pyongyang's moves.

"While all options are on the table," Pence said, "President Trump is determined to work closely with Japan, with South Korea, with all our allies in the region, and with China" to resolve the problem.
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Israel's minister of public security says a prominent Palestinian prisoner has been placed in solitary confinement for inciting a large-scale hunger strike.

Gilad Erdan tells Israel's Army Radio Tuesday that Marwan Barghouti was punished for "instigating mutiny and leading the hunger strike."

Activists said more than 1,500 of about 6,500 Palestinian security prisoners joined the open-ended protest. The strikers' immediate demands included better conditions and more contact with relatives.

Barghouti was arrested in 2002 during the second Palestinian uprising and convicted on multiple counts of murder. Israel charged him with directing suicide bombings and he was sentenced to five life terms.

Erdan says the prisoners receive all privileges required by international law. He said the strike was part of an internal Palestinian struggle for power.
The Islamic State group could inadvertently benefit from a situation in which Syrian government forces are considerably weakened on the ground, a London-based military analysis group said on Tuesday.

The report, published by IHS Jane's Terrorism and Insurgency Centre, follows the United States bombing of a Syrian army base after a chemical weapons attack on April 4 killed nearly 90 people.

The U.S. has accused the Syrian government of being behind the attack  charges that Syria denies.

In Syria, the Islamic State group is battling both government forces and forces allied with the U.S.-led coalition.

If Syrian government forces are weakened, IS fighters could more easily move into heavily populated cities and towns, said Columb Strack, a senior Middle East analyst at IHS Jane's.

"The Syrian government is essentially the anvil to the U.S.-led coalition's hammer," Strack said.

Weakened Syrian government forces could give the militants additional footholds at a time when their grip on territory elsewhere in Syria and Iraq is being rolled back, Strack explained.

In Iraq, IS has lost more than half the territory the militants once controlled there and is now fighting to defend a cluster of western Mosul neighborhoods that mark the last significant urban area the group holds in that country.

Across both Iraq and Syria, IS has lost nearly half the territory it held at the height of its power in 2014. Since then, a combination of more intense U.S.-led coalition involvement in the fight against IS and Syrian government advances in Aleppo and Palmyra have pushed IS out of more than 40,000 square kilometers (15,400 square miles) of territory.

The U.S.-led coalition and the fighters it backs are moving to surround Raqqa before attacking the northern Syrian city, which is the extremist group's self-declared capital.

Predominantly-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the coalition, announced they have surrounded the town Tabqa, some 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Raqqa with U.S.-led air and ground support.

However, Strack said while coalition forces are focused on Raqqa, IS may be poised to gain territory in another city  Deir el-Zour  if the Syrian government forces holding the militants back there are weakened.

"The capture of Deir el-Zour, the largest city in eastern Syria, could be a life-line for the group's governance project beyond the loss of Mosul and Raqqa," Strack said in the report, adding that the city could serve as "a new major population center from which to run the caliphate."
Spanish officials say police have arrested 39 people in an international operation against a major network that distributed child pornography material via the popular online chat application WhatsApp.

A police statement Tuesday said the network operated some 100 chat groups with 135 identified users in 18 countries in Europe, Central and South America.

The statement said 17 people were arrested in Spain, with other detentions made in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Portugal.

The operation was carried out in coordination with Interpol and Europol.

Spanish police said files retrieved contained abusive and brutal treatment of children up to 8 years of age.
The U.N.'s top human rights official said Tuesday he is alarmed by what appears to be a "widespread pattern" of rallies in Burundi in which members of a pro-government youth militia chant a call to "impregnate" or kill opponents.

An online video emerged this month of an incident in a rural province involving the Imbonerakure militia. It showed members singing in the local Kirundi language: "Impregnate those opponents, so that they give birth to Imbonerakure."

4 SOLDIERS KILLED IN ATTACK ON NORTHERN MALI ARMY CAMP

Burundi's ruling party criticized the song. The party normally supports the Imbonerakure, despite accusations of rights violations perpetrated by its members.

The U.N. human rights office cited reports of several similar incidents early this month.

"The grotesque rape chants by the young men of the Imbonerakure across several provinces in various parts of Burundi are deeply alarming  particularly because they confirm what we have been hearing from those who have fled Burundi about a campaign of fear and terror by this organized militia," the high commissioner for human rights, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, said in a statement.

Zeid welcomed the governing party's condemnation but said reports senior officials were present at other rallies are "very disturbing" and called for an acknowledgement that the rally caught on camera "was not an isolated incident."

RAINS AWAITED IN KENYA'S EAST TO EASE LAND CONFLICT

Burundi has been plagued by violence since President Pierre Nkurunziza successfully sought a disputed third term in 2015. Hundreds of people have been killed, and hundreds of thousands have fled the country.

Zeid said his office has received "credible reports of grave human rights violations, including the systematic use of torture by security forces and nightly raids by the Imbonerakure into the homes of people who refuse to join the ruling party."
Dental Fix to Launch 9th Franchise Territory in the State of New York

April 18, 2017 // Franchising.com // DAVIE, Fla. - Dental Fix RX, a fast-growing national mobile dental equipment repair franchise, has officially signed an agreement with Matt Goldberg and Johnny Yuen, Long Island, New York-based entrepreneurs. The agreement marks the 8th franchise territory sold in 2017, and the 9th mobile repair van to launch in the State of New York.

Dental Fix closed out 2016 with 40 franchise agreements signed, and expects to add another 40 new franchisees this year. All told, the company expects to sell all of its U.S. territories within the next three years.



Weve sold or opened a new unit each week for the past three years. Thats unheard of for a lot of franchise brands, said David Lopez, CEO of Dental Fix RX. Our concept continues to do well and attract attention from the dental industry and franchise prospects alike because of our strong reputation as the faster, more cost-effective solution when it comes to equipment repairs.



Dental Fix continues to be North Americas only on-site dental equipment repair franchise. With 18,000-plus dental customers served in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the company offers clients timely, on-site and customized services that produce quick, yet high-quality repairs. Franchise owners receive all the tools necessary to perform a variety of repairs on dental equipment such as handpieces, chairs, vacuum pumps and more, all from a fully-equipped mobile repair van. Extensive pre and post-launch training with continual sales and marketing support is also offered along with an industry exclusive, money-back guarantee.



Our focus this year is on developing more national partnerships with DSOs [Dental Service Organizations] and strengthening existing programs that drive value for our customers and growth for our franchise system, Lopez added. The dental equipment repair sector is a $38 billion industry. Theres tremendous opportunity here for our brand and we have the right systems and programs in place to capture it.



The companys recent partnership with Darby Dental Supply is evidence that Dental Fix RX has the ability to dominate the dental equipment repair sector. Darby Dental Supply, the nations largest all-telesales distributor of dental products, became an equity partner in the national mobile dental equipment repair service franchise ion 2016. Through this long-term relationship, Dental Fix RX franchisees are able to generate revenue by offering Darby Dental Supply products to dental practices; Darby also refers work to Dental Fix RX franchise owners from its 37,000 supply customers.

To find out more about Dental Fix franchise opportunities, visit the DentalFixRX.com/franchise.

About Dental Fix

Founded in 2009, Dental Fix RX is a fast-growing mobile dental equipment repair service franchise that is revolutionizing the dental service industry by delivering immediate, on-demand equipment service, hand-piece repairs and cost-effective consumable products through its network of highly-trained franchise professionals. With local franchise owners serving businesses within their market, Dental Fix RX completes repairs on-site from mobile repair centers that are equipped to fix a wide range of equipment found in any practice  from compressors to chair upholstery. The company has sold more than 250 franchise territories that service over 18,000 customers throughout North America. For more information, visit www.dentalfixrx.com. For franchise information, call (855) 242-5230 or visit www.dentalfixrx.com/franchise/.

Contact:

Scott V. Mortier

EVP of Business Development

Dental Fix RX, LLC

C: 773.255.4095 Cell

F: 954.697.0877 Fax

E: scott@dentalfixrx.com

SOURCE Dental Fix

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PJs Coffee of New Orleans Signs First Multi-Unit Franchise Agreement in Texas

PJs grows Texas presence with 10-store agreement in Houston + surrounding areas.

April 18, 2017 // Franchising.com // NEW ORLEANS, La. - PJs Coffee of New Orleans has signed its first multi-unit franchise agreement with Texas Franchisee, Mike Price, the current owner of PJs third location in Texas at the Conroe Regional Medical Center in Houston. The multi-unit agreement includes the development of Prices second location in Cypress (set to open at the end of this year), along with eight additional locations in the designated areas of North Harris County and South Montgomery County over the next six years - reaching 10 total locations. This agreement includes growth into Magnolia, Tomball, The Woodlands, and Kingwood/Humble, TX.

Price, a retired project manager in the oil and gas industry, has over 30 years of experience managing successful projects for various clients, including BP and Arena Offshore. His passion for business and high-quality coffee brought him to the PJs team to discuss franchising opportunities.

Founded in 1978 with its first locations in New Orleans, La., PJs Coffee is now located across the U.S. in seven states, and beyond with two international locations in Vietnam. PJs is slated to hit its 100th location this year.

We are thrilled to expand PJs Coffee throughout Houston with the companys first multi-unit franchise agreement, Says Price. Many people in our area and our future target markets are familiar with PJ's Coffee - either from their travels to Louisiana, or from experience as a New Orleans local now living in Texas. We are extremely proud to carry the PJ's Brand in this area and contribute to the companys national growth.

PJs Coffee currently has two Texas locations: The Royal Sonesta Houston (2222 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027) and the Conroe Regional Medical Center (504 Medical Center Blvd, Conroe, TX 77304) - the latter is owned by Price.

All Texas coffeehouse locations are open to both visiting guests and the general public serving hot and iced coffee, tea, pastries and more.

The first PJs included in the franchise agreement (Conroe Regional Medical Center) features a wide selection of beverages and food- PJs Original Cold Brew Ice Coffee, hot coffee, frozen beverages, organic tea and freshly baked pastries. Customers can purchase PJs whole-bean coffee bags, single serve cups and PJs signature bottled Iced Coffee Concentrate in-store, allowing coffee-lovers to enjoy their favorite combinations from their own homes.

For more information, please visit www.pjscoffee.com or visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/pjscoffee.

About PJs Coffee of New Orleans

PJs Coffee of New Orleans was founded in 1978 by Phyllis Jordan, a pioneer in the coffee industry that demonstrated that better beans, superior roasting techniques, and pure passion for the art of coffee-making mattered. In 2008, the company was purchased by New Orleans natives and brothers, Paul, Steven and Scott Ballard. PJs Coffee serves a wide variety of hot, iced and frozen coffee beverages using only the top 1% of Arabica beans, as well as organic tea and fresh breakfast pastries. PJs Original Cold Brew Ice Coffee is brewed daily using a special cold-drip process that protects the flavor and strength of the beans, while producing a coffee that is 2/3 less acidic  a process and technique pioneered by our founder and used for more than 30 years at all PJs locations. Bags of whole bean coffee, single serve cups of PJs Coffee and PJs Iced Coffee Concentrate are available for sale in-store and online.

Media Contact:

Emily Reimsnyder

Bond Moroch

EmilyR@BondMoroch.com

504.613.0005

SOURCE PJs Coffee of New Orleans

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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.
Patricia Blosser of Fredericksburg still has the outfits she wore for Easter in 1967 and 1968. Thats not too surprisingthe perfectly put-together ensembles show care, and one of those years, Blosser went to great lengths to complete the look.

Both photos of her and her husband, Kelly, were taken at her parents home in Chesapeake.

In 1967, Blosser wore a green-and-cream colored ensemble. The couple celebrated their first anniversary in July of that year.

The following year, Blosser wore gray and white. At first, the look had been incomplete.

I remember wanting to locate a matching black handbag, Blosser wrote to The Free LanceStar. So she convinced her husband and a family friend to drive her to a shopping center in Northern Virginia.

A number of persons who heard about our plan tried to discourage us because riots were happening in D.C., Blosser wrote. We saw none of that, and I found my purse!

The outfits are now tucked away for safe keeping.

My daughter said they are in style again, Blosser said during a recent interview. If you keep them long enough, theyll be in style ... but your body will not necessarily be the same as it was.

She and her husband will celebrate their 50th anniversary in July.
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CARSON CITY  Lt. Gov. Mark Hutchison has returned from a 10-day overseas travel and tourism trade mission where he led a delegation to cities throughout China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Xian and Guangzhou.

The delegation traveled to China to recommit the Silver State to the crucial Chinese travel market and to identify and facilitate new partnerships in China. Hutchison returned from the trip optimistic about the opportunities Chinese tourists present to the future growth of Nevadas travel and tourism sector.

Traveling to China was a wonderful experience and a great chance to showcase all that Nevada offers Chinese travelers. With the country expected to be the largest overseas tourism market to the United States by 2021, our recommitment could not have come at a better time. Traveling throughout China, I was greeted by many friendly people who were enthusiastic at the prospect of traveling to Nevada, Hutchison, chair of the Nevada Commission on Tourism, said.

Chinese travel and tourism facts:

In 2015, China was the third largest market for overseas travelers to the United States with 2.6 million visitors.

Current estimates project that 5.7 million Chinese will visit the United States each year by 2021.

In 2015, the average Chinese traveler to the United States spent $7,201, which is more than any other foreign visitors.

Chinese tourists spent $261 billion abroad in 2016, the most of any country and over twice the amount of United States travelers, Chinas nearest competitor.
The European Commission is getting ready to start the process to get glyphosate reauthorised for at least 10 years, EU farm commissioner Phil Hogan has indicated.

Speaking at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on 11 April, Mr Hogan said that hopefully in the next few weeks we can get a decision to reauthorise glyphosate for at least the next 10 years.

His comments come just weeks after European scientists gave glyphosate a clean bill of health, dismissing fears that it causes cancer.

See also: EU scientists reject glyphosate cancer claims

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) issued an opinion on the controversial weedkiller in March, which said that there was not the scientific evidence to classify glyphosate either as a carcinogen, as a mutagen or as toxic for reproduction.

Reauthorisation derailed

The farming industry had hoped last year that glyphosate, which has been used on farms for more than 40 years, would be relicenced for a period of 15 years.

However, the process was derailed after the International Agency for Research on Cancer claimed that the product was probably carcinogenic.

After a storm of protest, the EU Commission was forced to extend the licence for just 18 months  to 31 December 2017.

Glyphosate campaign

Over recent months UK farmers have been urged to to get involved in the fight to keep glyphosate by writing to their MP and MEP to outline the importance of the product on their farms (see NFU Scotland campaign).

Farmers are using platforms like Twitter and Facebook to spread the message that the use of glyphosate reduces the need to use other herbicides, helps to protect soil and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for ploughing.

The difficulty is that any proposal to reauthorise glyphosate is unlikely to go unchallenged, with a range of green groups across Europe adamant that the product poses a threat to human health and the environment.

A European petition launched in January, which calls for a ban on glyphosate to protect people and the environment from toxic pesticides, has already been signed by 680,336 members of the public.

The petition also calls for EU-wide mandatory reduction targets for pesticide use.

No firm proposal

A spokesman from the EU Commission stressed that Mr Hogan had expressed his expectation, but there was not yet a formal proposal on the table.

A decision on the possible reauthorisation of glyphosate will be taken before the end of the year at the Plants Animals Food and Feed Committee, on that basis of a commission proposal, after the commission receive the final opinion of the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) on glyphosate, he said.
The Weetabix Food Company has been bought by US consumer packaged food company Post Holdings in a deal worth 1.4bn.

The iconic brand, made only with British wheat, has been under Chinese ownership by Shanghai-based group Bright Food since 2012 but will now join Posts portfolio of cereal brands.

Although Bright Food purchased the brand with a view to expanding into the Chinese market, it is on home soil the brand has seen its strongest growth.

See also: Growing wheat for Weetabix

Last year Weetabixs UK market share for cereals and drinks rose to 16.4% from 15.3%.

The Weetabix Food Company also launched breakfast drinks business Weetabix On The Go in 2014, achieving sales of more than 15m in 2016.

Weetabix claims to lead the market in ensuring the quality, traceability and environmental sustainability of the wheat used in its products through its wheat protocol.

Established in 2010 and recommitted to at the start of 2016, this ensures all wheat is sourced within a 50-mile radius of its facility at Burton Latimer.

Giles Turrell, chief executive of Weetabix Food Company, welcomed the sale saying: Post is a leader within its markets and shares our commitment to providing great tasting nutritious products for the whole family. Im confident they will help us open doors for continued expansion.

Posts chief executive Rob Vitale told The Financial Times the focus of the acquisition would be on ensuring the continued strong performance of the Weetabix brand in the UK, while also acting as a platform for Post to expand its offering in the country.

Cost savings

He also confirmed that Post will seek to make a 20m annual cost saving through procurement synergies, but would not alter the size or shape of the Weetabix biscuits.

Posts existing brands include Grape-Nuts, Raisin Bran, Honey Bunches of Oats, and protein brands including PowerBar.

Farmers Weekly asked Weetabix how the deal will affect the brands commitment to supporting British growers, but at the time of posting this article had not received a response on this.

The company buys 100,000t of British wheat direct from farm each year from a pool of about 300 approved growers through two grain merchants.

At the start of this year Weetabix announced a 30m capital investment plan into its facility in Burton Latimer and another site at Corby, in order to raise volumes to match rising sales of the brand both at home and overseas.
The devastating impact of sheep worrying is being highlighted in a campaign to raise public awareness of the problem.

The Sheep-Wise campaign warns the public about the consequences of failing to control their dogs in the countryside.

It was launched by the National Sheep Association (NSA) of Scotland and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) ahead of the Easter weekend when thousands of people and dogs ventured into the countryside. This also coincides with the busy spring lambing period.

See also: Police seek tougher penalties for sheep worrying

Scotlands rural organisations are uniting behind the campaign, which also has the support of the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), Police Scotland, the British Veterinary Association (BVA), NFU Scotland, Scottish Land & Estates and Scottish Natural Heritage.

The initiative includes a film aimed at highlighting the devastation for farmers and dog owners caused by sheep worrying.

The film features powerful, first-hand accounts of sheep worrying from Aberdeenshire farmer John Fyall, also chairman of NSA Scotland, vet David McLaren, of Kirkton Veterinary Centre, Stonehaven and Gill MacGregor, SSPCA senior inspector.

The two-minute clip also expresses the anguish dog owners face, along with potential criminal prosecution, if they fail to control their pets properly in the countryside.

Kathy Peebles, NSA Scotland vice-chairman, said: For farmers, as well as lost income, it is heart-breaking to witness horrendous injuries in the sheep they work hard to look after.

For pregnant ewes, the result of being hounded by dogs can be miscarriage of unborn lambs and for ewes with young lambs at foot the result can be offspring getting separated from ewes and dying of hypothermia or starvation.

The outcome could be a vet putting a healthy dog down which is distressing for the owner and could easily be avoided by following the countryside access code.

Dog-owner problem

Carol McLaren, QMS head of communications, added: A key message of the campaign is sheep worrying is not a dog problem  it is a dog-owner problem.

Any dog  whatever breed, size or age  has the potential to chase sheep and cause considerable harm but the responsibility lies with owners to keep their dogs under control and out of trouble.

The Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime livestock worrying campaign advises dog owners to keep their pets on a lead at all times and avoid going into fields where livestock is grazing.

Farmers and those who use the countryside are urged to report all incidents of livestock worrying to police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Story Highlights More than six in 10 say corporations, upper-income Americans pay too little

Views that middle-income earners pay too much have increased

14% say lower-income pay too little; down from high of 24% five years ago

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As President Donald Trump and Republican leaders strategize about tax reform, the majority of U.S. adults believe that upper-income people and corporations are paying too little in taxes. In contrast, about half of Americans say middle- and lower-income people pay too much, while the other half says these groups are currently paying their fair share or are not paying enough.

Americans Say Upper-Income and Corporations Pay Too Little in Taxes Please tell me if you think these groups are paying their fair share in federal taxes, paying too much or paying too little? Fair share Too much Too little % % % Middle-income people 40 51 6 Lower-income people 35 48 14 Upper-income people 24 10 63 Corporations 19 9 67 Sorted by "fair share" Gallup, April 5-9, 2017

These results are based on Gallup's 2017 Economy and Finance survey, conducted April 5-9.

The view that middle-income people pay too much in taxes has been higher each of the past two years -- at just over 50% -- than at any point since the George W. Bush tax cuts went into effect in the early 2000s.

Because few Americans say middle-income individuals pay too little in taxes, the major changes over the years have been shifts between the "too much" and "fair share" categories.

When Gallup began asking this question in the 1990s, the "too much" viewpoint dominated. By 2003, after the first round of Bush tax cuts and the nation's increased focus on the war on terrorism, the percentage saying middle-income people paid too much fell significantly. At the same time, the perception that middle-income people's taxes were fair increased.

In 2014, the public once again showed more concern that middle-income taxpayers paid too much. Since then, Americans have continued to be more likely to say this group pays too much, rather than their fair share in taxes.

Half Say Lower-Income Pay Too Much

Americans' views of lower-income people's taxes are broadly similar to their views of taxes on those who are middle income. About half say both groups pay too much.

At the same time, Americans are more likely to believe lower-income people pay too little than say this about middle-income people. The belief that lower-income people pay too little in taxes rose from 10% in 2005, during the Bush administration, to as high as 24% during the Barack Obama administration in 2012 -- before dropping to 14% this year.

These shifts mainly reflect Republicans' shifting views. In 2005, 15% of Republicans said lower-income people pay too little in taxes. This rose to 40% by 2012, but fell back to 24% this year. Few Democrats have held the belief that lower-income people pay too little in taxes in any of these years.

More Than Six in 10 Say Upper-Income and Corporations Pay Too Little in Taxes

Slightly more than six in 10 Americans in recent years have consistently said that upper-income people pay too little in taxes. The view was even more widely held at points in the past, including in the early 1990s when three-quarters expressed this. This suggests that Trump faces a challenge in positioning or justifying tax reform efforts if they effectively end up lowering taxes for upper-income Americans.

Trump has also talked about lowering the tax rate on corporations. But two-thirds of Americans today say corporations pay too little in taxes, with less than one in 10 saying corporations pay too much. The public's attitudes about corporations' tax burden have been stable in recent years.

Implications

These findings provide insight into Americans' basic beliefs about the tax system at a time when tax reform is a major item on the legislative agenda. Other questions included in Gallup's April survey show that only about a third of Americans say their own personal tax burden is unfair, and roughly half say their taxes are too high.

This ends up as a quintessential "half empty or half full" situation. Clearly some Americans are dissatisfied with the tax system, both in terms of their perception of what others pay, and in terms of their assessments of their own tax situation. But no more than half of Americans are dissatisfied, leading to the conclusion that the need for relief from burdensome tax rates is, by no means, a universally held attitude.

Also, it is not clear how these basic beliefs about taxes may affect the public's acceptance of specific components of any tax plan that Trump will put forth in the future. For example, it appears that some of those who hold the view that middle-income people are paying their fair share could still support tax cuts for that group. Separate research shows that 61% of Americans agree with a proposal to significantly cut federal income taxes for the middle class.

A significant majority of Americans believe that upper-income people and corporations pay too little in taxes, supporting other research showing that well less than half of Americans -- 38% -- agree with a proposal to cut corporate income taxes, and that the majority favor heavier taxes on the rich.

These data are available in Gallup Analytics.
Story Highlights Americans' favorable image of Speaker Ryan falls to 39%

Image plummets among Democrats, Republicans' opinions hold steady

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Amid the collapse of the Affordable Care Act repeal in the U.S. House of Representatives, Paul Ryan's image is taking a hit -- 39% of Americans have a favorable opinion of the House speaker, down nine percentage points from November. Ryan's unfavorable rating has increased 12 points, and his image is more negative than positive for the first time since Gallup first asked about him in 2012.

In 2012, Mitt Romney selected Ryan as his running mate during that year's presidential election. At that point, 25% of Americans viewed him favorably, 17% viewed him unfavorably, and 58% had never heard of him or had no opinion.

Although Ryan soon became better known, opinions of him became only slightly more positive than negative.

Ryan assumed office in October 2015 after John Boehner retired from the position. Ryan, who previously had been chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, came to the speakership reluctantly, initially not wanting to be a candidate.

Ryan's favorable ratings rose to 42% after succeeding Boehner and to 48% last November after Donald Trump was elected president in a Republican sweep.

Ryan's ratings may have tumbled this year because of the failure to repeal the ACA, also known as Obamacare, but they likely would have done so sooner or later had he followed the typical pattern for recent speakers of the House.

John Boehner as speaker had a fairly brief honeymoon period, as did Nancy Pelosi in the same position.

Speakers tend to be rated more negatively than positively, though Dennis Hastert was the exception for most of his eight years in the top spot.

Ryan is not alone in low ratings among House leadership. Nancy Pelosi, the House Democratic leader, currently has a 34% favorable rating and a 48% unfavorable rating -- slightly worse than Ryan's.

Democrats' Image of Ryan Nose-Dives

A chief reason favorable ratings have dropped for Ryan is that Democratic support has cratered. While never high, his favorable rating among Democrats has fallen to 14%, from 39% in November.

Independents' view of Ryan also has soured, but not as much as Democrats'.

The dropping ratings may be a result of Ryan's aggressive push to "repeal and replace" the ACA, one of President Barack Obama's signature pieces of legislation. Gallup's April 5-9 survey was taken soon after the House canceled its vote on the new healthcare legislation proposed by Trump and Ryan.

Paul Ryan's Image Drops Among Democrats % Favorable Rating, by Party Republican Independent Democrat % % % Apr 5-9, 2017 66 39 14 Nov 9-13, 2016 66 44 39 Aug 3-7, 2016 61 48 29 Gallup

Republicans' favorable ratings of Ryan have been in the solid majority range but not overwhelmingly so. Two-thirds of Republicans have a favorable opinion of the speaker, holding steady from November.

Bottom Line

Ryan is speaker of the House amid significant intraparty squabbling among Republicans and strong opposition from Democrats who are looking to regain the House in 2020.

One of the speaker's top legislative priorities, repealing Obamacare, did not come to the House floor for a vote, despite his efforts. Factions within the GOP could not come to an agreement on the terms of the deal, and this episode may have contributed to a decline in Ryan's favorability.

It is also possible that this decline is the result of the hyperpartisan dealings in Congress since Trump's inauguration. With Ryan emerging as Trump's most visible supporter in Congress, Democrats who never fully embraced Ryan have become even less supportive. Of course, the lack of support from Democrats may be simply because of his role as speaker, a position that bedeviled the past two speakers of the House, Pelosi and Boehner.

With tax reform and a budget on the House agenda in the coming months, Ryan will have his hands full contending with a tempestuous majority and a minority with an eye toward the 2018 congressional elections.

A key to Ryan's survival as speaker will be in maintaining GOP support in Congress, something that Boehner was unable to do.

Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics.
CARLIN  A Carlin man is suspected of beating and attempting to stab his elderly roommate Saturday.

Police were called to a bar in Carlin where a man told authorities his roommate, Lee Elliott, 56, had assaulted him and tried to stab him, but the knife went into a table instead, according to Police Chief Dennis Fobes.

The roommate escaped the residence with help from another man and ended up at the bar to call police, said Fobes.

Police arrived at the residence where Elliott had barricaded himself in his bedroom, fought with officers and was tazed before being arrested, Fobes said.

The victim of the beating is over 62 and is on oxygen, Fobes added.

Elliott was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, coercion, domestic battery and false statement to obstruct a police officer. His bail is set at $29,280.
You can bet online at TwinSpires.com from Illinois but will need to provide your social security number in order to do so. Online racebooks licensed outside the state also accept customers from Illinois without the need to provide a social security number. 18 years and up permitted.

Illinois embraces horse racing and the betting that goes with it. The state is home to a handful of race tracks including Fairmount in the southern part of the state and Arlington closer to Chicago. Hawthorne is another top race track located near Chicago.

Illinois is a big state and getting to these tracks is not easy for everyone. Most of the states horse racing aficionados will opt for online betting as opposed to venturing out to the tracks. You can bet nearly every one of them will be getting down on the Kentucky Derby.

BetOnline vs. TwinSpires

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You can bet online at TwinSpires.com from Ohio but will be required to provide your social security number and they are obligated to report your winnings to the Government. Sportsbooks licensed outside the state also welcome customers from Ohio without requiring a social security number and they do NOT report winnings. BetOnline offers a generous welcome bonus (max bonus $1000).

The state offers eight horse racing venues spread across various regions.

Ohio's three Thoroughbred racetracks have been approved for a total of 293 racing dates for 2016 as approved Sept. 29 by the Ohio State Racing Commission effective last year.

None of the Ohio-based race tracks feature online gambling.

BetOnline Racebook vs. TwinSpires

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- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
On The Water: You might need a bigger boat for Transpac 2023
A sentencing hearing for Shannon Jones set for next week has been pushed back to next month.

Jones was supposed to be sentenced next Monday for his role in a $1.3 million federal fraud case stemming from the November 2015 collapse of his business, Jones 5 Auto Sales in Corvallis.

That hearing has now been rescheduled for 9 a.m. May 16 before District Judge Ann Aiken at the Wayne L. Morse U.S. Courthouse in Eugene.

This is the third time sentencing in the case has been postponed. It was initially scheduled for Feb. 7, then bumped back to March 13 and April 24.

The 46-year-old Jones pleaded guilty in October to a single count of violating federal wire fraud laws.

In a negotiated agreement with federal prosecutors, Jones admitted that he systematically defrauded customers, lenders and associates of Jones 5 Auto over a period of nearly four years, from early 2012 until Nov. 18, 2015, the day creditors and police descended on his used car dealership and shut it down.

Investigators have been tight-lipped about details of the case, but a sentencing memorandum filed with the court in March stated that 119 individual victims had been identified and that more were expected to emerge.

Jones could face up to 20 years on the wire fraud charge, but prosecutors have asked for a much lighter sentence. Citing his lack of a criminal record and his cooperation in the case, the U.S. Attorneys Office for Oregon is recommending 30 months in prison.

Jones also has agreed to pay restitution in the case.
The Benton County Sheriffs Office continues to investigate the death of a woman whose body was found Monday night on private timberland near Alsea.

Benton County Sheriff Scott Jackson said dispatchers received a call at around 5 p.m. Monday from a security representative of a lumber company who reported finding the body of a woman in a wooded area five to seven miles outside the small Coast Range community.

Sheriffs deputies and detectives responded to the scene and found a white woman, believed to be in her early to mid-20s, dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

Its likely a gunshot wound, Jackson said. I cant say for sure. It may look like it but turn out to be something else.

Undersheriff Greg Ridler said that detectives were investigating the incident as a gunshot wound, but authorities had not made a determination about whether foul play was suspected.

We did not find any weapon that would be consistent with the injuries, Ridler said. But you always have the possibility that someone disturbed the scene after. Were comfortable with the belief that it was not a suicide, but that doesnt rule out accidental and that does not rule out circumstances that were criminal.

Ridler said investigators have no information about any suspect or motive.

The woman had not been identified as of Tuesday.

Benton County Sheriff's Office personnel investigating the incident set up a temporary command post Tuesday at a timber landing several miles up a rugged logging road west of Alsea.

Several sheriff's vehicles were on the scene, including a command vehicle and utility trailer. A state police forensics truck was seen leaving the area about 1:30 p.m.

Ridler said it was unclear how long the body had been in the area before it was discovered.

"We wont know anything more until we get the report back from the Medical Examiners Office," Ridler said. "With the recent weather days, its hard to say how long."

Ridler said investigators would not release the exact location where the body was found until more information is known.

"Before we do anything else, what were interested in is identifying her," Ridler said. "Without that identification, were probably not going to release the scene."

Located about 25 miles southwest of Corvallis on Highway 34, Alsea is an unincorporated community of about 165 people. The surrounding hills are a patchwork of public and private timber tracts connected by a maze of gravel logging roads.

Greg Miller, a spokesman for Weyerhaeuser, confirmed that the body was found on company property but said he couldnt provide any specifics about the location or circumstances of the discovery.

Were cooperating with the investigation and with law enforcement, Miller said.

Weyerhaeuser owns a large amount of timberland in the Alsea area, much of it interspersed in a checkerboard pattern with tracts owned by the Bureau of Land Management.
SPRING CREEK  Spring Creek residents are encouraged to attend a consumer session of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada and Great Basin Water Company 6 p.m. Wednesday at Spring Creek High School gymnasium.

This is the time for Spring Creek Association residents to come and let their voice be heard with the PUCN and staff, said SCA President Jessie Bahr.

The session will address the water companys petition for a declaratory order from the PUCN stating its resolution of Spring Creeks recent meter reading and billing issues are consistent with its tariff, according to a press release from the Public Utilities Commission.

I am looking forward to this opportunity to hear directly from the residents of Spring Creek about their metering and billing concerns and from GBWC regarding their efforts to address these concerns, said PUCN Commissioner Ann C. Pongracz, who will preside over the consumer session.

Representatives from the GBWC and the Office of the Attorney Generals Bureau of Consumer Protection are also expected to attend.

The meeting comes as Assembly Bill 109 was promoted out of committee and is up for a vote by the Assembly before advancing to the Senate, said Bahr.

If passed, the bill requires the commission to conduct general consumer sessions in other Nevada counties serviced by certain public utilities that furnish water.

It also calls for the Consumers Advocate of the Bureau of Consumer Protection to intervene in certain proceedings concerning public utilities that furnish water.

The bill is in response to complaints from SCA residents who have seen their water rates from GBWC, formerly Utilities Inc., increase dramatically over the past few years, resulting in high water bills and a cutback in landscaping for some property owners.

The Spring Creek Association had a meeting scheduled with GBWC in November that was cancelled.

Bahr is encouraging Spring Creek residents to come to the meeting and let the commission and the water company representatives hear their stories and answer their questions, but she promises that this is not the final action the association will take regarding the matter.

The association will continue to work on the water issues we are seeing in Spring Creek until there is solid resolution for our members, said Bahr.

This and roads are top priority, Bahr said.
To paraphrase a comment that President Trump once made about health care: Who knew that history could be so complicated?

As colleges and other institutions, including Oregon State University, work to come to terms with the less savory chapters of their pasts, it's becoming clear just how complicated it can be.

But this is work that potentially comes with a benefit for everyone: A deeper knowledge of history and its complexities can be an invitation to honest discussion of how the currents of the past still flow into and shape the present.

At stake at OSU currently are controversies over the names affixed to four campus buildings: Arnold Dining Hall, Avery Hall, Benton Hall and Gill Coliseum. Protesters have made the case that the namesake of each of these buildings held, at least to some degree, racist views.

But take a closer look at each of the four cases, and it's not long before complexities enter the picture. For example, the protesters have targeted Benton Hall, arguing that it's named after Thomas Hart Benton, the famed Missouri senator who advocated for westward expansionist policies in Congress and in 1846 said that the white race alone received the divine command, to subdue and replenish the earth.

At this point, the case for renaming seems clear-cut. But here's the rub: Benton Hall wasn't named for Thomas Hart Benton, but instead was named to honor Benton County, whose citizens paid for construction of the building in the 1880s. The problem here, of course, is that Benton County was named after Thomas Hart Benton. It all becomes a tangled web that could prove difficult to unravel.

The other three buildings under review at OSU offer similar complications. None would appear to provide the sort of "egregious circumstances" that prompted University of Oregon President Michael Schill to remove the name of Frederic Dunn, a leader of the Ku Klux Klan, from a dormitory on the Eugene campus.

Schill also offered a solid bit of advice for OSU officials and others to keep in mind:

"It's very dangerous to obscure history," he said. "We learn from history. Taking people's names off buildings is something we should do very, very carefully."

OSU officials have launched what appears to be a careful process to review each of the four building names, and they have backed off a bit from an aggressive timeline for the reviews, perhaps in response to early signs that the effort could be more contentious and complicated than initially thought. A university official says the Arnold Dining Hall will be reviewed this spring, with reviews of the other three buildings scheduled for the fall.

And, truthfully, there isn't any reason to rush the process. It would be a shame if we raced through it and made a hasty decisions, especially in the light of Schill's comment that we can learn from history.

To be fair, college campuses aren't the only places grappling with history: Corvallis School District officials recently decided against allowing Linus Pauling Middle School students to participate in a Civil War re-enactment on school grounds.

The Gazette-Times reported on an earlier re-enactment at Linus Pauling. But some residents objected to a photo in the G-T showing students carrying a Confederate flag. Now, there are many, many places where displaying a Confederate flag is inappropriate, but a Civil War re-enactment is not among them.

Nevertheless, school officials asked the re-enactment group if it would host the event without using the Confederate flag. The group declined, understandably, and District Superintendent Ryan Noss decided not to invite the re-enactment back to Linus Pauling.

Schill's words echo in the mind: "It's very dangerous to obscure history. We learn from history." (mm)
Mitch McConnell can count. The Senate majority leader has 52 Republicans and needs 60 votes to break a filibuster. So when Congress returns from its Easter recess, Democrats will have to play a major role in the chambers deliberations, he told The Washington Post.

Democrats can use that leverage in many ways, but heres a suggestion: Alter President Trumps seriously misguided priorities that endanger the countrys health security.

Trumps proposed budget would allocate vast sums to bolstering the military (a $54 billion increase) and building a wall on the Mexican border ($15 billion) while slashing programs that are vital to the nations welfare. No cuts would be more damaging than the presidents assault on two invaluable agencies: the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Fortunately, some Republicans understand the presidents foolishness, including Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, chairman of the appropriations subcommittee that funds those agencies. He called them the front lines of defense for the American people for some pretty awful things, adding:

If the idea of a government is to protect the United States and its people, then these people contribute as much as another wing of an F-35 (fighter jet) and actually do more to save tens of thousands of lives.

Saving lives is not just a moral issue, its an economic one. Money invested now  in promoting basic research, protecting against infectious diseases, providing vaccinations, denouncing smoking  saves enormous amounts later. Just one example was emphasized recently by Bill Gates in a speech to the Munich Security Conference.

The cost of ensuring adequate pandemic preparedness worldwide is estimated at $3.4 billion a year, said Gates, who devotes much of his philanthropy to global health. Yet the projected annual loss from a pandemic could run as high as $570 billion.

The Trump budget slashes investments in health security instead of increasing them. The presidents priorities are not only a textbook example of penny wise and pound foolish, but they also reflect a deeply damaging mindset: a profound disdain for all the professionals  scientists and researchers, economists and engineers, journalists and judges  who measure and describe a world that does not square with the presidents prejudices.

Take the NIH, the largest biomedical research institution in the world, which enjoyed bipartisan support during the Obama administration. Trump would cut $5.8 billion, or 20 percent of its total budget. And the idea voiced by many conservatives, that private enterprise would pick up the slack, is simply wrong. Drug companies wont invest in the costly research that produces many failures before an effective new therapy can come to market.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, who has made fighting cancer a personal crusade, says that Trumps cuts would set the NIH budget, and biomedical research, back 15 years  and thats not hyperbole.

This is no time to undercut programs, for Gods sake, he added. Its time to double down  time to be sure we can deliver on the promise of science and technology to extend and improve lives.

Under Trumps budget, the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the CDC, would lose 18 percent of its funding. And another program that supports the CDCs preventive health efforts would be eliminated entirely.

That would mean more kids who dont get vaccinated, more smokers who dont quit, more drivers who dont wear seat belts. And it would mean far greater vulnerability to global health threats like Ebola, Zika and influenza. As the Post reports: Diseases travel fast and dont recognize borders. In todays connected world, a disease can be transported from a rural village to any major city within 36 hours.

The threat, adds Rebecca Katz of Georgetown University Medical Center, is not just from travel of people, but birds, too. You cant build walls to stop birds.

But thats what Trump wants to do: build walls, buy bombs, rattle sabers and ignore reality. Cole says it best: What the CDC does is probably more important to the average American than, in a sense, the Defense Department. Youre much more likely to be killed in a pandemic than you are in a terrorist attack, so you need to look at it that way. Those investments are extraordinarily important for the protection of the country.

Thats why Democrats have to use their influence to protect those investments from the Trumpian tide. His budget priorities would make the country weaker, not stronger. They would endanger all Americans, including those who voted for him. And they must be changed.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
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.
bayonel3 at 18-04-2017 12:03 PM (5 years ago) (m)

Former Governor of old Kaduna State and elder statesman, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, has given a damning verdict on the North as he revealed that it is needs at least 40 years to catch up with the southern region in terms of educational development. The former governor revealed this in an interview with Punch while reacting to the claim by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, who described northern Nigeria as being the poorest region in the country and in dire need of attention.

Former Governor of old Kaduna State and elder statesman, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, has given a damning verdict on the North as he revealed that it is needs at least 40 years to catch up with the southern region in terms of educational development. The former governor revealed this in an interview with Punch while reacting to the claim by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, who described northern Nigeria as being the poorest region in the country and in dire need of attention. Musa said the North was a troubled child of the country because of the misrule of political leaders and a skewed system of deprivation left by the colonialists in the North.

He said,  Musa said the North was a troubled child of the country because of the misrule of political leaders and a skewed system of deprivation left by the colonialists in the North.He said,  Quote The North is truly behind, but it is not only the North that is in trouble. The whole country is in trouble. The North is not another country. The problem in the North, as far as education is concerned, is a gap which it inherited from the British colonialists. And I have estimated that this gap in educational development between northern Nigeria and the South is a 40-year gap

This means that the North is behind the South in educational development for at least 40 years. This shows that even if the North wakes up today and takes a revolutionary step to bridge the gap, it will take the North 40 years. You know the position of educational development in national growth. This is the reason why the North is a troubled child and has never allowed Nigeria to have peace, unity and progress. It is not possible for the northern people with this unequal human capacity to participate actively in their affairs. They will always be the source of trouble.I believe this problem can be tackled by the government bringing a free, compulsory primary and secondary education throughout Nigeria. The government can afford it. I think this talk of North, North should stop. The whole country should come together and find solutions to these problems.

We have had many presidents from the North but what benefits have they done to the North? Presidents also came from the South-West and South-South. In what ways did those presidents benefit their regions? None. Therefore, we need to sit down as a country and tackle our problems collectively.

Post Reply I scour the world wide web to bring you interesting stories from around the globe. [email protected] Posted: at 18-04-2017 12:03 PM (5 years ago) | Hero
Xiaomi to announce new products with Mi 6 News oi -Shilpa A set of new Xiaomi products will be unveiled soon.

The company is all set to launch their upcoming smartphones Xiaomi Mi 6 and Mi 6 Plus this week in Beijing. All Xiaomi fans are excited to have this budget-friendly phone offering high-end specs in it.

Till date, we have come across so many rumors and leaks regarding the specs and designs of these two phones. Although it is not confirmed, we are able to visualize the final design of the phone ahead of its launch. Even the teasers released by the company accompanied our guess works as well. Now, there is an interesting news for all of us who are looking forward to this launch event.

Xiaomi Mi6 to have high-end specs and affordable price

It is not about Mi6, but it is about other new products which the company is planning to unveil on the same day. Yes, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer is all set to launch some new devices along with its new flagship smartphones.

Recently, the company's Mijia sub-brand posted a poll on their official Weibo page which asked the fans about the list of devices which company may announce at their launch event. The keen observation on that page made everyone feel that the company may come up with a new Mi TV, new Mi headphones, new Mi speakers, and some other products.

One should also take a note on their newly rumored Mi headphones. There were lots of rumors and leaks saying that Mi6 will ditch their 3.5mm headphone jack, but launching a new pair of headphones is creating a confusion among the fans.

This even made few sources to claim that this new Mi headphone will not be wired, instead, it will be a Bluetooth headphone. Nothing is confirmed for now. We just have to wait until Xiaomi announces those new products officially.

Source

Best Mobiles in India
Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, April 17, 2017  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 33 strikes consisting of 105 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

U.S. Central Command continues to work with partner nations to conduct targeted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria as part of the comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 21 strikes consisting of 15 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Abu Kamal, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS vehicle.

-- Near Raqqa, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and destroyed four fighting positions and a mortar system.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, nine strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units; destroyed nine ISIS oil equipment items, five wellheads and one vehicle; and suppressed an ISIS tactical unit.

-- Near Tabqah, five strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units and suppressed three ISIS tactical units.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted 12 strikes consisting of 90 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Qaim, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS vehicle.

-- Near Mosul, eight strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed eight fighting positions, three vehicle-borne bombs, three mortar systems, two ISIS vehicles, two heavy machine guns and a front-end loader; damaged 16 ISIS supply routes and four fighting positions; and suppressed 10 mortar teams and an ISIS tactical unit.

-- Near Rawah, two strikes engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed two anti-air artillery systems.

-- Near Tal Afar, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

These strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to destroy ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The destruction of ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria also further limits the group's ability to project terror and conduct external operations throughout the region and the rest of the world, task force officials said.

The list above contains all strikes conducted by fighter, attack, bomber, rotary-wing or remotely piloted aircraft; rocket-propelled artillery; and some ground-based tactical artillery when fired on planned targets, officials noted.

Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike, they added. A strike, as defined by the coalition, refers to one or more kinetic engagements that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single or cumulative effect. For example, task force officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIS vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against a group of ISIS-held buildings and weapon systems in a compound, having the cumulative effect of making that facility harder or impossible to use. Strike assessments are based on initial reports and may be refined, officials said.

The task force does not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target.

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South Korean, US forces exercise logistics capabilities

By Sgt. Quanesha Deloach, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachmen April 17, 2017

POHANG, South Korea -- On a bright and windy day, a gray U.S. Army landing craft utility ship loaded with tactical vehicles and other mission equipment to support exercise Operation Pacific Reach 2017 slowly made its way to the Trident Pier causeway here while soldiers and Marines patiently waited.

When the ship reached its mooring, service members grabbed lines to secure and position it and then began unloading and transporting the equipment to the marshaling yard, a holding area where the equipment would be shipped to front-line forces.

South Korean service members and U.S. personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps came together April 10 through 21 to test combined joint logistics over-the-shore capabilities, as well as their ability to employ rail, inland waterways and air terminal supply point capabilities during combined joint and multi-domain training focused on readiness.

"This exercise showed us how to communicate with our counterparts on and off sea and shore," said Army Staff Sgt. Tony Burnette, a watercraft operator assigned to 331st Transportation Company. "Working with the [South Koreans] and the U.S. Navy, Marines and Air Force allies was a great experience. We learned how to move tactical vehicles as a team from the ship, as the other team collected pipelines from the sea to shore to receive water and fuel."

GETTING FUEL, WATER TO TRANSPORTATION HUBS

The exercise could not be accomplished without the efforts of the soldiers and Marines operating the Inland Petroleum Distribution System. The Army, working alongside the Marines Corps, maintained the IPDS capability to transport fuel and water from the sea to major logistical transportation hubs.

During the two-week exercise, units worked together in sustained winds and waves to construct the modular sections of the Trident Pier causeway while preparing to offload the heavy equipment on Dogu Beach.

Transporting equipment on- and off-shore was only one piece of the exercise. South Korean aircraft also transported equipment to locations where it was needed.

"Operation Pacific Reach has offered us a unique opportunity to [enhance] our interoperability between our [South Korean] and joint partners," said Army Col. Christopher Dexter, commander of Material Support Command Korea. "Every day, we work together, side by side, and have the opportunity to collaborate, cooperate and communicate with our [South Korean] counterparts."

The exercise focused on logistical operations from the air, sea and shore to transport mission equipment across the Korean Peninsula using utility and mechanized landing craft, logistics support vessels and causeway ferries. The crafts transported and offloaded nearly 2,000 cargo containers during the operation.

"Each training event had a unique tactical scenario derived from our mission-essential task list, aimed at improving readiness and increasing interoperability," said Army Lt. Col. Natasha Jones, commander of the 10th Transportation Battalion.

"I am extremely proud and confident in the demonstrated ability of the [South Korean] and U.S. forces to conduct complex operations efficiently and safely side by side and sustaining the capabilities, which strengthen the [South Korean-U.S.] alliance."

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Army working to consolidate training systems, improve content delivery

By Mike Casey, Combined Arms Center - Training April 17, 2017

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. -- An effort to streamline planning and conducting Army training recently received an important boost.

In March, the Army awarded Program of Record status to the TRADOC Capability Manager - Army Training Information System (TCM ATIS), which is working to consolidate multiple training information management systems. The Milestone A decision came from Steffanie B. Easter, the acting assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology.

"We're pleased that the Army recognized the significance for our work to make it easier to plan, prepare, execute and assess training," said David Bolt, chief of TCM ATIS' systems development office, Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Over the years, Army organizations have developed more than 35 information systems to perform functions such as scheduling training, developing training content, tracking unit training records, and accounting for training aids, devices, simulators and simulations (TADSS). The multiple systems create problems.

"NCOs and officers waste time entering training data into separate systems," Bolt said. "Sometimes they are even re-entering the same data into multiple systems. Using one system will save Soldiers time and reduce the costs of maintaining multiple systems."

Now the Army plans to consolidate the systems into one, easy-to-use system that will increase efficiency and deliver training content to Soldiers when and where they need it.

The push to combine the systems gained momentum with TCM ATIS' designation as a Program of Record, which makes ATIS part of the Army budget. It also gives the organization additional authority to ensure the consolidated system meets Army enterprise requirements.

Bolt said the consolidated system will have five capabilities:

-- Training management.

-- Enterprise training scheduling from courses to ranges to classrooms.

-- Training development for materials such as tasks, collective tasks and lesson plans.

-- Army learning and content management to include many training and educational resources.

-- Training resource management to track training enablers such as TADSS.

Bolt said the new system will benefit operational, institutional and self-development training.

"Unit leaders will spend less time scheduling resources to support training," he said. "Educators at the schoolhouses will have better capabilities to maintain and share training and educational content. Soldiers in charge of TADSS will improve their inventory control."

TCM ATIS is providing requirements to the Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems (PEO EIS), Fort Belvoir, Virginia, which will let contracts to companies that will develop the enterprise solution.

Col. Darby McNulty, the Integrated Personnel and Pay System - Army (IPPS-A) Program Manager under PEO EIS, said he is looking forward to the project's success.

"As the new system is fielded, the Army will reduce the overall costs by retiring duplicative, stove-piped systems and improve performance with a net-centric, governed and architecturally compliant system," he said.

The consolidated system's initial capabilities are expected to come on line in fiscal year 2021, with full capabilities expected in the next fiscal year. Until then TCM ATIS and other system owners will operate the legacy systems.

-----

TCM ATIS is a part of the Army Training Support Center and is a subordinate organization of the Combined Arms Center - Training, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

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Army National Guard and Reserves complete equipment transportation to Cincu, Romania

By 1st Lt. Louis Stevens April 17, 2017

CINCU, Romania -- Soldiers from the South Carolina Army National Guard, United States Army Reserves, and Romanian Land Forces completed the transportation of 196 Engineering vehicles and equipment, which began their journey in Bremerhaven, Germany, traversed four countries, and arrived at their destination of Cincu, Romania on April 1, 2017.

The transportation of the equipment signified the commencement of Resolute Castle 2017, an engineering mission consisting of various projects designed for training Soldiers. The offloading of the vehicles and equipment at the railhead began on April 1 when the train arrived in Voila, Romania, a neighboring town to Cincu, Romania.

The South Carolina Army National Guard, composed of units such as the 122nd Horizontal Engineer Battalion, 59th Troop Command, the United States Army Reserves, composed of units such as the 702nd Horizontal Engineering Company, 844th Engineer Battalion, and the Romanian Land Forces began the offloading in Voila, Romania and continued their efforts in safely and efficiently completing the transport until April 4.

"We arrived and began offloading equipment immediately. We traveled a pretty lengthy distance from Bremerhaven, Germany, but the mission is not completed until all equipment has been taken to its final destination", Spc. Cody Malone of the 733rd Engineer Battalion from Morristown, TN said.

The offloading at the railhead in Voila spanned four days and demonstrated the ability of the US and Romanian forces to operate jointly so as to achieve lofty goals. The combined forces then faced the movement of large, cumbersome equipment through the small city streets of Cincu in a safe, orderly fashion.

"We are here to further ties with our allies. We know we must move the equipment efficiently, while considering the implications of our actions," Sgt. Charles Smith of the 122nd Horizontal Engineer Battalion from Cheraw, South Carolina related.

A Romanian Police escort guided the engineering vehicles and equipment through the town of Cincu, while local citizens went about their day to day lives with no interference. The vehicles arrived to the Romanian Base, where US Soldiers are currently operating, with no incidences.

"Our mission successfully exhibited our abilities to operate within the confines of a Romanian town and their bylaws," Capt. Winkels, an engineer officer of the 926th Engineer Brigade said. "We worked with the Romanian Land Forces in offloading the massive vehicle and equipment set we transported from Germany." He continued, "We set a precedent for safe, efficient operations for the rest of Resolute Castle 2017 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve."

The operation of transportation and offloading concluded once all vehicles and equipment had made their way through the town of Cincu to the site where construction is to be done. The sunset on April 4 over a vista of Soldiers and their equipment, both of which eagerly await the coming months of engineering operations.

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Saudi war on Yemen may put 4.5 million Yemeni children out of school: UNICEF

Iran Press TV

Mon Apr 17, 2017 4:15PM

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned that the ongoing Saudi aggression against impoverished Yemen may deprive a whole generation of children of education this year, cautioning that the consequences of the growing economic plight in Yemen would likely put these children at greater risk of being married off or recruited as child soldiers.

UNICEF Representative in Yemen Mertixell Relano sounded the grim warning at a press conference in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, adding that during the past seven months, more than three-quarters of Yemeni teachers had not received their salaries, which may in turn leave up to 4.5 million children incapable of finishing the school year.

"At the moment, we have more than 166,000 teachers in the country that have not received a salary since October last year. This is more or less 73 percent of the total number of teachers in the country," she said.

If the affected teachers do not receive their paychecks immediately, these children would be at risk of losing the current school year, and consequently the out-of-school boys would be at risk of "being recruited (for military service), or the girls might be at risk of being married earlier," Relano further said.

The economic crisis largely began last year, when former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, a staunch ally of Saudi Arabia, who has occupied Yemen's southwestern port city of Aden with the help of Riyadh, his loyalists and militia, moved the country's central bank from Sana'a to Aden. The current Saudi military campaign has aggravated economic and humanitarian issues in Yemen.

Hadi claimed that the popular Houthi Ansarullah movement, which is in control of large swaths of Yemen, including the capital, looted the bank; an allegation that was categorically rejected by the Houthis.

"Money is the backbone of life. Without it, I don't think anyone can live and there will be suffering. We're almost begging," lamented Hoda al Khoulani, a teacher at a children's school in Sana'a.

On Saturday, the UN announced that it would hold a High-Level Pledging Event for the current humanitarian crisis in the impoverished country, co-hosted by Switzerland and Sweden on April 25, as 18.8 million Yemenis are in need of humanitarian or protection assistance.

Since March 2015, Yemen has been heavily bombarded by Saudi warplanes as part of a brutal military campaign against the impoverished country in an attempt to reinstall Hadi and crush the Houthis.

Latest tallies show that the imposed war has so far killed over 12,000 Yemenis and wounded thousands more. The Saudi aggression has also taken a heavy toll on the country's facilities and infrastructure, destroying many hospitals, schools, and factories.

Over the past two years, Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has been running state affairs and defending the nation against Saudi military campaign.

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Canada Copter Squadron Departs for Northern Iraq to Fight Daesh

Sputnik News

22:22 17.04.2017(updated 22:36 17.04.2017)

Canadian Defense Ministry announced that sixty members of the Royal Canadian Airforce have been deployed to provide tactical aviation for Canada's trainers, advisors and special-forces in the war against Daesh terrorists.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  Sixty members of the Royal Canadian Airforce (CAF) have been deployed to provide tactical aviation for Canada's trainers, advisors and special-forces in the war against Daesh in northern Iraq, the nation's Defense Ministry announced in a press release on Monday.

"We provide air power that integrates with and supports our CAF and coalition partners," Canadian Air Division Commander Maj. Gen. Christian Drouin stated in the release. "The tactical helicopter detachment is a crucial component of this commitment."

Members of the 408th Tactical Helicopter Squadron, based in the province of Alberta, are replacing members of an existing chopper squadron as part of a normal force rotation, the release explained.

Up to four CH-146 Griffon helicopters provide in-theatre tactical transport for Canadian troops, special-forces and materiel near Erbil, Iraq, the release noted.

 Sputnik

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US Denies Reports of Airstrikes in Somalia Last Week - Africa Command

Sputnik News

16:18 17.04.2017(updated 16:28 17.04.2017)

US Africa Command said in a release that US military did not conduct any counterterrorism strikes in southwest Somalia on April 14 contrary to what the media has reported.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The US military did not conduct any counterterrorism strikes in southwest Somalia on April 14 contrary to what the media has reported, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a release on Monday.

"The US military did not conduct any kind of kinetic action in that area during the timeframe referenced," the release stated. "The most recent US strike in Somalia was conducted in January 2017."

In March, President Donald Trump gave the green light to a Department of Defense request to increase the number of artillery and air strikes in Somalia against the al-Shabaab terror group (outlawed in Russia).

Somalia has been experiencing violence since the country devolved into civil war in the early 1990s. The state's collapse provided a breeding ground for warlords, pirates and the al-Qaeda affiliated al-Shabaab.

The terror group has been staging numerous attacks in Somalia in an attempt to create an Islamic state ruled by Sharia law.

 Sputnik

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Venezuela army declares loyalty to Maduro ahead of big opposition demo

Iran Press TV

Tue Apr 18, 2017 6:25AM

Venezuela's defense minister has rejected a call by the opposition to turn on President Nicolas Maduro, declaring the army's loyalty to the leader as the country is bracing for a large protest rally against the government.

Vladimir Padrino Lopez said on Monday that the army "confirms its unconditional loyalty to the president" after the center-right opposition called on the military to defy Maduro.

The defense chief was speaking to thousands of members of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces outside the presidential palace in the capital, Caracas.

The opposition call came days before a mass demonstration against the embattled protest rally on April 19, in what it has vowed to be the "mother of all protests."

Supporters of Maduro will also stage a counter-protest the same day, a national holiday that marks the start of Venezuela's independence struggle in 1810.

Maduro has deployed Bolivarian forces to the streets to ensure the security of the planned rallies for and against the government.

Also addressing the crowed on Monday was Maduro, who thanked the army and the Bolivarian forces for their support, announcing a plan to increase the number of civilians involved in the Bolivarian force to 500,000 from the current 100,000.

Venezuela's National Bolivarian Armed Forces are controlled by the president, who is the commander-in-chief. The national guard, made up of civilians, primarily focuses on internal security in addition to the army, the navy and the air force.

The force was created by late president Hugo Chavez, Maduro's mentor, to help the army in defending his "Bolivarian revolution" from external and domestic attacks.

"From the first reveille (on Monday morning), from the first rooster crow, the Bolivarian National Armed Forces will be in the streets... saying, 'Long live the Bolivarian revolution,'" Maduro said in a televised address on Sunday night.

He also urged the militia to be in "permanent training" and "permanent deployment" to defend Venezuela against "any imperialist aggression."

Venezuela has been hit by violent demonstrations sparked by the Supreme Court's ruling to annul the legislature.

Venezuela's Supreme Court ruled that the National Assembly was in "contempt" and annulled its legislative powers. However, it reversed its ruling on April 1 after Maduro asked the judicial body to review the decision.

Public discontent with the government has been high as a result of the economic woes gripping the once-booming Latin American economy.

Acute shortages of food and medicine have forced hundreds of thousands of people to march across the border into neighboring Colombia to buy necessities in recent months. This is while Venezuela has the world's largest oil reserves.

Tensions have been running high between the opposition and the government since the 2015 elections, when the opposition gained control of the parliament.

The opposition blames Maduro's socialist government for the country's economic troubles, while the leftist government blames the Western-backed opposition forces for inciting political unrest with the help of the United States.

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Spain has shattered even the most optimistic forecasts for tourist arrivals during the Easter break that just ended. The good weather encouraged last-minute planners to make the most of the vacation time that ended on Sunday or Monday, depending on the region. Industry sources confirmed high occupancy rates not just at the usual coastal destinations, but also in cities and in rural enclaves. Frankly, things could not have gone better, said Public Works Minister Inigo de la Serna.

Malvarrosa beach in Valencia on Easter Monday. Kai Foersterling (EFE)

According to the minister, occupancy rates were 10% higher compared to the same period last year. Our economy keeps growing, and this new push makes us optimistic about growth forecasts for the Spanish economy, said De la Serna at a public event organized by the business newspaper El Economista.

A record 75 million foreign visitors came to Spain last year, and the tourism industry is hoping to set a new high this year, based on the positive Easter figures.

Were coming off the back of three very good years. Were on a roll

Joseba Cortazar, Toprural

Average hotel occupancy rates were between 85% and 90% in inland destinations, and 90% on the coast, according to numbers released by the industry group CEHAT. The island of Tenerife had an occupancy rate of 92% while Lanzarote had 90%. Along the Costa del Sol, the average occupancy rate was 83.57%, while the small northern region of Cantabria reached 100% on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

In the Catalan province of Lleida, the occupancy rate was 95%, said the regional tourism board in a release. Around 80,000 tourists visited the province between April 8 and 17.

Rural getaways

Meanwhile, rural lodgings have enjoyed a spike thanks to increased tourism by Spaniards following the rebound of the economy. This type of tourism depends to a great extent on national visitors, who make up 75% of annual overnight stays, said Joseba Cortazar, the communications director for Toprural, a leading website for rural accommodation bookings.

Were coming off the back of three very good years. Were on a roll, said Cortazar, who says that on a normal weekend the average occupancy rate is 30%. On Wednesday, we already had enough bookings to represent 85%. Easter is to rural tourism like summer: high season.

The challenge now, says Cortazar, is to get visitors coming throughout the rest of the year, and raising rates again. Prices went down and services were added in order to get through the crisis. And they have not recovered at the same rate as hotels, says Cortazar.

Tourist apartments

Tourist apartments are also surging as an alternative option, especially on the coast. Besides those which are run by professional agencies, growing numbers of private owners are offering accommodation on websites such as Airbnb despite a growing confrontation with city authorities in places like Madrid or Barcelona, who say the practice is pushing up the rent for local residents and forcing them out of their neighborhoods. And Palma de Mallorca recently announced plans to ban tourist apartments altogether by the summer.

English version by Susana Urra.
United Kingdom - Elections 08 June 2017

Prime Minister Theresa May had been labeled "a dead woman walking" by ex-treasurer George Osborne. Labour's Jeremy Corbyn predicts fresh elections. She tried to recruit Northern Ireland backers to stay in power. Democratic Unionists (DUP) from Northern Ireland holding 10 key seats in Britain's Westminster parliament withheld support 11 June 2017, prompting May's office to retract its previous claim that an "outline" coalition deal had already been agreed. DUP leader Arlene Foster said she would meet May on 13 June 2017 while Downing Street said the incumbent premier would "finalize" a deal in the coming week.

On 26 June 2017 May secured the Democratic Unionist Party's support for her minority government. The DUP's leaders had traveled from Northern Ireland to London to finalize an agreement with the prime minister's Conservatives, who hold a plurality in the United Kingdom's Parliament, to support her government. The DUP and May reached a "confidence and supply" agreement. Under the deal, the smaller party will support the Tories in all fiscal matters and confidence votes, as well as Brexit talks and national security. The faction's backing will be case-by-case on other issues.

May won Britain's snap election but lost her parliamentary majority 08 June 2017, in a major blow for her leadership as Brexit talks loom. May's Conservatives fell from 330 to 318 seats, short of a majority in the 650-seat House of Commons, after a troubled campaign overshadowed by two deadly terror attacks. The main opposition Labour party, led by leftist Jeremy Corbyn, meanwhile increased its number of seats from 229 to 261.

Analysts blamed the decline on May's botched announcement of a reform in funding for elderly care, a strong grassroots campaign by Corbyn and the terror attacks, which led to scrutiny of her time as interior minister before becoming prime minister.

Saying it was the only way to guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead, British Prime Minister Theresa May on April 18, 2017 called for early elections 08 June 2017, in a move she hoped would give her a stronger position as she negotiated Britains departure from the European Union.

Britain is leaving the European Union and there can be no turning back, May said in announcing her call for an early election outside No. 10 Downing Street. We wil regain control of our own money, our own laws and our own borders and we will be free to strike trade deals with old friends and new partners all around the world.

This is the right approach, and it is in the national interest. But the other political parties oppose it, she said. At this moment of enormous national significance, there should be unity here in Westminster, but instead there is division."

Ever since Theresa May became prime minister, after Britain voted to leave the EU on June 23 and David Cameron resigned, the possibility of an early election has hovered in the background. May has strenuously denied that this was her plan. In September 2016, she said: "I'm not going to be calling a snap election. I've been very clear that I think we need that period of time, that stability, to be able to deal with the issues that the country is facing and have that election in 2020." As late as March 2017, Downing Street was denying that an early election was on the cards.

Analysts said Mays shock decision to call elections long before their next due date in 2020 was a means to consolidate the Conservatives power and put the bickering behind.

The numbers suggested that May is likely to significantly increase her currently small majority with a snap election. The Labour Party is in a dire state, riven by internal conflict and dominated by criticism of leader Jeremy Corbyn. An average of all opinion polls current had the Conservatives on 42 percent and Labour on 27 percent, enough to deliver a substantial majority to May.

The British leader challenged opposition parties to band together on June 8, a move analysts say is a risky but calculated move for May, given the Labor Partys worst popularity slump in a century. This is your moment to show you mean it, to show you are not opposing the government for the sake of it, to show that you do not treat politics as a game, May said.

May accused political parties of "game-playing," saying this threatens the countrys ability to make a success of Brexit." She said Labour threatened to vote against a final Brexit deal with the EU, the Liberal Democrats warned they wanted to "grind the business of government to a standstill", and the Scottish National Party (SNP) said it would vote against legislation formally repealing Britain's EU membership.

Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn had threatened to work to derail Mays plan for negotiating post-Brexit trade deals, and criticized the British leaders calls for reducing taxes and regulations to attract investment after Britain leaves the EU. At the same time, the Scottish National Party has threatened to vote against a bill to formally repeal Britains EU membership.

The Liberal Democrats, who had only eight MPs, fought several by-elections on an anti-Brexit platform, pledging to hold a second referendum. The party leader, Tim Farron, immediately issued a statement positing the Liberal Democrats as the anti-Brexit option: "If you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the single market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance."

Irish republican party Sinn Fein announced it would seek a special status in the EU for Northern Island. "Sinn Fein opposed Brexit because it will be disastrous for the people of Ireland, our economy and our public services," said Michelle O'Neill, who leads the party in Northern Island. "The people of the North clearly voted to see their future in the European Union in the referendum last June," she added, referring to the 56 percent of citizens in Northern Ireland who voted to remain in the bloc.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had requested a second independence vote. "The Tories see a chance to move the UK to the right, force through a hard Brexit and impose deeper cuts. Let's stand up for Scotland," Sturgeon said after May's announcement.

Corbyn, the leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, resumed campaigning for Britain's snap election by urging the nation to "be brave enough to admit the 'war on terror' is not working."

"Many experts, including professionals in our intelligence and security services, pointed out the connections between wars that we've been involved in or supported in other countries, such as Libya, and terrorism here at home," said Corbyn, a veteran anti-war campaigner.

Much of the mainstream media in the UK continued to express the pro-Conservative ideological stance of their owners in opposition to Jeremy Corbyn's old Labour views. Even the so-called "liberal" media published material demonstrably more hostile to Corbyn than that published with regard to previous Labour contenders.

The election exposed an awkward manner with the public and a reliance on soundbites. Rivals have accused her of policy-making by slogan and lashed her for refusing to engage in head-to-head TV debates. Other questions have swirled around the failure of the security services to thwart jihadists after three terror attacks in three months.

As the polls narrowed, some Tories questioned the wisdom of basing their party's campaign around May's "strong and stable leadership". In the final stretch, the party slightly amended its messaging, focusing more on the Conservatives rather than May herself.

By focusing much of her Conservative party's campaign on her rival Jeremy Corbyn's security credentials, she faced accusations of politicising the terrorist attacks. A U-turn on a key manifesto proposal to fund elderly social care was also damaging, while some voters also expressed irritation that she called the snap vote despite promising not to.

May faced a fierce backlash for her plans to make elderly voters pay more towards the cost of their old age care, forcing her to perform an extraordinary U-turn by watering down her "dementia tax". The proposal had raised concerns that some seniors might see their houses sold off to pay for their health care, rather than be passed on to their loved ones.

Polls put Labour just slightly behind the Conservatives, after the party started the campaign in April trailing by about 20 percent. One poll published 30 May 2017 showed her lead had been cut to 6 percentage points from 9 points a week earlier and 18 points two weeks ago with voters reacting badly to the Conservatives' manifesto.

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U.S. VP says strategic patience is over on DPRK's nuclear issue

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 15:32, April 17, 2017

SEOUL, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Visiting United States Vice President Mike Pence said on Monday that "an era of strategic patience is over" on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Pence made the remarks during a joint press conference with South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn who is serving as acting president. They held talks in Seoul before the televised press conference.

Since 1992, Pence said, the United States and South Korea made joint efforts to achieve the denuclearized Korean Peninsula through peaceful means.

The U.S. vice president, however, said "all options are on the table" though the U.S. wants peaceful means for the denuclearization of the peninsula.

Citing two nuclear tests and multiple ballistic missile test-launches the DPRK conducted in the past 18 months, he said the era of strategic patience is over.

The strategic patience refers to a U.S. policy on the DPRK advocated by the previous Obama administration.

Pyongyang carried out its fourth and fifth nuclear detonations in January and September last year respectively. After the January atomic bomb test, the country launched a long-range rocket that put a satellite into orbit.

The rocket launch is seen by South Korea and the U.S. as a disguised test of a banned ballistic missile technology. The DPRK is banned from testing such technology under UN Security Council resolutions.

Shortly before Pence's arrival in South Korea, the DPRK test-launched an unidentified missile from its east coast. It exploded seconds after the launch, which was assessed by the South Korean military as a failed test.

Pence arrived in South Korea on Sunday as part of his 10-day trip to Asia. He will leave for Japan on Tuesday.

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Russia warns US against 'unilateral action' on North Korea

Iran Press TV

Mon Apr 17, 2017 2:7PM

Russia has warned the United States against any "unilateral action" against North Korea, saying any response to Pyongyang's nuclear activities should not violate "international law," amid reports of potential military confrontation between North Korea and the US.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the remarks at a news conference in Moscow on Monday, a few hours after US Vice President Mike Pence said the era of "strategic patience" with the North was over, warning Pyongyang not to test US President Donald Trump's resolve over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

"This is a very risky path. We do not accept the reckless nuclear missile actions of Pyongyang that breach UN resolutions, but that does not mean that you can break international law," Lavrov said, adding that he hoped there would not be any "unilateral actions like the one we saw recently in Syria."

The top Russian diplomat was referring to the recent US attack on Shayrat Airfield in Syria's Homs Province with a barrage of 59 Tomahawk missiles, fired from two warships in the Mediterranean Sea, which caused some 15 fatalities, including civilians.

Pentagon's unprecedented offensive on the Syrian soil was conducted without any international authorization.

On Sunday, US and South Korean military officials reported that Pyongyang's latest missile test had failed earlier in the day, with the projectile exploding almost immediately after the launch.

The failed test occurred just a few hours before Pence's scheduled visit to South Korea's capital, Seoul, and just one day after Pyongyang showcased its submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) for the first time during a massive military parade.

During recent weeks, tensions between North Korea and the US have increased, raising fears of a potential military confrontation between the two sides. Washington has voiced concern over Pyongyang's tests, but the North says such launches are an act of deterrence against a potential invasion by the US or South Korea.

On Monday, Pence, while standing alongside South Korea's acting president, Hwang Kyo-ahn, in Seoul, vowed that Washington's commitment to its ally against any possible aggression by the North was "iron-clad and immutable," reiterating that "all options are on the table," including military offensive, to forestall Pyongyang's quest to make a nuclear weapon capable of striking the US mainland.

Last week, a US aircraft carrier-led strike group set course for the Western Pacific Ocean close to the Korean Peninsula amid growing fears over the North's weapons tests.

Last month, Washington particularly infuriated Pyongyang by conducting a joint annual military drill with Seoul and starting the installation of an advanced missile system, known as Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), at an air base in South Korea.

Pyongyang has been subjected to international pressure, including US sanctions and Security Council resolutions, to abandon its arms development and nuclear programs. However, it says the programs are meant to protect the country from US hostility.

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Trump Warns North Korea's Ruler After Missile Test, Saying He Must 'Behave'

RFE/RL April 17, 2017

A day after a failed North Korean missile test, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned North Korea's ruler Kim Jong Un that he has "got to behave."

Trump made the remark at the White House on April 17 after a reporter asked what message he had for the North Korean leader.

Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said during a visit to the South Korean side of the Korean Demilitarized Zone on April 17 that Washington's "era of strategic patience is over."

Pence said Trump hopes China will use its "extraordinary" influence to pressure North Korea into abandoning its nuclear weapons and ballistic-missile programs.

Pence said Trump has "made it clear that the patience of the United States and our allies in this region has run out and we want to see change."

In New York, North Korea's deputy UN ambassador accused the Trump administration of transforming the Korean Peninsula into "the world's biggest hotspot" and creating "a dangerous situation in which a thermonuclear war may break out at any moment."

Pence warned North Korea not to test Trump's resolve, saying that "all options are on the table."

Pence said during a press conference in Seoul on April 17 that recent U.S. military action in Syria and Afghanistan had signaled the "strength and resolve of our new president."

"North Korea would do well not to test his resolve, or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region," Pence said during a joint press conference with South Korea's acting President Hwang Kyo-Ahn.

The U.S. military this month struck a Syrian airfield with 59 cruise missiles. On April 13, the U.S. military said it had dropped the largest nonnuclear bomb it has ever used in combat, on Islamic State (IS) group hideouts in eastern Afghanistan.

Pence's remarks stirred a warning from Russia against the launch of a unilateral strike on North Korea.

"This is a very risky path," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a news conference in Moscow on April 17. "We do not accept the reckless nuclear missile actions of Pyongyang that breach UN resolutions, but that does not mean that you can break international law.

"I hope that there will not be any unilateral actions like the one we saw recently in Syria."

Earlier, Pence visited the highly fortified Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ) and the border village of Panmunjom and said the "era of strategic patience" with North Korea is over.

Pence said on April 17 during his visit to the Panmunjom truce village that Washington wants to proceed "through peaceable means, through negotiations."

"But all options are on the table as we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of South Korea," he added.

Speaking at Freedom House a few meters from the military demarcation line, Pence said, "The people of North Korea, the military of North Korea, should not mistake the resolve of the United States of America to stand with our allies."

Pence's visit to the border between North and South Korea comes as tensions on the peninsula have risen substantially over Pyongyang's missile program.

It also comes a day after the North attempted to test-fire a missile that exploded almost immediately after launch.

Pence is on a 10-day, four-nation tour of Asia. He will visit key U.S. ally Japan, which has also condemned North Korea's missile program that has included at least six nuclear tests, along with Indonesia and Australia.

Pence arrived by helicopter at Camp Bonifas, a U.S.-led United Nations post just outside the DMZ, for a briefing with military leaders and to meet with U.S. troops stationed there.

"It is particularly humbling for me to be here," he said to a group of soldiers and others.

"My father served in the Korean war with the U.S. Army, and on the way here we actually saw some of the terrain [where] my father fought alongside Korean forces to help earn your freedom."

Earlier, Pence called North Korea's failed missile launch a "provocation."

"This morning's provocation from the North is just the latest reminder of the risks each one of you face every day in the defense of the freedom of the people of South Korea and the defense of America in this part of the world," Pence told soldiers at a U.S. base earlier in the day.

Amid elevated tensions, the United States has dispatched what Trump called an "armada" of ships -- including an aircraft carrier -- into waters off the Korean Peninsula.

Trump in an April 16 tweet said that China is working with the United States on the "North Korea problem."

A White House adviser on the Pence trip said that the United States was unlikely to respond to the North's latest missile test because there was no need to reinforce the failure.

North and South Korea are technically still at war after their 1950-53 conflict ended without an official peace treaty. The U.S. military has about 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea.

With reporting by AP and AFP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/us-korea-missile-dmz- pence-vice-president/28434302.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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North Korea to Continue Missile Tests Despite Growing Tensions With US

Sputnik News

21:32 17.04.2017

Pyongyang will continue carrying out missile tests, North Korea's deputy foreign minister said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  North Korea will continue to conduct missile tests despite international condemnation and increased tensions with Washington, the country's Vice Foreign Minister Han Song Ryol said.

"We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis," Han told the BBC.

Han added that in case the United States resorted to military action, an "all-out war" would start.

Earlier on Monday, US Vice President Mike Pence urged North Korea "not to test" Washington's patience after recent US military strikes on enemy forces in Afghanistan and Syria.

On Sunday, Pyongyang attempted to launch a ballistic missile that exploded within seconds after it took off, according to US and South Korean defense officials.

 Sputnik

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Trump Not to Tolerate Threats to Allies, Partners From North Korea - State Dept.

Sputnik News

20:51 17.04.2017(updated 21:53 17.04.2017)

Donald Trump will not let North Korea threaten US allies, the US Department of State said.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  President Donald Trump will not allow North Korea to threaten any US allies or its partners in the region, US Department of State Acting Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Susan Thornton said in a press briefing on Monday.

"The President [Trump] was also very clear that he will not accept the United States and its allies and partners in the region being under threat from this hostile regime and its missile and nuclear programs," Thornton stated.

The United States is not seeking a conflict or regime change in North Korea, but is trying to solve the issue via peaceful denuclearization, she said.

"The US has been clear that we want to resolve this issue through the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Thornton said. "We are definitely not seeking conflict or regime change, but we are committed to defending our people and our allies should that be necessary."

Earlier on Monday, Vice President Mike Pence said during his visit to South Korea that US military strikes on enemy forces in Afghanistan and Syria show the shift in Washington's strategy to halt North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

On April 14, US media said that Trump might order a strike against North Korea in the event Pyongyang decided to carry out another nuclear weapon test. The reports came after Trump said that the North Korean nuclear issue would be "taken care of," while at the same time calling on China to pressure its neighbor into giving up its nuclear program.

In response, the general staff of the North Korean armed forces threatened to launch a strike against US military bases in Japan and South Korea, as well as the presidential residence in Seoul in case of US aggression.

On April 15, North Korea reportedly test-launched a missile but the experiment failed.

In March, US State Secretary Rex Tillerson said that Washington might consider broader sanctions against North Korea.

Since the beginning of 2016, North Korea has carried out a number of missile launches and nuclear tests, prompting worldwide criticism and high tensions on the Korean peninsula.

"There hasn't been any change and there hasn't certainly been anything about the decision making process that would indicate any change [of THAAD deployment in South Korea]," Thornton added. "So we're on track as far as that goes for THAAD Deployment."

Thornton noted that the United States is in constant contact with South Korea which is determined to move forward with the THAAD anti-missile system.

The goal of THAAD is to provide deterrence to the imminent security threat from North Korea, Thornton added.

On March 8, components for the THAAD system began to arrive in South Korea as Seoul wanted the system to be deployed rapidly in response to the threat from North Korea's ballistic missile tests.

China and Russia have repeatedly showed their objection to the deployment of THAAD, arguing that their real aim was to deter the strategic weapon systems not only in the Korean peninsula's North, but primarily in China's hinterlands and Russia's Far East regions.

 Sputnik

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'North Korea Ready to React if US Opts for Military Actions'

Sputnik News

19:06 17.04.2017(updated 20:10 17.04.2017)

Pyongyang is ready to respond in the event Washington decides to use force against North Korea, its UN envoy said. However, tensions will disappear if Washington abandons its hostile policy toward the country, he added.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  North Korea is prepared to respond in case US President Donald Trump decides to use force against it, North Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Kim In Ryong said in a press conference on Monday.

"If the United States opt for the military actions DPRK [North Korea] is ready to react," Ryong stated. "DPRK was entirely just when it increased in every way its military capability for self-defense and preemptive act with a nuclear force at its pivot."

Earlier on Monday, Vice President Mike Pence said during his visit to South Korea that US military strikes on enemy forces in Afghanistan and Syria show the shift in Washington's strategy to halt North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

On April 14, US media said that US President Donald Trump might order a strike against North Korea in the event Pyongyang decided to carry out another nuclear weapon test. The reports came after Trump said that the North Korean nuclear issue would be "taken care of," while at the same time calling on China to pressure its neighbor into giving up its nuclear program. In response, the general staff of the North Korean armed forces threatened to launch a strike against US military bases in Japan and South Korea, as well as the presidential residence in Seoul in case of US aggression.

On April 15, North Korea reportedly test-launched a missile but the experiment failed.

The United States must change its policy toward North Korea in order to successfully move forward on the Korean peninsula, Kim In Ryong told reporters.

"Abandoning of US hostile policy towards DPRK [North Korea] is a precondition to any success on the Korean peninsula," he said.

The ambassador stated the United States has created a dangerous situation on the Korean peninsula with its aggressive actions, and is destabilizing the region.

Such actions, the ambassador noted, pose a big security threat.

The UN Security Council is due to hold a briefing later in the month on the issue of North Korean launching ballistic missiles and developing its nuclear program.

North Korea has stated it is against such a briefing because such a meeting constitutes an abuse of the mandate of the UN Security Council.

"As far as another nuclear test is concerned it is something that our headquarters decided," Ryong stated. "At the time and at the place where our headquarters deemed necessary it will take place."

Ryong added that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has made it clear that failures don't deter him or his rocket scientists.

 Sputnik

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Briefing on the Situation on the Korean Peninsula

Special Briefing

Susan A. Thornton

Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

Via Teleconference

April 17, 2017

MODERATOR: Thank you. Thanks very much and thanks to everyone who's called in today for our on-the-record briefing with Acting Assistant Secretary Susan Thornton about the Korean peninsula. Just one word by way of a reminder, it's obviously on the record. That's your attribution. And this call will be embargoed until the conclusion of the call. And with that, I will turn it over to our speaker this afternoon, Acting Assistant Secretary Susan Thornton.

MS THORNTON: Hey, good afternoon, everybody, and thanks very much for joining this call. We've had quite a bit of activity in the East Asia Pacific region in the past couple of weeks. Of course, most immediately I think we've all been following events in Northeast Asia over the weekend starting  of course, we had the Vice President's trip to the Republic of Korea and his meetings with our South Korean allies. We had the failed North Korean missile test on Saturday. I think you saw the Secretary of Defense's statement on that, and our National Security Advisor General McMaster talked about that on Sunday as well as his deputy K.T. McFarland.

As General McMaster said, there's an international consensus that includes the Chinese leadership, and this situation just cannot continue. The President was also very clear that he will not accept the United States and its allies and partners in the region being under threat from this hostile regime and its missile and weapons and nuclear programs.

On Saturday, Secretary Tillerson also spoke to Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi by phone. They affirmed the positive course established by President Trump and President Xi Jinping at their meeting in Mar-a-Lago earlier this month. They also agreed on shared goals for the Korean peninsula, including strict enforcement of UN Security Council resolutions and the need for international action to press the DPRK to cease provocative actions and recommit to peaceful denuclearization.

So we are clearly working together with our allies and our partners to develop a range of options if this pattern of destabilizing behavior continues, but the U.S. goal, which is shared by our allies and China and the rest of the international community, remains the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

So with that as a leadoff background, I'll be happy to take any of your questions. Please, go ahead.

OPERATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, once again, if you would like to ask a question, please press *1 on your telephone keypad. You will hear a tone indicating you have been placed in queue, and you may remove yourself from this queue by depressing the # key. Once again, for questions press *1. And our first question is from the line of Andrea Mitchell with NBC News. Please, go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you very much for doing this call. There was a bit of confusion coming off of the Vice President's plane where a senior official said that there might be some change in the deployment of the THAAD, which, as you know, has raised issues in both China and with some people in South Korea, but that the THAAD deployment might be delayed till after the election. And then that once they got on the ground, that was changed to be referring reporters to the Pentagon.

Could you at least explain whether there's been any change after China's criticism that some of their sanctions against South Korea about the THAAD, or there's any slowdown in the deployment of the  in the THAAD becoming operational? And significantly, could you explain, when the Vice President says that the North Koreans have to give up their nuclear weapons, how does the U.S. expect that to be done given how big their arsenal is?

MS THORNTON: Okay, thanks. So, yeah, first on the issue of THAAD, which I think is a pretty straightforward one, we made this decision to deploy THAAD. That's an alliance decision back, I guess, over a year ago now or about a year ago, and we have been sort of continuing apace in that decision. It obviously is a proceeding that takes a while to get all of the various pieces in line, and I think we're proceeding apace with that. There hasn't been any change and there hasn't certainly been anything about the decision-making process that would indicate any change. So we're on track as far as that goes for THAAD deployment.

I know that we have been in constant discussion with our ROK allies, that they remain determined to go ahead, and that we're proceeding through the steps necessary to get the THAAD deployment done. Of course, the main reason why we are proceeding with this is that there is this imminent threat from North Korea that threatens South Korea, threatens our allies, and threatens our troops in the region, and so that is the basis for the THAAD deployment.

I know you mentioned that there's been some concerns expressed by some others in the region. But frankly, we think that this is clearly a purely defensive deployment, and so the best way to deal with any concerns would be to get the North Koreans to reverse their threatening and provocative behavior that is the proximate cause for us moving ahead with this. So I don't think that there should be any question that we're not moving ahead with THAAD. We're proceeding apace on that.

The second question is probably a little bit more involved, and that is the question about how to indeed pursue denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. We've undertaken a number of efforts in past years, but we will be continuing to work on this. We are looking for North Korea, obviously, to stick to commitments that it has previously made in this regard about denuclearization and rollback of its programs.

The Secretary of State, you may know, will be hosting a meeting at the UN in New York of foreign ministers later on this month in April to discuss international community's efforts to convince the North Koreans to take up this  the issue of denuclearization again and to show some serious determination and steps that would indicate to the rest of us that they are serious about doing just that.

And so we'll be talking about that with all of our partners; and in the meantime, I think you know that the decision's been made to really try to maximize pressure that would have the effect of galvanizing the decision making in Pyongyang to decide to take up that cause again and pursue denuclearization and the rollback of their illegal programs.

MODERATOR: The next question.

OPERATOR: The next question is from the line of Matthew Lee with the Associated Press. Please, go ahead.

QUESTION: Hi, thank you. This is very brief. I'm just wondering if the Secretary has spoken to anyone other than State Councilor Yang, or does he plan to, about this. I understand that the Vice President is meeting with the South Koreans, so I can see why he wouldn't call them and the Japanese. But does he have any plans before going up to New York at the end of next week to speak to people about this?

MS THORNTON: Well, he has been in constant contact with South Korea and his South Korean and Japanese counterparts. I think he had meetings with the Japanese last week, and there have been conversations between not just the Vice President and the ROK, and of course, the Vice President is on his way to Japan today. So I think there will be some follow-up conversations with the Japanese counterparts there.

But I think the Secretary has maintained a constant, kind of running contact with his Japanese and Korean counterparts, and I don't know if any particular plans, but I wouldn't be surprised if there are contacts with  between him and his counterparts in the run-up to next week's meeting.

QUESTION: Thanks.

OPERATOR: And the next question is from Lesley Wroughton with Reuters. Please, go ahead.

QUESTION: Yes, good afternoon. Thank you for this call and for making it on the record. Number one, I  what  is there any light at the end of this dark tunnel that seems to exist? Is there any way that you see this impasse broken, either through the Chinese dialogue or any other way? Also, what kind of response would the U.S. have specifically if North Korea goes ahead with a sixth test?

MS THORNTON: Yeah, so  well, I think the sixth test you're talking about would probably be a nuclear test, and I think --

QUESTION: Yeah.

MS THORNTON: Some kind of a major provocation like that would draw a pretty significant international response. I don't want to  as the President, I think, has also indicated, we don't want to telegraph exactly what that is. But I think that the U.S. has been clear that we want to resolve this issue through the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. We're definitely not seeking conflict or regime change, but we are committed to defending our people and our allies should it be necessary.

I don't think it's the U.S. and our allies that are violating the UN Security Council resolutions and are reneging on our past commitments or that are threatening kind of military strikes. So I think the question about how do you see this unfolding, I mean, we have made a decision, and it's a decision that's been made with all of our allies and partners on this issue, to maximize pressure, economic pressure, on the North Korean regime to try to get it to make tangible steps to roll back their illegal programs.

And I think when you look at past efforts to ramp up economic pressure in various scenarios, one of the things that we can say is that you don't know that the sanctions are working until they work, and we're definitely determined to make sure that this kind of pressure will have the effect of changing  changing their mind about their path that they're choosing and to pick a different path going forward in the future. And I think we just have to stick with it, be patient, and make sure that our international coalition is rock solid and that we are  make sure that there's no lack of determination or resolve, and that we telegraph that to the leadership in North Korea and hope that that registers with them.

MODERATOR: Next question.

OPERATOR: Next we go to the line of Felicia Schwartz with The Wall Street Journal. Please, go ahead.

QUESTION: Hi. Thanks so much for doing this. In terms of the elections in South Korea next month, how are you taking those into account? As you talk about economic pressure, it looks like a left-leaning candidate with less appetite for sanctions could come to power. And how are you looking at that? And then did Pence meet with the leading candidates? You said he's on his way to Japan, so I guess he wouldn't be able to if he hasn't.

MS THORNTON: Yeah, thanks for that. Yeah, so the new Korean elections, the elections for the new president, are going to take place on May 9th and  which is coming up fairly quickly. I think they're still working through the primary process there and trying to see who the leading emerging candidates will be in that race. Vice President Pence did not meet with any of the candidates. He did meet with the current acting President Hwang, but he did not meet with the candidates. It's getting pretty close to the election, so things are quite active on the political campaign season in South Korea.

I think the question about how we're looking at the potential  a new potential candidate for president in South Korea is one that sort of we have to wait and see to some extent. We do see that both of the leading candidates in the current race appear to be very supportive of the U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance and have clearly articulated the priority that they place on the security of both the ROK but also on regional security. So I think that we're not too worried about various aspects of policies that might emerge. We'll have no problem working with whoever the South Korean people choose in  via that election, and we will, I'm sure, be working very closely with whoever emerges from the election as the new president.

MODERATOR: Next question.

OPERATOR: Next we go to the line of Nick Wadhams with Bloomberg. Please, go ahead.

QUESTION: Hi. Thanks, Susan. I just wanted to check: Have you heard any new indication from China to suggest that they've changed their position or are more willing to sort of clamp down on North Korea, whether it be promises from the Mar-a-Lago meeting or after the Secretary's conversation with Yang Jiechi? And then also, I mean, there's just been so much reporting on the possibility of Trump not shying away from a unilateral strike or some other military action. How much closer are we to unilateral military action against North Korea? Thanks.

MS THORNTON: Well, I think the President and the administration have been very clear that we're not going to stand idly by while the DPRK develops and hones these threatening, illegal weapons and programs. So the rate of testing and launching illegal technologies currently far surpasses anything that we've seen previously. So there is a feeling that this is a very urgent and not just a local or a regional threat, but actually a global threat at this point. So I think that when you hear discussion of wanting to elevate this issue in the priority list, making it a top security priority, that is  that reflects the urgency that the frequency of tests and the threat that's felt in  especially in South Korea, but also elsewhere in the region, reflects that reality.

As far as the  so I'm not  I can't telegraph any specific response, but there's definitely a feeling that we are determined and resolved to not let North Korea continue to undertake this threatening behavior, that we have these ironclad alliances with both our allies in Japan and in South Korea, and that we will meet any threat or any attack with the appropriate response. But I think our preference  and clearly what President Trump has been talking about and what he telegraphed coming out of the meeting in Mar-a-Lago  our preference is to put pressure on the North Korean regime so that they will undertake to cease this threatening behavior and roll back their illegal programs.

And I think he's  President Trump is very hopeful that the Chinese will undertake to use the considerable leverage that they have over the economic lifeblood of the North Korean economy in the service of this effort. And I think what he feels that he's heard and what has been discussed also in telephone conversations, in meetings with the Secretary and his counterparts and other administration officials, what they've heard is China has indicated appreciation of the urgency of the threat, of the need to have an international coalition mounted, and a need for China to do more in stepping up pressure on the North Korean regime and trying to make it clear to them that there is no tolerance for these illegal programs, both the ballistic missile programs and the nuclear programs. And China is also making clear that it is committed to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and that it will do its utmost, I think, in combination with all of the other partners in the region and around the world, to put pressure on the North Korean regime to show them that that's the only path forward for a brighter future for their people.

MODERATOR: Next question.

OPERATOR: Question is from the line of Mariko de Freytas with Kyodo News. Please, go ahead.

MS THORNTON: Hi, thank you for doing this call, on record as well. You've been talking a lot about economic tensions and pressures, but McMaster has said it's time for us to undertake all actions we can short of the military option to try to resolve this peacefully. So to decrease the tension, what's the possibility that the U.S. will pursue bilateral or multilateral talks with North Korea?

MS THORNTON: Well, I think that various administration officials have been pretty clear on this point. Vice President Pence said over the weekend in South Korea that the policy of kind of strategic patience has ended, and that what we really need to have is some demonstrable change in North Korea's behavior. I think there is a feeling that the time  the conditions are not really ripe for any kind of talks until North Korea shows that it is serious about what would be accomplished by undertaking such talks. And we're really looking for some kind of signal that they have realized that the current status quo is unsustainable and that they will have to make a fundamental decision about getting rid of these illegal programs in order to turn the page and have a more normal engagement with the international community.

MODERATOR: Next question.

OPERATOR: Question is from the line of Margaret Warner with PBS. Please, go ahead.

QUESTION: Hi, thank you very much for doing this and, again, on the record. I think it was the President's tweet that talked about maximum pressure and engagement. Can you clarify what the engagement scenario looks like? In other words, your last answer  are you saying there are preconditions that North Korea has to meet for talks, such as freeze its program or something else tangible, before the U.S. would engage in any kind of talks?

MS THORNTON: Yeah. Well, I think that right now, the focus is on getting some tangible signal from the North Korean regime that it is serious about engaging in talks, and such signals would not include things like launching illegal missiles, as happened over the weekend. So there's not real  I don't think there's a realistic expectation of some kind of serious engagement from the international community while the North Koreans are continuing in all of this provocative and frankly illegal behavior. We need to see that there is some kind of a different path forward before we can engage in any kind of serious discussions with them.

So we haven't so far seen that signal, and without a signal like that that we're  I think the international community is going to be resolved to just continue ratcheting up the pressure to try to make it clear that there is no path forward without a discussion of denuclearization.

QUESTION: Well, I understand that, but would they have to make a vow to freeze their program?

MS THORNTON: I think that what I'm saying is there isn't some specific precondition, but we haven't seen anything at all tangible to indicate that there's any kind of possibility that they would be rolling back their program. And so until we see something that gives us an indication of that, I don't think that there's much enthusiasm for that kind of discussion.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MODERATOR: Next question.

OPERATOR: Next question is the line of Michelle Kosinski with CNN. Please, go ahead.

QUESTION: Hi, thank you. What we hear a lot of is that the U.S. hopes China will do more. You described that they now have an appreciation of the urgency. That doesn't sound like a whole lot of solid commitment has come from China lately. Can you talk a little bit more about what kind of confidence you really have that they are going to put extraordinary pressure on North Korea? And the fact that we're still talking about hoping that they'll do more, is that kind of a bad sign at this point? Thanks.

MS THORNTON: Well, I mean, I don't think it's a bad sign. I think you've heard the President say that he's made clear to the Chinese that they should view North Korea as a liability, not as an asset, and that this is an urgent global threat that must be addressed by all peace-loving nations but especially by China, when they have so much leverage. So I think we're saying that we're  we think that they've gotten the message about increasing pressure and that they have said they want to increase cooperation with us and with the international community on this front. We've seen some tangible indications of  that they're working towards this end, but it's still quite early. And I think the one thing that I would say on this is we've gotten a lot of positive signals from the Chinese, but it takes time to  as I mentioned, you don't know if these kinds of economic pressure will work until it works, and we've seen that time and again in different cases around the globe where we've tried efforts like these. And so I think there's not going to be an answer tomorrow or the day after that; it's going to take more time, and we're going to, obviously, be watching to see what the Chinese do. And I think that's where you've seen the President note that we're going to work with China and see if we can get them to do more, and if they decide they're not going to work with us or not cooperate with us, then we're going to have to change tack and try something else, maybe on our own. But up until that point, we're working with them and it's been  we've been quite encouraged. And I think that's all I can say at the  at this point.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MODERATOR: And our last question.

OPERATOR: Is from the line of David Clark with AFP. Please, go ahead.

QUESTION: Oh, hi, thanks for doing this. Do we have anymore clarity on what type of device it was that they  type of missile it was that they attempted to test over the weekend?

And I also  I've heard it suggested that China is less worried than we are about the ICBM element of the development. Maybe they share U.S. concerns about nuclear weapons, but obviously an ICBM, they're on the same continent as North Korea. It doesn't bring them into any more danger than before. Do you think there's a difference in their attitude towards the missile program and the nuclear program? Thanks very much.

MS THORNTON: Yeah, so as far as the clarity on what the  what was the launch over the weekend, the launch failed very early on, so that makes it harder to know exactly what they were trying to do. But I think that our understanding is that it was not one of the longer-range missiles that they were trying to test there; it was something like a medium-range ballistic missile, but still with prohibited technology. But like I said, it's still, I think, a subject of ongoing discussion. But that's the latest indication that we have.

And I'm sorry, what was the second part?

QUESTION: That I've seen it  I've heard it suggested here in Washington that, whereas China shares U.S. concerns about the development of a nuclear weapon, the ICBM per se is not all that much of a concern to them since they're already on the same continent as North Korea; it doesn't bring them into the firing line any more than they already are. Do they share your concerns about the ICBM?

MS THORNTON: Yeah, thanks. Yes, they do share our concerns about the ICBM. I think, I mean, China has basically signed up to international conventions, they certainly are concerned about other ballistic missile technology that the North Koreans are testing that's also illegal and much shorter-range than an ICBM. But they do realize that an ICBM expands, actually, the nature of the threat and makes it a kind of a  more of a global concern. And I think they do understand that, as far as the United States concerned  or is concerned, we see it as an escalatory step on the part of North Korea, and that makes it also of great concern to China.

So I think the nuclear test is right on their doorstep, that's true, but an ICBM is also a very alarming development for the Chinese.

QUESTION: Thank you.

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Pence Warns North Korea Not to Test US Resolve

By Brian Padden April 17, 2017

Referencing recent U.S. airstrikes in Syria and Afghanistan, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence Monday issued a strong warning to North Korea that President Donald Trump will use military force if needed to deal with the Kim Jong Un government's escalating nuclear threat.

"Just in the last two weeks the world witnessed the strength and resolve of our new president in actions taken in Syria, in Afghanistan. North Korea would do well not to test his resolve," said Pence said.

The vice president is visiting South Korea at the start of a four-nation Asia tour to reinforce the U.S. commitment to allies in this increasingly volatile region and build international support for increasing pressure on the North to end its nuclear and ballistic missile development programs.

Unshakable alliance

During a press conference in Seoul Monday with South Korea's acting president, Hwang Kyo-ahn, Pence stressed the "unshakable" U.S. commitment to defend its longstanding ally and cooperate on all decisions regarding regional security.

"We will continue to closely consult with South Korea and your leadership as we make decisions moving forward," he said.

Many in South Korea have grown concerned that the U.S. might take unilateral military action against North Korea that could plunge the region into war.

In his remarks, the acting South Korean president stressed the need to increase economic sanctions against the North and did not address the issue of military force.

"We share the understanding of the gravity and urgency of the North Korean nuclear and missile threat, and agreed to double our efforts to change North Korea's strategic calculations by further tightening the global network of pressure on North Korea," said Hwang.

Also on Sunday, U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster seemed to walk back the threat of a U.S. military strike against North Korea, at least for now.

"It's time for us to undertake all actions we can, short of a military option, to try to resolve this peacefully," he said on the ABC News network's This Week program. "We are working together with our allies and partners and with the Chinese leadership to develop a range of options."

The Trump administration is reportedly focusing on tougher economic sanctions, possibly including an oil embargo, a global ban on North Korea's airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks doing business with Pyongyang.

The vice president reiterated Trump's recent praise for China's increased enforcement of economic sanctions that included sending back cargo ships full of coal, one of the North's most lucrative exports, and canceling some airline flights into Pyongyang.

While China supports U.N. sanctions to pressure North Korea into nuclear disarmament talks, it has been reluctant to harshly implement measures that might produce instability at its border and increase U.S. power in the region.

'Brink of war'

In New York, North Korea's deputy U.N. ambassador, Kim In Ryong, held a hastily called news conference which he said was intended to condemn a meeting to be held in the U.N. Security Council at the end of April. The United States is the council president this month, and the meeting on the 28th will be chaired by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with a focus on North Korea's nuclear proliferation.

Much of his comments focused on the current tensions on the Korean peninsula and the recent U.S. missile strike on Syria to retaliate for that government's use of chemical weapons against civilians there. He also complained about the annual U.S.-South Korean joint military exercises that are currently taking place  a favorite source of outrage by Pyongyang.

"It is crystal clear to everybody that the U.S. is hell-bent on the dangerous saber-rattling in South Korea; little short of a nuclear arsenal is [the] arch-criminal harassing the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the rest of Northeast Asia," Ambassador Kim told reporters.

He warned that the U.S. has pushed the peninsula "to the brink of a war" and went on to say that a "thermo-nuclear war may break out at any moment on the peninsula."

Disturbed by the deployment of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to the region, Ambassador Kim said that if Washington "dares opt for a military action," calling it a preemptive strike, "the DPRK is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the U.S."

Kim said that Pyongyang never begs for peace and would "hold the U.S. wholly accountable for the catastrophic consequences" should a military strike occur.

Failed missile test

The vice president's visit to South Korea comes at a time of heightened tensions over North Korea's defiant efforts to ultimately develop a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland and the Trump administration's determination to prevent that from happening.

Trump has talked tough about stopping North Korea, and last week sent the USS Carl Vinson nuclear-powered aircraft carrier into the region in response to evidence that North Korea was preparing to conduct a nuclear test during the celebration of the birthday of the nation's founding leader, Kim Il Sung, a holiday known as the Day of the Sun.

Pyongyang did not conduct the anticipated nuclear test over the weekend but did hold a massive military parade on Saturday that exhibited some new long-range and submarine-based missiles. On Sunday, it attempted to test a medium-range missile which exploded seconds after it was launched.



Youmi Kim and Margaret Besheer contributed to this report.

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Pence Says U.S. Resolved To Halt North Korea's Nuclear Ambitions

April 18, 2017

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has told Japan that the United States is ready to work with its Asian allies to halt North Korea's drive toward nuclear weapons.

Pence landed in Tokyo on April 18 after visiting South Korea, where the vice president reassured the region of the "iron-clad" alliance they share with the United States.

Pyongyang has accelerated its nuclear and missile tests in recent years, despite international condemnation and UN sanctions.

"Under President Trump, the United States will continue to work with Japan and with all our allies in the region, including South Korea, to confront the most ominous threat posed in this region of the world, the regime in North Korea," Pence said after meeting senior Japanese officials including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

"Let me be clear, our commitment is unwavering and our resolve could not be stronger," Pence said. "We are with you 100 percent."

On April 17, a day after a failed North Korean missile test, Pence said that Washington's "era of strategic patience is over" and that "all options are on the table" in regard to how to deal with North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

U.S. President Donald Trump on April 17 warned North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un that he has "gotta behave."

Pence said he was confident that diplomatic and economic pressure could be combined to help freeze North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

The vice president, who is on a 10-day Asia trip that also includes visits to Indonesia and Australia, said Trump hopes China will use its influence to push North Korea into abandoning nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

Abe said on April 18 that it was important "to seek diplomatic efforts as well as peaceable settlements of the issue."

The Japanese prime minister also said that, at the same time, "dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless and (it) is necessary for us to exercise pressure."

After meeting with Abe, Pence held talks with Japan's Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on creating a new economic dialogue.

Aso said further talks on economic ties would be held before the end of 2017.

"Security and economy are two wheels supporting Japan-U.S. alliance for the stability of the Asian Pacific region," Aso said.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/pence-north-korea-japan- nuclear-tests/28436759.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Spains King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy have accepted an official invitation to make an official visit to Cuba, which the Foreign Ministry says will take place as soon as possible, probably at the end of this year, ahead of the retirement of the Caribbean islands leader , Raul Castro, in February 2018.

Raul Castro (r) and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez. AFP

Felipes father and predecessor, Juan Carlos, led a Spanish delegation that attended the funeral of Fidel Castro in November 2016. During Juan Carloss 39 years in power, between 1975 and 2014, he only visited Havana once: in 1999, when Cuba hosted the IX Ibero-American Summit. Jose Maria Aznar, who was prime minister with Spains conservative Popular Party between 1996 and 2004, has said publicly that he refused to sanction further visits by Juan Carlos to Cuba given the politicians ideological differences with the regime in Havana.

King Felipe and Rajoy intend to visit Cuba as soon as possible, according to official sources. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez gave King Felipe the invitation at a meeting in the Zarzuela official royal residence in Madrid on Monday during a private visit to the Spanish capital. He later met with Rajoy.

The invitation comes after a May 2016 visit by the then-Spanish foreign minister, Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo.

King Felipe and Queen Leticia are making a state visit to the United Kingdom between June 6 and June 8, which means the visit to Cuba could take place after summer, toward the end of the year.

During King Juan Carloss 39 years in power, between 1975 and 2014, he only visited Havana once

During their conversation, Rodriguez and King Felipe discussed the worsening situation in Venezuela where protesters have taken to the streets after the opposition-controlled national congress was briefly stripped off its powers. Speaking at a press conference afterward, Rodriguez said Cuba would continue supporting the government of President Nicolas Maduro to find the best solutions and decisions. He also referred to the 2002 coup that briefly toppled Maduros predecessor, Hugo Chavez.

Spanish Foreign Minister Alfonso Dastis said after meeting with Rodriguez that the invitation symbolizes the will of Cuba to increase links with Spain. He added that following the end of the year-long political stalemate in Spain in October produced by two inconclusive elections, Prime Minister Rajoy intended to strengthen and intensify political, social, economic, trade, cultural, family and other ties between the two countries.

In December, Spain raised the issue of renewing the EUs agreement with Cuba, leaving behind the approach of the Aznar government and its focus on human-rights issues. Rodriguez described talks between Madrid and Havana as multi-faceted, promising, cordial, productive, useful, and beneficial.

Spain is Cubas third-major trading partner and the eighth-most-important source of tourists. Rodriguez praised Spain and the EUs position regarding the ongoing US embargo.

Dastis pointed out that Spanish governments over the years have not supported the trade embargo and hoped that the Trump administration would continue the thaw begun by Barack Obama. On the subject of political prisoners and human rights in Cuba, Dastis, who has offered to travel to Cuba ahead of the visit, said both governments would address all issues with respect andtrust, and pragmatically.

English version by Nick Lyne.
Pence: 'All Options' Considered for Dealing With North Korea

By Steve Herman April 18, 2017

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday the international community should be applying diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea to get that country to abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

Speaking during a visit to Japan, Pence said the U.S. "will not relent" until it achieves the goal of a denuclearized Korean peninsula, and that "all options are on the table."

He cited past international efforts to negotiate with North Korea on its nuclear program, including the most recent six-party talks that broke down in 2009, saying the North Korean side has repeatedly responded with "broken promises and more provocations."

Pence again stated that "the era of strategic patience is over," advocating as the best way forward dialogue among the U.S., Japan, South Korea and China in order to isolate and pressure North Korea.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who hosted Pence for talks in Tokyo, said he appreciates the Trump administration's "all options" approach. Abe added that he hopes for peaceful dialogue with North Korea, but that "dialogue for the sake of dialogue" has no value.

The comments came a day after North Korea tried and failed to launch a missile from its submarine base at Sinpo.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis called the failed missile launch a reckless provocation. "The leader in North Korea again recklessly tried to provoke something by launching a missile," Mattis told reporters Tuesday aboard a U.S. military aircraft while en route to Saudi Arabia.

Back in Washington, White House press secretary Sean Spicer indicated tolerance for a bit more patience on the U.S. side during a briefing with reporters Monday.

"I think that we're going to continue to work with China in particular to help find a way forward," Spicer said.

The press secretary characterized "the era of strategic patience" as an Obama administration policy of "basically wait and see" that is not prudent for the United States. But, he added, as a result of the recent talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the current administration is giving Beijing time to use its economic and political influence on Pyongyang.

The vice president, speaking to reporters Monday near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, said "President Trump has made it clear that the patience of the United States and our allies in this region has run out and we want to see change. We want to see North Korea abandon its reckless path of the development of nuclear weapons and also its continual use and testing of ballistic missiles is unacceptable."

At a hastily called news conference Monday in New York, North Korea's deputy ambassador to the United Nations, Kim In Ryong, accused the United States of pushing the Korean peninsula "to the brink of a war," warning that a "thermo-nuclear war may break out at any moment on the peninsula."

Referring to the deployment of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier and its strike group to waters off the Korean peninsula, Kim said if Washington "dares opt for a military action," calling it a preemptive strike, "the DPRK is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the U.S."

Such belligerent rhetoric from North Korea's state media and officials is common.

Pyongyang has yet to conduct its anticipated sixth nuclear test, amid indications it has made all preparations for such an event. North Korea held a massive military parade Saturday, exhibiting some new long-range and submarine-based missiles.

Pence's visit to Northeast Asia comes at a time of heightened tensions over North Korea's defiant efforts to ultimately develop a nuclear tipped intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, and the Trump administration's determination to prevent that from happening.

"I think the U.S. has been clear that we want to resolve this issue through the peaceful de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula," said Acting Assistant Secretary of State Susan Thornton. "We are definitely not seeking conflict or regime change, but we are committed to defending our people and our allies, should it be necessary."

Trump on Monday told a reporter that North Korea has "got to behave" and, in remarks recorded for airing Tuesday on a Fox News program, contended that his presidential predecessors had "all been outplayed" by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

It is a questionable whether Trump is serious about the use of force against Kim or just bluffing to pressure him and the Chinese, according to one analyst.

The national security adviser, General H.R. McMaster, and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis "are well aware that North Korea is not Syria or Afghanistan, and that a military strike against the North is a risky gambit whose full import is impossible to anticipate," a former CIA analyst on Korean issues, Sue Mi Terry, told VOA.

"My take is that all of this rhetoric is simply to ramp up the pressure and signal to the world, particularly China and North Korea, that they are not pushovers like they think the Obama administration had been," added Terry, who served as Northeast Asia affairs director on the National Security Council at the end of the Bush and beginning of the Obama administrations.

Terry said she sees the Trump administration's approach as "an intensification of Obama's sanctions approach," adding it is yet unclear what is replacing strategic patience.

Brian Padden and Youmi Kim in Seoul, Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb; Margaret Besheer at the U.N., and Cindy Saine at the State Department contributed to this report.

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India Opens $3 Billion Ammo Tender for Private Sector to Curb Import Dependency

Sputnik News

17:42 17.04.2017

The Indian defense ministry has floated a tender for private ammunition makers in India to supply ammunition worth $3 billion to the armed forces over the next decade. Currently, 11 government-owned ordnance factories have a monopoly over the production of ammunitions.

New Delhi (Sputnik)  Last year, the Indian government approved the private sector to produce ammunition as part of the Make in India program.

The defense ministry floated a tender from a domestic private manufacturer for the supply of a range of ammunition. The list includes 125mm armor-piercing types for T-90 & T-72, 40mm multiple grenade launcher/underbarrel grenade launcher ammo, 30mm ammunition used by armored infantry carrying vehicle, 122mm grad rockets for Pinaka series and bi-modular charge system.

Twenty-five Indian companies responded to the request issued by the ministry last November. Kalyani Group, Reliance Defence and Engineering Ltd and Godrej & Boyce are among the companies that responded to the bid.

Indian companies can form a joint venture with foreign companies to produce such items under complete transfer of technology agreement but the latter can't hold a majority stake in the joint venture. Indian companies will have to adopt the technology completely within five years of the signing of the contract. Russian company Rosoboronexport, Rheinmetall Defense, Diehl Defense of Germany and Elbit of Israel may form a joint venture with Indian companies for the production. The Indian government also provides export options to these companies.

Despite being short on capacity, the Indian government did not provide opportunities for private defense industries in the country. On average, the Ordnance Factories Board (OFB) achieved targets by 80 percent and above in 51 percent of the instances during 2011 to 2014. But in 28 percent of the instances, the achievement was less than 60 percent.

"The absence of competition and the high cost of import coupled with the availability of assured funds with the inventors, created a situation in which the Armed Forces generally accepted the products from the Board regardless of the high issue prices," said an audit presented by the Indian government auditor last year. The current offer mainly aims to create an environment in the country so that armed forces need not depend on the OFB only in a crisis-like situation.

"The OFB needs to be restructured and some of the more unproductive ordnance factories (OFs) need to be shut down. They are unable to meet the demand of the Services, suffer from serious quality issues, are overpriced and the worker productivity as compared to comparable defense structures in the private sector is very low. The OFB should perhaps be taken out of the defense ministry and placed under the industry ministry and asked to compete with other defense manufacturers," Major General Dhruv C Katoch (retired) said.

Ordnance factories have, however, augmented the infrastructure and capacity to meet the Minimum Acceptable Risk Level requirement. The OFB has achieved 35% growth in 2015-16 compared to 2014-15, which is unprecedented as per industry standards and show its commitment to meet the requirements of the armed forces.

 Sputnik

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Armed Forces' defense capacities deterring enemy's attacks

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, April 17, IRNA -- Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Ministry in a statement on the Army Day described the country's Armed Forces defensive capacities to swiftly respond to any threat as deterring factor and failure of dreams of the enemies front.

The statement was issued on the occasion of the Army Day in Iran celebrated every year on April 18 in the country.

The statement pointed to the role of the Iranian army men during the Islamic Republic era and in the battlefields of defending independence and territorial integrity as well as participation in confronting the plots of the counterrevolutionaries and global arrogance and recalling philosophy of late Imam Khomeini in issuing the historical message of April 18 of 38 years ago in protecting and reinforcing the army, and said, "Reviewing the sad event and crimes of the counterrevolutionary forces in Iran's Kordestan region and the savage aggression of the Baathist regime of Saddam in the eight-year Iraqi-imposed war which took place with the direction of arrogant powers and support of the region's reactionary forces shows that if there had not been the altruism and sacrifices of the Armed Forces, especially the brave army they enemies of Islam and Islamic Revolution have been gladdened and situation would have differed.

It went on to say that the victory of the Islamic Revolution and calling for ideals of the Iranian nation challenged the credibility and strength of the arrogant powers and by targeting them made the eastern and western leaders to face strategic plights so that they started whispering dissolving the army to prevent the needed grounds for formation of the country's defense pillars and engage in subversive moves.

The army's staggering advances in different military fields and gaining access to modern and up-to-date technologies which rely on self-belief and self-confidence has made the Islamic Iran to reach a point of strength and security which will make the enemies' goals and plots to fail and fade away after facing the deterrence block of the powerful Armed Forces.

2050**2050

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Iran Navy sends flotilla to Gulf of Aden

Iran Press TV

Mon Apr 17, 2017 12:38PM

A flotilla of Iranian warships has left the country's southern port city of Bandar Abbas for the Gulf of Aden in a bid to maintain the Islamic Republic's power in the high seas.

Iran's 46th naval fleet, comprised of Sabalan destroyer and Lavan logistic warship, embarked on the voyage on Monday through a ceremony attended by Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari.

The Navy commander reiterated the necessary instructions to the naval forces for conducting their mission.

The fleet is tasked with maintaining security for Iranian ships and countering Iranophobic plots and campaigns launched by the enemies of the Islamic Republic.

The 45th flotilla of the Iranian Navy docked at Bandar Abbas earlier on Monday after carrying out its two-month mission.

Back in February, Sayyari said the Iranian naval forces were making efforts to improve security in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb, considering security of those regions as top priority.

He added that Iranian naval forces had escorted 3,850 Iranian commercial and tanker ships as well as 25 foreign vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden regions where pirates are active.

In recent years, Iran's Navy has increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

In line with international efforts against piracy, the Iranian Navy has been conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008, safeguarding merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.

Iran's Navy has managed to foil several attacks on both Iranian and foreign tankers during its missions in international waters.

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Iraqi army, allies battle Daesh in Mosul as civilians flee fighting

Iran Press TV

Mon Apr 17, 2017 4:24PM

Iraqi army soldiers, backed by pro-government fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units, have made fresh gains in door-to-door fighting against Daesh Takfiri terrorists in the Old City of Mosul as they are battling to expel the extremists from the country's second largest city.

An unnamed military spokesman said on Monday that Iraqi Federal Police forces "are engaged in difficult, house-to-house clashes with Daesh" terrorists inside Mosul's Old City.

He added that government troops were extensively making use of remotely-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles to locate the extremists, who were hiding among civilians, and direct airstrikes on the targets.

A police spokesman, requesting anonymity, also said Iraqi forces were closing in on Grand al-Nuri Mosque, where purported Daesh ringleader Ibrahim al-Samarrai aka Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi gave his famous speech on the formation of the terror group.

Meanwhile, Commander of Federal Police Forces Lieutenant General Raed Shaker Jawdat said his forces had killed 60 Daesh extremists.

Shaker added that the Takfiri terrorists were killed on Monday as security personnel were advancing in al-Farouq district near the Grand al-Nuri Mosque.

Hossam al-Abbar, a member of the Nineveh provincial council, also said in a statement that security forces had been in control of 75 percent of the western side of Mosul.

He said battles were concentrated around the centuries-old Grand al-Nuri Mosque, and troops were preparing to storm the area with snipers, hand grenades and assault rifles.

Abbar stressed that government forces would not use artillery units and airstrikes during the forthcoming offensive in order to prevent civilian casualties.

Also on Monday, the United Nations announced that nearly half a million civilians had fled fighting since the offensive to retake Mosul from Daesh terrorists started on October 17, 2016.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 493,000 people had been displaced from the city, located some 400 kilometers north of the capital, Baghdad.

"The sheer volume of civilians still fleeing Mosul city is staggering," Lise Grande, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Iraq, said in a statement.

She added, "Our worst case scenario when the fighting started was that up to one million civilians may flee Mosul. Already, more than 493,000 people have left, leaving almost everything behind."

As many as 500,000 civilians are still trapped in Daesh-controlled neighborhoods of western Mosul.

Iraqi army soldiers and pro-government fighters from Popular Mobilization Units, commonly known by the Arabic word Hashd al-Sha'abi, have made sweeping gains against the Takfiri elements since launching the operation to retake Mosul.

The Iraqi forces took control of eastern Mosul in January after 100 days of fighting, and launched the battle in the west on February 19.

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Iraqi Officials Say Islamic State Fighters Used Chemical Weapons In Mosul

April 17, 2017

Iraqi authorities have accused Islamic State (IS) militants of using "toxic chemical material" in the battle for Mosul, but they say it has had little effect and that the campaign to liberate Iraq's second-largest city is continuing.

"The [IS] terrorist gangs tried to block the advance of our forces by using shells filled with toxic chemical material, but the effect was limited," Iraq's Joint Operations Command said on April 16.

Brigadier General Yahya Rasool told the Associated Press that six soldiers suffered breathing problems and were treated at a field clinic.

Federal Police officers participating in the drive against west Mosul told Reuters that government forces were hit by IS shells containing chemical weapons in the Urouba and Bab Jadid districts.

It is not yet known the exact type of chemical used, officials said.

Iraqi officials have said IS periodically uses chemical weapons but that the effect on military operations has been minimal.

IS fighters captured Mosul in 2014 as they gained wide swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria in battles against government troops.

However, U.S.-led coalition forces have made major gains against the extremist group, having liberated eastern Mosul. Iraqi forces are now engaged in a battle to take crowded west Mosul from about 2,000 IS fighters.

Based on reporting by AFP, Reuters, and AP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/iraq-isis-mosul- chemical-weapons/28434251.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Scale of civilians fleeing Iraq's Mosul 'staggering'  senior UN relief official

17 April 2017  Noting that nearly half a million people have fled Mosul since the start of military operations to retake the city from Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) terrorists, a senior United Nations humanitarian official in Iraq warned that the scale of the displacement has stretched relief efforts to their "operational limits".

"Our worst case scenario when the fighting started was that up to one million civilians may flee Mosul. Already, more than 493,000 people have left, leaving almost everything behind," Lise Grande, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, said in a news release issued by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

"The sheer volume of civilians still fleeing Mosul city is staggering [] we are doing everything we can but this has been a long battle and the assault on the old city hasn't started," she added.

According to estimates, as many as 500,000 people still remain in ISIL-controlled areas in western Mosul, including about 400,000 in the densely populated old city.

Humanitarian agencies are scaling up their response, preparing emergency sites and camps to shelter the hundreds of thousands more who may flee in coming days and weeks, but they are under increasing strain.

Since the fighting began last October, some 1.9 million people have been provided live-saving assistance, including food, water, shelter, emergency kits, medical support and psycho-social services, since fighting began last October.

"We're reaching families who have fled and families who have stayed [but] Mosul has pushed us to our operational limits," said the Humanitarian Coordinator.

'Nothing is more important than protecting civilians  nothing'

The battle for western Mosul is very different from the one in the east and so is the consequent impact on civilians. More trauma injures are reported and there are fears that food stocks and drinking water could run out.

"Civilians in Mosul face incredible, terrifying risks. They are being shot at, there are artillery barrages, families are running out of supplies, medicines are scarce and water is cut-off," noted the UN humanitarian official.

The news release also underscored that all parties to the conflict are obliged, under International Humanitarian Law, to do everything possible to protect civilians, ensure they have the assistance they need, and limit damage to civilian infrastructure.

"Nothing is more important than protecting civilians  nothing," stressed Ms. Grande.

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Pakistan's Military Says Spokesman Of Taliban Faction Surrenders

RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal April 17, 2017

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan -- Pakistan's military said on April 17 that a spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban has surrendered along with other members of the Tehrik-e Taliban (TTP) militant group.

Major General Asif Ghafoor, the director-general of Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations Agency, the military's media wing, identified the detained Taliban spokesman as Ehsanullah Ehsan, saying he had served as a spokesman for both the TTP and a Taliban-linked terrorist faction called Jamaat-ul-Ahrar.

Jamaat-ul-Ahrar is the group that claimed responsibility for the December 2014 terrorist attack on a Peshawar school that killed 147 people, most of them schoolchildren.

Ghafoor told reporters in Rawalpindi on April 17 that the spokesman "is not the only one" who has surrendered to Pakistani security forces, adding that he would share information at a later date about others who have surrendered.

Pakistani intelligence sources told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal that Ehsanullah Ehsan is an alias used by several different people who are spokesmen for the TTP and the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar faction.

Those officials told RFE/RL that the militant who surrendered is named Sajjad Mohmand and that he had turned himself in to Pakistani authorities in mid-March.

Ghafoor would not confirm that information or provide further details.

However, TTP sources also have confirmed to RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal that one of their spokesmen had surrendered.

There was no immediate comment from the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar faction.

The Jamaat-ul-Ahrar split away from the TTP in September 2014 and the faction voiced support for the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.

The split came when Jamaat-ul-Ahrar commander Omar Khalid Khorasani and his associates in Pakistan's Mohmand tribal region publicly accused the TTP leader in Pakistan's Swat Valley, Maulana Fazlulah, of deviating from the TTP's strict Islamic fundamentalist ideology.

Fazlullah said in September 2014 that he had ousted Khorasani and his associates from the TTP because they had formed what Fazlullah described as "dubious" organizations.

At the time of the split, Khorasani was considered to be one of the Pakistani Taliban's most powerful leaders in Pakistan's tribal regions.

Khorasani attracted international attention as the alleged mastermind of a December 2014 terrorist attack on a Peshawar school.

In March 2015, a Jamat-ul-Ahrar spokesman announced that the faction was rejoining the Pakistani Taliban.

Pakistan's military and Pakistani Taliban sources have said that Khorasani was killed in July 2016 by a U.S. drone strike in eastern Afghanistan.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Pamir Sahil, Reuters, and AP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-taliban-faction- spokesman-surrenders/28435439.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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U.S. National Security Adviser Visits Pakistan, Hints At Tougher Stance

RFE/RL April 17, 2017

H.R. McMaster, U.S. President Donald Trump's national security adviser, has visited Pakistan, a day after he hinted that Washington could take a tougher stance on Islamabad.

McMaster arrived in the capital on April 17 for talks with Pakistan's civilian and military leadership as the Trump administration reviews its policy in the South Asian region.

His visit to Islamabad, coming a day after talks with Afghan leaders in Kabul, is the first high-level visit by an administration official since Trump took office on January 20.

A statement issued by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's office said McMaster had assured him that "the new administration was committed to strengthening bilateral relations and working with Pakistan, to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan, and in the wider South Asian region."

Trump has yet to shed light about his broader strategy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, where some 8,400 U.S. troops remain.

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan said recently that he needed several thousand more foreign troops in order to break a stalemate in the war with the Taliban.

Washington and Kabul have long accused Pakistan of failing to crack down on the Taliban and other Pakistan-based extremist groups fighting Afghan and foreign forces in Afghanistan.

"As all of us have hoped for many years, we have hoped that Pakistani leaders will understand that it is in their interest to go after these groups less selectively than they have in the past," McMaster said in an interview with Afghanistan's Tolo News on April 16. "And the best way to pursue their interest in Afghanistan and elsewhere is through diplomacy, not through the use of proxies that engage in violence."

Pakistan denies supporting militant groups and has accused Afghanistan, in turn, of allowing insurgents to cross from its territory into Pakistan to carry out attacks.

The Pakistani government statement added that the U.S. delegation included Lisa Curtis, a researcher with the Heritage Foundation think tank in Washington, who McMaster has hired to oversee South Asia affairs.

Analysts say the move could be a sign that Washington may toughen its stance on Islamabad.

In February, Curtis co-authored an article calling for Washington to "levy heavy costs on Pakistan for policies that help perpetuate terrorism in the region."

With reporting by Tolo News, AFP, Reuters, and Samaa TV

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/us-mcmaster-trump- syria-russia-afghanistan/28434249.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Pakistan Builds Fence on Afghan Border

By Ayaz Gul April 17, 2017

Pakistan's military announced Monday that its plan to fence the entire 2,611-kilometer largely porous border with Afghanistan is underway and scores of new outposts are also being built to prevent terrorist infiltration.

Army spokesman Major-General Asif Ghafoor told reporters in Rawalpindi that a total of 338 security posts and forts will be constructed along the frontier by the end of 2019. He said 42 such installations have been built while work on another 63 is under way.

Pakistan announced last month that was starting to build the fence in "high threat zones" of its shared border with Afghanistan. Both countries have long pledged to improve security in the region and go after terror groups based in the rugged and mountainous border areas, but the exact location of the border has long been disputed by Kabul.

The general said the border management plan is part of Pakistan's efforts to eliminate terrorism from the region and help internationally-backed efforts to stabilize Afghanistan.

Ghafoor spoke shortly after a meeting between visiting U.S. National Security Adviser H.R McMaster and Pakistani army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

"He [McMaster] acknowledges Pakistan's efforts in war against terrorism. He hailed our contributions and whatever discussions took place both sides were of the view that Pak-Afghan border management is very essential to control the terrorism," General Ghafoor said while sharing details of the discussions.

General Ghafoor dismissed Afghan criticism of the fencing plan, saying the activity is being performed well inside Pakistani territory and "no one has the right to raise any objection." Afghan authorities have never accepted the marked border known as the Durand Line. Afghan officials also have said the fencing plan will add to the problems of families in the region who live on either side of the border.

McMaster visited Pakistan on Monday a day after holding talks with leaders in Afghanistan. He met with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and top Foreign Ministry officials before holding talks with the country's military chief.

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Donald Trumps first two months in office saw him keep his campaign promise to deport undocumented immigrants . Between the end of January and mid-March, arrests of immigrants in the United States rose by 32.6% on the same period for 2016. Among foreigners with no criminal record, arrests doubled, according to official figures seen by The Washington Post.

Protesters against Trump's immigration policies in San Francisco on Friday. AP

More information Estados Unidos duplica los arrestos de inmigrantes indocumentados sin antecedentes

Trump has criticized the immigration policies of his predecessor Barack Obama as too lax, and is set to break with the strategy of only deporting foreigners who have committed serious crimes. After winning the elections in November, Trump announced he would prioritize the expulsion of undocumented citizens with criminal records, mentioning a figure of between two and three million individuals, and that he would then decide what to do about the remaining 11 million with no residence or work permits believed to be in the United States.

In February, Trump signed an order opening the door to large-scale deportations by imposing extreme limits on exceptions to expatriation, giving immigration officers greater powers to arrest anybody on reasonable suspicion. Since then, responding to fears in the Hispanic community, a number of cities have said their local police will not work with the federal government on deportations.

Despite criticizing Obamas approach to illegal immigration, Trump has a long way to go to match his predecessor, who deported some 2.9 million undocumented migrants during his mandate, more than any other president, and earning him the sobriquet of deporter-in-chief.

Donald Trump has a long way to go to beat the 2.9 million immigrants Barack Obama deported

Between January 20, when Trump took office, and March 31, 21,362 immigrants were arrested, 5,441 of whom had no criminal record, compared to the 16,104 arrests for the same period in 2016, according to official figures. The figure is higher than the 18,031 arrests during the same period in 2015, but lower than 2014s 29,238.

The number of arrests has not so far altered the number of deportations. Expulsions between January and March fell 1.2% on the previous year. According to the The Washington Post, there has been an increase in deportations of people without a criminal record.

The number of arrests grew at the offices of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), which is responsible for detaining undocumented migrants, at its offices in New York, Boston, and Atlanta. Human rights groups say that the mood of fear has seen a sharp fall in the number of calls to police stations by immigrants.

English version by Nick Lyne.
McMaster Concludes Pakistan Talks With Call to Confront Terrorism

By Ayaz Gul April 17, 2017

U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster concluded Monday a daylong trip to Pakistan where he met civilian and military leaders to stress "the need to confront terrorism in all its forms" and reviewed efforts aimed at stabilizing neighboring Afghanistan.

McMaster visited Islamabad, a day after holding talks with Afghan leaders in Kabul to review and assess the situation with regard to the U.S. military's counterinsurgency and counterterrorism missions in the country.

He met with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his top foreign policy aides before holding talks with the country's powerful military chief, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Sharif's office later issued a statement welcoming the first formal high-level exchange between the United States and Pakistan under the Trump administration.

"Sharing his concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and the continuing impasse, the prime minister conveyed Pakistan's readiness to work with the International community to explore ways in which the Afghan crisis can be resolved," the statement said.

In a separate statement of its own, the U.S. Embassy said McMaster "expressed appreciation for Pakistan's democratic and economic development and stressed the need to confront terrorism in all its forms."

This is McMaster's first trip to the region since becoming President Donald Trump's national security adviser, and it comes in the wake of calls by military commanders for adding "several thousand" troops to the 8,400 U.S. forces already in Afghanistan to help break the "stalemate" in the battle with the Taliban.

No comment on more US troops

Speaking to a local Afghan television station after concluding his meetings in Kabul, McMaster withheld comments on whether a new strategy the Trump administration is putting together will include a boost to American troop strength in Afghanistan.

"Well, part of the new strategy will be what the president decides it is. What we are doing here is toPresident Trump to decide, really, what is the best course of action to begin to accelerate progress in the war and to help bring lasting peace and security to the Afghan people," the American adviser told TOLOnews.

He also had a message for leaders in Pakistan, whom Afghan officials accuse of permitting Taliban insurgents to establish sanctuaries and conduct attacks into Afghanistan with the help of Pakistan's intelligence agency.

Strained relationship

"As all of us have hoped for many many years, we have hoped that Pakistani leaders will understand that it is in their interest to go after these groups less selectively than they have in the past and the best way to pursue their interests in Afghanistan and elsewhere is through diplomacy not through the use of proxies that engage in violence," McMaster said.

Pakistani officials reject allegations of harboring the Taliban and maintain recent counterterrorism operations have dismantled terrorism infrastructure, particularly in border areas. Islamabad insists the insurgents have fled to dozens of Afghan districts currently controlled by the Taliban.

Charges and counter-charges with regard to sheltering anti-state militants and sponsoring terrorist attacks against each other have in recent years damaged relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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Pakistan Rejects Charges of Harboring Violent 'Proxies'

By Ayaz Gul April 18, 2017

Pakistan's military has rejected allegations that it harbors militant groups engaged in violence against neighboring Afghanistan and India.

The rebuttal was part of a statement the army released Tuesday giving details of a meeting its chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, held a day earlier with visiting U.S. National Security Adviser H.R McMaster.

"While Pakistan itself is a victim of state sponsored terrorism it strongly rejects allegations of employing proxies from its soil," Bajwa was quoted as telling McMaster.

The army chief also emphasized that emphasized again that Pakistan's counterterrorism effort is focused against "terrorists of all hue and color."

India and Afghanistan have long accused Islamabad of tolerating or supporting militant groups that have carried out attacks across their shared borders. The United States has also pressed Islamabad to do more to crack down on such groups.

The Pakistani military statement said that McMaster "acknowledged Pakistan army's efforts in eliminating terrorists and their infrastructure, assuring U.S. support to bring peace and stability in the region and globe."

U.S. officials said that in talks with Pakistani leaders during Monday's visit, McMaster "stressed the need to confront terrorism in all its forms." Though they did not elaborate.

But speaking to Afghan media during his Sunday's trip to Kabul, the American advisor called on Pakistani leaders to go after militant groups on their soil "less selectively than they have in the past."

McMaster said that "the best way to pursue their (Pakistan's) interests in Afghanistan and elsewhere is through diplomacy not through the use of proxies that engage in violence."

McMaster undertook his first trip to the region this week since taking charge as President Donald Trump's national security advisor. McMaster has been reviewing counter-Taliban operations in Afghanistan and the broader international mission to support the Afghan government in its struggle against militant groups.

Ghafoor, however, noted the "do more rhetoric" is subsiding by the day because "the wise international community" acknowledged Pakistan's "unprecedented contributions" in eliminating terrorism and in conducting operations in volatile border areas in support of Afghan security forces's to help them stabilize Afghanistan.

He also cited increased security and reduction in militancy in Pakistan because of a sustained military-led counterterrorism campaign.

Pakistani officials appeared upbeat about McMaster's just concluded visit. They see it as a demonstration that "Pakistan enjoys an important place in the regional context and that the U.S. attaches importance to its relations with Pakistan."

On Tuesday, the prime minister's key foreign policy aide, Tariq Fatemi, noted that McMaster's visit provided "a good opportunity for both sides to engage in "meaningful conversation on exploring ways and means to promote" regional peace and stability.

He made the remarks in a meeting with visiting U.S. acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Laurel Miller, according to a foreign ministry statement.

Fatemi "conveyed Pakistan's readiness to work with the U.S. to support efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan," it added.

Despite Pakistani assertions with regard to fighting terrorism, critics say Islamabad maintains covert ties to the Taliban because of fears of growing Indian influence in Afghanistan and Kabul's increasing closeness with New Delhi.

"We could spend hours on this aspect of the [Afghan] conflict but suffice to say that despite heavy U.S. pressure, and significant blandishments, Pakistan has never abandoned the policy of countenancing the Taliban's use of its territory against its western neighbor," said former U.S. diplomat Richard Olson while delivering a public talk in Washington earlier this month.

Olson served as Washington's ambassador to Kabul and Islamabad respectively before being appointed as special envoy for the two countries by the previous U.S. administration.

He cautioned the Trump administration against using old U.S. pressure tactics to force Pakistan to abandon support for the Taliban.

"I think convincing Pakistan to effect a strategic shift is wishful thinking. And please remember that Pakistan controls our air lines of communication [to the Pakistani airspace that the U.S. uses for transporting supplies] into Afghanistan, so ultimately, military leverage flows to their advantage," Olson cautioned

For the Pakistani military, Olson observed, the Afghan policy is about "geo-strategic maneuvering" against India.

"And since the [Pakistan military] establishment views India as the existential threat, all measures against the eastern neighbor are acceptable," noted the former U.S. diplomat.

While the Trump administration is currently conducting a review of U.S. policy towards Afghanistan, Olson emphasized the need to pursue a political settlement of the conflict by involving regional stakeholders, particularly Pakistan. But he sounded skeptical about whether Islamabad still can effectively use of its traditional influence with the Taliban to push them to the negotiating table.

Pakistani officials, have long campaigned for seeking a resolution to the Afghan conflict through peace talks between the Kabul government and the Taliban. They maintain that continued hostilities in Afghanistan add to security challenges to neighboring countries and undermine U.S. interests as well.

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Ex-S.Korean president Park Geun-hye indicted on corruption charges

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 19:28, April 17, 2017

SEOUL, April 17 (Xinhua) -- South Korean prosecutors on Monday indicted former President Park Geun-hye, who has been impeached and arrested, on multiple corruption charges including bribery and abuse of power.

Park was accused of taking a total of 59.2 billion won (52 million U.S. dollars) in bribes both directly and indirectly from business conglomerates, called chaebol here, and their founding families.

A total of 18 criminal charges were levied against Park, including bribery, abuse of power, extortion and the leakage of confidential documents.

The disgraced leader became the third South Korean president to be indicted by prosecutors.

Park was removed from office on March 10 as the Constitutional Court ruled unanimously to impeach her over a corruption scandal. She was taken into custody three weeks later.

Park, 65, was charged with colluding with her longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil to receive tens of millions of U.S. dollars in bribes from Samsung Group and Lotte Group, while demanding millions dollars from SK Group.

Choi, who is now in custody, has been branded by prosecutors as a criminal accomplice of the impeached leader.

Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin was separately indicted without detention on bribery charges.

The country's fifth-biggest family-controlled conglomerate is suspected of offering millions of dollars in bribes to one of two non-profit foundations controlled by Choi who is at the center of the influence-peddling scandal.

The contribution, which was made by Lotte in May last year, was returned back to Lotte, right before prosecutors' raid in June into the Lotte headquarters and offices for Shin's charges of embezzlement and dereliction of duty.

In March last year, Chairman Shin met face-to-face with Park and his conglomerate regained its lost license to run duty-free shops in downtown Seoul. The contribution is suspected of being made in return for business favors.

An additional contribution of SK Group was also demanded by the Choi-controlled foundations, but the country's third-biggest family-run conglomerate refused to do so, helping Chairman Chey Tae-won escape indictment.

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong has already been detained for offering tens of millions of dollars in bribes to the non-profit foundations controlled by Choi and a German company owned by Choi.

Park was seen as being embroiled in the Samsung bribery. In return, the Samsung heir was charged with receiving illicit assistance to inherit the management control of the country's biggest conglomerate from his ailing father Chairman Lee Kun-hee who has been hospitalized for almost three years.

The former president was also accused of leaking confidential government documents to Choi who allegedly intervened in state affairs though she was a civilian without any government post.

Prosecutors had questioned Park five times over the allegations since she was arrested on March 31, but she reportedly had denied all charges levied against her.

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Apocalypse Sooner: South Korea Speeds Up Preparation of Ballistic Arsenal

Sputnik News

09:42 17.04.2017(updated 09:58 17.04.2017)

South Korea is completing the development of its low-tier M-SAM missile defense system, which is due to be put into service within the next few years, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Yonhap News Agency quoted a South Korean military source as saying that Seoul has wrapped up "all testing and evaluations" of its medium-range surface-to-air missile (M-SAM), which is slated to enter service between 2018 and 2019.

A basic element of the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system, the M-SAM is designed to intercept ballistic missiles at altitudes of about 20 kilometers. Its deployment comes amid "North Korea's growing missile threat," according to Yonhap.

Another element of the KAMD is the L-SAM, a long-range surface-to-air missile, which is capable of destroying enemy missiles at altitudes of 40-60 kilometers.

"It is fair to say that we only have an administrative procedure to complete the development of the M-SAM," the source said.

The system was developed by the state-run Agency for Defense Development, together with LIG Nex1, a South Korean aerospace manufacturer and defense company.

Yonhap said that South Korean authorities "initially planned to deploy the M-SAM in the early 2020s but moved up the deployment a year due to Pyongyang's escalating missile threats."

On Sunday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said that North Korea had attempted to launch an unidentified missile earlier that day but appears to have failed.

US Pacific Command, for their part, issued a statement saying that they detected what they believed was a North Korean missile launch, which occurred at 11:21 am Hawaii time on April 15.

The military said the missile "blew up almost immediately," adding that its type is yet to be identified.

Earlier this month, Yonhap reported that South Korea will increase spending on missile defense systems by 143 million dollars in 2017 due to the North Korean threat.

The spending will cover Taurus ground-to-air wide-range missiles, an early-warning radar, the modernization of ground-to-ground missiles, the modernization of KF-16 fighter jets, an update of the Patriot Missile Defense System and the development of spy satellites and drones.

Separately, the deployment of elements of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system have begun in South Korea in early March in response to North Korea's ballistic missile tests and despite China's strong opposition to the move.

Tensions between the two Koreas are rising after Pyongyang conducted two nuclear tests and launched more than 20 missiles in 2016.

 Sputnik

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Former South Korean President Park Indicted on Bribery Charges

By VOA News April 17, 2017

South Korean prosecutors have formally indicted ousted President Park Geun-hye on bribery charges in a high-profile corruption scandal.

The prosecutors' office made the indictment Monday, sending her case to a criminal court.

Park, the country's first democratically elected president to be ousted from office, was arrested and detained last month after a South Korean court approved a prosecutor's arrest warrant on charges of bribery, extortion and abuse of power.

The criminal charges against Park are linked to the political scandal that forced her from office, allegedly colluding with her long time friend Choi Soon-sil to extort Korean conglomerates to donate more than $69 million to two dubious foundations

For months, Park's impeachment drama sharply divided the South Korean public with her opponents holding massive rallies to demand her impeachment or resignation, and with supporters staging demonstrations to try to keep her in office. Two Park supporters where killed in clashes with police outside the court on the day her impeachment ruling was announced.

Park 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.

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Alleged Mastermind Of Plot To Kill Kadyrov Charged In Absentia

Liz Fuller April 18, 2017

Isa Yamadayev, who seven years ago accused Chechen Republic head Ramzan Kadyrov of ordering the murders of his brothers Ruslan and Sulim, has been charged in absentia with plotting the revenge killing of Kadyrov, according to the news portal Rosbalt.

Kadyrov's own press spokesman had dismissed the initial reports of such a plot as "untrue from beginning to end," and details that subsequently emerged are fragmentary and in some cases contradictory.

First to break the "plot" story was the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, which for 15 years has doggedly researched and publicized reports of arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings allegedly perpetrated at Kadyrov's behest. In a lengthy article on October 3, the paper chronicled how, after the May 2004 death of his father, Akhmed-hadji, Kadyrov consolidated his position as one of the most powerful men in Russia. In the course of that process, Kadyrov systematically sidelined or neutralized all potential rivals, including Ruslan and Sulim Yamadayev, both trusted colleagues of his late father. (From 2002  2007, Ruslan headed the Chechen chapter of the United Russia party.)

Ruslan, the eldest of the Yamadayev brothers and a former Russian State Duma deputy, was shot dead in his car in Moscow in September 2008. Sulim, commander of the notorious Vostok battalion that was directly subordinate to the GRU (Russian military intelligence) and that participated in the brief Russian-Georgian war in August 2008, was killed in Dubai in March 2009. The Dubai police apprehended two men in connection with that shooting, one of them a groom who cared for Kadyrov's Dubai-based racehorses. They also issued an arrest warrant for Adam Delimkhanov, one of Kadyrov's closest associates, whom they suspected of masterminding the assault. (As a State Duma deputy, Delimkhanov enjoys diplomatic immunity.)

According to a follow-up article Novaya Gazeta published in late January, there was indeed a plot to kill Kadyrov in the spring of 2016 that involved above all members of his own large Benoi teyp (clan), including some members of the republic's elite, who stockpiled quantities of weaponry and explosives to that end. The plot came to light after Valid Yakhikhanov, a relative of Kadyrov's cousin Islam Kadyrov, who heads the presidential administration, purloined from him the number of Kadyrov's private mobile phone and gave it to a fourth Yamadayev brother, Badrudi.

Under interrogation, Yakhikhanov reportedly divulged details of the planned assassination. Several dozen men from the southeastern Kurchaloi, Gudermes, and Nozhai-Yurt districts were arrested, but all public mention of those arrests was suppressed in the run-up to Kadyrov's reelection in late September for a third term as republic head. The fact that Islam Kadyrov had both wrists in casts in early summer 2016 gave rise to speculation whether he, too, was implicated in, or at least ungently questioned about the intended killing of Kadyrov.

The charge against Isa Yamadayev of seeking to kill Kadyrov in revenge for the death of his two brothers is, however, based on the testimony of three men who the head of the Chechen Interior Ministry's Counter-Extremism Center says were arrested in Gudermes on January 23, 2017. All are former Vostok battalion members and one, Aziz Aldiyev, is a former bodyguard of Isa Yamadayev. (Aldiyev testified in the trial in 2009 of Khavazh Yusupov, whom Isa claimed Kadyrov had dispatched to Moscow to kill him. Yusupov told the court that Kadyrov had threatened to have his entire family killed if he refused to shoot Yamadayev. A Moscow court jailed him for 8 1/2 years for having tried unsuccessfully to do so.)

Questioned about the purported plan to assassinate Kadyrov, Aldiyev claimed to have had a conversation at some point in May 2016 with Isa Yamadayev, who he said asked him to recruit men to kill Kadyrov who he promised would be paid $100,000 each if they succeeded. But Yamadayev left Russia in early 2016. (He too is believed to have taken refuge in Dubai.)

Other aspects of Aldiyev's imputed confession are similarly dubious. First, Aldiyev is said to have spent the months of May-September in Chechnya seeking prospective killers. But Rosbalt points out that in light of his role in securing the conviction of Yusupov, he would almost certainly have been apprehended if he tried to return to Chechnya. Rosbalt also quoted acquaintances of Aldiyev and his alleged fellow conspirators as saying they suspect the men were snatched in Moscow last summer and brought to Chechnya for interrogation.

And second, given the risks involved, $100,000 is a paltry sum to offer for the murder of Kadyrov. (The main "evidence" against Aldiyev, the news portal Caucasian Knot reported on April 1, is that he had $200, construed as a down payment, in his possession at the time of his arrest.)

Moreover, according Novaya Gazeta, it is Badrudi Yamadayev, not Isa, whom Kadyrov considers his most dangerous enemy. Kadyrov and Isa Yamadayev formally announced their reconciliation in August 2010, just months after Isa accused Kadyrov of giving orders for the murders of Ruslan and Sulim. And the two men are said by Novaya Gazeta to have had "a peaceable phone conversation" after Yakhikhanov divulged details of the assassination plot last summer that presumably convinced Kadyrov that Isa was not part of that conspiracy.

If one discounts the possibility of two separate conspiracies organized by Badrudi and Isa respectively, the question thus arises: are the Chechen authorities so supremely confident of their impunity that they made no attempt to ensure that the criminal case against Isa Yamadayev was watertight, or at least consistent with earlier statements? Yamadayev, who is still a serving member of the Russian military, has reportedly addressed a formal complaint to Investigative Committee head Aleksandr Bastrykin and Prosecutor-General Yury Chayka about the warrant issued for his arrest, Caucasian Knot reported on April 1, citing Rosbalt.

(The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL.)

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/alleged-mastermind-of-plot-to-kill- kadyrov-charged-in-absentia/28437291.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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U.S. 'Disturbed' By Reports Of Gay Abuse In Chechnya, Calls For Probe

RFE/RL April 18, 2017

The United States has voiced concern over the reported persecution of gay men in Chechnya and urged officials in the Russian region to investigate, while a senior lawmaker called on President Vladimir Putin to make clear that violence based on sexual orientation is unacceptable.

"We continue to be disturbed by reports of kidnapping, torture, and murder of people in Chechnya based on their sexual orientation," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on April 17.

"If true, this violation of human rights cannot be ignored," she said. "Chechen authorities must immediately investigate these allegations, hold anyone involved accountable, and take steps to prevent future abuses," Haley added.

"We are against all forms of discrimination, including against people based on sexual orientation," she said.

Human rights groups and a Russian newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, say that gay Chechens have been rounded up because of their sexual orientation, beaten, blackmailed, and in some cases killed.

Three gay Chechen men have given accounts of their escape from abuse in the mostly Muslim North Caucasus republic.

Haley, who holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, said that on April 18 she would lead the council's first-ever meeting on human rights "to underscore our commitment to addressing human rights abuses wherever they threaten international peace and security."

Haley's statement came after former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on April 7 urged the White House to prod the Kremlin to intervene and stop the reported abuse. In dismissing the reports, authorities in Chechnya have not focused on the allegations of abuse, instead claiming that there are no gay men in the region.

Meanwhile, more U.S. lawmakers spoke out against the reports of abuse.

Senator Ben Cardin said he was "gravely concerned" about threats facing gays in the northern Caucasus region.

Cardin, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, laid blame on Chechnya's Kremlin-backed strongman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov.

"The calloused, inhuman behavior of...Kadyrov is well-known, and he has created an atmosphere of terror" for gays and bisexuals, Cardin said.

While Haley's statement made no specific mention of Russia or its leadership, Cardin said that "in the Russian Federation, the buck stops with President Vladimir Putin -- who must immediately signal that any violence against individuals on account of their sexual orientation or gender identity is unacceptable."

Republican U.S. Senator Thom Tillis called Kadyrov a "Putin loyalist" and accused Putin of denying that "shameful" human rights violations are occurring in Chechnya.

"Chechnya officials are kidnapping and torturing gay men. I condemn this gross violation of human rights," Tillis said on Twitter.

Kremlin critics say Putin has long given Kadyrov free rein to rule the region with violent, abusive, and unconstitutional methods in exchange for suppressing separatism and insurgency in the wake of two devastating wars since the Soviet collapse of 1991.

The state-run Russian news agency RIA reported on April 17 that regional prosecutors in Chechnya will investigate the reports of persecution of gay people.

With reporting by AP, AFP, Time.com, and Advocate.com

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/us-disturbed- by-reports-gay-abuse-chechnya- calls-for-investigation-nikki- haley-un-security-council/28436169.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Syrian army retakes control of strategic town in Hama province

Iran Press TV

Mon Apr 17, 2017 4:45AM

Syrian government forces and their allies in the fight against foreign-backed militants have seized back a strategic town near the city of Hama in west-central Syria, militants and residents say.

The Syrian army stormed Suran on Sunday following a series of airstrikes, forcing most of the Takfiri terrorists to retreat from the town.

According to the report, the so-called parachute bombs were used in the attack on the terrorists' positions in the town as well as other towns in the area, including Latamneh and Kafr Zeita.

"There was hysterical bombing that targeted the town and the whole area and rebels fought fierce battles until they were forced to pull out," said one militant, a member of the Jaish al-Izza terrorist group, which has a strong presence in Hama province.

Suran is strategically important as it is the army's northern gateway to the city of Hama, the provincial capital. The Syrian troops had captured the town last year, but they later lost control over it in a militant offensive.

The army's advance into Suran rolls back most of the territorial gains made by terrorists after a major offensive last month in northern Hama province in the center of the populated west of the country.

According to the report, the foreign-backed Takfiri militants fired dozens of rockets on the nearby Hama military airport.

Jaish al-Nasr, a militant group affiliated with the so-called Free Syrian Army, said it had targeted the airport with forty missiles, causing several fires in the compound of the air base.

The Damascus government has not confirmed the claims so far.

Amateur video posted online on Sunday purportedly showed terrorists' positions in Dara'a and Hama countryside being hit by airstrikes. The footage appeared to show large clouds of smoke rising above buildings after the air raids.

Since March 2011, Syria has been gripped by militancy it blames on some Western states and their regional allies.

The Takfiri terrorists operating in the Arab country have suffered major setbacks over the past few months as the army has managed to liberate a number of areas from their grip.

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Kurdish-Led Forces Liberate Daesh-Held Qabsh Arbey Village

Sputnik News

10:54 17.04.2017(updated 13:41 17.04.2017)

Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have liberated the village of Qabsh Arbey northwest of Syrian Raqqa from the Daesh terror group, outlawed in Russia and numerous other states, local media reported.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The Kurdish Firat News Agency said Sunday that the SDF forces kept advancing in Al Tabqah region as a part of the the Euphrates Rage campaign to liberate Raqqa, de facto Daesh capital.

On April 14, the SDF announced the start of the fourth stage of the campaign, this time aiming to clear rural areas of the Raqqa province of terrorists in preparation for the final liberation of the territory.

The SDF launched the Euphrates Rage operation to retake Raqqa last November with the support of the US-led international coalition. The US involvement has been protested by Damascus, which did not give consent to US presence on the Syrian territory.

 Sputnik

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Syria's Assad Mocks Delay of Assault on Raqqa

By Jamie Dettmer April 17, 2017

The start date of the offensive to oust Islamic State fighters from the city of Raqqa and end the terror group's state-building project has been announced several times in the past few months, often with great fanfare by commanders in the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, the United States' ground ally in northern Syria.

The last announcement came in March when Kurdish commanders said an assault on the city would begin April 1.

Two weeks later that start date, like many others, has come and gone, prompting the months-long question - when will the U.S.-backed SDF offensive shift gears from isolating Raqqa, which is hemmed in on three sides now, to mounting an assault to retake the capital of the jihadists' self-styled caliphate?

Over the weekend, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told the French news agency AFP he would support whomever wants to oust Islamic State militants from Raqqa, but mocked the delay in an assault on the city, which U.S. officials believe is being defended by around 4,000 IS fighters.

"What we hear is only allegations about liberating Raqqa. We've been hearing that for nearly a year now, or less than a year, but nothing happened on the ground," he said. "It's not clear who is going to liberate RaqqaIt's not clear yet."

No firm answer about a new start date was forthcoming on Saturday from U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis when he met in Washington with his Turkish counterpart, Fikri Isik.

The Turkish defense minister again complicated the U.S. effort to choreograph an agreement among multiple local and international players about a Raqqa offensive by pressing Ankara's long-standing demand for the U.S. to end its alliance with the Kurdish People's Protection Units, or YPG, whose fighters dominate the ranks of the SDF.

There were no signs that the Turkish request made persistently by Ankara in recent months, and relayed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a February phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, will be heeded. U.S. officials say they envisage the Raqqa battle will resemble the fight in neighboring Iraq, where local indigenous forces have been waging the struggle to retake the northern city of Mosul, the last IS major urban stronghold in that country. Some 500 U.S. special forces soldiers deployed in northern Syria are helping to train and advise SDF units.

Mattis later said at a press conference the U.S. remains in solidarity with Ankara when it comes to fighting Islamic State militants and Turkey's outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, but he made no mention of discontinuing the alliance with the YPG, the armed wing of Syria's Democratic Union Party, or PYD.

The Turks, who fear the emergence of a Kurdish state in north Syria, maintain there's no real distinction between the PYD and the PKK, which has been waging an insurgency in Turkey for more than three decades.

Mattis cited the long security relationship between the U.S. and Turkey, dating back to 1952 when Turkey joined NATO; but, in the wake of Sunday's constitutional referendum that greatly enhances the Turkish president's powers, analysts say it is unclear how much Erdogan values his country's alliance with the West, and whether his slim victory will embolden him to disrupt a Raqqa assault by the SDF.

Earlier this month, Erdogan ramped up the pressure on Washington, saying his government is planning new offensives in northern Syria this spring against groups deemed terrorist organizations by Ankara, including IS and the PYD's militia.

In March, Turkish forces escalated attacks on the YPG in northern Syria, forcing the U.S. to deploy a small number of forces in and around the town of Manbij to the northwest of Raqqa to "deter" Turkish-SDF clashes and ensure the focus remains on Islamic State.

Meanwhile, Raqqa is being pummeled by airstrikes mounted by U.S.-led coalition forces and Syrian warplanes. Local anti-IS activists say the air raids fail to distinguish between military and non-military targets; however, with IS fighters seeded throughout the city and surrounding villages, being able to draw a distinction is become increasingly challenging, say U.S. officials.

"Civilians are now [caught] between the criminal terrorists on one side and the international coalition's indiscriminate bombing on the other side," said Hamoud Almousa, a founding member of the activist network Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, which is opposed to an assault on the city being led by the YPG.

"Liberating [Raqqa] does not come by burning it and destroying it over its people who have suffered a lot from the terrorist group's violations," he added.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a London-based monitoring group that relies on a network of activists for its information, said that four civilians  two women and two children  were killed Monday in an airstrike believed to have been carried out by coalition warplanes on the Teshreen Farm area north of Raqqa.

The Observatory says between March 1 and April 10, airstrikes killed 224 civilians. They included 38 children under the age of 18, and 37 women.

Another mainly Arab anti-IS activist network, Eye on the Homeland, complains at the lack of international condemnation about the civilian casualties from the airstrikes, arguing civilians caught in the conflict are being treated inhumanely.

"We assert that the liberation of civilians from all forms of terrorism requires that military forces acting in the area avoid civilian killing, displacement, and the destruction of their properties whenever possible," the network said recently on its website.

It warned the deaths will "be used to by terrorist organizations in their propaganda to convince civilians that these military forces do not have their interests at heart" and will "only further fuel radicalization."

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In February of this year, Andres Santana took one of the most difficult decisions of his life: to close his Ficciones DVD rental store in downtown Madrid. He had tried everything but after more than 13 years in business, the numbers just werent adding up. He told his two employees he was closing up shop and began to sell off a unique collection totaling some 20,000 movies.

Andres Santana at his Ficciones in Madrids Tirso de Molina neighborhood. ALVARO GARCIA

Titles from directors as diverse as the Spanish surrealist Luis Bunuel and UK social realist Ken Loach began to fly off the shelves like in the good old days.

The end was well and truly in sight for what had become an institution in the colorful neighborhood around the Spanish capitals Tirso de Molina square.

Fifteen years ago, there were 10,000 video rental stores in Spain; now there are just 350

But there was a twist in the tale for the 42-year-old Santana, who is from Spains Catalonia region. Rather than giving in to the idea of permanent closure, his customers began looking for a way to keep the business open. Then someone mentioned the magic word: crowdfunding.

I had already made up my mind. I couldnt keep pouring money into something that wasnt working given the current overheads, an emotional Santana explains.

But my regulars started saying they were willing to give money to keep to keep the store open and they gave me the [crowdfunding] idea, adds the store owner, who, in addition to running the DVD rental outlet is also a university teacher.

My customers convinced me to look for new, cheaper premises. The crowdfunding money will keep my going until I can move to another location, and settle my debts from the last few months, Santana says.

Our movies traveled to Equatorial Guinea, where they were shown to kids who had never seen a film before Andres Santana, Ficciones manager

The plan is raise 13,000 via the Go Fund Me website. Together with sister outlet Ficciones in the Madrid neighborhood of Malasana, Santanas business boasts a member list totaling 37,000 people. That means a donation of just 1 from half of all members would be enough to guarantee the future of the store, which specializes in independent movies  many of them no longer available and difficult to find.

We have 20,000 different movies and 200 series. If people have taken action its because there is a real demand for this kind of product, says Santana.

Store regular Carlota Montero, 38, confirms this. Whenever I have asked for movie advice, he has got it right. Its great. Today she ends up renting the British comedy Pride which sets her back 1.40, and which she will have to return in a fortnight.

The best way to a see a movie is at the cinema and the second best way is using a video rental store, because you end up watching movies you wouldnt see otherwise, says Santana, who is a fan of US cult director Quentin Tarantino.

Our movies, for example, have traveled to Equatorial Guinea where they were shown to kids who had never seen a film before. And we have helped actors, scriptwriters and directors to prepare projects by giving them recommendations, he adds.

Using a video rental store, you end up watching movies you wouldnt see otherwise

The Ficciones store in Tirso de Molina is one of just 15 video rental stores that are holding out valiantly in the Spanish capital in this era of online streaming. In the Madrid region, there are 35 outlets, while the number for Spain as a whole is 350, according to the distributor Das del Video. Fifteen years ago, that number was 10,000, according to company spokesperson Ignacio Carbajo.

Santana decided to open Ficciones in 2004 so that he wouldnt have to go to Barcelona, where he was born, to see independent movies. He had no experience but a great deal of passion for cinema. What he didnt know was the sector was about to completely change. In 2006, the Blockbuster chain closed all of its 96 stores in Spain, as piracy bit into profit margins. Ficciones thrived because it offered a different product, and the closure in 2012 of the piracy site Megaupload even gave business a boost for a while.

But the arrival of online platforms such as HBO and Netflix is proving to be the final blow for the world of video rentals, with fans of the Ficciones store in Madrid having to resort to another online platform to try and save an institution they love.

English version by George Mills.
Taiwan to donate mine sweeping equipment to anti-IS coalition

ROC Central News Agency

2017/04/17 16:00:58

Taipei, April 17 (CNA) Taiwan is prepared to donate US$500,000- worth of demining equipment to the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Vice Minister of Defense Cheng De-mei () said Monday.

The equipment, which includes protective gear and precision instruments, will be shipped as soon as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs completes the related coordination work, Cheng told lawmakers during a legislative hearing.

The confirmation came after Stanley Kao (), Taiwan's top envoy to the United States, attended a March 22 meeting in Washington of the U.S.-led global coalition to counter the militant group also known as Islamic State (IS).

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson presided over the meeting, the first since President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20.

Kao attended, along with officials representing 67 other members of the coalition.

The global coalition, which was established in 2014 under the administration of former President Barack Obama, has 68 members. In addition to Taiwan, other coalition partners from the Asia-Pacific region include Afghanistan, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea.

Taiwan's participation in the coalition has been in the area of humanitarian assistance. Such efforts include the donation of 350 temporary housing units for refugees in Iraq displaced by the onslaught of IS in 2014, after donating US$100,000 to help provide shelter for refugees in that area.

Taiwan has experience in demining work, having cleared the former frontline islands of Kinmen of nearly 100,000 landmines in a 7-year effort that ended in 2014. The mines were laid over the decades against Chinese invasion following China's failed attempt in 1949 to take the islands located just miles off the coast of Fujian Province.

(By Hsieh Chia-chen and Y.F. Low)

ENDITEM/J



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Turkish president says constitutional amendments accepted in referendum

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:39, April 17, 2017

ISTANBUL, April 16 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared on Sunday night that the proposed constitutional changes were accepted in a referendum, paying the way for the country to introduce the presidential system.

In a televised address to the press in Istanbul, Erdogan said the amendments passed in the referendum held in the country the same day with 25 million "Yes" votes, or by leading the "No" camp by 1.3 million votes.

"Today Turkey made an historic decision about the governance system," he remarked, calling for countries that Turkey accepts as allies to "respect the decision of our nation."

The constitutional package voted on the day has 18 articles, the most controversial one being the switch to an executive presidency from the parliamentary system put in place ever since the Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923.

The package shall grant the office of the presidency sweeping powers with less checks and balances, a scenario that has been rejected by main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party.

CHP is calling for a recount after the initial result was unveiled, citing reported irregularities. Naysayers were protesting against the result in different districts of Istanbul on Sunday night, with some banging pots and pans from their windows and others holding a march.

Turkey will not turn to the presidential system until 2019, when Erdogan's current term ends and fresh parliamentary elections will be held concurrently.

In his later address to supporters, Erdogan said his first job after the victory is to discuss the reintroduction of death penalty and that another referendum on this issue is possible.

The issue of capital punishment was raised in the wake of a failed military coup in July last year, which the Turkish government says was masterminded by Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric now living in the United States.

The European Unionhas responded by threatening to terminate the accession talks with Turkey in a row that has contributed to chilled bilateral ties.

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Turkey's opposition party CHP calls for referendum annulment

Iran Press TV

Mon Apr 17, 2017 2:27PM

Turkey's main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP), has called for the annulment of the results of a referendum on changes to the country's constitution, which would grant President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extensive executive powers.

Bulent Tezcan, a CHP deputy chairman, told reporters at the party's headquarters in the capital, Ankara, that the party had received complaints from many regions that people had been unable to vote in privacy, and that some ballots were counted in secret.

He also lambasted the last-minute decision by the High Electoral Board (YSK) to accept unstamped ballots as valid, arguing that the measure clearly ran counter to the law.

"At the moment it is impossible to determine how many such votes there are and how many were stamped later. This is why the only decision that will end debate about the legitimacy (of the vote) and ease the people's legal concerns is the annulment of this election by the High Electoral Board," Tezcan pointed out.

The senior Turkish opposition figure further noted that the CHP would submit complaints to municipal election authorities and the YSK, and would turn to the Constitutional Court of Turkey, the European Human Court of Rights and any other relevant authorities once the result of those appeals were released.

The remarks came as the 'Yes' campaign won 51.18 percent of the votes during Sunday's referendum, while the 'No' campaign gained 48.82 percent, Turkey's official Anadolu news agency reported.

Turkish-language nationwide news channel, Haberturk, put the turnout at 86 percent.

Meanwhile, Mustafa Elitas, parliamentary faction chief of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), said on Monday that Erdogan was set to rejoin his conservative political party.

"We will offer membership to Erdogan after April 27-28," Elitas told private NTV television news network.

Erdogan had to severe his ties with the AKP after being elected president in 2014. He adopted the decision under the impartiality principle of the constitution. The Sunday constitutional referendum, however, opened the way for a party-affiliated president.

Turkish vote on death penalty to 'break with European values'

On Monday, the French president's office warned Turkey against any return of the capital punishment in the country after the Turkish president said he would seek to reinstate death penalty "without any hesitation" after the April 16 constitutional referendum.

"The organization of a referendum on the death penalty would obviously be a break with (the) values and engagements" that Turkey accepted when it joined the Council of Europe, Europe's top rights watchdog, the presidency said in a statement.

The statement added that the French presidency had taken note of the figures from the referendum and the "disputes" surrounding them, saying Erdogan's narrow victory showed that "Turkish society is divided over the proposed deep reforms."

On March 19, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker warned that capital punishment was a "red line" in Ankara's stalled bid for membership in the 28-member bloc.

"If the death penalty is reintroduced in Turkey, it would lead to the end of negotiations," he said in an interview with German newspaper Bild am Sonntag.

Turkey has been attempting to become part of the EU for decades. Formal EU accession negotiations, however, began in 2005. The process has been mired in problems, and only 16 chapters of the 35-chapter accession procedure have been opened for Ankara so far.

In November last year, the European Parliament suspended the accession talks with Ankara over concerns regarding human rights and the rule of law following the July 15 coup attempt against Erdogan, which Ankara claims was organized by the US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. In January, Turkey called on the EU to resume the negotiations.

Kremlin: Turkey's referendum results should be respected

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow on Monday that the results of Turkish referendum on expanding presidential powers needed to be respected.

"The referendum is absolutely a sovereign affair of the Turkish republic. We believe that everyone should respect the expression of will of the Turkish people," Peskov pointed out.

European monitors voice concern about Turkey referendum

Meanwhile, representatives from two European bodies have voiced concern about Turkey's referendum.

"The legal framework... remained inadequate for the holding of a genuinely democratic referendum," the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) monitors said in a joint statement on Monday.

The referendum campaign was conducted on an "unlevel playing field" and the vote count itself was marred by the late procedural changes that removed key safeguards, the observers said, pointing to the move by the election authorities to allow voting documents without an official stamp.

The announcement elicited Turkey's sharp retort with Ankara slamming international observers' "biased" and "unacceptable" criticism on the its constitutional referendum.

"The initial findings in question are a reflection of a biased and prejudiced approach," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The Foreign Ministry added that it was "unacceptable" for European bodies to state that the poll fell short of international standards.

Erdogan to OSCE: Know your place

Later on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed a gathering of his supporters outside the presidential palace in Ankara, warning international monitors to "know your place."

"Know your place first," Erdogan said addressing OSCE monitors, adding, "We neither see, hear, nor know those politically-motivated reports that you will draft."

Erdogan also told the gathering that Turkey could hold a referendum on its EU membership bid after the vote on expanding the president's powers.

"For 54 years, what did they make us do at the EU's door? Wait!" Erdogan said.

Reacting to threats by EU leaders to freeze Turkey's accession talks, he added, "We will sit down and talk, and we can hold a referendum for that (EU bid) too!"

Turkey likely to extend state of emergency

Moreover, Turkey's government is set to extend for another three months a state of emergency imposed across the country after the botched putsch.

Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli told A Haber television news network that the National Security Council is scheduled to meet on Monday to recommend the renewal of the measure, which expires on April 19.

The extension would then be endorsed by Erdogan following a cabinet meeting chaired by him.

Turkey introduced the state of emergency on July 20, following a coup attempt by a group of military officers. More than 270 people were killed in incidents surrounding the July 15 coup attempt.

The state of emergency has allowed the government to launch a harsh crackdown on those believed to have played a role in the failed coup.

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Europe cautions Turkey after referendum

Iran Press TV

Mon Apr 17, 2017 5:55AM

Top European officials have reacted to the recent referendum in Turkey by calling on Ankara to choose its next steps carefully and seek broader consensus in implementing constitutional reforms.

Turkey held a referendum on a package of constitutional changes on Sunday. Later in the day, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had campaigned heavily for a "Yes" vote, declared victory.

The reforms will change Turkey's parliamentary system into a presidential one; the office of the prime minister will be abolished; the president will appoint the cabinet and an undefined number of vice-presidents, and will be able to select and remove senior civil servants without parliamentary approval.

The changes would also potentially keep Erdogan in power until 2029. He has already been there since 2003.

Erdogan said after the voting that 51.5 percent of the voters  25 million people  had supported the reforms.

Yet, almost as many people were opposed to them, meaning that an all-encompassing alteration in Turkish politics would proceed to take effect in spite of opposition from almost half of the electorate.

Pointing to that aspect of the vote, President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini in a joint statement called "on the Turkish authorities to seek the broadest possible national consensus" in the implementation of the reforms.

Also reacting to the referendum, German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Erdogan to engage in "respectful dialog" with all groups in the country.

"The (German) government expects that the Turkish government will now seek respectful dialog with all political and social forces in the country, after this tough election campaign," Merkel said in a statement issued jointly with Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel.

The Council of Europe, of which Turkey is a member, also issued a statement on Sunday, saying that, "In view of the close result, the Turkish leadership should consider the next steps carefully."

"It is of utmost importance to secure the independence of the judiciary in line with the principle of rule of law enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights," said the Council's Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland.

He said the Council "stands ready to support the country [Turkey] in this process."

The European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkey, Kati Piri, also described the reforms as "a major shift away from European values."

"Erdogan's autocratic behavior has deeply polarized Turkish society and harmed the economy," she said.

A fissured society

The final results of the referendum will be announced in about 10 days after objections have been considered. The Turkish opposition has already challenged the results, saying it would want some 60 percent of the ballots recounted.

Erdogan has called the referendum results "very significant" because, according to him, it was the first time change was being brought about peacefully and not through military coups, a regular feature of decades of Turkish politics. But a population almost evenly divided over the constitutional changes could prove difficult to govern, which would in turn provide a basis for political violence.

Violence has already occurred.

Three people were killed in a gunfight between two groups at a school that was being used as polling station in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir on Sunday. The shootout erupted after the two groups of relatives started arguing over political disagreements during the voting, reports said.

Erdogan himself survived a coup in July last year. He has since been overseeing a crackdown on putschists and their sympathizers. Some 47,000 people have been detained and 120,000 fired or suspended from their jobs in the purge.

Turkey has been under a state of emergency since that coup attempt.

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Erdogan Lashes Out At European Monitors Of Turkey's Referendum

RFE/RL April 17, 2017

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has lashed out angrily at criticism from European election monitors over a referendum that will bring sweeping new powers to the presidency.

Erdogan's remarks came after observers from the OSCE and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) said on April 17 that the legal framework for the referendum "remained inadequate for the holding of a genuinely democratic referendum."

The monitors also said the referendum campaign was conducted on an "unlevel playing field" and that the counting of ballots in the April 16 referendum had been marred by "late procedural changes."

Speaking later on April 17, Erdogan rejected those findings and told the OSCE monitors to "know your place."

The Turkish president also said that Turkey "does not see, hear, or acknowledge reports by the OSCE observer mission."

In response to warnings from some European officials that Turkey's candidacy for European Union membership could be rejected over of its failure to adhere to the EU's democratic and human rights standards, Erdogan said it is "not so important" if the EU suspends Turkey's accession talks "as long as they inform us."

Erdogan also said Turkey would, "if necessary," conduct its own referendum on whether Ankara should suspend the EU accession talks.

Turkey's Central Election Committee (CEC) late on April 16 declared that 51.3 percent of voters supported the adoption of 18 constitutional amendments that will create a presidential system of government and could allow Erdogan to remain in power until 2029.

Tana de Zulueta, the mission chief from the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), said on April 17 that Turkey's referendum did not meet international standards.

She said the referendum contravened Turkey's commitments to the standards of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe "regarding freedom and equality in the campaign."

Noting that the closely contested vote was conducted under a state of emergency, she said people forced to flee their homes because of security operations in mostly Kurdish-populated southeastern Turkey had faced difficulties trying to vote.

"We also noted a considerable imbalance in the campaign, due -- among other things -- to the active involvement of the president, several leading national officials, and many local public officials in the 'yes' campaign," she said. "Our team observed the misuse of administrative resources, and the obstruction of efforts by parties and civil society organizations supporting the 'no' campaign."

The OSCE/ODIHR mission chief also said the campaign rhetoric had been "tarnished by some senior officials equating 'no' supporters with terrorist sympathizers."

"In numerous cases, 'no' sympathizers faced police interventions and violent scuffles at their events," she said.

Cezar Florin Preda, the head of a PACE monitoring delegation, told reporters in Ankara on April 17 that "the two sides of the campaign did not have equal opportunities."

"Voters were not provided with impartial information about key aspects of the reform and civil society organizations were not able to participate," Preda said.

"Under the state of emergency put in place after the July 2016 failed coup attempt, fundamental freedoms essential to a genuinely democratic process were curtailed," Preda said. "The dismissal [from government jobs] or detention of thousands of citizens negatively affected the political environment. One side's dominance in the [media] coverage and restriction of the media reduced voters' access to a plurality of views."

Preda also said "late changes in counting procedures removed an important safeguard and were contested by the opposition," referring to a move by election officials to allow ballots that did not have an official stamp to be counted.

Turkey's opposition says a decision on April 16 by the Supreme Electoral Council to count unstamped ballot papers had created possibilities for widespread fraud in the ballot count.

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) demanded a recount of up to 60 percent of the ballots and said it would challenge 37 percent of the ballots that had been counted.

CHP Deputy Chairman Bulent Tezcan has called for the results to be annulled, saying his party would take its challenge to the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.

Turkey's pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) claimed there was a vote "manipulation of 3 to 4 percentage points" in favor of expanding presidential powers.

But the head of Turkey's electoral commission, Sadi Guven, rejected the claims of foul play and the criticism from international monitors.

Guven said the unstamped ballot papers that were counted had been produced by his Supreme Electoral Council and were valid.

Western critics have said the amendments pose a huge threat to human rights and the rule of law because they concentrate too much power in the hands of the president.

Pelin Ayan Musil, an expert on Turkey at the Anglo-American University in Prague, told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal that Erdogan's victory could spark radical change inside Turkey and damage Ankara's relations with the European Union.

"It will give a lot of power to the president. He will be able to do many things: dissolve the parliament, appoint judges ... So, institutionally, yes, [it is a radical change]. In terms of societal change, though, Turkey was already very divided. And this result [shows] the division in a [clearer] way.

"The constitutional changes look like a one-man dictatorship," continued Musil. "If we look at [the constitutional changes], the way it is designed, it really kills the checks and balances. The checks and balances were already damaged to a high degree. Now it makes it much worse. ... So I do not think there is a positive future for Turkey-EU relations."

Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande said on April 17 that the Turkish referendum results revealed a nation that is sharply divided.

Saying that France "takes note" of accusations of substantial voting irregularities, Hollande urged Turkish authorities to respect opposition voices and European values.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel on April 17 urged Erdogan to "seek a respectful dialogue with all of the country's political and societal groups."

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini, and EU enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn said in a statement after the results were announced that the "practical implementation" of Turkey's constitutional amendments "will be assessed in light of Turkey's obligations as a European Union candidate country and as a member of the Council of Europe."

Their statement also said they would closely examine the assessment of the OSCE and PACE observation missions in regard to "alleged irregularities."

With reporting by RFE/RL Radio Mashaal correspondent Pamir Sahill, AP, and Reuters

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/turkey-referendum-electoral -body-valid-opposition-recount/28434781.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Erdogan Tells OSCE to 'Know Their Limits' After Turkish Referendum Criticism

Sputnik News

20:29 17.04.2017

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on Monday to mind its business after it criticized the way Ankara handled the referendum.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Sunday's voting showed slightly over 51 percent of Turks supported transforming the country into an executive presidency. OSCE's observer mission published its findings on Monday, saying rival campaigns did not have a level playing field and criticizing the decision to accept as valid ballot papers without official stamps.

"They should know their limits, we don't recognize their politically motivated results," President Erdogan said, as quoted by CNN Turk.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry said earlier it could not accept OSCE's conclusion that the referendum had fallen short of international standards, saying the observer mission had formed its opinion of the voting even before it arrived in the country.

 Sputnik

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Turkey's Referendum 'Does Not Live Up to Council of Europe Standards' - PACE

Sputnik News

15:32 17.04.2017(updated 17:29 17.04.2017)

The Turkish referendum on constitutional amendments did not live up to the standards of the Council of Europe, its legal framework was inadequate for a genuinely democratic process, Cezar Florin Preda, head of the delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) said Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  According to the preliminary results of the referendum held in Turkey on Sunday, 51.3 percent of voters supported the proposed constitutional amendments, which, if passed, will expand presidential powers over the judicial and legislative branches of the government.

"In general, the referendum did not live up to Council of Europe standards. The legal framework was inadequate for the holding of a genuinely democratic process," Preda said, as quoted by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Turkey Constitutional Referendum Campaign Dominated by 'Yes' Camp  OSCE Mission

Turkey's constitutional amendments referendum campaign was dominated by the "yes" camp in media coverage, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) observer mission said in its turn.

OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) noted the "curtailed" freedoms under Turkey's post-coup state of emergency in which the vote was held on Sunday.

"The two sides did not have equal opportunities to make their case to the voters," Head of the ODIHR limited election observation mission Tana de Zulueta said.

De Zulueta said the office's monitoring demonstrated "the 'Yes' campaign dominated the media coverage."

"This, along with restrictions on the media, the arrests of journalists and the closure of media outlets, reduced voters' access to a plurality of views," the head of mission said.

Other concerns included a snap change to voting procedures, in which the election commission declared the validity of stampless ballots, as well as the bundling of all 18 proposed reforms in a single question, inadequate information on the actual proposals and their possible downsides and a lack of transparency with no civil society observers present at polling stations.

The bundle of constitutional changes proposed granting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan powers that include appointing top judges, declaring a state of emergency, dismissing the parliament, remaining party leader while in power and serving extra terms.

 Sputnik

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Turkish Referendum Vote Challenged

By Dorian Jones April 17, 2017

International monitors have questioned the fairness of Sunday's referendum in Turkey, saying it was contested on an uneven playing field. The referendum, which would create a powerful executive presidency from the current parliamentary system, only narrowly passed and opponents are seeking a revote.

At a news conference in Ankara, monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said the "No" campaign faced numerous obstacles including a lack of freedom of expression and access to the media, and intimidation. The OSCE also alleged misuse of administrative resources by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The controversial decision to allow the use of ballots that did not have an official stamp was also criticized. "The Supreme Election Board issued instructions late in the day that significantly changed the validity criteria, undermining an important safeguard and contradicting the law," observed Cezar Florin Preda of the monitoring group at the Ankara press conference.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry released a statement saying it was "saddened" by the OSCE's finding that the referendum fell short of international standards. The ministry called it "unacceptable" and accused the OSCE of political bias.

Under Turkey's 2010 electoral law, all ballots require an official stamp as a measure aimed at preventing vote stuffing. The main opposition CHP alleges that as many as one-and-a-half million unstamped ballots could have been used, more than the winning margin in the referendum.

The CHP is now demanding the referendum be held again. "The only decision that will end debate about the legitimacy and ease the people's legal concerns is the annulment of this election," declared Bulent Tezcan CHP deputy head, speaking at press conference Monday.

Protests were held in several locations across Istanbul and in the capital, Ankara, over the handling of the vote; similar demonstrations were reported in other cities.

The only legal redress the CHP has to overturn the vote is with the Supreme Election Board, which made the decision to use the unstamped ballots.

In defense of the ballots

The head of the board, Sadi Guven, strongly defended his decision to allow the controversial ballots, citing high demand for ballots and saying similar procedures had been followed in the past.

"This is not some move we've done for the first time," said Guven, speaking to reporters Monday in Ankara. "Before our administration took over, there had been many decisions approving the validity of unstamped ballots."

Critics point out the previous use of unstamped ballots was before the introduction of the electoral law banning the practice. Guven said he did not know how many of the ballots were used, and admitted he made the decision after consulting with the ruling AK Party.

Many of the ballots are suspected of being used in the predominantly Kurdish southeast where strict security measures are in force due to an ongoing fight against Kurdish insurgent group the PKK. "No" campaigners in the region said its observers were prevented from monitoring many ballot stations. The OSCE also said its monitors faced restrictions.

While the OSCE refused to be drawn in on whether the shortcomings and difficulties it highlighted were enough to affect the outcome of the vote, its assessment will likely embolden the opposition and add to growing international concern.

"The European politician will refer to the OSCE; even Americans have said it was going to wait for the OSCE report [before commenting on the referendum result]," warned political columnist Semih Idiz of Al Monitor website. "It's a complication for Erdogan, but he will try and turn it to his advantage by saying the West is up to its old tricks again."

Throughout the campaign, Erdogan played the nationalist card, accusing Western countries of conspiring against him and Turkey. Erdogan described the referendum as a victory against the crusaders.

Europe has so far avoided directly addressing the controversy, choosing to look beyond the result with calls on Erdogan to reach out to his opponents to ease the political polarization. The U.S. State Department called on Turkey to protect basic rights and freedoms as authorities work to resolve the contested results.

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Minister rejects comments against Turkey's electoral board

Iran Press TV

Tue Apr 18, 2017 3:12PM

Turkey's minister for European Union affairs has rejected violation accusations raised against the national electoral board that supervised a plebiscite on changes in the constitution, describing the move as "politically motivated".

Turkey's bar association as well as an international monitor criticized a last-minute decision by the High Electoral Board (YSK) to accept unstamped ballots in Sunday's narrow referendum, which gives President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extensive executive powers. They said the decision is in violation of electoral laws.

However, Turkish government officials have rejected the violation claim.

"Politically motivated comments against the YSK's decision to accept unstamped ballots are wrong," Omer Celik told reporters in the capital Ankara on Tuesday.

Celik defended the YSK decision, claiming Turkey had a strong legal framework and transparent process for elections.

On Monday, President Erdogan made similar comments. He told a crowd of his supporters that his critics should "know their place", adding that Ankara did not "see, hear or acknowledge" any irregularities in the historic referendum.

Meanwhile, the country's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has called for the annulment of the results of the referendum.

Turkey's official Anadolu news agency reported that the 'Yes' campaign won 51.18 percent of the votes, while the 'No' campaign gained 48.82 percent.

"It is impossible to determine how many ...[votes] were stamped later. This is why the only decision that will end debate about the legitimacy (of the referendum) and ease the people's legal concerns is the annulment of this election by the High Electoral Board," said senior CHP figure Bulent Tezcan.

The international community, however, has accepted the results of the referendum.

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Thousands In Turkey Protest Against Giving Erdogan Greater Powers

RFE/RL April 18, 2017

Thousands of people took to the streets of Istanbul and other Turkish cities to protest the results of a referendum that narrowly granted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan greater powers.

At least 1,000 protesters thronged Besiktas on the European side of Istanbul late on April 17, while on the Asian side, around 2,000 demonstrators marched through Kadikoy, another secular, anti-Erdogan neighborhood.

Smaller protests were held in Ankara, Izmir, and other Turkish cities. Turkish media reported that 13 people were detained in a protest in the Mediterranean city of Antalya.

The protesters expressed anger about last-minute changes to the referendum voting procedures and an electoral board decision to allow as valid more than a million ballots cast without the official stamp.

Those irregularities were also singled out for criticism by European voting monitors and the U.S. State Department, though Turkish authorities insisted the referendum was conducted cleanly.

Hayir Besiktas, the group that called for the demonstration, said "We are against fraud, injustice, and stolen votes."

The main opposition Republican People's Party and the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party said they would challenge the results, with the Kurdish party saying it has complaints about unstamped ballots affecting 3 million voters -- more than twice the margin of Erdogan's victory. The April 16 referendum passed by 51.4 percent.

"Thief, murderer, Erdogan," the protesters in Kadikoy chanted, as they marched towards the offices of the Supreme Election Board. "We will not make you president" and "We are shoulder to shoulder against fascism."

Protesters carried signs saying "The 'No' is not finished" and "'No' has won."

In homes lining the route of the protest, people bashed pots and pans with kitchen utensils from the windows of their apartments to show solidarity.

Police generally kept a low profile on the sidelines of the protest, but warned against using offensive slogans.

Erdogan in a speech at the presidential palace in Ankara mocked the protesters' banging on pots and pans, and said most people were satisfied with the referendum results.

The protests came as Turkey's Council of Ministers moved to extend for another three months a state of emergency declared in the wake of a failed July 2016 coup.

Government spokesman Numan Kurtulmus said the extension would go into effect on April 19, when the previous state of emergency is scheduled to expire.

The extension first must go to parliament, however, for approval. The state of emergency grants greater powers to security forces to detain people perceived to be working against the government, including journalists, judges, and academics.

Erdogan has used the state of emergency to crack down on supporters of U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom he accuses of orchestrating the July 15 coup attempt. Gulen denies any involvement.

With reporting by AP, AFP, dpa, and Reuters

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/thousand-istanbul-turkey-protest- giving-president-erdogan-greater-powers/28436168.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will have to appear as a witness in the ongoing Gurtel case , a massive investigation into a kickbacks-for-contracts scheme that has plagued the Spanish leaders Popular Party (PP) for years. Magistrates from Spains central High Court in charge of the case have voted two to one that Rajoy should be cited to testify, despite opposition to the move from the anti-corruption public prosecutor and the solicitor generals office.

PM Rajoy in a file photo. AFP

More information Spanish PM Rajoy on the ropes as corruption scandals hit ruling party

Under Spanish law, the prime minister is obliged to give a witness statement when called on to do so by judges. The court will now have to decide whether Rajoy must take the stand in person, or whether he is allowed to submit his answers in writing. The latter option is legally possible for members of the royal family and top government officials, but only when the questions deal with facts that witnesses should have knowledge about as a direct result of the position they hold.

Rajoy should have been aware of the illegal activities in which the party treasurer was involved, argue the prosecution

The request for Rajoy to appear as part of the case was filed by the private prosecution in the case, represented by the Association of Democratic Lawyers for Europe (ADADE). In opposition to the request, the Spanish public prosecutor had argued that Rajoys testimony would be redundant, given that the existence of a slush fund within the PP, which was created thanks to kickbacks from the so-called Gurtel network of businesses, has already been established.

According to prosecutor Concepcion Nicolas, testimony from the prime minister would not be relevant.

Meanwhile, the solicitor general had expressed similar opposition. No new elements have come to light during the trial that would point to the need for a statement, said Edmundo Bal.

The basis for the request is the fact that Rajoy was general secretary of the PP while Luis Barcenas was the treasurer. Barcenas is the man accused of having overseen the slush fund, and has fallen foul of the law after he was discovered to have squirreled away millions of euros in tax havens. Given his position at the time, the prosecution argues, Rajoy should have been aware of the illegal activities in which Barcenas was allegedly involved.

ADADE has also argued that the public has the right to hear the highest-ranking officials involved in the case, and claims that the lawyer that is representing the PP during the trial is trying to divert the responsibility for the use of the funds for illegal spending on election campaigns on the beneficiaries at the time: two mayors of Madrid satellite towns Majadahonda and Pozuelo. The strategy of the lawyer, ADADE argues, is to save the boss, Rajoy, by trying to assign responsibility on lower levels.

English version by Simon Hunter.
Europe Fears Turkey's Erdogan Will Tear Up Migration Deal

By Jamie Dettmer April 18, 2017

The crowd of diehard supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cheered at a referendum-eve rally in the Umraniye district of Istanbul when Turkey's Islamist leader called on them to drive the West, as well as terrorists, mad by voting "yes" in the next day's plebiscite.

"Let's pass such a reform that the West goes crazy," he said.

Western officials may not be going crazy, but they are alarmed by Sunday's vote. The slim majority that backed Erdogan's bid to dramatically expand his executive power has set Ankara and the European Union on a collision course, European officials fear. On Monday, Erdogan challenged Brussels with a renewed demand that Turks be allowed visa-free travel across Europe and a threat to restore the death penalty.

Greek officials have drafted emergency plans to cope with a new migrant crisis. They predict Erdogan won't be cautious about how he governs in the wake of the referendum, and will opt to pick fights with the EU in a bid to rally his divided country. Sunday's "yes" vote for constitutional change marks the biggest shift in the country's governance since the founding of modern Turkey in 1923.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has warned that restoring the death penalty is a "red line" for the EU. He and other senior European officials say reinstating capital punishment would end Turkey's long-standing bid to join the EU.

On Monday, Erdogan shrugged off EU objections, while slamming a European monitoring group's criticism of Sunday's plebiscite. On Turkey's EU candidacy, Erdogan told a crowd of loyalists: "It is also not very important for us either.  They have made us wait at the gates of the EU for 54 years. So, we will sit and talk and hold a referendum on that, too."

EU concerns growing

Most European leaders have been keen to avoid stoking Erdogan's wrath and have been circumspect in reacting to Sunday's vote, hoping that Turkey's deputy prime minister, Mehmet Simsek, was right when he predicted Monday the "noise" between Ankara and Europe would die down soon.

Speaking Monday to Reuters, Simsek said the focus would be on areas of shared interest between Europe and Turkey. The British Foreign Office said it was concerned by the conduct of the vote, but that it would remain an ally of Turkey provided Ankara "enacts these constitutional changes in a way that sustains democracy."

Behind the scenes in EU capitals, the mood is gloomy. Gianni Pittella, the Italian leader of the socialist bloc in the European parliament, said his lawmakers will discuss whether to veto next week a proposal for visa-free travel for Turks. "We've always been very reluctant to ensure a visa-free regime to Turkey as Ankara does not match the democratic criteria," he said in a statement. "Now after the referendum, our concerns are even bigger."

Pittella said the referendum amounted to "yet another decisive step away from Europe." He called for the termination of Turkey's EU accession talks, because "with such a constitution, Turkey cannot join the EU." Erdogan, he warned, "is increasingly turning Turkey into a personal authoritarian regime."

Last Friday, Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned Ankara would tear up the migration deal formed with the EU last year if visa-free travel for Turks is not granted. With the 2016 migration agreement, the Turkish government promised to help curb the flood of migrants into Europe from its territory in return for visa-free travel for Turks to Europe. Turkey also received enhanced EU aid to cope with Syrian and Iraqi refugees.

"If we get a negative response from the EU, we have the right to re-evaluate and suspend all of these agreements," Cavusoglu told a local broadcaster.

Visa-free travel isn't the only issue on which Turkey and the EU are at loggerheads. Brussels has demanded modifications to the country's anti-terrorism law, which it deems as overarching. The Turkish government has used the law against Erdogan's domestic critics, including journalists.

Predictions of restraint

Relations between Turkey and the EU deteriorated sharply in the run-up to Sunday's referendum. There were rhetorical clashes over Turkey's spying activities against Turkish dissidents in Europe. Separately, European officials objected to referendum campaigning across the continent by Turkish ministers seeking expatriate votes. Erdogan repeatedly accused the German and Dutch governments of acting like Nazis after they banned referendum campaign rallies by Turkish officials on security grounds.

"It's high time we disarmed verbally. The Nazi insults are unbearable," German Deputy Foreign Minister Michael Roth told Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

Senior Greek officials say they have drawn up detailed emergency plans to cope with a new refugee crisis. They say their cash-strapped country would find it hard to contain the financial fallout from a renewed flood of asylum-seekers, and would be plunged deeper into debt by an influx. That scenario, in turn, would put pressure on Brussels to assist with funding.

Some analysts believe that Erdogan, for all his threats, will be forced to show restraint both domestically and in relations with Europe.

"This large an opposition is hard for Erdogan to ignore," wrote analysts Aykan Erdemir, a former member of the Turkish parliament, and Merve Tahiroglu, both with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based research institution.

"He may claim to have won a slight majority, but he lost in five of Turkey's six largest cities, including its economic center Istanbul, where he has never lost an election since becoming mayor in 1994," they wrote. "He also lost in Turkey's other economic powerhouses  including the capital Ankara and Izmir  suggesting the country's poor economic performance could become his weak spot in the days and weeks to come."

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Politicians of all sides in Stroud have been taken by surprise after the shock announcement from Prime Minister Theresa May that she will seek a snap General Election.

After the 2015 election, the Stroud constituency boundary was expected to change, losing Nailsworth and Dursley to other seats for the 2020 General Election and the main parties were preparing for that.

Now all hands will be to the pumps, after a Gloucestershire County Council election a month before the expected June 8 General Election.

Neil Carmichael, who was voted in as Stroud's MP for a second time in 2015, said he will back her plan for a snap General Election but he did not see it coming until this morning.

"I was not surprised though," he said. "She is determined to secure her own authority and her own mandate.

"This election is about more than Brexit," he added. "I have a good local record on the Berkeley Green University Technology College, I want to establish a link between Sharpness and Lydney, and I continue to press for better infrastructure, and improve schools and educational opportunities for all. Nationally I have a good record too."

Stroud Labour MP from 1997 to 2010, David Drew, lost out to Conservative Neil Carmichael in 2010 and 2015, having beaten him in 2001 and 2005. Mr Drew will not stand this time, he told Stroud Life.

Steve Lydon, chairman of Stroud Labour said: I look forward to kicking the Tories out.

Mr Carmichael increased his majority last time by 4.9 per cent to 4,866 votes, over Labour.

I am surprised in a sense and it shocked me because I did not see it coming, said Mr Drew. I do think there is a level of cynicism around this and I worry about the future of the country  Northern Ireland is in a bit of a mess, Scotland wants to go its own way.

And there is the expenses issue around the Tory battle bus in 2015 which has not been resolved.

We will fight hard, General Elections are never easy.

He said he will not stand this time.

We will have to go through due process on selecting a candidate, which I am sure our National Executive Council will inform us about, added Mr Lydon.

In 2015, the Conservatives took 45.7 per cent of the vote, while Labour took 37.7. UKIP garnered eight per cent, the Greens 4.6 and the Liberal Democrats 3.4. Two independent candidates each secured less than half a per cent of the vote.

UKIP county chairman Richard Ford said: "Theresa May has opportunistically called a General Election just two years after the last one based on the dire polls for the Labour Party and her own need for validation other than by the voters of her Maidenhead constituency.

"Whilst this might prove be to be a good move for both May personally and for the Conservative Party - although this is not certain - it is not good for the country.

"After all May already possesses an absolute majority in the House of Commons and we are already in the middle of tortuous Brexit negotiations - delayed for nine months by Mrs May's prevarication.

"The additional uncertainty that an imminent General Election must of its very nature bring will add to the reasons why key hiring, spending and investment decisions for business and industry should be either postponed or possibly not even made at all.

Green candidate in 2015, Sarah Lunnon, said she is considering whether to run for the party's candidacy.

"I'm quite surprised by Mrs May's announcement," she said. "I thought she would announce it in line with the local elections if she was going to do it at all," she said. "Basically, I think this is going to be a second vote on Brexit."

She said the Greens have not adopted a candidate and she is considering putting her name forward.

Adrian Walker-Smith, who stood for the Liberal Democrats last time, said it has a list of contingency candidates and Stroud's is Cheltenham borough councillor Max Wilkinson. However, contingency candidates were selected only up until May 31.
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Cheltenham for Europe said Theresa May's call for a General Election will give people a chance to vote against the brand of Brexit being put forward by the Government.

The pro-EU and anti-Brexit group has called an emergency meeting tomorrow to discuss its approach to the election which is set for Thursday, June 8.

Members of Parliament will have to vote by a two-thirds majority in the House of Commons to overturn the Fixed Term Parliament Act.

A spokesman for pro-EU group said: "This is an opportunity to vote against the isolationist brand of Brexit that the Government wants, and to vote for the kind of Britain that is welcoming."

It will be out on the streets of Cheltenham this weekend, promoting a visit by AC Grayling on Friday, May 12, and seeking support for its campaign to keep Britain in the EU.

The group, affiliated to the national Britain for Europe group, has organised a series of public meetings and travelled to London last month for the anti-Brexit march.
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The Conservative MP for the Forest, Mark Harper, has said a General Election would bring a strong mandate for Theresa May as she enters negotiations with the European Union.

The Prime Minister stunned the country when she announced plans to call for a General Election on Thursday, June 8.

Mr Harper said: "I support the Prime Minister's decision to call for an early general election. A strong mandate in an early election will strengthen our country's position in our upcoming negotiations with the EU.

"An election now will give the country stability and certainty for a full five years, not just up to the point at which we leave the European Union but beyond it too.

The choice is now clear - we can only get the strong leadership the country needs by voting for Theresa May and Conservative candidates (including myself) around the country.

"A vote for any other party risks Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister, propped up in coalition by Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP, and the Liberal Democrats who just want to re-open the divisions of the referendum."

Because of the Fixed Term Parliament Act, two-thirds of MPs in Parliament will have to approve the PM's call for an election.
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Prime Minister Theresa May will ask MPs tomorrow to back plans for a snap general election on June 8.

Mrs May said she wants to call an early election to bring stability and strong leadership to Britain following the decision made in last years referendum to leave the European Union.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats have both welcomed the plan, and politicians in Gloucestershire are split over whether the surprise move shows strong leadership or is opportunistic.

What has the Prime Minister said?

In a statement outside 10 Downing Street this morning, Mrs May said: "At this moment of enormous national significance there should be unity here in Westminster, but instead there is division. The country is coming together, but Westminster is not.

"In recent weeks Labour has threatened to vote against the final agreement we reach with the European Union. The Liberal Democrats have said they want to grind the business of government to a standstill.

"The Scottish National Party say they will vote against the legislation that formally repeals Britain's membership of the European Union. And unelected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight us every step of the way.

"If we do not hold a general election now their political game-playing will continue, and the negotiations with the European Union will reach their most difficult stage in the run-up to the next scheduled election.

So what happens now?

Today, Mrs May did not call a General Election exactly because she now needs approval from parliament to do this.

Tomorrow (Wednesday April 19) there will be a vote in the House of Commons to approve the election plan.

Theresa May needs two thirds of MPs to vote for bringing the election forward  and with Labour and Liberal Democrats welcoming the move it is expected to go ahead.

But if the plans are voted down, her only other option would have been to call for a motion of no confidence in her own government  which if passed would dissolve parliament triggering an election.

Shes the Prime Minister, so why didnt she just call the election there and then?

Prime Minister used to be able to call an election whenever they wanted at just six weeks notice within a five year limit.

But it does not work like that anymore. The coalition Government introduced the Fixed Term Parliaments Act in 2011 which placed restrictions on when elections can be called  which means Mrs May now needs the permission of MPs.

How have the other parties reacted?

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has welcomed plans for the early general election as a chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.

Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS, he said.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said the snap election would be a chance to change the direction of your country.

He said: If you want to avoid a disastrous Hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the Single Market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance. Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority."

UKIP leader Paul Nuttall has however called the election plans a cynical decision driven more by the weakness of Labour.

He said: "We are in the midst of Brexit negotiations so this election will provide a perfect opportunity for the 52 per cent to vote for Ukip, the only party wholeheartedly committed to a clean quick and efficient Brexit."

Co-leader of the Green Party Jonathan Bartley has accused Mrs May of panicking.

He said: The Green Party is ready for this seismic moment in our countrys future. We will be standing candidates in every corner of this country and giving people a real alternative to the politics of the past."

What do the polls say?

The Conservatives go into the election campaign with a strong lead in the opinion polls.

Some polls put the Tories 20 percentage points ahead of Labour. An average taken from five polls published in April puts the Conservatives on 42.6 per cent of the vote, compared to Labours 25.4 per cent.

The Tories have a majority of 330 seats in the House of Commons, compared with 229 Labour seats, 54 for the Scottish National Party, and nine for the Liberal Democrats.

Will this affect the local elections?

No  the elections for Gloucestershire County Council on May 4 will go ahead as planned.

Will this interrupt Brexit negotiations?

The European Union has said negotiations for the UKs exit will go ahead as planned despite the snap election announcement.

The spokesman for Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, said the other 27 EU states will press on with the negotiations as planned.

He said We expect to have the Brexit guidelines adopted by the European Council on 29 April and following that the Brexit negotiating directives ready on 22 May. This will allow the EU27 to start negotiations."
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Steak fans it is time to get excited - there is a meaty treat heading your way.

Miller & Carter Steakhouse is pleased to announce the arrival of a new restaurant in Gloucester.

Replacing the old Harvester in Quedgeley, the new restaurant is due to open in the middle of June.

With the refurbishment of the site set to start in May the company is seeking to recruit 60 talented team members including chefs and waiting team. The new Miller & Carter is also on the lookout for any budding bartenders who can shake up a cocktail and match wines to the perfect steak.

The new Miller & Carter will be converting from The Salmons Leap Harvester.

Christian Fox, regional business manager at Miller & Carter, comments: "Bringing Miller & Carter to Gloucester is a fantastic opportunity for the brand and we look forward to providing the best steaks and service that Miller & Carter is renowned for across the UK.

"Everyone who works for us is completely obsessed with steak and were keen to recruit people who share in our love for excellent quality - both food and service, and were looking to attract applicants with enthusiasm to join the team and become official steak geeks. We want team members to deliver a fantastic experience for every guest that walks through our doors, as we gear up to our opening in a months time."

Miller & Carter serve only premium-graded beef, which is sourced from carefully selected cattle reared on sustainable British and Irish farms, before being matured for at least 30 days. A choice of 12 quality cuts, including a 30oz Longbone Tomahawk and our award-winning Sirloin, are then hand-prepared by our master butcher and expertly grilled by specially trained chefs.

Find out more about the jobs on offer on our jobsite.
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A young Tewkesbury woman is set to have her long hair cut off to support the charities that helped her poorly brother.

To mark the tenth anniversary of her brother Davids full recovery from a rare form of cancer, Ellie Boskett has been growing her hair for just over a year.

The plan is to donate it to The Little Princess Trust while also raising money for CLIC Sargent and Wallace & Gromits Grand Appeal.

It is now at a decent length for the trust to make a wig and Ellie has been working hard to keep it well-groomed and in good condition.

The charity provides real hair wigs free of charge to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment and other illnesses.

Becky Robinson, of the Blow Salon in Tewkesbury, will cut Ellies hair at a private event on May 13. To date, the 23-year-old has raised more than 1,800.

She said: Both charities provided my family support during and after Davids treatment, and we will always be grateful to them and to the nurses and doctors in Bristol and Gloucester childrens hospitals.

David was ten when he became ill and was subsequently diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma.

He was treated at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and cared for in between treatment at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in Gloucester.

Burkitt lymphoma is a form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Recognised as the fastest growing human tumour, Burkitt lymphoma is associated with impaired immunity and can rapidly cause death if left untreated.

David, who will turn 21 next month, said: CLIC Sargent are a great charity. They kept my family strong during what was a difficult time for them all and I really appreciate it. Thank you.

Jack Boskett, a Tewkesbury-based photographer and brother of David and Ellie, said: Im proud of both of them. It was a challenging time for our family during and after Davids illness and we are looking forward to celebrating his 21st birthday next month.
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Tax-payers could soon give Gloucestershire Airport a six-figure loan to grow its business.

The company is co-owned by Gloucester City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council but run by a private company which has seen profits rocket from 159,000 to 678,000 last year.

The firm is looking to expand and the two authorities are being asked whether they will loan a reported 750,000 to fund the plans.

Several years ago the councils considered selling off the asset but its fortunes have been turned around and it has become the UKs busiest general aviation airport.

The airports operation director Darren Lewington said they were considering a number of options to help deliver its plan.

One of these has been a request to its shareholders for a loan facility that will be used to help grow the business even further, he said.

Since the completion of its Runway Safety Project in 2013, the airport has seen business aviation and air taxi traffic grow by 17 per cent.

The move will be discussed by both councils at separate meetings.

The airport pays an annual rent of around 52,000 to the shareholding councils plus a dividend from any profits.

poll loading Should Gloucestershire Airport be given a loan from tax payer money to expand? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Yes it's doing well and this will help No too risky, let them go to the bank

The airport is home to around 180 aircraft and 40 aviation-related businesses employing more than 500 people.

In addition the airport also owns Meteor Business Park where a number of aerospace companies reside, employing 2,000 people.

It comes months after Gloucester City Council decided against giving Kings Walk Shopping Centre a loan believed to have been in the millions to update the centre.

Jon Topping, Head of finance at Gloucester City Council, said: Along with Cheltenham Borough Council we have been asked to consider providing a loan facility with Gloucestershire Airport.

(Image: Unknown)

The council will discuss these proposals at a meeting on Thursday, April 27 at 8pm.

Councils are often considered by companies to loan from because local authorities can borrow money at below the market rate, making it cheaper.

Paul Jones, chief finance officer at Cheltenham Borough Council, said their meeting would be held on Monday, April 24 at 6pm.

In recent months the airport has shown ambitions to sell parts of its land for housing, which would help meet housing requirements outlined in the upcoming Joint Core Strategy.
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It has been billed as the final battle in the war on smoking; tobacco firms have lost a legal battle, and a radical shake-up of laws is about to come into force.

The new rules will affect smokers, vapers, drivers, teenagers, roll-up smokers and menthol-puffers.

After May 21 will be illegal to sell cigarettes in branded packs after top judges refused to let global giants appeal.

The law came into force last year, but there was a grace period so branded cigarettes wouldn't have to be thrown away.

Here is your full guide to the changes.

No more branded packs

All cigarette packs must now be what the government calls a "drab dark brown", dubbed the "world's ugliest colour" - with no logos, promotional images or indications of the cigarette's flavour.

They cannot have "non-standard noises or smells" and must be 65 per cent covered by health warnings, including graphic pictures such as tar-stained lungs.

The law was prompted by an EU directive and took force on 20 May 2016 for manufacturers and importers.

But there was a grace period for sellers and suppliers to get rid of old stock.

Even if they have some left, it will be illegal for shops to sell old-style branded cigarette packs from 21 May 2017.

No more packs of 10

The same rules say all packs must have a "minimum of 20 cigarettes".

The thinking behind this is it'll be more expensive to get hold of a pack in future, with the cheapest costing nearly 9.

That hit to the wallet might put off youngsters who want to give smoking a try.

This also takes full force on 21 May 2017. And boy, did Big Tobacco try to stop it

Giants including Imperial and British American Tobacco fought a mammoth court case to try and stop plain packaging.

They complained the government would have a "disproportionate control" over their lucrative trade marks without "compensating" them.

The Court of Appeal dismissed all 17 of their points in November after a week-long case involving 30 expert witnesses.

But the giants appealed to the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land.

But the Supreme Court has refused to hear that appeal, clearing the last hurdle to the rules.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he was "delighted".

No more menthols

ALL flavoured cigarettes including menthols will be banned from sale in the UK from 20 May 2020.

That includes both pre-produced cigarettes and rolling tobacco.

Shops will also be banned from selling tobacco with any flavoured papers, filters, packages or capsules that let you give the smoke a flavour.

Experts say this is needed because menthols' lighter taste obscures how dangerous they are.

Amanda Sandford of the charity ASH - Action on Smoking and Heath - told the Liverpool Echo: "It is an absolute myth that menthol cigarettes are better for you.

"All cigarettes are harmful and menthol cigarettes are just as dangerous as normal cigarettes."

No more small pouches of rolling tobacco

Rolling tobacco can no longer be sold in any pouch smaller than 30 grams.

Just like the minimum pack size of 20 cigarettes, this is to discourage teenagers from buying small amounts then getting addicted.

This law came into force last year but had a grace period, so packs smaller than 30g are banned from sale from 21 May 2017.

And offenders can be jailed for 2 years

Anyone breaching any of the laws above can be jailed for up to two years in the most serious cases.

New restrictions on vaping

Vaping is not being banned. But a maze of new rules on e-cigarettes was brought in last year. They include:

New red tape for manufacturers and suppliers

Refill containers must be limited to 10ml

Disposable cartridges limited to 2ml

Vitamins, colourings and additives like caffeine and taurine banned

E-cigarettes must be 'child-resistant' in design

Health warnings must cover 30% of each pack surface

Packs cannot describe e-cig's "taste or smell" (they can describe flavouring though)

Once again there was a grace period, so it will be illegal for shops to sell products that don't comply from 20 May 2017.

Plus... don't smoke around your kid in the car

It has been illegal to smoke in a vehicle where there is anyone under 18 present since October 2015.

Both the driver and the smoker, if they are two different people, can be fined 50.

The law applies throughout England and Wales, including to 17-year-olds with a provisional driving licence.

It does not apply to vaping, 17-year-olds on their own or convertibles with the roof fully down.
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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Apr 18, 2017) - American Lithium Corp. (TSX VENTURE:LI)(OTCQB:LIACF)(FRANKFURT:5LA)(WKN:A2AHEL) ("American Lithium"; or, the "Company") is pleased to announce brine sample assay results from near surface auger sampling and brine and sediment samples for shallow sonic drilling on the North Playa, Fish Lake Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada.

Results from the final 162 near surface brine samples are presented below. Results from the ALS assays of the complete sample set range from trace to 300 mg/l, (see Table 3 at the end of the press release). The lowest concentrations encountered lie along the Southeastern bounds of the sampling area and are interpreted to represent a delineation in structural compartments following structural trends in Fish Lake Valley. The highest grouping of assay values, 55 samples from the center of the North Playa, contains concentrations averaging 160 mg/L and a range of 100 ml/L to 300 mg/L. These results are congruent with the expectation that the lithium brines should have the highest concentrations in the playa center (see sample map below).

To view Figure 1 - All Brine sample location (old and new) and grade range, drill hole locations as stars, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Figure1_1091946.jpg

"Highs of 300mg/L Li in near surface brine samples and 452 ppm Li in near surface sediments validate the North Playa as a strong exploration target for economic lithium resources," comments Interim CEO Michael Kobler. "American Lithium looks forward to drill in the North Playa in 2017as soon as surface conditions permit."

Sediment samples collected from the 2016 sonic drilling intersected high near-collar concentrations; BH13B showing an average grade of water soluble Lithium of 276 ppm Li over the upper 10' (including 5' of 452 ppm Li from 0-5' and 5' of 101.5 ppm Li from 5-10'), and L16-24 averaging 101 ppm Li, (including 5' of 153.5 ppm Li from 0-5' and 5' of 48.9 ppm Li from 5-10'). Additional investigation of sediments is planned for future exploration programs.

Table #1, Sonic drill hole, downhole sediment samples

Sample ID Hole ID Depth

From-To

(ft) Li

(ppm) Sample ID Hole

ID Depth

From-To

(ft) Li

(ppm) 1430949 13B 0-5 452 1430953 24 0-5 153.5 1430950 13B 5-10 101.5 1430954 24 5-10 49.8 1430951 13B 10-15 22.8 1430955 24 10-15 8.15 1430952 13B 15-20 10.5 1430956 24 15-20 5.66

Early conceptual modeling (Garrett, DE) and investigation by Oldow suggest deep brine aquifers are structurally controlled and conductivity to the shallow aquifer is facilitated by structural conduits. Discrete hydrosleeve samples were collected at regular intervals from 37 feet to completed depth of the 2016 sonic boreholes. Samples were re-assayed following the inconsistent laboratory observed from the Shallow Sampling Program. Results indicate that the aquifers intersected in these locations are not directly linked to the structures responsible for lithium transport to the near surface aquifer. However, the increase in sodium near the cutoff depth of Hole # 13A is a strong vector for deeper brine enrichment and requires a deeper drilling program.

Table #2 Down hole Hydrosleeve samples

Hole Sample

Number Depth

(ft) Li

(mg/L) Na

(mg/L) Hole Sample

number Depth

(ft) Li

(mg/L) Na (mg/L) N-16-5 1430901 37 <10 200 13A 1430918 413 10 900 N-16-5 1430902 123 <10 100 13A 1430919 457 10 900 N-16-5 1430903 161 <10 100 13A 1430920 457 10 900 N-16-5 1430904 195 <10 100 13A 1430922 497 10 4500 N-16-5 1430905 245 10 100 24 1430927 43 <10 800 N-16-5 1430906 297 <10 100 24 1430929 87 <10 600 N-16-5 1430907 338 10 100 24 1430931 127 <10 200 N-16-5 1430908 368 <10 100 24 1430933 177 <10 300 13A 1430909 37 10 1100 24 1430935 237 <10 300 13A 1430910 83 10 1300 24 1430937 277 <10 200 13A 1430911 127 10 1100 24 1430939 318 <10 200 13A 1430913 213 10 1100 24 1430940 318 <10 200 13A 1430914 257 10 1000 24 1430941 358 <10 200 13A 1430915 297 10 900 24 1430943 408 <10 200 13A 1430916 337 10 900 24 1430945 448 <10 200 13A 1430917 377 10 900 24 1430947 498 <10 200

Future drilling and sampling are planned to test the conceptual model, enhance understanding of the controls to Fish Lake Valley's brine hosted lithium, as well as a more comprehensive investigation of lithium bearing sediments and their economic potential.

Near surface brine samples for the first 25 samples were collected by using a conventional hand held auger to sample sub surface brines at a depth of 78" (2m), The brine was sampled at the bottom of the auger hole and then separated from residual clays before being sent for analysis. For the subsequent near surface brine sampling program the Company developed a new methodology for sampling. Instead of an auger system, a four-inch diameter pipe is driven into the ground to a depth of approximately 55" (1.4m) and then pulled out of the hole. A 2.5" (6.3cm) perforated pvc pipe is placed in the hole to keep it open while clay solids settle to the bottom of the hole. The brine is then sampled just above the settled material at the bottom of the hole. The change in sampling method was driven by the difficulty of operating an auger in wet playa clays. Both processes return a similar near surface brine sample.

Hydrosleeve samples were gather by dropping a closed plastic sleeve down through the collar of the Sonic drill barrel into the open hole below. When the sleeve reached the target depth, it was pulled back up. The upward motion opened the check valve at the mouth of the sleeve which filled with liquid from that depth of the hole. Once it is filled the check valve closes and seals the sample. On surface the sample was poured out into a container to decant some of the suspended solids and then placed in a sample bottle to be sent to the assay laboratory.

Sonic borings were continually logged at the drill rig by the site geologist to classify sediments and identify stratigraphy. Down hole sediment samples were taken as splits from soft sediments retrieved in the sonic drilling process a representative portion was saved from reference.

The QP requested blank material (tap water or barren clays) to be inserted on a 5% basis as were duplicate samples. This protocol was not implemented by the site geologist and this error was not discovered until the end of the short program. It is not expected that either of these two actions would have identified the flawed assays any earlier than was done. Neither the Company nor the QP are aware of Lithium standard material for brines that would have been available for insertion into the samples stream at the time of the program. Insertion of independent standard material would have revealed the assay problems earlier in the process. The absence of certified standards is not unreasonable in an early stage exploration program. The Company is currently working on obtaining relevant certified lithium standard materials for future programs.

Two samples were collected in the field at each location by independent third party contractors, both were clearly labeled, stored in a secure climate controlled facility and then one was shipped by courier to Reno, Nevada where the samples were submitted to either Florin or subsequently to ALS facilities. Excepting the previously discussed "flawed assays," the reported assays in this press release were processed at the ALS Minerals Laboratory in Reno Nevada and analyzed at the ALS facility in Vancouver BC. The lithium brine samples were collected, diluted and analyzed directly by inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Down hole sediment samples were dissolved with a de-ionized water leach, and analyzed directly by inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES).

Michael Collins, P.Geo. is the Company's designated Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101, he is independent of the company, and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

Table #4 All near surface brine sample results



Sample ID

Revised

assays

Li (mg/L)

Sample ID

Revised

assays

Li (mg/L)

Sample ID

Revised

assays

Li (mg/L)

Sample ID

Revised

assays

Li (mg/L)

Sample ID

Revised

assays

Li (mg/L) 1431001* NSS 1431044* 100 1431089 40 1431133 90 1431179 100 1431002* 70 1431045* 90 1431090 60 1431134 90 1431180 110 1431003* NSS 1431046* 80 1431091 <10 1431135 40 1431181 100 1431004* 110 1431047* 80 1431092 10 1431136 110 1431182 100 1431005* 120 1431048* 60 1431093 <10 1431137 100 1431183 100 1431006* 90 1431049* 50 1431094 20 1431138 120 1431184 100 1431007* 100 1431050* 50 1431095 10 1431139 100 1431185 100 1431008* 60 1431051* 110 1431096 10 1431140 80 1431186 90 1431009* 90 1431052* 100 1431097 40 1431141 80 1431187 100 1431010* 10 1431053* 90 1431098 40 1431142 110 1431188 100 1431011* 90 1431054* 130 1431099 <10 1431143 110 1431189 90 1431012* 40 1431055 110 1431100 10 1431144 130 1431190 100 1431013* 90 1431056 160 1431101 150 1431145 110 1431191 110 1431014* 120 1431057 100 1431102 210 1431146 140 1431192 100 1431015* 90 1431058 90 1431103 140 1431147 60 1431193 110 1431016* 100 1431059 110 1431105 190 1431148 80 1431194 120 1431017* 20 1431060 90 1431106 130 1431149 80 1431195 140 1431018* 10 1431061 120 1431107 90 1431150 140 1431196 180 1431019* 10 1431062 90 1431108 140 1431151 120 1431197 240 1431020* NSS 1431063 30 1431109 110 1431152 130 1431198 260 1431021* <10 1431064 90 1431110 110 1431153 150 1431199 200 1431022* <10 1431065 110 1431111 120 1431154 180 1431200 150 1431023* 20 1431066 30 1431112 130 1431155 230 1431201 150 1431024* 40 1431067 110 1431113 160 1431156 190 1431202 130 1431025* 20 1431068 90 1431114 250 1431157 180 1431203 140 1431026* 60 1431069 60 1431115 210 1431158 120 1431204 110 1431027* 90 1431070 150 1431116 140 1431159 90 1431205 90 1431028* 70 1431071 70 1431117 100 1431163 110 1431206 120 1431029* 70 1431072 90 1431118 90 1431164 100 1431207 120 1431030* 80 1431073 70 1431119 100 1431165 110 1431208 300 1431031* 70 1431074 100 1431120 90 1431166 110 1431209 290 1431032* 70 1431075 120 1431121 30 1431167 120 1431210 180 1431033* 40 1431076 90 1431122 60 1431168 140 1431211 150 1431034* 10 1431077 90 1431123 70 1431169 130 1431212 150 1431035* 30 1431078 100 1431124 70 1431170 110 1431213 160 1431036* 60 1431079 100 1431125 80 1431171 120 1431214 190 1431037* 70 1431080 100 1431126 110 1431172 120 1431215 200 1431038* 70 1431081 120 1431127 100 1431173 130 1431216 220 1431039* 80 1431082 110 1431128 100 1431174 110 1431217 210 1431040* 90 1431083 100 1431129 100 1431175 130 1431218 180 1431041* 90 1431084 90 1431130 90 1431176 120 1431219 160 1431042* 100 1431085 60 1431131 80 1431177 160 1431220 140 1431043* 90 1431086 80 1431132 90 1431178 120 * denotes samples that were previously reported, NNS denotes non-sufficient sample

For more information, please visit our website at www.americanlithiumcorp.com.

ABOUT American Lithium Corp.

American Lithium Corp. is actively engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of lithium deposits within mining-friendly jurisdictions throughout the Americas. American Lithium holds options to acquire Nevada lithium brine claims totaling 22,332 acres (9,038 ha), including 18,552 contiguous acres (7,508 ha) in Fish Lake Valley, Esmeralda County; 2,240 acre (907 ha) San Emidio Project in Washoe County; and the 1,540 acre (623 ha) Clayton-Valley-1 Project. The Company's Fish Lake Valley lithium brine properties are located approximately 38 kilometers from Albemarle's Silver Peak, the largest lithium operation in the U.S. American Lithium is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol "Li". For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.americanlithiumcorp.com.

On behalf of the Board, American Lithium Corp.

Michael Kobler, Interim Chief Executive Officer

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
April 10, 2017 has been set as the record date (the "Record Date") for the purpose of determining existing security holders entitled to purchase Units pursuant to the Existing Shareholder Exemption.



To participate, a qualified shareholder must deliver (a) an executed subscription agreement in the required form, which will include requirements of the Existing Security Holder Exemption (e.g., that the subscriber was as of the Record Date and continues to be as of the date of closing, a shareholder of the Company) and (b) pay the subscription amount no later than June 2, 2017. Contact information to obtain the subscription form is set out below.





The aggregate acquisition cost to a subscriber under the Existing Security Holder Exemption cannot exceed $15,000 per twelve month period unless that subscriber has obtained advice from a registered investment dealer regarding the suitability of the investment.



A maximum of 2,500,000 Units of the Company will be offered to shareholders as of the Record Date under the Existing Security Holder Exemption, which, assuming all Warrants underlying the Units are exercised, amounts to 5,000,000 Common Shares, being less than 100% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, the maximum permitted to be issued under the Existing Security Holder Exemption.



Subscriptions will be accepted by the Company on a 'first come, first served' basis. Therefore, if the Private Placement is over-subscribed it is possible that a shareholder's subscription may not be accepted by the Corporation. Additionally, in the event of an imbalance of large subscriptions compared to smaller subscriptions, management reserves the right in its discretion to reduce large subscriptions in favour of smaller shareholder subscriptions.



In accordance with the Existing Security Holder Exemption, the Company confirms there is no material fact or material change related to the Company that has not been generally disclosed and that the Company's "core documents" and "documents" as defined under applicable securities laws do not contain a misrepresentation.

James R. Trusler, President and CEO Tel: (416) 565-5616 Email: jtrusler@platinex.com Web: www.platinex.com/

TORONTO, April 18, 2017 - Platinex Inc. (CSE:PTX) (the "Company") announced a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of 2,500,000 units ("Units") at $0.16/Unit to raise $400,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share ("Common Share") of the Company and one warrant ("Warrant") of the Company.Each Warrant is exercisable into a Common Share at an exercise price of $0.20 on or before the date which is 12 months after the closing of the Private Placement and thereafter at an exercise price of $0.30 on or before the date which is 60 months after the closing of the Private Placement. Provided that if the average closing price of Common Shares trade at a price of $0.25 for 20 consecutive days four months after the closing of the Private Placement, or if the average closing price of the Common Shares trade at a price of $0.40 for 20 consecutive days 12 months after the closing, the Company may give written notice to the holders of the Warrants changing the expiry date to a date which is not less than 30 days following that written notice.The Company will use the proceeds for working capital.The Company may pay finder fees of up to 7% of the gross proceeds raised by registered brokers, and other finders where permitted by law.All securities issued in connection with this Private Placement will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws.This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities issued, or to be issued, under the Private Placement have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.The Private Placement is being made available to existing shareholders of the Company ("Existing Security Holders") who qualify under the "existing security holder prospectus exemption" available in certain jurisdictions in Canada (the "Existing Security Holder Exemption").rity Holder Exemption contains certain restrictions and is only available in certain jurisdictions in Canada, others that do not qualify under the Existing Security Holder Exemption may qualify to participate under other prospectus exemptions.The criteria of the Existing Security Holder Exemption are set out in various regulatory instruments of the participating jurisdictions in Canada. To comply with the criteria of the Existing Security Holder Exemption, the offering to Existing Security Holders shall be subject to, among other criteria, the following:Further terms and conditions shall be set out in the form of subscription agreement that will be made available to interested shareholders, who are directed to contact the Company as follows:Insider Participation

Insiders of the Company are expected to participate in the Private Placement (the "Insider Participation"), which will be considered a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). The Company intends to rely on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of any Insider Participation.





About Platinex Inc.



Platinex's goal is to create shareholder value through entrepreneurial endeavors and its existing mineral exploration activities. The mining focus is currently on the Shining Tree gold camp, which has received little modern exploration compared to other gold camps in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, but its potential is accentuated by several major discoveries along strike in recent years. Its current entrepreneurial activities include the establishment of an online cannabis mall. Shares of Platinex are listed for trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") under the symbol "PTX".



The information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by James R. Trusler, Geological Engineer, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Qualified Person for exploration at the Shining Tree property, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects".





To receive Company press releases, please email jtrusler@platinex.com and mention "Platinex press release" on the subject line.





FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:



Except for statements of historical fact, all statements in this news release - including, without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.







Contact



Platinex Inc.

James R. Trusler, President and CEO

(416) 565-5616

jtrusler@platinex.com

www.platinex.com


Armenia: EU and Armenia Hold annual Dialogue on Human Rights

Todays Shushi, Occupied and Cleared of Armenians, is a Real Example of Turkish-Azerbaijani Policy of Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh

Ookla, the the global leader in internet testing and analysis has awarded Ucom

Sweden will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

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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

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

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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

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
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The man behind a campaign to have California secede from the nation asked the state Monday to withdraw the ballot measure from signature-gathering after he decided to seek permanent residency in Russia.Louis Marinelli of the group Yes California has faced mounting criticism from backers of other secession efforts in the state, saying his involvement in Russia, where he previously said he was living temporarily while working as a teacher, has been a distraction. Those CalExit supporters questioned Marinelli's motives and said they want nothing to do with a country accused of meddling in the U.S. presidential election.Yes California co-founder Marcus Ruiz Evans said other supporters of secession efforts are planning to push for a ballot measure under a group not affiliated with Marinelli. Ruiz Evans said Monday that he left Yes California and joined the California Freedom Coalition, another campaign that wants California to become its own country through "peaceful secession."While a surprising number of Californians support secession -- 1 out of 3 in a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll in January -- constitutional law experts say it's virtually impossible for the Golden State to break away.Marinelli and his group Yes California had been collecting petition signatures to qualify a measure on the 2018 ballot that would remove language from the state Constitution describing California as "an inseparable part of the United States of America." If that measure had passed, a future ballot measure would have to ask voters whether the state should secede. The proposed 2018 initiative needed more than 585,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot. It's unclear how many signatures had been collected before the campaign was dropped.A secretary of state spokesman says their office has been notified by Yes California of the intent to withdraw the measure from circulation and is awaiting a signed notice to officially withdraw it.Marinelli said he will continue to advocate for California's secession."No other plan offers better solutions to the problems or alleviates the growing fears of tens of millions of people who live in California," Marinelli wrote in an email to Yes California supporters.Marinelli wrote in the email that Yes California has seen significant growth since President Trump was elected in November and that the group now has nearly 100,000 people registered as supporters and 1,200 financial contributions. Marinelli blamed the media for "sensationalized, exaggerated, and dramatized information" about him and his group's efforts to have California break from the union. He said it was his own fight to have his Russian wife legally immigrate to the United States that forced him to move to Russia.
With Seattle politics reeling in the wake of the sexual abuse allegations facing Mayor Ed Murray, the opponent he unseated in the city's 2013 election, Mike McGinn, tossed his helmet into the mayor's race Monday.McGinn, an attorney and former local Sierra Club chairman, served as mayor from 2010 through 2013 and brought a populist style to the office.An environmentalist and outsider candidate in 2009 with strong grass-roots support, he faced a learning curve when he took office.Known for his criticism of the Alaskan Way Viaduct project, he was almost immediately cast by critics as "Mayor McSchwinn," a bike-loving, car-hating newcomer without the requisite experience to lead the city.He developed a reputation for conflict and clashed with Seattle City Council members over the viaduct plan, on police reform efforts and a new waterfront seawall.McGinn found popular successes: He brokered a deal with investor Chris Hansen for a new arena in the Sodo neighborhood, ultimately reached a deal for police reform, managed the city's response to snowstorms and helped kick-start burgeoning conversations about wages.His approach won over some activists and advocates who had felt ignored by previous City Hall administrations.In the 2013 election, Ed Murray, then a state senator, entered the mayoral race with the support of downtown businesses and most of the city's nine council members. He out-fundraised McGinn by about $275,000.Even as an incumbent, McGinn relied on grass-roots and volunteer efforts in his campaign. McGinn managed to garner 47.5 percent of the vote to Murray's 51.5 percent, but did carry South Seattle and liberal core neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Fremont and the Central District.McGinn, who grew up on New York's Long Island, went to the University of Washington law school after a stint working in politics in Washington, D.C.After school, he took a job at Seattle law firm Stokes Lawrence and then dived into neighborhood politics in Greenwood, his longtime home.He went on to helm the local branch of the Sierra Club, quit his law job and founded the Seattle Great City initiative, a nonprofit, before his election as mayor.Since his time as mayor, McGinn has hosted a podcast called "You, Me, Us, Now with Mike McGinn" and has written regularly for Crosscut.He also took a turn as a kayaktivist, paddling to Bill Gates' Medina mansion, to protest the Gates Foundation's investments in fossil fuels.The city's political scene looks quite different since McGinn's time in office.The tunnel he railed against has finally finished drilling, but it hasn't always been smooth. For years, McGinn called for light-rail projects. Voters last year approved a $54 billion plan to finance light rail and other public-transportation projects.Police reform, a dispute-filled topic for McGinn, recently reached a milestone here as the federal monitor overseeing the effort reported a dramatic turnaround in how officers use force.McGinn pledged to support the $15 minimum wage as a mayoral candidate (and go higher, if possible). The City Council in 2014 approved that historic measure, and it is currently being phased in.The issue of homelessness, which McGinn struggled with during his time in office, has grown.
A federal magistrate judge has ordered Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach to disclose documents outlining a strategic plan he presented to President Donald Trump in November, a decision that could have ramifications from Topeka to Washington.Kobach, who served on Trump's transition team, was photographed in November holding a stack of papers labeled as a strategic plan for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. That plan, as revealed by the photograph, included the recommendations that the U.S. block all refugees from Syria and engage in "extreme vetting" of immigrants from countries considered high-risk.It also contained a reference to voter rolls, which was partially obscured by Kobach's hand in the photograph.The American Civil Liberties Union sought the documents' disclosure as part of an ongoing lawsuit over a Kansas law that requires voters to provide proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when they register to vote. The ACLU argued that if Kobach lobbied Trump on changes to the National Voter Registration Act, commonly called the motor voter law, then the documents may contain material relevant to the case.Judge James O'Hara in Kansas City, Kan., ordered Kobach to share the documents Monday after privately reviewing them earlier in the month. The judge will allow Kobach to redact the documents, but he wholly rejected the Kansas official's argument that the papers were protected by Trump's executive privilege and even questioned whether Kobach had met his duty of candor as an attorney in his efforts to prevent the ACLU from reviewing the papers.O'Hara said that "even adopting defendant's view that the executive privilege may be asserted by a president over communications made before he takes office, defendant doesn't address the fact that now-President Trump conspicuously has not asserted the privilege over the photographed document."The White House and the Justice Department did not immediately comment on the case.Trump met with Kobach multiple times before his inauguration and top-level Trump staffers have pointed to the Kansas official as the source behind the president's unsubstantiated claim that millions of illegal voters enabled Democrat Hillary Clinton to win the popular vote.O'Hara noted that Kobach is not a member of the executive branch able "to assert the privilege himself." Kobach has previously been rumored as a candidate for positions in DHS and the U.S. Department of Justice, but so far nothing has come to fruition.Kobach, who is weighing a run for Kansas governor, did not return a phone call Monday. His spokeswoman, Desiree Taliaferro, said in a phone call that the office was "currently reviewing the magistrate's order. That's the comment."The judge's order also requires Kobach to provide the ACLU with a copy of draft amendment to the motor voter law, which he had crafted and shared with his staff. Kobach had claimed that document was protected by attorney-client privilege, an argument the judge rejected.The motor voter law allows U.S. citizens to register to vote when they go to the DMV to obtain a driver's license. The federal case concerns whether Kobach has the authority to require DMV voters to provide proof of citizenship under this law. The ACLU has argued that if Kobach sought changes to the law, it would amount to an admission that the current federal law does not grant him this authority.Rick Hasen, an election law expert at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, said in an email that there "is considerable interest in what Secretary Kobach has proposed about changing the motor voter law, because we know the President has listened to his views on voter fraud in the past."Dale Ho, the executive director of the ACLU's Voting Rights Project, said in an email that the judge's order, which found that Kobach "has engaged in 'word-play meant to present a materially inaccurate picture of the documents,' speaks for itself."Kelly Arnold, the state chair for the Kansas Republican Party, called it "concerning that somebody takes a photo of a cover page of documents that somebody is walking into with for a meeting with a newly-elected president and a judge rules that those are now open to be used in a lawsuit because somebody snapped a picture."Asked whether the disclosure could be damaging to the new president or Kobach, who is weighing a run for Kansas governor, Arnold said that "it depends what ultimately is inside of those documents" and their disclosure could actually prove to "be an asset" for Kobach in the long-term.Ho noted that the court "suggested that Secretary Kobach violated his 'duty of candor' and his 'duty not to assert frivolous arguments,' which should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed his exaggerations about a supposed epidemic of non-citizen voting."Kobach's office announced last week its first conviction of a non-citizen voter since he became the only secretary of state in the nation with prosecutorial power. The defendant in the case was charged with voting illegally after becoming a citizen.State Rep. John Carmichael, a Wichita Democrat who has sought to strip Kobach of his prosecutorial power, said Kobach's "treading on the edge of unethical conduct" should serve as "one more strike against the secretary" as lawmakers weigh whether to preserve his expanded power."It should come as no surprise to anyone that the federal court has lost patience with Mr. Kobach," Carmichael said.
In an effort to reinforce that Blue Lives Matter, the Arizona Legislature and Gov. Doug Ducey have created tougher penalties for assaulting a police officer  even if the officer is off duty.Ducey signed Senate Bill 1366 into law Monday afternoon. It will take effect later this summer."Our police officers put their lives on the line every day to defend our communities and keep our streets safe, Ducey said in a released statement. "Their job is dangerous enough already, and we have zero tolerance for anyone who would target officers simply for doing their jobs. This legislation sends the clear message that Arizona stands firmly by its men and women in uniform, and I am proud to sign it.The measure, dubbed the Blue Lives Matter Law, makes it an aggravating circumstance for someone to knowingly assault an off-duty law-enforcement officer out of malice because of the officer's employment. It also creates a new felony charge for attempting to take an off-duty officer's gun, handcuffs or other weapon.It's already a higher-level crime to assault an on-duty police officer.
Radiation fallout

State lawmakers introduced a resolution this week urging the state Department of Defense to update disaster preparation plans for Hawaii in the event of a nuclear attack amid escalating political tensions between the United States and North Korea.State and county agencies haven't updated such plans, which include radiation survival tips, in decades. Nor has the government maintained any of the hundreds of fallout shelters that had been identified as of the 1980s.Meanwhile, nuclear arms experts have said that North Korea either has, or could soon have, the ability to launch nuclear missiles at Hawaii that carry the same destructive force as the bombs that the United States dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, as the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported earlier this month.The growing nuclear threat, paired with President Donald Trump's recent statements to the effect that the United States would in some way deal with North Korea if China doesn't, have raised concerns among some state lawmakers and emergency management officials that Hawaii and the nation could be returning to an era when the threat of nuclear war was a part of daily life."This is uncomfortable to think about, but we have a whole generation of people growing up that haven't ever really thought about these things, and they need to be educated about the reality and survivability and what we can do," said Rep. Matt LoPresti (D, Ewa Villages-Ocean Pointe-Ewa Beach), vice chairman of the House Public Safety Committee, during a Thursday hearing on the resolution. "I'm especially concerned when we have a rogue state with nuclear ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) capabilities. Mix that with blustery foreign policy, then you are going to have state legislatures talking about fallout shelters again."The seven-member committee voted unanimously in favor of the resolution, which still needs further House and Senate approvals.Rep. Cynthia Thielen (R, Kailua-Kaneohe) said she was reminded of the bomb drills she used to do in school."We would hide under our desks to survive an atomic bomb, which was foolish, of course; I mean, it was foolish to think we could," she said.Officials from the state Department of Defense, including Toby Clairmont, executive officer of the department's Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, said that they supported the resolution.Clairmont told lawmakers that it would probably take years and require funding to revamp Oahu's fallout shelter plan, which was last updated in 1985 and is now obsolete, as well as plans for the neighbor islands.Oahu, with its concentration of high-level military commands, is considered a strategic and symbolic target for an attack, but the neighbor islands are also considered to be at risk, particularly from the fallout of radiation.Lawmakers also want defense officials to look at alternative port sites, including on the neighbor islands, in the event Honolulu Harbor is destroyed.If North Korea were to launch a nuclear missile at Hawaii, the state would have only about 20 minutes to prepare and alert residents, Clairmont said. Very few structures near such a device would survive the blast or shockwave, and most preparation would involve helping those who survive the initial blast deal with the fallout from the radiation.When a nuclear bomb explodes on or near the ground, it sucks up tons of earth into a fireball that mixes with radioactive material from the explosion and falls back to the ground in dust-like particles. The radiation can be carried long distances and at high levels causes death or serious injury, as well as increased risk of cancer.Clairmont said that people would need to stay in fallout shelters for about two weeks after an attack."It decays relatively rapidly, that is the good news," he said, of the radiation. "The bad news is the detonation -- very little warning. Wherever you stand, you go where you can, even if that means laying in the gutter in the street or crawling behind your car to see if you can survive that initial blast. It's a grim scenario."Government officials had identified hundreds of structures, such as parking garages, on Oahu that could serve as fallout shelters as of 1985, when the Community Shelter Plan was last updated. But officials no longer know whether all of those buildings and structures still exist or whether they would be strong enough to serve as shelters. The shelters are also no longer equipped with supplies, such as food and water.At the time of the plan's last update, most areas of Oahu lacked sufficient shelter space, and Clairmont said it's unlikely that enough shelter could be provided. Disaster preparation would include educating people about how they could protect themselves in their homes."The likelihood of government, whether it be the county, state or federal government, to be able to successfully shelter as large and diverse of a population as we have in the time frame we have -- you are looking at a very low likelihood of that, even if you had all the funds in the world available," he said.Clairmont cautioned that reviving the plans could cause public fear and anxiety."It's kind of a sensitive issue. When we start doing stuff, people start wondering -- well it must be a high enough concern, a great enough risk for you to be doing that," he said. "For us, we try to keep things kind of under the radar for a while, but we appreciate that this is probably not a bad time to begin raising the issue with the public and with the Legislature."LoPresti, the state representative said that the intent isn't to scare people."Part of the impetus of this is certainly not to instill fear, but to let the public know that people are preparing and try to provide some comfort that government is taking some effort to protect them and protect survivors in the case of a worst-case scenario," he said.
On Saturday, in the evening, at the Greek Orthodox Church of St George, Brisbane, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC attended the Greek Orthodox Community of St George Brisbanes Paschal Resurrection Liturgy.
On Sunday, in the morning, at St Johns Anglican Cathedral, Brisbane, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and Mrs Kaye de Jersey attended the Easter Sunday Choral Eucharist Service.
Description

GIS - 18 April, 2017: A five-day regional training workshop on Coastline Mapping using Satellite Imagery was launched yesterday at the Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI) in Albion. The objective of the workshop is to provide technical staff with the theoretical principles and practical exercises for using satellite imagery to perform coastline mapping in the framework of the Monitoring for Environment and Security in Africa (MESA) Project.

Some 20 participants from Comoros, Seychelles, and Madagascar along with local stakeholders are attending the workshop which is organised by the MOI in collaboration with the Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).

This initiative of the MOI forms part of the capacity building activities of the MESA Project, funded by the European Union. It utilises Earth Observation and satellite technologies to generate products and information services for sustainable environmental management. Currently, it is offering products and operational services to African users in areas such as: agricultural production; monitoring and assessment of droughts and floods; climate services for disaster risk reduction; coastal and marine resources management; and water resources management, amongst others.

Present at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Mr Premdut Koonjoo, stated that marine research and innovation is an essential input to informed policy and management. He underlined that time has come for the Indian Ocean to experience an era of close exchange and cooperation in order to become one of the worlds ocean economic exchange region. MESA is a good example of how we can develop such cooperation and reinforce our planning capacity in various sectors of the economy, he said.

Minister Koonjoo highlighted that MESA fits well with the objectives of the Government especially in the context of the Ocean Economy. He recalled that Government is working towards the setting up of a legal framework and a unified regulatory body to license, supervise, monitor and regulate the activities of ocean related economic operators.

The Minister also stressed on the need for a better understanding of how our coastal areas respond to different hazards in particular the climatic changes that can increase the risks posed to the coastal environment of the IOC countries. He added that it is with these concerns in mind that the MOI has proposed the elaboration of Coastal Vulnerability Index maps for the African countries.

He appealed to the participants to take advantage of the training and help in designing, promoting and implementing future policies and development plans for sustainable development, hence, contributing and enhancing the socio-economic conditions of their countries and the African population at large.
(TNS) -- Maps identifying everything from the locations of homeless shelters to ahupuaa boundaries are now available online to the public thanks to a partnership between the state Office of Planning and the Office of Enterprise Technology Services.The Geospatial Data Portal, a sort of Hawaii government version of Google Maps, gives the public greater access to information in map form.The state partnered with Esri, a software provider that specializes in geographic information systems, to implement the new software. Esri is based in Redlands, Calif., and is the leading software provider on geographic information systems, according to the planning offices news release.Gov. David Ige recently emphasized the importance of technology.Our state is applying recent GIS advancements to the improvement of programs and services, he said. We recognize that the states challenges are often complex with no easy answers, but we believe in the potential of the innovation of our state employees.According to National Geographic, GIS is a computer system used for capturing, storing, checking and displaying data related to positions on Earths surface, allowing people to more easily see, analyze, and understand patterns and relationships.Applications on smartphones are familiar examples of GIS, including Apple Maps, Google Maps, DaBus and Waze. Lyft and Uber also utilize GIS technology to track positions of passengers, drivers and destinations.The use of GIS by state governments is becoming more common. Colorado released a geospatial portal last month. Michigan recently announced a contract with Esri to transfer imagery data to digital cloud storage, according to State Scoop.Todd Nacapuy, chief information officer of the ETS office, said the enterprise license agreement the state has made with Esri will foster wider use of GIS and help save money. The GIS program is a state success story, he said.Keith DeMello, senior communications manager of the ETS office, said the state agencies that use GIS technology the most are the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Health.DeMello also mentioned other agencies that rely on GIS, such as the Department of Transportation; the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism; and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.The Office of Planning calls the software critical to more than 150 state GIS data and system users across a dozen state departments that develop and maintain a wide variety of data, maps and applications  many of which are available to the public and/or relied upon by state personnel.DeMello saidThe geoportal provides access to the states data for anyone interested in viewing or using it, including third-party developers and open data coders, he said.Some of the data categories on the website include land use, parcels and zoning, historic maps and census information. Other features include a geospatial application presenting the governors housing and homelessness initiatives, as well as a vaccination locator for clinics and pharmacies on Kauai.The new geoportal can be accessed at geoportal.hawaii.gov
(TNS) -- HAVERHILL  Since its inception, there have been cries from Haverhill officials and residents to overhaul the city's paid parking system.From proposals to implement minor changes to completely removing the solar-powered kiosk meters, it seems everyone has an opinion about what the city should do with parking going forward.This week, City Councilor Colin LePage will bring forward a new proposal from the city's Parking Commission to install single-space meters along Emerson Street for a three-month trial.The commission was appointed by Mayor James Fiorentini and tasked with overseeing the city's downtown parking operation and making recommendations on how to improve it.The proposal is to install single-space "smart parking meters" as part of a 90-day pilot program. The idea intrigues Council President John Michitson, who said Sunday that the trial will be to see whether the single-space meters will prove to be more popular than the solar-powered kiosks."People lose track of where the kiosks are, and then they can't remember their space number," Michitson said of the difficulties people have expressed to him regarding the machines. "All those things form a barrier to parking downtown."While modeled after old-styled parking meters that collected coins, Michitson said these single-space meters will be modernized with a digital display.Unfortunately, he believes passing the pilot program isn't a slam dunk."So many councilors live or own businesses downtown, all the remaining councilors will have to vote yes," Michitson said.On the same night that the smart parking proposal is unveiled, Bradford resident Ted Gaiero will address the council on a proposal he made months ago for free parking downtown for veterans when they use public transportation to get to appointments at VA hospitals in Bedford and Boston.A veteran of the Vietnam War, Gaiero has spoken passionately about the need to take care of the city's veterans.Michitson said the parking commission will be meeting with Gaiero and the city's Veterans Services Director Michael Ingham in a meeting before the council meeting Tuesday.In a conversation with Parking Commission Chairwoman Meredith Warren, Michitson said the purpose of the meeting with Gaiero and Ingham is to determine how many veterans would potentially utilize the free parking."The commission will discuss offering a limited number of veterans passes," said Michitson. "The commission then makes recommendations to the mayor, who proposes ordinances to the council, and we then vote on them."
(TNS) - Every spring, like azaleas at Pinehurst, questions begin blooming for Scot Brooks.It seems every year at about this time, people new to the area call and ask when they can expect us to test our tornado sirens, said Brooks, the emergency management deputy director of Moore County, N.C.I explain to them that we dont have sirens  at least not for tornadoes.Nor does any other county in the Cape Fear region. A check with emergency management directors in the region reveals that no countywide systems exist. In fact, none have ever existed, according to these directors.The closest thing to a widely audible alarm system in the region was the old Civil Defense sirens in Fayetteville. That system of ear-splitting sirens was designed to warn city residents of sneak attacks by Communist missiles, not natural disasters, and it was dismantled years ago.Since North Carolina ranks in the top 10 states for deadly tornadoes, wouldnt a siren system make sense?Some sort of system, certainly. But experts note that a system of sirens is designed to alert people out in the open. These days, most people spend more time indoors shielded from the blaring horns.We like to think were a little more advanced than that now, said Cumberland County Emergency Management Coordinator Gene Booth. The sirens were the best option back then, but there are more practical, efficient ways to get the news out now.That doesnt mean the sirens have all faded away. Most rural fire departments have outdoor sirens, and neighbors will confirm that they are used regularly.I keep a record, said Wayne Lucas, the chief of the Godwin-Falcon Volunteer First Department. We had 465 calls in the past year, and every one comes with the siren.Lucas said the station did fire up the siren once last year for a weather-related emergency, when a small radar-indicated tornado raced through the area.As chief, I took it upon myself to do so, he said. But theres no county requirement to sound the siren.About 35 fire stations in the Cape Fear region maintain the sirens, partly to call volunteers and partly because of tradition.Sirens in the region can usually be heard outdoors between a quarter- and half-mile away.Some are small beehive sirens with a range of only a few hundred yards. Others, like the huge Thunderbolt sirens at Vander and Grays Creek can be heard a mile away.Properly covering an area the size of Fayetteville, much less Cumberland County, would be expensive. In 2013, the city of Amarillo, Texas, with a population similar to Fayettevilles, spent $2.2 million to upgrade its tornado siren system of 90 sirens to cover 90 square miles. Fayetteville would be building from the ground up, at more than $30,000 per siren with a one-mile radius.Even if the money could be found for such a system, All the sirens do is alert people, Brooks said. When you hear it, you know something is up. But what: a tornado, a fire, just a test?There are much better ways to get peoples attention.Siren systems also can suffer from power failure, as the Huntsville, Alabama, warning system proved during severe storms last November. The system, which has more than 100 sirens, suffered several failures from power loss.More recently, hackers broke into the Dallas warning system, setting off hundreds of sirens for more than 90 minutes in the middle of the night.Instead, emergency management experts stress the use of digital alerts by phone or radio.The National Weather Service activates weather radios to give specific information to people in the path of storms. Alert systems such as Cumberland Countys CodeRed provide near-instant coverage of a threatened area without the confusion of outdoor alarms.With a siren, you never know if it was heard, or what someone thought, Booth said. When you get an alert on the phone, it has concise information and guidance.''Forecasting and detection technology, he said, have come a long way in the past decade. Why shouldnt alert systems advance as well?Its far better, I believe, to use todays technology, Booth said.Staff writer Chick Jacobs can be reached at cjacobs@fayobserver.com or 486-3515.2017 The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.)Visit The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) at www.fayobserver.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
National minorities always work with authorities -representative of Assyrian community (video)

Four representatives of Armenias ethnic minorities were elected to the National Assembly after the April 2 parliamentary elections. Three of them representing the Yazidi, Kurdish and an Assyrian communities ran for the parliament on the ticket of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK). Anahit Khosroyeva, a representative of the Assyrian community in Armenia, says these four representatives cannot solve problems in the National Assembly. It does not matter. They may speak in favor or against something. It cannot be decisive. Representatives of national minorities always work with authorities, she told journalists today. Anahit Khosroyeva says the Electoral Code needs to be amended again and again and hopes that the new MPs will initiative the changes. She says the Assyrian community does not have any conflicts with the authorities over political issues. Their main concerns are cultural and educational issues. Assyrians do not have textbooks. Besides, they have few teachers. Anahit Khosroyeva hopes that the four MPs will raise the problems of all eleven ethnic minorities in the National Assembly.
Chase Carey has hit back at his predecessor Bernie Ecclestone following comments made in Bahrain last weekend.

While attending his first race since being ousted as F1 supremo, Ecclestone admitted he "charged too much" to race hosts in the past.

"Sooner or later I'm frightened that the governments behind them will say enough is enough, and bye bye," said the 86-year-old.

That was not music to the ears of American Carey, who in the wake of the Liberty Media takeover is now Ecclestone's successor as F1 chief executive.

Carey blamed Ecclestone for not doing enough to deliver value to the high-paying promoters.

"(Fees) were agreements between two parties that valued the franchise how it was valued," he told the Financial Times.

"Nobody was tricked, but has F1 invested in the right way to support the events? It's not that the deal is overpriced, it's more 'Did we deliver where we should deliver?'" Carey added.

"(Ecclestone) managed for short term profits, we are managing for long term value."

(GMM)
Mercedes reluctantly used team orders in Bahrain because "the situation is different now".

That is the explanation of team boss Toto Wolff, speaking after Valtteri Bottas was told to move over for triple world champion Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain.

"We don't like it," he is quoted by Speed Week, when asked about the order.

"In recent years we didn't do this. But the situation is different now," Wolff added.

He is referring to the fact that, while Mercedes utterly dominated between 2014-2016, the team is actually now trailing Ferrari after three races in 2017.

"So far we had an internal struggle," Wolff continued. "This is also a question that Ferrari has to face."

But the Austrian also said he is enjoying the nature of the 2017 battle so far, with Mercedes and Ferrari fighting hard but still getting along well off track.

"I like this philosophy, a bit like rugby," said Wolff. "We fight hard against each other but afterwards can have a beer together. I think that's important."

(GMM)
Mansour Ojjeh says McLaren and Honda are working feverishly to get out of a "crisis", because either side "cannot continue like this".

Ojjeh is a major, long-time and normally low-profile shareholder of the once-great British team, but he was in Bahrain last weekend and not shy to let his opinion be known about the current McLaren-Honda situation.

"The disappointment is huge, even for Honda," he told the French magazine Auto Hebdo.

"We were promised a lot and are the first ones to be disappointed to offer so little. They (Honda) have given their mea culpa, but that doesn't make us look better," he added.

The very latest rumour is that McLaren is drafting in the services of Mercedes, to collaborate with Honda on rapidly improving its dire 2017 power unit.

"We work on different scenarios, of which I cannot speak right now," Ojjeh said.

"But we are spending a lot of time and energy and meetings on finding a solution. And fast. We have a culture of victory and we cannot continue like this."

Ojjeh also referred to reports that, after the Indy 500 this year, the next challenge for Fernando Alonso to take on will be winning the fabled Le Mans 24 hour.

"Fernando is a great driver who has suffered for two years," he said.

"He wants the triple crown. I told him that he is crazy to go to Indianapolis, but we spoke to Juan Pablo Montoya who told us not to worry, that he will adapt easily.

"Fernando also wants to win Le Mans. In a personal capacity I would very much like McLaren to return to Le Mans, but Fernando wants to do it in LMP1.

"For the moment the priority is a good engine in F1," Ojjeh added.

(GMM)
Toyota Motor Corporation will send two Mirai fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) to China in October 2017 to conduct demonstration tests in the country. Coinciding with the start of these tests, Toyota will also establish a hydrogen station at TMEC (Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing China), its Chinese research and development base.

Toyota is participating in the Accelerating the Development and Commercialization of Fuel Cell Vehicles in China project, and will carry out demonstration tests on the Mirai FCV for three years between 2017 and 2020. The projects is funded by the United Nations Development Project and the Global Environment Facility in order to provide support to developing countries. Started in 2003, the project has initiated FC bus services in China, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, and India. The third phase is scheduled to expand the scope of the project to include passenger vehicles.

Toyota will conduct research into vehicle performance within the environment in China, research into the quality of Chinas hydrogen, as well as a variety of quality and durability evaluations. Toyota will also engage in promotional activities and attempt to gauge how receptive Chinese consumers are to the vehicle, such as by exhibiting the Mirai at domestic events in China, and to also undertake activities which are aimed at improving public understanding of FCVs.

There are presently five hydrogen stations in China which are centered in the metropolitan regions of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The hydrogen station which Toyota plans to construct at TMEC will be the first of its kind in Changshu.
GREENSBORO  A state requirement that school systems in North Carolina reduce K-3 class sizes next school year might seem like it would be popular with teacher groups.

But on Tuesday, Mark Jewell, the president of the states largest public school employee organization, appeared at a news conference in Greensboro to say the requirement creates a risk that school systems will cut other areas of instruction and the jobs of current educators. Thats because the state didnt attach any new funding to the change.

Once again many of our state public school teachers and teacher assistants are on the edge about whether they will have a job or not, at the end of the school year, said Jewell, who taught in Guilford County Schools. Living with this kind of fear and uncertainty is not productive for our educators. It is not productive for our students, our public schools or our school administrators.

He joined two local legislators, state Sen. Gladys Robinson (D-Greensboro) and state Rep. Amos Quick (both D-Greensboro), as well as Alan Duncan, the chairman of the Guilford County Board of Education, and Winston McGregor, the executive director of the Guilford Education Alliance.

They struck a note of urgency in supporting House Bill 13, a measure that would partly dial back mandated class-size decreases set to go into effect in the 2017-18 school year. The N.C. House unanimously approved the bill, they said, but it has been stuck in the N.C. Senates rules committee for the past two months. Republicans control both chambers.

With talks of tax cuts and court-packing taking up most of our time in the Senate, little has been said about House Bill 13 and what is on the line if we dont take action, Robinson said. We are wasting time on foolishness when we should be focusing on the education of children in our state.

The state legislature originally passed a class-reduction mandate as part of a much-larger appropriations bill in 2016.

Right now, the class-size maximum is 24 students per teacher for kindergarten through third grade. The legislative decree sets the maximum size at no more than 19 students per teacher for first grade, 20 students for second or third grade, and 21 students for kindergarten starting in the 2017-18 school year.

A big decrease in class size would force many school systems across North Carolina to go on a simultaneous hiring spree for K-3 classroom teachers in the midst of a teacher shortage, risking an inability to find quality teachers, school leaders have stressed.

Data provided by Guilford County Schools at the request of the News & Record shows that on the 20th day of school this school year, class size for K-3 classrooms ranged widely. The smallest regular class on that day was a third-grade class with 10 students at Southern Elementary. The largest was a third-grade class at Kirkman Park Elementary with 33. Those are outliers.

The school system cant move students between schools to even out class sizes and sometimes enrollments can be unpredictable, central office administrators for Guilford County Schools said in an interview. They said the school system works to correct teacher-to-student ratios that are above the 24-student limit through such strategies as splitting classes or employing two full teachers to serve the same class.

Officials with Guilford County Schools have said they expect class-size reductions to cost the system more than $16 million, unless HB 13 passes, in which case they would cost more than $4 million. Either way, they are likely to make up at least some of the money with cuts to other aspects of the school system.

For example, Superintendent Sharon Contreras is proposing cutting 50 teaching assistant positions to help make up class-size-reduction costs. Thats part of her budget proposals, based on the lesser hit from HB 13.

Duncan said HB 13 isnt perfect. As a bill, its not really what he would prefer to promote in an ideal world.

I can stand up and cheer for it in comparison to the alternative, because its a quarter of the cost of the alternative, he said. I think that its the best we can do that right now, so I ask you to do that.
GREENSBORO  N.C. A&T will host a day-long conference Thursday for area college students who want to learn more about business and brands.

The Big Ideas Conference will include sessions on investing in brands and building a personal brand.

James Rhee and Patricia Miller Zollar will speak at the final event of the day. Rhee is chairman and CEO of Ashley Stewart, a plus-sized women's clothing retailer based in New Jersey. Zollar is managing director at Neuberger Berman, a New York investment firm, and is a former chairwoman of A&T's Board of Trustees.

The sessions are open to college students in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Elon and Durham.

The Rhee-Zollar event will be moderated by Detavio Samuels, president of new media company Interactive One, and broadcast at 6:20 p.m. on the Ashley Stewart Facebook page.

The personal brand seminar will be broadcast on YouTube at 3 p.m.
The Triads three largest hospitals said Monday they will lift flu-related youth visitor restrictions today.

The restrictions on visits by children 12 and younger were implemented Feb. 24 for Novant Health Inc., Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and throughout their respective networks.

Flu can be a serious illness for the elderly, children younger than 5, pregnant women, and people with medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported Thursday there have been 170 flu-related deaths in the state, primarily among people ages 65 and older. Officials confirmed 13 victims during the week that ended April 8, along with four deaths in previous weeks.

There have been 13 confirmed deaths in Guilford County, six in Forsyth County and four in Randolph County. Some county health directors do not publicly report flu deaths, citing patient privacy policies.

We will continue to closely monitor for flu cases and will re-evaluate visitor restrictions as needed, said Dr. David Priest, medical director for infection prevention at Novant Health. Our number one priority is patient safety, which is at the heart of all decisions we make.

Also ending youth visitor restrictions were Carolinas HealthCare System, High Point Regional Health System and Randolph Health.

The hospitals caution that anyone with flu symptoms should not visit patients. However, people who are seeking treatment at hospitals are not subject to the restriction.
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STAMFORD  Summer Street is set to serve up a trio of new restaurants in the next few weeks, as the downtown looks to bounce back from recent closings.

Viceroy Publik House, a British pub with Indian influences, is planning a soft opening for Wednesday at 211 Summer St. The new establishment will succeed Indian fusion restaurant Arka in the same space.

On the same block, Italian-American bar and grill Bar Zepoli at 75 Broad St. and Australian restaurant Flinders Lane at 184 Summer St. are both targeting late May openings.

Bar Zepoli will succeed Napa & Co, which closed in January after a 10-year run, when it was sold to a group of New York investors. The new establishment at the corner of Summer and Broad streets will include a range of fare including pizza, steaks, seafood and wings. It will also feature a 14-stool bar and outdoor dining on Summer and Broad streets. Bar Zepoli also plans to host live jazz.

You wouldnt recognize the interior, said Steve Matsis, sole broker of the Napa sale and director of the restaurant division for Stamford-based Pyramid Restaurant Group. Its so far removed from what Napa was. This will have a huge bar, and theyve created very nice private dining areas. Its really turning out to be quite spectacular.

Across the street, Flinders Lane is planning to open on the ground floor of the Summer House apartment tower, at 184 Summer St. Flinders Lane also operates an establishment on Avenue A in Manhattan.

Flinders Lane originally targeted an opening last fall, but principal Chris McPherson said obtaining permits has taken time. The opening late next month will go ahead assuming the restaurant gains a certificate of occupancy and approval from health department officials.

The website of Flinders Lane describes the menu as one that features a wide array of fresh seafood and a multitude of fruits and vegetables year-round combined with the Australian attitude: No fussing, no over thinking, just bold, streamlined food made with the best ingredients available and a laser focus on flavor.

The new restaurants will help to offset the loss in recent months of several downtown eateries. In addition to Napa & Co., Mason/Dixon Smokehouse on West Park Place, McFaddens on Main Street, Bar BQ on Clark Street and Wayne Steakhouse on Broad Street have all closed since the beginning of the year.

Summer Street restaurateurs have said that they relish operating on the thoroughfare, which stands with Bedford Street as the most bustling restaurant corridors in the city center.

Downtown Stamfords kind of got a pulse of things happening and things getting bigger and better, Carrin Schechter, owner of Noir Stamford at 225 Summer St., said earlier this month. Theres a new energy coming.
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A Texan transplant is making Greenwich home to her small business The Gourmet Cocina that returns the former fashion account executive to her food-loving familys roots.

Last April, San Antonio native Gabriella Burke and her husband left New York City for the suburbs, white fence and all, as Burke says, and soon after she quit her job at Michael Kors to pursue The Gourmet Cocina, a food blog and personal meal-planning business. Since starting the venture last fall, Burke has picked up a handful of clients for whom she pre-cooks meals weekly or occasionally hosts no-stress dinner parties.

In the coming months, she will also launch her own line of salsa products, which local businesses such as Mikes Organic Delivery and Fleishers Craft Butchery have agreed to carry, Burke said.

Ive never felt more like Im in the right place at the right time, Burke said.

Inspiration for The Gourmet Cocina is firmly rooted in Burkes childhood. She was the only granddaughter in her Mexican-American family, which valued time spent passing on recipes and eating together.

My dad was a surgeon, but we ate dinner together as a family every night, Burke said. Ive found a lot of significance in that.

She also prizes memories of making tamales with her grandmother at Christmastime. There was no other option but to love food, Burke said, adding she and her brothers were also pushed to be active and spend time outdoors. That balance her family instilled persists through Burkes food philosophy. I go for a healthy-ish balance, she said, which is reflected in her slate of food blog recipes that feature many lean meals, like salads and stir fries, but throws in cheeseburgers, barbecue and a Very Berry Cobbler.

Food has brought Burke full circle with her Lone Star State upbringing, but in between she had made plans to do something very different with her career. She started out studying vocal performance at Trinity University in San Antonio. I was sure I was going to be in musicals, Burke said, laughing at the thought. She wound up graduating with a degree in art history before moving to London in 2008, where she earned a masters degree from Sothebys Institute of Art and met her husband.

After leaving London, the pair lived in New York City for five years before making the move to Greenwich, which Burke describes as one of the best decision weve made.

For the first couple months of suburban living, Burke commuted to Manhattan for work before she decided it wasnt conducive to having a family in the future, and she quit. Within a couple months, Burke decided to launch The Gourmet Cocina and many things have fallen into place since, she said.

Shes joined several Greenwich networking groups and donated food classes to schools. While on her morning walk with her dog, she met the woman behind local lifestyle blog Lemon Stripes, whos become a good friend and introduced her to many other young and encouraging entrepreneurs in the area, Burke said.

I hadnt planned to leave fashion so quickly, but life has just happened the way it was supposed to happen, she said.

mbennett@greenwichtime.com; 203-625-4411
Walt Disney remains the dominant corporation in global licensing of brands to other companies, with the ESPN owner joined by multiple companies in Connecticut on an annual ranking published by License Global magazine.

New Britain-based Stanley Black & Decker led all Connecticut-based companies on the list, ranking 41st with $1.5 billion in 2015 retail sales of licensed products, followed by Stamford-based WWE which was 49th with nearly $1.3 billion.
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GREENWICH  For fifth-graders Andreas Serfilippi, Varum Kolluri, Coley Critchell and Adi Bhandari, the map in their hands was more important than the elementary schools each attend.

As part of their eventual meet-up at Central Middle School next fall, the four  representatives of North Street, Parkway and Cos Cob schools  were matched Tuesday at Camp Seton Scout Reservation on Riversville Road, trying to figure out how to get from where they were to a spot across the way.

Bringing together fifth-graders from different elementary schools for a day of introductions, team-building and laughter is a tradition in Greenwich Public Schools.

Tuesday, students headed to Central Middle next year were at the camp; Wednesday, students starting at Western Middle in the fall and on Thursday, those entering Easter Middle will be the ones climbing walls, balancing on a rope or running across the grass, weather permitting.

We want them to see familiar faces when they step foot in the middle school on their first day. Phil DAmato, a physical education teacher at Cos Cob School, said. Thats an intimidating place and this is an opportunity to get together. Weve had students who have met each other here who are at different schools and become close friends. Without this event, they wouldnt have had that opportunity.

Outdoor fun and bonding have always been the goals of the program, which was created about 15 years ago, according to Cathy Mahoney, one of the programs founders and a physical education teacher at Cos Cob School.

In the first years, fifth-graders joined a pedometer project in their phys ed classes, accumulating enough steps to theoretically travel from each of the elementary schools to the other. At the end, all of the kids would meet together at Julian Curtiss School.

From that, the program grew into a treasure hunt at Greenwich High Schools Cardinal Stadium, Mahoney said. Nine years ago, the school district started coming to Seton.

It was always with the intent of having the children meet the others they would be going to middle school with, Mahoney said. It blossomed into this because Camp Seton is such a beautiful facility and theres so much we can do here.

DAmato, who helps oversee the orienteering program at Camp Seton for the district, said there was value simply in getting kids outside and active after a winter of indoor work.

Camp Seton is an amazing resource within Greenwich, he said. To get the kids outside and out of the classroom allows them to experience what there is in town. So many kids are inside so much and to get them outside to experience nature and the outdoors is so important.

This weeks outdoor lessons also include a schoolwork component. Before their Orienteering Adventure Day, kids in different schools had connected as pen pals through letters they wrote in their French or Spanish classes.

At camp, the kids were assigned into groups with their pen pals and ate lunch together.

Students are encouraged to work together in groups to foster some friendly competition, but they also worked together in cooperative activities with rope, wall climbing and balancing exercises.

DAmato said he wants the kids to learn that, in order to be successful, they cant do the activities alone.

Over the past few years, I have gone back to Cos Cob and asked my students what they gained from it, DAmato said. The best way to gauge it, I feel, is to see them laughing and having fun at their stations here at the camp. When we get back to school, you hear ... from the kids about the people they met and how they exchanged phone numbers and email addresses and made plans to get together.

Kiley Goldfarb, 10, and Theo Ornstein, 11, were among the Cos Cob kids at the camp, happily enjoying themselves as they met their future classmates.

Kiley said she had been nervous about starting sixth-grade in the fall, but the day at Camp Seton helped ease her concerns.

Its been really fun, she said. Ive loved meeting new people and working with them.

Its good that were getting to meet everyone, Theo said. There are 11 elementary schools in town. It makes me more excited about middle school.

Overall, about 150 students a day will be going through the camps at Camp Seton during the program.

Theres no better place for children to be than outside, Heather Brown Lowthert, program director for the Greenwich Council of the Boy Scouts of America, said.

They spend way too much time inside on their tablets or cell phones or watching TV, she said. When youre in the outdoors theres just opportunities for pretty much anything.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com
State Police are looking for anyone who may have witnessed a fatal crash on I-95 early Monday morning.

The one-vehicle accident happened on southbound I-95 in Guilford, near Exit 57, at about 12.23 a.m.
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The path from science fiction to Mars and beyond is paved with wild ideas wrapped in cold hard cash. Sort of like ravioli or inklings incubating under a blanket of gravy.

And, every year NASA cooks up a batch of space ravioli by funding wild-eyed, futuristic, "visionary aerospace" concepts selected by the agency's Innovative Advanced Concepts program.

"NASA is preparing for a future that could include soft robotic spacecraft with flexible surfaces that can anchor to an asteroid, and an artificial gravity device for long-duration, deep space missions, along with other technologies that so far has been limited to the realm of science fiction," the agency said announcing this year's 22 selected projects.

The program bakes projects in two phases. The first phase of finding for 15 projects comes in at about $125,000 for nine months of building up the "initial definition and analysis" of the concepts. Phase two funding for seven projects comes with about $500,000 each to "allow awardees time to refine their designs and explore aspects of implementing the new technology."

All told, the funding cycle will spend about $5.4 million. And that's peanuts compared to the agencies current $19.5 billion annual budget.

Check out this year's funded projects in the gallery above.

Jake Ellison can be reached at jakeellisonjournalism@gmail.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/Jake_News. Also, swing by and *LIKE* his page on Facebook. If Google Plus is your thing, check out our science coverage here.
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Creativity has flowed from some of the homes of southwestern Connecticut. Peek into the rooms and hallways where artistic magic has happened.

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Take, for example, the home at 71 Riverside Rd. in Newtown where cartoonist James Thurber once lived. He wrote "My Life and Hard Times" while living at the house in the 1930s, and is famous for writing "The Secret life of Walter Mitty." Thurber also published at least 14 books and a number of short stories and fables during his career; his cartoons were a staple of The New Yorker.

e 3,100-square-foot home on Riverside, where Thurber penned his autobiography, "My Life and Hard Times," looks much as it did when he lived there.

"The rooms haven't changed very much," said Peter Alpi, one of the owners.

At one point, Thurber had drawn several cartoons on the baseboards, but when he and his wife, Althea, divorced in 1935, she got the house and wallpapered them over. They weren't rediscovered until the 1970s, when another owner was doing renovations. The baseboards were eventually removed and sent to be part of a Thurber collection at Ohio State University, where Thurber went to school. Read more.

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Apparently writers feel at home in Fairfield County because over in Stamford, New York Times columnist Paul Sullivan has made a writing den in his Stamford home.

"I've written two books in this house," he said as he climbed the stairs, passing posters of his book covers hanging over the staircase.

To the left of the staircase is the doorway into his home office, with soft blue walls and dormer windows overlooking the private backyard. Above his desk is a plate with his first front-page story for The Times. On the opposite wall is a framed clipping of his first New York Times column.

"My office is really separated from the rest of the house," he said. "When it's up on the third floor, you're not walking by your desk all the time and thinking about what you should be working on." Read more.

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Over in Westport, two homes are made for Hollywood fans. The Allen House is the only known Westport example of work by architect Roy Binkley, a Bahaus-style architect heavily influenced by the work of famed German-architect Mies van der Rohe.

Perhaps because of the artistic architectural style, the home has always been a haven for art enthusiasts, Winston Allen said. Apparently, the home's original owner rented the property to actor and director Lee Strasberg in the summers, and he used it as a studio for famous actors and actresses in the late 1950s and 1960s.

"People like Marilyn Monroe and others were often here," Allen said. "This was a pretty swinging place at that time." Read more.

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The other Westport home is more famous by association. The converted barn at 81 Coleytown Road is next door to a home once belonging to the late actor  and Westport icon  Paul Newman. In fact, the house's owner, John Cappetta, was friendly with Newman, as the two both liked raft along the nearby river.

"He'd paddle up to my place, and I'd paddle up to his," Cappetta said. Read more.

They met not long after the Cappettas bought their home in 1993. About two years later, John Cappetta heard that the home's previous owner was considering building a house on a lot adjacent to his new home, and close to the river. Cappetta began negotiating to buy the land instead.
At Atoboy, Korean-style stuffed squid is served with Italian salsa verde. Photo: Liz Clayman

You might expect that the chef at a brand-new Vietnamese restaurant would want his food to remind diners of Vietnam. John Nguyen  who opened Hanoi House in January  was more interested in California. Nguyen grew up in Orange County; he explained at the time of the restaurants opening, Some people from Orange County came in and said, It tastes just like O.C. He added, I just smiled, thats all I want.

The menu features dishes like frogs legs in Cajun rice batter, and morning glory cooked in brown-butter fish sauce. Nguyens approach is typical of many young chefs in New York: Even as their restaurants might be rooted in specific countries, the cooking emphasizes a melting-pot mentality, and harmonious marriages of culturally disparate ingredients.

Technically, it is fusion cooking. But its not the kind of fusion that was pioneered by chefs like Wolfgang Puck, or Norman Van Aken, who melded Caribbean and European cuisines in Florida, in the 80s and 90s. That cooking, by and large, was defined by chefs incorporating ingredients from mostly East Asian cuisines into cooking that was otherwise rooted in the European tradition. Take, for example, China Grills Oriental antipasto, which in 1993 featured pickled cauliflower and beets, alongside scallion-studded mozzarella. There was also Ruby Foos PB&J rolls and Jean-Georges Vongerichtens Vong, which served roasted lobster tossed with red, green, and yellow curry paste mixed with white port. (Passionate purists will grumble, Gael Greene wrote at the time.)

Fusion was brash, and the mash-ups were meant to impress with an element of surprise and the chefs ability to pull together ingredients from all over the world. In her review of China Grill, Ruth Reichl called it air-freight cuisine with a global reach; surely it is no accident that Australian organic free-range lamb is listed on the menu, along with maki rolls, Peking duck salad, escabeche, fettuccine and CAsian gumbo.

Whats different now is that the aim isnt to create previously unseen culinary combos; the chefs  many first-generation Americans born in immigrant families  are trying to re-create their own upbringings. Chris Cheung is the rare chef who has seen both sides of the fusion coin. He was part of the opening team at Jean-Georges, and cooked at China Grill. In 2015, he opened East Wind Snack Shop, where he mixes his familys Cantonese cooking, a touch of Shanghainese technique, and distinctly Western ingredients.

When youre trying to mix up different ingredients, it tends to be a lot better when its coming from your childhood  its coming from instinct, Cheung argues. Its just different than a chef who was inspired by just one trip he took for two weeks in China, and saw some things on the street he liked. That inspiration, while its good, is not the same as when youve been inspired by it your whole life.

At Fung Tu, steamed buns are served with foie gras and lap cheong marmelade. Photo: Liz Clayman

Its no surprise, then, that this is a subtler approach, one that often infuses a gentle Western influence into various East Asian cuisines. The style is exemplified by the saffron aioli served with the sake-steamed clams at Bessou, the foie gras bao with Chinese-sausage marmalade at Fung Tu, and corned-beef ramen at Mu Ramen. At Atoboy, the kitchen finishes Korean-style stuffed squid with distinctly Western salsa verde. In Santa Monica, theres crisp ham in the spicy wontons at Cassia. Outside the realm of fine dining, during the 2000s, Vietnamese cooks in Houston started infusing crawfish boils with Vietnamese flavors  creating a new southern classic that spread to cities around the country. Out in San Francisco, Mister Jius offers salt-and-vinegar shrimp chips, pork buns with Dutch crunch (a bread popular in the Bay Area), and Peking duck served with peanut-butter hoisin. As owner, Brandon Jew, a Bay Area native who has cooked in the region for 15 years, puts it, It would be inauthentic for me to cook food that I would be cooking for Chinese people in China. (One could argue  quite easily  that David Chang helped lay the groundwork in New York by embracing ramen, Korean gamjatang, and southern country ham in equal measure at the early Momofuku restaurants.)

In many ways, chefs have freedom to play with these cuisines because diners are so much more familiar with the flavors. Theres also an issue of historical timing: Clearly, with the whole world of Chinese food, immigration quotas and regulations had an enormous effect on our industry, notes Chinese food authority Ed Schoenfeld, of RedFarm and Decoy. In 1965, the Hart-Celler Act put an end to race-based quotas and a history of immigration policies that severely, or totally, restricted Asian immigration, and barred Chinese-Americans from owning property or businesses. An immigration boom subsequently occurred, with the Chinese-American population, for example, growing roughly 1,400 percent from 1960 to 2010. This invigorated Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and other East Asian cultures and cuisine in the United States, and its reshaping American culture and cuisine.

In other words, this is food that best represents America right now. More than being a fusion of different cuisines, its a whole approach to modern American cooking. The chefs work with ingredients and techniques they know, and those things happen to be from cuisines originating on opposite sides of the planet. Nguyens style at Hanoi House, for example, is a reflection of the Vietnamese communitys deepening roots in California. Within the Chinese restaurant community, theres a similar story, as mostly first- and second-generation chefs, Wu says, are starting to do their thing.

Theres this preconceived notion that Asian food needs to be a certain way, and I just feel like we should be past that point, Bessou owner Maiko Kyogoku says. To be completely honest, I think we shouldve opened up a New American restaurant because thats how I see the food sometimes.
The hotelier president. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

A pair of plaintiffs will join a lawsuit that alleges President Donald Trump has violated the Constitutions emoluments clause. The once-obscure provision bars American officials from accepting gifts from foreign powers, in an effort to prevent the purchasing of influence. The lawsuit specifically argues that Trump violates the clause by continuing to do business with foreign governments at his hotels and restaurants, including Washington, D.C.s Trump International Hotel. The plaintiffs joining the case are Restaurant Opportunities Centers United and Jill Phaneuf, who books banquet halls for two D.C. hotels.

The emoluments clause has never been the subject of a significant court case, and when this lawsuit was filed, legal experts werent so sure that would change. For one, there was the question of whether or not the watchdog organization that filed the suit, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, actually had grounds to sue. (Ethics experts have argued that Trump violated the hotels lease  its in the federally owned Old Post Office building  but the General Services Administration says its all good.) The case is clearer for the ROCU, whose co-director Saru Jayaraman tells the Washington Post that it affects both employers bottom lines, and workers loss of income. Prominent restaurateurs  including Alice Waters, Danny Meyer, and Tom Colicchio  voiced their support in a statement released by the ROCU. Phaneuf, who books event at the Carlyle Hotel and Glover Park Hotel, tells the paper that Trump is taking business away from me and others. Neither Jayaraman or Phaneuf provided the Post with a specific instance of lost business.



This isnt the only lawsuit against Trump involving D.C.s restaurant industry. In March, the owners of Cork Wine Bar filed a lawsuit alleging unfair competition by the president and his hotel in the capital. One of the attorneys representing Cork told the Washingtonian that the restaurant had seen significantly less income, and that government officials and others seeking influence with the administration have felt pressure to go to the Trump International Hotel. Business is going so well at the hotel, in fact, that the Trump Organization wants to open a second, more accessible hotel in D.C. Diplomats havent exactly made a point of hiding this in interviews with the press, while some are even willing to post TripAdvisor-style reviews to their Twitter accounts.
Szechuan Houses mapo tofu achieves a masterful balance. Photo: Liz Clayman

The classic Sichuan dish mapo tofu is unlike anything else: A sort of stew or ragu in which the base is chile oil; thick with cubes of preferably silky tofu, ground pork, or beef (most often the former, in New York); and fermented black-bean paste or doubanjiang (broad-bean-chile paste) or both; and heady with mala, the numbing spiciness imparted by a combination of ground Sichuan pepper and chile peppers. Most versions also include trapezoids of bright-green sauteed leeks, and sometimes snips of scallion. And theres even an intriguing origin story. Mapo can be translated to mean crater-faced old lady, and the dish is supposedly named after the woman who invented it over a century ago at a roadside stall in Chengdu; her face is said to have been pockmarked with scars from a childhood episode of smallpox. Its bewitchingly addictive, holds up well as leftovers, and is so popular that you can get it at countless restaurants throughout the city. Here, the very best iterations of mapo tofu in New York.

The Absolute Best 1. Szechuan House

133-47 Roosevelt Ave., Flushing; 718-762-2664 Much of the classic Sichuan food at this restaurant, said to be the oldest extant Sichuan restaurant in Flushing, has a certain elegance and refinement to it, and the mapo is no exception. The flavors  mala, black bean, garlic, ground pork  have an unusual, bright clarity to them, each coming through distinctly, but none overpowering another. The tofu is custardy but holds together; the amount of pork accentuates this star ingredient without stealing the show; and the liquid that they bob in together, topped with ground Sichuan peppercorn, is just on the right side of soupy.

2. Szechuan Gourmet

Multiple locations

Many a New York City mapo lover has been won over to the dish after trying Szechuan Gourmets version of it, which is on the less-saucy side, with a rather thick, concentrated, dark-red oil (probably the result of a generous amount of corn starch) that suspends rectangles of slippery tofu and comes close to mimicking their texture: Its unctuous, veering toward gelatinous. Theres also ground pork, black beans, big chunks of garlic, and leeks. Plus, its a real trip to Flavor Town, to appropriate Guy Fieris term: The coarsely ground Sichuan peppercorn will have your mouth vibrating, and its satisfyingly spicy, and even a little bit sweet.

3. Szechuan Mountain Kitchen

39-16 Prince St., Ste. G03, Flushing; 718-888-7893

The silky tofu at this super-classy, relative newcomer in a fancy Flushing mall-of-sorts is about as flavorful as tofu can be  same goes for the pork, which is just, well, especially porky. Both play beautifully off the chile-oil base, which strikes a good balance of spicy and tingly, and contains broad beans but no black beans, and fresh scallions but no leeks, plus plenty of garlic and bracing, coarsely chopped ginger. To top it all off, its extra elegantly presented, served in a black enamel bowl that sits in a matching tray with a built-in spoon rest. A tad too much salt is the dishs only flaw.

4. Mission Chinese Food

171 E. Broadway, nr. Rutgers St.; no phone

As documented by Lucky Peach, the recipe for Danny Bowien and Angela Dimayugas version of this dish, which Danny Bowien is obsessed with, has gone through many changes and tweaks. Recently, it has been, we can report, very good, made with all sorts of surprise ingredients  including aged beef fat (though the ground meat is high-quality pork), chicken broth, fish sauce, Thai chiles, and mushroom powder  in addition to the black beans and broad-bean-chile paste, and firm tofu that they blanch to turn it ideally soft. Though it can be a bit on the sweet side, it does Bowiens obsession very proud; its topped with cilantro and chives, and best paired with his ingenious salt-cod fried rice.

5. Spicy & Tasty

39-07 Prince St., Flushing; 718-359-1601

This versions tofu is so custardy that it almost quivers, and what it lacks (doubanjiang), it makes up for with a high proportion of ground pork, black beans, leeks, and a lot of garlic. As the restaurants name would suggest, its both spicy (the chile oil offers a nice, slow burn) and tasty, striking a perfect balance between that heat and the mala from the peppercorns.

Honorable Mentions

Grand Sichuan House

8701 Fifth Ave., nr. 87th St., Bay Ridge; 718-680-8887

The best mapo in Brooklyn, a borough not known for it, may be at this spot, where its not particularly spicy (in fact, the oil is more brown than red), but boasts the requisite jiggly bean curd, juicy ground pork, and a nice mala flavor from a hefty sprinkling of fresh ground peppercorn.

Han Dynasty

Multiple locations

The Philadelphia-born Sichuan mini-chain makes its very good interpretation with hoisin, black bean, and doubanjiang, plus the Korean red-pepper flakes known as gochugaru.

Hot Kitchen

Multiple locations

A version so thick, its almost like a Bolognese, oozing spicy, orange chile oil from the ground-pork-black-bean-garlic concoction that coats the creamy tofu, studded with leeks and dusted modestly with ground peppercorn.

Lao Cheng Du

37-17 Prince St., Flushing; 718-886-5595

Another on the ragu-end of the spectrum, with a deep, slow-cooked umami flavor to match its texture, which makes up for a relative lack of heat.
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Earlier this month, we told you that an app had been installed on a Galaxy S8 display unit at a store. This app called: All in One Gestures would be able to reprogram the dedicated Bixby key to open another app like the Camera.

Samsung Galaxy S8

Well, it looks like you wont be able to do that anymore, that is according to an XDA Recognized Developer flar2, who created Button Mapper,one such app that would allow you to remap a button like, say, the Bixby key on the S8.

The developer claims that the recent update to the Telus variant of the S8 has removed the ability to intercept the action of pressing the button (based on the "Accessibility" service), which is why these kinds of apps rely on you to enable them in the Accessibility options before you can use them.

@geoff5093 @Lostatsea1923 @One3OneKing @droid_life It was exploiting a system-level behavior. That behavior has been changed. Can't say it will never happen, but we won't officially support.  Philip Berne (@philipberne) April 17, 2017

Philip Berne, head of Samsung PR in the States says: we wont officially support such a remapping feature.

As an anonymous U.S. reviewer of the S8 also said to XDA (after the interaction above): the app still works on a U.S. review unit with up-to-date software. Does this mean that Samsung is purposely trying to close the loop-hole for repurposing the Bixby button to another app? Not apparently, but it may be entirely possible.

Its hard to talk about adding or removing features from a phone before the official release date is even here. Perhaps Samsung could have waited to discuss this loophole once Bixby Voice starts working, which wont be until later this spring.

Many folks are anticipating the ability to reprogram the button for Samsungs new Bixby Assistant and their rants can be read on Reddit. Who would have known an extra button would cause so much commotion?

Via
Back in February when the first Android Wear 2.0 smartwatches (LG's Watch Sport and Watch Style) were unveiled, Verizon jumped on the bandwagon too by telling us that it would launch its very own smartwatch at some point. This is called Wear24 and until today we haven't had many details about it.

Now though the carrier nicknamed Big Red has decided to come forward with information about its pricing and release date. The Wear24 will become available in stores and online from May 11.

If you want one, you'll have to shell out $299.99 with a new two-year contract, or $349.99 without. It costs $5 per month to add the watch to an existing Verizon plan.

The Wear24 has a 1.39-inch 290 ppi AMOLED touchscreen, a 450 mAh battery with wireless charging, and it's rated IP67 for water and dust resistance. It will be offered in three colors: Stainless Steel, Gunmetal Black, and Rose Gold. The Wear24 has LTE connectivity built-in, 768MB of RAM, 4GB of storage, and it's powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 2100 SoC.

Source | Via




Haiti - Health : The American Charge d'Affaires visits the GHESKIO Laboratories





American Embassy Charge d'Affaires Brian Shukan and members of the U.S. Government health team visited the National Institute of Laboratory and Research (INLR) of GHESKIO (Groupe Haitien d'Etude du Sarcome de Kaposi et des Infections Opportunistes/Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections), a U.S. Government partner since 1983 and one of the largest providers of TB/HIV diagnosis and treatment in the Americas. GHESKIO has received U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding since the beginning of the initiative in 2004, and is implemented by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Agency for International Development.



With PEPFAR funding, GHESKIO provides life-saving antiretroviral treatment (ART) free of charge to more than 25,000 patients annually. During the site visit, Charge Shukan toured GHESKIO's ART clinic and learned about new approaches to improve patient care  such as multi-month scripting of ART and a "rapid pathway" intervention aimed at reducing patient wait times. At GHESKIO's pediatric unit, the largest pediatric AIDS clinic in Haiti, Charge Shukan met with Dr. Vanessa Rouzier to discuss how PEPFAR is supporting HIV exposed infants to receive HIV treatment and care for TB.



PEPFAR also works with GHESKIO to provide integrated services to victims of gender-based violence (GBV) and to identify and refer victims of GBV through a network of community health workers. Charge Shukan met with representatives of the program to learn about the prevalence of GBV in Haiti and how PEPFAR is supporting GHESKIO to care for victims of violence. Charge Shukan toured GHESKIO's vocational school  a training workshop for victims of GBV designed to promote resiliency and economic independence  and spoke with participants in the program.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





"A national army and not a scout army" dixit Rebu

Former Secretary of State for Public Security, Colonel Himler Rebu asks the authorities to properly manage the departure of the Minustah and its replacement by MINUJUSTH. He hoped that the Minustah would leave a small contingent of soldiers to dissuade representatives of sectors seeking instability and called on the existing government "to create a national army, not an army of scouts".



NOTICE Diaspora : Passport

The Consulate General of Haiti in Miami advises you to renew your passport before its expiry date. If your passport is valid for less than 6 months, it is time to renew it. For more information, contact the Consulate by phone at (305) 859-2003 or by e-mail at cghm.news@diplomatie.ht



Distribution of 2,500 hot meals

As part of the celebration of Easter, President Jovenel Moise, through the Social and Economic Assistance Fund (FAES) and the Ministry of Social Affairs, allowed 2,500 beneficiaries to receive a hot meal. The distribution took place at the Champs de Mars, in front of the former headquarters of the army of Haiti.



Demonstrators demand work to Moise

Individuals claiming to be activists PHTK grouped in the "Kowalisyon pou libere militan" (KOLIM), demonstrated in Port-au-Prince to demand the President Jovenel Moise to respect his commitment to give them work...



Problems in the National Lottery

Marie Margareth Fortune, Director General of the Haitian State Lottery (LEH), asked employees no longer part of the Institution to bring back the LEH owned vehicles, which they used for personal use. She also requires Marie Myrtha Jean Jacques, who has been absent since April 10th from her place of work, to return all the sensitive documents and the files of the institution she has taken and that prevents the normal functioning of the LEH. A period of 24 hours from Monday is granted toher to execute, otherwise the measures provided for by law will be taken against her.



National Day of the Diaspora

Lesly Conde, Consul General of Haiti in Chicago, reminds the entire Haitian community that 20 April of each year is known as the National Diaspora Day. "The Diaspora has always made an invaluable contribution to the survival of our country. Today, more than ever, it must participate actively in the reconstruction process. A new Haiti is being built, a new future is emerging. It is above all, and after all, the future of our dear country."



HL/ HaitiLibre


















By William Schwartz | Published on 2017/04/17

King Yeonsangun starts us off by declaring a war on babies. I...wish I was exaggerating but King Yeonsangun really does jump from typical jerk evil to cartoonish supervillain evil so fast that I barely had time to process what was happening before babies started getting smothered to death. My initial concerns about this being mere egregious scriptwriting are mostly alleviated by mid-episode recitations of what I presume are actual royal orders that are consistently in line with King Yeonsangun's actions in the drama.

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And what does Gil-dong do while all of this is happening? Oh, he breaks out of jail. We don't actually get to see him breaking out of jail, and it's not totally clear how his allies managed to get out either. In fact, I was wondering whether Gil-dong's first big appearance was just King Yeonsangun going into a paranoid hallucination. And maybe it was a paranoid hallucination because I mean really, a war on babies? At that point the gloves really need to come off.

It should be noted that while the phrase war on babies probably makes this episode sound rather exciting it's actually overall one of the more boring ones of the drama. Gil-dong still isn't really actually doing anything- his team appears to be caught in this endless cycle of just making more plans. Coupled with the big boulder scene I kind of got the impression that they weren't really taking the whole war on babies thing seriously, so I lost interest pretty rapidly.

King Yeonsangun, by contrast, is extremely proactive when it comes to accomplishing his obviously terribly and stupid goals. But historical justification notwithstanding, I'm still a little shocked that Nok-soo thinks there's any way to negotiate going forward when King Yeonsangun's actions have turned so preposterously outrageous. There is a pretty potent political allegory in there, though. Sure we can get women jobs, but maternity leave? Eh war on babies is easier.

While I want "Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People" to get back into heroic swashbuckling justice crusade mode, I'm a little worried at this point that this might not be possible anymore. The drama has just...kind of gotten to be a huge downer. The situation really is that hopeless, especially since we know Gil-dong can't win. Well, I guess the real Gil-dong did start his own kingdom, but he was a fictional character. Hm. Yes, the inherently fictional nature of Hong Gil-dong makes him a fairly awkward character to challenge a real-life tyrant.

Review by William Schwartz

"Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People" is directed by Jin Chang-gyoo, Kim Jin-man, written by Hwang Jin-yeong and features Kim Sang-joong, Yoon Kyun-sang, Kim Ji-suk, Lee Hanee and Chae Soo-bin.

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Published on 2017/04/18 | Source

Added episodes 3 and 4 captures for the Korean drama "Chicago Typewriter" (2017)

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Directed by Kim Cheol-gyoo

Written by Jin Soo-wan

Network : tvN

With Yoo Ah-in, Lim Soo-jung, Go Kyung-pyo, Kwak Si-yang, Jo Woo-jin, Yang Jin-sung,...

16 episodes - Fri, Sat 20:00

Synopsis

Writers from the 1930s are reincarnated in the present as a best-selling writer in a slump, an anti-fan, and a ghostwriter.

Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2017/04/07

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BP reports Alaska oil spill

BP said on April 17 that a leak at a facility on Alaska's North Slope had been brought under control. A BP spokesman said details of what caused the loss of control or the amounts of oil and gas concerned were not available. The oil producer had retained well control specialists from Halliburton to kill the well, the spokesman said.





Prudhoe Bay oil facility - Image: BP

The leak was discovered on April 14 and a team from BP, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), US Environmental Protection Agency and local government was brought in to coordinate efforts. The team halted the well leaks overnight, BP said in a statement.

ADEC earlier said in a statement that well pipe had temporarily "jacked up" or risen vertically about 3 feet to 4 feet, causing a pressure gauge to break off. ADEC said the area impacted was gravel there were no reports of impacted wildlife. Oil droplets were found on about 1.5 acres of the well's drill pad, according to The Associated Press.



The community of Nuiqsut, 50 miles west of the site, was notified of the incident, but was not evacuated.

BP has dealt with several spills and leaks in Alaska in the past. In 2006, a corroded pipeline released nearly 5,000 barrels of crude oil, the largest oil spill in the North Slope at the time. Another spill occurred in 2009 that saw just over 1,000 barrels leak.



In 2010, a BP-operated drilling rig called Deepwater Horizon exploded, killing 11 people and spilling nearly 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, making it the largest oil spill in U.S. federal waters. BP eventually agreed to pay $18.7 billion to settle all federal and state claims related to the spill.



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A former employee who claimed thousands of dollars in workers compensation has been caught on surveillance faking her injuries.



In October 2006, Zara Deniz injured her back as a floor worker at Thomas Food Internationals processing plant at Murray Bridge, South Australia.



Deniz then received almost $600 in weekly compensation after successfully claiming she was unable to work due to her injuries.



After more than six years passed, Deniz told an independent medical examiner she still suffered chronic pain. She alleged that this prevented her to stand, sit or bend down and was unlikely to be able to work again.



However, after exhibiting suspicious behaviour (such as walking with an exaggerated drag) State Government officials put her under surveillance which appeared to contradict her claims.



Moreover, her own medical expert (who had signed her off as being unable to work) withdrew his statement after seeing the footage.



Deniz pleaded guilty halfway through defence arguments to 34 counts of fraud, totalling almost $20,000, between January 29, 2014 and July 17 that same year. She faced a maximum $50,000 fine and up to a year in jail for each offence.



Magistrate Lynette Duncan suspended a nine months and two weeks jail sentence on condition that she agreed to a two-year, $500 good-behaviour bond after taking into account her personal circumstances. Deniz is a grandmother and single mother to three young boys and three adult children, according to The Advertiser.



The WorkCover scheme is a vital balance between employers and injured workers who are entitled to compensation, said Duncan.



It is imperative that the integrity of the scheme (is maintained) and the offences compromise  its operation and viability.



Moreover, Paul OHalloran, Partner and accredited specialist (workplace relations) at FCB Workplace Law, said managing ill or injured employees is one of the most complex areas for HR.



This is because it overlaps with numerous areas of law, including unfair dismissal, workers compensation, adverse action and discrimination, he told HC.



OHalloran advised to not be afraid to refer employees to Independent Medical Examinations for this reason alone.



If an IME can be justified on health and safety grounds, employees are not immune from attendance merely because they may be exercising some other workplace right at the time, such as being absent on sick leave or workers compensation, he said.



He also said employers should carefully choose the IME provider.



For instance, a suburban GP will rarely be adequate. A specialist IME provider should be used and detailed correspondence must be provided asking questions about the employees prognosis, diagnosis and capacity to undertake the inherent requirements of the role.




inda Jefferys, group executive people and culture at the Bank of Queensland, details how her HR career went from strength to strengthIn the year before starting university, while seeking a job to fund her education, Belinda Jefferys sees a job listing that sounds perfect  except it specified applicants had to be male.I knew that in 1975, legislation had been passed that you couldnt discriminate on the basis of gender, so I asked to be put forward for the job. It was pivotal for me. I didnt get angry; I just worked through the problem. I got the job in the end.Raised in a working class suburb by parents with high aspirations for their children, Belinda, the daughter of a union man, pursues a business degree as it enables her to major in IR and personnel.The [British] miners strike was underway  it was a clash between working people and the state. I saw industrial relations as an area that could have an impact on peoples lives.A move to Sydney with her then husband kicks Belindas career into high gear with a series of high-profile contracts. The stand-out assignment comes when Belinda is contracted by Westpac to set up its first call centre, a concept which at the time was a brand new proposition.Ive done a lot of different things; Ive seized a lot of opportunities. [Contract work in] Sydney really turned my career around.Belinda establishes a successful consultancy, which goes on to perform across industries as diverse as defence, tertiary education, and cable television.I was the second person in HR at Foxtel; it was special to be part of a team of people starting something brand new. We were motivated by the power of a go-live date that would not change regardless of what happens.Within the first four months of taking the top HR role at Bankwest, while Belinda was living in Sydney and commuting across the continent to Perth, the sudden sale of Bankwest to CBA necessitated a total restructuring of the company and downsizing 400 roles.It was an enormous challenge. We had to take it apart to rebuild it  and we did so successfully. What we had to do was tough, but I was proud of the way we went about it.An out-of-the-blue call from a head hunter sees Belinda returning to Adelaide to work for Elders, an ASX listed company. It is a period of restructuring for the venerable company, which is returning to its core business of agriculture. Belinda is tasked with a people strategy that supports the delivery of the organisations three year strategic plan.Crucial for Belinda is the new experience of reporting through a boardroom committee as part of the governance required of a listed company.Settled in Adelaide, Belinda receives an unexpected call seeking advice that culminates in her joining the Bank of Queensland as group executive people and culture. These days, a home base in Adelaide co-exists with an apartment in Brisbane and a weekly commute.With that leadership team in place, with the skills, enthusiasm, passion, and drive to achieve, I thought how could I let the chance to be part of something like this pass me by?
(HedgeCo.Net) The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that an Arizona-based brokerage firm, its CEO, and its former underwriters counsel have agreed to settle charges related to municipal bond offerings they were underwriting that turned out to be fraudulent.

The SECs order finds that Lawson Financial Corporation failed in its role as a gatekeeper to conduct reasonable due diligence when underwriting bond offerings to purchase and renovate nursing homes and senior living facilities. The offerings were managed by Atlanta-based businessman Christopher F. Brogdon, who was later charged by the SEC with fraud and faces a court order to repay $85 million to investors. Lawson Financial failed to ensure Brogdon and his related borrowers were in compliance with their continuing disclosure undertakings as required by Rule 15c2-12, which generally prohibits underwriters from purchasing or selling municipal securities unless the issuer or obligated person has committed to providing continuing disclosure information, such as annual financial materials and operating data.

Lawson Financials founder and CEO Robert Lawson and then-underwriters counsel John T. Lynch Jr. are charged with failing to conduct reasonable due diligence, and Lynch also failed to disclose that he was not actually authorized to practice law at the time as represented to investors in the bond offering documents.

Underwriters are critical gatekeepers relied upon by investors to ensure that accurate information is being provided in municipal bond offering documents. Lawson Financial failed to confirm that continuing disclosure obligations were being met by the Brogdon-controlled borrowers, allowing Brogdons nursing home investment scheme to continue, said Andrew M. Calamari, Director of the SECs New York Regional Office.

Without admitting or denying the SECs findings, Lawson and his firm agreed to pay combined disgorgement of nearly $200,000 as well as penalties of nearly $200,000 for the firm and $80,000 for Lawson, who will be barred from the securities industry for three years. Lawson Financial, which would have been eligible for more lenient remedies under the SECs Municipalities Continuing Disclosure Cooperation (MCDC) Initiative, paid a penalty that was approximately double what the firm would have paid under the initiative.

Lynch agreed to a bifurcated settlement without admitting or denying the SECs findings. He must pay nearly $45,000 and agreed to the entry of an order permanently suspending him from appearing and practicing before the SEC as an attorney. The order prohibits Lynch from representing clients in SEC matters, including investigations, litigation, or examinations, and from advising clients about SEC filing obligations or content. As part of the settlement, Lynch agreed to a public hearing before an administrative law judge, who will prepare an initial decision stating whether a securities industry bar against Lynch is appropriate and in the public interest, and if so the length of time for such a bar.
Cities are the future of our world for a very simple reason: Our planets population growth in the next 30 years will be primarily absorbed by cities.

Urban areas will be the setting for future growth. Optimizing them for that eventuality will depend on just how "old" they really are.

And that growth itself is staggering. The average city will see its population double.

Imagine the New York City area growing from 24 million to 48 million. All in 30 years. Growing a city is extremely complicated. As they grow geographically, cities can become dysfunctional because their vital commuting flows become impractical. Vertical growth has its natural limits as well. And, although we have not invented underground growth yet, it will surely happen one day.

As a result, our cities will survive this massive growth if, and only if, they have excellent design and if their execution of said growth is extremely optimized. This is why all cities today, from mid-size Portland, Oregon to humongous Jing-Jin-Ji, China, need new tools and new methodologies to be as optimized as a Google backend.

But were not there yet - we need to look at three types of cities if we are to understand the challenges facing the world's cities.

"Old cities are large metropolitan areas where infrastructure is so deeply entrenched that it is hard to change. All you can do is radically optimize resources and space to make it work. Think New York, Paris or Tokyo. They are still the largest cities on Earth, but not for long.

I was involved with an amazing project in Paris, whose goal was to redesign seven iconic plazas in the City of Light. The goal was to make these spaces more pedestrian friendly. The first one, Place de la Republique, was redesigned in the traditional way  by hiring urban planners who commission and recommend plans before building them out and hoping for the best. As a result, Place de la Republique looks prettier  according to some  but nothing has really changed as to how it is used, at least according to most traffic engineers. The French have a tendency to complain, it is true, but in this case, they were right and the data proved it.

The second project, Place de la Nation, went through a completely different process. Focusing on a data-driven approach, sensors were installed around the space to get a baseline and measure the key goals of increasing pedestrian and cyclist traffic. A/B tests were conducted using movable barriers and temporary builds to measure the efficiency of each design. Finally, further tests were conducted to select the most efficient models before construction took place. This is very similar to the lean-startup model where you test as much as you can before building, and when you build, you must be confident you are achieving something close to optimal.

Young cities are probably the fastest growing group and the most challenging and interesting to design for. Think Jakarta, Lagos, or even Las Vegas. Young cities tend to be more malleable than old cities as they have whole areas that have grown so badly, often with little to no planning direction that they need to be completely redesigned.

Jakarta, often dubbed the Big Durian, is essentially ground zero of urban mobility. Here, you can spend one or two hours driving a mile, and yet you cant walk that same mile. Jakarta has thus become a flagship city in urban innovation because its needs are so dire. Las Vegas has grown explosively in recent years, but mostly horizontally, while downtown remained essentially a no-mans-land for small and medium-sized businesses and middle-class families. The Downtown Project radically rebuilt downtown, created innovative, ground-breaking container parks, startup hubs and shared living spaces that are disrupting the way we think about urban living. These spaces are oriented toward serendipitous human interactions, putting collision at its center. Las Vegas will soon export its experiences, bringing its lessons learned to other ascendant cities across the globe.

At the high end of the innovative spectrum are new cities, built from scratch to attract people. Songdo in South Korea was one of the first modern ones but initially had a difficult time filling up its modern buildings and parks. Meantime, the famed Ordos/Kanbashi in China was emblematic of a failed new city  it was built in the middle of the outer Mongolian Desert to host 500,000 people and yet had only 2,000 inhabitants five years ago. Today, however, both cities have escaped the dead-pool  Songdo is now full and thriving, and Ordos/Kanbashi now has 100,000 inhabitants and a thriving downtown.

Each city is different, and has solutions to their growth problems that will be custom tailored and radically impacted by the new mobility and new work revolution. As a sign of the times, Google/Alphabet has heavily funded Sidewalk Labs, whose goal is to build a blueprint for new cities and replicate it throughout the world. Once all cars are self-driving, once we have cheap and functional local light air travel, the equation will change again. Cities are learning to be lead and driven by data, A/B testing and optimization, just like a finely tuned algorithm.

Alexandre Winter is the CEO and Founder of Placemeter, an urban intelligence platform that helps quantify movement in cities. Prior to Placemeter, he was the tech co-founder of LTU Technologies. LTU was a pioneer in large-scale image search by content. Previously, Alex also held positions as a Computer Vision Researcher at INRIA, France and missile guidance and remote sensing engineer at Airbus Defense and Space.
An op-ed piece published by the Helsinki Times on April 11 by Finns Party (PS) MP Ville Taavio is a good example of why migrants, minorities and sensible Finns should react and be concerned about the type of country some politicians want to steer Finland towards becoming.

Just as the headline of the op-ed piece is problematic, so are many of the arguments that Tavio sets forth. For example, the PS MP sees the movement of asylum seekers to Europe as an economic factor. He claims that Europe is an "attractive" destination for asylum seekers that "lack the necessary skills for employment and the will to adopt local habits and values."

For one, somebody should tell Tavio that the vast majority of asylum seekers don't come to Europe. It is only a minority. Most of them settle in countries like Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and others. Moreover, the underlying reason why a minority of these asylum seekers came to Europe was because of war, as well as our values related to social equality and human rights.

For Tavio to state that an unprecedented amount of asylum seekers came to Europe in 2015, in light of the millions that already live in refugee camps in poorer countries like Lebanon, shows a remarkable amount of opinionated thinking.

A recent op-ed piece published by him in Uusi Suomi highlights what type of country hed like to have in store for migrants and minorities. He suggested in the op-ed piece that the Finnish Constitution should be amended to give Finns priority over foreigners. In other words, Section 6 of the Constitution should be scrapped and foreigners and minorities should be treated unequally before the law and be relegated to second- and third-class citizens.

Is this the Finland we want and is it the country that, following World War Two, so many have fought to build?

A passage in Tavio's op-ed piece in the Helsinki Times suggests that all cultures of the world are in danger of being thrown into a melting pot where theyll become one. Such fears are more fantasy than fact. I appreciate the unique diversity of humankind and I am pleased that there are so many different cultures co-existing on this planet. I see the cultures of the world as a palette where each one is beautiful in its own way, but if you mix them all together you lose the diversity and end up with something of a mess. That is why I have notoriously criticized those parties that want open borders.

Reading through Tavio's views shows that he, like many PS members, see cultural diversity and migration as a threat, which is not the case. The perceived threat that migration poses to countries like Finland is if migrants and minorities are excluded from society.

There is no rocket science involved when finding effective ways to facilitate people in adapting to our society and way of life. First and foremost in this respect is our Nordic welfare state values, which are supposed to promote mutual respect, social equality and diversity. We have very good laws that enable diversity to work. The challenge, however, is to implement them effectively.

Fortunately, politicians like Tavio are becoming an ever-visible minority. The setback that his party suffered in the municipal elections is a good example of anti-immigration rhetoric based on urban tales and racism not appealing to voters in the same way as before. The recent presidential elections of Austria in December, March's election setback of Islamophobe Geert Wilders in Holland, and now the stinging defeat of the PS in the municipal elections reinforce this point.

These elections, as well as others happening later this year in France and Germany, will reinforce the above trend and send a clear message to parties like the PS that illustrates their rhetoric isn't politically sustainable.



Enrique Tessieri is a sociologist and editor of Migrant Tales.
Limnell believes the centre will also enhance the countrys role in developing EU-Nato co-operation in preventing hybrid threats.

Jarno Limnell, a professor of cybersecurity at Aalto University, estimates that the establishment of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats in Helsinki is an indication of the recognition enjoyed by the comprehensive security model of Finland.

Finlands comprehensive security model, which brings together various societal institutions to participate in fostering security, has been acknowledged by both the EU and Nato. Our national model is an excellent example of how to prepare for hybrid threats and implement co-operation, although our own model must also be developed constantly, he writes in a column for Iltalehti.

Limnell argues that the priority should be to strengthen mutual trust and promote practical co-operation between the member states of the EU and Nato. The European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats, he adds, will provide Finland with a great opportunity to encourage co-operation in an area that is of significance in the current security climate in Europe.

[Finland] has thus an opportunity to reinforce its position as a reliable partner in promoting security, he says.

Kristi Raik, a senior researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, has similarly lauded the country for taking initiative and becoming the host of the Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Markku Ulander  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
Prisoners received 650,000 in compensation from the State last year for incidents including a prison van crash and wrongful arrest.

Figures from the Irish Prison Service (IPS) show that more than 2.1m has been paid out to prisoners since 2013, and the amount of compensation has doubled in the past two years.

Last year, six Mountjoy inmates were awarded a combined total of 250,000 for a variety of reasons including assaults, slips, trips and falls, as well as receiving injuries from "mechanical components".

One prisoner was paid 129,850 after being subjected to violence, harassment and aggression.

Another, incarcerated at the Midlands Prison in Co Laois, was paid 16,000 for psychological distress after being wrongfully arrested.

In all, 108,000 was paid out for slips, trips and falls for seven incidents in separate prisons across the country.

Last year's figure was more than double the 249,000 paid out in 2014.

It was also significantly higher than the 468,059 compensation awarded in 2015.

The IPS said the figures related to when a payment was made, not when the claim occ-urred.

Compensation claims for last year were lower than the 750,000 paid out in 2013, the largest single payment of which was a 240,000 claim brought by an inmate in Cork Prison for psychological hazards as a result of "wrongful exposure."

Last year, the State also paid 64,750 to a juvenile who was imprisoned at St Patrick's Institution.

This related to what the IPS described as "behavioural hazards" stemming from violence, harassment and aggression.

Notorious

Arbour Hill Prison, which houses some of the country's most notorious sex offenders, was subject to only one compensation payment in the last four years.

A total of 15,837 was paid to an inmate in 2015 for a physical hazard, as a result of a slip, trip or fall.

More than 100,000 has been paid to inmates who received physical and psychological injuries while being transported to court and between prisons since 2013.

Last year's compensation figures for the Prison Service Escort Corps (PSEC) showed one prisoner was awarded 22,545 after the vehicle he was travelling in crashed, while another inmate was paid 50,000 for what is described as "self-injurious" behaviour.
Timea Gergely made a very stupid decision, said her lawyer

A hairdresser caught stealing cosmetics from a city store maintained she had been overcharged before.

A court heard Timea Gergely (34) was stopped when security staff spotted her taking the goods in the run up to Christmas.

Judge Timothy Lucey applied the Probation Act, leaving her without a criminal record, after she made a 100 donation to charity.

Gergely, a mother-of-one of Francis Street in the south inner city, pleaded guilty to theft.

Dublin District Court heard the incident happened at Penneys on Mary Street last Dec- ember 20.

Gda Katrina Kelleher told Judge Lucey the defendant walked out of the store without making any effort to pay for the 11 worth of cosmetics she had taken.

She was stopped by security, taken back inside and the gardai were called.

The property was recovered in a saleable condition and returned to the shop.

Ashamed

Gergely was arrested and taken to Pearse Street Garda Station.

The accused had indicated before the court hearing that she intended pleading guilty, her barrister said.

Gda Kelleher agreed that Gergely had been easily apprehended and cooperative. She had apologised on the day.

The garda said she did not expect the accused to come before the court again and Gergely had no previous convictions of any kind.

The court heard that the defendant was originally from Hungary but had spent the last eight years in Ireland.

She was a fully qualified hairdresser and was working part-time.

Gergely had never been in trouble before and was "quite ashamed" of what she had done, her lawyer said.

She said she had been previously overcharged for something.

"The whole experience has been very frightening for her and very shameful," he said.

"She made a mistake on the day. She made a very stupid decision."

Judge Lucey said the poor box had been seen sometimes as a way for people to "buy their way out of trouble", but it had not been the case on this occasion.
Four gardai were hospitalised with injuries sustained in two separate incidents across the country over the Easter weekend. A female garda suffered a fractured wrist and a male garda sergeant a suspected fractured jaw during an assault in Dublin in the early hours of Monday morning.

The incident happened when the two gardai approached a group of men in Finglas in north Dublin shortly before 2am.

One of the men in the group assaulted both gardai during the incident at Aylward Green.

"They called for back-up and a number of garda units went to the scene to assist them," said a garda spokesman.

Two men in their 20s were arrested in connection with the incident. Lee Maguire (28) and Thomas Donoghue (25), both from Finglas, appeared before Dublin District Court charged with public order offences. A file will also be prepared for the DPP in relation to the alleged assault of the gardai.

The two injured officers were taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown.

The female garda received treatment for a fractured wrist and was later discharged. The garda sergeant continued to receive treatment at the hospital for a suspected fractured jaw, said the garda spokesman.

Condemn

Lord Mayor Brendan Carr appealed for anyone with information in relation to the incident to contact gardai, while wishing the two injured members a speedy recovery.

"I strongly condemn the attack on two members of An Garda Siochana, which occurred in the Finglas area last night," he said.

"I would like to pass on best wishes on behalf of the people of Dublin to the two gardai and wish them a full and speedy recovery."

"While I accept that the public may have concerns in relation to some ongoing issues within the gardai, the ordinary men and women who are working on the streets to protect us all are doing a great job in some very difficult circumstances.

"They fully deserve our respect and appreciation and I would urge the public to show their support for them by providing any information in relation to last night's attack."

Separately, three Lithuanian nationals have been charged in relation to another assault, which resulted in two gardai being hospitalised.

The assault on the male garda, who was accompanied by a female officer, occurred at Station Road, Claremorris, Co Mayo, in the early hours of Easter Sunday.

They were treated at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, and were later discharged.

Custody

The three young men arrested following the incident appeared before Judge Mary Devins at a special court sitting in Ballina yesterday morning charged with assault causing harm.

They are Krits Kiepis (18), of Grattan Close, Claremorris; Karolis Astruskzs (21), of Chapel Court, Claremorris; and Elvis Vitolins (22), of Chapel Court, Claremorris.

All three were remanded in custody.
BRISTOL, Va. Sergeant Thomas Andrew Williams, age 33, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 16, 2017, at his home. Andy was a 2001 graduate of Patrick Henry High School and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Administration of Justice from the University of Virginia at Wise. He began his career with the Virginia State Police in 2006 and currently worked the Springfield, Va. area. Andy was an avid Dallas Cowboys and University of North Carolina Tarheels fan. Andy was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Burnace G. Bates; and paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Margaret Henderson Williams. He is survived by his wife, Maggie Kelly Williams; children, Katelyn Elizabeth Williams, Ethan Andrew Williams, and Allie Grace Williams, all of the home; mother, Pamela Price and husband, Randy of Glade Spring, Va.; father, Tom Williams and wife, Tammy of Damascus, Va.; brother, Adam Williams of New York, N.Y.; maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Ann Bates of Glade Spring, Va.; step sisters, Alicia Moon of Charlotte, N.C. and Emily Sullivan of Arlington, Texas; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation with the family will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2017, at First Baptist Church, 306 East Laurel Ave., Damascus, Va. with the Rev. Darlene Litton, Pastor John E. Massey, Jr., and Pastor Greg Alderman officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Rose Cemetery with Adam Williams, Neil Johnson, Chesari Tiano, Ronchez Hancock, Matt Neese, Alex Willey, Marty Kelly, and Chris Davenport serving as pallbearers. The Virginia State Police Honor Guard will conduct honors at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia State Police Association Emergency Relief Fund, 6944 Forest Hills Ave, Richmond, VA 23225, in Sergeant William's name. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The family of Thomas Andrew Williams is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.
Cox casts his ballot and more Election Day live updates

Need help looking up candidates? Here's a breakdown of the critical seats across the state.
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After all the campaigning, Election Day is here. Check out the live updates for Bloomington, Indiana's, polls during Election Day 2022.
HICKORY  Hickory Police responded to a robbery at the Members Credit Union on Monday at approximately 4:30 p.m., according to a press release.

A man entered the bank located at 2142 12th Ave. NE, in Hickory. He approached the counter displaying a handgun and demanded money, according to the release.

After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, he exited the business and fled on foot.

The suspect is an early 20s, white man, 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a stocky build and weighs around 250 pounds, according to the release. He was wearing a royal blue shirt, black jogging pants, black rimmed glasses, a fake beard, backpack and hat.

Officers are searching for the suspect, and anyone with information is asked to contact Inv. K. Craig at 828-328-5551, 828-261-2616 or kcraig@hickorync.gov.
HICKORY  Miss Teen North Carolina Courtney Little and her sister, Laura Little, dressed as Elsa and Anna on Saturday morning in downtown Hickory to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Sipes Orchard Home.

As Miss Teen North Carolina United States, donating to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Sipes Orchard Home is part of my platform, Courtney Little said.

The funds raised will be split in half and donated to each organization.

The funds the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society receives will help families with traveling and boarding expenses along with funding research.

Sipes Orchard Home works with children who have been neglected, which is the other part of my platform, Courtney Little said. We did this event to promote that and raise awareness for each organization.

Courtney Littles family has been hosting events similar to this for the past three years.

Laura helped with the event when she was Miss Teen, Gail Little, Courtney Littles mother, said. There is nothing like this in our area and the children love it.

Courtney Littles senior project for Alexandria High School has been focused on childhood neglect.

My thought was that I could use this event to help support Sipes Orchard Home and really make an impact, Courtney Little said. They are both really great causes.

Being able to host an event like this has been easy for Courtney Little because of her love of children.

I love kids, so any work that I do with kids is just so much fun, Courtney Little said. Seeing their faces light up is the cutest thing ever.

We will have this event again at some point, and we would love to have as many people come out as possible.

The love of working with children was a commonality that all helpers shared, including Lexi Purgason.

Its so fun to work with these little girls, Purgason said. You can see that they feel like little princesses.

Children ages 2-12 were able to have their hair, nails and makeup done by the helpers. Purgason helped with painting nails and doing makeup.

Ive just been helping wherever I am needed, Purgason said. Ive also been walking around playing games with the kids because they all love games.

They just love everything that you do, even if you mess up the makeup. They still have a lot of fun.

Jordyn Wisniewski, mother of one of the many children at the event, explained why she drove from South Charlotte to participate.

My daughter, Saylor, has been doing pageants since she was 6 months old, Wisniewski said. Thats how we know Courtney and Laura; they are wonderful.

Making numerous connections in pageantry, Wisniewski said she tries to take her daughter to support others outside of the pageantry realm.

We wouldnt miss it, Wisniewski said. They do not dress up as Elsa and Anna often, so when they do, we make sure to come out and support them.

Wisniewski started her daughter in pageants to help promote self-confidence.

She was doing very well with the pageants, Wisniewski said. I am also trying to teach her how to lose gracefully, which is something not many people think about when they hear pageantry.

Also, the friendships that are made in pageantry last forever. Having those connections are great for her.

More than 50 children signed up to be a princess for a day, in addition to a large number of walk-ins.

We werent going to accept walk-ins or anyone after noon, Gail Little said. How could anyone say no to a little girl?

The event began at 10 a.m., with donations totaling $370 by 10:30 a.m.

Everyone has been so generous, Gail Little said. We are so thankful for all of the support from everyone that came.
NEWTON  What started out as 150 laps turned into a three-lap shootout as Preston Peltier held off Ben Rowe and Raphael Lessard to win the 12th Annual Easter Bunny 150 Pro All Star Series (PASS) Super Late model event at Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday.

Lessard finished second followed by Rowe, Matt Craig and Cole Butcher in fifth.

But following the race, Lessard was disqualified by PASS officials because his spotter entered the tower after the race and confronted PASS officials.

That moved Rowe to second, followed by Craig in third, moved Butcher to fourth, and Newtons Brandon Setzer moved from sixth to fifth in the official running order.

Its Peltiers seventh win in PASS at HMS, his fourth Easter Bunny 150 title and 15th career win in the South division.

It also snapped a two-year winless streak for Peltier, whose last win was in 2015 at the Easter Bunny 150.

Peltier has won two of the last three Easter Bunny 150s, three of the last five, and four of the last eight.

The three-lap shootout was set up when former NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Travis Kavapil brought out the sixth caution when he made contact with the wall in turn one on lap 147.

With three to go when that caution came out, I thought, Oh man, here it goes again, Peltier said. My tires werent really the best there at the end. Ive got to thank Ben (Rowe). He could have used me up, and he didnt and it shows what good character he has.

Rowe and Lessard made Peltier work for the win as they ran three-wide for a portion of the final three laps, but Peltier was able to fend off both challenges en route to the win.

I know how Ben Rowe races and I was comfortable having him there (inside), Peltier said referring to the three-wide racing in the final laps. I was thankful because if the 99 car (Lessard) had been on the inside of me, it might have been a different story.

Peltier led for 85 total laps and the final 49 laps. Peltier took the lead for the final time when he passed Craig on the backstretch on lap 102.

For Rowe, who was seeking his second straight Easter Bunny 150 title and third overall, his second-place finish was his third straight finish of third or better in the annual event.

It was a good day right of the bat, Rowe said, who started 14th in the 32-car field. We worked our way up, took our time and nearly pulled it off in the end. It was fun.

Craig  who had won two straight entering the event  started fourth and was in the mix all day. He was in the top five, led for five laps and was satisfied with his day despite not getting the win.

This is five straight top four finish for us so overall a good day, Craig said. We had a good run but our car was a little too loose for us to get up there and content at the end but I was glad it played out like it did.

Setzer was the biggest mover of the day.

Setzer started 24th and finished with his second straight fifth-place finish and third fifth-place finish in the last four events.

It would have been nice to start up front, Setzer said. We had a really good car, and it bites you when you start that far back. If we could have gotten a better starting position, I really think we would have had a chance to win.

On lap 116, Setzer moved into the top five and stayed in the top six the final 35 laps.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch, a last minute entry  started third but by lap 15 was behind the wall with mechanical issues and finished 30th.

The hard-luck award would have to go to Lessard, who started on the pole and led 31 laps.

Lessard was warned on lap 59 for rough driving when he got into the back of Lee Hansard, and at the end of the race, he didnt know why he had been disqualified.

He (Peltier) did a great job and on the last restart, I think he used me up and I would have done the same thing, Lessard said. I dont know why I was disqualified. I am sure we will talk about it and move on.

In other action, George Kurtz won the United States Auto Club (USAC) Eastern Midget event followed by Jessica Bean, Nolan Allison, Sam Hatfield and rounding out the top five was Jagger Parker.

In the Legends event, Mike Womack  who started 10th in the 11-car field  edged Zack Miller, who started seventh, in a photo finish for the win.
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When Canadian defence minister Harjit Singh Sajjan announced his first official trip to India two months ago, it reignited a sense of collective pride in Punjab with expectations of a warm welcome for the return of the native. For, Sajjan is the first Punjab-born Sikh to hold the top defence job in a foreign land, and epitomises yet another incredible success story of the Punjabi diaspora. But, Sajjans high-profile visit has been met with a cold reception from unexpected quarters  Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

The visit got embroiled in an unsavoury row even before Sajjan set foot on Indian soil on Monday.

The Captain started it all by dubbing Sajjan a Khalistani sympathiser, and refused to meet him during his visit to Punjab later this week. The chief ministers outburst triggered a chain of reactions, reflecting a sharp divide in opinion on Sajjans credentials. While Congress MPs and MLAs were quick to come out in Amarinders support, his remarks have not gone down well with other political parties and the Sikh diaspora. Slamming Amarinders stand, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex Sikh religious body, announced its plan to honour Sajjan when he pays obeisance at the Harmandar Sahib on April 20.

Sikh fundamentalist groups such as the Damdami Taksal and Dal Khalsa were quick to seize the opportunity, asking the SGPC for permission to honour the visiting dignitary. But, SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar correctly grasped the sensitivity of the matter and rejected the radical fringes demand.

While the Canadian authorities called Amarinders allegations incorrect and unfortunate, Sajjan initially refused to join issue and stuck to the carefully-worded and diplomatically correct script. He chose his own timing and place to clear the air. I dont promote the break-up of any country. My job is to promote the bilateral relations, he said, hours after his arrival in New Delhi.

That, however, is unlikely to mellow the Captain. He has stuck to his guns, citing as evidence the fact that Sajjans father has long been associated with the World Sikh Organisation (WSO), an overseas body that once espoused and funded the cause of a separate Sikh state.

Its incredulous that as a seasoned politician as Amarinder, barely five weeks into power, has chosen to rake up the lost cause of Khalistan and used that as a ruse to distance himself from a Punjab-origin top ranking Canadian minister who ironically belongs to his own ilk. Lt Col Sajjan is a decorated war veteran of his adopted country.

In doing so, Amarinder has willy-nilly given publicity oxygen to the long-rejected Khalistani rump.

Personal pique, public posture

More than an ideological stand, the real reason for Amarinders snub for Sajjan seemingly stems from his personal pique. He has a bone to pick since last year when the Canadian authorities had put a spanner in his trip to the country before the Punjab assembly elections, on the grounds of legal bar on political canvassing by foreigners. In a sternly-worded letter to the Canadian prime minister, the Captain had blamed the pro-Khalistan lobby for playing spoilsport. Not surprisingly, his charge against the Canadian minister sounds like payback.

In public perception, Amarinders stance is not seen in good taste. From Punjabs standpoint, he may have jettisoned any benefits accruing from the deepening bilateral ties between India and the Justin Trudeau government which has four Sikh ministers  more than the Narendra Modi cabinet. That itself is a significant marker of the sway of the half-a-million-strong Sikh diaspora in the maple countrys power politics.

It is true that the traumatic events of the 1980s continue to resonate among the Sikh diaspora and have come to be inextricably linked to domestic politics in Canada. That explains Ontario provinces extraordinary motion recently, calling the 1984 anti-Sikh violence  genocide  a move that India has frowned upon. Yet, only a tiny section of the overseas Sikh constituency still fantasises about Khalistan. A silent majority has long moved away from the separatist mooring, as evident from the rising clout of moderates in the local gurdwara politics.

Ironically, the Captain, in 2005, was the first, and last, Punjab chief minister after Operation Bluestar to have ventured into Canada. Reaching out to the sullen Sikh community, he had audaciously addressed a gathering in a Toronto gurdwara, then in control of hot-headed Khalistanis. A controversy ensued, but he had justified his heart-warming gesture as a bid to win over the alienated Sikhs. In his second stint at the helm of Punjab, Amarinder may have lost an opportunity to reconnect with the NRIs and earn their goodwill.
It was March 1967. Poor farmers armed with lathis, bows and arrows raided the paddy granaries of jotedars at Naxalbari, situated at the tri-junction of India, Nepal and Bangladesh (then, East Pakistan).

These were small incidents but with far-reaching implications. The Peoples Daily of China hailed these attacks as a peal of spring thunder and that the Chinese people joyfully applaud this revolutionary storm of the Indian peasants.

The events were mainly shaped by Charu Mazumdar, Kanu Sanyal and Jangal Santhal. Charu was the brain behind the movement, Kanu the organiser, while Santhal mobilised the tribal santhal community. The movement was crushed by the police, but its sparks flew to distant parts of India.

The Indian State could never imagine that the movement would spread across states and, at its peak, affect 200 districts in 20 states. The UPA government, on more than one occasion, described this Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) as the greatest threat to the internal security of the country.

According to latest estimates, 104 districts in 13 states are affected by the Maoist movement. With 2017 marking the 50th anniversary of the Naxalite movement, security forces stationed in the so-called Red Corridor have sounded the alarm that recent attacks on security forces could signal the start of a resurgence of anti-state activity by the armed insurgents. On March 11, 12 personnel of the CRPF were killed by Maoists in Sukma of Chhattisgarh. The Maoists were able to decamp with six INSAS rifles, four AK-47 rifles, one 51 mm mortar and some other weapons and ammunition.

The NDA government claims to be winning the war against the Maoists. It is true that there has been significant shrinkage in the total area affected by Maoist violence and that several members of the partys central committee and politburo have been neutralised. Last year, however, witnessed a considerable escalation in Maoist depredations.

There were a total of 433 fatalities in 2016 as against 251 in 2015. What is worrying is that the proportion of security forces personnel killed to that of Maoists has dropped from 1:3.7 in 2016 to 1:1.55 in 2017 (to date).

Indias home minister Rajnath Singh recently claimed that the Maoist threat would be eliminated in the next five years. It is true that the military capability of the Maoists has been seriously dented, but lets not be too optimistic. If we take a historical overview of the Naxalite/Maoist movement, we find that twice in the past, governments believed that they had knocked out LWE but they managed a comeback.

After the arrest of Charu Mazumdar in 1972 and the subsequent differences within the party, it was thought that the movement had run out of steam. However, it revived in 1980 with the formation of the Peoples War Group (PWG) by Kondapalli Seetharamaiah. Effective counter-insurgency operations however decimated the PWG. Seetharamaiah was arrested.

Again, the government thought the movement had been vanquished. However, in 2004, the movement resurrected in its third avatar when its two major components - the Peoples War and the Maoist Communist Centre - merged to form the Communist Party of India (Maoist).

It was declared that the objective of the party was to carry on and complete the already ongoing and advancing New Democratic Revolution in India as part of world proletarian revolution by overthrowing the semi-colonial, semi-feudal system. The guerrilla outfits were reorganised as Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army, which is about 6,000 strong.

The movement keeps on reappearing like a phoenix because the basic socio-economic factors, which are responsible for it, remain unaddressed. Poverty continues to be a problem and, according to the expert group headed by C Rangarajan, 29.5% of the population lived below the poverty line in 2011-12. Wealth is increasing, but its distribution is unequal.

About 1% of the rich are said to own 58% of the countrys wealth. Unemployment is another area of concern. Land reforms have been forgotten. Tribals are an alienated lot, largely due to their displacement as a result of developmental activities in the forest areas.

The state police forces unfortunately lean heavily on the shoulders of the Central Armed Police Forces. The great lesson of Punjab is that until the state police take the terrorists/extremists head-on, the battle against terrorism/extremism will never be won. Other forces can play only a supporting role. The state police are today in a shambles.

It is also disconcerting that the successes of the security forces are not followed up by the administration. Government departments do not establish themselves in areas when the Maoists have been driven away. In course of time, Maoists fill the administrative vacuum and regain the lost ground.

And so, the battle which started 50 years ago in Naxalbari goes on. It will continue to bleed the Indian State until we improve governance and address the core issues which sustain the movement.

Prakash Singh is a retired police chief and was member of an expert group appointed by the Planning Commission to study the problem

The views expressed are personal
This time, a year ago, the question asked in muted tones was: Will the AIADMK win? The party was contesting elections to break an anti-incumbency curse that had been haunting Tamil Nadu for three decades.

Under then Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa the party broke that curse and how.

The AIADMK was then a force to reckon with  its leader was an iron lady who carved out her space in a male-dominated political canvas and was among the few leaders who could look Delhi in the eye. Stopping this juggernaut seemed impossible, even for the versifier in Kalaignar or an MK Stalin who changed his sartorial choices to attract young voters.

Today, a year later, the question asked at just about every street corner is: Will the AIADMK survive this wave of uncertainty? It looks uncertain and when this turmoil is over what is left will be a pale shadow of a once resounding voice of Dravidian pride.

Since Jayalalithaas death in December, the party and the government have gone into a tailspin. They resemble a rudderless boat with a divided crew and a broken mast. The present party leader is much like King Joffrey of the popular fantasy TV drama Game of Thrones  his popularity among courtiers is not shared by the masses.

Oddly enough, these uncertainties are about a party that has absolute majority in the assembly.

But thats how the wheel of fortune turns in Indian politics, especially in parties run as fiefdoms by their leaders  leaders whose vision for their state is acknowledged world over but who are blind to the immediate future of their party. AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran and his successor Jayalalithaa both failed to build a leadership chain and appoint a political heir when alive. Much of the current instability is because of this.

Today, the AIADMK is staring at an uncertain future. After a fierce battle, the O Panneerselvam camp is ready to mend fences with the main party (the VK Sasikala faction) but on the condition that the Mannargudi mafia  a reference to Sasikala and her family members associated with the party  is kept out of the party. This coincides with an inter-caste Vanniyar-Gounder battle brewing in the Sasikala faction of the party.

So engrossed is the ruling party in the crisis that it has been unable to address many of the problems the state is facing  its inability to deal with farmer suicides is one of the examples.

It looks like Panneerselvam and [chief minister] Edappadi [Palanisami] will join hands and push [TTV] Dinakaran and the rest out of the party. Sasikala is no longer a political factor. Their joining hands will save the Two Leaves party symbol and the MLAs will flock towards them, says G Babu Jayakumar, a senior journalist in Chennai.

But there is another fallout from this crisis which is set to change not only the AIADMK but also the face of Tamil Nadu politics. The infighting and probable reunion will not do much to boost the morale of the disillusioned party cadre. Both OPS and Edappadi are not leaders with a mass appeal to galvanise the rank and file of the party. They might be able to sideline Dinakaran but that will not help take the party to its past glory. The cadre that leaves the AIADMK will not gravitate towards the DMK, but to any other party that looks promising  and at the moment its the BJP which is that shining star.

The BJP is already controlling some sections of the AIADMK. More than that, its party cadre and the RSS are focusing on the grassroot level. This, along with a push from Delhi, will make the BJP a major player in Tamil Nadu in a very short time, says a professor from Anna University who did not choose to be identified.

The AIADMK has faced all this and more even before completing a year in office. If this was a movieyes, the umbilical cord connecting politics and cinema in Tamil Nadu is yet to be cut  the parallel would be: Before the interval, we have the protagonist dying after great suspense and speculation, this is followed by a gun battle between her friend and political heir, her friend ends up in a jail cell, this leads to twists and turns of such proportion that even Quentin Tarantino could not have scripted it.

@VijuCherian

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Religion-based reservations will divide the nation and create social unrest akin to what Pakistan is facing, Union minister Venkaiah Naidu said in Bhopal on Monday.

Naidu, who heads the urban development ministry, was referring to a bill passed by the Telangana assembly to increase reservations for Muslims in educational institutions and government jobs to 12%. The NDA is in favour of reservation on the basis of social and educational backwardness, but we never favour religion-based quotas. Even our Constitution doesnt allow it, said Naidu, adding that many politicians in the past had made similar attempts to promote people of a certain community.

Naidu had come to the Madhya Pradesh capital with Union power minister Piyush Goyal to attend an MoU-signing ceremony for the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited (RUMSL) project, intended to provide 24% electricity to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and two other companies.

In his address, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said RUMSL will provide electricity to the Delhi Metro at Rs 3.30 per unit. This is half the rate at which electricity is currently being obtained by the DMRC. The project will be completed by October 2018, he added.

The Mahendra Renewables Private Limited (Mumbai), Acme Solar Holdings Private Limited (Gurgaon) and Solanergi Power Private Limited (Mauritius) had won the bids to produce 750-MW electricity in the 33-hour-long bidding process to develop the worlds largest solar power project.

Goyal praised the efforts of the Madhya Pradesh government, and expressed confidence that the Rewa power project agreement would inspire other states across the country. Our target of producing 20,000-MW electricity through solar power plants will be achieved by 2018, and Madhya Pradesh will play an important role in it, he said.

Naidu, for his part, said the governments objective was to provide electricity to over 18,000 villages still living in the dark across the country. He also spoke on the importance of water, and how saving the precious liquid was tantamount to saving lives.

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At least 22 guest teachers of government schools in Madhya Pradeshs Damoh town have lost their job after they allegedly shouted slogans demanding regularisation of their services before chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a public meeting.

These guest teachers shouted slogans to attract Chouhans attention to their demand for regularisation of their service and the inordinate delay in payment of salaries during an Antyodaya programme held at the tehsil ground at Damoh town on April 12.

If you create disturbances like this you would cease to be even guest teachers and no demands will be accepted, Chouhan warned the teachers.

The teachers, who taught at primary, middle and higher secondary schools in Damoh, stopped shouting slogans but the education department authorities took the issue seriously particularly because of the chief ministers displeasure.

Damoh district education officer PP Singh told Hindustan Times the services of 22 guest teachers had been terminated following the divisional commissioners orders.

As per instructions received (from the commissioner, Sagar division), the guest teachers tried to create disturbances in chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans Antyodaya Mela programme by raising slogans. Looking into the seriousness of the matter, terminate the services of guest teachers concerned and keep this office informed, Singhs order, which was issued to the principals of the schools where these guest teachers taught, read.

Damoh guest teachers association president Chandra Shekhar Rai, who also faced action, termed the government action as illegal and devoid of humanitarian aspect.

We were raising the demands in a democratic manner. We will convey this to our state body which will decide our future course of action, Rai told HT.

However, we will continue to fight for our rights, he added.

Congress state vice-president Govind Rajput said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was suppressing the voices of teachers in an undemocratic manner and that his party stood by the teachers in their fight.
Veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Amol Palekar has filed a plea with the Supreme Court challenging pre-censorship of films by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The apex court has sought a response from the central government and the CBFC on the plea.

Amol Palekar in a still from Rajinigandha.

A bench of justice A K Sikri and justice Ashok Bhushan sought a response as the veteran contended that in the age of internet and social media, the existing set of rules providing for pre-censorship of films have to undergo change.

Senior advocate Gopal Subramaniam, appearing for Palekar, sought action on the report of a committee headed by legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal which, among other things, had suggested that the censor boards role should be confined to certifying films.

The petitioner is challenging the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983 which in turn imposes pre-censorship on the freedom of speech and expression of the artistes as well as the audience, Subramaniam told the court.

The petitioner is aggrieved by the provisions granting the power of ordering cuts, deletions, alterations in a film along with the abuse of power while exercising the powers given by the said Act and Rules while certifying and/or denying certification to any applicant film, he said.

Seeking a revamp of the Cinematography Act, 1952 and the censor board, Palekar, in his petition, said the contents uploaded on social media are free from pre-censorship but those very things attract alternation, deletion or cuts when it comes to films.

When content on television and internet is free of censorship, the same content being altered, cut or deleted before being shown in a cinema hall is an attack on our right to equality, the petition said, calling for a change in rules in the present day.

Today modern technology makes dissemination of information available in real time through a variety of media, many of which are either not regulated or if regulated, not subjected to pre-censorship, Palekar said.

He also noted that the absence of a a member with a legal background in CBFC often led to repeated violation of filmmakers fundamental right to speech and expression.

The SC notice garnered a lot of attention, as fans and the film industry voiced support.

Moving Supreme Court for amendments in Cinematograph Act is a master stroke by #AmolPalekar. Redundant fighting messengers Nihalani & #CBFC.  Apurva Asrani (@Apurvasrani) April 17, 2017

I stand by & thank #AmolPalekar for his #PIL against the archival CBFC rules in the #SupremeCourt.  Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) April 17, 2017

#AmolPalekar ji, first of all a bunch of jokers adorns the chair of @CBFC_India , remove them first and change... https://t.co/uukFVdmcqZ  Arunangsu RC (@Arunangsu) April 17, 2017

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Bollywood fans were busy expressing outrage against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over the weekend for rejecting Raveena Tandons upcoming film - Maatr. Media reports claimed the board members first walked out of the screening of the movie and subsequently, when it was again screened for them on Saturday, they rejected it finding it too violent.

A poster of Maatr.

The films producer Anjum Rizvi, however, refuted the rumours and told Hindustan Times, All these reports are false. The movie was not screened on Saturday or earlier. It is being screened for the board members today and we hope to get the final decision today itself.

He also expressed hopes that the film will releases as scheduled, on April 21.

ANI had earlier quoted CBFC CEO Anurag Shrivastava denying the claims, The screening of the movie Maatr for CBFC was done yesterday evening and at the moment there is no screening of Maatr again. The ban on the movie is false, as the examination committee is still in process and the result will be conveyed in a day or two.

Interestingly, it was not just the online janta who gave a knee-jerk reaction. Even the movies lead actor, Raveena, lapped up on the opportunity and said., I can count films whose sense of humour was vulgar but there was no objection made. Now with Maatr, when we are showing the reality, objections are being raised and it is surprising.

Maatr is directed by Ashtar Sayed and features Raveena as a single mother. It is due for April 21 release, but the actress said she wasnt aware about the next move of its makers.

Amol Palekar sir has approached the Supreme Court (over censorship) and even Shyam Benegal has submitted his report so we are hoping change will come, she said.

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The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly suggested several cuts for Sonakshi Sinhas upcoming fim, Noor. It releases this Friday.

Sonakshi plays a journalist in Noor.

A DNA report claimed on Tuesday that the board has asked the words dalit, Barkha Dutt and a liquor brands name to be muted. The word Dalit has been muted from Noor wherever it occurs. Weirdly, the Board wants sex toy to be replaced by adult site, the report quoted a source as saying.

Regarding eminent journalist Barkha Dutts name, the Quint quoted a board member as saying, Referring to real-life characters without their consent is not allowed. We gave them the option of either get the well-known journalists permission or to beep out the direct reference to her..

Reacting to the reports, Barkha tweeted, Barkha without the Dutt dear Censor Board is kinda like poori minus channa. More seriously, how bizarre is this decision !!

Barkha without the Dutt dear Censor Board is kinda like poori minus channa. More seriously, how bizarre is this decision !! https://t.co/qPYSNLOqEy  barkha dutt (@BDUTT) April 14, 2017

Noor is based on Saba Imtiazs novel Karachi, Youre Killing Me!, and tells the tale of journalist-writer Noors misadventures and love life as she navigates her way through Mumbai.

Noor features Sonakshi Sinha as the title character, along with Kanan Gill, Shibani Dandekar and Purab Kohli in pivotal roles.

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Australia will abolish a temporary work visa popular with foreigners and replace it with a new programme requiring better English-language and job skills, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Tuesday.

Turnbull, struggling with poor voter approval ratings, rejected suggestions the visa policy change was in response to far-right wing political parties, such as One Nation, demanding more nationalistic policies. But in a Facebook announcement Turnbull said: Our reforms will have a simple focus: Australian jobs and Australian values.

The move to abolish the popular work visa used by over 95,000 foreign workers, majority of them Indians, is apparently aimed at tackling the growing unemployment in the country. The majority of the visa holders were from India followed by the UK and China.

The programme known as 457 visa allows business to employ foreign workers for a period up to four years in skilled jobs where there is a shortage of Australian workers.

The Indian government is examining consequences of the new policy in consultation with all stakeholders. This is also a matter we will be looking at in the context of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations, external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

In a similar vein, US President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Tuesday directing changes to a temporary visa programme used to bring foreign workers to the United States to fill highly skilled jobs. The order is an attempt by Trump to carry out his America First election campaign pledges.

Turnbull said the visa change would attract better skilled workers and see Australians employed over cheap foreign workers brought in under the old 457 visa programme.

We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains- Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs, he said. Well no longer allow 457 visas to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians.

The 457 visa was introduced in the 1990s to expedite the entry of business professionals and highly skilled migrants but over time it was opened up to include a broad suite of workers.

The programme has become mired in controversy with allegations the visa was being misused by employers to import workers on the cheap, not to fill genuine skill shortages.

We are bringing the 457 visa class to an end. Its lost its credibility, Turnbull said at a press conference in Canberra.

Anyone now in Australia on a 457 visa will not be affected by the new arrangements.

The 457 visa, now used by about 95,000 foreign workers, will be replaced by a new temporary visa and the list of occupations that qualify for a visa will be reduced from more than 200.

The new visa will be limited to a two-year period and a second four-year visa will require a higher standard of English language. From 1901 to around 1973, Australia restricted non-white immigration under a White Australia policy, which required an English language test.

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), which represents more than 60,000 businesses, said the changes would improve the integrity of Australias visa programme.

The temporary skilled visa programme should now be considered as settled without the need for further reviews and disruptive policy change, said Ai Group chief executive Innes Willox.

Some experts said the government should focus on boosting education and training systems to address Australias skills needs.

The opposition was not impressed though. Labour leader Bill Shorten tweeted the only job Malcolm Turnbull cares about saving is his own.
Mumbai For banks looking to recover about R9,000 crore from fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, who was arrested and released on bail in London on Tuesday, its a long road ahead.

This is only one of the many steps in the right direction, said a senior official at State Bank of India (SBI), which leads a group of 16 banks that provided loans to Kingfisher Airlines Ltd, the grounded airline once led by Mallya. It obviously gives us a lot of confidence in this case, but there is a long way to go before the actual extradition happens and he (Mallya) faces the courts here. Only after that can we hope for any recovery, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Mallyas extradition hearing has started and the UK courts will take a decision after Indian authorities present adequate proof of financial fraud.

Mallya left for London in March 2016 after the lenders moved the Supreme Court to recover loans from him. His attempt to reach a one-time settlement were rejected by banks. Due to the involvement of investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), bankers later dropped all talks of settlement with Mallya and his representatives.

Banks have managed to recover some of their money through various recovery measures. Some of them sold Kingfisher Airlines shares pledged against the loans. This month, they also managed to sell Mallyas lavish Kingfisher Villa in Goa for R73 crore, after three failed auctions. Kingfisher House in Mumbai remains unsold, after multiple attempts at auctioning it.

In February 2016, Mallya and Diageo Plc announced a deal in which the liquor baron would receive $75 million from the global beverages maker in return for stepping down as chairman of United Spirits Ltd, which Diageo owns, and as a non-compete fee. By the time a debt recovery tribunal in Bengaluru blocked Mallya from accessing the money, a payment of $40 million had already been made to him.

One silver lining for bankers in the entire Mallya episode is their increased authority in conversations with defaulting borrowers.

If a borrower wants to drag legitimate repayment to banks or plans to escape the country, he will think twice due to this case, said a second public sector banker, who is directly involved with the Kingfisher loan recovery case.

Investigations against Mallya and Kingfisher Airlines by the CBI also rattled the banking sector after a few former officials of IDBI Bank were arrested in January, in the matter. The bankers were released on bail by the Bombay high court in March.
Finance minister Arun Jaitley will leave on a five-day trip to the United States where he will attend the World Bank and International Monetary Funds spring meetings, and also woo investors.

Jaitley will be accompanied by his officials at the finance ministry including economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das, chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian and Reserve Bank of India governor Urjit Patel, at the spring meeting.

India has been pushing for changes in the Bretton Woods Institutions for quite some time including quota reforms for greater say for emerging economies, and recapitalisation.

Both World Bank and IMF had coined India as the bright spot in the global economy even though they lowered growth projections for the country after demonetisation.

Jaitley, who will leave for the US on April 19, is likely to hard-sell the India growth story.

On April 21, Jaitley and Patel are scheduled to participate in the G-20 meeting on financial sector development and regulations. They are also slated to attend the IMF committees meeting on global development and prospects, and another session on early warning exercise.

Jaitley will also meet American CEOs and attend a dinner hosted by the Ambassador of India in the USA.

On April 22, the finance minister will meet with his US counterpart and treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin.

Jaitley and his team will participate in the development committee plenary meeting of the World Bank and interact with World Bank president Jim Yong Kim.

On April 23, the finance minister will address industry leaders at New York at a dinner hosted by the FICCI.

On April 24, Jaitley will hold a brainstorming session with institutional investors and a luncheon meeting with long term investors.

During his visit, Jaitley will also meet editors of Washington Post and the New York Times.

From US, Jaitley will leave for Moscow on April 24.
South Korean consumer electronics giant LG is looking at making India its export hub, banking on good ties between the two countries at a time when its overseas shipments from China are declining.

According to LG Electronics India Managing Director Ki Wan Kim, one of the main reasons for the company to look at making India an export hub is due to tension prevailing between South Korea and China.

LG, which has two manufacturing units in India, exports to the Middle East and countries in the eastern coast of African continent.

Around 10 per cent of sales of the companys Indian arm -- LG Electronics India (LGEI), are currently from exports. Last year, LGEI had sales of Rs 22,000 crore.

On the other hand ties between South Korea and India have improved. All Korean (companies) have started to see India as a strategically important manufacturing base not only for India but for other areas, Wan told PTI.

When asked if LG is scouting for more global markets for exports from India, he replied in the affirmative saying it is looking for countries where there is little or no manufacturing.

Earlier, LG used to serve such markets from China but it is declining gradually, Wan added.

Already we are exporting from Noida and Pune to Middle East mainly in Saudi and Iran and African countries on (the eastern coast of the continent), he said.

Another major factor for seeing India as a major hub for exports is that the country is becoming more competitive economically and there will be secured and transparent taxation regime with the expected implementation of GST.

India is becoming more competitive economically. With GST coming up, its secured and transparent taxation regime along with a stable political system would help in project as a bigger manufacturing hub, Wan added.

LG can increase its manufacturing capacity whenever required, he said.

He said the company, which is celebrating its 20 years of operations in India this year, has witnessed very high growth rate in the last couple of years.

India is among the top five global markets for LG in consumer durables category with the USA, Korea, Brazil and Russia.

Reflecting on the companys two decades of journey in India, Wan said: It is an achievement in itself. We have seen many brands come and go in India. Not only have we sustained but we have become number one here.

On LGs success in India, he said: We have been able to serve the needs of different consumers here. India is not one country as far as consumer requirements are concerned.

The demand from consumers from South India is different from those of the North or the East, he said, adding, therefore we have a strong local R&D team, which helps in identifying the specific needs of consumers so that we can deliver it to them.
Cab aggregator Ola, the local competitor for American cab-hailing company Uber, today announced that it plans to reach out to over 1,00,000 driver entrepreneurs through Auto Driver Partner Melas across all major cities and towns in the country.

This multi-city programme is an on-ground initiative to help thousands of aspiring auto driver partners to take the first step towards entrepreneurship and achieve their dreams, the company said.

The OLA Auto Mela will bring together a host of manufacturers, service providers, and financial institutions under one roof, to enable deep discounts and savings for their customers and build a large customer-base in return, it said in a release.

Ola held its first Auto Driver Partner Mela-Ola Baasha Mela- in Chennai between April 8 and April 10 where hundreds of autorickshaw driver partners availed the opportunity of becoming micro-entrepreneurs by owning autorickshaws for the first time.

This initiative that will kickstart from Bengaluru, will move to Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Pune over the course of the next few months, the release said.

Ola Chief Operating Officer Vishal Kaul said, with a multi-city initiative at such scale, we are enabling access to capital, consistent revenue as well as training for aspiring driver entrepreneurs.

Ola said Driver partner Melas help it nurture micro-entrepreneurship in the ecosystem, creating a steady stream of supply to address the burgeoning mobility needs of the country.
The Reserve Bank of India issued guidelines on Tuesday for investments by commercial banks in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), including setting limits on the overall investments.

The RBI said at a policy review earlier this month that it would allow banks to invest in REITs and InvITs.

Among the guidelines issued on Tuesday, the central bank said banks would not be allowed to invest more than 10 percent of the unit capital of a REIT or InvIT.
New Delhi

The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the government whether a Special Investigation Team (SIT) should be constituted to probe the offshore accounts of Indians revealed in the Panama paper leaks.

A bench, headed by justice Dipak Misra, asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) PS Narasimha to seek instruction on whether a separate SIT can be tasked to probe the Panama Papers leak, besides Multi-Agency Group (MAG) set up by the government to probe into the black money cases.

The court asked Narasimha to file the seventh report of MAG within three days and took on record six reports filed in sealed cover with regard to the investigation in the black money cases.

The bench, which also comprised justices AM Khanwilkar and MM Shantanagoudar, asked the ASG to inform about the decision and posted the matter for hearing in July.

At the outset, the ASG said that investigation into the names leaked by a website was not simple and multiple agencies were probing and trying to ascertain the details.

The investigations into such names is still going on and all cases will be thoroughly investigated, he said, adding that the MAGs report had a complete chapter on the Panama paper leaks.

Narasimha, while opposing separate investigation, said the probe into these cases were not like normal crime incidents as it involved various aspects, like treaties with foreign countries, agreement for disclosures etc.

He said each of the transactions spanned different jurisdictions and may involve multiple entities and individuals for which the probe by MAG was needed.

The bench, told advocate ML Sharma who has sought independent probe into the Indian offshore account holders named in Panama paper leaks, they (multi-agencies) are investigating into the matter and we will see in due course what is the outcome of their investigation.

The Centre had constituted MAG consisting of officers of the Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Enforcement Directorate and Financial Intelligence Unit to investigate black money cases and is also probing the Panama Paper leaks.

The apex court had on March 7 asked the Centre to place before it in a sealed cover all the six reports of MAG after it was informed that sixth report has been completed and the government was prepared to place all reports before the court.

The Centre had sought dismissal of the PIL, saying MAG has already been set up to ensure speedy and coordinated probe against Indians whose names have figured in the Panama papers.

The reports have already been submitted by MAG to the apex court-appointed Special Investigation Team on black money, led by justice (Retd) MB Shah, and to a Supreme Court bench hearing the case.

The Centre had on October 3, 2016 informed the court that Rs 8,186 crore, illegally kept in offshore banks by Indians, has been brought under tax ambit despite constraints like non-sharing of information by Swiss authorities.

Seeking dismissal of the PIL, it had said the SIT on black money has been kept informed on regular basis about the development made in the probe.

Sharma in his PIL had sought a court-monitored independent probe into the Panama papers leak which contained an unprecedented amount of information, including more than 11 million documents covering 2,10,000 companies in 21 offshore jurisdictions.

The petition had alleged that Panama papers included the names of nearly 500 Indians, including celebrities and industrialists, who have allegedly parked funds in offshore accounts in transactions brokered by the law firm.
Uber and Ola -- both cab-hailing applications -- have found themselves amid controversies of falling driver income and long inhuman working hours.

For Uber, the American company, this isnt new. It has faced similar complains from drivers all over the world, and India is not different. That is also why there is a reason why Uber should take some tips to learn from its operations in New York.

Tipping taxi drivers has been like an old ritual except in the rise of the gig economy, where everyone wants to pay less. That is also why cab services such as Ubers became so popular -- hail a cab at any time from anywhere for half the cost of the regular cab services.

But, with fading away incentives, drivers have been forced to come down on the street and hold protests against dropping incomes. At times, drivers have told this writer that it becomes difficult to pay for fuel, maintenance and the instalment of the vehicles.

One of the solution to this rising problem is in what Uber is doing in New York. The company, according to one of its spokesperson, quoted in New York Times, is reviewing the proposal.

The proposal was placed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission to allow Uber passengers to tip drivers using credit and debit cards. In India, they will have to include, Paytm or any mode of mobile wallet that Uber uses.

According to the proposal, the tipping process would help improve driver incomes and their well being, which is also a concern in New York. The petition, was first moved by the Independent Drivers Guild, a working lobby of Uber drivers, got 11,000 signatures, according to the report.

Cut India, Uber has more than 2,50,000 driver partners and its local rival Ola claims 6,50,000. Every day these drivers do millions of rides. If an average of Rs 10 is taken, for rides, a driver can make up to Rs 50 every day, over and above what they earn.

That can be a good measure, considering driver incomes have fallen to a third from its peak.

According to the report, Travis Kalanick, founder and CEO of Uber, thinks that the tip feature would have an impact of the app-user experience, and hence it has not been implemented.

If the commission moves the petition, which will go through a public hearing, where the drivers and passengers will give their inputs on the tipping feature. After the hearing, the commission will cast its vote.

In India, such decisions are taken either by the court, or by the transport ministry. However, so far, there have been no conversations on tipping the Uber driver in India.

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Hundreds of tribal students took out a funeral procession of the BJP state government on Tuesday, accusing it of saffronising higher education and killing democracy to please the partys ideological mentor, the RSS.

The students took out the procession in the state capital after an uproar of over a month against the Raghubar Das government rechristening Ranchis oldest college - Ranchi College as Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University.

Mukherjee was the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangha, the forerunner to the BJP.

Amidst slogans of RSS Ka Jor Chatron Pe Kyu (Why force RSS ideology on students?) and Jharkhand Ke Mahapurushon Ka Apman Bandh Karo (Stop disrespecting Jharkhand heroes), the students also burnt an effigy of the BJP government in Jharkhand.

We only wanted the college to be named after a local hero. Was our demand unjustified? This government is rigid and busy propagating RSS ideologies. It went on to rename the college after a right wing leader despite the protests all across Jharkhand, said Akash Kacchap, a member of Adivasi Chatra Sangh, an organization of tribal students.

Besides Adivasi Chatra Sangh, members of Ranchi Universitys student council too have accused the BJP government here of suppressing students opinion and issuing diktats to please the RSS.

The government has stooped down to a level where the quality of education and students opinion are irrelevant. They only want to prove a point to their masters sitting in Delhi that Jharkhand is gradually turning saffron, said Tanuj Khetri, president, Ranchi Universitys PG Department.

The higher and technical education department of BJP-ruled Jharkhand had recommended to the governor to rename Ranchi College as Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, and got the Raj Bhawans nod recently.

Several protest marches and signature campaigns by students unions followed soon after the recommendation was made about a month ago.

Tribal student bodies also submitted memorandums against the rechristening to governor Droupadi Murmu and government officials concerned but their pleas were ignored.

Founded in 1926, Ranchi College was accorded autonomous status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on January 9, 2009. The Jharkhand cabinet in October 2015 decided to accord university status to Ranchi College which currently imparts education to at least 4000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. It is the first college in Jharkhand to get a state university status.

The students council of Ranchi College too has refused to accept the name proposed by the government and has threatened to boycott classes in protest.

Jharkhand higher education secretary AK Singh, however, said it was too late to make changes in the name of the university.

The name cannot be changed. It has been passed by the cabinet and approved by the governor, he said.

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When I first met Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in the autumn of 2011, he had just arrived in New York after a triumphant tour of West Asia. The Arab Spring was then in full bloom, and in countries like Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, the Turkish Prime Minister (as he was then) was greeted like a rock star. Young Arabs, heady from having toppled their dictators, saw in Erdogan an ideal of a truly democratic leader. And he sought out potential leaders in all these countries, to lecture them on the Ankara way. At my meetings, I said Turkey is a model of democracy, a secular state, a social state with the rule of law upheld, he told me. We are not intentionally trying to export a regime  we couldnt care less. But if they want our help, well provide any assistance they need.

At home, his star was at its apogee: Turkeys economy was surging, his AK Party seemed impregnable, and his decision to sever ties with Israel  in response to the 2010 Maavi Marmara incident, in which Israeli commandos killed several Turkish activists on a peace flotilla bound for Gaza  was hugely popular. Erdogan, in the eyes of many of his countrymen, was a leader of the stature of Kemal Ataturk.

When President Erdogan (as he is now) arrives in New Delhi this month, he will be a shadow of the man I met in New York. Although it will be his first trip after a personal triumph  over the weekend, he won a referendum giving the President vastly increased powers  it has come at a tremendous political cost, to his country as well as to Erdogan himself. Far from being the popular mandate he had hoped for, the vote was desperately close: 51.5%-48.5%, and even that was weakened by charges of vote tampering.

Lets pause here for a moment to thank the framers of Indias Constitution for making such a charade near as makes no difference impossible here. For one thing, India doesnt do referendums. For another, any Indian Prime Minister seeking to pull an Erdogan would find his way blocked, first by Parliament, and then by the judiciary.

The outcome of the Turkish referendum is especially embarrassing since Erdogan has spent the past two years systematically titling the playing field in his favour, by purging the opposition, and suppressing press freedom. Turkey has 81 presspersons in its prisons, the largest number of any country in the world. This would be shameful under any circumstance, but the more so because Turkey is a democracy.

Which brings us to the next blot on Erdogans record: his deliberate undermining of democratic institutions. This had begun before an abortive coup attempt against him last July, and accelerated soon after under emergency powers that he now aims to normalise. Not only did Erdogan purge the military, he also identified and removed (or arrested) tens of thousands of people from educational institutions, the police, judiciary and civil service.

All of this would be worrying enough without the fact that Turkey is being buffeted by two wars: one across the border, in Syria; and the other within, in its Kurdish territory. And theres growing evidence that the terrorist group that calls itself the Islamic State is putting down roots on Turkish soil.

Abroad, Erdogans star is now at its perigee. Relations with Europe, already strained by the European Union frustrating Turkeys efforts to join the grouping, have plummeted precipitously in recent weeks, with Erdogan lambasting the governments of Holland and Germany for Nazi tendencies, all because they, in according to their own laws, forbade Erdogans ministers from canvassing for votes among Turkish expats there.

Erdogan is no longer the colossus he once was on the West Asian stage. Turkeys pretensions of having a major role in the affairs of Arab states have been embarrassingly exposed by its inability to exert much influence on the Arab state on its border. Where Erdogan once regarded Bashar al-Assad as something of a protege, he is now seeking the downfall of the Syrian dictator  but having very little impact.

Gone, too, is the hero-worship Erdogan once enjoyed among young Arabs. Once, they listened attentively as he lectured them on democracy, now they see that he has become an autocrat, not unlike their own dictators.

So the Erdogan who arrives in New Delhi may be a winner of a referendum  assuming opposition parties are unable to challenge the outcome in the courts. But in every way that matters to his country, Turkeys President is a loser.

Bobby Ghosh is editor-in-chief, Hindustan Times

@ghoshworld

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DEHRADUN: Chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and his governments one-month performance will come under a close scrutiny during the BJPs three-day working committee meeting that starts in Nainital on Friday.

The governments performance will be discussed by top party leaders in a closed door meeting on the sidelines of the proposed meeting, a senior office bearer of the BJPs state unit said. The growing public perception about questionable integrity of some of the chief ministers aides is likely to be discussed too.

The BJPs working committee meeting will be the first since the party formed the government after its victory in the assembly polls. Apart from Rawat, his nine cabinet colleagues and all the BJP legislators will attend the meeting.

Former chief ministers BC Khanduri, Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank, Vijay Bahuguna and Bhagat Singh Koshiyari will also attend the event. BJP state in-charge Shyam Jaju and national joint secretary (organisation) Shiv Prakash are among the central leaders who will be present.

BJP insiders said the issue of the governments performance will be discussed separately. It will be discussed in a closed door meeting in which apart from the partys central leaders, our four former chief ministers will also participate, a BJP leader said, adding, that the governments slow performance was a matter of concern for the top brass.

It is a matter of concern because he (Rawat) is being compared with his counterpart in Uttar Pradesh who has initiated a number of measures on the law and order front, which is being noticed by one and all, the party leader said.

Party insiders, however, agreed that some of the anti-corruption measures taken by Rawat such as a CBI inquiry against seven officials involved in the construction of National Highway-74 were his achievements.

BJP insiders said the impact of such initiatives has been offset by the public perception about the questionable integrity of some of the CMs aides. That along with the governments slow progress in terms of delivery will be discussed by senior leaders at the meeting, a senior BJP leader said.

If reports are to be believed, some top Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) leaders discussed the twin issues with Rawat at a closed door meeting held recently at the chief ministers official residence. Officially, the BJP denied the reports about the governments slow progress being an area of concern for the Sangh.

All such reports are mere conjectures, BJP spokesperson Virendra Singh Bisht said, claiming that the top brass is happy with Rawats performance. As far as the chief ministers close aides are concerned, they are his trusted officers and their integrity is impeccable, he told Hindustan Times.

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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in association with the Disaster Mitigation and Management Authority (DMMC), the forest department and the government is all set to conduct mock drills in all 13 districts Uttarakhand on April 20.

It would be first ever such attempt in the state where earlier mock drills for earthquake and floods have been done in the past.

Over 4,500 hectare of land was gutted in forest fire in 2016. During then, forest fire was declared a natural calamity and National Disaster Response Force was roped in to combat the fires. As many as 303 hectare of land has been damaged so far ever since the fire season began on February 15.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had already cautioned the state that coming days would be tough in terms of forest fire due to an increase in temperature and humidity.

Under the aegis of NDMC expert Maj Gen VK Datta (retd.), video conferencing with district magistrates and divisional forest officers was done on Tuesday. The DMMC gave a presentation on the guidelines and protocols and officers shared their inputs.

The mock drill will be first-of-its kind as it engages experts of NDRF and STDRF. During todays conference, we thoroughly discussed the responsibilities, actions, preparedness and other details, JR Joshi, Commandant State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) told Hindustan Times.

The forest department gave inputs about how fire alerts that are received through various channels, including Forest Survey of India, Bhuwan portal of government and NASA. These alerts are further spread through texts and wireless handsets to officers and crew. The department also informed the status of master crew stations and other centres where fire watchers remain at alert.

The officers havent finalised the mock drill points that will be decided on the morning of April 20. There are issues with some districts like the chief minister is visiting Pithoragarh the same day and the Garhwal Commissioner is holding a meeting. The DMMC is looking after all these issues. The mock drill will be done in all districts but the actual points will be decided the same day, Mounish Mullick, chief conservator of forest (CCF), said.

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Uttarakhand will soon go partially dry with the states BJP government deciding to impose a time restriction on the sale of liquor.

Liquor sale will now be allowed only for a fixed period from 3pm to 6pm. Liquor traders wont be allowed to do business for 14-15 hours a day as had been the practice earlier, chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat announced on Tuesday.

The revenue loss to be caused by the partial ban will be compensated from various other sources, the CM added.

The hill state earns around Rs 2000 crore annually from the excise revenue.

The government is also contemplating to amend the Excise Act to make it more stringent.

The excise law will also be amended so that strongest possible action can be taken against those engaged in illicit liquor trade, the CM added.

Interacting with media persons on completing a month in office, Rawat said punishment for illicit liquor trade would be so severe under the soon-to-be-amended excise law that no one would dare to engage in such business.

Officials were already directed to prepare the draft of the amended law for tabling in the assembly for its passage.

Rawat, however, made it clear that his government had no plan to impose a blanket ban on the sale and consumption of liquor in the state. He said a total prohibition is not feasible in Uttarakhand in view of a large number of tourists visiting the state.

Citing that how a complete ban in Haryana under the chief ministership of Bansi Lal had failed with even women hitting the streets seeking withdrawal of prohibition, Rawat hinted how such step could even lead to a spike in hooch consumption.

He also claimed the Prohibition imposed by the Bihar government had considerably hit trade and business in that state.

In the same breath Rawat added that his government was committed to controlling the sale of liquor in Uttarakhand in the next seven to eight years.

Rawat said women who are worst affected by consumption of liquor by men would be greatly relieved by his decision to curtail the timing of liquor sale. It will also dissuade younger generation from drinking alcohol, he added.

The BJP government is also preparing an effective mining policy with an aim to raise the annual revenue earning from the sector to Rs 1000 crore from the current Rs 285 crore, the CM said.

A plan was also afoot to initiate steps to make process of registry of land foolproof, Rawat said adding, faulty procedures were being misused by those engaged in sale of land.

To check forced migrations from remote hill areas of the state, the CM said, a scheme would be launched to encourage hill farmers to grow high quality exotic walnuts to fetch good returns.

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A Delhi court has ordered an FIR against a woman police officer for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl, who had earlier accused her teacher of molesting her. The Delhi Police, however, said they will begin internal probe in the matter and challenge the order in high court if the charges were found to be false.

Additional sessions judge Vinod Yadav, on Monday, passed the order after the 13-year-old girl told the court that she was sexually assaulted by the woman investigating officer (IO) of the case and she had lodged a complaint with the police against her but no action was taken.

The court also dismissed the third bail plea of the teacher of a government school, facing prosecution in the case, saying there was no change in circumstances.

Today, separate directions have been given for lodging of FIR against the IO in this case for having committed penetrative sexual assault upon the child victim and creating false evidence.

Needless to say, false evidence was being created by the IO solely to accord benefit thereof to the applicant/accused Manoj Rathi (teacher). Be that as it may, I do not find any change in the circumstance warranting taking different view. The bail application of the applicant accordingly stands dismissed, the judge said.

The court directed the SHO of Mangolpuri in north west Delhi to get the FIR registered against woman IO, a sub-inspector, through a senior officer and file a status report in the matter on April 29.

Senior police officers, however, said that they were yet to receive a copy of the court order. They said the courts order will be examined by their legal department. We will defend the woman investigating officer if the charges against her are found baseless. For this, we will challenge the city courts order in the high court. But if the charges are found true, we will certainly register a case against the woman officer and take strictest possible action under law, the officer said.

The officer said that the court has asked them to file the status report on February 29. We still have 10 days to complete our internal enquiry, take legal opinion and decide our further course of action, the officer said.

The girl, in her complaint, alleged that the IO had threatened her father to get the victim medically re-examined or she would implicate her in a false case.

The child alleged that initially the woman official sexually assaulted her and later took her to a hospital where the doctors conducted her internal medical examination without her consent.

The police which is already probing the aspect of sexual assault on the minor by her teacher, had earlier informed the court that it has also registered an FIR against the girls father in view of the alleged confession letter which was given to the police by the school staff.

The school staff had given to police an alleged confession letter of the girls father that he had repeatedly sexually assaulted her.

The initial incident occurred in August last year when the girl, a Class V student of a government school in Aman Vihar area of North-West Delhi, asked a question to the teacher who told her to meet him alone later.

The girl said in her complaint that the teacher allegedly molested her and when her parents came to the school next day to complain about his conduct, he threatened them and took thumb impression of the childs father on a blank paper.

The teacher then allegedly wrote a confession letter on behalf of the girls father that he had repeatedly sexually assaulted his daughter and got the signatures of other colleagues, she had alleged. Later, a case under the POCSO Act was registered by the police against the accused teacher.

The police have also lodged a case against other school teachers and principal for not informing them about an alleged confession letter of a minor girls father.

(With PTI inputs)
The Delhi high court on Tuesday declined Aam Aadmi Partys request to use second-generation EVMs with paper trail in the April 23 civic polls in the national capital.

Justice AK Pathak refused immediate relief to the ruling party, saying that nothing can be done at the eleventh hour.

We cannot stay the election nor pass an order to use electronic voting machines which are not there, the court said while seeking a response from the Election Commission of India and the Delhi State Election Commission by Friday, the next date of hearing.

The AAP and its candidate Mohammad Tahir Hussain have approached the high court for using second-generation EVMs attached with Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in the elections to the capitals three municipal corporations.

The courts order came after State Election Commission counsel Sumeet Pushkarna opposed the plea on the ground that the MCD elections are slated for April 23 and changing all EVMs with VVPAT is not feasible in four days.

The counsel said the EVMs to be used in the civic polls are the same that were used in 2015 assembly elections, after which the AAP came to power.

But now they have speculation that these machines are tampered with. There are three judgements that elections at this stage cannot be stalled, he added.

Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the AAP and Hussain, contended that the poll panel was duty-bound to use the VVPAT-linked EVMs, adding that the Supreme Court in 2013 termed the second-generation EVMs as the safest.

Jaising said the EVMs compatible with VVPATs were used in Uttar Pradesh and Goa polls and the Election Commission of India has 13,000, apart from additional 3,000, second-generation EVMs with them.

Raising concern over the EVM security, Jaising said: There is a demonstrable problem in Dholpur in Rajasthan -- no matter what button you press, the vote will go to the BJP.

The VVPAT is connected with EVMs and dispenses paper proof so that voters can verify that their vote has been cast correctly.

The AAP and the Congress say that the EVMs without VVPAT can be tampered with.
At 28, Sukesh Chandrashekhar alias Balaji has led more than 10 years of his life as a conman. Arrested at least four times for cheating and siphoning off funds, Chandrashekhar was arrested by the Delhi Police team from a five star hotel in south Delhi on Sunday.

On Monday, he was sent to eight days of police custody after he was produced at the residence of a judge because all judges at Tis hazari courts had left by the time police took him there around 4.50pm.

Chandrashekhar had fixed a deal with TTV Dinakaran, AIADMKs deputy general secretary and promised to get the disputed  two-leaf symbol for his faction for a sum of Rs 50 crore by influencing Election Commission officials.

We will probe if he knows any EC officials who were willing to swing the symbol verdict in his favour. He claimed that he knew Dinakaran for the last 4 years. A part of the promised Rs 50 crore was transferred in white. It also appears that a Chandni Chowk- based Hawala trader was transferring the money. We will also give a report to the ED about the money. Investigation is on, said a senior police officer.

The Delhi police team seized Rs 1.30 crore from his hotel room along with two luxury cars  a BMW 7 series and a Mercedes S class car. The cars are registered with the Haryana and Rajasthan transport authority. One of the cars had a sticker, which showed that the car belonged to a Member of Parliament.

Police said Chandrashekhar has a penchant for luxury cars and has in the past been always held with such vehicles. In 2009, when the Bangalore police raided his house, they found 7 luxury cars in the garage.

Police said that Chandrashekhar also owns a farmhouse in south Delhi but the property had been sealed by the Enforcement Directorate in an earlier case. He was earlier arrested with actress Leela Maria Paul in a Rs 13 crore fraud case when they duped Canara Bank with Chandrashekhar posing as an IAS officer. Leela was, however, acquitted for lack of evidence.

During his interrogation, Chandrashekhar claimed he was a relative of former Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithas close associate and AIADMK chief VK Sasikala. He is said to be close to many politicians and senior bureaucrats. Police suspect Chandrashekhar was meeting a retired Tamil Nadu IAS officer at the hotel in south Delhi.

He had studied at a reputed private school in Bangalore till his arrest in a cheating case when he was 17 in August 2007 after he had conned a family friend of Rs 1.5 crore by claiming to be friends with a senior politicians son. According to a media report, he had forged the signature of the Bangalore police commissioner and created a letter declaring that though he was a minor he was allowed to drive anywhere in Karnataka.

Police source said Chandrashekhar bragged about having cases against him registered by the Bangalore, Chennai, Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate. Police believe there are around 15 FIRs against him. He has in the past, allegedly posed as the grandson of a former chief minister and conned hundreds of investors. Some years ago, he had reportedly floated a company called King Investment and duped many innocent investors to the tune of Rs 2000 crore.

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Former Delhi Congress chief and four-time MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday, dealing a severe blow to the grand old party just a week ahead of municipal elections in the national capital.

Delhi Youth Congress president Amit Malik also switched sides along with Singh, who was one of the key ministers in Sheila Dikshit government.

A blame-game started immediately with Dikshit holding Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken responsible for the desertions.

I had given 31 years to the party but what did I get in the end? Nothing. I was not even included in the core committee set up for the municipal elections, Singh told HT.

Till Monday night, I was campaigning for the party with Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar. On Tuesday morning, I read in newspapers that the party manifesto was released. It was insulting.

Singh said he also failed to get appointments with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi to apprise them about the state of affairs in the party.

Singh held important portfolios such as education, tourism, urban development and transport as a minister. Elected to the assembly from Gandhi Nagar seat for the first time in 1998, he had not lost a single election.

He did not contest the 2015 elections when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won a brute majority.

I talked to BJP president Amit Shah over phone in the morning and I joined the party in the afternoon. This is the difference between the two outfits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah have changed the definition of politics in the country. I am inspired by their style of functioning, hence came to BJP, he added.

Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said Singh will strengthen the party in several areas of East Delhi.

It proves that the policies of the Prime Minister are wining the trust of the people of the country. Their faith in his policies are increasing. I believe that Arvinder with BJP will serve the city best.

The Congress leader was a key man for the party in the April 23 MCD polls and its plans of returning to Delhis political landscape after a humiliating defeat in 2015 when it failed to win a single seat.

Former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit termed Singhs exit as a disappointment and blamed Ajay Maken responsible for the departure of senior party leaders.

I am very disappointed, especially the way Arvinder Singh Lovely has left the party. The party has done so much for him and placed him at top positions in the past. There is something which is not up to their expectations or they are being ignored, she told HT.

Diskhit, Delhis chief minister for three consecutive terms from 1998 to 2013, said most people in the party complained that Maken does not reach out to everyone.

He is not (easily) available. In democratic politics, the most important thing is to reach out to everyone and this is not happening at the moment, she added.

Maken, however, dimissed the charges and said in every party, leaders have complaints but those are discussed at appropriate forum.

We join a party on the basis of its ideology. We are bound by our principles. If we have complaints, we cant go to the people who are ideologically opposite. It is unfortunate that the Congress leader has gone to the one whom he was criticising earlier, he added.
Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Tuesday said the Centre, Delhi government and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) should be held responsible for allowing his foundation to organise the World Culture Festival on the Yamuna floodplains in March 2016  if any environmental damage was caused.

If, at all, any fine has to be levied, it should be levied on the Central and state governments and the NGT itself, for giving the permission. If the Yamuna was so fragile and pure, they should have stopped the World Culture Festival, said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The tribunal had allowed the festival on March 11-13, 2016, saying that as the matter was fait accompli, they could not ban it. The three-day World Cultural Festival of Art of Living soon grabbed headlines for allegedly polluting and harming the ecosystems at the Yamuna floodplains.

An interim environment compensation of Rs5 crore was imposed on the foundation for its alleged environment damaging activities by the NGT while efforts were made to ascertain the exact cost of the damage.

World over, cultural programmes are held on riverbanks. The whole idea was to bring awareness to save the river. The Art of Living that has rejuvenated 27 rivers, planted 71 million trees, revived several ponds is being projected as destroying a dead river. What a joke, said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Even though the petitioner in the case and convener of Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan, Manoj Misra, chose to reserve his comments on Tuesday, he had earlier said: I have already stated in the petition submitted to the NGT that any activity on the Yamuna floodplains would be violating the green courts earlier order and would prove detrimental to the floodplain.

The Art of Living had obtained all the necessary permission including the NGTs. The NGT had the application file for two months and they could have stopped it in the beginning. It defies all principles of natural justice that you give permissions and slap a fine for not violating any rules, the statement read.

An expert panel, headed by Shashi Shekhar, secretary of ministry of water resources, submitted a report to the NGT, stating that it would take more than Rs 42 crore and at least 10 years to rehabilitate the floodplain after the damage caused by the three-day festival in March 2016.

I invite all honest environmentalists to study the case and unveil the truth, he said.

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The BJP has been in power for 10 years in municipal corporations. Both the terms were riddled with allegations of mismanagement and corruption and workers strikes. Why should the people give you another chance?

It is Delhis misfortune and BJPs as well. It is a fact that BJP is in power for 10 years, but it was unfortunate that either Congress or Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was in power in Delhi. It is also true that municipal corporations are autonomous bodies but they get funds through the state government. AAP and Congress have played politics and not release funds to the civic bodies.

Delhis total budget is Rs 48,000 crore. Of this, Rs 9,000 crore should have been allocated to the municipal corporations. But they received only Rs 2,800 crore. Still, we developed parks, initiated English-medium education in municipal schools, replaced streetlights with LEDs and built a medical college. CCTVs are also being installed in schools.

Political opponents are challenging you to name one outstanding achievement of the municipal corporations in the last 10 years.

The MCDs have improved the conditions of parks. If Arvind Kejriwal will visit the municipal parks regularly, his cough will be cured.

Your manifesto says the Centre will send direct funds to civic bodies. Why didnt you seek this intervention last year when sanitation workers were on strike and Delhis roads were littered with garbage?

Yes, we will put a system in place that MCDs should get their funds without any obstacles. The sanitation workers went on strike as they didnt get salary (on time). The state government should understand their pain.

If the MCDs have really performed well despite adverse conditions, why did the party deny tickets to all sitting councillors?

We have raised our bar after 2014 (when Modi became the PM). They (the councillors) should have performed better. Though corruption charges are wrong, we have in fact, promoted few councillors. They have been made general secretaries. Also, grassroots workers should be rewarded, so we introduced new faces.

What new will the BJP do if it comes to power in the MCDs for the third term?

We will ensure adequate funds to municipal corporations and effective solid waste management. In the coming years, we will recycle garbage and produce electricity. We will make Delhi a dhalao-free city. Just by being in the municipal corporations, we cant claim that we will make Delhi a world class city. But over next one and half years, you will see a completely different and better city to live in.

I want you to end this constant fight between the Delhi government and MCDs. You vote for BJP and let us win the assembly election. And under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we will be able to do all this in four years.

In municipal elections, you should be focussing on local issues. But you are talking about Modi and nationalism. Many say you are running a negative campaign.

(Narendra) Modi is our policy. Narendra Modi is the name of our policy on zero-tolerance to corruption and non-performance. Thats why we take his name. The question of negative campaign should be put to Kejriwal. See their posters. They say that if BJP wins, water and power tariff will go up. I think he is threatening people of the city. How can BJP in municipal corporations increase the water and power charges?

What plans does the BJP have to curb corruption in civic bodies?

After November 8 (demonetisation), is there any doubt about it? The BJP is the biggest enemy of corruption. Building department is den of corruption (in MCDs). Corruption actually originates from the state government. But if its representativethe SDM---does not allow unauthorised colonies to come up, there will no corruption at all.

We will change the rules if we come to power. We will make adequate provisions to punish the guilty. We want Delhi government to come forward. If they support us, well and good. We will make rules so that a common man can build a house and get proper facilities like sewer lines.

How are you tackling infighting in your party?

We said no sitting councillors will be allowed to contest. A few of them had filed nominations. We have expelled them and they will not be taken back. No compromises will be made. Those who are honest and dedicated will be rewarded appropriately.

Is your appointment as Delhi BJP chief anything to do with partys strategy to win support of Purvanchalis?

We, Purvanchalis, believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. This is the only formula. When I was made party chief, there was a feeling that Manoj is from within us, lets support him. That is right, this may bring votes but we are not fighting for this. The challenge is bigger. We want to reveal the transformed character of the BJP, post 2014. We want votes on the basis of our work. We dont want to divide people. This time, we are committed, we will make some changes.
A womens hostel at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IITD) has put up a notice asking women to wear full covered decent western or Indian dresses on their house day.

House day is an annual event at the institute where residents can invite guests in the hostel for an hour. The event is scheduled for April 20.

The notice, put up at Himadri hostel and signed by the warden, was shared by the inmates with Pinjra Tod - a students fighting against discriminatory rules for women in hostels, universities and colleges.

Calling it an act of moral policing, a member of Pinjra Tod said, Why do our administrators feel this desperate need to police women wear.

Meanwhile, Sreedevi Upadhyayula, warden of Himadri Hostel and associate professor at Department of Chemical Engineering, said no such dress code has been issued and that it could be a prank.

Why will I slam such dress codes on students? This is not a thing I would do. It looks like some prank by students and this time it has even gone out of the hostel. I will have to go check the notice board and see as I am told it has my signature as well. If such a notice has been put up I will call a meeting and investigate the matter, said Upadhyayula.

There are two girls hostels in IIT Delhi - Himadri and Kailash.

This is the first time that such a notice has been put up. We have been told verbally in the past to be fully covered but a written notice has been issued for the first time, said a female student from BTech final year, who lives in Himadri Hostel.

A former student, who lived in the same hostel, said they were given such directions all the time though no one really followed it and no one was punished for not following it.
All things being equal, women would outnumber men, the girl child is more likely to survive in infancy than the boy. But in India, according to a Youth in India report brought out by the ministry of statistics and programme implementation, the sex ratio is declining steadily. From 939 women to 1,000 men in 2011 it is projected to fall to 898 by 2031. This should set off alarm bells in the government, civil society groups and the law. This ratio is man-made through selective sex determination with the aim of getting rid of the girl child, early death due to neglect and infanticide. But there is no reason why things cannot be set right.

The consequences of a falling sex ratio are already evident and none of it is good news. The shortage of women has led to a sharp rise in violence against them. This has led to a situation where, apart from the ingrained son preference, people dont want girls all the more as they feel that it is difficult to keep them safe. In a study done by the Centre for Social Research in Haryana, fear of violence is a cause for female foeticide. Also the women who produce daughters face much more domestic violence which makes them complicit in getting rid of the girl child. The ugly social practice of polygamy has made a comeback in certain areas as well as forcible marriages of widows and purchasing of brides from poor areas. With the advances in technology, sex determination has become easier very early on in pregnancy with fatal consequences for the girl child.

The economic consequences are grave for this means that a huge proportion of the productive population is missing and also the lack of women impairs the ability of men to work. The declining sex ratio calls for much greater political will and the willingness to take the help of powerful organised entities like the clergy and of course civil society groups. The Sikh clergy took the lead earlier when it said that anyone found guilty of female foeticide would be ex-communicated. This worked in favour of the girl child. The government has a master communicator in the form of the prime minister who has taken up the cause of girls in his Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao programme. But, a stronger message would be in order  let the girl child be born and let her live up to her full potential.
Students of Kendriya Vidyalayas and schools affiliated to the CBSE may have to read Hindi till Class 10 after President Pranab Mukherjee gave in- principle approval to a suggestion of a parliamentary panel.

The Centre, however, should draw up the policy to make Hindi a compulsory subject in consultation with states, said the presidential order, a copy of which is available on the website of the department of official languages.

Hindi in schools can be an emotive subject as most states in India are drawn along linguistics lines. States such as Tamil Nadu have witnessed violent protests against Hindi, the official language of the Indian government.

The choice of languages to be taught in schools varies from state to state.

The Central Board of Secondary Education, the countrys biggest school board, last year recommended a three-language formula  English and any two Indian languages  to be expanded to classes 9 and 10.

While Hindi is likely choice for north India, in other parts, states are expected to pick from any of the 22 Indian languages recognised by the Constitution. The human resource and development ministry is yet to respond to the CBSE suggestion.

The President turned down a recommendation that wanted a minimum knowledge of Hindi to be one of the preconditions for a government job.

The committee of parliament on official languages made 117 suggestions to encourage use of Hindi, most of these have been accepted by the President.

One of them calls for fixing the duration of broadcast of Hindi programmes on all Doordarshan centres and All India Radio stations.

We may soon see presidents and union ministers deliver speeches in Hindi. The panel said all dignitaries should be requested to deliver their speeches in Hindi if they can read and speak the language.

Mukherjee has also accepted the recommendation that said the government, wherever possible, should give all advertisements in Hindi and regional languages.

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The recent theft of 516 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exam answer-sheets from Isra school in Dahisar, Mumbai and a video of an examiner allegedly checking Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) papers sitting in a cafe, has raised concerns over the security of the answer papers.

While the police have recovered as many as 350 papers, the Maharashtra state board has decided to complete assessing them on their own, instead of returning them back to the school for evaluation.

The papers were stolen on April 3 from inside the school principal, Narendra Pathaks office by three youngsters. They fled with the papers when Pathak left the room unlocked for 15 to 20 minutes.

Terming this as negligent behaviour, the Mumbai divisional board said that they will not return the papers to the school. We cannot trust the school again with the safety of the papers, said Duttatray Jagtap, chairperson of the divisional board, which includes Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad.

Special examiners will be called to the boards office in Vashi to correct the papers. We do not want to risk losing the papers again, so we will ask other examiners to check them from our office itself, said Siddheshwar Chandekar, divisional secretary of the board.

An inquiry committee  consisting of two deputy secretaries of the board and another board employee  is currently probing the incident. The team will visit the Dahisar school on Wednesday to further investigate, and submit its report by next week.

Based on the report, the board will decide on the action to be taken against the school. We will send a show-cause notice to the school depending on the report, said Chandekar.

Concerns over the safety of exam papers were heightened after Yuva Sena, the student wing of Shiv Sena released a video clip showing a man checking exam papers sitting in a restaurant. This is a breach of exam rules which state that papers cannot be removed from the school premises, and teachers cannot carry them home or outside.

But teachers admitted that they frequently take the papers home because they are unable to complete the checking within school hours. Teachers are under a lot of stress. We have to complete school assessments and board work ,and so we are forced to take the work home, said Uday Nare, teacher, Hansraj Morarji Public School, Andheri and former board member.

Academicians said that the board should set up a few schools as evaluation centres, where teachers can go to check the papers for eight to ten hours, along the lines of the University and CBSE. This system is being followed successfully by national boards. Since the assessment centres will be few, it will be easy to provide security also, said Suresh Nair, principal, Vivek Vidyalaya, Goregaon.

Man flees with 516 SSC answer papers in Mumbai

Stolen SSC papers: Mumbai students to be marked on overall scores

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In the wake of frequent outages, power discom Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitaran Nigam (DHBVN) has identified 540 feeders in various parts of the city that are prone to power theft. Power theft, according to discom officials, is leading to power outage in areas.

After identifying the theft-prone areas, the discom is now bracing to take stricter action against offenders. The points are identified as feeders, which consume excess electricity mainly during the summer and cause damages to transformers, wires and metres.

The types of theft include illegal connections and meter-tampering.

The DHBVN said the feeder-wise loss survey has revealed that as many as 74 feeders are running in urban estates and have caused a loss of more than 50%. The officials said this is a huge problem and the only way to check this loss is to shut down the feeders for scheduled cuts.

Besides that, another 466 feeders have a loss level between 20% and 50%.

Clearly, these feeders, which are located across the city, have a high prevalence of theft that affects the overall performance of the DHBVN. Another impact of these high loss feeders is on honest consumers who are forced to pay more in the form of higher electricity tariffs, said Navin Verma, superintending engineer, DHBVN Gurgaon.

It is therefore extremely important for us to curb the theft and supply uninterrupted electricity. We have sought the cooperation of residents in order to curb power theft. Residents can inform our officials of theft that come to their notice and our enforcement team will act against the offenders, Verma said.

The officials said the department has formed 20 teams to collect feeder wise details. The DHBVN has lodged 2,450 police complaints of power theft between April 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017.

Line loss and theft have been major concerns for the power department. We are trying our best to improve the situation, the DHBVN official said.

All unauthorised colonies and several other localities in the city are on the radar of the DHBVN for power theft.

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US scientists have discovered a chemical in pepper plant, called long pepper that has anti-cancer properties and whose medicinal properties date back thousands of years.

According to researchers, the secret lies in a chemical called Piperlongumine (PL), which has shown activity against many cancers including prostate, breast, lung, colon, lymphoma, leukemia, primary brain tumours and gastric cancer.

Using x-ray crystallography, the researchers were able to create molecular structures that showed how the chemical is transformed after being ingested.

The PL converts to hPL, an active drug that silences a gene called GSTP1, which produces a detoxification enzyme that is often overly abundant in tumours.

According to researchers, the secret lies in a chemical called Piperlongumine (PL), which has shown activity against many cancers. (Shutterstock)

We are hopeful that our structure will enable additional drug development efforts to improve the potency of PL for use in a wide range of cancer therapies,said Dr Kenneth Westover from the University of Texass southwestern medical centre.

Adding, This research is a spectacular demonstration of the power of x-ray crystallography, Westover added.

Long pepper, commonly found in India, is used as a spice in some Indian, North American, Indonesian and Malaysian foods, but is rarely used in European dishes.

The study illustrates the importance of examining and re-examining our theories. In this case we learned something fundamentally new about a 3,000-year-old medical claim using modern science.

Pippali is an important drug in Ayurveda. It is one of the ingredients of Trikatu, the three pungents. It is used in digestive disorders, respiratory disorders and also for diseases of the liver, Director-Research Dr. Ram Manohar from Amrita School of Ayurveda in Kerala told Indian Science Journal.

But the most important finding about Pippali in Ayurveda is said to be a powerful Rasayana. Substances that have Rasayana property can work as immunomodulators, help in regeneration of cells and organs and also can work at the level of the genes, said Dr Manohar.

Pippali as a Rasayana has been found to be effective in chronic and debilitating diseases of the lungs and liver including cancer in clinical practice, Dr Manohar explained.

To get such benefits, Pippali has to be administered as a Rasayana.

Some precautions have to be taken to help the body to withstand the strong action of drug. This procedure of administration is called Vardhamana Pippali Rasayana.

Pippali is administered in small doses, which is gradually increased to a specific dosage and then reduced and tapered, he added.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more.
Thirteen suspected Islamic State fighters from India were among the 96 militants killed when the US military dropped its most powerful non-nuclear bomb on IS positions in eastern Afghanistan, according to an Afghan media report on Tuesday.

Kabul-based Pajhwok Afghan News agency quoted an unnamed security official as saying that 13 Indian Daesh militants were also among those killed. Daesh is a name used by Afghan and Arab officials to refer to IS.

The security official said 13 IS commanders were also among the dead. At least two of the commanders  identified by the official only as Mohammad and Allah Gupta  were from India.

Sheikh Waqas, a former member of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and a resident of the Orakzai tribal region, was also among the dead commanders.

Diplomatic sources in Kabul said there was no confirmation of these reports. An Indian security source in New Delhi also said: No confirmation as of now about the killing of any Indian in the attack.

Amaq News Agency, the IS media arm, has said none of the groups fighters were killed in the attack.

The security source said NIA officials were in touch with families of Indians suspected of being recruited by IS to gather details.

At least two dozen Indians, including 21 from Kerala, were believed to have joined the IS in eastern Afghanistan, the area that was targeted by the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb (MOAB), nicknamed the mother of all bombs, on April 13.

Relatives of these people too said they had no information about the fate of their wards. Thirteen of the missing are from Padanna village in north Keralas Kasargode district.

Before the MOAB attack, two alleged Indian recruits  Mohamed Mursheed and Mohammad Hafeezuddin  had died in the past two months. Hafeezuddin died two months ago but news of Mursheeds death was conveyed to his family two days before the MOAB attack.

After informing us about the death of Mursheed, we are yet to hear from them. I tried to send a message to Ashfaaq Majeed, one of the missing youth who used to send us messages, on Telegram but it elicited no replies, said BC Rehman, a relative of one of the missing men.

The security official quoted by Pajhwok said the MOAB attack in Achin district of Nangarhar province also killed former Pakistani Taliban fighter Shahid Omar Afridi, Mumtaz, a retired Pakistani military officer, and commanders Emran Orakzai and Aftab Punjabi from Pakistan.

The official said important IS hideouts were located in a cave complex that was targeted with the MOAB. Fighters from other parts of the world would come and meet in this complex, the official said.

(With inputs from Ramesh Babu in Thiruvananthapuram)
Canadian defence minister Harjit Singh Sajjan will be accorded a guard of honour at South Block in the Capital on Tuesday following a last-minute confusion over whether the ceremonial welcome will be extended to him.

The confusion was created by a defence ministry advisory issued on Monday evening saying that the tri-service guard of honour had been cancelled. It was a revised advisory.

However, government sources clarified on Monday night that there had been some miscommunication on the issue and the guard of honour would take place as scheduled at 11.20am on Tuesday.

The development comes at a time when Sajjans week-long visit to the country has become mired in controversy with Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh refusing to meet the Canadian minister, calling him a Khalistani sympathiser.

The state government would provide full security to Canadian minister and also ensure that he gets due treatment as per protocol, but I would not be seen hobnobbing with a Khalistani sympathiser, Singh had said.

The Canadian high commission was bombarded with queries from journalists seeking the missions reaction to the cancellation of the guard of honour. The high commission refused to comment.

Last week, the high commission termed the Punjab chief ministers remarks as inaccurate and disappointing.

Both Singh and Sajjan have served in the armed forces of their countries.

Sajjan is scheduled to meet Union finance, defence and corporate affairs minister Arun Jaitley and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, besides other ministers and government officials. He will address a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday evening.

He is scheduled to reach Punjab on April 21. Sources in the Canadian high commission said he would inaugurate the new office of the consulate general of Canada in Chandigarh on the same day.

The Canadian minister will leave for Amritsar to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple the same day, sources added. He will also meet civil society organisations during his two-day stay in Punjab.
The United States national security advisor and Afghan war veteran HR McMaster arrived in India on Tuesday for discussions after saying what India wants to hear about terrorism in Pakistan.

McMaster will meet his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval and the two top officials are set to discuss a host of issues such as resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan, the spread of Islamic state in the region and Pakistan-based terror groups.

Mc Master is visiting India after holding discussions with the leadership of Afghanistan and Pakistan. And New Delhi is so far pleased with what he said about terrorism in the region in public.

The US hopes Pakistani leaders will understand that it is in their interest to go after terrorist groups less selectively than they have in the past, he said in an interview to Afghan TV channel ToloNews.

The best way to pursue their interest in the country and elsewhere is through diplomacy not through the use of proxies and engaging violence, he said during his first visit to Afghanistan.

India has been accusing Pakistan of using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

McMaster arrived in Pakistan on an unannounced visit on Monday after travelling to Afghanistan, where he told the media that Pakistan should target militant groups less selectively and pursue diplomacy that does not use proxies that engage in violence.

A statement from the US embassy in Islamabad said McMaster expressed appreciation for Pakistans democratic and economic development but also stressed the need to confront terrorism in all its forms.

McMaster, who was in Pakistan for the first time as the NSA, discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues during meetings with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, special advisor to the prime minister Sartaj Aziz, and his counterpart Nasser Khan Janjua.

The US is concerned as 9,000 of its troops are on Afghan soil. For India, there are concerns about the peace process in Afghanistan being hijacked by Pakistan or being influenced by what New Delhi sees as a closer cooperation between Pakistan and China.

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Tamil Nadus ruling AIADMK party on Tuesday distanced itself from jailed general secretary VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran, brightening prospects of a truce with the O Panneerselvam faction that had rebelled against her leadership.

The decision was unanimous and based on the views of all ministers, including chief minister E Palaniswami, legislators, MPs and the people, state minister D Jayakumar said, stressing that a committee will now run the party.

The Sasikala clan will be completely kept away from the party and the government, which should not be controlled by one family, finance and fisheries minister Jayakumar said.

Jayakumar had hinted after a meeting late on Monday night that the two warring factions of the AIADMK will come together, but Panneerselvam appeared adamant on keeping Sasikala at bay before joining forces with CM Palaniswami.

The fast-paced developments in the AIADMK came close on the heels of Delhi Police booking deputy general secretary Dinakaran for allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official to get the partys two leaves symbol allotted to his faction.

Pressure was already mounting on Dinakaran to step down after the poll panel cancelled the RK Nagar assembly by-election following a cash-for-vote scandal, and the police action against him made matters worse.

Dinakaran, a nephew of general secretary Sasikala who is serving time in a corruption case, is the partys RK Nagar candidate.

The seat fell vacant after the death of chief minister J Jayalalithaa on December 5, and the bypoll turned into a battle for her legacy between Sasikala, her aide of almost 30 years, and Panneerselvam, a loyalist.

The AIADMK suffered a vertical split after Jayalalithaas death, following which her close aide Sasikala was appointed as the party chief.

However, in February this year, Panneerselvam revolted against Sasikala, alleging that he was forced to make way for her to become chief minister of the state.

Subsequently, some MPs and MLAs joined the Panneerselvam camp even as chief minister Palaniswami, a Sasikala loyalist, survived a confidence vote in the state assembly.

Merger on the cards?

On Tuesday, the Palaniswami faction formed a nine-member committee to negotiate with the Panneerselvam camp and finalise the modalities of the merger.

The decision to merge was taken to ensure that the party did not break. The party should stand united...and the move to sideline the Sasikala clan was to ensure that the party and the government did not fall into the hands of one family, Jayakumar said.

The Panneerselvam camp indicated that the move was a welcome development.

O Ponnaian, a senior leader from the faction, said talks will be held only if both conditions  Sasikala clans ouster and probe into Jayalaithaas death  are accepted.

If OPS comes for negotiations and merger talks tomorrow (Wednesday), we are ready for it, Jayakumar said, adding that we will all work together to get back the two leaves symbol.

The poll panel had frozen the symbol after both Panneerselvam and Sasikala-Dinakaran factions staked claim to it ahead of the now countermanded April 12 by-election to RK Nagar assembly constituency.

(With agency inputs)
With ruling AIADMK (Amma) faction deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran facing a possible arrest, efforts are on to bring the two warring factions of the party together in Tamil Nadu.

A nine-member team of AIADMK (Amma) leaders has been formed to negotiate with the O Panneerselvam camp to draw up a merger formula.

The Panneerselvam camp has only one condition for talks -- VK Sasikala, who leads the ruling faction, and controls the government has to step down.

Here are the live updates of the tussle going on in Tamil Nadu:

2.40 pm: The Madras high court on Tuesday granted anticipatory bail to the son and brother of former chief minister O Panneerselvam in a rioting case related to the RK Nagar assembly bypoll campaign.

2.10 pm: No demands made by OPS till now, he only said he wants to work unitedly. We are ready to talk whenever he wants to, says C Ve Shanmugam, Tamil Nadu minister.

1.50 pm: Chief minister K Palaniswami has stressed for unity in taking the ruling AIADMK and its government forward, senior party leader KA Sengottaiyan said.

1.40 pm: During the election campaigning in RK Nagar many malpractices were done and Rs. 4,000 was offered to each voter. We submitted all this to the Election Commission yesterday and asked to inquire into the matter, Panneerselvam said.

1.20 pm: Panneerselvam also says that the elevation of Sasikala was not in accordance with the bylaws of the party. Sasikalas elevation and her subsequent actions is null and void, he added.

1.10 pm: Panneerselvam tweets that the medical treatment provided to Jayalalithaa should be made transparent with an enquiry to the same.

1.00 pm: We have been insisting that the family against whom we have waged a war had indulged in activities bringing disrepute to the entire Tamil Nadu, says Panneerselvam.

Our founder MGR and Amma created this party as a party for the people and cadres, this is a Democratic Party for people and cadres.  O Panneerselvam (@OfficeOfOPS) April 18, 2017

12.50pm: Dinakaran was not even member of the party till Ammas demise, elections for office-bearers of AIADMK was itself illegal, says O Panneerselvam.
Days after it lifted a ban on Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, Air India denied a business class ticket to Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Arjun Charan Sethi.

Sethi, an MP from Bhadrak in Odisha, said he will complain to the aviation minister as the airline did not inform him about the change of aircraft.

Sethi unlike Gaikwad restrained himself and later boarded the same flight and travelled in the economy class without creating any ruckus. He, however, got annoyed at Air India staff at the check-in counter when he learnt about the non-availability of business class seat.

When I reached the counter, I was told that I cannot travel business class as the aircraft has only economy class seats. I got angry but had to travel owing to family emergency. I will complain to the minister as the airline did not inform in advance, said Sethi.

The incident took place on April 12 and the MP reached the Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport at 5:45 pm. He was scheduled to fly with AI 473, Delhi-Bhubaneswar flight.

Air India confirmed the incident and said that several attempts were made to reach out to the MP. Whenever we change the aircraft, we inform the passenger through call, message and email. In this case, the number given by the passenger was not reachable and messages also could not be delivered. There was no email id give at the time of booking . There was no unruly behaviour, said Dhananjay Kumar, Air India spokesperson.

Air India sources said that there was argument over the seat but the MP later agreed to fly. Sethi had booked the ticket around five days before the date of travel. Air India official said that Delhi is a hub and aircraft are changed often depending on the availability.

On Monday, Air India had proposed a fine of up to 15 lakh for passengers involved in air rage and delaying flights beyond two hours.

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A key piece of evidence which could have provided some insights into how the prime conspirators in a larger Hindu terror conspiracy were connected to each other lost its value as a proof in the Ajmer blast case due to goof up by investigators. In the trial, only two accused, out of nine, were convicted by a special NIA court in Jaipur. Those acquitted included Swami Aseemanand, an alleged mentor of the Hindu extremists involved in a series of blasts in Malegaon, Hyderabads Mecca Masjid and the Samjhauta Express train.

Diary of Sunil Joshi

Sunil Joshi was believed to be the kingpin of the Hindu extremists group involved in the string of blasts carried out in retaliation of attacks by Muslim jehadis. But Joshi was murdered in December, 2007 in Madhya Pradeshs Dewas in mysterious circumstances. After his murder, the Dewas police recovered a diary of the deceased that allegedly contained phone numbers of senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar and Swami Aseemanand.

Why was it key evidence?

The diary of Sunil Joshi, alias Manoj Kumar, was an important piece of evidence to show his close knit circle of friends and well-whishers that allegedly included Indresh Kumar and Swami Aseemanand. In the diary, Joshi had also listed a number under the name of Sardar. The number belonged to Himanshu Phanse, who was a key suspect in a chain of explosions that took place in Maharashtra mosques between 2002 and 2005. Phanse was found dead along with another person in an accidental blast at Nanded in Maharashtra.

Copy of the diary that wasnt

The court documents in the Ajmer blast case in which charges could be proved against only two out of nine accused showed the Dewas police provided a copy of the diary to the investigating officer (IO) in the Mecca Masjid blast case, which is also considered as part of the larger Hindu terror probe. The IO self-attested the copy of the diary and submitted it as evidence in the first chargesheet. The first IO in the Ajmer blast case took a copy of the diary from the Mecca Masjid cases IO and produced it as an evidence in his case too.

Diary gets discarded as evidence

Special judge Dinesh Gupta said in his judgement in the Ajmer case that if the dairy was originally seized by the Dewas police, the prosecution should have produced a copy of the seizure memo made by the Dewas police. The judge added that a letter from the Dewas police saying that a copy of the diary was handed over to the IO of the Mecca Masjid case should also have been produced before him to prove its authenticity. The prosecution could have produced an officer from the Dewas police as witness in the case who could have certified that indeed a copy of the dairy was handed over to the IO of the Mecca Masjid case. But that was also not done.

No sign mean lack of sign as evidence

The judge said even the application on the basis of which a photocopy of the diary was issued, didnt mention the applicants name, therefore, it could not authenticate how the copy of the dairy became part of the Ajmer case chargesheet.

No diary, no phone number, no call details

The prosecution had also alleged that Sunil Joshi was using a BSNL mobile number (9424060007). The Mecca Masjid case IO was a witness in the Ajmer case. He had shared many pieces of evidence with his Ajmer case counterpart because both the blasts were allegedly carried out by almost same set of accused persons. Therefore, the call details of Joshis phone were originally procured by the Mecca Masjid cases IO but were also produced as evidence in the Ajmer case. But the judge said the call details should have been produced with a certification under section 65 (B) of Indian Evidence Act, an important procedural requirement, which the prosecution failed to do.

IO got retired

The call details of Joshi were procured from the BSNL after an email request from the Mecca Masjid IO, but he got retired. The new IO took a printout of the mail from his predecessors computer and annexed it with the Mecca Masjid cases chargesheet.

But the judge said the IO, who took printouts, in his deposition accepted that the pages of the details were not numbered and one could not gather from the pages the date of sending of email or even the fact that it was received from the BSNL. Even the date of taking the printout was also not mentioned.

Another certified copy from BSNL, No?

Since it was a 2007 case that was cracked around three years later, seeking another copy of the call details from the BSNL was not an easy option. The Ajmer case IO clarified to the judge that if call details of a particular number are required after a passage of three years, they can be procured only from the archives of the service provider. The IO told the judge that he tried to procure a copy of the call details from the BSNL archives, but he didnt receive it till the time he was handling the case. Later, the case was handed over to the NIA. Even the two NIA IOs - Arvind Negi and Vishal Garg-- didnt produce any certified copy of the call detail of Joshis alleged phone number.

Other option too proved futile Another way to prove that the number was being used by Sunil Joshi was to get its subscriber details. But the subscriber details showed that SIM card of the number allegedly used by Joshi was issued in the name of one Yuvraj Singh.

Yuvraj Singh had given the SIM card of the number to one Anandraj Kataria, who was a key witness in the case and his statement was recorded before a magistrate along with 11 other witnesses.

But the prosecution didnt produce Yuvraj Singh as a witness to prove it. And inexplicably when Katarias statement were recorded, there was no mention of a SIM card that he got from a person named Yuvraj Singh, which he later gave to Sunil Joshi.

Even the last chance too was lost

Even the Dewas police had mentioned in one of its documents that this phone number was being used by Joshi. But again, no officer from the Dewas police was produced as witness to prove that how and when they got to know that this number was being used by Joshi.

No connection at all

The prosecution said accused Devendra Gupta, who now stands convicted in the case, and his mentor Sunil Joshi spoke to each other and also exchanged messages on mobile on October 11, 2007, the day blast took place in the Dargah Sharif.

But the prosecution didnt even produce subscriber details or call details of mobile number being used by Devendra Gupta to show that the number on which Joshi spoke belonged to Gupta.

Therefore the trail of call details that could have connected Joshi and Gupta and some of the other suspects in the case dried up. But fortunately some of the witnesses told the court that Joshi and Gupta knew each other well. Thats how at least their closeness was proved.

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The Allahabad High Court has disposed of a PIL with certain observations for release of Kulbhushan Jadhav from Pakistan and his deportation to India.

Jadhav was convicted with capital punishment in Pakistan recently.

In the instant case, if the negotiations have to take place, there is no reason for us to issue any direction at this stage as we hope and trust that the Union of India through its respective authorities must be taking appropriate steps in order to ensure that full diplomatic, legal as well as moral support is extended to the detenue in order to secure the interest of his life and liberty as prayed by the petitioner, the Lucknow bench of the high court observed.

The order was passed on Monday by a division bench of justices Amreshwar Pratap Sahi and Sanjay Harkauli on a PIL filed by local lawyer S K Gupta.

The petitioner had sought direction to the Centre and its authorities to take appropriate legal steps in the matter.

Referring to a judgement of the Supreme Court of 2011, the court said the request was transmitted directly to the Pakistani authorities through the Solicitor General of India and accordingly, after the negotiation the outcome of the said request appeared to have been respected by the Pakistani authorities.

The petitioner submitted that an innocent person had been convicted and confined contrary to all norms of natural justice.

The charge against the detenue was alleged to be of espionage and such allegations that had been tried by special court in Pakistan, the petitioner said.
(The)...tenant in the demised premises stands aggrieved by the pronouncement made by the learned Executing Court upon his objections constituted therebefore...wherewithin the apposite unfoldments qua his resistance to the execution of the decree stood discountenanced by the learned Executing Court.

Does not make any sense? Well, you are not alone. Even the Supreme Court thinks so. Why, even the contesting lawyers agreed that this is English as bad it can get.

Not surprisingly, a two-judge bench of the top court has set aside the convoluted judgment authored by a Himachal Pradesh high court judge in a landlord vs tenant case.

We will have to set it aside because one cannot understand this, a bench of justices MB Lokur and Deepak Gupta said on Friday. Justice Lokur, however, did not record it in the written order sending the judgment back to the HC judge for re-drafting.

The landlord had approached the top court after the HC barred him from evicting his tenant.

The HC verdict is a case study of exactly how English should not be written.

Sample this:

However, the learned counsel...cannot derive the fullest succour from the aforesaid acquiesence... given its sinew suffering partial dissipation from an imminent display occurring in the impunged pronouncement hereat wherewithin unravelments are held qua the rendition recorded by the learned Rent Controller...

Aishwarya Bhati, who represented the tenant, told the court in a lighter vein that she would have to hire an English professor to make out what the judge meant. Advocate EC Agrawala, representing the landlord, too complained about the convoluted judgment.

Agrawala informed the court that another SC bench had set aside the same HC judges order in a different case on the ground that the language used was too confusing.

We normally prepare an appeal in two days time. However, in this case I took more than a week because the facts of the case were unclear. I had to call for the trial court order to understand the entire matter, he later told HT.

Speaking to HT, Bhati too described it as a peculiar case where the counsels for both the parties agreed.

The dispute dates back to November 1999 when the landlord filed an eviction petition against his tenant for alleged non-payment of rent.

After a long struggle, the landlord got a warrant of possession in December 2011. However, the warrant could only be partly executed and the tenant was evicted from the portion of the property where he ran his shop. Since, the HC put a stay on the trial court order, the tenant retained possession of the residential premises.

In December, 2016 the HC allowed the tenants case and set aside his eviction on the ground that the landlord had received the rent amount.

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New Delhi is examining consequences of Australias decision to abolish a popular work visa used by over 95,000 foreign workers, majority of them Indians.

The visa programme, known as 457 visa, allows businesses in Australia to employ foreign workers for a period up to four years in skilled jobs where there is a shortage of Australian workers.

We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains: Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs, so we are abolishing the 457 visa, the visa that brings temporary foreign workers into our country, said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The majority of the visa holders were from India. The nationals of the UK and China come after Indians in availing these visas.

We will no longer allow 457 visa to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians, the prime minister who was in India recently said.

He said Australia will adopt a new Australians first approach to skilled migration, something similar to what the Trump administration has said.

The government is examining consequences of the new policy in consultation with all stakeholders. This is also a matter we will be looking at in the context of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said today.

According to sources, the majority of the visa holders under the 457 category were from India, accounting almost a quarter of the intake, followed by the UK and China at 19.5 per cent and 5.8 per cent respectively.

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The killing of a 15-year-old youth by BSF in Batmaloo area of Srinagar last week was a cold-blooded murder and demonstration of state-sponsored terrorism, the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) alleged in a statement on Tuesday.

A murder case has been filed against the BSF over the death of Sajad Hussain Sheikh.

They kill our young ones with impunity and then disallow even mourning and congregational prayers, JKLF chairman Yasin Malik said in the statement.

Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family of Sheikh, he said, Banning mourning and sacred rituals amounts to interference in religious affairs.

 Ban on raising voices, ban on peaceful political gatherings, ban on travelling, ban on holding debates and arguments and even banning internet facilities has become a trade mark of so-called Indian democracy, the separatist leader said.

Local residents claimed BSF personnel opened fire when some youth started pelting stones at the three-vehicle convoy passing through the area.

Sources said personnel of the 38th battalion of the BSF were involved in the incident.

A BSF spokesman have been quoted in media reports as saying that its troopers had resorted to aerial firing in self-defence during stone-pelting and a weapon snatching bid in Batmaloo that evening.

Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed anguish over Sajads death and directed the security forces to exercise maximum restraint while performing their duties in provocative situations and strictly follow the laid down SOPs in such cases.

The JKLF statement said Malik, ignoring heavy restrictions, travelled to Batamaloo and met the bereaved family and expressed solidarity with them.
Markets in Araria and Supaul districts of Bihar observed a spontaneous bandh on Tuesday to protest the killing of two businessmen, one being a local BJP leader and the other related to another BJP worker, in separate incidents in the state.

Araria superintendent of police (SP) Sudhir Porika, who examined the CCTV footage of the Forbesganj incident said, Two persons have been taken into custody and the police are hopeful of nabbing the killers soon.

The businessman, Krishna Mohan Sah (65) was at his shop in Forbesganj market when criminals entered and stabbed him. The CCTV footage, which the police are relying on, shows a young boy, holding a knife, and dragging the bruised trader by his neck.

The incident took place at around 8.30pm on Monday. The businessman was rushed to the Forbesganj referral hospital where he was declared brought dead.

The deceased was known for his social activities. As the news spread, hundreds of people gathered at his residence in solidarity with the bereaved family.

It is a barbaric act and we want the killers to be hanged, said Shambhu Sah, brother of the slain businessman and leader of the BJP Araria unit as well as a former district board member. He also demanded immediate arrest of the killers.

All business associations, including the Chamber of Commerce, have condemned the killing and demanded foolproof security for the business community. They also demanded immediate transfer of top police and civil officials in the district, charging them with laxity.

A few days ago, there was tension in Forbesganj following an incident of eve teasing.The police had arrested over a 12 persons.

Elsewhere, in Supaul, businessmen downed their shutters to protest the killing of Subhash Singh, a businessman and a district BJP leader, who was shot dead at his shop on Monday.
Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Tuesday that the Centre wanted a stable government in Tamil Nadu and neither it nor the BJP had any role in the present internal instability in the ruling AIADMK in that state.

The BJP or the Centre has no role in the internal instability in the AIADMK. The Centre does not interfere in the affairs of the states. We want a stable government in Tamil Nadu for the sake of development, the Union Urban Development Minister told reporters here.

The people there (Tamil Nadu) had voted for Amma (Jayalalithaa) but unfortunately, she is no more. The party (AIADMK) should resolve its differences for the sake of the people, he said.

Refuting the allegation levelled by the opposition that the BJP-led NDA at the Centre was meddling with the affairs of the states, Naidu asserted that the union government did not interfere unless in an extreme case scenario.

The opposition has developed a habit of blaming everything on the Centre. Any incident that may happen in any remote corner of the country, the opposition blames it on the Centre. But it must be remembered that law-and-order is a state matter and the Centre does not interfere in it, he said on the sidelines of a meeting here.

The Centre will not interfere unless in an extreme case, said Naidu, who was here to review the implementation of schemes in the eight north-eastern states under his ministries -- information and broadcasting, urban development and housing and urban poverty alleviation.

Regarding the opposition blaming faulty electronic voting machines (EVMs) for its recent electoral loses, Naidu said, Earlier, when they (opposition) would win elections and we would lose, they found no fault with the EVMs. Now they are calling the same EVMs as Every Vote to Modi.

The opposition charges were absurd, he said, adding, They are unable to digest the reality.

Naidu also took a jibe at the Congress by describing the party as a sinking ship which was fast turning into a notional party from a national one.

All its (Congress) leaders and members are leaving the party and joining the BJP. It will soon cease to be a national party and remain just as a notional party, he claimed.

Naidu declined to comment on demands within the Congress for handing over the partys reins to its vice-president Rahul Gandhi. It is an internal matter of the Congress. BJP will not say anything about it.

The Congress believes in dynastic politics. The same family has been leading it. BJP is a democratic party. We cannot comment on their leadership change, he said.
The government and the election commission seem headed for a confrontation over funds for the purchase of devices that leave a paper trail of votes cast on an electronic machine.

Sources in the government said on Monday the delay in release of money was a logistic holdup, even as the poll panel complained its request for funds to buy voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines had remained unheeded.

The confrontation comes at a time when opposition parties are demanding the poll panel go back to paper ballot and discontinue the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), alleging the devices can be tampered with.

Both the government and election commission have denied the charge and said EVMs were completely safe.

The law ministry released more than Rs 700 crore in the last two years for the purchase of EVMs and VVPATs, an official said on condition of anonymity.

Funds for VVPATs, which are attached to EVMs, were not released in one go because the implementation was meant to take place in a phased manner, the official said.

EC sources countered the claim, saying the poll panel received only Rs 1,940 crore for the purchase of EVMs and not Rs 3,174 crore it had sought for VVPATs.

The Supreme Courts 2003 ruling spoke of implementing the VVPATs in a phased manner, accordingly money was disbursed, the source said.

But, the EC later decided to use only paper-trail machines for the 2019 general election, so the government had to rework the funding plan.

The government was responding to the ECs allegations that the law ministry had ignored its repeated reminders for release of funds for VVPAT machines as directed by the court.

The machine allows a voter to see the name and symbol of the candidate voted for before the paper slip drops into a box attached to the device.

The law ministry released Rs 363.60 crore in 2015-16 and Rs 425.35 crore a year later. The cabinet had also approved release of Rs 1,009 crore for the purchase of new EVMs to replace the ageing machines, sources said.

Introduced in 1998 in some part of the country, EVMs fast-tracked Indias poll process. Counting that used to take days is now a matter of hours.

The 2004 poll was the first general election in which EVMs, manufactured by government-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals and Electronic Corporation of India, were used. These machines have a life span of around 15 years.

The Supreme Court has asked the poll panel to use only VVPATs for the next Lok Sabha election. During a recent hearing, it asked the government and the poll panel to spell out the timeframe for switch to the paper-trail system.

The poll panel told the court around 1.6 million machines would be needed for the 2019 election and these could be commissioned in 30 months from the date of release of funds, keeping in mind the capacity of the two firms.

While law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad declined comment on the issue of funds, he welcomed the ECs decision to invite people to try and hack the EVMs.

Slamming the Opposition, he said when they won elections, no questions were asked but when the verdict favoured the BJP, doubts were being cast over the efficacy of EVMs.

This logic is not just flawed but emanates from gross failure to seriously introspect the cause of defeat and is an insult to popular verdict, the minister said.

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While the Maharashtra governments move of denotifying two highways starting in Mumbai may have benefitted 500 establishments, including restaurants, bars, pubs and liquor shops, it has miffed its ally Shiv Sena.

Senior Sena minister Diwakar Raote, who handles the transport department and heads the State Road Security Council (SRSC), has approached chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying the move seems like an attempt to encourage sale of liquor.

Senas opposition to the decision comes amid speculations that senior Congress leader and former chief minister Narayan Rane, considered number one enemy of the Sena, may join the BJP .

Rane, a former Sena chief minister, defected to the Congress in 2005, after differences with Uddhav Thackeray, who is now the Sena president.

Last week, the state government de-notified two highways  Eastern Express Highway (EEH) and Western Express Highway (WEH) in Mumbai -- to escape the Supreme Court order, which banned sale of liquor within 500m along highways.

The highways have been handed over to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for repair and maintenance as city roads.

Referring to the move, Raote wrote, The apex court decision is more about road safety rather than liquor ban on highways. In contrast, the states move is being seen as an attempt by the state government to encourage liquor selling and hence as the chief of SRSC, I am expressing my strong emotions to the decision.

The way state government handed over the state highways to the planning authority, it may face contempt of court proceedings, the letter states.

The Sena move is likely to upset the BJP leadership and lead to a bitter fight between the ruling allies.

It indicates the recent reconciliation over dinner diplomacy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray was temporary, sources said.

Bickering between both the parties -- the BJP and Sena -- is on despite running the government together in the state, with the latter taking aggressive stand on issues time and again.

The Sena joined the Opposition parties demanding loan waiver for distressed farmers in the state Assembly last month. The party ministers also led a delegation to the chief minister over alleged unequal allocation of funds to their legislators.

Sena leaders demanded higher allocation of funds for their constituencies based on their strength in the Assembly - 63.

Earlier, the allies-turned-rivals contested the civic elections on their own, turning the electoral battle into a bitter fight.

However, the BJP later decided to support Sena in the Mumbai civic body. Thackeray recently attended National Democratic Alliance (NDA) constituents meet at New Delhi and also supported the resolution to contest the next general elections as a unit under the leadership of PM Modi.

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Defence minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday told his Canadian counterpart Harjit Singh Sajjan that there was considerable disquiet in India over a motion passed by the Ontario Assembly recently describing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as genocide.

Defence ministry sources said Jaitley raised the issue strongly with the Canadian defence minister, emphasising that the language used in the motion passed in early April was unreal and exaggerated. The matter was raised during delegation-level talks between the two countries.

The private members motion was moved by Harinder Malhi, the member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) from the riding (as constituencies are called in Canada) of Brampton-Springdale, near Toronto.

After a debate, the motion was carried with 34 MPPs (the equivalent of MLAs) voting in favour and just five against. Those present at a vote numbered just about a third of the assemblys total strength of 107.

The Canadian delegation was told that this sort of questioning of Indias democratic credentials was not in line with the relationship between the two countries, sources said, adding Sajjan disassociated himself with the controversial resolution, saying it was a private members motion and did not reflect the view of the Canadian government.

The discussions between the two sides revolved around strengthening the bilateral military relationship, with focus on how Canadas capabilities in defence production and manufacturing could lead to technology partnerships under the Modi governments Make in India initiative. The talks covered several areas including cooperation in cold climate warfare, enhancing bilateral naval interaction and stepping up joint training.

Sajjans week-long visit to the country has been mired in controversy with Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh refusing to meet the Canadian minister, calling him a Khalistani sympathiser.

Responding to a question related to Khalistani terror, Sajjan said he did not want to be sucked into the internal politics of any country. He also said he did not promote the breaking up of any country. I have been given many labels throughout my life and your actions define who you are, he said at a function organised by the Observer Research Foundation.

My goal is to build relationships as representative of the Canadian government and that is what I am here to do and I am also very proud of the fact that I was born here, he added.
Former Union finance minister P. Chidambaram on Tuesday accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of making extraordinary and ridiculous allegation against his son Karti P Chidambaram.

In a statement issued in Chennai, the senior Congress leader said the Enforcement Directorates Monday press release does not relate to any specific act on the part of Karti.

Instead, it (EDs press release) makes the extraordinary and ridiculous allegation that Karti appears to be the controller and ultimate beneficiary of certain transactions of two companies, Chidambaram said.

According to the former Union minister, the words appear to be in the ED statement simply means the investigating agency is making a wild allegation just to drag Karti into the case.

He said suitable reply will be given if the EDs notice is served on Karti.

On April 17, the ED press release said it had issued notice to Vasan Health Care Pvt. Ltd., its promoter and Karti Chidambaram, and Advantage Strategic Consulting for allegedly violating foreign currency laws.
Nepal president to hold talks with PM, President today

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari will hold talks with the Indian leadership, including with President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an effort to expand cooperation between the two neighbours amid differences over provisions in the Nepals Constitution about representation for the Madhesis. Vice-president Hamid Ansari, External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, home minister Rajnath Singh and finance minister Arun Jaitley will also call on the Nepal president. President Bhandari will attend a business event organised by industry chambers CII, FICCI and ASSOCHAM.

Read analysis related to the visit here.

Delhis Ola, Uber cab drivers defy strike diktat from unions, but may join march later

A strike called by over a dozen transport unions on Tuesday, did not have much impact in the morning rush hours as most drivers of cab aggregators Ola and Uber chose to defy the protest this time. Unlike their two-week long protest in February which affected thousands of commuters, office goers didnt have to suffer much on Tuesday morning as cabs on mobile apps were mostly available in the morning peak hours. Some cab drivers HT spoke to said they will join the protest around noon after working in the first half, while others said they had no time to join the protest.

Read the full story here.

Buy American, Hire American: Donald Trump to seek changes in the H-1B visa programme

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday will sign an executive order directing federal agencies to recommend changes to a temporary visa programme used to bring foreign workers to the United States to fill high-skilled jobs. Two senior Trump administration officials who briefed reporters at the White House said Trump will also use the buy American and hire American order to seek changes in government procurement practices to increase the purchase of American products in federal contracts.

Read the full story here.

US NSA McMaster tells Pakistan leaders to confront terror in all forms

US National Security Adviser HR McMaster has told Pakistans top civil and military leaders to confront terrorism in all its forms, a day after he hinted the Trump administration could take a tougher stance on Islamabads efforts to counter militant groups. McMaster arrived in Pakistan on Monday for an unannounced visit after travelling to Afghanistan, where he told the media that Pakistan should target militant groups less selectively and stop using proxies that engage in violence.

Read the full story here.

Indias skewed sex ratio to worsen further, says a government report

As Indias proportion of youth in the total population falls, the sex ratio will dip to 898 girls for 1,000 boys in 2031 from 939 in 2011, a new government study has projected. Quoting data from the Census and World Bank, a ministry of statistics and programme report said the negative aspect of youth in India was that the sex ratio among them has been consistently decreasing since 1991. The reduction in sex ratio of youth is found to be much more than that of the overall population. It has come down to 939 in 2011 from 961 in 1971 and is projected to decline further to 904 in 2021 and to 898 by 2031, the report titled youth in India said.

Constitution bench to hear WhatsApp privacy policy debate

A Constitution Bench of five Supreme Court judges will decide whether a larger bench of judges should hear a petition which argues that a 2016 policy of instant messaging app WhatsApp to give Facebook access to information and personal details of its users is a violation of privacy and free speech. Having at first meant to hear the case during the summer vacation, Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar advanced the date for the Constitution Bench hearing to today, saying it is a serious issue. The case is based on a petition by two young students to challenge the contract between the two Internet giants to provide access to calls, photographs, texts, videos and documents shared by users despite the fact that privacy is guaranteed by WhatsApp.

70% of Indias small, mid-sized firms yet to start GST preparations

About 70% of the countrys small and mid-sized firms are yet to begin preparations to get synced with the goods and services tax (GST) structure even as the country prepares to roll out the biggest indirect tax reform from July 1. Consulting major KPMG and the Federation of Small Medium Enterprises (FISME) said that while large companies are ready to move to the new tax structure, small ones, especially those in the unorganised sector, are battling against time. Sources said many small entities may not be ready by July 1 for the GST rollout, leading to disruption in their businesses and payment cycles. This could even result in some job losses in the initial phase.

Read the full story here.

North Korea accuses US of creating situation for nuclear war

North Koreas deputy UN ambassador has accused the United States of turning the Korean Peninsula into the worlds biggest hotspot and creating a dangerous situation in which a thermonuclear war may break out at any moment. Kim In Ryong told a news conference that if the US dares opt for a military action, North Korea is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the US. He said the Trump administrations deployment of the Carl Vinson nuclear carrier task group to waters off the Korean Peninsula again proves the US reckless moves for invading the DPRK have reached a serious phase of its scenario.

Read the full story here.

IPL 2017: Gujarat Lions seek to bounce back in IPL match against RCB

Struggling to find form after three losses in four matches, Gujarat Lions would look to make the home advantage count when they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in their IPL match at Rajkot today. After a dream debut last season where they finished third, the Lions lost back to back games, against Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, before registering their first win by beating Rising Pune Supergiant. The Suresh Raina-led side suffered a six-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians and they are now at seventh spot, just above bottom-placed RCB.

Opinion: Despite PM Modis popularity, Odisha still a long shot for the BJP

Following its impressive show in the panchayat elections in February, the BJP is confident about capturing the state of Odisha in 2019. But it has some way to go. The Congress still has strong grassroots support, the BJPs state leaders have not secured broad acceptance and the partys network of workers is not as strong as the ruling Biju Janata Dals.

Read the full column here.
Few would believe it now, but Vijay Mallya was once a star of corporate India. Taking charge of United Breweries at 28, when his father died, he swept all who came in his way. He was the star of every corporate gathering, often making late, dramatic entries with an entourage, including  some accounts say  a man who carried his two mobile phones on a silver tray.

The embattled tycoon, who Indian authorities have been chasing over fraud charges, was on Tuesday arrested in London by Scotland Yard on Indias request for his extradition.

The arrest comes weeks after Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had indicated that Mallyas extradition would feature in his talks during his visit to the UK.

For some time, Mallaya played the system like a fiddle, helped by his added status as an MP.

Until hubris got the better of him, until he tried to soar too high with his beloved Kingfisher Airline. Until the day the strings broke.

Its the story of all men, and women, whose successes merely make them greedy for more. Its a story from mythology, when Icarus, the son of a master craftsman, believed a bit too much in the wax wings his father had built for him, and flew too close to the sun.

The debt

Mallya owes around Rs 10,000 crore, including bank loans, tax arrears andinterest dues. This does not include arrears claimed by his former employees...

The worth

The liquor baron has almost Rs 4,500 crore in shareholding apart from assets such as primereal estate, a studfarm, a jet and hundreds of vintage cars...
The government is in the process of framing a policy to protect the data imprints on WhatsApp, Facebook and other applications, the Supreme Court was informed on Tuesday.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi supported the petition filed in the top court questioning the privacy policy of WhatsApp that allows the social media platform to share the data commercially left behind by its users. He said the comprehensive data protection framework would ban sharing of data by service providers or app owners.

The law officer made the submission before a five-judge bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra, which is hearing an appeal filed by two students, Karmanya Singh and Shreya Sethi.

Both have challenged a Delhi high court verdict that refused to accept their contention that WhatsApp privacy policy, which changed after Facebook took over the popular messaging service, did not violate the fundamental rights of a user by sharing confidential data.

Rohatgi said the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was in the process of evolving the data protection framework. He requested the bench to adjourn the matter by three months as the new policy might be finalized by then.

The AGs arguments were contested by both WhatsApp and Facebook, who denied the allegations. Their counsel, senior advocate Kapil Sibal and Siddhartha Luthra, submitted that the data shared on their platforms was end-to-end crypted and inaccessible.

However, the bench asked the petitioners lawyer senior advocate Harish Salve to formulate the issues in the matter by April 24 and fixed April 27 to hear the case. Whether the case would be taken up during the summer break would be on the next date.

The SC had on April 5 referred the petition to a constitution bench. On January 16, it had sought responses from the Centre and TRAI on the plea that privacy of over 157 million Indians has been infringed by social networking sites - WhatsApp and Facebook - for alleged commercial use of personal communication.

In its verdict in September last year the HC had directed WhatsApp to delete the information/data of those who had opted out of the service before September 25, 2016 and not to share them with social networking site Facebook or its group companies.

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There are at least seven stages that an Indian extradition request needs to pass through before an individual resident in the United Kingdom is actually sent to India  the process includes the question of death penalty and human rights.

India is included in Type B of Category 2 list of countries in Britains Extradition Act of 2003. A treaty between the two countries was signed in 1992 when SB Chavan was Indias home minister, and it came into effect from 1993.

An extradition request from India needs decisions by the home secretary as well as the courts.

The process to these territories follows these steps: extradition request is made to the home secretary; the secretary decides whether to certify the request; the judge decides whether to issue a warrant for arrest; the person wanted is arrested and brought before the court; preliminary hearing; extradition hearing; and, the secretary decides whether to order the extradition.

There is also the final recourse  until the United Kingdom leaves the European Union  to approach the European Court of Human Rights.

In Mallyas case, the first four stages have been completed. Under rules, after the person sought has been arrested, he is brought before the court and the judge sets a date for the extradition hearing.

At the extradition hearing, the judge must be satisfied that the conduct amounts to an extradition offence (dual criminality), that none of the bars to extradition apply, where applicable, that there is prima facie evidence of guilt (in accusation cases), and whether extradition would breach the persons human rights.

If the judge is satisfied that all of the procedural requirements are met, and that none of the statutory bars to extradition apply, the case is sent to the Home secretary for a decision to be taken on whether to order extradition. The person sought can appeal at various stages.

However, extradition is prohibited if: the person could face the death penalty (unless the Home secretary gets adequate written assurance that the death penalty will not be imposed or, if imposed, will not be carried out).

It can also be prohibited if there are no speciality arrangements with the requesting country  speciality requires that the person must be dealt with in the requesting state only for the offences for which they have been extradited (except in certain limited circumstances).

Another ground for refusal is if the person has already been extradited to the UK from a third state or transferred from the International Criminal Court and consent for onward extradition is required from that third state or that Court (unless the secretary has received consent).

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Raj Yogendra Veer Swami, 93, is a freedom fighter from Karnataka. He still remembers the trials and travails of the freedom movement and how Mahatma Gandhi shaped a movement to uproot the mighty British Empire.

Today, however, he is convinced that had Gandhi been alive, he would have been defamed and made to regret his life dedicated to the freedom of India. "The zeal to serve the people has disappeared in today's breed of political leaders. Gandhi could not give shape to independent India, but had he been alive today, he would have gone into shock and dismay," said Swami, while talking to HT on the sidelines of the felicitation function.

Another freedom fighter Dr Prahlad Prajapati, 92, a resident of Kusinagar (Uttar Pradesh), felt that Bapu's dream of uniform education could not be realised due to apparent division in the education system. "Only children of high-profile people get elitist education, while wards of the poor remain illiterate," said Prajapati, who participated in the Quit India movement on August 8-9, 1942. He had also suffered a bullet injury on August 14, 1942 when four of his associates, including Ram Chandra Prajapati, were killed while unfurling the Indian flag at Basantpur in Gorakhpur.

He also lamented that even in free India, he was deprived of benefits given to freedom fighters. "The political class has forgotten the pain of freedom movement," he added.

110 years old freedom fighter Devi Prasad from Paliganj on the bed at Sri Krishna Memorial hall in Patna where he was felicitated as part of centenary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhis Champaran Satyagraha. (AP Dube/HT photo)

Avinash Chandra Shastri, 92, from Phagwara in Punjab said that whatever Gandhi wrote in his book 'Indian in Dreams' remained in pages of the book only. "Gandhiji wanted river of milk to flow, but liquor started flowing in the country, though prohibition was later initiated in Gujarat and other states. Education is improving, but not the way Gandhiji wanted it to," he said.

M Satyanarayan, 89, from Telangana said that while everyone basked in the glory of freedom, nobody had time to ponder over the price of freedom. "On her return from Russia in 1972, the late Indira Gandhi thought of giving pension to freedom fighters. Not before that," he added

Narayan Burman, 92, from Assam said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was striving to realise Bapu's dreams. "There is need for a movement to take the nation towards Gandhian philosophy, which has cure for all ills plaguing the society. The increasing void between the rich and the poor needs to be bridged," said Burman, who was arrested in Pandu while burning foreign clothes.

Many freedom fighters like Lajpat Rai Yadav (97) whose five sons are IAS officers and many grandsons IPS officers, Ram Pilla, Bhartiya Choudhary and Subhadra Kumari Khemka, felt that Bapu's relevance was felt more today than ever before.

"He wanted to wipe the tears of the last man in the society. Today, the problems have confounded so much that we are still struggling with the basics," he added.

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In rural areas of Himachal Pradesh, women are at the forefront of protests against the sale of liquor. Women of different villages have been protesting and demanding the shutting down of liquor vends in their respective areas.

On Monday, women of Kotgarh village protested outside a liquor vend, claiming that passersby have easy access to i.

We have seen many people stopping their vehicle here and purchasing liquor. The vend is also responsible for the deteriorating atmosphere of the area, Kotgarh Mahila Mandal Pradhan Bimla Singha told Hindustan Times. We have written to the panchayat, urging them to shut down the vend. It is a long-pending demand of ours, Singha said.

Instances of women protesting against liquor trade have been steadily increasing in different parts of the state.

Earlier, Mandis Cheuni panchayat passed a resolution banning liquor and cigarette. Alleging that the administration defied the resolution and still alloted liquor vends, it also knocked on the high courts door seeking justice.

Cheuni Panchayat head Indira Devi said the entire panchayat had passed the resolution banning liquor. Government is talking about drug de-addiction and simultaneously promoting liquor sale  both these things are contradictory, she said.

Chansari panchayat in Kullu district had also staged a protest outside the deputy commissioners office, seeking closing of liquor vends. Panchayat head Subhash Thakur said the panchayat decided to close down liquor shop last February but the administration was yet to take any action. We often see schoolchildren consuming liquor, which is unfortunate, he said. Even in Majharien panchayat, located in the vicinity of Shimla, villagers have been demanding shutting of liquor vends. In Shilai area of Sirmaur district, villagers even vandalised one such vend.

Narkanda block development committee chairperson Meera Sharma said that last year the entire state took part in a campaign to eradicate cannabis and opium. The tirade against drugs should continue and this includes liquor. Government should realise that our youth is turning into drug addicts and liquor is easily available, she said. The government, however, feels legal liquor trade is important to check illegal trade.

Himachal has 1,900 liquor vends of which more than 400 have been shut after Supreme Courts booze ban on highways. Earlier, 800 vends were supposed to shut down but the government downgraded 17 state highways to major district roads. The government is eyeing a revenue of approximately 1,400 crore from liquor trade.

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The stalled consultation process for the BCIM (Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar) Economic Corridor is set to resume, with officials and scholars from the four countries meeting in Kolkata next week after a gap of more than two-and-half years.

The last meeting of the Joint Study Group (JSG), which has government sanction, was held at Coxs Bazaar in Bangladesh in December 2014.

Officials from the external affairs ministry and scholars and academics from India will take part in the meeting to be held during April 25-26. The objective behind resuming the dialogue will be to finalise the JSG report.

The BCIM-EC aims to link Kunming, the capital of Chinas southwestern border state of Yunnan, with Kolkata in West Bengal via Mandalay in Myanmar and Dhaka and Chittagong in Bangladesh.

The idea of creating a corridor of regional integrity was first floated in 1999 but there has been little progress in implementing the grand plan.

Officially, China and India say the process of finalising the BCIM is not easy because of several reasons, including the restive nature of the region the planned corridor will pass through.

Privately, diplomats and bureaucrats from the two countries blame each other for the tardy progress.

Though it predates President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by several years, the Chinese government made BCIM part of the BRI, further increasing Indias unease.

BCIM-EC predates BRI and it should be pursued as an autonomous initiative rather than as a subset of BRI. All four BCIM-EC partners should continue to have co-ownership of this project, which should not be subsumed under another construct, said a former Indian diplomat.

Chinese experts feel that holding of the meeting in Kolkata indicates progress.

Indias attitude towards OBOR (One Belt, One Road) is clear - support some parts of OBOR, oppose and hedge the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the 21st Maritime Silk Road and delay and change BCIM, Liu Zongyi from the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies said at the BRI Initiative South Asia seminar organised by the China West Normal University on Tuesday.

Though the JSG dialogue didnt take place, but the door for Track II dialogue between China and India has never been closed. Several academic seminars were held and information and views were exchanged, Guo Suiyuan, associate professor at the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences, told Hindustan Times.

At this particular point of time, we need to re-emphasise that BCIM-EC is a cooperation platform for economic development and prosperity of the region and does not involve some of the sensitive issues that exist between China and India, Guo said.
An Indian Army soldier was killed in accidental firing in the border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir, an official said on Tuesday.

Earlier, it was reported that the soldier died in Pakistan sniper firing late Monday evening on the Line of Control (LoC) in Mendhar sector of Poonch.

But defence spokesman Lt Colonel Manish Mehta denied that there was any firing from the Pakistani side on Monday in Mendhar.

There had been no ceasefire violation (from Pakistan). It was one casualty due to accidental discharge, Mehta said. He gave no further details.

The spokesman, however, said the Pakistan Army fired and launched mortar shells indiscriminately at Indian posts in Naushera sector of the de facto border in Rajouri district on Monday.

The Indian Army retaliated strongly, he said. Dozens of cattle were killed on the Indian side.
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has announced that tourists and businessmen from India and 17 other countries can visit the countrys far east without visas to boost tourism and investment in the region.

Medvedev said on Monday that businessmen and tourists will not need to undergo the traditional procedure of Russian visas receipt.

According to the official site of the Russian Cabinet, the list of 18 countries comprises Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei, India, Iran, Qatar, China, North Korea, Kuwait, Morocco, Mexico, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Tunisia, Turkey and Japan, Tass news agency reported.

I have recently approved the list of countries, whose nationals can take advantage of the preferential regime, Medvedev said.

We are pro actively forming the modern infrastructure and creating special regimes in the far east; the law on visits to the Vladivostok free port was approved in March, he said.

Cancellation of visa procedures for tourists and businessmen will promote growth of investment and tourist attractiveness of the far east, the Prime Minister said.

The region will earn more money from tourist traffic growth, he added.

Eighteen countries from various regions selected by the reciprocity principle were included into the list, Medvedev said.

This is not because these states are situated at a closer or longer distance - we are appropriately introducing bilateral agreements on visa-free travel for those ready to use such an approach for us, he said.
Modernisation of defence equipment is the top most priority for the government, defence minister Arun Jaitley said on Monday as he addressed the Army Commanders Conference in New Delhi.

The minister complemented the senior military hierarchy and said whenever the challenges multiply or their nature changes, Indian Army has always outperformed itself, an official statement said.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat said all systems were working well and complimented all those who are working on the ground.

He observed that the Indian Army continues to hold a strong image and a professional reputation and asked all ranks to endeavour to further strengthen the same.

Top commanders of the army are meeting in the national capital from April 17-22.

The commanders will deliberate upon the prevailing security scenario, strategic and actionable issues to ensure an effective combat edge for the army.
The boys are back outside while the girls are busy taking their exams inside. The scene in the immediate vicinity of RG Girls PG College on Meeruts Kacheri Road seems every bit the same as it used to be a month before with men  some of them possibly eve-teasers  loitering around seeking out their next target.

Almost a month after Uttar Pradeshs new chief minister Yogi Adityanath launched his anti-Romeo squad initiative to crack down on sexual harassment of women at public places, Meerut has slipped back to its usual self.

Adityanath took over as the CM on March 19 and two days later, he announced the formation of the squads amid much fanfare and publicity. The police too in at least 11 districts of the countrys most populous state responded with alacrity: raiding parks, malls and colleges to deter eve-teasers from their favourite pastime.

RG Girlss College was one such place where a posse of policemen led by the city superintendent of police Alok Priyadarshi had descended on in the immediate aftermath of the CMs announcement. On March 22, the police detained 15 Romeos from across the town in western UP.

But revisiting the same spots that witnessed the crackdown nearly a month later revealed no traces of the frenetic police activity. April 21 will mark one month since Adityanath announced the measure to bolster womens safety.

Not a single policeman was spotted at RG Girls College on Monday, though some men sauntered around rather suspiciously. Some said they were there to buy grocery, others said they were simply passing by.

The absence of police drew snide remarks from some of the college students. Do din ka khumaar thaa bas (It was just a hype of two days), remarked Sajida Qureshi, a BA student. Her friends pointed out that policemen are normally not seen since the initial frenzy fizzled out. They (police) visit when exams are held, otherwise they are not be seen, said Heena Sheikh.

A teenager in Jhansi being punished for loitering in a public place. (Haider Naqvi/Hindustan Times)

But there is consensus among the students that the crackdown has had some positive effect on the ground. There is fear of the police and even brothers of students are dropping them at some distance from the college to avoid being interrogated and detained by the police.

The Government Girls College in Zakir Colony and the Star Plaza market on Begum Pul Road  two other spots that HT had visited last month in hot pursuit of the raiding policemen  also bore the same look. There were no hawk-eyed police officials around.

The overzealousness displayed by the police last month had come in for criticism from many quarters. A couple headed to a movie were stopped and the man was hauled to the police station. A teeanged boy was forced to do sit-ups at a park.

Ironically, the police are being forced to defend their decision, now that they have scaled down the anti-Romeo operations.

Meerut police officials say the crackdown is still on, though it is less visible. After the first two days, there were written orders from the top to act only when a complaint is received. The squads do exist but they act only after a complaint. We have been told not to act against random youngsters or couples, a top official said.

Priyadarshi, the SP, said incidents of eve-teasing had come down in the wake of the crackdown. Each police station still has at least one anti-Romeo squad comprising two police personnel  a man and a woman. They are ready to respond to complaints and act quickly, though not a single Romeo has been detained since March 23.

Residents of Meerut, meanwhile, are debating how effective the crackdown has been.

The idea is good but the approach is wrong. Instead of harassing innocent couples, police presence outside colleges should be ensured. That is enough for Romeos to stay away, said Ashish Mishra, a resident of Hill Street.

Ruchi Kumar, whose daughter studies at a girls college in Lucknow, is all for the anti-Romeo squads. Eve-teasing is a reality. Initiatives like the one started by Yogi Adityanath will at least serve as a deterrent, she said.

(With inputs from Rohit K Singh, Lucknow)

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I have been called a whore, a randi, c***, bitch and presstitute on Twitter and other social media platforms so often that now I barely notice it. It is not unusual for me to get tweets that go like this: Tum agar randi bhi ban jaogi, phir bhi tujhe koi nahi ch***** (even if you become a prostitute, no one will have sex with you). My mobile number has been shared publicly on multiple online platforms urging people to send me abusive and threatening messages.

I have been married off to men who either dont exist or who do but have had no romantic connection to me. Even my Wikipedia profile is routinely edited (despite formal complaints to them) to describe me as married to these men. The tweets about my fictional husbands have underlined that the men were Muslim by way of explaining my secularism  which, of course, is a word used as a slur. When I started publicly rebutting the rumours, with anger, humour and exasperation, the internet entries were amended to say I was twice divorced.

Read Part 1: My father took real bullets, I can take hate bullets: Gurmehar Kaur

Falsehoods aside, why isnt anyone discussing the marriages, divorces, and affairs of my male colleagues? Why the fixation with my private life? Because, the public scrutiny of women  and especially those of us who are proudly ambitious and fiercely independent  is very different from the standards used to measure men. And the subtext is always sexual. How you look, what you weigh, your sexual morality, and the men in your life  or the lack thereof. It is within these contours that they, the lynch mobs of the virtual world, come hunting in packs for the women they disapprove of. There are females among the assaulters too because misogyny is the one thing that truly is gender-neutral. Presstitute, that insult of choice online, is a gendered smear, no matter which way you slice it. Quite aside of the debate it raises about how you view sex-workers, the very origin of the affront seeks to link integrity and sexuality.

And no, there is nothing that is considered beyond the pale of decency. When I decided to go public about my experience with child sexual abuse  a choice which for every woman is first a battle with your own demons  among the gems in the reactions from my social media trolIs, was this.

Barka Dutt tujhe to meri gali ka kutta bhi na dekhe, mardon ki to baat hi chhod de (Even the dog in the alley behind my house wouldnt look at you, forget about men). Even in this age when some live in a make-believe world of post-feminism, molestation was repeatedly linked to desire and not the coarse abuse of power that it is. And then there was also this. Every feminist has a rape fantasy nowadays, its so easy and cheap to get popular.

While on the subject, rape threats to women are startlingly commonplace on social media. Once again, we forget that rape is a weapon of mass control; an age-old atavistic assertion of male power. It has nothing to do with sex, other than to use it as a vehicle of abuse. Yet, on forums like Twitter, rape threats are treated like a privilege bestowed on you. If you remain silent, you are complicit in normalising it; if you call them out  as I have several times  you are once again told as I was: Who would rape you?

Yet, not just are we required to have skins as thick as that of a rhinoceros  as Hillary Clinton once told me  we are expected to not even protest, because to do so is apparently to play victim. And as tough women, God forbid if we ever come across as whiny! So even though we can see that the trolling for us is sexually abusive in language and patently violent in thought, we have internalised it, as a sign of the times.

Interactive | This is what it feels like to be Barkha Dutt on Twitter

I did try the route of a criminal complaint once after being stalked and abused on WhatsApp groups and cold- called because my number was shared widely on social media. A man, using proxy servers, would call several times a day, sometimes with a group of men also cackling and sneering into the phone and threaten to rape and kill me. I appeared dutifully before a Delhi magistrate. I was provided security for a short while. No one was ever able to crack the case.

Frankly, now, trolling has become part of my daily life. I dont even notice it any more; thats how dangerously inured I have become to the gross innuendo and violent and sexually explicit abuse that is heaped on so many women. But this is so wrong. And our silence  my silence, my numbed weary acceptance of it or even my defiant engagement with it  is a disservice to all our women. Because in the end, trolling is a modern-day weapon of patriarchs; an attempt to control, intimidate and eventually silence women, all of us who think for ourselves.

Barkha Dutt is an award-winning journalist and author. This piece is part of HTs new campaign, Lets Talk About Trolls, which focuses sharp attention on online abuse and bullying.



Share your views with us at letstalkabouttrolls@hindustantimes.com or @htTweets with #LetsTalkAboutTrolls

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Reconciliation of the two AIADMK factions in Tamil Nadu appeared tentative on Tuesday as former chief minister O Panneerselvam stuck to his demand for the ouster of the ruling groups jailed leader, VK Sasikala, and her influential clan. (Highlights)

Efforts to reunite the two warring factions began after ruling AIADMK (Amma) groups deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran faced arrest over a bribery charge.

A nine-member team of the AIADMK (Amma) leaders has been formed to negotiate with the Panneerselvam camp to draw up a merger formula, party sources said.

But the Panneerselvam camp set conditions for talks  Sasikala has to step down as general secretary, members her family must be divested of all posts and power in the party, and a probe into the death of J Jayalalithaa, the former chief minister.

Panneerselvam stayed put in his native village, Theni, and reaffirmed the stand he took during his revolt against the Sasikala-led group that dominated the AIADMK after Jayalalithaas death last December.

He said party elections declaring Sasikala as the general secretary must be declared illegal.

Sasikala and her family members were shown the door by Jayalalithaa and they came in through the backdoor and gained control of the party, and the government, he said.

Unless the Sasikala clan is ousted, there can be no merger of the two factions, he declared.

OPS, as he is known, has his eyes set on the states top post, saying there should be a new face of governance in the state.

The majority of the states ministers met on Monday night and resolved to begin merger talks in the overall interest of the party  especially to boost its prospects in the civic polls.

Finance minister D Jayakumar said: We welcome OPSs statement on joining hands. We also want the two sides to come together.

Deputy general secretary Dinakaran, who was meeting lawyers to deal with a Delhi Police FIR that named him as a co-accused in a bribery case, is unhappy with the conditions set by the rival camp.

A legislator and Dinakaran loyalist said the ministers met without his knowledge.

Sasikala must continue as general secretary and TTV as deputy general secretary, he said.

Another AIADMK (Amma) functionary, Vaidyaselvan, made it clear that if the other side remained rigid, talks are bound to fail.

The merger move came after the Delhi Police filed an FIR against Dinakaran, who is a nephew of Sasikala, on Sunday for allegedly trying to bribe officials of election commission, which will decide which of the two factions would get the two-leaves symbol of the original AIADMK.

Finance and fisheries minister D Jayakumar and power minister P Thangamani are among those tasked by chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami to hold talks barely two months after the split.

All ministers and party MLAs have been summoned to Chennai.

Officially, both sides say they are in favour of a merger to guard the government and partys interests. But, the merger will hinge on two factors  who will head the unified party and who the chief minister would be.

Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambidurai, who steered discussions within the Palaniswami camp, was also speaking to former education minister M Foi Pandiarajan, the only minister to jump ship when Palaniswami replaced Panneerselvam as the chief minister.

There is a growing anger against Sasikala, who is serving a four-year jail term in a corruption case, and her familys stranglehold of the party after the death of Jayalalithaa.

She named Dinakaran her deputy before she was jailed.

Jayalaithaas death on December 5 triggered a bitter factional fight that ended with the ruling party splitting into AIADMK (Amma) and AIADMK Puratchi Thalavi Amma.

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All dignitaries, including the President and Union ministers, may soon start giving speeches in Hindi if a parliamentary panels recommendations accepted by President Pranab Mukherjee are implemented.

Mukherjee has accepted most of the recommendations made in the ninth report of the Committee of Parliament on Official Language. The report was submitted in 2011.

The panels recommendation that all dignitaries including the President and ministers, especially those who can read and speak Hindi, may be requested to give their speech/statement in Hindi only, has been accepted, as per an official order.

The President has accepted many other recommendations, including making announcements on civilian flights in Hindi followed by English.

On flights, half the reading material should consist of Hindi newspapers and magazines as Hindi is grossly neglected by airlines, as per the panels recommendation, was accepted by the President.

The ministry of civil aviation has been asked to ensure implementation of these recommendations.

Mukherjee has accepted another recommendation of the committee that maximum usage of Hindi should be ensured on all tickets of Air India and Pawan Hans helicopters.

The recommendation favouring 100% availability of training material in bilingual at the Mussoorie-based Lal Bahadur Shashtri National Administrative Academy, the premier institute to train civil servants including those in Indian Administrative Service (IAS), has also been accepted.

The panel had asked the ministry of human resource development to make serious efforts to make Hindi language compulsory in curriculum. As a first step, Hindi should be made a compulsory subject up to tenth standard in all schools of CBSE and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, it had recommended.

This recommendation is accepted in principle. The Union government should form a policy in consultation with state governments, the order said.

Another recommendation accepted by the President is that universities and higher educational institutes situated in non-Hindi speaking states, where the students are not given an option for Hindi to appear in exams/interviews, must be given an option to answer in Hindi.

In Guwahati on Tuesday, Union minister Venkaiah Naidu urged people to use Hindi daily along with regional languages.

The Centre is using more and more Hindi in government programmes and policies and we have to make the habit of using the Rashtrabhasha in our day-to-day life, along with the regional languages, Naidu said while presiding over a meeting of the Joint Hindi Advisory Committee.
Rejecting allegations that he supported Khalistan, Canadian defence minister Harjit Singh Sajjan said on Tuesday that he did not promote the breaking up of any country.

I dont want to be sucked into the internal politics of a province of a nation, he told the media when was asked about allegations that he was a Khalistani supporter.

My goal is to build relationships. I am proud of the fact that I was born here.

Sajjan arrived in India on Monday on a week-long visit. He will visit Punjab too.

The Sikh politician was dubbed a Khalistan sympathiser by Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh, who said he would not meet the Canadian minister.

Sajjan spoke at an event organised by Observer Research Foundation.

Pressed about Amarinder Singhs allegation, Sajjan said: I am not gonna get into petty politics of one CM or anybody.

My reason for going into Punjab is to pay respect to Harminder Sahib... I want to pay respect to the village I was born. I am very very proud of my roots.

Captain is chief minister and it is my responsibility to offer a meeting.

Sajjan said the chief minister was free to decide whether he wanted to meet him or not.

The relationship between Punjab and Canada is based on its people. No one can take away my village, my home, from me.

On the Ontario assembly passing a resolution calling the 1984 anti-Sikh riots a genocide, Sajjan said: We are a federation and the Ontario legislature is democratically elected. A private member moved a motion and thats all it was.

Earlier, Sajjan met Indian finance minister Arun Jaitley.

Speaking on their discussion, Sajjan said: We had some very fruitful discussion ... on the great relationship that Canada and India have and how we can further this relationship.

Talking about the possibilities in defence cooperation, he said: Indias defence ties with Canada may be at a nascent stage but we certainly stand to benefit from your technological skills, your considerable aerospace technologies, simulation and modelling technologies, cold climate expertise, your culture of research and innovation.

All are areas that suggest possibilities where Canadian defence manufacturers can become an active part of the Make in India initiative.

A veteran of Afghanistan and Bosnia, Sajjan, a decorated soldier, spoke about the Taliban and how to deal with extremist violence.

Taliban is a small entity ... radical thinking that has sucked in a generation of young men into their ranks.

Pressed on Afghan peace efforts, Sajjan said: It is up to the Afghan government to have formal discussions with the Taliban about reducing the conflict. It is their choice to make.

But if you dont have discussion, they may be dealing with the conflict for a very long time.
A reinvestigation has been ordered into the death of Prince or T-222, Karnatakas most famous tiger, whose carcass was found earlier this month under mysterious circumstances.

The department was forced to take the step after conservationists, alleging that the animal had fallen prey to poachers, pointed out several loopholes in the previous investigation and threatened to launch an indefinite protest.

The controversy has erupted at a time when the Karnataka forest department is trying hard to come up with an explanation for a string of tiger deaths. Of the 19 tigers that died in the first 65 days of this year in India, nine were from Karnataka, the highest in the country.

In a memorandum submitted last week to the states principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), K S Sugara, prominent wildlife activists pointed out that the Princes snout, with canines missing, was found severed at least 200 feet from the spot where the rest of the body was found.

The officials said that the snout could have been ripped off by scavengers such as boars or vultures. But these scavengers would typically go for the meaty parts of the dead animalwhy the snout? And why are the teeth missing? activist and lawyer Santosh Narayan sought to know.

We have been receiving ridiculous explanations from the officials. At one point, they said that Prince died because of a crude bomb explosion, he told HT.

Noting that 12-year-old body of the tiger was burnt soon after death, noted wildlife photographer and tiger enthusiast Shamanth Krishnamurthy alleged that officials have been acting truant ever since the news of the death broke out.

Initially, they claimed that the carcass belonged to another tiger and not Prince, who is the most photographed wild animal in the state. The confirmation that it was indeed Prince came only after independent experts matched stripes from stock photographs of Prince with that of the dead tiger and found a perfect match, Krishnamurthy said.

In fact, we had raised concerns about Prince even before the carcass was found because he had not been spotted for weeks. The department officials dismissed our concerns then. Even after the body was found, they tried to say that it was another tiger until we proved them wrong, he said.

Reacting to the allegations, PCCF Sugara said the post mortem clearly shows that it is a case of natural death. These activists are mostly amateurs who dont know much about these things. Poachers go for the pelt, bones and the reproductive organs and not the snout.

He dismissed allegations of foul play and said that the department was 100% committed to protecting its wildlife.

Despite lack of scientific proof to establish poaching, we have ordered a fresh enquiry by a senior forest officer, he said.

The memorandum submitted to the PCCF also seeks a grand event in memory of Prince, the same as what was done for Machali, the famous tigress that died in Ranthambore in August last year.

Karnataka was one of the biggest success stories in tiger conservation. Things are slipping very rapidly, Narayan said.

The state had the highest number of tigers in the 2015 census and boasted an impressive 35% spike in numbers between 2010 and 2015.
The Supreme Court pulled up the defence ministry and Manipur government for their alleged inaction in a case involving a 15-year-old girl, who committed suicide after allegedly being raped by army personnel in October 2003.

A bench headed by justice MB Lokur was hearing the petition related to extra-judicial killings in Manipur. Incidents where army personnel were involved are being taken up by the top court to determine which agency should probe the allegations against them.

The Centre has opposed such an inquiry, saying there should be no judicial interference in the functioning of the army.

The details read out before the court dealt with the suicide case of a teenage girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted. A judicial commission of inquiry indicted the army men, a finding upheld by the state high court.

The girl was definitely subjected to rape, medical reports confirm that. Did you close the case because you didnt get any help from army? Is it your helplessness or a tacit understanding with army to not to proceed? the bench said, asking the counsel for the state.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said the case at hand was not that of extra-judicial killing. At this, the court told him: Mr Attorney, you have two alleged rapists in your force.

It asked him to produce detailed court of enquiry reports to substantiate what procedures had been followed, and whether any attempt was made to identify the rapists of the minor girl.

Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, who is assisting the court in the matter, gave details of two cases where the commission of inquiry found army men guilty of rape. In one case the victim was murdered, while in the second the 15-year-old committed suicide.

Indicating it might order a CBI probe into the two incidents, the court asked for names of senior agency officers who could be entrusted with the task.

According to Guruswamy, there are around 10 cases involving the armed forces personnel.
The police on Tuesday seized scrapped currency notes with face value worth Rs 2.37 crore from three vehicles Ahmedabad and detained seven persons in this connection.

On a tip off that some people were to visit Thaltej circle to meet a person to exchange their demonetised currency notes for a commission of 15%, police kept a watch and caught them when they arrived on three separate vehicles, the police said.

A Vastrapur police station official said 13,700 notes of Rs 500 and 16,900 notes of Rs 1,000 were seized from these vehicles at around 1:30 am.

They had come from Vadodara and Himmatnagar and were looking to exchange demonetised currency notes with new notes for a commission of 15%, he said.

Seven persons were detained and the Income Tax Department was informed about the seizure, he said.
Following the arrest of liquor baron Vijay Mallya in London on Tuesday, who was later granted bail, the Indian government said the legal process for his extradition is underway in Britain.

Responding to a query, external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Mallyas arrest in London was in connection with the request by India to British authorities for his extradition.

Legal process in this regard is underway in the UK, Baglay said. The two governments are in touch in this context.

Metropolitan Police said Mallya, 61, was taken into custody after attending a central London police station.

The Westminster Magistrates Court later gave him bail on a 650,000-pound bond. The next hearing of the case will be on May 17.

A Metropolitan Police statement said officers from the Extradition Unit arrested Mallya on an extradition warrant from India.

Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud, the statement said.

After getting bail, Mallya tweeted: Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in court started today as expected.

Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 18, 2017

Mallya fled to Britain in March 2016 after being pursued in courts by Indian banks seeking to recover Rs 8,191 crore owed by his now defunct Kingfisher Airline.

The banks had been able to recover only Rs 155 crore. Despite multiple injunctions, Mallya failed to appear before investigators -- and then flew out of India.

In February, the Indian government handed over to British authorities a formal request for Mallyas extradition, saying it had a legitimate case against him on charges of financial irregularities and loan default.
Scotland Yard arrested fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Tuesday morning and a London court granted him bail within hours, beginning the legal process to send him to India that may be drawn over months, if not years.

The 61-year-old flamboyant businessman, who called himself The King of Good Times, was the subject of an extradition request from India for alleged financial irregularities such a loan defaults and money laundering.

He left India for Britain on March 2 last year after a consortium of 17 banks accused him of defaulting on more than Rs 9,000 crores, mostly loans taken for his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

He was arrested after he appeared at a central London police station on Tuesday morning. The Westminster magistrates court granted him bail on a 650,000 bond and set the next hearing of his case for May 17.

After getting bail, Mallya tweeted that the extradition hearing had begun in court as expected.

Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 18, 2017

In New Delhi, foreign ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said the legal process for his extradition is underway in Britain. The two governments are in touch in this context.

But it would not be easy to extradite Mallya, according to senior advocates KTS Tulsi and Dushyant Dave, who were of the view that UK courts are very independent and do not grant extradition easily.

There are at least seven stages that an Indian extradition request needs to pass through before an individual resident in the UK is actually sent to India  the process includes the question of death penalty and human rights. In Mallyas case, the first four stages have been completed.

An extradition treaty between the two countries came into effect from 1993.

Indias request was certified by the British home secretary on February 21 and sent to the Westminster court for issuing an arrest warrant.

His extradition figured in talks between finance minister Arun Jaitley and Prime Minister Theresa May in London this February.

The ruling BJP called Mallyas arrest a confirmation of the Narendra Modi governments relentless efforts and commitment to act against people accused of defrauding public resources.

The Modi government has made it clear that such people will be dealt with severely, party spokesperson Nalin Kohli said.

The opposition Congress, however, asked why the government sought Mallyas extradition, and not deportation which it said would have ensured his immediate custody to India.

He is detained for an hour and is honourably granted bail and is defiant Will it take another dozen years, 15 years, 30 years or our entire lifetime before Mallya is brought back?, party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

Britain has told India that it cannot deport but could consider an extradition request for Mallya, twice a member of the Rajya Sabha, who resigned from Parliament in May last year.

Deportation is basically done at the government level through an executive order after vetting the evidence produced by a country where the fugitive is required for any offence he or she may have committed there.

But extradition is a formal process wherein evidence against a fugitive is produced before the court for vetting. In extradition, a judicial decision is taken for sending back a fugitive to the country where he or she is required to face law. It is normally a longer process than deportation.

(With inputs from HTC New Delhi and agencies)

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With the news of his arrest in the UK making headlines on Tuesday, Vijay Mallya said it was an usual Indian media hype even as New Delhi asserted it would do everything in its power to bring the business tycoon to justice.

Mallya, declared a proclaimed offender, was arrested in London by Scotland Yard on Indias request for his extradition on fraud charges. The 61-year-old liquor baron is wanted in India for defaulting on loans.

The flamboyant businessman, who once called himself The King of Good Times, was released on bail a few hours later after being arrested after he appeared at a central London police station.

Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected, Mallya tweeted soon after getting the bail.

Back in New Delhi, junior finance minister Santosh Gangwar said: We will not spare anyone who is within the ambit of law. Criminals will not be spared.

Mallya appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court in London in the morning and was seen walking out with his legal team a few hours later after being granted bail.

It was a voluntary action. He will be out in a few minutes, said a member of Mallyas team at the court, without giving any further details of the bail conditions.

Mallya, whose now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to various banks, had fled India on March 2, 2016. He has repeatedly dismissed the charges against him.

Officers from the Metropolitan Polices Extradition Unit this morning arrested a man on an extradition warrant. Vijay Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud, the Scotland Yard said.

In January, an Indian court ordered a consortium of lenders to start the process of recovering the loans.
Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who was arrested Tuesday morning by Scotland Yard, has been released on strict bail conditions by a UK court.

The 61-year-old business tycoon appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, where he was released after providing a bail bond worth 650,000 pounds.

Until his next hearing on May 17, Mallya must follow Britains extradition rules, which includes a requirement to remain at the address provided to the court.

The Indian government had revoked Mallyas Indian passport last year. He must surrender that revoked travel document and is also forbidden from possessing any international travel documents, according to well-placed sources in the UK.

Mallya has also been directed by the court that he remains in contact with UK authorities, with his mobile phone accessible at all times.

Surrender of passport, arrest, bail- all part of normal extradition proceedings, the defiant businessman said on Twitter.

Glad that some media are putting facts in perspective. Surrender of passport, arrest,bail all part of normal extradition proceedings.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 18, 2017

His arrest triggers a long-drawn legal process, which will involve the UKs Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) arguing that Mallya must be extradited to India to stand trial on charges of fraud.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Indian High Commission in London had earlier submitted the Indian side of the arguments to the UK home secretary, Amber Rudd, for consideration of the extradition request.

That request was officially certified by court today with Scotland Yard enforcing the arrest warrant.

An extradition hearing will now take place at Westminster Magistrates Court, where the District Judge must decide whether extradition can be denied on any health or human rights grounds.

India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty dating back to 1993 but so far only one extradition has taken place under the arrangement. Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, was sent back to India last October to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.

However, unlike Mallya, he had submitted to the extradition order without legal challenge.

As Mallya is fighting the extradition order, he will have the right to appeal and the case can go up to the UK Supreme Court.
Kashmir on the boil: Rajnath, Doval take stock; Omar wants Presidents rule

The Kashmir Valley remained on the edge as thousands of college and school students protested against security forces for their action on students of Pulwama Degree College on Saturday. The Centre reviewed the security situation considering various options including initiating peace talks to bring back normalcy in the restive Valley. The meeting was chaired by Union home minister Rajnath Singh and attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, among others. The ruling PDP-BJP coalition and opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir condemned the use of force against students in different colleges of the state and demanded stern action against those responsible for such acts. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah sought the dismissal of the PDP-BJP state government and imposition of governors rule in the state.

Read the full story here.

Now, plastic bullets for crowd control in violence-hit Kashmir

As unrest rocks Kashmir valley, security forces deployed there will now use plastic bullets in crowd control operations before using the much-maligned pellet guns. The plastic bullets can be fired from a normal AK-47 rifle but in a single shot mode. Burst mode firing is not possible with them. A couple of thousand bullets have been sent to the security forces on experimental basis. The plastic bullets are non-penetrative, and thus less lethal than pellet guns, said a senior home ministry official.

Read the full story here.

We will not compromise: Pakistani army says cant give consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav

Upping the ante against India, Pakistans army ruled out on Monday consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav who has been sentenced to death by a military court, days after New Delhi made a strong case for access to the alleged spy on death row. Under the law we cannot give consular access to Kulbhushan who was involved in spying, Pakistan military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor told reporters.

Read the full story here.

Nawaz Sharif-Narendra Modi meeting in June very much on cards: Pakistan daily

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi could meet on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana in June notwithstanding bilateral tensions, according to a media report in Islamabad. The Express Tribune, citing diplomatic sources, said that influential countries in the SCO are pushing Pakistan and India to re-engage in order to ensure that the next summit is held in a conducive environment.

Read the full story here.

AIADMK ministers hold late-night meeting in Chennai, reach out to OPS camp amid merger buzz

The two warring factions of Tamil Nadus ruling AIADMK will come together, state finance and fisheries minister D Jayakumar hinted after a late-night meeting attended by more than 20 ministers on Monday. The meeting held in the Chennai residence of electricity minister K Thangamani discussed the modalities of the coming together of the E Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam camps, Jayakumar said. The development came on the day Delhi Police booked AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran for allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official to get the partys two leaves symbol allotted to his faction.

Read the full story here.

Alwar lynching: Pehlu Khans uncle threatens to commit suicide with entire family

As alleged accused in the lynching of dairy farmer Pehlu Khan in Alwar roam free, victims uncle Hussain Khan on Monday threatened to commit suicide along with his entire family if justice eludes them for long. The 55-year-old dairy farmer succumbed to his injuries after he was grievously assaulted on April 1 by self-styled cow vigilantes on the Delhi-Alwar highway. My nephew was beaten mercilessly to death even though he had the documents to prove he legally purchased the cattle. The government, instead of arresting the accused, is trying to protect them. If we dont get justice soon, I along with all my family members will commit suicide, Hussain told HT. The family wants a court-monitored inquiry into the incident and an immediate arrest of the culprits.

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Air India to fine unruly passengers up to Rs 15 lakh after Gaikwad incident

Passengers delaying flights beyond two hours in an air rage could be fined Rs 15 lakh, says national carrier Air Indias proposed set of standard operating procedures to tackle unruly flyers. The draft SOPs detail steps for the crew and ground staff in the event of ugly incidents such as two recent controversies involving parliamentarians Ravindra Gaikwad of the Shiv Sena and Trinamool Congresss Dola Sen. The proposal lists six steps to tackle similar situations, including informing the airport manager, no direct interaction with media, immediate filing of police complaint, assessment of damage, and fining a misbehaving flier in accordance with the amount of delay.

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North Korea says ready for any mode of war

North Korea is preparing for any mode of war triggered by US military action, Pyongyangs envoy to the United Nations warned Monday, saying his country would respond to a missile or nuclear strike in kind. The statement from North Koreas deputy ambassador to the United Nations, Kim In Ryong, followed warnings from US Vice President Mike Pence to Pyongyang not to test US resolve. If the United States dares opt for a military action (...) the DPRK is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the Americans, Kim told a news conference at UN headquarters in New York. We will take the toughest counteraction against the provocateurs, he said.

Read the full story here.

China becomes first country to assist local polls in Nepal

As Nepal steps up efforts to hold polls to local government bodies on May 14 in the face of opposition from the Madhesi Morcha, China has become the first country to offer assistance for the elections. India, which has been pushing for all stakeholders to join the electoral process, is still silent on offering any kind of assistance despite several requests from the Nepalese side. Besides monetary support of nine million Yuan announced during Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahals recent visit to China, a tranche of election-related materials arrived in Kathmandu from Beijing on Monday.

Read the full story here.

IPL: Bhuvneshwar Kumars 5/19 helps Sunrisers Hyderabad edge out Kings XI Punjab

Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper David Warner and seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar have emerged as the batting and bowling leaders though the defending champions are yet to find their best in 2017 Indian Premier League. Warner struck a patient, unbeaten 70 before Bhuvneshwar Kumar grabbed his maiden five-wicket haul in the IPL as Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated a fighting Kings XI Punjab by five runs in the thrilling encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Monday.

Read the full story here.
Ten-year-old Vasudev Gawde knows his family needs Rs 10,000 immediately if he is to see his father walk out of Goas Colval sub-jail. He is worried because he knows his mother does not have the money. It is a worry 44 other families of Sonshi village in Valpoi district are sharing since April 11.

Vasudevs father is among 45 Sonshi villagers arrested a week ago on charges of unlawful assembly and criminal intimidation. The villagers had formed a human chain and stopped the movement of iron ore mining trucks through Sonshi, located 57 km east of state capital Panaji. The protesters were demanding an end to plying of mining trucks through their village road, cleaner air, water, and basic healthcare. All 45 got bail, but are stuck in jail because each needs to furnish a bond of Rs 10,000, and none of the families has the money.

The families of the 45 villagers have been gathering outside Valpoi police station every day since their arrest, demanding their freedom. Amid the uncertainty, they are certain they cannot raise Rs 4.5 lakh needed to get their villagers out.

They have put my father in jail. I miss him, said Vasudev, sitting in his class in Sonshis lone government primary school. He wipes away red iron ore-laden dust on his school desk and shirt. Red dust returned to the lives of Sonshis 75 families in October last year after mining work resumed following lifting of the Supreme Courts ban on mining.

Now, the village is surrounded by mining activity on all sides and residents say they are starved of water. Sonshi residents are primarily opposed to trucks of a mining company taking their village road.

The mining area which overlooks Sonshi village. (Nida Khan/HT Photo)

The man on whose complaint the police registered a case and arrested the villagers declined to comment on the developments in Sonshi and urged HT to speak to a senior official of the mining company. Contacted, the mining company official too declined to comment.

Incidentally, it is the mining company which supplies potable water to the village. The only well in the area dried up when the mining began. Now, we store the water supplied by the company in tankers once a day in barrels, but it is not enough, said Sonshi resident Sushila Gawde, 60.

The dust here is bad. Our children have breathing problems every now and then. Our school had 40 students, but after mining resumed, many parents moved their children to another school 5 km away. Our school now has only eight children, she added.

The April 11 protest was triggered by news that the mining company was getting 117 new trucks. Every 20 seconds, three to four trucks pass the village, raising a cloud of dust. Imagine the kind of pollution we will face when 117 more trucks ply here, said Sushila.

According to a police report, 900 trucks make nearly 4,000 trips a day through the village road.

The dusty village road on which hundreds of trucks make nearly 4,000 trips in a day. (Nida Khan/ HT Photo)

On the arrests, the police say they acted in accordance with law. We understand their grief, but have to act on complaints. The mining work is legal and they also have a high court order stating that villagers cannot stop them. The order came after the villagers made similar attempts in 2014 to stop their trucks, said inspector Deepak Pednekar of Valpoi police station

Pollution will remain no matter how many facilities one tries to bring to the village because it is right next to the mining area. The solution to the issue, which I have mentioned in my report to the government, is to find an alternative route to the dumping area so that the trucks can avoid taking the village road. But this will take time, Pednekar added.

Sonshi residents have rejected a suggestion to relocate to Honda area nearby. This is our village and we will not go anywhere, said Geeta Nile, a housewife.

Most men in Sonshi are taxi drivers and say the mining industry does not throw up jobs for them. The villagers said they had pinned hopes on their legislator Vishwajit Rane, but he recently quit the Congress and as MLA, and joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Asked about the grievance of Sonshi residents, Rane said, The chief minister (Manohar Parrikar) is taking this matter very seriously. I have come forward to help the villagers and told them I am ready to help, but they are insisting their demands be met. These demands cannot be solved alone. They need to involve the companys management and take a call together. Also, it is not possible to fulfil their demand to stop mining in the area. Goa earns maximum revenue from mining.

The Goa bench of Bombay high court on Monday took note of the arrest of the 45 men and sought a reply from the state government and the states pollution control board within 15 days.

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Chris Gayle is back in the Royal Challengers Bangalore playing XI after AB de Villiers was ruled out due to a recurrent back injury. Spinner Samuel Badree too was ruled out for Tuesdays match against Gujarat Lions following a niggle. Travis Head has been named his replacement for the match in Rajkot. (LIVE UPDATES | LIVE SCORES )

Read | How a phone call from his wife helped AB de Villiers make a successful comeback in IPL

AB de Villiers joined Royal Challengers Bangalore, the IPL 2016 runners-up, only after recovering from a back problem, and hit a brilliant 89 not out in a losing cause in his first match. However, the South Africa stalwart ruled himself out in the crucial match against Gujarat Lions, announcing that in his Twitter account that he was not fit. The nature of the injury is not yet clear.

Disappointed to be missing the match tonight for RCB, due to injury. Good luck to @imVkohli and the team. Lets go @RCBTweets !!  AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) April 18, 2017

Royal Challengers Bangalore have so far won only one of their five matches, suffering their last defeat against Rising Pune Supergiant, at their home ground, M Chinnaswamy Stadium, on Sunday. In response to the injury news, the official Twitter account of Gujarat Lions also replied to de Villiers in a cheeky way.

@ABdeVilliers17 @imVkohli @RCBTweets Woohoo! the roofs at Rajkot won't need repairs 

Get well soon!  The Gujarat Lions (@TheGujaratLions) April 18, 2017

RCBs injury woes have hurt them this season. Skipper Virat Kohli did not start due to a shoulder injury suffering while fielding in the home Test series against Australia. India opener, KL Rahul, is also out of IPL 2016 due to a shoulder injury.

Not having @ABdeVilliers17 will add to the woes facing @RCBTweets. It means an opportunity for someone else to make a statement though  Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 18, 2017

RCB are currently eighth and last in the points table. Gujarat Lions are seventh in the eight-team competition. Tuesdays match in Rajkot, Gujarat Lions home base, will start at 8 pm.
On a day when Brendon McCullum slammed that whirlwind 158 not out 10 years ago, the Kiwi star scored a fighting half-century on Tuesday at the SCA Stadium for Gujarat Lions against Royal Challengers Bangalore. (GL vs RCB: T20 MATCH BLOG)

After Dwayne Smith departed early in his innings and skipper Suresh Rainas 8-ball 23-run entertaining knock ended, McCullum kept the home team in the match with a 30-ball 52 which included five sixes and two boundaries. (GL vs RCB: SCORECARD)

McCullum brought up his half-century with a straight drive to fence.

McCullum took the attack to Royal Challengers Bangalore once Raina departed after giving a simple catch to Shane Watson at short fine leg.

McCullum along with Aaron Finch (19) forged a 66-run third wicket partnership which will hold crucial in their chase. The former ultimately got out on 72.

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The University of Rajasthan (RU) on Tuesday suspended the two professors and another employee who were arrested by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the state police on Monday in connection with a paper leak case.

We received a letter from the SOG on the basis of which we suspended professors Govind Pareek and Jagdish Prasad Jat, and Nandlal Saini, a section officer in the secrecy wing, said university vice chancellor and Jaipur divisional commissioner Rajeshwar Singh.

Pareek is a professor of accountancy and business statistics (ABST), and Jat is an associate professor and head of department of geography.

In a separate incident, the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) last week arrested another professor of the university for taking bribe from one of his research scholars for releasing his fellowship money. Mahipal Yadav, an associate professor in the Sanskrit department, was caught in a trap laid by the ACB on April 12. The university later suspended Yadav.

In the paper leak case, the SOG had found five papers to have been leaked, of which three were of RU -- two of BA geography and one of MA ABST.

The university has not received official information from the SOG about the leaked papers. Weve written to the SOG and sought information about the papers that have been leaked. The leaked papers will most likely be conducted again, said the vice chancellor.

He said the leaks happened despite the university reinforcing security measures this year.

Miffed with the recent developments, students said they have brought disrepute to the university.

It is because of incidents like these that the universitys reputation has taken a blow. If you score 80% marks here in graduation and seek admission in other universities, theyll say that RUs 80% is equivalent to 60%, said Shivam Shukla, a student of MSc (mathematics).

When professors and heads of departments themselves are leaking exam papers, what can one say about the universitys state of affairs, said Yogesh Jangir, another student of the same course.

A student works hard for an entire year and such an act lays to waste all his efforts in no time. We urge the vice chancellor to take strict action against the accused professors, said Ramjilal Choudhary, a student of dramatics at the university.
JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government and the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation ltd (HPCL) Tuesday signed a fresh memorandum of understanding (MoU) for setting up a 9 million metric tonne (MMT) per annum capacity refinery-cum petrochemical-complex at Pachpadra in Barmer district of the state.

With this, the road has been cleared to resume work on the project, four years after it was first announced. The HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited, a joint venture between the HPCL and the state government, will build the refinery at an estimated cost of 43,129 crore.

The state has already allotted 4800 acre land in Barmer for the project. Expected to be set up within four years of getting all the mandatory approvals, the refinery will be the first in India to meet Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) specifications. It will produce BS-VI emission norms compliant fuel petrol and diesel apart from petrochemical byproducts such as polypropylene and polyethylene.

Hailing the move, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said, Rajasthan is touching new dimensions under Vasundhara Rajes leadership. The refinery is a big gift to eight crore people of Rajasthan, and to both the governments at Centre and in the state.

Hitting out at the opposition Congress, Pradhan said earlier the oil produced in state was processed elsewhere and Rajasthan only GOT the royalty. Just to win elections, peoples rights were neglected. Former CM Ashok Gehlot should answer, which is more  3,736 crore or Rs 1,126 crore. It is Raje who negotiated the deal in states interest, Pradhan said.

HPCL CMD Mukesh Surana presents a memento to Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje as Union Minister of State for petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan look on , in Jaipur on Tuesday. (HIMANSHU VYAS/ HT PHOTO)

He was referring to the money the viability gap funding (VGF) of 1,123 crore that the state government would provide annually to the refinery for 15 years in form of interest free loan.

Under the new terms and conditions, the interest free loan (which state government has to pay) has come down to 16,845 crore, which was 56,040 crore in the previous MoU done by the Congress government in 2013, Pradhan said. It was a direct loss of Rs 40,000 crore to the state of Rajasthan in 15 years. In the previous MoU, the state had to give Rs 3,736 crore interest free loan every year for 15 years, which would have burdened the state finances, Pradhan said.

He said government comes and goes but todays decision is important for state youth. The untoward incident was avoided and state will have 26% stake and refinery setup on BS-VI standards.

The investment will get the state revenue, provide employment to youth, and bring value addition industries leading to overall economic development, Pradhan added.

He informed that for speedy implementation of the project, the Centre and the state government will create a single window and the project will be monitored every 15 days.

Rajasthan is the biggest producer of crude oil in India, making up for the 24 per cent of countrys total produce. The refinery has come as an injection whose results will be visible in coming 5-10 years, said Raje.

She too hit out at Congress. Even 70 years after independence, people face problems related to electricity, water and roads. Had there been a BJP government at the Centre all these years, such a situation would have never cropped up, she said, adding we want to connect people with development.

She said the result of the bypoll to Dholpur assembly seat has shown that people want to connect with dreams of Prime Minster Narendra Modi and thus voted for development.

Raje also sought Centres intervention in helping state tackle the problem of saline water. If the saline water is treated, we would be able to provide it to areas which do not have access to proper drinking and irrigation water, she said.

The chief minister urged Pradhan to hold the ground breaking ceremony for the refinery in the month of September-October.

HPCL chairman-cum-managing director Mukesh Kumar Sharma said today HPCL was adding a new chapter in Rajasthans history. We assure that HPCL will complete the project soon, he added.

The MoU was signed by state mines and petroleum secretary Aparna Arora and Vinod S Shinoy, director refinery HPCL. All the state ministers, senior officials, MLAs, MP and other elected representatives were present.
A Class VI student committed suicide at her residence in Kolkata on Monday evening, after she reportedly entered into a disagreement with classmates over sharing of food during the school recess.

Eleven-year-old Srestha De hadnt taken any snacks with her to school that morning, said Mohua, her mother. The squabble occurred later that day, when three friends refused to share their food with her. Upon returning home around 8 pm, Mohua found the girl hanging from the ceiling fan.

Read | Man, minor girl commit suicide

Srestha was alone in the house when she decided to take the extreme step. While her father, Shyamal, was at his shop in the local market, her elder sister had gone out for tuitions.

The girl left behind a suicide note stating that she had a tiff with unnamed friends during the school recess. I am leaving this world because of my best friends. It will suit everybody if I go away. Mama and papa, may you stay well, the note said.

Sresthas mother said she was hooked to crime shows on television. Where else could she have got the idea to hang herself? She even took out a dupatta from the wardrobe for the purpose, she added.

Read | Suicide prevention helplines fight to stay alive in Delhi

The minor had reportedly informed her mother about the squabble after she returned from school. I told her that such things happen, and she shouldnt get too upset by it, Mohua said. She had chocolate and ice-cream after returning. She did not appear too disturbed.

The girls mother also alleged that her friends parents had threatened to take her to the headmistress after the squabble.

Psychiatrists and police officers told HT that incidents like these showcase a growing problem of intolerance in urban society. Children growing up in nuclear families gradually become self-centred, said Samir Ganguly, a retired deputy commissioner of the Kolkata Police.

The case is being investigated by Parnasree police.
Political equation in the volatile Darjeeling hills in West Bengal took an unexpected turn on Monday with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) forging an alliance with the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) for the ensuing polls for four municipalities in the hills.

Mamata Banerjees party has also pressed three senior state ministers to hold a meeting with the GNLF leaders at Kurseong in Darjeeling district to thrash out the details.

Read: Losing ground to Trinamool, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha raises Gorkhaland issue before Modi, NDA partners

After the meeting PWD minister Aroop Biswas who is also in charge of the party in Darjeeling hills announced the alliance between the TMC and the GNLF for the May 14 municipal elections in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik. The meeting was also attended by Mann Ghisingh, the GNLF president and the son of the party founder Subash Ghisingh.

Mahindra Chettri, the GNLF general secretary, told Hindustan Times Our immediate aim is to defeat the GJM.

GJM chief Bimal Gurung is the most powerful leader in the Darjeeling hills, but Trinamool Congress is nibbling away at his support base. (HT Photo)

GNLF has been demanding the inclusion of Darjeeling hills under the sixth schedule of the Constitution. TMC was earlier opposed to the GNLFs demand as it had once backed the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) during its movement against the GNLFs sixth schedule demand.

GJM and GNLF, both of which profess to champion the cause of the Gorkhas, are bitter opponents in Darjeeling.

Read: Kalimpong district may stoke Gorkhaland fire

Though GNLF backed TMC in the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Darjeeling and in 2016 state assembly election, Mamata Banerjees party lost the contest to GJM that is led by Bimal Gurung, who was once with GNLF but quit to set up GJM.

The announcement of alliance between GNLF and TMC came at a time when political pundits were speculating that TMC might join hands with Jan Andolan Party (JAP) led by Harka Bhadur Chettri, former Kalimpong MLA of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). Chettri broke away from the GJM and formed the JAP.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has set up 15 development boards for different communities in the hills. The move is seen as a strategy to win their support. (HT Photo)

Chettri once believed to be close to the state chief minister Mamata Banerjee was backed by the TMC during the assembly election from Kalimpong seat in 2016. But recently Mamata-Chettri relation took a nose dive.

The Mondays development came in the wake of the JAPs announcement to go alone in the municipality elections.

Read: Exclusive park for mountain bikers in Darjeeling

Political observers said TMC forged an alliance with the GNLF after it saw a bleak possibility to rope in the JAP to fight against the might of the GJM led by Bimal Gurung.

Though Biswas said that the alliance with the GNLF is limited to the municipal polls and for development issues, a senior GNLF leader said TMC wants the GNLF to prove its support base in the hills before the party and the government back its demand for sixth schedule.

The downfall of the GNLF that absolutely ruled the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) since 1988 started after the GJM formed in 2007 opposed the sixth schedule demand and spearheaded the movement for separate state of Gorkhaland.

Darjeeling holds a special place in Bengal and it is believed in the political circles that it is almost impossible for any political party ruling the state to let the hills go. (HT Photo)

The relation between the state government and the GJM soured after the state government formed several development boards for different hill communities much against the wish of the GJM that is in control of the autonomous body Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) since 2012. The GTA that is fighting for separate state of Gorkhaland considers the formation of development board as the state governments interference in the functioning of the GTA and a ploy to divide hill communities.

GJM assistant secretary Binay Tamang told Hindustan Times The alliance between the TMC and the GNLF that has no support base in the hills will not make any difference to the partys wining prospect. Hill people want Gorkhaland and they will give a befitting reply to the state government and the TMC indulging in the politics of dividing hill communities.

Read: Darjeeling TMC loads poriborton gun

JAP spokesperson Harka Bhadur Chettri told Hindustan Times that the party will go all alone in the municipal polls no matter what may be the result. We are in favour of clean politics and we dont see any party matching our expectation, Chettri said.

Tamang strongly believes that the TMC and the JAP are all likely to forge alliance at least for Kalimpong municipality election.

Unlike in Darjeeling, Kurseong and Mirik, TMC has not yet launched an aggressive campaign against GJM in Kalimpong. This, according to Tamang, is to give political leverage to the JAP at least in Kalimpong - the newly formed district.

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Narayan Sanyal alias Bijoy-da, the Naxalite leader who joined Maoist politics in 1967 and played an instrumental role behind the formation of CPI(Maoist) in 2004, died in Kolkata on Monday. He was 78 and suffering from multiple ailments, including cancer.

Sanyal was among the last links between the Charu Majumdar-led CPI(ML)  considered the father of leftwing insurgency in India  and its offshoot CPI(Maoist), which is perceived as Indias gravest internal security threat.

Read: No tea, oily food, movies or music: Maoists issues diktat to discipline cadres

At the time of his arrest in December 2005 from Raipur in Chhattisgarh, Sanyal was a member of the banned CPI(Maoist)s politburo, the highest decision-making body. He was released from jail in 2014 due to failing health and had been living in Kolkata since. He was also known by the alias of Naveen Prasad.

With the death of comrade Bijoy-da, the Indian revolution lost one of its most important leaders who was instrumental behind the resurgence of Naxalite politics after the setback of 1972, said septuagenarian Purnendu Sekhar Mukherjee, who was a central committee member of the CPI(Maoist) at the time of his arrest in 2011 and is out on bail since 2015.

Sanyal, who was hardly photographed, had an unshakeable faith in armed struggle against the state. (HT Photo)

Among leaders of mainstream political parties, CPI(ML)(Liberation) politburo member Kavita Krishnan wrote on social media, #Respect and rest in power Comrade Narayan Sanyal.

Rights activists and Maoist sympathisers in Kolkata said the body will be kept at a mortuary for two days and the last rites would be performed on April 20.

Read: Surrenders, encounter killings weakening Maoists

We expect activists and Naxal sympathisers from different parts of the country to arrive in Kolkata for paying him the last respect. That is why we will keep the body in the mortuary for two days, said a former associate of Sanyal.

During an interaction with this correspondent about a year ago, Sanyal recalled how he got into the CPI(ML). He was initially associated with the MMG group (Man-Money-Gun), founded by Ananta Singh of Chhitagong armoury raid fame, until the farmers uprising erupted in Naxalbari in 1967. He quit his job with a bank and plunged into the movement in Kolkata.

In 1968, top Naxal leaders Saroj Dutta and Sushital Roychowdhury (both became politburo members of the CPI(ML) when the party was formed in 1969) had several rounds of discussion with me, following which I left for Bihar to organise the movement there, Sanyal had said.

Read: Seven years after ban, Maoist leaders hold first public meeting in Bengal

In Bihar, he worked under the leadership of Satya Narayan Singh, who was a politburo member of CPI(ML) and its Bihar unit chief. However, when almost the entire Bihar state committee defected under Singhs leadership in 1971 over differences with Charu Majumdar, Sanyal took charge of the pro-Majumdar unit of CPI(ML) in Bihar and organised cadres in the Jehanabad-Palamou belt.

A meeting of Maoist leaders that took place in Kolkata in August 2016. But it did not carry the banner of any ultra Left group. (HT Photo)

He was arrested in 1973, sent to Kolkata and was released in 1977 after the first Left Front government in West Bengal fulfilled its electoral promise of general amnesty for political prisoners.

Even when in jail, a group of us had been discussing how to avoid the mistakes that led to the setback in 1972 and how to reorganise the movement. We contacted old comrades soon after coming out of jail and starting working on an evaluation of the first phase (1967-72), based on which the movement will be rebuilt, Sanyal had earlier told HT.

Read: Bengal police launch hunt for the last Maoist squad

In 1978, Sanyal and few others formed the outfit CPI(ML)(Party Unity) with the aim of uniting all true revolutionary forces. CPI(ML)(PU) went on to become a major Naxalite outfit active in Bihar, apart from CPI(ML)(Liberation) and Maoist Communist Centre (MCC), and engaged in violent caste wars with the private armies of upper caste landlords. Sanyal became its general secretary in 1987 and continued in this position until merging his outfit with the Andhra-based CPI(ML)(Peoples War) in 1998.

As a politburo member of the new outfit, he shifted his base to the Bastar region in Chhattisgarh and played a key role behind the unified CPI(ML)(PW)s merger with MCC in 2004 that resulted in the formation of CPI(Maoist). He continued to be a politburo member in the new outfit until his arrest from Raipur bus stand in 2005.

Among other first generation Maoists who joined the movement during the second half of 1960s and made it to the top level of CPI(Maoist) in 2004, only three remain alive. Prashanta Bose, the number two in CPI(Maoist) is believed to be hiding in the forests of Jharkhand, while Purnendu Sekhar Mukherjee is out on bail and Amitabh Bagchi is in jail since 2009. Both of Bose and Mukherjee are suffering from various ailments.

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The citys iconic eateries, famous for their Oudhi nihari prepared from buffalo meat and mutton, have now started serving the dish prepared from chicken in wake of the ongoing meat crisis in UP. This switchover, they said, is the need of an hour.

Tunday Kababi that serves world famous galauti kababs was first to replace its popular buffalo meat kababs with chicken ones. Others have followed suit and have started experimenting with chicken dishes.

The only option left with the eateries here is either to remain closed till buffalo meat is available or go with dishes made from mutton and chicken that are more or less available, said a restaurant owner.

Mubeens is perhaps the first to start selling chicken nihari. Buffalo meat is not available, hence we replaced it with chicken, said Shoeb Rizwan Quraishi, owner of the outlet, which was established in early 1970s.

COSTLY PLATTER The only option left with the eateries here is either to remain closed till buffalo meat is available or go with dishes made from mutton and chicken, said a restaurant owner. Mubeens is perhaps the first to start selling chicken nihari. Buffalo meat is not available, hence we replaced it with chicken, said Shoeb Rizwan Quraishi, owner of the outlet. It is proving to be the best replacement for buffalo meat nihari. But the costing cannot be matched. Buffalo meat nihari costs Rs 50 whereas chicken nihari is for Rs 85 (half plate). It is expensive, but we dont have any option as buffalo meat is still a scarce commodity in UP, he added.

It is proving to be the best replacement for buffalo meat nihari. But the costing cannot be matched. Buffalo meat nihari costs Rs 50 whereas chicken nihari is for Rs 85 (half plate). It is expensive, but we dont have any option as buffalo meat is still a scarce commodity in UP, he added.

He said the ongoing buffalo meat crisis has severely affected families who often find it hard to bear the cost of mutton/chicken nihari. I still remember the happy faces of families that used to dine at our outlet at just Rs 140, he added.

Other than Mubeens, the other eateries in and around Akbari gate famous for Oudhi cuisines too have switched to chicken nihari. The switch over (from buffalo meat to chicken/mutton) was much needed to provide livelihood to hundreds of labourers engaged in the food business, said owners of some eateries. They said there is not much change in the taste of nihari after the switchover.

The chefs, however, have a different opinion. Use of chicken in making nihari is sheer tampering of the traditional recipe. Nihari is a delicacy made from buffalo/mutton shanks and is cooked along with some select spices and herbs on slow fire, possibly overnight to give the unique taste. Such kind of preparation with chicken is unimaginable, said Izzat Hussain, an eminent chef and an expert in traditional Oudhi cuisines.

Hussain said nihari used to be the labourers food, which later evolved into a speciality. It was said that during the nawab era, buffalo shanks used to be cooked overnight to provide enough protein to labourers at work. It was started in the early 18th century when Oudh was hit by famine.

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The Uttar Pradesh police have identified 626 tainted cops who have links with mafiosi and criminal gangs. The majority of these cops are inspectors, sub-inspectors and constables.

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow on Tuesday, inspector-general (public grievances) Vijay Singh Meena said the tainted policemen were transferred.

DGP Javeed Ahmed had directed superintendents of police, DIGs (Range) and IGPs (Zone) to identify the tainted policemen as part of operation clean-up.

The list of tainted cops was compiled by eight zonal IGPs and dispatched to the DGP office on Monday and on Tuesday the state government issued transfer orders to them

These policemen were posted in one district since long and had developed a nexus with local criminals. The state government has also ordered probe against these tainted cops. FIRs will be registered against them if evidence of their nefarious activities comes to light during probe, Meena said.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath had directed principal secretary, home, Debashish Panda and the DGP to take action against tainted cops and to launch a drive against criminal gangs. The state police have already launched a drive against mining, timber and transport Mafiosi and liquor smugglers and gun runners.

The policemen have also been told to bring about transparency in their working and be cordial with people visiting police stations to lodge complaints.
The Allahabad high court reserved its verdict in SHUATS assault case on Tuesday.

The division bench comprising chief justice DB Bhosale and justice Yashwant Varma reserved its judgment in the writ petition filed by the security officer of the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS) Ram Kishan Singh.

The petitioner had approached the court for security and claimed he faced a threat to his life from former MP Atiq Ahmad.

Counsel for Atiq argued that due to the directions passed by the court in the petition, Atiq had been arrested and applications had also been filed by the police for cancellation of bail given in other criminal cases pending against him.

When the court asked Atiqs counsel to show any such directions, he could not produce it and showed a few newspaper reports.

The court did not direct the police to file application for cancellation of bail to any of the accused. The state government itself proposed that it would file such an application as some criminals commit another offence when they are released on bail, the court said.

The standing counsel of the state government informed the court that the police had arrested 11 accused in the case and had recovered one of the three weapons that they carried with them on the day of the incident.

Police have also filed a charge sheet on April 6 against the 11 accused.

After hearing both the sides, the court directed them to file their arguments in written and reserved its judgement.

On December 14 last, Atiq and his henchmen had allegedly assaulted the staff members of SHUATS for taking action against two students who were debarred from taking examination after they were caught cheating.

On February 10, the high court summoned the criminal history of Atiq and also directed the superintendent of police, Allahabad, to arrest all the accused in the case.

The police arrested Atiq on February 11 after which he was remanded to 14-day judicial custody.
Meat traders in Lucknow have threatened a stir after April 20, if their licences are not renewed by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC). But LMC officials say they would give licences to traders who fulfil norms.

Ashfaq Qureshi of Jamait-ul-Quresh (Uttar Pradesh) and Lucknow Bakra Gosht Vyapar Mandal said though most of the meat shops are being renovated to fulfil norms, authorities should understand the problems of vendors and relax the procedure to give licences.

GUIDELINES FOR MEAT SHOPS Shops can sell meat certified by veterinary officer Meat shops must have geyser. Such shops must be out of the 50-m radius of religious places. They must have curtains/tinted glass to ensure that the meat is not visible to the public. All people working in such shops will have to obtain health certificate from government doctors. Meat shops will also have to keep refrigerator with transparent doors.

After April 20, we will stage protest in a democratic way if the licences are not renewed, he said.

Licences of around 400 meat sellers are pending with the LMC. Of these, around 50 licences have been reissued. However, 155 are set to lose their licence as their shops are located within 50 metres of religious places. Many of these shops have to be shifted to other places for renewal of licences.

LMC sources said the municipality was trying hard to come up with a workable formula for meat traders.

Ashfaq Qureshi said, The main problem in Lucknow is the absence of slaughterhouses. We have appealed to the authorities to look into the matter. At present, some traders are using the services of private abattoirs for their trade.

Meanwhile, chief veterinary officer AK Rao said LMC will work according to the rules and the guidelines laid down for meat trade.

There is no chance of relaxing norms for anything, right from slaughter, transport, processing and sale of slaughtered animals, he added.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has refused to renew the membership of one of its woman members, Rukhsana Nikhat Lari, for opposing pronouncement of triple talaq (divorce) in one sitting.

Yes, the decision was taken at the AIMPLBs meeting in Kolkata in November last year, confirmed Zafaryab Jilani, secretary of the Board.

She was invited to attend the session. But since her three-year term had come to an end, the board did not renew her membership, Jilani said.

He said the AIMPLB had 101 permanent and around 150 term members, who are elected every three years on the recommendation of the permanent members.

Asked whether all the term members were replaced every three years, Jilani said the decision on renewal of membership and retaining a particular member was the prerogative of the permanent members.

The board has renewed terms of several members but it is done on a case-to-case basis, he said.

Rukhsana Nikhat Lari is a former principal of a girls degree college in Lucknow.

When contacted, she said she had not received any communication from the Board regarding her termination.

The board does not send any formal communication to members whose membership comes to an end, Jilani said.

He, however, noted that prior consent of an individual is taken before being made a term member.

Rukshana Lari first locked horns with the clergy on triple talaq at a seminar in Lucknow in June 2016. She was subsequently not allowed to speak at the press conference after the event.

If something is wrong, let us admit it and not live in denial simply because Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said it is wrong, she said.

I am not saying this to please anyone. One has to put the record straight in the light of the Quran, said Lari, a member of the board since the 1990s.

On April 13, the AIMPLB submitted over 48 million signatures along with a petition to the Law Commission, objecting to a uniform civil code. The board claims that of the 48,347,596 signatures it gathered, more than half (27,356,934) were of women. Lari, however, said she did not sign any document in support of the AIMPLB campaign.

They know my position on the issue. Probably that is why they do not involve me in such campaigns anymore. Divorce is deemed as the most deplorable thing in Islam. It is to be resorted to only when all attempts at reconciliation fail. The Quran provides three months time for this. Unfortunately, it is being misused now, she said.

In its strongest ever censure of uttering talaq thrice in one go, the AIMPLB, which represents all Muslim sects, issued an eight-point code of conduct to prevent misuse of the practice and other Islamic laws (Sharia) in Lucknow on Sunday. But it stopped short of abolishing the utterance of talaq thrice in one sitting.
After conducting four rounds of admissions, the schools in Mumbai have been able to fill up only 2,663 out of 7,449 seats reserved for poor students. Most of the vacant seats are in regional language institutes as most of the applicants preferred popular english medium schools to lesser-known regional ones.

Under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, unaided and non-minority schools are compelled to reserve 25% of their seats for students from families earning less than Rs1 lakh annually or belonging to scheduled castes and tribes. They have to teach these students for free from kindergarten to Class 8; the government reimburses them later.

There were 9,426 RTE applicants this year, which is the highest in the last three years but despite there being more applicants than the available number of seats, 4,786 seats are yet to find any takers. So far, three admission rounds have been carried out from March 6 to April 11, while lottery for the fourth round was conducted on Tuesday.

Education officials said that 34 schools in the city did not receive any application. Parents choose only popular English medium schools so other schools did not get a single application, said Nisaar Khan, education inspector, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which conducts the admissions.

The low number can also be attributed to schools rejecting students for not producing proper documents while taking admission or parents not turning up in time to secure admissions. We extend the deadline for admissions, but still some parents get left out because they do not turn up on time, said Mahesh Palkar, education officer of BMC.

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Amid speculation of Congress leader and former chief minister Narayan Rane preparing to join the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), senior Congress leaders Milind Deora and Arif Naseem Khan met him at his office on Tuesday.

Though the meeting between the three lasted for more than an hour, party sources said it was a casual meeting and there was no need to draw conclusions as the party did not given any assurance to Rane. They added that though Rane has been vying for Congress state chiefs post, no such assurance was given to him by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi when the two met earlier this month.

Neither the high command is in a hurry to give any assurance to Rane, nor has it been our tradition. The decision over his grievances and demands will be taken at the appropriate time, said a Congress leader.

Rane, who skipped the Sangharsh Yatra organised by the Congress and the Opposition parties, to corner the state over farm loan waivers, is meeting his followers in Sindhudurg on Wednesday.

Though the decision to quit the Congress is unlikely to be taken anytime soon, Rane has reportedly begun the process of building a consensus within the local unit if the need arises. The meeting also assumes significance in the wake of local BJP leaders from Konkan opposing his induction into the party.

Former BJP MLA Pramod Jathar and Rajan Teli have openly opposed Rane and his sonss admission into the BJP fold, claiming it would not benefit the party. Teli even threatened to quit the party if Rane was inducted.

He has convened a meeting of local leaders and workers on Wednesday at Oros in Sindhudurg. He is unlikely to announce any major decision during the meeting, but will set the agenda for the future course of action. He is also likely to chalk out a plan to counter the opposition from the district unit of the BJP, said a Congress leader from Sindhudurg.

Rane and his elder son Nilesh, a former Congress MP, have been publicly criticising state unit leadership over its defeat in recent local body polls.Besides, Rane had also lost the 2014 assembly election from Sindhudurg and a by-election in 2015 that was held in Bandra (East) constituency following the death of sitting Sena MLA Prakash Sawant.

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Following the example of the Narendra Modi-government at the Centre, the state will also monitor the revenue of all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and charitable trusts.

The state on Tuesday decided to make it mandatory for private institutions, individuals and NGOs to obtain prior permissions from the charity commissioner office before accepting any donations.

They must also submit a book of accounts later. Public charitable trusts were kept out of its purview.

The decision means that donations collected by Ganpati and dahi handi mandals and individuals will be now monitored, but temple trusts such as Sai Sansthan at Shirdi and the Siddhivinayak Mandir in Mumbai will not be affected. The decision will come into force as a law with the government amending the Maharashtra Public Trust Act. The decision was taken in the state cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The amendment will ensure the donation is spent for a cause only, said a senior state official.

All kinds of charitable trusts  private institutions, individuals and NGOs (other than the public trust) shall collect or cause to be collected any money, contribution, subscription of donation in cash or kind for religious or charitable purposes without prior permission from the deputy or assistant charity commissioner, the decision states.

The permission will be provided in the form of a certificate, which will be valid for six months. The applicant shall have to submit accounts of such a collection within two months after the date of expiry of the certificate, a senior official said.

The offenders will have to face simple imprisonment extended up to six months and a fine, which will be 1.5 times the donation amount.

But before that, the charity commissioner officer will have to conduct a hearing of the complainant and the trust against which the complaint was filed.

The charity commissioner has also been empowered to attach the property of the offending trust, which can be auctioned against the penalty. The complainant can file appeal against the order with the HC in 90 days.

Prior permission will also not be needed for collecting donation in case of disaster, war, riots, accidents or similar cause. The trust or individual concerned will only have to intimate the charity commissioner office.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said the law is applicable for all the religious charitable trusts.

Dahi handi organisers feel that the decision will increase their work unnecessarily. Bala Padelkar, president, Dahi Handi Utsav Samanvay Samiti said, The prior permission condition will add work in the functioning of the mandals. Currently, all of them submit accounts to the charity commissioner office on a regular basis. The only thing is that they have been doing this according to their convenience, but now once the law comes in to force they will have to do it in the given time frame, Padelkar told HT.

Officials said once cleared by the state legislature, the legislation will be sent to the President for a final nod.

READ

After 9-tier pyramid for dahi handi celebrations in Thane, police crack the whip

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A flat in Mazgaon in south Mumbai, contracts for his construction firm -- this is how televangelist and Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) head Zakir Naik lured his aide Aamir Gazdar to lend his name to his companies.

According to the ED, Gazdar is the director of at least six companies set up by Naik. Two companies are in England -- Universal Broadcasting Corporation Ltd and Lords Production Inc Ltd -- and four others are based in Mumbai-Harmony Media Pvt Ltd, Long-lost constructions Pvt Ltd, Majestic Perfumes Pvt Ltd and Alpha Lubricants Pvt Ltd.

The ED arrested Gazdar in connection with a money-laundering case against Naik and is in judicial custody .

The agency claimed Gazdar had been managing and diverting the funds for Naik.

In a statement recorded on February 7, Gazdar said, Naik promised me a 1,000-sqft flat in Mazgaon, where he planned to construct a building. He also promised to give marble contracts for his properties in India and Dubai to my firm.

In his statement before the central agency, Gazdar alleged he met Naik in 2003, when he had gone to Islamic International School for his sons admission. He alleged he met him frequently and Naik asked him to look for property for a school. While the deal did not work, they stayed in touch.

Zakir Naik used to call me and once requested me to become director at M/s Harmony media Pvt Ltd to which I agreed. I paid Rs40,000 for formation of the company. I also gave a friendly loan of Rs90.05 lakh in 2005-06 for starting the unit, read Gazdars statement .

Gazdar although the money was recorded as loan, it was for the flat he was promised.

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In her statement to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Zakir Naiks sister Nailah Noorani said that she acted as front for companies established by her brother after 2013.

Nooranis statement, recorded on March 7, is part of the charge sheet filed by the ED against Amir Gazdar  a close confidante of Naik and an employee of Harmony Media Ltd  in connection with the money laundering case. The agency alleges that the two helped the controversial televangelist launder money.

In her statement, Noorani said she has been associated with five companies formed by Naik  Harmony Media Ltd, Long Last Construction Pvt Ltd, Magestic Perfumes Pvt Ltd, Right Properties Pvt Ltd and Alpha Lubricants.

The ED claimed that Naik and his wife Farhat had the majority of shares in these companies, which they transferred to Noorani in 2013 after they became non-resident Indians (NRI). Since 2013, Noorani has held 95% of shares in Harmony Media and Long Last Construction. She also holds 50% of shares in Majestic Perfumes and Alpha Lubricants, while the remaining 50% are with Gazdar, the ED said.

Noorani said in her statement that she was appointed director of these companies and agreed to sign documents and cheques on the instructions of Naik. She added that she acted as a front for the companies and would sign papers and cheques sent by Naik.

Noorani also said that she had never received any money from Naik. She told the agency, I have never enquired about his job or business so I am not aware about his earnings in Dubai.

An excerpt from her statement read, Since last few years Zakir being very busy, I did not have much communication with him. He would send message on mobile for issuing cheques and when Zakir would be in Mumbai, he would send a chit with noting as to how many cheques to be issued and so on.

Noorani said that she had received Rs15.06 crore as a loan from fathers account and Rs14.02 crore as a loan from mothers account between 2013 and 2016. Naik instructed me that such money would be transferred to my account and I was signing cheques without knowing the transactions. After checking the accounts I have noticed that the amount of Rs 14 crore was given to Longlast Constructions as loan and amount of Rs 14.7 crore was given to Harmony Media as loan, read Nooranis statement. She added that she was neither aware of the purpose of these transfers nor how the funds were utilised.

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Work on Jaitapur nuclear power project will begin by December 2018 and it will be built with the help of new technology to avoid Fukushima (Japan) type disaster, a delegation representing the France government and French company implementing the project told the state government on Tuesday.

As the French delegation called on chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, the CM asked them to clear the air about the safety of the nuclear project and communicate with the people opposing it.

The delegation assured government that the issue of the safety of the plant has been addressed with the help of the latest technology. Other countries, too, have endorsed our efforts and United Kingdom has signed an agreement for the two nuclear power plants, we were told, an official privy to the developments said. They said that the actual construction of the plant will begin in December 2018 and all the six reactors will start generating power by 2027.

Christian Masset, general secretary, ministry of foreign affairs and international development, France government, Alexandre Ziegler, ambassador of France to India and officials from the French utility EDF, which will implement the project met Fadnavis on Tuesday. Fadnavis told the delegation to clear its stand on the time frame within which the project will be completed, the apprehension in the minds of the people about their safety and the rate of the power generated in the nuclear plant.

Maharashtra government was assured that the power rate will be within the framework set by the Government of India. Fadnavis has also instructed the French utility to ensure employment to the locals in the power plant. The company was also told to establish proper communication with the locals to reduce the resistance for the plant. Apprehensions were being raised over the safety of the plant following Fukushima nuclear power plant accident following a tsunami in Japan in 2011. The tsunami damaged the plant that led to meltdown of three reactors and release of radioactive material.

The 9,900 MW capacity project, will have six reactors and the negotiation over the cost is currently on between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd and EDF. The project, which has been in the works since 2009 and was supposed to be completed by 2018, has been delayed due to the protest and financial crisis within the French company, which was to implement the project. The project was resuscitated in January 2016 during French President Francois Hollandes visit to India.

The official said as the France government was directly involved in the entire process, the state expects the project to be completed in the stipulated period. Masset said the implementation of the project will be on the norms of the Make In Maharashtra initiative, ensuring maximum employment generation to locals. Around 60% of project will be built domestically, thus helping the local industrial sector to be benefited from it,he said.

Fadnavis said Maharashtra has emerged as the power hub of the industrial development in the country and the government will extend the assistance to the company for the speedy construction of the project.
Amboli police on Monday arrested a 52-year-old man for allegedly using the F-word in an email addressed to a woman employee last year.

The accused, who had been in the United States for several months now, did not return to India despite being summoned by police. He was finally arrested upon his arrival at the Mumbai CST International Airport on the basis of a look-out circular.

According to police, an email from accused had asked the complainant  a journalist in her 30s  to f**k off for some inexplicable reason in November last year. The enraged woman had then registered an FIR with the Amboli police under section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the IPC and section 26 (when employer fails to take action like constituting a committee or contravenes other provisions in the Act) of the sexual harassment of women at workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

We learnt that the accused was in the United States. When repeated requests to return to India went ignored, we issued a look-out circular against him. So, we were alerted the moment he landed in Mumbai on Sunday. He has been remanded in judicial custody, said a police officer from the Amboli police station.

(Names withheld to protect identities)
While corporators have just a month to go to pass Mumbais Development Plan (DP) 2034, they are yet to start a discussion on the plan in the general body.

Add to this, the civic corporation will have only 3 meetings in the month of May. A civic official confirmed that the corporation will have a vacation post May 10. The next meeting will only be held in June. The newly-elected corporators are supposed to pass the citys 20-year blueprint by May 19.

This means corporators are likely to seek another extension for the already delayed plan.

The 227 corporators had sought an extension for two months in March to study the plan. On Monday, the administration also initiated a 7-day inquiry-desk for the corporators who have doubts regarding the plans. Senior civic officials say that there can be an extension for the inquiry session as well, in case all questions are not resolved in a weeks time.

The citys blueprint was to be passed in 2014, but faced several roadblocks in the last three years. Without a sanctioned DP in place, the city is facing several hassles in the realy sector.

Mumbais Development Plan may be delayed

Mumbai corporators get time to study DP, delay finalisation by 2 months

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In the 1890s, a Parsi banker from Mumbais old business district, Fort, wanted home-cooked lunch delivered to his office, and so, he employed a young man to get his tiffin every afternoon. Over the years, that one-man tiffin service grew into a Mumbai institution, which has endured time and trends. Today, the Dabbawallas of Mumbai are a case study for management students at several institutes across the world.

There was a dearth of an effective system that would ensure that home-made meals reached the table tops of office goers, said Subhash Talekar, general secretary, Mumbai Dabbawalla Association, talking about the initial days.

The Fort banker probably paid a few annas a month to get his tiffin box delivered, but the Dabbawalla service is now a Rs40-45-crore industry, with 5,000 delivery men transporting 2,00,000 lunch boxes daily for an average monthly fee of Rs450 a box. The Dabbawallas do this with great efficiency, earning a near six-sigma perfection of one error per 16 million deliveries.

How did the service survive, amid the competition of online food delivery applications and without any technological developments or marketing? The answer: The craving for inexpensive home-cooked food.

Mumbai being the city of corporates and office goers, not everybody can afford to eat out, economically or health wise. The value of home cooked food is paramount and thus we, who deliver it, become equally important, said Talekar.

Our customers have to catch early morning trains and it is not possible for people at home to cook food so early. We just pick up lunch boxes from their homes and deliver them at the lunch time at the office, said another Dabbawalla.

The tiffin delivery men use another Mumbai icon  the suburban trains  to ensure that the lunch boxes reach their destinations on time. The three railway lines  Western, Central and Harbour  that link 70 stations, ensure that the lunch boxes travel from the farthest northern suburbs to the business areas on the southern tip of the city within a maximum of two hours.

The tiffin delivery men, most of who come from villages around Pune, are from the Maratha community and like to think of themselves as the soldiers of Maratha king, Shivaji. While the soldiers negotiated a rough countryside, the Dabbawallas pride themselves on deliver on time, never mind Mumbais heat or floods. We are Mavlas, strongmen of king Shivaji, what will happen to us? asks one of them when asked if they face any issues delivering in extreme weather conditions.

#MUMBAIMERIHAI What does Mumbai mean to you? Over the next few weeks, we are celebrating our favourite things about the city? We will trace the roots of Mumbais most popular street foods, drop in at its maidans, explore the workings of its stock markets and that grand dream machine that is Bollywood. We would like to hear from you too Tweet, Instagram your favourite pictures of the city with #MumbaiMeriHai, or write to us at @htmetro@hindustantimes.com

The Dabbawallas believe that the tradition, which is now into its third generation, is likely to continue despite new job opportunities and modern food delivery systems. The tiffin service is a business of repute, since we are not working under anyone. It is our own business. Moreover, the individuals, whom the society refers to as zero owing to their poor educational qualifications, we make them heroes because they earn as much as a learned graduate, said Talekar. We never kept our knowledge or profession a secret. Whoever wanted to learn, we trained them, but I think the profession is meant for this city.

With increasing publicity, the Dabbawallas are also getting different opportunities apart from just delivering tiffin. Recently, an e-commerce company chose them for the last-mile connectivity. The Mumbai Dabbawalla Association made 60 motorbikes available for those who wanted to earn extra.

Another association, Mumbai Dabbawallas, is offering seminars, presentation and workshops, giving an insight into the 125-year-old tradition. The group also provides an on-ground learning experience through a three-hour, A Day with Mumbai Dabbawalla, session that is very popular among the management trainees from different business schools across the globe.

We have been getting many requests from not only India, but many foreign countries to personally interact and understand the working of Dabbawallas. They want to accompany us through the sorting process and in local trains, said a member from the group.

The Dabbawallas deliver more than just lunch boxes. They also deliver social messages and give their support for different causes. We condemn the illegal custody of Kulbhushan Jadhav and demand his immediate release, a message that will be delivered by the 5,000 Dabbawallas of Mumbai on Tuesday morning.

Read more: Snack and the city: How the vada pav has kept up with Mumbais appetite
The decks may soon be cleared for the rehabilitation of around 12 lakh slum dwellers living on 78 hectares belonging to the Indian Railways. Railway minister Suresh Prabhu approved the plan of a joint venture to rehabilitate the people on the same land.

According to an agreement, the in-situ rehabilitation will be done by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) of the State government in a joint venture with the railways. According to a source, the Railways will ensure that ample land required for the ongoing plan and future expansion is cleared before the rehabilitation plan was chalked out.

Around 12 lakh people live in slums spread over 37.25 hectares owned by the Central Railway and 41.2 hectares of the Western Railway in the city. The rehabilitation of slum dwellers around the international airport on the land of the Airport Authority of India was done through a joint venture. The rehabilitation on railway land will also be undertaken in a similar fashion. The state government has been asked to submit a detailed proposal for approval by the railway board, an official present in the meeting said.

The chief ministers office later tweeted, Decision taken in this meeting for rehabilitation of slum dwellers on the Railway land by setting up of JV by GoM and @RailMinIndia! State housing dept and @RailMinIndia to come together. SRA scheme to be made applicable to help 12 lakh slum dwellers of Mumbai (sic).

The Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar said that his party has been pursuing the plan for rehabilitation for the past two years. As the slums are on the central government land, they cannot be rehabilitated under the SRA scheme of the state government. We have been demanding their rehabilitation as part of the BJP governments policy of housing for all. We also had met Prabhu twice in his Delhi office to push for the demand, he said.

The decision was taken during a meeting between chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Prabhu and top officials from the Indian Railways and state government on Tuesday at the CMs official residence. BJPs other legislators Atul Bhatkhalkar, Manisha Chaudhari and leaders too were present for the meeting

Meanwhile, the state government and Railway ministry resolved to expedite ongoing railway projects worth Rs 1.36 crore. The state government assured to make the land available by evicting encroachers, rehabilitating tenants and acquiring the lands at the earliest. Railway authorities were directed to speed up the ongoing projects.

The railways also took up the issue of delayed land acquisition for the ongoing projects of new lines between Ahmednagar-Beed-Parli and Wardha-Nanded-Gadchiroli. While participating in the meeting through video conferencing, collectors of the respective districts have assured the government to complet the acquisition latest by July 2017.

Read

Check train delays or face action, Railway minister Suresh Prabhu warns officials

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Seven people, including three teenagers, were injured in an accident at Kalwa in Thane near Mumbai on Tuesday morning, after a car hit them while crossing the road.

The children were heading to school with their parents.

The three children were identified as Rashi Kadam, 14, Soumya Velingkar, 14, and Sailee Kadam, 14, and their parents as Rajesh Velingkar, 47, Shashi Kadam, 43, and K Kadam, 49. The family resides in Vitawa, Kalwa.

Apart from the family, a coconut vendor, identified as S Choudhary, 62, was also hit by the vehicle. The injured people were rushed to near by civil hospital, and were later shifted to a private hospital.

The accused, identified as Vishal Subhash Dangle, 22, is a driver by profession and a resident of Titwala.

On Tuesday morning around 6.30am, three children and their parents were waiting for a rickshaw when a speeding car hit them. Dangle first bumped in to a speed breaker. As he speeding, he lost control of the car and drove over a footpath, hitting the coconut vendor first and then the family. The impact of the accident was so strong that all six of them were flung in the air, said a police officer from Kalwa police station.

The locals rushed to the spot and the driver was handed over to the police, while injured were taken to a hospital.

The driver was arrested under sections 279 and 337 of the Indian Penal Code and Motor Vehicle Act, and will be produced in a court today.

Read more: Two killed, four injured after car overturns near Thane

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Sagar Thakkar alias Shaggy, the mastermind of the Thane call centre scam, confessed on Tuesday that 33-year-old Jagdish Kanani, who was arrested on October 16, 2016, for his alleged involvement in the scam, is his mentor. Kanani, who owns two call centres in Mumbai, had invested in the bogus call centres operated by Thakkar.

Investigations also revealed that Thakkar and Kanani shared details of the bank accounts through which money was laundered via WhatsApp and other social networking platforms. Initially, Kanani tried to get rid of the data he had saved on his pen drives and hard disks by dumping a few in the Ghodbunder creek and destroying others by drilling holes in them.

He [Kanani] was a garment seller in Chennai and worked with his father in 2007-08. He learnt the ropes of managing a call centre from his experience as a call centre employee. It was here that he first devised the plan of duping foreigners to make easy money by opening bogus call centres. He also established contacts in the US, using which he procured personal details of the US nationals. This was later distributed among the employees working at his and Thakkars call centres, said an officer from the Thane commissionerate.

After coming to Mumbai in 2008, Kanani took up residence at Borivli and set up a bogus call centre in the western suburbs, which was operated after 8pm. He completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from a Pune-based institute and later went to Gujarat in 2013. Here, with the help of his friend, he upgraded his skill of operating a bogus call centre. After returning to Mumbai, Kananai opened another call centre and also invested in the those operated by Thakkar.

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A 23-year-old Uzbekistan national was on Sunday arrested at the CST international airport for allegedly travelling to India on a fake tourist visa.

According to the Sahar police, the woman (name withheld by the police) had come to India on the same tourist visa on February 14 .

She was caught by immigration officials during an immigration check, when she was heading to Dubai.

The Sahar police will get in touch with the Uzbekistan embassy to get more information on the accused.

The woman claimed the documents are genuine .

An FIR has been registered against her under section 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating) and 471 (using as genuine a forged) of the Indian Penal Code.

Baburao Mukhedkar, senior police inspector, Sahar police station, said, She was produced before a magistrates court and was remanded in police custody till Tuesday.

Read more: Mumbai: Two held for using fake papers to get US visa
When Narayan Rane was about to quit the Shiv Sena after a fruitful career of 40 years in the party, Bal Thackeray expressed his hurt to my then editor-in-chief Vir Sanghvi. Of course, Bal Thackeray being who he was said, I only (sic) have kicked him out of my party. I have no need for Jaichands like him.

Thackeray was hurt by the fact that, unlike with Chhagan Bhujbal, he had given Rane everything  as he put it, the Sena had kept him in the trappings of office, whether in government or in opposition, for 40 years. When we did not have a laal batti (an official car with a red beacon) to give him any more, he went and joined the Congress.

But Rane took a long time making up his mind which ruling party to join  the Congress or the NCP. Sharad Pawar was then wooing a lot of leaders from the Shiv Sena and he offered Rane a position equal to all others in the party but not a cabinet berth as the NCP had run out of its quota in the coalition government. Vilasrao Deshmukh, who was then the chief minister, however, had the decisive argument. He told Rane that one day the NCP would merge with the Congress and then he would be one of many NCP leaders seeking adjustments with the party. But if you join us now, you will not only be made a minister  when the NCP merges with the Congress, you will be senior to them and among the tallest leaders of our party.

But some years later, Vilasrao was pretty hurt at Ranes attempts to destabilise him from his position and their relationship went steadily downhill. Rane, of course, always wanted to be chief minister and it is no secret he thought he could take on his party resident Sonia Gandhi for choosing Ashok Chavan over him when Deshmukh resigned after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. He was suspended but the suspension was revoked in double quick time. Rane was given another position in the government as though nothing had happened. Former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan trusted Rane to troubleshoot for him through his term and Rane was also the man who was tasked with resolving the troublesome Maratha reservation issue in 2014. When he lost two assembly elections in a row, the Congress overruled the claims of other leaders and had him elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Council  in fact, like Bal Thackeray, gave him everything they could.

But, strangely, now there is much indifference in the Congress at the prospect of Ranes imminent exit from their party. Senior party leaders have told me that there will be not much change in the Congresss fortunes were he to quit. Though he did win the civic polls in his constituency this February, perhaps it will be a very long time before either the Congress or Rane are in a position to do better for each other than they already have.

But why the Congress is not bothered about this imminent exit of a strong leader from their party is also because, as a former PCC leader told me, He could never cast himself in the mould of the Congress and always stuck out like a sore thumb.

So why is it taking so long for Rane to make up his mind about joining the BJP? He has said he has an offer but he has said neither a yes nor a no. I am told by unimpeachable sources that chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is not very keen on carrying the burden of a heavy weight leader like Rane and that the BJP really has nothing more than crumbs to offer to the man who still wants to be chief minister of the state once again.

Moreover, there are taller leaders in the state BJP  or at least old time entrenched ones  who have better claims to party handouts than a new comer. Then again, as one former CM told me, The BJPs aim is not to acquire Rane per se but rather to break and weaken the Congress any which way and they are starting with Rane by playing on his vulnerabilities.

The Congress knows they can do little about it  the BJP has enough strength in the assembly to have him elected on their ticket to the legislative council again and his son, too, could easily win his assembly seat. So the Congress is not even trying to dissuade the man they once persuaded so hard to join their party. Perhaps Rane is better off going with the BJP  whenever he has made up his mind, that is.

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Best known for her roles in Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, 13 Steps Down and My Brother The Devil, English actor Elarica Johnson will be making her maiden visit to India, this summer, to be a part of the highly anticipated Justin Bieber Tour.

During her visit, the actress will meet directors and film personalities from the Indian film industry, apart from being the official host of the event of the year - Justin Bieber Purpose Tour.

The actor stated, India has been a place I have always wanted to visit. I watched Bollywood movies as a child and now being an actress going to Mumbai the heart of the Bollywood film Industry; it is a dream come true! I have always felt inspired by the freedom of colour, music and dance. So to be able to explore the Indian culture and have the chance to see the beautiful architecture and history of the country will truly be a wonderful experience.

Adding, I am definitely looking forward to eating a lot! Indian food sits at the number one spot as my ultimate favourite cuisine. But most of all having this experience and seeing one of my favourite artists, Justin Bieber perform live, I am sure I will mark this as a trip of a lifetime!

The 27-year-old London born diva will arrive in Mumbai on May 4 and will explore the city till May 15.

On the work front, Elarica is all set to star alongside Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning in John Cameron Michells How To Talk To Girls At Parties.

She has also finished filming Blade Runner 2049, alongside Ryan Gosling, which supposedly will release by the end of the year.

Biebers latest jaunt is in support of his fourth album, the critically acclaimed Purpose, wherein he experimented with more exploratory electronic sounds.
The executive chairman and CEO of Jaypee Group, Manoj Gaur, on Monday assured agitated homebuyers of delivery of all housing units in his Jaypees Wish Town project in the next three years.

The announcement came after 224 homebuyers filed a case of cheating at the Expressway police station in Noida Sector 135 on Sunday against the realty major over late delivery of flats.

Gaur said the integrated housing project was delayed due to many reasons like fund crunch, environmental clearance and a ban on ground water extraction for construction by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Read: No sign of flats even after paying 90% cost, homebuyers protest outside Jaypee office in Noida

We have already given possession of 6,500 flats. We assured them that we will hand over 6,000 more flats between August 2017 and March 201,.and the remaining flats soon after. We plan to give all 32,000 flats in the next three years, said Gaur.

Gaur will meet the buyers on April 29 and share a scheduled plan of delivery.

We need Rs9,000 crore to restart the work and finish the project. We need to recover Rs7,000 from our investors and buyers. We will raise Rs2,000 crore funds from various banks. Banks have agreed to lend us Rs1,700 crore and the remaining Rs300 crore will soon be arranged to restart the work. We will restore the buyers trust and deliver as promised, said Gaur.

Home buyers shout slogans against Jaypee builders inside the SSP office in Surajpur, Greater Noida. (Virendra Singh Gosain/HT File Photo)

The developer said it had earned Rs14,000 crore by selling housing units in this project and invested the money in construction.

We have given Rs1,000 crore to our buyers who sought refund. Now buyers should trust us and we will deliver the project. The project got delayed because the realty sector has been facing recession for the last five years, said Sameer Gaur director, Jaypee Group.

Jaypee Infratech had in 2007 proposed to build 32,000 flats and some plots under the Integrated Wish Town project located in sectors 128, 129,131, 133 and 134 along the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway.

Jaypee Infratech, which developed the 165-km Yamuna E-way and Formula One circuit, had promised buyers of delivery of flats from 2011-12.

Around 400 aggrieved buyers questioned Jaypee Infratech officials in a meeting held in the sector 128 office on Monday.

I had booked a 3BHK flat in Wish Town and I was supposed to get delivery by 2012. But in the last five years, we have suffered humiliation at the office of Jaypee Group in Wish Town Sector 128. Whenever I went to the builders office, the bouncers of the Jaypee Group pushed me and even misbehaved with me. If they cannot deliver flats, why do not they refund my money, said Ashok Narang, a homebuyer.

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The Food Safety and Drugs Administration (FSDA) has issued an operational licence to 43 meat shops in the district. Officials said the move is to ensure availability of hygienic meat for consumers in Noida and Greater Noida.

According to Gautam Budh Nagar district administration, all meat shops in Noida and Greater Noida were being run illegally. After chief minister Yogi Adityanath ordered the closure of illegal meat shops and slaughterhouses, most of these shops in the two cities were shut as they did not adhere to the requisite operational conditions.

After receiving applications from meat shop owners, we have issued a fresh licence to 43 persons, who are running shops selling mutton, chicken, fish and buffalo meat. We issued a fresh licence upon receiving an application for the same. However, we have not issued any licence to a slaughterhouse. The state government will issue permission to slaughterhouses, said Mahendra Srivastava, designated officer for FSDA, Gautam Budh Nagar.

FSDA is the licensing authority for selling meat in the district.

Officials said the 43 shops that were issued licence will not be allowed to slaughter animals on its premises. They will procure mutton, chicken or fish from certified wholesale markets and sell the same at their shops, said Srivastava.

To stop the illegal sale of meat and slaughter of birds and animals in the open, the department has started conducting random inspections in markets, residential and industrial areas of Noida and Greater Noida.

Two food inspectors and I conduct random inspections to take action against illegal shops selling unhygienic meat. We recently shut down a shop in Sector 4 market that was selling chicken and fish illegally. We also conducted a random inspection on Sunday to enforce the ban, Srivastava said.

Officials of the district administration said that around 80 meat shops operating in Noidas sectors 5, 8, 9 and 70, in Noida were shut because they were not following the norms.

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Officials of the Ghaziabad district administration have told 15 schools to abstain from charging the annual charges component of school fee for 20 days till the district committee examines their documents and regulations and submits its report. These schools have also been directed to follow the previous academic years fee structure till the inquiry committee formed by the district magistrate submits its report.

The officials held a meeting scheduled at the district headquarters for Tuesday with representatives of various parents associations and of 15 schools against whom the parents had complained regarding fee hike.

These schools from where parents had forwarded complaints will not charge the annual charges component of fee for 20 days till the district committee comes out with its findings. The concept of annual charges is not mentioned anywhere in the conditions of the no-objection certificate (NOC) provided to schools by the state government. On the issue of fee hike, we will check the basis and quantum of the increase in fee by schools, said Rajesh Yadav, additional district magistrate (finance), Ghaziabad.

The parents associations had also complained that the schools in question were providing books from private publishers and not following the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) guidelines prescribing the use of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books, which are less expensive.

The schools whose representatives came for the meeting admitted that they recommended books from other publishers for reference. We have directed that the schools provide the NCERT books to students and adhere to CBSE guidelines and the conditions of NOC given by the Uttar Pradesh government, Yadav said.

In the meeting, the parents again raised the issue of fee hike that they alleged was arbitrary and not as per norms. Over the past month, various parents associations have protested outside Ghaziabad schools and also lodged complaints with the district administration.

Last week, Ghaziabad district magistrate (DM) Nidhi Kesarwani had formed a committee of officials to look into fee hike by some private schools in the city. The committee comprises the additional district magistrate (finance), district inspector of schools and the basic education officer.

Apart from this, she also wrote to the chairman of the CBSE to form a high-level committee to inquire into the allegations of exorbitant fee hike.

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The district administration has finished the probe against two private schools in Noida on the issue of fee hike and the probing committee will be forwarding its report to the district magistrate and joint director of education (Meerut) in the next few days.

The probe committee headed by city magistrate Ramanuj Singh has found many irregularities in the functioning of two schools in Noida  Delhi Public School, GB Nagar, and Khaitan Public School. However, Singh refused to share details of the committee report saying that it is in the preparation stage.

We were assigned to probe the workings of these two schools on 16 points laid down by UP government for functioning of schools. These two schools have failed on many aspects and the details will be made public once we submit the report to district magistrate and joint director of education in Meerut, said Ramanuj Singh, city magistrate, Noida.

Joint director of education Mahendra Dev said the future course of action will be taken once the report reaches him.

I had written a letter to DPS in the first week of April asking it to state the reason for hiking the fee and then removing the names of fee defaulters. The school had not given me any satisfactory response and I had written to the Central Board of Secondary Education to take action against the school, Dev said.

After 20 days of continued protest by Noida parents against the alleged unjustified fee hike by private schools, the district administration formed a probe committee a week ago. The committee comprised three officials city magistrate, district inspector of schools and basic education officer and was asked to probe allegations made against private schools in the district.

Many parents had alleged that private schools have raised their fee in an unjustified manner without any discussions with parents. They also contended that private schools were charging heavy amounts in the name of building fee, annual charges and development fee. Several parents refused to pay the fee.

However, parent groups are still not content with the response of the district administration and has accused them of shielding the private schools.

They can play this game of forwarding committee reports to each other but unless there is a concrete action, parents will not be pacified. This is an act of tokenism, said Sudhir, a parent.

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The Supreme Courts recent order banning the sale of liquor within 500m of national and state highways have unleashed animal spirits in the countrys usually slothful state governments. Within hours of the ban coming into effect, states showed enormous energy and alacrity, usually missing when it comes to implementing key development policies, to find out creative ways to dodge the new rule.

The order came into effect from April 1.

While states have been re-designating national highways and state highways as city roads, developers have also been doing their bit: Many have made cosmetic structural changes such as shifting the entrance to a corner of the building farthest from the highway, hoping to squeeze in a few extra metres and beat the law.

In an article in Hindustan Times, Faizan Mustafa, vice-chancellor NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, called the order a case of judicial overreach. The order will not be able to prevent drunken driving and the Supreme Court did acknowledge that people may now start their journey after stocking up on enough intoxicating drinks. In fact those driving long distances would not mind covering an additional distance of 500 metres to purchase liquor, he wrote. He added that all directive principles of state policy are policy issues and those should be left to the government. It is not the job of the court to force the government to implement them. In fact at times such orders are against the spirit of separation of powers.

It is also true that the ban could lead to massive retrenchment in the hospitality sector. Just after the SC order, Niti Aayog boss Amitabh Kant tweeted: Tourism creates jobs.Why kill it? Supreme Courts highway liquor ban verdict may hit 1 million jobs.

While there are strong arguments against the ban, the way state governments have been behaving to circumvent the SC order is not just bad in law but also sends out a wrong message to the people.

In the garb of saving employment and tourism (the revenue that is), they are breaking the law.

And thats not all: By finding ways to circumvent the law, it is teaching citizens that it is all right to break a law if you can make sure that you have a decent and acceptable humane excuse.

@kumkumdasgupta

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Canadas minister of national defence Harjit Singh Sajjan on April 21 (Friday) will inaugurate the Consulate General of Canada, Chandigarh, which was shifted to the fourth floor of the Elante Office Complex, around 4 months ago. Earlier, the consulate office was in Sector 17.

Sajjan, who is visiting India until April 23, will travel to New Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh and Mumbai.

An official said that he will visit Punjab on Wednesday. On Friday, he will be in Chandigarh, but there will be no public event.

The consulate provides several services including assistance to Canadians, visa services and assistance to Canadian businessmen and companies.

It provides a wide range of services to Canadian citizens travelling to, or who are resident in, India or Bhutan. Further, it helps people by guiding how to go to Canada and how to apply for a visa through various services.
The chill in India-Pakistan relations following death sentence to former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav by a Pakistan military court recently may delay the repatriation of two children lodged in an observation home meant for undertrial adolescent offenders here.

Babar Ali, 16, and a speech-and-hearing-impaired boy are waiting for their repatriation since long. Babar Ali and his younger sibling Ali Raza, 14, had inadvertently strayed into the Indian territory from Ramdas sector in Amritsar in July last year. The latter is confined to Faridkot juvenile home that houses offenders aged 5 to 15.

Babar Ali has served his sentence of 45 days as awarded by the juvenile justice board, Amritsar, on August 31, 2016, under the Indian Passport Act, but he continues to languish at the observation home. His parents are worried that Jadhav issue may jeopardise the repatriation process.

When the boy talked to his parents over phone, the latter expressed apprehension that soured diplomatic ties between the two countries might come in between, but that is not the case. Legal matters in such cases often get stretched, said observation home superintendent Naresh Kumar.

The Juvenile Justice Act mandates settlement of every juvenile offence case within six months, but it does not always happen, he said.

He said the matter was with the Indian embassy in Pakistan and it was for the Amritsar police to pursue the matter. Senior superintendent of police, Amritsar rural, J Elanchezhian, said they were doing the needful.

The deaf and mute Pakistan national, who had crossed over from the Dera Baba Nanak sector in Gurdaspur in 2014, would also be completing three years  the maximum confinement for a juvenile delinquent  in November, but the authorities have not been able to identify his antecedents as yet.

His physical condition has been a big impediment in the trial. He will be released from the local facility in November. It is for the government to make efforts for identification and repatriation of the boy, the SSP said.

Last year, Union minister Vijay Samplas Jalandhar-based nephew had taken up the matter of the boy with the external affairs ministry but the initiative did not bear any fruit.
Clearing the air over allegations of being a Khalistani sympathizer, visiting Canadian defence minister Harjit Singh Sajjan has said that his visit is aimed at forging better bilateral ties and not to break any country.

He said he would propose a meeting with Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh as courtesy, adding that it is up to the latter to accept or refuse. Sajjans remarks came as last week the CM dubbed him a Khalistani sympathiser, aligning him with a separatist movement demanding an independent state for the Sikhs. Amarinder has reiterated that he would not hold a meeting with Sajjan.

But Sajjan said on Tuesday, I have been taught to show courtesy to the leadership of a country and I do this around the world. It is my responsibility to offer up a meeting (to the Captain) and if he decides he doesnt want to meet me ... thats for them to figure out. My actions and services speak for me... there is no ill will from me, Sajjan told the media in New Delhi soon after his arrival. Before leaving back for Canada on April 23, he will be in his native Punjab on April 21 and 22.

I do not promote the breakup of any country... My job is to promote a relation, he also said.

He added that his motive to visit Punjab is to pay respects to the place he was born at and to pay respect to the Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple in Amritsar). Im not going to get into petty politics of one chief minister or any province, he added.

I have been given many labels throughout my life and your actions define who you are. I dont personally suck into the internal politics of any province or nations, he said while addressing an audience here as he spoke on Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping in a Changing World.

Talking about his meeting with his Indian counterpart Arun Jaitley, he said that the two leaders talked about enhancing defence relationship through high-level dialogues. Sajjan will also travel to Mumbai. Also, he will inaugurate the new office of the Consulate-General of Canada in Chandigarh.

Sajjan, the highest-profile Indo-Canadian in the Justin Trudeau government, is the fifth Canadian minister to be in India just this year, and the eighth within the span of only nine months, upping the intensity of the bilateral dialogue process.
Panjab University vice-chancellor Arun Kumar Grovers meeting with research scholars had to end abruptly after the participants raised a ruckus over his response to a question on recent fee hike. Even though the message for the meeting --- to explain the rationale for the fee and elaborate on one of the worst financial crisis varsity had been going through ---- was sent only in the morning, the varsity auditorium was packed to capacity when the meeting started at 2.30pm.

After the V-Cs address that lasted 45 minutes, the meeting took on a different tenor as the scholars peppered him with questions.

Students clapped as a member of the Students for Society (SFS) asked put this question before the V-C, Instead of fee hike, why cant the varsity decrease the salaries of teachers.

The V-C responded, Some of you were likely to be part of university faculty. How will it feel, if you were paid Rs 10,000, like at some of the private institutions.

The V-C was also asked, There is a scheme to allow poor students to work part-time. Why should we make a poor student work, while a rich student is allowed to focus on studies as he can afford the fee?.

The V-C retorted, A meritorious student is always motivated. I also come from poor parents. Do not tell me this.

The students were also told that there was no hike in fee for doctoral students.

The meeting finally was ended abruptly after the V-Cs response to a girl students question, where he reportedly said he could not grant education as a right and a basic amenity at the varsity.

At this, some students raised slogans against the varsity and the meeting broke-up with the V-C leaving the hall.

In his address, professor said the fee hike decision had been taken with a lot of thought and compassion. He added that there was no hike in tuition fee for six years, except a nominal increase in 2013-14. We need to generate Rs 10 crore more (from tuition fee) to entice the Centre and Punjab government to pay us more, he said.

We are not privileged like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) where a number of students get scholarships, he said.

He added that under the Earn while you learn Scheme, students could work at libraries and laboratories. We could keep the library open for 24 hours. The maximum a student can earn is Rs 10,000 a month, he said.

Punjab will help cash-strapped PU

Chandigarh: The Congress government in the state has assured help to the varsity in financial crisis. We will try and help them (Panjab University), state finance minister Manpreet Badal said. However, any decision regarding providing financial support to the Panjab University will be taken after the government comes out with a white paper on the states finances, he said. Every year Punjab gives Rs 20 crore to PU and this amount has been frozen, he said, adding, The PU V-C is right. The Punjab government should have provided more support, he said.

Supposed to pay 40% of PUs fiscal deficit

With PU in a financial mess, it has been getting Rs 20 crore per annum for the last several years after Punjab froze its share, despite it was supposed to bear 40% of the PUs fiscal deficit that is projected at Rs 250 crore for 2017-18. PU has demanded 12% hike in allocation from state government to meet rising expenditure.
Their love blossomed while attending English tuition classes together. Soon they discovered they were made for each other. Setting aside the difference in their nationalities, they decided to say kabool hai thrice and settled down a happily married couple.

Around 10 days back, Dhanbad, Indias coal hub, witnessed the wedding of a local girl with an Afghan national, who happens to be a student at the reputed Indian School of Mines (ISM) that recently secured the coveted Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) tag.

The wedding of Yasmin Khatoon daughter of Gulam Ansari, resident of Govindpur locality of district with Hasibullah Amirzada from Afghanistan, reminded locals of the famous Kabuliwalar Bangali Bou film made on the Kolkata girl, Sushmita Bandopadhyay and her Afghan money lender husband, Jaanbaaz Khan.

Dhanbad marriage registrar Subodh Kumar who confirmed the news of the marriage said, it was solemnized under the Special Marriage Act. The groom had given a local address as well as his countrys address on the application form. The Afghanistan Embassy at New Delhi has been apprised of the marriage, said Kumar.

The marriage first was solemnized before local marriage registrar on April 6 and formalized it on Aril 7 at the brides residence by organizing a social marriage  Nikah that was attended by several villagers of the locality.

Hassibulla happens to be student of mining engineering and was admitted in Indian School of Mining in 2013-2014 along with 45 students from Afghanistan.

Besides, seven students from Ghana, one form Tanzania and one from Spain are also studying at IIT-ISM.

The brides father Gulam Ansar, however, did not comment on the marriage, terming it as a purely a personal and family affair.

IIT-ISM registrar Col( rtd.) MK Singh told HT that he is ascertaining facts regarding the marriage of foreign national.

We would try to get details from the office of the marriage registrar as well as the student very soon, he said.

After we collect all relevant documents, the Afghanistan Embassy, Union HRD ministry and home ministry would be apprised of the facts, told registrar.

The local police too have no information regarding the marriage of a foreign national with an Indian national . Dhanbad Sadar police station- in-charge Akhileshwar Choubey told HT though the thana verifies documents of foreign nationals and keep tabs on movement but it was not aware of the marriage.

One of the classmates of Hasibulla on condition of anonymity said their love blossomed while they were attending English tuitions.

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Seasoned actor Boman Irani, best known for his work in films such as Munnabhai MBBS and 3 Idiots, has landed a pivotal role in Allu Arjuns next Telugu outing. While official confirmation is still awaited from the makers; however, sources close to the films unit have confirmed the news. Last seen in Pawan Kalyans Attarintiki Daaredhi where he played the role of a grandfather and in Ravi Tejas Bengal Tiger, Irani is tipped to be playing a character with negative shades in this c directorial.

Boman Irani in a scene from Attarintiki Daaredhi.

Tentatively titled Naa Peru Surya Naa Illu India, the film marks the first time collaboration of Vamsi and Arjun. Launched earlier this month, the film is tipped to go on the floors from May, soon after Arjun wraps up Duvvada Jagannadham with Harish Shankar. Apparently, it was Arjun who suggested to the makers that they approach Irani for the role as he was impressed with the latters performance in his uncle Pawan Kalyans film.

After wrapping up these two projects, Arjun will finally commence work on his long-pending Tamil project with Linguswamy. Although launched last year, the film is yet to go on the floors and it was believed to have been shelved at one point.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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A Saudi helicopter came down during military operations in Yemen on Tuesday, killing 12 officers aboard, Saudi media reported, and a Yemeni defence ministry news website said the cause was friendly fire.

The death toll was one of the largest in a single incident involving Saudi forces since a Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemens war in 2015 to try to roll back the dominant Houthi group and restore President Abd-Rabu Mansour Hadi to power.

The official Saudi news agency SPA quoted a statement from the Saudi-led coalition as saying the Black Hawk came down in Marib province, east of the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa.

As a result, four officers and eight non-commissioned officers from the Saudi armed forces were martyred, it said, adding the possible cause of the crash was under investigation.

But the Yemeni defence ministrys 26 September news website quoted an officer in Yemens military high command as saying the helicopter was shot down 5 km (3 miles) from its landing spot because of a technical fault that caused a misreading of the air defence system, which resulted in the destruction of the plane before it landed.

It provided no details on who fired at the helicopter.

The Houthi-run Saba news agency said the helicopter crashed in an area known as al-Tadaween, northeast of the Marib provincial capital, and that 13 officers and soldiers had died.

In September 2015, a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis at a coalition military base in Marib killed more than 60 soldiers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The Saudi-led coalition has recently made gains against the Houthis in western Yemen but fighting on other fronts, including Marib, has been static, with little ground changing hands.

The Houthis seized much of northern Yemen including Sanaa in a series of lightning military operations that began in 2014, eventually forcing Hadi to flee.

The coalition accuses Iran of trying to use the Houthis to expand its influence in Yemen, one of the poorest Arab countries. Iran denies this. The Houthis regard their move on Sanaa as a revolution against corruption.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday will sign an executive order directing federal agencies to recommend changes to a temporary visa programme used to bring foreign workers to the United States to fill high-skilled jobs.

Two senior Trump administration officials who briefed reporters at the White House said Trump will also use the buy American and hire American order to seek changes in government procurement practices to increase the purchase of American products in federal contracts.

Trump is to sign the order when he visits the world headquarters of Snap-On Inc, a tool manufacturer in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The order is an attempt by Trump to carry out his America First campaign pledges to reform US immigration policies and encourage purchases of American products.

As he nears the 100-day benchmark of his presidency, Trump has no major legislative achievements to tout but has used executive orders to seek regulatory changes to help the US economy.

The order he will sign on Tuesday will call for the strict enforcement of all laws governing entry into the United States of labor from abroad for the stated purpose of creating higher wages and higher employment rates for workers in the United States, one of the senior officials said.

It will call on the departments of Labor, Justice, Homeland Security and State to take action to crack down on what the official called fraud and abuse in the US immigration system to protect American workers.

The order will call on those four federal departments to propose reforms to ensure H-1B visas are awarded to the most skilled or highest paid applicant.

H-1B visas are intended for foreign nationals in specialty occupations that generally require higher education, which according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) includes, but is not limited to, scientists, engineers or computer programmers. The government uses a lottery to award 65,000 visas every year and randomly distributes another 20,000 to graduate student workers.

The number of applications for H-1B visas fell to 199,000 this year from 236,000 in 2016, according US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Companies say they use visas to recruit top talent. More than 15% of Facebook Incs US employees in 2016 used a temporary work visa, according to a Reuters analysis of US Labor Department filings.

But a majority of the visas are awarded to outsourcing firms, sparking criticism by skeptics who say those firms use the visas to fill lower-level information technology jobs. Critics also say the lottery system benefits outsourcing firms that flood the system with mass applications.

The senior official said the end result of how the system currently works is that foreign workers are often brought in at less pay to replace American workers, violating the principle of the program.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, Republican Representative Darrell Issa of California and Democratic Representative Zoe Lofgren of California were not immediately available to comment.

Facebook, Microsoft Corp and Apple Inc were also not immediately available after normal business hours.

The order also asks federal agencies to look at how to get rid of loopholes in the government procurement process.

Specifically, the review will take into account whether waivers in free-trade agreements are leading to unfair trade by allowing foreign companies to undercut American companies in the global government procurement market.

If it turns out America is a net loser because of those free-trade agreement waivers, which apply to almost 60 countries, these waivers may be promptly renegotiated or revoked, the second official said.
US President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Tuesday for a full review of the H-1B visa programme for high-skilled foreign workers and to seek recommendations on preventing it from being used to displace Americans.

The order, which Trump is expected to sign during a visit to a manufacturing facility in Wisconsin state, will direct the departments of justice, labour, state and homeland security to suggest reforms and ways to prevent fraud and abuse.

Called the Buy American, Hire American order, it will also direct a review of the governments procurement rules to ensure they give preference to American-made products, two senior administration officials said while previewing the order.

The order on the H-1B visa scheme will call for strict enforcement of all laws governing entry into the United States of labour from abroad for the stated purpose of creating higher wages and higher employment rates for workers, one of the officials said.

The US grants 85,000 temporary visas every year to high-skilled foreigners  65,000 hired from abroad and the rest from among foreigners enrolled in advanced studies in American colleges.

The programme has been criticised by those who argue it is being used by companies, specially outsourcing firms, to bring foreigners on low wages, and not necessarily high-skilled professionals who eventually end up displacing locals.

Indians are by far the largest recipients of these visas  70% in 2015  and Indian outsourcing firms, who bring them to the US, have found themselves under withering scrutiny and criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.

As a candidate for the White House, Trump, who has admitted to using H-1Bs for his own businesses, said the system was broken and that he favoured suspending it temporarily, for a year or so, for a full review and finding ways to fix it.

Many in his inner circle of advisers have been outspoken critics of the programme and have suggested reducing the annual cap from 85,000  attorney general Jeff Sessions had even moved a bill to this effect as senator.

There were suggestions also to introduce changes that would make it harder for companies to bring in low-wage foreigners  80% of those granted the visas, said the official previewing the order, were paid less than the median for their field.

The administration has begun to address that issue with the USCIS, which runs the H-1B programme, changing the definition earlier in April of speciality occupation to exclude computer programmers without additional skills.

The USCIS  US Citizenship and Immigration Services  also issued a warning to employers to not discriminate against Americans and said it would take a more targeted approach when making site visits. And the department of justice, now headed by Sessions, set up a hotline for people who feared they were being discriminated against.

The department said it will not tolerate employers misusing the H-1B visa process to discriminate against US workers. US workers should not be placed in a disfavoured status, and the department is wholeheartedly committed to investigating and vigorously prosecuting these claims.
The Philippine police have received cash payments for executing drug suspects, planted evidence at crime scenes and carried out most of the killings they have long blamed on vigilantes, said two senior officers who are critical of President Rodrigo Dutertes war on drugs.

In the most detailed insider accounts yet of the drug wars secret mechanics, the two senior officials challenged the governments explanations of the killings in interviews with Reuters.

Almost 9,000 people, many small-time users and dealers, have been killed since Duterte took office on June 30. Police say about a third of the victims were shot by officers in self-defence during legitimate anti-drug operations. Human rights monitors believe many of the remaining two thirds were killed by paid assassins operating with police backing or by police disguised as vigilantes - a charge the police deny.

The two senior officers, one a retired police intelligence officer and the other an active-duty commander, claimed the killings are in fact orchestrated by the police, including most of those carried out by vigilantes. They spoke with Reuters on the condition of anonymity.

It is the Philippine National Police doing it, said the retired intelligence officer. This killing machine must be buried six feet under the ground. He said he was angry about the impact of the killings on police discipline and wanted to put Duterte on the defensive. Reuters was unable to independently verify if the police are behind vigilante killings.

The presidents office and the Philippine police did not respond to questions from Reuters.

Only poor are dying

The intelligence officer has authored an unpublished 26-page report on the conduct of the drug war in an effort to organize opposition to Dutertes campaign. The report, titled The State-Sponsored Extrajudicial Killings in the Philippines, provides granular detail on the campaigns alleged methods, masterminds and perpetrators. The document has been shared with leaders of the Catholic Church in the Philippines and with the government-funded Commission on Human Rights.

Some of the reports accusations against individuals could not be confirmed by Reuters; the news agency is therefore not publishing the full document. Many of its findings, however, support and expand upon previous investigations of the drug war by Reuters and independent human rights monitors. (To view the cover page of the report, click on the link: http://tmsnrt.rs/2o8U73N)

The report claims that police are paid to kill not just drug suspects, but also - for 10,000 pesos ($200) a head - rapists, pickpockets, swindlers, gang members, alcoholics and other troublemakers.

It also claims that civilian members of the so-called Davao Death Squad, which rights activists allege killed hundreds of people in Dutertes hometown of Davao, were drafted to augment and assist the polices current nationwide anti-drug operation.

The report doesnt provide documentary evidence for its accusations, which the intelligence officer said were based on accounts from 17 serving or former policemen, including the commander Reuters interviewed. The police commander said he agreed to talk because he was upset that authorities are targeting only petty drug suspects. Why arent they killing the suppliers? he asked. Only the poor are dying.

The second half of the report is largely political in nature, asserting that Duterte has close ties to Communist forces in the Philippines. Many in the military and police are concerned by what they see as Dutertes leftist sympathies. Since taking office, the president has released Communist rebels from prison to restart peace talks.

The report also calls the drug war a social cleansing campaign similar to that launched in Mao Zedongs China, with Duterte aiming to have drug addicts physically eliminated.

NEW LEADS

The Commission on Human Rights has reviewed the report and the accounts could open up new leads in ongoing investigations, said chairman Chito Gascon. Church officials confirmed receiving the report as well.

We should do all we can to follow any lead that could ultimately shed light on these killings with the view to ultimately holding the perpetrators to account, said Gascon.

The fresh claims come amid growing criticism of the drug war. In February, the countrys influential Catholic Church called it a reign of terror. The campaign has also sparked street protests and lawsuits.

Dutertes police chief, Ronald Dela Rosa, halted police operations for most of February after it emerged that an anti-drug unit had kidnapped and murdered a South Korean businessman last year. The killings continued but at a slower pace. On March 6, Dela Rosa announced that the police were resuming their drug operations.

In March, a former policeman, Arturo Lascanas, testified in the Philippine Senate about his role in vigilante-style killings in the southern city of Davao, where Duterte was once mayor. Lascanas was the second Senate witness to link Duterte to the Davao Death Squad. Duterte denies ordering any killings, either as president or mayor.

In a subsequent interview, Lascanas told Reuters that for over a decade he was paid for carrying out the liquidation of drug suspects and criminals. In the early 1990s, he said, he was paid 3,000 to 5,000 pesos ($60-$100) for each of the jobs he performed. By the early 2000s he was earning tens of thousands of pesos for each operation, he said. Lascanas said he had no documentary proof of the payments. He has since left the country.

UNPLUGGING CAMERAS

In the past nine months, police acknowledge having shot dead more than 2,600 suspects during their operations. They say such shootings occur after suspects open fire on undercover officers trying to catch them dealing drugs.

But these so-called buy-busts are actually well-planned executions, said the commander interviewed by Reuters. The commander said targets are chosen from lists of suspects drawn up by police and local officials, who later coordinate to unplug security cameras in the neighbourhood where a killing is planned. According to the report, street lamps are also switched off.

There is no such thing as a legitimate buy-bust, the commander said. The dealers know the cops and wont sell to them.

Instead, he said, a team of police operatives will execute the target, who is almost always unarmed, then plant guns and drugs at the crime scene to justify the use of deadly force.

We have to plant evidence for the legality of the operation, the commander said. We are ordered to do these operations, so we have to protect ourselves.

The commander said officers put the gun in the dead suspects hand and pull the trigger with the victims finger so forensic testing will show that the suspect fired a gun.

Late last year, he said, police crime-scene investigators told their fellow officers to place the guns at a slight distance from the suspects, rather than in their hands, to make things look more realistic.

Most drug suspects in his precinct are shot by rookie cops who are either eager for the experience or nominated by their superiors, the commander said. The superiors refer to this as a baptism by fire.

Each member of the team is quickly paid according to two factors, said the commander: his role in the killing and the targets value.

CASH REWARDS

According to the report, the cash reward scales for drug killings range from 20,000 pesos ($400) for a street level pusher and user, to 50,000 pesos for a member of a neighborhood council, one million pesos for distributors, retailers and wholesalers, and five million for drug lords.

Police officers kill for money, said the commander, but also out of fear: Even the police are afraid of being included on a watch list of drug suspects drawn up by police and local officials.

Officials have been killed for not cooperating, he added. He said he was aware of two cases but did not provide details on exactly what happened.

Reuters reported last year that the watch lists were effectively hit lists, with many of those named ending up dead. Another Reuters investigation showed that police officers were killing 97 percent of the suspects they confront in violent buy-bust operations, the strongest evidence yet that the police were summarily executing suspects.

Officers also cooperate because they know the police forces flawed disciplinary system, which fails to adequately investigate even a fraction of the killings, means there is little chance they will get caught, said the intelligence officer.

One sign of the drug wars success, says the government, is that more than a million users and pushers have voluntarily registered with the police, a process known as surrendering.

But the commander said police are given a quota of surrenderers, and fill it by using city ordinances to arrest men who are drunk or shirtless - a misdemeanor known as half-naked - then forcing them to register as drug suspects.

Reuters learned of the intelligence officers 26-page report from him and interviewed two Catholic priests in Manila who said they had encouraged him to compile it. One of the priests said he edited the report; the other said he helped distribute it among a small group of clerics and human rights activists. Both are helping organize opposition to Dutertes drug campaign.

The Churchs initial reluctance to criticize Dutertes drug war was prompted by a desire to give him a chance when he took office, said one of the priests. But the killings, along with the presidents overtures to Communists, made many in the Church feel their values were under attack, he said.

The intelligence officer said he hoped the report would be used as evidence at the International Criminal Court. In October, the Hague-based tribunal said it could prosecute suspects if the killings were committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population.

(Additional reporting by Neil Jerome Morales in Manila. Edited by Peter Hirschberg and Andrew R.C. Marshall.)
The number of petitions the US received for the high-skill H-1B visas in 2017 dropped unexpectedly, and sharply, for the first time in four years amid speculation that it was due to the Trump administrations hostile measures and Indian tech companies scaling down applications for fear of reprisals.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which runs the H-1B visa programme, announced on Monday it had received 199,000 applications in 2017 for the 2018 cycle. This was 37,000 less than the 236,000 in 2016, ending a rising trend.

The USCIS got 233,000 applications in 2015 and 172,500 in 2014.

It is a significant drop, said George Ganey, an immigration lawyer in Maryland, who was expecting the numbers to rise because of the improving economy. There is no doubt that it has been caused at least in part by President Trumps election.

Mukesh Aghi, president of the US-India Business Council, a trade body, attributed the fall to much lower petitions from Indian companies. He didnt know by how much, but industry sources said it could be by as much as 20% or 30%.

Indian tech companies are among the highest recipients of H-1B visas and have been accused of gaming the system by filing a huge number of applications, apparently much in excess of their need, to crowd out American counterparts.

They have been under increasing scrutiny in recent years, and more so since Trumps election, with the new administration threatening raids and inspections to prevent alleged abuse of the programme to displace American workers.

The US grants 65,000 H-1B visas every year to highly skilled foreign workers and 20,000 to foreigners enrolled in advanced studies in American colleges and universities, subject to a congressionally mandated annual cap of 85,000.

Given the number of applications received every cycle, much in excess of the cap, USCIS began using a lottery system  officially called a computer-generated random selection process  in 2007 to deal with a demand that far outstrips availability.

The agency announced the closure of the process for 2018 on Monday with the lottery that has been in the crosshairs of the programmes critics who believe its being abused to outsource American jobs and to offshore them eventually.

Trump and some of his close advisers and aides are among those who believe the H-1B programme is being used to steal American jobs and have suggested ambitious plans to overhaul the system and fix it, including an executive order.

That order, leaked copies of which were circulated among media outlets in February, never came. But the Trump administration did tighten the screws through a series of technical, less sensational measures that never made it to the front page.

Just days before opening the application process for 2018 this April  the cycle starts a year before  the USCIS suspended premium processing of H-1Bs used by companies who want to know the fate of their applications immediately for a fee. That threw off a lot of companies, who did not want to wait.

More significantly for Indians and Indian tech companies, the USCIS reconfigured the definition of speciality occupation, a qualifying criterion for H-1Bs, the weekend before the start of the much anticipated 2018 process.

Computer programmers, its new guidelines said, did not qualify automatically any longer. And that ruled out a large number of low-grade H-1B applicants who would have barely qualified earlier but were definitely barred now.

Chirag Patel, an immigration lawyer who was taken aback by the new numbers, attributed them to the lack of premium processingor maybe a hiring shift to more US citizens or permanent resident| workers due to Trump being President.
A Pakistani retired army officer was lured to Nepal with a job prospect before being seized by Indian intelligence, which hopes to use him to secure the release of an Indian agent sentenced to death by Pakistan, security officials said on Tuesday.

According to two senior security officials, Indian agents abducted Lt Col Mohammad Habib, who went missing on April 6 after arriving in Nepal. They said Habibs abduction was aimed at pressuring Pakistan to release Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian naval officer convicted of espionage who was sentenced to death on April 10.

Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to reporters about the case. Indian officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

One of the officials said records show that Habib arrived at the Kathmandu airport on April 6. An Indian national took him to a hotel after receiving him at the airport.

The second official also confirmed the account, saying Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing planned Habibs abduction.

The two Pakistani officials said Jadhav has been linked to 1,345 deaths in acts of terrorism in Pakistan. They told The Associated Press that he joined Indias Naval intelligence in 2001 and was later posted in Iran, from where he made secret trips to Pakistan using fake ID documents before his 2016 arrest.

The officials claimed that Jadhav had confessed to espionage and terror-linked activities during his interrogation. He has the right to appeal to a military appeals court or petition the army chief for mercy. Also, under the constitution, Pakistans president could pardon Jadhav.

Pakistan and India have a history of bitter relations, and Jadhavs death sentence has further strained ties. India has denounced Jadhavs trial as a farce, insisting he was abducted from Iran and that his subsequent presence in Pakistan was never credibly explained
India will send an official representative to the high-profile Belt and Road Forum (BRF) to be held in Beijing in May, Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday amid unease in New Delhi over the ambitious project passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Announcing Indias participation in the forum to promote President Xi Jinpings pet project, Wang attempted to assuage New Delhi by saying that none of the projects in PoK had any link with territorial disputes in the region.

As for disputes in Kashmir, China's position has remained unchanged. The CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) has no relationship with the dispute in certain regions. I want to reaffirm this to our Indian friends, Wang told a special briefing on BRF on Tuesday morning.

India has stayed away from Xis Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), partly because of CPEC, which Indian officials have repeatedly said is a sovereignty issue.

Wang, however, confirmed India will send a representative to the forum.

Although the Indian leader will not be here, India will have a representative. We welcome the Indian representative as well as members of the business and finance community to take part in the summit, he said.

The Indian embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to Wangs statement.

Wang said the CPEC has no bearing on China's stand on Kashmir, that Beijing did not take sides and it was for India and Pakistan to resolve the issue.

I want to mention that the CPEC is economic, and for the purpose of serving economic cooperation and development. It has no direct link with political or border disputes, he said.

Certain sections of the CPEC have raised concerns on the Indian side but these disputes are not the result of the economic corridor and the economic activities in this region are not the direct result of CPEC. China has been providing support to Pakistan in these areas for many, many years. This is a contribution China is making for development of our neighbouring countries.

Wang added that China welcomes India's participation in building the BRI. Both are developing countries and the most important task for us is to speed up development so that our peoples will live a better life, he said.

Wang stressed the development quotient of the BRI: The Belt and Road is for the purpose of common development of all participants. We will provide opportunities for participants to build on their complementarity, including investments in infrastructure. So we welcome India to take an active part in building the Belt and Road.

The BRI, floated by Xi in 2013, envisages building land and sea routes to connect China with Asia and Europe.

According to Wang, 28 heads of state and government, including from Russia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, have confirmed their participation in the forum.
North Koreas deputy UN ambassador accused the United States on Monday of turning the Korean Peninsula into the worlds biggest hotspot and creating a dangerous situation in which a thermonuclear war may break out at any moment.

Kim In Ryong told a news conference that if the US dares opt for a military action, North Korea is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the US

He said the Trump administrations deployment of the Carl Vinson nuclear carrier task group to waters off the Korean Peninsula again proves the US reckless moves for invading the DPRK have reached a serious phase of its scenario.

Kim stressed that US-South Korean military exercises being staged now are the largest-ever aggressive war drill aimed at his country, formally the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

The prevailing grave situation proves once again that the DPRK was entirely just when it increased in every way its military capabilities for self-defense and pre-emptive attack with a nuclear force as a pivot, he said.

Tensions have escalated over North Korean moves to accelerate its weapons development. The North conducted two nuclear tests and 24 ballistic missile tests last year, defying six security council sanctions resolutions banning any testing, and it has launched more missiles this year including a failed attempt this past weekend.

The Norths foreign ministry said the missile launches are as part of a normal process of building up the countrys defenses and economy.

Ministry official Kim Chang Min also said in the interview in Pyongyang that the UN, the security council and big countries ignored South Korean missile launches and Japanese surveillance satellites.

This is the limit of double standards, Kim of the foreign ministry said. How can we have any dialogue to get any result with anyone who has this kind of approach?

On Monday, US vice-president Mike Pence travelled to the Demilitarised Zone dividing the Koreas and warned Pyongyang that the era of strategic patience is over.

After 25 years of trying to deal patiently with North Koreas nuclear and missile ambitions, Pence said, all options are on the table to deal with threat.

Deputy UN ambassador Kim said North Koreas policy is shaped by the Trump administrations push for high-intensity sanctions against the country, deploying tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea and launching military action aimed at beheading the Norths leadership headed by Kim Jong Un.

He said rolling back the hostile US policy toward the DPRK is the precondition to solving all the problems in the Korean Peninsula.

Kim called the news conference to categorically reject the US decision to hold an open meeting of the Security Council on April 28 on North Koreas nuclear program which is scheduled to be chaired by US secretary of state Rex Tillerson.

He called it another abuse of authority by the United States, which holds the security council presidency this month, and a violation of the DPRKs sovereignty.

Kim ignored questions about the DPRKs relationship with China and reports that the government didnt respond to requests from Chinese officials for a meeting.

Instead he reiterated two Chinese proposals that the US rejected.

One called for dual-track talks on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula  the top priority of the United States  and replacing the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War with a formal peace treaty, a key demand of Pyongyang. The other called for a freeze on US-South Korean military exercises and a freeze on DPRK missile and nuclear tests.
India has made several extradition requests since a treaty with the United Kingdom was signed in 1992, but only one has succeeded so far though there are indications that pending cases may be expedited.

Key Indians wanted but based in the UK include Lalit Modi, Tiger Hanif, Nadeem Saifi, Ravi Sankaran and Vijay Mallya. The only person extradited so far was Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel in October 2016. He was wanted in a case related to the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Besides Patel, sources told Hindustan Times, the extradition of another Indian wanted in a fraud case is likely soon. His case is said to be in the final stages of the UK extradition process.

Officials from the UK Home Office and Indian ministries of home and external affairs discussed the issue of pending deportation and extradition cases at a meeting in New Delhi in February. Lists were exchanged, including names of 17 people whose custody the UK wants under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty or against whom letters rogatory were issued.

Cases in which India has not been successful include those of Ravi Sankaran (accused in the Indian Navy war room leak case), Tiger Hanif (wanted in connection with two bomb attacks in Gujarat in 1993), music director Nadeem Saifi (accused and acquitted in the Gulshan Kumar murder case), and some individuals related to the Khalistan movement.

In April 2013, Tiger Hanif exhausted all options in British courts to avoid extradition. He made a final appeal to the home secretary, who needs to approve his extradition but has not acted on it so far.

Wanted in India, living in Britain  Vijay Mallya (financial)  Lalit Modi (financial)  Ravi Shankaran (Indian Navy war room leak case)  Tiger Hanif (1993 blasts in Gujarat)  Nadeem Saifi (Gulshan Kumar murder case)  Raymond Varley (UK citizen, child abuse cases in Goa)

Individuals facing extradition also have the final option of approaching the European Court of Human Rights, at least until the UK completes its exit from the European Union.

British courts usually refuse extradition requests based on political reasons or from countries where a person is likely to face torture or the death penalty. Several cases have been refused on the ground that extradition would deny the person the right to family life (Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights).

India has been seeking the extradition of British national Raymond Varley, accused in child abuse cases in Goa.

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Pakistani police say a university professor from the Ahmadi sect was found stabbed to death in what may be the latest in Islamic militant attack on members of the minority group.

Officer Mohammad Ali says the 61-year-old microbiology professor Tahira Malik was found slain in the eastern city of Lahore, with several stab wounds.

He says her daughter had complained to the police that her mother wasnt answering her calls.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The Pakistani Taliban and other Sunni militants consider Ahmadis heretics and have often attacked them in the past.

Ahmadis make a tiny minority of the 180 million Muslim-majority Pakistan. The Ahmadi faith was established in the Indian subcontinent in the 19th century by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who followers believe was a prophet.
President Tran Dai Quang (R) and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe (Source: VNA)



The President expressed his delight at the fruitful outcomes of bilateral wide-ranging ties since the establishment of their diplomatic relations 47 years ago, saying that two-way trade has grown steadily, averaging 34 percent for 2010-2016.

He asked for increasing the exchange of delegations and meetings at all levels and effectively implementing existing cooperation mechanisms towards reaching a two-way trade of USD1 billion, particularly in the fields of apparel, rubber, farm produce, fisheries, jewelry, footwear and machinery.

Both sides need to actively implement their Agreement on Investment Promotion and Protection signed in October 2009 and a portfolio of fields prioritised for investment under a cooperation agreement between the two foreign investment agencies signed in October 2011, he said, adding that the two countries businesses also should actively join in trade promotion activities, technological transfer in fisheries exploitation, processing and export, as well as promote connectivity via an agreement on air transport between the two governments that took effect in December 2012.

The host requested continuing to strengthen cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums, especially within the framework of the United Nations and the Non-Align Movement.

On the occasion, he asked Sri Lanka to back Vietnams run for non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure and UNESCO Director General for 2017-2021.

Vietnam welcomes and encourages Sri Lanka to enhance specific and practical collaboration with ASEAN, contributing to reinforcing ties between the bloc and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Wickremesinghe, for his part, briefed the host about the outcomes of his talks with Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc, saying that both sides agreed to further boost economic and trade ties on the back of their solid political relationship at present, as well as increase people-to-people exchange.

On regional and global issues, he said Sri Lanka supports a maritime environment of peace, strongly commits to complying with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and stands ready to contribute to initiatives to ensure maritime freedom in the region.

He also thanked President Quang for his sympathy with losses suffered by Sri Lankan people in a recent garbage dump collapse in the capital city of Colombo.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is on an official visit to Vietnam from April 16th-18th at the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. The two sides issued a joint statement on the occasion of the visit, under which, they agreed on major orientations to lifting bilateral ties to a new height./.
Pakistani authorities are questioning a senior militant who they say voluntarily surrendered, presenting it as a major setback for an Islamic extremist group that has carried out several attacks in recent years.

Military officials confirmed on Tuesday that Ahsanullah Ahsan, a former spokesman and senior figure in the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar group, had surrendered recently, without providing further details.

They say he split with the main Pakistani Taliban four years ago and joined the breakaway faction, which claimed a March 31 car bomb near a Shiia mosque that killed at least 24 people.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media, said information gleaned from Ahsan led to other arrests and the location of a weapons cache.
The suspect who killed a grandfather in Ohio and posted a video of it on Facebook shot and killed himself after a brief pursuit by police in Pennsylvania on Tuesday.

The suspect, Steve Stephens, had claimed to have killed 13 people and said he will kill more. But police had not found any evidence yet of his other killings.

Stephens killed Robert Godwin, a 74-year-old father of 10 and grandfather to 14, in an apparent case of random shooting as the victim walked home after an Easter lunch on Sunday.

I snapped, I just snapped, Stephens, a job counselor for teens and young adults, said in the video.

He had been on he run since, and there were no credible sighting of him since.

Police had announced a reward of $50,000 for information leading to his arrest.

According to a timeline released by Facebook, Stevens first posted a video of himself announcing his plan to kill some and two minutes later posted a video of himself shooting and killing Godwin.

A few minutes after that, he went live and confessed. Facebook disabled Stevens account soon after it received complaints about the video. As a result of this terrible series of events, we are reviewing our reporting flows to be sure people can report videos and other material that violates our standards as easily and quickly as possible, Justin Osofsky, Facebooks vice-president for global operations, said in a statement.
Unless there is a fresh approach in London to extradition requests from New Delhi, its unlikely controversial Indian businessman Vijay Mallya will actually be extradited to India anytime soon, given past experiences and the long-drawn legal process.

Mallya is not the first high-profile Indian based in the United Kingdom wanted in India. Previous individuals sought include Lalit Modi (for alleged financial offences), Ravi Sankaran (the Indian Navy war room leak case), Nadeem Saifi (the Gulshan Kumar murder case) and Tiger Hanif (Gujarat blasts).

The only extradition so far  of Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, wanted for the 2002 Gujarat riots  in October 2016 did not exactly reflect a fresh approach in London, though the Narendra Modi government has exerted in official talks on the issue.

Unlike other individuals wanted by India, Patel, 40, did not oppose his extradition, but consented to it, thus cutting short the long process. He was arrested on August 9 last year and on September 22, home secretary Amber Rudd signed the extradition order.

The reasons for his consent to be extradited to India, however, were not known but Indian circles were delighted at the first successful extradition from Britain since the India-UK treaty was signed in 1992.

Mallya is unlikely to consent to extradition, and is expected to fight it legally in British courts, which could take months, if not years. Tiger Hanif lost his legal challenge in April 2013 and has since made a final appeal to the home secretary, who is yet to decide on it.

One of the reasons earlier Indian requests for extradition did not succeed was poor paperwork and quality of evidence presented in British courts, sources told Hindustan Times. But more care was reportedly taken in the paperwork related to Mallya.

India is included in Type B of the Category 2 list of countries in Britains Extradition Act of 2003. A treaty between the two countries was signed in 1992 when SB Chavan was the Union home minister, and it came into effect from 1993.

The process to extradite Mallya is long, with several options for appeal. Article 5 of the treaty specifically mentions extradition may be refused if the offence is of a political character. British courts also consider whether the individuals human rights may be violated in case she or he is returned to the requesting country.

Britain has a long and proud history of providing refuge to those fleeing political and religious persecution, but those facing financial allegations in home countries are also finding refuge in the cooler climes of Britain as the lines of those claiming refuge get increasingly blurred.

Nineteenth century reformer Samuel Smiles even called London the worlds asylum, the refuge of the persecuted of all lands.

In recent years, high-profile foreign offenders with considerable wealth have found refuge and a safe place to park their assets and enjoy a peaceful life, away from local laws of their home countries snapping at their heels  including many from Russia.

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Facing constant carping from the opposition  including the demand for another independence referendum in Scotland  Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday called a mid-term election on June 8 as opinion polls saw the ruling Conservatives winning again.

May will move a motion in the House of Commons on Wednesday to hold the election, as stipulated in the Fixed Term Parliament Act of 2011. It will need to be passed by two-thirds majority, which is likely given that the Labour Party favours a mid-term election.

Mays surprise decision announced outside 10, Downing Street sent the pound soaring, as many saw it as an opportunity to reverse the vote to leave the European Union. But Brexiteers believe the election outcome will set at rest the daily commentaries of criticism.

The Conservative Party led by David Cameron won a majority in the May 2015 polls. He resigned after Britain voted to leave the European Union in the June 23 referendum last year. He was succeeded by May, who some saw as an unelected prime minister.

May said: It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond.

She referred to the constant criticism her government faced inside and outside Westminster. If the election were not held, she said, political game-playing will continue, affecting the Brexit talks.

So I have a simple challenge to the opposition parties, you have criticised the governments vision for Brexit, you have challenged our objectives, you have threatened to block the legislation we put before Parliament, she said.

This is your moment to show you mean it, to show you are not opposing the government for the sake of it, to show that you do not treat politics as a game. Let us tomorrow vote for an election, let us put forward our plans for Brexit and our alternative programmes for government and then let the people decide.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn welcomed Mays announcement, while Nicola Sturgeon of the ruling Scottish National Party in Scotland called it an extraordinary U-turn after the prime minister had previously ruled out a mid-term election.

She is clearly betting that the Tories can win a bigger majority in England given the utter disarray in the Labour PartyIn terms of Scotland, this move is a huge political miscalculation by the prime minister, Sturgeon said.

It will once again give people the opportunity to reject the Tories narrow, divisive agenda, as well as reinforcing the democratic mandate which already exists for giving the people of Scotland a choice on their future, she added.

Mays announcement sent Westminster in a tizzy, with some Labour MPs continuing to doubt whether the party can win under Corbyns leadership. But they hoped those who now regretted voting to leave the EU would get another opportunity, which would help Labour.

European Council president Donald Tusk spoke to May on phone after the announcement, and described it as a good phone call. He previously issued a tweet that many found intriguing in London: It was Hitchcock who directed Brexit: first an earthquake and the tension rises.

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[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he 20th Maines epic stand and bayonet charge at Little Round Top on July 2, 1863, secured that regiments place in military history. During the second day of fighting at Gettysburg, commanders Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and Major Ellis Spearalready good friends from before the warfurther forged a seemingly unbreakable bond in helping the Pine Tree State boys turn back Colonel William Oates relentless 15th Alabama and prevent a Confederate breakthrough on the Army of the Potomacs left flank. Had the 20th Maine broken before the onslaught, it might have had a domino effect on other hard-pressed Federal units along Cemetery Ridge. The 20ths stand was a critical moment in what became a Yankee triumph the following day.

Chamberlain and Spear both survived the war and lived long, prosperous lives, their friendship apparently firm. About 25 years ago, however, the story began to take root that Spear died embittered because Chamberlainat the expense of him and others in the regimenthad claimed too much credit for their Little Round Top success in a postwar account. There are elements of truth in what we know today as the ChamberlainSpear Controversy, but the notion that a blood feud existed between the two is far-fetched and worthy of further examination.

Spear and Chamberlain both grew up the oldest of four boys in families that had settled generations before in small shipbuilding communities upriver from the Maine coast. In the U.S. Census of 1860, Spears hometown of Warren had 2,300 inhabitants, Chamberlains Brewer 2,800. Both men would attend Bowdoin College in Brunswick, with Spears Class of 1858 studying under Professor Chamberlain, an 1852 graduate.

From letters between the two, it is clear that in college Spear was close friends with Chamberlains next younger brother, Horace. Though two years apart as students, they kept in touch, even visiting one another after graduation while each studied law. Horace might even have ended up the third Chamberlain brother to serve in the 20th Mainealong with Joshua and Thomas, the youngesthad he not died just nine months before the unit was formed.

Spear and Chamberlain had a reunion of sorts when they found themselves serving in the same infantry regiment in the late summer of 1862. At the formation of the 20th Maine, Spear earned a position as captain, having recruited the bulk of the men for what became that units Company G. Chamberlain did not personally recruit members of the regiment, but was granted a commission as lieutenant colonelsecond in commandby the governor. During the war, Spear also looked after Thomas, taking him into his company, promoting him, and even recommending him for command of the unit when Spear himself was promoted.

In the postwar years, the affection Spear had for the senior Chamberlain did not abate. They corresponded, attended reunions and other events together, and shared a key role in memorializing their old regiment. In 1896, Spear wrote to Tom Chamberlain explaining his attempts to convince Congress to pass a bill raising the generals pension from $25 a month to $100. Please write me and advise me how he is and if he will probably be in Maine this Summer, and where. Spear wrote. I may have an opportunity to see him in the Summer and I hope to see you.

Three years later, Spear was still advocating the pension increase. In a letter to Rep. Amos Allen (R-Maine), he wrote, [Joshua Chamberlain] is seventy years of age, and is poor. He keeps up the best appearance he can, and is sensitive and proud, and is the last man to plead, or even admit poverty. Spear added great praise for his former commander. I was with him when he was wounded, and I know how severely it was. The common belief was that he would not recover from it. His is the most conspicuous and singular case in the State of distinguished service in the war, old and poor.

Spears description of Chamberlains poverty may have been overstatedthe old general owned a home in Brunswick, a larger summer home a few miles away, and a yachtbut the letters reveal a continued respect and admiration on Spears part and an active effort to care for his former comrade. Nevertheless, his efforts to aid in Chamberlains financial situation, even while conspiring with Tom to keep them from his brother, showed that Spears feelings were far more compassionate than anything else.

Whatever Joshua Chamberlains financial situation late in life, he did not decline an offer of $500 from Cosmopolitan magazine in 1912 to write a description of his role at the Battle of Fredericksburg for an issue celebrating the 50th anniversary of that battle. Nor was he deterred several months later when the same publisher asked for a similar piece on Gettysburg for Hearsts magazine in 1913.

The original manuscripts of these two articles have never been found, so a detailed comparison of their original wording versus what appeared in print after editors did their work is not possible. Both magazines, however, were owned by William Randolph Hearst, the man who invented sensationalized journalism and was even blamed by some for starting the war between the United States and Spain in 1898. Although the story is likely apocryphal, Hearst is famously credited with dispatching the well-known illustrator, Frederic Remington, to Cuba to cover the war. Remington soon telegraphed home saying, Everything quiet. There is no trouble here. There will be no war. Wish to return. Hearsts alleged reply was You furnish the pictures, Ill furnish the warand he did just that, using his newspapers to goad the U.S. government into declaring war.

[quote style=boxed float=left]The Hearst Editors mutilated and corrected my Gettysburg so that I have not tried to get copies of their magazine in which it appeared  Joshua L. Chamberlain[/quote]

Hearsts editors no doubt followed their owners lead, tempting readers into buying copies of his magazines by publishing dramatically embellished stories that piqued the publics interest, whether truthful or not. It is clear that editors took significant liberties with both pieces that Chamberlain supplied to Hearst periodicals, particularly the second piece on Gettysburg, which he wrote before he read the published version of his Fredericksburg essay.

When friends and admirers mentioned the Hearsts article Through Blood and Fire at Gettysburg, Chamberlain chafed, lamenting that it is much curtailed and changed by the insertion of connective tissue by the Editor. When a female admirer complimented him on the piece, Chamberlain replied, The Hearst Editors mutilated and corrected my Gettysburg so that I have not tried to get copies of their magazine in which it appeared.

Reading these articles greatly affected Spear, whose memories of the war were dark and tragic. He viewed these kinds of vain glorious writings as abhorrent, but never had the chance to discuss them with his former commander, who died within a year of publication of the Gettysburg article. Had he done so, he may have been surprised to find that the published versions were not to Chamberlains liking.

Without copies of Chamberlains original drafts, we cannot completely divine how much of each article came from his pen and how much was the exaggeration or invention of some sensationalizing Hearsts editor. There are clues, however. For example, within the Gettysburg piece is a supposed letter, printed verbatim in complete form, from a 15th Alabama soldier who recalled that at Gettysburg he repeatedly had Chamberlain in his sights but some queer notion prevented him from pulling the trigger. He concluded by saying, I am glad of it now, and I hope you are.

Nowhere in all of the voluminous collections of letters that Chamberlain received in his lifetime does there exist either a copy of this letter or any mention of this episode. Yet Hearsts published it in complete form. What can be found in one of these collections is a letter from a Bowdoin alumnus who, in 1903, visited a hotel in the South owned by a veteran of the 15th Alabama. In it, the historian passed on the veterans story of how he had fired at Chamberlain on Little Round Top, but Chamberlains life was only saved by the act of a private who sprang in front of the Colonel and received the shot himself; killing him.

While there is no direct evidence to support the notion, one can easily imagine that Chamberlains draft included a reference to this actual letter, from which the Hearsts people imagined and actually created a similar but more dramatic tale and created an entire letter with which to dramatize it.

In an essay he never published, Spear analytically dissected Chamberlains My Story of Fredericksburg point by point, exposing what he saw as preposterous statements. Aged and infirm (he was 78 when the Gettysburg article reached print), Spear vented his frustrations at many of Chamberlains memories of these two battles.

Among the more revealing is the description in Chamberlains Fredericksburg account of when the regiment, on its way into the deadly maelstrom at Maryes Heights, encountered a stray dog. In his memoirs, Spear recalled that during a lull, [a] little dog came along whimpering with fright, evidently somebodys house pet and I took him in my arms and held him while I remained there. The story of the same wayward canine, however, appeared in Chamberlains Fredericksburg article quite differently: My eyes were taken by the form of a yellow dog, sitting bolt upright with eyes fixed on his dead master. The dog remained there fixated, loyal to the end, despite the whizzing of bullets and bursting of shells. Indeed it would have been a pity, almost a sacrilege, to disturb that guardianship. And we left him there.

That same section of the description of Fredericksburg included an encounter with a flock of doves that declined to escape the tumult, despite their ability to fly.

Whether these accounts were written as drafted by Chamberlain or were the partial or complete invention of some Hearsts scribe intent on selling more magazines, we can only speculate. There is, however a telling remark, written by Chamberlain in the margins of an early printed copy sent to him for comment. Alongside this portion of the text he wrote, Please oust dog & dove episodes. Despite his plea, these melodramatic episodes remained in the final print.

If these clues about how the editors of early 20th-century magazinesat least those owned by W.R. Hearstrewrote articles to please their readers, then the vain-gloriousness that Ellis Spear found so distasteful in the writings of his former friend, professor, commander, and fellow veteran, were merely the invention of someone other than Chamberlain. Were this the case, and if Chamberlain had survived long enough for the two old comrades to share their disgust with the outcome of these two literary efforts, Spear might have understood their true source and the so-called Chamberlain-Spear Controversy might never have come into being more than three-quarters of a century later.

Pine Tree State native Tom Desjardin is director of Maines Bureau of Parks and Lands. A former historian at Gettysburg National Military Park, Desjardin is the author of several books, including Stand Firm Ye Boys From Maine. He also was a consultant for actor Jeff Daniels during the filming of the 1993 film Gettysburg.
AT AGE 93, Morris Factor still endures bouts of dengue fever, which he contracted while serving in Burma with Merrills Marauders. The 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), the official designation of the Ranger style group led by Brigadier General Frank D. Merrill, confronted brutal fighting in malarial jungles against much larger Japanese forces. Factor was luckier than most: after six months in combat, 95 percent of his fellow Marauders were dead, wounded, or no longer medically fit. Congress probed whether American general and theater commander Joseph Stilwell had sacrificed the Marauders to poor planning and his own dreams of glory. Stilwell told Merrill, If they can walk and carry a gun, they can fight! Factor recalls grimly. So we did.

You trained as a Ranger.

After I enlisted in February 1942, the army assigned me to a mapmaking engineer battalion. Then they suddenly ordered me to Fort Lewis, Washington. A few of us were on the train. The first thing we saw was all these beautiful barracks. I asked the MP at the gate, Which one are we going to? He grinned and said, Do you see those tents out in the field about three-quarters of a mile away? Thats where you go. I said, What are we doing in tents? He shrugged. We walked across the grass carrying our duffel bags and everything, then saw flags that said First Ranger Battalion. I said, Whats a Ranger? None of us knew.

How did you train?

Theyd load us into trucks, usually in groups of five to 10, and put the canvas over the backs to make sure we couldnt see where they took us. Theyd drop us in mountainous areas, with about 75 pounds worth of stuff each of us had to carry while climbing up and down mountains. We had to navigate by the stars, pitch camp, and find our way back to the fort the next day. The rest of the time we went to the firing ranges and learned our weapons: rifles, .45s, and .30-caliber machine guns. I was a marksman, not a sharpshooter; sharpshooters were put into reconnaissance platoons later. We also had combat traininga lot of it, including hand-to-hand. At first they wanted us to use real bayonets, but we complained somebody would get killed, so they changed their minds.

Your troopship sailed to North Africa, then to Bombay.

From Bombay, we took the train to Kharagpur in northeast India. We were now officially the 5307th Composite Unit; a journalist coined the name Merrills Marauders later. We were there because General Stilwell, who was in charge there, had Chinese troops but no Americans. So they cobbled together a force for him from three main sources: Pacific jungle-war veterans, Ranger trainees like me, and a lot of guys from Brooklynwe used to call them dead-end kidswho were pretty hard cases. There were about 3,000 of us, divided into three units. Each of those was subdivided into two smaller groups. That was so we could do reconnaissance and pincer movements in the jungle.

Did they send you into battle right away?

No; first we went for more training to Deogarh in central India, which is 10,000 feet high, and met Orde Wingate, who was famous for creating special forces. We had the same training as in Washington, but it was much, much harder because it was our first time in real tropical jungle and mountains, like it would be in Burma. Even a 10- or 15-mile march was no picnic. We were in good shape, but they worked us hard to toughen us up even more, partly because we didnt have any motorized transport.

What transportation did you have?

Ourselves and mules, 700 of them, and a few horses. We were light infantry; anything that had to be carriedflame throwers, mortars, machine guns, carbines, K rationswe carried. Us and the mules.

In December 1943, you finally headed into Burma.

We had to march 500 miles to get there. We were lucky if we could get 10 or 15 miles in a day. Some days wed only get a mile or two. This was tropical jungle, you know, with 200-foot trees and dense cane and mud. Snakes everywhere. We had to combat two or three different kinds of mosquitoes. Leeches wed scrape off with knives. There were streams and swamps to ford, and that cane was very hard to bushwhack through. Plus we had to carry the stuff the mules couldnt over the mountains. Fortunately, each unit had three or four Kachin guides. They were born in Burma and knew all the trails. And they really hated the Japanese.

Where was your first battle?

We fought small battles as we went along. Japans General Giichi Tanaka, who commanded the 18th Division, knew we were there. But we didnt get into a big fight until February, when Stilwell decided to use us to take the village of Walawbum to cut Japanese supply and communications lines. The Chinese 38th and 22nd Divisions were supposed to pressure the Japanese toward us. It worked: Tanaka turned on us in a pincer movement, and we were outnumbered.

How did that play out?

We had about 400 men outside Walawbum in foxholes. One fellow climbed a tree to watch the river. He almost fell out when he realized more than a thousand Japanese were getting ready to come across right at us. He yelled, Dont shoot until I tell you! So there we were, waiting. When they were within 300 yards, he yelled, Fire! The last wave got within 100 feet of us. They retreated and regrouped and did it again, and again, and again. We killed a few hundred of them. Our casualties were very light. The Chinese were behind the Japanese, so they picked up our stragglers. We had no artillery; the Chinese at least had some, and tanks, which helped.

How did you get along with the Chinese?

For the most part, we got on pretty well with them. But we didnt know they were using streams we got drinking water from as latrines. They boiled all their water, but we didnt. Dropping halazone tablets into it did nothing. About 350 of our guys got amoebic dysentery. On R and R in Shikau Gau, we bartered K rationsthat was all we were eating, but to me they tasted like heavenfor eggs and chickens. We sunbathed to get rid of our rashes, and got resupplied for the first time since we left India.

In May 1944, Stilwell ordered you to take the vital city of Myitkyina.

To get there we had to march 65 miles over the Kumon Mountains during monsoon season. About 1,300 of us were left. Stilwell told General Merrill, I dont care what shape theyre in, go in there and take it. Men with 103-degree fevers, pants slit because of dysentery making them go so oftenthey fought. We took Myitkyina airport on May 17, but we were almost finished. We had dysentery, malaria, and dengue fever eating away at our numbers, not to mention wounded and dead from combat. By then only about 300 men were really capable of fighting, against almost 5,000 Japanese. But Stilwell still wanted us to take that city. We joined forces with the Chinese and finally took Myitkyina in August; we killed almost all the Japanese. When the 5307th was disbanded by order of the president, there were 130 of us left.

Originally published in the December 2013 issue of World War II. To subscribe, click here.
A bearded Confederate colonel walked slowly to a tall flag pole and looked up at the oversized garrison banner snapping in the brisk afternoon breeze. It was late April 1865. President Jefferson Davis was escaping south, and the corpse of Abraham Lincoln was heading by rail to its final resting place in Illinois. With a heavy heart, the officer slowly hauled down his beloved flag. That act and a final order extinguished furnaces and brought the machinery that had run the Augusta Powder Works for more than three years to a disquieting halt. Colonel George Rains stood alone in the silence, gazing down the banks of the empty Augusta Canal that had sent his precious gunpowder to the armies of the Confederacy.

[quote style=boxed float=left]To enter a great war without a supply of this essential material was appalling[/quote]

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen Southern batteries opened on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, the young Confederacys entire supply of the gunpowder was barely enough for one month of active operations. The North was well-equipped to produce and supply its armies with gunpowder, but the Confederacy boasted only four small private mills (two each in South Carolina and Tennessee) that could barely keep up with local needs. To enter a great war without a supply of this essential material, Colonel Rains would one day write, was appalling.

Jefferson Davis and his chief of ordnance, Major Josiah Gorgas, unlike so many others, anticipated a prolonged and arduous conflict. But where could the Confederacy get its gunpowder? There was no effective or reliable means to procure it from abroad. The only viable solution was to construct a facility of sufficient magnitude to satisfy the needs of a nation at war.

Acting with celerity and sound judgment, Davis made the most important and impactful executive decision of his entire presidency: He selected Rains, then a major, for the thankless task of overseeing the Confederacys construction of a massive gunpowder production facility. A firm understanding of Rains education and work background is critical to appreciate what he would soon accomplish.

George Washington Rains was born in the New Bern, N.C., in 1817, a brother of future Confederate General and torpedo expert Gabriel Rains. He obtained an appointment from Alabama in 1838 to West Point, where he graduated first in scientific studies and third overall in the talented Class of 1842.

With a fresh commission as second lieutenant in the Engineer Corps, Rains garnered practical engineering experience constructing Fort Warren in Boston harbor. The monotony of such tasks bored the adventurous officer, who finagled the equivalent of a demotion by transferring to the 4th Artillery in 1843. After a year at Fort Monroe, Rains accepted a position as assistant professor at West Point, where he taught chemistry, geology, and mineralogy.

Rains resigned his position when the Mexican War began and rejoined his artillery regiment. He initially oversaw the Quartermasters Depot at Port Isabel, Texas, but spent most of the war serving as aide de camp to General Gideon Pillow. The North Carolina native was brevetted twice for bravery under fire, and was the first American to enter enemy-held Veracruz, where he negotiated the exchange of prisoners.

After the war Rains served at Fort Hamilton in New York, where he met and married Francis Ramsdell, the daughter of a wealthy Northern industrialist. Six months later he resigned from the Army to become president and partner (with his father-in-law) of the Washington Iron Works in Newburgh, N.Y. There, he obtained patents relating to steam engines and boilers, managed a large number of employees, and acquired practical manufacturing and inventive experience. Rains resume by the time of the Civil War included combat, staff, quartermaster, and diplomatic experience, together with private sector manufacturing and management knowledge.

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]oon after the fall of Fort Sumter, Rains left New York for Richmond, where he was commissioned major of artillery in early July 1861. Once again he found himself in uniform, only this time it was Confederate gray.

Davis placed a nearly impossible task on Rains shoulders: Search the Confederacy for a central location upon which to construct a powder mill, of sufficient magnitude to supply the armies in the field and the artillery of the forts and coastal defenses. With that carte blanche, Rains left Richmond on July 10, 1861, for what he described as a rapid rail tour of the new Confederacy. I almost lived on the railroad cars, Rains later wrote, devising plans, examining the country for a location, hunting up materialsand employing more or less every available machine shop and foundry from Virginia to Louisiana. He quickly focused on northeastern Georgia, for just 10 days later he settled upon Augusta as the home for his proposed complex.

The Powder Works was constructed just west of the city between the Savannah River and the Augusta canal on the grounds of the old U.S. Arsenal. This part of Georgia offered a good central location deep within the Confederacy and safe from attack, and was well served by a river, canal, and the junction of two important railroads. Rains explained that the security aspect was especially important, since the loss of the Works would have been followed by disastrous consequences. The course of the war proved the brilliance of this decision. Rains was also tasked with satisfying the needs of Albert Sidney Johnstons nascent Western army while the mill was under construction. Johnstons only source of gunpowder was the unreliable and small Sycamore Powder Mill in Nashville that was unable to meet his needs. Other than a small amount of saltpeter and sulfur (two of the three elements composing gunpowder, the third being charcoal), Rains had nothing to send.

Working closely with Tennessee Governor Isham G. Harris, Rains contracted with local suppliers of niter to increase the production of saltpeter. He personally visited scores of niter-producing caves, reorganized and extended their mining contracts, and wrote and published a pamphlet titled Notes on Making Saltpetre from the Earth of the Caves to more efficiently excavate the precious mineral upon which so much hung in the balance.

By October 1861, a Nashville refinery was turning out 1,500 pounds of saltpeter a day, which was produced into gunpowder at the Sycamore mill. Rains utilized this small manufactory as a school of instruction for workers he later sent to Augusta. Rains also sent Sycamores machinery to Georgia in February 1862 just before the Union occupied the area. His prompt action saved the Confederacy irreplaceable equipment that would otherwise have been permanently lost. Throughout these early months Rains also worked closely with C. Shaler Smith, an architect and civil engineer who Rains described as a genius of high order. Smith developed architectural plans based on the various sketches and diagrams Rains mailed him.

With an engineers eye for precision and in a sound, scientific manner, Rains began construction in September 1861 on what would evolve into a two-mile-long series of buildings along the Augusta Canal that coincided with the manufacturing sequence for gunpowder. The warehouses for the raw materials were first in line, and the refinery next. The magazine that housed the finished product was located at the end of the complex. With the canal as a mode of transportation, the result was one of the earliest examples of an assembly line mode of production on a grand scale.

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith no prior experience manufacturing gunpowder, Rains relied upon a scholarly English booklet that explained the complicated process. Unfortunately, it did not elaborate on the type of equipment required, or the design of the buildings to house it. As Rains later explained, I was thrown upon my own resources to supply these deficiencies. The Augusta Powder Works began producing powder on April 10, 1862, just seven months after construction began. The cost was only $385,000a bargain by any measure. It was the second largest powder mill in the world, and largest single Confederate industrial project of the entire war.

The first and principal structure erected was the refinery. The central portion held the refinery proper, while the eastern and western wings housed, respectively, a 1,500-ton saltpeter and sulfur warehouse and a laboratory for testing gunpowder. This colossal brick structure, 250 feet wide and 275 feet long, also contained machine shops and a charcoal department, complete with equipment for extracting precious saltpeter from damaged gunpowder. As a reflection of its importance, Rains patterned it after the English House of Parliament, complete with four square corner towers housing the mills offices. Centered on a 150-foot grandiose obelisk, the refinery looked more like a European castle than a 19th-century manufacturing facility.

The mixing house, or as Rains called it, the Incorporating Mills, stood directly east of the refinery. This 296-foot rectangular building held a dozen separate mills, each consisting of an iron circular flat bed seven feet in diameter, upon which massive rollers ground (incorporated) the powder.

[quote style=boxed float=left]Ordnance chief Josiah Gorgas hailed Rains mill as far superior to any in the United States[/quote]

A subterranean archway extending along the entire mixing house held an immense iron shaft nearly 300-feet long. This engineering marvel, together with its spur wheels and gears, was powered by a 14-ton 130-horsepower steam engine and boiler system built in the North before the war. The sulfur-saltpeter-charcoal mixture was ground under the huge mill rollers for one hour, at which time it was brought to the condition of finished mill cake, ready to be cooled and granulated.

The Incorporating Mills were ingeniously constructed to minimize the damage of a chance explosion. Three sides of each mill were constructed of brick and stone, but the fourth was made of light wood and glass. Each mill faced in an alternate direction so a blast in one would blow out the wood and glass side easily and contain the damage to a single mill. Rains also installed a forerunner of the modern sprinkler system: 12 large containers of water, one in each mill, all connected by a single iron shaft.

Thus, wrote Rains, on an explosion in one mill, its bed plate was instantly drenched with water, and this caused the same to take place at the same moment with all the others. An ingenious oak rail trolley car system shuttled the mixed powder through the next steps of the manufacturing process.

On the opposite side of the canal 100 yards from the mills were four cooling magazines, where the warm damp blackish gray mill cake cooled and hardened. A permanent cooling magazine was later built on the same side of the canal 500 yards east of as the mills. All of the permanent buildings were built mainly of brick and stone because the damp atmosphere surrounding the canal speedily decayed other materials. Next in line was the Press House, where the hardened powder was stamped into solid cake with the aid of a large pair of hydraulic presses manufactured in Richmond. This step was eventually bypassed when it was discovered that the weight of the mill rollers adequately pressed the powder mixture.

After the cooling stage, the gunpowder was sent across the canal to the Granulating Building, where the mill cake was broken into fragments by bronze toothed cylinders and vibrating wire screens. This separated the grains according to size and delivered them into their respective receptacles. The larger grains were used for artillery pieces, while the smaller grains were processed for shoulder arms and pistols.

The drying phase was the next step in the process. Rains ingenuity reduced the complicated three-step process into one. The use of revolving cylinders and blasts of hot air to dry, dust, and glaze the grains in a single operation saved an enormous amount of time and labor. With an emphasis on safety, the furnace and boiler were housed in a brick building 200 yards from the drying facility. The chimney was another 100 yards removed so sparks would have to travel 300 yards in order to reach the fireproof metal roof of the Drying House. This was especially important because gunpowder was at its most explosive state at this stage of the process.

The finished high quality gunpowder was weighed and packed for shipping in a building 500 yards farther down the canal. In dire need of a safe mode for transportation, Rains used a strong wooden box of his own design. These powder boxes, he explained, were superior to barrels, being stronger, occupying less room, standing transportation better and safer in use. The boxes were stored in a 100-ton magazine another three quarters of a mile up the canal. Ordnance chief Major Josiah Gorgas, never easy to please, hailed Rains mill as far superior to any in the United States and unsurpassed by any across the ocean.

The first element necessary to produce gunpowder is saltpeter (niter). The raw niter from the limestone cave mining industry contained impurities that absorbed moisture and weakened the gunpowder. To combat this, Rains developed a method to refine it to nearly absolute purity. Instead of successive crystallizations and washings, he boiled, cooled, crystallized, and washed it in one long step with the use of special equipment instead of numerous workers. This speedy method enabled the Augusta mill to refine between 8,000 and 10,000 pounds of saltpeter per day.

The next essential element is sulfur, which also must be chemically pure to make reliable gunpowder. Unlike every other powder mill of its day, the Augusta facility utilized a two step distillation process. Rains boiled the sulfur and poured it into wooden boxes five-feet tall and 10-inches square. The impurities sank to the bottom, leaving the top three feet pure. The top cone was broken off and distilled, which resulted in sulfur a beautiful citron yellow when cold, and entirely pure.

Charcoal is the third and final element needed to produce gunpowder. Once again Rains employed a distillation process. Unable to procure enough willow wood, from which charcoal was usually produced, Rains experimented with cottonwood, which was readily available in northeastern Georgia. The wood was heated for two hours in huge iron cylinders and pulverized into a fine powder in barrels filled with bronze balls.

The charcoal, saltpeter, and sulfur were then shipped to the Weighing House, where the three elements were commingled in a proportion of 45 pounds of saltpeter to 9 pounds of charcoal to 6 pounds of sulfur. The mixture was moistened and ready for the next step of the manufacturing process previously describedthe Incorporating Mills. Once finished, the powder was shipped via railroad to all points of the Confederacy.

Heavy expenditures of gunpowder, including coastal operations and routine skirmishing, together with the steady loss of the niter caves to advancing Union armies, compelled Rains to devise better manufacturing techniques to maximize the quantity and quality of his powder. One example was a new process for combining charcoal and saltpeter. Rains placed a piece of charcoal under a microscope and discovered that the particle was riddled with tiny pores. As he later explained, the charcoal by its combustion with the oxygen of the saltpetre supplied the expanded gasses which produced the explosive force. Rains boiled the mixture for eight minutes in copper cylinders, which filled completely each tiny pore with saltpeter. The result was astonishing: The quality of the gunpowder increased, and the timely incorporating mill process was cut from four hours to only onepractically quadrupling the mills capacity.

Rains also commanded the August Arsenal and its various machine shops, making the Augusta mill complex the heart of the Confederate war machine and the most indispensable of the Souths limited number of manufacturing centers. If it was captured or destroyed, the effect on the Southern war effort would have been almost instantly fatal.

If his duties were not enough, Rains also commanded the 1st Regiment Georgia Local Defense troops, essentially old men and young boys arranged into infantry companies, plus a battalion of cavalry and a battery of artillery. Those troops were trained as early as 1862 to man the light earthworks constructed around the city. The power mill wasnt seriously threatened with capture or destruction until the opening of the Atlanta Campaign in May 1864.

The hazard of an internal disaster was much more likely. Rains widely separated the buildings and left in place shock-absorbing pine trees. He posted sentinels in key locations and mandated workers wear rubber-soled shoes. Still, the facility suffered four explosions of varying magnitude. Three occurred in the Incorporating Mills. The most devastating blast, however, took place in a temporary building near the canal a few months after the works began operating. Rains described the explosion with cool detachment: There were seven men within the structure, a sentinel outside, and a boy with a mule in a shed adjoining. The bodies of the seven men and the boy, with the debris, were carried up with the ascending column, and by its revolving action, reduced mainly to small fragments and dispersed. The sentinel was killed by the shock, but his body was not otherwise disturbed. The deadly blast was the work of a single match carelessly dropped by one of the workers who was known to smoke on the job when the foreman was absent, as he was that fatal day.

Another threat to the smooth operation of the powder mill was the fluctuating stability of the local labor supply, both skilled and unskilled. Faced with cutthroat wage bargaining as a result of the severe labor shortage, Rains combed hospitals for workers while exhorting the authorities in Richmond for furloughed soldiers unable to stand the rigors of the field. These labor problems, coupled with the deterioration of the Souths railroad system, dramatically worsened in the spring of 1864, when William T. Sherman moved out against Joseph E. Johnston in northern Georgia. The Atlanta Campaign signaled the beginning of the end of the smooth operation of the Deep Souths ordnance network, and posed an immediate existential threat to the Augusta Powder Works and the Confederacy.

In the August issue of Civil War Times, Ted Savas will continue his examination of the Augusta Powder Works, and argue that William T. Shermans failure to target Augusta between July 1864 and early 1865 was perhaps the Unions major strategic blunder. Savas writes from California and is the managing director and co-owner of Savas Beatie, LLC, a publishing house that specializes in Civil War books.
Half Moon Bay, CA (94019)

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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe (Photo: VNA)



The two PMs expressed their satisfaction over the growing traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka over the past 47 years since they established diplomatic ties in July 1970.

They agreed to boost affiliation in politics and external affairs via increasing high-level delegation exchanges, and promoting the relations between the Party, State, Government, and parliaments and people-to-people exchanges.

The leaders concurred to implement effectively the current bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the organization of the fourth meeting of the joint committee and the third political consultation this year.

They pledged to step up collaboration in security-defence and share information and experience in legal execution, combating cross-border crime, addressing post-war consequences, and joining the UN peacekeeping activities.

The PMs also underlined the bilateral enormous cooperation potential in trade, economics, and investment.

To realize the two-way trade target of USD1 billion in the coming years, the two sides vowed to urge relevant agencies to map out specific measures to deepen bilateral cooperation in the fields of their strength, such as oil and gas, infrastructure, information technology and communication, garment-textile, farm produce processing and distribution, and seafood.

The PMs agreed to actively implement the agreement on investment encouragement and protection and sign new cooperation deals to fit new circumstances.

They were committed to giving priorities to cooperation in other important fields such as energy, tourism, education, human resources development, and cultural exchanges.

They stressed the importance of forging aviation connectivity, which will help promote bilateral trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

The host and guest vowed to closely work together at regional and international forums, while strengthening cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) for peace, stability, cooperation and development in Asia.

Both sides stressed the significance of maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea as well as navigation and aviation safety, and removing trade barriers and settling disputes and differences via peaceful means and in line with international law.

After the talks, the PMs witnessed the signing of two cooperation agreements, including the cooperation plan on agricultural development in 2017-2019, and the cooperation agreement on education in 2017-2021 and met with the press.

The Sri Lankan Prime Minister is paying an official visit to Vietnam from April 16-18 at the invitation of PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc./.
W hen it was built in 1860, Thornton Place, overlooking 220-acre Clapham Common, was one of Londons smartest addresses, rivalling the mansion-lined streets of Kensington and Chelsea.

Comprising a pair of classical French-style turreted buildings, each block had five grand homes with up to 12 bedrooms apiece, spectacular 50 ft-long drawing rooms and elaborate architectural detailing.

During the 20th century the buildings, despite being listed, fell into disrepair and ended up as a budget hotel.

However, they have now been fully restored and brought back to life as 32 apartments with high ceilings, marble fireplaces, parquet flooring and Corinthian columns.

Prices range from 750,000 to 2.15 million. Call Savills on 020 3428 2222 for more details
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial to your hotel's online visibility on search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing. SEO is complicated and constantly in flux, so it's no wonder so many people don't even know where to start.

To make things a little clearer, we've put together a concise and skimmed-down guide on the most important things you need to know about your hotel website's SEO and how to get started.

We'll be telling you about:

The Basics  What is SEO? Why does your hotel need optimisation? Keywords Tools to help you get started with SEO

What Is Search Engine Optimization?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the strategy, comprised of both creative and technical elements, used to increase the authority, visibility and presence of a website organically in search engine results.

Your SEO will tell search engines everything they need to know about the quality of your content, its relevance to specific topics, and how much you can be trusted. SEO is all about your organic presence. Its purpose is to driving unpaid user traffic to your website  the real golden egg for website traffic.

Winning or losing in the SEO game is mainly dependant on three things:

The structure of your website

Your website's content

Your site's relative authority based on who is linking back to and mentioning you.

It is a combined effort between technical efforts and front-end content. What goes on behind the scenes is just as important as what's visible to the public.

The user's experience is key. if they don't like what they're getting or have trouble navigating, search engines will know, and your website will suffer for it.

Why Does My Website Need To Be Optimised?

It's pretty simple, really. If your website isn't search-engine optimized, it'll be an uphill battle to appear in search results organically.

Imagine searching your hotel's name in Google and appearing on the third or fourth page, rather than right at the top. It's a nightmare, but all that could be avoided with a little SEO tweaking to your site. Your brand website should be the first result when people are searching for your brand name  after all, that's a highly targeted search that means they're interested in you, specifically, and are likely to be much closer to a booking then someone looking for 'hotels in Greenland'.

Important Seo Terms To Know

Understanding SEO starts with understanding the crucial elements of SEO that make up your website.

Metadata:

The Metadata is the text that informs the search engine of the content of the page. Metadata is mostly invisible to the user, hiding behind the scenes in your website's HTML. Your metadata is important, not only because it informs the search engine to your page's content, but also because it often appears as the page preview text blurb in search engine results. The meta title is what appears first, followed by the meta description. Make sure that your hotel's name and essential keywords appear in these fields.

Backlink:

Links are golden to your website's SEO. Backlinks, other websites linking back to your site, are the holy grail.

However, the more is not always the merrier! Accumulating a large number of backlinks from reputable and respected sources will skyrocket your own authority, but even a small handful of backlinks from spam-filled or untrustworthy sites can be highly damaging to your overall ranking.

Responsive:

SEO is constantly changing and evolving to keep up with technological developments and trends. The latest (and perhaps greatest) shift has been regarding mobile activity. Google, the world's largest and most frequented search engine, has placed the importance of being mobile-friendly at the top of the list.

A responsive website is one that is easily accessible and capable of adapting to different devices, something that is now absolutely essential to successful SEO. Failing to have a responsive website or one that specifically caters to mobile devices could spell the end of your search engine visibility.

Crawl and Index:

In order to gather all the information it needs to correctly identify and rank your website, search engines must first crawl and index it.

The crawl is the process of going through every page, word, link and element in your website. The crawl is done by what is called a spider or bot, which is just a fun name for the system that carries out the crawl.

Next comes the index, which is essentially the result of the crawl: a complete database of everything found. Your index is an important thing to keep track of in order to ensure everything is accessible and that search engines are getting all the information you want them to. Small snippets of code like robots.txt or noindex that can be added to HTML will stop the page at hand from being crawled by the search engines. Pages worth hiding are thank you pages, error pages and those still under construction.

Sitemap:

Your website's sitemap is a comprehensive guide of every page your site contains and its overall structure. Usually it comes in the form of a list of all the pages on your website that are accessible to both crawlers and individual users. This is important to your SEO, as it is essentially a roadmap to your site for search engine crawlers.

Keyword:

Keywords are arguably the most important aspect of SEO. Keywords and terms are the foundation of search engines, and therefore an important element to your SEO. Having the correct plan for research and implementation of keywords is central to proper keyword use. A solid research foundation can help you determine the most important keywords for your hotel. Even the smallest variation could make the difference. It may surprise you to know there is a big difference in terms of SEO between "hotels ireland" and "hotels in Ireland".

Your website needs these key terms and phrases to help the search engines return your pages for specific queries. Keywords are complicated, and it's definitely worth talking over your keyword strategy with a marketing professional.

Seo Tools

If this is all sounding a little daunting, fear not, you are not alone. Along with marketing agencies and experts, there are several useful tools you can use to get ahead in the SEO game.

Here are some of our favourites:

Google Search Console: Search Console offers you insights into your keyword ranking and an overview of some of the technical aspects of your SEO. This will give you a clear indication of where your page stands with regards to their search engine, which, with Google being top dog and all, is a very handy place to start.

SEO Profiler: This is a great overall tool that will crawl your site and clearly flag all critical errors, minor mishaps and suggest ways to better your website from a technical perspective.

Moz Bar: The Moz Bar is a free Chrome Extension that helps you get all the advanced metrics you need for your website by giving you instant metrics whilst viewing any webpage or SERP. This is an ideal tool for competitor analysis, as it allows you to assess authority, keywords, link metrics and more on any webpage you surf.

Screaming Frog: Don't let the name deter you! Screaming Frog is actually one of the most in-depth and effective SEO analysis tools out there. This useful software will crawl all your websites' URLs and fetch important onsite elements to help you better analyse your technical SEO. It may look daunting at first, but it can give you absolutely all the answers you want if you know where to look.

Conclusion

With these SEO basics under your belt, you are now ready to start developing your hotel's SEO strategy. To help you along your journey, stay tuned for the next article in this SEO series, all about keywords. SEO can be challenging, but it's not insurmountable and even the most technically limited hotel can take control of their search presence. Good luck and happy optimizing!

Net Affinity is an Independent Digital Agency providing Revenue Generating Solutions for Hotels. Our services include Website Design, Digital Marketing and Booking Engine Technology. Our culture of award winning design and innovation together with a keen eye for emerging trends allows us to deliver services that directly impact on growing revenue for our clients. As experienced hoteliers we have a genuine and wholehearted passion in providing a complete customer centric service to our customers. We pride ourselves on the development of a relationship that allows us to nurture your business and ensure our success is your success.

Taylor Smariga

Copywriter and Content Marketing Executive

Net Affinity

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By 2030, multiple changes will occur and will influence the hospitality industry due to globalisation, one of them being a shift of market power. In the fourth thesis of the Lausanne Report, EHL - in cooperation with hospitality experts - discuss this trend that will disrupt the industry depending on the economic stages of a market and its geographical position.

#4 THE EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE

The main challenge of hospitality managers of the future is to improve guest experience, which involves perceptions and emotions. Customers may react in many different ways and the experience must therefore be carefully thought of and created. In a high tech world, people are longing for balance. The answer to high tech is high touch - that is emotions.

Source: EHL

SCENARIO A: HIGH TECH SHAPES GUEST EXPERIENCE

The age of intelligent interaction between humans and machines started due to technology. This convergence is also known as the "second economy" or "third wave". It is expected that high tech will take control over the next 20 years to come.

Here are some key High Tech rationales:

The "second economy", which is based on the Internet of Things (IoT), is the key element to enable the digitalisation of the overall economy

A higher vertical and horizontal integration of the supply chain will be possible as a result of the "second economy"

IoT will create physical devices, sensors and processors "intelligent", which will be based on CIBPs - Customer Integrated Business Processes

Source: EHL

SCENARIO B: HIGH TOUCH DEFINES EMOTIONS

It is a fact that technology is taking a big part in our lives, but guests still search for authencity and human interaction. High Tech might not fully satisfy visitors without a touch of emotions.

Here are some key High Touch rationales:

The ability of tracking and predicting emotions will be the key success factor for a hospitality business

The way people act, live, and behave is significantly influenced by their emotions

Humans are not rational decision-makers, but are instead influenced by their emotions, which can constantly change

Being holistically appreciated is part of a guest experience, as customers feel the need to see that hoteliers know their desiresand moods

Staff need to be "Stage directors" in order to provide their guests an unforgettable experience

Are you impatient to discover the full report? Order it now!

LET'S CO-EXIST

In guest relations, dealing with emotions is more problematic and challenging than not being able to offer the lowest price. A hotel's ability to stimulate emotions puts it into a position of power and therefore of responsibility. To fulfill their promise, brands have to offer their guests authenticity ,and sustainable and consistent services. New technology-enabled services have to be used in a reasonable and non-manipulative manner to deliver a real added value. The new emotional transparency based on big data will also provide sensitive data that guests do not want to be disclosed and used for analytics as they touch privacy. The selection of data will be a challenge. Even if today it is widely accepted that privacy is no longer an issue, there will be a counter trend. Guests will change their minds during their different stages of life and insist on the protection of their privacy.

EHL Hospitality Business School

Communications Department

+41 21 785 1354

EHL

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Trump congratulates Erdogan on Turkish referendum victory

US President Donald Trump congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday for his victory in a referendum expanding presidential powers, as the US State Department urged Turkey to abide by its constitution and international agreements.

GALLERY

Washington (dpa) - Trump spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call that also included discussions about Syria and about "the need to cooperate against all groups that use terrorism," the White House said Monday evening.The two leaders agreed on "the importance of holding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accountable," the White House said. Trump and Erdogan also discussed the campaign against the extremist group Islamic State.Meanwhile, hundreds of people took to the streets of Istanbul on Monday to protest the result of Sundays controversial referendum, in which the "yes" camp won by a slim margin. State Department spokesman Mark Toner noted the concerns raised by European election observers, who found in a preliminary assessment that there was an "unlevel playing field" in the referendum campaign."We look to the government of Turkey to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its citizens - regardless of their vote on April 16 - as guaranteed by the Turkish constitution and in accordance with Turkeys international commitments," Toner said.The US is also "committed to strengthening" its relationship with Turkey, Toner said. "The United States continues to support Turkeys democratic development, to which commitment to the rule of law and a diverse and free media remain essential," he said.Toner encouraged political participants "on both sides to focus on working together for Turkeys future and to maintain a meaningful political dialogue."When asked if US President Trump had concerns about the observers initial assessment, White House spokesman Sean Spicer pointed to a report expected from electoral monitors in 10 to 12 days."I think wed rather not get ahead of that report and start to make decisions without knowing," Spicer said. "There were observers there, as there routinely are, and Id rather wait and see."For his part, Erdogan slammed the election monitors initial assessment. "This country has carried out the most democratic election - something not one country in the west has ever experienced," he said.
A year and half ago, HNHH contributor Patrick Lyons postulated that South Florida had the talent to become the new Atlanta. His prediction is coming true: Florida is now as hot as any region on the planet. During a recent visit to the HNHH office in New York, Wifisfuneral spoke on the ascendance of his

I love everything about Florida. I love everything that is happening for the Florida movement. I love all the attention that a lot of South Florida rappers are getting, the fact that us as a state, we finally have an outlet to be heard and show that we differ from a lot of other individuals when it comes to making music.

He offered the caveat that, despite his contributions to the Florida rap scene, and specifically the Palm Beach County rap scene, he doesnt see himself as representative of Florida culture.

Beside that, I dont even see myself fitting in to the whole Florida movement or Florida culture, he added, because, I just feel like when you listen to a lot Florida rappers, Im just Waldo with that striped shirt on and the hat. Its just like, what are you doing there?'

He concluded with the following statement: In Florida, all we focus on is Kodak. Because thats the Tupac of Florida.

Watch the interview above. Check out Wifis episode of #OnTheComeUp below.




Final Show, Final Song

Enemies held their final show in December 2016 and filmed a 7.5 minute documentary during it.

Their third and final album, Valuables, details the peaceful breakup of the band who realised their visions were beautiful yet separate in nature.

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Friends of the band, Daragh and Oran Bambrick, were enlisted on the night of the last show to record video clips. Enemies loved the footage so much that they decided to share it with us to celebrate a decade of Kilcoole indie-rock music. Watch below...
Royal Blood will release their new album on June 16, following their Slane Castle support of Guns N'Roses.

After becoming the biggest breaking British rock band with their self-titled 2014 debut album, Royal Bloods eagerly anticipated second album How Did We Get So Dark? will be released on June 16th on Warner Bros. Records. The albums lead single Lights Out is now available.

The ten tracks that feature on How Did We Get So Dark? were written in instrumental form during sessions in Brighton, Hollywood, Los Angeles and Nashville. Always trying to explore ways of stripping their enormous sound back to give it more space and impact, inspiration for the lyrics came from events in vocalist/bassist Mike Kerrs life since the band first found huge success.

In November 2016. Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher, along with producer Jolyon Thomas, spent six weeks in a studio in Brussels that was decked out like a New York diner and featured a warehouse of antique gear. How Did We Get So Dark? was subsequently completed after a final session in London with their debut albums co-producer Tom Dalgety.

While the album finds Royal Blood refining their melodic might, there are other moments that fulfil their aim to create songs that will add new dimensions to their live sets. Adorned with Kerrs falsetto, Dont Tell drops the intensity to mesmerising effect, while Where Are You Now? pulsates with a bounding energy thats quite a step apart from anything else in their catalogue. The Royal Blood palette is also expanded with the complementary addition of piano or keyboards on four tracks, including the foreboding album closer Sleep.

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How Did We Get So Dark? will be released on digital, CD and vinyl formats.

Royal Bloods summer festival touring commences at Slane Castle where they are the main opening act for Guns n Roses performing in front of 80,000 people!
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Juan Sanchez Munoz noticed bare walls at the University of Houston-Downtown on Monday, his first day of work leading the second-largest university in Houston.

Minutes before addressing regents, faculty and staff at a morning reception, he pulled aside a photographer and asked for help.

He would like framed photos of the campus in the university's hallways, he said, to motivate and focus students, faculty and staff.

Small but concrete ideas for change like these outline Munoz's strategy as he begins as president of UH-Downtown, one of four institutions within the University of Houston System and one that primarily serves older, part-time students, many of whom are the first in their family to go to college. The university has struggled to keep students on track toward graduation, and enrollment, which is hovering around 14,250, has declined in recent years as it introduced admissions standards.

"If you're committed to the proposition of graduating, we're going to be equally committed to you," Munoz said.

Munoz says he wants UH-Downtown students to earn a diploma and then find their career in Houston's diverse economy - from the Galleria to the Port of Houston to the Texas Medical Center. He plans to visit every high school in a 50-mile radius to recruit students.

To improve graduation rates, the university already has identified "bottleneck courses" that students take several times, delaying their progress. Munoz plans to determine ways that teaching and advising could improve. And since about two-thirds of undergraduate students enroll at UH-Downtown after community college, he plans to analyze how credits do and do not transfer to his university to lower costs and semesters enrolled.

"When students become despondent, when they become discouraged and they face some economic pressures, then attrition from the institution becomes more feasible," he said Monday. "What we want is for attrition from the institution to be a non-option."

Ambitious plan

Munoz, who will earn $300,000 annually, previously served as Texas Tech University's vice provost for undergraduate education and student affairs and led diversity efforts. He begins as president as UH-Downtown is three years into an ambitious strategic plan that aims to grow enrollment, lift the six-year graduation rate to 28 percent for first-time college students and add new academic programs - all by 2020.

It won't be easy. Last year, 15.9 percent of UH-Downtown students enrolling in college for the first time earned a degree in six years, low by state and national standards. Though UH-Downtown has hit several interim targets in its plan, recent enrollment figures are more than 1,000 students below the targeted 15,626 students for 2016.

The university is still adjusting to new admissions standards, first introduced in 2013 in an effort to enroll fewer low-performing students who would drop out and default on federal student loans. Undergraduate enrollment has declined since then.

Munoz said he hopes to connect with local community colleges and high schools. He said he will pitch UH-Downtown as an affordable option for non-traditional students. The average student is 27 years old, and 55 percent of students take classes part time.

In remarks to faculty and staff Monday morning, Munoz said he was optimistic for the future of UH-Downtown, which he positioned as a problem-solver in Houston's economy.

"We're going to do things that no one has ever anticipated or expected of this institution," he said.

The issue has gained personal importance as his 18-year-old son graduates from high school. "These are important questions for the family, for the parents," he said. "Higher education is a commitment that implicates the entire family."

Deeper focus

In a December interview, former interim president Michael Olivas said UH-Downtown's ethos has changed in recent years.

With open enrollment, he said, the university was "churning students through." "You can't build a college on a transient student body," he said.

There's a deeper focus today on helping students adjust to the demands of university life, said Olivas, a UH law professor who leads the school's Institute for Higher Education Law and Governance. Last year, UH-Downtown created a five-day orientation for new students and hired new advisers.

Under Olivas' leadership, the university received its largest-ever donation and expanded its physical footprint.

The university purchased 17 acres nearby for $13.2 million that will host a science and technology building. At a recent Board of Regents meeting, members voted to allow Chancellor Renu Khator to try to purchase roughly seven additional acres for future expansion.

Houston businesswoman Marilyn Davies donated $10 million to UH-Downtown's fast-growing business school earlier this year, hoping to better prepare students for Houston's workforce.

Faculty and staff said Monday that they look to Munoz to talk openly about issues including pay, institutional culture and student advising.

"He'll be looking at everything with fresh eyes," said Isidro Grau, the director of UH-Downtown's academic support center.

Students at a pizza party later in the day snapped photos with Munoz and shook his hand.

Tracy Garcia, 36, told Munoz of a recent medical issue and how she's found support in the university's disability services division. "None of us do it on our own," said Garcia, who studies psychology and communication and works at the Davies College of Business.

"These are services you're entitled to," he replied. "I'm proud of you."
Mayor Sylvester Turner faced an edgy crowd Monday night at the Sunnyside Multi-Service Center during a boisterous town hall about plans to move the facility and a city clinic to Sunnyside Park beside a former dump.

The defunct Bellfort Landfill sits on 300 acres bounded by Bellfort, Texas 288, Reed Road and Comal. Sunnyside Park is in the northwest corner of those boundaries. The existing multi-service center is less than two miles away on Cullen at Wilmington.

An increasingly vocal and organized opposition troubled about potential contamination at the proposed site has formed over the last few months, with community leaders airing their concerns at city council meetings. The red-and-white signs of that group were planted Monday evening along the perimeter of the center prior to the two-hour meeting attended by about 200 people.

Monday was the first time city officials visited the community to address the center upgrade with information from a current environmental assessment. The latest study was completed and released this month on Sunnyside Park. Prior assessments tested the landfill property in 2004 and 2010.

"The final analysis was that no further analysis was needed and that the park was clean," Turner said.

Last week, only the executive summary was posted online and the city was billing for requests for the full report. As of Monday evening, the entire 460 pages appear online in a free document.

Turner said the city has planned to spend $25 million to rebuild the center and clinic at Sunnyside Park.

"This facility, these two disconnected buildings, they're in a very sad state of disrepair. They are very costly," he said in opening remarks. "This is not about trying to force anything on you. I only have one concern  what's in the best interest of those of you in Sunnyside."

There was verbal jousting between constituents and city officials for much of the meeting as well as disagreement about environmental testing methods.

Tahir Charles, an environmental engineer working with the opposition group, said the study was sound but questioned the time frame.

"Something as large as this, we have to monitor this. If you go back and look at the 2010 report, their recommendation said the site needs to be monitored. For us to come and test it now, that's not doing us a favor."

Travis McGee, a barber, business owner and the area's civic club president, urged officials to be against the move.

"We want a new building here," he said. "There is nothing over there but the dump."

Houston Health department director Stephen Williams said his agency's employees could provide better services in a new building. He expressed concerns about relocating services during a rebuild or renovation at the current site.With a new center at Sunnyside Park, services could continue on Cullen during construction, he said.

DeWayne Lark, a political activist, told the mayor that information about the Sunnyside center upgrade was presented about six months late to residents. He referred to the Cullen commercial district as Sunnyside's "Wall Street" and said the area could be enhanced by an improved multi-service center.

"Most of the people don't want the facility moved to any other area than this. We know that this particular spot here is hot for redevelopment," he said to the loudest applause of the night. "I believe this can be a win-win for the developers, a win-win for the politicians and a win-win for the people."

Mayor Sylvester Turner faced an edgy crowd at the Sunnyside Multi-Service Center on Monday night during a town hall to address plans to move the facility and the city clinic next door to Sunnyside Park, beside a former dump.

The defunct Bellfort Landfill sits on a 300 acres bounded by Bellfort, Texas 288, Reed Road and Comal. Sunnyside Park and its community center are in the northwest corner of those boundaries. The multi-service center is less than two miles away on Cullen at Wilmington.

An increasingly vocal and organized opposition concerned about contamination has formed over the last few months, with community leaders airing their concerns at city council meetings. The red-and-white signs of that group were planted along the perimeter of the center prior to the two-hour meeting.

Monday was the first time city officials visited the community to address the upgrade with information from a current environmental assessment. The latest study was completed and released this month on Sunnyside Park. There have been prior assessments tested at the landfill property in 2004 and 2010.

"The final analysis was that no further analysis was needed and that the park was clean," Turner said.

Last week, only the executive summary was posted online and the city was billing for requests for the full report. As of Monday evening, the entire 460 pages appear online in a free document.

Turner said the city has planned to spend $25 million to rebuild the center and clinic at Sunnyside Park.

"This facility, these two disconnected buildings, they're in a very sad state of disrepair. They are very costly," he said in opening remarks. "This is not about trying to force anything on you. I only have one concern  what's in the best interest of those of you in Sunnyside."

There was verbal jousting between constituents and city officials for much of the meeting as well as disagreement about the testing methods and results.

Tahir Charles, an environmental engineer working with the opposition group, said the study was sound but questioned the time frame.

"Something as large as this, we have to monitor this. If you go back and look at the 2010 report, their recommendation said the site needs to be monitored. For us to come and test it now, that's not doing us a favor."

Travis McGee, a barber, business owner and the area's civic club president, urged officials against the move.

"We want a new building here," he said. "There is nothing over there but the dump."

Houston health department director Stephen Williams said his agency's employees could provide better services in a new building. He expressed concerns about relocating services for a current site rebuild or renovation. With a new center at Sunnyside Park, services could continue on Cullen during construction, he said.

DeWayne Lark, a political activist, told the mayor that information about the Sunnyside center upgrade was presented to the people about six months late. He referred to the Cullen commercial district as Sunnyside's "Wall Street" and said the area could be enhanced by an improved multi-service center.

"Most of the people don't want the facility moved to any other area than this. We know that this particular spot here is hot for redevelopment," he said to the loudest applause of the night. "I believe this can be a win-win for the developers, a win-win for the politicians and a win-win for the people."
AUSTIN -- Calling it "a thoughtful proposal," Gov. Greg Abbott praised a House bill that would prohibit cities, counties and public school districts from enforcing non-discrimination ordinances when they involve multi-occupancy restrooms or locker rooms.

He promised to work with House and Senate leaders on bathroom-related legislation, a key measure championed by social conservatives in the legislature this session.

STUDY: Bathroom bill could cost state $3 billion in annual tourism business

"I applaud the House and Senate for tackling an issue that is of growing concern to parents and communities across Texas who are now looking to the Legislature for solutions," he said. "Rep. Simmons is offering a thoughtful proposal to make sure our children maintain privacy in our school bathrooms and locker rooms. As the debate on this issue continues, I will work with the House and Senate to ensure we find a solution and ultimately get a bill to my desk that I will sign into law."

Later Tuesday, Abbott tweeted, "I support the principles of both the Senate & House to protect privacy in bathrooms. We will work to get a bill to my desk."

House Bill 2899, by Republican Rep. Ron Simmons of Carrollton, was significantly scaled back from an earlier version that would have nullified all local non-discrimination measures across Texas that did not conform to the state's standards. Current Texas law includes only race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin and age as protected classes.

RELIGIOUS VIEW: Faith-based group urges House members to pass 'bathroom' bill

Simmons's bill is set for a public hearing Wednesday in the House State Affairs Committee.

Until now, the governor had remained silent on the fight over bathroom-related legislation, which has prompted heated back and forth between Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the Senate's leader who supports a broader approach, and House Speaker Joe Straus, who has said he opposes any bill that would harm the Texas economy.

In March, the Senate approved its so-called "bathroom bill" that would force transgender Texans to use restrooms and other facilities at public colleges and government buildings that match their "biological sex" as designated on their birth certificate.
AUSTIN - Do what we say or face payback at the polls.

That was the message that hundreds of tea party and core Republican activists loudly delivered to the GOP-controlled Texas Capitol on Monday, displaying anger over a House plan to tap the state's savings account to balance the budget, and the failure to quickly pass a strong ban on sanctuary cities and property tax reform into law.

Also on their list: passage of the Senate's version of the so-called "bathroom bill," repealing gun licensing laws to allow any Texans who can own a pistol to carry one, a halt on new toll roads, a ban on dismemberment abortions and passage of legislation to guarantee religious liberties.

"I would grade the House with an F at this point, and the Senate a B-plus," said JoAnn Fleming, executive of Grassroots America, a leading conservative activist group whose members personify the GOP faithful that form the state's Republican base.

"Once again in this building, there are elected Republicans - particularly in the House - who are saying they don't care what they promised during the campaign, what voters elected them to do, and the people of Texas are here to make them care," she said.

The activists, several hundred wearing black T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan "Don't California My Texas," said the budget and property tax reforms, along with sanctuary cities, are at the top of their list to be passed by the Legislature.

Many pledged to work to elect new Republicans to the Legislature if they do not get what was promised in GOP primaries last year. While it is an echo of one made two years ago, the threat could mean more this year because many of the groups now are pooling their efforts, from advocates of open-carry firearms and pro-life groups to organizations against more toll roads and critics of high property taxes.

With the session just 40 days from its end, many of the groups' key issues have about two weeks to get passed or risk getting killed in the final push to finish legislative business.

"We are united to get control of our government again, make it do what we want, from the budget to the bathroom," said Paul Hanner, a Houston petroleum engineer who came to Austin to lobby for tax cuts. "If the election of Donald Trump taught us anything, it's that we can have a voice. We can demand that our government carry out our wishes."

Fast-rising property taxes and the continuing growth of what the activists view as unresponsive government was a core focus of the criticism.

"People are hot. They're mad about their property taxes," said Aaron Harris, executive director of Direct Action Texas, applauding a Senate bill that restricts how much property taxes can be hiked without an election. "This is the single biggest issue at the local level we encounter.  And I'll tell you this, they will remember this bill, come election season."

Terri Hall, founder of Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom, said the continuing proliferation of toll roads - and the Legislature's reluctance to stop new ones from being built - "is the fastest ticket to destroying Texas' stable economy."

Others complained that state funding has grown $15.7 billion over the last two years, not counting the additional billions that lawmakers want to add this session for new initiatives and programs.

"There's not a budget crisis in Texas, there's a spending crisis. And it's right here in the Capitol," said Marquita Hollingsworth, a San Antonio resident who came to support a strong ban on sanctuary cities.

Lawmakers on Monday rejected any assertions that the Senate or House budget plans are bloated, insisting the activists were either ill-informed or flat wrong about spending, bathrooms and dismemberment abortions, among other issues.

"The Texas House has approved a balanced budget that reduces overall spending while prioritizing public education and the protection of vulnerable children," said Jason Embry, spokesman for House Speaker Joe Straus. "Speaker Straus appreciates the input of Ms. Fleming and the 35 other people who came to her rally today."

The activists were undaunted.

"Our message to the Republicans in this building is that you should do what you say you're going to do and, if you don't, there will be consequences at the polls," Fleming said. "In many cases, it seems like Republican leaders have forgotten what's in the platform of their own party. They need to get busy and pass what we sent them up here for."
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Mayor Sylvester Turner plans to focus Houston's community development efforts on five low-income neighborhoods as part of his Complete Communities initiative announced Monday.

The program comes without a price tag or implementation timeline, and the mayor has committed no additional money for housing and community development.

Instead, Turner said the city will redirect 60 percent of its local and federal housing dollars to the five pilot neighborhoods: Acres Homes, Gulfton, Second Ward, Northside Village and Third Ward.

That amounts to roughly $34 million annually, if federal funding remains steady, on top of $28 million in available local housing funds.

"We recognize that this effort will not transform neighborhoods immediately, nor will it be a panacea that eliminates challenges neighborhoods face," Turner said. "But they will see an intense, concentrated effort by many partners to enhance their quality of life and improve their living conditions."

The city intends to finalize development plans for each of the five neighborhoods in January, after several months of community engagement. Turner said programs could include additional heavy trash pickup, weed abatement, sidewalk construction or single family home repair - things the city already does in neighborhoods across Houston.

"These short-term projects will generate enthusiasm and serve as a catalyst for support from outside organizations and the local community," the mayor said.

Asked how he would respond to other disadvantaged neighborhoods eager for investment, Turner said, "We see you and hear you, but when you look at what we will do in these respective pilot communities, I think communities will be willing to wait for the transformation that will take place."

Vision of redefinition

The rollout comes as Houston seeks to resolve a recent federal finding that its housing policies violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits recipients of federal funding from discriminating based on race, color or national origin.

The city cited Complete Communities in a February letter asking the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to withdraw its finding, saying the agency's proposed remedies are unnecessary in part because of this plan.

"Turner's vision is to transform previously neglected neighborhoods into neighborhoods HUD would define as 'high opportunity,' " City Attorney Ronald Lewis wrote.

Housing advocate Chrishelle Palay welcomed city investment in low-income communities, but cautioned that Complete Communities likely would have a limited impact without additional funding.

The mayor "definitely has a passion for this, but this type of undertaking can't get done by passion alone," said Palay, Houston co-director of the Texas Low Income Housing Information Service. "It's going to take a truly comprehensive effort and a commitment of hundreds of millions of public dollars to really get this done."

This is far from the first time a Houston mayor has identified a group of neighborhoods for concentrated investment. Former Mayor Annise Parker, for example, established community revitalization areas, and before her Mayor Bill White named half a dozen Houston Hope neighborhoods.

However, local leaders long have been loath to commit significant general tax revenue to community development.

This year's general fund budget includes just $532,760 for housing.

Palay called the city's plan to reshuffle already thin resources "troubling."

"You roll out a revitalization plan that doesn't include any new funding and ignores most of the city," Palay said. "We need to look at not just rebranding and repackaging some things that are already on the table, but really going out on the edge."

Gentrification concerns

City Housing Director Tom McCasland said outcomes will depend on the city's approach, not just the initiative's price tag.

"The key is going to be ... getting the appropriate amount of leverage for all of these funding sources," he said. "It's not simply about reallocation of dollars, but it's also about where you're going to be targeting some of the city's proactive outreach, and that's a new thing for us as a department - to be doing something other than just setting up a program and then waiting for the applications to come in."

Kathy Flanagan Payton, president of the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation and a member of the Complete Communities advisory board, said she was disappointed her neighborhood, the city's poorest, was not chosen as a pilot area.

Nonetheless, she applauded the initiative as an opportunity to "bootstrap communities."

"What we don't want to do is accelerate gentrification in these communities," Payton said. "But you do want to see an accelerated rate of development so these communities don't continue to be blighted and derelict, either in their physical appearance or in their responsiveness to their community needs."

Gulfton Super Neighborhood Council President Sandra Rodriguez said she worries about funding, but is excited about what Complete Communities may mean for her southwest Houston neighborhood and urged city leaders to "keep it casual" during the planning process.

"I think we do have resources and groups and organizations that are willing to jump on board and also work on improving Gulfton," she said.
AUSTIN - The head of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission announced her resignation Monday, following weeks of withering criticism about her approval of thousands of dollars in state-funded travel expenses for employees and her ties to industry leaders she is tasked with regulating.

TABC Executive Director Sherry Cook will leave her $153,503-a-year post on May 23, after nearly five years leading the agency that oversees the sale, taxation, importation and manufacturing of liquor in the state, the commission said.

In a statement, Cook did not give a reason for her departure from the state agency, where she worked in various capacities for more than a decade.

"It has been an honor and a pleasure serving the people of Texas for all these years," Cook said. "I want to thank all of the employees and peace officers at TABC for their hard work, dedication and support. I'm very proud of all they have accomplished keeping Texans safe and regulating a growing industry."

Last week, Cook faced a tense hearing as lawmakers questioned her agency's use of money from taxpayers and lobbyists to fund lavish trips under the guise of attending industry conferences, including the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators, and to meet counterparts from other states. The list included a $10,000 tab for travel to a Hawaii conference in 2013; another involved $8,000 for a San Diego gathering.

According to Rep. Sarah Davis, the Houston Republican who chairs the House Committee on General Investigating and Ethics, the agency's out-of-state travel expenses totaled $85,000 since 2011. Davis was unavailable for comment Monday.

Defended travel costs

At Thursday's hearing, Cook defended the commission's travel costs as an essential function of its work due to Texas's outsized influence in the nation's alcohol beverage market.

"Typically, one of the guidelines is that we have been asked to be on a panel to present," Cook said. "We need to be engaged in the full process if we're going to travel to these conferences."

The commission collects more than $200 million in annual taxes and fees, according to its website. The executive director oversees more than 600 employees around the state and is responsible for day-to-day operations to enforce rules set by lawmakers and the three-member beverage commission.

The commissioners, who are appointed by the governor with Senate approval, will discuss Cook's successor at their May 23 meeting.

Gov. Greg Abbott welcomed Cook's decision to step down, his office said Monday.

"It became clear that action needed to be taken in order to restore trust in the agency and Ms. Cook's resignation is the first step in that process," spokesman John Wittman said in a statement.

On his personal Twitter account, Abbott later wrote, "It's time to clean house from regulators not spending taxpayer money wisely. This is a good start."

Probe underway

Cook is under investigation by the TABC's Office of Professional Responsibility, whose director, Andy Pena, told lawmakers last week that he began an internal inquiry after receiving a report from a former TABC inspector who raised ethics concerns about agency leaders. Pena said the complaint alleged Cook has a financial interest with the beverage industry while serving on the board of the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators. The former TABC inspector, Darryl Darnell, also alleged that Cook used on-duty state employees and resources to host the 2016 NCSLA conference in Austin.

"That's very possible," Pena said when Davis, the committee chair, asked whether he would expand his investigation based on Cook's remarks before the panel last Thursday.

Pena told lawmakers that he did not know agency employees had traveled to conferences in Hawaii, Florida, and California before he read about it in reports published by The Texas Tribune.

"Do you think that's something you should have been aware of?" Davis asked. "You had no idea they were traveling all over the place?"

He responded, "Well, there were no allegations of misconduct."Davis also focused on a flier showing former and current TABC officials on an airplane drinking Lone Star Beer with the words, "Here we come California! NCSLA 2015" and "woo hoo!!!" The illustration, which included a picture of Cook, Licensing Director Amy Harrison, former analyst Jesse Valdez, and former contractor Jim Harrison, references a 2015 flight to the NCSLA conference.Cook said she asked an employee to create a slide she could use in a PowerPoint presentation about the trip, but rejected the version that included beer bottles.

"One of the staff members added the beer to the presentation. He can better answer as to why he added that graphic, but from what I understand he did it as a joke," Cook told the committee.

Davis remained skeptical about the picture's origin, questioning Cook about how she reprimanded her staff when they first created the graphic.

"It seems like somebody put a lot of thought and effort in creating this image on state computers by a state employee on state time," Davis said. "I still don't understand why it was done.
AUSTIN - Members of the Texas State Board of Education will wrestle this week with how far science teachers should go to ensure students understand evolution, rekindling a long-running debate about how much to emphasize creationism in public schools.

A committee of Texas teachers and educators say board members should thin out standards requiring students to take a deep dive into aspects of cell biology and DNA evolution, but a group favoring what it calls "traditional Western principles" is pressuring the board to keep those requirements intact, setting up a face-off on a political hot-button issue that historically has drawn attention to the board.

"The area of evolution right is now is a hot topic just because there have been scientific discoveries that have cast light in one way or the other on evolution as a scientific theory," said Marty Rowley, vice chair of the State Board of Education. "I think it's something in the forefront of scientific conversations and at the same time, I think folks want to make sure that our school children are trying to get a balanced look at that."

At issue is whether the state board should change language it added earlier this year to two of its high school biology standards. One standard, as proposed, would require students to "evaluate scientific explanations" to the complexity of cells. The other would require students to "evaluate scientific explanations for the origin of DNA."

"We went ballistic on that," said Ron Wetherington, an evolutionary anthropologist at Southern Methodist University who served on a committee of educators appointed to cut redundancies from the standards, known as Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science.

"There are certain phrases that are dog whistles" that ideological groups want used in the standards, he said. " 'Analyze and evaluate' is one of those dog whistles."

Students should be learning more about evolution, not less, said John West, vice president at the Discovery Institute, a Seattle-based group that seeks to discredit evolutionary biology while pushing the non-scientific theory of "intelligent design." The group, which has an office in Dallas, is urging Texans to tell school board members to keep the words "evaluate" in the standards.

"Our concern is there is an effort to dumb down the standards," West said. "To dumb down and to cut out what students would actually learn about and we think more science is better, and we think critical thinking and critical analysis is good too, especially when it comes to the origin of the first life, where there are a lot of competing views."

State board members in February adopted nearly every change Wetherington and the other educators on the 10-member committee recommended to cut the state's high school standards. However, the committee objected to the board's additions to add "evaluate" to the two standards, saying the changes would add at least eight instruction days to a teacher's workload when the goal of the committee was to cut time on unnecessary lessons.

Rowley, a Republican from Amarillo, said he has received dozens of letters and phone calls from people telling him to keep "evaluate" in the state standards.

"My thought is to try to balance as much as possible allowing teachers to teach both sides of evolution and the strengths and weaknesses of those scientific theories, but still being mindful that we have enough instructional time for all the standards to be covered," he said.

The 15-member State Board of Education's last major debate about science standards was in 2009, and it grew into a high-profile debate that made national headlines for the ideological bent individual board members used to allow teachers to introduce creationist explanations in science courses.

"This is just another battle in a long history of the culture wars for the Board of Education," said Dan Quinn, a spokesman for the Texas Freedom Network, an activist group focused on religious freedom and individual liberties. "Will they go with the culture wars, or will they go with their own teachers and scientists?"

The debate over science standards is the first in a series of potentially touchy curriculum debates the board is scheduled to have over the next two years. Board members later will reopen standards for social studies which have been known to draw controversy for how history is retold, followed by health courses, which will include a discussion on sex education.

The board is expected to hear public testimony on the proposed changes on Tuesday and is expected to take a tentative vote on the issue Wednesday, followed by a final decision Friday.
If you can walk down Harrisburg on Houston's east side, consider yourself lucky.

Metro's rail line runs down the middle of the street, so passengers stroll across the street and onto the sidewalks running alongside this boulevard. The concrete looks new because everything was repaved after construction workers laid the tracks. Ramps are designed to make the street wheelchair accessible.

That's ironic, considering what disabled people encounter on the sidewalks. Utility poles, tree wells and sign posts obnoxiously planted in walkways create an obstacle course for anybody in a wheelchair. If our governor's mansion were on Harrisburg Boulevard, Greg Abbott might have a hard time getting home.

Unfortunately, that's emblematic of the problems disabled people face throughout much of our city as they try to make their way to bus and train stops. As the Chronicle's Dug Begley recently reported ("Little obstacles a big drag on disabled access to Metro," Page A1, April 10), Houston sidewalks are maddeningly inadequate for taxpayers getting around in wheelchairs.

Lex Frieden, a Metro board member who helped write the Americans with Disabilities Act, showed Begley problems he routinely encounters. Cracked and uneven sidewalks are probably the most common obstacles. Utility poles callously dropped in the middle of pathways reflect either ignorance or contempt of the disabled. Sometimes you have to wonder whether designers of new projects even thought about disabled people, like when you see a bus stop replaced by a sitting area covered with gravel.

That's right, gravel. At a bus stop used by people in wheelchairs. Think about it, because somebody else who should've known better clearly didn't.

What's all the more exasperating is that government entities are setting a poor example for private citizens. Landowners are supposed to take care of the sidewalks in front of their property, but cracked and busted paths of concrete line far too many of our residential streets. Elected officials have occasionally talked about ways the city government might assume more responsibility, but first they need to stop contractors from botching new sidewalk projects.

One of our city's most prominent native sons, Gov. Greg Abbott, became the first governor since George Wallace to win election while confined to a wheelchair. Another of Houston's most distinguished citizens who now gets around in a wheelchair, former president George H.W. Bush, signed into law the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act. That history makes it all the more important Metro and our city and county governments get their acts together and make our sidewalks accessible to taxpayers with disabilities.
Lefteris Pitarakis/STF

Leave it to Donald Trump to know - and admire - a budding dictator when he sees one. The president was quick to call and congratulate President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey after a narrow majority of citizens approved a referendum on Sunday that greatly expanded his powers. If the questionable results of the referendum hold, and there's no reason to think they won't, Turkey's elected despot will continue following the path of such authoritarian nationalists as Viktor "the Victator" Orban of Hungary, Abdel Fatah al-Sissi of Egypt and Vladimir Putin of Russia.

Here's the kind of fellow Trump congratulated: Since a failed coup against his government last July, Erdogan has arrested roughly 50,000 people, fired more than 100,000 civil servants, shuttered TV and radio stations and imprisoned journalists and politicians he considers a threat. His goons attacked Turks campaigning against the referendum; some were shot. Many opposition leaders are behind bars.
Sea turtles

Regarding "Dead sea turtle taken to NOAA's Galveston lab after washing up at Seabrook home" (Chron.com, Thursday), since 2003, the Turtle Island Restoration Network has sponsored the sea turtle rescue hotline 866-turtle5. If you find a stranded sea turtle, alive or dead, anywhere on the Texas coast you may call the hotline and someone will respond.

With more than 300 miles on our Texas coast, it is divided into eight areas for this public information number. The responders who answer for the various areas of the Texas coast all have the appropriate and necessary permits and training.

All sea turtles face many threats during their life span including incidental capture during commercial fishing activities, illegal harvest of eggs, entanglement in discarded fishing lines, boat propeller strikes, cold-stunning during winter fronts, loss of foraging and nesting habitat, predation, beachfront development and injuries as a result of consuming marine debris.

April to July is nesting season for sea turtles on the Texas coast, so please keep a safe distance from any nesting sea turtle and report this activity to the sea turtle hotline. Five species of sea turtle spend time in the Gulf of Mexico and our bays; Kemp's ridley, loggerhead, hawksbill, green and leatherback.

Joanie Steinhaus, Galveston

Tree power

Regarding "The carbon law" (Page A17, April 9), the concept of charging a "hefty" fine to discourage a perceived negative behavior will not have the desired effect on greenhouse gas emissions by industry. In most cases the profit margin will be increased to cover the fine with only a token effort at removal or reduction of emissions.

What is needed is a proactive approach to removal of the perceived primary culprit of climate change, that being carbon dioxide. The answer is so simple and obvious that it appears to have eluded the minds of the scientists proposing a new way (carbon tax) to honor the pledge of "almost 200 nations" to phase out greenhouse gas emissions by January 2101. How do we remove an overage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere? Let nature work for humanity by planting trees, billions of trees. They love carbon dioxide and give us a bonus of oxygen.

Humankind's history has been removal of trees for fire, building material and clearing land for agriculture. The rate of tree removal has exceeded the rate of renewal and will increase exponentially with world population growth.

Forest land has been reduced not only for agriculture but for city sprawl and road systems. When we look for blame regarding humanity's influence on climate change, we need only look in the mirror.

Michael A. Barnes,Sugar Land

Climate worries

Regarding "EPA chief calls for an 'exit' to Paris climate agreement" (Page A6, Saturday), while the Trump administration dithers over climate change, the environmental degradation continues. Ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising and pollutants are added daily to our air and water.

By the time the administration comes to a consensus that global warming is real and develops a plan, it may well be too late.

Jim McMahon, Spring
The following are excerpts from reports generated by the Texas County Sheriffs Department:

A deputy was dispatched at about 8:15 p.m. April 16 regarding a report of a suicidal 31-year-old man at a Lone Pine Road residence at Mountain Grove who was reportedly very drunk and holding a knife to his jugular vein.

Upon arrival, the officer made contact with the mans 40-year-old sister-in-law, who said the man had consumed a half gallon of vodka and 10 beers and that he been out on U.S. 60 trying to get hit by cars. The officer made contact with the man, and the woman removed knives from the scene.

The officer asked the man what was going and he answered that he was going to kill himself. The man was taken by ambulance for evaluation at Ozark Medical Center in West Plains.

A deputy was dispatched April 11 regarding a report of a camper trailer stolen from Wehr Ford in Mountain Grove.

The officer determined a Jayco trailer belonging to a Cabool couple (ages 56 and 51) loaded with personal gear and equipment with a total value of $20,545 had been swiped while it was in for service. Video surveillance footage led to a 43-year-old Cabool man being identified as a suspect.

The same man was previously caught stealing batteries from Wehr Ford. Howell County authorities were notified since he is believed to live in Mountain View.

A man called at about 12:10 a.m. April 13 to report that three people were standing by Highway 17 at the Dogs Bluff Access west of Houston shining a flashlight at passing traffic. An investigating officer made contact with the people  two men and a woman  and gave them a verbal warning. A routine computer check revealed no active warrants on any of them.

A deputy was dispatched at about 10 a.m. April 8 regarding a report of property damage at a Point Road residence at Mountain Grove.

A 25-year-old man who lives there told the officer someone had broken the windshield of his truck, and the officer observed a large rock with glass on it lying in the front portion of the vehicle.

The victim said the crime might have been done by a boy who goes by the nickname, Butter, and that he wasnt sure of his real name. Investigation of the case continues.

A deputy was dispatched at about 8:12 a.m. April 11 regarding a report of a prowler at the Lions Club storage units on Highway 17 at Roby. The officer was advised that a caller had reported that someone was cutting locks off of the units.

Upon arrival, the officer observed locks that had been cut off, but that had been replaced by different locks. Contact was made with the man who owns the facility and he said it was him who had cut and replaced the locks.

Deputies were dispatched at about 2:30 p.m. April 9 to assist the Missouri State Highway Patrol with a rolling domestic dispute on Highway E at Houston.

Upon arrival, contact was made with two vehicles parked on a gravel area in from of a cemetery, where a man, two women and a juvenile girl were present. The officers were advised that the vehicles made contact on Highway E and did again in the lot where they had stopped. The people there all stated a fight had ensued after the vehicles stopped, but none of their stories about the incident was similar.

All people present were interviewed by MSHP personnel, and any resulting charges would stem from their report.

An 87-year-old man came to the TCSD office on April 4 to report a guitar of his had been stolen. The man said the instrument had belonged to Barbara Mandrell and was worth $9,000. He named a Houston man and woman  both 36  as suspects.

The woman was contacted ,and she said she didnt swipe the guitar. The male suspect is being sought for questioning.

Texas County Jail admissions

April 9

John Schwartz  unlawful use of weapon

April 10

William A. Rickerson  unlawful possession of firearm

Dale S. Combs  MDOC hold

David T. Korrok  possession of controlled substance

Ashley R. Coker-Bolding  leaving scene of an accident, possession of controlled substance

Gina M. Dodson  48-hour commitment

April 11

Ralph A. Reber  MDOC hold

Jasper D. Robbins  bond or 2-day hold

Lewis A. Gandy  driving while revoked

Jennifer S. Lane  possession of controlled substance

Angela D. Briggs  bond or 48-hour hold

John T. Baker  non-support

Justin P. Christopher  resisting arrest

April 12

Sheryl L. Friend  assault of law enforcement officer

Darren L. Bussard  Greene County hold

Tiffanie B. Vallotton  failure to appear (traffic violations)

April 13

Russell W. Brown  failure to register as sex offender

Darci D. Jensen  endangering the welfare of a child

Justin B. Williams  stealing

April 14

Thomas L. Gilbreath Jr.  10-day commitment

Amy L. Mulready  possession of controlled substance

Andrew S. Inman  possession of controlled substance

April 15

Barry M. Smith  30-day commitment

April 16

Marcus B. Talton  endangering corrections employee

Austin L. Pribble  stealing

April 17

Harry A. Scheina  trespassing
A former employee at a Summersville bank pleaded guilty Monday in a fraud scheme, the acting U.S. attorney said.

Keith Ray Smith, 44, of Summersville, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a federal information that charges him with one count of making false statements on a loan application and one count of aggravated identity theft, said Tom Larson.

Smith was employed as the bank loan officer and compliance officer at the former Community Bank in Summersville. The institution has since been acquired. Smith admitted that he took out numerous loans in the names of several bank customers without their authorization. Smith submitted loan applications for varying amounts, totaling $81,040, between 2015 and June 2016. Smith admitted that he used the personal identification information of bank customers, including their bank account information and Social Security numbers, to falsely submit the loan applications.

Smith approved the loan applications for funding, then transferred the monies to his personal bank account and spent the monies to either gamble or pay for personal expenses.

In addition, Smith admitted that he had used his mothers and brothers personal information to apply for approximately $70,000 in loans without their knowledge or approval in 2010 and 2011. Smith approved the loans and deposited the proceeds from the fake bank loans into his personal bank account to pay for his gambling addiction. Smith agreed to repay all the money owed in 2012, and his mother and brother agreed to resubmit new loan documents that would take the place of the original false loan documents. Smiths mother and brother told agents they allowed the new loan applications to be created because they did not want him to get into trouble.

Under the terms of a plea agreement, a joint recommendation will be made to the court for a sentence of two years and one day in federal prison without parole. Smith must forfeit to the government $151,040, which represents the proceeds of his criminal conduct. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the FDIC  Office of Inspector General, the Federal Housing Finance Agency-Office of the Inspector General and the FBI.
New members on the Houston City Council were sworn in Monday during a meeting following elections of April 4.

Three of the six-member body are new. City Clerk Tonya Foster administered oaths to Donnie Wilson, Ward I; Jeremy St. John, Ward II; Kim Bittle, Ward III; and Don Tottingham, mayor.

Incumbent members of the Houston City Council  Charles Chalky Wells, David Arthur and Mary Barnes  were recognized for their service by Tottingham. Wells and Arthur were councilmen for six years. Barnes was originally appointed and represented Ward I for 4  years.

In other matters, members heard from:

Len Miles, who described a recently launched regional based program  Operation Life  aimed at helping those with drug addiction issues or families who have lost loved ones to it. Six counties are targeted, said Miles of the First Assembly of God of Rolla. Miles has been visiting with law enforcement and communities raising awareness about the program.

Jim McNiell highlighted progress in a Community Betterment Y.O.U.T.H. program to place street address numbers on houses and businesses in Houston. Recently a team completed a survey of 90-92 streets that covered 1,200 residences and businesses.

About one out of five did not have visible numbers that could be spotted by emergency personnel, as required by city ordinance. On May 6, volunteers will return to ask property owners whether theyd like to have their property marked. There is no obligation or cost, but a small donation will be accepted to defray costs.

An attendee, George Sholtz, office manager at Houstons radio station, asked the council to study implementing one-way traffic in downtown Houston to open new parking, questioned why the city had individual wards  rather serving at-large and asked about the status of hangar lease arrangements at Houston Memorial Airport.

Tottingham, who reported that a defunct dairy manufacturer at the Houston Industrial Park is moving equipment this week. A prospect for the building has been identified, he said.
Approximately 100 Missouri school districts are looking at budget cuts as a result of inaction by Congress on the Secure Rural Schools Program, an education group said on Monday.

In Texas County, payments have already dropped: In fiscal year, $179,000 was received. Thats projected at $147,780 in fiscal year 2017, a drop off about 18 percent during the time period. The Mark Twain National Forest is situated in northwest Texas County. In addition to schools, other taxing districts also are affected.

In 1908, federal lands began being removed from local tax bases. As a result, the federal government initiated payments to local communities to offset the lost tax revenue. The payments are based on historical trends of timber receipts in the community. Of the Missouri districts affected, 14 received more than $100,000 last year and nearly 50 districts received at least $30,000.

As a result of the inaction to reinstate the program, on March 7 the National Forest Service issued 25 percent payments of timber receipts to states based on the original 1908 Act. School district payments for 2016, which are based on timber receipts, are well below the funding levels that are called for by the Secure Rural Schools Program. These reductions are in addition to a cut of 6.9 percent due to across-the-board cuts to the federal budget.

For many school districts, the decrease and potential complete loss of these federal funds are staggering. For example, the Alton School District has seen the amounts change significantly in recent years. This year, the payment to the district is expected to be $133,267. It was $263,391 last year and was $414,440 during the 2008-09 year.

Congress must continue the historic national commitment to rural counties and school districts served by the SRS program. Without immediate congressional action on forest management and SRS, forest counties and schools face the loss of irreplaceable essential fire, police, road and bridge, community and educational services. Congress must act on short term fiscal 2016- 2017 funding for Secure Rural Schools and active long-term forest management programs generating revenues and local jobs, said the American Association of School Administrators in a release on Monday.
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Roman Nasirov, who has been suspended from the post of the head of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine and who is being probed by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), has been elected as the president of the Judo Federation of Ukraine.

On April 17, Nasirova's candidacy was supported by 22 out of the 23 present delegates at the organization's conference, according to the Facebook page of the Judo Federation of Ukraine.

As reported, NABU detectives on March 2 presented charges against Nasirov and apprehended him in the Feofania hospital outside Kyiv. He is suspected of committing a crime pursuant to Part 2 of Article 364 (embezzlement) of Ukraine's Criminal Code.

Investigators believe that Nasirov in 2015-2016, acting in the interests of MP Oleksandr Onyshchenko took a number of groundless decisions which resulted in damage to the state worth UAH 2 billion.

On March 7, the Solomyansky district court remanded Nasirov to pretrial confinement for two months, setting bail at UAH 100 million, while prosecutors from Ukraine's Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office had asked the court to set bail at UAH 2 billion.

On March 16, Nasirov's wife posted UAH 100 million bail for him. The court obliged Nasirov to transfer all his foreign passports and other travel documents to the State Migration Service.
According to Blake, employers who access employee emails in the workplace must do so in accordance with the Privacy Act as there is a chance they could see personal information  however, certain contractual provisions can override the legislation.

If an employee has consented to the monitoring of their emails, and a suitable contractual provision exists in the employee's employment agreement or employer policies that allows such monitoring, then such monitoring may occur without a breach of the Privacy Act, says Blake.

Otherwise, any monitoring of an employee's emails in the workplace must be undertaken in accordance with the Act.

Blake says four of the Acts 12 principles directly apply to the monitoring of employee emails in the workplace, as follows:

Principle 1  Personal information may only be collected for a lawful purpose and where the collection of such information is necessary for that purpose.
The impending deal will be the first legal settlement in New Zealand to recognise that some jobs pay less because they are done mainly by women.

Approximately 55,000 care workers  most of whom are women  are set to benefit from the agreement which the New Zealand Herald reports will cost the government more than $500 million a year once its fully implemented in five years time.

According to the news outlet, the deal will allow for annual increases in five years to $27 an hour and, overall, pay rises will range from $3 an hour to $7 an hour, depending on the type of work and level of experience.

While the settlement is set to impact three main government-funded sectors  aged residential care, home support, and disability services  PM Bill English warned that todays cabinet meeting would also be of importance to private sector employers as pay equity legislation would be on the table.

The relevant thing there will be the pay equity legislation rather than whatever the result of this deal is so the private sector will need to pay attention to how that unfolds, he told Hosking.
HR needs to be a strategic partner with the leadership team and the board because this needs to be taken up as a leadership issue from the very top, she stresses. They need to be championing this in their communications and messaging so everyone knows its serious.

Another simple but remarkable effective step employers can take is setting up a dedicated diversity and inclusion council, says Doughty.

Pull people from your workplace who are really interested in making a difference or making a contribution and get them together to start working on a common objective, she tells HRM.

Importantly, Doughty says all types of employees should be welcomed into the council as a variety of viewpoints can bring about better results.

These things need to be fully inclusive to anyone  male or female and lowest to highest in the organisation  thats really critical, she stresses.
For the 20,000 workers currently on the minimum wage of $15.75 per hour, it means on July 1, they will move to at least $19 per hour, a 21 per cent pay rise, Coleman confirmed. For a full-time worker, this means they will be taking home around an extra $100 a week, which is over $5,000 a year.

Existing workers will be transitioned to positions on the new pay scale which reflect their skills, and their experience. For new workers employed after July 1, wages will be based on an individuals level of qualifications.

A care and support worker on the minimum wage with three years experience and no qualifications will receive a 27 per cent increase in their hourly wage rate moving from $15.75 to $20 per hour from July 1. That rate would progressively increase to $23 by July 2021 and would rise further if they attain a higher qualification.

According to Coleman, the $2.048 billion settlement will be funded through an increase of $1.856 billion to Vote Health and $192 million to ACC. ACC levies are set for the coming years, but may possibly increase over the next decade to support this. However, that is not definite.

There may also be an increase in costs for people in aged residential care facilities, whose assets keep them above the subsidy threshold. This will be determined through the annual Aged Residential Care contract negotiations.
Some people dont like the police, and apparently neither do some geese.

An Indiana cop was on his way to the station when he was attacked by an angry Canada goose trying to protect its nest.

Sgt. Det. Ray Hall told Inside Edition that a father goose flew up and smacked him in the head.

"I was like, Holy cow, what was that?'" he told the site.

In footage released by the Clarksville Police Department (watch above), Hall tries to run away from the bird  but as he smacks it with his bag, he ends up falling into the mulch beside the path.

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"When I fell into the mulch, I was eye level with the female goose on her nest, and she was hissing at me as well and I was within an arm's reach of her, so I hurried up and got out and I ran out of the bush, and he attacked me again from behind," he said.

The birds and their nest were soon moved, reported Inside Edition.

One of Hall's colleagues thought it was actually pretty funny, and posted video of the aerial assault to YouTube.

Lt. Shane Bassett added some commentary too:

"Final Score:

Geese 1
In a week of insane news about how airlines treat their passengers, it's nice to be reminded that forceful "re-accommodation" and bumping a 10-year-old from an oversold flight are the exceptions and not the rule.

Joel VanderHoek, a businessman from Lynden, Wash., shared an open letter he wrote to WestJet after a flight on Saturday from Calgary to Abbotsford, B.C.

"There was a medical incident, and the way it was handled deserves commendation," he wrote in a Facebook post.

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VanderHoek went on to describe how quickly the WestJet crew worked with a nurse who was onboard and a volunteer translator to help care for a male passenger who passed out.

"It was beautiful to see strangers come together as humanity to help one another," he wrote.

"They were so organized, caring, respectful and attentive," VanderHoek said about the flight attendants, who kept the patient's sister updated on the situation.

While medical emergencies on planes do happen on a regular basis, Westjet's staff response was particularly welcome to witness, noted VanderHoek.

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"In an Easter week of particularly unpleasant news about airline treatment of customers, I commend you for a culture of kindness and care. It was evident before the medical incident but was made especially clear tonight. Thank you."

Earlier this month, WestJet was named the top airline in Canada, by travel site TripAdvisor, and placed in the top five low-cost airlines in North America sub-category.

Earlier on HuffPost:
Sheldon Bayer was looking for a home to rent in Winnipeg last week when he texted the number from a Kijiji ad. He was floored by the landlord's response.

"How many people u r?" the landlord asked via text.

When Bayer responded that there were three people in his family (himself, his wife and son), the landlord texted back, "Ok. Native or ..?"

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"I don't know why somebody would ask that," Bayer told The Huffington Post Canada in a phone interview. "I didn't know how to reply, I was shocked."

Bayer collected his thoughts and texted back that he wasn't interested in renting the home anymore.

"No thanks. We do not tolerate discrimination. And yes we are Native," he wrote.

Discriminating against a prospective renter based on their ancestry (or perceived ancestry) is illegal under the Manitoba Human Rights Code.

HuffPost Canada has reached out to the landlord for comment but has not received a reply.

Housing discrimination is common for indigenous people in Winnipeg. Discrimination often begins when the landlord hears your accent, or they see your face, and they know you are Aboriginal," staff at the Eagle Urban Transition Centre reported in a 2014 study released by The Canadian Centre For Policy Alternatives.

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The study found evidence of discrimination against indigenous tenants in Winnipeg dating back to the 1970s.

Discrimination often begins when the landlord hears your accent, or they see your face, and they know you are Aboriginal."

Bayer said he doesn't plan on reporting the landlord because he thinks a lesson got across, and that there's no need to ruin the man's rental income over an ignorant comment.

He said this isn't the first time he's faced discrimination in Winnipeg. Even though the majority of reactions to his experience have been positive, some people have also responded with hatred, said Bayer.

Still, he hopes this inspires others to share their stories of discrimination  no matter how small.

"I don't like that it's becoming commonplace in the city that I love. I don't like that it's becoming just another way of life. It's gonna filter down to younger generations, and I think that as an indigenous member of this community ... it's gone far enough."

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Tariffs for cargo shipments by rail could be indexed in June or July  Infrastructure ministry

The tariffs for cargo shipments by rail in Ukraine this year could be increased in June or July, First Deputy Infrastructure Minister of Ukraine and Head of the supervisory board of Ukrzaliznytsia Yevhen Kravtsov has said.

"We would fail to finish the process before May. I think that if all the issues are approved, this could happen in June or July," he said at the Ukrainian Railways: Development & Investment conference in Kyiv on Tuesday.

Kravtsov has not specified the percentage of the increase.

Earlier the State Regulatory Service of Ukraine refused to approve a draft order of the Infrastructure Ministry envisaging the indexation of the tariffs for cargo transportation by rail from February 2017 by 25%. They decided to create a working group jointly with business to find a compromise.
Florian Trojer via Getty Images The White House in Washington, D.C. is seen after sunset as darkness falls. It is the home of the first family of the president of the United States of America.

The White House has been filled with a lot of strange creatures as of late, but one is conspicuously absent. Where is the first dog?

Presidential pets have been a steadfast tradition in the line of the presidency, and history is filled with interesting anecdotes about the previous animal inhabitants of the West Wing. Theodore Roosevelt had an animal farm that could rival Trump's performance of Animal Farm; complete with a hyena, a garter snake, and a veritable cornucopia of strange beasts that didn't wear ties.

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Although the Sheriff is still new in town, President Trump is currently the first president in 130 years to forgo man's best friend while in office. According to some reports, he was eyeing up a Goldendoodle puppy named Patton, but the owner decided to keep the dog instead.

Trump was nonplussed. "We went back and forth between 'You can't have him' and 'I don't want him' for a little while," Trump family friend, Lois Pope told the New York Post.

Although he's vocalized a fondness for grabbing felines, Trump has demonstrated more restraint when it comes to lunging for a canine companion. So why is it so troublesome that Trump doesn't appear keen on dogs?

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To quote a Bill Murray meme that I've definitely re-pinned, "I'm suspicious of people who don't like dogs, but I trust a dog when it doesn't like a person."

Shit, even George W. Bush had a dog. In fact, my entire mental redemption of old Dubya happened after he gave up politics and started painting portraits of dogs for a living. You can be an mean S.O.B, but a mean S.O.B who hates dogs is some next level Aleister Crowley shit that makes me want to bite the head of a bottle of bourbon and stab it directly into an artery.

In addition to being a soul-sucking blowhard, there's a distinct possibility that Trump lacks a dictator's most basic humanizing factor, a shared love for man's best friend. Even old Vlad Putin has a soft spot for puppies. He sent the French police a Belgian Malinois puppy after a police dog died in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks.

So why doesn't Trump have a White House doggo? Let's get speculating.

Trump Really Hates Dogs

Good old Occam's Razor. Maybe Trump doesn't have a dog, because he doesn't like dogs. Just look at this photo. Trump's eyes are screaming, "Somebody handed me this wretched, stinking old thing, and I will pretend to like it so more people buy my shit."

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I can tell, because he does exactly the same thing when forced to interact with Mike Pence.

Also, as covered by The Huffington Post last year, whenever Trump experience disgust, he invokes dogs.

.@GlennBeck got fired like a dog by #Fox. The Blaze is failing and he wanted to have me on his show. I said no - because he is irrelevant.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 17, 2015

.@BrentBozell, one of the National Review lightweights, came to my office begging for money like a dog. Why doesn't he say that?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 23, 2016

Robert Pattinson should not take back Kristen Stewart. She cheated on him like a dog & will do it again--just watch. He can do much better!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2012

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And so on.

He Hasn't Found The Right Pet Yet

"He doesn't want a small dog." Lois Pope told the New York Post when discussing Trump's aversion to pups. Naturally Trump is the sort of man who would chuck a Cavalier King Charles out of a window and shriek "NO GIRLY MAN DOGS FOR THE BIG DON-DON" before his midday spray tan, and even his friends will admit it. "He's 6-foot-2," added Pope, as if contractually obligated to point that Donald is fractionally taller than the average man.

Maybe dogs just aren't the right pet for Trump. We hear that nothing screams 'big man' like owning a wild, cage-free tiger. Martin Van Buren had two. Putin never turns down a shirtless photo op if tigers are involved. 10/10 recommend as the perfect presidential pet for 2017. Very Walking Dead. Very now.

Dogs Ward Off Evil

The supernaturally inclined claim that pets can keep evil spirits at bay. That'll never fly with Steve Bannon lurching around the West Wing like a big drunk dementor. He'd never get near the Oval Office again. Kushner would be over the moon. In a completely unrelated incident, Ivanka has vocalized that she wants a White House dog on Twitter.

.@JayFielden: Dog. I grew up always having dogs in the home, but we don't currently have one. I'd love a #ShibaInu or a #Husky. #AskIvanka  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) January 5, 2016

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BRB, starting a Change.Org petition begging Ivanka to bring Doge into the White House. If the world is about to go to hell in a handbasket, I want some memes to make the end times just a little bit more bearable.

With that, I'll leave you the mental image of Trump meeting Doge for the first time.
There's not much that can match the raw beauty of Mother Earth. And, every spring, you can count on her to paint the world breathtaking shades of pink and white. Known as sakura in Japanese, the cherry blossom is a symbol of renewal and hope. And while Japan might be world renowned for this beautiful bud, cherry blossom trees can be found all over in the world. With spring officially sprung, we have uncovered a few of the best places to experience these gorgeous blooms.

Osaka, Japan

Osaka is one of Japan's best cities for cherry blossom viewing, with Kema Sakuranomiya Park being the city's most popular location. The park features nearly 5,000 cherry trees lining the Okawa River for several kilometers. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of the cherry blossoms from a riverside promenade, open lawn areas or from a ship cruising the river.

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Where to stay: Situated right along the Okawa River, the Imperial Hotel Osaka is a short 12-minute walk to Kema Sakuranomiya Park. The chic decor and relaxing ambience provide an ideal oasis after a long day traversing the city. With six restaurants on site offering a range of cuisine types, guests can dine in traditional style without ever having to leave the property.

Toronto, Canada

Each Spring, visitors flock to Toronto's High Park to admire the city's only cherry blossoms location. While Sakura trees are known for their beauty, they are also known for their short blooming periods. Visitors are well advised to stay updated on the progress of the blooms as they usually only last about a week, making timing of your visit essential.

Where to stay: In the heart of Downtown Toronto, the Delta Hotels by Mariott Toronto is the perfect place to stay to experience the hustle and bustle of Toronto city life. With countless restaurants, stores and activities just steps away, you will not run out of things to do and places to go quickly. This property is located near Toronto's subway and streetcar lines, both of which can bring you within a short walk of High Park's Bloor street entrance.

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Kyoto, Japan

Maruyama Park is the oldest park in Kyoto and is best known for its huge weeping cherry trees. During peak blossom season, the cherry trees are illuminated at night so that people can enjoy them both night and day. Kyoto also has the magical and romantic Philosopher's Path, a walking path from Ginkaku-ji Temple to the Wakaoji-jinja Shrine, lined with cherry blossoms on both sides. The cherry blossom petals floating on the water add to an already visually stunning walk.

Where to stay: The Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo is located less than one mile away from Maruyama Park. Each guest room is equipped with sophisticated decor and air conditioning for your comfort. The on-site restaurant allows guest to savour native delicacies prepared with local and fresh ingredients for breakfast.

Vancouver, Canada

As winter begins to fade and spring arrives, Vancouverites and visitors to the city can't miss seeing the beautiful 40,000 cherry blossoms that Vancouver hosts. Each year there are multiple events for the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival including Bike the Blossoms, Tree Talks and Walks, Plein-Air Blossom Painting and the Cherry Jam Downtown. The city has an array of parks and activities that help admirers take in the cherry trees' seasonal blossoming.

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Where to stay: The Wedgewood Hotel and Spa is a luxury, boutique hotel that offers a tranquil place to relax after partaking in any of the Cherry Blossom Festival activities. Guests can enjoy a full-service spa and sauna, as well as fine dining at Bacchus, a luxurious on-site lounge and restaurant. Robson Street, Vancouver's most popular shopping area with numerous restaurants alongside stores, is right around the corner from the hotel.

Kumamoto, Japan

Built in the early 17th century by Kato Klyomasa, the Kumamoto Castle is one of the three most famous castles in Japan. The Kumamoto Castle is the most popular spot in the city for cherry blossom viewing, with nearly 1,000 cherry trees that add an air of elegance to the property. From the square in front of the castle tower and the front of Naga-bei you can view the three different varieties of cherry trees that the castle houses.

Where to stay: The modern guest rooms at the Dormy Inn Kumamoto provide visitors with a great place to unwind after a busy day. Only 2,625 feet from the Kumamoto Castle, this hotel also offers a free shuttle to Kumamoto Station to help get you around the city with ease.

New York, USA

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New York City's famous Central Park is home to two species of cherry blossom trees: the Yoshino cherry tree and the Kwanzan cherry tree. Each year locals and tourists gather in the park to watch the blooming cherry blossoms take bloom. Some of the most popular places to view these trees are at the Bethesda Terrace, the Loeb Boathouse, Conservatory Water and at the edge of the Great Lawn.

Where to stay: When in New York, one should always travel in style. At Langham Place, guests receive celebrity treatment with world-class service. The central midtown location of the hotel allows you to walk right onto Fifth Avenue for some of the best shopping in the world. From there, Central Park is just a quick walk or cab ride.

Sapporo, Japan

Since Sapporo is in the northernmost part of Japan, it is the last place to become warm which means that cherry blossoms do not begin to bloom until late April into May. There are seven places in Sapporo that are great for cherry blossom viewing, however Toda Memorial Park is said to be the best. With a total of 8,000 cherry blossom trees, the view is incomparable to other places, though the park requires a vehicle to get to. Another option is Odori Park which is easily accessible and has a breathtaking view of the cherry blossoms.

Where to stay: The Ibis Styles Sapporo is the perfect getaway when visiting Sapporo. The hotel's central location in the heart of Sapporo makes it an ideal basecamp for visitors looking to explore the city. A complimentary breakfast buffet featuring local ingredients is included.

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Win McNamee via Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 17: U.S. President Donald Trump greets guests during the 139th Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House April 17, 2017 in Washington, DC. The White House said 21,000 people were expected to attend the annual tradition of rolling colored eggs down the White House lawn that was started by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

As Donald Trump's presidency progresses, more and more commentators are starting to label him an autocrat. Despite my concerns about the man, I think such criticism is a tad harsh and uncalled for.

After all, we have yet to see American soldiers goose-stepping on parade before a uniformed President Trump. And so far I haven't heard any reports of blatant imperialistic invasions of Canada or Mexico.

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My sources tell me that one sure sign of an autocrat is an obsession with the trappings of power, particularly grand and garish military uniforms. To date, I've only seen President Trump wear military garb once when he donned a flight jacket and an admiral's cap while aboard the U. S. S. Gerald R. Ford. And just because he packed his cabinet with former generals and retired military officers doesn't necessarily mean he's a militarist.

Apparently another clue that a leader is an autocrat is that he hands out positions of power and authority to family members. Think of folks like Saddam Hussein whose family members grew rich as part of his government.

Sure, Donald Trump may get some assistance from his daughter Ivanka and his son-in-law Jared Kushner but they're just selflessly helping out. And then there's Don Jr. and Eric who are doing their part to help the President avoid any financial conflicts of interest. To compare them to Uday and Qusay Hussein is a bit of a stretch, don't you think?

You don't have to look any further than Russia and Vladimir Putin to see another characteristic of an autocrat, namely the suppression and control of the media. Just because Donald Trump continually castigates the mainstream press as liars and fake news and favors far-right news outlets doesn't mean that he actually controls the press or at least not yet.

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One thing all autocrats appear to have in common is the acquisition of great wealth through their leadership position. It's unfair to directly accuse President Trump of such nefarious dealings. He may receive significant government revenue from staying at his own hotels and retreats and his business may benefit indirectly from his decisions and his position but you can hardly blame a guy for trying to financially better himself whenever he can.

Secrecy is one of the hallmarks of an autocracy. Think of the many nasty regimes over the years which suppressed information and spied on their citizens. The Trump administration cannot be accused of that. Its members might engage in alternative facts and Mr. Trump himself may not have released his tax returns but that doesn't mean they have suppressed information; it simply means they have a different view of things.

Another autocratic hallmark is the marginalization of the judiciary. Courts are either intimidated into ruling in the leader's favor or they are eliminated altogether. President Trump's reference to "so-called judges" and his invitation to "see you in court" are just his quaint ways of engaging those he views as his adversaries.

Militarism is another sure sign one is an autocrat. Think of the military buildups of a Hitler or a Mao or a Stalin. Donald Trump isn't even in their league. His proposed $54 billion addition to a military that already spends more than the next seven nations combined is a mere drop in the bucket and hardly makes him a warmonger.

Nationalism, too, helps identify an autocrat. The glorification of the homeland and its citizens helps to bind them to their leader and to persuade them to follow his orders unquestioningly. Implicit in this approach is the demonization of the "other", particularly foreigners. While Donald Trump's words may appear to qualify, we know from those working with him that that's not what is in his heart.

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Loyalty is perhaps the key linchpin in an autocracy. Everyone is expected to pay obeisance to the leader and those who don't are castigated and even eliminated. It's a bit harsh to accuse Mr. Trump of valuing loyalty above all else when he clearly values himself first.
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU via Getty Images Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivers a speech during his visit to Juno Beach on April 10, 2017 in Courseulles-sur-Mer, northwestern France. Juno Beach was one of five beaches of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944 during the Second World War. / AFP PHOTO / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU (Photo credit should read CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP/Getty Images)

"Once truth had become oracular rather than factual, evidence was irrelevant."  Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century

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In it, Snyder details the many lessons we can learn from the history of tyranny. One in particular caught my attention. It's the frangible relationship between truth and politics, and how abandoning truth is a frontal attack on democracy:

"Without truth we don't have trust. Without trust, we don't have the rule of law. Without the rule of law, we don't have democracy."

That was the lesson the twentieth century repeatedly illustrated, though it's one now dangerously lost on today's citizens.

Our Prime Minister shouldn't be held to less a standard because there are more notorious examples in public office. A lie is a lie, is a lie.

Snyder continued on to the link between "Post-Fact" utterances (viz., what our moms and dads called "lying"), and fascism:

"People who are going for post-fact; people who are against the truth are taking the direct line to killing democracy... when we think about post-fact ... what we should be thinking about is fascism."

Then came the part that really grabbed my attention:

"It's the fascists who said everyday life doesn't matter; details don't matter; facts don't matter; all that matters is the message, the leader, the myth, the totality."

What surprised me, listening to Snyder's description of the earmarks of fascism, was that Donald Trump didn't come to mind.

Popping up instead was the image of our own Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, complete with sleeves rolled up on his crisp, white dress shirt.

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Oh yes, I know, as the Liberal supporters blow a head pipe at such a thought. After all, Trudeau's "post-fact" creations can't be compared to the number of full-blown Trump deviances of deception, a wallowing in Post-Fact reality, lathered by White House chief strategist, Stephen Bannon, (aka, the Grim Reaper)? Right?

Sure, I'll admit it. And, I'd also add that Justin doesn't have the kind of temperament as Trump, and Trudeau lacks the overt, brute power of the post-fact machinations of an American sized, propaganda machine.

But be careful here. It's exactly that sort of reasoning that makes fascism so dangerous.

Mesmerized by the most extreme perpetrators, we can then unconsciously ignore egregious abuses of democracy by more "normal," even cuddly-appearing leaders.

The bottom line: Our Prime Minister shouldn't be held to less a standard because there are more notorious examples in public office. A lie is a lie, is a lie.

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The comparison then, isn't with Trump. It's with the standard of truth, and Trudeau's own stabs at Canadian democracy, including the declaration that electoral reform is no longer necessary, or wearing big-boy pants and saying too quickly that Trump's military strike in a foreign country is justified. (No surprise, the latter with a gushing, almost orgasmic endorsement from former Harper bully-boy, John Baird; alas, gone but not forgotten.)

What Justin said about climate change is qualitatively no different from Trump saying climate change is a made up conspiracy perpetrated by China. Both are nonsense. Both are Post-Fact.

Let's refocus a moment. Politics is a serious matter. And the consequences are real. So when Justin goes post-fact about the most critical issue facing humanity, Human caused climate change (Anthropogenic Climate Change), the severity of post-fact transgression couldn't get more offensive.

And Canada has to respond. With our large per/capita, carbon footprint, as PM, he has a political and moral obligation to to treat it with the utmost seriousness. No post-fact mooseshit; no alt-fact weaseling.

So we have Justin at the United Nations in New York City, signing the Paris climate treaty, looking all diligent and serious for the cameras (not without a few indulgent photos), saying that we -- especially he, with his newly minted Minister of the Environment and Climate Change -- do take it seriously.

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Then, only to return to Canada and say that he has a duty to get our "natural resources" to market, which means the worst of the worst: Further exploiting the tarsands, and building pipelines out to BC to ship bitumen to Asia.

Most certainly drawing upon his skills learned as a former drama substitute teacher, Justin dug deep, first with Post-Truth whopper #1:

Quickly followed by Post-Truth Whopper #2:

These two statements, simply and categorically, are a contradiction in terms.

They are no different from the utterances, "the circle is a square." "Some bachelors are married males." "The pregnant virgin." "He's a gentle torturer." "She's a towering midget." "All pigs are equal, but some are more equal than others." Or, in Trudeau's case, "Wrong is right, and right is wrong."

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All are Post-Fact blatherings. All are an overt shout in the face that, "details don't matter; facts don't matter; all that matters is the message, the leader, the myth, the totality."

The scale of Trudeau's lying is troubling enough, and the consequences could last a generation.

Make no mistake. What Justin said about climate change is qualitatively no different from Trump saying climate change is a made up conspiracy perpetrated by China. Both are nonsense. Both are Post-Fact.

The scale of Trudeau's lying is troubling enough, and the consequences could last a generation. Cynicism can act as a contagion on young people who look for leaders with vision. And when that trust is violated, it's a harshness that's grossly unfair to perpetrate on young voters.

Time to step back from the post-fact precipice, Mr. Trudeau, and to speak the truth.

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Recently, I was invited to Estonia to speak in its capital at the Tallinn Music Week Creative Impact Conference. That's right -- a major Estonian music festival also hosted a concurrent summit on society, creative economies and city building.

The music festival and summit is produced by a talented team under the direction of an incredibly gifted force of nature named Helen Sildna. I can't praise Helen and her team enough for pulling together such an extraordinary festival. And to top it all off the conference was launched by a speech from Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid who spoke passionately about the role of creativity in society.

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I was invited to present perspectives on creativity and city building, an area of focus for my consulting practice Creative Change Management Consulting. During one of the final panels, I was asked about the challenges and opportunities presented by creative culture hubs. Helen and her team had pulled together a remarkable flow of topics and, rather conveniently, these topics provided the framework for my response. Before I lay out my answer, let us define creative hubs.

The British Council defines a creative hub as "a place, either physical or virtual, which brings creative people together. It is a convener, providing space and support for networking, business development and community engagement within the creative, cultural and tech sectors."

Themes:

City as a creative hub

Various perspectives were shared at the conference about our cities themselves as creative hubs. While I agree with this perspective, many of our cities are stuck with long-standing design issues that can segregate groups of people and limit exposure to a diversity of perspectives, skills, cultures and value systems. Applying lessons learned from past errors in city building, we must ensure creative hubs are radically diverse and challenging. Otherwise, the learning and inspiration that these hubs can offer will be limited.

The hub must serve as a profound catalyst not only for its members and resident participants, but also for greater society.

Future skills and education

The conference featured a fascinating discussion on education for next generation citizens and leaders. I do believe that creative hubs must intentionally develop training programmes and applied opportunities for both next generation citizens and creative leaders. Beyond the facility, though, the hub must serve as a profound catalyst not only for its members and resident participants, but also for greater society. Imagine the potential education, experiential and e-learning opportunities one could develop in partnership through a hub with hundreds of creative businesses, artists and organizations.

Country and city branding

Globally, there is tremendous interest in cities and countries being recognized as creative powerhouses. There are many reasons for this interest, chief among them the rapid rise of technology which will likely continue to eliminate or reduce human computational or processing jobs that can now be better performs by a machine. This will require a professional shift for our workforce to focus on creativity and other qualitative skills.

Additionally, cities and countries compete to attract and retain talent and investment. This requires a focus on creative and cultural differentiation; otherwise there is not much difference between one place and the next. Applying these lessons to creative hubs, we must ensure hubs focus on building on the unique aspects of the local creative ecosystem while also ensuring that investment and development emphasizes these points of differentiation. Following the pack will not lead to success.

Closing gaps and silos

This is a real area of concern for our increasingly polarizing society. While incubators and clusters are potentially great for applied or theoretical creative, economic or social development, we risk further division of talent and opportunities if we develop separate hubs or incubators for technology, medical research, social innovation or creativity, or if we do not very intentionally connect these hubs and their inhabitants/participants. A hub cannot only be about creating a cluster of identical or like-minded individuals.

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Quality is the new cool

This discussion centered around the idea that authenticity and doing things extraordinarily is the future and what society is demanding. In terms of hubs, I do believe that they deliver well on authenticity. However, it isn't enough to cluster a number of individuals and organizations together in one building and assume synergistic magic will happen. As we know from existing companies, even having staff down the hall or on another floor can create barriers to collaboration and communication.

Hubs must be about much more than a cool building and a few shared resources.

While some accidental collaborations do result from clusters, really busy organizations and creators likely do not have the time or financial resources to really go big together. As such, it is imperative that hubs have a clear programmatic strategy and commitment to dreaming big and problem solving together. Hubs must be about much more than a cool building and a few shared resources.

While I have raised a few of the pitfalls associated with creative hubs, I remain convinced that they have the potential to be important and essential contributors to our evolving society. They require a big vision, though. Rather than fitting a big idea into an existing building, creative hubs should start with a clear strategy on what the hub commits to in terms of social, creative and economic contribution. The physical and financial resource plan should serve the strategy, not the other way around.

With the challenges ahead, we need smart, diverse, inclusive, challenging, unsettling conversation and action more than ever. Perhaps our creative hubs, research institutes, policy think-tanks and social innovation centres can find ways to come together, to debate, to build. Perhaps even a music festival in Estonia can serve as a catalyst to change the world.

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I was sitting at Starbucks, and overheard a conversation between two young women about a friend of theirs that had tried a new weight-loss technique. The conversation went like this:

Woman #1: I can't believe Stephanie did that fat freezing thing to lose weight.

Woman #2: I know, it's crazy. Apparently, it's really painful, really expensive and doesn't last long.

Woman #1: Wow, that's a little pathetic.

Woman #2: I know, right? But I'd totally do it if I had the money.

Woman #1: Ya, so would I.

Um... pardon?

Since I was too curious about this to keep my mouth shut, I asked," If it's expensive, it hurts and isn't permanent, why do it?"

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Their answer: Because our friends are doing it.

Ah, peer pressure. Cliched yet still somehow relevant.

They then shared that they had both had lip fillers done, even though they knew it would look terrible, but felt, again, that since their friends had done it, they should too. These "friends" include people they had never actually met in person and only knew online. These bright, 20-somethings, spoke honestly about how much they are influenced by social media.

One woman explained, "Even though I know something's stupid, I'll still try it because I'll feel left out if I don't. It's dumb, but it's the way things are; everyone wants to fit in."

She's right. We all want to be "Liked," but not in the traditional sense of the word. We care more about "likes" on social media posts, than actually being liked as people. Getting positive feedback on an online post is like getting a standing ovation from friends and strangers all over the world. How can something so meaningless seem so important and why is it hurting our kids?

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A 2013 Flinders University study concluded that the more time girls spent on social media, the more likely that they were to be dissatisfied with their body image and experience low self-esteem. Spending a lot of time on Facebook has also resulted in an increased risk of depression in teens and tweens.

Sean, a confident 17-year-old boy, told me that while he doesn't take social media seriously, he knows girls who do. He talked about a Twitter account that lets women submit pictures of themselves so strangers can rate their appearance. Sean explained that while the women pictured need to be at least 18 years old, the pictures can be seen by anyone; as a result, many teenage girls use them to measure their own beauty. This often leaves them feeling inadequate. He shared that having a supportive group of friends makes it easier to ignore the media's negative messages.

But what if you're a teenager without a group of supportive friends, or your friends are as impacted as you are? Thirteen-year-old Katherine shared that it's difficult to feel good about yourself when every picture on TV and on social media is showing the same type of girl. According to Katherine, feeling confident about yourself can be tough if you don't look like the glamorous actresses on TV. She'd love to see diversity so she'll stop feeling self-conscious about herself.

Katherine makes a good point. According to a group of researchers that studied 134 kid shows on Disney and Nickelodeon, 87 per cent of the female characters were underweight. EIGHTY-SEVEN PER CENT! The characters who were overweight were portrayed as unattractive or unpopular.

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Luckily, kids are starting to understand the manipulation behind the images seen on TV, but are still falling victim to the ones from their own social circles. Kids, barely into their teens, are comparing themselves to the manufactured images their friends create through photo-editing apps! It's as if there's no safe place where they can be themselves without feeling judged. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery revealed that 13 per cent of plastic surgeons mentioned patients who wanted procedures specifically because they didn't like their appearance on social media. Most of them were teenage girls.

Despite the positivity that exists in the world, the media fixates on the negatives, which can leave us all feeling vulnerable.

Dina Borzekowski, professor at Johns Hopkins school of public health says," social media may have a stronger impact on children's body image than traditional media because messages and images are more targeted: if the message comes from a friend it is perceived as more meaningful and credible."

Can too much information be to blame?

Brayden, a 20-year-old university student, believes that while it's great that the Internet gives kids access to worldwide information, it's also part of the problem. He shared that kids today are more aware of world issues than ever before and it's creating an enormous amount of stress. It's about control. Constantly seeing images of natural disasters and countries at war, but feeling unable to actually DO anything about them, can leave a teenager feeling powerless. This can make them want to reclaim the feeling of control by turning their attention inwards and asking themselves, "What CAN I change?" The answer is usually something about themselves. Maybe they need to change their hair, their weight, etc.

Despite the positivity that exists in the world, the media fixates on the negatives, which can leave us all feeling vulnerable. That's exactly what marketers want. The weaker we feel, the stronger they get. Once we feel desperate for change, they're ready to sell us something to help us do that.

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Dina Borzekowski, professor at Johns Hopkins school of public health says," social media may have a stronger impact on children's body image than traditional media because messages and images are more targeted: if the message comes from a friend it is perceived as more meaningful and credible."

Parents can help by monitoring their kids' screen time and what they're doing while they're on there. Discuss critical thinking. Teach them to be critical of the negative messages instead of themselves.

Seeing more of the world is leading kids to see less of themselves, and that needs to change.

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Eastern white cedars (Photo by Mike Dembeck)

Canada is rich in forest habitats, with many unique forests in each province. More than half of our country is covered in forests, and Canada is home to almost 10 per cent of the world's forests. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is dedicated to preserving forests coast-to-coast, from the boreal forest in Newfoundland to the majestic coastal forests of Vancouver Island. We've chosen ten of our forest properties that are publicly accessible for you to explore.

1. British Columbia's coastal Douglas-fir forests

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Mt. Tzouhalem, British Columbia (Photo by Mike Szaszik)

Chase Woods Nature Preserve is a 100-acre (40-hectare) property located on Mt. Tzouhalem in British Columbia's Cowichan Valley. Dominated by trees clinging to dramatic cliffs rising above Cowichan Bay, Chase Woods is well-loved and travelled by locals and hikers. This old-growth forest includes centuries-old Douglas-fir and arbutus, and pockets of rare Garry oak meadow. Bats and peregrine falcon nest in the cliffs and caves on this special preserve.

2. Alberta's majestic Crowsnest Pass

Crowsnest Pass, Alberta (Photo by NCC)

The remote Crowsnest Pass in Alberta is storied for mining, being an important railway connection through the Rockies, and the disastrous Frank Slide, where the town of Frank was lost in a massive rockslide in 1903. The Crowsnest Pass is also home to an ecologically diverse Interior Douglas-fir forest, where wide-ranging carnivores, elk and deer can call home. Included in this forest is NCC's Lusicich Estate property, where visitors who are willing to venture off the beaten path will be rewarded with a close-up experience of the Phillipps Pass, which transverses through the area and along the Crowsnest Lake, and a look at some of the province's majestic Douglas firs.

3. Saskatchewan's West Parklands Natural Area - Maymont 5

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Maymont 5, Saskatchewan (Photo by Don Dabbs)

On the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River, just south of the town of Maymont, Saskatchewan, is a 136-acre (55-hectare) property called Maymont 5. Many rare or endangered species make their home here, including lake sturgeon that plies the waters of the river this property hugs.

This area is a part of West Parklands Natural Area in Saskatchewan, which forms the southern transition to the boreal forest, a type specific to Canada's Prairies.

Visitors to Maymont 5 will find a collection of waterfowl, grassland birds and mammals - but no marked trails. You can start your journey just south of the Maymont Bridge at the barbed-wire fence entrance and walk east across the property, crossing through narrow bands of aspen forest and dry grassland knolls before climbing the fence line to the height of land to watch the waters of the river flow by.

4. Manitoba's Elk Glen

Elk Glen, Manitoba (Photo by NCC)

Elk Glen is a 1,596 acre (645 hectares) property which is right next to the southern boundary of Riding Mountain National Park in western Manitoba. The north of the property consists of mixed-wood forest, transitioning into aspen and oak forests to the south. The olive-sided flycatcher, Canada warbler, bear, moose and elk all make their home here.

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Before heading out to Elk Glen, please contact the Manitoba Region at 1-866-683-6934 to obtain prior permission and coordinate your visit.

5. Ontario's Happy Valley Forest

Happy Valley Forest, Ontario (Photo by Mike Dembeck)

The Happy Valley Forest is a 2,850 acre (1,154 hectare) forest located in King Township north of Toronto. It is one of the largest remaining intact deciduous forest tracts on the ecologically significant Oak Ridges Moraine, and supports more than 110 bird species and a number of species at risk, including endangered plants and salamanders.

Happy Valley is a shining example of the upland sugar maple and beech forests native to this area. Its old-growth features take visitors back to a time before the first loggers began cutting the forest giants of southern Ontario.

6. Quebec's Green Mountains Nature Reserve

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Mount Foster, Green Mountains, Quebec (Photo by Mike Dembeck)

Quebec's Eastern Townships give Montrealers a chance to enjoy nature an hour away. NCC's Green Mountains Nature Reserve is the largest privately held Quebec conservation area; a stunning 17,300 acres (7,001 hectares) of pure, untouched wilderness. This forested area provides habitat for 20 at-risk plant species, birds of prey such as owls and hawks, and various mammals including bears, bobcats and moose. The forest boasts deciduous birches, beeches, ash and maple at lower elevations, which are stunning to view in the fall, and mixed-wood forests of fir, spruce and birch at higher elevations.

7. New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy - Musquash Estuary

Musquash Estuary, New Brunswick (Photo by Mike Dembeck)

The Musquash Estuary is the Bay of Fundy's last fully-functioning estuary. An estuary is a transitional space between rivers and coasts, where high levels of nutrients make estuaries one of the most biologically productive environments in the world. The massive area -4,233 acres (1,713 hectares) - covered by the Musquash Estuary is home to six important habitats from the Bay of Fundy region, including coastal forests. The NCC has established and maintains two hiking trails which give visitors an immersive experience in this ecologically diverse area.

8. Nova Scotia's Gaff Point

Gaff Point, Nova Scotia (Photo by Mike Dembeck)

If you're looking for a coastal hike on Nova Scotia's South Shore, Gaff Point near Lunenburg, Nova Scotia will reward you with thrilling views of the ocean. The trail starts on a white sand beach, meanders and climbs through a rugged and windswept conifer forest, and opens up to heaths and grasslands overlooking the shore below. Whales, seals and a variety of birds are just some of the wildlife you'll see on a hike to Gaff Point. A seven-kilometre hiking trail is accessible off Hirtle Beach.

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9. Prince Edward Island's Boughton Island

Boughton Island, Prince Edward Island (Photo By Mike Dembeck)

Boughton Island is PEI's third-largest island and has been completely uninhabited since World War II. Wildlife diversity has bloomed on Boughton, and locals often take day trips to Boughton to try to catch a glimpse of the bald eagles, great blue herons, and the endangered nesting piping plover. Its diverse habitats include six kilometres of pristine shoreline and spruce forests, which you can enjoy with walks through old roads constructed before the island's limited settlements and lobster cannery were abandoned.

10. Newfoundland: Boreal forest and the Salmonier River

Salmonier River, Newfoundland (Photo by Mike Dembeck)

The Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland is home to North America's most easterly forest. The forest consists primarily of stands of balsam fir, with white and yellow birch interspersed. This unique forest habitat also has a high diversity of lichens, believed to be unmatched when compared to the boreal forests of the rest of Canada. Many of these species are uncommon, declining, or at risk worldwide, such as the endangered Atlantic population of boreal felt lichen.

This post originally appeared in the Globe and Mail and on NCC's blog, Land Lines.

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For all his flaws, of which there are many, President Trump is undoubtedly the antithesis of trigger shy. In his desperate attempt to earn his stripes as commander-in-chief he's already made some tough calls; the response to the chemical attack in Syria last week being one of them. Was it the right call? Maybe. But whether or not you agree with the scale and method of the strike on the Shayrat air base, the swift and decisive action must be commended.

The rest of the civilised world reacted with horror yet passivity. Sympathies and outcries abound but any actionable plan seemed far from the agenda. In a supreme show of spinelessness, no other nation was willing to nail their colours to the mast. This despite the scenes of abhorrence and flagrant violation of humanity. Sarin turns our own nervous system against us triggering inconceivable symptoms within seconds. Violent juddering. The mouth drools and vomits. The bowels and bladder evacuate themselves. A vice-like compression grips the chest. Vision blurs. This progresses to convulsions, paralysis and death inside 10 minutes.

Governments are viewed and discussed through the prism of corporeality; as though they are a tangible entity. But governments are made up of people. Human beings with families, thoughts and emotions. How any living person can witness such crimes against mankind and not will something to be done is beyond comprehension.

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This may cause some to level allegations of being a 'bleeding heart liberal'. But if respect for international law is cause for such a claim, then surely we should all be loud and proud 'BHLs'?

So what are the options? A UN resolution is, sadly, a pipe dream. The Shadow Chancellor said in a recent interview, and I quote, "we must bring Russia on side". Presumably he's hoping to bring Elvis back to life as well. Russia have exercised their veto seven times. By hoping, praying, waiting to bring them round to our way of thinking, we are failing the Syrian people with a strategy that is futile, fanciful and fruitless.

A political solution is, of course, the long-term remedy and the path out of this mess. But if we spend too long looking ahead and ignore today's tragedies there will be no Syria left. Already one in two Syrians are either dead or displaced. What is a country if not it's people.

This is, of course, all just 'fabricated lies' according to Bashar Al-Assad who has once again weaved delusional tales in the wake of an atrocity committed on his people. He presents some interesting alternative facts which are worthy of consideration, but with even a minor probe it becomes clear that most people should, and would, ignore the tall tales being spun. Anyone outside of Moscow, that is. The Kremlin have denied all responsibility, but the attack couldn't have taken place without the support, or passive acquiescence, of Russia.

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And yet we do nothing. We are witnessing events comparable to those of the Nazi regime and while America have taken action, we, the U.K., are trying to put together a strongly worded letter and implement sanctions. Can we really look ourselves in the mirror and feel satisfied that we are doing enough? It's true that we will never be the global hegemon again, but we still have the capacity to shape the world, rather than be shaped by it.

Trump has reasserted the Western commitment to international humanitarian law and taken a stand against war crimes, demonstrating to the Syrian and Russian administrations that actions bring consequences. It was not a declaration of war against either nation, but rather a demonstration of the importance of international humanitarian principles. Both proportionate and necessary.

All that said, the chemical attack is just the tip of a very bloody, violent iceberg. Can we really say that sarin gas crosses a 'red line', but barrel bombs are acceptable?

The international community has been utterly supine in the face of barbarity. Mass murder has ravaged the Syrian people for 5 years. Chemical attacks and barrel bombs are indiscriminate weapons of huge destruction and they continue to this day. A political solution should be aimed for, but more than a heavy dose of pragmatism is needed.
Stefan Wermuth / Reuters

Selective and notoriously biased against poorer children, grammar schools were almost eliminated in the UK. Now they are back in the limelight, with the Conservative government considering their reintroduction.

Parents actually want grammar schools, the education secretary Justine Greening announced on Thursday. It would be a betrayal of trust not to give them what they want. Parents and local communities should decide if they want grammar schools, not politicians.

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In this false but repeated emphasis on parental choice, we find that typical, baffling dynamic of Thatcherite politics. It claims to devolve governmental responsibility in favour of "our people", as Greening repeats, whilst offering very particular rendition of what the people can and should hope for.

Greening's claim that "ordinary working families" would send their children to grammar schools if they had the opportunity is typically deceptive as a policy argument. It is perfectly understandable that a family might send its children to the local selective school, if there is one, in a society that both (a) contains selective schools, and (b) rewards those who have managed to get into them. A society organised along different lines, egalitarian ones perhaps, would present a different range of choices. Parents' wants would inevitably change.

The issue of parental choice appears to be a smokescreen, and the drive for a new wave of grammar schools a distraction. The response from the opposition is that we should be focusing instead on our chronically under-resourced school system and its demoralised workforce. Filtered through the media, this argument is reduced to the shadow education secretary's claim that Greening "cooked the books". Yet again, we have a government minister choosing to "decide the evidence by starting with the policy".

Both political positions emphasise the need to "improve standards" and work towards "better outcomes". Overall we must work towards what Greening calls "a true meritocracy" - though the term meritocracy remains, as always, poorly defined.

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What remains off the agenda, however, is the absence of a coherent strategy for social mobility. As such Greening's "true meritocracy" remains a pipe dream or a disingenuous promise. There is no coordinated institutional response that might provide the groundwork for a 'true meritocracy' in the original (and some might say dystopian) sense of the word.

Since the state first took control of schooling in 1870, a variety of school systems have been attempted, most notably the tripartite secondary school system, pioneered in the mid-twentieth century. Its triad of technical, modern and grammar schools was designed to reflect the natural distribution of ability in the population. This system was gradually replaced by the comprehensive system, with only a few counties, such as Kent, retaining grammar schools from the older model.

At all points in the history of state schooling, provision was fragmented and uneven. Policies were never completely enacted, and old systems and schools deriving from them survived. Still, each model was guided by a more or less coherent vision of meritocracy - the idea that each member of the population should be rewarded for what you know, not who you know. According to this version of meritocracy, only a joined-up institutional response, where all schools were to be part of the same coordinated system, could ensure this would happen. The problem remained consistent: how to ensure through coordinated action that ability and talent are recognised, rewarded, and appropriately distributed across schools and jobs.

Today the situation is very different. We face a bewildering array of academies, independent schools, surviving comprehensives, faith schools, and free schools, which Labour policies as well as Tory ones helped entrench. The disorder inherent in this system seems quite deliberate, or at least convenient.

In this disordered system, meritocracy is an empty term. It is no longer the adopted responsibility of government to ensure that the system, the distribution of talent and reward, is perfected. The problem of meritocracy is reduced to the individual. It becomes a matter of personal resilience and aspiration. Structural barriers (including the problems generated by a fragmented and incoherent school system, not to forget rising levels of child poverty in the UK) recede into the background.

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The fact that there is no overall structural logic regarding schooling (in contrast to the comprehensive ideal, and the tripartite ideal before it) makes any discussion for, and particularly against, grammar schools difficult. We no longer have a strong social ideal by which we might measure any proposed reform. Though grammar schools are today dominated by the wealthy, if they could be reformed to reduce (though probably never eliminate) that bias, there is no strong ideological position that would oppose their introduction.
One of the largest global port operators DP World (the United Arab Emirates) could start working at the Yuzhny maritime merchandise port (Odesa region) by late 2017, Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan said at a meeting with representatives of P&O Maritime FZE, a subsidiary of DP World, on Tuesday.

"Of course, this is a chance for Ukraine. Here we should shoe the united political will and make everything that the strategic investor comes to Ukraine The global investor that would work in the country could give prospects for cargo transportation by sea would attract cargos to Ukraine and create added value for state-run enterprises in the sector," the ministry reported, citing the minister.

Omelyan said that the attraction of DP World is an opportunity for Ukraine to become a part of the global port industry and receive billions of investment in the sector.

"I am glad that the dialog continues and both sides show interest. I will be happy when such companies as Ryanair, DP World, Hutchison Ports, General Electric, maybe Tesla, will be in Ukraine. This is Ukraine's integration in global society of developed countries," the minister said.

According to the press release, at the meeting it was decided to create a working group with participation of representatives of the Infrastructure Ministry, Ukrainian Sea Port Authority, state-run enterprise Yuzhny seaport, Investment Promotion Office, National Investment Council and draw up a road map for the possible ways of investing in the port infrastructure of Ukraine with the clear description of terms and tools.
'Community leaders' - it's an interesting term that I've grown increasingly used to whenever minority communities are under the spotlight. They seem to spring up everywhere, whenever the news cameras turn up to talk about local issues and problems that the media feel warrant more scrutiny this time because of 'wider implications', or whenever the government wishes to do business with minority communities on issues such as social cohesion, religion or in the case of my own local community, counter extremism.

I've never quite understood who appoints them, where they came from and how they came to represent a diverse range of views and opinions within minority communities like my own. Many of you may have heard of the British sitcom 'Citizen Khan', a show based on the charismatic, loud and dedicated individual called Mr Khan who appoints himself as a 'community leader'. Behind the comedy however lies a more serious issue, namely the need for an identifiable and accessible elderly man who can be relied upon to solve issues within his own local community. Yet the problem with placing such an emphasis on one individual such as Mr Khan, is that the other actors have a more peripheral role to play, their voices are not considered as a 'true opinion' of the community nor can they be relied upon to get things done. Not so much of a problem for sitcom, but this very problem translates into reality for minority communities up and down the country.

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The dissenting voices of younger individuals for example, who will be most affected by key decisions affecting such local communities, along with anybody else who isn't a typecast community leader, old and male, are overlooked. The emphasis on dealing with community leaders by the government, a rather lazy approach in which the desire to make dealings with minority communities more manageable, has led to the view that minority communities are all homogenous blocs in which all agree on the issues that affect them and on how they should be resolved. It has usually meant a strengthening in the influences and voices of conservative elements within those very communities.

I recall some of my own experiences, reading the news about incidents in the local community, finding the all too familiar line that community leader (insert name), had a comment or statement to make about the incident, the comment usually fitting nicely into the overall narrative or agenda that the particular newspaper wished to pursue. Although on many occasions the question that myself and many others would ask is, 'who appointed him 'community leader'? I don't agree with what he's just said'. Or let us take the Prevent scheme, the government's flagship counter extremism programme that treats an entire community as suspect. More often than not, it has resulted in strengthening the role of religious leaders as opposed to dealing directly with the root causes of extremism.

The notion of community leaders may appear harmless and informal, yet it is inherently anti democratic, for they are unaccountable and self appointed. Informal though it may appear, it gives added clout to individuals whose views are perceived to have more legitimacy. Minority communities are not monoliths, every individual has his or her own opinion on every issue, framed by their own experiences. If the government wishes to address the concerns of individuals within such communities they should stop dealing with self appointed leaders, convenient though it may be, and deal directly with the individuals, giving them a better idea of the diversity of opinions that exists within such communities.
Photo by Jane Fuller with Sir Anthony Seldon at a Harvard Business Club evening - April 11th 2017.

"Positive emotional energy is the key to health, happiness and well-being. The more positive you are, the better your life will be in every area.' - Brian Tracy

I'm a big fan of Sir Anthony Seldon, not only as an acclaimed historian and one of Britain's most prominent head teachers, but as a person too. I first met him when he was Headmaster of Wellington College, the independent school in Berkshire, where he had just introduced 'happiness and well-being classes' for pupils AND parents! He is co-founder of the national body, 'Action for Happiness' and governor of The Royal Shakespeare Company amongst many other attributes. I call him a modern day visionary!

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At the age of 25 years he took up meditation and yoga and stopped drinking and smoking and began to live healthily with the help of his soon-to-be wife Joanna. After a year or two of living this way he 'began to feel a lightness and happiness that he had never experienced before and realised that every decision we take in life makes us either a little bit lighter, or heavier'. It was at this time he came to realise that 'happiness is a totally different and much profounder experience than the pleasure I had pursued before. It is longer lasting and emanates from meaningful connection with other people, from harmony with nature and works of art and the deepest parts of ourselves.' Everything that I have learnt and been sharing in my previous blogs... When we choose to create peace and harmony and balance in our minds, we will find the happiness and well-being we seek in our lives. The more we are able to nourish that inner connection the less we need of the material life to keep the sense of emptiness at bay!

'Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.' - John Keating, 'Dead Poets Society' movie 1989.

I believe by educating our children, teenagers and adults to take good care of themselves with powerful preventative measures such as healthy eating, adequate exercise, sound sleep and good friendships, we would within 25 years decimate the visible costs to our healthcare systems. How we lead our daily lives requires vital personal choices, however could schools, universities and workplaces help us prioritise well-being by making this the foundation of their whole ethos? Some are already doing this - but not enough...

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'No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.' - John Keating - 'Dead Poets Society' movie 1989.

Sir Anthony Seldon was a pioneer for prioritising the principles of well-being in the whole school ethos and curriculum at Wellington College. He introduced educating the whole child, not moulding children to fit a place in the workforce but 'opening hearts and opening minds' (echos of that wonderful movie 'Dead Poets Society,' 1989). He introduced classes of teaching the 'skills of well-being' by studying lives that have gone particularly well, so the pupils gained an understanding of what might help a life flourish. They learn about the importance of relationships with others, as well as the benefits of good nutrition and exercise. They learn techniques such as imaginative rehearsal (I call visualisation), positively channeling emotional energy and overcoming fears and unhelpful inhibitions. After that summer the school received the highest public examination grades in its distinguished history! Food for thought, eh?

We must bring these lessons into our state school system and see our children thrive. Watch this space!
I speak, of course, about that great plague on British society, FOREIGN AID. Naturally, the right-wing press rarely say it's just 0.7% of the government's but they should. Tell a person aid has gone up by 1.2 billion to over 13 billion (which to be sure, is true) and they'll probably spit their tea out. Tell them under one penny of every pound they pay in tax goes towards to the economic and social development of some of the world's poorest nations, and most people will likely be much more receptive to the idea. 13 BILLION is a big scary figure. 0.7% isn't.

The Mail clearly lucked out - this story, or at least the Mail's reporting of it*, is their perfect cocktail of moral vice: vain, narcissistic spending on foreigners, mixed with drugs, hookers and the EU (*as the correction at the bottom of the article claims, the drugs/hookers/EU angle is perhaps misleading at the start of the article).

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John Stevens, naturally in perfect neutrality, writes: "The surge will raise pressure on the Government to scrap the aid promise at a time when vital services at home such as social care, the NHS and schools are so squeezed." (Because of course the Mail is always so concerned about protecting the public sector.)

The article then goes on to detail supposedly egregious examples of profligacy in aid spending (while quietly noting at the bottom the stated figures might include costs of related projects in the same country):

24,223 for training the traditional rulers of chiefdoms in the western region of Cameroon to implement women's rights.

608 for the Solomon Islands' paralympic team.

15,950 for developing the rugby skills of disadvantaged youths from South Africa

34,577 for building links between the creative industries in the UK and Peru to 'increase the appetite for collaboration'.

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5,183 for reducing discrimination against elderly Palestinians.

8,823 Helping the Albanian police to improve their media handling of major crime incidents, including through a study visit to Manchester.

If that's the most 'pointless' 89,364 worth of spending the Mail could find in over 13 billion, then frankly the government is probably doing a rather good job.

Of course the Mail and other tabloids are free to publish what they want, and it's reasonable to question where foreign aid goes. However, the insistent attacks on not just the particulars of foreign aid but, to some extent, the whole concept of it reinforces an idea of 'elites' imposing their 'vanity projects' on 'ordinary people' against their will, which is not really true. According to a Eurobarometer poll, asked if the UK should keep its promise to development aid, 54% said yes - admittedly hardly a conclusive statistic, but one which debunks the idea it's mere 'common sense' to cut foreign aid.

The tabloids purport to merely 'reflect public opinion' on the issue but, with their relentlessly negative coverage, their sentiment is somewhat at odds with the British public, which is, according to the World Giving Index, more charitable than all European counterparts.

The irony is that there's a good case that foreign aid can work even in the interests of nationalist Little Englanders. In an era when geopolitical tensions are increasingly played out not by soldiers on battlefields, but by lone attackers in ordinary streets and hackers in cyberspace, 'soft power' is vitally important to a major nation such as the UK. Foreign aid, used effectively, can be a brilliant tool to this end, building vital diplomatic and economic relationships. To put it bluntly, what's the point exporting a service or product to a country where the people are not literate or healthy enough to use it? To be sure, it's preferable to do good for good in itself rather than for reasons of pragmatic national self-interest, but the two are not mutually exclusive. And foreign aid supporters are often decried as airy-fairy virtue signallers with no grasp on reality...

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Also, it provides a sharp comeback to the type of person who angrily writes into the Daily Mail (presuming those reader letters are in fact genuine) to fulminate over refugees coming over here and plotting to steal the Queen's corgis and indoctrinate them with the Koran (or some such nonsense)...

"If you dislike immigrants so much, help them stay where they belong...with foreign aid."

I jest, naturally. But it's not an entirely facetious point. Of course, money alone is not going to bring peace and stability to the world, but it's important means of promoting health. education, human rights, culture and other building blocks of a decent, stable society, one which people do not feel moved, or compelled, to flee from.

The trouble is international development has a bit of a PR problem. Success in improving health, education and economies is, almost by definition, gradual and the product of a vastly complicated network of cause and effect; while the failures - whether genuine, exaggerated or downright false - are immediate, ostensibly simple, and sensational (not in the good sense), like 'DICTATOR BUYS GOLD BATHTUB WITH FOREIGN AID MONEY'.

Yet the world is getting objectively better , and while this can no means be put down in the main to foreign aid (at less than 1% of most government's expenditure how could it?), it does go some way towards debunking the idea that it's useless and, instead, indicating it does some good.

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Spotting Koalas among the Eucalyptus, Kangaroos hopping, playful dolphins and deserted beaches. Welcome to South Australia's unexpected gem...

Located eight miles off the South Australia coastline, Kangaroo Island prides itself on its incredibly wild setting. Cliffs soar high above the inviting turquoise water, seals laze among the jagged rocks, koalas nestle in tall Eucalyptus trees, and kangaroos hop freely in the open plains. The beaches? Well they are pristine, with silky-soft white sand that slips through your toes. Here is a little slice of undisturbed heaven, home to just 5,000 people.

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At 1,701 mi, Kangaroo Island is easy to navigate. We begin our adventure in Adelaide, the 'capital' of South Australia state, where we hire a 4WD, tent and camping supplies. The ferry boards at Cape Jervis, just over 60 miles southwest, and within 45 minutes we're in Penneshaw - the main port on Kangaroo Island, where our adventure starts.

Out on the water

There are Bottlenose dolphins - everywhere. Leaping across the front of our boat, dipping in and out of the water around us - their form is elegant, their bodies glistening in the early morning sun. And it's beautiful to see. Local skipper Tony Coppins, owner of Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari, turns the boat engine off and silence falls over us. The backdrop of rusty red cliffs providing a mesmerising scene. Our fellow travellers 'ahh' and 'ooh'. The pod is 12-strong and it feels like they are putting on a show for us as they glide in and out of the water in unison.

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Later, we refuel at the seafront Penneshaw Hotel, with freshly-grilled King George Whiting and chips - a true South Australian staple. But nature doesn't take breaks - and while enjoying lunch, we spot dolphins leaping out of the water in the distance.

Kangaroos and Koalas

We drive southwest to Hanson Bay, where we are joined by the wildlife sanctuary's trusty sheepdog, Maggie, for a walk among the Eucalyptus. A few minutes into the stroll Maggie stops, looks high into the trees, and looks back at us. We sidle up next to her and peer in the same direction. And there she is, a mother koala with her arms wrapped tightly around a young baby. Later that afternoon we are lucky enough to see three more babies protected by their mums.

At the end of the path, the trees clear and the grassy plains open out in front of us. Four Western grey kangaroos are feeding and an echidna slowly panders along the path. Wonderful.

Stunning scenery

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At Flinders Chase National Park, we find the glorious sight of Remarkable Rocks - a uniquely sculptured rock formation, balanced on top of a granite outcrop. Nearby Admiral's Arch is the place to spot the Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals, each individually basking out on the rocks, in the beaming sunshine. At remote West Bay, we wonder down the steps onto soft white-sand. The waves lap along the coastline, the sand feels like silk under my feet. The sea is a little cold, but that doesn't mean a refreshing dip isn't possible - it just depends how hardy you are. As the sun goes down, we watch the sky turn a fiery orange, then pink and finally a calm mustard-gold. It's just us, a deserted beach - and life couldn't be any more perfect right now.

The Sea Lions of the South

At Seal Bay Conservation Park, we are guided along wooden walkways to the beach - home to Australia's third largest colony of sea lions. At this time of the year (early summer in South Australia), the mothers have just left the pups and are now out at sea, feeding. Meanwhile, the young lie on the beach; playing and grappling with each other.

Unfortunately, the sea lions here have a sad story. Until 1953, they were hunted as shark bait - and numbers dwindled to dangerously low figures. When the Royal Society of South Australia requested their protection, they were declared a 'protected species' along the south coast of the island, and since then, happily, numbers have grown. It's a privilege to be amongst them.

The KI way of life

Laidback Kingscote is the perfect place to get to know the people of Kangaroo Island. The local cafe serves up full English breakfasts, pies and steaming, buttery jacket potatoes - while just down the road, KI Tru Thai - the locally-loved street food stand, has locals and tourists queuing up for Green curries. We visit the team at the Fresh Seafood store to pick-up some shelled fresh oysters (6 per dozen). I enjoy mine with a little Tabasco sauce, lemon juice, salt and pepper, but it's Kilpatrick style (grilled bacon, cheese and Worcestershire sauce) that gets the Aussie thumbs up. Both are winners.

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Luxury amongst the nature

Our final stop is to enjoy the beautiful vistas of Cape Willoughby. As dusk rolls in, the silhouette of a lighthouse twinkles in the distance. Waves lap along the shoreline and my partner Brad and I sit back to enjoy our view from our veranda Jacuzzi at the eco-luxury Sea Dragon Lodge. Owners Steve and Helen have kindly left a bottle of wine (a rich Shiraz from one of the 12 wineries here on the island) and a cheese board for us as a welcome and we couldn't feel any more at home. I ask Brad to pinch me to make sure I'm not dreaming.

Find out more at tourism.sa.gov.au
The starting gun of Article 50 has been fired by the time you read this. The UK is leaving the European Union. It is a decisive, historic, moment but the clarity we investors crave for is somewhat lacking.

We do now have a pretty certain timetable for Brexit. We are told we will no longer be EU citizens by April 2019. So starts a series of critical negotiations in which our Government will seek a deal that secures both the terms of our exit and establishes a new trading relationship with our next door neighbours.

At the centre of this new relationship will be a free trade deal. As I have said before, we do not underestimate the importance of getting this deal right. The CLA will be playing its part supporting our ministers and officials in this task, and we will be taking our message across the water to European farming and landowning leaders. Securing the right deal is in everyone's interest.

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There will also be much fighting talk of other free trade deals the UK can establish around the world. Talking and planning is a good thing, but we will be urging ministers to avoid distraction from the main chance. For the food and farming sector in particular, getting our trade deal with the EU right must be the absolute priority.

We will shed few tears at leaving the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). How far the Government is able or willing to design a new policy in the next 12 months remains to be seen. Lack of progress in the publication of the 'green paper' consultations does not inspire confidence that decisions will be made soon. This is not a comfortable reality for farmers looking beyond the guarantee of basic payments up to the end of 2020.

However, the Government is committed to transferring all the rules and regulations that underpin the CAP into UK law as part of the Great Repeal Bill. This opens up the possibility that a transitional interregnum may star after 2020, until such time as the Government has built a replacement and legislated.

That would be the most pragmatic outcome. It is so important to get the policy right for the long term, and on our own UK specific terms. That is more important than rushing to redefine the way we support agriculture and land management in just a few months.

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The challenges of Brexit are urgent, the uncertainty is uncomfortable and both have major implications for our farming and the rural economy. The challenge for ministers, and for us all, is to hold our nerve, create the space to make the right decisions and avoid being rushed into blind alleys that have unintended consequences.
vlad_karavaev via Getty Images

Another week, another round of predictable tabloid hysteria against the UK Government's overseas aid spending. This week, it's the latest Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) figures that are prompting the fury from those that oppose the UK's spending on aid.

The cliche for many who oppose our aid spending is the famous charity begins at home. But this is a terribly misused and misunderstood quote. Most people conveniently leave out the crucial second part which is: but should not end there.

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When Thomas Fuller, the British clergyman and author, coined this famous phrase in the 17th century, he meant the opposite of what people twist it to mean now. He was talking about people (usually men) who would make a point of being kind and generous in public, perhaps at church, but then treat their family at home in a much less generous manner. His point was - act in the same loving and generous way to those close to you in private, as you do in public. He never meant that we as a nation should only help those at home in our own nation, but ignore the wider world.

Which brings us to today's latest aid figures, announced by the OECD. They show that, in 2016, there was a slight increase on 2015 in terms of how much aid is being spent by countries in total - the increase largely because of money countries are spending supporting refugees fleeing from conflict. Six major countries (Norway, Luxembourg, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and the UK) spent the OECD's target of 0.7% of their Gross National Income (GNI) on aid. Between 2015 and 2016, the UK's aid spending increased a little, in line with an increase in economic growth - but it remained proportionately the same at 0.7% of GNI. Four countries still spend more than us proportionally. Germany joined the club of countries spending 0.7% of GNI on aid for the first time, and the UK fell to the third biggest overall aid donor. Increases in aid spending were also seen from Germany, Italy, Ireland, Belgium and the US (although these are 2016 figures and pre-President Trump, so next year we'll likely to see a US decrease). Also, worryingly, overall aid to the poorest countries actually fell by nearly 4%.

While some may disagree, I'm proud of the role that UK Aid plays in helping some of the world's poorest people, particularly right now with famine in countries like South Sudan and Yemen. The UK Government and charities like Christian Aid are helping real people across the world to live better lives in future, by helping them start businesses, receive healthcare and education. We're also helping people to rebuild their homes, health and lives following disasters such as the earthquake in Haiti or Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone.

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While the nation debates what a global Britain should look like post-Brexit, I hope that we can stop talking about slashing our aid budget. It's not in our national interest. It would leave some of the world's poorest people high and dry, and make our world less safe, healthy and prosperous for everyone.

I agree we should keep working to spend our aid as effectively as possible. But let me bust a couple of myths here. The UK's Department for International Development (DFID) is one of the most transparent and effective aid organisations in the world. It has no more waste than any other UK Government department, and its spending is scrutinised by the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (http://icai.independent.gov.uk/). If waste is found in our NHS, we don't talk about cutting NHS spending - we fix the problem. The same should be true in aid. And other departments, such as the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence, who also have an overseas aid budget, need to become as transparent and effective as DFID in how they spend aid.

We need to work smarter to use our aid to tackle the root causes of poverty as well as its symptoms, so that developing countries can move to a future free of aid dependency. For example, climate change is wreaking havoc in the developing world. We know that spending to prepare for and adapt to environmental disasters is more efficient than spending once the disaster has struck, so let's get better at doing this. Let's do more to help women and girls, who represent the majority of the world's poor. And while we're at it, let's keep tackling some of the structures that are keeping poor countries poor, such as the network of secretive tax havens that suck so much money away from developing countries (incidentally - the UK still governs many of the world's biggest tax havens).

I completely accept that there is a huge amount of need in the UK - and we should do all we can to tackle it. But this is not a zero-sum game. We have charity at home, but it shouldn't end there. For less than 1 a week for the average taxpayer, aid has halved extreme poverty in the last 40 years, and child mortality has halved since 1990. We're making progress, and have a global plan to eliminate poverty by 2030 which has been agreed by world leaders. We are working to make a better world that will be good for both the UK and other countries. Now is not the time to give up.

I respect those who disagree with me. I recognise there is a debate to be had, both moral and practical. But I wish we could debate these complex issues openly without sensationalist and false reporting, and without taking half a quote out of context, and using it in the opposite way to how it was originally intended.

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In protecting half the Earth a good place to start is with the 846 terrrestrial ecoregions

A research paper published last week sets out the huge task that lies ahead in reaching the goal of protecting half the Earth. The conclusion that we need to do this to save most of life on Earth comes from one of the world's greatest scientists: the ecologist Edward Wilson (often know as E.O. Wilson). I recently had the pleasure to meet him and to discuss various conservation and ecological subjects, including the future of life on Earth and how, if we wished to conserve most of it, his finding that we'd need to set aside half the planet to do so.

The reason we must contemplate such a step is simple enough: it's because the Earth is in the midst of an accelerating extinction crisis. Caused by the loss and degradation of natural ecosystems, the effects of alien invasive species, pollution and climate change, we are on course by end of this century to lose as much as half the Earth's biological diversity. If that happens not only would critical ecological processes be disrupted but hundreds of millions of years of irreplaceable evolutionary refinement would be lost as well.

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The accelerating rate of species loss - image from What's really happening to our planet? Tony Juniper

We know what is needed to avoid this disastrous loss of diversity, including the protection and restoration of natural areas, and I was struck by how like so many other great ideas that the proposal to protect half the Earth was simple to convey while at the same time backed by a vast body of data. Professor Wilson explained how he'd made the case for the idea in his most recent book, Half Earth. He pointed out how if we did succeed in conserving half of the planet's original natural ecosystems, this would result in conserving between 80 and 85% of species.

He'd reached this conclusion, based on years of insight, including that arising from his trailblazing work with another great scientist, Robert MacArthur, who was with Wilson the author of the 1967 book of The Theory of Island Biogeography . Wilson is now 87 but in the wake of that and many other achievements is today embarked of what could be his most important work yet: making the case for a new global conservation programme based on protecting half the planet for Nature.

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But to what extent might it be possible to reach this scientifically determined and ambitious goal? Researchers have begun to piece together information to reveal the present situation and in a paper published last week set out the basic picture. Their analysis is based on the concept of ecoregions - that is different areas of the Earth's terrestrial environment broadly identified by characteristic groups of animals and plants.

846 terrestrial ecoregions have been identified (which can be viewed on this interactive map). Researchers set out to determine in how many of these we have already reached the stage where half is protected, including in National Parks and indigenous reserves. They found that 98 ecoregions (12%) presently have more than half their territory protected, including parts of the Amazon basin rainforests. 313 others (37%) fall short of half under protection but still have sufficient intact natural areas remaining for 50% of their original extent to be set aside if action were taken to do that, for example across the major islands of Indonesia.

Firefighters battle and illegal fire, Jambi Province, Sumatra, Indonesia. Tony Juniper

Some 207 ecoregions (24%) were deemed to be in peril, where an average of only an average of 4% of the original habitat remains, including the ecosystems of many densely populated parts of the world, such as the British Isles and India.

The implications of this analysis are at top level quite clear. We need to invest in measures to ensure the integrity of those protected areas already established, to designate new ones where natural ecosystems remain and to begin the restoration of those that are already degraded, including to reconnect areas of what have become isolated patches of natural habitat.

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I am writing this blog in an ecoregion where that latter situation prevails. It's known as the Celtic Broadleaf Forest and in this region, covering much of Britain and Ireland, very little of the original ecosystem remains. Restoration and reconnection are the most urgent priorities, a fact increasingly evident in the work of conservation groups, including the Wildlife Trusts and Woodland Trust, who've set out not only to protect the few important areas that remain, but to put back a lot of what's gone.

Ty Canol Wood. A fragment of the Celtic Broadleaf Forest, Pembrokeshire. Tony Juniper

Given how overall only about 15% of the Earth's land area is presently protected for the conservation of biological diversity (and a lot less than that in some countries, including mine) there is a long way to go. And it's not only about protection and restoration of land. Wilson is also focussed on the still incomplete task of understanding what species actually live on Earth with us. "We have several major initiatives in mind to stimulate the realization of Half Earth", he told me, including what he calls a "taxonomic renaissance" pointing out how by the 20th century, and following a couple of hundred years of concerted effort of naming and cataloguing that "We'd only probably gotten to about the 20%".

The fact that we have managed to so far give names to about 2 million of the ten or so million species believed to share the Earth with us says a lot about our priorities, spending billions of dollars on space exploration while starving conservation ecologists and taxonomists of the resources needed to this complete basic work.

The incomplete state of knowledge means, of course, that as the extinction crisis gathers momentum we don't even know what we are losing. Having said that, we have enough data to be confident that the rate of extinction is presently at about one thousand times faster than would be the case in the absence of human impacts.

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Permitting this trend to continue will have many implications for our food and water security and close off options for future generations as what is our most vital ecological heritage - the natural diversity of the Earth - declines. No wonder the scientists working on the Half Earth ecoregion analysis concluded, like Wilson, that an ambitious new global plan is needed.

Professor Neil Burgess, Head of Science at UN Environment's World Conservation Monitoring Centre, was a co-author in the new ecoregion-based analysis. He made the point that although the world concluded an ambitious science-based climate change agreement in Paris in 2015, no such accord has yet been reached to stem the decline of animals and plants. He says it's especially urgent to close this gap not least because of how global nature conservation targets agreed in 2010 expire in 2020 with no framework to replace them. He and his co-authors call in their paper for a new accord. "At this of crisis for the worlds animals and plants the world's leaders need to agree a Global Deal for Nature", says Burgess.
When I went in to give birth to Elijah, I didn't just become a mum, I became a NICU Mum. This was not in the birth plan. I never considered in a million years that there would be something wrong with my baby, let alone I would watch him fight for his life in the Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for nine days before we could finally bring him home.

You wake up in an unfamiliar room, it takes a few seconds but then it hits you like a ton of bricks. You instinctively feel your deflated stomach. Your bump is gone, you scan the room, in the distance you can hear people and babies. That noise isn't your baby, you are not even in the same room as your baby. The empty incubator and car seat are stark reminders of this. You are not on the ward with the other mums, you are in a side room. Alone.

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As soon as you possibly can, you get out of your room, not caring what you look like, you have one goal in mind - get to your baby. No matter what physical state you are in, you waddle/ hijack a wheelchair. You do what you can to get there, not caring about eating breakfast or seeing a midwife as the pity is too much to handle right now. Your physical health means nothing to you, you will push yourself to the limit for your baby.

You have a knot in your stomach, and you could physically pass out as you approach the NICU double doors. You press the buzzer to enter and sanitise your hands. You're shown to the room your baby is in, beginning to get overwhelmed almost instantly. The machines with their alarms going off is a sound you will hear for a long time even when you are not there. The lights, the doctors, nurses, the other babies and their parents looking as strained as you seem to all blur into the background.

Then you see your baby, they are hooked up to everything and suddenly your knees buckle. It is something you can never get used to, never un-see. You spend nearly the whole day sitting by the side of your baby, hoping, praying that you will be able to bring them home. Ignoring the pangs of hunger or the fact you have sat there for two hours straight - when you are holding your baby's hand through the door of the incubator nothing else matters. You know the daily routine of the NICU, when the doctors come around, who is the best to talk to, the shift changeover, when they turn the lights down at night. You try and fit into it, you try to be any sort of mother you can, but most of the time you feel like a spare part, in the way of the medical staff doing their jobs. At times, you feel like you have to ask permission to be a mother to them.

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When you do take a break, it is normally spent in the hospital cafe, using that time to update family and friends. You don't really want to eat but you force it down. You don't taste anything, you don't enjoy it. You're on autopilot wrestling with the fact you shouldn't be away from your baby. Everything you do is timed around them, you don't want to miss a feed, or a nappy change or even when those jobs have been done. You scroll through the photos you have taken, later these will even be hard for you to look at.

The time in the NICU has a strange way of going quickly and slowly at the same time. You're in a world you didn't ask to be in, one that at times feels like you cannot escape from. You feel trapped, you spend so much time in your head sitting by the side of your baby. The feelings of anger, guilt, resentment, anxiety and shame overwhelm you. It is like you are viewing the day and what is happening through someone else's eyes.

The milestones you reach when you are in NICU, are not the ones you would be celebrating if you were at home. Dressing your baby, changing their nappy, feeding them for the first time, moving into a cot - all things that are taken for granted - but when you achieve these in the NICU it is like you have won the lottery. You hold them close, you shout them from the rooftops, share them with everyone you know. Then come the dark days, where no milestones are met, setbacks that make you catch your breath and your stomach drop to your feet. You fear you will lose them all over again.

Then comes the night, it will be something you will dread. Although there is a 24-hour access policy, you tend to have to make the heart wrenching decision to leave your baby. To return to your hospital room, or home. Spending the night without your baby is traumatic. You won't sleep, you will go through the motions of resting but your mind will not turn off. You call the NICU at 3AM just to make sure they are okay. You wake up to the empty cot again, and your day begins. No sleep, barely functioning and going through every emotion you can possibly go through. It is like Groundhog Day.

This is your life as a NICU Parent, this will be your life until you hear those words you have imagined in your head, 'You're going home'.
One of the creepiest moments in horror film history occurs in Poltergeist when a family's young daughter, Carol Anne realises that there are beings, with intent to harm, watching and listening to her family via the TV. She eerily turns to the camera and announces: "They're heeeeeeere!"

We recently experienced a very similar moment for real - when WikiLeaks revealed that the CIA can hack into everyday smart devices to monitor unaware citizens. There was no Poltergeist-style freaking out, even when it was reported that US and British intelligence agencies are capable of recording personal conversations via Samsung smart TVs - regardless of whether the device was on or off.

As a security expert, what freaks me out most about this creepy turn of events is that we appear to be sleepwalking into a culture of surveillance, without exercising our right to personal choice about the level of privacy we want in our lives.

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In order to regain control of our most personal spaces, we need to wake up to the hard facts about the astonishing lack of security built into these not-so-smart smart devices. So, time for some hard home truths:

Every connected device can be hacked

The WikiLeaks revelations show the astonishing potential for our homes to be hacked via our most trusted personal devices. We welcome these seemingly benign modcons into our home to make our lives easier - from smart lights to shelf-scanning fridges to intelligent thermostats - not realising they're actually monitoring us in stealth. What the recent news of the CIA hacks made clear was that any appliance which is online is vulnerable to hacking, no matter how harmless it appears. Once the device vendor enables this data collection for its own use we must assume that this capability is available to hackers as well.

Hackers can be anyone, from anywhere

Again, what WikiLeaks has showed is that hackers are not necessarily the stereotypical rebellious teenager working from his/her bedrooms causing mischief, or hardened offshore criminals. They can be law enforcing government agencies. They can be your neighbours - or your frenemies. This has huge implications, with some researchers warning that this level of privacy invasion in our homes could be detrimental to community spirit as we become increasingly distrustful of others.

Your privacy is gone if your devices are hacked

Once a hacker cracks your system via a vulnerable device, no matter which one it is, they can take control of all your connected devices. They can remotely activate them, change settings, rack up huge bills and observe your every move. Big Brother is indeed, watching. Not only that this data can be used for already known cyber crimes such as identity theft and many other fraudulent activities.

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No one will protect your connected devices

If you buy a new smart gadget you might assume that the manufacturer has considered, and built in, the necessary security measures to protect your privacy. The truth is that manufacturers are much more interested in launching products quickly, and developing and monetising the latest trends, then they are not prioritising security. Protecting your smart home from privacy invasion comes down to you, and with connected devices forecast to reach 21bn by 2020, your home is increasingly vulnerable.

Sound daunting? it is. Securing a home network is a huge challenge to IT pros, not to mention average customers. So, where should you start? The first thing you need to think about is how much you value your privacy and what you're prepared to do to protect it.

For instance, some people are not worried about being observed, taking the attitude: "If I've got nothing to hide, then what's the problem?" However, others feel uncomfortable - violated, even - by the thought that someone could be listening to their most personal conversations, from chats with their children to intimate bedroom moments. They're also worried about the potential for family safety to be compromised as a result, too.

If you fall into the latter camp, you are in the majority. Nearly two-thirds of consumers are worried about smart home devices listening in on their conversations, according to a recent Gartner survey.

Here are some steps you can take to protect your privacy:

Check your device's' privacy settings and change according to what you're comfortable with Don't share your passwords - remember what I said about frenemies? Upgrade software as soon as you can to iron out bugs and vulnerabilities in the system Don't use the same Wi-Fi network for your devices and your main computer Use devices that encrypt data Use an artificially intelligent system like Dojo which provides tailored security and privacy for each device, constantly monitoring for internal and external attacks and privacy breach.
One Ukrainian soldier was wounded in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in Donbas on Monday, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's spokesman for ATO issues, Oleksandr Motuzianyk, has said.

"Last day, none of Ukrainian military died in the ATO zone, one was wounded as a result of mortar shelling in the area of Chermalyk, Mariupol district," he said at a briefing in Kyiv on Tuesday.

According to Motuzianyk, in the Luhansk sector the enemy shelled the ATO forces positions four times, used mortars once.

In the Donetsk sector, the main hostilities were conducted in the Avdiyivka area, where militants used light weapons, mortars, once using a 152 mm cannon. In the area of the Butivka mine and Katerynivka mine, illegal armed formations fired using small arms and grenade launchers. One provocation was registered in Opytne.

In the Mariupol sector, 24 shellings were recorded, three of them with the use of mortars. Shooting was recorded in Maryinka and Volnovakha districts, in Chermalyk, Shyrokyne and Talakivka.
What to know before you vote today
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has held a telephone conversation with the President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan and discussed the development of cooperation between the two countries and the issues of the regional and international agenda.

"The leaders discussed further steps to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries. In this context they noted the importance of holding the Sixth Meeting of the High-Level Strategic Council between Ukraine and Turkey in Kyiv," the press service of the Ukrainian president said on Tuesday.

Poroshenko thanked Erdogan for the constant support of Turkey for the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

"The sides also touched upon topical issues of the regional and international agenda, in particular, on the development of the situation in Syria," a message says.

Also, the president of the Ukrainian state noted the completion in Turkey of a political campaign to amend the Constitution of the country.

The President of Ukraine expressed his condolences in connection with the helicopter crash in the east of Turkey.
While LinkedIn may not be the first place that comes to mind when you are promoting an event, it is an excellent platform to 
Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference 'Fanchi-Invest: How to Successfully Combat Lawlessness of Local Law-Enforcers?'

On Wednesday, April 19, at 13.00, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference entitled "Fanchi-Invest: How to Successfully Combat Lawlessness of Local Law-Enforcers?" with the participation of Director of Fanchi-Invest LLC Roman Stefanchyshen (8/5a Reitarska Street). Registration requires press accreditation. More information by phone: (050) 840 80 63 (Fedir Levchenko).
Support Local News We show up at hurricanes, budget meetings, high school games, accidents, fires and community events. We show up at celebrations and tragedies and everything in between. We show up so our readers can learn about pivotal events that affect their communities and their lives. How important is local news to you? You can support independent, unbiased journalism and help iBerkshires grow for as a little as the cost of a cup of coffee a week.
Annie Rodgers gives an overview of community engagement at the Coalition forum on April 14. Amber Besaw introduces the Coalition forum. Christine Witruk of the YMCA makes a point at the Coalition. The forum ended with some brief information, about the Coalition's Community Outreach Training Program. PreviousNext

Community Involvement Discussed at Coalition Forum

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  A larger percentage of people who come to the monthly Northern Berkshire Community Coalition forums do so because their jobs require it.



At the April forum on Friday, the focus was not on those jobs, or what those people do from "9 to 5," but rather, on what they do from 5 to 9 p.m. when they are not working.



NBCC Executive Director Amber Besaw started off the forum, titled "Creating Community 9 to 5 and 5 to 9" by asking the 50 attendees what they do in their off-hours to help the community. Bewsaw said the topic was one that had sparked interest last fall, but had gained traction with the release of the State Farm commercial that shows a man being followed by needs in the community  like homelessness, youth dropout rates and animals in need  until he signs up to be a volunteer himself.



"This is an exciting topic," Besaw said. "There's sort of a thing out there. People are looking for an opportunity to help."



Some ways that people at the forum said they helped included coordinating a program to send coupons to military families, volunteering as a family mentor, joining the Roots Teen Center board of directors, teaching Sunday school and cleaning up trash in their neighborhoods.



Those are all commitments of varying degrees, and that led to the main discussion of the morning: the difference between "community engagement" and "community organizing."



Annie Rodgers, former Coalition neighborhood coordinator, took the lead on community engagement, explaining that it wasn't civic or social engagement but instead creating a broader program or plan to benefit the community.



"It's bringing a much broader community together," said Rodgers, giving examples of community engagement such as developing a neighborhood association or a creating a citywide disaster plan. "It's really looking at it in a community lens, a we're-all-in-it-together kind of thing."



Wendy Krom, the lead organizer of the Berkshire Interfaith Organizing group, explained that "community organizing" is not a direct service or one-on-one advocacy but instead about making "systemic changes." Using her own Berkshire Interfaith Organizing as an example, she said that one church can operate one food pantry, but having the group of 17 religious organizations advocate for more funding for all food pantries is more effective.


Letter: Support Pollinator Resolution

To the Edtor:



I'm greatly encouraged by the citizens in Williamstown who want to make the community more pollinator friendly. Stephen Dravis' article, "Williamstown Resolution Looks to Change Bee-havior" (iBerkshires April 9) reports how bees are a vital natural resource for food production and biodiversity protection.



Bees are disappearing at an alarming rate, as emphasized by Williams College Biology Department Chair Joan Edwards, who spoke at the town's recent Agricultural Commission meeting. Sharing this concern, a number of other communities launched Western MA Pollinator Networks six months ago to expand pollinator safe habitat through education, tours, and collaboration.



Along with Williamstown voters supporting this non-binding resolution at the May town meeting, all North County residents can help advance pollinator-friendly policies in the state legislature.



An Act to Protect Massachusetts Pollinators (H-2113), filed by state Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston, advocates common-sense restrictions on neonicotinoid (systemic) pesticides that have been scientifically shown to harm honeybee populations, including contributing to bee colony collapse. This bill now has 135 Democratic and Republican co-sponsors including North County state Rep. Gailanne M. Cariddi.

Peggy MacLeod

Florence

Western MA Pollinator Networks
McCann Principal Justin Kratz, left, instructor Thomas Matuszak and Haas sales associate Dylan Phelps pose with the Haas Foundation's $15,000 grant to McCann. Instructor Thomas Matuszak explains how the machine works along three axes. Samples of Teddy Roosevelt's head. PreviousNext

McCann Tech Gets $15,000 From Haas Foundation for Scholarships



A metal globe made on one of the Haas CNC machines. NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  Scholarships, resources, recertification programs.

Those are some of the ideas being taken up for a $15,000 grant made to McCann Technical School's machine technology program by the Gene Haas Foundation.

"The immediate impact would definitely be helping out our senior class of 2017, helping those kids move forward," instructor Thomas Matuszak said on Tuesday.

This is the second Haas grant to a local school; last week, Taconic High School's manufacturing program received $10,000 toward scholarships.

Dylan Phelps, a sales associate with Haas, said he has been reaching out to school's within his district  Western Mass and the state of Vermont  to let them know about Haas machines and scholarship opportunities.

"Schools like McCann or Taconic, any kind of school that has a manufacturing program, can apply," he said. "And they can apply as many times as they want ... and students themselves can apply as well. It's not just for the schools."

Haas Automation builds computer-controlled machining and milling equipment  CNC, or computer numerical control  for a wide variety of materials. McCann has several of the machines for different levels of competency and Phelps said they are used both for training and in the workplace. The control boards are the same across models as well to ensure skill sets are transferable across machines and between work and school.

The foundation was created by owner Gene Haas in 1999 to initially provide support to his own community and has since grown to provide resources for manufacturing and machining programs and students around the country. More than $50 million in grants have been donated to more than 4,000 organizations and schools to date.

The money can be spent on programs, teacher training, scholarships and student support.

"It's a great program and we certainly will be applying again," said Kratz, "to give our students the best foot forward we can."

Matuszak said a number of his students are heading into postgraduate programs and this donation will be a "huge step" in offering them some support. For others heading into the workforce, there may an opportunity to provide them with toolboxes or other resources they may need.

But McCann's also thinking about other needs in the community, such as displaced workers who may require updated training. Matuszak pointed to the recent closure of Marland Mold in Pittsfield as an example.

"They're looking at trying to find some workforce development for the people that are already in manufacturing careers and the things that they're finding out from local businesses ... they're very talented people but some of them might be lacking master CAM experience, like computer-aided machining, and maybe we could put together a program for adults in manufacturing," he said.

Prinicipal Justin Kratz said a retraining or certification program might be an option.

"If you've been in the field for 20-25 years and for whatever reason your employer goes out, you're in a position where you're not up to date with the latest and the newest," he said.

The priority, however, is creating a younger, skilled workforce ready to step into the more complex demands of modern manufacturing.

Phelps, who graduated from a New Hampshire community college in machine tool and manufacturing, said he'd been "the kid" in the places he'd worked while in school.

"The age gap between me and the next youngest was ridiculous ... the next youngest was 40-45 years old," he said. "We need students to be going into this trade because the 45-year-old is going to eventually retire."

Phelp's doing his best to connect with schools within his sales area and Matuszak said it's been good to have a young face working with the school system and speaking with the students. Both pointed to opportunities in skilled manufacturing with wages well above minimum.

The Manufacturing Institute's most recent Skills Gap Report in 2015 estimates that more than 2 million manufacturing jobs will go unfilled in the next decade; about 15,000 to 16,000 of those are in New England. The report says it's a combination of a dearth of skilled labor and an aging workforce.

Phelps said he'd been able to pay for his own degree by working while in school, one advantage of a manufacturing job. And Matuszak said several his students have jobs already lined up and employers are willing to help them continue their educations.

"It's going to take them time to get their associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees," he said. "Not only are they working generating money, these local companies are helping them out by reimbursing them for their college classes."
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Accompanied by Nigerias Representative on the ICAO Council, Capt. Musa Shuaibu Nuhu, at a March 31 bilateral meeting with the leaders of Nigerias aviation sector, the President of the ICAO Council, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, reiterated the UN agencys continued support for the country as it continues to pursue enhanced international air connectivity.

President Aliu pointed in this regard to ICAO technical assistance in the preparations for the certification of Nigerias two major airports, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The meeting took place in Ikeja, Nigeria, and was attended by the Director General of Nigerias Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Muhtar Usman, the Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Capt. Folayele Akinkuotu, the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr. Saleh Dunoma, the Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt. Abdulsalam Mohammed, the Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Prof. Sani Abubakar Mashi, and the Commissioner of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) Engr. Akinola Olateru.

The participants discussed the challenges faced by their respective organizations, expressing their gratitude for ICAOs assistance toward the resolution of several issues. Preparations for the Fifth Annual Search and Rescue Summit, cyber security threats, human resourcing needs, and infrastructure upgrades were also explored.

ICAO has provided significant assistance to Nigeria to date, notably through its No Country Left Behind initiative, in order to ensure its leaders have every opportunity to improve the States compliance with global aviation standards, a prerequisite to optimize the potential socio-economic benefits of aviations global connectivity.






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Montreal, 18 April 2017  Strengthened alignment on the development of aviation in Africa has resulted from high-level bilateral meetings between ICAO, the Government of Ethiopia, and the African Union undertaken last week by the UN agencys Secretary General, Dr. Fang Liu.



Dr. Liu was received by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E Hailemariam Desalegn, who emphasized his recognition of aviations significant contributions to the countrys socio-economic development and ICAOs key support and facilitation of the sectors progress. The two leaders reviewed the importance of continued infrastructure investment, capacity-building, and international cooperation in this regard, with issues pertaining to security and aviation safety being of particular note. The Prime Minister expressed his Governments readiness to further strengthen the aviation sector in Ethiopia to contribute to the social and economic integration of the African continent.



The Secretary General expressed ICAOs appreciation for the States commitment and investment in aviation that has triggered Ethiopias leadership in the sector in Africa. Pointing to the strong expansion of Ethiopian Airlines, whose Group CEO, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, was later also visited by Dr Liu, the Prime Minister accepted the Secretary Generals invitation to attend an ICAO event and share Ethiopias experience with other States, both in the region and beyond, to showcase the important role States can play in supporting air transport development and the broader socio-economic returns resulting from these efforts.



Further to the enhancement of aviations contributions to African development, Dr. Liu held a bilateral meeting with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, notably with a view to ensuring the realization of the strong cooperation between their two organizations that is crucial to fully unlocking the full benefits of African air connectivity. Highlighting the pivotal role of aviation as a stimulant to economic and community development, and as an anchor of public and political integration in Africa, the Chairperson commended ICAOs achievement in recent years especially the assistance and guidance to African States under its No Country Left Behind initiative.



The two leaders agreed that while significant progress has been realized with ICAO support in the recent past, further effort is needed, with greater coherency and focus. They agreed that greater momentum could be gained by enhancing awareness of aviation issues among African Heads of States, in particular through briefings to the summit of heads of States of the African Union, encouraging commitment to a Single African Air Transport Market (including by supporting the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision), enhancing compliance with ICAO safety, security and facilitation standards, and working in accordance with guidance on infrastructure and human resource capacity provided in ICAOs Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Safety in Africa (AFI Plan) and Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Security and Facilitation in Africa (AFI SEC/FAL Plan).



These views were echoed in bilateral meetings that also took place between Dr. Liu and Ethiopias Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Transport, Dr. Workneh Gebayehu and Mr. Ahmed Shide, respectively. These discussions focussed on the need to sustain and improve the safety and security oversight, the ratification of aviation conventions and other legal instruments, the development of environmentally-friendly infrastructure and participation in the implementation of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), and compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, all of which were recognized to support the sustainability of significant aviation growth in the country.

Resources for Editors



About ICAO

A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, capacity and environmental protection, amongst many other priorities. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 191 Member States.



ICAO's Eastern and Southern African Regional Office

ICAO's No Country Left Behind initiative



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Anthony Philbin

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(Xinhua) 08:20, April 18, 2017

WASHINGTON, April 17 -- White HousePress Secretary Sean Spicer said on Monday that President Trump's 2016 tax returns are under audit and will not be released.

"The president is under audit, it's a routine one, it continues, and I think the American public knows clearly where he stands, this was something he made very clear during the election cycle," Spicer said at the White House daily press briefing.

"We are under the same audit that existed, so nothing has changed." said Spicer.

One day earlier, Trump questioned if protesters over his tax returns were being paid, responding to the weekend's nationwide demonstrations seeking for the release of his tax returns.

"Someone should look into who paid for the small organized rallies yesterday," Trump tweeted Sunday. "The election is over!"

"I did what was an almost an impossible thing to do for a Republican-easily won the the Electoral College! Now Tax Returns are brought up again?" he tweeted earlier Monday.

Trump's latest remarks imply that he has no intention to issue his tax returns, some U.S. media reports commented.

Demonstrators in dozens of U.S. cities and towns, including Washington D.C., New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Palm Beach, where Trump was spending Easter Weekend at his resort Mar-a-Lago, marched on Saturday to demand Trump release his tax returns. Some rallies were joined by thousands of people.

During his campaign and after the election victory, the Trump camp repeatedly refused to release Trump's tax returns, saying Trump's tax returns were under audit. However, many tax experts say Trump is not barred from releasing the information during the audit.

While U.S. presidents are not required to release their tax returns, nearly all U.S. presidents had voluntarily released them since 1970s.

Shortly after Trump's inauguration in January, Kellyanne Conway, senior counselor to Trump, told U.S. media that Trump would not release his tax returns, citing voters' indifference to the issue as one of the reasons.

However, multiple polls have found that the majority of Americans want Trump to release his tax returns. A petition demanding Trump release his tax returns garnered more than 1 million signatures. Many lawmakers, including some Republicans, have also called on Trump to make them public.

April 18 is the traditional tax deadline in the United States.
(Xinhua) 08:21, April 18, 2017

SEOUL, April 17 -- South Korean prosecutors on Monday indicted former President Park Geun-hye, who has been impeached and arrested, on multiple corruption charges including bribery and abuse of power.

Park was accused of taking a total of 59.2 billion won (52 million U.S. dollars) in bribes both directly and indirectly from business conglomerates, called chaebol here, and their founding families.

A total of 18 criminal charges were levied against Park, including bribery, abuse of power, extortion and the leakage of confidential documents.

The disgraced leader became the third South Korean president to be indicted by prosecutors.

Park was removed from office on March 10 as the Constitutional Court ruled unanimously to impeach her over a corruption scandal. She was taken into custody three weeks later.

Park, 65, was charged with colluding with her longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil to receive tens of millions of U.S. dollars in bribes from Samsung Group and Lotte Group, while demanding millions dollars from SK Group.

Choi, who is now in custody, has been branded by prosecutors as a criminal accomplice of the impeached leader.

Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin was separately indicted without detention on bribery charges.

The country's fifth-biggest family-controlled conglomerate is suspected of offering millions of dollars in bribes to one of two non-profit foundations controlled by Choi who is at the center of the influence-peddling scandal.

The contribution, which was made by Lotte in May last year, was returned back to Lotte, right before prosecutors' raid in June into the Lotte headquarters and offices for Shin's charges of embezzlement and dereliction of duty.

In March last year, Chairman Shin met face-to-face with Park and his conglomerate regained its lost license to run duty-free shops in downtown Seoul. The contribution is suspected of being made in return for business favors.

An additional contribution of SK Group was also demanded by the Choi-controlled foundations, but the country's third-biggest family-run conglomerate refused to do so, helping Chairman Chey Tae-won escape indictment.

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong has already been detained for offering tens of millions of dollars in bribes to the non-profit foundations controlled by Choi and a German company owned by Choi.

Park was seen as being embroiled in the Samsung bribery. In return, the Samsung heir was charged with receiving illicit assistance to inherit the management control of the country's biggest conglomerate from his ailing father Chairman Lee Kun-hee who has been hospitalized for almost three years.

The former president was also accused of leaking confidential government documents to Choi who allegedly intervened in state affairs though she was a civilian without any government post.

Prosecutors had questioned Park five times over the allegations since she was arrested on March 31, but she reportedly had denied all charges levied against her.
By Zheng Jianghua, Shuai Rong (Xinhua) 08:29, April 18, 2017

BRUSSELS, April 17 -- The cooperation between the European Union(EU) and China has never been so important in a moment when multilateral global governance is open to doubt, EU's High Representative for Foreign affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice Presdent Federica Mogherini told Xinhua in an exclusive written interview ahead of her visit to China.

China will be Mogherini's first stop of her seven-day diplomatic trip kicking off from April 18, followed by India and Russia.

In China, Mogherini will co-chair the 7th EU-China Strategic Dialogue with Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi on April 19, in order to lay the groundwork for the 19th EU-China Summit in Brussels scheduled for June.

"The European Union and China share the view of a global order based on multilateralism and on the UN system: our cooperation has never been so important, in a moment when multilateral global governance is put in question from many sides," Mogherini said.

She underscored that a greater engagement from China in world affairs can "open so many opportunities, on so many issues of common interest," noting that a Chinese special envoy attended the international conference on supporting the future of Syriaand the region earlier this month, and praising China's crucial role in the Afghanistanpeace process.

"I know there are people in the world who have concerns about a more confident and outward-looking China. I don't share this view," she said, adding, "China can play a very positive role on so many fields, from Afghanistan to Syria, and we Europeans are ready to step up our cooperation in all these fields."

Even in the area of defence, Mogherini also saw deepened cooperation between the EU and China. "One example that comes to mind is that our respective military commanders in Mali and Somalia have identified possibilities for cooperation on capacity-building support."

She also expressed hope that the EU and China can achieve progress regarding the Korean Peninsula issue.

With the 19th EU-China Summit on the horizon, the EU foreign policy chief said it will be another opportunity to deepen not only bilateral cooperation, but also common work for a more cooperative global order.

"We hope that the Summit will register progress on the investment agreement, adopt an ambitious statement on climate change and clean energy and agree joint connectivity projects," she said.

"If we act together, we can be an irresistible force for a free and fair trade, for multilateralism and sustainable development," she added.

She also resonated with the concept of "a community of common destiny for mankind" put forth by Chinese leaders, saying she very much shared what she thought the core of the vision: the quest for mutually beneficial solutions among equal partners.

"This means promoting multilateralism and the importance of the United Nations, committing to a free and fair trade, and promoting a more sustainable development, with more equality inside our countries and among countries," she said.

"We also have an interest, or I would rather say a duty and a responsibility, to work together to tackle climate change and implement the Paris agreement. " she added.

Admitting that there are differences between the two sides, Mogherini underscored it is in both sides' interests to overcome differences and "isolation is not the answer to any of the problems of our times."

"China is a country with the size of a continent: it only makes sense that you look for interlocutors of your size," Mogherini said.

"It is essential that Europe and China continue to make the case for a fair and open international system," she said. " We must demonstrate with real action that we stand on the side of cooperation, of engagement, of strong and just global rules."
SANYA, April 17 -- Two Chinese maritime police vessels on Monday left here for a China-Vietnam joint fishery inspection.

The inspection in the Beibu Gulf involves two police vessels from each side and will be conducted over three days, ending Thursday.

Maritime police will observe the fishing activities and occasionally board fishing boats to carry out random checks, according to China's maritime police authorities. The two sides will also discuss ways of improving cooperation.

The gulf is a traditional fishery ground for fishermen of both countries. China and Vietnam signed an agreement on the demarcation of the gulf in 2000. Deals on peaceful exploitation of resources were later signed.

Joint inspections began in 2006 as an annual event, and were increased to twice a year in 2016.

Chinese maritime police said the joint inspection provided a means for smooth contact with their Vietnamese counterparts, creating a peaceful and harmonious environment for the fishermen.
Participants of TECHTALKS: ERP Business Simulation Powered by S/4HANA posed for a group photo opportunity after finishing and learning from a simulation activity on how they can further empower their businesses with SAPs newest digital core technology.

In an era where digital revolution is the new game, ABM Global Solutions (AGS) has been at the forefront and has continued to introduce innovations to enable businesses to optimize their operations through its digital solutions offerings. A trusted business management solutions provider in the Philippines and an ePLDT subsidiary, AGS, together with SAP, the leading enterprise software company in the world, successfully launched TECH TALKS: ERP Simulation for S/4 HANA at the SAP NAC Office in Taguig City.

SAP S/4HANA is a real-time ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) suite for digital businesses built on an advanced in-memory platform and offers a personalized, consumer-grade user experience with SAP Fiori. It allows midsize to large enterprises to connect all of their business processes, obtain live information and insights, and seamlessly integrate their enterprises within the digital world. This core digital solution also supports the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, real-time analytics, mobile, business networks, third-party systems, and a number of other functions.

The workshop engaged Chief Financial Officers, Chief Information Officers, Procurement, and Sales and Marketing Heads of various companies in an immersive and interactive simulation experience. Participants were grouped together as hypothetical companies where they had to outperform other teams in terms of sales, savings, and growth in a number of simulated challenges based on real-life business scenarios through the S/4 HANA system. At the end of the activity, participants were able to differentiate S/4 HANA from classic SAP ERP.

The workshop aims to educate attendees on how SAP S/4 HANA can empower business users with insights to act in the moment and utilize its immediate, intelligent, and integrated features to go beyond the usual automation of their entire processes. Participants of the event were also encouraged to digitize their business processes to enjoy the opportunities and overcome the common challenges of any business such as data decentralization, business disruptions, excessive spending, and manual errors due to absence of an integrated system.
CommunicAsia2017 Summit speaker, Steve Tan, Partner, Deputy Head  Technology, Media & Telecommunications, Rajah & Tann LLP, shares the legal aspects of adopting new technology and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations./td>

With increasing access to mobile devices and the internet, the amount of data created annually worldwide is predicted to soar to 180 zettabytes (180 trillion gigabytes) in 2025, with approximately 80 billion devices connected to the Internet.

As organisations look towards data to track consumer patterns and guide business direction, they should also be mindful of the legal regulations that govern the protection of data and the possibility of a data breach. In the past year, we have seen some of the largest data breaches in history with millions of accounts compromised and the release of personal data such as addresses and telephone numbers for sale on the black market. Such high-profile data breaches have been increasing in size and prevalence in recent years, with cyber criminals (and even state actors) taking keen interest in obtaining sensitive corporate and personal information. Besides such hacking attacks, a data breach can also arise from employee mischief or neglect, an inadvertent leak, lack of or failure in security measures, just to name a few.

Regardless of the cause, the threat of data breaches is imminent and can have severe repercussions for organisations, especially if they are found guilty of failing to take sufficient measures to secure their data. Singapore's data protection law has one of the highest fines in Asia with each breach subject to a potential fine of S$1 million. Similarly, breaching Europes new General Data Protection Regulation can result in a fine of the larger of either 20 million Euro or 4 per cent of the organisations global annual turnover.

Beyond financial penalties, a data breach can cause irreversible damage to a companys reputation as well as potentially significant damages payable in civil liability to third parties, not to mention possible personal criminal liability for senior management.

Ensuring compliance in an evolving landscape

Organisations should be well aware of the prevailing legal regulations that govern ever growing popular technology solutions such as cloud storage, collection, analysis, and offshore storage of customer data. Here are a few tips for organisations to ensure that they comply with the legal regulations where they operate in.

1. Have a clear understanding of how personal data is used and managed in your organisation. Some questions that business leaders need to ask include what personal data has been collected, who has access to this data, whether the purposes of processing of such personal data are lawful, where and how it is kept and secured, and how long such personal data is kept on file. In some instances, data storage and protection is managed on behalf of an organisation by an outsourced service provider. Organisations need to ensure that they understand the level of protection to the data provided by the outsourced service provider and ascertain whether regulations, including sector-specific ones, permit offshoring or cross-border data sharing. In some countries, there appears to be a growing trend of data localisation which means organisations are not permitted to transfer any such data overseas. Data protection regulations in ASEAN countries are also set to develop in future in light of commitments arising from the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in end 2015 and the continued digitalization of everything. Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines are presently the only countries with dedicated robust data protection laws, and it is only a matter of time before the rest of the ASEAN countries follow suit, with significant implications for foreign organisations operating in those countries.

2. Conduct regular audits and penetration testing. The authorities do recognise the fact that cyber criminals often use sophisticated measures in their attacks. However, as seen with the many data breaches around the world, it is most often the case that the organisation itself has failed to have sufficient security measures in place. It is also a known fact that many organisations are not doing enough to protect customer data or their important data. At the bare minimum, organisations need to meet the regulatory standards for data protection and compliance. Beyond this, they should also conduct regular audits and security assessments such as penetration testing, to ensure the integrity of their security framework and that employees are abiding by set guidelines, especially when handling sensitive information.

3. Be willing to seek external advice. By working closely with professionals such as specialised lawyers with the relevant expertise, organisations will be able to have a better understanding of other factors that could affect their business decisions, such as a digital transformation initiative to move data to the cloud. Legal advice is also important for organisations that operate in a highly regulated industry, such as financial institutions, which could have sector-specific laws that add on a further layer of compliance by the organisation. In the event of a data breach or cyberattack resulting in leaked data, that organisation would suffer the brunt of not only data protection laws but also sector-specific laws.

Ultimately, the burden of cyber security falls on the organisation itself, and regulations call for them to ensure that sufficient security measures and practices are put in place. The proper use, storage, and security of data should not be seen solely as the responsibility of a few good men within the organisation such as the IT head or the data protection officer, but rather as a culture that permeates throughout the entire organisation.

New technological innovations have the potential to disrupt current practices and pose challenges for security management, but with the right data protection measures in place, organisations will be able to take full advantage of these to drive their business forward.
More than 2,500 victims were able to decrypt their data, with more than 1 million dollars already saved, thanks to the global initiative

Just three months after the successful launch of the No More Ransom project, law enforcement agencies from a further 13 countries have signed up to fight ransomware together with the private sector.

The new members are: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Colombia, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. More law enforcement agencies and private sector organisations are expected to join the programme in the coming months. Their collaboration will result in more free decryption tools becoming available, helping even more victims to decrypt their devices and unlock their information, and damaging the cybercriminals where it hurts the most: their wallets.

No More Ransom was launched on 25 July 2016, by the Dutch National Police, Europol, Intel Security and Kaspersky Lab, introducing a new level of cooperation between law enforcement and the private sector to fight ransomware together. The aim of the online portal www.nomoreransom.org is to provide a helpful resource for victims of ransomware. Users can find information on what ransomware is, how it works and, most importantly, how to protect themselves.

During the first two months, more than 2 500 people have successfully managed to decrypt their data without having to pay the criminals, using the main decryption tools on the platform (CoinVault, WildFire and Shade). This has deprived cybercriminals of an estimated $1+ million in ransoms.

The more law enforcement agencies and private sector partners work together, the more decryption tools can be created and made available. Currently, five decryption tools are listed on the website.

Since the launch of the portal in July, the WildfireDecryptor has been added and two decryption tools updated: RannohDecryptor (updated with a decryptor for the ransomware MarsJoke aka Polyglot) and RakhniDecryptor (updated with Chimera).

The fight against ransomware succeeds best when law enforcement agencies and the private sector join forces. Researchers can offer broader malware analysis and services like internet scanning, helping to find connections between different items of data. This enables the police to locate and seize the servers used to manage the attack. In some cases, the researchers insight can also help to track down and arrest the criminals responsible. The seized servers can contain decryption keys, and, when shared with private sector companies this can be turned into decryption tools that help victims to unlock their data without paying the ransom, says Jornt van der Wiel, Security Researcher at the Global Research and Analysis Team at Kaspersky Lab.

Basically, information-sharing is the key to effective collaboration between the police and security researchers. The easier and faster it happens  the more effective the partnership becomes. Getting more law enforcement agencies from different countries on board will therefore improve operational information-sharing, so that in the end ransomware will be fought more effectively," adds van der Wiel.

Europol is fully committed to supporting the enlargement of the No More Ransom project within the EU and internationally to respond to ransomware in an effective and concerted manner, says Steven Wilson, head of the European Cybercrime Centre. Despite the increasing challenges, the initiative has demonstrated that a coordinated approach by EU law enforcement that includes all relevant partners can result in significant successes in fighting this type of crime, focusing on the important areas of prevention and awareness. I am confident that the online portal will continue to improve in the months to come. All police forces are warmly encouraged to join the fight.

In order to broaden the audience and improve results even further, the portal is currently being adapted to support different language versions.

As a second step, the project will welcome new companies from the private sector as well, after a very high level of interest and countless requests received.
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Since the release of their debut record Horizons/Rapture in 2013, The Physics House Band have been spoken of in hushed reverence amongst connoisseurs of psychedelic, experimental math-rock. One of a deluge of bands that have benefitted enormously from the exposure granted to them by the UKs premier celebration of avant-garde riffgasm-wizardry ArcTanGent Festival, The Physics House Band have amassed a dedicated, loyal army of followers committed to mastering the art of dancing to an 11/8 groove. That theyve achieved such adoration with a mere 1,462 seconds of original music to their name is testament to the quality of their output thus far, and after 4 years, the unhurried trio are back with their second record Mercury Fountain. Released through Small Pond Records on 21st April, the record is available to stream in full three days before its official release below.

Guitarist Samuel Organ, bassist Adam Hutchison and drummer Dave Morgan met whist studying music in Brighton. The trio were initially jamming as part of a five-piece (with a vocalist and an additional guitarist) but it soon became clear that the quintets musical sensibilities were at odds with one another. The three of us were listening to some very experimental stuff at the time and wanted to explore that route, explains Organ. The purpose was to have no boundaries, to be able to fully explore creativity and have a project that can facilitate that and push it to its limits.

Mercury Fountain fulfils the brief the trio set upon in their early days exquisitely; a cataclysmic, cyclical odyssey that spirals in and out of kaleidoscopic pockets, serene ambience and frenetic, apoplectic wig-outs, all in the space of half an hour. Theres a very free-form nature to the music that The Physics House Band create, with the bulk of material being written and arranged on the fly in the studio. Considering theres no master plan, its astonishing that the band managed to make the music on Mercury Fountain sound like one long cohesive piece. I struggle to listen to a full instrumental album thats broken up into 12 separate tracks, says Organ. I think its easy to get a bit lost, I often struggle to find a narrative through-line. But if you have a longer arrangement that's split up into different sections which all come together, it can achieve its own narrative rather than trying to fill that that space with a vocalist.

There is a narrative thread that underpins the record however, a spaced-out hallucinogenic journey that encompasses parallel universes, the astral plane and an allegory of emerging from the titular Mercury Fountain only to dive straight back in again (if you play the record on repeat, it loops back on itself seamlessly). Organ and Morgan confess that the majority of these ideas emerged from the mind of the absent Hutchison, mainly as a means to form some sort of cohesion from the madness.

Adam definitely has stronger ideas about a narrative through-line than we do says Organ. Its something he came up with around the mid-point of recording, almost as a way to affirm the arrangement in his mind. We never work out those sorts of things in advance; I think writing to a brief would be too limiting because wed have something to achieve then. If were going into a studio with the aim of making weird sounds, thats a goal we can attain instantly by just plugging in a guitar.

Despite the length of time between Horizons/Rapture and Mercury Fountain, the songs on both began to form rapidly. Some of the bands best-loved early material was hastily written to accommodate various spots on bills in and around Brighton. We had an impromptu gig that got booked and we literally had to write songs on the spot there and then says Morgan. Titan came out of one of those frantic writing sessions, it was done and dusted pretty quickly, maybe in an hour or two.

That song sounds completely different to anything else on that record Organ picks up. If you put it side by side with a song like Abraxical Solapse, it sounds like two completely different bands and that diversity has dictated how we've moved forward. Well have a three minute ambient track one moment and then go into something that sounds like some young guys who listen to The Dillinger Escape Plan. The goal moving forward very much is to release whatever we want.

Seemingly, the first rule of The Physics House Band is there are no rules. This attitude extends to composition and how the songs are malleable, constantly being rearranged and revised for the live environment. We're quite restless as musicians, says Morgan Once we get used to something, we want to change it. The songs arent necessarily going to stay the same way that you hear them on record.

Despite the bands outlandish idiosyncrasies, theyve garnered praise from a vast array of places, including an unlikely endorsement from critically acclaimed comedian Stewart Lee. Writing a review of Horizons/Rapture for The Sunday Times, he wrote of the band, this youthful Brighton trios debut offers ugly-beautiful instrumental progressive rock that aging King Crimson fans think no-one can play anymore.

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Its a cool review Organ says its constructive and it was a really good read. It says something along the lines of we exist in our own realm and pay no attention to anything else that is going on, which is a fine compliment from where Im sitting. It was very short, only a couple of paragraphs but it has always stuck with me. It's nice to have patronage from someone who I feel does whatever he wants to do when approaching comedy and writing. I feel like that's what we want to do musically, so to have someone who gets that and reflects that is perfect really.

Mercury Fountain undoubtedly takes the formula laid down on Horizons/Rapture and cranks everything up to achieve interstellar levels of virtuosity. Its a well-worn music cliche that a bands second opus will attempt to take bigger, brasher and bolder steps than their first, but often so many fall short. But where others have faltered, The Physics House Band have excelled.

I think we want to achieve a step up in every record we make going forward, says Organ. We want people to put on the latest Physics House Band on and say, What the f**k is going to happen on this record? Its important we continue to experiment with different instrumentations and broaden the dynamic range further with each release. I think its important to push those boundaries every time we do a new record. Who knows what well do next; we often say that maybe 5 years down the line, there'll be 12 members of the band. We dont want to put any limitations on ourselves.

Mercury Fountain is released on 21st April via Small Pond Recordings and is available to pre-order now. The band begin a UK tour in support of the record in Darwen on 7th May.
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A river disappeared in just four days after a melting glacier retreated so much that it opened up an alternative route to the sea.

Such dramatic changes are known in the geological record but this is believed to be the first time in 350 years that an entire river has vanished.

The Kaskawulsh glacier in Canada has retreated about a mile up its valley over the past 100 years, researchers reported in the journal Nature Geoscience.

Until last spring, it sent meltwater into the Slims River, which eventually flowed north to the Bering Sea.

However the glacier shrank back so much that the water was able to join the Kaskawulsh River, which flows south into the Gulf of Alaska.

And that saw the Slims River turn into a long thin lake and gradually start to dry up.

One of the researchers, Professor Dan Shugar, of the University of Washington Tacoma, said: Geologists have seen river piracy, but nobody to our knowledge has documented it happening in our lifetimes.

People had looked at the geological record  thousands or millions of years ago  not the 21st century, where its happening under our noses.

River guards showed that the Slims fell abruptly over a period of four days from 26 to 29 May last year.

Recommended Unstable Antarctic glacier could cause seas to rise by three metres

There was barely any flow whatsoever. It was essentially a long, skinny lake, Professor Shugar said.

The water was somewhat treacherous to approach, because youre walking on these old river sediments that were really goopy and would suck you in.

And day by day we could see the water level dropping.

The researchers found that a 30-metre canyon had been carved through the glacier.

Meltwater was flowing through that canyon from one lake into another glacial lake, almost like when you see champagne poured into glasses that are stacked in a pyramid, Professor Shugar added.

Kluane Lake, which was fed by water from the Slims, was about a metre lower by summer last year and is expected to fall further, to the point where there is no longer an outflow river.

10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke  filled with the carbon that is driving climate change  drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan

Dalls sheep, which are protected in the Kluane National Park, are now able to cross the Slims river bed into areas where they can legally be hunted.

Scientists believe the Kaskawulsh glacier is retreating because of a readjustment since the Little Ice Age between the 16th to 19th centuries and as a result of global warming.

Fellow researcher Professor John Clague, of Simon Fraser University, said: I always point out to climate-change sceptics that Earths glaciers are becoming markedly smaller, and that can only happen in a warming climate.


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Nearly half of all the natural World Heritage sites on the planet are being ravaged by poachers who are driving some endangered animals towards extinction, according to a new report.

The illegal wildlife trade was estimated to be worth some 15bn, making it the fourth largest international criminal trade after drugs, guns and human trafficking, according to the Not For Sale report.

Illicit logging and fishing are also occurring on an epic scale.

The illegal felling of trees  a trade valued at between $30bn and $100bn (about 24bn-80bn) a year  was estimated to account for up to 90 per cent of deforestation in major tropical countries.

Fish piracy, blamed by some in countries like Somalia for pushing people into actual piracy, was found to occur in 18 out of 39 marine heritage sites with protected species of sharks and rays among those being caught.

The report, commissioned by conservation group WWF, warned that species listed on the landmark Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites), adopted in 1975, were being killed in supposedly protected World Heritage sites.

Between 1970 and 2012, global wildlife populations declined by almost 60 per cent on average, and illegal harvesting of species was one of the main drivers for this decline, authors wrote.

World Heritage sites now function as the last bastion for many critically endangered species, and unless protected within World Heritage sites, these species will go extinct.

The current international approach to preventing illegal harvesting of Cites-listed species in World Heritage sites is not working, and stakeholders must redouble their efforts and address all parts of the wildlife trafficking value chain.

Recommended African elephants are being born without tusks because of poaching

According to a leaked copy of a speech by a senior Foreign Office official, some of the Governments work on the illegal wildlife trade will be scaled down as trade and economic growth are given priority after the UK leaves the European Union.

But the WWF report said that unless governments, the United Nations and others took additional, immediate measures to address widespread poaching some species might face local extinction and some World Heritage sites could lose their outstanding universal value  the definition of why they are considered special.

It said threatened species, such as elephants, rhinos and tigers, were being illegally harvested in 45 per cent of World Heritage sites, the pinnacle of the worlds protected areas.

Elephant poaching occurs in over 60 per cent of the World Heritage sites containing African and Asian elephants, the report said.

Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania has lost almost 90 per cent of its elephants since its inscription in 1982 and now has only 15,217 elephants left.

The Okavango Delta, a World Heritage site in Botswana, where poachers have been active, was described as a crucial habitat for the elephants in northern Botswana, which make up nearly a third of all the remaining African elephants.

Animals in decline Show all 8 1 /8 Animals in decline Animals in decline Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) Where: Orkney Islands. What: Between 2001-2006, numbers in Orkney declined by 40 per cent. Why: epidemics of the phocine distemper virus are thought to have caused major declines, but the killing of seals in the Moray Firth to protect salmon farms may have an impact. Alamy Animals in decline African lion (Panthera leo) Where: Ghana. What: In Ghanas Mole National Park, lion numbers have declined by more than 90 per cent in 40 years. Why: local conflicts are thought to have contributed to the slaughter of lions and are a worrying example of the status of the animal in Western and Central Africa. Animals in decline Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Where: Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Costa Rica. What: Numbers are down in both the Atlantic and Pacific. It declined by 95 per cent between 1989-2002 in Costa Rica. Why: mainly due to them being caught as bycatch, but theyve also been affected by local developments. Alamy Animals in decline Wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) Where: South Atlantic. What: A rapid decline. One population, from Bird Island, South Georgia, declined by 50 per cent between 1972-2010, according to the British Antarctic Survey. Why: being caught in various commercial longline fisheries. Alamy Animals in decline Saiga Antelope (Saiga tatarica) Where: Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. What: fall in populations has been dramatic. In the early 1990s numbers were over a million, but are now estimated to be around 50,000. Why: the break up of the former USSR led to uncontrolled hunting. Increased rural poverty means the species is hunted for its meat Animals in decline Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) Where: found worldwide in tropical, subtropical and temperate seas. Why: at risk from overfishing and as a target in recreational fishing. A significant number of swordfish are also caught by illegal driftnet fisheries in the Mediterranean Animals in decline Argali Sheep (Ovis mammon) Where: Central and Southern Asian mountains,usually at 3,000-5,000 metres altitude. Why: domesticated herds of sheep competing for grazing grounds. Over-hunting and poaching. Animals in decline Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) Where: the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to South Africa and to the Tuamoto Islands (Polynesia), north to the Ryukyu Islands (south-west Japan), and south to New Caledonia. Why: Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing and trading of the species

About a third of all the worlds remaining 3,890 wild tigers now live in World Heritage sites.

Trying to stop poachers is difficult and dangerous with many prepared to use lethal force.

Wildlife trafficking has also often endangered peoples lives, and between 2009 and 2016 at least 595 rangers were killed in the line of duty, many of whom were protecting World Heritage sites, the report said.

Chris Gee, the head of campaigns at WWF-UK, said poaching was jeopardising the future heritage of these precious places and the people whose livelihoods depend on them.

Next year London will host the Fourth Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference, the UK Government must bolster efforts to support the end of this devastating trade, he said.

Now is not the time to drop the ball on this issue. These findings show that for the future of many of our most endangered species its a matter of life and death.

And John Scanlon, the secretary general of Cites, said it was essential that the convention was fully implemented and that these irreplaceable sites are fully protected.

In doing so, we will benefit our heritage and our wildlife, provide security to people and places, and support national economies and the rural communities that depend on these sites for their livelihoods, he said.

Among some positive signs that the world is trying to deal with the problem, the report highlighted Chinas decision to ban all trade in ivory by the end of this year as a breakthrough that could provide forceful momentum for other countries to follow.

But it said more funding was needed with Cites core budget running at about $6m a year  in stark contrast to the billions being made by the poachers.

Inger Andersen, the director general of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), said: This report is a sobering reminder of just how far this type of organised crime can reach, extending even into the supposed safety of World Heritage sites.

This is a global challenge that can only be tackled through collective, international action.
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Feel that tension in the air? Its the quiet-but-pressurised noise of Samsung executives holding their breath as they wait to see if the new Galaxy S8 is the success they so badly need it to be.

After the Galaxy Note 7 had to be withdrawn last autumn because of safety issues, the S8 really must not fail.

Ive been using the S8 and its larger sibling, the S8+ for a week. So, is it sigh of relief or hard, disappointed exhale for the execs?

Design

The look of the Galaxy S8 is a refinement of the Galaxy Note 7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge. Note that the edge name has disappeared: if you buy an S8, youre getting one with Samsungs distinctive sloping-edged screen, the option for the more conventional flat-edged screen isnt available this time around.

The gloss black finish on the rear of the Midnight Black version of the phone is similar to the iPhone 7s Jet Black option. The difference here is that Apples phone is made of aluminium polished so finely it looks like glass. This is glass. It doesnt pick up fingerprints quite as quickly as the iPhone 7 Jet Black, either. Its also available in Arctic Silver and Orchid Grey, which has a slightly purplish tinge.

The slopes on the screen are mirrored by curved edges on the back of the phone which make the phone fit the hand brilliantly. The edges are super-smooth, the join between screen and chassis almost too subtle to feel.

The phone looks spectacular: classy and elegant in a way Samsung has never come close to before  easily the most opulent phone the company has released. Its a head-turning, tactile beauty.

Theres a lot to admire, from the flush rear camera to the understated company logo on the rear  theres no room for the name on the front, theres so much screen there.

Fingerprint sensor

But theres one big disappointment: the fingerprint sensor. Personally, I prefer fingerprint sensors to be on the front of the screen, though it would require a very different technology to make that happen here.

Sony puts its sensors on the phones right edge, which works well, too. But if its going to be on the rear, it needs to be central and easy to find when youre not looking.

Samsung has put the sensor just to one side of the camera lens and for the life of me I didnt find this an easy discovery. I had to mentally remind myself which side of the lens it was (to the right as you look at the back of the phone) and I inevitably muddled this up when reaching blindly for it as I looked at the front.

Even registering the fingerprint for use was a bit fiddly, insisting my finger covered the entire sensor every time. And it was notable that the set-up screen included a warning not to press on the camera sensor by mistake.

I will say, though, that in use it was very responsive: quick and reliably able to recognise my fingerprint. But I did also finger the camera lens with some frequency.

There are other ways to unlock the S8. Tap in your PIN or use the iris scanner or face recognition process. All of those have the advantage that you dont need to pick the phone up to activate it, though you do have to tap the home button onscreen to activate the iris scanner, for instance.

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

Iris scanner

This has been significantly improved since it first appeared on the Galaxy Note 7 last summer. Its much faster, once youve tapped the screen and you can even doll up the iris area at the top of the display where you have to look. I have opted for a cartoon, er, cat I think it is. Anyway, it makes me laugh.

You do need to open your eyes wide and its not much cop with glasses but this is still a neat way to launch the phone, good enough and fast enough to make using the fingerprint sensor less important.

But you do have to have your eyes in the right place, so sometimes it feels slower than tapping in your passcode, which cant be right.

Face recognition

This innovation is also fun. The phone registers your face and once youve tapped the home button it can use this to unlock the handset, though there have been instances of unlocking using a photo instead of the real you. I havent managed to fool it, I should add. The face recognition was less reliable than iris scanning. It sometimes launched the screen instantly, which felt intimate and enjoyable but other times it said no match or no face was found. You cant have iris scanning and face recognition active at the same time.

I suspect that some users will tire of these features and just resort to the fingerprint or code instead.

Display

The other thing that makes the phone fit the hand well besides the curved edges is the screen shape. Where most smartphone screens have a 16:9 format, this is 18.5:9 which means the 5.8-inch display of the S8 and even the 6.2-inch screen of the S8+ dont stretch your hands. Its hard to over-emphasise the important of this. These are big-screened phones which feel anything but. The S8+ is only fractionally taller than the Apple iPhone 7 Plus and is noticeably less wide. Even so, it squeezes in a display thats more than two thirds of an inch bigger than on Apples phone, and still more comfortable to hold.

There are other details which work well here, such as the fact that the visible screen has rounded corners.

Video playback looks especially good on the S8, filling the screen up to the curved edges and looking vibrant and brilliantly colourful. Video playback, naturally, has squared off corners, not rounded ones.

You can split the screen to watch video in the top part of the screen so you can, say, text on the bottom half. Maybe youll find this handy but in practice I didnt find I needed it. Maybe I just dont multi-task well.

Overall, the display, with its dominance of the front of the phone, exceptionally high resolution (570 pixels per inch), striking brightness and richness, is one of the real highlights of the S8 and S8+. Strictly speaking, the S8 has the better screen in terms of pixel density as its the same number of pixels spread a little bit thinner on the S8+ (where its 529ppi). In practice, both look pretty splendid.

Add to that the fact that this is an HDR display, capable of showing detail in the bright highlights and dark shadows at the same time, and the S8 is the most watchable phone screen Ive seen.

Always-on display

When the phone is in standby, the S8 has the always-on display technology seen on the S7 and on rival phones like the LG G5 and more recent LG G6. This is a very handy system, which actually solves the problem of unlocking the phone in many cases. Thats because one of the most frequent reasons for waking the screen is to see the time, and thats on permanent show here. You can choose from analogue and digital time displays or other options such as an image or twin clocks for when youre travelling. LGs system works a little differently from Samsungs but both offer useful features and indications of whether youve received select notifications. For instance, youll always see the date and battery status, plus whether there were any missed calls or emails since you last looked.

Home button

The home button on the S8 is pressure-sensitive. Its mounted behind the display, that is you press on the display to activate it. This is different from the 3D Touch capabilities of recent iPhones, where the entire screen has extra features related to how firmly you press. This is just one area of the screen  press the wrong area and nothing happens. Hit the right bit and you feel a subtle but recognisable haptic response.

The purpose is that the screen can be as big as it is but the home button still be accessible even if a full-screen app is hiding it.

Bixby

Bixby, youll have heard, is the new Samsung personal assistant software. As names go, its no stranger than Siri or Cortana, I guess. I should point out that Bixby is a work in progress, delivering different features according to your language and region. Voice, for instance, will launch in Korean andh US English imminently, with other tongues set to follow.

You launch Bixby by pressing the dedicated Bixby button on the left edge of the handset.

Press the eye button on the Bixby screen that appears and youre using Bixby Vision. Photo search is notoriously difficult but works reasonably well here if youre pointing the camera at a packet of dishwasher tablets, say. It offered to find places to buy these or to find similar photos. The first one worked well, the second option, not really.

Still, its hard to judge Bixby at this stage as its still unfinished. If it works effectively, it could be a decent rival to Google Assistant (also on this phone) and so on.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy S7 camera was tremendous and theres not much change this time around, with the same resolution rear sensor (12MP), wide-open f/1.7 aperture and speedy autofocus.

Innovations include multi frame image processing which takes three images in quick succession. Other manufacturers, notably Apple, use this for High Dynamic Range images where different exposures can be combined for more dramatic results. Here, the camera chooses the sharpest image and uses the other two to reduce any motion blur. In practice, I found the images were sharp and focused throughout.

Double-press the power button and the camera launches, and quickly.

Software

Samsung has spruced up its shortcut icons brilliantly since the Galaxy S7. The shift to flatter and more layered app icons began with Windows Phone and was taken up by Apple and then, of course, most other companies. Success or otherwise depended on the good taste of the designer.

Taste is a personal thing, of course, but this is the first time Samsung has really delivered, Id say. Cute, simple representations of the camera, messages and even the settings apps are brilliantly done. The web browser puzzles me as it looks like Saturn, or maybe Im missing something.

Still, this is the most attractive app icon design on any Android phone, by a country mile.

Performance

There was no way Samsung was going to risk its latest flagship being a sluggish performer, and its not. The S8 whizzes along thanks to its speedy processor and significant amount of RAM (4GB in Europe).

As with some previous Galaxy flagships, this model is waterproof  a feature thats increasingly common but not quite ubiquitous yet.

Battery life in my tests has been good, charging fast if using the supplied charger and lasting a full day with ease. Wireless charging is also available, though its not as fast, of course.

The phone runs Nougat, the 7.0 version of Android and has 64GB of storage plus a memory card slot if you need more.

There are plenty of smaller features like Bluetooth Dual Audio which lets you play music from the phone through two pairs of Bluetooth headphones at the same time, which show Samsung is fizzing with invention and determination to succeed.

The S8 is not cheap, 689 SIM-free, with the S8+ clocking in at 779, though most people will buy on-contract so it wont be an issue.

Verdict

Breathe easy, Samsung execs. From its looks to its performance, stunning screen to subtle innovations, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is a dazzling smartphone. Sure, theres that misplaced fingerprint sensor and its too soon to judge whether Bixby will be hit or miss, and the price is not low. But for all that the Samsung Galaxy S8 looks and feels just great, and is the kind of phone you dont want to put down.

Its screen shape makes it such a comfortable fit in the hand that you may be wary of wider phones from now on, especially if you plump for the S8+ with its massive screen in surprisingly small shell.

No surprise that this is Samsungs best phone yet, and the slickest Android phone ever.
(Xinhua) 08:34, April 18, 2017

BEIJING, April 17 -- The confession of fallen senior leader Su Rong is part of a textbook for Party members in the province he once served as Party chief.

Su, former vice chairman of the China's top political advisory body, is now spending the rest of his life behind bars for graft.

He was also held accountable for serious corruption in Jiangxi Province, where he was Party chief between 2007 and 2013, according to the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI).

After an inspection team sent to Jiangxi pointed out the delay in handling follow-up issues of Su's case in last October, the provincial CPC committee launched a series of campaigns to educate Party members.

A total of 43 prefecture-level officials involved in Su's case have been investigated so far.

The moves are examples from the changes brought by the 10th round of inspection initiated by the central authority in last July.

Inspections covered 32 central agencies and provincial regions. Inspection teams were also deployed to four provincial regions that have been inspected in previous rounds, including Jiangxi.

Following the inspections, a number of changes have been made.

The Party group of the National Audit Office set up a tracing system to supervise the progress of corrections in response to inspectors' instruction.

The Party group of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee has started dissolving affiliated companies.

The Party committee of the Ministry of Public Security pushed forward regulations and mechanisms to strengthen reforms in selecting officials.
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You may not be aware that in the NHS there are people with roles that are like doctors and nurses, but they are neither. Depending on your view, these people can be either super nurses or sub-doctors. But do they work?

A recent review of research compared these substitute doctor roles with doctors in the long-term care of older people. The results showed that they are better than doctors at improving the health of patients, preventing secondary complications and seeing care through to completion.

They are equally as good as doctors at preventing deaths, prescribing drugs and doing physical examinations. They are also cheaper. This is important as more older people spend their final years in long-term care, which is expensive and health service resources are scarce.

Recommended Nurses vote on strike action over NHS pay cuts

The two main substitute doctor roles are nurse practitioners and physician associates. They are different but have very similar roles in assisting or even substituting doctors. Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced training in diagnosis and treatment. Physician associates are science graduates with similar advanced training.

Super nurses are just as good as doctors at prescribing drugs (Shutterstock)

An American import

As with most of these advanced roles, nurse practitioners and physician associates started in the US. America introduced the nurse practitioner role in the 1940s; they were trained in areas like midwifery and anaesthetics where they could work independently. Physician associates emerged in the 1960s and their role was designed to assist doctors directly with examining patients and prescribing drugs. The two roles have spread across the world and nurse practitioners now exist in over 50 countries, while physician associates exist in over ten.

Nurse practitioners can perform many of the tasks of doctors and are generally well accepted in advanced roles by doctors. But less is known about the new physician associate roles and some doctors are worried. The role is recognised as one that can assist doctors but replacing doctors is another matter.

The lack of professional registration, which helps to define a role, is one worry. It leads to a fluid role which could be used to undermine the role of the doctor and take away training opportunities for junior doctors. Other than that, physician associates lack many of the skills needed to work independently or unsupervised.

Registration and regulation

Nurse practitioners  who have several titles  have existed for over 20 years in the UK and since this is not a registerable profession, the exact numbers are not known. Nevertheless, there are many hundreds working in the UK.

Physician associates have only existed in the UK for about ten years and the government wants to increase their numbers. This is also not a registerable qualification and exact numbers are not known. But in 2014 there were around 200 in the UK with plans to increase that and more than double the number of training places from 100 to 225. The fact that recent research shows that they can be successfully used to replace doctors is good news for the government and universities that provide these courses.

The future for substitute doctors in the UK looks very good. Funding issues in the NHS probably make them a necessity. The evidence that they are effective in at least one important role  the long-term care of the elderly  and often better and cheaper than doctors will surely encourage more growth in training places and numbers in the NHS.

One issue remains for both nurse practitioners and physician associates and that is regulation. Being a nurse practitioner is what is known as a recordable qualification and nurse practitioners can choose to do this with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Of course, all nurse practitioners are registered nurses and must keep that status to work as nurse practitioners. For physician associates, there is the Faculty of Physician Associates at the Royal College of Physicians of London. Registering with them is encouraged but not compulsory.

Proper registration and regulation of substitute physician roles will increase confidence in them and lead to wider acceptance. It is doubtful that patients will turn up at doctors surgeries and ask to see a substitute physician. But soon, it is likely that this is who they will see.

Roger Watson is a professor of nursing at the University of Hull. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com)
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As a photographer who specialises in capturing births, maternity and newborn babies, Nahomie Hann has come face to face with the blood, sweat and tears of labour more often than most. But the culture of fear and uncertainty surrounding the process of bringing a tiny person into the world meant that even she was unprepared for what it would be like.

The excitement died very quickly, says Hann, who is from Canada and lives in Glasgow with her husband. Weve all seen the movies where the pregnant womans water goes, she is rushed to the hospital and by the time she gets there baby is about to arrive. Well, if you expect childbirth to be like in movies, its not, she says bluntly.

Instead, Hanns first birth in 2012 was traumatic she tells The Independent. Determined not to repeat the experience a second time two years later, she did a little digging and discovered the Positive Birth Movement (PBM) which she, like other women, swears transformed her view of pregnancy. The grassroots organisation aims to demystify pregnancy and childbirth with free-to-attend antenatal sessions and social media groups where mothers can share their experiences and ask questions without judgement.

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Founded four years ago, the PBM comes as part of a push for honest parenting, with mothers and fathers speaking openly about how tough having and looking after children can be. And it seems this shift in attitudes couldnt have come at a better time. Birth rates in England and Wales rose from 697,852 in 2015, up from 0.4 per cent from 2014. Meanwhile, our understanding of childbirth is developing. A recent study at Bournemouth University found that portrayals of childbirth in the media affect how people see the process, and highlighted that normal births are missing in pop-culture. And at least one in ten women have avoided pregnancy altogether because they have tokophobia: a deep fear of pregnancy and childbirth, according to the NCT. Triggers can include hearing negative stories, watching programmes depicting shocking birth experiences, as well as miscarriages and stillbirths. Pain and a loss of control during labour are also common.

Nahomie Hann had a "traumatic" first birth

I just thought I'd have a group of women round to my house to have tea and cake and talk about birth, says Milli Hill, the founder of the PBM, a former therapist and mother of three child living in Somerset. Now, there are over 450 groups globally, including 250 in the UK alone. And Hill recently released a book entitled The Positive Birth Book: A New Approach to Pregnancy, Birth and the Early Weeks. This has received praise from Cathy Warwick, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives, who called it "a great read: honest, lively, fresh and helpful. This book puts women in the driving seat which is key to positive change.

Hann wishes she had known about the PBM sooner. When her water broke when she had her first child, she says she was told by medics that she would ideally give birth in 24 hours. When she was admitted to hospital, she says I would be told from time to time to calm down because it was not real labour and I was going to know pain then.

If you expect childbirth to be like in movies, its not Nahomie Hann

I was forced and held down on a mattress because foetal monitoring had to happen. I was lied to that it was mandatory and couldnt be refused.

I was then fully dilated but having been restrained and my legs held down and closed by a midwife meant that my body couldnt even attempt to try doing what it should have had. The midwife realised her mistake too late, refused to wake up my husband and left the room with my weighted down my blankets calling for my husband or someone to help me and remove the monitor and help me move. She was then rushed to theatre.

That is when an angel walked in in the form of a lovely anesthesiologist who heard my wishes, cleared my space, asked for my husband to be brought in first and made sure I was heard. She believes the ordeal could have been avoided if she had been better-informed about her options during labour and had not expected an unpleasant experience.

The positive birth movement Show all 5 1 /5 The positive birth movement The positive birth movement Nahomie Hann from Canada had a "traumatic" first birth Epanouie Within by Nahomie Hann Photography The positive birth movement Hann advises parents-to-be: "Reach out. Talk. Listen. Educate yourself." Epanouie Within by Nahomie Hann Photography The positive birth movement Epanouie Within by Nahomie Hann Photography The positive birth movement "I remember a lot of people feeling the need to tell me about stitches, tearing and episiotomies. This was my biggest fear both times while pregnant and it made me so anxious," says Megan Porter who lives in Falkirk. The positive birth movement Megan has two children a three-year-old and a two-week-old.

I think I was very naive when I went through the midwifery units doors for the first time, she says. Depictions in TV and film and stories shed head in hushed tones in supermarkets or waiting rooms had her confused. She trusted that she would go to hospital, be told what to expect next from labour and be walked through every step of the way and taken care of".

After my first birth I felt at a great loss as to the entire experience. Bonding with my little girl came from surviving an experience where we both had been completely powerless," she adds.

Here is what is scary about childbirth, she goes on: being treated for nine months like the most glorious representation of womanhood, complemented, treated with care and respect only to be treated on the day that should be the crowning day - pun intended - of pregnancy as less than an animal, with little to no respect or dignity, no real information, emotional blackmail over giving up your rights, misleading information and isolation.

Milli Hill founded the PBM four years ago. Now, there are 450 groups worldwide

But what struck Hann about the cautionary tales she heard was that they rarely involved medical emergencies. The scary parts of these accounts could have been avoided. Meanwhile, women who had experienced near-death experiences were too afraid to speak out in case they disturbed the idea that they were "good" mothers or scared their peers.

A lot of the scary birth stories are scary because they are a tale of women being stripped off their voices, manhandled by medical providers then handed over a baby and expected to go on with life as if everything that had just happened was the most normal thing in the world, that since you had a baby in your arms all the hassle, pain, trauma, violence, disrespect and so on, was worth it and had been necessary," says Hann.

The PMB helps women by helping to prepare for birth in a way that best suits them, be that a birth in hospital or in a water bath at home. It asks women to question everything they have absorbed about pregnancy and childbirth - from horror stories from friends and families to depictions of labour in the movies - and to honestly consider whether they are afraid and how that can be changed.

In the book, labour itself is dissected into phases in chapters: from The Cracking on Phase, to Crowning, The Head Being Born, Baby in Arms and The Tea and Toast Phase. Sections entitled Will there be lots of blood and What about poo? Will I poo myself in labour? take a no-holds-bar approach to pregnancy.

Hill defines a positive birth as one where women are where they want to be; who make choices that are informed by reality not fear; who are listened to and treated with respect and dignity; feel empowered and enriched; and are left with memories that are warm and proud.

Megan Porter, who lives in Falkirk, Central Scotland, had the opposite experience to Hann but was equally confused by pregnancy. Porter, who runs a designing and painting business and the blog The Mother, has a three-year-old son and a two-week-old daughter. After hearing stomach-churning stories about women being horrifically torn, she was preparing herself for a harrowing birth.

"It was not what I expected at all, in fact it was amazing. I didn't expect my body to just know what to do and I definitely didn't expect to come out both times with no stitch in sight. Yes it was sore but not in the way I expected, it was very surreal and really empowering. So, she convinced herself that she would pay for her positive first birth with her second.

How could I be THAT lucky?! I was certain something was going to go wrong. Luckily, her doula introduced her to the PBM in the last few months of pregnancy.

Megan Porter thought her second birth would be problematic because her first went smoothly

I went from being a nervous wreck convinced this time was going to be hell to being scarily calm and so well informed on all my choices.

The book made a huge difference too. I used it to make our visual birth plan, up until then the birth plan had been stressing me out as I had no idea how to put what I had in my head onto paper.

Hill says it was these attitudes that lead to the PBM organically forming into what it is now.

Yet, what the group offers women is startlingly simple. Theres nothing high-tech involved, no ground-breaking techniques. Rather, it helps women to inform each other and access the treatment that suits them best, understand what their bodies can do by removing facts from fear, and encouraging women to share their birthing stories both positive and negative. And that doesnt mean making birth sanitised and stripping away anxieties - which Hill stresses is perfectly normal - or making pregnancy and labour into a freak show.

What's not 'normal' is for the fear to take over, argues Hill. At the moment I worry that it has an unhealthy grip not just on women but on midwives and obstetricians which can lead to defensive practice and a lack of personalised maternity care built on human connection - which ironically is safer and more satisfying for everyone involved.

Recommended The horrific reality of having an illegal abortion in the 1960s

What we need to be talking about is rights in birth, dignity in birth, listening to women and respectful care. Women who experience this usually feel good afterwards, whether they had tea lights and a birth pool or blue lights and surgery."

Hill advises women - whether they are mothers or apprehensive first-timers - is to take an active role in the birth and learn and your options and human rights.

Making a plan, and learning about the physiology of labour and how to create the best possible birth environment, for example, can be really helpful. Even if you have a caesarean, there is still loads of info out there to help you improve the experience. And at the end of it all, of course a healthy baby is what matters, but it's not all that matters. Women, and how they feel afterwards, and how their partners feel, that matters too," she says.

Now, Hann is pregnant with twins and is trying to pass on what she has learned the hard way to her daughters, who accompany her at midwife appointments and understand what happens to the body during pregnancy.

My daughters know about what their mothers body is doing currently being pregnant, they ask questions and get honest answers and my four year old Lilly remembers being present for her sisters birth. She is not scared. She is excited. Birth is natural."
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The boss of the City watchdog has turned novelist on us: Andrew Bailey wants to be a regulatory JK Rowling, and his first title is sure to fly off the shelves.

Harry Regulator and the Philosopher's Mission runs to 30 pages, so its more novella than novel.

It explains how the watchdog plans to serve the public interest through the objectives given to us by Parliament under his direction. And I can promise youll be hooked.

This Mission is a high-level document. It sets out the framework for the strategic decisions we make, the reasoning behind our work and the way we choose the tools to do it, we are told. Clear the shelves!

The lucky people who work at the regulator will no doubt all be getting free copies, as will newbies. Congratulations: Youve successfully applied for a job at the FCA. This tells you how we do our work. Try to bear it mind as you go about your business.

What? Youre saying its a bit hard to digest and that it will take all day to make even the simplest of decisions if you have to refer to it?

Take it up with the staff advisory committee if you really want. But bear in mind the boss thinks this is really big deal. So I wouldnt make too much of a fuss.

Setting up a review of the Financial Conduct Authority's mission was one of Mr Bailey's first big decisions. Youd think that he and the watchdog would have better things to do than spend months gazing into their own navels but apparently not. And disturbingly, theres more to come.

We will publish a number of documents that will give a clearer explanation of the way we carry out our main activities, the document promises on its back cover. All together now: Nooooo!

Here's something that should really scare you: Rowlings readers will be aware that the first novel in the Harry Potter series ran to a snappy 223 pages. The fifth (and longest) outing, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, came in at 766 pages. If Mr Bailey and his scribes go down that road, Harry Regulator and the Ordering of the City could break the internet when if it gets sent around by email.

I suppose theres one benefit: The NHS might save a few quid on prescriptions for Zopiclone, at least if the first outing is anything to go by. It's a wonderful cure for insomnia.

Heres a short sample: Public value is the collective value that an organisation contributes to society. This is in contrast to private or market value, which is the value of a good or service to an individual customer and provider. Our aim is to add public value by improving how financial markets operate, to benefit individuals, businesses and the UK economy.

And the point of that is... what, precisely?

Its worth noting that this came out on the same day that the regulator revealed that it was planning to increase its annual funding requirement to 526.9m, a modest rise of 7.6m over the previous year.

I was going to make a case that that isnt enough, and that the watchdog needs to keep its salaries competitive with those on offer elsewhere in the City. If the FCA wants to fulfil its mission, it needs to keep its troops happy and at least make a stab at retaining the best of them, given that many could potentially more than double their money by joining big banks or law firms.

However, if theyre spending all their time producing stuff like Harry Regulator, as opposed to, you know, regulating, then Im not sure we need to worry too much about that.

Mr Bailey is a clever man, and a rarity in the world of regulation in that he can act tough when he's so inclined while still commanding a great deal of respect from the people who run the businesses he oversees. But this obsession with defining the FCAs mission might very well put that at risk.

Hes rather fallen into the same trap that one of his regulated firms fell into when it got into a mess.

Reeling from a string of scandals, Goldman Sachs told the world it was going to clean up its act.

This led it to publish a windy and woolly 63-page document that was widely ridiculed. How could anyone at the sharp end be expected to call upon what amounted to a (very boring) novel to guide their decision making?

I doubt the FCAs motivations are quite as cynical as Goldmans  the Financial Times suggested its aim was to bore its detractors into submission leaving the bank free to conduct its business the way it always had.

However, the net result is basically the same.

What the FCA has done here is generate a lot of hot air and in so doing has produced a document that seems designed to tell us things that really ought to be self-evident.

Here's what it should have said: We exist to protect the public, ensure the orderly functioning of markets, both retail and wholesale, fulfil the obligations set out by Parliament.

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.

Approaching our work, we will communicate effectively and act proportionately. We will be firm but fair and we will do our best to be transparent. We will be a common sense regulator and we will encourage our staff to operate in that manner.

Beneath that, it could have included a list of bullet points, putting a bit of flesh on the bones. The whole thing should have run to a couple of pages at most so it would have been understandable to everyone.

Unlike Harry Potter, it shouldnt require any magic to get such a document finished quickly. Then on to the job in hand: protecting the public, ensuring the overly functioning of markets and so on.
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Week two of the United Airlines overbooking flights scandal and the PR snafus just keep on coming.

The latest concerns a couple who were booted from their Houston to Costa Rica flight en route to their wedding.

They say they found a man sleeping in their allocated seats so found alternatives on a half empty plane. Because those seats were in an area intended for economy plus passengers, they got booted. Boo, hiss!

But, but, but says the airline. They repeatedly tried to sit in the wrong seats (on a half empty plane) and thats why a marshall kicked them off the flight.

Who to believe? Does it even matter? Even if United is technically correct (the best kind of correct in the airline industry), its actions were tone deaf at a time when the airline is being judged the worlds worst.

I know, I know, they didnt pay for the plus seats. But hey, who cares. Half empty plane. Couple getting married. Turn a blind eye! Ask the other economy plus passengers if they mind (they might not, getting married etc) if the two sit there if you really want to. Even better, send a half bottle of fizz up from galley!

This is whats called PR.

Suffice to say, the pair were subsequently booked on an alternative flight.

But at least United's embattled CEO Oscar Munoz can console himself with the fact that he isnt alone in the firing line.

You know how Canada is often portrayed as Americas more civilised neighbour to the north? The place that gave the world Justin Trudeau as opposed to Donald Trump?

That doesnt appear to extend to its national carrier, Air Canada, which booted a 10-year-old boy from a flight his family had been due to take from Prince Edward Island to Costa Rica for a holiday.

A sunny overseas vacation turned into a road trip around the family's home country, as they went from airport to airport trying to secure a flight the four of them could all travel on. Apparently theyve been offered generous compensation. Well that's a relief.

There will doubtless be more of these coming to light over the next few days. Because the initial incident that sparked the furore - in which a Vietnamese doctor was dragged from an overbooked United plane by security staff and seriously injured in the process - became a cause celebre, bad airline stories are now getting international attention. Stories that, in the past, might only have merited local coverage, if any.

All the publicity has cast airline industry practices in a very unflattering light. But what happens when medias lights move on to the next big story? What happens when such incidents are no longer news? Will anything actually change?

United has promised to reform its procedures. Id imagine Air Canada will make some noise about doing the same when it understands what went wrong (clue, someone should have engaged their brain).

EasyJet, which bumped a British couple from a flight just 24 hours after the United fiasco, promised to provide additional training to our contact centre agents to make sure future customers are not put through a similar experience.

Sorry. Sorry, sorry, sorry.

You know what? As my daughter sometimes says after an argument with her brother: Sorry doesnt fix it. Certainly not in some of these cases (although money will help).

There has been a lot of impassioned debate about them, and the way airline industry operates in recent days. United, al least, will probably lose some customers in the short term. It might even take improving its customer proposition seriously.

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.

However, when it comes to the more general problem of flying being a thoroughly miserable experience for anyone other than executives with employers willing to pay for business class and above? I doubt any of this will change that. And even business class passengers arent always immune, as follow up stories on United have demonstrated.

The unfortunate fact is that airlines know if they can just weather the current storm they will be able to resume normal service.

Thats the real scandal.
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Large businesses are more likely to become the victim of a cyber attack than their smaller counterparts, but all types of companies need to ramp up security defences, according to a report by the British Chambers of Commerce.

The results of a survey of more than 1,200 businesses across the UK conducted by the BCC and published on Tuesday show that 20 per cent of respondents had been hit by a cyber attack in the last 12 months.

The difference between companies with over 100 staff and those with fewer than that was stark, though, with a total of 42 per cent of larger businesses reporting being hit and only 18 per cent of the smaller.

Nonetheless, Adam Marshall, Director General of the BCC, said that all needed to shore up their defences as cyber crime becomes more prevalent and aggressive.

Cyber attacks risk companies finances, confidence and reputation, with victims reporting not only monetary losses but costs from disruption to their business and productivity, he said.

He warned that businesses should be mindful of an extension to data protection regulation coming into force next year, which will increase companies responsibilities and requirements to protect personal data.

Firms that dont adopt the appropriate protections leave themselves open to tough penalties, he said.

Last week, a study commissioned by cyber security firm CGI and conducted by Oxford Economics, found that companies share prices fall by an average of 1.8 per cent on a permanent basis following a severe cyber security incident  where large amounts of sensitive information is compromised.

This means a typical FTSE 100 firm is worse off by an average of 120m after a breach, according to the study.

Earlier this month, online lender Wonga became the latest in a string of companies to discover that customer information had been compromised. Its thought that Wongas breach could affect up to 270,000 current and former customers.

In November last year, thousands of Tesco Bank accounts were compromised, and a cyber attack on phone company TalkTalk in 2015 resulted in a 400,000 fine from the ICO for security failings which led to the theft of personal data of almost 157,000 customers.

Tuesdays survey by the BCC also showed that 21 per cent of businesses perceived the threat of cyber crime to be hampering company growth, but only 24 per cent said that they have cyber security accreditations in place.

It showed that after an attack, businesses are most reliant on IT providers to resolve issues, compared to banks and financial institutions or police and law enforcement.

In a similar vein, the BCC earlier this month warned of the consequences UK companies face if they fail to tackle digital skills deficiencies within their workforce.

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The company founder said that workers were paid less than the statutory minimum because of bottlenecks at security in an admission that could result in sanctions from HMRC. Reuters Biggest business scandals in pictures Mitsubishi admits improper fuel tests - April 2016 Mitsubishi has admitted to using false fuel methods dating back to 1991. The scale of the scandal is only just coming to light after it was revealed in April that data was falsified in the testing of four types of cars, including two Nissan cars. AP Biggest business scandals in pictures Quindell, the scandal-ridden insurance firm Quindell was once a darling of AIM but its share price fell in April 2014 when its accounting practices were attacked in a stinging research note by US short seller Gotham City. In August the group was forced to disclose that the 107 million pre-tax profit it had reported for 2013 was incorrect, and it had in fact suffered a 64million loss. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Toshiba Accounting Scandal The boss of Toshiba, the Japanese technology giant, resigned in disgrace in the wake of one of the countrys biggest ever accounting scandals. His exit came two months after the company revealed that it was investigating accounting irregularities. An independent investigatory panel said that Toshibas management had inflated its reported profits by up to 152 billion yen (780m) between 2008 and 2014. Biggest business scandals in pictures FIFA Corruption Scandal Fifa, football's world governing body, has been engulfed by claims of widespread corruption since the summer of 2015, when the US Department of Justice indicted several top executives. It has now claimed the careers of two of the most powerful men in football, Fifa President Sepp Blatter and Uefa President Michel Platini, after they were banned for eight years from all football-related activities by Fifa's ethics committee. A Swiss criminal investigation into the pair is ongoing. Getty Biggest business scandals in pictures Libor fraudster City trader Tom Hayes, 35, has become the first person to be convicted of rigging Libor rates following a trial at London's Southwark Crown Court. Hayes worked as a trader in yen derivatives at UBS before joining the American bank Citigroup in Tokyo. He was fired from Citigroup following an investigation into his trading methods. He returned to the UK in December 2012 and was arrested following a two-and-a-half year criminal investigation by the SFO. Getty

The BCC said that three in four UK businesses have reported a digital skills shortage among their employees, despite 84 per cent of firms admitting that digital and IT skills are more important to their enterprise now than two years ago.

The evidence is clear: better digital skills make firms more productive, and a lack of digital skills holds them back, Mr Marshall said at the time.
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Ivanka Trump's company won provisional approval from the Chinese government for three new trademarks, giving it monopoly rights to sell Ivanka brand jewellery, bags and spa services in the world's second-largest economy. That night, the first daughter and her husband, Jared Kushner, sat next to the president of China and his wife for a steak and Dover sole dinner at Mar-a-Lago.

The scenario underscores how difficult it is for Ms Trump, who has tried to distance herself from the brand that bears her name, to separate business from politics in her new position at the White House.

As the first daughter crafts a political career from her West Wing office, her brand is flourishing, despite boycotts and several stores limiting her merchandise. US imports, almost all of them from China, shot up an estimated 166 per cent last year, while sales hit record levels in 2017. The brand, which Ms Trump still owns, says distribution is growing. It has launched new activewear and affordable jewellery lines and is working to expand its global intellectual property footprint. In addition to winning the approvals from China, Ivanka Trump Marks LLC applied for at least nine new trademarks in the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Canada and the US after the election.

Recommended Ivanka Trump inspires cult following in China

The commercial currents of the Trump White House are unprecedented in modern American politics, ethics lawyers say. They have created an unfamiliar landscape riven with ethical pitfalls, and forced consumers and retailers to wrestle with the unlikely passions now inspired by Ivanka Trump's mid-market collection of ruffled blouses, shifts and wedges.

Using the prestige of government service to build a brand is not illegal. But criminal conflict of interest law prohibits federal officials, like Ms Trump and her husband, from participating in government matters that could impact their own financial interest or that of their spouse. Some argue that the more her business broadens its scope, the more it threatens to encroach on the ability of two trusted advisers to deliver credible counsel to the president on core issues like trade, intellectual property, and the value of the Chinese currency.

Put the business on hold and stop trying to get trademarks while you're in government, advised Richard Painter, who served as chief White House ethics lawyer under George W. Bush.

To address ethical concerns, Trump has shifted the brand's assets to a family-run trust valued at more than $50m and pledged to recuse herself from issues that present conflicts.

President Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping, April 2017 (AP)

Ivanka will not weigh in on business strategy, marketing issues, or the commercial terms of agreements, her attorney, Jamie Gorelick, said in a statement. She has retained authority to direct the trustees to terminate agreements that she determines create a conflict of interest or the appearance of one.

In a recent interview with CBS News, Trump argued that her business would be doing even better if she hadn't moved to Washington and placed restrictions on her team to ensure that any growth is done with extreme caution.

China, however, remains a nagging concern. Ivanka has so many China ties and conflicts, yet she and Jared appear deeply involved in China contacts and policy. I would never have allowed it, said Norman Eisen, who served as chief White House ethics lawyer under Barack Obama. For their own sake, and the country's, Ivanka and Jared should consider stepping away from China matters.

Instead, the first daughter and her husband have emerged as prominent interlocutors with China, where they have both had significant business ties. Last year, Kushner pursued hundreds of millions of dollars in real estate investments from Anbang Insurance Group, a financial conglomerate with close ties to the Chinese state. After media reports about the deal, talks were called off.

Publicly, Ivanka has taken a gracious, charming approach toward Beijing. During the Mar-a-Lago meetings, her daughter, 5-year-old Arabella stood in a gilded room and sang a traditional Chinese song, in Mandarin, for China's president, Xi Jinping. The video, which was lavishly praised by Chinese state media, played over 2.2 million times on China's popular news portal qq.com.

The week of the summit, 3.4 tons of Ivanka Trump handbags, wallets and blouses arrived in the US from Hong Kong and Shanghai. U. imports of her merchandise grew an estimated 40 percent in the first quarter of this year, according to Panjiva Inc., which maintains and analyzes global shipping records.

06 Apr 2017 - Chinese President Xi Jinping, his wife Peng Liyuan, and U.S. President Donald Trump listen as Trump's grandchildren sing a Chinese folk song and recite classics of Chinese literature in the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida Chinese President Xi Jinping visit to USA - (Rex)

Mr Painter, the former Bush administration lawyer, recommended full recusal from issues related to trade with China. That is likely to be difficult because trade is so deeply embedded in the US-China relationship and has been linked with other matters, like North Korea.

The danger is that with any discussion with the Chinese, one party or the other may try to bring up trade, he said. That's a slippery slope that may require her or Jared to step out of the room.

Gorelick, Ivanka Trump's attorney, said that Ivanka and her husband would steer clear of specific areas that could impact her business, or be seen as conflicts of interest, but are under no legal obligation to step back from huge swaths of policy, like trade with China.

Under the rules, Trump would recuse herself from conversations about duties on clothing imported from China, Gorelick said, but not broad foreign policy.

In between, you have to assess it case-by-case, she said.

Trademarks can be signs of corporate ambition, though many countries  such as China, where trademark squatting is rampant  also allow for defensive filings to prevent copycats from using a brand.

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

Trademarks pose ethical, and possibly legal, implications for government employees because they are granted by foreign states and confer the monopoly right to sell branded product in a particular country  an entitlement that can be enormously valuable. Intellectual property lawyers say trademarks are also a crucial prerequisite for cutting licencing deals, which form the basis of both Ivanka and Donald Trump's global business strategy.

Today, Ivanka Trump Marks LLC has 16 registered trademarks in China and 32 pending applications, along with a total of four marks granted preliminary approval since the inauguration, according to China's Trademark Office. Altogether, they cover a wide range of goods and services, including cosmetics, jewelry, leather handbags, luggage, clothes, shoes, retail, spa and beauty services. There is no sign the recent approvals were particularly swift. China's Trademark Office did not respond to a request for comment.

Globally, the company has more than 180 pending and registered trademarks in countries including Canada, India, Japan, Israel, Mexico, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, as well as the U.S. and Europe, public records show. In December, the company applied for five trademarks, covering handbags and wallets in Puerto Rico, and lingerie and other clothes in the US. After the inauguration, the company filed four more applications, for branded clothing and shoes in the Philippines, and perfume and other items in Canada.

Ms Trump did not sign off on the new trademark applications, her brand said in a statement, adding that they are not necessarily an indication that the brand is planning to launch a category or a store in a specific territory.

Whatever the future plans, right now sales are growing  helped, some argue, by the glow of Ivanka Trump's political rise.

The G-III Apparel Group Ltd., which makes Ivanka Trump clothes, said net sales for the collection increased by $17.9 million during the year that ended Jan. 31.

The brand itself claims revenues rose 21 percent last year, with early February seeing some of the best performance ever, according to a statement by Abigail Klem, president of the Ivanka Trump brand. Because it is privately held, the brand does not have to declare its earnings or where revenues come from. The actual corporate structure of Trump's retail business remains opaque. Kushner's financial disclosure form lists two dozen corporate entities that appear directly related to his wife's brand. Trump herself has yet to file a disclosure.

White House Senior Advisor to the President for Strategic Planning Jared Kushner (L) and his wife and President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump walk down the West Wing Colonnade following a bilateral meeting between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe February 10, 2017 in Washington, DC. Picture: (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Data from Lyst, a massive fashion e-commerce platform, indicates some of this growth coincided with specific political events.

The number of Ivanka Trump items sold through Lyst was 46 pe rcent higher the month her father was elected president than in November 2015. Sales spiked 771 percent in February over the same month last year, after White House advisor Kellyanne Conway exhorted Fox viewers to Go buy Ivanka's stuff. Conway was later reprimanded. The bounce appears somewhat sustained. March sales on Lyst were up 262 percent over the same period last year.

You can't separate Ivanka from her role in life and from her business, said Allen Adamson, founder of BrandSimpleConsulting. Her celebrity status is now not only being fueled by her wealth and her family connection, but by her huge role in the White House. All that buzz is hardwired to her products. That, he added, is a competitive advantage other brands just can't match  though it does come with risk.

Things could easily cut the other way for the first daughter. Ashley King, 28 of Calabasas, California, bought Ivanka Trump black flats and a cardigan several years ago. But King, who voted for Hillary Clinton, said she believes Trump's role in the White House represents a conflict of interest.

This is bothering me more and more, she said. As for the Ivanka Trump items in her closet, she said, I will be donating them.

AP
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The Chinese owner of Weetabix is selling the iconic cereal firm to US company Post Holdings for 1.4bn, giving the latter full control over some of the world's most popular breakfast foods.

Post said that the acquisition from Bright Food Group would help it to establish a platform in the UK.

We have long admired Weetabix as a leader in cereal and believe it will be a fantastic strategic fit within Post, Rob Vitale, Posts president and chief executive, said. Combining together two category leaders continues our strategy of strengthening our portfolio in stable categories and diversifying into new markets, bringing much-loved brands to significantly more customers globally, he added.

Giles Turrell, CEO of Weetabix, said he welcomed the news too.

The past five years have seen us increase our branded sales at home and overseas, he said.

Post is a leader within its markets and shares our commitment to providing great tasting nutritious products for the whole family. Im confident they will help us open doors for continued expansion, he added.

Back in January, Reuters reported that Post was among four bidders vying for Weetabix, the other bidders being Associated British Food, Cereal Partners Worldwide and Italian pasta maker Barilla.

Northamptonshire-headquartered Weetabix, which also makes Alpen cereal, Weetos and Oatibix, dates back to 1932 and was family owned until 2003.

In 2012, Shanghai-headquartered Bright Foods bought a majority stake in the brand, but in December last year the owners reportedly hired banks to lead a sales process.

Analysts say that Bright Foods had hoped that Weetabix would help it crack the lucrative Asian market, but while China now represents Weetabix's third-largest market, most of its sales still come from its much slower-growth home market.

Weetabix also has operations in North America, South Africa, Germany and Spain and is the majority owner of a joint venture in Kenya that serves the African market.

Post on Tuesday said that when the transaction closes, Sally Abbott, Weetabixs director of marketing, will become managing director of Weetabix UK and Ireland and report to Mr Vitale. Mr Turrell will assume the newly created role of chairman of Weetabix.

He will be responsible for overseeing the integration of Weetabix into the Post portfolio.

The worlds most valuable brands Show all 10 1 /10 The worlds most valuable brands The worlds most valuable brands 1st - Google Google replaced Apple as the worlds most valuable brand, with a brand value of $109.5bn, according to Brand Finance The worlds most valuable brands 2nd - Apple Apples brand value declined from $145.9bn to $107.1bn in 2016 The worlds most valuable brands 3rd - Amazon Amazon's brand value rose from $69.6bn to $106.4bn in 2016 Amazon The worlds most valuable brands 4th - At&t Of the 40 telecoms brands in the ranking, AT&T in 2016 overtook Verizon as the most valuable brand rising to $87bn from $59.9bn the year before The worlds most valuable brands 5th - Microsoft Microsoft's brand value rose marginally from $67.3bn to $76.3bn in 2016 The worlds most valuable brands 6th - Samsung Amazon's brand value rose from $58.6bn to $66.2bn The worlds most valuable brands 7th - Verizon Verizon's brand value inched up from $63.1bn to $65.9bn The worlds most valuable brands 8th - Walmart Walmart's brand value rose from $53.6bn to $62.5bn The worlds most valuable brands 9th - Facebook Facebook's brand value increased sharply from $34bn to just shy of $62bn The worlds most valuable brands 10th - ICBC ICBC saw its brand value rise to $47.8bn from $36.3bn. It was the most valuabe financial brand in the world in 2016 replacing Wells Fargo

The deal is expected to be funded with existing cash, as well as borrowing, Post said.

Barclays, Rabobank, Credit Suisse and Nomura have been hired to act as financial advisors to Post and the deal is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2017.
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Thousands of children in England have lost out on their first choice of primary school this year, as councils face increasing pressure to provide enough places for the rapidly growing population.

More than 600,000 four-year-olds were due to be allocated school places for September on what has become known as National Offer Day.

While many parents expressed disappointment, early indicators suggest more than 91 per cent of pupils in England did receive their preferred choice of state primary school.

Provisional analysis by the Press Association showed this to be a rise of 2.9 per cent on last years official Government tally.

Of the 50 local education authorities (LEAs) analysed just 15 (30 per cent) had seen a decline in the percentage of pupils getting a place at their first choice school.

Councils including Birmingham, Kent, Brighton and Hove and Essex all reported a higher proportion of parents receiving their preferred choice on last year.

Areas of highest demand were less triumphant, however, with one in four children missing out on their first choice of primary school in some local authorities.

In London, almost 3,000 children were rejected by all three of their preferred schools, leaving parents waiting longer to hear where their children might be placed.

Pupils from poorer families were statistically twice as likely to miss out, with research from Teach First suggesting just one in six of those from disadvantaged backgrounds win places at the best primary schools.

A number of parents took to social media to express anger and disappointment after receiving neither of their preferred choices.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA 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 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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 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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. 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I've just received my daughters primary school results, one parent known as Lora told The Independent. In our area we are told to apply for three that we want, with the top one usually being in the catchment area.

We were refused for all three and given a school which is an hours walk away and not at all what we want out of a school.

It makes me feel angry because not only were the schools close by but they were very highly recommended and had excellent Ofsted ratings, she added.

The school that was chosen for us in not as good and is an all catholic school, which I don't have a problem with, were just not catholic and don't want our daughter to be focusing on classes we feel are not relevant to her upbringing.

I feel like we are having to give in to a worse school just because of overcrowding. Even though we were in the catchment area for two of our three choices.

Another parent, Isabelle Rodriguez, from Peterborough, said she had applied for her child to attend a school near friends, but had ended up with their second choice  a much bigger school with two reception classes.

 Snap general election: The public reacts

We are happy for our child to attend but worried about the social impact, she said.

[Its] something to prepare our child for daunting for a child so young and for parents too I think. We do worry about making the right choice and it's scary sometimes."

The largest drop in satisfaction was seen in Northumberland, where 88.8 per cent of new primary pupils were allocated their first choice  down from 94.7 per cent in 2016.

Of those increasing the percentage of children getting a place at their first choice school, the largest increase was in Kingston-upon-Hull, which rose to 94 per cent from 87.5 per cent last year.

Redcar and Cleveland in the North East had the highest overall percentage of students getting their first choice place, with 97.85 per cent.

Responding to the figures, Councillor Richard Watts, Chair of the Local Government Associations Children and Young People Board, said: Over recent years councils have created an extra 600,000 primary places. This is a demonstrable record that they are doing everything they can to rise to the challenge of ensuring no child goes without a place.

Last year one in four primary schools was reported as full or oversubscribed, fuelling concerns for how local authorities would cope with a further 295,000 new pupils expected to enroll by 2020.

Kevin Courtney, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers' union, said: The NUT hopes that families receive good news about the primary school place they have been allocated for their children.

For many, however, it will be a day of huge anxiety because their child is placed in a school which means long journeys on a daily basis, missing out on going to the same school as siblings or not getting a place at all.

A Department for Education spokesman said the Government was making more good school places available so thousands more families have the choice of a good local school.

We have already set out plans to make more good school places available - including scrapping the ban on new grammar school places, and harnessing the resources and expertise of universities, independent and faith schools.
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Elizabeth Warren has called Donald Trump a host of unflattering words, from weak, to reckless, to embarrassing. Now shes revealed her favourite dirty word of all  and its equally family friendly.

In an interview with CBS News, reporter Chip Reid asked the senator from Massachusetts for her curse word of choice. Her response: Poop.

Pressed by Mr Reid, the senator gamely laid out her reasoning for those who dont believe poop is a curse word.

Have you ever seen a woman like me look you straight in the face after youve finished some long explanation of something and then just said, Poop? she asked. Try it.

Ms Warren has earned a reputation as a fighter for her repeated critiques of Mr Trump, and for a now-infamous interaction with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on the Senate floor.

During the February confirmation hearing for Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Ms Warren read aloud from a letter written by Coretta Scott King. The letter denounces Mr Sessions conduct as United States Attorney in Mobile, Alabama.

Mr McConnell invoked a little-known Senate rule to silence her testimony, but inadvertently gave Democrats a rallying cry with his justification: She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.

Ms Warrens Monday interview on CBS is part of a nationwide tour to promote her new book, This Fight Is Our Fight: The Battle to Save America's Middle Class. Her events promotional events in Western Massachusetts, Washington D.C.'s and Los Angeles have all sold out.

The book tour creates a convenient platform for Ms Warren to get her message out before the 2018 midterm elections  and some believe she could be setting herself up for a presidential run in 2020.

Asked on the TODAY show if she had plans to run, Ms Warren replied, I am running! In 2018 for senator for Massachusetts."
Villager becomes potential millionaire in new area Xiongan

Aerial photo taken on April 1, 2017 shows Anxin county, North China's Hebei province.[Photo/Xinhua]

Since China announced plans to develop the new area Xiongan, attention has turned to the previously obscure county of Xiongxian.

Before the surprise announcement at the start of this month, Xiongxian county, 100 kilometers south of Beijing and part of the Xiongan New Area, racked up the largest online sales of any county in the country last year, according to logistics platform Cainiao.

According to Cainiao, the three most common purchases by Xiongxian residents were T-shirts, canvas shoes, and mobile phone covers and cases.

Three kilometers away from the county seat of Xiongxian, Jia Xilin, a resident of Wangheiying village, owns a 600-square-meter house and 0.2 acres of land, which makes him a potential millionaire.

But he has no intention to stop work at a logistic center of Cainiao.

"The era of internet will not change. Whenever there is Taobao and online shopping, there will be express delivery, and we have job to do."

He receives the parcels, sorts them out and loads them onto the vehicle. Thousands of parcels are handled by Jia each day, amounting to about two million a year.

By 8 am, the goods have been loaded on four courier vehicles, and are on their way to 108 villages in the county. Jia and his co-workers can then take a break.

"Every parcel in Xiongxian is delivered by our team," Jia said smilingly.

When the workers take a rest, they talk about the house prices of Xiongxian. A residential community opposite the logistics center has seen its house prices skyrocket from 3,000 yuan per square meter a year ago to 30,000 yuan per square meter today.

In addition to its booming e-commerce trade, Xiongxian also produces more than 80 percent of balloons for the country and is home to the largest manufacturer of condoms in North China.

In setting up the new Xiongan area, which spans Xiongxian, Rongcheng and Anxin counties in Hebei province, the policymakers plan to build a new economic engine and advance the coordinated development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

The move will shift Beijing's non-capital functions to the new area and explore a new model of optimized development in densely populated areas.
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Six states in the US and four countries in Europe have legalised some form of assisted dying. Meanwhile, in December 2016, Andrew Barclay  who suffered from advanced multiple sclerosis  became the latest person from the UK to travel to Switzerland to end his life. Barclay is one of more than 244 terminally ill people who have had to travel abroad from Britain to end their life legally.

Its time for the UK to legalise some form of assisted dying and give people the right to choose when and how to die. The case of whether the law should change in the UK has been widely discussed. Now we need to talk about how it should be done. The experience and legal rules in countries that already permit some form of assisted dying can act as a guide.

In England and Wales it is illegal, under the Suicide Act 1961, to assist or encourage another person to take their own life. (It is also illegal to attempt to assist or encourage another person to take their own life.) But Crown Prosecution Service guidance allows prosecutors to use their discretion, so prosecutions are rare. Numerous proposals to reform the act have failed. The latest proposal was rejected by the House of Commons in September 2015 by 118 to 330 votes.

In Scotland, the situation is more complicated. It is not clear whether suicide or attempted suicide is, or ever has been, illegal under Scottish law. So, unlike England and Wales, there was no need for a law to make suicide or attempted suicide legal. Acts that may assist or encourage suicide or attempted suicide fall under the criminal law of homicide.

The law in other places

Oregon, US, was the first place in the world to pass a law that allows doctor-assisted dying. The law in Oregon allows mentally-competent terminally ill people who make a request, free from external pressure, to be given drugs to end their own lives. The person must be physically able to take the drugs.

Other states have followed Oregon: Washington in 2009, Vermont in 2013, California in 2015 and Colorado in 2016. A similar law was introduced in the District of Columbia in February 2017. Montana also allows doctor-assisted dying but there is no written law. In 2009, the Montana Supreme Court decided in Baxter v Montana that there is nothing in the courts precedent or other practices saying that doctor-assisted dying is against public policy. Minnesota and New York City are currently considering legalising doctor-assisted dying.

Many nations only allow terminally ill people to assess assisted suicide

In South America, Columbia recognises the right to die. Similar to the US, it allows only terminally ill people access to doctor-assisted dying.

Countries where assisted suicide and euthanasia are legal Show all 9 1 /9 Countries where assisted suicide and euthanasia are legal Countries where assisted suicide and euthanasia are legal USA Assisted Suicide is legal in the states of California, Hawaii, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Vermont Getty Countries where assisted suicide and euthanasia are legal The Netherlands Human euthanasia is legal Getty Countries where assisted suicide and euthanasia are legal Belgium Human euthanasia is legal Getty Countries where assisted suicide and euthanasia are legal Colombia Human euthanasia is legal Getty Countries where assisted suicide and euthanasia are legal Luxembourg Human euthanasia is legal Getty Countries where assisted suicide and euthanasia are legal Switzerland Assisted suicide is legal Getty Countries where assisted suicide and euthanasia are legal Germany Assisted suicide is legal Getty Countries where assisted suicide and euthanasia are legal Japan Assisted suicide is legal Getty Countries where assisted suicide and euthanasia are legal Canada Assisted suicide is legal Getty

And in Europe, under the Swiss criminal code, assisted suicide is legal unless there are selfish motives. The role of doctors is indirect but necessary: they need to prescribe sodium pentobarbital, the drug used in Switzerland for assisted suicide. The assistance is mainly done by right-to-die voluntary organisations: Dignitas is the most well known, perhaps because of the high number of non-Swiss citizens who have used it.

The Benelux countries, the Netherlands and Belgium in 2002, and Luxembourg in 2009, allow both euthanasia and assisted dying (although Belgium only explicitly refers to the former). A person does not need to be physically able to take the life-ending drugs, unlike the US, as another person is allowed to help (euthanasia).

And the Benelux countries dont allow just terminally ill people to request assisted dying. They use an unbearable suffering criterion that may cover physical and mental suffering. Under strict conditions, this may sometimes make people suffering from depression eligible.

UK how-to

There are many arguments in favour of legalising assisted dying, including personal autonomy, compassion, alleviation of suffering, dignity and choice. The UK governments repeated reluctance to review the law is unacceptable, especially in light of frequent reports of people taking their own life at home or travelling abroad early in their disease to end their life.

The laws in the US and Europe point to an interesting distinction between two ways to legalise assisted death  one based on terminal illness and one based on unbearable suffering. Switzerland and Canada are straddling between the two types of eligibility options. In Switzerland, right-to-die organisations have their own criteria but do not limit the option to the terminally ill. In Canada, the 2016 law allows doctor-assisted dying for terminally ill people but without a prognosis necessarily having been made as to the specific length of time that they have remaining.

The UK should use the European experience and legal rules as an example. The terminal illness criterion is limiting and excludes people suffering from non-terminal illnesses, including locked-in-syndrome, multiple sclerosis and people with serious mental health problems. This prolongs their suffering and denies them rights that terminally ill people are offered. The European model, although not without problems, is a more compassionate answer to the dying wishes of unfortunate and suffering people. It places them at the centre of the procedure, and makes their own experience of suffering a priority by not focusing on the characteristics of the terminal condition or disease.

Its time for the UK to legalise some form of assisted dying. The experience and legal rules in the Benelux countries should form the basis for the discussion on reform. It is time to give people who are suffering  and not just those who are terminally ill  the fundamental human right to control life and how to end it.

Nataly Papadopoulou is a PhD Candidate at the University of Leicester. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com)
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Staff at four major hospitals in London will be protected by a new police squad as it emerged violence against NHS workers has risen by almost a quarter in six years.

A team of three officers will support staff at the Royal Free, Whittington, University College and Great Ormond Street hospitals, said squad leader Sergeant Paul Taylor.

The team would attend A&E departments at weekends to help protect nurses and office staff from violence, as well as providing a presence at open days and other events as part of the new community policing initiative, he told The Mirror.

We want to provide a point of contact so we can make it easier for staff to report any aggression, said Sergeant Taylor. Historically, NHS workers have just put up with violence. But they dont have to put up with it anymore.

At the four hospitals where the new squad will be based, 355 assaults were recorded last year, according to official statistics  a rise of 60 per cent since 2009-10, when there were 219.

Across the UK, there were 70,555 reported assaults on hospital staff in 2015-16, up from 56,718 in 2009-10.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA 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

The number of assaults involving religious or racial factors have also risen sharply in the last year, according to The Times.

Security staff at the Royal Blackburn Hospital, part of the East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, where there were 186 assaults last year  down from 394 in 2009-10  were issued with body cameras in 2015 to deter attackers.

Oliver Dowden, a Conservative MP for Hertsmere, has called for greater protection for NHS staff against assaults.

In a Parliament debate earlier this year, he said: "It is currently an offence to assault a police officer, an immigration officer or a prison officer  but it is not a specific offence to assault an NHS worker, whether they are a doctor, a nurse or a paramedic".

While there are separate sentences for those charged with assaulting police, prison and immigration officers, attacks on public sector workers are treated more seriously with harsher sentences than "common assault", or attacking another member of the public.

 Thousands gather in London for NHS rally to protest against cuts to services

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "For some years we have seen officers based at venues throughout London to ensure effective liaison with the hospital community and provide a reassuring presence for staff and patients, whilst being able to swiftly deal with any offences as and when they occur.

"In more recent months we started a series of training events in an attempt to improve the collaborative working between police and hospitals across London.

"The Hospital Liaison Team at Camden and Islington is part of this project. The training allows local officers and hospital staff  alongside their own security teams to develop their knowledge and understanding of the main crime prevention opportunities within these environments."
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Elite special forces are some of the best-trained and most formidable units a country can boast.

They go where other troops fear to tread, scoping out potential threats, taking out strategic targets, and conducting daring rescue missions.

These are the best of the best.

Though it's extremely difficult to rank these forces relative to one another, some units that rise above the rest with their track records and the fear they instill in their adversaries.

These troops have been through rigorous training exercises designed to weed out those who can't hit their exacting standards.

In a world in which the sheer size of a country's military is no longer the only guide to its effectiveness, these troops are the ones that states look to to get the job done.

Note that there are some graphic images below that some readers may find disturbing.

8. The Special Services Group in Pakistan is better known in the country as the Black Storks because of the commandos' unique headgear. Training reportedly includes a 36-mile march in 12 hours and a 5-mile run in 50 minutes in full gear.

In October 2009, SSG commandos stormed an office building and rescued about 40 people taken hostage by suspected Taliban militants after an attack on the army's headquarters.

7. Spain's Unidad de Operaciones Especiales  or the Naval Special Warfare Force, as it has been known since 2009  has long been one of Europe's most-respected special forces. Established as the volunteer Amphibious Climbing Company unit in 1952, it has since become an elite fighting force.

Earning the UOE green beret, however, is a quite a challenge  the failure rate of candidates is around 70% to 80%. It's not uncommon for 100% of would-be new recruits to be rejected.

(Wikicommons (Wikicommons)

6. Russia's Alpha Group is one of the best-known special forces units in the world. This elite antiterrorism unit was created by the KGB in 1974 and remains in service under its modern-day counterpart, the FSB.

Russian special forces  the Alpha Group, in particular  was criticized during the 2002 Moscow hostage crisis, in which at least 120 hostages died from the effects of a gas used to knock out militants who had seized a theater.

(Wikicommons)

5. Few of the world's counterterrorism forces can compete with France's National Gendarmerie Intervention Group, or GIGN. The group is 200 strong and trained specifically to respond to hostage situations. It claims to have freed more than 600 people since it was formed in 1973. It is against the law in France to publish pictures of its members' faces.

One of the most extraordinary episodes in the GIGN's history was the seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca in 1979. Because of the prohibition of non-Muslims entering the holy city, a team of three GIGN commandos briefly converted to Islam before helping the Saudi armed forces plan the recapture of the mosque.

(Wikicommons (Wikicommons)

4. Israel's Sayeret Matkal is another of the world's most elite units. Its primary purpose is intelligence gathering, and it often operates deep behind enemy lines. During the selection camp (Gibbush), would-be recruits endure hardcore training exercises while being constantly monitored by doctors and psychologists. Only the strongest get in.

In 2003, an Israeli taxi driver, Eliyahu Gurel, was kidnapped after transporting four Palestinians to Jerusalem in his cab. But the Sayeret Matkal unit located and rescued him from a 10-meter pit in an abandoned factory in a suburb of Ramallah.

(YouTube (YouTube)

3. The British Special Air Service, known as the SAS, is the infantry counterpart to the Special Boat Service. Their insignia bears the phrase "Who dares wins." Asked about the importance of the SAS's role in the fighting that followed the Iraq War, US Gen. Stanley McChrystal said: "Essential. Could not have done it without them."

2. The UK equivalent of the Navy SEALs is the Special Boat Service. The selection process involves a grueling endurance test, jungle training in the rain forests of Belize, and combat survival training, which involves intense interrogation of candidates. And you get only two attempts to pass.

1. The US Navy SEALs is arguably the top special operations force. Created in 1962, the Sea-Air-Land operators go through years of training and, especially after 9/11, endure an incredible operation tempo. Many foreign militaries base their special ops on the SEALs.

( John Scorza/US Navy via Getty Images) (John Scorza/US Navy via Getty Images)

 7 things you should never search for on your work computer

 The 19 cheapest places for a European beach holiday

 The 13 unhappiest places to live in Britain

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An Oklahoma grandmother was handed three life sentences after subjecting her granddaughter to horrific abuse including dressing as a witch to terrorise the seven-year-old.

Geneva Robinson pleaded guilty to child abuse and neglect charges after exposing the child to what prosecutors described as a house of horrors.

The 51-year-old abused her granddaughter for more than a year, hitting her in the face, burning her with cigarettes and dressing up as Nelda the witch, the Oklahoma City court heard.

Her 33-year-old boyfriend Joshua Granger was also charged and sentenced to 30 years for his role in facilitating the abuse.

Prosecutors released footage of the abuse in which Robinson can be seen dressed as the witch dragging the child across the floor.

Robinson can be seen with green painted hands and dressed in long black robes with her hands around the girls throat. At one point in the footage, she implies she is going to eat her.

Court documents also detail further abuse inflicted by Robinson on the child, including forcing her to sleep outside with the dogs, whipping her and pinching her with pliers.

The girl told detectives her grandmother would wear a mask and take her to the garage where she would be restrained, court documents report. They also detail how Robinson would use a pink dog leash to tie her up.

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. 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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

What she did was horrific and what she did will forever impact this child and her siblings, Assistant DA Merydith Easter said, according to The Oklahoman.

She deserves the same amount of mercy that she showed this child, and that's none."
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A Google doodle has celebrated Ghanaian microlending pioneer Esther Afua Ocloo on what would have been her 98th birthday.

After starting a business selling fruit juice and marmalade as a teenager and realising the financial difficulties poor women faced, Ms Ocloo helped found and operate a bank specifically designed to help women on low incomes.

In 1975 as a succeeding businesswoman, Ms Ocloo was invited to the first UN World Conference on Women.

Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Show all 13 1 /13 Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Ida Wells An African-American journalist and activist born in Mississippi in 1862, she wrote prolifically on the fight for womens suffrage as well as the struggle for civil rights. She documented the practice of lynching black people in the southern states showing how it was often used as means of controlling or punishing black people who competed with whites rather than as a means of justice for crimes. Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Lotifa El Nadi Egypts first female pilot born in 1907 in Cairo. Although her father saw no need for her to pursue secondary education, expecting her to marry and have a family, she rebelled and worked as a secretary and telephone operator at a flying school in exchange for lessons as she had no other means to pay for the training. Her achievements made headlines around the world when she flew over the pyramids and competed in international flying races. Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Frida Kahlo A Mexican painter and activist born in Mexico City in 1907, her work has been celebrated internationally as emblematic of Mexican national and indigenous traditions and by feminists for its honest depiction of female experience. Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Lina Bo Bardi A Brazilian architect, born in Italy in 1914, she devoted her life to the promotion of the social and cultural potential of architecture and design. She is also celebrated for her furniture and jewellery designs. Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Olga Skorokhodova A Soviet scientist born into a poor Ukranian peasant family in 1911, she lost her vision and hearing at the age of five. Overcoming these difficulties in a remarkable way, she became a researcher in the field of communication and created a number of scientific works concerning the development of education of deaf-blind children. She was also a teacher, therapist and writer. Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Miriam Makeba A South African singer and civil rights activist born in Johannesburg in 1932, she was forced to work as a child following her fathers death. She became a teenage mother after a brief and allegedly abusive marriage at 17, before she was discovered as a singer of jazz and African melodies. After becoming hugely successful in the US and winning a Grammy, she became involved in the civil rights struggle stateside as well as in the campaign against apartheid in her home country, writing political songs. Upon her death, South African President Nelson Mandela said that her music inspired a powerful sense of hope in all of us. Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Sally Ride An American astronaut and physicist, she was born in Los Angeles in 1951 and joined NASA in 1978 after gaining her PhD. She became the first American woman and the third woman ever to go into space in 1983 at the age of 32. Prior to her first space flight, she attracted attention because of her gender and at press conferences, was asked questions such as, Will the flight affect your reproductive organs? She later worked as an academic at the University of California, San Diego. Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Halet Cambel A Turkish archaeologist born in 1916, she became the first Muslim women to compete in the Olympics in the 1936 Berlin games as a fencer. She declined an invitation to meet Adolf Hitler on political grounds, and after the conclusion of the Second World War, she trained as an architect and later worked as an academic in Turkey and Germany. Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Ada Lovelace An English mathematician and writer born in 1815, she became the worlds first computer programmer. The daughter of poet George Byron, she is chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage's proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine, and was the first to recognise the machine had applications beyond pure calculation, creating the first algorithm intended to be carried out by such a machine. Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Rukmini Devi An Indian dancer and choreographer credited with reviving Indian classical dance, she was born in 1904 and presented her form of dance on stage even though it was considered low and vulgar in the 1920s. She features in India Todays list of 100 people who shaped India having also worked to re-establish traditional Indian arts and crafts and as an animal rights activist. Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Cecilia Grierson An Argentine physician, reformer born in Buenes Aires in 1859, she became the first woman in Argentina to receive a medical degree having previously worked as a teacher. Women were barred from entering medical school at the time, so she first volunteered as an unpaid lab assistant before she was allowed to train as a doctor. She was acclaimed for her work during a cholera epidemic before going on to found the first nursing school in Argentina. The harassment she experienced at medical school helped make her a militant advocate for womens rights in Argentina. Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Lee Tai-young Koreas first female lawyer and judge born in 1914 in what is now North Korea, she was also an activist who founded the countrys first legal aid centre and fought for womens rights throughout her career. Her often mentioned refrain was, No society can or will prosper without the cooperation of women. She worked as a teacher, married and had four children before she was able to begin her legal career after the Second World War, becoming the first woman to enter Seoul National University. She also fought for civil rights in the country and was arrested in 1977 for her beliefs, receiving a three-year suspended sentence and a ten year disbarment. Google marks International Women's Day with 13 amazing women Suzanne Lenglen A French tennis champion born in 1899, she popularised the sport winning 31 championships and dominating the womens sport for over a decade. She was the first female tennis celebrity and one of the first international women sports stars, overcoming a childhood plagued with ill health including chronic asthma  which continued to plague her in her adult life. At 15, she became the youngest ever winner of a major championship and lost only seven matches during her entire career. She received widespread criticism for her decision to turn professional, but defended her right to make a decent living in the days when the grand slam tournaments paid a relative pittance to the winners.

Later that decade, she founded and became the chairman of the board of directors of Womens World Banking, which expanded her earlier goal of helping women obtain the small loans needed to launch businesses. The not-for-profit organisation has since helped millions of women start and run businesses, helping boost prosperity in countless communities.

During a trip to the UK in the 1950s, Ms Ocloo began to develop recipes for commercial food canning. She was also the first black person to gain a cooking diploma from the Good Housekeeping Institute in London.

In the same decade she returned to Africa and set up the first food processing business in Ghana.

Ms Ocloo died of pneumonia in 2002 aged 82.
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Jeremy Corbyn has refused to say whether he will stand down if Labour loses the 8 June general election.

The Labour Party leader welcomed Theresa May's announcement, arguing that his party will offer "an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy".

But asked if he would stand down as leader if the party lost the election, he said: We are campaigning to win this election, thats the only question now.

Asked whether he would be the next Prime Minister, he said: If we win the election, yes. I want to lead a government that will transform this country, give real hope to everybody and above all bring about a principle of justice for everybody and economic opportunities for everybody.

He added: We will take our message to every part of this country and we will challenge the government to debate these issues in every town and city in this country.

The Labour leader indicated that he would move his party to back the Government in a parliamentary vote on whether an election should be called.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA 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

Labours support is vital for Ms May, who needs the support of two-thirds of Parliament's 650 MPs to trigger an election before 2020.

I welcome the Prime Ministers decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first," Mr Corbyn said in a statement.

Ms Mays announcement came days after a new poll showed the Conservatives were 21 points ahead of Labour, giving the party the greatest lead while in government since 1983.

Were that reflected on election day, it would mean that dozens of MPs had lost their seats.
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A group of schoolchildren were spat at while walking home from an adventure playground in an incident, which is being treated by police as a possible hate crime.

The two 12-year-old boys and a 13-year-old girl had left Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, North London, when a white Volvo saloon car pulled up.

The male driver racially abused the youngsters before spitting out of the window and driving off, police said. He was accompanied by a woman.

Detectives said the incident was abhorrent and left the victims extremely shaken. It was being treated as a hate crime, they said.

The suspect is described as a man in his thirties, of Mediterranean appearance, possibly Turkish, with black hair.

"This was a shocking incident that has left the victims extremely shaken - the fact that this racial abuse was directed at children makes the offence all the more abhorrent," said Detective Constable David Leitner, of Hackney's Community Safety Unit.

"I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and witnessed the incident to contact police... Equally if you are the individuals concerned, please contact police."
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Prince William has said he was "shocked" when he began investigating British male suicides after his first call out as an air ambulance pilot was to a man who had killed himself.

He said there were "five suicides or attempted suicides every day in East Anglia" where he was working.

"When I looked into it I was shocked by how bad this situation is  suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK  which is absolutely appalling," he told CALMzine, a quarterly magazine from Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm), where he was jointly interviewed with his brother Prince Harry.

According to the 2017 Suicide Statistics Report by the Samaritans charity, the highest suicide rate in the UK is for men aged 40-44 years old. Men remain approximately three times more likely to take their own lives.

The heir to the throne also expressed support for his brother, who recently admitted that he had sought the help of a counsellor in his late twenties to deal with the total chaos brought about by the death of his mother.

The Duke of Cambridge also praised the UK Grime artist Stormzy for talking about his experience with mental health issues.

Calling his comments incredibly powerful, he said they will help young men feel that its a sign of strength to talk about and look after your mind as well as your body.

The Prince added that he intends to raise his children Charlotte and George in a way that they are able to comfortably express their feelings.

Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, has also campaigned to raise awareness of mental health issues in the army.

The military is a complex picture as on one hand there is an incredible sense of brotherhood and belonging between you and your mates, he told CALMzine.

However, he admitted that support for each other hasnt, up to now, included looking after how your buddy is feeling and thinking about things. When youre serving you look after your physical health, your training, your equipment, but not your head.

He hopes that men talking about their mental health will encourage others to do the same.
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Hundreds of pupils and staff were evacuated from a Greater Manchester college after it received a "gun" threat on social media.

After putting the site on lockdown, Tameside College, in Ashton-under-Lyne said it had removed everyone from all its sites as a precaution.

Around 2,000 pupils were believed to be present, having returned from their Easter holidays.

It followed a series of tweets from an unknown user which said their gun was "loaded" after the college posted a message welcoming students back.

One said: "Hello there i will be st the collage [sic] today with a gun loaded! At 11am".

Another said: 'Rip to the kids".

The user's Twitter account later appeared to have been removed.

As a result, the college said in a statement, the college said that it had "evacuated students and staff from all its sites.

It added: This precaution was taken in collaboration with Greater Manchester Police... All students and staff are safe. All evening classes have been cancelled.Tameside College will be open as normal tomorrow morning.

Greater Manchester Police told the Independent it had responded to reports that the college had received a threat.

Enquiries were ongoing, a spokeswoman said.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA 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

Police said they received reports of another threat made to Bury College, about 15 miles away from Tameside, but that had not been evacuated.

A spokesman from Greater Manchester Police told the Independent: Neither of the threats were deemed credible.
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Downing Street has insisted the timetable for the UK's Brexit negotiations will be unaffected by Theresa Mays call for a snap general election.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said all officials, secretaries of state and ministers in the Cabinet will remain in place, and that the two-year talks with Brussels would continue without delay.

An election on 8 June would fall around 11 weeks after Ms May formally started Brexit negotiations by triggering Article 50.

Recommended Reluctant Brexiteer Theresa May reluctantly calls a reluctant election

Tory MPs have said now is the right time to hold an election as French voters will also soon be going to the polls.

But critics of Ms May's proposal warn that by the time the general election is held, almost three months will have passed since the UK triggered Brexit negotiations, which must conclude by 29 March, 2019.

Though the polls suggest anything other than a Conservative majority is unlikely, a change in Government would have a significant impact on the Brexit talks.

The EU official running negotiations, Donald Tusk, also claimed the snap election decision would not derail the Brexit timetable.

He said he had a "good" phone conversation with Ms May, while comparing the development to an Alfred Hitchcock thriller.

"It was Hitchcock who directed Brexit: first an earthquake and the tension rises," the European Council President tweeted, referring to remark widely attributed to the British-born Hollywood film-maker that a good movie "should start with an earthquake and be followed by rising tension".

Theresa May makes her statement to the nation in Downing Street (Getty Images)

Ms May said uncertainty and disunity over Brexit were the reasons for calling for a snap vote.

She has repeatedly ruled out calling an early election since Ms May took office in July.

But she said on Tuesday she had "reluctantly" changed her mind.

"We need a general election and we need one now," she said.

 Theresa May calls general election for June 8

"The negotiations with the European Union will reach their most difficult stage in the run-up to the next scheduled election.

"Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit and it will cause damaging uncertainty and instability to the country.

She said that "our opponents believe that because the Government's majority is so small, our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change course" on leaving the EU.

"They are wrong," she said. "They underestimate our determination to get the job done and I am not prepared to let them endanger the security of millions of working people across the country."
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Theresa May has called a general election for June 8 2017  making a stunning U-turn on her previous position.

The Prime Minister previously ruled out an election on the basis that Britain needed stability during the Brexit process. So what could a new election actually mean for leaving the EU?

Could an early election stop Brexit?

(Getty Images) (Getty)

This would be very unlikely. Labour and the Conservatives, the two largest parties, have both said they would enact the EU referendum result.

The Liberal Democrats and Green Party have called for a second referendum, so either of those parties would have to win or form a government for there to be any chance.

Labour has said it wants a different type of Brexit to the Conservatives, so if Labour wins then a hard Brexit could be off the table.

The polls currently suggest that the Conservatives have a 21-point lead, however, so a Tory victory is the most likely option.

Might talks between Britain and the EU be delayed?

(AP (AP)

This seems unlikely. Though Theresa May has triggered Article 50 and the leaving process is technically under way, the real talks are not expected to begin in earnest until after the German federal elections, which will be held September.

Unless there is some kind of electoral deadlock, the UK election is likely to be done and dusted before Germanys.

Could the election make Theresa May stronger?

Theresa May's letter to the EU was more conciliatory than her January speech on her 12 goals (AP)

There are a number of ways the Prime Ministers hand could be strengthened by an election  presuming she wins.

Theresa May has no electoral mandate, and her critics argue that her vision of Brexit is different to the one sold at the EU referendum. Just last week the general secretary of the German SPD said the UK should hold a second referendum to see whether the public backed the PMs vision  a possible glimpse of the way criticism could go.

By calling an election after she has outlined at least some of her Brexit vision the PM could claim that the public has backed not only her leadership, but what shes said about Brexit so far.

What about in the House of Commons?

Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement to MPs on last week's European Council meeting in the House of Commons (PA Wire)

If the polls dont change significantly the Conservatives will likely win a bigger majority in the House of Commons than the slim one they currently have.

This would make it easier for the Government to pass any legislation. On the other hand, Theresa May has yet to suffer any significant defeats in Parliament over Brexit  so the difference could be minimal in practise.
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Donald Tusk has dubbed Theresa Mays decision to call for a snap election as a twist worth of Alfred Hitchcock.

The President of the European Council first tweeted that he had spoken to Ms May about the decision to hold a new vote on 8 June then compared the move to something created by Hollywoods master of suspense:

He was referring to remark widely attributed to the British-born filmmaker that a good movie "should start with an earthquake and be followed by rising tension".

The former Polish prime minister chairs the summit of EU leaders and is overseeing Brexit negotiations.

In a short speech outside No 10, Ms May announced the vote just as Brussels was about to start formal negotiations on the exit deal for the UK before it leaves the EU in March 2019.

Ms May said there was "no going back" on last year's referendum result but she wanted to heal the divisions within Westminster.

She explained that their approach to Brexit negotiations was "the right approach" and was "in the national interest" but other political parties continued to oppose it.

She said: "The country is coming together, but Westminster is not.

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

"In recent weeks Labour has threatened to vote against the deal we reach with the European Union.

"The Liberal Democrats have said they want to grind the business of government to a standstill.

"The Scottish National Party say they will vote against the legislation that formally repeals Britain's membership of the European Union.

"And unelected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight us every step of the way."

The PM said other parties believe the Government's majority in the House of Commons is too small for them to force through changes and they can make them "change course" but "they are wrong".

"They under-estimate our determination to get the job done and I am not prepared to let them endanger the security of millions of working people across the country", she said.

Ms May is likely to win as many as 69 seats in the election based on current polling which will give her a strong mandate to pursue the hard Brexit her Government appears to be leaning towards.

This would give her the power to force the final Brexit deal through Parliament. Her current majority of just 17 means if a small number of pro-EU rebels join forces with Labour and the Liberal Democrats she would suffer an embarrassing defeat.
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Big Liberal Democrat beasts from the coalition government are preparing for a return to Westminster, contesting overwhelmingly Remain-voting seats in London and fighting for its traditional base in the South-west.

Sir Vince Cable has confirmed he will stand in Twickenham, Ed Davey will stand again in his old Surbiton seat, and Sir Simon Hughes will re-contest Southwark.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said the party has been preparing for a snap election since last June, and will make opposition to Brexit the standout issue of the seven-week campaign, a strategy that has already brought them huge success in the Richmond Park by-election, in which the party defeated Zac Goldsmith.

This election is your chance to change the direction of our country, Mr Farron said. If you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit, if you want to keep Britain in the single market, if you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance. Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority.

A party spokesperson said more than 1,500 people had joined the party in the hour after the election was called.

The 2015 election was devastating to the Liberal Democrats, reducing it from 57 MPs to eight, with its traditionally left-leaning voters punishing it for enabling Tory policies under David Camerons government.

The partys other base in the South-west did not, in general, vote to remain in the EU, but Tim Farron has been canvassing hard in Cornwall and Devon in preparation for next months local elections, and internal party polling is said to be encouraging.

Since the Brexit vote the party has won several local council by-elections via overwhelming swings against both Labour and the Conservatives, on occasion by upwards of 20 per cent. The party has gained 33 council seats since the May 2016 local elections, many of them in the South-west, where Ukip has lost seven seats, Labour has lost 13 and the Tories 21.

Research by the think tank UK in a Changing Europe shows there are 17 Remain-backing Conservative constituencies where the Liberal Democrats currently lie in second place.

But a third of Britons have said they do not know who Tim Farron is, and Labour MPs have thus far given every indication of making much of Mr Farrons recent comments last year that the party would be open to re-entering into coalition with the Conservatives, a decision that proved near fatal last time around.
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Despite, or perhaps even because of, a year's worth of promises to the contrary, there will now be a snap general election on 8 June. Why, and indeed how, is it happening?

What will happen during the parliamentary vote?

On Wednesday, after Prime Ministers Questions, 90 minutes has been set aside for a vote on whether to hold a general election, a provision created by the 2011 Fixed-term Parliaments Act that has never been exercised before.

There is no protocol. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister has confirmed that she will be there, but has not gone so far as to indicate whether or not she will address the house.

When does Parliament break up and the campaign begin?

Parliament will be officially prorogued on Wednesday 3 May. There will be local council elections the following day. The campaign will officially begin that day.

Recommended A snap election will force parties to come clean about Brexit

Will there be TV debates between the party leaders?

Probably not. TV debates are certainly not party of any constitutional or legal requirement. The terms on which they take place have in the past been brutally fought over by broadcasters, politicians and the Electoral Commission. Theresa May has already suggested she will not take part in any TV debates, just as David Cameron did in 2015. Mr Cameron was fiercely criticised for bottling those debates, then went on to win an unexpected overall majority. Theresa May has already brought in Sir Lynton Crosby, the electoral strategist who delivered David Cameron that majority, and who advised him not to take part in a TV debate.

Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron have both indicated they would be happy to take part. Mr Corbyn has said if these election is about leadership, she [Theresa May] should not be dodging TV debates.

Tim Farron has called on the BBC to hold a debate without the Prime Minister, and represent her with an an empty chair. It would be extraordinary if they were to do so.

What result do the latest polls suggest?

The weekend polls give Theresa May a 21-point lead, which could cost Labour 70 of its 232 seats, but the Liberal Democrats, with its strategy of opposing Brexit, could and should regain a significant number of the seats it lost in 2015.

Could there be a new progressive alliance against Brexit?

In the imagination, Nick Clegg, George Osborne, Tony Blair, Peter Mandelson could all very easily slot into a new, pro-EU party. But in real life they will not abandon their own parties. A progressive alliance would, probably, require both main parties to split in two. The would-be splitters will not do it.

Will the vote affect the Brexit negotiations?

Theresa May said she has called the election to give herself a stronger hand in the Brexit negotiations, and if she does do as is overwhelmingly expected and return to Parliament with a far larger majority, it is fair to say her negotiating power will be strengthened.

Whitehall departments have for some time been drafting preparatory legislation to ready the UK for its departure from the EU, with laws that must be passed in Westminster on almost every policy area, on trade, on immigration, on customs arrangements and so on. These must be passed concurrently with the negotiations, and EU negotiators will certainly be emboldened if brutal parliamentary battles form the backdrop to them.

When is the general election vote and when will we get the result?

Thursday 8 June  a rare June general election. The winner, and the size of their win, will become clear at some point in the small hours of Friday morning, with the very last of the 650 constituencies declaring their results by Friday lunchtime.
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Theresa May's snap general election has thrown an unexpected lifeline to pro-EU politicians campaigning against the hard Brexit she seeks.

In theory at least, they have a surprise early opportunity to mobilise the 48 per cent who voted Remain, rather than having to wait until the scheduled election in 2020, by when the UK would have left the EU.

This election will not be a rerun of last years referendum. Europhiles will not play into Ms May's hands by calling for no Brexit. But 8 June will provide a peoples verdict on whether Ms May should be given a free hand to deliver the hard Brexit she wants  prioritising control of immigration ahead of the economy, and so leaving the single market.

On the face of it, the party with the most to cheer is the Liberal Democrats, who have pitched relentlessly to the 48 per cent since the referendum. Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader, said: If you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit, if you want to keep Britain in the single market, if you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance.

Other figures also expressed hope that hard Brexit could be stopped. Manuel Cortes, leader of the white-collar rail union TSSA, said: We have been handed the opportunity to save Britain from the devastating consequences of the Tory desire to drive Britain over the Brexit cliff.

But privately there was little optimism among pro-European politicians that Ms May's version of Brexit could be stopped. The problem is that the only party who could defeat her  Labour  wants to fight the election on the traditional ground of the economy and public services rather than Brexit. It is not trusted on the economy, and has a leader who is unpopular with voters and not seen as a credible prime minister.

 Politicans react to Theresa May's call for a general election

As one pro-EU figure put it: If you had a credible leader of the opposition saying what the Lib Dems are saying, then we would have a chance of halting hard Brexit. But we dont, and Theresa May would not have called an election if we did.

It is possible that the Lib Dems will manage some gains in pro-Remain areas, as they did in last Decembers Richmond Park by-election. In some constituencies, there could be anti-Brexit, anti-Tory tactical voting or even grassroots-led cooperation between Labour, the Lib Dems and Greens.

But this is unlikely to produce a national swing big enough to prevent Ms May increasing her majority. The Lib Dems start with just nine seats. Opinion polls show that many Remain voters now want the Government to get on with Brexit, which is precisely what the Prime Minister will pledge to do.

While her pitch may make Ukips call for clean Brexit redundant, pro-Europeans are unlikely to gain much comfort from a Ukip collapse; its votes could easily switch to the Tories and enable them to win more Con-Lab marginal seats. If Labour loses ground, as the polls suggest, its MPs could find themselves representing a higher proportion of constituencies that backed Leave last year than at present. Several safe Labour seats in the North voted Leave.

Campaigners against hard Brexit fear they have been outmanoeuvred by Ms May. She will be able to rerun the have your cake and eat it promises made by Brexiteers in the referendum  regaining control of immigration and the courts while keeping access to EU markets. There will be no disappointment factor or sense of broken promises at a 2020 election that will not now happen. She has got her election in before the shit hits the fan, said one Labour MP.

If Ms May, armed with a big majority, strikes a deal with the EU, Parliament is likely to endorse exit and transitional agreements in 2019. MPs would be denied a pro-EU moment when a cross-party alliance of Labour, Lib Dems and Tories might just have joined forces to block a hard Brexit. They have certainly been talking about that in private.

To limit disruption for business, Britain could remain in the single market during a three-year transitional deal lasting until 2022 when, conveniently, the next general election will be due.

By then Ms May will hope to have struck a free trade agreement with the EU. But disappointment might be setting in among voters who realise that the UK cannot have its cake and eat it after all.

Pro-Europeans might well fight a 2022 election on a platform of Return (to the EU) instead of Remain. But after Ms Mays unexpected manoeuvre on the chess board, they will now have to play a long game.
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Jeremy Corbyn has made clear that Labour will support Theresa May's call for a snap general election and said his party offered a "clear and credible choice for the country".

But one of his MPs has already said he cannot stand on 8 June while Mr Corbyn is at the helm of the party. Tom Blenkinsop announced he would not seek re-election due to "significant and irreconcilable differences with the current Labour leadership".

Mr Corbyn won two leadership elections last year, increasing his share of the vote when challenged by Owen Smith in September.

Asked whether the Islington North MP would lead Labour into the 8 June general election, his spokesman said: "Yes, of course".

With around eight weeks until voters go to the polls, it appears there will be too little time for members of his own party to mount a challenge to his leadership.

Following Ed Miliband's 2015 general election defeat, nominations to replace him opened on 9 June and the result was announced on 12 September.

In 2016, when Mr Corbyn faced a no-confidence vote by his own MPs, nominations opened on 18 July and the result was made public on 24 September.

Electoral Reform Services, which oversaw the 2016 leadership election, said its logistical role alone would take a minimum of five weekspreparing ballot papers, sending them out and then counting them.

That would only come after the Labour Party's own processes, for nominations and campaigns, had concluded, however. That timetable is set by the party's National Executive Committee once an election is triggered.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA 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

Dr Matt Cole, from the University of Birmingham, told The Independent: "The chances of a challenge at this stage, given that one has already failed, are extremely remote.

"The process for changing the Labour leader is a long and logistically complex one. [It] would be going on during the course of what is already a general election campaign."

Those most likely to challenge Mr Corbyn may already see looming electoral defeat as the way to "run out" his time in charge, Dr Cole added. Such a defeat would be the "easiest point" for Mr Corbyn to bow out, he said.

Dr Cole added: "For the Labour Party this is perhaps a more dangerous election than there has been since, say, 1983. If they perform as they are in the polls at the moment, which I'm not saying they will ... they would have done worse than Michael Foot did.

"It took several changes of leader and another four general elections before the Labour Party recovered."

Anyone who wants to challenge a sitting leader needs the support of a fifth of Labour MPs and MEPs.

The party's 2016 rulebook states: "Where there is no vacancy, nominations may be sought by potential challengers each year prior to the annual session of Party conference. In this case any nomination must be supported by 20 per cent of the combined Commons members of the [Parliamentary Labour Party] and members of the [European Parliamentary Labour Party].

Labour declined to comment on the issue of the leadership.

 Jeremy Corbyn dodges question on whether he would stand down if Labour is defeated

In a recorded statement, Mr Corbyn said Labour "wants to put a case out there for the people of Britain" for an economy and country that "works for all". Asked how he would turn around dire polls, he repeated his line about "putting the case forward", claiming Labour would make a "much fairer and more decent country".

He added: "We will take our message to every single part of the country."

Asked whether he would stand down if Labour is defeated, Mr Corbyn said: "We are campaigning to win this election, that's the only question now... I want to lead a government that will transform this country."

Ms May's announcement came days after a poll for The Independent put the Conservatives 21 points ahead of Labour, 46 per cent to 25 per cent.

A separate survey for The Observer found that just 45 per cent of Labour voters believe Mr Corbyn would be the best Prime Minister for the country.
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Ukip donor Arron Banks has said he will run against the partys former MP Douglas Carswell in Clacton in the upcoming general election.

Asked on Twitter if he was planning to stand in the 8 June vote, which Theresa May called for on Tuesday morning but which must still clear a vote in the Commons, Mr Banks confirmed he would. It is not clear which party he will represent.

A spokesman for Mr Banks added that the businessman was a million per cent going for it in Clacton and would seek to gain the backing of Tory and Ukip voters.

We will also be using all our learning from the referendum on social media to attack Remain MPs and support Brexit MPs of any colour, he said.

In March, Mr Banks said his membership of the party had been suspended, and that he intendeded to build his own political movement from his Leave.EU campaign group.

Ukip chairman Paul Oakden said Mr Banks had not been suspended from the party, but that his membership had lapsed and it would be up to party leader Paul Nuttall to decide if the businessman would be allowed to renew it.

The spat signalled the deep divisions between the party and its millionaire donor, who has been consistently critical of its leadership.

Mr Banks had planned to launch his own Patriotic Alliance movement on 5 May, The Guardian reports.

Whether Banks stands as an independent, Patriotic Alliance or Ukip, those things are all up for discussion, Andy Wigmore, Mr Bankss spokesman, told the paper.

 Theresa May calls for general election

He will meet with former leader Nigel Farage in the coming days to discuss whether to stand as a Ukip candidate.

Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Nuttall said Ms May's decision to call for a snap election was a cynical decision driven more by the weakness of Corbyn's Labour Party rather than the good of the country.

We are in the midst of Brexit negotiations so this election will provide a perfect opportunity for the 52 per cent to vote for Ukip, the only party wholeheartedly committed to a clean quick and efficient Brexit, he added.

Mr Carswell tweeted after the announcement by the Prime Minister of her intention to hold an election: If you voted Ukip in 2015, it's job done, suggesting he viewed the party as a spent political force.

Mr Carswell, who defected from the Conservatives in 2014, announced he was standing down from Ukip late last month to become an independent MP.

Mr Banks welcomed the departure of the partys only MP, describing it as a rare piece of good news for Ukip.

Ms May and Downing Street have repeatedly insisted there would be no snap general election before the scheduled vote in 2020.

But in a surprise statement, she said uncertainty over Brexit meant she had changed her mind.

"Our opponents believe because the Government's majority is so small that our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change. They are wrong," Ms May said.

"They underestimate our determination to get the job done and I am not prepared to let them endanger the security of millions of working people across the country, because what they are doing jeopardises the work we must do to prepare for Brexit at home and it weakens the Government's negotiating position in Europe."
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Former Cabinet minister Sir Ed Davey has confirmed he will stand in the June general election.

The Liberal Democrat ex-Energy Secretary claimed his party was "the only really effective opposition to the Tories' hard Brexit" as he announced he would attempt to re-take his old Kingston and Surbiton seat.

He was deposed by Conservative James Berry in 2015, who overturned a majority of more than 7,000 on a night that saw the departure of almost all Lib Dem MPs  including Sir Vince Cable, who has also said he will run again this year.

Recommended This is what people really think about the snap general election

Sir Ed told The Independent: "We will be the surprise in this election, we will do far better than people currently think. Clearly the Tories are going to hammer Labour. But we can take some [seats] back.

"We need a strong opposition and many Liberal Democrat MPs in Parliament to hold this very right-wing government to account on hard Brexit and slashing the social infrastructure of our country.

"We've been winning council seats, and seats that voted solidly to Leave."

Asked why his former constituents would take him back just two years after rejecting him, Sir Ed said there had been a "dramatic change" in the political debate. "People can now see what the Tories actually represent."

A hard Brexit would constitute an "appalling threat to our economy," he said, and predicted Conservative and Labour voters would defect to the Lib Dems.

Mr Berry won Kingston and Surbiton by some 2,800 votes in 2015, representing a 15.3 per cent loss in vote share for Sir Ed, who had held the seat since 1997.

Contacted earlier on Tuesday before Sir Ed's announcement, Mr Berry said: "He'll try. I'm looking forward to standing on my record and the Government's, if a little sooner than expected."

Theresa May announced the snap general election, for 8 June, on Tuesday morning, saying: "We need a general election and we need one now."

She said a strong government was needed before pushing ahead with Brexit talks with the European Union.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA 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

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron called the poll "your chance to change the direction of your country". In a statement, he said: "If you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the single market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance.

"Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority."

His party claimed to have signed up 1,000 new members in the hour following Ms May's announcement.

Jeremy Corbyn welcomed the news of the election. He said: "Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS.

"In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country. We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain."
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Prime Minister Theresa May has called for a general election in the United Kingdom in a bid to cement her party's grip on power.

Ms May made the announcement from the steps of Number 10 Downing Street, following months of favourable polls for the Tories.

The Prime Minister said she would go to Parliament and ask for the national vote on June 8, adding: "We need a general election and we need one now".

Recommended Here are all the times Theresa May said there would be no election

She said: "I have just chaired a meeting of the Cabinet, where we agreed that the Government should call a general election, to be held on June 8."

She explained that she had only come to the conclusion an election was needed "recently", after months of Downing Street denying she would call one.

But the Prime Minister said a strong government was needed before pushing ahead with Brexit talks with the European Union.

Without a snap general election Ms May said "political game-playing" in Westminster coincide with negotiations reaching their "most difficult stage" in the run-up to the previously scheduled 2020 election.

"Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit, and it will cause damaging uncertainty and instability to the country," she said.

"So we need a general election and we need one now. Because we have at this moment a one-off chance to get this done, while the European Union agrees its negotiating position and before the detailed talks begin."

She also threw the gauntlet down to Jeremy Corbyn and other party leaders to back the call for an election - as she needs a two thirds majority in the Commons to move ahead.

Ms May went on: "Our opponents believe because the Government's majority is so small that our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change. They are wrong.

"They under-estimate our determination to get the job done and I am not prepared to let them endanger the security of millions of working people across the country, because what they are doing jeopardises the work we must do to prepare for Brexit at home and it weakens the Government's negotiating position in Europe."

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to the media outside 10 Downing Street (Reuters)

A ComRes survey for The Independent put her party 21 points ahead of Labour at the weekend, its greatest lead while in government since 1983, shortly before Margaret Thatchers second victory at the ballot box.

Commenting on the Prime Minister's call, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "I welcome the Prime Ministers decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.

"Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS."

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: "This election is your chance to change the direction of our country.

"If you want to avoid a disastrous Hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the Single Market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance."

Green co-leader Caroline Lucas said: "Britain is at a crossroads and todays announcement means that people are rightly given a say over the direction this country is going to take. Only the Green Party offers a bold, positive vision for a different kind of Britain."
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Labour is set to give its MPs the automatic right to contest their existing seats in the upcoming general election without need for re-selection by members before they can stand, The Independent understands.

The partys ruling executive is expected to waive requirements for trigger ballots with the blessing of Jeremy Corbyn  avoiding a potential scrap between the Parliamentary Labour Party and Mr Corbyns office weeks ahead of the general election.

The decision comes after a discussion at the top of the party about whether members should get a say about re-selecting its candidates for Theresa Mays snap election.

In ordinary circumstances Labours rulebook requires MPs to be re-selected by so-called trigger ballots  a vote of local party members and affiliates in the constituency.

However it is understood that given the short notice ahead of the election Mr Corbyns office has agreed that MPs should be automatically re-selected and that the focus should be on fighting the general election.

Sources say National Executive Committee officers today unanimously approved plans for automatic re-selection and the whole NEC is expected to back the plan tomorrow with the support of the leadership.

Local Labour parties would have had until a 3 May cut-off to hold trigger ballots on whether to re-select their MPs  the date the Royal proclamation for the June 8 election will by law be issued. After such a proclamation, Labours rules say sitting MPs should automatically be adopted as candidates anyway.

On Tuesday evening close Corbyn ally Diane Abbott dismissed the idea that the leader had been seeking trigger ballots as a rumour, telling Channel 4 News: Sitting Members of Parliament will be nodded through.

On selections, Labours rulebook states: If the sitting MP wishes to stand for re-election, a trigger ballot will be carried out through Party units and affiliates according to NEC guidelines.

If the MP wins the trigger ballot he/ she will, subject to NEC endorsement, be selected as the CLPs prospective parliamentary candidate.

Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Show all 8 1 /8 Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Jeremy Corbyn and Owen Smith clash at a leadership hustings in Gateshead, where Mr Smith was scarcely able to answer a question without being booed by Mr Corbyns supporters PA Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Jeremy himself admitted he was seven out of 10 in terms of his faith in the European Union. He said it, said Mr Smith during his second live debate with Jeremy Corbyn Getty Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Ballot papers are currently due to be sent out on 22 August and returned a month later, with the result being announced at a special Labour conference on 24 September Getty Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Jeremy Corbyn supporters cheer and wave placards as the Labour Leader addresses thousands of supporters in in Liverpool, England Getty Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Labour Party leadership candidate Owen Smith poses for a picture with supporters during a picnic for young members in London Fields, Hackney in London Getty Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith The Labour leader has a spring in his step at a leadership rally in Sunderland Screenshot Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Labour leadership contender Owen Smith delivers a speech at the Open University in Milton Keynes, where he promised to reverse Conservative cuts set to leave millions of low paid workers thousands of pounds a year worse off PA Labour leadership contest: Jeremy Corbyn vs Owen Smith Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has urged Owen Smith to distance himself from those saying they want to split the Labour party Getty

If the MP fails to win the trigger ballot, he/ she shall be eligible for nomination for selection as the prospective parliamentary candidate, and s/he shall be included in the shortlist of candidates from whom the selection shall be made.

Labour faces an uphill struggle in the coming general election with polls show the Conservatives at least 20 points ahead. At least two Labour MPs have said they will not contest their seats again.
A worshipper prays for good fortune during a grand memorial ritual for the 13th-century great conqueror Genghis Khan at the mausoleum of Genghis Khan in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 17, 2017. The annual spring ceremony for Genghis Khan has been practiced for nearly 800 years. Worshippers stepped into the shrine, offering hada, a ceremonial silk scarf, and tea bricks, among other offerings. Genghis Khan's relics are enshrined at the site. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)
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More than half of British people support increased immigration of highly skilled workers, suggests a new poll, which charts the UKs attitude towards migrants from diverse sectors of the economy and different areas of the globe.

The combined research by Ipsos Mori and Kings College London found that 52 per cent of British adults believed more immigrants coming to do highly skilled jobs should be admitted, compared with 12 per cent who disagreed.

However, the public is considerably less supportive of allowing lower-skilled migrant workers to come to the UK, with only 18 per cent agreeing that more should be allowed to come and do routine manual jobs. Over 40 per cent said fewer should be permitted.

It comes after the independent Office for National Statistics (ONS) said immigration is particularly important to the wholesale and retail, hospitality and health sectors, which employ around 1.5 million non-UK nationals. The ONSs annual data also highlights the severity of imposing curbs to immigration after Brexit as it shows that EU migrants account for as many as one in 10 of employees in some sectors of the British economy.

Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, has previously indicated that highly skilled workers, including bankers and businessmen, will be exempt from the curbs after Britain leaves the bloc and is no longer subject to the EUs free movement of people.

During a committee hearing Mr Hammond said he would expect to use controls in a sensible way that would certainly facilitate the movement of highly skilled people between financial institutions and businesses in order to support investment in the UK economy.

The Independent and Open Britain are urging for the Government to drop its target to cut net migration to tens of thousands of people each year. It is divisive and will harm our economy.

The poll, which also asked respondents about the impact of immigration in general, found that just under half  or 48 per cent  believed it has been good for Britain while 34 per cent responded that had a negative impact.

Underlining the importance of immigration in last years EU referendum vote, the poll suggested that those who identified as voting Remain at the plebiscite in June 2016 thought immigration has been good for Britain by 68 per cent to 16 per cent. For Leave voters, 25 per cent of respondents believed it was good, opposed to 58 per cent who believed it to be bad.

But when questioned on whether they would support more highly skilled migrants coming to Britain, Leave voters supported more rather than fewer by 43 per cent to 20 per cent.

When charting immigration from around the world, it found the public is much more sympathetic to immigration from Australia and New Zealand than from the rest of the world. Only around one in ten believed Britain should allow more migrants from Eastern Europe, the Indian sub-continent, North Africa, the rest of Africa or the Middle East.

Kully Kaur-Ballagan, head of race, faith and cohesion research at the university, told The Independent: A majority of Britons have wanted to see immigration reduced for many years, and it was a particular motivation for those voting Brexit. However, our research has also shown that peoples views on immigration are more nuanced beyond the headline figures, and as Article 50 has been triggering our latest data reinforces this by showing the public view different types of immigration very differently and does not want a blanket reduction of all types of immigration.

 Yvette Cooper interrogates Theresa May over immigration policy

There is a clear backing to allow in more students and highly skilled migrants to Britain and for this latter group, there is clear support among both Leavers and Remainers.

However, the public is much less supportive of allowing lower-skilled workers. Therefore, any new immigration controls will require a delicate balancing act between supporting the needs of industry that rely heavily on lower skilled migration and the publics desire to see numbers reduced.

Norman Lamb, a Liberal Democrat MP and a leading supporter of the campaign group Open Britain, said: The fact is that migrants in our country keep our economy and public services running by bringing their skills to Britain, working hard and paying their taxes.

Choosing to sacrifice our economy at the altar of lower immigration, as the Government seem set on doing, would make us all worse off. The Government needs to acknowledge the benefits immigration brings to our country, and scrap their damaging and unachievable target of reducing net migration to the tens of thousands.

Ipsos Mori interviewed a representative sample of 998 GB adults by telephone on 10-14 February 2017. Data were weighted to match the profile of the population.
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Thousands of appeals lodged by asylum seekers and foreign criminals attempting to remain in Britain will be fast tracked under proposals being brought forward by Liz Truss, the Justice Secretary.

On Tuesday ministers will unveil plans for a new process to speed up cases lodged by overseas nationals held in detention, and accelerate the removal of those with no right to remain.

The rules would apply to detainees who appeal against a Home Office decision to remove them from the country, including foreign offenders and failed asylum seekers.

If the Independent Tribunal Procedure Committee (TPC), which sets the rules for tribunals, approves the proposals, officials say the system could speed up around 2,000 cases a year and save the taxpayer an estimated 2.7m.

Ms Truss said: It is vital that foreign nationals who have no right to remain in the country should be removed as quickly as possible.

We must ensure that foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers are not exploiting the justice system by attempting to stay in the UK after their claims have been rejected. Our proposals are also better for detainees as it will see their detention time cut.

Last year a report from the influential Home Affair Select Committee claimed that more than 13,000 foreign criminals were awaiting deportation from the UK, including thousands of European citizens.

Before the EU referendum last year and while Theresa May was still Home Secretary said that foreign nationals who commit crimes in the UK should in no doubt of our determination to deport them. She also claimed that being in the EU gives the UK access to criminal records sharing and prisoner transfer agreements which help us better identify people with criminal records, and allow us to send foreign criminals back to their home countries to serve their sentences.

The proposals will aim to address a gap in the regime left after ministers were forced to scrap previous arrangements following legal challenged. From 2003 the Detained Fast Track (DFT) system was used to accelerate asylum cases that could be decided quickly.

But the regime was quashed in July 2015 after the Court of Appeal upheld a finding by the High Court that the rules were unlawful due to the speed of the process coupled with a lack of sufficient safeguards for those making appeals. It kept asylum seekers in detention while a decision was made on their case.

The system was intended for only the most straightforward cases, to cut down the administrative burden and the risk of people disappearing. But instead victims of torture, human trafficking and rape are wrongly caught in it, one High Court judge said at the time.

Additional reporting by Press Association
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Two Labour MPs have announced they will not run for re-election after Theresa May announced a snap general election.

Former Home Secretary Alan Johnson has announced he will be stepping down from his Hull West and Hessle seat rather than retiring in 2022 when he will be 71.

He said: "As far as the constituency and the Party are concerned, no MP wants to put them through the anguish of a mid-term by-election, so for me the personal decision is whether to retire now or in 2022 when Ill be into my 70s.

"Ive decided that going now will give me the opportunity to do other things with my life and is therefore in the best interests of me and my family. I also think its best for the Party."

Alan Johnson has decided to retire now rather than wait another five years to do so in 2022

Meanwhile Tom Blenkinsop, the MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland who was first elected in 2010, announced he was quitting because he could not "in good faith" fight a general election campaign while Jeremy Corbyn is leader.

In a statement delivered outside 10 Downing Street Ms May announced the snap election on 8 June, saying she wanted to "remove the risk of uncertainty and instability and continue to give the country the strong and stable leadership it demands".

But critics will point out several polls, including one by The Independent, released over the weekend which showed the Conservatives are currently enjoying a 20-point lead over Jeremy Corbyn's Labour party would have almost certainly factored into her decision.

Mr Blekinsop regained his seat in the 2015 election with a majority of 2,268 but is an outspoken critic of Mr Corbyn's leadership, having supported Owen Smith during the bid to oust him last year.

In a statement on his website, he said: I will not seeking re-election as the member of Parliament for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.

I have made no secret about my significant and irreconcilable differences with the current Labour leadership. It is because of these differences I feel I cannot in good faith stand as the Labour candidate for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.

Representing the people of Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland has been the proudest years of my life.I will do all I can in my time remaining as an MP to champion my constituents and the area that means so much to me, as I have been proud to do over the last 7 years.

Tom Blenkinsop is standing down after seven years as an MP over Jeremy Corbyn's leadership (Labour Party)

He blamed the Labour leader for the party's lost of a safe council seat in his constituency to the Conservatives earlier this month.

He said: "We lost due to the leader's name being mentioned on the doorstep as the reason why residents were not voting Labour."

Middlesbrough, in North Yorkshire, is considered part of the traditional Labour heartland but voted for Brexit in the referendum last year.

Mr Corbyn is facing a possible wipeout with some speculating he could lose up to 100 seats in this new general election.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA 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

Despite this, he "welcomed" Ms May's announcement.

He said: "I welcome the Prime Ministers decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first," Mr Corbyn said in a statement.

"Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS.

"In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country. We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain".

Simon Burns, Conservative MP for Chelmsford (NHS Employers/Creative Commons)

Separately Conservative MP for Chelmsford, Sir Simon Burns, said he would not run again but praised Ms May's decision to call the vote.

The MP, who had previously said he would not run again in 2020, told the Essex Chronicle: "Of course, I am very sad to go after 30 years in the job, and although there's been enormous satisfaction in helping people, I'm still sad.

"The time has come for a new face and a new approach to representing the people of Chelmsford."
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More than 5,000 people joined the Liberal Democrats on the day Theresa May called a snap general election, the party has said.

Announcing the rise in the party's supporters, leader Tim Farron said: We have been planning for a snap general election for months.

We have candidates in place, a manifesto under review and a campaign plan aimed at getting the best result we can, he added.

The party apologised to potential members on Twitter saying technical difficulties may have prevented them from joining.

The Lib Dems are seeking to make significant gains in June, after haemorrhaging support while in a coalition with the Conservative party and being reduced to just eight MPs in the 2015 election.

Former Lib Dem Business Secretary Vince Cable, who lost his south London seat in 2015, told The Independent he was planning to run for election in June.

The party has taken a pro-Europe stance and established itself as a party staunchly opposed to Brexit, a position it hopes will win them support.

In the wake of Ms May's announcement, Mr Farron said: "If you want to avoid a disastrous Hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the single market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance.

"Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority."

Meanwhile grassroots group Momentum claimed that more than 2,500 people had joined the Labour Party on the day of the announcement.

The Conservatives have not released up to date membership figures since 2013; they are estimated to have around 100,000 members.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA 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

Speaking about the surge in support for the Liberal Democrats, the partys president, Sal Brinton, said: This is a time when liberals must stand together, and people across the country are doing just that.

The surge in our membership proves that the Liberal Democrats are seen as the real opposition to this Conservative Brexit Government.

While Theresa May is seeking to divide the country, the Liberal Democrats are the only party fighting to keep Britain Open, Tolerant and United.

Both Labour and the Liberal Democrats have said they will support a Commons vote on Wednesday that would trigger the general election.

Under the Fixed Term Parliament's Act 2011, passed by the Coalition, the next election is scheduled for 2020 but can be called earlier if two thirds of MPs vote in favour.
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Nicola Sturgeon has said the Conservatives will use a snap general election to move the UK to the right, force through a hard Brexit and impose deeper cuts.

In a statement released shortly after the Prime Minister announced she was calling for a vote on 8 June, Mr Sturgeon described the announcement as one of the most extraordinary U-turns in recent political history and a huge political miscalculation.

She said it showed Theresa May was once again putting the interests of her party ahead of the country.

The Scottish First Minister added that the decision to call for the election, which must secure the support of two-thirds of MPs in a vote scheduled for Wednesday in the Commons, was a political move to capitalise on the utter disarray in the Labour Party.

She is clearly betting that the Tories can win a bigger majority in England given the utter disarray in the Labour Party," Ms Sturgeon said.

That makes it all the more important that Scotland is protected from a Tory party which now sees the chance of grabbing control of government for many years to come and moving the UK further to the right  forcing through a hard Brexit and imposing deeper cuts in the process.

That means that this will be  more than ever before  an election about standing up for Scotland, in the face of a right-wing, austerity-obsessed Tory Government with no mandate in Scotland but which now thinks it can do whatever it wants and get away with it."

Ms Sturgeon added: In terms of Scotland, this move is a huge political miscalculation by the Prime Minister.

It will once again give people the opportunity to reject the Tories' narrow, divisive agenda, as well as reinforcing the democratic mandate which already exists for giving the people of Scotland a choice on their future.

 Times Theresa May has said there won't be an election until 2020

The UKs vote to leave the EU  a position not supported in Scotland  has already resulted in a showdown between Ms May and the SNP leader over plans for a second Scottish independence referendum.

The Scottish government insists another vote on the matter should be held sometime between autumn 2018 and spring 2019, but Ms May has made clear that now is not the time for such a vote.

SNP deputy leader Angus Robertson tweeted: Whatever happened to now is not the time? UK general election: 8 June. Straight choice in Scotland between the SNP and Tories.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said her party would go into the 8 June election with a clear message that a vote for the Tories would ensure we get the strong leadership we need to get the best Brexit deal for the whole country and would also send a strong message that we oppose SNPs divisive plan for a second referendum.
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Ukip leader Paul Nuttall has said Theresa May's decision to call for a snap general election is a "cynical decisoin driven more by the weakness of Corbyn's Labour Party rather than the good of the country."

Ms May called for a general election on 8 June, saying: "We need a general election and we need one now."

She said a strong government was needed before pushing ahead with Brexit talks with the European Union.

 Theresa May calls general election for June 8

In a statement, Mr Nuttall said: "We welcome the opportunity to take Ukip's positive message to the country.

"However, we believe that the Prime Minister's decision to call this election is a cynical decision driven more by the weakness of Corbyn's Labour Party rather than the good of the country.

"There is also the prospect of a slew of Tory held by-elections caused by the seeming systematic breach of electoral law at the last election, predominantly in places where Ukip were pressing the Conservatives hard.

"We are in the midst of Brexit negotiations so this election will provide a perfect opportunity for the 52 per cent to vote for Ukip, the only party wholeheartedly committed to a clean quick and efficient Brexit."

Key Faces of UKIP Show all 11 1 /11 Key Faces of UKIP Key Faces of UKIP Nigel Farage Getty Key Faces of UKIP United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) Migration spokesman Steven Woolfe addresses supporters and media personnel in central London Getty Key Faces of UKIP Robert Kilroy-Silk, former television presenter and newly elected member of the European Parliament for the UK Independence Party (UKIP), shows a placard against the European Constitution in front of the Houses of Parliament Getty Key Faces of UKIP Mark Reckless, Director of Policy Development addresses party members during the UK Independence Party annual conference at Doncaster Racecourse Getty Key Faces of UKIP Gerard Batten MEP poses with protesters outside parliament Creative Commons Key Faces of UKIP Diane James gives an address at the UKIP Autumn Conference in Bournemouth Getty Key Faces of UKIP Douglas Carswell MP speaks to party members and supporters during the UK Independence Party annual conference Getty Key Faces of UKIP Suzanne Evans, Deputy Party Chairman of UK Independence Party (UKIP) speaks during the launch of UKIP's election manifesto Getty Key Faces of UKIP Peter Whittle, the UK Independence Party Member of the London Assembly, is interviewed in central London Getty Key Faces of UKIP MEP Mike Hookem during a visit to Concept Metal Products & Co Ltd Getty Key Faces of UKIP Paul Nuttall, Deputy Leader of the UK Independence Party speaks at a Say NO, Believe in Britain debate at Carn Brea Leisure Centre in Pool near Redruthon Getty

Ukip donor Arron Banks has said he will run against the party's former MP Douglas Carswell in Clacton in the upcoming general election, though it is not clear which party he would represent.

Mr Banks confirmed he would stand when asked on Twitter.

He had planned to launch his own Patriotic Alliance movement on 5 May, The Guardian reports.

Whether Banks stands as an independent, Patriotic Alliance or Ukip, those things are all up for discussion, said Andy Wigmore, Mr Banks spokesman, told the paper.

He will meet with former Ukip leader Nigel Farage in the coming days to discuss whether to stand as a Ukip candidate.
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The door to No 10 swung open and the Prime Minister walked reluctantly out.

Helicopters whirred reluctantly overhead. Reluctant clouds moved across the reluctant blue sky.

Earlier a reluctant policeman had, with an air of reluctance, placed a reluctant lectern on the reluctant Tarmac.

Step by reluctant step, she moved reluctantly forward and took her reluctant place behind it. She cleared her reluctant throat, parted her reluctant lips and reluctantly began to speak.

Reluctantly, I have just chaired a meeting of the Cabinet, she began. Where we reluctantly agreed that the Government should call a general election, to be held on 8 June, a date that will hereafter be known as Reluctance Day.

No longer Theresa Maybe then. Theresa Definitely. Just as, on at least 15 different occasions in the less than 12 months she has been Prime Minister, there definitely wasnt going to be a snap general election, now there definitely would be one. And that is the sort of strong, stable leadership your Reluctant Prime Minister invited you to return to government in eight weeks time.

Recommended Theresa May has handed us our final chance to stop Brexit

Not since Congolese would-be IT support operative Guy Goma was whisked from reception and sat down in front of the live BBC News cameras has anyone been compelled to shape their public legacy with such reluctance.

It is not yet a year since she reluctantly campaigned for Remain, then lost and reluctantly became the Prime Minister that would reluctantly take Britain out of the European Union, and now that absolutely nothing has changed in the slightest, she has reluctantly called the very general election she, presumably reluctantly, has always claimed would never happen.

The country is coming together and Westminster is not, she said, surprising those of us who imagined no one could have less of an idea than Jeremy Corbyn about the job of opposition in the British parliamentary system.

"If we do not hold a general election now, the negotiations with the European Union will reach their most difficult stage in the run-up to the next scheduled election, she continued, evidently forgetting it was her and no one else who had (reluctantly) chosen the pull the reluctant trigger on Article 50 and set that precise timetable herself.

With her last, reluctant words, she urged the country to choose between Jeremy Corbyn and strong and stable leadership in the national interest.

She said it three times. Choose the strong and stable leadership in the national interest that I didnt think was in the national interest this time last year.

Choose the strong and stable leadership that wants a general election that six months ago I said was a risk to national stability.

That other favourite trope was there too, from this straight-laced, straight-faced safe-pair-of hands Prime Minister who steadfastly does the precise opposite of everything she steadfastly says shes going to do.

Every vote for the Conservatives will make it harder for opposition politicians who want to stop me from getting the job done, she said.

Some good news for Remainers, at last. One Theresa May can really start getting the job done, well be back in the EU by Christmas. Reluctantly, of course.
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Theresa May and her cabinet ministers did not discuss the potential instability a snap election could cause as they approved a plan for one today, despite months of Downing Street citing it as the main reason a vote should not be held.

The decision to push the country to the polls was cemented at cabinet on Tuesday morning, where sources said all ministers gave their unanimous support for what they described as a difficult and brave decision.

Despite historically favourable poll ratings pointing to a big win for Ms May, she had doggedly taken the principled position that an election was wrong because the country needed stability after the EU referendum.

But asked whether there had been any discussions of potential short-term instability at cabinet, or any measures put in place to counteract it, a Tory source said there had not been.

The source told The Independent: The Prime Minister started the meeting by explaining why this decision has been made and it was backed unanimously by colleagues that it was the right decision.

Ms May mulled the decision to go for an election while she was on her holiday in Wales over the Easter break, and then called the Queen on Monday to discuss the situation.

Explaining the turn around, the source said: We have seen this process, since she became Prime Minister and with Article 50, that political parties have made clear their determination to block, stop and derail the Government from getting on with the job.

And over that period it became more clear that if you are going to do it, you have to do it now.

 Theresa May calls general election for June 8

Citing concern over the strength of the UKs position going into Brexit talks, he added: In order not to undermine Britain in these negotiations, having a small majority and no unity in Westminster, this is a chance to change that.

But opponents branded the decision a political one, driven by a desire to cement Tory power and destroy the Labour party.

The First Minister of Scotland, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, described the announcement as one of the most extraordinary U-turns in recent political history, and framed it as a move to scupper Labour in England.

 Times Theresa May has said there won't be an election until 2020

She added: That means that this will be  more than ever before  an election about standing up for Scotland, in the face of a right-wing, austerity obsessed Tory government with no mandate in Scotland but which now thinks it can do whatever it wants and get away with it.

Ukip leader Paul Nuttall said: We believe that the Prime Minister's decision to call this election is a cynical decision driven more by the weakness of Corbyn's Labour Party rather than the good of the country.

There is also the prospect of a slew of Tory held by-elections caused by the seeming systematic breach of electoral law at the last election, predominantly in places where Ukip were pressing the Conservatives hard.
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Theresa May will decline any invitation to take part in televised debates held in the run-up to a general election proposed for 8 June, The Independent understands.

Conservative Party sources said the Prime Minister will not be taking part in the customary pre-election TV debates, which have become a regular event in the UKs election cycle.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, reacting to the news, said: "Elections and democracy are about public debate. So its rather strange that only a couple of hours after calling for a general election, the Prime Minister is saying shes not going to take part in TV debates.

"I say to Theresa May, who said this election was about leadership: come on and show some. Lets have the debates. Its what democracy needs and what the British people deserve."

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron and the SNP's Nicola Sturgeon called on broadcasters to "empty chair" her, saying the decision not to take part was an "attempt to dodge scrutiny".

Ms May called for an election during an impromptu statement delivered from the steps of Downing Street.

Her proposal for a snap election early in the summer will be voted on in the Commons on Wednesday. It requires a two-thirds majority among MPs in order to bypass the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act.

Critics are likely to seize on Ms May's reluctance to take part in the TV debates as proof that the Tories believe they can sail to victory on the back of the dire performance of the Labour Party.

Ms May is riding high in the polls and is unlikely to want to risk her favourable ratings by going head-to-head with fellow party leaders.

 What Theresa May said and what she really meant, according to John Rentoul

Ms Sturgeon wrote: "If PM doesn't have the confidence to debate her plans on TV with other leaders, broadcasters should empty chair her and go ahead anyway."

Mr Farron added: The Prime Ministers attempt to dodge scrutiny shows how she holds the public in contempt.

The British people deserve to see their potential leaders talking about the future of our country.

I expect the broadcasters to do the right thing, dont let the Conservatives call the shots. If the Prime Minister wont attend  empty chair her  Corbyn can defend her position as they seem to vote the same on these matters. You have a moral duty to hold these debates.

I believe this election is your chance to change the direction of our country. If you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit. If you want Britain to have a decent opposition. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united  this is your chance. You need to vote Liberal Democrat.
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Theresa May has said she decided to call for a snap election while walking in Wales before Easter.

The Prime Minister announced this morning her intention to hold a general election on 8 June  despite repeatedly saying it was not something she would consider.

Ms May said she was on a walking holiday with her husband Philip when she changed her mind.

Before Easter, I spent a few days walking in Wales with my husband, thought about this long and hard and came to the decision that to provide that stability and certainty for the future, this was the way to do it  to have an election," she told ITV News.

I trust the British people. The British people gave the Government a job to do in terms of coming out of the European Union and I'm going to be asking the British people to put their trust in me in ensuring we deliver a success of that.

On 20 March, a Downing Street spokesperson said: "There is not going to be a general election".

And in October, Ms May told The Sunday Times: "I think it's right that the next general election is in 2020. This isn't about political games, it's about what is right for the country".

 Theresa May calls general election for June 8

This morning she said she had only come to the conclusion an election was needed "recently", adding: "We need a general election and we need one now."

For the general election to go ahead, the Prime Minister must win a two-thirds majority in a Parliament vote tomorrow. Labour and the Liberal Democrats have both given their support to the election.

A poll for The Independent found the Conservatives are currently 21 points ahead of Labour, giving the party its greatest lead while in government since 1983.

Ms May is a regular visitor to Snowdonia, according to Downing Street, and has gone on walking holidays in the past to the Swiss Alps.

On her break last week, officials continued to brief her on matters of importance such as heightened tensions in Syria.

After reaching her decision, Ms May said she told the Queen on Easter Monday and then sought the full approval of the Cabinet before making her announcement.

The Prime Minister said a strong government was needed before pushing ahead with Brexit talks with the European Union.

Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Show all 12 1 /12 Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Brexit protest: Thousands march in London A woman poses with a home-made European Union flag as Remain supporters gather on Park Lane in London to show their support for the EU in the wake of Brexit PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Remain supporters demonstrate in Parliament Square PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Tens of thousands of people gathered to protest the result of the EU referendum PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London A majority of people in the capital voted to remain in the European Union Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Protesters chanted: What do we want to do? Stay in the EU PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The march follows a similar rally in Trafalgar Square that was cancelled due to heavy rain  but which tens of thousands of people turned up to anyway Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum by 52 per cent to 48 per cent Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London But support for the Leave campaign in urban areas and among young people was significantly lower Rex features Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Marchers gathered at Park Lane at 11am and marched towards Parliament Square PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Some protesters held up baguettes in a display of affection for our continental neighbours PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The disparity between different parts of the country has promoted a four million signature petition calling for a second referendum and even a renewed push for Scotland to cede from the UK PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The events organiser, Kings College graduate Kieran MacDermott, wrote: We can prevent Brexit by refusing to accept the referendum as the final say and take our finger off the self-destruct button" Reuters

Without a snap general election Ms May said political game-playing in Westminster would coincide with negotiations reaching their most difficult stage in the run-up to the previously scheduled 2020 election.

Division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit, and it will cause damaging uncertainty and instability to the country, she said.

So we need a general election and we need one now. Because we have at this moment a one-off chance to get this done, while the European Union agrees its negotiating position and before the detailed talks begin.
The Association of Cuisine and Catering Industry (ACCI) of China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region officially announced on April 16 that Mongolian food will become the ninth major cuisine of China.

Located in northern China, Inner Mongolia has a broad and historical food culture. Experts believe that Mongolian dishes conform well to the modern culinary emphasis on ecology, health and nutrition, and that they deserve recognition as a major cuisine.

According to Lang Lixing, president of ACCI of Inner Mongolia, the organization has established standards for Mongolian food and local cuisine through years of efforts and in cooperation with the Inner Mongolia Institute of Standardization.

Prior to the announcement, the eight major cuisines of China were Shandong, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Fujian, Hunan and Anhui food. Mongolian cuisine will inevitably promote changes in the catering industry as it becomes the ninth major cuisine. For instance, a chef from Paris currently working in China praised the flavor of Mongolian cuisine, saying he would promote Mongolian food in his own country.

The inclusion of Mongolian food as a major Chinese cuisine was supported by experts from the China Cuisine Association and China Hospitality Association. Experts noted that the eight preexisting major cuisines were simply recognized by the public,without any authoritative approval, and the same rule should also be applied to Mongolian cuisine.

Lang said that in addition to cementing the cuisine's position in China, ACCI will also expand its profile overseas.
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Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has said Theresa May's call for a general election is "your chance to change the direction of your country."

He said in a statement: "If you want to avoid a disastrous Hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the Single Market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance.

"Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority."

 Theresa May calls for general election

The Lib Dems have consistently called for a second referendum on the final Brexit deal Ms May achieves after negotiations with the European Union, and want to keep the UK in the European single market.

The Tories' 2015 general election victory saw the party gain several formerly Lib Dem seats in the south-west of England.

The Lib Dems later tweeted to say they had gained 1,000 new members in the hour after Ms May's annoucement.

Ms May announced a snap general election for 8 June, saying: "We need a general election and we need one now."

She said a strong government was needed before pushing ahead with Brexit talks with the European Union.

Stephen Crabb, who ran against Theresa May for leadership of the Conservative Party last year, tweeted his enthusiasm for the news, saying: "Sun is shining. Perfect moment for an election. Let's go."

Meanwhile, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Tom Blenkinsop announced he would not be standing for re-election.

He tweeted a link to what is believed to be a statement on his personal website, but the site has crashed due to heavy traffic.

Former prime minister David Cameron called Theresa May's decision to hold a snap general election "brave and right" in a tweet.

"My very best wishes to all Conservative candidates," he added.
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Young British Muslims think Isis fighters returning from Syria should be reintegrated into society and rehabilitated rather than being sent to prison, a study suggests.

The national study found young British Muslims across the UK believe returnee fighters should be reintegrated into society, with one saying the Government should give them a chance and another warning that otherwise they are gonna find another extremist group and join them.

Dr Imran Awan, Associate Professor of Criminology at Birmingham City University, told The Independent he was surprised so many were pro-rehabilitation, because many young Muslim voices are never heard within the discourse on terrorism.

Dr Awan interviewed with 25 male and 25 female British Muslims, aged between 14 and 25, from areas of the UK where there is a record of people travelling to Syria and joining Isis, to collect their views on why they think young Muslims travel to fight for jihadi groups, and what they think should happen when they return.

One interviewee warned: When people feel isolated and angry because they are not being treated with respect and if they go out and fight in Syria and when they come back there is no help, then I promise you, you will see more terrorism because these young people will think why should I do anything when my own Government dont care about me.

 Isis 'teaching children how to kill and make bombs'

As many as 800 Britons are estimated to have travelled to fight for or support jihadi groups in Syria or Iraq, and around half are feared to have returned to the UK.

Last year, the Government admitted just 14 of nearly 400 returnee fighters have been jailed, raising fears the rest are living off the radar and may be vulnerable to radicalisation.

The Home Office told The Independent the number of returnee fighters who have been convicted are not routinely published.

The Government's current strategy for returnee fighters is to convict and imprison those they can prove have committed a crime and refer the rest to the Channel deradicalisation programme.

Adam Deen, Executive Director of anti-extremism think-tank Quilliam UK, warned returnee fighters must be referred to Channel and monitored in case they are planning to form a terror cell or conduct an attack.

What is important here is that the more Isis are under siege and the more territory they're losing, the more they're going to channel their efforts and energies into terrorism, he said in an interview with The Independent.

Those individuals that have managed to get back into the country will be activated or will be conspiring to commit some kind of terrorist act. That's a major concern.

Mr Deen added: The likelihood of someone committing a terrorist attack who has gone abroad and has joined Isis is very high.

In pictures: The rise of Isis Show all 74 1 /74 In pictures: The rise of Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters of the Islamic State wave the group's flag from a damaged display of a government fighter jet following the battle for the Tabqa air base, in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from Islamic State group sit on their tank during a parade in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from the Islamic State group pray at the Tabqa air base after capturing it from the Syrian government in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Fighters from extremist Islamic State group parade in Raqqa, Syria AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping A video uploaded to social networks shows men in underwear being marched barefoot along a desert road before being allegedly executed by Isis Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping Haruna Yukawa after his capture by Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis kidnapping Khalinda Sharaf Ajour, a Yazidi, says two of her daughters were captured by Isis militants Washington Post In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Spokesperson for Isis Vice News via Youtube In pictures: The rise of Isis A pro-Isis leaflet A pro-Isis leaflet handed out on Oxford Street In London Ghaffar Hussain In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters Isis Jihadists burn their passports In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid A man collecting aid administered by Isis in Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid A woman collecting aid administered by Isis in Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis controls Syrian Aid Local civilians queue for aid administered by Isis. Since it declared a caliphate the group has increasingly been delivering services such as healthcare, and distributing aid and free fuel In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces detain men suspected of being militants of the Isis group in Diyala province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Mourners carry the coffin of a Shi'ite volunteer from the brigades of peace, who joined the Iraqi army and was killed during clashes with militants of the Isis group in Samarra, during his funeral in Najaf In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi Shiite Turkmen family fleeing the violence in the Iraqi city of Tal Afar, west of Mosul, arrives at a refugee camp on the outskirts of Arbil, in Iraq's Kurdistan region In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi A photograph made from a video by the jihadist affiliated group Furqan Media via their twitter account allegedly showing Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi delivering a sermon during Friday prayers at a mosque in Mosul. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared an Islamist caliphate in the territory under the group's control in Iraq and Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq Shiite's Al-Qubba Husseiniya mosque explodes in Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq Smoke and debris go up in the air as Shiite's Al-Qubba Husseiniya mosque explodes in Mosul. Images posted online show that Islamic extremists have destroyed at least 10 ancient shrines and Shiite mosques in territory - the city of Mosul and the town of Tal Afar - they have seized in northern Iraq in recent weeks In pictures: The rise of Isis Islamic extremists destroying mosques in Iraq A bulldozer destroys Sunni's Ahmed al-Rifai shrine and tomb in Mahlabiya district outside of Tal Afar In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces celebrate after clashes with followers of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi, in front of his home in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi at his home after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces arrest a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis A vehicle burns in front of a home of a follower of Shiite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi after clashes with his followers in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi woman holds her exhausted son as over 1000 Iraqis who have fled fighting in and around the city of Mosul and Tal Afar wait at a Kurdish checkpoint in the hopes of entering a temporary displacement camp in Khazair In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees Displaced Iraqi women hold pots as they queue to receive food during the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, at an encampment for displaced Iraqis who fled from Mosul and other towns, in the Khazer area outside Irbil, north Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria A militant Islamist fighter waving a flag, cheers as he takes part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa. The fighters held the parade to celebrate their declaration of an Islamic "caliphate" after the group captured territory in neighbouring Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters wave flags as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province Reuters In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters travel in a vehicle as they take part in a military parade along the streets of Syria's northern Raqqa province In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Fighters from the Isis group during a parade with a missile in Raqqa, Syria. Militants from an al-Qaida splinter group held a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria, displaying U.S.-made Humvees, heavy machine guns, and missiles captured from the Iraqi army for the first time since taking over large parts of the Iraq-Syria border In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters during a parade in Raqqa, Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Fighters from the Isis group during a parade in Raqqa, Syria. Militants from the splinter group held a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria, displaying U.S.-made Humvees, heavy machine guns, and missiles captured from the Iraqi army for the first time since taking over large parts of the Iraq-Syria border In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters hold a military parade in their stronghold in northeastern Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria Isis fighters during a parade in Raqqa, Syria In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Syria A member loyal to the Isis waves an Isis flag in Raqqa In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi anti-government gunmen from Sunni tribes in the western Anbar province march during a protest in Ramadi, west of Baghdad. The United Nations warned that Iraq is at a "crossroads" and appealed for restraint, as a bloody four-day wave of violence killed 195 people. The violence is the deadliest so far linked to demonstrations that broke out in Sunni areas of the Shiite-majority country more than four months ago, raising fears of a return to all-out sectarian conflict In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi security forces hold up a flag of the Isis group they captured during an operation to regain control of Dallah Abbas north of Baqouba, the capital of Iraq's Diyala province, 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq Isis fighters parade in the northern city of Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Volunteers, who have joined the Iraqi army to fight against the predominantly Sunni militants from the radical Isis group, demonstrate their skills during a graduation ceremony after completing their field training in Najaf In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Kurdish Peshmerga troops fire a cannon during clashes with militants of the Isis group in Jalawla, Diyala province In pictures: The rise of Isis Lieutenant General Qassem Atta speaks during a press conference Iraqi Prime Minister's security spokesman, Lieutenant General Qassem Atta speaks during a press conference about the latest military development in Iraq, in the capital Baghdad. Iraqi forces pressed a campaign to retake militant-held Tikrit, clashing with jihadist-led Sunni militants nearby and pounding positions inside the city with air strikes in their biggest counter-offensive so far In pictures: The rise of Isis A police station building destroyed by Isis fighters An exterior view of a police station building destroyed by gunmen in Mosul city, northern Iraq. Iraq's new parliament is expected to convene to start the process of setting up a new government, despite deepening political rifts and an ongoing Islamist-led insurgency. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani issued a decree inviting the new House of Representatives to meet and form a new government In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq Smoke billows from an area controlled by the Isis between the Iraqi towns of Naojul and Tuz Khurmatu, both located north of the capital Baghdad, as Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces take part in an operation to repel the Sunni militants In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An elderly Iraqi woman is helped into a temporary displacement camp for Iraqis caught-up in the fighting in and around the city of Mosul in Khazair In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi Christian woman fleeing the violence in the village of Qaraqush, about 30 kms east of the northern province of Nineveh, cries upon her arrival at a community center in the Kurdish city of Arbil in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraqi refugees An Iraqi woman, who fled with her family from the northern city of Mosul, prays with a copy of the Quran AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Isis fighters in Iraq The body of an Isis militant killed during clashes with Iraqi security forces on the outskirts of the city of Samarra Reuters In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Iraqi civilians inspect the damage at a market after an air strike by the Iraqi army in central Mosul EPA In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Members of the Al-Abbas brigades, who volunteered to protect the Shiite Muslim holy sites in Karbala against Sunni militants fighting the Baghdad government, parade in the streets of the city AP In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis Shia tribesmen gather in Baghdad to take up arms against Sunni insurgents marching on the capital. Thousands have volunteered to bolster defences AFP/Getty In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq crisis A van carrying volunteers joining Iraqi security forces against Jihadist militants. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced the Iraqi government would arm and equip civilians who volunteered to fight AFP/Getty In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters of the Isis group parade in a commandeered Iraqi security forces armored vehicle down a main road at the northern city of Mosul In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq An Islamist fighter, identified as Abu Muthanna al-Yemeni from Britain (R), speaks in this still image taken undated video shot at an unknown location and uploaded to a social media website. Five Islamist fighters identified as Australian and British nationals have called on Muslims to join the wars in Syria and Iraq, in the new video released by the Isis In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Al-Qaida inspired militants stand with captured Iraqi Army Humvee at a checkpoint belonging to Iraqi Army outside Beiji refinery some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Baghdad. The fighting at Beiji comes as Iraq has asked the U.S. for airstrikes targeting the militants from the Isis group. While U.S. President Barack Obama has not fully ruled out the possibility of launching airstrikes, such action is not imminent in part because intelligence agencies have been unable to identify clear targets on the ground, officials said In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants attacked Iraq's main oil refinein Baiji as they pressed an offensive that has seen them capture swathes of territory, a manager and a refinery employee said In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants from the Isis group parading with their weapons in the northern city of Baiji in the in Salaheddin province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq A smoke rises after an attack by Isis militants on the country's largest oil refinery in Beiji, some 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of the capital, Baghdad. Iraqi security forces battled insurgents targeting the country's main oil refinery and said they regained partial control of a city near the Syrian border, trying to blunt an offensive by Sunni militants who diplomats fear may have also seized some 100 foreign workers In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group stand next to captured vehicles left behind by Iraqi security forces at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province. For militant groups, the fight over public perception can be even more important than actual combat, turning military losses into propaganda victories and battlefield successes into powerful tools to build support for the cause In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq An injured fighter (C) from the Isis group after a battle with Iraqi soldiers at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis aiming at advancing Iraqi troops at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis group taking position at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Fighters from the Isis group inspecting vehicles of the Iraqi army after they were seized at an undisclosed location near the border between Syria and Iraq In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq One Iraqi captive, a corporal, is reluctant to say the slogan, and has to be shouted at repeatedly before he obeys Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Iraqi captives held by the extremists Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Iraqi captives held by the extremists Sky News In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group force captured Iraqi security forces members to the transport In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group transporting dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members to an unknown location in the Salaheddin province ahead of executing them In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq A major offensive spearheaded by Isis but also involving supporters of executed dictator Saddam Hussein has overrun all of one province and chunks of three others In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Militants of the Isis group executing dozens of captured Iraqi security forces members at an unknown location in the Salaheddin province In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis militants taking position at a Iraqi border post on the Syrian-Iraqi border between the Iraqi Nineveh province and the Syrian town of Al-Hasakah In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis rebels show their flag after seizing an army post AFP/Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Isis militants waving an Islamist flag after the seizure of an Iraqi army checkpoint in Salahuddin Getty Images In pictures: The rise of Isis Iraq Demonstrators chant slogans as they carry al-Qaida flags in front of the provincial government headquarters in Mosul, 225 miles (360 kilometers) northwest of Baghdad. In the week since it captured Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul, a Muslim extremist group has tried to win over residents and has stopped short of widely enforcing its strict brand of Islamic law, residents say. Churches remain unharmed and street cleaners are back at work

Channel was set up following the 7/7 attacks to identify those vulnerable to radical ideology and turn them away from the path to extremism. The voluntary programme uses a network of mentors, psychologists and trained imams to counsel and guide those at risk.

Mr Deen said the programme was very effective for those who engage with the programme, leading individuals to disavow their extremist beliefs.

However, he said it was a question of them agreeing to it in the first place.

The problem here is that it's voluntary. It can't be enforced.

Little research has been conducted to assess the results of the Channel programme, and Mr Deen said there is a lack of transparency around the number of people referred and whether they were successfully turned away from extremism.

Critics have said the programme threatens to alienate Muslims, with rights groups warning it could have the averse affect of driving people towards extremism.

Dr Awan said rehabilitation programmes in Denmark had been successful in terms of policing and making sure returnee fighters are looking for jobs and contributing towards society, and suggested returnee fighters could provide a powerful counter narrative to dissuade people from going to fight for Isis.

Mohammed Nahin Ahmed and Yusuf Zubair Sarwar have been jailed for 12 years for fighting in Syria (PA) (PA/West Midlands Police)

He said his study had come at a crucial time following the Westminster attack, when attempts are being made to understand why 52-year-old Muslim-convert Khalid Masood ploughed a rented car through crowds of pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before fatally stabbing a police officer outside the Houses of Parliament.

He said: Quite often questions are posed about why someone would do that, about what leads somebody down that pathway. My report shows what in effect a lot of young Muslims think is happening.

The interviewees referred to several push and pull factors for why young Muslims might become radicalised and travel to fight for Isis, ranging from boredom to issues with lack of identity and concerns over foreign policy.

The majority thought social media and the internet play a key role in radicalisation, with one warning all they do is go online and some preacher then tells them to come and fight for Islam.

When Isis declared their caliphate three years ago, their fighters openly used Twitter to urge Muslims to travel to Syria and Iraq and shared gory and extreme videos.

If people are watching these videos online then they are going to be radicalised because Isis are using the Internet to shout out to them that we [Muslims] are being oppressed, one 16-year-old said.

Another, 15, warned: A lot of my friends are on Facebook and a lot of them are watching stuff online that are extreme.

'The more Isis are under siege and the more territory they're losing, the more they're going to channel their efforts and energies into terrorism'

Others suggested young Muslims may travel to fight in Syria simply because they are bored or looking for an adrenaline rush.

One said: They want some excitement in their lives and are pushing those boundaries, while another suggested what we are seeing really is just some young frustrated teenagers who are looking for an escape.

Many spoke about how young Muslims in the UK were confused and searching for an identity, which Dr Awan said allowed Isis to use a powerful marketing brand to create an identity to attract young recruits.

Some said well actually what do you expect, they're isolated, they're angry, they don't have a sense of identity, he said. Interviewees told him Isis push out messages of unity and brotherhood around their idea of a global caliphate which can be attractive to those who are looking for a sense of belonging.

One 16-year-old interviewee told him: Some of these people dont have anywhere where they believe is home. So they think yes lets jump to these guys [Isis] because they are bringing me to a global brotherhood.

However, concerns over foreign policy were also thought to be a key part of why young British Muslims were travelling to fight in Syria.

For me, its all about foreign policy, a 16-year-old interviewee said. I actually know some of the boys that went from here and they were always talking about the problems in Palestine and the fact our government never helps them.

Dr Awan said: A lot of them kept saying they were watching YouTube clips of Syrians being murdered and killed. Isis tends to play on these types of anger.

Dr Awan said he hoped his study would encourage the Government and police to reengage with young British Muslims to understand their concerns.

He also said his research sheds light on what is often a heated debate about what British Muslims really think about terrorism.
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Donald Trump has accused former President Barack Obama of aiding the formation of a violent street gang with his "weak illegal immigration policies".

Taking to Twitter he said his predecessor's administration had "allowed bad MS 13 gangs to form in cities across US", but promised that his regime was "removing them fast!

He did not provide any evidence to back up his claim.

MS-13 is a street gang based largely in Los Angeles, although it has operations in a large number of US states. Its members have been convicted of a litany of crimes, including drug distribution, murder, rape, prostitution, and robbery

Its membership is composed primarily of immigrants from Central American countries like El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and Guatemala, according to the FBI. However, people from other Central and South American are known to have joined.

The Bureau also said the gang formed in the late 1980s. Mr Obama took office in January 2008, when the FBI described the gang's growth as "moderate".

The FBI estimated MS-13 membership stands at about 6,000 to 10,000 in 2008. That number had not changed by 2017, according to a Fox News report citing the US Attorneys Office.

Mr Obama deported more than 2.5 million people during his term in office - more than any other president in history (although that record is complicated by a change in the official definition of deportation).

The former president's administration was also responsible for changing immigration enforcement policies to prioritise convicted criminals, according to the Migration Policy Institute.

Life on the US-Mexican border Show all 12 1 /12 Life on the US-Mexican border Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico A house stands next to a section of the border fence separating Mexico and the US Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico The border fence in Tijuana stretches all the way to beach Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico Migrants can often be spotted trying to cross the rusty barrier Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico Joaquin, 36, a chef from Guatemala who says he was deported from the US Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico A shack stands next to a section of the border fence Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico Tourists pose for a picture at the border Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico A family burns rubbish near the fence Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico Joaquin makes a living by selling rubbish Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico Neither Trump nor the wall is going to stop anyone, says Pedro Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico Mexicans have built homes right next to the fence Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico Mexican Carlos, 27, who says that he was deported from the United States, heats up tortillas at his house near the double fence that separates Mexico and the US Reuters Life on the US-Mexican border Tijuana, Mexico A girl climbs stairs near a section of the fence

The number of immigrants arrested doubled in the weeks after Mr Trump took office, with 21,362 picked up between 20 January to 13 March. This was largely due to an increase in the arrest of non-criminals, which doubled under the same time period.

The Trump administration has increased efforts to combat illegal immigration in recent months, expanding the scope of immigrants who can be targeted for deportation and pledging more funding for border control programmes.

On his first visit to the Mexican-American border, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the Trump administration would take our stand against this filth, and promised to bring more felony charges for immigration violations than the year before.
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Three people have been killed in California after a man with a gun opened fire, apparently at random, and shouted Allahu Akbar.

Reports said the people were killed in the city of Fresno and that the suspect was captured after police gave chase.

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer told local media that 39-year-old Kori Ali Muhammad started to shoot as he walked along the citys North Van Ness Boulevard at around 10.45am on Tuesday morning.

Mr Dyer said a total of 16 shots were fired. He said Mr Muhammad was wanted in connection with a shooting death at a Motel 6 that occurred last week.

Fresno is an agricultural hub in California's central valley, about 170 miles southeast of San Francisco.
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Hillary Clinton reportedly apologised to Barack Obama on the night of the US election after conceding to President Donald Trump, according to a new book documenting the Democratic candidate's campaign.

The details of that election night for the Clinton camp, including the words, "Mr President, I'm sorry," are allegedly laid bare by journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes new offering, Shattered: Inside Hillary Clintons Doomed Campaign.

The book is touted as a blow-by-blow account of Mrs Clintons campaign, written with "deep access to insiders from the top to the bottom" of the campaign effort.

Recommended Clinton attacks Trump in most political speech since election

According to a Washington Post review, at around 7:45pm on election night the Democrats still believed Mrs Clinton would win, until vote-counter Steve Schale told the campaign, Youre going to come up short.

What reportedly followed was a series of phone calls, first from Fox News and later from the White House, calling on Mrs Clinton to concede to Mr Trump as he began winning key states. Mr Obama did not want the election to be turned into a recount mess, according to the Daily Mail.

After calling Mr Trump to congratulate him on his election win, Mrs Clinton reportedly called former President Barack Obama and apologised.

 Hillary Clinton: Vladimir Putin helped 'influence' the election

It describes Mrs Clinton as having winced before taking the phone call to the President. It says: "Obama's legacy and her dreams of the Presidency lay shattered at Donald Trump's feet. This was on her. Reluctantly she rose from her seat and took the phone. 'Mr President,' she said softly. 'I'm sorry'."

The book has also been criticised for not addressing wider issues surrounding Mrs Clintons loss, such as Russias alleged interference in the US election.
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An elderly man was able to die peacefully in his home after his ex-wife told him Donald Trump had been impeached.

Teresa Elliott said she had told the white lie to Michael Garland Elliott because "it would bring him comfort" in his final moments.

Describing her former husband as a news junkie, she told New York's Daily News newspaper that he frequently voiced his dislike for President Trump.

Mr Elliott hated his effing guts, she said.

Mr Elliott's health had declined over the years and he died from congestive heart failure aged 75, surrounded by those who loved him dearly at his Oregon home.

His ex-wife, who is described as his best friend, said the last thing she told him was Donald Trump has been impeached, his obituary, published in The Oregonian newspaper reads.

It adds: Upon hearing that he took his final, gentle breath, his earthly work concluded. Mike will be forever missed but never forgotten.

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

Ms Elliott told the Daily News that she "knew it was his very, very last moments. I knew that would bring him comfort and it did. He then took his final breath.

Asked whether she regretted leaving him with a final piece of fake news, she replied: Oh God no. If I could leave him with a happy piece of news then why wouldnt I? And maybe in the end it won't turn out to be a lie."

Mr Trump's critics have said there are already several grounds for his impeachment, particularly in the wake of the ongoing investigation over his teams alleged collusion with Russia ahead of the 2016 election.

According to Public Policy Polling, a self-described Democratic polling firm, 53 per cent of Americans feel that Mr Trump should resign if there is sufficient evidence that his administration that this was the case.
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America's vice president has delivered another stark threat to North Korea, declaring that the time for failed dialogue is over.

In the latest of a series of warnings to Pyongyang that the US will keep everything on the table to force it to give up its nuclear weapons programme, Mike Pence claimed North Korea was getting the message that it needed to walk away from reckless activity.

As the President says, its time for them to behave, to listen to the world community and to set aside their nuclear ambitions, their ballistic missile ambitions, and be willing to join the family of nations, Mr Pence told CNN.

Mr Pences comments, delivered in Japan, came a day after he spoke in South Korea where he said the the era of strategic patience is over, a comment that was widely seen as hinting at US military action.

A day after North Korea launched its latest test missile, an experiment that ultimately fizzled out, Mr Pence said the US was hopeful China would use its extraordinary levers to persuade the North to give up its nuclear arms.

But the era of strategic patience is over, he said. President Trump has made it clear that the patience of the United States and our allies in this region has run out and we want to see change.

 Trump's Easter message for North Korea: 'Gotta behave'

Tensions on the peninsula have ratcheted up in recent weeks amid sabre-rattling from both the US and North Korea. Yet the vice president suggested that the message being delivered from the White House was getting through.

For my part, in some odd way, its encouraging that theyre getting the message, he told the broadcaster. My hope is that theyll continue to get the message not just from the United States, here in Japan, and in South Korea, but on an increasing basis from China and countries all over the world committing to a denuclearised Korean Peninsula.

On Tuesday, after meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other leaders, Mr Pence told reporters that President Donald Trump was confident that economic and diplomatic pressure has a chance of compelling North Korea to cooperate.

It is our belief by bringing together the family of nations with diplomatic and economic pressure we have a chance of achieving a freeze on the Korean Peninsula, Mr Pence said, according to the Associated Press.

The Trump administration has signalled a more forceful US stance toward North Koreas recent missile tests and threats, including a warning from Trump that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has gotta behave.

We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provacations from across the Sea of Japan, he said. We are with you 100 per cent.

On Monday, Pence travelled to the tense Demilitarised Zone dividing North and South Korea. A senior North Korean official then accused the United States of bringing the countries to the brink of thermonuclear war.

Jean-Francois Fiorina, a professor of Geopolitics at Grenoble Ecole de Management in France, said Donald Trump believes he can have an influence on the situation in North Korea - something he said is not the case.

To him, North Korea is a game he has to win to prove might over the Chinese. But he doesnt understand that the North Korean leaders are unpredictable and dont play by the rules, he said.

This means that anything could happen even a war  President Trump is playing a very dangerous game indeed.
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Steve Stephens, the 'Facebook shooter,' has reportedly shot himself after being spotted by police in Erie, Pennsylvania.

According to Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams, Pennsylvania State Police received a 911 tip. Mr Stephens' vehicle was spotted in a McDonald's parking lot near Erie, approximately 100 miles east of Cleveland, Ohio.

State police attempted a traffic stop and "after a brief pursuit," Mr Stephens committed suicide, Mr Williams confirmed.

He said federal law enforcement partners had searched that area on 17 April when Mr Stephens mobile phone signal pinged and had gone back to do a more thorough searches on 18 April.

The shooter, Steve Stephens, 37, had been on the run for nearly 48 hours after filming himself walking up to and shooting dead Robert Godwin, 74 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Stephens did not broadcast the killing on Facebook Live but did post the video to his account, where it remained for three hours. His account was later suspended by Facebook, whose CEO Mark Zuckerberg said during a conference that the company "will keep doing all of what we can to keep tragedies like this from happening."

Mr Godwin was just walking down the street on Easter Sunday when Mr Stephens pulled up to him and shot him in the head. It appears to have been a random killing.

After the initial search in Cleveland, the search radius had been continuously expanded until it went nationwide on 17 April.

Mr Williams said the police, FBI, and US Marshals Service have been getting calls from all over the country, as far away as Texas.

Steve Anthony of the FBI and Peter Elliott of the US Marshals Service confirmed that the manhunt for Mr Stephens was a top priority for both federal agencies.

Reports of Mr Stephens being spotted near Philadelphia on 17 April resulted in several schools being put on lock down. The reported turned out to be a false alarm.

CNN reported that Mr Stephens, who worked at a behavioural health agency helping at-risk children, had gone to visit his mother the day before the murder according to his Facebook video.

He reportedly told her that he was suicidal and likely to kill people, however he felt he was not taken seriously.

Also on his posted video was a claim that he had killed several other people in addition to Mr Godwin. Mr Anthony said law enforcement agencies have not found any evidence to verify that claim as yet.

No information has been verified as yet regarding Mr Stephens whereabouts between Mr Godwin's murder and being spotted by the police. Police could not confirm whether Mr Stephens had any ties or connections to the Erie, Pennsylvania area.

For the time being Facebook relies on its users to flag inappropriate content such as Mr Stephens' video of him killing Mr Godwin. Mr Zuckerberg said the company would focus on civic engagement more in the future to avoid having "this kind of content" being posted to the site.
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An article posted on a right-wing blog about teenagers trying to alter their gender simply to impress others has been met with fierce backlash from activists.

The piece, entitled: Gender expert says teens are trying to be transgender because its cool, by the conservative US platform The Daily Wire, quoted a psychiatrist saying many young people were "trying out being transgender" to get attention.

Dr Steve Stathis, who worked at a Australian gender clinic, said one child told him being transgender was the new black.

The article was based on an interview by Australian tabloid The Courier Mail. The doctor, who claimed to be an expert on gender, said he expected to see about 180 children with gender issues this year, but only a minority would be diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

Twitter users criticised the The Daily Wire for not including a quote that appeared in the original article, which explained the psychiatrist had also witnessed some children become so desperate to alter their anatomy they tried to remove their genitals themselves.

Ive seen genital mutilation, some who try to cut off their penis, Dr Steve Stathis told The Courier Mail.

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 Daily Wire, headed up by former editor-in-chief of Breitbart, Ben Shapiro, claimed: Being young and transgender has become the new hotness on the left. It cited a recent article by The New York Times suggesting children suffering from gender dysphoria could be offered hormone therapy as evidence.

One Twitter user said: "This poisonous narrative that transgender people are fashionable and cool now hides the serious atrocities right in front of us".

Another argued: "There have literally been at least eight cases of transgender people being murdered in the US so far this year," asking, "how exactly is that 'cool'?"

According to the US-based LGBTQ group Human Rights Campaign, at least 22 transgender people were killed in the US in 2016, the highest number ever recorded. At least eight more transgender people have been killed violently in 2017 so far, according to the organisation.
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Ignoring concerns raised by international monitoring groups, President Donald Trump has called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to congratulate him on the country's contested referendum greatly increasing presidential powers.

He made the call despite protests from opposition parties and international monitoring groups, including Mr Trump's own State Department, about voting irregularities during the referendum.

Critics argue the reforms in Turkey will hand extensive power to a man with an increasingly autocratic bent and leave few checks and balances in place.

 Protests continue against Turkish referendum result

Under the new system, the president will be able to appoint ministers and senior government officials, issue decrees and declare states of emergency.

Mr Erdogan has also said he would approve the death penalty if it was supported in a referendum or a bill submitted to him through parliament, which would end Turkey's aspirations to join the EU.

Mr Trump has been criticised for congratulating Mr Erdogan, who is seen as taking Turkey in an increasingly authoritarian direction.

Evan McMullin, a former Republican who ran as an independent rival to Mr Trump in the 2016 election, wrote on Twitter: "An American president should never support a foreign dictator's power grab. A simple gesture like this can weaken liberty here and abroad."

Opposition parties have complained of a series of irregularities, including an electoral board decision to accept ballots that did not bear official stamps, as required by Turkish law.

International monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said the move undermined safeguards against fraud.

The White House said Mr Trump and Mr Erdogan discussed the US missile strike on a Syrian regime airfield in response to a chemical attack that killed dozens, with Mr Trump thanking his Turkish counterpart for supporting the strike.

Earlier, US State Department spokesman Mark Toner echoed the concerns raised by the OSCE, pointing to "observed irregularities" on voting day and "an uneven playing field" during the campaign.

Mr Erdogan, meanwhile, called the referendum "the most democratic election... ever seen in any Western country" and admonished the OSCE monitors to "know your place."

In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Show all 17 1 /17 In pictures: Turkey coup attempt In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Erdogan attends the funeral service for victims of the thwarted coup in Istanbul at Fatih mosque on July 17, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey Burak Kara/Getty Images In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soldiers involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge with their hands raised in Istanbul on 16 July, 2016 Gokhan Tan/Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A civilian beats a soldier after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 REUTERS/Murad Sezer In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are beaten by a civilian Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soliders involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wave flags as they capture a Turkish Army vehicle Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt People pose near a tank after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers block Istanbul's Bosphorus Brigde Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A Turkish military stands guard near the Taksim Square in Istanbul Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Pierre Crom/Twitter In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers secure the area as supporters of Recep Tayyip Erdogan protest in Istanbul's Taksim square AP In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Murad Sezer/Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers detain police officers during a security shutdown of the Bosphorus Bridge Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish Army armoured personnel carriers in the main streets of Istanbul Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Chaos reigned in Istanbul as tanks drove through the streets EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks to media in the resort town of Marmaris Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of President Erdogan celebrate in Ankara following the suppression of the attempted coup Reuters

Underscoring the complicated relationship between the US and Turkey, the White House readout of Mr Trump's call also noted the pressing issues on which they have tried to work together, such as fighting Isis and quelling Syria's civil war.

The White House previously sidestepped questions on the referendum, with spokesman Sean Spicer saying the US wanted to let an international commission review the results.

"They have a right to have elections and their people participated in that," Mr Spicer said. "Before we start getting into their government system, let this commission get through its work."

Irregularities could have changed the outcome of the referendum, Alev Korun, an Austrian member of the Council of Europe observer mission, told ORF radio.

"There is a suspicion that up to 2.5 million votes could have been manipulated," the Austrian member of parliament said.

"This is about the fact that actually the law only allows official voting envelopes. The highest election authority decided however, as it were against the law, that envelopes without official stamp should be admitted," Ms Korun added.
WASHINGTON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Monday reiterated that China has not manipulated its currency since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January.

"They haven't been manipulating their currency since he's (Trump) been in office. That's a fact," White House press secretary Sean Spicer told a regular press briefing, in response to a question about U.S. Treasury Department's decision not to label China as a currency manipulator last week.

"I think that the president's tweet said clearly to do so at this time would not be prudent," the White House spokesperson said, adding that labeling China as a currency manipulator now would not be very productive in addressing the Korean Peninsula situation.

U.S. Treasury Department on Friday declared that no major trading partners of the United States, including China, met the standard of manipulating its currency.

In an interview with Wall Street Journal last week, Trump also said China hasn't been manipulating its currency for months, a sharp reversal from his campaign rhetoric.

Many economists have argued that the Chinese currency, RMB, has been at equilibrium level in recent years. Brad Setser, an expert with Council on Foreign Relations, expected that the RMB exchange rate would remain stable at current level with China's current account surplus and its efforts to deal with capital outflows.
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A alleged white supremacist has accused Donald Trump of inciting violence at his campaign rallies, saying he was encouraged to angrily remove protesters from a rally by the New York tycoon.

Matthew Heimbach, who leads the white nationalist Traditionalist Youth Network, has claimed in a federal court filing that he acted under Mr Trumps authority to remove protestors from a March 2016 rally in Louisville, Kentucky.

Mr Heimbach, fellow rally attendee Alvin Bamberger and Mr Trump himself, have had lawsuits filed against them by the protesters. They claim Mr Heimbach and Mr Bamberger assaulted them at the rally and that Mr Trump urged them to do so. Mr Heimbach's filing comes in response to this suit.

Video from Kentucky the rally shows Mr Trump drawing attention to the protesters, and calling to get them out of here. Mr Heimbach and Mr Bamberger can then be seen shoving and yelling at one of the protesters, Kashiya Nwanguma. In her lawsuit, Ms Nwanguma claims Mr Heimbach used a racial epithet and swore at her.

In his cross suit Mr Heimbach denies physically assaulting the protesters and swearing at Ms Nwanguma.

He claims he acted, if at all, "in self defence, and in reasonable defence of others. Any of the alleged actions, he says, were taken "pursuant to the directives and requests of Donald J Trump and Donald J Trump for President lnc.

If he is found to be legally liable to the plaintiffs, Mr Heimbach, who is representing himself, requested that he be "indemnified by the Trump defendants, having relied on their expertise and authority to request and authorise the actions taken.

In addition from the Louisville rally, Mr Heimbach singles out two other events from the campaign that lead him to act as he did. In one case, Mr Trump was documented telling attendees that in the past, protesters would have been carried out on a stretcher." In another incident, he promised to pay the legal fees of anyone who helped remove the protesters.

Reached by phone, Mr Heimbach declined to comment to The Independent, citing the ongoing nature of the case.

Mr Heimbachs cross suit echoes claims made by his co-defendant, Mr Bamberger. In a cross suit filed by Mr Bamberger, his lawyers similarly claim that he acted in response to  and inspired by  Trump and/or the Trump Campaigns urging to remove the protesters.

Mr Trumps lawyers submitted their own filing, claiming he cannot be subject to civil suits because he is president of the United States. They also claim that his words were not specifically directed to his crowds.

Attorney Greg Belzley, counsel to the plaintiffs in this suit, said the court has yet to submit the scheduling order necessary for the case to move forward.

We anticipate that the court will soon direct the parties to submit a proposed scheduling order, and we are eager to begin discovery in this case, which will include but not be limited to a deposition of Mr. Trump, Mr Belzely told The Independent.
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An Indian couple have claimed that the girl found living in a forest is their daughter.

Ramzan Ali Shah and his wife Nazma said that the girl, who they claim is a 10-year-old called Aliza, went missing from a market during a shopping trip last year.

Although they reported her missing to Mungra Badshahpur police, Mr Shah told The Mail Online that they received no assistance.

Officers had even demanded money in exchange for help, the 45-year-old said. His wife, 35, added that she could could not eat or sleep for weeks after their daughter went missing.

Dubbed the "Mowgli girl" - a reference to the character in Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book - the youngster was found in a forest in Northern India in February

The case made headlines around the world after it was claimed that she had been living with monkeys in a nature reserve in Uttar Pradesh. She had been living at a district hospital ever since.

Unable to talk or walk, a medical examination confirmed the girl has mental and physical disabilities.

Grandmothers School, India Show all 12 1 /12 Grandmothers School, India Grandmothers School, India People buy vegetables sold on a truck in Fangane village, India Reuters Grandmothers School, India A woman holds a book as she attends a class at Aajibaichi Shaala (Grandmothers' School) in Fangane village, India Reuters Grandmothers School, India Drupada Pandurangkedar, 70, who studies at Aajibaichi Shaala (Grandmothers' School), serves her granddaughter Namita Thackrey lunch inside their house in Fangane village, India Reuters Grandmothers School, India Indu Pawar, 61, who studies at Aajibaichi Shaala (Grandmothers' School), watches television inside her house in Fangane village, India Reuters Grandmothers School, India Uma Sitaramtupange, 65, who studies at Aajibaichi Shaala (Grandmothers' School), holds a baby outside her house in Fangane village, India Reuters Grandmothers School, India Women attend a class at Aajibaichi Shaala (Grandmothers' School) in Fangane village, India Reuters Grandmothers School, India Women leave after attending Aajibaichi Shaala (Grandmothers' School) in Fangane village, India Reuters Grandmothers School, India Kamal Keshavtupange, 60, who studies at Aajibaichi Shaala (Grandmothers' School), lights fire as she cooks food on a stove inside her house in Fangane village, India Reuters Grandmothers School, India Sheetal Prakash More (R), a 30-year-old teacher, helps Janabai Kedar, 74, as she writes on a slate at Aajibaichi Shaala (Grandmothers' School) in Fangane village, India Reuters Grandmothers School, India Vanita Dhau, 65, who studies at Aajibaichi Shaala (Grandmothers' School), stands inside her house in Fangane village, India Reuters Grandmothers School, India Vanita Dhau, 65, who studies at Aajibaichi Shaala (Grandmothers' School), works inside her house in Fangane village, India Reuters Grandmothers School, India Kamal Keshavtupange, 60, who studies at Aajibaichi Shaala (Grandmothers' School), drinks tea inside her house in Fangane village, India Reuters

Mr Shah said that after putting up posters and searching for their daughter, they eventually came to believe she had either died or been taken by traffickers.

He has "no idea" how she managed to survive on her own, but is eager to get her back.

She is currently being treated at Nirvan, a charity and hospital which offers specialist care for disabled children.

The founder of the hospital, Dr Suresh Singh Dhapola said that she had shown signs of improvement, and confirmed that someone claiming to be a family member had visited the girl, although she "did not respond to seeing him".

Mr Shah said that he is currently trying to raise the funds for a DNA test to prove that the girl is his daughter, so she can be released into his family's care.
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Donald Trump has called Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to congratulate him on his victory in a referendum granting him extended new powers, sources in Mr Erdogan's palace have said.

Turkey voted on Sunday to introduce a raft of constitutional changes that mean Turkey's parliamentary democracy can be replaced with an executive presidency, greatly increasing Mr Erdogan's powers. Unofficial results, which the opposition said it would challenge, showed a narrow victory for him with 51.4 per cent of votes cast in favour.

The vote allows Mr Erdogan the ability to stay in power until at least 2029  since he will have the chance to run for re-election in 2019 and potentially serve two five-year terms.

 Turkey's president Recep Erdogan wins referendum to greatly expand powers

Shortly after the results were announced, Mr Erdogan renewed suggestions the country could hold a referendum on reinstating the death penalty.

In Istanbul, hundreds of No supporters demonstrated in the streets on Monday, chanting thief, murderer, Erdogan and banging pots and pans.

We are protesting today because the results announced by the government are not the real ones. Because actually the 'no' we voted won. But the government is announcing it as 'yes' has won, Damla Atalay, a 35-year-old lawyer, said of the voting irregularities.

Recommended Turkey referendum further polarises an already traumatized country

Mr Erdogan was unfazed by the criticism as he spoke to flag-waving supporters in the Turkish capital, Ankara.

We have put up a fight against the powerful nations of the world, he said as he arrived at the airport from Istanbul. The crusader mentality attacked us abroad. We did not succumb. As a nation, we stood strong.

In a speech before a large crowd at his sprawling presidential palace complex, Mr Erdogan insisted Turkey's referendum was the most democratic election... ever seen in any Western country and admonished the OSCE monitors to know your place.

The increasing polarisation of Turkish society has long worried Turkey observers, who note the dangers of deepening societal divisions in a country with a history of political instability.

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 referendum was held with a state of emergency still in place, imposed after an attempted coup in July. About 100,000 people have been fired from their jobs in the crackdown that followed on supporters of a US-based Islamic cleric and former ally Mr Erdogan who the president blamed for the attempted putsch. Tens of thousands have been arrested or imprisoned, including lawmakers, judges, journalists and businessmen.

On Monday, the country's Council of Ministers decided to extend the state of emergency, which grants greater powers of detention and arrest to security forces, for a further three months. It had been due to expire April 19. The decision was to be sent to parliament for approval.

Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report
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A female protester who stormed on stage and and bared her breasts during a speech by Marine Le Pen, has claimed that she was violently assaulted by members of the far right French presidential candidate's security team.

Carrying a bunch of flowers, the Femen protester ran up to the Front National national leader as she was speaking in Paris, before unzipping her hooded top.

She was quickly tackled by the security team, who dragged her by her hands and legs from the stage. Ms Le Pen was unharmed in the incident.

A statement from the unnamed protester was later posted on the groups Twitter account. She alleged that she was hit in the head and the side while she was on the ground and then taken backstage where she was struck in the face.

I was taken backstage and a member of the security service hit me in the face," she said. "He then put me on flat on my stomach and tied my hands with rope.

After that, a group of about fifteen people arrived they took my papers (ID) and took photos of my chest while calling me a whore.

She said she then asked for the police to be called so they gave her identification back and threw her out of the venue.

Femen is a controversial group of feminist protesters which began in Ukraine but now has branches all over the world. They protest against sexism, homophobia and other political issues by charging topless at their targets.

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 group say they go bare breasted to fight patriarchy in its three manifestations  sexual exploitation of women, dictatorship and religion.

A Femen protester in the US picketed the New York polling station where Donald Trump cast his vote on election day in November.

At the Paris rally, Ms Le Pen promised to protect voters from savage globalisation just six days out from the first round poll on Sunday.

Speaking to a crowd of approximately 5,000 people she reiterated her key anti-immigration, anti-EU pledges.

Recommended Marine Le Pen rally in Corsica descends into chaos

She said: "I will protect you. My first measure as president will be to reinstate France's borders.

"The choice on Sunday is simple. It is a choice between a France that is rising again and a France that is sinking."

Opinion polls have shown Ms Le Pen and centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron making it into the second round  which is due to take place on 7th May.

But the polls have been tightening in the last days of the campaign as Republicans candidate Francois Fillon begins to recover from earlier scandals and far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon benefits from doing surprisingly well in the debates.

The Independent has contacted the Front National for comment but none had arrived at the time of publication.
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Marine Le Pen has claimed she will protect France with a vow to suspend immigration and defend the country against the threat of savage globalisation.

With just days to go until the first round of voting in the presidential election, the far-right leader said she would mobilise thousands of reservists to guard French borders if elected.

We are not a free country if we cannot control our territory, Ms Le Pen told RTL radio.

With the serious terror threat that weighs on us, we have to be able to control who enters to be able to expel those who represent a danger.

Watched by thousands of supporters at a rally in Paris on Monday, the Front National leader announced plans for a moratorium on immigration to cut net migration to 10,000 people a year.

The proposal would freeze long-term visas and see any company hiring foreign workers hit with a 10 per cent tax.

Ms Le Pen said: This does not constitute a moratorium on tourist visas, and we are also excluding students requesting their visa for the following year.

 Topless FEMEN protester storms Front National stage and gets within a few feet of Marine Le Pen

She has cast the measure as an aspect of her policy of economic patriotism, which aims to champion French farming and business in the face of unfair international competition.

But experts told RTL the measure would violate French law and any attempted visa suspension would be quickly reversed, comparing it to Donald Trumps frustrated attempts at an immigration ban in the US.

The past two years in France have seen almost 240 people killed in a series of Islamist terror attacks predominantly linked to Isis, putting security at the heart of the election campaign.

Ms Le Pen has used the massacres as a springboard for her anti-immigration policy, vowing to take France out of the EU and its border-free Schengen area and accusing the government of giving French nationals fewer rights than foreigners.

I will protect you. My first measure as president will be to reinstate France's borders, she told supporters chanting This is our home!.

Ms Le Pen claimed her rivals wanted savage globalisation, characterising the election as a choice between a France that is rising again and a France that is sinking.

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

With me, there wouldnt have been the migrant terrorists of the Bataclan and the Stade de France, she claimed, referring to Isis Paris attacks in 2015, which were carried out by mostly French and Belgian jihadis.

Mass immigration is not an opportunity for France, it's a tragedy for France.

Her speech was received enthusiastically by a crowd of around 5,000 supporters gathered near Pariss Zenith concert hall, but the event drew large crowds of protesters who clashed with police outside.

Inside the venue, a topless female protester from the Femen movement stormed the stage before being tackled to the ground by security guards.

For months, opinion polls have shown Ms Le Pen and the former finance minister Emmanuel Macron qualifying for the second and decisive round of voting, with Mr Macron predicted to secure a decisive victory in May.

But the gap with the scandal-hit former Prime Minister Francois Fillon and the left-winger Jean-Luc Melenchon has been tightening ahead of Sundays initial vote, putting both within sight of qualification.

Additional reporting by AP
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Two men have been arrested in France on suspicion of planning an imminent terror attack, five days before the country's presidential election.

The suspects, aged 30 and 24, were picked up by the French intelligence service, the General Directorate for Internal Security, in the southern city of Marseille, police sources said.

France's internal intelligence agency, which had been looking for the two suspects for more than a week, had warned main candidates in the election that there was a threat to their security, campaign officials said.

Comments by officials indicated that the former prime minister Francois Fillon, the centrist Emmanuel Macron and the far-right leader Marine Le Pen  three leading contenders  were among those warned of a security risk.

These two radicalised men ... intended to commit in the very short-term  by that I mean in the coming days  an attack on French soil, the Interior Minister Matthias Fekl said.

A definite terrorist act had been foiled, he said, adding that the pair were known to the country's intelligence services.

Intelligence services had been hunting the pair since the end of last week for breaching weapons laws.

Explosives were recovered during a search of a rented apartment in the port city.

France remains under a state of emergency which has been in place since the November 2015 attacks on Paris and last year's lorry attack on the front of the seaside resort of Nice, which together claimed the lives of more than 200 people.

The arrests came shortly after Mr Fekl announced that 50,000 police officers supported by military units will be mobilised across the 67,000 polling stations, where voters will cast their votes in the presidential election this weekend.

Everything has been put in place to ensure the security of this big event for our democracy and our republic. The security forces are mobilised everywhere across France to ensure the security of French people and to ensure the presidential campaign goes smoothly, he said.

"No threat is being ruled out," Mr Fek added.

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

He told the Journal du Dimanche newspaper that the risk of a terrorist attack was "high and permanent".

The two men  named as 24-year-old Clement Band and 30-year-old Mahiedine M  were seized in the southern port city a few moments apart from each other on Tuesday morning.

The local mayor, Lisette Narducci, said explosives had been found after a search of an apartment near Marseille's largest train station.

The main candidates were warned in the middle of last week that there was a risk and that two individuals had been identified. We received their photos and security of the candidates. Their meetings and headquarters were given extra protection, Mr Macron's spokesman Benjamin Griveaux told Reuters.

Snipers and elite law enforcement units were present during conservative Mr Fillon's rally in Montpellier this weekend.

France will go to the polls to choose its next president on 23 April and a second round will take place on 7 May between the two candidates with the most votes.

Mr Macron and Mr Fillon both offered congratulations to French police after the arrests

Mr Macron said in a statement: This event serves as a reminder that the terrorist threat is still very high on our territory.

Mr Macron recalled he has pledged to pursue military intervention in Iraq and Syria, boost intelligence services and fight against terrorism on the internet.

Conservative candidate Mr Fillon said democracy must not get on its knees in front of threats and intimidation from terrorists. The campaign must continue until the end.

Front National (FN) leader Ms Le Pen  who has campaigned on an anti-immigrant and anti-Europe platform, pointed to a devastating multiplication of attacks and threats of attacks".

Warming to one of her usual themes, she blamed the arrests on the rise of "Islamic fundamentalism" in France  but offered no evidence to back her point.

She said that it's time to put France back in order, using another of her campaign mantras.

Agencies contributed to this report
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The mayor of a town where almost 300 people died in Italys devastating earthquake has pleaded with visitors to stop flocking to the area for disaster tourism.

Sergio Pirozzi said three quarters of Amatrice just isnt there anymore following the earthquake in August, which generated aftershocks that destroyed historic landmarks six months afterwards.

As the reconstruction and recovery effort continues, tourists have been flocking to the town and taking photos of themselves amid the wreckage.

Don't come to Amatrice to take selfies by the rubble, otherwise Ill get pissed off, Mr Pirozzi told TG1 news.

This morning I surprised and chased away some people who were photographing themselves by the ruins.

The mayor urged visitors to enjoy the surrounding countryside and mountains but urged them to respect the aftermath of the disaster.

Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Major earthquake hits Italy A man is carried away after having been rescued alive from the ruins following an earthquake in Amatrice, central Italy, August 24, 2016 Reuters Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Major earthquake hits Italy A man is carried away after been rescued alive from the ruins following an earthquake in Amatrice, central Italy, August 24, 2016 Reuters Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Major earthquake hits Italy A man is rescued alive from the ruins following an earthquake in Amatrice, central Italy, August 24, 2016 Reuters Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Major earthquake hits Italy Rescuers work following an earthquake that hit Amatrice, central Italy, August 24, 2016 Reuters Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Major earthquake hits Italy Rescuers work following an earthquake that hit Amatrice, central Italy, August 24, 2016 REUTERS Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Major earthquake hits Italy Rescuers carry an injured man among damaged homes after a strong heathquake hit Amatrice on August 24, 2016 AFP/Getty Images Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Major earthquake hits Italy A general view following an earthquake in Amatrice, central Italy, is seen in this August 24, 2016 handout picture provided by Italy's Fire Fighters REUTERS Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Major earthquake hits Italy Rescuers and people walk along a road following an earthquake in Accumuli di Rieti, central Italy, August 24, 2016 REUTERS Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Major earthquake hits Italy People survey the devastation in the town of Amatrice Reuters Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Major earthquake hits Italy The earthquake hit the border of three regions, and the USGS measured an additional seven significant tremors in its aftermath Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures A mother embraces her son in Amatrice, central Italy, central Italy, 24 August 2016, following a 6.2 magnitude earthquake EPA Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Residents look in collapsed buildings in Amatrice, central Italy, 24 August 2016 EPA Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures An injured woman is carried by rescuers amid the rubble of collapsed buildings in Amatrice, central Italy, 24 August 2016, EPA Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Resident survey the rubble in Amatrice, central Italy, on 24 August 2016 EPA Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Italy - in pictures Collapsed buildings in Pescara del Tronto, in the Marche region of central Italy, 24 August 2016 EPA

Local residents and politicians took to social media to support Mr Pirozzi.

Nicola Zingaretti, president of Lazio region told people not to turn the tragedies and works of these past months into curiosities or souvenirs, according to a translation by The Local.

Prince Charles has been among the foreign dignitaries to visit Amatrice, where three British citizens were killed in the 6.1 magnitude earthquake.

The town is expected to take several years to rebuild as part of nationwide efforts that have already cost an estimated 23bn (19bn).

Thousands of people made homeless by the earthquake continue to live in temporary accommodation, amid fears of further aftershocks along the active fault lying beneath.


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Russian state television has claimed US President Donald Trump is more dangerous than North Korea's supreme commander, Kim Jong-un, in an apparent indication that Moscows opinion of the Republican has shifted.

State media in the country greeted the election of the bombastic property tycoon in November warmly, yet decisions by Mr Trump since coming into office have seen the two administrations come into conflict.

Relations slid after Mr Trump dropped a bomb on Afghanistan, accused Moscow of seizing Crimea by force and launched a missile strike against forces belonging to Russian ally Bashar al-Assad.

News presenter Dmitry Kiselyov who is known for his pro-Kremlin stance, said on his weekly TV news show 'Vesti Nedeli': The world is a hair's breadth from nuclear war.

"War can break out as a result of confrontation between two personalities: Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un. Both are dangerous, but who is more dangerous? Trump is.

Mr Kiselyov also said Mr Trump was more impulsive and unpredictable than the North Korean leader. He added that both men shared the characteristics of having limited international experience, unpredictability, and a readiness to go to war.

Mr Kiselyov added Kim Jong-un was less scary than the US president because he was ready for talks, had not attacked other countries, and had not sent a naval armada to the US coast.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to say whether Mr Kiselyov's views agreed with the Kremlin's, saying: His position is close, but not every time."

He (Kim Jong-un) is after all on his home territory. He doesn't plan to attack anyone just for the sake of it, said Mr Kiselyov, who once said Moscow could turn the United States into radioactive ash.

Mr Kiselyov sarcastically told viewers that the North Korean leader's young daughter did not, unlike Ivanka Trump, have an office in her father's official residence.

After Mr Trump's surprise win in November, the Russian TV anchor had heaped praise on him, triumphantly declaring that Russia was congratulating themselves with Trumps election.

He hailed Mr Trumps shock victory saying it would restore relations between Moscow and Washington which had deteriorated following Russia's intervention in Ukraine and Syria.

But Mr Trump is yet to deliver on his pre-election promises of renewed relations with Russia and has faced pressure to distance himself from the former Soviet state amid a scandal about his team's ties to the Kremlin.

Other state-controlled and pro-Kremlin media have walked back their initial euphoria for Trump in recent weeks too, but in the past Mr Kiselyov has often set the tone, and his intervention is the most robust stance on Mr Trump yet.

Polls suggest state TV's U-turn on the US President has filtered through to the public, most of whom largely depend on TV for news.

A survey by state pollster VTsIOM showed on Monday that the percentage of Russians who hold a negative view of Trump has jumped to 39 from seven per cent in a month, and that feelings of distrust and disappointment towards him have grown too.

 Trump's Easter message for North Korea: 'Gotta behave'

The US missile strike on Syria was a 'cold shower' for many Russians, said Valery Fedorov, the pollster's general director.

Donald Trump's aggressive behaviour has resurrected distrust and ill-will towards America, something that has characterised Russian society for the last two decades.

Despite annexing Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and continuing to back pro-Russian separatists in east Ukraine, Moscow has long criticised successive US presidents for interfering in other countries' affairs.

Like many others, it bought into Trump's pre-election America First rhetoric. Though things have not worked out as hoped, officials say they still want to try to improve ties with the United States. An improved relationship could also lead to the easing of sanctions imposed by the west over Russia's incursion into Ukraine.

But the same officials say the Kremlin realises the process will be harder and take longer than originally thought and the result is likely to be more limited in scope.

Officials privately say they regard many of Mr Trump's policy positions as no different to, or tougher than, Mr Obama's.

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

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticised Pyongyang for its reckless nuclear actions on Monday, but made clear Moscow wanted Mr Trump to de-escalate.

I really hope that the kind of unilateral action we recently saw in Syria won't happen (in North Korea) and that the USA will follow the line which President Trump repeatedly set out during his pre-election campaign, said Mr Lavrov.

Tensions between the US and North Korea were raised after Pyongyang launched a missile on Sunday morning. The test appeared to fail, with a White House foreign policy adviser saying it was a medium range missile that exploded four to five seconds after it was launched from an eastern port city.

On an unannounced visit to the border between South Korea and its northern neighbour on Monday, US vice president Mike Pence made comments suggesting America would go to extreme measures to force Pyongyang to end its nuclear weapons programme.

Reuters contributed to this report
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The man accused of planning the St Petersburg metro bombing has said he was following "instructions" and was an unwitting accomplice in the attack.

A lawyer for Abror Azimov, who was arrested on Sunday, said he had admitted to being behind the blasts, the BBC had reported. Russia's state-run TASS news agency had quoted a lawyer, Armen Zadoyan, as saying: "He admitted his guilt in full."

But at a preliminary court hearing Azimov said: "I did not realise that I was helping with this act. I was being given instructions," according to Reuters.

Earlier, a state investigator told the court that Azimov had confessed to having prepared the attack, but the suspect said he had not confessed to that.

The April 3 attack killed 14 people and injured more than 50.

Russia's Federal Security Service, as cited by RIA news agency, identified Azimov as having been born in 1990 and hailing from Central Asia.

He was the ninth person to have been detained on suspicion of having colluded with the bomber, Akbarzhon Jalilov, since the attack took place.

Azimov has been accused of training Jalilov to use the bomb, which he took with him on a train and detonated, killing himself in the explosion.

The attack happened the same day that leader Vladimir Putin was visiting the city.
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The leaders of Isis and al-Qaeda are understood to be in talks about a possible alliance between the two groups, the Iraqi vice president has claimed.

The discussion has started now, Ayad Allawi said in an interview on Monday, as Isis prepares to lose control of the city of Mosul.

There are discussions and dialogue between messengers representing [Isis leader Abu Bakr] Baghdadi and representing [al Qaeda-leader Ayman] Zawahiri, he said, citing what he said were knowledgeable contacts in both Iraq and the wider Middle East. He did not provide further details on how the groups would work together.

Isis was formed after factions fighting in Syrias civil war split from al-Qaeda in 2014. The two fundamentalist organisations have since fought fiercely over recruits, funding and which group is best placed to inherit the mantle of global jihad.

Many senior leaders and clerics affiliated with al-Qaeda have criticised the brutal way Isis treats civilians, with beheadings, drownings and immolation among their routine execution methods.

Isis swept across the Syrian border and seized almost one third of Iraq in the summer of 2014, including the countrys second-largest city, Mosul.

 Children of Mosul describe life under Islamic State

Baghdadi declared the creation of Isiss caliphate from the al-Nuri mosque in the city centre shortly afterwards  an act which also became a point of contention with al-Qaeda.

Since October 2016, US-led Iraqi coalition forces, backed by significant air power, have struggled to retake the city and its surroundings from Isis in Operation Inherent Resolve.

The street-by-street battle has killed thousands of civilians and Iraqi troops.

Following a recent spike in civilian deaths, rights groups such as Amnesty International have accused the coalition of not taking enough precautions to protect civilians in the gruelling fight for the last quarter of the city.

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

Isis has used an extensive network of tunnels, suicide bombers, snipers and boobytrapped roads and bridges to impede Iraqi troops progress, often sheltering fighters and weapons in civilian houses, but it is now clinging on to just seven per cent of the city, the Iraqi government has said.

Across the border in Syria, Operation Wrath of Euphrates to retake Isis de facto capital of Raqqa is designed to dovetail with the current campaign for Mosul.

In recent weeks Isis fighters have fallen back from both Mosul and Raqqa to the city of Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria  the groups last stronghold.

While the militants are steadily losing ground across both Syria and Iraq, Isis  like al-Qaeda  is likely to pose a renewed threat in the form of a global insurgency for many years to come.

I can't see Isis disappearing into thin air, Mr Allawi said. They will remain covertly in sleeper cells, spreading their venom all over the world.

Reuters contributed to this report
China's military is offering to fund 2,000 projects to private Chinese firms and institutes for research on equipment and weapons, a move that experts said will further boost military-civilian integration and upgrade military technologies.

The Central Military Commission's equipment development department recently released a guideline on its website, saying that China plans to invest 6 billion yuan ($870 million) this year for research in shared technology and other research, Zhuangbei Keji, a WeChat account affiliated with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Daily, reported Monday.

The money will be used to fund 2,000 projects, and encouraged companies and institutes to apply. For example, one of the projects published on the website is on the temperature adaptability of solid propellants. One million yuan has been set aside for this project.

Getting private companies involved in military technology research can reduce costs, boost military-civilian integration and help upgrade military technology, Li Jie, a Beijing-based naval expert, told the Global Times Monday.

Military-owned companies have many restrictions in developing new technologies due to a lack of manpower and resources. However, private companies may also face difficulties, as the military has relatively higher standards, Li said.

Private Chinese firms have been allowed to carry out research and manufacture military equipment since 2005, and more than 1,000 private firms have gained approval to enter the military industry.

The department released a document in February on boosting military-civilian integration in weapons development which introduces a set of measures to liberalize and regulate the weapons sector, including slashing restrictions on the types of arms that private firms are allowed to develop and piloting commercial services for military procurement in the aerospace industry.
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Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has denounced European criticism of the countrys controversial referendum on constitutional reform which has granted him extensive new executive powers.

Addressing a crowd of supporters from the steps of his palace in Ankara on Monday after most ballots from the weekends voting showed a narrow 51.3 per cent victory for the yes campaign, Mr Erdogan dismissed EU voting monitors who found the referendum was not a genuinely democratic process.

The crusader mentality in the West and its servants at home have attacked us, he said. We neither see, hear, nor acknowledge the political reports you'll prepare.

We'll continue on our path. Talk to the hand. This country has carried out the most democratic elections, not seen anywhere in the West.

Earlier on Monday, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) had said that circumstances such as a lack of equal opportunities, one-sided media coverage, and limitations on fundamental freedoms had created an unlevel playing field in the campaigning and voting process.

In general, the referendum did not live up to Council of Europe standards. The legal framework was inadequate for the holding of a genuinely democratic process, Cezar Florin Preda, head of the delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, said in a statement.

 Turkey's president Recep Erdogan wins referendum to greatly expand powers

Turkeys foreign ministry also labelled the comments prejudiced and unacceptable.

Turkish-European relations have become increasingly strained amid concerns over Mr Erdogans human rights record and diplomatic spats over campaigning rules for expatriate Turks living in Germany and the Netherlands ahead of the weekends vote.

On Monday Mr Erdogan reiterated his position that in light of the narrow yes victory Turkey could break off its decades-long bid to accede to the EU.

The changes to Turkeys executive branches of government proposed under the referendum will effectively abolish the position of prime minister, and turn the presidents currently largely ceremonial role into an active one.

Mr Erdogan will have the power to appoint and fire ministers, name half the members of the country's highest judicial body, hold the leadership of a political party while in office, and possibly stay in power for another 12 years.

In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Show all 17 1 /17 In pictures: Turkey coup attempt In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Erdogan attends the funeral service for victims of the thwarted coup in Istanbul at Fatih mosque on July 17, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey Burak Kara/Getty Images In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soldiers involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge with their hands raised in Istanbul on 16 July, 2016 Gokhan Tan/Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A civilian beats a soldier after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 REUTERS/Murad Sezer In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are beaten by a civilian Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soliders involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wave flags as they capture a Turkish Army vehicle Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt People pose near a tank after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers block Istanbul's Bosphorus Brigde Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A Turkish military stands guard near the Taksim Square in Istanbul Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Pierre Crom/Twitter In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers secure the area as supporters of Recep Tayyip Erdogan protest in Istanbul's Taksim square AP In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Murad Sezer/Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers detain police officers during a security shutdown of the Bosphorus Bridge Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish Army armoured personnel carriers in the main streets of Istanbul Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Chaos reigned in Istanbul as tanks drove through the streets EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks to media in the resort town of Marmaris Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of President Erdogan celebrate in Ankara following the suppression of the attempted coup Reuters

The presidents ruling AK party argues that Turkeys current fragile economic and security situation needs strong leadership. Opponents, however, have already voiced fears that the president already holds too much power, and the yes vote puts Turkey at risk of becoming an authoritarian state.

There has been a particular crackdown on members of the opposition, academics, journalists and rights activists since a failed military coup in July last year, after which the government declared a state of emergency.

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told media on Monday that the current decree is to be extended by another three months.
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Boris Johnson has said Britain could join US air strikes against the monster Bashar al-Assads regime in Syria, despite a previous vote against intervention.

The Foreign Secretary said the UK had been informed in advance of Donald Trumps order to bomb the airbase used to launch a suspected chemical attack, but was not involved.

He added: It is my belief, though I stress no such decision has yet been taken, that were such a request to be made in future, were it to be a reasonable request in pursuit of similar objectives, then I think it would be very difficult for the United Kingdom to say no.

Shayrat airbase, in central Homs province, was hit by 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles fired by US warships in the early hours of 7 April, destroying regime planes and infrastructure.

Theresa May welcomed the strikes, as did European allies including Germany and France, but the Conservative Party is reportedly divided over the extent to which Britain should be involved in any future operations against Assad.

The former foreign minister Alistair Burt had pressed Mr Johnson on what his response would be to a similar request in the future and asked whether the Government felt bound by a previous vote in 2013.

David Cameron called for military action against the Syrian government in the wake of a sarin attack that left hundreds of civilians dead on the outskirts of Damascus, but narrowly lost a Commons vote by 285 to 272.

 Boris Johnson dismayed by Russian UN Syria veto

Parliament later approved a limited British air campaign against Isis and other terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq, but concerns are mounting that operations could become more dangerous following Russias suspension of an accord aiming to avoid mid-air conflict.

The Government has shown no sign of putting anti-Assad intervention to MPs for a second time, despite international condemnation of another suspected sarin attack in the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun earlier this month.

We know beyond doubt that two Sukhoi-22 aircraft took off from Shayrat airfield where we know that chemical weapons are stored, Mr Johnson told MPs on Tuesday.

We know that they were overhead at 6.39am when according to all eyewitness accounts the attack took place.

We know from shell fragments in the crater that not only had sarin been used, but sarin carrying the specific chemical signature of sarin used by the Assad regime.

Both the Syrian and Russian governments have denied that Assads government uses or possess banned chemical weapons, but analysis by doctors treating victims has found evidence of nerve agents.

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has denied using chemical weapons and claims air strikes hit 'terrorists (Reuters)

The Foreign Secretary said there was only one conclusion, that the Assad regime almost certainly gassed its own people in breach of international law and the rules of war, showing disregard for an agreement to destroy its stockpiles in 2013.

Mr Johnson called on Russia, which acted as a guarantor for that accord on chemical disarmament, to end its blind support for Assad and help work towards a political solution to the six-year Syrian civil war.

Supporting Mr Trumps strikes, he claimed they create an opportunity to break the deadlock and pave the way for a political settlement and a truce, following a succession of failed ceasefires.

Emily Thornberry, Labours shadow Foreign Secretary, criticised Mr Johnson for cancelling a scheduled visit to Moscow when diplomacy was most needed, but he insisted he was still in touch with his counterparts.

When questioned whether removing Assad would merely pave the way for an Islamist regime, Mr Johnson said there was no future for the Syrian dictator given his war crimes.

The essential thing will be to have a political process that preserves the institutions of the Syrian state while decapitating the monster, he added.

Mr Johnson said that both the Syrian and North Korean governments threaten the law-based international order, just hours after Damascus listed Kim Jong-un among the world leaders congratulating Assad on independence day.

In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun Show all 16 1 /16 In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun North Korean women soldiers take part in a military parade in Pyongyang on 15 April AFP/Getty Images In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun A huge military parade in Pyongyang marks the 105th birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung, the country's late founder and grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong Un AP In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waves during a military parade on 15 April 2017 AP In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun North Korean soldiers carry flags and a photo of Kim Il-sung during a military parade in Pyongyang on 15 April AP In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun Soldiers march across Kim Il Sung Square during a military parade on 15 April AP In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun What military experts say appears to be a North Korean KN-08 inter-continental ballistic missile is paraded across Kim Il Sung Square during a military parade on 15 April AP In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun Women wearing traditional Korean dress wave flowers and shout slogans as they pass Kim Jong-Un during a parade in Pyongyang on 15 April AFP/Getty Images In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun North Korean female soldiers march during a parade for the 'Day of the Sun' festival on Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on 15 April EPA In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun Military vehicles carry missiles with characters reading 'Pukkuksong' during a military parade marking the 105th birth anniversary of Kim Il-sung in Pyongyang on 15 April 2017 EPA In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun Attendees carry sheets in the colours of North Korea's national flag during a military parade in Pyongyang on 15 April Reuters In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun A soldier salutes from atop an armoured vehicle during a military parade in Pyongyang on 15 April Reuters In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun A North Korean woman cries as she looks towards Kim Jong-un during a parade on 15 April AP In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun University students carry the national flag and two bronze statues of the late leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il during a military parade on 15 April AP In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun Missiles are driven past Kim Jong-un and other high ranking officials during a military parade marking the Day of the Sun in Pyongyang on 15 April Reuters In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waves from a balcony during a parade for the 'Day of the Sun' festival in Pyongyang on 15 April 2017 EPA In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun Missiles are driven past Kim Jong-un and other high ranking officials during a military parade marking the Day of the Sun in Pyongyang on 15 April Reuters

North Korea attempted another missile launch over the weekend, following a huge military parade that saw what appeared to be new inter-continental ballistic missiles rolled through Pyongyang in front of cheering crowds.

The isolated nation has boasted of its attempts to create a missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the mainland US, vowing to annihilate targets if American forces move towards a pre-emptive strike.

Mr Trump responded by sending an armada of nuclear-powered warships to the region, although analysts warned that the move was more likely to incentivise than deter Kims weapons programme.

Mr Johnson urged China to use its influence with North Korea to find a peaceful resolution to mounting tensions, warning that Pyongyang was on the path to self-destruction.

The regime is now developing intercontinental ballistic missiles which would be capable of delivering a nuclear strike on the mainland United States, the Foreign Secretary told Parliament.

These weapons have not yet been fully tested but no one can be complacent about the potential threat they pose.

In an interview with the BBC on Monday, North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol said it would continue to test missiles on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis in violation of UN sanctions.
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A US air strike on a Syrian mosque that left nearly 40 people dead was likely unlawful, a damning new report by Human Rights Watch has found.

Adequate precautions to avoid civilian casualties were not taken by American authorities before they dropped two bombs in western Aleppo on 16 March, it says.

The 16-page report found officials were unaware the building was a mosque where evening prayer was about to begin, although proper analysis could have established this.

The US seems to have gotten several things fundamentally wrong in this attack, and dozens of civilians paid the price, said Human Rights Watchs deputy emergencies director Ole Solvang.

The US authorities need to figure out what went wrong, start doing their homework before they launch attacks, and make sure it doesnt happen again.

US officials said the strike was targeting an al Qaeda meeting in a partially constructed community hall. However, Human Rights Watch found no evidence to support the allegation that armed group members were meeting.

Authorities have since said they will investigate whether civilians were caught up in the attack and whether the target hit was part of a complex owned by a mosque.

The report comes shortly after Donald Trump launched a barrage of missiles on a Syrian airbase following a suspected chemical weapons attack on civilians - representing a break from the previous administrations foreign policy.

The US President ordered the firing of 59 Tomahawk Cruise missiles from the USS Porter and USS Rossinto the Sharyat airfield in western Homs in retaliation to the use of chemical weapons on civilians, allegedly by Bashar al-Assads dictatorial regime.

He later took to Twitter to say: "Congratulations to our great military men and women for representing the United States, and the world, so well in the Syria attack."
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Uganda now has around a million refugees. To put this in perspective, the East African country is the physical size of the UK and yet hosts more refugees than arrived in all 28 EU member states in 2015, the peak of the European refugee crisis.

Since March 2017, 2,800 refugees have been arriving daily from South Sudans conflict and famine. The country now hosts the single largest refugee settlement in the world  at Bidi Bidi, in the north of the country. It is home to 270,000 refugees, and the UN Refugee Agency has described it as being at breaking point.

The influx of people from South Sudan is a humanitarian crisis. But it also matters because Uganda has some of the most progressive refugee policies in the world. Through its so-called Self-Reliance Strategy, it is one of very few major refugee-hosting countries to allow refugees to work and move relatively freely. These policies not only enable Uganda to absorb refugees, they serve as an exemplar of good practice for the rest of the world.

Recommended At least 30 drown in Uganda as boat carrying football team capsizes

Ugandas strategy gives refugees almost unparalleled opportunity to engage with markets. It enables refugees in rural settlements to get access to plots of land, and those in urban areas to start businesses. On an informal level, the approach even predates Ugandas independence from British colonial rule in 1962, with the Nakivale settlement in the south-west of the country providing opportunities for crop cultivation after opening in 1958. But it began to crystallise as policy from the late 1990s before being enshrined in law in the 2006 Refugee Act.

At the Refugee Studies Centre in Oxford, we collected data between 2012 and 2014, examining the effects of the Self-Reliance Strategy at a time when the country had from 200,000 to 300,000 refugees. Our data showed how both refugees and hosts have benefited from the approach. Nearly all refugee households had some independent income generating source, dependency levels were generally low, and in the capital, Kampala, around a fifth of refugees ran a business employing someone.

The research provides significant evidence that Ugandans benefit economically from the refugee presence, from labour, from customers, and from markets. Older refugee settlements like Kyangwali, Nakivale, and Kyaka II, which host Congolese, Rwandan, Somali, and South Sudanese refugees, have flourishing markets and connect to wider commercial networks.

Uganda has become a go-to example of the success of refugees right to work and for the viability of market-based approaches. It shows that another approach  beyond dehumanising encampment or urban destitution  is possible.

Pressure building

For a long time, the international community has assumed that Uganda will always be there to play this role, and that its president Yoweri Musevenis commitment to self-reliance for refugees would remain unwavering. Even as refugee budgets left the African continent in support of the more visible Syrian crisis, so Uganda has persevered with the model, quietly accepting significant Congolese and South Sudanese influxes in 2015 and 2016.

But in 2017, with such large numbers, the countrys commitment needs to be urgently bolstered by the international community. To the governments credit, it insists it will retain its approach. But this absolutely cannot be taken for granted. Although there is no open agitation to end the right to work, there is growing popular unrest in Uganda linked to chronic unemployment and the arrests of Musevenis main opponent, Kizza Besigye. In this climate, refugees could become part of the political agenda.

There are some key steps that it would be useful for the international community to take in order to ensure the sustainability of Ugandas refugee policy.

Complex politics

First, donors must understand the politics behind the policy. This has partly been unique because Uganda has surplus arable land, but it has also been due to the countrys politics. As a no-party democracy, the countrys leaders rely upon patronage to maintain power, and the ability to maintain their networks of support.

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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. 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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. 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But at the same time, external recognition matters more to them than internal elections  a concept known in African Studies as extraversion. Because of these two factors, many of Ugandas historical advocates for refugee rights have been progressive not just because of their support for refugees but also as a means to access and allocate resources towards their refugee-hosting constituencies.

This means that the international community has leverage, but needs to be aware that local powerbrokers in refugee hosting areas must be kept happy. For example, in the early 2000s, Brigadier Moses Ali  the only surviving cabinet minister from the regime of Idi Amin  led negotiations with the international community on support for self-reliance in part because his Nile Valley constituency benefited directly from that support.

Help refugees build a living

Second, the international community must help to invest in the communities hosting refugees. Unless hosts share in the benefits, in terms of services and markets, its very hard to maintain support for refugee presence. In the old Ugandan settlements, the surrounding communities already recognise many of these benefits.

In our earlier research, we also focused on the creation of an emergency camp at Rwamwanja, after an influx of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2014. The camp and local economy evolved rapidly in ways that had mutually beneficial effects, but we found that there were gaps in the way development-based approaches to refugees were applied in the emergency phase. For example, support for refguees livelihoods and access to capital were absent.

This is relevant to the new settlements like Bidi Bidi. Emergency development initiatives might be better conceived in ways that support locals, and facilitate opportunities for early market-based interaction between refugees and locals.

Third, for Uganda to continue to absorb such large numbers requires a sustainable response that goes beyond humanitarianism. Small and medium-sized enterprises in Uganda need access to capital for refugee entrepreneurship. Larger-scale work is also needed by international investors to identity opportunities for sector-specific economic growth within northern Uganda, where the South Sudanese refugees are, not only for corporate social responsibility reasons but to generate viable agricultural markets.

Our ongoing research consistently reveals that it is refugees themselves who are among the greatest sources of social protection to other refugees. More needs to be done to create enabling environments that encourage refugees to help themselves  right from the start.

Alexander Betts is a Leopold Muller associate professor in refugee and forced migration studies, University of Oxford. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com)
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Mikhail Gorbachev has warned that the world could be heading for a new Cold War as tensions between Russia and the West continue to mount.

The 86-year-old former Soviet leader, who was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the unions dissolution, accused the US and its allies of moving away from peace agreements on nuclear weapons and other central issues.

The language of politicians and the top-level military personnel is becoming increasingly militant, he told Germanys Bild newspaper.

The relationship between the big powers continues to worsen. This creates the impression that the world is preparing for a war. So all the indications of a Cold War are there.

Asked whether the situation could turn hot, Mr Gorbachev cautioned that anything is possible if we just keep watching, sit back and do nothing.

The Soviet Unions last leader, who has made several public warnings over rising tensions since last year, said that an arms race between Russia and the US was already in full swing, citing the deployment of Nato troops in eastern Europe.

 Rex Tillerson: US have "low level of trust" with Russia

Mr Gorbachev said he shared Donald Trumps formerly stated view of the alliance as obsolete, calling for a political instead of military union to help improve relations and further peace.

Large-scale military exercises have seen Russian and Nato troops, tanks and weapons stationed ever closer in neighbouring countries amid disquiet over the Kremlins intervention in the Ukrainian war.

Mr Gorbachev dismissed fears over Russian military deployments in Crimea and eastern Ukraine as propaganda and said he trusted Vladimir Putin, while admitting that Russia was only halfway to democracy.

His remarks came amid heightened anti-US sentiment in the countrys state-controlled media, which has performed a swift U-turn on its former adulation for Mr Trump.

The Presidents decision to attack an airbase belonging to Russias ally Bashar al-Assad, drop a giant bomb on Afghanistan and stick with Barack Obamas policies and sanctions over Crimea have diminished hopes of improved relations.

Following Mr Trumps decision to send a nuclear-powered armada of warships towards North Korea, a prolific pro-Kremlin pundit declared him more dangerous than Kim Jong-un.

In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun Show all 16 1 /16 In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun North Korean women soldiers take part in a military parade in Pyongyang on 15 April AFP/Getty Images In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun A huge military parade in Pyongyang marks the 105th birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung, the country's late founder and grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong Un AP In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waves during a military parade on 15 April 2017 AP In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun North Korean soldiers carry flags and a photo of Kim Il-sung during a military parade in Pyongyang on 15 April AP In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun Soldiers march across Kim Il Sung Square during a military parade on 15 April AP In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun What military experts say appears to be a North Korean KN-08 inter-continental ballistic missile is paraded across Kim Il Sung Square during a military parade on 15 April AP In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun Women wearing traditional Korean dress wave flowers and shout slogans as they pass Kim Jong-Un during a parade in Pyongyang on 15 April AFP/Getty Images In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun North Korean female soldiers march during a parade for the 'Day of the Sun' festival on Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on 15 April EPA In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun Military vehicles carry missiles with characters reading 'Pukkuksong' during a military parade marking the 105th birth anniversary of Kim Il-sung in Pyongyang on 15 April 2017 EPA In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun Attendees carry sheets in the colours of North Korea's national flag during a military parade in Pyongyang on 15 April Reuters In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun A soldier salutes from atop an armoured vehicle during a military parade in Pyongyang on 15 April Reuters In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun A North Korean woman cries as she looks towards Kim Jong-un during a parade on 15 April AP In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun University students carry the national flag and two bronze statues of the late leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il during a military parade on 15 April AP In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun Missiles are driven past Kim Jong-un and other high ranking officials during a military parade marking the Day of the Sun in Pyongyang on 15 April Reuters In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waves from a balcony during a parade for the 'Day of the Sun' festival in Pyongyang on 15 April 2017 EPA In pictures: North Korea marks the Day of the Sun Missiles are driven past Kim Jong-un and other high ranking officials during a military parade marking the Day of the Sun in Pyongyang on 15 April Reuters

Dmitry Kiselyov, the anchor of Russia's main weekly news show Vesti Nedeli, claimed the world is a hair's breadth from nuclear war.

War can break out as a result of confrontation between two personalities; Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un, he said on Sunday. Both are dangerous, but who is more dangerous? Trump is.

North Korea said it would continue nuclear and missile tests in violation of UN sanctions, following a huge military parade and attempted missile launch over the weekend.

One of Kims top officials vowed to annihilate the US if it moved to strike, while Mr Trump has threatened to properly deal with North Korea if China fails to rein in its ally.

The Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, criticised Pyongyang for its reckless nuclear actions on Monday, but made clear Moscow wanted Mr Trump to de-escalate his stance.

I really hope that the kind of unilateral action we recently saw in Syria won't happen (in North Korea) and that the USA will follow the line which President Trump repeatedly set out during his pre-election campaign, he said.

A survey by state polling company VTsIOM showed that the percentage of Russians with a negative view of Mr Trump has jumped to 39 from seven per cent in a month, and that feelings of distrust and disappointment towards him have also grown.


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The Allied Powers were aware of the scale of the Jewish Holocaust two-and-a-half years earlier than is generally assumed, and had even prepared war crimes indictments against Adolf Hitler and his top Nazi commanders.

Newly accessed material from the United Nations  not seen for around 70 years  shows that as early as December 1942, the US, UK and Soviet governments were aware that at least two million Jews had been murdered and a further five million were at risk of being killed, and were preparing charges. Despite this, the Allied Powers did very little to try and rescue or provide sanctuary to those in mortal danger.

Indeed, in March 1943, Viscount Cranborne, a minister in the war cabinet of Winston Churchill, said the Jews should not be considered a special case and that the British Empire was already too full of refugees to offer a safe haven to any more.

Several countries indicted Hitler and other senior Nazi leaders for war crimes (UNWCC)

The major powers commented [on the mass murder of Jews] two-and-a-half years before it is generally assumed, Dan Plesch, author of the newly published Human Rights After Hitler, told The Independent.

It was assumed they learned this when they discovered the concentration camps, but they made this public comment in December 1942.

Mr Plesch, a professor at the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS University of London, said the major powers began drawing up war crimes charges based on witness testimony smuggled from the camps and from the resistance movements in various countries occupied by the Nazis. Among his discoveries were documents indicting Hitler for war crimes dating from 1944.

In late December 1942, after the US, UK and others issued a public declaration about the Jewish slaughter, UK Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden told the British parliament: The German authorities, not content with denying to persons of Jewish race in all the territories over which their barbarous rule extends, the most elementary human rights, are now carrying into effect Hitlers oft-repeated intention to exterminate the Jewish people.

 Even Hitler didn't 'sink' to using chemical weapons like Assad has, Sean Spicer claims

Mr Plesch said that despite the collection of evidence and the prosecution of hundreds of Nazis  a judicial process that has been overshadowed by the trial of the Nazi leadership at Nuremberg  the Allied Powers did little to try and help those in peril. He said efforts by President Franklin D Roosevelts envoy to the United Nations War Crimes Commission (UNWCC), Herbert Pell, were pushed back by anti-semites in the US State Department.

Mr Pell would later claim that individuals within the State Department were concerned that Americas economic relationship with Germany after the war would be damaged if such prosecutions went ahead. After Mr Pell went public with the scandal, the State Department agreed to the prosecution of the Nazi leadership at Nuremberg, something that gathered pace after the highly publicised liberation of the concentration camps in the summer of 1945.

Among the reason given by the US and British policy makers for curtailing prosecutions of Nazis was the understanding that at least some of them would be needed to rebuild Germany and confront Communism, which at the time was seen as a greater danger, writes Mr Plesch.

Mr Plesch said the archive on which he based his research was closed to researchers for 70 years. Those wishing to read the UNWCC archive required the permission not only of the persons own national government, but the UN Secretary General. Even then, researchers were for several years not permitted to make notes.

Former American ambassador to the UN Samantha Powers took the action that made the archive available.

Mr Plesch said the new material provided a further cartload of nails to hammer into the coffins of Holocaust denial  not that further evidence was required.

Yad Vashem, the Holocaust remembrance memorial in Israel, says on its website that information regarding mass murders of Jews began to reach the free world soon after these actions began in the Soviet Union in late June 1941, and the volume of such reports increased with time.

It refers to the December 1942 declaration condemning the extermination of Jewish people.

Notwithstanding this, it remains unclear to what extent Allied and neutral leaders understood the full import of their information, it adds. The utter shock of senior Allied commanders who liberated camps at the end of the war may indicate that this understanding was not complete.

The UNWCC archive is this week being presented to the Wiener Library in London, the world's oldest Holocaust archive and Britain's largest collection on the Nazi era, where it will be available for scholars to access online.

Ben Barkow, the librarys director, said Mr Pleschs findings may not change the general understanding of the Holocaust, but were interesting and had significance to scholars.

He said Mr Plesch had doggedly continued to search a difficult-to-access archive that most scholars had assumed contained nothing new. People didnt recognise the value of it, he said.

He said the material uncovered by Mr Plesch was particularly interesting because it showed that 70 years ago, the international community was considering the issue of sexual crimes as part of the broader war crimes narrative. He said: It shows that this was not something that was only thought about after events like Rwanda.
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If you've always fancied the life of a wizard heading off to Hogwarts, your chance may have finally arrived.

A "ground floor studio flat" in east London has gone on sale for 350,000  and neighbours are comparing it to Harry Potter's "cupboard under the stairs" bedroom.

The Burnham Street, Bethnal Green, flat, on sale from Foxtons estate agents, is made up of 177 square feet.

While Foxtons calls it a "charming" and "bright" studio flat with a "smart kitchen," the "flat" is actually a converted storeroom that sits in a car park behind a former Victorian poorhouse.

In an area where council tax costs 1,108.29 per year, neighbours told the Evening Standard that they thought the building was a storage unit.

"I didn't know anybody actually lived in there," 29-year-old NHS worker Maz Carney said. "I really don't know what you're paying for. It seems crazy to me." Tom Dyson added that it's the "pokiest studio flat you will ever see."

"Ive been down there to deliver a package and popped my head in. Its just a bed, some windows and a shower in the corner. We all assumed it was just a storage unit," he said.

"I cant believe its selling for that much," Carney added. "It looks about the size of Harry Potters bedroom under the stairs."

The property hasn't even been cleared out before being photographed. The image below shows a wardrobe still sitting outside.

(Foxtons (Foxtons)

Things don't look much better inside. A bed is stuffed into the cluttered "reception room" which sits beside the "kitchen."

There is a separate shower room, and a separate toilet.

(Foxtons (Foxtons)

The ad boasts about the flat's ideal location close to Bethnal Green station, off Roman Road with shops, restaurants and local amenities.

However, Carney told the Evening Standard that parking in the area of the outbuilding, which sits in the car park of the block, built in 1888, is "already a nightmare."

"That house is bang in the middle of the car park. I struggle to get out at the best of times," he said.

(Foxtons (Foxtons)

The asking price is nearly 150,000 more than the average UK house price (207,308) according to the Evening Standard.

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Read the original article on Business Insider UK.  2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
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The Prime Minister has called for a snap election to be held on June 8 this year, to allow her to make a success of Brexit.

Its a crucial time for many reasons, and with just seven weeks allocated to secure voters, party campaigners are going to be throwing themselves at students at every opportunity.

But why should you care, you might ask? Well, lets take a moment to recap on the last time the British public were let loose with their democratic right to vote.

Recommended Staggering number of students who voted against Brexit revealed

Last Junes EU referendum left more than one million young people disappointed and angry at the Leave result.

18-24 year-olds were the least likely to have their wishes recognised, with 85 per cent of undergraduate students voting to Remain.

Seemingly, even those who voted to Leave were shocked by the results  with more than 17 per cent of student Leavers admitting they would change their vote if they could.

And of course for the 700,000 Brits who have turned 18 since the last election, this is your chance to make your Brexit protests known in the only way that really counts  voting.

Make sure your opinion is counted in the General Election by registering to vote. Heres how:

Am I eligible to vote?

You can vote in the referendum if youre registered and are 18 or over on the day of the vote. You must be one of the following:

 A British citizen living in the UK

 A Commonwealth citizen living in the UK who has leave to remain in the UK or who does not require leave to remain in the UK

 A British citizen living overseas who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years

 An Irish citizen living overseas who was born in Northern Ireland and who has been registered to vote in Northern Ireland in the last 15 years

How do I register?

If you registered to vote in last years local and mayoral elections, you may not need to re-register.

Otherwise, you can register online here: gov.uk/register-to-vote

You will need your National Insurance number and your passport.

Note: If youve moved home since the last time you voted, then you will need to re-register at your new property.

I am a student living away from home. Where can I register to vote?

A student who has a permanent home address and a term-time address can be lawfully registered at both.

Whats more, if youre registered to vote in two different electoral areas, you are eligible to vote in local elections for the two different local councils.

BUT not at the same time. Voting twice in any one election is an offence and leave you with a fine of up to 5,000.

What if I still dont know whether Im registered?

Every local authority holds the electoral register for their area. You can contact your local registration office and they will be able to let you know if you are registered.

To find the contact details of your local office, enter your postcode here on the Electoral Commissions website.

Im registered, now how do I vote?

You can vote in the general election come June 8 in the following ways:

In person at your local polling station  you can find the location on the Electoral Commissions website closer to voting day.

Details of the nearest polling station will most likely be shown to you on the back of your polling card, which youll receive in the post.

But I was planning to be eyeballs-deep in mud at the Isle of Wight Festival by then?

In England, Scotland and Wales, you can register to vote by post if youre unable to vote in person on the day.

For a postal vote you will need to download this form and send it to your local registration office (mentioned above).

Your local council will then send you a ballot paper by post, which you will need to send back. This must done done in advance  all postal vote requests need to arrive at the office a few days before the election.

Isnt there another way?

If you cant vote by either of these methods, you can apply to vote by proxy  which means allowing somebody you trust to vote on your behalf.

This can be due to a disability, or if youre abroad, or away on a course for work or university.

After completing the right form, you'll need to print it, sign it, and send it back to your local electoral registration office.

The deadline is usually 5pm, six working days before the poll. So dont leave it too late. Your country needs you.
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Cells in the eye are key to regulating humans circadian rhythm, according to a scientific study. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that a group of cells in the retina communicate directly with the region of the brain that deals with the bodys internal clock.

All life forms respond to the daily light-dark changes of day to night, and these circadian rhythms are generated by an internal biological clock. This clock is controlled by neurons in one particular area of the brain, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).

The SCN is influenced by environmental signals, including information on light received by the retina, which is passed along nerve fibres. The study demonstrated that the retina contains vasopressin-expressing cells, which communicate exclusively with the SCN and have nothing to do with normal vision. Vasopressin is a critical element in re-setting the bodys internal clock, for example after travelling long haul across time zones or working night shifts.

The study involved testing on lab rats to see the effects of selectively destroying or activating the vasopressin-expressing cells in the retina.

A scientific study could lead to the development of jet lag curing eye drops (iStock)

On a practical level, the study aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the biological clock to begin to address the health problems that accompany rotational shift work  including increased propensity for cancer, depression, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, decreased immune responses and even decreased life span.

However, on a more recreational level, the results could be the key to developing a drug to reduce the symptoms of jet lag.

Our exciting results show a potentially new pharmacological route to manipulate our internal biological clocks, said Mike Ludwig, professor of neurophysiology at yhe University of Edinburgh.

Studies in the future which alter vasopressin signaling through the eye could lead to developing eye drops to get rid of jet lag; but we are still a long way off from this.
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Turkish citizens voted to give the countrys President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, sweeping new powers in a national referendum held on April 16. The result means President Erdogan has the authority to scrap the role of the Prime Minister, dissolve parliament and stay in power until 2029 without an election if he so wishes  and has led many to accuse Turkey of becoming a kind of dictatorship. His partys main opposition, CHP, said that granting him these new powers would "entrench dictatorship" in Turkey.

Tourism in Turkey has suffered numerous setbacks in the last two years in the wake of several high-profile terrorist attacks  some of which specifically targeted foreigners. Visitor numbers plunged from around 5.5 million in July 2015 to 3.5 million in the same month last year, and this latest political development may further dissuade holidaymakers.

Recommended Why you should travel to Turkey this year

For those going on holiday to Turkey or considering visiting the country, advice from industry experts varies. British tour operators like Thomas Cook take their cues from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). A Thomas Cook spokesman told The Independent: The safety of our customers is always our first priority. The FCO advice for Turkey hasnt changed following the recent referendum. We continually monitor travel advice from the FCO and encourage our customers to consult it before travel.

ABTA, the regulatory body for travel companies in the UK, sends a similar message to consumers. As always, ABTA advises that holidaymakers should check and follow the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice, a spokesperson told The Independent. The advice for Turkey currently states that people should be vigilant, follow the advice of local security authorities, monitor media reports and keep up to date with travel advice.

The FCO advice on Turkey fails to reference the referendum, though it does warn of political unrest. The FCO states on its website: Sporadic demonstrations take place in cities across Turkey, some of which have, in the past, become violent. In Istanbul previous demonstrations have centered on the area around Taksim Square, on Istiklal Street and in the Besiktas and Kadikoy districts and more recently in Okmeydani. In Ankara, the protests have mainly taken place in the central Kizilay district around the Prime Ministers office. In Izmir the focus has been in the town centre, near the water front.

President Erdogan's referendum win may create further political unrest in Turkey (AP)

You should avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Police have used tear gas and water cannon extensively to disperse protests.

This latest political upheaval may have far-reaching implications for the tourist industry according to Frank Brehany, MD of consumer complaints website HolidayTravelWatch. He told The Independent: The result of the Turkish Referendum may seem a far-off event in the minds of UK holidaymakers, but its contested result could offer further turmoil in the region. It is unclear at this time how the result will be challenged, if at all, and whether the very fabric of the relatively inclusive Turkish society will be subject to fundamental change through any new attitudes or laws on justice and law and order.

For most holidaymakers heading to Turkey, they will most likely not feel an immediate effect within these resorts. However, as we have seen in recent years, the rise in numbers of terror attacks in and around popular Turkish tourist destinations has led to a fall in the number of European tourists making Turkey their destination of choice. It is also unclear how Turkeys relationship will now develop with the EU and this could have an impact on the numbers of Middle-Eastern refugees passing through Turkey and on to other European destinations. All these actual or potential effects do nothing to help the Turkish tourist industry. And, in the minds of those involved in tourism, whether they be consumers or suppliers, there is no doubt that confidence in the industry is not helped by this latest political challenge.

 Turkey's president Recep Erdogan wins referendum to greatly expand powers

However, others are more optimistic about Turkeys potential to recover its popularity as a tourist destination. Ted Wake, MD of Kirker Holidays, believes the threat in Turkey is echoed in much of Europe  and that travellers are simply getting more aware of the dangers.

In common with other destinations such as Stockholm, Berlin, Paris, Nice, Brussels and indeed London, Istanbul has experienced some disruption in recent months, he told The Independent. However, those tourists who have visited Turkey and Istanbul report very favourably of the warm hospitality, excellent service and great value for money. Security and safety for tourists has always been an important factor, but experienced travellers have quickly become accustomed to the recent heightened awareness of these issues that now applies throughout the world  and for Western societies, the risk is often the same for those who elect to stay at home as it is for those who travel abroad.

Recommended How the laptop ban took the shine off a trip to Turkey

Many consumers take a pragmatic, defiant view and are now reluctant to allow the perceived threat to impact on their travel ambitions. And the more experienced the traveller, the more they appreciate that it is difficult to predict where the next disruption will occur.

And indeed, its not all bad news for Turkish tourism. While bookings to Turkey for summer 2017 are currently down 18 per cent down year on year according to industry figures, ABTA has reported positive visitor numbers for the Easter period in Southern Turkey resorts.
Car-hailing platform Yidao Yongche is rumored to have fallen into financial distress after its founder and former CEO claimed that 1.3 billion RMB was appropriated from the company by its top stakeholder, LeEco.

Yidao Yongche founder Zhou Hang published a statement late on April 17, admitting that the company is dealing with some financial issues and claiming that the cause of these problems is LeEco.

While Yidao Yongche and LeEco later denied the accusation in a joint statement, Zhou's assertion aroused a great deal of public attention, and many drivers went to the company's headquarters to withdraw their money from the platform, reported news site Caixin.com.

Several drivers told Caixin that they haven't been able to withdraw money earned on the platform since January. The amount of money various drivers are owed ranges from 4,000 RMB to more than 10,000 RMB.

According to the news site, several car rental companies have also complained about overdue payments from Yidao Yongche since last December. Overdue payments put Yidao Yongche in hot water with several other companies as well, the report stated, citing anonymous sources within Yidao Yongche.

Meanwhile, the car-hailing app's user base has decreased dramatically. The number of active users per month in March was 3.2 million, down from a record of more than 8 million active users per month last August, reported Jiemian.com.

Yidao Yongche and LeEco said in their joint statement that LeEco invested 4 billion RMB in Yidao Yongche.

"In the hope of seeking profits for himself, Zhou issued a statement to provoke a disturbance and misguide users. He intended to affect the operations of both companies," the joint statement read.

LeEco became the largest stakeholder of Yidao Yongche in 2015, when it purchased 70 percent of the car-hailing platform's stock. Zhou Hang said he stepped away from Yidao Yongche after LeEco took over the company he founded, although he retained the title of CEO.
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From where we are now, it seems pretty certain that the polls will say that Theresa May will win the snap general election. However, most people are aware of the failure of the polls because they came down on the wrong side of near 50/50 races, missing Brexit and Trump.

In fact, neither of these were complete polling disasters. Many EU referendum polls  including ours  pointed to a very decent chance of a Leave win: our final headline was too close to call.

Polls in the US, including ours, generally predicted Trump would lose the popular vote, and he did  they just missed narrow victories in the key states that swung it.

 Theresa May calls general election for June 8

And around the world  from the Netherlands to Australia to Peru  the record of the polls in recent national elections has been very strong. Polling is not as useless as some would have you believe.

But thats not to say the announcement today wasnt greeted with as much terror as excitement by pollsters.

The biggest problem in polling this election is the unpredictability of public behaviour in what is essentially an unprecedented event.

Although there have been snap general elections before, rarely, if ever, in modern times have they come as entirely unexpectedly as this one: unexpected for the pollsters, unexpected for nearly all the politicians who will take part, but, above all, unexpected for the public.

At this stage, we can only guess what the publics reaction will be. If they feel the election is unnecessary  the third national poll in two years, or the fifth for the poor Northern Irish  will they react against it?

Will that reaction be strengthened by the Fixed-terms Parliaments Act, the knowledge that in theory prime ministers are not meant to be able to do this anymore  and that this PM specifically said she wouldnt?

Predicting who will actually turn out to vote is the bane of a pollsters life  people say one thing, but do another  and what many will see as endless, pointless political events makes voter fatigue incredibly unpredictable.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA 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 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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

No PM since Anthony Eden has called a snap election during his or her honeymoon, and while Theresa May is riding high, history shows that can change quickly. In 2007, the polls turned very suddenly against Gordon Brown, almost as soon as everybody started talking about the likelihood that he would call an election.

The context now is so different that its extremely difficult to see this pattern being repeated. Jeremy Corbyn has been complaining about the lack of exposure for him and his policies: well now find out how the public react when they see more.

But most of all its an unpredictable election because of the unprecedented link to the terms of a referendum outcome that split the country in two  and that cuts across party lines, adding a new dimension to the political spectrum.

The Lib Dems are openly delighted for good reason  their support is among the most aligned to the partys views of Brexit, and they have a clear hope of attracting more with similar views. Labour has the biggest problem  but even the Conservatives have a relatively broad Brexit church that they need to appeal to.

One final point: the recent polling misses, though overstated, are actually a very healthy thing for polling and political discussion. Nothing in politics is as certain as my opening paragraph suggests, particularly now. Polls should be treated with respect but caution, and youll see a lot more from pollsters that emphasise margins of error and the need for realistic expectations of accuracy. In such unpredictable times, thats a good thing.

Bobby Duffy is managing director of the social research institute at Ipsos Mori
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The decision to call an election so soon after May 2015 appears to be borne of the Prime Ministers insecurity about having no electoral mandate. In holding the election now, she can capitalise on Labours disarray under an incompetent leader, as well as a lacklustre Ukip.

However, while the timing is well sized calculation for the Conservatives, it could scarcely be worse for Northern Irish politics. Northern Ireland is currently engulfed in one of its most precarious crises since peace was established and the side show of a general election makes the prospects of resolve even slimmer.

The region remains without a government, almost five months after Sinn Fein pulled out of power-sharing with their counterparts in the Democratic Unionist Party. The Conservatives, who have long taken their eye off the ball in Northern Ireland, appeared surprised by the sudden collapse of power-sharing.

 Politicans react to Theresa May's call for a general election

A snap election was called in Northern Ireland in a bid to elect a new government willing to return to power-sharing but Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionists were returned as the largest parties. Unsurprisingly, with none of the underlying issues resolved, they are still refusing to get back to Stormont.

The initial deadline given by the Conservatives, via Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire, was of Good Friday. However, with the deadline looming and no agreement in sight, this was again extended to early May.

Now, as the parties try one last ditch attempt to agree a new deal, they will also face an unwanted side show of a British election. With tensions already raw and with the parties at loggerheads as they negotiate, relations will be made even more volatile as they enter an election. It is less likely that we will get a power-sharing deal now as the election mode posturing will most likely return and the parties will feel pushed to take hard stances on things to impress the electorate.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA 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

Furthermore, it is very risky that power-sharing talks could collapse in Northern Ireland while parliament is dissolved in Westminster. The House of Commons is expected to be dissolved on 4 May, to facilitate the 8 June election. The timing for Northern Ireland could not be worse. With the deadline already extended multiple times without resolve, it is possible that no deal will be reached. If this happens, legislation requires that the British government intervenes and imposes direct rule of Northern Ireland from London, or else calls yet another election. However, with a dissolved parliament, it is unknown what will happen. The legislation for power-sharing collapse has no provisions for both the central and devolved governments being down at the same time. Northern Ireland risks being left in limbo yet again.

Finally, due to the on-going political crisis in Northern Ireland, the region has already had two elections in the last year. Realistically, it will likely have a third election this summer unless negotiations are successful. Therefore, the general election will be our 4th election in a year. When you also factor in the Brexit referendum, Northern Irish voters will be going to the polls five times in a little over a year. This is likely to cause even more disillusionment and apathy among voters, who are increasingly feeling their political institutions are flawed.

Throughout Theresa Mays time at Number 10, she has shown a complete lack of regard for Northern Irish politics. It is likely that none of these issues were given much, if any, thought by her when she weighed up the pros and cons of calling an election. While it might suit her desire to hit Labour while theyre down and undermine her insecurities about not having a mandate, the election and its timing could cause real harm to Northern Ireland at a crucial time.
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Politics is full of surprises, if we didn't know that already. Suddenly, after months when it seemed impossible that there would be a second European referendum, we get one. It may be called the 2017 general election, but another European referendum it will be.

This election campaign will very soon boil down to a question of whether the country wants to give Theresa May her mandate for hard Brexit. That, after all, is what the Prime Minister has called for, and she thinks she will win it. We shall see if she is right.

The wisest pitch for the opposition parties (excluding Ukip, of course) is to promise the nation a vote through Parliament or a proper referendum on the final terms of Brexit. They should make clear that the believe Article 50 is politically reversible; that whatever the UK asked for on 23 June 2016, it was not necessarily a hard Brexit with no deal in place, and a virtual guarantee that people will lose their jobs and be poorer after 2019.

 Times Theresa May has said there won't be an election until 2020

May says that strong leadership and stability will be the issue under contest. One thing that could restore stability, however, is for the nation to have a say on hard Brexit. Happenchance maybe, but now we have it.

May still has a high chance of doing well, but she has given Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the SNP the one attractive policy they need  an approach to Europe that is backed by at least half the country. If I were Jeremy Corbyn, I would back that too and attempt to unite my party behind it, a single transcendent policy that could even attract business support back to Labour among those disillusioned by hard Brexit. These are strange times. Slim hopes, but something. The Lib Dems will come back, and the SNP seem to have little to fear.

On 8 June, then, the country has the chance to give its verdict on hard Brexit and whether it wants a say on the eventual terms of Brexit. After that nobody on either side should have much to moan about.

But will Jeremy Corbyn take up the challenge he ducked so spectacularly last year and actually put the Labour case for Europe, coupled with a firm pledge to allow the people the final terms of Brexit? The signs are he will indeed drop the ball. In his statement today, he said that he and his party would be fighting for a Brexit that works for all  pretty much the PM's own line, and one that will simply demoralise many of his candidates and campaigners.

It's unlikely, given past performance, that he will offer a firm lead, and when he fails Labour will split again, at the worst possible time. Corbyn should agree to work with the Lib Dems, in the event they have sufficient Commons seats, and work out a better line than the one Ed Miliband delivered at the 2015 election about the SNP. In other words, Corbyn has nothing to lose (and much to gain) from being as pro-European as his instincts and his spin doctors will allow.

This is not the moment to argue for socialism in one country. It is, however, Corbyn's opportunity to confound his critics and deliver for his people  including the ones in Stoke, Hull and Sheffield, who potentially have the most lose from hard Brexit.

Or will Labour's leaders show themselves instead happy to come third to the Lib Dems? Politics is always full of surprises.
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The problem for Theresa May was always going to be how she justified it, and to be frank she did that rather badly. She blamed the opposition parties for causing disunity at Westminster.

But if you are the Prime Minister, looking at the prospect of increasing your majority from 17 seats to over 100, its worth the temporary awkwardness of saying you have recently and reluctantly changed your mind. After all, it is not as if the median voter is going to say: Hold on a minute  you promised you wouldnt hold an early election; Im voting for Jeremy Corbyn instead.

So that is the only bump in the road. Corbyn himself removed the other possible obstacle to an early election within minutes of the announcement by saying he welcomed it  implying, therefore, that Labour MPs would provide the two-thirds majority needed under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act to move the date of the next vote forward from May 2020.

 Theresa May calls general election for June 8

For May, all the other arguments are strongly in favour of an election. Above all, the prospect of a huge majority, which would give her a personal mandate and significant authority in the Brexit negotiations.

Our ComRes opinion poll at the weekend suggested that the Conservatives have a 21-point lead over Labour. The same figure as was produced by YouGov this morning. The last time a Tory government was that far ahead was on the eve of the 1983 election, when Margaret Thatcher won a 144-seat majority. And there are reasons for thinking that Labour is in an even weaker position this time.

Recommended Theresa May has handed us our final chance to stop Brexit

Labour MPs are already struggling to explain why Corbyn, whom most of them have opposed fiercely, should be prime minister. Neil Coyle, who nominated Corbyn for the leadership but then wanted him out, told the BBC: Any Labour prime minister is better than any Conservative prime minister.

The other big reason for holding an early election is the Brexit negotiations. Winning a large majority would help, presentationally, in her talks with fellow European leaders. But more important is the risk of the talks going wrong. All the recent talk of no deal, and of Britain having to walk away from the EU with no better trading terms than North Korea, reflects the anxiety at the highest levels of government.

A lot can happen over the next two years, and if you have a 21-point lead now, the big question about an early election is: Why not?

 Jeremy Corbyn dodges question on whether he would stand down if Labour is defeated

The temptation for May was therefore irresistible. Talk about learning lessons from your predecessors. Gordon Brown could have won an election if he had seized the chance to cash in on his opinion-poll honeymoon in 2007. But he havered over an election in semi-public for weeks. Theresa Mays operation is so closed that there wasnt a whisper of it in the media until Downing Street announced she would be making a statement.

It reminds me of the story with which Rosa Prince opens her biography, Theresa May: The Enigmatic Prime Minister. Andrea Leadsom phoned May to say she was planning to pull out of the leadership contest and asked her not to tell anyone until she had announced it publicly in two hours time. May, knowing she was going to be prime minister, went ahead to give the opening speech of her leadership campaign and told no one, not even Philip, her husband.

Theresa May has turned out to be good at politics. Labour is heading for a historic drubbing.
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Ak Saray, the residence of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is a complex of around 1,100 rooms in acres of hillside over Ankara. It is not garish or tasteless, like some of Saddam Husseins architectural monstrosities were, but then Turkeys President sees himself not as just another Kalashnikov-wielding strongman, but heir to the legacy of Ottoman sultans.

A few colleagues and I were given a conducted tour of Ak Saray, White Palace in English, soon after last summers attempted coup, when Erdogan was being presented as a defender of democracy against the perfidy of a treacherous exiled cleric, Fethullah Gulen, and a renegade military faction. But the White Palace definitely seemed a home more befitting a potentate than that of a champion of the people and Turkeys referendum has now confirmed Erdogan in that position. And, at the same time, any effective international backing for attempts to dethrone him is now relatively meaningless after Donald Trump called him from the White House to congratulate him on his victory.

Trump was the first major world leader to publicly give his support to the Turkish President; he had followed Qatar, Guinea and the Palestinian movement Hamas. Trumps stance towards Erdogan is very different from his predecessor Barack Obama, whose administration had been critical of some of the Turkish Presidents more autocratic ways. American support for Kurdish rebels in Syria has been a further source of acrimony. Relations had soured to the extent that Ankara claimed there was an American hidden hand behind the Gulenists that carried out the putsch.

Erdogan was one of the first foreign leaders to offer his congratulations to Trump after his victory in the US election declaring a new era in relations between the two countries.

 Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Turkish referendum critics: Talk to the hand

The two men see eye-to-eye on a lot of things, not least in their shared antipathy towards a critical media (although Trump is yet to start jailing them on an industrial scale like the Turkish President) and more generally in depicting political opponents as the enemy within.

As yet, there have been no felicitations to Erdogan from Vladimir Putin. But the Turkish President has made great effort to build good relations with his Russian counterpart after he lost the stand-off over the Turks shooting down a Russian warplane 18 months ago. There is now regular liaison on a range of issues, including actions of the two countries forces in Syria. It is highly unlikely that the Kremlin will criticise the referendum results.

Western European political leaders, however, have been willing to do so. They have expressed grave disquiet about alleged voter fraud at the polls and urged Erdogan to be restrained as he assumes near absolute power.

In Berlin, Angela Merkel warned that the tight referendum result shows how deeply divided Turkish society is, that means a big responsibility for the Turkish leadership, that means a big responsibility for President Erdogan personally. In Paris, Francois Hollandes office warned against actions which would obviously be a break with values and engagements that Turkey has accepted in joining the Council of Europe. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, called for claims of electoral malpractice to be investigated. Austrian foreign minister Sebastian Kurz said the referendum result was a clear signal against the European Union and ends the fiction of joining the union.

But Erdogan and his supporters no longer see being barred from the European Union as a dire threat because they believe that the country would not be allowed entry in any case. Within hours of claiming his win, the President was saying that he would have no hesitation in introducing the death penalty  a move which will scupper European Union entry entirely, but one he nevertheless had no hesitation in making public.

 Turkey's president Recep Erdogan wins referendum to greatly expand powers

The reality is that Turkey holds a few aces in its relations with Europe on a range of issues, from Syria to refugees. The latter is the one of most concern. Hundreds of thousands of displaced people had been using Turkey as a transit point for Europe. Under a deal made between Merkel and Erdogan, the numbers coming through have fallen significantly. In return, Europe was supposed to agree to visa-free travel for Turks, but that is yet to happen. The Turkish government has already indicated that it will refuse one of the demands that would allow the visa waiver: reform of anti-terrorism legislation.

It will be interesting to see how the European Union reacts to other hardline measures which are likely to accompany Erdogans accumulation of power, just how much declarations of supporting democracy and dissent in Turkey is tempered by realpolitik and self-interest at the prospect of the refugee floodgates opening again.

It will also be interesting to see just how much Erdogan, sitting in his Ottoman splendour at the White Palace and buttressed by backing from powerful friends such as Trump and Putin, is prepared to play hardball with Europe.
The formal Brexit negotiations between the United Kingdom and European Union will begin in June, European Affairs Minister Dara Murphy has said.

He dismissed criticisms that Ireland failed to secure its interests in Europe after Spain secured an effective veto over the future of Gibraltar after Brexit.

Ireland would not be seeking any changes to the EU's draft negotiating guidelines due to be signed off by EU leaders at a special summit in Brussels on April 29, he said.

"These negotiating directives will provide the mandate for the Commission's team, and then they will formally organise the specific negotiations with the United Kingdom, which we believe will formally take place at the beginning of June."

Officials believe the substantive talks on the future arrangements may not actually begin until the autumn at the earliest, however, given the initial complex task of deciding how much Britain owes to the EU, and other issues such as the rights of EU citizens living in the UK, and UK citizens living in Ireland.

However, the issue of the Border and Northern Ireland could be dealt with early on.

Mr Murphy said the Government can be "quite happy" with the political and diplomatic campaign which he said had led to recognition across the EU of Ireland's unique circumstances.

But he warned it would be a long process. "The fact that we've made a good start should serve to encourage us, but that does not mean that we don't have a significant body of work to continue," he told the Oireachtas EU affairs committee.

Mr Murphy dismissed criticisms that Ireland failed to secure Ireland's interests in Europe after Spain was given an effective veto over the future of Gibraltar after Brexit.

He said the Spanish/Gibraltar issue will be dealt with in the second strand of the negotiations dealing with the future arrangement.

Every EU member state has the opportunity to block that part of the deal when finalised, Mr Murphy said.

"It is within the confines only of the new arrangement that the issue of Spain and Gibraltar will pertain, one could make the case that they already will have a veto in any event," he said.

"But these will not be discussed in round one, which is where the qualified majority voting element will come into place.

"So the issues about Spain and Gibraltar are completely different from the issues surrounding the island of Ireland, the Common Travel Area and the peace process."

Mr Murphy also said Ireland was not looking for any changes in the language of the negotiating guidelines, but reiterated Taoiseach Enda Kenny's comments that there may be a further explanation of Ireland's case in an annex to the document.
Irish business sentiment improved in the spring - the latest evidence that Brexit is being shrugged off by most firms here, or at least that the fallout has so far failed to dampen the economic recovery.

The latest KBC Bank/Chartered Accountants Ireland business sentiment survey shows Irish business volumes are still growing but at a slightly more modest pace. Sentiment has bounced back, the survey shows.

That tallies with the latest data from the Department of Finance, which last week updated growth forecasts for 2017 and 2018 because the expected negative impacts from Brexit had failed to hit the economy.

"Although Brexit concerns are felt widely, both the expected impact and the level of preparedness for Brexit vary widely between companies even in the same sector," said Austin Hughes, chief economist, KBC Bank Ireland, who carried out the analysis.

"Only 21pc of firms say they have a strong sense of the likely impact of Brexit on their business, but it is concerning that 27pc have little sense of the potential effects," he added.

The results do show that 40pc of companies say they have taken action to respond to Brexit, including dealing with the plunge in the value of the pound.

The weakness in sterling since last June's vote in the UK is the clearest Brexit impact being felt by businesses here, but with a widely differing impact across Irish businesses - hurting 31pc of firms but helping 13pc.

The survey found that business activity in Ireland grew in the first three months of 2017, though at a slightly slower pace than last year. Hiring is becoming slower, but that may reflect skill shortages in some sectors, as well as caution in others.

Brexit and weak demand remain the key concerns for many businesses, but some firms now see staffing and building constraints as big issues.

Strikingly, companies' assessments of the broader Irish economy has become increasingly upbeat - though well off the level of optimism seen in 2015.

According to Austin Hughes, the absence - so far - of the kind of "apocalyptic outcomes" predicted before the Brexit vote and the election of Donald Trump in the US has caused Irish firms to tone down their own level of concern, especially in domestic-focused sectors such as construction, consumer business but also in business services.

In contrast, manufacturing companies were a little less confident than three months ago.

Meanwhile, visa data from Irish Exporters Association (IEA) highlights the post-Brexit move by Irish business to open new markets, with China, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria the top five countries for visa applications. The IEA said it has also seen growing interest by companies in Algeria, Iran and Sudan.
Paraic Joyce, insurance partner PwC; Cristina Mihai, head of prudential regulation Insurance Europe; and Kevin Thompson Insurance Ireland CEO, at the PwC/Insurance Ireland breakfast briefing on capital allocation. Photo: Jason Clarke

Life and pensions giant Royal London's Irish arm boosted revenue by 10pc last year, ahead of the firm's decision to establish a regulated unit here to retain post-Brexit access to European Union markets.

Royal London is the largest mutual life, pensions and investment company in the UK and Ireland with group funds under management of over 116bn.

It provides around nine million policies and employ 3,253 people, mostly in the UK.

At the end of March it said it planned to set up its EU base in Ireland following the UK's decision to leave the European Union.

Previously it did business here through so called passporting of services from its UK-regulated parent.

"By domiciling the business in Ireland we can remove much of the uncertainty triggered by the Brexit negotiations," Phil Loney, group CEO of Royal London, said.

Yesterday, Royal London said new business growth for the business in Ireland last year had been particularly strong - including revenue up 10pc and new business up 24pc.

"We've achieved these results against a protection market that has been decreasing in size which not only points to the strength of support we have received from the financial broker community, but also to our very experienced and growing in-house team in Ireland," said Alex Koslowski, managing director of Royal London in Ireland.

Royal London says it is committed to investing in the Irish market over the long-term, and is in the early stages of discussions with the Central Bank of Ireland regarding separate regulation for the unit here.

Meanwhile, most Irish insurance executives see Brexit having a bright side for the industry here.

A survey of attendees at a business breakfast for the sector hosted by PwC found that almost six out of 10 (58pc) believe that Brexit presents more opportunities than challenges for the Irish insurance industry.

Close to seven out of 10 said that their company's capital structure has not been affected to date by Brexit.

Speaking at the event, Paraic Joyce, insurance partner, PwC Ireland, said there is no doubt that the Irish insurance sector faces challenges arising out of Brexit.

"However, this survey identifies that the majority believe Brexit will bring more opportunities than challenges," Mr Joyce said.

"We have a resilient insurance sector and Ireland needs to work hard to continue to promote the sector as a world-class centre of excellence in which to do business," he added.
Abe cabinet allows use of 'Mein Kampf' in Japanese schools

The Japanese government on Friday approved the use of Adolf Hitlers Mein Kampf as teaching material in local schools, the newspaper Japan Times reported.

The controversial autobiography joins the "Imperial Rescript" as newly-approved literature for school children, raising concerns over bubbling militarism in the country.

According to Japan Times, schools may now decide to expose students to the book, an autobiography of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.

The book may be used as an aid to provide context for historical events such as World War II, the report said. The Japanese cabinet prohibited the use of the book to promote racial discrimination.

In a similar move earlier this month, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet decided to reintroduce the 19th century "Imperial Rescript on Education," a prewar set of educational values and principles, into classrooms across the country.

Written by the Nazi Party leader Adolf Hitler in 1925, "Mein Kampf," which in German means "My Struggle," is an autobiography that outlines Hitlers political ideology. It has been banned in Germany since 1945 and was only allowed to be republished in 2016.
Minister Michael Creed has rejected calls for a ban on live cattle exports following claims of animal cruelty at slaughter houses in north Africa and the Middle East.

Animal rights activists have claimed that Irish cattle were being "abused" at a port in Turkey where they were unloaded from a ship, allegedly covered in their own excrement, after a two-week journey. The cattle were then loaded into a small, open top truck, not suitable for animal haulage.

The footage, recorded by Animals International - a charity seeking to end the export of live cattle from EU countries to north Africa and the Middle East - was released as part of an undercover investigation to highlight how cattle exports to these regions are "in breach of EU laws".

In one video a chain is wrapped around a bullock's leg, he is hoisted into the air, flailing and kicking, a man then approaches and slashes his neck with a large knife. Blood flows from the wound which almost decapitates him, while other distressed cattle watch. The animal's country of origin is not known.

Andrew Kelly, chief executive of the irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has called for an "immediate suspension" of live exports of cattle to non-EU countries. He accused the Department of Agriculture and farm lobby groups of "being in denial" about the issue.

In a statement to the Farming Independent, Minister Creed said he is "aware" of the reports and stressed that animal welfare standards in Ireland and Europe are among "the best in the world".

Welfare

"Live exports are a vital component of Ireland's livestock industry and I have no proposals to ban the export of live animals. I and my Department will make every effort to promote and maintain an environment in which live exports can take place in both an economic and sustainable manner, with due regard for the welfare of all animals exported," he said.

"Only ships approved by my department can load cattle for export from Ireland. Cattle being exported are monitored during the prescribed isolation period by veterinary inspectors from my department and by official veterinarians from the importing countries," he said

Patrick Kent, ICSA president claims the videos are "staged".

"I saw images of Irish cattle supposedly leaving a boat bunched together with what they claim was faecal matter on their coats - it could have been mud," he said.

John Comer, ICMSA president said: "it is simply unreasonable to expect that Ireland could demand that other countries buying Irish cattle must meet our standards of welfare."
Businesses in the Munster region have given their overwhelming support to the proposed M20 motorway, with 98pc stating it will enhance economic linkages between Cork and Limerick.

An equal amount believe that it will lead to increased road safety, initial findings from a Red C Research survey of businesses conducted as part of an ongoing study into the proposed motorway has found.

The survey was conducted as part of the joint campaign by Limerick and Cork Chambers in support of the M20.

The survey also found that 97pc believe it will reduce traffic congestion between the two cities and reduce journey times.
BWG Foods managing director Willie O'Byrne has been named as the new chairman of Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the sector.

He will serve a two-year term and replaces outgoing chairman Conor Whelan of Eason Group.

The CEO of the Maxol Group, Brian Donaldson, is taking up the role of vice-chairman.

Mr O'Byrne said retailers face a number of challenges, including the fallout from Brexit and rising costs at home.

"Retail is an exciting, dynamic and innovative industry and I look forward to working with the Retail Ireland team to ensure that the many issues facing the sector are fully recognised and addressed during my term as chairman," Mr O'Byrne said.

Retail Ireland's strategy paper, 'Shaping the future of Irish retail 2020', will be a blueprint for the development of the sector over the coming years, he said.

That strategy includes six key policy requests being asked of the Government:

1. Centralise government support for the retail sector

2. A tax credit to support Irish retailers competing with international online retailers

3. Grow consumer disposable income

4. Reduce the cost of regulatory compliance

5. Increased support for retail training and education programmes

6. Regenerate Ireland's high streets

"The industry is facing a number of challenges which we as an organisation must address immediately," Mr O'Byrne said.

"These include the fallout from Brexit, which has already impacted upon consumer sentiment, with retail sales growth softening considerably in the months following the UK's decision to leave the European Union.

"We also must work with Government to address the rising costs Irish retailers face which - allied to the emerging threat from foreign online-only retailers - threatens to undermine the future sustainability of the sector."
A firm which already sells into US giant Walmart has landed a 3m (3.5m) deal to distribute a smartphone thermometer.

Bubblebum has teamed up with Spanish firm Oblumi, which has developed the 'tapp'. It connects to mobile phones, and converts it into a digital infrared thermometer.

Bubblebum founder Grainne Kelly has landed a distribution deal with Oblumi to exclusively distribute the device in Ireland and the UK over a period of five years.

The company already sells its child booster seats into more than 1,000 stores in the UK and US. Ms Kelly, who is from Derry, says the firm has also secured a new deal to sell her car booster seats into 1,700 Target stores in the US.

"I have created and founded Bubblebum, and we have been exporting around the world for the last seven years," she said.

"We are in Walmart and Halfords. We have been looking at adding more products to our range."

She said she was contacted by Oblumi, which was keen to break into the UK and Ireland market with its smartphone thermometer.

"We thought, people are doing this, but don't know how to get it to market," Ms Kelly said. "The product is a smartphone thermometer. But it's not just that, it also logs all of the data.

"So, if the baby is at home with granny, and she is checking the temperature, the mother and father can also check that. It also reminds how much paracetamol to take ... reminders of when to take the temperature.

"We will also take this a step further for the elderly. For example, when my dad was sick, he got out of hospital ... he couldn't remember when to take his temperature of medicine ... we had to manually record that."

The company now employs 12 staff - doubling the size of the team to meet demand for its existing products.

"(The new thermometer product) is a pretty significant deal. We are also in another 1,000 stores in the UK, and Target in the US (with the Bubblebum booster seat). In the past two weeks we have signed Walmart in Chile and we have already doubled staff numbers." She said there has already been "great interest" in the new smartphone thermometer.

"This is the first device of its kind on the market," Ms Kelly said. "As a parent of a child who had frequent bouts of fever, I am acutely aware of the precautions people need to take with infants and the confusion that lies with tracking temperature and medication. Our objective is to alleviate these concerns and allow parents and carer's to rely on the Oblumi device as a practical solution."

"The Oblumi tapp can also check the temperature of liquids with accuracy and speed such as the temperature of a baby's bottle or bath water, a constant concern for parents."
Saudi oil giant Aramco is gearing up for a 5pc share listing next year, aiming to get a valuation of up to $2 trillion in what could be the world's biggest initial public offering

Saudi Arabia's privatisation drive is likely to result in around 100 new stock market listings in sectors including mining, healthcare and retail, a top HSBC executive said yesterday.

Georges Elhedery, HSBC's CEO for the Middle East and North Africa, did not give a time frame for the listings but said they were part of Saudi plans to diversify its economy beyond oil by 2030.

Close to 180 companies are already listed on the Saudi market and HSBC is advising the stock exchange on its planned listing of its own shares, while industry sources have said that the bank will play a key advisory role in the upcoming listing of national oil giant Saudi Aramco.

"We are talking, up to possible 100 IPOs (or) 100 entities to be listed on the stock exchange in Saudi Arabia," Elhedery said at an event marking the 150th anniversary of Thomson Reuters in the region.

Elhedery said the planned listing of a "jewel" like Aramco is a strong example of Saudi Arabia's commitment to the privatisation programme.

Aramco is gearing up for a 5pc share listing next year, aiming to get a valuation of up to $2 trillion in what could be the world's biggest initial public offering.

Although Aramco has not made a decision yet on the international venue for the IPO, Gulf Capital's co-founder Karim El Solh said at the same event on Monday that he expected it to be New York "given the size (and) the nature of the industry".

Global exchanges such as the London Stock Exchange are pitching for a slice of Aramco's IPO, which HSBC's Elhedery said would generate huge demand from strategic investors regardless of where it is listed. (Reuters)
Twenty-four sheep trekked four days to return to the Kerry farm from which they went missing over the weekend.

Kerry farmer Dermot Donovan told the Irish Farmers Journal that he believed the sheep were stolen and moved over the mountains near Killarney by a man and his dog.

He had moved 30 sheep on to the commonage at Mangerton mountain last Monday but by Wednesday April 12 26 of them had gone missing.

Dermot tracked them to the top of the mountain but believes they were driven much further away as it took them four days to return by themselves.

They were driven out through bare bog and you can see their tracks, and the footprints of the man driving them and his dog too, he told the Farmers Journal.

He drove them out the top of Mangerton mountain, its 2,700ft high, and turned them to the right. He must have driven them on a long ways after that because it took them four days to get back.

Certainly they made their own way back, but they were gone a long way because it took them a long time to get home. A sheep thats born in one part of the mountain, even if its a 2,000 acre commonage, will return to where she was born.

The news comes just a week after two other Kerry farmers revealed their sheep had also been stolen.
A poem about a couple meeting in a cafe has won the 2017 Poetry Day Ireland and Butlers poetry competition.

Jessamine O'Connor from Roscommon won the adult category for her poem 'Meet Me for Coffee' while Geraldine Mitchell from Co Mayo came second for her poem 'Figure of Eight'.

Poets were invited to submit poems that mentioned either chocolate or coffee, or that gave a flavour of a coffeehouse or cafe.

Four of the winning poets, two adults and two children will have their poems printed on Pocket Poem cards, which will be distributed in all 19 Butlers Chocolate Cafe branches on Poetry Day Ireland, 27 April 2017.

Jessamines first prize also includes a pass for the Butlers Chocolate Experience; a ticket to every poetry event in either the International Literature Festival Dublin (20-28 May 2017), Cuirt International Festival of Literature (23-30 April 2017), or to West Cork Literary Festival (14-21 July 2017); and a 2-year subscription to Poetry Ireland Review.

Seven-year-old Heather Durston from Co Cavan won the childrens category with her poem My Chocolate Box. Adian Higgins (12) came second for his poem 'Oh Chocolate!'.

On Poetry Day Ireland (27 April) pick up a copy of the winning works on pocket poem cards in Butlers Cafes. Customers who recite a poem when ordering on Poetry Day Ireland will also receive an extra complimentary chocolate!

The winning poems:

Meet Me for Coffee

By Jessamine O Connor

Not a cup of tea, a pint or just meet me

Video of the Day

because I want to wait awkward at a counter beside you

with the steam spluttering, the espresso machine knocking

and our overdressed elbows almost touching.

I want to sit opposite you at a small table

that can never be small enough, absorbing the heat

of your hidden knees and then eyes when I catch you

watching me lick the froth off my lips.

I want us to be both fiddling with our round white cups,

thumbing the holes that make the handles,

intense with conversation while idling our fingers

around and around those curves.

I want to be alone with you in a clamorous place

where no one will notice whats not being said,

thats why I say safely, meet me for coffee,

instead of suggesting something else.

Figure of Eight

By Geraldine Mitchell

an unsolicited smile

a complicit look

a bar of chocolate

a good book

a cancelled meeting

an unexpected guest

a burst of music

Sunday rest

My Chocolate Box

Heather Durston, age 7

Why don't Butlers put some locks

On their lovely chocolate box.

My brother tries to steal a sweet

From my special chocolate treat

Butlers chocolate is like boat

Of creamy chocolate down your throat.

The nicest chocolate you could eat

Is Butlers... for that special treat.

Oh Chocolate!

Aidan Higgins, age 12

Oh Chocolate! Oh Chocolate!

My brownish delight,

Oh how I eat you,

At day and at night.

I take my first bite,

Every day at eleven,

And by the end of the bar,

It's like I'm in heaven.
The site of a mass grave for children who died in the Tuam mother and baby home, Galway. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire

The Child and Family Agency will formally outline its opposition to a claim brought by Co Galway man seeking information about his sister who may have died in the Tuam Mother and Baby Home by the end of the month.

The case has been brought by Peter Mulryan, whose infant sister Marian Bridget Mulryan is believed to be among 796 children recorded as having died there, has brought proceedings against Tusla aimed at getting any information that may exist about her.

Last month permission to bring the action was granted by Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, following an application by Deidre O'Donohoe Bl instructed by solicitor Kevin Higgins, for Mr Mulryan.

Previously the court heard that Mr Mulryan went with his mother to the Tuam home in July 1944, his mother later appeared to have gone to a Magdalene institution and he was sent away at age four.

Mr Mulryan a retired ESB technician of Derrymullen, Ballinasloe Co Galway has brought proceedings against Tusla aimed at securing various orders and declarations from the court.

Mr Mulryan seeks a declaration that communications sent to his solicitor in May, June and November 2016 cumulatively gave rise to a legitimate expectation that a social worker would assist Mr Mulryan by investigating all records in its possession to ascertain what information it has about his sister.

The documentation he seeks to be investigated should include burial records, admission books, death certificate, documents concerning children sent to the US, Ireland or elsewhere for adoption that contain information and correspondence from the Tuam home relating to his sister.

He also seeks an order that Tusla provide him with a printed booklet containing all the documentation it has it in its power and possession in respect of St Mary's Home Tuam that has any information about the life and or the presumed death of his sister.

The case was briefly mentioned before Mr Justice Robert Haughton at the High Court on Tuesday.

The judge was told that Mr Mulryan's legal team had not yet received a statement of opposition from the Child and Family Agency.

Ms O'Donohoe told the court that there was some urgency to the matter because of Mr Mulryan's ill health.

Her client wants the case heard as soon as possible, counsel said.

In reply Conor Dignam SC for Tusla said it was hope that his client's statement of opposition would be served on Mr Mulryan's legal team within the next two weeks.

Mr Justice Haughton directed that Tusla's statement outlining its opposition to what Mr Mulryan is seeking be served by Friday April 28 next. The matter will return before the court sometime after that date.
(Xinhua) 16:10, April 18, 2017

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Nine Chinese literature works will be translated into Malay, thanks to an agreement signed on Tuesday between a Chinese publishing house and two Malaysian organizations.

The translation work, authorized by China's Zhejiang Publishing United group, will be carried out by Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books and Malaysia Han Culture Center (MHCC).

The nine books include "Decoded," a cryptography novel by Chinese writer Mai Jia, "Deam of the Wolf King," a novel by Shen Shixi, which depicts how a female wolf tries to train her children to become wolf kings and "The common sense about Chinese brush," a book about Chinese calligraphy.

Mahdzir Khalid, Malaysia's education minister, when attending the signing ceremony, said he hoped the Malay-version of Chinese literature can better help the Malaysian people understand China and the Chinese culture.

Goh Hin San, president of MHCC, said the nine translation works will only be the first phase of a grander project initiated by China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television to promote Chinese literature under the Belt and Road Initiative. It is of great significance for the promotion of Chinese culture overseas, said Goh.
Gardai arrested 185 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs over the four day Bank Holiday weekend.

They revealed today that three of these arrests were people who were tested positive for drugs.

185 people arrested for driving under the influence this 4 day B/Hol period, incl 3 arrests for Drug Driving. An increase of 48%

on 2016 pic.twitter.com/IxJbvFFvBR  An Garda Siochana (@GardaTraffic) April 18, 2017

The number of motorists arrested for driving under the influence soared by 48 per cent compared to the Easter Bank Holiday last year.

Testing people for drug-driving was only introduced on Saturday after the provisions under The Road Traffic Bill were passed in December.

For the first time gardai now have equipment to carry out saliva tests on drivers to check if they've consumed cannabis, cocaine or heroine (benzodiazepines, and opiate).

Anyone who tests positive face penalties including jail.

One man - who had already been given a ten year driving ban - tested positive for cocaine on Saturday night.

He was stopped driving along the N4 in West Dublin and will now face court for the drug driving offence, and also for driving while banned.

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Transport Minister Shane Ross welcomed the legislation and said he expects it will save lives.

He said: "It is estimated that drug driving is a factor in approximately one in 10 fatal crashes.

"The introduction of preliminary drug testing now strengthens the ability of gardai to tackle the problem."

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The Medical Safety Bureau of Road Safety said that the new legislation shouldn't put people off taking their prescribed medicines, so long as it doesn't impair their ability to drive.

Professor Denis Cusack, Director of the MBRS, said: "It is against the law to drive under the influence of drugs, including prescribed drugs, where your driving is impaired to such an extent that you don't have proper control of the vehicle."

"Drivers with medical conditions should continue to take their prescribed medications in accordance with healthcare advice and medical fitness-to-drive guidelines."
A respected Mauritian cop has been appointed to lead the investigation into murdered Michaela McAreavey's death.

Michaela (27) was killed in January 2011, just 12 days after she married her husband John.

She was strangled at the luxury Legends Hotel where they were enjoying their honeymoon and nobody has ever been prosecuted for her death.

Michaela was the daughter of Tyrone of GAA boss Mickey Harte and her loved ones recently requested that Superintendent Daniel Monvoisin lead the fresh probe.

Supt Monvoisin has earned a stellar reputation after he was involved in a high-profile case where a man was convicted of strangling his daughter-in-law (18) in 2012.

Expand Close Michaela McAreavey death...Undated McAreavey Family handout photo of John and Michaela McAreavey outside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, as four hotel workers will appear in court in Mauritius today in connection with the murder of Michaela McAreavey, who was strangled on her honeymoon. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Wednesday January 19, 2011. All the men are staff at the luxury complex on the island where the 27-year-old was staying. See PA story IRISH Mauritius. Photo credit should read: McAreavey Family handout/PA Wire ...A / Facebook

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Whatsapp Michaela McAreavey death...Undated McAreavey Family handout photo of John and Michaela McAreavey outside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, as four hotel workers will appear in court in Mauritius today in connection with the murder of Michaela McAreavey, who was strangled on her honeymoon. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Wednesday January 19, 2011. All the men are staff at the luxury complex on the island where the 27-year-old was staying. See PA story IRISH Mauritius. Photo credit should read: McAreavey Family handout/PA Wire ...A

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Two former hotel staff were acquitted of killing Ms McAreavey following a high-profile trial in 2012.

Inspector Ranjit Jokhoo retired after the case and said he hopes justice is served, saying: "Its frustrating that a person who was our guest here should lose her life in this way. That said, the Mauritian police had also proposed a reward for any information which would lead to the perpetrators of the crime being caught."

Just weeks ago John offered a 50,000 reward for information that leads to a successful prosecution and conviction of her killers.

He said: "We believe we have given the Mauritian authorities every chance to deliver on their very public promise that justice would be done.

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"However, until this visit, the reality falls far short of that, and as the years have passed, it appears that the unofficial policy has become one of 'out of sight - out of mind'.

"But we have no intention of just slipping out of mind or sight. Michaela deserves justice, and we intend to get it.

"Put quite bluntly, we have felt let down time and time again."
Gardai at the launch of the Garda Four Peaks Challenge Photo: Mark Condren

A group of 100 gardai have already raised more than 30,000 for charity ahead of a Four Peak Mountain Challenge being undertaken by the force next month.

The three day challenge will see the gardai - both serving and retired - tackling the heights of Carrantuohill in Kerry, Mweelrea in Mayo, Slieve Donard in Down and Wicklow's Lugnaquila, covering the highest peaks across Ireland's four provinces.

Participants are aiming to raise more than 50,000 in total for mental health charity, Aware, by the time they take on the challenge on May 19.

Speaking ahead of the hike, Detective Chief Superintendent at Harcourt Street, Pat Lorden said it's hugely significant.

"When I heard about this challenge, I said yeah, this one is for me," he said.

"I did Kilimanjaro last year on a separate adventure, so this is a big challenge, I think it's bigger than Kilimanjaro to be honest with you.

"It's the awareness of mental health and mental well-being and our mindfulness of what we're doing in our jobs. But it's not just for the guards, it's a challenge for everyone in life and we want to highlight what's going on in people's minds at any time and that there is help out there," he added.

Irish Independent photographer, Mark Condren is also set to join the team on the challenge, and will document the full three days.
Irish people could find it a lot harder to go to Sydney now

The popular Australian 457 visa programme has been abolished, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull saying he's "putting Australians first."

The scheme will be replaced with a two to four year Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) initiative.

Here's what it means for us.

What exactly was the 457 visa programme?

This system was designed to fill skill shortages among the Australian workforce.

If a skilled worker got sponsored by their employer they could live and work in Australia with their partners and children for up to four years.

How popular was it?

At the end of last year there were 6,139 Irish people living in Australia with a 457 visa.

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In the year leading up to June 2016 3,030 had applied for one of these visas, down from 4,119 during the same period the year before.

Overall there are 95,758 people in Australia on a 457 visa, the biggest portion of these are from India (24.6 per cent), followed by the UK (19.5pc) and China (5.8pc).

Why are they getting rid of it?

The Australian economy has shrunk in recent years, particularly the mining industry, and critics have said that jobs needed by Ozzies are being snatched by foreign workers.

Mr Turnbull said in a Facebook announcement: "We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains, Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs.

"We'll no longer allow 457 visas to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians. It's lost its credibility.

"It's followed on from a very careful examination of many of these issues by the review."

The reforms will begin straight away and will be complete by next March.

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What will it be replaced with?

Mr Turnbull has said the 457 visa will be replaced with a Temporary Skills Shortage programme from next March.

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The DIPB said: "The TSS visa programme will be comprised of a Short-Term stream of up to two years and a Medium-Term stream of up to four years.

"(It) will support businesses in addressing genuine skill shortages in their workforce and will contain a number of safeguards which prioritise Australian workers."

The requirements will be tightened, some of the provisions include that the number of skilled occupations has been reduced from 651 to 435, with a further 24 restricted to regional Australia.

Applicants must have at least two years experience in their skilled profession and there will be a minimum market salary rate to make sure Australian workers aren't udnercut.

Applicants will also have to prove they've a clear criminal record, there's a maximum age limit of 45 and there will be stricter English language requirements.

There will be some concessions though.

How does this affect people who have 457 visas?

The DIPB states: "Existing 457 visas will continue to remain in effect."

In other words, they won't be affected.

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What about applicants and those who were planning to apply for a 457 visa?

The DIPB says: "Current 457 visa applicants and holders, prospective applicants, businesses sponsoring skilled migrants and

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industry.

"457 visa applicants that had lodged their application on or before 18 April 2017, and whose application had not yet been decided, with an occupation that has been removed from the STSOL, may be eligible for a refund of their visa application fee.

"Nominating businesses for these applications may also be eligible for a refund of related fees."

For more information see here.
The incident was filmed on a train from Limerick to Limerick Junction

A series of videos recording an Irish woman's racist rant on a Limerick train has been reported to the Gardai by Irish Rail.

In the videos, which were originally posted to Twitter, a woman can be seen and heard making expletive-ridden comments towards fellow passengers.

Twitter user 'TheBexWay' filmed the woman on a train from Limerick Colbert station to Limerick Junction on Sunday. She messaged the Irish Rail account during the trip, saying the woman had been making abusive comments for ten minutes.

According to the Twitter user, who did not want her name published, the woman was reacting angrily to another passenger having a bag on a seat.

"F**k off back to India. Don't give me your guff, you f**king cheeky p***k.

"Respect my f**king country and get your bag off the seat."

The woman then took aim at another passenger who appeared to stand up for the people she was abusing, saying: "look at the ugly head of that fella."

"That's the only reason he's backing you up is because he's ugly."

According to the publisher, the passengers left their seats after 16 minutes of verbal abuse.

"You don't really get the full effect of what happened from the video. She was literally sitting beside them, screaming bloody murder in their faces. It went on for almost the whole train ride," she said.

"I didn't feel safe. If that turned into a fist fight, there would have been nobody there to help us."

A spokesman for Irish Rail told Independent.ie that behaviour like this will not be tolerated on their service.

"People should be able to travel on our services without abuse of any kind," he said.

"The footage is very clear and very shocking and we welcome the fact that another member of the public was able to assist in identifying the person involved."

In March, a study issued by the European Network against Racism Ireland (ENAR Ireland) found that there was an alarming growth in the number of racism incidents being reported over the last six months.

A total of 245 reports were made in that time frame, which is an increase of 55 in the previous period.

Victims of racist abuse can make a confidential report by visiting ireport.ie.
(Xinhua) 16:11, April 18, 2017

PHNOM PENH, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China has completed the construction of a university for southeastern Cambodia's Kratie province, officials said on Tuesday, adding that the university would importantly contribute to the development of human resources in the country.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo signed to deliver the University of Kratie to Cambodian Economy and Finance Minister Aun Pornmoniroth here on Tuesday after a two-year construction.

Xiong said the 6,650-square-meter university consists of classes, offices, conference hall, library, laboratory, and cafeteria.

"This university project is a new achievement born from the fruitful cooperation between China and Cambodia," he said.

"I believe that under the support from Cambodian relevant ministries and institutions, the University of Kratie will significantly contribute to the development of human resources, the key elements for socio-economic development in Cambodia," he added.

Built in the Kratie town, the university cost 12 million U.S. dollars in which 10 million U.S. dollars was the grant aid from the Chinese government and 2 million dollars was the fund from the Kratie Foundation for Higher Education Organization, said Pornmoniroth.

He said that the construction of the University of Kratie was in line with the long-term vision of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen who had determined to build "one state university in one province."

"The University of Kratie is a new testament to the long-term, comprehensive, close and deep cooperation between Cambodia and China," he said.

The minister added that China is still a leading development partner for Cambodia, saying that Cambodia's progress at the present happened from the great support from the government and people of China.

The university is comprised of three faculties -- agronomy, agro-industry and rural talent, and two institutes of fishery study, as well as foreign languages and information technology.
Scene of the search in Black Rock and inset the crew of Rescue 116 (left) and Evan Cullen (right)

The president of the Irish Air line Pilots' Union has criticised the release of a transcript detailing the last two minutes of tragic Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116.

Evan Cullen said there is "absolutely no justification" for or "benefit from" publishing the data.

Last week the Irish Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) published the preliminary report into the crash at Black Rock in Co Mayo.

The report carried a transcript of the last two minutes of dialogue between the crew on board. It revealed that Captain Dara Fitzpatrick desperately attempted to avoid colliding with Black Rock island after their on-board warning system failed to alert them to danger.

However, the helicopter crashed, claiming the lives of Capt Fitzpatrick, Captain Mark Duffy. Winchman Paul Ormsby, and winch operator Ciaran Smith are still missing.

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In a joint statement, released this evening, the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations (IFALPA) and the European Cockpit Association (ECA) criticised the publication describing it as "unwarranted, unacceptable, counterproductive" to flight safety.

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However the AAIU have tonight rubbished the claims and insisted the section was "deemed very relevant" to their report.

The statement claimed the report contravened the internationally agreed principles of accident investigation confidentiality, set out in ICAO Annex 13 and EU Accident Investigation Regulation 996/2010. The statement added that it unnecessarily adds to the burden of the victims' families, and alleged that it is also a breach of trust to all those involved in commercial aviation.

Evan Cullen, President of the Irish Air Line Pilots' Association (IALPA) said: "There is absolutely no justification for - or benefit from - publishing specifically the last two minutes of this flight."

The statement went on to claim that the state is not permitted to make Cockpit Voice Recorder recordings and any transcripts from such recordings available for purposes other than accident or incident investigation though the relevant EU regulation appears to allow the competent authority some discretion.

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A spokesman for the AAIU said they are "satisfied that they have followed best international practice and national legislation regarding the issuance of the Preliminary Report".

"The section of transcript released in the Preliminary Report was deemed very relevant to the AAIU in giving the families, aviation regulators, operators and the many operational S-92 pilots around the world a better understanding of the sequence of events that occurred on the day of this tragic accident.

"The AAIU will continue in its work to bring this particular investigation to its final conclusion. AAIU investigations are held in Private and are Confidential. No comment is made specific to any investigation other than through a published report."
THERESA May has shown "disdain" for Northern Ireland by calling a snap general election amid intense efforts to restore powersharing, a nationalist leader has said.

The third electoral contest in the region in just over a year beckons against a backdrop of political instability.

Another Stormont ballot cannot be ruled out if a deal forging a devolved administration is not struck within days.

Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) chief Colum Eastwood said: "It tells you all you need to know about Theresa May that she would call a snap Westminster election in the middle of intense efforts to restore powersharing government to Northern Ireland.

"From the beginning of her tenure as British Prime Minister she has shown very little but disinterest and disdain for this place.

"As Theresa May seeks a mandate for a hard Brexit from an English electorate, people here have an opportunity to unite behind parties which have defended their will and sought to protect our values."

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Northern Ireland voted Remain by a majority of 56% to 44%, although some large mainly unionist areas opted for an exit.

Mr Eastwood added: "As Theresa May seeks a mandate for a hard Brexit from an English electorate, people here have an opportunity to unite behind parties which have defended their will and sought to protect our values."

Northern Ireland held Stormont polls twice in under a year as powersharing between the two biggest parties, the DUP and Sinn Fein, faltered.

In March a Sinn Fein surge saw the republican party under the leadership of Michelle O'Neill at Stormont emerge with just one seat less than the DUP.

Political rescue talks to restore devolved government are due to conclude by early next month.

If they are unsuccessful, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has to decide whether to call fresh Assembly elections or impose direct rule by ministers from London.

In the past electoral contests have polarised the fractious parties.

DUP leader Arlene Foster said: "The forthcoming election will be an opportunity for unionists to unite around a strong DUP that will advocate for them in Parliament."

Mrs O'Neill said the Tory Party and its polices have been rejected by the people in the north in the past and will be again in this election.

"Sinn Fein is ready to contest this election and it will be an opportunity for voters to oppose Brexit and reject Tory cuts and austerity."
A legal representative for murdered Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin has said there is always suspicion that foreign police "aren't doing everything they can" as the family appeal for more evidence.

Derry solicitor Des Doherty spoke to RTE's Morning Ireland urging anyone with potential information to come forward.

"Before the Easter break, I spoke to the Chief Investigating Officer in India and he assured me at that point, subject to any further evidence that comes to light, that they have one individual that they are focusing on, he has been charged and they are not looking for anyone else at this stage."

Danielle McLaughlin (28) was raped and killed in Goa on the west coast of India on March 13.

Ms McLaughlin, who was from Buncrana but had lived in Liverpool before travelling overseas, had been celebrating Holi, a Hindu spring festival, in Palolem, a coastal village in Goa.

She left the village late at night and her naked body was found in a nearby field the next day with injuries to her head and face.

Mr Doherty re-enforced the family's appeal for video and photographic evidence that may have been taken in India.

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"There has been a lot of innuendo and rumour and suspicion about other individuals being involved in this matter and one of the things that we noticed in respect to the video footage is that so many people had their phone on them at the time, even while dancing. There is evidence out there. This is an international appeal to ask everyone to send us their footage so we can identify everyone."

The Derry solicitor said that there is always "some suspicion" when dealing with foreign authorities.

"I have to have confidence in the system. It's not for me to criticise the authorities of another country.

"We have to do our best. There's always a suspicion that police aren't doing everything they can do but you tend to find that other people will be willing to co-operate and assist family members of the victim.

"If we can get any information, documents, photographic or video evidence then of course we will share that with the appropriate authorities."
A brave mother who has fearlessly battled her cancer diagnosis with the help of thousands of fundraisers has made the heartbreaking announcement that her condition is incurable.

Aundrea Bannatyne (42), from Dundonald in Northern Ireland, was told she had terminal pancreatic cancer in July last year.

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She vowed to fight on for her sons James (10) - who had survived a treatment for brain cancer himself, aged two - and Jack (14).

With the backing of thousands of friends and fundraisers, dubbed Aundrea's army, she began searching for treatment outside Northern Ireland, finding hope with a 200,000 (236,400) treatment in a German clinic.

Despite her courageous fight, last Wednesday she received test results with the devastating news that her condition would not improve.

On Saturday, she posted a statement on her fundraising Facebook page, thanking supporters for their help.

"I've had a few days to try and process Wednesday's news. The results were bad," she said.

"The cancer on my pancreas has grown, the cancer on my liver has grown and it has now spread to my lungs. There is nothing more that can be done for me. As a family we are totally devastated. Now it's about me and my boys. Thank you all for your continued support and kindness. Much love, Aundrea."

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Showing the fighting spirit she has become known and loved for, she added the hashtags to her message, "#dontstopbelieving #kickcancersbutt #keepthefaith #strength #positivethoughts".

This week, Ms Bannatyne has taken a few days away to be with her family, however, despite the devastating test results she is still attending a fundraising event planned for Saturday night in Belfast to thank her devoted army of supporters.

In keeping with her positive spirit over the last year, the event is to feature an Abba tribute band and disco.

One fundraiser who helps to monitor the Aundrea's Army Facebook page told the Belfast Telegraph: "It's so Aundrea, she wants to have as many of her friends there as possible to celebrate her life with them all together," he said.

"After that she won't be seeing many people. The support she's had has kept her going, and it has been from all over the world in Australia and America."

In an interview last year, Ms Bannatyne opened up about getting her diagnosis. "I was told my diagnosis was terminal, I was told I had six to twelve months to live and that I should go home and make memories with my boys," she said. "I was in shock, I didn't expect it for a minute. I expected (to hear) it's cancer, we can deal with that with chemotherapy, not for one minute did I ever imagine they were going to tell me the word terminal."

She said then that she was determined to try all treatments: "I'm only 42, I have two young boys that I have to raise, I have to take absolutely every opportunity because I need to fight to live and I'm determined to fight so I won't accept that diagnosis of terminal at all."

More than 1,200 people commented on Aundrea's announcment on social media, passing on their supportive messages. Among the many messages, Joannie Hutton wrote: "Treasure your family, make more memories and don't stop believing. You are an amazing lady and it is a pleasure for all of us to support you. God bless you and your family."

Eleanor Murray said: "You are and always will be an inspiration to so many. You are and always will be the strong, beautiful and proud mother of your boys."
Ronan Mulligan in Waterford with staff members at one of his 17 pharmacies and retail outlets

Waterford, the lynchpin of the south-east economy, is looking forward to a bright new future as it recovers from past setbacks.

Businessman Ronan Mulligan, who employs more than 160 staff across 17 pharmacy and retail outlets in the south-east, admitted that the high regional unemployment rate is understandable for a number of historic factors.

The south-east had Ireland's highest unemployment rate at 19.2pc in 2011 - and, while it has dropped substantially in line with Ireland's economic recovery, it remains the highest in the country at 9.4pc. Put in context, its unemployment rate is 65pc higher than across the nearby south-west region anchored by Cork (5.7pc).

"But I think the future is now very bright for Waterford for a number of reasons," he said. "The city has struggled over the years with its economic identity and precisely the kind of industries it should be associated with. That is particularly true given the manufacturing industries on which Waterford had depended for so long."

For many, the Waterford Crystal crisis underlined the problems - both economic and confidence-related - which the city and region struggled with.

"There were issues in retail as well - Waterford had a number of large-scale retail projects which, due to the economic crisis, never happened. So the city had a problem attracting the kind of big name high street stores that Dublin, Cork and Limerick take for granted.

"Retail never delivered the numbers of jobs it was capable of here."

Likewise, despite its enormous tourist potential, Waterford attracts roughly one-quarter the number of visitors enjoyed annually by Galway.

The city struggled to match the buzzing cafe culture of Dublin, Cork and Galway despite its vibrant local arts scene.

Now, Ireland's oldest city is hoping the very attraction that lured in the Vikings 1,000 years ago will copper-fasten its future.

Waterford's quays will be the centrepiece of an ambitious 300m tourism development backed by Saudi Arabian investors.

Plans are also under way to revitalise parts of the historic city centre around Michael Street with the aim of mirroring the success of its Viking Quarter initiative by Reginald's Tower.

A further campaign is being waged to have Waterford Institute of Technology upgraded to a specialist technology university.

"I think that is very important because it would serve as a confidence boost for the city and the entire region," Mr Mulligan said.

"Everyone knows how a university can act as a major economic driver and help generate local investment, entrepreneurship and job creation," said Mr Mulligan.
Electric Picnic is sold out and Glastonbury tickets are hard to come by, but a new festival celebrating wrinkly-faced pugs may just be the event of the summer.

Pugfest, an event dedicated to the popular breed, will see hundreds of pugs (and their owners) flock to Manchester's Media City for the annual event on June 19.

Event organisers are currently seeking volunteers to help oversee the 'TV and film' themed event, where hundreds of pugs will walk the red carpet, and have the chance to compete in an Oscars-esque ceremony.

A kissing booth will also be on site, where pugs can meet prospective friends for a smooch, and food booths, for both dogs and humans, will be doling out treats throughout the day.

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While children are welcome, organisers have warned that any dog that isn't a pug will not be permitted to enter the festival on the day, which means you may have to leave your other four-legged friends at home.

"You do not have to own a pug or pug cross to attend but the only breeds that can come are pugs or pug crosses," the festival's website reads.

Earlier this week, Pugfest's organisers called out for volunteers who may be interested in helping out during the event, and perhaps man the VIP (very important pug) area.

"We like to have vibrant and enthusiastic people to help us with all kinds of activities at the events."

"If you would like to take part in our events as a volunteer please get in contact we would love to hear from you."

Pugfest also has fringe festivals held throughout the UK this summer, with events in Birmingham and Cambridge, as well as Bridgend and Port Talbot in Wales.
Appeal for help: Jack McNiffe and his mother Aisling who is calling for a catch-up programme for the meningitis B vaccine. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Aisling McNiffe's son Jack is 11. He doesn't speak, has a severe to profound intellectual disability, is non-verbal, takes 18 different medications a day for a variety of serious health problems, is tube-fed, in a wheelchair and needs round-the-clock care.

Jack has Down Syndrome and a string of health conditions including a rare auto-inflammatory disease, arthritis, scoliosis and hip dysplasia (misalignment of the hip joint.)

Because he has Down Syndrome, Jack has been deemed medically at risk from meningitis - the National Immunisation Advisory Committee has recommended that children with Down Syndrome receive the meningitis B vaccine to protect them against this potentially fatal disease.

However, Jack, along with any other child born after October 1 last, is not entitled to get the meningitis B vaccine under the planned expansion of the Government's Childhood Vaccine Programme which allows for the introduction of the meningitis B vaccine for new-borns.

The introduction of the vaccine to the childhood immunisation programmes means that all children with Down Syndrome born on or after October 1, 2016 will automatically receive the vaccine - but there are no plans at this stage to introduce a catch-up programme for older children like Jack.

Ireland has the highest incidence of meningitis B disease in Europe. Up to 10pc of people affected will die from the disease, and studies show that one in five are left with devastating lifelong complications, including brain damage and hearing loss.

Down Syndrome Ireland believes the availability of the vaccine to children who have been deemed medically at risk should be backdated as a matter of urgency. Although prices vary, the vaccine is reportedly difficult to source and it is expensive.

Prices range from 136 to 260 per administration, going as high as 450 for just two doses.

"All of our children are immune-compromised and we believe that in these circumstances, the backdating of the vaccine for children with Down Syndrome would be essential," declares Pat Clarke, chief executive of Down Syndrome Ireland, who adds that if the Government cannot be persuaded to backdate the availability of the vaccine, the organisation will have to consider actively lobbying for it. "The Government must find some means of enabling this to happen. Essentially, by not doing it, the Government is putting the lives of children with Down Syndrome at risk.

"We are hoping to persuade the Government of the importance of this, and if it does not happen we would have to consider a lobbying campaign to ensure the Government will change its mind."

Jack, however, is even more at risk than other children with Down Syndrome, says Aisling McNiffe - he also has CINCA (Chronic Infantile Neurological Cutaneous Articular Syndrome), a rare auto-inflammatory and degenerative disease.

In fact, says his mother Aisling, he is the only case known worldwide with both Down Syndrome and CINCA (also known as Nomid) syndrome.

At the time of his birth, Aisling recalls, Jack was believed to be the first case in Ireland with CINCA.

He is immune-deficient and, furthermore, on medication which suppresses the immune system, warns his worried mother.

"According to the National Immunisation Advisory Committee Guidelines, Jack should get the vaccine," she says, adding that she has contacted the HSE and written to the Minister for Health.

"I feel if something is advised, it should be freely given. I cannot afford to buy the vaccine privately but I feel I will have to do it," says the 43-year-old former flight attendant, who is now a separated mother-of-two and a full-time carer for Jack at the family home in Ardclough, Co Kildare.

CINCA brings with it a variety of health problems - Jack, who spent the first three years of life in Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin, gets strong headaches, is extremely light-sensitive and nose-sensitive, suffers from arthritis, frequent temperatures, skin rashes and abdominal cramps.

"If you have Down Syndrome you are immune-compromised but on top of that, Jack has CINCA so he is also having high doses of medication," says Aisling, who also has a 12-year-old daughter, Molly.

As part of Jack's Down Syndrome he has congenital heart disease. He had closed heart surgery at six weeks and open heart surgery at 10 weeks, and will require further surgery.

His mother adds that he has chronic lung disease and was on oxygen for more than three years. Jack, who now attends a special school, also has low muscle tone and gets frequent chest infections.

"He is on 18 different medications, which means he is immune-suppressed.

"I really want him to get this vaccine. He is in a wheelchair and is tube-fed 24 hours of the day so he is vulnerable. The vaccine is not available to him and it definitely should be," says Aisling.

"It would be a great weight off my mind for him to be given this vaccine.

"I feel I am speaking out for the whole special needs community when I say that if something is recommended, it should be given," she adds.

It makes sense to backdate the vaccine, argues Dr Ronan Leahy, consultant in Paediatric Immunology at Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin and the Children's University Hospital in Temple Street - and not just for children with Down Syndrome, but also for other children with immune deficiencies that leave them prone to meningitis B.

"We know there are older children who are quite vulnerable to meningococcal disease and they should be getting the vaccine.

"It is only sensible to include them in the vaccination programme. It would be good value for money as they would be less likely to present with the disease as a result of having it."

World Meningitis Day is on April 24. The theme for this year's event is '24 Hours - Trust Your Instincts'. For more information, visit meningitis.org.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday that diplomatic means must be used to resolve tensions on the Korean Peninsula, where the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has vowed to continue with its nuclear and missile programs in defiance of UN sanctions.

Wang, speaking at a news conference in Beijing, urged all sides to find a peaceful solution.

The remarks came a day after US Vice President Mike Pence warned the DPRK not to test Trump's resolve.

Pence said the world had witnessed Trump's resolve in the past two weeks, which saw a US missile attack on a Syrian airfield and the dropping of a powerful non-nuclear bomb on ISIL in Afghanistan.

"[The DPRK] would do well not to test his resolve or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region," Pence said on what was his first stop of a four-nation Asia tour.

Pence also said the US and Republic of Korea had agreed to strengthen anti-DPRK defenses by moving ahead with the early deployment of the THAAD missile-defense system.

Korean peninsula tensions have escalated following repeated the DPRK missile tests and concerns that Pyongyang may soon conduct a sixth nuclear weapons test.

Beijing has reiterated that it supports the UN resolution and opposes the nuclear proliferation in the peninsula. But it urged all sides to stay calm and resolve the issue through dialogue.

"Once a war really happens, the result will be nothing but multiple loss. No one can become a winner," Wang told reporters at a news conference with French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault last week in Beijing, a day ahead Pyongyang paraded a huge display of missiles.

"As long as dialogue takes place, it can be official or unofficial, through one channel or dual channels, bilateral or multilateral. China is willing to give support to all of them," Wang said.

China banned all imports of DPRK coal starting February 26, following repeated missile tests that heighten regional tension. The ban would be effective until December 31, the Ministry of Commerce said.

Earlier this month, China Customs issued an official order telling trading companies to return their DPRK coal cargoes, Reuters reported citing three trading sources with direct knowledge of the order.

Also on Monday, Wang Yi spoke to his UK counterpart Boris Johnson on the phone, and the two exchanged views on Syria issue and Korean Peninsula situation, China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on its website.

It did not give further details.
Princes William (left) and Harry bow their heads as their mothers coffin is taken out of Westminster Abbey after her funeral service in September 1997. Prince Harry has revealed he sought counselling to deal with his grief. Picture: PA

Britain's Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, arrive at the Easter Sunday service in Windsor Castle, in Windsor, Britain, April 16, 2017. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince George of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge at a children's party for Military families during the Royal Tour of Canada

Britain's Prince William yesterday praised the high-profile public figures who are speaking openly about their mental health, as he warned that no one should try to keep a stiff upper lip at the expense of their welfare.

William, whose brother Prince Harry disclosed he has had therapy to help come to terms with their mother's death, said there has for too long been a "taboo" around speaking about such important issues.

The idea that successful, strong people do not suffer emotional difficulties is false, he said, adding: "We all do. It's just few of us speak about it."

William said that he and Kate wanted their children, George and Charlotte, to grow up "feeling able to talk about their emotions and feelings".

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Emotions

Harry yesterday spoke of the difficulties he endured after shutting down his emotions following the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

He said William had tried to help him, saying: "This is not right, this is not normal, you need to talk about stuff, it's OK."

In an interview for a men's mental health magazine, William said: "Attitudes are changing and this is being helped by high-profile people talking about their experience.

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"Men like Professor Green, Freddie [Andrew] Flintoff and Rio Ferdinand have led the way and made films for Heads Together showing the conversations they have had about pressures on their mental health.

"The recent interview by Stormzy [the hip hop artist] about his depression was incredibly powerful and will help young men feel that it's a sign of strength to talk about and look after your mind as well as your body. There may be a time and a place for the 'stiff upper lip', but not at the expense of your health."

On how best to tackle stressful situations, he added: "Sometimes, emotions have to be put to one side to get the job done, but if you have been through an especially traumatic or stressful situation it is essential to talk it through after the event.

"If you don't acknowledge how you feel it will only bottle up and could reassert itself later as illness."

In the interview, released yesterday but conducted before Harry's podcast was aired, William spoke of his hopes for the future after noticing a new generation of emotionally articulate children during his work in schools.

"Catherine and I are clear that we want both George and Charlotte to grow up feeling able to talk about their emotions and feelings," he said.

Harry also told the magazine: "We will all go through tough times in our lives, but men especially feel the need to pretend that everything is OK, and that admitting this to their friends will make them appear weak. I can assure you this is actually a sign of strength."

Harry (32) was roundly praised yesterday after speaking about the "total chaos" he experienced in his twenties as he struggled to process his mother's death.

Paul Farmer, the chief executive of Mind, the UK mental health charity, said: "It shows how far we have come in changing public attitudes to mental health that someone so high profile can open up about something so difficult and personal.

"We know that this will have a huge impact on people who are still struggling in silence with their mental health - every time someone in the public eye speaks up we know that it encourages ordinary members of the public to do the same.

"Harry speaking so candidly is a true turning point that shows that as a society we must no longer adopt a 'stiff upper lip' attitude and that we need to talk openly about mental health, something that affects us all directly."
Smoke from heavy shelling in Barzeh, a suburb of Damascus, Syria, in August 2013 (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File)

An airstrike on a village in north western Syria has killed 10 people - a woman and nine children, activists say.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said those killed in Maaret Harmeh on Tuesday were all relatives.

The Civil Defence group says 10 people were also wounded in the attack.

The strike came a day after at least 10 people died in an airstrike likely to have been carried out by the US-led coalition on the eastern Syrian town of Boukamal, on the Iraqi border.

Maaret Harmeh is close to the town of Khan Sheikhoun where a chemical weapons attack killed nearly 90 people on April 4.

The United States has accused the Syrian government of being behind the attack and fired missiles at a Syrian army base.

Syria denies the charges.
We answer any burning questions you might have however silly they might feel.

Clear your diary, because on June 8 chances are youll be voting in the snap election that Theresa May has just called.

But before you turn up at your local polling station, do you need to register to vote?

Here are all your burning vote-registering questions answered in preparation for the big day.

Who needs to register?

If youve never voted, have moved constituency, or have turned 18 recently then you will need to register if you havent done so already.

When can I register?

Assuming youre eligible, you can register any time  but be aware, there will be a deadline. The deadline to register for the last general election was 12 working days before people went to the polls. Assuming we follow the same timetable this time around, this would be May 22.

You can even get yourself on the register if youre 16 or 17  but youll have to have turned 18 before June 8 to actually be eligible to vote.

How can I check if Im already registered?

If youre not sure whether or not youre registered, you should check with your local electoral registration office  find yours here.

How can I register if I need to?

We thought youd never ask. You can do so by clicking here and filling out the forms. Alternatively, you can register by post.

What if I live abroad?

You can register as an overseas voter for up to 15 years after you left the country  if youre a British citizen and youve been registered to vote in the UK within the last 15 years (or if you were too young to register when you left).

If youre serving in the armed forces abroad theres a special form you can fill out here. Likewise if youre a Crown servant and British Council employee working abroad.
Who would have thought a group of teens in morphe suits could appropriately explain British politics?

The world of politics has been given quite a stir with Theresa Mays shock announcement of an early general election in June.

In case you were struggling to keep up with the current state of parliament, public historian Greg Jenner has explained what the decision means for Britains political parties using Power Ranger Gifs.

After what we can assume was a pleasant Easter break, May stepped into her office this morning with one thing on her mind Since the snap election announcement, its been revealed the Tories are riding high in the polls on 43%, a 17-point lead over Labours 26%.

Meanwhile Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn welcomed the early election as he tried to persuade the British public he would like to lead a government that will transform this country, give real hope to everybody and above all bring about a principle of justice for everybody and economic opportunities for everybody.

Corbyns support of the decision may influence Labour MPs to vote in favour of the snap election and risk losing their seats as a result.

Over at the Liberal Democrats, the party are hoping to regain some of the votes they lost in in general election in 2015.

It claims 1,000 new members have joined the party in the hour following the election announcement, and sees the opportunity as a chance to change the direction of our country.

So there you have it.
Vice President Mike Pence with his daughters at Observation Post Ouellette in the demilitarised zone on the North and South Korea border.

North Korea has vowed to carry out weekly missile tests, after the US vice president warned that America's "era of strategic patience" was over.

Han Song-Ryol, North Korea's vice foreign minister, warned that "all-out war" would result if the US took military action. "We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis," he told the BBC.

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His comments came as The White House displayed a tough and unyielding approach to North Korea, with President Donald Trump warning that Kim Jong Un has "gotta behave" and Vice President Mike Pence sternly advising Kim not to test America's resolve and military power.

Mr Pence made his comments as he visited the demilitarised zone between North and South Korea.

"Just in the past two weeks, the world witnessed the strength and resolve of our new president in actions taken in Syria and Afghanistan," said Mr Pence.

"North Korea would do well not to test his resolve or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region."

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He reiterated US support for South Korea, telling his host: "We are with you 100pc."

Mr Pence is today expected to discuss rising tension on the Korean peninsula with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when he travels to Tokyo to kick off economic talks with Taro Aso, the Japanese finance minister. He then travels from Tokyo to Jakarta and Sydney.

Speaking at a news conference at the UN yesterday, North Korea's permanent representative ambassador Kim In-ryong condemned the US missile strikes in Syria.

He said the US was "disturbing global peace and stability and insisting on gangster-like logic".

North Korea's KCNA news agency yesterday published a letter from the country's leader, Kim Jong-un, to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, marking the 70th anniversary of Syria's independence.

"I express again a strong support and alliance to the Syrian government and its people for its work of justice, condemning the United States' recent violent invasive act against your country," said Mr Kim.

Earlier, China and Russia dispatched spy vessels to shadow Mr Trump's "armada" as it steams to North Korean waters, according to Japanese media.

Beijing sought Russian help in averting a crisis over North Korea last week, as concerns grow in China that Mr Trump is seeking to confront North Korea over its weapons programme.

The US president sent a navy group led by the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson into the region, in what is being seen as a signal to Pyongyang.

Mr Trump described the force as an "armada" and said that submarines were being sent which were "far more powerful than the aircraft carrier".

The 'Yomiuri Shimbun', citing "multiple sources of the Japanese government", said China and Russia had "dispatched intelligence-gathering vessels from their navies to chase the USS Carl Vinson".

The ships are "strengthening warning and surveillance activities in the waters and airspace around the area", Japan's largest daily newspaper said, according to its English language sister publication, the 'Japan News'.

Mr Pence also joined South Korean acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn in reaffirming their plans for the deployment in South Korea of a US anti-missile system, known as THAAD.

A Chinese spokesman voiced Beijing's opposition to the missiles, which China claims is a threat to its own security interests.

The vice president also said Mr Trump was hoping China would use its "extraordinary levers" to pressure the North.

However, a report by Bloomberg said Beijing's leaders had been snubbed when requesting to meet with North Korean officials. "Pyongyang didn't respond to requests from China Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Wu Dawei, the country's top envoy for North Korean nuclear affairs, to meet with their North Korean counterparts," the report said. ( Daily Telegraph London)
Police have arrested 38 people as part of a major crackdown on the sharing of child abuse material on WhatsApp.

A massive operation run by police in Europe and South America stretched across 15 countries.

The investigation began in 2016 when the Spanish National Police identified dozens of WhatsApp message-sharing groups which were circulating child abuse material and traced the mobile phone numbers used in order to identify individuals involved, as well as those suspected of producing the abuse material, according to Interpol.

During the operation, more than 300 devices including computers, mobile phones, tablets and hard drives were seized for digital forensic analysis.

Bjorn Sellstrom, Interpols Crimes Against Children operations coordinator said police across the globe are committed to pursuing criminals who engage in the production and distribution of child pornography.

Criminals will continue to exploit new technologies to share videos and images of child abuse around the world at the push of a button. But actions like Operation Tantalio send a strong message: police worldwide remain united in their efforts to identify, locate and bring you to justice for engaging in or benefiting from these heinous crimes, he said.

Whether these materials are being shared in person, by computer or using mobile devices and applications, the fact remains that at the root of this crime, a vulnerable child is being abused, added Mr Sellstrom.

During the investigation images were shared with Europol and Interpol via its International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database.

The database allows specialist investigators to analyse the content in the hope of identifying both the victims and the perpatrators.

On average five victims are identified every day.

A police statement from Spanish police said that some 100 chat groups with 135 identified users in 18 countries in Europe, Central and South America as part of the current investigation.

Arrests were made in Spain, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Portugal
(Xinhua) 19:21, April 18, 2017

BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Beijing has reported 10 human H7N9 avian flu cases in 2017 so far, according to the Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control on Tuesday.

The latest two cases were reported on April 5. The two patients had contact with live poultry. One of them died of the infection on April 8 after treatment failed. The other is still being treated in a hospital and is in stable condition.

Beijing has launched environmental monitoring in six districts involved in agriculture.

H7N9 is a bird flu strain first reported to have infected humans in China in March 2013. Infections are most likely to occur in winter and spring.

Disease control and prevention experts have said that the H7N9 virus was not transmitted from person to person.

Experts recommend that people avoid contact with dead and live poultry, and only buy poultry with quarantine certificates.
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan is concerned about the impact the snap Westminster elections will have on talks to form a Northern Ireland executive.

Stormont has been without a power-sharing government since March 2 as the DUP and Sinn Fein struggled to reach a deal to re-establish the administration.

Speculation is now mounting that voters in Northern Ireland could face a second round of Assembly election to coincide with the UK vote on June 8.

However, Mr Flanagan said the Irish Government will be pushing to avoid such a scenario.

He discussed the situation with the Secretary of State to Northern Ireland James Brokenshire today.

"The Secretary of State told me that his intention, announced last week, remains unchanged  namely, to bring forward legislation at Westminster in the coming days which will include a provision to allow a Northern Ireland Executive to be formed in early May," Mr Flanagan said.

"While this will legislatively facilitate the formation of an Executive, I am conscious of the political reality that all of the parties involved in the talks will now be competing in a General Election and mind-sets will inevitably shift to campaign mode.

"Nevertheless, it is the firm hope of the Irish Government that the talks process can continue and conclude successfully in the coming days."

Mr Flanagan said the interest of the people of Northern Ireland would be best served by avoiding a second election.

"That will be my message in my contacts with the party leaders in Northern Ireland in the coming days and when I travel to Belfast for further discussions on Thursday," he said.

Mr Flanagan added that Theresa Mays decision to call a Westminster election does not altar the Irish approach to the forthcoming Brexit negotiations.

"This announcement does not change the Governments commitment to ensuring the best possible outcome for Ireland in the upcoming Brexit negotiations where we will negotiate from a position of strength as one of the EU 27," he said.
Cleveland Police image of Steve Stephens, who died after a pursuit, officers say. (Cleveland Police via AP)

A man who randomly killed a 74-year-old in Ohio and posted video of the crime on Facebook has fatally shot himself in his car during a police chase in Pennsylvania.

Steve Stephens's death ended a multi-state manhunt less than 48 hours after it began.

Acting on a tip, Pennsylvania state police spotted Stephens, 37, leaving a McDonald's in Erie and went after him, bumping his car to try to get it to stop, authorities said.

He shot himself in the head as the car spun out of control, police said.

"This started with one tragedy and ended with another person taking their own life," said Cleveland police chief Calvin Williams.

"We would have liked to have brought Steve in peacefully and really talked to him about why this happened."

Stephens, a job counsellor who worked with teenagers and young people, was wanted on murder charges over the shooting of Robert Godwin Sr.

The 74-year-old former foundry worker and father of 10 was picking up aluminium cans on Sunday when he was gunned down in Cleveland.

The chilling video was posted on Facebook for three hours before it was taken down, drawing criticism of the social network and renewing questions about how responsibly it polices objectionable material.

At a Silicon Valley conference on Tuesday, Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg briefly addressed the Cleveland case, saying Facebook has "a lot of work to do" and "we will keep doing all we can to prevent tragedies like this".

Police would not speculate on what was behind the killing, but in the video and other footage he posted, Stephens talked about losing everything he had to gambling and having trouble with his girlfriend.

He said he "just snapped".

One of Mr Godwin's daughters, Debbie Godwin, said she wished Stephens had been captured.

"I'm not happy he's dead at all, not at all. If you did it, you have to face your crime," she said.

The break in the case came when police received a tip that Stephens's car was in the McDonald's car park in Erie, in the north-western corner of the state, about 100 miles east of Cleveland, authorities said.

The chase lasted two miles before Stephens took his own life, police said.

Law enforcement officials had said on Monday that Stephens's mobile phone was last tracked on Sunday afternoon near Erie.

The police chief said it was not clear whether Stephens had any help while he was on the run or where he had been and that investigators will try to retrace his steps.

Facebook said it removed the video of the shooting 23 minutes after learning of it.

The company has since announced it is launching a review for reporting harmful content.

"This is something that should not have been shared around the world. Period," Cleveland's police chief said.

In the video, Stephens told Mr Godwin the name of his girlfriend and said: "She's the reason that this is about to happen to you."

Mr Godwin did not seem to recognise the name.

Investigators said that Mr Godwin was the only victim so far linked to Stephens, despite his claim on Facebook that he killed more than a dozen people.

Detectives spoke with the suspect on Sunday by mobile phone and tried to persuade him to surrender, police said.

Within a day, authorities expanded the search nationwide and offered a 50,000 dollar (39,000) reward for information leading to his capture.

AP
Ivanka Trump with her father at the Trump Turnberry golf course in Scotland

Ivanka Trump's company won provisional approval to trade some products in China on the same day she dined with the country's president in her father Donald's complex in Florida, raising questions from ethics experts.

New trademarks gave the company monopoly rights to sell Ivanka brand jewellery, bags and spa services in the world's second-largest economy.

The same night, April 6, the first daughter and her husband, Jared Kushner, sat next to Chinese president Xi Jinping and his wife for a steak and Dover sole dinner at Mar-a-Lago.

As the US president's daughter crafts a political career from her West Wing office, her brand is flourishing, despite boycotts and several stores limiting her merchandise.

Sales have hit record levels in 2017.

The brand, which Ms Trump still owns, says distribution is growing and in ad dition to winning the approvals from China, Ivanka Trump Marks LLC applied for at least nine new trademarks in the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Canada and the US after the election.

The commercial currents of the Trump White House are unprecedented in modern American politics, ethics lawyers say.

They have created an unfamiliar landscape riven with ethical pitfalls, and forced consumers and retailers to wrestle with the unlikely passions now inspired by Ms Trump's mid-market collection of ruffled blouses, shifts and wedges.

Using the prestige of government service to build a brand is not illegal.

But criminal conflict of interest law prohibits US federal officials, like Ms Trump and her husband, from participating in government matters that could impact their own financial interest or that of their spouse.

Some argue the more her business broadens its scope, the more it threatens to encroach on the ability of two trusted advisers to deliver credible counsel to the president on core issues like trade, intellectual property, and the value of the Chinese currency.

"Put the business on hold and stop trying to get trademarks while you're in government," advised Richard Painter, who served as chief White House ethics lawyer under George W. Bush.

To address ethical concerns, Ms Trump has shifted the brand's assets to a family-run trust valued at more than 50 million US dollars and pledged to recuse herself from issues that present conflicts.

"Ivanka will not weigh in on business strategy, marketing issues, or the commercial terms of agreements," her lawyer, Jamie Gorelick, said in a statement.

"She has retained authority to direct the trustees to terminate agreements that she determines create a conflict of interest or the appearance of one."

AP
Prince plays at half time during the Super Bowl XLI football game in Miami in 2007. New court papers throw no new light on how he got the drugs that killed him. Photo: AP

Court documents unsealed in the investigation into Prince's death suggest a doctor and a close friend helped him improperly obtain prescription opioid painkillers, but shed no new light on how the superstar got the fentanyl that killed him.

The affidavits and search warrants were unsealed in Carver County District Court as the year-long investigation into Prince's death continues.

The documents show authorities searched Paisley Park, cellphone records of Prince's associates, and Prince's email accounts to try to determine how he got the fentanyl, a synthetic opioid drug 50 times more powerful than heroin.

The documents provide the most details yet seen on Prince's struggle with addiction to prescription opioids in the days before he died.

Prince was 57 when he was found alone and unresponsive in an elevator at his Paisley Park estate on April 21.

The new documents allege Dr Michael Todd Schulenberg, who saw the musician twice last April, told authorities he prescribed the painkiller oxycodone to Prince but put it under the name of Prince's bodyguard, Kirk Johnson, "for Prince's privacy".

Schulenberg's attorney said Schulenberg "never directly prescribed opioids to Prince, nor did he ever prescribe opioids to any other person with the intent that they would be given to Prince."

Johnson's attorney said that "we believe that it is clear that Kirk Johnson did not secure nor supply the drugs which caused Prince's death."

Schulenberg is practicing family medicine in Minnesota and Conners said there are no restrictions on his license.

It is illegal for a doctor to write a prescription for someone under another person's name.

Joe Tamburino, a Minnesota defense attorney who is not associated with the Prince case, said while Schulenberg and Johnson could face charges if the allegations are true, it's unlikely state or federal prosecutors would pursue them. He called them low-level offenses that wouldn't draw prison time.

He said for prosecutors, the source of the fentanyl is the big target.

"The oxycodone in this case is only tangential to the whole case," Tamburino said. "If this was a fentanyl script, oh boy, it would be a totally different situation. ... The real meat and potatoes is going to be that fentanyl thing."

The documents said Prince did not have any prescriptions, including for fentanyl.

James L. Jones, a spokesman for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's field office in Chicago, said anyone convicted of writing a prescription for someone under another person's name could lose their DEA registration - meaning they could no longer prescribe medications - and could face discipline from their state medical board.

In practice, laws against prescribing drugs for someone under a false name are not usually enforced when a doctor intends to protect a celebrity's privacy, said Los Angeles attorney Ellyn Garofalo. She represented a doctor who was acquitted of all charges, including false name allegations, in the death of Anna Nicole Smith, the Playboy model and reality TV star who died of an accidental overdose in 2007.

"They would be indicting every pharmacist in Beverly Hills if this were strictly enforced," Garofalo said Monday.

Oxycodone, the generic name for the active ingredient in OxyContin, was not listed as a cause of Prince's death. But it is part of a family of painkillers driving the nation's overdose and addiction epidemic, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 2 million Americans abused or were addicted to prescription opioids, including oxycodone, in 2014.

Patients who take prescription opioids eventually build up a tolerance and need to take stronger doses to get the same effect. In some patients, the cycle leads to dependence and addiction.

A search of Prince's home yielded numerous pills in various containers. Some were in prescription bottles for Johnson. Some pills in other bottles were marked "Watson 853," a label used for a drug that is a mix of acetaminophen and hydrocodone, another opioid painkiller. Last August, an official with knowledge of the investigation told The Associated Press that at least one of those pills tested positive for fentanyl, meaning the pill was counterfeit and obtained illegally. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.

In addition to the dozens of pills recovered, authorities also found a pamphlet for an addiction recovery center in California, the documents unsealed Monday show. The day before Prince died, Paisley Park staffers contacted the California addiction specialist as they were trying to get Prince help.

Dr. Howard Kornfeld sent his son, Andrew, to Minnesota that night, and the younger Kornfeld was among those who found Prince's body. Andrew Kornfeld was carrying buprenorphine, a medication that can be used to help treat opioid addiction. The Kornfelds' attorney, William Mauzy, has said Andrew had intended to give the medication to a doctor.

Prince did not have a cellphone and authorities searched multiple email accounts that they believed he was using, as they tried to determine how he got the drug that killed him, according to the search warrants. The search warrants don't reveal the outcome of the email searches.

The documents also say some of the drugs in Prince's bedroom were in a suitcase with the name "Peter Bravestrong" on it. Police believe Bravestrong was an alias that Prince used when he traveled.

Investigators have said little publicly about the case over the last year, other than it is active.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence today reassured Japan of American commitment to reining in North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions on Tuesday, after warning that U.S. strikes in Syria and Afghanistan showed the strength of its resolve.

Pence arrived in Tokyo from South Korea, where he assured leaders of the "iron-clad" alliance with the United States. He also warned the reclusive North, which has conducted a series of missile and nuclear tests in defiance of U.N. sanctions, that the "era of strategic patience" was over.

North Korea regularly threatens to destroy Japan, South Korea and the United States and it showed no let-up in its defiance after a failed missile test on Sunday, a day after putting on a huge display of missiles in Pyongyang.

"The era of strategic patience is over and while all options are on the table, President (Donald) Trump is determined to work closely with Japan, with South Korea, with all our allies in the region and with China to achieve a peaceable resolution and the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" Pence said in Tokyo before lunch with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Expand Close Korean People's Army (KPA) soldiers marching through Kim Il-Sung square during a military parade in Pyongyang marking the 105th anniversary of the birth of late North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung. AFP/ STR/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Korean People's Army (KPA) soldiers marching through Kim Il-Sung square during a military parade in Pyongyang marking the 105th anniversary of the birth of late North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung. AFP/ STR/AFP/Getty Images

"... We appreciate the challenging time in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocation across the Sea of Japan. We are with you 100 percent," he said.

North Korea's deputy representative to the United Nations, Kim In Ryong, accused the United States on Monday of creating "a situation where nuclear war could break out an any time" and said Pyongyang's next nuclear test would take place "at a time and at a place where our headquarters deems necessary".

He told the BBC: "We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis."

Warning of "all-out war" if the US takes military action, he added: "If the US is planning a military attack against us, we will react with a nuclear pre-emptive strike by our own style and method."

US President Donald Trump told North Korea it has "gotta behave" when he answered questions from a reporter in the White House as the crisis escalated.

Vice-president Mike Pence, meanwhile, said the "era of strategic patience is over" during a visit to Seoul and he told South Korea the US is with the nation 100pc.

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"President Trump has made it clear that the patience of the United States and our allies in this region has run out and we want to see change," he said.

"We want to see North Korea abandon its reckless path of the development of nuclear weapons, and also its continual use and testing of ballistic missiles is unacceptable."

Expand Close This April 15, 2017 picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 16, 2017 shows Korean People's ballistic missiles being displayed through Kim Il-Sung square during a military parade in Pyongyang marking the 105th anniversary of the birth of late North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung. / AFP PHOTO / KCNA VIA KNS / STR / / Facebook

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Whatsapp This April 15, 2017 picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 16, 2017 shows Korean People's ballistic missiles being displayed through Kim Il-Sung square during a military parade in Pyongyang marking the 105th anniversary of the birth of late North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung. / AFP PHOTO / KCNA VIA KNS / STR /

He warned Pyongyang "would do well not to test" the resolve of Mr Trump.

The UK has urged North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to stop "these belligerent acts and comply with UN resolutions", but No 10 refused to be drawn on reports that Prime Minister Theresa May has privately urged Mr Trump not to launch air strikes on North Korea.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov warned the US against "unilateral actions like those we saw recently in Syria" and urged the US to "follow the line that president Trump repeatedly voiced during the election campaign".

Mr Trump has ordered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and several warships to the area to highlight American concern at the situation, as China expressed fears war could erupt "at any moment".

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday diplomatic means must be used to resolve tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Wang, speaking at a news conference in Beijing, urged all sides to find a peaceful solution.
(Xinhua) 20:35, April 18, 2017

BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, has approved a document which highlighted the key tasks in deepening economic system reform in 2017.

The document was mapped out by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's economic planning agency.

Supply-side reform should be the key task in 2017, and the market should play a bigger role in economic activity, the document said.

The government should streamline administrative procedures and cut red tape to improve efficiency. State-owned enterprise should deepen mixed ownership reform.

Intellectual property rights should be better protected to nurture entrepreneurship. Fiscal reform such as budget and value-added tax reforms should be advanced.

The document also outlined the importance of reform in finance, agriculture, innovation and urbanization.
The WhatsApp system was identified by the crackdown

A crackdown on a network that allegedly distributed child pornography via WhatsApp has resulted in the arrests of more than three dozen people in 10 countries, Spanish officials said.

The network operated some 100 chat groups with 135 identified users in Europe, Central America and South America, a statement issued by police in Spain said.

The statement said that 17 of the 39 arrests were made in Spain.

People also were detained in Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Italy, Paraguay and Portugal.

Files retrieved during an investigation conducted in coordination with Interpol and Europol depicted images of children up to eight years old being brutally abused, Spanish police said.

Steven Wilson, head of Europol's European Cybercrime Centre, said that Spanish police last year discovered a group of individuals using closed groups in the chat application to distribute the pornographic material.

Spanish police said their suspicions were aroused when investigators found a link in a computer network known as The Onion Router, or TOR, that hides the identities of users.

It invited people to take part anonymously in child pornography chat groups.

Mr Wilson said the network was run for "self-gratification", not for money.

He said the operation was significant as it was the first time police at an international level had investigated the use of a host platform like WhatsApp for the distribution of child pornography.

Spanish police said they had intercepted 360,000 files.

In one raid in north-western Spain, they found material documenting names, ages, email addresses and meeting places with children, some of them dating back 20 years.

AP
The White House displayed a tough and unyielding approach to North Korea and its nuclear ambitions last night, with President Donald Trump warning that Kim Jong Un has "gotta behave" and Vice President Mike Pence sternly advising Kim not to test America's resolve and military power.

The comments came as North Korea vowed to carry out weekly missile tests, after Mr Pence warned that America's "era of strategic patience" was over.

North Korea's vice foreign minister warned that "all-out war" would result if the US took military action. "We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis," he told the BBC.

US vice president Mike Pence visited the demilitarised zone between North and South Korea, and warned North Korea not to "test" the US President.

"In the past two weeks, the world witnessed the strength and resolve of our new president in actions taken in Syria and Afghanistan," said Mr Pence.
Turkey's main opposition party has filed a formal request seeking the referendum to be annulled because of voting irregularities.

Bulent Tezcan, deputy chairman of the Republican People's Party, announced the move at the Ankara offices of the electoral board.

He said the results of the referendum on constitutional changes are "illegitimate" and the party would use all legal paths to challenge it.

Mr Tezcan said that "we demand the cancellation of this referendum".

The opposition has listed a series of irregularities, but has been particularly outraged by an electoral board decision announced late on Sunday to accept ballots that did not bear the official stamps used to verify they are genuine, as required by Turkish law.

Monitors from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, who also listed numerous problems, said the move undermined important election safeguards.

That drew a harsh rebuke from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and criticism from Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.

"Efforts to cast a shadow on the result of the vote by spreading rumours of fraud are futile and in vain," Mr Yildirim said.

"The will of the people was freely reflected into the ballot boxes and this business is over. Everyone and all sections - and the main opposition party in particular- must show respect. It is wrong to speak after the people have spoken."

Opposition CHP head Kemal Kilicdaroglu accused the electoral board of bias and of favouring the governing party.

"It is clear that the High Electoral Board is not receiving its power from the people, the law or the constitution but rather from a specific centre, a specific political authority," he told his party's politiicans during a speech in Ankara.

He accused the board of "changing the rules mid-game".

In Ankara, hundreds of people were queuing outside the election board's offices to submit petitions requesting the board reverse its decision to accept the ballots without official stamps.

In their petitions, the residents of Ankara said the decision and other reported irregularities were in open violation of the law. Similar queues were also reported in front of an election board office in Istanbul.

Sunday's referendum allows President Erdogan, who has ruled Turkey first as prime minister and now as president since 2003, to fulfil his long-held ambition for a presidency with executive powers.

The referendum approves 18 constitutional amendments that allow the president to appoint ministers, senior government officials and to hold sway over who sits in Turkey's highest judicial body, as well as to issue decrees and declare states of emergency.

The new system takes effect at the next election, currently due to take place in November 2019.

Other changes are to be implemented sooner, including scrapping a requirement that the president not be a member of any political party.

This would allow President Erdogan to rejoin the governing AK Party he co-founded, or to lead it.

On Tuesday, Mr Yildirim said Mr Erdogan would be invited to join the party as soon as the official results are declared.

"We will invite our founding chairman to our party and we will feel a huge elation to see him among us," he said.

Meanwhile, OSCE monitors were seen entering the Supreme Electoral Board headquarters.

Tana de Zulueta, head of the observer mission, told reporters that the group had paid a courtesy call and held a "cordial" meeting with electoral board members.

Asked to comment about Erdogan's rebuke, Ms de Zulueta said: "I don't have an opinion, we are invited by the Turkish authorities to observe. We share our report and we completed our mandate."

In Istanbul, hundreds of "no" supporters demonstrated in the streets on Monday night, chanting "thief, murderer, Erdogan" and banging pots and pans.

US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, ignored the concerns about voting irregularities and congratulated President Erdogan on his referendum victory.

The two leaders also discussed Turkey's support of the US response to a Syrian chemical weapons attack and efforts to counter the Islamic State group, according to the White House summary of their phone call.

AP
The US will not relent until it achieves its objective of ensuring the Korean Peninsula is free of nuclear weapons, Vice President Mike Pence has said while visiting Japan.

After meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other leaders, Mr Pence told reporters that President Donald Trump was confident that economic and diplomatic pressure has a chance of compelling North Korea to cooperate.

"It is our belief by bringing together the family of nations with diplomatic and economic pressure we have a chance of achieving a freeze on the Korean Peninsula," Mr Pence said.

"We will not rest and will not relent until we obtain the objective of a denuclearised Korean Peninsula," he said.

The Trump administration has signalled a more forceful US stance toward North Korea's recent missile tests and threats, including a warning from President Trump that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has "gotta behave".

So Mr Pence struck a stern tone after arriving at a US naval base from South Korea.

"We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan," he said.

"We are with you 100%."

On Monday, Mr Pence travelled to the tense Demilitarised Zone dividing North and South Korea, where he warned North Korea's leaders that after years of testing the US and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, "the era of strategic patience is over".

A senior North Korean official then accused the United States of bringing the countries to the brink of thermonuclear war.

Mr Pence, on a 10-day Asia trip that will also take him to Indonesia and Australia, said President Trump hopes China will use its leverage to get its long time ally North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program and ballistic missiles.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a fresh appeal for calm.

Mr Wang told reporters that although US officials have made clear that a military strike remains a possibility, he believes that Washington would still prefer to de-escalate tensions through multi-sided talks.

Mr Abe said Japan likewise hopes for peaceful dialogue with Pyongyang, "but at the same time, dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless".

Pressure on North Korea is crucial, the prime minister said.

After meeting with Mr Abe, Mr Pence held talks with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on a new US-Japan "economic dialogue" to be led by the two.

The new forum for trade talks was launched by President Trump and Mr Abe during the Japanese leader's visit to the US in February.

In part, it is meant to take the place of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the regional trade pact that Mr Trump withdrew from shortly after taking office.

Mr Pence and Mr Aso said they believed the dialogue could yield opportunities to create new jobs on both sides and to fortify the economic aspects of the alliance.

"We would like to seek the best shape and forum for our bilateral relationship," Mr Pence said.

"The TPP is a thing of the past for the United States of America."

He said President Trump is certain that negotiating trade deals with individual countries was the best way to ensure they yield "win-win" situations for both sides.

The talks on Tuesday did not delve into sector-by-sector issues such as car exports.

With no US trade representative yet in office and other key positions still unfilled, such nitty-gritty discussions will have to come later.

The loss of US participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership was a blow to Japan following strenuous negotiations, especially over opening its long-protected farm sector to more imports, especially of dairy and meat products.

For now, both sides seem eager to downplay potential for conflict, with Mr Aso repeatedly saying that trade friction has been vanquished in a "new era of cooperation."

As Indiana governor, Mr Pence saw first-hand the impact of Japanese car-makers Toyota, Honda and Subaru, whose factories employ thousands of people in his home state.

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who met with Japan's trade minister, Hiroshige Seko, earlier on Tuesday, said he hopes to soon begin talks on a free trade agreement with Japan.

AP
CONCORD- Art and technology came together at Coltrane-Webb STEM Elementary School for its second annual Childrens Day Celebration (El dia de los Ninos) and Build Fest.

Held on Tuesday, April 11 the school partnered with the North Carolina Science Festival and the Cabarrus Arts Council to bring STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and the arts together.

The school received a grant from the North Carolina Science Festival to purchase materials. Principal Tim Taylor said the school was expecting 500 people to attend the event.

Weve been planning a bunch of STEM buildfest type of things and also incorporated the arts. We got local artists in, local businesses and some community organizations, Taylor said.

Lara Cabaniss, a STEM staff member at the school, said every year the celebration of children has a different twist.

This year we decided to combine the multicultural component with El dia de los Ninos and the science component with building, so its a Build Fest, she said. This year the science festival theme is the arts, so it was beautiful how it all intertwined together and we were able to coordinate with the arts council folks and bring artists here.
KANNAPOLIS The City of Kannapolis was among 22 North Carolina local governments to earn recognition in the Tenth North Carolina City & County Communicators (NC3C) Excellence in Communications Awards.

The awards were presented Thursday, April 6 at the NC3Cs annual Spring Conference in Charlotte during which the organization celebrated 10 years of existence. More than 133 entries were received.

Our organization is full of city and county government communicators who are excellent at what they do. They are innovative, creative, passionate and dedicated, and that shows in their work, said NC3C President Glenn Hargett. It was an honor to preside over the program, viewing these exciting demonstrations of work to communicate the stories of the jurisdictions they serve.

Categories included TV & Videos, Communication technology, special events, printed publications, most creative project for the least amount of funds, citizen participation and marketing tools.

The City of Kannapolis received a second place award for the citys City Facilities Guides, designed to showcase rentable city facility options.

The guides are tools for one of our economic development initiatives. The goal is to recruit businesses and people to hold their events in our city facilities, such as The Laureate Center meeting space in our new city hall, thus producing hotel occupancy taxes and revenues for our shops and restaurants, commented Annette Privette Keller, Director of Communications for the City.

Judges for the NC3C Excellence in Communications Awards were government communication professionals from Kansas, Arizona, Texas, Michigan, Maryland and Oregon. Each judge has previously won state or national awards.

The purpose of North Carolina City & County Communicators is to encourage professional development and networking among local governmental communications professionals. The organization was formed in March 2007 and is made up of government professional communicators from around the state.

For more information about NC3C, visit the website, www.nc3c.com.

Kannapolis receives financial reporting award

KANNAPOLIS  The City of Kannapolis has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting  for the 25th consecutive time.

The certificate is awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

The honor recognizes the citys annual financial report for its transparency and commitment to communicate the financial story of Kannapolis. It also represents the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting.

The city has received this award, which is independently judged for the last 25 years.
CONCORD  A Central Cabarrus student pleaded guilty to making threats against the school on social media.

Harrison Cole Hawley, 17, will serve six months house arrest and 36 months of supervised probation, according to Cabarrus County court records.

Hawley was arrested in September, 2016, after confessing his involvement with the social media threats to investigators. Hawley was a tenth-grader student at Central Cabarrus at the time.

As a special condition of his probation, Hawley was required to report for mental evaluation. A letter included in his court file from Cardinal Innovations Healthcare indicated he suffers from depression, anxiety and ADHD. Cardinal Innovations said he could be treated for those conditions as an out-patient.

The threats

Social media threats against the school were made anonymously through Twitter on Sept. 19, 2016 that prompted an investigation. The Twitter handle, Clams Casio, tagged Central Cabarrus handle in several tweets featuring a picture of someone holding a gun.

One of the tweets seemed to claim something would happen at the school on that Friday. It said #centralheat in the gym Friday. Get into the spirit with my .765s going through your skulls.

Another tweet said the only thing hot at #centralheat was his gun barrel. Many of the tweets featured explicit language and at least one threat was made against a specific student.

The Concord Police Department and Cabarrus County Sheriffs Office immediately commenced a joint criminal investigation with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to a press release from the police department, Hawley was identified and then confessed. Officials said they were confident the threat was intended to disrupt the high schools pep rally that was planned that Friday.

However, officials said there was no evidence that Hawley intended to carry out an act of violence against the school.

Hawley was charged with making a false report concerning mass violence on educational property, which is a felony.

The total maximum punishment Hawley could have received for his crime was 78 months.
In 1973, Senator Sam Ervin, a self-described country lawyer from Morganton, was chosen to head the Senate Select Committee investigating the Watergate break-in. That investigation ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon and propelled Ervin, along with his minority co-chair, Howard Baker from Tennessee, into the national spotlight.

Senator Richard Burr, from Winston-Salem, is head of the powerful Senate Intelligence Committee and is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 elections, as well as what, if any, involvement the Trump campaign may have had in that interference. One has to wonder if history might be repeating itself.

Burr, like Ervin, has never been the flashy representative who constantly seeks the cameras to gain notoriety. The Winston-Salem native is best known for his workmanlike approach in delving into issues like health care and tax reform. His down-to-earth persona is demonstrated by his penchant for wearing loafers without sox and off-the-rack Costco shirts.

In the Watergate investigation Ervin continually pledged to let the facts take them to whatever conclusion was called for. Similarly, Burr and minority leader Mark Warner from Virginia have pledged to do the same with the Senate Intelligence Committee investigation. To date they appear to be living up to that posture, unlike their House counterparts. We can all hope that the investigation will be conducted in a fair, bipartisan, truth-seeking manner.

Burr readily acknowledges that this is the most important assignment he has undertaken, first as a Congressman and now as a U.S. Senator. The American people deserve and need evidence that our Congress can work together to uphold our laws and protect our rights as citizens. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate to North Carolinians that our elected representatives stand for truth and justice.

When Senator Sam began the Watergate hearings, few expected the smoking gun revelations that emerged, directly connecting a sitting U.S. President to criminal activities and a cover-up by lying to the people. Few expect that same outcome to result from this investigation, but we do deserve to be able to trust what is concluded from these investigations. Senator Burr is in the spotlight and all will be watching to see how he handles this responsibility. We pray he will continue his pledge to prevent this from becoming a circus-like affair that devolves into the partisan, ugly atmosphere we see too often in Washington and Raleigh.

Tom Campbell is former assistant North Carolina State Treasurer and is creator/host of NC SPIN, a weekly statewide television discussion of NC issues. Show airs in Charlotte on WCCB Sundays at 6:30 a.m.
(Xinhua) 20:37, April 18, 2017

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) meets with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh in Beijing, capital of China, April 18, 2017. (Xinhua/Cui Xinyu)

BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday met with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.

Wang said progress has been made in bilateral relations this year, including a successful visit to China by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in January.

There will be more high-level contacts between leaders of the two countries this year, Wang said.

He said that two sides should enhance the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Vietnam's Two Corridors and One Economic Circle plan, and cement the people-to-people basis of friendship.

The two countries should properly manage and control differences, promote maritime cooperation, and maintain the positive development of bilateral relations, he said.

Pham Binh Minh said Vietnam will collaborate with China to make this year's high-level contacts a success, intensify cooperation in all fields, and safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Doing Business in India 2021 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in India. Compiled by the ...
The new goods and services tax (GST) will replace all indirect taxes in India from July 1, 2017.

The federal and state government will concurrently impose the GST on almost all goods and services produced in India or imported into the country.

The GST will enhance Indias trade competitiveness by eliminating cascading taxes and transform Indias economy into a single common market. It will simplify the current tax structure and broaden the tax base, and could potentially boost Indias GDP by 0.9 to 1.7 percent.

Direct taxes such as the income tax, corporate tax, and capital gains tax will, however, not be affected under the new tax structure.

Apart from its macroeconomic implications, the GST will transform the way businesses are carried out in India.

In this article, we look at how the new indirect tax structure affects companies and the challenges they need to overcome to achieve successful compliance.

GST compliance for businesses

The new GST regime has implications for businesses across India as well as those planning to enter the Indian market. Entrenched ways of doing business will call for large-scale changes with respect to business planning, tax and accounting, budgeting, and investments.

The challenge at hand for the business community is to adapt to the transitional tax reforms by understanding the various nuances of the new GST regime.

Global experience shows that businesses that commenced their GST implementation projects sooner, achieved a much smoother transition and a better compliance track record.

A common market

Under the pre-GST tax system, multiple taxes and non-uniform tax laws across the country proved to be costly and burdensome for businesses operating and selling across multiple states.

The GST, which is a single comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services, will reduce the price difference between two states and make tax liabilities uniform.

A single tax will also ensure the free movement of goods and services across the states. It will make inter-state procurement of goods a viable option for businesses and open opportunities to consolidate suppliers and vendors.

Elimination of cascading taxes

Multiple taxes levied across the supply chain and on inter-state transfer of goods and services also cause cascading of taxes, that is, taxation on tax. These taxes act as hidden costs and increase the overall cost of production of goods and services.

The GST is based on input tax credit mechanism; it is a multi-stage consumption tax levied on each transaction of the supply chain, thus eliminating the process of double taxation.

Ease of doing business

The GST backed with a robust goods and services tax network (GSTN) system, will reduce the burden of procedural compliance, decrease paperwork, and remove tax barriers such as check posts on state borders and toll plazas.

Currently, truckers in India lose 60 percent of transit time at check posts, tolls, and other stoppages.

Once the GST e-way bill is implemented rightly, the benefits of simplified compliance, technological administration, and uniform process will contribute significantly to the ease of doing business in India.

Supply chain efficiency

The GST calls for the redesigning of supply chain networks.

The new tax will decisively affect how companies operate their businesses, presenting significant opportunities for companies to secure a positive and lasting impact on their sales and profitability.

For instance, under the current system, supply chains are invariably designed to minimize the burden of inter-state taxes on the transfer of goods, with multiple warehouses located in different states.

The elimination of multiple indirect taxes will provide an opportunity to optimize supply chains, enabling companies to reevaluate existing procurement patterns, and distribution and warehousing arrangements.

GST: A major transition

According to industry observers, some sectors in the economy will gain more as their GST rate is expected to be lower than the current tax rates, while others sectors will lose as the rate will be higher than the present effective tax rate.

This may create additional challenges, necessitating changes in their business strategies.

Transitional challenges

The GST is not merely a tax change but a business reform that will affect the entire spectrum of business activity, right from procurement, manufacturing, and distribution to the pricing of goods and the IT system. Therefore, companies will need to incur significant business process re-engineering (BPR).

This means they will have to reorganize their businesses in accordance with the new law, examine each business activity and conduct an impact analysis on their business, which might be a daunting task for small firms and involve high one-time administrative costs.

Updating tax compliance systems

Once the GST is rolled out, a large amount of businesses tax compliance will go online. This necessitates firms to upgrade their online tax compliance systems as well as staff skills.

The government has launched the GST Portal  a dedicated portal for assistance with GST enrolment, GST registration, and the filing of returns.

However, given the short transition period for firms to be GST compliant, updating the whole system will be a challenging and expensive task for small businesses.

Training staff

The GST is fundamentally different from the existing tax structure.

It will be essential for businesses to provide adequate training to their staff and clients on the new tax concept, legislation, and procedural aspects like enrolling and uploading returns online, so that they are well prepared for compliance deadlines.

Pricing and profitability

The anti-profiteering mechanism under the GST requires businesses to quantify the benefit of the reduced tax rate and pass on the commensurate reduction in pricing to their customers.

The pricing of goods and profitability  compliant with this provision  cannot be done unless the rates are finalized by the government.

With only three months available to companies to be GST compliant, uncertainty regarding tax rates is a major concern for businesses.

Editors Note: For a glossary on the key concepts and terminologies used in the GST regime, see our article here.
Kolkata, Apr 18 (IBNS): Vice President of Republic of Mauritius, Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory, elaborated on the ideal environment for doing business in the island nation and the bilateral relationship between India and Mauritius, at a meeting in Kolkata's Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Vyapoory, on Monday, said that Mauritius has a skilled workforce and a modern infrastructure for setting up factories.

India is Mauritius' leading trading partner and has been the largest exporter of goods and services to the country since 2007.

Vice President Vyapoory highlighted the joint operations that both the countries are carrying out presently, with a reference to Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi's Mauritius visit in 2015.

"Metro Express, which started on March 12 this year, was funded by India," Vyapoory said.

He also hinted the areas where the Mauritius government is likely to invest and one of them is the Indian film industry.

"We have a lot to offer to Indian film industry with the kind of great weather and locations we can provide," the Vice President said.

Apart from the metro express, India is also assisting Mauritius in setting up a national hydrographic unit.

Vyapoory Prime Minister Narendra Modi for redefining the bilateral relationship between the two countries during his visit and claimed that India is the largest trading centre for Mauritius.

Deven Coopoosamy, corporate of Rogers Capital, Mauritius reiterated the ease of doing business in their country.

Sutanu Ghosh, President of the Bengal Chamber also agreed that Mauritius is the ideal country where business can be done with ease.

(Reporting by Souvik Ghosh)
New York, Apr 18(Just Earth News): The United Nations and other members of the international community on Monday commended Somaliaas Federal Government and the Federal Member States for agreeing to form a National Security Council, as well as decisions taken on priorities such as fighting corruption and drought response.

These decisions follow two days of consultations held in the capital, Mogadishu, led by Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and other senior officials.

This agreement marks a major milestone for Somalia. It is a cornerstone of the federal state building process and is a basis upon which strengthened security can be built, said Michael Keating, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Somalia, referring to the creation of a National Security Council.

President Farmajo will head the National Security Council, whose members will include regional leaders.

Keating, who is also the head of the UN political mission in Somalia (UNSOM), said that the international community is committed to supporting the Governments priorities.

He made the statement on behalf of the UN, noting that the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the European Union (EU), Italy, Ethiopia, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States all express their support for the outcome of the consultations.

The political leaders also agreed to aid drought-stricken Somalia avert a potential famine. About half of the Somali population is in need of assistance, including 330,000 children.

Also on Monday, the UN reported that an explosion occurred near Mogadishu, potentially targeting a convoy from the World Food Programme (WFP). At the time of the incident, the convoy was returning from an area outside of Mogadishu to provide life-saving emergency food to people impacted by the drought.

A UN spokesperson told journalists in New York that the occupants of the vehicles  including WFP staff and a visiting journalist  were all safe, although two private security guards escorting the team were wounded.

UN Photo/Tobin Jones

Source: www.justearthnews.com
The premium banner house of Bollywood, Yash Raj Films has been awarded the Most Trusted Film Production House in Asia award by IBC Media, a global brand consultancy. This honor was bestowed on YRF as part of Asia`s Most Trusted Brand Awards at a ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand.

These awards are driven by market research and consumer insights. As these awards are given to brands with global recall, worldwide reach and proud legacies, Yash Raj Films` recognition as the most trusted film production brand in Asia reiterates its value and renown in cinema.

IBC Media is a highly recognized brand strategy consultancy; an award from them establishes YRF's brand recall beyond doubt.

The company was also honored with the Most Trusted Film Production House previously by IBC Media.


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Baku, Azerbaijan, April 12

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The drilling operation of Canadas Zenith Energy Ltd at Azerbaijani oil fields will start in 2018, the companys CEO Andrea Cattaneo told Trend.

Azerbaijans Muradkhanli, Jafarli and Zardab oil fields are controlled and operated by Zenith Aran, Zenith Energys wholly owned subsidiary in the Country.

"We have been operating in Azerbaijan only a little more than six months. We are fulfilling all of our commitments to develop this activity in the country," he said. "The company will bring one of the biggest rigs from China for onshore drilling activities here. We will have this rig before the end of 2017 and will start the drilling operation in 2018."

Zenith Energy believes that with drilling of a variety of new wells and related activities such as seismic exploration and technology development, the Muradkhanli field, which is the biggest onshore oilfield in Azerbaijan, will prove very profitable.

"We are creating an overseas team that brings innovative ideas from abroad, as well as technologies from Canada. We are therefore confident to show the results achieved by our input of technological development in the next two or three years," he added.

Cattaneo noted that the Companys operation in Azerbaijans oil production arena has only just begun and will include some innovation.

"We made the first workover in the last 45 days, which hasnt been finished yet. The results of the first operation will be announced in few days," he added.

The CEO recalled that the company has two teams carrying out the workover operation at Azerbaijani oil fields.

"We will gradually accelerate our workover activities and carry out a systematic number of workover operations that will achieve a significant increase in oil production. We are also in an important phase in our negotiations to acquire a new drilling rig from China. This will be a game changer in many ways and allow the Company to achieve more sizeable and immediate increases in oil production" added Cattaneo.

Regarding the future activities of Zenith Energy in Azerbaijan, the CEO noted that the Companys ambition is to expand the scope of its presence in the Country.

"If there is an opportunity, we will be very happy to expand our activities in Azerbaijan. But first, we have to demonstrate to Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR the success of our methods," he said. "We are very pleased and privileged in our cooperation with SOCAR and its support is very valuable to us."

Zenith Energy is very optimistic about the outcome of its activity in Azerbaijan in terms of gaining profit, according to Cattaneo.

Regarding the impact of oil price fluctuations on the companys activities, the CEO said that Zenith Energy has a reputation to be a low-cost operator.

"So, we are always profitable. Even when the oil prices are lower, our profit is guaranteed. This allows us to look with serenity to the future of our activity despite the oil price fluctuations," he said. "I personally think that oil prices will increase in the next 2-3 years because of the lack of investments around the globe in oil and gas exploration and development."

Speaking about staff, Cattaneo said that Zenith Aran currently employs 210 people and only a few of them (top technicians) are foreigners.

"We aim to attract young people from Azerbaijan to our company and allow them to grow and contribute to the Companys expansion in parallel with their professional development. We are very pleased to be in Azerbaijan. It is a very pleasant place to stay. Baku is a very lovely city. There is a very good climate, very good security at night and during the day" added Cattaneo.

Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR and Zenith Aran Oil Company signed a Rehabilitation, Exploration, Development and Production Sharing Agreement (REDPSA) in March 2016 for a block that includes the Muradkhanli, Jafarli and Zardab oilfields. These fields cover an area of 642.2 square kilometers. Production under the Zenith banner began August 11, 2016.

Zenith holds an 80 percent participating interest in the three fields within the contract area  Muradkhanli, Jafarli and Zardab  while a SOCAR Oil affiliate company (fully owned by SOCAR) retains the remaining 20 percent. The duration of the agreement is 25 years, with a potential extension of 5 additional years.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Sonu Nigan's angry rant against azaan has drawn him a lot of flak. From celebrities to people on social media, everyone outraged and bashed Sonu Nigam for his offensive tweets. His comparison of Azaan to forced religiousness didn't go down too well with a lot of people.

Instagram

God bless everyone. I'm not a Muslim and I have to be woken up by the Azaan in the morning. When will this forced religiousness end in India  Sonu Nigam (@sonunigam) April 16, 2017

And by the way Mohammed did not have electricity when he made Islam.. Why do I have to have this cacophony after Edison?  Sonu Nigam (@sonunigam) April 17, 2017

The reactions to these tweets were extreme. Pooja Bhatt too sly tweeted against Sonu Nigam. She wrote,

I wake each morning to the sound of church bells & the Azaan in a quiet by-lane of Bandra.I light an aggarbatti & salute the spirit of India  Pooja Bhatt (@PoojaB1972) April 18, 2017

What he didn't see coming was hatred and blatant criticism for making such comments. And just when we thought that everyone would continue despising Sonu Nigam and his tweets, here comes a twist.

MTV India

On Tuesday, Shiv Sena extended their support to Sonu Nigam. Even though they evaded the topic of 'Azaan' but they agreed with the noise pollution part of it.

Talking to ANI, Shiv Sena MP Manisha Kayande said,

"Whoever has tweeted is not important but talking on noise pollution and its effects on people is an important matter to be looked into. With the pollution increasing every day, noise pollution is like slow poisoning which should be looked into and stopped."

Kayande also added how there should be a complete ban on noise in the city from 10 pm to 6 am and the court should give strict orders on the same.
One of the most anticipated Malayalam films, Mohanlal's Randamoozham, which was apparently shelved after the producers (Gokulam Gopalan) backed out to bankroll the expensive two-part movie, has been revived and how!

UAE-based filmmaker has invested a whopping Rs.1000 crore on the project based on the epic saga of Mahabharata, which will be narrated from the perspective of Bheema, the central character, to be played by Malayalam superstar Mohanlal.

Mohanlal is excited to play the role in what is touted to be the Indias most expensive movie so far.

BP.BLOGSPOT.COM

UAE-based billionaire businessman, Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty, was apparently very keen to narrate the epic fate of Kauravas and the Pandavas to the world. So much so, that he has invested Rs.1000 crores in making the two-part film, which will include Oscar-winning crew members.

(Also Read: UAE Billionaire To Invest Rs 1000 Cr To Make 'Mahabharata' & The Crew Includes Oscar Winners)

And so, the once-shelved project is now all set to grab the attention of the world. Perhaps, the success of Bahubali has inspired Shetty and others, who now believe that the project can be turned into a magnum opus.

i.imgur.com

Mohanlal is more than happy to work on the project. Heres what he said confirming the news:

Like many of us, I grew up to the tales of the Mahabharata. I consider myself lucky to be named to be named to play Bheema who is the pivotal character in Randamoozham. I am thankful to everyone who believes in me.

The story of the movie will be based on Randamoozham, MT Vasudevan Nairs Jnanpith-winning novel. The shooting of the movie will reportedly start in September 2018, and it will be released sometime in 2020.
Once again, the Sabarimala Temple has raked up controversy over letting women in the sanctum sanctorum. According to reports, the picture was first tweeted out by T G Mohandas, the convener of BJPs intelligence cell. Following which the floodgate of controversy opened up.

So much so, the Kerala government has launched a probe to check the veracity of the pictures.

Photo at sanctum sanctorum of Sabarimala reportedly on 11.04.2017. Hope these girls are above 50! pic.twitter.com/c4XU92OVGp  mohan das (@mohandastg) 12 April 2017

The Sabarimala temple in Keralas Pathanamthitta district bars the entry of women between the ages of 10-50.

Lord Ayyappa is considered as a 'naishtika brahmachari' (perennial celibate) by devotees.

And soon after the picture spread like wildfire on social media, many claimed that women didn't look like they were 50.

Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran directed the Devaswom Vigilance to initiate a probe. The minister said he had received a complaint that a Kollam-based businessman had got special privileges for conducting darshan at the shrine, located in Pathanamthitta district.

"As per the complaint, some women of banned age group had allegedly visited the shrine along with him. There are no restrictions for women to offer worship at Sabarimala, adhering to the tradition of age limit," Surendran said.

It is illegal if anyone has tried to gain any favours in the name of VIP darshan, he said, adding that action would be taken to stop such practices.

While the government has launched an investigation, many people claim that pictures are doctored to rake up controversy.

Sabarimala Response - Sri @mohandastg ji has raised an issue of "Ladies in Sabarimala". Photos are not Fake. But they are above age 50 (1/2) pic.twitter.com/IAXmWkWnLl  Rahul Easwar (@RahulEaswar) 16 April 2017

In a bid to oppose this regressive rule, last year many women launched a campaign called #Readytowait, where they said they would wait until they hit menopause to be allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum.
The Enforcement Directorate has issued a show-cause notice to former finance minister P Chidambaram's son Karti for allegedly making irregular gains by trading the shares of a Chennai-based company, Vasan Healthcare Pvt Ltd.

bccl

The ED claimed that Karti paid Rs 50 lakh to Vasan Healthcare for shares which he, within a year, sold off to a Mauritius-based investor for Rs 22.50 crore through a front entity.

Besides Karti, the ED has slapped show-cause notices on Vasan Healthcare, its promoters A M Arun and others, foreign investors Sequoia and WestBridge of Mauritius and an investment arm of GIC of Singapore, for alleged violation of Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) for transactions of Rs 2,250 crore.

BCCL/ File

The ED said Karti and the company allegedly controlled by him, Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd, have been issued show-cause notices for FEMA violations of Rs 45 crore.

Accusing the government of seeking to muzzle him, Chidambaram said, "By targeting Karti Chidambaram with baseless notices, the government cannot silence my voice or stop my writing."

Significantly, the ED statement emphasised that it was also probing the former finance minister for bypassing the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs to allow mobile service provider Aircel-Maxis to bring in foreign investment worth Rs 3,500 crore.

bccl

"The total amount of contravention identified on different counts committed by Advantage Strategic Consulting in the sale transaction of shares of Vasan Healthcare to overseas investors is around Rs 45 crore. Show-cause notice has been issued to Advantage Strategic, its directors and also to Karti P Chidambaram, who appears to be the controller and ultimate beneficiary in these transactions," the ED said in its press note.

Giving details, the agency claimed its investigation into various transactions of Vasan Healthcare found that Advantage Strategic had first acquired 150,000 shares of Vasan for Rs 50 lakh, though its original book value was estimated to be Rs 3 crore. A part of these shares, about 30,000, were sold within a year to foreign investor Sequoia for Rs 22.50 crore.

bccl

The probe into Vasan's investments revealed that the overseas investors had first acquired the shares of the Chennai healthcare company by investing about Rs 432 crore during different rounds of investments between February 2009 and November 2014. The shares were acquired on the face value of Rs 100 each.

bccl

A deeper investigation showed that the same foreign investors later paid promoters of Vasan and Advantage Strategic, controlled by Karti, an additional Rs 357.57 crore where the cost of Rs 100 per share was transacted as high as Rs 7,500 per share, the ED claimed, adding that the transaction raised suspicions of money laundering.
In another blow to the Sahara group, the Supreme Court has ordered auction of its prime Aamby Valley township near Lonavala in Pune for failing to deposit Rs 5,000 crore of the Rs 14,000-crore due towards refund to investors.

bccl

In August 2012, the court had ordered group companies Sahara Real Estate and Sahara Housing to refund Rs 25,000 crore illegally raised through one-time fully convertible debentures from nearly three crore investors.

Also Read: Now Sahara's 3 Hotels And Other Properties Abroad May Be Attached By Enforcement Directorate

On the SC's direction, Sahara has so far deposited Rs 11,000 crore with market regulator Sebi. Failure to pay up the entire amount saw group head Subrata Roy being sent to jail on March 4, 2014. He was let out on parole in May 2016 to attend to his mother's last rites. Since then, he has been on interim bail by paying up hundreds of crores of rupees in instalments.

On Monday, a bench of Justices Dipak Misra, Ranjan Gogoi and A K Sikri was furious that Sahara had failed to abide by the March 21 order asking it to deposit Rs 5,000 crore by April 17. It said since the group refused to abide by the SC's orders, the time had come to act on the court's threat to auction the group's prime property Aamby Valley. The SC had earlier rejected Sahara's plea for time till July 2019 to refund the balance amount.

aambyvalley.com

"As no amount has been deposited by the contemnor (Subrata Roy), we are inclined to go ahead with the auction of Aamby Valley City near Lonavala, Maharashtra," the bench said and appointed the official liquidator of Bombay High Court to elicit details of the property and proceed with the auction.

Also Read: Supreme Court Orders To Attach Rs 40,000 Crore Aamby Valley To Recover Dues From Sahara

Invoking its powers under Article 144 of the Constitution that mandates all authorities to act in aid of the SC, the bench said, "The official liquidator must complete the exercise of valuation within 10 days and send a report to the apex court. We are sure all shall work in harmony to comply with the directions passed by this court."

The SC also directed Roy to remain present in the court on April 27 at 2 pm and said it would decide whether he was entitled to bail or should be sent to jail. Referring to Sahara group at times being at variance with the contents of its affidavits in court, the bench warned Roy that he should "not play truant with the contents of the affidavit".

bccl

Sahara claimed that it has already refunded Rs 22,000 crore to investors and that the additional Rs 12,000 crore it had deposited was duplication of payments that were due from it. "The SC should understand and do justice, otherwise a 39-year-old company and bread and butter of its 12 lakh workers shall collapse," the group said.

After dealing with Sahara group, the court turned its attention to MG Holdings LLC, New York, which failed to deposit the promised Rs 750 crore with the SC to prove its bona fide in offering $550 million to buy Sahara-controlled Plaza Hotel in New York. The company informed the court that after due diligence, it found that there were difficulties in going ahead with the transaction.

It directed Dr Prakash Swamy, representative of MG Holdings who had filed an affidavit in the SC, to deposit Rs 10 crore with Sebi as cost. It said if the amount was not deposited within 10 days, a non-bailable arrest warrant could be issued against him.

booking.com

The SC also asked Swamy to deposit his passport with the Regional Passport Officer by April 18 and ordered Union government's counsel Rana Mukherjee to inform the ministry of external affairs to ensure that Swamy did not leave India. "The Union government shall also issue a red corner notice against Dr Prakash Swamy in the course of the day," it ordered.
Fugitive liquor baron, Vijay Mallya, who has been on the run from the Indian law for nearly a year has been finally arrested. According to reports, Mallya who has been living in London ever since he fled India in 2015, has been arrested by the Scotland Yard.

Also Read: Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher House Is On Offer At Rs 35 Crore Discount, Yet There Is No Buyer

BCCL

Also Read: Vijay Mallya Wants To Negotiate His Rs 9000 Cr Loans, Says He's Ready For A One-Time Settlement

He is likely to be produced before a court in Westminster, which will take the decision on his future including his possible extradition to India. The flamboyant businessman and former MP has been facing a number of cases in India, in connection with the default of Rs 9,000 crore to various banks.

Also Read: Despite Being Put Up For Auction Four Times, There Are No Takers For Vijay Mallya's Personal Jet

The loans were taken for his now defunct budget carrier Kingfisher Airlines. Last month, India had made a formal request for his extradition to the country.

Also Read: Finally, Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher Villa Gets A Buyer, Actor Sachiin Joshi Buys It For Rs 73 Crore
Vijay Mallya Finally Arrested In London. May Be Extradited To Stand Trial In India

PTI





Fugitive liquor baron, Vijay Mallya, who has been on the run from the Indian law for nearly a year has been finally arrested. According to reports, Mallya who has been living in London ever since he fled India in 2015, has been arrested by the Scotland Yard. Read more

Sikh Cab Driver Assaulted, Turban Snatched By Drunk Passengers In US In A Definite Hate Crime

nydailynews.com





In another shocking incident of hate-crime, Drunk passengers knocked off a 25-year-old Sikh cab drivers turban in the US on Sunday. Read more

Here are other top stories of the day:

1) Delhi Court Orders FIR Against Female Police Official For Sexually Assaulting 13-Year-Old Girl

A Delhi Court today ordered registering an FIR against a woman police official for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl, who had earlier accused a teacher of molesting her. Read more

2) IIT-Delhi's Moral Police Has Asked All Girls To Attend Events In 'Full Covered, Decent Dress'

thehansindia

A womens hostel at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IITD) has put up a notice asking women to wear full covered decent western or Indian dresses on their house day. Read more





3) In War-Torn Streets Of Baghdad, Ali al-Moussawi Sells Books While Spreading Knowledge And Hope

AP

Moussawi, the owner of a mobile book truck, mostly finds himself steering a bookstore on wheels through Baghdads aggressive traffic, numerous checkpoints, barbed wires and blast walls. Read more





4) Schools In Kashmir Reopened After Eight Months In March, They're Once Again Shut Due To Violence

reuters/representational image

Schools taking a hit in Kashmir isnt anything new. Educational institutions in the Valley have been attacked since militancy began in 1989. Most recently, universities, colleges and higher secondary school continued to remain closed on Tuesday under the orders of the divisional administration in view of the widespread student protests in the Valley. Read more
The extradition of Vijay Mallya may happen sooner than expected. After a meeting between officials from UK and India on extradition and mutual legal assistance, Indian sources said they received a "positive" response from UK.

BCCL

Also Read: Kingfisher Boss Vijay Mallya Finally Grounded! India Formally Requests UK To Extradite Him

While the government is unwilling to comment directly on the Mallya case, the official spokesperson said,

"Both sides held detailed and fruitful deliberations on the legal processes and procedures in either country and reviewed the requests for extradition and mutual legal assistance pending on either side. Both sides reiterated their determination to strengthen legal cooperation and expedite the pending requests"

A two-day long meeting between British and Indian officials related to pending cases of deportation and extradition of "wanted" suspects from either country. The Indian side was led by a senior MEA official in charge of passports and visas, accompanied by senior officials from home ministry, and CBI, Enforcement Directorate and other investigating agencies, including state-level officials.

AFP

Also Read: Vijay Mallya Continues His Brazen Defence, Says He Begged For Help, Not Loans

The British side was led by the head of the UK Central Authority for Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance, the UK Home Office, representatives from the Crown Prosecution Service and the UK High Commission in New Delhi.

While the meeting was spurred by a decision between British PM Theresa May and Narendra Modi last November to familiarize officials on both sides with legal and law enforcement procedures, it also happened in the immediate aftermath of India making a formal extradition request to the UK for Vijay Mallya, the disgraced UB baron. At the end of the meeting, Indian officials are more optimistic of being able to get Mallya back.

BCCL

Also Read: Tribunal Has Ordered Recovery Of Vijay Mallya's Assets, But There Is Nothing Left To Attach

During the May visit, Indian officials had asked the UK to extradite nearly 60 people, including Lalit Modi and Mallya. In return, UK also wants 17 people from India to be tried for crimes in the UK, against whom Letters Rogatory had been issued.
A day after the Supreme Court posed a question to Vijay Mallya about the "truthfulness" of his disclosure of assets and transfer of $40 million to his children, the fugitive businessman said he is ready for a negotiation with the banks.

AFP

He said he was ready to pay a one-time settlement charge on his Rs 9,000-crore loan default.

I have humbly obeyed every single Court Order without exception. Seems as if Government is bent upon holding me guilty without fair trial  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 9, 2017

Public Sector Banks have policies for One Time Settlements.Hundreds of borrowers have settled. Why should this be denied to us ?  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 9, 2017

Our substantial offer before the Hon'ble Supreme Court was rejected by Banks without consideration.Am ready to talk settlement on fair basis  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 9, 2017

Wish the Hon'ble Supreme Court would intervene and put an end to all this by directing Banks and us to negotiate and settle.We are ready.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 9, 2017

Mallya's 'offer' comes at a time when the bakers consortium is struggling to recover their loans, even after attaching his property, which is far less than the amount Mallya owes. The fugitive NRI businessman had fled India in March last year to avoid arrest in the loan default case and now lives in London.

Last month, the Indian government handed over to the UK an extradition request for Mallya.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

The four-day battles in April 2016 brought Azerbaijan and Armenia the closest they have been to an all-out war in Nagorno-Karabakh since the 1994 truce, Zaur Shiriyev, academy associate at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) in London, wrote in his article published by the Hurriyet Daily News.

The April battles marked the most serious escalation in hostilities in terms of both military hardware and human loss, noted the author.

In the two decades since, violence along the Line of Contact has erupted periodically with increasing intensity, he said, adding that Azerbaijans political and military leadership declared that the April violence was the result of Armenias provocation.

Due to the widespread support for Azerbaijans territorial integrity, including from the U.S., President Ilham Aliyevs stance was that it was an adequate response to provocation. He refuted all claims that it had been a pre-planned offensive, added Shiriyev.

Broadly, the four-day war resulted in improving Azerbaijans tactical positions along the Line of Contact. In terms of gaining a psychological advantage, the success erased the myth that the Armenian defensive line is highly capable of launching any attack. Baku also sought to go beyond rhetorical threats, demonstrating that it has the capability to use force to liberate the occupied territories if necessary, says the article.

The initial expectation after the April clashes  following the ceasefire brokered by Moscow  was that increased international awareness would see the West and Moscow cooperating to bring both sides to the negotiating table. However, since the Vienna meeting in May 2016, the Western countries have essentially disappeared, leaving Russia to fill this particular power vacuum, noted the author.

Hopes that Azerbaijans closer relations with Moscow will hasten a solution have collapsed. As of August 2016, the conflicts sides have returned to the pre-April status quo in terms of the diplomatic deadlock in negotiations. The principal problem is that the Azerbaijani authorities exaggerate the extent of Russias constructive mediating role in order to put greater pressure on Armenia. However, at the same time, Armenia  as a military ally of Moscow  expects an entirely opposite position, setting Moscows initiative at a deadlock.



One more factor that limits Azerbaijans options is that since the Vienna meeting, Western co-chairs  France and the U.S.  have pushed to increase the number of monitoring missions by the current OSCE Chairman-in-Office, and to establish a monitoring mechanism to investigate incidents along the Line of Contact, wrote Shiriyev in his article.

Baku opposes this because it will serve to crystallize the current Line of Contact as a border. The fact that Russia asked for the same mechanism after the August 2016 skirmishes suggests that relying on Moscow does not yield results. This decreases the probability of successful negotiations, but increases the chance of devastating new clashes, he added.



Other Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group do not seem to have any desire to revitalize negotiations, said the author.

The current U.S. administration is not interested in activity in the South Caucasus, and early indications of a Russia First policy in the post-Soviet space (except for Ukraine and Georgia) offer little hope for engagement in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution. Preferences seem to be oriented towards maintaining the fragile military-political status quo, leaving any conflict resolution initiatives to Moscow. But in the end the domestic political developments in Armenia  the hostage crisis and public challenge to the alliance with Moscow  followed by the supply of Russian missiles, diminished those prospects, added Shiriyev.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
The possibility of alien life is something that intrigues each one of us. The non-believers can keep denying it, but, the existence of extraterrestrial is undoubtedly a fascinating thing.

In a groundbreaking announcement, NASA scientists said that Saturn's moon Enceladus could have conditions to support alien life.

NASA

According to NASAs official press release, they made the discovery using the Cassini space probe which has been studying the icy surface of Saturn's moon. In Saturns sixth largest moon, Enceladus, Cassini spacecraft detected an four tiger stripes near its south pole, which spews out water. The spacecraft found an abundance of hydrogen molecules in the water plumes.

That's not all, the Cassini mission also found evidence for a subsurface ocean underneath the icy crust of the moon.

Hydrothermal vents detected on Saturn's Moon/NASA

In its press release, NASA pointed out that the key ingredients of life include carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulphur and that moon of Saturn has almost all of the ingredients of life.

Space agency scientists believe that just like on Earth, there could be microbial life in the moons ocean. Hydrothermal chemical reactions occur deep in the ocean when cold water interacts with molten rocks.

"Although we can't detect life, we've found that there's a food source there for it. It would be like a candy store for microbes," said Hunter Waite, lead author of the Cassini study.

"Now, Enceladus is high on the list in the solar system for showing habitable conditions, the presence of hydrogen established another reference point saying there is hydrothermal activity inside this body, and that's interesting because we know in our own oceans, those are very important places that are teeming with life, and they are probably one of the earliest places where life happened on Earth," adds Hunter Waite.

While the possibility of life existing on Enceladus is still a speculation, the new discovery is the closest we've come, so far to detecting life beyond earth. Europa and Enceladus are both showcasing some of these key conditions for life and that's why researchers think it's the best bet to find extraterrestrial life.
The populist movement sweeping much of the world sent another shockwave through the Europe (at least) after UK Prime Minister announced a snap general election to be held on June 8. This comes as a shock since in the past she repeatedly denied that she would hold elections before the next scheduled one in 2020.

She made the announcement earlier today outside her home on 10 Downing Street. What makes this particularly nail-biting is that its coming just weeks after PM May triggered Article 10 that enables the Brexit process, that is UKs decision to leave the European Union.

Reuters

What does the announcement mean?

The announcement of a snap general election must first get passed in the House of Commons and Lords, which is Indias equivalent of Lok Sabha and Raj Sabha. After getting passed in the commons, it will then have to get passed in the Parliament, in order for the UK to have another election. If it does take place, then this will be the countrys second general election in just over a year  the last one was held in 2015, when David Cameron of the Tory party was elected for a second term.

A large swathe of David Camerons campaign was balanced on reducing the number of immigrants from the EU, and promised to take the country to a referendum, where they would be able to decide whether they want to stay or leave the EU. In an almost ironic turn of events, he occupied the Remain Camp or the Anti-Brexit Camp. When the country voted to leave, he was forced to resign by his own consent. This is when Theresa May stepped in to replace him.

Reuters

Where does PM May stand?

While announcing a snap election, PM May said that Britain is looking for certainty, stability and strong leadership, especially after Brexit has been finalised.

She said, The country is coming together but Westminster is not.

She also accused other parties of playing political games, saying that it risks, Our abilities to make a success of Brexit and it was the cause of damaging uncertainty and instability to the country."

Reuters

"So we need a general election and we need one now. We have at this moment a one off chance to get this done," added PM May.

In her announcement, she also said that Labour (Britains democratic socialist party according to their website) had threatened to vote against the final Brexit agreement, while, she said, the Liberal Democrats (Britains left-wing party) wanted to grind the business of government to a stand still. PM May also said that the Scottish National Party (SNP  Scotlands social-democratic political party) said they would not comply with the negotiations, and the unelected House of Lords members would fight us every step of the way.

Reuters

"If we don't hold a general election now, their political game-playing will continue and the negotiations with the European Union will reach their most difficult stage in the run up to the next general election," she further added.

Lastly, she said, This is your moment to show you mean it - to show you're not opposing the government for the sake of it, to show that you do not treat politics as a game.

Reuters

"Let's tomorrow vote for an election - let's put forward our plans for Brexit and our alternative programmes for government and then let the people decide."

How will it impact Brexit?

If Prime Minister May, who seems quite confident, wins, it will help her in her further strategy for Brexit. The win for the Conservative party will mean a strong stand on Brexit the way the ruling party finds it good.

The opposition, that is the Labour Party, has also shown interest in doing what the people of Britain want to do. It's only the Liberal Democrats, who are opposing Brexit, but they are an ineffective minority.

The UK is said to be already bound by Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which May triggered last month. According to Article 50, the British government has set the process of withdrawing from the European Union in motion.

Legal experts are reportedly divided on whether it can be revoked. There is, however, no chance of that being attempted anyway.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Anakhanum Hidayatova  Trend:

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly must demand report from the Minsk Group (MG) co-chairs, Azay Guliyev, Azerbaijani MP and vice president of the OSCE PA, told reporters in Baku Apr. 18.

He added that the co-chairs should be asked why the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is still not resolved and why civilians and Azerbaijani soldiers still die on the line of contact.

We are planning a meeting of parliamentarians of the OSCE Minsk Group countries, where we will discuss the settlement of the conflict, he said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
The Office of the Public Defender (OPD) under the Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Monday said that it had secured the release of 250 underage children from prisons, police stations and correctional homes in the state in the last one year.

Since 2016 till date, we have secured the release of 250 children.

The office secured the release of 150 children last year and 50 children this year, Mrs Olubukola Salami, the Director of the office told newsmen in Lagos.

Salami said that the office achieved this through an ongoing Programme on Children in Conflict with the Law, a sponsored project of the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF).

She said that OPD was attentive to the socio-economic rights of the poor and vulnerable groups in the society, including women and children in conflict with the law.

When we visited some police stations and prisons, we found there underage children below the age of 18 and we all know the deplorable state of our cells and prisons.

Even in the correctional homes meant for children that are beyond parental control, we found children who were in conflict with the law being accommodated here.

The mandate of the Programme on Children in Conflict with the Law is to secure the release of these underage children who have committed one offence or the other, she said.

Salami said that the police was one of the contributory factors as they increased the normal ages of such children and detained them in police cells or prisons.

She said the OPD was planning a training and enlightenment programme for the police on how to handle cases of children in conflict with the law.

The police will be empowered as stipulated in the Child Rights Law to restitute and mediate when it comes to cases concerning underage children. Detention should be the last resort, Salami said.

She said that they would be collaborating with law firms and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to carry out continuous visits to prisons, police stations and correctional homes to provide legal aid to children in conflict with the law.

We will be partnering interested law firms and NGOs so that we can sustain this programme because UNICEF will not always be there, Salami said.

Source: Vanguard
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Borno State have arrested the ex-wife of Boko Haram terrorist group factional leader,Mamman Nur who was one of the two teenage suspected suicide bombers.

The leaders 15-year-old ex-wife, Fatima Kabir, had Mamman Nur as her first husband before she was divorced and later married two other insurgents in a space of two years during her captivity.

Fatima was four months pregnant and tested positive to HIV when she was caught loitering at a Maiduguri motor park.

Speaking to journalists, Fatima claimed that she hailed from Gwoza town and was abducted by the insurgents and taken to Sambisa forest three years ago.

She said: I am an indigene of Gwoza town. One day, Boko Haram stormed our town, killed many people and kidnapped me.

Since then, I have been living in the dreaded forest and also passed from one Boko Haram commander to another.

I was tired of that horrifying life; so, one day, I resolved to flee, and I succeeded. As I was running, I saw a team of military men and quickly rushed to them and narrated my ordeal.

She added: They sympathised with me and took me to their colleagues in Gwoza, who in turn conveyed me to Kano motor park in Maiduguri and gave me N3,000 to use for food and transport.

I was told to look for my parents in one of the camps for the Internally Displaced Persons. The night fell and I became stranded with no where to go. Some operatives of the civil defence apprehended us and took us here.

Fatima further revealed that after her marriage to the factional leader of Boko Haram, she was married to two other insurgents who later abandoned her and fled from Sambisa.

The other teenage girl arrested alongside Fatima, Amina Salisu, corroborated Fatimas narration that they were stranded before their arrest and that they never planned detonating any explosive.

She said she hailed from Gulak town in Adamawa State, but was abducted and taken to Sambisa two years ago.

She also alleged that she was married to two insurgents during her captivity which lasted for two years.

The Borno State Command of the NSCDC, Ibrahim Abdu, during the briefing, said the intelligence operatives intercepted two teenage girls, comprising an ex-wife of the factional leader of Boko Haram sect.

Abdu, while parading the girls at a press briefing in Maiduguri, said they were suspected to have been smuggled from Sambisa forest into the town to wreak havoc on innocent civilians.

He said one of the girls, 15-year-old Fatima Mohammed Kabir, confessed to being an ex-wife to Mamman Nur and that medical tests proved that she was carrying a four-month pregnancy and is infected with HIV.

He added that the other lady, 14-year-old Amina Salisu, had also admitted to marrying two Boko Haram members at separate times in Sambisa forest.

The commandant further said the girls were found loitering at the popular Kano motor park in Maiduguri metropolis and that upon extensive interrogation, they confessed to have been sneaked into Maiduguri for possible suicide attacks.

The commandant explained that after proper investigation, the command would hand them over to the appropriate authority for next line of action.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
The Nigerian Police has said that the mastermind behind the killing of army and policemen in Ikorodu has been killed in a gun duel Tuesday morning.

Recalled last week that notorious militants/kidnappers struck at Woodland Estate close to Ishawo Creeks and engaged security personnel in a gun duel.

The notorious militants/kidnappers killed four policemen and an army officer at Ishawo area, Ikorodu, Lagos

The mastermind, Endurance Ominisan aka Mighty. native of Arogbo in Ondo state, was arrested by Igp, IRT team Tuesday morning during a battle with the police in Lagos.

He later died as a result of the fierce gun battle that led to his arrest after confessing that they killed d policemen and also masterminded amongst other criminal act; the kidnap ofOniba of Iba, kidnap of Turkish sch girls etc

More details soon

Source: Vanguard
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) has denied offering the leadership of the Benue State House of Assembly N350 million as bribe to substitute the anti-open grazing bill sent by the state government for another one.

The National Coordinator of MACBAN, Alhaji Garus Gololo in a chat with The Guardian in Makurdi said the allegation was an attempt to smear the good relationship between the association, the Assembly and the Benue State government

He described the accusation as baseless and advised people to disregard it.To the best of my knowledge, Miyetti Allah has not discussed the issue of substituting the anti-grazing bill with a new one with the Assembly leadership. And we dont have any such money to bribe the Speaker to substitute the bill, Gololo maintained.

Speaking on the anti-grazing bill, Gololo said: I dont even know what the bill is all about. All I know is that the state has no power to create grazing reserves, except the Federal Government.

I was not even involved in the public hearing organised by the state Assembly on the issue and I have not been given a copy of the bill. Also, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Michael Gusa has exonerated the leadership of the Assembly from the N350 million alleged bribe.

He explained that there were many complaints about the content of the bill, hence the minor alterations done on it.Also, there was no provision for allowance for indigenes who intend to rear cattle or keep them in ranches. We realise that it was not proper to make laws forbidding people from entering the state, as this will be against the Nigerian constitution, he added.

Source: Guardian
Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18

Trend:

The Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can be resolved only within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in accordance with the norms and principles of international law, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said.

Mammadyarov, who is on an official visit to Malta, has made remarks at a meeting with Speaker of the Maltese Parliament Anglu Farrugia, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry said Apr. 18.

The Azerbaijani foreign minister has already met with Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

During the meeting, the Azerbaijani foreign minister spoke about the negotiation process on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the ministry said.

As for the role of parliamentary diplomacy in the modern world, Mammadyarov and Farrugia emphasized the importance of developing the interparliamentary cooperation.

During the meeting, Mammadyarov and Farrugia also expressed gratification with the current bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Malta, the ministry said.
Members of Asso community in Kagoma, Jemaa Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna, on Monday,have decided to flee the community following the continuous unrest in the city and attack by Herdsmen.

That attack claimed no fewer than 12 lives while scores of residents sustained gunshot injuries.

The renewed attack came on the heels of relative peace which was gradually returning to the southern part of the state that had witnessed a series of crises.

It is estimated that over 20,000 persons had perished in the southern part of the state since the 1980s.

It was learnt that the latest incident occurred shortly after a peace meeting between the natives and the Fulani.

According to a source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the injured were rushed to the Kafanchan General Hospital, also in Jemaa Local Government Area.

The source told our correspondent on the telephone that the incident occurred at about 6.00pm when residents were busy preparing for Easter celebration.

He said the gunmen, armed with sophisticated weapons, invaded the village, shooting in all directions while residents scampered to safety.

The incident, he noted, lasted for at least 30 minutes despite the heavy presence of security operatives in the area.

As the invaders held the entire town hostage, no help came from security operatives that had been deployed in the area since December, the source said.

The development, he added, had made the people doubt the ability of the security operatives to curb the crisis in the southern part of the state.

As I speak, Asso has been deserted. People have fled to neighbouring community for shelter, he said.

The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has condemned the attack.

El-Rufai, through his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, condoled with the families of the victims just as he mandated security operatives to spare no efforts in fishing out the perpetrators of the attack.

Besides, he called on communities to cooperate with the military with a view to checking the bloody violence rocking the area.

He also said the military would soon embark on a special exercise in the troubled area aimed at routing the bandits in the area.

He said he had directed agencies responsible for emergency cases to offer relief materials to victims.

The statement read, Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, on Sunday, said that the forthcoming Operation Harbin Kunama II is a necessary step towards ending the violence in parts of southern Kaduna.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
The Joint Action Congress (JAC) of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State, has commenced a three-day warning strike over allegations of massive cuts in their salaries.

JAC is the umbrella body of staff unions in the university, which include Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Union of Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associated Institutions (NASU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

The workers in a circular dated April 6, 2017 and addressed to the universitys Chairman of Council, expressed dismay over the development since 2016, pointing out that whereas there was no cut in the allowances of council members.

In the circular signed by the Universitys ASUU Chairman, Agbalagba Ezekiel and four other union leaders, the workers also passed a vote of no confidence on the Governing Council.

They alleged that the council has been unable to attract the needed funds for the institutions infrastructure development since inception four years ago.

According to circular made available to newsmen, the unions also protested the abandonment of two student hostels, which it alleged has gulped an unjustifiable amount of money spent on it so far.The university registrar could not be reached for comment as telephone calls to his mobile phone were not taken.

Source: Guardian
The Nigerian Baptist Convention, yesterday, described as laughable the recent money claimed to be discovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, through the whistle-blowing policy in its ongoing war against corruption in the country.

Recently, the commission claimed to have intercepted an undeclared sum of N49 million at the Kaduna International Airport, as well as over N13 billion cash in local and foreign currencies in a four-bedroom apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos, without ascertaining the ownership.

The President, FCT Baptist Conference of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Israel Akanji, stated this at a press conference on the 104th Annual Session of the Nigerian Baptist Convention with the theme; Moving Forward; Overcoming the Challenges of Life through Jesus Christ, to be held at the National Stadium in Abuja.

Akanji admonished the anti-graft agency to display some level of professionalism in handling some of its discoveries, adding that rushing to the media without ascertaining the claims made mockery of their efforts, thereby portraying the nation in bad light.

Before they start making pronouncements, they ought to verify their claims so that they will not damage the image of innocent people.

Therefore, EFCC should work with a very high work ethic that should guide their pronouncements.

They should be slow to speak, they should be quick to listen; there is that warning in the bible. Listen well but then speak slowly. Make sure you have digested and ingested what you are trying to say out and you have verified the facts.

In the modern world, for money to just be dropped in the airport and for it not to be traceable is laughable. What are we making of our praise in technology? Nigeria has some of the most brilliant people, even in the western world technologically, so why not using CCTV apparatus to trace the people who dropped such things?

Source: Vanguard
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) yesterday began the sensitisation of its customers in the South-East on the allegation that the currently being deployed smart pole prepaid meters were configured to rip off her customers.

The Guardian learnt that customers across the zone have complained that the smart pole prepaid meters have compounded their energy challenges as they are said to run faster than the ones deployed when the company was managed by the Federal Government, thus increasing their monthly consumption.

The interactive session, held in Enugu and Abakaliki, had in attendance customers of EEDC, including those whose meters have been installed, representatives of various professional bodies and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The customers were presented with a live demonstration of the metering process, integrity of the meter, meter tampering, meter acquisition processes, tips on energy management and process of online recharge of the meter.

EEDCs meter engineer, Christopher Chukwu, stressed that the meters were not programmed to run fast, as being peddled; rather he encouraged customers to imbibe the culture of energy management and always switch off appliances when not in use and always go for energy-saving appliances.

He said that meters are subjected to various regulatory checks and certification by respective government agencies like NEMSA before they get to them, adding that EEDC does not and will not manipulate the functionality of their meters.

These are smart meters manufactured abroad and we do not have the intelligence, technology and know-how to manipulate them as that may lead to damage of the meters.

It should be noted that EEDC is committed to metering its customers and closing the inherited metering gap. We have gone far in metering our maximum demand customers and currently metering our individual/residential customers, he said.

There was also a demonstration on the integrity of the meters, when displayed and used to record the energy consumption of three different bulbs in less than 30 minutes and they recorded a particular consumption.

EEDCs head of Communications, Emeka Ezeh, stated that the sensitisation was aimed at clearing the insinuations bothering on the integrity and performance of the meters, adding that it was also to clear the air on the process of acquiring and recharging the meters.

This customer sensitisation exercise will continue across the remaining parts of the EEDCs franchise area. This is also aimed at clearing the air of some unfounded insinuations bothering on the integrity and performance of the meters being made by some individuals and groups; and also educating the customers on the functionality of the meters, as well as processes of acquiring and recharging the meters, he added.

Source: Guardian
The National Pension Commission is set to recover the pensions so far paid into the Retirement Savings Accounts of ghost workers,this was made known by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun.

She said since the establishment of the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit in March last year, about 53,000 ghost workers had so far been removed from the Federal Government payroll.

The minister gave the figure in her first Facebook video session, which was monitored by our correspondent.

The 23-minute video was filmed at the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance in Abuja.

Adeosun stated, The Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit came in so that they can check the payroll and make sure that we pay the right amount and ghost workers do not exist; there is no fraud and that there is no error in the payroll.

So far, we have removed 53,000 people from the payroll and we are working with PenCom to recover some of the pensions because the problem with these ghost salary earners is that not only are we paying their salaries, we are also paying pensions.

So, we are trying to recover some of the overpaid pensions from some of the people we have removed from the payroll.

Adeosun said before the commencement of the continuous audit initiative, the wage bill of the government was huge, standing at about N165bn monthly.

In addition, she said the government was spending N16bn each on pensions and overheads monthly, noting that when added to the N165bn wage bill, about N200bn was being expended monthly on recurrent items.

She stated, The wage bill when we started was N165bn a month, and that was huge. Its a huge bill and we have N16bn for pensions and another one for overheads.

And so by the time you add statutory transfers to agencies like the judiciary, the National Assembly, INEC and other statutory agencies, you will have N200bn every month before you can have anything to spend on capital projects.

So, we set a priority that we need to control this. Its a continuous battle and the real thing is that we are using technology to make sure we are paying people using the biometric system, which ensures that you cannot get two salaries and ensures that the number of personnel is the same as the number on the payroll.

The minister added that the focus of the government going forward was to bring all its agencies into the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System platform.

This, she added, would assist the government to further bring down the wage bill.

The IPPIS is one of the Federal Governments reform initiatives to improve the management of human resources and provide a centralised payroll system in the civil service.

Adeosun added, Our focus now is getting as many agencies and individuals as possible on the IPPIS and that sounds a quite ambitious target. The moment we finish with the police, we will move on to the military and then the prisons and immigration and other agencies like that.

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
The CEO Rap-A-Lot Records, J. Prince, recently made it clear that hes willing to do everything he can to get Birdman to pay Lil Wayne. Now, his son Jas Prince is coming for the money that Birdman is making off Drake.

Jas Prince is suing Birdman for failing to pay one-third of Drakes profits, which are owed to Prince and the Aspire Music Group as part of a deal that brought Drizzy to Cash Money Records. Prince says Birdman has cheated him and Aspire out of $4 million, according to documents obtained by TMZ.

Prince, who owns part of Aspire, previously reached a $11 million settlement with Cash Money over a similar dispute. Prince claimed he had not been paid 22 percent of all Drakes advances and net profits as part of the deal he made to bring the Toronto rapper to Cash Money. Cash Money tried to blame Aspire for Princes lack of payment before settling out of court.

The entrepreneurs latest lawsuit claims Birdman reached a new deal with Drake in 2013 that breached the contract with Prince. As a result, Prince has not been receiving the money hes owed for the last four years.

Birdman is clearly on the wrong side of the Prince family. J. Prince has stated he will make [Birdman] an offer he cant refuse regarding Waynes financial woes with Cash Money, so the Jas Prince lawsuit only adds to the drama.
Eight gunmen on Sunday kidnapped a trader, Alhaji Nuhu Isa, in Lambata Village of Gurara Local Government Area of Niger.

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state, Mr Philip Ayuba, on Tuesday, said the gunmen had already used the victims cell phone to call his family and demanded N1m ransom.

He said the kidnappers came with sophisticated weapons shooting indiscriminately in the village before taking the trader away.

He said the command had already swung into action to rescue the trader alive.

We are collaborating with other security agencies to rescue the trader alive, the commandant said.

He called on residents of Gurara, Suleja and Paikoro Local government areas to offer useful information that could assist in rescuing the victim.

( NAN)
A Lagos group, Concerned Citizens Forum, has decried the States new environmental law, and has called on the government to review it in the interest of the people.

The group, which described the new law as draconian, unprogressive and anti-people, said it was designed to mortgage the state to foreign interests.

Thus, they urged the government and the State House of Assembly to take a second look at the law and do away with some provisions that would likely inflict hardship on the people and completely mortgage the state to foreign interests.

They flayed the government for imposing a new waste discharge levy on the embattled local waste managers, arguing that the new charge of N2,000.00 on every trip they made to the waste dumps cannot hold, adding that it was a new tactics devised to send them out of the business at all cost.

In a statement issued in Lagos and signed by its Convener, Comrade Michael Olayiwola, the group called on the government to immediately embark on a review of the law, stating that if implemented as it was, it would not only render many workers jobless, but would also kill local capacity development and investment in the state, which is a cardinal interest of the government.

The group questioned the rationale of a law with the tendency to replace Nigerians with foreigners in the states waste disposal management and to leave the people at the mercy of some shadowy elements in government, who are determined to corner the wealth of the state for themselves.

Comrade Olayiwola accused the state government of trying to wholly make a foreign company, Visionscape, which has just set up its corporate headquarters at Heritage Place, Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos, to take over the business of waste collection and disposal in the State, wondering why a government that has professed to be keen about youth empowerment and human capital development should embark on displacing Nigerians and small scale businesses owned by them and substituting them with foreign business interests that have no known business root in the country before now.

The group also faulted the composition of Visionscapes management structure and its board. It stated that the company, being floated to replace the over 350 local waste mangers in the state has only five Nigerians in its 16-member management team and just two on its board. They questioned also the rationale by the state government for making public buildings across the state available to accommodate the foreign men and women when they are supposed to be strictly here on private business.

Olayiwola claimed that the governments determination to mortgage the state to foreign business interests was further exposed by the provision of the law, which puts the foreign waste operators payment on first line charge of government expenditure and provide an irrevocable service payment order for them.

According to him, Part 1, Section 7, Subsection(2a & b) state: The state shall secure the payment in respect of contracted services and concessions for long term infrastructure investment with an Irrevocable Service Payment Order as the FIRST LINE CHARGE on the states internally Generated Revenue(IGR) In the event that the states IGR is not sufficient or unavailable to discharge its obligations, the state SHALL apply monies due to it from the monthly allocations from the states Federal Allocation Account and or any other source to SECURE its payment obligations to the contractors and concessionaires under this law.

The group explained that the Lagos State Government is bound to pay the foreign company before it allocates money for any other services, including hospitals, schools, road construction, payment of workers salaries, provision of such other amenities as water supply and even before it performs other governmental duties.

The group said it was miffed at the provision of the law for public utilities levy (PUL) to replace the current billing system for waste collection and disposal in the state, stating that the plan to have the new levy that was likely to be much higher paid in lump sum annually as against the current practice of paying the waste service charge monthly or bi-monthly in this harsh economic times would be resisted as it will not only further inflict pain on the people that are already choking from the governments over taxation but would pauperized and sink them deeper into poverty. It expressed disappointment at the governments attempt under the law to criminalize the provision of water by the citizens for themselves, questioning the moral justification for that when it has failed in its constitutional responsibility of providing good portable water for the residents of the state.

The group then noted that one of the seven companies, Avender (Nig) Ltd signed on by the state government to partner Visionscape, the foreign firm engaged by the government to replace the local waste managers in the handling of waste collection and disposal under its Cleaner Lagos Initiative, has disengaged from the arrangement. Avender was said to have withdrawn from the engagement, citing government decision to revert its earlier agreement to allow them bill and collect the new utilities levy provided in the states new environmental law to replace the current waste collection billing system.

Source: ThisDay
Nigerias defence minister, Mansur Ali, has warned that it may take years to find all the Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram.

Boko Haram kidnapped the 276 students from a government secondary school in the north-eastern town of Chibok, Borno State, on April 14, 2014. About 195 of the girls are still missing and are believed to be in the custody of insurgents, whose activities have caused the death of about 100,000 people since 2009.

Speaking to VOAs Hausa service, monitored in Yola Tuesday, Mr. Ali, a retired brigadier general, said the military is committed to finding the girls and is searching Boko Haram hideouts in the Sambisa forest, a vast area covering parts of three states in north-eastern Nigeria.

He compared the inability to find the girls despite retaking most of the territory initially occupied by Boko Haram to the U.S. efforts to find Osama bin Laden after the invasion of Afghanistan.

It took the U.S. up to seven, eight, up to 10 years before they could get to bin Laden, he said. We are continuing our campaign in the Sambisa Forest in all its nooks and corners.

Mr. Ali spoke to VOA as activists marked the third anniversary of the girls abductions demanding more from the federal government to free the girls.

In 2014, Boko Haram seized control of about 14 local governments in the north-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. They have since lost virtually all the territory they occupied with the government saying they no longer control any territory within the country.

Despite the success, the governments inability to find the Chibok girls is overshadowing the military victory.

While reacting to the abduction on the VOA programme, an Islamic cleric, Nuru Khalid, a member of the influential Interfaith group that tries to ensure peace between Nigerian Muslims and Christians, said failure to find the girls would translate into a victory for Boko Haram.

We can never allow the terrorists to win the war. If they got [away] free with those girls, then they have relatively won the war, he said.

Also, a human rights lawyer, Bulama Bukar, said the government needs to address the psychological trauma suffered by the families of the missing girls and other victims of Boko Haram brutality.

Married women have been made single again; kids have been orphaned; homeowners are without shelter; Nigerians have been turned into refugees in their own homeland, he said.

President Buhari in his statement to mark the three years abduction of the Chibok girls had pledged that his administration will do everything possible to ensure the freedom of the girls.

Source: PremiumTimes
Moses Tuki is a 30-year-old artist from Nigeria, who creates extraordinary sculptures from junk.

He graduated from the New York Academy of Art in Tribeca. His thesis project, an extraordinary sculpture, called Off!!, is made of materials found in junk yards and bike shops that is a larger-than-life depiction of a helmeted warrior falling from a chariot, pulled by a horse reared 10 feet in the air.

Speaking in an interview, Tuki talked about his monumental sculpture and the efforts that went into constructing it.

Read excerpt below:

I had a scholarship from the Nigerian government to come to America, but the funds were not released to me because of corruption. My visa does not allow me to work and I am a man of honor and I wanted to respect the law. So my brother sent money from London and friends I made in school gave him money and clothes. They kept my dreams alive.

But I still did not have enough to live and sometimes not even enough for food. And I did not have the money to buy the materials I needed to make my project as it should be. And the school did not have a facility for welding. They said I should do something else.

I am very stubborn and when I want to do something I will not stop until I get it done. I said to myself, financial constraints will not stop me from achieving what I want to do. I am going to think of a way to get materials which cost little or nothing and put them together.

I told a fellow student, who I knew did bike repairs, that I want to work with junk. Do you know where I can get random bicycle parts for free? He said, I work in a bike shop, and this kind of materials are becoming a problem for us. We need to people to come pick up these parts. And I said, Whoh!

He took me to the bike store and they said, Thank God you have come to pick up our bullshit! and they allowed me to go to basement and pack it up. I took 700 to 800 bicycle wheels. I cut the rims to pieces. But then I couldnt make the wheels for the chariot. They needed to be fabricated and I couldnt do that. Then an artist friend asked to draw me in a junkyard in Red Hook. I said okayand thats where I found the wheel.

But I still didnt have a way to put everything together.

One night, I was talking to God and said, How am I going to do this? I dont have the resources. And, in a calm voice, He asked me a question: My son, what do you want? Wisdom or a welding machine. And I said, I am sorry for complaining. I want wisdom. And he said, I am going to give you wisdom in full measure. When I told my instructors that God had spoken to me, they thought I was crazy! But I was confident that I would create something.

I worked from 9 a.m.to midnight, seven days a week. I went from one bike store to another. I went to the junk yard in Red Hook. I got rusted parts, junk metal, some from cars, different things. Twice a week, I would carry stuff back on the subway or bus and I would be blocking the way. I would tell people I am sorry for being such a pain in the ass, but they were very nice to me, even though I was taking up so much space.

Sometimes, I got so frustrated, I felt like crying. I kept trying different ways to put the pieces together Instead of welding. I tried using nuts and bolt, but the metal snapped. Then one day, I tried using a clamp. It worked! I rushed to the store and bought more and I realized that with these clamps, I could create it. I used more that 1,000 clamps.

No one could figure out how I did it. Then a professor said to me in class, Do you know the gravity of what you have done? You have solved a problem no one knew how to solve. You have found a way so you dont have to cast. That is a real breakthrough and we have not seen anything like this before.

People say this piece is beautiful, that its incredible. But I dont care about that. What matters to me is what propelled me to make it. To try to use art to make society a better place.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

Trend:

Malta, during its EU presidency, is ready to support the signing of the Azerbaijan-EU agreement on strategic partnership and contribute to reaching the agreement, Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat told a meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.

Azerbaijani FM is currently on an official visit in Malta.

During the meeting, Joseph Muscatexpressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation with Azerbaijan and noted the need to develop relations in all spheres, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said.

Elmar Mammadyarov informed Muscat about Azerbaijans economic development and noted the large-scale projects that are now being implemented.
With the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, now declared ready for flight operations, local airlines have announced their plans to commence flight operations on Wednesday.

The Abuja airport was closed for six weeks to allow repair of its only runway. The repairs have now been completed to meet the April 19 date for the reopening of the airport, officials have said.

One of the local airlines, Air Peace, announced commencement of its flights to Abuja on Monday.

We are pleased to announce resumption of all our flights into and out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with effect from April 19. Air peace said in a statement by its Corporate Communications Manager, Chris Iwarah.

Air Peace also applauded the Federal Government and the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, for ensuring immediate completion of the repairs of the facility.

We considered the decision of the Federal Government to shut down the airport for quick repair of its runway in tandem with the high safety standards of our flight operations.

At Air Peace, the safety of our esteemed guests is our first rule of business. We do not compromise on that for any reason.

Although the decision to shut the facility to traffic came with huge costs, for us, nothing compares with safety.

We are also aware that our numerous guests and the entire travelling public had to make a lot of sacrifice to enable the repair of the runway possible and wish to commend them for their understanding and cooperation, it said.

It added that the repair of the runway has further intensified our enthusiasm to deliver the best flight experience to our valued guests in a very safe atmosphere.

Our Abuja schedules are alive once again and we promise to give the best of air travel services as we resume our flight operations in the Federal Capital Territory.

Another local airline, Medview, in a statement by its Chief Operating Officer, Lookman Animashaun, also announced resumption of flights.

According to the airline, besides the six daily flights to Abuja, its flights to Yola, Kano and Maiduguri will be routed through Abuja, which has been the practice.

The airline said that the closure of Abuja airport brought out the potential of Kaduna International Airport.

It said that it was operating a daily flight to Kaduna.

Kaduna has a lot of potential, hence, we decided to maintain daily presence there, it said.

Source: PremiumTimes
A former Governor of old Kaduna State and elder statesman, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, has said northern Nigeria needs at least 40 years to catch up with the southern region in terms of educational development.

The former governor said this in an interview with our correspondent while reacting to the claim by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, who described northern Nigeria as being the poorest region in the country and in dire need of attention.

Musa said the North was a troubled child of the country because of the misrule of political leaders and a skewed system of deprivation left by the colonialists in the North.

He said, The North is truly behind, but it is not only the North that is in trouble. The whole country is in trouble. The North is not another country. The problem in the North, as far as education is concerned, is a gap which it inherited from the British colonialists. And I have estimated that this gap in educational development between northern Nigeria and the South is a 40-year gap.

This means that the North is behind the South in educational development for at least 40 years. This shows that even if the North wakes up today and takes a revolutionary step to bridge the gap, it will take the North 40 years.

You know the position of educational development in national growth. This is the reason why the North is a troubled child and has never allowed Nigeria to have peace, unity and progress. It is not possible for the northern people with this unequal human capacity to participate actively in their affairs. They will always be the source of trouble.

I believe this problem can be tackled by the government bringing a free, compulsory primary and secondary education throughout Nigeria. The government can afford it. I think this talk of North, North should stop. The whole country should come together and find solutions to these problems.

We have had many presidents from the North but what benefits have they done to the North? Presidents also came from the South-West and South-South. In what ways did those presidents benefit their regions? None. Therefore, we need to sit down as a country and tackle our problems collectively.

Source: Punch
One of the gunmen that killed four policemen and an army captain at Isawo in Ikorodu, near Lagos has been killed.

ACP. Abba Kyari, Commander of the Inspector- General of Polices Response Team (IRT), made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

On April 9, gunmen killed six people, including an army captain, four policemen, a landlord and a member of the Oodua Peoples Congress at Isawo in Ikorodu.

Kyari said that after the killing of the six people, the I-G deployed the team to Ikorodu to apprehend the suspects.

He said that close monitoring of the area by the police team led to an encounter that resulted to the death of the militant.

On April 16, after several days of intensive follow up by the IRT team, one of the suspects, Endurance Ominisan, (a.k.a. Mighty), a native of Arogbo in Ondo State, came out from the creeks to visit his girlfriend.

Ominisan was visiting the girl at a house he rented for her at No. 20, Joel Adebolu St., at Ibeshe in Ikorodu.

The IRT team immediately swooped on him and surrounded the house.

On sighting the operatives, the militant escaped to the roof of the house from where he fired several shots with his pistol at the IRT team.

The operatives, swiftly returned fire and wounded the militant, who was on the roof of the house.

The injured militant was eventually brought down from the roof and rushed to General Hospital, Ikorodu, where he later died.

He mentioned one America, Stone, Vika, etc as his gang members, who participated in the killing of the policemen and a soldier.

He also confessed that he participated in the kidnapping of the Oniba of Iba, the Turkish School Girls and other abductions in Lagos and Ogun States before he died.

One Turkish made Fatih 13 pistol with serial No. 12 TF00126 with four expended and five live ammunitions were recovered from him, Kyari said.

He said that the team had intensified efforts to arrest the remaining members of the gang.

Source: ( PM News )
President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the performance of the Ministries of Transport, Power, Works and Housing and the security agencies over the successful completion of work on the runway and re-opening of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Buhari gave the commendation in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, on Tuesday in Abuja, 24 hours ahead of the time limit.

The President also lauded the efforts of Kaduna State Government, the contractor, Julius Berger, and others, on the successful completion of the airport project, 24 hours ahead of the time limit.

Buhari said that he looked forward to such display of inter-agency cooperation and efficiency in the operation of the entire Federal Government machinery.

He also thanked Ethiopian Airlines for cooperating with the Nigerian Government during the period of the closure of Abuja airport, describing it as a good example of intra-African cooperation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that When the Abuja Airport was closed on March 8 for repairs on its runway and flight operations were diverted to Kaduna International Airport Ethiopian Airlines was the first to land its new Boeing 787 in Kaduna.

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) on Tuesday also praised the Federal Government for the prompt rehabilitation and re-opening of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

The airport had on March 8 shut for six weeks to give way for the rehabilitation of the runway. Kaduna airport served as alternative during the period of the closure.

Source : ( PM News )
Reno Omokri has urged rich Nigerian pastors to show that they really care about their congregation members wallowing in poverty by selling their jets to feed them.

A former aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has challenged Nigerian pastors to live an examplary life by selling their private jets and use the money to carter for the needy in their communities.

He was reacting following serious of reports in which a good number of Nigerians are attempting to kill themselves ostensibly over the economic hardship in the country after the shocking decision by a doctor who killed himself by jumping into the Lagos Lagoon last week. This was followed by another case of two women who were rescued from jumping into the Lagoon by the Lagos State Police Command.

The womans case it was revealed was as a result of economic crisis she found herself in.

He noted that the government may succeed in policing the Lagos lagoon, but he wondered what happens to several unreported cases of people killing themselves in the villages.

In a post he shared on his Instagram page, Omokri wrote, Never in the history of Nigeria has s**cide been so widespread.

There is so much despair in the Land. We need police presence around the Lagoon in Lagos. But my thinking is even if we police the Lagoon, how many s**cide go unreported in villages across Nigeria? This is not PDP or APC. If doctors and business men and women are being moved to su*cide, what about the increasing number of unemployed? I call on churches to shift focus from miracles and financial breakthroughs to extending love to the broken, abandoned, lonely and unemployed in their communities.
The Registrar made this known in Ibadan on Tuesday, had to explain that the policy was part of the three-year Ministerial Strategic Plan designed by the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu.

According to Ajiboye, the council would stop the present form of registration that did not entail any examination at the end of May 2017, while the first professional qualifying examination of the TRCN would take place at the end of September 2017.

He said the policy was designed to fully professionalise teaching in Nigeria and ensure that only those who were qualified to teach were employed by the government for quality assurance.

While noting that the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari would not joke with professionalism in the teaching profession, Ajiboye added that teachers who registered on or before May 31, 2017,  would be exempted from the qualifying examinations.

He said that already, the council had registered about 1.6 million teachers since he assumed office under this administration.

By the end of 2017, Nigerian children will be taught by only qualified professional teachers who can deliver the quality education desirous for the elevation of our children and our country.

Professionalism is the key for entering into the profession, those who do not have what it takes cannot be trusted with the future of our children. We are out to ensure a guaranteed future for our future leaders by ensuring that those who teach them are the best around. This will translate to higher performances and better value for professional teachers.

The professional examination takes place by the end of September and it is the first of its kind and we have structured it into modules of different categories. This is in line with the three-year Ministerial Strategic Plan on education policy designed by the Minister of Education, said Ajiboye.

The TRCN boss added that the professional qualifying examination would be designed in modules comprising category A (PhD holders), category B (Master degree holders), category C (Bachelor degree holders), and category D (NCE holders).

Source : ( Punch Newspaper )
Shootin' the Bull about cattle Swift Trading Company - 15 minutes ago A pretty lethargic trade today in the live cattle market. I don't expect much to transpire this week. There may be something to come from the WASDE report on Wednesday, but I don't foresee many changes. ...

Dollar Drops on Lower T-Note Yields Barchart - 1 hour ago The dollar index (DXY00 ) on Tuesday fell by -0.48% and posted a 1-1/2 month low. The dollar gave up early gains Tuesday and moved lower as a decline in T-note yields weakened the dollars interest rate... DXY00 : 109.624 (-0.45%) ^EURUSD : 1.00735 (+0.53%) ^USDJPY : 145.661 (-0.62%) GCZ22 : 1,715.9 (+2.11%) SIZ22 : 21.440 (+2.49%)

Nat-Gas Prices Sink on Possible Delay of U.S. Nat-Gas Exports Barchart - 1 hour ago Dec Nymex natural gas (NGZ22 ) on Tuesday closed down -0.806 (-11.61%). Dec nat-gas Tuesday sold off sharply on concern U.S. nat-gas exports will be delayed, which would cause a build up of inventories.... NGZ22 : 6.200 (-10.71%)

Cocoa Prices Underpinned by Ivory Coast Dock Workers Strike Barchart - 1 hour ago December ICE NY cocoa (CCZ22 ) on Tuesday closed up +31 (+1.24%), and December ICE London cocoa #7 (CAZ22 ) closed up +1 (+0.05%). Cocoa prices Tuesday extended their week-long rally, with NY cocoa climbing... CCH23 : 2,524s (+1.53%) CAH23 : 2,016s (+0.40%)

Sugar Climbs on the Outlook for Smaller Global Supplies Barchart - 1 hour ago March NY world sugar #11 (SBH23 ) on Tuesday closed up +0.32 (+1.71%), and Dec London white sugar #5 (SWZ22 ) closed up +6.50 (+1.22%). Sugar prices Tuesday extended their week-long rally, with NY sugar... SBH23 : 19.00s (+1.71%) SWH23 : 517.40s (+1.31%)

Coffee Prices Fall on Favorable Brazil 2023/24 Coffee Crop Prospects Barchart - 1 hour ago December arabica coffee (KCZ22 ) on Tuesday closed down -4.10 (-2.40%), and Jan ICE Robusta coffee (RMF23 ) closed down -10 (-1.08%). Coffee prices Tuesday posted moderate losses, with arabica falling... KCH23 : 164.15s (-1.14%) RMF23 : 1,831s (-1.08%)

Navigating The Volatility Blue Line Futures - Tue Nov 8, 1:48PM CST Our daily video . . .

Hogs Lower on Turnaround Tuesday Barchart - Tue Nov 8, 11:52AM CST Hogs are giving some of the Monday rally back at Tuesdays midday, with front months down 85 cents to $1.15. The USDA National Average Base Hog Price was up $3.43 to $86.11. The CME Lean Hog Index was... HEZ22 : 85.575s (-1.69%) HEJ23 : 94.200s (-0.16%) KMZ22 : 95.975 (-0.23%)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

Trend:

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today received former President of Bulgaria Rosen Plevneliyev.

Former Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliyev said he is always happy to visit Azerbaijan.

Pointing out his meetings with President Ilham Aliyev, Rosen Plevneliyev emphasized their signing the document on strategic partnership between the two countries.

Plevneliyev noted that President Aliyevs far-sighted policy contributed to implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project.

President Ilham Aliyev recalled his visit to Bulgaria and his meetings with the Bulgarian president, hailing the excellent relations between the two countries.

He expressed his confidence that fruitful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria will further develop.
Self-storage manager and first-time attendee Diana Espinoza expected to pick up a few ideas at this years Inside Self-Storage World Expo in Las Vegas, April 10-13. But by the second day of the event, she already had a legal pad full of notes and to-dos to implement at her Climate Self Storage business, with four locations in New Mexico and Texas.

I already had my eyes open as a manager. But now I have a broader view of what needs to get done, Espinoza says.

This years show at the Paris Hotel & Resort drew nearly 4,000 professionals from worldwide to learn, network and share information about an industry thats enjoying a massive wave of success. The biggest self-storage event of the year included seven specialized seminar tracks, seven deep-dive workshops, an International Program, sessions in Spanish, roundtable discussions, several networking events and vendor presentations. It also included two days of exhibits by more than 180 product and service suppliers.

The 2017 expo was attended by people from all 50 states as well as seven Canadian provinces and nearly 30 countries. It boasted more than 1,400 first-time attendees.

Were extremely grateful to all of the presenters, exhibitors and attendees who participated in the biggest international self-storage expo ever, says Troy Bix, vice president of ISS. The overall experience was the best Ive ever been a part of.

Getting Schooled

The ISS Expo has always provided outstanding education, but this years platform drew record crowds of professionals seeking to advance their skills. They had access to more learning opportunities than ever between 45 seminars, seven workshops, roundtable discussions, two open-forum Q&As and more. Nearly 100 total presenters provided guidance on all things self-storage.

The show opened with three workshops on development, legal issues and marketing, with the Development Workshop reaching a new attendance record of more than 300. Students included new investors as well as existing owners looking to grow their portfolio.

Day two launched with an Attendee Welcome & Orientation that served as a primer for show participants to help them maximize their experience. They learned how to navigate the show, where and how to download the expo mobile app, which events were cant miss and much more. From there, they funneled into one of five seminar rooms focused on building, management, investing, ownership and marketing. In the late afternoon, they got their burning questions answered at the annual Self-Storage Q&A, where several folks won great prizes.

The program continued on Wednesday with tracks focused on finance, management, marketing, ownership and technology. Espinoza particularly liked the seminars on legal issues and emergency preparedness. Being a supervisor, its important that Im aware of the legal stuff so I can let the other managers know about the dos and donts, she says. I learned about the steps we need to take in case of an emergency. It was very helpful.

After the conclusion of seminars, attendees rubbed elbows with peers and experts during the shows nearly 30 roundtable discussions, with topics ranging from portable storage to solar energy to tax-saving tips and much more. After an afternoon of exhibits, the days learning ended with the Self-Storage Legal Q&A, hosted by industry attorney Jeffrey Greenberger.

The shows education lineup ended on Thursday with four specialty workshops: Legal Learning Live (taught by Greenberger), the Management Workshop, the Owner/Operator Executive Workshop and the all-new Sales-Skills Workshop. More than 150 storage operators participated in this comprehensive session, which provided a plug-and-play sales system to help them boost conversions and generate more revenue.

Reaching Across Borders

With approximately 150 international attendees representing nearly 30 countries, it was important that the ISS Expo provide activities to appeal to a global audience. All show participants had access to a full-day International Program this year, which included eight sessions on self-storage around the world. Regions of focus included Canada, Europe, Latin America and many others. A comprehensive panel which broke into roundtables for more intimate discussion covered Africa, Australia the Middle East and further areas of special interest.

Spanish-speaking attendees also had their own program this year, with three seminars in their native tongue. Held on Tuesday, 1-4 p.m., it included a close look at the Latin America self-storage market, a case study of success in the region, and a debate focused on facility development.

Exhibits to Explore

Though the expo hall was expanded this year to include more booths than ever before, filling 26,000 square feet of space, the floor was completely sold out. More than 180 companies, including 25 first-time exhibitors, displayed their wares, answering questions and providing demonstrations. An overflow area just outside the main hall included seven companies.

The caliber and breadth of this years vendors was remarkable, Bix says. Our attendees were eager to meet with these companies, and the booths were packed.

For Fay Smithhart, manager of My Self Storage in Gonzales, La., the expo hall provided a valuable opportunity. I was able to talk with vendors and meet them face-to-face. This interaction was very helpful, she says. According to Smithhart, the experience is a must for any existing or would-be storage professional. Everyone should attend the ISS Expo. And owners would be crazy not to send their managers to the show so they can learn more about the business.
Self-storage manager Jennifer Moss Autrey was sentenced to conditional probation and ordered to pay restitution for her role in a string of thefts at Millennium Self Storage in Beaumont, Texas. Autrey pleaded guilty to engaging in organized criminal activity in which she routinely alerted cohort Cory Wayne Dreymala over a six-month period when tenants had moved potentially valuable belongings into units at the 7th Street facility. Dreymala also pleaded guilty to the same charge and received a five-year sentence, according to the source.

Dreymala, 40, was first arrested in connection to the case in December 2015 after he was reportedly caught on video breaking into units at the storage facility. Police continued to receive reports of burglarized units after Dreymala was freed on bond, but the security cameras at the property were disabled in those instances, the source reported.

Investigators determined Autrey, 46, enabled the burglaries by notifying Dreymala when she observed tenants storing potentially valuable goods. Dreymala, potentially assisted by others, would then break into the units and haul off valuables in the facilitys moving truck, detective Tina Lewallen told the source.

[Dreymala] doesnt have a vehicle, Lewallen said. He would use the [storage facilitys] truck, load it up, drive it to a vacant lot, roll up the back of the truck and literally sell right out of the truck.

Dreymala was also involved in selling antique furniture online, according to Lewallen.

In a statement to the source last year, Dreymala maintained he was homeless and paid by Autrey under the table to help clean up the facility. He said Autrey told him the units from which he took goods were abandoned and asked him to clean them out.

The burglars broke into the spaces near the tops of the units but had to cut the locks off the doors to remove large items like refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers, according to Lewallen. When Dreymala was arrested a second time, he was in possession of a large quantity of items stolen from the self-storage facility, Robert Scott, assistant district attorney, told the source.

Dreymala faced up to 10 years of incarceration for the third-degree felony charge. Autrey was given probation by Judge Larry Gist on condition she pay restitution to the victims. The value of the stolen goods is estimated in the six figures, according to the source.

A third person, Anders Jensen, was arrested in connection with the theft ring but had his case dismissed.
Trey McGirt, whose family owns four Monkey Junction Self Storage facilities in North Carolina, is looking to build an artists consignment, crafts and gift store near one of his facilities in Wilmington, N.C. Hell host a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. on April 25 at the Monkey Junction property at 5044 Carolina Beach Road to discuss the project.

The parcel at 5119 and 5123 Carolina Beach Road is less than half a mile from the storage facility and near a Walmart. McGirt will develop the project with his father, according to the source.

In a letter to adjacent property owners, McGirt explained hes seeking conditional zoning-district approval from New Hanover County officials to move forward with the development. He also noted traffic wouldnt be impacted by the store because the area is heavily commercial. Its an available location thats suited for these styles of businesses, with the size of the property and dimensions, he added.

The store would be similar to Blue Moon Gift Shops on Racine Drive and The Ivy Cottage, a home-decor consignment retailer on Market Street. It would also be of the same quality as the familys storage properties, McGirt said.

Monkey Junction operates three facilities in Wilmington and one in Leland, N.C. In addition to traditional storage, the properties offer vehicle storage, truck rentals, and moving and packing supplies.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Anakhanum Hidayatova  Trend:

The EU is aiming for participation of around 300 companies in the Azerbaijan-EU business forum to be held June 8 in Baku, said Head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan Malena Mard.

The forum attendees will have the possibility to hear directly from businessmen about the business climate in Azerbaijan, she told reporters in Baku Apr. 18.

We are looking forward to seeing how we can support further reforms in Azerbaijan, she added.

Apart from that, Mard said the next negotiations on a new Azerbaijan-EU agreement on strategic partnership will be held in the coming week. The EU is ready to mull many subjects at the talks, according to her.

The new agreement should replace the 1996 partnership and cooperation agreement and should better take account of the shared objectives and challenges the EU and Azerbaijan face today. The agreement will follow the principles endorsed in the 2015 review of the European Neighborhood Policy and offer a renewed basis for political dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan.

The new agreement envisages the compliance of Azerbaijans legislation and procedures with the EUs most important international trade norms and standards, which should lead to improvement of Azerbaijani goods access to the EU markets.
Patrick Groenendijk, who left Northern Trust last month, will return to an asset-owning role at Shell Asset Management Company.

The equity strategist who left Northern Trust last month will be joining the pension fund manager for gas company Shell, Institutional Investor has learned.

Patrick Groenendijk will be the new head of strategy at Shell Asset Management Company  called SAMCo  in the Netherlands, a spokesperson for Shell confirmed early Tuesday. SAMCo manages the pension assets for Shell employees based around the world.

Groenendijk had led Northern Trusts equities strategy out of the U.S. but recently left the role after less than a year. His new appointment marks a return to Europe and the asset-owning sector for Groenendijk, after nearly three years working at the American asset manager. The chess enthusiast spent nearly nine years as CIO of Pensioenfonds Vervoer before joining Northern Trust in 2014.

Groenendijk also previously worked in strategy and research roles at Dutch pension funds PME and ABP. He also spent nine months as a principal at Barclays in 2005.

Groenendijk holds a Ph.D. in financial economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Institutional investors in Asia, particularly sovereign wealth funds, have been doing more co-investment deals in search of returns.

Large institutional investors in Asia are ramping up private equity co-investments to lower risk by pairing up with experienced players, according to a new report.

Sovereign wealth funds, in particular, have been more open to deals to co-invest in private equity, real estate, and infrastructure than have state pension funds, according to the report, published by research and consulting firm Cerulli. As sovereign wealth fund portfolios diversify toward foreign and alternative investments, some are tolerating more risk to achieve returns, Cerulli says.

Koreas sovereign wealth fund, the Korea Investment Corporation, sought co-investment opportunities even before alternative investments were a growing trend in the region. In March 2015, KIC paired with Busan Port Authority, which operates maritime and seaport trade in Korea, to co-invest in infrastructure. The fund, which had assets equivalent to $91.8 billion at the end of 2015, also secured partnerships with Korea Development Bank and Korean Teachers Credit Union in recent years.

Co-investment, in which institutions invest in companies or other investments alongside their external asset managers, is often a suitable option for institutions that do not have the staff to make direct private equity investments, said Barbara Wall, Cerullis Europe managing director, in the report. However, it needs to be remembered that successful co-investing does require general- partner-like knowledge, she added.

While KIC pursued co-investment early on, two of Asias most active institutions in the strategy are Singapores two sovereign wealth funds  GIC and Temasek. GIC has been a trailblazer in sourcing deals, Cerulli says, and is also pursuing more complex investments. Its years of investment experience and own investment teams have given it confidence to invest by itself, or co-invest when the stakes are high, Cerulli wrote.

In 2013, the fund introduced a framework that allowed it to take a more active approach to investments. GIC in February was reported to be in discussions along with private equity managers KKR, CVC Capital Partners, and Ardian to acquire a stake in Telxius, a subsidiary of Spanish telecommunications company Telefonica.

Temasek, despite preferring direct investment, also launched a co-investment vehicle called Astrea II in 2014. Temasek owned 38 percent of the vehicle and had holdings in 36 private equity funds at the time of the launch, according to the report.

Chinese state institutions are expected to pursue more public-private partnerships and co-investments in the near future, Cerulli said. The China Investment Corporation created a real estate department in 2015; its most recent investments have been in infrastructure. Last year, CIC began a joint investment in the Port of Melbourne along with Australias Future Fund and several other partners. Its previous joint infrastructure investments included one in Turkey.

Co-investments among Asian institutions can be expected to increase as funds try to alleviate cost pressures. But as these investors strengthen their capabilities and expertise, co-investment will eventually fall out of favor, Cerulli predicted.
Specialist agricultural insurer Achmea Australia has announced a new CEO for its operations in Australia.Emma Thomas will take on the role from Timo van Voorden, who will return to the Netherlands having set up the Australian arm of the Dutch firm five years ago.Thomas will join the business from FMG Insurance, New Zealands largest rural insurer, having spent a decade with the firm.During this time, Thomas has held various roles at FMG including head of sales, service and operations, head of advice and sales and financial controller.It has been an absolute dream job to build Achmea Australia from the ground up, and to recruit such a great group of people to do it with me, van Voorden said.Thomas said that the agribusiness insurance model has a more important place now than ever before as recent disasters have shown.Having seen first-hand the devastating impacts  both commercially and personally  of natural disasters and storm events on the farming community, the mutual ethos has a very important role in the Australian insurance industry, Thomas said.I look forward to building on the proud history Achmea has in supporting rural businesses and putting clients first.Achmea is a mutual-based insurer which counts Rabobank as one of its major stakeholders.Thomas will join the company later this month.
Insurers have faced plenty of questions about how they assess premiums in recent times  whether its being told that marital status and occupation shouldnt be used to quantify risk, or the case of life insurers that cant make medical assessments of their potential customers. However, if there was one factor that insurers could always rely on to make assessments it was the good old ZIP code  at least, until now.The ZIP code has been used to assess premiums for a number of reasons  how prone that area is to a high rate of crime, for instance, naturally impacts both car and home insurance premiums. However, State Senator Jacqueline Collins believes that needs to change  and that by barring companies from using a persons ZIP code to determine a premium it could cut out the risk of minority communities facing higher than usual premiums.As quoted in the Chicago Sun Times, Collins, a Democrat in the city, outlined that she would be adding ZIP codes to her pending bill that also wants to outlaw insurers from using a persons credit rating to determine premiums.The legislation has reportedly been in the works for two years with Collins bidding to prevent insurers from charging higher rates to those in low-income, or predominantly minority, areas. Her efforts come on the back of a report by Propublica and Consumer Reports which discovered that 33 of 34 insurers in the Illinois area charged at least 10% more in zones with a higher rate of minorities. That report, however, has caused something of a storm with the Insurance Information Institute demanding an independent expert review the data it is based on.Collins, who is part of the Senate insurance committee, is anticipating a backlash from the insurance community.What theyll say is that we cannot discriminate based on race, but we know that ZIP codes and credit scores are proxies for race, she told the publication.What is your opinion on the pending bill? Does Collins have a point  or is it outrageous to take this method of calculating premiums away from insurers? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Swiss Re plans to launch in 2018 a subsidiary in Singapore, which will become the companys regional headquarters for its reinsurance operations in Asia.

The company, Swiss Re Asia, will be wholly owned by its Zurich-based global parent, Swiss Re Ltd., will share Swiss Res group credit rating and will supported by the financial resources of the Swiss Re Group.

Swiss Re Asia will continue to serve its clients and partners across the region through its network of offices, mirroring its existing footprint in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore, the company said.

This move demonstrates our commitment to Asia as we become even closer to the market, said Jayne Plunkett, Swiss Re chief executive officer, Reinsurance Asia.

To embrace the fast growing insurance industry, we are committed to the growth of our talent base. This change will provide our employees with more opportunities for personal growth within the region itself, she went on to say.

The new structure of the reinsurance business will not affect Swiss Re Corporate Solutions in Asia, Swiss Re said.

Swiss Re Hong Kong branch, which was established in 1956, will continue to be the Asian hub for the companys life & health business. It will also remain as the base for a number of its property & casualty teams.

During the process to create the subsidiary, business will continue as normal for Swiss Res clients and partners, Swiss Re affirmed. The terms and conditions of agreements with Swiss Re, as well as the companys obligations, remain unchanged. Clients and partners will also continue to be served by the same local teams.

Asian Insurance Sector

The Asian insurance sector has seen strong growth over the past decade, with the region now accounting for 30 percent of global insurance premiums, compared to 20 percent in 2007, noted the company in a statement.

Swiss Re expects the regions non-life and life premiums to grow by 5 percent and 6 percent, respectively, in real terms per annum in the coming decade. Emerging Asian insurance markets will grow even faster, the company added.

Swiss Re has been associated with Asia since 1913 and has over 1,900 employees in the region.

Source: Swiss Re

Related:

Singapore Ranks Highest in Asia in Attracting Talent; No. 2 in Global Index

Topics Trends Swiss Re
A woman who was struck in the head by a discus at a 2014 state track meet in Nebraska has been awarded $350,000 in a settlement.

The Omaha World-Herald reports that 83-year-old Bernice Gorecki filed a lawsuit in 2015 after being hit by a student-athletes discus while standing in the visitor area of the track meet at Burke High School in Omaha.

She and her husband sued the Omaha Public Schools and the Nebraska State Activities Association, alleging the entities failed in their duty to keep spectators safe.

District spokeswoman Monique Farmer says a spectator fence has now been pushed back farther.

Goreckis attorney, David Mullin, says he cant comment on Goreckis injuries or her recovery.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Nebraska
The video of a passenger being dragged by an officer from a United Express flight shined an unwanted spotlight on the little-known police force that guards Chicagos two main airports and could threaten the agencys future.

Chicagos aviation officers are not part of the regular police force, unlike in many other big cities. They get less training than regular officers and cant carry firearms inside the airports. Three of them were put on leave amid outrage over how they treated the passenger.

Cellphone footage of the confrontation really has put it at risk, Alderman Chris Taliaferro said on April 12, a day before aldermen were scheduled to grill United and the Chicago Aviation Department about why a Kentucky physician was yanked out of his seat after he refused to get off the full jetliner at OHare Airport.

The City Council is looking for answers about the embarrassing video that has been seen around the world. At the top of the list of questions is whether the airport officers even had the legal authority to board the plane, said Alderman Michael Zalewski, who leads the councils aviation committee.

They are allowed in the terminal and baggage area, but my understanding is they may not be allowed on a plane, he said. Zalewski also said that he is not sure if the officers have the authority to make arrests or if they are authorized only to write tickets.

An Aviation Department spokeswoman did not respond to questions about the duties of the aviation police force.

The department will also be asked about training. Zalewski said airport officers receive four months of training compared with the six months cadets must complete before joining the citys police department.

We dont know what that two-month gap means, he said, adding that he will ask if the airport officers receive the same kind of training in de-escalating tense situations that city police officers get.

The roughly 300 aviation police officers earn between $50,000 and $88,000 a year and cost the city about $19 million a year. They are city employees but not members of the Chicago Police Department.

The agencys history is a decidedly Chicago story. According to Zalewski, the force was created years ago by the legendary Mayor Richard J. Daley.

The chief of his bodyguard detail, when he retired, was sent to OHare to head up a new security detail  called gate guards. he said. In the old days, it was all patronage. It was all clout to get those jobs.

The department grew and became more sophisticated during the tenure of Daleys son, Mayor Richard M. Daley. The gate guards became aviation security officers whose uniforms closely resembled those of city police officers, Zalewski said.

Today, unlike other airport police forces in Los Angeles, New York and Minneapolis, Chicagos aviation police are not allowed to carry guns.

That fact drew attention earlier this year when, in the wake of a shooting at the airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, CNN reported that the officers were told that they would not be dispatched to calls of disturbances in some areas, including baggage claim.

Taliferro has proposed an ordinance that would allow the officers to carry guns. He acknowledged that Sunday evenings event make passage of that proposal much tougher. Zalewski called it all but impossible.

The city also assigns approximately 200 regular police officers to the two airports, all of them armed. One possibility for reform could be to disband the aviation force in favor of more city police officers, though Taliaferro thinks that is unlikely.

Zalewski said he has talked to Aviation Commissioner Ginger Evans, describing her as livid about the passengers treatment. But he will not say what, if any changes she might recommend when she speaks to the committee on Thursday.

One thing has already changed: Uniteds chief executive said the carrier will no longer ask police to remove passengers from full flights.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Law Enforcement Aviation Training Development
Authorities in central Illinois have issued an arrest warrant for a businessman they allege burned down his auto and tire shop last year.

The State Journal-Register in Springfield reported the Montgomery County Sheriffs Department has issued an arrest warrant on arson charges for 38-year-old Ryan E. Payne of Hillsboro.

Payne is the owner of Paynes Tire and Auto in Schram City.

Montgomery County Undersheriff Rick Robbins alleges Payne burned down the business and duped the public into thinking it was an accident.

Payne owned the auto and tire business with his wife, Christina. Robbins said she has not been charged. However, he added the investigation is continuing.

Robbins said after the fire in May, Payne used insurance money to rebuild on the same site. The business and a restaurant that opened in December have since closed.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Illinois
Fidelity & Guaranty Life terminated its $1.6 billion agreement to be purchased by Chinas Anbang Insurance Group Co. and said it will weigh other possible deals.

FGLs board is continuing to evaluate strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and has received interest from a number of parties, the company said Monday in a statement. FGL has no remaining obligations under the merger agreement and may enter into an alternative transaction.

The U.S. insurer agreed in 2015 to the Anbang deal at a price of $26.80 a share. But Anbang struggled to win regulatory approval, and valuations of U.S. life insurers climbed, giving Des Moines, Iowa-based FGL incentive to find a new buyer. Under terms of a February amendment, FGL was permitted to cancel the agreement Monday. Athene Holding Ltd., the annuity seller with ties to Apollo Global Management LLC, has been weighing a plan to pursue FGL, people familiar with the plan said in February.

We believe Athene is the favorite to buy FGL, assuming the Anbang deal breaks, analysts led by Ryan Krueger at Keefe Bruyette & Woods said in a note to clients Sunday.

FGLs stock has been trading above the deal price for weeks, closing at $27.95 Monday. The insurer is majority owned by HRG Group Inc., a holding company that counts Leucadia National Corp. as its top shareholder.

Canceled Deals

Anbang hasnt followed through recently with plans for major expansion in the U.S. A year ago, a group led by Anbang withdrew a $14 billion takeover for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc., citing various market considerations. Last October, Anbang called off a deal to buy a landmark Southern California hotel from Blackstone Group LP after U.S. national security officials expressed concern over the propertys proximity to a naval base.

Last month, Anbang abandoned talks with the family of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trumps son-in-law and a White House special adviser, to redevelop a Manhattan office tower, after lawmakers cited potential conflicts of interest. A representative for Anbang didnt immediately return a message seeking comment Monday.

With assistance from David S. Joachim and Greg Farrell

Related:

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits USA China
Obamacare is stuck in limbo, and insurers and state regulators are struggling to set their plans for whats increasingly shaping up as a chaotic year for the health-care program.

After the failure of Republicans first attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and President Donald Trumps subsequent threats to let the program explode, more health insurers are threatening to pull out next year, while others may sharply raise the premiums they charge. Theyll start to declare in the next few weeks whether theyre in or out.

Marguerite Salazar, Colorados insurance regulator, said that her states carriers, which include Anthem Inc. and Cigna Corp., havent said theyre leaving, though they dont want to commit either.

Thats my biggest fear, is that we would lose carriers in the individual market, Salazar said. We dont want to set up an environment that would tell them, well, maybe we dont need to be here.

In Washington, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler pushed back by a month the date when insurers have to say what theyll offer. Hes urging them to stay and thinks most will, but theyre not making commitments right now.

Theyve got those cards and theyre holding them close, said Kreidler, a Democrat. Right now, theres so much uncertainty. The fear is that theyll follow the lead of Aetna Inc. and Wellmark Inc., which pulled out of Iowas Obamacare markets this month.

Trumps Uncertainty

Much of the uncertainty is thanks to the Trump administration, which will play a key role in deciding whether the health laws markets collapse or survive. Industry representatives  including company executives and insurance lobby CEO Marilyn Tavenner  are scheduled to meet Tuesday with Seema Verma, the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the U.S. agency that oversees the law.

Trumps latest threat has been to stop payments that subsidize co-pays and other upfront costs for lower-income people. Without them, insurers would likely boost their premiums or drop out entirely. The administration has refused to commit to keeping the payments going.

Health insurers see April 30 as a key deadline for a decision on the cost-sharing payments. Theyll start filing with some state regulators in May to say whether or not theyll stay in the markets.

Everybody is still in a wait-and-see mode, said Kristine Grow, a spokeswoman for the industry group Americas Health Insurance Plans. AHIP and other industry groups are pushing the administration to commit to making the cost-sharing payments that Trump has threatened to halt. Plans really need certainty, she said.

Critical Payments

Insurers contacted by Bloomberg  including Anthem, Cigna, Aetna and Health Care Service Corp., which offers plans under the Blue Cross Blue Shield brand in five states  declined to commit to selling Obamacare plans next year. Companies are sometimes reluctant to discuss strategy before regulators review their filings, and the lack of a commitment at this point doesnt mean theyll drop out.

Molina Healthcare Inc. said the cost-sharing-reduction payments are key to its decision.

We need confirmation that the CSRs will continue to be paid throughout the rest of 2017 and 2018 in order for us to continue our participation, said Sunny Yu, a Molina spokeswoman.

The fallout could spread across the health-care system. If the uncertainty leads to more people going uninsured, hospitals could suffer. On Monday, HCA Holdings Inc. warned of disappointing first-quarter results, tied in part to sluggish Obamacare signups. It and other hospitals stocks fell sharply.

Hostage Takers

Democrats, who oppose Republican efforts to repeal the law, have decried the threat to stop the payments.

We will not negotiate with hostage takers, said Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon. There is no outcome in which the administration sabotaging insurance markets persuades Democrats to pass Trumpcare. Democrats and some key congressional Republicans have called for the payments to be made, potentially as part of a bill to fund the government thats scheduled for action by the end of the month.

Administration officials are holding a meeting at the White House today [April 17] on Obamacare, according to a person familiar with the matter. The topics include changes to the Republican legislation to repeal and replace the health law, as well as the cost-sharing subsidies, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the session wasnt public.

Better for Some

The political uncertainty is overshadowing what is, for some carriers, an improving financial picture. Without the overhang of the cost-sharing subsidies or major changes to the law, health insurers would be on their way to a profitable 2018, after increasing rates more than 20 percent on average for this year, according to S&P Global Ratings analysis of Blue Cross and Blue Shield health plans.

The price increases theyve put in as well as the network design changes, thats going in the positive direction, said Deep Banerjee, the S&P analyst who wrote the report. Still, he said, the fate of the cost-sharing payments is a major uncertainty. And if the Republican Obamacare repeal bill changes things in 2018, then all bets are off.

In some states, things look better. Maryland Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer said hes hoping one company will re-join his states exchange, while Nevada is attempting to convince Aetna and Centene Corp. to enter the states Obamacare market.

Im cautiously optimistic that we wont see a deterioration, and hopefully well have one more, Redmer said.

Threat of Premiums

The insurance industry has also praised a set of rules released by the Trump administration on April 13 that were designed to make Obamacare more profitable for insurers. Those rules wont mean much if government funds are cut off, though. Without the cost-sharing subsidies, insurers will have to boost premiums by 19 percent on average to make up the shortfall, according to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Theres going to be fewer choices and higher costs for consumers, said Jeff Smedsrud, the CEO of insurance-shopping site Healthcare.com. Smedsrud said insurers are all watching and waiting to see what their rivals do. They dont want to be the last plan standing in a state, leaving them with more risk.

It makes insurance companies very nervous about making a misstep, extending themselves beyond what their capital would allow, he said.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Carriers
Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

Azerbaijan is paying much attention to the production of export products, Aydin Mirzazade, Azerbaijani MP, told Trend Apr. 18.

The MP added that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and the government pay great attention to the production of export products.

"The whole range of issues in this field was considered at the recent republican conference of non-oil exporters with the participation of the Azerbaijani president in the countrys Yevlakh district, he added. The Made in Azerbaijan brand has already been recognized in the world.

"Azerbaijan is one of the countries taking the first actions in the export of defense products, he added. There is a great demand for Azerbaijani armaments and military equipment abroad due to the efforts of the countrys Ministry of Defense Industry, established ten years ago."
IRobot, the maker of the popular Roomba robotic vacuum, brought a string of lawsuits on Monday accusing rivals including The Hoover Co and Black & Decker Corp of using its patented technology without permission.

Bedford, Massachusetts-based iRobot filed lawsuits in federal court in Boston against Hoover, Black & Decker, Bobsweep Inc and Bissell Homecare Inc. IRobot said they infringe on several of its patents covering the idea of an autonomous floor-cleaning robot.

iRobot will not stand by while others offer products that infringe on our intellectual property, the company said in a statement.

Representatives for Hoover, Black & Decker, Bissell and Bobsweep did not immediately return a request for comment.

iRobot also sued China-based Shenzhen Silver Star Intelligent Technology Co, which iRobot said manufactures Hoover and Black & Decker vacuums.

One of the oldest and best-known makers of traditional vacuums, Hoover is now owned by TTI Floor Care North America, a subsidiary of Hong-Kong based Techtronic Industries Company Limited.

Black & Decker is a subsidiary of New Britain, Connecticut-based Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

IRobot created the market for robotic vacuums when it launched Roomba in 2002 but has faced increased competition from other appliance makers.

Hoover launched its line of Quest robotic vacuums, over which iRobot is suing, in 2016. Other vacuums at issue in the lawsuits are the Bissell SmartClean, Bobsweeps Bobi and Black & Deckers BDH5000WM.

Residential robotic vacuums generated $1.5 billion in global revenues in 2016, an amount expected to reach $2.5 billion by the end of 2021, according to the market research firm Future Market Insights. The overall market for household vacuums was $12 billion in 2015, according to Global Market Insights, another research firm.

(Reporting by Jan Wolfe; editing by Cynthia Osterman)

Topics Lawsuits
Apple Inc. will soon take its self-driving car software platform to public streets for the first time, a major step that gets the worlds largest technology company into a crowded race to reshape transportation.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles granted clearance for trials of the autonomous driving technology on public roads, according to a notice on the DMVs website. This is the first time Apple has received approval for such testing.

The software tests will start soon with existing vehicles, according to a person familiar with the matter. They asked not to be identified because the plans arent public. Cupertino, California-based Apple started designing a self-driving car to take on Google and Tesla Inc. a few years ago before it pulled back and focused on first developing underlying autonomous technology last year, Bloomberg News has reported.

The tests are the clearest, public sign yet that Apple is serious about a nascent field that could, in time, transform mobility and upend the auto industry. A quarter of all miles driven in the U.S. may be traveled in shared, self-driving electric cars by the end of the next decade, Boston Consulting Group said this month. Apple wants a piece of this action, but its got a lot of competition: 29 other companies have autonomous vehicle testing permits in California.

Subject to standard regulations for testing autonomous technology on public roads, Apples test cars will have a person behind the wheel to monitor the testing. The California permit covers three 2015 Lexus RX450h SUVs, and six drivers, the DMV said. Alphabet Inc.s Waymo and Uber Technologies Inc.s self-driving test cars also have people behind the wheel during tests.

An Apple spokesman declined to comment beyond a statement issued in December when the company filed paperwork with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding safety practices for self-driving cars. There are many potential applications for these technologies, including the future of transportation, so we want to work with NHTSA to help define the best practices for the industry, Apple said at the time.

The DMVs website was updated Friday [April 14] to acknowledge Apple becoming a permit holder. A March 30 copy of the website does not list Apple as having approval, indicating it was granted within the last two weeks. The permit requires companies to disclose traffic incidents related to their testing within 10 business days of the event.

Apples self-driving technology is being developed in secret company offices in Sunnyvale, California, a short drive from its main Cupertino campus, Bloomberg News has reported. The company also has a team in Canada working on a car operating system that would power the platform, people familiar with the matter have said.

The self-driving car platform is designed so that Apple could choose to open it up to existing carmakers or eventually port it to an Apple-designed vehicle. Apple began to focus more on the self-driving technology last year after re-hiring former hardware executive Bob Mansfield to lead the project. Apple aims to decide on the final direction of the platform by fall of this year, Bloomberg News has reported.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics California Auto Tech Personal Auto
Workers compensation insurer, Texas Mutual Insurance Co., has awarded a combined $1 million in grants to 10 community colleges across Texas. The grants fund workplace safety courses for employers, workers and the general public through the risk management programs at each college.

Since 1999, Texas Mutual has awarded $5.6 million in safety education grants, and more than 30,000 students have attended free safety courses at various community colleges throughout the past 18 years.

This year was the first year Texas Mutual awarded grants to Angelina College in Lufkin, Lamar Institute of Technology in Beaumont, Lee College in Baytown, and Texarkana College to establish risk management programs. These grants already support risk management programs at College of the Mainland in Texas City, Midland College, Kilgore College, Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, El Paso Community College and Amarillo College.

Courses at the safety institutes include general topics, such as driver safety, ergonomic safety and OSHA standards, as well as courses tailored to the dominant industries in each colleges region.

Source: Texas Mutual Insurance Co.

Topics Texas Education Universities
Mississippi will require back-seat passengers to buckle up in most vehicles, starting this summer.

Republican Gov. Phil Bryant signed Senate Bill 2724 on April 5, and it becomes law July 1.

Mississippi already has a law requiring seat belts for front-seat adult passengers and for children anywhere in a vehicle.

Under the new law, a driver could be fined $25 for every unbelted passenger, although violations would not be listed on a persons driving record.

Buses will be exempt from the new seat belt law, as will farm, mail and utility vehicles.

The Governors Highway Safety Association says 28 states already require back-seat passengers to buckle up.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Mississippi
The homesharing platform Airbnb is suing the city of Miami, where officials threatened to crack down on hosts who publicly protested regulations prohibiting short-term rentals.

According to the lawsuit filed Friday in Miami-Dade County by Airbnb and five individual hosts, the city violated the First Amendment rights of hosts who spoke up at a March 23 city commission meeting.

At that meeting, commissioners voted 3-2 to reaffirm zoning regulations prohibiting short-term rentals of single-family homes in Miamis residential areas. City Manager Daniel Alfonso then said code compliance officials could start targeting Airbnb hosts who placed their names and addresses on the record to attend the meeting and protest those regulations.

The City is now acting to make good on those threats, the lawsuit said. Airbnb stands together with its Miami hosts in opposing the Citys unlawful efforts, and in particular stands with the brave individuals who have come forward and seek to protect their rights as individual plaintiffs in this action.

Three off the hosts listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit attended the March 23 meeting. Airbnb officials have said the company has 2,300 active hosts in Miami.

Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado, who opposes Airbnb, told The Miami Herald that Airbnb encouraged its hosts to attend the commission meeting, knowing they would have to provide their names and addresses in order to participate.

There is no First Amendment issue here and there is no retribution, Regalado said.

Regalado said the city attorney plans to send cease-and-desist orders to Airbnb hosts who spoke at the commission meeting. They could face fines of $250 per day.

The lawsuit asks the court to declare vacation rentals legal in residential areas of Miami, to stop the city from adopting new ordinances against short-term rentals, to prevent any legal action against the hosts and to deem unlawful the city commissions policy of requiring personal information in order to speak up at public meetings.

Topics Lawsuits Legislation
A legal settlement has been reached between the University of California, Berkeley, the former dean of its law school, and his former assistant, who said he sexually harassed her.

The settlement between the school, former dean Sujit Choudhry and the assistant Tyann Sorrell was signed March 31, but not announced until late Friday before the holiday weekend and school officials said they would not answer further questions.

Sorrell had sued her former boss and the university over the harassment allegations. Choudry in turn had sued the school for singling him out for additional investigation as the school looked into several cases of sexual harassment.

Under the terms of the settlement, Choudry will give $50,000 to a charity of Sorrells choice and pay another $50,000 to her lawyers.

Choudry in turn will be considered a tenured faculty member on sabbatical until May 31, 2018, when hell officially resign. That means hell be able to keep benefits like travel expenses and research funding. The school will withdraw all disciplinary complaints against him, and will not be able to say he acted with sexual intent or posed a risk to faculty, students or staff.

All related litigation has now been dismissed, the university said in a statement.

Sorrell said in a statement that she appreciates the steps the university has taken on sexual harassment, and is pleased the school is reviewing all of its polices on the issue.

Choudrys lawsuit, filed in September, accused school officials of singling him out because of his race for a second investigation of sexual harassment allegations at a school that was embroiled in several sexual harassment probes involving faculty and leaders.

Choudhry, who is South Asian, resigned amid faculty outrage that he had been allowed to remain in his position after a campus investigation substantiated sexual harassment allegations against Sorrell.

In her lawsuit, Sorrell, alleged that her boss kissed, hugged and touched her repeatedly but was punished only with a temporary pay cut and orders to undergo counseling following a campus investigation.

Choudhry alleged the University of California opened a second investigation of him for the same conduct after Sorrell filed her lawsuit and reports it had mishandled cases of serious sexual misconduct.

Choudhry is among several UC Berkeley employees since 2015 to face sexual harassment allegations substantiated by UC Berkeleys Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Education Universities
The city of Vancouver and others successfully conspired to close a nightclub because of racial prejudice, the owners of the club say in a $22.5 million lawsuit.

The owners of Q Nightclub and Lounge say efforts by the city and a transit agency resulted in the business closing in late 2015, The Columbian reported.

Earlier that year business partners Adrian Kallimanis and Jose Parrawas were told that the clubs fire access was part of the neighboring property purchased by C-Tran to build a rapid transit bus center.

When the club couldnt find another fire access, the Vancouver Fire Marshals office shut the club down. Authorities said the lack of a secondary exit and the historic fire risks at nightclubs made it unsafe.

The city and other entities worked in concert, conspired or acted in furtherance of a conspiracy to severely limit the owners freedom to operate their business and ultimately to close the Q, the lawsuit said.

City officials reject the allegations.

The allegations that the city did anything for reasons related to the race of its patrons, or that there was any sort of conspiracy, are outright frivolous, said Daniel Lloyd, assistant city attorney. The city will vigorously defend this case.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Claims Washington
E stata presentata la stagione 2017/18 del Teatro dellOpera di Roma. Un palinsesto ricco e articolato tra decine di opere, balletti, concerti sinfonici, tournee e molto altro.

La stagione operistica

La stagione operistica 2017-18 del Teatro dellOpera di Roma continua sulle linee guida che hanno segnato gli scorsi anni. Ci sembra  si legge nel sito del teatroTeatro Costanzi, dal nome del suo artefice, dedicato allopera lirica e al balletto e diretto dal 2015 da Eleonora Abbagnato  di essere riusciti a convincere coloro che ci seguono con affetto da molti anni, ma anche ad avvicinare un pubblico nuovo, e specialmente giovanile, allopera, questa forma di spettacolo che arriva da un passato lontano e che ha saputo attraversare epoche e linguaggi diversi, mantenendo una sua specificita. In particolare la rilettura di melodrammi noti, che molti registi hanno saputo elaborare in maniera del tutto nuova, ha suscitato grande favore, insieme a un confronto di opinioni che testimonia la viva partecipazione del nostro pubblico, si legge nel sito. Questa rilettura dei capolavori sette-ottocenteschi e stata accostata a titoli del Novecento e anche contemporanei: unapertura al nuovo che ritornera nei prossimi mesi.

Proponiamo questanno al nostro pubblico 10 produzioni dopera (di cui 7 nuovi allestimenti) per 78 recite, 6 spettacoli di balletto (di cui un nuovo allestimento) per 46 recite e 4 concerti sinfonici. Se a questi numeri aggiungiamo la stagione di Caracalla 2018 per la quale prevediamo tre titoli per 25 recite, si superano le 150 recite. Queste cifre confermano dunque la crescita del Teatro, in linea con gli aumenti gia registrati nelle ultime stagioni.

La damnation de Faust

La prima opera in scena per la stagione 2017-18 manca dal Teatro dellOpera di Roma da piu di sessantanni: La damnation de Faust di Hector Berlioz, eseguita lultima volta nel 1955 diretta da Franco Capuana, torna (6 recite dal 12 al 23 dicembre 2017) in un nuovo allestimento, in coproduzione con il Regio di Torino e il Palau de Les Arts di Valencia. Il mito del Faust raccontato da Goethe acquista nuove tinte in questa versione, non a caso ideata dal compositore francese piu vicino al clima romantico tedesco. Lopera vedra impegnati il direttore Daniele Gatti e il regista Damiano Michieletto. Tornano cosi due artisti che hanno avuto grande successo nella scorsa stagione, il primo con il Tristan und Isolde inaugurale, il secondo con un intelligente, personalissimo allestimento de Il viaggio a Reims di Rossini. Le scene saranno di Paolo Fantin, i costumi di Carla Teti, le luci di Alessandro Carletti. Tra gli interpreti Pavel Cernoh, Alex Esposito, Veronica Simeoni e Goran Juric.

I masnadieri di Verdi

Molto rara, e anchessa con ascendenze tedesche e romantiche, e la seconda opera in cartellone. Solo unaltra volta (nel lontano 1972, diretta da Gavazzeni con la regia di Missiroli) I masnadieri di Verdi, su un libretto tratto da Schiller, erano approdati al Costanzi. Ritornano in un nuovo allestimento (6 recite dal 21 gennaio al 4 febbraio 2018), diretti da Roberto Abbado, ormai di casa al nostro Teatro, e con Massimo Popolizio che debutta cosi nella regia dopera. Riccardo Zanellato, Stefano Secco (che si alterna con Andeka Gorrotxategi) Artur Rucinski e Roberta Mantegna interpretano questo lavoro dalle forti tinte drammatiche, di rara esecuzione. Motivo di particolare interesse sta anche nel fatto che si tratta della prima opera con cui un Verdi trentaquattrenne debutto allestero, per giunta sullimportante piazza di Londra, nel 1847.

La sonnambula di Vincenzo Bellini

La sonnambula di Vincenzo Bellini (6 recite dal 18 febbraio al 3 marzo) vede il ritorno sul podio di Speranza Scappucci, dopo il successo ottenuto col Cosi fan tutte nel gennaio scorso, e la regia di Giorgio Barberio Corsetti, regista gia ben noto al pubblico dellopera. Anche questo un nuovo allestimento, in coproduzione con il Teatro Petruzzelli di Bari, e con il ritorno di una regina di questo repertorio, Jessica Pratt, protagonista lo scorso anno della Linda di Chamounix; con lei si alternera Jessica Nuccio; il ruolo del Conte Rodolfo sara interpretato da Riccardo Zanellato e Dario Russo, quello di Teresa da Reut Ventorero e Juan Francisco Gatell sara Elvino.

Cavalleria rusticana / Pagliacci di Rizzi

Il dittico Cavalleria rusticana / Pagliacci (5 recite dal 5 al 15 aprile) e un appuntamento sempre atteso dagli amanti dellopera. Viene proposto diretto da Carlo Rizzi, in un nuovo allestimento, in coproduzione con il San Carlo di Napoli, molto atteso anche per la regia di Pippo Delbono, al debutto allOpera di Roma. In Cavalleria rusticana canteranno Anita Rachvelishvili (Santuzza), Martina Belli (Lola), e Alfred Kim (Turiddu); George Gagnidze e Gevorg Hakobyan si alterneranno come Alfio e Anna Malavasi sara Lucia. In Pagliacci Fabio Sartori e Diego Cavazzin canteranno il ruolo di Canio, Carmela Remigio sara Nedda, George Gagnidze e Gevorg Hakobyan interpreteranno la parte di Tonio.

Billy Budd di Benjamin Britten

Un grande capolavoro del Novecento Billy Budd di Benjamin Britten viene presentato per la prima volta a Roma (5 recite dall8 al 15 maggio). James Conlon dirigera il nuovo allestimento (una coproduzione col Teatro Real di Madrid, lOpera National di Parigi e la Finnish National Opera) mentre lambigua, inquietante vicenda del marinaio narrata da Herman Melville sara raccontata dalla regia coinvolgente di Deborah Warner, una delle piu quotate registe di opera di oggi. Jacques Imbrailo sara nel ruolo del titolo, Toby Spence il Capitano Vere, John Relya sara Claggart.

La boheme pucciniana

La stagione ripropone anche un titolo pucciniano molto amato dal pubblico, in un nuovo allestimento coprodotto con il Regio di Torino. La boheme (11 recite dal 13 al 24 giugno) sara diretta da Henrik Nanasi (con cui si alternera Pietro Rizzo) e avra la regia di Alex Olle (La Fura dels Baus). Anita Hartig, Victoria Yeo e Roberta Mantegna si alterneranno nel ruolo di Mimi, Giorgio Berrugi e Ivan Ayon-Rivas in quello di Rodolfo, Olga Kukchynska e Valentina Nafornita saranno Musetta, nella parte di Marcello canteranno Massimo Cavalletti e Alessandro Luongo. Anche a questa, come alla precedente produzione, prendera parte la Scuola di Canto Corale del Teatro dellOpera di Roma diretta dal maestro Jose Maria Sciutto.

Mozart

E poi due capolavori di Mozart. Barrie Kosky e Suzanne Andrade firmano a quattro mani lallestimento di Die Zauberflote della Komische Oper di Berlino, con la direzione di Henrik Nanasi (8 recite dal 9 al 17 ottobre). Uno spettacolo strabiliante, che include parti di film danimazione ed e reduce da un grandissimo successo in tutto il mondo, dagli USA a Edimburgo a Pechino. Tra gli interpreti Amanda Forsythe e Kiandra Howarth come Pamina; Ben Bliss e Giulio Pelligra come Tamino. Christina Poulitsti e Olga Pudova canteranno il ruolo della Regina della Notte, Sarastro sara interpretato da Antonio Di Matteo e Gianluca Buratto, Papageno da Alessio Arduini e Joan Martin-Royo e Monostatos da Andrea Giovannini.

Le nozze di Figaro

Molto attesa e anche la seconda lettura della trilogia Mozart/da Ponte proposta da Graham Vick dopo il Cosi fan tutte dello scorso inverno. Le nozze di Figaro (10 recite dal 30 ottobre all11 novembre) in questo nuovo allestimento saranno dirette da Stefano Montanari, reduce dal recentissimo successo del Viaggio a Reims. Insieme, direttore e regista riusciranno certamente a dare tutto il brio necessario alla folle giornata del piu musicato dei barbieri!

Nella parte del Conte di Almaviva sentiremo Andrey Zhilikhovsky e Alessandro Luongo, Federica Lombardi e Valentina Varriale in quello della Contessa. I due sposi promessi saranno Elena Sancho Pereg e Benedetta Torre (Susanna) e Vito Priante e Simone Del Savio (Figaro). Miriam Albano e Reut Ventorero canteranno nel ruolo di Cherubino. Paolo Bordogna sara Don Bartolo, Matteo Falcier Don Basilio, Angela Nisi Barbarina.

La traviata e la Tosca

La nuova stagione vedra anche la ripresa di due allestimenti del Teatro, che hanno ottenuto grande successo. Torna cosi La traviata (5 recite dal 24 febbraio al 4 marzo) con la regia di Sofia Coppola, i costumi di Valentino, Maria Grazia Chiuri e Pierpaolo Piccioli, e le scene di Nathan Crowley. Protagonista sara Maria Grazia Schiavo, insieme con lei Antonio Poli (Alfredo), Stefano Antonucci (Giorgio Germont) e Anna Malavasi (Flora).

E sara riproposta anche Tosca, nellallestimento con la regia di Alessandro Talevi sulle scene e i costumi originali di Adolf Hohenstein ricostruiti rispettivamente da Carlo Savi e da Anna Biagiotti. Lopera sara diretta da Jordi Bernacer (5 recite dal 7 al 17 aprile) e poi ripresa, con la direzione di Stefano Ranzani (4 recite dal 15 al 18 novembre). Tra gli interpreti principali si alterneranno Monica Zanettin e Virginia Tola nel ruolo della protagonista, Stefano La Colla che si alterna con Andeka Gorrotxategi e Diego Cavazzin come Mario, mentre Fabian Veloz sara il barone Scarpia.

Tutti i titoli vedranno protagonista la nostra Orchestra (peraltro impegnata anche in quattro concerti sinfonici) e, laddove la partitura lo richiede, il Coro del Teatro dellOpera di Roma diretto dal maestro Roberto Gabbiani: due compagini che sono la prima garanzia di qualita delle nostre produzioni.

La stagione di balletto

Una sorprendente prima mondiale, unavvincente storia damore e un eccitante trittico contemporaneo per la prima volta in scena al Teatro Costanzi, una memorabile serata tutta francese e due straordinarie riprese, tracciano la nuova stagione di balletto 2017-18 del Teatro dellOpera di Roma con letoile, i Primi Ballerini, i Solisti e il Corpo di Ballo diretti da Eleonora Abbagnato.

Lintera stagione 2017-18 del Teatro dellOpera di Roma sinaugura con un balletto in prima mondiale, mercoledi 15 novembre al Teatro Costanzi.

Don Chisciotte

Si comincia infatti con Don Chisciotte  balletto in tre atti tratto dal romanzo di Miguel De Cervantes, Don Chisciotte della Mancia  nel nuovo allestimento della Fondazione lirico-sinfonica della Capitale con la coreografia di Laurent Hilaire, ispirata alla versione originale per LAmerican Ballet Theatre di Mikhail Baryshnikov, da Marius Petipa e Alexander Gorsky, su musica di Ludwig Minkus.

Si tratta di un evento unico enfatizzato dalla presenza di due grandi protagonisti della storia mondiale del balletto, letoile Laurent Hilaire attualmente Direttore Artistico dello Stanislavsky Ballet e il mito vivente Mikhail Baryshnikov.

La coreografia del francese Hilaire dal punto di vista dellazione sara molto teatrale e cinematografica e, pur rimanendo fedele a quella di Baryshnikov  che fu presentata per la prima volta il 28 marzo 1978 al Kennedy Center Opera House di Washington e danzata dalle maggiori compagnie internazionali, tra cui, nel 1993, il Royal Ballet di Londra  intende aggiungere delle danze che rimandano alla struttura originaria di Petipa. Tutta questa tradizione ballettistica e ora nelle mani del maestro coreografo Hilaire che intende realizzare un balletto narrativo e ludico, realista e vivace, rendendo la tradizione e la pantomima accessibili al grande pubblico.

Gli straordinari Iana Salenko principal dancer dello Staatsballett, Isaac Hernandez principal dancer dellEnglish National Ballet e Angelo Greco principal dancer del San Francisco Ballet, sono gli ospiti deccezione che, insieme ai Primi Ballerini, i Solisti e il Corpo di Ballo del Teatro dellOpera di Roma, restituiranno con la loro bravura e interpretazione tutta la briosita di questo balletto, sostenuta, in questa versione, da una scena pop art originale di grande impatto e una varieta di costumi dal sapore fumettistico, entrambi del Maestro Vladimir Radunsky. Le luci sono di A. J. Weissbard. Alla direzione dellOrchestra del Teatro dellOpera di Roma il Maestro David Garforth. Otto le repliche fino a giovedi 23 novembre 2017.

Lo schiaccianoci

La stagione continua domenica 31 dicembre con la ripresa del balletto Lo schiaccianoci di Giuliano Peparini che al suo debutto, nel dicembre 2015, raccolse il consenso di pubblico e critica, registro incassi da record diventando subito un successo senza precedenti per la stagione di balletto del Teatro dellOpera di Roma. Il coreografo e regista romano, dallimportante carriera internazionale, torna al Teatro Costanzi con la sua visione della societa, per parlare in maniera diretta al pubblico di tutte le generazioni e rendere questa storia cult del periodo natalizio un appuntamento imperdibile e unesperienza avvolgente. I protagonisti di questo balletto in due atti, tratto da un racconto di E.T.A. Hoffmann su adattamento dello stesso Peparini e musica di Petr Ilic Cajkovskij, sono i Primi Ballerini Rebecca Bianchi e Claudio Cocino con i Solisti e il Corpo di Ballo del Teatro dellOpera di Roma. Balleranno in unatmosfera da sogno, tra giochi di luce, straordinarie proiezioni e magiche illusioni realizzate da una squadra di eccellenti professionisti: Lucia DAngelo e Cristina Querzola (scene), Frederic Olivier (costumi), Gilles Papain (video grafica), Jean-Michel Desire (luci). Dirige lOrchestra del Teatro dellOpera di Roma il Maestro Alexei Baklan. Sette le repliche fino a domenica 7 gennaio 2018.

Soiree Francaise

Il terzo appuntamento e domenica 28 gennaio con la Soiree Francaise, un doppio programma che vede protagonisti due icone del panorama ballettistico francese e mondiale: Serge Lifar con Suite en blanc (1943) e Roland Petit con Pink Floyd Ballet (1972).

Serge Lifar (1905-1986), ballerino e coreografo ucraino, scrittore e illustratore di diversi libri sulla danza, inizia la sua carriera in seno ai Ballets Russes dove Diaghilev gli concede lopportunita di realizzare la sua prima coreografia, Renard. E il 1929, anno in cui balla e crea allOpera di Parigi Les creatures de Promethee. LOpera di Parigi diventa per lui un punto di riferimento: e qui primo ballerino, Maitre de Ballet e fervido rinnovatore. Attivo su piu fronti, svolge un ruolo fondamentale nellevoluzione della danza e nellattrarre un pubblico sempre piu numeroso a teatro. Nella tradizione francese dopo Lifar, il rinnovamento passa attraverso unaltra figura chiave, il geniale Roland Petit (1924  2011). Entrambi legati allOpera di Parigi, entrambi instancabili creatori di nuove coreografie, entrambi affascinati dallicona della danza francese e internazionale Yvette Chauvire, alla quale il Teatro dellOpera di Roma con questo programma francese vuole dedicare un omaggio in bianco, luminoso come la sua danza sublime. Per la premiere sara letoile Eleonora Abbagnato a ballare lAdage di Suite en blanc per ricordare la stella delle stelle.

La poesia di Suite en blanc, uno dei pochi balletti non narrativi di Lifar, apre la serata, la tecnica, il carattere e la fisicita di Pink Floyd Ballet la chiudono. Due protagonisti di spicco della scena internazionale sono invitati dal Teatro dellOpera di Roma a riallestire questi due capolavori: Claude Bessy il primo e Luigi Bonino il secondo. La musica di Edouard Lalo e eseguita dallOrchestra del Teatro dellOpera di Roma, diretta dal Maestro Carlo Donadio. Le musiche dei Pink Floyd per Pink Floyd Ballet sono su base registrata. Quattro le repliche fino a sabato 3 febbraio 2018, alle quali si aggiunge lanteprima giovani di venerdi 26 gennaio 2018.

Kylian/Forsythe/Inge

Il quarto appuntamento e giovedi 15 marzo con il trittico contemporaneo Kylian/Forsythe/Inger. Tre eccellenti coreografi della scena mondiale si trovano riuniti in un appuntamento che esplora gli orizzonti del balletto contemporaneo attraverso tre titoli mai presentati prima al Teatro Costanzi. Tre coreografi molto diversi, tre opere dal piglio diametralmente opposto, tre linguaggi unici fanno di questa serata unoccasione straordinaria per apprezzare laltra danza di qualita e tracciare una linea sottile che lega i tre che hanno operato, con ruoli diversi, nellambito del Nederlands Dans Theater, tempio europeo della danza neoclassica deccellenza. La serata si apre con il famoso pezzo Petite Mort (1991) di Jiri Kylian. Sulle note di Mozart il coreografo praghese, olandese dadozione, celebra la coppia e il suo ideale di bellezza che vuole le donne delicate e forti, gli uomini atletici e attraenti. Sei coppie in scena, con grandi gonne e spade, simboleggiano leros che sottende a tutto il balletto a partire gia dal titolo che in francese rimanda allorgasmo. Il Bolero di Ravel armonizza e spinge la danza di Walking Mad (2001) di Johan Inger  coreografo svedese anchegli olandese dadozione  alla liberazione sfrenata del movimento in un crescendo di grande attrazione fisica. Il pezzo nasce per il Nederlands Dans Theater e riscuote subito un grande successo di pubblico, incontrando i consensi della critica. Riceve il Lucas Hoving Production Award (2001) e il Premio Danza&Danza (2005). Chiude la serata Artifact Suite di William Forsythe. Artifact Suite e la versione ridotta di Artifact, primo balletto a serata intera che Forsythe creo nel 1984 per il Frankfurt Ballet. Il coreografo espone qui le sue teorie sullillusione della percezione, la decostruzione, la rottura degli equilibri e la proiezione dei corpi. Il soggetto del balletto e la danza classica stessa, la sua storia. Artifact Suite e un balletto in due parti. Nella prima parte, sulla famosa Ciaccona BWV 1004 di J. S. Bach, due coppie principali si alternano in anellamenti coreografici di stupefacente bellezza; nella seconda, su musica di Eva Crossmann-Hecht, tutto il corpo di ballo si misura con complessi movimenti accademici messi in relazione tra di loro. La musica dei tre titoli e su base registrata. Sei le repliche fino a mercoledi 21 marzo 2018, alle quali si aggiunge lanteprima giovani di mercoledi 14 marzo 2018.

Manon

Il quinto appuntamento e venerdi 25 maggio con letoile de lOpera di Parigi e Direttrice del Corpo di Ballo del Teatro dellOpera di Roma Eleonora Abbagnato in Manon, balletto in tre atti dello scozzese Kenneth MacMillan (1929-1992), tratto dal romanzo dellAbate Prevost, LHistoire du Chevalier Des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut.

Per la prima volta al Teatro Costanzi, Manon di MacMillan, nellallestimento dello Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Music Theatre su musiche di Jules Massenet, narra la tormentata storia della bellissima Manon che, divisa tra il desiderio di emanciparsi dalla sua poverta e lamore per lo studente Des Grieux, commette una serie di azioni vili e ingannatrici fino a trovare la morte. Il personaggio di Manon richiede una bellezza magnetica e un grande talento interpretativo; e un ruolo carismatico che illumina tutti gli altri personaggi, da Des Grieux a Monsieur GM. Per questo motivo letoile Eleonora Abbagnato e affiancata da Friedemann Vogel, principal dancer dello Stuttgart Ballet e dalletoile Benjamin Pech, assistente alla Direzione del Ballo al Teatro Costanzi dal 2016.

Il balletto viene creato da MacMillan nel 1974 ed e il secondo durante la sua direzione artistica del Royal Ballet. Nel repertorio della Royal Opera House erano gia presenti gli adattamenti in opera di Giacomo Puccini e di Jules Massenet. MacMillan, desideroso di creare unarmonizzazione totale tra la narrazione e la musica, sceglie quello di Massenet, meno conosciuto, e lo affida a Leighton Lucas chiedendogli di orchestrare una selezione di musiche provenienti da ouvertures, balletti, musiche di scena per spettacoli teatrali, opere e oratori. Nel 2011 Martin Yates realizza una nuova orchestrazione, quella che sara eseguita dallOrchestra del Teatro dellOpera di Roma e diretta dallo stesso Yates. Le scene e i costumi sono di Nicholas Georgiadis. Cinque le repliche fino a giovedi 31 maggio 2018, alle quali si aggiunge lanteprima giovani di giovedi 24 maggio 2018.

La bella addormentata

Il sesto e ultimo appuntamento e sabato 15 settembre con la ripresa de La bella addormentata di Jean-Guillaume Bart con Iana Salenko nel ruolo di Aurora.

Nel corso del 2017 la versione del francese Bart  molto raffinata ed elegante, con le magnifiche scenografie e i preziosi costumi del Maestro Aldo Buti  e stata ben accolta dalla critica e molto amata dal pubblico del Costanzi e del Teatro La Fenice di Venezia, dove il Balletto del Teatro dellOpera di Roma ha danzato lo scorso maggio riscuotendo un notevole successo. Si tratta di un titolo fondamentale per una stagione di balletto che si fonda, per la sua quasi interezza, sul repertorio classico.

La bella addormentata e, per cronologia, il secondo dei tre balletti di Petr Ilic Cajkovskij. La prima rappresentazione fu al Teatro Mariinsky di San Pietroburgo nel gennaio 1890.

Nel maggio 1888 Cajkovskij ricevette dal direttore dei Teatri Imperiali di San Pietroburgo, Ivan Vsevolozskij, lincarico di comporre un balletto ispirato alla favola di Charles Perrault La belle au bois dormant. La coreografia fu affidata a Marius Petipa, co-autore del libretto insieme a Vsevolozskij. Jean-Guillaume Bart ha lavorato a questo titolo concentrando la sua attenzione sulla coerenza drammaturgica. Ha ascoltato la partitura musicale con altro approccio rispetto a quello di Petipa e lha utilizzata nella sua interezza per dare una maggiore unita teatrale allopera coreografica. In questa sua versione il Corpo di Ballo non e unimmagine sullo sfondo, ma e protagonista cosi come lo e il principe Desire al quale e dato molto piu spazio danzato. Nel riallestimento Bart e affiancato da Patricia Ruanne che per questa stagione 2017-18 e anche coreografo assistente, insieme a Gillian Whittingham, per laltro grande classico dapertura, Don Chisciotte. Dirige lOrchestra del Teatro dellOpera di Roma il Maestro Nicholas Brochot. Sette le repliche fino a domenica 23 settembre 2018.

La stagione di balletto 2017-18 del Teatro dellOpera di Roma conta in totale sei titoli ai quali si aggiunge una data in Francia il prossimo 10 dicembre 2018 a Cannes al Palais des Festivals  Grand Auditorium con Soiree Roland Petit.

I concerti sinfonici

Limpegno nel repertorio sinfonico non solo amplia lattivita di unorchestra dedita con eccellenti risultati alla lirica, ma da anche ai nostri professori loccasione di sfide nuove, con direttori che spesso vengono da esperienze diverse. Nei concerti sinfonici lorchestra, esposta alla vista del pubblico, diventa la star della serata e i singoli strumentisti hanno non di rado un ruolo protagonista.

Anche questanno quattro concerti sinfonici vedranno impegnata lOrchestra del Teatro, con una particolare attenzione al repertorio novecentesco e contemporaneo.

Il 22 dicembre 2017 Maxime Pascal in un programma aperto dalle Danze dallopera Powder her Face di Ades e da Rendering di Berio, dirigera La voix humaine di Poulenc con la voce di Anna Caterina Antonacci.

Dennis Russell Davies sara sul podio l11 gennaio 2018 per la Sesta sinfonia di Bruckner preceduta dal Tirol Concerto di Philip Glass interpretato da Maki Namekawa al pianoforte.

Due brani di Mussorgskij molto amati dal pubblico, Una notte sul monte Calvo e Quadri da unesposizione (nella trascrizione di Ravel), saranno diretti da Constantinos Carydis il 23 marzo, in un concerto che si aprira con le Quattro immagini del compositore greco Nikos Skalkottas.

Lultimo concerto, diretto da Lothar Koenigs il 17 maggio, vedra in programma due pagine di Schonberg: la sua trascrizione per orchestra del Quartetto in sol minore di Brahms e il monodramma Erwartung con la voce di Rachel Nicholls, che il pubblico ha apprezzato come Isotta nella scorsa inaugurazione.

Le tournee

Portare in tournee gli allestimenti del nostro Teatro non e soltanto loccasione di far conoscere in altri Stati il Teatro dellOpera di Roma. Le rappresentazioni allestero, in Paesi che da tempo sono appassionati alla nostra cultura e in altri che da poco si aprono ad essa, testimoniano anche della stima che i nostri allestimenti riscuotono da parte delle direzioni di molte altre istituzioni rivolte allopera lirica, un brand italiano che sempre piu successo va riscuotendo allestero. Per questi motivi ci aspettiamo grandi soddisfazioni dalle tournee che attendono i complessi del Teatro nella prossima stagione.

A Cannes, al Palais des Festivals, domenica 10 dicembre 2017, primi ballerini, solisti e corpo di Ballo del Teatro dellOpera di Roma saranno interpreti della Soiree Roland Petit, un omaggio al grande coreografo francese del quale proporranno tre capolavori sotto la supervisione di Lugi Bonino e con le luci di Jean-Michel Desire. Nel primo, La rose malade su musica di Gustav Mahler e con i costumi di Yves Saint Laurent, danzera anche Eleonora Abbagnato, direttore del Corpo di Ballo. Secondo titolo sara LArlesienne, su musiche di Georges Bizet, scene di Rene Allio e costumi di Christine Laurent e per finire Carmen, sempre su musiche di Bizet e con scene e costumi di Antoni Clave; questultimo balletto vedra la partecipazione di Natalya Kusch.

A Muscat, capitale del Sultanato dellOman, giovedi 15 e sabato 17 marzo 2018, andra in scena Pagliacci, lopera di Ruggero Leoncavallo, diretta da Paolo Olmi con regia e scene di Franco Zeffirelli; costumi di Raimonda Gaetani e luci di Agostino Angelini. Tra gli interpreti Jose Cura, Davinia Rodriguez e Marco Vratogna.

Due opere saranno allestite in settembre a Tokyo. Il 9 , 12 e 15 settembre 2018 La traviata di Giuseppe Verdi, diretta da Jader Bignamini con la regia di Sofia Coppola, i costumi di Valentino, Maria Grazia Chiuri e Pierpaolo Piccioli e le scene di Nathan Crowley. Tra gli interpreti Francesca Dotto, Antonio Poli, Leo Nucci e Anna Malavasi. Il 16, 20 e 22 settembre 2018 sara in scena Manon Lescaut di Giacomo Puccini, diretta da Donato Renzetti, con la regia di Chiara Muti, le scene di Carlo Centolavigna e i costumi di Alessandro Lai. Tra gli interpreti Kristine Opolais, Gregory Kunde e Maurizio Muraro.

Gli altri appuntamenti

Proseguiranno le Lezioni di Opera tenute da Giovanni Bietti che, oltre a un pubblico fisso di appassionati, raccolgono sempre nuovi ascoltatori di ogni eta che vogliono apprezzare meglio le particolarita del linguaggio musicale. Saranno guidati con una terminologia semplice e accessibile, e non per questo superficiale, che permette di ricostruire ogni volta gli elementi specifici di ogni produzione operistica.

Anche il balletto, come lopera, presenta un ciclo di incontri su alcuni titoli in programma con il progetto I coreografi, i ballerini e noi: tre appuntamenti per introdurre il grande pubblico nel mondo dei coreografi e dei protagonisti di questa stagione. Gli incontri, condotti dalla saggista e critico di danza Leonetta Bentivoglio, propongono un approccio informale ai balletti, attraverso brevi conversazioni con i coreografi ospiti, ritratti monografici, proiezioni video ed estratti di danze con i Primi Ballerini e i Solisti del Teatro dellOpera di Roma.

Continuera nella stagione 2017-18 anche lattivita di Fabbrica  Young Artist Program che ha permesso agli artisti prescelti di collaborare gia a molte produzioni del Teatro e di vivere dallinterno il modo in cui si mette in scena un melodramma. I giovani talenti inseriti nel progetto hanno anche modo di perfezionarsi sotto la guida dei vari artisti che realizzano gli spettacoli della stagione e anche di mettersi alla prova in lavori autonomi.

Se in generale e stato rilevato nella scorsa stagione un aumento del numero di spettatori, e stata di particolare soddisfazione la presenza nutrita di giovani (e anche giovanissimi!) nel nostro Teatro. A loro abbiamo dedicato due particolari iniziative che proseguiranno nella prossima stagione. Con lo slogan Vietato ai maggiori di 26 anni, alle prove generali potranno accedere coloro che non hanno ancora compiuto i 26 anni pagando solo 15 euro. Inoltre con liniziativa Last minute per alcune serate (a discrezione della Direzione) e prevista la riduzione del 25% sul prezzo dei biglietti in vendita, a partire da unora prima dellinizio dello spettacolo.

Sara ripreso anche il progetto OperaCamion, con una nuova opera che girera per le piazze di Roma e del Lazio sul camion, ormai famoso, appositamente attrezzato per contenere le scene e i cantanti.. Si trattera come sempre di una scelta essenziale, ma di grande qualita, di uno spettacolo dopera che raggiungera gratuitamente un grandissimo numero di spettatori. La parte strumentale del lopera sara curata ancora una volta dalla nostra Youth Orchestra. Si tratta di una nuova realta giovanile istituita dal Dipartimento Didattica e Formazione del Teatro dellOpera di Roma e formata da oltre cento musicisti, che ha gia al suo attivo un ricco curriculum di attivita.

Non manchera neanche il prossimo anno lattenzione per i giovanissimi: a loro non e solo dedicata la Scuola di Canto Corale del Teatro dellOpera ma anche il progetto Canta con me!, che ha anche terminato il suo primo percorso il 29 maggio con un grande concerto al Teatro Costanzi cui hanno preso parte con grande entusiasmo circa quattrocento bambini di quattro scuole delle periferie romane. Anche questa uniniziativa non secondaria del Teatro dellOpera, rivolta agli spettatori del futuro e che intendiamo proseguire anche nella prossima stagione.

La Scuola di Danza del Teatro dellOpera di Roma e i suoi giovani talenti sono anchessi al centro delle nostre attenzioni. Oltre ai consueti appuntamenti annuali con la Lezione Aperta e Il Saggio Spettacolo di fine anno, gli allievi partecipano ad alcuni balletti in programma nella Stagione 2017-18. La Scuola per la sua finalita e da sempre impegnata, attraverso una mirata selezione, a preparare bambini, adolescenti e giovani che intendono avviarsi alla professione del danzatore, con ammissioni annue di bambini provenienti da ogni parte dItalia e non solo.
What Is the Porter Diamond?

The Porter Diamond, properly referred to as the Porter Diamond Theory of National Advantage, is a model that is designed to help understand the competitive advantage that nations or groups possess due to certain factors available to them, and to explain how governments can act as catalysts to improve a country's position in a globally competitive economic environment. The model was created by Michael Porter, a recognized authority on corporate strategy and economic competition, and founder of the Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness at the Harvard Business School. It is a proactive economic theory, rather than one that simply quantifies competitive advantages that a country or region may have. The Porter Diamond is also referred to as "Porter's Diamond" or the "Diamond Model."

Key Takeaways The Porter Diamond model explains the factors that can drive competitive advantage for one national market or economy over another.

It can be used both to describe the sources of a nation's competitive advantage and the path to obtaining such an advantage.

The model can also be used by businesses to help guide and shape strategy regarding how to approach investing and operating in different national markets.

Understanding the Porter Diamond

The Porter Diamond suggests that countries can create new factor advantages for themselves, such as a strong technology industry, skilled labor, and government support of a country's economy. Most traditional theories of global economics differ by mentioning elements, or factors, that a country or region inherently possesses, such as land, location, natural resources, labor, and population size as the primary determinants in a country's competitive economic advantage. Another application of the Porter Diamond is in corporate strategy, to use as a framework to analyze the relative merits of investing and operating in various national markets.

How the Porter Diamond Works

The Porter Diamond is visually represented by a diagram that resembles the four points of a diamond. The four points represent four interrelated determinants that Porter theorizes as the deciding factors of national comparative economic advantage. These four factors are firm strategy, structure and rivalry; related supporting industries; demand conditions; and factor conditions. These can in some ways also be thought of as analogous to the eponymous forces of Porter's Five Forces model of business strategy.

Firm strategy, structure, and rivalry refer to the basic fact that competition leads to businesses finding ways to increase production and to the development of technological innovations. The concentration of market power, degree of competition, and ability of rival firms to enter a nation's market are influential here. This point is related to the forces of competitors and barriers to new market entrants in the Five Forces model.

Related supporting industries refer to upstream and downstream industries that facilitate innovation through exchanging ideas. These can spur innovation depending on the degree of transparency and knowledge transfer. Related supporting industries in the Diamond model correspond to the suppliers and customers who can represent either threats or opportunities in the Five Forces model.

Demand conditions refer to the size and nature of the customer base for products, which also drives innovation and product improvement. Larger, more dynamic consumer markets will demand and stimulate a need to differentiate and innovate, as well as simply greater market scale for businesses.

The Importance of Factor Conditions

The final determinant, and the most important one according to Porter's theory, is that of factor conditions. Factor conditions are those elements that Porter believes a country's economy can create for itself, such as a large pool of skilled labor, technological innovation, infrastructure, and capital.

For example, Japan has developed a competitive global economic presence beyond the country's inherent resources, in part by producing a very high number of engineers that have helped drive technological innovation by Japanese industries.

Porter argues that the elements of factor conditions are more important in determining a country's competitive advantage than naturally inherited factors such as land and natural resources. He further suggests that a primary role of government in driving a nation's economy is to encourage and challenge businesses within the country to focus on the creation and development of the elements of factor conditions. One way for the government to accomplish that goal is to stimulate competition between domestic companies by establishing and enforcing anti-trust laws.
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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: 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

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Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev touched upon the issues which are important for the development of the countrys economy and outlined the forthcoming tasks at a recent republican conference of non-oil exporters in the countrys Yevlakh district, Azerbaijani MP Tahir Rzayev told Trend Apr. 18.

Rzayev added that President Aliyev attaches great importance to the sustainable development of the countrys non-oil sector, tries to completely eliminate the dependence of the country's economy on the oil sector and increase production of export products.

"Much work was carried out in Azerbaijan over the past period, he said. Important measures were taken to develop agriculture, tourism due to the policy pursued by President Aliyev. As President Aliyev said, Azerbaijan must increase its export potential."

The MP said that the necessary infrastructure is being created in Azerbaijan to increase the export potential and produce competitive products.

Rzayev also added that there is a favorable investment sphere in Azerbaijan today and all necessary conditions have been created for entrepreneurs.

"More than $200 billion have been recently invested in the country's economy, he added. I believe that the radical reforms carried out under the leadership of President Aliyev and the comprehensive state support for entrepreneurship development will give a big impetus to the development of the countrys non-oil sector."
Australia is to scrap a temporary visa for skilled overseas workers, thecountry's Prime Minister has said, arguing that Australians must be given priority over foreigners for local jobs.

The popular 457 visa, which allows foreigners to live and work in Australia for up to four years, will be replaced with a stricter scheme that requires a criminal background check and includes tougher English language requirements, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said.

The list of occupations that qualify for the new visa will be sharply reduced.

"We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains: Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs," Mr Turnbull said in a Facebook video announcing the change.

The decision by Australia comes a day before US President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order that will make changes to a visa programme which takes high-skilled workers to America.

The White House said the current visa programme undercuts American workers by bringing in cheaper labour.

Australia's 457 visa was created to address shortages of local workers in certain skilled professions.

But critics argued that businesses abused it by paying foreigners lower wages than most Australians would accept.

Mr Turnbull said the new visa scheme would ensure that businesses only bring in foreign workers who are crucial to filling shortages of critical skills.

"It is focused relentlessly on the national interest and in ensuring that temporary migration visas are not a passport for foreigners to take up jobs that could and should be filled by Australians," he told reporters in the capital, Canberra.

The 95,000 people already in Australia on 457 visas will not be affected by the change.

Members of Australia's far-right political parties, particularly the anti-immigration One Nation party, were fierce critics of the 457 visa, arguing that it was allowing foreign workers to steal jobs from Australians.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson took to Twitter on Tuesday to claim credit for Mr Turnbull's decision.

"The government will deny their tough talk on immigration and plan to ban 457 visas is because of One Nation but we all know the truth!" she tweeted.
Police have arrested two suspected radicals who were allegedly preparing an "imminent" attack in France as it prepares to vote this weekend in the first round of its presidential election.

French interior minister Matthias Fekl said at a brief news conference that the arrests took place in the southern city of Marseille.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Ilhama Isabalayeva  Trend:

Any foreign company involved in excavations or reconstruction of historical monuments in the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia will be added to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys blacklist, Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev told reporters in Baku Apr. 18.

The minister added that apart from blacklisting, Azerbaijan will also cease its cooperation with such companies.

Recently, it has become known that under the pretext of second investigation some of our historical monuments located in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region are being excavated in order to falsify history, he said.

Unfortunately, scientists from other countries are sometimes involved in this, he noted.

He went on to add that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan has already conveyed its concern to UNESCO and ISESCO in this regard.

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.
Asking this question in 1914 might have elicited different replies.

For certain, nobody could have predicted the shape and state of Ireland in 1924  culturally, politically, and in terms of economics.

Then, nobody could have predicted the state of Europe in 1924 following the most terrible of wars and a series of revolutions.

Were we to pose the same question in the late 1980s about the coming three decades, who could have predicted the rise and fall and recovery of the Celtic Tiger?

What fantasist might have drawn a picture of daily life on a train or bus in Ireland with almost everyone glued to a little gadget with powers

of instant communication to family members in Australia, real-time banking, and streaming of music and videos?

Who would have predicted the outbreak of relative peace in Northern Ireland to be followed by the emergence of a new power-sharing administration with the most curious of bedfellows? And the fall of the Berlin Wall, the global rise of forms of religious-political identity, Brexit, US president Donald Trump, and much more besides?

There is much that remains unknown or unknowable.

No economist could have predicted the report showing a jump of over 25% in Irelands GDP in 2015 when the CSO revised and published its final estimates last July.

Neither can anyone foresee the final impact of Brexit, which has not happened yet.

Like the impact of the French Revolution in 1789, it is too early to say yet.

There seems to be little point in trying to predict the future even beyond the next turn of political drama in the Middle East, Europe, or North America, never mind the possible political make-up of future administrations in the North and the Republic.

However, we do need to imagine different possibilities, options, and outcomes.

Economists and political scientists are very good at predicting the past from known models of known data where outcomes and determining factors can be analysed to the 100th degree.

We have been less successful at predicting the future because the complex ecological, social, and human environments in which we live do not work as machines or laboratories.

Instead, we need to infer from emerging trends and possibilities the likely effects of current behaviour and institutional patterns.

Because we cannot predict the future, we do not have the luxury of not seeking to shape future outcomes and events by means of wise policies.

Political economy has a role and a duty to assist but never to dominate the discussion.

Wise and urgent action is needed over the coming decade, which might encompass approximately two-and-a-half electoral cycles, to reshape policy in vital areas of human wellbeing and social progress.

These areas include income from work, where the impact of demography and technology will continue to have huge impacts and where we need to boost employment participation, raise skills, transform company cultures, and ensure decent jobs that pay and reward ability.

It includes public services where we need to undertake a root-and-branch reform of the way we fund, organise, and deliver community care, education, training, healthcare, public housing, as well as other areas.

It will also involve developing a strong, competitive, export-orientated, and innovative enterprise sector when some multinationals have flown and not been replaced, as seems likely.

It will require a fundamental and measurable shift in patterns of production, consumption, and behaviour in the direction of securing a zero-carbon footprint.

Can we imagine and work for an Ireland where there is significantly greater social and economic equality and where no child, family, or worker lives in material deprivation or in a state of homelessness?

Now, I leave George Bernard Shaw a great Irish playwright, critic, and polemicist, to ask: You see things; and you say why? But I dream things that never were; and I say why not? 

If it should come to pass that Ireland were to become such a beacon of prosperity, fairness, tolerance, and vindication of human rights that an overwhelming majority of citizens in both parts of the island wanted to move towards some form of political unity with close and Scandinavian ties to our sister island, then, as Charles Stewart Parnell, the uncrowned king of Ireland, said in a speech in Cork in 1885: While we leave those things to time, circumstances, and the future, we must each one of us resolve in our own hearts that we shall at all times do everything which within us lies to obtain Ireland the fullest measure of her rights.

Tom Healy is director of the Nevin Economic Research Institute
Patricia King, general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), is certainly wide awake and she reckons she has recently caught a whiff of something altogether more rancid.

Ms King was on hand to address a conference on Brexit, organised by the trade unions Impact and Siptu, along with the Charter Group, a pro-EU civil society group.

The union boss did not mince her words. She had a predictable cut at the employers group Ibec and also at the Department of Jobs and Enterprise Ireland over talk about the introduction of lean systems of manufacture in response to the challenges posed by Brexit.

They talk about lean systems. All of us know about lean systems and where they take us, she said.

She took note of recent advice sent out from Ibec to its members to focus on cost reduction opportunities, such as process automation, greater use of data analytics and restructuring to avail of low cost country alternatives.

As Ms King sees it, a line is being put out there by the establishment.

We had an interesting meeting with the Department of Jobs, she said. They said that companies that leave it too late to adapt to Brexit will be in an irretrievable situation. Later, I listened on the car radio to Feargal O Rourke [of PwC]. Effectively, his message was: This is about the survival of the fittest. 

The ICTU general secretary warned of the prospect of devastation if the situation is not handled correctly.

There is not much point in telling a meat boner in Monaghan that his job is gone, but that there are two extra financial jobs being created in Dublin, she said,

Ms King reminded her audience of her origins as a clerical worker with British Leyland, back when it still assembled cars in this country.

Twelve thousand jobs went in three and a half years, she said. We fought very hard to save them. There was a nine-month strike and a ten week sit-in. I saw the insides of police stations.

At the end of the day, we lost. Nobody cared. There was no plan. We moved on. We cannot allow this to happen. We need to negotiate a plan to correct the jobs. It is the job of trade unions to ensure that there is no acceptance by the establishment of the fact that the jobs [in sectors hit by Brexit] are gone.

With this in mind, she is calling for the setting up of a transition fund to help companies diversify, adding that diversification will take longer than two years [the period provided for before Britain exits the EU]... whatever Enterprise Ireland says.

She also insists that the Government must put in place, with EU backing, a substantial reskilling and training fund to assist people such as the Monaghan boner who face the prospect of redundancy.

The [Governments] negotiation strategy cannot be based on the survival of the fittest, or an acceptance that jobs go, that people can be thrown overboard, said Ms King.

The ICTU general secretarys tough comments are a signal that the union movement will be pressing the Government hard when it comes to its approach to the Brexit discussions. Ms King went out of her way to criticise the approach of officials. This may reflect a concern out there that there is a degree of complacency in official Ireland.

People on the ground faced with the tornado grimace whenever well-intentioned bureaucrats in Dublin or Brussels rather blithely talk about how companies  frequently small and poorly financed  will have to diversify into new markets.

Andy Pike, the national secretary of Impact, was more diplomatic  if less colourful  in his assessment than Ms King, but he, too, is pretty concerned about the direction of events.

Mr Pike called for a more proactive approach, warning that the alternative will be lost tax revenues and increased social welfare demands as businesses fail and workers lose their jobs. The unions will be pressing the EU to step up its efforts, but his union is pressing the government here to invest to meet the greatly increased bureaucratic demands posed by Britains exit.

Few can doubt that the added burdens placed on officialdom by Brexit are immense. Businesses can expect to strangle in plenty of red tape, assuming that they even remain around to enjoy that fate.
A FEMINISED city is how British author, lecturer and journalist, Anne Sebba, describes Paris during the years spanning 1939-1949. Her fascinating book, Les Parisiennes, shines a spotlight on women living in the city of light during the war and the subsequent liberation.

It was women, more than men, who came face to face with the German conquerors on a daily basis. With the males fighting on the front, the women would have travelled alongside the enemy on the Metro  where German soldiers had priority over seats. How did these women react to their oppressors? What made them collaborate or resist? And did they have any choice? These are the questions that spurred Sebba on to write her book, researching the lives of about forty women, from actresses and prostitutes to teachers, writers and housewives.

Anne Sebba

Throw into the mix spies and mistresses, fashion designers such as Coco Chanel (who spent the war in the Ritz with her Nazi lover) and you have a colourful cast of women who had to come to terms with their actions and those of others when the liberation happened.

The women of Paris had to decide every day how to respond to the Germans, says Sebba. Did they spit in their faces, turn the street signs around or did they actually decide that these were decent men and Lets be civilised towards them? And there was a whole range in-between.

Sebba was as interested in ordinary women as the more famous players. Of course, Coco Chanel, Edith Piaf and the writer, Colette, were important in my research. But when you look at ordinary women, you wonder, what would I have done? To take prostitutes as a group, many of the brothels and night clubs in Paris were pro-resistance. But the prostitutes didnt have any choice. The Germans came to the brothels to enjoy what was on offer. The women had to oblige but you cant call them collaborators. They also had to work as prostitutes in the concentration camps where they were really badly treated.

The controversial actions of Edith Piaf during the German occupation of the French capital during World War II are dealt with in Anne Sebbas book

For ordinary women who didnt carry a gun, they couldnt be formally registered to resistance groups. They had to look after elderly parents or young children. But they did a little bit of this, a little bit of that; delivering political tracts, helping with false identity cards and bringing people to safe houses. If they hadnt carried weapons, they werent considered to be combatants. Combatant was a very important word in France after World War 11.

While the unsung heroines that survived the war got on with their lives, prominent women wrote their memoirs and spoke out about the atrocities. Sebba interviewed Genevieve de Gaulle in 2000. A niece of General Charles de Gaulle, she died a year later.

De Gaulle was a political prisoner held in Ravensbruck, the all-women concentration camp 60 miles beyond Berlin where Jehovahs Witnesses and anti-socials from a variety of countries had been held since the beginning of the war.

She wrote: ...as we went into Ravensbruck, it was as if God had remained outside. The women already there, some of whom had survived for two years, were living zombies drained of expression. In the glare of the searchlights we could see women carrying heavy containers. I barely noticed their wavering forms, their shaven heads. But I was shocked to the core by the sight of their faces. She would go on to be horrified at the way she was treated, savagely attacked and made to work twelve hour back-breaking shifts.

The controversial actions of Coco Chanel during the German occupation of the French capital during World War II are dealt with in Anne Sebbas book

Genevieve de Gaulle was a staunch Catholic, says Sebba. I went to a conference with some survivors of Ravensbruck and their children and a lot of the women said Genevieves faith was unshaken. She was a huge force in keeping the women together even though she thought she would die.

She was eventually released because of her family background and the hope that she could be used as a bargaining chip. In 2015, Francois Hollande felt it was time that some women resisters be reburied in the Pantheon in Paris, Frances secular temple for the great and good. Genevieve de Gaulle was one of those chosen. Because of her charity work and faith, she is often called the Mother Teresa of Paris.

A woman who identified as French, even converting to Catholicism and having her children baptised, was the Jewish Russian-born novelist, Irene Nemirovsky, who died from typhus in Auschwitz. Her children survived because they were looked after by good French people. What also survived was Irenes Suite Francaise, an amazing unfinished masterpiece. Irene could have applied for French nationality years before the war but she just didnt get around to it. She felt secure in France. By the time she didnt feel secure, it was too late. We lost a great writer.

Sebba believes it is not accurate to say all French women slept with Germans during the war. Many French women did an awful lot of small unrecognised acts of resistance.

Les Parisiennes is not just about the horror of war. Its also about fashion and the importance of retaining elegance, even in terrible times. It gave Parisienne women a vestige of pride. I dont think that should be dismissed as trivial or superficial because there is a point to it.

Anne Sebba will read from Les Parisiennes at Triskel Christchurch at 8.30pm on Thursday, as part of the Cork World Book Fest.

At the beginning of the war, fashion designer Lucien Lelong saved the fashion industry by preventing it from going to Berlin. In doing this, he saved the livelihoods of about 20,000 women working in the industry, many of whom were Jewish, and all of whom had specialist skills. In doing this, he created a rod for his own back.

He was accused of collaborating because he invented a synthetic fibre with the Germans. But he only did it in order to create work for the people he was saving. It goes to show that nothing is black and white. Everything is nuanced.

Anne Sebba will read from Les Parisiennes and will be in conversation with Dr Mary Noonan from UCCs French department at Triskel Christchurch at 8.30pm on Thursday, as part of the Cork World Book Fest.
When Sandra and Brendan Ryan discovered their baby daughter needed life-saving heart surgery, life as they knew it changed for good.

Already parents of two little boys, the Cork couple welcomed baby sister Kate to the clan last December, after a pregnancy scan revealed she had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which would require a string of gruelling surgeries to repair.

Immediately, on diagnosis, they said youll have to deliver in Dublin, said mum Sandra. That didnt work out in the end. She was stubborn; she wanted the Cork birth cert!

Two-and-a-half hours away from their Carrigtwohill home, the devoted couple have since maintained a 24-hour vigil by their youngest childs cribside at Our Ladys Childrens Hospital in Crumlin, something they say has only been possible with the help of the neighbouring Ronald McDonald House.

Essentially, she has half a heart, explained husband Brendan, who is a Garda. She has no left side to her heart. The bigger she gets, the more pressure it puts on her heart and her arteries.

We were, I suppose, lucky and unlucky that we knew a couple whose daughter had the exact same condition and they told us about Ronald McDonald House.

Its like a little comfort blanket for us, really. Its somewhere to go at the end of the day.

Opened in 2004, the redbrick building nestled in the heart of Dublin 12 serves as a home away from home for more than 300 families from throughout the land every year.

Despite being just metres away from the heaving childrens hospital, inside, it couldnt be more different.

In the hospital, its very stressful, agrees Edel OMalley, volunteer CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland.

You can imagine: Youre at the bedside and everything is beeping or theres lights or theres noises.

Then you have other peoples activity going on around you as well on wards.

Here, it is much more like coming into your aunt or your uncles house  coming home. The parents give each other a huge amount of support, because they are on the same kind of journey. The child mightnt have the same issues, but they have the same stresses and same sort of worries and concerns.

At the moment, our average length of stay is running at about 24 nights for a family, but we have had people who have spent over 600 nights, nearly two years solidly from their childs birth.

About 10 or 12 families a night are still knocking on the door to see if they can get in.

When their son Denis was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart disease called Shones Complex at birth last October, first-time parents Jenny Jordan and Declan McClair from Meath were forced to dip into their life savings to stay close to him in the capital.

Declan McClair and Jenny Jordan. Pic: Chris Bellew

Six months on, just like the other parents and grandparents staying at the house, the couple make a 10 daily donation to the organisation, which goes towards the true cost of 55 a night to house a family.

They call it the rollercoaster, said Jenny of her sons condition. You fix one problem and something else arises. One in 8,000 babies gets it and he was one of them. Its a big shock when youre in that situation, where you dont know what youre going to do, where youre going to stay.

We spent about 800 the first week we came here. With anxious mums and dads from across the country clamouring to secure one of the 16 bedrooms in the house, which receives no Government funding, geography is just one of the deciding factors in who gets one of the coveted quarters, which can sleep up to four and has a private bathroom and shower.

Fundraising is underway to gather the 16m needed to build a new supersized Ronald McDonald House at St Jamess Hospital in the city.

We would love to accommodate everybody, added Ms OMalley. We just dont have the facilities to do it.

How far away you are, how long they predict the child is going to stay, if there are other siblings in the family unit, they would be the main kind of criteria.

The new house will have 53 bedrooms.

It is going to be a big building in an effort to try and accommodate as many people as possible.

Do we think it will take all families? We hope it will.

Although home is less than hours drive from the hospital, as doctors continue to battle to better baby Deniss life, for Declan and Jenny from Ballivor, the service has been a lifesaver of a different kind.

When you have a sick child, half an hour commute is bad, he argued.

Weve seen it over there with Denis, they act so fast. Several evenings were over there in the house; next thing, the nurse will ring us to say the cardiologist wants to have a chat with us and can you tip over there.

Youre getting out of that bubble of being in the hospital the whole time. Your head would be melted if you were over there the whole time.

All youre seeing is people sad the whole time; it does drain you.

Home-style meals, laundry facilities, squishy couches, a big screen TV, and limitless toys for the little ones are just some of the home comforts affording the countrys most embattled families a sense of normality in the most abnormal of circumstances, and all completely free of charge, due to big-hearted Irish companies and volunteer staff.

Its really made a difference not having to worry: Weve been in hospital all day we have to eat something, dad-of-three Brendan said. Therell always be something in the fridge.

A cosy corner of Ronald McDonald House. Pic: Chris Bellew

No matter whats going on in your own scenario, theres never doom and gloom. People do have bad days, but you never get the air of sadness.

Its a nice place to be, in the worst possible circumstances.

More than anything, the Carrigtwohill couple say staying at Ronald McDonald House has given them the opportunity to just be parents, both to Kate and her brave big brothers, Conor, 7, and James, 5, not to mention check in with each other.

When Kate is on the ward, we really are like ships in the night, he went on. Sandra would be here and Id be below minding the lads and then wed cross over.

When the boys are off at the weekend, and Im off, then it does give us a chance to come together as a family, which is great.

When they get up here, you can make it all about them, because they love coming up.

Sandra adds: A place like this allows you to parent your other children because when your child is in ICU, you dont parent, you flitter in and out and you kind of sit there.

It gives you a sense of normal in the most abnormal situation and it becomes your normal.

You find yourself going out for day trips and saying: Well go home.

I went to Cork two or three weeks ago and its almost like that was the abnormal for me and this was the norm. This was the norm, because you have a sick child thats here and you want to be near her.

I was actually relieved coming back up.

See www.rmhc.ie for more.
THE net is closing on those involved in the murder of former dissident republican leader Aidan ODriscoll, who was gunned down on the streets of Cork just over four months ago.

Gardai are preparing files for the DPP following the arrest, questioning and release without charge of six people  the first arrests by the garda team investigating the murder of the former chief of staff of the Real IRA in Blackpool on December 7 last.

The analysis and investigation of evidence is continuing and there will be more arrests, said Supt Mick Comyns, the senior officer overseeing the massive investigation.

Mr ODriscoll, a father of two from Glen Heights, Ballyvolane, on the northside of Cork City, who was engaged to be married next month to his fiancee, Marion Ryan, was gunned down on Commons Rd at around 4.45pm on December 7.

Nicknamed the Beast for his prowess on the GAA pitch, he had been dropped off just minutes earlier and was walking about 300 yards from Blackpools Church of the Annunciation when he was ambushed by two masked men, who opened fire at close range with a handgun.

He was struck at least once in the pelvis, then he turned to run back towards Blackpool village and was pursued.

He collapsed on the footpath where the gunmen walked calmly up to him and shot him another three times in the chest as he lay on the ground.

He was rushed by ambulance to Cork University Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, but was pronounced dead around 7pm.

It is believed ODriscoll had, just weeks before his death, aligned himself with a unit of the New IRA in Cork.

Gardai believe his murder was ordered by former associates of his in the Real IRA arising out of bitter tensions caused by a power-struggle between members of the Real IRA and New IRA in Cork.

His killers fled the scene on foot, and made off in a silver grey Nissan Almera, registration number 01 TS 1312, which was found partially burned out a short distance away at the junction of Seminary Rd and Redemption Rd.

They were picked up in a white Vauxhall Astra estate van, registered 99 G 12357, which was found partially burned out later in Monard, Killeens, about 8km away.

Gardai believe those involved in the killing left this area in a red Opel Astra car. That car was found two weeks later burnt-out and abandoned in a ravine near Rylane, on the Rylane to Nadd road, about 30km northwest of Cork City.

Supt Comyns said a team of more than 20 gardai and detectives has been working full-time on the murder investigation for the last four months. It is the largest investigation he has overseen.

He said they have gathered over 10,000 hours of CCTV, some of which is still being examined, as they painstakingly piece together the movements of various people and vehicles in the days leading up to the murder, in the crucial hours and minutes before and after the cold-blooded shooting, and in the days afterwards.

They have taken over 700 statements, and collected over 250 exhibits, seizing the killers getaway vehicles, as well as various laptops, computers and mobile phones.

Gardai have also seized a motorbike found burned out on the Mallow Rd on the day of the murder, and a black Toyota Avensis which had been seen in the Blackpool and Killeens areas between 2pm and 5pm on the day of the murder.

Following consideration earlier this month of the evidence gathered to date, a decision was taken to make the first arrests in the complex case.

Early on Wednesday, April 5, teams of gardai and detectives swooped on separate addresses in Cork in a series of coordinated operations, arresting five people  four men and a woman.

Gardai suspect they were all involved in the sourcing of the fleet of cars used by the gang involved in the shooting.

A 28-year-old man was arrested in the Mallow Rd area of Cork City, while two other men, aged 31 and 22, were arrested at a house in the Blarney area between 6.30am and 7am.

All three were detained under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act and were taken to the Bridewell, Mayfield and Gurranabraher Garda stations for questioning. The act allows gardai hold suspects for up to seven days.

Gardai later applied at Cork District Court for an extension to their period of detention and were granted a further 72 hours  bringing the suspects period of detention into the weekend.

Later that Wednesday morning, gardai arrested two more people  a 77-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman, also in the Blarney area. They were both detained under the provisions of Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act and were taken to Togher Garda Station for questioning.

It is understood they are both known to one of the men who had been arrested earlier.

The pensioner was released without charge the next day, Thursday.

Gardai went to court that evening to secure a 24-hour extension to the womans period of detention, and she was released without charge the following night, Friday.

While the three men who were arrested on the Wednesday were still in custody, detectives arrested a sixth suspect, a 42-year-old man, at a house in the Ballyvolane area of Corks northside at about 9pm on Sunday, April 9.

He was detained under the provisions of Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, which allows gardai to detain suspects for up to 48 hours, and he was brought to Mayfield Garda Station for questioning.

Within hours, gardai released without charge the three men who had been arrested the previous Wednesday.

Gardai secured a 24-hour extension of the period of detention for the 42-year-old and released him without charge on Wednesday.

Files in relation to all six are now being prepared for the DPP.

Mr ODriscoll was convicted of Real IRA membership in 2006 and sentenced to three years in jail but his conviction was quashed on a technicality.

He lived for a time in Dublin and was closely aligned with former Real IRA leader Alan Ryan, who was shot dead in Dublin in 2012.

Gardai believe ODriscoll was, for a time afterwards, chief of staff of the Real IRA, before he moved back to Cork.

In a statement issued in 2013 by the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, the Real IRA said ODriscoll had been stood down for unrepublican activities.

He was shot in the legs in a punishment-style shooting in Cork in 2013, but made no complaint to gardai.

He was also arrested in November 2015 for questioning about a crucifixion-style attack on a Traveller trader in Rathkeale whose feet were nailed to the floor with a nail gun. He was released without charge.

But Supt Comyns said irrespective of their background, nobody deserves to be gunned down on the street.

We cannot accept that in modern society. Mr ODriscoll was a son, a brother, and a father. He was due to be married next month. A family liaison officer has been appointed to keep the family informed of developments. The four months of investigations led to the arrests of six people, and there will be more arrests, he said.

On the night of ODriscolls removal, three men were arrested in a house in Cobh, and weapons and ammunition were seized, as part of an ongoing garda investigation into dissident republican activity in Cork.

Gardai stressed at the time that these arrests were not directly linked to the ODriscoll murder investigation, but that it underlined the scale of tensions and security risk posed by the power-struggle between dissident republicans in Cork.

Three men were subsequently brought before the Special Criminal Court and charged with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh Na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on December 14, 2016.

One of the men was further charged with possession of a semi-automatic 9mm Walter Pistol and a sawn-off shotgun, and with possession of 22 rounds of ammunition.
The clouds of war, it might seem, are gathering around the Korean Peninsula.

The North Korean government flaunts an increasingly sophisticated arsenal of intercontinental missiles and launches a midrange version, which apparently fails seconds after takeoff. The US moves an immense warship to the waters off the peninsula in a display of military might. President Donald Trump warns hes ready to solve North Korea, while North Koreas deputy foreign minister says his country will conduct its next nuclear test whenever it sees fit.

Yesterday, US vice-president Mike Pence visited South Korea, where he put on a tough show of rhetoric during an appearance with Koreas acting president, Hwang Kyo-ahn..

Just in the past two weeks, the world witnessed the strength and resolve of our new president in actions taken in Syria and Afghanistan, Pence said in a joint appearance with Hwang.

North Korea would do well not to test his resolve or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region, Pence said.

But in Pyongyang, where war would mean untold horrors, where neighbourhoods could be reduced to rubble and tens of thousands of civilians could be killed, few people seem to care much at all.

On Sunday, the citys zoo was crowded, playgrounds were full of children and families strolled along downtown sidewalks speckled with the falling blossoms of apricot trees. At the citys annual Kimilsungia flower show  held to celebrate Saturdays 105th anniversary of the birth of North Koreas founding ruler, Kim Il Sung, and the purple orchid named for him  thousands crowded around the displays, many using mobile phones to take photos of friends and family.

In a country where the propaganda is all-encompassing, and where the same family has held power for three generations, every display mixed bright flowers with reminders of Kim Il Sung or the nation that his grandson, Kim Jong Un, now rules. So there were dioramas of Kim Il Sungs birthplace, photos of him meeting foreign leaders, paintings of new housing developments  and models of missiles.

And there was Chong Ok An, a retiree pushing her way through the crowds with her family. Were not afraid, she said. As long as we have Marshal Kim Jong Un we can win any fight.

Her response reflected the phrasing of North Korean propaganda, as well as the reality that every person here has heard talk of war for decades. The Kim family has entrenched its rule by portraying the country as being relentlessly under siege, leaving its people unable to distinguish between daily hyperbole and the reality of an increasingly tense situation.

The same unending hyperbole has affected South Koreans as well. They have heard North Korean warnings of their destruction for so long that the threats barely even register. While interest in North Korea spikes immediately after a missile launch, within hours internet search traffic is again dominated by TV comedy shows, taxes and real estate.

After the Norths weekend birthday celebrations passed with no huge provocations like a nuclear test, people and the media in South Korea were more preoccupied yesterday with domestic news such as the start of the official campaigning period for next months presidential election and a popular singer and actors wedding plans. South Korean prosecutors also indicted former President Park Geun-hye on corruption charges, providing for headline-grabbing news.
Within cooperation with Heriot-Watt University (HWU), Great Britain, and joint academic programs, Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) announced admission to Masters degree programs for 2017/2018 academic year on the following specialities (specializations): Petroleum Engineering (Reservoir Evaluation and Management) and Chemical Engineering (specialization: Oil and Gas Technology).

BHOS graduates, bachelors from other higher educational institutions educated in English, and specialists educated abroad can apply to participate in the admission contest to be conducted by the State Examination Centre. The admission test exams will be arranged based on the HWU study programs.

In total, 21 bachelors will be admitted to Masters degree program. The teaching will be conducted in English language. Upon the program completion, the graduates will receive diplomas from both the Baku Higher Oil School and the Heriot-Watt University. Admission exams to these Masters degree programs will be free of charge in accordance with the governmental order. Duration of the Masters degree programs is a year and a half.
Crude oil prices slipped 1 percent on Monday in subdued trading after a long Easter holiday weekend, on news of rising U.S. shale production and profit-taking following three straight weeks of gains, Reuters reported.

On Monday, the Energy Information Agency (EIA) said U.S. shale production in May was set for its biggest monthly increase in more than two years, adding to worries that these increases would undermine efforts of the world's top producers to rein in a glut.

Robert Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho Americas said market conditions encouraged profit taking. Speculators in the week to April 11 also increased bets on strong performance in both contracts.

"The market was overbought so these people are definitely booking profits at this point," Yawger said.

Benchmark Brent crude futures ended the session 53 cents lower at $55.36 while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures settled down 53 cents at $52.65 a barrel.

Volumes were thin, with about 152,000 Brent futures contracts and about 296,000 WTI contracts changing hands, less than half of Thursday's trading volumes.

With financial markets closed across Europe, the focus was on geopolitical tensions.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will meet on May 25 to consider extending output cuts beyond June to reduce a glut that has depressed prices. Iran fed hopes that OPEC and non-OPEC producers would extend the cuts, but Saudi Arabia's energy minister said it was too early to discuss an extension.

"While the Saudis and the Russians have been complying with their cuts we've seen Iraq and a number of other countries produce more than their share of the quota," Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates in Houston, said.

"So that gives the market pause at how effective they're going to be at taking oil out of the market."

Another source of instability is in North Korea. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Monday warned North Korea that U.S. strikes in Afghanistan and Syria, one of North Korea's few close allies, showed that the country should not test the resolve of President Donald Trump.
Tuesday, April 18th, 2017 (10:24 am) - Score 1,677

The 800 million Countesswells Development, which involves the creation of a new town with 3,000 homes and various spaces for business / schools near to Aberdeen, has claimed that it will also be the first community in Scotland to provide residents with access to hyperfast 1Gbps broadband.

The Press and Journal reports that Stewart Milne Homes, which is the company behind the development, has signed an agreement with an unfamiliar ISP called Grain that will deploy or manage the service using Fibre Optic lines installed around the site (a couple of quick Google searches turned up nothing on this provider).

Jim Fitzsimons, CDL Project Director, said: Digital infrastructure nd broadband speeds are shockingly poor in this part of the world. Private, as well as public, sector investment is required to improve our digital connectivity. As part of our vision to make Countesswells the most connected community in Scotland, we made the decision to install the best fibre network at the out-set. Weve been able to install the fibre, along with the work on existing and new roads, which makes it relatively cost-effective. The wider region can benefit from what weve already done, but rolling it out more widely will require support from the public sector.

At this point things get a bit confusing because some of the earlier documentation from 2014 states that BT have provided the option of full fibre connectivity, although the developer also said they were considering the option of a high speed open access network offering all homeowners market choice and 1Gb service.

However, if BT (they no doubt mean Openreach) had been chosen then the Fibre-to-the-Premise (FTTP/H) network would be available via more ISPs than just Grain, which leads us to suspect that they opted for the latter. Grain will also be working with Sky to offer residents a TV service, which wed assume involves a Fibre Integrated Reception System (FIRS) setup (i.e. a Satellite dish grabs the TV and distributes it over fibre).

Grain are also exploring the possibility of expanding their pure fibre network into nearby Kingswells (suburb of Aberdeen), albeit only once the new towns network is complete. Meanwhile any talk about deploying the network across the whole city is probably academic right now as it would surely require a large investment.

Mind you we must not forget that Cityfibres FTTP for local businesses and public sector sites is already present in the city, which could potentially provide a springboard to residential coverage like in York. On top of that Openreachs (BT) slower FTTC (VDSL2) service already covers the vast majority of the city, although this delivers much more variable speeds up to 80Mbps.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

The World Bank (WB) and the BestComp Group have signed a contract on the delivery, installation and maintenance of IT equipment for main and reserve DATA-centers as part of the Judicial Services and Smart Infrastructure Project (JSSIP) in Azerbaijan, the bank told Trend.

The contracts cost is almost $33 million.

The JSSIP project was approved in 2014. Its total cost is $200 million, $100 million of which accounts for the government share. The JSSIP project is expected to be implemented until December 31, 2018.

The projects aims are to improve the access, transparency and efficiency of delivery of selected justice services.

Azerbaijan joined the WB in 1992.
In the school district of La Crosse, Vicki Lyons depends on mobile device management software from Jamf to manage the Wisconsin districts fleet of iPads and MacBook Air devices. The Apple device management platform plays a key role in the districts efforts to provide equitable access to technology to all of its students.

We use Jamf Pro as our device management solution for our 1:1 iPad program district-wide. As a result, we are driving student success with iPads and meeting their individual needs via personalized learning  something we werent able to previously do, says Lyons, technology service director for the School District of La Crosse.

Giving each student an iPad has really made a difference in their lives, especially for those who didnt previously have technology at home.

Self-service features enable students to get their devices up and running in less than 20 minutes, Lyons says. Once iPads are deployed, were able to collect dynamic inventory, reduce risks and protect resources, and ensure peace of mind with remote lock and wipe, automated patches, and reporting on backup status, she says.

Being able to easily inventory, deploy and secure Apple devices also eases the management burden on IT: Our district has grown the program from 3,000 to more than 8,000 iPad and MacBook Air devices  all without having to increase our technical staff, Lyons says.

Jamf Pro has made management of our Apple devices simple and secure. Most importantly, its helped us close the digital divide, and empower our students by providing them with digital equity in and outside of the classroom, she says.

Lyons shared her experience with Jamf as part of Network Worlds annual Fave Raves project, which asks IT pros to talk about their favorite enterprise tech products. (Related: 31 tech pros share favorite IT products).

This year, a number of IT pros from the education industry weighed in on their must-haves. At Concordia University, Jonathan Mierow depends on Code42 CrashPlan to back up distributed end-user data.

We needed a backup/DR solution that would be easy to deliver, maintain and administer. It's been the easiest deployment we've done for our university, says Mierow, senior network administrator at the St. Paul, Minn., university.

CrashPlan simplifies the deployment of freshly imaged machines to Concordia faculty and staff if they have issues with broken hardware or malware, he says. With Code42, the faculty and staff know they can restore their own data as they need it. This alone has reduced calls to our help desk, as well as instilled confidence in our end users that the IT department is providing the right tools to protect their data.

It can be difficult in higher education to get faculty and staff to buy into changes that IT would like to make, but after a brief explanation and some simple training, our users were off and running, Mierow says.

A few IT pros also talked about the tools they use to bolster security at higher-education institutions. Flush with personal data and valuable research, universities can be prime targets for hackers.

Dutchess Community College, which is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, relies on DatAdvantage from Varonis. The data security platform is designed to show organizations where sensitive data exists, who is accessing it, and how to keep it safe.

DatAdvantage is the only product in this space that gives you a single window into your unstructured data. In that one interface I can see who has access to my data, where the data lives, what type of data it is, and how long it has been since it was touched, says Howard Ignal, director of information security and system architect at SUNY Dutchess in Poughkeepsie, NY. DatAdvantage also [addresses] key regulatory requirements through data classification, which digs into your files looking for personally identifiable information/sensitive business material. The interface is very easy to use for both technical and non-technical staff.

Varonis in the first month identified four locations where sensitive data was being stored, Ignal says. These locations would never have been located without Varonis running. During the first six months of using Varonis we identified multiple ransomware attacks and stopped them with ZERO data loss.

Looking ahead, SUNY Dutchess plans to expand its DatAdvantage deployment to include its Office 365 implementation and protect its offsite storage. Doing this will give us full view of our data on premises and in the cloud, Ignal says. This is very important to our organization.

At Texas A&M University System, Daniel Basile has deployed Vectras cybersecurity platform to help defend the statewide higher-ed system that spans 11 universities and seven state agencies.

There are very few tools that allow you to distil cybersecurity event information to a level where a tier-1 analyst can make a meaningful decision with the information presented to him within five minutes, says Basile, who is executive director of the security operations center at Texas A&M University System. If the tool can do this without agents, without signatures, and without logs, many people would claim disbelief. With Vectra, we are able to obtain this.

The effectiveness of Vectra has allowed A&M System to monitor its system network and run a security operations center with an extremely small staff. We are able to leverage student workers with an affinity for cybersecurity to act as our tier-1 analysts. This turns our titled tier-1 individuals effectively into tier-2 analysts, Basile says.

Vectra has also reduced the risk of costly data breaches. On average, in the past, if you had a breach you called forensics and you found out about it usually a month after it actually occurred, Basile says. With Vectra, we found seven incidents, but we found them quickly enough I didnt need to call an outside forensics team. Early detection has saved A&M System millions of dollars, he says.

Philip Grabowski, who is an IT, network, and security forensic instructor at Pittsburgh Technical College, shared his experience with Paesslers PRTG network monitoring software.

Within minutes you can begin monitoring your network and get a visual on the topology. Immediately you can start researching problems on your network and fix them, Grabowski says.

I use PRTG in a botnet lab to show students an attack from a Low Orbit Ion Cannon (LOIC), which creates a denial of service on the domain controller. We are also monitoring traffic in the botnet lab to detect if client machines are downloading torrents, Grabowski says. Students get hands-on experience using the product in the classroom without fear of harming a production environment. This provides confidence in the product in the field.

On the customer service front, Grand Canyon University uses Calabrio ONE to streamline contact center operations.

Calabrio ONE, a workforce optimization suite, makes my job easy, says Sara de la Fuente, quality assurance specialist at Grand Canyon University. I spend my entire day working out of Calabrio. It is easy to navigate, great for culling data/analytics, the customer support has been amazing, and the system is continuously rolling out new features.

Colleague Josie Trimnal, who is an operations quality analyst, adds that Calabrio ONE has helped Grand Canyon University to streamline our quality management process and has assisted us in providing our agents with necessary, instant feedback to improve our overall customer experience.
Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18

Trend:

More than 20 Azerbaijani export companies producing fruit juices, mineral waters, wine and cognac, fresh fruits and vegetables, therapeutic herbal teas will present the products as part of the trade missions in Kazakhstan, the Azerbaijani embassy in Kazakhstan said Apr. 18.

Azerbaijani producers will present the products within the trade missions in Almaty and Astana on April 23-26.

The trade missions have been organized by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy and the Azerbaijan Export and Investments Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) with the support of the Azerbaijani embassy in Kazakhstan.

The trade mission includes the representatives of the companies producing building materials, street and park furniture.

The main goal of the trade mission is to strengthen and intensify the bilateral trade and economic cooperation of business circles, as well as review the commercial potential of Azerbaijan.

"Geographically Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are near, Azerbaijani ambassador to Kazakhstan Rashad Mammadov said in an interview with Trend earlier. Azerbaijan mainly exports the petroleum engineering machinery to Kazakhstan.

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan amounted to nearly $124.4 million in 2016, over $26 million of which accounted for the export to Kazakhstan.
Details added (first version posted at 16:15)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) will continue to invest in real estate funds within the share of investment portfolio that is specified in the Funds regulations (10 percent), said SOFAZ Executive Director Shahmar Movsumov.

He made the remarks at a press conference in Baku Apr. 18.

We intend to continue acquiring real estate assets within 10 percent of the investment portfolio. But if earlier we bought buildings, now we invest in specialized real estate funds that acquire assets, he said, adding that this also reduces risks.

As of April 1, the total volume of SOFAZ investment portfolio was $33.2 billion or 99.98 percent of the total assets. Meanwhile, 4.6 percent of the Funds investment portfolio was invested in real estate.

SOFAZ was established in 1999 with assets of $271 million.

Based on SOFAZ's regulations, its funds may be used for the construction and reconstruction of strategically important infrastructure facilities, as well as solving important national problems.

The main goals of the State Oil Fund include: accumulation of resources and the placement of the Fund's assets abroad in order to minimize the negative effect on the economy, the prevention of "Dutch disease" to some extent, promotion of resource accumulation for future generations and support of current social and economic processes in Azerbaijan.
Details added (first version posted on 14:41)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

As of April 1, 2017, assets of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) increased by 0.18 percent and amounted to $33.207 billion, as compared to early 2017 ($33.147 billion), SOFAZ Executive Director Shahmar Movsumov said at a press conference in Baku Apr. 18.

The increase was mainly due to a sizeable positive effect of changes in exchange rates of investment portfolio currencies (mainly Euro, Russian ruble and British pound), as well as the impact of asset appreciation (specifically, equity and gold portfolios), said Movsumov.

Budget revenues of SOFAZ reached 3.273 billion manats, while budget expenditures constituted 3.848 billion manats in January-March 2017. SOFAZs revenues of 2,899.1 million manats were received from implementation of oil and gas agreements, including 2.894 billion manats from the sale of profit oil and gas, 0.1 million manats as bonus payments and 4.6 million manats as transit payments.

The revenues from managing assets of the Fund amounted to 373.4 million manats, while the extra-budgetary expenditures related to the revaluation of foreign exchange totaled 873.9 million manats in January-March 2017.

As per 2017 budget of SOFAZ, 1.525 billion manats were transferred to the state budget. Expenditures in the amount of 27.8 million manats were directed to finance the improvement of social-economic condition of refugees and internally displaced persons, 8.5 million manats were used for the reconstruction of the Samur-Absheron irrigation system. Meanwhile, 1.3 million manats were used to finance the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway construction and two million manats were directed to finance The State Program on the Education of Azerbaijani youth abroad in the years of 2007-2015.

Moreover, 2.279 billion manats were transferred to Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) in order to ensure the countrys macroeconomic stability. SOFAZs administrative and operational expenses totaled 3.9 million manats in January-March 2017.
Indian labor authorities are trying to avert a threatened nationwide strike by unionized dockworkers that would impact supply chains as the Narendra Modi government vigorously works to stimulate economic growth.

The countrys chief labor commissioner is expected to meet with union representatives in New Delhi early next week in the hope of reaching a settlement, local port sources told JOC.com.

The call for an indefinite industrial action beginning April 19 has been given by a consortium of labor groups representing dockworkers employed at major, or public, ports to press for changes in the Major Port Authorities Bill 2016 seeking a restructuring of the countrys port administrative system.

The dockworker unions have already served an official strike notice to respective port authorities and the Ministry of Shipping, highlighting their concerns and charter of demands.

Its purpose is, To conclude a settlement between the management of Indian ports and six federations of port and dockworkers with the participation of the Ministry of Shipping specifying protection of all existing and future benefits of employees, including protection of job security and also pensionary benefits of retired employees, the notice stated.

The labor unions fear the reform program would lead to privatization of port activities in a phased manner and in turn, a loss of jobs and social security for the workers.

The new port legislation, which already has been cleared by the union cabinet, broadly aims to replace port management under boards of trustees with independent boards that will have the power to fix tariffs and make major investments.

With a view to promoting the expansion of port infrastructure and facilitate trade and commerce, the proposed bill aims at decentralizing decision-making and to infuse professionalism in governance of ports, the government said in a previous statement.

India has 12 major publicly-owned ports that together account for roughly 70 percent of the countrys total container trade. These ports are in the process of a massive makeover to shore up productivity and efficiency in the wake of growing competition from private rivals such as Adani Ports Mundra, which is close to doubling capacity and could pose a major threat to growth of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, the biggest public container handler.

As part of its Sagar Mala port-led development program, the government has lined up an array of public-private partnership projects for construction of new berths, port-related rail projects, dredging, equipment upgrades, mechanization, and moving more transactions online at major ports.

Major ports fiscal year 2016 to 2017 container throughput increased 3 percent year-over-year to 8.45 million twenty-foot-equivalent units, according to the newest provisional port data compiled by JOC.com. In the same period, total traffic was up nearly 7 percent to 647.6 million tonnes (714 million tons) from 606.5 million tonnes previously.
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A lawsuit that alleged a day-care teacher at Sugar and Spice Child Development Center physically abused a 5-year-old boy has been settled.

Judge Lindsay Davis of Forsyth Superior Court approved a settlement of $35,000 for the child after a hearing in the case on Monday.

The settlement came out of a lawsuit that Angel Broughton and Paul Accattato filed Aug. 25, 2015 in Forsyth Superior Court on behalf of their son, Carter. The lawsuit was filed against Sugar and Spice Child Development Center and Jacinta Antoinetta Gladden.

Gladden, 34, of Old Vineyard Road, is facing criminal charges of negligent child abuse inflicting serious physical injury, intentional child abuse inflicting serious physical injury, assault on a child under 12 and two counts of misdemeanor child abuse.

According to indictments and arrest warrants, Gladden is accused of sliding Carter across the floor and holding him against a bookshelf while telling another student to strike Carter. Court documents allege that Carter had bruises and scratches on his torso and arms as a result of the assault.

The lawsuit said Sugar and Spice, which is now closed, was negligent in hiring and supervising Gladden and that Sugar and Spice officials failed to conduct proper background checks on her. Sugar and Spice officials also failed to fire Gladden several months before when Carters parents complained about Gladden, the lawsuit alleges.

The alleged incident of assault happened on June 17, 2015. Sugar and Spice officials denied the allegations in court papers.

Juneaice Nichole Neely (she has said her married name is Downing), another worker at the day-care, was charged with negligent child abuse inflicting serious physical injury and misdemeanor child abuse in connection to the June 17, 2015 incident. A Forsyth County jury acquitted her of the charges last year after a trial.

John Vermitsky, attorney for the plaintiffs, said in court that Carter has completed counseling and is doing well physically.

Stephanie W. Anderson, attorney for Sugar and Spice, did not object to the settlement.

After the hearing, Vermitsky said he could not comment further about the settlement.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which will transport Azerbaijani gas to Europe, is an important infrastructure supporting decarbonization, said Italys Environment Minister Gian Luca Galletti.

He pointed out that his countrys energy strategy is focused on renewables and natural gas, Italian media reported Apr. 18.

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 Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Stage 2 to the EU countries.



The pipeline will connect 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 km 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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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Winston-Salem Police Chief Barry Rountree said Tuesday that he plans to retire after a career that spanned 30 years.

Rountree, who has been police chief since 2013, will retire Sept. 1, the department said in a news release.

I have had a very rewarding career, Rountree said. I have been able to serve in nearly every sworn position in the department, and now it is time to turn the reins over to the next generation of leadership.

Rountree became an officer in January 1988 and climbed the ranks to become senior police officer  equivalent to todays corporal position  in 1992, sergeant in 1996, lieutenant in 2000, captain in 2004 and assistant police chief in 2007.

He has also served in the Field Services Bureau, the Investigative Services Bureau, the Support Services Bureau and the Professional Standards Division.

During my career with the police department I have seen eight coworkers lose their lives while serving, he said.

They are a constant reminder to all police officers of the risks they take to ensure the public safety.

Rountree was the first black man to lead the Winston-Salem Police Department and the 14th police chief in the citys more than 100 years of history.

Rountree has a bachelors degree in business administration from Winston-Salem State University and a masters in public affairs from UNC Greensboro.

Rountree also is a graduate of the Administrative Officers Management Program at North Carolina State University and the Municipal Administration program at UNC Chapel Hill.

He and his wife, Sylvia, have one son, Barry Rountree Jr., and are members of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church.

Rountree said he is most proud of trying to make the Winston-Salem Police Department better for employees, and for improving service delivery to the citizens.

We have worked diligently to improve community relations and promote WSPDs brand, he said.

City Manager Lee Garrity said that Rountree has done a remarkable job of leading the police department.

With a steady hand and a firm belief in serving all, Chief Rountree has enhanced public safety while avoiding the community-trust challenges that other communities have faced, Garrity said.

Garrity said he will begin the process to select the next chief by consulting with the mayor, members of the Winston-Salem City Council, police employees and community leaders. The process to find a successor could be handled one of two ways, he said.

Sometimes if theres a really strong internal candidate, well run an internal process, Garrity said. Sometimes, like the last two times, we hire a national consultant, do a national search and hold a public forum with the finalists to meet the public.

The latter is a formal process that would take up to four months, he said.
HOWARD FLOCH, Clemmons

Its only fitting

I just finished reading your article on the latest chapter of HB2, namely, the withdrawal-from-the-ACC bill (House GOP legislation targets ACC membership, April 13). It is quite clear that with this clown car of a legislature, HB2 will never end.

Since we do not have problems such as a woeful state of health care, an educational system crying for improvement, a state that could enhance senior migration by being more financially hospitable to retirees and a bureaucracy that is unresponsive to citizens, it is only fitting that we waste money, time and effort pandering to the egos of these clowns.

We have 17 months to make sure that every election to the legislature is contested and that people who will do the peoples business are elected. Let us convert the clown car back into a legislature.

******

GABRIELLA PRICE, Winston-Salem

Repealing Obamacare

To me, Rep. Ted Budds April 3 guest column, Nothing short of full repeal of Obamacare, isnt so much bragging as an admission of guilt.

Obamacare wasnt the best solution to our uniquely American health-care problems, but it was more beneficial to the American people  including millions who couldnt even get health insurance before it was passed  than anything any Republican ever accomplished. Even with all the sabotage it faced from Republicans, it saved a great many lives, Republican and Democrat.

Trumpcare was rejected, not only by Congress, but by the American people, because it was too harsh and would have caused too much damage.

Full repeal of Obamacare with no replacement would be devastating. Budd apparently voted against Trumpcare because it wasnt harsh enough and didnt do enough damage.

This wont be the last attempt the Republicans make to take away our health care and give the money to the rich instead. The American people must remain vigilant.

******

LISSA BROWN, Zionville

Synonyms for lying

I have noticed that with few exceptions, people dont just lie anymore. They misspeak or mischaracterize or, as seems to be the pattern lately, theyre misquoted or misunderstood by the media.

It must be so difficult for parents trying to teach their young children the difference between telling the truth and those other things. I imagine the supper table discussion when young siblings go at each other.

Youre a liar!

Am not.

We dont use that word in this house. If somebody doesnt tell the truth, we call it a fib.

It starts young.

The new alternative facts category begs its own definition. Perhaps alternative facts should become the exclusive property of people who live in alternative worlds where they see and hear things the rest of us arent privy to or cant access because of our credibility filters.

Rather than lie, we sometimes stretch the truth or if youre a foodie, fudge the facts. When someone is intent on concealing the truth there are numerous ways to do it. One can mislead, falsify, use fake information or just tell stories.

It speaks volumes about our society that the list of synonyms for lying seems endless and grows daily. Im relieved to note many of our media outlets have returned to using the terminology that describes the known phenomenon that causes peoples pants to catch fire.

******

DUNCAN MASON, Winston-Salem

The Trump effect

I wonder if we could call this the Trump effect, the recent Republican tactic of legislatively and financially punishing those with whom they disagree.

It occurred to me while reading House GOP legislation targets ACC membership (April 13), but Ive seen it in other places, too, like the Trump administrations threat to withhold federal funds from states that refuse to assist immigration officials (even though theyre not legally required to), and GOP attempts to defund Planned Parenthood specifically, even though it qualifies for payments just like other organizations that offer the same services.

Maybe this tactic has existed before. Maybe Democrats have practiced it. I cant think of any examples, though.

Of course, private leaders on the left and right have supported boycotts of various businesses. But thats a bit different from government officials essentially saying, Were going to take money from you if you dont bend to our political will.

Because these are matters of conscience and free speech, and none of their targets are doing anything illegal, it seems like a bullying tactic more than anything else.

I just read about President Trump threatening to withhold health-care funding from seven million Americans if the Democrats dont agree to negotiate with him on Obamacare. Hes almost literally holding American lives hostage to get his way.

To me, this is simply going too far. Republicans need to accept that not everybody sees things the way they do  nor are they required to.

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Details added (first version posted on 16:17)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

No problems are expected in financing the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project in 2017, Shahmar Movsumov, executive director of Azerbaijans state oil fund SOFAZ, said at a press conference in Baku Apr. 18.

SOFAZ didnt allocate funds for the Southern Gas Corridor in the first quarter of this year. However, funds are envisaged in the annual budget, but the question whether these funds will be used still remains open. I can say with certainty that the funds for expenditures of the SGC projects are at the disposal of the Southern Gas Corridor CJSC. Therefore, this year there will be no problems with financing, noted Movsumov.

Moreover, negotiations continue for financing the Southern Gas Corridor in the next two years. I think contracts will be signed by the end of the year and the Funds Supervisory Board will approve them. So, we dont expect any problems with the financing of the Southern Gas Corridor, he added.

The State Oil Funds 2017 budget envisages expenditures worth 496.155 million manats for financing the states share in the projects of the Southern Gas Corridor CJSC.

SOFAZ allocated more than $1.23 billion or 1.53 billion Azerbaijani manats for the SGC project in 2014-2016.

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey.

At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.

As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans Adriatic Pipeline.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
04/18/2017

On April 14, 2017, the annual International House awards banquet, sponsored by the International Endowment Foundation, banquet was held in the Houston Cole Library.

The JSU International House (IH) is a global learning and living community program that strives to contribute towards the globalization of our campus and community. Currently, 23 different countries are represented in the house including the United States. Students living in the IH were recognized for their outstanding contribution to the program, their academic achievements and for living the mission of the house, which is Know one another, and you will love one another.

The program was opened by JSU President Beehler and hosted by Mr. Koven L. Brown, Chairman of International Endowment Foundation, and Ms. Chandni Khadka, Director of International House & Programs.

University officials in attendance were: Dr. Rebecca Turner, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Joe Walsh, Vice Provost and Interim Director for Graduate Studies; Ms. Lisa Williams, Associate Vice Provost; Dr. David Dempsey, professor of mathematics; and Dr. Heidi Dempsey.

The IEF board members and their spouses in attendance were: Mr. Koven Brown and Mrs. Mandee Brown; Mr. Bill and Mrs. Susan Acker; Mr. Ed and Mrs. Lynne Isom; and Ms. Sheila Gilbert. Mr. Guice Potter and Mr. Clarence Daughette were announced as Emeritus Board Members for their lifelong friendship and work with IEF.

Ex-Officio member of IEF and Rotary District Governor Mr. Gary Andrew was present with his spouse. Also, Alabama Federation Womens Club (AFWC) President-elect Ms Christine Steele was in attendance.

Pictured students and their awards are as follows (from left to right):

The Sharon Lindsey Dempsey Award- Mohammed Bouzouba, Morocco

The James H. Jones Award-Mason Battles, USA

Alabama Federation of Womens Club- Hajar Tahri, Morocco

Anniston Rotary Award- Samantha Flagg, USA

District Rotary Scholar (Spain-Hickman Estess)- Oluwatofunmi Olayinka, Nigeria

Alpha Delta Kappa Award- Oluwatofunmi Olayinka, Nigeria

The John R Stewart Award- Precious Mmegwa, Gambia

Mr. Phil Sanguinetti received the Clay and Betty Award for his contribution to the International House program for past more than 40 years.

JSU is thankful to have such outstanding students and people who are willing to invest in the future of a program that touches lives all over the world. For more information on the International House and its events, please click here.

Photo courtesy of the International House.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr.18

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Saudi Arabias oil export in February 2017 has decreased to the lowest level since May 2015, according to the data of the Joint Organizations Data Initiative (JODI).

The countrys crude oil export stood at 6.957 million barrels per day in February 2017, as compared to 7.713 million barrels per day in January, according to JODI data.

This is while Saudi Arabias crude oil output has increased from 9.748 million barrels per day in January to 10.011 million barrels per day in February 2017, the data shows.

Saudi Arabia has undertaken the largest cut in oil output (486,000 barrels per day) among the participants of the OPEC deal signed last year 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 barrels per day starting from Jan. 1, 2017 for six months, extendable for another six months.

OPEC agreed to slash the output by 1.2 million barrels per day from Jan. 1.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
[JURIST] Arizona Governor Doug Doucey [official profile] on Monday signed into law a Blue Lives Matter [SB 13666, text] law imposing stricter penalties on assaulting, even off duty, police officers. The bill creates new maximum and minimums for offenses against police officers and supporters of the bill, such as Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa, have said it is a measure to protect those who protect us. Opponents of the bill claim it is unnecessary as heightened sentencing schemes already exist for those who assault police officers and that it is an inappropriate political statement that attempts to stop a problem of off-duty police officers being assaulted for their profession when there is little quantitative data that it exists. The bill is set to go into effect in the summer.

This bill is yet another development amid a national conversation about police use of force, particularly against black citizens, and subsequent retaliation. In the last year, 32 Blue Lives Matter bills have been introduced in 14 states [Huffington Post report]. Last year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced [JURIST report] that he plans to propose a law providing for additional punishment for crimes against law enforcement officers. Also, last year, Texas Senator John Cornyn introduced legislation that would elevate the penalties for killing, conspire to kill, or attempting to kill officers and judges. Additionally, North Carolinas Governor Pat McCory signed [JURIST report] into law a bill providing that police camera footage, including body camera footage, is not a matter of public record and proscribes the procedure for release of footage. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed a Blue Lives Matter bill that also raises the penalties [JURIST report] for crimes against police officers. Some have criticized the measures as being redundant since many laws already raise the penalties for crimes against police officers.
[JURIST] Alphabet Inc. [official website], owner of Google, and the Russian Federal Anti-monopoly Service (FAS) [official website], reached [FAS press release] an out-of-court settlement with in a dispute over Googles requiring Android phone manufacturers to pre-install its own search tool on Monday. In 2015 the FAS ruled that this requirement was an abuse of Googles market dominance and its actions excluded competing Russian search engines such as Yandex [official website]. After the FAS imposed a $7.8 million US fine on Google, Alphabet Inc. proposed a settlement in which the company agreed to refrain from requiring manufactures to pre-install their search engine services on Android devices. In its place, Google will develop a new Chrome widget which will allow end users to install the search applications of any company they desire. According to the settlement, Russian competitors will be able to begin contacting Google for their inclusion in the new search widget in 60 days. The head of the FAS, Igor Artemiev [official profile], stated:

Implementation of the settlements terms will be an effective means to secure competition between developers of mobile applications. We managed to find a balance between the necessity to develop the Android ecosystem and interests of third-party developers for promoting their mobile applications and services on Android-based devices. The settlements execution will have a positive effect on the market as a whole, while giving developers additional options for promoting their products.

FAS first began investigation Googles search software practices after Yandex filed a complaint in 2015. In September 2015 the FAS ruled that Googles practices violated Part 1 Article 10 of the Russian Federal Law [text] by using its dominant position in the market to exclude competitors from its Android devices. Google has faced numerous anti-trust claims all over the world. In April 2016 the EU levied [CNN report] anti-trust charges against Google for some of the same practices addressed in the FASs suit. Google is currently facing a $3.4 billion US anti-trust fine from the European Commission in the matter.
[JURIST] Over 1,000 Palestinian political prisoners in six Israeli prisons embarked on an indefinite hunger strike starting on Monday, in observance of Palestinian Prisoners Day. The strikers say they want [Al Jazeera report] better medical care, more humane transfers between prisons, and the end of administrative detention where Palestinians are arrested without knowing why. According to Addameer, a prisoners rights advocacy group, 500 prisoners [advocacy website] in Israeli jails are administrative detainees. The strike is led by Marwan Barghouti, who was convicted for participating in a terrorist attack against Israel. Israel claims [Times of Israel report] the strikes are a power play by Barghouti. Prisoners of diverse political beliefs are participating in the strike, and rallies outside the prisons are expected to occur in solidarity.

While Israel and Palestine have a troubled past, the issue of settlements in the West Bank have escalated tensions in the last decade. Earlier this month, the UN said [JURIST report] it was disappointed with the Israel settlement decision. In November Israels Ministerial Committee for Legislation unanimously approved [JURIST report] the Formalization Bill to legalize the West Bank outposts. In March 2016 the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said [JURIST report] that the office is concerned about the apparent extra-judicial execution of a Palestinian man in the West Bank. In January of that same year Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged [JURIST report] businesses to cease operations in Israel settlements. In August 2015 UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged both sides of the conflict [JURIST report] to reconcile and move towards peace after an attack occurred in the West Bank village of Duma, where Jewish extremists allegedly set fire to a Palestinian home while a family slept inside.
Russian authorities say [TASS report] they have detained, and obtained a confession from, a man linked to a terrorist metro bombing in St. Petersburg that killed 14 passengers. The Russian Federal Security Service [official website] says that Abror Azimov pled guilty to planning the attack. Officials say that, for his part, Azimov says that he does not object to being detained and does not deny his involvement in the attack, but says he was not involved in planning, and did not plead guilty.

The attack was carried out [NY Times report] on April 3 by a suicide bomber. The man who brought the explosive device onto the train carriage was a man from Kyrgyzstan with a Russian passport. Russia has stepped up its anti-terrorism laws recently, creating [JURIST report] a series of laws last summer that punish proselytizing, failing to report certain types of crimes, and force cell phone companies to store all communications data for 6 months. Before they were signed by President Vladimir Putin [official website], a Russian agency asked [JURIST report] him to reject the anti-terror bills because of privacy and constitutional concerns.
[JURIST] The US Supreme Court [official website] declined to hear an appeal [order list] by a group of Central American asylum-seekers Monday who hoped the Court would overturn a lower courts ruling preventing them from having their removal orders reviewed by a federal judge. The lead plaintiff in the case, Rosa Castro, fled [memo, PDF] El Salvador in 2015 with her young son, seeking asylum [Reuters report] from what she said was ongoing physical and emotional abuse by her husband. The lower court ruled that the status of the families, all of whom were apprehended in Texas, was akin to non-citizens and that they were therefore not entitled to a court hearing. The women and their children challenged in federal court the rejection of their asylum claims, alleging a violation of their constitutional right to due process [LII backgrounder]. The US Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia [official website] denied [opinion, PDF] their constitutional argument, holding that due to their status as non-citizens, they are not provided with constitutional rights of review if denied entry.

Immigration, deportation and the detention of immigrants has been a matter of national controversy for years and has been a particular focus of US President Donald Trump. The issue has culminated in lawsuits challenging [JURIST report] Trumps controversial executive orders affecting migrants. Last month, the US Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) released a report finding that a significant portion of federal law enforcement resources were directed to immigration-related offenses [JURIST report]. The analysis showed that half of all federal arrests in 2014 were related to immigration, with 61 percent of them occurring in five districts along the US-Mexico border. In January, seven days after his inauguration, Trump issued an immigration-related executive order, which limited migration from seven Muslim-majority countries, among other changes. These policies have been criticized as part of a larger overhaul of the countrys approach to immigration undertaken by the new administration, largely departing [JURIST op-ed] from the policies of other post-WWII presidents.
[JURIST] The US Supreme Court [official website] heard oral arguments [hearing list, PDF] on Tuesday in Kokesh v. Securities and Exchange Commission and Henson v. Santander Consumer USA, Inc. [SCOTUSblog backgrounders]. In Kokesh , the court is asked to decide whether the five-year statute of limitations in 28 U.S.C.  2462 [text] applies to claims for disgorgement. Under this statute of limitations, enforcement of any civil fine, penalty, or forfeiture be commenced within five years from the date when the claim first accrued. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) [official website] for decades has been suing violators of federal securities laws for disgorgement of their ill-gotten gains, though legislative history reveals no explicit creation of a disgorgement remedy or whether this statute of limitation applies. The question will turn on whether disgorgement is considered one of either a penalty or forfeiture. This case was appealed from a decision [opinion, PDF] by the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit [official website].

In Henson , the court is asked to determine whether a company that regularly attempts to collect debts it has purchased after falling into default is considered a debt collector and thus subject to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) [text]. These debt buyers only collect on the debts they purchase, rather than providing collection services to the lenders that originated the loans or credit. The FDCPA defines debt collector as any person who regularly collectsdebts owed or dueanother. The question will turn on who is owed the debts and who the debts are due to. Either the debts are due and owing to the debt buyers that purchased them-which would make the debt buyers free from regulation under the FDCPA-or the debts are owed to the entity that originated them but due to the debt buyer who acquired them. This case was appealed from a decision [opinion, PDF] by the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit [official website].

This marks the first week of oral arguments in which newly-appointed [JURIST report] Justice Neil Gorsuch [SCOTUSblog profile] will sit on the bench of the Supreme Court.
The Paris Criminal Court [official website], began a trial Tuesday over the alleged abuse of two minors by a French soldier in Burkina Faso in 2015. The French soldier, only recognized by the name Sebastian L., is alleged to film himself touching the young girls in a hotel pool. Sebastian was in Burkina Faso as part of a French strike force there to combat Islamic militants in the region. The charges were only brought after the mother of the victims found [Slate Afrique report, in French] a camera left behind at her home after Sebastian and another soldier had visited her home. The footage revealed the alleged abuse, which led to an immediate withdrawal of the two soldiers back to France. If convicted of the offense,Sebastian could face up to 10 years in prison.

All across the world children are subject to sexual abuse at the hands of adults. This issue spans borders and leaves lasting impacts on the lives of all the children unfortunate enough to experience this trauma in their lifetime. On Monday an Egyptian court acquitted [JURIST report] a dual American-Egyptian citizen over an organization which attempted to help street children citing that the state lacked to provide any substantial evidence. Yet in America a tradition that has taken root in Africa has found its way to the state of Michigan. On Friday a Michigan doctor was charged for performing female genital mutilation [JURIST report] on minors out of his office. The problem of sexual abuse of minors is clearly an issue the world has been struggling to cope with. In response, the United Nations in January announced a plan [JURIST report] to create high-level task force on sexual exploitation and abuse.
The under-secretary-general for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) [official website] Stephen OBrien on Sunday condemned [press release] attacks against people, including many civilians, who were fleeing the Syrian towns of Foah and Kefraya. In his statement, OBrien said the perpetrators of such a monstrous and cowardly attack displayed a shameless disregard for human life, adding, International humanitarian law is very clear: warring parties must protect civilians and distinguish between military and civilian targets. OBrien said he was horrified by reports of explosions [BBC report] that occurred in the area Saturday, killing more than 120 people, including at least 68 children. Although OBrien did not specify the international laws he is referring to in the statement, he has previously cited [AP report] the Geneva Conventions [materials] as the controlling body of law regarding civilian casualties in the Syrian Civil War.

While the United Nations was not involved in this agreement or evacuation process, we are ready to scale up our support to evacuees. In that regard, I call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, and to facilitate safe and unimpeded access for the UN and its partners to bring lifesaving help to those in need.

The Syrian Civil War began in 2011, and has resulted in [JURIST backgrounder] hundreds of thousands of civilians death, a global refugee crisis, and the rise of terrorist organizations such as ISIS. Last week, the Group of Seven (G7) nations failed to reach an agreement on whether to impose new sanctions on Russia and Syria. Earlier this month, the UN Security Council conducted emergency talks regarding an alleged chemical attack in Syria that killed numerous civilians [JURIST report]. The next evening, the US military attacked [CNBC report] a Syria-government airfield with 59 Tomahawk missiles. Following the US missile launch, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint [JURIST report] in handling the situation in Syria. Also last week, US Speaker of the House Paul Ryan called for [JURIST report] President Donald Trump to consult Congress on potential further action following a military strike on Syria.
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker [official website] signed Senate Bill 10 [materials], legalizing the medicinal use of a marijuana extract, into law Monday. The bill, which was passed by both houses of the Wisconsin legislature earlier this year, allows patients to receive Cannabidiol from a physician or pharmacy with a prescription. The oil, which contains THC common in marijuana, will be used to treat medical conditions and does not produce a high or psychoactive effect. Research shows that the oil has positive effects when used to treat seizures, pain, anxiety, and other disorders. The state had seen a push from its citizens [Journal Sentinel report] to allow the use of the oil to help in a variety of medical circumstances, including the legislation gaining the name Lydias law, for a 6 year old girl who died without having access to the treatment. The legislation was passed with almost unanimous support, only 1 person opposed, which is a turn from a piece of legislation that was voted down last year.

In recent times, states have begun to recognize the medical benefits that are provided by cannabis, and have introduced laws that allow it to become legal on a variety of levels. JURIST Guest Columnist Jody H. Lehrer, of Northeastern Institute of Cannabis, discusses the national movement towards the legalization [JURIST op-ed] of cannabis and the effects that it might have on the nation. To gain a perspective on medical marijuana JURIST Guest Columnist Amy St. John, manager at Earths Healing, shares some professional experiences [JURIST op-ed] and personal opinions from her time spent working inside the marijuana industry. As more States continue to pass legislation that allows for various forms of use of cannabis, it is worth noting that it is still an illegal substance at the federal level. JURIST Guest Columnist Hilary Bricken, of Canna Law Group, discusses the Trump administration and how it could impact the status [JURIST op-ed]of cannabis at the state level.
SUVs and crossovers might be stealing sales from many two-door cars but that doesnt mean premium-priced models are disappearing. Far from it. Audi continues to respond to the challenge of strong competition from the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C-Class Coupe by rolling out multiple derivatives of the new A5 range.

The second generation A5 Coupe and S5 Coupe (project code: AU494) were announced to the media in June 2016. These were followed three months later by the A5 Sportback and S5 Sportback (AU493). All four car had their world premieres later that month at the Paris motor show with the coupes arriving at German dealerships in October. The A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet (AU495) would be added to the line-up from March 2017, it was announced in November 2016, these cars having their world premieres at the Detroit auto show in January 2017.

Engines & transmissions

There is a wide variety of engines plus three transmissions. The gearbox options consist of a six-speed manual transmission; a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox which is branded by Audi as an S tronic; and, for the first time, an eight-speed torque converter tiptonic automatic.

Audi claims the range of TFSI and TDI engines which debuted in the A5 Coupe have up to 17 per cent more power and up to 22 per cent lower fuel consumption. They are as follows:

2.0 TFSI with 140kW (190hp) and 320Nm (236.0 lb-ft)

2.0 TFSI with 185kW (252hp) and 370Nm (272.9 lb-ft)

3.0 TFSI with 260kW (354hp) and 500Nm (368.8 lb-ft) for S5

2.0 TDI with 140kW (190hp) and 400Nm (295.0 lb-ft)

2.0 TDI ultra with 140kW (190hp) and 400Nm (295.0 lb-ft)

3.0 TDI with 160kW (218hp) and 400Nm (295.0 lb-ft)

3.0 TDI with 210kW (286hp) and 620Nm (457.3 lb-ft)

The vehicle supplied by Audi UK was fitted with the 190hp 2.0-litre diesel in normal form, rather than a special low emissions ultra. Like most other Volkswagen Group models which need Urea to meet the ECs emissions norms, the AdBlue tanks cap is located under the same flap as the one for diesel. Something which will please owners is a 24 litre tank available as a no-cost option, so refills wont have to take place too often.

Due to the ongoing negative publicity of TDI-gate, most people wont realise just now dramatic the improvements in the Volkswagen Groups latest diesel technology have been. The new A5 Coupes 2.0-litre engine for example, will power the car to a top speed of 146mph. The key factor here is torque, which is 400Nm.

The fast shifting of the seven-speed transmission means 62 mph is reached in a mere 7.7 seconds and it sounds good getting there too. The S tronic is a hydraulically operated wet dual clutch gearbox. This is axially arranged and features a dual mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum.

Audi claims up to 74.3mpg (Extra Urban) but a more realistic average will be in the mid-50s, which is still pretty amazing for a car which weighs 1,490kg (excluding a driver). The CO2 number, which is 111g/km, is also highly competitive.

The inside story

Step inside the A5 Coupe and its all very familiar Audi, yet with some tweaks, such as a handy electric system which delivers the seat belt to you with a satisfying whir. The dashboard holds little in the way of surprises if you know the inside of an A4. The brands Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation is present, though thats an option. At just GBP250, its a surprisingly affordable one.

Faults? The front-wheel drive chassis offers excellent high speed stability but it would have been better to have had the extra traction of quattro drive. The latest S tronic gearbox is a vast improvement over older ones and the seven ratios are a boon both for quiet cruising and fuel economy. You wouldnt want to spend too much time in the rear seats of this car, though. While the ride is good, neither head- nor leg-room are adequate for even averagely sized adults. Better to buy the A5 Sportback if you regularly transport people in the back of the car.

Global manufacturing

The A5 is one of the few Audi model ranges which is not also built in China. The reason for this is the relatively small market for coupes and premium brand five-door hatchbacks, along with virtually zero demand for convertibles. Production takes place at Audis two main German plants  Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm  and there is also some smaller scale assembly at Kaluga in Russia. All three bodystyles use the MLB Evo architecture which they share with the A4, S4 and RS 4 ranges.

MQB Evo platform = longitudinally-mounted engines

Chinas VW Phideon and 2018s similarly sized A6/A6L sedans and A6 Avant/A6 allroad will be the next models for MLB Evo. Other vehicles which use this highly versatile architecture are the Audi Q7/SQ7 and Bentley Bentagya. Future models include the Lamborghini Urus, Audi Q6, Porsche Macan, Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne and Audi RS 6 Avant.

Audis sales drop

Compared to its utter dominance of the UKs premium brand market in recent years, Audi isnt having the best 2017, so far anyway. A lot of that is down to how long it has taken for the second generation Q5 to reach Britain. Perhaps things will change soon, but as at the end of the first quarter, the brands registrations rose by just 0.4 per cent to 47,780 vehicles. Even in the overall blockbuster March, sales were up by only 1.26 per cent to 30,867 vehicles. Year-to-date, BMW has pushed its way into second place with 49,481 registrations (+6.42 per cent) with Mercedes-Benz way out in front on 54,837 (+16.08 per cent) thanks to the popularity of the C-Class series.

Globally, Audi has also had a challenging Q1. This, the company says, is down to temporary extraordinary effects in China. That translates as a very public spat with its dealer network, which has now been resolved. Nonetheless, this was nasty enough to have caused Chinese market sales to plunge by 19 per cent in March. This also meant that global deliveries were down by 7.3 per cent in the first quarter.

A5  the lifecycle

Given how new all three of the A5 body styles are, we wont be seeing any changes for some years. Significantly, the Sportback is being sold in the USA for the first time, though, as Audi tries to see if American buyers can be tempted by a five-door hatchback. GM has the same idea, having just revealed a five-door bodystyle for the Buick Regal and this will also soon apply in China.

After the arrival of the RS versions of the A5, we should see a facelift for the A5s in 2020 with a third generation range rolled out from 2024.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Huseyn Valiyev  Trend:

Azerbaijan and Russia are preparing the legal basis for a joint venture fund to finance promising IT projects, Elchin Zeynalov, executive director at Azerbaijans State Fund for Development of Information Technologies, told Trend.

We discussed the joint fund project with the Russian Venture Company (RVC), Zeynalov said. Here the matter rests in the opportunity for Azerbaijani companies to enter the Russian market and for Russian companies to enter the Azerbaijani market.

This would make it possible to consolidate the both funds opportunities and develop the business industry in ICT in both countries, according to him.
New research by Bosch indicate that one in four newly registered cars has an automatic emergency braking system on board to prevent accidents and, if necessary, bring the vehicle to a stop in the event of an emergency.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is also proving popular among car buyers while parking assistance systems, ranging from simple sensors to park and steering assist, are now in every second newly registered car in Germany. Additionally, 16% of new cars monitor lane changes or independently stay in their lane, and 11% of new vehicles feature camera based road sign recognition.

Bosch board member Dirk Hoheisel said: Driver assistance systems are gaining an increasing foothold in the market and are thereby paving the way for automated driving. The more familiar drivers are with driver assistance systems, the greater the acceptance of automated driving.

Both in Germany and other European countries, automatic emergency braking systems are gaining ground. In 2015, 32% of newly registered cars in the Netherlands were equipped with this kind of braking assistance system. That figure was 30% in Belgium and 16% in Spain. In the UK 21% of all new cars sold provided emergency braking support.

One reason for the widespread popularity of automatic emergency braking systems is the Euro NCAP rating scheme. This kind of assistant is necessary to receive the highest rating of five stars in the consumer protection organisations vehicle tests.

Automatic emergency braking systems use a radar and/or video sensor to monitor the area in front of the vehicle. If an obstacle comes dangerously close to the vehicle in its own lane, it warns the driver. If he or she fails to react, it automatically performs an emergency braking manoeuvre. In Germany alone, according to Bosch accident research, up to 72% of all rear end collisions resulting in injury could be prevented if all vehicles were equipped with an automatic emergency braking system.

From braking and steering to acceleration, driver assistance systems support drivers in confusing or critical traffic situations and intervene in a targeted manner if necessary. In doing so, they make road traffic safer and help drivers reach their destination with less stress and hassle.

The electronic assistants are based on sensors featuring radar, video, and ultrasonic technology that capture the vehicles surroundings.

Driver assistance systems are also the preliminary stage of automated driving which will allow cars to take over complete control on their journey from point A to point B in the future. Nearly 3,000 Bosch developers are already working on new driver assistance systems  and therefore also on automated driving and parking.

In 2015, 3.2m cars were newly registered in Germany. To conduct its evaluation of driver assistance systems, Bosch used data from the service provider IHS Markit Automotive and the German Federal Motor Transport Authoritys 2015 statistics for newly registered cars. On this basis, the most important vehicle models in each segment were identified. Using the lists of vehicle features, they were examined to determine what driver assistance systems were offered for individual models.

From just-autos research database QUBE on active and passive safety systems: Although adaptive cruise control is mainly on premium vehicle models, the technology is not exclusive to the segment; driver assistance technologies are becoming increasingly common in the European mass-market C and D segments; while parking assistance systems are becoming increasingly popular, the market is still in its infancy.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Fuel and energy products still accounts for the majority of Kazakhstans export.

In January-February 2017, fuel and energy products accounted for 67.1 percent of all Kazakhstans export or $4.63 billion, according to Kazakh Statistics Committees data.

As much as 17.9 percent of Kazakhstans export or almost $1.24 billion fell on metals and products from metals in the reporting period.

Moreover Kazakhstan exported products of the chemical industry worth $191.54 million (2.8 percent of all export) and food products worth almost $320.12 million (4.6 percent of all export).

In 2016 as much as 60.7 percent of all export from the country fell on fuel and energy products,16.7 percent  on metals and metals products, 7.2 percent  on products of chemical industry and 5.8 percent  on food products.

In January  February 2017 Kazakhstans export increased to $6.856 billion compared to $5.629 billion in the same period of 2016.

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
Post Holdings has reportedly sealed a deal to acquire UK cereal business Weetabix from its Chinese owners, Bright Food Group, for US$1.76bn.

According to Reuters, which cited a person familiar with the matter, Post won through in an auction process that attracted bidders including Associated British Foods and Barilla. Post, the owner of the Grape-Nuts and Honey Bunches of Oats cereal brands, emerged as the front-runner for Weetabix at the end of March.

Bright acquired a 60% stake in Weetabix from Lion Capital in 2012. Speculation over the future of Weetabix emerged before Christmas, when Reuters reported Bright Food, the state-backed Chinese group and majority shareholder of the business, was looking to sell its stake. However, China Daily subsequently quoted a Bright Food spokesperson as saying no deal was taking place.

Post Holdings is the third-largest cereal firm in the US and also owns brands including Great Grains, Golden Crisp and Cocoa Pebbles.

Weetabix could not provide comment at the time of press while just-food was unable to reach Post representatives.
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Photos Credit: Karen Karch

Karen Karch has been making artistic fine jewelry with an edge for over twenty-five years. When she arrived in New York in the late 1980s, she opened a store, PUSH, in trendy Nolita. With her unique design skills and an eye for of-the-moment without being trendy, Karen worked with celebrities, bold-faced names and her jewelry was available at top stores around the world.

Fast-forward more than a quarter of the century, and Karen continues making textured, asymmetric pieces for men and women that are defined by the creative, organic way she pairs dark with light, in a way that nobody else does. She has inspired other jewelry designers to dare to be unconventional and push the boundaries of design. Staying true to her ideals defines Karens work. She has a rotating fine jewelry collection that often pairs blackened silver or gold with unusual stones, unisex wedding bands and alternative engagement rings, black-diamond studded dog tags, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and even body chains. There is always a study in contrasts for the designer. Early in her career, Karen created the tiara band, which has become her signature piece. It was a crown turned upside down, the inspiration being Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, who wore her crown upside down. Duality and contradiction will always be an important part of my perfectly imperfect style and sensibility. It is still one of her most famous and in-demand shapes to this day.

The current outpost of Karen Karch at 38 Gramercy Park North is luxe, like the jewelry, but there is an added element. According to Karen, There is an organic, earthy tranquility to our Gramercy Boutique environment. It is sophisticated and relaxed. The colors and textures of the space were directly inspired by the El Paso desert (where she is from), but plusher, to create a tranquil environment for people to browse, touch, and find the perfect jewel.

With a number of celebrity clients, Karen Karch has also designed for film and television. For several seasons, including this one, Karen Karch jewelry is featured on two characters, Huck and Quinn of Scandal. There was also several seasons of jewels for The Agents of Shield, a hit series, that starred, Ruth Negga, who was then yet undiscovered as a fashion icon who Karen created one-of-a kind floral piece for her mysterious character. Karen also has designed a special mini-collection for a Bravo Real Housewife that lead to a whole episode filming at Karen Karch Gramercy ( including a cameo by the designer!) with the whole cast celebrating in support of a childrens charity.

A master of bespoke design, much of the designers current work is custom for clients, especially wedding jewelry, often taking family heirloom stones and giving them a new modern outlook. Working on a 3D printer has allowed Karen to take her ideas further than ever before.

Recently Karen Karch has launched a new line of jewelry, Karch x Wolfe, with her protege Deme Power Wolfe. The collection can be worn as single pieces or layered, is designed in silver, with a few pieces in 10K gold. The inspiration: talismans, Native American iconography, and Mexican Milagros that are magical and bring good luck and protection. Both Karen and Deme grew up in Texas, bringing to the collection shapes and textures inspired by the dramatic landscape of the desert, including crystal formation and jagged rocks. Future designs will focus on the asymmetric, purposely off-kilter silhouettes as well as the symbols.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Apr. 18

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Iran, during political consultations held in Ashgabat, paid attention to the Caspian Sea issue and cooperation in energy sphere, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said in a message.

Noting the similarity of positions on ensuring peace, security and sustainable development in the region and the world as a whole, the sides expressed their commitment to further development of regional and international cooperation, said the message.

In this context, the two sides paid attention to issues of assistance for Afghanistan. During the negotiations, the parties focused on issues of further development of cooperation in the field of power industry, oil and gas and transportation.

Turkmenistan and Iran border on the Caspian Sea and have a land border. During the years of long-term cooperation, several major economic projects have been implemented.

Iran also buys electricity in Turkmenistan. The two states built the border dam Dostluk (Friendship) and completed the North-South railway project based on the trilateral agreement signed in 2007 with the participation of Turkmenistan, Iran and Kazakhstan.

Turkmenistan imports raw materials, construction materials, products of metallurgy and inorganic chemistry, plastic products, rubber, detergents, food and other consumer goods from Iran.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Apr. 18

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Energy is the strategic direction of partnership between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, said Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Berdimuhamedov made the remarks during the high-level negotiations in Astana, the Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary state news service reported Apr. 18.

Giving an example, the Turkmen president spoke about the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline, built in 2009. Implementation of this unique project is of great importance for development of energy cooperation in the Eurasian area.

Particularly, for Kazakhstan, this means the creation of new opportunities for the supply of Kazakh gas to China, and receiving revenues from the transit of energy resources through its territory, according to the report.

Berdimuhamedov said indicative here is the fact that Kazakhstan has consistently supported Turkmen initiatives in this field, having co-authored two relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly in 2008 and 2013.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

The agreement on strategic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan was signed Apr. 18 in Astana following the talks at the highest level, the Turkmen government said in a message.

Presidents of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Nursultan Nazarbayev also signed a joint statement and an agreement on conducting demarcation work on the Turkmen-Kazakh state border.

The parties signed an agreement on an intergovernmental commission on trade and economic, scientific and technical, as well as cultural cooperation, a program of cooperation between the Turkmen and Kazakh foreign ministries for 2017-2018.

The sides also signed an agreement on cooperation in combating the legalization of income from crime and financing of terrorism, an agreement on mutual protection of classified information, an agreement on cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan Atameken.

A separate document is devoted to the establishment of twin towns relations between the cities of Ashkhabad and Astana.

A memorandum was also signed between the Turkmenistan State News Agency and the Kazinform International News Agency.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Apr. 18

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Uzbekistan is carrying out large-scale reforms in state building, economy, social support and other areas, and France is ready to support them, French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Jean-Marc Ayrault said in an interview with the Jahon news agency of Uzbekistans Foreign Ministry.

Ayrault is currently on a visit in Uzbekistan.

Fruitful cooperation has already been established between our countries and we wish to strengthen it, he said.

We see what big efforts are made in Uzbekistan to ensure peace and stability in the region. We understand the importance and necessity of strengthening cooperation in this area, Ayrault said.

He also noted that France is committed to a policy of respect for Uzbekistans independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 17

By Dalga Khatinoglu  Trend:

Iran has increased its oil output from South Azadegan by 30,000 barrels per day (b/d) to 80,000 b/d on April 16, Shana news agency reported.

According to the report, the level is expected to reach 110,000 b/d by June 2017.

South Azadegan has been projected to produce 320,000 b/d in the first phase and the final output capacity would reach 600,000 b/d. Iran plans to issue a tender based on newly designed contract model, called Iran Petroleum Contract, to develop the field.

In 2017, Iran has added 15,000 b/d from the Azer field and 25,000 b/d from the oil layer of South Pars to its production capacity level. Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic says its current output capacity stands at about 4 mb/d and the volume would reach 4.05 mb/d by March 2018.

Iran would lose 300,000 b/d of oil production capacity during the current fiscal year, due to natural pressure fall in active fields, but the country would add 350,000 b/d from new fields, Ali Kardor CEO of National Iranian Oil Company said Apr.14.

About 80 percent of Irans active oil fields are in their second half-life and lose 8-12 percent of productivity annually due to natural pressure fall in reservoirs.

According to OPECs deal, achieved in November 2016 and implemented in January for 6 months, the Cartel should decrease the oil output by 1.2 mb/d of in 1H17. Iran was allowed to add 90,000 b/d and reach the production level of 3.797 mb/d.

According to the latest statistics, published by OPEC, Iran produced 3.79 mb/d of crude oil in March, or about 29,000 b/d less than February.

OPEC members are preparing to meet in May to discuss the extension of the deal for 2H2017. The Cartels compliance of the deal was 95 percent last month.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Iran announced a tender for provision of technical support to improve HIV prevention, treatment and care under HIV/AIDS New Funding Model (NFM) for Center for Disease Control of Health Ministry to enhance HIV/AIDS knowledge management system and improve the quality of data in HIV/AIDS surveillance.

Period of services: It is expected that this assignment to be completed over the period of maximum 11 months starting from May 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.

All proposals should be sent to the address shown below no later than April 26, 2017, 16:30 (GMT+3:30).

Address: 8, Shahrzad Boulevard, Darrous, Tehran, Iran, 1948773911.

Detailed information can be found at: www.ir.undp.org/content/iran/en/home/operations/procurement/
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18



By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:



Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that his country is capable playing an effective role in improving Georgias infrastructure.



Addressing a conference on economic ties between Iran and Georgia in Tbilisi, Zarif said that Iran enjoys proper capabilities in agricultural and scientific spheres, IRNA news agency reported.



Zarif further called for expansion of bilateral ties with Georgia saying that proper opportunities exist for benefiting the two countries from expansion of cooperation.



Zarif has arrived in Georgia as part of his regional tour to the Caucasus and Central Asia aimed at expansion of regional cooperation.



He has already visited Turkmenistan and his next destination will be Kyrgyzstan.
KEARNEY  A misdemeanor charge of obstructing government operations has been dismissed against a Kearney man.

Hunter Bamford, 22, had been accused in Buffalo County Court of refusing to cooperate in September when law enforcement asked him and his father, James Bamford, 54, of Kearney if they would remove vehicles so state workers could place right of way markers along U.S. Highway 30 at 62nd Avenue. The property borders property owned by Jim Bamford, who lives in the area.

The pair refused to cooperate and court records say James Bamford said he and his son werent afraid to die over the matter or to go to jail.

Deputy Buffalo County Attorney Melissa Willis dismissed the charge Thursday with prejudice, which means charges cant be refiled. She was unavailable for comment to say why the charge was dismissed.

James Bamford has been convicted in Buffalo County District Court of assaulting an officer and obstructing government operations in the incident. He will be sentenced in May, and, if he isnt placed on probation, he faces as much as three years in prison.
LEXINGTON  High school seniors Leah Treffer and Tigh Renken have gone far and wide thanks to 4-H.

From national competitions to trips and conferences, 4-H has taken them across the country. The duos most recent excursion was to Washington, D.C., where they attended the National 4-H Conference.

I was extremely happy and excited. I felt honored that I was selected and that I could represent Nebraska at such a prestigious conference, said Renken, a senior at Bertrand High School.

The 85th national conference was March 25-30 at the National 4-H Conference Center. It is a civic engagement opportunity for 4-H members ages 15-19.

Both Renken and Treffer, a Lexington High School senior, have been involved with 4-H since they were 8 years old. Treffer had been part of 4-H well before she was old enough to compete. Her dad, Bruce, is an Extension educator in Dawson County, and her mom, Christy, is the leader of the Boots N Spurs 4-H Club.

Ive been going to 4-H things since I was born, pretty much, Leah said. I have been very involved just helping out with county fair before I was old enough to actually do projects. I would help out in the Extension office or down at the show just learning about it beforehand.

Renken is the son of Rich and Annette Renken.

In order to qualify to attend the conference, Treffer and Renken composed record books at the end of the year detailing each of their projects. The record books were submitted for judging at the county level and then moved on to the state level.

At the end of each year, you put together a portfolio of everything youve done. You write a story about how you have grown in 4-H. Each project you say what your goal was for the year, what you did to reach that goal and record everything that went into your projects, Treffer explained.

A committee judges the record books for grammar, the variety of projects the 4-Her completed, leadership, citizenship and growth over the 4-H career. Winners go on to the state level, and the top 13 have an interview with a state committee before the two finalists are chosen.

Treffer and Renken are 4-Hers in Dawson County. It was nice to go on the trip with someone she knew, Treffer said.

I was very excited. I was honored to even just get the interview because its a very good experience to be chosen to go, and I was definitely very excited to be chosen, she said.

During the conference, 4-H members attended training workshops, became acquainted with the government and met with state leaders. The workshops focused on leadership, such as conflict resolution, specific leadership skills and advocation.

All these workshops were to help us with our round-table project that we did. They had different government agencies create a problem for us to solve, Treffer said.

Participants from across the U.S. were divided into groups and worked together for 2 days on solving the problem they were assigned. Once they formed a solution, they presented their findings to a government agency.

We went to the Health and Human Services, and our problem was about promoting equity, Treffer said. It was basically about how we can get youth more involved in their communities because youth see different problems and (have) their own perspective.

One of the biggest problems youths have is the lack of opportunities in their communities to get involved, Treffer said.

What we presented was basically a huge website that would be linked through the government that would have a search engine to search by national organizations or state organizations or community organizations. So you could plug in Nebraska, and it would give you organizations such as 4-H or Girl Scouts, but it would also give you service projects like if the Red Cross was doing a blood drive in your city, you could find that on the website, Treffer said.

Renkens group presented to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture about climate change and its effect on food production and agriculture.

We decided that we cant come up with any one thing to stop climate changes. We wanted to inform people. We ended up creating an environmental ambassador program, he said.

In the program, youths 15 and older would be able to work with professionals in order to inform communities and farmers about how they can adapt to climate change and stay productive despite its effects.

Renken and Treffer attended a Nebraska Breakfast, at which representatives and senators discuss issues with fellow Nebraskans.

They talk about the issues that they are working on, and then they have people stand up and say why they are in Washington, D.C, what their issue is and what they would like to talk about. Its a neat thing, Treffer said.

The students also received a tour of the capitol from Rep. Adrian Smith and visited monuments on a night tour. Meeting fellow 4-Hers was the best part of the conference for both Renken and Treffer.

My favorite part was meeting different people and their views from across the country, how everyone across the nation is involved differently for 4-H, Renken said.

We did a lot of visiting just to get to know each other and what they did in 4-H and what their state was known for, what the issues in their state were, what the issues in their community were, what they were passionate about, which was really cool to get to know them as people and being able to collaborate with them, added Treffer.
To all farmers, business owners and property owners, there will be an important meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Phelps County Ag Center in Holdrege to discuss property taxes in Nebraska. This meeting will be conducted by the group, Reform for Nebraskas Future.

This is a group from Lincoln that has connections with the lobbyists and state senators and is pushing for property tax reform.

Currently there is at least one bill in the Legislature to lower income taxes for some by raising property taxes again.

Property owners are on the hook to provide nearly 50 percent of the overall revenue in the state of Nebraska. Income taxes account for one third of those revenues and sales tax makes up around 19 percent.

With property taxes going up 176 percent for some and 60 percent at the least, something must be done.

Farmers, business owners, residential owners and other property owners as well as some school districts are joining together across the state to do something about this. Please plan to attend the meeting on Wednesday to hear about plans, specific information about taxes, as well as meeting with others who share this great concern.

You will have the opportunity to hear the cold, hard facts as well as to ask questions of the people who have done research and talked with other people in Nebraska.

Currently, Nebraska has the seventh highest property taxes in the United States. This has the potential to cause a crisis in money as well as losing some population in Nebraska. Take this opportunity during this very busy spring to learn about this issue.

Remember, 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Phelps County Ag Center in Holdrege.

Ron Johnson. Holdrege
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18



By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:



Iranian army has showcased its equipment and arms on the occasion of the national army day in the country.



Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and high-ranking military commanders attended the ceremony in capital Tehran, Tasnim news agency reported.



Missile systems as well as air defense missile systems including the S-300 and man-portable air-defense systems, artillery guns, Akhgar machine gun, Shaher sniper rifle, tanks and armored personnel carriers and also rocket launcher vehicles were among arms showcased on April 18.
A TC Transcontinental sign is pictured at the company's annual general meeting in Montreal on March 11, 2014. Transcontinental has put its newspapers in Quebec and Ontario up for sale, days after selling its holdings in Atlantic Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
President Donald Trump waves as he boards Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, April 18, 2017, for the short trip to Andrews Air Force Base en route to Snap-On Tools in Kenosha, Wis. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
President Donald Trump talks with children as be sits down to write a letter to a service member during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, April 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
This Sunday, April 16, 2017, photo provided by the National Park Service shows Tapeats Creek in Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Authorities are searching for Jackson Standefer, 14, and Lou-Ann Merrell, 62, after the pair lost their footing Saturday and fell into the water during a family trip in a remote area of the Arizona park. (National Park Service via AP)
Tehran, Iran, April 18, 2017



By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:



The incumbent administration boosted Irans military power exceptionally, with equipment and strategic facilities, President Hassan Rouhani told an annual Army Day ceremony in Tehran.



Rouhani said Iran's military power has grown in the past 3,5 years just as much as 10 years prior to that.



Every day Irans armed forces and defense industry make the country more powerful with innovations, Rouhani said.



From 2013 when he took office, Rouhani increased Irans defense budget by 86 percent, Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, head of the Planning and Budget Organization said in February.



Rouhani assured that Our neighbors should know that Irans military clout serves defense and our armed forces stand to guard the entire region, adding that Irans response to trespassers, nonetheless, will be harsh.



For the current fiscal year (which started March 21), Irans defence budget is set at $11.6 billion, 128 percent greater than that of 2013.



According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, in 2015 Irans defense budget stood at $10 billion, equal to 2.5 percent of the countrys gross domestic product.



In that year, the US had the highest military expenditure, $596 billion, equal to 3.3 percent of its GDP. The military budget of Irans regional rival Saudi Arabia was $87 billion for that year_ equal to the 13.7 percent of the Arab countrys GDP, while Turkeys military expenditure stood at $15 billion, which made 2.1 percent of its GDP.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili will visit Tehran in near future.

Addressing a joint press conference with his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Janelidze in Tbilisi, Zarif said the sides discussed programs for expansion of bilateral ties at a meeting this morning, IRNA news agency reported Apr. 18.

According to the Iranian minister, the two countries plan to broaden cooperation in the fields of transportation, industry, education as well as international and regional issues.

Zarif further spoke about a plan to create a transportation corridor connecting the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea.

He added that the creation of the corridor would help reduce transportation costs and other regional countries can be involved as well.

Zarif has arrived in Georgia as part of his regional tour to the Caucasus and Central Asia aimed at expansion of regional cooperation. He has already visited Turkmenistan and his next destination will be Kyrgyzstan.
Tehran, Iran, April 18

By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:

The European Commission has signed the first ever project for nuclear safety co-operation with Iran, under the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the European Commission reported April 18.

The  2.5-million project aims to enhance the capabilities of the Iranian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (INRA). It will do so by preparing a feasibility study for the Nuclear Safety Centre foreseen in the JCPOA.

It will support the INRA in developing a nuclear regulatory framework, working toward the accession by Iran to several international nuclear conventions, including the Convention on Nuclear Safety, and reviewing the results of the stress test to take place in the Bushehr nuclear power plant.

A second project for the stress test at the Bushehr nuclear power plant is going to be signed in the coming weeks.
The Board of Community Radio Kilkenny City has been notified by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) that it has agreed in principle to award a contract for a ten-year Community Broadcasting licence for Kilkenny City and Environs, subject to successful contract negotiations.

Since Community Radio Kilkenny City's latest FM broadcasting licence came to an end on March 20, the station has continued to broadcast online every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am  midnight, and every Monday from midday  7pm.

In light of the news, the Board of Community Radio Kilkenny City took the decision to cease broadcasting online from 7pm on Monday. This is in order to engage fully in the contract negotiation process and to prepare studios for full time broadcasting.

Chairman, Cathal Cullen, thanked the Board, volunteers and staff of Community Radio Kilkenny City.

Thanks to all of you, Community Radio Kilkenny City can look forward to a very bright future, serving the people of Kilkenny City and Environs, he said.

I would like to thank all of our listeners for tuning in and responding to the station in such a positive way. I would like to thank our sponsors for their tremendous support, which is ongoing.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

Iran and China are expected to finalize an agreement for redesigning the Arak heavy water reactor next week in Vienna.

Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, has said the Islamic Republic will cover the costs of redesigning of the reactor, ICANA news agency reported.

Under the nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers, the US and China should approve the project for modernizing the Arak heavy water reactor, he added.

The 40-megawatt Arak reactor is intended to produce isotopes for cancer and other medical treatments. Iran is redesigning the planned research reactor to sharply cut its potential output of plutonium.

Salehi earlier said that the amount of plutonium the reactor will be able to yield will be reduced to less than 1 kg a year from 9-10 kg in its original design.

Iran had earlier removed the sensitive core of the Arak nuclear reactor.
Kingstree, SC (29556)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 46F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 46F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
It was not your normal bus ride: Williamsburg County and Kingstree Fire Departments participated in a joint exercise that tackled the challenges of extracting persons from a crashed school bus. Over 60 men and women first responders attended the exercise held the evening of April 11. Tipping the bus over provided one of many crash scenarios the firefighters had to deal with. See more photos at our online gallery at www.kingstreenews.com Photo by Michaele Duke
The sky was filled with a sea of balloons after a group released them during a ceremony recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Month. Representatives from the Pee Dee Coalition, DSS, and Guardian ad Litem Program host the annual program in front of the Williamsburg County Courthouse.

Photo by Michaele Duke
(Kitco News) - For the first time in its 13-year history, the Mines & Money conference is coming to the Big Apple -- New York City.

From May 3-4, Kitco News will be at the frontlines of the event, partnering with Mines & Money to host multiple gold-centered panel discussions.

These panels will be live streamed on May 3rd directly on Kitco Insider, so be sure to sign up today to gain exclusive access. The agenda is detailed below:

 2 PM ET: The Great Manipulation Debate Revisited. Has the gold market manipulation problem been resolved?

Chaired by Daniela Cambone, Editor-in-Chief, Kitco News

With: Rosa Abrantes-Metz, Managing Director, Global Economics Group

 3:40 PM ET: Gold Fund Manager Discussion  Is Gold just a dollar play?

Moderated By: Daniela Cambone, Editor-in-Chief, Kitco News

With: Ima Casanova, Sr. Gold Analyst, Van Eck; Doug Groh, Portfolio Manager, Tocqueville Asset Management; Robert Cohen, VP & Portfolio Manager, Dynamic Funds; Marcelo Kim, Partner at Paulson & Co.

 4:50 PM ET: Gold in a TRUMPian World should you be bullish or bearish? Opportunities in physical gold and gold mining stocks

Moderated By: Adrian Day, CEO, Adrian Day Asset Management

With: Peter Hug, Global Trading Director, Kitco Metals; Todd Bubba Horwitz, Chief Market Strategist, BubbaTrading; Rick Rule, Chairman and Founder, Sprott U.S. Holdings; Vince Lanci, Founder, Echobay Partners

Dont miss out on our live broadcast of these three presentations. Register now!

And feel free to send over questions to newsfeedback@kitco.com that you would like us to ask the panelists during the show.
(Kitco News) - Gold prices continue to consolidate just down from their five-month highs following mixed data from the U.S. housing market.

Tuesday, the Commerce Department said that building permits  an important indicator of future construction activity  fell by 3.6% in March to an annualized rate of 1.26 million permits, above expectations and up from Februarys rate of 1.22 million.

According to the report, building permits last month were up 17% compared to March 2016.

Heading into the report, consensus estimates were calling for a modest decline, with economists expecting to see 1.25 million permits.

However, actually construction of new homes remains weak. The department also said the tally of housing starts fell 6.8% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.22 million units, down from Februarys rate of 1.29 million. Economists were expecting a reading of 1.25 million units.

The annual pace of housing construction is up 9.2% from last year.

The gold market shrugged off the data, as prices remain firm but consolidate at lower levels following Mondays push to a new five-month high. June gold last traded at $1,287 an ounce, down 0.38% on the day.

Royce Mendes, senior economist at CIBC World Markets, dismissed the weakness in housing construction as weather related weakness. He added that home construction should continue to be positive for first quarter economic growth.
Citi has upped its 2017 gold outlook but looks for a pullback in prices over the next year. The bank says it is agnostic on gold in the short run but upgraded its full-year outlook to $1,220 an ounce because of a low environment for interest rates in the second quarter, policy risks associated with U.S. President Donald Trump, and rising geopolitical tensions. Last month, Cit had listed a full-year outlook of $1,200. Citi economists are currently projecting two additional rate hikes in 2017 along with balance-sheet reduction beginning in December, Citi says. The bank says its base case currently puts a zero- to three-month price as high as $1,300 an ounce, but a six- to 12-month price at around $1,200.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

BMO: Gold Likely To Pull Back Ahead Of Upcoming Fed Meetings

BMO Capital Markets maintains a 2017 average gold forecast below current prices, commenting that some pressure is likely to come from expected Federal Reserve rate hikes, even though the gold market has geopolitical tailwinds at the moment. Gold has rallied some $50 over the last 30 days, helped by safe-haven demand due to geopolitical risks such as rising U.S.-North Korea tensions. Also, after a visit with Russian officials last week, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said there is a low level of trust between our countries. Further, there is a new and largely unproven president in the White House, all leaving investors seeking safety in precious metals, BMO says. Despite recent price strength, however, we continue to maintain our gold price forecast for an average of $1,215/oz in 2017, and expect that investor attention will soon turn to the upcoming Fed meetings, where a rate hike is still on the table, in our view, BMO says. Indeed, despite the recent upswing in metal prices, we have seen a relatively muted response from the equities, with sector average multiples remaining largely flat, suggesting that investors are expecting some metal price weakness heading into Fed meetings in May and June.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

TDS: Gold Has A Very Tough Ceiling To Breach Near $1,290/Oz

Gold may edge above $1,300 an ounce but may have trouble racing ahead from here due to the gravitational pull of continued expectations for tighter U.S. monetary policy, says TD Securities. The metal rallied over the last week on geopolitical issues and comments from U.S. President Donald Trump saying the U.S. dollar is too strong. Further, there was some softening in U.S. economic data. Still, TDS says, Given that the U.S. economy is posting only more moderate activity and not collapsing, the U.S. central bank should continue to proceed with its tightening program and will likely go out of its way to communicate this to the market. This implies that gold has a very tough ceiling to breach near $1,290/oz which will also serve as a magnet preventing the yellow metal to break out materially past the $1,300/oz mark on a sustained basis. However, TDS adds, a temporary move to the $1,305 to $1,308 area is possible should we see more U.S. economic weakness or the situation in Europe (e.g. French elections), North Korea or the Middle East go off the rails.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

FXTM: Gold Bulls Remain In Firm Control Above $1,260

Gold bulls still have the upper hand on the technical charts as long as prices remain above $1,260 an ounce, says FXTM research analyst Lukman Otunuga. The geopolitical tensions across the globe and political risks may continue to support gold moving forward, Otunuga says. Although prices edged lower on Monday, the metal remains bullish on the daily charts with buyers potentially exploiting the technical correction. From a technical standpoint, bulls remain in firm control above $1,260, with $1,300 acting as the next major level of interest. Spot gold was up 30 cents to $1,284.75 cents an ounce as of 8:14 a.m. EDT.

By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com

MKS: Gold Remains Underpinned By North Korea, Political Issues

Gold may have pulled back from the early-Monday highs but geopolitical and political issues continue to provide underlying support, says MKS (Switzerland) S.A. As of 8:14 a.m. EDT, spot gold was up 30 cents to $1,284.75 an ounce after hitting a five-month high of $1,295.45 an ounce Monday. With investor's still considering the fluid situation between North Korea and the U.S., as well the upcoming French election, there is no doubt strong underlying interest (is) supporting the metal around current levels, says Sam Laughlin, precious-metals trader with MKS. Initial support lies around $1,280 to $1,282, while below this $1,276 should restrict further declines, the trader says. Resistance was listed around $1,290, while a break above this will once again open up $1,300, he adds.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

A Turkish delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek, will pay a working visit to Moscow Apr. 18, Turkish media outlets reported.

The delegation will also include Turkeys Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci.

The sides are expected to mull lifting of economic restrictions imposed by Russia on the import of Turkish fruits and vegetables, restoration of a visa-free regime between the countries and other issues.

Members of the Turkish delegation will meet with Russias Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich and other officials.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Reuters) - Malaysia's $28 billion Retirement Fund Incorporated (KWAP) has picked a $100 million stake in edotco, the telecommunications infrastructure services unit of mobile network operator Axiata Group Bhd .

The investment is an add-on to the $600 million being raised by edotco through an equity private placement, announced in December, from sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Innovation Network Corp of Japan (INCJ). The upsized placement exercise involves a final allocation of $400 million and $100 million worth of primary shares to INCJ and KWAP, respectively, and another $200 million of secondary shares allocated to Khazanah Nasional, Axiata said in a statement.

At completion, the three investors will collectively own 37.6 percent of edotco while Axiata will remain the majority shareholder with a 62.4 percent stake.

KWAP's investment was concluded based on the same equity valuation in December, of close to $1.5 billion and an enterprise value to 2016 financial year earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation multiple of 12.5 times. That multiple is comparable to regional peers, Axiata said.

J.P. Morgan is the sole placement agent in this transaction.

Edotco operates and manages more than 25,000 telecom towers across Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Sri Lanka, directly operating 17,000 of the towers.

Axiata is Malaysia's largest mobile operator by market value. ($1 = 4.4077 ringgit)

(Reporting by Liz Lee; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)
HANOI, April 18 (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 4:12 GMT.

April 18 USD/VND mid-point 22,323 USD/VND interbank 22,740/22,745 USD/VND unofficial 22,730/22,750 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.65/36.92

Interbank offered rates Overnight 4.4-4.9

1 week 4.7-4.9

1 month 4.7-5.0

3 months 4.8-5.3

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)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

The Turkish Armed Forces added a mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) V3 series manufactured by Turkeys Baykar Makina to their armory, the company tweeted Apr. 18.

The new reconnaissance mini drone will be used by the army, special forces, gendarmerie and police of Turkey.

UAV V3 series is also used by Qatar.

Baykar Makina company is the first Turkish manufacturer of UAVs. The company has developed 18 domestic models of combat, logistics and reconnaissance UAVs.
Air strikes by the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group killed 20 civilians in Syria's eastern Deir ez-Zor province, a monitor said Apr. 18, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.

The Britain-based monitor said a US strike on Apr. 17 night on the Deir ez-Zor town of Al-Bukamal had killed 13 civilians, among them five children.

The strike also killed three members of IS, which controls the town by the Syria-Iraq border, the monitor said.

Earlier on Apr.17, a US-led coalition strike killed seven civilians, including a child, in the village of Husseinyeh, the monitor said.
A Saudi military Black Hawk helicopter has crashed in Yemen, leaving at least 12 servicemen dead, Sputnik International reported.

According to Al Ekhbariya TV channel, the crash took place in the Marib province during a combat mission. The casualties include four officers and eight non-commissioned officers.

Saudi Press Agency said the cause of the crash has not yet been established.

Some reports suggest that the aircraft was shot down accidentally.

Yemen has been suffering from a brutal conflict between the government and the Houthi movement backed by army units loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh since 2014.

In March 2015, the Saudi-led coalition of mostly Persian Gulf countries started carrying out airstrikes against the Houthis at the request of governmental forces.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday that Washington will review and reform the free trade agreement with South Korea, citing "too many barriers" to U.S. businesses.

The visiting vice president made the remarks during an American Chamber of Commerce meeting in Seoul. South Korea and the United States enforced the so-called KORUS FTA in 2012.

"Most concerning is the fact that the U.S. trade deficit with South Korea has more than doubled since the KORUS came into effect. That's the hard truth," Pence told the meeting.

"Our businesses continue to face too many barriers of entry which tilled the playing field against the American workers and American growth. We are reviewing all of our trade agreements across the world to ensure they benefit our economy as much as they benefit our trading partners," he added.

His remarks are in line with things President Donald Trump said before taking office. He has blamed free trade deals including one with South Korea for killing U.S. jobs, raising the need for adjustments to the terms of the deal.

Pence, who is in Seoul as part of his Asia-Pacific trip, mentioned beneficial effects of the FTA with South Korea, citing expanded two-way trade and more inflows of investment into the U.S. since the deal went into effect.

He called the increased economic exchanges between the two countries something worth a "round of applause" but noted that they should be "honest about where their trade relationship is."












Standard Chartered Bank Korea employees promote its premium services with special offers such as gifts and discounts on foreign exchange transaction fees at the lender's office in Seoul. / Courtesy of SC Bank Korea



Standard Chartered (SC) Bank Korea is offering a special premium service for its customers this month.



Those who fit the bill will be able to enjoy up to 70 percent off on foreign exchange transaction fees.



Also, its reward program offers cashback incentives and gift points to customers who maintain sound deposits.



It will give back up to 240,000 won including other gifts to those who take out mortgages to finance their home purchase.



Customers who maintain a monthly deposit of 30 million won in their accounts will get these special offers.



In addition to the monthly deposit reserves, those who invested 1 million won in financial assets will also be able to use SC Bank's premium service.



Customers with mortgages of more than 100 million won can use the service as well.



Last but not least, the bank will offer its premium service to those who have deposited their monthly paychecks worth over 4 million won over the past three years, the bank said.



The foreign-invested lender will hold various events to promote its premium service until April 28.



It will send gifts to some 500 customers who maintained their deposits at over 30 million won as of March this year.



The bank also said that it is offering a priority banking service for customers with deposits of over 100 million won in their accounts. This is part of its efforts to boost its wealth-management business, according to the bank. SC Bank Korea will mobilize its wealth advisors for its rich customers to provide them with daily, monthly, and weekly financial information for investment consideration.



The wealth management service includes tax advisory and financial consulting. (Advertorial)
U.S. President Donald Trump has no "red line" in dealing with North Korea, but he is ready to take "decisive" action when it is deemed appropriate, the White House said Monday.



In a regular press briefing, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters that China is playing an active role with respect to the North and will continue to apply pressure but noted that Washington will keep urging Beijing to do more.



"I think when we talked about the use of red lines in the past with respect to Syria  the president's red line  that drawing red lines hasn't really worked in the past," he said.



"He holds his cards close to the vest, and you're not going to see him telegraphing how he's going to respond. I don't think that you're going to see the president drawing red lines in the sand, but I think that the action that he took in Syria shows that, when appropriate, this president will take decisive action," he added.



It was in response to a question whether the president has a "red line," a tipping point that could prompt military action when it is crossed.



He referred to the U.S. bombing of a Syrian air base on April 7 to punish the Bashar al-Assad regime for a suspected use of chemical weapons.



The spokesman also said that President Trump had a "really good" meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month in Florida, adding that the results are now "paying off."



He still emphasized the need for the stepped-up cooperation from China and urged it to exert more influence in the region.



"I think you see China playing a much more active role with respect to North Korea both politically and economically, that they can continue to apply pressure to achieve results," he said. "And I think we're going to continue to urge China to exhibit its influence in the region to get better results." (Yonhap)




By Kim Rahn

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's remarks that his government will screen refugees coming from Korea in the event of a war on the Korean Peninsula are drawing criticism here.

Critics say that he is stoking anxiety among people in Japan and neighboring countries by overreacting to the tension on the peninsula.

In a parliamentary session Monday, Abe said the Japanese government is preparing necessary measures regarding possible refugees in the case of a major armed conflict on the peninsula. He made the remarks as Washington is intensifying its warnings against any possible provocations by North Korea, and Pyongyang in response is pledging counterattacks against any U.S. use of military force.

"We assume we would take a series of actions, including processes to admit landing, set up and manage accommodation, and screen (refugees) to decide whether we should protect them or not," Abe was quoted as saying by The Japan Times.

The Prime Minister also said his government has been coming up with plans to evacuate about 60,000 Japanese nationals from the South in the case of a war.

Seoul expressed displeasure at Abe's remarks.

"He needs to refrain from making remarks which may cause misunderstanding with a hypothetical situation about the peninsula or which can have negative influence on the peace and security of the peninsula," Korea's foreign ministry spokesman Cho June-hyuck said in a media briefing Tuesday.













On April 11, Japan's foreign ministry also posted an article on its website to advise its people traveling to Korea to stay informed on the situation here. Following the advisory, the Korean government sent a message to Japan through a diplomatic channel and expressed concerns that such an advisory at this timing could cause unnecessary anxiety, according to the Asahi Shimbun.

The Japanese government answered that the issuance followed enquiries from tourists and it was just calling attention to the situation, the newspaper reported.

Shigeru Ishiba, former secretary-general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, also called for evacuation plans for Japanese in Korea because "Seoul could be enveloped in flames."

Earlier this month, Japanese Ambassador to Seoul Yasumasa Nagamine returned to Korea 85 days after the Japanese government recalled him in protest against the installation of a statue symbolizing Korean wartime sex slaves. Regarding his return, the Sankei Shimbun said it was aimed at setting up detailed plans to protect Japanese people in South Korea in the case of a war, although the Japanese government said it was to collect information on the May 9 presidential election.

Such remarks and reports are agitating Japanese people, and it is said Abe is taking advantage of the tension to divert public attention from the corruption allegations involving his wife Akie Abe.

The scandal lowered Abe's approval rating by some 10 percentage points to the mid-50 percent, but the rate rebounded to 60 percent last weekend amid the rising tension.

Another suspicion is that, by using Pyongyang as an excuse, Tokyo is attempting to revise its pacifist Constitution to restore the country to a full war-waging power.

South Korean citizens criticized Abe's moves.

"Do you take advantage of Korea as your approval rating plummets following your wife's scandal?" an internet user with ID yell**** said.

"This is Japan's real intention: it is waiting for a war on the peninsula because the war will revive its economy and be an excuse to make its Self-Defense Forces stronger," another user, leedae***, said.
U.S. President Donald Trump called Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to congratulate him for 'Yes' win in referendum, Anadolu reported.

According to preliminary data, 51.4 percent of votes in a referendum held April 16 were in favor of amendments to the Turkish constitution.

The amendments provide for the number of seats in the Turkish Parliament to be increased from 550 to 600.

It is also suggested that Turkish citizens can run for the MP seats from the age of 18. Currently, the lowest age limit is 25.

The amendments also provide for holding parliamentary elections every 5 years. Currently, the parliamentary elections are held every 4 years.

A Turkish citizen no younger than 40 can become a president, according to the amendments.
By Yi Whan-woo

Officials from the Donald Trump administration are seemingly sending confusing signals about policies on North Korea.

Analysts said Tuesday this shows the Trump team is divided over how to reflect its strategy of "maximum pressure and engagement" in mapping out action plans on Pyongyang.

Others say President Trump is employing a "highly-sophisticated tactic of ambiguity."

Vice President Mike Pence, who wrapped up a three-day visit to South Korea, Tuesday, said, "All options are on the table to achieve the objectives and ensure the stability of the people of this country."

The remark was a repeat of the White House warning that military action against North Korea was also a possibility.

National Security Adviser H. R. McMaster had said in an ABC interview Sunday that "all of our options are on the table, undergoing refinement and further development."

Lack of details

Both Pence and McMaster did not elaborate further.

But some senior U.S. intelligence officials told NBC News, April 13, that the U.S. was "prepared to launch a pre-emptive strike with conventional weapons against North Korea" if there were convincing signs of a Pyongyang nuclear weapons test.

Amid public concern here over a possible pre-emptive attack on the North, McMaster added to the confusion as he told ABC: "It's time for us to undertake all actions we can, short of a military option, to try to resolve this peacefully."
The Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ICCK) will host a networking night event at Mozzie in Itaewon, Seoul, Thursday.

Ambassador of India to Korea Vikram Doraiswami is scheduled to attend.

The chamber has organized the ICCK Speakers Forum regularly where experts from diverse fields are invited to talk to members on the relationship between Korea and India.

Founded in January 2010, the chamber's mission is to assemble the trade and business communities of India and Korea under one common platform to contribute to the development of bilateral business for the economic development of both nations.

The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Entrance costs 35,000 won for members and 45,000 won for nonmembers and includes an unlimited Indian and Western food buffet, beer, wine and soft drinks.

RSVP to events@indochamkorea.org.

An additional 5,000 won will be charged for walk-ins.

Mozzie is located on the ground floor of I.T.W. Hotel in Itaewon, Yongsan-gu.

To get there, leave exit 3 of Itaewon Station on Line 6. Turn right at the first intersection and left into the first alley. Mozzie is halfway up the hill.

Visit facebook.com/bestpartnericck for more.
By Jun Ji-hye

The Ministry of National Defense began a cultural experience program for members of the United States Forces Korea (USFK), Tuesday, to promote friendship and understanding between the allies.

The annual event, named "Friends Forever," which will last until October, began with a two-day taekwondo camp at the ministry's gymnasium and the World Taekwondo Headquarters, known as Kukkiwon.

A group of U.S. soldiers participating in the camp are learning the origins and history of taekwondo, as well as its basic postures and stances, the ministry said.

Upcoming events include history trips to the Jeolla provinces and Gwangju in May, and to Buyeo and Gongju in South Chungcheong Province in June. Many important remains and relics from the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C.  475 A.D.) are in Buyeo and Gongju.

Trips to Jeju Island and to Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province will take place in September and October, respectively. Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.  935 AD.).

Defense Minister Han Min-koo said in a letter to U.S. soldiers participating in the event: "I appreciate the hard work of the USFK soldiers, who have a big role in maintaining stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula. I hope you will continue your efforts to establish the world's strongest and most effective combined defense system."

The program first began in 1979 and 19,000 U.S. soldiers have participated so far, the ministry said.
By Lee Kyung-min



More than 70 members of a recovery team began searching the interior of the ferry Sewol, Tuesday, to look for the remains of the nine victims whose bodies remain missing, according to the maritime authorities.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries established groups of eight officials _ one each from the Coast Guard, Fire Department, National Forensic Service, and five from Korea Salvage, a local contractor hired by the ministry _ to conduct search operations.

The team found items like bags and clothing believed to belong to the victims. The workers placed them in boxes to deliver to families after identification.

They will focus on the left side of the stern of the Sewol on the fourth floor, the passenger compartment, where most of the victims are believed to have stayed.

Upon finding what are believed to be the remains of the victims, the team will halt the search operation and notify the bereaved family members.

"We are seeking to finish the work within the next three months, as stipulated in the original salvage plan," said Lee Cheol-jo, the ministry official in charge of overseeing the operation.

"However, the work may take longer, depending on complications that may occur during the search. Our priority is to minimize damage to the ferry to help determine the cause of the sinking," he added.












Migrant workers enjoy a traditional Korean tug-of-war at Shalom's House migrant workers' community center in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province. / Korea Times file



By Eom Da-sol

South Chungcheong Province opened Tuesday a public service center in Cheonan on Tuesday to provide unemployed migrant workers with welfare services and shelter.

The center is mainly to help migrant workers who have lost their jobs because their workplaces closed, or because of health issues or personal problems. Any worker who wishes to work in the province but has no residence can use the center facilities. Temporary shelter, adaptation assistance and job consultation are free.

The center also offers basic Korean language classes and helps put visitors in touch their local ethnic communities. The province funds the centers that the center provides, while independent organization Giving Tree Angel Movement runs them.

"The newly established center will protect migrant workers' human rights," a provincial office official told The Korea Times. "It will also contribute to stabilizing the city's local labor market by helping unemployed workers find another job."

For more information, contact the center at 041-559-9450.
Bareun Party presidential nominee Yoo Seong-min greets students during a visit to Haseong High School in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, Tuesday, in the left photo, while Hong Joon-pyo, the presidential candidate of the Liberty Korea Party, speaks on a street during campaigning in Busan. / Yonhap



By Kim Rahn

Conservative candidates are struggling to woo voters as their support rates remain woefully low.

Hong Joon-pyo of the Liberty Korea Party (LKP), the successor of the former ruling Saenuri Party, has support of between 5 and 10 percent, while Yoo Seong-min of the Bareun Party has less than 5 percent.

Their ratings are far below those of frontrunners, Moon Jae-in of the liberal Democratic Party of Korea and Ahn Cheol-soo of the minor liberal People's Party, both of whom garner nearly 40 percent.

The stagnant support for the conservative contenders is largely because the majority of the people want a liberal candidate to lead the country following the massive corruption scandal that led to the ouster of former President Park Geun-hye, who was from the Saenuri Party. Many people also believe the conservative bloc should share the responsibility for the Park administration's failure.












By Jun Ji-hye

Leading liberal presidential candidates are increasingly reaching out to conservative voters.

This reflects their confidence that the May 9 election will end a decade of conservative rule.

Leading candidate Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has shifted the focus of his election strategy toward national integration, away from previous calls for cleaning up "deep-rooted evil forces."

Moon has so far described former President Park Geun-hye and former ruling Liberty Korea Party (LKP) as "deep-rooted evils" since a massive corruption scandal that led to Park's removal from office erupted late last year. He said if elected, he would mobilize every possible means to eradicate old forces and practices.

But he began to stress the need for achieving political unity and national integration during his first campaign stop in Daegu, a conservative stronghold, Monday. He never used terms of "cleaning up the deep-rooted evil forces" during the speech on the day, but instead mentioned "integration" 12 times.

The move is apparently aimed at expanding his support base, which has been mainly focused on liberal voters, to centrist and even conservative ones to beat his rival, Ahn Cheol-soo of the People's Party. Ahn has appeared to be more popular in the conservative-centrist bloc in recent opinion polls.

As part of his efforts, Moon has also asked former DPK lawmaker Kim Chong-in, former JoongAng Media Group Chairman Hong Seok-hyun and former Prime Minister Chung Un-chan for their help, according to Rep. Park Young-sun, who was one of the anti-Moon lawmakers within the DPK but joined Moon's camp Sunday.

Kim, Hong and Chung are categorized as centrist figures who considered running in the May 9 election themselves, and sought for a coalition of anti-Moon factions. The three recently withdrew their bids.

"If the three, who have experience and knowledge, join Moon's camp, many voters will lean toward to Moon," Rep. Park said.

Sources said Moon recently met with Hong in person and asked him to take a role in foreign affairs and national security. Hong gave an affirmative answer, they said.
Government inspection finds high levels of benzene in groundwater



By Kim Se-jeong



Underground water on the 8th U.S. Army headquarters on Yongsan Garrison was found to be contaminated by oil, according to Ministry of Environment data released Tuesday.



The revelation confirmed the longtime suspicion of contamination on the military base which is not normally accessible by the authorities. The government was able to run a special inspection in 2015 but refused to disclose the test results until Tuesday.



The release came after almost two years of legal fighting between the ministry and a civic group, Lawyers for a Democratic Society, over the release of the contamination test results. On April 13, the Supreme Court upheld a high court decision, ordering the ministry to release the results. The ministry refused to disclose the data, citing the military agreement between Korea and the U.S., known as the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which requires consultation before releasing any information to the public.



According to the results, benzene was detected in 10 out of 14 areas around the camp. At one, identified as B01-873, the level of benzene was 2.44 milligrams per liter, 162 times over the acceptable limit. Among the 10 others, six had benzene levels higher than the limit. Benzene is believed to be dangerous to human health, causing cancer.



Three inspections took place in 2015 and 2016 and the ministry said the results for the other two inspections will be released soon as well.



Environmental activists lashed out at the government. "The government of Korea should serve the interest of the Korean people, not that of the U.S.," Green Korea, a Seoul-based NGO, said in a statement.



The data carries significance in that the two countries are in the process of returning the land to Korea. If the land is returned without negotiation, taxpayers will have to pay for the cleanup.



The issue of water and soil contamination on the Yongsan base surfaced in the early 2000s. Due to SOFA, inspections of the base had been impossible. The city government began cleaning up outside the base, spending a huge amount of money each year.



On-base inspections took place in 2015 following mounting public pressure.



But the findings were kept secret by the ministry. The civic group's requests to disclose the results were refused twice by the ministry which claimed it was a violation of SOFA and could cause diplomatic problems. The second refusal prompted the group to take the case to court.



It is too early to gauge the extent of the contamination on base. Earlier this month, Green Korea released the U.S. military's internal report saying between 1990 and 2015, 90 oil leaks occurred on the base, and in seven cases, at least 3.7 tons of oil were involved. "The military document described them as the worst incidents," said Shin Soo-yun, an activist with Green Korea.




















A gallery operator and a painter have been indicted on charges of selling forged artworks of renowned South Korean artist Lee U-fan, prosecutors said Tuesday.

The 59-year-old dealer, identified only by his last name Kim, and the 57-year-old painter, surnamed Park, are accused of pocketing 1.9 billion won ($1.67 million) by selling two pieces of fabricated works of Lee in 2013, according to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.

Kim's 46-year-old wife, identified only by her last name Koo, was also put on trial for her involvement in the alleged wrongdoings, prosecutors said.

A number of people have been indicted so far after local authorities launched an investigation into the forgery allegations. Police said they were tipped from the local art circle that counterfeits of Lee's signature paintings, such as "From Dots" and "From Lines" worth billions of won, had been circulated in galleries in Seoul's Insadong neighborhood from 2012 to 2013. (Yonhap)
Kim should heed Trump's warning not to test US resolve



The Trump administration has declared a departure from the era of "strategic patience" in handling North Korea.



During a visit to South Korea, Monday, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence underlined his President's new approach to resolving the North Korean nuclear issue compared to the previous administration. Pence told North Korea not to test Trump's resolve, saying "Just in the past two weeks, the world witnessed the strength and resolve of our new President in actions taken in Syria and Afghanistan." The vice president also said that "all options are on the table" to curb North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's missile and nuclear development.



Pence's visit came amid escalating tension on the Korean Peninsula. Pyongyang launched a ballistic missile test earlier this month ahead of the first U.S.-China summit after Trump assumed office in January. This was followed by failed missile test a day after North Korea celebrated the 105th anniversary of the birth of its founding leader Kim Il-sung on April 15.



Pence's visit produced two very important outcomes. First, it reaffirmed the strong alliance between our two countries ahead of a power transition in the South. Pence reassured that the Trump administration will be with Korea "100 percent" no matter what happens in the May 9 presidential election.



It is noteworthy that Trump has sent his vice president, secretary of state and secretary of defense consecutively to Korea even during a leadership absence after the removal from office of former President Park Geun-hye last month. The series of visits by high-level U.S. officials show that Trump is eager to communicate with Seoul regarding urgent bilateral issues, particularly on how to deal with the North. Pence's visit helped assuage widespread concerns in the local media over "Korea passing," a term coined to describe Korea's diplomatic isolation in the Trump era.













Second, Pence sent a clear message to Beijing to do its part to denuclearize North Korea. During a press conference with acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, Pence showed concerns about Beijing's retaliatory measures for Seoul's decision to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, an advanced U.S. missile defense system. "The better path will be for China to address the North Korean threat that is making such defensive measures necessary," Pence said.



It was widely reported that Pence's late father, Edward, was a decorated soldier during the 1950-53 Korean War. Many Koreans were moved when the U.S. vice president made an unannounced visit to the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas. "The alliance between South Korea and the United States is ironclad," he said. His personal ties to Korea are an unforgettable reminder of the special alliance and friendship of the two countries. It is vital for Korea and the U.S. to build on this alliance for regional stability.
Paraguay's President Horacio Cartes said on Monday he would not be a candidate in next year's election in order to preserve stability in the South American nation, regardless of whether Congress passed an amendment to allow second terms, Reuters reported.

In a letter to the Archbishop of Asuncion that was shared on Twitter, Cartes, a former soft-drink and tobacco executive, said his decision not to run was inspired by Pope Francis's call for peace and dialogue in Paraguay.

Protesters set fire to Congress On March 31 after the Senate secretly voted in favor of the amendment, and police later stormed an opposition political party and killed a protester. The lower house has not yet voted on the proposal.

Investors favor Cartes's low-tax policies and credit him with spurring one of the fastest economic growth rates in Latin America, but business groups had urged him not to seek another term in order to avoid more riots in the world's No. 4 soy exporter.

"I hope this gesture of renunciation will result in a deeper dialogue aimed at strengthening the republic," Cartes's letter said.

Paraguay's constitution has prohibited second terms since it was passed in 1992 after a brutal dictatorship fell in 1989. Many citizens in the land-locked nation of 6.8 million, long one of South America's poorest, are fiercely opposed to any sign of trying to hold on to power.

Senator Lilian Samaniego of Cartes's Colorado Party said the president's allies would continue to seek approval from the lower house, though a popular referendum would be required for reelection to be implemented.

However, Pedro Alliana, the head of the Colorado Party, said the house was now unlikely to vote in favor of the proposal.

"If he (Cartes) is not a candidate, I can assure you that the chance of the amendment passing in the lower house are minimal, practically impossible," said Alliana.
By Lee Seong-hyon





Resting on observations on China's diplomatic behavior with North Korea, a theory can be entertained to state that China may regard North Korea as an unspoken "core interest." If this theory holds ground, then it would indicate that Donald Trump's ongoing artful deal-making outreach to Xi Jinping, so as to invite Xi to serve as a "hitman" on Pyongyang, is bound not to materialize. The extended larger implications may be profoundly disturbing for the future of a Sino-U.S. strategic relationship.

According to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), "core interest" is the highest level of national interest among the three interests (core, major and general). It is so important that there can be "no room for compromise" (burong tuoxie). As a reference, nowadays Xi is also officially called the "core" leader to signify his absolute grip on power.

A notable feature of China's "core-interest" concept is that the list is expanding. In addition, not all things on this list are made public for strategic reasons. For instance, in 2010, China included the South China Sea as its "core interest." Since then, China has never compromised on its claim to the sea, despite having to shoulder wide international criticism.

A caveat is that the core-interest concept generally applies to China's claims of territory and sovereignty. North Korea as a state therefore is outside the core-interest category. However, China has been increasingly flexible in exploiting the concept to suit its expanding interests. In addition, there is no modus-operandi consensus among Chinese scholars on what constitutes its core interests.

To sum up, if North Korea is not a Chinese core interest, then it may not be as important to China as many outsiders believe. If so, China might also opt for abandonment or negligence. However, what is interesting is that throughout its history, Beijing has never abandoned Pyongyang, nor has it yielded its influence to another regional hegemon.

For instance, during the Japanese invasion of Korea in the Imjin War (159298), China sent troops, calling for "Resist Japan, Help Korea." During the Korean War (1950-53), China again sent troops, calling for "Resist America, help Korea." This reflects the old Chinese empire's tendency to regard Korea as belonging within the Chinese sphere of influence.

Of particular note is that Xi as vice president in 2010 called the Chinese intervention into the Korean War as a "just war" against American aggression. When his remarks generated cacophony among neighboring countries, including South Korea, the Chinese foreign ministry defended Xi's remarks, saying they reflected the CCP's official view. Today, with South Korea being a U.S. ally, and amid the deepening Sino-U.S. rivalry and competition, China may even further quietly and tacitly regard the North as a strategic asset, not a liability, to counter U.S. clout in the region.

Against this backdrop, it may be argued that North Korea is China's unspoken core interest. China enjoys the flexibility of ambiguity and does not have to articulate its relationship with the North. It is Chinese actions that speak.

To test this theory, during the heyday of the anti-North Korean sentiment in China in 2013 (after Pyongyang staged a third nuclear test near the Chinese border that sparked school evacuations and Chinese citizens' protests in front of North Korean missions), this writer raised the idea of China increasingly seeing Pyongyang as a problem that could be abandoned.

To the question, a senior editorial writer for a Chinese state-run newspaper smiled and said: "Xiang dou bu yao xiang" (Don't even think about it!).

If for China, North Korea's collapse or implosion or regime change or a "preemptive strike" by the U.S. is beyond its tolerance threshold, then Trump will realize, sooner or later, that his placing hope on China in exerting "total control" (in his own words) over North Korea is a bad bet.

China may also not be able to tolerate the deployment of THAAD because it sees the U.S. as the major existential threat, while Pyongyang's various belligerent acts are a mere "inconvenience."

The extended larger implication may be profoundly disturbing: the very reason China cannot fully partner with the U.S. and give up on North Korea, is America itself because China sees it as the primary existential threat. This idea is still hypothetical but may deserve to be tested.





Lee Seong-hyon, Ph.D., is a research fellow at the Sejong Institute. Reach him at sunnybbsfs@gmail.com
By Lee Min-hyung



Samsung Electronics' new smartphones, the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, have been mired in a controversy surrounding the so-called "red tint display" which some users claim distorts and disrupts their viewing experience.



This began about a week ago when some S8 users, who preordered the premium Samsung handsets, came up with complaints over their devices' red-toned display by posting the images on local websites.



Samsung, however, said users can resolve the issue by adjusting the display image tone in their phone's settings menu.



"To offer a variety of color options for our users, we have added the display color optimization mode to the devices, allowing them to change the tone to their own preferences," a Samsung Electronics official said.



"Users can visit Samsung service centers and double-check everything about the display issue. If a hardware defect is confirmed, we will offer refunds or exchange the device in line with our compensation policies."



The company is in a position to take a wait-and-see approach, as no specific structural faults of the device have been confirmed.



The world's leading smartphone vendor started accepting preorders for the device for 10 days here from April 7 to 17.



The much-hyped handsets will be on sale this Friday via the nation's three major mobile carriers  SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus.



The new flagship devices came at a critical time when the firm is seeking a meaningful mobile rebound in the wake of last year's global recall of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone over battery defects.



The S8 and S8 Plus have won explosive market responses after their unveiling late last month.



Samsung's mobile chief Koh Dong-jin has expressed confidence that the devices' preorders are expected to set a record of 1 million in the Korean market, beating a previous high of 400,000 for the ill-fated Note 7 devices.



This is outstanding growth, compared with this lineup's predecessors  the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge  which set 200,000 preorders last year.



The new high-end smartphones have drawn unprecedented attention from the global handset industry, largely due to their incomparable state-of-the-art functions  such as facial recognition security and what the company calls "infinite" bezel-less display.



Samsung equipped the devices with 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch displays, respectively for the two new flagship devices, in its bid to jump on the global handset trend in which demand is growing for larger displays that offer smaller and more comfortable grips.



Samsung has yet to release any official statement over the issue.




Seen above are SK Innovation's new advertisements expressed in the traditional Turkish painting style of ebru. / Courtesy of SK Innovation



By Park Jae-hyuk

SK Innovation's new advertisements expressed in the traditional Turkish art form of "ebru" have been the talk of the town. Better known as marbling here, ebru creates colorful patterns by sprinkling and brushing pigments onto a pan of oily water and then transferring the patterns to paper.

The oil refiner said Tuesday it collaborated with Turkish artist Garip Ay to create the advertisements under the theme "Big Picture of Innovation." Ay has actively worked for global enterprises in Poland and Malaysia as well, depicting famous paintings including "The Starry Night" of Vincent Van Gogh.

"I was happy to collaborate with SK Innovation which is taking the lead in the global market, as well as in Korea's energy and chemical industry," Ay said. "I hope the new advertisements allow more Koreans to know the traditional Turkish art form of ebru."

Working day and night, the artist earned favorable reviews for expressing SK Innovation's distinctive image with fancy colors and elegant curves.

The new advertisements, which were unveiled earlier this month via SK Innovation's official blog, Facebook, cable TV channels and newspapers, were viewed by more than 1 million people in 10 days on Facebook and Youtube.

TVCF, the nation's largest advertisement portal, also selected the new ads as some of the most noticeable video commercials, praising SK Innovation for being the first Korean firm to adopt the ebru style.

"Adopting an art form of marbling for advertisements made me understand what innovation is," an internet user said. "I had no choice but to focus on the message delivered by both male and female voice actors."

Another user said that "The new ads mentioning both fact and impact was impactful enough for me to learn about SK Innovation's global businesses."

Last month, SK Innovation invited some 200 consumers, including college students, to a public exhibit of the ebru art form and held a question and answer session between the artist and consumers via Facebook live video streaming.

The company also held an exhibition at a movie theater in Seoul last week to listen to consumers' opinions on the new advertisement and reflect the opinions in the follow-up advertisements.

"From selecting an advertising agency earlier this year to sharing opinions of the advertisements afterward, we've tried hard to encourage our customers to participate," SK Innovation's public relations head Lim Su-gil said. "Our innovative way of working is at the heart of our organizational culture."
By Park Jae-hyuk



Swiss drug maker Novartis is alleged to have charged higher prices for some of its drugs in Korea than in many other wealthier countries, while it was offering kickbacks to doctors here between 2011 and 2016.



The company was criticized in the past for pricing its signature anticancer drug Glivec as high as developed countries, but this time it is suspected to have charged even higher prices for its drugs in Korea than in those countries.



According to company data, Tuesday, the Swiss pharmaceutical giant charged a higher price for 30 tablets of Co-Diovan in Korea than in dozens of other developed countries in 2014, the latest year for which the data was available.



The ex-factory price of the company's signature blood pressure medicine in Korea was $22.36, compared to $12.82 in the Netherlands, $11.99 in Australia, $10.64 in Belgium and $9.73 in Italy.



It also charged higher prices in Korea for 30 tablets of the Diovan blood pressure pill at $23.61, compared to $16.62 in the Netherlands, $16.01 in Belgium, $15.35 in Norway and $10.38 in Australia. The pattern was similar for 30 tablets of the Tegretol antiepileptic at $4.28 in Korea, compared to $3.81 in the Netherlands, $2.89 in Belgium, $2.78 in Australia and $2.02 in Germany.



According to a source who requested anonymity, the data is the same as that used for an article, "Not just Colombia: Novartis has charged more for some drugs in Mexico, too," published late last month by Stat News, a Boston-based health-oriented news website launched in 2015 by John W. Henry, the owner of the Boston Globe.



Criticizing the drug maker's pricing policies in low-income Latin American countries, the article included Novartis spokesman's acknowledgement of the veracity of the price data.



Also, it explained that ex-factory prices are what the local affiliate pays the global headquarters for medicines, and the prices cited were reconciled for packaging and currency differences among countries.



Korea currently lacks a company manufacturing facility, as Novartis shut down its Ansan plant in Gyeonggi Province in 2002, under the pretext of enhancing efficiency of management and to relieve the burden on patients.



The prices of the drugs may not be prohibitive for most Koreans. Novartis has also reiterated that the internal data is not current and does not represent the amount paid for the medicine at the point of treatment, in response to the previous article.



Given the Korean subsidiary's history of bribery scandals, however, Novartis has been suspected of adjusting prices by a few cents and to sell its off-patent drugs at relatively higher prices with more prescriptions from doctors.



After the bribery scandal was revealed, Korean health authorities are considering keeping Glivec and other Novartis drugs off the health insurance reimbursement list, which may be a burden to patients who want to keep using the medicine.



An organization of leukemia patients said patients may fall victim to the punitive measures against Novartis. Although the organization held a rally against Novartis, Monday, it still opposes the government's measure.



[UPDATE: In response to The Korea Times, a Novartis spokesman reiterated what he said to the Stat article that "We believe the pricing data originates from a former employee whose contract was terminated in May 2014. It is not current and does not represent what is paid at the point of treatment by healthcare providers, as government negotiations and controls, and other factors are not taken into account.



"Price comparisons between countries are also misleading as healthcare and distribution systems, wholesaler and pharmacy fees, taxes and other costs vary considerably. Novartis shares concerns about cost of healthcare and the affordability of medicines. We are committed to pricing our products responsibly and work with health authorities to agree prices based on the value and outcomes delivered, both to patients and to healthcare systems."]




Missiles are paraded in Pyongyang on Saturday to celebrate the birthday of North Korean founder Kim Il-sung.



Treaties, uncertainties over Pyongyang's nuclear readiness, and the sheer scale of armaments on both sides maintain a delicate truce on the Korean peninsula



By Catherine Wong





US President Donald Trump's sudden strike on Syria and Washington's doubling down on aggressive military posturing has led to wide speculation that Pyongyang could be the next target for unilateral action.

Even though the administration has indicated that military option is among the options under review, there are many signs that North Korea is not Syria  as military action against the former carries far greater risks.

1. Why can't the US attack North Korea like it did Syria?

The Korean Peninsula technically remains in a state of war. Fighting halted on July 27, 1953 under an armistice signed between Washington and Beijing. If the US initiated an attack, it would break the treaty endorsed by the United Nations.












Plan B advertisment. / Screen captured from YouTube



By Lee Han-soo

A Korean-American woman is suing her ex-boyfriend for secretly dosing her with birth control pills.

The woman, 36, surnamed Hyo, filed a compensation suit for $5 million to her American ex-boyfriend, a neuroradiology doctor, for allegedly feeding her "Plan B One-Step" without her knowledge, according to The New York Post.

Hyo confronted her ex-boyfriend last May when she found an empty birth control pill box inside a trash bin.

"I knew you would not consent to taking birth control pills voluntarily, so I resorted to using this method," the man allegedly confessed after admitting that he had been dissolving the pills in her juice.

The two broke up after the incident.

Plan B One Step is a birth control pill that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex and can be bought only with a doctor-signed prescription.

Long-term use can cause problems such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy. The pill should not be taken more than twice a month.

"The man secretly fed birth control pills to our plaintiff because he did not want his girlfriend to conceive. It is unscrupulous and unforgivable," said the plaintiff's lawyer Christine Bae. "This not only deprived the woman's choice of pregnancy, but also put her health at risk."

Bae also pointed out that the man, who is a doctor, failed to explain to Hyo the possible side effects.
Reports have it that Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun Hye is likely to be together in an upcoming project. The very first time that they have worked together onscreen is in the K drama series, "Coffee Prince".

And now, "Coffee Prince" is celebrating its 10th year anniversary. With this, reports are strongly suggesting that Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun Hye will be once again featured in a future project.

It makes perfect sense for the two K-pop stars to be featured in an upcoming drama series or movie, because of the high ratings that they pulled in for "Coffee Prince". If the two's upcoming movie project would indeed push through, then there is no reason to doubt whether their upcoming project would be a success, because it would surely be.

Unfortunately, because of the fact that the two celebrities never worked together after "Coffee Prince" ended, there lies a certain amount of doubt whether they would work again. According to Korea Portal, Gong Yoo went on to star in "Big", "Goblin" and the very successful zombie film, "Train to Busan". Meanwhile, Yoon Eun Hye starred in "Missing You", "Marry Him if You Dare", "My Fair Lady", "Lie to Me" and "The Vineyard Man".

But because of the fact that the tandem between Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun Hye really worked pretty well and has never failed to let viewers giggle with their romantic tenderness with each other, it makes perfect sense for movie and drama producers to put them together in a movie or drama series.

But unfortunately, there is still no official confirmation or credible information that the two are indeed preparing for a reunion. Hopefully, their much anticipated reunion will push through soon.

Let's just hope for the best, because if they indeed get a reunion, it will surely make the fans and viewers go crazy over them once more.
Nearly 300 people were killed during the New Year water festival, official media said Tuesday, Anadolu reported.

The state-run newspaper on Tuesday reported 285 people were killed and 1,073 others injured as 1,200 crimes and accidents occurred across the country during the four-day annual Thingyan Water Festival.

Compared to last years figures of 967 crimes, 272 deaths and 1,086 injured cases, 233 more cases and 13 more deaths occurred in this years water festival, said the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

The commercial capital, Yangon, had 44 fatalities, followed by the Bago region with 37 and the countrys second city, Mandalay, had 36 deaths.

The Yangon region recorded the highest number of accidents with 223.

Eight people died the first day of the festival last Thursday, after a wooden boat carrying 61 Buddhist pilgrims sank after a fishing net wrapped around the vessels propeller in a river near Kyauktaw in western Rakhine state.

The water festival was celebrated April 13-16 to welcome the traditional New Year.
Russia and Turkey expressed their desire at a meeting in Moscow to lift most mutual restrictions regarding agricultural product deliveries as soon as possible, the Russian government said in a statement Apr. 18, Sputnik International reported.

On Apr. 18, Moscow hosted talks between Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich and Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek.

The participants noted that there is a common desire to remove the maximum number of restrictions that currently exist, as soon as possible, it was also stressed that there is the common understanding that some sensitive issues require step-by-step work, the statement said.

Simsek described the talks as productive.

We had a very productive meeting in Moscow, we discussed all the problems, Simsek wrote in his Twitter blog, following talks with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich. We'll meet again in May and quickly find a solution to all the issues.

On March 15, Turkish authorities changed its import regulations of some agricultural products for processing within the countrys borders, including wheat and sunflower oil, removing Russia from the list of countries that have the right to duty-free supplies.

Meanwhile, Russia's food embargo on Turkey's food and agricultural products remains partly in place.

At the beginning of 2016, Russia imposed a number of restrictive measures, including a ban on food and flowers imports, on Turkey in response to the downing of a Russian military aircraft by a Turkish fighter jet in Syria on November 24, 2015.

In June 2016, following Turkey's apology to Russia for the November 2015 incident, the sides began a reconciliation process. In August 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would gradually lift the economic restrictions imposed on Turkey.

On October 10, 2016, Putin announced the removal of embargo on Turkish fresh and dried oranges, tangerines, peaches, nectarines, plums and sloes.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 18

Trend:

Turkeys government has extended the state of emergency in the country for another three months.

This decision was approved by the Turkish Parliament, the Anadolu Agency reported Apr. 18.

A three-month state of emergency was declared in Turkey on July 20, 2016 by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after a military coup attempt took place in the country on July 15 night.

Since then the state of emergency has been twice prolonged for 90 days  on Oct. 3, 2016 and in January 2017.

On July 15, 2016 Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country as a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had earlier said the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people, excluding the coup plotters, and over 2,000 people were wounded.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday congratulated in a phone call Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the positive results of the referendum on amendments to the Constitution, the Kremlin press service said, Sputnik reported.

"Vladimir Putin congratulated Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the successful outcome of a referendum on constitutional changes in Turkey," the press service said in a statement.

According to the statement, Putin and Erdogan exchanged of views on the situation in Syria and stressed the need to strengthen the ceasefire regime in the war-torn country, as well as to promote the inter-Syrian negotiation process in the Astana and Geneva formats.

The leaders also reiterated the importance of a thorough and impartial international investigation into the alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria's Idlib province, the Kremlin said.
An Egyptian administrative court has set a date of 6 June to rule on a legal jurisdiction dispute in relation to a controversial Egyptian-Saudi Arabian maritime border demarcation agreement.

Egyptian rights lawyer Khaled Ali asked the court to rule that the Court for Urgent Matters, which ruled earlier this month to revoke the High Administrative Court's January decision to uphold Egypt's sovereignty over the two Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir, has no jurisdiction over the matter.

The deal, inked in April 2016, would transfer sovereignty of the islands of Tiran and Sanafir, located strategically at the southern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, to Saudi Arabia. The agreement sparked widespread public outcry in Egypt, including several protests, and has been the subject of a lengthy court battle between the government and those opposed to the deal.

In December, the Egyptian cabinet approved the deal and sent it to the parliament for a vote, despite the ongoing court battles over its validity.

Last week, parliament referred the agreement to its legislative committee for review.
A judge on Tuesday approved a higher murder charge against a man from Springfield who is accused of killing his girlfriend three months ago. Shawn Turner, 39, is now charged with first-degree murder instead of second-degree murder, the charge that was filed in January.

Prosecutors now believe Turner deliberated before he killed Kristi Spurlock, 31, in the couples home at 1641. W. Whiteside St. Prosecutors filed the motion to upgrade the charge on April 5. A judge approved that motion on Tuesday before Turners scheduled probable cause hearing. Turner chose to waive his right to that hearing, at which the judge would have heard testimony on whether theres enough evidence for a trial.

Turners first appearance in circuit court is scheduled for May 19. If hes convicted, he faces a life prison sentence with no chance of parole or a death penalty. Hes also charged with armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Police said Turner shot himself in the head after he shot Spurlock three or four times. He then went to sleep, according to the probable cause statement against him. The shooting followed an argument over money

Officers arrested Turner after a short standoff at his home. Investigators found bloody footprints and drag marks in the blood next to Spurlocks body. A bloody handgun was near her body, according to the probable cause statement.

The illegal possession of a firearm charge is because prosecutors say he has felony convictions from Huntsville, Texas, for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and assault of a public servant. State and federal laws prohibit felons from possessing weapons.

Turner has been in the Greene County jail since Jan. 27 in lieu of a $750,000 bond.

Here's the edited probable cause statement used as the basis of the charges filed in January:

On Jan. 11, 2017, at about 4:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to 1641 W. Whiteside St. for a domestic disturbance. Spurlock's mother called 9-1-1 to report Turner had killed her daughter. The mother said she'd been trying to call Spurlock all day and Turner finally answered the phone and said he was sorry. The woman reported Turner said Spurlock was dead and then hung up.

Officers set up a perimeter around the home and, after a short standoff, got Turner to come outside, where they arrested him. They said he had "what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head" and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Officers then found Spurlock's body in a bedroom with a handgun nearby on the floor. It was a Glock 17 that was covered in blood with the magazine removed and lying next to the gun.

An officer saw a large pool of blood in the hallway outside the bedroom door as well as a blood soaked towel on the floor. He saw bloody footprints in the hallway and what appeared to be drag marks in the blood leading to Spurlock's body,.

Another officer said Turner told paramedics that he had shot himself with a "9 millimeter" and disassembled the gun and left it in the bedroom. That officer said, when Turner came out of the house, he was asked who else was in the house and Turner said his girlfriend was dead inside. Turner said he "kind of blanked out" and did not know how long she had been dead.

On Thursday, a detective interviewed Turner at the hospital. Turner was coherent. After being read his Miranda rights, Turner admitted he shot Spurlock "three or four times" with a 9mm handgun that belonged to her. He said they had been arguing over money when the shooting occurred.

Turner said during the argument that he felt compelled to go get the gun. Turner said he shot Spurlock and then realized what he had done, so he turned the gun on himself.

After shooting himself, Turner said he woke up some time later. Once he woke up, he said he "expelled the clip" from the handgun and cleared the chamber two or three times to make sure there were no more bullets. Turner said there were bullets that expelled and he put them back in "the clip" and left the handgun lying on the ground.

Turner said he then went and got something to drink in the kitchen, walked back to the bedroom, laid down in bed and went to sleep. Turner said he later awoke to Spurlocks phone ringing. It was her mother calling.

Turner said he told Spurlock what happened and asked her to call 9-1-1. When asked why he did not call 9-1-1, Turner said, "Cant really see that well, cant find my glasses."

Turner said he fell back asleep and later awoke to the phone ringing again. When Turner answered the phone, he found it was the police and he complied with the instructions to come out of the home, where he was taken into custody.
The death toll from Egypt's Palm Sunday terrorist bombing at the St Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria has risen from 17 to 18 after one person died on Tuesday, Al-Ahram Arabic news website reported, quoting a Church statement.

The combined death toll from the twin bombings in Tanta and Alexandria has now risen from 46 to 47.

In a statement, the Coptic Orthodox Church said Karim Ghattas Andrawes died in hospital on Tuesday due to wounds sustained in the bombing.

On 9 April, two suicide bombers hit St George Cathedral in Tanta and St Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria, killing and injuring dozens in the deadliest attack against civilians in the country's recent history. A total of 29 people died in the Tanta explosion and 18 in Alexandria.

The Islamic State group claimed the attacks, which were timed to take place on Palm Sunday at the start of Holy Week, thereby ensuring large-scale casualties.

Following the attacks, the Coptic Orthodox Church cancelled of Easter celebrations across the country, limiting Saturday night masses to prayer services, with a reception for mourners on Sunday.

Egyptian authorities say they have identified the two suicide bombers and the terrorist cells responsible for the attacks.

Cairo imposed a nationwide three-month state of emergency after the attacks, with the option of extending it for a further three months on a vote from parliament

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PRESS RELEASE

Belt and Road Initiative Summit To Discuss How To Overcome World Depression

April 17, 2017 (EIRNS)With a special view toward the mid-May Belt and Road Forum Summit in Beijing, Zhang Yunling, National Committee member of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference and an international studies expert, said during an exclusive interview with Xinhua, that this summit aims to build consensus and reach agreements on major cross-regional projects through consultations.

Zhang said that the global economy has been in a prolonged recession since the global financial crisis in 2008, and that the sluggish recovery since shows that the original growth mechanism through which the developing countries produce, and developed countries consume, fails to sustain. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was proposed to help adjust the imbalance in development and therefore promote growth in world economy, Zhang explained.

The BRI, Zhang said, for "building roads and transportation, cannot be addressed by a single country," but building a security mechanism may work.

"The Belt and Road Initiative connects Europe, Asia, and Africa via land and sea. Its impossible to build highway, high-speed railway, and communication networks in a day. We must prepare for long-term efforts,"

Zhang said.

The BRI, in Zhangs view, represents a new developing mode and direction.

"Land-sea connection under the Belt and Road Initiative is a further step in strengthening the opening-up policies. It will not only contribute to Chinas development, but also to coordinated regional development,"

said Zhang. Scholars from the countries along the Belt and Road also speak highly of the initiative, Zhang noted.

"An Iranian professor said that the Initiative is a developing mode that quite differs from the Western ones. If it works, it will offer a new feasible choice to the world,"

Zhang mentioned.
PRESS RELEASE

William Perry: How To Make a Deal With North Korea

April 17, 2017 (EIRNS)In an April 15 article in Politico, William Perry, former Defense Secretary under President Bill Clinton, puts forth the argument that the current crisis in the Korean Peninsula, while at an extremely dangerous point, is perhaps the best moment for a solution. He argues that the successful agreement in 1994 (the General Framework) for the North to stop their nuclear weapons program and shut down their plutoniun-producing nuclear plant in exchange for a non-plutonium producing nuclear plant, worked very well until President George W. Bush and his Vice President Dick Cheney came in and sabotaged it. The result: the North proceeded to build nuclear weapons, and now have between 10-20.

But, Perry writes,

"The danger is not, as some believe, that North Korea will make good on its bluster and actually launch a surprise nuclear attack. The North Korean leadership, while it is evil and sometimes reckless, is not crazy or suicidal.... It knows that if it launches a nuclear attack, the American response would bring death to the leadership and devastation to its country."

But, the North now worries that Trump will actually attack, just as the Clinton Administration was seriously considering attacked the nuclear facility in North Korea. Therefore, he says, it is urgent that Trump make the same offer Perry and Clinton were offering to go beyond the General Framework: establish normal relations with the North, giving up "regime change" and threats of military action, in exchange for ending the nuclear weapons program. The fact that China is in general agreement is another factor for moving now (and, he should have added, with Russia as well).

He concludes: "The big question is: Do we have the sense to seize this chance? After all, it could be the last one we have."
PRESS RELEASE

Russia Demands Answers from British on Idlib Chemical TestsDone by Brits Only!

April 17, 2017 (EIRNS)Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke out today against the United Kingdoms UN Ambassador Matthew Rycrofts pronouncement at the UN Security Council that samples from the alleged chemical attack in Syrias Idlib province on April 4 were Sarin gas.

"There is an interesting coincidencethe British lead the fact-finding mission, they have not told anyone what this mission is doing, but the U.K. researchers have already examined the samples. I think that we are lodging a request to see what is going on today,"

said Lavrov at a press conference.

He also pointed out that two fact-finding departments of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were headed by U.K. nationals, which

"does not really comply with the principles of an international organization which envisages the structure of all the bodies as balanced as possible."

"We will not let efforts taken for the political regulation of the Syrian Arab Republic be undermined," Lavrov insisted.
When our hard-working members of Congress return to work next week refreshed from their 18-day Easter recess, theyre planning to take up healthcare reform again.

This time, their Affordable Care Act repeal effort has been dressed up with a new provision known as invisible risk sharing, based on what they assert was a successful program in Maine.

Theyre blowing smoke.

The Maine program, which was enacted in 2011, was only successful because it was backstopped by the Affordable Care Act. Even so, it was a disaster for older and rural residents, small businesses, and women.

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People who were young and healthy benefited. But small businesses that had older employees or were in rural parts of the state really got hung out to dry.  Garrett Martin, Maine Center for Economic Policy

The law led to reduced premiums, but also to drastically reduced benefits, increased deductibles, and increased cost-sharing compared to policies previously in force, according to an analysis by a pro-reform group. In other words, the savings from premiums were balanced, even overbalanced, by raising other costs for customers or eliminating benefits.

People who were young and healthy certainly benefited, says Garrett Martin, executive director of the Maine Center for Economic Policy. But small businesses that had older employees or were in rural parts of the state really got hung out to dry. Although insurance coverage in Maine has increased, he says, that is largely the result of the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, which went into effect and supplanted Maines program after Maine had run it for only a couple of years.

The version of Maines reform proposed by conservative House Republicans to rescue the Obamacare repeal effort could produce even worse outcomes. Thats the take-away from an analysis by the medical actuarial firm Milliman, which found that the proposal would reduce the number of uninsured Americans only by a couple of million and reduce premiums by as little as 1%, but cost the government as much as $17 billion in its first year. Thats money Congress isnt likely to spend.

Before we go further, lets define invisible risk sharing and figure out why its so alluring to the right-wing Freedom Caucus members who proposed it. The idea is a variation on the high-risk pools so admired by House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) These pools peel the sickest and costliest patients out of the general insurance pool and pay for their care separately from public funds. The process, Ryan says, should lower premiums for the average insurance buyers because theyre no longer subsidizing the very sick. Weve explained why Ryans description of high-risk pools is deceptive, and documented the sorry performance of such risk pools pre-Affordable Care Act.

The system isnt that different from the reinsurance program in place during the Affordable Care Acts first three years, when insurers got compensated by the government for enrollees who proved to need especially expensive treatment. As described by Mark Hall of the Brookings Institution and Nicholas Bagley of the University of Michigan, both systems are invisible in the sense that high-cost subscribers are unaware of its existence.

The wrinkle in the Republican plan is that its prospective rather than retrospective. The high-risk customers are identified when they sign up for coverage and then placed in the high-risk pool. Under reinsurance, theyre identified only after they start running up bills. If youve been diagnosed as a diabetic, the prospective system will know that and put you in the high-risk pool. But if you get an unexpected cancer diagnosis or are hit by a truck during the year, your insurer will be stuck with your full costs.

As Hall and Bagley explain, whether either approach will reduce premiums depends almost entirely on how much money is provided to cover the high-risk population. Millimans figures show that the House proposal wouldnt come close to meeting the costs: The House has budgeted only $15 billion over nine years to pay for the plan, or about 10% of the projected costs.

That brings us back to Maine, ostensibly the model for the new GOP provision. The states 2011 reform loosened consumer protections on health insurance and regulatory review of new rates, and allowed insurers to consider geographic location in setting rates. The measure also established a prospective invisible risk-sharing program: Buyers of individual insurance had to fill out a questionnaire disclosing if they had suffered from any of 40 medical conditions including a variety of cancers, heart disease or stroke, high blood pressure, or Parkinsons. The answers werent used to set premiums, but to place buyers in the high-risk pool. The pool was funded by a tax of $4 per month paid by every buyer of individual insurance, for a total of $22 million.

The most aggressive claims for the success of the Maine plan have come from representatives from the Maine Heritage Policy Center and the Foundation for Government Accountability, right-wing organizations linked to the American Legislative Exchange Council, the notorious ALEC, and the Koch brothers. In a March 7 article in Health Affairs proposing their system as a model for the nation, they claimed that individuals premiums dropped by nearly 70 Percent for better plans.

$15 billion over 9 years is definitely not enough to make a meaningful difference in premiums or market stability.https://t.co/nsslMqJYsy  Larry Levitt (@larry_levitt) April 6, 2017

But thats highly misleading. Lower premiums? An analysis of a public rate filing compiled by Consumers for Affordable Health Care, a Maine advocacy think tank, found that premiums rose for most customers of Anthem, the largest insurer in the market. While rates fell for all those younger than 40, they rose for 91% of policy holders 55 to 59 and 100% for those 60 and older.

Better plans? The new plan Anthem offered to replace its pre-2011 version charged deductibles of up to $12,000 each separately for in-network and non-network treatment, plus another $1,000 deductible for prescriptions. For many buyers, it raised out-of-pocket maximums and instituted co-pays of as much as 40% across the board. Mental health and substance abuse coverage was sharply curtailed. Maternity coverage was eliminated.

Supporters crow that individual insurance enrollment climbed as young buyers flowed into the market, but the burden on small businesses and older buyers was substantial. And, of course, a major buffering against the costs of the new policy came from the new tax of $4 per month per policyholder, which amounted to an enormous subsidy for the individual market of as much as 15% of total premiums. As for the macro outcome, Maine was one of only two states (New Jersey was the other) to see its uninsured rate actually climb from 2012 to 2013.

As for what lessons Congress should draw from Maines experience, theyre murky at best. Under Maines rules, insurers had the option of transferring potentially costly customers into the high-risk pool. But they had to turn over 90% of those customers premiums to the pool, while retaining liability for the first $10,000 of the customers bills. That acts as a disincentive to avoid sicker customers as well as an incentive to transfer only the sickest into the pool.

But the same effect can be achieved by the reinsurance program in the Affordable Care Act, which compensates insurers for the same sickest patients. At any rate, it forbids insurers from judging applicants on the basis of their health histories or medical prospects. Thanks in part to reinsurance, observe Hall and Bagley, the evidence to date suggests that insurers arent competing over their ability to cherry-pick good risks or to lemon-drop bad ones.

The bottom line is that almost any system of risk-sharing can work as long as its adequately funded. Thats the missing element in the revised GOP repeal plan. At a mere $1.7 billion per year, its hopelessly underfunded and certain to fail. That leaves one burning question that should be sounded about the plan once Congress returns to Washington: If youre not serious about really improving the healthcare system, why pretend you are?

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.

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Southern California Edison customers in Los Angeles County soon will have an alternative way to get their electricity  from a new government-run utility promising lower bills and easier access to clean-energy options.

The county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved the public energy program, which they say will help reduce power bills by as much as 5% below what customers pay Edison. Residents and businesses will have the choice to stay with Edison or join the countys utility.

Its an alternative to Southern California Edison, said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl , who helped lead the effort.

Individual residences, individual businesses, every single person can join, Kuehl said in an interview

Kuehl said an important feature of the new option is that the public energy program will get much of its power from green sources, and provide it to customers at a lower cost.

Other than their bill totals, customers are unlikely to notice a difference. Electricity will still be delivered by Edison over its existing power lines. Edison will also continue to read the meters and send the bills.

But the county utility will buy the electricity from the market or under contract. The county can choose as much green energy as it wants and even build solar projects in the future.

In the last few years, more communities have been considering such community choice aggregation programs, also known as CCAs. Los Angeles County began studying the concept about two years ago, and its program has the potential to become the states largest.

L.A. Countys utility plan is part of a broad reshaping of the electric utility industry similar to what happened in telecommunications: a shift from centralized, universal service in which Ma Bell handled all aspects of the business, including maintaining telephone lines, to multiple players that provide many kinds of service on many devices. As technology redefined the role of the phone company, so it is with electric companies.

For consumers, it means more options. But with more competition from public utilities, Edison and other investor-owned utilities will have to revisit the structure of their business model.

They will have to change, said Mark Cooper, senior research fellow at the Institute for Energy and the Environment at Vermont Law School. The old system was in place for over 100 years.

At Tuesdays meeting, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas called the utility plan a game changer.

It will allow us to buy and create new sources of green energy while leaving more money in ratepayers wallets, he said.

Initially, as many as 500,000 residences and 200,000 businesses in unincorporated cities throughout the county will be eligible to join the county-run operation. Incorporated cities such as Long Beach and Torrance require approval by elected officials before their residents can participate.

The county decision does not affect customers of existing municipal utilities such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Pasadena Water and Power and Burbank Water and Power.

Southern California Edison said its position is neutral on such power programs.

For the last five years, state law has forbidden utility companies from publicly criticizing the energy programs.

But the states two other investor-owned utilities  Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and San Diego Gas & Electric Co.  have raised questions about the efficiency and economics of public energy programs. They have urged more study before wider adoption takes place.

How the utility will work Governments from Southern California to Humboldt County in the north have been adopting the public energy alternative as consumers face higher electric bills and the state pushes for clean energy over centralized, fossil-fuel power plants. Under the CCA model, cities and counties become responsible for their customers power as well as setting rates and establishing customer programs. The L.A. County utility, to be governed by the Los Angeles Community Choice Energy Authority, is expected to start providing electricity next year. Customers who switch to it will be able to choose whether they want power from solar, wind or another clean energy source. Those decisions by customers will influence how much green energy  and what kind  the county invests in. The utility will start out buying electricity under contract from generators, but the plan also allows it to develop community-based solar generation, such as installing solar panels on top of warehouses. The supervisors approved initial funding of $10 million  $2 million for administrative costs and $8 million to buy power. By the end of three-year phase-in of the program, revenue is expected to reach $1.2 billion, according to the report to the county. But the CCA, as a local government entity, is not allowed to profit from customer rates. In 2002, the state passed legislation allowing public energy programs to operate as a way to give electricity customers more choice. Few cities and counties had taken advantage until recently. Falling solar power prices are driving the renewed focus on CCAs. Public energy programs can take advantage of the low cost by building large community solar energy systems that not only provide power to their customers but also feed the electric grid. Eight CCAs now serve customers in California, with seven more set to launch this year. In Southern California, Lancaster established its program in 2015 and Apple Valley in San Bernardino County began its effort April 1. Jason Caudle, Lancasters deputy city manager, said the city turned two years ago to community energy because it allowed the city to take more of an active role to secure green power and more cost-effective power for our customers. Now, 94% of the citys possible customer accounts  about 50,000 customers total  are part of the public energy program, he said. Power bills have gotten lower, Caudle said, with the program collectively saving $1.9 million, or 4.5% for the average customer. Some customers were supportive of Edison and chose to stay with the utility, Caudle said, but we dont have any complaints about being members of the CCA.

ivan.penn@latimes.com

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6:30 p.m.: This article was updated additional analysis and comments from Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas

This article was originally published at 2 p.m.
A "wanted terrorist" was killed in a shootout on Tuesday morning during a police raid in the northern coastal governorate of Damietta, state-run news agency MENA said, quoting a security source.



The incident occurred when police raided a militant hideout in Kafr Saad village, said MENA, with one police officer injured in the resulting shootout.



The source said that the shootout began when the terrorist fired at police officers as they attempted to arrest him, forcing police to return fire.



On Sunday, the interior ministry said it has arrested 13 people reportedly involved in a terrorist cell aiming to launch attacks against churches in Egypt.

The announcement of the arrests came a week after two suicide bombings hit St George's Cathedral in Tanta and St Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria, killing 47 people and injuring dozens more during Palm Sunday services. The suspected militants were arrested in the governorates of Alexandria, Damietta and Kafr El-Shiekh.

Last week, police announced a separate incident in which seven terrorists linked to the bombings were killed in a shootout in Upper Egypt's Assiut governorate. The shootout occurred during a police raid, according to an official statement.



The Egyptian authorities have announced the identities of the two suicide bombers responsible for the Palm Sunday attacks.



The Islamic State miltant group claimed responsibilty for the explosions.

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Los Angeles Countys office market has been expanding and rents have been rising for years  and thanks to companies like Netflix, that dynamic continued in the first quarter.

The Los Gatos, Calif., movie-streaming company is taking all the space of a large Hollywood building that opened its doors in the beginning of the year.

Terms of the lease with developer Hudson Pacific Properties for the 323,000-square-foot Icon building were not disclosed, but landlords typically ask for about $5.50 a square foot in monthly rent for new Hollywood offices, well above the county-wide rate.

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That rate hit an average of $3.13 per square foot a month in the first quarter, up from $3.03 in the prior quarter and $3 in the same period a year earlier, according to real estate brokerage CBRE Group Inc.

Rents have been rising since 2013 and some observers expect the market to cool, but Petra Durnin, CBREs director of research and analysis, said landlords remain in the drivers seat.

The market is still healthy, she said. I know the sentiment out there is that things are slowing down, but we still see quite a bit of road ahead of us in the market.

The market is still healthy.  Petra Durnin, CBRE, director of research and analysis

New jobs are still being created in the region, albeit at a tepid pace. That means there is room for a little rent growth and for vacancy to come down a bit more, Durnin said.

New office construction grew the market by nearly 750,000 square feet last quarter, a jump from the 100,000 square feet delivered in the previous quarter and 460,000 square feet a year earlier. There are now about 205 million square feet of offices in Los Angeles County, according to CBRE.

Overall vacancy was 14.1% in the first quarter, a rise from 12.8% at the end of 2016 but down slightly from 14.8% a year ago.

roger.vincent@latimes.com

Twitter: @rogervincent

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There was a time when nuclear power was considered to be the bulwark of Americas energy future.

Now the titan appears to be teetering.

Westinghouse Electric Co.  long considered the leader in nuclear power development  filed for bankruptcy protection in late March. The move puts in jeopardy the completion of two nuclear plants in the Southeast that had been heralded as proof the industrys future was still vibrant.

The news added to a long list of nuclears woes:

California is on the verge of eliminating its last remaining nuclear power plant.

Nuclear waste, stranded in places such as the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, isnt going away any time soon.

The industry is still reeling from the 2011 tsunami that hit the Fukushima plant in Japan, which prompted some countries such as Germany to turn away from nuclear power.

Within hours of the Westinghouse announcement, some industry opponents pounced.

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The group Beyond Nuclear sent out a tweet concluding: Time to recognize the nuclear shows over.

Damon Moglen, senior strategic adviser for Friends of the Earth, said: Its really the death rattle of the nuclear industry.

Even the industrys biggest supporters acknowledged the Westinghouse news was bad.

Im freaked out, honestly, said Michael Shellenberger, president of Berkeley-based Environmental Progress, a group that considers nuclear power an essential element to battle climate change.

Westinghouse, a Toshiba subsidiary, was supposed to help build the first fleet of new-generation nuclear plants in the U.S. since the Three Mile Island incident in 1979.

Two reactors in Georgia and two others in South Carolina promised to employ the latest technology  called AP1000  to usher in a new century of nuclear development, delivering robust electricity production while ensuring structures were simpler, safer and less expensive.

But construction at each site has been dogged by delays and cost overruns.

The two utilities lined up to operate the plants say they plan to forge ahead, but the bankruptcy filing is sure to further delay the projects and increase costs. The current surcharge at the Georgia site  called Plant Vogtle  adds about $100 a year to the bills of most residential customers in the area.

Defenders say the problems in the Southeast have less to do with the technology, which they insist is solid, and more to do with hiring contractors who werent up to the task of building something as sophisticated as a nuclear power plant.

John Kotek, who served as assistant secretary for the office of nuclear energy at the U.S. Department of Energy during the Obama administration, said reactors with the AP1000 design are being built in China and the first of those is scheduled to go online this year.

Weve seen these facilities can be built, said Kotek, who now works for the Nuclear Energy Institute, an industry trade group.

But even before the Westinghouse announcement, nuclear energy faced growing competition from natural gas and renewable sources.

Utilities have increasingly turned to natural gas, which emits half the amount of greenhouse gases as coal. And thanks to the booming shale market, natural gas can be extracted in burgeoning supplies at a price that has remained consistently low for years.

Renewable sources such as wind and solar also have grown while their costs have dropped.

Thats left nuclear struggling to just hold onto its 20% share of the nations energy mix.

The bottom line is that nuclear was already having problems and in decline, said Andy Smith, senior analyst covering utility stocks for the investment firm Edward Jones.

Bedeviled at Diablo

The Diablo Canyon facility near San Luis Obispo is the last nuclear power plant operating in California  but maybe not for long.

The plants operator, Pacific Gas & Electric Co., announced plans last summer to shut down the site for good by 2025, blaming greater renewable sources in the states power mix, developments in energy efficiency and battery storage as well as lower demand.

In the meantime, the list of nuclear closures keeps growing.

A plant in Nebraska shut down at the end of last year, and as many as 10 other reactors are proposed to go offline in the coming years, including the two at Diablo. Ohios two nuclear plants are in danger of going down.

The countrys nuclear fleet is also getting older, with 99 reactors having an average age of 35 years old.

If we were building nuclear plants, I wouldnt be so worried, Shellenberger said. I dont think theres any way to solve climate change without building more nuclear plants.

Shellenberger has argued the industry in the U.S. should move away from demonstration plants such as the AP1000 and concentrate on a single, consistent design that can be built over and over again, resulting in lower costs and fewer mistakes.

Environment California was one of four environmental groups that worked with PG&E to issue a joint proposal to shut down Diablo Canyon.

I just think the two burdens with nuclear power have always been, one, its a really expensive way to boil water, said Dan Jacobson, the groups state director, and two, it creates a waste that we cant figure out where to put.

Stuck on storage

Perhaps no plant in the country spotlights the waste issue more than the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

Even though the San Onofre plant has not produced any electricity since January 2012 and is in the process of getting decommissioned, some 3.6 million pounds of spent nuclear fuel sit on the beach, within 50 miles of 8.4 million people.

But the federal government has not established a permanent site to send the waste  not just from San Onofre but from any other nuclear plant in the country.

The repository at Yucca Mountain in Nevada was withdrawn during the Obama administration. Although officials in the Trump administration are considering taking another look at Yucca, even if the site is resurrected it would take years to complete the bureaucratic process, much less the legal challenges that will surely ensue.

One facility in West Texas and another in eastern New Mexico are being considered as potential sites for what is called consolidated interim storage to send at least some of the nations stockpile of waste.

Small modular reactors

Nuclears advocates point to a new generation of technologies, including molten salt reactors that offer potential to address the problems related to the intermittent nature of wind and solar production that arise when the sun isnt shining or the wind isnt blowing.

Others pin their hopes on a smaller but more dispersed future.

Small modular reactors are in development that, in contrast to sprawling sites, offer a more compact footprint that can be used in a multitude of locations, including remote sites.

NuScale, an Oregon company, appears to be the furthest along. The company has approached the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to certify designs for small, 50-megawatt reactors that could go online in about eight years.

If successful, the design promises to produce electricity at a life-cycle cost cheaper than any other energy source except hydroelectric.

General Atomics, the San Diego company that has been working on nuclear technology for more than 60 years, has its own plans.

Among the companys projects is the Energy Multiplier Module, or EM, that aims to produce electricity more cheaply, safely and efficiently than the current fleet and is compact enough so that it can be transported by tractor-trailer. Instead of a light-water reactor, EM uses helium to cool its core.

We think theres an important efficiency to be gained by having a smaller reactor, said Christina Back, vice president of nuclear technologies and materials at General Atomics. Frankly, it takes a lot of dollars to just dig a big hole in the ground.

General Atomics hopes to make the design a reality around 2030.

Just days before the Westinghouse filing, the nuclear industry received some good news on Capitol Hill. A bill that would require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to develop a framework to license advanced nuclear reactors easily passed on a bipartisan vote in a U.S. Senate committee.

Another bill that supports building a test reactor, likely to be located at a national laboratory, also advanced.

I think there is an importance to the nation to invest in nuclear technologies and really go forward as opposed to just throwing in the towel, said Back, who testified before the Senate committee.

Kotek said nuclear has faced perilous predictions before.

Ive been hearing forecasts of the industrys demise for 30-plus years, Kotek said. Certainly, were dealing with some challenges in the near-term but over the longer term, I think the industrys prospects are quite good.

rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com

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President Trump says his new executive order will force tech companies to hire more American workers. But Silicon Valley leaders, who rely heavily on H-1B visas for high-skilled employees, say theyre not the problem.

The Trump administration introduced an executive order Tuesday named Buy American, Hire America that directs federal agencies to review the H-1B visa program. The goal is to eventually require companies to recruit higher-skilled and higher-paid workers rather than cheaper workers from other countries.

With this action we are sending a powerful signal to the world that we are going to defend our workers and protect our jobs and finally put America first, Trump said at speech in Wisconsin on Tuesday in which he called for a long overdue reform of an H-1B program riddled by widespread abuse.

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The order was met with skepticism within the tech industry, which has long argued that the U.S. economy needs to attract the best workers from across the globe, not just the best on American soil, to prosper. They say others, namely outsourcing firms based overseas, are exploiting the visa program. And they say if the administration cracks down on the tech industrys foreign hiring, it could result in just the opposite of what Trump wants.

It is an extremely competitive and fast-moving industry, said Ayda Akalin, an immigration attorney whose clients include Silicon Valley start-ups and entrepreneurs. If they cant find top engineers locally, and they also cant otherwise hire foreign talent through the H-1B program, then they are certainly going to look elsewhere.

That could mean a rise in outsourcing or tech companies setting up more offices in other countries such as Ireland and Canada, which are more welcoming to foreign workers, Akalin said.

I cant imagine that was the intended result, she said.

Under the Trump administration, the Department of Homeland Security has already said it would establish a stricter vetting process for computer programmers. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services also said it would conduct more site visits to catch H-1B visa fraud, and the Justice Department warned employers seeking visas to not discriminate against American workers.

The executive order signed Tuesday calls for federal agencies to review the H-1B program and also government procurement practices so that more contracts are awarded to American manufacturers.

The order itself doesnt bring substantive change; Akalin chided it as mere tokenism. But the changing attitude toward foreign workers is already having a chilling effect in Silicon Valley, according to immigration attorney Reaz Jafri.

Jafri is currently representing two clients struggling to get H-1B visas to stay in the U.S. One, a Spanish national who graduated from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, has decided to establish his robotics start-up in Spain rather than wait to see if he can stay in the U.S. Another is a Chinese national who has already raised money for an artificial intelligence start-up that will probably have to be headquartered overseas.

This will hurt our country and our economy, Jafri said of the executive order. The reason why Google, IBM and Apple are what they are today is because they were able to recruit the best from around the world.

The U.S. issues 85,000 H-1B visas a year through a lottery system. Facing what they describe as a lack of qualified talent, many tech firms bolster their ranks with H-1B workers. Google, for instance, hired as many as 743 workers on H-1B visas as recently as 2013, according to technology website Recode. A Brookings Institute study found in 2012 that there were 17 H-1B visa requests for every 1,000 jobs in Silicon Valley.

Both Jafri and Akalin agree that reform is needed, specifically in regards to large India-based outsourcing companies that grab thousands of H-1B visas each year such as Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services.

The companies are accused of gaming the system by inundating the federal government with applications. Complaints also persist that the firms are undercutting American job-seekers by providing foreign workers for jobs that dont require special skills at wages lower than market rates.

We support immigration policies that create jobs rather than outsource them, Silicon Valley venture capital firm Unshackled Ventures said in a prepared statement. The H-1B is designed for the highest-skilled worker, but when 13 of the top 15 H-1B visa filers are global outsourcing companies, who pay lower than market rate wages, the H-1B programs purpose is in jeopardy.

In a series of tweets Monday after news first broke about the Trump administrations order, Todd Schulte, president of the tech advocacy group FWD.us, said companies that are too dependent on H-1B visas should have less priority in the lottery for the visas and argued for a ban of third-party placement of workers.

Infosys said in an e-mailed statement it was helping U.S. companies remain competitive.

It is our endeavor to help clients leverage the best U.S. talent together with the best global talent to drive economic growth in the U.S., ensure the U.S. continues to be at the forefront of innovation, and bring skills and education in the new technologies that will transform our world, the company said.

The criticism of outsourcing firms from the tech industry is hypocritical, said Norman Matloff, a professor of computer science at UC Davis who noted that Silicon Valley was only recently falling over itself to be critical of Trumps immigration policies.

Its a deliberate attempt to deflect attention from themselves, said Matloff, who believes both Indian outsourcing firms and the biggest U.S. tech companies are guilty of abusing the visa program. This is exactly their PR strategy. Blame the outsourcing companies.

Meanwhile, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a nonpartisan Washington think tank, said Trumps merit-based system could work under certain conditions.

Replacing the H-1B lottery with a more merit-based system could advance the programs goals of attracting people with advanced STEM skills, the groups president, Robert D. Atkinson, said using the common acronym for science, technology, engineering and math. We also welcome efforts to root out abuse, better enforce the existing rules, and increase the salary requirements, as long as we continue to welcome highly qualified STEM workers.

Atkinson is less optimistic about any attempts to delay hiring decisions, such as a requirement employers keep job openings unfilled for a certain period to give American applicants more time.

We are talking about fast-moving industries, he said. Companies get opportunities, and they have to jump on them. Delaying them for too long would be bad for innovation, job creation and growth.

Demand for H-1B visas isnt restricted to the tech world. Snap-on, the tools maker that hosted Trumps speech Tuesday in Kenosha, Wis., employs at least 17 people on H-1B visas, according to public records.

david.pierson@latimes.com

Follow me @dhpierson on Twitter

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Los Angeles tourism officials are launching an advertising campaign Tuesday with the message Everyone is welcome  a clear response to President Trumps proposed travel ban.

The campaign features a 93-second music video showing people of various ethnic backgrounds hugging, dancing and skateboarding near iconic L.A. tourism spots including the Original Farmers Market, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Venice Beach and Olvera Street.

As Real Love Baby by Father John Misty plays, two young men share a kiss on a rainbow-colored staircase and a jogger greets a friend sitting on a restaurant patio in a wheelchair, holding the worlds calmest Chihuahua.

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The video will play on the social media sites for Discover Los Angeles, the tourism board for the region. It will also appear in social media feeds in Canada, Mexico, China, Britain and Australia. Discover Los Angeles doesnt have any plans currently to buy TV advertising time for the message.

Although the video doesnt mention Trump by name or attack his travel bans, Los Angeles tourism officials said the campaign was intended to fight the message that L.A. doesnt welcome foreign visitors.

Diversity and inclusivity have always been cornerstones of Los Angeles culture, but there has never been a more crucial time to reinforce these points, said Ernest Wooden Jr., chief executive of Discover Los Angeles.

Diversity and inclusivity have always been cornerstones of Los Angeles culture, but there has never been a more crucial time to reinforce these points,  Ernest Wooden Jr., chief executive of Discover Los Angeles

Trump has attempted to impose two travel bans, both temporarily prohibiting visitors from largely Muslim countries. Both have been blocked by federal courts, pending reviews.

Travel industry experts say they fear that Trumps bans have sent the message that the U.S.  home to a $2.1-trillion travel industry  isnt open to all tourists.

There is yet no conclusive data to show that travel has dropped since Trumps most recent ban was announced. However, a survey of 324 corporatetravel managers from the U.S. and Europe found that 37% of U.S. travel managers expect the new ban will reduce travel to the U.S. while 47% of European managers said they expect a reduction.

The survey, conducted on behalf of the Global Business Travel Assn., a trade group for the worlds business travel managers, also found that the ban made 34% of travel managers worried about harassment of U.S. travelers visiting the Middle East.

Los Angeles County hosted 47.3 million visitors last year, representing the sixth consecutive year of record-breaking tourism.

In L.A. County, an anti-welcome message could mean the loss of 800,000 international visitors over a three-year period, according to a forecast by Tourism Economics, an independent research firm. International visitors spend an average of about $920 during each visit Los Angeles, totaling a potential loss of $736 million in direct tourism spending.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.

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The states largest grower of peaches and other fruit bargained in bad faith with the United Farm Workers of America and wrongly tried to exclude as many as 1,500 employees from a collective bargaining agreement, a judge has ruled.

The decision gives a strong boost to the UFWs claim to represent as many as 6,500 workers at Gerawan Farming Inc., a 12,000-acre farm and packing operation in the San Joaquin Valley that has been the focal point of one of the longest-running and most acrimonious labor dispute in decades.

The decision also reaffirms that employees of labor contractors, who now provide about half the workers who pick the states crops, are covered by union contracts signed with the grower.

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The Gerawan-UFW fight, which began in the early 1990s, has sparked the single largest effort to decertify a union, along with a flurry of labor board and court decisions, including one that has stalled the states ability to impose a contract on warring parties.

And these parties have been at war, Administrative Law Judge William L. Schmidt acknowledged in a decision issued Friday.

Co-owner Dan Gerawans undisguised anger with the union, Schmidt wrote, appears deep and unusually long-lasting, and perhaps explains the motive underlying the current expenditure of what must have been enormous sums by the Gerawan enterprises opposing the UFW and seeking to rid itself of any legal obligation to deal with that organization.

Gerawan showed at most, a lackadaisical attitude  and at worst, complete hostility and almost certainly guaranteed a mediator would have to step in and impose a contract in 2013, Schmidt wrote.

Armando Elenes, a spokesman for the UFW, said the decision confirms what weve been saying all along  Gerawan has been undermining the law. Theyre trying to undermine the state of California.

Gerawans lead attorney, David Schwarz, blasted the decision and promised an appeal  none of the previous decisions in the case has gone without appeals from the growers and the Agricultural Labor Relations Board.

Gerawan is confident that these undemocratic decisions will not stand, and will challenge this latest erroneous ruling, Schwarz said Monday. He accused the judge of blaming the grower for the unions unexplained, 17-year absence from Gerawans fields.

Schmidts ruling appears to undermine Gerawans assertion that the union abandoned his workers in the mid-1990s before returning in 2012 to demand the right to negotiate a new contract. Gerawan has argued that UFW was solely looking to pad its membership and coffers  it collects dues of 3% of each members gross pay  by deliberately running out the clock on negotiations so it could obtain a contract imposed by a mediator.

Workers faced with those dues petitioned to hold an election to decertify the UFW  a stinging irony for the union founded by Cesar Chavez to obtain humane treatment of farmworkers. Union membership, once as high as 70,000, has fallen to just over 7,000.

Ballots from the 2013 decertification election never were counted, and last year the Agricultural Labor Relations Board  itself an outgrowth of Chavezs labor movement  nullified the vote, saying Gerawan undermined the union by directly supporting an employee leading the ouster effort.

Schmidt ordered Gerawan to find and compensate employees for the eight-month period of bargaining impasse in 2013, and to allow officials from the Agricultural Labor Relations Board to enter his property to explain the decision and discuss rights with his current workforce  sessions that are to be paid for by Gerawan. The grower also will have to mail the decision to workers and post it at work sites for 60 days, Schmidt ruled.

The ALRB will issue a decision based on the judges opinion. That decision can be appealed.

geoffrey.mohan@latimes.com

Follow me: @LATgeoffmohan
After reporting strong financial data, United Airlines top executives sought to reassure investors Tuesday that the company will continue to thrive as it adopts changes in response to the forced removal of a passenger in a bloody fiasco that became the subject of a worldwide viral video.

At the start of a conference call to discuss United Continental Holdings Inc.s quarterly earnings, Chief Executive Oscar Munoz and two other executives each somberly acknowledged the April 9 confrontation that left the passenger  69-year-old Dr. David Dao  bloodied and injured.

Munoz, in response to a question from an analyst, said the incident has prompted calls from the carriers corporate travelers, who usually pay the most for tickets. He said the airlines sales team has been addressing those concerns.

There has been some concerns from our corporate accounts, which is totally appropriate, he said. They believe in us. They believe we will get this fixed.

Airline President Scott Kirby told analysts and reporters that it is too early to tell whether the Dao incident has hurt bookings on the carrier.

We just dont have any quantifiable data, he said.

Munoz called the incident with Dao a humbling learning experience for all of us here at United and for me in particular. He apologized again to his customers, saying, You can and should expect more from us.

What happened The earnings report comes a little more than a week after Dao, of Elizabethtown, Ky., was dragged out of his seat to make room for United employees on a flight from Chicago to Louisville, Ky. Daos attorney said the doctor suffered a concussion, a broken nose, a sinus injury and lost two front teeth. After asking for volunteers and offering up to $800 and a hotel stay, United picked four seated passengers to be removed. Dao was among those picked, but he refused to give up his seat to take a flight the next day. Dao and his wife were returning from a vacation in California and had boarded the connecting flight to head home. Video of the incident  shot from several angles by fellow passengers  shows Dao raising his voice but not becoming hostile or violent when airport police officers, who had been summoned by United, asked him to leave his seat. United has said it will no longer call on police to remove passengers, unless they pose a threat or for safety reasons. The airline will also require employees traveling for work to book seats at least an hour in advance to avoid displacing customers already aboard an aircraft. The airline has said it is reviewing other procedures after the incident and will release its conclusions at the end of the month. Munoz has apologized repeatedly, but his early reactions to the event were seen as deficient. A day after the incident, Munoz issued a statement in which he spoke of having to re-accommodate four customers, then sent a letter to employees calling Dao a belligerent customer who refused to comply with requests to give up his seat.

Attorney Thomas Demetrio speaks to the media as fellow attorney Stephen Golan and Crystal Dao Pepper, daughter of Dr. David Dao, look on. Demetrio and Golan represent the Dao family in a likely lawsuit against United Airlines. (Antonio Perez / TNS) (Antonio Perez / TNS)

The fallout

There was never consideration of firing an employee over the Dao incident, Munoz said Tuesday, acknowledging that there had been rumors that even he would lose his job. He called Daos eviction from the plane a system failure, not the fault of any particular employee.

Video of the bloody scene sparked public outrage as far away as China, where many accused United of racism for its treatment of Dao.

United hopes to increase its business with international travelers, and Munoz said Tuesday that he met with the Chinese consulate in the U.S. in response. He also said he plans to discuss the incident when he takes a previously scheduled trip to China in the next few weeks.

Munoz also said he sent a personal note to Uniteds highest-spending customers, who he said reacted to the Dao incident with ideas and support for the airline.

Daos family has already hired Chicago attorneys Thomas Demetrio and Stephen Golan for what is expected to be a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the Chicago airline. In a news conference last week, Demetrio said Dao will probably need reconstructive surgery to repair the damage from being pulled and dragged from the plane.

The three officers from the Chicago Department of Aviation who yanked Dao from his seat have been put on administrative leave, pending an investigation.

United profit beats expectations In the three months that ended in March, United posted net income of $96 million, or 31 cents a share, down from $313 million, or 88 cents, in the same period last year. First-quarter revenue was $8.4 billion, up 2.7%. But excluding special items, United earned 41 cents a share, beating an average of 38 cents a share projected by analysts who were surveyed by Thomson Reuters. Those special items included $37 million in severance and benefit costs. And expenses at the airline increased 7.9% to $8.1 billion, largely because of higher fuel prices and increased labor costs from new union contracts signed last year. United is trying to increase its market share by attracting more domestic passengers through the airlines' regional carriers. The carrier also hopes to increase its business in Latin America. This is not an attempt to build an empire, Munoz said Tuesday. It is an attempt to restore United to its natural position. This quarter, United plans to increase capacity by 3% to 4%. Analysts and shareholders have expressed concern in the past about airlines growing too fast, fearing it could lead to price wars and discounted tickets. Some of Uniteds financial data for the three-month period point to positive trends. The carrier completed 99.1% of its flights, up from 98.2% in the same quarter last year, while the rate of lost or damaged luggage dropped slightly to 2.64 bags for every 1,000 passengers. The rate of canceled flights for United was also lower in the quarter compared with its rivals, Southwest, American and Delta. Still, investors who had largely shrugged off the growing public relations scandal were nervous about the United financial results, which were released Monday after the market closed. United Continental Holdings shares fell $3.02, or 4.3%, to $67.75 on Tuesday. Mondays closing price of $70.77 was off only 11 cents from the closing price on the Friday before the incident. Analysts say it wasnt clear whether the slide in United Continentals stock on Tuesday was a response to the earnings report or delayed investor backlash from the Dao incident. Seth Kaplan, managing partner of Airline Weekly, noted that although United beat analyst predictions, it reported a profit margin of less than 3% while Delta reported a profit margin of about 9% last week. Compared to other airlines, United is under performing, he said. United botched the original response to the passenger-dragging furor, but Kaplan called it a freak event that could have happened to any airline.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

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UPDATES:

4:05 p.m.: This article was updated with analyst commentary.

2:15 p.m.: This article was updated with more comments from the conference call, additional analysis and the closing stock price.

9:10 a.m.: This article was updated with additional comments from United CEO Oscar Munoz and President Scott Kirby.

This article was originally published at 8:35 a.m.
The nations colleges and universities are scrambling to add courses to prepare students to fill the huge number of cybersecurity jobs that have arisen due to exponential growth in hacking worldwide.

The extent of the problem isnt clear; analysts say the number of job vacancies ranges from 100,000 to 350,000, with as many as 45,000 positions in California.

Ashton Mozano, a cybersecurity professor at the University of San Diego, says there are thousands of $80,000 entry-level jobs available to applicants who have nothing more than an undergraduate degree in computer science or computer engineering.

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Analysts are trying to nail down the actual number of openings.

The cybersecurity industry does not have the best track record when it comes to quantification, said Stephen Cobb, a senior researcher in the San Diego office of ESET, a digital security company.

But the shortfall is real.

And a lot of the blame has been placed on academia for failing to train large numbers of students with targeted skills. Industry and government officials also are being criticized for failing to define their needs more clearly  a key component for helping colleges solve the labor shortage.

Academia is trying to fix the problem, especially in San Diego County, where hackers routinely assault the regions huge military, defense and science communities, as well as the assets of consumers.

National University, the University of San Diego, San Diego State University, UC San Diego Extension and Palomar College now teach courses that werent available 5 to 10 years ago.

USD also closely works with Circadence Corp., a company in Kearny Mesa that specializes in the gamification of cybersecurity training. Students are exposed to high-resolution videos and graphics that give them a sense of what a real hack attack is like. They also use the immersive software to learn how to spot and prevent digital assaults.

The company is led by Mozano, who is also part of USDs growing cyber program.

Hes trying to change the way students are taught in hopes to drawing larger numbers of people into the field quickly.

Unfortunately, presenting technical training in an aesthetically pleasant way does not seem to be a high priority among course material developers, Mozano said.

Certain academic fields in mathematics and engineering are infamous for presenting material in drab, monotonic, esoteric, non-interactive manners.

Analysts said that compounds the problem because cybersecurity already suffers from an image problem.

The field pays well, but many computer-science students would rather create new products and technologies for Apple and Google than design and operate systems that spot, resist and mitigate a widening variety of attacks.

Computer science is sexy. Cyber isnt, said P.K. Agarwal, regional dean of Northeastern Universitys Silicon Valley campuses, which teach cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity can be a high-stress job where you can get fired if things go wrong, and no one pats you on the back if there were no problems overnight, he added.

Analysts said the industry needs to jazz things up and highlight job opportunities.

The chances are excellent for graduates of homeland security and cyber security degree programs to enter the job market directly out of college, said Lance Larson, assistant director of the Graduate Program in Homeland Security at SDSU.

The reality for recent graduates is that they need a degree, experience, and certification; this is really the perfect trifecta for graduates to have a powerful job seeker portfolio.

At San Diego State Universitys Graduate Program we are requiring students to intern, starting with our 2018 graduate class, to allow students to gain practical experience required for the job market.

San Diego-based National University also is emphasizing practicality.

One thing we do to improve students skills and make them more marketable is provide opportunities to work with local small businesses and nonprofits to conduct free security assessments as part of their final Capstone project, said Chris Simpson, director of Nationals Center for Cybersecurity

Students who gain experience from this applied learning and who have the opportunity to network within the tech community have shared with us how well-prepared they are for the job market.

The staffing shortage is serious enough that, The president should  train 100,000 new cybersecurity practitioners by 2020, the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity said on Dec. 1.

The shortage also means youll see more things like the Tesco attack, which targeted bank accounts (in England), and a greater risk to health-care records and everyday devices like your phone, said John Callahan, director of cybersecurity programs at the University of San Diego.

In the digital age, this is potentially the greatest period of risk that consumers have ever faced.

Theres special concern about ransomware, a type of malicious software that hackers can use to remotely take control of computers, including those in automobiles. In most cases, victims have paid money  from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars  to regain control. For example, hackers carried out such an attack against Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in February, forcing the hospital to pay $17,000 in ransom.

The U.S. Justice Department estimates there are about 4,000 attempted ransomware attacks each day against individuals, companies and the government, and that many of them are successful.

Based on FBI statistics, bank robbery in the U.S. is a $40 million a year problem, whereas cyber criminals using ransomware are making over $200 million per quarter, said Cobb at ESET.

And while a handful of bank robbers are shot dead every year, there are no reports of cyber criminals ever being killed in the commission of a crime, he added.

The federal government and the military began to significantly ramp up their efforts to fight cyber attacks about a decade ago. Security firms and a wide range of companies did the same.

The results have been mixed.

Analysts said most cyber attacks, including some pretty sophisticated ones, are blocked or minimized. But hackers have quickly adapted to every method used to stop them, leading to damaging and embarrassing breaches amid an ongoing game of cat and mouse.

Earlier this year, hackers stole digital spying tools thought to belong to the super-secret National Security Agency. Hackers also stole data from the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clintons campaign in an apparent attempt to influence the presidential election.

In late November, a hacker disabled the fare system for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, forcing it to give commuters free rides until proper operations were restored.

Experts said these kinds of intrusions underscore the need to develop a huge professional class of cyber professionals  and to market the field as a noble and dynamic domain where well-regarded, highly valued specialists defend precious assets and protect the publics safety.

Some people think of cyber as the I.T. guy, which is wrong, said Callahan at the University of San Diego.

While the staffing estimates vary, analysts agree on the huge need for qualified workers in the cyber industry.

Northeastern Universitys Agarwal estimates there are 100,000 of these unfilled jobs nationwide. Peninsula Press, a journalism program at Stanford University, puts the figure at 209,000. Cyber Seek, an industry-government coalition, said the number could be about 350,000 when including positions that require at least some cyber abilities.

The job descriptions range from security analysts to network engineers to software developers to risk managers. Some lower-level positions pay as much as $70,000 per year, and management positions can hit $235,000 or higher.

Experts are eager to see the applicant pool widen, and theyre looking for specific types of candidates.

The best cybersecurity professionals think like criminals, said Domini Clark, an Idaho-based recruiter at the recruiting company Decision Toolbox. The joke in the industry is that superstars have an evil bit in the code of their personalities. They know better than to have a high-profile online presence. Paranoid is too strong a word, but they tend to be hyper-cautious and some take pride in operating in stealth mode.

Those people tend to be coveted, so low-ball employment offers just dont work.

(Some) companies are doing lip service, not willing to fund the important roles that are necessary for the growing security issues, said Kirsten Bay, chief executive of the firm Cyber adAPT in Half Moon Bay. There is a desperate need for technologists who can speak at both the engineering and board levels, candidates who can understand technology and yet speak to the business case for security.

Clark at Decision Toolbox agrees, noting: About half of cybersecurity professionals are contacted by a recruiter at least once a week. If you post a standard H.R. job description of duties and requirements, it will wash out among all the other background noise  (Candidates) want to do intriguing work that is varied and unique. Let them use their devious creativity to your companys advantage.

Cybersecurity Playlist  On Now Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) slams Equifax On Now LA 90: Yahoo data breach worse than originally reported On Now Lifelock offers to protect you from the Equifax breach  by selling you services provided by Equifax 1:02 On Now California beer maker thrives in Germany On Now Cyberattacks on Hollywood On Now Hackers gain access to OneLogin On Now What is WannaCry? On Now Senate overturns privacy rules for Internet providers On Now Online pirates claim to hold Disney's latest 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie hostage, demand ransom On Now Yahoo warns users of malicious activity

Twitter: @grobbins

gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com
SK-II is getting its moneys worth. The brand, which tapped Chiara Ferragni as one of four ambassadors to spread the word online about its Face the Wild |Face the Camera Extreme Expedition campaign that kicked off last month, just wrapped up its most successful digital activation to date.

SK-II partnered with National Geographic to create a series of four short films shot in extreme conditions for the project, one featuring Ferragni, who was said to have gotten a multihundred thousand dollar payout for her involvement in the project. Kasumi Arimura, a Japanese actress; Nini, a Chinese actress, and Lee Si-young, a Korean actress and national boxer, featured in the other three films, which, collectively, have received 70 million views so far. Among the places each traveled to are the Yanbaru jungle in Okinawa, Japan; the active Ijen Volcano in Indonesia; the Anza-Borrego Desert in California, and the Changbai Mountains in Northeast China with below-zero temperatures.

According to Sandeep Seth, global marketing director at the brand, the campaign garnered 13.27 billion digital impressions and 4.46 million social actions in five weeks. A two-day event supporting the launch in Okinawa, Japan, held on March 13 and 14, on its own fueled 1.34 billion impressions and 3.37 million social actions and engagements.

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It was the first time the Japanese-based skin-care company unleashed a digital campaign of this magnitude  orchestrated to have a simultaneous launch from the U.S. and Japan to Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan within 24 hours, said Seth.

It was also the first product focused campaign that elicited such a flood of consumer engagement online. Content captured each influencer traveling to a far-flung locale to put their skin to the test using SK-IIs hero product, Facial Treatment Essence.

Last year, a Marriage Market takeover online, rooted in shedding light on real life issues faced by Chinese women, saw high impressions and social actions, Seth said. But the volume was markedly smaller than the chatter created over the past month.For instance, Face the Wild saw nearly 4.5 million social actions in five weeks, 40 percent more than the eight million social actions Marriage Market drove over a 12-week period last year.

That is the biggest breakthrough; its not just the impressions for us, Seth said. He was unable to reveal percentage growth in sales but cited a significant uptick resulting from the campaign.

The business was quite strong[but] what we saw in March, even though its early, [is] that the business has gotten stronger; momentum has picked up. Its not just awareness, it links back to our business KPIs [key performance indicators]. I believe its linked. I dont have quantitative data to show [yet]but the momentum has picked up more than the past, Seth said.

He attributed the success to a few factors.

Namely, the influencers and celebrities had complete autonomy over the social media content around the film that they created, Seth noted. The brand had never given such a modicum of creative control to talent, who were free to talk about the partnership in however they deemed best expressed their personality.

Additionally, Seth maintained that getting more global helped SK-II achieve better KPIs in each market.

Today, brands are increasingly thinking local as they develop influencer strategies and outreach  opting to work with talent based on geo-targeted locations specific to a campaign or in markets that could benefit from a boost of social chatter. But SK-II has found that the complete opposite seems to resonate.

Normally, the conventional thinking is that local influencers would have the highest appeal from their own marketslets get more local [has been the thinking][but] a more universal appeal towards the idea works on a bigger global scale better than we thought, Seth said. Were not going to stop here.

The Blonde Salads Ferragni, the best-known of the group on a global scale, drove the most engagement and activity online for Face the Wild|Face the Camera Extreme Expeditions. From just three Instagram posts at the event in Okinawa, she received almost 1.3 million views and 800,000 social actions.

We model out to predict which communities the brand should ultimately expect to see significant spikes in engagement and additional content creation from, noted Stephanie Horbaczewski, cofounder and chief executive officer of StyleHaul. The content marketing solution, which was instrumental in the production and planning of the two-day event, used its data technology to recruit influencer guests from all over the world.

Horbaczewski agreed with Seth. For her, the most surprising takeaway was that beyond the core community SK-II reaches on a regular basis, the campaign resonated on a larger, global scale.

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Finish doing your taxes? This calls for a drink. Americans got a three-day extension on filing taxes this year, thanks to a calendar blip. That means Tuesday, April 18 is the deadline this time around.

(In case you were wondering: Tax Day cant fall on a weekend, which is why it wasnt on Saturday, April 15; April 16 is Emancipation Day in Washington, which was observed on a Monday this year since it also fell on a weekend day.)

Restaurants across the country and bars right here in L.A. are celebrating with special deals on food and drinks. If youve got any spare change left over after the visit from the taxman, check these out.

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Drinks

Harlowe, Sassafras, Thirsty Crow, Bigfoot West, Highland Park Bowl, Idle Hour and Oldfields  $1 Old Fashioneds

1933 Group operates a bunch of bars around L.A. For Tax Day, visit one between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and get $1 Old Fashioneds. (View location addresses here.)

La Cuevita  $1 Tequila Presses

La Cuevita is another 1933 Group bar. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., get the Tequila Press for a buck. (5922 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles.)

Whisper Restaurant & Lounge  18-cent martinis, $8 pastrami sandwiches

Get an 18-cent martini with the purchase of an entree at this restaurant at the Grove. Also on offer: the signature pastrami sandwich for only $8. (The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr., F90b, Los Angeles)

The Independence - $1 Coldwaters and Palomas

From noon to 6 p.m., this Santa Monica bar is offering Palomas and Coldwaters for $1 if you say the magic words: Uncle Sam. (Third Street Promenade, 205 Broadway, Santa Monica.)

Baldoria  $3 Purple Drank Special

Looking for something sweet? $3 gets you a Purple Drank Special, including a Jolly Rancher, at Baldoria. (243 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles.)

Food

Hot Dog on a Stick  Free turkey dogs

Visit your nearest Hot Dog on a Stick to get a free turkey dog on a stick. (Find your nearest location here.)

Kona Ice  Free shaved ice cones

Kona Ice trucks will be parked outside of post offices, tax preparation offices and other locations where people could probably use a little cooling off.

Want a free Kona? We're giving them away for free tomorrow for Chill Out Day! Tweet us your zip code and we'll tell you where to find them! pic.twitter.com/cBHAc07FGo  Kona Ice (@KONAICE) April 17, 2017

Hungry Howies  15-cent medium one-topping pizza

When you order a large one-topping pizza for carryout online, get a one-topping medium pizza for 15 cents with the code TAXDAY. (Find your nearest location here.)

Noodles & Company  $4 off $10 online order

Order online and get $4 off a purchase of $10 or more with the code TAXDAY17. (Find your nearest location here.)

Have the scoop on another great Tax Day deal? E-mail me at jessica.roy@latimes.com.

Follow me on Twitter @jessica_roy.
Later this week, US Secretary of Defense James Mattis is expected to arrive in Cairo as part of a wider regional tour. Mattis will meet with top Egyptian officials, including President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Defence Minister Sedki Sobhi.

Mattis's trip comes two weeks after El-Sisi himself visited Washington, his first visit to the Oval Office since he came to office in June 2014 in the wake of turbulent political change in Egypt.

Before meeting President Donald Trump in Washington the two men had exchanged positive statements that reflected mutual understanding and appreciation and promised a new beginning for bilateral relations which had gone through a low during the last few years due to the political hesitation that the administration of former President Barack Obama showed after the ouster of president Mohamed Morsi in the summer of 2013 and the subsequent political developments in the country.

Today, Egyptian officials are talking about a new beginning that should bring about unprecedentedly close cooperation between Cairo and Washington.

However, for political scientist Ibrahim Awad, this is a general statement that needs to be taken with a grain of salt because upgrading the relations between Egypt and the US is a very profound process that requires clear and compatible visions on the part of both countries.

I think we have to be a little bit careful here; while it is very obvious that there is a marked difference in the vibes of relations between Cairo and Washington with the advent of the Donald Trump administration, it is not clear yet what each country is really expecting of the other and how far either country will go to meet the expectations of the other, Awad told Ahram Online.

According to Awad, the need to clarify the expectations of both sides is equally about the bilateral and the regional context.

For example, when the US said it would offer Egypt unprecedented support, what does this really mean? And also what does the US mean when it talks about the crucial regional role that Egypt should be playing? he said.

I am not sure actually that the Trump definition of Egypts crucial regional role is really compatible with the regional role that Egypt would perceive for itself or could play - especially when it comes for example to the issue of the Palestinian-Israeli struggle, where Trump seems inclined to fall almost fully in line with the Israeli vision, Awad added.

Egypt, when all is said and done, cannot be expected to be the one to deliver the Palestinians; and I am not sure that this is possible anyway and I am certain that no matter the pressures the Palestinian people would not bow  not even in the unlikely case of having Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas bowing to a deal that is fully tailored to fit the Israeli vision for the future of the struggle, he argued.

According to Awad this would also apply to the "counter terrorism" front that is expected by concerned officials to be the number one item on the agenda of talks that Mattis will hold during his regional tour, including in Cairo.

Egypt does have a big concern over terrorism, not just within its borders, but also at the regional level; but then again what is the role that the US is expecting of Egypt on this front and what are the limitations that Egypt cannot bypass in terms of living up to the challenge of IS?" Awad said. "This is not a small or marginal question at all."

This too, Awad argued, would apply when it comes to examining matters related to things like the free trade area that Egypt would like to have with the US because for the US this would mean that Egypt would absolutely have to observe certain regulations related to labour laws and the freedoms of workers' unions, or like the IT transfer; that would mean that Egypt would have to be open and inviting for American private sector companies to come and work here and this, for example, is not particularly compatible with the state of emergency that was just imposed in Egypt.

It is clear, Awad said, that official Cairo is only too comfortable to have a new US administration that would not put too much pressure on matters related to human rights, political diversity and so on.

This seems to be the case with the Trump administration  at least for now, we are not expecting any serious pressure on these matter and certainly not in the public sphere, he stated.

However, he added that it would be a mistake for Egyptians to expect Washington to fully remove the item of human rights from the agenda of discussion topics for long.

Awad argued that matters related to human rights and democratic rule would have to come up in a systematic fashion that would go beyond a reference to one particular case or the other, or to Egyptian-American nationals.

It is not about Aya Hegazi or anyone else in particular, at least not for long; it is rather about the fact that matters related to human rights and democracy are essential for US foreign policy  regardless of whatever criticism we might have on the actual practices that the US is involved in, he argued.

On Sunday, an Egyptian court acquitted Egyptian-American Aya Hegazi and four other Egyptians had set up an NGO that catered to homeless children, of charges of child-trafficking that had kept the five young people in jail for three years.

The word is the civil society community was clear: the case against Hegazi and her co-workers was always weak and Trump had to bow to internal Washington pressure and to ask El-Sisi during his visit to the US to attend to the matter.

According to Awad, this is precisely the point; the US president rules through the administration and he keeps an eye on the Congress and the press, and he will always have to bring up matters related to democracy and human rights.

Moreover, he added, Trump should not be taken for his electoral promises; those will not necessarily stand now that he is in the Oval Office and listening to the advice of his aides and coming under the pressure of Congress.

The stand on Syria, according to Awad, should serve as a clear reminder of how the US president will ultimately behave.

Trump had repeatedly said both before and after he was elected president that the US should not have any military role in Syria.

However, less than two weeks ago, in the wake of two consecutive meetings with El-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah in Washington, Trump ordered a missile strike against an airport controlled by Syrias Bashar Al-Assad, in retaliation to Assad's alleged use of this airport to launch chemical attacks against civilians in Khan Sheikhoun.

We saw a considerable change in the position of Trump on Syria in a matter of few days; this is not just about the way Trump is or the way he acts; it is essentially about how politics are managed in the US, Awad said.

Awad is also curious about how Egypt, on the official front, will manage to reconcile its call for an exceptionally close rapport with the Trump administration with the firm positions that Trump has on refugees, the developing countries and on Islam.

Trump has crucial positions there and they are for the most part not very favourable positions, Awad said.

So, I think that while trying to re-write its relations with the US, Egypt will need to think thoroughly about how it would react should Trump act in line with his announced unfavourable principles on any of these matters.

Egypt had to think a lot about how to react to the US strikes on Syria when they happened, he said.

I think, realistically speaking, it would be a mistake to assume that Trump will not surprise Cairo again and it is better for Egypt to be ready with a clear-vision policy than to be taken off guard, as was the case with the Syria strikes.

Ultimately, Awad said, Egypt has a legitimate interest in upgrading its relations with the US, but for this to happen Egypt needs to decide what it could really take and what it could really offer - realistically, and now rather than later.

For example, officials should decide whether it is really worthwhile for them to put pressure on the US to announce the Muslim Brotherhood as a terror organisation in view of the realistic chances of this happening and the actual benefits that this would bring to Egypt, he said.

What is the point of asking the US, for example, to pressure Turkey or England to handover Muslim Brotherhood leaders? Why do we want to have more leaders in prisons and how do we think we are going to handle this file long-term? And is it really worth the diplomatic investment there?

According to Awad, one of the worst things that Egypt could do while trying to upgrade the profile of its cooperation with the US is to constraint its expectations to some very narrow demands that relate to a particular point of an internal political issue.

Moreover, he insisted, if Egypt is really serious about pursuing a new chapter of relations with the US, it needs to think in global terms, and for the long haul.

There has to be a clear vision with an eye on the future and on the real fundamental interests that are compatible with our status as a leading regional state  no matter the current economic challenges or political squabbles, Awad said.

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Third-wave coffee  the type of hip cafes focused on single-origin beans, light roasts and pour-over brews  has left behind blue-collar consumers. Thats the assessment of Tony Konecny, the man behind the coffee at Locol, Roy Choi and Daniel Pattersons growing fast-food venture, which opened its first location in Watts in January 2016, and has since opened two locations in the Bay Area. Konecny hopes that by serving $1 coffee in neighborhoods such as Watts and West Oakland, where Locols first bakery opened in late March, he can not only help to draw them back in but also create a new segment of the coffee market too.

Im not trying to cut in on third-wave specialty coffees market share, because I think their market share sucks, he said over coffee, naturally, last year. I dont want a piece of that  I want a piece of Dunkin Donuts, I want a piece of Starbucks, I want a piece of Keurig.

Konecny knows from third-wave coffee: In 2007, he helped open Intelligentsia Silver Lake, which arguably set the standard for what specialty coffee shops look and taste like. In 2014, he sold Tonx, the coffee-bean subscription service he co-founded, to Blue Bottle Coffee. Now, Konecny is taking a step closer to his blue-collar coffee dream with Yes Plz, an independent company that will continue to serve as Locols in-house coffee brand.

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By virtue of Locols ambition  nothing short of a self-styled fast-food revolution  Konecny, Choi and Patterson get a lot of big-picture, forward-looking questions about plans for the business. Questions like, What will a Yes Plz coffee shop look like in 10 years? or What does it mean when you guys take over all food, and every cafeteria in every prison is run by Roy Choi or something? Konecny joked last week. Im being cautious to not go down that rabbit hole.

So, rather than trying to guess where Yes Plz is going, lets consider exactly where its at: The company wont be opening its own stores, and it wont really be stepping away from Locol in any significant way. Konecnys retail expansion plans look exactly like Locols retail expansion plans. With locations open in Watts and Uptown Oakland and its new bakery in West Oakland, Locol is looking to expand into San Jose, East Palo Alto, San Franciscos Tenderloin neighborhood, along with an additional Los Angeles location, near Slauson and Crenshaw.

And with the noncompete agreement he signed with Blue Bottle in 2014 now expired, the future for Yes Plz, I think, would be of little surprise to anyone, Konecny said. Its right there on the FAQ-style text chat on the website: Umm, do you deliver? Can I buy a bag online? A subscription maybe? Theres no mail order service from Yes Plz yet, according to the site, you should hop on our email list to get notified. Bags of the Blend, currently sold only at Locol locations, run $8 or $9.

For the time being, Yes Plz is focused on what Konecny started with in 2016 when Locol Watts opened: Hot coffee and cold coffee; a buck for black, a buck-and-a-half for sweet and creamy. Thats probably going to be a signature move for all of the Locols, Konecny said, allowing that there could be some expanded coffee options at future outposts if the location is just right.

Yes Plz isnt the first stand-alone business to get its start under Locol. Konecny and head roaster Sumi Ali are following the Ambassadors, the crew of Watts residents Locol hired to function as community liaisons and a sort of soft security team, which became an independent company with its own clients last year. Choi says that incubating new businesses has always been part of the plan and that more will follow.

They are Locol. We are all one family, Choi wrote of Yes Plz and the Ambassadors in an email. Members of bands have solo albums, but the band is still the band.

Since the Watts opening, the response to the coffee has been really positive, Konecny said. Some people are like, Wow, this is really good coffee, and other people are like, Wow, this is really good coffee for only a dollar.  And thats the kind of response Yes Plz is looking for. Just because someone isnt interested in going all the way down the coffee rabbit hole, they arent interested in a C-grade coffee product, he said. Theyre interested in an A-grade.

Konecny and Ali are working against the kind of austere approach to handling coffee that Konecny admits perpetuating: a roaster can only reveal whats already there, and to express the farmers intent in the cup and yadda yadda yadda. Thats not to say that theyre buying low-quality coffee. Konecny said the beans used at Locol come from many of the same farmers that supply shops selling a cup for $3, but he didnt name specific suppliers.

When you arent treating the beans with kid gloves, Konecny said, you can do whatever you need to do to make the best possible cup. And sell it for a buck.

1950 E. 103rd St., Los Angeles, www.welocol.com.

food@latimes.com

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Design flaws, construction shortcomings and maintenance errors caused the Oroville Dam spillway to break apart in February, according to an independent analysis by Robert Bea for the Center for Catastrophic Risk Management at UC Berkeley.

Bea, a co-founder of the center and retired civil engineering professor, found that in the 1960s, when the dam was being planned, designers did not call for a thick enough concrete spillway floor. Nor did they require the continuous steel reinforcement needed to keep its slabs intact during decades of service.



For the record: A previous version of this article referred to the Center for Catastrophic Risk Analysis. Its name is the Center for Catastrophic Risk Management at UC Berkeley.

The design also did not require strong enough anchors into the underlying mountainside to resist movements downhill and from side to side.

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The analysis is the first major assessment of what caused the massive damage that forced the evacuation of nearby Oroville and left the state with a repair bill likely to reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

It also sends a warning that the states aging fleet of dams may contain unknown defects that would threaten public safety in future wet years.

California Department of Water Resources spokeswoman Erin Mellon said the agency has not seen Beas analysis.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which has oversight of the Oroville Dam, ordered the department to conduct an official investigation and last month a panel of six experts appointed by the DWR began work.

We anticipate that their findings will be of interest to dam owners around the world, Mellon said. Their investigation is open-ended, and they have a great deal of complex information to analyze. The forensics team is expected to give DWR a plan and schedule soon.

Bea, a member of the National Academy of Engineering, was a pioneer in engineering risk analysis during his days as a Shell Oil Co. vice president, overseeing offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. He later helped conduct independent investigations into the New Orleans levee system that failed during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Beas Oroville analysis is based on original design drawings, which he obtained in the days after the spillway began to break apart, annual inspection reports and photos taken before and after the failure.

After the failure, state and federal regulators clamped tight restrictions on the information, citing national security concerns.

The spillway is a key part of the dam, allowing large discharges of water when the reservoir is nearly full. It began failing on Feb. 7 when dam operators opened gates that sent 55,000 cubic feet of water roaring out of the reservoir after days of continuous rain drenched the Feather River watershed.

The damage occurred at just a fraction of the spillways designed capacity of 300,000 cubic feet per second.

A second, higher spillway provides for emergency releases, but until February, operators had never used it..

After runoff damaged the main spillway, they shut it down and sent water flowing over the emergency spillway, but a massive section of mountainside quickly began eroding upward toward a weir that holds back 30 vertical feet of water.

Authorities ordered more than 100,000 people below the dam to evacuate during the crisis. The event forced dam operators to again use the main spillway, which then suffered additional damage.

Beas research found that the failure point occurred about a third of the way down the spillway, at an embedded clay drain pipe. .

The slab is 15 inches thick in most places, but the pipe is 6 inches in diameter and the bell housing at the end of the pipe is 10.4 inches in diameter, meaning that over the pipe the slab was just 4 to 6 inches thick  not much better than a common sidewalk, Bea said.

The spillway failed at its weakest point, he said.

1 / 66 An aerial view of the water flowing out of the Oroville Dam main spillway, in Oroville, Calif., on Tuesday, February 21, 2017. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 66 An aerial view of the water flowing out of the Oroville Dams main spillway on Feb. 21. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 66 Reduced water releases at the Oroville Dam have made damage to its main spillway more visible. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 66 With a reduced flow on Sunday, most of the water being released from the Oroville Dam is not going down the spillway; it has broken through and is flowing down the hillside. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 66 With a reduced flow on Sunday, most of the water being released from the Oroville Dam is not going down the spillway, its broken through and is going down the hillside. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 66 With a reduced flow on Sunday, most of the water being released from the Oroville Dam is not going down the spillway, its broken through and is going down the hillside. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 66 Juan Alvarez reassures his girlfriend, Sarah Hendrix, after helping her move out of her home in rural Maxwell. Water was a foot high and crews had to evacuate 100 people because of flooding-- some by boat. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 66 Ron Chambers lets Duke out of his crate for the first time in hours since the flooding began n Maxwell, Calif. on Saturday. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 66 Kevin Anfinson and other volunteers help shovel the muddy sediment that has built up in the salmon raceway at the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 66 Fernando Martinez and his mother, not pictured, wade through a road in Gridley, Calif., flooded by the Feather River as it continues to swell from the water being let out of Lake Oroville. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 66 A man in a 4x4 truck turns around on Gridley Road after having second thoughts about making it across the flooded road, which had been closed. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 66 Randy Boheim packs up his tools and emergency supplies in anticipation of having to evacuate his whole family as floodwaters creep closer to his home in an Oroville, Calif., mobile home park. The nearby Feather River continued to swell from the water being let out of Lake Oroville ahead of this weekends storm. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 66 A plantation in Oroville, Calif., sits in floodwaters as the Feather River continues to swell from the water being let out of Lake Oroville ahead of this weekends storm. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 66 Helicopters ferry sand and rocks to the Oroville Dams emergency spillway reconstruction project in Oroville, Calif., ahead of coming rains. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 66 California Water Service district manager Toni Ruggle surveys the Feather River at Bedrock Park downstream from the Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 66 McKenna Harvey, 9, left, Kylie Atteberry, 11, and Brooklyn Atteberry, 7, hold signs thanking workers in the repair effort at the Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 66 A helicopter flies over as water flows from the main spillway at Lake Oroville. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 66 Reconstruction continues in a race to shore up the emergency spillway at Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 66 As rain clouds gather, friends from left, Johnny Eroh, Cody Balmer, Kristien Bravo and Jerel Bruhn hang out by the flooded Feather river in the Bedrock neighborhood of Oroville, Calif., last week. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 66 Evacuees at the Bangor Community Hall in Bangor, Calif., listen to Butte County sheriffs deputies in February as the mandatory evacuation order was lifted. An evacuation advisory was lifted Wednesday. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 66 Evacuees at the Bangor Community Hall get the news from Butte County sheriffs Deputy Jeff Heath that the evacuation order has been lifted. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 66 Evacuee Sharon Dalton, right, hugs Raiden Ellis, 10 months, and Chris Ellis as they say their goodbyes as she leaves the Bangor Community Hall in Bangor, Calif., on Tuesday. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 66 David McGlamery returns to his Oroville home with his belongings after the evacuation order was lifted. The family had to retreat to Chico, where they initially stayed at a Walmart parking lot with other evacuees. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 66 Bill Tirey helps family members move back into their home in the Bedrock neighborhood of Oroville near the Feather River after evacuation orders were lifted. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 66 Maria Alancar returns home to greets her pet pig Bacon, who was left behind when the family moved to higher ground in Honcut, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 66 Sulet Lopez, 21, left, Melissa Mendoza, 3, and Yeanet Lopez, 18, pack up their car at the Bangor Community Hall in Bangor, Calif., to head home after the evacuation order was lifted. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 66 Erica Stenholm, left, Ronnie Vaughan, and Brooklyn Jackson, 7, unpack their car upon returning home after the evacuation order had been lifted in Oroville. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 66 Jonah Avina, left, and his wife, Eileen, pray before lunch at the Maranatha Mennonite Fellowship in Bangor, Calif., on Tuesday. The Bangor-area Mennonites are hosting several immigrant families evacuated from the nearby town of Honcut. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 66 Evacuee Estafani Reynoso, left, colors with Mennonite children at the Maranatha Mennonite Fellowship in Bangor, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 66 Crews work on a damaged section of the emergency spillway at Lake Oroville on Monday. (Josh Edelson / AFP/ Getty Images) 31 / 66 An Oroville property is flooded on Monday as thousands were under evactuation orders. (Josh Edelson / AFP/Getty Images) 32 / 66 The Marysville cemetery underwater along the Feather River. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 66 Nirmal Singh, a Sikh priest, conducts a morning prayer ritual as evacuees sleep in the background at the Shri Guru Ravidass, a Sikh temple that has opened its doors for evacuees of the Oroville Dam crisis in Rio Linda, Calif. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 66 Kamlesh Nahar, far left, talks to fellow evacuees at the Shri Guru Ravidass Temple. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 66 Maria Lopez reads on her smartphone as she spends a second night in her fathers car in the parking lot of the Bangor Community Hall. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 66 Sharon Dalton finds a quiet spot under a table as she spends a second night with her dog Cruiser inside the Bangor Community Hall. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 66 Verna Chadwick and 10-month-old son Raiden Ellis during a second night in the Bangor Community Hall. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 66 The emergency spillway, left, and the damaged main spillway at Lake Oroville are seen in an aerial photo Monday. (Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images) 39 / 66 A dump truck crosses the primary spillway to deliver boulders to the damaged emergency spillway at Lake Oroville on Monday evening. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 66 Helicopters place large rocks on the damaged emergency spillway at Lake Oroville on Monday evening. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 66 Around-the-clock monitoring continues on the damaged primary spillway at Lake Oroville on Monday evening. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 66 Water rushes down a spillway at the Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 66 California Department of Fish and Game wardens view the damaged spillway on Monday. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 66 Bill OKelley, 86, and wife Doris OKelley, 84, of Oroville sit near a flagpole Monday at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds evacuation center in Chico, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 66 Coua Tha, of Oroville prepares a meal for her family in the parking lot at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds evacuation center in Chico, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 66 Desiree Garcia and daughter Kaylee Pearl Garcia, 3, of Oroville look over donated clothing Monday at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds evacuation center in Chico, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 66 Members of Orovilles Jordan Crossing Mission pray with a volunteer service member Monday at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds evacuation shelter in Chico, Calif. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 66 The swollen Feather River flows through Oroville, Calif., on Monday. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) 49 / 66 A building is submerged in Riverbend Park as more water is released from Lake Oroville. (JOSH EDELSON / AFP) 50 / 66 Siblings Zach Soto, 11, left, and Gabby Soto, 13, keep an eye on the Feather River along a railroad bridge in Oroville, Calif., on Monday. The family decided to stay in Oroville as they live on high ground near downtown. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 66 Water flows down the damaged main spillway of the Oroville Dam at 55,000 cubic feet per second into the Feather River. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 52 / 66 Water from Lake Oroville flows down the damaged main spillway. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 53 / 66 Water from Lake Oroville flows down the emergency spillway of the Oroville Dam toward the Feather River. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 54 / 66 Pacific Gas & Electric crews aided by a helicopter removed transmission lines and insulators from towers standing in the bed of the emergency spillway of Lake Oroville. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 55 / 66 A rainbow appears over Feather River as water cascades down the damaged spillway at Lake Oroville Dam. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 56 / 66 Water cascades down the spillway below Oroville Dam. The water is being released by authorities to avoid flooding at Lake Oroville because of recent heavy rain. (David Butow / For The Times) 57 / 66 Pacific Gas and Electric Co. crews move two electric transmission line towers on the bank of Feather River as a precaution if the Lake Oroville Dam emergency spillway needs to be used. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 58 / 66 A California Highway Patrol cruiser patrols Lake Oroville Dam, which is closed to the public due to the damaged spillway. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 59 / 66 Water cascades down the spillway below the Oroville dam. The water is being released by authorities to ease flooding in Lake Oroville because of recent heavy rain. (David Butow / For the Times) 60 / 66 Butte Country Sheriff Kory L. Honea speaks with department of water and power workers at an overlook as the observe runoff from the Oroville Dam. (David Butow / For the Times) 61 / 66 Water trickles down as workers inspect part of the Lake Oroville spillway failure in Oroville, Calif. (Randy Pench / Associated Press) 62 / 66 A boat launch at Bidwell Canyon is still hundreds of yards above the current lake level on Jan. 21, 2016. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) 63 / 66 California State Park Ranger Bryan Taylor searches for signs of disturbance or theft as Californias severe drought conditions are revealing historic artifacts at Lake Oroville, June 21, 2014. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 64 / 66 Severe drought conditions are evident as a family treks across a long path back to their car at Lake Oroville, June 21, 2014. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 65 / 66 Houseboats are dwarfed by steep banks that show the water level down 160 feet from the high water mark at the Bidwell Bar Suspension Bridge over Lake Oroville on June 21, 2014. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) 66 / 66 Houseboats at Bidwell Canyon Marina at Lake Oroville, January 21, 2016. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

The drains play an important function in protecting the spillway. Massive amounts of water move through the ground underneath the spillway, exerting tremendous uplifting force, known as hydraulic jacking.

An important factor in the failure was that the drain near the failure point was likely plugged by roots growing from nearby trees and shrubs, based on photos that show no water exiting the drain outlet along the spillways vertical wall.

If the drain was plugged, then the spillway was being uplifted by a force of 1,000 pounds per square foot and pounded on the top by raging waters, Bea said.

The failure point also appears to be near a drain line that was repaired in 2013, meaning that the area could have been degrading for years. Bea said the repairs involved patching cracks and fissures with concrete, which provided little strength to resist the forces that it would bear.

It would disintegrate like potato chips under these hydraulic forces, Bea said.

But even if the drains were working properly, they would not have prevented the failure, Bea said.

The spillway is constructed in approximately 40 foot sections along its width, but the sections are not tied together with a continuous string of reinforcing steel, according to original design drawings in the Bea report. Only a short steel dowel connects each section, not enough to keep the structure intact under very high forces that would occur when large amounts of water are flowing.

The Bea report shows that the spillway handled 129,000 cubic feet of water per second in the late 1990s, but since then it has been used for relatively minor discharges in most years. The lack of use likely concealed years of deterioration that was weakening the structure, he said.

The DWR website said the agency is assessing a repair and replacement plan to prepare the spillway for action by Nov. 1.

The agency has received bids from three contractors for repairs, ranging from $275 million to $344 million, well above the states expectations. Late Monday, DWR said that Kiewit Corp. of Omaha was awarded a $275-million contract to make the repairs.

Since the failure, state and federal officials have taken inspection reports and design documents offline and refused public information requests for their disclosure. Bea said that in his view institutions are attempting to protect themselves from criticism.

The technical problems in the spillway should call into question the adequacy of the dam itself and the adequacy of about 20 other California dams built in the same time period, he said.

Good risk management would dictate that we should look at all the dams of that era, Bea said. This is not an Oroville problem. It is a state problem and a national problem.

ralph.vartabedian@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @rvartabedian

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UPDATES:

10:10 p.m.: This article has been updated with information about a repair contract being awarded to a contractor.

This article was originally published at 7:20 p.m.
Los Angeles County pressed forward with an effort to strengthen the safety net for its most vulnerable residents Monday with a budget plan that carves out significant allotments for social services, healthcare and other support for the poor.

The proposed budget is a slight increase from last year, and officials said they are trying to channel some of that money toward helping those who rely on county government for critical services.

The total recommended budget for fiscal year 2017-2018, which begins July 1, is $30.02 billion, an increase of $137 million, or 0.5%, over last years budget. More than $600 million will go toward reducing and preventing homelessness, hiring new social workers, improving foster care, treating the countys sickest patients and diverting individuals with mental illness from jail.

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It is the business of county government, more than any other aspect of government, to be specifically concerned with the safety net, said County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas by phone Monday afternoon. These are ongoing commitments, and they are priorities that attach to the safety net.

County Chief Executive Sachi Hamai said at a news conference Monday that this year was unusual partly because of newly available revenue sources, such as Measure H, which voters approved in March. The measure calls for a quarter-cent sales tax to fund homelessness reduction and prevention services countywide.

The measure will provide an estimated $355 million annually to reduce and prevent homelessness. The money is projected to assist 45,000 homeless families and individuals and prevent 30,000 more from becoming homeless in the measures first five years. A separate panel has been convened to decide how to divide up the money among 21 strategies approved by the Board of Supervisors.

The county also plans to spend $45 million on 220 new social workers and 100-plus new support staff at the Department of Children and Family Services. This money will help bring social workers caseloads down, said Hamai. The budget allocates additional funds for foster care and mental health in the child welfare system.

For criminal justice, the proposed budget includes $4.2 million for defending indigent youth and $90 million for a wide array of jail diversion and re-entry programs, particularly targeting individuals with mental illness and/or substance abuse issues.

In addition, the county will launch Whole Person Care, a five-year initiative to provide coordinated, comprehensive services to L.A. Countys sickest Medi-Cal patients. Funding for the $90-million initiative comes from Medi-Cal 2020, a pool of money for the states Medicaid program approved by the federal government in 2015 and lasting through 2020.

The proposed budget includes a slight decrease, from $38.2 to $38.1 million, in funding for the county medical examiner-coroners office, which has been struggling with heavy backlogs in autopsies and toxicology tests. That office will see a net decrease of three positions.

Hamai said later in an email that the county had already made significant strides to improving operations in the coroners office, including budgeting 24 new positions last year. Our plan now is to assess the impact of these and other personnel changes and then determine how best to move forward, she said.

The County Board of Supervisors will discuss the budget at a meeting Tuesday and hold public hearings on it in May, before adopting it in late June.

The budget does not currently take into account any proposed cuts at the state and federal levels. I think theres too many uncertainties at this time, Hamai said.

In February Hamai directed all county departments to prepare budget reduction scenarios in case of funding cuts, but she said Monday that the county would not revise its budget until the final state and federal budgets are enacted. Those changes would take place as part of the countys supplemental budget phase in September.

Ridley-Thomas said he is concerned about proposals to eliminate state and federal funding for key county services. The most immediate concern we have is the In-Home Supportive Services proposal, he said. Thats the most concrete.

In January Governor Jerry Brown released his proposed 2017-2018 budget, which, among other items, would force counties to shoulder a greater share of the cost of In-Home Supportive Services, a program that pays for low-income elderly, blind or disabled people to receive services at their homes.

More than 216,000 people in L.A. County currently receive these services, according to Ridley-Thomas office. The county estimates that the state proposal will result in $220 million in additional costs to the county, effective July 1, and is currently working to oppose the change and mitigate its effects if it is ultimately enacted.

Policy changes proposed by President Trump could also affect L.A. County.

Trumps America First budget blueprint, released in March, would reduce funding for the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Housing and Urban Development, major sources of the countys discretionary funding. It would also eliminate funding for several programs through which the county receives money, including the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which helps provide affordable housing to low-income Americans.

Trump has also promised to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. California currently receives $15 billion annually in federal dollars to fund the states Medicaid expansion under the act  funding that would be in jeopardy if the law were to be repealed. However, the acts future remains in question after Republicans failed last month to garner the support needed to bring a repeal and replace bill to a vote in the House.

In addition Trump has vowed to step up deportations of immigrants and issued an executive order to withdraw federal funding from sanctuary jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement officers. Hamai said in her email that the county has complied and will continue to comply with all applicable federal laws, but noted that the term sanctuary has not been defined, and that the county has joined litigation challenging the order.

The recommended 2017-2018 budget includes $2 million for the L.A. Justice Fund, which was proposed after Trumps election and would provide legal assistance for immigrants without legal status who are facing removal proceedings.

nina.agrawal@latimes.com

Twitter: @AgrawalNina
Immigration advocates held a demonstration Monday in downtown Los Angeles to call on lawmakers to pass sanctuary policies, and to urge L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell to stop cooperating with immigration officials.

The rally is part of the Caravan Against Fear. Mondays stop was one of the last two that a coalition of community leaders, immigration advocates, labor groups and workers are making in California before traveling to Arizona, New Mexico and Texas for similar rallies.

At the Hall of Justice, where McDonnells office is located, demonstrators clapped, chanted and banged on drums. Some wore brown shirts with the image of a bear and the words ICE out of California. Support SB 54! while others held large banners. At least three men wore werewolf masks and dressed as deputies, holding a sign that said,Hunting immigrants.

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Organizers said they chose to make at stop at the Hall of Justice because McDonnell has been cooperating with immigration officials and opposes a proposed state bill that would increase protection for immigrants living in the country illegally.

He was elected to serve all of the communities and was elected to ensure that there is trust within the community to report crime, to report sexual assault, to report domestic violence, said Sandra Diaz, vice president of the SEUIs United Service Workers West, which represents security officers and airport workers.

Petra Ramirez, 79, of Fresno, joins protesters as part of the Caravan Against Fear,' a coalition of groups that are traveling from California to Texas, calling on lawmakers and law enforcement to support sanctuary policies. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

McDonnell, whose parents moved to Boston from Ireland a year before he was born, has expressed sympathy for immigrants trying to make a better life in America. But he does not support a sanctuary state bill that protects immigrants without legal status. The bill, SB 54, is being pushed by Democratic leaders in response to policies enacted by President Trump.

McDonnell believes that if cooperation with immigration officers ends, those federal agents will instead shift their operations to the streets, instilling fear and causing immigrants not to cooperate with law enforcement in criminal cases.

For me, this is not about politics, but rather, it is about protecting people, McDonnell said in a statement late Monday. I feel an obligation to stand up for what I believe will protect individuals in all of our communities.

We need to use all tools available, including our law enforcement partners ... to ensure the protection of individuals and their families from serious and violent offenders, he said. If ICE is not given access to the jails where the most serious and violent offenders are housed, then, very predictably, ICE agents will have no other alternative but to seek out their targets and make their arrests in our communities.

Other sheriffs, including Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, have voiced similar objections to the bill. The California State Sheriffs Assn. opposes it.

But those demonstrating outside of the Hall of Justice say theyre already seeing immigration officers in their communities, where they have nabbed and deported people who were not the intended targets. Those actions are already instilling the very fear McDonnell says he is trying to prevent.

If they were focusing just on illegal immigrants who are criminals I would understand, said Carlos Hernandez, a janitor in Los Angeles. But theyre not doing that. Theyre going after everyone.

We already see the collaboration with ICE, said Graciela Lopez, 30, a union member. Theyre showing up at courthouses.

Some demonstrators disagreed about who should be protected. Lopez and a few others said all immigrants, regardless of what crimes they may have committed, deserve protection. But Hernandez and others say they dont mind if law enforcement officials target people who have committed serious felonies.

Most said its not up to law enforcement to enforce immigration laws.

Protesters take a seat on Spring Street at Temple in downtown Los Angeles as part of the Caravan Against Fear. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Two years ago, months after L.A. County officials voted to limit their interaction with immigration officials and find other ways to cooperate with them, McDonnell authorized such agents to operate inside jails and look for immigrants in the country illegally who have committed serious or violent crimes.

McDonnells policy was established months after the July 2015 shooting of Kathryn Steinle in San Francisco. Steinle, 32, was shot in the back by Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, a immigrant living in the country illegally and who had previously been deported five times. The shooting sparked debate over San Franciscos status as a sanctuary city.

The names and fingerprints of people booked into L.A. County jails are sent to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, who then select the inmates they want to pick up. The Sheriffs Department also forwards lists of inmates who are scheduled to be released soon.

Last year, L.A. County jail officials handed over about 1,000 inmates of the 300,000 who were released. But those policies would change if SB 54, also referred to as the sanctuary bill, passes.

The bill was introduced by Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles) and would limit the information ICE receives about inmates in county jails. The bill would also prohibit law enforcement from sharing databases with ICE or provide an inmates release date.

Hold requests, which are typically used by ICE to request an inmate and allow the inmate to be held for an extra 48 hours, would be barred under the bill. Requests to notify ICE of an inmates release date or help with an inmates transfer would also be barred by the bill.

Law enforcement would still be able to let federal agents know about inmates who have been convicted of certain violent felonies, but the list of crimes is narrower than currently allowed by state law. And the notification would be made to the FBI, not ICE.

At the corner of Temple and Spring streets, immigration advocates gave speeches while federal court employees watched from the windows of Hall of Justice. Two large red balloons held a banner that read Jim McDonnell, whose side are you on? and a picture of the state and Trump were between the word or.

Watching with amusement was John Hernandez of Pico Rivera, who was in the downtown L.A. area and came across the demonstration.

Its cool that theyre doing this, he said. You need to start somewhere.

Hernandez believes immigrants who havent committed violent crimes shouldnt face the threat of deportation.

Alejandra Valles with SEIU and seven others were arrested by LAPD for failure to disperse as part of the Caravan Against Fear. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Shortly after noon, when the demonstration was expected to end, police declared the protest an unlawful assembly and ordered people to disperse. Some followed orders while others sat down in the middle of the street and kept chanting. Eight were arrested.

Among them was Alejandra Valles with SEIU, whose parents were in the country illegally when she was younger. She said she knows what its like to be the child of immigrant parents without legal status and how they constantly feared being separated by immigration officials.

Im doing this for all the kids who are wondering whats going on, when theyre hearing all this anti-immigrant rhetoric and hate, wondering if theres something wrong with our community. Theres nothing wrong with you, Valles said.

Whats wrong is these policies, whats wrong is sheriffs like Sheriff Jim McDonnell who are not doing their job that we elected them to do, which is protect our communities and instead are deciding to side with the Trump administration and are trying to do the jobs of ICE agents, which is not what we elected them to do.

ruben.vives@latimes.com

For more Southern California news, follow @latvives on Twitter.
Hikers and tourists trying to access the shortest, easiest trail route to the Hollywood sign will find it is closed.

Starting Tuesday, a portion of Griffith Park at the Beachwood Drive gate will be closed to the public due to a recent court order that required the city to allow access to Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables. Tourists and hikers will need to find another route to get their Hollywood sign selfies.

Rose Watson, parks department spokeswoman, had said the city would redirect pedestrians to Canyon Drive and other access points to the Griffith Park trails, including the popular Hollyridge Trail.

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The legal battle over access began when the Griffith Park horseback riding facility complained the city was channeling hikers onto its exclusive easement road and had advertised that pedestrians could access the area using a new gate.

In February, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge found the city had blocked access to the ranch and interfered with its use by directing thousands of pedestrians toward the property every month.

The judge also found hikers could not be barred from using the Sunset Ranch easement. She said the city could allow pedestrians to access Hollyridge Trail at the beginning of the easement or another access point that was previously used but is currently blocked.

In March, the city agreed to spend $100,000 to study park access and mobility, including viewing of the Hollywood sign, near the western side of Griffith Park.

For too long, the city and the community have been bogged down in litigation, shifting problems from one neighborhood to the next, City Councilman David Ryu, who represents the area, said in a statement. We need to improve the visitor experience for park users, quality of life for our neighbors, and most importantly, the public safety for all.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA

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Los Angeles City Council candidates in tight races frequently seek endorsements from former rivals to broaden their base of support.

But an endorsement agreement in the Council District 1 race in northeast Los Angeles is drawing complaints.

Candidate and bike activist Joe Bray-Ali signed an endorsement pledge last month with Jesse Rosas, a Highland Park resident who ran in the primary election, but was not among the top two vote-getters.

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Bray-Ali, who faces City Councilman Gil Cedillo in the May 16 runoff, agreed to three stipulations in exchange for Rosas backing, including no [bicycle] lanes on Figueroa St without community consensus, the agreement says.

Bray-Ali also committed to keep a district office in Highland Park and to hire a planning director and staff from Rosas group.

Rosas and Bray-Ali worked on the agreement together, both men confirmed. It was posted to Twitter last month by an acquaintance of Rosas.

The document is dated March 16.

Cedillo campaign spokeswoman Helen Sanchez described the pledge as a backroom deal.

Trading government jobs and resources for political gain betrays the taxpayers trust, Sanchez said. [Bray-Ali] says hes running to bring change to City Hall but hes doing exactly what he accuses other people of doing.

Bray-Ali and Cedillo are in a contentious race for the District 1 seat, which takes in several northeast neighborhoods and stretches down to Chinatown and Pico-Union.

Thomas Hiltachk, a Sacramento-based attorney who specializes in election law, said the agreement shows a lack of ethical judgment.

A public official owes his or her duty to act in the best interests of the taxpayers and citizens of Los Angeles by hiring the best person qualified for the job, not political payback, said Hiltachk, who isnt involved the race.

However, Los Angeles-based election law attorney Fred Woocher believes the agreement is nothing more than a list of campaign promises.

People make pledges like this all the time, said Woocher, who also has no involvement in the race. In order to induce people to vote for him, [Bray-Ali] is entitled to say what he would do.

Bray-Ali said in an email that he doesnt feel the pledge gives an advantage to Rosas or anyone else.

But it does set standards for what I think is the right way forward in the district: community consensus on bike lanes, a field office to remain in Highland Park, and hiring people who know the district and the city very well, Bray-Ali said.

Bray-Ali, the owner of a now-closed bike shop, has been a vocal proponent of a proposal to install bike lanes on a three-mile stretch of Figueroa Street.

Campaign spokesman Michael Atkins said Bray-Alis position hasnt changed on the project. The candidate, he said, will continue to work with the community on bike lanes.

In an interview, Rosas said he opposes bike lanes because he thinks they arent safe for drivers.

He said Bray-Alis commitment to hire from his group refers to the candidates promise to pick staffers who are known in the community.

If I know the person  we can really make things happen, Rosas said.

dakota.smith@latimes.com

Twitter: @dakotacdsmith
Comedian Micah Katt Williams will have to undergo a year of anger management classes after pleading no contest Monday to a robbery charge stemming from a 2014 incident during which prosecutors say he and rap mogul Marion Suge Knight snatched a camera from a photographer.

Under the terms of the deal, Williams, 54, also received three years probation when he entered the plea to second-degree robbery, according to a statement by the Los Angeles district attorneys office. The comedian had faced up to seven years in prison.

Prosecutors say Williams and Knight, who co-founded Death Row Records, chased a female celebrity photographer and snatched her camera outside of a Beverly Hills studio in September 2014.

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Knight, who is still facing a murder trial in a separate case, has pleaded not guilty in both the murder and robbery cases.

Earlier this month, a judge set a trial date for January 2018 in the murder case. Knight, 51, is accused of barreling his red truck into two men in the parking lot of a Compton burger stand in late January 2015, killing 55-year-old Terry Carter. Footage from a security camera shows Knight  who says he acted in self-defense  plowing his truck into the men. Knight fled but later turned himself in.

The robbery was part of a series of criminal charges levied against Williams in recent years. He was also charged with misdemeanor battery after getting into a fight with a woman at a Studio City hotel last July, and he was accused of disorderly conduct in Georgia months earlier after getting into an altercation with a teenager.

A spokesman for the Los Angeles city attorneys office could not immediately comment on the battery charge.

james.queally@latimes.com

For more breaking crime and cops news in Southern California, follow me on Twitter: @JamesQueallyLAT
A 15-year-old boy was in critical condition Monday evening following a shooting near the Los Angeles Police Departments 77th Street Station.

Two males are being sought in connection with the attack, authorities said.

The shooting was reported shortly after 4 p.m. in the 7600 block of South Broadway. The victim was taken to a hospital and is in critical condition, said LAPD spokeswoman Liliana Preciado.

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Two males approached the victim and shot him in what is believed to be a gang-related attack, Preciado said. A detailed description of the assailants was not available.

Officers cordoned off the area to search for the shooters. No other injuries were reported.

jeff.landa@latimes.com

Twitter: @JeffLanda
UC Berkeley is under fire again over the issue of sexual misconduct.

The university announced last week that University of California regents had reached a legal settlement with Sujit Choudhry, a former law school dean who admitted in a campus investigation that he inappropriately kissed, touched and hugged his former assistant, Tyann Sorrell. Under the settlement, UC agreed to drop a disciplinary action against Choudhry, withdraw all charges and allow him to remain a tenured faculty member until his voluntary resignation in good standing at the end of the next academic year. Until then, UC agreed to provide him up to $10,000 for travel each school year and $97,210 in research funds.

Choudhry agreed to pay $50,000 to a charity of Sorrells choosing and $50,000 to her attorneys.

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But the settlement has incensed Sorrell, who said Monday that UC was effectively giving Choudhry a soft landing because he was a prominent faculty member.

Its privilege helping privilege, she said in an interview. For all of the work done around this issue and all of the pleas for change, its an insult to people who have suffered through [sexual harassment].

Choudhrys attorney, Steven Herman, said he was a bit perplexed by Sorrells reaction because her attorney was provided with a copy of the settlement weeks ago and raised no objection.

But Sharon Vinick, whose law firm represents Sorrell, said her client had no control over the settlement terms. Sorrell said she was moved to speak out in part because Choudhrys attorneys touted around that he got light-handed treatment after the settlement was disclosed Friday.

In another UC Berkeley case, an online advocacy group fighting sexual misconduct announced last week that it had gathered nearly 2,000 signatures on a petition urging university officials to fire John R. Searle, a professor emeritus who is being sued by a former researcher on charges of sexually harassing her. The petition by Care2 also demands that Berkeley remove Searles name from a campus center.

The civil lawsuit filed in March by 24-year-old Joanna Ong alleges that university officials failed to respond properly to complaints that Searle, 84, a renowned philosophy professor, had sexually assaulted her last July and cut her pay when she rejected his advances, according to BuzzFeed News. Ong was fired by a Searle associate in September, the lawsuit states.

BuzzFeed also reported that campus documents indicate other students had made similar allegations against Searle.

Such actions feed the perception that UC Berkeley continues to protect powerful faculty at the expense of victims, Sorrell and advocates said. Last year, Chancellor Nicholas Dirks was criticized for failing to properly discipline Choudhry and two other men found to have violated campus sexual misconduct policies: famed astronomer Geoff Marcy and vice chancellor of research Graham Fleming.

But Dan Mogulof, a campus spokesman, said in an email that such perceptions are unfounded. He said the campus has made meaningful, substantive changes to improve its handling of sexual misconduct cases. They include beefing up education, training, funding and staff to prevent sexual misconduct, handle cases and support victims.

Mogulof also said the university has launched a rigorous investigation into the allegations against Searle and removed him from classroom teaching as an interim measure.

Regarding Choudhry, Mogulof said the professor will not resume teaching at the law school. In addition, he said, Sorrell has received payment for her claimed injury.

While no one is complacent and everyone understands that cultural change doesnt happen overnight, our policies and practices are a far cry from what they were, Mogulof said.

In a university investigation last year, Choudhry admitted he repeatedly hugged and touched Sorrell and kissed her on the cheek from September 2014 to March 2015. The university cut his pay by 10% and directed him to undergo behavioral training and apologize to Sorrell. But after Sorrells civil suit came to light, UC President Janet Napolitano ordered Choudhry to undergo another disciplinary process through the Academic Senate. In protest, Choudhry filed a campus grievance and a federal lawsuit.

Under the settlement, the two sides agreed to drop all legal action.

Despite her disappointment with the settlement, Sorrell, who still works at the law school, said she was ready to move on. She said she planned to devote her energy to improving the campus climate for victims of sexual misconduct.

Im ready to get to work, as we see theres much work to be done, she said.

teresa.watanabe@latimes.com

Twitter: @teresawatanabe

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In a unique blend of Hollywood and human rights, the UCLA law school will receive $20 million in pledged proceeds from a new film on the Armenian genocide to expand its research and teaching of persecution, the university announced Monday.

The donation by a film company founded by the late Kerkor Kirk Kerkorian, an Armenian American philanthropist and businessman, will help establish the Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA School of Law.

The institute, which also will receive other donations and support from UCLA, will help the Westwood campus expand its research and advocacy on genocide awareness and prevention as well as the intersections between human rights and health, refugees, immigration and civil rights, said law school Dean Jennifer L. Mnookin.

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She said the gift will help UCLA hire more faculty, sponsor guest speakers, host human rights symposia and support students through fellowships. UCLA law students and faculty currently work with human rights organizations in countries including Bangladesh, Honduras, India and South Africa, and with the United Nations and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

What wed like to become is the West Coast powerhouse for the study and practice of human rights, Mnookin said.

Eric Esrailian, a UCLA doctor and great-grandson of genocide survivors, helped Kerkorian launch the film company Survival Pictures in 2012, to expand awareness of human rights atrocities. Kerkorian, who owned the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio and is credited with helping develop Las Vegas with such hotels as the MGM Grand, donated more than $1 billion to charitable causes during his lifetime. He died in 2015 at age 98.

Survival Pictures debut production, The Promise, is set to open Friday as the first major film on the Armenian genocide. Historians estimate that 1.5 million Armenians and other ethnic and religious minorities perished at the hands of the Ottoman Turks beginning in 1915, although the Turkish government denies there was any official policy of ethnic cleansing.

The film is directed by Terry George  who directed and co-wrote Hotel Rwanda about genocide in that African nation  and stars Christian Bale, Charlotte Le Bon and Oscar Isaac. Co-producers are Esrailian, Phoenix Pictures chairman Mike Medavoy and veteran film producer William Horberg.

Esrailian said the team began work on the film in 2010 but kept the project on the down low to avoid any possible political attempts to quash it.

The company also has produced a documentary, Intent to Destroy, about the Armenian genocide that is set for release April 25 at the Tribeca Film Festival.

As horrible as the Armenian genocide was, there are other ethnic and religious groups that have suffered persecution as well, Esrailian said, adding that human rights crises exist right now in Syria, the Congo and South Sudan.

Both the feature film and the UCLA institute bear the word promise to reflect a commitment not to forget atrocities of the past and to fight against intolerance and persecution today, he said.

He said his team was inspired by the USC Shoah Foundation, which was launched by filmmaker Steven Spielberg to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and educate the public about it and has since expanded its work to other genocides. With genocide awareness and human rights work underway at the citys two premier universities, Los Angeles is set to become a national hub of research and activism on the issue, Esrailian said.

The center is expected to open this fall.

teresa.watanabe@latimes.com

Twitter: @teresawatanabe

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Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry is set to travel to Khartoum on Thursday to attend a meeting of the Egyptian-Sudanese political consultation committee meetings, amid reports hinting at tensions between the neighbouring countries.

Shoukry's travel plans come a week after an earlier visit was postponed due to bad weather.

On April 8, Egypt's foreign ministry rubbished reports that the delay came due to rising tensions, saying that sandstorms in Khartoum were the reason behind the postponement.

Last month, comments about the relative age of the two nations' civilizations by a Sudanese minister sparked a bilateral media spat, while last week Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour publicly requested Egypt explain why its representative at the UN had voted in favour of maintaining sanctions on Sudan.

Egypt's Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid denied the claims, saying in a statement on his Facebook page that Egypt always "adopts supportive positions for the benefit of the Sudanese people."

In addition, last week the Sudanese government implemented a new measure requiring Egyptian travellers to obtain a visa prior to travel, a move Ghandour said had been taken in consultation with Egypt and was aimed at preventing terrorism.

In statements to the press on Tuesday, Sudan's ambassador to Egypt, Abdel Mahmoud Abdel-Halim, said there was a warm welcome in Khartoum for Shoukry's visit, describing it as an excellent opportunity to discuss all issues between Egypt and Sudan.

"The visit will contribute in resolving recent strife between the two countries," Abdel-Halim said.

The political consultation committee is a sub-committee of the Egyptian-Sudanese high committee, which also includes sub-committees for military affairs, security, economics and finance, transportation, education, culture, health, water resources and agriculture.

The committee, which will include Ghandour, will discuss the execution of agreements signed during the high-level presidential summit between President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and President Omar Al-Bashir in October last year, Abdel-Halim said.

The envoy hinted that preparations for a meeting between Al-Bashir and the Egyptian foreign minister were underway.



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Since learning hed been pardoned by Gov. Jerry Brown on Saturday, Hector Barajas-Varela, a deported U.S. Army veteran, has more hope that one day he will be able to reenter the country he considers home.

Browns pardon for Barajas-Varela and two others  the first time a governor has taken such action for deported veterans  does not guarantee they will be allowed to come back to the U.S. But the pardons may help them in their appeals to federal immigration authorities.

Barajas-Varela, 40, runs a shelter in Tijuana called the Deported Veterans Support House, better known as the Bunker. He is well-known in the worldwide community of deported veterans, which includes at least 239 people in 34 countries, according to a report by the American Civil Liberties Union.

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It gives the guys a lot of hope, Barajas-Varela, who spent more than a year in a California prison on a firearms charge, said in an interview at the Bunker. Morale has gone up. I know mine did.

Barajas-Varelas case is part of a movement to help deported veterans return to the country they served.

In addition to Browns weekend pardons, advocates are pushing a bill in Congress that would block the deportation of noncitizen veterans. The legislation would allow those who have been deported to come back to the U.S. as long as they didnt commit crimes of violence or crimes involving national security with sentences of five years or more.

Noncitizens who serve in the military generally are lawful permanent residents who have so-called green cards. They can be deported for committing a list of crimes set in immigration law, which range from certain drug offenses to murder.

Felix Peralta Jr., 54, one of the veterans who gets help from the Bunker, said Barajas-Varelas pardon and persistence give others hope.

He doesnt stop knocking on that door, Peralta said. That keeps us alive.

Barajas-Varela came to the U.S. at age 7 from Mexico. He received a green card a couple of years later. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army from 1995 to 2001.

I think the United States is one of the best countries in the world, Barajas-Varela said. I lived the American dream.

At first, he thought joining the Army meant hed become a citizen, he said. Military members are uniquely allowed to apply for citizenship without any waiting period. They do have to complete all the paperwork and take the tests, but that is not always clear to those who join, according to the report released last summer by the ACLU.

Barajas-Varela said his recruiter pushed the idea of citizenship as part of the perks of joining the Army.

Once he realized he wasnt a citizen, Barajas-Varela said, he started the process in the late 90s but never followed through. He takes responsibility for that, he said, but he wishes the military had better informed him about the process.

After he got out of the Army in 2001, it was a matter of months before he ended up in the criminal justice system  taking a plea deal and serving three years in prison for shooting at a car.

I made bad decisions, Barajas-Varela said about that time in his life. I put myself in that situation. I wouldnt put myself in that situation again.

He was deported in 2004 after serving his sentence. He said he felt alone until, years later, he found a support group for deported veterans. He founded the Bunker in 2013.

I thought I was the only person going through that, Barajas-Varela said.

Barajas-Varela has an 11-year-old daughter named Liliana who lives in Los Angeles. He talks with her frequently on Skype, he said, but hasnt seen her in person since she came to see him about a year ago.

My daughter is the most important thing to me, he said. Thats what our fight is for, is to return to our families and our children.

Barajas-Varela said he also looks forward to voting and to having a house, a bed and a career. For now, he sleeps on a cot in the office of the Bunker while he fundraises for his nonprofit and supports the veterans in his care.

On Monday, Barajas-Varela fielded congratulatory phone calls. This pardon is not just for me, he said to a fellow vet deported to Jamaica. Its hope for the rest of us.

Barajas-Varela said he has an application for citizenship pending. A few weeks before his pardon, he received an email from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services saying that it would most likely be denied but giving him a chance to submit more information. He hopes the pardon will help his case.

I think Im just as American as anyone back home, Barajas-Varela said.

The federal government recognizes pardons for convictions only in very limited circumstances in immigration cases, according to USCISs website. The circumstances are not spelled out, and an agency spokeswoman did not respond to requests for comment.

Even if hes allowed back into the U.S., Barajas-Varela said, hes committed to running the Bunker for at least another year.

We know this is not going to stop from one day to the next, he said.

kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com

Morrissey writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune
A body was discovered Tuesday morning inside a car that had been towed to Westlake, and police are investigating the circumstances behind the persons death, authorities said.

The Los Angeles Police Department received a call around 2:10 a.m. about a body inside a black car in the 300 block of south Westlake Avenue, LAPD spokeswoman Officer Irma Mota said.

Mota said the vehicle had been towed to the area, but no further details were immediately available.

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#WestlakeDistrict #Body Blk Hyundai w/Uber sticker in middle of Westlake Ave. Body of male Hispanic in 30's in back seat @KNX1070 @CBSLA pic.twitter.com/zzSwkhfyye  Pete Demetriou (@knxpete) April 18, 2017

She said homicide detectives are trying to determine the circumstances behind the death. The age and gender of the person were not immediately available.

KNX-AM (1070) reported that the vehicle was a black Hyundai with an Uber sticker and that the victim is a man in his 30s who was found in the back seat of the car.

ruben.vives@latimes.com

For more Southern California news, follow @latvives on Twitter.
Even more than two decades later, Harry Reid is haunted by the video an activist told him to watch.

Men grabbed a little girl in a white dress at a celebration in Egypt, then spread her legs and pulled out a cutting instrument. Blood pooled beneath her.

A Nov. 16, 2016, photo of then-Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

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I can still see it in my minds eye, right now, said Reid, now 77.

Back then, as a second-term U.S. senator, he was so horrified by the image that he took up the fight against female genital mutilation and authored a law criminalizing it.

While international health authorities say that the ritual has been performed on more than 200 million girls, primarily in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, the 1996 U.S. law remained largely symbolic  until now.

On Wednesday, federal authorities accused Dr. Jumana Nagarwala, an emergency room physician in Detroit, of performing genital mutilation on two 7-year-old girls at a medical clinic in Livonia, Mich.

Charged with female genital mutilation, transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and making a false statement to a federal officer, she faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted on all counts.

The girls were told they were brought to Detroit from Minnesota for a special girls trip, according to a court filing. After arriving at a hotel, the girls were taken to the doctor to get the germs out because our tummies hurt.

Both girls told authorities that they were instructed not to talk about the procedure.

One said she was given a pad to wear in her underwear, while the other told authorities that after the procedure she could barely walk and felt pain down to her ankle. The second victims parents told investigators that they took their daughter to Nagarwala for a cleansing of extra skin.

Authorities say other girls may have been victimized by Nagarwala between 2005 and 2007.

The doctor, a U.S. citizen born in Washington, denied that she had ever engaged in the practice, telling a federal officer during a voluntary interview that she knew it was illegal, according to a court document.

She pleaded not guilty. Her attorney did not return calls for comment.

According to her online bio at Henry Ford Hospital, where Nagarwala practices, she attended Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and speaks Gujarati, a language of western India.

Nagarwala has been placed on administrative leave and her clinical privileges have been suspended, according to Henry Ford spokeswoman Brenda Craig.

The alleged criminal activity did not occur at any Henry Ford facility, Craig said in a statement. We would never support or condone anything related to this practice.

The procedure may involve a partial or total removal of the clitoris, excision of the inner and outer folds of the vulva or the narrowing of the vaginal opening. Carried out mostly on girls between infancy and age 15, the procedure can be intended to reduce sexual pleasure and promiscuity, and to prepare a girl for marriage.

The World Health Organization says genital cutting has no health benefits for girls or women. The procedure can cause severe bleeding, problems urinating and infections, while increasing the risk of complications in childbirth and newborn deaths.

It is unknown how many girls have undergone the procedure in the U.S., but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes the number at risk has risen as more people emigrate from countries where the practice is common, including Egypt, Ethiopia and Somalia.

Reid said he was never swayed by those who defended the practice as a cultural rite and said its not supported by religious texts.

You want a way to hold women back? Just make it so to have sex is a painful thing, not any fun, he said. Thats what theyve done for generations. Its a way that men suppress women.

Back in the 1990s, his staff had dissuaded him from getting involved in the issue, arguing that politically it made more sense for a woman to do it.

I accept that  except no one else would take the cudgel, he said. It was just me. I figured Im a lot better than nothing.

So he persisted. His bill slipped through, he said, without much fanfare.

The prosecution of Nagarwala 21 years later is clear evidence the practice is happening in the U.S., according to activists.

Theres a myth that this is only happening to people in India or Africa, said Shelby Quast, director of the womens rights organization Equality Now. Its happening everywhere and were beginning to learn that.

She also said the arrest could lead to others: It was very quiet. People were not talking about this. Where this practice is occurring, if there are other doctors that are performing this, I would expect people might start speaking up.

Though authorities say no one else has been charged under the 1996 law, at least two other criminal cases have been brought against people suspected of or who agreed to perform genital cutting in the U.S.

In 2002, a Santa Clarita man was caught in an FBI sting when he agreed through an undercover agent to perform genital mutilation on children ages 8 and 12.

The man told investigators he had performed more female circumcisions than anyone in the Western world, though authorities were unable to corroborate that. He and his girlfriend pleaded guilty to conspiracy and possessing child pornography.

In 2006, an Ethiopian immigrant was convicted of aggravated battery and cruelty to children for removing his 2-year-old daughters clitoris with scissors at the familys Atlanta-area apartment.

In 2013, President Obama signed an amendment to Reids law that made it illegal to send a girl to another country to have the procedure done.

For Reid, that the alleged perpetrator in Detroit was a trained physician makes the case hard to comprehend, but he was happy to see his law being enforced.

I hope it focuses attention on a problem we have in America, he said.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @AleneTchek

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Returning to a favorite campaign theme at a time when his domestic agenda has stalled, President Trump on Tuesday ordered a review of a visa program that he said has undercut American workers, declaring his move a powerful signal of his administrations commitment to finally put America first.

The White House said the executive action taken by Trump was designed to return the H-1B visa program to its original goal: attracting high-skilled immigrants to the United States in high-wage fields including the tech sector. Currently, administration officials say, the program has been abused to the point of being rendered  inoperative.

The order that Trump signed would not make immediate changes in the program, but would set up a longer-term review of how it works.

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The administrations critique of the H-1B program echoed complaints by some in the tech industry that too many of the 85,000 visas allowed each year are scooped up by outsourcing firms that hire relatively lower-skilled tech workers, preventing firms from getting visas that they could use for higher-skilled applicants.

Ultimately, however, the administration would like to take the changes further. The review of the H-1B program would be a transitional step toward a revamped immigration system, officials said.

Critics noted, however, that Trump was not cutting back on other guest-worker visa categories, such as the H-2B program for low-skilled nonagricultural workers under which foreigners have been hired to work at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Trump, who spoke at a Wisconsin manufacturing plant, said his trip was in part to thank voters who had supported him last November. The state had been in the Democratic column for three decades in presidential elections until that point. As he spoke, he looked out at an audience dotted with the red Make America Great Again hats that were a symbol of his upset victory.

Those are good hats, he said.

Trump has struggled to regain his footing since his bid to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act stalled out in Congress. The administration initially had planned that in April, Trump would be pivoting from success on healthcare to another major initiative: tax reform.

But instead of signing legislation that has long been a goal of his party, Trump is in the position of issuing another primarily symbolic executive directive championed by nationalist advisors.

Trump, though, said he hadnt given up on big-ticket items, claiming that Republicans were in very good shape on tax reform. In fact, the administration has not yet come up with a proposal, House and Senate Republicans are not close to agreement and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin admitted Monday that his goal of a tax reform bill by August was unlikely to be achieved.

Trump also repeated that he has not give up on repealing Obamacare.

Healthcare  we have to get the healthcare taken care of, he said, urging those in the audience to press their members of Congress on the issue. As soon as healthcare [is] taken care of, were going to march very quickly. Were going to surprise you.

The order that Trump signed also initiates a separate review of government purchasing practices with the goal of more strictly enforcing buy American requirements that officials said have been diluted over time by exemptions.

The policy of our government is to aggressively promote and use American-made goods and to ensure that American labor is hired to do the job, Trump said at the Kenosha, Wis., plant. Its America first, you better believe it.

A senior administration official, briefing reporters Monday on the condition of anonymity ahead of the presidents event, said the goal of the H1-B program review would be to shift the process for awarding the visas to put a priority on higher-skilled and higher-paid workers, making it more difficult to use it to replace American workers.

Trumps plan is consistent with the buy American, hire American credo that was a staple of his campaign, featured prominently in his inaugural address and outlined in his address to Congress in February. Previewing the announcement, the White House distributed polling data demonstrating the breadth of public support  from members of both parties  for the concept. (The information was attributed to a Democratic pollster, the Mellman Group; a Mellman executive expressed surprise upon being told that the White House had distributed the firms data).

Working-class voters ... Republican, Democrat, independent, are going to be the most enthusiastic to have guest worker reform, one senior administration official told reporters Monday.

Indeed, the action was cheered by organized labor while the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a staple of the Republican coalition, was more circumspect.

It would be a mistake to close the door on high-skilled workers from around the world who can contribute to American businesses growth and expansion, the groups senior vice president, Neil Bradley, said in a statement, while conceding that the program can be improved.

The Trump administrations proposals and comments on changing the temporary worker visa program were met with some wariness by policy analysts and economists.

They generally agreed that the existing H-1B rules need better enforcement to thwart abuse and ensure that requirements on worker qualifications and salaries are being met. These experts also favor replacing the existing lottery system with a merit-based system to attract more high-skilled workers.

At the same time, analysts found that some of the analysis and statistics provided by the White House to be simplistic and unsupported.

Robert D. Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a nonpartisan research group in Washington, took issue with an administration officials claim that about 80% of H-1B visa workers are paid less than the median wage in their fields.

Weve shown that the typical H-1B worker is better paid, by occupation, than native workers, he said.

Other academic and government studies have found more mixed results. A 2011 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, said H-1B visa holders working as systems analysts and computer programmers tended to earn less than U.S. workers, but some of that gap was explained by differences in age. There was no statistical difference in median pay between visa holders and U.S. workers for electronics and electrical engineers or college and university educators, that report found.

While the U.S. needs to make sure that companies pay the correct wage, said Stephen Yale-Loehr, an immigration expert at Cornell University Law School, officials should be careful not to harm innovation in the process.

Immigrants account for a disproportionately large share of start-ups and patents in the U.S. Yale-Loehr said that for every H-1B position requested, U.S. tech companies increase their employment by five workers  similar to a claim made a few years ago by Bill Gates of Microsoft.

Trumps executive order, he said, was an overly simple solution to a complex problem.

michael.memoli@latimes.com

For more White House coverage, follow @mikememoli on Twitter.

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Las Vegas is preparing to be the first city in the nation with vending machines dispensing clean needles in an effort to help combat the spread of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, while also possibly leading some drug users into treatment.

Three machines will be available for users starting in May. The pilot program is a coordinated effort between Trac-B Exchange, the Southern Nevada Health District and the Nevada AIDS Research and Education Society to discourage the sharing of needles among users.

Trac-B Exchange program director Rick Reich said that to participate in the vending machine program, users would have to fill out a form for the sponsoring groups and obtain an eight-digit identification number to ensure confidentiality and track their use. Each kit will contain sterile syringes and needles  along with a compartment for used needles that can be disposed of safely at the machines.

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But unlike snack, soda or movie rental machines left in open spaces, these $15,000 machines will be located inside the three facilities and would be accessed only during the hours the buildings are open for business. Reich said the cost of each kit was under $10, but they would be free for users.

Reich said putting one of the vending machines inside the Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada was designed to allow some drug abusers to interact with trained counselors if they decided they wanted to get help.

Patrick Bozarth, executive director of the counseling center, said his staff had been undergoing training in anticipation of reaching drug abusers who may use the vending machine and learn about treatment options.

I think were optimistic it will help, Bozarth said. But its such a new program and we want to make sure were prepared.

Needle exchange programs have been used successfully throughout the world, with several nations adopting vending machine technology into their mix to curb the spread of blood-borne pathogens.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported the effectiveness of needle exchange programs, and the North American Needle Exchange Network counts 228 syringe service programs in 35 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

The CDC reported on a study that looked at the effects of New Yorks exchange program on the prevalence of hepatitis C infection between 1990 and 2001, and found the needle exchange program reduced the diseases prevalence from 80% to 59% among intravenous drug users.

Needle and syringe possession was illegal in Nevada up until 2013, when the state Legislature repealed the law. Pharmacies can sell needles and syringes but have discretion about who can purchase them.

Reich said the machines helped remove some of the stigma faced by users who felt uncomfortable during transactions with pharmacists  some of whom may question why the syringe and needle are needed.

Vending machines are not born with a bias, Reich said. It doesnt have a personality and doesnt care how you look when you approach it.

Vending machines are not born with a bias. It doesnt have a personality and doesnt care how you look when you approach it.  Rick Reich, program director of Trac-B Exchange

Jenny Gratzke, disease investigator and intervention specialist with the Southern Nevada Health District, said there were an estimated 5,800 injection drug users in Clark County, a number she believed was low.

Most of the users, she said, are either injecting heroin or methamphetamine, with a smaller number shooting up cocaine. A small percentage of needle users, she said, are transgender people using hormones or steroids.

Gratzke said she hoped users took advantage of the vending machines, but she acknowledged the initial rollout faced some challenges.

It does take time to gain the trust of the community, she said. The people who are injecting the drugs have been stigmatized, and so I think they may be a little hesitant initially. But once it catches on, I think it will be beneficial for everyone involved.

david.montero@latimes.com

Twitter: @davemontero

Click here for a Spanish version of this story

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The man who randomly killed a Cleveland retiree and posted video of the crime on Facebook shot himself to death Tuesday in Pennsylvania, police said.

Pennsylvania State Police said Steve Stephens was spotted Tuesday morning in Erie County, in the states northwest corner. Authorities say officers tried to pull Stephens over and, after a brief pursuit, he shot and killed himself.

He was wanted on an aggravated murder charge in the shooting death of a 74-year-old man who was picking up aluminum cans on Sunday after spending Easter with his family.

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Stephens posted a video of himself killing Robert Godwin Sr., a former foundry worker who had 10 children, police said. In it, he said, I snapped, I just snapped.

Stephens, 37, shared a recording on Sunday of himself announcing his plan to kill someone, then two minutes later posted another video of himself shooting and killing Godwin, Facebook said. A few minutes after that, he went live and confessed, Facebook said.

The company said it disabled Stephens account within 23 minutes of receiving the first report about the video of the fatal shooting and two hours after receiving any report.

Facebook has since announced it was launching a review for the reporting of harmful content.

Police would not speculate on what was behind the killing, but videos Stephens posted showed him talking about losing everything he had to gambling and trouble with his girlfriend.

Stephens filed for bankruptcy two years ago despite holding down a job as a counselor helping young people develop job skills and find employment. The behavioral health agency where he worked said an extensive background check before he was hired turned up nothing worrisome.

In one video posted on Facebook, Stephens said that he gambled away everything and that he and his girlfriend had planned to marry but did not, without saying why.

In the video of the shooting, Stephens told Godwin the name of his girlfriend and said, Shes the reason that this is about to happen to you. Godwin did not seem to recognize the name.

The woman Stephens spoke of, Joy Lane, said in a text message to CBS that we had been in a relationship for several years. I am sorry that all of this has happened.

Investigators said that Godwin was the only victim so far linked to Stephens, despite his claim on Facebook that he killed over a dozen people.

Officers searched dozens of places around Cleveland without finding Stephens or any other victims before expanding the manhunt. Detectives spoke with the suspect Sunday by cellphone and tried to persuade him to surrender, police said.

Within a day, authorities expanded the search nationwide and offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture and prosecution.

Law enforcement officials said Monday that his cellphone was last tracked Sunday afternoon in Erie, Pa., about 100 miles east of Cleveland.

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UPDATES:

9:15 a.m.: Updated with more information on the chase and the search for Stephens.

9:03 a.m.: Updated with description of the chase.

This post originally published at 8:50 a.m.
Tuesday is Tax Day, and millions of Americans are expected to file their 1040s as part of the complicated business of paying for government. Now is the time for President Trump to stop making excuses and release his own tax records to the public, as he should have done many months ago.

His current and complete tax returns, that is. And back taxes too, while hes at it. Two pages of Trumps 2005 forms that were leaked to the media last month showed he paid $38 million in taxes that year on more than $150 million in income. Because the documents were stamped client copy, it raised speculation that Trump or his emissaries had leaked the document to show that, at least for one year, he did pay federal taxes. Another leak, reported in the New York Times last year, suggested that Trump had taken a huge $916-million loss in the 1990s that enabled him to pay no federal taxes at all for an undetermined number of years.

Neither of those leaks is sufficient. Neither answers the most basic questions that Americans have about their new president. For instance: Does he have business entanglements overseas that might affect his foreign policy decisions? Does he owe money to Russian lenders? How much does he give to charity? Does the nations convoluted tax system mean Trump pays taxes at a lower rate than middle-class Americans? In what years did he pay no taxes at all, and why? What other conflicts of interest exist that we cant even guess at?

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Trump would like us to believe that his election victory means people dont care about his tax returns. But they do. A poll conducted in January found that nearly three-quarters of Americans want him to release his returns. On Saturday, tens of thousands of people marched in Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and dozens of other U.S. cities demanding that the president release his taxes.

Of course, he doesnt have to. Although it has become a tradition over the last four decades, theres no law requiring that presidents make public their tax forms. But Trump, whose finances are particularly complicated and whose potential conflicts of interests are far greater than most presidents  and who promised during the campaign that he would release his returns eventually  should do as other candidates and presidents have done. Especially with a major tax reform proposal on the way. How can the public trust the presidents motives on a tax overhaul without knowing whether he will profit from it?

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
One of the (many) things that makes the Trump presidency so hard to read is that the chapters are all out of order.

Traditionally, during the transition period, presidents-elect are out of the limelight. But while Barack Obama was still in the White House, Donald Trump announced deals and appointments that made it seem like he was already in office, hitting the ground running to Make America Great Again. On the entirely subjective calculus of wins, he probably had more before his inauguration than any president.

Conversely, the first 100 days are supposed to be a time of big domestic legislative achievements. Instead, theyve looked more like the lame-duck period of a presidents second term.

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Once sworn in, rather than get a political honeymoon with the news media, Trump had an angry divorce. And instead of giving Trump a big gift-wrapped box of legislation, Congress has mostly given him the sorts of headaches presidents have to deal with when theyve lost their clout.

What happens when the list of easy wins runs out?

The White House is touting its raft of executive orders as proof that things are getting done and promises are being kept. Thats a fair spin. Trump campaigned on repealing a slew of Obamas executive orders and other job-killing regulations.

But that doesnt change the fact that presidents usually turn to executive orders when getting big stuff through Congress is impossible and to prove they still have their mojo. Hence Obamas famous quip in 2014 that he still had a pen and a phone.

Theres another thing presidents famously do in their second terms, when Congress isnt interested in the presidents agenda: retreat to foreign policy. Ronald Reagan concentrated on dealing with the Soviets. Bill Clinton focused on peace negotiations in Northern Ireland and the Middle East and his air war in the former Yugoslavia. George W. Bush launched the surge in Iraq, gave a shot at Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and initiated a massive humanitarian effort to fight AIDS in Africa. Obamas second term was dominated by his obsession with getting a nuclear deal with Iran.

And now President Trump, early in his first term, is trying the same trick. Thats because, according to numerous reports from inside the shockingly leaky White House (another feature of lame duck presidencies, when staffers look to their own political future) Trump is eager for wins. As Trump advisor Larry Kudlow told the Washington Post, The president wants Ws  he wants wins.

His biggest W to date was the appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, which came when he turned to seasoned pros who know how to get things done in Washington, namely Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Leonard Leo of the Federalist Society. His other big W was his missile strike on Syria, for which he also had seasoned pros to thank: Defense Secretary James N. Mattis and national security advisor Gen. H.R. McMaster.

Its early yet, but that strike, combined with his authorization of a massive bomb drop on an alleged Islamic State compound in Afghanistan, has yielded other apparent foreign policy Ws. China seems to be cooperating in the administrations effort to squeeze the North Korean regime. Domestically, these moves succeeded in sucking some of the oxygen out of the medias feeding frenzy over allegations that Trumps campaign colluded with Russia and claims that he is a puppet of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

It seems a fair guess that Trumps response will be, more please. As Fox News anchor Bret Baier recently put it, Trump is not that ideological. He is more practical and he is looking for Ws, wins. If you turn to the Pentagon and say, give me some wins, they have got a long list of things that can produce Ws.

Trumps sudden transformation into a foreign policy president isnt necessarily sinister. Obamas policy of strategic patience and leading from behind left a lot of low-hanging fruit for Trump to pluck.

The question is, what happens when the list of easy Ws runs out? Theres little evidence that Trump is operating with a coherent strategic vision, which means that he wont have a thought-out criteria for knowing when to say no to the generals he clearly admires. For a true lame duck president, that may not matter  when the Ws run out, hes out of office. For a first-term president who just acts like a lame duck president, its another story.

jgoldberg@latimescolumnists.com

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook

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University of California administration is paying excessive salaries and mishandling funds, state audit says

UCLA campus (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The administration of the University of California system pays top workers salaries and benefits significantly higher than that of similar state employees, and failed to disclose to the Board of Regents and the public that it had $175 million in budget reserve funds while it was seeking to raise tuition, a state audit found Tuesday.

The audit triggered a dispute with UC President Janet Napolitano, who said charges of hidden funds were false, while two members of the UC Board of Regents charged recommendations to give the Legislature budget authority over the Office of the President encroached on UCs constitutional powers.

Among the sticking points, the auditors believe the regents should contract with an independent third party that can assist the regents in monitoring a three-year corrective action plan.

The audit of the Office of the President also found that it failed to satisfactorily justify its spending on system-wide initiatives and inappropriately screened surveys submitted by auditors to campus officials.

Our report concludes that the Office of the President has amassed substantial reserve funds, used misleading budgeting practices, provided its employees with generous salaries and atypical benefits, and failed to satisfactorily justify its spending on systemwide initiatives, State Auditor Elaine Howle wrote to Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature.

Furthermore, when we sought independent perspective from campuses about the quality and cost of the services and programs the Office of the President provides to them, the Office of the President intentionally interfered with our audit process, Howle wrote.

The auditor said that because of recent tuition hikes, she recommends the Office of the President should refund available funds in the reserves by returning them to the campuses for the benefit of students.

Ralph Washington Jr. president of the U.C. Students Assn. said if any reserve money is found it should go to help students, possibly by killing the tuition increase or helping students who are starving or homeless, but he is concerned legislators may use the audit to say the U.C. doesnt need so much general fund money.

Students definitely dont want their tuition to go up, he said.

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount), who serves on the board of regents, said the audit requires more inquiry.

The audit of the UC Office of the President appears to have uncovered the same kind of budgetary misrepresentations and executive excess that weve seen before with the State Parks Department and the Public Utilities Commission, Rendon said in a statement. There are many questions that need to be answeredand answered honestly.

The audit was requested by legislators concerned about high tuition and complaints of a bloated administration overseeing the UC systems 10 campuses.

The reserve included $32 million in unspent funds it received from an annual charge levied on the campusesfunds that campuses could have spent on students, the audit said.

Auditors said salaries paid to those in the presidents office are much higher than the pay of comparable positions in other state government jobs.

President Napolitano agreed with the vast majority of recommendations for improving budget processes and spending, but denied that $175 million was hidden from the UC Board of Regents.

In a letter to Howle, the president said changes were already underway.

The recommendations to [the UC presidents office] are helpful, Napolitano wrote. We welcome this constructive input, which aligns with our proactive efforts to continually improve UCOPs operations, and UCOP intends to implement the recommendations.

However, Board of Regents Chair Monica Lozano and Regent Charlene Zettel asked Howle to remove recommendations that they feel encroach on the constitutional autonomy of the university system, including proposals to have the Legislature approve the Office of the Presidents budget.

As written, we believe these recommendations threaten the Universitys standing as a constitutionally autonomous entity, and the Board of Regents itself, the regents wrote.

Administrative salaries amounted to $2.5 million more than the maximum annual salary ranges for comparable state employees, auditors found.

For instance, an accounting managers maximum annual salary is $169,000 at UC compared to $156,000 for other state employees.

An information system manager can make $258,000 with UC, but $150,000 with other state agencies.

The audit said: 10 executives in the Office of the President whose compensation we analyzed were paid a total of $3.7 million in fiscal year 2014-15  over $700,000 more than the combined salaries of their highest paid state employee counterparts.

On benefits, the Office of the President provided a regular retirement plan but also offered its executives a retirement savings account into which the office contributes up to 5% of the executives salariesabout $2.5 million over the past five years, the audit found.

The Office of the President also spent more than $2 million for its staffs business meetings and entertainment expenses over the past five yearsa benefit that the State does not offer to its employees except in limited circumstances, the audit said..

The audit also said the Office of the President reimbursed questionable travel expenses, including a ticket for a theater performance and limousine services. One person spent $350 per night on hotel rooms, which is above the allowable standard for other state agencies.

The audit said the Office of the President has not managed its own budget  which amounted to $747 million in fiscal year 201516  in a fiscally prudent or transparent way.

Napolitano said the audit was in error in claiming her office failed to publicly disclose tens of millions in surplus funds.

In fact, UCOPs budget and financial approaches reflect strategic, deliberate and transparent spending and investment in UC and state priorities, said a statement by the Office of the President.

Howle disagreed.

Significant reforms are necessary to strengthen the publics trust in the Office of the President, the audit concluded.

Read the audit here.
Led by President Trump, top administration officials on Tuesday blamed what they called lax immigration enforcement for the rise of MS-13, the bloody crime cartel spawned in the streets and jails of Los Angeles, and promised a stronger federal response.

Tweeting before dawn, Trump called his predecessor weak on illegal immigration and said, without evidence, that the Obama administration allowed the Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as MS-13, to form in America.

The weak illegal immigration policies of the Obama Admin. allowed bad MS 13 gangs to form in cities across U.S. We are removing them fast! the president wrote on Twitter at about 5:40 a.m.

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MS-13 was founded in Los Angeles in the 1980s by immigrants fleeing a civil war in their native El Salvador, and it has expanded in scope and violence ever since.

An FBI task force has investigated the transnational crime group since 2007, working with law enforcement in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. In 2008, before Obama was elected, the FBI said MS-13 was active in at least 42 states.

In separate speeches Tuesday, Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions and Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly both vowed to take a tougher approach to such cartels, but offered few details as to what that would entail.

Speaking to a meeting of organized crime task forces at the Justice Department, Sessions said MS-13 had expanded because of a porous Southwest border and sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with immigration agents.

Because of an open border and years of lax immigration enforcement, MS-13 has been sending both recruiters and members to regenerate gangs that previously had been decimated, he said.

MS-13 also had smuggled members across the border as unaccompanied minors, Sessions said.

They are not content to simply ruin the lives of adults  MS-13 recruits in our high schools, our middle schools and even our elementary schools, Sessions said.

The Justice Department meeting was supposed to kick off an effort to find new strategies to battle the cartels.

Before he became the nations top law enforcement officer, Sessions had focused on curbing legal and illegal immigration during his nearly four terms in the Senate, and his opposition helped block attempts to reform immigration laws.

Kelly told an audience at George Washington University that MS-13 was one of the greatest hazards facing the country.

They are utterly without laws, conscience or respect for human life, he said. Noting their purported role in smuggling immigrants into the United States, he added, They send them on a course north that rivals Dantes journey into hell.

According to the FBIs National Gang Intelligence Center, MS-13 has 30,000 members worldwide and about 10,000 in the United States.

After the U.S. government jailed and deported many MS-13 members in the 1990s, the group formed a new power base in El Salvador. Since then, federal authorities say, it has sent members north to fill depleted ranks and seek new territory, often in bloody turf wars.

Police in Central Islip, a Long Island suburb of New York City, said last week, for example, that they believed MS-13 members brutally beat and killed four young men, ages 16 to 20, months after six other bodies were found.

In a recent speech in Arizona, Sessions spoke about MS-13 in lurid terms.

When we talk about MS-13 and the cartels, what do we mean? We mean criminal organizations that turn cities and suburbs into war zones, that rape and kill innocent citizens and who profit by smuggling poison and other human beings across our borders, he said. Depravity and violence are their calling cards, including brutal machete attacks and beheadings.

One expert who has studied the group says that, while MS-13 is extremely violent and very proud of that violence, Sessions has exaggerated the threat.

Part of this is scapegoating to serve his agenda, said Luis Salinas, a sociology professor at the University of Houston. What hes basically trying to do is demonize them and make them guilty of every possible crime, and use scare tactics to justify a crackdown on crime.

Salinas says up to 40% of gang members are born in the U.S. and said he hasnt seen evidence of a widespread effort to smuggle more members across the border.

joseph.tanfani@latimes.com | Twitter: @jtanfani
Al-Azhar's Council of Senior Scholars defended its teachings on Tuesday amid rising criticism in Egypt that its curriculums foster extremism and sectarianism.

In an official statement released following a meeting presided over by the grand imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed El-Tayyeb, to discuss several issues, the council described itself as "the only ones mandated to teach righteous Islamic dogma that spreads peace and stability between Muslims themselves and between Muslims and others."

"The proof of this is the millions who have graduated from Al-Azhar whether in Egypt or worldwide and who call for peace; and it is a falsification of people's awareness and a defamation of its teachings to accuse it of nurturing terrorists," the statement read.

The council added that anyone who "tampered" with the religious body would be considered to be meddling with Egypt and its history, as well as being unfaithful to the integrity of the people and the whole nation.

Egypt was rocked by twin bombings of churches last week, which killed at least 47 people. The attacks in Tanta and Alexandria were claimed by local IS-affiliated militants.

Criticism of Al-Azhar has increased since the attacks, with some public figures accusing the venerable Islamic institution, which has branches all over Egypt and several abroad, of spreading extremism through its teachings and syllabuses and by its public decision not to formally declare IS militants apostates.

The statement also said that the council stands side-by-side with the Coptic Orthodox Church against the latest attacks, stressing that the Egyptian people will be able to fight off terrorism and extremism.

The Council of Senior Islamic Scholars is an advisory board comprised of prominent Azhar clerics; appointees are selected by the grand imam.

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has called on Al-Azhar in several speeches to rethink religious discourse and "purge it of flaws" that negatively affect Islam.

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To gauge the importance to Republicans of Tuesdays special election for a vacant House seat in the Atlanta suburbs, look no further than President Trumps Twitter feed.

The super Liberal Democrat in the Georgia Congressioal [sic] race tomorrow wants to protect criminals, allow illegal immigration and raise taxes! the president declared Monday. He followed up with three additional tweets on Tuesday morning exhorting Republicans to vote.

With eleven Republican candidates running in Georgia (on Tuesday) for Congress, a runoff will be a win. Vote "R" for lower taxes & safety!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017

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Democrat Jon Ossoff would be a disaster in Congress. VERY weak on crime and illegal immigration, bad for jobs and wants higher taxes. Say NO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017

Republicans must get out today and VOTE in Georgia 6. Force runoff and easy win! Dem Ossoff will raise your taxes-very bad on crime & 2nd A.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017

Trumps ire toward Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff was not necessarily accurate  he hasnt run as a liberal Democrat and hasnt espoused raising taxes or the other views the president attached to him. But the fact that Trump has gotten involved points to the concern the White House and the GOP have about the race.

Democrats have coalesced around Ossoff and  if polls are accurate  have brought him close to the edge of winning the seat outright in Tuesdays all-candidates primary by earning over 50% of the vote.

That would flip the seat, a longtime Republican stronghold held until recently by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, from Republican to Democrat. By itself, it wouldnt greatly reduce the GOP advantage in the House, but it would put Democrats on the offensive  and Republicans on defense  as the 2018 congressional contests near.

Even the scenario that polls suggest is more likely, in which Ossoff falls just short of a majority, setting in motion a runoff election on June 20 between the top two finishers, underscores how Trumps election has scrambled the political predilections of districts like Georgias 6th.

Price won this district by more than 23 percentage points in November. Trump, however, eked out just a 1.5-percentage-point victory, not only 20 points fewer than Price, but also significantly behind the 2012 presidential nominee, Mitt Romney.

That means the district was a clear marker for one of the less-noticed demographic shifts in the presidential contest.

Much attention has been lavished on Trumps strong showing in exurban and rural areas across the country, where once solidly Democratic and blue-collar voters sided with the Republican nominee.

While that was enough to secure his electoral college victory, it came at a price: turning moderate suburban districts like Georgias 6th more Democratic than they previously had been.

Tuesdays election will test whether the Trump effect poses a threat to Republicans beyond himself, even to those running the sort of conventional GOP campaigns seen in the special-election race.

Republicans are counting on the district reverting to its normal behavior  if not on Tuesday, when its vote is split among multiple candidates, then in a runoff.

The presidential contest was an outcome driven almost solely by the particular personalities involved, said longtime Republican pollster Whit Ayres, who is working for the GOP candidate that most polls had in second place, former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel. A more traditional Republican running a more traditional Republican campaign should reset the outcome.

He added an important caveat, however: Who knows what the impact will be of a highly energized Democratic base?

Ossoff has been the unlikely beneficiary of that high energy. A 30-year-old former congressional aide and filmmaker, he has mined Democratic distaste for Trump nationally into a lavish campaign, raising more than $8 million by the last accounting  a figure that vaulted the first-time candidate into the ranks of Congress best fundraisers and financed a frenzy of ads and campaign activity.

The vast majority of Ossoffs money has come from outside the district, a factor that has been used as a predictable sledgehammer by Republicans, who have also hit Ossoff on his youth and a prior job as a filmmaker for the cable channel Al Jazeera.

In contrast to Trumps characterization of him in his tweet, Ossoff has gone out of his way to present himself as anything but a flamethrower, lest he reinforce the districts Republican bent.

Folks here are excited now for fresh leadership presenting a substantive message about local economic development and talking about core values, he offered blandly in a recent interview. They are tired of partisan politics.

Yet partisan politics and Democratic rage define todays political environment, which has been clear in the special elections made necessary by Trump appointments to senior positions in his administration.

Last week, Democrat James Thompson finished less than 7 percentage points behind Republican Ron Estes in the special election for Kansas 4th Congressional District, one far more red than Georgias contested district. Trump had won the Kansas seat by 27 percentage points.

The gap between Trumps showing and Estes finish fanned Democratic hopes that a groundswell of fervor could prove more successful in more closely contested districts, such as the one in Georgia.

That has raised the stakes dramatically for Democrats: The Kansas race was not winnable in almost anyones estimation, but the Georgia seat is seen as a toss-up.

Winning could mean a continued invigoration of Democratic activists, a continued boom in donations and, most importantly, serve to encourage potential Democratic candidates in districts seen as unwinnable just a few months ago.

A Democratic loss could restore confidence among Republicans, suggest an effective course to blunt Trump-inspired anger in future races and stall any sense of Democratic momentum leading into two additional special House contests in May, and the 2018 elections.

The party out of power typically tries to project midterm elections as national referendums on the party in power  and Trumps presidency has given Democrats ammunition to spare in their efforts this spring.

A survey released Monday by the Pew Research Center offered a downcast assessment for Republicans.

Trumps job approval rating stood at 39%; 54% of Americans disapproved of how hes handled the presidency. In polls dating back to the 1981 inauguration of Ronald Reagan, no president has done worse than 29% disapproval, Pew researchers said.

House Speaker Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin was even less popular than Trump, with 29% giving him a favorable job rating. Both the Republican and Democratic parties were unpopular, but Republicans remained at a lower ebb, with 57% of Americans disapproving of them.

Those findings put added pressure on Republicans to block Ossoff from winning the majority vote Tuesday  and to coalesce, once Tuesday ends, around the highest-ranking Republican.

A win in June would restore a sense of equanimity, at least in this one district, pollster Ayres said: It would clearly indicate that Republican candidates running normal Republican campaigns can continue to be successful in the Trump era.

A Democratic win, he countered, would shake up our political calculations and our political expectations.

This is a strong Republican district and has been so for years. I dont expect that to happen.

For more on politics 

cathleen.decker@latimes.com

Twitter: @cathleendecker

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Updates on California politics

Trump is creating a void on climate change. Can California persuade other states to help fill it?

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5:20 a.m.: This article was updated with information about additional tweets by Trump.

This article was first published at 4 a.m.
Californias program to provide in-home care for its low-income elderly and disabled residents finds itself once again at the heart of a state budget standoff.

It is familiar territory for the workers, advocates and administrators of the In-Home Supportive Services program. The current flare-up  between the state and county governments over how to divvy up IHSS costs  is the latest example of how Californias signature program, meant to keep people in their communities and out of nursing homes, has continually been the source of budget friction in recent years.



For the record: An earlier version of this article gave the name of the union representing in-home caregivers as Service Employees International Union  United Long Term Care Workers Union. It is SEIU 2015.

The tussling comes at a crucial time for the program, which now cares for more than half a million people  and, more broadly, for California, as the state braces for a swell of demand for care from an aging population. By 2036, residents age 65 or older are expected to make up nearly a quarter of the population, according to state projections, up from 14% last year.

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It gets exhausting, to tell you the truth, said Laphonza Butler, president of SEIU 2015, which represents in-home caregivers, of the recurring budget battles. But at the same time, in my opinion theres no more important conversation to be having. Californias population is aging and it is aging rapidly.

Advocates for both the workers and consumers of the program say IHSS benefits consumers by keeping them in their homes  and saves the state money on pricey institutional care.

Overall, it is an invaluable program and it really has accomplished a lot of the goals it set out to accomplish, said Claire Ramsey, an attorney with Justice in Aging, an advocacy group.

Born from a disability rights movement

Far more than most states, California has embraced the concept of in-home caregiving, which involves assistance with a wide range of daily living tasks such as bathing, feeding, house cleaning and administering medications. There are between 600,000 and 800,000 providers offering in-home care throughout the country, said Candace Howes, an economics professor at Connecticut College, and more than 500,000 of them are in California.

California did this in part in response to a civil rights movement among disabled people, said Howes, who has studied the IHSS program. It was spawned by Vietnam veterans coming back and wanting to have care in the community, rather than institutions.

As a part of the states Medi-Cal program, IHSS is an entitlement for anyone who meets the income qualification. Recipients cannot have assets greater than $2,000  or $3,000 per couple  with certain property, such as homes or vehicles, being excluded from that total.

The federal government typically covers 50% of the cost of the program  that share has gone up for some recipients under the Affordable Care Act. The state and counties cover the rest. Counties administer the program by determining eligibility and assessing how many hours of care each recipient will need. But the ultimate authority rests with the consumer, who gets to pick his or her caregiver. About 70% of program recipients employ a family member as their in-home caregiver. Providers must enroll with the county and pass a background check, but there are no additional training or certification requirements.

Californias budget deficit is back, Gov. Jerry Brown says 

Alaina Brooks said in-home care has been a life-changer for her brother, Anthony Cheatham, 59, who was paralyzed by a gunshot wound more than 20 years ago. Cheatham had been living in a nursing home in Texas, but inattentive care led to dry rot in his legs, eventually requiring amputation, Brooks said.

Now, Cheatham is living in Brooks Palmdale home and has been hospitalized only once in six years, she said.

Brooks brother was assessed the maximum amount of care possible, 283 hours per month, for which Brooks is paid $11 an hour.

We dont go into this for the money, said Brooks, 51, a former real estate agent who is now active in her union. Thats barking up the wrong tree. Its because it needs to be done.

Recent budget battles

Backers of the program found themselves playing defense during the recession, when then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called for anti-fraud measures to tamp down on costs and sought reductions to providers wages and the number of hours recipients would be eligible for.

The cuts continued as Jerry Brown returned to the governors office. In 2011, he sought to slash IHSS service hours, which range from one to 283 hours per month, by 20%. That move was ultimately blocked by a court injunction, but milder cuts, initiated in the Schwarzenegger years, were kept in place.

Butler, who also leads SEIUs statewide council, credited Brown for trying to engage constructively  but, she hastened to add, not always in ways that we have agreed with and not always in ways that demonstrate the level of importance of this program to so many Californians.

Debbi Thomson, deputy director of the adult programs division of the state Department of Social Services, said the administration recognizes the role IHSS has in keeping residents in their homes and out of nursing facilities.

We feel like its a valuable program, absolutely, she said.

Californias healthier post-recession finances put an end to the string of cuts, and in 2015, Brown restored the service hours that had been cut by 7% in previous years.

Still, there were other points of friction. At Browns insistence, in-home caregivers were cut out of a 2014 measure to give paid sick leave to all workers in the state. Last year, as part of the deal struck by Brown and labor leaders to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022, IHSS workers secured paid sick days, which will take effect in 2018.

Once fully phased in, the increased minimum wage is expected to cost the state more than $1.2 billion just for the IHSS program, according to Department of Finance projections. Compounding the costs are federal labor regulations that went into effect in 2016 that require overtime pay for home care workers.

Other changes from Washington could have more dramatic impact. The now-stalled Republican healthcare overhaul included a drastic restructuring of Medicaid financing. Proposals such as block grants, which cap how much money the federal government would provide to states, could mean a more existential threat to IHSS as an entitlement program.

Its really hard to predict what is going to happen at the federal level at this point, Thomson said.

A face-off between states and counties

The latest kerfuffle centers on a program called the Coordinated Care Initiative, a pilot program started in 2012 that tried to better administer benefits for people on both Medi-Cal and Medicare. The program drastically changed the cost-sharing between the state and counties for IHSS.

Under the initiative, the counties, which typically paid for 35% of the program, had their share capped at 2011-2012 levels, plus an annual growth factor. The state picked up the rest of the tab.

But this year, the Brown administration announced the initiative was not saving the state money. The governor wants to continue most of the components of the pilot program meant to help with coordinating care. But he has proposed restoring the old IHSS cost-sharing arrangement, which would shift $600 million back to the counties.

Counties warn such a burden could imperil their finances or other programs they administer.

IHSS is a federal entitlement. Thats the least likely program to be cut by the counties, said Matt Cate, executive director of the California State Assn. of Counties. Instead youll see cuts to other health and human services programs, perhaps other law enforcement and other general fund programs.

Counties  which are aligned with labor and consumer groups in their concerns  and administration officials say theyre working on a solution, although they remain tight-lipped about negotiations.

We are in ongoing discussions with the administration and were encouraged by both the governors engagement and [legislative leaders] engagement, Cate said.

Meanwhile, IHSS backers are hoping for a broader policy discussion that looks beyond year-to-year budget dust-ups to the programs long-term viability.

I wish we could have a conversation that was more about what it is that we need to do to prepare for the future as opposed to what do we need to do to pass a budget for the next six months, Butler said.

melanie.mason@latimes.com

Follow @melmason on Twitter for the latest on California politics.

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Trump promotes sons Justice with Judge Jeanine interview President Trump promoted via Twitter an interview with his son Eric Trump just before it aired Saturday night on Fox News Justice with Judge Jeanine. Eric Trump on @JudgeJeanine on @FoxNews now!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 Eric Trump called into the show to defend his father from criticism prompted by the first government shutdown in more than four years, as well as a series of Womens March events that saw protesters in dozens of cities take to the streets to oppose the presidents policies. .@EricTrump joined me over the phone from Mar-a-Lago ! pic.twitter.com/Hro3TzUW52  Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) January 21, 2018 Speaking to host Jeannine Piro  who is reportedly an old friend of the presidents  Eric Trump offered effusive praise for his father, ticking off glowing statistics to illustrate the strength of the U.S. economy and gains against Islamic State fighters overseas. My fathers working like no ones ever worked before to bring back this country and to fulfill his promise to make America great again, said the executive vice president of the Trump Organization. He also repeated a sentiment recently expressed on Twitter by his father: That Democratic lawmakers forced a government shutdown on the anniversary of the presidents inauguration in a bid to distract from his achievements. You look at this whole government shutdown, and the only reason they want to shut down government is to distract and to stop his momentum, Eric Trump said. I mean, my father has had incredible momentum. Hes gotten more done in one year than arguably any president in history. Facebook

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Trump tweets: a perfect day for all Women to March President Trump hailed the nationwide Womens March gatherings Saturday. On Twitter, the president called it a perfect day for all Women to March, seeming to imply that those taking part were celebrating his administrations accomplishments: Beautiful weather all over our great country, a perfect day for all Women to March. Get out there now to celebrate the historic milestones and unprecedented economic success and wealth creation that has taken place over the last 12 months. Lowest female unemployment in 18 years!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Participants in the marches across the United States were actually seeking to deliver a powerful rebuke to Trumps policies and mount a crucial mobilization for this years midterm elections. But Trump continued to tout his administrations unprecedented success in tweets sent later in the day: Unprecedented success for our Country, in so many ways, since the Election. Record Stock Market, Strong on Military, Crime, Borders, & ISIS, Judicial Strength & Numbers, Lowest Unemployment for Women & ALL, Massive Tax Cuts, end of Individual Mandate - and so much more. Big 2018!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The Trump Administration has terminated more UNNECESSARY Regulation, in just twelve months, than any other Administration has terminated during their full term in office, no matter what the length. The good news is, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO COME!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 In addition to the roll call of major American cities where womens marches took place  including New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta  protesters also raised their voices in suburbs and small towns, reflecting the aim of coalescing a broad-based movement on the anniversary of Trumps inauguration to oppose the presidents stance on immigration, healthcare, racial divides and an array of other issues. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook

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Trump calls shutdown a present from Democrats By Associated Press President Trump is blaming Democrats for the government shutdown  tweeting that they wanted to give him a nice present to mark the one-year anniversary of his inauguration: This is the One Year Anniversary of my Presidency and the Democrats wanted to give me a nice present. #DemocratShutdown  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 That comes after Senate Democrats late Friday killed a GOP-written House-passed measure that would have kept agencies functioning for four weeks. Democrats were seeking a stopgap bill of just a few days in hopes that would build pressure on Republicans, and they were opposing a three-week alternative offered by GOP leaders. Democrats have insisted they would back legislation reopening the government once theres a bipartisan agreement to preserve protections against deporting about 700,000 immigrants  known as Dreamers  who arrived in the United States illegally as children. Trump on Saturday accused Democrats of holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration: Democrats are holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration. Cant let that happen!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Democrats are laying fault for the shutdown on Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress and the White House and have struggled with building internal consensus. In a series of tweets hours after the shutdown began, the president tried to make the case for Americans to elect more Republicans to Congress in November in order to power through this mess: Democrats are far more concerned with Illegal Immigrants than they are with our great Military or Safety at our dangerous Southern Border. They could have easily made a deal but decided to play Shutdown politics instead. #WeNeedMoreRepublicansIn18 in order to power through mess!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 He noted that there are 51 Republicans in the 100-member Senate, and it often takes 60 votes to advance legislation: For those asking, the Republicans only have 51 votes in the Senate, and they need 60. That is why we need to win more Republicans in 2018 Election! We can then be even tougher on Crime (and Border), and even better to our Military & Veterans!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 #AMERICA FIRST!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The stopgap spending measure won 50 votes in the Senate, including five from Democrats. Although the House and Senate were in session Saturday, it was unclear whether lawmakers would take any votes of consequence. Trump had been set to leave Friday afternoon for a fundraiser at his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., where he intended to mark the inauguration anniversary. But he remained in Washington and ended up scrapping his plans to attend the Saturday fundraiser. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweet casts doubt on likelihood of averting shutdown President Trump appeared to cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching a deal to avert a government shutdown Friday night in a tweet. Trump also sought to blame Democrats for what would be the first shutdown since 2013. His message came just hours before the midnight deadline by which lawmakers must pass a measure to fund government agencies, or some operations will cease. Not looking good for our great Military or Safety & Security on the very dangerous Southern Border. Dems want a Shutdown in order to help diminish the great success of the Tax Cuts, and what they are doing for our booming economy.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Despite last-minute negotiations Friday between Trump and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Congress remained deadlocked over a spending bill and the federal government was headed toward a shutdown at midnight. Senate Democrats  joined by some GOP deficit hawks and immigration allies  were set to filibuster a stopgap funding bill approved by the House on Thursday. A Senate vote was planned for 10 p.m. Eastern, and even White House officials predicted it would fail. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Lisa Mascaro. Facebook

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Trump signs surveillance law after confusing tweets By Associated Press President Trump on Friday signed a bill into law to renew a foreign intelligence surveillance program, announcing his action in the latest in a series of confusing tweets about the spy program: Just signed 702 Bill to reauthorize foreign intelligence collection. This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 19, 2018 Trumps tweet on Jan. 11 created chaos in the House just before it voted to reauthorize what is known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. He linked the intelligence program to a dossier that alleges his presidential campaign had ties to Russia. That caused people to wonder if he didnt support the program that allows U.S. spy agencies to collect intelligence on foreign targets abroad. Trump and other Republicans have alleged that Obama administration officials improperly shared the identities of Trump presidential transition team members mentioned in intelligence reports. Democrats say there is no evidence that happened. Shortly before the House vote, and after conferring with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Trump did an apparent about-face. This vote is about foreign surveillance of foreign bad guys on foreign land, he tweeted. We need it! Get smart! In his tweet announcing that he had just signed the bill, Trump wrote: This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first! There are no obvious links between the dossier Trump spoke of, which includes salacious but unsubstantiated allegations against him, and the reauthorization of the spying program, or between the program and Trumps oft-repeated claims that the Obama administration conducted surveillance on Trump Tower during the presidential campaign. Facebook

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In tweet, Trump suggests that Pennsylvania trip is a political one The White House press office was once again forced to walk back a tweet from President Trump on Thursday morning after he described a trip to Pennsylvania later in the day as a political one  a statement that would force the Republican Party, not taxpayers, to pay for the journey. The White House had said Trump was going to an industrial equipment company outside of Pittsburgh to highlight the good economy and new tax cuts, making it an official, policy-oriented event. It was widely assumed that the trip had a political cast  the area is holding a special election to fill a congressional seat vacated by a Republican who resigned. Trump, by his tweet, seemed to confirm that politics was the whole purpose: Will be going to Pennsylvania today in order to give my total support to RICK SACCONE, running for Congress in a Special Election (March 13). Rick is a great guy. We need more Republicans to continue our already successful agenda!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 Trump later shared via Twitter a pair of video clips of his speech at H&K Equipment, in which he touted the tax cuts he signed into law just before Christmas and tried to turn the conversation back to his accomplishments after weeks dominated by distractions, including questions about his mental health and comments about immigration that some considered racist: Departing Pittsburgh now, where it was my great honor to stand with our incredible workers, and to show the world that AMERICA is back - and we are coming back bigger and better and stronger than ever before! pic.twitter.com/kWPgylqFzj  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 AMERICA will once again be a NATION that thinks big, dreams bigger, and always reaches for the stars. YOU are the ones who will shape Americas destiny. YOU are the ones who will restore our prosperity. And YOU are the ones who are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/f2abNK47II  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 The Republican National Committee, rather than the White House, is supposed to pay for political travel so that taxpayers are not financing party activities; for trips that combine policy and politics, parties have split the cost under past presidents. Neither the RNC nor the White House responded to emails sent Thursday asking who would pay. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement later Thursday suggesting that taxpayers would foot the bill. She insisted that Trump would be conducting government business while in Pennsylvania. Read More This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump tweets praise of Bob Dole after awarding him Congressional Gold Medal By Associated Press Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole knew the art of the deal before President Trump published the 1987 book of the same name. The two shared a stage under the Capitol dome Wednesday as Dole, 94, accepted Congress highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, for his World War II service and decades of work in the House and Senate. Trump later praised Dole in a tweet, attaching to his message a video composed of clips from the ceremony: Today, we witnessed an incredible moment in history  the presentation of Congress highest civilian honor to our friend, and true AMERICAN HERO, Bob Dole. #CongressionalGoldMedal pic.twitter.com/qNQqDLRmCk  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2018 At the ceremony, the president saluted Dole as a patriot and gave tribute to Doles struggle as a veteran who worked his way back from a grievous shoulder wound he suffered in Italy. He knows about grit, said Trump. But it was Doles penchant for working across the aisle that earned him his latest award, according to the legislation. Bob Dole was known for his ability to work across the aisle and embrace practical bipartisanship, reads the legislation Trump signed in September. Some of the awards 300 recipients include George Washington and Mother Teresa, according to the Congressional Research Service. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts report that seeks to link terrorism cases with immigration By Joseph Tanfani The Trump administration on Tuesday released a report attempting to link terrorism with migration, arguing that it was evidence of the need to dramatically reshape the nations immigration system. New report from DOJ & DHS shows that nearly 3 in 4 individuals convicted of terrorism-related charges are foreign-born. We have submitted to Congress a list of resources and reforms....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 ....we need to keep America safe, including moving away from a random chain migration and lottery system, to one that is merit-based. https://t.co/7PtoSFK1n2  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The report, ordered by President Trump in an executive order last year, said that 75% of the 549 people convicted of terrorism charges since 9/11 were born outside the U.S. Administration officials called that a sign that the U.S. needs to scrap its policy of family preferences for visas, which they call chain migration, and a diversity visa lottery program. But the report did not specify how many  if any  of the convicted terrorists entered the country through those means. It also did not detail how many of the convictions were related to attacks or plans in the U.S. versus overseas and how many involved people who went to fight overseas for the Islamic State or another terrorist group. Those details were not available, officials said. The report, due last year, is being released in a highly charged moment in the immigration debate, as Trump and some Republicans in Congress seek tough new border and immigration measures in return for a deal protecting the 690,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Trump also fired off a pair of tweets on the topic earlier Tuesday: We must have Security at our VERY DANGEROUS SOUTHERN BORDER, and we must have a great WALL to help protect us, and to help stop the massive inflow of drugs pouring into our country!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The Democrats want to shut down the Government over Amnesty for all and Border Security. The biggest loser will be our rapidly rebuilding Military, at a time we need it more than ever. We need a merit based system of immigration, and we need it now! No more dangerous Lottery.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The focus of our immigration system should be assimilation, a senior administration official said on Tuesday, speaking on condition that his name not be used. He said the nation should give priority to potential immigrants who speak English, who have an education and those who are committed to supporting our values  not family members of people already here. The official said the timing of the report was coincidental. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets welcome to president of Kazakhstan By Associated Press President Trump said Tuesday that he and the president of Kazakhstan are united in a shared determination to prevent North Korea from threatening the world with nuclear devastation. Trump and President Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed North Korea along with other issues during meetings at the White House. Today, it was my honor to welcome President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan to the @WhiteHouse! pic.twitter.com/TerYFZViax  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 Trump said Kazakhstan, once part of the Soviet Union, is a valued partner in our efforts to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons. Together we are determined to prevent the North Korean regime from threatening the world with nuclear devastation, he said, as both presidents addressed journalists between meetings. Nazarbayev noted that his country once had one of the worlds largest nuclear arsenals but voluntarily gave it up after the Soviet Union collapsed. He said his country is in talks with Iran, which was the focus of a global deal that lifted some economic sanctions in exchange for Irans curbing its nuclear program. Trump has sharply criticized the Iran nuclear deal and threatened last week to pull out soon unless other countries fix what he says are terrible flaws. Read More Facebook

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Trump falsely claims his approval rating among black Americans has doubled By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump lashed out at the news media Tuesday morning in a tweet denouncing the special counsel investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion among members of his campaign team. Do you notice the Fake News Mainstream Media never likes covering the great and record setting economic news, but rather talks about anything negative or that can be turned into the negative. The Russian Collusion Hoax is dead, except as it pertains to the Dems. Public gets it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the presidents tweet, but it appeared as though he was watching Fox & Friends. A short time later, Trump tweeted a headline from a report that aired during that mornings episode: 90% of Trump 2017 news coverage was negative -and much of it contrived!@foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The segment focused on the latest survey results from conservative watchdog Media Research Center, which purportedly analyzed the evening news broadcasts on ABC, CBS and NBC from Jan. 20 to Dec. 31 and found that 90% of the statements made about Trump were negative. Study: 90% of Trump media coverage in 2017 was negative pic.twitter.com/vbrwup4Drg  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 16, 2018 But believe it or not, through all this negative coverage, they did a survey of 600,000 people about how black America views this president, co-host Brian Kilmeade said. His numbers have actually doubled in approval. Trump highlighted the statement in another tweet: Unemployment for Black Americans is the lowest ever recorded. Trump approval ratings with Black Americans has doubled. Thank you, and it will get even (much) better! @FoxNews  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 But its not true. The claim appears to have originated from a misreading of data from the online polling firm SurveyMonkey, according to factcheck.org. The firm polled 600,000 Americans in 2017 and found that Trumps approval rating among blacks actually dropped from 23% early in his presidency to about 17%, as of the week ending Jan. 3. Some conservative outlets, including Breitbart, produced an average from those and other SurveyMonkey figures and compared them to the scores Trump received from black voters in the 2016 exit polls. That methodology is not sound. And since the statistics measure different things, the comparison is misleading. Facebook

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Trump goes after senator who surfaced his immigration remark By Associated Press President Trump turned his Twitter torment Monday on the Democrat in the room where immigration talks with lawmakers took a famously coarse turn, saying Sen. Richard J. Durbin misrepresented what he had said about African nations and Haiti and, in the process, undermined the trust needed to make a deal. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting, Trump tweeted, using a nickname to needle the Illinois senator. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 Trump was referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects young people who came to the United States illegally as children. Members of Congress from both parties are trying to strike a deal that Trump would support to extend that protection. Trump also cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching an agreement in tweets sent earlier Monday: Statement by me last night in Florida: Honestly, I dont think the Democrats want to make a deal. They talk about DACA, but they dont want to help..We are ready, willing and able to make a deal but they dont want to. They dont want security at the border, they dont want.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 ...to stop drugs, they want to take money away from our military which we cannot do. My standard is very simple, AMERICA FIRST & MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 On a day of remembrance for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Trump spent time at his golf course with no public events, bypassing the acts of service that his predecessors staged in honor of the civil rights leader. Instead, Trump dedicated his weekly address to Kings memory, saying Kings dream and Americas are the same: A world where people are judged by who they are, not how they look or where they come from. That message was a distinct counterpoint to words attributed to Trump by Durbin and others at a meeting last week, when the question of where immigrants come from seemed at the forefront of Trumps concerns. Some participants and others familiar with the conversation said Trump challenged immigration from shithole countries of Africa and disparaged Haiti as well. Without explicitly denying using that word, Trump lashed out at the Democratic senator, who said Trump uttered it on several occasions. Read More Facebook

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Trump thanks pundit for laudatory Fox & Friends spot By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump thanked Fox News personality Stuart Varney after Varney praised Trump during an appearance on Fox & Friends. In a pair of tweets early Sunday, Trump quoted from Varneys commentary, in which he argued that Trump deserves more credit for the booming economy. The pundit, who also hosts a show on Fox Business Network, cited moves by some corporations to raise workers minimum wage or pay out one-time bonuses in response to the GOP tax cuts. President Trump is not getting the credit he deserves for the economy. Tax Cut bonuses to more than 2,000,000 workers. Most explosive Stock Market rally that weve seen in modern times. 18,000 to 26,000 from Election, and grounded in profitability and growth. All Trump, not 0...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 ...big unnecessary regulation cuts made it all possible (among many other things). President Trump reversed the policies of President Obama, and reversed our economic decline. Thank you Stuart Varney. @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 Varney was reacting to a quote from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), who on Thursday called the bonuses handed down to workers pathetic in comparison to the gains corporations are expected to see from the tax cuts. In terms of the bonus that corporate America received versus the crumbs that they are giving to workers to kind of put the schmooze on is so pathetic, Pelosi told reporters. Its pathetic. Varney shot back Sunday that the bonuses, along with explosive stock market growth, are enriching all Americans. This is a huge shot in the arm, its the result of this tax cut deal and I think President Trump should get the credit for it, he said. .@Varneyco Sets the economic record straight after Nancy Pelosi calls U.S. mass bonuses crumbs pic.twitter.com/BvjIHGm3HE  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 14, 2018 The sweeping tax plan passed last month lowers the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and cuts personal income taxes. Analysts say the benefits will largely flow to corporations and the wealthy, as theyre more likely to be in positions to share in corporate profits. For instance, Wells Fargo & Co., which responded to news of the tax overhaul by announcing it will raise workers pay to at least $15 an hour, also reported that it expects to pay an effective tax rate of 19% this year, down from about 31% in previous years. That should amount to tax savings of more than $3 billion annually. On average, middle-class Americans are expected to see a very small tax cut in the near term and a tax increase after 2025, when all of the tax cuts for individuals expire. The tax cuts for corporations, however, are permanent.  This post contains reporting from Times staff writer James Rufus Koren. Facebook

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Trump touts MLK proclamation in tweet, but ceremony is overshadowed by reports of racist remarks By Associated Press President Trump signed a proclamation Friday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, noting the contributions of a great American hero. Today, it was my great honor to proclaim January 15, 2018, as Martin Luther King Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service activities in honor of Dr. King's life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/samlJsz1Nt  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 Overshadowing the event was mounting backlash from Trumps comments during a private meeting with lawmakers the day before. A short time after the meeting, which was called to discuss a possible immigration deal, reports emerged that Trump had asked participants why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin, the Senates second-ranking Democrat, appeared to confirm those reports on Friday. Trump did not respond Friday to several questions about the incident, including whether he actually used vulgar language to describe African nations, or if he is racist. The president said at the White House that love was central to the slain civil rights leader. Trump said the nation celebrates King for standing up for the self-evident truth Americans hold so dear, that no matter what the color of our skin or place of our birth, we are all created equal by God.  This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump criticizes Democrats in tweet calling for stricter immigration rules President Trump hit out at Democrats on Thursday night in a tweet calling for stricter immigration rules. Trump wrote that members of the party seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the border with Mexico: The Democrats seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the Southern Border, risking thousands of lives in the process. It is my duty to protect the lives and safety of all Americans. We must build a Great Wall, think Merit and end Lottery & Chain. USA!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the tweet. Earlier Thursday, Trump rejected a bipartisan compromise to resolve the standoff over so-called Dreamers, young immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children but have temporary permits to work, attend school or serve in the military. The president drew widespread condemnation after reports emerged that he had asked participants in an Oval Office meeting about the proposal why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts bill aimed at improving border screening for fentanyl By Associated Press President Trump signed legislation Wednesday aimed at giving Customs and Border Protection agents additional screening devices and other tools to stop the flow of illicit drugs. Speaking at a surprise bill-signing ceremony while flanked by members of Congress from both parties in the Oval Office, Trump described the bill as a significant step forward in the fight against powerful opioids such as fentanyl, which he called our new big scourge. He echoed that language Thursday in a tweet: Yesterday, I signed the #INTERDICTAct (H.R. 2142) with bipartisan members of Congress to help end the flow of drugs into our country. Together, we are committed to doing everything we can to combat the deadly scourge of drug addiction and overdose in the United States! pic.twitter.com/ELZvFol5Lo  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 The legislation will pay for new portable and fixed chemical screening devices to detect and intercept fentanyl at ports of entry and in the mail, along with other laboratory equipment and personnel, including scientists. Trump has made fighting the opioid epidemic a centerpiece of his administration, though critics say he hasnt dedicated nearly enough money or resources to make a difference. Trump suggested during his remarks on Wednesday that hed like to take a more aggressive approach to the drug crisis  but the countrys not ready for what he has in mind. So were going to sign this. And its a step. And it feels like a very giant step, but unfortunately, its not going to be a giant step, because no matter what you do, this is something that keeps pouring in, he said. And were going to find the answer. There is an answer. I think I actually know the answer, but Im not sure the countrys ready for it yet, he added. Does anybody know what I mean? I think so. Facebook

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Trump applauds news that Toyota-Mazda plant is slated for Alabama By Associated Press Japanese automakers Toyota and Mazda on Wednesday announced plans to build a mammoth, $1.6-billion joint-venture plant in Alabama that will eventually employ about 4,000 people. President Trump lauded the news in a tweet: Cutting taxes and simplifying regulations makes America the place to invest! Great news as Toyota and Mazda announce they are bringing 4,000 JOBS and investing $1.6 BILLION in Alabama, helping to further grow our economy! pic.twitter.com/Kcg8IVH6iA  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Good news: Toyota and Mazda announce giant new Huntsville, Alabama, plant which will produce over 300,000 cars and SUVs a year and employ 4000 people. Companies are coming back to the U.S. in a very big way. Congratulations Alabama!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 Several states had competed for the project, which will be able to turn out 300,000 vehicles per year and produce the Toyota Corolla compact car for North America and a new small SUV from Mazda. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and company executives held a news conference to announce that the facility is coming to the Huntsville area not far from the Tennessee line. Production is expected to begin by 2021. The decision to pick Alabama is another example of foreign-based automakers building U.S. factories in the South. To entice manufacturers, Southern states have used a combination of lucrative incentive packages, low-cost labor and a pro-business labor environment, because the United Auto Workers union is stronger in Northern states. Read More Facebook

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Trump highlights call for border wall in tweets on visit with Norways prime minister By Associated Press President Trump praised Norways prime minister in a tweet on Wednesday after Erna Solberg became the first foreign leader to visit with the president in 2018. Today, it was my great honor to welcome Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway to the @WhiteHouse - a great friend and ally of the United States! Joint press conference: https://t.co/qWR1BhfQZI pic.twitter.com/PJvwznjRCO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Trump also shared via Twitter a video clip of a joint news conference he held with Solberg on Wednesday afternoon. In the clip, Trump responds to a question from a reporter by saying there can be no bipartisan immigration deal absent funding for his long-promised wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been seeking a solution for hundreds of thousands of so-called Dreamers, young people who were brought to the United States as children and are living here illegally. The United States needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval. The safety and security of our country is #1! pic.twitter.com/4CFzQXb5aS  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 We need the wall for security, we need the wall for safety, we need the wall for stopping the drugs from pouring in, Trump said Wednesday.  Any solution has to include the wall because without the wall, it all doesnt work. On Tuesday, Trump drew widespread attention when he said during a meeting with a bipartisan group of lawmakers that he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. That contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill in subsequent tweets and public comments. Read More This post contains reporting from Los Angeles Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump praises Cabinet in tweet touting meeting By Associated Press President Trump promoted a meeting of his Cabinet on Wednesday, sharing via Twitter a link to a video of the session posted on the White House YouTube account. In his tweet, Trump thanked his Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country and wrote that the last year has been one of monumental achievement. I want to thank my @Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country. 2017 was a year of monumental achievement and we look forward to the year ahead. Together, we are delivering results and MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! https://t.co/ptXa1hAPwW pic.twitter.com/yv6RALkQf3  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The former reality television star continued to dispense accolades at the meeting Wednesday, greeting reporters in the Cabinet Room by saying: Welcome back to the studio. Then he proceeded to relive a Cabinet Room session from the prior day, when he had allowed reporters and TV cameras to stick around for much of his meeting with a bipartisan group of legislators on the thorny issue of immigration. It was a tremendous meeting. Actually, it was reported as incredibly good. And my performance  you know, some of them called it a performance  I consider it work, Trump said. Trump went on to say he had received letters from news anchors calling it one of the greatest meetings theyve ever witnessed. He added that the media will ultimately support Trump in the end, because theyre going to say, if Trump doesnt win in three years, theyre all out of business. Asked for examples of letters received from news anchors, the White House said it had received private communications. It also offered a series of positive on-air comments and tweets from journalists about the unusual access to the meeting. During his remarks, Trump swung from praising his own meeting coverage to telling journalists that they were dependent on his presidency for ratings to threatening a strong look at libel laws. Still, Trump thanked the journalists in front of him, joking: Youve gotten very familiar with this room. I appreciate your nice comments yesterday. Facebook

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Trump blasts DACA ruling in tweet calling courts broken and unfair By Lisa Mascaro President Trump denounced the federal courts Wednesday as broken and unfair after a district judge in San Francisco issued a nationwide injunction keeping protections in place for so-called Dreamers. Trump tweeted: It just shows everyone how broken and unfair our Court System is when the opposing side in a case (such as DACA) always runs to the 9th Circuit and almost always wins before being reversed by higher courts.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 On Tuesday night, U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco temporarily blocked the Trump administrations decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, which has protected from deportation some 700,000 people who came to the country illegally as children. Alsup granted a request by the state of California, the University of California and other plaintiffs to stop Trump from ending DACA on March 5. The administrations decision to end DACA, which was announced in September, was based on a flawed legal analysis, Alsup wrote in his decision. Dreamers would be irreparably harmed if their DACA protections, which allow them to live and work legally in the U.S., were stripped away before the courts had a chance to fully consider their claims, he ruled. The action is the mirror image of a ruling in 2015 by a federal judge in Texas who ruled in favor of that state when it sought to block President Obama from expanding DACA to include the parents of Dreamers. Trump administration officials praised that judicial ruling. By contrast, they sharply criticized Alsups decision. Read More Facebook

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Trump thanks lawmakers for productive immigration meeting, says deal must include border wall President Trump thanked a bipartisan group of lawmakers for participating in a meeting on immigration legislation on Tuesday. Much of the discussion involved so-called Dreamers, an estimated 700,000 young people who were brought to the country illegally as children and are now facing deportation. In a tweet, Trump wrote that there was strong agreement to negotiate a bill to protect Dreamers, as well as put into place some of the reforms favored by Republicans. Thanks to all of the Republican and Democratic lawmakers for todays very productive meeting on immigration reform. There was strong agreement to negotiate a bill that deals with border security, chain migration, lottery and DACA. https://t.co/SdqAQ3aL3z pic.twitter.com/8DYHZHspAy  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 The most notable exchange of the meeting came when Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the San Francisco Democrat, asked Trump whether he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. Yeah, I would like to do it, Trump responded. The statement drew widespread attention because it contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump later backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill, tweeting that a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico must be part of any deal: As I made very clear today, our country needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Pressure has been mounting for Congress to broker an immigration deal by Jan. 19 as part of a must-pass budget package to fund the government. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook

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Trump thanks officers and veterans in tweets President Trump doled out a slew of accolades Tuesday via Twitter. He thanked the nations law enforcement officers, including in his message a hashtag denoting a day of appreciation organized by a national support group for law enforcement families. On behalf of the American people, THANK YOU to our incredible law enforcement officers. As President of the United States - I will fight for you, and I will never, ever let you down. Now, more than ever, we must support the men and women in blue! #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/Qb4uxB4JRm  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trump later expressed gratitude for federal immigration agents, in particular: .@ICEgov HSI agents and ERO officers, on behalf of an entire Nation, THANK YOU for what you are doing 24/7/365 to keep fellow Americans SAFE. Everyone is so grateful!#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay

President @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/HXCpTlruVo  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The president thanked veterans as he cited his administrations efforts to curb the number of veteran suicides by improving mental health treatment for the high-risk group: Today, it was my great honor to sign a new Executive Order to ensure Veterans have the resources they need as they transition back to civilian life. We must ensure that our HEROES are given the care and support they so richly deserve! https://t.co/0MdP9DDIAS pic.twitter.com/LP2a8KCBAp  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trumps tweet included photos of the president signing an executive order Tuesday directing the secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to develop a plan to provide seamless access to mental health and suicide prevention resources for 12 months for members leaving the armed forces. Also on Tuesday, Trump touted a law he signed the day before designating the birthplace of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. a national historic park: It was my great honor to sign H.R. 267, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Act, which redesignates the Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site in the State of Georgia as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. https://t.co/Qe0b6HBFTY pic.twitter.com/QTgaqTawPT  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 And he thanked House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) for sharing a video compilation comprised of clips of politicians and commentators praising the GOPs tax cut bill: Thank you @GOPLeader Kevin McCarthy! Couldnt agree w/you more. TOGETHER, we are #MAGA https://t.co/QaxtqpyXTR  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018  This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump hails tax bill in tweets recapping speech to farmers By Associated Press Connecting with rural Americans, President Trump on Monday hailed his tax overhaul as a victory for family farmers. Farm country is Gods country, Trump told the annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Trump became the first president in a quarter-century to address the federations convention. His Southern swing also included a stop in Atlanta for the national college football championship game. Cant wait to be back in the amazing state of Tennessee to address the 99th American @FarmBureau Federations Annual Convention in Nashville! #AFBF18



On my way now - join me LIVE at 4:00pmE: https://t.co/QaljAqekdD. pic.twitter.com/Wm7Io0hYT8  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Joined by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and a group of Tennessee lawmakers, Trump said most of the benefits of the tax legislation are going to working families, small businesses, and who  the family farmer. The package Trump signed into law last month provides generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, and more modest reductions for middle- and low-income individuals and families. In every decision we make, we are honoring Americas PROUD FARMING LEGACY. Years of crushing taxes, crippling regs, & corrupt politics left our communities hurting, our economy stagnant, & millions of hardworking Americans COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN. But they are not forgotten ANYMORE! pic.twitter.com/MdYS7xnukQ  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The president vastly inflated the value of the package in his speech, citing a total of $5.5 trillion in tax cuts, with most of those benefits going to working families, small businesses and who? The family farmer. The estimated value of the tax cuts is actually $1.5 trillion for families and businesses because of cuts in deductions and the use of other steps to generate offsetting tax revenue. We have been working every day to DELIVER for Americas Farmers just as they work every day to deliver FOR US. #AFBF18 pic.twitter.com/QDH7fvFkZ7  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 From Nashville, Trump traveled to Atlanta to watch Alabamas Crimson Tide and Georgias Bulldogs face off Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship. We are fighting for our farmers, for our country, and for our GREAT AMERICAN FLAG. We want our flag respected - and we want our NATIONAL ANTHEM respected also! pic.twitter.com/16eOLXg6Fi  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Before departing for the game, Trump referenced his ongoing defense of the American flag and the national anthem, saying there was enough space for people to express their views. We love our flag and we love our anthem, and we want to keep it that way, he said. Facebook

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Trump tweet hails drop in unemployment rate for African Americans By Associated Press President Trump touted a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans on Monday in a tweet. African American unemployment is the lowest ever recorded in our country. The Hispanic unemployment rate dropped a full point in the last year and is close to the lowest in recorded history. Dems did nothing for you but get your vote! #NeverForget @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The rate fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Trump also hailed the development via Twitter on Saturday. His latest tweet on the topic came about an hour after it was discussed during an episode of Fox & Friends, according to Mediaite. Facebook

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Trump talks up the economy and dresses down the media in Sunday tweets With President Trump cheering from the sidelines, the White House on Sunday pressed its defense of the presidents fitness to govern, as fired former aide Stephen K. Bannon reversed course and apologized for his role in a new books explosive portrait of Trump. The presidents critics, meanwhile, said Trumps stream of taunts and insults in response to the book  Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, released last week  served only to underscore the authors unsettling portrayal of Trumps year-old presidency, depicting a leader whose own aides consider him childish, ignorant and dangerously erratic. Trump provided more ammunition Sunday morning, as he continued to attack the book via Twitter while preparing to depart Camp David for the White House: Leaving Camp David for the White House. Great meetings with the Cabinet and Military on many very important subjects including Border Security & the desperately needed Wall, the ever increasing Drug and Opioid Problem, Infrastructure, Military, Budget, Trade and DACA.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Ive had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author. Ronald Reagan had the same problem and handled it well. So will I!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 The most vehement defense of Trump on Sunday came from senior advisor Stephen Miller, a onetime Bannon acolyte who distanced himself from his former mentor. In a combative appearance Sunday on CNNs State of the Union, Miller called the book grotesque and writer Michael Wolff the garbage author of a garbage book. Trump is known to closely monitor aides televised performances in putting forth his case, and he gleefully weighed in within moments of Millers televised clash with host Jake Tapper. CNN has long been a particular target of Trumps ire. Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trumps reaction, however, seemed to bolster Tappers on-air depiction of Miller as using his appearance on the show to play to the president rather than addressing questions put to him. I get it  theres one viewer that you care about, the host said exasperatedly after Miller turned the discussion repeatedly to negative news coverage of the president while deflecting specific queries. Later on Twitter, Trump took up two themes that have been prevalent on his social media feeds recently. The president again went after the news media, tweeting that the recipients of his self-proclaimed most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year, which he promised earlier in the week to announce on Monday, would actually be revealed the following Wednesday: The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday. The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trump later lauded a New York Post opinion piece that compared him favorably with his predecessor, President Obama, as well as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. In quoting the op-ed, Trump initally misspelled consequential as consensual, but he deleted those tweets and re-sent the messages. His is turning out to be an enormously consequential presidency. So much so that, despite my own frustration over his missteps, there has never been a day when I wished Hillary Clinton were president. Not one. Indeed, as Trumps accomplishments accumulate, the mere thought of...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 ...Clinton in the WH, doubling down on Barack Obamas failed policies, washes away any doubts that America made the right choice. This was truly a change election  and the changes Trump is bringing are far-reaching & necessary. Thank you Michael Goodwin! https://t.co/4fHNcx2Ydg  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Trump also continued talking up the economy, which has been enjoying a period of strong gains. The Stock Market has been creating tremendous benefits for our country in the form of not only Record Setting Stock Prices, but present and future Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Seven TRILLION dollars of value created since our big election win!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 In addition to Miller, other senior administration officials made the rounds of Sunday news talk shows to decry the claims made in Wolffs book. CIA Director Mike Pompeo said Wolffs characterization of Trump as averse to digesting classified briefing material was ludicrous, and the ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, insisted that that those around Trump love their country and respect their president. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook

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Responding to book that mocks his intelligence, Trump tweets hes like, really smart By Tracy Wilkinson President Trump declared himself a very stable genius on Twitter on Saturday and later in a televised news conference called the author of a book that questioned his mental fitness a fraud. His comments came on a bone-cold day at Camp David during a weekend retreat with top administration officials and Republican congressional leaders strategizing on the years legislative agenda, including matters such as infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and national security. Now that Russian collusion, after one year of intense study, has proven to be a total hoax on the American public, the Democrats and their lapdogs, the Fake News Mainstream Media, are taking out the old Ronald Reagan playbook and screaming mental stability and intelligence.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Still, Trumps explosive rebuttal to author Michael Wolffs claims not only opened the day, but it also ensured the presidents capability to fill the highest office in the land was a topic that would not go away. In his early-morning tweets, Trump said two of his greatest assets have been mental stability, and being, like, really smart. He noted that his former Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, played these cards [about competence] very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star to President of the United States (on my first try). Read More Facebook

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In morning tweets, Trump touts job numbers and takes digs at news media By Associated Press President Trump used Twitter on Saturday morning to tout a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans. He also used the tweets as an opportunity to take digs at media outlets whose past coverage he has found to be critical. The African American unemployment rate fell to 6.8%, the lowest rate in 45 years. I am so happy about this News! And, in the Washington Post (of all places), headline states, Trumps first year jobs numbers were very, very good.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The unemployment rate for African Americans fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Still, the rate for black workers remains well above those for whites and some other groups, something experts attribute in large part to decades of discrimination and disadvantages. Robust job creation has lowered unemployment for all Americans. U.S. employers added nearly 2.1 million jobs in 2017  the seventh straight year that hiring has topped 2 million. In his tweet, Trump praised a report that noted the numbers, touting the fact that it appeared in the Washington Post (of all places). Minutes later, Trump renewed his attack on an ABC News reporter who was suspended last month after filing an erroneous report on Michael Flynn, Trumps former national security advisor. Brian Ross, the reporter who made a fraudulent live newscast about me that drove the Stock Market down 350 points (billions of dollars), was suspended for a month but is now back at ABC NEWS in a lower capacity. He is no longer allowed to report on Trump. Should have been fired!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The reporter, Brian Ross, was reportedly reassigned within ABC News upon returning from his unpaid suspension. But on Saturday, Trump wrote that he should have been fired. Trumps tweets came hours before he was set to host congressional Republicans and administration officials at Camp David. The meeting scheduled to begin at midmorning Saturday was expected to touch on the budget, infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and the shape of the midterm election this fall. Facebook

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Trump commends Sen. Rand Paul after he proposes eliminating all U.S. aid to Pakistan President Trump commended Sen. Rand Paul after the Kentucky Republican announced plans to introduce legislation that would eliminate all U.S. aid to Pakistan. Trump tweeted Friday night: Good idea Rand! https://t.co/55sqUDiC0s  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 On Thursday, the Trump administration announced it was suspending security assistance to Islamabad until the country moves aggressively against local militants who have attacked U.S. troops in neighboring Afghanistan. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration at the apparent inability of Pakistani authorities to rein in militants who cross out of the countrys rugged tribal areas to attack U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson. Facebook

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Trump continues to lash out at Sloppy Steve Bannon in tweets on tell-all book By Associated Press President Trump is praising a major Republican donor family for distancing themselves from his former advisor Steve Bannon. Trump tweeted Friday: The Mercer Family recently dumped the leaker known as Sloppy Steve Bannon. Smart!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trump has continued to lash out at Bannon over an explosive new book that quoted his former aide as questioning Trumps competence and describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower among Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic. On Thursday, billionaire GOP donor Rebekah Mercer issued a statement distancing her family from Bannon. Mercer is a co-owner of Breitbart, the populist website Bannon helps run. I support President Trump and the platform upon which he was elected, Mercer said. My family and I have not communicated with Steve Bannon in many months and have provided no financial support to his political agenda, nor do we support his recent actions and statements. The book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, quickly shot atop Amazons best-seller list, and the publisher moved up its release date by four days, to Friday. Trump took up the topic again on Twitter on Friday night, denouncing both Bannon and the books author, Michael Wolff, in starkly personal terms: Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! https://t.co/mEeUhk5ZV9  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Trumps message linked to a meme depicting a parody book cover titled, Liar and Phony, that featured a photo of Wolff and disparaging quotes about the author. In a tweet sent earlier Friday morning, Trump suggested the book was intended to serve as a distraction from the FBIs investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, which Trump wrote is proving to be a total hoax. Well, now that collusion with Russia is proving to be a total hoax and the only collusion is with Hillary Clinton and the FBI/Russia, the Fake News Media (Mainstream) and this phony new book are hitting out at every new front imaginable. They should try winning an election. Sad!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 That came amid reports that Trump directed his White House counsel to tell Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to not recuse himself from the Justice Departments Russia investigation. Trumps effort to keep Sessions, a vocal and loyal supporter of his election bid, in charge of an investigation into his campaign offers special counsel Robert Mueller yet another avenue to explore as his prosecutors work to untangle potential evidence of obstruction. Read More Facebook

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Trump praises the economy ahead of meetings at Camp David By Associated Press President Trump is praising the strength of the U.S. economy ahead of meetings at Camp David with congressional Republicans. Trump tweeted early Friday: Dow goes from 18,589 on November 9, 2016, to 25,075 today, for a new all-time Record. Jumped 1000 points in last 5 weeks, Record fastest 1000 point move in history. This is all about the Make America Great Again agenda! Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Six trillion dollars in value created!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The president also told reporters on the South Lawn that the tax cuts are really kicking in after Congress passed a package of tax cuts at the end of 2017. And the president praised the December jobs report, which found U.S. employers added 148,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate stayed at 4.1%, the lowest level since 2000. The modest but steady pace of hiring is a reassuring sign for investors who have been buoyed by the just-passed Republican tax plan and have been sending stock market indexes roaring to uncharted heights. The president is meeting with Republican congressional leaders and members of his Cabinet on Friday and Saturday to discuss the 2018 agenda. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets as Dow crashes through 25,000 By Associated Press President Trump dispatched a congratulatory tweet as the Dow Jones industrial average rose above the 25,000-point mark Thursday, just five weeks after its first close above 24,000. Dow just crashes through 25,000. Congrats! Big cuts in unnecessary regulations continuing.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 After the Dow closed above 25,000, Trump shared a graphic depicting the stock indexs record-setting rise. MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/iONbr1DkVk  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Later in the day, the president was back on Twitter, complaining that news outlets had barely covered the stock market milestone. He suggested that the strength of the economy would be the biggest story on earth, had it unfolded during the presidency of his predecessor. The Fake News Media barely mentions the fact that the Stock Market just hit another New Record and that business in the U.S. is booming...but the people know! Can you imagine if O was president and had these numbers - would be biggest story on earth! Dow now over 25,000.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The Dow broke past 1,000-point barriers in 2017 on its way to a 25% gain for the year, as an eight-year rally since the Great Recession continued to confound skeptics. Strong global economic growth and good prospects for higher company earnings have analysts predicting more gains, although the market may not stay as calm as it has been recently. The Dow has made a rapid trip since it reached 24,000 points Nov. 30, partly on enthusiasm over passage of the Republican-backed tax package, which could boost company profits this year with across-the-board cuts to corporate taxes. Read More Facebook

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Trump reacts to Fire and Fury book in tweet lashing out at author and Sloppy Steve President Trump lashed out at the author of a soon-to-be-released book about the chaotic first year of his presidency Thursday night. In a tweet, Trump called Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, a phony book and claimed that hed never spoken to its author, Michael Wolff. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve! Trump wrote. He appeared to be referring to former White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon, whose stunning criticisms of Trump and his circle figure prominently in the title. I authorized Zero access to White House (actually turned him down many times) for author of phony book! I never spoke to him for book. Full of lies, misrepresentations and sources that dont exist. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trumps tweet came hours after he had his lawyer demand that Henry Holt & Co. and Wolff stop publication the book. Instead, the publisher expedited the books release to Friday, four days before it was slated to hit bookstore shelves, in response to unprecedented demand. Published excerpts on Wednesday and Thursday whetted that appetite and roiled Washington. Bannons comments, including that it was treasonous and unpatriotic for Trumps son Donald Trump Jr., son-in-law Jared Kushner and campaign manager Paul Manafort to have met in 2016 with Russians said to have dirt on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, prompted Trump on Wednesday to rebuke his former advisor, saying Bannon had lost his mind. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Brian Bennett and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump thanks senators who attended meeting on immigration President Trump tweeted thanks to Republican senators who attended a meeting about possible immigration legislation on Thursday. In his message, Trump also listed his top priorities when it comes to any type of overhaul of the nations immigration system. Thank you to the great Republican Senators who showed up to our mtg on immigration reform. We must BUILD THE WALL, stop illegal immigration, end chain migration & cancel the visa lottery. The current system is unsafe & unfair to the great people of our country - time for change!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Trumps tweet echoed his remarks at the beginning of Thursdays meeting, when he insisted again that constructing a border wall and overhauling two legal immigration programs must be part of any deal with Democrats to protect the so-called Dreamers from deportation. Two-year deportation protections and work permits given under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program begin to expire March 6 under an executive order. Trump announced in September that he was ending the Obama-era program, but told Congress to draft a law to continue protections for people brought to the country illegally as children  a group that has widespread public support. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Brian Bennett. Facebook

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Trump resumes Twitter war against kneeling NFL players President Trump has resumed his Twitter war against NFL players who kneel during the national anthem to protest social injustice and racial inequality. In a tweet early Thursday, Trump replied to a supporter who shared a meme that appears to depict family members lying on the grave of a fallen soldier with the caption: This is why we stand. Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! Trump wrote. So beautiful....Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! https://t.co/tJLM1tvbvb  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The president has denounced players who kneel during the anthem in previous tweets. Hes also called for the firing of players who do so. His latest message came amid news that the NFL finished the regular season with TV ratings that fell nearly 10% below the previous season. Analysts attribute the drop to controversies facing the league, as well as changing viewing habits and a possible saturation point in the number of games available. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Stephen Battaglio and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook

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Trump credits himself with facilitating talks between North and South Korea By Associated Press President Trump says his tough stance on nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula is helping push North Korea and South Korea to talk. Trump tweeted early Thursday: With all of the failed experts weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total might against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 That assertion is in conflict with some of the presidents own statements. Last year, he ridiculed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for talking about negotiations with the North. This week, Trump seemed open to the possibility of an inter-Korean dialogue after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare overture toward South Korea in a New Years Day address. But Trumps ambassador to the United Nations insisted that talks wont be meaningful unless the North is getting rid of its nuclear weapons. The overture about talks came after Trump and Kim traded more bellicose claims about their nuclear weapons. In his New Years Day address, Kim repeated fiery nuclear threats against the United States. Kim said he has a nuclear button on his office desk and warned that the whole territory of the U.S. is within the range of our nuclear strike. Trump mocked that assertion Tuesday evening in a tweet. Facebook

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After disbanding his vote fraud panel, Trump still says voting system is rigged By Brian Bennett One day after disbanding his troubled voter fraud commission without any findings of fraud, President Trump continued to call the U.S. voting system rigged and said states should require that Americans have voter-identification cards. In two tweets on Thursday morning, Trump blamed the commissions failure on the lack of cooperation from mostly Democrat States that refused to hand over voter rolls because they know that many people are voting illegally. However, voting supervisors in Republican-led states refused as well, objecting on privacy and other grounds. Many mostly Democrat States refused to hand over data from the 2016 Election to the Commission On Voter Fraud. They fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally. System is rigged, must go to Voter I.D.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do.....except when it comes to the most important thing, VOTING for the people that run your country. Push hard for Voter Identification!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Despite Trumps assertions, analysts have not found evidence of widespread voter fraud. Trump created the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity in May after alleging, without proof, that millions of illegal votes were cast for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Trump was elected after winning a majority in the electoral college, but the nationwide count showed Clinton received nearly 3 million more votes. The commission sought personal data on voters across the country and faced mounting lawsuits in recent months over privacy concerns. Read More Facebook

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Trump touts another good day for stocks, credits tax cut By Associated Press President Trump touted another good day for the stock market Wednesday in a tweet. Stock Market had another good day but, now that the Tax Cut Bill has passed, we have tremendous upward potential. Dow just short of 25,000, a number that few thought would be possible this soon into my administration. Also, unemployment went down to 4.1%. Only getting better!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Big gains for technology and healthcare stocks helped U.S. indexes set records again Wednesday. Some analysts attributed the surge to investor enthusiasm for Trumps $1.5-trillion tax cut. All told, Wall Street analysts estimate the tax package should boost earnings for companies in the Standard & Poors 500 index by roughly 8% this year. Thats much more generous than the average tax cut of 1.6% that middle-class families will receive, according to the Tax Policy Center. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The public has been less enthusiastic about the tax law. A Monmouth University poll last month found that nearly half of Americans disapproved of it, with only 26% in support. Still, as Trump also noted on Twitter, some workers have seen a benefit: So far, dozens of companies have announced bonuses and higher minimum wages as a result of the tax cut. AT&T, Comcast, Bank of America, and American Airlines have all pledged to pay $1,000 bonuses to their employees. Some 40 U.S. companies have responded to President Trumps tax cut and reform victory in Congress last year by handing out bonuses up to $2,000, increases in 401k matches and spending on charity, a much higher number than previously known. https://t.co/bmWrwWzxMR  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Investors also appear less concerned than many politicians about how the additional profits will be used. The Trump administration says it expects companies will plow much of the extra profit back into their businesses, purchasing more software, machinery, and other equipment. Those investments will make workers more productive and provide a key boost to the economys long-run growth. They should also boost wages and salaries for employees. Opponents of the tax law respond that companies are more likely to pass the windfall on to shareholders in the form of higher dividend payments and share buybacks, which raise the price of those shares still in investors hands. Previous cuts in corporate tax rates, in the United States and overseas, havent always led to higher wages. For Wall Street, its all good, at least in the short run. Most analysts take the view that either way, companies and the economy will benefit. Facebook

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Trump reacts to death of Mormon Church president By Associated Press President Trump mourned the death of Mormon Church leader Thomas S. Monson on Wednesday evening. Trump tweeted a link to a statement in which he said that Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion and delivered a message of optimism, forgiveness, and faith. Melania and I are deeply saddened by the death of Thomas S. Monson, a beloved President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...https://t.co/ETD3fWtfU3  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 A church bishop at the age of 22, Monson became the youngest church apostle ever in 1963 at the age of 36. He served as a counselor for three church presidents before assuming the role of the top leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. After a life of church service, Monson died Tuesday at his home in Salt Lake City, according to church spokesman Eric Hawkins. He was 90. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets that Iranian protesters will see great U.S. support at the appropriate time By Associated Press President Trump continued to express support for Irans anti-government protesters on Wednesday. In a tweet, Trump commended the protesters and pledged that the United States will support them at the appropriate time. Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Trumps tweet Wednesday morning came as Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo sent a letter to United Nations officials complaining that Washington was intervening in a grotesque way in Irans internal affairs. The President and Vice-President of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts, the ambassador wrote to the U.N. Security Council president and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The U.S. didnt immediately respond to the letter, which maintains that Washington has crossed every limit in flouting rules and principles of international law governing the civilized conduct of international relations. At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested in Iran during a week of anti-government protests and unrest over economic woes and official corruption. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people took part in counter-demonstrations Wednesday backing the clerically overseen government, which has said enemies of Iran are fomenting the protests. Trump has unleashed a series of tweets in recent days backing the protesters, saying Iran is failing at every level and declaring that it is time for change in the Islamic Republic. Facebook

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Trump congratulates Sen. Orrin Hatch upon news of his retirement By Associated Press President Trump congratulated Sen. Orrin Hatch for an absolutely incredible career upon news of Hatchs impending retirement. In a tweet Tuesday afternoon, Trump called Hatch a tremendous supporter and wrote that he will be greatly missed in the Senate. Congratulations to Senator Orrin Hatch on an absolutely incredible career. He has been a tremendous supporter, and I will never forget the (beyond kind) statements he has made about me as President. He is my friend and he will be greatly missed in the U.S. Senate! pic.twitter.com/0VjzLEeHTl  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Hatchs decision to retire from the Senate after four decades lets the Utah Republican walk away at the height of his power after helping to push through an overhaul of the tax code and persuading Trump to downsize two national monuments. Retirement also preserves the 83-year-olds legacy by allowing him to avoid a bruising reelection battle that would have broken his promise not to seek an eighth term. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweet exaggerates progress in improving veterans care By Associated Press President Trump played up tremendous progress in improving care for veterans in his first year on Tuesday in a tweet. His message linked to an Instagram video describing eight accomplishments that show Trump is fighting for our veterans. But it overstates the impact of these steps. We will not rest until all of Americas GREAT VETERANS can receive the care they so richly deserve. Tremendous progress has been made in a short period of time. Keep up the great work @SecShulkin @DeptVetAffairs! https://t.co/ir25vW15hx pic.twitter.com/OtuzIgxMn6  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Of the eight achievements cited, two are ceremonial proclamations recognizing National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Two are pieces of legislation that extended the troubled Veterans Choice program on a temporary basis. This became necessary because the Trump administration repeatedly miscalculated the amount of taxpayer dollars available to pay for care from private doctors outside the Veterans Affairs system when veterans had to endure long waits for treatment at VA medical centers. The departments poor budget planning caught lawmakers off guard. A fifth claim involves telehealth, a step letting doctors practice medicine across state lines using digital technology. Announced in August, it has yet to take full effect because a proposed VA regulation hasnt been completed. The VA wants authority to practice across state lines to come from legislation, not a regulation. On Wednesday, the Senate approved a telehealth measure that now goes to the House. A sixth claim refers to legislation that streamlines the appeals process for disability compensation claims within the VA. This step has had limited effect so far because it applies to new disability claims, not the 470,000 pending claims. The last two initiatives make it easier for the VA to discipline employees. The department has pointed to more than 1,300 employees who have been fired under Trumps watch. Because their infractions are not detailed in public documents, the effect on veterans care is not fully known. Facebook

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Trump unleashes his first tweetstorm of 2018 By Noah Bierman President Trump clearly didnt resolve to change his Twitter habits this year. With nine disparate tweets over three hours on Tuesday morning, the first working day of 2018, Trump continued to exploit social media to be the most aggressive commentator in chief in American history. For any other president, his posts would have made for a monumental day of (mis-)statements. Yet for Trump, the series  attacks on political foes and media, provocations of foreign leaders and self-praise for events he had nothing to do with  was all but unremarkable. His Twitter barrage  sent between 7:09 a.m. and 10:16 a.m.  reflected a familiar gamut after nearly a year in office: Attacks on political foes: Nearly 14 months after his election, Trump called for the jailing of Huma Abedin, Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid (his misspelling, another occasional feature of Trump tweets). Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 In the same tweet, he disparaged the Deep State Justice Dept, headed of course by his appointees, calling on it to act against James B. Comey, the FBI director he fired for investigating the Russia thing. Diplomatic provocations: Trump again called North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Rocket man, ridiculed the volatile nuclear-armed foe for recent military defections and openly speculated about potential talks between North and South Korea. Sanctions and other pressures are beginning to have a big impact on North Korea. Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea. Rocket man now wants to talk to South Korea for first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not - we will see!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not  we will see! Trump wrote. Later Tuesday, Trump tweeted: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Also later Tuesday, Trump tweeted an attack on Pakistan, his second in as many days, and added a new one against Palestinians: It's not only Pakistan that we pay billions of dollars to for nothing, but also many other countries, and others. As an example, we pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect. They dont even want to negotiate a long overdue...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ...peace treaty with Israel. We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table, but Israel, for that, would have had to pay more. But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Undermining media: Trump offered Congratulations! to A.G. Sulzberger, who took over as publisher of the New York Times this week. The Failing New York Times has a new publisher, A.G. Sulzberger. Congratulations! Here is a last chance for the Times to fulfill the vision of its Founder, Adolph Ochs, to give the news impartially, without fear or FAVOR, regardless of party, sect, or interests involved. Get...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ....impartial journalists of a much higher standard, lose all of your phony and non-existent sources, and treat the President of the United States FAIRLY, so that the next time I (and the people) win, you wont have to write an apology to your readers for a job poorly done! GL  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the two-part post was really yet another slam against a perceived media foe: Trump said the paper had a last chance to fulfill its journalistic mission, and accused it of relying on phony sources and substandard reporters  just days after he granted another exclusive interview to the paper. As a bonus, the tweet contained a recycled falsehood, that the paper apologized after the election for reporting on him unfairly. It didnt. Trump later said on Twitter that he would soon announce the most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year. Stay tuned! I will be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday at 5:00 oclock. Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Fake News Media. Stay tuned!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 The president also tweeted a quote from Fox Business Networks Lou Dobbs Tonight, which aired a segment praising Trumps first-year accomplishments. Dobbs reportedly joined Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday for a gala to celebrate New Years Eve. President Trump has something now he didnt have a year ago, that is a set of accomplishments that nobody can deny. The accomplishments are there, look at his record, he has had a very significant first year. @LouDobbs Show,David Asman & Ed Rollins  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Taking credit: Trump congratulated himself for policing the border with Mexico, an area where his policies and anti-immigration rhetoric are believed to have had some effect on reducing illegal crossings. Thank you to Brandon Judd of the National Border Patrol Council for your kind words on how well we are doing at the Border. We will be bringing in more & more of your great folks and will build the desperately needed WALL! @foxandfriends  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 He took credit for employee bonuses by companies after he signed Republican tax cuts into law last month. Companies are giving big bonuses to their workers because of the Tax Cut Bill. Really great!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the jaw-dropper was Trump congratulating himself for planes not crashing. Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 It was the safest year on record worldwide, but the American streak without commercial jet passenger deaths goes back to 2009. Trump, who has promoted deregulation as one of his top accomplishments, has not signed off on any new airline safety regulations. The White House pointed to new security screening of passengers, to electronic devices to prevent terrorist attacks and to Trumps support for privatizing air traffic control  a proposal that has gotten nowhere in Congress. Falsehoods: Trump said President Obama, in brokering the 2015 nuclear arms limitation deal with Iran, foolishly gave money to the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. He didnt. The people of Iran are finally acting against the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. All of the money that President Obama so foolishly gave them went into terrorism and into their pockets. The people have little food, big inflation and no human rights. The U.S. is watching!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 The nuclear deal, which included major U.S. allies as signators, released Irans own funds that had long been frozen. Trumps art of the deal: When Trump sees a big deal looming, he often blasts the other side  to gain leverage, as hes written. This week he resumes a showdown with Democratic lawmakers over funding the government and immigration protections for so-called Dreamers, who were brought to the country illegally as children. Democrats are doing nothing for DACA - just interested in politics. DACA activists and Hispanics will go hard against Dems, will start falling in love with Republicans and their President! We are about RESULTS.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Trump, who in September ordered a gradual end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, sought to shift blame for the resulting controversy, saying Democrats are doing nothing for DACA and are just interested in politics. Trump has insisted that any help for Dreamers be paired with funding for a border wall and a crackdown on legal immigration. Democrats, and some Republicans, are opposed. Read More Facebook

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In tweet, Trump suggests U.S. will withdraw financial assistance to Pakistan By Shashank Bengali Pakistan lashed out Monday after President Trump accused its leaders of lies & deceit and suggested the United States would withdraw financial assistance to the nuclear-armed nation it once saw as a key ally against terrorism. It was the presidents latest broadside against Pakistan after a speech in August in which he demanded its leaders crack down on the safe havens enjoyed by Taliban militants fighting U.S.-backed forces in neighboring Afghanistan. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 U.S. Ambassador David Hale was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to discuss the presidents statement, U.S. Embassy spokesman Richard Snelsire said. Pakistan lodged a strongly worded protest and asked for clarification about Trumps comments, according to two foreign office officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Pakistans prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, called a Cabinet meeting for Tuesday and a meeting of the National Security Committee on Wednesday to discuss Trumps New Years Day tweet. Read More Facebook

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Trump continues to tweet in support of Iranian protesters By Laura King President Trump expressed renewed support Sunday for protesters in Iran, declaring that people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. In a tweet from his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, the president said the nationwide economic protests that began on Thursday  and have taken on wider political overtones as they have grown in size  were a signal that Iranians will not take it any longer. Big protests in Iran. The people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. Looks like they will not take it any longer. The USA is watching very closely for human rights violations!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Trump has tweeted about the protests for three days straight as Iranians took to the streets despite a heavy police presence, tear gas and scores of arrests. The defiance gained urgency after two people were reported shot to death in the city of Dorud, about 200 miles southwest of Tehran. As the conflict escalated, Iranian authorities on Sunday slapped a temporary ban on Instagram and the messaging app Telegram, which were widely used to fan protest fervor. Iran, the Number One State of Sponsored Terror with numerous violations of Human Rights occurring on an hourly basis, has now closed down the Internet so that peaceful demonstrators cannot communicate. Not good!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Irans leaders already are casting Trumps increasingly effusive expressions of support for the demonstrators as opportunistic meddling and are painting the demonstrators as foreign pawns, adopting a strategy that some analysts say could jeopardize the legitimacy of the nascent antigovernment protests. Read More Facebook

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Trump tweets condolences after Colorado deputies are shot in ambush, one fatally By Associated Press A man fired more than 100 rounds at sheriffs deputies in Colorado early Sunday, killing one and injuring four others, before being fatally shot himself in what authorities called an ambush. Two civilians were also injured. President Trump expressed sorrow, writing on Twitter: My deepest condolences to the victims of the terrible shooting in Douglas County @DCSheriff, and their families. We love our police and law enforcement - God Bless them all! #LESM  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said deputies came under fire almost
Records show ex-Trump campaign chief Paul Manaforts firm received payout from Ukraine ledger under investgation

Last August, a handwritten ledger surfaced in Ukraine with dollar amounts and dates next to the name of Paul Manafort, who was then chairman of Donald Trumps presidential campaign.

Ukrainian investigators called it evidence of off-the-books payments from a pro-Russian political party  and part of a larger pattern of corruption under the countrys former president. Manafort, who worked for the party as an international political consultant, has publicly questioned the ledgers authenticity.

Now, financial records newly obtained by the Associated Press confirm that at least $1.2 million in payments listed in the ledger next to Manaforts name were actually received by his consulting firm in the United States. They include payments in 2007 and 2009, providing the first evidence that Manaforts firm received at least some money listed in the so-called Black Ledger.

The two payments came years before Manafort became involved in Trumps campaign, but for the first time bolster the credibility of the ledger. They also put the ledger in a new light, as federal prosecutors in the U.S. have been investigating Manaforts work in Eastern Europe as part of a larger anti-corruption probe.

Separately, Manafort is also under scrutiny as part of congressional and FBI investigations into possible contacts between Trump associates and Russias government under President Vladimir Putin during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. The payments detailed in the ledger and confirmed by the documents obtained by the AP are unrelated to the 2016 presidential campaign and came years before Manafort worked as Trumps unpaid campaign chairman.

In a statement to the AP, Manafort did not deny that his firm received the money but said any wire transactions received by my company are legitimate payments for political consulting work that was provided. I invoiced my clients and they paid via wire transfer, which I received through a U.S. bank.

Manafort noted that he agreed to be paid according to his clients preferred financial institutions and instructions.

Previously, Manafort and his spokesman, Jason Maloni, have maintained that the ledger was fabricated and said no public evidence existed that Manafort or others received payments recorded in it.

The AP, however, identified in the records two payments received by Manafort that aligned with the ledger: one for $750,000 that a Ukrainian lawmaker said last month was part of a money-laundering effort that should be investigated by U.S. authorities. The other was $455,249 and also matched a ledger entry.

The newly obtained records also expand the global scope of Manaforts financial activities related to his Ukrainian political consulting, because both payments came from companies once registered in the Central American country of Belize. Last month, the AP reported that the U.S. government has examined Manaforts financial transactions in the Mediterranean country of Cyprus as part of its probe.

Federal prosecutors have been looking into Manaforts work for years as part of an effort to recover Ukrainian assets stolen after the 2014 ouster of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich, who fled to Russia. No charges have been filed as part of the investigation.

Manafort, a longtime Republican political operative, led the presidential campaign from March until August last year when Trump asked him to resign. The resignation came after a tumultuous week in which the New York Times revealed that Manaforts name appeared in the Ukraine ledger  although the newspaper said at the time that officials were unsure whether Manafort actually received the money  and after the AP separately reported that he had orchestrated a covert Washington lobbying operation until 2014 on behalf of Ukraines pro-Russian Party of Regions.

Officials with the Ukrainian National Anti-Corruption Bureau, which is investigating corruption under Yanukovich, have said they believe the ledger is genuine. But they have previously noted that they have no way of knowing whether Manafort received the money listed next to his name. The bureau said it is not investigating Manafort because he is not a Ukrainian citizen.

Still, Manaforts work continues to draw attention in Ukrainian politics.

Last month, Ukrainian lawmaker Serhiy Leshchenko revealed an invoice bearing the letterhead of Manaforts namesake company, Davis Manafort, that Leshchenko said was crafted to conceal a payment to Manafort as a purchase of 501 computers.

The AP provided to Manafort the amounts of the payments, dates and number of the bank account where they were received. Manafort told the AP that he was unable to review his own banking records showing receipt of the payments because his bank destroyed the records after a standard seven-year retention period. He said Tuesday the computer sales contract is a fraud.

The signature is not mine, and I didnt sell computers, he said in a statement. What is clear, however, is individuals with political motivations are taking disparate pieces of information and distorting their significance through a campaign of smear and innuendo.

Leshchenko said last month the 2009 invoice was one of about 50 pages of documents, including private paperwork and copies of employee-issued debit cards, that were found in Manaforts former Kiev office by a new tenant.

The amount of the invoice  $750,000 and the payment date of Oct. 14, 2009, matches one entry on the ledger indicating payments to Manafort from the Party of Regions. The invoice was addressed to Neocom Systems Ltd., a company formerly registered in Belize, and included the account and routing numbers and postal address for Manaforts account at a branch of Wachovia National Bank in Alexandria, Va.

The AP had previously been unable to independently verify the $750,000 payment went to a Manafort company, but the newly obtained financial records reflect Manaforts receipt of that payment. The records show that Davis Manafort received the amount from Neocom Systems the day after the date of the invoice.

Leshchenko contended to AP that Yanukovich, as Ukraines leader, paid Manafort money that came from his governments budget and was stolen from Ukrainian citizens. He said: Money received by Manafort has to be returned to the Ukrainian people.

Leshchenko said U.S. authorities should investigate what he described as corrupt deals between Manafort and Yanukovich. Its about a U.S. citizen and money was transferred to a U.S. bank account, he said.

A $455,249 payment in November 2007 also matches the amount in the ledger. It came from Graten Alliance Ltd., a company that had also been registered in Belize. It is now inactive.

The AP reported last month that federal prosecutors are looking into Manaforts financial transactions in Cyprus, an island nation once known as a favored locale for money laundering.

Among those transactions was a $1-million payment in October 2009 routed through the Bank of Cyprus. The money was deposited into an account controlled by a Manafort-linked company, then left the account on the same day, broken into two disbursements of $500,000, according to documents obtained by the AP.

The records of Manaforts Cypriot transactions were requested by the U.S. Treasury Department Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, which works internationally with agencies to track money laundering and the movement of illicit funds around the globe.

Dozens of Ukrainian political figures mentioned in the Black Ledger are under investigation in Ukraine. The anti-corruption bureau, which has been looking into the Black Ledger, publicly confirmed the authenticity of the signature of one top official mentioned there. In December, the bureau accused Mykhaylo Okhendovsky of receiving more than $160,000 from Party of Regions officials in 2012, when he was Ukraines main election official.

The bureau said it would identify more suspects in the coming months.
Two Huntington Beach restaurants got approval from the City Council on Monday night to bypass a resolution that requires certain downtown establishments to close by midnight.

The council voted 5-1 to authorize a conditional use permit for HQ Gastropub, which will occupy 155 Fifth St., formerly the site of RA Sushi. The restaurant also was granted an exception to the 2013 resolution that requires alcohol-serving businesses that are seeking a new or amended conditional use permit to close by midnight.

Councilwoman Jill Hardy dissented and Councilman Billy OConnell recused himself because he has business interests downtown.

The council also voted 4-2, with Hardy and Councilman Erik Peterson dissenting and OConnell recused, to approve Black Bull Chop Houses request for an amended conditional use permit with an exception to the midnight-closure requirement.

The restaurant at 300 Pacific Coast Hwy. needed the permit amendment to replace an outdoor dining area with a new one.

The 2013 resolution was part of a continuing effort to control often-rowdy crowds that leave area bars early in the morning. But some council members have said the resolution may cripple businesses.

The Planning Commission had voted to recommend HQ Gastropubs permit without an exception to the midnight-closure requirement. The establishment, which will serve food and cocktails, plans to operate until 2 a.m. Thursdays through Saturdays after it opens in May.

Mark Matters, the restaurants managing director, said at Mondays meeting that not being able to stay open late would place [the] brand at a major disadvantage against competing local establishments.

Council members generally favored the request, saying they believe the business would attract high-end clientele.

This is a step in the right direction for downtown, Councilman Patrick Brenden said.

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Posey said granting the exception would allow HQ Gastropub to be on a level playing field with competing businesses.

Provisions were added to the agreement establishing security requirements for busy nights and strengthening the citys ability to revoke the permit.

In casting her dissenting vote, Hardy said she would be fine with the restaurant serving food after midnight but not alcohol.

Resident Richard Plummer told the council he doesnt think the business should be exempt from the closure rule.

Nothing good ever happens after midnight, Plummer said.

In the councils discussion on Black Bull Chop House, most members favored the requested modification because the current outdoor area has drawn nuisance complaints from a nearby condominium complex. But some council members were against the restaurant maintaining its current scheduling allowance. It is open until 1:30 a.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and until 10 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays, but has the ability to remain open until 1:30 a.m. every day.

Peterson said the council should authorize the midnight-closure exception only for Thursdays through Saturdays and not for any other days.

But owner Cesar Pena said he needs the flexibility to expand his hours during the summer and on holidays or he couldnt make the financial decision to build the new patio.

benjamin.brazil@latimes.com

Twitter:@benbrazilpilot
The statewide pension issue was a hot topic Monday at the Huntington Beach City Council meeting.

The council voted unanimously to have the citys Intergovernmental Relations Committee consider proposed state pension reform legislation and bring the item to the councils next meeting.

Council members Erik Peterson and Lyn Semeta originally asked that the council vote to issue a statement of support for legislation put forward by state Sen. John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa). But that request failed 4-3 because some council members felt the issue needed to go before the committee before being considered by the council.

The Intergovernmental Relations Committee is a council subcommittee formed by Mayor Barbara Delgleize and council members Mike Posey and Jill Hardy. The group reviews pending legislation and its potential effects on the city.

Peterson said he believes the council should lend support to the legislation now because the citys backing could be meaningful to the future of the proposed reforms.

I am asking everybody here to be an executive, he said.

But Posey and other council members said they have a problem with bypassing the protocol, especially since the legislation isnt facing immediate action.

Moorlach has proposed three bills and three amendments to the state Constitution. One of the constitutional amendments would prohibit public employers from increasing retirement benefits for their employees without two-thirds voter approval.

Another would give the Legislature and public pension systems the ability to adjust public employees retirement benefit formulas on a prospective basis without impacting any benefits earned.

The Intergovernmental Relations Committee will review the proposals April 26.

The council voted unanimously to request that a representative of the California Public Employees Retirement System attend a study session to discuss pension liabilities.

Councilman Billy OConnell, who made the proposal, said CalPERS has increased pension costs, which has jeopardized the citys ability to provide services to its residents.

CalPERS has failed in [its] fiduciary responsibility, and this failure poses great risk to cities, our hard-working employees and the taxpayers who will ultimately foot the bill for CalPERS failures, OConnell read from a statement.

benjamin.brazil@latimes.com

Twitter:@benbrazilpilot
Despite longstanding bipartisan support in Congress, the Trump administration proposes to slash federal science programs by at least 18% with the deepest cuts targeting environmental research. Taxpayers may be wondering, whats at stake here? It could be tempting for Orange County conservatives to rally around these cuts in the name of small government.

But that sentiment would be misguided. The U.S. environmental research budget is already tiny compared to Social Security, Medicare and military spending, so further cuts wont help with tax relief or deficit reduction.

More important, federal research dollars are a great investment for Orange County. UC Irvine is the countys second-largest employer, and last year the university brought in nearly $400 million worth of grants and contracts. Over the past decade, my research team has received almost $9 million in federal grants for environmental research. About 75% of this funding pays the salaries of graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and undergraduates who get career training to enter our modern, highly educated workforce.

In my experience, every million dollars in grant funding creates about 10 high-quality jobs. My projects also boost the local economy through purchases of scientific equipment and services. Grant overhead supports the infrastructure and human capital that world-class research relies on, including jobs in accounting, facilities maintenance and legal compliance.

Aside from jobs, federal dollars bolster public-private partnerships. UC Irvine is working with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, a local nonprofit that manages 57,000 acres of open space in Orange County. The Irvine Co. donated this land and then, through the Bren Foundation, contributed $1 million to establish a research partnership with UC Irvine.

Using funds from the National Science Foundation and Department of Energys program in Biological and Environmental Research, we are helping conservancy managers identify cost-effective strategies to reduce property damage from invasive species, drought and wildfire. That is federal money well spent  California burns up to half a billion dollars each year fighting wildfires and $80 million combatting invasive species.

By applying sound science to solve problems, federal funding can even help avoid burdensome litigation and regulation. Nearly a dozen Orange County cities, including Newport Beach, are re-envisioning urban development through an innovative habitat conservation plan endorsed by landowners and biologists in 1996. The plan allows development to proceed while employing scientific evidence to minimize impacts on endangered species and the environment.

One of my students recently joined a consortium of water agencies to more accurately measure pollution impacts on stream habitat. Current methods are crude, making it hard to know which streams are most vulnerable. Our research applies cutting-edge tools in molecular biology to study the problem and propose solutions before resorting to new regulations.

Like many of my neighbors, my family and I enjoy living in Orange County because of the safe, beautiful environment and great job opportunities. This winning combination drives up property values and profits for businesses. Everything we appreciate here  environmental stewardship, a vibrant economy and a world-class research university  depends on millions of dollars in federal research funding.

Give this value, environmental science should not be a hard sell. Yet in the current political climate, scientists and citizens need to make their case. My colleagues and I have met with our local members of Congress  Mimi Walters, Lou Correa, Dana Rohrabacher and Ken Calvert  to explain how their constituents benefit from federal research. On April 22, we will join thousands of fellow citizens in the Los Angeles March for Science to reinforce the message.

When the time comes to make tough calls about budget priorities, we urge Orange County taxpayers and politicians to defend our national commitment to environmental research. The Republican Congress has the budgetary authority to overrule President Trumps damaging cuts to science. Our landscape, water resources and economy are worth the investment.

STEVEN D. ALLISON is an associate professor of biology and earth system science at UC Irvine.
I find myself this morning in Franklin, N.C., prepping for an adventure into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. I want to stare into the eye of the people and assimilate their rich culture. Since seeing the movie Songcatcher, a 2000 film about a musicologist researching Appalachian folk music, Ive become fascinated by the region.

But its Monday morning, and I have a 1 p.m. Eastern time deadline with the Valley Sun. While my buddy Fred Alexander works the gear, Im in a small cafe putting thoughts together about the recent La Canada High School Concert Choir tour in Italy.

Cantiamo, Italian for sing, is a good one-word definition for the ultimate adventure of the La Canada artists as they toured Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Rome and the Vatican. Their director, Dr. Jeff Brookey, orchestrated yet another life-changing experience for his students. Ive been on two such adventures during my daughters tenures with Dr. Brookey. Each opportunity to watch our young people bring voice to the world in settings that are themselves pieces of art encompasses my understanding of pageantry. I am changed by such moments, and I thank Dr. Brookey for providing them.

Join the conversation on Facebook 

My thoughts this morning have an interesting twist, as they explain the serendipity of happenstance. If you speak to enough people about enough people, someone is going to know someone who knows someone who ultimately knows you. No matter where you are in the world, according to sociologists, were only separated by six levels.

As the La Canada Concert Choir performed at the Holy Mass in Saint Peters Basilica in Rome, Jim Cartnal, the schools much-beloved administrator and one of the tour chaperones, commented to a young woman sitting next to him that since he did not understand Italian nor the rituals of the mass, he was thankful to follow the womans lead. Upon hearing of Cartnals connection to the choir, the woman introduced herself.

Im Ashley Puglia, she said. You must know my Uncle Joe and my Aunt Kaitzer.

Ashley has roots in La Canada. Before moving to Rome, she was a regular visitor and would spend hours at our local Starbucks working on her Ph.D. in theology while I wrote 12 Stories from the Bronx. Currently, shes a professor at Pontifical University of the Holy Cross of Rome and teaches the next generation of priests. Shes also the Rome correspondent for Relevant Radio and has hosted and anchored a weekly television news and culture show called Voice of the Vatican. Many La Canadans who visit Rome experience the wonder of the Eternal City with her help, as she also conducts personal tours.

Ashley recently sent me a message expressing that of all the choirs that she has seen perform at the Vatican and throughout Rome and Italy, the La Canada artists were superior. She recorded their Saint Peters performance and sent it my way. She also told me that the priest who celebrated the mass expressed his appreciation for the choirs remarkable performance and asked for a recording.

Jeff Brookey creates magic as he brings the gift of il canto (song). Jim Cartnal brings inspiration and leadership to his students. Ashley Puglia brings Zen to the metaphysical essence of Rome and beyond her depth of knowledge of Italian culture, she was moved by the LCHS Choir.

Well, Im at my word limit and thanks to a three-hour time difference, Ill make my deadline. The Great Smoky Mountains await. Visit me next week, and Ill tell you about what I saw.

Note my nieces website: https://www.johnandashley.org/aboutus.html. I just have to brag.

JOE PUGLIA is a practicing counselor, a retired professor of education and a former officer in the Marines. Reach him at doctorjoe@ymail.com. Visit his website at doctorjoe.us.
Big Sur is reopening for business, sort of. The luxe Post Ranch Inn and landmark Nepenthe Restaurant plan to reopen to travelers Thursday, even though they are stranded on a roughly 23-mile-long island of Highway 1. Both have been cut off by road closures to the north and south since Februarys winter storms.

So how can travelers get there?

The Post Ranch Inn, known for its rustic setting with ocean and mountain views, plans to fly guests in by helicopter from Monterey.

Travelers who pony up $500 for two on top of their room cost (which starts at $1,225 a night at this time of year) are treated to a 20-minute ride that takes in aerial views of the coast before landing on the hotels grounds.

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The $500 cost (or $250 each) covers round-trip helicopter service as well as breakfast, lunch and a four-course dinner for two people. A two-night minimum stay is required.

During their stay, guests can hitch a ride on the hotels Lexus hybrid to see Nepenthe restaurant and its Phoenix Shop, a little more than a mile away, and Hawthorne Gallery.

The hotel and other businesses are in the part of Big Sur thats south of the failed Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge and north of an area called Pauls Slide, which is closed to all traffic until Caltrans can repair damage caused by winter storms.

A replacement bridge is in the works and may be in place as early as September. The Escape Through the Skies package, as the hotel calls it, will be offered in April, May and possibly longer. Info: Post Ranch Inn, (831) 667-2200

The historic Bixby Bridge. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

For those set on driving Highway 1, you can get your coastal fix with a shorter road trip that travels south from Monterey.

Its about 32 miles from Monterey to the bridge closure, meaning youll see the iconic Bixby Bridge and be able to stay at the Big Sur Inn & Restaurant or Big Sur Lodge, or rent a cabin at Ripplewood or Fernwood resorts.

Garrapata State Park to the west of Highway 1 is open too, and has erupted in blooms of calla lilies. Other state parks in the area are closed because of last summers Soberanes fire and subsequent winter storm damage.

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Heres what a new Highway 1 bridge in Big Sur will look like, and it may open in September

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Major Highway 1 landslide closure south of Big Sur to continue at least four more weeks

travel@latimes.com

@latimestravel
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry will meet his Ethiopian counterpart Workneh Gebeyehu in Cairo on Wednesday, MENA state agency has reported.

According to MENA, the two foreign ministers will meet at Cairos Tahrir Palace, which is owned by the foreign affairs ministry, to discuss bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest issues, chiefly the Nile water file.

Following the talks, Shoukry and Gebeyehu will hold a joint press conference.

There has been tension between Egypt and Ethiopia in recent years over the construction of Ethiopias Grand Renaissance Dam, a project which Cairo fears will negatively affect Egypt's Nile water share.

Addis Ababa maintains that the dam project, which Ethiopia needs to generate electricity, will not harm downstream countries.

In recent months, relations between Cairo and Addis have improved, especially after Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan in September signed the final contracts for long-awaited technical studies on the potential impact of the dam on downstream countries.

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How much cushier can an expedition to Antarctica or the Arctic get? Silverseas luxury Silver Explorer  an all-suite ship in which every room comes with a butler  is undergoing a major remodel during a three-week dry dock in the Caribbean.

Suites will receive new furnishings  curtains, carpets, mattresses, etc.  and add granite touches and rainforest showers to some bathrooms, a company statement says.

And its making space for 16 new Vista and View suites on Decks 3 and 4 that will feature connecting doors for families and parties traveling together.

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The ships lounges will be upgraded with new furniture, carpets and wall treatments, and the fitness center will double in size. A blue and beige color scheme will be used throughout the ship.

ALSO: Antarctica, south of everything 

When the remodel is complete, the ship will carry 144 passengers, up from 130.

The Silver Explorer began sailing to Antarctica in 2008. The ships all-inclusive cruise includes meals, wines and spirits, an hour of free Wi-Fi each day and a butler with every suite. Excursions in Zodiac boats, walks led by experts and land lectures on destinations also are included.

Antarctica cruises start at $10,125 per person, based on double occupancy.

After renovation, the ship will sail May 20 from Lisbon, Portugal, to Honfleur, France.

Info: Silversea, (888) 978-4070, or a travel agent.

travel@latimes.com

@latimestravel

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Five winery owners from Californias Dry Valley Creek will host a 2018 cruise to France that highlights their own wines as well as classic Rhone Valley varieties. Travelers who sign up early save 20%.

The deal: The seven-night river cruise aboard the AmaCello features five winemaker dinners, a grand tasting, educational seminars from the Sonoma-area winery owners and wine-themed excursions at ports of call.

The Passport to the Rhone cruise is discounted to $2,349 per person, based on double occupancy. Travelers must reserve by the end of May to get the deal. Regular fare is $3,099 per person.

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When: The cruise sails between Arles and Lyon, Nov. 8-15, 2018.

Details: Winery owners from Amphora Winery, Mounts Family Winery, Nalle Winery, Peterson Winery and Rued Wines will work with the cruise lines executive chef to create menus that pair with their wines.

Info: To reserve a cabin, call (877) 651-7447 or email wineclub@cruiseshipcenters.com

travel@latimes.com

@latimestravel

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This publicity photo was staged about a week before the actual flight. A closeup look at the front page reveals its a copy of the July 12, 1931, Los Angeles Times.

The image accompanied a brief story in the July 27, 1931, Los Angeles Times that reported:

Swooping down through a densely wooded section, Allen Russel, local pilot, made the first landing in the resort section of the high Sierras when he set his plane down at Pine Flat Meadows yesterday.

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Russel, who is attached to the Trojan Flying Club of the United Airport, dropped into camp with a bundle of Los Angeles Sunday Times, at 7:30 oclock in the morning, the first newspapers to be delivered by plane in the Sierras.

Another trip will be made to the resort by Russel in his Timm monoplane for the purposes of surveying the Myers Land Company high Sierras resort, El Capinero, so that additional space may be laid out for a permanent landing field for plane travel to and from Los Angeles.

The small community of Pine Flat is located in Tulare County 175 miles from Los Angeles. The Sierra mountain community is at 3,800 feet elevation.

See more from the Los Angeles Times archives here
An aircraft carrier strike group that the Trump administration had warned was headed toward North Korea in a powerful show of force has instead spent the last week thousands of miles away  and heading in the opposite direction.

The Pentagons disclosure on April 8 that the Carl Vinson carrier strike force was being diverted to waters near North Korea had contributed to rising global tensions over a possible U.S. conflict with the nuclear-armed regime in Pyongyang.

Senior administration officials repeatedly cited the orders to rush the Carl Vinson strike force from Singapore to North Korea as a sign of President Trumps willingness to directly confront a regime that has conducted five nuclear tests and multiple missile launches in violation of United Nations resolutions.

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It was widely assumed that the carrier group was patrolling somewhere within range last weekend, when U.S. officials feared Kim Jong Uns military would conduct a sixth underground nuclear test, or would try to test launch an intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time.

The U.S. ships have the ability to shoot down incoming missiles and launch cruise missiles of their own.

On Saturday, Pyongyang staged a massive parade that displayed new missiles and had warned that it would counter a U.S. attack with a nuclear war of our own. The next day, the regime attempted to test a mid-size ballistic missile, but it exploded seconds after launch in the sea off the east coast.

The Navys admission that the Carl Vinson and four other warships were, in fact, conducting exercises in the Indian Ocean last week and were still in Indonesian waters as of Saturday has raised fresh questions about the credibility of the White House, which has frequently come under attack for making false claims.

Officials said Tuesday that the false narrative about the Carl Vinson resulted from mistakes and miscommunication up the military chain of command to the White House, and was not part of a deliberate military attempt to psych out North Koreas leaders and mislead the public.

The embarrassing saga began when Adm. Harry Harris, who heads U.S. Pacific Command, initially announced in a news release on April 8 that he had directed the Carl Vinson carrier strike group to sail north from Singapore, adding that the ships were being diverted from planned port visits to Australia.

The Trump administration cited the deployment of the naval strike force, which includes the carrier and four warships, as a clear warning to North Korea, which was said to be planning a nuclear test last weekend in conjunction with a national holiday.

We are sending an armada, very powerful, to the waters off the Korean peninsula, President Trump told Fox Business News on April 12.

A day earlier, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis told Pentagon reporters that the aircraft carrier was on her way up there.

Some news organizations cited the armadas apparent race northward as a sign of a possible preemptive attack on North Korea, spurring global concerns of a possible war.

While the Pentagon sought to downplay those reports late last week, at no point did it or the White House suggest the Carl Vinson was not, in fact, nearing the Korean peninsula to give Trump a more robust military option should he decide he needs one.

Pundits cited the warships approach as evidence of Trumps muscular style in the same week that he had ordered a cruise missile strike on Syria in response to a poison gas attack, and the Air Force had dropped the so-called Mother of All Bombs on an Islamic State stronghold in Afghanistan.

But on Saturday, a full week after the initial news release, the Navy posted a photograph showing the Carl Vinson traveling south through the Sunda Strait between the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java  about 3,500 miles southwest of the Korean peninsula.

As Defense News first reported Monday, the strike force has been taking part in exercises with Australian forces in the Indian Ocean over the last week.

It is now  really  steaming northward and is expected to arrive in the Sea of Japan next week, U.S. officials said.

william.hennigan@latimes.com

Twitter: @wjhenn

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Prime Minister Theresa May shocked Britain on Tuesday by calling a snap general election for June 8 in a bid to strengthen her governments position as it begins negotiating the countrys withdrawal from the European Union.

May said she had come to the decision with reluctance but felt that it was the only way to bring about political stability and unity within the nation and, crucially, between lawmakers who continually threaten to derail the whole process.



For the record: This article incorrectly states that Glasgow is the capital of Scotland. The capital is Edinburgh.

At this moment of enormous national significance there should be unity here in Westminster, but instead there is division, she said. The country is coming together but Westminster is not.

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Mays statement, delivered outside her Downing Street residence, came with little prior warning. She had previously vowed not to hold a general election until 2020, when the current fixed-term Parliament ends, but said she had been forced to abandon that pledge to end the political game playing.

Our opponents believe because the governments majority is so small, that our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change course. They are wrong, she said. They underestimate our determination to get the job done, and I am not prepared to let them endanger the security of millions of working people across the country.

May said she was moved to action out of concern that if she let the infighting continue, the governments negotiating position would be weakened.

She also noted that the so-called Brexit negotiations with the EU would reach their most difficult stage in the run-up to 2020 general election when bitter campaigning could undermine the entire, delicate process.

Supporters branded the move gutsy and bold, including Mays predecessor, David Cameron, who resigned after backing the Remain side in last Junes referendum campaign, which resulted in a 52%-48% win for Leave supporters.

Brave  and right  decision by PM, Cameron wrote on Twitter.

The pound rose 0.7% against the dollar at the news, after a decline of 0.4% in the hour before Mays unscheduled statement.

Mays political rivals were quick to brand the move as shrewd and even self-interested, motivated not out of a desire to bring the country together, but to capitalize on a weak opposition that will enable her to consolidate her Conservative Partys hold on power.

The election has been called for selfish, narrow, party-political interests, said Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon, who has sought permission from the British government to hold a second Scottish independence referendum once the terms of the Brexit negotiations are known.

Scottish voters backed remaining part of the 28-member EU bloc by 62% to 38%. Sturgeon said May was using this as an opportunity to crush all opposition and thereby give herself a free hand to take the country in an increasingly right-wing direction and push through a hard Brexit  meaning withdrawing Britain from both the European single market and customs union.

Now is the time for Scotlands voice to be heard, she said, urging voters there to back her party in the forthcoming election and give her a clear sign that they support her fight for a softer Brexit, or a situation where Scotland splits from the rest of the U.K. and remains within the EU.

The Conservative Party secured a slim majority in the 2015 election, winning 330 of the total 650 seats in the House of Commons. But opinion polls show that the party currently has a double-digit lead over the Labor Party, which is beset with infighting and has a divisive leader in Jeremy Corbyn.

The bottom line is it makes Brexit a lot easier for her.  Anand Menon, a professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs at Kings College London.

Seeking to capitalize and solidify that majority seemingly became too hard to resist.

The bottom line is it makes Brexit a lot easier for her, said Anand Menon, a professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs at Kings College London. If she wins the election, it giver her a popular mandate, he added. She can say: Ive laid out the sort of Brexit Im after. and it makes parliamentary life a lot easier for her.

But winning the election is by no means a done deal as British politics has been nothing if not volatile and unpredictable in the past year. Pollsters did not predict Britain would vote to leave the European Union, they did not expect Cameron to resign in the wake of that vote, and there are few who thought May  who campaigned for the Remain side  would become the next prime minister.

Under the British parliamentary system, elections take place every five years unless the prime minister calls for a snap election and secures the support of two-thirds of members of Parliament.

On Wednesday, May will present her plan for a June election to those lawmakers and ask for their backing. May will seek to make the Brexit strategy that she has already outlined in detail the core campaign issue as battle lines are drawn in coming weeks.

She will fight it as a Back my strategy for Brexit campaign and appeal to Remainers on that basis, said John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde in Scotlands capital, Glasgow. Its a reasonable gamble, he added.

The Labor Party, however, will no doubt seek to make the campaign about the Conservative Partys failings rather than Brexit, which has deeply divided the party.

The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, will relish the chance to gain seats by campaigning on a stridently anti-Brexit platform.

This election is your chance to change the direction of our country, said the partys leader, Tim Farron. If you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the single market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance.

But now that Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty has been formally triggered, starting Britains two-year withdrawal process from the European Union, it is not clear whether Brexit can be stopped altogether  even if the electorate massively turns against Mays Conservative Party and her Brexit vision.

If all the member states in the European Council vote to revoke it, then it can be revoked, Menon said. We dont know if Britain can do it unilaterally. The European Union Court are the only people that can decide.

Thats ironic, given that Brexit was all about Britain wresting back control of its laws, immigration policies and borders.

But if Mays gamble pays off and she wins decisively?

This is probably the final nail in the Remainers coffin, Menon added.

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UPDATES:

5:35 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with additional background information and details on Scotlands referendum.

3:50 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with background information.

12:30 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with background information and viewpoints of British political experts.

This article was originally published at 3:15 a.m.
Standing on the shoulder of a busy Mexican highway, Hugo Castro hit record on his smartphone and issued a desperate plea.

They want to kill me, he said. I really need help. A group of criminals had been chasing him for days, he explained in a 20-minute video he broadcast on Facebook Live on Thursday.



For the record: An earlier version of this article misspelled Gaba Cortes last name as Cortez.

Castro, a U.S.-born immigrant activist, hadnt been heard from since, prompting a cross-border search campaign by his friends and family.

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On Tuesday, he was found alive, according to a message posted on Facebook by his partner, Gaba Cortes. That is what we can share, Cortes wrote. We thank all those who intervened.

What exactly happened to Castro  and whether the threats against him were real  was still unclear Tuesday. But the case generation considerable attention on both sides of the border given Castros work with immigrants and the recent troubling history in Mexico of los desaparecidos, people who disappear without a trace.

Castro, 54, worked for a decade in the San Diego and Tijuana area with a well-known migrant advocacy group called Border Angels. Castro often left water in the desert to help those making illegal and dangerous treks across the border, and in recent months, he had started working with the large community of Haitian migrants who have been stranded in Tijuana since the U.S. changed its immigration policy toward them.

Castro had received threats in the past from human smugglers, said Enrique Morones, director of Border Angels, who on Monday said he was worried that Castro had again been targeted.

Morones said he last saw Castro this month in San Diego, where, over dinner, Castro explained that he wanted to travel to southern Mexico so that he could head back to Tijuana with a caravan of Central American asylum seekers to raise awareness about their experience trekking toward the U.S. Morones said he gave Castro some money for the trip and then drove him to the Mexican border.

Castro, a father of four, who in recent years has called Tijuana home, later took a bus from Tijuana to another city in northern Mexico, where he met up with fellow activists. They planned to drive in a car together south to the state of Chiapas, on the border with Guatemala.

But the car had mechanical problems, Morones said, and Castro somehow became separated from the group. In the video he recorded on the side of the highway, near the central Mexican city of Puebla, Castro said he had run out of pesos and nobody would accept his U.S. dollars.

In the video, Castro walked along the highway as cars whipped past him and the early-evening sky darkened with storm clouds. He repeatedly explained his location, at times appearing to ramble.

He said that he had been cornered by truck drivers associated with a criminal group from the northeastern state of Tamaulipas and that the police were of no help.

I need help, he said. I need help.

The circumstances of Castros disappearance, and the odd nature of his final video, have led some to speculate whether his disappearance might have been linked to mental health issues or other problems.

Morones said he wasnt aware of Castros suffering mental health or other problems, although he noted that Castro did live with high levels of stress.

Hell work 18, 19 hours, Morones said. I told him, Dont do it at that pace. 

According to family members, Cortes, Castros partner, traveled to Mexico City to file an official complaint with prosecutors Tuesday. In a post on her Facebook page that day, she described Castros disappearance as part of a larger trend of forced disappearances in Mexico, where by the end of last year 30,000 people were missing, according to the National Human Rights Commission, a government agency.

In a country of the disappeared, we will not allow Hugo Castro to be one more, Cortes wrote. We are missing Hugo, and we are missing the 43, she said, referring to the 43 students from the town of Ayotzinapa who vanished without a trace in 2014.

kate.linthicum@latimes.com

Twitter: @katelinthicum

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UPDATES:

3:25 p.m.: This article was updated to report that Hugo Castro has been found in Mexico.

This article was originally published at 11:55 a.m.
When the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhoun was hit this month with an attack of poison gas, the incident drew international condemnation and prompted the Trump administration to launch a retaliatory missile strike.

On Friday, there was another incident: A rocket loaded with chlorine gas struck the neighborhood of Abar in the Iraqi city of Mosul, injuring several soldiers. This one, though, was not fired by the government. Iraqi military officials said it was launched by the militant group Islamic State.

As the U.S. government backed by the international community continues to draw a red line around the Syrian governments use of chemical weapons in its long-running war against Islamic State and other rebels, there is growing evidence that deadly chemical agents are also becoming part of the jihadist groups arsenal.

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Islamic State has used chemical weapons, including chlorine and sulfur, at least 52 times on the battlefield in Syria and Iraq, according to a study released in November by IHS Conflict Monitor, a London-based intelligence collection and analysis service.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said it had confirmed that Islamic State fighters had deployed sulfur mustard, commonly known as mustard gas, in an attack on the Syrian town of Marea, near Aleppo, in August 2015. The internationally banned substance burns a victims skin, throat and eyes.

In this case, the team was able to confirm with utmost confidence that at least two people were exposed to sulfur mustard, and that it is very likely that the effects of this chemical weapon resulted in the death of an infant, the organization said in a statement.

There have been other cases:

On March 4, a dozen civilians from east Mosul were treated for suspected exposure to a blistering chemical agent after several rocket attacks by Islamic State, according to an Iraqi military official. The patients, including a 2-month-old baby, were transferred to a hospital in Irbil for treatment of symptoms of a chemical attack including blisters, burns, respiratory problems, irritation to the eyes and vomiting, the official said.

In northern Iraq, Islamic State fired mortar rounds loaded with sulfur mustard at Kurdish forces in October 2015, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said.

There has been no question of where those mustard agents came from, said Jerry Smith, former operations chief for the organization.

Chemical weapons such as chlorine gas, mustard gas and sarin are banned by most nations. They are especially difficult to defend against without protective gear, which is mostly absent on the battlefield in Iraq and Syria.

The attacks officials blame on Islamic State and other forces have not generated the death and destruction associated with the chemical attacks attributed to the Syrian government.

The attack this month in the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun killed 86 people. The government of President Bashar Assad has denied responsibility and blamed opposition forces. It has also suggested the poison gas was inadvertently released during an airstrike on a rebel-held munitions depot.

In 2013, the U.S. and Syrian opposition groups accused forces loyal to Assad of lobbing sarin-filled shells at rebel-held enclaves near Damascus. According to U.S. estimates, more than 1,000 people were killed.

As a result, a deal pushed by Russia saw the government surrender its stockpiles of chemical weapons to the United Nations.

More than 95% of the governments arsenal was eliminated, according to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. But the organization also said there have been chemical attacks since then by rebel and government forces.

Chlorine is commercially available as an industrial chemical and has been used by militant bomb makers in Iraq for years. But it was unclear how Islamic State obtained sulfur mustard.

Smith said militants could make warfare-grade mustard and chlorine fairly easy.

Former CIA Director John Brennan, who stepped down in January, said in an interview last year with CBS 60 Minutes that Islamic State had the ability to manufacture small quantities of chlorine and mustard gas.

The U.S.-led coalition has targeted Islamic State munitions depots and weapon-manufacturing sites with airstrikes in Iraq and Syria.

Weve long known that the enemy has aspired to use chemical weapons, U.S. Col. John Dorrian, a Baghdad-based coalition spokesman, said at a briefing in February. Mustard agent is one that theyve used many times.

Dorrian called militants capability to make chemical weapons rudimentary, but he emphasized that it was very important that we continue to roll back their control of territory because this is not something that we want to wait and let [Islamic State] get good at.

Smith thought it unlikely that militants had stockpiled large quantities of chemical weapons.

If ISIS had manufactured these weapons, Im sure we would have seen them used by now, with half of Mosul gone, he said, suing an acronym for the militant group. By this stage, I would have thought wed have seen them and lots of them.

Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Washingtonbased Arms Control Assn., said some Islamic State units have produced an improvised mustard gas type of shell from mustard seeds in makeshift chemical laboratories, but not chlorine.

The chemical weapons could have been seized from industrial or Syrian government stockpiles, he and other experts said.

The governments of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and Assad once sponsored chemical warfare programs.

Assad was to hand over Syrias chemical weapons  including chlorine and nerve gas  to Smiths monitoring group to be destroyed four years ago. Smith said that his team removed weapons the government declared, but that it was on a bit of a trust basis.

Kimball noted Smiths group had difficulty checking the Syrian governments compliance.

There were some areas the government would not allow them to go to verify it had been handed over, he said of the chemical weapons. Its possible even if they did turn everything over, they maintained the capacity and knowledge to manufacture the precursors.

The U.N. has since found Syrian military helicopters dropped bombs containing chlorine on civilians in at least two attacks over the last three years.

Islamic State doesnt have the capacity to manufacture the more lethal nerve agents like sarin, Kimball said, but it could attack and seize whatever Syrian authorities refused to turn over.

There has been a deep concern that the Syrian stockpile might fall into the wrong hands, he said. We now have to be focused on removing whatever nerve agents in Syria still exist.

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When the Syrian government dropped what the U.S. says were chemical munitions this month in the northwestern province of Idlib, it was targeting a rebel bastion that it helped create.

For months, the Russian-backed Syrian army had been recapturing Aleppo and other major cities  and giving the defeated rebel fighters safe passage to the province.

Through reconciliation deals, roughly 31,000 rebels and 75,000 of their relatives and other civilians have wound up there. Idlib became the main bastion of resistance to President Bashar Assad.

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The province has also been a top destination among the millions of people who have been displaced in the civil war, with the United Nations estimating that at least 110,000 people fleeing violence elsewhere in the country came to Idlib in recent months.

Opposition groups say the alleged chemical attack, which reportedly killed more than 80 people, is part of an all-out attempt by the government to wipe out its opponents now that so many are in the same place.

It followed months of bombardments by Syrian and Russian warplanes and helicopters, including nearly 1,000 strikes last month, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a pro-opposition group that monitors the conflict.

Theres been a major escalation here this year since the fall of Aleppo, said Dhayf Allah Murr, a member of the pro-opposition local council in the village of Um Jalal, roughly 30 miles south of Idlib city. Were being struck day and night.

The skies are never empty. One aircraft leaves, and another comes right after.

The U.S. government also considers Idlib a problem in that so many extremists are congregated there. In February, a U.S. missile killed Abu Khayr Masri, reported to be Al Qaedas second in command there.

The province of verdant farmlands and an estimated 1.8 million people  the vast majority of them Sunni Muslim  had been marginalized for decades by governments in Damascus, including that of Assad, whose Alawite sect is related to Shiite Islam.

When the uprisings against Assad began in 2011, people in Idlib were quick to join.

Idlib is emblematic of the type of rural, conservative, Sunni Arab regions that have been the engine of the uprising, Aron Lund, a fellow with the Century Foundation think tank, wrote in a report last year. In these areas, the population is largely hostile to the army, and the rebellion has local roots that are, very often, much stronger than those of the government.

In 2015, nearly the entire province fell to a coalition of hard-line Islamist groups that proceeded to destroy the buildings, statues, murals and other vestiges of Assads Baath Party there.

Idlib became a base for some of the presidents most implacable  and effective  adversaries, including Ahrar al Sham, one of the largest jihadi factions in the country, and the Organization for the Liberation of Syria, a former Al Qaeda affiliate once known as the Nusra Front.

To the frustration of the Syrian government, munitions and other materials to fight Assad flow directly into Idlib across the border with neighboring Turkey.

Control of the Bab al Hawa crossing has also been an important source of income for the rebels, generating up to $4.8 million a month in customs payments for Ahrar al Sham, according to the Aleppo Project research group.

That income has allowed the jihadists to work toward creating a quasi-state, commandeering or cooperating with local councils to maintain government services and impose elements of Islamic law, such as restrictions on what women can wear.

Rebels have also gained influence among the population in Idlib by controlling the the distribution of humanitarian aid from the United Nations and other groups.

With Idlib as their base, jihadist groups last month launched an offensive on the neighboring province of Hama  an advance that the U.S. says pushed the Syrian government to deploy chemical weapons.

The rebels have also continued to threaten Aleppo and Latakia, the Mediterranean coastal region that is the heartland of government support.

There were signs that the Syrian government was also planning to push back.

Assad, who regularly insists that his forces will liberate every inch of the country, said in an interview last year with the Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya that Idlibs position near Turkey meant: You cannot cut. You have to clean.

You have to keep cleaning this area and to push the terrorists to Turkey to go back to where they come from, or to kill them, he said. Theres no other option.

And Ali Haidar, who as the minister of reconciliation was responsible for crafting the local truces that sent rebel fighters to Idlib, said in an interview with Reuters this year that Idlib is one of the coming hot areas.

Unless there were an international deal to diffuse the situation, the government planned open battle with the rebels there, he said.

Still, the government can afford to let the rebels linger awhile longer in Idlib, Lund said.

Syrian government forces besieged the areas they really need to clear out  basically the big cities and the central territories, the places where the war will be won or lost, which is not Idlib.

Bulos is a special correspondent.

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All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced.  19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.
The murder of Robert Godwin, a 74-year old man from Cleveland was filmed on Easter Sunday and uploaded on Facebook. The content went viral as it was reposted and viewed by millions. Netizens are outraged as the video was copied, reposted and made rounds after the original was taken down.

The attacker, Steve Stephens reportedly filmed himself shooting the victim in close range just as Robert Godwin was walking home after celebrating Easter with his family. The Guardian reports that the victim's grandson, Ryan Godwin has begged that his grandfather's video be stopped from sharing on social media platforms including Facebook.

Steve Stephens reportedly posted a series of videos with the first one of him threatening to kill someone. The second video he posted was that of the murder of Robert Godwin while the last video of him was a live stream of him confessing to the murder and threatening to kill more people. The murder suspect is still on the loose and the FBI has conducted a manhunt for him across the US.

In lieu with this, a Facebook representative issued a statement regarding the Cleveland murder video. Variety reports that Facebook VP of global operations, Justin Osofsky, says that the social media giant is tightening their content policy.

Facebook is reportedly securing and looking for more ways for people to report and take down sensitive content. The company explained that they have only received a report about the actual Cleveland murder video almost 2 hours after it was posted. The company's platform also deactivated Steve Stephen's Facebook account but not before the shooting video was copied and re-uploaded to several accounts.

Osofsky adds that Facebook is committing to do its best to make the social media platform safer for its users. This includes preventing offensive and sensitive videos from being reshared.
A policeman was killed and four others were injured at Mount Catherine's security checkpoint late Tuesday in South Sinai after an exchange of fire with unknown militants, Egypts ministry of interior said.

According to a statement issued by the ministry, a group of militants opened fire on the checkpoint on a road leading up to the Saint Catherine monastery on top of the mountain.

"The police forces exchanged fire with the militants until they gained control and forced the militants to flee," the statement added.

Egypts health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed told Ahram Online the four injured policemen were transferred to Sharm El-Sheikh's international hospital. The body of the policeman who was killed was transferred to St. Catherine hospital.

The attack on the security checkpoint near the Saint Catherine monastery, which is one of the oldest Christian monasteries and the main tourist attraction in South Sinai, comes two weeks after the bombings of Orthodox Churches in Alexandria and Tanta killed over 45 people on Palm Sunday.

IS-affiliated militant group in Egypt claimed responsibility for the twin attacks.

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A pair charged in connection with the robbery of an Easton jewelry store are headed to possible trial in Northampton County Court.

Gregory Lewis Jr., of Wilson Borough, and Vaughn D.J. Felix, of Easton, both 26, appeared Tuesday before District Judge Richard Yetter III and gave up their right separately to preliminary hearings. Neither is charged with robbing JC Jewelry, but both are accused of receiving stolen property from the Dec. 23 robbery at the store at 24 N. Second St.

The two are also suspects in a Slate Belt cellphone store robbery and face separate charges there.

Dressed in a red prison jumpsuit and black shoes with shackles and handcuffs, Felix didn't speak during his appearance. Neither did Lewis, dressed in a navy prison outfit and navy shoes with shackles and handcuffs.

Brian Monahan, the defense attorney representing Felix, and James Brose, the defense attorney representing Lewis, occasionally spoke with their clients.

Afterward, Northampton County Assistant District Attorney Patricia Mulqueen said neither defendant has been offered any kind of plea arrangement in either case.

"There's nothing at this point," said Brian Monahan, the defense attorney representing Felix. "We have to investigate the underlying facts."

The judge then sent the case to Northampton County Court, where both could face trial or the case is disposed of in an alternative way. Both Felix and Lewis have formal arraignments scheduled for June 22.

The robbery at JC Jewelry happened about 5:20 p.m. Dec. 23. Police said a bandit showed a handgun and two people got away with an undetermined amount of cash and jewelry.

Investigators later raided Felix's home with a search warrant and seized bags of gold and silver jewelry, as well as a Ruger P95 9mm handgun. JC Jewelry owner Juan Coello recognized the packaging and the handwriting as jewelry stolen from his store, according to police.

Coello had estimated the value of the recovered jewelry as $5,300, police said.

Investigators March 3 searched Lewis' apartment first block of South 17th Street in Wilson and found evidence tied to the Easton jewelry store robbery, police had said.

Series of holdups

Investigators also have tied Lewis and Felix as the alleged suspects in a Feb. 9 holdup at the Verizon store, 1001 S. Broadway, in Wind Gap. The pair are awaiting preliminary hearings in that case tentatively scheduled for May 8.

Felix and Lewis were the first to be charged in a larger series of five cellphone store robberies across Lehigh, Northampton and Warren counties dating to October. A task force being led by Mulqueen is investigating the crimes.

The first robbery occurred at a Verizon store in Forks Township, where an employee was subsequently shot to death last November outside his Palmer Township home.

A Northampton County judge sealed the affidavit of probable cause in the Wind Gap robbery, citing the ongoing investigation. But Slate Belt Regional police prior to the arrests provided some details of the crime.

The pair during a major snowstorm allegedly entered the store with one displaying a handgun and another tying a clerk's hands behind his back. Both men then ordered the clerk to provide the combination to the safe where cellphones were kept, police said.

The suspects ordered the clerk into a restroom and fled through a back door. The employee then ran to a gas station on South Broadway and called police.

Police believe the robbers made off with 40 to 45 cellphones, along with an undisclosed cash deposit from the night before. No one was reported injured.

Lewis and Felix each are charged with robbery, kidnapping, theft, false imprisonment, simple assault, possession of a weapon, possession of an instrument of crime and three counts of conspiracy.

A Toyota Avalon, which Lewis owned, was stopped in early March at South 10th and Butler streets in Easton and contained a Google Pixel 32 GB phone worth $660 and a Samsung T377 Galaxy Tablet E 8.0 worth $299, police said. Both were stolen from the Verizon store in Wind Gap, which was robbed Feb. 9.

More arrests

Several additional arrests have been made in the string of cellphone store robberies.

Nadir Chandler, 25, of Bethlehem, is charged with theft in the Oct. 29 robbery of a cellphone store in Forks Township. Chandler is charged with taking 79 cellphones and other electronic devices, with a total value of more than $2,000, from the Forks store, police said.

He was found in early March in Georgia and arrested.

Police also in early March arrested Eric Quentin Watson, 25, who said he'd been staying with a friend in the 200 block of St. George Street in Allentown, and Patricia Calcano, 29, who lives in that block in Allentown. Both are charged with receiving stolen property.

Watson is accused of selling more than $4,000 worth of cellphones stolen in January from a Bethlehem Township AT&T store. Calcano is accused of possessing between last Oct. 29 and Nov. 16 at the Allentown home four Samsung S7 Edge cellphones with a total value of $2,940, according to court records.

The phones belonged to Verizon Wireless Nation, police said.

Verizon store manager Michael DeRose, 29, of the 3300 block of Sherwood Road in Palmer Township, was charged April 13 with two counts of theft and one count of receiving stolen property. He is accused of stealing $8,000 from the store involved in the robbery allegedly committed by Chandler.

A day after 25-year-old Michael Davis, another Verizon employee, was killed outside his Palmer Township home, DeRose was accosted, forced into his own car and driven off with armed abductors. He eventually managed to escape and ran.

Mulqueen previously said DeRose's charges are not directly related to the task force's ongoing investigation of the cellphone store robberies around the region.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
warren00.jpg

Frank E. Kline (left) and David B. Domanski (Somerset County Prosecutor's Office)

WARREN - Authorities have arrested two men in connection with the armed robbery of a township convenience store at gunpoint last month, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson said Tuesday.

Frank E. Kline, 52, and David B. Domanski, 53, both of Washington Township in Warren County, are in custody.

On March 26 at approximately 8:39 p.m., township police received a 9-1-1 call reporting an armed robbery at Krauszer's on Stirling Road, it was previously reported.

An employee told police a man entered the store and immediately walked toward the employee with a handgun, demanding money, police said.

During the course of this investigation, Washington Township Police contacted Warren Township Police detectives and told them that Kline fit the description of the suspect they were looking for, and that he was also a suspect in a similar type of incident, it was stated in the release.

On Thursday, detectives from Warren Township, Long Hill Township and Washington Township began watching Kline and confirmed that he matched the physical description of the suspect shown in still photos obtained from the Krauszer's store surveillance cameras, authorities said.

Kline was also wearing the same clothing he wore during the armed robbery, police said.

Later that day, at approximately 5:30 p.m., police apprehended Kline in Phillipsburg and he was taken to the Washington Township Police Department headquarters for questioning, according to the release.

Shortly thereafter, authorities executed a search warrant at Kline's residence. An investigation revealed that Domanski was also involved in the armed robbery, according to police.

That night, after Domanski was arrested, both were charged with one count of first-degree armed robbery and one count of second degree unlawful possession of a firearm, police said.

Both defendants are being held in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.

The Crime Stoppers of Somerset County had offered a $250 reward in the case.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso are kicking off a new U.S.-Japan economic dialogue that was launched during Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's meeting with President Donald Trump in the U.S. in February.

As talks began Tuesday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for a peaceful resolution to tensions surrounding North Korea, at the meantime Aso said the U.S.-Japan alliance has underpinned peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and that trade friction with the U.S. has given way to an "age of cooperation."

Pence said Trump sees the talks as a way to improve business ties with Japan and is hoping for quick results. The discussions are to focus on economic and structural policy and trade and investment strategies aimed at strengthening both countries' economies

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The suspect in the random killing of a Cleveland man that was posted to Facebook has taken his own life, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Steve Stephens, 37, of Cleveland, who filmed himself killing a 74-year-old man on Sunday, killed himself on Tuesday morning during a traffic stop attempt in Erie County, Pennsylvania State Police said on Facebook.

Authorities said Stephens was spotted by "an alert citizen" in a fast-food restaurant parking lot. Troopers from the nearby Troop E headquarters made a quick search and found the car, launching an approximately two-mile pursuit, police said. Troopers attempted a "PIT" maneuver that as intended sent Stephens' car spinning, police said.

With the car still out of control about 11:10 a.m., Stephens pulled out a pistol and shot himself in the head, police said. A state police trooper's vehicle then slid into Stephens' car, doing minor damage, police said. No law enforcement personnel or members of the public were hurt, police said.

Stephens was heading west into Erie in his white Ford Fusion near Buffalo Road and Downling Avenue when he shot himself, according to GoErie.com. It was across the street from a former elementary school, the news website said.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf praised the police response.

"I am incredibly grateful to the Pennsylvania State Police for their bravery and vigilance in spotting and pursuing 'Facebook Live Killer' Steve Stephens in Erie and acting without hesitation to keep others safe," he said in a prepared statement. "On behalf of all Pennsylvanians and Americans, I thank these state troopers, the entire state police and all law enforcement involved for their heroism in protecting their fellow citizens."

Stephens was charged with aggravated murder in the apparently random shooting of Robert Goodwin Sr. in Cleveland. Stephens soon after posted video of the killing to Facebook.

Stephens shared a recording on Sunday of himself announcing his plan to kill someone, then two minutes later posted another video of himself shooting and killing Godwin, Facebook said. A few minutes after that, he went live and confessed, the company said.

The company said it disabled Stephen's account within 23 minutes of receiving the first report about the video of the fatal shooting and two hours after receiving any report.

Facebook has since announced it was launching a review for reporting harmful content.

Police would not speculate on what was behind the killing, but videos Stephens posted showed him talking about losing everything he had to gambling and trouble with his girlfriend.

Stephens filed for bankruptcy two years ago despite holding down a job as a counselor helping young people develop job skills and find employment. The behavioral health agency where he worked said an extensive background check before he was hired turned up nothing worrisome.

In one video posted on Facebook, Stephens said that he gambled away everything and that he and his girlfriend had planned to marry but did not, without saying why.

In the video of the shooting, Stephens told Godwin the name of his girlfriend and said, "She's the reason that this is about to happen to you." Godwin did not seem to recognize the name.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A robber who wore a "Duck Dynasty" costume when he robbed two banks and a sandwich shop in Monroe County was sentenced to four to 10 years in state prison Monday.

Oscar Rodriguez (Courtesy photo)

Oscar Rodriguez, 43, of Bushkill, Pa., was dressed in an Uncle Si costume from the reality television series when he robbed the places last year, authorities said.

Monroe County Judge Jonathan Mark delivered the sentence Monday following Rodriguez's guilty plea to three counts of robbery.

Armed with a handgun, he twice robbed the Wayne Bank in Middle Smithfield Township last summer while dressed as Uncle Si, according to Eric Kerchner, Monroe County's chief county detective.

The costume consisted of a long beard, and camouflage vest and cap.

Rodriguez got away with $5,000.

Rodriguez was able to avoid capture until committing the third and final robbery at a Subway last October, Kerchner said.

During his sentencing, Rodriguez accepted responsibility and apologized to the victims, Kerchner said. Assistant District Attorney David N. Marra prosecuted the case.

Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.
By Jim Deegan | For lehighvalleylive.com

Traffic deaths in Pennsylvania hit a record low in 2016, the fewest number of fatalities since record-keeping started in 1928.

The 1,188 fatalities were seven fewer than the year before, with highway deaths dropping in several categories including drunken-driving related, run-off-the-road crashes and hitting fixed objects, state officials said.

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The state Department of Transportation attributed the decline in part to beefed up safety and education projects.

"PennDOT spends a significant amount of money to affect drivers through education, enforcement and engineering, said Sean Brown, a spokesman.

"We work with police and fund police activities with seat belt enforcement, aggressive driving and DUI patrols and checkpoints, he said. "We also spend a lot of money on engineering to make roads safer through measures like line painting, signage, guide rails and rumble strips.

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Local picture

In the Lehigh Valley, the local data was mixed.

Lehigh County had 23 deadly crashes in 2016 that claimed 28 lives. It was the fewest number of crashes or traffic deaths in the county in the last five years.

Meanwhile, 29 people died in 24 fatal crashes in Northampton County. That tied for the most fatalities in the county in the five-year span. In 2014, 29 people also died on Northampton County roads.

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Gov. Tom Wolf hailed the statistics as work toward PennDOTs commitment to changing driver behavior and working toward zero traffic deaths.

Our biggest priority is to keep the public safe through innovation, roadway improvements and educational outreach, Wolf said in a statement. As fatality numbers continue to trend downward, we still need to change driver behavior, keeping in mind that each person killed in a crash is a member of someones family.

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Fatalities in run-off-the-road crashes dropped from 580 in 2015 to 518 last year. Hit-fixed-object fatalities also decreased from 459 in 2015 to 401 in 2016. Deaths attributed to alcohol-related crashes declined to 263 last year, down from 306 in 2015.

Fatalities increased in some types of crashes. There were 279 fatalities that occurred at intersections, up from 251 in 2015. Also, pedestrian deaths resulting from crashes increased to 172 in 2016, up from 153 in 2015.

See below for a breakdown of the fatality figures, by county:

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NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

2016: 24 deadly crashes involving 29 fatalities. That tied for the most fatalities in the five-year span with 2014, when 29 fatalities also were reported.

2015: 24 deadly crashes involving 27 fatalities

In the five-year period since 2012: 126 dead in 112 crashes

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LEHIGH COUNTY

2016: 23 deadly crashes involving 28 fatalities. It was the fewest number of crashes or traffic deaths for the county in the five-year period.

2015: 35 deadly crashes involving 38 fatalities

In the five-year period since 2012: 175 dead in 155 crashes

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BUCKS COUNTY

2016: 50 deadly crashes involving 52 fatalities

2015: 53 deadly crashes involving 55 fatalities

In the five-year period since 2012: 260 dead in 249 crashes

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MONROE COUNTY

2016: 21 deadly crashes involving 29 fatalities

2015: 32 deadly crashes involving 34 fatalities

In the five-year period since 2012: 138 dead in 121 crashes.

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BERKS COUNTY

2016: 35 deadly crashes involving 35 fatalities.

2015: 38 deadly crashes involving 39 fatalities.

In the five-year period since 2012: 199 dead in 192 crashes

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Data and technology

Ted Leonard, director of the Pennsylvania AAA Federation, said PennDOT's reliance on data collection has helped drive down the numbers. For example, a focus on measures like straightening out problem curves and removing objects such as trees has had an impact in run-off-the-road and hitting-fixed-object crashes.



"It's difficult to put a finger on one specific area or action," said Leonard, who worked with PennDOT on its strategic highway safety plan. "But it's important that if you're going to formulate any countermeasures you know where the accidents are occurring and what type of accidents are occurring."



Legislation, marketing and technology also have been factors in the downward trend, he said.

"Cars today are getting more and more automated," he said. "There's lane departure technology that self-corrects, and self-braking. The more automated vehicles are getting safer."

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From 2012 to 2016, PennDOT spent more than $376 million in Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds on 434 safety projects, it said.

During that same time frame, another $50 million was spent on low-cost safety improvements at about 4,000 different locations. Among them were centerline and edge-line rumble strips, and new signs and pavement markings.

PennDOT said it also invests about $20 million a year in federal grants for safety education and enforcement efforts.

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Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.

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Be prepared to slow down and stop. Paving will begin soon on Pennsylvania roadways.  https://t.co/gJF3quXyF5  #MaintenanceMonday #PennDOT pic.twitter.com/5UKgJp5Ebu  PA Department of Transportation (@PennDOTNews) April 17, 2017
The 37-year-old Cleveland man who filmed himself killing a 74-year-old man on Sunday has evaded a nationwide manhunt so far, authorities and published reports say.

There is a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Steve Stephens, who posted a video to Facebook on Sunday showing him killing Robert Godwin Sr. and put up a second video saying he "snapped" and killed 13 people. There is no evidence of other victims, police said.

One place Stephens wasn't was in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park.

"At this time, there is no indication that the subject is at that location, or anywhere in the city of Philadelphia," police tweeted there on Monday afternoon.

Statement on police activity in Fairmount Park regarding Cleveland Ohio homicide suspect Steve Stephens pic.twitter.com/qYkd2DzxbP  Philadelphia Police (@PhillyPolice) April 17, 2017

Authorities earlier received information Stephens was in the Belmont Plateau section of the park and "several schools in the area were placed on lockdown," police said.

Stephens is now on the FBI's Most Wanted list but he hasn't been heard from since Cleveland police spoke to him on Sunday, cleveland.com reports.

"Our reach now is basically all over this country," police Chief Calvin Williams said. "... We are not going to leave any stone unturned."

#FBI seeks info regarding the location of Steve Stephens, wanted for allegedly murdering a man in Cleveland, OH: https://t.co/boMjv0P7L7 pic.twitter.com/EshkaGn8n5  FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) April 17, 2017

Joy Lane, the former girlfriend Stephens referenced before killing Godwin, said in a text to CBS that she was "sorry for all that has happened." While saying that her "heart & prayers goes out to the family members of the victim(s)," she called Stephens a "really nice guy ... he is generous with everyone he knows."

Stephens apparently had gambling problems and had gone through personal bankruptcy in 2015 and eviction processes had left his $28,800 annual salary garnished, cleveland.com said. He worked since 2008 at Beech Brook, most recently as a vocational specialist for children and young adults, cleveland.com said.

Lane had worked as a social worker at the same organization, cleveland.com said.

Gambling caused Stephens to "lose everything" and he was "out of options," cleveland.com said.

Chief Williams: We will follow up on EVERY tip. Please call 1-800-Call FBI with tips.

If you see Steve Stephens, dial 9-1-1.  Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) April 17, 2017

Godwin was remembered as "a caring father who gave his children an admirable work ethic," his daughter Debbie told the news website.

If anyone sees Stephens, they should call 911, Cleveland police said on Twitter. If anyone has a tip about the investigation, they should call the FBI tip line at 800-CALL FBI.

Stephens recently bought a white, 2016 Ford Fusion and was driving it on Sunday, authorities said.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Today, April 18, is the deadline for filing returns for federal income tax. It's three days later than usual this year because April 15 fell on a weekend, and Monday was a federal holiday, Emancipation Day.

The run-up to tax day featured protests around the country demanding President Donald Trump release his federal tax returns. During the presidential campaign, Trump said he would release his returns once his taxes were no longer under audit -- and that is still the rationale today, Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Monday.

Trump broke a decades-long precedent by refusing to disclose his taxes when he became a candidate. The IRS says ongoing audits don't preclude anyone from making their returns public.

Moving ahead, Trump may be using the same rationale in the future to keep his returns under wraps -- the taxes of presidents and vice presidents are audited as a matter of course.

Critics contend Trump's tax returns would shed light on potential or real conflicts of interest with individuals or businesses with which the government does business -- and of particular interest, those with foreign ties.

Asked Monday whether the president will ever release any of his previous tax returns, Spicer said, "We'll have to get back to you on that."

Several states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, are considering bills to require presidential candidates to release their taxes to get on their state's ballot. It's also possible congressional committees investigating Russian interference in the 2016 president election will seek Trump's returns.

What do you think? Should Trump release his tax returns? Have a say in our informal poll, and feel free to join the conversation in the comments section.
British Prime Minister Theresa May called on Tuesday for an early election on June 8, saying she needed to strengthen her hand in divorce talks with the European Union by shoring up support for her Brexit plan.

Standing outside her Downing Street office, May said she had been reluctant about asking parliament to back her move to bring forward the poll from 2020, but decided it was necessary to try to prevent opposition parties "jeopardising" her work on Brexit.

Some were surprised by her move - she has repeatedly said she does not want to be distracted by time-consuming campaigning - but opinion polls give her a strong lead, the economy is weathering the Brexit vote and she has faced opposition from her own party for some of her domestic reforms.

The pound rose to a two-and-a-half-month high against the U.S. dollar after the announcement, as forex markets bet -- initially at least -- that May would strengthen her parliamentary majority. Britain's main share index fell to its lowest point in more than seven weeks.

"It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election, but it is with strong conviction that I say it is necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond," May said.

"Every vote for the Conservatives will make it harder for opposition politicians who want to stop me from getting the job done."

Britain joins a list of western European countries scheduled to hold elections this year. Votes in France in April and May, and in Germany in September, have the potential to reshape the political landscape around the two years of Brexit talks with the EU expected to start in earnest in June.

May is capitalising on her runaway lead in the opinion polls. The Conservative Party is around 20 points ahead of the main opposition Labour Party, a large lead for an incumbent party two years after the last parliamentary election.

The prime minister's own personal ratings also dwarf those of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, with 50 percent of those asked saying she would make the best prime minister. Corbyn wins only 14 percent, according to pollster YouGov.

'HITCHCOCK'

Some voters questioned on social media whether they wanted to cast yet another ballot less than a year after the June referendum on EU membership and two years after they voted in the last parliamentary poll.

Business groups expressed concern that the government's focus may stray away from the economy. Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, called for reassurance that "the key challenges facing the economy will be front and centre throughout any election period".

European Council President Donald Tusk, who is running the negotiations with Britain, said the election was a Brexit plot twist worth of master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock.

First, May must win the support of two-thirds of the parliament in a vote on Wednesday, which looked certain after Labour and the Liberal Democrats said they would vote in favour.

Corbyn welcomed the election plan. "In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country. We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain," he said.

Nicola Sturgeon, first minister of the Scottish government, described the decision as a "huge political miscalculation" that could help her efforts to hold a new independence referendum.

May, a former interior minister, was appointed prime minister after Britain's vote to leave the European Union forced the resignation of her predecessor David Cameron. The election will be a vote on her performance so far.

Her spokesman said she had the backing of her top team of ministers and had informed Queen Elizabeth of her plans on Monday.

If the opinion polls are right, she will win a new mandate for a series of reforms she wants to introduce in Britain and also a vote of confidence in a vision for Brexit which sees the country outside the EU's single market.

She urged voters to back her plan, saying other parties may try to destabilise Britain at crucial points in the EU talks.

"The decision facing the country will be all about leadership," May said. "What they are doing jeopardises the work we must do to prepare for Brexit at home, and it weakens the government's negotiating position in Europe."

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Gardai in Athy are investigating a robbery in which a shop attendant was kidnapped, in the town on Friday, April 14.

At approximately 9pm on the 14th of April as staff were locking up a service station on the Kilkenny Road, Athy they were approached by two males wearing balaclavas and holding knives.

The staff were threatened, forced into a back room and money was demanded of them.

The males who were unsuccessful in gaining access to the safe took one of the staff members and placed him in a car and left the scene.

The raiders then told the second staff member to bring them the cash from the safe and meet them a short distance away.

The second staff member brought the contents of the safe to the raiders where they met on the Kilkenny Road, Athy between the Top Garage and Loughmans Garage where they were handed the money.

The staff member was released unharmed and Gardai were then contacted.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses who may have seen a car acting suspiciously around the Service station on the evening of the 14th around 9pm.

They are also seeking witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity on the Kilkenny Road, Athy between the Top Garage and Loughmans Garage around 9pm.

It is believed that the suspects were driving a Mazda 323F.

Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is asked to contact the Gardai in Athy on 059 8634210, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
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Theresa Mays announcement has just finished. There will be a vote in the House of Commons tomorrow  a two thirds majority is required to call a General Election. Labour have said they would back this, but they could perhaps thwart the timetable if they wished.

Mays theme seemed to be that the opposition parties and the Lords were getting in her way and weakened her ability to do the job, and to negotiate in Europe. Quite how a majority in the Commmons is not good enough, reflects more I think on her leadership. And, frankly, if this opposition is too much for her I guess Turkey is an inspiration to her.

So the message for the country is if you want to fight Brexit, or even just to fight hard Brexit, you do need to return as many Liberal Democrats as possible on June 8th.

This is your chance to change the direction of your country pic.twitter.com/wfj4wC7yn3  Tim Farron (@timfarron) April 18, 2017

* Joe Otten was the candidate for Sheffield Heeley in June 2017 and Doncaster North in December 2019 and is a councillor in Sheffield.
Whilst the media concentrate on shortages of beds, longer waiting times and the increasing indebtedness of Trusts, all of which can easily be solved by investing more money, ie. a choice (or not) of the government of the day, something far more fundamental is happening  doctors are leaving the NHS.

This cannot be solved by money, or government dictat, because the goodwill of medical staff which successive governments have taken for granted has run out, and frankly, doctors have sufficient skills to go anywhere in the world.

From its inception, the NHS has relied on imported staff from abroad; in the 50s and 60s it was mainly porters, cleaners and cooks from the Caribbean. In the 70s and 80s it was doctors from the Indian subcontinent and nurses from south East Asia and since the 90s from Europe.

The UK has never produced sufficient home grown doctors, partly because of the idiotic insistence of the system in pretending that almost no-one is academically gifted enough to get into medical school. Getting 4A* has little to do with becoming a good doctor; its just an effective way of stopping perfectly good candidates getting into medical school. The medical school expansion programme in the 70s didnt fix the problem and neither will Jeremy Hunts offering of 6,000 more places over the next five years; the problem is much, much worse than that.

Those Indian doctors who have been the backbone of the NHS for the last 30+years are all retiring, as are the post-war home grown baby boomers, and, of course, with Brexit there wont be any new doctors coming from Europe or beyond.

Formerly, it was quite common for doctors to carry on working for a number of years after 65, many into their 70s. Not that Im advocating that, doctors have their sell by dates, just like everything else.

But now, on top of the stresses and strains of medical life, comes the issue of re-validation. The generation of doctors nearing the end of their career face, for the first time, a complex, tedious and stressful procedure to re-validate if they want to continue working. This is pushing many into taking prompt, or even early retirement, rather than slog through a process which few believe is useful at this stage of their careers, and with the small but real chance that one may be found wanting. Why risk it? -take the pension and sit in the sun, theyve worked hard enough, for long enough.

At the same time, at the other end of the career path, the unresolved dispute between the Department of Health and the junior doctors means that for the first time ever, many junior doctors are simply not entering the postgraduate training programme, the only mechanism by which one can build a career in medicine in the UK, either as a GP or hospital specialist. There will even be unfilled places on the foundation programme (the first 2 years after medical school) for the first time ever, 444 spaces as of March 2017.

In the 5 years of the unresolved junior doctors dispute, with Jeremy Hunt imposing a new contract in 2016, the proportion of doctors immediately entering the post-graduate training programme has reduced from more than 70% to less that 50%. That simply means there will be far fewer GPs and hospital specialists coming out at the other end of the programme in the next few years. As the gaps open up, the quality of life for those who make it through deteriorates and so fewer embark. A quarter of middle grade paediatric training posts are vacant, that means a 25% shortfall of specialists in child medicine in 4 years time.

This week we hear that more and more hospitals are relying on locums every week to close rota gaps, a totally unsustainable and thoroughly undesirable situation for both patients and doctors, not to mention the finances of the NHS. Something needs to be done, and fast, and frankly Jeremy Hunt is not up to the task.

* Catherine Royce is a medical doctor and was previously PPC for Uxbridge (2001) and Romsey (2017). She is currently a member of the Federal Policy Committee.
ARTISTS and all cultural practitioners are being invited to apply for subsidised residential apartments in Johns Square.

Limerick City and County Council has announced an open call to recognised cultural practitioners across all art forms, to apply for the use of these apartments.

The artists apartments, 1-2 Johns Square, form a part of the Limerick Cultural Strategy to continue to develop the cultural infrastructure of Limerick and to support the cultural economy.

The apartments create conditions for affordable living spaces for individual artists and attract and keep artists living and working in Limerick city, by encouraging living and working within the urban context.

The apartments provide subsidised living spaces in recognition that artists and many individuals working in the arts are on modest income levels.

They offer affordable residential accommodation for recognised professional cultural practitioners setting out on their careers and at mid-career. Although applicants may not necessarily earn income continuously from their cultural practice, they must identify themselves and be recognised by their peers as professional practitioners.

The Limerick Artists Apartments are now in the fourth year of operation and are the countrys first subsidised living space scheme for artists, said Sheila Deegan, Limerick Arts Officer.

This scheme has proved to be tremendously popular and this open call for a cultural practitioner is for the use of one of the residential apartments at Johns Square.

One of the ambitions and objectives of the Limerick Cultural Strategy is to grow Limericks cultural capacity by retaining and attracting creative practitioners to live and work in Limerick.

The artists apartments in John's Square achieve this in a modest but important way in one of the most historic parts of Limerick, she added.

This is a competitive selection process. A selection committee reviews the applications and based on the material provided makes recommendations to Limerick City and County Council. An interview may form a part of the selection process.

Applications must be submitted, preferably electronically by 12 noon, Monday, April 24, to artsofficesubmissions@limerick.ie using the reference APTS17
US Vice President Mike Pence reiterated his country's commitment to the security of Japan on Tuesday, as North Korea intensified concerns over its weapons programme with a vow to launch missile tests "every week".

The North, which is intent on developing a nuclear-tipped ballistic missile capable of reaching the mainland United States, defied international pressure Sunday with a test that failed immediately after launch.

As fears grow that it may also be preparing for its sixth nuclear weapons test, Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol said that its programme would only escalate.

"We'll be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis," Han told the BBC in an interview, threatening "all-out war" if the US took any action against it.

Arriving in Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Pence hailed the two countries' longstanding security ties.

"The alliance between the United States and Japan is the cornerstone of peace and security in Northeast Asia," he told Abe.

The Japanese leader called for a peaceful resolution to the North Korea tensions but did not rule out the need for tough measures.

"It is a matter of paramount importance for us to seek diplomatic efforts as well as peaceable settlements of the issue," he said.

"At the same time dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless and it is necessary for us to exercise pressure."

In South Korea on the first leg of an Asian tour, Pence on Monday visited the heavily fortified Demilitarised Zone separating the two Koreas and warned Pyongyang against further provocations, saying "all options are on the table".

North Korea could react to a potential US strike by targeting South Korea or Japan, and officials in both countries have been ill at ease with the more bellicose language deployed by President Donald Trump's administration.

Pence pointed to Trump's recent strikes on a Syrian airbase and an Islamic State complex in Afghanistan as a warning to Pyongyang not to underestimate the administration's resolve.

But at a press conference with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on Tuesday, Pence also played up the importance of coordination.

The administration "believes the most productive pathway forward is dialogue among the family of nations that can isolate and pressure North Korea into abandoning permanently and dismantling" its nuclear and missile programmes, he said.

Throughout his bareknuckle election campaign, Trump repeatedly called into question a mutual defence treaty between Japan and the United States, suggesting Tokyo should pay for its own security.

But Pence reassured his jittery hosts that those decades-old security commitments are ironclad, a necessity made more acute after Washington's refusal to rule out military action against the North.

Tensions between Pyongyang and Washington have soared in recent weeks as a series of North Korean missile tests have prompted ever-more severe warnings from Trump's administration.

Asked by a reporter what message he had for North Korea's young leader Kim Jong-Un on Monday, Trump replied "Gotta behave".

North Korea's deputy ambassador to the United Nations reiterated on the weekend that the North is ready to respond to any US missile or nuclear strike.

"If the United States dares opt for a military action... the DPRK is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the Americans," Kim told a news conference, using the abbreviation of the country's official name.

Like South Korea, Japan already faces a direct threat from the secretive regime.

In early March, the North simultaneously fired four ballistic missiles off its east coast, three of which fell provocatively close to Japan, in what it said was a drill for an attack on US bases in the country.

The Pentagon has not discussed which missile blew up after the North's launch on Sunday from a base near Sinpo on its east coast, and the White House has said only that it was a medium-range device.

But John Schilling from the 38 North monitoring group said the failure was indicative of the test of a new and hitherto unknown system being developed by Kim Jong-Un's regime.

"That's a common failure mode for North Korean missiles very early on in their development cycle when they are working out the bugs in the propulsion and guidance system," the weapons expert told AFP.

Japan wants the White House to focus on pressuring China, Pyongyang's only major ally, to redouble its efforts to rein in the regime and bring it back to the negotiating table after abandoning six-nation talks in 2009.

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The Egyptian government is looking to private firms like UWI help fill its funding gaps and work in partnership to acquire, invest in, design, build, and operate new clusters

United World Infrastructure (UWI), a Dubai and Washington D.C.-based infrastructure investment and development company, is in talks to develop a new economic cluster in Egypt with an approximate total investment of more than $500 million, a company executive said.

The Arab state has been seeking to attract investment to boost its struggling economy after years of political and economic turmoil since the 2011 uprising, which overthrew Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak after nearly three decades of rule.

Late last year, Egypt floated its currency  a move that halved the value of the Egyptian pound overnight  just so it could qualify for a $12 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund to attract investors.

The Egyptian government is looking to private firms like UWI help fill its funding gaps and work in partnership to acquire, invest in, design, build, and operate new clusters and other real estate and infrastructure projects.

UWIs managing director Aaditya Sarna told Thomson Reuters Projects the firm is in the process of negotiating to work on projects in Egypt.

We are in discussions with being part of the new economic initiatives around Cairo, he said in a recent interview.

He said the project would be an economic cluster, and includes urban renewal, extending Cairo, building an annexure to Cairo, and a new township.

We are in discussion stage with the size of the land, he said. Our minimum size would be 2,000 acres. The size of the investment would be definitely in excess of $500 million.

Once the deal is clinched, UWI will start designing the clusters master plan, Sarna said.

At the onset of a project, we (typically) invest our own capital in projects through public-private partnerships with governments worldwide, he explained.

Our technical and financial teams work together to develop a yield-driven master plan that maximises the benefit to the public and optimises returns to investors.

Last week, Mohmmed Khodeir, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, told Zawya, a Thomson Reuters-owned website, that the states new investment law, which is due to be approved by the Egyptian parliament in a few weeks, would include a new rule that could allow some businesses to redeem up to 40 percent of their costs in the form of tax reductions.

We are targeting needy areas and sectors that we need to lower their importation and increase their exportation, Khodeir said, speaking on the sidelines of the Annual Investment Meeting in Dubai.

He told Reuters last year that Egypt hoped to attract $10 billion in foreign direct investment in 2017, underlining the nations efforts to revive its economy.

Egypts level of foreign direct investment (FDI) rose to $6.8 billion during the fiscal year 2015/ 2016, up from $6.4 billion in the previous year, he said.

UWI previously developed infrastructure at a project in Iskander, Medini, in Malaysia, in partnership with Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the sovereign wealth fund of the Government of Malaysia, and global Japanese firm Mitsui & Co. Medini spans across 2,230 acres of land in Johor, Malaysia and around $600 million was invested by UWI and its partners to develop the site.

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An Egyptian archaeological mission in Luxor has announced the discovery of a major tomb in the city's west bank area dating back to the 18th Dynasty and containing priceless artefacts.

Mostafa Waziry, Director General of Luxor Antiquities, told reporters on Tuesday that the tomb, which was unearthed in the Deraa Abu El-Nagaa necropolis, most likely belonged to the city's counsullor Usrhat.

The New Kingdom funerary collection includes dozens of statues, coffins and mummies.

Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany told Ahram Online that, despite the tomb's small size, it represents an important discovery due to the funery collection being largely intact.

Waziry, who heads the Luxor achaeological mission, told Ahram Online that the tomb was first mentioned in the early 20th century but it had never been excavated before because its entrance was only located in March.

He said that, despite having been reused in the Late Period, the tomb still contains most of its original funery collection.

The contents include well-preserved wooden coffins decorated with coloured scenes, as well as wooden funerary masks and almost 1,000 ushabti figurines carved in faience, terra-cotta and wood. Also found was a collection of clay pots of different shapes and sizes.

The tomb is a typical example of a nobleman's resting place, Waziry said, with a t-shaped structure consisting of an open court leading into a rectangular hall, a corridor and an inner chamber.

Excavations continue to reveal the tomb's secrets, with an inner chamber containing a cachette of sarcophagi from the 21st Dynasty with mummies wrapped in linen. Experts are examining the mummies to discover the identities of the dead and the reasons for their deaths.

A nine-metre-deep shaft was also uncovered, connected to two rooms.

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This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

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Twitter's been on fire with people amazed by cats that seem compelled to park themselves in squares of tape marked out on the floor. These felines appear powerless to resist the call of the #CatSquare.

This social media fascination is a variation on a question I heard over and over as a panelist on Animal Planet's "America's Cutest Pets" series. I was asked to watch video after video of cats climbing into cardboard boxes, suitcases, sinks, plastic storage bins, cupboards and even wide-necked flower vases.

"That's so cute  but why do you think she does that?" was always the question. It was as if each climbing or squeezing incident had a completely different explanation.

It did not. It's just a fact of life that cats like to squeeze into small spaces where they feel much safer and more secure. Instead of being exposed to the clamor and possible danger of wide open spaces, cats prefer to huddle in smaller, more clearly delineated areas.

When young, they used to snuggle with their mom and litter mates, feeling the warmth and soothing contact. Think of it as a kind of swaddling behavior. The close contact with the box's interior, we believe, releases endorphins  nature's own morphine-like substances  causing pleasure and reducing stress.

Along with Temple Grandin, I researched the comforting effect of "lateral side pressure." We found that the drug naltrexone, which counteracts endorphins, reversed the soporific effect of gentle squeezing of pigs. Hugs, anyone?

Also remember that cats make nests  small, discrete areas where mother cats give birth and provide sanctuary for their kittens. Note that no behavior is entirely unique to any one particular sex, be they neutered or not. Small spaces are in cats' behavioral repertoire and are generally good (except for the cat carrier, of course, which has negative connotations  like car rides or a visit to the vet).

One variation on this theme occurs when the box is so shallow that it does not provide all the creature comforts it might.

Or then again, the box may have no walls at all but simply be a representation of a box  say a taped-in square on the ground. This virtual box is not as good as the real thing but is at least a representation of what might be  if only there was a real square box to nestle in.

This virtual box may provide some misplaced sense of security and psychosomatic comfort.

The cats-in-boxes issue was put to the test by Dutch researchers who gave shelter cats boxes as retreats. According to the study, cats with boxes adapted to their new environment more quickly compared to a control group without boxes: The conclusion was that the cats with boxes were less stressed because they had a cardboard hidey-hole to hunker down in.

Let this be a lesson to all cat people  cats need boxes or other vessels for environmental enrichment purposes. Hidey-holes in elevated locations are even better: Being high up provides security and a birds's-eye view of the world, so to speak.

Without a real box, a square on the ground may be the next best thing for a cat, though it's a poor substitute for the real thing. Whether a shoe box, shopping bag or a square on the ground, it probably gives a cat a sense of security that open space just can't provide.

Nicholas Dodman, Professor Emeritus of Behavioral Pharmacology and Animal Behavior, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
A stream flows through the toe of Kaskawulsh Glacier in Kluane National Park, Yukon. In 2016, this channel allowed the glacier's meltwater to drain in a different direction than normal, resulting in the Slims River water being rerouted to a different river system.

In the summer of 2016, the global warming-induced retreat of Kaskawulsh Glacier  one of the largest glaciers in Canada  altered the flow of its meltwater so substantially that it killed off one river and shunted its waters over to another, an abrupt geological act known as river piracy.

A team of researchers were serendipitously on hand to document the upheaval, which likely marks a permanent change and could have substantial consequences for the ecology and surroundings of both waterways.

While river piracy, or stream capture, is known to have happened in the past because of swings in Earth's climate, most of those examples were from thousands of years ago. This instance is the first attributed to human-caused climate change.

"This is one of the first examples of this that I've actually read about that's been captured while it's been happening," said Rachel Headley, a glacial geologist at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, who wasn't involved with the work.

Kaskawulsh Glacier in Yukon's Kluane National Park retreated about 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers) during the 20th century. In 2016, its meltwater was rerouted in a different direction, resulting in the first documented "river piracy" event in modern times. (Image credit: Dan Shugar)

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While much of the focus of studies on melting glaciers has been focused on their contributions to sea level rise, the new research, detailed Monday in the journal Nature Geoscience (opens in new tab), shows that climate change can have unexpected impacts with potentially large consequences, the authors say.

'Beheaded' River

Dan Shugar, a geomorphologist at the University of Washington Tacoma, and his colleagues set out last summer to continue research they had been doing in the delta of the northward-flowing Slims River, which is fed by meltwater from Kaskawulsh. But when they arrived in the remote area of the Yukon where the glacier is situated, they heard the river was unusually low.

Even with that warning, though, "we were pretty shocked to see just how low it was," Shugar said. Driving by it, "you could see the water level dropping day by day."

Since the team had already invested the time and money getting to the area, they decided to dig into the mystery and see "who flipped the switch, so to speak," he said.

The team went to the toe of the glacier, where the ice ends, and used a drone and GPS equipment to map the topography of the area. Combining that with streamflow data and decades of satellite images, they were able to piece together "the story, the timeline of what happened here," Shugar said.

That story begins about 300 years ago during the Little Ice Age, when colder global temperatures caused glaciers around the world to advance. Prior to that period, Kaskawulsh Glacier's meltwater had all flowed to the south, along what is now the Alsek River, because it was steeper and water will flow along the easiest path to the sea.

But as the glacier advanced, its tip "was like a giant foot that stood in the valley blocking that southerly route," Shugar said, causing its meltwater to split into two flows. Some still flowed to the south and out to the Pacific Ocean, but a new northern route was created: now, the Slims River flowed into Kluane Lake and a river of the same name, which itself fed the Yukon River on its journey to the Bering Sea off the West Coast of Alaska.

Since the mid-1950s, though, Kaskawulsh has retreated some 2,150 feet and thinned considerably thanks to rising temperatures fueled by the increase of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. That long-term retreat combined with unusually warm temperatures in the spring and summer of 2016 likely caused strong melting.

The resulting meltwater cut a channel in the ice that connected the headwaters of the northward-flowing Slims to the southerly drainage and gravity took over.

The formation of the channel "essentially beheaded the Slims River," Shugar said.

Climate Change Curve Balls'

With the Slims' flow greatly reduced, water levels in Kluane Lake dropped to 5.5 feet below their mid-summer average and 3 feet lower than they had ever been measured at that time of year.

The considerable drop in lake levels meant that access docks for cottages along the lake no longer reached the water, and the area's First Nations people reported impacts to their traditional fishing areas, Shugar said.

The change, which Shugar and his colleagues think is likely permanent  given the unlikeliness of the glacier re-advancing in a warming climate  could have considerable impacts on the ecology of Kluane Lake and the Slims and Alsek rivers.

The lake could eventually be drained to the point where it no longer empties out of its northern outlet and becomes a "closed basin," changing its circulation and water chemistry and impacting its flora and fauna.

The Alsek River, meanwhile, will have to adjust to its larger flow. The river is a major whitewater rafting destination and guides reported that last summer "it was a really different river, much bigger than they'd seen," Shugar said.

"It's just really interesting to see these types of impacts" driven by climate change, Headley said. They are ones that "I don't think are obvious to everyone" but could have major consequences, she said.

For now, Shugar and his colleagues are keeping an eye on the area and the changes that continue to build there.

It's possible that geologists could find other examples of current climate-driven river piracy, though Shugar thinks the situation is a fairly unique one. Headley, though, said there could potentially be other examples in this area of the Yukon and Alaska, as well as possibly in the Southern Alps of New Zealand or the Himalayas, where glacial melt is a key water source for millions of people.

Overall, though, the story of warming-caused river theft gives scientists another heads up "that climate change is happening and may throw some curveballs," Shugar said.

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Original article on Climate Central.
One of the 3D destinations is Neuschwanstein Castle, built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 1800s.

A new Google Earth Virtual Reality (VR) feature allows users to enter any address  whether it's grandma's house or a 19th-century castle in Germany  and fly over it in 3D with a VR headset.

When Google Earth VR debuted, people could virtually visit a number of popular tourist destinations, including the Hoover Dam in Nevada and the Matterhorn in Switzerland. They could even gaze at the nooks and crannies of the Colosseum in Rome, an archaeological marvel.

But now, people can choose their own destinations, as long as they know the address or name of the location. [25 Strangest Sights on Google Earth]

"People want to quickly find and revisit the places that mean the most to them, whether it's a childhood home or favorite vacation spot," Joanna Kim, a product manager at Google Earth VR, wrote in a blog post today (April 18). Now, users can type an address or the name of a location, and visit it in 3D with a 3D headset system, Kim wrote.

Sightseers can also visit 27 handpicked locations that are now available on Google Earth VR, including Neuschwanstein Castle (the inspiration for the castle in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty"), Table Mountain in South Africa and the Perito Moreno Glacier (Glaciar Perito Moreno) in Argentina.

Google Earth VR is now available for Oculus Rift users who have Oculus Touch controllers. The application is free at the Oculus Store (opens in new tab) and Steam.

Previous 3D maps created by Google Earth include street views of the Amazon rainforest; the 18,192-foot-high (5,545 meters) high Mount Everest base camp; and Rio de Janeiro, the city that hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Original article on Live Science.
Your friends really do influence your exercise habits, a new study suggests.

Researchers analyzed information from more than 1 million people worldwide who tracked their exercise sessions with fitness trackers for more than five years, and shared their activity with friends over a social network. Collectively, the participants ran more than 350 million kilometers (215 million miles) over the study period.

To figure out how much people are influenced by their friends, the researchers also included a look at the weather: The idea was that friends who live in different cities experience different weather, and bad weather in one city would be expected to influence only the activity of the friend who lived there. So if a Chicagoan skips her run on a rainy day in Boston, this suggests the Chicago friend is influenced by the running habits of friends in Boston.

The researchers found that every extra 10 minutes that a person's friends ran on a given day caused that person to run for an extra 3 minutes that day. What's more, every additional kilometer run by a person's friends influenced that person to run an additional 0.3 kilometers.

"We found that exercise is socially contagious," the researchers wrote in the April 18 issue of the journal Nature Communications (opens in new tab).

The findings suggest that public health efforts could be improved by tapping into this "friend effect," the researchers said. [7 Ways Friendships Are Great for Your Health]

"New interventions that take into account the fact that there is social influence in 'healthy' behaviors like exercise can be more effective than other ones that do not," said study co-author Christos Nicolaides, a postdoctoral fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sloan School of Management. For example, campaigns trying to promote exercise could be designed to include engagement in a social network, he said.

Previous studies have suggested that certain behaviors are socially contagious (opens in new tab), meaning that they spread from one person to others within their social circle. For example, studies have found that when a person becomes obese, his or her friends have an increased risk of becoming obese as well.

However, because so many factors influence people's behavior, it is hard to prove that one person's behavior directly causes a change in a friend's behavior, the researchers said. For example, it could be that two people become obese around the same time because of an outside factor that influences both people in that social network, or because the two friends are already very similar in their behaviors.

In the new study, the researchers addressed this issue of causality by taking advantage of changes in weather to set up a natural experiment, Nicolaides said.

"In our mind, we have the pseudo question, 'Is a rainy day in Chicago [affecting the] running of your friends [in] Boston?' If yes, that means that there is causal influence of the running behavior of Chicagoans [on] the running behavior of their friends in Boston," Nicolaides told Live Science in an email.

The researchers found that, indeed, the running activity of a person's friends did have a causal effect on the person's activity.

The researchers also found that less-active runners tended to influence more-active runners, rather than the other way around. This could be because, when more-active runners compare themselves to less- active runners, they become competitive and want to "protect their superiority" over the less-active runners, the researchers said.

In addition, men were strongly influenced by the running activity of other men, and were moderately influenced by the activity of women. However, women were influenced only by the activity of their female friends.

The researchers noted that, because their study involved only people who use fitness trackers, the results may not necessarily apply to the average person who doesn't use a tracker. In addition, although the researchers saw that people shared their data, they did not know if or when other runners saw the data that people had shared. It could be that some runners check their friends' activity much more often and are more influenced by their friends compared with others, the researchers said.

The researchers used data from a global exercise company that allows people to track their activity and follow their friends' activity. But because of confidentially agreements, the researchers cannot release the name of the company that provided the data, Nicolaides said.

Original article on Live Science.
Waste Control Specialists has requested that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission temporarily suspend its review of its license application for a high-level nuclear waste storage facility in Andrews County.

WCS wants the suspension until the completion of its sale to EnergySolutions, a Salt Lake City-based nuclear waste disposal firm, according to a press release received late Tuesday. WCS said it expects the deal to be finalized this summer; however, it faces an antitrust lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice. The trial is set for April 24.

The sale of WCS has been pending since November 2015, according to a WCS spokesperson.

WCS is looking to temporarily store high-level nuclear waste from decommissioned nuclear power plants at its already-existing low-level radioactive waste storage facility in Andrews County. The process requires NRC approval, and the review process is underway. The cost of the review was one reason cited for WCS request for a temporary suspension.

The NRC recently provided WCS an estimate of the cost of the application review of $7.5 million, which is significantly higher than we originally estimated, a letter to the NRC stated.

The letter also cited costs associated with the public participation process, a potential adjudicatory hearing before the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board as other reasons, along with a cost-sharing agreement with one of its partners being depleted. Its partners are TN Americas and NAC International, according to the press release. It was not clear which partner was referred to in the letter.

WCS requested in its letter to the NRC that the agency approve an extension period commencing on the date of the letter  April 18, 2017  until the completion of the sale of WCS to EnergySolutions.

Midland County commissioners have fielded comments from the public in recent months about concerns that nuclear waste would be transported by rail through Midland County. County Judge Mike Bradford said the court doesnt have authority over county railways for the proposed federal project but has the ability to express opinions of the community, according to a previous Reporter-Telegram report.

San Antonio and Bexar County have passed resolutions objecting to the shipments of nuclear waste by rail through its jurisdictions, according to previous San Antonio Express-News reports.
School & Education, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: April 18 2017

Lupinacci: I was pleased to join this outstanding group of students this week, and was impressed by their insight and grasp of the issues facing New York state.

Greenlawn, NY - April 18, 2017 - On Monday, Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I, Ref.South On Monday, Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I, Ref.South Huntington ) met with the GOP Club at Harborfields High School in Greenlawn . At the meeting, Assemblyman Lupinacci spoke with students about his legislative priorities and accomplishments, as well as the recently passed 2017-18 state budget.

I was pleased to join this outstanding group of students this week, and was impressed by their insight and grasp of the issues facing New York state and the country as a whole, said Lupinacci. We had an interesting conversation over state and federal issues, and I applaud these students for their enthusiastic commitment to civics and public policy. It was clear these young men and women are intensely motivated to make their community, state and country a better place. I am certain their participation will create informed and educated voters in the future.
Local News, Crime

By Long Island News & PR Published: April 18 2017

Suspect fled the scene after employee refused to comply with his demands for cash, cops say.

SCPD are seeking the publics help to identify the man who robbed a Coram hair salon in February.

Coram, NY - April 18, 2017 - Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the publics help to identify and locate the man who robbed a Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are seeking the publics help to identify and locate the man who robbed a Coram hair salon in February.

A man entered Caribbean Hair Salon, located at 35 Middle Country Road, on February 3 at approximately 6:15 p.m., demanded cash in Spanish and indicated that he had a weapon. The cashier refused to comply and the suspect fled on foot.
Nature & Weather, Local News, Business & Finance, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: April 18 2017

Several Actions Announced to Foster Industry Growth and Six New Research Permits Issued Under Agricultural Research Pilot Program.

Albany, NY - April 18, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today convened the first-ever New York State Industrial Hemp Summit in Ithaca to build on the momentum of the regions growing agriculture industry as part of the Southern Tier Soaring economic revitalization initiative. Farmers, researchers and industry leaders met with state officials to identify industry growth challenges and explore new opportunities through industrial hemp research in New York State. As a result of these conversations several actions were announced to strengthen the industry by expanding research, streamlining regulatory requirements, and continuing the dialogue to further grow this emerging sector.

"Industrial hemp has tremendous potential to grow manufacturing, support the creation of new jobs and boost the profitability of farms across New York," Governor Cuomo said. "By eliminating barriers and expanding research and development for both businesses and farms, New York will capitalize on this emerging crop to continue to move this region and this state forward."

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said, "This Summit is a great example of Governor Cuomo's commitment to growing the States agricultural industry and creating opportunities to strengthen the economy. With so many promising applications for industrial hemp, the possibilities for unprecedented innovation in a variety of industries are truly limitless."

The summit, which was held at Cornell University in Ithaca, brought together many agriculture, research and business leaders to discuss new developments and strategies to grow New Yorks hemp industry. Based on the input of these key stakeholders, the Governor announced several innovative actions to increase opportunities for farms and businesses to enter the agricultural sector.

Issue First-Ever Hemp Research Permits

Previously, the states Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program was limited to institutions of higher education. At the Governors direction, the pilot was expanded to include private entities. Six private farms and businesses were issued permits, bringing the total number of hemp research sites across the state to 10:

21st Century Hemp and RIT, Rochester, NY

Cavallaro Farms, Goshen, NY

JD Farms, Eaton, NY

Old Mud Creek Farm, Hudson, NY

Plant Science Labs, Buffalo, NY

PreProcess, Ellisburg, NY

Seek DEA Permit to Allow International Imports

Importing seed is central to hemp research in New York State. In addition to seeking a US Drug Enforcement Agency permit to import seed and establish a seed distribution site for international imports, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets will advocate to ease federal requirements to acquire hemp seed.

Expand Research at Cornell University

To support researchers at Cornells Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, $400,000 will be awarded to Cornell University to explore best practices for growing varieties of hemp in different soil types and in various locations around the state. The Experiment Station will also assess hemp seed quality for germination and weed contamination.

Establish a Hemp Technical Team

The state will establish a Hemp Technical Team, consisting of a State Department of Agriculture and Markets liaison and three Cornell Cooperative Extension educators in the field, to support optimal growing and processing of industrial hemp.

Increase Hemp Testing

The State Department of Agriculture and Markets will apply for a permit to increase ability to test industrial hemp for THC. This additional lab capacity will help ensure that New York hemp seed and other products are accepted in other states. Testing will also provide protection to the Department, growers and researchers that crops meet the acceptable THC level of 0.3 percent or below.

Create Hemp Working Group to Support Industry Development

The working group will include academic partners, key industry members and other state agencies to strengthen the hemp industry in New York State. The working group will help build relationships, share information on best management practices and regulatory requirements, and identify research needs.

Engage Stakeholders in Program Development

The State Department of Agriculture and Markets will seek public input from farmers, researchers and industry leaders on revisions to the Pilot Program regulations and program requirements. In addition, the Department will propose changes to steamline oversight of the research done by educational institutions.

Advocate for Federal Policies to Boost Industrial Hemp Industry

As a result of discussions with industry experts and researchers, the Governors Washington D.C. office will work with other states to influence federal policy to restore hemp as an agricultural commodity.

The Industrial Hemp Summit follows on the heels of newly passed legislation that was originally proposed by the Governor in his 2017 State of the State Address, which eliminates the cap on the number of sites authorized to grow and research industrial hemp in New York State. The legislation builds on the 2016 New York State Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program, which permits up to 10 educational institutions, farms and businesses to grow and research the plant.

With agriculture identified as one of the top economic drivers for the Southern Tier through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, the summit supports the next phase of the hemp program.

Senator Thomas OMara said, "Assemblywoman Lupardo and I have been working closely with Governor Cuomo and his administration over the past few years to put New York State at the forefront of a new industry with the potential to diversify our agricultural economy, generate revenue and create jobs. We appreciate the Governors decision to hold this important summit in the Southern Tier."

Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Senator Patty Ritchie, "The continued success of New York agriculture depends on connecting our states hardworking farmers with new opportunities. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Ball for hosting today's summit, which will help farmers across the state diversify their operations, bolster their businesses and help New Yorks leading industry continue to thrive."

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, "Today's summit is the culmination of years of work designed to help position New York to take full advantage of this multi-purpose crop. It's exciting to see so many people come together to explore ways to establish a vibrant hemp industry in New York, giving our state a significant competitive advantage, especially in the Northeast. Our goal is to make sure that all phases of the supply chain, from farmers to processors to manufacturers, are coordinated for the economic success."

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "For centuries, hemp was a mainstay of American farms and with our natural resources and proximity to the largest marketplace in the world, New York is in a unique position to lead its revival in the U.S. I thank Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature for their leadership in bringing industrial hemp research to New York and working hard to expand the opportunities for our farmers, researchers and businesses."

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, "Plant research provides tools and opportunities for our farms to address a whole host of challenges facing agriculture. This includes expanding the states industrial hemp program to capitalize on potential economic development for agriculture in this state. The ability to diversify and make new crops available to farmers will be beneficial to our members, and New York Farm Bureau looks forward to continuing to partner with the Governor and his administration on this initiative."

Kathryn J. Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said, "Introducing a new crop presents agricultural challenges that must be addressed in order for growers to make optimal decisions on the farm. Cornell researchers in the School of Integrative Plant Science are poised to develop solutions that New York farmers need to make industrial hemp a meaningful addition to our vibrant bio-economy. Our research is backed by the technical expertise found in our Cornell Cooperative Extension network that brings scientific discovery directly to the fields, and we are pleased to partner with Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Ball to make industrial hemp a viable and prosperous part of New York agriculture."

Hemp is an emerging commodity in states across the nation, generating nearly $600 million in sales in 2015. Both the stalk and the seed can be used to produce various goods, including clothing, building materials, fuel, paper, and other consumer products. Hemp that is classified as industrial has no more than 0.3 percent THC. New York has an opportunity to lead industry development by creating more opportunities for businesses to conduct research on the production and manufacture of the product.
Tech & Science, Nature & Weather, Local News, Health & Wellness, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: April 18 2017

Meeting informed residents of issues affecting sole-source aquifer and fostered a robust dialogue between the water supplier and the community.

Northport, NY - April 18, 2017 - Suffolk County Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D. was pleased to join officials from the Suffolk County Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D. was pleased to join officials from the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) last Tuesday at the Northport American Legion for a WaterTalk Forum. The meeting, which is part of a ten year educational initiative, seeks to inform residents of issues affecting our sole-source aquifer and foster a robust dialogue between the water supplier and the community.

Water Authority Chairman James Gaughran opened up the evening discussing the goal of the program, "With so much information circulating throughout the public about groundwater quality and quality of our drinking water, our goal here is to give all residents that we serve the chance to communicate directly to our on-staff water quality experts," said Gaughran. "We feel we can help residents better understand what the most significant challenges to our aquifer systems are and, most importantly, what we can all do to ensure that our water is protected today and for our future generations of Suffolk residents."

Laboratory and hydrogeology staff, including SCWA Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Operations Joseph Pokorny, Water Resource Manager Steve Colabufo, and Laboratory Manager Christopher Niebling provided a comprehensive overview of how the authority ensures that clean and affordable water is provided to more than 1.2 million people across Suffolk County daily. After the presentation, residents had the opportunity to ask questions on any water quality issue of concern to them. Some topics discussed included how the SCWA well system operates, the working relationship between the SCWA and local municipalities, concerns over pesticide and agricultural runoff, lead in drinking water, and the emerging contaminant 1,4 Dioxane.

Water is something so simple but so important to our lives here on Long Island. We all play a role and together we must be proactive about protecting our water supply, said Legislator Spencer. Its through collaboration that weve made tremendous strides. We can see that in the work of LICAP, where Suffolk and Nassau Counties came together and formed a commission with a task of addressing our water quantity and quality issues. Through their effort, for the first time ever, we are working to create a regional plan to approach groundwater resource management. I am confident by keeping this ongoing, unprecedented dialogue open with the public, that our water supply and our health will benefit.
Tech & Science, Nature & Weather, Local News, Health & Wellness, Politics

By Long Island News & PR Published: April 18 2017

The legislation seeks to reduce water contamination from consumer products.

Albany, NY - April 18, 2017 - State Senator Todd Kaminsky, Ranking Member of the Environmental Conservation Committee, has sponsored legislation to ban the cancer-causing chemical 1,4-Dioxane from cosmetic and cleaning products. By banning 1,4-Dioxane - which easily dissolves in water - from these items, the bill seeks to reduce contamination of the drinking water supply.

In the absence of federal action on 1,4-Dioxane, New York has made some progress. Yet while we wait, more and more of this hazardous chemical is seeping into our water supply, said Senator Todd Kaminsky. My legislation will protect our drinking water by reducing contamination from the hazardous chemical 1,4-Dioxane in products that are often flushed down the drain. Albany cannot be complacent when it comes to protecting the health of New Yorkers, and I will keep fighting to protect our water supply.

Richard Amper, Executive Director, Long Island Pine Barrens Society: "The Kaminsky measure will enhance attention to this serious contaminant and lead to protection of the public both in New York and beyond."

Despite the Environmental Protection Agency labeling 1-4 Dioxane as likely carcinogenic, the chemical continues to be found in many consumer products, including cosmetics, detergents, deodorants, shampoos and baby shampoos. The EPA has not established a nationwide standard for the amount of exposure to 1,4-Dioxane considered safe, leaving individual states to determine their own limits.

EPA data revealed that Long Island has the highest levels detected in the entire country.

S5450 prohibits the sale of all products containing 1,4-Dioxane, and requires manufacturers to use alternative chemicals. Manufacturers who demonstrate that the use of a product does not result in exposure and that the removal of 1,4-Dioxane isn't financially or technically feasible can apply for a one year waiver.
On Mar. 30, the US Treasury Department designated Bahrun Naim, a senior Islamic State figure from Indonesia, as a terrorist. It was the latest in a series of US government designations targeting the self-declared caliphates network in Southeast Asia.

Naim absconded from his home and made his way to the self-declared caliphates stronghold in northern Syria in either late 2014 or early 2015  just months after Abu Bakr al Baghdadis followers declared him Caliph Ibrahim.

Naim, a computer guru who once worked at an internet cafe, had spent a short stint in prison after being convicted on illegal weapons charges in 2010. He developed a number of suspicious relationships with extremists, especially in his home city of Solo on the island of Java. Naim was also once a member of Hizbut Tahrir, which seeks to resurrect the Islamic caliphate, but abstains from overt acts of violence. According to Voice of America, a spokesman for Hizbut Tahrir claimed that Naim was expelled from the group when it was discovered that he was in possession of a gun.

Still, Naim was mainly a minor irritant for local authorities before his departure for Syria.

More than two years later, Indonesian authorities and allied governments throughout Southeast Asia are hunting Naims recruits, attempting to stop potentially dozens of men and women from killing in the name of the caliphate.

The 33 year-old Naim may be half a world away in Raqqa, Syria, but he has been able to lead his followers via social media applications. Using Telegram and possibly other apps, Naim provides aspiring terrorists in his home country with bomb-making advice and also helps them select targets to attack. He has been one of the most prolific planners of the Islamic States so-called remote-controlled attacks  even if, to date, most of his operations have been thwarted.

Naim isnt just abusing social media applications such as Telegram. He has also reportedly made use of Paypal and bitcoins to bankroll terrorist operations, according to the Straits Times.

In its designation, Treasury noted that Naim reportedly organized and funded the Jan. 14, 2016 attack in Jakarta. Four people were killed and 23 more injured that day. The damage could have been far worse, as a team of several terrorists from the Islamic States local branch coordinated suicide bombings and shootings in the heart of a civilian shopping area. It appears the suicide team wasnt very well-trained, otherwise the death toll would have been higher.

Naim has assembled teams of jihadists throughout Indonesia by relying on his personal rolodex of extremists. And he has augmented this network through his prolific use of social media. There is no question that encrypted messaging apps make Naims job easier, but his in person ties to a web of Indonesian extremists are no less important. It is this combination of Naims pre-existing relationships in his home country and the ease with which he can communicate online that has caused headaches for counterterrorism officials.

The Jakarta attack is a case in point. While Naims digital hand was detected in the planning of the operation, other jihadist figures inside Indonesia were also instrumental.

One of them is a radical cleric named Oman Rochman (also known as Aman Abdurrahman), who has long known Naim. Rochman (pictured on the right) has been imprisoned in Indonesia since 2010, yet he directed the Islamic States operations inside the country for months after Baghdadis caliphate declaration in the summer of 2014. Rochman was convicted on terrorism-related charges stemming from his support for a camp run by Jemaah Islamiyah, an al Qaeda-affiliated group. Al Qaeda is opposed to the Islamic State  vehemently so. However, as Abu Bakr al Baghdadis cause began to mushroom in the summer of 2014, the Indonesian jihadist scene split between the two rival camps. Rochman went the way of the so-called caliphate.

Treasury designated Rochman as a terrorist in January, describing him as the de facto leader for all [Islamic State] supporters in Indonesia. From behind bars, Rochman has played a prominent role in recruiting for the groups operations abroad, personally blessing the travels of some new recruits and even requiring them to obtain a recommendation from him before departing for Syria. He has acted as the main translator in Indonesia for the Islamic States propaganda, disseminating the organizations media throughout the country. And he issued a fatwa (decree) from prison in Jan. 2016 encouraging Indonesian militants to join Baghdadis enterprise.

Rochman worked with still another US-designated terrorist, Tuah Febriwansyah (also known as Muhammad Fachry), to build the Islamic States organizational capacity inside Indonesia. Jemmah Anshorut Tauhid (JAT) was one of the many Indonesian extremist groups affected by the rise of Abu Bakr al Baghdadis enterprise and its global competition with al Qaeda. In mid-2014, according to Treasury, JAT leaders sought Febriwansyahs support to bolster JAT during a schism over allegiance to the Islamic State. Officials credit Febriwansyah and his comrades with recruiting as many as 37 Indonesians on behalf of the so-called caliphate. Febriwansyah was arrested on March 21, 2015, but that hasnt stopped other Islamic State converts from continuing with their business.

For instance, Rochman authorized the Jakarta operation from behind bars, according to Treasury. Just weeks beforehand, he ordered one of the terrorists responsible to carry out [Islamic State] attacks in Jan. 2016. Thus, Rochman provided a veneer of religious authority for the targeting of innocent civilians. Indonesian authorities may have finally grown wise to Rochmans scheming last year and placed him in a higher security facility, thereby limiting his contact with outsiders. Regardless, the threat posed by the Islamic States local network remains virulent.

The muscle for the Jakarta plot came from Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), which was designated as a terrorist organization by the State Department in January. After the Islamic States caliphate declaration in 2014, a large number of Indonesian jihadists rushed to declare their allegiance. Confusion ensued over which group would represent Baghdadis cause. Thus, as Foggy Bottom reported, Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) was created in 2015 as an umbrella organization for almost two dozen Indonesian extremist groups that pledged allegiance to [Islamic State] leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Rochmans hand guided the process.

JAD provides Naim with a base of supporters ready to carry out his bidding. Not only did Naim fund the JAD men responsible for the assault on Jakarta, he has transferred large sums of cash to fuel his broader plans, which he unfurled almost immediately upon his arrival in Syria.

In its March 30 designation, Treasury noted that Naim orchestrated a series of failed plots beginning in 2015. In August of that year, Naim reportedly instructed three men in Solo, Indonesia to plan a bomb attack of a police post, a church, and a Chinese temple. Around that same time, he provided instructions and funding to an Indonesia-based associate for the purpose of establishing and training a bomb-making cell. Authorities disbanded the cell, but Naim didnt give up on the idea of establishing a bomb-making unit capable of doing his bidding. He simply called on other associates to form a new cell, which he also funded.

Naims plots, relying on JAD operatives, have kept coming in the months since.

Reuters counted at least 15 foiled attacks and more than 150 terror-related arrests in Indonesia during 2016. Not all of these plots were directly tied to Naim, but at least several of them, including the most significant ones, were.

In Aug. 2016, Indonesian police raided one Naims cells on Batam island. His minions reportedly intended to fire rockets at Singapores Marina Bay, which is just 10 miles or so across the waterway. Marina Bay is an especially affluent area, with high-end shopping, a busy casino, a massive ferris wheel and all of the other types of locales one would expect well-to-do travelers to frequent. Members of the Batam cell were in direct contact with Bahrun Naim in Syria and he had ordered them to attack Singapore and Batam, National Police Chief Tito Karnavian told reporters at a press conference, according to Reuters.

Members of the Batam crew, like many of Naims other accomplices, were put out of work in short order. But the cat-and-mouse game that authorities and Naim are playing is deadly serious. Of particular concern is Naims expertise in crafting sophisticated explosives. He is transferring his know-how to followers inside Indonesia and potentially elsewhere. And it isnt just men who are volunteering for Naims schemes. He is also luring women into his designs, describing them as terror brides.

Last November, Indonesian authorities discovered a terror cell that reportedly had ambitious plans to strike several targets at once during the holiday season, including the parliament. According to the Straits Times, the Islamic State loyalists had obtained military-grade explosive material such as TNT and RDX in such large quantities that it could have caused twice the damage done in the 2002 Bali bombings, which were carried out by the aforementioned Jemaah Islamiyah. To put the matter in perspective: More than 200 people were killed in the Bali bombings, yet Indonesian officials think the Islamic States men were building a bomb twice as deadly.

Then, last December, Indonesias elite counterterrorism force  Detachment 88  detected a cell of several jihadists who were planning to bomb Jakartas presidential palace.

This is a new (terrorist) cell and they had learned to make bombs from Bahrun Naim using the Telegram messaging (smartphone) application, Colonel Awi, an Indonesian official, explained. The Straits Times again drew attention to the explosives involved, reporting that the recovered bomb was more powerful than military-grade TNT, with a police official adding it could destroy anything within a radius of 300 meters.

The Islamic States Indonesian men reportedly intended to have a woman, Dian Yulia Novi, deliver the bomb. Novis newfound husband was in on the plot. And authorities discovered her martyrdom letter to her parents. Time magazine profiled Novi in early March (ISIS Unveiled: The Story Behind Indonesias First Female Suicide Bomber). Naim recruited her husband, Nur Solihin, and also told him to find a bride capable of carrying out an operation. Solihin was already married to another woman, Time reported, but he added Novi as a wife in order to comply with Naims directions.

According to the Associated Press and other press outlets, Novi subsequently confessed that Naim had ordered her to strike a popular changing of the guard ceremony at the palace.

Once again, Telegram was Naims preferred means for communicating with his followers back home. I had been communicating with him for three days, yes, via Telegram, Novi allegedly admitted, according to ABC. He told me which target to bomb, the Presidential Palace Military Guards.

Abu Muhammad al-Indonesi

Naim isnt the only Indonesian Islamic State leader in Syria whose reach extends all the way back into his homeland.

Bachrumsyah Mennor Usman (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Indonesi) leads Katibah Nusantara (KN), an Islamic State unit based in Syria that is comprised of fighters from Indonesia, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries. (Naim has been a leading figure in KN as well.)

The US Treasury sanctioned Usman along with Rochman in January. Some recent reports claim that Usman may have been killed while fighting Bashar al Assads forces near Palmyra, Syria. But Usmans demise has not been confirmed and jihadist death reports are often wrong.

Usman is a former student of Rochmans and also one of the Islamic States most prolific recruiters of Southeast Asian fighters.

In 2014, Usman starred in an eight-and-a-half-minute video titled Join the Ranks, in which he gave a typical caliphate vs. the world speech. A screen shot from the video can be seen above. He called on the brothers in Indonesia to pledge allegiance to Emir ul-Muminin [Emir of the Faithful], Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, saying that he and his comrades had seen with our own eyes that the Islamic State implements the Sharia of Allah in the entire land. In addition to portraying Baghdadis project as a jihadist utopia, Usman stressed that the Islamic State was fighting Shiites and Bashar al Assads regime, among its numerous other foes. The Islamic State showcased Indonesian and Malaysian children training with weapons in another video starring Usman that was produced in early 2015.

Even before he relocated to the lands of Baghdadis caliphate in early 2014, Usman claimed to represent the groups cause inside Indonesia. Like Naim, he built a web of extremist contacts. Treasury describes Usmans network as an underground movement that was exposed only after Join the Ranks became a must-watch video for jihadists. Usman not only drew recruits to Syria, he also began to orchestrate plots inside his abandoned home country.

Usman transferred as much as $105,000 to a unit known as the Bekasi cell, which began plotting against Indonesian targets, according to Treasury. He ordered an associate to plan attacks similar to the Jakarta operation and also transferred funds to the Philippines. Although Usmans digital trail isnt as publicly pronounced as Naims, it is logical to assume that he is also using encrypted messaging apps and other online tools to carry out his business.

Plots inside Malaysia

Authorities are confronting a similar, albeit less numerous, stream of threats in nearby Malaysia.

A Malaysian jihadist named Muhammad Wanndy Bin Mohamed Jedi, better known as Wanndy, was designated on the same day as Naim. Like his Indonesian counterpart, Wanndy has been using Telegrams encrypted chat application to direct terror in his native country.

Treasury noted that Wanndy claimed responsibility on behalf of the Islamic State for the June 28, 2016 grenade attack on a nightclub in Malaysia in which eight people were wounded. The nightclub assault may have been the first successful operation by Baghdadis followers in Malaysia. But it wasnt the only plot Wanndy has attempted to remote control.

In March 2016, Treasury reported, Malaysian authorities arrested a cell of 15 Malaysia-based militants who were subordinate to Wanndy and supported the Islamic States operations in Syria. Investigators found that Wanndy had ordered some of its members to conduct attacks in Malaysia. Wanndy has threatened to assassinate the Malaysian Prime Minister and other top officials as well.

Returning foreign fighters and the ongoing threat

Counterterrorism officials fear that as the Islamic State continues to lose ground in Iraq and Syria, more foreign fighters will return to their native countries with bad intentions. This is possible, but the group is not close to defeat. Naim, Usman, Rochman and Wanndy have recruited hundreds of fighters for the Islamic States Malay-speaking unit, the KN. Those who do not die as the caliphate loses control over some of its territory, or participate in the insurgency that follows, could very well attempt to lash out back home. However, the Islamic States international network already has a significant footprint in Southeast Asia.

Tito Karnavian, the Indonesian police chief, has said that Naim seeks to unite all [Islamic State] supporting elements in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Karnavian added that countries throughout the region should cooperate against this common threat, because it is not home-grown terrorism, it is part of the [Islamic State] network.

Chances are that Naim wont live to see the day when a caliphate rises in Southeast Asia. Although he has numerous potential co-conspirators waiting to assist his cause, they are not currently overwhelming the regions security forces. In the meantime, however, Naim and his followers are probing for weaknesses in Indonesias counterterrorism defenses. Islamic State operatives have remote-controlled plots in Europe and elsewhere. They have also attempted to do the same inside the US. Naim is employing this same tactic. And his ability to use Telegram for communicating with jihadists in Indonesia and elsewhere helps the Islamic State maintain cohesion across its Southeast Asian network.

In a blog post published in late 2015, Naim praised the Islamic States assault on Paris. If Naim got his way, that attack, which shut down a Western capital, would be replicated in Jakarta or elsewhere in the region. Thus far, Indonesian officials have thwarted Naims more sinister designs. But there are no guarantees that will continue to be the case in the future.

Note: The picture of Bahran Naim included above was originally published by Reuters.

Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
The Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), al Qaedas group in West Africa, has claimed several recent attacks across southern, central, and northern Mali. At least one dozen people were killed and many others wounded in the assaults.

So far this year, Mali and surrounding countries have seen at least 69 al Qaeda-linked attacks according to data compiled by The Long War Journal.

Earlier today, JNIMs media wing  Al Zallaqa Foundation  released a series of statements claiming responsibility for several recent attacks. It first claimed an ambush in the Ke Macina area of Segou on a convoy of Donzo [Bambara term for hunters] militiamen, which JNIM purports was backed by the Malian army. This is not the first time that JNIM has taken part in ethnic-based clashes.

Last month, the jihadist entity took credit for killing 10 Bambara militiamen during a clash with ethnic Fulani militiamen. JNIM said it intervened on behalf of the Fulani and killed the Bambara. [See Threat Matrix report, Al Qaeda entity involved in communal violence in central Mali.]

JNIM then took credit for an assault on gendarmerie post in central Mali last week. According to the jihadists, the outpost near the area of Tene in Segou was overran and was completely under their control. The statement ends with saying that JNIMs forces later withdrew after taking equipment and motorcycles as spoils.

Next, it claimed an IED attack on peacekeepers from Chad in the Taghlit area of the Tessalit-Aguelhok axis of Kidal. The blast, which reportedly occurred on Sunday, allegedly left several Chadian troops wounded. The UN has not commented on this attack.

The UN did, however, release a statement on another attack claimed by JNIM. The UN reported that two peacekeepers of the UN Integrated Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and one civilian were seriously injured on Tuesday after hitting an IED near Tessalit. JNIM said that it targeted a UN convoy in the area yesterday before successfully targeting another convoy today. Neither JNIM nor the UN reported the nationality of the wounded personnel.

Lastly, JNIM claimed a coordinated assault on a Malian military base in the Gourma-Rharous area of the Timbuktu region. JNIM reported its soldiers overran Malian special forces and took control of the base before French troops arrived. The French military said that it sent a detachment of mountain commandos to help Malian forces drive the jihadists back. JNIM said it withdrew after French airstrikes began. Before it withdrew, however, it reportedly took several military vehicles, weapons, ammunition, and destroyed other equipment.

The same base was previously targeted in both 2015 and 2016. AQIMs Sahara branch and Ansar Dine, two constituent groups of JNIM, claimed each attack respectively.

This is the second time this month that JNIM has clashed with French forces in Mali. On April 6, the French Ministry of Defense (MoD) released a statement reporting that one of its soldiers was killed in combat the day before. The soldier was killed after his vehicle hit an IED near the border with Burkina Faso. JNIMs claim of responsibility largely matched the details given by the French MoD. [See Threat Matrix report, JNIM claims ambush on French troops in Mali.]

Caleb Weiss is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Le Pen's nationalist rhetoric and Melenchon's anti-globalization campaign have resonated with French voters sick of the status quo. Macron, meanwhile, is painting himself as an anti-establishment figure seeking to bury the traditional left-right spectrum that has governed France for decades.

The race is being watched internationally as an important gauge of populist sentiment, and the outcome is increasingly uncertain just six days before Sunday's first round vote.

Meanwhile, far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, enjoying a late poll surge, is campaigning on a barge Monday floating through the canals of Paris. And conservative candidate Francois Fillon is taking his tough-on-security campaign to the southern French city of Nice, which was scarred by a deadly truck attack last year that killed 86 people.

As France's unpredictable presidential campaign nears its finish with no clear front-runner, centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen hope to rally big crowds in Paris with their rival visions for Europe's future.

The top two vote-getters Sunday of the 11 candidates on the ballot advance to the May 7 presidential runoff. The latest polls suggest that Le Pen, Macron, Melenchon and Fillon all have a chance of reaching the runoff -- and as many as a third of voters remain undecided.

Socialist candidate Benoit Hamon insisted Monday that he, too, remains a contender. "Things are evolving," he said on Europe-1 radio.

The Socialists' campaign has suffered from internal divisions and Socialist President Francois Hollande's dismal image -- he's so unpopular that he declined to seek a second term.

Macron, a former investment banker well connected in the business world, fended off questions Monday about his elitist image on BFM television. "The money I earned in my life, I earned it. I have not been given gifts," he said.

He accused rivals of pandering to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and tried to distance himself from Fillon, whose austerity-focused campaign has been damaged by accusations that he misused taxpayer money to pay his wife and children for government jobs that they allegedly did not perform. French investigators are probing the case.

Fillon denies wrongdoing and is focusing instead on security issues that resonate with many voters after two years of deadly attacks across the country. French voters will cast their ballots under a state of emergency that's been repeatedly extended as new violence has hit.

Macron and Le Pen are holding their last big rallies in the Paris region later Monday.
Chinas number one large motor yacht builder, Heysea, is starting a sales assault in Europe, the States, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Talks are in progress with dealers to create a truly global network.

So far, Florida-based Doug Hoogs has been appointed in the States, Yachting Partners International in Europe, and Tony Ross and Jason Chipp of Ensign Brokers in Australia and New Zealand. Nearby Hong Kong sales are handled directly, and Singapore and Middle East dealers are in the pipeline.

Heysea Chairman Allen Leng feels that having delivered more than 100 vessels over 55 feet since the yard was launched in 2007, the timing is right to move into the international market. Brands at first ranged from the Heysea 60, 70, 78 and 82 series to the Asteria 95 and 108. A sixth Asteria 108 was presented to her Hong Kong owner in early January. Over 15 Heysea 78s have been sold, and more than 20 Heysea 82s.

Now, the thoroughly modern Zoom 58 to 76 series is also proving popular, with seven orders so far. In Heyseas emerging superyacht sector, a 42m cat is being built for the 100 entry plus China Cup International Regatta, held annually in Daya Bay near Hong Kong, and the Sealink 45m and Vista 50m are on the drawing boards, as is a 35m for the Americas.

The yard is ranked in the worlds Top 30 Builders in Boat Internationals most recent 2016 Global Order Book, for the third straight year, and it is the only Chinese mainland yard to appear. Taiwans Ocean Alexander and Horizon are higher up in the same list, but Allen Leng makes the point that most Chinese-based yards are Taiwan or foreign-owned, building OEMs for well-known American and European brands, so they have little sales and individual brand marketing experience, whereas Heysea is genuinely Chinese in

all departments.

Making its debut as the Global Financial Crisis broke in 2008 was not exactly ideal, but Heysea hunkered down and through hard work combined with creative flair and technical expertise, soon began to achieve steady Chinese sales. By the 2016 Shenzhen International Boat Show, it had picked up 20 awards including Best China Yacht Builder, Best Brand Presence in China, and Personality of the Year in the China Yachting Industry.
President Donald Trump's appointee Neil Gorsuch jumped right into the fray Monday in his first day hearing cases as a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, asking so many questions that at one point he apologized for talking so much.

The first of the three cases before the justices Monday involved an employment dispute. Gorsuch showed no hint of nervousness sitting alongside his eight new colleagues as he grilled lawyer Christopher Landau over the fine points of a law governing civil service employees.

Landau represented a man claiming he was discriminated against by his employer, the U.S. Census Bureau.

"I apologize for taking up so much time," the black-robed Gorsuch said, sitting back in his high-backed chair and smiling.

The other two cases the justices will hear Monday involve a property dispute and the timing of securities class-action lawsuits.

Gorsuch formally joined the court April 10 after being confirmed three days earlier by the Republican-led Senate over broad Democratic opposition.

The court had its full complement of nine justices, five conservatives and four liberals, for arguments for the first time since the death of long-serving conservative Antonin Scalia in February 2016. Gorsuch restored the conservative majority on the court.
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Speaking at a joint press conference with acting South Korean president Hwang Kyo-ahn, Pence added, "North Korea answered our overtures with willful deception, broken promises, and nuclear and missile tests" at every stage.

"The era of strategic patience is over," Pence told reporters during an ongoing visit to Seoul. "North Korea will do well not to test his resolve or strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region."

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Monday warned North Korea not to test the resolve of President Donald Trump, adding that the world is running out of patience with the rogue regime in Pyongyang.

The North conducted two unauthorized nuclear tests and fired an unprecedented number of ballistic missiles over the past 18 months, and an attempted missile launch failed just as Pence was on the way here.

He recalled that the U.S. and South Korea have made joint efforts to realize a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. "We hope to achieve this objective through peaceful means, but all options are on the table," he warned.

He also vowed to stand firm on the stationing of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery here despite Chinese protests "as a defense measure called for by the alliance and for the alliance," and also "evolve a comprehensive set of capabilities to ensure the security of South Korea."

"But the United States is troubled by China's economic retaliation against South Korea for taking appropriate steps to defend itself," he said. "We will closely consult with South Korea and your leadership as we make decisions moving forward."

Hwang said the two countries "agreed to further increase the preparedness of the alliance against North Korea's threats by deploying and operating the THAAD battery as early as possible."
Kia is set to build its first auto factory in India at a cost of W1 trillion, industry sources said on Monday (US$1=W1,138). The new plant will be the carmaker's fifth overseas production base.

Kia will reportedly sign an investment agreement with the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh late this month. The state will provide the company with a 2.31 million sq.m site for the plant, which will have an annual production capacity of 300,000 cars.

Construction will start in May at the earliest, with a view to completion by 2019. The factory will produce compact sedans and SUVs for the local market.

Its affiliate Hyundai currently operates two factories in the Indian city of Chennai with a combined annual capacity of 650,000 cars.

India imposes a 60 percent tariff on auto imports, making local production essential. Without a local factory, Kia has yet to establish a presence in the country. It spent two years looking for a site for the new plant.

"When the factory is complete, Hyundai and Kia's overall [Indian] production capacity will reach nearly 1 million cars, and this will help them expand their presence in the Indian market," said Lee Hang-koo at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade.
Kuwait

12 April 2017

Kuwait Finance and Investment Company (KFIC), a well-established asset manager in Kuwait, announced its that its financing services sector (Tamwilia) signed an agreement of cooperation with Midas furniture for the needs of Midas clients for home furniture.

In this occasion, Ahmed Maher, Executive Director at KFIC, stated: We are happy for signing this agreement that comes as a step in implementing Tamwilias plan to serve wider segments of the Kuwaiti finance services market and serve their needs with more ease and seamlessness. Maher added that this step to expand in the market comes after the success Tamwilia has witnessed in financing automobiles and marine equipment since its inception as one of the pioneers in the financing services market. Maher then clarified that Tawmilia will continue to expand in order to meet the needs of its clients with rapid and user friendly systems with the efficiency it has long been known for.

From her side, Deborah Abu El Jibien, Regional Retail Manager at Midas Furniture, voiced her happiness for the signing of the agreement, where she stated that this will facilitate the decision-making process for Midas customers through the credibility that KFIC enjoys in the financing services market. Abu El Jibien clarified that this cooperation empowers both Midas and KFIC in order to serve their respective clients in a better manner and eventually speeds up the process of furnishing a new home or refurnishing a current one for the customer. Abu El Jibien hopes that the cooperation between Midas and KFIC will continue to grow in other areas in the future.

It is noteworthy that KFIC offers financing services through the Tamwilia sector that includes the financing of automobiles and marine equipment in addition to furniture, health services, and real estate financing. Tamwilia serves its clients through receiving all their questions and concerns on the hotline 1889000.

About Kuwait Finance and Investment Company (KFIC):

Interview with Tareq Mishari Al Bahar, KFICs Board Member & CEO of KFIC: Kuwait Finance and Investment Company (KFIC), a Well-Established Asset Manager in Kuwait

FAIR USE POLICY

This material (including media content) may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed. However, linking directly to the page (including the source, i.e. Marcopolis.net) is permitted and encouraged.
MARTINSVILLEAny students interested in learning more about robotics, engineering or manufacturing got some help Monday from Patrick Henry Community College. School officials announced that a $179,000 grant they received from the National Science Foundation will be used to launch a dual-enrollment program for high school juniors and seniors looking for jobs in any of those fields.

The program will give students a substantial head start in pursuing careers, whether they plan to go to work soon after graduating from high school or earn a bachelors degree in a field involving engineering or manufacturing, according to Rhonda Hodges, the colleges vice president for workforce, economic and community development.

PHCC already offers several dual-enrollment programs, but it does not yet have anything specifically for applied engineering or manufacturing, said college spokeswoman Amanda Broome.

Courses will include ones pertaining to mechatronics (mechanical electronics), robotics, engineering and hydraulics. Students will assemble electric guitars and learn how to program robots, Broome said.

Until now, such courses have not been available because of an immense amount of hands-on laboratory training needed to earn degrees and certificates necessary for careers in related fields, she said.

The grant will help along that line, Broome continued, because it will enable faculty members to undergo specialized training. It also will cover much of the needed start-up capital, she said.

Students will be able to take up to 30 credits in courses in the applied engineering field while in high school. They can then test for the Certified Production Technician national certification. They also will have finished 60 percent of the courses needed to obtain Siemens Mechatronics Industry Certification and an advanced film manufacturing career studies certificate, according to Broome.

In addition, they will need only 25 further credits to earn an associates degree in general engineering technology, she said.

Nationwide, employers consider such certifications and degrees to be critical for applied engineering jobs, she emphasized.

Classes will meet on PHCCs main campus as well as in the colleges FabLab, which houses modern equipment such as universal laser cutters, three-dimensional printers and computer design software.

PHCC will accept its first group of 20 juniors and seniors into the program this fall. Officials said they anticipate that applications will be competitive. To find out more about the program or to enroll, contact instructor David Dillard at ddillard@patrickhenry.edu or 656-0284.

The program is being designed to meet needs of local high-tech companies as well as those of high school students, Hodges said.

I hear all the time from area employers that there is a need for employees who have the certifications, degrees and critical thinking skills that this program will propel students toward, she said.

Employers often have been unable to fill all of the vacancies they have had for applied engineering workers, and the need for such employees is expected to grow, Hodges continued.

Eastman, Alcoa Titanium and Engineered Products (now Arconic), Nilit America and other local companies have pledged to help the program and its students to succeed, she said.

Other partners include the Henry County and Martinsville public schools, the New College Institute and the Virginia Tech-operated Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, she added.

PHCC is striving to make high-paying, dependable careers accessible to a larger portion of high school graduates by empowering them to be able to complete a large portion of industry credential training at no cost to them, Broome said.

Weve learned from our industry partners that so many great jobs are going unfilled because they just cant find qualified applicants, Hodges said. We hear from community members that the barriers to education after high school are often too steep. This program will address these two issues head on. Hodges said.

Dual-enrollment programs can make such a profound difference in students lives by helping them realize their academic and career goals by catapulting them into their degrees and saving them thousands of dollars and months of time, she said.

The NSF is an independent federal agency charged with keeping the United States at the leading edge of discovery in science and engineering. It contributes about 24 percent of all federal funding for research and innovation at colleges and universities. However, it funds only about 20 percent of the proposals it receives.

NSF grants are among the most competitive in the country and these funds will enable us to provide a unique and much-needed opportunity for area students, said Greg Hodges, PHCCs vice president for institutional advancement, effectiveness and campus life.

During the colleges board meeting on Monday, officials mentioned that PHCC President Angeline Godwin has been trying to obtain an NSF grant for the college since she assumed its helm in 2012.

Greg Hodges said that for a college of PHCCs size to obtain one is monumental.

Already this fiscal year, PHCC has obtained $13 million in grants toward its programs and another $5 million worth are pending, he said.
Ex-President Park Geun-hye was indicted Monday on multiple charges as prosecutors wrapped up their probe in time for fresh presidential election next month.

Park was formally charged with bribery, abuse of power, extortion and leaking government secrets in 18 suspected crimes, most in collusion with her friend Choi Soon-sil and a coterie of aides.

The most serious charges, which potentially carry a life sentence, arise from suspicions that she took or solicited W59.2 billion in bribes from Samsung, SK and Lotte as part of a Cheong Wa Dae extortion racket that mostly lined the pockets of Choi and her vaudeville troupe of drinking buddies (US$1=W1,138).

Park is Korea's third president to stand trial on charges of bribery, though Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, who were convicted in 1995, were swiftly pardoned by their successor Kim Young-sam.

Prosecutors started investigating Park in late October, but she stalled the probe at every turn and refused to submit to questioning until she had been officially booted out of office.

Amid signs that she had long lost her grip on reality, Park made a couple of half-hearted apologies in which she claimed she only permitted Choi to edit a few of her speeches and muttered darkly about a stitch-up.

Prosecutors and an independent counsel indicted no fewer than 42 suspects in the scandal, including Choi and former Park aides An Chong-bum and Kim Ki-choon, whose trial has been going on for months already.

SK chairman Chey Tae-won narrowly escapes prosecution because his conglomerate refused to submit to demands for extra cash after a hefty initial donation to Choi's dubious Mir and K-Sports foundations. The charge against Park is that she demanded the money in return for pardoning Chey under a special amnesty.

But Lotte chairman Shin Dong-bin did give another W7 billion to the K-Sports Foundation early last year, allegedly in return for lucrative duty-free licenses. He has also now been indicted, although the conglomerate got the money back last summer when the scandal started to unravel and Cheong Wa Dae became eager to erase the paper trail.


COLLINSVILLEA Ridgeway man will serve seven years in prison, in connection with a shooting on Chestnut Knob Road.

On Monday, 24-year-old Shawn Lee McGuire pleaded no contest to maliciously shooting into an occupied dwelling and possession of a gun within 10 years of release from prison. The prosecution dropped two charges, including shooting from a motor vehicle and grand larceny of a firearm.

Judge David V. Williams found McGuire guilty of the three charges he pleaded no contest to, sentencing him to a total of 20 years in prison, with seven active and 13 suspended. When McGuire gets out, he will also be on supervised probation and has to pay $175 in restitution to one of the victims.

The incident in the case happened on Dec. 25, 2015. McGuire was accused of shooting into a home on Chestnut Knob Road with two people inside. The bullets didnt hit anyone, but they did cause a piece of sheetrock to break off and strike one of the residents.

A law enforcement officer testified at the court preliminary hearing in December that he saw evidence a bullet struck an exterior wall of the home, passed through a living room wall and made an indentation in a stairwell wall. According to that officers testimony, he found a piece a lead that had mushroomed out in the home, as well as the back glass busted out of a black SUV in the front yard. A piece of lead that had mushroomed out was also inside the car.

The phrase mushroom out refers to the way certain bullets expand and increase in diameter on impact. Afterward, the bullet looks similar to a tiny mushroom.

According to testimony at the trial, McGuire had been picked up while walking along the road earlier that night. At one point, the group turned on Chestnut Knob Road and other people in the car suddenly heard gunshots

I heard pop, pop, pop, pop, Joshua Adkins testified. I freaked out, he said, adding that he didnt know where those sounds came from, but it was real close. My ears were ringing.

Adkins said he did not see a gun or shell casings in the Blazer and no other vehicles or people on the road.

Adkins told the court he dropped everyone in his vehicle off by about 9 or 9:15pm. Later, he called the other person in the vehicle besides McGuire, Justin Wingfield, who told him this dude  just shot at somebodys house, referring to McGuire.

This wasnt the first time McGuire had faced charges related to a shooting. According to online court records, McGuire was convicted of feloniously shooting from a motor vehicle in Henry County Circuit Court on Jan. 29, 2015, in connection with an incident on June 21, 2014. At that time, he was sentenced to three years and four months in prison, with three years of that suspended on conditions including two years of supervised probation.

HENRY COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

Some other recent cases in Henry County Circuit Court follow:

Andrew Todd Kallam, 30, of Ridgeway, pleaded guilty to petit larceny, which the prosecution reduced from grand larceny of a motor vehicle, from an incident on May 23, 2016. He was sentenced to 12 months in jail, all suspended, with two years of good behavior, a $200 fine, and $250 restitution with interest.

Jerry Wayne Nester Jr., 25, of Eden, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to grand larceny from an incident March 1, 2016. He was sentenced to five years in prison, all suspended, with two years of supervised probation, three years of good behavior, and ordered to pay about $2,100 restitution.

Brandon Dean Oakes, 27, of Ridgeway, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, which the prosecution reduced from felonious grand larceny of a motor vehicle, from an incident on Nov. 8, 2016. He was sentenced to 12 months in jail, with 90 days to serve and the balance suspended on conditions including two years of good behavior.

Antarius Tycedric Tinsley, 25, of Martinsville, pleaded guilty to felonious hit and run from an incident July 5, 2016. He was sentenced to five years in prison, all suspended on conditions including two years of supervised probation and three years of good behavior.

Megan Leighanna Harter, 25, of Martinsville, pleaded guilty to petit larceny, which the prosecution reduced from grand larceny, from an incident Aug. 18, 2013. She was sentenced to 12 months in jail, with three months to serve and nine months suspended, on conditions including 12 months of good behavior and payment of $500 restitution with interest.

Jose Burgos Terrazas, 45, of Bassett, pleaded no contest to distributing oxycodone, from an incident on Nov. 3, 2015. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with seven months to serve and nine years and five months suspended on conditions including two years of supervised probation, five years of good behavior and payment of $320 restitution with interest.

Bernard Moore, 47, of Martinsville, pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing cocaine, from incidents on June 21 and July 26, 2016. He allegedly sold a total of more than one gram of substances containing cocaine. A judge set sentencing for June 7. The prosecution dropped but could reinstate another charge of distributing cocaine against Moore.
MARTINSVILLE  Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) students may have to pay more during the next academic year to be able to participate in clubs and organizations on campus.

The colleges board on Monday approved a 50-cent hike in the student activity fee, from $1.94 to $2.44 per semester hour of courses taken. However, the Virginia Community College Systems board must give its approval before the increase becomes official.

During a recent student referendum, the increase was approved by an overwhelming majority of the votes, a report in the boards agenda packet stated.

It would be PHCCs first increase in the activity fee in at least seven years.

Revenue received from the fee in recent years has lessened as full-time enrollment at the college has decreased. Yet the college has added more activities, according to board member Barry Helmstutler.

The fee now supports 21 student clubs and organizations. PHCC has been supplementing revenue received from the fee with other monies to avoid discontinuing any activities but  amid reductions in state funding  it no longer can afford to do so, Helmstutler said.

College officials said they believe reducing activities could cause enrollment to decline further.

Also Monday, the board voted to discontinue eight academic programs having little to no enrollment. They are certificates in automotive technology and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning); career studies certificates in horticulture, viticulture, building trades, automotive body technology and HVAC; and the Business Technology: Major Management Associate in Applied Science degree with a Specialization in Agribusiness.

For students already in the programs, well make sure they can finish or, at least, ensure credits they already have earned transfer to other programs, said Kris Westover, PHCCs vice president for academic and student development.

Students will not suffer due to the programs being eliminated, board Chairwoman Becky Lovell said.

The board approved giving a Betty Jane Simpson Memorial Scholarship this year. The scholarship is named after a former board member and nursing professor at the college. It is given to a nursing student, who must maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.0, according to PHCCs website.

In addition, the board learned that graduation ceremonies are set for May 13.
On April 13, Mashal Khan, a 23 year old student of journalism in Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan was lynched by a mob. He was dragged out of his hostel room and shot at with bullets while the mob lynched him. Even after being killed, his body was desecrated and humiliated.

The mob wanted to burn his body, but this was prevented. All this happened in front of police and university security guards, along with the army, who are also present on the campus due to the insecure situation of the area. Many students were videoing the atrocity on mobile phones. These videos later went viral, creating an enormous indignation amongst students and the general public across the country.

Mashal Khan, along with his two friends, was falsely accused of blasphemy, which according to Pakistani laws is punishable by death if proven true. The chief of police has now confirmed in his statement that no such evidence could be found against Mashal Khan, and after searching his hostel room, laptop, mobile phone and other belongings it can be categorically stated that he never committed blasphemy. In recent statements in the court, one of his friends, Abdullah, who was also injured by the mob and had to be taken to hospital, has stated that the universitys administration had planned these events because Mashal Khan was raising his voice against the managements rotten corruption and was in possession of important documents that he was going to highlight in the courts and media.

Mashal Khan was a progressive student. After the incident, when the media visited his hostel room, portraits of Karl Marx and Che Guevera were found hanging on the walls. Slogans written on the walls of his room included "Workers of the World Unite!" He had also studied in Moscow University for a few years, but due to financial restraints he had to abandon his studies there and return to Pakistan. Just a few days before the incident he had organised a protest against the university administration on issues such as fee hikes. In a TV interview during the protest two days ago, he stated that fees in other government universities are around ten to twelve thousand rupees, but that this university is charging twenty five thousand rupee for a semester - a massive injustice. He also raised the issue of the university administrations corruption.

Due to these activities and his progressive ideas, Mashal Khan was becoming a thorn in the side of the university administration - hence they planned to get rid of him. The administration planned this heinous crime with the help of the leadership of fundamentalist student organization Islami Jamiat Talba (IJT) and the nationalist Pushtoon Students Federation (PSF). The IJT has a long history of criminal and fundamentalist activities on campuses across the country. Strongly supported by the Pakistani State and university administrations, this student organization has been used to victimize progressive students and to create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation on the campuses. The IJT played a leading role in recruiting jihadis in the American-backed Dollar Jihad in Afghanistan in the 1980s, which later gave birth to Taliban. The mother party of this student organization, Jamat Islami, is currently in a coalition government in the province, Khyber Pushtoonkhwa, where this incident happened. They were also in power under the dictatorship of Musharaf regime. In power they are also responsible for making drastic changes to the curriculum to make it easier for their fundamentalist organizations to recruit students.

The other leading organization in this crime is PSF, the student wing of ANP, a pushtoon nationalist party. It was in power in this province for five years from 2008-2013, founding this university and naming it after their late leader Abdul Wali Khan. This party claims the legacy of Bacha Khan, the grandfather of current leader Asfandyar Wali and father of late Abdul Wali Khan. Bacha Khan was inspired by Gandhi, especially with his ideas of nonviolence. This party also had strong left wing tendencies, and its red-cap-wearing supporters amongst the working class were distinct from all other parties in the country. But this party has strayed far from its ideals and is drowning in the quagmire of the black economy, drug trade, land grabbing and other crimes. These criminal activities have unmasked the degeneration of the party, to the extent where its student leaders can't be distinguished from those of its ideological opponents, the IJT. Others leading the mob were from the ruling party - the PTI of Imran Khan - and its student wing.

Mashal Khan was mobilizing students in defence of their rights, and this was not acceptable to the IJT or PSF. Also, he had started a campaign against the university administration over the fee hikes and was about to spill the beans regarding a colossal corruption scandal involving the varsitys administration. The administration, after sensing the danger to their plundering, vowed to silence Mashal. First they asked the leadership of PSF to coerce Mashal not to speak about their corruption and students rights. Then the IJT and the student wing of the ruling party, the Insaf Student Federation, were approached, who also failed to help their accomplices. Fearing that they were losing control of the situation, the university management ordered Abdullah, a comrade of Mashal Khan, to become a witness against Mashal, inventing the story of blasphemy. Unsurprisingly, he refused to carry out these orders.

On April 12, Mashal Khan was falsely accused by other students in the pockets of the administration of sharing blasphemous content on his Facebook account. These allegations were proved to be false by the fact that the account was active even after Mashals terrible murder. At that time Mashal was advised by his friends to go home until the situation had cooled down, but he declined, saying he was not guilty. On the same day, in the university canteen and other places, propaganda was spread by a number of students who were against him that he has committed blasphemy.

One student from the above mentioned organizations made accusations against him and others bore false witness to this crime. Then they gathered almost fifty students around them and, under the protection of the police and university security guards, marched towards Mashal Khan's room raising Islamic slogans.

Mashal refused to run away from his room, as he had done nothing wrong. Those who tried to save him were unarmed and were pushed away, while those who were coming to kill him were fully armed and had all the protection of the security forces and university administration. First, Mashal was inhumanely beaten with wooden planks, and then he was shot at and hit by two bullets, before pulling him down the stairs of the triple-story building. He was stripped naked, and his corpse was attacked and mutilated with bricks. The presence of police during all this can be clearly seen in the videos circulating on social media.

After the murder, the university administration issued a notification accusing Mashal and his two friends of blasphemy and rusticating him from the university. An inquiry committee was also appointed to investigate his crime. In this notification there is no mention of the brutality and killing of Mashals murderers, nor is any action taken against those involved. The university was closed for indefinite period after this.

When this news reached students across the country, a strong mood of indignation and anger developed against the fundamentalists. Firstly, the media portrayed this murder as a spontaneous reaction of hundreds of students to the allegations of blasphemy. But later reports showed that all this was planned and several dozen students were involved; meanwhile, many university employees were also complicit. Due to the presence of the police, other students couldn't do anything to protect Mashal Khan. All these details led to protests at campuses in universities across the country, where students raised slogans against state sponsored terrorism and demanded the death penalty for the cruel murderers.

When Mashal Khan's body was taken to his village in Swabi the prayer leaders and local Mullahs refused to lead his funeral prayers, calling him an infidel. Public announcements were also made from mosques asking people not to attend his funeral. A local technician then led his funeral prayers with a few people present; the whole situation was tense. Some people had to guard the funeral with weapons to defend against any attacks on it. This local technician was also threatened later with dire consequences.

But when news of this injustice spread, there was a general reaction of anger against what these atrocities. Hundreds of students and left-wing political activists across the country thronged the village of Mashal Khan to express solidarity with his family. A delegation from the Progressive Youth Alliance also visited his village and met his father and expressed their solidarity with him and his family. Comrades from the PYA also addressed the gathering and expressed their anger against the poison of fundamentalism and how this evil has its roots in the decaying capitalist system that blights the country.

All these acts of solidarity emboldened the people of the village, and two days later they came out in large numbers to protest against this victimization, raising slogans of Begunah (he is innocent) and demanding death sentences for the murderers. A large number of people gathered at the main crossing of the village, where student leaders and left-wing political activists addressed them.

The reaction of the students across the country to this incident is so strong that some Mullahs have had to come on TV to announce that Mashal Khan is a martyr (Shaheed).

Protests were held by students at Peshawar University, Malakand University, Quaid e Azam University Islamabad, Islamic International University Islamabad, Balochistan University, UET Lahore, BZU Multan, Islamia University Bahawalpur and many others. PYA Lahore has also dedicated its convention, to be held on 22 April, to Mashal Khan, as - like the PYA - he was also fighting against fee hikes and corruption in universities.

This incident also shows the bankruptcy of the ideas of the bourgeois intellectuals, who want to change society and reform the system via the state institutions and by merely educating the youth. It clearly shows that all the institutions of the state support the forces of reaction and ignorance. The only way out for the youth is to fight against the state and the imperialist powers that finance and support the forces of Islamic fundamentalism in this region. The problem here is not the education of the youth, but the senile socio-economic system.

A big majority of the population in Pakistan is illiterate. Of those who are able to pay for a decent education, very few (only four percent) are able to reach university level, since they are forced to work in order to earn their livelihood. In the university campuses, they are silenced by state sponsored goons, while student unions and politics are banned. Before being admitted, students are forced to sign a legal document, promising not to be involved in political activities. Failure to abide by this agreement means that they can be rusticated. So while fees are raised every six months and the quality of education keeps deteriorating, students are not allowed to raise their voices. The university administration keeps making money through corruption, while denying students their basic rights. Critical thinking inside campuses is also strongly repressed, and any student who raises questions about the curriculum or state-supplied version of any subject is shunned by the professors and the administration, with all efforts made to purge any critical views.

Mashal Khan was such a student who was striving against all injustice and cruelty. Until his last breath he was loyal to his ideals.

The brutal forces of reaction have tried to silence Mashals voice, but they achieved the opposite. His voice now has more strength and is finding an echo in campuses across the country. This system, and the state that defend it, are decaying at a rapid pace, and evil forces are manifesting themselves in various brutal forms. Mashal and thousands of students like him know that the cancer of savagery, frustration, and individualism have permeated the society. Like a thorny weed, this rotten system cannot simply have its branches cut; rather, it needs to be pulled from its roots.

Revolutionary students, workers and peasants need to unite in this war against tyranny and oppression. They should struggle for a red dawn which guarantees a bright future for humanity, with no more rule by an elite and repressive minority over the masses. The students across the country will take inspiration from Mashal's struggle (his name literally means Torch) to undertake their own revolutionary activity and forge a revolutionary Marxist party that can emancipate the oppressed classes through a socialist revolution.
Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has threatened to work to derail May's plan for negotiating post-Brexit trade deals, and criticized the British leader's calls for reducing taxes and regulations to attract investment after Britain leaves the EU. At the same time, the Scottish National Party has threatened to vote against a bill to formally repeal Britain's EU membership.

The weeks since Britain invoked Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on the European Union and triggered the two-year Brexit process have been marked by protests by Brexit opponents led by the Labor Party and Scottish executive Nicola Sturgeon. Analysts said Mays shock decision to call elections long before their next due date in 2020 was a means to consolidate the Conservatives power and put the bickering behind.

Saying it is "the only way to guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead," British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday called for early elections June 8, in a move she hopes will give her a stronger position as she negotiates Brexit, Britain's departure from the European Union.

The opposition threatens to muddy May's work at a critical time when trade deals are to be negotiated.

"Britain is leaving the European Union and there can be no turning back," May said in announcing her call for an early election outside No. 10 Downing Street on Tuesday. "We will regain control of our own money, our own laws and our own borders and we will be free to strike trade deals with old friends and new partners all around the world."

"This is the right approach, and it is in the national interest. But the other political parties oppose it," she said. "At this moment of enormous national significance, there should be unity here in Westminster, but instead there is division."

The British leader challenged opposition parties to band together on June 8, a move analysts say is a risky but calculated move for May, given the Labor Partys worst popularity slump in a century.

"This is your moment to show you mean it, to show you are not opposing the government for the sake of it, to show that you do not treat politics as a game," May said.

With a 72 percent turnout in a referendum last year, British voters decided on the question: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?" Fifty-two percent voted to leave, while 48 percent voted to remain.

Assuming May's call for early elections gets parliamentary approval when it comes up for a vote on Wednesday, the prime minister hopes June 8 will settle remaining questions.
An Oxford duo won champion in international debate open

From:Shanghai Daily | 2017-04-18 03:30

A DUO from Oxford University won the champion at the 3rd Shanghai International Debate Open (SIDO) 2017 over the weekend at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.

The 3-day event, co-hosted by the university and the Foreign Language Research and Teaching Press to celebrate the universitys 100th anniversary, attracted more than 170 teams from all over the world and invited 47 renowned judges from home and abroad.

The competitors debated in the British Parliamentary style on various topics, such as whether the parliament should ban all researches that try to produce super strong artificial intelligence, and whether private companies should be allowed to bid for the right to govern parts of their territory.

Finally, Brian Wong and Raphael Marshall from Oxford University won the competition while Marshall was also awarded as the best debater.

I think the debaters have very very high quality, and obviously I enjoyed debating with them a lot, and competing with them really benefited and educated me a lot,said Wong, who was the best debater in last years competition. Its a really educating experience.
"For small to medium to national organizations, for events and fundraisers of any size, in any format  live, virtual or hybrid  the platform is built for scale."
The Ministry of Education is planning to continue to increase college and university enrollment of students in rural and poor areas in 2017, with over 63,000 students from these areas to be admitted this year, 3,000 more than last year.

This marks the fourth increased enrollment targeting poor areas since the establishment of the current government, with an estimated more than 25,000 poor students recruited to study at key universities since 2013.

Education fairness is the basis of social justice, so that every familys children can have the opportunity to receive a better education, Premier Li Keqiang stressed at a State Council executive meeting, while asking related departments to focus on how to promote education fairness when formulating the 13th Five-Year plan on education development.

We need to meet peoples basic living needs, to provide the last resort for people to fall back on in case of special difficulty, and to promote social fairness, Premier Li said at his first press conference in 2014, calling them three major tasks for the government.

He also said that the government needs to pay particular attention to education to ensure fairness at the very starting point.

Two months later, at a State Council executive meeting, he decided to expand the enrollment of poor rural students at top universities.

With a special program started in 2012, the nations top universities would recruit 10,000 students from registered poor counties.

As the program continues, the number of students who have benefited has risen from 10,000 to 63,000 this year.

Policy dividends must benefit the most needy and poorest, the Premier once said.

In the government work report this year, he also pledged to develop fair and high-quality education, helping more children realize their dreams.

Premier Li often recalled what he saw in an impoverished village in Guizhou province. Although living in shabby conditions, people can still see hope, as more than 20 young people went to universities in the last two to three years. The younger generation in the village feel they have opportunities to move upwards. That is the hope of the village, he said.

He stressed the importance of deepening reform to narrow gaps in educational resources between urban and rural areas, and in different regions and colleges.

Meanwhile, the Premier called for further investment in rural areas in Chinas central and western regions, enabling more students with financial difficulties to receive better education.

Key universities should further expand enrollment in rural areas, so that children from poor families can have a fair channel to go upwards, the Premier added.
Bozemans effort to encourage affordable home construction by offering incentives to builders and developers "has not worked," Mayor Carson Taylor said Monday in his annual State of the City address, adding that he intends to have the city look at "all available tools" to address its housing crunch.

Taylor, who passed the midpoint of his two-year stint as the citys lead commissioner in January, also urged considering involuntary annexations for unincorporated parcels surrounded by the city and touched on Bozemans ongoing debate over mid-rise development projects like the Black-Olive proposal, the current version of which the commission voted down last week.

By Eric Dietrich Chronicle Staff Writer

Full Story: http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/city/bozeman-affordable-housing-program-isn-t-working-mayor-says/article_d5b18fe3-f700-5fa5-b1ad-c246932c95ba.html
John Kenneth Galbraith once said that the beginnings of wisdom were to never trust an economist. Those of us that spent most of our adult lives in deindustrialized communities understood his point.

by John Russo

Full Story: http://www.newgeography.com/content/005588-universal-basic-income-a-social-vaccine-technological-displacement
Two generations ago, they were often written off as a bunch of hippies making backpacks and climbing gear for niche markets. But in recent decades, companies such as Patagonia and REI have become consumer powerhouses and political players, increasingly eager to influence decisions over public lands.

A sign of that clout came this year, when the outdoor industry decided to pull its twice-yearly trade show from Salt Lake City, where it been based since 1996. The shows injected tens of millions of dollars into the Utah economy, but industry leaders decided to pull out after Gov. Gary Herbert and other Utah Republicans started lobbying President Donald Trump to roll back the Bears Ears National Monument, a 1.35-million-acre conservation area in southern Utah that Native Americans and environmentalists have championed for years.

STUART LEAVENWORTH McClatchy Washington Bureau

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/business/outdoors-companies-mobilize-hikers-in-multimillion-dollar-battle-over-public/article_6db2efd6-26fd-5701-aaaa-0573781b3310.html
Le Mouvement Premier Mai vous demande de ne pas vous laisser manipuler par la dynastie des Jugnauth qui, pour rester au pouvoir et transmettre ce pouvoir a la 3eme generation des Jugnauth, veut introduire une loi visant a interdire toute critique envers elle.

Au decompte des voix, nous saurons qui dans cette Assemblee sont soumis a cette dynastie au point de nier leur convictions democratiques et republicaines. Parmi vous il y a des deputes qui ont ete les du Travaillisme et du Militantisme. des avocats, et surtout des journalistes,.

Le Mouvement Premier Mai vous demande de rejeter cette loi, surtout quelle vise une radio en particulier, Top FM, et a faire peur aux autres radios; Radio One, Radio Plus. Nous subissons deja la MBC qui justifie touts les < passe-droits et carences> de cette dynastie. Quoi que le regime fasse, il y aura toujours des moyens pour cacher ses accaparement et son machiavelisme. La question ne concerne pas uniquement la dynastie Jugnauth; la question concerne surtout ceux qui declarent officiellement autant leur soumission a la famille Jugnauth que leurs deviations en politique vers lextreme-droite.

Patricia Babet & Jack Bizlall

Pour le Mouvement Premier Mai

27.11.2021

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Monday morning: a routine visit by a young mother with her small child. A discussion about vaccine safety ensues. After an average visit of between 10 and 19 minutes, and equipped with the latest statistics and several leaflets, the mother leaves to consider her options. Sound familiar? Will she return the following week to get her child started on the recommended vaccine schedule? Will she ask for a delayed schedule? Will she opt out entirely? Share on Pinterest Vaccine hesitancy rates are on the rise. A recent paper analyzing the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Surveys highlighted that the number of pediatricians who report parental vaccine refusal rose from 74.5 percent in 2006 to 87 percent in 2013. The perception that parents thought the vaccinations were unnecessary increased from 63.4 percent to 73.1 percent. The study also noted that although pediatricians educate parents about vaccinations, they are also dismissing patients more often. When faced with this situation, what can and should primary care physicians do to support the individual patient, their patient population, and the wider community?

What are parents concerns about vaccinations? Parents have three major reasons, one is that they think that vaccines are no longer needed and the diseases are gone, the second is that they fear that the vaccines are associated with adverse reactions, and third [is that] they think that they should be able to decide what their children should receive and not have to be mandated to receive vaccines for school or other requirements, Dr. Kathryn M. Edwards, the Sarah H. Sell and Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair in Pediatrics at the Department of Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, TN, told Medical News Today. In an attempt to depolarize the anti-vaxxers versus pro-vaxxers movements, the acceptable term to use is now vaccine hesitancy. Within the spectrum of opinion, parental attitudes toward childhood vaccinations can be divided into five categories . These are: Unquestioning acceptors (30 to 40 percent): These are advocates for immunizations who feel that vaccines are safe and necessary.

Cautious acceptors (25 to 35 percent): These are parents who do not necessarily question vaccination but who may not have a full understanding. The cautious acceptors continue to vaccinate their children despite some minor concerns.

The hesitant (20 to 30 percent): These parents vaccinate their children but have significant concerns, mainly about vaccination risk.

Late or selective vaccinators (2 to 27 percent): These parents have knowledge about vaccination but still have concerns, sometimes leading to delay or refusal of some vaccines.

Refusers (less than 2 percent): These parents may have concerns about safety, religious beliefs, or mistrust of the medical system and may ultimately refuse all vaccinations for their children. This sophisticated stratification of parents into categories improves our understanding of the motivations and reasons that underlie vaccine hesitancy.

The role of the physician: Education and advocacy Educating vaccine-hesitant parents can be challenging and time-consuming. Physicians may need to anticipate longer visits for these discussions, which may have a knock-on effect on the rest of their daily schedule and, subsequently, lead to reduced job satisfaction. However, there is evidence of the importance of one-on-one interaction between the hesitant parent and their physician in countering hesitancy and safety concerns. A study in the journal Vaccine in 2014 highlighted the lack of formal training in vaccine safety during most pediatric residency programs in the United States. This survey of members of the Association of Pediatric Program Directors further revealed that over 80 percent wanted formal training for their residents. So what can physicians do when they find themselves faced with a parent voicing concerns about vaccine safety? Physicians need to clearly point out the benefits of the vaccine and tell them that vaccines are the standard of care for children. They have made an enormous difference in the lives of children. No longer do children die of meningitis, measles, and pneumonia since the widespread use of vaccines. Just like pediatricians should stress the use of car seats when children ride in cars, they need to stress the important role of vaccines in assuring child health, Kathryn M. Edwards, M.D.
EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors) are involved in the development and progression of many types of cancer and bowel cancer (colon carcinoma) in particular. So-called anti-EGFR antibodies are used in the treatment of bowel cancer patients, to inhibit EGFR. However, for reasons that are not yet clear, not all patients benefit from this treatment. This could be due to the fact that EGFR is not only found in the tumour cells of bowel cancer patients but also in the immune cells surrounding the tumour. This was the main finding of a study conducted by a research team led by Maria Sibilia from MedUni Vienna's Institute of Cancer Research and recently published in leading journal Gastroenterology.

"In a mouse model, we were able to show that EGFR-positive myeloid cells stimulate tumour growth. By switching off the EGFR in these immune cells, growth was as good as stopped," explains Maria Sibilia, Head of the Institute for Cancer Research at MedUni Vienna and Deputy Head of the Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC). The study (lead authors: Sriram Srivatsa and Mariel Paul) was conducted on an interdisciplinary basis in collaboration with oncologists from the Department of Medicine I and Department of Medicine III and pathologists.

Poorer prognosis for survival of bowel cancer patients with EGFR-positive myeloid cells

The researchers were also able to show that the prognosis for survival was poorer in bowel cancer patients, if these EGFR-positive myeloid cells are present in the tumour - and also because EGFR causes increased production of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL6) in the myeloid cells. Hitherto, no consideration has been given to the presence of EGFR in the cells surrounding the tumour (stroma), because it was assumed that its expression only played a role in the tumour cells themselves.

This could also explain why EGFR therapy directed at the tumour is less effective or completely ineffective in some patients. Says Sibilia: "It could be that EGFR does not actually work in the tumour itself but that it is primarily the EGFR-positive myeloid cells that act as the "power plant" for the tumour." Further studies. will now be conducted to check this premiss.

Bowel cancer: 4,500 people affected every year in Austria

Colon carcinoma, a malignant neoplasia of the colon, is one of the commonest types of cancer in western industrialised countries, being the second commonest cancer in women and the third commonest cancer in men. Around 4,500 people develop bowel cancer in Austria every year.

More precise, personalised cancer treatment

These research results could lead to better specification of patients in the future, namely into the group for whom anti-EGFR therapy works and the group for whom it doesn't, or at least not very well. "This is a further step towards precision medicine, that is to say personalised medicine," says Sibilia. This research will therefore fit in very well with MedUni Vienna's plans to build a Center for Precision Medicine (Zentrum fur Prazisionsmedizin) on the MedUni's General Hospital Campus, so that in future it will be possible to perform gene analyses for many different types of disease even more quickly and accurately, to allow the appropriate preventive measures to be implemented sooner. In this case it would then be possible to spare a group of patients the unpleasant and unnecessary side-effects of anti-EGFR therapy, such as severe dermatitis, for example.

The paper that appeared in Gastroenterology is directly linked to the Advanced ERC Grant that Maria Sibilia received a year ago to study immunomodulation of the innate immune system to fight cancer, as part of a 60-month European Research Council (ERC) project. Future research into bowel cancer by the Sibilia group is being financed by the Vienna Science and Technology Fund Life Science Call Precision Medicine. The paper's lead author, Sriram Srivatsa was a PhD student in the "Inflammation and Immunity" doctoral school, which is funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF).

Article: EGFR in Tumor-associated Myeloid Cells Promotes Development of Colorectal Cancer in Mice and Associates With Outcomes of Patients, S. Srivatsa, M. Paul, G. Prager, L. Kenner, M. Sibilia et al., Gastroenterology, doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.03.053, published online 8 April 2017.
After more than a decade of declining cholera incidence, Vietnam faced an increase in cases of the diarrheal disease during 2007-2010. Risk factors for contracting cholera in Ben Tre province of Vietnam include drinking iced tea or unboiled water and having a water source near a toilet, researchers report in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Around the world, more than a million people a year suffer from cholera and tens of thousands die from the disease. Cholera transmission is closely linked to inadequate access to clean water and is often spread through contaminated drinking water. In the Ben Tre province of the Mekong Delta region in the southern part of Vietnam, no cholera cases were reported from 2005 until an outbreak in 2010.

In the new work, Thuong Vu Nguyen, of the Pasteur Institute Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and colleagues interviewed 60 people who were confirmed to have been infected with cholera during the 2010 outbreak in Ben Tre, as well as 240 subcommune-, 5-year age group- and sex-matched controls. Information about each person's eating and drinking behaviors and living environment was recorded. The researchers also collected samples of nearby river water, drinking water, wastewater samples, and local seafood to test for Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria which spreads the disease.

The researchers found that drinking iced tea, not always boiling drinking water, having a main water source near a toilet, living with other who have diarrhea, and having little or no education were all associated with an increased risk of cholera, while drinking stored rainwater, eating cooked seafood or steamed vegetables were protective against the disease. 22% of people with cholera reported drinking iced tea in the week prior to their disease, whereas only 3% of controls had drank iced tea in the week before being interviewed. Patients with cholera were also more likely to always put ice in their water and to use sedimented river water for drinking, bathing, cooking, and brushing their teeth. More work is needed to determine why iced tea boosts the risk of cholera, but the researchers hypothesize that the bacteria may be found in ice, which is often bought from street vendors.

"This present study has important implications for Vietnam's cholera responses," the researchers say. "Along with traditional approaches that focus on enhancement of safe water, sanitation, and food safety, combined with periodic provision of oral cholera vaccines, a water quality monitoring system at ice-making plants should be established."

This study was originally supported by the Vietnam's Ministry of Health. The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Article: Cholera returns to southern Vietnam in an outbreak associated with consuming unsafe water through iced tea: A matched case-control study, Nguyen TV, Pham QD, Do QK, Diep TT, Phan HC, Ho TV, et al., PLoS Negl Trop Dis, doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0005490, published 13 April 2017.
A recent survey of over 2,000 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer found that half of those who undergo bilateral mastectomy after genetic testing don't actually have mutations known to confer increased risk of additional cancers, according to a study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and four other U.S. medical centers.

Instead the women had what are known as variants of uncertain significance, or VUS, that are often eventually found to be harmless. A bilateral mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which both of a woman's breasts are removed after a diagnosis of cancer in one breast.

The finding highlights the need for genetic counselors to help both patients and physicians better understand the results of genetic testing intended to determine a woman's risk for cancer recurrence or for developing a separate cancer in her ovaries or unaffected breast.

"Our findings suggest a limited understanding among physicians and patients of the meaning of genetic testing results," said Allison Kurian, MD, associate professor of medicine and of health research and policy at Stanford. "Clinical practice guidelines state that variants of uncertain significance should not be considered to confer high cancer risk, and that patients with these variants should be counseled similarly to a patient whose genetic test is normal. However, many of the physicians surveyed in our study stated that they manage these patients in the same way as they do patients with mutations known to increase a woman's risk."

Only about half of the surveyed women who received genetic testing ever discussed their test results with a genetic counselor, and between one-quarter and one-half of the surveyed breast cancer surgeons indicated they treat women with VUS no differently than women with known cancer-associated mutations, the researchers found. Furthermore, some women undergo surgery prior to receiving genetic testing or seeing the results.

Kurian is the lead author of the study, which will be published online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. University of Michigan researchers Reshma Jagsi, MD, DPhil, and Steven Katz, MD, MPH, share senior authorship.

The need for genetic testing

The findings come on the heels of a February study by many of the same researchers showing that physicians often fail to recommend genetic testing for breast cancer patients at high risk for mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which are strongly associated with ovarian and other cancers.

In this study, the researchers asked 2,502 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer whether they had received genetic testing, and if so, whether the testing and any discussion of results occurred before or after breast surgery.

They found that of the 666 women who had received testing, 59 percent were considered to have a high risk of a dangerous mutation in a cancer-associated gene. About one-quarter of these women had genetic testing only after surgery - meaning critical decisions were made about their care before information about their mutation status was available. Delays in testing were particularly pronounced in women who lacked private health insurance.

The researchers then polled the surgeons who treated the women in the survey. They found that, when compared with doctors who had treated 51 or more newly diagnosed breast cancer patients during the previous year, doctors who had treated fewer than 21 breast cancer patients were: less confident in discussing the results of genetic testing with patients, more likely to order the genetic test without referring women to a genetic counselor, less likely to delay surgery in order to have test results available for surgical decision-making and more likely to manage a patient with variants of uncertain significance in the same way they would manage patients with proven high-risk mutations in cancer-associated genes.

"Our findings suggest that we are not maximizing the benefit of genetic testing for our patients with breast cancer because of barriers related to timeliness of testing and lack of expertise necessary to incorporate results into treatment decisions," said Katz, who is a professor of medicine and of health management and policy at the University of Michigan.

Expertise to interpret the results

Although genetic testing has become more common and less costly, it's also become more confusing. The advent of multiplex gene panels that simultaneously test for mutations or variations in many different genes can render results that are difficult to interpret without the help of a trained genetic counselor. Uncertainties as to the meaning of test results may lead less-experienced surgeons to recommend aggressive treatment in the form of bilateral mastectomies, or cause women to opt for what they may feel is the safest option to manage their cancer.

Conversely, high-risk women who do carry dangerous mutations need this information to make informed decisions about their health care choices.

"The gaps identified in this study are striking," said Jagsi, professor and deputy chair of radiation oncology at the University of Michigan. "It is critical to ensure that patients at high risk for known cancer-associated mutations are fully informed of the potential benefits of genetic testing, and counseled accurately about the meaning of test results."

"We're learning that clinicians' knowledge of breast cancer genetics can be highly variable," said Kurian, who is a member of the Stanford Cancer Institute. "It's important for women at high risk of carrying a dangerous mutation to see someone with expertise in cancer genetics when planning their care. Unfortunately, in many cases genetic counselors may not be optimally integrated into the care of newly diagnosed cancer patients, making it difficult to rapidly triage these patients. Our study highlights the urgent need for improved patient access to cancer genetics experts, particularly genetic counselors, and for educating physicians about the appropriate use of genetic testing and interpretation of test results."

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (grant P01CA163233), the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Kurian has received research funding from Invitae, Myriad Genetics, Ambry Genetics, GenDx and Genomic Health.

Article: Gaps in Incorporating Germline Genetic Testing Into Treatment Decision-Making for Early-Stage Breast Cancer, Allison W. Kurian, Yun Li, Ann S. Hamilton, Kevin C. Ward, Sarah T. Hawley, Monica Morrow, M. Chandler McLeod, Reshma Jagsi, and Steven J. Katz, Journal of Clinical Oncology, doi: 10.1200/JCO.2016.71.6480, published online 12 April 2017.
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Studies done elsewhere identified the mechanism behind the silencing of X chromosomes: a gene called Xist, short for X-inactive specific transcript. Located on the X chromosome itself, Xist produces a protein that spreads up and down the chromosome during female embryonic development, turning off its genes.However, says Barbara R. Migeon, M.D., professor of pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a pioneer in X-inactivation research, she and her colleagues reported nearly four decades ago that in some human embryos with triploidy -- a condition in which there are three sets of chromosomes instead of the usual two -- two copies of the X chromosome remained active.The most likely explanation for this phenomenon, Migeon reasons, was that a protein that represses the X chromosome silencing activity of Xist was working overtime, allowing more than one X chromosome to remain activated. However, she says, the gene responsible for this repressor, or even its approximate location in the human genome, has been unclear.To identify the likely location of the repressor protein and the gene that codes for it, the researchers started by looking at cells from human embryos with different forms of chromosomal trisomy, a condition in which cells carry three copies of a particular chromosome instead of two. For example, Down syndrome in humans is marked by a trisomy of chromosome 21.Because having two active X chromosomes is lethal very early in development -- before a new embryo even implants into the uterine wall -- Migeon and her colleagues focused on autosomal trisomies.The research team reported finding examples of trisomies in every chromosome in embryos that survived at least until later stages, except chromosomes 1 or 19. "Trisomies of these chromosomes were missing, suggesting that the repressor might be located on one of them," says Migeon.Delving deeper, the researchers turned to two different genetic databases: the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, developed and maintained at Johns Hopkins; and the University of California, Santa Cruz, Genome Browser, to look for genes or genomic regions of chromosomes 1 and 19 thought to produce proteins that interact with Xist.The researchers hunted for genes responsible for adding or subtracting so-called epigenetic marks, which attach to DNA and affect whether a cell can use a given gene. They narrowed their search to a few candidate regions, then turned to a third database, Decipher, which makes it possible to compare human genome variants on tens of thousands of patients with genetic disorders worldwide. On Decipher, the research team looked for genes in the "candidate" regions that showed skewed sex ratios linked to the number of DNA duplications and deletions they could count.The team reasoned that if the repressor was in a region that was duplicated, it would work overtime and turn off Xist on both X chromosomes, leaving both the X chromosomes active and selectively changing the survival of male vs. female embryos.Only one section of the human genome fit the bill with these criteria -- a stretch of DNA on the short arm of chromosome 19. "We now believe the repressor gene must be located there," Migeon says, "because we've eliminated all the other possibilities."She explains that a gene or gene cluster in this region of the genome, which extends for eight megabases, or 8 million of the 6 billion nucleotides that make up all DNA on the human genome, could hold the key to understanding why the worldwide ratio of males to females is skewed at 1.05-1.06-to-1."Any genetic glitch that causes a trisomy or partial trisomy of that specific region on chromosome 19 would effectively eliminate a resulting female embryo," Migeon suspects, although it's impossible to know how often such genetic mistakes occur. Virtually all government-funded experiments on human embryos are prohibited by law in the United States, but some are allowed in some European countries, Migeon notes. By eliminating or adding in extra copies of genes in the candidate region that she and her team identified, she says, other researchers might be able to eventually identify the specific gene or genes that encode Xist's repressor.Migeon's career, spanning nearly six decades at Johns Hopkins, has centered on the X chromosome and how the doses of proteins generated by the genes on this chromosome equilibrate between the sexes. Along with her husband, retired Johns Hopkins pediatric endocrinologist Claude Migeon, M.D., the pair has made numerous discoveries related to sex chromosomes and sex differentiation.Source: Eurekalert
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Reproducibility- that indicates the consistency of measures in the same person from day to day or hour to hour

Mapping the molecular constituents of sweat- There is a limitation with the constituents that can be measured in the sweat

Carlos Milla et al. Autonomous sweat extraction and analysis applied to cystic fibrosis and glucose monitoring using a fully integrated wearable platform. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences; (2012) doi:10.1073/pnas.1701740114

Milla shares senior authorship with Ronald Davis, PhD, professor of biochemistry and of genetics at Stanford. Former Stanford postdoctoral scholar Sam Emaminejad, PhD, and UC-Berkeley postdoctoral scholar Wei Gao, PhD,Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which affects the mucus and sweat glands. This causes the thick mucus to build up in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. The thickened mucus becomes a favorable environment for disease causing pathogens to hold on and breed, rendering the patients incapable of breathing. This condition eventually leads to respiratory failure and shortened life-span.Conventional methods for diagnosing cystic fibrosis required patients to visit a specialized center and sit still while electrodes stimulate sweat glands in their skin to provide sweat for the test.CF is primarily diagnosed in childhood and this prolonged procedure can be cumbersome in children.The process of sweat collection can stretch for approximately 30 minutes during which the children are required to sit still. After this stage is the prolonged wait for the results while the lab measures the chloride ions in the sweat, which is an indicator of cystic fibrosis. This practice has been on for the past 70 years.The new wearable sweat sensor test happens all at once and in real time. It stimulates the skin to produce minute amounts of sweat, quickly evaluates the contents and transmits the data via a cellphone to a server that can analyze the results. This makes it much easier for families to have kids evaluated.The device has two-parts, including the flexible sensors and microprocessors, which sticks to the skin, stimulates the sweat glands and then detects the presence of different molecules and ions based on their electrical signals. The device is robust and can be run with a smartphone, which sends measurements to a cloud and receives a result immediately after review at a specialized center.More levels of chloride in the sweat, generates more electrical voltage at the sensor's surface.This sensor could also be used for"CF drugs work on only a fraction of patients," said Sam Emaminejad, who is now an assistant professor of electrical engineering at UCLA. "Just imagine if you use the wearable sweat sensor with people in clinical drug investigations; we could get a much better insight into how their chloride ions go up and down in response to a drug."The wearable sweat sensor can also be used to measure glucose levels in sweat, that correspond to blood glucose levels. This makes the device useful in detecting and monitoringThe device can also be used to measure other molecular constituents of sweat like sodium and potassium ions and lactate."Sweat is hugely amenable to wearable applications and a rich source of information," Ronald Davis, PhD, professor of biochemistry and of genetics at Stanford said.This portable, self-contained sweat sensor can be useful for people living in underserved communities or in villages in developing countries, where conventional testing is unavailable."You can get a reading anywhere in the world," Milla said."In the longer term, we want to integrate it into a smartwatch format for broad population monitoring," Emaminejad said.The device helps inof the response and compliance of patients to treatment.Milla said "It's a little like the old days when people with diabetes had to come into a clinic to get their glucose monitored. The real revolution came when people started to do their own finger stick, and nowadays you can even do it with continuous monitors.""When we were testing the device, we noticed that people had different sweat profiles. That showed we needed to calibrate accordingly," said Emaminejad. Once researchers have determined a personalized baseline through long-term monitoring, they can begin to spot changes in health status, he said.Two major challenges with a wearable sweat sensor are:The study is published in theSource: Medindia
George Clooney is one of the most famous actors in the world today. Three golden awards and two academy awards later, the suave man is gearing up to embrace fatherhood with his gorgeous wife. However, there is a side of this amazing actor that not many know of.

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Besides being an actor and a producer, George is also a human rights activist. Founded in 2010, the Satellite Sentinel Project was conceived by Clooney and John Prendergast , who is also the co-founder of the Enough Project when they were on a trip to Sudan in 2010.

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The idea was simple but great. George realised that if Google Earth could locate anyones house then why couldnt space imagery be used to locate human traffickers? The satellite clicks images of target areas, send them to research analysts and the findings are made public for everyone to see. In 2011, the Satellite Sentinel Project was able to capture the images of grave sites in the Southern Kordofan state of South Sudan. The project is also trying to investigate the source of funding for the illegal trade in diamonds, gold and ivory.

 satellite sentinel project

In a speech explaining the whole idea behind SSP, Clooney explained, "Genocide and other human rights crimes are never just spontaneous events. They require planning, they require financing, and they require international indifference to succeed. Where is the money coming from, and where is it being hidden? To the extent we can, we want to make it more difficult for those willing to kill en masse to secure their political and economic objectives, and we want to move the needle away from indifference and inaction." The two NGOS that are the running mill behind this project are Enough Project  and Not On Our Watch (George is a co-founder of this as well, and other co-founders include Don Cheadle, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon.)

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The project has gained immense exposure, with many international organisations supporting the cause. However, this stellar project has been openly denounced by Sudanese leaders like Omar al-Bashir, but that is not stopping Clooney from continuing this generous deed. The findings, current research and everything that the project is covering is accessible at the website, Satellite Sentinel Project. Do check it out!
The iPhone 8 has been the center of attention every since rumours started to arise, last January. We have been speculating whether the next Apple flagship phone will have a fingerprint sensor or not, whether it will be embedded into the screen or would it appear at the back of the phone. Will the phone have a new function area instead of the classic home button or will it have an all glass front display? These are some of the unanswered questions we seek answers to and the latest leak might just suggest the final design of the phone.

A Chinese website has revealed some schematic details that might just answer some of our burning questions. They have included 3D models as well, which might be our first glimpse at what Apple is planning to launch later this year.

Chinese tech blog, iFanr, has added some of these 3D models, which suggest that Apple will be updating their design language after 3 long years. Heres a look at some of the designs:

 Ifanr

 Ifanr

If these 3D models are to be taken at face value, these can be depicted well within the following renders:

 Ifanr

 Ifanr

The renders and 3D models also confirm one of the most talked about feature. If these renders are true and accurate, Apple has removed the home button and has embedded the fingerprint sensor into the display. If this is true, it will also be the first smartphone to feature a setup like this. The renders also indicate that the phone will have a curved display but only by a slight margin.

The flagship phone is also supposed to have a vertical dual-camera setup which would be very different from the current iPhone 7 Plus which has the traditional dual camera setup. It is worthy to note that if this leak and these renders are to be taken at face value, the phone will be very similar to the Galaxy S8 which have very fewer bezels or no bezels at all.

Source: iFanr, BGR
The union minister has hailed the former prime minister for giving India a new direction.
LEXINGTON  A 54-year-old Lexington woman avoided potential tragedy after being rescued from her paddle boat about a mile and a half east of Lexington Harbor Sunday evening.

According to the Sanilac County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the scene around 7:20 p.m., after Debbie Hurttgam alerted dispatch that she could not get back to shore due to west winds blowing her east. Deputies responded to the scene in the office's patrol boat.
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...
Joseph V. Micallef is a best-selling military history and world affairs author, and keynote speaker. Follow him on Twitter@JosephVMicallef.

Russia intervened in the Syrian Civil War in September of 2015, with the deployment of a range of 65 bombers and fighters, 16 attack helicopters and roughly 4,000 personnel, including a contingent of Russian Special Forces, to Syria. At the time, the Assad government was experiencing significant losses to the Syrian rebels and seemed on the verge of losing control of the portions of western Aleppo still under its control. Bashar al-Assad had been a long-time Russian and, prior to that, Soviet client. In addition, Syria housed a Russian naval base at Latakia -- the only foreign Russian base outside of those located in some of the former republics of the USSR.

The intervention was in sharp contrast to the indecisiveness that had characterized the Obama Administration's policy in Syria. It underscored the impression of rising Russian power and influence in the Middle East. Beyond the obvious benefit of supporting a long-time ally of Moscow and maintaining its access to its naval base and possibly securing additional military facilities there, the Russian action was also prompted by the Kremlin's perception that an expanded role in Syria would provide additional leverage in any negotiation with the US and its European allies over the future of Ukraine and over the elimination of the economic sanctions that had been imposed by the US and the EU following the Russian seizure of Crimea and its ongoing support of secessionists in eastern Ukraine's Donbass basin.

Both publicly, and in more extensive private meetings, Russian diplomats indicated that Russia's expanded role in Syria could help stem the tide of Syrian refugees then pouring across the EU's borders. The Kremlin also dangled the prospect of an expanded Russian role in combating the Islamic State (IS) -- calling for a de facto Russian-American anti-IS alliance.

Initially, the gambit appeared to be working. Bolstered by Russian air power and the deployment of Russian Special Forces Units, whose role is still not entirely clear, the Assad government steadily gained the upper hand against the Syrian rebels. After a protracted siege, Syrian forces succeeded in taking control of rebel-held east Aleppo, and have continued to make steady advances against Syrian rebels in Idib province, the group's last major remaining bastion. They have also made some headway against Islamic State forces, and have slowly advanced toward the IS capital of Raqqa. Although significant opposition to the Assad government remains, it is now unlikely that there is any one group with sufficient strength to overthrow Bashar al-Assad. For all practical purposes Assad has won the Syrian Civil War.

Equally important, the Russian presence in Syria served to preclude a larger Turkish role in the Syrian Civil War. After failing to get American backing for broader Turkish military intervention, Ankara limited its actions to taking control of a strategic region between the western bank of the Euphrates and the Kurdish dominated canton (province) of Afrin to the west. In doing so, Turkey prevented Syrian Kurds from linking Afrin with the other Kurdish dominated cantons of Jazira and Kobani. These lie between the eastern bank of the Euphrates and Iraqi Kurdistan. Syrian Kurds have already declared this region the semi-independent state of Rojava.

In one respect, however, the Russian intervention has come up short for the Kremlin. Syria has failed to produce the chips that Moscow hoped it could trade with the US and the EU for concessions over Ukraine and the withdrawal of the economic sanctions imposed on Russia. Instead, the reaction of the world community in the wake of the Assad government's most recent ill-fated use of sarin gas against the Syrian village of Khan Shaykhun, now threatens to make a difficult economic situation even worse. Simply put, by being held responsible by the US and its NATO allies for Assad's use of poison gas against his own citizens, Russia's Syrian gambit, rather than helping the Kremlin dig itself out of the hole it made for itself in invading Ukraine; now threatens to make that hole even deeper.

In the wake of the Syrian chemical attack and the US retaliatory military strike, the White House was quick to hold Moscow as equally guilty as Damascus for the atrocity, claiming that the Kremlin had advance notice of the impending chemical attack. While Syrian President Bashar al-Assad continued to insist that the attack was "a 100% fabrication," US Secretary of Defense James Mattis confirmed, on April 11, that his personal review of the intelligence on the attack left no doubt in his mind of the Syrian government's culpability.

UK Prime Minister Teresa May quickly endorsed the US retaliatory attack on the Syrian military air base at al Shayrat, declaring that, "there was no future for Assad in a stable Syria." While extending an olive branch to Moscow to disassociate itself from the Assad government, she also voiced support for the imposition of additional economic sanctions if Moscow continued to back Damascus. UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson abruptly cancelled a planned visit to Moscow.

At the G7 meeting of Foreign Ministers held in Lucca, Italy, on April 10-11, the US and the UK failed to gain support for the immediate imposition of new sanctions against Russia for its support of the Assad regime. Johnson, who led the effort, made it clear that if "Russians are associated with the Syrian military operation, it is in my view wholly appropriate that they should face economic sanctions or sanctions of some other kind." The G7 Ministers, however, did confirm their unanimity on "Assad needing to go," underscoring their opposition to Moscow's continued support of Damascus.

German Prime Minister Angela Merkel described the US attack as "understandable" given the "barbaric" chemical attack, which she described as a "war crime." Merkel, declined to immediately impose new sanctions on Russia, but left the door open for additional sanctions should Russia be shown, after an investigation, to have been complicit in the attack. Even Beijing publicly disassociated itself from the Assad government, and while not openly criticizing Moscow, confirmed that in its view Assad would have to go.

The sharpest criticism came from US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who made it clear that the Kremlin will have to choose between its support of rogue regimes and organizations like Syria, Iran and Hezbollah, or seek better relations with the US and the EU. According to Tillerson, "is that a long-term alliance (Syria) that serves Russia's interests? Or would Russia prefer to realign with the United States, with other Western countries and Middle Eastern countries that are seeking to resolve the Syrian crisis?" The inference was unmistakable, there will be no sanctions relief for Russia as long as Moscow continues to back the Syrian regime and its allies. Tillerson also criticized Moscow for failing to deliver on its guarantee that the Assad government had turned over all its chemical weapons, as well as its assurances that Damascus would not use such weapons.

The West's new resolve on Syria is a bit surprising. The chemical attack on the village of Khan Shaykhun was a barbaric act, but it is only the latest barbaric act in a civil war that has been characterized by a long succession of barbarism and war crimes. This was hardly the first time that Assad had used chemical weapons. When the Obama administration sought to mobilize European support for a broader military response to the Assad government, however, they got only lukewarm support. What's changed?

First, the Trump Administration has acted unilaterally and has made clear that it will continue to act unilaterally. It has not asked for either financial or direct military support from its European allies. Opposing the Assad regime is politically popular if it does not require a stepped up military response from those governments. Moreover, by supporting the US action, those governments are hoping that they will gain some leverage on other issues they have with Washington.

For Teresa May, the biggest challenge facing her government is to negotiate a successful Brexit of the UK from the European Union. Negotiating a trade deal with the US, which singlehandedly represents a quarter of the world's economy, is a key priority and will help mitigate some of the potential consequences of losing access to the EU's common market. To complete such a trade deal within the two-year window mandated by Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty will require the Trump Administration to fast track any agreement. While there is no explicit quid pro quo between London's support for US actions against the Assad government and its desire for a trade treaty with the US, the May government will not be shy to call in whatever favors it has earned of late in Washington when it comes to getting a UK-US trade deal done.

Likewise, Washington's European allies, increasingly under pressure to boost their defense spending to two percent of GNP, also have a vested interest in supporting US actions in Syria. While such support will not eliminate Washington's desire to see higher European defense spending, it will give America's NATO allies some chips to cash in, in the inevitable renegotiation that is coming, over how the two percent target number is to be determined. More significantly, Moscow's efforts to sow dissension within the EU over the continuation of economic sanctions has been effectively stymied. New sanctions may not be forthcoming, regardless of the outcome of the investigation into the chemical attack, but neither is a repeal of the existing sanctions in the cards.

If past actions are any guide, faced with a choice of either abandoning his Syrian ally and seeking better relations with the West or continuing on his present, likely stalemated, course; Vladimir Putin will do neither. Instead he will seek to change the rules of engagement, looking for other areas where he can gain leverage over the US and its allies, which he can use to force a change in the sanctions regime and US and EU policy toward Ukraine.

Recent US charges that Russia is aiding the Taliban in Afghanistan -- even though this runs counter to the interests of their long-time client the Northern Alliance -- resulted in stepped up Russian support -- and in the case of Marine Le Pen's National Front direct financial support -- for Europe's anti-EU nationalist political parties and a step up in Russian diplomatic activity among former Soviet clients, like the Sandinista government of Nicaragua. All of this suggest that the Kremlin is sticking to its strategy and simply upping the stakes. That strategy is reminiscent of a losing gambler who keeps doubling his bet convinced that eventually the cards will break his way and he will regain all his losses. Vegas odds makers will tell you that strategy usually results in going broke. Then again there is always the old KGB standby, if Bashar al-Assad was to have an unfortunate accident, the Kremlin could craft a face saving solution.

If Vladimir Putin were still a colonel in the KGB, his superiors would probably take a dim view of his latest operation. Rather than providing leverage to enable the Kremlin to resolve its differences with the US and its allies over the invasion of Ukraine, his Syrian initiative may well end up making Russia's economic situation even worse. The net result, in those days, might have been a demotion, or at the very least a transfer to the KGB station in Kamchatka. As it is, Vladimir Putin no longer reports to anyone, but that doesn't mean that a demotion might not be in his future.

-- If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration.
The U.S. warned Sunday of unspecified action against North Korea if the regime of Kim Jong-un conducted another underground nuclear test following a failed missile launch.

"If it had been a nuclear test, then other actions would have been taken from the U.S.," said a White House foreign policy advisor traveling with Vice President Mike Pence in South Korea.

The advisor said that Kim "wants to do both, he wants to do a nuclear test and a missile launch. We've seen one. It doesn't prevent him from doing the other."

Separately, Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, the White House National Security Advisor, said President Donald Trump was exploring "a range of options" against North Korea but would prefer "to take action short of armed conflict, so we can avoid the worst."

McMaster said on ABC's "This Week" program that the U.S. was working with regional allies and China to "undertake all actions we can, short of a military option, to try to resolve this peacefully."

In a statement, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that Trump, who spent the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, was in close touch with his military team on the crisis on the Korean peninsula.

"The President and his military team are aware of North Korea's most recent unsuccessful missile launch. The President has no further comment," Mattis said Saturday night, but Trump on Sunday put out tweets stressing U.S. resolve.

"Our military is building and is rapidly becoming stronger than ever before. Frankly, we have no choice," he said.

Trump said the U.S. was working with China "on the North Korea problem" and "we will see what happens."

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson "exchanged views on the situation on the Korean peninsula" in a phone conversation Sunday following North Korea's attempted missile launch, the state news agency Xinhua reported. Earlier, China had urged both the U.S. and North Korea to back away from war.

The foreign policy adviser accompanying Pence, speaking on background, said Trump was encouraged by his takeaway from meetings last week in Florida with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The adviser said that China, North Korea's only ally, had stepped up economic pressure by turning back North Korean coal shipments. China could take other actions to rein in Kim but "I think it's a good first step," the adviser said.

U.S. Pacific Command said it detected a missile launch at about 6:20 a.m. Sunday Korean time from the area of Sinpo, a North Korean submarine base on the northeastern coast.

The missile "blew up almost instantly," Navy Cmdr. Dave Benham said in a statement. He said the command was analyzing what type of missile it may have been, and there was no immediate confirmation that it was one of the purported intercontinental ballistic missiles, or ICBMs, North Korea put on display at a huge military parade in Pyongyang Saturday.

"It looks like it was probably a medium-range ballistic missile," the White House foreign policy adviser said. "It failed after about 4.5 seconds. "It was not an ICBM."

South Korea's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Seoul government "strongly condemned" the launch and warned that Pyongyang would face "serious punitive measures" should it conduct a nuclear test or other provocations.

"North Korea showing a variety of offensive missiles at yesterday's military parade and daring to fire a ballistic missile today is a show of force that threatens the whole world," the statement said.

The U.S. conducted its own show of force ahead of the attempted missile launch by canceling a port visit to Australia for the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson and its support ships, and instead sending the battle group to waters off Korea.

In Seoul Sunday, Vice President Pence, who was on a 10-day trip that will also take him to Japan, Indonesia and Australia, attended an Easter dinner for U.S. troops at the Yongsan military base.

He said of the failed missile launch, "This morning's provocation from the North is just the latest reminder of the risks each one of you face each and every day in the defense of the freedom of the people of South Korea and the defense of America in this part of the world."

Pence spoke a day after North Korea rolled out what purported to be operational long-range missiles at a massive, goose-stepping parade to mark the 105th birthday of the Stalinist state's founder, Kim Il-Sung.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided but remained silent at celebrations In Pyongyang of the 105th anniversary of the birthday of Kim Il-sung, his grandfather and first leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The North has traditionally used milestone events for demonstrations of military might. The next major anniversary will be April 25, marking the founding of North Korea's army, but analysts warned that a nuclear test, which would be North Korea's sixth, could come at any time.

Earlier this week, the authoritative 38 North website, run by the U.S.-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, said that satellite imagery showed that North Korea's Punggye-ri test site northeast of Pyongyang appeared "primed and ready" for a nuclear test.

The long lines of military hardware on display at the parade included what appeared to be three types of ICBM. One was the KN-08, believed to be the North's first attempt at developing an ICBM.

The second appeared to be a KN-14, a modified version of the KN-08. A third purported ICBM encased in a large tube may have been a new type of ICBM, according to South Korean analysts quoted by the New York Times.

In his ABC interview, McMaster spoke from Afghanistan, where he arrived Saturday to assess the request of Army Gen. John Nicholson, for thousands more U.S. troops to combat the Taliban and the ISIS offshoot called Islamic State-Khorasan Province.

On North Korea, McMaster said, "The President has made clear that he will not accept the United States and its allies and partners in the region being under threat from this hostile regime with nuclear weapons. And so we're working together with our allies and partners, and with the Chinese leadership, to develop a range of options."

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Islamabad: Kulbhushan Jadhav is in Jail in Pakistan and has been awarded the death penalty by the Pakistan and now the Pakistan has taken another step against him. The Pakistan Army has denied giving him consular access.

India had demanded about it so that he can be given the legal help. Earlier, a petition has been issued in India-Pak joint defence committee for prisoner against the death sentence given to Jadhav in which it was asked to cancel the death sentence given to him.

Jadhav was awarded the death penalty on April 10 in an unprecedented decision that sparked a diplomatic spat between the two hostile neighbours.

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said today he's on Flint Mayor Karen Weaver's side in the debate on where the city should get its drinking water.

During a press conference on Tuesday, April 18, Weaver said Flint should stay with the Detroit water system and become a permanent customer of the Great Lakes Water Authority.

Speaking to reporters in West Michigan later that afternoon, Snyder backed Weaver's comments and praised the GLWA.

"It's great for a lot of people," Snyder said. "This is a major step forward in terms of long-term water supply for Flint. But a better answer for the county and the GLWA."

Snyder suggested under such a plan, the city can apply federal resources to "the highest and best use," based on the program.

Snyder was in Grand Rapids touring the Michigan Department of Transportation's annual bridge-building challenge, where high school students from across the state showcase their engineering talents.

"If you look at our (state) infrastructure, we need to invest more," Snyder said. "We need to make sure we're doing that investing while still doing very prudent smart budgeting for the rest of the state."
Listeria found in kitchen at Busch's Fresh Food Market in Clinton

A routine inspection April 3 revealed listeria in the kitchen area of Busch's Fresh Food Market in Clinton, 1950 W. Michigan Ave. The Central Kitchen has been closed since April 10 as remediation teams work to clean the area.

(Mlive file photo)

CLINTON, MI - A routine inspection found listeria in a food preparation facility at Busch's Fresh Food Market in Clinton, where some products are made for the company's southeastern Michigan locations.

The inspection, conducted April 3 by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, revealed listeria on some non-food surfaces like floors and drains at the Central Kitchen in Clinton, 1950 W. Michigan Ave.

Marla Booth, a spokeswoman for Busch's Market, said the facility stopped production when the results were received April 10.

"We immediately ceased all operations at the Central Kitchen," Booth told The Ann Arbor News. "No product recall was necessary; no products were found to have been compromised as part of the inspection."

The kitchen is a facility located in the Busch's Market in Clinton and provides some products like baked goods and deli items for the store and other Busch's Market locations.

An internal memo sent to employees said certain ingredients, and finished products and those in progress, were destroyed. The memo was signed by Mike Brooks, president and chief executive officer. A copy was provided by Busch's to The News.

Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause an infection called listeriosis through food consumption, with symptoms like fever and muscle aches and diarrhea. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 260 of the 1,600 people who get listeriosis die from the infection annually.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development conducted the inspection of behalf of the FDA. An FDA spokesperson could not immediately provide additional information about the incident.

Since the listeria was found on non-food contact surfaces, stores that may have received products from the Central Kitchen and customers of those stores are not impacted, Booth said.

The Central Kitchen remains closed as remediation teams work to clean-up the contamination.

"We don't have a timeline yet as to when we will reopen," Booth said. "We want to be absolutely certain we can restart production and guarantee everything meets the high standard we find acceptable."

Employees working in that area have been either assisting with the clean-up or placed at other Busch's Market locations. The listeria found did not have an impact on employees working in the facility at the time, or on the remediation teams.

Customers should not see any differences in terms of product availability, Booth said.

"We make a lot of products in our new store in Canton, and a few certain other products we've sourced with other companies," Booth said. "I don't feel there will be a disruption for our guests."

Busch's Fresh Food Market is a grocery store chain founded in 1975 and employs about 1,400 people across 16 locations in Michigan. The privately-held company is based out of Ann Arbor.
Michael Finney.jpg

(Mlive.com files)

Michigan must stay focused on enhancing its talent base, advises its former top economic development official who announced last week that he soon will head to Florida.

"Talent is the ultimate goal to win the new business game," said Michael Finney. "If we have the talent resources, companies will come and stay ... if not, they will go to where resources are readily available."

Finney was picked April 13 as the president and CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, the public-private economic development arm of the greater Miami, Florida, area.

In Michigan, Finney elevated talent to a priority when he became the first CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK in 2005. That continued when then-new Gov. Rick Snyder chose him to lead the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in 2010.

And it continued as Finney left that role to became an adviser to Snyder, founding Community Venture Resources Inc. as a way to bring the state's structurally unemployed back into the workplace.

While much economic development work in Michigan and across the U.S. focuses on bigger-picture business climates, talent development for Finney included people who struggled to find work. Prison, low education, lack of skills and a mismatch between where someone lives and where jobs may be located all factor into who may not be joining the workforce.

But in a state where unemployment fell from 14.9 9 percent in 2009 to 5.2 percent early this year, those people were needed in the workforce.

"Helping disadvantaged people find opportunity," Finney said, became a priority. About 5,000 people so far are now employed due to the program, he said, of about 200,000 who are eligible.

In 2015, Michigan contributed $9.8 million to the program, which gave employers and employees up to $5,000 in incentives.

"It clearly has the ability to pay for itself as people become successful and no longer require social programs to support them," he said.

The other end of the hiring spectrum is critical, too: Attracting and retaining specialized workers for the the high-tech, engineering and biotech jobs that became drivers of Michigan's knowledge-based business, particularly in the emerging connected and automated vehicle sector.

"The easiest way for us to identify bonafide expansion opportunities or attraction opportunities is to lead with talent," Finney said in 2010 when he was still CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK.

The Big Three automotive manufacturers already this year have announced billions in expansions and thousands of jobs; they join multiple other projects in receiving state tax breaks for expansions here.

Yet as a sign of why talent gets Finney's attention, there are more than 98,000 jobs are listed on the Michigan Pure Talent Connect job site, while the state continues to push to retain and grow those new jobs.

Finney was on the front lines of Michigan's battle to regain its business footing during the Great Recession. He also had been on the job about a year when Pfizer left Ann Arbor, creating an immediate crisis as 2,000 jobs were cut during the crest of the housing crisis.

The intensity from those circumstances led him to embrace innovation in economic development, which now is the norm. Beyond a focus on talent, that's meant looking for export markets, creating what now is about $4 billion in business-to-business sales within the state, and helping small and existing businesses grow.

He's planning on approaching his new job in a similar fashion, including finding ways to work collaboratively as a region.

The Miami-Dade area is a county of about 3 million people, he said, "with characteristics that are very, very different from the rest of the state."

It's characterized by its multicultural and multi-ethnic communities, sectors like technology, finance, transportation and biotech, and "great business infrastructure," Finney said.

He expects to spend time figuring out collaboration and building trust among the many entities in the Miami area. "It's a very large community with incredible assets," Finney said. "There's an awful lot to work with."

Finney wouldn't disclose details on his conversation with Snyder as he told him he was leaving, following the contact from an executive search firm. He described Snyder as a "wonderful friend and wonderful supporter."

"Mike has been a great partner in reinventing Michigan," said Snyder. "His vision and his expertise in economic development are unmatched.

"Mike's valuable insight will be missed, but I'm certain he will return to being part of the Michigan family in the future."
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Today's cars are made of metal, plastic, composite parts that someone has to design. Then they have to make tools to produce those parts by the thousands.

Industry experts say that cadre of talented tool and die makers is growing in short supply in Michigan just as the demand is increasing.

"The average tool and die maker is 56 years old," says Jay Baron, president and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR).

"We have not been back-filling. We are running out of talent as the cadence for cars is increasing and the launch rate is increasing."

About 75 percent of the tool and die makers in the workforce today are expected to retire in the next five to seven years. Meanwhile, it can take up to 10 years to train a master tool and die maker.

CAR is hosting the T3 Summit, a two-day conference of auto makers, suppliers and educators in Grand Rapids next week to discuss the problem and ways to solve it.

The conference is coming to West Michigan because the region has the nation's greatest demand in tool and die makers, followed by the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn region. The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, North Carolina-South Carolina was third.

Today's cars also are made of different materials that require different fabrication techniques and different tooling, Baron said.

Automakers have the expertise to design the parts and they have factories that can produce machines to assemble the cars, Baron said.

But the shortage of tool and die makers to build the machines is creating a "missing middle" that slows the path to production, he said.

Baron said they expect about 300 persons from the industry to attend the first-ever conference at DeVos Place Convention Center.
"Forty-seven years ago, on April 22, 1970, we celebrated the inaugural Earth Day, and the New York Times cover read: "Millions Join Earth Day Observances Across the Nation." Closing in on five decades later, Earth Day is an international observance and global sustainability issues are constantly in the news," Kirk Heinze says on Greening of the Great Lakes as he convenes his annual Earth Day panel discussion.

Joining Kirk to talk about the significance of Earth Day and several associated topics is a distinguished panel--three individuals who have devoted much of their lives to the environmental, social and economic sustainability of our planet.

Liesl Eichler Clark is principal and co-founder of 5 Lakes Energy, a policy consulting firm focused on clean energy and the environment, and president of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. Chris Kolb is president of the Michigan Environmental Council, a coalition of over 70 organizations across Michigan that concentrate on a number of key areas ranging from clean energy to environmental justice to wise land and water use. Saulius Mikalonis is a widely respected environmental attorney in the Bloomfield Hills office of Plunkett Cooney and a regular contributor to Crain's Detroit Business as author of the "Environment and the Law" blog.

Mikalonis says Earth Day "is a reaffirmation of the commitment the country made back in the 1970's. It's been a long road, but every year we're reminded where we started and where we're going."

"It's a day to put a national and world focus on environmental issues, but, for many of us, Earth Day is every day," adds Kolb.

While there is much still to do, Clark says it's important to note that we have made a lot of progress on the environmental front.

Kolb says one of the most positive developments is the accelerating renewable energy production. "We've made huge improvements, and it's not just for cleaner energy. It's also a huge quality of life and economic driver in Michigan that we're seeing improvements in every day."

Mikalonis feels "the most significant sustainability development is probably the general acceptance of environmental protection, not only by people who want a clean environment, but also corporations. Virtually every major corporation in the world now has a sustainability policy. All of a sudden, the baseline is not whether we should protect the environment, but how we should protect the environment."

Kolb says climate change is the biggest environmental threat facing us today.

"As climate change is happening, our ability to produce food, enjoy clean water, and really sustain life here on the planet is going to be stretched as we have more and more people on the globe. And if we ignore the causes of climate change, we ignore the abilities to find solutions to it."

Clark adds that what "keeps me up at night" is "helping people understand change and to be ready for change. We have to anticipate the change that's coming, and we have to be able to handle the change that's in front of us." She cites the new smart meters from our energy providers as an example.

Kolb adds that many of the actions of the new administration in Washington that seem to be undoing environmental protections "are downright scary at times, and they're shortsighted.

"Don't look at a politician's rhetoric. If you want to see where their priorities are, look to their budget." The Trump Administration's proposed 31 percent reduction in the EPA budget and 25 percent reduction in its employees, would "have a dramatic impact on environmental regulations in this country." And he especially laments the proposed cuts to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

"Yes, there will be pushback [on the budget recommendations] from Congress. But we know the money won't be completely restored; so there's going to be a reduction. And those decisions are really going to impact people here in Michigan and across the country."

Clark adds that most companies interested in purchasing more renewable energy for their businesses have no plans to dial back their intentions to do so despite what may transpire in Washington.

"Market forces have changed so much that we're going to see renewable energy deployment move forward." She acknowledges that leadership in Washington can have an impact in this area; however, "it's interesting to see how much the market has changed from an advanced energy perspective, and there is absolutely momentum there."

Mikalonis agrees that companies have made long term investments in renewable energy, and "they're not going to change in midstream." The new administration "can do everything they can to try to stem that tide, I suppose, but it's inevitable."

Kolb warns, however, that the immediate impact of cuts in environmental protection "can be really detrimental, especially at the local level." And he worries about states mimicking the federal government by cutting state funding for the environment.

These issues highlight an interesting yin yang, says Clark.

"There is so much that our corporations do because of the regulatory structure . . . if we're in a world where some of that regulatory structure isn't going to be there, what will they continue to do?"

The panel agrees unanimously that the Enbridge Line 5 under the Straits of Mackinac should be decommissioned. In addition to the environmental threat, the pipeline issue is a microcosm of a much larger challenge--fixing Michigan's infrastructure.

"The light that it shines is on infrastructure," says Clark. "We have to invest in our infrastructure. It's not sexy. It's like insulating your house. No one wants to do it; everyone wants to put in granite countertops. But we've got to commit to ourselves as a state and put some dollars behind it. We have so much technology at our fingertips now. If we deploy it strategically and wisely, it can really help us with these infrastructure challenges out into the future."

"When you don't make that investment today, it costs you more down the road," adds Kolb. "And making investments in infrastructure drives economic development. Every dollar invested in infrastructure produces at least three dollars of economic development. So we know that improving infrastructure is good for public health, the environment, and our economy. What better way to spend a dollar?"

Despite all these concerns the panel discusses, Mikalonis reminds us that "we have come a really long way from the time the Cuyahoga River was burning and Lake Erie was dying. And I encourage people that, if you don't believe me, read up and figure out where we were, where we are now, and where we can go."

Click here to hear the panel discussion.

Greening of the Great Lakes airs every Sunday evening at 7:00 on News/Talk 760 WJR, around the state each weekend via the Michigan Talk Network, and Sunday afternoons at 4:00 inside MSU Today on 94.5 FM and AM 870 WKAR.
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Ann Arbor is selling the city-owned Library Lot, ending a decade-long debate and paving the way for a new 17-story high-rise.

More than three hours into its Monday night meeting, April 17, the City Council voted 8-3 to sell the development rights to the Fifth Avenue property to Chicago-based developer Core Spaces for $10 million.

Mayor Christopher Taylor and his allies voted for it, while Council Members Jack Eaton, Sumi Kailasapathy and Jane Lumm opposed it.

The decision received mixed responses from residents in the audience, some who showed up to speak against the deal, and some for it.

"I love Ann Arbor the way it is," Taylor said, sympathizing with those who fear the change a 17-story hotel and apartment building next to the downtown library will bring, though he believes it will be a positive one.

Taylor said Ann Arbor is a growing, burgeoning city, but it's also a small town, and he knows there will be disagreements, but he believes the thousands of daily pedestrian trips activated by the building will improve the downtown.

"We cannot stop change," he said.

The Library Lot is the public parking lot atop the city's Library Lane underground garage off Fifth Avenue, just south of Liberty Street, sharing the same block as Liberty Plaza and the downtown library. Many community members have wanted to see the lot stay in public control and transformed into a town square of sorts.

Core Spaces' proposed building would include roughly 360 apartments, 131 hotel rooms, more than 20,000 square feet of office space, 3,375 square feet of ground-floor retail, and a 12,000-square-foot plaza along Fifth Avenue.

"This isn't what you must do. This is what you choose to do," Ann Arbor resident Alan Haber told council members after the vote, expressing frustration.

Haber is part of a group known as the Ann Arbor Committee for the Community Commons that led a petition drive to put the future of the Library Lot to a vote of the people last year, but the effort fell short after the city rejected a number of the petition signatures, including those of people who signed twice. Haber said at the end of Monday night's meeting he's "pissed off" and he indicated his group may be challenging the city in court now.

An overview of the 17-story development planned in downtown Ann Arbor

Citizens speak out about 17-story development proposed in Ann Arbor

There was a large showing of affordable housing advocates at Monday night's meeting who held up signs and lobbied in favor of the development, as the City Council previously decided at least half the sale proceeds, nearly $5 million, will go toward affordable housing efforts, including efforts of the city's Housing Commission and possibly also organizations such as Avalon Housing.

There also was a large showing of people who held up signs opposed to the development and spoke against it, some making it clear they support funding affordable housing but not a 17-story high-rise on the Library Lot. Some wore buttons with an image of the development surrounded by a red circle with a slash through it to show their opposition.

The seven council members who joined the mayor in casting the votes to approve the Core Spaces deal were Zachary Ackerman, Jason Frenzel, Julie Grand, Graydon Krapohl, Chip Smith, Chuck Warpehoski and Kirk Westphal.

Frenzel, who recently joined council, was seen as the swing vote, as the others already voted last year in support of negotiating a deal with Core Spaces.

Frenzel, D-1st Ward, said council heard from hundreds of residents on both sides of the issue in recent weeks. He said it was not an easy decision to make, and in fact it was one he was afraid to make, but he said the city needs to make hard decisions so the community can grow in positive ways.

Frenzel said the community decided it wanted a park-like space on this site, and it will get one with this development in the form of a new plaza, even if it's not what everyone wants. He and other council members said they don't mind a private entity running a park-like space that meets the community's needs.

Frenzel said he also believes a number, if not a majority, of the concerns that have been raised about the development have real opportunities for solutions as the project moves through the design process.

A formal site plan still needs to go through all of the city's normal development reviews and approvals, including more opportunities for public input. The site plan will go through the Planning Commission and City Council.

Taylor and other council members acknowledged one of the selling points for them is that the development will pay more than $2 million in property taxes annually, and they argue that money is needed for streets, sidewalks, police officers, firefighters and other city services.

"Anything the city does that touches you is paid for through city taxes, and currently we are in an unsustainable structural environment and so we need to take action," Taylor said of increasing the city's tax base.

Taylor added he didn't think that alone was enough to support the project and he thinks there are other positive attributes, though he still wants to see if more can be done to address the "chunkiness" and "blocky" nature of the building. He said he is interested in refining the design and moving some of the massing away from the north side where there are neighboring condos along Liberty Street and moving it more toward the south side along Library Lane.

There will be more opportunities at meetings in the upcoming weeks and months for citizens and city officials to give input on the design before it goes to the city's Design Review Board in August, Planning Commission in November and City Council in January 2018, assuming the tentative schedule is kept.

Ackerman, D-3rd Ward, proposed an amendment to the resolution, making the sale to Core Spaces contingent on receipt of a public advice memorandum from outside bond counsel that the deal does not threaten the tax-advantaged status of the federal Build America bonds the city used to finance the Library Lane underground parking garage. Core Spaces is expected to lease nearly 200 public parking spaces in the garage, in addition to other spaces in the city's Fourth and William garage, for a total of 361 spaces.

Ackerman's amendment passed unanimously.

Two of the main concerns expressed about the development Monday night were the size of the development and the parking situation, with some worrying it will negatively impact existing businesses to have that many downtown parking spaces go to one development for potentially the next 50 years.

Lumm, an independent from the 2nd Ward, stated multiple times she'd be willing to consider supporting a smaller-scale development.

The council voted 8-3 against Lumm's call for a postponement to try to negotiate a smaller development with Core Spaces.

In addition to the roughly $5 million for affordable housing that's expected to come from the sale of the Library Lot, there will be dedicated workforce housing in the 17-story building that Core Space plans to build.

The city and the developer have agreed 43 of the apartments will be workforce housing set at 150 percent of fair market rent for people with incomes at 60-80 percent of the area median income, plus nine apartments at 120 percent of fair market rent for people with incomes at 50-80 percent of AMI. To get the extra nine units, the city has agreed to pay the developer $1.475 million, and that's expected to come from the Downtown Development Authority.

Ackerman also is advocating using some of the Library Lot sale proceeds to buy back the former YMCA property across the street, a property Dennis Dahlmann bought from the city but never developed. Ackerman wants to see more workforce housing built on that empty lot, which is next to the downtown transit center, along William Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues.
Debbie_Dingell_041517_RJS_18.jpg

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell speaks at a Tax March rally on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor on April 15, 2017.

(Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News)

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI - As part of ongoing outreach efforts while Congress is in recess, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell is visiting Ypsilanti Township.

Dingell, D-Dearborn, will join members of a grassroots organization known as Ann Arbor Indivisible for a town hall forum from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at the Ypsilanti High School Auditorium, 2095 Packard St.

Dingell is expected to participate in a panel discussion moderated by Indivisible's Bryan Johnson, focusing on health care and how potential changes to the Affordable Care Act would impact families in Michigan, as well as efforts to boost job growth, according to Dingell's office.

Dingell is expected to be joined by Carrie Rheingans, senior project manager for the Washtenaw Health Initiative, and Shamar Herron, workforce development manager for Washtenaw County.

The town hall is free and open to the public.

Ann Arbor Indivisible is a group of activists working to resist President Donald Trump's political agenda. The group plans to meet starting at 7 p.m. prior to the town hall portion of the evening. The group plans to discuss the Indivisible strategy, including a short "teach-in" for citizens.

"Local activists are applying the strategies of the Indivisible Guide to resist the Trump agenda and stiffen the spines of our Democratic representatives," the group stated in a news release.

"This moderated town hall will include training on the guide's tactics, suggestions for starting your own Indivisible team, remarks from Rep. Dingell and other Michigan state reps, and both moderated and open Q&A."
bert johnson.jpg

Sen. Bert Johnson, Jr. entered a not-guilty plea after being indicted on federal charges.

(Cory Morse | MLive file photo)

State Sen. Bert Johnson, who was accused of borrowing thousands in cash from a woman and adding her as a ghost employee to public payroll, was arraigned in court on Tuesday and entered a not-guilty plea.

The Highland Park Democrat was released on $10,000 set bond by Magistrate Judge David R. Grand.

He was accused of putting the alleged ghost employee, Glynis Thornton, on payroll to pay off a personal loan. She was paid more than $23,000 in taxpayer money between March 2014 and January 2015, according to court records.

Johnson was indicted on two federal criminal counts: conspiring to commit theft and committing theft of monies under the care, custody and control of the State of Michigan.

He was accused of borrowing $10,000 from a Thornton and repaying her through the job as a community liaison, according to court documents.

The government claims Thornton did not work in 2014.

Cyril Hall, Johnson's lawyer, denied Thornton was a ghost employee in court Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.

Thornton, in a separate case, pleaded guilty in February 2016 to involvement in a kickback scheme at a Detroit high school run by the state.
DETROIT -- Immigration activists plan to gather for a series of "May Day" marches across Michigan on May 1, including one in Southwest Detroit that's expected to shut down area immigrant-owned and -supported business.

Activist group Michigan United says the 4:30 p.m. march at Clark Park, 1130 Clark St., is meant to voice the importance of immigrant and refugee families in the U.S.

The demonstration is modeled after "A Day Without Immigrants," first held on May 1, 2006, a "touch stone in immigrant rights movements," said Adonis Flores of Michigan United.

Immigrants and supporters stayed home from schools and boycotted businesses that day to protest the Sensenbrenner Bill, which aimed to strengthen immigration and border security laws.

Southwest Detroiters did the same earlier this year to protest immigration policy under President Donald Trump, shutting down businesses in one of the city's most active commercial corridors.

And they aim to do it once again in the May 1 demonstrations, coinciding with International Workers Day.

"We find ourselves in a similar position today," Flores said about the proposed U.S.-Mexico border.

He said the president's executive orders related to immigration policy "spoke fear, attacked minorities, attacked the press and values and decisions that make our country a democracy."

Michigan United activists aim to gather workers, families and children on the day of the march to boycott buying and selling from businesses and going to school in an effort to "stand up and fight back."

Trump's administration has argued that immigration policy changes since he took office aimed to protect

"In order to protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles," read the president's first executive order banning travel from seven countries, which was later struck down by a federal court. "The United States cannot, and should not, admit those who do not support the Constitution, or those who would place violent ideologies over American law."

"When Donald Trump attacks immigrants and Muslims, he's also attacking workers," Flores added. "When Donald Trump wants to place a wall and cut meals-on-wheels, we have to say no. This is not normal."

Flores said the demonstrations are intended to be peaceful, and the organizations are seeking cooperation with local law enforcement, who will be at the rallies for safety.

The goal is to "change the narrative to make sure people understand and hear the truth about immigrants," Flores said.
Tyjuan Peoples, also known by his stage names Zay Hilfigerrr and Moody Peoples.png

Tyjuan Peoples, also known by his stage names Zay Hilfigerrr and Moody Peoples

DETROIT -- A teen rapper from Detroit says he's not missing, despite contradicting reports his mother made to police.

Tyjuan Peoples, 16, also known by his stage name Zay Hilfigerrr, one half of the duo who performed the hit "JuJu on that Beat," says he left Detroit to attend the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles last month and didn't return home.

Peoples contacted MLive to say he's safe and in Florida and that he was given permission by his father to stay in California. He's been working, performing and traveling since his mother sent him to the airport in an Uber car to catch the flight she arranged for him to attend the awards last month.

State Police Detective Sgt. Sarah Krebs on Tuesday posted in the Facebook group Missing in Michigan that the teen was "missing" and a runaway.

Krebs said Peoples' mother reported her son missing and that she's his legal guardian.

If he doesn't want to live with his mother, Krebs says he needs to go to court and go through the emancipation process.

Peoples, who tells MLive he'll turn 17 in November, said he's not in hiding and most of his travels have been documented on his social media posts.

Krebs said she's been in contact with Peoples' manager, who's not been very cooperative. He referred her to Peoples' attorney.

The state trooper recommends that Peoples turn himself into a local police agency.

They would likely contact the Burbank, Cali. Police Department, where Peoples' mother reported him missing, and that agency will in turn contact Peoples' mother to see how she wants to proceed.

"He does not have the right to live on the streets as a 16 year old," Krebs said.

Peoples on Tuesday posted a message to his followers in a Facebook Live video indicating some internal family conflict with his mother.

"I'm good," he said on Facebook. "... You all need to chill out ... I felt like they was tearing me down so I left ... The money let everything get wrong ...

"I'm trying to work ... I have a life in front of me ... I hated how I was getting treated and so now I left ... Who wants to come back to the hood when you left the hood?"

The Facebook video, which contains graphic language, may be viewed here.

Peoples rose to fame after the release of his 2016 video with Zayion McCall, which made it to no. 11 in the Billboard Hot 100 and has nearly 200 million views on YouTube.
Tyjuan Peoples, also known by his stage names Zay Hilfigerrr and Moody Peoples.png

Tyjuan Peoples, also known by his stage names Zay Hilfigerrr and Moody Peoples

Update: Tyjuan Peoples, also known as Zay Hilfigerr, says he's fine, on the road working.

A rising teen rapper from Detroit who police say disappeared after traveling from Michigan to California to attend the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards last month says he's not a runaway.

State Police Detective Sgt. Sarah Krebs on Tuesday posted in the Facebook group Missing in Michigan that 16-year-old Tyjuan Peoples, also known by his stage names Zay Hilfigerrr and Moody Peoples, was last seen on March 11, the day of the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, Cali.

In response to police claims that Peoples ran away, he posted a live reaction to Facebook.

"I'm good bro," he says in the Facebook video. "I left because I wanted to go work, I left because I wanted to live my life, because I felt that everyone was trying to take me down, so I left, I didn't run away."

The video, which contains graphic language, may be seen here.

On April 8, he posted from his verified Twitter account:

After MLive posted a story about the missing persons post, Peoples responded in a Twitter comment to MLive saying: "Lmao lies don't do that bro I'm good"

Lmao lies don't do that bro I'm good   ZAY HILFIGER (@zayhilfiger) April 18, 2017

Peoples was nominated in the Favorite Music Video category for the 2016 song, "Juju On That Beat," performed by Peoples and Zayion McCall.

The Detroit-set video has been watched nearly 200 million times on YouTube and reached no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 list.

A video posted to Peoples' Twitter account on April 15 shows him at an airport handing out bouquets of flowers to airline employees:

Make The Others Happy Too !  pic.twitter.com/WJYLa5PnCM  ZAY HILFIGER (@zayhilfiger) April 16, 2017

State police say Peoples was reported as a runaway and anyone with information should contact the Burbank, Cali. Police Department, 818-238-3000.
FLINT, MI -- Mayor Karen Weaver is recommending that the city remains a long-term customer of what was the Detroit water system and abandon an effort to treat its own raw water again.

Speaking during a news conference Tuesday, April 18, Weaver said she supports making the Great Lakes Water Authority the city's permanent water source and endorsed using pre-treated water from Genesee County as the city's emergency back-up.

Additional details were expected from the news conference, including comments by representatives of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, both of which have regulatory responsibility for the city's water system.

Weaver's position is a departure from what she advocated just five months ago.

At that time, the mayor told the EPA that the city's primary source of water "will be the Flint water treatment plant" and the backup source would be a massive new reservoir with enough capacity to supply Flint residents and businesses with water for three days.

Since that time, the EPA has continued to press the city for evidence it was making progress on its plans, including upgrades to its treatment plant and personnel.

In December, the EPA required the city to continue to use water pre-treated by GLWA "until the city has demonstrated that all requirements (of an emergency order) are met and EPA has concurred."

Since Flint officials agreed to join Genesee County in forming the Karegnondi Water Authority, the city's long-term water plan revolved around using its treatment plant and raw water from a new Lake Huron pipeline to cut the cost of buying water treated by others.

That plan suffered a crushing blow when the city, while being run by a series of state-appointed emergency managers, failed to properly treat raw water from the Flint River, leading to a water emergency.

The city began using the river as a temporary water source in an effort to save money and bridge the gap between buying pre-treated water from Detroit and completion of the KWA pipeline.

The water crisis occurred after the state DEQ failed to require the city to treat the river water to make it less corrosive, and the water caused lead to leach from lead pipes, plumbing and solder.
FLINT, MI -- Three years ago, boosters toasted the Flint water treatment plant as a valuable asset that would help free the city from the high cost of Detroit water.

On Tuesday, April 18, city, state and federal officials gave the old plant and the idea of water independence the equivalent of a proper burial.

Mayor Karen Weaver said Flint should continue to purchase pre-treated water from the Great Lakes Water Authority, ranking a new 30-year contract with the GLWA as the top alternative available to the city in terms of cost, public health, reliability and ease of implementation.

"We did not want to subject residents to another switch. Staying with Great Lakes Water Authority means Flint doesn't have to change its water source again," Weaver said. "This protects residents from any fears or anxieties that would come with another change ..."

Weaver's recommendation for a new, three-way partnership involving the city, the Genesee County Drain Commissioner's Office and GLWA still needs approvals and time before it can be implemented.

But it's off to a fast start with support from the county, Gov. Rick Snyder and his administration and federal regulators.

Residents get their first opportunity to weigh in during a town hall meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at House of Prayer MB Church, 1851 W. Carpenter Road.

The Flint City Council and Flint Receivership Transition Advisory Board also must consider the long-term deal to purchase water from GLWA, and council members are already asking questions.

"None of this has been shared ...," said Councilwoman Kate Fields. "None of this can go forward without City Council approval and ... we've seen nothing. We've seen no hard facts and figures; we've seen no analysis."

Weaver's support for a long-term contract with GLWA represents a shift in her position, which as recently as November involved upgrades in Flint's water plant and construction of a water reservoir for use in case of emergency.

The mayor said she entered discussions with representatives of the county, state and federal governments about six months ago and was skeptical that an acceptable deal could be made.

Although there are no guarantees for the price of GLWA water in the proposal endorsed by Weaver, a consultant assumed prices to rise 4 percent annually and pegged the overall cost of the contract at $269 million over the first 20 years.

Consultant John Young estimated the cost of water in the first year of the contract at $12.1 million.

Other parts of the water source proposal endorsed by Weaver are:

An agreement for Genesee County to serve as the emergency back-up water source for the city of Flint as well as communities between Flint and Lake Huron.

GLWA will receive the rights to the raw water that Flint contracted for through the Karegnondi Water Authority, and GLWA will provide a credit to the city of approximately $7 million annually to cover the cost of Flint's borrowing to build the KWA pipeline provided the city keeps current on its payments to GLWA

Flint will get back a section of 72-inch water transmission line that connects to GLWA's pipeline to Lake Huron -- the same section former emergency manager Darnell Earley sold to Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright for $3.9 million.

Weaver and Robert Kaplan, acting EPA Region 5 director, said the mayor's recommended option will allow the city to redirect $58 million in federal funds from upgrading the water plant to other water infrastructure needs.

Flint will have access to what Weaver called a "low-income assistance program that helps residents with their water and sewer bills."

In addition to Weaver's preferred plan, Young also laid out eight other options, each of which were more expensive than the projected cost of remaining on GLWA water.

The options ranged from $303 million for a plan in which treated county water would serve as back-up to the Flint water treatment plant to $482 million to keep the city on GLWA water with the Flint water plant operating as the backup water source.

Options that involved continued use of the Flint water plant scored lower in "public health" and "risk/reliability" than remaining on GLWA water.

"We don't want to risk the water quality gains that have been made ...," Weaver said of her priorities.

The shift to GLWA comes just three years after officials from the city and the state said the Flint treatment plant was capable of treating Flint River water, a more difficult job than the lake water that will be delivered by the KWA.

On Tuesday, representatives of the state and federal agencies charged with oversight of Flint water said the plant is actually in need of a massive overhaul that would eat up the bulk of federal funds Congress and President Barack Obama set aside for Flint late last year.

Kaplan compared the plant to a broken-down car in need of massive repairs and said the EPA intentionally put plans for spending millions there on hold because of the concern that the city was investing too much in an old facility.

"It's going to cost a lot more money -- it's going to be a lot more difficult -- to restore that old junker," Kaplan said. "It's very difficult to do."

The EPA found Flint's water plant, built in 1917, needed more work than expected on "really basic things" the closer they looked.

Some city residents at Tuesday's news conference cheered Weaver when she recommended continuing as a customer of GLWA.

Flint resident Chris Del Morone said he's suspicious of any scenario in which the city returns to the job of water treatment.

"I would be afraid" of Flint attempting to treat water again, Del Morone said. GLWA "has the experience."

The Flint water crisis was recognized as a federal emergency after the city's water source was changed from pre-treated Lake Huron water from the Detroit water system to raw water from the Flint River in April 2014.

Although the change was designed as a short-term measure that could save the city $8 million, the switch was made without treating the river water to make it less corrosive.

The river water caused lead to leach from lead service lines and home plumbing, leading to spikes in the levels of lead in water and in the blood of children.
Granules India Ltd.

In a move that can rattle pharmaceutical companies and doctors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently hinted that the government could be bringing a new law to ensure doctors prescribe generic drugs instead of the current practice of branded names.

"Doctors write the prescription in such a way that poor people do not understand the handwriting and he has to buy that medicine from private stores at high prices, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi , while inaugurating a multi-specialty hospital in Surat on Monday.

"We will bring in a legal framework by which if a doctor writes prescription, he has to write in it that it will be enough for patients to buy generic medicines and not buy any other medicines," Modi added.

"See these companies which are manufacturing medicines, they used to charge Rs 1,200 for an injection. We called everyone (pharma companies) and ensured that the prices are reduced. The prices of 700 medicines were capped so that poor people get medicines at reasonable rates when they face grave diseases," Modi said.

To be sure the government has been contemplating such a move for a while. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his Union Budget speech proposed to amend the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules to ensure availability of drugs at reasonable prices and promote use of generic medicines.

Analysts who track the sector say that the Prime Ministers statement hints at government intention in making prescribing of generics mandatory.

It is generally believed that many doctors predominantly prescribe mostly those brands, which are promoted by a pharmaceutical company even when a low-cost generic substitute is available.

However, doctors maintain that to get the best possible outcome, drugs of the highest quality and best possible pharmacological properties should be prescribed, and they usually prescribe drug brands that meet this criteria.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has been trying to make drugs affordable and is urging doctors to prescribe generic drugs as far as possible. To make drug prices cheaper the government is including more medicines into the National List of Essential Medicines.

The government has also launched Jan Aushadhi programme, under which the government provides essential medicines at reasonable rates at specially established shops to provide affordable generic drugs to the poor.

Big Indian generic makers who are facing intense competition and pricing pressure in the domestic market are worried.

"This will be a significant change if introduced and pharma companies will have to alter their marketing strategies," said Bhavik Narsana, Partner, Khaitan & Co.

Industry bodies like Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance are concerned by the move on grounds that it empowers chemists over the doctor to decide which particular generic brand to dispense to the patient.

Another industry executive who works for one of India's top-5 branded generic drug makers in domestic market echoed the same sentiment.

Its unfair to compare India and the US on generic substitution, as US ensures the drugs sold in that country maintain uniform quality standards. In India, the disparity in terms of quality varies significantly from supplier to supplier, and quality doesn't come cheap, the executive above said on condition of anonymity.

Indian pharmaceutical market which is worth little over a trillion rupees is a branded generic market  with thousands of copycat brands competing against each other, forcing some of the bigger companies to spend large amounts on marketing, selling and promotional activities to make doctors write more prescriptions of their brands.

(With inputs from PTI)
Vishal Sikka, CEO of Infosys, has often justified his acquisition strategy by saying that tomorrows technologies arent cheap. But even as the controversy around the price that Infosys paid for Israeli automation specialist Panaya refuses to die down, the chief executive of rival firm Tech Mahindra told Moneycontrol that his company has developed a similar technology in-house, and inexpensively.

In an exclusive interview, CP Gurnani said: "The automation platform he [Sikka] bought in Israel  and not going into the board controversy  my team developed a similar automation technology that is being used and I think they got it right and they got it cheap because they self-developed it, whereas Mr Sikka went and bought it."

Also read: Gurnani on IT and future strategy

Infosys acquired Panaya in 2015 for USD 200 million and since then much ink has been spilled on the deal and its fair price, especially with whistle-blowers questioning the price the company paid for the Israeli company and suggesting that the deal did not have CFO Rajiv Bansals blessings.

Acquisitions are not easy for reasons more than one. But Tech Mahindra has followed an inorganic growth strategy, which began with the acquisition of Satyam in 2009. Elaborating on acquiring tomorrows technologies, Gurnani said: I agree that tomorrows technologies have an element of risk and mystique around it. If you look at Pininfarina and BIO, they were not cheap."

Also read: Gurnani on business models, and growth

Different markets call for different strategies. Gurnani doesnt hesitate to say that in principle I agree that one mans poison is another mans food. In principle, I agree that if you are a lot futuristic, you would have heard of acquisitions where the revenue [of the acquired company] is USD 50 million but they have been sold for USD 1 billion. VMware bought a company in software virtualization for networks at a billion plus dollars. It was not a revenue play but it was about VMware taking a bigger bet on some of the platforms. You saw Intel bought McAfee. Digital security assets are expensive."
business Here's how Vijay Mallya can be deported "Communication, of course, will have to be made from India to the British government. for the Indian government agencies cannot act in Britain directly," says Sanjay Suri, reporter at CNBC-TV18.
Tantuja, the apex body of handloom weavers society of West Bengal, has tied up with Amazon.com to sell sarees in the US market.

Tantuja is not the only Indian brand to go global. Nearly 20,000 sellers from India are now selling their products all over the US, Canada and in Europe too via Amazons Global Selling Program.

The Amazon Program  that was launched in May 2015  has seen a 100 times growth since inception with 200 sellers on-board.

The parent company of Amazon India, now sells over 40 million products from India in different categories like textiles, leather and organic products.

Brands such as Titan, Manyavar and Biba are available in other countries on Amazon.

The global selling program enables Indian sellers and manufacturers to sell their goods internationally via Amazon.

Services like Selling on Amazon (SOA) and Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) services are available, which lets manufacturers store their products in Amazon warehouses, provide facilities like packaging and delivering of goods. The company also takes care of handling customer service and returns.

Amazon does not charge seller for product listing or to setup a store.

In addition to this, Amazon has tied-up with tax consultants, logistics experts to ensure that sellers do not have issues with export norms.

Amazon Indias director and GM (seller services) Gopal Pillai told DNA that products such as Amul ghee and gulab jamuns are a bit hit there.

The popularity of leather products from Dharavi in Boston or Chicago is now a classic success story," Pillai said.

According to Pillai, some products from India can now be shipped to Amazon Fulfillment Centres in the US, making them eligible for a 2-day delivery.

Earlier this month, Amazon India also launched an online training programme called Amazon Classroom for sellers and manufacturers to impact online selling skills.

This is a virtual classroom that focuses on areas like order processing, managing products and returns that will help enhance business practices.

Amazon had also launched a special lending program for sellers in 2016 that aims at providing secured and unsecured loans between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 2 crore to sellers from their partners  Capital First and Yes Bank.
Chinese handset maker Transsion Holdings will introduce its smartphone brand 'Tecno' in India this month, further intensifying competition in one of the world's largest mobile phone markets.

"India is our top priority market across the group and the 58 countries that we operate in, including Middle East and Africa," Transsion Holdings Vice President Arif Chowdhury told PTI.

He added that the company is examining prospects of setting up local manufacturing and a research and development team in India to tap into the opportunity here.

Chowdhury, however, declined to comment on investment details and market share that the company was aiming for in the Indian market.

Transsion had launched its 'itel' brand in India last year and is now exploring the potential of launching its third brand -- Infinix -- in the country.

In the past few months, India has seen Chinese mobile phone brands like Lenovo, Vivo and Oppo swarming the market and gain market share.

With a new player coming in, competition in the multi- billion Indian handset market is set to intensify further.

According to research firm IDC, 25.8 million smartphones were shipped to India in October-December quarter of 2016. Of this, the share of China-based vendors stood at 46 per cent.

Apart from Korean player Samsung that led the market in the said quarter, others in the top 5 tally -- Xiaomi, Lenovo, Oppo and Vivo -- were all Chinese players.

Transsion's 'itel' brand stood at the second spot in the overall mobile phone market in the last quarter of 2016.

"We will launch four smartphones  i3, i3 Pro, i5 and i5 Pro in the Indian market and then, our flagship in May, in the Rs 8,00015,000 price range," Chowdhury said.

Except for the entry-level model, all other devices will have a fingerprint scanner and improved selfie technology with front and back LED flashes.

"These products have been developed exclusively for India, these are not available in any other country," he said.

While these devices will initially be available in Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat, the company will go pan-India by the end of the year.

"We have a complete 'offline' focus. In the three states where we are starting, we have partnered about 10,000 retailers through 129 local distributors," he said.

Chowdhury added that the company would also look at setting up its own service centres in India, a model it has followed in other parts of the world.
Gulam Zia, Executive Director, Knight Frank and Adhidev Chattopadhyay, Real Estate Analyst, Emkay Global Financial Services in an interview to CNBC-TV18 shared their views on reasons for rally seen in the real estate space.

Zia believes with Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Act expected to bring a lot of clarity in the realty space, could be the likely trigger but he still advices looking at individual stocks separately and not the space as a whole.

According to him if one were to segregate residential and commercial space, then there has been hardly any improvement in the residential space at least in the NCR region. Although Mumbai is holding on and Bengaluru is showing marginal improvement, Pune, Hyderabad are showing better improvement. So, the housing market has been stagnant to negative.

However, commercial or office shows marked improvement and so companies in this space are performing doing well, says Zia.

Agreeing with Zia, Chattopadhyay also says that office market has seen traction, whereas residential has slowed down.

The office market has seen absorption of over 30 million sq ft and therefore developers who build their assets during bad times are gaining now. They now have most of their annuity assets operational and running.

They are also seeing lot of interest from global investors to pick up the rental yielding assets, says Chattopadhyay.

However, talking about the rentals, Zia says on an average for the country as a whole the office rentals havent move up beyond 7-8 percent. Only Pune has done better because there is not much space available there. So, although annual growth rate in office rentals is nothing to talk about but there has been a steady growth.

Stock specific, Chattopadhyay favours Brigade Enterprises and Prestige Estates in Bengaluru and also Phoenix Mills which is pan-India marquee retail asset play. He advises being selective and to focus on players having operational assets.
An LG Electronics' logo is pictured on a TV displayed at a shop in Seoul, South Korea, April 26, 2016. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo GLOBAL BUSINESS WEEK AHEAD PACKAGE - SEARCH 'BUSINESS WEEK AHEAD 24 OCT' FOR ALL IMAGES - RTX2Q56Y

South Korean consumer electronics major LG is scouting for partnership with telecom operators in India to offer its 'smart appliances' connected with Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

The company is taking small steps to introduce its appliances equipped with features such as LG HomeChat and SmartThinQ that enable consumers to control and operate home appliances through smartphones. These appliances are connected through the internet.

By partnering with a telecom operator, it is looking to address the requirement for a network provider to connect with the different appliances in a household.

"Already we are prepared for smart home, IoT related products but this is not just a standalone device," LG Electronics India Managing Director Ki Wan Kim told PTI.

Being a total solution and service concept, it functions with devices which are connected through the internet, he added.

"Device is easy, it only needs protocol interface. That is why, I will be meeting the head of a telecom service provider tomorrow to discuss this," he added.

While he did not disclose the name of the telecom firm, Kim said ultimately a partnership will be decided on how it would help end consumers.

When asked if LG is looking to join hands exclusively with a single or multiple telecom operators, KIm said: "Anyone who is partnering with us for the sake of our goal, it is fine. LG stands for Life is Good, so our responsibility is enhancing the lifestyle of Indians."

In advanced markets like South Korea and the US, Kim said it is the telecom operators which had taken the lead in offering IoT service so that consumers can subscribe plans according to their needs.

LG HomeChat allows customers to receive notifications and reminders on smartphones about steps and status of progress on activities such as washing or cooking and accordingly control it.

Likewise, the company's SmartThinQ allows consumers control connected appliances at home from anywhere to control various activities, including starting wash cycles, checking refrigerator inventory and even resolving problems.
Q11. Skywise  which provides a single access point for the sharing of operational and flight data  is about making the right information available at the right time. To do so, it leverages the massive amount of data previously locked in company and functional silos across the industry to improve operational performance and business results for aircraft operators. Which company owns Skywise?

Ruling out any plans to venture into India's domestic aviation business at this stage, German carrier Lufthansa said the cost of operations here is "very high."

"We are not interested in being another player for domestic operations. Because we are not an expert in that," Lufthansa Group Airlines' Senior Director for South Asia Wolfgang Will said here.

He was responding to a question whether Lufthansa had any plans to set up a local carrier in India following Qatar Airways announcing its plans to foray into domestic airline business.

"We have the highest fuel cost in India, we have a lot of taxes, very high operational cost because airport charges are very high," Will said, adding it (launching a domestic airline) will be a "misadventure".

"And I did not hear of any domestic airline in India making a lot of profit," he added.

Will said Lufthansa is currently busy in integrating its operations here after the launch of services to Mumbai by its subsidiary Brussels Airline.

"We have no time or possibility to look beyond our current engagement," he stressed.

The Lufthansa Group operates 65 flights per week to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Pune from its Frankfurt and Munich hubs.

Of these, Lufthansa Airlines operates 46 flights per week, while the Swiss Airlines and Brussels Airlines, the two subsidiaries, operate 14 and 5 respectively, per week.

The Brussels Airlines launched its services from Brussels airport to Mumbai on March 31.

An airline conducts business when it has a successful plan in place, he said.

Will said India has a huge demand for international travel.

According to Will, all German carriers together were operating 75 per cent of the total weekly seat entitlement agreed upon between India and Germany under the Air Service Agreement.

"We still have the potential to make use of the (unutilised) bilateral. As an airline group, we have very strong brands presence already in the market (India)," the Lufthansa executive said.

The group will now operate 40 additional seats after the launch of its latest wide-bodied Airbus A350 plane to Mumbai from Munich on Sunday, he said.

Mumbai became Lufthansa's second A350 destination in India after New Delhi with the launch of a flight to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here from Munich.

Lufthansa is upgrading its flight services on the Pune -Frankfurt route to six times per week from the current four from June, Will said.
Justice Chandrachud: The judge who is not afraid to dissent'
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In accordance with the new maternity bill passed by the Parliament, Reliance Industries has, among other provisions, extended 12-week paid leave to commissioning mothers or women who go the surrogacy way for bearing a child, the Business Line reported Monday.

The bill passed by the Parliament in early March raised the paid maternity leave for women working in the organised sector to 26 weeks from 12 weeks, making India the third highest in terms of maternity leaves. Canada tops the list with 50 weeks paid leave followed by Norway with 44 weeks.

The extension in leave entitlement will be applicable to the first two children. For the third child, the entitlement will remain 12 weeks.

Apart from being applicable to all establishments with 10 or more employees the bill requires every establishment with 50 or more employees to provide creche facilities within a prescribed distance of the office premises, and women to be allowed four visits to the creche a day.

"With effect from April 1, 2017 there will be extension of maternity leave to 26 weeks (182 calendar days), from 180 days, for regular employees," the article said citing a notice by RILs HR department to its employees.

Reliance has also adopted the provisions to provide 12 weeks of maternity leave to a woman who legally adopts a child under three months of age.
New LG watch sport is displayed at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, February 28, 2017. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard - RTS10TC4

The US-headquartered Timex expects 30 percent of its sales to come from watches with smart features by 2020.

"Consumers are evolving and their needs are changing... even from a traditional watch perspective, our customers will want a watch which is analog but has some smart features. By 2020, at least 30 per cent of our sales will come from watches with smart features," Timex Group India Head for Sales and Marketing Anupam Mathur told PTI.

At present, 3-4 per cent of total sales for Timex come from technology-driven watches.

The company, which launched IQ+ Move today -- a traditional watch with smart features -- priced at Rs 9,995, said it will launch several connected products throughout 2017, which will feature enhanced analog functionality.

IQ+ Move is the second generation of the Timex Connected Collection, the first being the Timex Metropolitan+, which was launched last year.

The company, which had reported a turnover of Rs 135 crore in 2015-16, is aiming at 20 per cent year-on-year growth, Mathur said.

At present, all smart watches sold by Timex are imported from the Philippines.

Asked if the company is considering local production of these watches, Mathur said: "Right now, the plans are not drawn up, but as volume gains traction, we will definitely look at manufacturing here. Not in the short term.
Formula One - F1 - United States Grand Prix 2015 - Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, United States of America - 23/10/15 Force India team owner Dr. Vijay Mallya during a press conference Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Hoch Zwei Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. PLEASE NOTE: FOR UK EDITORIAL SALES ONLY. FOR ALL OTHER USAGE ADDITIONAL FEES WILL APPLY - PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT MANAGER. *** Local Caption *** -- - RTS5VIA

Liquor baron and former Kingfisher boss Vijay Mallya was granted bail shortly being arrested by Scotland Yard in London on Tuesday, a little over a year since he left India after defaulting on loans worth more than Rs 9,000 crore.



Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected.

 Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 18, 2017

Mallya tweeted soon after being granted bail.

Earlier, British authorities announced the high-profile arrest.

"Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit have this morning arrested a man on an extraction warrant," read a Scotland Yard statement. "Vijay Mallya, 61, was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud."

He was then presented before the Westminster Magistrates' Court, where he was granted bail.

"It was a voluntary action. He will be out in a few minutes," said a member of Mallya's team at the court, without giving any further details of the bail conditions.



Extradition warrant arrest on behalf of Indian authorities https://t.co/cXET0Q13q5 pic.twitter.com/s90THSa0nD  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) April 18, 2017



The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from India will now put in a request to extradite Mallya to India.

"Vijay Mallya will be brought back to India, due process of law will be followed," said Santosh Gangwar, Minister of State for Finance.

Sources told CNBC-TV18 that Mallyas lawyers had been anticipating the arrest and had been preparing for it.

He was declared a wilful defaulter back home last year and on February 8, India had handed a formal extradition request to the British government to bring back Mallya.

While handing over the request, India had asserted that it has a "legitimate" case against Mallya and maintained that if an extradition request is honoured, it would show British "sensitivity towards our concerns".

Sources told CNN-News18 that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had personally made an appeal regarding Mallya to British Prime Minister Theresa May during his visit to Britain in February.

The request for extradition was recently certified by the UK.

Sources in New Delhi said the UK government had two options before it  deportation and extradition. But since Mallya legally entered the UK with a valid passport, deportation was ruled out.

The extradition process from the UK involves a number of steps including a decision by the judge whether to issue a warrant of arrest. In case of a warrant, the person is arrested and brought before the court for preliminary hearing followed by an extradition hearing before a final decision is taken by the secretary of state.

Speaking to News18, BJP MP Subramaniam Swamy said that Narendra Modi means business and that it's time for Mallya to go home.

However, according to lawyer HP Ranina, an arrest does not necessarily mean a stronger case for extradition.

While deportation for Mallya is easier, extradition could take time, senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani told News18.

Ranina further said we need to wait and see what is covered in the arrest warrant and Mallya will challenge his arrest in the local London court and a legal battle will ensue.

Mallya is wanted in India for defaulting on loans worth Rs 9,000 crore related to Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) that was suspended in 2012. He had left the country last year on March 3.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has been investigating a case against Mallya and the companies he controlled over allegations of money laundering since early last year and had secured a non-bailable warrant against the absconding businessman in a case related to money laundering and wilful default of loans.

Despite numerous summons from the Indian government, Mallya failed to appear in court. In September last year, Mallya had wanted to come to India but was incapacitated as his passport had been revoked.

However, the Enforcement Directorate in October had said that Mallya had no intentions of coming back to India and that his passport was revoked due to his conduct.

Criminal Lawyer Satish Maneshinde said that Mallya has made a case that he has been politically hounded and is a victim of a media trial.

The courts in UK will now examine if Mallyas offence is extraditable or not.

In February, Karnataka High Court had ordered winding up of

United Breweries Holdings Limited to facilitate recovery of debt owned by Kingfisher Airlines. The airline was promoted by United Breweries.

(With PTI inputs)
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Liquor baron Vijay Mallya suffered a major blow when the Karnataka High Court yesterday ordered winding up of the United Breweries Holdings Limited (UBHL).

The winding-up was ordered to facilitate recovery of debt owed by defunct Kingfisher Airlines to a consortium of bank led by State Bank of India.

UBHL is the holding company of the UB Group.

Kingfisher was promoted by UB and the court ordered that the parent company, being a guarantor to Kingfisher's loans, had to be held responsible for recovery of debt.

Currently, Vijay Mallyas stake in UBHL stands at 52.34 percent.

Below is the chronology of events that led to the winding up of UBHL.

May 2005: Vijay Mallya sets up Kingfisher Airlines to cater to the premium segment.

June 2007: Kingfisher Airlines decides to purchase debt-ridden Air Deccan.

2008: UBHL paid Rs 550 crore for a 26 percent stake in Air Deccan.

March 2008: Kingfisher Airlines debt touches Rs 934 crore due to spike in oil prices.

2009: Airline debt reaches Rs 7,000 crore.

2011: Airline accumulated losses reach more than 50 percent of its net worth.

2011: 11 bank accounts were suspended by service tax department for non-payment of Rs 70 crore.

2012: Mallya gives guarantees of Rs 5,904 crore for carriers loan.

February 2013: UBHL seeks shareholders approval for Rs 450 crore for Kingfisher Airlines.

March 2013: Kingfisher Airlines net worth falls to negative of Rs 13,000 crore.

December 2014: United India Bank recognises UBHL, guarantor of Kingfisher Airlines as wilful defaulter.

February 2015: SBI led bank consortium takes possession of Kingfisher House in Vile Parle.

April 2015: United Spirits Limited (USL) asked Vijay Mallya to step down as chairman and director of fund on alleged fund diversion.

October 2015: CBI conducts raids on Vijay Mallyas offices in connection with Rs 950 crore loan provided by IDBI Bank.

December 2015: CBI questions Vijay Mallya in Rs 900 crore IDBI Banks loan.

February 2016: SBI led consortium moved debt recovery tribunal (DRT) to attach Vijay Mallyas passport.

March 2016: Vijay Mallya in discussion with banks to settle debt.

March 2016: On March 9, Mallya leaves India.

March 2016: Mallya offers to pay Rs 4,000 crore by September to banks.

April 2016: Banks rejected Mallyas offers for payment of dues worth Rs 9,000 crore.

April 2016: Hyderabad court convicts Vijay Mallya in case filed by GMR Hyderabad International Airport for bounced cheque.

April 2016: Ministry of External Affairs revokes Vijay Mallyas passport.

April 2016: Enforcement Directorate approach special court to issue non-bailable arrest warrant against Mallya.

April 2017: Mallya arrested in London on India's request for extradition.
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 today accused the previous UPA governments of failing to allot land to tribal people in those union territory areas where they had "direct control."

He also accused the Congress-led UPA governments at the Centre of not fulfilling its duty of according land rights to tribal people and blaming the states instead for it.

Addressing a public meeting here, he said while it is the duty of the Centre to accord land rights to the tribal people, the previous Congress government always blamed the states for it.

"Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh saw best progress in giving land rights to the tribals. But the government of India and the Congress leaders used to instigate the tribals that the Modi government (when he was the Gujarart chief minister) was not giving land rights to the tribals," he told the gathering.

He said when he became the Prime Minister, he realised it is the duty of the Centre and not the states to hand over the land rights to the tribals.

"When I became the Prime Minister, I was stunned to find out that they (the UPA government) had not given the land rights to a single tribal person in the Union territories, where they had a direct control," Modi said.

"They were in power for 10 years, but they always put the states on the docks (for not giving land rights)... not even a single tribal in the Union Territory was given the land rights," he said.

Modi said he was the first Prime Minister to visit this Union territory in the last 35 years. Earlier, erstwhile Prime Minister Morarji Desai had visited Silvassa.

Before the meeting, Modi handed over the land rights documents to the tribals, gas connections to the women and other aids to the physically challenged people.

"After we came to power, we decided to give land rights to tribals. Tribals were tilling the land for years, but they did not get the land rights for years. Today, 2,325 families have been given land rights for the first time," Modi said.

Modi promised houses to tribals in Dadra and Nagar Haveli under the 'Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojna,' by 2022.

"We have conducted a survey here in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. We found out that 6,234 people do not have houses in rural areas while 800 do not have houses in Silvasa town. All of them will get houses by 2022," he said.

On the occasion, financial assistance and distribution of equipment to the physically-challenged was announced for 21,000 beneficiaries of different Central schemes.

Modi accorded the financial assistance and distributed equipments to some of the beneficiaries.

Continuing his broadside, the Prime Minister said the Congress contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections on the plank of increasing subsidised gas cylinders from nine to 12.

"But after we came to power, we have provided gas connections to 2 crore households," he said adding that it has helped improve the health of women who used to cook using wood as fuel.

Referring to his government's push for generic medicine, Modi said the poor should also get the medicines and asserted that the cheap medicine does not mean it lacks quality.

He also cautioned people against the propaganda that generic medicines lack quality.
In an apparent dig at the Modi government, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said there will be no development in the country unless there is an atmosphere of peace and tolerance.

Addressing a function to honour freedom fighters on the occasion of centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's 'Champaran satyagraha', he said an atmosphere of peace, love, harmony and tolerance can only take the country to the path of progress.

"Only by talking of growth and success, there won't be any growth. For this there is a need to create right atmosphere," he said.

The statement is seen as a veiled attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who often talks about the country's development. Highlighting achievements of prohibition implemented by his government in Bihar, Kumar said an intensive campaign will soon start against social evils like child marriage and dowry system.

Yesterday's programme was attended by Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and RJD chief Lalu Prasad. The Bihar Chief Minister said Home Minister Rajnath Singh could not attend the programme despite being agreed to attend the function.

"We had invited the Home Minister. He agreed to come to the event also. The intention behind inviting the Home Minister was that he is one of the senior-most ministers of the government of India and considered as the senior-most minister after Prime Minister (Narendra Modi)... But at the last moment, for whatever reasons he did not come," Kumar said.

He said all people across political lines were invited to the function. "I do not have any complaint who have come and those who have not. It is not a programme organised with political feelings," he said. Lalu Prasad also objected to the Union home minister's absence saying "if you don't wanted to come, why did you commit it?"
New Delhi: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Arun Jaitley addresses a Finance Ministers of South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation, (SASEC) countries, in New Delhi on Monday. PTI Photo by Kamal Singh(PTI4_3_2017_000061B)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will leave tomorrow on a five-day visit to the United States to participate in the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and IMF as well as deliberations of G20 nations.

During his stay in Washington and New York, he will hold meetings with American CEOs and institutional and pension fund investors, where he will pitch India as a favourable investment destination.

The official delegation, led by Jaitley, includes among others, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das and Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian. Also, a team of RBI officials led by RBI Governor Urjit Patel will be attending the meeting.

Jaitley and Patel will participate in the G-20 meeting on April 21, which will focus on financial sector development and regulations and other issues.

Das will also participate in the meeting, according to an official statement. Later, the finance minister, along with Patel and Das, will attend the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) introductory session on Global Development and Prospects. This will be followed by a session on Early Warning Exercise.

The Spring Meetings bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, private sector executives and academics to discuss issues of global concern, including world economic outlook, global financial stability, poverty eradication, jobs and growth, economic development, and aid effectiveness.

Later in the day, Jaitley will hold a meeting with the CEOs. On April 22, Jaitley will participate in the IMFC Plenary Session, along with Patel and Das. The finance minister is also slated to hold a meeting with US Treasury Secretary and participate in the Development Committee Plenary Meeting of the World Bank.

In the evening, he will meet with his Bangladesh counterpart and call on the President, World Bank, the statement added. On April 23, Jaitley and Das will leave for New York and later in the evening and participate in dinner to be hosted by Indian industry chamber.

On April 24, Jaitley will have an interaction with the Council for Foreign Relations, followed by meetings with institutional and long-term investors. Later in the evening, Jaitley will travel to Moscow to boost military ties with Russia.
If you have recently purchased a third-party motor insurance for your Bajaj Pulsar, Honda City, Swift Dzire or Audi Q7, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has reduced prices for some categories of cars and two-wheelers.

IRDAI, in a circular, said that this will be applicable retrospectively from April 1, 2017. Bharat Stage IV (BS-4) is much cleaner in emissions. The fuel emits 80 percent less particulate matter (PM) and 50 percent less nitrogen oxide (NOx).

The insurance cover for certain cars and bikes are set to drop, on an average, by 8.5%.

In March, the Supreme Court barred sales of all old and polluting Bharat Stage III (BS-3) vehicles from April 1. BS-4 is the new emission norm being followed in India for motor vehicles.

The regulator has said that in categories like private cars where engine capacity exceeds 1500cc, the premiums have come down. Almost 80 percent of cars fall into this category.

Motor third-party premiums are decided by IRDAI based on claims and type of vehicle. It is mandatory cover as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This cover protects the owner of the vehicle against third-party liabilities arising due to accidents. The pricing of this cover is regulated by IRDAI and revised on a yearly basis.

The rates had already been decided in March which would come into effect beginning April 1. But with BS-4 being implemented, the rates have been brought down.

Third party motor premiums for private cars have gone up by almost 70 percent in the last three years, according to data from IRDAI. This is because motor claims are on the rise. This revision will, however, be a welcome change for the vehicle owners since premiums have been revised in popular categories.

How motor third party premiums stands Premium for FY16 (Rs) Premium for FY17 (Rs) Premium for FY18 (Rs) Revised premium (Rs) Private cars Not exceeding 1000cc 1468 2055 2055 2055 Exceeding 1000cc but not exceeding 1500cc 1598 2237 3132 2863 Exceeding 1500cc 4931 6164 8630 7890 Two wheelers Not exceeding 75cc 519 569 569 569 Exceeding 75cc but not exceeding 150cc 538 619 720 720 Exceeding 150cc but not exceeding 350cc 554 693 970 887 Exceeding 350cc 884 796 1114 1019 Taxis (up to 6 passengers) Not exceeding 1000cc 4920 6396 6396 6396 Exceeding 1000cc but not exceeding 1500cc 6726 8408 8408 8408 Exceeding 1500cc 8915 11144 11144 11144 Auto rickshaw (up to 6 passengers) Except e-rickshaw 1333 1733 2426 2218 E-rickshaw NA* 1125 1575 1440 Source: IRDAI *E-rickshaw category was introduced from FY17

Similarly, for two-wheelers exceeding 150cc and above, the premiums have come down. This includes two-wheelers like Bajaj Pulsar, Honda Unicorn, Royal Enfield Classic 500 and also superbikes.
Agriculture

The June-September monsoon is likely to be 96 percent of the long-period average, the Met department said on Tuesday, a forecast that will be cheered by millions of farmers and the government alike.

The south-west monsoon, besides bringing relief from a blazing summer, serves as the lifeblood for the critical summer-sown kharif crop. Here's why the monsoon matters so much for India:

What is monsoon?

It is essentially a shift in the prevailing wind patterns. Drafts of breeze from the south Pacific travel northwards, carrying moisture along the way. It traverses nearly 8,000 km before reaching the Asian land mass, resulting in rainfall and offering respite from a sweltering summer.

How is it distributed across India?

Kerala is the south-west monsoons first port of landfall in mainland India. It arrives in Kerala in the first of week of June, having covered Andaman and Nicobar islands a week before. After hitting Kerala, it breaks out into two branches: one over the Bay of Bengal and the other over the Arabian sea. In a normal year, it covers the entire country in a month. It hits Maharashtra around June 15 and Delhi around June 29 before travelling further north-west.

Is monsoon essentially an Asian phenomenon?

No. Monsoons happen in the worlds other regions too such as Europe, Chile, Africa and North America.

How is the monsoons progress recorded?

Satellite images now allow weather scientists to fairly monitor monsoons course and quantum. According to the Mets classification, the monsoon is considered normal if rains are between 96-104 percent of the 50-year average rainfall of 89 cms. The monsoon is taken to be below normal if rains are between 9096 percent. If less than 90, it is considered deficient.

Why is the monsoon so important for India?

Despite big strides in industry and services, two-thirds of Indians depend on farm-based income. Nearly 60 percent of the countrys farms lack irrigation facilities, leaving millions of farmers dependent on the rains.

The monsoon is critical to replenish 81 reservoirs necessary for power generation, irrigation and drinking. About half of India's farm output comes from summer sown kharif crops such as rice, sugar, cotton, coarse cereals.

The monsoon also refills 81 nationally monitored water reservoirs crucial for supply of drinking, power and irrigation water supply.

How does monsoon affect the economy?

A good monsoon increases food output and improves farm income. This boosts rural spending on several items such as televisions, cars and gold.Fast-moving-consumer goods (toothpastes, shampoos and instant noodles etc) and fertiliser sectors would benefit the most from normal monsoon.

Likewise, about 40 percent of Indias cement demand comes from rural housing. Adequate monsoon, therefore, is critical to the earnings of cement companies.

Below normal monsoon will hurt agriculture and related sectors like fertilisers, agro products, farm equipment (tractors). Rural spending on consumer goods are also crucial for the broader economy. For instance, rural buyers account for close to 40% of Indias total motorcycle sales.

What is El Nino?

El Nino  or the boy child in Spanish  is a weather phenomenon characterised by an abnormal warming of the eastern Pacific Ocean that triggers weaker rains and droughts in the Indian sub-continent.

This year, the monsoon is critical because, apart from ending a drought in the southern states, a good farm output will help keep prices under check. Food price pressures could build anew if El Nino disrupts the south-west monsoon this year.

El Nino, an abnormal warming of surface ocean waters in the eastern tropical Pacific, is one part of what's called the Southern Oscillation. The Southern Oscillation is the see-saw pattern of reversing surface air pressure between the eastern and western tropical Pacific.

South American fishermen have given this phenomenon the name El Nino because it comes about the time of the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child-Christmas.
As the date nears for India's biggest tax reform to roll out, around 70 percent of the small and mid-sized firms are yet start the process to get in line with the goods and services tax (GST) structure.

Talking to the Hindustan Times, tax consulting firm KPMG and the Federation of Small Medium Enterprises (FISME) said that while big firms are ready to adopt the new tax structure, small companies, especially from India's humongous unorganised sector are finding it hard to align themselves with GST in the given amount of time.

Sources have told the newspaper that small companies are not ready for the July 1 deadline and this can have a short term impact on their business which could even lead to some job loss.

To help these MSMEs, FISME along with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has plans to launch a helpline, which will be operational soon.

"The idea is to handhold the small companies and most general queries will be answered immediately while specific problems that are brought up will be resolved in 48 hours, Anil Bhardwaj, general secretary, FISME, told HT.

Waman Parkhi, partner, indirect tax, KPMG said that not more than 30 percent of SMEs are ready for GST and the other problem is that until the final tax structure is laid out the companies won't be able to list new prices for their goods.
The International Monetary Fund will not take part in a bailout programme for Greece if it deems the country's debt is unsustainable, the international lender's chief Christine Lagarde said in an interview published on Tuesday.

Greece needs to implement reforms agreed by euro zone finance ministers earlier this month to secure a new loan under its 86 billion-euro ($91.58 billion) bailout programme, the third since 2010.

The loan is needed to pay debt due in July, but talks continue and the IMF has not yet decided whether to join the bailout. The fund's participation is seen as a condition for Germany to unblock new funds to Greece.

"If Greek debts are not sustainable based on IMF rules and reasonable parameters, we will not take part in the programme," Lagarde told German newspaper Die Welt when asked if the IMF would take part in the plan if Greek debt is not restructured.
The market today saw a sharp drop in the afternoon and Nifty gave up more than 100 points to close in the red. Midcaps underperformed, only the Bank Nifty managed to close in the positive.

Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com attributes this fall to news from Europe, where UK PM today called for snap elections and also could be because the morning longs may have got trimmed. However, 9050 remains a support zone for Nifty, he says.

The Sensex was down 94.56 points at 29319.10, while the Nifty was down 34.15 points at 9105.15. The market breadth was negative as 1,111 shares advanced against a decline of 1,778 shares, while 142 shares were unchanged.

Market Expert Ambareesh Baliga says market lacks value buying opportunity, for example a stock like Indiabulls Real moving up 40 percent just on back of demerger news, is very surprising.

SP Tulsian of sptulsian.com, Mitessh Thakkar of mitesshthakkar.com shared their views on stocks and sectors along with Baliga and Gujral.
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United Breweries, United Spirits slipped while PSU banks rallied in closing trade on Tuesday after media channels flashed reports of the arrest of liquor baron Vijay Mallya in London.

Vijay Mallya holds 7.9 percent stake of 52.84 lakh shares in United Breweries and about 12,510 shares in United Spirits as per the latest shareholding pattern. United Spirits closed 2.07 percent lower at Rs 1885.10 on the NSE while United Breweries plunged 2.5 percent to Rs 731.75.

Reacting to the news of the arrest, shares of PSU Banks such as State Bank of India, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Canara Bank closed in green at a time when benchmark indices closed in the red.

However, the market could not factor in Mallya's bail, which was granted a couple of hours after he was arrested by Scotland Yard's extradition unit in London.

If the prosecution starts in London, there wont be any delay with respect to decision making. Hence, United Breweries and United Spirits will be in focus along with lender to Vijay Mallya, AK Prabhakar, Head -Research at IDBI Capital told Moneycontrol.

PSU banks who have given loans to Vijay Mallya are trying to recover some of the huge loan amount by auctioning his properties in the country. Mallya owes nearly Rs.7,000 crore (excluding taxes) and nearly Rs 9,000 crore (including interest) to 17 Indian banks.

Seventeen banks which have lent money to Vijay Mallya include names like SBI (Rs 1600 crore), followed by PNB (Rs 800 crore), IDBI Bank (Rs 800 crore), Bank of India (Rs 650 crore) etc among others. The consortium of lenders is led by State Bank of India.

Lenders to Mallya decided to dispose of the Goa property for a little over Rs 73 crore earlier in the month, according to multiple media reports. The lenders seized the posh Goa villa after Mallya failed to repay loans taken for the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines.

Technical Take:

United Spirits:

The stock has been making the lower top-lower bottom from the last nine weeks and has now corrected from Rs 2,427 to the Rs 1,830 mark. It is now trading near to 61.80 percent retracement of Rs 1850 of the upswing on the monthly chart.

The immediate support is near Rs 1775 and below that fresh selling pressure could be seen while on the upside needs to hold above Rs 2,030 to get a bounce back relief rally towards Rs 2,200 zones, Chandan Taparia, Derivatives, and Technical Analyst at Motilal Oswal Securities told Moneycontrol.

United Breweries:

UBL is also making the lower top and lower bottom and has next support placed at Rs 690 and below that pace of selling could accelerate to Rs 650 zones.

The stock is respecting to its falling supply trendline by connecting tops of 977 and 845. As long as United Breweries remains below this supply trend line on the weekly chart, the trend may remain week, said Taparia. A hold above 770 only can change its price pattern to get stability, he said.
Kingfisher Airlines Chairman Vijay Mallya attends a news conference in Mumbai February 6, 2007. REUTERS/Adeel Halim (INDIA) - RTR1M1NG

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India will now present a case in the UK court over the extradition of liquor baron and former Kingfisher boss Vijay Mallya, a top finance ministry official said on Tuesday.

"Now in the court, the Indian authorities have to present a case for extradition and it is judicially tried," the official said.

The extradition arrest was with regard to the Rs 950 crore exposure that Mallya had in IDBI Bank.

"The extradition procedure is that there must be an offence in India, some countries follow the principle of dual criminality...in the requesting state and the requested state," the official explained, adding that after a warrant is issued, depending on the nature of the case, the court decides whether to give bail or not.

Mallya was granted bail earlier during the day as this was a "monetary offence". However, the bail will have some conditions, the official said.

Past experience shows that there is a 50:50 chance of Mallya's extradition taking place, said Shailesh Haribhakti of Desai-Haribhakti Group. This case can still close in favour of the banks, if the government insists that he is capable of paying back the banks, he added.

However, since Mallya had earlier agreed to pay the principal amount that he owed to the banks, he may not be considered a wilful defaulter by UK authorities and the banks' claims of being cheated may fall flat, said Satish Maneshinde, a senior criminal lawyer.

"I dont believe banks claims of being cheated will stand the test of scrutiny of law in the UK," added Maneshinde.

Maneshinde also added that Mallya has accounted for every penny that was given to him and has not diverted any money to his personal account.

"It will be quite a herculean task for the government to get him back to India," he said.

This may be the first in a series of steps to get Mallya back to India, said Ramesh Vaidyanathan, Managing Partner, Advaya Legal. He added that the charge of fraud is an extraditable offence in the India-UK treaty and said the entire process can take up to 18-24 months.
Asian Paints Ltd

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Shares of Berger Paints India rose 2.7 percent intraday Tuesday after its subsidiary signed a memorandum of business exploration with NBCC.

The company's subsidiary Bolix, S.A. Poland and NBCC sign memorandum of business exploration to bring External Thermal Insulation and Composite Systems (ETICS) solutions to India.

"NBCC and Bolix, S.A. Poland signed a memorandum of business exploration at New Delhi, in furtherance of a joint initiative to bring to ETICS, a proven solution for improving energy performance of temperature controlled buildings," company said in release.

"ETICS is a very cost effective and efficient solution and much used in Europe. Germany and Poland are the pioneers in this technology though ETICS is now in use in over 15 countries in Europe."

"NBCC and Bolix will jointly promote, develop and facilitate the use of ETICS solutions n building projects in India with the principal objective of reducing significantly the energy requirements for cooling or heating in these buildings which is expected to result in gains in environmental sustainability," it added.

At 11:26 hrs Berger Paints India was quoting at Rs 242.95, up Rs 1.95, or 0.81 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, Rakesh Bansal, Sumeet Jain and Ashish Kyal battle it out for top honours.

Below their top stock picks and analysis:

Rakesh Bansal of R K Global

Buy Gayatri projects with a stoploss at Rs 145 and target of Rs 184

Buy Dolphin Offshore with a stoploss at Rs 125 and target of Rs 142

Buy Ashoka Buildcon with a stoploss at Rs 199 and target of Rs 227

Buy HCL Infosystems with a stoploss at Rs 54 and target of Rs 64

Sumeet Jain of Destimoney Securities

Buy Gujrat Gas with a stoploss at Rs 819 and target of Rs 878

Buy Indraprastha Gas with a stoploss at Rs 1042 and target of Rs 1090

Buy Adani Enterprises with a stoploss at Rs 120.50 and target of Rs 133

Buy Godrej Properties with a stoploss at Rs 443 and target of Rs 497

Ashish Kyal of Waves Strategy Advisors

Buy LIC Housing Finance with a stoploss at Rs 620 and target of Rs 668

Buy Bata India with a stoploss at Rs 560 and target of Rs 615

Buy Indraprastha Gas with a stoploss at Rs 1025 and target of Rs 1120

Buy Apollo Tyres with a stoploss at Rs 220 and target of Rs 244
Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com told CNBC-TV18, "Aurobindo Pharma has made three bottoms very close to Rs 640. It appears it is trying to bottom out, so that is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 668, target of Rs 700. Canara Bank is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 314, target of Rs 336 and City Union Bank is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 149, target of Rs 160."

"Bank of Baroda (BoB), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and State Bank of India (SBI) are making longer-term bottoms. These stocks used to be multiples of where they are today, BoB etc used to be at Rs 400-450. So I will not be surprised if you start getting a bit of a good news why these stocks cannot go up 50 percent. So this is like real estate, the last two pockets where you can say some amount of value maybe there, so from here, for the last few weeks, they have been buy on dips type of stocks," he said.

"The level of Rs 900 on Infosys will get broken at some point and with the incremental bad news as you have been hearing about H1-B visas, IT has still a long way to go on the downside."
Chandan Taparia, Derivative & Technical Analyst at Motilal Oswal Securities told CNBC-TV18, "We have a positive view on the Reliance Industries. The stock has managed to hold the immediate support of Rs 1,360-1,355 zone and negated its formation of lower highs, lower lows on the daily chart. So, overall major trend of the stock is positive and the recent decline is giving a fresh opportunity to buy. So, recommending to go long with a stop loss of Rs 1,365 for the upside target of Rs 1,440. We have seen Put writing and Call unwinding in most of the strikes which also supports our positive look."

"Second trade is buy on Indiabulls Housing Finance. We have a positive view on most of the non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) like Dewan Housing Finance (DHFL) and LIC Housing Finance. Here we are recommending to be positive with Indiabulls Housing Finance. Recently, it has taken support at its 50 percent retracement and negated its immediate negative trend. Overall major trend of the counter is positive and recent consolidation has given the fresh buying opportunity. If you are seeing short covering activities, open interest fell down by around 3-4 percent. So, recommending to go long with a stop loss of Rs 944 for the upside target of Rs 1,020," he said.

"The last trade is buy on GAIL India. Positive sector outlook and the fresh momentum in the counter suggest that the sell can extend to Rs 410. On last trading session, the stock has given a highest recent close and surpassed the immediate hurdle of Rs 393-395 zone. So expecting its positive move towards Rs 410, one can buy with a stop loss of Rs 387," he added.

: Reliance Industries owns Network 18 that publishes Moneycontrol.com
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Coal India

CLSA has maintained a sell call on the stock with a lower target price of Rs 265 against Rs 285. The research firm believes that the downgrade of coal grade is equivalent to 10-12 percent price drop in most cases. It is possible that a partial impact of the downgrades has already come through.

Assuming half impact of the downgrades are yet to arrive, CLSA cut FY18-19 earnings per share (EPS) by 4-7 percent. Analysts at the firm highlighted the coal quality watchdogs action to downgrade coal grade of 177 of Coal Indias mines.

Deutsche Bank, meanwhile, has a hold call on the stock with a target price of Rs 297. While it sees a possible impact of the coal downgrade on its FY18 standalone earnings by 20-25 percent, actual impact may be lower due to possible FSA price hike in this fiscal. In fact, an over 9 percent hike in FSA could offset adverse impact from the grade decline, it added. The dividend yield of over 7 percent should provide downside support, it added.

Bajaj Corp

Deutsche Bank has a buy call on the stock with a lower target price of Rs 475 and has also cut FY17/18/19 earnings by 6, 10, and 11 percent, respectively. The firm foresees strain on wholesales to continue in the first quarter of this fiscal. The demand environment continues to remain subdued, while rural growth is yet to return post demonetisation. The brokerage house sees potential for P/E rerating in medium term even though the short-term is cloudy.

NTPC

Deutsche Bank has reiterated its buy call on the stock with a target price of Rs 195. It sees a good buying opportunity in the weakness around offer for sale (OFS) by the government. The research firm expects NTPC to increase commissioning to 6-8 GW per annum over the next three years. Along with that, it sees an expansion of 300 basis points in return on equity (RoE) to 14.5 percent by FY19. Key risks to the stock include slower than expected execution rate as well as old plant shutdowns on environment norms.

Oil & Gas

CLSA has maintained a sell call on BPCL and HPCL. The research firm believes that the dynamic pricing of retail fuel is a positive step and reduces risk of returning to subsidy regime, but sees challenges for oil marketing companies (OMCs) to adopt it. Furthermore, it sees objections from petrol pump dealers on higher volatility in profits.

For OMCs, recovery in Brent and competition limits the chance of a rise in marketing margins, CLSA added. IOC, BPCL and HPCL could lose 4-9 percent of 2018 earnings per share.

IOC

Macquarie has initiated coverage on the stock with an outperform rating and a target of Rs 550. It forecasts expansion in benchmark refining margins to an average of USD 7 per barrel. It also finds the stock relatively inexpensive at 6.7 times one year forward EV-EBITDA. The one-year bull case is Rs 630 per share if benchmark Singapore GRM expands to USD 8 per barrel, but may see 10 percent downside if the same falls to USD 5 per barrel.

BPCL

Macquarie has initiated coverage with an outperform rating and a target of Rs 860, implying 25 percent potential upside. Expansion in Kochi as well as benchmark GRMs could support earnings, it feels. Furthermore, the model companys earnings will show 16 percent CAGR over the next three years. It has a one-year bull case of Rs 1,030 with 45 percent upside of Singapore GRMs expand to USD 8 per barrel, while a 15 percent downside is possible if Singapore GRM falls to USD 5 per barrel.

HPCL

The firm offers the highest gearing to refining margins, the brokerage house said. One-year bull case for the stock is Rs 890 with 65 percent upside if Singapore GRMs expand to USD 8 per barrel, while a 35 percent downside is likely if the same falls to USD 5 per barrel.
Sharmila Joshi of sharmilajoshi.com told CNBC-TV18, "I would look at JSW Steel or preferably something from the aluminium space, like Hindalco Industries. Largely because I think the news development on the aluminium front seems to be more encouraging than the other metals. The other concern for me is that metals have had a huge rally in this last year. So from that perspective also, you need to be a little careful in terms of the fact that your waiting period now to make returns from these current prices could be longer. So you need to be a little sure that you are getting in at a descent price."

"So the other advice would obviously be to try and buy on dips like in the last week or so, we have seen a good correction on the entire metal basket, so that could have given you a good opportunity to enter. So wait for a correction like that before you enter and as I said I would prefer either a JSW Steel or a Hindalco to SAIL ," she added.
The Delhi Police on Monday arrested Sukesh Chandrasekar, the alleged middleman who struck a Rs 50-crore deal with AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran to help influence the war over the partys election symbol of two leaves. Police also seized Rs 1.5 crore and a BMW and a Mercedes car from him.

The alleged 27-year-old middleman from Bengaluru, who also goes by the name Balaji, has a colourful history of his own.

His tryst with crime started at the age of 17 when the ambitious lad from Bishop Cotton School was arrested in connection with a scam in the Bengaluru Development Authority.

He later graduated to become a master conman who duped close to 100 people across the country of almost Rs 50 crore by posing as a relative of leading politicians.

Sukesh, who always wanted a lavish lifestyle, used his ill-gotten wealth to buy luxury cars like Rolls Royce, Ferrari and Maserati, and expensive watches.

In 2013, the then Chennai Police Commissioner S George ordered a Central Crime Branch (CCB) team led by inspector K Vijayakumar to travel to the national capital after the Delhi police had caught Chandrasekhar in Kolkata on April 4.

Chandrasekhar had befriended Bengaluru actress Leena Maria Paul through Facebook and promised her roles in movies. Although the Madras Cafe actor called his bluff soon, she stuck around thanks to the lavish lifestyle.

According to the police, Sukesh used the services of bodyguards and cars with red beacons to convince his targets that he was a relative of politicians. One of the cars even had a Member of Parliament sticker.

The duo shot into the limelight after they duped Canara Bank in Chennai, where three persons, including a bank manager, had already been arrested for siphoning off Rs 19 crore.

Sukesh posed as an IAS officer and, along with Paul, duped a company on the pretext of facilitating a government project.

Till date, Sukesh has close to 15 FIRs against him and over 100 complaints filed by victims from whom he had extracted crores of rupees.
Myth 3: Everyone who has a mental illness needs medication to manage symptoms | Bulthuis says no two patients are the same. While medicines can help manage symptoms, there are some people with mental illness who do not require medication. For others, medicine is essential for recovery. (Representative image)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicated that his government may bring in a legal framework under which doctors will have to prescribe generic medicines, which are cheaper than equivalent branded drugs, to patients.

Modi said his government brought in a health policy after 15 years and capped the prices of medicines and stents, which has angered some pharmaceutical companies.

Speaking at the inauguration of a charitable hospital here, he exhorted the wealthy people to come forward and contribute towards health care of the needy people.

This country has not been built by the kings and leaders alone but by the power of the people, he said.

"Doctors write prescriptions in such a way that poor people do not understand the handwriting, and he has to buy that medicine from private stores at high prices," Modi said.

"We will bring in a legal framework by which if a doctor writes a prescription, he has to write in it that it will be enough for patients to buy generic medicine and he need not buy any other medicine," he said.

"In our country doctors are less, hospitals are less and medicines are expensive. If one person falls ill in a middle class family, then the financial health of the family gets wrecked. He cannot buy a house, cannot conduct the marriage of daughter," he pointed out.

"It is the government's responsibility that everybody should get health services at minimal price," the PM said.

"We have recently declared a health policy. The health policy has been brought in after 15 years," he said.

"Earlier, the health policy was brought when Atalji (A B Vajpayee) was the Prime Minister. Nothing happened in between (in health sector), which I have to do (now)," Modi said targeting the previous UPA government led by the Congress.

"When I was in Gujarat, I used to attract the wrath of many (by my decisions). Now when I have gone to Delhi, I have been instrumental in making many people angry, everyday I do some work which makes some or other person sulk," he said.

"See these companies which are manufacturing medicines, they used to charge Rs 1,200 for an injection. We called everyone (pharma companies) and ensured that the prices are reduced.

"The prices of 700 medicines were capped so that poor people get medicines at reasonable rates when they face grave diseases," Modi said.

"We have also capped the prices of stents used in heart ailments," he said.

"We have done this work, and you can imagine how angry the manufacturers of medicines will be. Despite the wrath of a very powerful lobby, the government is taking one step after another so that poor people and middle class get quality health services," the Prime Minister said.

He said the government has implemented the 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Pariyojna', where people get generic medicines from stores at reasonable rates.

Modi also stressed on preventive health care saying if people adopt it, they will not have to visit hospitals.

"Preventive health care is very important. My Swachhta Abhiyan (cleanliness campaign) is aimed at preventive healthcare as it has been proved that many diseases are contracted if we live in an unclean environment," he said.

"Yoga is also very important for wellness and I am running a campaign to make it popular across the world," he said.

He exhorted the well-off people to come forward and provide health care to the poor and middle class people.

"We require a jan andolan, jan shakti to provide effective healthcare to every person in the country," he said.

"Our country has a different mentality, our country was not made by governments, our country was not made by kings, neither by leaders, our country was built by the service- oriented approach of our countrymen," he said.

"'Seva permo dharma' has been the motto of our people," the PM said.

"You tell me the dharmshalas outside every important pilgrim town, were they built by the government? Who used to build wells and lakes in villages? Did the government build it? he asked.

"The cow shelters in villages are not built by the government, libraries are not built by government," he said asking people to come forward to build and run hospitals in the rural areas.

Prior to his speech, Modi inaugurated the Rs 400 crore Kiran Multi Super Speciality Hospital and Research Centre, built by Samast Patidar Arogya Trust in Katargam area here.

He had also laid the foundation stone of the hospital when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Chairman of Kingfisher Airlines Vijay Mallya speaks during a news conference about the new Kingfisher Airlines service between London and Bangalore in southern India, in London September 4, 2008. Photo: REUTERS

Britain on Tuesday took a step further in the process of extraditing liquor baron Vijay Mallya to India with Scotland Yard arresting him.

The extradition process from the UK involves a number of steps. Here is a look:

Step 1: Extradition request is made to the Secretary of State. In Mallyas case, a formal extradition request as per Extradition Treaty between India and the UK was handed over to the British High Commission in New Delhi through a note verbale on February 8. This made its way to the Secretary of State

Step 2: Secretary of State certifies the request and sends it to courts. On February 21, when the secretary of state certified Indias request for extradition of Mallya and sent it to the Westminster Magistrates' Court for a district judge to consider issuing a warrant.

Step 3: Judge decides whether to issue a warrant for arrest.

Step 4: The person wanted is arrested and brought before the court and the judge sets a date for the extradition hearing. Mallya was arrested on Tuesday and produced before the Westminster Magistrates' Court for a preliminary hearing after which he was given bail. The date for next hearing is May 17.

Step 5: Extradition hearing begins and judge must be satisfied by these four conditions.

A. Conduct amounts to an extradition offence (dual criminality)B. None of the statutory laws barring extradition apply.C. There is prima facie evidence of guilt (in accusation cases).D. Whether extradition would breach the persons human rights.

Step 6: Judge sends the case to the Secretary of the State for decision after being convinced that all of the procedural requirements are met. The accused can appeal the decision in the high court

Step 7: If the High Court rules against the accused, an appeal can be filed in the Supreme Court against the decision. Extradition is prohibited if:

A) The person could face the deathB) If the person is prosecuted for offenses other than the offences for which they have been extradited

C) The person has already been extradited to the UK from a third state or transferred from the international criminal court

if none of these prohibitions apply, the secretary of state formally orders extradition.
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,
Ex-choir director in Bucks County pleads no contest to molesting two students, secretly filming another
Letter to editor: Voting is necessary to protect democracy
The only one that couldn't make it had a pretty good reason not to be there...

19 hours ago
Disturbance

An angry customer at Taco Bell, 16900 Monterey Road, was warned by police not to return to the restaurant after angrily yelling at employees. The customer was reportedly upset with restaurant staff because her food did not look the same as it did in the picture of the item she ordered. The woman was angry because she is paying for the meal and they arent making her the Beefy Frito Burrito the way theyre supposed to, reads a police report. Eventually, the burrito mystery was solved. The incident was reported 11:38 a.m. April 11.

Reckless vehicle

A gray or white Toyota Tercel was seen spinning donuts in the middle of Tennant Avenue at the intersection of U.S. 101. The car was also seen running two red lights and speeding. The recklessness was reported 7:25 p.m. April 10.

Hit and run

A motorist crashed into a light pole and planter box on the corner of Monterey Road and Third Street, and fled the scene. The damage was reported 8:18 a.m. April 9.

Brandishing

Two children were riding their bicycles in a parking lot near Hale and West Main avenues when a resident on the other side of a fence pointed what appeared to be a rifle or shotgun at them. The children reported the incident to their parents, who reported it to police. Officers determined some other children inside the fence pointed the weapon, which turned out to be a Red Rider BB gun. No arrests or citations were made. The incident was reported 3:21 p.m. April 8.

Accident

Police reported major injuries resulting from a head-on collision at the intersection of East Dunne Avenue and Church Street. A Honda Pilot and Dodge Caravan were involved in the accident, which was reported 10:12 a.m. April 12. One of the drivers complained of chest pain, and was transported to a nearby hospital.

Oversized vehicle parking

Several motorhomes were reported parked on Vineyard Boulevard, obscuring the visibility of motorists exiting the parking lot of nearby businesses. Police told the caller that the vehicles are legally parked on the street. The oversized vehicles were reported 5:10 p.m. April 11.

Municipal code violation

A man was reportedly living in a blue van parked near the intersection of Keith Way and East Edmundson Avenue for three weeks. A witness called police to report the stationary vehicle, and an officer advised the man not to sleep in his vehicle in that area. The violation was reported 1:02 p.m. April 7.

Petty theft

Someone stole a lot of baby formula from Safeway, 235 Tennant Station, and left in a green Acura Integra. The incident was reported 6:37 a.m. April 11.

A thief or thieves stole about $600 worth of tools from a vehicle parked on Brookview Court. The theft was reported 6:30 a.m. April 12.

Someone stole two license plates from a green Toyota Camry parked on the 200 block of Burnett Avenue. The theft was reported 1:31 p.m. April 7.

A thief or thieves stole the front and rear license plates from a white Ford pickup parked at the City Ventures job site on the 18100 block of Old Monterey Road. The theft was reported 5:18 p.m. April 8.

Fraud

A victim who lives in Morgan Hill reported he received two credit cards in the mailone from Target and one from Nordstromthat he did not apply for. He contacted Target, where a representative told him someone entered a store in San Francisco and applied for the card, using the victims name and Social Security number but a North Carolina ID. The fraud was reported 3:14 p.m. April 10.

Someone stole a victims checkbook and used cashed three checks in the total amount of $800. The fraud was reported 6:52 a.m. April 12.

Miscellaneous call

A resident of Murphy Springs Drive reported that an unknown man opened his house door and yelled Hello? It was the second time in a week that the incident occurred at the home. The stranger did not take anything except a container of Altoids breath mints, In case we find someone with Altoids, a police report reads. The incident was reported 6:48 a.m. April 6.

Disturbance

A man entered Wal-Mart, 170 Cochrane Plaza, yelling and screaming before he pulled a knife on employees who tried to escort him out of the store. The employees were able to remove the man from the store without any injuries occurring. Police responded and found the man standing in the parking lot next to his truck, and cited him on suspicion of drug violations. The incident was reported 4 p.m. April 6.

All subjects are innocent until proven guilty. Information is compiled from public records.
Continental will create 160 new jobs during a $40 million expansion of its Morganton facility, according to an announcement on Tuesday.

The expansion and new jobs is a result of the companys plans to add a new product line, according to a release from Burke Development Inc. The company is expected to hire for the new jobs over the next five years, according to officials.

Because of the new jobs and expansion, North Carolina announced the company will receive a Job Development Investment Grant. A building reuse grant also will be considered for approval later this week.

Under the terms of the JDIG, the company is eligible to receive up to $1,604,700 in total reimbursements, according to a release from Gov. Roy Cooper. Payments will occur in annual installments over 12 years pending verification by N.C. Commerce and N.C. Revenue that the company has met job creation and investment goals. JDIGs reimburse new and expanding companies a portion of the newly created tax-base while still increasing the overall revenue benefit to the state of North Carolina.

Its encouraging when a major manufacturer decides to keep expanding right here in North Carolina, Cooper said. Im confident that Continental will find the skilled workers they need to fill these new jobs and put more money in the pockets of people in Burke and neighboring counties.

Continental will hire all levels of advanced manufacturing positions from machine operators to skilled maintenance workers to support the expansion of the company. Salaries will vary by position, with a total annual payroll impact of more than $5 million, according to the release from the governor.

The Morganton Plant has a proven record for producing the current brake system and is a natural fit for expansion to meet the production needs of our newest product, said Samir Salman, CEO of Continental, North America. Thanks to the generous support of the state and local officials, we are pleased to make an investment that plans to expand production of our latest innovative safety technology.

The Burke County Board of Commissioners is expected to decide Tuesday evening on an economic incentive package for the companys expansion. Before Tuesdays announcement, county economic development officials referred to the expansion as Project Stop.

The incentive package is two types of grants, with one being a reimbursement to the company for improvements to its facility and property. The grant would be an amount equal to 75 percent of the ad valorem property taxes due to the county and the city of Morganton, according to the information. The countys part of the incentive would be around $209,000 per year, starting with the 2017-18 budget.

The grant would be paid based on the increased tax base created by the expansion of the company for seven years, beginning in fiscal year 2017-18. The incentive also is based on the company creating a certain number of new jobs at its plant within three years, county information says.

In addition, county commissioners and Morganton City Council will consider a $200,000 local match on the building re-use grant from the state based on the company spending at least $2 million on the project. The countys portion would be $113,340 paid out over a three-year period, according to the county.

"This is a great project and we're excited to announce it," said Jeff Brittain, chairman of the Burke County commissioners. "Not only are the new jobs important but solidifying the existing jobs was key to the project. We hope this means Continental will be here in Burke County for a long time to come."

Continental began operations in Burke County in 1992 and has two facilities in the county. The main plant, where the expansion will take place, manufactures anti-lock braking systems. The new product line and reason for the expansion is Continental's next generation MK C1 Integrated brake system, a release from BDI said.

"Continental is very important to the City of Morganton," Mayor Ronnie Thompson said in the BDI release. "The jobs are high tech, automated and are an example of what manufacturing is going to be in the future. We're very proud to see them growing in our community."

Alan Wood, president and CEO of BDI, said, "This project shows the importance of teamwork in economic development. The list of partners on a project of this size is impressive and I am very pleased at how they worked together to win the project for the citizens of Morganton and Burke County."

The state release said the entities partnering with N.C. Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina on the project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Burke Development, Inc., Burke County, city of Morganton, Western Piedmont Council of Governments, Western Piedmont Community College and ElectriCities.

Continental, with North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, is one of the top five automotive suppliers worldwide, the state release on the expansion said. The company currently employs more than 400 people in Morganton.
New Ratings

David Holder

Investors in Mid Wynd International benefit from an experienced and close-knit team of three fund managers who work in a collegial environment and whose skills are well suited, in our view, to successfully execute the investment approach behind this proposition. All three managers have been involved in this strategy since 2011 through the similarly managed Artemis Global Select fund and have compiled a solid track record.

The process seeks to identify quality companies that are trading at attractive valuations and are poised to benefit from identified long-term secular growth trends. We also like the trusts fee structure which is transparent and straightforward at 0.5% of net assets, which leads to a competitive ongoing charge of 0.75%. The managers experience wedded with a rigorous process make this fund a compelling offering within the global equity space.

Downgrades

Allianz Actions Euro Midcap  Bronze

Ronald van Genderen

In our view, below-par quality of execution of the strategy has led to disappointingly weak stock selection in the recent five years. This caused the fund to significantly underperform in four of the past five calendar years. Our conviction in the team managing this fund has been largely built on the presence of Frank Hansen. His team counts seven portfolio managers/analysts, as Heinrich Ey joined as co-head of the team in April 2016. His arrival is welcome, also with regard to long-term succession planning.

Nevertheless, although not imminent, the departure of Hansen would be a loss. The consistent bottom-up approach focuses on high-growth, high-quality stocks from the eurozone mid- and small-cap equity segment, and company analysis remains at the forefront. Although we maintain an above-average opinion on this team and process, we have lost part of our conviction.

Ronald van Genderen

In our view, below-par quality of execution of the strategy has led to disappointingly weak stock selection in the recent five years. This caused the fund to significantly underperform in four of the past five calendar years. Our conviction in the team managing this fund has been largely built on the presence of Frank Hansen. His team counts seven portfolio managers/analysts, as Heinrich Ey joined as co-head of the team in April 2016. His arrival is welcome, also with regard to long-term succession planning.

Nevertheless, although not imminent, the departure of Hansen would be a loss. The consistent bottom-up approach focuses on high-growth, high-quality stocks from the European small-cap equity segment, and company analysis remains at the forefront. Although we maintain an above-average opinion on this team and process, we have lost part of our conviction.

Ratings Moved from Under Review

Carlos Lucar

We have reinstated BGF Global Corporate Bonds Morningstar Analyst Rating of Bronze. Andreas Doerrenhaus replaced Owen Murfin as the lead manager of the fund in March 2017. The change was part of a consolidation of the unconstrained and benchmark-aware credit groups within BlackRocks global bond team, with Doerrenhaus now leading the combined group. Doerrenhaus, who joined BlackRock in 2010 and has led the firms global unconstrained credit strategies in Europe since 2015, has been involved in running credit strategies for over a decade.

We believe his skills are beneficial here. Moreover, the 8-strong global bond team led by experienced investor and BlackRock veteran Scott Thiel, has been strengthened with addition of three credit specialists, over and above the two who supported Murfin in the day-to-day management of this fund. Thus, despite the change in leadership here, our concerns are alleviated by Doerrenhaus experience, continuity provided by members of the global bond team and BlackRocks deep analytical resources at his disposal.
Looking for fund ideas to add your portfolio? Morningstar analysts positively rate the funds they think will outperform peers over the medium to long-term based on five criteria; the fund manager, the parent company, past performance, the investment process and the funds annual charge.

The highest rating that can be bestowed on a fund is the Gold Rating  although this is not a buy recommendation. It is up to the individual investor, or their financial adviser, to decide on the best asset allocation to meet their investment needs. First you decide which asset class, geographical region or sector exposure you want  then you can use Morningstar ratings to find the best possible fund for you.

These five funds are among the few which are currently Gold Rated, plus have secured a five-star performance rating, meaning they have outperformed their peers over a rolling-three-year basis. Note that this does not mean they have delivered the best performance across the entire fund universe, indeed they could have lost money in the past three years, but they are the best in class.

BlackRock Gold & General This troubled fund was hit hard when commodity prices tanked a few years ago  but within its sector it is one of the best performers and Morningstar analysts have faith in the manager Evy Hambros consistent approach and longer-term track record. Morningstar analyst Fatima Zhizou says this fund remains a strong offering for investors seeking mainstream gold and precious-metals equity exposure in a risk-controlled manner. The long-term record indicates Hambro has been successful in adding value by applying the outcome of the teams detailed commodity and company analysis in a risk- and liquidity-aware manner, says Zhizou. Comgest Growth Europe This long-term investment strategy is managed with the highest level of expertise, says Morningstar analyst Mathieu Caquineau.



This funds approach is solely focused on quality companies capable of growing independently of the economic cycle. These companies generally have a dominant commercial position, solid management, and a sound balance sheet, says Caquineau. Stocks belonging to the most cyclical sectors, including financials, are therefore deliberately excluded. Conversely, the team favours sectors in which companies have a strong competitive advantage like health care or technology. Dodge & Cox Worldwide Global Stock Investors who share the managers patience and long-term investment horizon have been well served thus far, says Khizou of this Gold Rated fund.



Dodge & Cox launched this global fund in 2009. While that's a relatively short track record to achieve our highest Morningstar Analyst Rating of Gold, a mirror global fund sold in the US has been running since 2008, a global ex-US fund was launched in 2001, and a US equity fund has been in existence for even longer, she explains. We list these funds because in addition to their excellent records, there is considerable overlap between them in terms of the stocks and the named managers, who apply the same investment process across all Dodge & Cox strategies. Schroder Tokyo Schroder Tokyo is one of the strongest funds for Japanese equities Morningstar fund analysts cover, says Peter Brunt. Manager Andrew Rose has run Japanese-equity portfolios since the 1980s and is one of the most experienced equity managers in the peer group, continues Brunt. He is supported by a strong team of analysts and portfolio managers based in Tokyo, which he headed until he moved back to London in 2006. We believe he is adept at using the resources to his advantage, and the quality of the groups in-house research capability gives it an edge. Veritas Global Focus Veritas Global Focus remains amongst the strongest offerings in its sector, says Morningstars Muna Abu-Habsa. A major strength of this fund is its management. Charles Richardson and Andrew Headley, who previously worked together at Newton, have been at the helm since the fund was launched in 2003. The funds standout characteristic is the extent to which the managers aim to deliver real returns to investors. Indeed, preservation and growth of capital are considered to be of more importance than benchmark risk, and the portfolio is managed with little regard to an index.
Maintaining independence and editorial freedom is essential to our mission of empowering investor success. We provide a platform for our authors to report on investments fairly, accurately, and from the investors point of view. We also respect individual opinionsthey represent the unvarnished thinking of our people and exacting analysis of our research processes. Our authors can publish views that we may or may not agree with, but they show their work, distinguish facts from opinions, and make sure their analysis is clear and in no way misleading or deceptive.

To further protect the integrity of our editorial content, we keep a strict separation between our sales teams and authors to remove any pressure or influence on our analyses and research.

Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process.
Ontario real estate markets lead the way during substantial quarterly growth, Vancouver prepares for resurgence, and other trends identified in Royal LePages Q1 housing report.The country as a whole saw its average home prices spike in the first quarter of 2017, with the average price jumping 12.6% year-over-year to $574,575, according to Royal LePages proprietary data which comprises stats from 53 of the countrys major housing markets.That was led by impressive growth in Ontario; specifically the GTA and outlying markets, with potential buyers forced outside the major city centre to far-flung areas such as the Golden Horseshoe, London, and even Windsor.After years of heading in the same direction, Toronto and Vancouvers housing paths have diverged.For the first time in several years, real estate markets in Vancouver and Toronto are headed in opposite directions, said Phil Soper, President and CEO, Royal LePage. The Vancouver market stalled, as confused consumers took to the sidelines after a series of uncoordinated moves by all three levels of government. With the housing shortage becoming more acute, Toronto easily stepped forward to assume the title of Canadas most overheated real estate market.Royal LePage is forecasting a price reset in B.C.s Lower Mainland, following months of price drops due to eroding affordability and housing policy discouraging buyers.Vancouver house prices are up compared to the first quarter of 2016, yet this doesnt tell the complete story, Soper said. For weeks now, we have witnessed a steady fall in real estate values in the Lower Mainland, with sales activity down some 40% compared to recent norms.There is now reason to believe that the market correction underway in Vancouver may be short-lived. The principal victims of the B.C. governments foreign buyer tax were Canadians who had planned to sell or buy a home and were frightened away by unsubstantiated rhetoric in which the Chinese were entirely to blame for Vancouvers housing shortage, Soper continued. The reality is that as much as 90% of the housing activity that disappeared overnight in the Lower Mainland after the tax was introduced was from Canadian residents, not foreign investors. Homebuyers are waking up to this reality and may be ready to rush back into the market.Although last years foreign buyer tax did achieve the governments goal of cooling Vancouvers housing market, buyers will likely jump back into the market and create a pendulum effect, according to Royal LePage.An unfortunate side effect of heavy-handed regulatory intervention is that we risk market whiplash, Soper said. In the coming weeks, it is possible that six months of pent-up demand will be unleashed on the market, sending prices sharply upward again; this when the pre-intervention 2016 trend was a natural market slowdown based on eroding affordability.The hasty introduction of new real estate-related regulations or taxes in Ontario, in the absence of data and analysis to support these policy moves, could lead to a sharp price correction, impacting not only household wealth, but damaging the broader Canadian economy as well, said Soper. We applaud the Canadian governments federal budget commitment to partner with the provinces and municipalities to create a coordinated national housing strategy.
Those who are looking to benefit from a windfall in Canadas overheated housing market should act now before the market shifts or the government intervenes further, according to real estate agents.Sarah Blakely of Toronto recounted the recent sale of her renovated three-bedroom home for more than $1 million, after she and her husband managed to purchase a four-bedroom home in Ottawa. Seven years earlier, the couple spent a little over $300,000 on the sold property.My husband and I saw an opportunity to take advantage of the recent gains in real estate and to move to a less expensive city to live mortgage-free, support our savings for retirement and also to be closer to family, Blakely told CBC News.Josie Stern, the couples agent, stated that the transaction came at just the right time, as it would be unlikely that the home will be able to sell for that much in the near future.A little bit of air has been let out of the bubble, Stern said, noting that price growth seems to be cooling a bita situation that Vancouver real estate agent Melissa Wu is intimately familiar with.Wu said that while her recent deals included a $2-million sale for a hundred-year-old home in east Vancouver, the transaction took three weeks to materializefar longer than it would have last year.Wu encouraged Toronto homeowners to sell as soon as they can, explaining that their market is in an enviable position at the moment.Theres always a shift coming in, she said. Sell before it corrects.

Related stories:

Finance Minister urging govt officials to address Toronto bubble concerns

Bubble talks ramp up
The chairman of the House Financial Services Committee says hell unveil a new draft of a bill to overhaul the Doff-Frank Act by the end of the month.A spokesperson for Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) said that the congressman has set a deadline for rolling out the updated version of the bill, according to a CNNMoney report.Heretofore, Hensarling has been cagey when it came to providing a timeline for the updated Financial Choice Act. But now the Texas Republican appears to be riding in the wake of President Donald Trumps recent promise to CEOs that there would soon be a major elimination of Dodd-Frank regulations.Sources told CNNMoney that Hensarling had been waiting for a go-ahead from leadership before releasing the updated bill. The latest version would drastically slash the authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and place it more directly under White House control, according to the report. It would also restructure the agencys leadership regime, eliminating the single director in favor of a commission.In addition, the revamped CFPB would be stripped of its authority to crack down on unfair or deceptive practices, according to CNNMoney.
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When a writer recently read his short story to fourth-graders at Rusk Elementary, some students noticed familiar themes. Local author Mark S. Parker considered their suggestions while writing the fictional piece.

Parker this month shared The Flying D Ghost, a work that will be published in the upcoming Permian Basin Bookies anthology West Texas Lore and Legend. He said he values the opportunity to interact weekly with students.

Im glad theyre so interested, Parker said. They have great questions and input. If they dont like something, they let me know.

The author usually meets with groups of Rusk students to discuss his published childrens book, Shaky Man. Cary Garton, fourth-grade reading and social studies teacher, said the sessions are beneficial for the students.

They read a chapter or two at a time, Garton said. They discuss the chapter and can ask why he did what he did with a character. ,,, It has been invaluable. How many times do you get to ask the author?

Garton said the conversations help students understand topics addressed on standardized tests.

STAAR [State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness] has a lot of questions about themes or inferences, Garton said. He will ask them what will happen with a character.

Students also have the opportunity to learn about the brainstorming and publication processes. The Midland writers insight makes an impact, according to Garton.

Some have thought they might be an author, Garton said. Having someone as an author locally shows you dont have to be in NYC. You can be in Midland, Texas. You can write about your own experiences.

Rusk Principal Leslie Goodrum recognizes the teachers efforts to connect Parker to fourth-grade students.

Shes amazing at bringing in our community members to talk to our kids, Goodrum said.

Parkers fictional works are based on topics from his Texas upbringing. The Flying D Ghost, set in Wickett, draws from family and local legends. He also considered personal experience while writing Shaky Man, which has a Central Texas setting.

What I know I wanted to share, Parker said. What Shaky Man is all about is segregated life in the 60s. Thats all Ive known.

Through conversations with the author, Garton said students have the opportunity to discuss Shaky Man themes in a comfortable setting.

The book is fiction but based on things like segregation and prejudice, Garton said. It has so many things in history where weve learned about our mistakes as a country.

Garton first invited Parker to speak to students in November. Over time, she said students have enjoyed suggesting topics for the authors works.

They realize he was interested in them, Garton said. The best blessing more than academics is to have someone interested in them.






The city of Midland appears willing to invest in a mixed-use, master-planned community thats designed to celebrate the spirit of West Texas.

At last weeks meeting, the Midland City Council voted on a sales tax reimbursement for Continuum Partners, which plans a 37.5-acre, mixed-use, master-planned community. Westridge Commons, as it is called on Continuums website, will bring more than 1 million square feet of new residential, office and retail space organized around a dynamic set of public spaces.

Continuums website also shows mixed-use projects in Denver and Lincoln, Nebraska.

The projects will take place northwest of the intersection of State Highway 191 and Loop 250. Continuum on its website reports the project will be across the street from Chevron and Oxys new regional headquarters. The city is reporting two phases of construction.

More Information What the city gets: - a 37.5-acre, mixed-use, master-planned community - more than 1 million square feet of new residential, office and retail space - private roads, open spaces and amenities that the city will not be required to build and maintain What developer gets: - 80 percent of the city sales tax generated as a result of the project for 10 years - 50 to 80 percent of sales tax generated depending on future development See More Collapse

The deal is a new one for Midland -- or at least hasnt been done in many years. It features a Chapter 380 economic development agreement, which, in this case, will allow for a refund of a portion of the sales tax generated by the project, and will last a maximum of 20 years.

According to the city, once the first phase of construction has been completed, the agreement allows developers to keep -- through reimbursement -- 80 percent of the city sales tax generated as a result of the project for 10 years, and then that amount would be lowered to 50 percent for the next five years if the second phase hasnt taken place yet.

Upon completion of the projects second phase, developers could again start receiving 80 percent of the sales tax generated from the entire project for up to another 10 years, with any remaining time (up to five years) lowering the refund to 50 percent.

The resolution for the agreement lists benefits the city would realize as a result of the project: private roads, open spaces and amenities that the city of Midland will not be required to build and maintain, and the property tax revenues from the development and the portion the city would receive from sales tax generated.

Frank Salvato, assistant city manager with the city of Midland, said he helped with a Chapter 380 agreement when he was city manager in Bee Cave. That $21 million agreement, according to the Austin Business Journal, called for roughly 1 million square feet of retail, office, restaurant and residential uses at the Hill Country Galleria.

No city wants to open up sales tax reimbursement to everybody, Salvato said. This would help bring in property values and additional retail you wouldnt have otherwise and offer public improvements.

According to the Texas Comptrollers site, Chapter 380 of the Local Government Code authorizes municipalities to offer incentives designed to promote economic development such as commercial and retail projects. Specifically, it provides for offering loans and grants of city funds or services at little or no cost to promote state and local economic development and to stimulate business and commercial activity. In order to provide a grant or loan, a city must establish a program to implement the incentives. Before proceeding, cities must review their city charters or local policies that may restrict a citys ability provide a load or grant.








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The first death penalty trial is underway in Orange County since Gov. Rick Scott took nearly two dozen death penalty cases from Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala.

Juan Rosario murder trial underway

Accused of murdering Elena Ortega and setting her home on fire

Was reassigned to State Attorney Brad King

The State of Florida versus Juan Rosario, which began on Monday, is under the jurisdiction of State Attorney Brad King.

Rosario's case was reassigned to King, who was designated special prosecutor.

King normally prosecutes cases in Marion, Citrus, Lake, Sumter and Hernando counties. King decided the state would pursue the death penalty in Rosario's case.

However, King is letting three of State Attorney Aramis Ayala's top prosecutors try this case.

Last month, Ayala pledged that her office would not seek the death penalty in applicable cases.

Rosario is accused of murdering 83-year-old Elena Ortega and setting her home on fire. Ortega was found dead inside her burning home in September 2013.

Rosario's attorney wants jurors to keep an open mind and weigh all of the evidence.

"Do you think how a person was raised, what they're exposed to as a child, should be a consideration?" defense attorney Roger Weeden questioned one prospective juror.

"The current statute is if the jury comes back with a life sentence, that the court will impose life," said Judge Leticia Marques, who presides over cases in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Orange and Osceola counties.

"If the jury comes back with a recommendation of death, it must be unanimous and I then give that great weight," Judge Marques said.

Even with a unanimous jury recommendation of death, Rosario's fate will ultimately be decided by Judge Marques.

"I have the authority to override and sentence someone to life without the possibility of parole. That's how it works," Judge Marques explained.

Once a jury is selected, Juan Rosario's trial is expected to last two to three weeks. If convicted, the death penalty phase of his case would take place in late May or early June.

The 21 reassigned death penalty cases

After State Attorney Ayala announced that her office would not seek the death penalty, Gov. Scott reassigned 21 cases to State Attorney Brad King. Some of these cases are active, but many of them are appeals or sentences vacated because of the Supreme Court overturned Florida's death penalty process. These are the 21 cases:

DARELL AVANT

Charged with 2013 beating death of 5-year-old son

Trial tentatively set to begin May 30, with status hearing on May 17

DEMORRIS ANDY HUNTER

Charged with 2002 strangling death of Teresa Green

Accused of strangling Green after an argument at a party, stuffing her body into a car trunk, fled to Texas

Hunter was already supposed to be serving a life sentence for murder in California

Trial tentatively set to begin May 30, with status hearing on May 17

LARRY PERRY

Accused of slamming infant son against a wall in 2013, killing him

JUAN ROSARIO

Accused in 2013 killing of 83-year-old Elena Ortega

Accused of beating her, robbing her, setting her house on fire and leaving her to die

Indicted by a grand jury in 2014

SANEL SAINT-SIMON

Accused of 2014 murder of 16-year-old Alexandria Chery, his ex-girlfriend's daughter

DOLAN DARLING (AKA SEAN SMITH)

Re-sentencing for 1998 murder and rape conviction

Darling was sent to death row by an 11-1 jury vote

Sentence vacated in March after Florida death penalty process declared unconstitutional

STEVEN MAURICE EVANS

Convicted for 1996 torture and murder of 28-year-old Kennedy Lewis

Jury sentenced him to death on an 11-1 vote

In January, Evans attorney's filed to vacate death sentence based on the constitutionality of a non-majority jury sentence

That was rejected because the Florida Supreme Court already made a final decision on the case

DAVID SYLVESTER FRANCES

Convicted of murdering 41-year-old Helena Mills and 17-year-old niece in 2000

Frances sentenced to death in non-majority jury vote

Judge vacated the sentence in March

New hearing set for May

THOMAS LEE GUDINAS

Convicted of raping, murdering Michelle McGrath in 1994

11-1 jury death penalty vote

Motion to vacate sentence denied in March

JOHN S. HUGGINS

Convicted and sentenced to death for 1997 murder of Carla Larson

Case was retried in 2002 but Huggins was convicted again

Management conference set for April 18

SONNY RAY JEFFRIES

Convicted of 1993 murder of Wilma Martin

Sentenced to death in a non-majority jury vote

Motion to vacate death sentence denied

JERMAINE LEBRON

Convicted in 1995 of killing known as the "Red Truck Murder"

Case been tried more than four times

DERRICK MCLEAN

Convicted of murdering teen during a home invasion in 2004

Sentence vacated in March because of jury vote

Hearing held in May

LIONEL MICHAEL MILLER

Convicted in 2007 of killing 72-year-old Jerry Smith

Miller requesting judge vacate the death sentence

ROBERT IRA PEEDE

Convicted in 1984 for killing estranged wife

Peede filed motion to vacate death sentence in 2017

THEODORE RODGERS JR.

Sentenced to death in 2004 for killing his wife

Hearing was scheduled for April 3, but delayed because King was assigned the case

No new hearing date set

HENRY PERRY SIRECI JR.

Convicted of murder in 1976

Hearing set for April 21

DUSTY RAY SPENCER

Convicted of killing his wife in 1992

Sentenced to death by a 7-5 jury vote

Hearing set for April 21

WILLIAM MELVIN WHITE

Sentenced to death for killing Gracie May Crawford

Sentence vacated in 1999; was resentenced to death

New request to vacate death sentence

TODD A. ZOMMER
Saying goodbye is never easy.

Long live Chris," yelled a crowd of a few hundred people gathered at Round Lake Park in Oviedo.

Vigil honored Chris Johnson in Oviedo

Johnson was hit by a car over the weekend

Some 300 people came to the vigil

Everyone there came dressed in red in memory of Chris Johnson, 16.

"I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him, I love him," said Johnson's mother Lakiesha Johnson.

Chris was hit by a van Saturday and later died from his injuries. For the teen's surviving family, 16 years was just not enough.

"I was just with him," said Demarco Jarrett, crying. "And the last thing he told me was Love you bro. That is the last thing he told me."

The crash happened on Chinaberry Ave. and Harrison St. in Oviedo. A little wooden cross sits at the spot now.

Many of the details surrounding the teen's death are still unknown.

Whoever this person is, this young man is, you need to come forth. I dont care what the situation is, I dont care what happened, you need to make peace with yourself and come in," said Janice Jarrett, Chris' grandmother.

The Seminole County Sheriffs Office is investigating and doesnt believe Chris' death was random. But three days later, no one has been arrested. So far, only a person of interest has been questioned.

I couldnt believe it, me and her were both in shock," said Alexa-Rae Garcia and Lauren Ramos, friends of Chris.

Both girls describe Chris as extremely kind.

"He was always really happy, really always laughing and always making sure were OK, it was really nice," said Garcia.

Monday night, actions spoke even louder than the kind words though, when close to 300 people participated in the vigil.

"We consider you all family. You are family," said Lakiesha.

Arm in arm and with sad hearts, the group decided not to mourn Chris, but to celebrate a soul taken too soon.

"So lets make a joyful noise for Christoper," exclaimed Jarrett.

"Christopher!" yelled the crowd as they released balloons into the evening sky.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Seminole County Sheriffs Office.
HART -- The Hart City Council met in regular session Tuesday, April 11 at Hart City Hall.

City Secretary Monica Guzman presented to the council final drafts of the General and Utility Budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. Its been tradition that the city secretary deals with the budget each year. No mention was made if newly-named City Administrator Adrian Rosas would now oversee the budget.

The General Fund Budget, ending the year on April 30, 2018, shows a loss of $7,200. Income is budgeted at $208,400, with $90,000 from property tax revenue and $64,000 from franchise fees. Sales tax is projected at $45,000.

General Fund expenses total $215,600. Payroll expense is $65,150.00, which includes the full-time city secretary and her part-time assistant. Included in this are health insurance premiums and retirement expenses. The other three employees are paid through the Utility Fund.

The Utility Fund also begins the year with an expected loss, of $33,656. Utility revenues (trash, sewer and water) total $315,000. Total utility income is projected at $319,174.

Expenses are projected at $352,830. Payroll expense is the largest expenditure, totaling $168,680.

There was no discussion on ending the next fiscal year in the red for both funds. According to the budget figures presented by the city secretary, the current year will end in the black for both General and Utility Funds.

In other business, the council approved a Municipal Maintenance Agreement between the Hart and the Texas Department of Transportation. Presented by TxDOT, the agreement notes that jurisdiction on city streets, highways and roads rests with the city council, except for those declared as controlled-access highways by TxDOT, namely Broadway (FM 168). Similar agreements are executed by TxDOT with every incorporated Texas city with at least one state highway within its jurisdiction.

The remaining streets are maintained by the city. Rosas, city administrator, said current practice is to resurface six streets each year, which mean that all the city streets are resurfaced every 10 years. In the new General Budget, $65,000 is allocated for street repairs.

The council approved resignations of Vickie Etheridge and Lupe Velasquez from the Hart Economic Development Corporation, and approved appointments of Roy Gonzales and Ezekiel Barron.

One of the city pickups, a 2002 Ford utility vehicle, Rosas reported, is in need of repairs. He said the pickup has 85,000 miles, and Mayor Eliazar Castillo said he thinks its worth repairing. Rosas contacted a local mechanic and learned the cost to replace a motor, parts and labor is $3,100. Rosas noted the figure was quoted three weeks ago. The council voted to repair the pickup, with no specific figure mentioned in the motion.

Guzman told the council that her part-time assistant, Corie Longoria, will be leaving soon on maternity leave, and City Hall will be closing at noon during her absence. Residents are reminded that there is a drop at City Hall for utility customers to leave payments.

During the Open Forum, Mayor Castillo told press representative Neoma Williams that he did not want her speaking unless called on during a meeting. He mentioned that Williams had said in news reports that the council had done things wrong. He included Guzman and Rosas in this, telling them not to speak during a meeting unless requested to do so by the council.

After the meeting, Williams asked Castillo for clarification on these things. Castillo admitted he doesnt read newspapers, but said some council members had complained about the press. He did not provide specifics. Williams does report possible violations of the Texas Open Meetings Law. She contacted Texas Press Association in March regarding council members getting together in an informal setting to discuss city business in direct violation of the law. At the March meeting, she noticed that it seemed evident that some council members had discussed agenda items prior to the meeting. There are two council members who work at the same business, and other council members have been seen at that business. Four members constitute a quorum.
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A 23-year-old high school teacher in Benicia was arrested for having sex with a 17-year-old student who she let keep stolen property in her car on campus, police said Monday.

Benicia High School teacher Riana Lane turned herself in Sunday and was arrested on suspicion of engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and oral copulation with a minor, according to the Benicia Police Department.

Please be assured we will fully cooperate with the Benicia Police Department on all aspects of this investigation, Benicia school superintendent Charles F. Young said.

Lane was placed on leave, the Vallejo Times-Herald reported. She taught special education and English at the school, according to a staff directory.

On April 7, police said staff at the school contacted investigators to report that the student had been seen leaving the school several times that week. Officers said they discovered that he was walking to Lanes car when he did so.

An ensuing search of the car uncovered marijuana edibles inside her car and stolen property from two vehicles thefts in Benicia March 23 and 28, police said.

Lane, a Benicia resident, was then arrested and released with a citation for misdemeanor possession of stolen property and possession of marijuana on a school campus, police said.

The student, who was not identified because he is a minor, was arrested for petty theft and released to a parent, police said.

An email sent to Lanes school address was returned with an error message saying the account had been disabled.
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A California contractor already facing possible state fines in the death of a bulldozer driver during last years massive Soberanes Fire along the Big Sur coast has been charged with six felonies related to alleged tax evasion and insurance fraud.

Ian Czirban, head of Czirban Concrete Construction of Madera County, was charged Friday in Monterey County with the criminal counts, said the district attorneys Office. He was also charged with failing to provide employees workers compensation insurance, a misdemeanor.

Managing Deputy District Attorney Ed Hazel said an investigation began in October after the Contractor State License Board informed prosecutors that Czirban did not provide workers compensation insurance.

If you have one form of fraud, its typical to have other forms of fraud going on as well, Hazel said.

Czirban has not been arrested but was ordered to appear at a May 11 arraignment, Hazel said. Czirban did not respond to a request for comment.

The criminal charges are separate from the five citations filed by state workplace safety regulator Cal/OSHA against Czirbans company. The citations stemmed from the July 26 death of Robert Reagan III, a 35-year-old equipment operator from Friant (Fresno County) whose bulldozer rolled as he battled the Soberanes Fire, the costliest fire in U.S. history.

The wildfire, sparked by an illegal, unattended campfire, burned across more than 132,000 acres.

The company received citations with proposed fines totaling $20,000 for purportedly failing to report the injury, failing to ensure employees wore seat belts and failing to adequately inform employees of dangers, among other allegations.

But in an appeal to the state, Czirban contends he did not employ Reagan, who he said worked for the Tulare County contractor Foothill H20. Efforts to reach Foothill H20 were unsuccessful.

Czirban said he did not own the equipment Reagan used and that Cal Fire had a handbook with a heat prevention plan that was passed out to all workers at the site.

Scott McLean, a Cal Fire spokesman, said he could not comment, citing an ongoing wrongful death lawsuit against Cal Fire filed on behalf of Reagans wife and children.

A second company that contracted for work on the Soberanes Fire, Industrial Defense Development of Tuolumne County, was fined $6,000 after an employee, 60-year-old John Tiersma, was seriously injured Sept. 11. Cal/OSHA found the company failed to report the injury, establish a written injury and prevention plan and establish a heat prevention plan.

Hazel said his office was not investigating Industrial Defense Development criminally.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
The son of the Oakland City Council president and three Bay Area building company executives have pleaded not guilty to charges of agreeing to accept payoffs from an undercover FBI informant in exchange for favorable treatment on local construction contracts.

Taj Reid, 46, of Oakland, son of Councilman Larry Reid, and Anton Kalafati, 33, of San Francisco, president of the construction firm B Side Inc., entered their pleas Tuesday before a federal magistrate. Derf Butler, 53, of Vallejo, president of Butler Enterprise Group, and Clifton Burch, 49, of San Lorenzo, president of Empire Engineering and Construction, pleaded not guilty on Monday.

All four are free on $50,000 bonds. Arraignments are scheduled in the next week for four more defendants in the bid-rigging case, including Eric Worthen, 45, of Pleasant Hill, a former official with the state Department of Veterans Affairs.

The case is a product of the 2012-14 FBI investigation that led to the convictions of state Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, and Raymond Shrimp Boy Chow, leader of a Chinatown community organization. Yee pleaded guilty to accepting bribes from agents posing as campaign contributors and was sentenced to five years in prison. Chow, found guilty of running his organization as a racketeering enterprise that trafficked in drugs and guns, drew a life sentence.

Keith Jackson, a former San Francisco school board president and a fundraiser for Yee, pleaded guilty to arranging Yees bribes and to other crimes and was sentenced to nine years. Prosecutors said Jackson also met with an undercover FBI informant, who he believed was a developer, and put him contact with defendants in the current case.

A federal grand jury indictment issued April 6 alleged that Taj Reid and Worthen, who was also a former legislative director for Yee, met with the purported developer in 2013 and agreed to accept $12,000 in bribes to help him obtain two state Veterans Affairs construction contracts in Southern California.

Later in 2013, the indictment said, the same informant met with Reid and with Lance and Len Turner, top officials of Turner Group Construction in Oakland, who agreed, for financial benefits, to overbid for a renovation project at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to help the supposed developer win the contract.

In 2014, the indictment said, the informant reached a similar bribery agreement on the Lawrence Berkeley contract with Kalafati, Butler, Burch and another construction executive, Peter McKean of San Mateo, vice president of Townsend Management.

Butlers attorney, Petra Reinecke, said she was confident (he) will be vindicated. Other defense lawyers who were contacted declined to comment.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@egelko
A 24-year-old woman jogging along a Sonoma County road in the middle of the day was tackled by a bearded man who tried to rape her and who remained at large Monday, police said.

The assault and attempted rape occurred just after 1 p.m. Sunday on Norrbom Road near the Sonoma Overlook trail just outside the Sonoma city limits, according to the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office. Such violent crime is rare in the area.
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Arts San Antonio, which is wrapping up its 25th anniversary season, will pay tribute to another landmark anniversary during 2017-18.

Were celebrating 300 years of this city, said John Toohey, president and executive director of the organization. We are calling it the Tricentennial Celebration, and during the calendar year of 2018, all of our programs are dedicated to the celebration.

Heres whats coming:

Nadhi (The River): Love and Longing, Sept. 15, Carver Community Cultural Center: Classical Indian dance choreographer Leela Samson, who specializes in Bharatanatyam dance, is bringing her Spanda Dance Company to perform and give master classes. Samson and her company are based in Chennai, India, one of San Antonios sister cities. Arts San Antonio is partnering with ANJUA San Antonio, a nonprofit that promotes the relationship between the two cities, for the performance.

Aesch Accordion Orchestra and Schlossbrunneli Yodeling Club, Sept. 26, Ruth Taylor Recital Hall, Trinity University: The performers will present a range of music, including Swiss folk tunes, pop and rock music and classical accordion material.

American Rhapsody: The Gershwin Songbook by the Gershwin Big Band: Oct. 14, Charline McCombs Empire Theatre: The New York-based Gershwin Big Band, which Toohey has been trying to book for a while, will perform such standards as Someone to Watch Over Me and I Got Rhythm. The 17-piece band will be joined by vocalist Michael Andrew.

This is the equivalent of a good orchestra playing Beethoven, Toohey said.

Trance by Chucho Valdes and Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Oct. 28, Charline McCombs Empire Theatre: The Latin jazz pianists represent two generations of Cuban music. Valdes founded the influential Afro-Cuban jazz rock band Irakere in 1973. Rubalcaba, who was a child when he first met Valdes, broke through in the 1980s with Grupo Proyecto.

Flamenco Legends by Javier Limon: The Paco de Lucia Project, Nov. 11, Charline McCombs Empire Theatre: The concert is a tribute to de Lucia, a flamenco guitar legend who died in 2014. The band that toured behind him for the last 10 years of his career will perform, as will a flamenco dancer.

Fiesta Navidad, Dec. 15, Lila Cockrell Theatre: Mariachi Divas and Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno are teaming up for the holiday show.

The Nutcracker, Dec. 21, Lila Cockrell Theatre: Mejia Ballet International pays its annual visit to dance the holiday classic. The company will be joined by the San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet.

Tango Fire, Jan. 25, Charline McCombs Empire Theatre: The Buenos Aires-based company is led by famed choreographer German Cornejo. The company captures the sex and sizzle of tango music, Toohey said.

Hot Sardines, Feb. 2, Charline McCombs Empire Theatre: The New York-based jazz combo, which will be making its San Antonio debut, has made a name for itself with its interpretations of standards and other tunes. The bands 2016 recording French Fries & Champagne includes People Will Say Were in Love from the classic musical Oklahoma! as well as a take on Robert Palmers 80s hit Addicted to Love.

You & Me, Feb. 24, Majestic Theatre: The Swiss ensemble Mummenschanz returns to perform its latest pantomime spectacle.

A Tribute to Benny Goodman, March 2, Charline McCombs Empire Theatre: Clarinetist Julian Bliss and his eponymous septet will perform tunes made famous by Goodman, who did the rock music of his age, Toohey said. The concert will mark the groups San Antonio debut.

Cameron Carpenter, March 24, Charline McCombs Empire Theatre: The noted organist will be bringing along his very own instrument, which was designed to digitally reproduce the sound of various American pipe organs. It will be assembled on the Empire stage. This will be Carpenters first performance in San Antonio.

Birdman Live, April 13, Charline McCombs Empire Theatre: The title sums it up. The Oscar-winning 2014 movie Birdman will be screened while percussionist Antonio Sanchez performs his score live.

Arturo Sandoval and his Sextet, April 21, Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University: The famed jazz trumpeter returns. He will be giving master classes in addition to performing.

Season subscriptions are on sale now and include packages consisting solely of music and dance performances, as well as a few Whole Enchilada options. They can be purchased at artssa.org or by calling 210-226-2891.

dlmartin@express-news.net

Twitter: @DeborahMartinEN
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Fratello's is adding a new location, downtown in the former home of O'liva, which closed in October. The location is at 115 Plaza de Armas, Suite 107, next to the Spanish Governor's Palace and behind City Hall.

The opening is tentatively set for May 1.

Plans call for the restaurant to be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, serving breakfast and lunch. There will be a coffee bar and a grab-and-go counter in addition to table seating for dining in.

Breakfast will offer an assortment of pastries, breakfast panini and breakfast pizzas, plus yogurt cups and seasonal fruit. Everything will be made in-house except the yogurt, said manager Marilyn Magaro. Lunch will offer a slightly smaller version of the menu of Fratello's Broadway location, with salads, soups, antipasti and plenty of pasta.

O'liva opened just over two years ago with a menu of healthy dishes. A 2015 Express-News review said, "Chef-owner Chuck Hernandez hits a sweet spot. He aimed to create a restaurant that offers healthful, tasty, internationally inspired and reasonably priced dishes from local ingredients.

"For the most part, he and his team hit their mark and sometimes overshoot it. His nicely balanced dishes feel comfortable and accessible, whether they're served for breakfast, lunch or dinner." It was awarded 1 1/2 stars, between good and very good.

In October, this was posted on the O'liva Facebook page: "We are sorry to announce that O'liva has officially closed its doors. Thanks to all who have been with us on this fantastic journey!"

Fratello's at 2503 Broadway has been a local favorite for years. A 2013 Express-News review said, "Creamy, herbaceous with just a touch of sweetness  the ricotta filling in the Lasagne Napoletana al' Forno at Fratello's has the power to evoke rhapsodies of joy."

Its food scored three stars under a previous star system, ranking it very good.

The new location, with shiny wood floors, and with tables and glassware seemingly ready to go, is part of the renovated Plaza de Armas building, situated between City Hall and San Pedro Creek.

Magaro explained that before San Francesco Di Paola Church was built in 1927 on the northern stretch of downtown by West Martin and North Santa Rosa streets, most Italian immigrants attended San Fernando Cathedral in Main Plaza, near the new Fratello's location.

"So it feels like a homecoming," Magarao said. "It's all home cooking and (the owners') family recipes."

The new space is about the same size as the Broadway location, but the earlier hours means it will be available for special evening events -- something that's not an option on Broadway.

A new quick breakfast/lunch option downtown will be its own special event when it opens.

 Emily Spicer

espicer@express-news.net

Twitter: @Spiced1

Instagram: @spiceoflife_en
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Jake Baine doesn't know where he'll be in five months  or tomorrow  but he did just land what has been called the "best job in the world."

On Saturday the 19-year-old San Antonian will jet off to London, England to start his job galavanting across Europe, making videos and getting paid to do it.

Busabout, a travel company, went on a nationwide search to find two people to take on the job of posting travel adventures on social media and picked out Baine among more than 5,500 applicants.

RELATED: Local teen's viral video showcase of S.A. has people falling in love with the city

Baine, who graduated from Johnson High School in 2016, submitted a dizzying video of downtown San Antonio in February and it quickly went viral  the images of the city fold into one another and make the viewer feel as though they're experiencing all the Alamo City has to offer in one spin.

On April 11, Baine video-chatted with the company who quickly told him: "You got the job!"

"It was disbelief and shock, because I was not expecting it," Baine told mySA.com. "It was happy laughter, like something that makes you so happy you don't know what to say."

CELEB TRAVEL: Tim Duncan spotted chilling in Chile with his brother & ex-Spur Fabricio Oberto

While on the phone with mySA.com, Baine was unpacking a box full of new video equipment, including new lenses and an underwater case for his Sony camera, among other items, for his trip. He's moved out of his San Antonio apartment, packed his belongings into a storage unit and is preparing to leave Saturday for the five month journey where he'll be joined by the other winner, Leanne, a 22-year-old from Australia.

Once in London, Baine and his co-host, along with the Busabout team, will brainstorm ideas for videos. Right now, Baine said they're looking at doing "vlog-style" videos, or video blogs. Leanne and Baine will both be in front of and behind the camera during the trip.

From London, the team will head to Paris, Baine said, adding he is most looking-forward to visiting Santorini.

MOVE ABROAD: New Zealand wants to fly you out for a job interview  for free

"What I really wanted to do before I died was go to Santorini," he said.

Those following Baine's 5-month journey can expect to see his "normal cinematic stuff," like in his submission video, and some new things.

"I want to try and push myself and create something no one's seen before," he said.

On what's next for the 19-year-old once arriving back in San Antonio, Baine said he wasn't thinking about it. Not yet.

"I'm just going to live today and not think about tomorrow," he said. "Enjoy every day."

See where his job is about to take him in the slideshow above

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
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STAMFORD  A Norwalk man who lost his job at a premier hedge fund for receiving three packages of the party drug ecstasy that were mailed to his home has accepted a plea deal to avoid jail time.

Eight months after being arrested and fired from Bridgewater Associates, Joshua Lucas, 27, received on Monday a five-year suspended sentence and five years probation.

Lucas had pleaded guilty to a felony count of possession of narcotics with intent to sell and was willing to go to jail for up to three years for accepting the packages containing 750 grams of ecstasy.

However, defense attorney Donald Papcsy brought to the Stamford courthouse a stack of stellar recommendations from numerous people who know Lucas, showing he destroyed what could have been a brilliant career, Senior Assistant States Attorney Joseph Valdes said.

This was just a stupid move. He was someone who did well in high school and in college, Valdes said.

Valdes said there was no indication Lucas was going to sell the drug and he believes the packages were for his private use with friends.

After considering his history and no criminal record, Valdes said it did not make sense to send Lucas to prison for up to three years.

Valdes said Lucas will have to surrender his Series 7 license, which allowed him to sell a broad range of security investments.

Papcsy could not be reached for comment.

Police said the packages were found by Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who were conducting routine processioning on the freight they were checking last August.

Homeland Security, the Postal Inspection Service and the Norwalk Police Special Services Unit delivered the packages to the intended recipient, who turned out to be Lucas, who was living on Fairfield Avenue in Norwalk.

After he signed for the packages, police searched Lucas house and found items consistent with operating a drug factory, a charge that was eventually dropped.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com;
Sipping wine while painting art. The casual fun experience for adults has seen a growing trend in the last few years.

Cypress residents have a new location to drink to now, Pinot's Palette paint-and-sip in the Bridgeland Lakeland Village Center hosted its opening on April 15. The event invited guests to paint their own version of Vincent van Gogh's famous masterpiece, "Starry Night."

Ash and Madie Kulkarni are owners of Pinot's Palette-Cypress and Houston area residents. The duo was inspired to open their paint-and-sip studio, which is a franchise with locations in 132 locations across 33 states and Canada, after recognizing their combined love for art, wine, travel, and entertaining. The couple also felt inspired from their 12-year-old daughter who draws and paints to relax. Also, Madie is a corporate executive who found painting and sipping wine as a perfect way to unwind and recharge during a girls' night out with her friends.

"We are so consumed with digital media which in turn creates stress and unhealthy habits. We've traded the spark in our lives for the glow of TV screens and mobile devices," Ash said. "A fun and relaxing establishment such as Pinot's Palette in the community can help one rediscover a mindful and meaningful connection by picking up paintbrushes and putting away distractions for a few hours of playful painting. The paint-and-sip activity can be enriching for the soul, and an engaging activity with friends and family, providing a wholesome experience for all ages."

Pinot's Palette also has northside locations in Willowbrook, Tomball, Kingwood, and The Woodlands.

Most paint and sip studios have the same concept. Guests register for a class and during their class visitors are led by trained, local artists, who guide guests step-by-step through a featured painting. No experience is required for the classes and guests are encourages to bring their own alcoholic beverages. Paint and sip studios do host kid-friendly activities as well. Interested community members are encouraged to contact the studio for further details.

Pinot's Palette Cypress provides all art supplies needed for each painting class and guests have the option to register online for a two or three-hour class. In the near future, the establishment will have a beer and wine license that will allow them to sell and serve to customers who would prefer not to bring their own alcoholic beverages.

Another paint and sip studio that has been in the Cypress community is Painting with a Twist- Cypress, which opened in 2010. Painting with a Twist is a franchise that started in Lafayette, Louisiana in 2007 and has grown to have more than 325 locations in 37 states. Painting with a Twist's northside locations also include The Woodlands and Kingwood and its newest location in Tomball, which opened at 14059 FM 2920 on April 12. More than 5.2 million paintings have been created since its inception. The establishment provides ice, a wine chiller, cups, and art supplies. Guests are welcome to bring their own beverages and food. Of course, all guests are encouraged to bring fun and friends.

"It's great to have establishments such as Painting with a Twist because guest can have relax, have a good time, paint with us and learn how to do something while you are here," Necia Muir said, studio manager of Painting with a Twist- Cypress. "Guests can meet new people or just spend time with friends. It is fun art, not fine art."

Pinot's Pallete

10539 Fry Road., Suite A4-100

Cypress, TX

281-758-8651

www.pinotspalette.com/cypress

www.facebook.com/PinotsPaletteCypress/

Grand Opening: April 15th, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Painting with a Twist- Cypress

12344 Barker Cypress Rd. Ste 200

Cypress, TX 77429

281-407-7810

Email: cypress@paintingwithatwist.com

Website: www.paintingwithatwist.com/cypress/
The city of Katy has revealed preliminary results of an unfinished study that is examining flood prevention after the so-called Tax Day flood, which happened a year ago this week.

Officials ordered the study about two months after the catastrophic flood. Its preliminary results analyze why Katy flooded and discusses several measures taken for flood prevention.

"This flood was an eye-opener for people," said city councilmember Jimmy Mendez, who is running for re-election in Ward B in May's election. "Nobody had seen this much rain. This (preliminary review) was just to get the general overview of what they're looking at. It's the first nugget of info."

Katy was one of several areas in the Houston region to flood last April 18 when nonstop downpour caused waterways to swell out of their banks. About 110 homes and 25 businesses were affected inside the 14-square-mile city. Damage totaled more than $8 million, according to city administrator Byron Hebert. Hundreds more homes were flooded in neighborhoods near the city.

A range of 12 to 22 inches of rain fell over the greater Katy area during a 12-hour duration, according to the study overview. The city's west side received the worst hit. Morton Road, Avenue D and 10th Street all went under water.

Overflow at Cypress Creek and the Cane Island Branch watershed were the main reasons Katy flooded, the overview says. Cane Island Branch, which feeds into Buffalo Bayou, recorded a peak water surface elevation of 137.90 feet at the U.S. 90 bridge. The rainfall in the city is categorized as being between a "100-year" and "500-year" event.

"Normally, Cypress Creek floodwaters are contained within its watershed boundary which flows east towards the San Jacinto River.

"In extreme rainfall events, water can overtop the southern watershed boundary and travel south into South Mayde Creek, Bear Creek, Langham Creek, and Cane Island Branch Creek," Stephen Wilcox, the engineer leading the study, said in an email.

"There is some question as to at what level do floodwaters from Cypress Creek enter Cane Island Branch. The study is evaluating that issue."

The study overview outlines some short-term projects the city is undertaking for flood prevention.

They include street and drainage improvements at Morton and Franz roads, cleaning out ditches near the Cane Island subdivision and building a roughly 30-acre detention pond between Avenue D and Katy Fort Bend Road. Costs total more than $10 million.

City officials hired Wilcox from the engineering firm Costello, Inc. in December to conduct the study. The city is paying Costello about $100,000 for the study.

Some Katy residents have wondered why the city didn't order this type of study pre-flood to be better prepared. Mendez said the city has been doing work such as road pavements and ditch-cleaning during past years and said the study was discussed before the flood, though the event kicked discussions into "over-drive."

"Had we not done all that, we would've been hit far worse. So, we've been working on it," Mendez said. "You can always do more, but ... this was an act of God. You couldn't have known it was coming."

Costello plans to present further results at a July meeting before it submits the full report to the city in August.

The finished report will include details for longer term flooding solutions. According to the study overview, it will focus on improvements to the Cane Island Branch model, as well as further examination of Cypress Creek, and it will give information on emergency response tactics for the city. It will also discuss coordination with agencies around the city such as Harris and Fort Bend Counties and reveal further facts and animations.

"Floods do not limit themselves to city limit boundaries, county boundaries, drainage districts, etc.," Wilcox also said in the email. "Cooperation between all the parties is essential to the long-term management of the watershed."

Visit http://bit.ly/KatyFloodStudy to view the study's preliminary results.
Houston Methodist Cancer Center at West offers a monthly support group to help women at any stage of diagnosis and treatment understand that cancer can also affect them emotionally and spiritually, not just physically. Our mission is to ensure, through information, empowerment and peer support, that no one faces cancer alone.

The cancer support group meets the second Wednesday of every month. If you are a cancer patient or cancer survivor, join us at our next cancer support group.
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Roundup set for kindergarten, pre-K

Lamar Consolidated Independent School District's annual Pre-K/Kindergarten Roundup will be April 24-28.

Parents are encouraged to beat the rush and register children in advance of the coming school year.

Registration will be held at every Lamar CISD elementary school. Parents unsure of which school their child is zoned to, are asked to go to www.lcisd.org/students-parents/find-my-bus-school and type in their home address.

Why enroll your child in Pre K?

Studies show that kids who attend Pre-K are:

Three times more likely to be ready for kindergarten;

More likely to succeed in school;

More likely to go to college; and

Less likely to drop out of school.

A child must be 4 years of age on or before Sept. 1, 2017, and meet at least one of the following criteria:

Be economically-disadvantaged; OR

Be Limited English Proficient; OR

Be homeless; OR

Be under foster care (currently or formerly); OR

Be the child of an active duty member of the armed forces or be the child of a member of the armed services killed while on active duty.

When parents register their child, they should bring the following:

Child's birth certificate; AND

Child's shot records; AND

Child's Social Security Card; AND

Parent/guardian picture ID;

Proof of address; AND

Parent proof of income. (Pre-K only)

A child must be 5-years-old on or before Sept. 1 to be eligible for kindergarten.

There are no requirements other than age for kindergarten.

Go to www.lcisd.org/departments/academics/pre-kindergarten or call 832-223-0439 for more information.

Foster teacher wins national award

Foster High School's Jocelyn Aventurado is a National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ProStart National Educator of Excellence.

The state ProStart Coordinator nominated Aventurado, who teaches Culinary Arts at Foster.

She was selected by NRAEF "because you demonstrate excellence in the classroom and passion, commitment and creativity in all components of the ProStart program."

ProStart brings together the restaurant industry and schools, giving students a platform to discover new interests and talents to open doors for fulfilling careers. It provides a curriculum that includes all facets of the industry and sets a high standard of excellence for students and the industry.

As a ProStart National Educator of Excellence, Aventurado receives a free trip and will be honored at the Education Excellence Awards reception and dinner at the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago on May 18. She'll also participate in special programming, followed by a walking food tour of historic Chicago restaurants. She will also attend the National Restaurant Associations Annual Restaurant Show.

As a ProStart National Educator of Excellence she is also nominated for International Food Manufacturers Association (IMFA) Honors and for the James H. Maynard Award. IFMA presents the Educator of Excellence annually to two ProStart educators.

Golden Corral presents the James H. Maynard Award, which includes a check for $5,000.

Student councils earn recognition

Lamar CISD is home to six student councils named as a National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Honor Council.

Adolphus Elementary, Dickinson Elementary, Frost Elementary, Ray Elementary, Velasquez Elementary and Williams Elementary were all named to the prestigious list. Out of the many schools across Texas, only 146 are being recognized for this honor.

Each Year NAESP recognizes the outstanding efforts of student councils from across the country with the American Student Council Association Student Excellence Award. This prestigious award has honored excellence in leadership, citizenship and community service since 1987.

Rosenberg VFW honors Huggins teacher

Huggins Elementary music teacher Melinda Norwood is the Rosenberg Veterans of Foreign Wars' K-5 Teacher of the Year.

Huggins Assistant Principal Kayla Huggins nominated Norwood for her service to the community.

"Ms. Norwood volunteers her time to lead a school choir and trash can band each year," Hoth wrote. "Both of these groups of students perform at various community events throughout the year including the Mayor's Breakfast, Fulshear community parades and special events. The two groups also visit local nursing homes to perform for residents. Through these events, students learn what it means to give back to the community they live in by performing and volunteering at the events."

Norwood received the honor April 3 at the Rosenberg VFW.

State award named after LCISD superintendent

After years of demonstrating his passion for learning, his commitment to children and his leadership on the state level, Lamar CISD Superintendent Thomas Randle will now have an annual statewide award carry his name.

The Texas Alliance of Black School Educators has created the Dr. Thomas Randle Demonstration District Spotlight and Award program. Each year, school districts from across Texas will vie for the chance for the award and to be a "Randle Demonstration District" and receive the award at the state's annual conference.

"TABSE and NABSE (National Alliance of Black School Educators) have recognized Demonstration Schools for years," said TABSE's Financial Secretary, Dr. Chris Pichon. "However, 2017 was the first year of the TABSE Demonstration District Spotlight. I shared this idea with TABSE President Michael McFarland, and we collaborated with Dr. Randle to spearhead the first spotlight presentation."

Lamar CISD and three other school districts were selected to present their success regarding school improvement, student achievement and district innovations.

"As a result of his dedication to TABSE and his continuous success as a district leader, we decided to name the honor after Dr. Randle for all future recipients," Dr. Pichon said.

Moving forward, the process will be competitive. The TABSE conference committee for Demonstration Districts will use similar criteria - improvement, achievement and innovation - to select districts deserving of this award. Districts will have the honor of being a Randle Demonstration District and receive an award at the annual TABSE banquet.

Randle was a founding member of TABSE, which received its charter in 1986.
The Queen is a chocoholic, proclaimed Chef Darren McGrady. She loved this dessert! As chef to the royal family for decades, first for the Queen and then for Charles and Diana, he ought to know. Tall with a twinkle in his eye and the robust stature earned over a career of cooking and tasting, you can tell he loves what he does.

Chef McGrady was creating dishes using the foods of Scotland at a trade event in New York to promote Scottish food bounty. On the way in, we were afraid we might be made to eat haggis, the traditional pudding of organ meats and oats that is definitely an acquired taste. Instead we were treated to a feast of cheese, salmon, oats, jams, scotch whiskey, local gin and even seaweed. Each purveyor had a display, but Chef McGrady was able to weave most of the products into a memorable three-course tasting menu.

Salmon is closely identified with Scotland, either the wild caught fish of legendary rivers, or, more likely, the farmed salmon from the cold, clean, rushing waters of the sea lochs along the rugged coastline. The cold water and strong current give Scottish salmon a distinctive firm texture and rich flavor.

For the first course, McGrady cured fresh salmon with salt, sugar, herbs and Arbike gin, then presented it with trout mousse, crabmeat, and a sprinkle of seaweed right off the beach. Fiona Houston, SeaEO of Mara Seaweed has revived the ancient practice of harvesting Dulse, a nutritious, reddish frond, and Kombu kelp that both grow on rocks along the Scottish coast. Dried and ground to a powder, the seaweed is available as Kombu, Applewood smoked Dulse, Furikake (mixed with sesame), and Shony, a blend of three varieties. All pack a umami punch and add ocean flavors to almost any dish. Look for them on Amazon. Chefs and cooks around the world are excited about this new source for seasoning.

Between courses we had a chance to taste some full-bodied cheddar. The substantial Scottish dairy industry makes a wide range of cheese from local milk including Old Edinburgh, Barwheys, and Mull of Kintyre. Theres even some made by Inverloch flavored with single malt scotch.

Marsha tasted some Hamlyns oatmeal, another iconic Scottish food, and declared it the best shed ever had. Oh yes. Isnt it good? said the representative. Its made with honey and whiskey. What a way to start the day!

In the demonstration kitchen, Chef McGrady was prepping up to make a salmon main course. He had sauteed some leeks and bacon (a great beginning for almost any recipe), added some cooked barley and stock, melted in a generous knob of goat cheese, and stirred it all into a risotto-like consistency. A seared fillet of salmon was placed on top and sauced with a fish reduction - delicious and made to look easy by a very professional chef.

Between courses we felt ready to sample some of the beverages on offer. Scotch from the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society, Arbike Gin from the Stirling family farm northeast of Dundee, and Mills and Hills Imperial Stout.

There were five scotches  all at high alcohol Cask Strength  each selected from a particular distillery and specific cask, each kith a distinctive and individual flavor. As for the gin, Kelp, carline thistle, and blaeberry are some of the local botanicals that give the Kirstys Gin from Arbike a distinctively Scottish spirit  perfect for a G & T or refreshing in a cocktail mixed with Dundee orange marmalade and lemon juice. Imperial Stout from Mills and Hills brewery is the kind of rich, hearty, warming beer youll want to have after a tramp across the highlands.

Back to the kitchen for dessert: the favorite chocolate cake of Queen Elizabeth! Actually, it wasnt a cake at all. Instead, it was a cookie crumb crust topped with chocolate flavored whipped cream all done up in a springform pan to look like a cake. The chef, as chefs do, took this fairly simple cake and gussied it up with liqueur poached orange slices, orange glaze, and caramel sauce  all to please the queen. I can see why he held his job for so long.

Between the salmon and the chocolate, Nicola Sturgeon, first minister of Scotland, spoke to the journalists, food buyers, distributors, and retailers who had gathered for the tasting. She emphasized the importance to Scotland of exports, particularly food exports, both economically and for the spread of Scottish culture around the world. Ten percent of Americans have Scottish heritage, she told us, but 30 percent claim a connection. The event fell on Tartan Day, an American celebration of the signing of the Scottish Declaration of Independence in 1320. As one of the 10 percent, Ive already made a note to celebrate next year!

Scotland has been on our bucket list for some time. Imposing castles, romantic moors, and legendary whiskeys, all exert a pull. Now that all this wonderful food is added to the mix, Scotland has moved up on the list!

Frank Whitmans Not Bread Alone column runs every Thursday in The Hour. Frank can be reached at notbreadalonefw@gmail.com.
As years go by, more and more poignant survival stories that have been buried in Holocaust history are surfacing.

This one begins on a beautiful day in 1939 at Polands Warsaw Zoo, where Antonia Zabinska (Jessica Chastain) is helping her husband Jan (Belgian actor Johan Heldenberg) tend the animals. That afternoon, she resuscitates a newborn elephant calf who cannot breathe - with its distraught mothers at her side.

But then German aircraft appear overhead, and bombs reign down, killing many of the terrified beasts, while others escape to roam the citys streets.

Led by Berlins chief zoologist, sinister Lutz Heck (Daniel Bruhl), the Nazis commandeer the grounds, saving only prize specimens for selective breeding, savagely slaughtering the rest.

Meanwhile, within the city, the Jewish population is being herded into a ghetto, locked behind barbed wire to starve or, later, be loaded on boxcars and sent to concentration camps.

Appalled at the brutality, Antonia and Jan come up with defiant plan. Since the German soldiers love pork, theyll turn the zoo into a pig farm, feeding the animals garbage from the ghetto.

While Antonia cares for their dwindling menagerie, Jan drives his truck into the ghetto, where he hides Jews in bins, covering them with refuse and smuggling them into his human sanctuary, where they hide until the Resistance forges papers and transports them to safety.

Since Lutz Heck often makes unexpected visits to the zoo, its up to Antonia to keep him distracted, as jealous Jan observes from a distance.

While Jessica Chastain (Miss Sloane, Zero Dark Thirty) radiates beatific compassion, Angela Workmans perfunctory script is a flaccid, almost antiseptic adaption of Diane Ackermans haunting 2007 non-fiction book.

Sensitively helmed by New Zealand director Niki Caro (Whale Rider), the most memorable moments include Antonias empathy with a traumatized Jewish teenager (Shira Haas) who was raped by German soldiers - as the tension mounts.

On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, The Zookeepers Wife is nobly stoic 7, heralding one brave couples unobtrusive heroics.

Susan Granger is a Westport resident and her film reviews have been featured for more than 25 years and are distributed around the world.
For the first time since 2012, NASA researchers have released a batch of photographs taken of the world from above at night.

Calling the Earth the "Black Marble," NASA's photo series showcases cities, countries, and continents using the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument on the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite.
Two months after the Woodlands Township Board of Directors agreed to "do nothing" regarding making an appointment to the Woodlands Road Utility District board, the board will revisit the issue Thursday.

Board member Bruce Rieser asked to have the topic placed on the township's agenda. The board will met at 6 p.m. in township board chambers, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

The board has been considering the appointment since late last year after former Township Board member Mike Bass lost his bid for re-election to the township and subsequently resigned from the township board and the RUD board.

According to Rieser, he did some research regarding the appointment and the RUD board.

"I talked to several people about the value of at least knowing what is going on," Rieser said of the RUD appointment.

During the board's Feb. 16 meeting, General Manager Don Norrell said the benefit is the township appointment to the RUD would keep the township updated on projects.

Several board members called the appointment a waste of time.

Board member John Brown said during that meeting he did not support making an appointment.

"I would say at this time take no action and defer indefinitely," he said. "I don't know if anybody in the future wants to waste their time on (the RUD board)."

In June 2013, the Texas Legislature created two appointed positions on the RUD board. House Bill 3895, authored by then-state Rep. Steve Toth, amended the RUD's enabling legislation to allow the board to expand its number of directors, with those two positions being filled by "one or more political subdivisions other than a school district and municipality." The RUD board was governed by a five-member elected board and the new appointed positions expanded it to seven.

The move helped broaden representation on the RUD board, as there previously have been only a few legally registered voters in the RUD.

In December 2014, the township appointed Bass to fill one seat; and in January 2015, Montgomery County Commissioners Court appointed County Judge Craig Doyal to fill the second seat on the RUD board.

In December, the township board tabled action to appoint someone to the RUD board to fill the spot of Bass, who lost his bid for re-election to Brian Boniface. The board at that time asked for legal guidance on making the appointment.

However, according to the Texas Ethics Commission, a local governing body is prohibited from appointing one of its own members to a public office position. However, that prohibition may be overcome if state or federal law allows for the appointment.

The RUD was created by legislation in 1991. It is funded through property taxes from commercial businesses at a rate of 36 cents per $100 property valuation. According to Bunch, the RUD has issued $108 million in debt for projects in The Woodlands.

Directors serve two-year terms on a rotating basis. However, because the RUD only taxes commercial property, those who vote for the directors and a potential bond referendum would have to reside in that commercial area.

In other business:

Strategic Plan  Sheriff Rand Henderson will present his strategic plan for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

Education  Waste Management will present information regarding funding to enhance environmental education.

Ethics  The board will hear an update on the its request to the Texas Ethics Commission regarding political and campaign-related activity at the township building.
#Moon-NK dogs Moon returns to state two dogs gifted by N. Korea's Kim Former President Moon Jae-in returned to the state a pair of dogs that he had been in custody of since North Korean leader Kim Jong-un gave them as a gift in 2018, Moon's side and ...

#taxi Seoul to increase late-night taxi service amid shortage The Seoul city government said Tuesday it will expand the operation of late-night taxis to cope with the growing demand for taxi service during late hours. Currently, an average...
AUSTIN - Gov. Greg Abbott, who has been coy about the need for a so-called bathroom bill in Texas, said Tuesday he wants to work with lawmakers to forge a measure he can sign into law.

I applaud the House and Senate for tackling an issue that is of growing concern to parents and communities across Texas who are now looking to the Legislature for solutions.  As the debate on this issue continues, I will work with the House and Senate to ensure we find a solution and ultimately get a bill to my desk that I will sign into law, Abbott said.

Abbott praised a measure by Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, that will be heard in the House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday. Simmons bill is an alternative to Senate Bill 6, a measure championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and approved by the Senate last month.

As filed, Simmons House Bill 2899 would invalidate local nondiscrimination ordinances, including the one in San Antonio, by prohibiting the expansion of protected classes under state law. An amended version of the bill that will be presented in committee will be more closely tailored, focusing specifically on restrooms and changing facilities such as locker rooms. The amended bill would prohibit political subdivisions, including school districts, from creating rules or policies that would protect a class of persons from discrimination as it relates to restrooms, changing facilities or showers.

The Senate bill would require people using restrooms in public schools, universities and government buildings to choose the facilities that align with the gender on their birth certificate. It has drawn outrage from the transgender community, advocates and allies, while backers have said it targets sexual predators and protects women and children.

Rep. Simmons is offering a thoughtful proposal to make sure our children maintain privacy in our school bathrooms and locker rooms, Abbott said in a statement.

Lou Weaver, the transgender programs coordinator for Equality Texas, condemned the Houses bathroom bill as no better than the Senate version.

This is still discrimination, and trying to take away local protections. Making it harder for local government to take care of the people in their communities is not what we should be doing, he said. As a transgender man, its difficult to hear that my state still intends upon treating me differently.

House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, has opposed the Senate measure, expressing concern over the potential economic impact of enacting a law that could be perceived as discriminatory.

Asked Tuesday about Abbotts statement, Straus spokesman Jason Embry said, The speaker's position has not changed.

The governors input on the issue comes as the NCAA has lifted a boycott of hosting events in North Carolina, after legislators recently watered down the states own bathroom law. In February, Abbott told the NFL to get the hell out of politics after the league hinted it could pull hosting duties for another Super Bowl from the state if a bill targeting transgender people was passed.

Abbott weighed in on the issue in a strategic manner, said Rice University political scientist Mark Jones. He said the Senate version of the legislation would have severe negative economic consequences whereas the House bill is about as tepid as a bathroom bill can be and still be a bathroom bill. Jones said that passage of a Texas bill could still put an extreme amount of pressure on the NCAA to pull the 2018 Final Four championship from San Antonio.

If you think about it from the LGBTQ perspective, SB 6 is spitting in their face, whereas HB 2899 is flipping them the bird, said Jones. One is viewed more negatively than the other, but neither is liked.

Also on Wednesday, the Senate State Affairs Committee will consider Senate Bill 892, which would allow child welfare providers to decline to facilitate or refer someone for services if it conflicted with their sincerely held religious beliefs. Members of the LGBT community, as well as other social activists, are concerned that this measure would promote discrimination because it could allow agencies to prevent gay or transgender couples from becoming foster or adoptive parents.

lcaruba@express-news.net

pfikac@express-news.net
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A Texas House committee heard arguments Monday on a bill that would prohibit housing discrimination based on a persons sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Business and Industry Committee left House Bill 192, authored by Rep. Diego Bernal, D-San Antonio, pending in committee after listening to transgender individuals and housing professionals.

Were trying to solve a real problem that affects real people in a real way, said Bernal, who as a San Antonio City Councilman, successfully proposed adding sexual orientation, gender identity and veteran status to the citys nondiscrimination ordinance in 2013.

Similar protections exist in 19 states and the District of Columbia, he said.

The hearing came two days before the House State Affairs Committee hears debate on House Bill 2899, which has been touted by House Republicans as a more business-friendly replacement for the controversial Senate Bill 6. If passed, the legislation could invalidate provisions of local nondiscrimination ordinances that include protections for LGBT individuals and others.

Monica Roberts, a black transgender woman, told the committee that she had been denied housing several years ago, before she had updated the gender marker on her ID from male to female. She said she lost out on a $250 application fee after her application was denied.

Anel Flores, a San Antonio Realtor, talked about a lesbian couple denied a rental because they were not married.

We have people in the trans community of Texas who are facing discrimination, Roberts said. We shouldnt be.

Juliana Gonzales, executive director of the Austin Tenants Council, pointed to a 2011 rule proposed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development that suggested LGBT individuals and their families were being excluded from housing opportunities.

We believe that the price for housing discrimination is very high, she said.

Jonathan Saenz, president of Texas Values, testified that HB 192 was a direct attack on religious freedom and would endanger women and children seeking shelter from abusive situations at emergency shelters.

Bernal and several committee members were skeptical of his reasoning that the bill would open the door to women being assaulted by men dressed as women  a common refrain by those in support of so-called bathroom bills.

Thats the height of disingenuousness, said Rep. Jason Villalba, R-Dallas.

Some committee members expressed reservations about adding sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under state law.

Where would you draw the line with all of this? asked Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, adding, Do you want all fashion designers to be required to design a dress for Melania Trump?
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Chloe Herrera brushed a tear from her face as she stared determinedly at her three children. Her husband kissed her, and then picked up the razor. Strips of her brown hair fell to the stage floor.

When I was up there, I was just thinking about my mother. Its just really personal and it touches me, said Herrera, a San Antonio Police Department officer.

For the first time, University of Texas at San Antonio hosted a fundraiser for the St. Baldricks Foundation, which funnels money into childhood cancer research. For some volunteers like Herrera, whose mother died in 2011 from lung cancer, it was an intensely personal experience. And for others, like 21-year-old Tyler Werland, who put on the event, it was about recognizing cancers impact on others.

Over the course of the four-hour fundraiser on Tuesday, 62 volunteers from across the city had their heads shaved on a stage to the beat of pop music. Wind sent recently cut hair rolling away from the stage like tumbleweeds and students armed with dustpans and brooms chased after the tufts.

John Paul, who normally works at Brandeis High School, volunteered to emcee the event. He advertised it by yelling things like Your hair is tax-deductible! into the microphone at passersby.

By the fundraisers end, more than $9,000 had been raised for the cause  and Herrera donated $1,792 of it. The donation page on St. Baldricks website will remain open, Werland said, until the end of Wednesday to gather last-minute donations.

A UTSA Honors College student, Werland was looking for a service project and wound up watching videos of St. Baldricks fundraisers at other universities. The idea is that by shaving their heads, students are showing their solidarity with children who lose their hair from chemotherapy. When he decided on the fundraiser, Werland distributed fliers about it all over the city, including the San Antonio police department.

At the fundraiser, Werland wore green suspenders and green warrior paint on his cheeks to match his bright green hair. He said he dyed his hair a few days ago to see if people would treat him differently because of it, and noticed that they did.

Although internally Im the same person, externally I look different because my hairs (green). And now its about to be bald. It speaks volumes for the kids that have cancer with bald heads  that we look at them differently even though theyre the same inside, he said.

Gabriel Acevedo, an associate professor of sociology at UTSA, was eager to shave his head because thats how he usually keeps it  he had been growing it out just for this event.

It feels good, he said, rubbing his head. Letting it grow, that was what was different for me.

In addition to shaving heads in solidarity with those going through chemotherapy, and to raising money for the foundation, the event was also intended to raise awareness for the cause even after it ended  when people ask the volunteers why they shaved their head, they can describe the foundation and the cause.

For that reason, Herrera said she wont be wearing a wig.

In the very beginning I thought about buying a wig, but afterwards I made my decision: Im doing this for the reason to shave my head. I dont want to wear a wig just to cover it back up, she said. Its just hair. It will grow back.

sfosterfrau@express-news.net
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Name any political office in Bexar County, and chances are Rhett Smith ran for it  unsuccessfully.

But thats not stopping the perennial candidate from seeking your vote for San Antonio mayor in the May 6 election.

I run a lot, an unapologetic Smith said. I feel our society is heading in the wrong direction and our local community is suffering.

Most voters know the well-funded front-runners in the mayoral race: incumbent Ivy Taylor, City Councilman Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Democratic Party Chairman Manuel Medina.

But 11 other candidates, including Smith, are waging an uphill battle against obscurity to be the next mayor. While some arent actively campaigning, others are block-walking and doing everything they can to be heard  if anyone will listen.

I know Ive got a hard road to go, said candidate Keven Roles, a former AirLife paramedic who said hes always dreamed of becoming mayor of San Antonio. But Im just going to be honest and have common sense, let people know where I stand, and pray and hope for the best.

Meet the 11 lesser-known candidates running for mayor in the slideshow above.



With 14 names on the mayoral ballot, many long-shot candidates say they barely get a chance to make their case with voters. The problem starts with money.

I believe once you begin to raise money, youre actually selling out to whoever is supporting you, said Gerard Ponce, one of several candidates who says campaign cash corrupts the democratic process.

But that idealism is smacking headfirst into a brick wall of reality  grabbing the attention of voters isnt cheap. It costs money to pay for signs, advertisements and the political machinery behind a serious campaign that leads to media coverage and invitations to political forums where major candidates get noticed.

The three front-runners have raised a total of $1.1 million in campaign contributions and loans  about 300 times more than the $3,400 raised by all the other candidates.

RELATED: Mayoral candidates discuss role of education in city government

Without funding to mount a major campaign, the lesser-knowns find themselves stuck in a frustrating cycle: Its harder to be taken seriously, which means they arent getting much exposure, which means they arent raising much money, which means its harder to be taken seriously.

The main interest has been in what is called credible candidates, said candidate Antonio Diaz, a community activist who says elites run San Antonio and dont serve the interests of everyday people. How that credibility is created is money.

Its not a great process, said John Velasquez, a psychologist whos running for mayor and who complains that too little attention is being paid to the outsider candidates. Some people call it manufacturing consent.

Diaz, Velasquez and others expressed frustration with the media for failing to cover all candidates equally. And they say its not fair that organizations hosting mayoral debates often bar them from sharing the stage with front-runners.

When you keep people out of the forums, essentially you silence them, said Stephen Lucke, 27, the youngest mayoral candidate, who hopes to become president someday.

Smith pointed out that many mayoral debates are hosted by nonprofit groups that are prohibited under federal law from engaging in electioneering.

It is illegal to pick and choose a handful of candidates, he complained.

RELATED: Mayoral candidates wax familiar at atypical forum

But the law doesnt prohibit churches, charities and other types of nonprofits from excluding some candidates on a crowded ballot, said John Bradley, a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania School of Law and an expert on nonprofit legal issues.

The IRS and the (Federal Election Commission) both recognize there are situations in which inviting all legally qualified candidates might be impractical, Bradley said.

Each case depends on the details, Bradley said, but its generally legal if organizations adopt reasonable criteria for selecting candidates, apply those criteria consistently and hold a debate in a neutral, nonpartisan manner.

Some forums are open to everyone, such as one held April 8 by the Northeast Bexar County Democrats at the TriPoint YMCA at U.S. 281 and St. Marys Street.

On a cool, cloudy morning, four mayoral candidates who attended the forum  Roles, Smith, Velasquez and Diaz  struck a similar tone of reforming City Hall and listening to the will of voters.

I feel like I know people, said Velasquez, citing his background as a psychologist. Im a pretty good listener.

With Texas lawmakers debating the so-called bathroom bill in Austin, each candidate said theyd support and try to protect San Antonios nondiscrimination ordinance.

RELATED: Study: Texas bathroom bill could cost state $3 billion in annual tourism business

Asked about their position on the citys upcoming bond proposal, all but Velasquez said they opposed it.

Its full of pork, Roles told a crowd of about 40 people.

I think theres a lot of money being doled out to developers and speculators, Diaz said.

While the 11 obscure candidates are seeking the support of voters and asking them to be engaged in the political process, some havent actually cast votes in past mayoral elections. Of the 10 candidates who lived in San Antonio in 2015, only half voted in the mayoral election that year.

One perennial candidate, Michael Commander Idrogo, hasnt cast a ballot in a mayors race dating to 2009, even though hes often on the ballot, according to records on file with the Bexar County Elections Department. Idrogo didnt respond to questions about his voting record.

Two candidates  Ponce and Will McLeod  have voted in every mayors race dating to 2009.

Elections matter, McLeod said. Its not just presidential elections, its the city elections as well. Theres a lot of policy being made at the city level.

RELATED: Taylor, Nirenberg post big numbers in campaign finance disclosures; Medina fails to file on time

What are their odds of making it to a runoff?

Opinions vary.

I actually think theyre great, Ponce said of his odds. Im doing a grass-roots campaign. Im getting calls from all over.

Asked about his odds, Smith said hes always honest with everyone.

Pretty low, he said.

But thats never stopped him from trying.

jtedesco@express-news.net
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More than 100 activists rallied outside of U.S. Congressman Will Hurd's office on the North Side on Tuesday afternoon, protesting President Donald Trumps refusal to release his income taxes returns.

With signs and posters held high, the crowd lined the curb outside of Hurds office building, cheering motorists who honked their car horns in solidarity with their cause. One or two drivers lowered their car windows and yelled out taunts opposing the march.

This past weekend, more than 150 marches took place across the nation as part of a wave of similar protests set up at taxmarch.org.

Hurd is not in San Antonio this week. Protesters said that the doors to the congressmans office were locked, preventing march representatives from talking to an aide. Speakers Rosey Abuabara and Alejandro Guzman energized the crowd, voicing their displeasure that Hurd or a member of his staff was not present to hear their complaints.

He doesnt want to meet us, Guzman yelled to the crowd through a megaphone. He works for us! We deserve to be heard by our elected official!

Hurds campaign manager, Justin Hollis suggested that the crowds claims might not be on target.

If the DCCC and the Texas Democratic Party would have done their homework, Hollis wrote in an email, they would know that Congressman Hurd called on President Trump to release his taxes back in January.

The event was sponsored by several groups, including Mi Familia Vota, Planned Parenthood, Service Employees International Union and the Texas Organizing Project.

Janet Oglethorpe, with TX23 Indivisible, was among the contingent that included retirees, college students, Moms Demand Action members and several youngsters and toddlers. Oglethorpe said Hurd needs to stop voting with Trump and represent all members of his 23rd Congressional District.

We need that transparency, she said, and I want him to pass that along to Donald Trump.

Rabbi Samuel M. Stahl said his wife alerted him to the rally.

Im very concerned that our current president has not followed the practice of his predecessors and released his tax returns, the rabbi said. Im concerned about what hes hiding and why hes been so resistant to following the wishes of the people.

Stahl worries that people might tire of protests, but he is hopeful that hasnt happened yet.

We dont want justice fatigue to set in, he said, above shouts of No more secrets, no more lies from the crowd.

The chants and sign waving subsided briefly as organizers inflated a large mascot, Chicken Don, thats been featured at rallies around the nation. The large, balloon caricature of Trump bobbed above protesters who posed for photos and let laughter replace their ire for a few moments.

Linda Lowman walked through the assembly bearing a triangle-shaped shadow box, with a folded American flag displayed beneath glass in memory of her father, World War II veteran Melville M. Hughes Jr. She said her father taught her that Americans can all do their part for their country by paying their taxes.

Heres Mr. Trump, who has been blessed with more money than most of the people in the United States make, and yet hes looking for loopholes so he doesnt have to pay, she said. If he was here now, my father would be appalled.

vtdavis@express-news.net
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RIO GRANDE CITY - As uncertainty swirls around President Donald Trumps plans for a border fence plans, Starr County residents have become anxious.

Where exactly will this wall be built, and what will it look like? Will it create a no-mans land? And what sort of impact might it have on wildlife and ranching operations?

Were all in favor of border security, but the wall is not the answer for us, said Roberto Salinas, mayor of Roma, during a stakeholder meeting on Monday. The Roma economy is not doing well. The little bit of tourism we get helps a lot.

RELATED: Here's what construction companies are pitching for Donald Trump's border wall

Salinas made his position on the fence clear to U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Laredo, and Manuel Padilla, Jr. the Border Patrol's sector chief in the Rio Grande Valley. Starr County business owners, elected officials and landowners on Monday voiced similar concerns.

Trump has asked for $999 million to build 34 miles of border fence and a new levee wall system in the Rio Grande Valley. Under the 2006 Secure Fence Act, 650 miles of primary fencing and 50 miles of secondary fencing was built on the Southwest border, including 54 miles in the Valley.

Several weeks ago landowners in Hidalgo County and Starr County began receiving notices signaling the Justice Departments intent to move forward on condemnations for sections of wall that were never built under the 2006 law.

We want to make sure there is local input, Cuellar said. A lot is going to depend on what Congress appropriates. Were not going to write a blank check.

RELATED: Trump official implies border wall might go on Mexico side of river

Cuellar promised there would be other opportunities for the residents of Starr County to weigh in on border wall proposals in the months ahead.

Meanwhile, Padilla has described Starr County as the most volatile section of the U.S.-Mexico border, with a pressing need for strategic infrastructure.

Even as local officials were assured they would be kept in the loop as plans for the wall begin to take shape, that came as little comfort to Salinas, who said his impoverished city could be adversely affected. Roma is home to a World Birding Center that attracts tourists to the city.

Whatever comes, Noel Benavidez would rather it come sooner rather than years from now. His family received a condemnation notice in February on two river-front properties. His spoke gloomily about losing a way of life that dates back to the 1700s, but he is resigned to that fate.

Why delay something thats going to happen? Benavidez, 74, asked. If its going to happen just get it over with.

anelsen@express-news.net

Twitter: @amnelsen
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One member in a trio of alleged armed robbers was jailed Monday in connection with a damsel-in-distress-style robbery on the South Side.

Mariah Gutierrez, 23, faces a charge of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony, and a misdemeanor theft charge. She remains in the Bexar County Jail on a $56,400 bond.

RELATED: FBI: Texas man with extremist views planned mass shooting

According to police, Gutierrez called a locksmith for help around 6 a.m. on Jan. 21 in the 2500 block of South Presa.

When the locksmith arrived, two men walked up to him, one of them pointing a "black handgun with a green laser" at his face, according to the affidavit.

The locksmith thought both he and Gutierrez were being robbed, according to police, but the men said "Let's go," and Gutierrez joined them in the locksmith's car, a Cadillac Escalade, and fled.

The locksmith was able to track them using his stolen cell phone. He gave the information to troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, who then gave it to local police and deputies in Atascosa County.

RELATED: TEA investigating over 150 improper student-teacher relationships in Texas this school year

On Jan. 30, the vehicle was stopped by officers with the Pleasanton Police Department, and four people inside were arrested.

The locksmith later identified Gutierrez in a photo lineup and a warrant for her arrest was granted.

Another suspect in the robbery, 30-year-old Bronson Broz, has also been identified in the case, though it is unclear if he has been arrested at this time.

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
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U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, made a pit stop in the Alamo City Tuesday afternoon at Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery, where he discussed business issues with members of San Antonio's Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Forty business leaders were part of the event, where job growth, economic development, small business and education were topics of discussion, according to the chamber's Facebook page.

Cruz said during the meeting that some of his priorities going forward are repealing Obamacare, along with tax and immigration reform.

"It was a pleasure to sit and listen to their concerns," Cruz said of his meeting at Mi Tierra.

READ MORE: 'Missing Ted Cruz' posters pop up around Texas city

One person with a stake in small business, Donald J. Gonzales, of Estrada Hinojosa Investment Bankers, approved of Cruz's message at the Mi Tierra meeting.

"It was great to hear how he sees them (Cruz's goals) all being important and critical for the success of small business," Gonzales said.

While speaking with media, Cruz discussed what he would do in order to help small businesses thrive in the current economic climate, saying two-thirds of all jobs come from small businesses.

"Small businesses grow when you see regulations under control, taxes under control," Cruz said. "If you want to see the economy take off, you reduce the taxes, you simplify the tax code and you reduce regulations on small businesses."

He said small businesses across Texas and San Antonio want "relief" from "crushing" taxes and regulations.

Cruz also commented on Obamacare, calling it "the biggest job killer in the country." He mentioned that the first effort in the House of Representatives to repeal Obamacare did not come to a "successful conclusion," but said Congress is "just getting started."

RELATED: Beto O'Rourke: What you need to know about Ted Cruz's Democrat challenger

He said he hopes to find some common ground on the topic of healthcare reform. He said the biggest issue with Obamacare at this point is that premiums need to be lowered.

"Families are struggling and can't afford to get health insurance for their families," he said. "Our objective has to be lower premiums so that health insurance is more accessible, more affordable, people can care for their families. If we do that we'll have succeeded, and if we don't we'll have failed."

The senator also paid a visit to the San Antonio Toyota manufacturing facility while in town, which provided another look at the economic landscape of the region.

For him to see that kind of production is right here with our suppliers, it sends the message that its made in America, Mario Lozoya, spokesman for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, said of Cruzs visit.

Cruz's 2018 Senate election competition, U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, is also visiting the Alamo City Tuesday. O'Rourke is meeting supporters at Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery at 6 p.m.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

Staff reporter Rye Druzin contributed to this story.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5

twhite@mysa.com

Twitter: @tylerlwhite
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Since dildos didn't do it, maybe a bullet proof vest will.

Cocks Not Glocks, the anti-campus carry group famous for handing out dildos on the University of Texas at Austin campus, is looking to once again fight "absurdity with absurdity."

The group teamed up with advertising agency FCB New York to create a bulletproof vest to highlight campus carry laws affecting universities across the country.

The vests are the most recent way the group, formed at UT-Austin in 2015, has taken to the streets to raise awareness of gun laws.

Jessica Jin planned a "Cocks Not Glocks" protest in October 2015 after she found the Texas Penal Code prohibits obscene devices "including a dildo or artificial vagina, designed or marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs."

"You would receive a citation for taking a dildo to class before you would get in trouble for taking a gun to class," Jin wrote at the time. "Heaven forbid the penis."

Students carried dildos and other sex toys across the UT-Austin campus in protest when Texas' campus carry law went into effect in August 2016, allowing those with concealed handgun licenses to carry at public universities.

RELATED: Dildos descend on UT Austin in 'Cocks Not Glocks' protest of guns on campus

Just before the protest last year, the anti-campus carry group and FCB New York came up with the idea to make a bulletproof vest to draw attention to gun laws at universities.

"So the idea was really born out of the horrifying realization that over the last several years, amid all the school shootings, the conclusion our government has come to is to bring more guns into schools," said Ari Halper, chief creativer office at FCB NY, in a phone interview with mySA.com.

Cocks Not Glocks and FCB NY debuted an infomercial for bulletproof sweatshirts and T-shirts Tuesday, which includes footage from a pop-up shop event in Austin.

"We have all your bulletproof college swag needs," the narrator cheers in the commercial.

READ ALSO: Ranked: The safest colleges in Texas

Instead of dropping the $900 or more for the items, the narrator urges viewers to take the cheaper option  contacting their local representatives for free.

"Be the envy of your school with protection that's affordable (sort of ) and thick enough to stop a bullet, while still providing unparalleled comfort and concealability (relatively speaking)," reads the clothing.

Ten states, including Texas, allow campus carry, according to The Trace, a nonprofit publication that tracks gun violence and gun laws across the country. Jin said she expects that number to continue to grow as state legislatures grapple with various gun bills.

READ ALSO: 17-year-old accused of killing UT student claimed he was beaten in foster care

She said most students don't know what is allowed at their university until they arrive on campus because administrators don't typically advertise campus carry. With the commercial, Halper said, they hope to draw attention to the issue and put pressure on legislatures.

"Ever since this law came to Texas, it's been a back-and-forth over whose hysteria is more unreasonable," she said of the fight for and against campus carry in the state. "It's just a bunch of finger-pointing about whose more scared and whose fears are more valid. "

But, Jin says, "For every loaded gun, we could offer an equally absurd solution."

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
Its been one year since a fitness instructor was killed at a North Texas church, and police have yet to apprehend anyone in connection with her death.

Terri Leann Bevers, 45, died April 18, 2016, at the Creekside Church of Christ in Midlothian, according to previous reports.
Gov. Greg Abbott is signaling support for House legislation that some hope will serve as an alternative to the Senates bathroom bill.

In a statement Tuesday, Abbott called the House alternative developed by state Rep. Ron Simmons, R-Carrollton, a thoughtful proposal. The revised version of Simmons House Bill 2899, which will be the subject of a committee hearing Wednesday, would invalidate local trans-inclusive bathroom policies, including anti-discrimination ordinances meant to allow transgender people access to public bathrooms based on gender identity and some school policies meant to accommodate transgender students.

I applaud the House and Senate for tackling an issue that is of growing concern to parents and communities across Texas who are now looking to the Legislature for solutions, Abbott said in the statement. Rep. Simmons is offering a thoughtful proposal to make sure our children maintain privacy in our school bathrooms and locker rooms.

While Abbott signaled support for the House proposal, he made clear he wants to continue working on the high-profile issue with lawmakers from both chambers.

As the debate on this issue continues, I will work with the House and Senate to ensure we find a solution and ultimately get a bill to my desk that I will sign into law, Abbott said.

Abbotts statement is significant in that he has been relatively quiet on the issue of bathroom regulations as it has dominated the discussion this session. Before the session, he said he believed it was an issue worth examining but has since declined to take a position on Senate Bill 6.

The proposal being developed in the House is different from SB 6, a priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick that passed out of the Senate last month. While its similar in some ways to North Carolinas revised bathroom law, Simmons focus on discrimination protections also differs from that states measure, which had spawned a fierce backlash.

Supporters of Simmons proposal hope it is more acceptable to the business community that has so far been strongly opposed to SB 6. But some business coalitions  representing major companies in the state who are advocating against discriminatory legislation  have already said they will oppose Simmons proposal.

Since last year, House Speaker Joe Straus has expressed reservations about the state adopting new bathroom regulations, describing the issue in November as not the most urgent concern of mine.

The speakers position has not changed, Straus spokesman Jason Embry said Tuesday in a statement following Abbotts remarks.






For hundreds of years, biologists knew of the giant shipworm only from shell fragments and a handful of dead specimens. Those specimens, despite being preserved in museum jars, had gone to mush. Still, the shipworm's scattered remains made an outsized impression on biologists. Its three-foot-long tubular shells - the shipworm isn't technically a worm but a bivalve - were so striking that Swedish taxonomist Carl Linnaeus included the animal in his book that introduced the scientific naming system "Systema Naturae."

And yet no one could get their hands on a living example of the giant shipworm, or Kuphus polythalamia. Unlike with other shipworms, named because they ate their way into the sides of wooden boats, no one knew where the giant shipworm lived.

"It's sort of the unicorn of mollusks," Margo Haygood, a marine microbiologist at the University of Utah, told The Washington Post.

The habitat of the world's longest clam is a mystery no longer. As Haygood and her colleagues reported Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the search for the giant shipworm has come to an end.

Television news in the Philippines dealt the mortal blow to the shipworm's near-mythical status. A TV station aired a short documentary segment about strange shellfish living in a lagoon. The show filmed the mollusks growing in the muck, as though someone had planted rows of elephant tusks. As luck would have it, a colleague of Haygood's in the Philippines caught wind of the segment. Researchers investigated the lagoon, where they plucked a live shipworm from the mud, slipped it along with some seawater into a PVC pipe and shipped the animal to a laboratory.

"I've been studying shipworms since 1989 and in all that time I had never seen a living specimen of Kuphus polythalamia," Daniel Distel, a co-author of the new study and the director of Northeastern University's Ocean Genome Legacy Center, wrote in an email. "It was pretty spectacular to lift that tube out of its container for the first time."

Distel carefully chipped away at the giant shipworm's massive shell. Smaller shipworms are fleshy pink, beige or white, as are most clams. Not the giant shipworm. Its body is black.

"To see this giant gunmetal black specimen was amazing," Distel said. "On the one hand I was pretty excited to see what it looked like inside. On the other hand it was a little intimidating to dissect this incredibly rare specimen."

A full-grown giant shipworm reaches up to three feet long, which means that when draped across the width of a twin bed, the clam would just barely fit. "It's quite heavy. It's like picking up a tree branch or something even heavier," Haygood said. "The living animal is just magnificent."

What's more, the giant shipworm barely has a digestive system. "It's not feeding in any normal way," Haygood said.

The clam has a mouth and a small stomach, but its gills are supersize. Living within those gills are bacteria. That's not unusual for shipworms: The clams, as a rule, have symbiotic relationships with microbes. Usually, though, the microbes help shipworms digest wood.

In the case of the giant shipworm, the scientists found grains of sulfur packed into the bacteria. The marine biologists suspect that, at some point in the shipworm's evolution, the animal traded its wood-digesting bacteria for bacteria that feed off sulfur compounds.

"This paper provides a fascinating example of symbiont displacement, a phenomena we are only just beginning to observe more regularly in nature, thanks to advances in sequencing which have provide us with the tools to unravel the evolutionary history of microbes," said Nicole Dubilier, director of the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, who was not involved in the study. "What we are now seeing is unexpected: symbioses are not as stable as we previously assumed."

The symbiotic arrangement between microbe and giant shipworm was similar to one found in deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Thousands of feet below the surface, beyond the reaches of sunlight, tube worms also get their nutrients from bacteria that consume sulfides. Despite their similar names, though, tube worms and shipworms aren't close relatives. Tube worms are annelids - they're actual worms, like earthworms, not clams.

But the symbiotic bacteria in both deep-sea worms and the lagoon-living clams are related to each other. "So this is a case of convergent evolution," Distel said. That is, both the worms and clams independently arrived at the same conclusion: Housing bacteria inside their bodies was a fine way to stay nourished.

Haygood said the presence of the sulfide-consuming bacteria suggested that the lagoon, perhaps filled with rotting wood or other organic matter, produced hydrogen sulfide.

The discovery lends support to a hypothesis proposed by Distel in 2000 about the origins of animals that live in deep-sea vents. In Distel's theory, mussels that lived in wood and harbored the sulfide-eating bacteria might have sunk to the vents. Far below, they flourished on sulfide released from the vents.

"Wood provided an ecological bridge, helping them to invade the vents," he said. The discovery of the new shipworm indicated that shallow lagoons could have served as the location for the switch in bacteria types: First the wood served directly as food for clams. But once the clams began to take in the sulfur-loving bacteria, the wood provided a source of the hydrogen sulfide for the microbes.

"This is an extremely rare example where we were actually able find fairly direct evidence about how this particular symbiosis evolved," Distel said, in which the clams traded one type of bacteria for the other.
BENTONVILLE, Ark.  This week Walmart launched its Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, a nationwide initiative that encourages the public to join the fight against hunger.

The Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign launches at a time when the USDA reports that 42 million people in America, including more than 13 million children, struggle with hunger. The campaign also is part of Walmarts larger commitment to provide meals to those in need, helping ensure every family has access to affordable, nutritious and sustainably-grown food.

Working with Discover card, Campbell Soup Company, General Mills, Kellogg Company, The Kraft Heinz Company and PepsiCo, Walmart is offering three ways to take action against hunger and help a local Feeding America food bank.

(1) Purchase: For every participating product purchased at U.S. Walmart stores from April 17  May 15, 2017, the supplier will donate the equivalent of one meal ($0.09) on behalf of a Feeding America member food bank, up to applicable limits. For every Discover card transaction made at U.S. Walmart stores and Walmart.com during the campaign period, Discover will donate the equivalent of one meal ($0.09) to Feeding America and its network of member food banks, up to $1 million. See Walmart.com/fighthunger for further details.

(2) Online acts of support: Generate meals for Feeding America food banks by engaging with the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign on social media. For each online act of support, Walmart will donate the equivalent of 10 meals ($0.90) to Feeding America on behalf of member food banks, up to $1.5 million.

(3) Donate at the register: Donate to your local Feeding America food bank at the register during checkout.

Walmart is kicking off the campaign with a $1.5 million donation and aims to donate a total of $3 million to Feeding America based on the publics online participation in the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign. Combining Walmarts donation with supplier donations through product purchases and customer donations at the register, the campaign has a goal of helping Feeding America secure 100 million meals on behalf of its member food banks.

At Feeding America, we see firsthand the impact hunger has on families in communities across the country, and we understand it takes a village to help strengthen our communities and provide meals to people in need, said Diana Aviv, CEO of Feeding America, the nations largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Great partnerships are essential to moving the needle.

In March, NACS published a Community Toolkit that provides ideas and examples of numerous community-focused areas that retailers of all sizes can implement, including support for local food banks and pantries. The toolkit provides examples of how retailers are making a difference in their communities by giving back, and includes dozens of links to groups already partnering with convenience stores, as well as examples of how stores are succeeding with these partnerships.
SEATTLE  Starbucks Coffee Company is making sure 100 million healthy coffee trees get into the hands of coffee farmers that need them by 2025. The effort is part of the companys ongoing commitment to provide support to farmers around the world.

The commitment builds on the companys One Tree for Every Bag initiative, which launched in September 2015 to ensure that a coffee tree is planted for every bag of coffee purchased in a participating U.S. store. The seedlings will replace trees that are declining in productivity due to age and disease, such as coffee leaf rust. More than 25 million trees have been donated thus far with the initial distribution of 10 million having started in the summer of 2016.

We have heard directly from farmers that healthy trees are what they need now, more than ever, so this long-term approach coupled with the right resources directly correlates to the stability of their family as well as the future of coffee, said Cliff Burrows, group president, global coffee, Starbucks.

Going forward, the company will continue its relationship with supplier nurseries set up in Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador as well as look to develop new supplier nurseries in additional coffee regions that would benefit from re-planting. By integrating this into their purchasing behavior and evolving their current initiative, Starbucks expects at least 100 million trees to get to farmers by 2025.

This effort will have an amplified effect when added to the work of The Sustainable Coffee Challenge that recently announced an industry-wide effort to replant 1 billion coffee trees, to ensure positive outcomes for both productivity and the environment. The Sustainable Coffee Challenge is a joint initiative of more than 60 partners including corporations, governments, NGOs and research organizations to make coffee the first sustainable agricultural product.
Kimberly Ryan is a leading provider of HR professional services in Africa. Our business exists in Nigeria, Ghana, UK, Kenya and Uganda.The candidate should be able to maintain a strong social media presence for the companys brand, plan Web, SEO/SEM, email, social media and display advertising campaigns.Applications should be sent to: resumes@kimberly-ryan.net using the job title as the subject of the mail.
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we collaborate to put bold solutions into action - helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within, now and for the future.In Nigeria, Mercy Corps operates in over 13 states focusing on key thematic areas of humanitarian response, conflict mitigation and adolescent girls empowerment.: Damboa, BornoMercy Corps Nigerias humanitarian program aims to provide assistance to populations affected by the crisis in Northeast Nigeria.With funding from humanitarian donors including OFDA, FFP, EU, and ECHO the humanitarian programs engage in several interventions including but not limited to food assistance, non-food items (NFI), protection, livelihoods, cash transfers, WASH and capacity building of humanitarian response actors.Mercy Corps is scaling-up and expanding its humanitarian response in Northeast Nigeria to reach more beneficiaries with additional assistance in a wider geographic area.The Cash Transfer Programming (CTP)/Cash for Work (CFW) Program Assistant will assist in the day to day implementation of all CTP/CFW program activities in the areas of intervention.The PA will work closely with CTP/CFW Program Officers to ensure smooth implementation of cash/voucher related activities.The CTP/CFW Program Assistant will report to the Cash & Vouchers Senior Program Officer and work collaboratively with fellow program and MEL staff.S/He may also support other livelihood sector interventions including unconditional cash transfers, livelihood grants and VSLAs.Assist program officers to ensure cash transfer programming and cash for work activities progress according to the developed schedule and work plan.Assist in the coordination with program stakeholders in target geographical areas.Support in the process of beneficiary registration, community mobilization and sensitization.Assist in promoting community participation and inclusion so as to encourage community ownership over activities implemented.Ensure equal representation of various community groups in the implementation of activities.Assist in the facilitation of community meetings, focus group discussion and other as required by the program.Keep program officers and management updated with regards to security situation in the project implementation area.Provide weekly field reports, capturing activities progress, observed humanitarian needs, general situation and community updates.Support program officers in CTP/CFW activity planning and project related documentation.Document lessons learned and success stories related to CTP/CFW activities with the support and guidance of MEL team.Adherence to all MC policies and procedures as outlined in MC policies and procedure manuals;Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission in country of operation;Other duties as assigned.1-2 years of working experience.Previous experience in community/social work is highly preferred.Proven ability to develop and maintain good relation with the local communities and project beneficiaries.Demonstrated skills in planning, organizing and reportingBachelor Degree in relevant field or equivalent experience is highly recommendedAbility to work under pressureStrong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skillsExcellent oral and written skills and computer skillsFluency in English; fluency in Hausa is required.Success FactorThe successful candidate will be an effective communicator, with dedication towards community work, commitment to work long hours in the field conditions with limited access to resources.S/He will be highly motivated, with initiative and capable to work without direct supervision.S/he will be willing to conduct field travels and work in ethnically and culturally diversified and fast growing team.Applicants should forward their CV's and Cover Letter in one document, addressing the position requirements to: ng-recruitment.nigeria@mercycorps.org NoteAll applications must include the position title in the subject line.Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview and we are an equal opportunity organization so women are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.29 April, 2017
Yves here. I must confess to a bit of frustration with todays Links. You can see they are heavy on international news, for good reason. Yet I am bothered that important domestic financial and economics stories are going under the radar as a result.

Dingo Wins Competition for Worlds Most Interesting Genome Smithsonian (Chuck L)

ARE SOME SOLAR PANELS MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY THAN OTHERS? JSTOR (Micael). I am surprised that this is even a matter of debate.

The Crisis of Attention TheftAds That Steal Your Time for Nothing in Return Wired (resilc)

Ukraine launches big blockchain deal with tech firm Bitfury Reuters (furzy). Given that Ukraine is one of the most corrupt countries in the world, this does not look like all that positive a development.

New documentary gives an insight into the thankless task of moderating the internet ThaiVisa (furzy)

How a Cannabis Expert Sneaks Weed Past the TSA LifeHacker (Dan K)

A New CRISPR Pill Makes Bacteria Destroy Its Own DNA Futurist (Dan K)

The Endangered Good Doctor Wall Street Journal (J-LS). Important. Hopefully you can find a way to get past the paywall.

North Korea

Pence to South Korea: Our trade relationship is falling short The Hill. Weird to be raising this while sabre-rattling at the North is on.

French Election

Brexit

PFI scandal as Scottish NHS faces 10billion bill for hospitals that cost 2billion Daily Record (Richard Smith)

Turkey

Syraqistan

Trump Transition

Gorsuch Full of Questions on First U.S. Supreme Court Day Bloomberg. One can hope that he puts off his fellow jurists but he probably wont.

Democrats welcome Bernie takeover The Hill (resilc)

New DNC Chair Tom Perez Booed At DNC Reboot Tour Daily Caller (UserFriendly). Do watch the short clip.

DNC Tries to Shame Bernie Sanders For His Email List Observer (UserFriendly). As some people close to the Sanders operation have said, this continued demand shows how clueless the DNC is. Sanders mailing list is productive due to Sanders. People would unsubscribe en masse and send hate mail if the DNC were to try to fundraise from them.

Reeling From Low Oil Prices, Saudis Look To Freeze Megaprojects OilPrice. Resilc: Freezing Yemen and support to Wahabbi radicals too?

James Bullard on Life as a Fed Bank President and Monetary Policy in 2017 Macro Musings (Scott). Podcast.

Boeing to Dismiss Hundreds of Engineers Amid Sales Slowdown Bloomberg

Theranos Agrees Not to Operate Blood Lab for Two Years Wall Street Journal. Can someone explain to me why Elizabeth Holmes isnt in jail?

Fees fall along with performance; how much is hard to tell, exactly Pensions & Investments (DO)

Bad actors in the financial industry want the fiduciary rule weakened Economic Policy Institute

Why Cancer Drug Prices Keep Rising in the U.S. Nautilus (Dr. Kevin)

Class Warfare

Age of sincerity aeon (Micael)

Antidote du jour (VDA via Lawrence R): A visit from Ms. Turkey was our Easter present. Isnt she beautiful?

And a bonus video (furzy). The shots are amazing, such as the osprey shaking water off while flying.

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
By Janine Berg an economist with the International Labour Organisation and Valerio De Stefano, a lawyer with the International Labour Organisation. Originally published at Open Democracy.

Over a century ago, labour laws began to be instituted in diverse countries throughout the world. These laws were intended to provide protection to workers in what was recognised as an unequal relationship of exchange, but it also gave authority to managers to organise and direct their employees work. While the world of work has changed since these initial labour regulations were instituted, the fundamental reasons for the existence of labour protections  to ensure safe and healthy workplaces, to give workers a voice, and to provide minimum protections with respect to working time and earnings  remain valid.

Although it would seem straightforward that the laws protecting workers should also apply to workers in what is described as the gig economy or platform-based work, there is much debate  and confusion  on this issue. This lack of clarity stems in part from the novelty of platform-based work. There has also been an effort to conceal the nature of platform-based work through buzzwords such as favours, rides, and tasks as well as the practice common to many platforms of classifying their workers as independent contractors.

Platform-based work includes crowdwork and work-on-demand via apps. In crowdwork, workers complete small jobs or tasks through online platforms, such as Amazon Mechanical Turk, Crowdflower, and Clickworker. In work-on-demand via apps, workers perform duties such as providing transport, cleaning, home repairs, or running errands, but the workers learn about these jobs through mobile apps, from companies such as Uber, Taskrabbit, and Handy. The jobs are performed locally.

Working as a Favour

Depicting work in the platform economy as a mere sharing of favours conveys an image of the gig economy as a sort of parallel dimension, where chores are amateurishly carried out as a form of leisure, with no relation to work. The reality, however, is different. For most workers, platform-based work is an essential source of income. The ILO recently surveyed workers on two important micro-task platforms: Amazon Mechanical Turk and Crowdflower. Forty percent of respondents answered that crowdwork constituted their principal source of income. Workers averaged 30 hours of week on the platform.

Related to this is the assumption that the workers are genuinely self-employed persons, independent from the platforms and their users. Indeed, much of the rhetoric around the gig economy is that the workers are their own bosses  a new breed of micro-entrepreneurs who work when and how they want, answering to no one and growing their own businesses. While there are some platforms that serve as marketplaces for buyers and sellers of goods, for platforms selling labour services the worker is rarely operating independently.

Platforms mediate extensively the transactions they have with their workers, and also between the customers and the workers. Platforms often fix the price of the service as well as define the terms and conditions of the service, or they allow the clients to define the terms (but not the worker). The platform may define the schedule or the details of the work, including instructing workers to wear uniforms, to use specific tools, or to treat customers in a particular way.

Many platforms have performance review systems that allow customers to rate the workers and they use these ratings to limit the ability of lower-rated workers to access jobs, including by excluding workers from their system. The amount of direction and discipline that clients and platforms impose on workers, in many instances amounts to the degree of control that is normally reserved to employers and is normally accompanied by labour protections such as the minimum wage, limits on working time, and contributions to social security. This recent ILO study provides more detailed analysis on these features of platform-based work.

In a landmark judgement on Uber in October 2016, an employment tribunal in the United Kingdom dismissed the notion that the drivers run autonomous businesses merely linked by the platform. Among other things, the judge observed that it was impossible for them to grow their businesses unless growing their business simply means spending more hours at the wheel. The judgement also found that, through the rating system, the platform subjected drivers to what amounts to a performance management/disciplinary procedure, going beyond what is allowed in co-ordinating mere self-employed workers.

Whats New About the 4.0 Economy?

When we look closely at the gig economy it becomes obvious that rather than new 4.0 digital revolution work, gig economy work is simply twenty-first century casual work rebranded. The technology has changed, but it is still work undertaken by human beings and under the control of other human beings, in exchange for money. Indeed, gig work needs to be considered along with broader trends of casualisation of the labour market such as the spread of zero-hour contracts and bogus self-employment.

Because work in the gig economy is currently unregulated  or is only regulated by the platform  it is characterised by a lack of job security and few, if any, labour protections. Ironically, with day labourers, dockworkers, and agricultural hands  probably the types of casual work that most readily come to mind  their work is at least for the day.

In the platform economy, it is for the task at hand. This can be as short as a few kilometres drive or ten minutes spent tagging photos on the internet. The Turker, the Uber driver, or the graphic artist working on an online design platform must continuously search for work, monitoring their computer screens or smartphones for work opportunities. Indeed, in the ILO survey, it was found that workers averaged 18 minutes looking for work for every hour working.

Even when jobs span a few hours or a few days, the worker needs to be constantly searching for new work. Ninety percent of workers in the survey reported that they would like to be doing more work than they are currently doing, citing insufficient work and low pay as the reasons they were not. Despite the desire for more hours, many were already working a lot: 40% of respondents reported that they regularly worked seven days a week and 50% indicated that they had worked for more than 10 hours during at least one day in the past month. Low pay coupled with the need to work resulted in workers spending long hours online.

The lack of protections for workers, the casual nature of the work and the elements of direction and control exerted by the platforms all point to a need to regulate the gig economy. Self-regulation by the platforms, as is currently the case, cannot ensure better working conditions and can jeopardise the sustainability of well-intended platforms in what is a global race to the bottom. Moreover, unless authorities step in and recognise that workers should not be denied protection just because they work for platforms, platforms will continue to have an advantage over traditional industries, risking a deterioration of working conditions that extends beyond platform-based work.

Turning Technology to Support Regulation

But how to regulate? To begin with, the technology that has allowed parcelling and distributing work to the crowd can also be used to regulate the work and provide protection to workers. Technology can monitor when workers are working, when they are searching for work, and when they are taking breaks. For example, Upwork, the on-line freelance marketplace, offers its clients the option of paying by the hour, as it can monitor the workers by recording their keyboard strokes and mouseclicks and taking random screen shots. Uber expects drivers to always have the app on, which can track drivers whereabouts including their downtime.

This same technology can thus also be used to ensure that workers earn at least the minimum wage or ideally to regulate the wage agreed collectively by the workers and the platform. If labour protections are put in place, then platforms will have the incentive to re-organise work to limit search time. Technology and better organisational design can help to minimise search time, improving efficiency for all. The technology can also be used to facilitate payment of social security contributions.

With nearly unlimited supplies of labour and an absence of liability placed on platforms, casualisation will continue. While it is easy to become enamoured by the glitz and convenience of apps and the myth that we have broken from our past, we need to remember that these platforms are merely providing another way of mediating work  driving and running errands, or doing data entry or audio transcription online are not new. Technology is great  let it help us make the world run more smoothly, not unravel the gains from the hard fought battles to improve workers rights.

The views expressed in this blog are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the ILO.
Cancer diagnosis with a breath test (Nanowerk News) Inhale deeply ... and exhale. This is what a test for lung cancer could be like in future. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim have developed a method that can detect the disease at an early stage ("Non-invasive lung cancer diagnosis by detection of GATA6 and NKX2-1 isoforms in exhaled breath condensate").

To this effect, they investigated the presence of traces of RNA molecules that are altered by cancer growth. In a study on healthy volunteers and cancer patients, the breath test correctly determined the health status of 98 percent of the participants. The method will now be refined in cooperation with licensing partners so that it can be used for the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Scientists can collect RNA molecules released from lung tissue and amplify them with the help of polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The molecules can serve as a diagnostic tool to detect cancer cells in the lungs. (Image: MPI f. Heart and Lung Research/ G. Barreto) (click on image to enlarge)

Most lung cancer patients die within five years of diagnosis. One of the main reasons for this is the insidious and largely symptom-free onset of the disease, which often remains unnoticed. In the USA, high-risk groups, such as heavy smokers, are therefore routinely examined by CAT scan. However, patients can be wrongly classified as having the disease.

Together with cooperation partners, researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research have now developed a breath test that is much more accurate. In their research, the diagnosis of lung cancer was correct in nine out of ten cases. The method is therefore reliable enough to be used for the routine early detection of lung cancer.

The researchers analyzed RNA molecules released from lung tissue into expired breath, noting differences between healthy subjects and lung cancer patients. Unlike DNA, the RNA profile is not identical in every cell. Several RNA variants, and therefore different proteins, can arise from one and the same DNA segment. In healthy cells, such variants are present in a characteristic ratio. The scientists discovered that cancerous and healthy cells contain different amounts of RNA variants of the GATA6 and NKX2 genes. Cancer cells resemble lung cells in the embryonic stage.

The researchers developed a method to isolate RNA molecules. Not only is their concentration in expired breath extremely low, but they are also frequently highly fragmented. The researchers then investigated the RNA profile in subjects with and without lung cancer and from these data established a model for diagnosing the disease. In a test of 138 subjects whose health status was known, the test was able to identify 98 percent of the patients with lung cancer. 90 percent of the detected abnormalities were in fact cancerous.

The breath test could make the detection of early-stage lung cancer easier and more reliable, but it will not completely supplant conventional techniques, says Guillermo Barreto, a Working Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute in Bad Nauheim. However, it can complement other techniques for detecting early cancer stages and reduce false-positive diagnoses.
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.
He was told of the delights of the Tipperary town but the young man who would go on to be Britains leader never actially visited Munster!

Organising the next History Day at Dromana, her family home near Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, Barbara Grubb has been wondering why its subject, Winston Churchill, never visited this part of Ireland.

But it seems young Churchill might have holidayed in Munster  if he hadn't jumped off a bridge in 1893!

"When he left school in 1892, Churchill hoped to become an officer in the British Army," Barbara Grubb explains.

One of his friends, Jack Milbanke, had already joined the Army, and had been posted to Cahir in County Tipperary.

"Winston's mother, who was a forthright American lady, thought Jack was 'dull and stupid'," says Barbara Grubb. "He sounds just right for the 10th Hussars, a fashionable cavalry regiment noted for its flash uniforms."

In February 1893, Jack Milbanke wrote to Churchill, telling him Cahir was "such a nice place", although he grumbled that there was "no society of any description".

"He obviously didn't think much of the local landed gentry," laughs Barbara Grubb. But, on the plus side, Jack reported "heaps of hunting fishing etc."

"Young Jack wasn't interested in Ireland's problems," she notes.

"True, the country was quiet at the time. Parnell had died two years earlier, and the Split in the Irish party put people off politics."

But Barbara Grubb is puzzled that a young man could go hunting around Tipperary and not notice the rural poverty.

"Great changes were stirring in Ireland," she points out. "The Gaelic League was taking shape."

"Just 3 months earlier, Douglas Hyde had delivered his famous lecture, 'The Necessity for de-Anglicising Ireland'. Maybe young Milbanke was one of the Anglicising elements he thought the country could do without! "

Unluckily, there was no chance of young Winston visiting his friend.

In January 1893, while playing an adventure game, the 18 year-old Churchill had made a monkey-like jump off a bridge, aiming to swing into a tree.

"Instead, he fell 29 feet and suffered serious injuries, which put him in a wheelchair for some months," Barbara Grubb relates. "The accident didn't do him any permanent harm  he lived to the age of 90."

But Jack Milbanke knew there was no chance that his friend could visit him in Tipperary any time soon.

It wouldn't have been easy anyway.

"The worst thing about Cahir is that it is such a terrible long way from London," Jack moaned.

"I can just imagine Milbanke singing the First World War song, 'It's a long way to Tipperary'," jokes Barbara Grubb.
(Natural News) We all learned in grade school that the First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech for all Americans. What some people may not know, however, is the historical context behind freedom of speech. Like most other amendments in the Bill of Rights, the right to speak freely and openly was meant to be a check on the federal government. In most other countries during the time of our founding and even in many countries today, citizens are tortured or even killed for speaking out against the government. The Founding Fathers wanted to break from that type of system and empower the people to speak up if and when the government begins to take steps towards tyranny.

Today, there is an ongoing effort within the progressive movement to silence speech that is not aligned with their ideology  that is, any speech that promotes the tenets of conservative republicanism. Whether its talk radio, college professors and administrations or on social media, the lefts assault on free speech is relentless. Such censorship will no doubt put America on a slippery slope, and may one day lead to the formation of a centralized, tyrannical state.

This is essentially the point being argued by Robert Thomson, the Chief Executive Officer of News Corp. Thomson warns that algorithms used to censor certain speech on Facebook and Google have left us perched on the edge of the slippery slope of censorship. Thomsons comment comes in response to an investigation that was conducted by The Times, which revealed that automated adverts often place brand name products on pornography and extremist websites. For instance, the investigation found that an authorized Nissan dealers advertisements were automatically placed on the YouTube page of the far-right English Defense League. Additionally, an advertisement for Argos was shown alongside sexually explicit YouTube videos, and an advertisement for Marie Curie, a charity based in the UK, was found on a racist song that was posted by Combat 18, a neo-nazi terrorist cell.

While speaking at the Asia Society in Hong Kong, Thomson explained that the issue is actually a lot more serious than damaged reputations. The embarrassment for these advertisers, naturally conscious of their image, is understandable, but the situation is far more serious than mere loss of face, he said. Thomson went on to point out that the consequences of these algorithms and the automated adverts could be far more significant than we think. Because of YouTube, that is Google, there is a real chance that some of these clients have been funding extremism, whether it be Islamist excess or neo-fascist nonsense, depending on the type of advertising. He added that those who are YouTube partners could earn about 55 percent of the revenue from a video.

Later in his speech, Thomson put things a bit more bluntly, saying, The word Orwellian is flagrantly used and abused. But when it comes to the all-powerful algorithms of Google, Amazon and Facebook, otherwise known as GAF, Orwellian is unused.

Recently, Google decided to take a page from Facebooks playbook by altering its news-collection algorithm so that it can locate and censor information it deems fake or inaccurate.

The problem with this endless hunt to find fake news on the Internet is that those in charge may very well abuse their power and begin censoring things that should not be censored. Who is to say, for example, that those people who make up Googles team of fake news hunters arent a bunch of leftists out to shut down conservative speech? While today the target seems to be pornography and extremist sites, who is to say that tomorrow it wont be articles published by Breitbart or Fox News?

The line has to be drawn somewhere. Incidentally, that line was already drawn over two centuries ago in what we call the United States Constitution.

Sources:

PressGazette.co.uk

TheGuardian.com

TheTimes.co.uk
Monday, April 17, 2017 by: Jayson Veley Tags: business , corporations , economy , food , International This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author

(Natural News) When you go into a large supermarket, the number of food options you have to choose from is almost overwhelming. Just five feet from the main entrance, shoppers are immediately inundated with Oreos, Pringles, 2-liter bottles of soda, cases of water, candy, and various other snacks. Walking through the aisles, its common to see waffles, salsa, yogurt, coffee, juice, various kinds of cereal, and hundreds of other foods and drinks. Amazingly, there is one thing that nearly every single item inside of a typical grocery store has in common  they are all produced by just 10 international corporations.

The companies include Nestle, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Danone, General Mills, Associated British Foods, Kelloggs, Mars, and Mondelez, and each of them employs thousands of people and profits billions of dollars in annual revenue. Below is a breakdown of each of these global corporations and what it is that they produce:

Kelloggs

With a 2016 revenue of $13 billion, Kelloggs is perhaps best known for cereal like Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes, and Corn Pops. However, most people are unaware that Kelloggs also owns brands like Eggo, Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Nutri-Grain, and Vanilla Wafers. In November of last year, Kelloggs announced that the company was pulling all of their ads from Breitbart.com due to the fact that the conservative website was not aligned with our values as a company. As a result, Breitbart launched a #DumpKelloggs petition and encouraged their readers to boycott.

Associated British Foods

In 2016, Associated British Foods collected a total revenue of $16.8 billion. The company owns several different brands, including Dorset Cereals, Twinings tea, Allied Mills, Westmill Foods, Speedbaker, and the retailer Primark.

General Mills

Just shy of Associated British Foods 2016 revenue, General Mills collected $16.6 billion last year. General Mills owns many popular cereal brands such as Cheerios, Chex, Kix, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Reeses Puffs, Trix, Cocoa Puffs, and Lucky Charms. Other non-cereal brands owned by General Mills include Yoplait, Hamburger Helper, and Betty Crocker.

Danone

Danone is a corporation that is best known for yogurt. With a 2016 revenue of $23.7 billion, Danone owns Activia, Yocrunch, and Oikos, in addition to various nutrition products. Danone also owns some bottled water brands like Aqua and Evian.

Mondelez

Mondelez owns several popular snacking brands such as Oreo, Chips Ahoy, Sour Patch Kids, Cadbury, Trident Gum, Ritz, Triscuit, and Wheat Thins. Mondelez collected $25.9 billion in 2016.

Mars

Mars is a corporation that is best known for chocolate. With $35 billion collected in 2016, Mars owns Dove Chocolate, 3 Musketeers, Milky Way, Snickers, M&Ms, Twix and several other chocolate-based snacks. Additionally, Mars also owns Uncle Bens rice, Combos, Starburst, and Orbit gum.

Coca-Cola

Perhaps one of the most popular corporations in existence in Coca-Cola, which owns dozens of different beverages from Spite to Fanta, Dasani to Minute Maid, Fresca to Mellow Yellow. Coca-Cola took in a whopping $41.9 billion in 2016.

Unilever

Though perhaps Unilever isnt the most well-known corporation in existence, it owns dozens of brands that most people use on a regular basis. With a 2016 revenue of $48.3 billion, Unilever owns Axe body spray, Lipton tea, Hellmanns mayonnaise, Dove, Degree deodorant, Vaseline and Ben & Jerrys.

PepsiCo

The obvious brand owned by PepsiCo is the incredibly popular soft drink Pepsi. Other than soda, though, PepsiCo also owns Quaker Oatmeal, Gatorade, Cheetos, Tropicana, Tostitos, Lays potato chips, and Starbucks ready to drink beverages. PepsiCo collected $62.8 billion in 2016.

Nestle

Incredibly, the Nestle Corporation took in an astonishing $90.2 billion in 2016. In addition to popular candy brands such as Butterfinger and KitKat, Nestle also owns Gerber baby food, Perrier, Coffee-Mate, DiGiorno, Hot Pockets, Friskies and Purina.

Sources:

BusinessInsider.com

Breitbart.com

GeneralMills.com

Danone.com

MondelezInternational.com

Mars.com

Coca-ColaCompany.com

UnileverUSA.com

PepsiCo.com

Nestle.com
(Natural News) Antibiotic treatment during late pregnancy and early childhood spurred aggression and long-term behavioral changes in animal models, a recent study showed. A team of researchers at the McMaster University and St. Josephs Healthcare Hamilton in Ontario, Canada examined the effects of low-dose penicillin treatment in pregnant mice and their offspring, and found that the antibiotic triggered neurochemical changes in the brain and spurred a gut bacteria imbalance in mice. These changes coincided with increased aggression and reduced anxiety in the animal models, researchers said. However, the study revealed that giving mice a lactobacillus strain of bacteria helped prevent the onset of these negative behaviors.

In this paper, we report that low-dose penicillin taken late in pregnancy and in early life of mice offspring, changes behaviour [sic] and the balance of microbes in the gut. While these studies have been performed in mice, they point to popular increasing concerns about the long-term effects of antibiotics. Furthermore, our results suggest that a probiotic might be effective in preventing the detrimental effects of the penicillin, said lead author Dr. John Bienenstock in an article in ScienceDaily.com.

The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.

Antibiotics potential impact on childrens behavior

The lead author also noted that children were exposed to antibiotics during infancy, and stressed on the potential effects of early antibiotic treatments on the childrens future behavioral development. There are almost no babies in North America that havent received a course of antibiotics in their first year of life. Antibiotics arent only prescribed, but theyre also found in meat and dairy products. If mothers are passing along the effects of these drugs to their as yet unborn children or children after birth, this raises further questions about the long-term effects of our societys consumption of antibiotics, Dr. Bienenstock said.

Another study has demonstrated a similar effect on animal models. Canadian researchers examined healthy mice and used antibiotics to alter their gut bacteria. According to the study, mice that received antibiotics displayed increased eagerness and less apprehension compared with those in the control group. The researchers also found that antibiotics-treated mice had higher levels of a brain protein associated with depression and anxiety compared with the controls. The findings were published in the journal Gastroenterology.

A meta-analysis published in 2014 also confirmed that using antibiotics to treat inflammation leads to a chemical imbalance in intestinal bacteria. These effects spur changes in the gut function and behavior of hosts, the review noted. The results appeared in the journal Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology.

Modern society and the vicious cycle of aggression

A vast number of studies show that certain behavioral changes such as early aggression in children could manifest well into adolescence and adulthood. An analysis by the Frances McCleland Institute in Tucson, Arizona revealed that boys were more likely than girls to engage in aggressive acts such as hitting and punching others. However, the review also showed that girls were more likely than boys to use social aggression. The study also revealed that both genders tend to use these two forms of aggression simultaneously.

Aggressive behavior in adolescence was also associated with more violent behaviors  such as sexual abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, and homicide  in adulthood, a meta-analysis revealed. A report by the U.S. Department of Justice showed that young adults ages 18 to 24 years had the highest rates of homicide. Data also showed that 7.7% of all American women suffered sexual violence, while 22% were subject to domestic abuse. The results were published in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. (Related: Know more about the current state of violence in the U.S. at Violence.news and Civilwar.news)

A number of research, collectively known as Bobo doll studies, by renowned psychologist Albert Bandura demonstrate a vicious cycle of aggression that can be transmitted between parents and their children. According to Banduras studies, parents who exhibit aggression were more likely to have children displaying similar behaviors.

Sources:

DailyMail.co.uk

ScienceDaily.com

LiveScience.com

McClellandInstitute.Arizona.edu

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

PsychologyToday.com
(Natural News) The Trump administration has repeatedly said the era of seeking a diplomatic solution to North Koreas ongoing efforts to build nuclear weapons and the missiles to deliver them globally are over.

That can only mean one thing: A decision to strike the isolationist regime could come at any moment, should President Donald J. Trump and his senior military commanders decide they can no longer wait for someone else to solve the problem.

In recent days, Trump  along with Vice President Mike Pence, who traveled to South Korea on Sunday for talks that could have included military options  have expressed hope that China would step up to help rein in its belligerent neighbor, but this no longer appears possible. Bloomberg News reported Monday that a pair of Chinese officials sent to warn leader Kim Jong-un of the seriousness of the situation were summarily snubbed by his regime:

Pyongyang didnt respond to requests from China Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Wu Dawei, the countrys top envoy for North Korean nuclear affairs, to meet with their North Korean counterparts, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions were private. The overtures came after Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump in Florida, the people said.

In a separate report, Bloomberg News said Trump was willing to consider a sudden strike against North Korea, following its failed missile launch over the weekend. (RELATED: North Korea missile launch fails as Trump pledges to strike nuclear sites)

The president was said to be considering a kinetic response  a common term for military action  as a way to deal with the Norths nuclear weapons program. According to a source who spoke with Bloomberg on condition of anonymity, Trumps continued preference is for China to take the lead in diffusing North Koreas nuclear and missile programs.

This is someone who has demonstrated his brutality by murdering his own brother, by murdering others in his family, by imprisoning large numbers of people in horrible conditions for no reason, for political reasons, McMaster of Kim, in an interview on ABC News This Week. So this regime has given the world reason for concern. And that includes  that includes the Chinese people and the Chinese leadership as well.

As for Pyongyang, the president has not expressed any interest in so-called regime change, and is not looking to reunite both Koreas. Rather, the source said, the president prefers that they cooperate over the long term, which is pretty much in line with longstanding U.S. policy.

As for his military options, Trump and his national security team have been reviewing and updating them as part of an evolving strategy moving forward. Any potential first strike against North Korea would likely involve targeting the countrys nuclear facilities at Yongbyon, a nuclear test site at Punggye-ri, rocket-launch facility at Tongchang-ri, and troop and weapons concentrations near the demilitarized zone along the border with South Korea, the UKs Daily Mail reported.

The president clearly has the resources and military assets in the region to conduct a first strike. In addition to the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, with its F/A-18 attack planes, there are guided missile destroyers, submarines and long-range bombers near the Korean coastline or at bases in Japan. (RELATED: Trump To China: A Trade Deal With The U.S. Will Be Far Better If China Helps Solve The North Korea Problem)

In addition to the Norths nuclear weapons, Pyongyang is also believed to have a sizeable stockpile of chemical weapons including deadly VX nerve gas, which some analysts have suggested could have been smuggled out of the country in diplomatic pouches to be unleashed on unsuspecting populations in Britain and the United States, in the event of war.

If it becomes clear that the Kim regime will no longer pay any attention to its principle trading partner and source of income  China  it appears likely that Trump has already made his decision to use the military option. The only question now is when that order will be given.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources:

TheNationalSentinel.com

Bloomberg.com

DailyMail.co.uk

Bloomberg.com
Tuesday, April 18, 2017 by: News Editors Tags: Cleveland , Criminal , murder , Wanted This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author

(Natural News) The Sunday night Facebook killer  who posted a video of himself on the social network shooting an elderly man in Cleveland  remains at large for the second consecutive day as authorities appealed to the public for help in the case. Police said they have received dozens and dozens of tips and possible sightings of the suspect, Steve Stephens, and tried to persuade him to turn himself in when they spoke with him via his cellphone on Sunday after the shooting.

( Article by Tyler Durden from zerohedge.com )

But as Stephens remains on the loose, the search for him has expanded nationwide, police said.

Meanwhile, as Reuters writes, the shooting marked the latest video clip of a violent crime to turn up on Facebook, raising questions about how the worlds biggest social media network moderates content.

Others have suggested that instead of cracking down on what some biased arbiter considers fake news, maybe Facebook can focus on preventing such murderous rampages in the future.

For its part, as we noted yesterday Zuckerbergs company on Monday said it would begin reviewing how it monitors violent footage and other objectionable material in response to the killing.

Read more at: zerohedge.com
(Natural News) Water is one of the worlds most precious resources essential to life. Most of us take it for granted that when we turn on a faucet in our home, clean, fresh, drinkable water will flow. In the last several years, however, clean drinking water has almost become a luxury in many states in America.

Some parts of the United States have been afflicted with extreme drought and changes in climate, while in other states waterways have been poisoned by toxins leaching into the drinking water. Remember the events in Flint, Michigan where the drinking water was contaminated with lead that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) safety limit of 15 parts per billion. At times, levels of 13,200 parts per billion were recorded. Or in 2014, when the water supply of more than 300,000 West Virginia residents was contaminated when a toxic chemical used to clean coal leaked into the Elk River.

Since clean drinking water is a basic human need, it should be available to all people. Unfortunately, an estimated 663 million people worldwide, or about 1 in 10 people, do not have access to a clean water source. To give you a better idea, thats about twice the population of the United States.

The absence of clean water has a significant effect on public health, the food supply, manufacturing, and the economy. Water shortage is responsible for more deaths worldwide than all forms of violence, including war, according to Charity Water.

Find a natural spring with an endless supply of fresh, clean water near you

Since we cant trust the fluoridated or chlorinated water that runs out of the tap, nor the toxic bottled water, what other options do we have to provide our family with the best, uncontaminated water? Finding a spring or filtering your tap water might be the only solution.

Spring or mineral water emerges from deep within the Earth. It flows from aquifers through rock formations and has not been subjected to fluoridation, coagulation, filtration, or other human interference.

Does this sound like the water you want? Then FindaSpring.com has created just the tool you need. Together with their users, they created a database of natural springs around the world. This amazing tool will help you find a natural spring near your home so you can drink the most natural water free of charge. Also, if you know of one that isnt on the map, submit it on their website so it can be added to the database.

A word of caution. Before you start to consume spring water, Find A Spring recommends to independently test all spring water since the website is simply a source for locating springs; they do not validate the safety of the water.

Why pure spring water is so good for you

Below is a short video from Daniel Vitalis, host of the Find a Spring website, who explains why natural spring water is the best and healthiest water for your body and why you should get your water from a spring if you have one near your home. According to Daniel, water represents our life force. It is what makes your blood and keeps your body in the healthiest state possible.

Whether you live in the countryside or a city, springs are near you. Unlike other water sources, spring water was underground before we started to pollute the surface of the earth. This water has never been in contact with humans or industrial pollution, making it the cleanest and safest drinking water on the planet.

By visiting local springs, you cut out the middle man and get the untouched water straight from the Earth. Just like many others, you too can build your body out of the earths greatest resource of living spring water. Be sure to also stay informed about increasing conflict over water sources by reading WaterWars.news.



Sources include:

FindASpring.com

CharityWater.org

YouTube.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Would you undergo an organ transplant if you needed one  even if that organ came from pigs? Smithfield Foods, the worlds largest producer of pork, is also seeking to carve out a niche for themselves in the organ transplant market. The company recently announced that they had even created a separate bioscience unit to expand its role in supplying pig parts for medical purposes.

Smithfield Foods end goal is to supply pig organs to human transplant recipients.

While the routine use of pig organs in humans is still years away, scientific research is growing closer to bringing this nightmare to reality. With recent breakthroughs, the hurdles that have confounded past attempts at such feats are slowly but surely being removed. Reuters describes the harvesting of pig organs for use in humans as an attractive new market. It is true that the number of people waiting for organ transplants vastly exceeds the number of human organs available, but the fact remains that there are serious concerns about the ethics of harvesting organs from animals for the sole purpose of transplanting them into humans.

Of course, Smithfield Foods likely has no qualms about the ethical treatment of animals: The food giant has faced a tremendous amount of scrutiny for the poor conditions in which they keep their animals. In 2007, a local prosecutor in the state of North Carolina launched an investigation against Smithfield Foods after animal rights activists caught workers savagely beating and dragging the animals; some even had their eyes gouged out and their testicles cut off.

The company came under fire again 2010, after they failed to fulfill their promise of phasing out gestation crates, which confine pregnant pigs to a 2 foot-by-7 foot box  an experience animal welfare expert Temple Grandin reportedly described as a life spent trapped in an airline seat. While Smithfield Foods announced earlier this year that they were almost done transitioning their sows to a group housing system, the issue of gestational crates is but one small piece of a larger issue regarding how farm animals are treated.

Courtney Stanton, the vice president of Smithfield Foods new bioscience department, told Reuters that while the company has historically been a food-focused operation, they are hoping to change that. We want to signal to the medical device and science communities that this is an area were focused on  that were not strictly packers, she explained.

It was truly only a matter of time before the food, biotech and medical industries came together. And what a disturbing time it is.

Stanton says that Smithfield Foods first forays into pig organ market would likely involve pig organs that undergo the decellularization process  wherein the existing pig cells are removed and replaced with human cells  but notes that they would not be ruling out the breeding of genetically modified pigs, either.

George Church, a genetics researcher and professor at Harvard Medical School, made waves two years ago by using gene editing technology known as CRISPR to cut away genetic material that has impeded pig-to-human organ transplantation in the past. Church has since founded his own company, eGenesis Bio, to develop humanized pigs that wont provoke transplant rejection or transfer viruses to humans.

Smithfield already harvests materials for medical use from the 16 million pigs the company kills each year. According to Stanton, the US market for pork byproducts equates to over $100 billion  and that excludes the potential future of harvesting organs from the animals for use in humans.

Beyond Smithfield Foods appalling history of animal abuse, there are many concerns about this concept. Some might suggest that the practice is no different than harvesting pigs for meat, but that practice itself is wrought with controversy  especially given the way animals are treated. Is it truly ethical to genetically modify pigs  or any animal  for the sole purpose of human use? And at what point are we compromising our own humanity by subjecting living things to such experimentation? In a recent experiment of genetic modification, researchers found that pig embryos infused with human DNA grew more slowly and were smaller than they should have been. The truth is that researchers cannot, with absolute certainty, predict the outcome of these attempts at genetic modification, and they could cause many animals undue pain and suffering long before they ever get close to their goal of growing human organs in other animals.

For more news about genetic engineering at GeneticLunacy.com.

Sources:

Reuters.com

FoxNews.com

CBSNews.com

ScienceMag.org
Russian officials posted videos and photos of a humanoid or robot being trained to shoot guns. The robot, known as FEDOR, is learning to shoot a dual-wield pistol.

FEDOR is an exceptional machine who already possesses impressive skills; shooting guns is a remarkable addition. The humanoid made noise after Vice Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin shared a footage of the robot on his Twitter account.

The Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research (FEDOR) is an advanced robot with an extraordinary set of skills. Although technologically advanced, many expressed fear due to the newly acquired skill of the robot -- shooting guns.

"A robot of the F.E.D.O.R. platform has shown skills of shooting with both hands. Work is underway on fine motor skills and decision-making algorithms," Vice Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said in a Tweet translated to English by RT.

Based on the video posted by Rogozin, FEDOR can now hit marks on its target by firing guns using its own hands. This is the reason why many called it a "terminator." The Russian government, however, is quick to dispel the claim. According to reports, FEDOR is being trained for its solo mission to space in 2021. However, it is not clear why an orbit-bound robot needs to learn how to shoot guns.

"We are not creating a terminator, but artificial intelligence," Rogozin said in another Tweet. The official said that their intention is to "teach the machine to instantly set priorities and make decisions."

  F.E.D.O.R.      .         @fpi_russia pic.twitter.com/jREgpgEy14    (@Rogozin) April 13, 2017

FEDOR makers emphasized that creating humanoid robots with character is important in artificial intelligence. The development of skills has to be supported by some sort of character to make their robot edgier compared to others. As per the robot's name and gender, FEDOR is a popular Russian male name.

Aside from shooting guns, some remarkable skills the robot already acquired include driving a car, extinguishing a fire, using keys, welding a machine and sawing. The Russian government thinks that these skills will help FEDOR successfully complete its space mission in the next few years. FEDOR will be sent to space aboard an unmanned Federation spacecraft, according to a report.
A geneticist and a pastor have joined forces to look for the living descendants of Jesus.

The undertaking of Joe Basile, lead pastor of both the Encounter Road Church in Visalia and the Encounter Church in Clovis, and Oxford University geneticist George Busby was recently shown on History Channel in an Easter special documentary titled "The Jesus Strand: A Search for DNA."

According to a report published by Daily Mail, the unlikely tandem examined possible evidence that will lead them to the discovery of Jesus' DNA. The artefacts include those gathered from the Shroud of Turin and the Sudarium of Oviedo, among others. They are also looking into a newly discovered set of bones thought to belong to Jesus' cousin and disciple, John the Baptist.

"We used the Bible as a map combined with science. My role was to make sure we didn't get out of bounds," Basile told USA Today. "We were able to go to places no one else gets to and look at artifacts that are pretty incredible," he added. "It was a life-changing moment for me."

University Herald said that in 2010, an ancient reliquary was found inside a sixth-century church on the island of Sveti Ivan in Bulgaria by Kasimir Popkonstantinov. Inside it were five bone fragments and on the box is an inscription on it which says, "May God save you, servant Thomas. To Saint John." During the fifth-century Europe, a church has to carry the bones of a saint for a church to be consecrated. And so, Popkonstantinov is positive that the bones belong to Saint John.

Busby wrote for The Conversation that he was interested in the bone fragments but also expressed his qualms.

In the narrative, he wrote, "For a start, no DNA test can prove that these were bits of John the Baptist, Jesus or any other specific person. We can't extract and analyse an unknown DNA sample and magically say that it belonged to this or that historical character."

However, he cited that the DNA is useful as an additional tool for archeology and they can use it to compare with other relics which were reported to be of Saint John's.



History Channel clarified that the goal is to use the technology advancement to see if religion and science could reveal new information about the relics as well as find something that might point to Jesus.
A 17-year-old teen from Singleton was attacked and killed by a shark while surfing with her father off the coast of Western Australia.

The shark attack, which happened at a popular surfer break known as Kelp Beds, has prompted authorities to close down Wylie Bay beach until further notice and urge people to stay out of the water near the area.

According to News Sky, the shark attack occurred at around 4 p.m. The shark approached the girl and mauled on one of her legs. Her family was reportedly some distance away when the shark attack happened.



According to The West Australian, the girl was dragged down by the shark. Once she resurfaced, the girl's father went to where she was and pulled out her body with the help of other swimmers in the area.



She was immediately given aid after being retrieved from the ocean. However, due to severe blood loss, she succumbed to death later on at the Esperance Hospital.

"Condolences to the family and friends of the victim involved in today's tragedy from everyone @EsperancePol. Devastating circumstances," Esperance Police tweeted on April 17, confirming the girl's death.

Esperance police acting senior sergeant Ben Jeffes said the girl's surfboard had already been retrieved. It will be sent to scientists at the Department of Fisheries to identify what kind of shark attacked her.

The girl was identified by News.com.au as Laeticia Brouwer, who considers surfing as a passion. She and her family were on an Easter holiday when the tragedy happened.

The site where the girl was attacked is also where surfer Sean Pollard was attacked by two great white sharks in October 2014.

According to Perth Now, The Shark Smart WA website recorded two public shark sightings in the Esperance area during the past week. A medium-sized white shark was seen 150 meters offshore at Two Mile Beach in Hopetoun and another was seen 300 meters offshore at Crazies Reef.
Both the U.S. and South Korea believe that the recent missile test by North Korea failed. Defense official confirmed that the test conducted was a failure.

Kim Jong Un showcased his new missiles during a parade last week. Reports say that the test was conducted after a large-scale military parade that can also be construed as a show of force.

The U.S. Pacific Command tracked a missile activity past 5 p.m. last April 5, but the missile blew up immediately after its launch. In a report by CNN, defense officials revealed that the failed missiles test occurred in Sinpo, a port area in the eastern North Korea. This is also the place where a missile that fell into a Japanese sea was launch. Reports say that Sinpo is not only a testing and launch field for missiles but also a port for North Korea's submarine activities.

Despite knowing that the test was a failure, both the South Korean and U.S. government are still unable to determine the type of missiles that North Korea used. However, experts say that it could be some sort of a medium-range armory.

The alarming movement on the side of North Korea prompted the U.S. government, under the novice President Donald Trump, to also show force by sending troops near North Korea. Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence was immediately briefed about the failed test as he was in Seoul for a previously scheduled trip.

Pence, during an address in Seoul, said this is a "challenging time" for everyone. He also pledged support and alliance to South Korea. Although the U.S. government is still trying to resolve the issue "peacefully" it is not something that they can allow to linger.

"There is an international consensus now, including the Chinese leadership, that this is a situation that just cannot continue," H.R. McMaster, Trump's U.S. national security adviser, said in an interview with CNBC.

To which foreign secretary Boris Johnson supported by saying, "They must stop these belligerent acts and comply with UN resolutions."

Meanwhile, South Korean officials during a National Security Council meeting announced that they condemn the "serious threat" to the Korean peninsula as well as the international repercussions of the move.
Imagine being trapped in a tiny room all your life, completely isolated and never being able to run free, play with other children or even socialize with fellow humans. Such is the life of Mali, a lonely elephant who has been trapped in an enclosure in Manila Zoo in the Philippines since 1997.

According to Free Mali, she was captured in Sri Lanka when she was just a nursing baby. That was 40 years ago. Since then, the majestic creature has spent her days in a cramped cage within a zoo that's only a total of 0.055 square kilometers. Mali hasn't even seen another elephant in over 30 years.

There are a few balls, a tire, running water and some paintings of trees in Mali's enclosure, a report from The Dodo said. But that's it.

A post shared by @gardenjos on Apr 12, 2017 at 9:19am PDT

"In a truly heartbreaking display of the impact the Manila Zoo has had on Mali, she's been observed walking to the edge of her pen and reaching out her foot in the hope of taking one more step," PETA Asia vice president Jason Baker shared. "When she realizes that she has reached the end, Mali steps back and tries again ... and again. Finally realizing that there is nowhere to go, a dejected Mali walks aimlessly around her enclosure, picking debris off the ground."

Others have observed that she even holds her own tail with her trunk due to extreme loneliness. Elephants are very social and intelligent creatures by nature.

Besides lacking the space, socialization and stimulation in Manila Zoo, Mali's health has also been painfully neglected by the zoo. In a medical examination conducted by elephant expert Dr Henry Richardson in 2012, it was revealed that the elephant suffers from chronic pressure sores and potentially fatal foot ailments.

Find out more about Mali and how to help her at Free Mali.
The violence in Berkeley and the police response to it over the weekend was under harsh criticism Monday night, yet Mayor Jesse Arreguin said he supports the new tactics used by police.

Arreguin said officers were in a tough spot Saturday when several hundred people arrived in Berkeley for a Patriots Day pro-Trump rally and anti-Trump protest. Some of the people were looking for a fight, and they were not disappointed.

"The police took a very careful, very thoughtful approach," Arreguin said. "They could've moved very aggressively, and that definitely would've escalated things."

Arreguin said the police chief came up with new strategies to deal with the situation, such as fencing at the park, restricting access and putting in place a policy that weapons would not be allowed in the park.

Many weapons were in fact confiscated.

Still, charges against the 20 people arrested in Saturday's violence include assault with a deadly weapon, battery and committing a criminal offense while wearing a mask. The mayor said free speech stays, and outside agitators have to go.

"I imagine this won't be the last time that right-wing provocateurs come to our city to send a message, and we will be ready to respond to keep our community safe," Arreguin said.

Some say members of the so-called anti-fascist group are the problem.

"I really think the people who call themselves the black anarchists need to be investigated," said Sheila Jordan.

Berkeley police said they're focused on the peaceful expression of free speech and will seek prosecution for those who infringe on that right.
A man who punched a woman during a "Patriots Day" rally in Berkeley Saturday has been identified as Nathan Damigo, the founder of a student-oriented white-nationalist group based in California.

The Southern Poverty Law Center lists "Identity Evropa" among "active white nationalist hate groups," and one of several that have been trying to make inroads on college campuses.

This video contains graphic images. Viewer discretion is advised. [[419752073, C]]

Damigo, a student at Cal State Stanislaus, has also branded himself as a follower of identitarianism, a European-based far-right movement focused on rejecting multiculturalism, according to the SPLC.

The LA Times profiled the 30-year-old Damigo in 2016 as a young white supremacist trying to convert his fellow college students. He's a former Marine corporal and Iraq war veteran who was convicted of armed robbery.

Violent clashes broke out between supporters and detractors of President Donald Trump during rival demonstrations at Civic Center park in Berkeley Saturday.

Video of Damigo punching a female protester drew attention online, with many calling for his arrest and expulsion from Cal State.

Actor Chris Evans, best known for his role as Marvel's superhero Captain America, tweeted the video, saying: "I hope I run into Nathan."

California State University President Ellen Junn said in a statement Monday that the university will take all legal and disciplinary measures to make sure her school's students are safe.

"The campus received communications last night regarding a serious incident possibly involving one of our students and very troubling actions that may have taken place at a demonstration in Berkeley on Saturday, April 15th," Junn said in her statement. "The university takes these allegations seriously, and as president, I have initiated an immediate investigation on campus to verify and confirm details of this incident."

Junn stressed that the university "has zero tolerance for the use of violence and we will take all of the necessary legal and disciplinary measures to ensure that all students and everyone on campus have a safe and secure environment."

She added: "While this incident understandably raises many negative emotions and calls for urgent actions, we must also hold true to our American system and principles of justice and due process."

NBC Bay Area attempted to contact Damigo for comment but has not received a statement at this time.

At least 11 people were injured and 20 people were arrested during the demonstrations, police said.

Those arrested ranged in age from 17 to 51 years old and most are from the the San Francisco Bay, though only four are from Berkeley, according to police. Two of those arrested are from Southern California.

The charges they face include battery, resisting arrest, assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism and inciting a riot, according to police.
A neighbor of the Worcester, Massachusetts, man accused of killing jogger Vanessa Marcotte in Princeton, spoke out on Monday.

Angelo Colon Ortiz, 31, was taken in custody Friday night inside his Woodland Street apartment after providing DNA evidence to investigators.

"He does live downstairs with his wife," said neighbor Locksann Mateo. "I know he has a couple of kids."

Mateo said Ortiz moved into the apartment right below her about six months ago, and they've never had a problem. Authorities say Ortiz is now the suspect in the August 2016 murder of 27-year-old Marcotte. Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early said it still remains unclear if they knew each other.

"He was working and was in the area at about the time of Vanessa's disappearance," said Early.

Massachusetts State Police said Ortiz is not an undocumented immigrant.

Marcotte, a Google employee and Boston University graduate went missing after a jog in Princeton last summer during a family visit. Her body was eventually found in the woods near her mothers house.

The district attorney said the DNA evidence on Marcottes hands are what linked Ortiz to the crime.

"I just feel very relieved," said Princeton resident Elizabeth Laroux, who lives next to Marcotte's mother.

Laroux says shes looking forward to Tuesday's arraignment.

"I want to see his face. I don't know why," said Laroux.

Ortiz is facing charges including aggravated assault with intent to rape. The district attorney's office says a murder charge will soon be filed.

While Mateo says she wants justice for Marcotte, she also feels for Ortiz's family.

"This family downstairs is also going through something they shouldn't be going through," Mateo said.

Oritz is being held on a $10 million bond at the Massachusetts State Police Barracks in Millbury until his arraignment Tuesday in Leominster District Court.
Can threatening war crimes charges persuade Syrian President Bashar Assad to leave power? What about guaranteeing his safety in exile? These long-shot proposals are at the center of the Trump administration's new effort to resolve Syria's six-year civil war.

Though still evolving, President Donald Trump's plans for Syria have come into clearer view since he ordered cruise missiles fired on a Syrian air base to punish Assad for a chemical weapons attack. The strategy breaks down into three basic phases: defeating the Islamic State group, restoring stability in Syria region-by-region and securing a political transition in which Assad ultimately steps down.

The approach is little different than one that failed under the Obama administration, and arguably faces greater challenges.

Assad has violently resisted all attempts to end his rule, fueling a conflict that has killed as many as a half-million people. The opposition fighting Assad is far weaker after a series of battlefield defeats. And any U.S. plan for Assad will need the cooperation of key Syria ally Russia. Trump last week said U.S.-Russian relations "may be at an all-time low."

Still, several U.S. officials said Trump's national security team is using this month's instability in Syria to try to refocus conversations with Moscow.

Trump's cruise missile response to Syria's chemical weapons attack bolstered U.S. arguments that Russia is backing a potential war criminal in Assad, and restored America's ability to threaten military action if more atrocities occur. The officials said they hoped instead to rejuvenate cooperation with Russia on Syria, which could help begin repairing fractured ties between Washington and Moscow.

Trump's emerging plan includes these elements, according to several U.S. officials who weren't authorized to discuss internal policy considerations and demanded anonymity:

PHASE ONE: DEFEAT THE ISLAMIC STATE GROUP

Trump's airstrikes marked the first U.S. attack against Assad's forces, but there's no appetite for using America's military to depose Assad. Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, said Sunday the U.S. wasn't planning to send in more ground troops.

"Our priority remains the defeat of ISIS," Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said last week, using another acronym for the militant group.

The group has lost much of the territory it held in Iraq and Syria. The major exception is Raqqa, the group's self-declared capital in Syria, which the U.S. and allied rebel groups are preparing to attack in coming weeks.

PHASE TWO: STABILIZATION

After IS is defeated or its threat neutralized, the administration will try to broker regional cease-fires between Assad's government and rebels. Such truces have rarely held.

The Trump administration has spoken about "interim zones of stability." These would be different than the "safe zones" the Obama administration considered but never opted for because they would have required a U.S. military presence to enforce, potentially putting American aircraft in conflict with Syria's air force.

Under Trump's plan, the Assad government would be party to the stability zones and U.S. or Arab aircraft could ostensibly patrol them without clashing with Syrian warplanes.

With security restored, the administration hopes local leaders who were forced to flee can return and lead local governments. They could help restore basic services and police Syria. The basic idea would be Sunni forces policing predominantly Sunni areas, Kurdish forces policing Kurdish areas and so on.

At the national level, the aim is to set up a transitional authority to govern Syria temporarily. U.N.-sponsored peace talks have striven and failed for years to establish such an authority.

PHASE THREE: TRANSITION

Though Trump officials have made conflicting public statements about Assad's future, the emerging plan envisions a peaceful transfer of power. Assad's departure could occur in various ways.

One possibility foresees elections held under a new constitution, with Assad barred from running.

A grimmer possibility involves Assad going the way of former dictators Moammar Gadhafi in Libya or Saddam Hussein in Iraq, who were killed after being deposed.

A third option aims to use the threat of war crimes charges as leverage. While the administration believes Syria's government is culpable, the key is connecting the war crimes to Assad himself.

Successfully prosecuting Assad would be difficult for legal and geopolitical reasons.

Beyond Russia, Assad is supported by Iran. And the Trump administration hasn't said anything yet about working with Tehran to promote peace in Syria.

Still, it believes the threat of a war crimes investigation and an offer of safe exile somewhere outside Syria, possibly Iran or Russia, could be potentially persuasive.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told President Vladimir Putin and Russia's foreign minister last week in Moscow that such an offer and Assad's voluntary departure is the administration's preferred path, officials said.

"The longer time goes by, it's possible that the case will be made," Tillerson said during a news conference. "And there are certain individuals who are working to make that case."

POST-TRANSITION

Despite differences, Trump officials insist Russia's involvement is critical to resolving the war, given the influence it gained in Syria after helping Assad retake Syria's largest cities.

It seeks Russian support by guaranteeing Russian access to the Tartus naval base and Latakia air base in any post-Assad scenario. Yet it's unclear how the U.S. could make such an assurance given the uncertainty of who would be running Syria at that point.

Tillerson conveyed the outlines of this plan to Putin and Russian officials in Moscow, officials said, while requesting Russia to clarify its essential interests. He didn't seek an immediate response, telling Russia to think it through. It's unclear when Russia will respond, the officials said.
As part of a weeklong series, Beyond Belief: Faith In Texas, NBC 5 political reporter Julie Fine spoke with Gov. Greg Abbott about the role faith and religion plays in his life.

Religion and faith of been part of my life for my very beginning. My grandfather was a pastor in the countryside of Texas where I grew up, and so it's been just a natural part of my life that has continued through life's events such as when I was in the Boy Scouts, which was another great connector. When I was a teenager, candidly I drifted away a little bit. But then I was brought back into my deep religious beliefs when I was in college, when I met a young woman that I used to attend church with a whole lot, said Abbott.

That woman was Cecilia Phalen. They began attending 10 p.m. mass together every Sunday evening.

The future governor and Phalen married in 1981 and he eventually converted to Catholicism.

Three years after they married, Abbott was hit by a tree while running and was paralyzed from the waist down.

One moment I was walking and running and doing everything I had done my entire life. The next moment, literally, I would no longer be able to walk. But I didn't know if I would be able to work. I didn't know if I will be able to do anything in life, he said.

Abbott relied on his faith to propel him, although admitted he had some doubt early in his recovery.

Whenever you face a difficult time in life, not every time, but sometimes, if it's a very difficult situation like losing your ability to walk and becoming paralyzed, your faith is tested," Abbott said. "My faith was tested, and I questioned why something like this would happen, but then I quickly felt the guidance of God and the realization that God has a different pathway for us than what we may think and that we cannot be locked into a certain pathway. We need to listen to God's guidance. And through each step in my recovery process after my accident, I grew closer and closer to God. And since then the relationship has even been stronger and better than before the accident, said Abbott.

The strength he found from God helped Abbott build up his own. He pushed himself up and down ramps in parking garages to build up arm strength.

It was after that, in the months that followed that, when you begin to paste your life back together, when you begin to realize you are going to be in a wheelchair, you are not going to be able to walk, your life has changed evermore. But here's the key part. Your life hasn't really changed. What has changed is the way you get around. What hasn't changed is the core of your life, and if the core of your life is God-centered, then everything is going to work out just fine, said Abbott.

The emotional and physical strength Abbott found propelled him to the Texas Supreme Court, the attorney generals office and, in 2014, he became governor of Texas.

In his inauguration speech Abbott said, I am living proof that a young man can have his life broken in half and still rise up to be the governor of this great state.

Abbott said putting God at the center of his life helped him once again last summer when he was badly burned.

Whenever there is an accident, an injury, or tragedy, we always revisit our faith. And it is important to connect back to it, said Abbott.

Abbott was in the shower and was burned by scalding water. He could not feel the burns because of his paralysis.

When the [July 7] shooting took place in downtown Dallas, I was in an emergency room in Wyoming suffering from burns that had burned all the skin off the top of my feet and my right shin. Very substantial third-degree burns. And I learned at that time what happened in Dallas and I told the doctors, 'You just got to package me up. I got to get out of here and get to Dallas.' And so it was responding to God's calling to be responsive and care about others more than myself that allowed me to be able to do that, said Abbott.

The governor came to Dallas and spoke at city hall the day after the shooting. His burns were hidden by baggy pants and orthopedic shoes. Three days later, he entered a burn center in San Antonio.

With the Dallas situation, it brings to mind something for me, and that is that God doesn't promise a life that is storm free. God's promise is the guidance, the support, to help us through the storms that occur, and that's what happened in Dallas, he said.

Governor and Mrs. Abbott continue to weather the storms together. Every Sunday, they attend services at different churches throughout the area.

We are all challenged in life. And with me becoming a paraplegic, having suffered third-degree burns, in addition to that going through a multitude of challenges. Whatever your challenge may be, the most profound way to deal with those challenges is through connecting with God. With God as your guidepost, you will be able to overcome any challenge that ever comes your way, said Abbott.
Closing arguments will be heard Tuesday in the John Wiley Price bribery trial with the jury considering all the charges even though the judge cast doubt on parts of the case Monday.

NBC 5's Ken Kalthoff will be tweeting live from the courthouse -- the latest information will be in his Twitter feed to the right. [[414360543,R]]

U.S. District Court Judge Barbara Lynn decided Monday not to dismiss some of the 13-count indictment that was returned in 2014.

Price, a Dallas County commissioner, is accused in 11 of the counts for conspiracy to commit bribery, tax evasion and deprivation of honest services through mail fraud.

After an eight-week trial, the judge said Monday she was close to dismissing the fraud charges for lack of evidence but chose to let the jury deliberate on all of the charges instead.

"The court, however, is strongly of the view the mail fraud linkage has not been made," Lynn said. "If these were the only counts I would not submit them."

Lynn said she is strongly considering dismissing the fraud charges even if the jury convicts Price on those counts.

Dominique Alexander, with the Next Generation Action Network, asked Price supporters Monday to be in the courtroom gallery Tuesday for closing arguments.

"It's a shame that our federal government came after a man that had dedicated his life to the service of Dallas County," Alexander said.

The government claims Price accepted around $1 million in bribes from political consultant Kathy Nealy in return for his support of her clients in county business. Price is also accused of failing to report money from Nealy and two other businesses on his tax returns.

Price's long time county aide, Dapheny Fain, is accused of two charges in the case, conspiracy to defraud the IRS and lying to federal agents. Nealy is to receive a separate trial later.

"No one piece of evidence is overwhelming. What they're hoping is the totality of it will get them over that hurdle of beyond a reasonable doubt," said former Dallas U.S. Attorney Paul Coggins. "At the end of the day, the jurors are going to have to decide, 'Who do we trust more?'"

Throughout the trial defense lawyers picked at government evidence, accusing prosecutors of unfairly choosing documents and financial records from more than 50,000 records that were seized to falsely make legitimate business seem sinister. Defense lawyers rested Thursday after presenting just two of their own witnesses.

KHVN Heaven 97 radio host Robert Ashley said callers to his talk show are divided about Price.

Closing arguments will be heard Tuesday in the John Wiley Price bribery trial with the jury considering all the charges even though the judge cast doubt on parts of the case Monday.

"There are some who believe he is guilty as sin. There are others who say he's a victim of selective prosecution because of his past civil rights activism here in Dallas, Texas," Ashley said. "A lot of people are basically saying, 'Why hasn't this judge declared a mistrial? Does this judge need to be scrutinized herself?'"

Four disclosures of new government evidence during the trial supported the defense claim of a sloppy investigation. Lynn strongly admonished prosecutors for failing to turn over those records before the trial.

Prosecutors apologized for the mistakes that were blamed on the overwhelming number of records. The government said the new records were irrelevant. But Lynn did allow defense lawyers to add some of the evidence near the end of the trial and she told jurors it was because of government errors.

"They got a boost because it is fairly uncommon for a judge to remark 'the government made a mistake,'" Coggins said. "It happens, but they got an instruction here that could cause at least some juror to lose some faith in the government's case."

The judge will take about an hour Tuesday to read jury instructions the lawyers debated Monday. Each side will get two-and-a-half hours for closing arguments. Deliberation could begin late Tuesday or Wednesday morning. Coggins said deliberation is bound to last at least two days with so much evidence to consider.
Prayer is a part of every school day at Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth.

"Prayer is allowed and encouraged," said Nolan's world religions teacher, Brian Kohler. "At Nolan, we have an opportunity for the student to recognize that their spirituality is an important part of their existence."

Every class at Nolan begins with prayer and faith is woven into every lesson.

"Theology, when we are allowed to introduce it and even keep it as part of our cross curriculum, we're able to make it an experience where they start to ask the why, or the why not, and questioning their place in the universe, what's my purpose in life," saids Kohler.

Most of the 875 students who attend Nolan are Catholic, but there are also Episcopalians, Methodists, and Lutherans.

"We believe that all children are capable of greatness because they are created in the image and likeness of God," said Nolan's President Erin Vader, a Nolan graduate herself.

"Kids are taught that they matter, that what they do has impact in the world, that they are accountable to more than just themselves," saids Vader. "And that there is always something larger, God, that is there to support them, and for them to do everything they can to be in service of."

"At any other school, it's easy to get lost, you feel like maybe you're just another number you have to take test," said Nolan Senior Raquel Garcia. "But going to a religious school makes you feel like you matter, like people care about you."

Even the school's award winning robotics team begins class with heads bowed, reciting their own engineering prayer.

"We talk about creating and that making us more human," said Moderator Dr. Robert Scheer. "Most creations that we make are meant to help all people and we focus on making ethical decisions."

"Other schools may have different team members but they work separately, like they have different things in common," said team member Christina Cross. "But since we have our faith that's all in common, we can all relate."

Each Thursday, Nolan students attend Catholic mass in the school auditorium.

"It really like lets you separate from the stress of like tests and quizzes and studying, and focus on what's really important," said freshman Charlie Kiehlbauch. "And that's to focus on god and growing in your faith."

The school's focus on faith provides students a spiritual foundation for their education.

"I think it provides a hierarchy of values," said Bishop Michael F. Olson, of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth. "I think it provides an understanding of each science being judged on its own merit, each particular field of education being able to contribute to the whole body of knowledge which we call the truth."

In fact, students tackle some tough subjects, including evolution taught in science class.

"Our premise is that god is the one who planned evolution," said Vader."It's all part of his plan for the earth, for his love of creation."

"It always comes back to doing the most with what god gives you, so that you can go out and change the world" says Vader.

All of the students at Nolan Catholic High School graduate, and 99 percent of them go onto to college.

More than half of last year's graduates received scholarships.

Tuition runs $14,000 a year, and financial assistance is available.

Religion has been taught in Texas schools for nearly 500 years, ever since the first Catholic mission school opened near the Oklahoma border.

Now, there are more than 1,800 private schools in Texas, and according to the group Texas Private Schools about two thirds of them, more than 1,100 hundred, are religiously affiliated.

The most common faith based schools in Texas are Christian and Roman Catholic.

According to the National Catholic Educational Association, Catholic schools in America have graduation rates of 99 percent compared to 82 percent in public schools.
You can count on a number of seen-'em-before staples to roll back around when the middle of April arrives.

One? You'll probably be paying the post office a visit, if you have a check to send into the government and you haven't sent it yet. Two? You may be checking the calendar, twice, for deadlines, which is a smart move, since April 18 is the 2017 filing deadline for taxes, thanks to a three-day extension. (Yes, April 15 is indeed the traditional Tax Day in our nation.)

And three? You might just stroll into your local tavern or cafe and find that your favorite food, or a new drink, has been discounted in honor of Tax Day.

While the date to file changed in 2017, that fact, that there will be dining specials, has not. So if the tum is rumbling after the post office line, and it is April 18, 2017, make for...

The Detour Bistro Bar: The Culver City venue will have a daylong Happy Hour on April 18, with a special not-on-the-menu cocktail priced at five bucks. The timely name? The Stress Reliever, which includes vodka, peach Schnapps, cranberry, lime, and pineapple juices, and simple syrup.

The 1933 Group bars: To toast the three-day extension, a host of vintage-styled hangouts will line up the $1 Tax Day cocktails. Headed to Idle Hour in NoHo? Look for a one-buck Old Fashioned. Going to La Cuevita on Figueroa Boulevard? Your one-dollar sip is the Tequila Press. Find all The 1933 Group bars here.'

Hot Dog on a Stick: That beachy classic, which began near Santa Monica Pier and is now found as far as the eye can spy those colorful, sky-high hats, is offering a free Turkey Hot Dog on a Stick on Tuesday, April 18. Be sure to mention the social media post when ordering, natch.

Schlotzky's: If you make your way to the few and treasured Southern California locations of this sandwich-tasty chain, you can snag this deal on April 18: Get a "FREE small The Original with purchase of chips & a medium drink!" Need a solid sandwich to keep you going as you run those last-minute tax errands? Yeah.

Sonic Drive-In: You're a cheeseburger fan, but you're looking to save some cash on April 18, and maybe have a quick nosh in your car. The solution? Sonic is offering half-priced cheeseburgers on April 18. Note these are single patty deals only.

Hungry Howie's Pizza: Pepperoni and something melty and cheese can often hit the spot when you've been hitting the calculator and signing your forms. The pie chain has a special on, through April 19, involving "a medium topping for just 15," with the promo code TAXTIME, so get the details if this is your Tax Day hankering.
The U.S. scrambled jet fighters to intercept two Russian bombers that flew near the Alaskan coast Monday night, several American officials said.

The Russian long-range TU-95 Bear bombers breached airspace around the U.S and Canada known as the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, in which aircraft must be readily identified and report details of their course and destination. The Russian bombers stayed in international airspace, NBC News reported.

The bombers flew near the Aleutian Islands. The Russians also had maritime patrol aircraft in the vicinity.

The U.S. scrambled two F-22 fighters from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, to intercept the Russian planes.
The search continued Tuesday for a man last seen at a Davie truck stop  and police suspect foul play could be involved.

Valentino Malloggi, 38, has been missing since Sunday. He had called family members when he was at the Florida 595 Truck Stop off Burris Road saying he was going on a job for the towing company Malloggi works for.

His work vehicle was found the following morning inside of a trailer park not far from the truck stop. It was running with Malloggis personal items missing. A GPS inside did not indicate it went anywhere but that location.

"We're searching that area right now for any video that may be at any of the businesses to try to further the investigation, we're checking with banks, the hospitals, everything we can to try to locate him," Davie Police Capt. Dale Engle said.

Malloggi has eight kids and family members said it's unlike him to be irresponsible.

"The last 24 hours has been extremely straining on our family because we just don't have any information," sister Teresa Palacios said. "It's very abnormal. He would not leave his kids behind and he wouldn't miss work."

Detectives said there were no signs of a struggle around the tow truck.

"From what we're learning from the family there does not appear to be any medical issues, so it raises grave concerns for us that this guy would just drop off the map as he has," Capt. Engle said.

At this time, detectives suspect foul play but have not released any additional information. Anyone with tips in the case is asked to call Davie Police or Broward CrimeStoppers.
A judge dropped the restraining order Monday against Miami police union president Lt. Javier Ortiz because of a lack of evidence. The judge, however, said Ortiz made poor decisions on social media.

With charges dropped, Ortiz said he feels vindicated after he was accused of harassment and stalking. Ortiz also said he's learned a few things that he shared with other fellow officers.

His accuser, Claudia Castillo, testified in court Monday saying that his presence was nerve-wracking. In 2016, Castillo went viral for pulling over a speeding Miami-Dade officer and posting the video online. Ortiz then took to social media to post pictures of Castillo and post her contact information, urging his followers to contact her.

"I can google your name right now and I could get your phone number. I mean, it's all public information. It's not something that is so protected as some people try to claim; all that information is there, said Ortiz in court Monday.

Castillo claims Ortiz also intimidated her at a civilian panel where citizen complaints against officers are heard. She claims he closely watched her at the meeting.

"I don't know why he would want to look, you know, out to see me walking to my car," Castillo testified in court Monday.

Lt. Ortiz had been relieved of duty with pay as he challenged Castillo's restraining order.

"When my firearms were taken away and I had a petition out against me, being falsely accused. I can relate to a lot of people, not only in our community but all over the country," Ortiz said.

His firearm has since been returned. Ortiz said he'll use what happened as a learning experience.

"There's always things that I wish I could do different. I did not mean to, in any way shape or form, threaten Ms. Castillo and I think that was proven today that that didn't happen," Ortiz explained.

With the restraining order dropped, Ortiz is expected to return to his normal duties, but its unclear when.
Gov. Chris Christie continued his full-throated attack on Amtrak on Monday, accusing the railroad of holding passengers "hostage" on a stuck train last week.

An NJ Transit train with about 1,200 passengers became stuck in a tunnel between New York and New Jersey for nearly three hours on Friday, when Amtrak was experiencing overhead power problems. The train finally reached New York Penn Station late Friday evening, after causing delays for the evening commute that exceeded two hours.

The incident came close on the heels of two recent derailments in Penn Station, one of which closed more than a third of the station's tracks for four days. Amtrak owns and operates the station.

"Amtrak's failure to adequately maintain its facilities was again on display last week, as was its total lack of concern for the commuting public when 1,200 people waited two hours for EMS personnel to respond to the scene during the three hours they were held hostage in an Amtrak tunnel on Friday," Christie said in a statement.

The governor -- not known for being circumspect -- has had particular ire for Amtrak of late. After the second derailment, he blasted the railroad for failing to keep up with repairs and asked New Jersey's attorney general to consider suing it.

Amtrak's response to the governor's latest shot was not immediately available.
What to Know A vigil was held Monday evening for four young men found brutally killed in a Long Island park

Two of the men went to Bellport High School, where the vigil was held; some family members of the victims were in attendance

The FBI has joined the investigation into the killings, which happened in a community that's been dealing with gang violence for years

Dozens of family friends and community members gathered outside a Long Island high school Monday night to remember four young men killed at a park last week  brutal violence authorities believe is connected to the gang MS-13.

It was a somber scene outside Bellport High School as a crowd mourned the four victims, two of whom, 16-year-old Justin Llivicura and 18-year-old Jorge Tigre, went to the school.

At the vigil, Justins father Marcelo Llivicura said in Spanish that his daughters are terrified it could happen again. Fighting back tears, Justins aunt described how humble of a person he was and how she'll miss when he'd come over to her house and give her a hug and a kiss.

The Llivicura family will have the funeral mass for Justin at St. Joseph the Worker Church in East Patchogue on Tuesday.

The family of Jorge Tigre, a classmate of Llivicura who was also killed, were too heartbroken to speak.

Grief counselors and extra police officers were at the high school on Monday and will be there for the remainder of the week. Students called it sad and strange that two of their classmates were suddenly gone.

James Cassidy shook off disbelief as he remembered classmate Tigre.

He didnt deserve to be murdered, Cassidy said. I feel bad, especially for his family, because hes an honor student.

Parents are left struggling with this violence-filled reality.

It has shocked our world, Meghan Vanderhoof said. And it shows unfortunately its everywhere and none of us are immune.

Llivicura and Tigre were two of four young men found dead in Central Islip Recreation Village Park Wednesday night. The other two were 18-year-old Jefferson Villalobos, 18, and his cousin, 20-year-old Michael Banegas.

Llivicura went to the park with friends on Tuesday but had not been answering his phone since then, relatives said. The family filed a missing person report with police on Wednesday.

Another friend who was with the group at the park managed to escape, according to a cousin of Villalobos. He told Villalobos' family he was hanging out with friends, then saw men come out from the trees with machetes.

Suffolk Police Commissioner Timothy Sini said Friday the investigation is "very active" and that police planned to pursue the same strategies that led to the arrests of the 160 MS-13 gang members since last fall.

"Obviously we know the community is very on edge," he said. "We will be enhancing patrols in the area significantly and for an indefinite period of time."

The FBI, meanwhile, has joined the probe into the grisly discoveries of young men, who appeared to have been killed with a sharp-edged instrument, in a manner consistent with the modus operandi of the violent MS-13 gang, Sini said.

The discovery of the bodies comes about a month after the arrest of eight MS-13 gang members in connection with the September killings of two teenage girls in nearby Brentwood.

Gang violence has been a problem in Central Islip, Brentwood and other Long Island communities for more than a decade, but Suffolk County police and the FBI began pouring resources into a crackdown after the killings of the girls, along with two other Brentwood High School students involved in separate killings, sparked outrage. Brentwood and Central Islip are neighboring communities comprised of large populations of working class Hispanic and other minorities, located about 2.5 miles apart.

The gang problem is so systemic in Suffolk County that outreach groups like Strong Youth Start are working with kids in middle school to show them there are alternatives to life with the gangs.
From two continents, top Trump administration officials warned Tuesday that North Korea's latest failed missile launch was a reckless act of provocation and assured allies in Asia that the United States was ready to work to achieve a peaceful denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

While Defense Secretary Jim Mattis denounced North Korea's weapons test as he began a Mideast tour, Vice President Mike Pence offered support to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo amid a trip dominated by concerns about the rogue state's nuclear intentions.

"We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan," Pence said after arriving from Seoul for talks with Abe. "We are with you 100 percent."

At the outset of their meeting, Pence reiterated to Abe his statement in South Korea that the United States has run out of patience with Pyongyang's moves.

"While all options are on the table," Pence said, "President Trump is determined to work closely with Japan, with South Korea, with all our allies in the region, and with China" to resolve the problem.

"We seek peace always as a country, as does Japan, but as you know and the United States knows, peace comes through strength and we will stand strongly with Japan and strongly with our allies for a peace and security in this region," Pence added.

Said Abe: "It goes without saying that it is a matter of paramount importance for us to seek diplomatic efforts as well peaceable settlements of the issue."

"But at the same time," the prime minister said, "dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless and it is necessary for us to exercise pressure North Korea so that it comes forward and engages in this serious dialogue."

Mattis struck an even tougher tone on North Korea in an interview with reporters traveling with him to Saudi Arabia. His language was stronger than in a written statement he issued shortly after the launch, in which he simply said he was aware of the failure.

"The leader of North Korea again recklessly tried to provoke something by launching a missile," he said. The term "reckless" is one the North Koreans have used to describe ongoing large-scale U.S. and South Korean military exercises, which the North calls a dress rehearsal for an invasion.

Mattis did not identify the type of missile but said it was not of intercontinental range, meaning it could not reach U.S. territory. He did not comment on what might have caused the missile to fail.

Another official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss an intelligence matter, said the missile was a Scud variant that the U.S. calls a KN-17.

Mattis credited China with trying to help get the North Korea situation "under control" with the goal of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.

President Donald Trump in Washington and Pence at the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea have signaled a forceful U.S. stance on North Korea's recent actions. But no one was predicting what might come next.

Behind the heated rhetoric, Trump's strategy in the region looks somewhat similar to predecessor Barack Obama's  albeit with the added unpredictability of a new president who has shown he's willing to use force.

Pence on Monday had traveled to the tense zone dividing the two Koreas, where he warned North Korea's leaders that after years of testing the U.S. and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, "the era of strategic patience is over."

The unannounced visit at the start of Pence's 10-day trip to Asia was a U.S. show of force that allowed him to gaze at North Korean soldiers from afar and stare directly across a border marked by razor wire. As the brown bomber jacket-clad vice president was briefed near the military demarcation line, two North Korean soldiers watched from a short distance away, one taking multiple photographs of the American visitor.

Pence told reporters Monday that Trump was hopeful China would use its "extraordinary levers" to pressure the North to abandon its weapons program. But Pence expressed impatience with the unwillingness of the regime to move toward ridding itself of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters he hopes "there will be no unilateral actions like those we saw recently in Syria and that the U.S. will follow the line that President Trump repeatedly voiced during the election campaign."

China made a plea for a return to negotiations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said tensions need to be eased on the Korean Peninsula to bring the escalating dispute to a peaceful resolution. Lu said Beijing wants to resume the multi-party negotiations that ended in stalemate in 2009 and suggested that U.S. plans to deploy a missile defense system in South Korea were damaging its relations with China.

Burns reported from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and AP reporter Jonathan Lemire reported from New York.
A man faces charges that he groped women at the University of Delaware.

The Newark Police Department announced unlawful sexual contact, harassment and trespassing charges against Carlos Maldonado Tuesday.

Investigators credited surveillance video, witness accounts and other evidence with the arrest of Maldonado Monday.

A female student reported being followed by a male who grabbed her buttocks near Haines Street around 10 p.m. Friday, police said. A second student reported being grabbed by her buttocks in the Prospect Avenue area about 30 minutes later.

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More

Around 11:25 that same night, two female students reported walking northbound on N. Chapel Street when a male began following them. The students said the male followed them onto Prospect Street while one of them called the police. Officers responded to the scene but were unable to locate the suspect at that time, police said.

Investigators said that Maldonado, 26, fit the evidence in the Friday night incidents as well as another incident on Wednesday.

A judge arraigned Maldonado and released him on $5,100 bail. It was unclear if Maldonado had an attorney who could comment on the accusations.
Sometime in late 2016, Troy Pickens decided to venture into the world of house flipping.

By February, he had flipped four rowhomes in his hometown of Norristown for a total of $28,500 in cash.

The 28-year-old with no apparent real estate experience augmented his flipping with rental income from a fifth home he began renting in December to a woman for $800 a month. Hed already collected roughly $2,400 from the renter.

But one rather large problem emerged from Pickenss budding real estate empire: Police say he didnt own any of the properties he sold or rented.

Instead, Pickens constructed an elaborate ruse that involved two layers of fraud, according to a criminal complaint filed by Norristown police. He faces numerous counts of theft, identity theft and forgery related to the real estate deals.

First, he allegedly forged documents signing over ownership of the properties from the actual owners to himself, using an unsuspecting aunt as a notary. Then, he allegedly sold the houses using the initial fraudulent documentation as proof of ownership.

Those properties were 13/15 W. Oak St., 877 Cherry St., 119 W. Airy St. and 1106 Swede St. All of the properties are owned by different people, and none knew of Pickens, the complaint said.

Troy Pickens, acting on his own behalf or working under the business alias, Pick1 Real Estate Co., sought out vacant properties within Norristown to illegally transfer the deeds into his own name or his business name, the complaint said. After obtaining the deed, now in his name or Pick1 Real Estate Company, Pickens sold the property to perspective [sic] real estate investors.

As for the rental arrangement, Pickens allegedly fooled a woman into thinking he owned 223 E. Oak St., police said. However, the rowhouse was owned by a Pottstown man and was supposed to be vacant, the actual owner told police.

Pickens allegedly hooked up electricity to the house illegally, allowing for the woman to live in the home, police said. The renter started living in the house in mid-December and paid Pickens $1,600 up front. She paid another $800 in January.

The alleged rental scam was busted by police when a neighbor of 223 E. Oak St. called cops to report a possible burglary in progress. When officers arrived they found the renters boyfriend in the window of the house and arrested him.

Back at the police station, he told detectives his girlfriend was renting the house.

Brian X. McCrone/NBC10.com

When police tracked down Pickens, who had allegedly pretended to be the property manager in dealings with the rent, he produced a letter from a 3rd party, who Pickens alleged to be the owner of 223 E. Oak St., according to the criminal complaint.

That person didnt exist and a phone number in the letter is registered to Pickenss girlfriend, the complaint said.

As detectives unraveled Pickenss various real estate dealings, they found none of the proper accreditation or supporting documents normally associated with real estate brokers and deals.

None of the sales transactions from Pickens or his company  involved the purchase of title insurance, the complaint said. None of the sales adhered to the guidelines of the National Association of Realtors. None of the sales appeared to go through a recognized brokerage. None of the sales involved a sales agreement.

Brian X. McCrone/NBC10.com

Pickens is being held on separate charges, according to police. It is unclear when he will appear in court.

Pickens is charged with theft and fraud related to the property sales and rental agreement.

Norristown police are asking anyone who interacted with Pickens or his company, Pick1 Real Estate Co., to call detectives at (484)754-2157.

Attempts to reach Pickens at his listed address in the 100 block of West Airy Street were unsuccessful.
Under a proposed law modeled after one in New Jersey, California judges could release non-violent defendants without imposing bail.

Our state's bail industry warns it's an idea that could boost crime.

Assembly Bill 42 comes up for a preliminary vote in the Legislature on Tuesday.

It's aimed at keeping defendants who cant afford bail from being held indefinitely before the trial process.

And it could put bail bonds companies out of business.

Law enforcement groups haven't taken a position on the legislation.

Meanwhile, the state Supreme Court is studying the issues for a report in December.

But opponents say early results in New Jersey show an increase in crimes committed by people who were just released on "their own recognizance", at no cost.

Under AB 42, counties would conduct pre-trial "assessments" as to whether someone arrested is a safety threat or risk not to show up for court.

Based on that, judges would decide whether to release those booked for serious felonies, domestic violence, stalking or violating a court order.

While the legislation also is aimed at reducing jail costs and overcrowding, critics say there have been big "hidden costs" in New Jersey, and questions raised about factors in the assessment methods.

I believe its sort of a slippery slope, said Steffan Gibbs, CEO of All-Pro Bail Bonds. Were running into a place where the government is going to be deciding who gets out a who doesnt and what conditions they have to follow.

In an interview Monday with NBC 7, Gibbs offered this cautionary note: "There are many unforeseen circumstances down the road where before, people could have gotten out of jail, and now they're waiting three or four or five days for the government service that's provided through pre-trial to get themselves out."

The Assembly bill is identical to one in the state Senate, SB 10, which already has crossed its first hurdle.

Seven other states are looking at similar reforms.

Gibbs suggests that instead, California should adopt a centralized bail schedule and explore other ways of reforming the system.
D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine announced his office settled a lawsuit against a local company accused of engaging in fraud that targeted Spanish-speaking immigrants.

A judge approved a $250,000 settlement with Unlimited Technology and Solution Corporation and its owner, Mardoqueo Sanchez, after a lawsuit claimed the company falsely advertised that it had lawyers on staff who could assist Spanish immigrants who needed help filing immigration paperwork.

An investigation by the D.C. Attorney Generals Office discovered no licensed attorneys at the company and employees engaged in unlawful immigrant consultant services, also known as notario fraud.

By law, anyone performing immigration services in D.C. must be a licensed attorney.

As part of the settlement, UTS must return the fees they collected from consumers. The company must also pay the District $150,000 in civil penalties and it can no longer advertise that it employ attorneys. UTS is required to provide the District the names of its customers entitled to a refund.

Consumers who have been victimized by immigration services fraud or who have questions should contact the OAG Office of Consumer Protection at (202) 442-9892, by e-mailing consumer.protection@dc.gov or by filing a complaint via our web form.
Tips are pouring in as police continue their search for the man accused of posting Facebook footage of himself killing a retiree, but police in Washington, D.C., say sightings of Steve Stephens in the D.C. are unfounded.

Police have received tips that Stephens was spotted at a hotel in the District, but those reports have been deemed not credible, officials say.

Meanwhile, the manhunt that started in Cleveland's east side expanded rapidly into a nationwide search for Stephens, a 37-year-old job counselor who worked with teens and young adults, police said.

"He could be nearby. He could be far away or anywhere in between," FBI agent Stephen Anthony said.

Law enforcement officials said his cellphone signal was last detected on Sunday afternoon in Erie, Pennsylvania, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Cleveland.

Authorities have posted a $50,000 reward for Stephens' capture in the shooting of Robert Godwin Sr., a 74-year-old former foundry worker.

In the rambling video posted on Facebook, Stephens blamed a former girlfriend he had lived with, saying he woke up last week and "couldn't take it anymore."

"I snapped, I just snapped," Stephens said.

Actual photo of Steve Stephens, homicide suspect's, actual vehicle. Please call 9-1-1 if seen. Plate not yet available. pic.twitter.com/hn8a8nQEAP  Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) April 16, 2017

But in a statement Monday, the woman shed little light on what might have gone wrong and said Stephens was good to her and her children.

As for the shooting victim, Godwin appeared to have been selected at random, gunned down Sunday afternoon after spending Easter with some of his children.

Godwin's daughter said he was killed while collecting cans in a plastic shopping bag.

"Not because he needed the money, it was just something he did," said 52-year-old Debbie Godwin. "That's all he was doing. He wasn't harming anyone."

She said her father, who had 10 children, was a gentle man with nothing mean about him.

In the shooting video, Stephens told Godwin a woman's name and said, "She's the reason that this is about to happen to you." The victim did not seem to recognize the woman's name. The gunman then pointed a weapon at Godwin, who shielded his face with the plastic bag.

The woman Stephens spoke of, Joy Lane, said in a text to CBS that "we had been in a relationship for several years. I am sorry that all of this has happened." She said Stephens was "a nice guy" who was generous to everyone.

The video of the killing was on Facebook for about three hours before it was taken down.

Investigators said that Godwin was the only victim so far linked to Stephens, despite his claim in a separate video on Facebook that he killed more than a dozen people.
A man visiting from Vietnam to see family members in Columbia Heights was attacked by robbers on the street Saturday afternoon, and the incident was repeated on Easter Sunday with another victim.

The man said he was walking along Hiatt Place around 4 p.m. Saturday when he passed by four people. He said he didnt think about them until they hit him in the back and knocked him down.

He said he didnt remember much after that and had little memory of making it back to his familys business nearby. He was left bruised and bloodied from the attack but was recovering.

The next day, another man was attacked in a similar fashion during broad daylight in the same area. People who frequent the neighborhood were taken aback by the violent nature of the incidents.

The area has gained some notoriety. It is in transition with old buildings awaiting new life while new buildings spring up in the area. Residents said car break-ins are usually a problem, but violent attacks against people are not.

Police are looking to determine if Saturday's robbery and assault is related to Sunday's incident. They both happened close to security cameras, but they have yet to gain leads into the attackers identities.
The remains of a missing Virginia woman were found in a heavily wooded area of the City of Fredericksburg.

Rochelle Renee Simms, 32, of Fredericksburg, had been missing nearly six months.

About 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, someone found what appeared to be human remains in a wooded area. Authorities went to the scene, where they confirmed the remains were human.

A medical examiner identified the remains as Simms' on Tuesday.

Simms had been last seen Oct. 26 while walking in downtown Fredericksburg. According to police, Simms had been at the Kenmore Club earlier that night, a club that serves adults with mental illness.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing and her cause of death is unknown. Detectives are continuing to process and collect evidence at the site where Simms' remains were found.
City leaders in Providence, Rhode Island, are considering a sweeping new ordinance that would ban racial profiling by police.

A city council panel voted 5-0 on Monday night to send the measure to the full council as early as this week.

The proposal also would establish strict new controls on how police can conduct traffic and pedestrian stops, set limits on the use of a gang database, mandate new policies on the use of body cameras and empower a civilian review board.

Activists have been fighting since 2014 to pass what's known as the Community Safety Act, and recently made compromises with city leaders. The city's public safety commissioner has expressed reservations about some details of the proposal.
A Massachusetts teenager was critically injured after crashing on Route 146 Tuesday morning in North Smithfield, Rhode Island.

The driver, an 18-year-old woman from Sutton, lost control of her car on the northbound highway, hitting the median before crashing into another car shortly after 10 a.m., according to Rhode Island State Police.

That teen was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with critical injuries. The driver of the other car, a 23-year-old woman from Central Falls, Rhode Island, was hospitalized for minor injuries.

Both northbound lanes of Route 146 were closed after the crash, with traffic being diverted via Pound Hill Road until around 12:30 p.m.

Neither patient's name has been released. It's unclear if there will be charges.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
A Google photo representing the town of Londonderry, New Hampshire, is causing some controversy for the second time this year.

The 2013 photo shows State Rep. Al Baldasaro's wife Judy with her wedding party posing with long guns with the groom. As happened earlier this year, Google's algorithm has caused the photo to surface as the town's image in a search of "Londonderry."

When nearby residents saw how the image that represents their town online, we found some strong opinions.

"It looks redneck-ish to me," said Eric Nadolink.

"It's almost offensive," said Joanne Mele.

"It definitely doesn't represent the town," Brian Nadeau said.

Some don't like the fact that a long-gun toting wedding party was synonymous with Londonderry.

"I wouldn't be proud to say, 'That's my town and that's what we stand for,'" explained Mele. "I think that's awful."

Others say it was quite fitting.

"A lot of people in Londonderry support the Second Amendment," said Bob Coco. "I see no problem with it."

Baldasaro, the man at the center of the photo, was busy at the New Hampshire State House Tuesday, but NBC Boston reached him by phone.

"I'm kind of surprised, I guess," he said. "I must be popular around the country."

The last time this happened, Baldasaro contacted Google and had the picture removed, because he says he agrees with folks who feel the photo is misplaced.

"I understand it has no business being where it is," he said.

Baldasaro said his wife contacted Google Tuesday morning. By 4 p.m., the photo was gone. Still, he has a message for those Granite Staters offended by his wedding photo.

"You live in New Hampshire. We are a Second Amendment state," Baldasaro said. "So, if someone is worried about guns  I'm sorry, you're in the wrong state."
The University of Vermont and the Vermont Department of Corrections are teaming up to offer official introductory-level college courses to select prison inmates.

Limited course offerings are expected to start in the spring semester of 2018 at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility, which houses female offenders.

If we can engage with them in a way that communicates to them that they have something worthwhile that they could contribute, I think that's all to the good, said Kathy Fox, a sociology professor at the University of Vermont who helped spearhead the program. That's to society's benefit. I think there's ample evidence that education increases public safety.

Fox said the rate at which released inmates return to prison following a first conviction drops as education levels increase.

The University of Vermont said the overall recidivism rate for the state is roughly 45 percent, but that number drops to 24 percent for citizens released with a high school education, 10 percent for those with two years of college, and about 5 percent with four years of college.

Reducing the rate at which people return to prison would save the state money, UVM argued, because it costs approximately $65,000 a year to house each inmate in the state.

The school just joined a small consortium of colleges and universities in other states offering liberal arts experiences to incarcerated people with high school diplomas who are ready for more learning.

According to UVM, the other schools in the Consortium of the Liberal Arts in Prison are Goucher College, Grinnell College, Wesleyan University, Yale University, and Bard College, where it originated.

When they gave us our first homework assignment, it was, write two pages, and I was like, I can't write two pages, then I did it, beamed Bryeanna Sheldon, 24, who is currently incarcerated in the South Burlington facility.

Sheldon has nearly completed eight months in prison for nonviolent drug convictions, and works  under supervision  in the community as part of a prison labor crew.

Sheldon just took a two-month pilot sociology course behind bars that Kathy Foxs traditional UVM students also attended.

Sheldon said the experience of being a part of the college course boosted her self-esteem and left her excited to pursue more classes elsewhere when she re-enters society.

Showing myself I can do it, hearing the positive feedback from the teachers and the students  it really made me realize that I can be a college student, Sheldon told necn. Even though I have made mistakes, it still gives me hope.

UVM said the liberal arts are valuable to providing students with experiences in critical and comparative thinking , as well as strong communication, writing, and problem-solving skills. Those traits are beneficial to people from many walks of life, the school said.

Taxpayers will not be funding these college courses for inmates because the state appropriation to UVM will not be tapped for the program, the university and corrections officials pointed out.

Instead, the school is now working to raise money from private foundations for tuition assistance. The foundations UVM is approaching specialize in criminal and social justice efforts or innovative approaches to education, the university said.

The Vermont Department of Corrections acknowledged the college-level courses certainly won't be appropriate for everyone in the prison population.

High school classes and vocational training are available for many more incarcerated people in Vermont, corrections officials said, noting that the corrections departments Community High School of Vermont is well-regarded on a national scale.

When people leave our custody, we want them to be proactive, productive, law-abiding citizens, said Kim Bushey of the Vermont Department of Corrections. And education can help.

The Vermont Department of Corrections and the University of Vermont are now working to figure out if the upcoming college coursework program would also be a good fit at the men's correctional facility in St. Albans, Bushey said.
You know how on Star Trek doctors can diagnose whats wrong with you just by waving a sparkly little salt shaker (no, really) over your body, or read your vital signs from a medical tricordera device that looks suspiciously like an old cassette recorder? Well, not surprisingly, it turns out that kind of medical technology would be tremendously valuable in the real world, and a pair of recent reports suggests we may be actually getting close to achieving it.

Just like a Star Trek tricorder, only clunkier

First, the $10 million Qualcomm Tricorder XPrize has been awarded for creating mobile devices that can non-invasively diagnose 13 medical conditionsand can be used by consumers without requiring professional help.

Out of the 312 teams entered in the contest begun in 2012, based on accuracy and ease of use, Pennsylvanias Final Frontier Medical Devices won the $2.6 million first prize for DxtER (Dexter), which monitors contest-mandated vital signs and conditions such as anemia, atrial fibrillation, blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, heart rate, leukocytosis, otitis media, pneumonia, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, sleep apnea, temperature, and urinary tract infections, as well as elective conditions such as hypertension, mononucleosis, and pertussis.

The $1 million second place prize went to Dynamical Biomarkers Group out of Taiwan, which diagnoses the 10 core conditions as well as hypertension, melanoma and shingles. (Both teams had previously been awarded $1 million prizes for qualifying as finalists.)

Its not quite Star Trek-level technology, of course.

The devices are clunkier and not as magic-based as the Star Trek version, Final Frontier leader Basil Harris told Fast Company. Sometimes it requires a blood or urine sample and makes use of medical questionnaires to help eliminate possible diagnoses.

Apple chases the Holy Grail

Its hard not to get excited by real-life tricorders, no matter how clunky. But CNBC reports that Apple has hired a team of more than 30 biomedical engineers to develop a noninvasive blood-sugar monitor to help those suffering from diabetes.

Often referred to as the holy grail for diabetes treatment, these sensors were apparently envisioned by the late Steve Jobs. Reportedly, the super-secret projects goal is to accurately and continuously monitor glucose levels without piercing the skinperhaps by using optical sensors shining light through the skinand then make that information available on a remote device, such as an Apple Watch.

While the project has apparently been in the works for some five years, it has now advanced to the point where Apple has started conducting feasibility trials at clinical sites in the Bay Area and engaged regulatory consultants, according to CNBC.

Apple isnt talking, of course. And other companies, including Alphabets Verily, are working on similar devices and other approaches to non-invasive glucose monitoring, but the task has long been regarded as fiendishly difficult. Still, while its not as cool as a tricorder, a successful solution to glucose monitoring that doesnt involve piercing the skin would be a huge boon for diabetes suffersand a big win for Apple and the otherwise disappointing Apple Watch.
Every once in a while, something in China that sounds like it came out of a dystopian movie catches my attention.

Chinas great surveillance machine seems to know no bounds. China has already cracked down on unauthorized VPN use. Last month, we learned that if you want toilet paper at one UNESCO World Heritage Site in China, then you must submit to facial recognition in order to be issued a strip of toilet paper. This time, we are looking at China requiring surveillance technology on public Wi-Fi and Chinese loan startups determining credit-worthiness by the model of smartphones used and if the battery runs low.

Surveillance required on public Wi-Fi

Chinese authorities in the province of Hebei are forcing businesses and places that offer public Wi-Fi to install surveillance tech to record all users online activity or else face fines and other sanctions. Local police described the new requirements as online safety protection measures.

According to Radio Free Asia, the new rules require government-approved equipment be purchased and installed on all non-residential Wi-Fi networks in the province. The same regulations rolled out in other parts of China, suggesting they are part of a nationwide initiative.

Under the rules, companies must record and retain user registration information ... user login and exit time, caller ID, port number, account number, IP address, domain name, and system maintenance log. They must also record and retain internet sites visited by users, using special safety equipment, holding onto records for more than 60 days. The measures will prevent lawbreakers from using the internet to carry out terrorist activities, spread rumors, or spread pornographic and other illegal content, the notice said.

Politically sensitive keywords and images blocked on WeChat

Chinas great firewall is constantly blocking internet users from accessing sites that the government considers to be a potential threat, even the innocuous Pinterest. Citizen Lab recently reported that China blocks politically sensitive content on the social media app WeChat. Keyword censorship on WeChat is not new, but the list of what is being blocked is constantly being updated.

Citizen Lab honed in on words and images that are related to the 709 Crackdown, an event in which activists and their relatives, Chinese rights lawyers and law firm employees were detained by Chinese authorities. WeChat censorship on the server-side blocks keywords and even images related to the 709 Crackdown. The receiver gets no warning about a message being blocked; it just doesnt appear on the receivers end. Citizen Lab has screenshots showing the censorship, showing what the sender sent and the receiver received.

Citizen Lab concluded, Chinese social media platforms routinely and systematically enforce information controls on politically sensitive content. The blocking of the 709 Crackdown-related keyword combinations showcases that censorship on Chinese social media such as WeChat and Weibo is dynamic and reactive to current events. The keyword blacklists are often updated in response to the development of the events.

Want a loan? In China, that depends on your phone

In China, where there are no reliable credit-history systems, very little data-privacy expectations and roughly four times as many online loans taken out than in the U.S., Chinese financial technology startups have rolled out unconventional methods to determine if a person should be given a loan.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the lending app Yongqianbao, which collects over 1,200 non-traditional data points to determine credit scoring, generates over 100,000 risk scenarios in a few seconds on each loan applicant. Yongqianbao founder Jiao Ke said, While banks only focus on the tip of the iceberg above the sea, we build algorithms to make sense of the vast amount of data under the sea.

Part of that scoring is based on what smartphone a person uses and how many calls they fail to answer.

After running hundreds of millions of loan applications, Yongqianbao and competing platform Dumiao determined:
Thatcham man shared naked pictures on messaging app

A MAN has been convicted of a revenge porn offence after he shared naked images of a woman on a messaging app.

Father-of-two David Samuel Clark used pictures of her, topless, on his WhatsApp messenger profile.

Sarah McKay, prosecuting, told Reading magistrates: Her face could clearly be seen. It was supposed to have been a private sex text for his viewing and she certainly wouldnt have given permission for it to be used in this way.

The victim blocked the defendant from all her social media platforms. But then she was made aware he had posted this picture of her on his WhatsApp profile.

That means anyone who had his phone number in their address book could access it and see the picture.

There were four screenshots of her naked breasts.

Twenty-nine-year-old Mr Clark, who was living at Magpie Close, Thatcham, was arrested but answered no comment to all questions, the court heard.

His victim said in a statement: It left me mortified and embarrassed. It was a personal picture and all his family members and friends will have seen it.

The woman said she worried her friends will have seen it and added: It has caused me much anxiety and distress.

Ms McKay said: Mr Clark denied the offence and so she had to give evidence at trial.

She went on to request a restraining order preventing Mr Clark from contacting his victim or her partner.

Mr Clark denied disclosing private, sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress at Magpie Close on February 23 last year, but was convicted on March 3 this year and bailed while pre-sentence reports were prepared.

Andrew Storch, defending, described his client as a well educated man and added that his victims partner had been sending Mr Clark threatening messages.

As a result, the court heard, Mr Clark had moved temporarily to Angus Road, Blaingwry, Perthshire, in Scotland, but intended to return to Thatcham.

Mr Clark was charged under a section of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, described by the Crown Prosecution Service as the revenge porn legislation and Mr Storch said: Its quite recent legislation, therefore there are few sentencing guidelines.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with a 70 hours unpaid community work requirement.

In addition Mr Clark was ordered to pay 350 costs plus a statutory victim services surcharge of 60.

Finally, a restraining order was made preventing him from contacting either his victim or her new partner.
Newbury MP 'surprised' at announcement but ready to fight for Newbury again

Prime Minister Theresa May has today announced her intention to hold a General Election on Thursday, June 8.

Mrs May said it was "necessary to secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit and beyond."

Newbury MP Richard Benyon told NewburyToday that he was surprised by the announcement but understood Mrs May's desire to increase her mandate.

He said: "We can do really well and get a bigger majority and that will be a chance for people to vote, not just on Brexit and how we have responded to the referendum, but the domestic agenda which I know is important to her."

MPs will vote tomorrow (Wednesday) on whether an election should be held, with a two-thirds majority required to trigger the election.

Mrs May had said that she would rule out a snap election but in today's announcement said she had reluctantly changed her mind.

This, she said, was because Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party would oppose the government's negotiations for exiting the European Union.

"At this moment of enormous national significance there should be unity here in Westminster, but instead there is division," Mrs May said.

"The country is coming together, but Westminster is not.

"Our opponents believe that because the Government's majority is so small, our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change course.

"They are wrong.

"They under-estimate our determination to get the job done and I am not prepared to let them endanger the security of millions of working people across the country."

Mr Benyon agreed, saying: "I think she's increasingly frustrated with the mood at Westminster where Labour said they would hold the right to vote against important legislation like the great reform bill.

"She wants to ensure that the government can get this through with a workable majority. A majority of 12 is not good."

Newbury's Liberal Democrat candidate Judith Bunting said that the election was "the best thing that could have happened."

Ms Bunting said that the election would give people a chance to vote on the "government's interpretation of Brexit."

"They either vote Conservative and get a hard Brexit, or they don't and we can stop this in it's tracks," she said.

"I think this is a good decision for the country."

For more reaction see Thursday's Newbury Weekly News.
By Online Desk

Yes, you heard it right. Chennai has gone missing from Google Maps. Google Maps has accidentally marked Chennai as Kovur. Kovur lies in the neighbourhood of West Chennai which is around five Kilometers from Porur, a locality in the city.

Incidentally, a town in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore district is also called Kovur. While the others districts surrounding Chennai are marked correctly, it is astonishing to see that the capital city has been marked wrongly.

If you thought this was the first major blunder by Google Maps, you'd be amazed at the numerous other instances -- even one where it nearly sparked a war.

Here's a look:

When Nicaragua invaded Costa Rica

2010 November might have been just another month for any one of us, but not definitely for the people of Costa Rica's Calero Island. Google Maps indicated that the border region belonged to Nicaragua. Troops led by former Sandinista guerrilla commander Eden Pastora consequently removed the Costa Rica flag and replaced it with theirs. The issue became so serious that the UN Security Council had to intervene only to determine that Google Maps had wrongly indicated that Calero Island was a part of Nicaragua.

When Germany's Emden came under the Netherlands

In the 15th century, Germany and the Dutch had issues over the border which even has a special place in history books discussing the European Border War. In 2011, Google Maps ensured that everyone revisited history, by displaying many of the places belonging to a harbour located in Germany's Emden as being a part of the neighbouring country Netherlands.

When people searching for Sunrise, Florida were redirected to Sarasota, Florida, 200 miles away

In 2010, people who had asked Google Maps for the direction to Florida's Sunrise were redirected to Sarasota, Florida. The two Florida cities were 200 miles apart. Later, Google fixed the technical glitch to put Sunrise back on the map.

When tourists in the US searching for Round Valley State Park landed on a woman's doorstep

Laurie Gneiding, who lives at a hill top in New Jersey's Hunterdon County in a 2011 interview to ABC News said that a technical glitch in Google Maps directed the tourists searching for Round Valley State Park land on her door step. As the number of visitors increased she even went on to put up plywood stating "NOT Park Entrance...Private Driveway... Google Maps is Wrong!"

When commuters had to take a six-mile detour in Maryland

When you are a commuter you wont be pleased to take a detour after traveling for six miles. But that is exactly what happened to those who had taken the Intercounty Connector (Maryland's first all-electronic toll road). The toll road was set to open completely in 2012 spring. Prior to that in March, a six mile stretch was opened, but Google Maps accidentally displayed it as though the complete 18.8 miles were in use. Commuters who followed Google Maps ended up taking a long detour.

Yes, you heard it right. Chennai has gone missing from Google Maps. Google Maps has accidentally marked Chennai as Kovur. Kovur lies in the neighbourhood of West Chennai which is around five Kilometers from Porur, a locality in the city. Incidentally, a town in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore district is also called Kovur. While the others districts surrounding Chennai are marked correctly, it is astonishing to see that the capital city has been marked wrongly. If you thought this was the first major blunder by Google Maps, you'd be amazed at the numerous other instances -- even one where it nearly sparked a war. Here's a look: When Nicaragua invaded Costa Rica 2010 November might have been just another month for any one of us, but not definitely for the people of Costa Rica's Calero Island. Google Maps indicated that the border region belonged to Nicaragua. Troops led by former Sandinista guerrilla commander Eden Pastora consequently removed the Costa Rica flag and replaced it with theirs. The issue became so serious that the UN Security Council had to intervene only to determine that Google Maps had wrongly indicated that Calero Island was a part of Nicaragua. When Germany's Emden came under the Netherlands In the 15th century, Germany and the Dutch had issues over the border which even has a special place in history books discussing the European Border War. In 2011, Google Maps ensured that everyone revisited history, by displaying many of the places belonging to a harbour located in Germany's Emden as being a part of the neighbouring country Netherlands. When people searching for Sunrise, Florida were redirected to Sarasota, Florida, 200 miles away In 2010, people who had asked Google Maps for the direction to Florida's Sunrise were redirected to Sarasota, Florida. The two Florida cities were 200 miles apart. Later, Google fixed the technical glitch to put Sunrise back on the map. When tourists in the US searching for Round Valley State Park landed on a woman's doorstep Laurie Gneiding, who lives at a hill top in New Jersey's Hunterdon County in a 2011 interview to ABC News said that a technical glitch in Google Maps directed the tourists searching for Round Valley State Park land on her door step. As the number of visitors increased she even went on to put up plywood stating "NOT Park Entrance...Private Driveway... Google Maps is Wrong!" When commuters had to take a six-mile detour in Maryland When you are a commuter you wont be pleased to take a detour after traveling for six miles. But that is exactly what happened to those who had taken the Intercounty Connector (Maryland's first all-electronic toll road). The toll road was set to open completely in 2012 spring. Prior to that in March, a six mile stretch was opened, but Google Maps accidentally displayed it as though the complete 18.8 miles were in use. Commuters who followed Google Maps ended up taking a long detour.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: A purported circular asking boarders of an IIT-Delhi girls' hostel to wear "decent" and "full clothes" sparked a row today prompting the administration to order its withdrawal.

The notice put up at the Himadri Hostel, and allegedly signed by its warden Sreedevi Upadhyayula, reads, "Residents are requested to wear full covered decent western or Indian dress on House day." House day, scheduled on April 20, is an annual event at the institute where residents can invite guests in the hostel for an hour.

Upadhyayula, the warden, denied having issued such a notice. As the hostel inmates took to social media and criticised the notice calling it "moral policing", Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chief Swati Maliwal flayed the prestigious institute for its "patriarchal" mindset.

A IIT-Delhi girls' hostel has asked its residents to wear 'full covered decent western or Indian dresses' on the House day. pic.twitter.com/cEGfBtmebW  ANI (@ANI_news) April 18, 2017

Following the uproar, the IIT administration swung into action and withdrew the 'notice' saying the authorities were not aware of any such "circular". S Krishna, IIT Delhi's Dean of Students' Welfare, said, "We normally don't issue notices regarding what type of dress they should wear. In fact I was not even aware that such a notice has been put up".

"I have instructed my office to call the hostel and tell the staff that it should be immediately removed. We don't indulge in the personal affairs of students-- either boys or girls-- and we don't have a dress code too," he added.

There are two girls' hostel at IIT Delhi- Himadri and Kailash. The 'notice' irked the students who shared it with Pinjra Tod - a students' group in the national capital fighting against discriminatory rules for women in hostels, universities and colleges. The DCW Chief also said the commission will look into the matter.

"It is a horrible display of a patriarchal mindset by a prestigious institution like IIT. This kind of moral policing needs to stop. The DCW is looking into the matter," she said.

The warden said, "I have not issued any such notice. It looks like some prank by students as it has been circulated on social media as well. I have been told that it has my signatures as well and I have called a meeting of the hostel staff to investigate the issue."

NEW DELHI: A purported circular asking boarders of an IIT-Delhi girls' hostel to wear "decent" and "full clothes" sparked a row today prompting the administration to order its withdrawal. The notice put up at the Himadri Hostel, and allegedly signed by its warden Sreedevi Upadhyayula, reads, "Residents are requested to wear full covered decent western or Indian dress on House day." House day, scheduled on April 20, is an annual event at the institute where residents can invite guests in the hostel for an hour. Upadhyayula, the warden, denied having issued such a notice. As the hostel inmates took to social media and criticised the notice calling it "moral policing", Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chief Swati Maliwal flayed the prestigious institute for its "patriarchal" mindset. A IIT-Delhi girls' hostel has asked its residents to wear 'full covered decent western or Indian dresses' on the House day. pic.twitter.com/cEGfBtmebW  ANI (@ANI_news) April 18, 2017 Following the uproar, the IIT administration swung into action and withdrew the 'notice' saying the authorities were not aware of any such "circular". S Krishna, IIT Delhi's Dean of Students' Welfare, said, "We normally don't issue notices regarding what type of dress they should wear. In fact I was not even aware that such a notice has been put up". "I have instructed my office to call the hostel and tell the staff that it should be immediately removed. We don't indulge in the personal affairs of students-- either boys or girls-- and we don't have a dress code too," he added. There are two girls' hostel at IIT Delhi- Himadri and Kailash. The 'notice' irked the students who shared it with Pinjra Tod - a students' group in the national capital fighting against discriminatory rules for women in hostels, universities and colleges. The DCW Chief also said the commission will look into the matter. "It is a horrible display of a patriarchal mindset by a prestigious institution like IIT. This kind of moral policing needs to stop. The DCW is looking into the matter," she said. The warden said, "I have not issued any such notice. It looks like some prank by students as it has been circulated on social media as well. I have been told that it has my signatures as well and I have called a meeting of the hostel staff to investigate the issue."
By Express News Service

LUCKNOW: A month into office, Yogi Adityanath can claim to have done what he promised, such as farm loan waiver and the slaughterhouse ban. While the new broom sweeps clean, old dirt tends to stick fast. A look at what the new chief minister of UP has done so far, not done yet, and what hed up against.

WHAT HES DONE

1. Slaughterhouse down: True to his pre-poll pitch, Adityanath lost no time in shutting down slaughterhouses, triggering ripples across north India. Meat traders, particularly Qureish Muslims, are not pleased.

2. Promised, waived: His first cabinet meeting wrote off crop loans up to Rs 1 lakh for small and marginal farmers. Its a burden of Rs 3600 crore but 86 lakh farmers like it.

3. Cane he do it: Arrears owed to sugarcane farmers cleared. Millers have to pay up in 14 days or else.

4. Love flees Lucknow: With anti-Romeo squads triggering vigilante policing of public spaces, romance has vanished from Lucknows parks.

5. Goodbye to spitsville: He doesnt like pan-stained corridors so government officers have switched to slurping toffees instead.

6. Biometric office timing: Good god, youve got to be in office by 9.30 am.

7. Power for All MoU: 24X7 power supply to district HQs, 20 hours to lesser towns.

8. No pothole by June 15: PWD babus are in a tizzy trying to meet Yogis deadline of June 15 to make 85 lakh km of roads smooth like Hema Malinis cheeks.

9. No holidays on neta anniversaries: UP has 37 gazetted and 18 restricted holidays. Now hes gone and pruned it. No more holidays at the drop of a Gandhi topi.

10.Blast the past: Probes ordered into high-profile dream projects of the previous regime: Gomti Riverfront, Jai Prakash Narain International Centre and urban development scams in Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna E-way Development Authority.

11.Muslim charm offensive: Marriage of 100 poor Muslim girls annually, English, science and math at madarsas, and what not.

12.Assault on triple talaq: Opinion being built up against Muslim divorce system

WHAT HES NOT DONE

1. Officers assets: After lots of foot dragging, ministers did declare their assets but the babus are still holding out.

2. Slow on secretariat: The CM wants only neutral officers for his secretariat. So only three officials are in place  Mritunjai Kumar Narain, Rigzin Samphel and Amit Singh. The rest are Akhilesh aides still in tenure.

3. Lucknow door ast: Officers in the capital may be on their toes but elsewhere its languor as usual.

NOW THE HARD PART

1. Remember Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas?: Adityanath is at pains to stress hes the CM of all but his hard Hindutva image casts a shadow, especially in the eyes of the minority community. The slaughterhouse crackdown and the triple talaq initiative, and the Meerut vigilantism have left the Muslims wary. Hes some way from winning Muslim hearts and minds.

2. Bijli, sadak paani: Winning a big majority is the easy part. Supplying potable water, uninterrupted power supply and medicare for all and irrigation for farmers are hard nuts to crack.

3. Reining in the cow vigilantes: The Yogis hardest challenge in office will be to keep his own friends on a leash on cow protection, love jihad, etc.

4. Funding the giveaways: Loan waivers and power surcharge exemptions cost money and will temper the state governments investment plans.

5.Kickstart industry: Investment in UP went to sleep under Akhileshs watch and now Yogis need is to create an atmosphere conducive to industry and business. Not easy.

LUCKNOW: A month into office, Yogi Adityanath can claim to have done what he promised, such as farm loan waiver and the slaughterhouse ban. While the new broom sweeps clean, old dirt tends to stick fast. A look at what the new chief minister of UP has done so far, not done yet, and what hed up against. WHAT HES DONE 1. Slaughterhouse down: True to his pre-poll pitch, Adityanath lost no time in shutting down slaughterhouses, triggering ripples across north India. Meat traders, particularly Qureish Muslims, are not pleased. 2. Promised, waived: His first cabinet meeting wrote off crop loans up to Rs 1 lakh for small and marginal farmers. Its a burden of Rs 3600 crore but 86 lakh farmers like it. 3. Cane he do it: Arrears owed to sugarcane farmers cleared. Millers have to pay up in 14 days or else. 4. Love flees Lucknow: With anti-Romeo squads triggering vigilante policing of public spaces, romance has vanished from Lucknows parks. 5. Goodbye to spitsville: He doesnt like pan-stained corridors so government officers have switched to slurping toffees instead. 6. Biometric office timing: Good god, youve got to be in office by 9.30 am. 7. Power for All MoU: 24X7 power supply to district HQs, 20 hours to lesser towns. 8. No pothole by June 15: PWD babus are in a tizzy trying to meet Yogis deadline of June 15 to make 85 lakh km of roads smooth like Hema Malinis cheeks. 9. No holidays on neta anniversaries: UP has 37 gazetted and 18 restricted holidays. Now hes gone and pruned it. No more holidays at the drop of a Gandhi topi. 10.Blast the past: Probes ordered into high-profile dream projects of the previous regime: Gomti Riverfront, Jai Prakash Narain International Centre and urban development scams in Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna E-way Development Authority. 11.Muslim charm offensive: Marriage of 100 poor Muslim girls annually, English, science and math at madarsas, and what not. 12.Assault on triple talaq: Opinion being built up against Muslim divorce system WHAT HES NOT DONE 1. Officers assets: After lots of foot dragging, ministers did declare their assets but the babus are still holding out. 2. Slow on secretariat: The CM wants only neutral officers for his secretariat. So only three officials are in place  Mritunjai Kumar Narain, Rigzin Samphel and Amit Singh. The rest are Akhilesh aides still in tenure. 3. Lucknow door ast: Officers in the capital may be on their toes but elsewhere its languor as usual. NOW THE HARD PART 1. Remember Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas?: Adityanath is at pains to stress hes the CM of all but his hard Hindutva image casts a shadow, especially in the eyes of the minority community. The slaughterhouse crackdown and the triple talaq initiative, and the Meerut vigilantism have left the Muslims wary. Hes some way from winning Muslim hearts and minds. 2. Bijli, sadak paani: Winning a big majority is the easy part. Supplying potable water, uninterrupted power supply and medicare for all and irrigation for farmers are hard nuts to crack. 3. Reining in the cow vigilantes: The Yogis hardest challenge in office will be to keep his own friends on a leash on cow protection, love jihad, etc. 4. Funding the giveaways: Loan waivers and power surcharge exemptions cost money and will temper the state governments investment plans. 5.Kickstart industry: Investment in UP went to sleep under Akhileshs watch and now Yogis need is to create an atmosphere conducive to industry and business. Not easy.
By ANI

NEW DELHI: Strongly condemning Pakistan for not giving consular access to alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, defence experts on Tuesday said such decision was against international norms and conventions and alleged that Islamabad was deliberately dragging this case to heighten tensions with India.

Defence expert Qamar Agha said Pakistan court should be trusted as they have their allegiance towards the army.

Its against the international norms and conventions to refuse to grant consular access. Secondly, you know a good legal case was missing. India has a right for consular access. I think we should not trust the Pakistan court either as most judges of the court have allegiance towards Jamaat-e-Islami and judiciary is totally committed to army, Agha told ANI.

Expressing similar views, defence expert Shankar Prasad said, Pakistan is trying to heighten the level of tensions with India so that international community begins to feel that this is a flash point in South East Asia. Therefore, they need to intervene and mediate in talks.

Yesterday, the Pakistan Army ruled out consular access to Jadhav, saying he was not eligible for it as per the laws.

"Kulbhushan is not eligible for consular access nor will be granted consular access," said Pakistan Armed Forces spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor.

He alleged that Jadhav, caught on anti-state activities, was trialled under court martial.

"This was purely an act by the Army to which the Army as an institution said we will not compromise on his sentence," he said.

Major General Ghafoor said Jadhav's death sentence process would move ahead as per the law, adding it would go in the applet court and the army shall wait for the verdict.

Jadhav was awarded the death penalty on April 10 in an unprecedented decision that sparked a diplomatic spat between the two hostile neighbours.

NEW DELHI: Strongly condemning Pakistan for not giving consular access to alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, defence experts on Tuesday said such decision was against international norms and conventions and alleged that Islamabad was deliberately dragging this case to heighten tensions with India. Defence expert Qamar Agha said Pakistan court should be trusted as they have their allegiance towards the army. Its against the international norms and conventions to refuse to grant consular access. Secondly, you know a good legal case was missing. India has a right for consular access. I think we should not trust the Pakistan court either as most judges of the court have allegiance towards Jamaat-e-Islami and judiciary is totally committed to army, Agha told ANI. Expressing similar views, defence expert Shankar Prasad said, Pakistan is trying to heighten the level of tensions with India so that international community begins to feel that this is a flash point in South East Asia. Therefore, they need to intervene and mediate in talks. Yesterday, the Pakistan Army ruled out consular access to Jadhav, saying he was not eligible for it as per the laws. "Kulbhushan is not eligible for consular access nor will be granted consular access," said Pakistan Armed Forces spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor. He alleged that Jadhav, caught on anti-state activities, was trialled under court martial. "This was purely an act by the Army to which the Army as an institution said we will not compromise on his sentence," he said. Major General Ghafoor said Jadhav's death sentence process would move ahead as per the law, adding it would go in the applet court and the army shall wait for the verdict. Jadhav was awarded the death penalty on April 10 in an unprecedented decision that sparked a diplomatic spat between the two hostile neighbours.
Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Sucked into the vortex of Punjabs internal politics, Canadian Minister for National Defence Harjit Sajjan on Tuesday said that he was not here to break a country. Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley had conveyed the Indian Governments disappointment at the resolution passed in Ontario Assembly terming 1984 riots Genocide.

Sajjan, a Canadian Army veteran, is the first Sikh to become defence minister of another country. He is one of the four Sikh members of Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus cabinet and was recently accused by Punbjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh of being a Khalistani Sympathiser.

"I have been given many labels through my life. I don't want to be sucked into the internal politics of a province of a nation. My goal is to build relationships. I am proud of the fact that I was born here," Sajjan said, when asked to respond on the accusations. Sajjan also added that he will be visiting Punjab to be in the place of his birth and to pay respects at the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar on April 20.

I do not promote the breakup of any country... My job is to promote a relation, added Sajjan, who has seen active combat in Bosnia, Herzegovina and Afghanistan.

Admitting that allegations by Captain Amarinder have hurt him, Sajjan said: It does hurt. But I will not get into petty politics. I am going to Punjab to pay respect to Harmandir Sahib. I am not going to dignify him with a response. I have been taught by my parents to respect the leadership of country I visit. Sajjan was born in Bombeli village in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab and move to Canada when he was 5-years-old.

The Canadian Minister also tried to steer clear of another controversial issue of 1984 riots, which were recently termed as Genocide by Ontarios Legislative Assembly. Ontario government resolution on 1984 riots is their viewpoint. The federal government doesn't share the viewpoint, Sajjan said in response to a query by the Express. Earlier, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has conveyed Indias stand clearly that the Ontario motion was unreal and exaggerated. Defence sources said that Jaitley while contending that the resolution was not in spirit of bilateral relations shared by the two nations and did not generate right atmosphere and led to considerable amount of disquiet in India.

NEW DELHI: Sucked into the vortex of Punjabs internal politics, Canadian Minister for National Defence Harjit Sajjan on Tuesday said that he was not here to break a country. Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley had conveyed the Indian Governments disappointment at the resolution passed in Ontario Assembly terming 1984 riots Genocide. Sajjan, a Canadian Army veteran, is the first Sikh to become defence minister of another country. He is one of the four Sikh members of Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus cabinet and was recently accused by Punbjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh of being a Khalistani Sympathiser. "I have been given many labels through my life. I don't want to be sucked into the internal politics of a province of a nation. My goal is to build relationships. I am proud of the fact that I was born here," Sajjan said, when asked to respond on the accusations. Sajjan also added that he will be visiting Punjab to be in the place of his birth and to pay respects at the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar on April 20. I do not promote the breakup of any country... My job is to promote a relation, added Sajjan, who has seen active combat in Bosnia, Herzegovina and Afghanistan. Admitting that allegations by Captain Amarinder have hurt him, Sajjan said: It does hurt. But I will not get into petty politics. I am going to Punjab to pay respect to Harmandir Sahib. I am not going to dignify him with a response. I have been taught by my parents to respect the leadership of country I visit. Sajjan was born in Bombeli village in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab and move to Canada when he was 5-years-old. The Canadian Minister also tried to steer clear of another controversial issue of 1984 riots, which were recently termed as Genocide by Ontarios Legislative Assembly. Ontario government resolution on 1984 riots is their viewpoint. The federal government doesn't share the viewpoint, Sajjan said in response to a query by the Express. Earlier, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has conveyed Indias stand clearly that the Ontario motion was unreal and exaggerated. Defence sources said that Jaitley while contending that the resolution was not in spirit of bilateral relations shared by the two nations and did not generate right atmosphere and led to considerable amount of disquiet in India.
By Online Desk

Tuesday afternoon buzzed with news flashes of liquor baron Vijay Mallya being arrested by Scotland Yard in London. He was then produced in a Westminster court for an extradition hearing, and bailed out soon after. Someone commented that all it took was the span of a pizza delivery for Vijay Mallya to be in and out of police custody.

So was this really the big arrest over his Rs 9,000 crore debt?

Yes, technically, and no. After the Ministry of External Affairs informed the media on March 24, 2017 that the United Kingdoms Secretary of State had agreed to initiate the extradition process with regard to Vijay Mallya, it had said that a warrant would soon be issued against him in this regard. That due process was what took place today. But TV channels here created a bit of a hype about the arrest setting up expectations of more to come  sordid tales of the incarceration of the once extravagant-billionaire now surviving in a Spartan 10X10 jail cell perhaps, and more.

But just when everyone was reaching for a pack of popcorn to kick back with and let the great drama unfold, it was all over before it had even begun; the Westminster court had granted him bail.

So, what happened? The due process as per UKs extradition protocols for category 2 countries, which is applicable to India. These are the steps followed in that process:

 Extradition request is made to the Secretary of State

 Secretary of State decides whether to certify the request

 Judge decides whether to issue a warrant for arrest

 The person wanted in the case is arrested and brought before the court

 Preliminary hearing is held

 Extradition hearing is held

 Secretary of State decides whether to order extradition

It is to be noted that unlike deportation, which only involves political executives in the United Kingdom, extradition involves decision making by both political and judicial wings of the UK government.

So, keep a watch on this space for more in the forthcoming days. As for today, its curtains down.

Tuesday afternoon buzzed with news flashes of liquor baron Vijay Mallya being arrested by Scotland Yard in London. He was then produced in a Westminster court for an extradition hearing, and bailed out soon after. Someone commented that all it took was the span of a pizza delivery for Vijay Mallya to be in and out of police custody. So was this really the big arrest over his Rs 9,000 crore debt? Yes, technically, and no. After the Ministry of External Affairs informed the media on March 24, 2017 that the United Kingdoms Secretary of State had agreed to initiate the extradition process with regard to Vijay Mallya, it had said that a warrant would soon be issued against him in this regard. That due process was what took place today. But TV channels here created a bit of a hype about the arrest setting up expectations of more to come  sordid tales of the incarceration of the once extravagant-billionaire now surviving in a Spartan 10X10 jail cell perhaps, and more. But just when everyone was reaching for a pack of popcorn to kick back with and let the great drama unfold, it was all over before it had even begun; the Westminster court had granted him bail. So, what happened? The due process as per UKs extradition protocols for category 2 countries, which is applicable to India. These are the steps followed in that process:  Extradition request is made to the Secretary of State  Secretary of State decides whether to certify the request  Judge decides whether to issue a warrant for arrest  The person wanted in the case is arrested and brought before the court  Preliminary hearing is held  Extradition hearing is held  Secretary of State decides whether to order extradition It is to be noted that unlike deportation, which only involves political executives in the United Kingdom, extradition involves decision making by both political and judicial wings of the UK government. So, keep a watch on this space for more in the forthcoming days. As for today, its curtains down.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday warned Australia that the scrapping of the 457 Visa programme that will hit Indian skilled workers the maximum would impact the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries that is presently under negotiation.

Days after completing his maiden visit to India, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull defended the scrapping of the Visa programme in national interest. The 457 Visa programme allowed the businesses in the country to hire skilled foreign professionals if there was a shortage of Australian workers.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Gopal Baglay in response to a question said: The government is examining consequences of the new policy in consultation with all stakeholders. He further added that the doing away of the visa programme might also be impacting the fate of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). This is also a matter we will be looking at in the context of CECA negotiations, Baglay added.

As of September 2016 there are 95, 758 people in Australia under 457 visa programme. Out of these the biggest chunk of 25 percent are from India, followed by the UK and China. The Australian Government contended that the present visa holders will not be impacted by the change in policy. Australia will be introducing two new temporary skills visas  one for two years and another one for four years targeting the highly skilled workers. There will not be any permanent residency at the end of the two-year visa.

Defending the new system as manifestly, rigorously, resolutely conducted in the national interest", Turbull said: "The migration program should only operate in our national interest. This is all about Australia's interest." Amidst increasing anti-globalisation movements across the globe, Australia has followed the line of the UK and the US is seeking to regularise immigration of workers to secure the national interests.

NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday warned Australia that the scrapping of the 457 Visa programme that will hit Indian skilled workers the maximum would impact the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries that is presently under negotiation. Days after completing his maiden visit to India, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull defended the scrapping of the Visa programme in national interest. The 457 Visa programme allowed the businesses in the country to hire skilled foreign professionals if there was a shortage of Australian workers. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Gopal Baglay in response to a question said: The government is examining consequences of the new policy in consultation with all stakeholders. He further added that the doing away of the visa programme might also be impacting the fate of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). This is also a matter we will be looking at in the context of CECA negotiations, Baglay added. As of September 2016 there are 95, 758 people in Australia under 457 visa programme. Out of these the biggest chunk of 25 percent are from India, followed by the UK and China. The Australian Government contended that the present visa holders will not be impacted by the change in policy. Australia will be introducing two new temporary skills visas  one for two years and another one for four years targeting the highly skilled workers. There will not be any permanent residency at the end of the two-year visa. Defending the new system as manifestly, rigorously, resolutely conducted in the national interest", Turbull said: "The migration program should only operate in our national interest. This is all about Australia's interest." Amidst increasing anti-globalisation movements across the globe, Australia has followed the line of the UK and the US is seeking to regularise immigration of workers to secure the national interests.
By PTI

LONDON: Embattled Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya, who has been declared a proclaimed offender, was today arrested in London by Scotland Yard on India's request for his extradition on fraud charges.

The 61-year-old liquor baron, wanted in India for defaulting on loans, was arrested after he appeared at a central London police station this morning.

The flamboyant businessman, who once called himself 'The King of Good Times", was released on bail a few hours later.

"Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit this morning arrested a man on an extradition warrant. Vijay Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud," Scotland Yard told PTI.

The Metropolitan Police said Mallya was arrested after attending a central London police station.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London and was seen walking out with his legal team a few hours later after being granted bail.

"It was a voluntary action. He will be out in a few minutes," said a member of Mallya's team at the court, without giving any further details of the bail conditions.

"Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected," Mallya tweeted soon after getting the bail.

Mallya, whose now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to various banks, had fled India on March 2, 2016. He has repeatedly dismissed the charges against him.

In January, an Indian court ordered a consortium of lenders to start the process of recovering the loans.

Senior Indian officials described his arrest as the first salvo in the case, which will now involve a legal process in the UK to determine if Mallya can be extradited to India to face charges in Indian courts.

The arrest comes weeks after Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had indicated that Mallya's extradition would feature in his talks during his visit to the UK.

India had given a formal extradition request for Mallya as per the Extradition Treaty between India and the UK through a note verbale on February 8.

While handing over the request, India had asserted that it has a "legitimate" case against Mallya and maintained that if an extradition request is honoured, it would show British "sensitivity towards our concerns".

Last month, setting in motion the process of extradition of Mallya, the British government had certified India's request and sent it to a district judge for further action.

The extradition process from the UK involves a number of steps including a decision by the judge whether to issue a warrant of arrest.

In case of a warrant, the person is arrested and brought before the court for preliminary hearing followed by an extradition hearing before a final decision is taken by the secretary of state.

The wanted person has a right to appeal to the higher courts against any decision all the way up to the supreme court.

Earlier in January this year, a CBI court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case.

Mallya is the owner of a Formula One team, named Force India.

LONDON: Embattled Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya, who has been declared a proclaimed offender, was today arrested in London by Scotland Yard on India's request for his extradition on fraud charges. The 61-year-old liquor baron, wanted in India for defaulting on loans, was arrested after he appeared at a central London police station this morning. The flamboyant businessman, who once called himself 'The King of Good Times", was released on bail a few hours later. "Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit this morning arrested a man on an extradition warrant. Vijay Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud," Scotland Yard told PTI. The Metropolitan Police said Mallya was arrested after attending a central London police station. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London and was seen walking out with his legal team a few hours later after being granted bail. "It was a voluntary action. He will be out in a few minutes," said a member of Mallya's team at the court, without giving any further details of the bail conditions. "Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected," Mallya tweeted soon after getting the bail. Mallya, whose now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to various banks, had fled India on March 2, 2016. He has repeatedly dismissed the charges against him. In January, an Indian court ordered a consortium of lenders to start the process of recovering the loans. Senior Indian officials described his arrest as the first salvo in the case, which will now involve a legal process in the UK to determine if Mallya can be extradited to India to face charges in Indian courts. The arrest comes weeks after Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had indicated that Mallya's extradition would feature in his talks during his visit to the UK. India had given a formal extradition request for Mallya as per the Extradition Treaty between India and the UK through a note verbale on February 8. While handing over the request, India had asserted that it has a "legitimate" case against Mallya and maintained that if an extradition request is honoured, it would show British "sensitivity towards our concerns". Last month, setting in motion the process of extradition of Mallya, the British government had certified India's request and sent it to a district judge for further action. The extradition process from the UK involves a number of steps including a decision by the judge whether to issue a warrant of arrest. In case of a warrant, the person is arrested and brought before the court for preliminary hearing followed by an extradition hearing before a final decision is taken by the secretary of state. The wanted person has a right to appeal to the higher courts against any decision all the way up to the supreme court. Earlier in January this year, a CBI court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case. Mallya is the owner of a Formula One team, named Force India.
By IANS

IMPHAL: Unidentified gunmen, suspected to be Kuki tribal militants, opened fire at oil tankers on Tuesday morning in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. The attack caused no casualty, the police said.



Some trucks and tankers coming from Assam towards Imphal were ambushed by the militants using automatic rifles. The personnel of CRPF escorting the convoy opened fire in retaliation. The exchange of fire took place at 5.45 a.m. along the National Highway No. 37, about 60 km from here, the police said.



Two tankers carrying petrol and diesel were hit by the militants' bullets.



Police units were rushed to the spot after the information about the ambush was received. However, the militants managed to escape.



The police officials suspect that it could be an extortion threat to the oil transporters.



"If the fuel had exploded on bullet impact there would have been casualties. We strongly condemn the attack," T. Kipgen, a resident said. Later, the trucks and oil tankers resumed journey towards Imphal.



"A few jeep-loads of CRPF personnel cannot ensure safety to over 600 vehicles along the mountain highway. We had welcomed the government's plan to deploy Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and police commandos along the vulnerable spots of the two national highways," Laishram Chinglien, a driver, said.



"However, the All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) has strongly objected to it and the government cannot say or do anything," he added.



Officials said that the government plan has been staved off. In the past, police commandos and IRB personnel had to be recalled from Ukhrul and some other tribal dominated districts.



ANSAM and other Naga groups say that they object to the government plan to "militarise the lands of the Nagas".



The United Naga Council (UNC) had imposed an economic blockade for more than four months along the two highways which are the lifelines of Manipur.



The UNC was protesting the creation of seven new districts on the "lands of the Nagas" without consulting the stakeholders.



Chief Minister N. Biren Singh held a meeting with his cabinet colleagues on Tuesday morning to review the situation.



Official sources said that security along the highways would be beefed up, without which the drivers may refuse to ply. The IRB personnel and police commandos may be deployed shortly.

IMPHAL: Unidentified gunmen, suspected to be Kuki tribal militants, opened fire at oil tankers on Tuesday morning in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. The attack caused no casualty, the police said. Some trucks and tankers coming from Assam towards Imphal were ambushed by the militants using automatic rifles. The personnel of CRPF escorting the convoy opened fire in retaliation. The exchange of fire took place at 5.45 a.m. along the National Highway No. 37, about 60 km from here, the police said. Two tankers carrying petrol and diesel were hit by the militants' bullets. Police units were rushed to the spot after the information about the ambush was received. However, the militants managed to escape. The police officials suspect that it could be an extortion threat to the oil transporters. "If the fuel had exploded on bullet impact there would have been casualties. We strongly condemn the attack," T. Kipgen, a resident said. Later, the trucks and oil tankers resumed journey towards Imphal. "A few jeep-loads of CRPF personnel cannot ensure safety to over 600 vehicles along the mountain highway. We had welcomed the government's plan to deploy Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and police commandos along the vulnerable spots of the two national highways," Laishram Chinglien, a driver, said. "However, the All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) has strongly objected to it and the government cannot say or do anything," he added. Officials said that the government plan has been staved off. In the past, police commandos and IRB personnel had to be recalled from Ukhrul and some other tribal dominated districts. ANSAM and other Naga groups say that they object to the government plan to "militarise the lands of the Nagas". The United Naga Council (UNC) had imposed an economic blockade for more than four months along the two highways which are the lifelines of Manipur. The UNC was protesting the creation of seven new districts on the "lands of the Nagas" without consulting the stakeholders. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh held a meeting with his cabinet colleagues on Tuesday morning to review the situation. Official sources said that security along the highways would be beefed up, without which the drivers may refuse to ply. The IRB personnel and police commandos may be deployed shortly.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: Six travellers from Kerala were detained by security guards for clicking photographs in prohibited acquired area of Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya on Tuesday morning. All the detained persons were later handed over to the district police for interrogation and further action.

Immediately after getting the information of six detained Keralites, four of whom were Muslims and two Christians, senior district officials including District Magistrate Vivek Kumar, SSP Faizabad Anant Deo Tiwari and CRPF commandant along with the officials of Intelligence Bureau rushed to the Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station to quiz them. The acquired Ram Janmabhoomi area is a prohibited and highly protected domain due to its disputed past and terror threat.

It may be recalled that photography is prohibited in and around the acquired Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid area as per the Supreme Court ruling for security reasons.

Sharing details of the detained persons, Sunil Kumar Mishra, SO, Ramjanmabhoomi Police Station, said that all the six persons were spotted clicking pictures near zebra crossing of the acquired prohibited area around 7:30 am. In fact, CRPF guards atop security tower spotted the six youths and informed the control room. Subsequently, they were detained by the security guards and the interrogation started thereon but no suspicious object was found with them.

According to district police authorities, all the six belonged to Kerala. During the quizzing, they revealed their identities as Molil Ali R Omar and VR Ladaybose of Velloorkunam, VB Ali Kunju, GV Thomas, and Ali R of Ernakulam and BM Kasim of Terisa district of Kerala.

Besides DM Vivek Kumar and SSP Anant Deo Tiwari, a team of anti-terror squad from Lucknow also interrogated the detained youths.

According to the DM, all six persons had been travelling to different districts since April 11. "All of them come from middle-class families and Ali R had been an advocate in Kerala High Court. He is writing a book in which there is a reference to Ayodhya," said the DM. He added that their respective addresses were also verified as per the details provided by them and found to be correct.

According to SP Mahendra Pratap Chauhan, the youths did not know that it was a prohibited area where photography was not allowed. He said the security guards did not confront them as often local people too, keep visiting the area. "But now onwards, the security men have been alerted and cautioned so that outsiders cannot enter the acquired prohibited area," he added.

The interrogation of all the six was continuing till filing of this report.

LUCKNOW: Six travellers from Kerala were detained by security guards for clicking photographs in prohibited acquired area of Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya on Tuesday morning. All the detained persons were later handed over to the district police for interrogation and further action. Immediately after getting the information of six detained Keralites, four of whom were Muslims and two Christians, senior district officials including District Magistrate Vivek Kumar, SSP Faizabad Anant Deo Tiwari and CRPF commandant along with the officials of Intelligence Bureau rushed to the Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station to quiz them. The acquired Ram Janmabhoomi area is a prohibited and highly protected domain due to its disputed past and terror threat. It may be recalled that photography is prohibited in and around the acquired Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid area as per the Supreme Court ruling for security reasons. Sharing details of the detained persons, Sunil Kumar Mishra, SO, Ramjanmabhoomi Police Station, said that all the six persons were spotted clicking pictures near zebra crossing of the acquired prohibited area around 7:30 am. In fact, CRPF guards atop security tower spotted the six youths and informed the control room. Subsequently, they were detained by the security guards and the interrogation started thereon but no suspicious object was found with them. According to district police authorities, all the six belonged to Kerala. During the quizzing, they revealed their identities as Molil Ali R Omar and VR Ladaybose of Velloorkunam, VB Ali Kunju, GV Thomas, and Ali R of Ernakulam and BM Kasim of Terisa district of Kerala. Besides DM Vivek Kumar and SSP Anant Deo Tiwari, a team of anti-terror squad from Lucknow also interrogated the detained youths. According to the DM, all six persons had been travelling to different districts since April 11. "All of them come from middle-class families and Ali R had been an advocate in Kerala High Court. He is writing a book in which there is a reference to Ayodhya," said the DM. He added that their respective addresses were also verified as per the details provided by them and found to be correct. According to SP Mahendra Pratap Chauhan, the youths did not know that it was a prohibited area where photography was not allowed. He said the security guards did not confront them as often local people too, keep visiting the area. "But now onwards, the security men have been alerted and cautioned so that outsiders cannot enter the acquired prohibited area," he added. The interrogation of all the six was continuing till filing of this report.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: Six tourists from Kerala were detained in Ayodhya by the district police from the vicinity of the disputed site for clicking photographs in the prohibited area on Tuesday afternoon.

According to police sources, of the six, four were Muslims and two Christians. All the six were in police custody and the verification of their identities was underway by cops. However, a team of anti-terror squad along with other senior officers rushed to Ayodhya to interrogate them.

While the identity of the two persons has been established, the process for the other four is ongoing, said Anant Deo, senior superintendent of police, Faizabad. After the interrogation and verification of their documents, one person was identified as a former advocate of Kerala High Court while another as retired sub-inspector of Kerala police. The verification of four other persons was underway till filing of this report.

According to SSP, an interpreter was arranged to facilitate the interrogation as none of the six was able to converse in Hindi. However, during the interrogation, they were believed to have told the cops that they had been on a tour to Kathmandu and while on their way back, they stopped in Ayodhya to see the temple town.

When asked why they were taking pictures of the prohibited area, they said that there was no such signage showing it to be a prohibited area and saying that photography was prohibited there.

LUCKNOW: Six tourists from Kerala were detained in Ayodhya by the district police from the vicinity of the disputed site for clicking photographs in the prohibited area on Tuesday afternoon. According to police sources, of the six, four were Muslims and two Christians. All the six were in police custody and the verification of their identities was underway by cops. However, a team of anti-terror squad along with other senior officers rushed to Ayodhya to interrogate them. While the identity of the two persons has been established, the process for the other four is ongoing, said Anant Deo, senior superintendent of police, Faizabad. After the interrogation and verification of their documents, one person was identified as a former advocate of Kerala High Court while another as retired sub-inspector of Kerala police. The verification of four other persons was underway till filing of this report. According to SSP, an interpreter was arranged to facilitate the interrogation as none of the six was able to converse in Hindi. However, during the interrogation, they were believed to have told the cops that they had been on a tour to Kathmandu and while on their way back, they stopped in Ayodhya to see the temple town. When asked why they were taking pictures of the prohibited area, they said that there was no such signage showing it to be a prohibited area and saying that photography was prohibited there.
Harpeet Bajwa By

Express News Service

CHANDIGARH: Punjab has witnessed more than 100 incidents of sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib - the holy book of Sikhs - in the last two years. The matter became so serious that it emerged as an issue in the Punjab Assembly elections in February.

A report submitted by the Zora Commission, set up by the Akali Dal government of Parkash Singh Badal to look into cases of sacrilege, has been termed as inconclusive by the current Congress dispensation in Punjab. With the new state government constituting a fresh commission of inquiry, heres a look at some major incidents of sacrilege and what the government did to curb them.

How did incidents of sacrilege begin?

The first incident was reported two years back. The Bir (a copy) of the Guru Granth Sahib went missing from Burj Jawahar Singhwala on June 1, 2015. Pages of the holy book were found scattered in the streets of Bargari village on the Kotkapura-Bathinda highway. It triggered mass protests and the police opened fire on protesters near Bargari. Two people died in the incident.

Despite a statewide outcry, desecration of scriptures continues in the border state. The Amarinder government has constituted a fresh commission of inquiry into the issue

Incidents of sacrilege have been continuing in Punjab.

* A few days ago, seven scriptures of the Guru Granth Sahib were found burnt at the gurudwara in Aulakh village in Muktsar Sahib. The jathedar (high priest) of the Akal Takht, Gurbachan Singh grilled the gurdwara management committee who claimed it happened due to a short circuit.

* In February 2017, torn pages containing Gurbani verses from the Sikh holy book were found in an open drain at Khalra village in Tarn Taran.

* In January, a few pages of the Gutka Sahib were found in front of a shop in Muktsar.

Which other places have witnessed such incidents?

Incidents of sacrilege have been reported from Kohrian village in Faridkot, Mishriwala village in Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Gurusar Mehraj village in Bathinda and Sarai Naga village Muktsar.

How many culprits have been identified?

The Punjab Police have prepared a report that states more than 100 sacrilege incidents took place since June 1, 2015. The police have been able to identify the culprits in only 50 such cases.

Why did sacrilege become a major electoral issue?

After remaining dormant for months, desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib emerged as a major electoral issue in Bathinda, Muktsar, Faridkot and Moga districts during the Assembly election. Both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party promised that if they came to power, they would re-investigate the whole issue and bring the guilty to book. The previous Akali Dal- BJP government was criticised for its failure to solve the sacrilege cases. It was alleged that they had a hand in these incidents.

What did the Badal government do?

The Badal government instituted a judicial probe into the matter. However, nothing concrete surfaced from the probe. Neither was the missing Bir traced nor were the culprits arrested. The officials responsible for the death of two youths who died in police firing at Bargari are yet to be identified.

What is the latest?

The current Congress government in Punjab has set up a new commission of inquiry headed by former High Court judge Ranjit Singh to look into cases of sacrilege. This decision was taken upon the advice of advocate general Atul Nanda, who indicated that the previous commission failed to identify the people behind the sacrilege incidents.

Is only the Guru Granth Sahib included in the inquiry?

No. The government, through a notification issued by the Department of Home Affairs and Justice, has included all sacrilege incidents, including those involving the Bhagwad Gita and the Holy Quran Sharif besides the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, in the ambit of the Ranjit Singh Commissions terms of reference. The new commission, set up under Section 11 of the Commission of Inquiry Act 1952, has a tenure of six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sacrilege?

A violation or bad treatment of a sacred object or a holy book. When sacrilege is verbal, it is called blasphemy and when it is physical, it is known as desecration. Approaching a sacred place without permission may also be treated as sacrilege.

What is the punishment for sacrilege in Punjab?

Last year in March, the Punjab Assembly passed a bill that seeks life imprisonment for causing damage or sacrilege to the Guru Granth Sahib with an intention to hurt the religious feelings of people. Earlier the period of imprisonment for offenders was two years.

Which other scriptures have been subjected to sacrilege?

* In September 2016, torn pages of the Bhagwad Gita were found in a canal near Jalandhar.

* In June 2016, torn pages of the Quran were reportedly found in a drain in front of the cemetery. The Punjab Police arrested Delhi AAP legislator Naresh Yadav in connection with the incident. He was later released on bail.

* In 2015, torn pages of the Ramayana and the Bhagwad Gita were found in a street in the Chander Nagar area of Ludhiana.

When was the Guru Granth Sahib written?

The Adi Granth, the first rendition, was compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan (1563-1606). Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, added all the 115 hymns of his predecessor Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, to the Adi Granth and affirmed the text as his successor.

How should the Guru Granth Sahib be treated?

The Guru Granth Sahib is given the same respect that is shown to human gurus during their lifetime.

* In a Gurdwara, it is put to bed in its own room every evening.

* At the beginning of the day the granthi, and any other Sikh present, lead a procession to carry the Guru Granth Sahib to its position on the Manji Sahib (a small platform on which the Guru Granth Sahib is placed) in the Diwan hall (the room where worship takes place) of the gurudwara.

* The Guru Granth Sahib is never placed on the ground. Sikhs never turn their back on it.

* While the Guru Granth Sahib is being read, the Granthi (the appointed reader of the scripture) waves a special fan, called a chauri, over the pages.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

CHANDIGARH: Punjab has witnessed more than 100 incidents of sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib - the holy book of Sikhs - in the last two years. The matter became so serious that it emerged as an issue in the Punjab Assembly elections in February. A report submitted by the Zora Commission, set up by the Akali Dal government of Parkash Singh Badal to look into cases of sacrilege, has been termed as inconclusive by the current Congress dispensation in Punjab. With the new state government constituting a fresh commission of inquiry, heres a look at some major incidents of sacrilege and what the government did to curb them. How did incidents of sacrilege begin? The first incident was reported two years back. The Bir (a copy) of the Guru Granth Sahib went missing from Burj Jawahar Singhwala on June 1, 2015. Pages of the holy book were found scattered in the streets of Bargari village on the Kotkapura-Bathinda highway. It triggered mass protests and the police opened fire on protesters near Bargari. Two people died in the incident. Despite a statewide outcry, desecration of scriptures continues in the border state. The Amarinder government has constituted a fresh commission of inquiry into the issue Incidents of sacrilege have been continuing in Punjab. * A few days ago, seven scriptures of the Guru Granth Sahib were found burnt at the gurudwara in Aulakh village in Muktsar Sahib. The jathedar (high priest) of the Akal Takht, Gurbachan Singh grilled the gurdwara management committee who claimed it happened due to a short circuit. * In February 2017, torn pages containing Gurbani verses from the Sikh holy book were found in an open drain at Khalra village in Tarn Taran. * In January, a few pages of the Gutka Sahib were found in front of a shop in Muktsar. Which other places have witnessed such incidents? Incidents of sacrilege have been reported from Kohrian village in Faridkot, Mishriwala village in Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Gurusar Mehraj village in Bathinda and Sarai Naga village Muktsar. How many culprits have been identified? The Punjab Police have prepared a report that states more than 100 sacrilege incidents took place since June 1, 2015. The police have been able to identify the culprits in only 50 such cases. Why did sacrilege become a major electoral issue? After remaining dormant for months, desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib emerged as a major electoral issue in Bathinda, Muktsar, Faridkot and Moga districts during the Assembly election. Both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party promised that if they came to power, they would re-investigate the whole issue and bring the guilty to book. The previous Akali Dal- BJP government was criticised for its failure to solve the sacrilege cases. It was alleged that they had a hand in these incidents. What did the Badal government do? The Badal government instituted a judicial probe into the matter. However, nothing concrete surfaced from the probe. Neither was the missing Bir traced nor were the culprits arrested. The officials responsible for the death of two youths who died in police firing at Bargari are yet to be identified. What is the latest? The current Congress government in Punjab has set up a new commission of inquiry headed by former High Court judge Ranjit Singh to look into cases of sacrilege. This decision was taken upon the advice of advocate general Atul Nanda, who indicated that the previous commission failed to identify the people behind the sacrilege incidents. Is only the Guru Granth Sahib included in the inquiry? No. The government, through a notification issued by the Department of Home Affairs and Justice, has included all sacrilege incidents, including those involving the Bhagwad Gita and the Holy Quran Sharif besides the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, in the ambit of the Ranjit Singh Commissions terms of reference. The new commission, set up under Section 11 of the Commission of Inquiry Act 1952, has a tenure of six months. Frequently Asked Questions What is sacrilege? A violation or bad treatment of a sacred object or a holy book. When sacrilege is verbal, it is called blasphemy and when it is physical, it is known as desecration. Approaching a sacred place without permission may also be treated as sacrilege. What is the punishment for sacrilege in Punjab? Last year in March, the Punjab Assembly passed a bill that seeks life imprisonment for causing damage or sacrilege to the Guru Granth Sahib with an intention to hurt the religious feelings of people. Earlier the period of imprisonment for offenders was two years. Which other scriptures have been subjected to sacrilege? * In September 2016, torn pages of the Bhagwad Gita were found in a canal near Jalandhar. * In June 2016, torn pages of the Quran were reportedly found in a drain in front of the cemetery. The Punjab Police arrested Delhi AAP legislator Naresh Yadav in connection with the incident. He was later released on bail. * In 2015, torn pages of the Ramayana and the Bhagwad Gita were found in a street in the Chander Nagar area of Ludhiana. When was the Guru Granth Sahib written? The Adi Granth, the first rendition, was compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan (1563-1606). Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, added all the 115 hymns of his predecessor Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, to the Adi Granth and affirmed the text as his successor. How should the Guru Granth Sahib be treated? The Guru Granth Sahib is given the same respect that is shown to human gurus during their lifetime. * In a Gurdwara, it is put to bed in its own room every evening. * At the beginning of the day the granthi, and any other Sikh present, lead a procession to carry the Guru Granth Sahib to its position on the Manji Sahib (a small platform on which the Guru Granth Sahib is placed) in the Diwan hall (the room where worship takes place) of the gurudwara. * The Guru Granth Sahib is never placed on the ground. Sikhs never turn their back on it. * While the Guru Granth Sahib is being read, the Granthi (the appointed reader of the scripture) waves a special fan, called a chauri, over the pages. Source: www.bbc.co.uk
By Online Desk

Vijay Mallya, who had sought asylum in the United Kingdom, was arrested by the Scotland Yard on Tuesday, almost a year after he left India. The UK police arrested Mallya as part of an extradition process which was set rolling today, and produced him for a hearing at Westminster court, which had then granted him bail.

The Government of India had cancelled Mallya's passports in 2016, in order to get him deported. But the UK government had rejected India's request to deport him at the time, as investigations by the CBI and the ED against him were still pending.

So was Mallya residing in UK illegally?

No. The passport revocation did not make Mallya's stay in the UK illegal because he holds a residency permit there and held a valid passport when he entered the country. Hence, Mallya could not be deported.

"The UK government has informed us that under the 1971 Immigration Act, the UK does not require an individual to hold a valid passport in order to remain in the UK if they have extant leave to remain, as long as their passport was valid when leave to remain or enter the UK was conferred," former foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup had said, while explaining the rationale the UK had given to justify denying Indias deportation request.

Chances of securing extradition from the UK are projected to be slim. Deportation only requires the UK political executive's nod. But extradition would need the approval of both the British government and the judiciary, which is a long tedious ordeal.

Deportation is the expulsion of a foreign individual from a country, whereas extradition specifically refers to expulsion of nationals of the country. Vijay Mallya, as mentioned earlier, has a valid residence permit though he is not a UK national.

As per Government of India data cited by Factly, a public information portal, only 60 individuals have been deported/extradited since 2002. As on date, India has signed extradition treaties with 42 countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and France, apart from West Asian countries like UAE , Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Turkey, among others.

The extradition treaty with the UK which was signed in 1993 defines the scope of the extradition offence as one that is punishable by law for a term of imprisonment of at least one year. This treaty does not classify political offences as extradition offences. But it provides an exhaustive list of offences that will not be treated as a political offence.

All requests for extradition are processed and formally undertaken by the Ministry of External Affairs under its set guidelines.

Vijay Mallya, who had sought asylum in the United Kingdom, was arrested by the Scotland Yard on Tuesday, almost a year after he left India. The UK police arrested Mallya as part of an extradition process which was set rolling today, and produced him for a hearing at Westminster court, which had then granted him bail. The Government of India had cancelled Mallya's passports in 2016, in order to get him deported. But the UK government had rejected India's request to deport him at the time, as investigations by the CBI and the ED against him were still pending. So was Mallya residing in UK illegally? No. The passport revocation did not make Mallya's stay in the UK illegal because he holds a residency permit there and held a valid passport when he entered the country. Hence, Mallya could not be deported. "The UK government has informed us that under the 1971 Immigration Act, the UK does not require an individual to hold a valid passport in order to remain in the UK if they have extant leave to remain, as long as their passport was valid when leave to remain or enter the UK was conferred," former foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup had said, while explaining the rationale the UK had given to justify denying Indias deportation request. Chances of securing extradition from the UK are projected to be slim. Deportation only requires the UK political executive's nod. But extradition would need the approval of both the British government and the judiciary, which is a long tedious ordeal. Deportation is the expulsion of a foreign individual from a country, whereas extradition specifically refers to expulsion of nationals of the country. Vijay Mallya, as mentioned earlier, has a valid residence permit though he is not a UK national. As per Government of India data cited by Factly, a public information portal, only 60 individuals have been deported/extradited since 2002. As on date, India has signed extradition treaties with 42 countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and France, apart from West Asian countries like UAE , Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Turkey, among others. The extradition treaty with the UK which was signed in 1993 defines the scope of the extradition offence as one that is punishable by law for a term of imprisonment of at least one year. This treaty does not classify political offences as extradition offences. But it provides an exhaustive list of offences that will not be treated as a political offence. All requests for extradition are processed and formally undertaken by the Ministry of External Affairs under its set guidelines.
By IANS

LUCKNOW: In a fresh missive to his ministers, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has told them to declare by March 31 every year their assets and property.



An official said on Tuesday that the Chief Minister had also warned the ministers against any laxity in this regard.



The ministers in the Bharatiya Janata Party government have also been told to keep a distance from contractors and business entities.



The ministers have been barred from accepting any gift costing more than Rs 5,000.



They have also been refrained from staying in luxurious property and attending parties and dinners.



Both during personal visits and official tours, the ministers have been instructed to stay in government Circuit House and not to accept any favours from anyone.



Ever since Adityanath took charge of Uttar Pradesh in March, he has been advising ministers and officials to cut expenses.

LUCKNOW: In a fresh missive to his ministers, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has told them to declare by March 31 every year their assets and property. An official said on Tuesday that the Chief Minister had also warned the ministers against any laxity in this regard. The ministers in the Bharatiya Janata Party government have also been told to keep a distance from contractors and business entities. The ministers have been barred from accepting any gift costing more than Rs 5,000. They have also been refrained from staying in luxurious property and attending parties and dinners. Both during personal visits and official tours, the ministers have been instructed to stay in government Circuit House and not to accept any favours from anyone. Ever since Adityanath took charge of Uttar Pradesh in March, he has been advising ministers and officials to cut expenses.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The highly-charged drama lasted no more than a few hours. Vijay Mallya, who has become the poster boy of Indias bad-loans crisis, was arrested in London on Tuesday by Scotland Yard before being released on bail.

The embattled business tycoon scoffed at the development, calling it usual hype by the Indian media. Mallya owes an estimated Rs 9,000 crore to 17 Indian banks and is also accused of fraud and money laundering. His arrest, however, was in connection to the IDBI loan default case.

The 61-year-old booze baron was arrested after he appeared at a central London police station on Tuesday morning. Three hours later, Mallya appeared at the Westminster Magistrates Court in London and was seen walking out with his legal team after being granted bail.

Indian officials, however, described the arrest as the first salvo in the case. The legal process would now begin in the UK to determine if he can be extradited to India to face charges in courts here, said officials.

The merit of the extradition plea, sources say, would depend on the strength of the CBI chargesheet and how cogently the Indian team pursues the case in Indian courts. A CBI team is expected to leave for London soon, to assist MEA officials and the legal team representing them in the UK court.

It will take 4-6 months to extradite him, said Harish Salve, former Solicitor General of India, who has represented Mallya in the past. He will exhaust all his legal options there in UK.

Indian government has given a chargesheet to the British government because a prima facie case of extradition has been made out, but the court will determine whether he should be extradited or not.

The entire process is a lengthy one, said Salve. Now the ball is in the UK court. If it finds Mallya punishable under British law, only then will he be extradited. India needs to put out a stronger case to prove its point, said senior advocate VK Ohri. Senior advocates K T S Tulsi and Dushyant Dave were of the view that the courts in the UK are very independent and do not grant extradition easily. Mallya fled India on March 2, 2016.

NEW DELHI: The highly-charged drama lasted no more than a few hours. Vijay Mallya, who has become the poster boy of Indias bad-loans crisis, was arrested in London on Tuesday by Scotland Yard before being released on bail. The embattled business tycoon scoffed at the development, calling it usual hype by the Indian media. Mallya owes an estimated Rs 9,000 crore to 17 Indian banks and is also accused of fraud and money laundering. His arrest, however, was in connection to the IDBI loan default case. The 61-year-old booze baron was arrested after he appeared at a central London police station on Tuesday morning. Three hours later, Mallya appeared at the Westminster Magistrates Court in London and was seen walking out with his legal team after being granted bail. Indian officials, however, described the arrest as the first salvo in the case. The legal process would now begin in the UK to determine if he can be extradited to India to face charges in courts here, said officials. The merit of the extradition plea, sources say, would depend on the strength of the CBI chargesheet and how cogently the Indian team pursues the case in Indian courts. A CBI team is expected to leave for London soon, to assist MEA officials and the legal team representing them in the UK court. It will take 4-6 months to extradite him, said Harish Salve, former Solicitor General of India, who has represented Mallya in the past. He will exhaust all his legal options there in UK. Indian government has given a chargesheet to the British government because a prima facie case of extradition has been made out, but the court will determine whether he should be extradited or not. The entire process is a lengthy one, said Salve. Now the ball is in the UK court. If it finds Mallya punishable under British law, only then will he be extradited. India needs to put out a stronger case to prove its point, said senior advocate VK Ohri. Senior advocates K T S Tulsi and Dushyant Dave were of the view that the courts in the UK are very independent and do not grant extradition easily. Mallya fled India on March 2, 2016.
R Prithviraj By

Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: History of Vijayawada can never be complete without Devineni Rajaskehar alias Nehrus factor. He strode the political landscape of the city the way no one else did at least in 1980s and 90s. Both feared and loved, Rajasekhar had carved a niche for himself in the hearts of his followers and admirers.



He died of cardiac arrest in Hyderabad in the early hours of Monday, leaving behind his wife, a son and a daughter. Driving force for Rajasekhar all through his life has been his idol - N T Rama Rao. When Rama Rao founded the Telugu Desam party in Hyderabad on March 29, 1982, it was a red letter day for Rajasekhar. He organised buses and took youths to Hyderabad to MLA quarters where his hero NTR announced his party, his associate Gandhi recalls.



Nehru remained an ardent fan of NTR. He was with NTR through his thick and thin, and after his demise in 1996, he stayed with his widow Lakshmi Parvathi for some time and was instrumental in organising a massive public meeting in Vijayawada - Simha Garjana - which in fact had made Chandrababu Naidu uneasy.



When NTR was alive, he had a special bond with him. Regardless of how busy he was, when Nehru came visiting him, he used to receive him and spend time with him. Whenever NTR visited Vijayawada, Nehru used to organise everything for him and send chepala pulusu to NTR which the latter used to relish.



Nehrus personality has been an interesting case study for anyone. He was very aggressive when he was young. In Vijayawada he was feared for a long time, particularly in late 80s, since those days were marked by frequent clashes between Nehrus followers and those of Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga.



In a tragic twist of fate, all the four Devineni brothers are no more now. If it was Devineni Gandhi and Devineni Murali who died in faction feuds much early, his another brother Baji Prasad died of heart attack recently. Interestingly, except Nehru, all the three died before crossing 58 years of age. In fact, recently, as though by premonition, Devineni Nehru had told his friends that it was unusual that he was still alive though he is past 58.



Post the death of Vangaveeti Mohana Rao in 1988, Vijayawada became unipolar and Nehru began acquiring a different personality, that of an affable leader, easily approachable by anyone. He paid attention to anyone who used to go to him with any grievance and to the extent possible tried to solve them.



Whether Nehru was in the TDP or in the Congress, he used to be consulted by the party chiefs on any decision on issues pertaining to Vijayawada and Krishna district.



Post Rangas death, Nehrus transformation into a mass leader became complete as he assiduously built an army of cadres ready to do anything for him. They were with him regardless where he was, TDP or NTR-TDP or Congress and when he went back to TDP recently. That is because he used to be a good listener of the party workers, who takes them into confidence before taking any political decision and going out of the way to help them if any of them were in difficulty.

VIJAYAWADA: History of Vijayawada can never be complete without Devineni Rajaskehar alias Nehrus factor. He strode the political landscape of the city the way no one else did at least in 1980s and 90s. Both feared and loved, Rajasekhar had carved a niche for himself in the hearts of his followers and admirers. He died of cardiac arrest in Hyderabad in the early hours of Monday, leaving behind his wife, a son and a daughter. Driving force for Rajasekhar all through his life has been his idol - N T Rama Rao. When Rama Rao founded the Telugu Desam party in Hyderabad on March 29, 1982, it was a red letter day for Rajasekhar. He organised buses and took youths to Hyderabad to MLA quarters where his hero NTR announced his party, his associate Gandhi recalls. Nehru remained an ardent fan of NTR. He was with NTR through his thick and thin, and after his demise in 1996, he stayed with his widow Lakshmi Parvathi for some time and was instrumental in organising a massive public meeting in Vijayawada - Simha Garjana - which in fact had made Chandrababu Naidu uneasy. When NTR was alive, he had a special bond with him. Regardless of how busy he was, when Nehru came visiting him, he used to receive him and spend time with him. Whenever NTR visited Vijayawada, Nehru used to organise everything for him and send chepala pulusu to NTR which the latter used to relish. Nehrus personality has been an interesting case study for anyone. He was very aggressive when he was young. In Vijayawada he was feared for a long time, particularly in late 80s, since those days were marked by frequent clashes between Nehrus followers and those of Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga. In a tragic twist of fate, all the four Devineni brothers are no more now. If it was Devineni Gandhi and Devineni Murali who died in faction feuds much early, his another brother Baji Prasad died of heart attack recently. Interestingly, except Nehru, all the three died before crossing 58 years of age. In fact, recently, as though by premonition, Devineni Nehru had told his friends that it was unusual that he was still alive though he is past 58. Post the death of Vangaveeti Mohana Rao in 1988, Vijayawada became unipolar and Nehru began acquiring a different personality, that of an affable leader, easily approachable by anyone. He paid attention to anyone who used to go to him with any grievance and to the extent possible tried to solve them. Whether Nehru was in the TDP or in the Congress, he used to be consulted by the party chiefs on any decision on issues pertaining to Vijayawada and Krishna district. Post Rangas death, Nehrus transformation into a mass leader became complete as he assiduously built an army of cadres ready to do anything for him. They were with him regardless where he was, TDP or NTR-TDP or Congress and when he went back to TDP recently. That is because he used to be a good listener of the party workers, who takes them into confidence before taking any political decision and going out of the way to help them if any of them were in difficulty.
By ANI

NEW DELHI: Following the demise of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa in December 2016, the state has been witness to a political turmoil with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) splitting into two factions one led by Sasikala Natarajan and the other by former chief minister O. Panneerselvam.

SASIKALA, OPS CAMPS MERGER

In what can be called as a major hint towards sewing up an unprecedented merger between two warring factions in the Tamil Nadu Government, the Sasikala and the O Panneerselvam groups of the AIADMK met on April 17 to discuss and deliberate over possibilities of their unification. The re-united party will then stake a claim for the AIADMK symbol - two leaves. Panneerselvam today said that the Sasikala faction of the party has formed a committee to conduct talks for a merger. (READ HERE)

RK NAGAR BY-POLLS CANCELLED

By-elections in Chennai's RK Nagar constituency was cancelled by the EC last week after cash-for-votes allegations surfaced. The decision came after income tax raids in Chennai found money had been distributed to voters prior to the polls. Income tax officials alleged that the Sasikala faction of the party had paid Rs. 89 crore to voters to buy support for its candidate TTV Dinakaran, who is also her nephew. As evidence, the department had cited documents seized during raids in more than 35 places, including properties of the state health minister C Vijayabaskar. The Sasikala faction, however, refuted the allegation. (READ HERE)



EC FREEZES AIADMK'S ELECTION SYMBOL

The Election Commission froze the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) election symbol of 'two leaves', after representatives of former Tamil Nadu chief minister O. Panneerselvam and former party general secretary V.K. Sasikala made seperate claims for it. (READ HERE)



TUSSLE OVER PARTY SYMBOL AHEAD OF R.K. NAGAR BY-POLL

Sasikala and Panneerselvam camps locked horns over the AIADMK election symbol two leaves in view of the R.K. Nagar assembly constituency the by-elections in Chennai that were to be held on April 12.



PALANISAMY WINS FLOOR TRUST

On February 18, amid an uproar in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Edappadi K. Palanisamy won the vote of confidence with 122 MLAs supporting him. (READ HERE)



PALANISAMY TAKES OATH AS TAMIL NADU CHIEF MINISTER

Edappadi K. Palanisamy took oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister along with 31 other AIADMK MLAs on February 16. Meanwhile, the AIADMK said that Palanisamy will seek the vote of confidence on February 18.



SASIKALA SURRENDERS BEFORE BENGALURU JAIL

A day after being convicted by the Supreme Court in connection with the disproportionate assets case, Sasikala Natarajan surrenders before Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara jail. (READ HERE)

DHINAKARAN APPOINTED AS DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY OF AIADMK

In yet another major development in Tamil Nadu politics, TTV Dhinakaran on February 15 was appointed as the Deputy General Secretary of the AIADMK on February 15.



PALANISAMY APPOINTED AS HEAD OF AIADMK LEGISLATURE PARTY

After Sasikala was sentenced to four years in jail in connection with the disproportionate assets case, Edappadi K Palanisamy was appointed head of the AIADMK legislature party. Soon after which O. Panneerselvam was expelled from the AIADMK.



SASIKALA SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN JAIL IN DA CASE

On February 14, Sasikala was convicted in the 19-year-old disproportionate assets case and sentenced to serve four years in jail. She also stood disqualified to take over as Tamil Nadu chief minister.



TUG OF WAR BETWEEN SASIKALA AND PANNEERSELVAM FOR CM POST

On February 5, O. Panneerselvam resigned from the chief minister post and Sasikala was elected head of the AIADMK legislative party and proceeded to stake claim to form the government. State Governor C Vidyasagar Rao accepted Panneerselvams resignation, but asked him to operate in a caretaker capacity.

In another turn of events, Panneerselvam makes startling revelations, including telling to reporters that he was forced to resign.



SASIKALA NATARAJAN APPOINTED AIADMK GENERAL SECRETARY

Sasikala Natarajan, the confidante of late Jayalalithaa appointed as AIADMK's general secretary on December 29 after several party functionaries urged her to lead the party.



O. PANNEERSELVAM SWORN IN AS TAMIL NADU CHIEF MINISTER

After Jayalalithaas death, senior AIADMK leader O. Paneerselvam sworn in as the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu. According to reports, several AIADMK MLAs were called to Apollo Hospital to sign a declaration, making Panneerselvam Jayalalithaas successor.



JAYALALITHAAS DEMISE

Former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa, popularly addressed as "Amma" by her supporters and party cadres, dies of cardiac arrest on December 5, 2016 at the Apollo Hospital after a prolonged illness.

NEW DELHI: Following the demise of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa in December 2016, the state has been witness to a political turmoil with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) splitting into two factions one led by Sasikala Natarajan and the other by former chief minister O. Panneerselvam. SASIKALA, OPS CAMPS MERGER In what can be called as a major hint towards sewing up an unprecedented merger between two warring factions in the Tamil Nadu Government, the Sasikala and the O Panneerselvam groups of the AIADMK met on April 17 to discuss and deliberate over possibilities of their unification. The re-united party will then stake a claim for the AIADMK symbol - two leaves. Panneerselvam today said that the Sasikala faction of the party has formed a committee to conduct talks for a merger. (READ HERE) RK NAGAR BY-POLLS CANCELLED By-elections in Chennai's RK Nagar constituency was cancelled by the EC last week after cash-for-votes allegations surfaced. The decision came after income tax raids in Chennai found money had been distributed to voters prior to the polls. Income tax officials alleged that the Sasikala faction of the party had paid Rs. 89 crore to voters to buy support for its candidate TTV Dinakaran, who is also her nephew. As evidence, the department had cited documents seized during raids in more than 35 places, including properties of the state health minister C Vijayabaskar. The Sasikala faction, however, refuted the allegation. (READ HERE) EC FREEZES AIADMK'S ELECTION SYMBOL The Election Commission froze the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) election symbol of 'two leaves', after representatives of former Tamil Nadu chief minister O. Panneerselvam and former party general secretary V.K. Sasikala made seperate claims for it. (READ HERE) TUSSLE OVER PARTY SYMBOL AHEAD OF R.K. NAGAR BY-POLL Sasikala and Panneerselvam camps locked horns over the AIADMK election symbol two leaves in view of the R.K. Nagar assembly constituency the by-elections in Chennai that were to be held on April 12. PALANISAMY WINS FLOOR TRUST On February 18, amid an uproar in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Edappadi K. Palanisamy won the vote of confidence with 122 MLAs supporting him. (READ HERE) PALANISAMY TAKES OATH AS TAMIL NADU CHIEF MINISTER Edappadi K. Palanisamy took oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister along with 31 other AIADMK MLAs on February 16. Meanwhile, the AIADMK said that Palanisamy will seek the vote of confidence on February 18. SASIKALA SURRENDERS BEFORE BENGALURU JAIL A day after being convicted by the Supreme Court in connection with the disproportionate assets case, Sasikala Natarajan surrenders before Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara jail. (READ HERE) DHINAKARAN APPOINTED AS DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY OF AIADMK In yet another major development in Tamil Nadu politics, TTV Dhinakaran on February 15 was appointed as the Deputy General Secretary of the AIADMK on February 15. PALANISAMY APPOINTED AS HEAD OF AIADMK LEGISLATURE PARTY After Sasikala was sentenced to four years in jail in connection with the disproportionate assets case, Edappadi K Palanisamy was appointed head of the AIADMK legislature party. Soon after which O. Panneerselvam was expelled from the AIADMK. SASIKALA SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN JAIL IN DA CASE On February 14, Sasikala was convicted in the 19-year-old disproportionate assets case and sentenced to serve four years in jail. She also stood disqualified to take over as Tamil Nadu chief minister. TUG OF WAR BETWEEN SASIKALA AND PANNEERSELVAM FOR CM POST On February 5, O. Panneerselvam resigned from the chief minister post and Sasikala was elected head of the AIADMK legislative party and proceeded to stake claim to form the government. State Governor C Vidyasagar Rao accepted Panneerselvams resignation, but asked him to operate in a caretaker capacity. In another turn of events, Panneerselvam makes startling revelations, including telling to reporters that he was forced to resign. SASIKALA NATARAJAN APPOINTED AIADMK GENERAL SECRETARY Sasikala Natarajan, the confidante of late Jayalalithaa appointed as AIADMK's general secretary on December 29 after several party functionaries urged her to lead the party. O. PANNEERSELVAM SWORN IN AS TAMIL NADU CHIEF MINISTER After Jayalalithaas death, senior AIADMK leader O. Paneerselvam sworn in as the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu. According to reports, several AIADMK MLAs were called to Apollo Hospital to sign a declaration, making Panneerselvam Jayalalithaas successor. JAYALALITHAAS DEMISE Former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa, popularly addressed as "Amma" by her supporters and party cadres, dies of cardiac arrest on December 5, 2016 at the Apollo Hospital after a prolonged illness.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The whisper campaign within the ruling AIADMK against the influential Mannargudi family exploded into a full scale revolt on Tuesday night, after State ministers who were so far with the imprisoned general secretary VK Sasikala, and her nephew and deputy TTV Dhinakaran came out in the open vowing to keep the family members away from the party and government affairs.

We all  chief minister and the cabinet, MPs and MLAs, district secretaries, headquarters office-bearers and grassroots level office-bearers  came together to take a united decision to keep TTV Dhinakaran and family away from party affairs. It is the wish of 1.5 crore party cadre. They all wish that the family should be completely kept away from the party affairs as well as government affairs it should function without their interference, said senior leader and minister D Jayakumar, who spoke to the media after an emergency meeting that was held at Chief Minster Edappadi K Palaniswamis residence late in the day.

Asked whether Sasikala would also be kept away, Jayakumar said, A committee will soon be formed for running the day-to-day party affairs.

Though there were only 12 ministers, five MLAs and two MPs who took part in the meeting, those who gathered included some of the senior leaders and also those like R Vaithilingam MP and minister C Ve Shanmugham who have always been perceived as close to Sasikalas family.

Speaking in his native Theni earlier in the day, former Chief Minister and rebel leader O Panneerselvam stunned moderates on both sides, stressing that there was no deviation from the mission to liberate the party from the clutches of Sasikala family.

Meanwhile in Chennai, one of his key lieutenants, former minister KP Munusamy, said there was no question of merger unless and until the entire family of Sasikala was ousted from the party. "We can't let them use us as pawns in their game, Munusamy added without mincing words.

This incited the loyalists including P Vetrivel, Thanga Tamilselvan and others, who openly attacked the rebels for their precondition for merger, and also the ministers who have been putting pressure on Dhinakaran to step away from active politics. The meeting held at electricity minister (P Thangamanis) residence last night was not authorised by the party, and was held without Dhinakarans knowledge, Vetrivel criticised.

Sasikala and Dhinakaran will continue in their posts, added Tamilselvan after holding meetings with Dhinakaran.

CHENNAI: The whisper campaign within the ruling AIADMK against the influential Mannargudi family exploded into a full scale revolt on Tuesday night, after State ministers who were so far with the imprisoned general secretary VK Sasikala, and her nephew and deputy TTV Dhinakaran came out in the open vowing to keep the family members away from the party and government affairs. We all  chief minister and the cabinet, MPs and MLAs, district secretaries, headquarters office-bearers and grassroots level office-bearers  came together to take a united decision to keep TTV Dhinakaran and family away from party affairs. It is the wish of 1.5 crore party cadre. They all wish that the family should be completely kept away from the party affairs as well as government affairs it should function without their interference, said senior leader and minister D Jayakumar, who spoke to the media after an emergency meeting that was held at Chief Minster Edappadi K Palaniswamis residence late in the day. Asked whether Sasikala would also be kept away, Jayakumar said, A committee will soon be formed for running the day-to-day party affairs. Though there were only 12 ministers, five MLAs and two MPs who took part in the meeting, those who gathered included some of the senior leaders and also those like R Vaithilingam MP and minister C Ve Shanmugham who have always been perceived as close to Sasikalas family. Speaking in his native Theni earlier in the day, former Chief Minister and rebel leader O Panneerselvam stunned moderates on both sides, stressing that there was no deviation from the mission to liberate the party from the clutches of Sasikala family. Meanwhile in Chennai, one of his key lieutenants, former minister KP Munusamy, said there was no question of merger unless and until the entire family of Sasikala was ousted from the party. "We can't let them use us as pawns in their game, Munusamy added without mincing words. This incited the loyalists including P Vetrivel, Thanga Tamilselvan and others, who openly attacked the rebels for their precondition for merger, and also the ministers who have been putting pressure on Dhinakaran to step away from active politics. The meeting held at electricity minister (P Thangamanis) residence last night was not authorised by the party, and was held without Dhinakarans knowledge, Vetrivel criticised. Sasikala and Dhinakaran will continue in their posts, added Tamilselvan after holding meetings with Dhinakaran.
By PTI

CHENNAI: AIADMK MLAs from both factions, one led by jailed leader Sasikala and the other by former Chief Minister O P Panneerselvam, were today holding informal meetings to arrive at a formula for a possible merger.

According to party sources, MLAs from both factions were holding informal meetings over the issue. An MLA from Sasikala camp, who was on board the INS Chennai, said there are likely to be formal meetings on the matter during the later part of the day.

On Panneerselvam's demand for ending family rule by Sasikala of AIADMK (Amma) and Deputy General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran, her nephew, the MLA said the senior leaders would have to decide on any such issue.

However, Finance Minister Jayakumar said there was no such development regarding demands for removal of Sasikala and Dhinakaran from the party posts.

Commercial Taxes Minister K C Veeramani said the split in the party ranks was "temporary".

Speaking to a Tamil TV channel, he said some "good news could come in hours", indicating the next course of action on possible merger of the two factions. However, he did not elaborate.

But, sources in the Panneerselvam camp said none from the rival side had so far approached them for talks.

AIADMK (Amma) Presidium Chairman and Higher Education Minister KA Sengottaiyan and Environment Minister Dindigul C Srinivasan held discussions with Chief Minister K Palaniswami.

This comes a day after their senior cabinet colleagues discussed the modalities of a merger, placing the focus on redeeming the party's frozen 'Two Leaves' symbol. WATCH VIDEO HERE

The Chief Minister was not present during the meeting late last night to discuss the matter. This morning, Srinivasan and Sengottaiyan met Dhinakaran, who returned from Bengaluru without meeting his aunt Sasikala.

Dhinakaran is also facing heat from the Delhi Police for allegedly attempting to bribe an Election Commission official to retain the original party symbol.

The AIADMK suffered a vertical split on February 7 when Panneerselvam alleged that he was forced by Sasikala to make way for her elevation as Chief Minister.

This was two months after her appointment as AIADMK General Secretary following then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's death.

The late leader was then chief of the party. The two factions had since staked claim to the two leaves symbol which the Election Commission subsequently froze.

Last night, some of the ministers met at the residence of Electricity minister P Thangamani where they discussed the modalities of a patch-up.

CHENNAI: AIADMK MLAs from both factions, one led by jailed leader Sasikala and the other by former Chief Minister O P Panneerselvam, were today holding informal meetings to arrive at a formula for a possible merger. According to party sources, MLAs from both factions were holding informal meetings over the issue. An MLA from Sasikala camp, who was on board the INS Chennai, said there are likely to be formal meetings on the matter during the later part of the day. On Panneerselvam's demand for ending family rule by Sasikala of AIADMK (Amma) and Deputy General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran, her nephew, the MLA said the senior leaders would have to decide on any such issue. However, Finance Minister Jayakumar said there was no such development regarding demands for removal of Sasikala and Dhinakaran from the party posts. Commercial Taxes Minister K C Veeramani said the split in the party ranks was "temporary". Speaking to a Tamil TV channel, he said some "good news could come in hours", indicating the next course of action on possible merger of the two factions. However, he did not elaborate. But, sources in the Panneerselvam camp said none from the rival side had so far approached them for talks. AIADMK (Amma) Presidium Chairman and Higher Education Minister KA Sengottaiyan and Environment Minister Dindigul C Srinivasan held discussions with Chief Minister K Palaniswami. This comes a day after their senior cabinet colleagues discussed the modalities of a merger, placing the focus on redeeming the party's frozen 'Two Leaves' symbol. WATCH VIDEO HERE The Chief Minister was not present during the meeting late last night to discuss the matter. This morning, Srinivasan and Sengottaiyan met Dhinakaran, who returned from Bengaluru without meeting his aunt Sasikala. Dhinakaran is also facing heat from the Delhi Police for allegedly attempting to bribe an Election Commission official to retain the original party symbol. The AIADMK suffered a vertical split on February 7 when Panneerselvam alleged that he was forced by Sasikala to make way for her elevation as Chief Minister. This was two months after her appointment as AIADMK General Secretary following then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's death. The late leader was then chief of the party. The two factions had since staked claim to the two leaves symbol which the Election Commission subsequently froze. Last night, some of the ministers met at the residence of Electricity minister P Thangamani where they discussed the modalities of a patch-up.
CHENNAI: The moves were on for a few days but when revolt 2.0 erupted late on Tuesday night against general secretary VK Sasikala and her family, it still came as a surprise for many in the State capital. Now, after a series of secret and closed door meetings, the ruling faction has found a common interest with the rebels on one key aspect  keeping the family away from the affairs of the party and its government.

As Express had reported, the pressure has been mounting on deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran to stay away from party affairs, with many ministers openly urging him to keep off for the sake of the partys future. However, while the attention was firmly on Sasikala and her nephew, the rebels were not satisfied with this alone. For, the Mannargudi family comprises of many more members, who, the detractors allege, have been exerting influence over the party for years.

Unimpressed by the efforts that the ministers have been taking, rebel leaders expressed doubts whether they would be able to keep the family at bay. This came in the wake of reports that VK Divaharan, Sasikalas brother, was fuelling the unrest against Dhinakaran within the ruling faction.

This raised concerns among the rebel leaders that they would be straddled by one family member in place of another, prompting them to up the ante against the whole Mannargudi family. Many who spoke to Express were sceptical about the merger under the prevailing circumstances.

"Why should we go for a merger? Dhinakaran is going to be arrested by Delhi Police (in the alleged bribery case) and Sasikala is sure to lose her party position, said a senior party hand, a Parliament member now in the OPS camp, who said there was no space for compromise with the Mannargudi clan.

The stridency has understandably rankled the family loyalists, who openly attacked not just the rebels but also the ministers who were now singing a different tune.

The meeting held at electricity minister (P Thangamanis) residence last night was not authorised by the party, and was held without Dhinakarans knowledge, criticised P Vetrivel, who was one of the MLAs who called on Dhinakaran during the day.

Vetrivel alleged that Panneerselvam has demanded six key cabinet seats including that of the chief minister of his faction were to agree to the merger. He also charged at minister Jayakumar and Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambidurai for organising the meetings and addressing the press over the matter.

Sasikala and Dhinakaran will continue in their posts, added another loyalist Thanga Tamilselvan MLA, emerging from the meeting with Dhinakaran.

However, it should be noted that some of the staunch backers of the family, like ministers RB Udhayakumar, C Ve Shanmugam and R Vaithilingam MP were part of the meeting at Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamis residence, and echoed Jayakumar that they would stand together to protect the party.

CHENNAI: The moves were on for a few days but when revolt 2.0 erupted late on Tuesday night against general secretary VK Sasikala and her family, it still came as a surprise for many in the State capital. Now, after a series of secret and closed door meetings, the ruling faction has found a common interest with the rebels on one key aspect  keeping the family away from the affairs of the party and its government. As Express had reported, the pressure has been mounting on deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran to stay away from party affairs, with many ministers openly urging him to keep off for the sake of the partys future. However, while the attention was firmly on Sasikala and her nephew, the rebels were not satisfied with this alone. For, the Mannargudi family comprises of many more members, who, the detractors allege, have been exerting influence over the party for years. Unimpressed by the efforts that the ministers have been taking, rebel leaders expressed doubts whether they would be able to keep the family at bay. This came in the wake of reports that VK Divaharan, Sasikalas brother, was fuelling the unrest against Dhinakaran within the ruling faction. This raised concerns among the rebel leaders that they would be straddled by one family member in place of another, prompting them to up the ante against the whole Mannargudi family. Many who spoke to Express were sceptical about the merger under the prevailing circumstances. "Why should we go for a merger? Dhinakaran is going to be arrested by Delhi Police (in the alleged bribery case) and Sasikala is sure to lose her party position, said a senior party hand, a Parliament member now in the OPS camp, who said there was no space for compromise with the Mannargudi clan. The stridency has understandably rankled the family loyalists, who openly attacked not just the rebels but also the ministers who were now singing a different tune. The meeting held at electricity minister (P Thangamanis) residence last night was not authorised by the party, and was held without Dhinakarans knowledge, criticised P Vetrivel, who was one of the MLAs who called on Dhinakaran during the day. Vetrivel alleged that Panneerselvam has demanded six key cabinet seats including that of the chief minister of his faction were to agree to the merger. He also charged at minister Jayakumar and Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambidurai for organising the meetings and addressing the press over the matter. Sasikala and Dhinakaran will continue in their posts, added another loyalist Thanga Tamilselvan MLA, emerging from the meeting with Dhinakaran. However, it should be noted that some of the staunch backers of the family, like ministers RB Udhayakumar, C Ve Shanmugam and R Vaithilingam MP were part of the meeting at Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamis residence, and echoed Jayakumar that they would stand together to protect the party.
By ANI

BEIJING: In wake of the growing tension between China and India over the Dalai Lama's impending visit to Arunachal Pradesh, China has categorically asked India to honour its solemn promises on Tibet-related issues.

"For some time, due to reasons known to all, the political foundation for China-India relations has been damaged, casting a shadow over bilateral relations and the boundary negotiations," China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a media briefing here.

"What is imperative now is for the Indian side to take concrete actions to honour its solemn promises on Tibet-related issues as well as the important consensus reached by the two sides on settling the boundary issue, in particular never again using the 14th Dalai Lama to undermine China's core interests, so as to create a good atmosphere for greater mutual trust between the two countries and proper settlement of the boundary question," he added.

His response came to a query on the fate of New Delhi's relationship with Beijing in the future.

Earlier, with Beijing issuing a stern warning that the Dalai Lama's visit will have a "negative impact" on the settlement of the border dispute, India stated that its policy towards Tibet and border issue with China remained unchanged.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "Let me make it absolutely clear that there is no change whatsoever in the Government of India's policy towards the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China."

China is opposed to the Dalai Lama, who it regards as a separatist, visiting Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Tawang.

Meanwhile, India has repeatedly said that no political colour should be attributed to the Dalai Lama's Arunachal visit, which it described as religious and spiritual.

BEIJING: In wake of the growing tension between China and India over the Dalai Lama's impending visit to Arunachal Pradesh, China has categorically asked India to honour its solemn promises on Tibet-related issues. "For some time, due to reasons known to all, the political foundation for China-India relations has been damaged, casting a shadow over bilateral relations and the boundary negotiations," China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a media briefing here. "What is imperative now is for the Indian side to take concrete actions to honour its solemn promises on Tibet-related issues as well as the important consensus reached by the two sides on settling the boundary issue, in particular never again using the 14th Dalai Lama to undermine China's core interests, so as to create a good atmosphere for greater mutual trust between the two countries and proper settlement of the boundary question," he added. His response came to a query on the fate of New Delhi's relationship with Beijing in the future. Earlier, with Beijing issuing a stern warning that the Dalai Lama's visit will have a "negative impact" on the settlement of the border dispute, India stated that its policy towards Tibet and border issue with China remained unchanged. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "Let me make it absolutely clear that there is no change whatsoever in the Government of India's policy towards the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China." China is opposed to the Dalai Lama, who it regards as a separatist, visiting Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Tawang. Meanwhile, India has repeatedly said that no political colour should be attributed to the Dalai Lama's Arunachal visit, which it described as religious and spiritual.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's National Assembly has passed an unanimous resolution to condemn the "barbaric and cold-blooded murder" of a 23-year-old university student who was lynched by a violent mob over alleged blasphemy.

Mashal Khan, a journalism student, in Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan was killed by an enraged mob last week, blaming him of passing anti-Islam remarks.

The tragedy has sparked an outrage and demands to reform the laws dealing with blasphemy.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Senate or upper house of parliament has sought changes in the blasphemy laws to avert its misuse after the lynching.

Dawn reported that the Senators in yesterday's session called for amending the blasphemy law to punish those who concoct blasphemy accusations against others and demanded a campaign against those taking the law into their own hands.

Pakistan Peoples Party senator Farhatullah Babar said a religious scholar had proposed that those who levelled false accusations should suffer the same sentence as provided for a blasphemer.

He recalled how a federal Shariat Court decision had prompted the maximum punishment for blasphemy to be increased from life imprisonment to death, reminding the house that Raja Zafarul Haq  the current leader of the House  was the chairman of law and justice committee at the time.

He said the committee had made some suggestions while approving the bill and called for that report to be made the basis of any further action.

"The assassination of Mashal Khan should make us think about concrete measures to prevent the misuse of the blasphemy law; we need to revisit this law," he remarked.

Retired Gen Abdul Qayyum of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) also called for flaws in the blasphemy law to be addressed.

He stressed that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance and prohibits any excesses, even against animals.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Siraj-ul-Haq said that the rule of law was what defined a civilised society and that even if someone was guilty of a crime, no individual or organisation had the right to punish that individual unilaterally.

"This shows an imbalance and lack of tolerance in society," he remarked.

Winding up the discussion, Minister of State for Interior Baleeghur Rahman said there was clarity on the issue at a political level as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the heads of political parties had condemned the incident.

However, he admitted that there was a need to check intolerance and revealed that work on a new curriculum was under way.

The controversial blasphemy laws were enacted in 1980s when military dictator Ziaul Haq was in power.

There are reports that the laws are misused to settle personal issues.

An allegation of blasphemy makes the people vulnerable to violence by extremists who have so far thwarted efforts to reform these laws.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's National Assembly has passed an unanimous resolution to condemn the "barbaric and cold-blooded murder" of a 23-year-old university student who was lynched by a violent mob over alleged blasphemy. Mashal Khan, a journalism student, in Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan was killed by an enraged mob last week, blaming him of passing anti-Islam remarks. The tragedy has sparked an outrage and demands to reform the laws dealing with blasphemy. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Senate or upper house of parliament has sought changes in the blasphemy laws to avert its misuse after the lynching. Dawn reported that the Senators in yesterday's session called for amending the blasphemy law to punish those who concoct blasphemy accusations against others and demanded a campaign against those taking the law into their own hands. Pakistan Peoples Party senator Farhatullah Babar said a religious scholar had proposed that those who levelled false accusations should suffer the same sentence as provided for a blasphemer. He recalled how a federal Shariat Court decision had prompted the maximum punishment for blasphemy to be increased from life imprisonment to death, reminding the house that Raja Zafarul Haq  the current leader of the House  was the chairman of law and justice committee at the time. He said the committee had made some suggestions while approving the bill and called for that report to be made the basis of any further action. "The assassination of Mashal Khan should make us think about concrete measures to prevent the misuse of the blasphemy law; we need to revisit this law," he remarked. Retired Gen Abdul Qayyum of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) also called for flaws in the blasphemy law to be addressed. He stressed that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance and prohibits any excesses, even against animals. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Siraj-ul-Haq said that the rule of law was what defined a civilised society and that even if someone was guilty of a crime, no individual or organisation had the right to punish that individual unilaterally. "This shows an imbalance and lack of tolerance in society," he remarked. Winding up the discussion, Minister of State for Interior Baleeghur Rahman said there was clarity on the issue at a political level as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the heads of political parties had condemned the incident. However, he admitted that there was a need to check intolerance and revealed that work on a new curriculum was under way. The controversial blasphemy laws were enacted in 1980s when military dictator Ziaul Haq was in power. There are reports that the laws are misused to settle personal issues. An allegation of blasphemy makes the people vulnerable to violence by extremists who have so far thwarted efforts to reform these laws.
By AFP

MANILA: Bus passengers were screaming in horror as the driver repeatedly stepped on the apparently malfunctioning brakes before plunging into a deep ravine in the northern Philippines, leaving at least 29 people dead today in one of the country's deadliest accidents in years, a survivor and officials said.

The rest of the more than 50 passengers were retrieved by rescuers who struggled with ropes to descend down the 24-meter deep ravine to reach the wreckage in Nueva Ecija province's Carranglan town, said disaster-response officer Mark Raymond Cano.

Many of the passengers were hospitalised with serious injuries and parents separated from their children in the confusion, officials said. "One child here sat beside her mother. The mother was dead," said Dr Napoleon Obana of the Veterans Regional Hospital, where some of the victims were taken. TV footage showed a line of rescuers and villagers, some holding on to a rope to climb up on a grassy slope with a victim on a stretcher.

A throng of villagers waited in a clearing above them to help pull the victim to safety. Cano said a preliminary investigation showed that the bus "lost its brakes and plunged down the ravine." Passenger Ralph Raymond Grajo said he saw the driver repeatedly stepping on the malfunctioning brakes as the wayward bus was speeding along a downhill road.

The driver attempted to steer the bus to the right, but roadside houses made him veer back in the direction of the ravine as horrified passengers watched, Grajo said. "All the passengers were screaming and somebody in front me told everybody 'Don't panic,' but many were already gripped by panic," Grajo told DZMM radio network.

Grajo apparently fell off the bus as it rolled down the ravine and regained consciousness away from the wreckage with injuries to his feet and arms. He said he was among the first to be rescued and brought to a hospital. It wasn't immediately clear if the driver survived. The spot along the road is accident-prone.

Today's accident was the sixth in the area in recent years, a local village official told DZMM. The impact from the plunge ripped the bus, which could no longer be distinguished at the bottom of the ravine, said Nueva Ecija's police chief Antonio Yarra. He said investigators could not yet talk to the stunned and injured survivors.

Carranglan police chief Robert de Guzman said the bus from northern Isabela province was on its way to Ilocos Sur, a tobacco- and rice-growing region also in the mountainous northern Philippines, when it crashed shortly before noon in Nueva Ecija, about 200 kilometers north of Manila.

Poorly maintained passenger buses, inadequate road safety features and weak enforcement of local transport laws have been blamed for many vehicular accidents in the Philippines.

In February, a sightseeing bus carrying college students on a camping trip lost its brakes as it sped down a steep downhill road before smashing into a concrete electrical post in Tanay town in Rizal province east of Manila, killing 15 people.

MANILA: Bus passengers were screaming in horror as the driver repeatedly stepped on the apparently malfunctioning brakes before plunging into a deep ravine in the northern Philippines, leaving at least 29 people dead today in one of the country's deadliest accidents in years, a survivor and officials said. The rest of the more than 50 passengers were retrieved by rescuers who struggled with ropes to descend down the 24-meter deep ravine to reach the wreckage in Nueva Ecija province's Carranglan town, said disaster-response officer Mark Raymond Cano. Many of the passengers were hospitalised with serious injuries and parents separated from their children in the confusion, officials said. "One child here sat beside her mother. The mother was dead," said Dr Napoleon Obana of the Veterans Regional Hospital, where some of the victims were taken. TV footage showed a line of rescuers and villagers, some holding on to a rope to climb up on a grassy slope with a victim on a stretcher. A throng of villagers waited in a clearing above them to help pull the victim to safety. Cano said a preliminary investigation showed that the bus "lost its brakes and plunged down the ravine." Passenger Ralph Raymond Grajo said he saw the driver repeatedly stepping on the malfunctioning brakes as the wayward bus was speeding along a downhill road. The driver attempted to steer the bus to the right, but roadside houses made him veer back in the direction of the ravine as horrified passengers watched, Grajo said. "All the passengers were screaming and somebody in front me told everybody 'Don't panic,' but many were already gripped by panic," Grajo told DZMM radio network. Grajo apparently fell off the bus as it rolled down the ravine and regained consciousness away from the wreckage with injuries to his feet and arms. He said he was among the first to be rescued and brought to a hospital. It wasn't immediately clear if the driver survived. The spot along the road is accident-prone. Today's accident was the sixth in the area in recent years, a local village official told DZMM. The impact from the plunge ripped the bus, which could no longer be distinguished at the bottom of the ravine, said Nueva Ecija's police chief Antonio Yarra. He said investigators could not yet talk to the stunned and injured survivors. Carranglan police chief Robert de Guzman said the bus from northern Isabela province was on its way to Ilocos Sur, a tobacco- and rice-growing region also in the mountainous northern Philippines, when it crashed shortly before noon in Nueva Ecija, about 200 kilometers north of Manila. Poorly maintained passenger buses, inadequate road safety features and weak enforcement of local transport laws have been blamed for many vehicular accidents in the Philippines. In February, a sightseeing bus carrying college students on a camping trip lost its brakes as it sped down a steep downhill road before smashing into a concrete electrical post in Tanay town in Rizal province east of Manila, killing 15 people.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order that would tighten the process of issuing the H-1B visas and seek a review of the system for creating an "entirely new structure" for awarding these visas, the most sought-after by Indian IT firms and professionals.

Trump is scheduled to travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the home state of House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, to sign the 'Buy American, Hire American' Executive Order.

This was a transitional step aimed at achieving a more skills-based and merit-based immigration system.

The executive order would be signed a day after the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has completed the computerised draw of lots from the 199,000 petitions it received for the Congressional mandated 65,000 H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2018 beginning October 1 this year.

The lottery was held for the 20,000 H-1B visas for those applicants having higher education from US educational institutions.

Opposing the traditional lottery system for H-1B visas, a senior administration official told White House reporters that these visas were being used by companies to bring in foreign workers at a low wage rate and displace local workers.

The official argued that there were enough qualified people within the country to meet the demand of technology professionals.

"With respect to the H-1B visa programme in particular, which deals mostly with STEM jobs, we graduate about twice as many STEM students each year as find jobs in STEM fields.

"The issue of training workers for skilled manufacturing jobs is a different aspect of a policy then, say, the H-1B visa, which obviously is for STEM occupations," the official said.

The official argued that the reality was that the US has large numbers of unemployed American workers.

"Right now we're creating an environment with our guest- worker programmes where those workers are being bypassed," the official said.

"If you make it harder to abuse the guest-worker programmes, it creates more of a market for domestic workers, as well as more of a market for the kinds of job training and vocational training programmes that you're talking about," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Trump had made the alleged abuse and fraud in H-1B visa system a major election issue during his campaign.

The executive order signed by Trump today will call for the strict enforcement of all laws governing entry into the United States of labour from abroad, for the stated purpose of creating higher wages and higher employment rates for workers in America, the official said.

"It would further call on the departments of Labour, Justice, Homeland Security and State to take prompt action to crackdown on fraud and abuse, which should both be understood as separate problems, in our immigration system in order to protect workers in the United States and their economic conditions," the official asserted.

"As a practical matter, you're creating an entirely new structure for awarding these visas. I mean, it is a completely...total transformation of the H-1B programme," the official said.

According to the senior administration official, these reforms were broadly supported by groups that represent American workers in the US, and that a lot of the driving action historically for these kinds of guest-worker reforms have been from groups that in fact even tilt Democratic.

"This (executive order) would apply across the board, but in particular, the executive order has an additional clause on the H-1B visa programme, and calls on those same four departments to put forward reforms to see to it that H-1B visas are awarded to the most skilled or highest-paid applicants," the official said.

Noting that right now the H-1B visas were awarded by random lottery, the official said 80 per cent of H-1B workers were paid less than the median wage in their fields.

Only about five to six per cent, depending on the year, of H-1B workers command the highest wage tier recognised by the Department of Labour, there being four wage tiers, he said.

"The highest wage tier, for instance in 2015, was only five per cent of H-1B workers. So 80 per cent received less than the median wage and only 10 per cent received the median wage," he noted.

"And, so only five per cent were categorised at the highest wage tier of the four wage tiers that are in place for the H-1B guest-worker visa," the official said.

The result of that is that workers are often brought in well below market rates to replace American workers, sort of violating the principle of the programme, which is supposed to be a means for bringing in skilled labour, the official said.

"And instead, you're bringing in, a lot of times, workers who are actually less skilled and lower paid than the workers that they're replacing," he stated.

The official said Trump has done more to bring a national spotlight onto the abuses in the H-1B guest-worker programme than anybody in the country has at any point in recent history.

"If you change that current system that awards visas randomly without regard for skill or wage to a skills-based awarding, it makes it extremely difficult to use the visa to replace or undercut American workers. These are not bringing in workers at beneath the market wage," he said.

The top three recipients of the H-1B visas, the official said, were Tata (TCS), Infosys and Cognizant.

"Some companies oftentimes are called outsourcing firms. They're like the top recipients of H-1B visa. You know, are companies like Tata (TCS), Infosys, Cognizant. They will apply for a very large number of visas; more than they get. Like putting extra tickets in the lottery raffle, if you will," the official said.

"And then they'll get the lion's share of visas," the official said.

As part of the executive order, the agencies have been asked to do everything they can, he said.

"But you could be looking at things on the administration side like increasing fees for H-1B visas. You could be looking at things like if we could adjust the wage scale to have a more honest reflection of what the prevailing wages actually are in these fields," the official said.

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order that would tighten the process of issuing the H-1B visas and seek a review of the system for creating an "entirely new structure" for awarding these visas, the most sought-after by Indian IT firms and professionals. Trump is scheduled to travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the home state of House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, to sign the 'Buy American, Hire American' Executive Order. This was a transitional step aimed at achieving a more skills-based and merit-based immigration system. The executive order would be signed a day after the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has completed the computerised draw of lots from the 199,000 petitions it received for the Congressional mandated 65,000 H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2018 beginning October 1 this year. The lottery was held for the 20,000 H-1B visas for those applicants having higher education from US educational institutions. Opposing the traditional lottery system for H-1B visas, a senior administration official told White House reporters that these visas were being used by companies to bring in foreign workers at a low wage rate and displace local workers. The official argued that there were enough qualified people within the country to meet the demand of technology professionals. "With respect to the H-1B visa programme in particular, which deals mostly with STEM jobs, we graduate about twice as many STEM students each year as find jobs in STEM fields. "The issue of training workers for skilled manufacturing jobs is a different aspect of a policy then, say, the H-1B visa, which obviously is for STEM occupations," the official said. The official argued that the reality was that the US has large numbers of unemployed American workers. "Right now we're creating an environment with our guest- worker programmes where those workers are being bypassed," the official said. "If you make it harder to abuse the guest-worker programmes, it creates more of a market for domestic workers, as well as more of a market for the kinds of job training and vocational training programmes that you're talking about," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Trump had made the alleged abuse and fraud in H-1B visa system a major election issue during his campaign. The executive order signed by Trump today will call for the strict enforcement of all laws governing entry into the United States of labour from abroad, for the stated purpose of creating higher wages and higher employment rates for workers in America, the official said. "It would further call on the departments of Labour, Justice, Homeland Security and State to take prompt action to crackdown on fraud and abuse, which should both be understood as separate problems, in our immigration system in order to protect workers in the United States and their economic conditions," the official asserted. "As a practical matter, you're creating an entirely new structure for awarding these visas. I mean, it is a completely...total transformation of the H-1B programme," the official said. According to the senior administration official, these reforms were broadly supported by groups that represent American workers in the US, and that a lot of the driving action historically for these kinds of guest-worker reforms have been from groups that in fact even tilt Democratic. "This (executive order) would apply across the board, but in particular, the executive order has an additional clause on the H-1B visa programme, and calls on those same four departments to put forward reforms to see to it that H-1B visas are awarded to the most skilled or highest-paid applicants," the official said. Noting that right now the H-1B visas were awarded by random lottery, the official said 80 per cent of H-1B workers were paid less than the median wage in their fields. Only about five to six per cent, depending on the year, of H-1B workers command the highest wage tier recognised by the Department of Labour, there being four wage tiers, he said. "The highest wage tier, for instance in 2015, was only five per cent of H-1B workers. So 80 per cent received less than the median wage and only 10 per cent received the median wage," he noted. "And, so only five per cent were categorised at the highest wage tier of the four wage tiers that are in place for the H-1B guest-worker visa," the official said. The result of that is that workers are often brought in well below market rates to replace American workers, sort of violating the principle of the programme, which is supposed to be a means for bringing in skilled labour, the official said. "And instead, you're bringing in, a lot of times, workers who are actually less skilled and lower paid than the workers that they're replacing," he stated. The official said Trump has done more to bring a national spotlight onto the abuses in the H-1B guest-worker programme than anybody in the country has at any point in recent history. "If you change that current system that awards visas randomly without regard for skill or wage to a skills-based awarding, it makes it extremely difficult to use the visa to replace or undercut American workers. These are not bringing in workers at beneath the market wage," he said. The top three recipients of the H-1B visas, the official said, were Tata (TCS), Infosys and Cognizant. "Some companies oftentimes are called outsourcing firms. They're like the top recipients of H-1B visa. You know, are companies like Tata (TCS), Infosys, Cognizant. They will apply for a very large number of visas; more than they get. Like putting extra tickets in the lottery raffle, if you will," the official said. "And then they'll get the lion's share of visas," the official said. As part of the executive order, the agencies have been asked to do everything they can, he said. "But you could be looking at things on the administration side like increasing fees for H-1B visas. You could be looking at things like if we could adjust the wage scale to have a more honest reflection of what the prevailing wages actually are in these fields," the official said.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: The FBI today put a 26-year-old Indian national on its top 10 "Most Wanted List", two years after he went missing after allegedly killing his wife inside the kitchen of a Dunkin Donuts restaurant in the US.

The FBI offered up to USD 100,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel.

The agency warned that Patel, who stabbed his 21-year-old wife Palak Bhadreskumar Patel multiple times with a large knife, should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.

Palak was found beaten to death inside the restaurant kitchen in Hanover, Maryland on April 12, 2015.

Both the husband and wife were Dunkin Donuts employees.

"The extremely violent nature of the crimes allegedly committed by Bhadreshkumar Patel earned him a place on the FBI's Top Ten List," Gordon B Johnson, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Baltimore Field Office, said in a statement.

The valuable assistance of the public cannot be overstated, as shown by the ongoing success locating fugitives placed on the Top Ten list, the official said.

"The ongoing efforts of our investigators, coupled with the publics assistance, will lead to the capture of Bhadreshkumar Patel. We will never forget, and will not rest until he is located, captured and brought to justice."

A video released by the FBI shows both Bhadreshkumar and his wife working on the day of her death, walking off screen behind some racks in the kitchen together. He then re-emerges back on camera without his wife, turning off an oven and leaving the scene, The Capital Gazette reported.

Bhadreshkumar's been charged with first- and second- degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and a weapons offence in connection with her death.

A federal arrest warrant was issued a week after Palak's death as Bhadreshkumar was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Investigators said he was last seen taking a hotel shuttle to Newark Penn Station in New Jersey on April 13, 2015 around 10 AM.

Police said Bhadreshkumar, originally from Kantrodi Ta Viramgam, Gujarat, India, had a visa to be in the US, but it had expired and there was no indication he was able to legally leave the country, the report said.

Investigators believe that Palak wanted to return to India, though her husband was against the idea. Patel has ties to New Jersey, Kentucky, Georgia, Illinois and India.

"Palak Patel was murdered in a depraved act of domestic violence," Anne Arundel County police Chief Tim Altomare said in a statement.

"Numerous and overwhelming efforts have been made in attempts to locate Bhadreshkumar and none of the efforts to date have been met with success," the official said.

"In cooperation with the FBI the Anne Arundel County police believe we will certainly locate Bhadreshkumar and provide justice for Palak that her family desperately seeks in order to find closure," the official added.

WASHINGTON: The FBI today put a 26-year-old Indian national on its top 10 "Most Wanted List", two years after he went missing after allegedly killing his wife inside the kitchen of a Dunkin Donuts restaurant in the US. The FBI offered up to USD 100,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of Bhadreshkumar Chetanbhai Patel. The agency warned that Patel, who stabbed his 21-year-old wife Palak Bhadreskumar Patel multiple times with a large knife, should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. Palak was found beaten to death inside the restaurant kitchen in Hanover, Maryland on April 12, 2015. Both the husband and wife were Dunkin Donuts employees. "The extremely violent nature of the crimes allegedly committed by Bhadreshkumar Patel earned him a place on the FBI's Top Ten List," Gordon B Johnson, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Baltimore Field Office, said in a statement. The valuable assistance of the public cannot be overstated, as shown by the ongoing success locating fugitives placed on the Top Ten list, the official said. "The ongoing efforts of our investigators, coupled with the publics assistance, will lead to the capture of Bhadreshkumar Patel. We will never forget, and will not rest until he is located, captured and brought to justice." A video released by the FBI shows both Bhadreshkumar and his wife working on the day of her death, walking off screen behind some racks in the kitchen together. He then re-emerges back on camera without his wife, turning off an oven and leaving the scene, The Capital Gazette reported. Bhadreshkumar's been charged with first- and second- degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and a weapons offence in connection with her death. A federal arrest warrant was issued a week after Palak's death as Bhadreshkumar was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Investigators said he was last seen taking a hotel shuttle to Newark Penn Station in New Jersey on April 13, 2015 around 10 AM. Police said Bhadreshkumar, originally from Kantrodi Ta Viramgam, Gujarat, India, had a visa to be in the US, but it had expired and there was no indication he was able to legally leave the country, the report said. Investigators believe that Palak wanted to return to India, though her husband was against the idea. Patel has ties to New Jersey, Kentucky, Georgia, Illinois and India. "Palak Patel was murdered in a depraved act of domestic violence," Anne Arundel County police Chief Tim Altomare said in a statement. "Numerous and overwhelming efforts have been made in attempts to locate Bhadreshkumar and none of the efforts to date have been met with success," the official said. "In cooperation with the FBI the Anne Arundel County police believe we will certainly locate Bhadreshkumar and provide justice for Palak that her family desperately seeks in order to find closure," the official added.
By IANS

NEW YORK: A day after North Korea said it would regularly test missiles, the US military is considering shooting down the missile tests to pressure the country into denuclearisation.

According to a report in Guardian on Tuesday, the US is exploring ways short of war to pressure the country into denuclearisation, particularly if Pyongyang goes forward with a sixth nuclear test.

The military has not decided to intercept a test missile but the US defense secretary James Mattis has briefed Congress on the option.

Earlier, US vice-president Mike Pence warned North Korea against testing Trump's "resolve", and said that former US President Barack Obama's "strategic patience" policy had ended.

North Korea will continue to test missiles on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis, Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-ryol said.

He said that an "all-out war" would result if the US took military action.

Former US officials speculate that the shoot-down strategy would risk an escalation that Washington might not be able to control.

"I would see such an action as escalatory, but I couldn't guess how Kim Jong-un would interpret it," the report quoted Abraham Denmark, a senior official in Barack Obama's administration, as saying.

"But I would be concerned he would feel the need to react strongly, as he would not want to appear weak," Denmark added.

According to the report, the military might attempt a missile shoot-down with an Aegis missile-defense system aboard a US navy destroyer.

There are also chances that US might convince Japan to use its own missile-defense capabilities against a ballistic missile test traversing Japanese waters.

"The USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group, which includes Aegis-equipped destroyers, is headed for the Korean peninsula," the report noted.

But officials at Pentagon are believed to be unsure how North Korea would respond if US the shoots down a test missile.

"We are exploring a new range of diplomatic, security, and economic measures and all options are on the table," Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, said.

The probability of Aegis interceptors missing a North Korean target would be embarrassing for the US and embolden Pyongyang. US officials believe that this factor also complicates the shoot-down strategy.

According to Patrick Cronin, senior director of the Asia-Pacific Security Programme at the Centre for a New American Security, the failure to bring down a missile would give North Korea a "psychological advantage".

North Korea has accelerated its nuclear and missile tests in recent years, despite international condemnation and UN sanctions.

Its aim is to be able to put a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile that can reach targets around the world, including the US.

US President Donald Trump has said that will not happen, and stepped up pressure on the isolated North.

Despite the tension, North Korea may carry out a sixth nuclear test soon, observers say. It test-fired a missile on Sunday that exploded within seconds of launch, following a grand military parade on Saturday.



NEW YORK: A day after North Korea said it would regularly test missiles, the US military is considering shooting down the missile tests to pressure the country into denuclearisation. According to a report in Guardian on Tuesday, the US is exploring ways short of war to pressure the country into denuclearisation, particularly if Pyongyang goes forward with a sixth nuclear test. The military has not decided to intercept a test missile but the US defense secretary James Mattis has briefed Congress on the option. Earlier, US vice-president Mike Pence warned North Korea against testing Trump's "resolve", and said that former US President Barack Obama's "strategic patience" policy had ended. North Korea will continue to test missiles on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis, Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-ryol said. He said that an "all-out war" would result if the US took military action. Former US officials speculate that the shoot-down strategy would risk an escalation that Washington might not be able to control. "I would see such an action as escalatory, but I couldn't guess how Kim Jong-un would interpret it," the report quoted Abraham Denmark, a senior official in Barack Obama's administration, as saying. "But I would be concerned he would feel the need to react strongly, as he would not want to appear weak," Denmark added. According to the report, the military might attempt a missile shoot-down with an Aegis missile-defense system aboard a US navy destroyer. There are also chances that US might convince Japan to use its own missile-defense capabilities against a ballistic missile test traversing Japanese waters. "The USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group, which includes Aegis-equipped destroyers, is headed for the Korean peninsula," the report noted. But officials at Pentagon are believed to be unsure how North Korea would respond if US the shoots down a test missile. "We are exploring a new range of diplomatic, security, and economic measures and all options are on the table," Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, said. The probability of Aegis interceptors missing a North Korean target would be embarrassing for the US and embolden Pyongyang. US officials believe that this factor also complicates the shoot-down strategy. According to Patrick Cronin, senior director of the Asia-Pacific Security Programme at the Centre for a New American Security, the failure to bring down a missile would give North Korea a "psychological advantage". North Korea has accelerated its nuclear and missile tests in recent years, despite international condemnation and UN sanctions. Its aim is to be able to put a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile that can reach targets around the world, including the US. US President Donald Trump has said that will not happen, and stepped up pressure on the isolated North. Despite the tension, North Korea may carry out a sixth nuclear test soon, observers say. It test-fired a missile on Sunday that exploded within seconds of launch, following a grand military parade on Saturday.
Penalty kicks the difference as Rogers heads to girls soccer championship

Rogers keeper Katie Guinan made nine saves during regulation and then stopped three penalty kicks during the shootout to secure the win.
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Columnist

Tom Kacich is a columnist and the author of Tom's Mailbag at The News-Gazette. His column appears Sundays. His email is tkacich@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@tkacich).
Women with some characteristics commonly thought to increase pregnancy risks -- being over age 35; being overweight; and in some cases, having a vaginal birth after a cesarean section -- tend to have good outcomes when they give birth at home or in a birth center, a new assessment has found.

However, women with some other risk factors, a breech baby and some other cases of vaginal birth after cesarean or VBAC, may face an increased risk of poor outcomes for themselves or their babies, researchers at Oregon State University have found. The study is believed to be the first to examine these risks and the outcomes. About 2 percent of all births in the U.S., and about 4 percent in Oregon, occur at home or in a birth center, rather than in a hospital setting. Generally, women who are considered "low-risk" are good candidates for home or birth center births, also referred to as community births, if they are attended by a midwife or other trained provider and timely access to a hospital is available.

However, there is little agreement among health providers on what should be considered low- or high-risk, and some women choose to have a community birth despite potential risks, said Marit Bovbjerg, a clinical assistant professor of epidemiology at Oregon State University and lead author of the study.

Medical ethics and the tenets of maternal autonomy dictate that women be allowed to decide where and how they wish to give birth. That's why it's important to have as much information as possible about potential risks, said Bovbjerg, who works in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at OSU.

There are also risks associated with hospital births, such as increased interventions, which means there aren't always clear answers when it comes to determining the best and safest place to give birth, said Melissa Cheyney, a medical anthropologist and associate professor in OSU's College of Liberal Arts.

The goal of the research was to better understand the outcomes for women and babies with some of the most common pregnancy risk factors, to see how those risk factors affected outcomes.

"There's a middle or gray area, in terms of risk, where the risk associated with community birth is only slightly elevated relative to a completely low-risk sample," Cheyney said. "We're trying to get more information about births that fall in that middle zone so that clinicians and pregnant women can have the best evidence available when deciding where to give birth."

The findings were published recently in the journal Birth. Other co-authors are Jennifer Brown of University of California, Davis; and Kim J. Cox and Lawrence Leeman of the University of New Mexico. Using birth outcome data collected by the Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project, commonly referred to as MANA Stats, the researchers analyzed more than 47,000 midwife-attended community births.

They looked specifically at the independent contributions to birth outcomes of 10 common risk factors: primiparity, or giving birth for the first time; advanced maternal age, or mother over age 35; obesity; gestational diabetes; preeclampsia; post-term pregnancy, or more than 42 weeks gestation; twins; breech presentation; history of both cesarean and vaginal birth; and history of only cesarean birth.

The last two groups are both considered VBACs and hospital policies and state regulations for midwifery practice usually make no distinction between the two types. However, the researchers found a clear distinction between the two groups in terms of community birth outcomes.

Women who delivered vaginally after a previous cesarean and also had a history of previous vaginal birth had better outcomes even than those women giving birth for the first time. On the other hand, women who had never given birth to a child vaginally had an increased risk of poor outcomes in community birth settings.

"That finding suggests that current policies that universally discourage VBAC should be revisited, as the evidence does not support them," Bovbjerg said. "Women who in the past have successfully delivered vaginally seem to do just fine the next time around, even if they have also had a previous C-section. That's really important because some medical groups totally oppose VBACs, even in hospital settings, and many hospitals don't offer the option of a VBAC at all."

Researchers also found that women whose babies were in breech position had the highest rate of adverse outcome when giving birth at home or in a birth center.

There was only a slight increase in poor outcomes for women over age 35, or women who were overweight or obese, compared to those without those risk factors. In some categories, there were not enough births in the data set to properly evaluate a risk's impact, such as with gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

"As is appropriate, women who face high complication risks such as preeclampsia tend to plan for and choose a hospital birth, rather than a community birth," Bovbjerg said. "But even for these women, it's important to remember that they can choose a community birth if their faith, culture or other considerations dictate that is the best choice for them."

The researchers emphasized that the new information about risks and outcomes can serve as an important tool in decision-making for families making very personal choices about where to give birth. "These findings help us to put information and evidence, rather than fear, at the center of discussions around informed, shared decision-making between expectant families and their health care providers," Cheyney said.

Researchers next plan to examine how the healthcare culture and standards of care in different locations within the U.S. affect outcomes of home and birthing center deliveries.
Culminating a nearly 10 year effort, researchers have determined the atomic resolution structure of a key molecule that translates signals from a cell's local environment into a language that the cell can understand and use. The determination of the architecture of the Inositol Tris-Phosphate Receptor (IP3R) had long been considered a major goal in biomedical research because of its strategic role inside cells as a molecular train station for transferring signals that control many cell functions. The structure is expected to contribute to the development of better therapeutic approaches for many diseases. The work was conducted by a team at RIKEN Brain Science Institute under the direction of Professor Katsuhiko Mikoshiba, whose laboratory cloned the first IP3R gene in 1989.

In all living cells, chemical signals are harnessed for intracellular communication. The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) is one such signal that binds to the IP3 receptor (IP3R) to release calcium ions (Ca2+) from intracellular Ca2+ stores such as the endoplasmic reticulum. The IP3R-embedded Ca2+ stores are distributed in various microdomains within cells and have pivotal roles in processes as diverse as neural communication, differentiation, plasticity, and metabolism. Of the three genes identified, the brain dominant type 1 IP3R (IP3R1) is genetically causative for spinocerebellar ataxia 15/16/29 and Gillespie syndrome, and regulates cellular waste disposal processes implicated in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease. Although the important roles of IP3R in normal and disease conditions are well known, understanding how IP3 signals trigger the opening of the Ca2+ channel was elusive.

The new IP3R1 crystal structure reveals a rich cosmos of atomic scale details on its function. IP3R1 is a micromachine of 20 nm in diameter that contains two functional sub-structures, an IP3 binding site and a Ca2+ channel pore. The distance from the IP3-binding site to the channel pore is 7 nm, the longest among similar ion channels, and the fundamental question of how IP3-binding physically opens the channel from a long range has been unanswered in the decades since the gene was cloned. X-ray crystallography of the large cytosolic domain of a mouse IP3R1 in the absence and presence of IP3, at the RIKEN SPring-8 ion beam factory, pinpointed a long-range mechanism involving an IP3-dependent global movement of a part of the receptor called the curvature -helical domain that serves as a bridge between the cytosolic and channel domains. Mutagenesis of this bridge revealed the essential role of a leaflet structure in the -helical domain that relays IP3 signals to the channel, and may help to explain how long-range coupling from IP3 binding to the Ca2+ channel occurs.

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The findings reveal similarities and differences with a recently published report on the IP3R using a completely different method called cryo-electron microscopy. In the related study, a group led by Irina Serysheva from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston proposed that channel activation by IP3 may occur by direct binding of the C-terminus and IP3-binding domain and coupling from the IP3-binding domain to neighboring subunits. The current data disagree with these conclusions, instead suggesting that IP3-binding site to the leaflet region underlies the dynamic structural changes by IP3. A comparison of the two structures reveals agreement on an immobile part of the curvature helical domain and a variable arrangement of other helical domains. The authors hypothesize that the immobile section would act as a rigid-body conducting a torque from IP3-binding sites to the channel domain, whereas the flexible regions would contribute to the dynamic properties of IP3R function.

Resolving the long-standing mystery of long-range communication that allows IP3 to open the channel will aid future rational drug design targeting the receptor that could allow a more diverse range of therapeutic avenues. The findings may also clarify IP3R roles in cellular senescence and tumor suppression linked to selective vulnerability of cancer cells. Surprisingly, the study also clarifies a role of IP3Rs in the function of pathogenic unicellular organisms like Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite of Chagas disease, and brucei, that causes African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness. The team identified an amino acid sequence in the leaflet that is conserved in parasites, suggesting structural insights that may assist in drug discovery for these devastating conditions.

Source: http://www.riken.jp/en/pr/press/2017/20170418_2/
Neurological disorders like Parkinson's, the aftermath of stroke, limb loss and paralysis significantly diminish the length and quality of life -- affecting about one in six people worldwide. But a growing number of biomedical innovations, driven in large part by an aging population dealing with debilitating health issues, are improving both cognitive and motor function.

A new National Science Foundation (NSF) Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) will focus on developing and testing new neural technologies with the potential to dramatically enhance patient function across a wide range of diseases and injuries while both lowering costs and increasing accessibility.

The BRAIN Center (Building Reliable Advances and Innovation in Neurotechnology) will be led by researchers from Arizona State University and the University of Houston and, working with industry partners, will speed technologies to market.

BRAIN will focus on developing and testing neurotechnologies designed to address a wide range of sensory, motor and cognitive functions. Such neuraltechnologies could save an estimated $400 billion in future costs, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The BRAIN Center is a way to bring together top faculty at both institutions to address critical challenges in the biomedical field," said Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal, professor of electrical and computer engineering at UH. "The best way to do that is working with industry."

Contreras-Vidal and Marco Santello, director of ASU's School of Biological Health Sciences, will lead the project, which involves more than 50 researchers from both institutions, along with 14 members from industry, including several hospital systems. The researchers come from a wide range of disciplines, from engineering to law, data science and physiology. More information is available on the center websites, https:/ / brain. engineering. asu. edu/ research/ and http://brain. egr. uh. edu/

"Medical advances have dramatically increased life expectancy in the 21st century," said Santello. "The BRAIN Center will enable us to develop safe, reliable neurotechnologies to address the rise in chronic, degenerative diseases associated with an aging population."

The BRAIN Center was launched with a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, shared equally by the universities; industry collaborators pay $50,000 a year to partner with faculty, using university laboratories to co-develop and validate new technologies.

With dedicated space on both campuses, the center will host two meetings a year, starting with a summer meeting in Phoenix and a second meeting in Houston this fall. Industry/faculty teams will present proposals for developing collaborative research projects. Research areas range from Big Data to neurorehabilitation and neuromodulation device development, to robotic-assisted therapy and regulatory science.

The NSF grant also includes a workforce training component, with a focus on recruiting and training students from underrepresented communities in undergraduate programs.

"We are training the next workforce," said Contreras-Vidal. "The technology is so new, we don't have enough people to design, repair, validate and prescribe these technologies."

Source: http://www.uh.edu/news-events/stories/2017/April/04172017BRAIN-Center-Neurotechnologies.php
Denise Smith, professor of health and exercise sciences at Skidmore College, recently co-authored a study titled, "Firefighting and the Heart: Implications for Prevention."

Smith's research, which seeks to improve firefighters' physiological responses during emergency calls, was published in the scientific journal Circulation, as well as in an April 1, 2017 Associated Press report which was carried by more than 30 news organizations, including a US News and World Report article titled "Firefighters Join Study to Help Reduce Line-Of-Duty Deaths."

A significant portion of Dr. Smith's research focuses on the cardiovascular strain associated with firefighting activity. She has published dozens of scientific articles about the effects of firefighting on cardiovascular function, coagulatory potential, immune function and hormonal status, and she has lead several government-funded studies to investigate strategies to minimize the physiological strain associated with firefighting.

Professor Smith has also conducted extensive laboratory studies designed to identify specific components of firefighting activity (work performed, heat stress, sympathetic nervous stimulation) that are responsible for specific physiological responses to the combined stress of firefighting.

Professor Smith established the First Responder Health and Safety Research Center at Skidmore College. The Center's mission is to enhance the health, safety and performance of first responders by conducting scientific research elucidating the dangers faced by first responders, and developing and testing interventions to mitigate those dangers.

In September 2016, Skidmore College was awarded $1,467,062 in federal funding by U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. The funds were allocated through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) program to advance Dr. Smith's research and the Science Medicine And Research & Technology for Emergency Responders (SMARTER) program.

Through this project, Dr. Smith is working to advance technology by developing and implementing systems that focus on early detection of physiological abnormalities and real-time monitoring of toxic particulates that threaten the health of firefighters.

Dr. Smith has researched the cardiovascular strain of firefighting for over 25 years, is highly active in the Fire Service and has collaborated with many national organizations (including the NVFC, IAFF, IAFC, NFPA) and has conducted numerous line-of-duty fatality investigations due to cardiac issues for NIOSH. She has co-authored two text books and published over 20 peer-reviewed articles related to firefighter cardiovascular health.
Experts gather at Neglected Tropical Diseases Summit to demand more global action to tackle one of the worlds biggest killers - schistosomiasis.

A giant worm on Lake Geneva representing the parasitic worm of schistosomiasis that causes suffering to millions around the world. Its devastating impact is second only to malaria.

On the eve of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, the Global Schistosomiasis Alliance (GSA) has unveiled a giant worm on Lake Geneva. The 25m structure represents the parasitic worm of schistosomiasis that causes significant suffering and death.

Aiming to generate global attention, the GSA is calling for more concerted action to eliminate this disease. Hundreds of millions of people around the world are at risk of schistosomiasis: a silent water borne killer that lurks in freshwater lakes and rivers.

Schistosomiasis is the biggest killer youve probably never heard of, and thats the problem. We want to bring the suffering that this disease causes to the attention of the world and policy makers as more awareness will lead to greater action.

The giant worm on Lake Geneva is part of the #MakingSchistory global awareness campaign. We want to make history and consign schistosomiasis to the past. Together with our partners, the GSA is determined to cut the cycle of transmission & eliminate schistosomiasis, said Dr Johannes Waltz, Global Schistosomiasis Alliance.

The call for more global action to tackle schistosomiasis has been put into focus this year as the Merck-World Health Organization medicine donation programme marks its tenth year. This programme provides free praziquantel to children in Africa. To date 100 million children have been treated.

We are confident that elimination of schistosomiasis is possible. We have made a lot of progress in the last 15 years but we need to do more.

The availability of free treatment has enabled us to break the cycle of misery caused by schistosomiasis, improve the health of a generation of school aged children and protect them from the serious consequences of infection. The next steps will be to provide clean water and better sanitation which are needed to stop the suffering completely, Professor Alan Fenwick, Professor of Tropical Parasitology, Imperial College London and Founder, Schistosomiasis Control Initiative.

Schistosomiasis kills 280,000 people every year in Africa alone. People can become infected with schistosomiasis when they come into contact with contaminated water while washing, playing or working. Infection is especially high in children and can cause anaemia, stomach pain and swelling, diarrhoea, bladder cancer as well as holding back their cognitive development and growth.
The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN), which includes McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), has launched a study to evaluate whether a new injectable medication can work as well as an existing oral pill to safely protect against HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) who have sex with men.

The trial will help determine whether a new HIV prevention drug called cabotegravir, which can be injected into the body every two months, is as safe and effective as Truvada, a daily oral pill that contains tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine. Cabotegravir is an integrase inhibitor, which blocks an HIV enzyme and prevents the virus from multiplying. Researchers believe that the long-lasting nature of the injectable drug may make it easier to adhere to than a daily oral medication.

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"We are very excited to bring access to a prevention trial with a promising long-acting drug for Houstonians at risk for HIV infection. This novel prevention strategy aims to improve adherence, which is directly linked to efficacy," said Roberto C. Arduino, M.D., professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and principal investigator of the Houston site, which will enroll 100 participants in the trial.

Trial participants will be enrolled through Harris Health System's Thomas Street Health Center, an outpatient clinic in Houston where UTHealth physicians see patients. Arduino will collaborate with Baylor College of Medicine researchers in the enrollment and follow-up of participants for the study.

People who are at risk of becoming infected with HIV will be assigned randomly to either the injectable drug or the oral drug group. Study participants will be transitioned to local HIV prevention services when their participation in the study ends. Participation in the trial could range from 1.5 to 4.5 years, depending on when a person enrolls in the trial.

The United States, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Thailand, Vietnam and South Africa are among the countries participating in the clinical trial, which will enroll 4,500 participants and last up to four and a half years.
Specific strains of bacteria in the gut are significantly associated with colorectal cancer, according to a new study by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health. The study, which also identified a less invasive and less expensive way to screen for colorectal cancer, was recently published in the journal Gut.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-associated death in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Previous studies have found associations between gut bacteria and colorectal cancer, but this is the first to link several studies to identify specific strains and species that are associated with the disease: Parvimonas micra ATCC 33270, Streptococcus anginosus and multiple members of the phylum proteobacteria.

First author Manasi Shah, Ph.D., examined the raw data from nine previous studies of colorectal cancer and the gut. The study cohorts were ethnically diverse, recruited between 2012 and 2016 and the scientists conducting each study used non-uniform laboratory methods. Despite these challenges, Shah established that across the cohorts, specific bacteria were frequently and significantly found in stool samples from patients with colorectal cancer.

"Although previous studies have found associations between the gut microbiome and colorectal cancer, there was little agreement between the results. To our knowledge, our study is the first attempt to gather existing microbial marker gene data and reprocess it uniformly. Despite differences in cohort demographics, laboratory protocols and downstream analysis, which are known to influence microbiome outcomes, it is encouraging that we found bacterial signals that are consistently and significantly associated with colorectal cancer," said Shah, who completed the research while she was a doctoral student at UTHealth School of Public Health.

Identifying the bacteria that could serve as biomarkers for the disease is a new method that could be used to screen for colorectal cancer using stool samples, Shah said. This new approach could be less invasive and less expensive than a colonoscopy, which is the most commonly used screening method.

"Microbiome studies offer tremendous potential for advancing diagnostics and therapeutics. For some diseases and conditions, identifying microbiome-based associations has been relatively simple. For the majority, however, the research community is still sifting through a lot of data and a lot of noise as we seek to understand how the microbiome contributes to disease onset, progression and our ability to provide rapid, accurate diagnoses," said Emily Hollister, Ph.D., senior author and assistant professor of pathology and immunology at Baylor College of Medicine. "The identification of consistent patterns across studies of the colorectal cancer-associated microbiome represents a big step forward in these efforts."

Microbial markers by themselves could accurately detect colorectal cancer 80 percent of the time. For a subset of the data, when combined with a home-based diagnostic fecal occult to test for blood in the stool, as well as a patient's age and gender, the new biomarker method could accurately detect colorectal cancer 91 percent of the time.

"In order to discover improved biomarkers and therapeutics based on the microbiome, you must have a strain-focused computational platform able to detect changes in abundance as a disease progresses," said Todd DeSantis, co-author and vice president of informatics at Second Genome. "This study demonstrated that our platform was unique in that it enabled the identification of important microbiome-based biomarkers."
The National Green Tribunal has dismissed a plea opposing auto industry body SIAM's call as "infructuous" to defer the new emission norms, which came in force from April 1, for selling unsold stock of BS-III compliant vehicles.A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said there was nothing left in the petition as the Supreme Court has already banned the sale and registration of non BS- IV compliant vehicles. "The counsel appearing for the applicant submits that in view of the order passed by the Supreme Court of India, this application has become infructuous," the bench said.On March 29, the apex court had prohibited registration of vehicles which do not meet Bharat Stage-IV emission standards saying the health of the people was "far, far more important than the commercial interests of the manufacturers".The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by Dr R K Sharma, who said he was aggrieved by the conduct of SIAM for its call to defer the new emission norms and seeking extension of time to sell underlying stock of BS-III compliant vehicles.The plea had sought directions that all types of vehicles, even those manufactured this year, should not be permitted to be sold and registered after April 1, 2017 unless they comply with the BS-IV standards."Some vehicle manufacturers are lobbying for a relaxation in the deadline for BS-IV norms for flooding the market with their old BS-III vehicles on the ground of alleged unsold inventory. Thus, the vehicle manufacturers seek to sell and register non-BS-IV vehicles even after April 1, 2017," the plea had said.Last October, the Environment Pollution Control Authority had said it would not allow the sale or registration of any pre-BS-IV vehicles from April 1. The government had in August 2015 said the sale of four- wheeler not meeting Bharat Stage (BS)-IV emission norms will be barred in India from April 2017 with a view to bring the entire country under the ambit of tighter pollution control standards. "From April 1, 2017, the mass emission standards for Bharat Stage IV shall come into force all over the country.With this, only those newly manufactured four wheeler vehicles, which are compliant with the BS-IV standards, will be allowed to register and move on roads with effect from the notified dates in the notified areas," the Road Ministry had said.
Liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, who is wanted in India on loan defaults to several banks, is appearing today before Westminster Magistrates' Court in London for his extradition case hearing. The 61-year-old, former chief of the now defunct Kingfisher airlines, has been out on bail since his arrest in April and will on Tuesday find out the timetable to be set by the judge to hear the arguments for and against his extradition in what is referred to as a "case management hearing".



Here's a look at how Mallya, known as for his flamboyant lifestyle, went from 'The King of Good Times' to an absconder:



MAY 2005: Kingfisher Airlines starts operations



JUNE 2007: Kingfisher Airlines acquires deccan airlines



NOV 2010: Banks recast Kingfisher Airlines debt



DEC 2011: Mumbai International Airport seeks payment of Rs 90 crore dues



DEC 2011: Kingfisher Airlines accounts frozen for non-payment of Rs 70 crore



OCT 2012: Partial lockout at Kingfisher Airlines, staff go on strike



DEC 31, 2012: Kingfisher Airlines loses flying license



AUG 2014: CBI probe against IDBI and Kingfisher Airlines



JUL 2015: CBI registers case against Mallya and Kingfisher Airlines



OCT 2015: CBI conducts searches at Mallyas office



DEC 2015: CBI questions Vijay Mallya in the loan default case



MAR 2016: Mallya leaves India, shifts to UK



JAN 23, 2017: CBI arrests former IDBI Chairman Yogesh Aggarwal, 8 others



JAN 24, 2017: CBI files charge sheet in the case related to the Rs 900 crore loan in favor of Kingfisher Airlines in violation of rules



FEB 10, 2017: India requests UK High Commission for Vijay Mallyas extradition



FEB 28, 2017: Court allows Enforcement Directorate to attach Mallyas assets worth Rs 4,200 crore



MARCH 1, 2017: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley travels to UK, Prime Minister Theresa May breaks protocol to meet him, Mallyas extradition among the issues discussed



MARCH 18, 2017: A Mumbai Court issues a non-bailable arrest warrant and an extradition order against Mallya in a service tax default case



MAR 25, 2017: UK authorities start legal process to extradite Mallya to India



APRIL 8, 2017: Mallyas Kingfisher Villa sold for Rs 73 crore to actor Sachin Joshi



APRIL 12, 2017: A Delhi court issues an open ended non-bailable warrant against Mallya for evading summons in a FERA (Foreign Exchange Regulation Act) violation matter



APRIL 18, 2017: Scotland Yard arrests Vijay Mallya for his extradition to India; loan default of over Rs 9,000 crore among several cases against him. He is released on bail almost immediately
The warring factions in the AIADMK political slugfest are set to join hands with the party deciding to oust TTV Dinakaran and Sasikala from the party.

We have decided to delink TTV Dinakaran and his family from the party, a committee will run the party, said state finance minister D Jayakumar.

As it happened.

Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here.
New Delhi: Australia on Tuesday abolished the 457 visa programme, a blow for Indians working in the country.



The programme has been used by as many as 95,000 temporary foreign workers in Australia, majority of whom are Indians.



The programme allowed businesses to employ foreign workers into the country for a period up to four years in skilled jobs where there is a shortage of Australian workers. The official reason given for the move is to tackle the growing unemployment in the country.



"We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains: Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs, so we are abolishing the 457 visa, the visa that brings temporary foreign workers into our country," Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said.



The majority of the visa holders were from India followed by the UK and China.



"We will no longer allow 457 visa to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians," he said.



He said Australia will adopt a new 'Australians first' approach to skilled migration.



As of September 30, 2016, there were 95,757 workers in Australia on primary 457 visa programme, ABC reported. The programme will be replaced by another visa programme, with new restrictions.



"It is important businesses still get access to the skills they need to grow and invest, so the 457 visa will be replaced by a new temporary visa, specifically designed to recruit the best and brightest in the national interest," Turnbull said.



Turnbull said the new programme will ensure that foreign workers are brought into Australia in order to fill critical skill gaps and not brought in because an employer finds it easier to recruit a foreign worker than go to the trouble of hiring an Australian.







Turnbull's announcement comes days after he visited India where a range of issues, including national security, counter terrorism, education and energy, were discussed and six

agreements were signed.



(With PTI inputs)
"We welcome (the) Indian representative, members of the Indian business community and financial community to take part in the discussions at the summit," Wang said.

"It has no direct link with political and boundary dispute. Certain sections of the CPEC have raised concern on the Indian side," Wang said.

China on Tuesday sought to allay India's concerns over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, saying it has "no direct link" with the Kashmir issue and New Delhi was welcome to participate in the One Belt One Road project.Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, at press conference on the One belt One Road (OBOR) summit to be held here from May 14-15, said, "Although (an) Indian leader will not be here but India will have a representative" at the OBOR summit.28 Presidents and Prime Ministers were expected to take part in the summit, he said."OBOR is for common development of all participants. So we welcome India to take active part in building the OBOR," he said.Wang asserted that the purpose of the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was economic."It is for the purpose of serving economic cooperation and development," he said.These disputes are not the direct result of the economic corridor and economic activities. China has been providing support to Pakistan in these areas for many years, Wang said."As for the dispute of Kashmir, Chinas position remained unchanged. Also, CPEC has no relationship with the dispute in certain regions. I want to reaffirm to the Indian friend if India wants to take part in the OBOR, there are many channels and ways," the Chinese Foreign Minister said.China has taken note of Indias participation in the Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar (BCIM) which is part of OBOR, he said."We have taken note of Indias positive attitude on this," Wang said.India has reservations over OBOR as the CPEC is part of it and passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
New Delhi: Vijay Mallya getting bail in London, soon after the news of his arrest, has led to confusion among many. But according to some of Indias top lawyers, the bail was in line with the legal procedure and the Indian law enforcement agencies had anticipated it.



Now, an extradition trial will take place in the English courts before Mallya can be brought to India. In extradition or deportation related cases, diplomacy plays a crucial role. In that sense, the media reports crediting the recent meeting between Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and British Prime Minister Theresa May during the formers London visit are not off the track. Given that India has an extradition treaty with the UK, the process henceforth should be relatively easy.



News18 spoke to three of Indias top lawyers to understand what lies next in the Mallya extradition case. Edited excerpts:



MAHESH JETHMALANI, Lawyer, Bombay High Court:



The bail to Vijay Mallya is certainly not a setback for India and was on expected lines. I dont know what the British government has in mind, but there are only two options right now: One is deportation, and the other is extradition. Remember, Mallya does not have a passport now. He is living there illegally. I believe he cant travel outside UK. Given the fact that he is passport less, I would imagine that he is liable for deportation. Extradition would be when he is living there legitimately and somebody wants him back in the country. He may still challenge deportation. But once cannot deny that we were putting relentless pressure as there is enough prima facie evidence against Vijay Mallya.



SATISH MANESHINDE, Lawyer, Bombay High Court:



The bail to Mallya is on expected lines. Now there will be a full-blown extradition trial in the English court. And only if the court finds Mallya guilty of a charge which is punishable under the English law, it is only then he can be extradited. India needs to have a very strong case.



The fact that the extradition proceedings were initiated was not a surprise because the Indian government has transferred the papers to the UK government and I think the Finance Minister had a conversation with the Exchequer of UK. So the process is already on, but one should also realise that Mallya is not someone who is unprepared because he was also warned about these proceedings well in advance. And I am sure he has got a battery of lawyers ready and they will take appropriate action.



Looking at the nature of things, I am not very sure whether India will be successful in extraditing Mallya as he has always maintained that he is not a willful defaulter, he is not someone who has committed any money laundering, or diverted money which was given as an advance by the banks to his personal accounts. None of the properties purchased by him are from these accounts, and he has the full account of all the money that he had utilised for his airline business. The UK court has a strict standard of rule, it is important for the Indian government to prove that there is a solid case of corruption against him.



HITEN VENGAOKAR, Lawyer for the Enforcement Directorate:



Mallyas bail was expected as he was not prosecuted by a UK court. His release must be on some stringent conditions. Even the Enforcement Directorate in London did not expect his arrest.

Extradition process is not going to be an easy one. We have a Finance Minister with us who is also a very good lawyer and therefore we hope that we will expedite the extradition process and hopefully he will be extradited in less than a month.



If he is arrested under the India-UK Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT), then it will be only the ED who will be able to bring back Vijay Mallya. Once he is brought back, Mallya will be produced before the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai and thereafter his later custodies will be taken. ED officials will be sent once they get a go-ahead from the finance ministry.



If Mallya is handed over to the Indian government, then there are very grim chances for a bail by the magistrate of the UK. His arrest was not expected so soon. If he has a good battery of lawyers, we have the Finance Minister with us.



First thing we have to understand is that he was arrested by the Scotland Yard. From the past we have seen that extradition from the UK is very difficult. Once you have a non-bailable warrant, you think he can be extradited. But in the past it has proven to be difficult.
Delhi Police went from one court room to another but couldn't find a judge for hours to seek AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran's close aide Sukesh Chandrasekars custody for attempting to bribe Election Commission officials.Chandrasekar was arrested from a south Delhi hotel on Sunday night allegedly with Rs 1.3 crore that was meant for bribing the officials.Along with journalists, Crime Branch sleuths waiting for his custody were at the Patiala court complex to attend the remand proceedings on Monday.But that was not to be. A police officer told reporters that the accused would be presented in Tis Hazari court, forcing journalists to rush there along with men from the Crime Branch.At 4.40 p.m., police brought Chandrasekar before Special Judge Poonam Chaudhary in court room number 25. But the concerned judge was on a half-day leave. The accused was then taken to link court room number 313 of Special Judge M.K. Nagpal but he was unavailable as well.The accused was then brought to court room number 139 of Special Judge Hemani Malhotra but she was also not there.The police was forced to approach Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Satish Kumar Arora's door in room number 38 but could not find him there.It went on for about 30 minutes before the police finally decided that the accused would be taken to the residence of the concerned judge to seek the custody of the 27-year-old suspect who has reportedly confessed he was playing the middleman for Dinakaran to bribe poll officials to reclaim the AIADMK's disputed and now frozen "two leaves" symbol.Finally, Judge Chaudhary remanded him to eight days' police custody.(With IANS inputs)
At the start of H-1B season, the USCIS had announced that it would take a "more targeted approach" in visiting the workplaces of H-1B petitioners. And the Justice Department "cautioned" employers opting for the visas to not discriminate against American workers.

"Some IT firms in India announced they were reducing the number of lower-experienced workers they were filing petitions for, meaning more of those jobs will stay in India rather than being relocated to the US, she added.

Applications for the coveted H-1B work visas saw a decline for the first time since 2014, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced amid a move to tighten rules that allow skilled workers, especially from India, to seek employment in the US.This year the agency has received 199,000 applications, a drop from 2,36,000 applications last year, a CNN report said. The number had been climbing since at least 2013, the report added."In an atmosphere of uncertainty, I suppose it is not surprising that fewer petitions were filed this year," Betsy Lawrence, the director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association, told CNN.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.Indian IT giants like TCS, Infosys and Wipro are among the major beneficiaries of H-1B visas.The annual cap on H-1B visas is 85,000, of which 20,000 are reserved for Master's degree holders.
New Delhi: India will have normal rains in the June-September monsoon season, the meteorological department said in its first official forecast on Tuesday, an announcement that will be greeted with a sense of relief by not only farmers but also economists and policymakers.



India will have 96% rainfall of long period average (LPA), said Dr KJ Ramesh, DGM, India Meteorological Department (IMD).



Normal spatial distribution of rainfall is expected this monsoon, which is good for agriculture and economy, he added.



The Indian governments official monsoon forecast is one of the most eagerly anticipated weather forecasts in the country. The livelihoods of a large majority of farmers, who do not have access to irrigation, are dependent on the monsoon rains. In turn, the fortunes of the Indian economy are directly correlated to the monsoon.



A normal monsoon this year would be the second consecutive year that India has received adequate precipitation, after the drought years of 2014 and 2015. The back to back droughts  only the fourth time this has happened in the last 110 years  affected the social and economic life in large parts of India.



The IMD has its own classification system for rainfall deficiency. How it is done is the following: The prediction for the amount of rainfall in any given year is benchmarked against the Long Period Average (LPA), which is an average value of the rainfall data for 50 years, taken from 1951 to 2001.



A value between 96% and 104% of the LPA is considered normal while a figure above the upper range is classified as above normal. Rainfall between 90%-96% of the LPA is below normal, and less than that is deficient.



The IMDs definition of drought is when the rainfall deficiency is more than 10% and around 20%-40% of the countrys geographical area suffers from drought, though there is a lot of politics involved in declaring a drought.



Skymet, a private weather forecaster, had earlier predicted that India will receive 95% of the LPA, or below normal rains. Its forecast was based on a prediction that the El Nino will revive from July onwards.



El Nino is a complex set of weather cycles that occur over the Pacific Ocean and affect climate patterns worldwide. The El Nino is characterised by warm surface temperatures over the Eastern Pacific Ocean, which results in heavy rain in South America and drier conditions over South and South East Asia and Australia.



Most global weather forecasting systems have predicted that the El Nino will revive in the second half of 2017, just around the time when Indias annual monsoon season gets underway, with implications for the countrys water and food security. It is in this backdrop that the IMDs forecast has to be viewed.
Lucknow Municipal Commissioner Udayraj Singh said, Firstly, we will try to shut down any meat shop that is found open in the city as now no one has the licence to sell meat. Secondly, we are not renewing licences until we get the instructions from the state government, till then we cannot allow any kind of sale of meat in the city. Police have been deployed to keep a check on these shops.

The famous Tundey Kebabi, which was once famous for its beef kebabs, has been serving mutton kebabs post the crackdown of illegal slaughterhouses and the shortage of beef caused by it.Very soon, the mutton kebabs can also be out of the menu as now mutton shops across Lucknow have been shut down after Lucknow Municipal Authority denied renewal of licences.Less than month ago and after the crackdown on illegal mechanised slaughterhouses by the Yogi government, there was a crisis-like situation for meat sellers. The situation remains the same as meat vendors have been denied licences.ALSO READ| After 5000 Meat Shops go on Strike, Lucknow Forced to Turn Vegetarian Around 147 of 600 meat shops in Lucknow had licences to sell meat, but as their licences expired 15th April, they are now illegal and cannot sell meat anymore. There was a 15-day grace period given to the meat vendors after their licences expired on March 31.ALSO READ| With No Buffalo Meat, Lucknow's Tunday Kebabs go Off Shelves Meat vendors of the city on Monday staged a protest in the Old Lucknow area near Shaheed Smarak and demanded renewal of their licences. They claimed that the non-renewal of licences by the LMC has deprived them of their livelihood; they also made a demand of financial assistance by the Yogi government in order to upgrade their shops as per the norms laid down by the Pollution Control Board and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.Secretary of Lucknow Bakri Murga Gosht Vyapar Mandal Abdul Hamid said families and vendors in large numbers have been hit hard by this crackdown; and that there should have been alternative arrangements before taking such a step. This is our source of income like many other vendors. The government is not listening to our problems, so we had to protest.
The constable had travelled continuously for four months on election duty before facing the violence on April 9. Originally from West Bengal, his unit travelled to Uttar Pradesh and Manipur before arriving in Kashmir.

After an anxious and sleepless night, the constables section  8 jawans  wished that everything would go peacefully as the day broke. By 6 am, a crowd of 500-600 people gathered at booth number 65 in Dharambug, Chadoora of Budgam district where the section was deployed. According to an Election Commission directive, only one section had to be deployed at each booth.

There has been a political storm over a video which went viral last week, showing youths in Srinagar assaulting a constable of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The jawan is seen being heckled, kicked and beaten up by the mob as he is seemingly returning from a polling station after the Srinagar Lok Sabha bypoll on April 9.The video led to a lot of angry responses, with some calling for retaliation from the armed forces posted in Kashmir. Far from these animated debates is the life of a 28-year-old jawan and his fellows, who survive in toughest circumstances, day after day, following the discipline and rules that govern them. As the video shows, the jawan practices restraint even in the face of hostility.News18 managed to speak to this brave constable whose identity is being withheld on request of CRPF.ALSO| Kicked in the Shin by a Civilian, Jawan Responds by Walking Away His unit was sent to UP for assembly polls and then to Manipur. On April 2 and 3, the unit was airlifted to Kashmir after an urgent request for additional forces by the administration. The abysmal voter turnout and violence during the polling showed how the administrations fears were based on intelligence from local sources.For CRPF jawans, such call of duty always comes with unexpected challenges. In this case, while the unit was airlifted to Kashmir, its mess was not. News18 couldnt find out the exact reason behind this but probably the Air force couldnt arrange the airlifting of the mess on such short notice. After being stranded in a hostile environment right in the beginning of their posting, a mess was locally arranged for the jawans.ALSO READ| Government Asks Paramilitary Forces to Use Plastic Bullets in Kashmir For the next few days, the jawans waited patiently for the orders. The final deployment was done on the midnight of April 8 for the April 9 polling.But soon, things went out of control. According to CRPF, the mob attacked the polling booth and broke the electronic voting machine (EVM). Within minutes, the presiding officer fled the spot.Fearing for their lives, the 8 jawans decided to march to the closest booth with the broken EVM. According to CRPF, the jawans were chased by the mob and the video which went viral shows only one part of the assault.The jawans, whom News18 spoke to on the condition of anonymity, said the section officer had given them specific instructions to not to retaliate, and certainly not open fire, as it could lead to heavy casualty.The jawans managed to disperse the crowd, using tear gas and mortar shells, before they reached the next booth and got more reinforcement.
"With effect from April 1, 2017 there will be extension of maternity leave to 26 weeks (182 calendar days), from 180 days, for regular employees," RIL's HR department said in a notice to company employees.

It introduced a 12-week leave for 'commissioning mothers', the notice said. Commissioning mothers are those who use surrogates to bear a child. The leave for such mothers is the same for working women adopting a baby below the age of three months.

The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, protects the employment of women during the time of her maternity and entitles her full paid absence from work, to take care of her child.

Reliance Industries has introduced a 12-week paid leave for 'commissioning' mothers who use surrogates to bear a child as per provisions of the new maternity law.A similar period of paid maternity leave will be provided for fixed term and trainee employees, up from current 84 days period. As per the new law, entitlement of maternity leave for third child onwards will be 12 weeks (rpt) weeks (84 calendar days).Also, RIL extended "adoption leave to 12 weeks, from 28 days, for a woman/single father colleague who adopts a child less than three months of age."The 12-week period of maternity leave will be calculated from the date the child is handed over to the adoptive mother.Parliament had last month passed new bill on maternity benefits for about 1.8 million women in the organised sector. The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 applies to all establishments employing 10 or more people.The amendment to the Act also requires every establishment with 50 or more employees to provide creche facilities within a prescribed distance. The woman will be allowed four visits to the creche in a day. This will include her interval for rest.(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to Centre on a petition seeking a national policy to promote and propagate the National Anthem, National Song and National Flag.



The petitioners have argued that the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act should be amended to introduce penalty for those who disrespect the National Anthem. The plea stated that the existing Act has provision to penalize an individual for disrespecting the flag, but not for disrespecting the national anthem.



There was a strong opposition to this from lawyers representing Kodungallur Film Society in Kerala who contended that the petition was not maintainable as it violated the separation of powers between the Centre and the states.



The three-judge bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra also issued a notice to the Centre on the plea to make Vande Mataram essential for all educational institutions. The government has been given four weeks to reply. The next hearing in the matter is on August 23.



The court is also considering to exempt people who are diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities, Parkinsons disease, stenosis, leprosy and polio from standing up during the national anthem. Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran had filed an intervention application in the apex court seeking relaxing in the norms for the disabled people.




New Delhi: Liquor baron Vijay Mallya was arrested by the Scotland Yard in London on Tuesday. Mallya, who is wanted in India for defaulting on loans worth Rs 9,000 crore will be produced before the Westminster Magistrates' Court. The former owner of Kingfisher Airlines has been declared an absconder in India and is likely to be extradited. A team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will visit the United Kingdom soon.



Heres what we know so far:



- Vijay Mallya has been granted bail for 650,000. Next hearing on May 17 for extradition



- Mallya is back home after getting bail around 12 noon London time



- He was arrested by the Scotland Yard at 9:30AM London time



- He will be produced before the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London



- A team from the Central Bureau of Investigation will visit the United Kingdom soon



- The decision lies with the UK court to either give Mallya bail or keep him in judicial custody



- The arrest was put in motion after Finance Minister Arun Jaitleys visit to London



- Jaitley personally requested personally appealed to British PM Theresa May to look into the issue



- As Mallya legally entered the UK, extradition was the move chosen rather than deportation



- The extradition process from the UK involves a number of steps, including a decision by the judge whether to issue a warrant of arrest



- In case of a warrant, the person is arrested and brought before the court for preliminary hearing followed by an extradition hearing before a final decision is taken by the secretary of state



- Key points used in extradition was charge sheet filed by CBI in January in the IDBI bank default case



- Charge sheet spoke of money laundering rather than loan default, thus ensuring early action by the UK



- More than half a dozen court warrants have already been issued in Mallya's name



- He owes banks at least Rs 9,000 crore
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from the Central government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on a plea by the veteran actor Amol Palekar challenging pre-censorship of the films by the board.



A bench of Justice A.K.Sikri and Justice Ashok Bhushan sought response as the veteran film actor contended that in the age of internet and social media, the existing set of rules providing for pre-censorship for the film have to undergo change.



Seeking directions for implementation of Shyam Benegal committee recommendations, Palekar has contended that the censor board does not have any qualification for its members.



Also seeking a revamp of the Cinematography Act, 1952 and the censor board, the petition says that the contents that are uploaded on social media are free from pre-censorship but those very things attract alternation, deletion or cuts when it comes to films.






The biggest blow to the Sasikala-Dinanakran camp yet is following statement from Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Thambidurai: OPS is always welcome to the party-fold. Thambidurai, the face of the Sasikala faction in New Delhi, made the statement while talking to CNN-News18. He, however, refused to comment on the FIR against Dinakaran.

With each step the Delhi Police are taking towards AIADMK deputy chief TTV Dinakaran, his posse of supporters seem to be taking one back.The second-most powerful leader in the party now finds himself increasingly isolated with ministers and party leaders seen as loyalists of his jailed aunt VK Sasikala giving thought to O Panneerselvams offer of a reunion.Panneerselvams offer has a rider  no Sasikala and no Dinakaran. But that didnt stop nine ministers of the Edappadi Palaniswami cabinet from going into a huddle late on Monday to discuss the turn of events. State finance minister Jayakumar even said the condition would be discussed by the MLAs. That discussion probably took place on Tuesday morning when party MLAs met onboard INS Chennai.Perhaps aware of the shifting loyalties, Dinakaran set out to meet his aunt in a Bengaluru jail on Monday morning, hours after the Delhi Police named him in an FIR for allegedly trying to influence the war over the partys electoral symbol.He returned to Chennai on Tuesday morning and his first meeting was with his legal team at his residence.The FIR was filed after the arrest of Dinakarans alleged middleman, Sukesh Chandrashekhar, from a five-star hotel in Delhi.The duo had reportedly struck a Rs 50 crore deal to try and influence officials within the Election Commission. Sources in the Delhi Police said the focus is on Delhi-centric investigation for now, following which Dinakaran would be summoned to join the investigation.Rumours, meanwhile, suggest that VK Sasikala has resigned as the party chief. This, however, has been denied by Jayakumar.
New Delhi: Even two days after BJP wound up its National Executive in Bhubaneswar, the larger import of the meeting - especially that of Prime Minister Narendra Modis concluding remarks - is still being discussed and debated within the top echelons of the party.



Lost in the hullabaloo of the gala celebrations to mark the emphatic victory in the just concluded state Assembly polls, was Prime Ministers cautioning note to party leaders to guard against the maladies of power.



It was a very powerful intervention. Prime Minister delved into all things the party stood for in the past when it was in opposition and Congress dominated the discourse. And he made it clear that when in power, we should desist from indulging in things we fought against all these years," said a senior party leader.



The Prime Minister, in his speech, spoke about the sacrifice made by the cadre during formative years.



He recalled how we sacrificed for a larger cause and sought to fight for issues we believed in - even at the cost of ignoring our families at times. So under no circumstances we should be complacent," said a senior BJP leader.



Prime Ministers comments were also being seen as warning against the Congressisation of the party which has registered an exponential growth in the last three years-both electoral and ideological.



There is a hunger in the BJP to grow and become an all-India party. The next target is obviously East and Southern India. But for us as a political organisation, it is equally important to maintain a distinct identity that sets us apart, says a party general secretary.



For electoral gains, BJP in the last three years has not shied away from bringing into its fold Congress turncoats. Congress-mukt Bharat is a declared goal.



However, the consequent metamorphosis due to imports - both in political culture and outlook - has been of concern to the RSS as well.



Power politics has its own perils, and political transformation, though slow, can impact an ideology-bound cadre based party to engender irreversible transmutative changes.



Political power, a BJP insider who has closely watched Modi for more than two decades says, stands on the twin pillars of credibility and hope. He now uses an interesting analogy to explain its dynamics.



There are two distinct components in an egg. The egg-white and the yellow-yolk. To dish out a good omelette, one has to mix the two properly. Similarly in politics, hope and credibility are the critical ingredients. And Modi knows any dent in the image- especially credibility- can be detrimental in the perception battle. So far, no allegations by the opposition against his government have really stuck," he says.



While he takes care of governance, the organsational build-up, on the other hand, is very nearly completely delegated by the PM to party president Amit Shah.



The task before the next Lok Sabha elections is clearly cut out. In the next five months, Shah will be extensively touring, focusing on areas where BJP is traditionally weak- especially eastern and southern States.



And he starts this campaign on the 10th May, from Tamil Nadu, where he will be spending three days to meet and interact with party workers at the booth level.



This will be followed by a visit each to West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, Lakhsdweep and Telangana.
Kolkata: Annoyed with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees support for those who eat beef, more than 12,000 priests at Jagannath Temple are gearing up to prevent her from entering the shrine on Wednesday.



Speaking to News18 over the telephone from Puri, Somanath Khuntia, secretary of Sri Jagannath Sevayat Sammilani said, Several times we have heard her make statements that there should not be any ban on beef consumption. We also saw her many times offering Namaz at a mosque during Muslim festivals. All these are against the culture of Lord Jagannath. We will not allow her to visit the Jagannath temple at any cost.



He said, We dont want someone to impure our Lord Jagannath Temple. She is openly supporting beef consumption. Last year, she said consumption of beef is not wrong. It shows that she may have tried beef. As per the temples rules, such people are not allowed inside the premises. We are going to stage a demonstration and will block the temples entry point.



On Tuesday morning, Khuntia and his supporters were detained after they raised slogans against Mamata Banerjee. They were released later in the day.



Condemning the protest, Trinamool Congress MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy said, The priests in Puri, who are opposing Mamatas visit, are speaking the language of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With the current political situation, we can see the country will once again split in the name of religion. This is very unfortunate. I can see a dangerous era in future. Its time for all of us to think how to deal with the bad forces. This is not the problem of TMC alone, but of people across Bengal."



Mamata is scheduled to arrive at Biju Patnaik International Airport at 8.55 pm on Tuesday. She will go to Puri by road and plans to offer prayer at the temple on Wednesday morning.



During her three-day stay in Bhubaneswar, she will meet jailed Trinamool Congress MPs Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Tapas Pal  both arrested in the Rose Valley Chit Fund Scam.



Insiders said Mamata is trying to explore the possibility of setting up a new front to take on BJP in Bengal and neighbouring states like Odisha ahead of the 2019 general elections. She may meet Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to discuss such an alliance.



When asked, Puri Superintendent of Police Sarthak Sarangi said, We have deployed an adequate number of policemen to prevent any law and order situation near the Jagannath Temple. The West Bengal CM is covered under Z Plus security, and therefore we have made adequate security arrangements.



Mamata is visiting Jagannath Temple after 47 years, sources told News18.


I respect our media,but at d same time,I would request them to respect other ppl visiting the temple n also my privacy on some occasions3/4 pic.twitter.com/a8W5cuzzdq  Robert Vadra (@irobertvadra) April 17, 2017

Influence to help; that's what I did by spending time with underprivileged. A simple act of "cutting cake" gave them joy!Please do your bit pic.twitter.com/NfcaPxUOj8  Robert Vadra (@irobertvadra) April 17, 2017

As part of my bday week,I spent time with visually impaired;d most enlightening and fulfilling experience. Pls reach out & feel the response pic.twitter.com/Z9r2am6b0S  Robert Vadra (@irobertvadra) April 16, 2017

On a Pakistani army court awarding death sentence to Kulbhushan Jadhav, Vadra wrote, Five Indians before Jadhav were arrested by Pakistan on charges of spying and they died, awaiting justice in Pakistani jails, according to media reports. In retaliation, our government has decided to not send back 12 Pakistani prisoners. Is that all we can do for the Indians held by Pakistan? For the sake of entire nation, the government should take every step to save Jadhavs life.

If you read comments on most of my writings, people ask me to join politics, Vadra said, adding, They say we need you, you should join politics, etc.

According to sources within Congress, Vadra is already part of the close group which advises Gandhis on issues like tying up with Akhilesh Yadav for Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

Robert Vadra is undergoing an image makeover fueling speculation that he could be preparing ground for his entry into active politics. Congress president Sonia Gandhis son-in-law and Priyanka Gandhis husband has, of late, been spending time with the underprivileged sections of the society and putting up photos and videos of such moments on social media.Quite contrary to his popular image of being a businessman who doesnt mind flaunting his wealth or his fascination with fitness regimens, Vadra these days is more seen feeding the poor outside AIIMS hospital and Hanuman Mandir in Delhi. In another post, he is cutting a cake with visually impaired children.A special day is not special until you do something new or different that makes others happy. Too old to cut cakes, but I always enjoy... with the children who need our love. They cant see, but their other senses are so strong... their reactions and smiles... feels all so worth of it, Vadra wrote recently.A scroll through Vadras Facebook or Twitter page reveals that he has been putting across his point of view on all important, and often controversial, issues.He had an opinion to share on the recent spate of racist attacks on Nigerian students in Greater Noida, Tarun Vijays racist remark on South Indians, and on the debate around liquor ban.So whats cooking? News18 asked Vadra himself if he is about to take the plunge. Interestingly, he didnt shy away from the query.Vadra said if he had wanted, it would not have been very difficult for him to enter politics in the last 20 years.So does Sonia Gandhis son-in-law now want to enter politics? And if yes, when?I will work for it and the people. And only when the people feel I can make a change, would I join politics. Not for any other reason, no matter how easy. I have to earn it myself, he said.On whether Priyanka should join politics, Vadra has consistently said that its her choice.Working behind the scene is one thing, but it wont be easy for Vadra to become a public face of the Congress. Time and again, he has been accused of financial irregularities in business deals, and is facing multiple investigations.Even the Congress has been inconsistent in its approach towards Vadra. From defending him after every accusation to calling him a private businessman and backtracking, the party has always found it difficult to deal with him. Finally, Sonia Gandhi had to publicly challenge the BJP to initiate legal proceedings against Vadra.Theres no denying that the cases against him provide an easy ammunition to the BJP to target the Gandhi family. Some Congressmen also fear that if Priyanka Gandhi was to play an active role in politics or contest an election, the BJP would be quick to rake up the cases and probes against Vadra.And then there are those who feel the time has come to face the BJP head on. How long can we live in fear? We might as well have Vadra joining politics, said a Congress leader who didnt want to be named. He said active politics will provide Vadra with a better chance to counter the cases against him as political witch hunting.Vadra had participated in the Congress campaign in Amethi during the last Lok Sabha polls and has never said no to politics. The question is if his social media philanthropy is an attempt to earn himself a bigger role.When asked if Vadra can work for the beleaguered Congress, political analyst Rasheed Kidwai said, Vadra joining politics makes sense if Priyanka Gandhi also joins. Together, they would give Congressmen a reason to struggle and provide a protective ring... Alone, he would face more criticism and ridicule.Maybe thats what the Congress is working on.
Lucknow: The third cabinet meeting of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths government on Tuesday lasted just an hour. The CM took some important decisions, including changing the names of Agra and Gorakhpur airports.



It was also decided that Pradhan Mantri Bima Yojna be implemented within two years' time. Ministers Shrikant Sharma and Siddharth Nath Singh apprised the media of the major decisions taken during the meeting in Lok Bhawan.



The major announcement, however, was the rechristening of the Agra and Gorakhpur airports to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport and Maha Yogi Gorakh Nath Terminal respectively.



Insurance of farmers crops and E-tendering of government tenders were also among the decisions taken in the third cabinet meeting of the Yogi government.



Also, twelve new agricultural science centres will be opened in the state by the Department of Agriculture.



Besides this, procurement of potatoes directly from the farmers will be done at a base price of Rs 487 per quintal, and the movie Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi' - a biopic on Vijaya Raje Scindia's - was declared tax free in Uttar Pradesh.



The Viklang Kalyan Vibah (Disabled Welfare Department) will be known as Divyang Kalyan Vibhag (Divyang Welfare Department) from now onwards.
Google has launched a re-designed version of its free Earth mapping service, Google Earth. This time, it has woven in storytelling and artificial intelligence and freed it from apps."This is our gift to the world," Google Earth director Rebecca Moore said while giving AFP an early look at the new version of the program that lets people range the planet from the comfort of their computers, smartphones or tablets."It's a product that speaks to our deepest values around education and making information available to people."A new 'Voyager' feature enables people digitally exploring the planet to be guided on interactive stories told by experts, boasting partners including BBC Earth, NASA, Sesame Street, and the Jane Goodall Institute.Google artificial intelligence will be put to work for Earth users in the form of "knowledge cards" that let them dive deeper into online information about mountains, countries, landmarks or other places being virtually visited.It will also make suggestions on other locations armchair explorers might be interested in exploring based on what they have searched in the past."This is the first time we have done this deep integration with the Google Knowledge Graph," Earth engineering manager Sean Askay said."Everything Google knows about the world, you can know about the world."There is also a newly installed "Feeling Lucky?" feature for people who want to let the software suggest hidden gems such as Pemba Island off the Swahili coast or the Oodaira Hot Spring in Yamagata, Japan.People can choose to fly around the world in Earth, using a 3-D button to see the Grand Canyon, Chateau Loire Valley and other stunning spots from any angles they wish."With the new Earth, we want to open up different lenses for you to see the world and learn a bit about how it all fits together; to open your mind with new stories while giving you a new perspective on the locations and experiences you cherish," Earth product manager Gopal Shah said in a blog post.Online explorers cruising the mobile version of Earth can also capture pictures on their travels, sending friends digital postcards.New Earth was launched on Google's Chrome and Android software, with versions tailored for Apple devices and other internet browsing software promised soon.It's the first time that Earth can be reached on a web browser instead of through applications installed on devices.The move allows Google to tap into more powerful computing power at data centres in the internet "cloud" instead of relying on the capabilities of smartphones and other devices.
WASHINGTON U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday will sign an executive order directing federal agencies to recommend changes to a temporary visa program used to bring foreign workers to the United States to fill high-skilled jobs.



Two senior Trump administration officials who briefed reporters at the White House said Trump will also use the "buy American and hire American" order to seek changes in government procurement practices to increase the purchase of American products in federal contracts.



Trump is to sign the order when he visits the world headquarters of Snap-On Inc, a tool manufacturer in Kenosha, Wisconsin.



The order is an attempt by Trump to carry out his "America First" campaign pledges to reform U.S. immigration policies and encourage purchases of American products. As he nears the 100-day benchmark of his presidency, Trump has no major legislative achievements to tout but has used executive orders to seek regulatory changes to help the U.S. economy.



The order he will sign on Tuesday will call for "the strict enforcement of all laws governing entry into the United States of labor from abroad for the stated purpose of creating higher wages and higher employment rates for workers in the United States," one of the senior officials said.



It will call on the departments of Labor, Justice, Homeland Security and State to take action to crack down on what the official called "fraud and abuse" in the U.S. immigration system to protect American workers.



The order will call on those four federal departments to propose reforms to ensure H-1B visas are awarded to the most skilled or highest paid applicant.



H-1B visas are intended for foreign nationals in "specialty" occupations that generally require higher education, which according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) includes, but is not limited to, scientists, engineers or computer programmers. The government uses a lottery to award 65,000 visas every year and randomly distributes another 20,000 to graduate student workers.



The number of applications for H-1B visas fell to 199,000 this year from 236,000 in 2016, according U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.



Companies say they use visas to recruit top talent. More than 15 percent of Facebook Inc's U.S. employees in 2016 used a temporary work visa, according to a Reuters analysis of U.S. Labor Department filings.



Facebook, Microsoft Corp and Apple Inc were not immediately available for a comment outside normal business hours.



A majority of the H-1B visas are, however, awarded to outsourcing firms, sparking criticism by skeptics who say those firms use the visas to fill lower-level information technology jobs. Critics also say the lottery system benefits outsourcing firms that flood the system with mass applications.



The senior official said the end result of how the system currently works is that foreign workers are often brought in at less pay to replace American workers, "violating the principle of the program."



Indian nationals are by far the largest group of recipients of the H-1B visas issued each year to new applicants.



NASSCOM, the Indian IT service industry's main lobby group, said it supports efforts to root out any abuses occurring in the H-1B system, but slammed allegations against the sector, saying the idea that H-1B visa holders are cheap labor, is inaccurate and a campaign to discredit the sector.



It warned that any onerous additional restrictions to the visa program would "hurt thousands of U.S. businesses and their efforts to be more competitive," by hindering access to needed talent. NASSCOM said it would comment further when there are specific proposals under consideration.



The Indian commerce ministry, which has been liaising with the United States on the visa issue, declined to comment. A senior ministry official said it would wait for "actual action" before making any official comment. India had urged the U.S. to be open minded on admitting skilled Indian workers.



India's No. 2 IT Services firm Infosys has said it is ramping up work on on-site development centers in the United States to train local talent in a bid to address the visa regulation changes under consideration.



Infosys also warned on an investor call last week that its operating margin forecast for fiscal 2018 may get impacted by onerous changes to U.S. visa rules.



Trump's new executive order will also ask federal agencies to look at how to get rid of loopholes in the government procurement process.



Specifically, the review will take into account whether waivers in free-trade agreements are leading to unfair trade by allowing foreign companies to undercut American companies in the global government procurement market.



"If it turns out America is a net loser because of those free-trade agreement waivers, which apply to almost 60 countries, these waivers may be promptly renegotiated or revoked," the second official said.
"Pakistan itself is victim of state sponsored terrorism, it strongly rejects allegations of employing proxies from its soil," the Army chief said.

McMaster arrived in Islamabad on Monday on an unannounced visit, a day after he hinted the US could take a tougher stance on Pakistan.

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa on Tuesday rejected allegations that Pakistan has been employing proxies from its soil.General Bajwa's statement came during his meeting with US National Security Adviser, Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster.During the meeting, McMaster was briefed about Pakistan's war on terror and its contributions to regional and global stability. He acknowledged the Pakistan Army's efforts in eliminating terrorists and their infrastructure, the Inter-Services Public Relation said.McMaster assured that the US will continue to support Pakistan in bringing peace and stability in the region, as well as the globe.It was the first visit by a top member of President Donald Trump's administration to Pakistan, and came after a stop in neighbouring Afghanistan where he suggested Washington may take a stronger line on Islamabad, for years seen as an unreliable US ally.
Islamabad: Pakistan's Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on Thursday on the high-profile Panamagate case involving Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif and his children, a ruling which could "make or break" the country's most powerful political family.



The verdict is scheduled to be issued at 2 PM on April 20, confirmed the supplementary cause list released by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.



The Supreme Court of Pakistan said on February 23, after both the defence and prosecution completed their arguments, that it would reserve its verdict on the Panamagate case and issue a detailed judgement.



The case is about alleged illegal money laundering by Sharif in 1990s when he twice served as Prime Minister to purchase assets in London.



The assets surfaced when Panama papers showed that they were managed through offshore companies owned by Sharif's children.



The five-member bench hearing the case had asked the Sharif family to produce documentary evidence to establish Prime Minister's son Hussain Nawaz as beneficial owner of Park Lane flats in London, in accordance with the family's claim.



It is believed that the outcome of the case is make or break for 67-year-old Sharif ahead of election due next year.



Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi termed the impending ruling as an important decision in the country's history.



"After waiting 57 days, the decision has come. We hope the decision benefits the country," Qureshi was quoted as saying by the Dawn.



Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, one of the petitioners in the case, referred to the court's announcement as a "historical verdict for the sub-continent".



"We will accept whatever verdict the great judges put forth," said Rashid, and added that further course of action will be discussed with the PTI chief on Wednesday.



"Justice will win and corruption will lose," said the AML chief.



The case filed by various petitioners Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan, Jamaat-i-Islami emir Sirajul Haq and Sheikh Rashid Ahmed essentially seeks disqualification of Prime Minister Sharif over his alleged misstatement in his address to the nation on April 5 and his speech before the National Assembly on May 16, 2016.



The petitioners claim that the prime minister lied about the investments made by his children in offshore companies, which led to the acquisition of four apartments in Londons upscale Park Lane neighbourhood.



According to documents available on the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists website, Sharif's children Mariam, Hasan and Hussain "were owners or had the right to authorise transactions for several companies".




Seoul: US Vice President Mike Pence arrives in Tokyo on Tuesday bringing a renewed commitment to Japan's security amid a growing threat from a nuclear armed North Korea.



Throughout his bare knuckle election campaign, US President Donald Trump repeatedly called into question a mutual defense treaty between Japan and the United States, suggesting Tokyo should pay for its own security.



But now, Pence will try to reassure his jittery hosts that those decades-old security commitments are ironclad, a necessity made more acute as tensions rise over Pyongyang's latest missile test and Washington's refusal to rule out military action against the regime.



Defying international pressure, the North on Sunday test-fired another missile and fears are growing it may also be preparing a sixth nuclear test.



North Korea could react to a potential US strike by targeting South Korea or Japan, and officials in Tokyo and Seoul have been ill at ease with the more bellicose language deployed by Trump's administration.



During a visit to the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea on Monday, Pence pointed to the new president's recent strikes on a Syrian airbase and an Islamic State complex in Afghanistan as a warning to Pyongyang not to underestimate the administration's resolve.



"All options are on the table" in pushing for an end to Pyongyang's nuclear programme, Pence said, adding that the era of US "strategic patience" in dealing with the regime was over.



Washington is worried that North Korea may soon build a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the United States. Like South Korea, Japan already faces a direct threat from the secretive regime.



In February, the North simultaneously fired four ballistic missiles off its east coast, three of which fell provocatively close to Japan, in what it said was a drill for an attack on US bases in the country.



Pence's Japanese hosts will likely be cautious about any US military action that could trigger a broader regional conflict.



Their hope is that the White House will focus on pressuring China, Pyongyang's only major ally and biggest trade partner, to redouble its efforts to rein in the regime and prompt North Korea to return to the negotiating table after it abandoned the six-party talks in 2009.



"With close coordination, I expect we will strongly demand North Korea to refrain from taking provocative actions and to adhere to UN Security Council resolutions," said Japanese government spokesman Yoshihide Suga.



Pence's trip will also feature a heavy economic focus. Trump's decision to scrap a 12-nation trans-Pacific trade deal was a blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who expended substantial political capital to get the deal passed at home.



In Tokyo, there is still hope that the core of the agreement, thrashed out between the United States and Japan and intended to counterbalance China's regional economic power, can be salvaged in some form. But US officials say expectations of an ambitious bilateral trade deal may be premature.
Washington: US President Donald Trump has said he will get down to some "very serious business" with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping when they meet next week for their first summit.



"Next week, as you know, in Florida at the southern White House, we're having the president of China and a large group from China, his representatives, and we're going to get down to some very serious business," Trump told reporters at an Oval Office ceremony to sign executive orders on trade.



On April 6 and 7, Trump and Xi would meet at the President's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, often described as the 'Southern White House'.



"We look forward to it (meeting with Xi). I've spoken to him numerous times on the phone. We look very much forward to it," Trump said.



At his daily news conference, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters that the meeting with President Xi would be a difficult one.



"I don't think it's a surprise to anybody in terms of we've got both national security issues in terms of our political posture towards North Korea, the threat of a missile that extends further and further, the tests that they're using, their nuclear capability.



Those should all be very concerning," he said in response to a question.



"Then on the trade front, we've got serious concerns with what they're doing, our trade practices with them, some of the things that were mentioned in the past. There's a lot of areas that we need to be concerned about with trade," he said.



Spicer said it would not be like a "sit around and play patty-cake" kind of conversation between the two Presidents and they would discuss "big issues".



"The President has been making it very clear for decades, frankly, of the challenges that we face. And I think he wants to have a very good and respectful and healthy relationship," Spicer said.



"But he also wants to make sure that he tackles the challenges and the problems that are facing American workers and American manufacturers and get to them," he said. Meanwhile, US Commerce Secretary William Ross has alleged that China is one of the most protectionist country in the world.



"My view is that the United States is about the least protectionist of the major countries, and that China is one of the most protectionist," he was quoted as saying by media reports.



"There's an inherent clash between those two, even though China uses a tremendous amount of free trade rhetoric. We'd like the rhetoric and the behaviour to become more congruent," he said.



In a statement, Senator Bob Casey said he has consistently opposed bad trade deals and called for action against countries like China that "cheat" on trade. "We have to crack down on countries that cheat and we must renegotiate bad trade deals," he said.
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Benjai injured in bottle attack in Guyana

According to reports out of Georgetown, Benjai was attacked outside the Palm Court restaurant and bar, where he had performed earlier, by one of its regular patrons.

Eyewitnesses told Inews Guyana that Benjai had already finished his performance and was preparing to leave the club when the incident occurred.

It was reported that he was outside the club talking with a group of fans when the driver of a car was reversing into them.

One person in the group knocked on the cars trunk car to alert the driver that he was reversing into them.

The driver, known as Imran, reportedly jumped out of the car and confronted Benjai about someone knocking on his car.

When he attempted to calm things down, Imran reportedly started to curse Benjai and threatened to use his firearm. As he tried to talk sense into the driver another man got out of the car with a bottle in his hand and hit Benjai across his face with it.

He fell to the ground and was immediately taken to a private hospital. He sustained two large cuts, one closer to the ear and the other in the area of his jaw bone. He received over 20 stitches.

Newsday understands that Benjai left Guyana yesterday after making a report.

The Guyanese police are investigating the incident.

Newsday was yesterday unable to contact him by phone.
The Race to Control the

House Comes Down to 5


Good news: The wallet lost by Isolde Zitzewitz in a Washington state Bon Marche has been found. Bad news: The wallet appears to have been lost nearly 60 years ago, the Bon Marche is long gone, and Zitzewitz died in 2009. The wallet-turned-time capsule was discovered by a construction crew demolishing what is now a Macy's in downtown Spokane. It fell out of a drainpipe six stories off the ground (it's unclear how the wallet ended up in such an improbable spot). The wallet worked its way up the chain of command from the construction crew, eventually landing in the newsroom of the Spokesman-Review.

The wallet contained Zitzewitz's ID cards for the Women's Army Corps; a credit card that predates American Express; a US Army vehicle operator's license; a Fred Meyer receipt for ice cream and coffee; a joke card handed out by commissioned officers when their subordinates complained; and more. None of the documents, some of which are in German, are dated past 1958. A volunteer researcher at the Eastern Washington Genealogical Society tracked down Zitzewitz, discovering she died in 2009, apparently without ever marrying or having children. But the Spokesman-Review found her nephew, Gus Zitzewitz, who describes his aunt as "extremely educated" and worldly. He says she never mentioned losing her wallet. Read the full story here. (Read more lost and found stories.)
Authorities searched Grand Canyon National Park on Monday for a teenager and his step-grandmother who were swept away as they tried to cross a creek during a family trip in a remote part of the park, the AP reports. Two fellow hikers in their group alerted officials over the weekend by setting off an emergency GPS locator beacon in the backcountry below the canyon's North Rim, according to Chief Ranger Matt Vandzura of the National Park Service. He said the 14-year-old boy and 62-year-old woman lost their footing and were swept away Saturday in Tapeats Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River that runs through the Arizona landmark.

Vandzura said it's too early in the investigation to determine what went wrong. No rain or flash flooding was reported in the area, but it was not known whether the water level of the creek was higher than usual. Creeks in the canyon often see higher water levels in the spring as snow melts, Vandzura said. An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter searched for the missing pair Saturday night, and the Park Service sent a helicopter and several ground crews to comb the area Sunday. The Park Service resumed the search Monday with ground crews, a helicopter and a drone. (Read more Grand Canyon stories.)
Snowmelt and rain are in abundance for the first time in years in Central Valley, Calif., which boasts so much farmland it helps feed much of the world. But the state's five-year drought was so bad that all those farms sucked up enough groundwater to sink a solid three feet, thereby reducing the region's water storage capacity, reports a new study out of Stanford University. "California is getting all of this rain, but in the Central Valley, there has been a loss of space to store it," says a researcher tells Courthouse News; they used satellite technology to precisely calculate the changes in elevation. "When too much water is taken out of clay, its structure is rearranged at the microscopic level and it settles into a new configuration that has less storage space."

Unfortunately, she adds, that change is irreversibleand extracting groundwater in the future will be harder, "like trying to suck water from a really thin straw." The record-setting drought made things dramatically worse fast, but it isn't entirely to blame; farmers have been over-pumping groundwater for decades, reports the Central Valley Business Times. But as the researchers report in the journal Water Resources Research, there are solutions to the problem, including compelling farmers to draw water from the sandy or gravel layers of earth instead of clay, as they are less likely to permanently compact and replenish more easily through rainfall. Researchers are now trying to map Central Valley's sediment layers to better inform future solutions. (There's more silver lining on the drought front.)
North Korea's deputy UN ambassador accused the United States on Monday of turning the Korean Peninsula into "the world's biggest hotspot" and creating "a dangerous situation in which a thermonuclear war may break out at any moment." Kim In Ryong told a news conference that "if the US dares opt for a military action," North Korea "is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the US," the AP reports. He said the Trump administration's deployment of the Carl Vinson nuclear carrier task group to waters off the Korean Peninsula again "proves the US' reckless moves for invading the DPRK have reached a serious phase of its scenario." Kim stressed that US-South Korean military exercises being staged now are the largest-ever "aggressive war drill" aimed at his country, formally the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The prevailing grave situation proves once again that the DPRK was entirely just when it increased in every way its military capabilities for self-defense and pre-emptive attack with a nuclear force as a pivot," he said. Tensions have escalated over North Korean moves to accelerate its weapons development. The North conducted two nuclear tests and 24 ballistic missile tests last year, defying six Security Council sanctions resolutions banning any testing, and it has conducted additional missile tests this year including one this past weekend that failed. Kim spoke on a day that US Vice President Mike Pence traveled to the tense zone dividing North and South Korea and warned Pyongyang that after years of testing the US and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, "the era of strategic patience is over." (Read more North Korea stories.)
In a rambling video, Steve Stephens said, "I snapped, I just snapped." But as the manhunt dragged on Monday for the man accused of posting Facebook footage of himself killing a retiree, police were unable to explain what set him off. "Only Steve knows that," Cleveland police Chief Calvin Williams said as authorities posted a $50,000 reward for Stephens' capture in the shooting of Robert Godwin Sr., a 74-year-old former foundry worker. A manhunt that started in Cleveland's gritty east side expanded rapidly into a nationwide search for Stephens, a 37-year-old job counselor who worked with teens and young adults, police said. "He could be nearby. He could be far away or anywhere in between," FBI agent Stephen Anthony said, per the AP.

Law enforcement officials said Stephens' cellphone signal was last detected on Sunday afternoon in Erie, Pennsylvania, about 100 miles east of Cleveland. Detectives spoke with Stephens on Sunday by cellphone and tried to persuade him to surrender, police said. In the video, Stephens blamed a former girlfriend he had lived with for his crime, saying he woke up last week and "couldn't take it anymore." But in a statement Monday, the woman shed little light on what might have gone wrong and said Stephens was good to her and her children. As for the shooting victim, Godwin appeared to have been selected at random, gunned down while picking up aluminum cans Sunday afternoon after spending Easter with some of his children. Investigators said that Godwin was the only victim so far linked to Stephens, despite his claim in a separate video on Facebook that he killed more than a dozen people. (Read more murder stories.)
In late 1944, the UN War Crimes Commission indicted Adolf Hitler in secret, and it's far from the only clandestine thing related to the commission, which was commissioned before the actual United Nations was in 1945. As the Guardian reports, the secret material held in the UNWCC's archive for decades is now being made public. Previously, only researchers with government and the UN secretary general's approval could read the documents, many of which were smuggled out of Eastern Europe and used in subsequent Nazi trials. They'll be accessible online through the London-based Wiener Library, which describes itself as the "world's oldest Holocaust library." Its archivist says "it may well be that people will be able to rewrite crucial chapters of history using the new evidence." Among some of the details already making press:

The Jewish News hails the "extraordinary detail" collected about Adolf Hitler's concentration camps, flagging an April 1944 description of how "the terracotta floors in the chambers became very slippery when wet."

Haaretz reports the material was removed from Eastern Europe beginning in 1943, which it interprets thusly: "the West knew of Nazi war crimes before discovering concentration camps." (Per the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, the first major camp was found in 1944, with Auschwitz, Buchenwald, and Bergen-Belsen liberated in 1945.)

The Independent alters that date a hair and makes a more forceful assertion, writing, "The Allied Powers were aware of the scale of the Jewish Holocaust two-and-a-half years earlier than is generally assumed ... as early as December 1942, the US, UK and Soviet governments were aware that at least 2 million Jews had been murdered" and another 5 million were threatened.

Another surprise from the archive, per the Guardian: Its documents show war crime tribunals were taking on crimes of rape and forced prostitution in the late 1940s, though it's popularly been thought the "legal innovation" arose after the 1990s Bosnian conflict.

(In other World War II-related news, a tunnel under a death camp turned legend into reality .)
Kalimah Truesdale isn't a lawyer or a member of the NYPD. In fact, when she got the call informing her that her brother was being charged with murder, she was at her job at Home Depot. And yet she was "the one who cracked" the 2009 case, Robert Grossman, a lawyer whose specialty is post-conviction cases, tells the New Yorker. The magazine outlines a little sister's dogged quest to free her wrongfully convicted brother. That phone call came in 2011, two years after a teen was murdered in her Bronx neighborhood. Steven Odiase, then 25 and five years older than his sister, was identified by a self-admitted "buzzed" witness as one of the two shooters and convicted. And Truesdale's quest began. She began asking around, and secretly recording anyone who seemed to know something about the crime.

And she found somethinga female eyewitness who said it wasn't Odiasebut a new motion was denied and Odiase was in 2013 sentenced to 25 years to life. It was Odiase who learned about Grossman and his partner, Jonathan Edelstein, and they followed up on Truesdale's digging, sending a PI to talk to the woman. She said she had told what she saw to a detective. That confused Truesdale, who didn't remember seeing her name in the police report. What happened next caused Grossman to exclaim "Holy s---!" The attorneys ended up with two copies of the police report, one that referenced the woman, and one that didn't. Odiase's trial attorney had been given the latter. "This was not an accident," Edelstein says. On Monday, the guilty verdict was vacated and Odiase was released; the Bronx DA tells the New York Times she is not sure whether she will retry the case. Read the New Yorker's piece in full. (Read more wrongful conviction stories.)
President Trump congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyp Erdogan Monday on winning a controversial referendum that expands his powers, but the US State Department was more wary. Hours before Trump's phone call to the Turkish leader, State Department spokesman Mark Toner echoed the concerns of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe when he pointed to "observed irregularities" in Sunday's voting and "an uneven playing field" before the vote, the AP reports. "We look to the government of Turkey to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its citizens," Toner said, per the Washington Post. The official result was 51.3% to 48.7%.

The White House said that Trump had also thanked Erdogan for supporting his airstrike against Syria earlier this month and discussed the fight against ISIS, the BBC reports. When asked about the referendum earlier, press secretary Sean Spicer said: "They have a right to have elections and their people participated in that," adding that the US will wait for an international commission to review the results. Erdogan rejected criticism of the referendum as a sign of a "crusader mentality." He said it was the "most democratic election" ever held and told international observers they should "know their place." (Read more Recep Tayyip Erdogan stories.)
Katt Williams won't be going to prison for his role in a 2014 camera theft that landed Suge Knight back behind bars. The comedian, who'd been facing up to seven years in prison for taking a paparazzo's camera near a Beverly Hills studio, will serve three years' probation and was also ordered to attend anger management classes for a year after pleading no contest to a robbery charge Monday, the Los Angeles Times reports. Williams' lawyer said he only took the camera to delete photos of Knight's son, who'd been visiting the studio, the AP reports. Knight is still awaiting trial for the robbery and in a separate murder case. (Read more Katt Williams stories.)
If the USS Carl Vinson is supposed to be near the Korean peninsula sending an ominous signal to North Korea, nobody informed the USS Carl Vinson. Despite a slew of reports suggesting that the aircraft carrier was in the area, or about to be, a report at Defense News reveals the reality: The Vinson is currently about 3,500 miles away, taking part in military exercises with the Australian navy south of Singapore. That's not to say the carrier won't get to the Korean peninsula, but even if it left now and traveled at its top speed, it would take four to five days, reports Stars and Stripes. Defense officials tell CNN that things won't happen that quickly: They expect the Vinson and its strike group to arrive off the Korean peninsula around the end of the month.

Just don't expect an announcement about the destination from the Navy, which doesn't divulge details about the location of its warships. Stars and Stripes notes that reports suggesting the Vinson was high-tailing it toward North Korea have come from officials in Washington, not the Navy, which has said more broadly that the carrier is moving toward the "Western Pacific Ocean" and avoided any mention of a timetable. Last week, President Trump spoke of "sending an armada" to the region, and reports about the Vinson even caught the attention of North Korea, which called it "nothing but a reckless action of aggression to aggravate the tensions in the region." (Read more USS Carl Vinson stories.)
British Prime Minister Theresa May dropped what's seen as a political bombshell Tuesday with a surprise call for an early election in June. The next election had been scheduled for 2020, and May had repeatedly ruled out a snap election before then, but the fallout over Brexit has changed things, reports the Guardian. "I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead is to hold this election," said May, per the BBC. Last month, May formally set things in motion for Britain to exit the European Union in two years, and she complained Tuesday that opposition parties, including Labour, were threatening to hold up the process.

The country is coming together but Westminster is not," she said. Essentially, May is betting that voters will give her ruling Conservative Party a mandate as the complex EU negotiations continue, explains the New York Times. The flip side, of course, is that a loss would cast "deep uncertainty" over the talks, notes the Washington Post. May's party currently holds 330 seats of the 650-seat House of Commons. She wants the election held on June 8, but it's not a certainty: May will formally propose the idea to the House of Commons on Wednesday, where it must be approved by a two-thirds majority. May could also try to repeal the 2011 law requiring that two-thirds majority, notes the Times. (Read more Theresa May stories.)
The battle between conservative personality Tomi Lahren and probably soon-to-be ex-boss Glenn Beck continues nearly a month after she was suspended from Beck's network, the Blaze. Despite Lahren's wrongful-termination suit against the two parties, Beck insists she wasn't fired and is still under contract, and he and the network have now filed a countersuit against her, TMZ reports. Beck's complaint says her show was taken off the air after she made "shocking and disappointing" pro-choice comments on The View in mid-March, though it says she'll continue to be paid under a "pay or play" provision, per the Washington Post. The countersuit also says Lahren, whom it accuses of breaching her contract, was rabble-rousing at work for some time, where she "embarrassed the company" with remarks that "were uninformed and inconsistent," the Dallas Morning News reports.

Among Lahren's alleged infractions listed in the countersuit, per the Post: She was "divisive" and rubbed colleagues the wrong way, was "unprofessional" toward the crew, and openly complained about the company. A Dallas County judge offered Lahren some good news Monday, ruling she's still allowed to post on her Facebook page, though a condition of that is that she can't trash Beck or the Blaze; they also can't badmouth her. Their lawyer maintains Lahren was never barred from posting on Facebook. A new filing by Lahren's lawyer Monday asks for her to be released from her contract, which expires Sept. 30, and to allow her to reveal "misconduct" by Beck and the Blaze. Those parties, meanwhile, want to keep her from public appearances or commenting without their OK, per the countersuit. There will be a hearing in two weeks. (Lahren was once "the rising star of the right.")
An eyebrow-raising new study assesses the extent of distracted driving, with stats revealing just how many people use their cellphones while behind the wheel. "Damn near everybody  damn near all the time," Wired concludes after reviewing the Zendrive report, which the driving analytics company says is the biggest distracted-driving study done so far. (Even Zendrive CEO Jonathan Matus admits to Wired he's checked out his phone while driving "more than I care to admit.") Three months' worth of data was culled from more than 3 million unnamed drivers who took over 570 million car rides over 5.6 billion miles, and the numbers are staggeringly worrisome: Drivers used their cellphones on 88% of the trips they took, with average phone use coming in at 3.5 minutes per every hour of driving.

Just over three minutes may not seem like a huge chunk of time, but a 2015 Oregon State University study cited by PCMag.com found that taking your eyes off the road for only two seconds can up your chance of an accident by anywhere from four to 24 times. The study's sample means that over the whole US there may be up to 600 million trips each day that fall under the "distracted" umbrella. If you're planning a road trip anytime soon, Vermont ranks as the state with the most distracted drivers, while Oregon drivers pay the most attention to the road. Zendrive offers some good news: There seems to be correlation among states with laws banning handheld phone use by drivers and states with the lowest level of drivers actually using their phones behind the wheelthough such a law hasn't kept Vermont from its prime-offender spot. (Texting mars our "sixth sense" while driving.)
One of the first major assessments of the 2016 campaign is out Tuesday in the form of a book called Shattered: Inside Hillary Clintons Doomed Campaign, by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes. In addition to a detailed account of the campaign, it provides a look at its final hours. The bad news began about 7:45pm when a Democratic vote-counter stunned insiders by declaring that Florida was lost. After 11, President Obama called Clinton and urged her to concede. Soon she did just that, with her first call to her rival to say, "Congratulations, Donald" and the second to Obama to say, "Mr. President, I'm sorry." So how did she get to that point? Some takeaways from reviews of the book:

NPR: "There is no Big Reveal, no shocking secret answer. Instead we get a slow-building case against the concept and execution of the Clinton campaign, with plenty of fault falling squarely on the candidate herself."

Axios bullets some highlights, including that aide Huma Abedin "couldn't be counted on to relay constructive criticism to Hillary without pointing a finger at the critic." And another that Obama thought Clinton's handling of her email server mess "amounted to political malpractice."

Daily Beast: "More damning than any anecdote of petty infighting or a deadly devotion to data, however, is the books verdict on the main reason for Clintons loss: Clinton herself."

New York Times: "The portrait of the Clinton campaign that emerges from these pages is that of a Titanic-like disaster: an epic fail made up of a series of perverse and often avoidable missteps by an out-of-touch candidate and her strife-ridden staff that turned 'a winnable race' into 'another iceberg-seeking campaign ship.'" Among other things, the book notes that the campaign ignored the advice of Bill Clinton and others to more aggressively court white working-class voters and millennials.

Washington Post: But "does it really matter who was pissy at whom in Brooklyn when we still dont know what role the Russians played in the election or why FBI Director James Comey publicly announced a reopening of the email investigation in late October?" asks reviewer Steven Ginsburg. "Those questions are largely left unexplored here, other than as targets of Clintons post-election ire."

(Read more Hillary Clinton stories.)
Three people were shot and killed Tuesday in California, by a man police say hates white people, the Los Angeles Times reports. According to the AP, all three victims were white. Fresno police chief Jerry Dyer is calling it a "random act of violence." The shooterwho police have identified as 39-year-old Kori Ali Muhammadwalked up to a Pacific Gas & Electric truck in downtown Fresno and shot a man in the passenger seat multiple times, the Fresno Bee reports. Muhammad then allegedly shot and killed two people near a Catholic Charities building, pausing to reload in between. A fourth person was shot at but not hit.

Police say Muhammad surrendered after yelling "Allahu Akbar." He was already wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a motel security guard Thursday. Dyer says it's too early to say if the shooting was an act of terrorism. While the suspect had posted about not liking white people or the government on Facebook, police say he didn't make any statements indicative of terrorism during the motel shooting on Thursday. The imam of the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno says Muhammad is not a member and faith leaders are currently trying to identify him. (Read more shooting stories.)
Employees at a Pennsylvania McDonald's were instrumental in helping police locate the "Facebook Killer," WOIO reports. Steve Stephens pulled into the McDonald's drive-thru in Erie on Tuesday morning, ordering a 20-piece Chicken McNuggets and fries. While the manwanted on suspicion of killing an elderly man on Facebook Live"acted normal," McDonald's employee Henry Sayers says he recognized Stephens from the news and had seen a report that he may be in Erie. Staff immediately called 911.

Sayers tells GoErie.com they told Stephens his fries "were going to be a minute" to try and stall him at the McDonald's. But the restaurant's owner, Tom Ducharme, says Stephensprobably getting suspiciousleft without the fries. Police caught up with Stephens as he was leaving the McDonald's, initiating a chase that ended with Stephens fatally shooting himself. It ended a three-day manhunt. "I'm just very proud of my staff and how they handled it," Ducharme tells NBC News. (Read more McDonald's stories.)
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Mr. Ciruli is the Director of the Crossley Center for Public Opinion Research at the University of Denvers Josef Korbel School of International Studies. He is an adjunct professor teaching public opinion and foreign policy. The Crossley Center conducts research and presents live and virtual programs on foreign policy, politics, public policy and public opinion.





Mr. Ciruli holds a law degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and a bachelors degree cum laude in political science from UCLA. He is a member of the American Association of Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), and is the past-president of the Pacific Chapter of AAPOR (PAPOR). Mr. Ciruli is a board member of the Social Science Foundation of the University of Denver Josef Korbel School of International Studies and past-president of the Georgetown Law Alumni Board and the Denver Athletic Club.




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Mumbai:

Director Kabir Khan, many of whose films deal with thorny, contemporary issues, said politics is no longer seen as a taboo in Hindi movies.

The director of the upcoming film "Tubelight" stresses that it is important for him to give a societal context to the stories that he deals with.

"When I used to watch Bollywood films, I would struggle with the fact that our cinema was set in La La Land, with no social or political context. So I decided that whenever I make a film, I'll try to put some context about what's happening", Khan the maker of such films as "Kabul Express" and the blockbuster "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" -- told PTI in an interview.

The success of his projects indicates that audiences welcome such films, he points out.

Read more: Watch | Tubelight teaser: Salman Khan promotes film in UNIQUE style

"Fortunately for me, all of the films have done well so that means the audience is also enjoying them. Earlier, there used to be a taboo and people would say, 'Oh, don't put politics in your films; the audience don't watch it.' But if you engage them through your characters, they are ready to follow any politics or the world you've created", he adds.

The story of "Tubelight", his third collaboration with Salman Khan after "Ek Tha Tiger" and "Bajrangi...", is set against the 1962 Indo-China war.

The director did not elaborate on the story but reports suggest that Salman Khan plays a man from India who falls in love with a woman from China, played by Chinese actress Zhu Zhu.

Khan is also happy to have brought together Salman Khan with Shah Rukh Khan, who features in a special guest appearance, in the film. The last time they worked together ina movie was "Hum Tumhare Hai Sanam" in 2002.

"I've known Shah Rukh for a long time and the equation with him hasn't changed at all. It's still fun. I was actually very close friends with Gauri, his wife, so we've always been very warm and friendly. When I took the idea of this cameo in 'Tubelight' to him, he readily agreed. I didn't have to convince him at all", Khan says.

Read more: Kabir Khan to release his own web series based on Subhash Chandra Bose's Indian National Army

It had to be Shah Rukh, he adds, for the role was that of a superstar.

"Trust me, it's a great cameo and a fantastic character. Shah Rukh is someone I've always looked up to as a senior. He is also probably the most well read person in the industry", he says.

The director says he is not worried about matching the success of "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" with his new film but hopes that people will like "Tubelight", too.

"We really enjoyed making 'Bajrangi...' and the people appreciated it and gave it a kind of love which was unprecedented. But I don't think that can become the benchmark for us. You'll always be under pressure if you compare any new film that you make with the one that did so spectacularly well", he adds.

All that he has to do, he says, is to make a film with the "same passion" as they did with Bajrangi. "And hope people like it as much as they liked 'Bajrangi'."

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New Delhi :

Senior Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Singh Yadav on Tuesday hit out at former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, saying that the latter should show decency and make party mentor Mulayam Singh Yadav as party president.

He said what Akhilesh had promised before Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, and he should fulfill it as three months have been completed. He demanded that Akhilesh should step down from the post of national president.

Shivpal advised Akhilesh, saying that the former chief minister must put effort to unite the party and family. He said everyone should be consulted as the matter is sensitive.

A few days back, the disgruntled senior party leader had met UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath at the latters official residence in Lucknow.

Shivpal, who is also MLA from the party's bastion of Jaswantnagar, held a "courtesy meeting" with Adityanath for nearly 15 minutes at 5 Kalidas Marg.

Also Read: Akhilesh Yadav chosen as Leader of SP Legislature Party in both Uttar Pradesh Houses

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Earnings growth and valuation multiples are indeed important for investors to determine a stock's ability to offer considerable returns. But these are also essential in determining whether a stocks price performance is better than its peers or the industry average.

If the stocks performance is lacking that of the broader groups despite impressive earnings growth or valuation multiples, then something must be wrong.

Its always advisable to stay away from these stocks and bet on those that are outperforming their respective industries or benchmarks. This is because betting on a winner always increases the odds of winning.

Then again, it is imperative that you determine whether or not an investment has relevant upside potential when considering stocks with significant relative price strength. Stocks delivering better than the S&P 500 over a period of 1 to 3 months at the least and having solid fundamentals indicate room for growth, and are the best ways to go about this strategy.

Finally, it is important to find out whether analysts are optimistic about the upcoming earnings results of these companies. In order to do this, we have added positive estimate revisions for the current quarters (Q1) earnings to our screen. When a stock undergoes an upward revision, it leads to additional price gains.

Screening Parameters

Relative % Price change  12 weeks greater than 0

Relative % Price change  4 weeks greater than 0

Relative % Price change  1 week greater than 0

(We have considered those stocks that have been outperforming the S&P 500 over the last 12 weeks, 4 weeks and 1 week.)

% Change (Q1) Est. over 4 Weeks greater than 0: Positive current quarter estimate revisions over the last four weeks.

Zacks Rank equal to 1: Only Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks  that have returned more than 26% annually over the last 26 years and surpassed the S&P 500 in 23 of the last 26 years  can get through. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Story continues

Current Price greater than or equal to $5 and Average 20-day Volume greater than or equal to 50,000: A minimum price of $5 is a good standard to screen low-priced stocks, while a high trading volume would imply adequate liquidity.

VGM Score less than or equal to B: Our research shows that stocks with a VGM Score of A or B when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 (Buy) offer the best upside potential.

Here are the f stocks that made it through the screen:

DXC Technology Co. DXC: Headquartered in Tysons, VA, DXC Technology is a leading provider of end-to-end IT services serving commercial and international public sector organizations worldwide. The company has a VGM score of A and an excellent earnings surprise history. It surpassed estimates in each of the last four quarters at an average rate of 16.57%.

Sturm, Ruger & Company Inc. RGR: A publicly traded pure play manufacturer of firearms and precision metal investment castings, Southport, CT-based Sturm, Ruger & Company has a VGM score of B. Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal years 2017 and 2018 increased 4% and 7%, to $3.98 and $4.38 per share, respectively.

Yum China Holdings Inc. YUMC: A licensee of Yum! Brands, Yum China Holdings is the largest restaurant operator in China. Headquartered in Shanghai, the company has rights to the following brands: KFC, Pizza Hut Casual Dining, Pizza Hut Home Service, East Dawning and Little Sheep. Yum China Holdings has a VGM score of B and outperformed earnings estimates in the last two reported quarters.

NN Inc. NNBR: NN is a global manufacturer and supplier of metal and plastic components for various end markets. Sporting a VGM score of A, this Johnson City, TN-headquartered companys expected EPS growth rate for 3 to 5 years currently stands at 20.00%  comparing favorably with the industry growth rate of 13.80%.

Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. GGAL: Headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Grupo Financiero Galicia provides a wide range of financial and banking services for individuals and corporate customers. The 2017 Zacks Consensus Estimate for this company is $3.49, representing some 11% earnings per share growth over 2016. Next years average forecast is $3.89, pointing to another 11% growth. Grupo Financiero Galicia has a VGM score of B.

You can get the rest of the stocks on this list by signing up now for your 2-week free trial to the Research Wizard and start using this screen in your own trading. Further, you can also create your own strategies and test them first before taking the investment plunge.

The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out.

Click here to sign up for a free trial to the Research Wizard today

Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material.

Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance.

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Kolkata :

Training gun at West Bengal ministers who were booked by CBI in connection with Narada sting operation case, BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya demanded immediate resignation of the tainted leaders. The CBI has booked top 12 TMC leaders in the case.

We demand that the tainted ministers resign from the Cabinet immediately. They have lost the moral right to continue in office. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should immediately remove them from the ministry.

The TMC claims to be a symbol of honesty. If the tainted ministers are not removed, it means TMC supports corruption, he said.

A total of 12 Trinamool Congress leaders, including MPs and ministers in the West Bengal government, and an IPS officer have been booked by the CBI in the Narada sting case, where they were allegedly caught on camera accepting bribe.

Also Read: TMC MP Dola Sen delays Air India flight by 40 minutes over seating arrangement

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New Delhi:

The Congress on Monday accused Yogi Adityanath of insulting women in an article put out on his website and demanded his apology while asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to condemn the Uttar Pradesh chief minister for his disparaging remarks.



Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala alleged Adityanath in the article has belittled and disrespected women which reflects his and the BJPs anti-women mindset.



He said, the article argued that women need to be protected by men all the time and should not be allowed to be set free and likened them with a devil if they become powerful, brave and chivalrous like men.



He, however, did not mention when the article, written in Hindi, was uploaded on the website. The portal also did not mention the date when the article was uploaded.

Read | UP Minister tells people to make video clipping if asked for bribe by govt officials, calls CM Yogi's 1-month rule just a trailer



Surjewala also said the article also states that women as energy cannot be left uncontrolled or independent as this can lead to wastefulness or destruction of women, which is shocking.



The Congress leader demanded that Adityanath must forthwith apologise to women of India for his disparaging, distasteful and dishonourable remarks and withdraw the article from his website without any condition.



He also demanded that Prime Minister Modi as also BJP chief Amit Shah condemn such remarks and issue Adityanath an advisory that never hereinafter will he ever use such distasteful language to dishonour and disrespect Indias women power.



Surjewala said the prime minister had only on Sunday talked of womens development and now his chief ministers are belittling women.

Read | Anti-Romeo squad soared UP CM Yogi Adityanath's popularity: Survey

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Kolkata :

The underwater tunnel of East-West Metro Corridor Project in Kolkata, built below the Ganga river bed, is the first of its kind in the country, said Union Minister Babul Supriyo on Monday after going into the tunnel.

"This is the first such project in the country. Building a tunnel under the river had never taken place elsewhere in India. Further being built under Ganga, it has an emotional value as well," Supriyo, who went inside the tunnel between slab numbers 820 and 840, said.

He has been asked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally supervise the work, said Supriyo while interacting with the officials of Afcons-Transtonnelstroy of South Africa, the agency to build the tunnel between Howrah Maidan and the proposed Mahakaran metro station near Writers Buildings.

Supriyo also collected soil from the place and kept it in two utensils - one for gifting to the prime minister and another for himself as a memento.

The entire stretch of tunnel from Howrah Maidan to the Ganga bank in the city will be 1.7 km, of which a significant part will be on the surface. "Basically, we reached almost the bottom of the Ganga and spent a considerable time (there). It was an exhilarating experience. I salute the engineers and the workers for the heroic work," Supriyo, the Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises said.

ALSO READ: Advertisement body pulls up Coke, Airtel for misleading ads

Asked about the safety of the project, he said "Let me allay any apprehension about the safety. We did not feel uncomfortable inside though we were 32 m below the river water - that is the sea level." He said the tunnel went under buildings like Howrah Station but there were no threat to them as the latest technology had been used.

The tunnel boring machine (TBM), used in the excavation work, will now go beyond the slab number 840 to dig up earth under the river bed and finally reach the east bank - that is the city.

Expressing hope that the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade part of Phase II of the project, which would connect Howrah Maidan to Sealdah) will not miss the deadline, Supriyo said "We expect to clear the logjam in the wake of the existing rule that infrastructure projects would not come up within 100 m of the heritage buildings."

"There are three heritage constructions - two synagogues and the Currency Building within 30 m of the proposed tunnel. But IIT-Kharagpur in a feasibility study said the tunnel work and metro movement would not cause any damage to the structures."

"We are not setting up a time-frame and the Union cabinet is preparing a note to exempt the Metro work. Let's hope for the best," he said. The entire second phase of the East West Project, with 100 per cent funding by the Centre, had been facilitated by the West Bengal government with intervention by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her cabinet colleagues to clear settlements.

Phase 1 of the East-West Metro Corridor Project, he said, is expected to be completed on time and thanked Banerjee for removing encroachments along the route. "During my chance meeting with the West Bengal CM in 2015 which the media had christened as 'Jhalmuri diplomacy,' I had broached the topic of encroachment and with the intervention of TMC leaders it was resolved.

"The encroachers will be relocated in a new building in the area," he said. The overhead track on Phase 1 connecting Salt Lake to Sealdah is more or less complete.

There will be eight stations, two of which are on underground. All the four stations in Phase II (Sealdah-Howrah) will be underground.

The initial project cost for the Phase I - Phase II stretch had shot up substantially due to realignment of the tunnelling, covering an additional 2 km and cost for elevation. The costs had gone up from Rs 250 crore in 2011-12 under the UPA rule to Rs 328.81 crore in 2015-16 and now Rs 1937 crore, the union minister added.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi :

The Personnel Ministry on Tuesday said that the central government is not considering any proposal to change office hours for its employees.



In a statement, the ministry referred to a news item that claimed that central government employees' working hours will be changed and scheduled from 9 AM to 7 PM.



It was also stated in the news report that the holiday of Saturday will also be done away with for the central government employees. It is clarified that there is no such proposal under the consideration of the central government, it said.

"The media news regarding the extension of working hours and abolition of holiday on Saturday for central government employees is false and baseless. There is no oral or unwritten order issued in this regard," the ministry said.

ALSO READ: Female victims of sexual harassment to get 90 days paid leave pending inquiry

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New Delhi :

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has asked the railway officials to improve punctuality rate or "face action" as the number of complaints being received over late running of trains are increasing.



Zonal heads have been asked to deploy a senior-level officer in the night shift between 10 PM and 7 AM immediately to monitor the situation and address the problems, if any, to prevent delay in train running.

Besides, Prabhu has also taken note of discrepancies between train timings data available on national train enquiry system (NTES), the official website of Indian Railways, and actual train timings being experienced by passengers.

ALSO READ: Meerut-Lucknow Rajya Rani Express derailment: Prabhu, Yogi announce compensation for injured



He, in a letter to the officials, has sought immediate corrective measures to obviate the problems. The punctuality rate has deteriorated further to 79 per cent during April 1-16 period, as compared to 84 per cent in the corresponding period last year, a decrease of 4 per cent.



Analysis of performance of zonal railways reveals that punctuality has registered a sharp drop over Eastern Railway (-8.9 per cent), North Eastern Railway (-11 per cent), East Central Railway (-10 per cent), South East Central Railway (-11 per cent), West Central Railway (-8 per cent) and Konkan Railway (-6.9 per cent).



Division-wise analysis of punctuality reveals that the performance of 11 divisions including Varanasi, Mumbai, Sambalpur, Danapur, Samastipur, Jhansi, Jabalpur leaves much to be desired, according to the letter written by Railway Minister office to all zonal heads.



The Railway Minister has expressed his deep concern regarding further deterioration by over 4 per cent in punctuality between 1-16 April and directed that very close monitoring of these divisions should be done by senior officers in the 10 PM-7 AM shift with immediate effect, the letter stated.



According to the instruction, besides monitoring overall performance, these officers should take immediate steps to minimise asset failure time and co-ordinate with divisional and control offices of neighbouring divisions to make up for delay, if any, in their own divisions.



The names and mobile numbers of these officers should be conveyed to Board's Punctuality Control on a daily basis, it stated.

ALSO READ: 5 crore saplings to be planted by 2019-20 on railway land along tracks: Suresh Prabhu

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New Delhi:

During the visit of Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan, India and Canada on Tuesday held extensive talks on enhancing defence and security cooperation between the two countries.

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and his Canadian counterpart Harjit Singh Sajjan explored ways to deepen the security ties.

Sajjan arrived in New Delhi on Monday on a seven-day India visit, his first after assuming charge as Canadas Minister of National Defence.

Sajjan, a Sikh, will also travel to Amritsar, Chandigarh and Mumbai.

Also read: 'Extremely important' to work with Trump administration on free trade issue: Canada PM Justin Trudeau

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New Delhi:

PrimeA Minister Narendra Modi has always done something that makes you go Aww! Despite his hectic schedule PM Modi often tries to take out some time for children. In one such case, the prime minister broke his security protocol and stopped his convoy mid-way to meet a four-year-old girl during his Gujarat tour.A

In a video, which has gone viral on the social media, young Nancy Gondaliya can been rushing towards the Prime Minister's car when thousands of people were waiting on both sides of the road to catch a glimpse on the prime minister on his way to Kiran Hospital from Circuit House during Surat roadshow on Monday.

Seeing the little girl rushing towards the car, SPG commandos accompanying the Prime Minister tried to stop her. But to everyone's surprise, Modi promptly got his convoy stopped and asked the commandos to allow her to come to him.

Modi exchanged a few words with the little girl, who was then taken back to her father. The entire episode was captured on camera and its footage went viral on social media.

Nancy, daughter of diamond-cutting worker Prakash Gondaliya, resides in Ved road area of the city. "She is a big fan of the Prime Minister and whenever he comes on television she addresses him as 'Modi Dada'," Prakash said.

"Today morning she insisted on meeting Modi. So I took her to one of the streets from where Modi's convoy was to pass. I told her if she wants to meet him she should run towards his car and waive at him," he added. "The Prime Minister asked her name and enquired about the big watch she was wearing. He affectionately rubbed her cheeks and sent her back to me," Prakash added. The girl appeared excited after meeting the PM and kept chanting `Modi Dada'.

This is not the first time that PM Modi has done something for the kids. Earlier, PM Narendra Modi pulled Aaravas ears and labelled him a good boy. Aarav is the 13-year-old son of Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna.



Akshay Kumar claimed that it was a proud moment for him. aProud moment in a fatheras life, when the Prime Minister pulls your sonas ear in jest and calls him a good boy,a he tweeted sharing Aaravas picture where Modi is pulling his ears.

Proud moment in a father's life, when the Prime Minister pulls your son's ear in jest & calls him a good boy ;)A pic.twitter.com/0NWRyDtWh6 a Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar)A February 6, 2016

(With PTI Input)A

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New Delhi:

The government on Tuesday told Supreme Court that it is unfortunate that someone has to knock the doors of the court for ensuring respect to the national flag and national anthem. It asserted that respect for them was non-negotiable.

As the governnment stated its position on the issue, an apex court bench, comprising Justices Dipak Misra, A M Khanwilkar and M M Shantanagoudar, modified its earlier order to exempt those with disability from standing up at cinema halls when the national anthem is being played.

We are inclined to modify the orders and direct that the persons who are wheel-chair users, those with autism, persons suffering from cerebral palsy, multiple disabilities, parkinsons, multiple sclerosis, leprosy cured, muscular dystrophy and deaf and blind be treated not to be within the ambit of the orders passed by this Court, the bench said.

At the outset, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench it is unfortunate that someone has to approach this court for ensuring due respect to national flag and national anthem but what is most unfortunate that some section is opposing it.

Also read: Jammu: ABVP allege disrespect to national anthem by Kashmir students

Respect for national anthem and national flag is non-negotiable and every citizen is bound to show due respect to the symbols of national pride.

The apex court had in its December 9 order clarified that a physically-challenged person, who goes to the cinema hall to watch a film, need not stand up if he is incapable of standing but must show such conduct which is commensurate with respect for the national anthem.

The apex court also sought a response from the Centre in four weeks on a plea seeking framing of a policy to promote the national anthem and the national song.

The petition, filed by Delhi BJP spokesperson and advocate Ashwini Upadhaya, also sought to direction for mandatory singing of national anthem and the national song in Parliament, assemblies, courts, schools and colleges on working days.

Also read: Supreme Court considers making National Anthem mandatory, not National Song

The courts order had come on a PIL filed by one Shyam Narayan Chouksey seeking directions that the national anthem should be played in cinema halls across the country before a film begins and proper norms and protocol be fixed regarding its playing and singing at official functions and programmes where those holding constitutional posts are present.

During the hearing, senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi appearing for Chouksey, said a direction should be issued to the government to amend the law as there were penal provisions for those who disrespect the national flag, but there are no such provisions for those who show disrespect to the anthem.

Senior advocate C U Singh, appearing for Kerala Film Society, sought recall of the earlier order making playing of the national song in cinema halls mandatory before screening of films saying that courts should not venture into the field of the legislature.

We show utmost respect to the national flag and national anthem. But it should not be considered anti-national to argue against this petition or seeking recall of the order, Singh said.

Mehta intervened and said that he never used the word anti-national but citizens should show due respect to national flag and national anthem.

To this, the bench asked is showing respect to national flag and national anthem not inherent in our Constitution?

Singh said they were not against showing respect to the flag but it does not mean that the courts order was beyond the scope of challenge.

He said the petition is not maintainable as it was Parliaments or the governments job to ensure that cinema halls play the anthem before the screening of a film.

There are separation of power. This is executive domain and by PIL court cannot assume power of legislation, the senior advocate said adding that court cannot compel anyone to play the national anthem at a particular time.

The bench asked petitioner to file an amended petition with additional grounds within two weeks and allowed intervention application of Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

It clarified that the plea of Kerala film society seeking recall of earlier order will be heard along with the main petition and posted the matter for August 23.

On February 17, the apex court had refused to go into the debate for making singing of the national song mandatory in schools and clarified that it has kept alive such a plea only for the national anthem without expressing any views.

The apex court had on November 30 last year ordered cinema halls across the nation to mandatorily play the national anthem before screening of a movie when the audience must stand and show respect.

The apex court, while passing a slew of directions, had also observed that time has come when citizens must realise they live in a nation and are duty-bound to show respect to the national anthem which is a symbol of constitutional patriotism and inherent national quality.

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New Delhi :

Tamil Nadu has undergone huge political upheavals since the death of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, also known as Amma. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) got split into two factions and were led by her loyalists Sasikala Natarajan and the other by former chief minister O. Panneerselvam.

Lets have a look at the timeline of political events:

1. Merger between Sasikala and OPS camps

In an unprecedented turn of events in Tamil Nadu politics, the warring factions of of Sasikala and O. Panneerselvam of the AIADMK met on April 17 to discuss and deliberate over possibilities of their unification.This has led to hints of a merger between the groups and the re-united party will then stake a claim for the AIADMK symbol - two leaves.Panneerselvam said on Tuesday that the Sasikala faction of the party has formed a committee to conduct talks for a merger.

2. RK Nagar By-polls cancelled

The Election Commission cancelled the By-polls in Chennai's RK Nagar constituency last week after cash-for-votes allegations surfaced. The decision was taken after income tax raids in Chennai revealed that money had been distributed to voters ahead of the polls.Income tax officials accused the Sasikala faction of the party of paying Rs. 89 crore to voters to buy support for its candidate TTV Dinakaran, who is also her nephew.

The Income Tax department had cited documents seized during raids in more than 35 places as evidence, which also included properties of the state health minister C Vijayabaskar.

However, the allegations were refuted by the Sasikala faction.

3. AIADMKS election symbol freezed by Election Commission

The election commission froze the AIADMKs election symbol of 'two leaves' after separate claims were made regarding it by representatives of O. Panneerselvam and V.K. Sasikala.

ALSO READ: OPS, Dinakaran factions merger: Keep Sasikala's family away from AIADMK for merger of 2 camps, demands Team OPS

4. Sasikala and Panneerselvam camps lock horns before R.K. Nagar by-poll

Sasikala and Panneerselvam camps entered into a tussle over the AIADMK election symbol 'two leaves' ahead of the R.K. Nagar assembly by-polls which were to be held in Chennai on April 12.

5. Palanisamy wins Floor Test

Amidst mayhem in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Edappadi K. Palanisamy won the vote of confidence on February 18 with the support of 122 MLAs.

READ: RK Nagar bypoll: DMK leaders meet Tamil Nadu Governor, seek CM Palanisami's dismissal

6. Palanisamy takes oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

In yet another major political development, Edappadi K. Palanisamy took oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister along with 31 other AIADMK MLAs on February 16. Further, the AIADMK said that Palanisamy will seek the vote of confidence on February 18.

7. Sasikala surrenders before Bengaluru jail

Sasikala Natarajan surrendered before Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara jail, one day after she was convicted by the Supreme Court in connection with the disproportionate assets case.

8. Dhinakaran becomes deputy General Secretary of AIADMK

On February 15, TTV Dhinakaran was appointed as the Deputy General Secretary of the AIADMK on February 15.

READ: RK Nagar bypoll: EC cancels elections in Jayalalithaas assembly over cash for vote allegations

9. Palaniswami appointed as head of AIADMK legislature party

Edappadi K Palaniswami was appointed head of the AIADMK legislature party after Sasikala was sentenced to four years in jail in connection with the disproportionate assets case. Soon after the decision was taken, O. Panneerselvam was expelled from AIADMK.

10. Sasikala given four years of imprisonment in disproportionate assets case

On February 14, Sasikala was convicted and sentenced to serve four years in jail in a 19-year-old disproportionate assets case. Moreover, she was disqualified to take over as Tamil Nadu CM.

11. Panneerselvam and Sasikala fight for Tamil Nadu CM post

O. Panneerselvam resigned from the post of Tamil Nadu CM and Sasikala was elected head of the AIADMK legislative party and proceeded to stake claim to form the government. Panneerselvam's resignation was accepted by state Governor C Vidyasagar Rao However, Panneerselvam made startling revelations and told reporters that he 'was forced to resign'.

READ: Panneerselvams son and brother file anticipatory bail petition in Madras HC

12. Sasikala Natarajan appointed General Secretary

Jayalalithaas confidante and loyalist Sasikala Natarajan was appointed as AIADMK's general secretary on December 29 after several party functionaries asked her to lead the party.

13. Panneerselvam becomes Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

After the demise of J Jayalalithaa, senior AIADMK leader and Jaya loyalist O. Paneerselvam was sworned in as the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu. As far as reports are concerned, several AIADMK MLAs were called to Apollo Hospital to sign a declaration, thus making Panneerselvam Jayalalithaa's successor.

14. Jayalalithaas death

Former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa, fondly known as "Amma" by her the people of the state and her party cadres, dies of cardiac arrest on December 5, 2016 at the Apollo Hospital after a prolonged illness.

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London:

Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya has been released on strict bail conditions by a UK court. Mallya was arrested on Tuesday morning by Scotland Yard.

The 61-year-old tycoon appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, where he was released after providing a bail bond worth 650,000 pounds.

Until his next hearing on May 17, Mallya must follow Britains extradition rules, which include a requirement that he remain at the address provided to the court.

The Indian government had revoked Mallyas Indian passport last year. He must surrender that revoked travel document and is also forbidden from possessing any international travel documents, according to well-placed sources in the UK.

Mallya has also been directed by the court that he remain in contact with UK authorities, with his mobile phone accessible at all times.

Also read: Vijay Mallyas arrest underlines Modi govts will to act against defrauders, says BJP

Surrender of passport, arrest, bail all part of normal extradition proceedings, the defiant businessman said on Twitter.

His arrest triggers a long-drawn legal process, which will involve the UKs Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) arguing that Mallya must be extradited to India to stand trial on charges of fraud.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Indian High Commission in London had earlier submitted the Indian side of the arguments to the UK home secretary, Amber Rudd, for consideration of the extradition request.

That request was officially certified by court today with Scotland Yard enforcing the arrest warrant.

An extradition hearing will now take place at Westminster Magistrates Court, where the District Judge must decide whether extradition can be denied on any health or human rights grounds.

India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty dating back to 1993 but so far only one extradition has taken place under the arrangement? Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India last October to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.

Also read: Congress accuses PM Modi of hoodwinking people over arrest of liquor baron Vijay Mallya

However, unlike Mallya, he had submitted to the extradition order without legal challenge.

As Mallya is fighting the extradition order, he will have the right to appeal and the case can go up to the UK Supreme Court.

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New Delhi:

US National Security Adviser HR McMaster on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and reviewed bilateral ties and the situation in the South Asian region.

Indian NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and some other officials were present in the meeting that took place at the prime ministers residence.

Earlier McMaster and Indian NSA held two-hour-long meeting in New Delhi. The meeting was cordial.

According to the government sources, the issue of terrorism and Indo-US Cooperation was prominently discussed. India and US agreed to increase military cooperation and more active information exchange on counter-terror operations.

"McMaster who is coming from Kabul and Islamabad also discussed regional security issues with his Indian counterpart.

"Indian side emphasised that the terrorism emanating from Pakistan is posing a serious threat to regional stability and security. India and US have very good cooperation," the official release said.

However, there was no mention of talks on India-Pakistan impasse on Kulbhushan Jadhav issue and Afghanistan operations in official release.

McMaster, who is first senior official from Trump administration to visit India, will also meet PM Narendra Modi and EAM Sushma Swaraj. He is expected to extend a formal invitation for PM Modi to visit Washington in the next few months.

Read | US NSA McMaster to meet his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval; Kulbhushan Jadhav, Afghanistan operations high on agenda

Updates:

US NSA HR McMaster meets PM Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg in Delhi; Foreign Secy S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval also present. pic.twitter.com/ZQvWRfOE3R  ANI (@ANI_news) April 18, 2017

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New Delhi:

United States National Security Advisor HR McMaster will hold talks with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Tuesday in Delhi. India-Pakistan impasse on death sentence to Kulbhushan Jadhav and operations in Afghanistan are likely to be high on agenda.



In first such visit by senior official of Trump Administration, McMaster is expected to extend a formal invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Washington in the next few months. His meeting with Doval is also expected to set the course of bilateral relations between India and United States.



McMaster, who arrived in Delhi on Monday, is also expected to meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.



According to an official release, the US NSA will discuss the future of security operations in Afghanistan, Indias role in Afghanistan as well as the India-Pakistan impasse, and will meet his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and PM Modi.



The senior US official will also hold discussions on Indias concerns with cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, and tensions that have increased recently over the sentencing to death of Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan, accused of spying for India.



McMaster arrived in Delhi from Kabul and Islamabad as part of his 'regional consultations'.



In Kabul, McMaster said he would impress on Pakistan that it was important to give up support to the Haqqani group and the Taliban. The best way to pursue their interests in Afghanistan and elsewhere is through the use of diplomacy, and not through the use of proxies that engage in violence, he told a local news channel.



In Pakistan, McMaster had expressed appreciation for Pakistans democratic and economic development, and stressed the need to confront terrorism in all its forms, during his discussions with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and senior advisers.



Sharifs office said they had also discussed India-Pakistan ties. Pakistan has praised the US administrations recent remarks on mediating between New Delhi and Islamabad, something India has been opposed to.

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Beijing:

China on Tuesday sought to allay Indias concerns over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, saying it has no direct link with the Kashmir issue and New Delhi was welcome to participate in the One Belt One Road project.



Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, at press conference on the One belt One Road (OBOR) summit to be held in Beijing from May 14-15, said, Although (an) Indian leader will not be here but India will have a representative at the OBOR summit.



We welcome (the) Indian representative, members of the Indian business community and financial community to take part in the discussions at the summit, Wang said.



28 Presidents and Prime Ministers were expected to take part in the summit, he said.

Read | CPEC: Pakistan receives third maritime patrol ship from China



OBOR is for common development of all participants. So we welcome India to take active part in building the OBOR, he said.



Wang asserted that the purpose of the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was economic.



It is for the purpose of serving economic cooperation and development, he said.



It has no direct link with political and boundary dispute. Certain sections of the CPEC have raised concern on the Indian side, Wang said.These disputes are not the direct result of the economic corridor and economic activities. China has been providing support to Pakistan in these areas for many years, Wang said.



As for the dispute of Kashmir, Chinas position remained unchanged. Also, CPEC has no relationship with the dispute in certain regions. I want to reaffirm to the Indian friend if India wants to take part in the OBOR, there are many channels and ways, the Chinese Foreign Minister said.



China has taken note of Indias participation in the Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar (BCIM) which is part of OBOR, he said.



We have taken note of Indias positive attitude on this, Wang said.India has reservations over OBOR as the CPEC is part of it and passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

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Seoul:

US Vice President Mike Pence arrives in Tokyo on Tuesday bringing a renewed commitment to Japans security amid a growing threat from a nuclear-armed North Korea.



Throughout his bareknuckle election campaign, US President Donald Trump repeatedly called into question a mutual defence treaty between Japan and the United States, suggesting Tokyo should pay for its own security.



But now, Pence will try to reassure his jittery hosts that those decades-old security commitments are ironclad, a necessity made more acute as tensions rise over Pyongyangs latest missile test and Washingtons refusal to rule out military action against the regime.



Defying international pressure, the North on Sunday test-fired another missile and fears are growing it may also be preparing a sixth nuclear test.

Read | All options open while dealing with North Korea: US Vice President Mike Pence at DMZ



North Korea could react to a potential US strike by targeting South Korea or Japan, and officials in Tokyo and Seoul have been ill at ease with the more bellicose language deployed by Trumps administration.



During a visit to the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea yesterday, Pence pointed to the new presidents recent strikes on a Syrian airbase and an Islamic State complex in Afghanistan as a warning to Pyongyang not to underestimate the administrations resolve.



All options are on the table in pushing for an end to Pyongyangs nuclear programme, Pence said, adding that the era of US strategic patience in dealing with the regime was over.



Washington is worried that North Korea may soon build a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the United States.



Like South Korea, Japan already faces a direct threat from the secretive regime.

Read | China remains tight-lipped over North Korea's 'failed' missile test



In February, the North simultaneously fired four ballistic missiles off its east coast, three of which fell provocatively close to Japan, in what it said was a drill for an attack on US bases in the country.



Pences Japanese hosts will likely be cautious about any US military action that could trigger a broader regional conflict.



Their hope is that the White House will focus on pressuring China, Pyongyangs only major ally and biggest trade partner, to redouble its efforts to rein in the regime and prompt North Korea to return to the negotiating table after it abandoned the six-party talks in 2009.



With close coordination, I expect we will strongly demand North Korea to refrain from taking provocative actions and to adhere to UN Security Council resolutions, said Japanese government spokesman Yoshihide Suga.Pences trip will also feature a heavy economic focus.



Trumps decision to scrap a 12-nation trans-Pacific trade deal was a blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who expended substantial political capital to get the deal passed at home.



In Tokyo, there is still hope that the core of the agreement, thrashed out between the United States and Japan and intended to counterbalance Chinas regional economic power, can be salvaged in some form.



But US officials say expectations of an ambitious bilateral trade deal may be premature.

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Islamabad:

A senior militant is being interrogated by Pakistani authorities who feel that the militant voluntarily surrendered, presenting it as a major setback for an Islamic extremist group that has carried out several attacks in recent years.



Military officials confirmed on Tuesday that Ahsanullah Ahsan, a former spokesman and senior figure in the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar group, had surrendered recently, without providing further details.



They say he split with the main Pakistani Taliban four years ago and joined the breakaway faction, which claimed a March 31 car bomb near a Shiite mosque that killed at least 24 people.



The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media, said information gleaned from Ahsan led to other arrests and the location of a weapons cache.

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We're getting closer to a real crisis with North Korea, retired US Army colonel says

The United States is trying hard to get China to engage in talks with North Korea, but that probably won't happen until North Korea agrees to suspend its nuclear program, retired U.S. Army Colonel Jack Jacobs told CNBC on Monday.

"We're getting closer and closer to a real crisis and that's because for decades we ignored the problem," the Medal of Honor recipient said in an interview with " Closing Bell ."

On Monday, Vice President Mike Pence said the "era of strategic patience" with North Korea was over.

"Just in the past two weeks, the world witnessed the strength and resolve of our new president in actions taken in Syria and Afghanistan," Pence said. "North Korea would do well not to test his resolve or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region."

Tensions have been escalating following repeated North Korean missile tests and concerns that it may soon conduct a sixth nuclear bomb test in defiance of U.N. sanctions.

Former Defense Secretary William Cohen, meanwhile, thinks China is dragging its feet when it comes negotiating with North Korea. He said the country doesn't want to see a unified Korea with military presence on its border.

However, "that's something that you can sit down and work out if the Chinese are willing to put the kind of pressure that needs to be put on the North Koreans," he told "Closing Bell."

Cohen thinks it is in China's long-term interest to have a unified, demilitarized Korea, especially with South Korea being one of China's biggest trading partners.

That said, he doesn't see that happening in the short term.

"The North Korean regime is a criminal enterprise. They are extortionists. They are saying feed me, fuel me, employ me before I test again or kill again," he said.

"That has reached a point where this administration has said, 'We're not going to play that game anymore,' and so we're asking China to really have an impact in terms of what food and fuel and employment their providing to the North Koreans," he added.

Story continues

Jacobs agreed that unification may be a long-term outcome but said the first step needs to be getting rid of the nuclear weapons.

"We have to remember the North Korean government is a continuing criminal enterprise. The thing they fear the most is not being in power. China is very much concerned with destabilization of Korean peninsula. That comes with the North Korean's government falling to pieces under pressure from anybody."

Reuters contributed to this report.

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john kelly

Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly called marijuana a 'gateway drug' on Tuesday, a clear signal that the DHS's stance on marijuana reflects that of the Jeff Sessions-led Justice Department, and the Trump administration.

"Let me be clear about marijuana," Kelly said during comments at George Washington University in D.C. "It is a potentially dangerous gateway drug that frequently leads to the use of harder drugs."

Kelly referred to the "vast tonnages" of marijuana and hard drugs that 'TCOs'  transnational criminal organizations  move across the border from Mexico.

Though Kelly has come out in favor of prosecuting marijuana, he told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday that marijuana "isn't a factor" in the drug war, and is scarcely the biggest issue on the US-Mexico border.

"The solution is not arresting a lot of users," Kelly added.

A number of states voted to legalize adult marijuana use in November, though it's still illegal at the federal level.

Kelly said that until Congress passes a law to change marijuana's federal status, "we in DHS are sworn to uphold all the laws on the books."

"Additionally, science tells us that it is not only psychologically addictive but can also have profound negative impact on the still developing brains of teens and up through the early 20s," Kelly said.

Kelly pledged to investigate marijuana's "illegal pathways" into the US, and arrest those involved with the drug trade "according to federal law."

Perhaps most tellingly, Kelly said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, would continue to use marijuana possession and distribution convictions as "essential elements" for deportation of undocumented immigrants.

Trump signed an executive order in February that vastly expands the powers of ICE and other border officials, which has resulted in an increase in the amount of undocumented immigrants arrested during the first few months of 2017.

Story continues

The Trump administration's stance towards marijuana legalization has given states pause on whether to roll out new legislation, such as marijuana-friendly clubs and restaurants.

Here's Kelly's full comments:

"And let me be clear about marijuana. It is a potentially dangerous gateway drug that frequently leads to the use of harder drugs. Additionally, science tells us that it is not only psychologically addictive but can also have profound negative impact on the still developing brains of teens and up through the early 20s. Beyond that, however, its use and possession is against federal law and until the law is changed by the U.S. Congress we in DHS are sworn to uphold all the laws on the books.

DHS personnel will continue to investigate marijuanas illegal pathways along the network into the U.S., its distribution within the homeland, and will arrest those involved in the drug trade according to federal law. CBP will continue to search for marijuana at sea, air and land ports of entry and when found take similar appropriate action.

When marijuana is found at aviation checkpoints and baggage screening TSA personnel will also take appropriate action. Finally, ICE will continue to use marijuana possession, distribution and convictions as essential elements as they build their deportation / removal apprehension packages for targeted operations against illegal aliens. They have done this in the past, are doing it today, and will do it in the future."

NOW WATCH: Watch Trump walk out of an executive-order signing ceremony without signing any orders





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By Alexander Cornwell DUBAI (Reuters) - The number of travellers heading from the United States to Iran and the Indian Subcontinent has dipped since January after Washington imposed restrictions affecting some passengers on U.S.-bound flights, an Emirates executive said on Tuesday. Emirates Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori did not give figures but said some passengers flying from some U.S. cities were taking longer to decide on travel plans. We see people waiting, especially (to) Iran, he said in Dubai. From March 25, the United States banned electronic gadgets larger than a mobile phone inside cabins on direct flights to the United States from 10 airports in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey. Dubai, the Emirates hub, was included. U.S. President Donald Trump's executive orders, signed in January and March, to bar refugees and nationals of several Muslim-majority country in the Middle East and North Africa from travelling to the United States also disrupted travel plans of some passengers. Iran along with Iraq, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen were banned under the January order. Iraq was dropped from the March order. Both bans were blocked by U.S. judges. Emirates said in March that booking rates on U.S. flights fell 35 percent after January's ban. Travel analysis company ForwardKeys said U.S. bookings to the Middle East dropped 27 percent in the four weeks following Trumps January travel order. In his comments to reporters, Antinori declined to say whether the U.S. restrictions would affect the airline's expansion plans but said Emirates could "adapt to the future." Antinori had said in 2013 that Emirates would double its U.S. network to 15 cities by 2018. It now has 12 U.S. routes. However, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing Chief Executive Issam Abdul Rahim Kazim said visits by U.S. citizens to Dubai had increased so far this year. He did not give details. He also said Dubai was also receiving more Chinese visitors since November, when Chinese passports holders were allowed to obtain a United Arab Emirates on arrival. He did not give numbers. (Editing by Edmund Blair)
North Korea can now hit the continental united states with nukes

It is difficult to fathom how deep the threat runs from North Korea. This article will summarize only one of the multitude of threats in an encapsulated form. The specific threat covered in this article is related to North Koreas (NK) nuclear and missile capabilities.

( Article by John Carney from thecommonsenseshow.com )

The Ability to Destroy Does Not Prevent Retaliation

The United States certainly has the ability to reduce North Korea to a parking lot, and with Chinas assistance the task become infinitely easier. However, and this should have been anticipated, North Koreas destruction, does not eliminate their ability to retaliate after the fact. In fact, North Korea may be more dangerous after they are destroyed than while their military and government are fully operational.

Does NK Have Nuclear ICBM Capability?

Much has been written about the danger that would be posed if North Korea were able to attach nuclear weapons to an operational ICBM.

It is very clear that North Korea has embarked in a new phase of their nuclear weapons technology. The photographic evidence from their recent Day of Sun celebration indicates that they plan to attach a nuclear weapon to an ICBM. This is a game-changing development and it brings the Western half of the United States under direct nuclear threat from the lunatic who runs North Korea.

The Daily Mail has identified missiles was similar in appearance to the Chinese DF-41, which can fly 9,000 miles.

The map, depicted above, shows how many miles it would take to hit Hawaii and Alaska. Double that capacity and that is now NKs strike range.

Defense analyst, Ankit Panda, claimed on The Diplomat, that we have never seen a North Lorean missile that large before.

REUTERS: This is a closer view of North Koreas new ICBM at its Day of the Sun military showcase.

Some, that I have consulted with over these photos are concerned the it could be the case that the missiles length provides a definitive clue to its range capabilities.

CNN has obtained live footage of the parade and the photographic evidence clearly shows the new generation of ballistic missiles. The footage can be observed here. Also on display, were more advanced submarine missles that North Korea has displayed before. One can bet that the Pentagon analysts are busy deciphering the new threats.

The following statement is why CNN, despite its far-reaching news gathering sources, is not trusted by the general public. They cautioned their readers to not put too much stock into these new developments because NK has a checkered record of success when it comes to their missiles. Please allow me to remind CNN that it would only take one nuclear missle striking the United States to send the American economy into a tailspin. And the only reason that CNN told the truth about these discoveries is because they were upstaged by the Daily Mail and the Daily Star, and of coure, in typical CNN fashion, they minimized the threat where the other two reporting agencies expressed grave concern.

Analysis

This analysis does not include NKs submarine, EMP and domestic terror capabilities. That will be covered in a future publication. Based solely on NKs nuclear/ICBM capabilitiies, will NK engage the US in war?

Various sources from a multitude of publications and backgrounds have stated that the missiles on display at NKs parade, have a range of between 600 and 9,000 miles depending on the type of missile.

The UKs Daily Star is reporting that NK troops in chemical and biological. Here is a photo from Reuters in support of this claim.

Based on these images, I would have to conclude that NK is ready for the next conflict. Additionally, there are further reasons for concern.

From March 18, 2017, satellite images of North Korea shows a nation that is clearly readying for war.

Final Note

A day ago, I published a breaking news report that did not get a lot of attention. I claimed I was given off-the-record information that Jared Kushner was making the foreign policy decisions in the White House. My source is personal and his source reaches deep into the White House. The report was premised on the notion that Kushner is making foreign policy decisions based on the whim of George Soros. We know that Kushner and Soros have an intertwined business relationship. Soros, of course answers to the Bank of International Settlements. Taking North Korea and Syria down has much to with getting both countries into central banking. I believed the report immediately based on what I saw on the news on 4/13. When MOAB was dropped on Afghanistan, Trump did not take credit for the decision in his press release. The military appears to acting autonomously, and Trump indicated as much. This adds credibiliity to the story.

IF one thinks I am making too much of this, consider CNNs release on this topic on April 14th.

The United States on Thursday dropped the most powerful non-nuclear bomb in its military arsenal for the first time in history.

But President Donald Trump declined to say whether he personally signed off on the use of the GBU-43/B MOAB, also known as the mother of all bombs, in a strike on ISIS militants in Afghanistan. , also known as the mother of all bombs, in a strike on ISIS militants in Afghanistan. Everybody knows exactly what happens. So, what I do is I authorize our military, Trump said when asked whether he authorized the strike. We have given them total authorization and thats what theyre doing.

here. The story can be viewed

I am firmly convinced that the military will appear to be acting autonomously from here on out. Who are they taking their orders from, if it is not President Trump? This is a development worthy of our attention.

In the next article, we will explore the submarine, EMP and the NK domestic terror threat

Submit a correction >>
BETHEL  A new academy hopes to become a model for the future of nontraditional education.

Workspace Academy, which opened in January in a 32,000-square-foot space in the Clarke Business Park, helps about 30 families with children ages 5 to 17 with what its director said is a project-based education center for students who do not thrive in a traditional school environment

Executive Director Catherine Fraise said the families either home-schooled their children for years or pulled them out of traditional school to learn at the academy, which hopes to eventually serve 125 families.

The goal, Fraise said, is to build a vibrant learning community that supports parents as they develop personalized learning for their children.

I wanted to create an environment that is representing the best of what is out there in the real world, and make this an incubator place for ideas for children of all ages, at a low cost that was really solving problems, Fraise said.

To attend, families pay $4,900 a year for one child and $990 for additional children.

Students are encouraged to follow their passions and strengths, helping them to learn quickly, Fraise said. Instead of taking structured courses with traditional assessments, students are taught by parents or specialists, individually or in small groups.

The learning becomes effortless in that situation, Fraise said. Theres a lot of thinking that goes on, a lot of creating thinking, a lot of sharing of interests and passion.

This environment is ideal for students with mental health or learning challenges, she said.

There are no labels here, Fraise said. We have a lot of gifted people. We have some high-functioning Aspergers students. We have some dyslexic children, but you wouldnt know it because theyre all contributing with their strength.

The academy focuses on real-world problem-solving, innovation and collaborative projects. Students organize social events and hold a marketplace each month featuring items they have created. They communicate with children in Madagascar and Ukraine in the global awareness studio.

Students can use state-of-the art technology, including 3D printers and virtual reality. The academy offers several studios, including places to practice the arts, including woodworking. Fraise plans to open additional studios for culinary arts, film and more.

Some families are from area towns, including Redding and Bethany, but others travel from as far as Peekskill, N.Y.

Carolyn Long, of Sherman, brings her four children to the academy. She has been home-schooling her family for years, but said the academy offers a variety of resources in one place.

Its an opportunity to drive less and yet still be able to pick and choose and be able to construction-manage your kids education, or let them do that for themselves as they get older, but not have to be everywhere at once, Long said.

The academy is unique, Fraise said, but she hopes it inspires similar centers.

You really can educate your way, and you can be part of an amazing community (different) from whats out there, she said. But this is what could be out there. Its a utopian society.

Fraise began developing the idea for the center as a high-school student in Australia.

I had a lot of idealism and I wanted to solve real-world problems at school and I felt like I was stuck in physics, and chemistry and these disciplines, and it was very one-dimensional, she said.

Fraise went on to teach high school and studied Montessori education in New York City. She lives in Wilton, where she home-schooled her children, now 13 and 17.

Long said in home-schooling her children she has been able to better identify their interests and the way they learn.

You can get inside their minds a little bit, which is really just an honor because they really are just little adults that havent finished becoming themselves yet, she said.
TORONTO, April 18, 2017 /CNW/ - The Private Business Growth Award program, presented by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Grant Thornton LLP, commences this month, recognizing some of Canada's top private businesses. This program honours private Canadian businesses that have achieved strategic, sustainable and holistic growth.

"Entering its fifth year, this distinct award program showcases some of the best private businesses from across the country, touching all industries and sectors," said the Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. "The recognized companies are truly a testament to what is possible with dedication, vision, and an entrepreneurial spirit."

Nominate a Canadian business today

Consider nominating a deserving private business in your community and showcase its success. Furthermore, consider nominating your own successful business.

Learn more: Award program video clip

When?

Between April 12, 2017 and July 14, 2017

Why?

recognition of their successful growth

validation of the effort of their team

celebration of their business success

Any business can be considered for the award, provided it is a Canadian-owned private business in at least its third year of operation as of December 31, 2016 with minimum annual revenue of $5 million.

"We are proud to be partnering with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce once again to celebrate some of Canada's most compelling business success stories," said Kevin Ladner, Executive Partner and CEO, Grant Thornton LLP. "It's important to recognize the hard work, commitment, perseverance and passion it takes to foster a thriving business."

A jury of Canadian business leaders review and judge submissions, looking for clear evidence of strategic, sustained growth across five key areas:

Innovation Expansion into new domestic or international markets Development of people and culture Improvements in financial measures Strategic leadership

The following businesses were recognized as the 2016 Top 10 Finalists for their notable business growth and unique success stories:

To learn more about these businesses, take a moment to view their video profiles.

To submit a nomination or learn more about the Private Business Growth Award, visit: www.PrivateBusinessGrowthAward.com.

About the Private Business Growth Award

The Private Business Growth Award recognizes Canadian-owned, privately-held businesses that have been in business a minimum of three years, have $5 million or more in revenues and have demonstrated outstanding strategic growth. A partnership between The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Grant Thornton LLP, 2017 marks the fifth year this national business award has recognized and celebrated the successful growth of private businesses in Canada. A jury of high-profile Canadian business leaders selects 10 finalists and one winning company based on the following criteria: innovation, market development, people and culture, strategic leadership, and improvements in financial measures.

SOURCE Private Business Growth Award

For further information: For further information or to arrange an interview, contact: Amy Mulhern, National Media Relations Manager, T +1 416 360 4970 / M +1 416 550 8466, E [email protected]; G. Will Dubreuil, Director, Public Affairs and Media Relations, The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, T + 613 797.1860, E [email protected]
Cultural diversity, Montreal-inspired activities and stories galore!

MONTREAL, April 14, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Without a doubt, cultural diversity is Montreal's new look. The Aime comme Montreal photo essay, for example, is a mirror that shows us just how diverse we have become. The week's activities also include the delights of the sugar shack with Cabane a sucre urbaine, and April's milder days seem made to measure for this family activity. At the same time, Jean-Philippe Wauthier's fascinating TV series on Montreal will continue to educate and inspire viewers with first-hand stories and anecdotes from historians and famous figures who capture the spirit and personality of our big, beautiful city!

NEW THIS WEEK!

Cabane a sucre urbaine

This sugaring-off season, Cabane a sucre urbaine is teaming up with IGA to invite young and old to enjoy maple taffy in its old-fashioned sugar shack. To ensure as many sweet tooths as possible get to enjoy the gooey goodness, the mobile sugar shack will be visiting several city boroughs. Musicians and storytellers will add to the festive, family-friendly ambiance. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and other treats will also be served.

All voluntary donations will go to the Joy of Eating Better Foundation.

April 14  Cote-des-NeigesNotre-Dame-de-Grace  Parc Kent

http://www.375mtl.com/en/programming/la-cabane-a-sucre-urbaine-a-cote-des-neiges8211notre-dame-de-grace-365/

April 16  Lachine, Parc Lasalle

http://www.375mtl.com/en/programming/la-cabane-a-sucre-urbaine-a-lachine-325/

Schedule for the day:

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Maple taffy tasting in aid of the Joy of Eating Better Foundation

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Storytelling

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Pouding chomeur (Poor man's pudding) tasting

1:00 to 4:00 p.m.: Folk music dancing

Aime comme Montreal at Place des arts

Cultural diversity is one of the most important aspects of Montreal's identity. In celebration of Montreal's 375th anniversary, Aime comme Montreal presents an intimate and authentic look at cultural diversity through a photo essay featuring 60 inspiring intercultural couples living here in Montreal. Consisting of a book and an exhibition set up at some of Montreal's most iconic sites, Aime comme Montreal celebrates the diversity of the city we call home.

April 20 to May 21, 2017  Place des arts

http://www.375mtl.com/en/programming/aime-comme-montreal-a-la-place-des-arts-122/

ONGOING ACTIVITIES

38th All Eyes on Montreal photo contest  Now, That's Montreal!

The Centre d'histoire de Montreal is launching the 38th edition of its "All Eyes on Montreal" photo contest, called "Now, That's Montreal!" This event is organized in cooperation with Tourisme Montreal, the Ville de Montreal and Photo Service. For a second year, the Conseil jeunesse de Montreal is offering a special prize just for the 12-to-30 age group. Whatever the subjecta Montreal landmark, an emblematic symbol or just a scene from everyday lifeprize-winning photos have to capture the essence of Montreal, something that makes viewers exclaim "Now, that's Montreal!"

Handy links

April 4 to 20  Hall of Honour, Montreal City Hall

http://www.375mtl.com/en/programming/38e-concours-photo-montreal-a-l8217339il-8211-ca-c8217est-montreal-610/

MTL

Tele-Quebec is presenting MTL, a modern-day documentary series where history buff Jean-Philippe Wauthier hunts for clues to what defines Montreal's DNA. MTL will shed light on the things that define our city and its inhabitants. Montreal's history, both official and unofficial, will be told through encounters with famous figures and historians in places of special importance as well as explorations of the city's archives.

April 13 to June 29, at 8 p.m.  Tele-Quebec

http://www.375mtl.com/en/programming/mtl-60/

Aime comme Montreal at BAnQ

Cultural diversity is one of the most important aspects of Montreal's identity. In celebration of Montreal's 375th anniversary, Aime comme Montreal presents an intimate and authentic look at cultural diversity through a photo essay featuring 60 inspiring intercultural couples living here in Montreal. Consisting of a book and an exhibition set up at some of Montreal's most iconic sites, Aime comme Montreal celebrates the diversity of the city we call home.

March 16 to April 16, 2017  Bibliotheque and Archives nationales du Quebec

http://www.375mtl.com/en/programming/aime-comme-montreal-a-la-banq-121/

POSSIBLES

12 ARTISTS, 12 LOCATIONS, 12 THEMES, 12 DATES

LA SERRE  arts vivants

Once a month throughout 2017, POSSIBLES will present the works of 12 artists from different artistic disciplines in collaboration with 12 creative partners in 12 unusual Montreal venues. The objective: to invite up-and-coming artists to create new POSSIBLES exploring 12 local issues inspired by discussions with the community.

POSSIBLES merges art and civic engagement to promote sustainable development.

The year's events will leave behind a manifesto and a methodology enabling cities around the globe to make the project their own and maybe even expand on it. It's all about focusing on the future and taking action today to build a better tomorrow!

April 20  ARCMTL / Health and quality of life | S. Cotton and M. Nepveu Villeneuve

http://www.375mtl.com/en/programming/possibles-18/

Mode Expo 67

Expo 67 offered an extraordinary showcase for Montreal's fashion designers. Fifty years later, the McCord Museum unveils its magnificent collection of clothes and accessories as well as its Expo archives. Here's your chance to see over 60 costumes, flight attendant outfits from different countries and provinces, and designer apparel from such names as Marielle Fleury, Michel Robichaud, Jacques de Montjoye, Serge et Real and John Warden. Sketches, breathtaking photos and testimonials from people who were at this amazing encounter give this event a definite retro twist!

March 17 to October 1  McCord Museum

http://www.375mtl.com/en/programming/mode-expo-67-339/

AURA

Come enjoy the new sensory experience created by Moment Factory for Montreal's 375th birthday! Let yourself be guided to the heart of Notre-Dame Basilica and rediscover its spectacular architecture in a three-act multimedia spectacle. Light effects, orchestral music and Moment Factory's unique genius come together to offer a moment of sublime beauty.

March 21 to October 30, 2017  Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

http://www.375mtl.com/en/programming/aura-330/

Le Country, de la colonisation a nos jours  En route vers le Festival

The history of country music in Montreal, from the colony's founding to the present. A reminder of the history and importance of country music in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. Country music: bridging the gap between the generations.

Every Friday from February 3 to July 28, at 8 p.m.  Bistro Le Ste-Cath

http://www.375mtl.com/en/programming/le-country-de-la-colonisation-a-nos-jours-en-route-vers-le-festival-252/

MTL375 Rosemont Petite-Patrie

Starting on December 21, 2016, a pop-up art gallery will appear at selected sites around the RosemontLa Petite-Patrie borough. For Montreal's 375th anniversary, Artgang Galerie will be contributing to the neighbourhood's artistic revitalization with its MTL375 RosemontLa Petite-Patrie project (http://www.mtl375.com). Artgang Galerie plans to co-produce and showcase at least 375 public art installations around the borough, bringing the neighbourhood's residents together and generating interest in the area.

Created by amateur and professional artists, more than a hundred works representing different disciplines and executed in a wide range of mediums will be exhibited to the public.

Montrealers will also be able to track's the project's evolution, consult the index of works and learn more about participating artists at www.mtl375.com, launched at the same time as the pop-up gallery.

A second wave of exhibitions is slated for spring 2017, and a number of other project-related initiatives are also planned.

Starting December 21, 2016

Parc de Gaspe

http://www.375mtl.com/en/programming/mtl375-rosemont-petite-patrie-299/

Parc Molson

http://www.375mtl.com/en/programming/mtl375-rosemont-petite-patrie-300/

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ALL THESE EVENTS

Visit the programming section of our website, at http://www.375mtl.com/en/programming/, or download the 375MTL app.

ABOUT THE SOCIETY FOR THE CELEBRATION OF MONTREAL'S 375TH ANNIVERSARY

The Society for the Celebration of Montreal's 375th Anniversary is a non-profit organization whose mission is to organize the festivities and socioeconomic initiatives that will mark Montreal's 375th anniversary in 2017. With a focus on promoting Montreal expertise, it acts as a catalyst for local forces to carry out its mandate: mobilize the community, implement a funding strategy, rigorously manage its financial resources, develop quality programming and ensure the visibility of the celebrations.

The Society receives financial support from the Ville de Montreal, the Quebec government and the Canadian government, as well as private funding from 12 Great Montrealers. For more information, see 375mtl.com.

For the complete list of press releases as well as images and videos, visit our virtual press room here.

Follow us live on Twitter @375Mtl.

Follow us on Facebook.

To learn more about the Quebec government's contribution to Montreal's 375th anniversary, click here.

SOURCE Societe des celebrations du 375e anniversaire de Montreal

For further information: Isabelle Pelletier, [email protected], 514-238-4178

Related Links

www.375mtl.com


Volunteer Canada and Investors Group release groundbreaking volunteer recognition study in advance of National Volunteer Week

OTTAWA, April 18, 2017 /CNW/ - Alarm bells sounded when the findings of the General Social Survey: Giving, volunteering and participating (2013) revealed a drop in volunteering among Canadians from 47% of Canadians in 2010 to 44% in 2013. Was this a minor blip or the beginning of a concerning downward trend? Have Canadians become less giving or are we simply giving time in new and different ways?

In order to answer these questions, Volunteer Canada and Investors Group engaged Ipsos Public Affairs to conduct an opinion poll, to examine Canadians' perceptions and attitudes on volunteering. The results revealed that community involvement is increasingly varied and diverse, and may not always fall into the traditional definition of volunteering.

"As the nature of volunteering evolves, our definition and recognition of the term must adapt," explains Paula Speevak, President and CEO, Volunteer Canada. "For example, buying fair trade coffee in the morning or organizing a carpool puts your personal values into action. Is this volunteering?"

From the research emerged the notion of Individual Social Responsibility (ISR), a concept that may disrupt the traditional definition of volunteering but also offers a more inclusive and progressive way to frame volunteering and community engagement.

"As Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary and the diversity that strengthens us as a nation, recognizing ISR as a contributor to community building is key. During National Volunteer Week, Volunteer Canada and Investors Group urge Canadians to recognize and thank all volunteers, both formal and informal," says Trevor Krahn, Director of Community Investment, Investors Group.

So, what does ISR mean for organizations?

Non-profits can better understand what drives Canadians' community engagement motivations. Acknowledging ISR can also help businesses to grow their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. As the definition of volunteering evolves, organizations can celebrate all Canadians who make a difference in their communities.

To read the full report of Recognizing Volunteering in 2017 visit volunteer.ca/recognition.

April 23 to 29 is National Volunteer Week. It is also the 14th consecutive year that Volunteer Canada delivers the National Volunteer Week (NVW) campaign in partnership with Investors Group. Visit volunteer.ca/nvw2017

SOURCE Volunteer Canada

For further information: Laura Allardyce, Manager of Communications and Marketing, [email protected], 613-231-4371 ext. 245

Related Links

www.volunteer.ca


TORONTO, April 18, 2017 /CNW/ - Join us on our journey to be Upstanders not Bystanders! In recognition of Canada's 150th birthday, SUP will be collecting 150 video and picture apologies from across the nation to showcase in our video montage. By submitting an apology you make a stand against bullying and become a role model to promote healing. We are going to let Canadians know our nation will not tolerate bullying. No matter what your age, gender, orientation, religion, colour of skin, or any other differences, we are looking to all Canadians to show the world how we stand up against bullying, bystanding, and exclusion.

You can apologize via video. You can apologize by taking a picture of an apology letter. You can apologize with a group of friends, classmates, or individually.

To submit your apology, please include the hashtag #150Apologies and email the text content of your submission to [email protected] with a file attachment or video link of the media you wish to share with our fellow Canadians. For video submissions we prefer web ready video formats (details: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Supported_media_formats) and recommend Dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com) for submitting large video files.

SUP has been identified by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario as an official Signature Project of Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation. With support from both governments and Canadians everywhere we can end bullying!

SOURCE Student Unity Project

For further information: Janis Griffin, 905-441-4453, [email protected]
CALGARY, April 18, 2017 /CNW/ - Pembina Pipeline Corporation ("Pembina" or the "Company") (TSX: PPL; NYSE: PBA) will release its first quarter 2017 results on Thursday, May 4, 2017 after markets close. A conference call and webcast have been scheduled for Friday, May 5, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. MT (10:00 a.m. ET) for interested investors, analysts, brokers and media representatives.

The conference call dial-in numbers for Canada and the U.S. are 647-427-7450 or 888-231-8191. A recording of the conference call will be available for replay until May 12, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. ET. To access the replay, please dial either 416-849-0833 or 855-859-2056 and enter the password 15480289.

A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed on Pembina's website at www.pembina.com under Investor Centre, Presentation & Events, or by entering: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1307553&s=1&k=AB5E15E3786D8EB4AE79BCA104ECFE1C in your web browser. Shortly after the call, an audio archive will be posted on the website for a minimum of 90 days.

Annual General Meeting Information

The Company will hold its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders ("AGM") on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. MT (4:00 p.m. ET) at the Metropolitan Conference Centre, 333  4th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

A live webcast of Pembina's AGM presentation can be accessed on Pembina's website at www.pembina.com under Investor Centre, Presentation & Events, or by entering: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1346919&s=1&k=4A258BF189ABB38A8CD0BEF7AFF390AC in your web browser. Participants are recommended to register for the webcast at least 10 minutes before the presentation start time.

About Pembina

Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Corporation is a leading transportation and midstream service provider that has been serving North America's energy industry for over 60 years. Pembina owns and operates an integrated system of pipelines that transport various products derived from natural gas and hydrocarbon liquids produced primarily in western Canada. The Company also owns and operates gas gathering and processing facilities and an oil and natural gas liquids infrastructure and logistics business. Pembina's integrated assets and commercial operations along the majority of the hydrocarbon value chain allow it to offer a full spectrum of midstream and marketing services to the energy sector. Pembina is committed to working with its community and aboriginal neighbours, while providing value for investors in a safe, environmentally responsible manner. This balanced approach to operating ensures the trust Pembina builds among all of its stakeholders is sustainable over the long-term. Pembina's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under PPL and PBA, respectively. For more information, visit www.pembina.com.

SOURCE Pembina Pipeline Corporation

For further information: Investor Relations: Hayley McKenzie / Chelsy Hoy, (403) 231-3156, 1-855-880-7404, e-mail: [email protected], www.pembina.com

Related Links

http://www.pembina.com


ralph2.JPG

Ralph Erenzo, co-founder of Tuthilltown Spirits and Hudson whiskeys, in the distillery's country store in Gardiner, near New Paltz in the Hudson Valley. The distillery and its brands have been sold to Scottish distiller William Grant & Sons.

(Don Cazentre)

GARDINER, NY -- Tuthilltown Spirits, which opened in 2005 as New York state's first standalone distiller and whiskey maker since Prohibition, has been sold to Scottish distiller William Grant & Sons.

Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey, made by Tuthilltown Spirits of Gardiner, N.Y., near New Paltz in the Hudson Valley. The distillery and its brands have been sold to Scottish distiller William Grant & Sons.

It marks the first time a modern craft distiller in New York has been taken over by a large national or global drinks company, a practice that has become increasing common for craft brewers in New York and elsewhere.

It's the second step in Grant's relationship with Tuthilltown, which founders Ralph Erenzo and Brian Lee opened in Gardiner, near New Paltz in the Hudson Valley.

In 2010, Grant acquired the rights to Tuthilltown's Hudson brand whiskeys, including the well-known Hudson Baby Bourbon and Hudson Manhattan Rye. Since then, the whiskey brands had continued to be distilled at Tuthilltown, but were owned and marketed by Grant. All the other spirits made there, including gin, vodka and others spirits under the Tuthilltown brand, continued to be owned by Erenzo and Lee.

Indigenous Vodka, made by Tuthilltown Spirits of Gardiner, N.Y., near New Paltz in the Hudson Valley. The distillery and its brands have been sold to Scottish distiller William Grant & Sons.

Today's news means Grant is now the owner of the 36-acre distillery, visitor's center, restaurant, as well as all the Hudson whiskey and Tuthilltown spirits brands. A statement from Grant CEO Simon Hunt said Erenzo, considered by many in New York as the founding father of the state's craft spirits industry, will stay on as a consultant.

"Ralph will still be very much involved in the business on a day to day basis collaborating and experimenting with our team of distillery experts and Master Blenders," Hunt said in the statement.

William Grant & Sons is a family-owned business based in Scotland that makes many of the world's best-known spirits, including Glenfiddich and The Balvenie single malt Scotch; Grant's, a blended Scotch, and Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey and Drambuie Scotch Liqueur, among many others.

Erenzo decided to open his distillery in Gardiner after being rebuffed in his original goal to set up a climber's "ranch" near the Shawangunk Mountains, one of the best rock-climbing destinations in the East. He discovered the agricultural property could be used for a winery or distillery.

Although a handful of wineries in New York had already set up stills to make brandy, Erenzo and Lee's business became the first full-time distilling company in the state since the start of Prohibition, and one of the first in the country. They had to wade through state and federal regulations to do what few had done before.

"Really the reason was because it was something nobody else was doing," Erenzo said in an October 2016 interview. "And it wasn't rocket science. You could do it with determination and a reasonable amount of education."

New York state currently has about 100 craft distilleries, many of them farm distilleries, which benefit from relaxed regulations for using New York-grown and produced ingredients. Erenzo helped get the state's farm distilley law passed in the mid-2000s.

The trend for large drinks companies to buy craft brewers, including some in New York, has been causing a stir for some time. Examples in New York include Anheuser-Busch InBev's purchase of Blue Point Brewing on Long Island, and the acquisition of Ballast Point Brewing of San Diego by the Rochester-area conglomerate Constellation brands. Even the iconic Genesee Brewery in Rochester is now owned by a Costa Rican company, FIFco., makers of Imperial brand beer.

Don Cazentre writes about craft beer, wine, spirits and beverages for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook.
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U.S. Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, is among House Republicans from Upstate New York facing a tough series of votes this year on legislative initiatives that are on President Donald Trump's agenda. Katko faced demonstrators outside of the Blarney Stone tavern in Syracuse's Tipperary Hill neighborhood on March 6, 2017. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

(Dennis Nett)

WASHINGTON -- Republican members of Congress from Upstate New York are finding that life in the majority is filled with new political perils that may leave some feeling vulnerable from every direction.

Three months into the new Congress, the six GOP members have found themselves torn between President Donald Trump's agenda, loyalty to the Republican Party, and the interests of their New York constituents.

The Upstate Republicans are preparing to battle over a tax reform plan that could hurt New Yorkers financially, a budget that cuts programs that are popular Upstate such as Meals on Wheels and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and an immigration crackdown at a time when Upstate cities are embracing refugees and new immigrants.

At the same time, an intraparty conflict for Upstate Republicans played out to some extent last month when the House GOP tried but failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act --- President Obama's landmark 2010 healthcare law that polls show is popular across New York.

Some of the Upstate Republicans embraced the repeal legislation only after a New York-specific amendment for Medicaid was added to the bill, preventing the state from forcing its counties to pick up some of the costs.

Even after the sweetener, Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, said he couldn't support the measure.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, concerned about concessions to hard-right Republicans, negotiated a last-minute deal to provide health coverage for maternity care and patients dealing with substance abuse. But she remained undecided as the bill was abruptly pulled from the House floor.

David Catalfamo, a GOP political strategist in New York, said the healthcare bill was the first in a series of difficult votes the Upstate Republicans in Congress will make in the coming months.

"I think they're caught not just between Trump, but also the national viewpoint that doesn't have a lot of sympathy for New York," Catalfamo said. "It's going to be a tough position for them to be able to manage."

Other legislative priorities for Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan could be no-win propositions for the Upstate New York GOP members, he said, unless its members can drive a better bargain for the Empire State.

"The question is: Will there be a chance to leverage some of Trump's New Yorkness to ameliorate the impact of some of these policies that wouldn't seem to be good for New York?" Catalfamo said.

The political risks are particularly high for two vulnerable House freshmen -- Reps. John Faso, R-Kinderhook and Claudia Tenney, R-New Hartford -- and Katko, the only Republican to win a New York congressional district carried by Hillary Clinton in November.

The Upstate Republicans don't want to alienate their conservative base, nor risk upsetting Trump supporters in a region that the Manhattan mogul carried by 100,000 votes in the presidential election, political analysts say.

The House members also want to appeal to New York's moderate Republican and Democratic voters, and independents who help decide elections in swing districts like Katko's in the Syracuse area. Katko refused to endorse Trump in the presidential election.

Tenney has the extra burden of representing an area, Utica-Rome, that has seen its economy and population stabilize thanks to an influx of immigrants and refugees.

Stefanik, who represents a sprawling North Country district, was among at least 18 House Republicans to oppose Trump's travel ban on refugees and immigrants from Muslim majority countries.

Michael Long, chairman of the Conservative Party of New York, said he understands Upstate Republicans are in a precarious position, but he's not willing to give them a pass on tough votes.

Long told Syracuse.com that he made phone calls, sent policy memos and emails to the Upstate Republicans before the aborted Obamacare repeal vote, reminding them that he expected a vote for repeal.

"It's what makes being in Congress and being a public official a tough job," Long said. "You can't please everybody."

Polls consistently show Upstate voters, including those in Katko's 24th Congressional District favor keeping Obamacare. But Long said it shouldn't matter to Republicans who ran on a platform promising to repeal the law.

"That has to be done," Long said. "And I submit to you that if it's not done, the Republican Congress will take a real hit for it."

While Long hasn't specifically threatened to back a primary against any of the New York Republicans, his actions make it clear it's a possibility if members don't fall in line.

As for Katko, Long said the fact that he's from a moderate swing district is not an excuse for refusing to support the GOP's repeal effort.

"In my book that doesn't give him a pass," Long said. "I fully understand what a tough district he comes from, and that he wants to live up to his promise of repeal and replace."

On the positive side, the aborted healthcare vote demonstrated that Katko and like-minded GOP moderates from New York can serve as an influential voting block that will help determine the direction of future legislation.

Tom Dadey, chairman of the Onondaga County Republican Committee and the first GOP county chair in New York to endorse Trump, said he sees other potential benefits for the state's congressional delegation with Trump as president.

"My hope is that New Yorkers would work together, not only for the good of country, but our state in particular," said Dadey, who served on the GOP's 2016 platform committee and on Trump's transition team.

Dadey said he believes Trump would understand - and likely help - if the New York Republicans shared their concerns about upcoming legislation with the president, a Queens native who spent most of his life in the Empire State.

"The one thing I learned serving on the platform committee is that the Republican Party is a little different in New York than the rest of the country," Dadey said. "But New York is in a different position this year because we have a president from New York and a member of Congress -- Chris Collins -- who was the first member of Congress to endorse the president."

Collins, R-Clarence, who represents a Western New Yok district, has been among Trump's strongest supporters, but he has spoken out on matters of local interest when he disagrees with the White House.

This month, Collins said he will push back on the president's proposal to cut funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Stefanik, Tenney and Katko joined Collins in asking House appropriators to provide the full $300 million.

Former Rep. James Walsh, a Republican who represented the Syracuse area for 20 years in Congress, said Collins should take the lead in meeting with Trump to discuss New York's interests.

But he said Collins and other Upstate Republicans would be wise to maintain their independence on key issues of importance for New York.

"Chis Collins is very close to Trump, and there are going to be times when that friendship is going to challenge him to represent his district," Walsh said. "It's a two-edged sword."

Contact Mark Weiner anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
By Chuck D'Imperio | Contributing writer

Each county in New York is home to great treasures, many of them of national import. Each county also is home to odd and unusual places and quirky hallmarks that are just as worthy a visit as the others. So while we celebrate our halls of fame, our glorious natural wonders and our famous sons and daughters, let's pause and look at some of the most unusual places one can visit in each of New York's 62 counties. From castles to famous gravesites to warships and to abandoned buildings, they are all worthy of a quick adventure. These are great Upstate stories.

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Photo: Gary Walts | gwalts@nyup.com

Albany County: Cohoes Mastodon

Not many mastodons roam freely in Upstate New York anymore, but they did some 13,000 years ago. The "Cohoes Mastodon" is one a pride and joy of the New York State Museum in Albany. It was unearthed in 1868 while digging was underway to build a textile mill. In real life, this animal would have stood almost nine feet tall and tipped the scales at over five tons.

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Allegany County: McKinney Stables

This sprawling horse complex in Cuba, built in 1907, is the largest cement and concrete building in the world. It is 350-feet long and 50-feet wide. Its original intention was to house prize show horses and trotters owned by William Simpson, whose champion horse was named 'McKinney." At the time, it was considered to be one of the largest fireproof buildings in the world.

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Bronx County: Loews Paradise Theater

One of the last grand "movie palaces" in the U.S. Designed by famed architect John Eberson, who was known for his "Atmospheric Style" of creating an outdoor ambiance in an indoor facility. At its beginning, it was the 23rd-largest movie house in the U.S. First movie was shown on Sept. 7, 1929: "The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu."

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Plaque in Recreation Park, Binghamton, New York, USA honoring Rod Serling creator of "The Twlight Zone" #merrygoround #carousel #twlightzone - http://boingboing.net/2014/01/27/rod-serlings-carousel-in.html Posted by theTV.website/ on Saturday, August 13, 2016

Broome County: Rod Serling Carousel

Rod Serling grew up in Binghamton and went on to fame with his "Twilight Zone" television series. One episode, "Walking Distance," was written with memories of Serling's times at an actual carousel in George F. Johnson Recreation Park in Binghamton. Today, a plaque near the still-working merry-go-round identifies it as the "Walking Distance" amusement ride from the show

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Photo: Brianna Blank for NYup.com

Cattaraugus County: American Cutlery Museum

The only cutlery museum in the Western Hemisphere not affiliated with a manufacturer is located on Main Street in Cattaraugus. Be careful here: There are a lot of sharp edges!

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T.D. Ford (Grundlepuck) via flickr

Cayuga County: Hunter Dinerant

Classic, vintage roadside diner in downtown Auburn. Owners probably couldn't decide if it was a diner or a restaurant, so dinerant it is! Front of the diner is on Main Street and the back overhangs the Owasco Creek. Former Vice President Joe Biden's first wife, Neilia, was the daughter of Bob Hunter, the founder.

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Chautauqua County: Marmaduke statue

Cartoonist Brad Anderson was born in Jamestown and graduated from the Brocton, N.Y., public school system in 1942. He was a popular cartoonist whose most famous comic strip was "Marmaduke," about a hapless and very funny (and very large) Great Dane. At one time, the beloved comic strip was carried by more than 500 newspapers in more than 20 countries. Anderson drew his award-winning strip until his death at the age of 91. The city of Brocton honored him in 2016 by erecting a giant bronze statue of the cartoonist and his famous subject.

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Hij via wikipedia

Chemung County: "Hellmira" memorial

Many people do not know that the Upstate New York city of Elmira was the home of one of the most infamous prisoner of war camps during the Civil War. And it held Confederate soldiers. Thousands spent many miserable months behind the 12-foot high stockade fence at Elmira Prison Camp (dubbed "Hellmira"), and hundreds died of disease, poor nourishment and a general malaise of neglect by the Union guards. Today, one of the rare Northern memorials to those who fought for the south can be found in Elmira.

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Chenango County: Greene Town Museum

This wonderful museum is located on the upper level of the Moore Library on Genesee Street in Greene. They have an amazing array of unusual items gathered from residents over the years. One of the oddest, and most poignant, artifacts is a wedding dress made out of a silk parachute sent back to the states by a doomed World War II U.S. soldier.

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Photo: The Associated Press

Clinton County: Clinton County State Correctional Facility

This foreboding maximum state prison is located in Dannemora, in rural Clinton County. It is a jarring and unusual site situated in the beautiful forests and rolling hills of this area near the Vermont border. With 2,685 of the state's worst criminals housed inside, this prison is the largest of its kind in New York State. It gained national fame in 2015 when prisoners David Sweat and Richard Matt, both convicted of murder, escaped and were on the lam in the North Country for three weeks.

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The actual grave stone of Virginia O'Hanlon Douglas. North Chatham, New York. Posted by Dave Fitting on Sunday, November 29, 2015

Columbia County: Virginia O'Hanlon Douglas' grave

Virginia O'Hanlon was just 8 years old when she penned "the most famous letter to the editor" ever published. She wrote to the New York Sun newspaper asking if there was such a person as Santa Claus. The touching and immortal reply (written by editor Francis P. Church, who was childless) was warm, endearing and touched the hearts of millions. "Yes, Virginia. There is a Santa Claus!" became one of the most famous holiday catch phrases of all time. Virginia died in 1971 at the age of 81. Her final resting place is the Old Chatham Cemetery in Columbia County. Christmas trinkets and flowers are sometimes left at her grave on her birthday.

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Real Rob on the Road - After being shunned from the streets of Ithaca, NY we checked into the Country Music Hall of Fame... Posted by Rob Armus on Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Cortland County: New York State Country Music Hall of Fame

Who would have guessed that there was a country music hall of fame in our state and that it would be located in Cortland? On display here are flashy performance outfits worn by Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, Ernest Tubb and more. A show-stopper is a $10,000 beaded gown worn by Tammy Wynette. Many local country music artists are honored with hall of fame plaques that line the walls.

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Delaware County: Hanford Mills Waterwheel

This tribute to early Upstate mill life is a top museum draw in Delaware County. Located in East Meredith, if features a working mill, steam engines, a stocked mill pond and a woodworking shop. Many public events are held throughout the year. The most popular "attraction" here is the 1926 Fitz Overshot Waterwheel. When it is turned on and the buckets start going around and around carrying water (and sometimes fish) from the Kortright Creek through the mill, it can be an unforgettable experience. In fact, the whole building shakes when this old waterwheel is in action.

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Dutchess County: Wing's Castle

This is one of two castles on this list of unusual places to visit in each county. It was built in the 1970s by the late Peter Wing. It is a sprawling ornate castle with stone walls, arched entranceways, lavish gardens and even a moat which goes around it. Wing used recycled materials almost exclusively. Although a private home and an established bed and breakfast, Mr. and Mrs. Wing frequently opened their castle to the public for events and tours, especially around Halloween.

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Photo: Joed Viera for NYup.com

Erie County: Eternal Flame Falls

Yes, you are seeing it correctly. A bright, orange flame dancing joyously under a curtain of water. This eternal flame is located in Chestnut Ridge Park in North Boston, N.Y. The flame is produced by igniting a natural gas spring found under and behind the cascading waterfall.

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Photo: NYup.com archive photo

Essex County: Crown Point Light

Upstate's shores have many famous, beautiful and historic lighthouses guarding them. None have a backstory like the Crown Point Light. Originally a working lighthouse shepherding the ships that plied Lake Champlain, it was later turned into a memorial for Samuel de Champlain, the discoverer of the lake. On July 5, 1912, the newly designed lighthouse/memorial was dedicated by the governors of New York and Vermont. It's stately beauty, marked by eight towering Doric columns, a heroic statue of explorer Champlain as well as a sculpture and plaque designed by famed French artist Auguste Rodin, certainly all qualify this as one of America's great, iconic lighthouses.

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Franklin County: Franklin County Fairgrounds

The Franklin County Fair is one of the oldest county fairs in America. It began in 1852. And while today it has all of the hallmarks of a traditional county fair  such as a ride midway, top name national entertainment acts and a bevy of fried food vendors  it was not always such. In its earliest configuration, it was an old-time agricultural exposition where people brought farm animals to show, baked pies to enter into competitions and where politicians came to give speeches. Most famously, this fairground is actually a key component to the story told in the classic book "Farmer Boy," by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The writer's husband, Almanzo, was brought up on a farm near the fairgrounds.

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Fulton County: Town Line Museum

From one man's fancy for the nostalgia of the 1950s and 1960s comes this whimsical museum in Johnstown. The small building is loaded with classic toys, old radios, jukeboxes, vintage neon signs, antiques and quirky memorabilia. There is even a pair of old service station pumps out front beckoning you to come and go back to the "Happy Days."

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Genesee County: Executioner's Gibbet

In a small room in a museum in Batavia, you will see one of the most unusual contraptions ever employed to put a man to death. Unlike a regular hanging, where the doomed person drops through a floor thereby breaking their neck, a gibbet is quite the opposite. The convicted criminal stands upright (with a hood over his head) as a weight is employed to lift him off the ground, therefore killing him. The Holland Land Office Museum here not only has an actual gibbet that was used in Genesee County, but it also has all of the documentation of the execution, including names, ages and crime details.

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Greene County: Five State Lookout

As you climb (or descend) steep Rt. 23 in East Windham, you will come upon a pull-off area with a famous view. At various times, this area has been the site of a restaurant. The parking area seemingly hangs off the side of a tall mountain and the view is one of the best in the Catskills. On a clear day you can see the White Mountains (New Hampshire), the Berkshires (Massachusetts), Green Mountains (Vermont), the Helderberg Mountains (New York) and the mountains in the Connecticut Valley.

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Hamilton County: Kunjamuk Cave

This is one of the great, mysterious caves of the Adirondacks. Located just outside of Speculator, the cave has been explored and mused over for decades. It is 15-feet deep and 8-feet wide, ample dimensions to hold even the biggest spelunker. The mystery? Is it a natural cave or manmade? Nobody knows for sure!

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Photo: Stef Noble via flickr

Herkimer County: General Herkimer Monument

This is one of the best "action" statues you will find. A life-sized bronze statue of General Nicholas Herkimer is positioned atop a huge boulder. In the presenting tableau, Herkimer can be seen sitting on his saddle while pointing out battlefield maneuvers with his long, curved clay pipe. The scene is taken from a historical event. During an Upstate battle in the Revolutionary War, the general had his horse shot out from under him and suffered a serious bullet wound in his leg. Although he died 10 days later from his wound, his calm leadership inspired his men during the battle. Located in (where else) Herkimer, N.Y. This is an awesome statue!

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Photo: Gary Walts | gwalts@nyup.com

Jefferson County: Giant crow statues

Wait, what was that? How many drivers have said that over the years as they drive south from Alexandria Bay on I-81 and look to their right? Three giant steel black crows are in a field calmly watching the traffic go by for no apparent reason. They are about 6-feet tall and are the work of sculptor Will Salisbury, of nearby Omar, N.Y.

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Kings County: Mosaic House

This house (a private residence) is covered with thousands of shiny, colorful pieces of ceramic tiles, mirrors, beads, broken pottery, buttons and all sorts of bric-a-brac. For more than 15 years this has been the top photo-op location in Brooklyn's Cobble Hill section.

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Lewis County: Lady LeWinDa MilkZalot

Lowville is known as the home of Philadelphia Cream Cheese, and this gigantic fiberglass cow is the community's unofficial mascot. She is also New York's largest cow. The happy bovine stands 11-feet tall and is 16-feet long and is located in front of the Lowville Producers Dairy Cooperative.

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Livingston County: Torture Tree

During a battle near Culyerville (outside of Geneseo) in 1779, several American soldiers, marching with General John Sullivan, were caught and tortured by the Indian enemy. Tortured is putting it mildly. Today, a bronze plaque at the site describes the unspeakable way these gallant men met their deaths. This is a grim memorial, but a fascinating one.

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Photo: Syracuse.com archive

Madison County: The Cazenovia Mummy

Located above the Cazenovia Library is the small but very well done Museum of Oddities. Basically a "one man's collection," this odd grouping of antiques, stuffed birds and artifacts from the early days of Cazenovia, also has a mummy. A fully-wrapped 2,000-year-old Egyptian mummy that was delivered to the village in 1894 at the behest of the museum's benefactor, Robert J. Hubbard. Is the mummy a male or female? Well, go and see for yourself ( hint: think X-ray!)

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Photo: Water_Rails_Rubber via flickr

Monroe County: Sam Patch grave

Daredevil Sam Patch was the "Evel Knievel" of his day. He was known as the "Yankee Leaper," and his show-stopper was jumping from high places into dangerous waters below. In 1829, he actually jumped from a high-rise deck out and over Niagara Falls. He did it a second time two years later in front of a crowd of over 10,000 onlookers. On Friday the 13th in 1829, a cold and bitter November day, Patch made his final leap into the Genesee River near Rochester. His frozen body was found down river in the spring.

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Montgomery County: Fort Klock

Fort Klock is a historic stone fort in St. Johnsville that saw duty in both the French and Indian Wars as well as the American Revolution. It was an important military outpost and once hosted Generals Herkimer, Schuyler, Hamilton and Clinton!

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Nassau County: Stepping Stones Lighthouse

Beautiful, small, one-and-a-half story brick lighthouse currently operated by the United States Coast Guard. Located on Long Island Sound, where it has been a fixture since 1876. Take a boat ride out past the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King's Point to view it and then later, if so moved, make a tax-deductible donation to the Great Neck Historical Society's Lighthouse Fund to help save it from being lost to decay.

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New York County: Private Passage Sculpture

Located in Hudson River Park (W. 55th at Pier 96), this odd-but-graceful sculpture consists of a giant dark green wine bottle lying on its side with a series of windows (portholes) lining the sides. The interior reflects the inside of the RMS Queen Mary, from which many of the items were taken. At night, lights are lit inside giving it an eerie air of an actual ship's stateroom.

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Niagara County: Lockport Caves

The city of Lockport, with its amazing "Flight of Five Locks," is a major attraction along the Erie Canal. The Lockport Caves are a series of underground excavation caves used during the construction of the canal. There is even an underground boat ride. Tours here are very popular.

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Oneida County: Proctor Eagle

High on a mountain overlooking the city of Utica, a large bronze eagle is captured frozen in time ready to take flight. The "Proctor Eagle" is located at the top of Roscoe Conkling Park and was placed here by Maria Proctor to commemorate the life of her husband, Thomas Redfield Proctor, one of the city's earliest and greatest benefactors.

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Photo: Syracuse.com archive

Onondaga County: Coleman's Leprechaun Door.

Syracuse has a long association with its Irish immigrant history. From the "green over red" traffic light on Tipperary Hill to the city's annual St. Patrick's Day parade (one of New York's oldest and largest), the Irish are well-remembered in the "Salt City." Coleman's Irish Pub, on South Lowell Avenue, has been hailed as the heart of Irish Syracuse. There is no better identification of this association then the little "leprechaun's door" which is right next to the main entrance of Coleman's to welcome in "the wee ones."

Website: http://www.colemansirishpub.com/

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Ontario County: Purple fire hydrants

The Finger Lakes community of Naples is evocative of its Italian inspiration. Rolling hills undulate toward a sparkling blue lake. Vineyards are plentiful throughout the countryside. And the village itself has a quaint, welcoming charm. They take their grapes seriously here, including their famous Grape Pie (try it at Monica's Pie Shop). Also, notice the fire hydrants are painted purple in honor of their signature grape. It's the only village in New York allowed to do such a thing.

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Photo: Joe Schumacher via flickr

Orange County: Knifetown's McKinley statue

Walden was once the knife-making capital of the U.S. When outside interests threatened the knife-making business, President William McKinley stepped in and signed legislation protecting the industry and thereby saving hundreds of jobs in "Knifetown." The citizens raised an impressive statue of the president in the village in his honor. At its base it says "Erected by the Working Men of Walden."

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Orleans County: Electric train layout

It is one of the largest toy train layouts in the country. You can find it at the Medina Railroad Museum. The layout sprawls over an expansive showroom floor and consists of a multitude of train cars passing each other helter-skelter over a precise background setting of rural, urban and whimsical landscapes. Railroads operating on this train set include the Lehigh Valley, Erie, New York Central, Lackawanna, Santa Fe and many others. This is a baby boomers delight!

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Photo: ironmike9 via flickr

Oswego County: World War II Navy ship

The USAT LT-5 Major Elisha K. Henson is the last naval ship afloat that participated in the D-Day landing. She is moored at the H. Lee White Maritime Museum in Oswego. What makes this convoy tug so remarkable is that, although it was not a fighting vessel, it did manage to shoot down a German plane during the invasion. If you look up at the grey smokestack, you can see the unmistakable "fighter kill" insignia of a single plane. The Henson was the only military tug to ever down an enemy plane.

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Otsego County: Oldest covered bridge in U.S.

It is just a short bridge, tucked away in a leafy glen near Glimmerglass State Park north of Cooperstown. But it carries with it a mighty legacy. The Hyde Hall Covered Bridge was built in 1825, and its 53-foot long single lane carries it over a burbling country creek. It is on both the New York and the United State National Registry of Historic Places, where it is officially recognized as the oldest covered bridge in the nation.

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Putnam County: Sybil Ludington statue

On April 26, 1777, little 16-year-old Sybil Ludington mounted her horse "Star" and rode through the night, rallying militiamen to come to her father's aid and engage the advancing British troops. Her "midnight ride" was actually twice as far as Paul Revere's more famous ride. A famous statue in Carmel now honors her and her horse for her heroic deed.

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Queens County: Unisphere

This iconic structure is the quintessential souvenir of the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair. With almost every other building in the fair's footprint now gone, this proud, bold global symbol is embraced by the residents of Queens and remains a symbol of hope and progress. The stainless steel structure has a diameter of 120 feet.

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Rensselaer County: Peace Pagoda

It is quite a remarkable sight to come upon out in the middle of nowhere. A giant, alabaster peace pagoda with golden statues, a large white dome, intricate stone walls, multiple staircases, ponds, a temple, several walking paths and towering spiritual icons. It was dedicated in 1993.

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Richmond County: Junkyard art display

Artist Chris Spollen has bedecked his Staten Island property (Cromwell Avenue) with a Steampunker's Paradise. Figures, both human and animal, sit alongside depictions of modes of transportation and other bizarre configurations, all created from pieces the artists has scavenged from junk yards and empty lots.

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Rockland County: "Last Stop U.S.A."

There is but a single building left out of the hundreds that were erected here at the dawning of World War II. This Orangeburg location became Camp Shanks, the largest military embarkation camp in the U.S. Over 1.3 million servicemen trained and were processed from Camp Shanks before heading to Europe. It is estimated that 75 percent of those involved with the D-Day landing came from this camp, known as "Last Stop U.S.A." Today, the single Quonset hut left is a museum dedicated to the camp's role in the war.

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Photo: Jim Harvey via flickr

Saint Lawrence County: Giant roll of Life Savers candy

As you enter Gouverneur, you will find one of the most curious tributes to a local man in the state. Edward J. Noble was a broadcasting pioneer and a politician who served as President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Secretary of Commerce. He also bought the rights to a fledgling candy treat named Life Savers over a century ago. He turned that candy business into an American sweet treat legend. A large roll of Pep-O-Mint Life Savers now greets visitors to Noble's hometown. The candy sits high above the village green.

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Photo: U.S. Army RDECOM via flickr

Saratoga County: Benedict Arnold's Boot Monument

Before he "turned his coat," Arnold was considered to be a brilliant military strategist. At the Battle of Saratoga, he suffered a severe leg injury. Later, to commemorate the man for his military prowess, a monument to his leg was installed on the battlefield. It makes no mention of Benedict Arnold by name. It is the only war memorial in America that does not carry the honorees name.

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Schenectady County: Lawrence the Indian

This beloved statue is the unofficial symbol of Schenectady. Lawrence the Indian was a real person. After the ransacking of the Schenectady outpost during the 1690 King Williams War, a Mohawk, who was given the name Lawrence, encouraged and aided the settlers into rebuilding the fort, which ultimately became the city of Schenectady. His statue, located in the historic Stockade District, is mysteriously frequented by pink plastic flamingos on Valentine's Day in a long-standing tradition dating back decades.

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Schoharie County: Oldest tress in the world

The Gilboa Forest comprises the oldest-known trees in the world. Don't get all excited, though. The "trees" make up a small collection of nine fossilized stumps that were recovered from the earth during a dam construction project in the 1920s. The historic trees are 360 million years old.

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Schuyler County: Montour Falls

These falls are among the most beautiful in the state. Not among the largest or even the most dramatic, but beautiful for sure. Known as "She-Qua-Ga," a Seneca Indian name meaning "tumbling waters," the falls are easily accessible to those who visit the village. The falls tumble down a series of ledge-like plateaus, falling more than 160 feet. They can be seen from many areas of the village. A historical marker tells that King Louis Phillip de Orleans was so taken by the falls' beauty that he painted them. That painting now hangs in the Louvre in Paris.

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Photo: Jennifer Morrisey via flickr

Seneca County: Willard Psychiatric Hospital

This place is creepy. Fascinating, but creepy. The Willard Asylum for the Criminally Insane opened in rural Romulus in 1869, and at its peak it housed over 2,000 people. It was abandoned in 1995. Infrequent public tours sell out quickly. After it closed, a large number of unopened suitcases were found in an unopened loft. Their contents have been examined and now tour the country in an exhibit titled "Suitcases in the Attic."

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Photo: Corning Finger Lakes via flickr

Steuben County: World's largest living sign

Behind Greenwood Elementary School in Canisteo, you can plainly see the letters C-A-N-I-S-T-E-O. They are spelled out in trees. It began as a school project in 1933 when students laid out the letters using 260 Scotch pine trees. Robert Ripley later dubbed it "the world's largest living sign."

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Suffolk County: The Big Duck

This is some duck! It is 20-feet tall, 30-feet long and 18-feet wide. It was built by farmer Martin Maurer in 1931 to advertise his duck farm. It has been a beloved Long Island landmark ever since. In fact, it was named to the National Registry Historic Places in 1997. It is in Flanders, N.Y., and a NYS historical marker points you the way to the Big Duck.

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Sullivan County: Woodstock Concert Field

Perhaps the most famous concert venue in music history. In 1969, hundreds of thousands of young people came and gathered on the gently sloping field here in Bethel to witness a concert of epic proportions. Today, the site of the 1969 Woodstock concert is a peaceful, bucolic freshly mowed and landscaped hillside, very much in contrast to the then mud hole created by torrential downpours. A five-ton memorial plaque at a small pull-off area allows the visitor here to look out over the site and try and imagine the huge throngs that were here to listen to rock's best groups. Of course, some visitors don't have to imagine it. Many who come here today here actually attended the concert in 1969!

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Tioga County: O'Brien's Inn

This restaurant, which first opened in 1918 as a hot dog stand and later, in 1926 a diner, is now one of the Southern Tier's most popular eateries. Yes, the food is good, but it is the view that really makes this a spectacular dining experience. Located high atop Waverly Hill, the view over miles of forested hills and mountains can be stunning, especially at sunset. One restaurant reviewer called O'Brien's "America's Most Scenic Dining Room."

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Tompkins County: Sagan Planet Walk

To pay tribute to the late Carl Sagan  television personality, Cornell professor, astronomer and Ithaca resident  the city installed a mockup of the solar system throughout the popular Commons shopping and dining district. The planets are spread out in a scale of 1:5 billion miles, and information about each planet is exhibited on the separate icons. Did you know that a year on Pluto takes nearly 250 Earth years? Now you know.

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The Shandaken Eagle welcomes visitors coming into Phoenicia from Route 28 - it was originally in Grand Central Station in New York City in 1898! Posted by John Fischer Photography on Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Ulster County: Shandaken Eagle

When turning off Route 28 into the hamlet of Phoenica, you will notice a fierce, larger-than-life bronze statue of an American bald eagle glaring at you from his perch on top of a giant boulder. This is the Shandaken Eagle, and it originally was situated on top of Grand Central Station in New York City. It was removed in 1913 and eventually ended up here in the Catskills as a symbol of our national pride. The eagle has a wingspan of 13 feet and weighs in at over two tons.

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Warren County: North Creek Rail Depot

This is one of Upstate's most famous railroad depots. It was here that a vacationing vice president Theodore Roosevelt landed after a harrowing carriage ride down a steep Adirondack mountain on Sept. 14, 1901. Roosevelt first learned that President McKinley had succumbed to his assassination wounds and that Roosevelt was now president here at this station. The restored depot now houses a museum.

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Washington County: Skene Manor

This "castle on the hill" in Whitehall is a large, Gothic Victorian mansion that was built in 1874 by Judge Joseph Potter. The mansion is now open to the public for events and tours. Rumors have it that the mansion haunted. Its most striking feature is a three-story sandstone clock tower, which can be seen from the village below.

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MMR Dad via flickr

Wayne County: Peppermint Museum

Lyons is known as "The Peppermint Village." For many years it was the center for peppermint oil manufacturing in the country. The museum is housed in the office building of the former H.G. Hotchkiss Peppermint Essential Oil Company, established in 1839. Although the peppermint business in now long gone from Lyons, they have frequently held "Peppermint Festivals" here. Also, the sign proclaiming it as "The Peppermint Village," all pink and garlanded by a giant peppermint leaf, is certainly one of the most photographed village signs in Upstate.

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Westchester County: Hartsdale Pet Cemetery

New York's most famous burying ground for cats, dogs and other furry friends. More than 80,000 pets are buried here in the largest pet cemetery in the world. Among the famous pets here are pets owned by singers Kate Smith, Diana Ross and Mariah Carey. An area where "war dogs" are buried is very moving.

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Wyoming County: Attic Keys monument

Located outside the front gates of Attica State prison is a memorial to all 11 of the prison guards and prison employees who were held hostage and killed in the famous 1971 riot. Most poignant is a separate memorial nearby which tells of three guards who kept secret the location of keys to cells not opened by the rioters. The keys were symbolically buried here next to the guard's memorial on the 15th anniversary of the riot. The plaque reads: "ATTICA PRISON. 1971 Prison Riot Keys. Found in D Yard. September 9, 1986."

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Teri Weaver | tweaver@syracuse.com

Yates County: Penn Yan Diner

Check out the Penn Yan Diner in this Finger Lakes village. It is one of the most historic diners in the area. A classic "railroad car diner," it was delivered to Penn Yan on April 10, 1925 (delivered in sections by, what else, railroad!). Lore has it that thousands lined the streets to see the diner rolled into town and lifted onto a cement pad by a giant crane. For decades, this diner was famous for their "creamed cod dinner special."

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Read more: Quirky roadside attractions

Want more quirky attractions in Upstate New York? We've got 62 more for you.
Theranos, Arizona Attorney General Reach Agreement on Full Restitution to State Consumers

Theranos, Inc. announced today an agreement with the Arizona Attorney General's office whereby the company will reimburse Arizona residents for all amounts they paid for Theranos blood testing services between 2013 and 2016. Theranos agreed to return $4.65 million to Arizona consumers, which reflects all amounts paid by Arizona consumers for Theranos tests, regardless of whether Theranos received payment for the tests, or whether the test results were voided or corrected.

Theranos said that including all consumers who had tests over that time period demonstrated the company's commitment to resolving the issue amicably on behalf of Arizonans and working collaboratively with state officials.

With the agreement, both parties intend to resole all existing or potential claims against Theranos, which settled the matter without any admission of liability.







The company also affirmed that it will not own or operate a CLIA-licensed laboratory in Arizona for two years, commencing March 28, 2017, and will pay the attorney general's office $200,000 in civil penalties and $25,000 in attorneys' fees and other legal costs.

About Theranos

Founded in 2003 by Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos, Inc. is a health technology company headquartered in Palo Alto (News - Alert), Calif. Its proprietary miniLab platform is designed to enable earlier disease detection and intervention by facilitating low-cost, small-sample collection, testing, and rapid communication of diagnostic information in distributed settings. To learn more about Theranos, visit www.theranos.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170418006032/en/
[April 18, 2017] TechGirlz Offers Free Computer Classes to Chicago Middle School Girls

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- TechGirlz, with funding from CompTIA's NextUp campaign to interest teens in tech careers, is offering its first computer classes in Chicago this May to middle school girls. Both classes will be offered at Studio Xfinity, 901 W. Weed Street in Chicago. Girls in grades 6-9 can sign up for either event at http://www.techgirlz.org/techshopz/. On Thursday, May 4, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., girls can learn about designing mobile apps. Working in teams, girls will decide on an app idea and develop a prototype. Attendees will learn techniques to help them communicate a concept, create lo-fidelity wireframes, user flows, prototypes and to work within a team.



On Saturday, May 6, from noon to 3 p.m., girls can learn about infographics and how to prove a point with pictures. In the workshop, girls will create their own infographic based on a topic of their choosing, learning the difference between good and bad research, gathering information, then using a free, online tool called Piktochart to make an infographic from the data they collected. "Multiple studies show girls generally lose interest in science and math studies during middle school. I founded TechGirlz to reach girls at this critical stage and ignite a passion for technology that would sustain them through their lives and careers," said TechGirlz founder Tracey Welson-Rossman. "I'm excited to bring our programs to Chicago with the help of CompTIA."

Funded by CompTIA and managed by Creating IT Futures, NextUp is partnering with TechGirlz to bring CompTIA's members and IT pros to TechGirlz activities as mentors and to help TechGirlz expand its activities in the greater Chicago area. CompTIA members and IT pros can volunteer to be a NextUp mentor by contacting Joan Matz at [email protected]. Chicago businesses and organizations that would like to host future TechShopz should contact Tanya Petty at [email protected]. Press Contacts:

Lisa Fasold

Creating IT Futures

630-678-8558

[email protected] Michael Azzano

Cosmo PR for TechGirlz

415-596-1978

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/techgirlz-offers-free-computer-classes-to-chicago-middle-school-girls-300441094.html SOURCE Creating IT Futures Foundation

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[April 18, 2017] XDynamics Unveils D-02, Modular Customizable Industrial Drone for Multiple Professional Uses at NAB Show 2017

HONG KONG, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- XDynamics today introduces the D-02, its next-generation aerial platform for professional drone cinematography and industrial applications. It is an industrial grade unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) optimized for customization, compatible with a wide range of accessories, sensors and cameras. The D-02, together with the well-received XDynamics Evolve, is part of the company's lineup of high-end ready-to-fly drones, and will be showcased at NAB Show 2017 in Las Vegas. Modularity and customization XDynamics D-02 is a customizable aerial platform for professionals across industries. Instead of a certain general purpose, it is designed with modularity in mind. Manufacturers and enterprise users can build upon the smart X8 octocopter to develop drones that fulfill specific needs. From propulsion systems and sensors, to gimbals and cameras, XDynamics provides users with a wide range of options, rolling out in phases, to create the best combination possible. During the D-02's initial launch, for example, there will be sets of propellers suitable for different atmospheric conditions and desired performance. The first gimbal unveiled is made for DSLR cameras and can be adjusted easily to support different models of professional cameras and lens. The 3-axis motorized gimbal eliminates vibrations, provides precise motor rotation, and allows stable and smooth footage to be captured, making it the ideal choice for professional filmmakers and cinematographers. All gimbals are interchangeable, and can be attached and released quickly. Benny Chan, CEO of XDynamics, said, "XDynamics D-02 is an inviting drone, in the sense that the product is custom-made to suit different professional needs with a suite of accessories and cameras to choose from. We welcome professionals across industries to set out their requirement with us, so we can build together the best drone for the industry-specific use case." Use with ease The D-02 is portable and reliable. It is an X8 ococopter with a monocoque chassis of carbon fiber, propelled by 8 motors arranged in an "X"-shaped frame, with 2 on each of the 4 foldable arms, supported by retractable landing gear. The structure does not only make D-02 the smallest professional drones of the same grade, but, more importantly, provides significant dual redundancy. The D-02 is able to fly and land with stability, despite failure of some of the motors. Redundancy is also featured in systems of batteries, IMU (inertial measurement unit) and GPS modules, to ensure the safety of the aircraft and surrounding people and property. A secondary camera is also available at the front of the drone to show the pilot where the drone is headed and any obstacle ahead.



Cutting-edge zero latency video transmission Leveraging Amimon's "zero latency" wireless broadcasting technology, the D-02 delivers incredible wireless live view performance with 1080p full high definition video at 60fps and transmission latency below 10 milliseconds. Delay-free image transmission makes D-02 the ideal aerial equipment for commercial TV and film production, which requires accurate framing and composition in real-time. It also allows users to fly safely by observing and responding immediately to the drone's surrounding, during infrastructure inspection, surveillance and other applications. Users can simply connect via HDMI and enjoy live view from their camera of choice with minimum latency.

Availability XDynamics D-02 drone with DSLR camera gimbal will be available in late 2017. Other configurations will follow as soon as possible. Products of XDynamics, including the D-02 and the Evolve, the world's first consumer drone with dual-screen controller, will be showcased at NAB Show 2017. Please visit Amimon's booth #C2952 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) on April 24 to 27, for more information of XDynamics drones powered by Amimon's zero latency transmission technology. About XDynamics Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Hong Kong, XDynamics designs, develops, manufactures, and markets high-end drone products for consumers and professionals. Its development team consists of industry-leading experts from Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, and mainland China with several decades of experience in aerial robotics, aerodynamics, flight control algorithms, computer vision, and imaging technology. XDynamics is committed to empower users with freedom and autonomy through drone technology, unleashing unlimited creativity in aerial videography and spatial data collection. For more information Visit our website: https://www.xdynamics.com

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/XDynamicsGlobal

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/xdynamicsglobal

Follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/xdynamics-limited Contact Larry Leung

E-commerce Manager

[email protected]

+852-3707-3989 Lane Walcoff

Sales Manager

[email protected] General Enquiries

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xdynamics-unveils-d-02-modular-customizable-industrial-drone-for-multiple-professional-uses-at-nab-show-2017-300440956.html SOURCE XDynamics Limited

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[April 18, 2017] "Connect '17" Conference to Bring Experts Together to Create the Future of Customer Intelligence

DENVER, April 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The first ever Connect Conference - for professionals in marketing, media and customer intelligence who are looking to deliver exceptional experiences to their customers - will be held in Denver from May 10-12, at the Curtis Hotel.



Connect 17 is a gathering place for those who want to learn more about using social and customer intelligence to better engage with and delight their customers. The agenda includes sessions with industry luminaries covering actionable topics including identity resolution, social intelligence marketing, customer insights, analytics and measurement. Hundreds of professionals including digital marketers, CRM and social insights teams from popular consumer brands and agencies will engage in an innovative collection of sessions and experiences.



The goal of this conference is to bring to light and explore the latest marketing techniques being used to create exceptional customer experiences at a massive scale  techniques which are now possible thanks to AI, big data and social intelligence, said Bart Lorang, CEO & Co-founder, FullContact. Weve lined up industry pioneers and leaders to share their experiences and knowledge about how o derive customer insights for more effective marketing and sales approaches  no matter what the industry or product.







The conference speakers are leaders in the field, such as Tod Szewczyk, Vice President and Director of Emerging Technology & Innovation at Leo Burnett, Doug Kaczmarek, EVP of Audiences & Measurement at Wiland, and Falon Fatemi, CEO of Node, founded with other former Google employees.



In addition to the valuable insights and learning which will be gained from the scheduled sessions, participants will have the opportunity to take part in uniquely Colorado activities, centered around the host location, the quirky and eclectic Curtis Hotel.





We want people to learn from the best minds in the business, but we plan to have fun while were doing it, said Lorang. The Curtis Hotel is in the heart of downtown Denver, and is a great place to showcase everything that is fun and unique about Denver.



Connect 17 is sponsored by FullContact, the leading provider of social intelligence data solutions and insights. Attendees are coming from leading brands that include Dun & Bradstreet, PwC, Comcast, and Ticketmaster.



More information and online registration can be found at https://www.fullcontact.com/connect. There is special pricing for groups, non-profits and those attending the Brandwatch Now You Know event.



Details

What: Connect 17 Where: The Curtis Hotel, Denver When: May 10-12, 2017



About FullContact

FullContact is the most powerful, fully connected customer insights platform for companies that need to master their customer interactions. Great customer experiences depend on knowing your customers better than ever. FullContact enables this through World Class Identity Resolution technology with a robust data asset, analytics, integration, and a service delivery model. # # #



All trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners Glenn Rossman, Baker Communications Group, LLC 914-623-8354 [email protected]

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After a big rally on Monday amid light volume, investors will have two major U.S. bank earnings reports to sift through on Tuesday.

Before the market open, both Bank of America (BAC) and Goldman Sachs (GS) are set to report first quarter earnings.

Also reporting earnings Tuesday is IBM (IBM), while United Airlines (UAL), which reported earnings after the bell on Monday, will host its earnings conference call. In the companys release on Monday, United CEO Oscar Munoz said, It is obvious from recent experiences that we need to do a much better job serving our customers.

The incident that took place aboard Flight 3411 has been a humbling experience, and I take full responsibility. This will prove to be a watershed moment for our company, and we are more determined than ever to put our customers at the center of everything we do.

Last week, as youll recall, the company was in hot water after video surfaced of a passenger being forcibly removed from a flight.

Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein.

Netflix loves Adam Sandler

On Monday, streaming video giant Netflix (NFLX) reported first quarter results that were mixed.

The company earned $0.40 per share on revenue of $2.64 billion. Wall Street analysts expected earnings of $0.37 on revenue of $2.65 billion. Subscriber adds in the first quarter were a bit light, with the company adding 1.42 million users in the U.S. and 3.53 internationally, below forecasts for 1.5 million and 3.7 million adds domestically and abroad, respectively.

But the commentary that got the most play from the company after its earnings release was the revelation that Netflix users have watched over 500 million hours of Adam Sandler content since the December 2015 release of his movie The Ridiculous 6. And more than just watched, Netflix said subscribers have enjoyed this content.

This news was fairly widely panned on social media, with at least a dozen people in my Twitter mentions saying something to the effect of this is why we cant have nice things.

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Elsewhere in its first quarter shareholder letter, however, Netflix again outlines what its goal is as a company: to get you to keep watching Netflix.

Our goal remains the same: to offer a variety of new movies that will attract and delight members at better economics relative to licensing movies under traditional windowing, the company wrote.

Some of our early movies have been successful by this measure, such as the Sandler movies and Siege of Jadotville. Others, such as Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, have not. Scotts mandate is to increase both the portfolio and the percentage of films that delight many of our members relative to the films cost.

Following this news, Derek Thompson, author of the book Hit Makers, said that the question he was most often asked during his recent promotional tour was what big data says about our tastes. And his answer is that collectively, our tastes are more basic & repetitive than we thought. Sandlers popularity among Netflix users, then, is evidence of this.

But this also makes me think of another point made in his book, or rather what the thesis of the book seems most simply to be, which Thompson said is that, familiarity beats novelty and distribution beats content. Which basically says it doesnt matter if what youre doing is good or new. In fact, these things might be a detriment. If you want to create popular content, youre going to do that by playing the hits, by doing whats been done, and by getting it on a huge platform.

Netflix said Monday that by this weekend, it will 100 million subscribers. That is a massive platform. And through not only its own investment in Sandlers work but also the audiences familiarity with his style, in Adam Sandler Netflix has a massive amount of familiarity.

Put these two together and in just 15 or so months, we get 500 million-plus hours of content consumed.

Social media platforms like Twitter encourage users to craft a version of themselves that appeals to other users on the platform. So when it comes to things like discussing the work of Adam Sandler, one must be outwardly critical and dismissive. Twitter rewards the sardonic intellectual.

But the main reason we are aware of users dismissing Sandlers work en masse is because the network has surfaced tweets, either organically or algorithmically, over time with which we are encouraged to engage  to like, to retweet, or, best yet, to follow a new user. And the more we engage, and follow, and so on, the more the network fills in around us and the more we are (likely) compelled to stay.

Because of course lets not forget that all the time we spend on Twitter or Instagram or Facebook or Snapchat is meant to try and keep us on these platforms. We are encouraged to become familiar with and to not only our current followers but prospective ones as well.

In a small way, then, weve all sought to or been pushed to become mini versions of Adam Sandler across the platforms that populate our own lives. Not so funny now.



Myles Udland is a writer at Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter @MylesUdland

Read more from Myles here:
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - April 18, 2017) - GoldQuest Mining Corp. (TSX VENTURE: GQC) (M1W.F) (M1W.F) ("GoldQuest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of two important members to the management team to assist with the permitting and development of its assets in the Dominican Republic. Georges Boisse has been appointed as Special Advisor to the Company and Robert Crowley has been engaged as the full time Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager. These appointments reinforce GoldQuest's commitment to active engagement with the Dominican communities at both a national and local level as it advances the permitting process of the Romero Gold/Copper Project and the regional exploration programs.

Mr. Boisse previously served as Canadian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic from 2012 to 2014. He joined the Canadian Foreign Service in 1991 working in Costa Rica, the Philippines, Poland, Tunisia, Paris, New York, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and, before his ambassadorial appointment held a number of senior positions including Immigration Manager in Tunis, New York and Mexico. Originally from Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, he is widely recognized as a proponent of responsible mining.

Mr. Crowley is based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and has 30 years of international leadership and management experience across 15 Latin American, Caribbean and Central Asian nations. His experience includes 12 years of large, multi-national project management and strategic planning, financing and planning to international standards for soil and water conservation, biodiversity, protected area management and financing of natural resources. He also has over 15 years' experience in training, managing and motivating teams in developmental themes for Non-governmental organizations and communities, as well as fundraising skills resulting in US$126.5 million bi-lateral and multi-lateral grants, complementing funding of US$100 million national level co-funding. Specifically in the Dominican Republic, he served as Bi-National Project Director of the Artibonite River Basin Management (Dominican Republic-Haiti), United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/ United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) liaison to forestry planning and USDA liaison to the Secretariat of the Presidency. As USAID's Technical Assistance Specialist to the Dominican Republic, he developed national guidelines for agriculture, forestry and watershed management. Much of this work was carried out in the San Juan Valley and environs, where GoldQuest's Romero Project and other exploration concessions are located.

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"We are honoured to have attracted such high profile and skilled personnel to enhance our team as we go through the mine permitting processes," commented Bill Fisher, GoldQuest's Executive Chairman. "These appointments allow us to further engage with the Dominican authorities and stakeholders at all levels. Following our recent C$23 million financing (see March 8, 2017 new release), we are building a first-class team charged with the development of the Romero Project and have doubled our drilling efforts in the surrounding district."

Further to the Company's news release dated April 10, 2017, the board has authorized the grant of an additional 230,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") to certain officers and employees of GoldQuest, at an exercise price of C$0.50 per share. The Options are exercisable for a five-year period from the date of grant and will vest as follows: 1/3rd on the 6 month anniversary from the date of the grant; 1/3 on the first anniversary from the date of the grant and the final 1/3rd on the 18 month anniversary from the date of the grant.

The information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Jeremy Niemi, P. Geo., Vice President, Exploration of GoldQuest and a Qualified Person for the technical information in this press release under NI 43-101 standards.

About GoldQuest

GoldQuest is a Canadian based mineral exploration company with projects in the Dominican Republic. GoldQuest is traded on the TSX-V under the symbol GQC and in Frankfurt/Berlin with symbol M1W.

GoldQuest is actively exploring the favorable Tireo Formation which hosts the Romero deposit discovered in May 2012. Recently the Company released results from the Pre-feasibility study on the Romero project (see the Company's September 27, 2016 news release).

Forward-looking statements:

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking information that involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, the Company's plans and programs for its mineral properties, including the timing of such plans and programs and the merits of the Company's mineral properties. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "has proven", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "potential", "goal", "enable", "proposed", "appears", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "at least", "intends", "hope", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved".

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 the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks and uncertainties inherent in mineral exploration and the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; commodity prices; changes in general economic conditions; market sentiment; currency exchange rates; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's ability to raise funds through equity financings; risks related to operations in foreign countries; future prices of metals; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; title disputes or claims; limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of litigation. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Company and may cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, do not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements are made as of the date of this news release and the Company is under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable, including expectations regarding mineral exploration and development costs; expected trends in mineral prices and currency exchange rates; the accuracy of the Company's current mineral resource estimates; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Happy New Month Nigeria! Welcome to the month of June. As the world searches for a respite from all its troubles since 2020 began, one can ...
The narrative they push daily is that only those in their government are saint while other Nigerians, including those in the National Assembly, Judiciary, opposition politicians and the civil servants are rogues while only Buharis appointees are saints. To worsen matters, the cluelessness of the APC government in the last two years has plunged the country into debt without anything to show. The cabals in the Presidency are also taking advantage of the Presidents state of health, which is as a result of his age to oppress Nigerians. Nigerians must therefore keep their eyes on the ball and not be carried away by the orchestrated distractions aimed at preventing them from seeing how the APC led government has failed woefully.

Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose has described as absurd, claims by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed that looters have resorted to burying stolen funds in their backyards, deep forests and burial grounds. Recall that Mohammed released a statement Sunday where he alleged that some looters of public funds have resorted to burying their stolen money in deep forests, cemeteries, backyards and even dumping them at airports(Read here Reacting to this claim, Fayose in a statement released by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, said some looters in the Buhari led administration have resorted to burying their loots within the villa Looters in the Muhammadu Buharis Presidency, especially those being compensated for funding the election of the President in 2015 bury their own loots in the Villa with Presidential protection.Should it be wrong for other supposed looters that do not have presidential protection like their All Progressives Congress (APC) counterparts to bury their loots in burial grounds probably for spiritual protection? Nigerians can no longer be fooled with stage-managed loots recoveries, with no traceable owners (looters), especially when the loots are traceable to close associates of the president and his cabinet members. Obviously, this so-called anti-corruption war has become a laughing stock with N49 million found in Kaduna Airport, N448 million discovered in a shop at Victoria Island, Lagos and N13 billion found in Ikoyi, Lagos neither having owners nor the identities of owners of the properties where the money was found known.It is either the money belongs to members of Buharis government or it is being planted by the government to sustain its fake anti-corruption fight in the minds of the people. Enough of stage-managed and fake anti-corruption war aimed solely at opposition figures, especially presidential hopefuls in the 2019 election.He noted that two different laws were now being operated in the country, with one law for the APC and those who decamp to the party and the other for the opposition, especially those perceived as having presidential ambition.Fayose called on the international community to hold Nigeria accountable on the recovered N13 billion cash found in that Ikoyi, Lagos apartment saying; this must not be swept under the carpet.
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On Sundays episode of "Last Week Tonight," John Oliver broke down the upcoming French presidential election, and ended the segment with a powerful message for the people of France.

Oliver spent some time on his HBO show covering candidate Marine Le Pen, who is the president of the far-right National Front. Le Pen is anti-immigrant, and wishes to ban the wearing of hijabs, turbans, and yarmulkes in public.

Oliver played a clip from an interview with Le Pen from 2012 in which she said, Would you accept 12 illegal immigrants moving into your flat? You wouldnt. On top of that, they start to remove the wallpaper! Some of them would steal your wallet and brutalize your wife.

Hold on: brutalizing your wife and stealing your wallet, again, thats just boilerplate racism. But people are coming to take my wallpaper is something a crazy person says," Oliver said. No one wants your wallpaper, you catastrophically weird person!

Oliver also made an appeal to French people's sense of superiority.

You in France love nothing more than acting like you are better than America. Well, now is your chance to prove that. Because we made populist, nativist choices with Brexit and Trump. And to be honest, its not working out so great for us so far, Oliver said. Just imagine how superior you can feel if you dont make the same mistake that we did.

Oliver then tried to convince France to listen to him in the restrained manner that the French supposedly prefer. The color changed into black and white, and Olivers desk was transformed into a French bistro with a man playing the accordion.

Dont f--- up, too, Oliver said in French while smoking a cigarette.

Watch the whole John Oliver segment below:

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Nigerias crude oil production fell by 156,900 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.269 million bpd in March, from 1.426mbpd recorded in February. Consequently, the country lost its status as Africas top oil producer to Angola, according to latest data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).With the cumulative loss of 4.8 million barrels in the month under review put in cost at the prevailing $55.89 per barrel for Brent crude, Nigeria is estimated to have lost over $271.8 million (N82.8 billion).Going by the Federal Governments 2017 budget proposals, the sum could have substantially funded the expenditure for water resources, put at N85 billion. This is particularly important, given the outbreak of leprosy in some parts of the northern region due to the absence of potable water.Again, this is not the first time the nation will lose its premier position to the former Portuguese enclave, spurred majorly by crude shut-ins resulting from either militant attacks or facility maintenance by oil companies. The Nigerian subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell Plc had shut down the Nembe Creek Trunk Line, which exports Bonny Light crude oil, in order to remove theft points.The Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Osagie Okunbor, had said the company was working to remove a significant number of oil theft connections and effect repairs on the pipeline.The line, operated by Aiteo, is one of two along with the Trans Niger Pipeline that carries Bonny Light crude oil to the export terminal.SPDC has, however, completed the repair work and production is expected to peak in the next monthly report, while exports of roughly 232,000 bpd had been planned for this month.Angola, which has been working hard to remain Africas top producer, climbed to the top again for being able to maintain a daily production of 1.652 million barrels since January, even though it is a drop from last quarter of 2016 levels of 1.736mbpd.The southern African country became the top producer at the onset of renewed militancy in the Niger Delta, but Nigeria was able to recover lost grounds between December and January when the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, put the countrys production at 2mbpd.Nigeria recorded the biggest drop in output in March among its peers in OPEC, followed by Saudi Arabia, the groups biggest producer. The 13-member cartel, in its latest monthly oil market report for April, said Nigeria recorded the biggest decline of about 157,000bpd in the period under review.According to OPEC, its members pumped a combined 31.93 million barrels daily last month, down by 153,000 bpd from February. Saudi Arabia was said to have produced 9.9 million bpd in March, more than 100,000 bpd below its monthly quota under the production cut deal.OPEC said crude oil supply from non-members this year would average 57.89 million bpd due to growing output in the U.S. and modest declines in Colombia and China. The figure is 176,000bpd higher than what OPEC projected in February for the non-members.In the U.S. alone, the cartel predicted that production would grow at an average rate of 540,000 bpd, up from last months forecast of a 340,000 bpd growth rate.On the demand front, OPEC expects the world to need about 96.32 million barrels daily, a growth rate of 1.27 million bpd. India and the Other Asia group of countries, excluding China as designated by OPEC, are to lead this growth crusade, while China will be second, followed by the Americas.Demand for oil is seen growing by 600,000 bpd from 2016, to 32.2 million barrels daily.
Sen. Shehu Sani (APC Kaduna Central) says the All Progressives Congress [APC] may loose Kaduna State in the 2019 governorship election if ...

Sen. Shehu Sani (APC Kaduna Central) says the All Progressives Congress [APC] may loose Kaduna State in the 2019 governorship election if the state governments seeming anti peoples policiescontinue.Sani spoke to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday shortly after he received a complaint from traders on Gov. Nasiru El-Rufais plan to demolish the famous Kasuwan Barci Market in Kaduna.The anti-APC policies of the administration in Kaduna state is sending people away, many people now only have faith in Buhari not in the party anymore.Most programmes of government in the state are not in favour of the people and if it continues, APC will pay for it.The current administrations policies are only designed to please some certain group of people in the state, Sani claimed.He urged the state government to shelve plan to demolish the market, famous for its textile and second hand clothing.The Senator noted that demolishing such market with 4,800 shops at this time of hardship would spell doom for thousands of families.I identify with the pains, concerns and fears of the traders and I appeal to the governor to think twice with a human heart over the issue.We promised to deliver change to the country and as democrats, whatever we will do, we need to consult and carry the people along.We cannot treat people with arrogance and insolence and expect them to trust us again, Sani said.According to him, the traders are angry and fear that if the market is demolished, it will be difficult for them to regain their shops back.Sani, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Domestic and Foreign Debts, advised El-Rufai to suspend the demolition plan and concentrate on completing projects he had started.For the entire project he started, he has not completed any. So, the mistake will be when he demolishes the market and there is no funds to reconstruct it, what will happen to the traders and the place?He noted that most government activities would shut down by 2018 when political activities begin ahead of the 2019 general election.The market had provided jobs for more than 30,000 men and women, with many youth off the street and engaged in tailoring, craft work and trading.Engage the traders in reconstructing the market by giving them a specific design to reconstruct with a deadline, he suggested.Sani told the traders that he would forward a memo to the governor on the issue and advised them to also seek dialogue with the state government to resolve the matter.He also advised them to approach the state House of Assembly, religious leaders and human right organisations for intervention.The Senator added that the traders also have the option of taking legal action if all efforts failed to stop the government plan.The Chairman of the market traders union, Haruna Umar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the market with 4,800 shops records over N500 million daily turnover.Umar said there were more than 30,000 persons earning their livelihood from the market and demolishing it would be devastating to them and their families
The Nnamdi Azikwe Airport, Abuja, is opening 24 hours ahead of schedule.

The Nnamdi Azikwe Airport, Abuja, is opening 24 hours ahead of schedule.The airport will be open for traffic from Tuesday and Ethiopian Airlines says it will land a brand new Airbus A350-900 to mark the official reopening of the airport.The facility was supposed to reopen on Wednesday, but Firiehiwot Mekonnen, Ethiopian Airlines traffic and sales manager, told NAN that its aircraft would land in Abuja on its first day of operation from Addis Ababa and would remain on Abuja route.The airline launched its first A350-900 Airbus on the London Heathrow route August last year. It has three of the plane in its fleet and awaits the delivery of nine more before 2019.She said the decision to celebrate the inaugural flight to Abuja was because of the airlines commitment to the Nigerian market.According to the manager, the 313-passenger capacity aircraft is expected to land at 11:15 am to be the first aircraft to land at the newly rehabilitated Abuja runway.The Ethiopians brand new Airbus A350-900 is landing in Abuja airport on Tuesday as the first aircraft to land on the newly rehabilitated runway and first airbus to land in Abuja, she said.From now on, we are going to operate Airbus on Abuja route.When Abuja Airport was closed on March 8 for repairs on its runway and flight operations were diverted to Kaduna International Airport, Ethiopian Airlines was the first to land its new Boeing 787 in Kaduna.The airline, being the only international carrier that agreed to operate at Kaduna, had maintained consistent operation at the airport in the last six weeks.Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, had also requested that the airline maintained its Kaduna operation even after the reopening of Abuja airport.Mokennen told NAN that the airline is seriously considering the governors request.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has blasted the state Governor, Nyesom Wike; his Ekiti State counterpart...

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has blasted the state Governor, Nyesom Wike; his Ekiti State counterpart, Ayodele Fayose; and a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, for linking the recovered $43 million to Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.The party in a statement issued by its Chairman, Chief Davies Ikanya, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, described the accusation as mischievous, wicked, diabolical, evil and a desperate attempt to run down an innocent man.It insisted that the ministers only crime was that he led the APC to defeat a party that was priding itself as the largest political party in Africa.Rivers APC berated Wike and his inglorious co-travellers for attempting to denigrate and disparage Amaechi over the $43 million saga.It said: It is very sad and unfortunate that over two years that Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi led APC to dust PDP in the 2015 general elections, the PDP leaders, up till date, have refused to forgive Amaechi for disgracing them out of power and salvaging our nation from a system whose corruptive tendency is not only contagious, but legendary.It is on record that apart from the Abuja residence of Amaechi, he has no other single plot of land in any part of this country. So, linking him to the ownership of the contentious Ikoyi estate and the huge sum of money found in it are nothing but an invidious plot to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it.It is sad and shameful that a frustrated and disgraceful group with Wike and Fayose as the key actors should attempt to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Amaechi, just because he collaborated with other patriotic Nigerians to oust a regime that is now exposed as the most corrupt ever in the history of Nigeria.We sincerely sympathise with Wike, Fayose and Fani-Kayode in this failed plot, which has once again exposed them for their lowly type of life, even as we wish to remind them that one day, we all shall stand before God Almighty to give account of the type of politics people like them are promoting in Nigeria, devoid of integrity and ideology.It has become very obvious that Wike and Fayose now derive pleasure from mentioning Amaechis name whenever any negative thing happens, in order to remain relevant and revive their dwindling political fortunes.Instead of Wike and Fayose to face the myriad of problems they have created for themselves, PDP and their states, they prefer to preoccupy themselves with how to drag the name of Amaechi into every imaginable controversy. Their thinking is that by pulling down Amaechi, PDP will come back to power in 2019 to continue with their looting spree and destruction of our economy.They (Wike and Fayose) truly deserve sympathy, because they are living in a fools paradise, as Nigerians are now wiser and will never entrust their fate in the hands of wicked and shameless looters like Wike and his co-travellers.
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has reacted to comment by Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye over the assassination attempt on his (Melay...

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has reacted to comment by Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye over the assassination attempt on his (Melayes) life.Bello said since the lawmaker never informed him of the assassination attempt, he is not aware.Recall that some unknown gunmen had on Saturday night made an attempt on Melayes life when they attacked his home at Ayetoro-Gbede, Ijumu local government area of Kogi State.Despite the assassination attempt, the state governor has allegedly not made any effort to contact Melaye, an action the lawmaker had frowned at.Melaye, in a statement had said the silence of the state governor over the assassination attempt speaks volume.However, the governor in his reaction through his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kingsley Fanwo said he wont join issue with Melaye, whom he claimed was being hunted by his past.The statement by Fanwao reads, We do not want to join issues with Senator Dino Melaye. He is an adult and can explain the path he has chosen to tread. If he accused the Governor of complacency in the so called assassination attempt, those who have been following the trend from the day his group promised to make Kogi ungovernable will not be surprised.The case is under investigation by the Police and making serious statements about it may be seen to be subjudice. We have been witnessing imaginary attacks in the state and when the Governor travelled to Kogi East, his antagonists also alleged he was attacked even when the opposite was the case.As a government, we believe the Nigeria Police is capable of getting to the root of the allegations and do justice to it once and for all. Governor Yahaya Bello is redefining leadership in Kogi State, therefore, the plan of One Day One Trouble will not work.We are in the news for the roads we are constructing, the agriculture we are reforming, the healthcare we are making affordable and the walls of insecurity we are pulling down. We have departed from their own ways.The governor also said Dino has not called him in person to report the assassination attempt on his life to him.You people need to ask Senator Dino Melaye if he reported the incident to the Governor who is the Chief Security Officer of the state. If you didnt tell him anything, he too will have nothing to say. The reports of the security agencies will surely untie the riddles surrounding the allegations.Security should never be politicised in our state. We will not be distracted. We know the plans but if they know Governor Yahaya Bello, they would know he is too focused to be distracted, too courageous to be intimidated. We are waiting for the reports of the investigation after which we shall be properly guided to make informed comments. Nigerians know what is happening.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has washed its hands of the controversial N15 billion Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos cash haul.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has washed its hands of the controversial N15 billion Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos cash haul.CBN spokesman Isaac Okorafor revealed that the apex bank did not know the source of the money.Okorafor said the CBN issues serial currencies to banks which are at liberty to give such currencies to their clients.I do not know the source of the money; we (CBN) only issue currencies to banks which then transmit the currencies to their customers, Okorafor said.Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), acting on a tip-off on Wednesday, stormed an apartment at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi Lagos where they found $43,449,947, 27,800 and N23,218,000 stacked inside a fireproof safe.The discovery has generated controversies over who the owner of the fund is as well as the owner of the apartment where it was found.The Nation reported on Monday that when the EFCC began the investigation of some Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), it traced the movement of the cash to NIA account. Instead of seeking explanation from the Director-General of NIA, Ambassador Ayo Oke, the EFCC wrote directly to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to demand the details of the transactions on the said account.In fact, the documents obtained from CBN included other sensitive operations and overhead. The NIA took exception to it. When President Muhammadu Buhari intervened, he saw all the records that neither NIA DG nor any staff benefited from the said funds.There have been questions on the money. Why did NIA not share intelligence about the money with other agencies? If the cash was for operations two years ago, why was it lying idle in the apartment? Shouldnt the huge cash have been kept at the Central Bank?President Muhammadu Buhari is said to have asked the EFCC and the NIA to file briefs on the discovery to the Attorney-General of the Federation.Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike accused his predecessor Rotimi Amaechi of being the owner of the money, saying it was part of the proceeds of the states turbines, which were sold. He threatened to launch a legal battle to secure the cash and urged residents to pray for its return.Amaechi denied owning the money and the apartment in which it was recovered. He has threatened to sue those who linked him to the matter.
The President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr Akinwumi Adesina, says Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote, will become the largest e...

Dangote

The President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr Akinwumi Adesina, says Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote, will become the largest exporter of rice in the world by 2021. Adesina said this at the Mo Ibrahim Forum in Morocco over the weekend.He said Africa should focus on agriculture to drive growth and employment on the continent. Adesina recalled that during his tenure as Nigerias Minister for Agriculture, Dangote decided to invest in local production of rice due to governments import substitution policies.Adesina said that Dangote initially planned a 300 million-dollar investment in production and processing of rice in Nigeria but later changed it to one billion dollars three months after.If they continue that policy, he would probably be the single largest producer of rice in the world, in about four years. The reason why I was so excited about that is that agriculture is cool, agriculture is a business and agriculture pays, Adesina said.Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Ltd, said he ventured into rice cultivation because of governments interest to revive agriculture as the mainstay of the economy and reduce importation of food that could be produced locally. He lamented that Nigeria consumes 6.5 million Metric tonnes of rice which costs the nation over two billion dollars annually and commended governments policy that encourages private sectors active participation in agriculture.In the next three years, we want to produce one million tonnes of quality rice, make it available and affordable to the people. We hope to do 150, 000 hectares and when we are done, Nigeria will not have anything to do with importation of rice, Dangote said.According to him, Dangote Rice Outgrowers Scheme is committed to creating employment, increasing incomes of smallholders farmers and ensuring food security in the country.He said that to achieve the goal, the scheme would provide high quality seeds, fertilizers, agro-chemicals and technical assistance on best agricultural practice to farmers. This scheme will help to diversify the economy, alleviate poverty and reduce the nations import bill.The scheme has been designed as a one stop solution for the rice value chain, Dangote stated. The pilot phase of the Dangote Outgrowers Scheme launched in Sokoto State would create jobs for 16,000 rice farmers in the state.
Former Chelsea men Michael Essien and Carlton Cole could face a jail sentence in Indonesia after being accused of breaking immigration laws.The pair are among the biggest stars in the Indonesian top flight, with hundreds of fans flocking to training to see them in action.But their future in the country is now under threat as it emerges Persib Bandung fielded the players without obtaining the correct immigration paperwork."As of Tuesday, April 18 2017, Persib Bandung have not applied for a permanent residency permit, the visitor's permit is for a limited time," immigration chief Maulia Purnamawati explained in a statement.A spokesman further asserted: They are professionals so they must hold a permit to perform activities in Indonesia."Under Indonesian law, flouting migrant law carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail.Persib manager Umuh Muctar criticised the ruling, affirming that Indonesia should be proud of having players of Essien's calibre in the local league.That they are here is a joy for us, they want to raise up Indonesias name in the world," he told reporters.Everybody knows that Essien is a world-class player, not an illegal immigrant.It is understood, however, that a custodial sentence is highly unlikely for the pair, and that Persib will attempt to reach an agreement with the immigration authorities and with the Indonesian FA to formalise their stay in the country.Essien and Cole nevertheless face a spell on the sidelines while the situation is resolved, after joining the club in March.The stars made their debut for Persib at the weekend, in a 0-0 draw against Arema.
Electricity distribution companies (DISCOS) are kicking against the Federal Governments plan to centralise their revenue accounts.

Electricity distribution companies (DISCOS) are kicking against the Federal Governments plan to centralise their revenue accounts.The decision is being taken by the Federal Government because of the DISCOS poor monthly remittances.In a statement yesterday, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) said such a move amounts to the nationalisation of the DISCOS, which were franchised when the Federal Government unbundled the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Plc.The association recalled that the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) repeatedly published that the DISCOS remitted only 30 per cent of their monthly energy invoices in 2016.The Market Operator (MO), an arm of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mr. Moshood Saleeman, the Executive Managing Director, had in October last year, at a market participants workshop in Abuja, said if the poor collection continued, the DISCOS revenue accounts may be escrowed.But ANEDs Director of Research and Advocacy, Mr. Sunday Oduntan, who signed the statement, warned: Any attempt to centralise or escrow the DISCOS revenue accounts would be tantamount to nationalisation or appropriation of the DisCos.Oduntan said such action will negate the objectives of the National Electricity Power Policy, 2001 (NEPP) and the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005 (EPSRA), of a private sector-owned and managed electricity sector.The statement reads: It would also send very wrong signals to domestic and international investors that Nigeria is not fully open for private sector investment and that we are still partial to the old habits of nationalisation, preventing the injection of the cheap and sorely needed capital injection that is critical to the rehabilitation and improvement of electricity infrastructure.Oduntan said it will be improper to have a, supposedly, private sector-owned and managed business having the government as the manager of its revenues.ANED advised the Federal Government to avoid any consideration of regulations or action that intrudes into corporate responsibilities of procurement, financial management or personnel management.Relative to procurement, we are not aware that Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issues regulations to guide the internal procurements of the telecommunication companies; Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), that of the banks; or the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), that of the oil companies, the association said.The power investors also said they learnt that the government was planning to call for the declaration of eligible customers for the electricity market.Kicking against the move, Oduntan said that the minister can make such declaration only when a competitive market exists in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).ANED said such competitive market, driven by efficiency, presence and utilisation of industry contracts does not exist now. It said the minister under Section 27 of the EPSRA 2005, has authority to determine end-use customers who then constitutes eligible customers.The investors, however, said Section 28 of the Act requires that the DISCOS must be compensated for any reduction in their ability to earn permitted rates of return on their assets or any inadequacy in their revenues, as a result of such determination.They warned: What this means is that, consumers will have to suffer an increase in their electricity tariff, to accommodate this premature declaration of eligible customers.
Primate Elijah Ayodele, the Founder and General Overseer of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has described ex-President, Olusegun Obasan...

Primate Elijah Ayodele, the Founder and General Overseer of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has described ex-President, Olusegun Obasanjo as the father of corruption.This is coming after the 80-year-old ex-President accused church leaders, of encouraging corruption in Nigeria.Responding to Obasanjo's accusation, Primate Ayodele who spoke to correspondents at his church headquarters at Oke-Afa Lagos State, said it was Obasanjo himself who introduced corruption into the church.It was Obasanjo himself who introduced corruption into the church when he invited eminent politicians and personalities into his church in Ogun State, to donate heavily to the church.So, he has no moral right to condemn men of God, saying they encourage corruption," he said.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban walks off the court after the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Wednesday, April 12, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in an arcane-sounding securities case that could affect the lives of people targeted by the SEC and disrupt the work of that agency.

The case, Kokesh v. SEC, concerns whether a five-year statute of limitations applies to claims for disgorgement, or repayment of stolen money. Disgorgement differs from fines, which the SEC considers to be punitive. The SEC doesnt consider disgorgement to be punishment since defendants are simply paying back  or disgorging  money they never should have had in the first place.

The SEC has come to rely heavily on disgorgement, so a ruling against it could shake things up at the agency and also please some business people accused of fraud.

But the case hasnt captured the publics imagination in the way that, say, disputes over gay marriage or Obamacare have in recent years. It has caught the attention of Mark Cuban, though.

Mr. Cuban has an abiding interest in challenging the SEC

The billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner and Shark Tank investor submitted an amicus (aka, friend of the court) brief in support of Charles R. Kokesh, a venture capitalist fighting a disgorgement order to the tune of $34.9 million after a jury found him liable for looting clients funds. Much of Kokeshs conduct occurred more than five years before the SECs lawsuit, and a federal law prohibits the filing of suits to enforce any civil fine, penalty, or forfeiture more than five years after the fact.

The SEC, however, argues that disgorgement doesnt count as a punishment but rather leaves the wrongdoer in the same position he would have been in if he hadnt committed the fraud.

Kokesh obviously disputes that argument, as does Cuban, who had his own run-in with the SEC.

As a businessman who has faced down a misguided and defective SEC enforcement action, Mr. Cuban has an abiding interest in challenging the SEC when it takes positions unmoored from governing law and precedent, Cubans amicus brief stated.

Story continues

That brief added: Here, the SEC has done exactly that in claiming that it can obtain as disgorgement a money judgment against defendants, plus crippling prejudgment interest, without regard to the time period that has passed between the time of the alleged violation and the time the SEC chose to bring its case.

Cubans long-running fight with the SEC

Cuban comes by his disdain for the SEC honestly. Back in 2013, a jury cleared him of insider trading following a five-year legal battle with the agency. The SEC accused Cuban of dumping stock in an internet company called Mamma.com after he got an inside tip about a pending private offering that would have diluted his shares.

Much of the governments case hinged on an unrecorded phone call, and Cuban fought the case long after others would have settled. In fact, he said at the time, he paid more to litigate than he would if hed settled with the SEC. But, Cuban said, I wont be bullied. I dont care care if its the federal government.

Cuban apparently doesnt want others to be bullied, either. Last year, he filed an amicus brief in another Supreme Court case in support of a grocery wholesaler accused of insider trading. The government won that case after the high court ruled unanimously that its illegal for business executives to give private inside tips to their relatives.

Their view is were taking the money that the defendants stole

The Kokesh case could pose a more difficult question. The law that imposes the five-year statute of limitations for a civil fine, penalty, or forfeiture, a statute called 2462, dates back to 1839. That was before the SEC even existed and long before it began seeking disgorgement, so the law couldnt have specifically mentioned that term.

Still, the SEC will argue that disgorgement doesnt belong in the same category as other forms of financial punishment. In its brief in the case, the SEC made a point to illustrate Kokeshs extravagant lifestyle, noting that his illicit gains had funded a gated mansion, private polo ground and stable of more than 50 horses.

Their view is were taking the money that the defendants stole. You cant defend keeping stolen money  And therefore, who cares when he did it, Peter Henning, a professor of law at Wayne State University and former senior attorney at the SEC, told Yahoo Finance.

I expect at the oral arguments the SEC is going to beat the drums for dont let the bad guys keep their ill-gotten gains, Henning said. Theres a natural appeal there.

High stakes for the SEC and an uncertain outcome

Of course, Kokeshs argument that disgorgement constitutes punishment could also appeal to the justices. In his brief, his lawyers argue that money from disgorgement doesnt go to victims but rather the Treasury Department. When a remedy imposes negative consequences on wrongdoing without compensating victims, it is a penalty, that brief states.

Regardless of whether disgorgement is a penalty, if the Supreme Court rules in Kokeshs favor it could take away a weapon it uses routinely. Kokeshs brief notes that the agency collected $3 billion in disgorgement payments in 2015 alone, far more than its $1.2 billion in money penalties. So, how likely is the Supreme Court to take away this weapon? Its difficult to say, since the Supreme Court has never taken up this issue before, and since it is not an inherently political one.

The Court is interpreting a really old statute trying to figure out if it should apply to a relatively recent remedy, Adam C. Pritchard, a professor at the University of Michigan Law School, noted in an email to Yahoo Finance. Asked how the case might shake out, he acknowledged, Your guess is as good as mine.

Erin Fuchs is deputy managing editor of Yahoo Finance.

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Legal showdown of 2016: FBI v. Apple
Tragedy occurred in the district of Barranquillas in Tancitaro, Mexico where the final hours of Christ were being recreated in the play kn...

Tragedy occurred in the district of Barranquillas in Tancitaro, Mexico where the final hours of Christ were being recreated in the play known as the Viacrucis de Jesus, as part of the Easter celebration.A young man, identified as Miguel Angel, had put a rope around his neck and then around a tree to re-enact being hung just as Judas did, but he slipped off his support and was left dangling in the air.According to reports, before the crowd could realise what was happening and rushed to his aide, but he stopped breathing. He died of asphyxiation.The victim was taken to a nearby clinic in a van which drove past a Civil Protection ambulance on the journey.The crew was flagged down and tried to revive him but without success.A full investigation is now underway. Police believe it was simply an unfortunate accident and have discarded foul play or suicide.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, warned on Monday that figures could be manipulated if a population censu...

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, warned on Monday that figures could be manipulated if a population census was conducted by Nigeria in 2018.He stated that political interests would determine the outcome of the results, rather than the actual figures.The Speaker argued that 2018 was too close to 2019, an election year, a reason he feared that politicians could hijack the exercise to their personal advantage.He gave his opinion to counter the clamour by some groups for the census to be conducted in 2018.Dogara, whose views were conveyed in a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan, suggested instead that the census should be conducted in 2017, two years to the general elections.Part of the statement read, I wont advise anyone to conduct national census in 2018. I said it before that if we are not going to achieve it in 2017, then we should just forget it until after 2019.If you conduct census just before the elections, there will be so much pressure, crises and a lure for people to manipulate the figures for political reasons, such that the agency cannot even cope with.So, it is better for a fresh administration to conduct this exercise from the beginning of that administration when we do not have any pressure of elections in sight.Then we may have something that resembles reality, but I can bet on it that if the census is conducted in 2018, the outcome will be unreliable.Seriously speaking, because I know who we are and I know the kind of litigation, backlash and the pressure that come with this kind of exercise and we dont need that now to be candid.We have so many challenges; lets empower the agency to keep building on the blocks that it will leverage upon in the future in order to conduct the exercise but doing it in 2018, honestly, it is nothing I would advocate.
Nigerian troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade Nigerian Army on Operation LAFIYA DOLE, assisted by ten civilian JTF, rescued a total of 1,62...

Nigerian troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade Nigerian Army on Operation LAFIYA DOLE, assisted by ten civilian JTF, rescued a total of 1,623 persons held captive by members of the Boko Haram terrorists group.According to a statement released last night by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman, the successful rescue operation was based on information received, yesterday by the troops by the civilian JTF intimating them to act for the safety of the captives.The troops, according to Usman, had embarked on offensive on suspected location of Boko Haram terrorists at Jarawa general area, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State based on the tip-off.But the statement said while advancing, the troops came under heavy fire at Jarawa village and responded decisively. They went further to clear Deima, Artano, Saduguma, Duve, Bardo, Kala, Bok, Msherde and Ahirde settlements. During the operation, the troops neutralized 21 Boko Haram terrorists, rescued 1,623 residents of Jarawa who were held captives by the terrorists.They also recovered three AK-47 Rifles with registration numbers 565222414, 563729686 and UF 3646, a 36 Hand Grenade, 12 Cutlasses and four motorcycles, the statement added. The rescued persons have been escorted to Rann Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, while all the children were vaccinated. The statement added: One significant aspect of this operation is that the unit noted for its experience in battle, resilience and bravery did not record any casualty. 
North Korea will continue to test missiles, a senior official has said in Pyongyang, despite international condemnation and growing milit...

North Korea will continue to test missiles, a senior official has said in Pyongyang, despite international condemnation and growing military tensions with the United States.Well be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis, Vice Foreign Minister, Han Song-ryol, told the BBC.He said that an all-out war would result if the U.S took military action.Earlier, U.S Vice-President, Mike Pence, warned North Korea not to test the U.S.He said his countrys era of strategic patience with North Korea was over.Mr. Pence arrived in Seoul on Sunday hours after North Korea carried out a failed missile launch.Tensions have been escalating on the peninsula, with heated rhetoric from both North Korea and the U.S.Mr. Han told the BBC: If the U.S is planning a military attack against us, we will react with a nuclear pre-emptive strike by our own style and method.North Korea has accelerated its nuclear and missile tests in recent years, despite international condemnation and United Nations sanctions.
A Former member of the House Representatives from Borno state, Dr. Haruna Yerima has said a former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo gav...

Dr. Yerima, who stated this at the 34th Aminu Kano Annual Memorial Symposium, held in Kano, said although some members turned down the money, others collected it.Dr. Yerima, who spoke on Politics after Malam Aminu Kano: The Role of the Legislature in Nigerias Democratic Development said very few members of the NASS rejected the Obasanjos N50m offer.In the House of Representatives, I was the only member who rejected the Obasanjos third term bid and that what led to my exit from the house, he recalled.He lamented that corruption was rooted in the NASS to the extent that it could be difficult to be addressed within a short time.He said, there is nothing one can do at the moment to stop corruption in the NASS.He also said the major factor aiding corruption at the NASS was that majority of the lawmakers lacked the basic knowledge about the duty and functions of the NASS.We have to make our legislative members and senators understand what democracy is all about. We have to make them understand the rules of the house and the constitution even if they cannot read and write.I have a colleague who spent 12 years in the NASS but had never seconded a motion not to talk of moving it on the floor of the house.The problem is that most of our legislatures are attached to their governors and are dancing to their tunes, he said.
The Nigerian Police has said that the mastermind behind the killing of army and policemen in Ikorodu has been killed in a gun duel Tuesday...





The Nigerian Police has said that the mastermind behind the killing of army and policemen in Ikorodu has been killed in a gun duel Tuesday morning.It can be recalled that last week, a notorious militants/kidnappers struck at Woodland Estate close to Ishawo Creeks and engaged security personnel in a gun duel.The notorious militants/kidnappers killed four policemen and an army officer at Ishawo area, Ikorodu, Lagos.The mastermind, Endurance Ominisan aka Mighty. native of Arogbo in Ondo state, was arrested by Igp, IRT team Tuesday morning during a battle with the police in Lagos.He later died as a result of the fierce gun battle that led to his arrest after confessing that they killed d policemen and also masterminded amongst other criminal act; the kidnap ofOniba of Iba, kidnap of Turkish sch girls etc .More details soon
A former Governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on Nigerians to support the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration a...

A former Governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on Nigerians to support the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration and stop criticising the president.Kalu said Buhari is currently doing well and needed the support of every Nigerian.The businessman cum politician made the call on Sunday at the residence of Chief Goddy Imo in Ohafia, Abia state.Those capitalising on the presidents health are ignorant of nature. Anybody can fall sick. The president has been doing well, especially in the area of security. He only needs to fine-tune his economic policies for a turnaround.Nigerians are not asking for much, they are only asking for food on their table, good health care and security of life and property among other basic necessities,. he said.The former Abia governor also urged the FG to give equal attention to states in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones in relation to other states.He pointed out that hope of the common man is the judiciary, adding that nobody should be above the law.Without equal opportunity extended to Nigerians, regardless of tribal, religious, political and economic differences, it will be difficult to achieve our collective dream of a better Nigeria.Ndigbo are not asking for much. They are only seeking for fair and equal opportunity as accorded other tribes.To achieve a united country, no one should be exempted from development. All states, especially South-East and South-South ought to be given equal share and opportunity of development. When equal attention is given to every state, it will facilitate development and peaceful cohesion among all. He statedAlso, yesterday, the Buhari Media Support Group (BMSG) claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari had no doubt met the expectations of Nigerians in the past two years.The group said that the Buhari-led administration inherited what it tagged a country at the edge of the cliff from the PDP.
Prophet T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nation, SCAON, says haters have helped his Ministry to grow in the last 30 years.

Prophet T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nation, SCAON, says haters have helped his Ministry to grow in the last 30 years.Delivering a sermon at his church in Lagos over the weekend, the controversial clergyman said those who hate him are his main advertisers.According to the Prophet, those who go about describing him as a devil and speaking ill about his church are only helping to advertise him and his church.He said, God has given us adverts. Every living ministry has free adverts. What you say about me is an advert to me. If you leave here today and tomorrow, go to town and say,That man is a devil, not a man of God  you are advertising me! Dont go there; they used to tie people down. Its a bad Church. You are indirectly advertising me because the people you are telling will want to confirm whether truly they tie people down.By the time they come and find people are not tied down, they become members! So, I have been using this advert for many years but people dont know. This is why I dont have a signpost. This is the advert God has given me for the past 30 years.God said, Dont have any signboard  God will advertise your ministry to the world free of charge. Thank you for your advert! Let people advertise you. Dont fight.If truly you are genuine, whatever people say about you  whether they condemn you, spoil your name or praise you  it is for your good. Dont fight; take it easy. What people say about your business, family and life out there  they are for your good. If truly you are sent by God, it will turn around to favour you!
The Administrator of Ijimu Local Government Area of Kogi state, Toufiq Isah, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, E...

The Administrator of Ijimu Local Government Area of Kogi state, Toufiq Isah, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to investigate Senator Dino Melaye for allegedly moving items meant for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the North-East last December to his country home in Ayetoro-Gbede.Isah, who is also the state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, also accused the Kogi west Senator of stage-managing an attack in order to cause unnecessary tension in the Council.He added that it was unfortunate that Melaye twisted the story and accused him of planning to kill him.Isah said this while addressing newsmen at his country home in OkoroGbede in Ijimu yesterday.He explained that he only heard that Dino entered Ayetoro with policemen shooting guns sporadically to scare people, and wondered why he turned around to claim that he was attacked.According to Isah, as the chief security officer of the Council, it was Melayes responsibility to protect the lives and property of the people, if Dino cannot improve on the living standard of the people of Ijimu, he should allow them to have peace instead of causing unnecessary distraction, he added.The ALGON chairman, who alleged that Melaye had never empowered anybody in Okunland which he represents at the Senate, called on the EFCC to probe the IDPs materials he usurped and packed in his house.He said, I am using this medium to call on the EFCC and the Presidency to investigate how items meant for IDPs in the North-east got to the hand of a senator who ordinarily is supposed to contribute to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.The items, according to information, were packed in his house at Ayetoro- Gbede. EFCC should also investigate and uncover the staff of NEMA who might have aided and abated Dino in that shoddy deal.If you go to some villages, within our local government area, you will notice dearth of basic social amenities.The Governor Yahaya Bello-led administration has made it compulsory to all the councils administrators to go down to the hinterlands and touch peoples lives positively through the New Direction Agenda of the government, and that is exactly what I am doing in my council area.
Following Saturdays attack by suspected herdsmen, members of Asso community in Kagoma, Jemaa Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna, o...

Following Saturdays attack by suspected herdsmen, members of Asso community in Kagoma, Jemaa Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna, on Monday, fled the community.That attack claimed no fewer than 12 lives while scores of residents sustained gunshot injuries.The renewed attack came on the heels of relative peace which was gradually returning to the southern part of the state that had witnessed a series of crises.It is estimated that over 20,000 persons had perished in the southern part of the state since the 1980s.It was learnt that the latest incident occurred shortly after a peace meeting between the natives and the Fulani.According to a source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the injured were rushed to the Kafanchan General Hospital, also in Jemaa Local Government Area.The source told newsmen on the telephone that the incident occurred at about 6.00pm when residents were busy preparing for Easter celebration.He said the gunmen, armed with sophisticated weapons, invaded the village, shooting in all directions while residents scampered to safety.The incident, he noted, lasted for at least 30 minutes despite the heavy presence of security operatives in the area.As the invaders held the entire town hostage, no help came from security operatives that had been deployed in the area since December, the source said.The development, he added, had made the people doubt the ability of the security operatives to curb the crisis in the southern part of the state.As I speak, Asso has been deserted. People have fled to neighbouring community for shelter, he said.The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has condemned the attack.El-Rufai, through his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, condoled with the families of the victims just as he mandated security operatives to spare no efforts in fishing out the perpetrators of the attack.Besides, he called on communities to cooperate with the military with a view to checking the bloody violence rocking the area.He also said the military would soon embark on a special exercise in the troubled area aimed at routing the bandits in the area.He said he had directed agencies responsible for emergency cases to offer relief materials to victims.The statement read, Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, on Sunday, said that the forthcoming Operation Harbin Kunama II is a necessary step towards ending the violence in parts of southern Kaduna.
GUATEMALA CITY (AP)  A fugitive former Mexican governor accused of pilfering millions of dollars from state coffers was aided by a network of accomplices who helped him evade justice in Guatemala, where he was eventually captured after six-month manhunt, officials said.

Authorities were tipped off to the presence of ex-Veracruz state Gov. Javier Duarte in Guatemala by the Nov. 10, 2016 detention of a person carrying two passports with photographs of Duarte and his wife  but with different names  at the airport in the Mexican border city of Tapachula.

Investigators "identified many homes, telephone numbers and vehicles related to people who helped Javier Duarte from Mexico City in the logistics of his stay and movement in Guatemala," Omar Garcia Harfuch, head of the Criminal Investigation Agency in Mexico's Attorney General's Office, told a press conference in Guatemala City.

The 43-year-old former Institutional Revolutionary Party governor had come to symbolize official corruption to many in Mexico, where he is wanted for money laundering and organized crime. He is accused of running a corruption ring that allegedly pilfered millions of dollars from Veracruz's coffers, and stripped its schools and hospitals of their resources.

Prosecutors have directed Mexico's Foreign Relations Department to request Duarte's extradition.

He was captured Saturday at a hotel in Panajachel, a picturesque town on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala's highlands, with the cooperation of that country's police and Interpol office. He was taken under heavy guard to a military prison in Guatemala's capital on Sunday.

"I have no comment, thank you," Duarte said to a question from The Associated Press as he entered the prison.

In the past, Duarte has denied the allegations against him, saying he had not stolen a single peso of state money or diverted government funds overseas.

"I don't have foreign accounts," he said last year. "I don't have properties anywhere."

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Authorities think he entered Guatemala by land in November or earlier, and traveled between the city of Antigua and other provinces where he had properties.

"During the investigation, it came to light that various private airlines offering services to the region were charged with transporting (Duarte) to different points in Guatemala," said Garcia Harfuch.

Garcia Harfuch did not provide the names of the network of people who helped Duarte from Mexico City. But authorities in Mexico vowed to recover the money Duarte allegedly stole and bring to justice his accomplices.

"The network of accomplices and strawmen" who helped Duarte must be brought to justice, said Alberto Elias Beltran, the deputy legal prosecutor for international affairs at Mexico's Attorney General's Office.

Political analyst Alejandro Hope said it is difficult to judge whether Duarte's capture  the second in a week of a high-profile, fugitive former PRI governor  will boost PRI President Enrique Pena Nieto's image in fighting corruption.

"In the best case it will give him a small boost in the short term but it also draws attention to the corruption of the governors," said Hope. And Duarte "knows a lot of things about a lot of people."

Duarte was governor of Veracruz from 2010 until he left office Oct. 12, 2016, two months before the scheduled end of his term, saying he was doing so in order to face the allegations against him. But he promptly disappeared and had been sought by Mexican authorities ever since.

Mexico says it has found millions of dollars purportedly linked to Duarte, frozen more than 100 bank accounts and seized property and businesses tied to the former governor. A reward of 15 million pesos ($730,000) had been offered for his capture.

Duarte has also been criticized for rampant violence in the state during his administration, as drug cartels warred for territory and thousands of people were killed or disappeared. The dead include at least 16 journalists slain in Veracruz during his six years in office.

His detention comes a week after Tomas Yarrington, the ex-governor of Mexico's Tamaulipas state, was arrested in Italy, also on allegations of organized crime and money laundering.

Another ex-governor, Cesar Duarte of Chihuahua state, is also wanted on suspicion of corruption and is said to have fled to El Paso, Texas. He is not related to Javier Duarte.

All three ex-governors were members of Pena Nieto's PRI.

The party, which expelled Javier Duarte on Oct. 25, 2016, applauded his arrest.

"The PRI calls for all the relevant investigations to be carried out and, respecting due process, for the ex-governor of Veracruz to be punished in an exemplary fashion, as well as anyone who is confirmed to have taken part in his criminal ring," it said in a statement.

___

Verza reported from Mexico City.
Senate President Bukola Saraki has called on Nigerians to get behind the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Senate President Bukola Saraki has called on Nigerians to get behind the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.Speaking in Kwara state on Monday, Saraki said Nigeria needs to be in peace and unity and then urged the populace to be confident in Buhari. This way, they would be able to achieve their promises, he said.My message is for us to live in peace and unity. I know that we will continue to make sacrifices, and we should be hopeful that the country will get better.We should be hopeful that we will attain our promises with time. We just have to stay focused and determined and should not get distracted. Im sure at the end of the day we will get there.But the most important thing is that there must be unity and peace and we must be able to come together and support government to be able to do our best. People should not give up; they should be rest assured that all is going to be well.
Yesterday, TBoss brother, Christopher blasted Comedian AY for making jokes about his sister. He took to Instagram to write: "Tr...

Christopher blasted Comedian AY for making jokes about his sister. He took to Instagram to write: Yesterday, TBoss brother,Christopher blasted Comedian AY for making jokesabout his sister. He took to Instagram to write:

"Trying to make an assault look normal and acceptable, ignoring the hurt the victim felt and still feels every time she remembers the incident. All I have to say is that karma is a dish best served cold and it multiplies, in the future when all your daughters get assaulted, raped and abused remember how u joked about another persons misfortune and made cash out of it. And when the whole country is laughing at your daughters misfortune remember that it has only just begun."

His write up caused uproar on Instagram, as Nigerians trooped to his Instagram to support him while other lashed him. Some claimed Christopher is just looking for fame.





Some instagram users who claim they are former classmates of Christopher at Delta state university accused him of being a woman beater. They said while they were all in Delsu, he impregnated his former girlfriend with the name Dammy,beat her and forced her to undergo series of abortion.

They also insinuated that TBoss might be a runs girl.





One @Kay_mivwefe wrote on Instagram:

Come Chris, you are talking of Karma? You of all people? karma definitely awaits you for all you did to Dammy while in Delsu, see someone talking of karma, you that was busy beating up your girlfriend ins school upandan, now coming here to claim saint for an assault on your sister. Who is better off between you and kemen? Just shut your mouth there. I dont support kemens actions but you have no right to speak of karma else the blood of the babies dammy removed for you would come knocking this night. You even have mouth to wish same on AYs daughter whereas you are worse off. Mstcheeew. Park well else your story go full blog tomorrow morning. Enjoy your 2 minutes of fame.



Another of his colleague (@kimkyofficial) wrote:

Youblocked my friend abi? Woman beater, you remember dammy in delsu how you beat her and ask her to abort for you? Now youre claiming saint and talking of kemen. Chris if youe ven insult any of BBN housemate again i will give you and dammy gist to instablog so she can disgrace you. You are not a saint and you know it. Including tokunbo we know all your gist. @christhova swear you dont know dammy! or you dont know what tokunbo do in Abuja.

Another user @lalababyyy07 wrote:

This tboss bro that blocked me. Im laughing. Since you have been insulting kemen we have been overlooking you. Am dammys friend in deltu that you slept with anyhow, got pregnant and she kept aborting for you. and you even beat her up! Woman beater insulting kemen! Kemen is far better than you.

Christopher if you dare block me! I will finish you on the internet! Is Kemen not better than you? Woman beater! I will make sure I go to all the blogs I know and DM your story with Dammy. You known Tokunbo make her hair at a saloon in kado in Abuja and you know how shes rude to those saloon gals? N how she goes to a bar in Abuja (wont call the name for now! you know what tboss do, dont you?

Christopher is yet to respond to any of these allegations
Nigerian senate is considering two options to overcome constitutional hindrances over the rejection of Mr. Ibrahim Magu, as Chairman of th...

Nigerian senate is considering two options to overcome constitutional hindrances over the rejection of Mr. Ibrahim Magu, as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.Following the second Senate rejection of Mr. Magu, administration officials and sympathisers had cited section 171 of the constitution to buttress the claim that Mr. Magu does not need Senate confirmation.The provision stipulates that the President shall have the power to make appointments, including ambassadors, permanent secretaries, and heads of extra-ministerial departments.Responding to the development, a senior official of the Senate said the Senate was pondering the option of going to the Supreme Court or altering that provision.Noting the options, he said: One is to amend it and make Section 171 subject to any act of the National Assembly.Two, is to go to Supreme Court to show that that section does not preclude the National Assembly from making laws that would subject certain appointments to Senate confirmation.If you look at section 5 of the constitution, which defines the powers of the National Assembly, it makes those powers subject to Acts of the National Assembly. So we can go and advance all the arguments at the Supreme Court and get it settled or just amend the constitution to avoid wasting our time.
A team of doctors from the United States of America are arriving the country this weekend for a medical mission at Ile Ife, Osun State.

A team of doctors from the United States of America are arriving the country this weekend for a medical mission at Ile Ife, Osun State.The 20-man collaborative team of physicians, surgeons and medical support staff is made up mostly of alumnus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, formally University of Ife.Among other things, the week-long activities for the medical mission include free medical clinics at the Oonis palace; and a full day of Campus clinics, health fair, preventive/public health activities, including screenings for diabetes, hypertension and some communicable diseases.According to the schedule, while the physicians are running the clinics, there will be simultaneous surgeries at designated centres within the University teaching hospital by the US-based surgeons and their Ife counterparts on cataract patients and laparoscopic procedures using top-notch, state of the art and cutting edge technology equipment brought from the US.According to the team, all surgeries will be conducted for free.Also members of the team interested in teaching and giving lectures will be provided the opportunity to do so at the university.The team led by Dr Olabisi Jagun, who describes her role as a fortunate one is sponsored by the Mercysaidno Foundation (an Atlanta-based Nigerian Philanthropic organization), Ifemed Alumni Association (USA), member physicians, Friends of Ifemed Physicians and Ife Ooye North America Association (IONA).Our team is very excited and ready to go, and we are grateful for the wonderful opportunity to give back, says Ms. Jagun.She explains that all our physicians and surgeons are brilliant and distinguished in their field of expertise; a few of them are leading world experts; they have all been vetted and their licenses are current.It is estimated that during the mission, the team will see between 5,000 to 10,000 patients and hand out over $150,000 worth of free medications and prescriptions.Yemi Ogunbiyi, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, who is planning many initiatives for the institution, says the medical mission is a great thing to happen to the university and Ile-Ife city.It fills me with joy to see distinguished physicians and surgeons in the United States remember home for this kind gesture. The Council and the entire university are proud of this wonderful support.The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is a leading federal government owned and operated Nigerian university at the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State.It was founded in 1961 and classes commenced in October 1962 as the University of Ife by the regional government of Western Nigeria, and was renamed Obafemi Awolowo University on 12 May 1987 in honour of Chief Obafemi Awolowo , first premier of the Western Region of Nigeria, whose brainchild the university was.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has explained that the Internally Displaced Persons Camp (IDP) camp in Rann, Borno w...

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has explained that the Internally Displaced Persons Camp (IDP) camp in Rann, Borno was bombed due to communication gap.Abubakar, who stated this while speaking to journalists also confirmed that the committee set up to investigate the incident has submitted its report.The report has been submitted, but I would not let you into the findings of the report. This is because we are forwarding it to the Defence Headquarters and from there to the Ministry of Defence.But one thing I want to say is that it is a very tragic incident. It has happened and it is something that is associated with war.Even recently, some foreign powers also bombed friendly forces mistakenly. What is important to us is to pray for the families of the deceased and support them. And this is what we have been doing.Usually when a thing like this happens, you find out that there is a communication gap somewhere. It is the left for us to find out: Why did that communication gap exist? What can we do to ensure that it does not come up again?, Abubakar said.He vowed that anyone found culpable in the incident will not be spared.Abubakar added: If there are very glaring cases of people who are negligent, we will not hesitate to be very decisive to deal with that situation.We have interacted with a number of Non-Governmental Organisations in that area. We have advised them that any time they are going for outreaches, they must give us a notice. We have suggested that they use the Red Cross insignia. This must be done so that anybody flying over will see the insignia and know that these are outreach gatherings and not Boko Haram.No matter what, we have always double-checked our intelligence and will ensure that we do so before deploying airplanes. We are working on that so we do not have this situation again.We have flown over 7,000 hours for over eight years and this is the first time we are having the Rann incident. I am not justifying the bombing. It was tragic, but war in itself is tragic.Over 200 persons reportedly died in the accidental bombing of IDPs that occurred in January.
The Presidency on Monday described popular Nigerian lawyer, Mike Ozekhome as a ''scum'' for saying that the recent rec...

The Presidency on Monday described popular Nigerian lawyer, Mike Ozekhome as a ''scum'' for saying that the recent recoveries of money by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are propaganda.Lauretta Onochie, a Presidential aide accused Ozekhome of being double-mouthed.''Scum truly Speaks from both sides of his mouth An advocate for corruption and a leader of corruption fighting back. Can't be taken seriously,'' She wrote.''He is a leader of Corruption Fighting Back, CoFiBa. He has been part of the corrupt elite in Nigeria. Now he's trying to impose a gag order. ''
CAMDEN -- John Schultz once avoided prison in a sex blackmail case that involved a secretly recorded video, a Baptist minister and a hooker in a motel room.

In this July 23, 2008, file photo, Atlantic City, N.J., City Councilman John Schultz participates in a council meeting in Atlantic City, N.J.

But the former Atlantic City Councilman is headed to prison due in part to another secret recording: one made by a fellow co-owner of a Boardwalk rolling chair company that kept two sets of books to hide money from the Internal Revenue Service.

The 74-year-old Schultz was sentenced Monday to six months in prison followed by

of nearly $120,000 over three years.

Schultz, who was granted pretrial intervention in the 2006 sex video case, admitted wrongdoing in the tax case in federal court in Camden.

"It's my own fault," Schultz said. "In being in business all these years, I should have known better."

Schultz also was fined $3,000 and must pay $31,110 in restitution to the IRS as his portion of the tax loss to the government.

The case involved a business that operated rolling chairs, the ubiquitous wicker and fabric chairs mounted on wheeled platforms on which operators push tourists up and down the Boardwalk.

Last fall Schultz pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States in connection with a rolling chair business he and two others operated. The scheme involved removing cash from the business and keeping a phony set of books to show the IRS and a real set that documented how much money the business actually took in.

Schultz was one of several Atlantic City councilmen involved in a bizarre political payback scheme in 2006 in which a fellow Atlantic City councilman and Baptist minister, Eugene Robinson, was lured to a motel and filmed having sex with a prostitute in an attempt to force Robinson to resign. Robinson instead went to authorities.

Schultz was charged with conspiracy, accused of putting former Council President Craig Callaway, a fellow defendant, in touch with a video expert.

Over the objections of the state attorney general's office, Schultz was admitted into a pretrial intervention program and the charge was expunged from his record.

The judge didn't mention the previous case or Schultz's pretrial intervention in calculating a sentence in the current case. But the judge did reveal that it was another secret recording that helped undo Schultz in the tax conspiracy matter.

The judge said a co-defendant, who is awaiting sentencing, cooperated with the FBI and IRS and secretly recorded Schultz, providing taped evidence that would have been used against him at trial had Schultz not pleaded guilty.

Schultz served on the City Council from 1994 to 2001 and from 2006 to 2009.

The judge also took note of dozens of letters of support sent to the court on Schultz's behalf from supporters and beneficiaries of his charitable and humanitarian activities over the decades. Schultz founded the South Jersey AIDS Alliance, and his Schultz-Hill Foundation, with his partner Gary Hill, has provided money to numerous groups, agencies and individuals.

"Mr. Schultz was active in the 1980s, when one barely knew what AIDS was," his attorney, Ed Jacobs, told the judge. "He did only good, even paying for funerals" of people who died from the disease.

The judge acknowledged Schultz's good deeds but said Schultz pleaded guilty to a serious crime, and he expressed bewilderment that someone who lives in an 18,500-square-foot penthouse would cheat on his taxes.

The federal government calculated Schultz's net worth at $2 million.

"One word that crops up is the word 'greed,'" the judge said. "One wonders why there was a need for this offense."
HACKENSACK - A police sergeant has filed a civil rights lawsuit that claims the city and police department did nothing to protect her from an abusive spouse who was also an officer, and that one former police director told her "Women can't be police officers" during a visit to her home.

Sgt. Sara Malvasia, 41, claims in court papers that the city and Hackensack police department created a state of danger and emotional distress for her when husband attacked her physically and verbally - sometimes in front of other police officers, according to a federal lawsuit filed April 12.

Malvasia is alleging gender discrimination and retaliation.

She is suing Hackensack, City Manager Theodore Ehrenburg, former City Manager David Troast, former Police Director Michael Mordaga, Capt. Frank Aquila and supervising Police Officers Timothy Lloyd and James Prise.

"They did nothing to protect her," attorney Mark Frost said in an interview Tuesday. "The New Jersey Attorney General's guidelines are clear. [City officials] are to take immediate action against the officer when domestic violence is reported. They took no action."

The city's attorney, Steve Kleinman, was not immediately available to comment Tuesday.

Malvasia claims her husband Niles, 39, developed post-traumatic stress disorder after witnessing a shooting related to his duties as a Hackensack police officer. He went on psychiatric leave in November 2015.

Despite treatment, he continued to act erratically and violently, often directing his anger toward his wife, according to the suit.

"He further suffered from paranoia, anger and sleep deprivation," the suit states.

The suit claims Niles Malvasia called his wife repeatedly at work, accused her of having an affair, threatened her in front of their co-workers, stole her phone and locked her in a closet.

The suit also claims Niles Malvasia threw a 70-inch television into a wall and berated his wife for hours at night, keeping her from sleeping.

Sara Malvasia claims that in January 2016 she reported her husband's conduct to Michael Mordaga, who was then the civilian police director. In February 2016, she told supervising Officer Timothy Lloyd about her husband's behavior, the suit states.

In April 2016, Niles Malvasia restrained his wife, preventing her from going to work or leaving the house, the suit states.

Sara Malvasia then called another Hackensack police officer, who told Mordaga what was going on, the suit states.

Mordaga then went to the Malvasia home, according to the suit.

"However, instead of arresting Niles Malvasia, disciplining him or having him committed on an emergency basis, Mordaga blamed plaintiff because she was a woman, stating 'There's always female s--- going on. That's why women can't be police officers.'"

Mordaga did not immediately return a call seeking comment on Tuesday.

Later in April 2016, Sara Malvasia claims she attempted to commit suicide by swallowing 30 to 40 Valium pills. She later recovered and blamed the attempt on her husband's "continued abuse and threats" and "the failure of the HPD to take appropriate action."

After she was released from a hospital, Sara Malvasia underwent a fitness-for-duty evaluation and was then suspended and now faces termination as a result of the evaluation, Frost said.

Niles Malvasia, who was eventually banned from the Hackensack Police Department, has applied for and is awaiting Social Security/Disability payments based on his PTSD, Frost said.

The couple is currently in therapy and attempting to reconcile, the attorney said.

Sara Malvasia alleges city officials violated her constitutional rights by retaliating against her when she spoke out about her husband. She claims gender discrimination and alleges she suffered emotional distress, humiliation, loss of pleasure and enjoyment of life as a result of the city's alleged failure to protect her.

The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $100,000.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP -- An Arizona woman was seriously injured Monday when her car slammed into pole on Old York Road, police said.

Police said other motorists assisted the injured driver, Kelly Vasicek, 53, of Kingman, Ariz. after her Pontiac minivan struck the pole at about 11:05 a.m. Monday. She was unresponsive at the scene but regained consciousness after EMS crews arrived, police said.

The crash occurred in the 2400 block of Old York Road. Vasicek was taken to Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly for treatment, police said.

The collision's cause remained under investigation Tuesday.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
CAMDEN -- Several of the 120 potential jurors in a Camden County Superior Courtroom Tuesday shook their heads when Judge John T. Kelley announced the charges brought against David "D.J." Creato Jr.: murder and endangering the welfare of a child.

Creato, 23, of Haddon Township, is accused of killing his son, Brendan Creato, 3, and leaving his body in a park near his home in 2015. Prosecutors believe he did it to appease his on-again-off-again girlfriend who did not like children, but he has denied the charges and rejected a 35-year plea deal.

The court ran out of potential jurors Tuesday afternoon after dismissing those who could not commit to attending the entire trial, those who knew people involved in the case, or those that were eliminated by attorneys through peremptory challenges. Jury selection will resume Wednesday morning.

Kelley said Tuesday that he expects the trial to take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through the end of May.

In court Tuesday, Creato briefly faced the potential jurors when the judge asked his attorney, Richard Fuschino Jr., to introduce himself and his client to the jury pool. He wore a suit and his hair in a ponytail and remained expressionless throughout the morning.

Creato's ex-girlfriend, Julia "Julie" Stensky, who was a student at Pace University in New York, is on the list of possible witnesses, along with two others from Pace University. Also on the witness list are Brendan Creato's mother, Samantha Denoto, numerous members of Creato's family, Camden County Medical Examiner Gerald Feigin, and law enforcement officials from local police detectives to the FBI.

Around noon, Kelley began asking the potential jurors questions to determine if they could be impartial if seated on the jury. They included whether they had been or knew anyone who had been a victim of a violent crime, whether they had connections to anyone in law enforcement, and whether they knew any of the witnesses.

Kelley called the members of the pool up to the bench one-by-one and asked them what their initial reaction was when they heard the charges against Creato.

Fuschino used 10 peremptory challenges and the assistant prosecutors, Christine Shah and Kevin Moran, used seven.

Opening statements will begin once a jury is selected, but there's no sign of when that will be.

Brendan Creato was found lifeless in a stream in Cooper River Park Oct. 13, 2015 about a half mile from him home on Cooper Street and several hours after his father called 911 saying he woke up to find his son missing.

David Creato Jr. was indicted three months later. He told authorities that his son must have unlocked the door and walked to the stream himself, according to statements made in court.

Assistant Prosecutor Christine Shah has said there's no way the boy walked there himself because it is not a short walk and the boy's only footwear, socks, were clean.

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the homicide statistics in the city the past few years.

CAMDEN -- A midday rally against gun violence Tuesday in one of America's most dangerous cities drew a crowd of over 100 who joined a procession through one of Camden's most dangerous neighborhoods.

The march snaked along Mount Ephraim Avenue in the Liberty Park section of the city under a hot midday sun. It ended several blocks away in the Whitman Park playground with a rally and free hamburgers and hotdogs for the locals.

The goal was to bring attention to the need to strengthen gun laws and increase public safety, local officials said.

"Today we are joining forces with the community to say no to gun violence," Mayor Dana Redd said. "Today's march is to raise awareness of the effect of gun violence in the City of Camden and how the community can work along with the police to do that."

Unfortunately, the effort came a little too late for Walter Chatman. The 50-year-old city resident was gunned down Friday near Viola Street and died at Cooper University Hospital.

Camden County Police responded to the area of 6th Street around 11:35 p.m. after a shot spotter activation as well as reports of residents hearing gunshots, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office and the Camden County Police Department.

A second victim, identified only as a Camden man, also suffering from gunshot wounds, was also taken to Cooper.

Homicides reached a recent high of 67 in 2012 before falling to 32 in 2015. It jumped to 44 in 2016 and Chatman was the third homicide in the city this year.

Camden, the state's 12th largest municipality with 77,000 residents, consistently ranks among the most dangerous cities in the nation. The most recent federal statistics rank Camden as the fourth most dangerous city, down from first in 2013.

The statistics are based on the number of violent crimes per 1,000 residents.

The city and state have also sponsored gun buyback programs in recent years in an effort to quell violence. A new Camden County police force which replaced a city police force in Camden four years ago is credited with helping to improve public safety, but officials say more needs to be done.

"We need gun safety laws that protect our residents and citizens," said Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli. "Congress should no longer be beholden to the NRA. The gun epidemic is a health epidemic. Congress and the president need to address it."

New Jersey already has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation. But Cappelli said many guns used in crimes here come from neighboring states with looser laws.

Takia Green, 34, a homemaker, brought five of her six children to the rally

"That's all there is out here is gun violence," Green said, while tending to her 1-month-old son Kdeem in a stroller. "I hope things get better. I wish it will work," she said about efforts to reduce gun violence in Camden.

Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bduhart. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
CAPE MAY -- A former employee of a Cape May Irish pub is suing his employers and claiming that he was fired after he complained about racial discrimination and harassment that he suffered.

Justin Coleman, a black man from Philadelphia, started working at Delaney's Irish Pub and Grill as a bartender in July of 2015. According to the lawsuit filed in U.S. District County on April 14, Coleman says he was subjected to a hostile work environment and was discriminated against and harassed due to his race.

Coleman complained about his treatment and says in the suit that this led to retaliation and termination.

According to the suit, the poor treatment began on his very first shift when a co-worker said "What are you doing here? They don't hire black bartenders ... This is an Irish pub." The treatment continued with inappropriate language, name calling and comments, including co-workers saying "don't make me get black on you."

Additionally, the suit states that Coleman felt he was being held to a different standard than his white co-workers after being reprimanded for infractions that no one else was disciplined for. Coleman filed a written complaint to management and complained to his supervisors, he said. Just two days later, he was terminated, the suit states.

The suit claims that as a result of the actions of Delaney's Cape May LLC, Coleman suffered severe emotional and psychological distress, loss of sef-esteem and economic loss.

Coleman is seeking reinstatement or to receive front pay, and compensation for legal fees.

Attorneys for Coleman and Delaney's Cape May, LLC did not return immediate request for comment.

Caitlyn Stulpin may be reached at cstulpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitstulpin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
NEWARK -- One of the six convicted Newark schoolyard killers had his latest appeal challenging the guilty verdict against him denied.

Jose Carranza, one of the six men convicted in the 2007 execution-style slayings of three friends in a Newark schoolyard, had appealed a 2014 decision denying his bid to overturn his conviction in the killings.

The appeals court ruling released Monday, however, found no errors that warranted revisiting the case.

Carranza had petitioned the court for post-conviction relief, saying he received ineffective legal counsel during his trial.

Carranza argued his former attoreny coerced him not to testify at his own trial, and used family members to pressure him to change his initial decision to testify, the document states. Carranza also said his attorney failed to properly prepare for trial because he did not use an interpreter when meeting with Carranza, who is an undocumented immigrant from Peru.

The appellate judges wrote they agreed with Superior Court Judge Michael Ravin, who ruled in 2014 to deny Carranza's petition and found the latest arguments were without merit.

Carranza has admitted he was at the schoolyard on the day of the killings, but has maintained his innocence in the murders of Iofemi Hightower, 20, Dashon Harvey, 20, and Terrance Aeriel, 18, behind the Mount Vernon School in Newark.

He was convicted in February 2012 of felony murder and armed robbery charges, but acquitted of murder, sexual assault and lesser offenses.

Carranza is serving a 155-year sentence.

Last month, Ravin also denied a petition for post-conviction relief from Alexander Alfaro, another of the six men convicted in the schoolyard slayings.

Alfaro also argued his lawyers failed him at trial. In 2016, another of the defendants, Rodolfo Godinez, was denied a bid for a new trial.

Authorities have said the killings were gang related.

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
JERSEY CITY -- A city police officer witnessed the gunfire that killed a 19-year-old man and wounded a 10-year-old girl on Sunday, leading to the arrest of two men on murder charges.

The Street Crimes Unit officer spotted Corey Pickett and Jonathan Ferrera, both 21, approach the victim, Jimmy Gregory, and saw them both take out handguns and fire at him, according to the criminal complaint.

The 10-year-old was shot as she was waiting in a car with her younger sister and another adult while her mother was picking up french fries inside a takeout joint. An employee said the bulletproof glass at the store counter may have saved the lives of employees.

Gregory was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting, which occurred on Ocean Avenue near Van Nostrand Avenue at about 10 p.m. The girl, who lives in East Orange, was shot in the torso and she remained at the Jersey City Medical Center today in stable condition.

The girl's mother told TV news crews Monday that doctors had to remove her colon during surgery and that she was in a lot of pain.

The criminal complaint says the officer approached the gunmen after the shooting but they ran away and were captured by additional police officers. A handgun was found along each of the paths of their attempted escape, the court document states.

Ferrera and Picket made their first court appearance this afternoon on charges they murdered Gregory, attempted to murder the girl, resisted arrest and hindered apprehension, as well as weapons offenses related to a revolver and a semi-automatic handgun, the complaint says.

When the pair appeared in Criminal Justice Reform Court in Jersey City via video link from Hudson County jail in Kearny, the state moved to detain them pending prosecution. A detention hearing will be held Friday before Hudson County Superior Court Judge Paul DePascale.

Gregory's mother and daughter were in Criminal Justice Reform Court for the hearing today and the mother said she did not want to comment, but added: "I'm just here because I want justice for my son."

Gregory's sister said she wanted to comment after the hearing but when the hearing concluded, the mother sister and handful of others rushed out of court.
saint-peters-prep.JPG

Saint Peter's Prep is hosting U.S. Army Major General Edward M. Daly on April 27.

(Michael Dempsey | The Jersey Journal)

JERSEY CITY -- U.S. Army Major General Edward M. Daly, commanding general of the army's sustainment command, will be the keynote speaker at a Saint Peter's Prep event next week to honor the nation's veterans.

A 1983 graduate of Saint Peter's Prep, Daly, who oversees about 40,000 soldiers, civilians and contractors focused on logistical support, has served combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. He took command of the ASC in August.

The Downtown Jersey City prep school's alumni spirituality group is hosting the event, part of a series held annually to honor teachers, police, firefighters and other professionals.

The event will be held in the school's Hammer Heritage Room, located on Warren Street, on Thursday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.
NEW YORK (AP)  "The Promise," the grandest big-screen portrayal ever made about the mass killings of Armenians during World War I, has been rated by more than 111,300 people on IMDb  a remarkable total considering it doesn't open in theaters until Friday and has thus far been screened only a handful of times publicly.

The passionate reaction is because "The Promise," a $100-million movie starring Oscar Isaac and Christian Bale, has provoked those who deny that 1.5 million Armenians were massacred between 1915 and 1923 by the Ottoman Empire or that the deaths of Armenians were the result of a policy of genocide. Thousands, many of them in Turkey, have flocked to IMDb to rate the film poorly, sight unseen. Though many countries and most historians call the mass killings genocide, Turkey has aggressively refused that label.

Yet that wasn't the most audacious sabotage of "The Promise," a passion project of the late billionaire investor and former MGM owner Kirk Kerkorian.

In March, just a few weeks before "The Promise" was to open, a curiously similar-looking film called "The Ottoman Lieutenant" appeared. Another sweeping romance set during the same era and with a few stars of its own, including Ben Kingsley and Josh Hartnett, "The Ottoman Lieutenant" seemed designed to be confused with "The Promise." But it was made by Turkish producers and instead broadcast Turkey's version of the events  that the Armenians were merely collateral damage in World War I. It was the Turkish knockoff version of "The Promise," minus the genocide.

"It was like a reverse mirror image of us," said Terry George, director and co-writer of "The Promise." George, the Irish filmmaker, has some experience in navigating the sensitivities around genocide having previously written and directed 2004's "Hotel Rwanda," about the early '90s Rwandan genocide.

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George bought a ticket to see it. "Basically the argument is the Turkish government's argument, that there was an uprising and it was bad and we had to move these people out of the war zone  which, if applied to the Nazis in Poland would be: 'Oh, there was an uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto and we need to move these Jews out of the war zone,'" says George. "The film is remarkably similar in terms of structure and look, even."

The nascent production company behind "The Ottoman Lieutenant," Eastern Sunrise Productions, did not respond to queries for this article. Critics lambasted the film as "revisionist history" that "glosses over genocide." Salon wondered , "What is Sir Ben Kingsley doing in 'The Ottoman Lieutenant?'"

The killings of up to 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turks around the time of World War I is widely viewed by genocide scholars as the first genocide of the 20th century. Turkey, however, denies that the deaths constituted genocide, saying the toll has been inflated, and that those killed were victims of war and civil unrest.

While the creation of a rival historical drama is fairly unprecedented, Armenians have a long history of roadblocks in Hollywood. The first film to chronicle the genocide was a 1919 silent called "Ravished Armenia." In the mid '30s, MGM began pre-production on an adaptation of Franz Werfel's "The Forty Days of Musa Dagh," with Clark Gable to star. But under pressure from the Turkish government, it was scuttled.

Elia Kazan's "America America" (1963), an immigrant's odyssey modeled after Kazan's family's own experience, began with persecution of Armenians and Greeks. But the films to most capture Armenian persecution have been made outside Hollywood, by international filmmakers like Atom Egoyan (2002's "Ararat") and Fatih Akin (2014's "The Cut").

"The Promise," bankrolled by the Kerkorian Foundation, was also made totally outside the studio system. Its makers are donating all proceeds to nonprofit organizations, and intend to use the PG-13-rated film as an education tool in schools. Its release has been timed to the April 24 anniversary of the genocide.

"One of the big things for us was taking the darkness of the Armenian genocide and moving it into the light," said producer Eric Esrailian, a Los Angeles physician and friend to Kerkorian. "Genocide denial is one phase of genocide. The way systematic denial has tried to crush it and bury the truth for so many years, it's amazing to see it all come to light now."

"The Promise" was modeled after epics like "Doctor Zhivago" and "Casablanca," charting a love story across wartime. Most of the horrors occur off-screen. Kerkorian, who died in 2015, dreamed of a classical treatment that would render the Armenia plight with the grandeur it has long been denied.

"It's still a movie," said Esrailian. "It's not a political statement. It's just the truth."

Bale, who plays an Associated Press correspondent in the film, was drawn to the altruistic nature of the project. "To my shame, I knew nothing about the Armenian genocide," said Bale. "When I first read the script, it was an uncanny moment."

He suspects many are like he was: only vaguely aware of the events, even though they were extensively covered by the press at the time. Hitler even cited the lack of remembrance of the Armenians as justification for the Holocaust. Still, the U.S. government in recent decades has declined to classify it genocide, despite the promises of some presidents, including Barack Obama , to do so. Turkey is a valuable NATO ally to the U.S. in, among other things, the fight against the Islamic State.

"I really only hope that the film can help and not actually exacerbate any problems," said Bale. "But to me, it doesn't take a genius to see that there's an embarrassment to having to acknowledge the atrocities that occurred in the birthing of a nation. It happens to many nations."

___

Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP
Stephen Colbert Trump easter cbs

"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" had been on hiatus for the last 10 days, so there was a lot to catch up on when the host returned in full force on Monday night.

He tackled not only the festivities at the White House Easter Egg Roll that happened earlier that day, including the First Lady Melania Trump nudging her husband so he would put his hand over his heart during the playing of the National Anthem, and the official White House Snapchat account misspelling "education" in a post showing Education Secretary Betsy DeVos reading to children. He also gave time to Trump's interview last week with Fox Business, in which he talked about what he was doing when he gave the order to bomb Syria, and made an embarrassing and awkward mistake.

"Obviously, when you are bombing another country, that is a decision you take very seriously, so he did it in the Situation Room with all available intel  just kidding," Colbert said.

He then explained that Trump was eating dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Trump's Florida resort Mar-o-Largo. Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo asked Trump when he told Jinping about the bombing  before dessert?

"When did you bomb those people, before dessert?" Colbert said. "What's the proper wine pairing with a cruise missile? Is it a Merlot?"

In fact, Trump said, he and Jinping were eating "the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake you've ever seen" when Trump informed the Chinese leader that "we just launched 59 missles heading to Iraq."

At that point, Bartiromo corrected the president, telling him that the missiles were launched at Syria.

"Whoopsie, I got the wrong country!" Colbert said, mocking Trump. "It's adorable."

Watch Colbert look back at the White House Easter Egg Roll and Trump's blunder about Syria below:

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WASHINGTON  Whatever a president or a congress does in the short term will have negligible impact on the cost of gasoline. But with only 16 days left before midterm congressional elections, politicians need to look like theyre trying.
Donald Trump

President Donald Trump weighed in on the Georgia 6th Congressional District special election on Monday and Tuesday mornings, calling leading Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff a "super Liberal Democrat."

"The super Liberal Democrat in the Georgia Congressioal [sic] race tomorrow wants to protect criminals, allow illegal immigration and raise taxes!" Trump tweeted on Monday.

On Tuesday, the president tweeted, "Democrat Jon Ossoff would be a disaster in Congress. VERY weak on crime and illegal immigration, bad for jobs and wants higher taxes. Say NO."

These messages followed a tweet from Trump on Sunday night, when he mentioned media coverage of both the Georgia election and the recent special election in Kansas' 4th Congressional District. In the Kansas contest, Republican Ron Estes beat Democrat James Thompson by 7 points last week in a district where then-Rep. Mike Pompeo  now Trump's CIA director  won by more than 30 points just last fall.

"The recent Kansas election (Congress) was a really big media event, until the Republicans won," Trump wrote. "Now they play the same game with Georgia-BAD!"

Ossoff responded to Trump's tweet Monday, calling the president "misinformed."

"While I'm glad the president is interested in the race, he is misinformed," he said in a statement. "I'm focused on bringing fresh leadership, accountability, and bipartisan problem-solving to Washington to cut wasteful spending and grow metro Atlanta's economy into the Silicon Valley of the South."

Of the special elections to fill seats vacated by Trump appointees, Georgia has become Democrats' best chance of swinging a seat, though it remains an uphill battle. Ossoff is competing for Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price's seat with a handful of Democrats and 11 Republicans in what's known as a jungle primary. All candidates run on one ballot for the election, which is set for Tuesday. If no candidate clears 50%, the top two will participate in a runoff election on June 20.

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Trump has also sent two tweets stating that a runoff in Georgia should be seen as a GOP win.

"With eleven Republican candidates running in Georgia (on Tuesday) for Congress, a runoff will be a win," Trump tweeted late Monday. "Vote 'R' for lower taxes & safety!"

"Republicans must get out today and VOTE in Georgia 6. Force runoff and easy win! Dem Ossoff will raise your taxes-very bad on crime & 2nd A," Trump wrote Tuesday.

With Republicans failing to coalesce around one candidate, Ossoff is running away with the primary in polls, garnering support in the mid-40s. But a recent Emerson College poll found that when polled against just one candidate in the runoff election, he trailed slightly against the four Republicans who are considered most likely to emerge from the primary as his opponent, should nobody reach 50% support.

Jon Ossoff

In just three months, Ossoff, a 30-year-old documentary filmmaker and former congressional aide, has raised a whopping $8.3 million, vastly more than most candidates running in major statewide races. Ossoff's fundraising haul was more than any member of Congress had raised over a two-year period since 2012, other than House Speaker Paul Ryan and former House Speaker John Boehner.

Democrats haven't won this House seat  which was occupied for 20 years by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich  since 1976.

"You see $8.3 million, that's a significant chunk that somebody can run in their district," one GOP operative familiar with the race recently told Business Insider. "Essentially, that's what somebody usually raises for a statewide campaign, not an off-year, early special election."

The operative added that he hadn't seen anything resembling that level of fundraising in past special elections.

"It is a large amount of money from out-of-state donors who are clearly very fired up about opposing Donald Trump," he said. "That's very clear. The liberal base dislikes Donald Trump."

Like Trump, Republicans are trying to paint Ossoff as a "far left" candidate. The GOP has also claimed that Ossoff would be more loyal to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi  an unpopular name in the district  than to local voters.

With the huge swing in Kansas  where Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas all provided assistance to Estes  as a potential sign of things to come in the other special elections, there is major concern that the GOP base will be complacent after Trump's victory, not turning out in needed numbers to win the seat.

"The energy we've seen, there's been a slight downtick, which I think is natural coming off a very contentious election that we won," the operative said, adding that the GOP had to get its voters "reengaged."

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Texting and driving was already against the law in Iowa, but now you can be pulled over for it.

Gov. Terry Branstad has signed into law a pair of transportation bills that would increase penalties related to texting and driving.

With the governors signature, texting and driving now becomes a primary traffic violation. The old law listed the practice as a secondary offense, meaning a driver would have to commit another crime for an officer to cite the driver for texting and driving.

Senate File 234 passed the Senate 43-6 on March 22 and passed the House 90-6 on April 10. Branstad signed the bill on Monday.

In applauding the new law, Branstad discussed a statewide study by law enforcement and other interested parties on traffic deaths in the state. Iowa saw traffic deaths rise from 315 in 2015 to 402 in 2016.

The Iowa Department of Transportation reported earlier that there were 1,100 crashes and 14 fatalities in 2015 as a result of drivers distracted by a phone or other electronic device. The total number of crashes caused by drivers distracted by a phone or other electronic device increased by 29 percent, and the number of fatalities doubled, between 2014 and 2015.

Im pleased with the recommendations they put forward into action, Branstad said of the study. I want to thank all of the stakeholders and legislators from both sides of the aisle for their hard work in delivering these bills that will make a big impact in improving safety on Iowas roads.

Rep. Gary Worthan, R-Storm Lake, the floor manager for the bill, said he would have liked a ban on the use of all hand-held communication devices, but said the new law accomplishes a lot of things that weve been trying to do for several years.

Worthan said SF 234 will allow police to pull over drivers for using a phone to write, send or view electronic messages and texts, viewing social media and engaging in gaming. SF 234 would still allow motorists to use their device as a telephone, Worthan said, as well use GPS devices.

Still, he said, law enforcement sees the bill as a huge improvement over current law that classifies texting while driving as a secondary offense. The bill requires officers to get a search warrant if they seek to find if the driver was dialing rather than texting.

Sgt. Jason Bailey with the Council Bluffs Police Department said shifting texting and driving to a primary offense makes it easier for us to enforce the law.

Asked how officers differentiate between someone making a call or texting, Bailey said patience is key.

When dialing, they put the phone next to their ear. You wait a bit to see whats going on, Bailey said. There are times people are so distracted they dont know were next to them.

Worthan said the ban on texting while driving was warranted because of the increase in crashes attributed to distracted driving.

An amendment calling for an effort to identify the prevalence of racial profiling in Iowa was withdrawn and another establishing rules for motor vehicles passing bicycles was ruled not germane to the bill.

On Monday, Branstad also signed into law Senate File 444, which defines the crime of homicide by vehicle-use of electronic communication devices while driving.

The new law also establishes a statewide sobriety and drug monitoring program for traffic offenders whove been involved in impair-driving incidents.

The bill passed the House 90-3 on April 6 and the Senate 49-0 on April 12.

 The Associated Press contributed to this story.
The Lewis Central Community School District scheduled a special school board meeting for Wednesday morning to discuss a construction project.

In a vote Monday evening, the board set a special meeting for 7 a.m. Wednesday to approve a change to its track reconstruction project at Titan Stadium.

Superintendent Mark Schweer said the hired construction company working on the project found subsoil problems under the track, which could cost an additional $28,000 on top of what was initially anticipated.

The total cost of the project is estimated at roughly $1.8 million. District officials are required to give sufficient notice before making changes to the project.

The three-phase project first saw existing bleachers, bathrooms and a storage area demolished. The second phase saw the track and bleachers replaced and the final phase includes building a 2,000-square-foot stand-alone concession equipped with updated bathrooms.

Construction for the project is expected to be completed by September.

 Reporter Krystal Sidzyik can be reached at 712-325-5742 or by email at ksidzyik@nonpareilonline.com.
Sometimes you reach the right conclusion for the wrong reasons.

That was the case Friday when Iowa Republican lawmakers announced they wouldnt fund intensive summer reading programs across the state for third-graders struggling to read at grade level.

As a result, a mandate is being dropped that would have required those students either to participate in an approved, intensive summer program or repeat the third grade. And funding for those summer programs has been taken off the proverbial table.

Educators have argued that repeating a grade is harmful for students at that age, with other tools available to help accelerate those who are learning to read too slowly. Yet the summer programs, despite some uncertainty over the requirements, promised to be a positive tool to help young students learn to read.

Third grade is considered an inflection point in the teaching of reading in Iowa and across the country, which is why lawmakers had established the mandate as part of reforms intended to boost scores in the states K-12 schools.

After third grade, students are expected to read to learn instead of to learn to read  so literacy issues start creating spillover effects for fourth-graders in social studies, science and other academic subjects.

Almost a quarter of the states third-graders, and nearly a third in Pottawattamie County, arent reading proficiently by the end of third grade. The mandate to retain students who struggle to read was popular, with only one in five Iowans telling The Des Moines Register last year they thought students who are behind should advance to fourth grade.

Many educators were excited for the summer programs, provided they werent an unfunded mandate. When the money wasnt found, investing in those summer programs was dropped.

So where does the state go from here? Educators in Council Bluffs have already been vocal about how to move forward.

Council Bluffs Community School District Superintendent Martha Bruckner told The Nonpareil last year that the end of third grade is too late, because the right time to intervene is kindergarten and first grade. If you look at what Council Bluffs and Lewis Central are doing, its just that  getting to students earlier with summer school and other add-ons to learning.

The communitys efforts have been recognized for the past five years with Pacesetter Awards from the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading  an effort to promote school readiness, summer learning and grade-level reading.

Frankly, Council Bluffs is in a better spot than many communities  including some in southwest Iowa  due to the financial backing of the Iowa West Foundation, which has paid for summer school and other programs.

Whatever the fallout, though, we  as a community and a state  must keep early literacy a top education priority.
F-35A bomb

US Marine aviators with the F-35B on its first-ever overseas deployment in Japan are training to push the Joint Strike Fighter to its limits while tensions in the Western Pacific reach their highest levels since World War II.

A report from Defense News revealed that the Marines are training on a variety of techniques that will enable them to fight, refuel, and reload from virtually anywhere.

In the event of war, when the US can count on a competent adversary to target its bases with a huge barrage of missiles, the Marines in Japan train for scenarios where they may have little time and space to operate out of.

The two techniques that will allow the Marines to bring the fight back to the enemy even with airstrips and supply lines devastated by missile fire are called "hot loading" and "aviation-delivered ground refueling."

Hot loading simply means that when an F-35 lands, without even turning the engines off, Marines can reload the bomb bays and the F-35 can turn around to fight again. The process saves time and wear and tear on the jet, according to Defense News.

The second techinque, as discussed in the Marine Corps new operating concept, allows F-35s to refuel from just about anywhere. Essentially, instead of going to a designated base that can be far from the front lines that also serves as a big bullseye to an adversary, planes can land on rough patches of land and lay pipe fuel to F-35s which can then return to combat.

This reduces the risk to airborne tankers, which China's new J-20 stealth fighter has been purpose-built to knock out.

f35b

The concept of fighting out from austere locations is one of the several ways the US military is addressing the "missile gap," or China and Russia's increasing ability to outrange US systems with extremely long range munitions. Defense News also reports that the USS Wasp, a small aircraft carrier that can support about a dozen F-35s, will deploy to the Pacific.

Story continues

Additionally, the F-35B with its ability to take off in a short distance and land vertically lends itself ideally to fighting out of improvised bases and making a quick turnaround.

Defense News has a video of the hot loading procedure here.

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By Mai Nguyen HO CHI MINH CITY (Reuters) - Vietnam's trade ministry has submitted a plan for the divestment of the government's majority stake in Sabeco , the company's CEO said on Tuesday, moving the country's largest brewer one step closer to a long-awaited privatisation. Vietnam has one of the world's most attractive beer markets and the biggest in Southeast Asia, thanks to a young population that consumed nearly 4 billion litres in 2016. Several foreign brewers - from Kirin <2503.T> to Heineken - have been eyeing Sabeco since it was earmarked for privatisation. But the sale of the government stake in cash-generating Sabeco, formerly Saigon Beer, has faced repeated delays. A limited offering last year listed only a fraction of the group, leaving the state with almost 90 percent to divest. Sabeco Chief Executive Le Hong Xanh told shareholders at the company's annual general meeting that the ministry's divestment plan had been submitted to the government, but gave no details. "Divestment is a program of the government. The ministry of industry and trade has proposed a plan to the government and it is awaiting approval," the CEO told shareholders. He did not provide any details of the plan. The Vietnamese government has said it aims to fully divest its stake in Sabeco, but a clear plan has not yet been announced. Sabeco, the country's second-biggest listed firm by market value, is a key plank of a broader privatisation effort, which includes dairy firm Vinamilk , Vietnam Airlines and brewer Habeco . Foreign companies and their advisers have grumbled over the idiosyncratic two-stage divestment process, including the initial, limited IPO that has meant the price of illiquid Sabeco shares has rocketed. Sabeco listed at 110,000 dong ($4.87) but has touched 227,000 dong. Sabeco said on Tuesday said it had received approval to appoint Ernst & Young and Bao Viet Securities to advise on the sale of the state stake, worth $5.2 billion (4.14 billion) at market price. Sabeco said last week it plans to increase net profit this year to 4.7 trillion dong, up 1 percent from 2016, when net profit jumped 33 percent. It targets beer sales this year of 1.7 billion litres, up 3.4 percent. Sabeco's main market is Vietnam, but it exports to about 20 countries. (Reporting by Mai Nguyen; Editing by Clara Ferreira Marques and Himani Sarkar)
The Lincoln County commissioners voted Monday to approve a proposal with Business Telecommunication Systems Inc. for a telephone upgrade.

On Monday, the board discussed the need for a telephone system upgrade requested by Les Green, director of information systems. The upgrade will cost $7,379 plus an option for voice recording of $344.

This system will take care of anything now and into the next 10 years, said Bruce Mendenhall, BTS owner. Its going to continue to evolve. Its a server-based platform to where you can upgrade and change as technology changes.

One reason for the change is that parts can no longer be found to repair the old system when it breaks down, Green said.

Also Monday:

 The commissioners asked Highway Superintendent Carla ODell, to obtain two more informal bids for automated external defibrillators. ODell presented the least expensive version from one company of $959.12 each. She had requested 13 units at a previous meeting.

ODell said she would track down two more bids to present at a future meeting of the commissioners.

 The board opened two bids submitted for a pickup truck requested by the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office.

The first was for a 2017 Ram 2500 crew cab from Janssen Chrysler Jeep Dodge for $30,835. Janssen offered $2,300 trade-in value for a 2007 Impala to bring the total to $28,535. The second bid was from Jerry Remus Chevrolet Cadillac for a total of $30,319. The sheriffs office said the vehicles were identical, and the commissioners voted to accept the low bid from Janssen.

 The board accepted a bid of $9,500 plus expenses up to $500 from Capital City Concepts for a wage comparability study for the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office. There were three informal bids. The other two bids were for $10,000 plus $1,500 expenses and $11,000 with $500 expenses.
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The parent company of Region institution Strack & Van Til, Northwest Indiana's largest locally owned grocery store chain, plans to sell off 22 of its stores and close nine Ultra Foods discount supermarkets, company officials said Tuesday.

The iconic supermarket chain started 58 years ago in Highland, grew by opening new stores and acquiring competitors like WiseWay and PayLow, and is currently headquartered on 45th Street in Highland. It is owned by Central Grocers Inc. co-op in Joliet, which is now working toward a sale. The $2 billion co-op, a wholesaler that supplies 400 independent grocery stores across Chicagoland, did not disclose the prospective buyer.

Strack & Van Til had just announced the closure of five stores in March, and now says it will close underperforming Ultras in Gary, the Merrill Point shopping center in Merrillville, Lansing, Crestwood, Wheaton, Joliet, Chicago Heights, Calumet Park and Forest Park as a condition of the sale.

The remaining 22 stores in the last large Region-based grocery chain would stay open under new ownership.

As we move forward with this sale process, we are as committed as ever to providing our customers the highest-quality products and services and working hard to make sure our customers are completely satisfied," President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Strack said. "As a third-generation member of the companys founding family, and a proud member of the Northwest Indiana community, I want to assure our customers and neighbors that we take pride in the responsibility we have to the communities we serve and live in. We thank our loyal customers for their ongoing support, and also thank our employees for their continued hard work and dedication.

Strack & Van Til, often referred to as Stracks, has been a staple of Northwest Indiana life known for its catered fried chicken, fresh baked goods and friendly customer service that include packing groceries in customers' trunks. It was founded when longtime independent grocers Ernie Strack and Nick Van Til partnered to pool their resources and open a larger, more modern supermarket that came into vogue in the 1950s.

It's become so ingrained in the local culture that shopping at Stracks is often incorporated in many "you know you're from the Region if ... " lists and The Buscias at Pierogi Fest joke about passing off Strack & Van Til-prepared dishes as home-cooked.

The grocery chain had as many as 38 supermarkets under the Strack & Van Til, Ultra and Town and Country Market brands as recently as a few years ago, but is now down to 31 remaining stores.

The company named Jeff Strack CEO about a year ago, after his predecessor Ken Diehl resigned after a year and a half on the job. Like many in the supermarket business, Strack & Van Til has been struggling because of low food prices and greater competition, including from Aldi's, Meijer, Whole Foods, online grocery delivery services, dollar stores and even home supply stores like Menards that have started to stock more grocery items. Longtime Chicago grocer Dominick's, which catered to a middle class customer like Strack & Van Til, collapsed under the same pressures and went out of business in 2013.

Strack & Van Til's parent company is now working with lawyers and financial advisers to sell the majority of the stores, which would "continue to operate and serve their communities on an ongoing basis."

We appreciate the great impact a store closure has on associates, customers, vendors and the community, and our team is committed to minimizing that impact in every way we can, Strack said.

Strack said in a letter to employees Tuesday the expectation is that the new owner would offer most of them jobs.

"Today we announce our parent company, Central Grocers, is working with advisors toward implementing a sale of the majority of Strack & Van Til stores," he wrote. "While we don't yet have a signed deal, the proposed transaction calls for 22 stores to be sold as going concerns, which means they would continue to operate and we expect the buyer would offer employment opportunities to most of the stores' current personnel."

Most of the Ultra stores are closing in the Chicago suburbs in Illinois, which Strack & Van Til executives have repeatedly said over the years is a much more crowded, competitive market. The company has recently played up its Northwest Indiana roots in its marketing efforts, even incorporating a silhouette of Indiana into billboards and other ads.

It was not immediately known how many Ultra employees would lose their jobs.

"We all know that our associates work hard to create success at their stores, and these decisions are not a reflection of their individual performance, but rather the increasingly difficult environment for independent supermarkets and retailers," Strack wrote in the letter to employees. "I want to assure you that decisions like these are made only after careful evaluation, and we are committed to treating affected employees with dignity and respect."

Some have been calling 2017 the "retailpocalypse" because of the stunning number of brick-and-mortar stores that have been closing across the country. Retailers that are shuttering all or some of their stores in the Region and the south suburbs so far in 2017 include Rue 21, Ashley Homestore, HHGregg, Payless, Dollar Express, MC Sports, Family Christian, Gordmans, The Limited, Wet Seal, Kmart, Sears Appliance and Hardware Store, Carson's Clearance Center and Gander Mountain.
TOKYO (AP)  The U.S. will not relent until it achieves its objective of ensuring the Korean Peninsula is free of nuclear weapons, Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday while visiting Japan.

After meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other leaders, Pence told reporters that President Donald Trump was confident that economic and diplomatic pressure has a chance of compelling North Korea to cooperate.

"It is our belief by bringing together the family of nations with diplomatic and economic pressure we have a chance of achieving a freeze on the Korean Peninsula," Pence said.

"We will not rest and will not relent until we obtain the objective of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula," he said.

The Trump administration has signaled a more forceful U.S. stance toward North Korea's recent missile tests and threats, including a warning from Trump that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has "gotta behave."

So Pence struck a stern tone after arriving at a U.S. naval base from South Korea.

"We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan," he said. "We are with you 100 percent."

On Monday, Pence traveled to the tense Demilitarized Zone dividing North and South Korea, where he warned North Korea's leaders that after years of testing the U.S. and South Korea with its nuclear ambitions, "the era of strategic patience is over."

A senior North Korean official then accused the United States of bringing the countries to the brink of thermonuclear war.

Pence, on a 10-day Asia trip that will also take him to Indonesia and Australia, said Trump hopes China will use its leverage to get its longtime ally North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program and ballistic missiles.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a fresh appeal for calm.

Wang told reporters that although U.S. officials have made clear that a military strike remains a possibility, he believes that Washington would still prefer to de-escalate tensions through multi-sided talks.

Abe said Japan likewise hopes for peaceful dialogue with Pyongyang, "but at the same time, dialogue for the sake of dialogue is valueless." Pressure on North Korea is crucial, the prime minister said.

After meeting with Abe, Pence held talks with Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso on a new U.S.-Japan "economic dialogue" to be led by the two.

The new forum for trade talks was launched by Trump and Abe during the Japanese leader's visit to the U.S. in February. In part, it is meant to take the place of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the regional trade pact that Trump withdrew from shortly after taking office.

Pence and Aso said they believed the dialogue could yield opportunities to create new jobs on both sides and to fortify the economic aspects of the alliance.

"We would like to seek the best shape and forum for our bilateral relationship," Pence said. "The TPP is a thing of the past for the United States of America."

He said Trump is certain that negotiating trade deals with individual countries was the best way to ensure they yield "win-win" situations for both sides.

The talks Tuesday did not delve into sector-by-sector issues such as auto exports. With no U.S. trade representative yet in office and other key positions still unfilled, such nitty-gritty discussions will have to come later.

The loss of U.S. participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership was a blow to Japan following strenuous negotiations, especially over opening its long-protected farm sector to more imports, especially of dairy and meat products.

For now, both sides seem eager to downplay potential for conflict, with Aso repeatedly saying that trade friction has been vanquished in a "new era of cooperation."

As Indiana governor, Pence saw firsthand the impact of Japanese automakers Toyota, Honda and Subaru, whose factories employ thousands of people in his home state.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who met with Japan's trade minister, Hiroshige Seko, earlier Tuesday, said he hopes to soon begin talks on a free trade agreement with Japan.
VALPARAISO  A former Porter County sheriff's officer was arrested last week for allegedly injuring his young son.

Curtis R. Jones, 47, of Crown Point, was charged with three Level 3 Felony counts on Thursday stemming from an incident that took place at Jones' residence in rural Porter Township on July 24, 2016. Jones' then 7-month-old son was transported to a Hobart hospital and later transported to Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, where he showed signs of neurological damage and swelling of the brain. The investigation and medical examination ruled out accidental head trauma and preexisting medical conditions, according to a press release from the Porter County Sheriff's Department.

Department detectives learned Jones was in Mokena, Illinois, on Friday and made contact with the local police department. Jones was taken into custody at about 11:15 a.m. and transported to the Will County Jail where he is awaiting extradition.

He has been charged with battery resulting in serious bodily injury to a person under age 14, aggravated battery and neglect of a dependent.

Jones was hired in 1996 by then Porter County Sheriff Larry Dembinski and resigned for undisclosed reasons in 2005 during Sheriff David Reynolds' second term.
LAPORTE  A LaPorte County commissioner, who is also a prominent physician, filed a defamation lawsuit against a political watchdog he said has connected him with the growing heroin problem.

Dr. Vidya Kora filed a defamation of character lawsuit Tuesday in LaPorte Circuit Court against Dennis Metheny.

He cited Metheny's statements during the public comment portion of the March 27 meeting of the LaPorte County Council as grounds for seeking unspecified damages.

Metheny, the former Coolspring Township trustee, did not directly blame Kora of overprescribing opioids, the painkiller associated as a gateway drug to heroine.

The lawsuit, though, alleges Metheny implied Kora had something to do with the problem through questions such as, "What would you say if I had two people who contacted me in regards to prescriptions that came from Dr. Kora that overprescribed opioids and I had their names? They personally contacted me. What would you say to that?

"We have a big heroin problem in this county, so I would like to know if any of the commissioners or any council members have contacted the FBI or anybody to check on the doctors that are overprescribing opioids," Metheny said.

In his lawsuit, Kora said he refers patients who may require narcotic pain medications for the management of chronic pain to various pain clinics that may or may not treat the patients with opioids.

Kora also alleged in his legal action that Metheny knew his statements were false and defamatory by suggesting during his statements "that he would be protected from liability simply by phrasing his statements as questions."

Under Indiana law, words creating a false implication or impression are defamatory, according to the lawsuit.

Metheny offered no comment, saying he was advised by his legal counsel not to respond right now.

Kora, a Democrat, defeated Metheny, a Republican, by 5 percentage points in last November's race for county commissioner.

Kora has a family practice at Franklin Clinic in Michigan City.

He is certified as a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a former president of the Indiana State Medical Association now serving as chairman of the Northern Indiana Regional Board of Trustees of the Franciscan Alliance.
CROWN POINT  A 25-year-old Chicago man convicted of shooting two men during a bar fight in Hammond was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years in prison.

Felix I. Delgado was accused of shooting the men during an altercation May 8, 2015, at Portside Pub, 1516 Indianapolis Blvd. in Hammond, according to court records.

Prosecutors played for the court surveillance footage that showed Delgado pointing a gun at the men after they began to argue with a co-defendant, Maurilio "Rambo" Frausto.

Frausto, 29, of Chicago, is shown in the footage punching one of the men, and Delgado then fires his gun at the both of them.

Delgado allegedly announced his allegiance to the Latin Counts street gang before he opened fire, according to court records.

Delgado was initially charged with two counts of attempted murder, among other offenses, but he pleaded guilty March 14 to two lesser counts of aggravated battery in a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Delgado told Judge Samuel L. Cappas at the sentencing hearing he did not intend to shoot someone on the night of the incident, but drugs and alcohol impaired his reasoning.

He said he had attended classes while incarcerated in Cook County Jail for an unrelated offense, and he had quit the Latin Counts.

The judge noted Delgado has had contact 26 times with the criminal justice system, despite his young age, and he would have faced up to 80 years in prison if he were convicted of the attempted murder charges.

He said Delgado "escaped" an effective life sentence through the plea agreement.

Frausto remains charged in Lake Criminal Court with multiple counts of battery in the incident. He is scheduled to appear at a court hearing on May 31.
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INDIANAPOLIS  Nearly half a million individuals have been deleted from Indiana's list of registered voters since the Nov. 8, 2016, general election.

Republican Secretary of State Connie Lawson said Tuesday that the removals are part of an ongoing effort to clean up the state's voter records after she determined her predecessors largely ignored the time-consuming task.

"I discovered voter list maintenance was not being done statewide and many outdated voter registrations were still on the rolls," Lawson said. "I made it a priority to ensure our state's list was accurate and that we followed the federal law."

Across Indiana, 481,235 registered voters were purged, or about 10 percent of the state's total.

That includes 28,887 in Lake County, 10,240 in Porter County, 9,425 in LaPorte County, 1,542 in Jasper County and 1,431 in Newton County, according to the secretary of state's office.

The process began in 2014 when Lawson mailed a postcard to every registered voter in the state.

Those returned as undeliverable were sent a second, forwardable postcard in an effort to verify the voter still lived at the address in his or her registration record.

Hoosiers receiving the second postcard who did not take action to update their voter record, or those that again could not be delivered, were marked as "inactive" in the state's voter database.

"Inactive" voters who did not cast a ballot in a 2014, 2015 or 2016 election, or take any action to correct their address, had their registrations cancelled after not voting in November.

Lawson said most individuals who did not participate in those elections should still be registered, unless the state or their county received information the voter has died, is disqualified or no longer living at their address.

Hoosiers can verify and update their voter registration record online at IndianaVoters.com.

"Updating these records will help us create a more accurate picture of voter turnout for the state, which has been reported as inaccurately low due to the large number of outdated registrations, while protecting the integrity of our elections," Lawson said.

Indeed, Indiana's 58 percent voter turnout in the November election would have been 65 percent if the purged individuals were not counted as registered voters.

That would have given Indiana the 16th highest turnout in the country instead of the eighth lowest.
INDIANAPOLIS  The Indiana House and Senate have yet to agree on a final road funding package or two-year state budget, putting in doubt Friday's planned adjournment of the 2017 General Assembly.

House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said Monday that budget leaders worked over Easter weekend trying to resolve key differences in the separately approved plans for spending approximately $31 billion starting July 1.

"Quite a bit was accomplished, but there's still a long way to go on big issues," Bosma said.

There is perhaps no bigger issue for the Republican-controlled Legislature than coming up with the right mix of fuel tax hikes, vehicle fee increases and tolling options necessary to pay for improvements to Indiana's roads and bridges over the next two decades.

Bosma said the sticking point remains whether to dedicate to road funding all sales tax revenue generated by gasoline purchases.

Doing so would divert about $300 million a year from Indiana's main spending account, more than half of which pays for elementary and high school education. He said a House plan to replace that money with a $1 per pack cigarette tax boost is a nonstarter in the Senate.

"Our primary goal is to make it so every Hoosier knows that when they pay something at the pump it's making its way to state and local roads," Bosma said. "That is my personal top priority, and that is where our principal discussions are."

Those discussions will need to wrap up by Wednesday night or early Thursday to meet the Friday adjournment goal; House rules require the final state budget proposal be available to lawmakers and Indiana citizens for at least 24 hours before its voted on.

"We can't get to the budget until we resolve roads in many respects," Bosma said. "So, we're getting tight."

The General Assembly legally can continue its annual session until April 29.

However, lawmakers planned to quit a week early this year, because a firefighters convention is set to take over all the hotel rooms in Indianapolis starting April 24.

Bosma said if their work is not done by Friday then lawmakers will have to meet next week, notwithstanding what he described as a "small number of legislators" who likely would have a hard time finding someplace to stay.

He joked that "the Bosma household has a guest bedroom" and promised to charge "no higher than normal on the rates."
INDIANAPOLIS  State lawmakers gave final approval Tuesday to a top legislative priority for Gov. Eric Holcomb, but delayed the start of the policy change until the day after the Republican would leave office following a potential second term.

House Enrolled Act 1005, which passed the Republican-controlled House 66-31 Monday, replaces the elected state superintendent of public instruction with a governor-appointed "secretary of education," starting in 2025.

The sponsor, House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said he would prefer that the governor elected in 2020 get to pick his or her own leader for the Indiana Department of Education.

He's also not keen on provisions added by the Republican-controlled Senate requiring the education secretary be an Indiana resident for at least two years, have leadership experience in education, an advanced degree and relevant work experience.

"I would like to give the governor, of either party, the flexibility to pick some nationally renowned, off-the-charts person that we all say, 'Wow, we've attracted this person,'" Bosma said.

But Bosma agreed to accept the later start date and qualification requirements after they were added to get around a procedural roadblock in the Senate, which only approved the measure 28-20 after initially rejecting an earlier proposal that was more in line with Bosma's preferences.

"I just finally concluded this was the best policy that we were going to be able to get this session," Bosma said. "Doesn't mean we can't discuss changing it in the future, but I'd just as soon get the statute on the books at this point."

Several House Democrats condemned the decision to deny Hoosier voters their choice for state superintendent, a position that has been elected in Indiana since the mid-19th century.

"What's going to happen is the topic of education, which is so paramount for the quality of life of our constituents, is going to get lost in the governor's race," said state Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary.
GARY  From a hotel by Lake Michigan to luxury housing near Indiana University Northwest campus on Broadway, several developers have drafted ideas they think could move the city forward.

Seven different groups have responded to the Gary Redevelopment Commission's requests for qualifications as it attempts to select master developers for various sections of the city.

Although some of these groups provided visions of what they think could work in the areas, officials indicated those are incidental in selecting master developers. The developers will have to coordinate with plans already created, such as that for University Park East.

"I think it's really important that people don't get the sense that anything that's been proposed has been finalized," Bo Kemp, executive director of the Gary Economic Development Corp., said shortly before the last presentation was made Thursday.

"First and foremost, before you get to the point of finalizing anything, regardless of what the city wants or the public wants, is what's financeable."

Joseph Van Dyk, Gary Planning and Redevelopment executive director, said each of the areas is ready for development now.

"They are reflections of opportunities in the immediate and near term," he said.

The development areas

* The entire University Park area: On the south side of Gary, it is bounded by Interstate 65 to the east, Ridge Road to the south, Grant Street to the west, and Interstate 80/94 to the north. It is home to Indiana University Northwest and Ivy Tech Community College.

* Lake Street Junction area and Miller Transportation Oriented Development: These are the various neighborhoods and developments within a half mile radius of the South Shore train station at Lake Street.

* Gary Lakefront, Marquette Park and Beach: The targeted area for development is on the southern shore of Lake Michigan adjacent to Marquette Park. Officials want the master developer to work with the city and residents to plan a 150-room full service hotel with a restaurant and cafe.

* Gary Northside Redevelopment Initiative: The three neighborhoods of Horace Mann, downtown, and Emerson are included in this area. The area covers everything from Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus to County Line Road on the north side of the city.

* Light Industrial District: The area is bounded by Lake Street to the west, the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District commuter rail line to the north, County Line Road to the east, and Lake Station to the south.

The development groups

Several groups have worked with the Gary Housing Authority, which along with the School City of Gary, have property sitting idle in Gary that could potentially be used for development.

* Berkeley Calhoun LLC: The company out of Lanham, Maryland, expressed interest in the University Park/University Park East development. It proposes a project using a newly formed entity called University City Centre Partners LLC.

The group's team project architect, Forms + Funktion, Inc., has been involved in several Gary projects, including NWI Veterans Village. The team proposes rebranding the University Park East area as University City Centre. Phase one of the development proposes transit oriented development, student housing and other features.

* Brinshore Development, LLC: The company out of Northbrook, Illinois, has developed more than 5,000 units of affordable rental housing in several states and is currently working on the redevelopment of Gary Manor with the Gary Housing Authority.

The team's architect, Johnson and Lee, Ltd., has worked with Brinshore on a number of projects with the Chicago Housing Authority. In creating proposals for specific developments, Brinshore said it will do site-specific planning, review existing market studies, and develop a detailed site plan. It said it will prepare "an innovative and feasible financial plan" for the project.

* Gary Rising Partners: The group comprised of African-American owned development and construction firms is headed by East Lake Management & Development Corp. East Lake reports developing thousands of affordable, market rate and mixed-income residential units in the Midwest. Listed as co-developer of the group, Gateway Partners, LLC, is the owner of the historic Gary State Bank building that is now home to Centier Bank as well as other private and public firms located in that building.

The partnership said it has experience in each of the areas of development contemplated in the request for qualifications. Vance Kenney, managing partner of Gateway Partners, will be responsible for coordinating with local partners, tenants, and government officials in Gary.

* The Habitat Co. of Indiana, LLC: The group's parent company, The Habitat Co. LLC., has developed more than 17,000 residential units and is currently managing more than 22,000 residential units in five states, including scattered site housing and mixed-income housing for the Chicago Housing Authority.

The company says it wants to be involved in multi-family, mixed-income housing and mixed-used commercial, retail and residential development in Gary. The company said it works hand-in-hand with local government, community stakeholders, market researchers, and design and planning professionals "to produce a re-development vision."

* Meridian Hospitality Group, LLC: The company established in Cleveland, Ohio, said it has been transitioning its principals and key personnel to Gary over the past year "to ensure access and as an expression of commitment to the city."

It is interested in being involved in the development of the Gary Lakefront, Lake Street Junction area and Miller TOD, as well as the Light Industrial District. It put together what it called a 10-year vision for the waterfront, which included not only a boutique hotel and museum and welcome center, but also various other attractions such as a Ferris wheel and winter ice rink.

* The NHP Foundation: The company is a nonprofit developer, owner and operator of more than 7,400 affordable housing units in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Currently involved in building and rehabbing affordable housing in Chicago, the company is seeking to be involved in the development of either housing or mixed-use projects in Gary.

Under partnership goals and objectives, the foundation talks about doing comprehensive community outreach, developing jobs and contracts with Gary-based businesses and residents, and creating affordable housing along with other community amenities, such as retail, to support balanced neighborhood growth. The company stressed it has $2.5 million in pre-development funding to support joint ventures with municipalities, housing authorities and local development corporations.

* Turnstone Development Corp: This is a nonprofit real estate company specializing in the construction and preservation of affordable housing. Since 1998, it has developed more than 1,500 affordable housing units and leveraged more than $205 million in private and public investment capital. It began as the Housing Authority of Chicago's development affiliate.

It proposes working with Gary to identify community groups and individuals for participation in the community engagement process. It said its financial consultant, Lighten-Gale Group (LGG) will prepare financing packages that include low-income tax credit and other government programs as well as private lenders and investors as applicable.
The St. John Police Department teamed up with LexisNexis Risk Solutions to create a town crime map, which can be downloaded as a mobile app.

St. John is the first department in the Region to partner with LexisNexis on the map, which shows all the crime in the area on a desktop computer or a smartphone. It can also be used to submit anonymous tips or sign up for neighborhood watch report emails that summarize in recent crimes.

All of the department's records are automatically updated to the website, so it provides up-to-date information about incidents to which police were called. LexisNexis is offering the ad-free service to St. John at no cost to taxpayers.

"We are proud to be the first agency in Northwest Indiana to partner with LexisNexis Risk Solutions in providing these tools to our residents," the police department said in a news release.

For more information, visit www.stjohnin.com/PD/.
The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is reopening three beaches after testing found water and beach sand samples were below laboratory reporting limits, and U.S. Steel has resuming operations at the Midwest Plant.

Last Tuesday, the National Park Service barred the public from West Beach, Cowles Bog Beach, and Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk beach in Porter County after U.S. Steel's Midwest Plant in Portage spilled the carcinogenic chemical hexavalent chromium -- which the Erin Brockovich movie raised public awareness about -- into a tributary flowing into Lake Michigan.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency did extensive testing of the Burns Waterway and Lake Michigan, but did not find any hexavalent chromium impacts above its detection limit of 1 part per billion.

"Water and beach sand samples were taken by contractors working for the United States Environmental Protection Agency, from April 12 to 16, at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshores West Beach, Cowles Bog Beach, and Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk beach," the National Park Service said in a news release. "All EPA water and beach sand samples were below laboratory reporting limits. Based on these results, the three beaches will be reopened to the public this afternoon."

The National Park Service plans to work with the EPA to establish a long-term monitoring protocol at the beaches as the busy beach season approaches. Park officials said they would work to safeguard beach-goers and remained concerned about the possibility of long-term harm to wildlife.

The EPA says it will post testing data online on its website.

U.S. Steel has been restarting its operations at the Midwest Plant, and monitoring closely to ensure no further leakage into Lake Michigan, a source of drinking water for millions in the Chicagoland area.

"Over the weekend, EPA monitored the U.S. Steel line-by-line startup process and did not detect any additional hexavalent chromium from the outfall," the EPA said in a news release. "Today, U.S. Steel resumed full operations. EPA will continue to monitor and sample the water bodies today and tomorrow."

Indiana American Water has been working with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to reopen their Ogden Dunes drinking water intake.
Our state is so close to a sustainable, long-term funding solution for road repair and maintenance, we can smell the fresh asphalt.

Legislators now must dig deep within a conference committee to sensibly compromise on two versions of a road-funding plan arising from the Indiana House and Senate.

There's no time to waste. The General Assembly is slated to adjourn Friday.

Region residents and transportation leaders should pull no punches in contacting their state legislators to remind them just how important this legislation is to the future of Indiana's economy and infrastructure.

The outcome of the conference committee debate holds sway over whether Indiana will have about $700 million or up to $1 billion per year in new road funding.

Our General Assembly should take a bow for showing much unified resolve in making long-term road funding a priority this legislative session.

For years, the concept has proved elusive, with shortsighted fixes that reveal themselves as half a Band-Aid on a gushing wound.

Now we have a bipartisan voice for long-term road funding and a governor who has prioritized it.

Yes, the plan likely will mean higher taxes on gasoline.

Of course, no one particularly fancies paying more in taxes.

But we all use Indiana roads. We all reap the benefits of traversing the state to the points we want or need to reach.

Many of us also bear the burdens of traffic gridlock or the cost of damaged vehicles from traveling structurally deficient or functionally obsolete highways and byways.

The Legislature is one last short leg away of an epic trip the state has taken toward long-term road funding.

Pull out the remaining stops, and get it done.
ERIE, Pa.  The man who randomly killed a Cleveland retiree and posted video of the crime on Facebook shot himself to death Tuesday after police chased him down in his car in Pennsylvania, ending a multistate manhunt less than 48 hours after it began.

Acting a tip, Pennsylvania State Police spotted Steve Stephens, 37, in Erie County, in the state's northwest corner, authorities said. After a brief pursuit, he pulled over, and as officers approached the car, he took his own life, authorities said.

"We would have preferred it not ended this way," Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said.

The break in the case came when police received a tip that Stephens' car was in a McDonald's parking lot, Willlams said. Law enforcement officials had said on Monday that his cellphone was last tracked Sunday afternoon near Erie, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Cleveland.

Stephens, a job counselor who worked with teenagers and young people, was wanted on an aggravated murder charge in the shooting of Robert Godwin Sr., a 74-year-old man who was picking up aluminum cans on Sunday when he was gunned down.

Stephens posted a video of himself killing Godwin. "I snapped, I just snapped," he said.

Police would not speculate on what was behind the killing, but in the video and other footage he posted, he talked about losing everything he had to gambling and having trouble with his girlfriend.

The video of the killing was up for three hours before it was taken down, raising questions about Facebook's handling of objectionable material posted by its users. Facebook said it removed the video 23 minutes after learning of it.

In the video of the shooting, Stephens told Godwin the name of his girlfriend and said, "She's the reason that this is about to happen to you." Godwin did not seem to recognize the name.

The woman Stephens spoke of, Joy Lane, said in a text message to CBS that "we had been in a relationship for several years. I am sorry that all of this has happened."

Investigators said that Godwin was the only victim so far linked to Stephens, despite his claim on Facebook that he killed over a dozen people.

Detectives spoke with the suspect on Sunday by cellphone and tried to persuade him to surrender, police said.

Within a day, authorities expanded the search nationwide and offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
Want to keep your shoes on when you go through airport security? The TSA is making it easier to sign up for a program that lets you do so.

The TSA will allow city residents to sign up for its TSA Pre expedited screening program at the United Airlines ticket office at Penn Station next month.

The program allows travelers to keep shoes, belts and "lighter outerwear" on when they go through security.

It also allows travelers to keep their laptops and air travel-compliant liquids in bags.

City residents who are interested should visit this link to pre-enroll and make an appointment at 4 Penn Plaza.

The center will be open between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, from May 1 to May 19.

Applicants need to bring a document proving their identity and citizenship status when they apply.

The application fee is $85.
One, two, threecut that hair! shouted students at East Smiths Station Elementary School Monday morning.

Mothers stood behind their daughters with scissors, sawing away at long locks intertwined into two, three or four braids.

The eight-inch braids fell as students scrunched their eyes and others cupped their hands over their mouths in excitement and anticipation.

Fourteen students and three mothers left school Monday a little lighter after donating their hair to the Pantene Beautiful Locks program. Monday marked the fourth year students at East Smiths Station opted to donate their hair to cancer patients across the nation.

The idea was birthed by older students at the school who wanted a way to help those they knew who were fighting cancer.

At the time, my dad was diagnosed with cancer, and we also had a secretary in our office that had just gone through it, said Brandy Montroy, a teacher at the school. (The students) actually were the ones who planted the seed in our principals mind.

With the help of a couple teachers, students began the tradition of gathering once a year to cheer on those in kindergarten through sixth grade who want to donate their hair. Over the years more than 70 students at East Smiths Station have donated their hair to the program which partners with the American Cancer Society to make and distribute wigs.

Students have also inspired others, such as parents, grandparents, teachers and lunchroom workers across the school system, to participate.

Adriane Salmi and her daughter Savannah, a third grader at the school, took turns cutting each others hair on Monday. The drastic change isnt new to Savannah Salmi who has donated her hair every time she cut it in her life.

God has gifted us with amazing hair, said Adriane Salmi, who donated her hair with her daughter for the second time. She was very young when she got her first cut and couldnt probably understand what she was doing at the time, but every two or so years she cuts it. Were just blessed, so we want to share it with those that are struggling and going through things that were not.

Alexis Davis and her mother Leslie Britton also teamed up to donate on Monday, remembering those in their lives who have fought.

She just wants to be able to give back, Britton said of her daughter, whose stepsister and great-grandmother have battled cancer.

The entire school cheered on the students Monday in the schools auditorium as they chopped off their locks, hearing stories of those who have survived cancer and the importance of giving back. Britton noted the impact of involving the entire school.

The fact that they make it such a big deal in front of all the kids, I think thats huge, Britton said. You never know who its going to affect out there. You never know whose family is suffering from something like that.


APCO Reps Leader of Democratic Opposition in Belarus Wed., Sep. 28, 2022 APCO Worldwide is providing media relations services for Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the democratic opposition to Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko. She stepped in for her husband and ran for president in 2020 but lost in the rigged election.


GOP Should Back Away From Trump in 2024 Wed., Jul. 6, 2022 Trump has allegedly told his inner circle hes considering officially announcing his second run for the White House as early as this month. Heres why it would be a bad idea for the GOP to get behind him.
Allow us to introduce you to our newest series: OkayMuva. This is a fresh, bold and critical look at the weeks hottest topics by Myles E. Johnson aka @HausMuva.

An age old conversation is what is the responsibility of the artist. In a post-Warhol world, where celebrity and artistry are often synonymous, the role of the public and visible artist is often muddied beyond recognition. If you are learning in public, you are a teacher. If you are performing in public, you are an ambassador for a people. If you are displaying a particular behavior in public, you are a role model.

There are limits to this cultural practice of how we treat the artist. I am reminded of this when I witness people discuss Kendrick Lamar and his latest album, DAMN. I believe art should be examined, critiqued, and pushed; I believe this is the only way we can elevate art and arrive at better creations from our artists. However, I believe, the ways we expect artists to exist must be examined. If Kendrick Lamar is an artist who has decided to learn in public, should we then hold him responsible in the same ways we hold up a teacher? A teacher is someone we give the responsibility of sharing accurate information and insight on a given subject matter in order to help advance their students. Does the artist who is curious about history and makes work around their exploration automatically regarded as a history teacher because they are doing it publicly? When is it critiquing and when is it robbing someone of their development? As someone who is in both the position to create art and critique artistic productions, this question haunts me the most because I realize the inherent contradiction to myself in both positions if I were to associate with them exclusively.

In one half of my imagination, I believe people should be able to exhume the body of Lamars work. Once he gives it to the public, it is ours to interpret and wrestle with; to break and to kiss. Once an artist makes a thing, that is only 50% of the artistic process. The other 50% is the way the public responds to the content. The public and the artist are in a tango with one another and it is not truly being danced without both partners. This is to say, what made the Andy Warhols Campbells Soup Cans, the Campbell Soup Cans were only partly because of the actual creation, but because of the public response to the artist and the portraits. The public is an undeniably paramount part of the artistic process and it is our right to critique and reckon with what we have been offered. It is our gift to the artist to push them to arrive at better art. It is our protection of our taste and culture.

In the other half of my imagination, I know that it is the exploration of themes, problems, and ideas that fuels creativity, and often when you are exploring things, you land in the space that is not right. I think about the freedom I had to explore my beliefs around gender and how I often arrived at a transphobic space or a misogynistic space or simply a non-factual space, but without that exploration I would have never evolved. If I were to have been silenced and policed out of the conversation or expression of my creative impulses, I know I wouldnt have been able to arrive at work that people find healing, revolutionary, or elevating the cultural thought. I respect this process, not just because I understand this process, but because I absolutely needed this process in order become a good writer and thinker. I am often uncomfortable when I see people policed out of this development.

Im an Israelite, dont call me black no more, that word is only a color, it aint facts no more, Lamar raps on the space-y YAH. that sonically resembles a LSD trip through Compton. Kendrick Lamars lyrics and material on DAMN. around the Hebrew Israelite beliefs made many uncomfortable for two reasons; one is the fact that a lot of the beliefs are unfounded and erase other identities. The other is because the people who usually adopt this belief system often also adopt behavior and rhetoric that is violently patriarchal, capitalistic, and anti-intellectualism. On songs like FEAR., Kendrick explores the idea that black peoples systemic oppression is not just a political thing, but a more spiritual, immaterial curse that needs to be reversed in order for us to be free. I dont think my opinions on this belief systems are important, but I do believe the memories these beliefs spark for me are important.

I remember in high-school, feverishly reading Dr. Cress Welsing, who was a brilliant academic and a violent patriarchal homophobe/transphobe, and believing and using the work she produced to help craft my relationship with my blackness and the world around me. As scholarship, the work I wrote about inspired by Welsings work was absolutely weak and underdeveloped. However, as art, I think it was beautiful, and more importantly, necessary for my development. I cant imagine being robbed of that moment.

The reality is, I have no answer of how to uplift the artists right to develop and the publics right to critique. My best thought is that I think our expectations should align with what an artist is here to do which is to be curious and to create out of that mysterious space where experience and inspiration meet. DAMN. resonates with me as a piece of work that is emotional and curious; it feels hell-bent on expressing itself and Lamar seems to desire to want to define his world for himself as opposed to letting other powers do it for him. He desperately wants to share his point of view. This resonates with me as an artist. The artist that is curious about history is not then a history teacher. The artist that is interested in performing a certain behavior is not then a role model. The artist that is interested in being in public is not then inherently an ambassador for others with the same sociopolitical identities. Perhaps, with this kind of clarity of expectations of the artist, critiques will take different forms and we wont expect flawless theory or politics, but we will instead be looking for that curiosity that ironically often leads to work that is both beautiful and sound in theory and politics.

Myles E. Johnson is an Atlanta, Georgia-based storyteller. He is also the creator of the literary project, Dear Giovanni. You can follow him on Twitter @HausMuva.
Agricultural News

Introducing McKenzie Elkins, Your Southeast District Star in Agribusiness of Coalgate FFA Chapter







During the month of April, the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and Oklahoma Farm Report is spotlighting the twenty District Stars of Oklahoma FFA that are among the highest achievers in the organization. The stars come from the five districts in four categories- Star in Ag Placement, Star in Agriscience, Star in Agribusiness and Star in Production Agriculture. Last week, we spotlighted the five district stars in Agriscience- this week we move on to the Agribusiness Stars for 2017.





Today, we highlight Makenzie Elkins of the Coalgate FFA Chapter, Oklahoma FFA's Southeast District Star in Agribusiness. Elkins has built a very unique niche business among the agricultural community in her region and across neighboring parts of the states.







"I am currently the owner and operator of NBE Shavings," she told Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays in a recent interview. "I'm a distributor of dry-nest and white pine hancock woodchip shavings."







She explains she got the idea to start her business during an eight-hour road trip to pick up a load of wood shavings for her own use. She, her parents and her ag-ed instructor during the ride were discussing what supervised agricultural experiences (SAE) she could try to do, and that's when the lightbulb flicked on.







"It automatically came up and it stuck," she said, "and I'm glad it did."







Elkins gets her inventory shipped directly to her and prepackaged, all the way from a manufacturer located in Maine, which she met attending the World Pork Expo.







"We were talking to him and it just seemed to fit what I was wanting to do the best way," Elkins said.







Elkins has built her customer base to include fellow FFA students and FFA chapters in neighboring towns and even supplies several feed stores throughout Southeast Oklahoma.







"It's been something different but it's been something exciting to be a part of," she remarked, speaking about her experience growing the business and the lessons she's learned in the process. "You have to be able to take constructive criticism as a teenager with a business."







This year, Elkins is serving her chapter as its president and participates in public speaking events, livestock judging and says she has tried to get involved with as much as she could over the last five years. She plans to attend Oklahoma State University and pursue a degree in Agricultural Communications.







You can hear her entire conversation with Farm Director Ron Hays, by clicking or tapping on the LISTEN BAR below.







A complete list of the District Stars can be seen on the Oklahoma FFA website by clicking or tapping here.







Our salute of the 2017 District Stars of the Oklahoma FFA is brought to you by American Farmers & Ranchers, proud to support Oklahoma's youth. Visit the AFR website by clicking or tapping here to learn more on how AFR supports the young people of Oklahoma, and how AFR can provide you with quality insurance for your home, auto, farm, and life.

























You can hear her full conversation with Farm Director Ron Hays, by clicking below on the Listen Bar

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Top Agricultural News
Bass Pro Shops may have found a way to get around regulators and close on its bid for Nebraska-based Cabelas, but it would come at a cost of $4 per share for Cabelas stockholders.

Cabelas said Monday it had reached a proposed deal with Synovus Financial Corp., a Georgia bank, to aid in the sale of Cabelas financial arm, Worlds Foremost Bank. Worlds Foremost was originally to be sold to Capital One, but the deal was blocked by regulators because of an unrelated matter on Capital Ones part.

In the deal announced Monday, Synovus would serve as a sort of middleman for Capital One, and shareholders would receive less than they would have under the original agreement. Under the new terms, Bass Pro would pay $61.50 per share to acquire Cabelas, down from $65.50.

Cabelas put the value of the deal at $5 billion, down from $5.5 billion, including debt.

But with the deal previously at risk of unraveling due to regulatory roadblocks, shareholders may be relieved that the sale is moving ahead.

Its better than having the deal fall apart, said Erik Gordon, a professor at the University of Michigans Ross School of Business who focuses on corporate governance.

Among factors that may be reflected in the lower share price: a retail industry that continues to decline; Cabelas report of poor fourth-quarter earnings; and Synovus involvement. The bank, with about $30 billion in assets, has leverage to make money by saving the deal, said Lee Dunham, a finance professor at Creighton University.

I would suspect a big part of that $4 is the finders fee, effectively for Synovus helping them out to get the deal done, Dunham said.

The lower shareholder payout also could be due to as-yet-undisclosed changes to how much money Bass Pro would receive from Capital One once it begins a 10-year servicing agreement of the lucrative Cabelas Club Visa credit card, which Worlds Foremost operates.

There may be some sort of amended agreement between Capital One and Cabelas in terms of the ongoing split that Cabelas will receive from the credit card portfolio, said Morningstar analyst Colin Plunkett, who follows Capital One.

Under the original deal, Bass Pro Shops planned to take over the retail arm of Cabelas, while Capital One had planned to take over Worlds Foremost Bank.

But Capital One said it wouldnt be able to get regulatory approval before an October merger deadline, because of the unrelated matter involving the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which reviews such deals. In January, Capital One withdrew its application to acquire Worlds Foremost.

That also held up the sale of the retail operation to Bass Pro. Cabelas said in a December regulatory filing that it would explore alternative structures to get the deal done.

Getting the Georgia bank, Synovus, involved can help make that happen. Synovus would acquire some assets and liabilities of Worlds Foremost Bank, including deposits of about $1.2 billion. Synovus would sell Cabelas credit card assets and liabilities to Capital One and keep the deposits.

Cabelas said its board approved the proposed deal, which it expects would close in the third quarter of 2017. Closing is still subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.

Were excited to announce this agreement, which allows us to look ahead with greater certainty toward the completion of our merger with Bass Pro Shops and offers a positive step forward for all parties, Tommy Millner, Cabelas chief executive, said in a prepared statement.

Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris called the agreement an important step forward.

The $61.50 per share price is still a good deal for shareholders, said Gordon, the University of Michigan professor, and even for the people of Sidney, the Nebraska town Cabelas now calls home.

Cabelas employs roughly 2,000 of the 6,800 people who live there, but the headquarters would move to Springfield, Missouri  Bass Pros home  once the deal closes. Its still unclear what operations would remain in Sidney.

With the challenges of todays retail environment, a Cabelas buyout may be the only way to save the brand, Gordon said. Like so many other retailers today, Cabelas would likely turn to headquarters layoffs and store closings to cut costs and compete with online sellers like Amazon.

This is good news for Cabelas as a company, good news for Cabelas shareholders, and its also good news for people who work there, Gordon said. Its sort of their best chance at having a company that didnt spend the next three years in decline, and maybe even disappear.
Three people have been arrested in connection with several burglaries, including the theft of firearms, in Seward.

The Seward County Sheriffs Office said deputies and Seward police recently served search warrants at two locations in Seward in connection with the January burglaries. Authorities said several stolen items, including altered firearms, were recovered.

The Sheriffs Office also said a third search was conducted later at another residence, where authorities recovered ammunition linked to the burglaries.

A 20-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman, both of Seward, and a juvenile boy were arrested in connection with the case, authorities said.

The Sheriffs Office said:

 The 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary, theft, possession of stolen property, defacing firearms and possession of defaced firearms.

 The 18-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of burglary, theft and possession of stolen property
LINCOLN  A bill seeking to require sales taxes collections on purchases over the Internet ran into more than one hurdle on Tuesday.

One is likely to be overcome; the other, maybe not.

Tuesday morning, the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office issued an opinion that the Internet sales tax proposal is unconstitutional, unless it is amended.

That seemed to be solved later in the day when State Sen. Dan Watermeier of Syracuse, the sponsor of the bill, introduced an amendment to Legislative Bill 44 to resolve the constitutional problems.

But the second roadblock was State Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha, a master of killing bills. Overcoming his objections might not be as easy.

Last week, LB 44 won first-round approval on a 28-13 vote. When second-round debate began Tuesday afternoon, Chambers began raising objections.

Time ran out before a second-round vote could occur on the bill, dubbed the Remote Seller Sales Tax Collection Act. It was unclear when the proposal, Watermeiers priority bill, might reappear on the agenda.

State law already requires taxpayers to report their online purchases on their state income tax returns, but few do.

LB 44, which is patterned after a Colorado law, seeks to increase sales tax collections in one of two ways. It would require online retailers who have more than $100,000 in sales or 200 or more separate transactions to either collect the Nebraska sales tax due or require them to submit several reports about Nebraskans who purchased items from them.

Watermeier, under questioning by Chambers, acknowledged that the goal is to make the reporting requirements so onerous that retailers choose to collect the tax.

But Chambers questioned how Nebraskas tax collectors could enforce a $10 per purchase penalty if a retailer didnt report transactions. How would tax collectors know the number of transactions if a retailer hadnt reported any? he asked.

This is silly, Chambers said.

Nebraska-based bricks-and-mortar retailers have long complained that its unfair for them to be required to charge sales taxes when online firms, such as eBay and Amazon, do not.

In December, Amazon agreed to voluntarily remit Nebraska sales taxes, but several online retailers still dont.

At least 28 states have introduced bills to ensure collection of the sales taxes on Internet sales to level the playing field and to increase tax revenue.
LINCOLN  One major tax package remained standing Tuesday after the death of a bill that would have benefited mainly rural property tax payers at the expense of urban ones.

The proposed tax shift created an insurmountable obstacle for Legislative Bill 640, sponsored by State Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte.

Groene acknowledged after three hours of debate that he does not have the 33 votes needed to overcome a filibuster on the measure. That means the bill is unlikely to return for continued debate. Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer of Norfolk requires sponsors of controversial bills to show that their proposals can advance before he will schedule them for more than three hours of debate.

Groene said he was glad for the chance to debate LB 640 and discuss the property tax burden on farm- and ranchland owners. He also took heart from a 30-3 vote in support of an amendment to the bill.

Its a strong message that we got a positive vote on one of the amendments, he said.

As advanced by the Revenue Committee, LB 640 would have redistributed the $224 million a year that is now earmarked for property tax credits to all property owners.

The money would be used to provide a new type of state aid to school districts with the heaviest reliance on property taxes.

The bill also would lower the maximum school property tax levy, which would trigger a boost in aid to school districts under the existing state aid formula.

Compared with the current tax credits, the proposal would mean more tax relief for primarily rural school districts and less for more urban districts.

Supporters of LB 640 argued that the bill would help restore equity in property taxes.

Sen. Dan Hughes of Venango said a growing share of those taxes has fallen on agricultural property as prices of farmland and ranchland soared in the last decade.

I dont think that asking for a little bit of that shift back from the urban homeowner is out of line, he said.

Groene said the bill fulfills the states constitutional mandate to provide free K-12 public education.

The measure would ensure that every school district gets back some of the income and sales tax dollars that local residents pay, he said.

Currently, 175 school districts do not qualify for state school aid, which comes out of state income and sales tax revenues. That aid goes to districts that cannot meet student needs with their property taxes.

All districts can get state special education funds and a portion of the state income taxes paid by district residents.

Opponents of LB 640 said the proposal would take relief away from taxpayers who are paying among the states highest property tax levies, while providing more money to taxpayers where levies are lower.

This is like a reverse Robin Hood bill, said Sen. Roy Baker of Lincoln. This is a matter of taking money out of one pocket and putting it in another.

He said he has heard concerns from farmers in the Beatrice school district, who would not see any benefit from the bill.

Sen. Kate Bolz of Lincoln questioned the stability of the proposed change. She noted that lawmakers reduce school aid spending every time the state gets in a budget bind.

Bolz also noted that 52 school districts would not get the new property tax aid under LB 640. But those districts serve 75 percent of Nebraska students.

Nebraskas property tax credit program uses state tax dollars to offset part of the annual tax bill for property owners. The credits appear as a line on the annual property tax statement.

Under current law and if valuations remained flat, the fund would provide credits worth $89.57 per $100,000 for residential and commercial property and $107.48 per $100,000 for ag land.

Legislative debate on a tax plan supported by Gov. Pete Ricketts is slated to begin Friday.
LINCOLN  Nebraska lawmakers may soon debate a familiar effort to return the state to a winner-take-all system for awarding presidential electors.

The Legislatures Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee voted Tuesday to advance Legislative Bill 25 to the floor. State Sen. John Murante of Gretna, the bills sponsor, said he will attempt to attach the proposal to another bill so it can still be debated in the waning weeks of the legislative session.

Republican members of the officially nonpartisan Legislature have tried repeatedly to end Nebraskas system of splitting its three Electoral College votes based upon the winner in each congressional district. Votes on the issue have largely fallen along party lines, with primarily Democrats voting against.

Last year, supporters of a similar bill fell one vote short of the 33 votes needed to break a filibuster and advance the bill. This year, 18 senators are serving their first terms and have never voted on the issue.

Murante said Tuesday that he thinks his bill will have overwhelming support on the floor.

Nebraska and Maine are the only two states that do not award all electoral votes to the statewide winner in presidential elections.

Returning to a winner-take-all system has been a priority for the state GOP since Nebraska abandoned that method in 1991.

The Legislatures nonpartisan status means that senators are elected and serve without regard to party affiliation. However, partisan politics emerge at times, especially when elections are involved.
Sheriffs Office says driver, 16, hit and killed bicyclist, 78

A 78-year-old bicyclist was killed Monday night when she was struck by a vehicle about a half-mile east of Columbus.

The Platte County Sheriffs Office said the crash occurred around 8:05 p.m. a half-mile west of East 14th Avenue along East Eighth Street.

The Sheriffs Office said a preliminary investigation indicated that a westbound 2000 Nissan Maxima, driven by a 16-year-old Columbus boy, struck the rear of a westbound bicycle ridden by Patricia Steiner of Columbus.

Steiner was pronounced dead at the scene, the Sheriffs Office said. The teen driver and passengers in the Maxima were not injured, the Sheriffs Office said.

Authorities did not identify the teen driver and they did not say how many passengers were in the Nissan at the time of the crash.

Alcohol was not a factor in the crash, the Sheriffs Office said.
LINCOLN  The Nebraska Public Service Commission has scheduled a May 3 public meeting in York on the Keystone XL pipeline.

Members of the public are invited to provide input on the controversial pipeline, which would carry heavy crude from western Canada to refineries on the Texas Gulf Coast. TransCanada Corp., the company building the pipeline, has submitted an application seeking approval of a roughly 275-mile route through the state.

The meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Holthus Convention Center just north of the York interchange on Interstate 80. Doors open at 8 a.m., and speakers will have up to five minutes to share their comments on a first-come basis.

The PSC has not yet announced whether additional public meetings will be held at other locations. In addition, the commission will hold a formal public hearing on the pipeline application the week of Aug. 7 in Lincoln.
Heath Mello and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert exchanged attacks Monday over their records on funding for Omaha streets.

Mello called Stothert hypocritical for criticizing his support of a state gas tax increase, even though she asked for revenue generated by it. This is just the latest example of the mayors Do as I say, not as I do attitude, Mello said.

Standing in an Omaha street riddled with chuckholes, Mello noted that conservative Republican State Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion sponsored the bill to help address a backlog of Nebraska road and bridge repairs that runs into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Later Monday, Stothert replied that she opposed the bill to raise fuel taxes. But once it passed, she said, she is not about to have Omaha miss out on revenue generated in part by taxes paid by Omahans.

Stothert noted that Mello opposed then-State Sen. Deb Fischers Legislative Bill 84 in 2011. That bill, known as the Build Nebraska Act, earmarked one-quarter cent of the states existing sales taxes exclusively for roads.

Mello spoke at a press conference at 78th Street and Hickory Circle on Monday in response to a new television commercial in which Stothert criticizes his record, including his support for Legislative Bill 610 in 2015. At the time, Mello represented Omaha in the Nebraska Legislature.

Stotherts commercial says Mello would take Omaha in the wrong direction by raising taxes and crushing jobs in Omaha.

Smiths bill authorized a 6 percent gas tax increase in Nebraska to support repairing substandard bridges, filling chuckholes and repairing aging highways.

The Legislature passed the bill and overrode a veto by Gov. Pete Ricketts. The proceeds are divided among the state, cities and counties.

Mello said it will generate millions for Omaha.

He called it hypocrisy for Stothert to criticize him when she has been happy to accept the money for the city, and even wrote a letter in 2016 to the state listing some projects that the revenue might help support.

Stothert said she sent a letter in 2016 asking the state to consider certain Omaha roads projects for funding, but said that she was seeking funding from the Build Nebraska Act.

Her campaign provided a copy of the Jan. 21, 2016, letter to the Nebraska Department of Roads. It asked that the Omaha projects be considered and funded through the Build Nebraska Act and/or through the proposed infrastructure bank.

The latter funding source would include fuel tax revenue.

Stotherts letter came as the Legislature was preparing to consider Legislative Bill 960, introduced by Smith on behalf of Ricketts. The Transportation Innovation Act created an infrastructure bank for completion of Nebraskas 600-mile expressway system by 2033.

It earmarked $50 million of the states cash reserve fund and about $400 million in future state gas tax revenue for expressway construction and transportation-related economic development projects, as well as county bridge improvement.

Mello has proposed creating an infrastructure bank for the City of Omaha. He has said it could include federal, state and philanthropic money.

Stothert said that after eight years in city government, she knows philanthropists dont want to donate money for street repair.

She said Mello keeps talking about a plan to improve city streets, but hasnt produced one.

Mello, standing near a chuckhole covered by a traffic barricade, said Monday that one thing hed do is go back to a city policy of patching chuckholes on Omahas unimproved streets.
WASHINGTON  Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., only just arrived in Congress, but the need for a lawmaker to fill those campaign coffers never stops.

The Omaha congressman raised $230,000 in the first quarter of 2017, according to his latest report to the Federal Election Commission.

Bacon defeated incumbent Democrat Brad Ashford last year in one of the countrys closest races.

That means Bacon is likely to face a competitive  and that means expensive  contest in 2018. Ashfords wife, Ann, has already expressed interest in a bid.

Bacon wrapped up the first quarter of 2017, which ran through the end of March, with $188,000 cash on hand. He also reported a $35,000 obligation to HLC Strategic LLC for a general victory bonus.

Bacons figures are in line with his predecessors at this stage. Ashford, for example, raised about $200,000 in his first quarter as an incumbent, and finished that period with $163,000 cash on hand.
After Karnataka bypoll fiasco, BJP rethinking Yeddyurappa as CM candidate?

India

oi-Anusha

For a confident B S Yeddyurappa and BJP, the loss of both assembly seats in Nanjangud and Gundlupet came as a shocker. While the bypoll, as both parties indicated, were not a referendum for the 2018 assembly polls, the results have had their impact on both parties. For the BJP, the setback is likely to directly haunt state president B S Yeddyurappa and his chief ministerial aspirations.

Sources from the BJP suggest that after the massive loss of face in the bypolls, the party is reconsidering its decision to project B S Yeddyurappa as the Chief Minister candidate. B S Yeddyurappa, sources said, may find a contender in B L Santosh. The deputy general secretary (organisation), Santosh is close to both Amit Shah and Narendra Modi but being a pracharak-turned-politician, Santosh enjoys the solid backing of the RSS.

Santosh proved that he holds considerable sway on the BJP's central leadership during the B S Yeddyurappa- K S Eshwarappa tug-of-war earlier this year. The generally behind the scenes man, B L Santosh is a go getter. A trusted aide of Amit Shah to get a job done. Be it leading a campaign, resolving infighting or overseeing a unit's function. His ability to handle conflict has made him the senior leadership's favourite. B L Santosh may very well be a threat to B S Yeddyurappa as the BJP's chief minister candidate.

There is, however, a setback to the BJP if B S Yeddyurappa is not projected as the Chief Minister face. While B L Santosh may be a master at management, mass appeal is something that B S Yeddyurappa boasts of. While the loss in bypoll is a morale dipper, B S Yeddyurappa continues to hold massive sway in BJP's traditional bastions. If BJP loses Yeddyurappa, it loses a considerable share of its Lingayat vote bank. While the Lingayat's in Gundlupet and Nanjangud refused to back Yeddyurappa, the scenario is quite the opposite in other regions.

B L Santosh commands respect but B S Yeddyurappa commands votes. In electoral politics, votes trump everything. With another year for the assembly polls in Karnataka and Congress getting a boost with the victories in the bypoll, the BJP does not want to risk a rebellion. B S Yeddyurappa's age was raised as a matter of concern but the same was brushed aside by the leader. Despite the challenges that come with rejecting B S Yeddyurappa, the party is rethinking and reconsidering its decision in a way that would add strength and not split the party.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 9:34 [IST]
AIADMK compromise formula: 'Loyalists' want Sasikala and Dinakaran to resign

India

oi-Anusha

In a late night political drama that unfolded in Tamil Nadu on Monday, it became clear that the two factions of the AIADMK were headed towards a merger. While both factions have put down their demands on the table, the process of dialogue has been initiated. Sources said that one of the conditions of the AIADMK Amma camp led by Chief mister Edappadi Palanisamy was Sasikala and Dinakaran's resignation. No, not O Panneerselvam but the supposed 'loyalists' are the ones demanding Sasikala Natarajan's resignation now.

According to sources privy to the huddle on Monday night, Panneerselvam camp wants Sasikala removed from the post of General secretary and for the post of deputy general secretary to be declared null and void. Panneerselvam should, they demand, be made the party's chief. In turn, they would not seek the Chief Minister's post. In a bid to save his post, Edapaddi Palanisamym who initiated the talks between the two factions, has demanded that both Sasikala Natarajan and TTV Dinakaran resign from their posts and not interfere in any party affair.

The AIADMK Amma camp believes that the party would not have split had Sasikala and her family not interfered in the party matters. They have started blaming Sasikala for trying to overreach and worsening the situation. The money flow to bribe voters during the R K Nagar bypoll campaigning, FIR against TTV Dinakaran has come as a major embarrassment to the senior leaders who are holding the Mannargudi family responsible for the dent in the image.

When Sasikala Natarajan made Edappadi Palanisamy the Chief Minister before she entered prison, she hoped that she could continue to be the master puppeteer, running the government from Bengaluru central jail. The situation now has gone out of hand and Sasikala, according to reports, is on the verge of pulling back completely from party affairs. Realising that there is very little she could do while being in jail, she had appointed Dinakaran as the deputy general secretary to be her eyes and ears in the party. With Dinakaran facing arrest in a bribery case, uncertainty haunts the Mannarudi family.

The meeting of all MLAs called by the Chief Minister on Tuesday is a way for the party to keep count of how many MLAs are on Sasikala's side and how many will extend support to the merger. If the merger gets the magic number, an announcement to this effect is expected to be made before end of day on Tuesday.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 8:57 [IST]
We cannot wait longer now: SC to hear Vijay Mallyas contempt case in January for final disposal

Vijay Mallya can be evicted from London home over unpaid loan, UK court orders

Mallyas London home to be held on by family

Arrested and got bail within hours: Vijay Mallya trolled on Twitter

India

oi-Preeti Panwar

Bengaluru, April 18: Vijay Mallya, the embattled businessman, who has been declared a proclaimed offender in India, was on Tuesday arrested in London by the Scotland Yard on India's request for his extradition on fraud charges.

61-year-old liquor baron, wanted in India for defaulting on loans, was arrested after he appeared at a central London police station this morning. The flamboyant businessman, who once called himself 'The King of Good Times", was released on bail a few hours later.

Meanwhile, the government is assessing how to bring Vijay Mallya back to India and start judicial proceedings against him.

As Mallya was arrested, the news spread like a sensation in all media houses. But within three hours of his arrest, the influential tycoon was out on bail.

Twitteratti had a field day and trolled Mallya blink and miss arrest episode saga on Tuesday. Here are some funny tweets:

Newsrooms and Liberals burst into joy after hearing news of Vijay Mallya getting Bail ...  Frustitute (@Frustitute) 18 April 2017

Retweeted Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja):



Einstein Was Wrong. #VijayMallya Gets Bail Faster Than Speed Of... https://t.co/gGz23U6x37  Harish.E (@Harishrick) 18 April 2017

#VijayMallya got bail faster than MS Dhoni's Stumping?  Rajarshi Sur  (@SurelyRajarshi) 18 April 2017

Mallya's bail was quicker than

"Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, read all documents before investing"#VijayMallya  Basavaraj (@basavaraj_Cule) 18 April 2017

Before #VijayMallya's arrest story broke in #India, he got bail & hit the bar for sme champagne...



Celebrate Peasants pic.twitter.com/rgAeOrlHPM  #AAP ko Kya Lagta Hi (@cricket4india) 18 April 2017

Usian Bolt: I am the fastest man on earth.

Vijay Mallya: Hahahaha. That's cute.#VijayMallya  Himanshu Nawalkar (@LameHumorist) 18 April 2017

#VijayMallya got Bail.

.

Life ho to aisi !!!!!!!!  https://t.co/nJZCPjIl7t  Double Sri # (@Satya_Bol) 18 April 2017

OneIndia News
Work on world's largest Hindu temple to begin soon in Bihar

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar begins Gandhi Smriti Yatra

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Patna, April 18: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday began his Gandhi Smriti Yatra in Champaran district to mark the 100th year of Mahatma Gandhi's first major satyagraha against the British rule.

"Nitish Kumar along with Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav, other ministers and thousands of local residents walked a stretch of seven km from Chandriya village to Motihari district headquarters of east Champaran," a district official said.

The Yatra would be followed by a series of programmes.Various other functions have already started last week on a large scale to mark the centenary year.

President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday honoured freedom fighters from across the country to mark the ongoing year-long celebrations of the Champaran satyagraha.

IANS

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 13:49 [IST]
IRCTC update: 136 trains cancelled on Nov 08; here is the complete list

'Kejriwal ji, if my claims true, you'll resign and retire': Sukesh writes a new letter

Canadian Minister rubbishes allegations of being Khalistan supporter

India

ians-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, April 18: Rejecting allegations that he supported Khalistan, Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan on Tuesday said, "I don't promote the breaking up of any country."

"I don't want to be sucked into the internal politics of a province of a nation," he told the media when he was asked about allegations that he was a Khalistani supporter.

"My goal is to build relationships. I am proud of the fact that I was born here," he added.

Sajjan arrived in India on Monday on a week-long visit. He will visit Punjab too.

The Sikh politician was dubbed a Khalistan sympathizer by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who has said he would not meet the Canadian minister.

Sajjan spoke at an event organised by Observer Research Foundation.

Pressed about Amarinder Singh's allegation, Sajjan said: "I am not gonna get into petty politics of one CM or anybody.

"My reason for going into Punjab is to pay respect to Harminder Sahib... I want to pay respect to the village I was born. I am very very proud of my roots...Captain is Chief Minister and it is my responsibility to offer a meeting," he added.

Sajjan said the Chief Minister was free to decide whether he wanted to meet him or not.

"The relationship between Punjab and Canada is based on its people. No one can take away my village, my home, from me," he said.

On the Ontario assembly passing a resolution calling the 1984 anti-Sikh riots a genocide, Sajjan said: "We are a federation and the Ontario legislature is democratically elected. A private member moved a motion and that's all it was."

Earlier, Sajjan met his Indian counterpart Arun Jaitley.

Speaking on their discussion, Sajjan said: "We had some very fruitful discussion ... on the great relationship that Canada and India has and how we can further this relationship."

Talking about the possibilities in defence cooperation, he said: "India's defence ties with Canada may be at a nascent stage but we certainly stand to benefit from your technological skills, your considerable aerospace technologies, simulation and modelling technologies, cold climate expertise, your culture of research and innovation.

"All are areas that suggest possibilities where Canadian defence manufacturers can become an active part of the Make in India initiative," he added.

A veteran of Afghanistan and Bosnia, Sajjan, a decorated soldier, spoke about the Taliban and how to deal with extremist violence.

"Taliban is a small entity ... radical thinking that has sucked in a generation of young men into their ranks."

Pressed on Afghan peace efforts, Sajjan said: "It is up to the Afghan government to have formal discussions with the Taliban about reducing the conflict. It is their choice to make.

"But if you don't have discussion, they may be dealing with the conflict for a very long time."

IANS
Congress slams BJP, BJD for misrule in Odisha

India

oi-PTI

Bhubaneswar, April 18: Congress on Monday hit out at ruling BJD in Odisha and BJP, stating that both the parties were equally responsible for poverty, backwardness and misrule in the state.

"While BJD is to be blamed for Odisha's poverty, backwardness and misrule, BJP is also equally responsible for this," Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Prasad Harichandan said here.

Launching a scathing attack on both the parties, a day after BJP's national executive meeting, Harichandan said, "If BJD is 'Duryodhan' (mythological character) for Odisha, BJP can be described as 'Dusashan'." The OPCC chief said BJD and BJP shared power in Odisha for nine long years between 2000 and 2009. Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Odisha as "highly disappointing", the Congress leader said, "The PM did not utter a word about Odisha."

"People expected him to announce a special package for Odisha but Modi completely ignored the interests of the state as his focus was to safeguard BJP's interests," Harichandan alleged. Slamming the BJP over Mahanadi river water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, the Congress leader said the Centre failed to stop the construction of barrages on Mahanadi upstream by the BJP regime in Chhattisgarh.

"It was unfortunate that he (Modi) kept silent on Odisha's rights over Mahanadi water which is adversely hit due to the construction of barrages on upstream of the river by Chhattisgarh," the OPCC chief said. "The demand for formation of a tribunal to resolve the river water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh has also gone unheeded by the Centre," he said.

"Modi failed to make his stand clear on the Mahanadi issue, which happens to be the lifeline of Odisha," Harichandan said. Stating that BJP has forgotten its poll promise of 2004, he said the prime minister should have declared "special category state status" for Odisha and a special financial package on the pattern doled out to Bihar.

Referring to the condition of farmers in the state, Harichandan said, "I had earlier demanded hike in the minimum support price on paddy from Rs 1,470 to Rs 3,000 per quintal. However, no step has been taken by the Modi government to mitigate the plight of peasants." "It also took no step to order a CBI probe into the multi-crore mining scam in Odisha as recommended by M B Shah commission of enquiry," he said.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 10:18 [IST]
Cracking the Mallya case: Here is how diplomacy worked behind the scenes

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The arrest of liquor baron, Vijay Mallya is a huge diplomatic success for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The PM and his government were criticised for not taking enough action in stopping Mallya from leaving the country last year. However aggressive back-channel talks and thorough investigations.

The first round met with some hiccups with the United Kingdom informing India that an extradition request may not be the best way to go about it. UK suggested that India adopts the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. Moreover investigations at that time were premature and India had to show more evidence to the UK to facilitate an arrest. India had initially asked the UK to deport Mallya. However that was ruled out since he entered the UK on a valid passport.

Moving the courts:

In a bid to justify the extradition request, the Enforcement Directorate as well as the Central Bureau of Investigation moved several courts. After lengthy arguments, at least two courts issued non-bailable warrants against Mallya. This helped strengthen the case to make an extradition bid.

The investigations were a crucial aspect in this case. The CBI and the ED went through voluminous documents and files while coordinating with the banks from where Mallya had taken loans that he had defaulted on.

Diplomatic pressure:

India had kept up the pressure diplomatically in this case. The government indulged in back-channel talks with the UK government. Both on the diplomatic and legal front the issue was taken up from time to time. It did not look easy at all at first, but the evidence that was shared apart from the diplomatic pressure ensured that this process against Mallya commenced.

The issue was raised once again by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley with the authorities in the UK. During his February visit, he had appealed to the British Prime Minister Theresa May to speed up the issue. May took up the issue with the authorities concerned following which India's request was heeded to.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 18:41 [IST]
Delhi: 5-year-old girl raped; 17-year-old accused absconding

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, April 18: A five-year-old girl was raped by a juvenile in Vijay Vihar area of Rohini on Monday. The 17-year-old accused is absconding, said a senior police officer.

The girl was lured by the accused on the pretext of buying her sweets, he said. Since the accused resides in her neighbourhood, the girl went along with him.

He took her to a vacant plot where he allegedly sexually assaulted her, said the officer. Later, the girl came back home crying and narrated her ordeal to her family who made a PCR call around 12.20 PM, he added.

The girl was in shock after the incident and could not recall details, said the officer.

"Initially, it was a blind case since we didn't have any clues of the accused. However, we scanned the CCTV footage from the area in which the accused would be seen taking the girl with him," he added.

The accused was identified and his family was questioned but it was found that they hadn't seen him after the incident, said the officer. Police has launched a search for the juvenile and are questioning his friends, he added.

PTI

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 13:45 [IST]
Delhi MCD Election 2017: Yogi, Fadnavis in demand among BJP candidates for campaign

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, April 18: The chorus among BJP candidates for campaign by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his Maharashtra counterpart Devendra Fadnavis has intensified, as the polling day of the MCD election is nearing.

The campaigning for elections to the 272 wards of three municipal corporations will end on April 21 evening but the schedules for the two leaders are yet to be finalised.

The two "youth icons", as many party candidates believe them to be, are in "heavy demand", especially among young candidates to canvass support for them in their wards, said a senior Delhi BJP leader. The two are among the list of star campaigners but their schedules have not been finalised, party spokesman Navin Kumar said.

The candidates have been asking for Yogi and Fadnavis to visit their wards and attract young voters as the campaign picks up for the April 23 polls, party leaders say. Most of the star campaigners are likely to come to the national capital beginning from April 19 and Yogi and Fadnavis are also expected to participate in it, they said.

"We are trying to arrange visits of all the star campaigners including CMs Adityanath and Fadnavis. So far, approval from Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP president Amit Shah has been received," Kumar said.

The BJP is pitted against Congress and Aam Aadmi Party in a triangular contest in three municipal corporations.

PTI
ED summons Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh to appear on April 20

India

ians-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, April 18: The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday summoned Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh in connection with a money laundering case. An official informed that he is said to appear before it on April 20.

Earlier, the ED had summoned him on April 13. But he failed to appear before it. The senior Congress leader had allegedly avoided earlier summons to get his statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. He is said to have excused himself by referring to his official commitments.

The ED has already questioned his wife Pratibha Singh and son Vikramaditya Singh in the case. In the first week of April, the Enforcement Directorate attached Virbhadra Singh's Delhi farmhouse worth Rs 27.29 crore.

The agency's move came after the Central Bureau of Investigation filed a chargesheet against Virbhadra Singh and others in March for allegedly amassing assets worth Rs 6.03 crore.

The ED had filed a criminal case under the PMLA against Virbhadra Singh, his wife Pratibha, Life Insurance Corporation agent Anand Chauhan, his associate Chunni Lal, and others in 2015 following the CBI's FIR dated September 23, that year.

The case was registered after a preliminary inquiry found that Singh as Union Minister from 2009 to 2012 allegedly accumulated assets worth Rs 6.03 crore, which were disproportionate to his known sources of income.

After his Delhi farmhouse was attached, the Chief Minister accused the Centre of harassing him and destabilising his government. He alleged that central agencies like the ED and CBI were being misused against political opponents by the Centre.

IANS
FIR ordered against Delhi woman police officer for sexually assaulting minor girl

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A Delhi court has order an FIR against a woman police officer for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl. The girl had earlier accused her teacher of molesting her. The additional sessions judge passed the order after the minor girl complained to the court that she was subject to a sexual assault by the lady police officer during investigation.

The court was hearing a complaint filed by the parents of the girl against a teacher accused of molesting the 13 year old girl. While rejecting the bail plea filed by the teacher, the court issued separate directions and ordered the filing of an FIR against the police officer.

The court directed the SHO of Mangolpuri in north west Delhi to get the FIR registered against woman IO, a sub-inspector, through a senior officer and file a status report in the matter on April 29. The girl, in her complaint, alleged that the IO had threatened her father to get the victim medically re-examined or she would implicate her in a false case.

OneIndia News
We cannot wait longer now: SC to hear Vijay Mallyas contempt case in January for final disposal

Good Times with IPL in 2008 to Bad Times in UK in 2017, Vijay Mallya's tryst with April 18

India

oi-Anusha

The evasive mining baron, Vijay Mallya, who fled the country in 2016 was arrested by the Scotland Yard police on Tuesday. Did you know that on this very day, nine years ago, Vijay Mallya was in Bengaluru cheering for his IPL team, the RCB?

Vijay Mallya arrested in London, CBI team to bring him back to India

April 18, 2008, Vijay Mallya was in the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for the Indian Premier League's very first match. On the same day nine years later, April 18, 2017, the liquor baron is sitting in a Westminster court after being arrested for 'fraud'.

9 years ago on this day, Vijay Mallya, the proud owner of the Royal Challengers Bangalore was rooting for his team captained by Rahul Dravid as a match was underway between RCB and KKR. The Kolkata Knight Riders won the match by 140 runs. Brendon McCullum smashed 158 runs and brought his team the victory.

Vijay Mallya arrested for fraud at behest of India: Scotland Yard

Such was Vijay Mallya's love for the IPL that he never missed an auction till 2016. For a man who posed with wine, women and merriment, the good days had to come to an end.

OneIndia News
Vijay Mallya arrested, gets bail: Extradition hearing on May 17th

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Vijay Mallya who was arrested in the United Kingdom has got bail. As a result of this he cannot be kept in custody today. He was granted bail on the condition that he deposits 650,00 pounds prior to his release. The extradition proceedings would begin on May 17th onwards before another court.

Good Times with IPL in 2008 to Jail time in UK in 2017, Vijay Mallya's tryst with April 18

As per the procedure, Mallya will now be tried in another court. The trial would determine whether he will be extradited to India or not. On the next date of hearing a team of the Central Bureau of Investigation from India would be present. The CBI team would argue and seek his extradition. Mallya on the other hand would have to show why he should not be extradited. In case the extradition request is rejected, then he would be tried in the UK itself.

Vijay Mallya arrested for fraud at behest of India: Scotland Yard

Earlier the Scotland Yard police said that Vijay Mallya was arrested on accusation of fraud. Officer of the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit have this morning, Tuesday 18 April arrested a man on an extraction warrant.

Vijay Mallya, 61 was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud, the statement also read. He was arrested after attending a central London police station, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today, 18 April, the Scotland Yard also said.

Mallya had left India on March 2 2016 for London a few days after a consortium of 17 banks had moved the Debt Recovery Tribunal to recover dues of Rs 9,018 crore which was loaned to the now defunct Kingfisher airlines.

India had also through the CBI alerted the Interpol and said that it had followed all legal procedures to seek a red corner notice against him.

Mallya had made an offer to negotiate with the banks for a one time settlement before the Supreme Court. The banks had however rejected the same The banks had shot down Mallya's offer of Rs 6,868 crore in April 2016 to settle the dues.

OneIndia News
I can even get Sasikala out of jail, conman told TTV Dinakaran

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

He has been in and out of jail several times, but that never deterred him. Addicted to a good life-style and a life of conning people, Sukesh Chandrasekhar was a son who was disowned by his parents. His father who worked at a bank disowned him after realising that his son was a repeat offender.

Meet the conman from Bengaluru who promised Dinakaran the AIADMK symbol

Sukesh today is all over the news for allegedly trying to help Sasikala Natarajan's nephew, T T V Dinakaran strike a deal of Rs 50 crore to bag the AIADMK's symbol. Sukesh was arrested by the Delhi police on Monday and questioned. During his questioning, he said that he was tasked with bribing Election Commission of India officials to bag the AIADMK's symbol.

The symbol had been frozen by the EC after the O Panneerselvam camp staked a claim for the same. The two leaves symbol became important for both factions ahead of the R K Nagar by-poll which had to be countermanded by the EC after corruption charges were levelled during the campaigning.

Man who promised TTV the AIADMK symbol was a 'son' of many chief ministers

During his questioning Sukesh said, " the Rs 1.3 crore that was found on me was meant to bribe officials of the EC. Dinakaran told me that he was ready to spend up to Rs 50 crore to buy the symbol."

The case came to light when the Delhi police got an alert about black money moving around in the city. Sukesh is alleged to have told Dinakaran that he is very influential person, well connected in the Delhi circles. He had also assured Dinakaran that he could get his aunt Sasikala Natarajan out of the Bengaluru central jail where she is doing time after being convicted in the disproportionate assets case.

OneIndia News
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IRCTC update: 136 trains cancelled on Nov 08; here is the complete list

'Kejriwal ji, if my claims true, you'll resign and retire': Sukesh writes a new letter

India boiling: IMD issues heatwave warning; death toll rises

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

On Monday, the residents of IT hub Bengaluru in Karnataka heaved a sigh of relief as the city received rainfall in the evening. However, not all were lucky like the Bengalureans as temperature crossed above 41 degrees Celsius in various parts of the country including Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, to name a few places, on Monday.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert in several parts of the country. If temperature crossed above 41 degrees Celsius in Delhi, Mahabubnagar in Telangana sizzled at 44.5 degrees Celsius on Monday.

It was Maharashtra that bore the worst impact of rise in temperatures. Heatwave conditions gripped large parts of Maharashtra with the mercury soaring to 46 degrees Celsius in Chandrapur and its Brahmapuri sub-district in Vidarbha region and hovering between 41-45 degrees in many other parts, the IMD said.

Reports say that more than 31 people have died in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and nine in Maharashtra due to sunstroke.

Here we bring you a few images of Indians coping with the unbearable heat conditions...

Splash us with water Youngsters splash water at a fountain near India Gate to beat the heat as temperature rises in New Delhi. Picture credit: PTI Let your hair down, Rapunzel! Children having some fun moments at Tawi river in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. Picture credit: PTI Fun at India Gate Youngsters beat the heat at a fountain near India Gate as temperature rises in New Delhi. Picture credit: PTI Motherly love This mother in Kolkata, West Bengal, covers her child with her dupatta to protect him from the sun. Picture credit: PTI Saree state of affairs Women cover their faces to protect themselves from heatwave in Amritsar, Punjab. Picture credit: PTI Undercover college girls These aspiring medicos in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, cover themselves from head to toe to beat the sun. Picture credit: PTI

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FM Nirmala Sitharaman hints at possibility of Centre considering restoration of state status to J&K

J&K cabinet directs security forces to exercise maximum restraint'

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet on Tuesday directed the security forces to exercise maximum restraint while handling civilians.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had earlier asked the security forces to 'exercise maximum restraint while operating in provocative situations'. Mehbooba had also condemned the killing of Bashir Ahmad, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at Qasbayar in Pulwama .

The government earlier decided that it would introduce plastic bullets to counter the stone pelters in Jammu and Kashmir. Home Ministry officials said that the non-penetrative plastic bullets may be used in Jammu and Kashmir for crowd control or stone-pelting.

The security forces who battle stone pelters and bombers in the Valley have been criticised for using pellet guns. The government was working on an alternative.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 19:52 [IST]
Social Worker-Politician rahulborole Is Working Day & Night To Help The Needy With Food, Masks & Water

Jharkhand: Maoists kill father, son in Palamu

India

oi-PTI

Jharkhand, April 18: Maoists have shot dead a 50-year-old man and his son at a village in Palamu district on Monday.

Over 20 Maoists laced with fire arms arrived at Koulhua village, bordering Aurangabad district of Bihar, dragged out Shivnath Yadav 50 and his son Guddu Yadav 25 from their house and shot them dead, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Chatarpur, Sanjay Kumar, said.

Superintendent of Police Indrajeet Mahatha along with an adequate force has rushed to the spot and launched a massive search operation to track down the Maoists, who were suspected to have sneaked into adjoining district of Bihar.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 15:13 [IST]
J&K: Applaud the Major who used human shield, not crtiticise him

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Support for the Army Major who used a human shield in Kashmir came from the Attorney General of India. He should be applauded and not criticised, the Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said in a statement. They are working under a lot of pressure and exercising restraint to a great level, the AG also said. It may be recalled that the Major had ordered a resident to be tied in front of a Rakshak vehicle to ensure the safe passage for a five-vehicle convoy that he was leading.

The Army personnel are trained and are responsible for their actions. Military operations cannot become a subject matter of debate on the social media, he further said. The poll booth is a symbol of democracy and the Major should not be criticised. He should be applauded. They are guarding our borders admirably, the AG further stated.

Meanwhile the Army Chief, General Bipin Rawat said that the forces continue to hold a strong image and a professional reputation. Addressing officers at the Army Commanders' Conference, General Rawat complimented soldiers for undertaking such a difficult task on the ground. He further asked the forces to strengthen the image and reputation of the Army.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 7:56 [IST]
Jolt to Congress as Arvinder Singh Lovely joins BJP

India

oi-Gulam Rabbani

New Delhi, April 18: Another jolt to the Congress Party after its leader Arvinder Singh Lovely on Tuesday joined Bharatiya Janata Party in presence of the party chief Amit Shah in New Delhi. The ticket distribution in Congress created a stir among the leaders in March.

It is believed that ahead of Municipal Corporation of Delhi polls that is scheduled to be on April 23, the Congress has been facing trouble as some of its senior leaders resigned from the party after a dispute over ticket distribution.

On April 2, the Congress senior leader Dr AK Walia submitted his resignation letter after expressing his misery over ticket distribution. Supporting the Walia's resignation, Arvinder Singh Lovely had said that the sentiments of senior leaders have been hurt. He added that the senior leaders like Walia are like assets to the party and the party should maintain the respect for its senior leaders.

Soon after AK Walia another leader Amrish Gautam, a former deputy speaker, a Dalit leader and three-time MLA joined BJP. Many other Congress leaders had threatened to quit the party as well.

OneIndia News
Kerala government orders probe after photos of young women at Sabarimala goes viral

India

oi-Anusha

A day after photos of young women devotees visiting Sabarimala went viral, the Kerala government has ordered a probe. The Devaswom ministry, following the orders of minister Kadakampally Surendran, has asked the vigilance wing to probe the matter. Verifying the authenticity of the photographs is the first concern of the probe. The photographs purportedly showing women of 'mensurating age' at the hill shrine had created a controversy on social media.

The temple restricts entry to women between the age of 10 and 50 into the shrine but the photographs claiming to show young women inside the temple caused a stir. Minister Kadakampally Surendran said that he had received a complaint that a Kollam-based businessman managed to get special privileges for the 'darshan' at the shrine. "According to the complaint we have received, the businessman accompanied by the young women visited the temple. Action will be taken against anyone who misused privileges under the VIP darshan category if found illegal," the minister said.

The controversial photographs were shared widely on social media with many questioning if entry into the temple was limited only to the rich and influential even as the debate on Sabarimala entry to women rages on. The President of the Devaswom Board, Prayar Gopalakrishnan, said the decision to probe the incident was welcome. "After hearing reports about the entry of young women into Sabarimala temple, I have personally inquired with police officials stationed there. I was told that two women, aged 61 and 62, had gone up to the hill shrine," he said.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 12:52 [IST]
Krishna Water row: Telangana wants reduction in allocation to Andhra Pradesh

India

oi-Gulam Rabbani

Hyderabad, April 18: The Telangana government on Monday submitted its final arguments before the Brajesh Mishra-led Krishna River Water Dispute Tribunal-II. In its final arguments, the state government demanded the tribunal to reconsider and reduce the allocation of Krishna water to Andhra Pradesh. The Telangana government also said that Andhra is diverting the Godavari water for its various projects like Polavaram and Pattiseema.

Telangana, for the first time, has raised the issue of outside basin and in-basin argument and said that the requirements of projects outside basin might be considered only after the in-basin projects are served with 75 per cent dependable waters and added that for allocation of water over and 75 per cent dependable flows priority might be given to the in-basin projects. It had stated that most Krishna Water used by the Andhra government was received by Telangana. The argument also stated that the projects were taken up the Andhra government fall outside the basin areas and the projects from Telangana fall inside the basin areas.

The state government demanded that there should be limits in the diversion of water from Pothireddypadu head regulator to the extent of 1,5000 cusecs and added that the government is intended in providing drinking water to Chennai. The Telangana members also demanded to revise the allocation of water to the Telugu Ganga project, Rajolibanda diversion scheme and reallocation to in-basin projects.

The demands proposed by the Telangana government in it final arguments might rake up the water war between the states as the both are already fighting for control of Srisailam and Nagarjuna reservoirs on Krishna river.

The Telangana government wants to have information on utilisation of water for all the projects in Andhra, especially on the Krishna Delta system like Nagarjuna, Srisailam, Kurnool and Cuddapah canal serving outside the basin and to allocate water within the basin.

On the other hand, The Andhra Pradesh government had also submitted its final arguments on Monday where it demanded project-wise allocation to projects listed in KWDT-I award and added that the project projected in the 11th schedule of the AP Reorganisation Act and those permitted by KWDT-II award.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 14:52 [IST]
We cannot wait longer now: SC to hear Vijay Mallyas contempt case in January for final disposal

Vijay Mallya can be evicted from London home over unpaid loan, UK court orders

Mallyas London home to be held on by family

Mallya dubs his arrest and bail as normal extradition proceedings'

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

With Vijay Mallya's arrest and subsequent bail in London making headlines in the India media, the liquor baron on Tuesday said that all the events unfolding are 'part of normal extradition proceedings.

He also lashed out at certain sections of the media of reporting over the issue without verifying facts.

Glad that some media are putting facts in perspective. Surrender of passport, arrest,bail all part of normal extradition proceedings.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 18, 2017

In an earlier tweet, Mallya had said that reports of his arrest were 'usual Indian media hype'.

The Scotland Yard police on Tuesday said that Vijay Mallya was arrested on behest of Indian authorities for charges of fraud. The liquor baron who fled the country in 2016 was arrested and produced before a court.

Within hours of him being arrested, a London Court granted him bail and Mallya was on his way back home.

[Vijay Mallya arrested in London, CBI team to bring him back to India]

Mallya had left India on March 2 2016 for London a few days after a consortium of 17 banks had moved the Debt Recovery Tribunal to recover dues of Rs 9,018 crore which was loaned to the now defunct Kingfisher airlines.

India had also through the CBI alerted the Interpol and said that it had followed all legal procedures to seek a red corner notice against him. Mallya had made an offer to negotiate with the banks for a one time settlement before the Supreme Court.

The banks had however rejected the same The banks had shot down Mallya's offer of Rs 6,868 crore in April 2016 to settle the dues.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 20:53 [IST]
Bharat Jodo Yatra will proceed to Srinagar, come what may, says Rahul Gandhi as march enters Maharashtra

'Will resign as MLA if proven wrong': Defiant Jarkiholi defends 'Hindu' remark even as Cong slams him

Compare Congress's 60 year-rule to our 5-year rule: Thakur in Himachal

Manipur: 14 councillors, MLA join BJP

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Imphal, April 18: Congress MLA Ginsuahau Zou and 14 councillors from the party have joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party BJP in Manipur on Monday.

Ginsuahau represents Singhat constituency in the state assembly. The Congress councillors are members of the Autonomous District Council in Chandel.

Another Congress MLA, T. Shyamkumar, had joined the BJP after the latter took power in the state. Shyamkumar was sworn in as a cabinet minister.

The BJP won 21 of the 60 seats in the house but formed a government with the help of smaller parties. The Congress had bagged 28 seats.

IANS

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 16:08 [IST]
PM Modi unveils G20 logo: Significance of the lotus and its seven petals

Bidhya Devi Bhandari elected as President of Nepal for a second term

Nepalese president Bidhya Devi Bhandari meets Sushma Swaraj

India

oi-Lisa

New Delhi, April 18: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, now on an official visit to the country, in New on Tuesday.

"Shaping our shared historical and cultural linkages. EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on President Bidya Devi Bhandari at @RahstrapatiBhvn," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.

Shaping our shared historical and cultural linkages. EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on President Bidya Devi Bhandari at @RashtrapatiBhvn pic.twitter.com/uTj9H1JPsF  Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2017

Earlier in the day Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari who arrived in New Delhi on Monday on her first overseas tour was given a ceremonial welcome at forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.

Special honours for a close neighbour. President Bidhya Devi Bhandari of Nepal receives ceremonial welcome at forecourt of @RashtrapatiBhvn pic.twitter.com/vDaYfn8SMk  Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2017

After her ceremonial welcome she paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Spokesperson of ministry of external affairs, Gopal Baglay had on Monday tweeted a welcome message for Nepalese president.

Neighbourhood first. H.E. Ms Bidhya Devi Bhandari, President of Nepal arrives in New Delhi on State Visit to India pic.twitter.com/BojFqqeQZz  Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) April 17, 2017

Bhandari was scheduled to visit India in May last year but her visit was cancelled as the Nepalese cabinet did not endorse the visit. The reason cited was lack of preparations on part of the government.

During the five-day visit, Bhandari will hold talks with President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She is also to hold talks with Vice-President Hamid Ansari, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

The visit of Nepalese president will focus on expanding cooperation between the two close strategic neighbours. Ties between both the countries had strained last year after Madhesi community held agitation.

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India's intellectuals are anti-India, says Australian sociologist who is all praise for PM Modi

PM will attend closing ceremony of Namami Devi Narmade - Sewa Yatra

India

oi-PTI

Jabalpur, April 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the concluding ceremony of Narmada river conservation awareness programme next month at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, according to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

"'Namami Devi Narmade - Sewa Yatra,' would conclude on May 15 at Amarkantak from where it originates, in the presence of the Prime Minister," Chouhan said during a public gathering at Gwari Ghat near Jabalpur on Monday. Earlier, the state government had announced to conclude the campaign on May 11 after it began on December 11, 2016.

Chouhan also said that the awareness campaign would be started again from July 2 wherein saplings would be planted on the banks of Narmada, flowing across various districts of the state.

"A large number of saplings would be planted alongside banks of Narmada on both sides. An effective system would be evolved to ensure the security of these saplings," he said. Under the ongoing campaign, the government conducted a drive against liquor shops within five kilometres of Narmada's banks.

A stretch of 1831-km on southern bank comprising 548 villages/towns and 1513-km on northern bank comprising 556 village/towns were covered under the campaign. The state government claims that this programme is one of the biggest river conservation campaigns in the world.

PTI

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 16:54 [IST]
Hindi diwas: Amazing facts about the language everyone should know

This state to have medical education in Hindi from 2023

President accepts Parl panel recommendations to promote Hindi

India

oi-Preeti Panwar

New Delhi, April 18: All speeches by the President, the Prime Minister and central ministers may soon be in Hindi, if the recommendations of a parliamentary panel accepted by President Pranab Mukherjee are implemented.

In a move to encourage the use of Hindi language, Mukherjee has accepted some recommendations made in the ninth report of the Committee of Parliament on Official Language. The report was submitted in 2011.

So now onwards, most of the speeches and statements made in Parliament would be in Hindi, accompanied by a text of English translation.

Till now, speeches by central government functionaries, file work and statements were used to be in English, except in Hindi-speaking states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Another recommendation that has been accepted is that the national carrier Air India should issue tickets to its passengers in Hindi language. It has also been told to keep Hindi newspapers and magazines in flights.

Third recommendation is that railways and airlines should first make announcements in Hindi followed by English.

On flights, half of the reading material should consist of Hindi newspapers and magazines as "Hindi is grossly neglected by airlines", as per the panel's recommendation, accepted by the President.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been asked to ensure implementation of this recommendations. Mukherjee has accepted another recommendation of the Committee that maximum usage of Hindi should be ensured on all tickets of Air India and Pawan Hans helicopters.

The recommendation favouring cent percent availability of training material in bilingual at the Mussoorie-based Lal Bahadur Shashtri National Administrative Academy, the premier institute to train civil servants including those in Indian Administrative Service (IAS), has also been accepted.

The panel had asked the Ministry of Human Resource Development to make serious efforts to make Hindi Language compulsory in curriculum.

"As a first step, Hindi should be made a compulsory subject up to tenth standard in all schools of CBSE and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan," it had recommended.

"This recommendation is accepted in principle. The Union government should form a policy in consultation with state governments," the order said.

Another recommendation accepted by the President is that universities and higher educational institutes situated in non-Hindi speaking states, where the students are not given an option for Hindi to appear in exams/interviews, must be given an option to answer in Hindi.

The committee also suggested that to promote the language, most of the advertisemnts should be in Hindi.

Advisory committee to review use of Hindi in official work

A joint Hindi advisory committee of Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation ministries will meet in Guwahati on Tuesday to review the use of Hindi in official work.

Union Minister of Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, M Venkaiah Naidu will chair the meeting which will be held in the northeast for the first time, an official release said.

Ten MPs and all official members of the committee, including secretaries and senior officers of both ministries and officials of subordinate offices will attend the meeting.

The committee will undertake a review of use of Hindi as per the provisions of the Official Language Policy of 1963.

The union minister will release a compendium of 2,500 words frequently used in both the ministries translated from English to Hindi to promote use of Hindi in official work, the release added.

OneIndia News
Sarbananda Sonowal: Assam-China can be natural allies

India

oi-PTI

Guwahati, April 17: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday met Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui in Guwahati and discussed various issues of mutual interest and concern.

Sonowal said that "since Assam has geographic proximity with China, they can be natural allies in furthering business interests which can be beneficial to the people of both the sides."

Seeking cooperation from the Chinese Ambassador in sending a delegation from the state to study the successful management of Huang Ho River in China, Sonowal said, "Managing Brahmaputra River is a big concern for Assam and the state would be benefitted by learning from the Chinese how the Huang Ho has been turned into a resource from a problem."

Responding to Zhaohui's request to reopen the Stilwell Road, Sonowal said, "The Centre has taken keen interest in developing the Northeast region as a major trade hub of South East Asia under the Act East Policy and opening roadways with the neighbouring countries is high on the agenda."

The Chinese Ambassador also extended invitation to Sonowal to attend the Trade Summit in Kunming in June this year.

Accepting his invitation, Sonowal too informed the Chinese Ambassador of the Global Business Summit to be held in November this year and urged him to facilitate participation of Chinese companies at the summit.

Sonowal also stressed on the need to increase people to people contact and cultural exchange which will bring people of Assam and China closer and facilitate an environment of growth and prosperity.

Referring to Chinese traveller and scholar Hiuen Tsang's historic visit to the state, Sonowal said that the age old ties between China and Assam must be revived for scripting the future growth story.

PTI

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 9:42 [IST]
Sasikala, Dinakaran ousted from AIADMK, did 'day at sea' seal their fate?

India

oi-Anusha

By Anusha Ravi

When Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy invited all AIADMK MLAs to visit Chennai on Tuesday, it became clear that a major decision was to be taken. Hours after meeting the MLAs, Finance Minister Jayakumar announced the party's decision to oust Sasikala and TTV Dinakaran from the party. The day at sea pretty much sealed the fate of the Mannargudi clan in the AIADMK.

The midsea meeting came a day after ministers announced their willingness to merge both factions of the party. Here is a run up of what led to the ouster of the once revered 'Chinnamma' and her family.

In all 122 MLAs and ministers were onboard the INS Chennai and INS Sumedha on Tuesday. While party leaders including Jayakumar refused to attach any connection with talks of a merger to the MLAs' visit to Chennai, he told the press on Tuesday evening that the decision to oust Sasikala was taken with the consent of all AIADMK MLAs. This even as some MLAs denied extending support to the merger plans and pledging support to Dinakaran.

Following the meeting with the MLAs, members of the Edappadi Palanisamy camp spoke to the media reiterating their willingness to hold discussions on a merger. Panneerselvam, however, put forth pre-conditions for the talks. His primary condition was the ouster of Sasikala Natarajan and TTV Dinakaran from the party. While some leaders of the AIADMK Amma camp expressed displeasure over Panneerselvam's demands, others maintained that he had made no such demands to hold talks.

The divide within the AIADMK Amma faction became clear with MLAs like Vetrivel rallying behind Sasikala and Dinakaran while senior leaders like Thambidurai categorically maintained distance from making statements of the duo.

A meeting was held on Tuesday evening with senior Tamil Nadu ministers being in attendance. Post this meeting, Finance Minister Jayakumar announced the party's decision to keep Sasikala away and begin talks of a merger with O Pannerselvam camp.

Jayakumar added that the decision was "unanimous" and that it was based on views of all ministers, including the chief minister, MLAs, MPs, and more importantly the people of Tamil Nadu. It may be recalled that a similar meeting was held at Minister Tangmani's residence on Monday evening where the decision to merge both factions was taken. 26 ministers meet at Electricity Minister Thangamani's official residence on Greenways Road in Chennai on Monday.

Two days of politicking and weeks of talks between both factions at various levels resulted in the ouster of Sasikala Natarajan and TTV Dinakaran from the AIADMK on Tuesday. While some may hope that it is curtains down on the political drama in Tamil Nadu, 11 AIADMK MLAs pledging support to Dinakaran may emerge as a new challenge to the party.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 23:24 [IST]
To stop saffron surge, Mamata, Biju to join hands?

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

All eyes would be on the meeting between Mamata Banerjee and Naveen Patnaik scheduled for Tuesday. The two leaders are expected to discuss a regional alliance in a bid to stop the saffron surge in the country. The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee is on a three day visit to Odisha and she has been accorded the status of a state guest.

The agenda of the meeting between Mamata and the Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik has not been made public. However sources say that both would discuss a plan to form a regional alliance in a bid to keep the BJP at bay. The BJP has been eyeing both the states of Odisha and West Bengal.

During her three day visit, Mamata would also address a public meeting in Bhubaneshwar. She is likely to take on the BJP and urge the people not to vote for the party in 2019. The meeting with Patnaik would also deliberate on the next President of India.

For the BJP to select a President of its choice, it would need the support of either the AIADMK or BJD. The opposition led by the Congress has already been deliberating with other parties about the next President of India. The opposition would like to push the BJP for a consensus candidate rather than a person of its choice.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 7:20 [IST]
Triple talaq is persecution of women, unislamic, says UP minister Mohsin Raza

India

oi-Anusha

The lone Muslim minister in Yogi Adityanath's cabinet, Mohsin Raza came down heavily on the Muslim Personal Law board over the issue of Triple Talaq. Deeming the board unconstitutional, Raza said that the board was not part of Shariat and triple talaq was not allowed by Islam.

Meet the Muslim minister in Yogi Adityanath's cabinet

"It should be called Maulvi Personal Law board instead. It is not part of Shariat. There should be a law to ban the outfit and ensure that women excersie their rights," Mohsin Raza said. Ahead of the third cabinet meet of the Yogi government scheduled on Tuesday, Raza expressed his thoughts on triple talaq.

"Such organisations which do not work for the public holistically should be banned. They are agianst the constitution. I consider triple talaq as persecution of women and Islam doesnt allow such practices," he said. The Uttar Pradesh minister for Wakf and Haj is also the minister for Science, technology and IT portfolios. His statements on triple talaq comes a day after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath likened the practice to 'disrobing of Draupadi' from the epic, Mahabharata.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 13:35 [IST]
TTV bribery case: When cops ran from court to court looking for a judge

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

It was a big bust and they needed his custody urgently. However in order to seek the custody of Sukesh Chandrasekhar, the man who promised T T V Dinakaran the AIADMK's two leaves symbol, the Delhi Crime Branch needed a judge. Sukesh was arrested with Rs 1.3 crore from a hotel in South Delhi and it is alleged that this was the money that was given to him to bribe Election Commission of India officials.

After the arrest there was a lot of drama with the officers of the special branch running from court to court in search of a judge. At 4.40 pm, Sukesh was produced before the special judge Poonam Choudhary. However the judge was on half day's leave following which he was taken to the court hall 313 presided over by M K Nagpal. He was unavailable too..

The police then took Sukesh to court hall 139 presided over by Hemani Malhotra, but she was not there too. This was followed by the officials taking him to Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Satish Kumar Arora who was also not present.

Finally the police gave up and took Sukesh to the residence of of a judge. It was finally out that there were able to secure his custody for questioning. Before the judge he confessed that he was the middleman who was to bribe ECI officials to get Dinakaran the two leaves symbol of the AIADMK.

OneIndia News
TTV Dinakaran in a huddle with advocates as Delhi police set to issue summons

India

oi-Anusha

Charged with bribery by the Delhi crime branch police, TTV Dinakaran is in a huddle with a posse of advocates. The revolt in the Sasikala faction of the AIADMK, the merger talks with Panneerselvam camp and finally the FIR against him have come as back to back setbacks for Dinakaran. TTV who returned to Chennai in the wee hours of Tuesday met advocates at his Adyar residence. The meeting comes on the day a team of Delhi police was scheduled to arrive in Chennai to issue summons to TTV Dinakaran in a bribery case. The visit has been postponed to Wednesday.

TTV Dinakaran faces arrest, likely to step down after meet with Sasikala

TTV Dinakaran who was to meet his aunt Sasikala Natarajan had visited Bengaluru on Monday. His aide maintained that the meeting was put off since he was delayed in reaching the Parappana Agrahara jail. While party members claimed to have no knowledge of his whereabouts, it is learned that he returned to his Chennai residence on Tuesday and got talking to legal experts on the issue at hand. With his arrest becoming imminent, Dinakaran is looking to free himself from the bribery charges even as he is compelled to give in to the pressure being exerted by party members on the merger with O Panneerselvam's camp.

I can even get Sasikala out of jail, conman told TTV Dinakaran

Dinakaran's ouster is the prime demand of the Panneerselvam camp and the merger is likely to happen only if Sasikala and Dinakaran distance themselves from the party. Meanwhile, ministers who were part of the meeting at Tangamani's residence on Monday night met TTV Dinakaran on Tuesday to appraise him of the decisions and discussions that were taken in the meeting.

OneIndia News
Indian-origin Sikh woman who wears turban is new councillor of Canadian city Brampton

UP horror: Woman shot dead inside a police station

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Lucknow, April 18: On Tuesday, a woman was reportedly shot dead by a man inside a police station in Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh. Reports indicate that the victim was killed over a land dispute. After the shocking incident, the accused was nabbed by people, who witnessed the crime, and thrashed the man.

"Mainpuri (UP): Woman shot dead inside a police station over land dispute; accused nabbed by people, thrashed in front of police," reported ANI.

Mainpuri (UP): Woman shot dead inside a police station over land dispute; accused nabbed by people, thrashed in front of police. pic.twitter.com/XSGhdPypjQ  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 18, 2017

However, it is not yet clear how the accused managed to kill the woman in front of police personnel. The police said the matter was under investigation. Anyone found guilty of negligence of duty would be punished, added the police.

In recent times, after the Bharatiya Janata Party formed its government in the state under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, security measures for the citizens have been tightened.

OneIndia News
UP Police rescues 27 missing girls in 72 hours

India

oi-Gulam Rabbani

Shahjahanpur, April 18: If police officers are willing to solve a case, they can really get a breakthrough. The Uttar Pradesh police in Shahjahanpur rescued 27 girls out of 39 in overnight.

Recently, Superintendent of Police KB Singh had warned a dozen of police officers about the frequent abduction of minor girls in the city and had directed them to solve the issue as soon as possible. The hunt is on to find the remaining 12 girls.

It is believed that eight sub-inspectors were transferred to police lines for their inefficiency in work and 24 others were directed to perform their duties and rescue the girls within 48 hours or face the brunt.

The kidnapping cases were said to be pending since 2015 in several police stations. The police officers were able to rescue the girls from near and far areas of the city. There were 39 cases pending under section 369 and 366. The repeated complaints from the parents of the abducted girls were said to be ignored like the files kept on the shelves.

During the search operation, the police also rescued the three girls from the neighboring villages who were missing from Kalan. A missing teen in Chandigarh and two other girls in Allahabad were rescued by the police.

According to the police officer, most of the girls were minor and a few of them had left their homes willingly, to get married to the person they wanted. he also said that a case under abducting a minor was registered on these case because as per law, a girl can't get married until she turns 18.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 14:43 [IST]
IRCTC update: 136 trains cancelled on Nov 08; here is the complete list

'Kejriwal ji, if my claims true, you'll resign and retire': Sukesh writes a new letter

US NSA HR McMaster meets Modi, discusses bilateral ties

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, April 18: US National Security Adviser HR McMaster who is on a South Asia trip met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday and reviewed bilateral ties and the situation in the South Asian region.

Indian NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and some other officials were present in the meeting that took place at the prime minister's residence.

Earlier, McMaster and Doval held detailed discussions on Indo-US relations especially the security aspect of the ties, sources said.

The US NSA arrived in New Delhi on Monday from Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and some top officials. In Islamabad, the relations between India and Pakistan figured in McMaster's discussions with Sharif.

PTI
We cannot wait longer now: SC to hear Vijay Mallyas contempt case in January for final disposal

'Usual Indian media hype', says Vijay Mallya after getting bail

India

oi-Anusha

Walking out of a London court after getting bail, Vijay Mallya took to Twitter to respond to reports of his arrest. In a tweet, while confirming that the formal extradition hearing started on Tuesday, Mallya said reports of his arrest were 'usual Indian media hype'.

Hours after arrest, Vijay Mallya gets bail in UK

Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected.  Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) April 18, 2017

The Scotland Yard police on Tuesday said that Vijay Mallya was arrested on behest of Indian authorities for charges of fraud. The liquor baron who fled the country in 2016 was arrested and produced before a court. Within hours of him being arrested, a London Court granted him bail and Mallya was on his way back home.

The arrest said to be a procedural move, marks the beginning if the extradition process to bring Vijay Mallya back to India. Deemed a willful defaulter, Vijay Mallya owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to Indian banks.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 17:17 [IST]
Uttarakhand CM rules out total ban on liquor

India

oi-PTI

Dehradun, Apr 18: The predominantly tourist state of Uttarakhand 'cannot afford' to go for a total ban on liquor, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said on Tuesday, noting that prohibition had 'failed' in Bihar and Haryana.

Regulation, he said, is always a better option than total prohibition and the state government is moving steadily towards that goal. Citing the examples of Haryana where liquor was banned when late Bansi Lal was at the helm and Bihar where prohibition is in force, Rawat said the experiment had failed in both states.

"While it had to be revoked in Haryana with people hitting the streets in protest against the move, I have reports that international conferences are not being held in Bihar's capital Patna any more due to non-availability of liquor in the markets. Meets and conferences hosted by Bihar government in which foreign delegates participate are now being shifted to Ranchi, the capital of the neighbouring state of Jharkhand or the neighbouring Varanasi in UP where there is no prohibition," he said in an informal chat with reporters at his official residence on completion of one month in office.

He noted that total prohibition also leads to illicit liquor trade.

"We don't want to make liquor a source of earning revenue and will regulate its sale and consumption in a gradual way to discourage it and save the younger generation from its ill effects. But we are predominantly a tourist state earning around Rs 2000 crore annually from tourist arrivals. We cannot afford to go for total prohibition," the Chief Minister said.

He said from May 1 onwards when the state government's new excise policy will come into effect liquor shops in Uttarakhand will be open only for six hours from 3 pm to 9 pm. Terming it as one of the first steps towards regulating liquor trade and consumption in the state, he said rules are also being framed to deal toughly with people creating nuisance in public places after consuming alcohol.

On comparisons being drawn between him and his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister said their objective was the same.

"We may be going at our own pace but the goal is the same.We have to provide corruption free, transparent and balanced governance," he said.

Taking electricity to all the villages by the end of 2017, reining in migration from the hills through employment generation and putting an end to illegal mining and prevalent cheating of people in registry of land purchased by them are among the priorities of the state government, he said.

"Following complaints that one piece of land was being registered in the name of as many as four persons, a fool- proof mechanism is being put in place to ensure that no one is cheated by registry officials when they go to them for the registry of their property," he said.

The state government has also set a target of earning Rs 1000 crore this year from mining, he said.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 17:52 [IST]
We cannot wait longer now: SC to hear Vijay Mallyas contempt case in January for final disposal

Vijay Mallya arrested for fraud at behest of India: Scotland Yard

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Vijay Mallya was arrested on accusation of fraud said the Scotland Yard police. Officer of the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit have this morning, Tuesday 18 April arrested a man on an extraction warrant.

Vijay Mallya arrested in London, CBI team to bring him back to India

Vijay Mallya, 61 was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud, the statement also read. He was arrested after attending a central London police station, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today, 18 April, the Scotland Yard also said.

Mallya had left India on March 2 2016 for London a few days after a consortium of 17 banks had moved the Debt Recovery Tribunal to recover dues of Rs 9,018 crore which was loaned to the now defunct Kingfisher airlines.

India had also through the CBI alerted the Interpol and said that it had followed all legal procedures to seek a red corner notice against him.

Mallya had made an offer to negotiate with the banks for a one time settlement before the Supreme Court. The banks had however rejected the same The banks had shot down Mallya's offer of Rs 6,868 crore in April 2016 to settle the dues.

OneIndia News
Chennai and around to receive light to moderate rainfall on Monday

Power cut in Chennai on November 8: These areas will be affected

Was Jayalalithaa brought dead to hospital? PIL by IRS officer suggests so

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Chennai, April 18: Since the time former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalithaa died in December last year, several public interest litigations have been filed in the Madras High Court demanding probe into the circumstances leading to the death of the former supremo of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

According to a latest PIL filed by P Balamurugan, a serving Indian revenue service officer, in the Madras HC, the former CM was either brought dead to Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, or died within two days after her admission to the hospital, reported Times of India.

Amma, as Jayalalithaa was popularly known among her supporters, was admitted to the hospital on September 22 last year and was declared dead by the hospital authorities on December 5 last year.

On Monday, Balamurugan moved the Madras HC seeking formation of a panel headed by Indian administrative service officer U Sagayam to probe into the circumstances leading to the death of Jayalalithaa.

The petition filed by Balamurugan came up for admission before the bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar. The bench tagged the officer's plea with similar other petitions and posted the matter for further hearing on July 4.

The petitioner submitted that TN Governor CH Vidyasagar Rao had visited Jayalalithaa at the hospital only 10 days after her admission that too after the opposition parties raked up the issue of her hospitalisation.

While Jayalalithaa was admitted on September 22 last year, Rao had visited the hospital only on October 2 and returned without actually meeting her, he submitted.

He had handed over a fruit basket to someone else and returned, only to issue a press statement that she was recovering well, he alleged.

The petitioner raised some more queries, including as to why Apollo Hospitals did not allow Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar to see her, why Jayalalithaa was not discharged after being cured of fever and why the hospital did not allow the former AIADMK supremo to go abroad for further treatment.

When the matter came up, Government Pleader MK Subramanian argued that the charges were baseless.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 8:46 [IST]
Varanasi lights up with 8 lakh lamps on Dev Deepawali; PM shares pics too

India's intellectuals are anti-India, says Australian sociologist who is all praise for PM Modi

PM Modi unveils G20 logo: Significance of the lotus and its seven petals

Whats the secret behind PM Modis energy? Answer is 125 crore people of India

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, April 18: In the last few days, we have seen how Prime Minister Narendra Modi hopped from Bhubaneshwar to Surat and continuously attended public rallies, roadshows, party meetings, inauguration of various events, visiting temples and greeting people.

While attending all these public events, the 66-year-old PM never showed any sign of fatigue and was seen enjoying every bit of his work.

The 'energetic' PM is an inspiration to many youngsters, who want to make it big in their lives. Thus one of his Twitter followers, @winningalways, asked PM Modi the secret behind his energy on the micro-blogging site:

@narendramodi Your dedication to vision and commitment to our nation's growth. Dear PM. Pl share with us. What is the secret of your energy? #Inspiration  Jayapriya (@winningalways) April 14, 2017

In his reply, PM Modi credited the 125-crore people of India for his energy. "125 crore people of India & the desire to devote every moment of my life to their service," tweeted the PM.

125 crore people of India & the desire to devote every moment of my life to their service. https://t.co/IYtxt4M5lV  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 15, 2017

The PM, every morning, practices yoga, without failure. He is also a vegetarian. Moreover, PM Modi is a strict disciplinarian and works for 18 hours a day.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 9:54 [IST]
Women don't need independence, Congress slams Yogi for alleged anti-women remarks

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, April 18: The Congress demanded an apology from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for making anti-women remarks in an article written and posted on his website, yogiadityanath.in on Monday.

The Congress accused Adityanath of 'belittling women' by making 'disparaging, distatateful and dishonourable' remarks against country's women. The party also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah should ask Adiyanath not to make such remarks in the future.

The portion of the article which created controversy goes like this---

"Shastras have talked about giving protection to women. Just like urja (energy) left free and unchecked causes destruction, women also don't need independence, they need protection and proper channelisation. Stree shakti (women's power) is protected by the father when a child, by the husband when an adult and by the son in old age. Women cannot be left independent or free."

Talking to reporters, Congress communications department incharge Randeep Singh Surjewala said that the mindset of the BJP was reflected in the latest article placed on the website of Adityanath in which Adityanath wrote that India's women always require protection.

"He (Adityanath) further said that as energy cannot be left uncontrolled since it can be destructive, women also can never be left independent. This is shocking," he said.

Citing the article, Surjewala said it states that women do not need independence but protection and channelisation. "He (Adityanath) does not end here. He also says a woman always need to be protected - be it by her father, by her husband or by her son - and goes on to say that a woman does not deserve independence or right to decide for herself," he said.

The Congress leader said the most shocking thing said by Adityanath was that if men get qualities of women than they turn divine but if women get qualities of men, then they become a "rakshas (demon)". "He says that if a woman become powerful, if a woman is brave, if a woman adopts shaurya then she becomes the devil," Surjewala said.

Noting such remarks have never been made by any elected representative in the country's history, he said this was a "clear insult" not to women of India but of the entire population of the country.

"It reflects BJP's anti-women mindset coming from none less than BJP's mascot Adityanathji," Surjewala said, asking if BJP leaders had forgotten the tales of bravery associated with goddesses.

Surjewala also said that there had been brave women freedom fighters as also women political leaders including Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Sushma Swaraj, Mayawati and Mamata Banerjee.

"Adityanath should immediately apologise to women for his disparaging, distatateful and dishonourable remarks and forthwith withdraw this article from his website without any conditions," he said.

OneIndia News
Yogi Adityanath wants ministers to declare assets every year by March 31

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Lucknow, April 18: In a fresh missive to his ministers, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has told them to declare by March 31 every year their assets and property.

An official said on Tuesday that the Chief Minister had also warned the ministers against any laxity in this regard.

The ministers have been barred from accepting any gift costing more than Rs 5,000. They have also been refrained from staying in luxurious property and attending parties and dinners.

Both during personal visits and official tours, the ministers have been instructed to stay in government Circuit House and not to accept any favours from anyone. Ever since Adityanath took charge of Uttar Pradesh in March, he has been advising ministers and officials to cut expenses.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 15:33 [IST]
Zakir Naik created firms with dummy directors to launder cash

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

In a money laundering case, the Enforcement Directorate submitted a complaint against Aamir Gazdar, a close aide of controversial Islamic preacher, Zakir Naik. The ED says that Gazdar is an associate of Naik and operated as a front while dealing with funds of the Islamic Research Foundation. The ED says in its complaint that an offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act has been committed.

NIA moves Interpol to block Zakir Naik's moves

The ED says that Gazdar was appointed as a director by Naik for six firms through which funds had been laundered. It was argued that as the foundation is illegal and against the interest of the country, the funds it gets from India and abroad are tainted.

[After NBW, can India really extradite Zakir Naik from Saudi Arabia?]

The ED said that companies had been used to camouflage diversion of funds received by Naik through his illegal activities and provocative speeches. It was found that he had created various companies in India and abroad, where he had nominated dummy directors who were not aware of the activities of these entities. The ED said in almost six companies, Gazdar was appointed director. He had told the ED he had no idea of its operations and was merely a front in these firms that Naik retained control over these firms through him.

OneIndia News
Shubham couldn't have enmity with anyone, says father on son's stabbing in Australia

Australia to abolish temporary work 457 Visa programme to check immigration

International

ians-IANS

By Ians English

Canberra, April 18: Adopting a new 'Australians first' approach to skilled migration, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced that he will be abolishing the existing 457 Visa programme, currently used by temporary foreign workers to gain employment in the country.

The 457 Visa programme is used mainly to hire foreign workers in the restaurant, IT and medical industries and the majority of such visa holders came from India, Britain and China, reported the Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday.

India's Ministry of External Affairs said that they are examining consequences of the new policy in consultation with all stakeholders.

"This is also a matter we will be looking at in the context of CECA negotiations," MEA said.

According to government statistics, 95,758 people were living in Australia under 457 Visa programme last year, with the highest proportion coming from India (24.6 per cent), followed by Britain (19.5 per cent) and China (5.8 per cent).

Turnbull used Facebook to announce the policy, which he said would 'put jobs first' and 'Australians first', signalling a reduction in the occupations available to skilled foreign workers and raising the threshold to qualify.

"We are putting jobs first, we are putting Australians first," he said.

"We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains that Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs," he added.

Stating that Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs, he said: "We will no longer allow 457 Visa system to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians."

At a press conference in Canberra, Turnbull said the 457 Visa system needed to be replaced because it had 'lost its credibility'.

The scheme will be replaced by two temporary visas that will impose tougher English language tests, stricter labour market testing, at least two years of work experience and a mandatory police check.

The numbers of jobs eligible for the two-year and four-year visa streams will be slashed, with 216 occupations ranging from antique dealer to fisheries officer to shoe-maker, axed from a list of 651 professions on the list.

Accounting giant KPMG criticised the decision, saying "there is no evidence the current system is not working".

However, Turnbull dismissed that claim, arguing the abolition of the 457 Visa regime was "a decision of my government... this has been a careful exercise in policy development", reported the daily.

People currently on a 457 Visa, which lasts for four years, will be exempt from the new regulations.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said that for the two-year stream, which could be renewed for two years, "there won't be permanent residency outcomes at the end of that".

"In relation to the medium-term stream which, as the Prime Minister pointed out, is targeted at higher skills, (there will be) a much shorter skills list".

He said the government would work with companies to ensure they met labour market testing requirements, and warned "there will be a particular focus on companies that have an unnecessarily high proportion of 457 or foreign workers in jobs as well."

The 457 Visa programme was introduced by the former John Howard government in 1996-97.

IANS
Myanmar : 285 killed during four-day water festival

International

oi-PTI

Yangon, April 18: At least 285 people were killed and 1,073 others injured across Myanmar during a four-day water festival sources said on Tuesday.

The festival marks the beginning of the Burmese New Year and is observed as the public holiday. People of Myanmar believe that celebration of the water festival can wash away evils and sins, and prepare them for a prosperous year ahead.

Among the deaths, 10 were in Nay Pyi Taw, 44 in Yangon, 36 in Mandalay, 26 in Sagaing region, 11 in Tanintharyi region, 37 in Bago region, 11 in Magway region, 20 in Mon state, 17 in Rakhine, 29 in Shan state and 28 in Ayeyawaddy region.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,200 criminal cases related to murder, car accident, drug-use, theft, arm possession and group violence were also registered by the police.

A total of 272 people were killed and 1,086 others injured during last year.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 9:51 [IST]
North Korea UN envoy warns of 'all out war', vows to continue testing missiles

International

ians-IANS

By Ians English

Pyongyang, April 18: North Korea will continue to test missiles on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis, Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-ryol has said. He said that an "all-out war" would result if the US took military action, BBC reported. "If the US is planning a military attack against us, we will react with a nuclear pre-emptive strike by our own style and method," Han told BBC.

Earlier, US Vice President Mike Pence warned North Korea not to test the US, adding his country's "era of strategic patience" with Pyongyang was over.

"Just in the past two weeks, the world witnessed the strength and resolve of our new President in actions taken in Syria and Afghanistan," Pence said. "North Korea would do well not to test his resolve or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region."

Pence arrived in Seoul on Sunday hours after North Korea carried out a failed missile launch. Tensions have been escalating on the peninsula, with heated rhetoric from both North Korea and the US.

North Korea has accelerated its nuclear and missile tests in recent years, despite international condemnation and UN sanctions. Its aim is to be able to put a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile that can reach targets around the world, including the US.

US President Donald Trump has said that will not happen, and stepped up pressure on the isolated North. He has sent a navy strike group towards the Korean Peninsula, and the US and South Korea are moving ahead with the early deployment of a controversial missile defence system.

Despite the tension, North Korea may carry out a sixth nuclear test soon, observers say. It test-fired a missile on Sunday that exploded within seconds of launch, following a grand military parade on Saturday.

Han told the BBC that North Korea believed its nuclear weapons "protect" it from the threat of US military action.

The North casts the US as the aggressor. At a news conference at the UN on Monday, North Korea's permanent representative Ambassador Kim In-ryong, condemned the US missile strikes in Syria, which targeted an air base after a suspected chemical attack by the government.

He said the US was "disturbing global peace and stability and insisting on the gangster-like logic that its invasion of a sovereign state is decisive and just and proportionate and contributes to defending the international order".

China has reiterated its call for North Korea to stop all tests, and has also called for a peaceful solution. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters in Beijing on Monday that the Korean peninsula was "highly sensitive, complicated and high risk" and that all sides should "avoid taking provocative actions that pour oil on the fire".

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would not tolerate "missile adventures by Pyongyang" but a unilateral use of power by the US would be "a very risky course".

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday told a parliamentary session that diplomatic efforts were "important to maintain peace", but "dialogue for the sake of having dialogue is meaningless". He added that Japan needed to apply pressure on Pyongyang to "seriously respond to a dialogue" with the international community.

IANS
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

Pak Army chief refuses Pak is employing proxies from its soil

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Islamabad, April 18: Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa on Tuesday rejected allegations that Pakistan has been employing proxies from its soil.

"Pakistan itself is victim of state sponsored terrorism, it strongly rejects allegations of employing proxies from its soil," the Army chief said.

General Bajwa's statement came during his meeting with US National Security Adviser, Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster.

During the meeting, McMaster was briefed about Pakistan's war on terror and its contributions to regional and global stability. He acknowledged the Pakistan Army's efforts in eliminating terrorists and their infrastructure, the Inter-Services Public Relation said.

McMaster assured that the US will continue to support Pakistan in bringing peace and stability in the region, as well as the globe.

McMaster arrived in Islamabad on Monday on an unannounced visit, a day after he hinted the US could take a tougher stance on Pakistan.

It was the first visit by a top member of President Donald Trump's administration to Pakistan, and came after a stop in neighbouring Afghanistan where he suggested Washington may take a stronger line on Islamabad, for years seen as an unreliable US ally.

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 15:41 [IST]
Turnbull abolishes visa programme used by most Indians

International

oi-PTI

Melbourne, April 18: Australia on Tuesday abolished a visa programme used by over 95,000 temporary foreign workers, majority of them Indians, to tackle the growing unemployment in the country.

The programme known as 457 visa allows business to employ foreign workers for a period up to four years in skilled jobs where there is a shortage of Australian workers. "We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains: Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs, so we are abolishing the 457 visa, the visa that brings temporary foreign workers into our country," said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The majority of the visa holders were from India followed by the UK and China. "We will no longer allow 457 visa to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians," he said. He said Australia will adopt a new 'Australians first' approach to skilled migration.

As at September 30, there were 95,757 workers in Australia on primary 457 visa programme, ABC reported. The programme will be replaced by another visa programme, with new restrictions. "It is important businesses still get access to the skills they need to grow and invest, so the 457 visa will be replaced by a new temporary visa, specifically designed to recruit the best and brightest in the national interest," Turnbull said.

Turnbull said the new programme will ensure that foreign workers are brought into Australia in order to fill critical skill gaps and not brought in because an employer finds it easier to recruit a foreign worker than go to the trouble of hiring an Australian.

Turnbull's announcement comes days after he visited India where a range of issues, including national security, counter terrorism, education and energy, were discussed and six agreements were signed.

PTI
US China will work to solve Korean Peninsula nuclear issue

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Washington, April 18: The White House said on Monday that it does not expect US President Donald Trump to draw a red line on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the country will continue work with China to solve it.

"Drawing red lines really hasn't worked in the past," Xinhua news agency quoted White House spokesman Sean Spicer as saying.

"He (Trump) holds his cards close to the vest, and I think you are not going to see him telegraphing how he's going to respond to any military or other situation going forward," he said.

Trump does not plan to draw red lines in the sand, Spicer added.

However, Spicer cited the US decision to bomb a Syrian military airfield early this month as an indication that Trump would take action when necessary.

"I think the action he took in Syria shows that when appropriate, this president will take decisive action."

Spicer added that the US is going to work with China on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

"We're going to continue to work with China, in particular, to help find a way forward on this."

IANS

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Story first published: Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 12:14 [IST]
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Pennsylvania Senate Committee to Discuss Latest Online Gambling Bill

Published April 18, 2017 by Elana K

The Pennsylvania Senate Committee on Community, Economic and Recreational Development will discuss the latest online gambling bill, a subject that has been on the table for over a year at this point.

Today, the Pennsylvania Senate Committee on Community, Economic and Recreational Development will discuss the latest online gambling bill, a subject that has been on the table for over a year at this point.

Last week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved a bill that would allow airport terminal tablet gambling. But while the bill seems narrow in scope, it has the potential to affect online gambling expansion on a larger level.

Rep. George Dunbar commented about the bill, We put in one thing, tablets in airports, and basically said, You load it up with what you want in it. It puts the ball in their court.

Which means that in todays meeting, the Senate committee may very well attach amendments for other online gambling provisions. If the Senate can come to an agreement about the final terms of the bill, it will head back to the House for concurrence.

The Bill's Obstacles

Two of the states largest land-based casinos, Parx Casino and Sands Bethlehem, have voiced opposition to the legalization of online gambling. They fear that allowing online gambling will detract from paying customers at traditional gambling sites (even though that has not been the case in neighboring New Jersey, which legalized online gambling in 2013).

Additionally, a small yet strong, group in the Senate led by Sen. Tommy Tomlinson is reportedly trying to destroy the bills chances for succeeding by requiring sky-high tax rates. Tomlinson claims that online casinos should be taxed at the same rate as land-based casinos: 54 percent for slots and 16 percent for table games.

But with such high taxes, online casinos would barely see revenue, if any, which would make online gambling fail before it even started. It also means that the bill is unlikely to get passed. The only option for the success of online gambling in Pennsylvania is to include reasonable tax rates (think New Jersey: 17.5 percent).

It will be interesting to see what the Senate committee decides.
Bailey McCann, Opalesque New York:

Hong Kong-based MegaTrust Investments is launching a new offshore fund. The fund will replicate the strategy of the firm's flagship fund Yangtze II, which invests in China A-Shares.

The target launch date for the Cayman fund - Yangtze IV - is mid-June 2017.

Through its Yangtze funds, MegaTrust Investments invests in China A-Shares using Hong Kong Stock Connect.

MegaTrust Investments is run by Charlie Chen and Qi Wang. Chen started to develop his Chinese equities strategy when he was at Fortis Bank, which launched the Yangtze Flexifund Equity China A SICAV in 2004. Chen was the portfolio manager for that fund until his departure in 2007 to start MegaTrust. Qi Wang was previously head of China Equity Research at MSCI. At MegaTrust, the two men expanded their equities approach to launch Yangtze II.

Yangtze Fund II has run since 2008, generating net return of 16 percent annually through March 2017. MegaTrust currently has approximately $500 million in assets under management trading in the Yangtze strategy.

In a recent investor letter obtained by Opalesque, Chen said that he expects to see consistent performance from large-cap blue-chip companies in China's A-share market as a result of recent structural changes to the market itself. Chen notes that while the A-shares market could see a pullback in the next few weeks or months, the growth trend in China is stable enough that performance should rebound over a......................

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To begin with, the report defines the Mineral Oil market and segments it based on the most important dynamics, such as applications, geographical/regional markets and competitive scenario. Furthermore Mineral Oil market report provides detail analysis, forecast, Size, share, outlook, current trends, market demand, market growth. Macroeconomic and microeconomic factors environments that currently prevail and also those that are projected to emerge are covered in this report.This report studies the Mineral Oil market status and outlook of global and United States, from angles of players, regions, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global and United States market, and splits the Mineral Oil market by product type and applications/end industries.The global Mineral Oil market is valued at XX million USD in 2016 and is expected to reach XX million USD by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Download Sample Report @The Asia-Pacific will occupy for more market share in following years, especially in China, also fast growing India and Southeast Asia regions.North America, especially The United States, will still play an important role which cannot be ignored. Any changes from United States might affect the development trend of Mineral Oil. United States plays an important role in global market, with market size of xx million USD in 2016 and will be xx million USD in 2022, with a CAGR of XX.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key regions, with sales, revenue, market share (%) and growth Rate (%) of Mineral Oil in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificSouth AmericaMiddle East and AfricaThe major players in global and United States Mineral Oil market, including STE Oil Company, Inc, Resolute Oil, LLC, LSC, Spectrum Chemical, Renkert Oil, Raj Petro Specialities P. Ltd, Sonneborn, Miller Industrial Fluids, Tannin Corporation? Petro?Canada Lubricants Inc, Dow Chemical, BASF.Access Full Report With TOC @The On the basis of product, the Mineral Oil market is primarily split intoFood GradePharmaceutical GradeIndustrial GradeCosmetics GradeOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report coversSkin Care and CosmeticsHair CareBiomedicineIndustrialFood PreparationAbout Fior MarketsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Analysis of Global Rubber Belt Track Sales Market Report 2017

Global Rubber Belt Track Sales Market Report 2017

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In this report, the global Rubber Belt Track 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 split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Rubber Belt Track for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Rubber Belt Track market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Rubber Belt Track sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingBridge StoneContinentalCamoplast SolidealVMT InternationalMinitopChermack MachineSoucySuperior Tire & Rubber CorpDigbitsOn the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K Units), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/Unit), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoPositive Drive Rubber TracksFriction Driven Rubber TracksOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Rubber Belt Track for each application, includingConstruction ApplicationsAgricultural ApplicationsMilitaryOthersAsk a comprehensive and standard report sample, please feel free to contact: tinaning@qyresearch.com orTable of contents:1 Rubber Belt Track Market Overview2 Global Rubber Belt Track Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application3 United States Rubber Belt Track (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4 China Rubber Belt Track (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5 Europe Rubber Belt Track (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6 Japan Rubber Belt Track (Volume, Value and Sales Price)7 Southeast Asia Rubber Belt Track (Volume, Value and Sales Price)8 India Rubber Belt Track (Volume, Value and Sales Price)9 Global Rubber Belt Track Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data10 Rubber Belt Track Maufacturing Cost Analysis11 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers12 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Global Rubber Belt Track Market Forecast (2017-2022)15 Research Findings and Conclusion16 AppendixRelated Reports:China Rubber Belt Track Sales Market Report 2017Europe Rubber Belt Track Sales Market Report 2017Global Rubber Belt Track Sales Market Report 2017India Rubber Belt Track Sales Market Report 2017Japan Rubber Belt Track Sales Market Report 2017Korea Rubber Belt Track Sales Market Report 2017USA Rubber Belt Track Sales Market Report 2017Contact Details:Company Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITEDProfessional Market Research Report PublisherContact Person: Tina NingEmail: tinaning@qyresearch.com or qyresearcheurope@126.comTel: 0086-20-22093278(CN)Web:QYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, data base and seminar services. The company owned a large basic data base (such as National Bureau of statistics database, Customs import and export database, Industry Association Database etc), experts resources (included energy automotive chemical medical ICT consumer goods etc industries experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D), professional survey team (the team member with more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years depth expert interview experience),Excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team); QYResearch has always pursuit product quality, adhere to the quality is the soul of business.Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe District
In-depth Analysis of Global Maritime Fende Sales Market Report 2017

Global Maritime Fende Sales Market Report 2017

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In this report, the global Maritime Fende 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 split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Maritime Fende for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Maritime Fende market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Maritime Fende sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingTrelleborgBridgestoneSumitomo RubberMaritime InternationalHutchinsonLongwoodNoreqAnchor MarineJIER MarineTaihongTonlyOn the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K Units), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/Unit), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoSolid rubber fendersPneumatic fendersFoam fendersOtherOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Maritime Fende for each application, includingBerthing StructuresVesselsAsk a comprehensive and standard report sample, please feel free to contact: tinaning@qyresearch.com orTable of contents:1 Maritime Fende Market Overview2 Global Maritime Fende Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application3 United States Maritime Fende (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4 China Maritime Fende (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5 Europe Maritime Fende (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6 Japan Maritime Fende (Volume, Value and Sales Price)7 Southeast Asia Maritime Fende (Volume, Value and Sales Price)8 India Maritime Fende (Volume, Value and Sales Price)9 Global Maritime Fende Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data10 Maritime Fende Maufacturing Cost Analysis11 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers12 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Global Maritime Fende Market Forecast (2017-2022)15 Research Findings and Conclusion16 AppendixRelated Reports:China Maritime Fende Sales Market Report 2017Europe Maritime Fende Sales Market Report 2017Global Maritime Fende Sales Market Report 2017India Maritime Fende Sales Market Report 2017Japan Maritime Fende Sales Market Report 2017Korea Maritime Fende Sales Market Report 2017USA Maritime Fende Sales Market Report 2017Contact Details:Company Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITEDProfessional Market Research Report PublisherContact Person: Tina NingEmail: tinaning@qyresearch.com or qyresearcheurope@126.comTel: 0086-20-22093278(CN)Web:QYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, data base and seminar services. The company owned a large basic data base (such as National Bureau of statistics database, Customs import and export database, Industry Association Database etc), experts resources (included energy automotive chemical medical ICT consumer goods etc industries experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D), professional survey team (the team member with more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years depth expert interview experience),Excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team); QYResearch has always pursuit product quality, adhere to the quality is the soul of business.Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe District
Electrostatic Precipitator Market share to reach $8bn by 2024

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The technology research report Electrostatic Precipitator Market Size By Product (Dry, Wet), By Application (Power Plants, Chemicals And Petrochemicals, Cement, Metal, Manufacturing), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, Peru), Price Trends, Growth Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024, by Global Market Insights, Inc. says Electrostatic Precipitator Market size will exceed USD 8 billion by 2024; impelled by replacement and upgradation of existing electrostatic precipitator systems.Government measures toward air pollution with growing concern related to carbon emission will drive global electrostatic precipitator market size. In the U.S., various standards towards emission including new source performance standard, under clean air act has been imposed on manufacturing industries to regulate industrial emission. Strict regulations against emissions has spurred the demand for new and improved electrostatic precipitator systems over existing systems.Increasing concerns to reduce SO3 concentration emitted by coal fired power plants will stimulate the electrostatic precipitator market growth. Growing energy demand subject to increasing investment in residential, construction and infrastructure sector by developing countries such as, India and China may further complement the industry outlook. Increasing adoption of fabric filters as they offer high collection efficiency may hinder industry growth over forecast period.Request for a sample of this research report -Key insights from the report include:U.S. electrostatic precipitator market size is expected to exceed USD 1 billion by 2024. Rising demand for infrastructure renovation will foster the industry.China contributed over 3% of regional electrostatic precipitator market share in 2015 and is expected to witness steady growth in future owing to increasing installation of coal fired power plants. Presence of large number of manufacturing industries will further complement regional demand.Wet electrostatic precipitator market was valued over USD 500 million in 2015 and is expected to witness a substantial growth over forecast period owing to its potential to capture submicron particle with more than 90% efficiency over dry electrostatic precipitator. It has wide application in sulfuric acid manufacturing, paper, cement and textile industry.Renovation of existing manufacturing industry will stimulate the Europe electrostatic precipitator market size growth during the forecast period. Germany was valued over USD 240 million in 2015 and is expected to grow over 5%.Cement industry was worth 13% of global revenue share in 2015 and is expected to witness gain at over 4% from 2016 to 2024. Increasing spending on infrastructure development will favor business growth.Industry participants focus on providing advanced solutions to improve conventional systems efficiency and reduce energy costs is anticipated to drive the South Korea electrostatic precipitator market share in future.Electrostatic precipitators market deployed at metal industry should see revenue in excess of USD 1 billion in 2024. Rapid industrialization and urbanization coupled with growing demand for steel may positively encourage the metal industry.Major participants in the industry are GEECO Enercon Ltd, Siemens AG, Ducon Technologies Inc., Fujian Longking Co. Ltd., Total Air Pollution Control, Thermax Ltd. (India), Hamon Corporation (U.S.), Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Clean Tunnel Air International AS, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power System and Trion Inc.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Table of ContentsChapter 1 Methodology & Scope1.1 Research Methodology1.1.1 Initial data exploration1.1.2 Statistical model and forecast1.1.3 Industry insights and validation1.1.4 Research scope and assumptions1.2 List of Data Sources1.2.1. Secondary1.2.2. PrimaryChapter 2 Executive Summary2.1 Electrostatic Precipitators industry 3600 synopsis, 2013 - 20242.1.1 Current business environment2.1.2 Product trends2.1.3 Application trends2.1.4 Regional trendsChapter 3 Electrostatic Precipitators Industry Insights3.1 Industry segmentation3.2 Industry size, forecast and growth prospects, 2013  20243.3 Electrostatic precipitators ecosystem analysis3.4 Vendor matrix3.5 Innovation & sustainability3.6 Regulatory framework3.6.1 U.S.3.6.2 Europe3.6.3 China3.7 Electrostatic Precipitators industry dynamics3.7.1 Growth drivers3.7.1.1 Replacement and upgradation of existing electrostatic precipitator systems3.7.1.2 Huge potential in power plants for reducing SO3 emissions3.7.1.3 Emerging markets in Asia Pacific3.7.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges3.7.2.1 Increasing popularity of fabric filters3.8 Key growth opportunities3.9 Porters analysis3.10 Competitive landscape, 20153.11 PESTEL analysisBrows Related ReportFlow Chemistry Market Size By Product (Microreactor Systems, Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor [CSTR], Plug Flow Reactor [PFR]), By End-user (Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Academic & Industrial Research, Petrochemical), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, China, India, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, GCC), Application Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024About Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:
Research report explores the Retail Automation Market for the forecast period, 2014-2020

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OverviewAutomation is the latest advancement set to revolutionise the global retail market. The retail automation market is expected to witness steady growth, owing to such avant-garde collaboration between global retail and consumer goods sector, and the global electronics and IT industry. Considering the fact that retail industry drives the growth of several business and trade ventures around the world, the influence of automation will bring more efficiency to billions of retail transactions.Visual merchandising, planogram, and big data in retail are the key trends fuelling the demand of automated services in retail markets. Effective automated products and programs that speed up the sales mechanism, create efficiency in product supplies, and develop easily-accessible business platforms that can produce a lucrative environment for the growth of the retail automation market globally.Request Report Sample@The global market for retail automation is gaining traction in Asia Pacific, Western Europe, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). The two most lucrative regions for the growth of the global retail automation market are North America and Europe.Retail Automation in North AmericaOf these two regions, North America is the current market leader, holding the greater pie of retail automation market share. The North American retail automation market is likely to register high growth rate during 2014-2020 period.North America remains a lucrative market for retail automation globally, with the US and Canada witnessing steady demand. North American consumers have adopted the prominent trend of relying on retail automated products and services for business transactions, which has made an affirming impetus on the retail automation market. Economic progress and rising purchasing power of consumers are some of the trends, specific to North America, that make the outlook of retail automation market considerably positive.Visit for TOC@The European Retail Automation MarketEurope, on the other hand, is closing in on North America in order to become the leading key region in the global retail automation market. Several retail chains and multiple product lines established in Europe are helping the setting up of retail automation in European nations. The European regional market is primarily segmented into UK, Germany, Spain, France and others. Britains exodus from EU is likely to impact the implementation of automation in UKs retail market. But, the economic stability in other European countries is expected to create a supportive dais for building up the retail automation market.Factors Benefiting the Growth of Retail Automation MarketNorth America and Europe, collectively, will continue their prominence in the global market, with respect to the market size, revenue share, and overall demand. The factors that will incite this growth are,Growth of Local Retail & Customer ReceptionLocal retail markets are growing in several parts of North America & Europe. Combined with a positive consumer response, automated retail will continue flourishing in niche retail markets.Overflowing Investments on Automation Products & ServicesRetail giants dominating the existing retail market are investing in automated programs and devices for creating efficient output. The cost advantage is increasing the demand for automated retail services.Proliferation of Shopping Centres and SupermarketsConsumers in the US and European countries prefer buying from hypermarket and malls, which is great platform for automated retail kiosks.Challenges in the Global Retail Automation MarketThe retail automation market in North America and Europe is growing steadily, but there are a handful of factors that may restrain or slow down its growth. In the US and Canada, a key challenge for retail automation is its greatest disadvantage -- the loss of job. Labours and working professionals at retail outlets are a major contributor of the regions economy. Rising unemployment levels could plunge the local economy, having a rippling effect on the national economies of North America.In Europe, the instability of economies across its constituent nations is restraining the growth of its retail automation market. Improving financial conditions in Turkey, Russia and Poland could influence the expansion of automated retail products; however, theundulating economies of Spain, Italy as well as Britain, can impede the adoption of automation in European retail sector.Besides, maintaining the continuous supervision of retail kiosks, high dependency on electricity and the implications arriving from variable internet regulations are some other restraints recoiling the progress of retail automation in Europe and North America.SegmentationThe segmentation of the retail automation market is done on the basis of geography, the operator type and the product type.Geographic SegmentationNorth America (sub-segmented into United States, Canada & others)Europe (sub-segmented into Spain, France, UK & others)Operator Type SegmentationUnattended TerminalsHuman-Operated TerminalsProduct SegmentationCurrency CounterBarcode ReaderBill PrinterCash CounterCash RegisterCard ReaderSelf-Checkout SystemWeight ScaleKiosks/Vending MachineOthersKey CompetitorsElectronic companies such as Seiko Epson, Fujitsu, First Data Corp., Siemens, Toshiba and Wincor Nixdorf are some of the top players in the global retail automation market. Most of these ICT companies are headquartered in Europe, making the region a credible platform for new manufacturers and startups in retail automation. Meanwhile, North American retail giants such as Walmart and Kroger are developing their own devices and services to reap benefits from the amalgamation of retail and automation.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.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Aerosol Container Market 2017 : Ball Corporation, BWAY Corporation, Anheuser-Busch Companies, ArcelorMitta

Aerosol Container

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A market study based on the "Aerosol Container Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Aerosol Container Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Aerosol Container industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Aerosol Container market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research ReportAnheuser-Busch CompaniesArcelorMittaArdagh Group S.ABall CorporationBWAY CorporationThe report studies the industry for Aerosol Container across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Aerosol Container market & dynamics of demand and supply of Aerosol Container into consideration. The 'Aerosol Container' research study covers each and every aspect of the Aerosol Container market globally, which starts from the definition of the Aerosol Container industry and develops towards Aerosol Container market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Aerosol Container market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Aerosol Container market. The geographical segmentation of the Aerosol Container industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Aerosol Container is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Aerosol Container market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Aerosol Container market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Aerosol Container market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Aerosol Container production volume, data regarding demand and Aerosol Container supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Aerosol Container across the globe.About Us :Worldwide Business are a trusted brand in the research industry with capability of commissioning complex projects within a short span of time with high level of accuracy. At Worldwide Business, we believe in building long term relations with our clients. Our services cover a broad spectrum of industries such as Automotive and Aerospace, Medical Devices, Technology, Machinery & Manufacturing.Contact Us :Worldwide BusinessUnited States
New Trends of Poultry Feed Market with Worldwide Industry Analysis to 2025

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Poultry feed market is a part of vast animal feed market and makes an important part of it as poultry is invariably consumed in most parts of the world. The concept of animal feed has been there in the market for several years especially in the developed markets. However, with the advent of globalization and rise in the standard of living of consumers, companies are expanding in the emerging markets of the world with improved products and wide range of options for each animal group. Poultry meat is the highest among others such as pork, beef and fish meat. Therefore, vast opportunity lies in the poultry feed segment.Poultry Feed Market: Drivers & RestraintsRising per capita income and widespread poultry diseases are the major driving factors of the poultry feed market globally. In addition, growth of domestic and international quick service restaurants in developing countries and demand for quality meat products by consumers has significantly contributed to the rising demand of poultry feed those regions. In 2014, Asia Pacific was the largest market in terms of poultry feed demand and revenue and would continue to dominate the market for several factors. The market growth is attributed to the higher standard of living among consumers coupled with shift towards away-from-home-eating. Manufacturers are closely working with the factory farmers to direct them towards higher yield of poultry thereby increasing their return on investment (ROI). For instance, Cargill Inc. were engaged closely with Malaysia based TD Poultry to deliver best poultry solution. As a result, TD Poultry could achieve remarkable results in broilers with 1.63 feed conversion rates. Also, 2.35 kg body weight was achieved in 35 days, down from previous 40 days.Request Report Sample@Poultry Feed Market: SegmentationThe various type of poultry feed additives available in the market consists of antibiotics, vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, feed enzymes and feed acidifiers. Feed acidifiers are the largest among all other poultry additive segment across the world. The regional segmentation includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is the largest market followed by North America. On the basis of type, the poultry feed market can be segmented as broilers, layers, turkey and others. The consumption of meat varies from region to region, for instance, in North America, broilers is the most preferred meat category and antibiotics falls under the largest category under the feed additives segment.Poultry Feed Market: Market OverviewPoultry feed is required to increase the feed conversion ratio by improving gut micro flora thereby enhancing animals health. It also maintains animal health by preventing diseases among them. The manufacturers are concentrating more on the developing markets to tap the under penetrated feed market in countries such as Vietnam, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Lebanon and Turkey. These markets offer greater opportunities to increase revenue and sales with higher per capita expenditure on quality food. Moreover, it is a proven fact that with rise in per capita income, people tend to consume more meat and meat products. Therefore the poultry feed market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR through the forecast period (2015-2020).Visit for TOC@Poultry Feed Market: Recent DevelopmentPlayers such as Novus International, Inc. and Kemin group continue to deliver new products for poultry farmers. In November 2012, Novus International, Inc. launched AVIMATRIX- a feed solution for optimized broiler performance by acting over gut environment through targeted and controlled release of compounds in the broilers gut. There is an increasing demand of solution oriented customized products from the poultry farmers in the emerging markets. In May 2013, a South African firm AgriProtein Technologies bagged the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) for developing a commercial method to develop animal feed through maggots.Poultry Feed Market: Key PlayersKey global players of the poultry feed market include Alltech Inc., ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Company), ABF Plc (Associated British Food), BASF (Badishce Anilin und Soda Fabrik), Charoen Popkhand Foods, Cargill Inc., Evonik Industries AG, CHR.Hansen Holdings A/S, Novus International Inc, Nutreco NV, Royal DSM N.V., DLG Group and InVivo NSA.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.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units Market 2017 : Jenoptik, Microturbo, Dewey Electronics, Kinetics, Marvin Group

Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units

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A market study based on the "Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research ReportFalck Schmidt Defence SystemsHoneywell InternationalJenoptikMicroturboDewey ElectronicsKineticsMarvin GroupThe report studies the industry for Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units market & dynamics of demand and supply of Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units into consideration. The 'Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units' research study covers each and every aspect of the Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units market globally, which starts from the definition of the Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units industry and develops towards Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units market. The geographical segmentation of the Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units production volume, data regarding demand and Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Aerospace and Military Auxiliary Power Units across the globe.About Us :Worldwide Business are a trusted brand in the research industry with capability of commissioning complex projects within a short span of time with high level of accuracy. At Worldwide Business, we believe in building long term relations with our clients. Our services cover a broad spectrum of industries such as Automotive and Aerospace, Medical Devices, Technology, Machinery & Manufacturing.Contact Us :Worldwide BusinessUnited States
Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) Market with Current Trends Analysis, 2017 - 2025

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Global Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) Market: OverviewThe global market for next-generation sequencing is likely to witness a progressive growth in the next few years, thanks to the rising adoption across diverse industries. In addition, several lucrative opportunities in untapped markets and the rise in the number of government initiatives are projected to contribute towards the growth of the market. Furthermore, the use of next-generation sequencing in biomarker and precision medicine discovery is expected to supplement the growth of the overall market in the forecast period.Global Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) Market: Key TrendsThe technological advancements in the sequencing platforms and the rising number of applications of next-generation sequencing are likely to encourage the growth of the global next-generation sequencing market in the coming years. In addition, the growing adoption of next-generation sequencing technologies among research academic institutes and research laboratories are projected to supplement the development of the market in the near future.Request a Brochure of the Report @On the contrary, the rising issues in the storage of sequencing data and the dearth of skilled professionals are likely to curtail the growth of the market in the coming years. Nonetheless, the increasing awareness among consumers regarding the advantages of next-generation sequencing through workshops and conferences are projected to fuel the growth of the market.Global Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) Market: Market PotentialThe integration of next-generation of sequencing with the new cloud-based technology is one of the key factors estimated to encourage the growth of the global market in the coming years. In addition, the rising focus on cancer research and the increasing level of competition are predicted accelerate the growth of the market in the forecast period.However, several concerns related to the security of next-generation sequencing data and the standardization and accuracy issues in diagnostic testing are estimated to pose as major challenges for the leading players in the coming years. Nonetheless, the rising use of cloud computing is expected to offer promising growth opportunities throughout the forecast period.Request for TOC of the Report @Global Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) Market: Regional OutlookAmong the key regional segments studied in the research study, North America is anticipated to account for a key share of the global next-generation sequencing market in the forecast period. The presence of a large number of players in the U.S. and the favorable government schemes are the important factors that are predicted to accelerate the growth of the North America market in the coming years.Furthermore, Asia Pacific is estimated to grow substantially in the next few years. The improvement of the healthcare infrastructure in developing nations and the favorable initiatives by government are predicted to fuel the growth of the next-generation sequencing market In Asia Pacific in the near future. In addition, the launch of new and advanced next-generation sequencing services and products are anticipated to contribute substantially towards the growth of the market.Read Complete Report @Global Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) Market: Competitive AnalysisSome of the prominent players operating in the next-generation sequencing market across the globe are Eurofins Scientific, Gatc Biotech AG, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Perkinelmer, Inc., Illumina, Inc., Qiagen N.V., Agilent Technologies, Inc., Macrogen, Inc., Beijing Genomics Institute, Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., and Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Ltd.The entry of new players in the global next-generation sequencing market and the rising number of collaborations and mergers are projected to encourage the growth of the market in the next few years. Additionally, the rising focus of key players on research and development activities are estimated to offer promising opportunities for the leading players in the next few years.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting ser-vices to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Offshore Support Vessels Market - Advanced technologies, Global Forecast and Winning Imperatives 2025

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https://www.tmrresearch.com/offshore-support-vessels-market

Global Offshore Support Vessels Market: OverviewOffshore support vessels are a crucial class of vessels essential for the smooth function of offshore oil and gas operations. Offshore support vessels fulfil all the logistical needs of offshore petroleum platforms. Due to this, they have taken on an important role in the global petroleum industry following the acknowledgment of the declining levels of petroleum in terrestrial reservoirs, which has led to intense focus on offshore exploration and production of petroleum. The global offshore support vessel market is thus likely to grow steadily in the coming years thanks to consistent utilization in the oil and gas industry.Global Offshore Support Vessels Market: Key TrendsThe prime driver for the global offshore support vessels market is the rising investment being made in underexplored regions such as Africa and Brazil for offshore petroleum exploration and extraction. The West coast of Africa and the East coast of Brazil have become important regional segments of the global offshore support vessel market and are likely to be developed further in the coming years, resulting in steady growth prospects for the global offshore support vessels market.Request a Brochure of the Report @Other emerging economies such as China and India are also likely to increase their investment in offshore petroleum exploration in the coming years, which bodes well for the global offshore support vessel market. Meanwhile, the North Sea has also become important for the global petroleum industry and exploration and extraction projects in the region could also generate significant revenue for the offshore support vessels industry.On the other hand, the capital-intensive pricing dynamics of the offshore support vessel market have reduced the number of viable players claiming a sizable share in the global market. The steady decrease in petroleum prices in the last two years has also had an adverse effect on the global offshore support vessels market, as it has reduced the spending power of even some of the top companies in the global petroleum sector.Request for TOC of the Report @Global Offshore Support Vessels Market: Market PotentialAdapting to dire pricing dynamics has forced many offshore support vessel manufacturers to fold up or accept inconvenient mergers. According to 2017s Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, this is likely to remain the status quo in the global offshore support vessel industry in the coming months, with many more players likely to turn to mergers in order to sustain their business. The expected recovery in the petroleum sector in 2017 and 2018 could bring comfort to the offshore support vessel industry.Offshore support vessels designed to minimize their environmental impact are likely to become popular in the coming years. Norway and other countries using the oilfields in the North Sea have been among the first to use electrically powered offshore support vessels, and vessels with onboard batteries could soon become the norm rather than exception in the global offshore support vessel industry. Battery systems can be retrofitted on many existing designs of offshore support vessels, which could further increase the scope of their adoption in the offshore support vessel industry.Read Complete Report @Global Offshore Support Vessels Market: Geographical DynamicsNorth America, led by the U.S., is likely to remain the leader in the global offshore support vessel market in the coming years. Asia Pacific countries such as China and Latin American countries such as Brazil and Venezuela are also likely to feature prominently in the development of the offshore support vessel market in the coming years, whereas Western African countries could also benefit strongly from the increased offshore petroleum sector operations.Global Offshore Support Vessels Market: Competitive DynamicsThe leading companies in the global offshore support vessel industry include Tidewater, Inc., Farstad Shipping ASA, Gulfmark Offshore, Inc., Havila Shipping ASA, Swire Group, Ltd., Siem Offshore, Inc., Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc., Bourbon Corporation SA, The Maersk Group, and Seacor Marine, LLC. With steady consolidation likely to be the order of the day for the offshore support vessels industry in the coming months, larger players could benefit significantly from acquisitions and profitable mergers.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting ser-vices to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
United States Faucet Water Purifier Market Research , Growth and Forecast Report 2017-2022

MRH

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Market Research Hub (MRH) has recently published the latest market study to its online portal, which is titled as United States Faucet Water Purifier Market Report 2017 This study offers professional analysis of the current state of United States Faucet Water Purifier Market.Request Free Sample Report@Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Faucet Water Purifier market analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions development status.Secondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (United States, EU, China and Japan), and other regions can be added.United States Faucet Water Purifier market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Faucet Water Purifier sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingBritaPURTorayCulliganMitsubishi RayonInstapurePhilipsDupontKentAngleQinyuanThen, the report focuses on USA major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture, and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment, and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the Faucet Water Purifier industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Read Full Report with TOC@Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of Market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Details:90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Follow Us on:LinkedIn:Facebook:Twitter:
AMDCs Dr Kojo Busia at DRC Mining Week: the African Mining Vision truly represents a win-win for all

Thousands to gather for mining conference and expo in Lubumbashi in June

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Enhancing linkages and diversification will be the key message at DRC Mining Week says Dr. Kojo Busia, Acting Coordinator, African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) and keynote speaker in the opening session of the upcoming mining conference and expo in Lubumbashi from 23-24 June.Dr Busia adds: for over half a century, the dominant paradigm for mineral sector management was rents-based. Among other factors, the downturn clearly demonstrated why we need to rethink this paradigm. So, the AMDC approach, which is rooted in the African Mining Vision (AMV), represents a paradigm shift. We have absolutely no doubt that building on other complementary initiatives and working together with the private sector, civil society and public sector, the AMV truly represents a win-win for all.The AMDC was set up in 2013 to coordinate the implementation of the African Mining Vision, as adopted by the African Union Heads of State and Government.African Mining Visions new paradigmDr Busia says the AMDC is really proud of what they have accomplished so far in less than five years: this is a very short time for initiatives of this kind, and the AMDC has emerged as a leading and distinctly legitimate Center of Excellence on mineral sector management, for AU Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs). AMDC is achieving success in demonstrating how the AMV's new paradigm for linkages-based mineral sectors management, represents a win-win for governments as well as the industry.He continues: a cross-section of public, private and civil society sector actors are actively collaborating in the AMDC's work. Such collaboration is remarkable in itself, given the sensitivities that typically underpin the sector. It also highlights another key element of our work, in that AMDC has facilitated collaborative engagement and participation for an inclusive range of public, private and civil society stakeholders, with a concrete, actionable focus on women and youth as well.Valuable lessons can be learnedAccording to Dr Busia, the AMDC's research indicates that it is not necessarily due to weak institutions and ineffective regulations that countries continue to be unable to take advantage of booms. It is rather the lack of long-term vision and effective policies, which create weak institutions and laws, unfit for transforming the mining sector in Africa.Asked which African countries are doing the right things in his opinion, Dr Busia replies that valuable lessons can be learned from what is happening in almost every country, across different stages of the mineral development trajectory including new entrants, emerging and major mining countries and at different segments of the mining value chain. Perhaps I could cite one example that cuts across multiple geographic regions of Africa, where we have been most active so far. Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi and Sierra Leone have made commendable progress towards reforming their mineral regimes along the AMV principles, in a manner that seeks to facilitate optimal outcomes for the countries as well as for investors.The full interview with Dr Busia can be viewed on the event website.Thousands are expected to gather for the practical annual mining and industrial expo again as the award-winning DRC Mining Week conference and exhibition returns to Lubumbashi, in the heart of the DRCs mining hub, from 23-24 June. While retaining its main focus on mining, the event will also broaden its scope to include a focus on related and complementary sectors such as agriculture, energy and construction.Industry recognition and supportAs with previous editions of the event, DRC Mining Week has already secured the early and impressive support of the industry through the diamond sponsorship of Engen and the platinum sponsorships of Sodexo, Standard Bank and Tenke Fungurume Mining, while Aggreko, Atlas Copco, Axishouse, Copperbelt Energy, Earth Networks and ERG are confirmed as gold sponsors.Earlier this year, DRC Mining Week was recognised for its support of the Kinsevere Community School Project in Lubumbashi when it was named a finalist in the Social Responsibility category of the AAXO ROAR Organiser and Exhibitor Awards, which honour excellence in the exhibition and events industry on the continent.DRC Mining Week:Pre-conference Power Focus Day: 22 June 2017Conference and expo: 23-24 June 2017Site visit: 22 June 2017Location: The Pullman Lubumbashi Grand Karavia Hotel, Lubumbashi, DRCDRC Mining Week is organised by Spintelligent, a leading Cape Town-based organiser of exhibitions and conferences across the continent in the infrastructure, real estate, energy, mining, agriculture and education sectors. Other well-known events by Spintelligent include African Utility Week, Agritech Expo Zambia, Kenya Mining Forum, Future Energy East Africa (formerly EAPIC), Future Energy Nigeria (formerly WAPIC), Future Energy Central Africa (formerly iPAD Cameroon), iPAD Nigeria Mining Forum and EduWeek. Spintelligent is part of the UK-based Clarion Events Group.Senior communications manager: Annemarie RoodbolMobile: +27 82 562 7844Office: +27 21 700 3558Email: annemarie.roodbol@spintelligent.comWebsite:Postal address: PO Box 321, Steenberg, 7947, South Africa
Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Market 2016: Industry Trends, Analysis, Overview, & Forecasts 2021

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http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-dental-laboratory-workstations-market-2016-industry-trends-analysis-overview-and-forecasts-2021.htm

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Market 2016: Industry Trends, Analysis, Overview, & Forecasts 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.This examination looks at the global Dental Laboratory Workstations market in a persistent way by explaining the main features of the market that are relied upon to hold a sizeable impact on its improvements over the given time frame. The key drivers of the market's development, restrictions, and patterns affecting the global Dental Laboratory Workstations market are surveyed in extraordinary detail, notwithstanding a subjective and quantitative examination relating to the anticipated effect of these elements on its development prospects sooner rather than later.The vast volumes of data on the Dental Laboratory Workstations by and large makes it an intense undertaking to take it down to the exceptionally significant bits of data and the genuine bits applicable to the present business issues in the market. Many organizations are additionally known to not have the fundamental committed assets and aptitude for taking up an illustrative statistical surveying in view of recorded information. Centered statistical surveying procedures can help these associations in framing clearer thoughts on their business systems and gather significant stakes in the market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @A sweeping volume of information concerning the basic components of the Dental Laboratory Workstations that can impact its extent of development is given in the report. The report in this manner makes for an exceptionally useful review and can successfully permit organizations and their leads in tending to the main difficulties that  as of now  control the market, and deliberately increase greatest conceivable advantages inside the profoundly focused market scene.The report likewise gives data on the current improvements in items and innovations as currently visible in the market, alongside an examination of the general impact that these progressions may have on any future advancements. The report likewise offers its clients a 360-degree examination of the competitive situation in the Dental Laboratory Workstations. This is legitimate for organizations of all sizes and development levels inside the worldwide Dental Laboratory Workstations market and helps different associations get a handle on the main dangers and openings that sellers regularly need to manage.For more information on this report, fill the form @Table of Content1 Dental Laboratory Workstations Market Overview 11.1 Product Overview and Scope of Dental Laboratory Workstations 11.2 Dental Laboratory Workstations Segment by Types 31.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Dental Laboratory Workstations by Types in 2015 31.3 Dental Laboratory Workstations Segment by Applications 61.3.1 Dental Laboratory Workstations Consumption Market Share by Applications in 2015 61.3.2 Hospital 71.3.3 Clinic 81.4 Dental Laboratory Workstations Market by Regions 91.4.1 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021) 91.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2011-2021) 101.4.3 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021) 111.4.4 Asia (EX. China) Status and Prospect (2011-2021) 121.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Dental Laboratory Workstations (2011-2021) 132 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Market Competition by Manufacturers 142.1 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016) 142.2 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016) 172.3 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016) 212.4 Manufacturers Dental Laboratory Workstations Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types 243 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Production, Revenue (Value) by Regions (2011-2016) 263.1 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Production and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016) 263.2 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016) 283.3 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016) 303.4 Europe Dental Laboratory Workstations Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016) 303.5 North America Dental Laboratory Workstations Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016) 313.6 China Dental Laboratory Workstations Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016) 313.8 Asia (EX. China) Dental Laboratory Workstations Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016) 324 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016) 334.1 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Consumption by Regions (2011-2016) 334.2 Europe Dental Laboratory Workstations Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016) 354.3 North America Dental Laboratory Workstations Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016) 364.4 China Dental Laboratory Workstations Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016) 364.5 Asia (EX. China) Dental Laboratory Workstations Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016) 375 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Types 385.1 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Production and Market Share by Types (2011-2016) 385.2 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Revenue and Market Share by Types (2011-2016) 405.3 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Price by Type (2011-2016) 425.4 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Production Growth by Type (2011-2016) 426 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Market Analysis by Applications 446.1 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Consumption and Market Share by Applications (2011-2016) 446.2 Global Dental Laboratory Workstations Consumption Growth Rate by Applications (2011-2016) 456.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities 466.3.1 Market Drivers and Opportunities 466.3.2 Emerging Markets/Countries 477 Analysis of Dental Laboratory Workstations Industry Key Manufacturers 487.1 KaVo Dental 487.1.1 Company Profile 487.1.2 Product Information 497.1.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross, and Revenue 507.2 Lista International Corp. 517.2.1 Company Profile 517.2.2 Product Information 527.2.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross, and Revenue 537.3 Dental Art 537.3.1 Company Profile 537.3.2 Product Information 557.3.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross, and Revenue 567.4 DentalEZ Group 567.4.1 Company Profile 567.4.2 Product Information 587.4.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross, and Revenue 597.5 SARATOGA 597.5.1 Company Profile 597.5.2 Product Information 617.5.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross, and Revenue 627.6 Sinol dental 627.6.1 Company Profile 627.6.2 Product Information 647.6.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross, and Revenue 65About 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
Global Textile Dust Control Mats Market 2017 - MILLIKEN & COMPANY, Andersen Corporation, 3M, Cintas Corporation

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Textile dust control mats remove dirt, soil and moisture from foot traffic at the entrance to your premises. It is recommended that the textile dust control mat be at least 4 meters in length. This allows for each foot to make contact with the dust control mat at least 3 times allowing for optimal efficiency.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Textile Dust Control Mats in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Request For Sample Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversMILLIKEN & COMPANYAndersen Corporation3MCintas CorporationSuperior Manufacturing GroupUnifirst CorporationEmco BauForbo Holdings AGCrown Matting TechnologiesWEARWELLConstruction SpecialtiesWest American Rubber Co.Pawling CorporationBirrus MattingEagle Mat & Floor ProductsMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversAnti-fatigue MatsEntrance MatsAccess Full Report With TOC @Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoHotelManufacturingOfficeHospitalOthersThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Textile Dust Control Mats market.Chapter 1, to describe Textile Dust Control Mats Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Textile Dust Control Mats, with sales, revenue, and price of Textile Dust Control Mats, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Textile Dust Control Mats, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Textile Dust Control Mats market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Textile Dust Control Mats sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceAbout Fior MarketsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Global Salad Dressings and Mayonnaise Market 2017 - Unilever, Kraft, Kewpie, McCormick, Nestle, Essen

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"Dressings can include a wide variety of things, including fresh herbs, pickled vegetables or relish, fermented foods like vinegar or soy sauce, nuts, and dried or fresh fruit. Salad dressings are a great way to add vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to your healthy salad. Mayonnaise varies in color, but is often white, cream, or pale yellow. It may range in texture from that of light cream to a thick gel. In countries influenced by French culture, mustard is also a common ingredient, but the addition of mustard turns the sauce into a remoulade with a different flavor and the mustard acts as an additional emulsifier."Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Salad Dressings and Mayonnaise in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Request For Sample Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversUnileverKraftKewpieMcCormickNestleEssenEfkoAjinomotoNMZhKSolproKENKO MayonnaiseCloroxKensSabormexKuhneYbarraMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversSalad DressingsMayonnaiseAccess Full Report With TOC @Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoDaily UseFood IndustryThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Salad Dressings and Mayonnaise market.Chapter 1, to describe Salad Dressings and Mayonnaise Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Salad Dressings and Mayonnaise, with sales, revenue, and price of Salad Dressings and Mayonnaise, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Salad Dressings and Mayonnaise, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Salad Dressings and Mayonnaise market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Salad Dressings and Mayonnaise sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceAbout Fior MarketsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
SCARA Robots Market 2017: Industry Report Has Forecasted CAGR in 5.20% Value for the Period -2021

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Selective Complaint Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA) is a parallel-axis jointed robot, which is rigid at Z-axes or vertical scale. This robot can move horizontally with its joint elbow, and function like a human arm. SCARA robots are very useful for high-precision, high-speed operations, and confined workspaces.analysts forecast the global SCARA robots market to grow at a CAGR of 5.20% during the period 2017-2021.Request a sample copy of SCARA Robots Market Research Report @Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global SCARA robots market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the new installations in the different end-user segments.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: Americas APAC EMEAGlobal SCARA Robots 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.Browse full table of contents and data tables For SCARA Robots Market Research Report @Table of ContentsKey vendors EPSON Robots Omron Adept Technologies St?ubli Robotics Toshiba Machine Yamaha RoboticsOther prominent vendors Fanuc Comau Wittman Hirata Janome Motoman SENSODRIVE Wachter Googol Technology ABB Asic RoboticsMarket driver Increased demand for SCARA robots for palletizing For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Rising impact of low-cost regional manufacturers on global manufacturers For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend Rising implementation of robotic factories For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat 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?Enquire for Discount SCARA Robots Market Research Report @Related Reports: -Global and Chinese Medical Robots Industry, 2017 Market Research ReportThe 'Global and Chinese Medical Robots Industry, 2012-2022 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Medical Robots industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Medical Robots manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry. Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology.MarketSizeForecasters.com, a Skyline Market Research LLP brand, is an online aggregator of market research reports. MarketSizeForecasters.com offers a comprehensive collection of full length reports on global and regional markets in 100+ industry verticals. We have partnered with some of the leading business and market research publishing houses and regularly update our online library to offer wide range of reports to our customers.Market size forecastersThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketsizeforecasters.comWebsite:Connect with us: LinkedIn | Twitter
Global Vertical Farming Industry Report 2017

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Vertical Farming Industry Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.The Vertical Farming has been expressively dissected in this statistical surveying that has been added to our frequently growing industry knowledge arrangement. The archive takes after an arrangement that gives a careful and scientific diagram of the Vertical Farming and moreover inspects the main sections, compelling components, and market components that administer the development rate of the market and its competitive and regional scenes.The report offers to its clients an all-encompassing 360-degree point of view of the Vertical Farming from the back to front, starting with the core values of the mechanical components, then proceeding onward to the examination of information on the different perspectives including as industry chain structure, groupings, industry diagram, arrangements, applications, and late advancements.Browse Press Release of this Research Report:The data offered in the report has been accumulated through the assistance of various essential and auxiliary research strategies. Quantitative and subjective information appraisal for key market sections on the regional and the aggregate worldwide front have also been given in the report. The gigantic archives of information that have been sifted through by industry-best investigative techniques will give to the user the points of interest that matter the most.The report also gives a portrayal of the administrative situation of the Vertical Farming and gives points of interest relating to the more prominent arrangements, approaches, controls, and decides in that effect the numerous business related choices in the market. A point by point outline of the competitive scene of the Vertical Farming has additionally been given in the report, wherein itemized business profiles, SWOT examination, and numerous different insights about a portion of the real sellers in the market are incorporated.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview11.1 Definition of Vertical Farming11.2 Market Status and Outlook of Vertical Farming11.3 Technology of Vertical Farming21.3.1 By Functional Device21.3.1.1 Lighting21.3.1.2 Hydroponic Component31.3.1.3 Climate Control41.3.1.4 Sensors41.3.2 By Growth Mechanism41.3.2.1 Aeroponics51.3.2.2 Hydroponics51.3.2.3 Others51.4 Development Situation by Major Regions61.4.1 USA61.4.2 Europe61.4.3 Japan61.4.4 China61.4.5 Canada71.4.6 Australia71.5 Industry Chain Structure of Vertical Farming81.6 Industry Policy82 Technology Analysis102.1 Technology102.1.1 Aeroponics102.1.2 Hydroponics102.1.3 Aquaponics112.2 Equipment of Vertical Farming112.2.1 Ventilation Equipment112.2.2 Containers or Hydroponic System112.2.3 Grow Media122.2.4 Air Filtration Equipment122.2.5 Monitors and Controllers122.3 LED Grow Lights122.4 Fertilizer132.5 Seed132.6 Cost Analysis143 Market Size of Vertical Farming173.1 Vegetable Acreage (square meter) of Vertical Farming173.2 Vegetable Production of Vertical Farming193.3 Revenue of Vertical Farming214 Market Size of Major Regions234.1 USA234.2 Europe254.3 Japan264.4 China284.5 Canada294.6 Australia315 Market Size by Key Manufacturers335.1 Vegetable Acreage (square meter) of Vertical Farming by Key Manufacturers335.2 Vegetable Production of Vertical Farming by Key Manufacturers355.3 Revenue of Vertical Farming by Key Manufacturers386 Analysis of Key Manufacturers416.1 AeroFarms416.1.1 Company Profile416.1.2 Product Information426.1.3 Growing Acreage, Production, Revenue and Gross Margin436.1.4 Contact Information446.2 Gotham Greens446.2.1 Company Profile446.2.2 Product Information456.2.3 Growing Acreage, Production, Revenue and Gross Margin456.2.4 Contact Information466.3 Bright Farms466.3.1 Company Profile466.3.2 Product Information476.3.3 Growing Acreage, Production, Revenue and Gross Margin476.3.4 Contact Information48List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Vertical Farming1Figure Hydroponic System Components3Table Acreage (Square Foot) Vegetable Production (MT) Revenue (M $) of USA6Table Acreage (Square Foot) Vegetable Production (MT) Revenue (M $) of Europe6Table Acreage (Square Foot) Vegetable Production (MT) Revenue (M $) of Japan6Table Acreage (Square Foot) Vegetable Production (MT) Revenue (M $) of China6Table Acreage (Square Foot) Vegetable Production (MT) Revenue (M $) of Canada7Table Acreage (Square Foot) Vegetable Production (MT) Revenue (M $) of Australia7Figure Industry Chain Structure of Vertical Farming8Table Industry Policy of Vertical Farming8QYReseachReports.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.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States
Wind Turbines Market, Update 2016 - Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis, And Forecasts To 2020

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Latest market research report on "Wind Turbines Market, Update 2016 - Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis, and Forecasts to 2020" offers comprehensive information and understanding of the global Wind Turbines Market. The report offers in-depth analysis of wind turbine market at global, regional (Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa) and key countries (the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, India, Germany, the UK, France, Turkey, South Africa) level. The report analyzes the wind turbine market value and volume for the historic (2010-2015) and forecast (2016-2020) period. The report covers the drivers and restraints affecting the wind turbine market, country-wise annual additions, average turbine price trends, and the competitive landscape for respective countries in 2015. The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis by GlobalData's team of industry experts.Request For Sample Copy :ScopeThe report analyses Wind Turbine market. Its scope includes -- Analysis of the growth of wind turbine market with a focus on market value and volume in global and regional level including Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa.- The report provides wind turbine market analysis for key countries including the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, India, Germany, the UK, France, Turkey, and South Africa.- The report offers country level wind turbine market value and volume for the historical (2010-2015) and forecast (2016-2020) periods.- It provides competitive landscape at country level for the year 2015.- Annual additions, average turbine price trends, key market drivers and restraints, and analysis of their impact in wind turbine market are also discussed.View Full Report :Reasons to buyThe report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to -- Facilitate decision-making by analyzing historical and forecast data on wind turbine market- Develop strategies based on developments in the wind turbine market- Identify key partners and business-development avenues, based on an understanding of the movements of the major competitors in the wind turbine market- Respond to your competitors business structure, strategies and prospectsTo order report Call Toll Free: 866-997-4948 or send an email on sales@marketresearchreports.bizMarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Melanoma - Heat Map And Analysis

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Melanoma is a form of cancer that begins in the melanin producing cells and commonly occurs in pigmented skin tissue such as moles ? a form referred to as cutaneous melanoma. It can also affect several other pigmented tissues of the body. Increasing global incidence over recent decades is thought to be due to an increase in exposure to UV light and/or sunlight.The disease is divided into two categories based on how advanced it is upon diagnosis. These are early-stage melanoma, which can be treated with surgery, and advanced melanoma, which cannot. Therapeutic options differ between the two treatment settings, with early-stage therapy aiming to prevent disease re-occurrence, and advanced therapies aiming to slow disease progression while maintaining the patient?s quality of life (QoL). Unmet need remains in the form of improving the efficacy of treatment options and patient QoL.This tabular heatmap framework, designed to provide an easily digestible summary of these clinical characteristics, provides detailed information on all late-stage clinical trial results for products in the melanoma market, with additional focus on the late-stage pipeline. These are split along therapy lines, and are therefore reflective of the treatment algorithm.Download Sample Copy of This Report :All safety and efficacy endpoints reported in these trials are displayed, for both the drug and placebo groups. In addition, key study characteristics such as the size, composition and patient segment of the study population are provided. These results are presented in a visually accessible, color-coded manner in order to maximize ease of use.The accompanying text provides a detailed analysis of the clinical benchmarks set by the current market landscape, and the anticipated changes to these benchmarks, and to the treatment algorithm, as a result of the late-stage pipeline.ScopeHow is the melanoma market landscape expected to change with regard to therapeutic type, due to promising pipeline therapies?What are the clinical characteristics of currently approved therapies for melanoma, in terms of specific safety and efficacy parameters?How are clinical safety and efficacy parameters linked to the key unmet needs in this indication?How will current late-stage combination therapeutics affect the melanoma market, and will they be able to satisfy current unmet need with regard to safe therapy options?Will the repositioning of currently approved metastatic melanoma drugs prove beneficial for patients in the adjuvant setting?Will recent first-in-class market approvals impact the market significantly?View Full Report :Reasons to buyUnderstand the current clinical landscape by considering the treatment options available for each patient segment.Visually compare the currently approved treatments available at each line of therapy, based on the most important efficacy and safety parameters tested in clinical trials.Assess the current late-stage pipeline, in terms of the likely positioning of each product and the implications for the clinical landscape at each line of therapy.Understand the relative strengths and weaknesses of the studies used to gather these data.Build up a nuanced understanding of the clinical benchmarks set by these products, and consider how the current late-stage pipeline will affect these benchmarks.Assess your own pipeline programs in light of these benchmarks in order to optimally position them and maximize uptake by clinicians.To order report Call Toll Free: 866-997-4948 or send an email on sales@marketresearchreports.bizMarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Veterinary Feed Additives Market 2017 Top Manufacturers- Bayer, Virbac, Alltech, Merck, Balchem

Veterinary Feed Additives

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The market study on Global Veterinary Feed Additives Market Research Report studies current as well as future aspects of the Veterinary Feed Additives Market primarily based upon factors on which the companies compete in the market, key trends and segmentation analysis. This report covers each side of the worldwide market, ranging from the fundamental market info and advancing more to varied important criteria, based on that, the Veterinary Feed Additives market is segmented. Veterinary Feed Additives industry research report analyzes, tracks, and presents the global market size of the major players in every region around the world.Request for FREE Sample Report @The report provides data of the leading market players in the Veterinary Feed Additives market -1. Bayer2. Virbac3. Alltech4. Merck5. Balchem6. Zoetis animal healthcare7. Boehringer Ingelheim8. VirbacThe Global Veterinary Feed Additives Market report has Forecasted Compound Annual rate of growth (CAGR) differently price for explicit amount, which will facilitate user to require decision supported futuristic chart. Report additionally includes key players in world Veterinary Feed Additives market. The Veterinary Feed Additives market size is estimated in terms of revenue (US$) and production volume during this report.The study world Veterinary Feed Additives Industry Research Report may be a elaborate report scrutinising statistical knowledge concerning the worldwide market. moreover, the factors on that the companies contend within the market are evaluated within the report. The report offers an in depth outline of the key segments at intervals the market. Analysis additionally covers upstream raw materials, equipment, downstream client survey, selling channels, industry development trend and proposals.The Veterinary Feed Additives report offers a close summary of the key segments within the market. The quickest & slowest growing market segments ar lined during this report. This analysis report covers the expansion prospects of the worldwide market based on end-users. It outlines the market shares of key regions in prime countries, it also includes analysis of the leading vendors during this market.Inquiry For Buying Here @In the end, the report includes Veterinary Feed Additives new project SWOT analysis, investment practicableness analysis, investment come analysis, and development trend analysis. The key rising opportunities of the fastest growing international Veterinary Feed Additives market segments are coated throughout this report. This report additionally presents product specification, producing method, and products cost structure. Production is separated by regions, technology and applications.About Us:Market N Reports provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Market N Reports cover more than 30 industries includsing energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Contact US:Market N Reports3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Web:Email: sales@marketnreports.com
Worldwide Smart TV Market Growth, Reviews, Segmentation by Application, Statistics, Analysis & Forecasts 2021

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Market Research Report on Global Smart TV Market is a professional and in-depth research report. The Report include basic information like definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain overview, industry policies and plans, product specifications, manufacturing processes, cost structures and so on. The Report Spread Across 115 Pages with Tables and Figures in It.The Smart TV market research report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability.The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.The report includes the forecasts, Analysis and discussion of important industry trends, market size, market share estimates and profiles of the leading industry Players.Request a Sample copy of World Smart TV Market Research Report @Global Smart TV Market: Product Segment Analysis By size frequency: By Display: By Backlight technology:Global Smart TV Market: Application Segment Analysis Game Education Life Tool News reader MusicGlobal Smart TV Market: Regional Segment Analysis USA Europe Japan China India South East AsiaThe Players mentioned in Global Smart TV Market report Samsung Electronics LG Electronics Panasonic Sharp Vizio Toshiba Hisense TCL Skyworth SonyEnquiry Discount for World Smart TV Market Research Report @Table of ContentChapter 1 About the Smart TV Industry1.1 Industry Definition and TypesChapter 2 World Market Competition Landscape2.1 Smart TV Markets by Regions2.1.1 USAMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.2 EuropeMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.3 ChinaMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.4 IndiaMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.5 JapanMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.6 South East AsiaMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.2 World Smart TV Market by Types2.3 World Smart TV Market by Applications2.4 World Smart TV Market Analysis2.4.1 World Smart TV Market Revenue and Growth Rate 2011-20162.4.2 World Smart TV Market Consumption and Growth rate 2011-20162.4.3 World Smart TV Market Price Analysis 2011-2016Chapter 3 World Smart TV Market share3.1 Major Production Market share by Players3.2 Major Revenue (M USD) Market share by Players3.3 Major Production Market share by Regions in 2016, Through 20213.4 Major Revenue (M USD) Market share By Regions in 2016, Through 2021Browse full table of contents and data tables for World Smart TV Market Report @Related Reports: -2017-2022 Global Top Countries Near IR Camera Market ReportThis report studies Near IR Camera in Global market, especially in United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, China, Japan, India, Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, Brazil, Middle East and Africa, focuses on the top Manufacturers in each country, coveringMarketSizeForecasters.com, a Skyline Market Research LLP brand, is an online aggregator of market research reports. MarketSizeForecasters.com offers a comprehensive collection of full length reports on global and regional markets in 100+ industry verticals. We have partnered with some of the leading business and market research publishing houses and regularly update our online library to offer wide range of reports to our customers.Market size forecastersThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketsizeforecasters.comWebsite:Connect with us: LinkedIn | Twitter
Plastic Meal Tray Market - Technological breakthroughs, Value chain and stakeholder analysis by 2024

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Today increasing number of restraints, convenience stores, food suppliers, caterers and other food suppliers including online food delivery services find advantages when they switch from traditional paperboard, Styrofoam and aluminum material trays to plastic trays. Few major cities in USA has already banned the use of Styrofoam because of their disposable problem and it is very difficult to recycle them. Many food industry players are searching for alternative for Styrofoam packaging. Plastic meal trays are the solution for them. These kind of plastic meal tray also allows vacuum and gas packaging. It is now becoming a widely excepted product because of its benefits such as easy to seal and it allows vacuum and gas packaging.For more information on this report, fill the form @Due to socio-economic advancement all over the world and changing lifestyle, ready and packed meals has become a widespread solution for modern people. This is acting as one the important driver for plastic meal tray market. Demand for readily available fresh food, frozen food, dry fruits etc. is also driving plastic meal tray market. Attractive visual appearance and convenience to use are additional aspects which are expected to drive the plastic meal tray market. Moreover because of its environmental benefits recyclable plastic meal trays it is being used in college, schools and office canteens extensively. The plastic meal tray market is driven by the trend of shifting interest of consumers towards processed and specialty food. High raw material cost in less developed countries can act as restraint for this plastic meal tray market.Introduction of more eco-friendly tray material like sugar cane or bagasse trays may act a threat to this plastic meal tray market.Based on the type of plastic used the plastic meal tray market is segmented into:PolypropyleneCPETOthers (RePET, HIPS, HDPE and APET)Browse Market Research Report @Based on the application the plastic meal tray market is segmented into:Cold and Frozen foodPrepared foods (hot) and ready to eat mealsKosher mealsIn terms of geography, the plastic meal tray market has been divided in to five key regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The plastic meal tray market is expected to register healthy CAGR during the forecast period. North America is anticipated to be the dominant market for plastic meal tray market followed by Asia Pacific and Europe. The market in Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at highest CAGR over the forecast period. Countries with more population like China, India, USA etc. are likely to provide abundant opportunities for the growth of the plastic meal tray market.Some of the key players in the plastic meal tray market are Food Packaging (GREENDALE), Sonoco Products, Pactiv LLC, Cambro etc.About TMRTMR 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.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Medical Supplies Market is Growing Steadily Approximately 6.5% CAGR by 2022

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Medical Supplies Market is growing steadily post 2016 with approximately 6.5% CAGR and growing steadily and expected to reach approximately USD 132 Billion by the end of 2022Market HighlightsThe global medical supplies market has been evaluated as moderately growing market and expected that it will capture larger market share. Globally, medical supplies is observing the growth due to rising number of patient activity attributable to an aging population, increasing incidence of medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, renal diseases and extension of health insurance coverage . Medical supplies consists disposable products which are also termed as one time usage products. Disposable medical supplies capture the largest segment within the healthcare supplies and equipments sector.Request a Sample Report@Scope of the ReportBased on growing number of patients who need surgery or long-term chronic care therapy, drug delivery and related products will continue to be the fastest expanding group of disposable medical supplies. Polymeric tissue sealants, along with alginate, and collagen wound dressings, will be the fastest growth based on enhanced safety and faster healing attributes. However, existence of substitute products and cost of healthcare containment pressure are some of the major factors hindering the growth for global disposable medical supplies market.Key Player 3M Company (U.S.) Medtronic plc (Ireland) B. Braun Melsungen AG (Germany) Boston Scientific Corporation (U.S.) Johnson & Johnson (U.S.) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.) Baxter International Inc. (U.S.) Halyard Health, Inc. (U.S.) Dickinson and Company (U.S.) Cardinal Health, Inc. (U.S.)Regional Analysis:Depending on geographic region, medical supplies market is segmented into four key regions: Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Considering the global scenario of the market, North Americas region is believed to be the largest market for medical supplies. Moreover the European market is also growing continuously On the other hand; Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow at the fastest pace in the medical supplies segment during the forecasted period. Middle East & Africa region are likely to have a limited but steady growth in the market.Segmentation:By Type - Infusion Products, Blood Collection Tubes, Wound Care Products, Dialysis Consumables, Surgical Drapes, Adult Incontinence Products, Blood Glucose Test Strips, and OthersBy Application - Urology, Wound Care, Anesthesia, Sterilization and OthersBy End User - Hospitals, Clinics, Nursing Homes and OthersBy Region  North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and RowList of Tables1 Introduction2 Research Methodology3 Market Dynamics4 Market Factor Analysis4.1 Porters Five Forces Model4.2 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers5 Global Medical Supplies Market, By Type5.1 Infusion Products5.2 Blood Collection Tubes5.3 Wound Care Products5.4 Dialysis Consumables6 Global Medical Supplies Market, By Application6.1 Urology6.2 Wound Care6.3 Anesthesia6.4 Sterilization7 Global Medical Supplies Market, By End User7.1 Hospital7.2 Clinics7.3 Nursing Homes8 Global Medical Supplies Market, By RegionBrowse Full MS Market @List of TablesTable 1 Global Medical Supplies Market, By Type, 2013-2022 (Usd Million)Table 2 Global Medical Supplies Market, By Application, 2013-2022 (Usd Million)Table 3 Global Medical Supplies Market, By End User, 2013-2022 (Usd Million)Table 4 Global Medical Supplies Market, By Region, 2013-2022 (Usd Million)Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 50 market data tables and figures spread over 80 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Medical Supplies Market Research Report Global Forecast till 2022.List of FiguresFigure 1 Research ProcessFigure 2 Porters Five Forces ModelFigure 3 Global Medical Supplies Market, By TypeFigure 4 Global Medical Supplies Market, By ApplicationFigure 5 Global Medical Supplies Market, By End UserFigure 6 Global Medical Supplies Market, By RegionFigure 6 Global Medical Supplies Market: Company Share Analysis, 2015 (%)About Market Research FutureAt 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.Market Research Future Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune - 411028 Maharashtra, India +1 646 845 9312
Passive Fire Protection Materials - Saudi Arabia Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2023

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ResearchMoz presents this most up-to-date research on "Passive Fire Protection Materials - Saudi Arabia Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2023".Passive fire protection (PFP) is integral to any structural fire safety measures. Structural fire protection, compartmentation, opening protection, and fire stopping barriers are the four major areas where passive fire protecting measures are generally implemented. Passive fire protection materials are used in accordance to building code and fire code enacted by local governing bodies.Rise in construction activities in Saudi Arabia is estimated to boost demand for passive fire protection materials in the region in the next eight years.Additionally, increase in the number of rig counts in the Middle East is anticipated to drive the passive fire protection materials market in the region in the next few years. However, stringent governmental regulations over emission of volatile carbon compounds (VOCs) are projected to hamper market growth. Furthermore, long time taken to test products is likely to impede the passive fire protection materials market. Technological and product innovation are anticipated to provide immense opportunities to manufacturers operating in the passive fire protection materials market.This report provides detailed description of the passive fire protection materials market in Saudi Arabia in terms of volume (Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) for the period from 2014 to 2023. It highlights factors contributing to growth of the market and enumerates restraints faced by the market. The market has been described with respect to various segments along with opportunities that are projected to arise during the next eight years.The passive fire protection materials market has been segmented based on products such as sealants, intumescent coatings, foams & boards, and others (including putties, mortar, cementitious sprays, and fire blocks). Based on application, the market has been segmented into civil, mechanical & electrical, duct, structural steel fireproofing, cable & wire tray fire proofing, and others (including doors, windows, and glasses). The study provides forecast and estimates for each product segment and application in terms of revenue and volume during the forecast period.Value chain analysis and Porters Five Forces model have been provided for a comprehensive view of the market. These throw light on dynamics of the industry structure besides providing an overview of degree of competitiveness in the market. The report also includes raw material and price trend analysis of passive fire protection materials from 2014 to 2023. Additionally, the report encompasses key research findings though primary interviews with major industry experts and opinion leaders in order to substantiate secondary research.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Secondary research sources referred to include company websites, annual reports, broker reports, investor presentations, financial reports, and SEC filings. In-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key industry participants and opinion leaders were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents bulk of research efforts, supplemented by an extensive secondary research. Key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. These helped validate and strengthen secondary research findings. Primary research further developed the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.The report comprises profiles of key players operating in the passive fire protection materials market. These profiles include company overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments such as acquisitions, mergers, expansion or product launch. The report covers the following 10 companies: 3M Company, Hilti Group, The Fireseal Group, Fire Protection Ltd., Conquest Firespray LLC, Carboline Company, Darchem Engineering Ltd., NAFFCO, Electropar Preformed Line Products, and Passive Fire Protection Partners.The report segments the passive fire protection materials market in Saudi Arabia as follows:Saudi Arabia Passive Fire Protection Materials Market - Product Segment AnalysisSealantsIntumescent coatingsFoams & boardsOthers (Including putties, mortar, fire blocks, and cementitious spray)Saudi Arabia Passive Fire Protection Materials Market  Application AnalysisCivilMechanical & ElectricalDuctStructural Steel FireproofingCable & Wire Tray FireproofingOthers (Including doors, windows, and glasses)Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Child-Resistant Closure Market - Industry Analysis, Growth, Size, Manufacturers, and Forecast to 2024

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Over the past few years, rise in hazardous accidental cases among children has become a prime concern for manufacturers of medicinal products packaging. Hence, to decrease the mortality rate ratio, child-resistant closures has been developed by the manufacturers. Child resistant closures, one of the security purpose closures, signifies the last barrier, has an important part to play in solving the problems created between the infant and the packaged content. They are subjected to test methods which are enacted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Packaging manufacturers are aimed to produce closures with child resistant security in accordance with government regulations to prevent potential hazardous to children. Although, for this type of safety packaging, awareness among industries has been increased, knowledge about the subtleties and differences is often lacking. However, child-resistant closures has reduced child mortality from the accidental intake of oral prescription drugs. Henceforth, this million dollar industry is expected to register impressive CAGR near in the future.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Child-Resistant Closure Market: Drivers & RestraintsChild resistant closures market is expected to grow exponentially in the near future, primarily due to the growing awareness among consumers, rising demand for drug packaging in pharmaceutical industry are some of the major drivers of the global child-resistant closures market. Government regulatory procedures like FDA in some of the key nations has led a positive impact on this industry. Though the market seems optimistic in coming years, but preventing children from gaining easy access to medicinal products will not be easy to overcome. However, the global child-resistant closures market is expected to witness upward development during the forecast period 20162024, primarily due to rise in packaging industry.Child-Resistant Closure Market: SegmentationOn the basis of child-resistant closure type, the global child-resistant closure market is segmented into,Reclosable child-resistant closureNon-reclosable child-resistant closureOn the basis of types of caps, the global child-resistant closure market is segmented into,Screw capsROPP capsSnap on capsOthersBrowse Market Research Report @On the basis of packaging type, the global child-resistant closure market is segmented into,Strip packsPush and turn CapsTurn and liftSqueeze and turnOthersChild-Resistant Closure Market: Region-wise outlookOn the basis of geography, the global child-resistant closures market is divided into five regions that includes North America, Europe, Asia pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa Demands for child-resistant closures market is expected to generate from developed economies including North America and Europe as the United states of America was the first country to introduce this technology. Government concern towards providing healthcare solutions and key innovation driven by some of the major industry leaders in this region is expected to boost the overall sales of child-resistant closures in North America and Europe. More than 50% of the demand for child-resistant closures is expected to generate from North America and Europe. Asia pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa are in the next trail.Child-Resistant Closure Market: Key-PlayerSome of the key market players in child-resistant closures are ABA Packaging Corp., Ace Paper Tube Corp, Berlin Packaging, Berry Plastics Corp., American Star Cork Co. Inc, Airlite Plastics Corp., All American Containers Inc., Cincinnati Container Co., Crown Packaging International Inc., Cobra Plastics Inc, Continental Glass & Plastic Inc., Glass Vials Inc. and many others.About TMRTMR 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.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Tamper-evident Adhesives Market - Drivers & Restraints, Market Segmentation, Region-wise Outlook and Key Players 2024

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Technological advancement coupled with feasibility in packaging protection has changed the scenario of the packaging industry over the course of time. Since time immemorial, manufacturers and producers are coming up with different solutions to enhance and protect their products from any unauthorized access, which in turn makes consumers not only meet their needs but also surpass their expectations. Tamper- evident adhesives are one of the evolving technology in adhesives, which offers cost-effective and innovative packaging solutions for specific applications such as pharmaceutical packaging. From the security point of view, tamper evident is the best solution to the packaging industry as it help deter theft while providing convenient asset-tracking abilities for more efficient asset application. Both of these benefits produce real cost savings for industries. This multi- million dollar industry is growing at a fast speed in order to meet consumers demand. For instance, some pharmaceutical manufacturers are focusing in product innovating and adding up more technologies into tamper-evident adhesives in order to improve the security of pharma box packs. By which, the adhesive will leave a clear visible evidence of tampering.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Tamper-evident Adhesives Market: Drivers and RestraintsConstant advancement in the pharmaceutical packaging market has experienced a double digit growth, which in turn has led the growth of tamperevident adhesives market as it deliver a product protection and security needs. Furthermore, the repetitive cases of counterfeiting from the past few years in the pharmaceutical industry is fuelling the tamper-evident adhesives market. For instance, according to WHO, almost 10% of medicines are counterfeit across the globe, which has become a major concern for the food and drug manufacturers.Additionally, some features that is unacceptable for tamper evident adhesives are the type of materials which are being used in adhesives, such as polystyrene, cellulose and thermal plastics do not offer adequate evidence of tampering on the product, which in turn can be a major challenge to the tamper evident adhesives manufacturers.Tamper-evident Adhesives Market: SegmentationThe global tamper evident adhesives is differentiated on the basis of application, adhesives types and technology, that isTamper-evident adhesives by application:Spare partsLuxury goodsPharmaceutical productsWines and spiritsChemical drumsOthersObtain Report Details @Tamper-evident adhesives by adhesive types:Permanent adhesivesRemovable adhesivesRepositionable adhesivesCold temperature adhesivesTamper-evident adhesives by technologyWater basedSolvent basedHot-meltReactiveOthersTamper-evident Adhesives Market: Regional LandscapeOn the basis of region, tamper-evident adhesives finds its market possibility in North America, Latin America, Middle East & Africa, Europe and Asia-Pacific. North America and Europe dominates the tamper-evident adhesives, however, Asia Pacific is expected to be the most promising region in terms of incremental prospects lying ahead for generating high revenue. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are on the trail. Tamper-evident adhesives market is highly regulated in North America and Europe. India and China are the key promising countries driving the tamper-evident adhesives market in Asia-Pacific.Tamper-evident Adhesives Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players of the global tamper-evident adhesives market are 3M Company, Dupont, KRUSE ADHESIVE TAPE, tesa UK Ltd., Avery Dennison, Nordson Corporation, IRPLAST S.p.A., protectaseal ltd, Stickythings Limited., Palmetto Adhesives, Horizons, Inc and DUNMORE.About TMRTMR 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.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Latest Report Details Of United States Infusion Extension Lines Market Drivers and Opportunities Report 2017

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"The Report United States Infusion Extension Lines Market Report 2017 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"In this report, the United States Infusion Extension Lines 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 splits the United States market into seven regions:The WestSouthwestThe Middle AtlanticNew EnglandThe SouthThe Midwestwith sales (volume), revenue (value), market share and growth rate of Infusion Extension Lines in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast).Get Sample Copy of this Report @United States Infusion Extension Lines market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Infusion Extension Lines sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingSarstedtBicakcilarBionic MedizintechnikRontisFresenius KabiVygon (UK)...On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume, revenue, product price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoSpiral-LineSmall Bore Connection TubingOtherOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Infusion Extension Lines for each application, includingHospitalClinicView Report @Table of ContentsUnited States Infusion Extension Lines Market Report 20171 Infusion Extension Lines Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Infusion Extension Lines1.2 Classification of Infusion Extension Lines by Product Category1.2.1 United States Infusion Extension Lines Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 United States Infusion Extension Lines Market Size (Sales Volume) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Spiral-Line1.2.4 Small Bore Connection Tubing1.2.5 Other1.3 United States Infusion Extension Lines Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 United States Infusion Extension Lines Market Size (Consumption) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Hospital1.3.3 Clinic1.4 United States Infusion Extension Lines Market by Region1.4.1 United States Infusion Extension Lines Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 The West Infusion Extension Lines Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Southwest Infusion Extension Lines Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 The Middle Atlantic Infusion Extension Lines Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 New England Infusion Extension Lines Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 The South Infusion Extension Lines Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 The Midwest Infusion Extension Lines Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 United States Market Size (Value and Volume) of Infusion Extension Lines (2012-2022)1.5.1 United States Infusion Extension Lines Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 United States Infusion Extension Lines Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 United States Infusion Extension Lines Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1 United States Infusion Extension Lines Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 United States Infusion Extension Lines Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.3 United States Infusion Extension Lines Average Price by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.4 United States Infusion Extension Lines Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.4.1 United States Infusion Extension Lines Market Concentration Rate2.4.2 United States Infusion Extension Lines Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Players/Suppliers2.4.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion in United States Market2.5 United States Players/Suppliers Infusion Extension Lines Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Type3 United States Infusion Extension Lines Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 United States Infusion Extension Lines Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 United States Infusion Extension Lines Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 United States Infusion Extension Lines Price by Region (2012-2017)4 United States Infusion Extension Lines Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (Product Category) (2012-2017)4.1 United States Infusion Extension Lines Sales and Market Share by Type (Product Category) (2012-2017)4.2 United States Infusion Extension Lines Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)4.3 United States Infusion Extension Lines Price by Type (2012-2017)4.4 United States Infusion Extension Lines Sales Growth Rate by Type (2012-2017)5 United States Infusion Extension Lines Sales (Volume) by Application (2012-2017)5.1 United States Infusion Extension Lines Sales and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)5.2 United States Infusion Extension Lines Sales Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)5.3 Market Drivers and OpportunitiesAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Leather Chemicals Market Global Industry Analysis Forecast 2014 - 2020

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Demand for leather chemicals is primarily led by growth in the automotive, apparel, and footwear industries across the globe. Asia Pacific dominates the global market for leather chemicals. This report by Transparency Market Research analyzes, estimates, and forecasts the demand for leather chemicals on a global and regional level for a six-year period from 2014 to 2020. The study also provides information on restraints, drivers, and opportunities along with their impact on the overall market during the forecast period. The report segments the market based on applications and regions and offers estimates and forecasts for each segment.Obtain Report Details @ :The study analyzes the product value chain, from feedstock to end use. It also evaluates the market based on Porters five forces model, which analyzes the degree of competition by considering factors such as bargaining power of buyers and suppliers, and threat from substitute products and new entrants. The report includes a detailed competitive landscape of the leather chemicals market.Prices of leather chemicals vary across regions. Pricing for each application varies according to region while estimating and forecasting market revenue on the global basis as different end-users use different types of products. Regional average price has been considered while breaking down the market by end application in each region. Size of the global leather chemicals market has been presented in terms of volume and revenue. Market volume is mentioned in Kilo Tons and market revenue is represented in US$ Mn. Market numbers are provided based on product types for the global as well as regional market. Both domestic and captive sales of leather chemicals have been considered. Market numbers are provided based on product types along with market size and forecast for each major product type in the context of the global as well as regional markets. Numbers provided in the report are derived based on demand for leather chemicals in various end-user industries across various regions. All prices have been considered as FOB prices. Market revenue has been calculated based on sales and consumption trends. All US$ exchange rates are as of 2013. Prices have been kept constant throughout the forecast period for calculating the market size.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @ :Market estimates for this study are based on volumes, with revenues derived through regional pricing trends. Prices of commonly utilized grades of leather chemicals have been considered, and customized product pricing has not been included. Costs of the most commonly available leather chemicals have been considered. Market data for each segment is based on production volumes and corresponding revenues. Prices considered for calculation of revenue are average regional prices obtained through primary quotes from numerous regional suppliers, distributors, and direct-selling regional producers, based on manufacturer feedback and application requirement. We have used the bottom-up approach by considering individual application segments and integrating these to arrive at the global market. Product segments have been further bifurcated using the top-down approach to derive the regional product market consumption. The study covers manufacturers of leather chemicals. We have not included unorganized sectors of the market due to lack of secondary or primary data on this segment.The report provides a decisive view on the leather chemicals market by segmenting it based on product types. Product segments analyzed in the report include tanning & dyeing chemicals, beamhouse chemicals, and finishing chemicals. Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast volumes and revenues for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). The segmentation includes volume and revenues for individual applications across these regions.Leading manufacturers profiled in the report include BASF SE, Stahl Holdings b.v., Clariant International Ltd., Bayer AG, TFL Ledertechnik Gmbh & Co. KG, Lanxess AG, Elementis plc, Heim Leather Chem. Gmbh, Schill + Seilacher GmbH, DyStar Singapore Pte Ltd., Rock Chemie Co., and Wei Tai Leather Co. Ltd. These companies are profiled in detail with features such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, and recent developments.Leather Chemicals Market - Product Segment AnalysisTanning & dyeing chemicalsBeamhouse chemicalsFinishing chemicalsLeather Chemicals Market - Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificRest of the World (RoW)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.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207
Butane Market Growth Is Driven by Rising Demand For Liquefied Petroleum Gas

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The report Butane Market Size By Application (Refinery, Petrochemicals, LPG), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2015  2022 by Global Market Insights, Inc. says Butane market size is likely to exceed 265 million tons by 2022, with estimated gains at over 2.7%.Rising LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) demand due to its acceptance as domestic fuel, specifically in APAC and Africa, is projected to promote global industry trends. Governments all across the globe are encouraging its usage to reduce greenhouse emissions and coal dependency. They are providing subsidy on LPG to promote its usage as domestic fuel.Request for a sample of this research report @Butane market price trend is projected to soften during forecast timeline due to crude oil movement. Rising use of auto gas due to operational cost advantages as compared to oil based fuels like gasoline is projected to promote industry demand. It possesses high energy ingredients and burns easily as compared to other fuels. Use of auto gas as fuel is growing rapidly during past few years owing to ecological advantages.However, pollution of underground water due to leakage of methyl tert-butyl ether along with growing demand for ethanol as a replacement for gasoline is anticipated to hinder growth of global butane market in future.Application TrendsGlobal butane market is segmented into various applications like LPG, refinery and petrochemicals.LPG segment was biggest and contributed higher than $121 billion for 2014. Rising demand for heating fuel in cold locations along with use of fuel for cooking purposes in APAC is anticipated to promote demand of butane for LPG production. Furthermore, most of the Asian and European nations have been accepting LPG as transportation fuel.Petrochemical segment contributed higher than 16.1% of total demand and is projected to expand substantially during forecast timeline. Growth of the segment in middle east is projected to promote the demand during forecast timeframe.Regional TrendsGlobal butane industry is segmented into geographical locations like North America, MENA, Latin America, APAC and Europe.APAC, led by India and China butane market, contributed key industry share and produced revenue about $57.1 billion for 2014. Increase in population and growing requirement for energy, specifically in rural areas of China and India for cooking is projected to stimulate the demand for butane.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Competitive TrendsKey industry participants profiled in the report include British Petroleum, ExxonMobil Corporation, Valero Energy Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell, Tyumen Oil Company, Perenco, Total S.A, Air Liquide, Energy Corporation of America, Chevron Corporation, ConocoPhillips Company, Sinopec Group and China National Petroleum Corporation.Browse Related Reports: LNG Bunkering Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Germany, UK, Italy, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa), Application Development Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024About Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:
Katsuobushi/Dried Bonito Market Growing at a Healthy Rate

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Dried bonito or katsuobushi as in Japanese, is an important ingredient and source of traditional Japanese soup stock dashi, which is essential for most of the Japanese dishes. Katsuobushi is prepared from the fish skipjack tuna or bonito, which undergoes a rigorous process of boiling, smoking, fermenting and drying. The preparation can take from a month to several months depending upon the choice of fermentation method. Katsuobushi is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals notably selenium, niacin and vitamin B12. Katsuobushi has a unique umami or savoury taste which has a lasting aftertaste. Manufacturers from Makurazaki, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan are the leading producers of Katsuobushi.Browse Market Research Report @Katsuobushi Market Segmentation:Katsuobushi Market is segmented on the basis of distribution channels as supermarket/hypermarket, speciality stores, online sales, retail stores and departmental stores. The unique umami or savoury taste of Katsuobushi is making it popular among consumers which is the reason for the increase in the sale of Katsuobushi in every distribution channel.Katsuobushi market is segmented on the basis of end users as restaurants, quick service restaurants (QSRs), and retail stores. As of the recent trend, there has been an anomalous increase in the production of Katsuobushi even though there is a decrease in the consumption of Katsuobushi and dashi in day-to-day Japanese life, because of its increased use in products such as readymade noodles soup, freeze-dried miso instant soup and the granulated bonito-flavor seasoning. Hence, the global katsuobushi market is expected to significantly increase the revenue contribution over the forecast period.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Katsuobushi Market Regional Outlook:Japan is the major manufacturer, supplier and consumer in the katsuobushi market. Katsuobushi is the key ingredient to dashi or soup stock which is essential for most of the Japanese cuisines. Recently Japanese cuisines have gained popularity in European and North American countries thus increasing the consumption of Katsuobushi in these regions. In Asia-Pacific regions apart from Japan, South Korea and China also manufactures and supplies katsuobushi. Increasing demand for katsuobushi, has strengthened the growth of global katsuobushi market and hence is projected to significantly expand the revenue contribution of the market over the forecast period.Katsuobushi Market Drivers:Katsuobushi have a distinct umami or savoury taste, apart from being rich in nutrients and minerals. Induction of use of Katsuobushi as a key ingredient in miso instant soup, readymade noodles and granulated bonito-flavor seasoning have acted as a significant driver in Katsuobushi Market. Market expansion of a variety of products such as granulated and the liquid instant dashi in which Katsuobushi in an important ingredient, have impacted katsuobushi market positively.Katsuobushi Market Restraints:However, there are some restraining factors which are expected to hinder the katsuobushi market growth of which includes the decreasing popularity of natural katsuobushi and dashi among the Japanese people. Moreover granulated chemical seasoning which promises kelp savour and bonito flavour without the requirement of preparing dashi from scratch which is considered a hassle in modern life. Furthermore, many of the people perceive it as a product containing mycotoxin such as beta-nitropropionic acid which is produced during fermentation due to which people hesitate in consuming katsuobushi across the globe. Katsuobushi has once been banned for sales in the European Union because of the high amount of Benzopyrene which exceeded EU standards.Katsuobushi Market Key Players:Some of the major players operating in katsuobushi market are Marukatsu Katsuobushi Inc. Kyoto Katsuobushi co. ltd., Marutomo Katsuobushi, Makurazaki France Katsuobushi Co., and others. The companies are expected to expand their business by enhancing their product portfolio in global katsuobushi market. The companies are projected to frame certain strategies in future in order to gain the competitive advantage in global katsuobushi market till 2027.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:
Novel Targets for Treatment of Various Diseases Push Pipeline Growth

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The PI3K inhibitors pipeline analysis report covers approximately 37 active drug candidates, of which eight drug candidates are in Phase III stage, 10 drug candidates are in Phase II stage, nine drug candidates Phase I stage, eight in Pre-Clinical stage and two drug candidates are in Discovery stage.Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) are lipid kinases that are involved in cell regulation, including cell survival, proliferation and differentiation. They act as intermediate molecules in PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by sending chemical messengers from cell surface to cytoplasm. These signals activate multiple effector kinase pathways, resulting in survival and growth of normal cells. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases is categorized on the basis of classes as class I, II and III, on the basis of structure of the PI3K, based on the specificities of the substrate as well as on the basis of lipid end-products nature. Bases on structure, Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases has four different forms PI3K alpha, PI3K beta, PI3K gamma and PI3K delta.Explore Report Description at:Pipeline InsightsThe pipeline for PI3K inhibitors was analyzed based on route of administration, molecule type and phase of drugs. Based on route of administration, around 57.0% active drug candidates are being developed to be administered by oral route, 8.0% by intravenous route and 5.0% to be administered by other routes, including inhalation and intravitreally or subconjunctivally. Most of the drug candidates are being developed to be administered by oral route, due to high patient compliance. Route of administration of around 30.0% active PI3K drug candidates pipeline is not disclosed.Explore Report Sample at:Several companies are targeting PI3K pathways for the treatment of cancer and various other diseases in different phases. The pharmaceutical companies engaged in manufacturing of PI3K inhibitors include, but are not limited to, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Verastem, Inc., Bayer AG, GlaxoSmithKline plc, SignalRX Pharmaceuticals Inc., Eli Lilly and Company and PIQUR Therapeutics AG. Novartis AG is developing Buparlisib and Alpelisib, which are Phase III drug candidates.Browse Other Related Report at:Major companies collaborate for the development of PI3K inhibitors pipelineThe research found that different companies engaged in manufacturing of PI3K inhibitors are collaborating. One of the collaborations occurred in November 2016 between Verastem, Inc. and Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Verastem, Inc. licensed all exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize Infinitys oncology product candidate duvelisib. Verastem paid Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. up to $28.0 million in milestones, with positive data from DUO, a Phase III, randomized monotherapy study of duvelisib in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia, triggering the first milestone payment, and royalties on net sales.Some of the key players developing PI3K inhibitors pipeline include Novartis Pharmaceuticals, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, SignalRX Pharmaceuticals Inc., Verastem, Inc., Bayer AG, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Eli Lilly and Company and Takeda Pharmaceutical Limited.About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.Contact:AbhishekExecutive  Client Partner347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016
Malonic Acid Market Size (Value), Share, Trends, Revenue, Growth Analysis & Forecasts 2022

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Market Research Report on Global Malonic Acid Market is a professional and in-depth research report. The Report include basic information like definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain overview, industry policies and plans, product specifications, manufacturing processes, cost structures and so on. The Report Spread Across 128 Pages with Tables and Figures in It.This report studies Malonic Acid in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa, focuses on the top 5 Malonic Acid Players in each region, with sales, price, revenue and market share for top 5 manufacturer, covering Lonza Trace Zero Tateyamakasei Shanghai Nanxiang Reagent MedicalchemRequest a Sample copy of Global Malonic Acid Market Research Report @Market Segment by Regions, this Global Malonic Acid Market report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales, revenue, market share of top 5 players in these regions, from 2012 to 2017 (forecast), like North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Korea) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy and Russia etc. South America (Brazil, Chile, Peru and Argentina) Middle East and Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Saudi Arabia)Global Malonic Acid Market Split by Product Types, with sales, revenue, price, market share of each type, can be divided into Pharmaceutical Grade Technical GradeSplit by applications, this Global Malonic Acid Market report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Malonic Acid in each application, can be divided into Chemical & Material Industry Pharma & Healthcare Industry Electronics Industry OthersEnquiry Discount for Global Malonic Acid Market Research Report @Table of Content2017 Top 5 Malonic Acid Manufacturers/Players in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa1 Malonic Acid Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Malonic Acid1.2 Malonic Acid Segment by Types1.2.1 Global Sales Market Share of Malonic Acid by Types in 20151.3 Malonic Acid Segment by Applications1.3.1 Malonic Acid Consumption Market Share by Applications in 20151.4 Malonic Acid Market by Regions1.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.2 Asia-Pacific Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 South America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Middle East and Africa Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Malonic Acid (2012-2022)2 Global Malonic Acid Sales, Revenue (value) and Market Share by Players2.1 Global Malonic Acid Sales and Market Share in 2015 and 2016 by Players2.2 Global Malonic Acid Revenue and Market Share by Players in 2015 and 20162.3 Global Malonic Acid Average Price by Players in 2015 and 20162.4 Global Malonic Acid Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types by Players2.5 Malonic Acid Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Malonic Acid Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Malonic Acid Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Players2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Malonic Acid Sales, Revenue (Value) by Regions, Type and Application (2012-2017)3.1 Global Malonic Acid Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.1.1 Global Malonic Acid Sales and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.1.2 Global Malonic Acid Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.2 Global Malonic Acid Sales, Revenue, Market Share and Price by Type (2012-2017)3.2.1 Global Malonic Acid Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)3.2.2 Global Malonic Acid Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)3.2.3 Global Malonic Acid Price by Type (2012-2017)3.3 Global Malonic Acid Sales and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)3.4 Global Malonic Acid Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)Browse full table of contents and data tables for Global Malonic Acid Market Report @Related Reports: -Global and Chinese Hexyl Acetate Industry, 2017 Market Research ReportThe 'Global and Chinese Hexyl Acetate Industry, 2012-2022 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Hexyl Acetate industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Hexyl Acetate manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry. Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology.MarketSizeForecasters.com, a Skyline Market Research LLP brand, is an online aggregator of market research reports. MarketSizeForecasters.com offers a comprehensive collection of full length reports on global and regional markets in 100+ industry verticals. We have partnered with some of the leading business and market research publishing houses and regularly update our online library to offer wide range of reports to our customers.Market size forecastersThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketsizeforecasters.comWebsite:Connect with us: LinkedIn | Twitter
Growth Of India Regenerative Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Market Forecast 2016 - 2024

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As India finds itself on the verge of an industrial makeover, the country is exhibiting a great demand for power supply. The weakest link in this situation, however, is that the country's energy mix largely depends on fossil fuels. The high cost of these fossil fuels and the irregularities in the supply of energy have left several industrial verticals in a lurch, bringing down their productivity by about 10% every day.Browse Market Research Report @ :According to a research report published by Transparency Market Research, these dynamics of the energy market have created a huge stir amongst manufacturers and industry honchos to seek smooth power supply solutions. Citing these reasons, Transparency Market Research states that the India regenerative uninterruptible power supply market has a huge scope in the foreseeable future.According to the research report, the opportunity in the India regenerative UPS market will be worth US$163.11 mn by 2024 from US$76.86 mn in 2015. Between the 2016 and 2024, the overall market is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 8.7%. The impressive growth of this market will be attributable to the relentless growth of the Indian economy and the steady prospect of its financial future. The rampant industrialization that needs the constant power supply will steer the growth of this market.Ability to Conserve Energy Lures in Companies to Spend on UPS SystemsThe unique selling point of regenerative UPS systems is their ability to conserve energy for a nation that has been battling the energy crisis since long. Given these factors, the regenerative converter is the top selling product in the overall market. Installation of these units not only ensures an uninterrupted supply but also allows a seamless manufacturing experience. The report suggests that regenerative converter UPS units are also being considered by end users such as the oil and gas industry, pharmaceutical industry, and the food and beverage industry as they prevent the machinery from being damaged.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @ :Despite the shining future of the India UPS market, the heavy installation costs and the capital-intensive nature of this equipment are shadowing the market. The failure to see the long-term benefits of installing UPS units such as improving operational efficiency are also contributing towards hampering this market from realizing its full potential. Furthermore, the undeterred entry of counterfeit UPS units into the Indian market are also preventing the possible growth options of this market.South Zone to Flourish in Comparison with Other RegionsRegionally, the south zone of India is expected to show a remarkable support for the growth of the India UPS market. Besides being the most developed region in the country, it has huge manufacturing hubs. The south zone has a strong presence of key automobile manufacturers, textile industries, chemical companies, and several food and beverages players as well. Adoption of energy conservation measures by these companies is going propel the India UPS market in the forecast period.The chief operating players in the India UPS market are Genesis Power Equipments Limited, Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics Pvt. Ltd., Riello PCI India Pvt. Ltd., SU-KAM Power Systems Ltd., and Bonfiglioli Transmissions Pvt. Ltd. amongst others. To create a mark amongst the consumers, these companies will have to cater to the specific needs of their clients by customizing their solutions.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.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207
True Fleet Market Germany: back to growth

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After a slightly disappointing result in February(- 6.7%) the German True Fleet Market performed very well in March. The double-digit growth of 10.1% pushed the overall rate for the first quarter of 2017 to + 4.4% while the Total Market grew by 6.7% in Q1.The Top 10 ranking by brands didnt show many changes. Despite some impressive growth rates (Opel + 56.8%, Renault + 80.9%) the positions 1-9 remained unchanged. Toyota was able to enter the Top 10 by overtaking Nissan and with an increase of 57.0% the Japanese manufacturer achieved its highest market share in nine years (March 2008). This was partly due to the all-new C-HR but registrations of Auris and Aygo climbed strongly as well.Outside the Top 10 Citroen was shining too with + 72.8% and jumping from rank number 21 into 14th position. The Citroen Berlingo was especially outstanding, growing by 237% and representing almost half of all Citroen fleet registrations in March. A remarkable achievement taking into account that the second generation (B9) was introduced 9 years ago with only minor upgrades in 2012 and 2015.A bit further down the ranking we can report all-time records for two brands: both Jaguar and Tesla scored their best absolute volumes and market shares in the German True Fleet Market. At Jaguar the SUV F-Pace was the strongest seller both in March and for the first quarter of 2017. The F-Type in second place is (still) performing exceptionally well with + 367% in March and jumping into second position behind Porsches 911 within the True Fleet Sportscar segment.Despite a still very small model range Tesla is (electrically) accelerating. The Model X currently represents around one third of Teslas fleet registrations in March. This is marginally higher than in the Private Market. The results of Model S are absolutely remarkable. With more than 200 fleet registrations the sedan from Palo Alto ranked number two in the German Luxury Car segment behind BMWs 7 Series and outpacing competitors like Porsche Panamera, Mercedes S Class, Audi A8 etc. Within the Private market the Model S was even No. 1 for February and March.DATAFORCE  Focus on FleetsDataforce is the leading provider of fleet market data and automotive intelligence solutions in Europe. In addition, the company also provides detailed information on sales opportunities for the automotive industry, together with a wide portfolio of information based on primary market research and consulting services. The company is based in Frankfurt, Germany.Contact: Michael GergenDataforce Verlagsgesellschaft fur Business Informationen mbHHamburger Allee 1460486 Frankfurt am MainGermanyPhone: +49 69 95930-231Fax: +49 69 95930-333Email: michael.gergen@dataforce.de
Research Report Bioenergy Market Trends 2016 - 2024

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This research study analyzes the market for bioenergy both in terms of volume (Billion Gallons) and revenue (US$ Bn). The bioenergy market has been segmented on the basis of product type, application type, and geography. In terms of region, the market has been divided into four segments that comprise 15 countries, which are the major players in the global bioenergy market. For the research, 2014 has been taken as the base year, while all forecasts have been given for the period from 2016 to 2024. Market data for all the segments has been provided at the regional as well as country-specific level from 2016 to 2024. The report provides a broad competitive analysis of companies engaged in the bioenergy industry. The report also includes the key market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities affecting the global bioenergy market. These market dynamics were analyzed in detail and are illustrated in the report with the help of supporting graphs and tables. The report also provides a comprehensive analysis of the global bioenergy market with the help of Porters Five Forces model. This analysis helps in understanding the five major forces that affect the market structure and market profitability. The forces analyzed are bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and degree of competition.Browse Market Research Report @ :The high-level analysis in the report provides detailed insights into the bioenergy market globally. There are currently numerous drivers of the market. Some of the most prominent drivers are climate change mitigation and adaptation, energy security, and waste treatment. Market attractiveness analysis was carried out for the bioenergy market on the basis of geography. Market attractiveness was estimated on the basis of common parameters that directly impact the bioenergy market in different regions. The parameters include biogas and biofuel costs, government policies, bioenergy demand, and applications such as transportation, cooking, and off-grid electricity supply.Bioenergy is a critical part of the renewable energy mix. It is the only renewable energy that can be used across all three energy sectors (electricity, heat and transport) it is projected to be another growing segment within the renewable energy market after wind energy segment. The bioenergy market is rapidly evolving and changing. It represents a growing market opportunity for both new start-up companies and traditional companies from a point of view to transfer their capabilities into this new growth market. It is also a broad and varied sector, covering a range of technologies at different stages of development.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @ :The bioenergy market was segmented on the basis of product type (bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, and others) and application type (cooking, off-grid electricity supply, transportation, and others). The bioenergy market was analyzed across four geographies: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. Regional data has been provided for each sub-segment of the bioenergy market. Key players in the bioenergy market include Abengoa Bioenergy, Amyris, Inc., BP Biofuels, Butamax Advanced Biofuels, Ceres Inc., E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Enerkem, Gevo, Inc., Joule Unlimited, LanzaTech, Novozymes, POET LLC, Sapphire Energy, Solazyme Inc., and Zeachem Inc. The report provides an overview of these companies, followed by their financial details, business strategies, and recent developments.Bioenergy Market: By Product TypeBioethanolBiodieselBiogasOthersBioenergy Market: By Application TypeCookingOff-grid Electricity SupplyTransportationOthersAbout 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.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207
CW Radar Market: 2017 Global Trend and 2021 Forecast Research Report

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CW Radar Report by Material, Application, and Geography  Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and in-depth research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, united Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and China).Request a sample of Global CW Radar Market Research Report @The report firstly introduced the CW Radar basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.Browse the full Global CW Radar Industry Research Report @The report includes six parts, dealing with: Basic information The Asia CW Radar Market The North American CW Radar Market The European CW Radar Market Market entry and investment feasibility The report conclusionSome of the points from table of content:Part I CW Radar Industry OverviewChapter One CW Radar Industry Overview1.1 CW Radar Definition1.2 CW Radar Classification Analysis1.2.1 CW Radar Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 CW Radar Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 CW Radar Application Analysis1.3.1 CW Radar Main Application Analysis1.3.2 CW Radar Main Application Share Analysis1.4 CW Radar Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 CW Radar Industry Development Overview1.5.1 CW Radar Product History Development Overview1.5.1 CW Radar Product Market Development Overview1.6 CW Radar Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 CW Radar Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 CW Radar Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 CW Radar Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 CW Radar Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 CW Radar Global Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter Two CW Radar Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Materials Analysis2.1.1 Upstream Raw Materials Price Analysis2.1.2 Upstream Raw Materials Market Analysis2.1.3 Upstream Raw Materials Market Trend2.2 Down Stream Market Analysis2.1.1 Down Stream Market Analysis2.2.2 Down Stream Demand Analysis2.2.3 Down Stream Market Trend AnalysisPart II Asia CW Radar Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Three Asia CW Radar Market Analysis3.1 Asia CW Radar Product Development History3.2 Asia CW Radar Competitive Landscape Analysis3.3 Asia CW Radar Market Development TrendChapter Four 2012-2017 Asia CW Radar Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast4.1 2012-2017 CW Radar Capacity Production Overview4.2 2012-2017 CW Radar Production Market Share Analysis4.3 2012-2017 CW Radar Demand Overview4.4 2012-2017 CW Radar Supply Demand and Shortage4.5 2012-2017 CW Radar Import Export Consumption4.6 2012-2017 CW Radar Cost Price Production Value Gross MarginThe Report Contains: 168 Pages.Price of the report: 2850$ (single user license)Make an enquire of this report @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; +912064101019Follow Us on LinkedIn:Follow us on Twitter:Follow us on G+ :
Global Agricultural and Forestry Tractor Market to 2021 - Market Size, Development, Top 10 Countries, and Forecasts

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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Global Agricultural and Forestry Tractor Market to 2021 - Market Size, Development, Top 10 Countries, and Forecasts to its growing collection of premium market research reports.The report package Global Agricultural and Forestry Tractor Market to 2021 - Market Size, Development, Top 10 Countries, and Forecasts offers the most up-to-date industry data on the actual market situation, and future outlook for agricultural and forestry tractors in the world and in the top 10 global countries.Along with a global agricultural and forestry tractor market report the package includes country reports from the following countries:China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United StatesThe research includes historic data from 2010 to 2016 and forecasts until 2021 which makes the reports an invaluable resource for industry executives, marketing, sales and product managers, consultants, analysts, and other people looking for key industry data in readily accessible documents with clearly presented tables and graphs.To Enquire about this Report please visit @The reports help answer the following questions:- What is the current size of the agricultural and forestry tractor market in the world and in the top 10 global countries?- How is the agricultural and forestry tractor market divided into different product segments?- How are the overall market and different product segments growing?- How is the market predicted to develop in the future?- What is the market potential compared to other countries?The latest industry data included in the reports:- Overall agricultural and forestry tractor market size, 2010-2021- Agricultural and forestry tractor market size by product segment, 2010-2021- Growth rates of the overall agricultural and forestry tractor market and different product segments, 2010-2021- Shares of different product segments of the overall agricultural and forestry tractor market, 2008, 2014 and 2019The market data is given for the following product segments: Pedestrian controlled tractors Other wheeled tractorsTo view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Among the key reasons to purchase include the following:- Gain an outlook of the historic development, current market situation, and future outlook of the agricultural and forestry tractor market in the world and in the top 10 global countries to 2021- Track industry developments and identify market opportunities- Plan and develop marketing, market-entry, market expansion, and other business strategies by identifying the key market opportunities and prospects- Save time and money with the readily accessible key market data included in the reports. The data is clearly presented and can be easily incorporated into presentations and internal reports.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
Global Emergency Ambulance Market 2017-2021 Trends and Forecasts by Solutions, Components, Application and Major Regions : Ford,GM,Volkswagen,Toyota

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Emergency Ambulance Sales Market Report 2017 to its huge collection of research reports.The Emergency Ambulance from the point of view of all its present patterns that are impacting it, is essential to comprehend so as to acquire the most adjusted answer for business procedures in it. These patterns are financial, topographical, monetary, political, buyer, and social, and their general impact on customer or purchaser inclinations will have a noteworthy say in how this market will frame itself in the years to come. These elements and the way they affect the Emergency Ambulance have been examined in supreme detail in the report. A definitive objective for the spread of this data is to make an unmistakable investigation of how these patterns could conceivably influence the eventual fate of the market inside the reports given forecast period.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report, similar to all reports added to this research repository, is a comprehensive and engaging perspective of the Emergency Ambulance. It explains available progression, extent of development in different regions and specific locations, and different parameters that have been so far compelling amid its extension regarding value and volume. This examination study is along these lines a quantitative and a subjective review for conferring a reasonable vision of every single conceivable circumstance in the Emergency Ambulance, and in addition the drivers that may exist between 2017 and 2022.The Emergency Ambulance is likewise introduced to the readers of this report as an all-encompassing preview of the competitive scene inside the given time frame. It displays a similar examination of the regional portions and player competitiveness, offering readers a superior comprehension of where territories in which they can put their current assets.Table of ContentsGlobal Emergency Ambulance Sales Market Report 20171 Emergency Ambulance Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Emergency Ambulance1.2 Classification of Emergency Ambulance by Product Category1.2.1 Global Emergency Ambulance Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Emergency Ambulance Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 SUV Emergency Ambulance1.2.4 Truck Emergency Ambulance1.2.5 Bus Emergency Ambulance1.3 Global Emergency Ambulance Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Emergency Ambulance Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Hospital1.3.3 Emergency Center1.3.4 Other1.4 Global Emergency Ambulance Market by Region1.4.1 Global Emergency Ambulance Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Emergency Ambulance Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China Emergency Ambulance Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Europe Emergency Ambulance Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Emergency Ambulance Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Emergency Ambulance Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Emergency Ambulance Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Emergency Ambulance (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Emergency Ambulance Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Emergency Ambulance Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Browse Complete Report with TOC @2 Global Emergency Ambulance Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Emergency Ambulance Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Emergency Ambulance Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Emergency Ambulance Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Emergency Ambulance (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Emergency Ambulance Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Emergency Ambulance Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Global Emergency Ambulance (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Emergency Ambulance Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.3.2 Global Emergency Ambulance Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4 Global Emergency Ambulance (Volume) by Application3 United States Emergency Ambulance (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Emergency Ambulance Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 United States Emergency Ambulance Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 United States Emergency Ambulance Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 United States Emergency Ambulance Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 United States Emergency Ambulance Sales Volume and Market Share by Players3.3 United States Emergency Ambulance Sales Volume and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Emergency Ambulance Sales Volume and Market Share by Application4 China Emergency Ambulance (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Emergency Ambulance Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 China Emergency Ambulance Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 China Emergency Ambulance Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 China Emergency Ambulance Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)4.2 China Emergency Ambulance Sales Volume and Market Share by Players4.3 China Emergency Ambulance Sales Volume and Market Share by Type4.4 China Emergency Ambulance Sales Volume and Market Share by Application5 Europe Emergency Ambulance (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 Europe Emergency Ambulance Sales and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 Europe Emergency Ambulance Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 Europe Emergency Ambulance Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.3 Europe Emergency Ambulance Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)5.2 Europe Emergency Ambulance Sales Volume and Market Share by Players5.3 Europe Emergency Ambulance Sales Volume and Market Share by Type5.4 Europe Emergency Ambulance Sales Volume and Market Share by Application6 Japan Emergency Ambulance (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6.1 Japan Emergency Ambulance Sales and Value (2012-2017)6.1.1 Japan Emergency Ambulance Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)6.1.2 Japan Emergency Ambulance Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)6.1.3 Japan Emergency Ambulance Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)6.2 Japan Emergency Ambulance Sales Volume and Market Share by Players6.3 Japan Emergency Ambulance Sales Volume and Market Share by Type6.4 Japan Emergency Ambulance Sales Volume and Market Share by ApplicationRead More @QYResearchReports.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.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States
Global Tyre Curing Press Market Research Key Players, Industry Overview, Supply Chain and Analysis to 2017  2022

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For overview analysis, the report introduces Global Tyre Curing Press Market basic information including definition, classification, application, industry chain structure, industry overview, policy analysis, and news analysis, etc.This report studies Tyre Curing Press in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa, focuses on the top 5 Tyre Curing Press Players in each region, with sales, price, revenue and market share for top 5 manufacturer, covering HF TireTech Kobe Steel MHIMT Hebert Larsen & Toubro McNeil & NRM Alfred Herbert Specific Engineering Rogers CIMA Impianti ROTAS Santosh Engineering Sanming Double-Wheel Guilin Rubber Machinery ..Request a sample copy of Tyre Curing Press Market Research Report @Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales, revenue, market share of top 5 players in these regions, from 2012 to 2017 (forecast), likeNorth America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Korea)Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy and Russia etc.South America (Brazil, Chile, Peru and Argentina)Middle East and Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Saudi Arabia)Split by Product Types, with sales, revenue, price, market share of each type, can be divided into Mechanical Curing Press Hydraulic Curing Press Hybrid Curing PressSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Tyre Curing Press in each application, can be divided into Ordinary tyre Radial tyreBrowse full table of contents and data tables For Tyre Curing Press Market Research Report @Table of Contents1 Tyre Curing Press Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Tyre Curing Press1.2 Tyre Curing Press Segment by Types1.2.1 Global Sales Market Share of Tyre Curing Press by Types in 20151.2.2 Mechanical Curing Press1.2.3 Hydraulic Curing Press1.2.4 Hybrid Curing Press1.3 Tyre Curing Press Segment by Applications1.3.1 Tyre Curing Press Consumption Market Share by Applications in 20151.3.2 Ordinary tyre1.3.3 Radial tyre1.4 Tyre Curing Press Market by Regions1.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.2 Asia-Pacific Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 South America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Middle East and Africa Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Tyre Curing Press (2012-2022)2 Global Tyre Curing Press Sales, Revenue (value) and Market Share by Players2.1 Global Tyre Curing Press Sales and Market Share in 2015 and 2016 by Players2.2 Global Tyre Curing Press Revenue and Market Share by Players in 2015 and 20162.3 Global Tyre Curing Press Average Price by Players in 2015 and 20162.4 Global Tyre Curing Press Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types by Players2.5 Tyre Curing Press Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Tyre Curing Press Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Tyre Curing Press Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Players2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Tyre Curing Press Sales, Revenue (Value) by Regions, Type and Application (2012-2017)3.1 Global Tyre Curing Press Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.1.1 Global Tyre Curing Press Sales and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.1.2 Global Tyre Curing Press Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.2 Global Tyre Curing Press Sales, Revenue, Market Share and Price by Type (2012-2017)3.2.1 Global Tyre Curing Press Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)3.2.2 Global Tyre Curing Press Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)3.2.3 Global Tyre Curing Press Price by Type (2012-2017)3.3 Global Tyre Curing Press Sales and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)3.4 Global Tyre Curing Press Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)Enquire for Discount Tyre Curing Press Market Research Report @Related Reports: -Global and Chinese Tyre Curing Press Industry, 2017 Market Research ReportThe 'Global and Chinese Tyre Curing Press Industry, 2012-2022 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Tyre Curing Press industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Tyre Curing Press manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology.MarketSizeForecasters.com, a Skyline Market Research LLP brand, is an online aggregator of market research reports. MarketSizeForecasters.com offers a comprehensive collection of full length reports on global and regional markets in 100+ industry verticals. We have partnered with some of the leading business and market research publishing houses and regularly update our online library to offer wide range of reports to our customers.Market size forecastersThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketsizeforecasters.comWebsite:Connect with us: LinkedIn | Twitter
Global Vitamin K2 Market Analysis by Powder and Oil Applications 2022

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Global Vitamin K2 Market 2017 report spread across 121 pages gives Market Segment Analysis by Key Manufacturers, Countries, Types and Applications. Vitamin K2 is the term for a group of compounds called menaquinones, which can be found mainly in dairy products. All K vitamins are similar in structure, but differ in the length of the side chain. The longer the side chain, the better effect and efficiency.Complete report is available atScope of the Report:This report focuses on the Global Vitamin K2 market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers: Kappa Bioscience, NattoPharma, Gnosis, DSM, Viridis BioPharma, Frutarom, DuPont Nutrition & Health, GeneFerm Biotechnology, Shanghai Reson Biotech, Guangdong Goodscend, Seebio Biotech, Kyowa HakkoMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers: North America (USA, Canada and Mexico); Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy); Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia); South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.); Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, covers: MK-7, MK-4, OthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Powder, OilRequest for discount atThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Vitamin K2 market.Chapter 1 to describe Vitamin K2 Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2 to analyze the top manufacturers of Vitamin K2, with sales, revenue, and price of Vitamin K2, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3 to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4 to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Vitamin K2, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Order copy of report atChapter 10 and 11 to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12 Vitamin K2 market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15 to describe Vitamin K2 sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.ReportsnReports.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 95 leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets.Ritesh Tiwari,+ 1 888 391 5441sales@reportsandreports.com
Motion Controllers Market: Trends and Forecast by 2023

Motion Controllers Market, Global Motion Controllers Market,Motion Controllers Market Size

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Motion Controllers control the velocity and position of machines. These controllers can be implemented with the help of both analog and digital computers. A motion controller comprises of load, prime mover, sensors and controlling machine for proper functioning of prime mover and load. Moreover, it is used to accomplish speed accuracy, increased position, fast reaction time, smooth movements, cost reduction, integrated automation, improved efficiency and consistency, elimination of hazards and better diagnosis and troubleshooting among others.These devices incorporate high force magnet materials, precise dimensional tolerance and innovative design machines. Motion controllers are widely used in printing, packaging, textile, assembly industries, semiconductor production and many other automation systems.The key driving factors for motion controllers market are increasing venture by manufacturing companies and rising concern for industrial safety. Moreover, immense developments of automation market along with rapid globalization have collectively increased the demand for huge production capacity within limited time frame. Thus there has been a surge in implementation of automation systems in industries worldwide. Different geographical drivers are also accountable for the growth of this market.Fill the form to Gain Deeper Insights on this Market @In addition, demand from developing countries, such as India, China and Brazil are expected to create opportunities for motion controllers market in the future. However, high manufacturing cost and lack of skilled workers are hindering the growth of the market. This challenge has to be addressed by manufacturers in order to ensure efficient applications of motion controllers.Global motion controllers market can be broadly classified on the basis of technology, application and geography. By technology, the market for motion controllers has been broadly segmented into computerized numerical control and general motion control. Usage of these controllers is much simpler in general motion control machines compared to computerized numerical control machines. The market can be subdivided by application into automotive, machinery manufacturing, logistics, aerospace and defense, electronics and semiconductor, food and beverage, medical, paper and printing, oil and gas and energy.Machinery manufacturing, logistics and electronics and semiconductor are the major sectors which are expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period from 2015 to 2021. The major reason is attributed to potential demand for process automation and industrial safety in these sectors. By geography, the global market for motion controllers has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World.Obtain Report Details @In the present scenario, the market for motion controllers is dominated by Asia Pacific in terms of revenue, followed by North America and Europe. The major factor responsible for potential development of this market in Asia Pacific is huge adoption of these devices coupled with rapid technological advancement. However, North America and Europe is anticipated to grow at a significant rate in the future, primarily due to huge investment by manufacturing industries along with increase in industrialization.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:
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Taipei, April 18 (CNA) Since measures were taken last Monday to crack down on motorists who drive in the Hsuehshan Tunnel at speeds below the minimum speed limit of 70 kilometers per hour under normal traffic conditions, 11 tickets for violating the rule have been issued, the freeway authorities said Tuesday.
Electric Vehicle Battery Market: Current trends, Opportunities, Challenges by 2023

Global Electric Vehicle Battery Market Industry Analysis, Electric Vehicle Battery Market Size

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Growing concerns related to decreasing oil and gas resources and degrading environmental conditions are having positive impact on the demand for electric powered vehicles. Moreover, subsidies and incentives on usage of such vehicles is another factor driving the market for electric powered vehicles. These vehicles depend on electric batteries to provide the primary or the secondary power. Thus any impact on the demand for electric powered vehicles will affect the electric vehicle battery market. An electric powered vehicle or battery electric vehicle use chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs for power.As all the power is derived from batteries therefore, it does not require any combustion engine for propulsion. Battery Electric vehicles include scooters, rail cars, bicycle, forklifts, buses and cars. The advantages in battery storage technology have also positively affected the electric vehicle battery market.The segmentation of the electric vehicle battery market can be done on the basis of technology, application and geography. Technology segment deals with the different types of batteries used for manufacturing of electric vehicle battery. Major battery types include lead acid batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, zebra batteries and lithium ion batteries.Fill the form to Gain Deeper Insights on this Market @Lead acid batteries are the most common and cheapest type of batteries. Nickel metal hydride batteries have higher energy densities than the common lead acid batteries and if used properly can have exceptionally long lives. The Zebra batteries use molten chloro-aluminate sodium as electrolyte. Lithium ion batteries use graphite anode and lithium cobalt oxide anode. These batteries are use to power the Battery Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Electric Vehicles.Regional segmentation of the electric vehicle battery market includes countries such as the United States and Canada in North America; Germany, France, Sweden and the United Kingdom in Europe. The government incentives on usage of battery powered vehicles are one of the main reasons behind the growth of North American and European electric vehicle battery market. Other prominent market includes Asia Pacific and Middle East.Asia Pacific market includes the countries such as Japan, China and South Korea. Increasing concerns related to energy security and incentives on use of battery powered vehicles are the major factor driving the Asia Pacific market. The Rest of the World segment still lags behind in the electric vehicle battery market. The Rest of the World Market includes countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela.Obtain Report Details @Decreasing crude oil reserves and concerns regarding degradation of the environment are the major factors driving the electric vehicle battery market. With decreasing crude reserves the demand for economical transportation technologies has attracted investment in this market. The governments of many major countries have encouraged adoption hybrid vehicles that utilize the electric battery. Many national agencies have enforced rules and provide attractive concessions on purchasing hybrid cars. Stringent environmental regulations in the European Union nations have encouraged wide adoption of the battery powered vehicles. The fluctuating crude oil prices are another major factor bolstering consumers to adopt such batteries. Expensive nature of electric vehicle battery is one of the major restraints to the 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. 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:
Plating on Plastics Market: Latest Trends,Analysis & Insights 2024

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A new research report by Transparency Market Research offers a comprehensive evaluation of the global Plating on Plastics Market. The study, titled Plating on Plastics Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024, is available for sale on the firms website.Global Plating on Plastics Market: OverviewPlating on plastics (POP) refers to the application of metal onto plastic surfaces by electroplating. Plastics are plated with metals such as chromium and nickel to give them the luster expected of metal surfaces and enhance features such as corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, toughness, and ease of cleaning.Browse Market Research Report @The use of plastics started increasing nearly five decades ago, owing to their physical properties, namely toughness, flexibility, lightness, excellent surface quality, and ease of producing complex parts out of them. This led to the replacement of metals by plastics as the material for construction in a number of applications. Plating on plastics technology has provided a viable third way for manufacturers, as metal plating introduces the benefits of metal surfaces without compromising on the structural benefits of plastics. As a result, plating on plastics technology is gaining attention from several industries looking for wider uses of plastics in a variety of applications such as medical devices and consumer goods.This report on the global plating on plastics market gives a detailed overview of the historical growth and observed development trajectory of the global POP market. The detailed document also gives a forward-looking perspective of the markets potential growth prospects over the 2016-2024 forecast period.Global Plating on Plastics Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe rising demand for lightweight and high-performance substitutes to metals in the automotive industry is one of the major factors driving the global plating on plastics market. Rising consumer awareness regarding the environmental and performance benefits of lightweight vehicles has led to the increased use of a variety of plastics and metal-plastic polymers in the automotive industry, which is a key driver for the global plating on plastics market.The automotive industry is thus the leading end user of the plating on plastics technique. The sector employs plating on plastics across verticals ranging from internal decorative elements to exterior protective elements and accessories in basic as well as premium cars.Apart from the automotive industry, the consumer goods, food and beverages, and cosmetics industries are the key consumers of plating on plastics technology. The global POP market also earns a major share of its revenue from its application in the plumbing sector. Owing to the protection afforded by plating on plastics against water, they are becoming the preferred material in the plumbing industry.The metal finish of POP-treated polymers makes them ideal for use in areas that are constantly subjected to humid and intermittent hot and cold conditions, such as bathroom fittings. This is likely to remain a key driver for the global plating on plastics market in the coming years, as the demand for plumbing from the residential as well as commercial construction is likely to grow in the coming years.Global Plating on Plastic Market: Regional and Competitive OverviewThe global plating on plastics market is presently led by Europe owing to the presence of some of the worlds leading automotive companies in Central and Western Europe. The recent global economic depression, which had an especially strong impact on a number of industries in Europe, has also had a major impact on the regions automotive industry, which has impacted the POP market adversely. However, steady recovery looks likely for the automotive industry in the coming years, presenting major growth opportunities for the plating on plastics market as well.Asia Pacific presents major growth opportunities for the global POP market owing to the rising demand for passenger and luxury vehicles in developing countries such as India and China. The rapidly rising population of high disposable income demographics in these countries has led to an increased demand for passenger and commercial vehicles in the past few years, leading to increased prospects for the plating on plastics market.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The global POP market features a large number of vendors operating in intense competition. The highly fragmented competitive landscape has prompted market players to invest more in research and the development of more effective and reliable plating on plastic technologies. Acquisition of specialty chemical manufacturers is a popular trend among companies in the plating on plastic market. Some of the major companies in the market are Applegate, Helco Metal, Sarrel Group, Thanh Luan, Trenton, Bolta Werke, Chromal, BEP Surface Technology, and Xinpoint.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. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit :
Insomnia Market: Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment

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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.Get Sample Copy of this Report @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.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: 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.View Report @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: 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.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:
Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIg) Market By Current & Upcoming Trends Analysis 2024

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Immunoglobulin, commonly known as an antibody, is a Y-shaped protein manufactured primarily by plasma cells. Immunoglobulin is utilized by the immune system to counterbalance pathogens. Subcutaneous injections are administered as vaccines and medications including insulin and immunoglobulin. The process of administering immunoglobulin is known as immunoglobulin therapy. When immunoglobulin therapy is applied below the dermis and epidermis, or cutis, it is known as subcutaneous immunoglobulin. Subcutaneous therapy is useful as it offers a sustained rate of absorption.Get Sample Copy of this Report @Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT) is the systematic care for patients with antibody deficit. Immunoglobulin replacement therapy can be of two types: subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). The choice of treatment depends upon numerous factors such as clinical symptoms, patient physiognomies, intravenous access, and possible side effects. However, subcutaneous immunoglobulin infusions for immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT) are more efficient, and these have a satisfactory safety profile along with good tolerance level. Advantages of the subcutaneous route include reduced adverse effects, partial deviation in peak and trough immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, decreased need for vascular access and improved patient autonomy. Subcutaneous immunoglobulin can be administered to most patients where clinically appropriate, and with pertinent learning and follow up care. These factors are likely to fuel the growth of the global subcutaneous immunoglobulin market.Government regulations such as approvals from the Food and Drug Administration is an essential factor likely to shape the global subcutaneous immunoglobulin market. Subcutaneous immunoglobulin requires frequent administration and some patients might need battery driven pumps for taking subcutaneous immunoglobulin. This is likely to hamper the growth of the market. However, subcutaneous immunoglobulin can be administered at home without IV (intravenous) access, thereby making it a cheap alternative as compared to intravenous immunoglobulin. Moreover, ease of use and high movability of subcutaneous immunoglobulin makes them a preferred choice for immune deficient patient. According to a report by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, globally, over 6 million people suffer from primary immune deficiency alone. Therefore, the subcutaneous immunoglobulin market is likely to witness strong growth in the next few years.The global resonators market can be segmented based on condition, end-user, and region. In terms of condition, the market can be segmented into primary immune deficiency and secondary immune deficiency. Primary immune deficiency accounted for the largest share of the global subcutaneous immunoglobulin market and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. Based on end-user, the market can be segmented into hospitals, private medical clinics, residential use, and others. Hospitals held the major share of the global market. However, the residential segment is projected to expand at a high growth rate during the forecast period driven by increasing adoption of subcutaneous immunoglobulin.Geographically, the global subcutaneous immunoglobulin market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. North America held the dominant share of the global market. Presence of key players and availability of subcutaneous immunoglobulin as well as rising adoption of advanced medical services has resulted in the dominance of this region. However, Asia Pacific is likely to grow at a substantial rate due to rise in primary immune deficiency in the region.View Report @The global subcutaneous immunoglobulin market is characterized by the existence of a number of players. With all dealers competing to gain significant market shares, the market is very competitive in nature. Companies are competing on the basis of price and early approvals from the regulatory authorities such as the FDA.Key players in the market include CSL Behring AG, Shire plc, Baxter International AG, Biotest AG, CUVITRU Baxalta US, Inc., Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Vivaglobin CSL, Hizentra CSL Behring AG, HYQVIA, and Behring GmbH.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:
Global Passenger Car Sensors Market Analysis 2016-2022 : Key Players Profiles, Regional Analysis and Future Prospects

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Global Passenger Car Sensors Market, by Sensor Type (Pressure, Temperature, Speed and other), by Application (Powertrain/ Drivetrain, Exhaust, Interior/Comfort, DAS and Body control) - Forecast 2016-2022.Market Synopsis of Passenger car sensors Market:Market Scenario:The growth of automotive industry directly leads to increasing demand in passenger vehicle sensor market. Efficiency, stringent emission norms, safety and comfort are some of the factors which drives the passenger car sensors market. Sensors are used from engine to exhaust system of the vehicle to optimize vehicle performance while improving reliability and durability. Moreover, advancements such as tire pressure monitoring systems, occupant detection , electronic stability control, heating and ventilation air conditioning and other are driving the market for passenger vehicle sensors. Additionally, Government also encourages passenger car sensors for electronic stability control and for detection.Whereas, high cost acts as a barrier for the growth of the market growth.Get a Sample Report @Key Players:The major player operating in the market of Global Passenger car sensors are- Robert Bosch GmbH, Continental AG, Denso Corporation, Delphi Automotive PLC, Allegro Microsystems LLC, Analog Devices Inc., CTS Corporation, Elmos Semiconductors, Infineon Technologies and TRW Automotive.Study Objectives of Passenger car sensors markets Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the Passenger car sensors markets Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the Passenger car sensors markets market based 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 sensor type, 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 Passenger car sensors.Regional Analysis:Passenger car sensors market is highest growing market in Asia pacific. Government announced that soon they will make rear view sensors or backup camera's mandatory on all new vehicles. Increasing risk to small children and pedestrians from reversing or rolling back vehicles is the major aim behind that. Additionally , sensor innovation such as monitor light, temperature, pressure and other things driving the market of passenger car sensors market and showing opportunity for the development of sensor.Whereas , Europe is encouraging passenger car manufacturers to focus on the emerging parts of the globe where the passenger car population increasing at a fast pace.Target Audience: Packaging Organizations Manufacturer Research Institute / Education Institute Potential InvestorsGet Browse Report @Product Analysis:Product matrix which gives a detailed comparison of the market for different recycled product typesAdditional Information: Regulatory Landscape Pricing Analysis Macroeconomic IndicatorsCompany Information:Profiling of 10 key market playersIn-depth analysis including SWOT analysis, and strategy information of related to report titleCompetitive landscape including emerging trends adopted by major companiesThe report for Global Passenger car sensors 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.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Platform Screen Doors (PSD) Market 2017 - KTK, Fangda, Kangni, Manusa, Nabtesco, Stanley, Panasonic, Jiacheng, Westinghouse, Faiveley, Shanghai Electric

Platform Screen Doors (PSD) Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Platform Screen Doors (PSD) Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Platform Screen Doors (PSD) Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Platform Screen Doors (PSD) industry, and estimates the future trend of Platform Screen Doors (PSD) market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Platform Screen Doors (PSD) Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportNabtescoWestinghouseFaiveleyFangdaKangniHorton AutomaticsStanleyPanasonicJiachengShanghai ElectricKTKManusaThe market research report explores the Platform Screen Doors (PSD) market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Platform Screen Doors (PSD) Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Platform Screen Doors (PSD) market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Platform Screen Doors (PSD). Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Platform Screen Doors (PSD) market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Platform Screen Doors (PSD) is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Platform Screen Doors (PSD) market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Platform Screen Doors (PSD) market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Platform Screen Doors (PSD) market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Platform Screen Doors (PSD) production volume, data pertaining to demand and Platform Screen Doors (PSD) supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Platform Screen Doors (PSD) along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Platform Screen Doors (PSD) across the world.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
Atomizing Copper Powder Market 2017 - Chemet, Pound Met, SCHLENK, SMM Group, Mitsui Kinzoku, GGP Metalpowder, SAFINA Materials, Changsung Corporation

Atomizing Copper Powder Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Atomizing Copper Powder Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Atomizing Copper Powder Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Atomizing Copper Powder industry, and estimates the future trend of Atomizing Copper Powder market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Atomizing Copper Powder Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportKymera InternationalFUKUDA METAL FOIL & POWDERGripm Advanced MaterialsChemetPound MetGGP MetalpowderSCHLENKShanghai CNPC EnterpriseChangsung CorporationTongling Guochuan Electronic MaterialAnhui Xujing Powder New-materialMitsui KinzokuSMM GroupSAFINA MaterialsThe market research report explores the Atomizing Copper Powder market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Atomizing Copper Powder Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Atomizing Copper Powder market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Atomizing Copper Powder. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Atomizing Copper Powder market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Atomizing Copper Powder is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Atomizing Copper Powder market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Atomizing Copper Powder market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Atomizing Copper Powder market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Atomizing Copper Powder production volume, data pertaining to demand and Atomizing Copper Powder supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Atomizing Copper Powder along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Atomizing Copper Powder across the world.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
Aluminum Sulfate Market 2017 - GEO, USALCO, Kemira, GAC Chemical, Solvay Rhodia, C&S Chemical, General Chemical, Chemtrade Logistics, Southern Ionics

Aluminum Sulfate Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Aluminum Sulfate Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Aluminum Sulfate Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Aluminum Sulfate industry, and estimates the future trend of Aluminum Sulfate market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Aluminum Sulfate Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportChemtrade LogisticsGeneral ChemicalGEOC&S ChemicalUSALCOSolvay RhodiaAffinity ChemicalKemiraGAC ChemicalHolland CompanySierra ChemicalSouthern IonicsThe market research report explores the Aluminum Sulfate market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Aluminum Sulfate Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Aluminum Sulfate market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Aluminum Sulfate. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Aluminum Sulfate market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Aluminum Sulfate is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Aluminum Sulfate market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Aluminum Sulfate market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Aluminum Sulfate market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Aluminum Sulfate production volume, data pertaining to demand and Aluminum Sulfate supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Aluminum Sulfate along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Aluminum Sulfate across the world.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) Market 2017 - Jatco, Chery, Aisin AW, Bosch, TOYOTA, JATCO (Guangzhou) Automatic Transmission

Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) industry, and estimates the future trend of Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportJatcoAisin AWBoschTOYOTAJATCO (Guangzhou) Automatic TransmissionHunan Jianglu&Rongda Vehicle TransmissionCheryBeijing Automotive Industry HoldingCompany 40The market research report explores the Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT). Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) production volume, data pertaining to demand and Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) across the world.About UsApexResearch offer reports from top publishers and update to serve you with immediate on-line access to professional insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezBusiness Development Executive| sales@apexresearch.biz
Dental CAD-CAM Market - Advanced technologies & growth opportunities in global Industry by 2026

Dental CAD-CAM Market,Dental CAD-CAM Market share,Dental CAD-CAM Market size

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Dental computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, or CAD-CAM is the automation technology that helps in dental restoration. CAD/CAM supplements earlier technologies that were used for these dental resolutions by increasing the speed of design and manufacturing, increasing the suitability and easiness of the design, construction, and insertion procedures. This technology have made restorations possible that otherwise would have not been feasible. Other goals include sinking unit cost and making restorations affordable.The current surge in the demand for dental cosmetic surgeries is likely to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. The expenditure on cosmetic dentistry has amplified since the past few years. Within this division, non-metallic inlays or onlays held a large share. Teeth whitening is the most pursued procedure, while tooth-colored crowns, tooth-colored inlays, veneers, tooth-colored onlays, and bonding are the prime contributors to the surgery segment.Development in the healthcare sector has led to the increase in life expectancy of the global population; hence, there is a growth in the aging population around the globe. This factor is likely to push the demand for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing into a positive growth trajectory.Fill the form to Gain Deeper Insights on this Market @One of the major restraint of the market is the cost. Emergence of new technologies coupled with lack of skilled workforce are the major factors responsible for the high cost of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. However, growth in intra-oral scanners and open architecture solutions will foster the overall market for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. Moreover, growing awareness about health problems coupled with significant adoption of automation technology, will lead to high growth of the computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing market in the coming years.The global market for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing can be segmented according to product type, end-users, and geography. Based on type, the market can be trifurcated into chair side CAD/CAM systems, digital imprisoning systems, and others. Chair side systems held a significant market share among the types, primarily due to ease of use of the system.Obtain Report Details @On the basis of end-user, the global CAD/CAM market can be divided into dental clinics, dental hospitals, dental companies, and others. Among these, dental hospitals held the maximum market share. For undergoing surgery, dental patients perceive hospitals to be safer and well protected coupled with increased availability of doctors; hence, the high market share of the segment.On the basis of region, the global computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing market can be segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. North America held a significant market share. This is mainly due to the US, which is the leading player in the global dental healthcare market. Moreover, higher incidences of dental caries, high patient awareness, and developed healthcare infrastructure in the US and Canada, will foster the overall growth of the market. Europe held the second largest share of the computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing market. Asia Pacific is poised to grow at a considerable rate over the forecast period due to growth in the aging population, as well as rise in disposable income in this region.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:
Free-to-air (FTA) Service Market: Evolving Technology, Trends and industry Analysis up to 2024

free-to-air Market, FTA, Free-to-air service Market, FTA service Market, Satellite FTA Market

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The EMEA free-to-air services market is currently being driven by the speedy rate of adoption of digital technologies. The popularity of digital broadcasting and video-on-demand services are creating an ample demand for FTA services across the world and especially in the EMEA region. The EMEA free-to-air services market is also specifically being driven by the increasing proliferation of IPTV.However, the EMEA free-to-air services market is currently being restricted by the growing scope of piracy that digitization brings with it. The high rate of piracy is denying revenue to multiple players within the market and several of them are taking precautions to protect themselves from this loss of revenue.The EMEA free-to-air services market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 11.8% within a forecast period from 2016 to 2024, with regards to its value. At the end of 2015, the EMEA free-to-air services market was calculated at US$59.29 bn, and is expected to reach US$155.8 bn by the end of 2024.Fill the form to Gain Deeper Insights on this Market @Among the key regions within the EMEA free-to-air services market, Europe had held the top spot in 2015. Europe is also highly likely to continue leading the EMEA free-to-air services market over the coming years, primarily due to the earlier adoption of key services in the market. As a result, Europe holds a much larger presence of the leading players  especially digital broadcaster  in the EMEA free-to-air services market.The heavy demand for FTA services in Europe has created a massive scope of entry for providers of FTA services in the EMEA region. Germany has especially been a key contributor to Europes lead in the EMEA free-to-air services market over the recent past. All in all Europe is expected to show a very optimistic CAGR of 12.1% in the EMEA free-to-air services market, between 2016 and 2024.The EMEA free-to-air services market has been segmented on the basis of devices, into cable television, satellite television, mobile television, and radio. Of these, the market was dominated by cable television in 2015 by taking up close to three-fourths of the markets total value. It is also expected that cable television will remain the leading segment in the EMEA free-to-air services market for the immediate future, owing to cheaper and easier access and an already high user population.Obtain Report Details @This research report provides an in-depth analysis of the Europe and Middle East & Africa FTA market based on device and geography. Furthermore, the report provides complete insights into different device types such as satellite TV, cable TV, mobile TV, and radio. The report analyzes each of these segments for the various geographies considered under the scope of the study.Based on geographical regions, the report segments the EMEA FTA market into Europe and Middle East & Africa (MEA, which are analyzed in terms of revenue generation. Europe is divided into the U.K., Germany, France, and Rest of Europe while MEA is further segmented into South Africa, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., and Rest of MEA.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:
Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Market Research Report : : Key Trends and Forecast Research Report 2023

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Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Market: Key PlayersSome of the most prominent companies in the global primary immunodeficiency diseases market are CSL Behring LLC, Baxter International, Inc., Grifols S.A., Octapharma AG, and others.Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Market: Key InsightsIn response to the rising incidence of antibody diseases, Transparency Market Research (TMR) forecasts the global primary immunodeficiency market to surge at 6.1% CAGR between 2015 and 2023. Developed regions such as Europe and North America are predominantly contributing to the growth witnessed by this market. The consistent approval of novel therapeutic options for primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDD) and extensive research and development investments by key players are likely to bolster opportunities for the market in the forthcoming years.On the flip side, the absence of proper reimbursement and high cost of therapies will inhibit the markets growth trajectory to an extent. Nevertheless, with favorable government policies and funding for research and development in biopharma and pharmaceuticals, growth prospects for the market seem quite promising.TMR expects the global PIDD market to reach US$7.5 bn by the end of 2023, from a valuation of US$4.3 bn in 2014.Browse full report on Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Market -Demand for PIDD Treatment Highest in North America and EuropeCollectively accounting for a share of 79.4% in the global PIDD market, North America and Europe emerged as the dominant regional segments in 2014. Among these regions, North America boasted the largest share of 56.2% in 2014, with the U.S. at the fore. As per TMR, the U.S. held over 80.2% of the PIDD market in North America in the same year. The nation is expected to continue demonstrating lucrative opportunities for the PIDD market through the forecast period.Over the last couple of years, a persistently increasing prevalence of diseases such as selective IgA deficiency, IgG subclass deficiency, and common variable immune deficiency has been witnessed in North America. This has fuelled the uptake of PIDD therapeutics. However, the growing awareness pertaining to side-effects such as renal failure and allergic reactions frequently associated with the treatment could hamper the markets growth to an extent.The primary immunodeficiency diseases market in North America, which stood at US$2.4 bn in 2014, is expected to reach US$4.3 bn by the end of 2023. The market is therefore expected to rise at a CAGR of 6.4% during the period.In Europe, the market is expected to gain from the increasing awareness regarding PIDD and favorable government support. The presence of companies such as Baxter International Inc., CSL Behring LLC, and Blotest Pharmaceuticals Corporation also supports the markets expansion in the region. Apart from this, emerging nations in Asia Pacific also exhibit lucrative scope for the expansion of the PIDD market. The increasing willingness among people to spend on novel therapeutics augurs well for sales prospects of the market in Asia Pacific. The region currently holds only a moderate share in the market. However, in the near future the opportunities for sale of PIDD therapeutics in the region will increase considerably.Rising Uptake of Immunoglobulin (Ig) Replacement Therapy Expected in Near FutureBy treatment, stem cell and gene therapy, antibiotic therapy, immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy, and others make the key segments in the global PIDD market. Of these, immunoglobulin replacement has been in use for the treatment of chronic ailments for the past two decades. Due to the recent developments, it is also used for the treatment of partial antibody deficiency and combined immunodeficiencies. The segment therefore emerged dominant in the market in 2014. As per TMR, immunoglobulin replacement therapy will hold on to its position as the market leader through the forecast period.Despite, Ig replacement therapy being the most widely accepted treatment among PIDD patients, the use of antibiotics as an adjunct therapy is poised to surge in the near future. Some of the most commonly used antibiotics include penicillin, macrolides, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines.The demand for stem cell and gene therapy is also expected to increase during the forecast period, which in turn will augment the demand for effective PIDD treatment.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:
Hospital Acquired Disease Testing Market Research Report : : Analysis & Trends 2023

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Global Hospital Acquired Disease Testing Market Key PlayersSome of the leading players operating in the global hospital acquired disease testing market are L Hoffman La Roche, Gen-Probe Inc., Diatherix Laboratories Inc., Life Technologies Corporation, Qiagen GmbH, Cantel Medical Corporation, Nordion, Inc., Cepheid, Inc., Meridian Biosciences, and others.Global Hospital Acquired Disease Testing Market InsightsThe rising incidence of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) has emerged as a major concern for governments, particularly across developing and underdeveloped countries. In first world countries such as the U.S., various regulations are in place for penalizing hospitals exhibiting a high incidence of HAIs. Such regulations augur well for the hospital acquired disease testing market in developed countries. In contrast, the absence of proper regulations and stringent policies limiting the adoption of molecular-biology-based diagnostics are restricting the expansion of the market across emerging nations.Nevertheless, Transparency Market Research (TMR) forecasts the market to gain considerable momentum in the forthcoming years with the advent of the latest technologies. As per TMR, the global hospital acquired disease testing market stood at US$416.7 mn in 2014. Exhibiting a CAGR of 19.9% CAGR between 2015 and 2023, the market is expected to reach US$2.07 bn by the end of 2023.Browse full report on Hospital Acquired Disease Testing Market -Demand from Asia Pacific to Surge as the Region Witness High Incidence of HAIsRegionally, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Rest of the World constitute the key markets for hospital acquired disease testing. Among these regions, North America held a dominant share of 38.5% in the market in 2014. Europe, in the same year, emerged as the second-largest market with a share of 21.6%. With over a million people suffering from hospital acquired infection, leading to several deaths every year, the U.S. emerged as the largest market for hospital acquired disease testing in North America.Other than the rising demand from the diagnostic market, the latest advancements in molecular diagnostics have been propelling the market in the region. Favorable regulations implemented to prevent the prevalence of HAIs also support the markets growth in North America.TMR forecasts Asia Pacific to exhibit the fastest growth for hospital acquired disease testing. The incidence of nosocomial infections is considerably high in the region. Moreover, Asia Pacific also has stringent regulations in place aimed at curbing HAIs. This, combined with the rising investment in the healthcare infrastructure, is a primary contributor to the hospital acquired disease testing market in the region. The Asia Pacific market is expected to surge at the highest CAGR of 21.2% between 2015 and 2023.Increasing Incidence of Urinary Tract Infections Fuels Demand for Hospital Acquired Disease TestingUrinary tract infection is one of the most common hospital acquired infections affecting millions around the world. It has therefore emerged as the largest segment in the global hospital acquired disease testing market, based on test type. As per TMR, the segment was valued at US$155.3 mn in 2014. Rising at a CAGR of 19.8%, the urinary tract infection testing segment is forecast to reach 768.8 mn in 2023.Apart from this, the demand for hospital acquired disease testing will also rise in response to the increasing incidence of surgical site infection, pneumonia, and MRSA, which is considered the fastest growing HAI in the world. Hospital acquired disease testing is also used for the bloodstream test.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:
UV-cured Acrylic Adhesive Tapes Market Research Report 2016

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Global UV-cured Acrylic Adhesive Tapes Market: OverviewAcrylic adhesive tapes are formed with an acrylic polymer base that is coated on a backing material or carrier. The adhesive is applied either on one side or both in order to temporarily or permanently join two overlapping materials. One of the techniques used to produce these pressure-sensitive tapes is UV curation, which enables improved manufacturing without requiring solvents.Typically, foamed tapes have double coating of high-performance acrylic adhesives. Thermally conductive tapes possess properties such as good thermal transfer, insulation and high temperature resistance. Flame retardant tapes are heat resistant and acts a barrier between flames and core system of a material. Universal tapes have single-side coating and are easy to apply with tear-proof systems.Rising pressure to use chemicals emitting a low content of VOC is the key reason for research and development of UV-cured adhesives and their applications in various industries. Players shifting their focus onto the development of new products is projected to offer significant opportunities in the near future.To Get Sample Of the Reports @Production of UV-cured acrylic adhesive tapes requires specialized machinery with advanced technology for proper application of UV-cured adhesives. Their development and adoption in the market (because of their low to almost zero content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) is the result of stringent regulations on the usage of chemicals emitting VOCs.Global UV-cured Acrylic Adhesive Tapes Market: Scope of the StudyThe report estimates and forecasts the UV-cured acrylic adhesive tapes market on the global and regional levels. The study provides forecast between 2016 and 2024 based on volume (million sq. mts./thousand sq. mts.) and revenue (US$ Mn) with 2015 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the segments. It provides a comprehensive view of the market. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition at each stage.The study includes drivers and restraints for the UV-cured acrylic adhesive tapes market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the UV-cured acrylic adhesive tapes market on the global and regional level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. Furthermore, the report analyzes substitute analysis of UV-cured acrylic adhesive tapes and global average price trend analysis.The report includes Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the UV-cured acrylic adhesive tapes market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users and regions have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market. The report comprises price trend analysis for UV-cured acrylic adhesive tapes between 2016 and 2024.Global UV-cured Acrylic Adhesive Tapes Market: SegmentationThe study provides a comprehensive view of the UV-cured acrylic adhesive tapes market by dividing it into product, application and geography segments. The products have been segmented into foamed tapes and non-foamed tapes. Non-foamed tapes are further classified into thermally conductive tapes, flame retardant tapes and universal tapes. The applications are segmented into automotive, building & construction (B&C), aerospace, electricals & electronics (E&E) and others. These segments have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends.Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast consumption of UV-cured acrylic adhesive tapes in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Market segmentation includes demand for consumption in all the regions individually.Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to, company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.In-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research.Global UV-cured Acrylic Adhesive Tapes Market: Competitive OutlookThe report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.Key players profiled in the report include 3M, Avery Dennison Corporation, Denka Company Limited, Henkel AG & Company KGaA, and Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. and Others. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable).To Get Full Detail of The Reports @The global UV-cured acrylic adhesive tapes market has been segmented as follows:UV-cured Acrylic Adhesive Tapes Market  Product Analysis Foamed tapes Non-foamed tapes Thermally Conductive tapes Flame Retardant tapes Universal tapesUV-cured Acrylic Adhesive Tapes Market  End User Analysis Automotive Building & Construction Aerospace Electricals & Electronics OthersUV-cured Acrylic Adhesive Tapes Market  Regional Analysis North Americao U.S.o Canada Latin Americao Brazilo Mexicoo Rest of Latin America Europeo Germanyo Franceo U.K.o Spaino Italyo Rest of Europe Asia Pacifico Chinao Japano Indiao ASEANo Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africao GCCo South Africao Rest of Middle East & AfricaTo Get Discount for the Reports @Transparency 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.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Gynecological Devices Market Research Report : : Key Players and Production Information analysis

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Global Gynecology Devices Market: An OverviewThe globally increasing prevalence of diseases such as cervical cancer, uterine fibroids, menorrhagia, and a number of other minor ailments is the key factor boosting the growth and market penetration of gynecology devices. Adding to this is the negative effects of the modern lifestyle on the female body and organs. These changes have imparted a greater deal of social and financial stress, creating a wider scope of women falling prey to gynecological disorders. Another major driver that gynecology devices players can refer to is the growing population of elderly women.At the same time, expenditures in healthcare are increasing, further improving the research and development investments and therefore, improving the chances of diagnostic success. Owing to these factors, the global gynecology devices revenue generated is expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.8% between 2015 and 2023. This markets overall revenue generated is expected to increase from US$14.9 bn in 2014 to US$22.5 bn in 2023. Key players absorbing major portions of this revenue include CooperSurgical, Inc., Medtronic PLC, Olympus Corporation, Stryker Corporation, Boston Scientific Corporation, and Hologic, Inc.Currently, the market for gynecology devices is extremely scattered, as most of the top players in the market are still only regionally dominant. This leaves a large vacancy for new entrants to take up a share in the revenue through innovative efforts and focus on specific market segments.Browse full report on Gynecological Devices Market -Major Players Move From North America to Other Regions for Greater OpportunitiesThe U.S. and Canada have consistently provided major opportunities for players in the gynecology devices to flourish. Ample investment support, large patient pool, high awareness, and an advanced healthcare infrastructure have led to North America housing some of the biggest names in gynecology devices. While these regions will continue to remain strong in terms of growth, players operating here are rapidly looking to expand their base towards Europe and Asia Pacific, especially the former. Key reasons for this need to shift regional focus include increasing regulatory pressure and macroeconomic complications. As a result, manufacturers are expected to establish their presence in other regions, including the E.U. and emerging economies.North America has been the leading regional consumer of gynecology devices in 2014, holding 41.1% of the total revenue. This region is expected to retain its dominance till 2023, owing to a number of major advancements in technologies that will be incorporated here first. The second-largest region in terms of gynecology devices revenue generation is Asia Pacific. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2015 to 2023, which is the fastest growth rate among all regions.Gynecology Surgical Devices Show Highest Demand GloballyGynecological chairs, diagnostic imaging systems, surgical devices, and hand instruments are the four key product gynecology devices product types. Of these, surgical devices are currently undergoing a spike in demand, primarily owing to a rise in the number of minimally invasive surgical devices. Key innovations in surgical devices include the introduction of single port laparoscopic surgery and the Da Vinci robotic platform.The benefits of minimally invasive surgery go a long way in gynecology. The removal of anesthesia as a necessity, smaller incision scars, smaller hospital stay durations, and faster healing rates are widely welcome benefits and are therefore leading the massive opportunities on a global scale.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:
Nanotechnology Drug Delivery Market Research Report : : Value Chain Analysis and Forecast 2023

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Based on application, the market has been segmented into neurology, oncology, cardiovascular/physiology, anti-inflammatory/immunology, anti-infective, and others. Anti-infective was the largest application segment of the nanotechnology drug delivery market due to rising prevalence of community-based and hospital-based infections.Nanotechnology drug delivery is a growing field and is witnessing increasing acceptance in health care applications. Nanotechnology drug delivery is widely used in the health care industry in applications such as neurology, anti-infective, cardiovascular disorders, and others. One important and active application area of nanotechnology drug delivery systems is to transport drugs to the final location of therapeutic intervention within the body. The nanotechnology drug delivery market is witnessing rapid growth due to increase in research and development activities in nanotechnology to develop novel nano-medicine.According to Eurostat comprehensive data, the nano-medicine industry in the EU includes 97 startups, 64 SMEs, and 38 large pharmaceutical or medical device companies. Furthermore, technological advancements and rising interest of key companies to invest in nanotechnology boost market growth. For instance, in 20112012, Pfizer, Inc., Amgen, Inc., and AstraZeneca signed agreements to collaborate with BIND Therapeutics to develop nano-medicines. These initiatives are expected to fuel the growth of the nanotechnology drug delivery market in the near future. However, stringent regulatory scenario and high development cost of medicines through nanotechnology are likely to hamper market growth during the forecast period. The global nanotechnology drug delivery market was valued at US$ 41,062.5 Mn in 2014 and is projected to reach US$ 118,527.2 Mn by 2023, expanding at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2015 to 2023.Based on technology, the global nanotechnology drug delivery market has been segmented into nanocrystals, nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, nanotubes, and others. The nanoparticles segment dominated the global nanotechnology drug delivery market in 2014. The segment dominated the market as key nanoparticles such as dendrimers, gold nanoparticles, and fullerenes are used in pharmaceutical drug delivery. The nanotubes segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period from 2015 to 2023.Browse full report on Nanotechnology Drug Delivery Market -Geographically, North America dominated the global nanotechnology drug delivery market in 2014. Rising incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes in the region fueled the growth of the nanotechnology drug delivery market in North America. Europe accounted for the second largest share of the market in 2014 owing to the favorable growth conditions for pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturers due to affordability for branded nanotechnology products by consumers. However, the market in Latin America is estimated to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. High market growth in this region is due to increasing interest of leading companies such as Novartis and Johnson & Johnson to establish their presence in countries in Latin America such as Brazil and Mexico.Key players having presence in the global nanotechnology drug delivery market are AbbVie, Inc., Amgen, Inc., Celgene Corporation, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co., Inc., and Novartis International AG, among others.The global nanotechnology drug delivery market is segmented as follows:Global Nanotechnology Drug Delivery Market, by TechnologyNanocrystalsNanoparticlesDendrimersGold NanopartilcesDendrimersFullerensOthersLiposomesMicellesNanotubesOthersGlobal Nanotechnology Drug Delivery Market, by ApplicationsNeurologyOncologyCardiovascular/PhysiologyAnti-inflammatory/ImmunologyAnti-infectiveOther ApplicationsGlobal Nanotechnology Drug Delivery Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificLatin America (LATAM)Rest of the World (RoW)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:
Automotive Drive Shafts Market Heavy Commercial Vehicles Show Steady Growth Rate during Forecast Period 2024

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The global automotive drive shafts market has been gaining steady momentum in the recent years with the accelerated production of vehicles across the world.These mechanical devices carry power from the engine to wheels. As automotive drive shafts have to put up with extreme pressure and stress, they have designed to be strong and light weight to ensure absorption of torque of the engine.The drive shafts have to be light weight in order to reduce the weight of the vehicle. Owing to the excessive demand for vehicles across the globe, the demand for automotive drive shafts has also risen.Obtain Report Details:According to the research report, the global automotive drive shafts market is expected to be worth US$8.9 bn by the end of 2024 as compared to US$5.3 bn in 2015. During the forecast years of 2016 and 2024, the global market is estimated to leap ahead at a CAGR of 6.1%.The global drive shafts market has been growing against the backdrop of rising production of automobiles. As the global automotive industry has been growing at a relentless speed since the 2008 economic depressing, it has ensured the revival of production of several automobile parts.Analysts predict that the automobile industry will continue to grow in the coming years, spelling a positive outlook for the overall market. The demand for automotive drive shafts will also remain steady in n the after sales services segment as these critical components of vehicles have to be replaced due to their wear and tear over time.The only hindrance in the global automotive drive shafts market is the emerging trend of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles operate on batteries, which are charged by electricity, thus eliminating the need for shafts completely.The global automotive drive shafts market has been segmented on the basis of vehicle into passenger vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles, and light commercial vehicles. Out of these, the heavy commercial vehicles are expected to show remarkable progress over the forecast period.As heavy commercial vehicles form the backbone of the economy, they will continue to demand automotive drive shafts more than the other segments. These shafts will be predominantly be used for heavy duty trucks that are used for transporting foods across national and international borders.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market:In terms of geography, the global automotive drive shafts market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Of these, Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.The booming production of vehicles in emerging economies of India, China, and Japan is expected to drive this regional market in the coming few years. The heavy commercial vehicles are estimated to hold the dominant position in Asia Pacific automotive drive shafts market, while the passenger cars will be the second largest segment.The rising economic activity in this region along with soaring capital investments is expected to provide the Asia Pacific automotive drive shafts market an unwavering support all through 2024.Transparency 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.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email:sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global IR Camera Market by Application & Data Validation, Analysis and Forecast 2022

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According to Publisher, the Global IR (Infrared) Camera market is expected to grow from $4.18 billion in 2015 to reach $8.68 billion by 2022 with a CAGR of 11.0%. Rising demand from various end users, increasing technological innovations are the major factors bolstering the market growth during the forecast period. Furthermore, affordable products, increasing utilization of IR cameras by airports are some of the other factors propelling the market growth. On the other hand, budget cuts in military & defence is hindering the market growth.By application, military & defence segment leads the market globally with the biggest market share and is expected to grow with a high CAGR during the forecast period due to extensive usage of IR camera in defence, rising investments from governments of Asia Pacific region. North America is anticipated to hold the largest share in global market due to increasing demand from U.S. Asia Pacific is expected to witness huge growth rate during the forecast period.For more information atSome of the key players in global IR (Infrared) camera market include Axis Communications AB, Current Corporation, Dali Technology, DRS Technologies Inc., E.D. Bullard Company, FLIR Systems, Inc., Fluke Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, Guangzhou SAT Infrared Technology Co., Ltd, Infrared Integrated Systems Ltd (IRISYS), L-3 Communications Infrared Products, Nippon Avionics Co., Ltd, Pelco Corporation, QIOPTIQ Ltd., Raytheon Company, Samsung Techwin, Seek Thermal, Inc., Sofradir SAS, Testo AG, Wuhan Guide Infrared Co., Ltd, and Zhejiang ULIRvision Technology Co., Ltd.Materials Covered:- Zinc Selenide- Sapphire- Germanium- SiliconApplications Covered:- Medical Imaging- Commercial- Military & Defence- Industrial- Other ApplicationsRequest Sample Copy:Regions Covered:- North Americao USo Canadao Mexico- Europeo Germanyo Franceo Italyo UKo Spaino Rest of Europe- Asia Pacifico Japano Chinao Indiao Australiao New Zealando Rest of Asia Pacific- Rest of the Worldo Middle Easto Brazilo Argentinao South Africao EgyptMake an enquiry:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Hotel Business News and Analytics

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Marriott Updates Its Loyalty Program

Marriott International announced the addition of the PlacePass technology to its loyalty program. The metasearch platform is added to the upgraded profile in order to make it more experiential. The upgrade is available for members of Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest, and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards  more than 100 million people in total.



PlacePass is a startup that was founded just 2 years ago. With its help, Marriott will add more than 100,000 local experiences to approximately 800 destinations around the world. This is not a first attempt to help travelers enjoy authentic experiences wherever they go. Starwood Preferred Guest program launched a similar service yet in 2006, helping travelers redeem their points for nearly 6,000 experiences like tickets to various events, sports, and culture related experiences. PlacePass has allowed bringing this initiative to a brand new level.



According to Marriott, they want to help travelers access more destinations and do things they love in new places, whether during their vacation or in between. Some of the new activities available through PlacePass are already available. For example, travelers can attend the filming locations of the Downton Abbey TV series. During a VIP tour that starts from London, visitors will attend Bampton and Highclere Castle. Travelers in Tokyo are offered to know more about the history of sumo and even try to fight with a retired sumo wrestler. In Cambodia, Marriott offers a mountain biking tour in the Angkor Park in order to see the beautiful temple on a sunrise, and in Dubai guests can explore the desert life.

18.04.2017Stay in touch with the latest news of a worldwide hotel industry. All up-to-date analytics, reports , and news about hotel business trends on OrangeSmile.com.
This best-of-Beijing restaurant, housed in a concrete space decorated with a Portland-meets-China mural with terracotta warriors and pine trees, is an homage to the foods co-owner James Kyle ate and loved during more than a decade living and guiding gastronomic tours in China's capital city. Beijing being Beijing, those dishes, cooked by former Bluehour chef Kyo Koo, span all of China: steel bowls of laziji, the firecracker-hot, chile-fried chicken dish hailing from China's Sichuan Province; roujiamo, braised meat "burgers" stuffed with pork, beef or lamb on a grilled flatbread-like bun from Shaanxi; and cumin-dusted, spicy lamb skewers from the Northwestern reaches of Xinjiang. It's an interesting experiment: regionally diverse Chinese food cooked by a Korean-American chef with little experience with the cuisine, backstopped by an American who isn't cooking. So far, results are mixed. While Danwei Canting has been very open to customer suggestions, the food doesn't always stick the landing.

The dish: Danwei's menu is inspired by the melting pot of Chinese cuisines in China's capital city. A handful of these regional dishes are fairly successful for a restaurant run and operated by an entirely non-Chinese staff. On a recent visit, the lamb roujiamo was very good, a chewy, fist-sized sandwich packed with cumin- and chile-braised lamb and a cilantro-flush salad. A salt bomb "wonton noodle soup" arrived under another shower of cilantro with housemade, on-the-edge-of-underdone egg noodles and triangular, shrimp-less wontons. Less successful were the pork dumplings, which were stuffed with so much cilantro they tasted soapy (even to a cilantro lover). That laziji looked the part and was well-fried, laced with crispy bits of Sichuan peppercorns and ginger, but amazingly, came off completely bland. Even the egg tart, a hallmark of dim sum and Chinese bakeries, fell flat. Both we tried (on separate visits) had so little filling we wondered if someone had accidentally spilled half the custard out.

The takeaway: It's convenient to have Danwei on the east side when you're craving Chinese flavors, but they need to take a few more research trips to Beijing to dial in the execution. In the meantime, Beaverton's Taste of Sichuan makes excellent versions of many of these dishes.

Sample menu: Pork dumplings ($7), lamb roujiamo ($7), wonton noodle soup ($11), laziji ($10), cauliflower with sweet peppers ($9), Xinjiang lamb skewer ($3/each), egg tart ($3)

Drinks: Local beers and Chinese import Yanjing ($2.50-$7), local wine and cider ($5-$7.50), mostly baiju-based cocktails ($9) and house-infused shots of baiju ($7-$8)

Go: For a roujiamo, or lamb "burger."

Details: Lunch and dinner daily; no reservations; disabled access; 803 S.E. Stark St., 503-236-6050, danweicanting.com

-- Samantha Bakall

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Wallowa rancher faces poaching charges

Larry and Pam Harshfield's ranch in Wallowa County has a sizable elk population. The couple says the state isn't doing enough to help them manage the roughly 200 head of elk on their land, and that the animals caused a lot of damage on the 450-acre property during a bitter winter.

(Courtesy of Harshfield family)

A 68-year-old Wallowa man was arrested after state fish and wildlife troopers discovered more than two dozen elk carcasses in and around his Northeast Oregon property.

Larry Harshfield was taken into custody April 8 and charged with illegally killing a dozen elk on his property. Oregon State Police said there was no indication any effort was made to salvage the meat. An "extensive investigation" from wildlife enforcement troopers determined the Wallowa man allegedly killed 13 more elk on an adjacent property.

The arrest comes as the state has stepped up enforcement of wildlife laws. In the past five years alone, troopers have averaged 764 poaching investigations a year, with most cases involving elk or deer.

But unlike other high-profile poaching incidents, such as the Facebook post that led to the arrest of two Dallas men on accusations of killing bull elk, Harshfield's case involved wildlife disputes on his own property. That's prompted some landowners to fight back.

Lissa Casey, Harshfield's attorney, issued a statement criticizing the authorities. "Instead of letting this case proceed as other criminal cases do, law enforcement arrested a hard-working rancher to provide information for their press releases," she said in an email. "He and his family can't be silent anymore in the face of the public information campaign the government is waging against him."

In an emailed statement, the Harshfield family said that they are being unfairly targeted by the authorities and bear the "prohibitive expense and hardship" of being landowners in the rural Northeast Oregon county. The Harshfields have been ranchers for more than four decades.

In the lengthy statement, Harshfield's wife, Pam, said the couple owns 450 acres of property and has gradually watched the elk population grow from about 20 animals two decades ago to a herd of roughly 200 animals today.

In recent years, the couple say, it's gotten increasingly difficult to keep elk away from the alfalfa they grow for their cattle.

Larry and Pam Harshfield's ranch in Wallowa County has a sizable elk population. The couple says the state isn't doing enough to help them manage the roughly 200 head of elk on their land, and that the animals caused a lot of damage on the 450-acre property during a bitter winter.

This year's extreme winter weather also took a toll. "We have to care for our animals all day long in subzero temps and then care for 200 of the State of Oregon's elk herd all night long," Pam Harshfield said in an email.

She said they have been trying to work with the state on managing the herd for the past 15 years.

An agency spokeswoman confirmed that Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials have worked with Harshfields "for several years" to try and offset damage caused by elk on the ranch.

This year, the state issued Harshfield a special permit and shotgun shells so they could attempt to scare away the animals. "We also offered to set up an emergency hunt, which the landowners declined because they wanted more control than that program allowed over who could hunt," Michelle Dennehy, the ODFW spokeswoman, said in an email. Unlike some landowners, she said, the Harshfields do not allow hunters on their land.

The state also offered Harshfield a kill permit, which would've authorize him to eliminate elk on the property. That permit comes with the stipulation that permit holders skin, dress and transport the animal's carcass to a meat processor. The processor then donates the meat to local charities.

But Harshfield declined that kill permit, Dennehy said.

The agency also gave the family plastic netting to wrap haystacks on their land, and was in conversations to provide wire fencing to further protect alfalfa sheds on the property. "That didn't happen this winter," Dennehy said, "but we were in discussions to provide [it] in spring."

Instead, authorities say, Harshfield shot 25 animals, which were found in "various states of decay." All the animals were killed during a closed hunting season.

In her statement, Pam Harshfield said that the couple is hesitant to allow hunters on their property because they "feel responsible if shots are fired towards neighbor's homes."

The couple also said it is unrealistic to expect landowners to kill, dress and deliver the elk without assistance. "Imagine doing this in the extreme weather conditions, while tending to our cattle during the day," she wrote.

Harshfield disputes the fact the animal meat went to waste. "Many bald eagles, coyotes and other wildlife have benefited and continue to benefit from them during this harshest of winters in many years."

Harshfield faces 24 misdemeanor wildlife violation charges. If convicted, he could face a $6,250 fine per violation, plus suspended hunting privileges and the loss of any weapon used to kill the animals.

He is scheduled to be arraigned in mid-May.

-- Andrew Theen

atheen@oregonian.com

503-294-4026

@andrewtheen
Angelina Jolie, the actress and filmmaker who has fueled the greatest Hollywood gossip stories of all time, is moving into a dramatic mansion owned by the late Cecil B. DeMille, who directed "The Greatest Show on Earth."

Jolie's famous long-time romance, short-term marriage to Brad Pitt has fans wondering where she will live. She had homes all over the world, but she's recently dropped nearly $25 million to own the fabled Beaux Arts-style mansion in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles.

Jolie filed for divorce last year only two years after the couple finally married.

Top Ten Real Estate Deals speculates that the actress may have wanted to keep the couple's six children near Pitt or it was a decision by the couple's private divorce judge.

The 2.1-acre property, the largest and highest lot in gated Laughlin Park, provides privacy. Views extend from the Griffith Observatory to the Pacific Ocean.

DeMille acquired the property in 1916, and lived there until his death in 1959. An estate once owned by Charlie Chaplin became DeMille's studio office.

The street was later named after DeMille.

The Beaux Arts-style mansion has 11,000 square feet of living space. Beyond a curved stairway in the foyer are a formal living room with fireplace, mahogany-panelled dining room, library with custom floor-to-ceiling shelving.

The kitchen has been updated with marble counters and a restored vintage range.

There are six bedrooms and 10 bathrooms.

Other residents of Laughlin Park include Natalie Portman, Kristen Stewart and recent Oscar-winner Casey Affleck.

Brett Lawyer, Branden Williams and Rayni Williams of Hilton & Hyland held the listing.

-- Janet Eastman with research by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com



jeastman@oregonian.com

503-799-8739

@janeteastman




Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall and its 33-year-old marquee. (Jason Quigley)

(Jason Quigley)

The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall's proud "Portland" sign is getting a refresh.

The 33-year-old downtown sign won't be changed, a venue representative announced. But it will get a "a fresh coat of paint and brighter neon letters" in a renovation project expected to start on May 2. The project is planned to last two months and will cost $500,000.

"The Portland sign has been a landmark for three decades, and is a fitting tribute to the original sign that hung on the Paramount Theatre before 1984," Robyn Williams, executive director of Portland'5 Centers for the Arts, said in a statement. "We look forward to unveiling the renovated sign this summer."

Portland'5 includes the Schnitz as well as Keller Auditorium and the Newmark, Winningstad and Brunish venues.

The current "Portland" sign is the latest in a long history of emblems at the changing venue. As the Paramount, the Schnitz went with a "Paramount" name for some 50 years. But the original venue, the Portland Publix Theatre, started with a "Portland" sign in 1928, according to Portland'5.

The Schnitz will stay busy during its maintenance, with events including comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Martha Graham Dance Company, the Oregon Symphony's performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 2 and more.

-- David Greenwald

dgreenwald@oregonian.com

503-294-7625; @davidegreenwald

Instagram: Oregonianmusic
The Jade District hosts first Night Market on SE 82nd

The authors argue that the Jade District in Southeast Portland, pictured above during the community's first Night Market, has had growing concerns over air quality.

(Faith Cathcart/The Oregonian)

Maggie Tallmadge and Vien Truong

Oregon's state leaders are debating the very significant environmental policy of whether to cap the climate pollution coming from our biggest polluters. This decision is important for Oregonians and for the country as a whole. Why? Because this policy can clean up the air and generate proceeds to lift up communities facing poverty and pollution. On top of that, this can be a counterbalance to environmental rollbacks by the federal government.

When we have droughts, the prices on fresh vegetables go up. When we live in highly polluted communities, our health declines and we pay more for health care. When we have increased weather catastrophes, the costs of home insurance go up. And these increased costs are hard on everyone, but it is much harder for families who are struggling to make ends meet. If you're a family living on the frontlines of some of the worst pollution, like ours are, the costs are harder to absorb and the risks are much, much higher.

The Jade District in Southeast Portland, for example, has had growing concerns over air quality. Families in that area have higher rates of asthma and cancer. This means healthcare costs will increase, including the cost of medicine. This means that kids with asthma will miss school more, and their parents will miss work to go to doctor visits. That can mean less income for a family as their costs go up.

Oregon can do something to protect families' income and environment. Oregon can adopt a "cap and invest" policy like the ones now being considered by the legislature. The policy holds polluters responsible for cleaning up their act and can create new proceeds - not just a new tax on families. And that money can be used to invest in families by creating more good-paying jobs, getting clean energy to families at lower costs, and improving the quality of life while reducing the costs of living.

Many of the timber towns in rural Oregon and tribal lands could benefit from green project investments that would bring new jobs. The new proceeds from this program could increase projects that are already occurring, such as creating green spaces in the Cully neighborhood.

This isn't an impossible task. It isn't even new. There are already 10 states and dozens of countries and jurisdictions that have put a price on carbon.

And in states where the proceeds are invested in underserved communities, the results are staggering. For instance, money in California helped Maria Zavala get solar on her affordable home, dropping her monthly energy bill from $200 to $1.50 and saving her thousands of dollars a year in energy costs. Maria's son Nic was exposed to new job opportunities through the projects happening in his neighborhood and decided to pursue a career in the growing solar industry.

Share your opinion

Submit your essay of 500 words or less to commentary@oregonlive.com. Please include your email and phone number for verification.

A policy that caps the amount of pollution from big industries, and uses money from this program for families, can transform Oregon. By investing in the communities who need it most, we can create a green economy that helps build prosperity for all.

Too often, low-income communities and communities of color have been left out of the climate debate and climate solutions. Oregonians need to be included and consulted in every part of the decision-making process. This is how we make sure that the solutions arrived at are the best solutions for the state.

Margaret Tallmadge is the Environmental Justice Manager at Coalition of Communities of Color in Portland. Vien Truong is the national director of Green For All, a climate and economic justice organization based in Oakland, Calif.
By Megan McArdle

No one likes making pension fund payments. You have to take money that you could be enjoying right now, and hand it over to some stranger, in the hopes that decades hence, when you're ready to retire, said stranger will hand it back to you and enable to live out your golden years in reasonable comfort. The connection between sacrifice and reward is, let us say, a little too distant for proper enjoyment.

You know who likes pension funds payments the least of all? Taxpayers. Because they're not even sacrificing for their own retirements, but so that someone else can enjoy a comfortable old age.

Naturally, this leads to a lot of wrangling. And the nature of this wrangling is that most of it will be, to the average taxpayer, insanely boring: knock-down drag-out fights over financial arcana such as "discount rates" and "funding ratios." This tends to sound, to your average person of normal interests and intelligence, like the adults talking in a Charlie Brown cartoon.

Unfortunately, no matter how boring and technical this stuff sounds, it matters. Getting these boring, technical details right is how we ensure that pensioners do not, suddenly and for no apparent reason, find themselves without their long-awaited pension check. And that taxpayers do not find that their taxes have, suddenly and for no apparent reason, risen to levels they cannot afford.

Nonetheless, there will always be a constituency arguing for a more optimistic assessment of how to sacrifice less now and still meet future obligations. Sometimes that even includes the folks getting the pensions.

The political left often prefers a looser (and therefore riskier) standard, because the more conservative the method you use to value the liabilities, the more the government has to put into the fund right now. This makes generous pension benefits seem more expensive to current taxpayers, lessening support for them. The stricter standards also limit the government's ability to spend money right now on stuff the left wants to do. Thus, those of us who think that a conservative standard is the correct one, periodically end up contending with a new report that brightly suggests that everything would be much better if we fiddled with the accounting standards to lower the amount we require governments to contribute.

One recent installment in this perennial debate comes out of Berkeley's Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society. The author, Tom Sgouros, has a background in public finance, and his arguments are careful and mathematically literate. Nonetheless, I find them unconvincing.

I favor a conservative approach, and I mean "conservative" in the accounting, rather than the political sense. To err on the side of caution. And why should we be cautious? So we can make darned sure that workers get what they're owed.

Sgouros agrees, in fact, that such conservative standards are the correct approach for valuing private-sector pension contributions, in case the business goes bust and the pension needs to stand on its own. But he says that governments are different, because they can't go out of business. In other words, government pensions are less risky, so they don't need such strict standards.

This is ... sort of true. A government pension plan can, in theory, operate underfunded forever -- as long as the tax base and the workforce are growing faster than their current pension liability.

It's not quite true that governments are permanent. But if the U.S. government has gone down and Illinois is just a name in the history books, the status of the state teachers' pension fund is probably going to be the least of everyone's worries.

In less extreme scenarios, government finances are ultimately constrained by the much-maligned Laffer Curve. There is some point, however high the percentage, beyond which raising the tax rate not only doesn't bring in more revenue, but actually lowers government income. And the smaller the level of government, the lower the tax rate at which Laffer effects kick in. If your block had the ability to levy a 25 percent tax on your income, and actually did so, you'd sell your house pretty quick. It's much harder to pick up and move to another country. We also have to factor in the fact that, in a democracy, voters can go to the polls and say "no more," which is a sort of secondary Laffer point that people planning in decades have to reckon with.

Cities tend to declare bankruptcy precisely because they're near one of those points, through some combination of financial mismanagement and local economic decline. When they have exhausted their ability to borrow, or wheedle bailouts out of some larger government entity, they end up with an unpalatable choice between cutting municipal services or failing their creditors -- of which the future beneficiaries of an underfunded pension plan are one.

But even if you argue that the ability of governments to tax is greater and more flexible than I credit, that doesn't suggest we can do away with conservative accounting standards for government pensions. We need them more than ever.

If you argue that government pensions don't need huge assets on hand, because they have more protection in the form of an unlimited claim on taxpayer wallets, then you need to add a stakeholder to the pension calculation: the taxpayer.

Those taxpayers have a right to decide how much they're willing to spend on the people employed by their municipality or state. Hiding the true cost of that compensation by lowering the pension funding requirements -- while simultaneously relying on an unpriced, undisclosed call option on their future earnings to make the math work -- is both unfair and undemocratic.

There's one more reason that we should use a conservative standard: It increases the amount of money we have to put in right now, but it lowers the amount that has to be put in over time. Compound investment returns are a powerful force, one that, over decades, can dramatically reduce the percentage of salaries and taxes that have to be devoted to the pension system. Forgoing those gains because they require political pain now is a mistake.

Most state and local pension plans are not at a point where they'd have to cut benefits tomorrow, and few of them will be in that situation in the near future. But the whole point of a pension is to allow people to know that they'll be secure decades from now, when things may be very different.

Which means that the people in charge of the pension should be planning for that, not saying "Well, the taxpayer of tomorrow will figure out some way to make the numbers work." Current contributions should be invested to cover the future benefits for current workers; future contributions should be devoted to the workers who make them. And no one should be relying on future taxpayers to bail them out of a jam, not least because there's no way to know if they'll be able to.

This isn't a liberal or a conservative idea. It's the basic common-sense reasoning of people who want to make sure they can pay their bills.

McArdle is a Bloomberg View columnist. She wrote for the Daily Beast, Newsweek, the Atlantic and the Economist and founded the blog Asymmetrical Information. She is the author of "The Up Side of Down: Why Failing Well Is the Key to Success."

For more columns from Bloomberg View, visit http://www.bloomberg.com/view.

(c) 2017, Bloomberg View
public_safety_oregonian_100.JPG

(The Oregonian/OregonLive)

A 14-year-old boy in Washington was arrested Monday night after Longview police said he circulated a school threat using Snapchat.

The boy and a second 14-year-old boy took a picture, one holding a small rifle and the other a pistol, with a message warning Mark Morris High School students to avoid school Tuesday, according to the Police Department's Facebook page. Detectives later learned they boys were holding BB guns.

The teen who took the picture said he shared it with 31 friends and intended the message as a joke, police said. He was charged with threatening to bomb or injure a public school and booked into the Cowlitz County Juvenile Detention Center. The second teen said he didn't know about the Snapchat distribution, police said.

Snapchat allows users to share photographs and videos that delete after a period of time. The students and their families cooperated with authorities, and school district officials said the message did not disrupt class time Tuesday morning.

Wash- Longview police arrest teen over threatening Snapchat photo, threat towards Mark Morris High School pic.twitter.com/Rmpxx594Lm  THREAT-CADRE, LLC (@THREATcadre) April 18, 2017

SOCIAL MEDIA JOKE CAUSES ALARM ABOUT SCHOOL SAFETY -- LONGVIEW POLICE ARREST ONE TEEN IN INCIDENT -- -- MARK MORRIS... Posted by Longview Police Department on Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Thanks to Longview Police Department for the quick and thorough response to a threatening message toward Mark Morris... Posted by Longview School District on Tuesday, April 18, 2017

 Tony Hernandez

thernandez@oregonian.com

503-294-5928

@tonyhreports
Public safety 1

(The Oregonian/OregonLive)

A Marion County sheriff's sergeant who shot toward a man who injured him during a traffic stop earlier this month was justified in firing his weapon, a grand jury found Monday.

Juan Francisco Martinez

Sgt. Jason Hickam fired toward Juan Francisco Martinez on April 7 near Woodburn, authorities said. Martinez wasn't injured, according to the county district attorney's office, and he was arrested later that day.

Prosecutors announced details of the traffic stop Monday, saying Hickam and another sergeant told Martinez during the stop that his Cadillac Escalade would have to be towed because he didn't have insurance. They said Martinez then started the engine and began driving away while Hickam's arm was caught inside the SUV.

Hickam fired once toward the SUV before being "thrown to the ground," prosecutors said. He was treated and released from a hospital. The other sergeant, Kevin Roberts, wasn't injured.

The grand jury also indicted Martinez, 35, on charges of second-degree assault, assaulting a public safety officer, recklessly endangering another person, felon in possession of a firearm and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. Prosecutors said he's scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday and that he's been in custody since his arrest.

Martinez is currently being held in the Linn County Jail, records show.

The district attorney's office said in a news release that it wouldn't release any more information about the allegations or shooting Monday because of "the ongoing nature of this criminal case." They didn't specify what alleged traffic violations prompted Hickam to pull over Martinez.

The Oregon State Police previously said Hickam was placed on paid administrative leave, as is standard practice after officer-involved shootings. Troopers said he's a 15-year Marion County Sheriff's Office veteran.

The shooting happened at Boones Ferry Road Northeast and Oregon 99E.

 Jim Ryan

jryan@oregonian.com

503-221-8005; @Jimryan015
SALEM -- Oregonians from across the political spectrum packed into the state Capitol Monday to testify on bills to limit some Oregonians' access to guns, including people who show signs they're suicidal or who don't demonstrate they have the skills to shoot a gun.

Some gun owners worried that the bills would take away the constitutionally protected right to bear arms, while proponents of the bills insisted the proposals were necessary to prevent gun violence.

The Senate Judiciary Committee heard three bills Monday.

In her testimony on two of the bills, Gov. Kate Brown said they could help prevent public shootings like the one at Umpqua Community College in 2015, where 10 died, as well as domestic violence incidents like the recent Gresham shooting in which a father shot and killed his two daughters before turning the gun on himself.

"I cannot imagine the heartache the family is going through," Brown said, choking up. "And I extend my sincere condolences. This is absolutely unacceptable. In Oregon, we can do better. Violence answers nothing, offers nothing, solves nothing."

Sen. Brian Boquist, R-Dallas, is the co-sponsor along with Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, of a bill that would give family members some power to keep a loved one from buying a gun to hurt someone.

Senate Bill 868 would enable immediate family members to obtain a court order to prevent a person showing signs of wanting to commit suicide or hurt others from obtaining a gun for a year. It would require the person to hand over any guns in their possession.

Sen. Brian Boquist, a Republican from Dallas, is sponsoring a bill to keep guns out of the hands of those who could use them to hurt themselves or others.

Boquist said he hopes his bill will prevent suicides, especially among veterans. His stepson, a Navy veteran, killed himself last year.

Boquist tried to get ahead of arguments by the bill's opponents by addressing their biggest concern: that it violates the Second Amendment. It doesn't, he assured the committee, because various courts have heard cases on the constitutionality of similar laws and ruled in their favor.

"It's easy to wave your book around," he said, brandishing a pocket-sized copy of the Constitution. "When the Supreme Court and other people say it's constitutional, that's the law of the land."

A second bill, Senate Bill 797, would close the so-called Charleston loophole, which enables a gun sale to go through if a background check is not completed within three days. The bill would require that the background check be completed before the sale, no matter how long it takes.

Keely Hopkins, a lobbyist with the National Rifle Association, said SB 797 amounts to giving up on the state's ability to process background checks in the three days currently allotted.

"Firearm ownership and self-defense is an important right, and Oregonians rely on the state to conduct and complete background checks in a timely manner," she said. "An indefinite delay in a background check makes it impossible for a person to legally purchase a firearm."

The bill would also prohibit people convicted of stalking from obtaining a firearm, in addition to those subject to a restraining order or convicted of certain misdemeanors.

Currently the restraining order or misdemeanor must apply to someone the person lives with, is married to or shares a child with for the gun prohibition to apply. The bill would expand that circle to include anyone with whom the person has or had a sexual relationship.

Who sponsored that bill was not made public.

A third bill, with its possible amendments, is a mishmash of several proposals. Among other things, Senate Bill 764 would require applicants for concealed handgun permits to demonstrate the ability to fire the gun, rather than just complete a test online. That bill didn't list its sponsors, either.

Boquist said he and Burdick worked with people on both sides of the gun control debate while crafting their bill.

"What we're trying to do is provide the best course of action that will give families a chance to help themselves and prevent their veterans and other family members from killing themselves, prevent suicide by cop, and worse, killing family members in desperation," he said.

Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill said it's impossible to know whether SB 868 would have saved the lives of those killed in Gresham last week. But, he said, if the proposed law saves even one life, it will be worth it.

"I think that it's only going to take one," he said. "I don't know which one it will be that we save their lives  whether it be a homicidal or suicidal ideation, but it's the time and place for Oregon" to pass this bill.

Jenna Passalacqua Yuille spoke in support of Boquist's bill on behalf of Americans for Responsible Solutions, a group founded by former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords.

Passalacqua Yuille lost both parents to gun violence: Her mother was shot and killed at the Clackamas Town Center in 2012 when a gunman opened fire on shoppers. A few years later, her father bought a gun and used it to kill himself.

"If I had known that a tool like extreme risk protection order was available, I would have used it, and my dad probably wouldn't have been able to buy a gun that day," she said. "Passing this bill would give families and loved ones an opportunity to reduce the risk of suicide for someone in crisis."

Hopkins, the National Rifle Association lobbyist, questioned the due process in the suicide prevention bill.

"This bill allows for a protective order to remove your Second Amendment rights," she said, "not because of a criminal conviction, but based on third-party allegations using an evidentiary standard that falls far below what's normally required for the removing of fundamental rights."

It was unclear Monday if those bills will be voted on in the Senate Judiciary Committee or another committee.

Bozeb Beckwith, chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon's Gun Owners Caucus, said he opposes the bills as a private citizen.

"When I first became a member of the DPO's Gun Owners Caucus, I bought one of our bumper stickers," he said. "The bumper sticker has a simple line on it. It says, 'Democrats don't want your guns  we've got our own.' I love that line. It's great, it's simple, it's to the point. I have since peeled that bumper sticker off my car."

He said he took it off after reading SB 868, the suicide prevention bill. The bill made his bumper sticker false, he said. Though Beckwith admitted that his speech might jeopardize his standing with his party, he said he's not a "crazy gun guy."

"I'm just a guy," he said. "I'm a guy who took a shift off work to come down to Salem to try and break through this space between us in two minutes. To help members of this committee see this bill for what it is  a bill that takes our guns away."

-- Anna Marum

amarum@oregonian.com

503-294-5911

@annamarum

Add your comment here.

Correction: A previous version of the story incorrectly stated that Sen. Boquist lives in The Dalles. He lives in Dallas.

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A bill that would restart the planning process for a new I-5 bridge over the Columbia River continues to cruise through the Washington Legislature.

The Washington Senate gave its approval 44-4 to SB 5806 Monday. It had already passed the House and now goes to Gov. Jay Inslee.

The bill, originally drafted by Sen. Annette Cleveland, D-Vancouver, would establish a Joint Oregon-Washington legislative action committee to work on several fronts, including beginning a process towards development for a new bridge.

The bill would appropriate $350,000 for the Washington Department of Transportation to sort data generated by the ill-fated Columbia River Crossing project that could be pertinent to the construction of a new replacement bridge.

"What this bill represents on a technical level are key initial steps to get this important project moving," Cleveland said.

But Washington will need a partner in Oregon to get it done. And so far, Oregon officials have made it clear that a revived Columbia River bridge project is not on their near-term to-do list.

The prior attempt to get a replacement bridge built died in 2014 after Washington pulled its support.

Ron Arp, of Identity Clark County, a Southwest Washington business group, cheered the Senate's vote adding that it should show Oregon that there is bipartisan support for reviving the bridge project in Washington. "The folks in Oregon wanted to see that," Arp said. "The next step is for our Legislature to reach out to Oregon's."

This time around, there are not hundreds of millions of federal dollars waiting to be spent on the project. On the other hand, Ard said, this time the focus is strictly on a replacement bridge. The failed Columbia River Crossing included a five-mile stretch of freeway, multiple expensive interchanges and light-rail extension in addition to the bridge.

-- Jeff Manning

503-294-7606, jmanning@oregonian.com
A woman who ended up with holes on the backside of at least three pairs of her LuLaRoe brand leggings has filed a class action lawsuit against the garment manufacturer, asking that a Multnomah County Circuit judge ban the popular brand from selling leggings in Oregon.

Terri Dorans lawsuit states that she splurged on several pairs at $25 a piece, and that each pair developed holes in the buttocks area shortly after she wore them. Her Portland attorney, Michael Fuller, said Doran asked for a refund, but the company refused because its policy doesn't allow refunds on merchandise that's been worn.

Doran, 52, is a single mother living in Keizer, according to her suit filed Monday.

The lawsuit points to many similar complaints filed by LuLaRoe leggings-wearers across the country. A Facebook group called LuLaRoe Defective/Ripped /Torn Leggings And Clothes has more than 25,000 members -- and the company has been criticized for being unresponsive even though customers claim the company has know about a problem with weak fabric forming holes or tearing to expose their backsides -- sometimes suddenly, in public places.

We think theres quite a few people in Oregon who are also dissatisfied and basically got a product that self-destructed after one or two uses, Fuller said.

LuLaRoe didn't immediately respond Tuesday to a phone call and an email seeking comment for this story.

But the lawsuit states that after Doran complained about the holes, the company told her a brushing process intended to make the fabric soft also weakens it.

LuLaRoes sales have been surging each month for the past year or two, and the company made an estimated $1 billion last year, according to news reports from Forbes and Business Insider. The company, which does business out of Wyoming and California, specializes in making colorful clothing that fits women of all sizes and is not sold in brick-and-mortar stores but through a network of tens of thousands of fashion consultants who sell out of living rooms or online forums.

Last month, two women filed a similar class-action lawsuit in federal court in California against LuLaRoe. Their lawsuit states the leggings have been described as tearing as easily as wet toilet paper.

According to Doran's attorney, although Doran's request for a refund was refused, the company did offer to send her a different pattern of leggings, but those patterns wouldn't have matched the outfits she'd originally planned to wear with the leggings. What's more, a replacement "isn't any good if all you get is another pair of defective leggings," Fuller said.

Dorans lawsuit isnt asking for a Multnomah County judge to award her sizable damages. However, in a demand letter to the company and in her lawsuit, Doran asks that LuLaRoe leggings be taken off the market in Oregon, that Oregon customers be given full refunds and that the company pay for her attorneys fees.

Read the lawsuit here.

-- Aimee Green
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A Thomas Jefferson quote adorns a wall outside the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in downtown Portland, where Elsa Congachi de Ayala, a 46-year-old undocumented immigrant and mother of three U.S.-born children, attempted to challenge her deportation order on Monday. (Bryan Denson|Oregonian)

A Peruvian woman stayed in the United States beyond her six-month visitor visa that expired in April 2003, worked in child care in Oregon for nearly eight years and has lived in Hillsboro with her three U.S.-born children for nearly a decade.

Now, 14 years later, she's fighting a deportation order.

Elsa Congachi de Ayala, 46, showed up with a lawyer and more than a dozen supporters Monday afternoon at U.S. District Court in Portland, asking a judge to grant her a temporary restraining order to block her deportation set for Wednesday.

Attorney Michael T. Purcell contends that Congachi de Ayala never received proper notice of a 2003 government order of deportation. He said he's been unable to obtain the immigration documents necessary to challenge the case in immigration court before the 46-year-old's scheduled deportation. He requested the information through a federal public records request, but is still waiting to receive the documents.

"She has three children, all U.S. citizens, ages 13, 8 and one. Either they will be left in America without their mother, or they will effectively be deported from the land of their birth and citizenship,'' Purcell wrote in his motion. "This is irreparable harm.''

Congachi de Ayala, accompanied by a Spanish interpreter, entered the courtroom, dabbing tears with a tissue. Supporters from Western Farm Workers Association and her church attended the brief hearing.

Attorney Elizabeth Kurlan, representing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, countered that the federal district judge doesn't have jurisdiction in this matter. She also said Congachi de Ayala had not exhausted her administrative challenges.

U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman said he understood he lacks jurisdiction, but impressed upon the Homeland Security lawyer that it appeared Congachi de Ayala lacked basic information to file a motion in time with the immigration court to temporarily delay the deportation  information "uniquely in your control.''

Purcell asserted that the prior 2003 notice of deportation was sent to an address where Congachi de Ayala no longer lived, but he told the court he could not yet show where the notice was sent or provide proof that it was insufficient. He intends to argue that Congachi de Ayala did not receive notice of a hearing that led to her 2003 deportation order.

Mosman asked the government lawyer if she knew where the initial deportation notice was sent and when.

"This whole proceeding goes away if you tell him where it was and if it was sent,'' Mosman told Kurlan.

Kurlan said she didn't have that information readily available but suggested Purcell file a motion with immigration court to reopen the case with the bare information he has, and notice that he's seeking further discovery to bolster his case.

The judge pressed whether the filing of such a motion without the full immigration record would delay the woman's deportation, and Kurlan said it would.

"Sounds like you have what you need,'' Mosman told Congachi de Ayala and her lawyer, noting Kurlan's verbal commitment in his court.

If it doesn't work, Mosman told the two they're welcome to return to his courtroom.

Leecia Anderson, operations manager of Western Farm Workers Association, said Congachi de Ayala was the second person in three days who came to her office earlier this month, having received a deportation order after having lived in the United States for many years.

"This is a new level of what's happening under the Trump administration. They're now trying to force any deportation order, even if they're very old,'' Anderson said.

Last week, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, speaking at a border port entry in Arizona, vowed an aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration. During questions from reporters, he spoke about immigration enforcement in cases where undocumented immigrant parents have U.S. citizen children.

"We want everybody to comply with the law," Sessions said. "And because a child or a family member enters the United States lawfully doesn't mean that others can enter the country unlawfully."

Congachi de Ayala showed up at the Western Farm Workers Association office this month to seek guidance after she received a notice April 4 that she faced deportation this Wednesday. Anderson helped find her a lawyer and interpreter.

"She came in crying, holding her baby,'' recalled Shirley Abbott, a volunteer with Western Farm Workers Association. "She's still nursing her 1-year-old, my God.''

Congachi de Ayala came to the United States in 2002 on a non-immigrant, visitor visa, and stayed, moving to Utah and then Oregon. She said she worked for nearly eight years doing child care for a Head Start program in Cornelius, and also worked as a preschool Spanish teacher. She said she also provided childcare through the Oregon Child Development Coalition to families taking classes to become U.S. citizens. Her two daughters, ages 8 and 13, attend school in Hillsboro.

"I am not a terrorist. I love this country,'' she said through tears after court Monday. "My children are good students. I have never done anything to harm anyone.''

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonian
public_safety_oregonian_100.JPG

FILE PHOTO -- The rider's 2009 Suzuki motorcycle left the roadway for an unknown reason, the Oregon State Police said. (The Oregonian/OregonLive)

(LC- The Oregonian)

A 31-year-old Portland area man has died of injuries from a motorcycle crash Friday in Clackamas County, the Oregon State Police said Tuesday.

Thanh Minh Trinh was westbound on Oregon Highway 224 at about 3:20 p.m. April 15 when his motorcycle left the road for an unknown reason, the state police said in a news release. Trinh was thrown from his 2009 Suzuki motorcycle and died en-route to a hospital, the news release says. The crash was near milepost 40, approximately 15 miles west of Estacada.

-- Allan Brettman
Alex Jones

Alex Jones, center right, is escorted by police out of a crowd of protesters outside the Republican convention in Cleveland last summer. A lawyer defending Jones in a child-custody dispute said Jones is a "performance artist" whose on-air persona differs from the private man.

(The Associated Press)

Alex Jones, the 43-year-old radio host, head of the Infowars website and one of President Donald Trump's favorite news sources, is a "performance artist" whose on-air, foaming-at-the-mouth histrionics should not be taken literally.

So says his attorney Randall Wilhite as Jones' divorce battle with his wife Kelly gets underway in Texas.

Kelly Jones is seeking custody of their three children, the Austin American-Statesman reports. She says that Jones' broadcasts, undertaken in his home studio and often in front of his children, is proof that he should not be trusted with parental responsibilities.

"He's not a stable person," she said. "He says he wants to break Alec Baldwin's neck. He wants J-Lo to get raped.

Wilhite disputed Kelly Jones' characterization, comparing his client to actor Jack Nicholson.

"He's playing a character," Wilhite said in court recently. "He is a performance artist."

That might come as a surprise to millions of "alt-right" Americans who tune in to watch and listen to the man who has falsely claimed that the 2012 Sandy Hook school massacre was a hoax and that former President Barack Obama founded the terrorist group ISIS. Jones has also called Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates a "demonic elf" and, as Kelly Jones pointed out, challenged Alec Baldwin to a "bare-knuckle" fistfight after the actor, playing Trump, mocked Infowars on "Saturday Night Live."

"I will break your nose. I will break your neck. You're a little wimp, you son of a piece of garbage," he screamed at Baldwin through the camera. "I hate you!" he continued, spittle flying. "My listeners hate you, and remember that, scumbag, forever!"

Jones' is known for his outrage, which is most often focused on Obama and the "globalists" that Jones -- or the character Jones is playing -- believes are destroying America.

"That's a nasty taste coming up in my mouth," he's said on his show. "Tastin' those globalists. I can taste their fear and their weakness. I taste metal and I taste blood."

So is Jones unstable? Or is he just an actor playing a role? We reported, now you decide. Below you can watch video clips of Jones in action.
Based on a lifetime of experience in sales, Louisville High School graduate Doug Meyer had so many tips for small businesses, he compiled them into a book, Selling in Your Town.

Meyer has even more in common with Cass County than graduating from LHS. My father graduated from Louisville and my mother was from Plattsmouth. Most of my dads family still lives around Louisville, Meyer said. Growing up we lived just outside of Manley on Highway 1. I went to country school in Manley until second grade, and then transferred to Louisville.

In 1992, he and his family moved to Adams. I started in the car business in 1997, and at that time my uncle, Bob Meyer, who lived outside of Weeping Water was the general manager at Jim Earps Chrysler-Jeep in Omaha. My parents have a cabin at Beaver Lake, and my sister and her husband, Chad and Candance Kelley, also have a house at Beaver Lake, and their kids go to Conestoga.

Meyer started working in the auto business when he was 19. A few years later, he convinced his brother, Brent, to enter into the business. In 2004, his parents sold their trucking company to buy the familys first dealership. The family now owns several dealerships in Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.

In 2013, Meyer became vice president of the Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Board and, in that capacity, he was inspired to write a book. I started getting asked a lot of questions on how we turned around our business in Shenandoah. I started to write everything down to share with business owners I knew and others I wanted to help, he said.

The notes eventually grew into the form of a book. So then I decided to just write a book and see where it went. In the beginning, I definitely didnt think I would have an actual book, but that is what it eventually turned into, he said. It took me about two years in my spare time to write the book. With having a 60-hour work week, volunteering five to 10 hours per week and raising a family, I didnt have a lot of time. It took almost a year for the publishing process.

Published by Archway Publishing in 2016, Selling in Your Town is 63 pages long with 13 short but informative chapters.

The chapter titles make it clear what small business issues he is expounding upon including, Most People Want to Buy Local, Price, Customer Service, Attitude, Advertising and more.

It is best to treat each person who enters your store looking for a donation just the same as you would a customer, Meyer states in Chapter 1. If the person is already a customer, then you should be happy that a customer is there asking you for a donation. If the person is not a customer, you should be positive  because he or she might become a customer.

Chapter 1 also covers how to greet customers. First, you have to greet your customers in an enthusiastic, positive way. Let them know from the beginning that you are excited they are there, Meyer writes.

Meyer also advises store owners to make customers comfortable in their business. Many little things make the customer feel either content or uneasy. You definitely always want your customers to have a comfortable feeling. If they are comfortable they will stay in your store longer and spend more money.An uncomfortable customer cant wait to get out of your store.

In Chapter 2, Meyer explains that people will pay one percent more to buy an item locally for the convenience and service offered. Meyer, however, cautions business owners not to expect customers to pay double or triple the amount they might in a city where large stores buy in bulk and can offer lower prices.

Of course, customer service has its own chapter in his book. Great customer service keeps your customers coming back to you and buying more from you, Meyer writes in Chapter 3.

Meyer encourages business owners to continually upgrade and change their facilities, but more importantly, they need to keep a positive attitude. I see so many people become complacent over time. They start their businesses with a great, full-speed-ahead attitude with the goal of being the best operation in town.

Years later, some lose that enthusiasm for the business.

Success, however, comes from waking up with a go getem attitude and trying to do your best every day with a positive outlook, Meyer writes.

If you are interested in more of Meyers advice, Selling in Your Town is available on Amazon and iBooks.

If you put into practice the lessons of this book, people will be talking about all of the ways that you can make it easy for them to buy local, he writes in the final chapter. They will say that you give them a good reason to buy local.
Cass County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program is proud to announce The Honorable Judge John Steinheider swore in four new CASA advocates in February. A brief reception was held following the ceremony to wish the new CASA advocates well in their advocacy for Cass Countys abused and neglected children.

The new CASA advocates are Dan Andreas, Coli Hunter, Diana Lindensmith and Russel Orr.

Twenty-three Cass County children are under the jurisdiction of the court due to abuse and/or neglect. Children range in age from one to 19 years old. Currently, 13 active CASA advocates are serving these children.

CASA advocates usually work with one case at a time. They get to know the children and write reports for the Judge, making recommendations about what would be best for the child. They become a stable, reliable presence in the childs life during a very difficult time, and advocate for the child to have a safe and permanent home as quickly as possible.

Cass County CASA was started in 2006. CASA advocates are ordinary people doing an extraordinary thing by having an impact on the lives of abused and neglected children. Most volunteers donate about 2 hours per week (or 8-10 hours a month) and all training is provided. A portion of the pre-service training expenses were paid for by a grant from the Nebraska CASA Association and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant. If you are interested or want more information, please call or e-mail Debbie Green, Volunteer Coordinator at 402-296-9521 or dgreen@casscasa.org or visit our website at www.casscasa.org.

Cass County CASA program is a 501c3 program that is funded by donations, grants, Keno funds and fundraisers.
LOUISVILLE, Neb.  Nineteen Louisville High School students attended the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference in Grand Island. Twelve Louisville students earned medals and two students were elected to state office. The SkillsUSA state leadership and skills conference hosted more than 2,000 students and advisrrs during the two-day conference at Fonner Park and the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island. The SkillsUSA state conference showcases students talents in over 90 various leadership and technical competitions. Those students who placed first in their respective contests earn a chance to attend the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Contest in June in Louisville, Ky., where more 15,000 SkillsUSA members attend and complete annually from all 50 states.

Louisville has two state officers elected to a one-year term -- Ryan Campbell and Joey Gruber. Both delivered a speech in front of 140 student delegates, participated in a question-and-answer session with the delegates, and worked to promote themselves as the best candidate for office.

State officer duties include attending the SkillsUSA National Conference in Louisville, Ky., as a voting delegate for Nebraska; planning and coordinating three state conferences throughout the year; serving as an ambassador for SkillsUSA Nebraska to other SkillsUSA chapters as well as business and industry throughout the state.

Louisville has seven students who qualified for the national conference in Kentucky. Ryan Campbell placed first in the job skill demo. Ryans job skill demonstration presentation explained how he modified his rifle trigger group to make the trigger pull lighter. Ryan had to prepare his speech as well as bring the item to demonstrate in front of the judges the correct way to make these adjustments.

The team of Natalie Bauermeister, Meghan Deroin and Joey Gruber placed first in the career pathways showcase  STEM contest. The teams project included and activity called Jump Into STEM, a SkillsUSA program focused on getting elementary level
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department.

Sunday, April 16

2:41 a.m.  A Midland man, 53, was cited in Midland for driving without insurance. He was stopped for an equipment violation.

9:34 a.m.  A deputy was sent to a report of loose dogs near a chicken coop at a Lee Township home. The dogs have attacked and killed the residents chickens in the past. The case has been forwarded to Animal Control.

9:13 p.m.  A deputy investigated a case of unlawful entry and theft that occurred at a Coleman home. Stolen was $30. The suspect apologized for entering the home.

9:29 p.m.  A motorist was arrested at Eastman Avenue and Harcrest Drive for second-offense driving while license suspended, and cited for driving without insurance and improper registration.

10:11 p.m.  A deputy was sent to a Jasper Township home for a report of threats. The case was turned over to the Michigan State Police because multiple family members living in different areas were threatened.

Saturday, April 15

12:03 a.m.  A Freeland man, 18, was arrested in Larkin Township for violation of driver license restrictions.

1:03 a.m.  A Midland man, 33, was arrested after a traffic stop in Midland for cocaine possession and possession of prescription medication.

1:23 a.m.  A vehicle was reported stolen from the 2800 block of Rodd Street.

3:47 a.m.  A driver struck two mailboxes in Lincoln Township, and was located at another home by deputies. The suspect would not answer the door. The vehicle was impounded, and the investigation continues.

6:48 a.m.  A section of damaged guardrail was found in the village of Sanford. The road commission was notified.

11:36 a.m.  A deputy was sent to a Lee Township home for a report of loose dogs killing chickens. The case was forwarded to Animal Control.

1:02 p.m.  A deputy assisted Child Protective Services with removing children from a Lee Township home.

1:04 p.m.  Police were sent to a felonious assault in the 3900 block of Pfeiffer Court.

1:27 p.m.  A Midland Township man, 22, was arrested for domestic assault. The assault was reported by a neighbor who saw the man assaulting a woman outside a home.

4:38 p.m.  Property in the 1900 block of Airport Road was damaged.

6:51 p.m.  Police investigated a case of retail fraud in the 900 block of Joe Mann Boulevard.

7:39 p.m.  A Larkin Township man, 43, called about an ongoing problem with people shooting guns on state land near his home. The man said this is at least the fifth time people have shot toward his home and bbs have struck his home and vehicles. The Department of Natural Resources is investigating.

8:17 p.m.  A Sanford woman, 29, was stopped for driving 90 mph on M-20 in Lee Township. She was arrested for drunken driving with a high blood alcohol content.

9:37 p.m.  Police investigated a probation violation and made a warrant arrest in the 800 block of East Carpenter Street.

10:03 p.m.  Police were sent to an assault in the 1000 block of Fitzhugh Street.

11:16 p.m.  Police were sent to a loud party in the 1300 block of West Union Street.

Friday, April 14

2:25 a.m.  A motorist was arrested at Ashman and Harold streets for drunken driving.

3:37 a.m.  A Wisconsin man, 37, was arrested for drunken driving after he was stopped in Midland for driving in the wrong lane.

9:29 a.m.  Officers were called to investigate a case of fraud in the 500 block of Stillmeadow Lane.

10:09 a.m.  Police were called to an assault in the 1500 block of Washington Street.

10:48 a.m.  A deputy was sent to a report of a 500-pound pig that was loose for the third time during the week in Warren Township. The pig causes damage to neighboring lawns. Reports are being sent to the prosecutor about livestock at large.

11:53 a.m.  Police investigated a case of retail fraud in the 1900 block of South Saginaw Road.

2:39 p.m.  A deputy was sent to Warren Township for a report of an illegal burn, and found a resident burning building material. A warning was issued.

5:12 p.m.  Police assisted probation agents in the 1000 block of Ashman Street.

7:32 p.m.  A deputy was called about a 16-year-old boy who was operating a dirt bike recklessly on the side of a Jerome Township roadway. The teen was spoken with about laws and safety tips.

7:38 p.m.  Deputies were called to a domestic assault at a Larkin Township home involving a 15-year-old girl who was disorderly. A report is being sent to the probate court and the prosecutor.

7:56 p.m.  A motorist was arrested in the 1700 block of Bay City Road for second-offense driving while license suspended.

8:20 p.m.  A Larkin Township woman, 54, reported her computer was hacked by an unknown person who was offering the help her with computer viruses. There was no monetary loss.

8:29 p.m.  Police made an arrest for marijuana possession at Bay City Road and Hemlock Street.

11:51 p.m.  A Saginaw man was cited in Lee Township for improper plate and no insurance.

Thursday, April 13

2:29 p.m.  A deputy was sent to Homer Township to investigate a sexual assault that occurred in Midland Township.

9:15 p.m.  A deputy was sent to a Lee Township home for a report of a missing child. The child was located immediately after the call was dispatched.
To the editor:

I have a concern regarding the pictures of the Amish in the April 1-2 edition of the newspaper. As stated under the picture at the bottom of the page, The Amish people prefer not to be photographed.
Illinois State University Theatre's Harvest by Indian playwright Manjula Padmanabhan (who recently made an ISU campus visit) gets a sci-fi staging under Director David Weber.

The play, published in 1997, was originally set in a futuristic Bombay of 2010. Weber moves the story to the States and pushes the time further into the future.

Either way, its a dark fantasy about high-tech trafficking in body organs. Ultimately, its a parable about the rich and advantaged exploiting the poor and choice-less.

Om (Anthony Thomas Harden) lives with his greedy mother Ma (GinaRoyal Cleveland) and wife Jaya (Molly Perling) in single room located in a place where 40 families share one bathroom. Jaya is having an affair with Oms brother Jason (Robert Hunter Bry) who is a prostitute.

Om has lost his job and without exactly understanding what hes doing, signs on with InterPlanta, a giant Big Brother-type company that headhunts organs.

At first things seem to be looking up for this impoverished family. InterPlanta supplies them with food (in the form of pellets), clean water and a toilet.

Oms contact with InterPlanta is via a communicating module (picture an all-seeing disco ball). InterPlanta representative Gina (a brilliant Kourtney Adams) speaks to them via projections that the audience sees both on stage and suspended over their heads.

Gina intends to keep Om on a tight health regimen in order to protect her investment in his organs, which she now owns and can harvest at will. Its super creepy.

The set by Samantha Gribben resembles a giant exploded erector set. The action is mostly, and claustrophobically, confined to the familys one room. Ensemble members lurk about the metal rafters and landings in sci-fi clothing sometimes speaking in sync with Gina. Again, creepy.

Interplanta lackeys periodically show up at the door to do Ginas bidding. They arent that good at their job and mistakenly carry off Jason instead of Om for organ harvest.

Hardens Om effectively goes from excited to hopeless (like a cabbage, as Jaya has it.) Bry also makes an effective transition from attractive bad boy to something resembling a post-harvest hologram.

The plot gets really convoluted in the second act but one thing is crystal clear: this is not a world any of us want to live in.
BLOOMINGTON  Two human services agencies hope to improve collaboration and save money after Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois moved its McLean County office into the United Way of McLean County office.

Big Brothers Big Sisters moved from 901 E. Grove St., Bloomington, into the south portion of the United Way office in the McBarnes Building, 201 E. Grove St., Bloomington.

United Way's staff is smaller than it was a year ago.

"We've got available office space," United Way President David Taylor said Monday. "In the current environment, it's as important as ever for nonprofits to collaborate. Anytime we can work together in a fashion that's mutually beneficial and saves us money, it's a good thing."

"So many social service agencies are struggling with funding," said Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO Jeanne Stahlheber. "I think not-for-profits should share resources."

United Way has been looking for efficiencies as its fundraising has struggled.

Meanwhile, Big Brothers Big Sisters was looking to relocate from its Grove Street location, where its offices were separated and where there had been security issues. Stahlheber spoke with Taylor.

"I told him 'We've got these challenges,'" Stahlheber said. "And you've got extra space."

Taylor said United Way negotiated a "reasonable sublease agreement" with Big Brothers Big Sisters, which involves that agency covering about one-third of United Way's rent.

For Big Brothers Big Sisters, locating in the McBarnes Building means the agency is in a more secure, visible, centrally located site, Stahlheber said. Locating in the United Way office creates opportunities for collaboration and cost-sharing, she said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has four full-time and one part-time employee in McLean County. It's phone number for McLean County has switched to United Way's number  309-828-7383.

In McLean County, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 265 children and has 39 boys and 12 girls on its waiting list. The agency provides children facing adversity with a caring adult volunteer who spends one-on-one time with the child.
BLOOMINGTON  No arrests have been made in connection with a Saturday morning home invasion and stabbing in Bloomington.

Police were called to the 500 block of Valley View Circle at 10:15 a.m. for a report of a home invasion.

It was reported a domestic relationship was the cause for a male subject to break into an apartment, said Bloomington police spokesman Elias Mendiola. During the incident, a male occupant began to physically fight with the subject. The subject fled the scene prior to police arriving.

When officers arrived, he said, they found a 28-year-old man with a stab wound to his hand, he said. The man was transported to a local hospital by Bloomington Fire Department paramedics for non-life-threatening injuries.

A woman on the scene was not injured, he said.

A short time later, officers were dispatched to a business parking lot in the 2200 block of West Market Street for a man who said he had been stabbed.

Officers arrived to find a 29-year-old male with multiple stab wounds to his torso, he said. He was also transported to a local hospital by Bloomington Fire Department rescue for non-life-threatening injuries. The male was identified as the subject involved in the earlier incident at Valley View Circle.

This investigation is ongoing. At this time, no arrests have been made in connection with this incident.
A 10-hour Bow Hunter Class was held at the Murdock Fire Hall March 14, 16, 18 and 24. Students were required to attend all three sessions offered.

Nebraska Game and Parks requires anyone ages 12 to 29 pass the course if they want to hunt deer in Nebraska with a bow and arrow.

The class consisted of eight chapters. They wereIntroduction to Bow Hunting, Wildlife Conservation Safe and Responsible Bow Hunting, Know your Bow and Arrow, Preparation before the Hunt, Methods of Bow Hunting, Shot Placement and Recovery Techniques and Outdoor Preparedness.

The outdoor portion was Saturday on a sunny but cool morning at the Patti and Rusty Withrow farm. After arriving at their farm, two students were assigned to ask permission to access their ground.

Students learned to shoot at 3-D targets from a ladder stand while wearing a safety vest. They also shot from a turkey blind and followed a fake blood trail to learn the proper way to recover a deer after it has been shot. The students laid down toilet paper at each blood spot until they recovered the fake deer.

The class was also fortunate to have Conservation Officer Levi Krause attend the class on Thursday evening. Levi Krause covered game laws and proper tagging of game that is harvested. Levi has attended the Murdock class for the last 24 years. Many questions were also asked from the students.

Students in the class are Angelo R Leone, Dustin S Miller, Dylan Miller, Garrett F Pleiss, Emily Ridge, Karley Ridge, James M Struthers, Jordan R Vogler and Braxton C Walz.

Instructors are Roger Buck, Dale Johns, Dan Timm, Jerry Brinkman, Ton Pleiss, Matt Griffen, Rusty Withrow and Patti Withrow.
NORMAL  Normal police are looking for a man wanted in connection with an apparent home invasion on Saturday in the College Station Apartments on Traders Circle in Normal.

At 4:55 p.m., a female victim reported that a man knocked on her door and when she answered, he forced his way into apartment, according to a statement released Monday. Once inside, the man held the female at knife point and demanded property.

The man then fled the scene in an unknown direction. The reported injuries were not life-threatening.

Detectives and crime scene technicians checked the scene for evidence. A police K-9 unit searched the area, but there were no arrests.

The suspect is described as having a medium build, dark hair and light-colored skin.

The incident remains under investigation and the police are asking for the publics help in locating any witnesses or anyone who may have seen something suspicious Saturday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Kendra DeRosa at 309-454-9624 or kderosa@normal.org. Anyone with information who wishes to remain anonymous may call McLean County Crime Stoppers 24 hours a day at 309-828-1111.
ComEd offering help with utility bills

BLOOMINGTON  Mid Central Community Action, in partnership with ComEd CARE Energy Assistance Programs, is offering the Residential Special Hardship Fund for households that identify a hardship and demonstrated need.

ComEd Residential Energy customers in Livingston County may schedule an appointment by contacting MCCA at 309-834-9283 or at liheap.livco@mccainc.org. The initiative provides money to ComEd residential customers with household incomes up to 250 percent of the poverty level.
BLOOMINGTON  Faculty members at Illinois Wesleyan University have expressed strong disapproval of U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis declining to meet openly on campus with constituents.

However, a spokeswoman for the Republican from Taylorville said the congressman doesn't think meetings with large groups is effective.

This (proposal) was a town hall and he doesn't do town halls, said Ashley Phelps, communications director for Davis.

His view is that town halls are more politically motivated and less effective than small groups, she said.

An invitation was sent to Davis in early March asking him to take part in a campus conversation during April's congressional recess. The invitation proposed a question-and-answer format, with questions provided in advance and a moderator from the faculty or staff.

However, Davis' office would only agree to meeting privately, with no media present, with 10 to 15 people, according to Emily Kelahan, assistant professor of philosophy at IWU.

A compromise was offered by an IWU faculty representative that would have excluded media and limited the gathering to individuals with a valid IWU identification card, but that was not accepted.

A resolution approved by a majority of faculty, expressed "strong disapproval" of Davis' decision and urged him to reconsider. The resolution also urged Davis to adopt a more open posture toward the press" and not to take any vote affecting his constituents until he collects "in-person feedback."

Phelps said, Our office has always been open and accessible to the university and its faculty.

Declining Davis' offer to meet with a small group clearly shows this is not about having a discussion but, instead, it's a political move by a group of the faculty members separate from the university administration. Its unfortunate that this group has chosen to take an all-or-nothing approach, said Phelps.

But Kelahan said larger meetings, like the one proposed by IWU faculty, serve at least two purposes.

It allows people to interact with their elected representatives and it allows them to interact with one another, she said.

Freshman Amanda Breeden of Normal, majoring in sociology and gender studies, said, My worry is that 10 to 15 would be a very select group of people and wouldn't represent the range of opinions and concerns of our campus and our community.

The focus of the meeting was to have been on issues affecting higher education.

Kelahan and Breeden said there are concerns about funding for student financial aid, libraries, scientific research and the arts as well as concern about President Donald Trump's selection for education secretary and the administration's immigration policies.

Phelps said Davis has had 47 constituent meetings in the past week, including a meeting last week with a group of IWU professors who were concerned about repealing the Affordable Care Act.

Kelahan said IWU has a strong history of fostering conversation with public figures on important issues. More than 500 people attended a town hall meeting with Durbin at IWU on March 24.

The invitation was from the entire campus community, Kelahan said, adding, We had no principled way to cut it down to 10 to 15, which would be less than 1 percent of our community members.

Breeden hopes Davis will reconsider. With the political polarization today, if we're not willing to talk, it won't go away by itself, she said.
NORMAL  Streets on the northeast side of Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal were closed for about two hours Tuesday afternoon as a result of a natural-gas line break.

Normal Fire Department spokesman Matt Swaney said the fire department was notified at 2:44 p.m. that an excavating crew working on the northeast side of the building cut a line. Stark Excavating is currently working on a project there.

Nicor sealed the leak, and Franklin and Virginia avenues near the hospital remain closed until 4:36 p.m.

We (had) an underground inch-and-a-half pipe that was damaged, he said.

No evacuations were needed, he said.

We (went) into the buildings with meters and it is not seeping into the buildings, he added.

The wind, blowing at about 10 to 15 mph, helped, he said.

The wind is working in our favor and it is blowing it away from the hospital, he said. It definitely plays a factor in helping it dissipate.
LEXINGTON  Fire extensively damaged a Lexington home Monday afternoon, and while no people were injured, two dogs were killed.

Residents of 19 E. Concord Drive came home about 4:20 p.m. and discovered the fire when they opened the garage door, said Lexington Fire Chief Mark Brown.

There was extensive fire, smoke and water damage on the first floor, and water and smoke damage throughout the rest of the two-story home, Brown said.

The house was left uninhabitable, and the Red Cross was called to assist the four residents.

Brown said the cause of the fire remained under investigation Monday night. While he declined to put a dollar value on the loss, Brown said it was "pretty extensive."

It took about 20 to 30 minutes to bring the fire under control, he said.

Fire departments from Colfax, Cooksville, Gridley Normal and Towanda assisted.
Madison Paper Industries to Sell its Hydro Power Facilities in Maine

April 18, 2017 - Madison Paper Industries, a partnership of UPM and Northern SC Paper Corp., a subsidiary of The New York Times Company, has signed an agreement on the sale of its hydro power facilities to Eagle Creek Renewable Energy, LLC, a hydroelectric power producer, based in Morristown, New Jersey (USA).

The transaction is still subject to third party approvals. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

"Eagle Creek is a well-known and experienced operator of hydroelectric power facilities in North America. The company focuses on CO2-friendly power production and has a long term focused business strategy in this sector. As an integral part of an energy company the hydro power facilities can be operated and developed in an optimal way," says Ruud van den Berg, Senior Vice President, Magazines, Merchants & Office, UPM Paper ENA.

"Eagle Creek is very pleased to broaden our footprint in central Maine. The Madison Paper Industries hydroelectric portfolio represents an excellent opportunity to build out our operations in the region through the acquisition of a well-maintained, high quality set of hydro facilities," says Bud Cherry, CEO of Eagle Creek Renewable Energy.

SOURCE: UPM

EDITOR'S NOTE: Madison Paper Industries ceased paper production on May 21, 2016. The mill had the capacity to produce 195,000 tons per year of supercalendered (SC) paper.

In December of 2016, a Joint Venture of New Mill Capital Holdings of New York, Perry Videx of Hainesport, New Jersey and Infinity Asset Solutions of Toronto acquired the mill assets from UPM-Kymmene Inc. and Northern SC Paper Corp. The JV plans to repurpose the property and remarket it for alternative industrial uses.

 See related story: Madison Paper Industries Mill Assets Sold to Investor Group - Dec. 31, 2016
Ivanka Trump, first daughter of America, mid-range clothing and accessories saleswoman, and assistant to the President of the United States had what seems to have been a very productive meeting with the president of China.

AP reports that on the very same day Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner had dinner with the Chinese president and his wife, her brand was granted three new trademarks to sell Ivanka-branded clothing, accessories and spa services in China.

Though like her father, Ivanka has made feeble attempts at pretending she would distance herself from the ethical minefield of mixing her business with politics, it increasingly seems that untangling the two is about as high on Ivanka's priority list as actually promoting women's rights.

But just because Ivanka is shady, doesn't mean she's not a good businesswoman; young women in China are reportedly obsessed with her aspirational brand of womanhood and are likely to buy her products in droves. Talk is cheap, and so are Trump handbags.

[h/t AP]

Image via Getty
Broadband serves as a bridge between Nebraska and the world. Connecting to high-speed internet is vital for all Nebraskans. Our families, students, communities, and businesses all rely on it every day to share, send, and use information.

Access to broadband is especially important for Nebraskas agricultural sector. In our 21st-century world, livestock producers have the ability to monitor their livestock with connected devices, enabling them to maintain healthy herds. To supply the world with our states great agricultural products, all of our ranchers and farmers must have the ability to access the most up-to-date news on weather and commodity markets to make critical decisions such as knowing when to sell crops and when to place them in storage. Additionally, by extending the reach of broadband networks, more of Nebraskas small businesses will be able to reach customers online, enhancing their marketing opportunities.

Broadband isnt only a boon for Nebraska businesses, however. Increasing the availability of broadband will strengthen our communities. It allows for more access to the goods Nebraskans need and products that can make our lives better, some of which may not always be available locally. In other cases, it can even save lives by allowing those who live far from the nearest medical center to connect remotely with health care providers for routine check-ups or specialist visits.

I believe the federal government has a responsibility to work with states and private industry to facilitate infrastructure development. Investments in infrastructure help our economy grow and our communities prosper. Broadband is a significant part of infrastructure and we have to work through the remaining challenges standing in the way of access to this important service.

One of these challenges is cost.

Building broadband infrastructure is expensive. Finding companies willing to invest in providing rural internet access is difficult. Too often, this problem creates unfortunate obstacles for Nebraskans looking to buy reasonably-priced broadband services. Its time for that to change.

In that vein, I joined Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota in leading a bipartisan group of senators in addressing a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In it, we asked the agency to continue working to advance broadband deployment in rural areas of the country where these services are still very expensive.

The FCC has had some success working on this problem in the past, but the agency must do more to ensure families can buy more affordable high-speed broadband regardless of where they live.

Lowering the cost of internet infrastructure will allow our state to be a stronger competitor in the world market. Nebraskans will be able to expand their businesses if they have the latest technology and the most current information available.

Increased broadband access helps build stronger communities by creating a network that can connect families in the blink of an eye. Increased access means that deployed Nebraska military personnel can email and video chat back home while theyre away. Parents can stay in touch with students who go away to college. Grandparents can see and hear from their grandkids more often. When more Nebraskans have access to broadband, their loved ones feel a little bit closer. No matter the distance, families can stay in touch.

Building the accessible broadband networks of tomorrow requires common-sense reform today. By working together to create sound public policy, we can achieve the goal of making affordable high-speed Internet available to everyone in our state. All Americans deserve an opportunity to compete and succeed in the digital world. I will continue to work in a bipartisan way to make that a reality.

Thank you for participating the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
A group of 10 babies with a birth defect will undergo a first-ever pig organ transplant under the hands of British doctors. These babies have esophageal atresia, a life-threatening condition, and the transplant will hopefully save their lives.

Doctors at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital initiated the preparation and planning for the transplants. They already tapped a local British farm to supply the pig organs and targeted the operation of the babies to begin next year, Independent reported.

Doctors plan to modify the pig organs with stem cells from the babies and tissue engineering will take eight weeks, as per Daily Mail. These will then be used to fix the babies' gullet that connects the mouth to the esophagus.

Babies suffering from esophagus atresia cannot swallow or ingest food properly. They also risk choking from the birth defect. Left untreated, babies with this rare condition also risk cancer development.

Doctors can detect esophagus atresia in babies as early as 20 weeks in the womb. It affects 250 U.K. babies and one in 4,608 babies in the United States, as per CDC.

Current treatment for esophagus atresia requires invasive surgery where doctors sew the gullet or move the stomach higher on the chest. The latter procedure also brings risk as babies can develop pneumonia in the long run because of the unusual placement.

"Pigs have been used for heart valve replacement for many years, but nobody has received an organ developed from an 'animal scaffold' this way," surgeon Paolo De Coppi, who will head the transplant team said. De Coppi also said the transplant should significantly lower the long-term complications of the birth defect.

De Coppi developed the transplant procedure following an operation of Ciaran Finn-Lynch, 11, in 2010. De Coppi corrected the boy's windpipe via the stem cell transplant and he's now a healthy and normal teenager with little medical issues.
Rural schools in America do not usually end up in discussions relating to national issues but Betsy DeVos' appointment as the head of the Department of Education is changing the conversation. Her plan of expanding charter schools is putting the agenda in the forefront as it could impact rural areas. Observers and critics of the new administration, however, wonder how this system will work.

Currently, around 9.7 million of students in America attend rural schools and a quarter of these students are in charter schools. Only, there's a clear difference between rural charter schools and urban charter schools in its operation, as per The Conversation.

Despite funding shortages, rural charter schools thrive and operate to anchor the needs of the community. Members or residents themselves, many of them parents, manage and decide on school matters compared to education companies that manage urban charter schools.

Communities open rural charter schools to sustain social activities, livelihood and employment. More often than not, students are molded to give back to the community instead of encouraged to leave and uproot their lives elsewhere.

Rural charter schools often have a small student population and these institutions do not compete against other schools in the district since community building and sustainment are its main purpose. These sites are often isolated, with little teaching staff or facilities, Education Post notes.

Some believe expanding rural charter schools won't help the education system in rural areas because of these deeply-rooted community-centered traditions. According to Huffington Post, there also isn't enough market for rural charter schools, especially when DeVos' idea is driven towards for-profit and business generating charter schools.

There's also not enough money or enrollment numbers to support charter school expansions in rural school districts. Families in rural areas also do not concern themselves with school choice for as long as there is one school helping the community, USA Today reports. Federal money should then instead go to rebuilding and improving existing schools, including public schools, instead of expanding rural charter schools.
The U.S. Embassy in London summoned a "terrorist" planning to enter America for an interview. Only, the personality in question was a 3-month-old whom his grandfather mistakenly identified in their travel papers.

Baby Harvey Kenyon-Cairns and his family were set to fly to Orlando, Florida for a holiday. His grandfather, Paul Kenyon, 62, filled out the visa forms but he wrongly tagged one box in the boy's questionnaire for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), Telegraph reported.

Kenyon ticked off "yes" in his grandchild's form in answer to the question, "Do you seek to engage in or have you ever engaged in terrorist activities, espionage, sabotage, or genocide?" Alarmed embassy officials wanted to be sure, so they summoned the baby for an interview in London.

The Kenyon-Cairns family lived 10 hours away in Cheshire. They had no choice but to make the trip to the embassy and present Harvey.

The baby's grandfather revealed Harvey behaved himself during the interview. Kenyon joked he initially planned on having the child wear an orange jumpsuit but later decided against it.

"I couldn't believe that they couldn't see it was a genuine mistake and that a three-month-old baby would be no harm to anyone," the grandfather said, as per Independent. "They didn't appear to have a sense of humor over it at all and couldn't see the funny side."

The family planned their Florida trip along with the baby's mom Faye Kenyon-Cairns and the baby's father, John Cairns. The summon at the embassy delayed their scheduled flight a few more days because of Harvey's visa release.

Kenyon rebooked his daughter's family's trip, which cost $3,770.20 (3,000). He and his wife, Cathy, along with another granddaughter, Ava, however, went ahead to Florida as scheduled but the grandad said he made an "expensive mistake."

Kenyon also wondered if anyone would actually tick "yes" to the terrorist question in the ESTA form. "If you were a terrorist, I suspect you'd not be ticking yes on the form anyway," he said.
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Patna: Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday welcomed President of India Pranab Mukherjee who arrived in the state capital to participate in a function to honor thousands of freedom fighters coming from 19 states.

{gallery}newsimages2017/apr/041717{/gallery}President Mukherjee was received by the Governor and the Chief Minister at the Patna Airport in the presence of several ruling party leaders and top government officials.

This makes it the President's fourth trip to Bihar since last August.

Though the total number of people to be recognized today was said to be close to three thousand, only a few hundred were personally honored by the President.

The program held at the S K Memorial Hall north of the Gandhi Maidan was inaugurated by the President in the presence of Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, Nitish Kumar, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son and Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav, and other ruling party leaders.

Incidentally, none of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders was present on the occasion in what was described as a boycott because of the presence of a convicted politician and felon like Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is out of prison on bail in the multi-crore rupees fodder scam, sharing the dais with the person holding the highest office in the nation.

Speaking on the occasion, the President stuck to the usual theme of secularism and the need for tolerance in the nation while emphasizing the importance of unity that, he said, led to the ouster of the British Raj.

"India is a country of several religions and over 200 languages  all living under one constitution. We should celebrate our diversity and feel proud about our Indian identity," he said.

President Mukherjee personally honored 15 freedom fighters while the others were awarded by Chief Minister and other top government officials.

Kumar, in his speech, once again reiterated his resolve to follow on the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi and justified his decision to impose prohibition in Bihar by saying this is what the Father of the Nation had wanted.

Aware of the presence of Rahul Gandhi on the stage, Kumar admonished political pundits not to make too much out of the imagery saying people should refrain from treating this function as a political event.

Despite his warning, however, Lalu Prasad Yadav did not miss the opportunity to politicize the event when he, without mentioning the name of the BJP, said that while a majority of the people were the followers of Gandhi and were willing to follow his ideals, others celebrated the killing of the Mahatma by Nathuram Godse.
An important religious figure in Syria once asked to see me and other members of an American delegation. I assumed we were in for a strident lecture about Americas role in the Syrian conflict. It was quite the opposite. He humbly asked us to understand the circumstances of the vulnerable persons he represented. He pleaded with us to be aware of the complexities and dangers they live with. Not one lawmaker walked away from that meeting without a deeper empathy, and what was at stake for innocent people in Syria.

I often use the phrase Foreign Policy Realism to describe how the United States should best exercise its strength and authority in international affairs. Last week, when writing to you about rising tensions around North Korea, I pointed to the end of Strategic Patience regarding reckless, ruthless leaders abroad. There are limitsas when a dictator positions to use gravely destructive weaponry.

As Chinese President Xi met with President Trump to discuss the challenges of North Korea, a decision was made to retaliate against Syria for using chemical weapons on helpless civilians. The precise, targeted action clearly answered this crime against humanity. I support President Trumps decision. The responsible nations of the world cannot remain idle while children are gassed. Moreover, to simply ignore or merely decry the crime creates the conditions for carnage to worsen and for chemical weapons to be used with impunity.

At the same time, there are no easy solutions to resolving this intractable conflict. Foreign Policy Realism cannot be reduced to quick answers amid longstanding chaos and discord. In this instance, and in service of the principles of civilization itself, the United States' response was measured and proportionate. However, the road ahead will not be so clear. Whats needed is a consistent, determined sequence of actions to resolving the Syrian nightmare that neither commits us to a long-term dynamic in which our young people are put in harms way, nor a dynamic where we create a vacuum allowing nefarious players to move in. The responsibility is international in scope, and not Americas alone.

Our goal should be to create stability for all people in the region, destroy ISIS, elevate the conditions for a negotiated settlement, and assure the right of refugees to return to their ancestral homelands. Foreign Policy Realism demands that this mechanism include Russia and other nations in the region.

While the kinetics of our defense is in motion, we must be mindful of the risk to religious minorities that a sudden rupture in Syria could engender. It is a little known fact that Christians constituted roughly ten percent of Syrias pre-war population. Syrias President Assad must be replaced; however, if he is too swiftly removed, he could be replaced by something even worse: genocidal barbarians with every intention of exterminating Christians and other minority groups from the territory they seize. Innocent Muslims may fare no better.

One option to help persecuted communities is to create interim zones of stability, so that those who have been forced to flee can remain proximate to their ancestral homelands, with the hope of one day returning to them in safety. Last fall, I introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives encouraging the Iraq government to follow its own initiative in 2014 to establish a province in the Nineveh Plain, a once-rich tapestry of ethnic and religious stability in the northern part of that war-torn country, where Christians, Yazidis, and minority Muslim communities once lived in a spirit of general pluralism, but now have been ravaged by ISIS genocide. The creation of such a province could provide a model for Syria and elsewhere in the region.

In Damascus, there is a street called Straight Street, where the Apostle Paul resided after he was blinded during a religious experience. The streets origins are inextricably intertwined with the existence of the West. Perhaps in this Easter season, in addition to the hard necessity of military might, the absolute necessity of smart diplomacy, and the essential humanitarian effort to alleviate suffering, we can once again hope for some wholesale conversion to peace.
Iran's Presidential Carnival Kicks off

04/18/17

By Farideh Farhi (source: LobeLog)



The Epidemy Of Delusion: "The next president of Iran"

(cartoon by Kayvan Varessi, Iranian daily Ghanoon

In the past two decades, Iran's presidential election kickoffs have increasingly become occasions for comedy. It did not disappoint this time. During the five-day registration period, beginning on April 11, over 1,600 people signed up (1,636 to be exact), ranging in age from 6 to 89 years old. Unlike for other offices, there are no clear minimum requirements to run for presidency in Iran-not age, not education, and not even gender even if no woman has ever been qualified. So the registration period has become an occasion for people of varying degrees of charisma to make their voices heard and faces seen.

The Iranian parliament has tried to introduce some sanity into the process. But, in order to maintain maximum flexibility for its vetting process, the Guardian Council has resisted any change in the very vague qualification criteria in the constitution, which basically states that the candidate must be among "prominent religious or political personalities" and be a "skillful" manager or administrator.

As a result, the registration process has literally become a joke, with reporters waiting at the interior ministry to take photos of the least likely or most hilarious presidential candidate. One woman was shown registering with a sign calling for the separation of religion and politics-in the Islamic Republic of all places. A man was caught coming in barefoot. Another man brought his five-year-old boy to register, presumably to make a point (a six-year-old girl also registered). I remember a 20-year-old young woman who had registered in one of the past elections and was among the 10 women registered in that particular election. She had come for a sit down with editors of a women's magazine. She bluntly stated as her registration motive the fact that her photo had a better chance of making it on the cover of a magazine as a presidential registrant than as an actress. She was right!

The situation became so unwieldy this year-in 2013 there were only 686 registrants-that Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani for the first time blasted the Guardian Council for its refusal to act on legislation to specify more clearly the qualifications for the job. As a result, the conservative body was put on the defensive and accepted a degree of responsibility, with its spokesman stating that it is everyone's fault including the body itself.

The 12-member Guardian Council has the impossible and self-imposed task of going through all of the files of the registrants in only five days. Although the timeline may be extended for a couple of days, the interior ministry must officially announced the qualified candidates on April 26, kicking off the very short 20-day campaign for the May 19 election.

At this point the only thing we know for sure is that the Guardian Council will reject almost all of the files after a few minutes each. Only about 20 files, including President Hassan Rouhani's, will take up most of the time of the Council members. But choosing among these 20-a motley crew of former and current officials and politicians-is not an easy task given the completely partisan nature of the Guardian Council's decision-making process and the tactical game various political parties and organizations have decided to play.



President Rohani (L) and Ebrahim Raisi

Rouhani vs. Everyone Else

Rouhani is the man to beat, and by all accounts this will be difficult task. His main opponent is cleric Ebrahim Raisi, a former judiciary official and recently appointed custodian of the Imam Reza shrine (reputed to be the richest religious foundation in the Islamic world). His late entry has turned the election into what most observers now see as a two-man race. However, the Guardian Council is likely to qualify more than these two, and given this knowledge both Rouhani supporters and opponents are playing a tactical game to increase the chances of their candidate winning.

Raisi insists that he is running as an independent candidate. To improve his chances of winning, his supporters will also coyly hint that he is really the candidate of Iran's Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But his candidacy was pushed forth through a process initiated by an alliance of conservative organizations called the Popular Front for the Islamic Revolution Forces (PFIRF). He ended up on the top of the PFIRF's list of five candidates, another three of which have also registered. Presumably the PFIRF hopes that one or two of these candidates will be qualified, giving them sufficient collective firepower to direct at Rouhani's record during the short campaign period and presidential debates (the format for and number of which have yet to be decided). Once the debates are over, the backup candidates will likely withdraw in favor of Raisi. The kink in this plan is that at least one of the candidates-Tehran mayor and former presidential candidate Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf-may not withdraw in Raisi's favor. His own presidential ambitions are well known and may keep him in the race. Based on his debate performance, he may also end up being considered a better Rouhani challenger.

Meanwhile, the reformist-centrist alliance that has solidly lined up behind Rouhani decided at the last minute to field candidates that would neutralize the PFIRF's tactical moves. Immediately after Qalibaf's registration, Rouhani's first vice president, Eshaq Jahangiri, also registered. He will have the task of defending Rouhani's record in the debates and has openly stated that he will withdraw in Rouhani's favor.

Immediately after former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad registered, so did Mohammad Hashemi, the brother of the late Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. The former president is unlikely to qualify, given that the judiciary spokesman has already stated that there is an open case against him in the judiciary. But if Ahmadinejad does qualify, Mohammad Hashemi hope is to qualify as well in order to defend his deceased brother's record against attacks as well as to remind the public about his brother's avid support for Rouhani.

The Guardian Council, chaired by conservative Ahmad Jannati, may also have its own tactical considerations regarding what combination of candidates will strengthen Raisi's position and reduce Rouhani's chances. It may decide to qualify a couple of less well-known reformist candidates who have registered independently in order to create competition in Rouhani's own flank. As usual the Council will offer very little rhyme or reason for qualifying one former minister and not another.





Source: Ayate Mandegar daily



Rouhani's Record

At the center of the campaign, no matter what combination of registrants will be qualified, will be the Rouhani's administration's economic record. The Iranian economy has experienced an uptick in growth after the nuclear agreement mostly because of an increase in oil exports. But Rouhani's opponents have made much of the higher rate of unemployment as more people enter the job market and a recession continues in the housing market and the associated construction industry, a key employer in the Iranian economy. Raisi is entering the campaign with the slogan of Work and Dignity while Qalibaf is promising to do magic by more than doubling the size of the Iranian economy and creating of 5.5 million jobs in four years (leading the reformist pundits to make fun of him for effectively promising a 20 percent yearly growth rate).

Overall Rouhani's conservative opponents offer very few specific alternative policies. They argue that they will be better managers than Rouhani in pursuing largely the same policies. Even regarding foreign policy, they do not have the wherewithal to question the direction Iran has taken after the signing of the nuclear agreement. Some of the registrants may criticize the nuclear agreement for not delivering on its economic promises but, given the fact that the agreement was the result of a systemic decision and received Leader Ali Khamenei's stamp of approval, they will have to deal with it as a fact on the ground, not subject to reversal from the Iranian side.

This is why Rouhani, in his post-registration speech, pointed out that his administration is the best one to steward the nuclear agreement. Using the sly humor he is known for, he compared his opponents to the competing and jealous wives "who had repeatedly made the decision to kill this child," meaning the nuclear agreement, and hence could not be good custodians of it. "Rather, the same people who worked day and night for the agreement should continue on the path until the last step," he stated. His reference to the people who worked hard for the agreement is also a not-so-subtle reference to Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is very popular among more liberal urban voters. Rouhani is suggesting that they should come out and vote if they want Zarif to remain at his position. Finally, Rouhani and Jahangiri, in reminding people of the unstable political and economic situation at the end of Ahmadinejad's presidency, will also point to the need for steady hands to continue at the helm.

In this sense, the challengers' call for change at the top for the sake of improved management and more effective implementation of policies already put into place makes this election quite different from the previous three elections, which were largely focused on the country's change of direction.

Given the volatility in voter participation in Iran-which in presidential elections has ranged from 55 to 85 percent-Rouhani may be in trouble if the people who supported him in the 2013 election show their disappointment in the slow improvements of the Iranian economy by not showing up at the polls in significant numbers. On the other hand, this election offers these supporters little incentive to go to the polls to vote for Rouhani's likely opponents either.





About the Author:



Farideh Farhi is an Independent Scholar and Affiliate Graduate Faculty at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. She has taught comparative politics at the University of Colorado, Boulder, University of Hawai'i, University of Tehran, and Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran. Her publications include States and Urban-Based Revolutions in Iran and Nicaragua (University of Illinois Press) and numerous articles and book chapters on compartative analyses of revolutions and Iranian politics. She has been a recipient of grants from the United States Institute of Peace and the Rockefeller Foundation and was most recently a Public Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. She has also worked as a consultant for the World Bank and the International Crisis Group.
Iran denounces Washington for supporting terrorist groups

04/18/17

Source: Tehran Times

TEHRAN - Tehran on Monday denounced the United States for supporting terrorist groups, such as the anti-Iran Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO or MEK), which carry out acts of terror against the Islamic Republic and other regional countries.





MKO head Maryam Rajavi with Senator John McCain in Tirana, Albania



In a news conference, Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi condemned the U.S. for threatening the security of the region, saying Washington must pay for its wrongdoings.



Qassemi's remarks came days after the head of the MKO, Maryam Rajavi, met with John McCain, a senior U.S. senator who was the Republican nominee for the 2008 U.S. presidential election.



"You have stood up, fought, and sacrificed for freedom, for the right to live free, for the right to determine your future," said McCain, referring to Rajavi.



Qassemi further said the meeting came of no surprise to him, since the United States has supported various terrorist groups in recent decades.

Once an important political actor inside Iran, the MKO fought the rule of Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, before the Islamic Revolution. However, after the 1979 revolution, it resorted to acts of terror and assassinations, killing thousands of innocent Iranians.



According to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh, MKO members were trained in the United States from 2005 to 2009, under former President George W. Bush. Their training included intercepting communications, cryptography, weaponry and small unit tactics.



Following the election of Donald Trump as president, anti-Iran warmongers became much more vocal in U.S. politics, which in turn has empowered the MKO-like groups and individuals who are now calling for "regime change" in Iran.

@SenatorJMcCain @America https://t.co/0nTEEvgAVk the terrorist group that was in American terrorist list Mek #who paid McCain to support them ,shame to McCain   firouzeh ghaffarpour (@firouchka) April 18, 2017

Also, a week ago, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran, called for replacing the Islamic Republic with a "parliamentary monarchy".



"My focus right now is on liberating Iran," he said.



Days after Pahlavi's anti-Iran remarks, came John Bolton's. Bolton, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations who is infamous for being one of the most hawkish politicians in America, called Iran "a terrorist state" in a New York Post article published on Sunday.



"The nuclear threat from rogue states like Iran is a terrorist rather than a military threat, aimed to intimidate, or ultimately kill and maim, innocent civilian populations around the world," he wrote.



Among many other U.S. politicians, Bolton has also spoken in favor of the MKO at its conference in Brussels. He, too, repeatedly calls for regime change in Iran.
IRAN: Reformists Barred From Isfahan's May 19 By-Election for Parliament

04/18/17

Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran

After disqualifying the initial reformist winner, Iran's conservative Guardian Council has now barred most reformist candidates from running in the second-round election for Isfahan's vacant parliamentary seat. The vote will occur when Iranians head to the polls on May 19, 2017 to elect their new president and city and village councils.



Reformist politician Minoo Khalegi





Reformist politician Minoo Khalegi won the February 2016 parliamentary election in Isfahan, central Iran, after receiving the third highest number of votes in the city.

However, the Guardian Council, which vets all candidates, nullified her victory in March 2016 after photos emerged of her allegedly shaking hands with a man during a trip abroad.

Touching a member of the opposite sex who is not a relative is illegal in the Islamic Republic.

Reformist politicians who were approved to run in the first round of the election have been barred from running in the by-election.

"Last year [reformist politicians], including Kourosh Mohammadi, Masoud Hamidi and Alireza Ajoudani, had been approved and were able to stand in the elections for the 10th parliamentary session," reported the government's official newspaper, Iran, on April 12.

"Now, Ajoudani, Mohammadi and Hamidi have all been disqualified," it added.

On the other hand, conservative politicians Hamid Rasaie and Arsalan Fathipour, who were disqualified in 2016, have been approved for this year's election.

Based on Article 99 of Iran's Constitution, "The Guardian Council has the responsibility of supervising the elections of the Assembly of Experts for Leadership, the president of the republic, the [Parliament], and the direct recourse to popular opinion and referenda."

The 12-member body, whose primary mission is to ensure that parliament complies with Islamic laws, consists of six clerics selected by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and six lawyers appointed by the judiciary.

With Khamenei and the judiciary both firmly footed in the conservative camp, their representatives in the Guardian Council have rejected numerous reformists in past elections.

After Khaleghi's disqualification, an unnamed relative was quoted saying that the Guardian Council was handed "personal and private photos that could have only been obtained by hacking her phone."

"There has been every kind of rumor and immoral talk surrounding me," said Khaleghi on March 23, 2016 in a statement. "These actions are all aimed at questioning my reputation as a Muslim and as such are punishable according to Sharia law."
Russia says trade with Iran to grow further in 2017

04/18/17

Source: Press TV

Russia says it expects trade relations with Iran to grow further this year after increasing almost twofold in 2016. Alexander Maksimov, the honorary representative of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Iran, was quoted by the media as saying that trade with the Islamic Republic had increased by a whopping 70 percent after the removal of sanctions against the country early last year.



Iran-Russia trade forum in Tehran in December 2016

(photo by Islamic Republic News Agency)

Trade between the two countries, Maksimov said, had reached as high as $2.2 billion. Most of Russia's exports to Iran during in 2016 were mainly comprised of machinery, equipment, transport, food and metals, added the official.



Iranian food exports to Russia made up just $0.3 billion of the trade balance, he emphasized.



"We think the increase in trade is connected with the improvement in bilateral relations between our countries and the growing interest from Russian and Iranian businesspeople in joint commercial activities," Maksimov was quoted as saying by Sputnik news agency.



"In addition, the two governments are creating the necessary trade conditions with the opening of specialized banks, joint ventures, free trade zones, free economic zones, the restoration of transport links and the introduction of new measures including the creation of 'green corridors' and the easing of the visa regime."



In January, Russian exports to Iran of machinery increased by 7 percent and high-technology goods by 3.7 percent in comparison with a year earlier.



The Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is keen for the increased cooperation to continue and wants to see Iran undertake measures to further ease bilateral trade, including a relaxation of its customs regulations, added the report.



"In 2017, there has been a sharp increase in the above sectors primarily due to recently signed contracts in the transport sector (for the construction of roads and bridges), for high-technology equipment including oil production and refining, as well as new contracts for the repair of aviation and rail equipment and energy systems, for example, in the nuclear sphere," said Maksimov.



"Trade turnover can also be increased without additional state intervention. However, it is very important that Iran reduce customs duties and remove non-tariff barriers, such as the requirements for additional certificates and limits on the supply of Russian wheat, which led to a sharp reduction in the volume of Russian exports in 2016."
The funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Marys Catholic Church in West Point. Burial with military honors will be in St. Michaels Cemetery with lunch following at the Nielsen Center. Visitation will be from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Stokely Funeral Home in West Point and will continue from 5-7 p.m. at the church with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7 p.m.
Delhi Public School (DPS) International, Ghana, a private school at Tema in the Greater Accra Region has held a special graduation ceremony for twenty-two outgoing A Level students of the school with sterling cultural performances.



The colourful ceremony was graced with multi-cultural performances amidst drama, poetry recital, singing and choreography from students and witnessed by parents, school authorities and other guests.



The celebration was to acknowledge the teachers and students hard work which had propelled them to the enviable standard in the academic circle.



Certificates and special prizes were presented to the graduating students.



Uttering farewell wishes to the graduates, the Director of the School, Mr. Mukesh Thakwani congratulated the outgoing class of the school which he described as special batch due to their outstanding achievements including laurels won for themselves and the school.



He urged them to keep their shine and continue to serve as ambassadors of the school.



He was optimistic that the quality training and teachings received by the graduates in both academics and extracurricular activities had prepared them well to become successful in the near future, adding that I will not be surprised to see some of our graduates become President, business magnates, doctors, lawyers and other professions in the near future as a result of the good tuition they received and their successes.



The Director of DPS International Ghana, enumerated some of the achievements and other laurels which culminated to the admired academic excellence of the school and challenged the remaining students to continue with the good works of their seniors and endeavour to chalk more success.



He admonished the students to take advantage of the excellent tuition they had and improve in the fast changing world, saying that students of all cultures were taught universal values and ethics along with modern science, while the teachers focused on differences in each individual because every person varies.



Encouraging the students, Principal of the school, Mr. Raj David indicated that education is a lifelong enterprise therefore parents must ensure that their children are given the best of tuition as far as their future is concerned.



He challenged the graduates to psyche themselves up to improve in the midst of challenges they may face.



The Principal advised the outgoing students to desist from social vices so that they could fit into society and make meaningful impact on the lives of people around them.



He called on parents to see the child as a mirror reflecting the whole family and the education they give the child will determine the fortunes of the entire family.



The students, amidst sobs, took their turns to express their joy and sorrow for leaving the school wishing to have had all their academic education at DPS international.



Cobby Ocran, an outgoing student thanked DPS international, Ghana fraternity for the discipline, knowledge and wisdom instilled in him to become a good person for himself and his parents.



He was impressed with the use of extracurricular activities to teach students important values in life and urged the school authorities to uphold it.



DPS International Ghana has won the National Spelling Bee competition on several occasions and recorded the highest performance at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the US.



The school have also added to their several local and international laurels, some outstanding awards from Cambridge International Examinations High Achievers Award and American Mathematics Competition (AMC) which was organised by the Mathematics Association of America among others.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Parents in Zimbabwe can now pay the school fees of their children using livestock. That is the announcement from the countrys government.



Zimbabwes Minister Lazarus Dokora has said that managers of schools must be willing to accept the new mode of payment.



The Finance minister of Zimbabwe, Patrick Chinamasa has already told the countrys parliament this month that banks are to be asked to accept livestock as collateral for loans from small scale businesses.



The latest transaction to benefit from livestock is the payment of fees which has received mixed reactions.



In an interview with the state-owned newspaper Sunday Mail, the education ministrys permanent secretary Sylvia Utete-Masango said Parents of the concerned pupils can pay their fees using livestock.



The Southern African country led by 93 year old President, Robert Mugabe is struggling with an economic crisis which has made it difficult for citizens to have access to cash.



Many banks have had customers queuing to withdraw their cash and these new alternatives for payments are considered the best solution by the Zimbabwean government.



There have been many reactions to this news of paying schools fees with livestock on social media.

Source: Africafeeds.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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Land and natural resources minister, John Peter Amewu, has stated that the three weeks ultimatum given to illegal miners, popularly known as galamsey to vacate their concessions will not be extended.



According to him, extending the ultimatum by even a day means more pollution of water bodies and depletion of farm lands and forests.



The ultimatum, meant to halt all illegal gold mining activities until a more sustainable way of extraction of the mineral was developed, expires on Thursday.



Mr. Amewu was responding to request by galamseyers from the Amenfi West, Amenfi East, Amenfi Central and Prestea Huni-Valley districts of the Western Region for extension of the deadline.



They argued it will give them more time to demobilize from their sites, and reclaim the depleted lands, by filling the huge holes created by their activities.



The Minister reiterated in an interview with The Ghanaian Times at Adina in the Ketu South District oft eh Volta Region, that "We are not going to consider that at all because demobilization should not take more than a day and we have given them three weeks which is enough for them to demobilize."



According to him, the ultimatum was yielding results as more than 160 excavators, used for the illegal mining, have been moved from the various sites.



The minister said that statistics from the Precious Minerals Marketing Company indicated a downward trend in the sale of small scaled gold brought to the company.



Government, he said, was not against small scale mining, but was against persons doing it illegally polluting water bodies in the process and threatening the country's water security.



Mr. Amewu said "What we are saying is that the mode by which some of these activities are being undertaken do not conform with the regulatory framework that allow them to do it."



The minister indicated that "We are going to give a framework that allows Ghanaians to mine in a more sustainable manner...there are some small scale miners who if you go to their sites, are doing the right thing. Their sites are clean and they are operating in a manner that everybody will like."



This category of miners, Mr. Amewu said are not targeted in the three weeks ultimatum.



Asked what punitive measures were there for people who would disobey the ultimatum, the minister said "you just wait. You will see what action we will take after the deadline."







Source: The Ghanaian Times









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Bank of Ghana has strongly debunked public assertions that the new GH5.00 commemorative banknotes have features of evil worship.



According to the Central Bank, the production of new currencies involved a lot of technicalities and nobody has the time to play around with spiritual issues in the issuance of new banknotes or coins for the country.



It has therefore advised Ghanaians not to associate any spiritual meanings with the security features on both sides of the new GH5.00 banknotes.



The Advisor to the Governors of the Central Bank, Ms. Catherine Ashiley who gave the advice at a sensitization programme in Hohoe described the situation as unfortunate.



The new GH5.00 banknote since its introduction on March 4, 2017 has received varying public opinions with some associating the security features on the notes with satanic worship.



The nine tactile marks on both ends of the front view of the notes had particularly been equated with the Biblical Mark of the Beast, 666 with some strongly objecting to use the banknotes.



But Ms. Ashiley in her presentation noted that the tactile marks on the banknotes are internationally accepted security features which assist the blind and the visually impaired to easily identify the new currency.



She said the new notes have received international recognitions for the security features and is regarded as one of the most modern currencies in the world.



Ms. Ashiley added that the production of a new currency usually takes more than one year to complete and urged Ghanaians to desist from politicizing the activities of the bank as no political party had a hand in the printing of the new banknotes.



The Deputy Chief Manager of Currency Management Department of BOG, Mr. Dominic Owusu who took the participants through the security features explained that the new GH5.00 banknotes were strategically designed to stand the test time and counterfeiters.



He said the new notes have eight security features which cannot be easily counterfeited thereby making them one of the most secured currency notes in the world.



He urged Ghanaians to take proper care of the countrys banknotes as they are the distinguishing features of the country to the international business community.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Church of Pentecost National Head for the Republic of Angola, Joshua De Souza, has paid glowing tribute to Ghanaians for their unique hospitality towards foreigners.



Describing Ghanaians as people with very rich traditional values which push them into being hospitable to foreigners, the pastor recalled his encounter with various people in the Western Region who according to him, were very respectful and always prepared to ensure that he felt at home.



The pastor, who was in the country on a short missionary tour, was preaching the sermon at a heavily attended Resurrection Sunday Service for members of the church in the Akuapem Zone of the Eastern Region.



The nine districts forming the zone which include Aburi, Akropong, Adukrom, Mampong and Adwaso, had converged at old Adonten Senior High School, Aburi, for their annual Easter programme which was under the theme,Teteleslai: Its finished.



Reading from the Holy scriptures, Pastor Joshua De Souza said the proclamation, Its finished by Jesus Christ while hanging on the cross at Golgotha on Good Friday meant His (Jesus Christs) task of re-uniting sinful man to God was completed.



It is a hard won battle over Satan and from now you do not need a pastor, prophet or any medium by which you can reach out to the Father (God) but by your faith and obedience to His call you have every opportunity to enter the Holy of Holies to present your case, he assured.



Pastor Souza decried the conduct of some people, especially Christians, who till date are looking for salvation from wrong sources such as consulting mediums and self-acclaimed pastors and prophets who unsuspectingly exploit such people.



The man of God without mincing words, urged Christians to take up the full armour of God and join the clarion call by the risen Christ to go into the world to evangelize to people who are being swayed into destruction.



Pastor Souza also called on Christians to play active roles to shape the future of the world; they should lead Godly lives so that they can speak out boldly against evil.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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President Nana Akufo-Addo has defied threats by Kennedy Agyapong and sanctioned the arrest of members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)'s Delta Force by the police.



Agyapong, the member of parliament for Assin Central, had warned the government and Albert Kan Dapaah, the national security minister, not to dare arrest members of the Delta Force, a vigilante group affiliated to the NPP.



The Delta Force members had brutally attacked the Ashanti Regional security coordinator, Mr George Agyei, and thrown him out of his office, provoking outrage among members of the public and calls for their arrest.



But Agyapong threatened to embark on demonstration if members of the Delta Force, who he said helped the NPP win power, were arrested by law enforcement agencies.



"Anyone should dare and put any of the Delta Force guys on trial. I would personally lead demonstrations against the NPP and Kan Dapaah. Nana Addo didnt win easily; we fought and these boys were at the war front when they were fighting, he said.



However, Akufo-Addo, in a rare defiance of the powerful Agyapong, sanctioned the arrest of the Delta Force members by police.



He, during a recent visit to Kumasi, assured the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II of his commitment to punishing the group, saying: "I will not ignore such issues. The law applies to everyone in Ghana. I know it is of concern to you, but do not worry; we will ensure that everything is resolved.



So far, the police have arrested 13 members of the Delta Force, according to a report by the Daily Graphic.



Some of those arrested are: Salu Issakah, 33; Akwasi Owusu, 34; Kwabena Owusu, 46; Kofi Kyei, 40; Agya Boadu, 46; Salu Yussif, 35; Yussif Salu, 32 and Kwaku Awotwe, 40. The leader of the group, Kwadwo Fosu Bamba, was the first to be arrested in Kumasi a day after the incident.



Two days later Awal Sadat Abubakar was also nailed by the police in Kumasi.



However, Abukakar Sidiq Abdul Hameed, Jamil Issah and Hamza Mohammed voluntarily turned themselves in to the police.



All 13 have been granted bail, the report said. It is not immediately clear if Agyapong will let the matter rest or carry out his threat to demonstrate against the government.

Source: yen.com.gh









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Ex-President John Dramani Mahama has slammed Ghana's media for taking an unbridled interest in the affairs of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and not in the activities of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).



He wondered why the media has suddenly become "anxious" of the NDC and made the party their attention instead of focusing on the current administration.



Ex-President, speaking to former Ministers and Deputies as well as Presidential Staffers in Accra on Tuesday, March 28, was disappointed in the media because to him before the 2016 elections, they were not interested in the party.



He wondered why all of sudden, "it should be about NDC. Why is the media so anxious to give us so much airtime today? Before the elections, they didn't come chasing you to ask you what you think. All the airtime was going to our opponents. Then all of sudden, now you know as much airtime; the prime time morning shows, they're looking for NDC people and saying what's your comment about what's happening in your party and it's about the NDC today. Why should it be about the NDC?"



Mr. Mahama decided to school the journalists in Ghana, making reference to the Western media with regards to the Trump administration, unlike Ghana's media which takes delight in talking about the opposition NDC.



"The democrats lost, who's talking about the democrats in America? It's about Trump and the new administration. They're collecting the people's taxes. They should be the focus of media attention. Why is the NDC the focus of media attention at this time?" he questioned.



Mr. Mahama somehow believed the media cabal he once referred to is at work again.



"It just shows that there's a certain deviousness to try to make this about the NDC and not about who's in government and how they're fulfilling their promises. And unfortunately, we're falling into the trap".



Watch video below:





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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In their most scathing remarks yet against President Akufo-Addo since losing power, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) last Wednesday accused him of being complicit in the recent Delta Force breach of the law in Kumasi.



The NDC also expressed dismay at what the party said was the paltry fine of GH2,400 slapped on each of the Delta Force members who turned themselves in after escaping from court, adding that they deserve a stiffer punishment by a Kumasi court.



Describing the actions of the vigilante group as a manifestation of the presidents all-die-be-die mantra, the partys National Chairman, Kofi Portuphy, said during the press conference in Accra that these are the latest manifestation of Akufo-Addos all die be die mantra.



The groups, Delta Force and Invisible Forces, both associated with the NPP, he said have been with the complicity of the president, as he put it, responsible for the seizure of cars, offices, toll booths attacked and killing of NDC supporters.



The court, he said, should not treat lightly a grievous offence by those he called local terrorists associated with the governing New Patriotic Party who, according to him, physically attacked the courts.



Recalling the occurrences leading to the nasty incident, the NDC chairman who succeeded in sending the party to opposition said the vigilante group claimed George Adjei did not play any role in the partys electoral victory and therefore did not deserve to be appointed to hold that office, hence their action against him and their subsequent besieging of a courtroom, including the freeing of their colleagues standing trial for their unlawful action.



The clergy, civil society groups and the Ghana Bar Association were not spared the scathing remarks of the NDC, as the chairman accused them of not reacting in the light of the lawless state in which the country has been plunged.



He said these groups were vociferous in their condemnation of occurrences when the NDC was in power, no longer so with the NPP at the throttles.



In the wake of the Delta Force unruly conduct in Kumasi, these groups reportedly condemned the vigilante group developments which were lavishly captured by the media but the chairman chose to ignore these in his statement nonetheless.



The criticisms of the groups when the NDC was in power, he charged, were borne out of political or ethnic prejudices.



Turning to the former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Nashiru Ishahaku, he said the banker was pushed out of office by the government as he posed a rhetoric question do you think he would say he was pushed out of office?



His position is at variance with the former governor who said he resigned on personal grounds.



The NDC, he added, would watch every move of the ruling NPP, saying, The NDC will challenge every step of the way.



Kofi Portuphy did not fail to raise the spirits of NDC supporters when he expressed optimism about the partys electoral chances in 2020, saying it will stage a comeback then.



He disclosed that the NDC will be voted for in the next elections because there is growing discontent with the ruling NPPs performance three months into their administration.



Dont we hear Ghanaians express regret that they have exchanged their colour TVs for black and white? he asked and said, The NDC will bounce back in 2020.



He was sandwiched by party functionaries, including General Secretary Asiedu Nketia, who did not fail to amuse party supporters with his political theatricals.



He said if there is no peace in the country, there would be neither be free SHS nor one factory one district, as he drew applause from the party supporters at the venue of the press conference.



Mr Portuphy said the challenges facing the NDC are similar to the ones it faced after it lost the 2000 elections. At that time we managed to overcome that. The NDC will bounce back in 2020, he said, drawing applause from the gathering of party functionaries.



The NDC is on a choppy nationwide tour with Prof Kwesi Botchwey to determine what led to their defeat in the recent polls.



Even before Kofi Portuphy finished reading his statement which he did with a frowned countenance, observers wondered how soon he has forgotten his virtual seizure of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) soon after the electoral victory of the NDC in 2009 and becoming the national head of the agency.



The NDC claimed to have disbanded vicious vigilante groups which were active in the bloody Talensi and Chereponi by-elections as it fired salvos at NPP over the Delta Force activities in recent times.



The difference between the NDC and NPP vigilante groups is that whereas the former enjoyed government support when members breached the law, the latter as evidenced from the Delta Force debacle steer away from any interference with the due process of the law.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, met with three of Ghanas former Presidents: Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama.



The four at the meeting which was held at the Flagstaff House discussed issues of national development.



Below is a communique from the meeting



The Presidency



Accra



18th April 2017.





On Tuesday, April 18, 2017, the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, invited the three former Presidents of the Republic, their Excellencies, Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama to a meeting at the Presidency. Its purpose was to seek their views on some governance-enhancing measures his administration intends to take.



In his Inaugural speech on Saturday, January 7, 2017, President Akufo-Addo stated that I am in the unique position of being able to draw on the wisdom and experience of three former Presidents of the Republic, their Excellencies Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama. They represent the continuity of the institutions of our Republic, for which we thank God.



This statement was reiterated in the Presidents message to Parliament on the State of the Nation, on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, where he said that I am in the enviable position of being the first Ghanaian leader to be able to draw on the experiences of three living, former Presidents. This should, definitely, enrich my tenure of office.



The meeting, which lasted for two hours, was held in a good atmosphere, one of frank exchanges and mutual respect. It is the intention of President Akufo-Addo to have further meetings with the three former Presidents in the future.



Below are some pictures

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
A board member of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, Nii Ayi Tagoe, has disclosed that rapper Medikal, had only 13 votes for New Artiste of the Year at the 2017 awards.



According to Nii, who made the revelation on the Starr FMs Morning Zoo, the general public that seemed to have shown support to Medikal prior to the awards, did not really vote for him.



The people who made noise for these artistes on social media didnt really go out to vote. Medikal had 13 votes from the general public for the New Artiste of the Year category, he said.



Before the awards, Medikal was tipped as a potential winner of the New Artiste of the Year and the Artiste of the Year categories by most music pundits. Even though he had the highest nominations of 7, he did not win any of them.



Although the organisers have published results for the nominees from the votes by the Academy, Board and General Public, the breakdown for each of these three voting groups is unknown to the public.



In the wake of this, Niis statement comes as a serious revelation about the VGMA voting pattern and some have suggested that the breakdown for all the categories be published to allay people doubts and enable the artiste to know how they really fared in the awards.

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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Two Australian women have suffered minor injuries after an acid attack at a London nightclub overnight.

Sisters Isobella and Prue Fraser, 22 and 20 respectively, were among at least 12 people hit by the corrosive substance inside Hackneys MangleE8.

Both women sustained chemical burns, for which they have received treatment. Their injuries are not believed to be serious.

Isobella told 9 News they walked themselves to the hospital, as the ambulance was taking too long and we just wanted to go home to try and sleep as we were in shock.

Metropolitan Police say a fight between two groups of clubgoers resulted in a noxious substance being sprayed by a male suspect directly at Victims 1 and 2.

Those two male victims sustained more serious injuries. They both remain in hospital.

Scary scenes in Hackney tonight, we have heard reports of chemical burns of people in the building here pic.twitter.com/ZLpRGlKd15  Phie McKenzie (@PhieMcKenzie) April 17, 2017

600 people were reportedly inside the club at the time of the attack. Its not believed the attack was related to gang violence nor terrorism.

Metropolitan Police is continuing to investigate.

Source: 9 News / BBC.

Photo: Isobella Fraser / Instagram.
British prime minister Theresa May has called for a snap general election to be held on June 8th, despite previous insistence from the government that they would not be calling for an early election and would instead carry out their full term.

May inherited the prime ministership from David Cameron, who resigned in the wake of the Brexit vote.

Although a general election was not required until 2020, securing a mandate for her government could ease the transition as Britain prepares to leave the European Union.

In a statement given out the front of 10 Downing Street, May said that Brexit will require a united government:

At this moment of enormous national significance there should be unity here in Westminster, but instead, there is division. The country is coming together, but Westminster is not. In recent weeks Labour has threatened to vote against the deal we reach with the European Union. The Liberal Democrats have said they want to grind the business of government to a standstill. The Scottish National Party say they will vote against the legislation that formally repeals Britains membership of the European Union. And unelected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight us every step of the way. Our opponents believe that because the Governments majority is so small, our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change course. They are wrong.

You can watch her address below:

Watch Theresa Mays full statement as she explains why shes called an election for June 8 https://t.co/vROXWPPh4G pic.twitter.com/jphhGARPNH  Bloomberg (@business) April 18, 2017

An early election will require the support of two-thirds of MPs.

Source: The Australian.

Photo: Getty Images / Dan Kitwood.
As the ancient proverb goes: hell hath no fury like a Facebook mum scorned.

The Geelong Easter Egg Hunt and Street Food Festival  which is absolutely one of the worlds premier events, obviously  is absorbing an absolute roasting from local parents after parents accused organisers of ruining the innocence of the Easter egg hunt by confiscating chocolate and making children cry.

This unspeakable crime against nature came at a cost of $15 a head. Children were permitted to engage in the egg hunt at Geelong Showground on the strict condition that they only fill a single bag with eggs. Now the council is needing to defend itself after organisers allegedly CONFISCATED EXCESS EGGS. Sickening, truly.

The Events Geelong page on Facebook is an absolute warzone right now, folks:

Im especially concerned by the comment of one Jen Fitch, who was so furious about the grand theft of eggs that she smashed her own face repeatedly into the keyboard. Sad!

Appreciate for a moment the mental image of an Easter Bunny literally taking eggs back from greedy children. Savour it. This is what our once great civilisation has become.

But theres another side to the story. According to organiser Teresita Verfurth, speaking to the Herald Sun, staff had to contend with extremely unruly parents trying to defend their childrens ill-gotten hauls  including a participant who had hidden at least 20 eggs under a blanket. Its very hard, we tried to be fair, I tried everything, but people just filled up their bags, she said.

People had the rules, they read the rules, but we had people putting them in their pockets, hiding them in their prams  I was trying to get enough for all the children, Im not discriminating against anyone.

Verfurth said that she was also racially abused by some parents. They called me slanty-eyes, she said. Its very hard to please people.

Regardless, Events Geelong have apologised in a comment on their Facebook page:

Thanks for the feedback. We have passed this on to the event organisers. Were sorry to hear about these experiences; hopefully they can be rectified. Hope the rest of your Easter is a good one.

Source: Herald Sun.

Photo: Facebook.
Ahhhhh IKEA.

Ahhhh those sweet, sweet Swedish meatballs.

If youre the kind of person that drudges through the entire maze that is the megamart only for the meatballs and various other honestly-priced Scandinavian delicacies, youre not alone. According to the company, 30 percent of its shoppers come to the stores just to eat.

And those people will today be pleased to learn that IKEA is seriously considering opening a range of stand-alone restaurants.

Thats right. No more Im-Shopping-For-Some-Malm-Tables-And-The-Sweet-Corn-Fritters-Are-Just-A-Bonus.

Weve always called the meatballs the best sofa-seller, Gerd Diewald, who runs Ikeas food operations in the US, told Fast Company.

Because its hard to do business with hungry customers. When you feed them, they stay longer, they can talk about their [potential] purchases, and they make a decision without leaving the store. That was the thinking right at the beginning.

The conglomerates food division boasts sales of about $1.6 billion per annum. While that sounds like a lotta meatballs, its only a fraction of the business overall 2016 revenue of $36.5B.

The mere fact that we dont need so many square feet to do a cafe or a restaurant makes it interesting by itself, Food Business managing director Michael La Cour said.

I firmly believe there is potential. I hope in a few years our customers will be saying, Ikea is a great place to eatand, by the way, they also sell some furniture.

The best bit? IKEAs management are putting a greater emphasis on ensuring theyre using sustainable food sources. Theyre also using data-analysis tools to determine how much food to prepare, reducing waste.

IKEA has in the past tested out pop-up cafes in London, Paris and Oslo, meaning theres a fair chance this revenue-building dream could become a reality.

We dont have a date just yet, but I reckon if we all wish hard enough, we might be scoffing down $20 family meal deals at our local sooner rather than later.

Source: Fast Company.

Photo: William Van Hecke / Getty.
The temptation to leave this article at simply the above photo was phenomenally high, but detail is needed in this day and age so we proceed:

A steakhouse in the inner-northern Melbourne suburb of Carlton has been forced to close its doors after residents in neighbouring apartment buildings complained that the place smelled of steak. Yes.

The Longhorn Saloon, situated on Elgin St near the corner of Rathdowne, shut its doors on Friday after the Melbourne City Council slugged the business with an improvement order that business owners insist would cost them in excess of $100,000.

The business, which has been open and operating since early 2015, received a series of complaints from residents in a neighbouring apartment building who insisted the smell from the kitchen was offensive and constituted a nuisance.

Chief among the residents complaints is the fact that the restaurant smells like burnt wood, then later it smells like burnt steak. Residents also complained about the noise being emitted from the kitchens extractor fans.

Restaurant owner Will Balleau stated that the improvement order was issued by the council in late March, despite multiple prior inspections of the premises with no issues raised. He likened the issue to a resident moving into a house next door to a pub and then complaining about the noise.

Ive laid off my staff, its been a nightmare, its been the most stressful thing Ive had to deal with since I started my business.

Cooking steaks and fries is not criminal nuisance.

The building that houses Longhorn Saloon has operated other restaurants for prior to the steakhouse moving in in 2015, but the immediate apartment building next-door, which has west-facing balconies overlooking the restaurant building, only completed construction in 2010.

The improvement order, according to Balleau, included work that wouldve cost the business $100,000. The restaurant can appeal, but they face a $93,000 fine if the order is defied.

The City of Melbourne issued a statement asserted that the timeframe the restaurant was given, which at this stage clocks in at about three weeks max, was sufficient.

We will continue to work with them to ensure they are given the opportunity to improve the operation of their ventilation systems.

In the meantime the 400-capacity restaurant, which was previously open six nights a week, remains closed.

Source: The Age.

Photo: Longhorn Saloon/Instagram.
A man accused of urinating on a woman at a packed Spiderbait gig in 2016 has today denied he was responsible for the incident earlier today in the Melbourne Magistrates Court.

26-year-old Joel Morrison was charged with displaying disorderly conduct, behaving in an offensive manner, and unlawful assault following the incident which occurred at the Billboards Nightclub in the Melbourne CBD in February 2016.

33-year-old Victorian woman Belle Nolan detailed the incident, which occurred while Spiderbait were playing, in which she reportedly caught the accused in the act. At the time, she described the (frankly disgusting) incident thusly:

At first I thought someone had spilt their drink on me, then I realised it was warm. I looked up and saw this guy looking at me, doing up his fly and I realised he had urinated on me. I was in shock. He just smirked and shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal.

It was weird, it was as though it was kind of like a bit of a minor inconvenience, as though it was normalised or something. People thought it was bad, but they kept watching the gig.

Lawyers for Mr. Morrison today told the court that the police prosecutions case was weak, and was not going to get any better, due to the reliance on CCTV footage.

The police case is based on footage captured by security cameras which shows Morrison being ejected from the venue by security staff after Nolans friends alerted them to the incident. Police had previously released the footage from the night in a bid to track down who was responsible.

Outside court today, Nolan spoke to media and asserted that Morrison appeared to have no respect for women.

It just seems hes taken no responsibility and has absolutely no respect for women. I and other girls should be able to go out at night and not be worried that some guys going to whip his penis out and urinate on us.

Spiderbait condemned the incident shortly after the story first broke in an impassioned Facebook post, stating they were dumbfounded.

The case was adjourned until July 25th, where it will go to trial.

Source: The Age.
Update: Stephens shot himself as car spun out of control during chase, police said

The man accused of posting video on Facebook of himself fatally shooting someone has killed himself in Pennsylvania after a dayslong manhunt, state police said.

Steve Stephens

In the video, posted Sunday, Steve Stephens approached, seemingly at random, Robert Godwin Sr. and shot him at almost point-blank range with a pistol.

According to the Erie Times-News Tuesday morning:

Erie police have confirmed the suicide in Erie on Tuesday of Steve Stephens, the Cleveland resident suspected of fatally shooting a Cleveland man on Sunday and posting video of the slaying on Facebook.

Stephens died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound while driving a white Ford Fusion near Buffalo Road and Downing Avenue around 11:10 a.m., police said.

Stephens had claimed in subsequent Facebook video posts that he "snapped," he killed more people and would continue to do so.

On Monday, Stephens, 37, became one of the FBI's Most Wanted.

Pennsylvania State Police issued a brief statement Tuesday:

"Facebook Killer" Steve Stephens was spotted this morning by PSP members in Erie County. A traffic stop was attempted and, after a brief pursuit, Stephens shot and killed himself. More information will be released at it becomes available.

Facebook shuttered Stephens' account Sunday, and on Monday the social media company announced it was reviewing the way users can report videos and how administrators can address policy violations.

Stephens was described by others who knew him as a funny and quiet man. He had almost no criminal history outside of a handful of traffic infractions.

However, his financial troubles were far more serious.

Court records show Stephens declared bankruptcy in 2015 and has faced lawsuits from several creditors seeking to collect payments on credit card debt and rent. In January, he was evicted from his Euclid apartment.

Stephens also detailed his affinity for gambling in one of his multiple Facebook posts, stating that gambling had caused him to "lose everything" and left him "out of options."

"The past year's been really [expletive] up for me," Stephens said in a video, shortly before police said he killed Godwin. "You know, being with [his ex-girlfriend] drove me crazy, started making me gamble. I lost everything. I lost everything I have. I don't have [expletive]. I'm out of options."

Godwin was 74-year-old father of nine and grandfather of 14.

This story has been updated with the police statement and background on Stephens.
More details

The Ohio man who posted a video to Facebook of himself killing a random victim shot himself Tuesday morning during a police pursuit, according to Pa. state police.

Authorities said a resident spotted the "Cleveland Facebook killer" Steve Stephens, 37, in the parking lot of a McDonald's in Erie County. Troopers found him and tried to pull him over, leading to a two-mile chase before they tapped his vehicle to try to end the pursuit, state police said.

Stephens pulled out a pistol and shot himself in the head as his car spun out of control, police said.

A trooper slid into Stephens' vehicle, causing minor damage, but no one was injured, police said.

Stephens is believed to have shot to death 74-year-old Robert Godwin Sr. on Sunday in Cleveland and posting video of the killing to Facebook. Stephens had claimed in subsequent Facebook video posts that he "snapped" and that he killed more people and would continue to do so.

Godwin's daughter Debbie Godwin tells The Associated Press she would have preferred Stephens remained alive and faced prison time. She says: "If you did it, you have to face your crime."

"This started with one tragedy and ended with another person taking their own life," said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams. "We would have liked to have brought Steve in peacefully and really talked to him about why this happened."

Robert Godwin, a father of 10 and a former foundry worker, was killed as he picked up aluminum cans. Stephens had Godwin say the name of Stephens' estranged girlfriend before shooting him at point-blank range.

The video of the killing remained on Facebook for nearly three hours. Facebook says it removed the video 23 minutes after being alerted to it. Stephens' account was deactivated.

Stephens, a job counselor who worked with teenagers and young people, was wanted on an aggravated murder charge.

Cleveland police are on their way to Erie to learn more about the pursuit, according to Cleveland.com. It is not yet known where Stephens was prior to Tuesday's sighting or if someone harbored him.

Investigators said that Godwin was the only victim so far linked to Stephens, despite his claim on Facebook that he'd killed over a dozen people.
Steve Stephens News Conference

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams addressed the media Monday, April 17, 2017 on the investigation into Steve Stephens, who is on the run after police say he uploaded to Facebook a video of himself shooting dead a random man on Easter Sunday.

(Cory Shaffer, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In his Sunday Facebook posts made shortly before police say he filmed himself shooting and killing a 74-year-old man, Steve Stephens said his gambling had caused him to "lose everything" and left him "out of options."

Local court records shed light on Stephens' troubled financial situation, showing the 37-year-old Cleveland social-services employee was evicted from an apartment in Euclid in January over his failure to pay rent.

Just five months before that, Stephens had faced eviction from another apartment in Warrensville Heights, according to Bedford Municipal Court records. The property management company dropped its eviction claim there, court records show, but sued Stephens for nearly $1,800 in back rent, and successfully began garnishing his wages late last month.

The two eviction cases occurred less than two years after Stephens emerged from personal bankruptcy, federal court records show. When he filed for bankruptcy in January 2015, Stephens declared more than $35,000 in debts. His largest debt was $21,000 owed on a loan for a 2007 Dodge Charger, but he also owed more than $5,300 on his student loans and another $2,600 to a debt collector over unpaid credit card debt. He owed another $2,600 to a variety of cash advance and payday lenders.

At the time he declared bankruptcy, Stephens said he had worked for Beech Brook, a Pepper Pike social-services agency, for six years. He said his annual salary was about $28,800, but his wages were being garnished over the unpaid credit card debt, which he was sued over in Euclid Municipal Court in 2012.

Besides his car, worth about $10,000, Stephens said in a court filing he owned about $1,500 in household possessions, including his clothes. He said he had only $350 in his bank account.

Stephens was discharged from bankruptcy in August 2015, federal court records show. The case was closed the following May.

Trent Binger, an Akron-area bankruptcy attorney who represented Stephens, didn't return messages from cleveland.com. An assistant to the Cleveland bankruptcy trustee who handled Stephens' case described the case as "uneventful."

At the time he posted the Sunday video, Stephens still worked for Beech Brook. He showed his agency ID to his cell phone camera as he sat outside another social-services agency that employed his ex-girlfriend. He was sitting in the front seat of a 2016 Ford Fusion he had bought at a local dealer earlier this month.

In another Sunday Facebook posting, Stephens said he gambled his money away at the Jack Cleveland Casino, where a security source said he was a regular.

"The past year's been really [expletive] up for me," Stephens said in the video, shortly before police say he randomly shot and killed 74-year-old Robert Godwin, who was collecting cans in a plastic shopping bag in the city's Glenville neighborhood. "You know, being with [his ex-girlfriend] drove me crazy, started making me gamble. I lost everything. I lost everything I have. I don't have [expletive]. I'm out of options."

Cleveland.com's Courtney Astolfi contributed to this report.
Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation is more Christian than its constituency. That's according to data collected by the Pew Research Center.

The Keystone state's 20 delegates to the House and Senate combined are 100 percent Christian, compared to the state's adult population, which is 73 percent Christian.

Pennsylvania, it turns out, is not all that unique. The whole of the 115th Congress, in fact, is more Christian than the U.S. population as a whole. The vast majority of the nation's federal lawmakers (91 percent) describe themselves as Christians, compared with 71 percent of U.S. adults, according to the Pew Research Center analysis.

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Delegates from 10 most populous states

Pennsylvania ranks up there with the more than half of the states (28) that have delegations that are composed entirely of Christians. These delegations range in size from three members (Alaska, Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana) to 38 (Texas).

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Catholic majority

Catholics make up the majority - 65 percent - of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation - including among those ranks Representatives Lou Barletta (11th) (pictured above) and Tom Marino (10th), as well as both U.S. Senators - Pat Toomey and Bob Casey.

Catholics make up 31 percent of Congress and 21 percent of the adult population. In Pennsylvania, Catholics account for a quarter of the population.

Pennsylvania is among nine states that have delegations in which half or more are Catholic, including New York, with 17 Catholics among its 29 lawmakers.

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Photo: Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com

Non-Catholic

None of Pennsylvania's Congressional delegates are Jewish. By comparison, 17 states have at least one Jewish lawmaker, and six of these states have more than one. Jews make up 2 percent of American adults.

California and New York each have five Jewish legislators, Florida has three, and Illinois, Maryland and Tennessee each have two.

Pennsylvania House Representative Charlie Dent, (pictured above), a Republican from the 15th congressional district, is a Presbyterian.

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Sen. Bob Casey Jr., a Democrat, is Catholic.

No Mormons either

No surprise here: Utah (55 percent) and Idaho (19 percent) had the largest share of Mormon population and are home to nine of the 13 Mormons in Congress. Utah's six-person delegation is made up entirely of Mormons, and three of Idaho's four lawmakers are Mormon.

The Philadelphia region boasts approximately 15,000 to 20,000 Mormons, while the Harrisburg region has approximately 6,000 members. Mormons are largely politically independent but most lean toward the conservative right. A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 7-in-10 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (in the U.S.) identify with the Republican Party or say they lean toward the GOP. Only 19 percent of Mormons said they identify as or lean Democratic.

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AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana

Non-Christian delegation

Only one state has no Christians in its congressional delegation: Hawaii. Its delegation is made up of two Buddhists, one Hindu and one Jew.

Elected in 2012, Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono was the first Buddhist to hold a Senatorial position. That same year, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard became the first Hindu to serve in the House of Representatives.

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Unspecified Protestant

Rep. Scott Perry, R-4th, identifies as a Protestant, but generally does not provide a denomination.

Non-Christian congressional delegates come from 20 different states, including the following which have more than one non-Christian member in their congressional delegation: California (seven), New York (five), Hawaii (four), Florida (three), Illinois (three), Maryland (two), Minnesota (two) and Tennessee (two).

Congress has 30 Jewish members, three Hindus, three Buddhists, one Unitarian Universalist and one religiously unaffiliated member. Pew was unable to specify a religious affiliation for 10 congressional members. They were not counted as Christians or non-Christians.
The York County coroner has been called to a crash in Jackson Township.

The crash was reported in the 1800 block of Route 116 at about 6:33 p.m., county emergency dispatch said.

No additional information was immediately available.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

For more traffic information, follow live traffic updates, accident reports and road closures below from PennDOT, Total Traffic Network and other Twitter sources.

Get a look at conditions on local roads -- via PennDOT traffic cameras -- anytime here on PennLive. For Pennsylvania Turnpike updates and possible travel delays visit the Turnpike website here.

Tweet us at @pennlive with any incidents you see on your commute or send a submission to submissions@pennlive.com.
Katrina Leonard boarded a bus in York, carrying a suitcase.

As she filed past the other passengers, then rode along with them, glancing out of the window at the rolling landscape, miles upon miles of highways and billboards, they probably paid the dark-haired woman no mind.

And there's certainly one thing they didn't notice about Leonard as she blended into the crowd.

Her suitcase was awfully light.

That, investigators say, is because it was empty.

Leonard, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, was one of 15 people now charged in connection with a drug pipeline that brought heroin and ecstasy from New York City to York and Altoona.

For Leonard's part of the operation, a grand jury's findings say, she traveled from York to New York, often by bus, where the accused kingpins of this operation loaded her suitcase with drugs and paid her $200 for her troubles.

"They would fill that suitcase with poison," Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said at a press conference April 10. "And she would bring it back to York and Blair County and push that garbage out into our community."

That was just one part of a larger operation - a drug pipeline - headed up by Wayne Davis and Lawrence Francis, Shapiro said.

And now, investigators say, that pipeline has been sealed off.

That was just one piece of drug-related news that made headlines last week.

While that pipeline was shut down in York and Blair counties, federal authorities say a factory has been closed in Lebanon County. There may have been no clocks to punch, but workers filed in daily, spent their shift packaging heroin and headed home for the day.

And it's likely similar announcements are to come as investigators work overtime to combat this "deadly trade," U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler said last week at a press conference announcing convictions in that multi-million dollar heroin ring.

Brandler said fighting drugs is a priority of President Donald Trump.

The week wrapped up with another announcement from Shapiro in which 49 more people were charged with drug-related offenses in Blair County.

But how do investigators solve these cases - these woven webs, tangled in personal relationships, evasiveness, addiction and greed -- that make up the drug-trade, crisscrossing the state and the country?

In the New York, York and Altoona pipeline case, the investigating grand jury's report gives us a hint of just how extensive this investigation was.

A web of connections

The $5 million drug-distribution organization operated for two years and involved at least 15 people.

But according to the grand jury's findings, the pipeline seemed to be run by a network of friends - or at least acquaintances. It took testimony before a grand jury, controlled buys with eight confidential informants and hours upon hours of investigations, involving everything from tracking devices to raids on stash houses, to bring it down.

It all started with two men - Wayne Davis, aka New York, and Lawrence Francis, aka Shake, according to investigators.

The grand jury findings detail the operation and investigation like this:

Davis and Francis lived in York, running their drug-distribution ring in 2015 and 2016. During that time, they seemed to realize the best way to expand their operations was to grow beyond York.

When they met Terron Miller (aka Pimp), they began shifting their operations to Blair County, recruiting more people - many of them addicts themselves - to help transport, store and sell heroin and ecstasy.

But soon after they met Miller, state police became aware of their franchising efforts.

To start with, investigators placed a GPS tracker on the car Francis and Davis used, tracking numerous trips between York and Altoona. Using this tracking information, troopers could watch as the two men had one of their initial meetings with Miller at the Logan Valley Mall in Altoona.

The Altoona connection

As sales picked up with the new expansion, the trips to New York grew more frequent, requiring Francis and Davis to bring in more help on the transportation end of things.

This is where Davis' girlfriend, Kylene Schneider, came in. The grand jury learned she rented cars for those trips to New York City - something which investigators were later able to verify through Enterprise Rent-A-Car records in Altoona.

While she and the duo were using rental cars, Katrina Leonard - the dark-haired woman from the bus - was running another arm of the transportation part of the operation, according to the report, hauling suitcases full of the product.

And when that product got to Altoona, it was distributed mainly through the duo's point man, Miller, who recruited his own cadre of dealers, many working to feed their own addictions.

One of Miller's customer/dealers, Rachelle Keith, for example, eventually met Davis and Francis, leading to their first brush with the law.

The duo stayed at the home of her friend, Holly Burroughs, when they made their trips to Altoona. Burroughs would introduce them to addicts, many of whom became their customers.

Keith, however, soon developed a $700 drug debt to Davis and would have to work selling four to five bricks every two to three days to pay down this debt.

But these activities did not go unnoticed by police. Her home was raided in October 2015, and Davis cut off their relationship.

Francis and Davis' time in Altoona was marked by many similar instances, with both dealers and users coming and going - just as fast as the money changed hands - from their web of connections. Even Miller - their original Altoona connection - was soon replaced by his roommate, Nathan Foor, because Miller was always "messing up the money."

Though Foor had his own bundle-a-day heroin habit, he proved to be a money maker for Francis and Davis, buying bricks at $250 each and selling them for $350, and bringing in his own group of new customers, too.

The profits kept coming in, addicts were selling to support their habits, and brick upon brick moved through Altoona.

It wasn't until a recent raid back at the duo's home base in York that it all came to an end.

The stash house

It seems like a fairly quiet residential neighborhood in York. The Shady Oak Apartments stand at what some neighbors say was an old hospital.

Large windows, a brick exterior with multiple wings and additions, and a landscaped lawn sit just across the bridge at an apartment complex at 252 W. College Ave., where Francis had been staying.

While some heroin was stored in Altoona, this - the grand jury report indicates - was a major storage location for Francis in his hometown of York.

When police finally arrested Francis on Dec. 19, he had two keys to an apartment there.

Police searched that apartment and found items for packaging heroin, as well as:

Two digital scales

21,000 empty heroin bags

Two handguns

A rifle

A piece of paper with Francis' new telephone number

A safe.

Those were the hallmarks of a stash house, police say.

A total of 15 people were charged in connection with the operation, including Francis, Davis, Miller, their drivers, dealers and users.

Editor's note: This story was updated to omit outdated information about an expected appointment by President Donald Trump.
Under a bright blue sky, Gov. Tom Wolf and first lady Frances Wolf hosted several dozen prekindergarten students and their families on the lawn of the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg for an Easter egg hunt Monday.

"Frances and I are excited to host Harrisburg-area preschoolers at the Governor's Residence today," Wolf said.

"I (have) called for a state budget that includes an increase of $75 million for pre-K, which will allow for more than 8,400 additional children to enroll in Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and the Head Start supplemental assistance programs," he said.
pennsylvania judicial center

The Pennsylvania Judicial Center

(Carolyn Kaster/The Associated Pr)

A state appeals court panel has ordered a dead man's feuding family to stop digging up and moving his remains.



The decision the Superior Court judges handed down this week might allow the late William J. "Jerry" McCarthy IV to finally rest peacefully in his second burial plot. Provided, that is, that the case isn't appealed to the state Supreme Court.



The legal battle the state judges refereed has been raging years between McCarthy's second wife and the rest of his family. It erupted after the Lawrence County man was killed in a traffic accident in 2013.



The ruling the Superior Court issued in an opinion by Senior Judge Eugene B. Strassburger III gives the win to wife No.2.



According to Strassburger, McCarthy's widow, Patty Jo McCarthy, and the rest of the family initially reached an agreement to have him buried in Crestview Memorial Park in Grove City. McCarthy and his first wife had bought plots there, but he was buried in a new plot purchased for him and Patty Jo.



However, two years after his death, McCarthy's sister went to the cemetery and found his gravesite disturbed and his headstone missing. Other family members then learned that Patty Jo had obtained permission to have the remains moved to Castleview Memorial Park in New Castle.



She hadn't sought permission from any other family members, Strassburger noted, and her lawyer wouldn't tell the other relatives exactly where in Castleview McCarthy had been reburied.



So the kin took Patty Jo to county court, demanding that McCarthy's remains be reinterred in Crestview on grounds that the law wasn't followed when they were moved the first time without their consent. They appealed to the state court when Lawrence County Judge John W. Hodge refused their request.



In upholding Hodge's ruling, Strassburger found that Hodge followed the law by holding a hearing on the second reinterment request and listening to the family's arguments. So, Hodge's decision to deny another move of McCarthy's remains must stand, Strassburger concluded.
Former president Barack Obama will attend the funeral of Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, an Obama spokesman has confirmed.

TribLive.com cites spokesman Kevin Lewis in reporting the 44th president's plan to attend Rooney's funeral service at St. Paul's Cathedral in Oakland on Tuesday.

WPXI-TV says Obama is not expected to speak during the event or attend any other events during the day.

Rooney, a Republican-turned-Democrat, famously endorsed Obama during the 2008 presidential race. Obama would later appoint Rooney ambassador to Ireland.

Following Rooney's death last week, at the age of 84, Obama issued a statement calling Rooney "a great friend of mine," and adding, "he was a great friend to the people of Pittsburgh, a model citizen, and someone who represented the United States with dignity and grace on the world stage."

Rooney's funeral is set for 11 a.m. Tuesday. A public viewing for the Steelers legend was held at Heinz Field on Monday.
Now that we've all paid our income taxes....

The General Assembly is moving relatively quickly on a bill that has at its heart an intent to professionalize the process of paying property and other local taxes going forward.

The measure, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, a Republican from suburban Allentown, would require the state's 2,400 municipal tax collectors to ensure that future bills are paid to them as tax collectors, and not as individuals.

Mackenzie said he was moved to introduce the bill by a parade of embezzlement cases across Pennsylvania in recent years in which tax collectors have fraudulently diverted collections for personal uses.

State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie

Mackenzie argues that, in some cases, that has happened because bills can be paid in such a way that tax collectors can deposit funds into their personal accounts.

Mackenzie's bill will require checks be made payable to the office, title or position, and then that those funds be deposited in a separate account created only to hold the tax collections.

The practice of making checks payable to only an individual's name would be prohibited.

Happily, the bill has the backing of the Pennsylvania State Association of Tax Collectors, which represents about 1,000 tax collectors. President Sherry Labs noted the provisions are in sync with the best practices it already promotes.

"It makes sense that there should be something identifying that it's a tax payment on the check itself," said Sherry Labs, the elected tax collector from Plumstead Township in Bucks County. "It's a good thing to have in place."

Mackenzie's bill - which is slated to take effect in January 2018 - passed the House earlier this month, and received approval in the Senate's Local Government Committee Tuesday.

At this rate, it may just get Senate floor action in time to become the law of the land before Tax Day 2018.
Jason House is inviting the public to participate in an event designed to benefit veterans.

On April 29, the Fremont Area Marine Corps League Detachment 1275 will host a fundraising community march (walk) to raise awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and veteran suicide.

Statistics indicate that 22 veterans commit suicide every day in the United States, the groups Facebook page states. In recognition of these individuals, the walk will be 22 kilometers (13 miles) long.

Were going to have breaks, said House, the local Marine Corps League commandant.

Registration for the walk starts at 8 a.m. at the Eternal Flame in front of Sidner Ice Arena, 1558 E. Military Ave., in Fremont.

The march starts at 9 a.m. and will end at the Eternal Flame. All veterans and civilians are invited to participate.

We want to be active with the community, said House, adding, This is actually a very popular thing. Theyre doing these things nationwide.

This is the first such event in Fremont.

Cost to participate is a $10 donation with all contributions going to help local area veterans, House said. The non-profit veterans organization also provides scholarships to full-time Nebraska accredited colleges.

Lunch will be provided at the event.

Marine Corps League members gather regularly for fellowship and to preserve the traditions and promote the interests of the United States Marine Corps, the groups website states. It also seeks to assist current and former Marines and corpsmen and their widows and orphans.

House said the organization works with the Dodge County Veterans Services officer.

The organization, which has about 30 members on its roster, meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month in the Disabled American Veterans building at 137 N. D St., Fremont.

Were trying to make ourselves more active in the community so people can know who we are, House said.

For more information, call 402-720-2434 or email mclfremont@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/mclfremontne or the website at mclfremont.com.
FILE - In this Friday, March 17, 2017, file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel listens as Ivanka Trump speaks during a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington. Ivanka Trump's company continues to grow. Ethics lawyers fear the more her business expands, the more it may encroach on her ability, and husband, Jared Kushner, to credibly advise the president on core issues. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
Dear Brenda Lee is written by Author and Advice Columnist, Brenda Fisher, Early Learning Expert with 35 years' experience working with children of all ages and specializing in the early years. Brenda has been a Preschool Teacher, Early Childhood Education College Coordinator/Instructor, StrongStart BC Facilitator and Professional Development/Workshop Presenter. Please visit her website at www.brendafisherbarber.com for more articles and information for the Early Years and to connect with her. Connect with her at: earlylearningexpert@gmail.com
FILE - In this Dec. 13, 2016, file photo, President-elect Donald Trump holds up Green Bay Packers jersey given to him by House Speaker Paul Ryan at a rally in West Allis, Wis. President Donald Trump heads to Ryan's congressional district in Wisconsin on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, facing low approval ratings and in the wake of his failure to fulfill a campaign promise to repeal and replace the federal health care law. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence shake hands prior to a luncheon hosted by Abe at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Pence arrived in Japan for talks Tuesday expected to focus largely on trade with AmericaAos anchor ally in the region. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, Pool)
FILE - In this Thursday, April 13, 2017 file photo, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during a joint press conference with the Palestinian Foreign Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing. Wang made a new appeal for calm on the Korean peninsula Tuesday, April 18, 2017, and said he believes the United States would prefer a diplomatic rather than military resolution to the standoff. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)
Thailand-based Dusit Hotels & Resorts becomes the first hotel group in Thailand to accept WeChat Pay. WeChat Pay is part of Chinas largest mobile instant messaging app, WeChat, which to date has over 800 million active users. It allows users to pay bills, order goods, transfer money to other users, and pay in selected stores directly via smartphone using credit from their personal WeChat Pay accounts.

Under the new partnership agreement, Dusit Hotels & Resorts will be the first hotel group in Thailand to accept WeChat Pay at its restaurants, spas, participating outlets, and for hotel rooms upon check-out, initially at its owned properties in Thailand and subsequently its other properties around the world. Users will be able to pay their hotel bills by simply scanning a QR code to have the relevant fee deducted from their accounts.

Authorized by the Bank of Thailand, Asset Bright Public Company Limited will process all e-payments made via WeChat Pay at Dusit hotels in Thailand. Ksher, meanwhile, will implement and maintain the WeChat Pay system, including providing online security and technical support.

According to figures released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), 8.75 million Chinese tourists visited the kingdom in 2016 and Chinese visitors now account for 27 per cent of all foreign travelers to Thailand. Dusit Hotels & Resorts believes implementing WeChat Pay at its owned properties in Thailand will prove an attractive proposition for Chinese visitors who are well aware of the security and convenience that WeChat Pay affords.

In Chinas top-tier cities, approximately 90 per cent of stores now accept WeChat Pay as a payment method and the platforms reach is starting to expand globally, said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer of Dusit Hotels & Resorts. Chinese tourists are high value market and increasingly significant to our business, so its important we do all we can to cater to their needs. By implementing WeChat Pay, our Chinese guests will now be able to benefit from favorable exchange rates and occasional exclusive promotions, so we are confident it will be a huge success.

In addition to all Dusit hotels in China, WeChat Pay is now accepted at all Dusit-owned hotels in Thailand, including Dusit Thani Bangkok, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Dusit Thani Pattaya, Dusit Thani Hua Hin, DusitPrincess Korat, DusitPrincess Chiang Mai, DusitPrincess Srinakarin Bangkok, and dusitD2Chiang Mai. Dusit Hotels & Resorts will also introduce the service at its international properties in the near future.

In celebration of the launch, from now through 30 September 2017 Dusit Hotels & Resorts will offer an exclusive Dusit WeChat Pay package of up to 40 per cent off regular room rates at its owned hotels in Thailand. Guests must use WeChat Pay to qualify for this package, which also includes breakfast and is bookable via Dusits WeChat account.

In addition, courtesy of WeChat Pay, anyone who uses the app to pay for a room at Dusits participating hotels and resorts will receive a digital red lucky envelope, known in China as Ang Pao, containing up to 888 RMB (approximate 4,440 Baht) which will be paid directly into their accounts if they stay at participating Dusit hotels from now through 23 April 2017.
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.
Oil shows over supply losing momentum -Citi



OPEC cuts will help offset surge in U.S. production: Citigroup U.S. stockpiles seen dropping; Drill rig count up for 13 weeks



HONG KONG

Petroleumworld 04 18 2017

Oil is losing momentum after the longest weekly rally in two months, with confidence that U.S. crude stockpiles are beginning to shrink damped by concern that American drilling activity is increasing.

Futures were little changed in New York after falling 1 percent Monday, following its third weekly advance. While data Wednesday may show U.S. inventories probably shrank for a second week, drillers in the nation have added rigs for the past 13 weeks. Citigroup Inc. says output cuts by OPEC will be able to offset the response from American producers to higher prices. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. has called for the market to be patient .

Stockpiles will start to decline significantly as supply cuts from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries continue, Citi said in a report. Oil had rallied above $53 a barrel after some producers voiced support for prolonging a six-month production curb by OPEC and its allies past June.

The market has had a good run higher amid Middle East tensions and increased confidence that OPEC will extend its production agreement beyond six months, said Ric Spooner, a chief market analyst at CMC Markets in Sydney. While U.S. inventories are going to decline, they are falling from a much higher level than they have over the past two years. We're also back into a price area that may attract more shale oil production.

West Texas Intermediate for May delivery was at $52.62 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, down 3 cents, at 7:50 a.m. in London. Total volume traded was about 36 percent below the 100-day average. Prices lost 53 cents to $52.65 on Monday, the lowest close since April 7.

U.S. Stockpiles

Brent for June settlement was 2 cents lower at $55.34 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. Prices dropped 53 cents, or 1 percent, to $55.36 on Monday. The global benchmark traded at a premium of $2.27 to WTI.

U.S. crude inventories probably shrank by 1.7 million barrels last week, according to a Bloomberg survey before an Energy Information Administration report Wednesday. Stockpiles climbed to 535.5 million barrels at the end of March, the highest in weekly data compiled by Bloomberg since 1982.

Oil-market news:

Oil producers are showing very good compliance with pledged production cuts, Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih said Monday in Riyadh. While global supplies are rising because of refinery maintenance, the market is rebalancing , he said.

Crude output at major U.S. shale plays is forecast to climb to 5.2 million barrels a day in May, the highest since November 2015, according to the EIA's monthly Drilling Productivity report.

Stockpiles at Cushing , Oklahoma, the delivery point for WTI and the nation's biggest oil-storage hub, fell by 570,000 barrels last week, according to a forecast compiled by Bloomberg.






After named world's strongest airline brand earlier this year, Brand Finance announced that Aeroflot is also the strongest brand in Russia. Brand Finance is the world's leading independent branded business valuation and strategy consultancy. Both awards were presented to Vitaly Saveliev, CEO of Aeroflot, at a ceremony in London today.

Aeroflots status as Russias strongest brand was confirmed in the Russia 50 2017 report. Russias flagship carrier scored a very strong 88.8 on Brand Finances Brand Strength Index (BSI).

BSI measures the impact of brand on a companys commercial and operating activities, thereby acting as a measure of the effectiveness of the companys marketing activities. It looks at marketing investment, brand equity (the goodwill accumulated with customers, staff and other stakeholders) and finally the impact of those on business performance.

Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev said: Brand Finances recognition of Aeroflot as the brand leader of the Russian corporate world is yet further confirmation that Aeroflot is the face of Russia, and its most recognisable company both at home and abroad.

Todays award similarly represents a landmark in the history of Aeroflot, and one that is the result of many years of intense focus and hard work by everyone at the company. For tens of millions of people around the world, Aeroflot is synonymous with excellent customer service, the worlds youngest fleet and the most stylish cabin crew.

Aeroflot today is an efficient, confident, high-tech global company. We have set ourselves ambitious goals for the future. And I firmly believe that we have everything we need to achieve them: a dedicated team, a resilient and highly efficient business model, and international recognition of our achievements at the highest level  such as the award we have received today.

Aeroflots high brand strength score was driven by continued efficiency in its operational and financial performance despite a challenging economic environment. Long-term investments in the fleet and the expansion of Aeroflots digital capabilities also played an important role. Russias national carrier has the youngest fleet of any major airline worldwide, and ranks fourth in the industry for digitalisation, according to Bain & Company research.

David Haigh, CEO of Brand Finance, said: Aeroflot consistently excels in terms of its investments in its brand and marketing promotion into key markets. This is reinforced by its partnership with Manchester United, which helps it reach a vast audience across Asia in particular. This approach is clearly paying off: Aeroflots brand equity scores are formidable.
This piece, titled, The New Plague, depicts life in Philadelphia in the age of COVID. Artist and educator Raphael Tiberino began painting at the age of four and has been in the spotlight as a professional creative for over 25 years.
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2017, the regions leading travel industry showcase, opens its doors on Monday 24th April for four days of business networking opportunities, insightful seminar sessions and top level ministerial discussions.

Now in its 24th year, the 2017 edition, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 24-27 April, will welcome over 2,600 exhibitors and an expected 30,000 visitors to the largest travel trade event in the Middle East.

For the second successive year, organizers have added an extra hall, to accommodate extra demand, with over 150 countries represented, 65 national pavilions, and more than 100 new exhibitors set to make their ATM debut.

New to ATM 2017, ILTM Arabia will play host to one-to-one, pre-scheduled appointments, between suppliers of luxury products and destinations from around the world to an audience of high net-worth individuals. While marketing to experiential travelers will be an integral part of the ATM Travel Tech seminar programme.

The UNWTO & ATM Ministerial Forum returns, uniting more than 20 ministers with industry leaders in the MENA region to consider methods of capitalizing on tourism growth and building a sustainable ecosystem for the sector to unlock its potential within each countrys national agenda.

Other popular features returning to the show repertoire this year include the Wellness and Spa Lounge (which has grown by 40% and now includes 35 international suppliers and 35 Middle East specialist buyers), Travel Agent Academy, Buyers Club and the Bloggers Speed Networking events.

There will also be a series of seminars, starting with the opening session of this years event on the Global Stage, which will look at the role Expo 2020 will play in delivering the UAE Governments long-term vision for economic diversification. Now just three years away, high level stakeholders will take part in a panel discussion about the upcoming event.

The 24th edition of ATM will showcase over 2,500 exhibiting companies across 12 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre, making it the largest ATM in its 24-year history.
Too often when traveling, it's just so easy to get carried away with ourselves and just book whatever, whenever the moment takes us. Alternatively, it's all too easy to never book at all, because things cost too much. Unfortunately, in both these scenarios, we're slaves to pricing points. When we book in a wild panic, or a moment of glee, we're not getting the best deal. Likewise, when we don't book at all... well, we're not getting the best of anything.

However, it's also important not to go too crazy on just one offer - after all, you could find a really cheap flight, only to realize that there are no deals on hotels. Oops. In reality, you need to make sure that you can find better deals across the board, or risk spending way too much money overall. Here's a quick guide on how to do just that.

Activities

People often think about the activities they might get up to when they're away last, and that's a big mistake. After all, if you can afford the flight and hotel but then absolutely nothing when you get there, you might be in for a little bit of a shock!

Restaurants and tourist activities regularly appear on Groupon, so try typing in the closest city into their search bar. It's not uncommon to make big savings on here, which can often make vacations a lot cheaper. Restaurants might throw in a free bottle of wine, whilst attractions may well offer 2-for-1 entry. It's all about looking in advance!

Of course, you can go beyond this and plan for your downtime, too. When you're on vacation, it's often boredom or frustration that causes people to spend the most money. Why not avoid it by preparing a few apps or games in advance in instances of flight delays or long journeys? Some games encourage you to get social and in turn reward you with more benefits, such as Pokemon Go. The more of a city you explore, the more you're rewarded, and players can get together the option to create a Pokemon Trainer Club account. This is especially perfect for restless kids who won't sit still!

For the bored adults, there's nothing like the smug thrill of shouting "BINGO". You don't have to venture far these days to enjoy a multitude of games with themes based on popular culture and even other games, like Monopoly (so double the boredom buster). To save money whilst playing, you can take advantage of online bingo offers, such as spending 10 to get 50 to play with on Fabulous Bingo, or a buy-one-get-one-free games on a daily basis.

Flights

You don't need to be overwhelmed by the cost of flights - these days, there's almost always a cheaper alternative to the one you might have seen originally.

One really great way of cutting costs is to use flight search engines, such as Skyscanner. It's ideal, because it trawls the Internet for you, and allows you to be as flexible (or not) as you would like. For example, you can type 'everywhere' into the search box, to find flights going literally anywhere from your chosen airport. If you have some time, but you're not fussy about where you want to go, this can be particularly exciting, especially when looking for the cheapest option. Alternatively, you can look into flying across flexible dates. Instead of setting the dates, you can choose 'whole month' or even 'cheapest month'. Of course, it will even search the cheapest options across set dates and locations, and you can alter the flight times to suit you as well.

Of course, one really great way of making savings is by collecting your air miles. These can get you all kinds of offers, from free flights and free upgrades, right through to priority boarding. You're less likely to get bumped in case of overbooking, and you can even put your points towards more expensive tickets, if you don't quite have enough for a freebie. Many of the reputable companies, such as Virgin, even have their own credit cards so that you can get even more miles just for making your everyday purchases.

Hotels

Your accommodation is important because it's literally where you're going to sleep at night! Depending on the type of traveler that you are, you'll have different ideas about your levels of comfort and of course, your budget.

For standard hotels, using a comparison site like Trivago is a great idea - you can search prices from low to high, or even in reverse if you're feeling flush. Hotels.com even offers a free night on your tenth night booked with them! For the budget traveler, you can do the same - using Hostelworld, you can choose from a range of hostels and read customers' reviews.

These days, why not take advantage of the market share economy? AirBnB allows travelers to stay in other people's homes or spare rooms, for a fraction of the cost of a fancy hotel. You can benefit from referral discounts, and you should research other ways to save (and ensure safety, too) before you go.

Everything Else

Once you start getting into traveling on a budget, you can see that you can still have exactly the kind of trip you'd usually like, without cutting corners. Keep your eyes out for deals and offers, and keep your eye on the prize!

Photo credit: Hotel Parsifal, Ravello 2012 (mainly)
A federal jury on Monday convicted five members of a violent home invasion crew who beat, kidnapped, and robbed their way across Philadelphia and the suburbs in a three-year crime spree as notable for its sophistication as for its brutality.

Dressed in suits with their hands cuffed below the defense table, Khalil Smith, 34; Mark Woods, 48; Terrance Munden, 48; Robert Hartley, 45; and Levern Jackson, 47, sat stone-faced as the jury foreman read out "guilty" again and again  once for each count of conspiracy, robbery, carjacking, and gun crimes of which they had been convicted.

But as soon as jurors were escorted from the room, the group wasted no time offering a reaction to the verdict.

"I'm going to bust you in your f- face, you white bitch," Hartley called out to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeanine Linehan, one to two prosecutors who handled the case.

Her co-counsel, Salvatore Astolfi, immediately stood up and asked that the comment be added to the official court record.

U.S. District Judge Mitchell Goldberg agreed, noting that one of the other defendants shouted while leaving the courtroom that he would see the judge within a year.

Woods and Smith, the alleged ringleaders of the group, left court mumbling curses under their breath about the "crooked government."

Each man faces what could effectively be a life sentence at hearings likely to be held later this year.

"These were evil acts committed by evil individuals," Astolfi said during his closing statement to the jury. "There's no other explanation for what took place here: It's pure evil."

Monday's verdict came after a 12-week trial in which dozens of witnesses and some of the group's own members linked the men to 11 home invasions, kidnappings, and burglaries, targeting homes and businesses stretching from Whitpain Township in the north to Center City.

Smith and Woods were among the eight men prosecutors have linked to a brazen, broad-daylight failed robbery of a Center City jewelry store in July 2013.

Two of the men entered Platinum Jewelers on the 1100 block of Market Street posing as customers while four others, disguised as police, burst into the store brandishing guns. That robbery fell apart when an employee at the store triggered a silent alarm, prompting the men to flee.

But most of the group's attacks, Astolfi said during his closing argument to the jury, demonstrated uncommon cunning and a disturbing penchant for cruelty.

The attackers tracked their targets  most of whom were drug dealers  on social media or with GPS trackers planted on their cars and continuously monitored police radio scanners with an app they downloaded onto their smartphones. They used wigs, makeup, and parts of police uniforms to disguise themselves.

Once inside, they terrorized their victims, waterboarding some, forcing others to strip naked, and threatening to rape others.

In April 2014, group members burst into the Southwest Philadelphia home of an immigrant family under the mistaken belief that the family was involved in narcotics trafficking. For more than an hour, they forced a man there to strip naked, poured boiling water on his testicles, and waterboarded him while threatening to sodomize his pregnant wife with a broomstick, all while the couple's 4-year-old daughter looked on.

Through horrified sobs, the woman later recounted her ordeal from the witness stand, saying that once her husband finally convinced their attackers that they had the wrong house, the men warned them not to call police and then stole their car.

By 2013 the group's methods had attracted the attention of agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, who during a two-year investigation amassed what prosecutors called an "obscene level of evidence" including text messages, cellphone tracking, hidden videos, cooperator testimony, and witness statements linking the men to their crimes.

The group's luck ran out the next year. That April, the group hit the Overbrook home of a cocaine dealer, only to discover that he was willing to hit back.

As members of the group burst into the man's home demanding jewelry and drugs at gunpoint, the man wrested a gun away from one of his attackers and shot Smith, Munden, and a third member of the crew, Anthony McFarlane.

The others fled, but Philadelphia police later found McFarlane sprawled dead on the bedroom floor, his hand inches away from a diamond engagement ring he had stolen moments before.

More than 20 members of the crew were charged. The remaining defendants are expected to be tried later this year.
A new ranking for the most pet-friendly U.S. vacation destinations for 2017 is available for travelers that want to travel with their pet(s). 53 large cities in the United States are reviewed on ten key metrics broken down into three key dimensions: pet needs, pet recreation, and city profile. And here are the Top 5 big cities to visit with pets.

The report is released by RewardExpert  a free service that helps travelers fly for cheap by maximizing their miles and points. An aggregate score was used to determine which cities are most accommodating for the whole family, including any four-legged family members. RewardExpert also found the best cities based on specific pet-friendly categories, like hiking and playing catch.

Top 5 Big Cities to Visit with Pets

1. Tampa, Florida

Tampa comes in as the number one most pet-friendly city in 2017. Tampa has more pet-friendly hotels per capita than any of the other cities. According to RewardExperts findings, there are 32 hotels in Tampa that allow dogs per hundred thousand residents. Additionally, Tampa boasts 50 dog parks, which means travelers wont have any trouble discovering fun activities to do with their pets.

2. San Francisco, California

The greater San Francisco area tops the list in the Pet Recreation category. Travelers can choose from one of 15 dog-friendly beaches in the Bay Area to let their four-legged best friends swim in the sun. San Francisco is ranked third of all cities for weather; the city receives 153 pleasant days a year on average.

3. Miami, Florida

Miami comes in a third overall, but it ranks at the top when it comes to what a pet needs. There are more pet stores and veterinarians per capita than any other city we analyzed. RewardExpert discovered that Miami has 75 and 141 pet stores and veterinarians per hundred thousand residents, respectively.

4. Washington, District of Columbia

The nations capital is number four on the list of the most pet-friendly cities to travel to in the United States. D.C. is solid across the board, offering a wide variety of restaurants and cafes that allow pets, dog-friendly hiking trails, and pet-related events.

5. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta scored consistently well across each category in the rankings, with the number of veterinarians per capita as a stand out category. While the city lagged behind slightly in the recreation category, it still had a high density of pet related businesses and a high concentration of pet friendly restaurants.
At times, it seemed like this day would never come; but finally, the Museum of the American Revolution is officially opening. Securing its funding, determining its location, and building the $120 million structure took longer than the rebellion itself, which lasted a mere eight years.

Congress approved a public-private partnership to build the first national museum dedicated to this country's struggle for independence in 1999. Between then and now, however, quite a few skirmishes and battles took place.

The original plan was for the museum to be located at Valley Forge, which seemed to make sense given the guaranteed audience the thousands of annual visitors to that historic site would provide. But the National Park Service and the American Revolution Center's board argued over the specific location within Valley Forge and whether to expand the facility to include a three-story hotel, conference center, campground, and other amenities.

Unable to reach agreement, the board decided the museum only needed to be near Valley Forge and decided to put it on a privately-owned 78-acre site between the Schuylkill and Route 422 in Montgomery County. Lower Providence residents objected and a zoning fight ensued, which the museum board won; but the threat of further litigation cast its eyes in a different direction, perhaps where they should have been all along  within Philadelphia's historic district.

It took a land swap for that to happen. The National Park Service signed a land-exchange agreement with the ARC in 2009 to establish the museum within Independence National Historical Park. In return, the Park Service obtained the 78 acres surrounded by Valley Forge that the ARC had purchased. The land, which includes meadows, wetlands, and forests cut by two streams, had long been coveted by the Park Service as an addition to Valley Forge.

With that most important detail finally resolved, the museum could make a stronger appeal for philanthropic support. H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest, who not only served as board chairman but also as the museum's biggest cheerleader, worked assiduously to raise the money needed to see project completed. One of the most notable donations was $10 million from the Oneida Indian Nation, which was an early ally of the Continental Army. The Oneidas brought bushels of corn to help feed Gen. George Washington's starving soldiers at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78.

Just as Washington's army prevailed, so have those who fought for the Museum of the American Revolution. There will be other battles. Some of the city's other recent attractions, including the National Museum of Jewish History, struggled early to gain visitors.

But the American Revolution is what draws most tourists to Philadelphia every year. They want to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House. A museum with artifacts and interactive exhibits that tell the story of this nation's founding should be a resounding success.
A man shot and killed three people in downtown Fresno, CA, on Tuesday before surrendering to authorities, the Fresno Police Department said.

The suspect was identified as Kori Ali Muhammad, a 39-year-old man who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of a security guard outside a motel Thursday, said Police Chief Jerry Dyer. The FBI has been notified of the shooting deaths, reports the Los Angeles Times.

In less than a minute, Dyer said, 16 shots were fired at four different locations. Gunfire erupted at 10:45 a.m. in the 300 block of North Van Ness Avenue. A few seconds later, a second shooting was reported. A third shooting was reported, then a fourth.

An officer in the area spotted the gunman running south on Fulton. The gunman then "dove onto the ground" and was taken into custody, the chief said.

"As he was taken into custody, he yelled out 'Allahu Akbar,'" Dyer said. He said Muhammad had expressed hatred toward white people and the government. Dyer said he wasn't clear if the shootings were terrorist-related.
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Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas tried to defend Donald Trumps refusal to release his tax returns  even though an audit wouldnt prevent him from doing so  and an angry crowd of town hall attendees was having none of it.

The town hall gathering erupted after Cotton responded to a man in the audience who asked this question:

My question is you, you in Congress and in the Senate have the power to subpoena these tax returns. The president said during the campaign that he would not release the tax returns while he was under audit. Now he says the election has happened and he doesnt need to release his tax returns. Im wondering if youll take the initiative to have him release the returns so that we can see what kinds of connections he has with different countries around the world and what tax proposals would personally benefit him and his family.

Video of the exchange:

Rowdy town hall erupts with boos  Tom Cotton shouted down for defending Trump on not releasing his tax returns pic.twitter.com/zo5TW3J0dD  Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) April 17, 2017

In response to the mans sensible question, which millions of Americans want to be answered, Cotton stumbled and bumbled his way through a bunch of word salad, saying:

As far as Im aware, the president says hes still under audit  The president is also right that this was not a secondary or side issue in the campaign. It was a central issue in the campaign. Hillary Clinton and her campaign repeatedly criticized President Trump for this, and he won despite all that.

Essentially, since the election is over and Donald Trump is president, it doesnt matter what his financial connections are.

But the truth is it matters now more than ever that the American public sees whats in Trumps returns. Not only does the country deserve to know which countries he is financially beholden to, but he is also in charge of overseeing the U.S. economy and crafting tax policy.

If the president is going to implement policies that will help his own monetary interests, the American people deserve to know that  which is why those in the crowd were so angry with Cottons pitiful response.

The testy town hall exchange comes on the heels of nationwide Tax Day protests in which activists demanded the president to finally release his tax returns and disclose his financial entanglements to the American public.

Despite the growing consensus among Americans that Trump should release his returns, the president refuses to budge, saying in a tweet that we should instead continue to fawn over his impossible Electoral College win in last falls election.
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Donald Trump claimed today by retweeting a Drudge report that his approval rating was at 50 percent. This was based on Rasmussen, which is not a scientific poll because it relies in part on unscientific online polls.

TRUMP APPROVAL HITS 50% https://t.co/TruX3WzR3U  DRUDGE REPORT (@DRUDGE_REPORT) April 17, 2017

And how can you not trust a name like Drudge? Well, its easy as it happens. For example, Gallups daily tracker shows Trump at 41 percent with a +/- 3 percent margin of error, making it anywhere from 38 to 44. And Gallup has his disapproval rating at 53, which is greater than Rasmussens figure of 50 percent approval.

If you look at other polls, you see much the same message about just how unpopular a president Donald Trump is.

The latest McClatchy/Marist poll for April shows Trump with a 39 percent approval rating. And SurveyMonkey has him at 42 percent approval for the period up through April 6.

President Obama, on the other hand, stood at 62 percent approval on April 18, 2009.

Thats right: Even if Trump did have 50 percent approval, Obamas stood at 62 percent approval at the same point in his presidency.

Earlier today, Trump indulged in some equally delusional tripe about how successful his first 90 days as president have been compared to Obamas. People arent buying it. Or the claim that he keeps his promises.

It is no surprise why Trump chose this time to lie about how popular he is. Hes been working hard to bomb everybody he can think of to bomb to turn things around, but the boos hes gotten for hiding his taxes have shown how things really stand.

Trump is really reaching when he claims his approval rating is at 50. It isnt. No matter the poll, its lower than that  sometimes much lower. In fact, in sixty years no president has had a disapproval rating on Gallup as high as Trumps at this stage in his presidency.
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Underdog Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff, whos hoping to pull a massive upset in Tuesdays special election in Georgia, flashed his foreign policy chops and dismantled Donald Trump during an interview with MSNBCs Chris Matthews on Monday.

Ossoff put forward a rational, level-headed approach to dealing with North Korea and skewered the presidents approach to governing  all in less than 60 seconds.

Video:

On North Korea, Ossoff didnt just show that he had a clue what was going on in the region, but he offered a rational approach to dealing with it:

An artillery strike on Seoul would be very, very difficult to defend against and would be probably inevitable in the event of the outbreak of major hostilities. Thats one of the reasons that its such a flashpoint, but we can defeat the missile threat from North Korea with a range of defensive systems that we have, from our Navy and some of our land-based systems.

On Trump, Ossoff shined again, taking down the president for his divisive approach to governing and failure to live up to the promises he made during the campaign:

It was one of the most divisive and destructive presidential races in U.S. history and I think that many have been hoping that the president will heal some of those wounds, show good faith, and a more inclusive approach to governance. So far I dont think that hes allayed those concerns among those who believe that that divisive approach to governance is not right for the United States.

Ossoff added, I have great respect for the office, I dont have great personal admiration for the man himself.

Being a Democratic candidate in Georgia isnt always easy, particularly in the district Ossoff is hoping to represent, but hes doing it right.

Hes been so effective, in fact, that even Donald Trump tweeted this out earlier today, showing just how afraid the president is of losing the district:

The super Liberal Democrat in the Georgia Congressioal race tomorrow wants to protect criminals, allow illegal immigration and raise taxes!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2017

From top to bottom, Ossoff is a solid candidate who is knowledgeable about the issues and can appeal to voters in both political parties. Even if he doesnt pull off a major upset in tomorrows special election, its likely he will have a future in Democratic politics.
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A white supremacist leader who assaulted an African-American woman at a Trump rally in Lousiville, KY in 2016 claims he did so under the direction of Donald Trump.

Matthew Heimbach denies assaulting an African-American woman, but also blames Donald Trump for directing the violence by telling his supporters to, get em out of here.

In his lawsuit, Heimbach argued that he was just following orders. Heimbach wrote that he, relied on Trumps reputation and expertise in doing the things alleged. Heimbach relied on Trumps authority to order disruptive persons removed and that Trump was legally within his rights to ask other attendees to assist in defending their constitutional rights against protestors who were disrupting.

The lawsuit is revealing it is a public decoding of the dog whistle messages that Trump was sending supporters throughout his presidential campaign. The Trump campaign was based on racism, and those who supported Donald Trump viewed him as their racist leader.

Trump was intentionally sending messages during his campaign to these people, and his supporters read what he was saying loud and clear. The historical record of the I was just following orders defense is not good. Donald Trump isnt a Nazi, but his tactics and techniques are similar to those used by authoritarian regimes that attempt to stay in power through division and bigotry.

Its not so much what Trump was saying, but what his supporters thought he was saying that is so telling.

Donald Trump is being sued by a white nationalist who was one of his biggest supporters. The wheels are falling off of the Trump presidency, and even the racists are jumping off of his sinking ship.
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Election officials are hoping to keep two polling places open later than the 7 PM closing time after computer errors, and late poll workers caused some voting problems in Georgias US House special election.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported:

After experiencing some issues on Tuesday, Fulton County officials are hoping to keep two polling precincts open later.

Richard Barron, the director of elections and registration for Fulton County, said they are trying to extend voting hours for Centennial High School in Roswell and the Johns Creek Environmental Campus.

The problem is, the judge that has to OK voting extension, Shawn Ellen LaGrua, is hearing a criminal case today.

If local officials can get the judge to squeeze them in, they want to keep the Centennial High School polling place open until 7:35 PM, and the Johns Creek polling place open until 7:55 PM ET.

For people all around the country who are interested in this special election, the potentially extended hours for the two polling places will mean a delay in getting election results. If polls are correct, and that is a big if, after the 2016 presidential election, Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff should finish first in the voting tonight, but fall short of the 50% threshold that he will need to achieve to avoid a runoff in June.

Preventing people from voting before they go to work is never a good thing, but it is impossible to know whether the problems at these two locations help or harm one candidate more than any other, but after the events of Election Day 2016, Democrats dont need any additional hurdles to overcome.
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Not that Republicans needed any help failing when it comes to tax reform, but just in case they need cover from their own failures, they can now blame minority Democrats.

Democrats have vowed to block Trumps tax reform until he releases his own taxes. COLD.

As procrastinators rushed to file their tax returns by Tuesday, the White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, emphasized again on Monday that Mr. Trump had no intention of making his public. Democrats have seized on that decision, uniting around a pledge not to cooperate on any rewriting of the tax code unless they know specifically how that revision would benefit the billionaire president and his family, the New York Times reported. And a growing roster of more than a dozen Republican lawmakers now say Mr. Trump should release them.

In a call Tuesday morning with reporters, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) shied away from saying Democrats would outright block tax reform without Trumps taxes, but said it would be much harder to get tax reform done if Trump doesnt release his taxes.

Schumer said, in what is a pretty obvious red line, if Trump wants to do tax reform, he should release his taxes. Schumer has previously mentioned the cloud of suspicion Trump is operating under in regards to his refusal to share his tax returns with the public.

The Presidents conflicts of interest are at the heart of this argument, and its a simple and effective one. Its also true.

How can any legislator pass a tax reform bill of the Presidents without knowing how it will impact Trumps personal and professional interests. Especially this President, who has made a mockery of transparency while refusing to truly separate from his conflicts of interest and myriad of international businesses, while kicking to the curb the economic populism that barely got him an electoral college win.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi asked in a statement sent to PoliticusUSA why Republicans arent pushing for Trump to release his tax returns, Republicans will sell your most private information, your most private information, but they refuse to reveal the Presidents tax returns, something every President since Gerald Ford has done, and indeed every nominee of the other party has done. And there is a vital interest in the Presidents tax returns. Republicans are desperate, again, to keep them secret.

What is it that they are afraid of? Pelosi asked. Why dont they have that key that 74 percent of the American people want us to unlock that door to see where it leads?

This isnt a partisan issue. Sixty-four percent of Republicans think that President Trump should publicly release his tax returns, according to a survey conducted by Global Strategy Group, The Hill reported April 13th.

Trump is under multiple investigations currently for his campaign and transition teams constant talk with Russia during the 2016 election, while Russia was, in an act of hostile aggression tantamount to declaring war, helping Trump win the election. For this reason, Trumps tax returns are even more vital than for any other president. But all modern presidents have made their tax returns public.

Its not that Republicans were doing so well on the tax topic as it was. Trump has already stumbled and failed on his major campaign promise to repeal and replace Obamacare. When that failed, Trump announced they would do tax reform, as if tax reform were somehow easier than healthcare.

It is not.

Republican wonk Speaker Ryans (R-WI) tariff tax plan was reviled by pretty much everyone , including Republicans, with Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) saying of Ryans border adjustment tax, Some ideas are so stupid only an intellectual could believe them.

That Cotton thinks Ryan is an intellectual might explain why anyone still has hope that Trump will be presidential soon.

Using a work of fiction as your economic model isnt exactly the work of a high intellect. But the people of Paul Ryans Wisconsin House district must like it, and so we have Speaker Ryan, who just cant seem to get anything actually done in real life.

But in case Republicans ever manage to agree on even a semblance of a tax reform bill, Democrats are poised to block it until Donald Trump stops hiding his tax returns.

Donald Trump is shaping up to be the president who did nothing legislatively. Zero legislative accomplishments. SAD.
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A massive protest led by the groups UltraViolet and Color of Change rocked the headquarters of Fox News as sexual assault and sexual harassment survivors demanded that Bill OReilly be fired from Fox News.

Video of the protest:

Along with the protest in the video above, UltraViolet also had a plane fly around Manhattan with a banner that read, FOX: #DROPOREILLY, THE SEXUAL PREDATOR. Members of UltraViolet also placed posters around Fox News headquarters that asked, Have you also been sexually harassed by Bill?

Fox News has a problem with sexual assault  and its bigger than just Bill OReilly. For years, Fox News executives have provided cover for Bill OReillys systematic harassment and abuse of other Fox News employees  making it hard to take their promises to investigate such crimes seriously. said Shaunna Thomas, Co-founder of UltraViolet. Fox News needs to prove to the public  and its advertisers  that the era of covering up sexual assault is over. That means  firing Bill OReilly immediately and conducting a comprehensive and independent investigation into sexual abuse at the network  firing anyone involved in, or complicit in covering up, those crimes.

The Fox strategy is to try to wait these protests out. Fox is hoping that Bill OReilly will come back from vacation, and this will all have blown over. The bad news for the Murdochs is that the protesters arent going away. They are getting louder and more intense. The idea of waiting out the protesters and advertiser boycotters has not worked yet for anyone in conservative media.

The protesters arent going to wake up one morning and forget about the fact that Fox News is employing and enabling a sexual predator.

The protests will continue until Bill OReilly no longer works for Fox News.
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Remember that aircraft carrier that Trump sent to deter North Korea? It turns out that was all a big lie, as the aircraft carrier was never going to the Sea of Japan and was traveling 3,500 miles in the opposite direction.

The New York Times reported, The problem was, the carrier, the Carl Vinson, and the four other warships in its strike force were at that very moment sailing in the opposite direction, to take part in joint exercises with the Australian Navy in the Indian Ocean, 3,500 miles southwest of the Korean Peninsula. White House officials said on Tuesday they were relying on guidance from the Defense Department. Officials there described a glitch-ridden sequence of events, from a premature announcement of the deployment by the militarys Pacific Command to an erroneous explanation by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis  all of which perpetuated the false narrative that an American armada was racing toward the waters off North Korea.

The Trump White House is blaming the Pentagon, but it a glaring display of ineptitude that administration officials continued to talk about the aircraft carrier as a deterrent when it was literally going thousands of miles in the opposite direction.

The aircraft carrier debacle brings up an interesting question. How does the commander in chief not know that an aircraft carrier is not heading to deter North Korea? Is there anyone in the Trump administration who is paying attention to the movements of the US military?

The Trump White House either lied about the aircraft carrier, or were lied to, and didnt care enough to check on the truth. Neither of these possibilities is a good development for the country.

So much for Donald Trump the strongman president.

A White House that already had zero credibility at home is making itself look like a lying bunch of inept buffoons to the rest of the rest of the world.
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Donald Trump appeared on Fox News Fox & Friends this morning to be interviewed by Ainsley Earhardt. Earhardt asked Trump about Mike Pences trip to Korea and his warning that the U.S. is running out of patience.

Have you ruled out a military strike? she asked.

I dont wanna telegraph what Im doing or what Im thinking. Im not like other administrations where they say were going to do this in four weeks and it doesnt work that way. Well see what happens.

.@POTUS on tensions between U.S. and North Korea pic.twitter.com/k10z2tUxbH  FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) April 18, 2017

I hope things work out well. I hope theres going to be peace but you know theyve been talking with this gentleman for a long time. You read Clintons book he says we made such a great peace deal and it was a joke. You look at different things over the years with President Obama, everybody has been outplayed. Theyve all been outplayed by this gentlemen. And well see what happens but I just dont telegraph my moves.

Um, nothey havent been outplayed by this gentleman.

Trump claimed, and Earhardt, of course, lets the lie pass, that the gentleman Clinton dealt with is the same gentleman Obama dealt with, and by extension, Trump. It is not. Its a different guy. Clinton dealt with Kim Jong Il, who died in 2011, as did Obama for the first two years of his presidency. Trump is dealing with Kim Jong-Un, who was only 16 when Clintons term ended.

But dont let facts get in the way of a good story, a story that will show that it was Donald Trump at last who took the measure of the dreaded gentleman of North Korea.

Trump has a strange way of doing it. He says he doesnt want to telegraph his moves, but there was this tweet last week which sent a rather strong and pointed message:

North Korea is looking for trouble. If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them! U.S.A.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2017

To which former Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency Jeremy Bash says, That to me signals pre-emptive military action.

Yeah. Real subtle.

And then there is the U.S. Navys Carl Vinson Strike Group sailing to the Korean peninsula, which has intent written all over it.

With both Russia and China keeping an eye on the American ships we can conclude that cheap talk aside, Trump isnt outplaying anyone with his ham-fisted approach to foreign affairs.

What happens if North Korea launches another missile? asked Earhardt finally.

Trumps answer: Well find out.

Donald Trump is once again on the hunt for distractions and cheap victories to elevate himself. After Syria and Afghanistan, he has picked North Korea for his next demonstration.

And now, safe from flying bullets, serial draft-dodger Donald Trump, at last, embraces the trumpet calls from which he fled five times.
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Donald Trump is very worried about the growing popularity of Georgia Democratic Jon Ossoff, recording a robocall last night and today devoting two tweets to the special election taking place today in Georgias 6th district.

Democrat Jon Ossoff would be a disaster in Congress. VERY weak on crime and illegal immigration, bad for jobs and wants higher taxes. Say NO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017

Republicans must get out today and VOTE in Georgia 6. Force runoff and easy win! Dem Ossoff will raise your taxes-very bad on crime & 2nd A.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017

Jon Ossoff took to the air today to respond to Trumps tweets, telling NBC,

"He is misinformed." Jon Ossoff responds to Trump's tweet in statement to NBC pic.twitter.com/4LTVcIshBz  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) April 17, 2017

Of course, there is another way to respond to Trumps dire warnings and that is to say:

Trumps tweets are an almost verbatim repetition of his robocall, which warned,

If you dont vote tomorrow, Ossoff will raise your taxes, destroy your healthcare, and flood our country with illegal immigrants.

This obsession with the Georgia special election shows that Donald Trump is terrified of Jon Ossoff. Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed said of Trumps tweets on MSNBC this morning, Sounds like fear to me.

Trumps warnings are lies, of course. Trump isnt lowering anyones taxes except for those of his rich friends and corporations, and Ossoff is fighting to save, not destroy our healthcare. Thats Trumps goal.

Donald Trump is right to fear. Jon Ossoff has become the face of the resistance, a visible symbol of the young men and women who are invigorating the Democratic Party in the wake of Donald Trumps victory, a new Democratic Party built from the ground up.
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All the signs have been glaring and damned frightening to anyone paying attention. And yet every media outlet, including most liberal sites save one or two, have chosen to ignore the threat from an emboldened religious right who helped Vladimir Putin put an incompetent malcontent in the White House.

It is worth noting that in January of this year, the Huffington Post asked, and answered the question in an article: Could Republicans Undo Marriage Equality? Yes  Heres How. The article is worth a read if for no other reason than to see a preview of precisely what is unfolding right now in Texas and is coming soon in a bigoted religious Republican state near you.

First, it is noteworthy that since the landmark Supreme Court ruling allowing same-sex couples to marry the person they love, there were very few, if any, Texas officials refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In most cases, a Supreme Court ruling is considered to be the law of the land and apparently, Texas officials embraced that Constitutional reality. However, now religious Republicans have started chipping away at that ruling in Texas by voting to allow judges, county officials, and county clerks to refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples if they claim doing so offends their personal religious beliefs.

As is always the case with religious right Republicans, they claim that the faithful are suffering blatant and painful discrimination if they cant discriminate against the gay community. The religious right bigot who sponsored the bill, state Senator Brian Birdwell, said, If we dont do this, we are discriminating against people of faith. The people of faith Birdwell refers to are evangelical clerks, judges, justices of the peace and other elected officials whose mandate as civil servants includes issuing marriage licenses to all applicants in all 254 Texas counties.

The religious legislations opponents are spot on in saying the bill both sanctions discrimination and defies the nations highest court; something the religious right and their Republican facilitators have never been shy about doing with religious zeal.

The president of the Texas Freedom Network, Kathy Miller, heads an activist group supporting equal rights for all Texans and said in a statement:

The Texas Senate today said it has no problem with public officials picking and choosing which taxpayers they will serve. This bill opens the door to taxpayer-funded discrimination against virtually anyone who doesnt meet a public officials personal moral standards.

This religious Republican move was bound to come and it was evident when maniacal evangelical and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a non-binding opinion immediately after the 2015 Supreme Court ruling giving same-sex couples their constitutional equal rights. Paxton suggested that county clerks statewide could refuse marriage licenses to same-sex couples despite the High Courts ruling. Paxton also said, in defense of the faithful panting to discriminate against same-sex couples that numerous lawyers stand ready to assist clerks defending their religious beliefs, in many cases on a pro-bono basis, and I will do everything I can from this office to be a public voice for those standing in defense of their right. But he was not referring to defending all Texans rights, only the faithfuls rights to discriminate, violate the Constitutions 14th Amendment, and defy the law of the land.

Apparently, most Texas officials recognized a High Court ruling is the law of the land regardless their equal rights under the law are already enshrined in the real law of the land, the U.S. Constitution. In fact, as a former Judge and Democrat from Houston, Senator Sylvia Garcia, said, the new law is unnecessary particularly because Texas officials have been issuing marriage licenses for nearly two years without any objection or cries of religious persecution or discrimination against the faithful; they were doing the job they were elected and paid to do.

Senator Garcia said the only thing the bill will accomplish is provoking many Republican officials to legally stop doing their jobs by claiming bible. Garcia also said the religious Republicans will start discriminating against same-sex couples not necessarily because they have legitimate, religious-based problems, but because they want to impress local evangelical voters. She said:

All the clerks and judges know about the law and are following the law. When Ms. Garcia asked if the constitutional duties elected officials swear to uphold shouldnt extend to enforcing Supreme Court decisions, the religious edicts sponsor and raging Baptist Birdwell cut her off, and issued a sermon stating that the state Senate will not engage in a constitutional debate about adhering to the law of the land. Baptist Birdwell told Garcia in no uncertain terms that lawmaking belongs to the legislative branch, not the courts.

Birdwell seriously needs to get off the David Barton bandwagon and take a minute to peruse the Constitution he took an oath to uphold, but not in preparation for some future constitutional debate, but to learn that when the Supreme Court issues a ruling, it is the law.

Democrats in the Texas Senate attempted to ameliorate the religious edicts potential damage by inserting amendments to weaken the religious legislation. But Republicans said Hell No and eliminated them summarily. One amendment, in particular, something every Texas taxpayer should support, was docking the pay of Texas officials who refused to do the jobs they were elected to do; issue marriage licenses.

The Texas bill, when signed by the governor, will almost certainly be struck down in any federal court proceeding. Last summer, for example, a Federal Judge in Mississippi struck down a similar state provision that allowed country clerks to recuse themselves (refuse to do their jobs) from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples if they claimed they were refusing to do their jobs because of religious objections.

No matter what a Federal Judge does with Texas unconstitutional religious legislation, human rights advocates say that same-sex couples nationwide are safe for maybe a couple of years. With a new conservative majority on the High Court, and a Trump that opposes marriage equality because he is a traditionalist, it is almost certain some states religious Republicans will succeed in getting the High Court to revisit the Obergefell ruling. Their hope is that SCOTUS will conclude that the previous Court committed a gross error by using the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution as a guiding force instead of what evangelical Republicans consider the only law of the land  the Christian bible.
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As always with the Trumps, follow the money. Back in 2012, Ivanka Trump tweeted thanks to Turkeys Prime Minister Erdogan:

Thank you Prime Minister Erdogan for joining us yesterday to celebrate the launch of #TrumpTowers Istanbul!  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) April 20, 2012

Meanwhile, yesterday, as The Washington Posts Philip Bump confirms, in a surprise to absolutely nobody at all, Donald Trump congratulated Erdogan on his win in a rigged election:

The White House confirms that Trump congratulated Erdogan on Turkey's referendum. pic.twitter.com/0lYC6mMNmM  Philip Bump (@pbump) April 18, 2017

A CNN headline puts it perfectly in perspective: Trump congratulates Erdogan for winning a referendum that grants the Turkish President largely unchecked powers.

Think about that for a minute. Then do the math: 1 + 1 = Trump Profits.

As Ana Navarro pointed out it is now apparent why Trump was so quick to congratulate Erdogan on a victory over Democracy (other than Trumps own dictatorial fantasies, of course):

Oooh. Now, I get why despite trampling democracy, jailing opposition, protests over election fraud -Trump congratulated Erdogan's "victory". https://t.co/3Ukgl6FtOm  Ana Navarro (@ananavarro) April 18, 2017

Theres money to be made on the Bosporus. And in China too. It is surely no coincidence that, as MSNBCs Kyle Griffin observed this morning:

AP: Ivanka's company won approval for new China trademarks the same day she dined w/ China's president at Mar-a-Lago https://t.co/myUMSvpJUa  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) April 18, 2017

Reminder: NBC found Ivanka's brand imported 56 shipments of her products from China & Singapore since Election Day https://t.co/hbCXJCqw4s https://t.co/GqFtLg7i9c  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) April 18, 2017

Sure, hypocrisy abounds. But a for-profit presidency is only marginally less frightening than those profits dictating our foreign policy. Whatever our nations promoted values, the Trump foreign policy will revolve around the likelihood of Trump profiting from it.

Melania whined about missing an opportunity to cash in, Ivanka has just cashed in, and Donald Trump himself is the biggest winner, getting to fire missiles made by a company in which he owns stock.

Trump is supposed to be defending the United States national security interest, not his own profits, but those days passed when the Patriarch of Graft, Donald Trump, took office.
Hungary competitiveness dilemma solved in one fell swoop

The modification of the advertising tax without prior consultation with those that actually pay this levy. Economy Minister Mihaly Varga submitted a bill late in March to raise the rate on the ad tax above the HUF 100 million mark (annual revenue) to 9% from 5.3% as of 1 June, with a 0% rate between 1 January and 31 May.

Although the levy may decrease overall this year, uncertainties over the ad tax is huge which keeps media companies in the dark, making it most difficult for them to plan ahead. Fidesz party caucus chief Lajos Kosa said on 4 April that the rate of the tax would be under 9% in 2018.

The transparency of Hungarys tax policy leaves a lot to be desired. Varga told daily Magyar Idok on 20 March that tax hikes are absolutely out of the question, yet a week later he submitted the bill to almost double the rate of the ad tax. Last year, tax plans for 2017 had been revised three times, something was changed even in the last instant.

Everything points in the direction that the amendment of the Higher Education Act was tailor-made just to put a crimp in the operation of Central European University (CEU) in Budapest.

(CEU) in Budapest. The cabinet has promised to come up by the end of this month with a package of proposals aimed at showing multinational retail companies who's boss. One of the key changes could be a mandatory staff expansion. According to plans, if a company fails to comply it would be obliged to pay - now pay heed, this is beautiful - a supply security contribution". In case you wondered, this is a tax, a special sectoral levy to be exact. The problem is that the cabinet of tax reductions" has erased the word tax along with the words tax hike from its communication for good. In this case, supply security means that the proceeds from this levy would be placed in a fund from which the cabinet would support companies in a disadvantageous market position". In other words, if you do not support the idea of kicking multinational retailers in the balls with a foot wearing a boot with Special Tax written on its side, then you obviously are an enemy of Hungarian-owned small and medium-sized enterprises. Policymakers just fail to realise that with the mandatory staff expansions the multinational companies will siphon off labour exactly from smaller business, i.e. it has no clue that the punitive measure designed for the big bad multinationals will actually harm the consumers (more expensive products, worse quality). The measure would actually keep less competitive companies hooked up to a ventilator. The question is how much this is worth for us in the long term.

We have been hearing it for weeks that Prime Minister Viktor Orbans government will now really make an effort to achieve a turnaround in competitiveness, a good ole 180-degree spin that will make the economy really pop; its time for the good life Austrian-style, lets make people happy. In this endeavour the cabinet has made allies too, putting seven experts on the National Competitiveness Council to assist Economy Minister Mihaly Varga.The goal to improve the countrys competitiveness is taken so seriously that the Council has hardly been established it has already come up with recommendations, much-needed fine-tuning measures at that.The thing is that no matter how fancy we pimp out Hungarys competitiveness if the cabinetLets see just a few examples from the last few days and weeks of what we mean:

The above examples unequivocally attest that the government is destroying the business environment by selective and punitive legislative measures and has been sending negative messages to foreign investors.

Do not make it impossible for foreign companies to operate in Hungary by creating tailor-made laws and special levies.

Do not go into all-out war with renowned foreign institutions by targeting them with legislation.

Transparency should be a practical guidance not just a quotable theoretical notion.

Finally, one more, and this is really a top-shelf suggestion: politicians should really try harder to make an assessment of the economic impact of any given measure before making a decision to implement them.

Whereas we welcome the goals set by the Competitiveness Council in six areas, we have decided to give advice to the cabinet that is working so hard to boost the countrys competitiveness. No worries, these are free of charge, up for grabs:
Boeing Co. last month reported its lowest employment total at the company's North Charleston facilities since 2013. The company on Monday said it will lay off hundreds of engineers as commercial plane sales slump. File/Brad Nettles/Staff
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.
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A large bipartisan group of lawmakers from the South Carolina House of Representatives gathered for a press conference on April 18, 2017, to call on state senators and Gov. Henry McMaster to get out of the way of a proposed gas tax to fund highway infrastructure in South Carolina. Maya T. Prabhu/Staff
Diane Zetta Royer, 69, died just before 6 p.m. Nov. 5 from injuries suffered in the vehicle collision, according to the Charleston County Coroner's Office. MUSC spokesman Carter Coyle said the victim was pinned between two vendor trucks. Read moreWoman, 69, dies after she's pinned between 2 trucks on MUSC's campus
MINNEAPOLIS  Court documents unsealed Monday in the investigation into Prince's death suggest a doctor and a close friend helped him improperly obtain prescription opioid painkillers, but they shed no new light on how the superstar got the fentanyl that killed him.

The affidavits and search warrants were unsealed in Carver County District Court as the yearlong investigation into Prince's death continues. The documents show authorities searched Paisley Park, cellphone records of Prince's associates, and Prince's email accounts to try to determine how he got the fentanyl, a synthetic opioid drug 50 times more powerful than heroin.

The documents don't reveal answers to that question, but do provide the most details yet seen on Prince's struggle with addiction to prescription opioids in the days before he died.

Prince was 57 when he was found alone and unresponsive in an elevator at his Paisley Park estate on April 21. Just six days earlier, he fell ill on a plane and had to be revived with two doses of a drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.

Associates at Paisley Park also told investigators that Prince was recently "going through withdrawals, which are believed to be the result of the abuse of prescription medication."

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The documents unsealed Monday allege Dr. Michael Todd Schulenberg, a family physician who saw the musician twice last April, told authorities he prescribed the opioid painkiller oxycodone to Prince but put it under the name of Prince's bodyguard and close friend, Kirk Johnson, "for Prince's privacy," one affidavit said.

Schulenberg's attorney, Amy Conners, disputed that. She said in a statement that Schulenberg "never directly prescribed opioids to Prince, nor did he ever prescribe opioids to any other person with the intent that they would be given to Prince."

F. Clayton Tyler, Johnson's attorney, released a statement saying that after reviewing the documents, "we believe that it is clear that Kirk Johnson did not secure nor supply the drugs which caused Prince's death."

Schulenberg is practicing family medicine in Minnesota and Conners said there are no restrictions on his license.

It is illegal for a doctor to write a prescription for someone under another person's name.

Joe Tamburino, a Minnesota defense attorney who is not associated with the Prince case, said while Schulenberg and Johnson could face charges if the allegations are true, it's unlikely state or federal prosecutors would pursue them. He called them low-level offenses that wouldn't draw prison time.

He said for prosecutors, the source of the fentanyl is the big target.

"The oxycodone in this case is only tangential to the whole case," Tamburino said. "If this was a fentanyl script, oh boy, it would be a totally different situation. ... The real meat and potatoes is going to be that fentanyl thing."

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The documents said Prince did not have any prescriptions, including for fentanyl.

James L. Jones, a spokesman for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's field office in Chicago, said anyone convicted of writing a prescription for someone under another person's name could lose their DEA registration  meaning they could no longer prescribe medications  and could face discipline from their state medical board.

In practice, laws against prescribing drugs for someone under a false name are not usually enforced when a doctor intends to protect a celebrity's privacy, said Los Angeles attorney Ellyn Garofalo. She represented a doctor who was acquitted of all charges, including false name allegations, in the death of Anna Nicole Smith, the Playboy model and reality TV star who died of an accidental overdose in 2007.

"They would be indicting every pharmacist in Beverly Hills if this were strictly enforced," Garofalo said Monday.

Oxycodone, the generic name for the active ingredient in OxyContin, was not listed as a cause of Prince's death. But it is part of a family of painkillers driving the nation's overdose and addiction epidemic, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 2 million Americans abused or were addicted to prescription opioids, including oxycodone, in 2014.

Patients who take prescription opioids eventually build up a tolerance and need to take stronger doses to get the same effect. In some patients, the cycle leads to dependence and addiction.

A search of Prince's home yielded numerous pills in various containers. Some were in prescription bottles for Johnson. Some pills in other bottles were marked "Watson 853," a label used for a drug that is a mix of acetaminophen and hydrocodone, another opioid painkiller. Last August, an official with knowledge of the investigation told The Associated Press that at least one of those pills tested positive for fentanyl, meaning the pill was counterfeit and obtained illegally. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.

In addition to the dozens of pills recovered, authorities also found a pamphlet for an addiction recovery center in California, the documents unsealed Monday show. The day before Prince died, Paisley Park staffers contacted the California addiction specialist as they were trying to get Prince help.

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Dr. Howard Kornfeld sent his son, Andrew, to Minnesota that night, and the younger Kornfeld was among those who found Prince's body. Andrew Kornfeld was carrying buprenorphine, a medication that can be used to help treat opioid addiction. The Kornfelds' attorney, William Mauzy, has said Andrew had intended to give the medication to a doctor.

Prince did not have a cellphone and authorities searched multiple email accounts that they believed he was using, as they tried to determine how he got the drug that killed him, according to the search warrants. The search warrants don't reveal the outcome of the email searches.

The documents also say some of the drugs in Prince's bedroom were in a suitcase with the name "Peter Bravestrong" on it. Police believe Bravestrong was an alias that Prince used when he traveled.

Investigators have said little publicly about the case over the last year, other than it is active.
On Sunday, a narrow majority of Turkish voters agreed to grant sweeping powers to their president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The referendum that accomplishes this was approved by slightly more than 51 percent of the electorate, amidst allegations of fraud by Erdogan and his backers.

Voters in Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities rejected the constitutional changes proposed by Erdogan. Approval was due to voters in the countryside where, says David Pryce-Jones, illiteracy, gender inequality, and electoral fraud flourish

Erdogans constitutional changes follow a failed coup against him. Mass arrests ensued. According to Pryce-Jones, somewhere in the order of 140,000 people have been pursued and purged. Freedom of expression has vigorously been curbed.

Pryce-Jones views the constitutional changes as institutionalizing these conditions:

Parliamentary government is to be replaced by presidential government. The office of prime minister becomes superfluous, and is to be suppressed. The president remains in office as long as he wants, until 2029 is the rumor about Erdogan.

The president also gained greater latitude in appointing judges and prosecutors.

To obtain the extraordinary powers of the Turkish presidency, however, Erdogan will have to win the 2019 election. With his tightened grip and ability to profit from fraudulent voting, victory seems very likely. But the narrowness of Erdogans victory, including the fact that he failed to prevail in Istanbul (where he was once mayor) for the first time since 1994, suggests that his sailing may not be smooth, especially if the opposition can unify against him.

Aykan Erdemir, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, says:

This is a referendum where we had Kurdish voters in the east voting along the same lines as secular Turks in the west [note: of course, the choice in this election was binary]. It might be the beginning of a new era. Theres the potential for something more than a tactical alliance, but it requires visionary leadership. The numbers are there, the energy is there. Whether someone can tap into that is the million dollar question.

President Trump called Erdogan to congratulate him on the victory. This was a sensible thing to do, notwithstanding the substantial allegations of fraudulent voting. Turkey is a pivotal nation in the region. Trump needs to engage its leader on such issues as fighting ISIS, dealing with the European refugee crisis, and coping with Iran. Sundays vote provided him with that opportunity.

Trump may have an opening with Erdogan. Some observers believe the Turkish will undertake a charm offensive toward Europe and the U.S. in order to validate his new system. But Erdogans hope (if any) of charming the Europeans may founder on his plan to reinstate the death penalty.

To charm Trump, Erdogan probably will have to show flexibility on the question of which forces will lead the charge against ISIS in Raqaa. The Pentagon wants to use Syrian Kurdish fighters  the Peoples Protection Units, or YPG  which Ankara views as synonymous with the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which has fought the Turkish government for decades. To date, Turkey has steadfastly opposed the U.S. on this matter.

Whatever else happens, we can be fairly confident that Erdogan wont genuinely charm Trump the way he charmed former president Obama. Erdogan quickly became one of Obamas favorite world leaders. He achieved this status without making any apparent concessions to the U.S. Obama simply seems to have like the cut of his jib, or perhaps his ability to wield power  a sad commentary on the former president in either case.

By contrast, if Erdogan wants to make headway with Trump, he will have to grant policy concessions that advance our national interest. In this sense, normal service has resumed.
Yesterday the New York Times published an op-ed column by Marwan Barghouti. The column explains why hes on a hunger strike in an Israeli prison. The Times identified Barghouti as a Palestinian leader and parliamentarian.

The Times has now thoughtfully appended this editors note: This article explained the writers prison sentence but neglected to provide sufficient context by stating the offenses of which he was convicted. They were five counts of murder and membership in a terrorist organization. Mr. Barghouti declined to offer a defense at his trial and refused to recognize the Israeli courts jurisdiction and legitimacy. (Here is a little background on the five murders of which Barghouti was convicted.)

Adapting the e.e. cummings poem everybody happy?, I add this question and answer:

Q: How low can the Times go?

A: Lower.

Via Omri Ceren/Twitter (below).
If youve ever learned the story of Doolittles Raid and Doolittles Raiders, you remember. After Pearl Harbor, as Japan was racking up victories in the Pacific, then Army Air Force Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle led something like a suicide mission to bomb Tokyo. Today is the seventy-fifth anniversary of Doolittles Raid. On the occasion Gerald Skoning recalls the storys highlights in How Doolittle little did so much for so many 75 years ago today.

The Naval History and Heritage Command has a somewhat more detailed account in Halsey-Doolittle Raid. CNN has posted a good account by Richard Roth along with a brief video here. Michael Paradis puts the story in a contemporary context in the Weekly Standard column Bombing for show.

Doolittle and his Raiders rose to almost unbelievable heights of martial valor and patriotic self-sacrifice on this mission. The video below gives a sense of the difficulties that had to be overcome as well as the skill necessary to pull off the mission. As can be seen in the video, it was a challenge even to get the Mitchell B25s to take off from the USS Hornets flight deck.

Both in the planning and as it played out, this was an incredibly improbable mission. Luck certainly played a part in its success. Three of the 80 Raiders were nevertheless captured by the Japanese and executed; one starved to death in the captivity of the Japanese.

Doolittle thought the raid would be assessed a failure after its completion. Instead his service was recognized with the Medal of Honor. Of the Raiders only Doolittle co-pilot Richard Cole survives. Today is a day to remember them all and to be thankful.
The Trump White House may or may not be a scene of chaos and personnel conflict and Trump may yet turn out to be a poor presidentcertainly the media has an interest in exaggerating any difficulties there may bebut one thing is certain from the release of the new book Shattered: Inside Hillary Clintons Doomed Campaign: Trump has spared us a much worse fate in the form of President Hillary Clinton.

I had a hunch on election night, when John Podesta rather than Hillary herself came out to send home the disappointed crowd at the Javits Center in New York, that Camp Hillary was preparing to contest the close results in one or more states (and secondarily that Hillary was in no condition to face the public, having failed to prepare a concession speech, not to mention whatever other incapacities might have befallen her as the roof fell in). Hence one of the most interesting early details to emerge from the book is that President Obama called Hillary and told her to concede. As the Washington Post reports today:

Shortly after 11:00 p.m., after Wisconsin was called by Fox News, Allen and Parnes report that the campaign fielded a series of calls from the White House pushing Hillary Clinton to concede, even though the margins in many states were extraordinarily close. President Barack Obama thought it was over and did not want a messy recount. First came a call from White House political director David Simas to Clintons campaign manager, Robby Mook. POTUS doesnt think its wise to drag this out, Simas said. But Clinton was dragging it out. So then she got a call from POTUS. You need to concede, urged Obama, who repeated the message in a follow-up call to Clintons campaign chairman, John Podesta.

I am sure Obama always remained ambivalent about Hillary Clinton from their 2008 contest, as he was very critical of Bill Clintons triangulation in The Audacity of Hope. Then, too, we know that Hillarys 2008 campaign was an organizational disaster from start to finish, reflecting her own disorderly mind, arrogant manner, and presumptuous character. It appears she learned nothing from that experience as the campaign approached.

The New York Times review of the book today summarizes it thus:

In fact, the portrait of the Clinton campaign that emerges from these pages is that of a Titanic-like disaster: an epic fail made up of a series of perverse and often avoidable missteps by an out-of-touch candidate and her strife-ridden staff that turned a winnable race into another iceberg-seeking campaign ship. Despite years of post-mortems, the authors observe, Clintons management style hadnt really changed since her 2008 loss of the Democratic nomination to Barack Obama: Her teams convoluted power structure encouraged the denizens of Hillaryland to care more about their standing with her, or their future job opportunities, than getting her elected. In chronicling these missteps, Shattered creates a picture of a shockingly inept campaign hobbled by hubris and unforced errors, and haunted by a sense of self-pity and doom. . .

Imagine the self-pity and doom the nation would have had if she had won, given that her administration would have been just as out of touch and incompetent as her campaign.

But cheer up. I see Chelsea Clinton is on the cover of Variety. So we have that to look forward to. Well never be rid of these people.
Scott writes below about todays special election to replace HHS Secretary Tom Price in Georgias Sixth Congressional District. He observes, If [Jon] Ossoff were to win today, Democrats and their media adjunct wont let us stop hearing about it. He is correct.

If Ossoff doesnt win today, and doesnt come close enough to 50 percent to suggest he will win a runoff, we wont hear much about it. Yet, it will be news.

The left has poured more than $8 million into the race on Ossoffs behalf. Hollywood is all-in. The GOP field is beyond fractured. President Trumps approval rating is low. A presidents party typically struggles in off-year elections.

Special elections favor the side thats energized and focused. In Georgias Sixth District, the Democrats fit that description; the Republicans are its antithesis, or were until very recently.

Under these circumstances, if Ossoff fails to get to 50, or within reasonable shouting distance, it will be remarkable. Whether the mainstream media remarks on such an outcome is another question.

How will Ossoff perform? Erick Erickson, who knows Georgia politics well, thinks the Democrats and their media allies are engaging in wishful thinking. He notes that there hasnt been any significant poll showing Jon Ossoff equaling or exceeding Hillary Clintons 46.8% in the district.

Thus, the race probably comes down to turnout, as Scott says. One can imagine Ossoff polling at 45 percent but winning 50 percent of the vote due to low turnout by Republicans. Thats why Republicans in the Sixth District really should take the time to vote for one of the Republican candidates today.

Finally, a question. How did a 30 year-old documentary film maker (whose company has produced films for Al Jazeera) and ex-congressional staffer who doesnt even live in the Sixth District become the vessel of hope for Democrats everywhere? Wouldnt Democrats be better off, other things being equal, with a more conventional candidate?

Other things being equal, I think Democrats would be, although it can be argued that Ossoffs youth works in his favor. But other things arent equal in Democratic politics.

Ossoff may be immature. He may not live in the Sixth District (his excuse is that hes living outside the district to support his girlfriend while she finishes medical school). His views, which he is taking pains to conceal, may be far to the left of voters in a district represented by Tom Price and, years ago, Newt Gingrich.

But Ossoff is in tune with the Democratic/Hollywood left and quickly became the darling of left-wing blogs like the Daily Kos. Thus, he was able to attract the $8 million needed to make a strong run at wresting this district from Republican control. A more conventional candidate might not have generated that kind of outside support.

So todays contest can be viewed more as a test of the lefts ability to game the political process in special circumstances than of Republican strength in the early days of the Trump administration.
If the NK Air Force is anything like my experience with the Chinese Air Force of the nineties then that airfield layout is familiar.



A line of aircraft consists of those that are flown continuously until they break. They then go on to the next ones and when they break they used bits off the first to fix them. When the bits run out they move on to the next batch. The result is that when you move along the line the first are total wrecks which may contribute a spare. They then go on to Xmas trees and eventually you will find aircraft that are being flown. After that there are new ones and as there is no hangerage they will have full cockpit covers, wing cuffs etc.



Obsolete aircraft are towed, or dragged, to another part of the airfield and will stay there for some considerable time because the airfield's fuel supplies are rationed to the number of aircraft on strength. Not withstanding this flying training usually stops around the third week in the month because they have run out of training fuel even when the pilots are averaging only eighty hours a year.



The Chinese Air Force has moved on astronomically from those days because they can now afford it. Vastly improved pay scales, equipment, training and simulators. Whether North Korea can similarly replace quantity with quality is probably doubtful.
No fewer than 20 cultural troops from the U.S. and 10 African countries have confirmed their intentions to participate in the African Drums Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Secretary to the Ogun government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, who disclosed this on Tuesday at a news conference to unveil the official logo of the festival, said it would hold from April 20 to April 22 in Abeokuta.

He said that 12 states in the country had also confirmed their participation in the festival, which he described as an expanded form of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Drums Festival held in Abeokuta in 2016.

He said that the growth and acceptance of the festival as a melting-pot for cultural fraternity necessitated the need to yield to the demand to scale up its scope beyond Nigeria to include the African continent and other countries.

The legion of commendations and acknowledgements showered on the first edition were as a result of the cultural renaissance it created on the African continent, particularly with the unveiling of the worlds tallest drums of 17 and 18 metres at the event.

We are working toward the registration of the tallest drum in the Guinness book of records as part of efforts to stamp the state and Nigeria on the world map, he said.

Mr. Adeoluwa explained that the festival was packaged as an avenue to enhance the economic value of its citizenry by showcasing talents and the rich cultural heritage of the state.

We are indeed astonished by the high level of confirmation by over 20 cultural troupes from within Nigeria, across Africa and even the U.S., he said.

Foreign countries, which have confirmed their participation, according to Mr. Adeoluwa include Togo, Haiti, Republic of Benin, Congo Brazzaville, Burkina Faso and the U.S.

The state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, while unveiling the logo, assured that the numerous guests, who would be attending the event from across the world that they will have a feel of our dear state and its hospitality.

Mr. Amosun, who was represented by the deputy governor, Yetunde Onanuga, said: We are proud to showcase the display of different drums, dances, and performances from different parts of Africa as an integral part of our cultural heritage, which must be preserved.

(NAN)

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The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, on Monday asked the federal government to immediately revisit and re-valuate the transfer of some oil asset by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC to its upstream subsidiary, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC.

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Waziri Adio, made the call in Abuja as part of the transparency agencys continued review of the highlights of its latest edition of NEITI Policy Brief entitled Unremitted funds, oil sector reforms and economic recovery.

Mr. Adio underlined the importance of the review, considering NNPCs under-valuation and refusal to pay for the assets.

Also, he said, the review was necessary in view of NPDCs inability to either make returns on investments on the asset, or be accountable to the federation over its management of the oil assets in its custody.

The NEITI Policy Brief has put the total unremitted revenues to the federation by the NPDC at a total of N1.76 trillion, consisting $5.5 billion and N72.4 billion.

According to NEITI, details of the outstanding unremitted revenues by the NPDC to the Federation Account in respect of the transferred oil asset by the NNPC include $1.7 billion in respect of the transfer of oil mining leases, OMLs from the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC joint venture.

Another $2.23 billion was also outstanding in respect of the transfer of four OMLs from the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC joint venture.

NEITI report said the NPDC was yet to refund about $148.3 million and about N2.42 billion, being cash-calls paid to it by the federal government for the transferred OMLs.

Other outstanding revenues unaccounted for also include legacy liabilities of $1.46 billion and N70.02 billion.

Beyond the issue of unremitted monies, there are issues of transparency and efficiency with the operations of NPDC, NEITI noted in its report.

Since 2005, NNPC has transferred 16 OMLs to NPDC. However, the process of transfer of these assets raises serious questions, as there appears to be no clear-cut criteria for transfer of oil mining assets to NPDC.

The process for the transfer of Federations assets to NPDC does not seem to pass the transparency test. One of the upshots of this is the undervaluation of these assets, thereby depriving the Federation of optimal value for the assets, the transparency agency stated.

The undervaluation, NEITI report said, resulted from NNPCs divestment of its 55 per cent shares in the SPDC JV valued at about $1.8billion.

NEITI pointed out that the valuation of the same asset by globally acknowledged audit firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, PwC, was put at about $3.4 billion.

Besides, NEITI compared the valuation of the asset with that of four other asset divested in 2012 by NNPC to NPDC under the NAOC JV, which the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, valued at about $2.225billion.

The agency said the NPDC, which has so far paid only $100 million, was still contesting these valuations despite that it was currently operating the 12 OMLs without paying neither the full value, nor the new figures arrived at by PwC and the DPR.

In total, the non-payment for the 12 oil blocks by NPDC sums up to $3.925billion, NEITI said.

NPDC continues to be unaccountable to state institutions and the laws of the country. NPDC has consistently refused to give account of its operations and its management of national oil assets in its possession. NPDC failed to cooperate with the forensic audit ordered by the Auditor-General of the Federation in 2015. The company failed to cooperate with NEITI for five audit cycles, and only partially cooperated during the 2013 and 2014 audits, the agency added.

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on Tuesday injected about $280 million into various sectors of the market in its determination to sustain liquidity in the foreign exchange market since the commencement of its weekly $20,000 sale to licensed Bureau de Change operators.

The bank also announced the opening of bids for $100 million wholesale request for between seven and 45 days through the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs).

Details of the intervention showed that the provision for Basic Travel Allowance, Personal Travel Allowance, medical bills and tuition received $80 million, while the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) window received $100 million.

The banks spokesperson, Isaac Okorafor, who confirmed the releases, said along with the wholesale bid auction, a total of about $280 million was sold into the market.

Mr. Okorafor said the new window for SMEs would boost the importation of eligible finished and semi-finished items as well as enhance forex supply to the retail business segment of the market.

He explained that the CBN introduced the use of FORM Q for the SMEs, which requires just basic documentation, to ease the documentation challenges usually encountered by this category of businesses.

Under the new arrangement, SMEs are allowed to purchase $20,000 per quarter.

The new form, which must be completed by all SME applicants, Mr. Okorafor explained, requires all applicants to fill with a supporting application letter as well as beneficiary invoice and bank wire transfer.

Eligible applicants, he said, must have operated their bank accounts for a minimum of six months.

On the sale of foreign exchange to BDCs, the CBN said the decision was taken to ensure the high volume demand by low-end users were met promptly.

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Libyan fishermen found the bodies of 28 illegal migrants who appeared to have died of thirst and hunger after their boat broke down off the coast of Sabratha city, a ministry of interior official said on Tuesday.

Since Libya fell into chaos after Muammar Gaddafis fall in 2011, the North African country is the main departure point for migrants hoping to reach Europe by sea.

No fewer than 150,000 have made the crossing to Italy annually over the past three years.

Interior Ministry security unit commander, Ahmaida Amsalam, told Reuters the 28 migrants, including four women, had been found after sunset by the fishermen who towed the vessel to shore.

Mr. Amsalam said that the victims were buried together in a cemetery for illegal migrants.

Their boat stopped in the middle of the water because the engine was broken, he said.

He did not give details on any of the nationalities but many illegal migrants are from sub-Saharan Africa.

Smugglers often pack migrants in flimsy inflatable dinghies, dispatching them to sea to get picked up by rescue ships and other vessels once they reach international waters.

Some are intercepted and turned back by the Libyan coastguard.

(Reuters/NAN)

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Four Saudi officers and eight soldiers were killed in a plane crash during a mission in the eastern Yemeni Province of Mareb, the Saudi-led coalition fighting rebels in Yemen on Tuesday said.

A Black Hawk helicopter crashed killing the 12 personnel on board, the Saudi Press Agency reported, citing a coalition statement.

The coalition is currently investigating the cause of the crash.

Saudi Arabia started an air campaign against the Houthi rebels in Yemen in March 2015, fearing that rebels will give their regional rival, Iran, a foothold on the Arabian Peninsula.

The alliance comprises a number of Arab countries including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Jordan.

Houthi rebels seized the capital Sanaa in September 2014 and continued to advance through the country, before the Yemeni army backed by the Saudi-led air campaign managed to regain the southern city of Aden, which currently hosts the government and the presidential office.

(dpa/NAN)

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The Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Arkady Dvorkovich, said on Tuesday, that Russia was expecting Ankara to lift restrictions on grain exports to Turkey.

Mr. Dvorkovich told a visiting delegation of Turkish ministers in Moscow on Tuesday in a government statement.

The statement said the Russian and Turkish ministers reached a common understanding that further work was needed to resolve differences on trade, and they agreed to hold intensive consultations in the next two weeks.

The Turkish Deputy Prime Minister, Mehmet Simsek, in company with other senior officials, met with Mr. Dvorkovich and other members of the Russian Government.

(Reuters/NAN)

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Nigerias defence minister, Mansur Ali, has warned that it may take years to find all the Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram.

Boko Haram kidnapped the 276 students from a government secondary school in the north-eastern town of Chibok, Borno State, on April 14, 2014. About 195 of the girls are still missing and are believed to be in the custody of insurgents, whose activities have caused the death of about 100,000 people since 2009.

Speaking to VOAs Hausa service, monitored in Yola Tuesday, Mr. Ali, a retired brigadier general, said the military is committed to finding the girls and is searching Boko Haram hideouts in the Sambisa forest, a vast area covering parts of three states in north-eastern Nigeria.

He compared the inability to find the girls despite retaking most of the territory initially occupied by Boko Haram to the U.S. efforts to find Osama bin Laden after the invasion of Afghanistan.

It took the U.S. up to seven, eight, up to 10 years before they could get to bin Laden, he said. We are continuing our campaign in the Sambisa Forest in all its nooks and corners.

Mr. Ali spoke to VOA as activists marked the third anniversary of the girls abductions demanding more from the federal government to free the girls.

In 2014, Boko Haram seized control of about 14 local governments in the north-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. They have since lost virtually all the territory they occupied with the government saying they no longer control any territory within the country.

Despite the success, the governments inability to find the Chibok girls is overshadowing the military victory.

While reacting to the abduction on the VOA programme, an Islamic cleric, Nuru Khalid, a member of the influential Interfaith group that tries to ensure peace between Nigerian Muslims and Christians, said failure to find the girls would translate into a victory for Boko Haram.

We can never allow the terrorists to win the war. If they got [away] free with those girls, then they have relatively won the war, he said.

Also, a human rights lawyer, Bulama Bukar, said the government needs to address the psychological trauma suffered by the families of the missing girls and other victims of Boko Haram brutality.

Married women have been made single again; kids have been orphaned; homeowners are without shelter; Nigerians have been turned into refugees in their own homeland, he said.

President Buhari in his statement to mark the three years abduction of the Chibok girls had pledged that his administration will do everything possible to ensure the freedom of the girls.

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Pakistans parliament on Tuesday called for a reform of controversial blasphemy laws which prescribe the death penalty for insulting Islam, after a university student was killed by a mob on April 14.

A resolution passed by the National Assembly condemned the lynching of the student, terming it clod-blooded murder and expressing resolve to ensure that strong safeguards may be inserted into the blasphemy law to prevent its abuse through such atrocities in the future.

The move came as the countrys top court began a probe into the murder of the student from Abdul Wali Khan University in north-western Pakistan, allegedly for his views on sufi Islam and socialism.

The blasphemy laws are a highly sensitive subject in majority-Muslim Pakistan, and it is the first-time Pakistani members of parliament as a whole have called for such changes.

People accused of blasphemy have been gunned down, burned alive and bludgeoned to death in some cases.

A secular governor of the most popular Punjab province was shot dead by a police officer in his security detail after he called for the release of a Christian woman facing blasphemy charges in 2011.

NAN reports that a journalism student of the Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan was brutally beaten to death by a violent mob in Pakistan over allegations of promoting blasphemous content on social media.

Another student was injured in the incident, which took place Thursday, April 14 within the university premises, prompting officials to shut down the campus and vacate hostels in order to restore peace.

According to a Dawn report, a total of 45 people have been detained in connection with the mob attack.

The Dawn article notes that the two students had never been officially charged under Pakistans blasphemy laws and that the violence seemed to have been provoked by rumours circulating among the universitys students.

The Dawn quoted Mardans Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Mohammad Alam Shinwari, as saying that Mashal Khan, the student who was killed, was said to be running Facebook pages which allegedly published blasphemous content online.

(dpa/NAN)

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A former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, escaped Federal Governments appeal of his victory at the Code of Conduct Tribunal due to the benevolence of a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Bello Adoke, the latter has claimed.

Mr. Adoke said in an interview with The Cable that he prevailed on the Nigerian government to step down appeal process against Mr. Tinubu, after the tribunal in 2011quashed the APC chieftains trial for alleged operation of foreign accounts.

Even I am told that the Tinubu people think I was the one responsible for his trial at the Code of Conduct Bureau, but I was not the one.

In fact, when the government wanted to appeal, I stood my ground that Tinubu should not be disgraced.

I argued that there are people in Nigeria that we just cannot afford to rubbish over anything, Mr. Adoke said while responding to questions about why the anti-graft EFCC is trying him for his alleged role in the $1.3 billion Malabu scandal.

The ex-justice minister used the interview to deny any wrongdoing, despite his indictment and investigation by Nigerian and Italian authorities.

Mr. Adoke, who was AGF between April 2010 and May 2015, did not say if he made entreaties to relevant authorities before the government slammed a three-count criminal charge against Mr. Tinubu.

The former Lagos governor was tried before the CCT, led by Danladi Umar, on charges that he was running foreign bank accounts while governor, in violation of Section 7 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.

But on November 30, 2011, Mr. Umar, who chaired a three-member panel that tried the case, dismissed the Nigerian governments charges, describing them as a trial by ambush.

There is condition precedent before this court that the accused person ought to have been invited by the CCB before this charge was filed, though the prosecuting counsel tendered the initial one-count charge dated March 22, which it eventually replaced with an amended charge dated September 19 but filed on the 20th, as an exhibit before this court, it, however, failed to adduce evidence of invitation it extended to the accused person prior to the charge.

Consequently, it will be proper for me at this stage to cease further exercise of jurisdiction since the condition precedent was not met before the charge was filed, Vanguard Newspapers quoted Mr. Umar as saying at the time.

Yet, Mr. Adoke said the Jonathan administration was planning to appeal the verdict at the time, but he intervened to hush up the case, even at the risk of appearing to be working for the opposition.

Tinubu knows very well that I did that, Mr. Adoke said. There was nothing legally possible that Tinubu wanted that I did not do for him, which made people even accuse me of working for the opposition at that time.

Mr. Adokes comments came nearly a year after Mr. Umar said he came under serious influence to discard Mr. Tinubus case, but said he ultimately did what was in the best interest of the country.

I want to say that during the case of Bola Tinubu, we were under serious influence so we did what we had to do, the CCT chairman said, stressing that the tribunal did what it had to do.

Mr. Tinubus spokesperson, Tunde Rahman, did not immediately respond to PREMIUM TIMES requests for comments about Mr. Adokes statement Tuesday afternoon.

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A former Attorney-General of the Federation, Bello Adoke, has explained how he allegedly came under pressure from unnamed persons to charge then candidate Muhammadu Buhari for forgery in the run up to the 2015 presidential election.

He also said that he pushed back against demands for former President Goodluck Jonathan to constitute an interim national government in the run up to the 2015 elections.

But the former attorney general said he promptly dismissed the suggestion in deference to the constitution and after weighing the consequences of such move at the time.

It is true that some people came to me and said Buhari should be disqualified because of certificate forgery, Mr. Adoke told The Cable in a recent interview. As a man with fidelity to the Constitution, I dismissed the suggestion quickly.

President Buharis certificate was a topic of nationwide controversy in the run up to the 2015 elections, with the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party suggesting that he didnt have a valid school certificate to contest in the poll.

Although Government College, formerly Provincial Secondary School, Katsina, which the president graduated from in 1961, confirmed that he undertook the University of Cambridge West African School Certificate Examination, his political adversaries still hold that he didnt finish from school.

The Nigerian Army, in which Mr. Buhari retired as a major-general, also published his school records, but said it couldnt vouch for their authenticity.

The Army was accused of politicising the situation at the time.

In his interview, Mr. Adoke said he was amongst officials of the Jonathan administration that declined to pay politics with the countrys legal system and internal security.

In fact, there were cases in court which I felt were not necessary.

They were already becoming a security threat.

As a responsible attorney-general, I believed we did not need further crisis in the country.

Boko Haram was enough problem for us. I resisted pressures to compound the security challenges in the country by filing or authorising such cases to be filed on behalf of the government.

I was not doing President Muhammadu Buhari any favour, I must say that. I was being faithful to the laws of the land. That was the duty expected of me. If you call that sympathy, so be it. But I didnt do him a favour, Mr. Adoke said.

He said he didnt yield to pressure not because he didnt have the power to file charges against Mr. Buhari, but because he could not see a tenable case of forgery against the president at the time.

There was pressure to issue a fiat to charge him to court for forgery. But I made my position very clear that I could not see any forgery at all.

The law did not require you to submit any certificate to INEC and Buhari did not submit any certificate.

The law only said you must have a minimum qualification of so so and so.

Therefore, where was the forgery? If he didnt submit a certificate, where was forgery? There is no police report, no investigation. No responsible attorney-general will issue any such fiat based on the record before me.

But I could have been reckless if I wanted to be reckless. I could have been irresponsible if I wanted to be irresponsible. I could have issued the fiat, Mr. Adoke said.

But the former AGF said he recognised what could have been the consequences.

There could have been mayhem. There could have been destruction. That could have led to the postponement of the elections.

I know what attorneys-general have done in the past, not minding the consequences for the polity. I know what they are capable of doing. But I am a constitutional purist.

When they mooted the idea of an interim government, I was the one that came out to say the concept of interim government is unknown to law.

People told President Jonathan that I was disloyal, that I was working for Buhari, he stated.

Mr. Jonathan eventually lost the presidential election to Mr. Buhari and promptly conceded defeat earning him local and international accolades.

No other official of the Jonathan administration has confirmed Mr. Adokes claims. The ex-attorney general also spoke in reaction to recent corruption charges filed against him by the anti-graft EFCC especially for his role in transferring over $801 million from a Nigerian government account into private accounts of an ex-convict, Dan Etete, in the famous Malabu scandal.

Mr. Adoke has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, but has not made himself available for prosecution.

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The police on Tuesday announced the killing of Endurance Ominisan, a suspected leader of a kidnap and militant ring that allegedly killed four police officers and an Army captain in Lagos earlier this month.

The police spokesperson, Jimoh Moshood, said Mr. Ominisan, a.k.a Mighty, was killed in a gun duel with police officers on April 16.

Mr. Ominisan, whom police identified as a native of Ondo State, was said to have been killed at No. 20, Joel Adebolu Street, Ibeshi area of Ikorodu.

The police accused the suspect and members of his ring as being responsible for the killing of the security agents in Lagos on April 9, after they responded to a distress call.

The commissioner of police in Lagos, Fatai Owoseni, gave the account of the incident as follows:

At about 1a.m of today Sunday April 9, the Police received distress call that a group of militants/kidnappers had entered Owutu-Isawo in Ikorodu through the thick swampy forest surrounding the area.

They were reported to have kidnapped some residents. In response, the Police and the Army immediately mobilised personnel to the area, where the kidnapped victims were rescued.

Sadly, however, five out of the gallant, brave and patriotic officers lost their lives during the rescue operation. One of them is a Nigerian Army Captain, while the remaining four are policemen. One of the residents in the area also died, the police chief said.

In his statement on Tuesday, Mr. Moshood said Mr. Ominisan allegedly made oral confessions of his involvement in the kidnapping of schoolchildren and staff of Turkish International College in Ogun State.

While he was being taken for medical treatment, he made oral confessional statement admitting to the criminal roles he played along with other suspects at large in some kidnap for ransom cases and militant attacks on Ikorodu and other neighbouring communities in Lagos State.

He also confessed to Oniba of Iba kidnapping, Turkish School children and members of staff kidnapping and many other kidnappings in Lagos and Ogun States before he was confirmed dead at the hospital, the police said.

The police are already prosecuting the suspects who allegedly kidnapped the Iba monarch. The police had also on February 15 announced the arrest of the alleged mastermind of the Turkish school kidnapping, which occurred in on January 13.

Mr. Moshood, who also announced the arrest at the time, said operatives arrested Joseph Omoni, a 38-year-old native of Ondo State, for masterminding the Turkish school kidnap, adding that he made confessional statements about the critical role he allegedly played.

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A 65-year-old man, Friday Azala, was on Tuesday remanded in prison custody by an Egor Magistrates Court, for allegedly raping his friends 12-year-old daughter.

Mr. Azala was accused of raping the girl at No. 6, Agho Street, off Textile Mill road, Benin, on April 9, 2017.

According to the prosecutor, Ben Omoruyi, the accused is a friend to the victims father, who is bed-ridden, and always comes to the house on the pretence of seeing his friend.

Mr. Omoruyi told the court that the accused had raped the girl several times before he was caught in the act.

He also said the accused always lured the girl with N20, to have his way.

When his plea was taken, Mr. Azala, however, pleaded not guilty.

The accused said he only embraced the girl and had never had sex with her.

I did no such thing as having canal knowledge of her, I embrace her only on five

occasions, and I also released on those occasions.

Im only been lied against by her mother because we had a misunderstanding. We are neighbours.

The Chief Magistrate, Igho Braimah, who ordered Mr. Azala to be remanded in prison, adjourned the case till April 19, for hearing.

(NAN)

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Catherine Edet, 29, and her male lover, Chinedu Nwobodo, 30, were on Tuesday granted N7 million bail by an Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrates Court in Lagos for allegedly raping two sisters.

The trial judge, A. T. Elias, admitted Mr. Nwobodo to a N5 million bail with two sureties, who are to deposit N250,000 each into the account of the court.

Ms. Edet was, however, admitted to a bail of N2 million with two sureties each in like sum.

The duo is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, defilement and failing to provide necessary care and endangering the health of the children in their custody.

They both, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Kehinde Omisakin, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometimes in December 2016 at Ikota Housing Estate, Ajah, Lagos.

Ms. Omisakin alleged that Mr. Nwobodo, Ms. Edets boyfriend, was fond of raping his lovers two daughters, aged 9 and 12, whenever he visited.

When he had realised that his lover was fast sleep after she must have drunk to stupor, he would have intercourse with the two girls, she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the offences contravened Sections 137, 245 and 411 of the Criminal law of Lagos State, 2015 as amended.

The court adjourned the case until May 10.

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Troops on clearance operations on Monday at Jarawa village in Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno, rescued 1,623 captives held by remnants of Boko Haram terrorists after they neutralised 21 terrorists in a battle, an official said.

According to a statement issued by the army spokesperson, Sani Usman, the troops also recovered 3 AK-47 Rifles with registration numbers 565222414, 563729686 and UF 3646, a 36 hand grenade, 12 cutlasses and four motorcycles.

The rescued persons have been escorted to Rann Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, while all the children were vaccinated, Mr. Usman, a brigadier general said.

He said the troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade also cleared terrorists from Deima, Artano, Saduguma, Duve, Bardo, Kala, Bok, Msherde and Ahirde settlements, based on tip off.

One significant aspect of this operation is that the unit noted for its experience in battle, resilience and bravery did not record any casualty, the army spokesman said.

(NAN)

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The Nigerian government has announced its plans to recover all pension payment made to ghost workers on its payroll.

The minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, made this known in a Facebook Live session on Monday.

Mrs. Adeosun said the finance ministry, in collaboration with the National Pension Commission, is set to recover the pensions so far paid into the Retirement Savings Accounts of the identified ghost workers.

She disclosed that about 53,000 ghost workers had so far been removed from the Federal Government payroll.

The Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit came in so that they can check the payroll and make sure that we pay the right amount and ghost workers do not exist; there is no fraud and that there is no error in the payroll, the minister said.

We have removed 53,000 people from the payroll and we are working with PenCom to recover some of the pensions because the problem with these ghost salary earners is that not only are we paying their salaries, we are also paying pensions.

So, we are trying to recover some of the overpaid pensions from some of the people we have removed from the payroll.

The minister noted that before the commencement of the continuous audit initiative, the wage bill of the government was put at about N165 billion monthly.

But the government was spending N16 billion each on pensions and overheads monthly, she said, noting that a total of about N200 billion was being expended monthly on recurrent items.

So, we set a priority that we need to control this, Mrs. Adeosun noted.

Its a continuous battle and the real thing is that we are using technology to make sure we are paying people using the biometric system, which ensures that you cannot get two salaries and ensures that the number of personnel is the same as the number on the payroll, she added.

The minister, however, disclosed that the governments focus is to get as many agencies and individuals as possible on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System platform, IPPIS, which, she said, would assist the government to bring down its wage bill.

The moment we finish with the police , we will move on to the military and then the prisons and immigration and other agencies like that, she said.

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Eight gunmen on Sunday kidnapped a trader, Nuhu Isa, in Lambata village of Gurara Local Government Area of Niger.

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in the state, Philip Ayuba, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria in Minna on Tuesday.

Mr. Ayuba said the gunmen had already used the victims cell phone to call his family and demanded N1 million ransom.

He said the kidnappers came with sophisticated weapons shooting indiscriminately in the village before taking the trader away.

He said the command had already swung into action to rescue the trader alive.

We are collaborating with other security agencies to rescue the trader alive, the commandant said.

He called on residents of Gurara, Suleja and Paikoro Local government areas to offer useful information that could assist in rescuing the victim.

(NAN)

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The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, has formally reopened for operations after six weeks of closure.

The airport was closed to allow for the repair of its only runway.

On Tuesday, an Ethiopian Airlines Airbus A350-900 became the first plane to land at the repaired runway.

The new plane landed at about 12:10 p.m.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the plans by the Ethiopian Airlines to land the new plane in Abuja.

Local Nigerian airlines, including Medview and Air Peace, have indicated their decision to start traveling the Abuja route from Wednesday.

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Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday felicitated with the people and government of Turkey on the successful conclusion of the countrys referendum on Monday.

Mr. Buhari congratulated Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for the foresight and maturity of leading his people to the polls to decide on the future of leadership for the country that will further deepen peace and stability.

According to a statement by his spokesperson, Mr. Buhari said he believes the referendum showcases the democratic credentials of the country and reflects a willingness of the Turkish people to live together and jointly pursue a better future.

Unlike the Nigerian leader, the European Union on Tuesday called on Turkish authorities to launch transparent investigations after international observers criticised the fairness of the voting process during the recent referendum.

The spokesperson for the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, said the call comes after Turkey rejected international observers criticism of the referendum on Sunday, in which over 51 per cent of voters supported granting greater powers to President Recep Erdogan.

The voters also turned Turkeys parliamentary system into a presidential one.

Ms. Schinas said, We  call on all actors to show restraint and on the authorities to launch transparent investigations into these alleged irregularities found by the observers.

Also, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe said earlier that the Turkish referendum took place on an unlevel playing field.

The parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe (CoE) also noted that the referendum fell short of CoE standards.

MS. Shinas also noted that if Turkey were to reinstate the death penalty, which Mr. Erdogan has shown willingness for, the countrys prospects of joining the EU would be over.

This is the reddest of all red lines.

Moving from rhetoric to action on the issue of the death penalty would be a clear signal that Turkey does not want to be a member of the European family, Ms. Schinas said.

Turkeys main secularist opposition CHP said it will present its appeal for the annulment of Sundays referendum boosting the powers of Mr. Erdogan to the High Electoral Board (YSK) on Tuesday, the party said in a statement.

The CHP said Deputy Chairman Bulent Tezcan would present the appeal to the YSK at 2:30 p.m.

The CHP on Monday called for the annulment of the referendum and said it would take its challenge to the European Court of Human Rights if necessary, after a last-minute decision by the electoral board to allow unstamped ballots.

Responding to the results, Mr. Erdogan said Turkey had made a historic decision in backing an executive presidential system, adding that the Yes camp had secured 25 million referendum votes, 1.3 million ahead of No.

Mr. Erdogan, speaking from his official residence in Istanbul on Sunday, said the referendum had closed the door on Turkeys long history of military intervention in government.

Turkey for the first time in its history has decided with the will of the parliament and its people on such an important change.

For the first time in the history of the Republic, we are changing our ruling system through civil politics. That is why it is very significant, he said.

Mr. Erdogan also flagged that he would take up the issue of reinstating the death penalty with Turkeys political leaders and may seek a referendum.

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The House of Representatives has mandated a Joint Committee on National Security and Intelligence and Public Procurement to investigate the John-Ode led presidential arms probe panel which was recently disbanded by the federal government.

The Joint Committee chaired by both Aminu Jaji of the Committee on National Security and Intelligence and Oluwole Oke of the Committee on Public Procurement, will investigate the probe panel and arms procurements from January 2012 to May 2015, and has called for submission of written memoranda/position papers from top government officials and 241 firms.

A member of the committee who would not want his name in print told PRNigeria that other stakeholders and the general public with relevant information on the matter are requested to make submissions before holding the public hearings.

Those officially invited to make submissions of their memoranda include the Chairman and members of the Jon-Ode Arms Probe Panel, National Security Adviser (NSA), Defence Minister, Finance Ministers, Interior Minister, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Accountant General of the Federation and Auditor General of the Federation.

Other invited include Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Service Chiefs and Ex-Service Chiefs from 2010 to 2016, Director General, Department of State Service (DSS), Director General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Director General Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Director General of the Pension Commission (PENCOM), Director General Industrial Training Fund and Managing Director Social Insurance Trust Fund.

The arm probe panel was inaugurated in 2015 by the presidency to investigate procurement of hardware and ammunitions in the Armed Forces from 2007 to 2015 and to identify irregularities and make recommendations for streamlining the procurement process in the military.

The panel had submitted its first interim report in November 2015 while it presented the second report in January 2016 following which President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate some serving and retired military officers, mainly from the Nigerian Air Force, NAF.

The president also directed investigations on the roles of the officers as well as some companies and their directors in fundamental breaches associated with the procurements by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Air Force.

During their investigations, some members of the arms probe panel were accused of receiving bribes from individuals and companies that were being probed by the same panel. One of the members was later arrested and detained by Department State Service for money-laundering and illegal possession of firearms.

Meanwhile, some serving security officials also accused the panel of merely criminalizing critical institutions and indicting groups and individuals through media trials without being arraigned in courts of competent jurisdiction where the accused could defend themselves.

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Apparently worried by reports alleging that some soft drinks in the country could be dangerous to health, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State on Tuesday banned the serving and consumption of Coke, Sprite and Fanta at government functions in the state.

The governor gave the directive during a meeting with traditional rulers and town union executives in the state.

A Lagos State High Court in a suit between Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited and Emmanuel Fijabi Adebo against the Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, alleged that Fanta Orange and Sprite may be hazardous if consumed with vitamin C.

The court said the drinks may contain high levels of two additives, benzoic acid and sunset yellow, which may be dangerous for human consumption.

But the Nigerian Bottling Company, NBC, debunked the allegations maintaining that the amount of the chemicals in its products, including Fanta and Sprite, were within Nigerian regulatory standards.

Also, an investigation by the Consumer Protection Council, CPC, found that the level of benzoic acid in Fanta and Sprite were within the Nigerian approved standard. Instead, the CPC, found that benzoic acid levels in two other non-NBC products, Lucozade and Mirinda, had much higher contents than that approved by Nigerian regulators.

The CPC has since called for fresh investigation of all soft drinks sold in Nigeria.

The confusion on the status of the drinks may have informed the decision of the Ebonyi governor.

Mr. Umahi on entering the governors lodge, venue of the Tuesday meeting, noticed the soft drinks on the tables.

Immediately he got to his seat, he requested for the microphone while still standing.

He then proceeded to ask the ushers to remove all bottles of coke, sprite and fanta from the hall as according to him, they are dangerous to health

I dont want these brands of soft drink to be served in any government function again, he said.

Immediately, the ushers and protocol officers evacuated the drinks from the tables out of the hall.

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A member of the House of Representatives representing Bakori/Danja Federal Constituency of Katsina State, Amiru Tukur, on Tuesday said though he was present at a party rally where public officials were stoned, he was not one of the affected officials.

The ruling All Progressives Congress held the rally in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina to formally receive politicians who had defected to the party from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA; the Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM; and some other parties.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event turned violent when some members of the party started chanting in protest against the presence of some public officials at the rally and subsequently hauled stones at the convoy of the state governor, Aminu Masari.

Mr. Tukur, and the senator representing the area, Abu Ibrahim, were also targets of the angry crowd, the agency reported.

The senator, Mr. Ibrahim, has blamed his political opponents for the Saturday incident.

In a chat with PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, Mr. Tukur said although it is true that some dignitaries were attacked at the rally, he was not a target of the attack.

I wasnt attacked personally. Yes, some dignitaries were attacked at the event, but I was not involved, the lawmaker said.

The incident happened in Funtua and I represent Bakori/Danja constituency so I see no reason why people from Funtua should attack me. For what?

Mr. Tukur also said he did not go to the venue in a convoy and so his convoy could not have been attacked.

I was seated long before the governors convoy arrived. I went there in a friends car and we left there in peace.

I got to hear about the purported attack from relatives and friends who called to commiserate with me and I told them it was all rumours.

As you can see, Im alright. Its just the handwork of mischief makers.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that it took a combined team of security personnel to rescue the politicians who were attacked.

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A Nigerian was arrested for robbing four Manhattan banks, all during his lunch hour, New York Police said.

Abdullahi Shuaibu, 53, was picked up by police on Monday and charged with robbery and attempted robbery for the crimes committed during his two-month spree.

All four banks are within walking distance of UN headquarters on First Ave. near E. 42nd St., where the Nigerian worked.

Authorities were led to the suspect after a retired police officer who works at the UN recognised him from a surveillance image previously released by the police.

In the first incident, Mr. Shuaibu walked into a Santander Bank on Madison Ave. near E. 43rd St. on Feb. 27 and told the teller he had a gun. The bank employee complied

and handed him an unknown sum of money.

He hit two more banks in March, first striking out at a Bank of America on Third Ave. near E. 47th St. on the 13th.

He was also successful in robbing a Santander Bank on Third Ave. and E. 63rd St. on the 27th.

During the most recent incident on Monday, Mr. Shuaibu walked into an HSBC on Third Ave. and E. 40th St. around 2:30 p.m. and passed a note demanding cash to the teller.

The teller did not read the note and asked him for identification.

He, however, instructed the teller to read the note, keeping his hand in his jacket pocket while simulating a gun, police said.

Police arrested him later in the day when he returned to the UN.

Mr. Shuaibu was an employee of the News Agency of Nigeria and served as its UN correspondent between 2006 and 2009.

The agency, however, terminated his appointment in April 2013 following his refusal to resume work in Nigeria at the expiration of duty tour and extended period which he

requested to enable him complete an academic programme.

The termination of appointment was formally conveyed to the UN.

A UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric denied that Shuaibu was a staff of the organisation.

He told NAN in New York that the suspect was also not accredited to the UN after NAN withdrew his accreditation.

Mr. Dujarric also said that the suspect only worked as a contract staff for three months in Darfur and his contract was terminated in 2012.

(NAN)

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An ex-wife of a factional leader of the Boko Haram terrorist group, Mamman Nur, was one of the two teenage suspected suicide bombers intercepted by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Borno State, Punch newspaper reported on Tuesday.

According to the report, the 15-year-old Fatima Kabir was married to Mr. Nur as her first husband but divorced him and later married two other insurgents in a space of two years during her captivity.

The teenager was four months pregnant and tested positive to HIV after she was caught loitering at a Maiduguri motor park.

Speaking to journalists, Fatima claimed that she hailed from Gwoza town and was abducted by the insurgents and taken to Sambisa forest three years ago.

She said: I am an indigene of Gwoza town. One day, Boko Haram stormed our town, killed many people and kidnapped me.

Since then, I have been living in the dreaded forest and also passed from one Boko Haram commander to another.

I was tired of that horrifying life; so, one day, I resolved to flee, and I succeeded. As I was running, I saw a team of military men and quickly rushed to them and narrated my ordeal.

She added: They sympathised with me and took me to their colleagues in Gwoza, who in turn conveyed me to Kano motor park in Maiduguri and gave me N3,000 to use for food and transport.

I was told to look for my parents in one of the camps for the Internally Displaced Persons. The night fell and I became stranded with no where to go. Some operatives of the civil defence apprehended us and took us here.

Fatima further revealed that after her marriage to the factional leader of Boko Haram, she was married to two other insurgents who later abandoned her and fled from Sambisa.

The other teenage girl arrested alongside Fatima, Amina Salisu, corroborated Fatimas account that they were stranded before their arrest and that they never planned to detonate any explosive.

She said she hailed from Gulak town in Adamawa State, but was abducted and taken to Sambisa two years ago.

She also said that she was married to two insurgents during her captivity which lasted two years.

The Borno State Command of the NSCDC, Ibrahim Abdu, during the briefing, said intelligence operatives intercepted the two teenage girls.

Mr. Abdu, while parading the girls at a press briefing in Maiduguri, said they were suspected to have been smuggled from Sambisa forest into the town to wreak havoc on innocent civilians.

He said one of the girls, the 15-year-old Fatima, confessed to being an ex-wife of Mamman Nur and that medical tests proved that she was carrying a four-month pregnancy and is infected with HIV.

He added that the other lady, 14-year-old Amina Salisu, had also admitted to marrying two Boko Haram members at separate times in Sambisa forest.

The commandant had further stated that the girls were found loitering at the popular Kano motor park in Maiduguri metropolis and that upon extensive interrogation, they confessed to have been sneaked into Maiduguri for possible suicide attacks.

The commandant explained that after proper investigation, the command would hand them over to the appropriate authorities for the next line of action.

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Shehu Sani (APC-Kaduna Central) says the All Progressives Congress, APC, may lose Kaduna State in the 2019 governorship election, if the state governments seeming anti-peoples policies continue.

Mr. Sani spoke to journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday shortly after he received a complaint from traders on Governor Nasiru El-Rufais plan to demolish the famous Kasuwan Barci Market in Kaduna.

The anti APC policies of the administration in Kaduna State is sending people away, many people now only have faith in Buhari not in the party any more.

Most programmes of government in the state are not in favour of the people and if it continues, APC will pay for it.

The current administrations policies are only designed to please some certain group of people in the state, Mr. Sani, a known critic of the governor, said.

He urged the state government to shelve plans to demolish the market, famous for its textile and second hand clothing.

The senator noted that demolishing such market with 4,800 shops at this time of hardship would spell doom for thousands of families.

I identify with the pains, concerns and fears of the traders and I appeal to the governor to think twice with a human heart over the issue.

We promised to deliver change to the country and as democrats, whatever we will do, we need to consult and carry the people along.

We cannot treat people with arrogance and insolence and expect them to trust us again, Mr. Sani said.

According to him, the traders are angry and fear that if the market is demolished, it will be difficult for them to regain their shops back.

Mr. Sani, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Domestic and Foreign Debts, advised Mr. El-Rufai to suspend the demolition plan and concentrate on completing projects he had started.

For all the project he started, he has not completed any. So, the mistake will be when he demolishes the market and there is no funds to reconstruct it, what will happen to the traders and the place?

He noted that most government activities would shut down by 2018 when political activities begin ahead of the 2019 general election.

The market had provided jobs for more than 30,000 men and women, with many youth off the street and engaged in tailoring, craft work and trading.

Engage the traders in reconstructing the market by giving them a specific design to reconstruct with a deadline, he suggested.

Mr. Sani told the traders that he would forward a memo to the governor on the issue and advised them to also seek dialogue with the state government to resolve the matter.

He also advised them to approach the state House of Assembly, religious leaders and human right organisations for intervention.

The senator added that the traders also have the option of taking legal action if all efforts failed to stop the government plan.

The Chairman of the market traders union, Haruna Umar, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the market with 4,800 shops records over N500 million daily turnover.

Mr. Umar said there were more than 30,000 persons earning their livelihood from the market and demolishing it would be devastating to them and their families.

(NAN)

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The Ebonyi State Governor and Chairman South East Governors forum, David Umahi, on Tuesday said he and his supporters will not vote along party lines when it comes to the presidential elections in 2019.

According to him, the state will vote for a presidential candidate that will help develop the state irrespective of his or her political affiliation.

He said the state will not play politics of sentiments in the 2019 presidential election.

Mr. Umahi spoke at the government house, Abakaliki, during a meeting with traditional rulers and town union presidents in the state.

When it comes to presidency, we no dey do party, he said. It is the man that will help us to develop this state, thats the man we will support. But for governorship, national assembly and state assembly dont go there. Nobody will touch it. for presidency, we will negotiate, we will like the person to discuss with our traditional rulers as stakeholders.

Mr. Umahis party, PDP, is Nigerias largest opposition party, although it led the country for 16 years: 1999-2016.

Although it is currently factionalised, the PDP, or whatever it transforms to become, is expected to be the main challenger to Nigerias ruling APC in the 2019 presidential elections.

Mr. Umahis statement, in a state traditionally considered a PDP state, may indicate the party will have a lot to do if it wants to win the 2019 elections.

The governor, who called on the traditional rulers to mobilise residents for Saturdays local government and councillorship elections, noted that the state was targeting one million voters in the election.

As traditional rulers, we cannot tell you to vote for this party or that party but you have the responsibility to knack the gong and make it compulsory that nobody goes to market, nobody goes to farm on the election day.

You have to go and knack the gong and you have powers and authority to do that. In the north, it is the traditional rulers that determine the course of politics and I will give you people that role. So, dont

shy away from politics for the peace of Ebonyi state.

On Friday, there will be public holiday, I will declare public holiday so that people will come out enmass to vote on Saturday. I want the nation to know that Ebonyi can give one million votes, the governor said.

Responding, the Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council, Charles Mkpuma, lauded Mr. Umahi for his developmental strides, adding that he has been adopted as their sole candidate for 2019 governorship election in the state.

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The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday said that circumstances had removed the need for the offices of Minority Leader and Minority Whip in the House.

The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Publicity and Security, Tunde Braimoh, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.

Six out of the eight lawmakers elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the House had, on February 16, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The defectors, including the two former holders of the offices, claimed they left the PDP because of the crisis in the party and attendant leadership tussle.

With their defection, the PDP is left with two lawmakers  Victor Akande (Ojo I) and Dipo Olorunrinu (Amunwo Odofin I)  in the 40-member House.

Mr. Braimoh said: Now, we talk of two members in a minority in an assembly, and leadership is not just for appellation or title; it is for function, accomplishment and effect.

It is not something we just award, it is something that is given and we expect something in return and some performance. We expect some kind of work and service, and here we just talk about two people.

Now, if we have two opposition members in the 40-member Assembly and we say one is the minority leader, leading who? And at the same time, we say another is the minority whip, whipping who?

The offices have been extinguished because they cannot be seen to be desired, they cannot be seen to function.

The office will be non-effectual. The offices will not have the morality. We cant award office just because we want people to feel important.

The lawmaker said that the step was not politically motivated but created by the circumstances as only two legislators were in minority and the offices were two also.

The offices have been obviated by circumstances in which we find ourselves; they are just two and the offices are two. It will not augur well.

The two members cannot be bosses over themselves; if we have that, the system has collapsed, he said.

Mr. Braimoh said that the Assembly made it clear when six of the eight PDP lawmakers defected to APC in February that the offices had become unnecessary.

According to him, the 1999 Constitution guarantees only the offices of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, while other offices are the creation of the assembly.

The only offices recognised by the Constitution are those of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker; the rest are based on the whims and caprices or organisational convenience and comfort of any assembly.

It is not as if it is compulsory that those offices should exist; they are created by our rules, and where the rules become superfluous, they become obviated.

I am not saying the minority members are not important; they are, but the truth of the matter is that the offices of the minority leader and the minority whip have become obviated, the lawmaker said.

Moshood Salvador, Lagos State Chairman of PDP, had earlier warned the house to be guided in its thinking on the matter and avoid taking a military approach.

For Gods sake, two is a number and one is a number, he had told NAN soon after the defection of the PDP members, insisting that the party members would have their places as Minority Leader and Minority Whip.

Meanwhile, information available on the site lagoshouseofassembly.gov.ng indicates: The minority leader is not required if all honourable members are from the same party.

In the fifth Assembly in Lagos State in 2003, the only PDP member in the 40-member House, Julius Ajose, who was representing Badagry II, was named the Minority Leader.

(NAN)

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Hritu Sodhi/Today is world heritage day. Our cultural heritage is our identity. India is a vast country and every state has rich cultural heritage to be taken care of. Our heritage is pride of the entire world.Rajasthan is wealthiest in terms of traditional and cultural heritage. Rajasthan's colourful art and culture touches our heart and once you grasp the true beauty and glory, you remember it till the last breath.Rich Heritage has become the source of life in Rajasthan.Young entrepreneurs have developed heritage sites to expand tourism and business in the state. Its beautiful and huge Havelies, Forts and palaces are known for luxury , comfort and hospitality.Rajasthan government is dedicated to present beautiful picture of Rajasthan's art, culture, value and traditions to the world. Experts and professionals have worked really hard to deliver this message to the whole world. They are ready to help foreign as well as domestic tourists to enjoy unforgettable journey to the mystical and majestical land of Rajasthan with enthusiasm. Real Rajasthan can be seen in the villages and outskirts where tribes and localites welcome you with open hearts. It's not possible to pen down each and every detail about Rajasthan in just one go. UNESCO has listed few places of Rajasthan which have been recognised on international platform recently. Forts of Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur Kumbhalgarh & Chittorgarh are world famous.Udaipur: Venice of Rajasthan has rich heritage of nature.I live in Udaipur and its scenic locations mesmerize tourists at first sight. The huge lakes, forts & temples of Rajput Era are real treasures of Mewar reigion. Lake Palace, City Palace & Jag Mandir are heart and soul of this city. After spending 4 years in this city I have explored many places which are nearby.Trust me Gogunda's scenic beauty is unmatchable. Raw beauty of nature can be seen in the mountains and valleys of Gogunda. Kathar's beauty was captured in the blockbuster movie Khuda Gawah.If you are planning to visit Udaipur in future, try to explore new places which are untouched.Jagat's famous temple resembles Khajuraho of Madhya Pradesh.Temples of Avari Mata, Charbhuja ji ,Nandeshwar, Ubeshwar, keleshwar Jhameshwar Mahadev are few places worth seeing as a visitor. These are famous among localites for worshipping; some are developed as picnic spots these days. Words are not enough to describe the beauty of these places. Udaipur's beauty shines more in monsoon season when rain sprinkles water on the land of lakes.Let us come forward to protect and preserve the rich heritage of our land and make it most popular on world map.
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Udaipur. under the auspices of Alok Secondary School Panchavati and Alok Samaj Seva Kendra.Social base strengthn Samman Sammelan was organized in Varda Panchayat Samiti Bhawan in Varda village,Regional Coordinator and Operator of the program Smt. Rekha Sisodia said that in the program, Nai police station officer-in-charge Nathu Singh Varda sub-panch Bhoor Singh coordinator of the program Nirbhay Singh Deora, sarpanch Kesar Kunwar, Director of Alok Institute and Program Facilitator Dr. Pradeep Kumawat and principal of alok Panchavati Pushpa Tank, Narayan Chaubisa etc. were present.On this occasion, 40 social activists were honored with the contribution of various dignitaries who contributed their vital contribution to various social workers and society of Varda village and in many areas of society.On this occasion, the village convener Nirbhay Singh Deora said that playing the role of women in the society by educating the daughters of the village is the biggest social workPresiding over this occasion, Director of Alok Institute and Chief Controller of this program, Dr. Pradeep Kumawat said that this honor is respected for the social development and social work of the village, respecting dignitaries and elderly citizens of the village and social workers. pride, such a privilege is it to service in the field of civic education will society of the village and to support the childrenhe urged all the people present in the village to make their contribution in the upliftment of the society by educating the children of the village and the citizens and mainly the girls, he added to make toilets in the village play their important role in development works.
ATLANTIC CITY  Glenn Straub said Tuesday he plans on reopening a portion of the former Revel Casino, now known as TEN, on June 15.

If that sounds familiar, it is.

Last year, Straub claimed he would reopen the property on June 15, 2016, despite lacking both state and local permits for the facility.

When its open, the facility will have between 1,500 and 2,000 rooms open, Straub said, adding the hotel portion of the facility has a $4 million computer system.

The proposed June opening date was news to Dale Finch, city director of licensing and inspection.

We will reach out to him and work with him the best that we can, Finch said Tuesday.

Before Straub can open the property he has to meet several Casino Reinvestment Development Authority conditions, including providing a landscaping plan and traffic study. CRDA officials said Straub has yet to meet the conditions.

In September, the agency approved the land-use certification application for the property after a contentious hearing that included Straub accusing the agency of holding up the reopening of the 6 million-square-foot facility. As part of the approval, Straub had to meet several conditions.

For the past year, Straub has claimed state agencies such as the authority have delayed TENs opening.

Straub said he plans to open the hotel portion while he waits on state Superior Court to rule on his petition to waive a casino license requirement for his company.

The state Casino Control Commission ruled in February Straub needed some type of casino license despite leasing out gaming operations to Robert Landino, a Connecticut developer.

While that is being resolved, we wanted to open the hotel, Straub said.

Since purchasing the property in August 2015, Straub claimed it would open on several occasions. After each missed deadline, the wealthy developer claimed state and local agencies where holding up the reopening.

Straub bought the once $2.4 billion Revel for $82 million in bankruptcy court.

Atlantic City casino revenue jumps 17 percent ATLANTIC CITY  Bolstered by record internet gambling revenues, the resorts seven remaining

The property contains 13 restaurants, a 32,000-square-foot spa, 55,000 square feet of retail space and a parking garage with more than 7,000 spaces.
LINWOOD  The Board of Education voted unanimously at a special executive session April 12 to file tenure charges against a Belhaven Middle School teacher charged with assault on a student, interim district Superintendent Michelle Cappelluti said Tuesday.

The boards action seeks to dismiss music teacher Kimberley Peschi from her position and permanently bar her from employment with the Linwood Board of Education.

The action placed Peschi on unpaid suspension as permitted under New Jersey law.

Peschi, 40, of Galloway Township, was charged Feb. 15 with assault on a student after an incident in which a 12-year-old student fell from a chair in the cafeteria and hit his head on the floor, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner said.

Peschi was on lunch duty Feb. 9 when she allegedly used her leg to pull the chair of the student, causing him to fall backward, Tyner said in a press release March 16.

Cappelluti said tenure charges are filed to remove someone who has tenure. She said the charges  in this case, conduct unbecoming  go to the New Jersey commissioner of education to be adjudicated under state education law.

When an incident occurs, the superintendent goes to the school board and makes a recommendation on whether a tenure charge should be filed. The superintendent files the charges with the board secretary. The teacher gets 15 days to respond, after which the board must vote in executive session on the filing.

In this case, the Linwood Board of Education unanimously approved to proceed, Cappelluti said. If the board voted not to approve, the matter would be dropped, she said.

The commissioner of education assigns an administrative law judge to hold a hearing, and there is a process similar to a court case where the evidence is presented. The judge makes a recommendation to the commissioner, who can accept, reject or modify the decision. In any presented case, a teacher could lose his or her job or experience a loss of pay for a certain period, according to the superintendent.

A municipal court hearing for Peschi on the assault charge is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday in Linwood-Northfield Municipal Court at Northfield City Hall, 1600 Shore Road.
The White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday had special meaning for a Cumberland County family.

Carlos Mercado, wife Kristi, and sons Sebastian, 11, and Dominic, 9, of Vineland, were at the Washington, D.C. egg roll when they were noticed by Kellyanne Conway. Conway, of Atco, Camden County, and a graduate of St. Joseph High School in Hammonton, Atlantic County, is the current Counselor to President Donald Trump.

The President and the first lady, Melania Trump, hosted the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday.

Mercado said: We missed out on the lottery and received the tickets from a friend at the last minute."

"Kelleyanne Conway read a book to the kids," said Carlos Mercado, the Legislative Chairman for the entire New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association and Vice President of Vineland NJFMBA Local 49.

"When she finished she began to walk away. One of her aids told her we were from South Jersey," Mercado said.

"She turned around and talked to the boys and posed for a photo op," he said. "She was very kind. She asked that we continue to pray for her and the nation."

- Stephanie Loder
Area needs TV station

Its thrilling to read and hear the enthusiasm over Atlantic Citys recovery expectations. Now would be the time to develop a local television station, once again. Channel 40 has been missed. Folks connected with its format and the range of information it offered was so important to a sense of community. Hopefully, theres an interest in this idea.

Cintra Cunningham

Mays Landing

Pences fidelity solution a puritanical contrivance

Regarding the April 6 commentary by Jonah Goldberg, Reaction to Pence story shows traditional Christians face double standard:

I am not sure which Christian tradition Goldberg refers to in his piece concerning Vice President Mike Pence, his wife and their strategy for marital bliss. I do recall a New Testament parable in which Christ is reputed to have changed water to wine. Not vice versa. Ah well.

But I would interpret the Pences solution to fidelity as just another puritanical contrivance, another of the innumerable human artifacts used by the religious elite to exercise control over their flocks.

Not that I have a problem with the Pences approach to marital monogamy. If thats what turns them off  go for it, so to speak. But religious conservatives have a penchant for shoving their versions of the great mysteries of life, morality and eternity down non-believers (or each others) throats.

As far as the Pences are concerned, Goldberg is right  none of our damn business. I hope Pence is of a like mind when the pro-choice position is challenged by the religious conservatives, as it surely will be. None of their damn business.

Steve Spahn

Sweetwater

Foreign policy suspicions

Just one week after the Trump administration announced that regime change  the method of the Bush and Obama administrations, including using fake intelligence and behind the scenes support for terrorist organizations  was changed to securing a political solution for Syria after defeating ISIS, all hell has broken loose. What prompted this in the midst of one of the most important China meetings and the potential developing meeting between President Trump and President Putin?

It might be wise to look back to the Eisenhower administration, when, on the verge of a historic meeting with the then-Soviet Union, the CIA ordered a U-2 spy plane overflight of that county, failing to warn the president that recent missile improvements threatened a shoot down. That event ended any detente and partly prompted Eisenhowers warning about the military industrial complex.

British intelligence, the same authors of Russian evidence prompting the investigation of Trump, and U.S. intelligence spreading unmasked names and almost conclusive evidence should be investigated. The after-bombing cleanup of the Syrian air base by military and civilian workers in normal attire, not chemical weapons suits, means no deadly life threatening biological or chemical agents are present.

Is this episode part of the continuing attempted coup against the president and to isolate the U.S. from positive results involving the U.S. joining Chinas One Belt One Road initiative for global development, and constructive cooperation with Russia?

Bruce Todd

Waretown
HELSINKI, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Caverion Corporation's Interim Report for JanuaryMarch 2017 will be published on Friday, April 28, 2017 at approximately 9:00 a.m. Finnish time (EEST). The stock exchange release and presentation materials in Finnish and in English will be published at that time on the company's website at www.caverion.com/investors.

News conference for investors and media

Caverion will hold a news conference on the Interim Report on Friday, April 28, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Finnish time (EEST) at Hotel Glo Kluuvi, Kluuvikatu 4, 2nd floor, Helsinki, Finland. The presenters at the event are President and CEO Ari Lehtoranta and Chief Financial Officer Martti Ala-Harkonen. The event is in English and targeted for investment analysts, portfolio managers and the media.

Webcast

The news conference and the presentations by the management can be viewed live at www.caverion.com/investors. The live webcast will start at 11.00 a.m. (EEST). A recording of the webcast will be available at the same address at approximately 1.00 p.m. (EEST).

Conference call

It is also possible to participate in the event through a conference call. Participants are requested to call one of the assigned numbers at least five minutes before the conference call begins, at 10:55 a.m. (EEST) at the latest:

+44 (0)330 336 9411+46 (0)8 5065 3942

Participant code for the conference call is "3470942 / Caverion". During the webcast and conference call, all questions should be presented in English.

Schedule in different time zones



Interim Report published The news conference, conference call and live webcast Recorded webcast available EEST (Helsinki) 09:00 11:00 13:00 CEST (Paris, Stockholm) 08:00 10:00 12:00 BST (London) 07:00 09:00 11:00 EDT (New York) 02:00 04:00 06:00

For additional information, please contact:

Milena Hggstrom, Head of Investor Relations, tel. 358 40 5581 328, milena.haeggstrom@caverion.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/caverion/r/caverion-s-interim-report-for-january-march-2017-to-be-published-on-april-28,c2240604

The following files are available for download:

Related Links

http://www.caverion.com/investors



SOURCE Caverion
TORONTO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Two of the world's top travel couples have teamed up to compete in the first annual Globetrotting Challenge, the social media event of the year! This year's challenge will be a ten-country, ten-day adventure with the teams racing from Turkey to Tuscany as they take on 10 challenges.

The contestants that will take on 10 countries in 10 days and 10 different challenges. The proposed route from Turkey to Tuscany

The Globetrotting Challenge pits well-known travel influencers Laurence and Jessica Norah of Finding the Universe and Independent Travel Cats against Dave and Deb of ThePlanetD on a good-humored, fast-paced overland journey from Turkey to Tuscany. Behind the scenes, top travel blogger Gary Arndt of Everything-Everywhere will be the taskmaster providing the couples with their challenges and checkpoints and tracking their progress throughout the race. At the end of the race, the winners will be crowned the Savviest Travel Couple of the year at a luxurious Italian Villa.

Throughout the journey, the couples will engage in a number of physical and intellectual challenges, highlighting the cultural aspects and unique activities of the destinations they visit, from racing rowboats across Lake Bled in Slovenia to haggling in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. All will be captured in real time through their combined 6.4 million social media followers showcasing all the fun, struggles, and quirks of racing through 10 countries in 10 days.

Make sure to follow the hashtag #GlobetrottingX on all social channels.

This unique event will put the social back in social media as the talented couples egg each other on through the exotic destinations in which they travel.

Every moment of the event will be shared online as the traveling couples record their journey and challenges in real-time video and photography using their Global SIM Stickers, provided by sponsor, KnowRoaming. KnowRoaming provides affordable voice and data roaming in 200+ countries and territories worldwide with their Global SIM Sticker and other roaming products.

In addition to sharing on social media, the couples and Gary will write about their experiences on their award-winning travel blogs that have a combined readership of 550,000 monthly visitors. It is here that they will go into detail giving first-hand accounts of the countries they visit and the people they meet.

About the Globetrotting Challenge

When: April 23, 2017 to May 2, 2017

Route: Starts in Istanbul, Turkey through Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy ending in Tuscany at the beautiful Borgo Argenina Villa.

Contact Details:

Name: Debra Corbeil

Toronto, Ontario

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: +1 757-656-9852

Twitter: @GlobetrottingX

SOURCE ThePlanetD
Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that the 2017 Impreza made the Wards 10 Best Interiors list for interior design and styling, and also for its easy-to-use multimedia system.

Published by the respected automotive industry website WardsAuto, the 7th annual competition recognizes outstanding achievement in aesthetics, comfort, ergonomics, materials usage, fit-and-finish and user-friendly electronics. There is no price cap and the nominees consist of interiors that are all-new or have been significantly improved from the prior year. This year, 31 interiors were eligible.

Subaru earned its first spot on Wards 10 Best Interiors with the all-new 2017 Impreza. The interior design follows Subaru's "Dynamic x Solid" philosophy by creating a bold and refined theme with continuous form throughout the cabin. The new design direction is further emphasized with a clean, intuitive center stack with multifunction display, center air vents, updated multimedia system and climate control.

In addition to an award-winning interior design, the Impreza has the most passenger volume in its class. The 2017 Impreza is also the only small car to earn top ratings in all Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluations and, when equipped with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and Steering Responsive Headlights, it is an IIHS 2017 TOP SAFETY PICK+. The new Impreza is offered in four trim levels: 2.0i, 2.0i Premium, 2.0i Sport and 2.0i Limited. Pricing begins just $100 over the previous model year at $18,395.

About WardsAuto

WardsAuto is a world-leading provider of automotive insights and analysis, having served the industry's information needs for more than 90 years. A Southfield, MI-based division of Penton, WardsAuto provides a forward-looking perspective on all aspects of the automotive business, from the tech center to the plant floor to the showroom. Its services include the premium WardsAuto.com resource and suite of customizable data reporting tools, the WardsAuto Interiors and WardsAuto Outlook Conferences, and digital newsletters and magazines. Subscribe to WardsAuto and attend its events by visiting http://www.wardsauto.com. Follow WardsAuto on Facebook and Twitter @WardsAuto.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of more than 620 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants, and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com.

Dominick Infante

Subaru of America, Inc.

856-488-8615

[email protected]

Charles Ballard

Subaru of America, Inc.

856-488-8759

[email protected]



SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.subaru.com


CIFF (Guangzhou) showcased a comprehensive lineup of home furniture, home decor and housewares, and home textiles, as well as outdoor and leisure products. Under the theme of "Better Life, Better Work," two phases of the trade show received 3,868 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions, and more than 200 new product launch events were held during the fair. Two new export pavilions were highlighted during the fair.

"CIFF (Guangzhou) is the grandest gathering in the furniture industry; it brings lucrative profits to our companies. In the last two years we have seen more clients like Huawei, Alibaba, and state procurement institutions hosting conferences, which helps to build a very good information platform for exhibitors like us," said a representative from Guangzhou Victory Group, a modern office furniture manufacturing company.

Pinnacle Awards embraces Asian designers

This year, CIFF became the Pinnacle Awards' exclusive global partner, and they officially launched their Asia-Pacific schedule during CIFF (Guangzhou). These were the first awards to be held outside the U.S. Their goal is to promote product designers who are committed to creating furniture products for the consumer market.

"CIFF not only leads the trends in furniture industry, but also places an emphasis on the pioneering of concepts and products. Every year we strive to break new ground in both trade volume and design while making the overall trade show experience better for everybody," said the CIFF committee.

CIFF will hold its 40th exhibition in Shanghai from September 11 to 14 at the National Exhibition & Convention Center, offering a world-class multifunctional and interactive platform for trading, fashion display, channel maintenance, industry gathering and design inspiration.

To register, please visit: http://www.ciff-sh.com/index.php?s=/Pc/Index/index/sid/9.html

About CIFF

The first and largest furniture fair in China, CIFF (Guangzhou) is organized by the China National Furniture Association, China Foreign Trade Center (Group), the Guangdong Furniture Association, and the Hong Kong Furniture & Decoration Trade Association; it is hosted by China Foreign Trade Guangzhou Exhibition General Corp.

For more information, please visit: http://www.ciff-gz.com

SOURCE China International Furniture Fair
LONDON, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

No bull market has grown bigger horns this decade than medical marijuana, and while there's not as much big pot money to get in on in the U.S., the Canadian play ground is about to explode. Big pharma and biotechs with recent developments and potential interest in the industry include: Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Sanofi (NYSE: SNY), Pfizer, Inc. (NYSE: PFE), Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK), Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS).

Not only is medical marijuana federally legalized in Canada, but the government has now begun the process of legalizing its recreational use, and this will open the flood gates for producers whose stocks are already soaring to amazing heights.

The launch of the first marijuana exchange-traded fund (ETF) in Canada took place in the first week of April, giving us diverse exposure to this tantalizing sector. The Horizons Medical Marijuana Life Sciences ETF (HMMJ) launched on the Toronto Stock Exchange with 11 Canadian-listed stocks and four U.S.-listed stocks.

Here are 5 stocks that we think are worth watching closely in the immediate future:

#1 Canopy Growth Corp.

Currently trading with a market cap of CAD$1.66 billion, this company is considered Canada's first 'cannabis unicorn', and it's been on a bull run for a while.

This company is ripe for the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. It's just announced the licensing of new facilities at its flagship project at Smiths Falls, with expanded growing capabilities. It's also just been granted approval for more expansion. This is also the first cannabis company to be included in the new S&P/TSX Composite Index.

Shares in Canopy Growth jumped 9 percent to $10.84 on 27 March, just when the Canadian government clarified that it intended to legalize recreational marijuana in time for Canada Day celebrations in July next year.

Overall, Canopy has seen its stock rise more than 386 percent in the past year, making it a real 'unicorn' (the favored term for start-ups hitting the billion-dollar mark).

#2 Invictus MD (IMH.V; IVITF)

This is another first-and it's a big one: Invictus is the first licensed medical marijuana company to pay a dividend to shareholders, and it's also well-prepared for the legalization of recreational marijuana.

We're watching Invictus closely because it's been smartly targeting small and mid-size companies with significant growth potential, and its strategy is all about profitability. It's also not afraid to get down and dirty. Its owners were quietly scooping up 'pick and shovel' assets to lower the costs of its marijuana production, and just waiting for a big reason to draw everyone's attention: Legalization of recreational use will do it.

And the kicker: In December they paid their shareholders $1 million in dividends. That's something no cannabis company has done yet.

Recently, they've made some game-changing acquisitions valued at some CAD$90 million. They own over 33 percent in AB Laboratories Inc., which received its cultivation license last October, and the sales license is expected in Q2. It's also in the process of closing its acquisition of 100 acres with AB Ventures Inc., and is targeting production here of 25,000 kilograms by 2020.

In Alberta, Invictus MD will be exercising its option to acquire 100 percent of the most recently granted license at Acreage Pharms. The cultivation license is currently for an 8,000 square foot facility and a 30,000 square foot expansion plan. The property is approximately 150 acres and can accommodate for millions of square feet of cultivation expansion as demand increases.

The catalysts keep mounting for this small-cap with large-cap savvy.

#3 GW Pharmaceuticals

If you're not ready for a cannabis producer-despite the major Canadian catalysts-this cannabinoid-based drug developer is a good bet, even State side because these companies aren't likely to be negatively affected by the Trump administration's indications that it's not marijuana-friendly.

GW Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes therapeutics using a proprietary cannabinoid product platform.

This company has a $3 billion valuation thanks to success in pivotal Phase 3 trials of Epidiolex, an experimental drug targeting treatment of two rare types of childhood-onset epilepsy. Right now, we're probably looking at a 50 percent change of FDA approval because of these tests, so things are looking pretty good.

#4 Sanofi (NYSE: SNY)

If you're wondering why big pharma isn't cashing in on the medical marijuana bonanza, this is why: They're sitting on the sidelines right now. Why re-invent the wheel? They bide their time letting the ambitious small-caps spend all the cash with development and clinical trials. Once it's all across the finish line, they will swoop in and buy them up. They won't compete with them. They will own them-eventually, so there's no need to dabble in this until it's all solid. For now, though big pharma is bent on blocking progress in terms of legalization of recreational marijuana, but this is smoke and mirrors-they're just buying time, with some working on synthetic strains of marijuana.

Given the momentum particularly in Canada right now, we think it's time to start looking at a couple of the biggest pharma companies who will likely benefit from all the small-cap breakthroughs in this segment.

So we start with France-based Sanofi, which is currently trading as a $111.51-billion market cap company. Since its IPO in July 2002, Sanofi's performance year to date is 8.41 percent. The company has seen EPS growth of 1.40 percent for the last year, and performance of 10.19 percent for the same period.

Sanofi's biggest growth driver will likely be Dupixent-a powerful new drug for eczema--which is expected to hit sales of US$4.3 billion by 2022, over half of this in the U.S., Dupixent is a major drug blockbuster, and it won FDA approval on 28 March. This is a huge catalyst that sets up Sanofi for a brilliant year.

#5 Pfizer (NYSE:PFE)

This drug maker offers sizzling dividends, and its growth picture looks very solid, for the first time in a long time. Pfizer's two segments-innovative health and essential health-generated $52.8 billion in revenue last year, with net income of $7.2 billion. Its operating cash flow was nearly $16 billion. While its legacy products are experiencing declining sales, its new products are now very promising, and this is the year that we'll really see growth, particularly with two new cancer drugs and an autoimmune disease drug.

What is most likely Pfizer's most attractive aspect is its financial flexibility, which puts it ahead of its peers. The company's debt-to-equity ratio wasn't great for Q1, but keep in mind, this was because of a series of acquisitions (Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Hospira, Medivation).

More than any other, this company is set up with cash that will allow it to take advantage of any really good acquisition opportunities. Even amid still competition and tough patent battles, Pfizer is still impressing with increases in revenues year-on-year.

Honorable Mentions? Of course:

Aphria Inc.-this is the second biggest cannabis producer in Canada , and it's only recently been put on Canada's index funds.

, and it's only recently been put on index funds. Aurora Cannabis Inc. - another Canadian cannabis giant-in-the-making, this company could give Canopy Growth a run for its money.

Merck (NYSE: MRK)-this drug industry leader is on the bounce-back. The some $170-billion market-cap company's Keytrude drug, which won approval for treating melanoma in 2014, could reach peak annual sales of $8 billion , and the stock is up some 20 percent since Q1 2016. And it's got more in the pipeline.

(NYSE: MRK)-this drug industry leader is on the bounce-back. The some market-cap company's Keytrude drug, which won approval for treating melanoma in 2014, could reach peak annual sales of , and the stock is up some 20 percent since Q1 2016. And it's got more in the pipeline. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Novartis (NYSE: NVS), and Roche also all have very hot pipelines. JNJ probably has the biggest pipeline, and Novartis' cancer portfolio is looking extremely attractive. Roche has about 150 products in development.

(NYSE: JNJ), (NYSE: NVS), and also all have very hot pipelines. JNJ probably has the biggest pipeline, and Novartis' cancer portfolio is looking extremely attractive. Roche has about 150 products in development. Canadian Knight Therapeutics (TSX: GUD) has beat analyst expectations (in Q1 2017), earning $7.9-million on revenue of $1.8-million -compared to $300,000 it reported in the same period last year. Still needs more in the development pipeline, though. (Market cap, CAD$1.45 billion )

on revenue of -compared to it reported in the same period last year. Still needs more in the development pipeline, though. (Market cap, ) ProMetic Life Sciences Inc.-this CAD$1.4 billion -market cap company has just remedied its financing overhang, and also got a boost from a $9.5-million purchase order.

By Charles Kennedy of Oilprice.com



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SOURCE OilPrice.com
HORSHAM, Pa., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. ("AAMCO"), franchisor of the world's largest branded chain of transmission specialists and an industry leader in total car care services, is exhibiting at the Multi-Unit Franchise Conference (Booth No. 239) April 23-26 at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

"This conference is a premier event for franchisees, and the AAMCO franchise team looks forward to the opportunity to meet with these business owners, find out more about their growth plans and discuss how ownership with AAMCO can play a part in that," said Brian O'Donnell, AAMCO's senior vice president of franchise sales and support. "We currently have over 75 multi-unit franchise owners in the AAMCO system who are benefiting from our 50 years of business expertise and the growth of the total car care business nationwide."

AAMCO experienced a strong year for franchise development in 2016, receiving 68 deposits for new centers and opening 21 AAMCO service centers. In December, the company also reported double-digit growth in total car care sales. The company seeks to partner with good business people who are passionate and committed to taking care of customers. A background in automotive repair is not necessary; AAMCO provides immediate training at AAMCO University, a state-of-the-art facility outside of Atlanta, as well as ongoing training and support from a dedicated franchise team, which has helped multi-unit franchise owners like Lee Konsker, who owns multiple centers in Florida, succeed.

"From Day One, AAMCO's franchise development team and the rest of the corporate staff have provided the instruction and the framework we need to be successful," said Konsker. "That support, combined with the dual revenue streams of transmission repair and total car care, has allowed us to grow and expand our business."

For more than 50 years, AAMCO's network of locally owned and independently operated automotive service centers has employed the latest technology. Expert technicians diagnose a repair, fix it right the first time and back it with a nationwide warranty. Known as the world's leading transmission expert, the company has evolved into a total car care brand that provides a variety of services including brake repair, tune-ups, shocks and struts, routine maintenance and more. AAMCO was named to Entrepreneur's 2017 Franchise 500 ranking top of its category for the third consecutive year. Based on network size, growth rate and financial strength, last year, the brand also earned a spot on Entrepreneur's "Best of the Best" list. Additionally, AAMCO has been consecutively ranked on Franchise Times' Top 200+ for the last two years.

With nearly 650 centers across North America, AAMCO is actively seeking single- and multi-unit franchisee operators who are passionate about the brand and committed to providing the highest quality service. Interested candidates should have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and liquid assets of at least $65,000 per unit. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total investment to be approximately $227,400  $333,000 with a $39,500 initial franchise fee. AAMCO offers financing support for qualified candidates. Reduced franchise fees are also available for honorably discharged veterans.

To learn more about franchise or conversion opportunities with AAMCO, contact Kim Robinson, director of franchise development, at 866-379-5649 or [email protected] or visit aamcofranchise.com.

About AAMCO

AAMCO is the world's largest branded chain of transmission specialists and a leader in total car care services. AAMCO has nearly 650 franchised automotive centers throughout the United States and Canada. Established in 1962, AAMCO-branded centers are proud to have served more than 45 million drivers. For more information, visit: aamcouniversity.com, aamco.com or aamcoblog.com.

Contact:

Nicole Hunnicutt

Fish Consulting

404-558-4108

[email protected]

SOURCE AAMCO Transmissions, Inc.

Related Links

http://aamcofranchise.com


HIGH POINT, N.C., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- HP Family Dental has joined forces with North Carolina's leading dental group, University Dental Associates (UDA). The affiliation with HP Family Dental in High Point increases the total number of UDA practices in North Carolina to 21. Other practices are located in the Charlotte, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem communities.

To make an appointment, patients can call 336-885-6511 or request an appointment online at www.udadentistry.com. The High Point practice is located at 2021 Eastchester Drive #101.

University Dental Associates' High Point office, led by Dr. Tommy Upchurch, Dr. Joel Manchego, and Dr. Ioana Pogacean, will provide dental services ranging from general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry and restoration. In addition to the wide range of services available, UDA High Point also aims to make their practice accessible for all types of people and lifestyles:

Affordable dental services for families, children, and seniors.

Flexible hours including early morning, evening, and Saturday appointments.

Most dental insurance plans accepted; Dental Care Advantage savings plan available for patients without insurance.

About University Dental Associates

University Dental Associates, Brian Blough DDS, PA is a group dental practice in North Carolina that provides comprehensive general and specialty care for all ages. University Dental Associates is nationally recognized for quality, having maintained accreditation through the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care. To learn more about the new High Point office, or other University Dental Associates locations throughout North Carolina, please visit www.udadentistry.com.

SOURCE University Dental Associates

Related Links

http://www.udadentistry.com


Mr. Shorrosh helped to develop the NAHAM AccessKeys, the key performance indicators that measure the Patient Access performance, and will be explaining at the NAHAM Conference how they can be used to benchmark the Patient Experience, POS Collections effectiveness, and improve the front-end revenue cycle model.

Mr. Spires was asked by the NAHAM Certification Committee to help re-write the Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) Study Guide and exam questions. This certification provides the front-line patient access staff with continuing education and acknowledgment of the critical role they play in creating the patient experience.

"The Patient Access professional is the face of the facility, the first staff member a patient interacts with, whether it's over the phone or in the booth," said Paul Shorrosh, founder and CEO of AccuReg. "At AccuReg we believe the Patient Access team is the most important driver of the hospital's revenue growth, which is why we are laser focused on the front end."

AccuReg CEO Paul Shorrosh is participating in the following sessions at NAHAM, designed to help Patient Access teams transform the front-end Revenue Cycle through leadership, education and innovation:

Pre-Conference Symposium: Best Practices for POS Collections - Tuesday, April 25 , 2:45 pm

- , Learning Lab: A New Blueprint for a Front-End Revenue Cycle Model - Wednesday, April 26 , 10:30 am

- , ISS: Proving the Financial Value of Patient Access to Your CFO - Wednesday, April 26 , noon

- , noon General Session Panel: A Comprehensive Approach to Transforming the Patient Experience - Thursday, April 27 , 9 am

For more information, please come to the AccuReg booth #313 or visit the NAHAM website.

About AccuReg

AccuReg has been delivering revenue cycle and patient access innovation to the healthcare industry for more than a decade. Known throughout the healthcare industry as the company that built the top-ranked QA engine, AccuReg provides innovative solutions for the Patient Access Experience, Denials Prevention, POS Collections and Financial Assistance Screening  which are optimized through Integrated Intelligence, a self-learning rules engine that identifies at-risk accounts, predicts patterns and re-calibrates rules to prevent errors. For more information, visit www.AccuRegSoftware.com or call 866-872-7498.

About our NAHAM Subject Matter Experts

Paul Shorrosh, CEO and Founder of AccuReg, has been a member of the NAHAM Board of Directors for eight years, has served as Chairman of the Industry Standards Committee for the last three years and previously served as Chair of the Special Projects Committee. He has been instrumental in helping develop and promote the NAHAM AccessKeys, and the new version 3.0 will be featured prominently in multiple sessions at this year's NAHAM Conference.

Ed Spires, Solutions Consultant at AccuReg, has served on the NAHAM Board of Directors for seven years as the President, Immediate Past President, Vice President and Treasurer, as well as several committees. Ed's current role is to help hospitals improve workflows, establish measurements, and implement process improvements utilizing both the NAHAM AccessKeys and HFMA Map Keys.

SOURCE AccuReg

Related Links

http://www.accuregsoftware.com


Subaru is a proud, decade-long Host Sponsor of Dining Out For Life, with nearly $40 Million raised to support HIV/AIDS services throughout the life of this partnership .

"As part of the Subaru Love Promise philanthropic platform, we remain committed to supporting the causes our drivers care most about, including joining the fight to overcome an HIV/AIDS epidemic that affects many in our local communities and millions around the world," said Alan Bethke, senior vice president of marketing, Subaru of America Inc.

Pam Grier, one of the organization's four national spokespeople, will attend the event in Charleston, South Carolina to help raise awareness for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.

"Dining Out For Life is all about the community spirit of dining together with family and friends for a great cause," said Pam Grier, actress. "It's an easy, fun way to support those in need, while enjoying food and meaningful conversation."

Grier will also deliver Subaru Loves to Care packages containing a blanket, travel mug, red-ribbon shaped cookies and note of inspiration to clients and volunteers of the Ryan White Wellness Center, recognized nationally for providing quality care and innovative wellness programs for people living with HIV. The center is affiliated with the Roper St. Francis Healthcare system in South Carolina, a region which claims the highest number of heterosexual HIV transmission cases in the U.S. and ranks eighth overall for new infections annually.

"It couldn't be easier to give back. Grab breakfast on the way to work, have lunch with your coworkers, or meet a group of friends for dinner," said Kim Butler, director of the Ryan White Wellness Center. "The restaurant does all the work and makes a donation on your behalf."

2017 marks Grier's seventh consecutive year as a Dining Out For Life spokesperson. Grier was the first African-American woman to headline action films, playing bold, powerful women in Coffy, Sheba Baby, Friday Foster, Foxy Brown, Jackie Brown and The L Word. Most recently, Grier appeared in Call Of Duty: Infinite Warfare DLC and penned the best-selling memoir Foxy: My Life In Three Acts.

Dining Out For Life's other spokespeople include Ted Allen, author and host of Food Network's Chopped, Chef Daisy Martinez, star of Food Network's Viva Daisy!, and designer Mondo Guerra, winner of Lifetime's Project Runway All-Stars, who will join The Aliveness Project in Minneapolis, MN on April 27th for Dining Out For Life.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

More than 3,000 restaurants in 62 cities across North America participate in Dining Out For Life.

WHEN: Thursday, April 27th, 2017 in most cities. Please note that some cities have alternate dates.

WHERE: Albany, Anchorage, Asheville, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham/Mobile, Boston, Broward County, Fla., Buffalo, Central New York/Syracuse/Utica, Charleston, Chattanooga, Columbia, Denver/Boulder, Detroit, El Paso, Fort Collins/Northern Colorado, Grand Junction/Western Colorado, Houston, Indianapolis, Inland Empire, Jacksonville, Kalamazoo/Southwest Michigan, Las Vegas, Lexington, Louisville, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul/Greater Minneapolis, Nashville, New Haven, New Jersey, New Orleans, Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Orlando, Orange County, Palm Springs, Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley, Phoenix/Prescott, Portland, Ore., Raleigh, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Sonoma County, St. Louis, Tacoma/Olympia, Tampa Bay, Tulsa, Vancouver/Whistler, and Washington, D.C.

MORE INFO: Visit www.diningoutforlife.com and follow on Twitter: @DineOut4Life #DiningOutForLife

About Dining Out For Life

Dining Out For Life began in Philadelphia in 1991 and has since grown into an international event held in cities across North America  raising an average $4 million annually. The idea behind the single-day event is simple and effective: Dine Out, Fight AIDS. Each restaurant donates a percentage of the day's food sales, which goes to local organizations to fund care, prevention, education, testing, counseling and other essential HIV/AIDs services. For more information, visit www.diningoutforlife.com or Facebook/DiningOut4Life. To participate, please contact Dining Out For Life International, Inc.  = registered trademark of Dining Out For Life International, Inc.

About Subaru of America, Inc .

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 620 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Media Contacts: "15 Minutes" Inc. Nancy Becker or Laura Weber, 610-832-1515 or [email protected]

Diane Anton, Subaru of America, Inc., 856-488-5098 or [email protected]

SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.subaru.com


In recognition of those companies that helped drive economic growth through their commitment to supply chain diversity, Affinity Inc magazine is pleased to announce its 2017 AIM100. The 2017 AIM100 was selected from a stellar list of Fortune 500 corporations and professional service firms demonstrating 100 percent exemplary support and leadership for LGBT business equality and inclusion.

"The companies in our AIM100 recognize that having a diverse and inclusive supply chain that includes the LGBT community is a social and economic imperative," said Christopher Miller, publisher of Affinity Inc magazines. "Their commitment to developing and growing minority owned, woman owned and LGBT enterprises is positively impacting the manner in which global business is conducted."

Don McKneely, founder of Affinity Inc magazine added, "We honor the AIM100 for their steadfast commitment to global supplier diversity. We salute the supplier diversity teams at these companies on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to continued growth in this arena."

Methodology

Research data included resources from the Human Rights Campaign, NGLCC, LGBT Regional Chambers of Commerce, Out and Equal, Pflag and the National LGBT Bar Association.

To view the list of honorees, please visit: www.affinityincmagazine.com.

SOURCE Affinity Inc Magazine

Related Links

http://www.affinityincmagazine.com


DUBLIN, Apr. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Africa Diesel Genset Market (2017-2023): Forecast by KVA Ratings, Verticals, Countries, Import Statistics and Competitive Landscape" report to their offering.

Africa diesel genset market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% during 2017-23

In Africa, diesel gensets with rating 5KVA-75KVA accounted for majority of the market volume share due to low electrification rate, growing residential and construction sector. 5KVA-75KVA rating gensets are expected to maintain their dominance in the market throughout the forecast period in-terms of market volume. Growth in mining and oil & gas exploration in countries such as Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria would also spur demand of diesel gensets in Africa.



Establishment of SEZs, EPZ's government infrastructure projects such as tech cities, railway, expansion of state & national highways as well as rising demand for power are expected to fuel the market for diesel gensets in Africa. According to Mega Development Goals (MDG), the African countries aims to develop megacities to accommodate the increase in working age population, which would boost the demand for diesel gensets in the country.



Amongst all verticals, the manufacturing vertical accounts for key share in the overall Africa diesel genset market. Retail, commercial offices, hotels and hospitals are the other key revenue contributing verticals.



The report thoroughly covers the Africa diesel genset market by KVA ratings, verticals and countries. The report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the on-going trends, opportunities/high growth areas, market drivers which would help the stakeholders to device and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.



Markets Covered



The report provides the detailed analysis of the following market segments:



By KVA Rating:



- 5-75 KVA

- 75.1-375 KVA

- 375.1-750 KVA

- 750.1-1000 KVA

- Above 1000 KVA



By Verticals:



- Retail and Logistics

- Oil & Gas and Power Utility

- Commercial Offices (Hospitality, BFSI, IT & ITES)

- Manufacturing

- Rental

- Residential

- Others (Telecom, Hospital, Mining, Government & Transportation, Education, Construction)



Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary



2. Introduction



3. Global Diesel Genset Market Overview



4. Africa Diesel Genset Market Overview



5. Africa Diesel Genset Market Dynamics



6. Africa Diesel Genset Market Trends



7. South Africa Diesel Genset Market Overview



8. Angola Diesel Genset Market Overview



9. Kenya Diesel Genset Market Overview



10. Nigeria Diesel Genset Market Overview



11. Egypt Diesel Genset Market Overview



12. Uganda Diesel Genset Market Overview



13. Ghana Diesel Genset Market Overview



14. Algeria Diesel Genset Market Overview



15. Tanzania Diesel Genset Market Overview



16. Africa Diesel Genset Market Opportunity Assessment, 2016



17. Competitive Landscape



18. Company Profiles



19. Key Strategic Recommendation



20. Disclaimer



Companies Mentioned



- Atlas Copco AB

- Caterpillar Inc.

- Cummins Inc.

- FG Wilson

- Himoinsa S.L

- Mikano International Ltd

- MTU Onsite Energy Corporation

- Perkins Engines Co. Ltd

- SDMO Industries

- YorPower Ltd.



For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/j3qvzs/africa_diesel

About Research and Markets

Research and Markets is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

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CHICAGO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- HighTower announces the launch of HighTower Buffalo. The team was previously known as National Wealth Management at Wells Fargo and manages $175 million in assets. National Wealth Management co-founders Thomas Volpini and Derek Bock will lead the HighTower Buffalo team as Senior Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor, respectively.

"HighTower supports financial advisors who share our steadfast commitment to putting clients' best interests first," said Elliot Weissbluth, CEO, HighTower. "Regardless of how a team affiliates with HighTower, the core of our innovative business model is a culture, brand and platform where fiduciary-minded advisors like Tom and Derek can thrive."

Prior to co-founding National Wealth Management in 2003, Mr. Volpini was a vice president and senior financial advisor at Fleet Bank. He began his career as a financial advisor at John Hancock. An expert in the complex wealth management needs of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, including professional athletes and corporate executives, Mr. Volpini delivers knowledgeable guidance and lifestyle management services with an emphasis on confidentiality.

Mr. Bock has 16 years of experience in the financial services industry. He was also a senior financial advisor at Fleet Bank before co-founding National Wealth Management. Mr. Bock specializes in working with business owners to help them create goals-oriented investment plans, enhance business valuation and prepare for a liquidity event.

"We conducted a rigorous search for a financial services firm that embraced the fiduciary standard and empowered us to deliver sophisticated planning advice, portfolio management and an impeccable service experience," said Mr. Volpini. "HighTower is that firm, and we're very excited to introduce our team and clients to the HighTower community."

After adding a record-breaking number of new teams in the first quarter, HighTower recently announced its intent to acquire WealthTrust, which includes $6.4 billion in client assets nationwide. The transaction is the largest in HighTower's history, bringing the company's total client assets to nearly $46 billionan almost four-fold increase in less than four years.

For media inquiries, please contact Melinda Brodbeck, JConnelly, at 973-850-7348 or [email protected] .

About HighTower

HighTower is a national firm built by and for elite financial advisors. HighTower advisors commit to the fiduciary standard: a binding promise to put our clients' interests first. Powered by a proprietary technology and investment platform, HighTower embraces bold change to create a culture of collaboration and growth and to meet the evolving needs of sophisticated investors. For more information, see www.hightoweradvisors.com and www.byadvisorsforadvisors.com.

SOURCE HighTower
DENVER, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- All Copy Products is proud of their recent recognition as a top service provider in the office technology arena. BEI Services, an independent technician evaluation program, recently moved All Copy Products up in their ranks, putting the company in the number eight position out of 185 companies who participate in the program nationwide.

All Copy Products has been awards a top level Diamond service provider by BEI services.

This honor comes with another significant achievement; BEI Services and ENX Magazine have named All Copy Products a Diamond Level Service Provider. This recognition is only given to companies who prove, through the statistical information gathered by BEI Services, their professional capabilities out-rank the status quo.

"All Copy has always been driven to be the best. Using BEI's Solutions, they have recently been awarded Diamond Status by BEI and ENX Magazine's Service Excellence Award program. This is quite an accomplishment and shows All Copy's dedication to their customers. This award recognizes their commitment to customer service excellence," said Wes McArtor, President of BEI Services.

In addition to recognizing company-wide achievements, BEI Services also acknowledges the achievements from the individual technicians. To date, 20 All Copy Products technicians have been honored with Gold, Platinum and Diamond level awards from BEI Services .

All Copy Products' President, Brad Knepper, appreciates his team's efforts, "I'd like to congratulate the All Copy Products service team for this tremendous accomplishment. I'm so proud of all our technicians who have proven their abilities. It has always been our goal to provide our clients with the best and most efficient services, and BEI Services has allowed us to track and celebrate our achievements."

About All Copy Products

All Copy Products has been providing local business solutions to Colorado since the 1970s. The company saw tremendous growth under present ownership, expanding to Wyoming, Arizona, and Kansas. All Copy Products continues to offer businesses the latest office technology products and services that make businesses run smarter and more efficient. These products and services include printing systems ranging from copiers (MFPs) to 3D, wide format and production printers, IT services, managed print services, and document management. Thanks to all these offerings and our award-winning service, All Copy is the only partner you need for your business technology.

For more information, contact Chris Williams at 303-785-5881 or [email protected]. You can also visit All Copy Products online at www.allcopyproducts.com.

Related Images

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Related Links

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Copiers & Multifunction Printers

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJQu8cKmqW8

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE All Copy Products

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DUBLIN, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Allergan, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, announced today that it has entered into a clinical trial agreement with Novartis to conduct a Phase 2b study, using Allergan's cenicriviroc (CVC) and Novartis' lead FXR agonist for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The Phase 2b study will assess the safety, efficacy and tolerability of this multi-therapy treatment approach for NASH. The financial details of this transaction are not disclosed.

"Our clinical collaboration with Novartis brings together our collective scientific and development expertise in NASH to focus on multi-therapy treatment, which is expected to be the most likely approach based on the multi-factorial aspects of this disease," said David Nicholson, Chief Research & Development Officer, Allergan. "Collaboration with companies like Novartis will help us improve our understanding of the disease and deliver effective, high-value medicines for NASH patients. This is also another terrific example of Allergan's Open Science Research & Development model in action."

NASH is the progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver with no other apparent causes.i NASH occurs when the accumulation of liver fat is accompanied by inflammation and cellular damage.ii The inflammation can result in fibrosis (scarring) of the liver and eventually lead to complications such as cirrhosis, portal hypertension, liver cancer and liver failure.ii There are currently no approved treatments for NASH.

CVC is a once-daily, oral, Phase 3 ready potent immunomodulator that blocks two chemokine receptors, CCR2 and CCR5, which are involved in inflammatory and fibrogenic pathways. In the Phase 2b CENTAUR study, CVC demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement in fibrosis of at least one stage without worsening of NASH after one year of treatment, which is one of only two approvable Phase 3 endpoints. With its unique Mechanism of Action (MOA) and its favorable safety profile, CVC represents an ideal candidate to become the backbone of NASH multi-therapy treatment. CVC has been granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in patients with NASH and liver fibrosis.

Novartis is developing Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists for the treatment of chronic liver diseases, including NASH. The most advanced investigational compound is a potent, non-bile acid FXR agonist, which recently received Fast Track designation from the FDA and is in a Phase 2 clinical trial. As part of this agreement, Novartis and Allergan will conduct a Phase 2b clinical trial to assess the safety, efficacy and tolerability of a multi-therapy treatment for NASH.

About Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

NASH is the progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver with no other apparent causes.ii NASH occurs when the accumulation of liver fat is accompanied by inflammation and cellular damage.ii The inflammation can result in fibrosis (scarring) of the liver and eventually lead to complications such as cirrhosis, portal hypertension, liver cancer, and liver failure.ii

NAFLD and NASH affect approximately 30 percent and 5 percent, respectively, of the U.S. population and NAFLD affects more than 20 percent of the population worldwide.iii NASH is the fastest growing cause of liver cancer and liver transplant in the U.S.iv The increasing prevalence of NASH is related to the growing obesity epidemic and the disease is often diagnosed in patients who have diabetes, high cholesterol or high triglycerides.iii There is currently no approved treatment for NASH.

About Allergan NASH Programs

Allergan has demonstrated leadership in the gastrointestinal (GI) category and shown a continued commitment to innovate and advance science and treatments for unmet medical needs. Currently, NASH is an extension of Allergan's broad GI portfolio and represents one of the greatest unmet medical needs.

In 2016, Allergan acquired cenicriviroc (CVC), evogliptin and AGN-242266 (formerly AKN-083), three programs targeting different mechanisms for the treatment of this multi-factorial disease. CVC is a once-daily, oral Phase 3 ready, potent immunomodulator that blocks two chemokine receptors, CCR2 and CCR5, which are involved in inflammatory and fibrogenic pathways. AGN-242266 is a potentially best-in-class, Phase 1 ready farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist expected to be highly complementary to CVC and Evogliptin. Allergan expects to advance AGN-242266 into a Phase I clinical trial in the first half of 2017. Allergan is committed to advancing its overall portfolio of NASH programs, to focus on bringing forward effective treatments for this critical disease area.

About Allergan plc

Allergan plc (NYSE: AGN), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a bold, global pharmaceutical company and a leader in a new industry model  Growth Pharma. Allergan is focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing branded pharmaceuticals, devices and biologic products for patients around the world.

Allergan markets a portfolio of leading brands and best-in-class products for the central nervous system, eye care, medical aesthetics and dermatology, gastroenterology, women's health, urology and anti-infective therapeutic categories.

Allergan is an industry leader in Open Science, the Company's R&D model, which defines our approach to identifying and developing game-changing ideas and innovation for better patient care. This approach has led to Allergan building one of the broadest development pipelines in the pharmaceutical industry with 70+ mid-to-late stage pipeline programs in development.

Our Company's success is powered by our more than 16,000 global colleagues' commitment to being Bold for Life. Together, we build bridges, power ideas, act fast and drive results for our customers and patients around the world by always doing what is right.

With commercial operations in approximately 100 countries, Allergan is committed to working with physicians, healthcare providers and patients to deliver innovative and meaningful treatments that help people around the world live longer, healthier lives every day.

For more information, visit Allergan's website at www.Allergan.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

Statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Allergan's current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of this release. Except as expressly required by law, Allergan disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from Allergan's current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Allergan's business. These factors include, among others, the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of FDA approvals or actions, if any; the impact of competitive products and pricing; market acceptance of and continued demand for Allergan's products; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Allergan's periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Allergan's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Except as expressly required by law, Allergan disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

i The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Fatty Liver Disease (Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/liver-disease/nonalcoholic-steatohepatitis/Pages/facts.aspx

ii Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review. ME, Rinella. Journal of the American Medical Association, 2015, Vol. 313, pp. 2263-2273.

iii Sattar N, et al. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Available from: http://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g4596.

iv Anderson, C.D. Curr Surg Rep (2015) 3: 24. doi:10.1007/s40137-015-0101-6.

CONTACTS: ALLERGAN:

Investors:

Karina Calzadilla

(862) 261-7328





Media:

Mark Marmur

(862) 261-7558

SOURCE Allergan plc

Related Links

http://www.allergan.com


DUBLIN, Apr. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Alternative Sweeteners - A Global Market Overview" report to their offering.

Increased consumer awareness about obesity, diabetes and other health concerns have paved the way for the consumption and usage of alternative sweeteners worldwide. Alternative sweeteners are used as substitute to sugar in foods and beverages to personal care to pharmaceuticals as they contain low to zero calories thus reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes. Alternative sweeteners analyzed in this report include high intensity sweeteners and polyols (also called as sugar alcohols).



Alternative sweeteners' demand is anticipated to increase in the coming years is also buoyed by approvals of high intensity sweeteners and polyols in food and beverage applications by majority of the countries across the globe. Most of the alternative sweeteners are approved in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific while very few of them are either banned or approved for restricted usage.



Polyols dominate the global market for Alternative Sweeteners by product category, forecast to be 1.6 million metric tons in 2017 accounting for over 90%, which is projected to reach 1.9 million metric tons by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 3.4% between the two years. High Intensity Sweeteners accounts for the remaining market share of Alternative Sweeteners and expected to witness the growth rate of 3% during the same period.



Polyols analyzed in this report comprise sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, maltitol, erythritol, isomalt and lactitol. The polyols' end-use application markets analyzed include Confectionary, Food & Beverages, Personal Care and Others (Pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals).

This 452 page report profiles 39 global players and 135 overall players across North America - 25; Europe - 13; Asia-Pacific - 95; and Rest of World - 2.



Companies Mentioned



Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

Almendra Ltd.

Amax NutraSource, Inc

Anhui Jinhe Industrial Co., Ltd.

Archer Daniels Midland Company

Arnhem Group, The

B Food Science Co., Ltd.

BENEO GmbH

Baolingbao Biology Co. Ltd

Beijing Gingko Group

Beijing Vitasweet Co., Ltd.

BioPlus Life Sciences Pvt Ltd

CSPC Shengxue Glucose Co., Ltd.

Cargill, Inc

Celanese Corporation

Changmao Biochemical Engineering Co., Ltd

Changzhou Guanghui Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

Changzhou Niutang Chemical Plant Co., Ltd.

Changzhou Niutang Chemical Plant Co., Ltd.

(110+ Others)



Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction

2. Key Market Trends



3. Regulatory Landscape



4. Key Global Players



5. Key Business and Product Trends



6. Global Market Overview



For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/nbs6z7/alternative

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

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DETROIT, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Detroit-based home furnishings services and solutions provider Amber Engine is pleased to announce an integration with a leading retail management system provider PROFITsystems. Through this integration, retailers using the Amber Engine for Retailers portal and PROFITsystems' retail inventory and point of sale (POS) management software, RETAILvantage, gain the ability to simplify their product content management.

Amber Engine's integration with RETAILvantage introduces a cost-saving alternative to a traditionally manual approach. Product content from the home furnishings manufacturers that work with Amber Engine can now be exported to a retailer's PROFITsystems POS system through a single digital exchange. These exports are customized to the retailer's specific PROFITsystems account setup. This helps reduce the 30 or more hours per week the average retailer invests into manual data processes in support of core operations.

Research conducted by home furnishings industry associations and Amber Engine finds that 42 percent of retailers said the ability to onboard or update their current product data is one of the biggest challenges to creating or expanding their online presence.

Amber Engine expects its integration with PROFITsystems to be one of many strategic alignments with home furnishings service partners.

"Aligning with industry leaders like PROFITsystems reflects our commitment to offering home furnishings retailers a better way to handle product content at every touchpoint. Not only can retailers using our platform receive content from manufacturers in a more accurate and consistent way, they can now ensure the integrity of that data as it's transferred to their core business systems. This ultimately gives retailers more time to focus on engaging with customers," said Amber Engine Chief Revenue Officer Jesse Akre.

"PROFITsystems is committed to supporting our family of home furnishings retailers grow their business and remain profitable in today's dynamic market," said PROFITsystems General Manager Joanne Gulnac. "Inventory data accuracy and visibility across all sales channels is critical in meeting customers' expectations in the world of unified commerce. We're excited to partner with Amber Engine to help streamline data exchange from manufacturer to retailer and enable businesses to provide a consistent customer experience."

Amber Engine and PROFITsystems will be offering product demos at High Point Market, one of the home furnishing industry's largest conferences, from April 22-26 in High Point, North Carolina. Learn more at amberengine.com and profitsystems.com.

About PROFITsystems, a HighJump product

PROFITsystems is a complete retail management solution for the modern home goods retailer. Key components include enterprise software, consulting, performance groups, advanced education, eCommerce integration and business intelligence. PROFITsystems features real-time inventory management, customer relations management, point-of-sale and accounting systems. For additional information on PROFITsystems, please visit the website at www.profitsystems.com.

About Amber Engine

Detroit-based Amber Engine, part of the Quicken Loans Family of Companies, was founded by a team of home furnishing industry innovators, technologists and business experts. Amber Engine's mission is to provide the most accurate, complete and timely record of product data for the home furnishings industry. Visit www.amberengine.com to learn more.

SOURCE Amber Engine

Related Links

http://www.amberengine.com


LUBBOCK, Texas, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant, which has consistently been voted the #1 Mexican Restaurant in America, will celebrate the opening of its newest location in Katy with a special ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 18 at 4:45 p.m.

The Katy Chamber of Commerce will host the ribbon cutting at Abuelo's, which is located at the Shoppes at Parkwest at 24600 Katy Freeway in Katy. Representatives from Child Advocates of Fort Bend, a non-profit organization that provides a voice, heals the hurt and breaks the cycle of abuse and neglect for all children in Fort Bend County, will also attend the event.

Abuelo's recent pre-opening events raised $7,500 to benefit Child Advocates of Fort Bend, and the restaurant's management team and employees will present the organization with a check at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

"We raised a significant amount of money for a very deserving charity and had a lot of fun in the process," said Robert Lin, president of Food Concepts International, Abuelo's parent company. "The local community showed wonderful support for Child Advocates of Fort Bend. We are thrilled to be able to benefit this outstanding organization that does such great work for children."

"Child Advocates of Fort Bend was honored to have been selected by Abuelo's as the beneficiary of their opening weekend," said Ruthanne Mefford, CEO of Child Advocates of Fort Bend. "We are so grateful for Abuelo's support of children who have been abused and neglected in our community. This donation of $7500 will help 50 children in foster care be matched with a community volunteer (called a CASA) to provide them a voice and ensure their needs are met. It will also help 25 children receive therapy to heal the hurt from abuse at our Children's Advocacy Center in Rosenberg. Abuelo's has made a huge difference in the lives of child victims who so desperately need support and healing."

Abuelo's has consistently been voted the #1 Mexican Restaurant in America by consumers since 2006, as published in the nation's most respected consumer rating magazine. The restaurant's fresh, made-from-scratch menu selections combine authentic standards with the rich, subtle flavors of coastal and interior Mexican cuisine.

For the latest news, rewards and special offers from Abuelo's, join Mi Abuelo's Rewards at www.abuelos.com/MiAbuelos. Also, be sure to follow Abuelo's on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/eatabuelos/ or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AbuelosMexKaty/ to stay up to date on the latest news and promotions.

For more information on Child Advocates of Fort Bend, please visit www.cafb.org.

About Abuelo's

Since its first opening in 1989, Abuelo's has consistently been on the leading edge of Mexican cuisine, combining menu creativity, outstanding food and beverage quality, colorful plate presentations and superior service in a true Mexican courtyard atmosphere. Abuelo's has received national accolades as the top-ranked Mexican food restaurant and as one of America's top overall restaurant chains in four consecutive biennial surveys by a leading national consumer rating magazine. Owned and operated by Food Concepts International in Lubbock Texas, the company currently has 39 full-service restaurants located in 13 states, and a fast casual Abuelo's Taqueria, located in Lubbock, Texas. For more information, visit www.abuelos.com or Abuelo's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Abuelos.

SOURCE Abuelos

Related Links

http://www.abuelos.com/


"We have been such fans of Grace and Design*Sponge since its very beginning," said Holly Tedesco, VP of Marketing, Ann Taylor. "And we were even more inspired by In the Company of Women and the way that Grace celebrates real women who are pursuing their passions -- just as our millions of clients do every day. Grace embodies our belief that behind every great woman is another and another."

Grace launched Design*Sponge in 2004, and the site has grown to become one of the most widely referenced and consulted decor blogs for both professionals and hobbyists when inspiration hunting and idea sourcing. Her book, In the Company of Women features the work and lives of over 100 women artists, makers, musicians, writers, and more, and has become a New York Times bestseller. Design*Sponge attracts a diverse group of devoted readers across the globe and currently reaches over 1 million readers per month.

"I'm so excited to be working with Ann Taylor on a series that celebrates women of all ages, backgrounds and stages of their careers. When women work together, learn from each other and lift one another up, there's no limit to what they can achieve," said Bonney.

On May 5, Grace will feature the first of many inspirational women of this series, Agatha Achindu, founder of Yummy Spoonfuls, a fresh-frozen organic baby and tots food company based in Atlanta. Agatha, a dedicated mother and chef, struggled to find delicious and nutritious meals for her young son here in the US like she had growing up in Cameroon, West Africa, where farm-to-table is the norm. So she took to her kitchen to create meals that were delicious and packed with only healthy organic ingredients. Soon after Yummy Spoonfuls was born. The brand was immediately picked up by major retailers nationwide.

The full Inspired By lineup of women will not be revealed at once, but rather unfolded monthly throughout the year. For more information and to view the monthly interviews please visit https://www.anntaylor.com/inspiredby.

About Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor began in 1954 with a dress and a dream. When Richard Liebeskind opened his first shop in New Haven, CT, he named it "Ann Taylor" after the best-selling dress style in his father's own store. That dress represented his vision of the modern, stylish American woman. With that vision, Ann Taylor has grown to an iconic brand with over 200 stores across North America. As the American woman has evolved, so have we, staying one step ahead to bring her a wardrobe of possibilities. She lives a rich and varied life, and we strive to bring her thoughtful style options for big days and everydays. With a sophisticated, feminine approach to modern essentials, we promise to give her the inspiration and confidence she needs to do what she loves.

SOURCE Ann Taylor

Related Links

http://anntaylor.com


WALNUT CREEK, Calif., April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ARC Document Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: ARC) today announced that it will hold a conference call with investors and analysts on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 2 P.M. Pacific Time (5 P.M. Eastern Time) to discuss the results of the company's 2017 first quarter.

A news release announcing the company's results will be disseminated on May 2, 2017, after the market close.

To access the live audio call, dial 888-239-5359. International callers may join the conference by dialing 913-312-1500. The conference ID number is 2465181. A live webcast will also be made available on the investor relations page of ARC Document Solution's website at http://ir.e-arc.com. The webcast of the call will be available at www.e-arc.com for approximately 90 days following the call's conclusion.

About ARC Document Solutions (NYSE: ARC)

ARC Document Solutions distributes documents and information to facilitate communication for design and construction professionals, real estate managers and developers, facilities owners, and a variety of similar disciplines. The company provides cloud and mobile solutions, professional services, and hardware to help its customers around the world reduce costs and increase efficiency, improve information access and control, and communicate faster, easier and better.

SOURCE ARC Document Solutions

Related Links

http://www.e-arc.com


SAN DIEGO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Astute Medical, Inc., developer of biomarkers for better healthcare, today previewed a case series to be presented at the 2017 National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Spring Clinical Meeting, which begins today and continues through April 22. Physicians will present data on two biomarkers, TIMP-2 and IGFBP-7, used to assess risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) during the management of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Elevated levels of TIMP-2 and IGFBP-7 have been shown to signal kidney stress indicative of AKI risk.1 Physicians used Astute Medical's NephroCheck Test, which detects the biomarkers in a urine sample and delivers an AKIRisk score, to proactively assess patient risk of developing moderate to severe AKI, with the goal of preventing injury and the resultant loss of kidney function.

In a recent review of the literature,2 authors noted that with more than 1 million hospitalizations and costs exceeding $30 billion, ADHF has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Renal dysfunction is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes in ADHF, with AKI occurring in approximately one-third of patients with ADHF (designated CRS1). Assessment of risk for AKI during the management of ADHF may provide the physician with valuable information about the patient that can impact treatment decisions.3

NKF Spring Clinical Meeting attendees can learn more about the NephroCheck Test at Astute Medical's exhibition booth #231.

Details of the presentation follow:

Topic: Acute Kidney Injury/ICU Medicine Abstract: Assessing the role of TIMP2 & IGFBP7 in forecasting AKI risk in congestive

heart failure: A case series Primary

Author: Sanjeev Gupta, M.D. Poster #: 9

Important Information About The NephroCheck Test

The NephroCheck Test System is intended to be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation in patients who currently have or have had within the past 24 hours acute cardiovascular and or respiratory compromise and are intensive care unit (ICU) patients as an aid in the risk assessment for moderate or severe AKI within 12 hours of patient assessment. The NephroCheck Test System is intended to be used in patients 21 years of age or older.

Astute Medical's NephroCheck Test received 510(k)-clearance through the FDA's de novo classification. The test is CE-marked and available in Europe.

For additional information visit NephroCheck.com.

About Astute Medical, Inc.

Astute Medical is dedicated to improving the diagnosis of high-risk medical conditions and diseases through the identification and validation of protein biomarkers that can serve as the basis for novel diagnostic tests. The Company's focus is community- and hospital-acquired acute conditions that require rapid diagnosis and risk assessment. Astute Medical's current areas of interest include abdominal pain, acute coronary syndromes, cerebrovascular injury, kidney injury and sepsis.

Astute Medical is a founding corporate partner of 0by25, a human rights initiative aimed at eliminating preventable and treatable deaths from AKI worldwide by 2025.

For additional information, please visit AstuteMedical.com.

Astute Medical, the AM logo, Astute140, NephroCheck, the NephroCheck logo, and AKIRisk are registered trademarks of Astute Medical, Inc. in the United States. For information regarding trademarks and other intellectual property applicable to this product, including international trademarks, please see astutemedical.com/US/About/IntellectualProperty/. PN0643 Rev A 2017/04/14

1 Kellum JA, Chawla LS. Cell-cycle arrest and acute kidney injury: the light and dark sides. Nephrol Dial Transplant (2015) 0: 17doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfv130.

2 Prins KW, Thenappan T, Markowitz JS, Pritzker MR. Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 1: Renal Dysfunction in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure. JCOM. October 2015 Vol. 22, No. 10.

3 Schanz M, Shi J, Wasser C, Alscher MD and Kimmel M. Urinary [TIMP-2] A~ [IGFBP7] for risk prediction of acute kidney injury in decompensated heart failure. Clin Cardiol. 2017. https://doi.org/10.1002/clc.22683.

SOURCE Astute Medical, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.astutemedical.com


DES MOINES  When Rep. Matt Windschitl thinks about the Fourth of July, he thinks about fun, freedom and fireworks.

With passage of Senate File 489 56-41, Windschitl and other Iowans will be able to celebrate the midsummer holiday with more than the sparklers, caps and snakes now allowed under Iowa law.

Iowans already are buying fireworks  but elsewhere, Windschitl said.

They are driving across the border into other states, spending their hard-earned dollars in other states to purchases these products, fill up with gas, buy beer and whatever else, snacks, and then come back into Iowa to use them, he said. Lets give them the opportunity to spend their dollars in Iowa.

Others, however, think about fire, scared pets, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, injuries and death when the subject of fireworks comes up.

What we legislate against is stupid ideas and stupid people who make bad choices and bad decisions, said Rep. Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City.

But its not the Legislatures job to bubble-wrap Iowans, Windschitl said.

We cant legislate away stupid people and the actions theyre going to take, he said. They can make this decision themselves.

The bill, which was approved by the Senate 34-14 last month, was backed by 50 Republicans and six Democrats, with eight Republicans joining 33 Democrats to vote against it. Three representatives were absent.

It now goes to Gov. Terry Branstad, who has indicated a willingness to sing the bill.

The bill would allow Iowans the freedom to buy and use fireworks similar to residents of 40 others states, Windschitl said, albeit it only during certain times of the year.

SF 489 would allow licensed retailers or community groups to sell consumer-grade fireworks out of permanent structures to adults between June 1 and July 8 and between Dec. 10 and Jan. 3. A similar provision would apply to temporary structures, such as tents, from June 13 through July 8 each year. It also would put 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 under 18. A violation is punishable by a fine of between $250 and $625.

Democrats, who offered amendments to modify the bill and spoke at length during the two hour-plus debate, were critical of spending so much time on the bill.

Its interesting that today is the last official day of session, Rep. Sharon Steckman, D-Mason City, said, referring to the fact that lawmakers will no longer collect daily expense money. Were spending half the day on a fireworks bill. Is that the most important thing we have to do today?

Amendments that would have banned the use of fireworks in vehicles and made it a misdemeanor for anyone with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more to use fireworks were rejected. Windschitl said those situations were already covered by the bill.
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating, a leading national asphalt and concrete paving contractor, announced today they finalized a licensing deal to become a National Platinum Partner with ProSiteAudit. The paving company is one of the first to offer this revolutionary, cloud-based inspection tool to customers across the country. ProSiteAudit will enable users to audit anywhere from hundreds to thousands of locations in one day. Used with any smart device, this fully customizable tool assesses deficiencies surrounding parking lots, landscaping, roofing, HVAC, snow removal and ADA liabilities.

"We are ecstatic to be partnering with ProSiteAudit. We believe this tool is going to change the paving industry," said Michael J. Curry Jr., owner of Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating. "We are creating standards in an industry where there are none, and more importantly, we're offering our customers an audit tool that will provide them with real-time data and photos from all of their locations in just a matter of minutes."

About ProSiteAudit

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, ProSiteAudit is a cloud-based tool that simplifies the communication, reporting and sharing of real-time property issues (includingpavement, landscaping, snow service, roofing audits, and ADA liability) and reports them back to one centralized place. This simple, cost-effective proactive solution streamlines the former reactive process of calling, emailing, sending out contractors to report issues, paperwork, inefficiencies, and wasted time. ProSiteAudit is an inspection/audit tool that has helped build an industry standard of pavement and landscape review and assessment.

For more information on ProSiteAudit, please visit www.prositeaudit.com.

About Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating

Headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating has been in business for 25 years and is a leading full-service commercial parking lot construction and maintenance company. Atlantic Southern Paving is a licensed, insured and bondable National Pavement Contractor that offers an extensive list of services throughout the country, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. Our services include: ADA modification, asphalt paving and repairs, concrete curb and sidewalks, crack sealing, drainage, pavement marking, sealcoating, signage, speed bumps, and striping.

For more information on Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating, please visit www.AtlanticSouthernPaving.com.

Contact: Terry Smith, (954) 581-5805

[email protected]

SOURCE Atlantic Southern Paving and Sealcoating

Related Links

http://www.atlanticsouthernpaving.com


Daniel Lang, in his new book Reviving the Reformation: A Jewish Believer Peers Backward to Move Biblical Truth Forward, attempts to restore the true biblical Messianic faith described by the Tanach. In a sense, this book will revive the Protestant Reformation, a movement which strove to correct some major errors that had crept into the "church" over the first 1,400 years, but a cause that fell short of the mark. This investigation will sweep away the dust of Roman destruction to uncover and then piece together the often fragmentary details. It will sort through the orthodox and less traditional interpretations of the facts to get closer to the truth. This study may be an unsettling journey for those who are willing to reevaluate the truth of their faith positions. With Biblical faith fading fast in Western culture, however, the author feels that now is the time to restore the truth by reviving the Reformation.

"Past church reformers would think it odd that a man of Jewish descent is trying to sit in their seat," says Daniel Lang. He jokingly reports that, "seismic activity occurred over the tomb of Martin Luther when this book went to the publisher." "If I can influence anyone in the smallest way to reconsider some of his or her faith positions, bringing people closer to God, I will have succeeded," says Lang.

Reviving the Reformation provides persuasive evidence for the existence of God. It explains why the man Yeshua (Jesus) satisfies the expectations of the messianic hope. It defines the sin nature and outlines the biblical method of dealing with it. It characterizes God's holy community composed of Jews and Gentile believers and reestablishes the Torah as the instruction manual for righteous living. Finally, Reviving the Reformation probes the doctrine of the Trinity and the deity of Yeshua.

Reviving the Reformation is written by an author who is conservative but sees Christianity and Judaism through a different lens than most. Daniel Lang is the son of a nominally religious Jewish father and a devout Gentile Christian mother. He attended Hebrew school and was bar mitzvahed in a small town conservative synagogue. Growing up, Dan would cringe when he heard the name "Jesus" and "Christ" would send shivers up his spine. After being introduced to the messianic prophecies in high school, he saw that Yeshua filled the shoes of the expected Jewish Messiah. Dan is a physician actively working as a primary care internist for over twenty-eight years.

More information is available from Daniel Lang at (847) 400-6451, P.O Box 161, Skokie, IL 60076, [email protected], Web Page: RevivingtheReformation.com

SOURCE Daniel Lang
WELLESLEY, Mass., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Babson College, No. 1 in entrepreneurship education for the 24thconsecutive year, has launched a new advertising campaign that will dominate the entire 4th and King Caltrain San Francisco Station throughout the month of April.

Leading with the theme, "The Right Connections Can Take You to All the Right Places," the campaign features 16 local alumni who demonstrate the true power of the Babson network.

Babson's unique methodology of Entrepreneurial Thought & Action leaves a lasting impression among its studentsthus creating an entrepreneurial network of professionals leading companies of all sizes and industries throughout the Bay Area, including Lyft, First Republic Bank, Virool, NatureBox, and more.

Bay Area Babson Alumni Featured in Campaign

Alexander Debelov '10, Co-Founder and CEO, Virool, San Francisco

Ben Narasin '87, General Partner, Canvas Ventures, Portola Valley

Jim Herbert '66, Chairman and CEO (Founding), First Republic Bank, San Francisco

'66, Chairman and CEO (Founding), First Republic Bank, Crystal Bryant MBA'15, VP, Chief of Staff to the Chairman and CEO, First Republic Bank, San Francisco

Gautam Gupta '07, Co-Founder and CEO, NatureBox, Redwood City

'07, Co-Founder and CEO, NatureBox, Ken Chen '06, Co-Founder, NatureBox, Redwood City

'06, Co-Founder, NatureBox, Gopi Parampalli MBA'14, VP, IT Operations, Electronic Arts, Redwood City

Jamie Siminoff '99, Chief Inventor and Founder, Ring, Santa Monica

'99, Chief Inventor and Founder, Ring, Jenny Flores MBA'12, Head of Community Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility, Bank of the West, San Francisco

Joe Billante '98, VP and CFO, eBay EMEA, eBay Inc., Bern, Switzerland

'98, VP and CFO, eBay EMEA, eBay Inc., Kathleen Utecht '03, Managing Partner, Core Innovation Capital, San Francisco

'03, Managing Partner, Core Innovation Capital, Melissa Waters MBA'07, VP, Marketing, Lyft, San Francisco

Michael DeMaria MBA'15, Head of Product, Grow, San Francisco

Randall Ussery MBA'16, CEO and Partner, Free Range, San Francisco

Shaun Steingold MBA'08, Founder and Managing Director, Momentum Labs, San Francisco

Wesley Donohoe '04, VP, Product, One Medical, San Francisco

"I am honored to be featured in this campaign and to be part of the Babson community in the Bay Area," said Gautam Gupta '07, Co-Founder and CEO of NatureBox. "The Babson network has been immensely helpful to me in my career. I built NatureBox with a Babson classmate I met as a student, and we're proud to have two other Babson alums on our team, and countless friends who have advised and invested in the company."

Prospective students are invited to meet some of these Alumni at events in April and May.

With the goal of generating awareness of Babson College in the Bay Area, and encouraging prospective students to connect with Babson, the college and their agency, Connelly Partners, selected the 4th and King Caltrain station since it is a major transit hub of the commuter rail line. The Babson advertising campaign surrounds Caltrain commuters with over 30 placements both inside and outside the station, driving people to a campaign landing pagesf.babson.eduwhere prospective students are encouraged to explore Babson's offerings or attend an upcoming event.

"Babson College's Caltrain station domination makes the statement that Babson is a name worth knowing, remembering and that it is here for the long term in San Francisco," said Connelly Partners' President, Steve Connelly '82.

Connect with Featured Alumni at Upcoming Babson San Francisco Events

THRIVE Series: Driving innovation, Creating Momentum

Featuring Melissa Waters MBA'07Vice President of Marketing, Lyft

Thursday, April 27, 2017, 5:30-8 p.m.

Babson Connect: San Francisco

Featuring Jamie Siminoff '99, Chief Inventor and Founder, Ring

Tuesday, May 2, 2017, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

About Babson San Francisco

Babson San Francisco expands Entrepreneurial Thought & Action to the West Coast through innovative graduate degrees, including its Blended Learning MBA and Master of Science in Business Analytics, as well as an undergraduate semester experience, and custom executive education, while connecting Babson students, faculty, and alumni to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Bay area. Take a virtual tour of campus and stay up-to-date on programming, events, and other initiatives by following #BabsonSF.

About Babson College

Babson College is the educator, convener, and thought leader for Entrepreneurship of All Kinds. The top-ranked college for entrepreneurship education, Babson is a dynamic living and learning laboratory where students, faculty, and staff work together to address the real-world problems of business and society. We prepare the entrepreneurial leaders our world needs most: those with strong functional knowledge and the skills and vision to navigate change, accommodate ambiguity, surmount complexity, and motivate teams in a common purpose to make a difference in the world, and have an impact on organizations of all sizes and types. As we have for nearly a half-century, Babson continues to advance Entrepreneurial Thought & Action as the most positive force on the planet for generating sustainable economic and social value.

Brianna Radicioni

Public Relations Manager, Babson College

[email protected]

(781) 239-4548

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM). For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.

SOURCE Babson College

Related Links

http://www.babson.edu


WELLINGTON, Fla., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Barbuto & Johansson, PA (the "Firm"), announces that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Signet Jewelers, Ltd. (NYSE: SIG) ("Signet" or the "Company"). To learn more about this case, investors should contact the Firm before May 29, 2017, prior to the application deadline for lead plaintiff. Anthony Barbuto, Esq., who has trained in class action representation and is also a leader in equestrian law, represents those who have been harmed by securities fraud. Carly Johansson, Esq., who has previously worked for a national employment law firm dealing with sexual harassment cases, focuses on injury law, including financial injuries. The firm announces that a securities class action against Signet has been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas on behalf of purchasers of Signet common stock between August 29, 2013 and February 27, 2017, inclusive (the "Class Period"). On April 14, 2017, the case was transferred to the Southern District of New York. You can reach Mr. Barbuto or Ms. Johansson at (561) 444-7980.

The Lawsuit

Signet is charged with making false and misleading statements and omissions related to the Company's operations in violation of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The allegations involve Signet's subsidiary, Sterling Family of Jewelers ("Sterling"), which operates stores under brand names including Kay Jewelers and Jared. The lawsuit alleges that the Company publicly downplayed serious issues of sexual harassment that were alleged by employees in a private arbitration proceeding. On February 26, 2017, however, the public gained access to 249 declarations by current and former Sterling employees that painted a picture of the Company in which sexual harassment is not just tolerated but modeled by top executives. Further, a February 27, 2017 Washington Post article quoted the arbitrator stating, "[f]or the most part Sterling has not sought to refute this evidence." After trading closed on February 27, 2017, Signet's common stock price plunged.

Shareholder Class Rights

If you are a Signet shareholder during the class period and wish to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation, e-mail or call Anthony Barbuto ([email protected]); office: (561) 444-7980; cellular: (561) 531-8221 or Carly Johansson ([email protected]); office: (561) 444-7980; cellular: (954) 401-0435. Barbuto & Johansson, P.A. is based in Wellington, Florida. To learn more about the Firm, you may visit www.injurylawfirm4all.com.

SOURCE Barbuto Law & Associates, P.A.

Related Links

http://www.injurylawfirm4all.com


Bryant has held the prestigious MAI designation conferred by the Appraisal Institute since 2003. He has significant appraisal experience with many property types including vacant land/lots (residential and commercial), single-family and multi-family residential, single and multi-tenant industrial, office and retail properties, mixed-use and subdivision developments. He also has expertise in condemnation appraisals, including court testimony.

Prior to joining BBG, Bryant served as a Senior Appraiser and Director at Cushman & Wakefield's Valuation and Advisory office in Charlotte.

Before joining Cushman & Wakefield, Bryant spent 13 years as a Partner/Owner at Bryant & Rutledge, where he appraised a wide range of property types for various types of clients, including a specialty in eminent domain appraisal assignments.

Earlier in his career, Bryant held Staff Appraiser positions at other appraisal firms located in Charlotte.

Bryant has been actively involved with the North Carolina Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, where he has held a number of leadership positions over the last 17 years. He held chapter officer positions from 2011 through 2015, culminating in being Chapter President in 2015. He currently serves as a Regional Representative for Region V of the Appraisal Institute.

Additionally, Bryant was selected and attended the Appraisal Institute's Leadership Development Advisory Council in Washington, D.C. He is also a member of the Charlotte Region Commercial Board of Realtors and the International Right-of-Way Association.

Bryant's appointment follows a series of recent high-level executive hires and acquisitions of new offices, reflecting BBG's strategy to aggressively expand its national footprint.

BBG CEO Chris Roach said, "We are excited that Brian has joined our growing team of outstanding and dedicated executives, as BBG continues to broaden its services nationally across all industry sectors. A consummate professional, Brian will work closely with C. Grant Griffin, Senior Managing Director of BBG's office in Atlanta who oversees the company's operations in the Southeastern Region, to achieve our goal of preserving a leadership role in this region, as well as other locations across the country."

"I am very much looking forward to become part of a growing and dynamic company that places a great emphasis on superior local market knowledge, deep industry experience through real-world experience, and always willing to go the extra mile to meet its clients' needs," Bryant said.

ABOUT BBG

BBG is a leading independent national commercial real-estate valuation, advisory and assessment firm headquartered in Dallas with 22 offices in key U.S. markets. BBG has achieved a reputation for personal attention, on-time delivery and deep expertise in multi-family, office, retail and industrial sectors. For more information about BBG, please visit www.bbgres.com.

Media Contact

Marc Weinstein

Ascent Communications

[email protected]

(908) 967-9958

SOURCE BBG

Related Links

http://www.bbgres.com


NASHUA, N.H., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Beacon Angels, a premier Boston area investor group has once again funded XCube R&D, barely six months after it picked up XCube to invest in October of 2016.

Beacon Angels

XCube R&D, a leader in developing the infrastructure technologies for autonomous driving and ADAS applications, has since acquired marquee customers in Japan, China and Korea, has had legendary investor Michael Mark join its board of directors, and has named a new Chairman of the Board and CEO, Satish Jha. XCube is currently in a fresh round of funding to package its software and develop new customers.

For more information about XCube, visit us at www.x3-c.com or email Shantanu Jha at [email protected] to discuss any investor related opportunities.

William Swiggart, the founder of Beacon Angels observed that "XCube first impressed Beacon in its seed phase as having developed a unique and essential technology for the self-driving car. We have just doubled our investment because management has made several key operational moves, and now appears to be on the verge of delivering on its promise of partnering with very significant potential customers both within and without the automotive industry. The Beacon membership, myself included, is very hopeful and optimistic for XCube's prospects."

XCube R&D Chairman and CEO Satish Jha said "Beacon Angels was the first among the Boston area early stage investors to spot XCube and quick to invest in it. It has helped XCube find fresh momentum and with Beacon's lead we hope other investors will soon join in to make the world leverage XCube's technology to scale without impacting the performance in massively parallel computing."

Beacon Angels www.beaconangels.com is a Boston-based angel group that makes investments in the $50,000 to $300,000 range in small, fast-growing companies (New England only).

XCube Research and Development is a leader in the autonomous driving space and creates software infrastructure for automotive manufacturers and ADAS suppliers to accelerate the development of autonomous vehicle programs.

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Beacon Angels

Related Links

http://www.beaconangels.com


DENVER, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bill Barrett Corporation (the "Company") (NYSE: BBG) announced today that it is providing an update on certain first quarter of 2017 items, including commodity price and derivatives data and the weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding. The Company also announced that it will host conference call on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, to discuss its first quarter of 2017 financial and operating results.

COMMODITY PRICE AND DERIVATIVES UPDATE

For the first quarter of 2017, West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") oil prices averaged $51.92 per barrel, Northwest Pipeline ("NWPL") natural gas prices averaged $2.99 per MMBtu and NYMEX natural gas prices averaged $3.32 per MMBtu. The Company had derivative commodity swaps in place for the first quarter of 2017 for 6,500 barrels of oil per day tied to WTI pricing at $58.20 per barrel, 10,000 MMBtu of natural gas per day tied to NWPL regional pricing at $2.96 per MMBtu and no hedges in place for NGLs.

Based on preliminary unaudited results, the Company expects to realize a cash commodity derivative gain of $3.6 million in the first quarter due to positive derivative positions. The Company expects its first quarter commodity price differentials to benchmark pricing  before commodity derivative gains and in relation to delivery location and quality adjustments  to approximate: oil less $4.00 price per barrel versus WTI; and natural gas less $0.33 per thousand cubic feet ("Mcf") compared to NWPL. The Denver-Julesburg Basin oil price differential averaged $2.78 per barrel, in addition the Company benefits from having no long-term oil marketing agreements. NGL prices averaged approximately 39% of the WTI price per barrel.

The following table summarizes the Company's hedge position for 2017 and 2018 as of April 18, 2017:



Oil (WTI)

Natural Gas (NWPL)











Period Volume Bbls/d Price $/Bbl

Volume MMBtu/d Price $/MMBtu











2Q17 3Q17 4Q17 6,625

7,125

7,125 58.10 58.77 58.77

10,000

10,000

10,000 2.96 2.96 2.96 1Q18 4,250 54.64





2Q18 4,250 54.64





3Q18 2,000 54.34





4Q18 2,000 54.34







Realized sales prices will reflect basis differentials from the index prices to the sales location.

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

The Company estimates that the weighted average common basic and diluted shares for the first quarter will be approximately 74.5 million.

FIRST QUARTER 2017 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL

The Company plans to issue its first quarter 2017 financial and operating results press release after the market close on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. The Company will host a conference call on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, to discuss the results. The call is scheduled at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time (8:00 a.m. Mountain time). Please join the webcast conference call live at www.billbarrettcorp.com, accessible from the Investor Relations page. To join by telephone, call 855-760-8152 (631-485-4979 international callers) with passcode 10337349. A replay of the call will be available through May 10, 2017, at 855-859-2056 (404-537-3406 international) with passcode 10337349.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are 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. Words such as expects, forecast, guidance, anticipates, intends, plans, believes, seeks, estimates and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements herein; however, these are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release relate to, among other things, first quarter commodity derivative gains, commodity price differentials, number of shares outstanding, future financial performance and business expectations.

These and other forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management's judgment as of the date of this release and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Please refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC and other filings, including our Current Reports on Form 8-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, all of which are incorporated by reference herein, for further discussion of risk factors that may affect the forward-looking statements. Risks also include potential differences between expected reported results and actual reported results after the Company's financial statements and related reviews are finalized. The Company encourages you to consider the risks and uncertainties associated with projections and other forward-looking statements and to not place undue reliance on any such statements. In addition, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly revise or update any forward-looking statements based on future events or circumstances.

ABOUT BILL BARRETT CORPORATION

Bill Barrett Corporation (NYSE: BBG), headquartered in Denver, Colorado, develops oil and natural gas in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. Additional information about the Company may be found on its website www.billbarrettcorp.com.

SOURCE Bill Barrett Corporation

Related Links

http://www.billbarrettcorp.com


KENDALL PARK, N.J., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Binary Tree, a leader in enterprise digital transformation, announced that it earned its third Microsoft Gold Certification in Cloud Productivity. This certification complements Binary Tree's existing Microsoft Gold Certifications in Messaging and Application Development.

Partner certification involves a close, collaborative relationship with Microsoft, earning the highest standards of the company's widely recognized partnership program. A gold certification is the highest that Microsoft awards and requires that the certified company commits itself to evolving Microsoft technologies for the interests of its own needs as well as those of its clients.

"Everything we do revolves around helping enterprise organizations transform and make the switch to Microsoft," said Binary Tree Founder and CEO Steven Pivnik. "Our entire company strategy, mission and growth plan is based on helping our clients consume, adopt and use Office 365. This certification solidifies our expertise in the field."

Binary Tree and its clients enjoy Cloud Productivity Competency benefits including unlimited signature cloud support, premium priority Microsoft Referrals placement, guaranteed concierge engagement and direct partner support.

In continuing the focus on enterprise digital transformations to the Microsoft cloud, Binary Tree also recently earned a place in the Microsoft Enterprise Cloud Alliance, an exclusive alliance that Microsoft created and manages. The Enterprise Cloud Alliance's goal is to nurture and grow a strong partner ecosystem across a broad set of enterprise cloud products. The Alliance promotes and supports partners providing integrations and extensions to existing Microsoft products.

About Binary Tree

Binary Tree powers enterprise transformations. The company's award-winning software and services help companies modernize email, directories and applications by moving and integrating them to the Microsoft cloud. Binary Tree mitigates the risk of delays, downtime and budget overruns that often come with complex transformation projects in large organizations. It understands enterprise migration requirements that go well beyond the needs of small companies. The company's business-first approach helps plan, move and manage the transformation process from end to end so clients stay focused on their core businesses. Binary Tree's experts deliver a low-risk, successful IT transformation.

Since 1993, the company has transformed more than 7,000 global clients and 40 million users, including 6 million users to Office 365. Binary Tree is a Microsoft Gold Partner and a globally preferred vendor for Office 365. Its headquarters are located outside of New York City with global offices in France, Germany, Singapore, Sweden and the U.K. Visit www.binarytree.com for more information.

News Contact:

Marjorie Comer

Axia Public Relations for Binary Tree

888-773-4768

SOURCE Binary Tree

Related Links

http://www.binarytree.com


SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bitmovin, industry leading encoding, player and analytics provider and co-creator of the MPEG-DASH video streaming standard, today announced that it has joined the Alliance for Open Media. The Alliance for Open Media is a non-profit organization working to define and develop media technologies that address the need for an open standard for video compression and delivery over the web.

As a member of the Alliance, Bitmovin will collaborate with industry leaders in pursuit of an open and royalty-free AOMedia Video codec, AV1. Bitmovin has actively worked in video and streaming standardization and has driven standards from inception to implementation. Bitmovin's founders co-created the MPEG-DASH streaming standard used by Netflix, YouTube, and many others, and is responsible for over 50% of peak U.S. internet traffic. Given its encoding, virtualization and codec expertise, Bitmovin is excited to contribute to the AV1 codec, enabling an encoding solution that delivers high quality at low bitrates and fast turnarounds, comparable to what customers currently experience. The Alliance has made its AV1 codec source code publicly available as an open source project, and the group welcomes contributions from the broader developer community. Bitmovin will showcase the first ever AV1 Live Streaming demo, delivering 1080p playback at 1.5Mbps in broadcast quality, reducing storage and CDN costs by up to 10x, at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 24-27, 2017 (booth SU9007CM).

"We are very excited to be joining the Alliance for Open Media and to be the first company to integrate the AOMedia Video codec, AV1, into our products supporting both live streaming and video-on-demand," said Stefan Lederer, CEO of Bitmovin. "This alliance exemplifies our focus on being a first mover in the video streaming domain and we look forward to working with the other members to deliver a next-generation video format."

The availability of AOMedia Video as an open source project is an important element in fulfilling the organization's promise to deliver a next-generation video format that is:

Interoperable and open;

Optimized for internet delivery;

Scalable to any modern device at any bandwidth;

Designed with a low computational footprint and optimized for hardware;

Capable of consistent, highest-quality, real-time video delivery; and

Flexible for both commercial and non-commercial content, including user-generated content.

"We're pleased to welcome Bitmovin to the Alliance for Open Media, reflecting the importance of video encoding and player providers' engagement to achieve broad industry adoption," said Gabe Frost, Executive Director, the Alliance for Open Media. "We look forward to Bitmovin's contributions to this significant initiative, which will open the door to a new era of openness and interoperability for internet video."

About the Alliance for Open Media

The Alliance for Open Media is a project of the Joint Development Foundation, an independent non-profit organization that provides the corporate and legal infrastructure to enable groups to establish and operate standards and source code development collaborations. Launched in 2015, the Alliance for Open Media was formed to define and develop media technologies to address marketplace demand for an open standard for video compression and delivery over the web.

About Bitmovin

Bitmovin was founded in 2013 by the co-creators of the MPEG-DASH video streaming standard used by industry leaders like Netflix and YouTube and currently accounts for 50% of U.S. peak internet traffic. The company is laying the groundwork for a cross-platform future dominated by video content. Bitmovin, Inc. is based in San Francisco, CA and is privately owned. Investors include Atomico, YCombinator (YC S15), Dawn Capital, SpeedInvest, Constantia New Business and several angel investors, including the former VP Engineering of Netflix, the former CTO of Cisco and the founder of Unity. For more information, visit www.bitmovin.com.

Press contacts:

Bitmovin, Inc.

Molly Glover Gallatin

[email protected]

+1-415-215-0286

AO Media

Jessie Hennion, AOMedia Public Relations

[email protected]

+1-781-876-6208

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Bitmovin

Related Links

http://www.bitmovin.com


TROY, Mich., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BNP Media has launched Autonomous Vehicle Technologya new brand dedicated to the business-to-business autonomous vehicle industry. The first stage of this launch, the website www.autonomousvehicletech.com, is now online. It will be joined in May with a twice-monthly e-newsletter, and a monthly print magazine will launch in January 2018. Autonomous Vehicle Technology is the first brand dedicated to covering the connectivity, advanced electronics, mobility services and collaboration that will comprise the age of autonomy.

With major vehicle OEMs and other parties making multi-billion dollar investments in autonomous (self-driving) vehicles, the rapid development of autonomous vehicles represents a convergence of technological achievements, as well as social trends like ride sharing or smart traffic control. These technological achievements include in the areas of vehicle communications and networking, sensors and cameras, mapping and navigation, and machine learning.

"Autonomous vehicles will revolutionize transportation in many ways and promise to foster the growth of new businesses and industries, while all partiesproduct developers and manufacturers, engineers and researchers, regulators and consumersrethink our relationship with the automobile and what it means 'to drive'," said Kevin Jost, Autonomous Vehicle Technology's Editorial Director.

Autonomous Vehicle Technology will reach engineers and product developers at established automotive OEMs, suppliers, and infrastructure companies; new mobility suppliers and startups; as well as government regulators and researchers who are involved in autonomous vehicle development.

"We are thrilled to be the first brand to dedicate itself, online and in print, to the advanced technologies underpinning the rapidly emerging driverless vehicle industry, as we provide a broad range of information, educational, networking and market research resources to this sophisticated audience," said BNP Media Co-CEO and Publisher Harper Henderson.

"We are excited to be a part of these changes as Autonomous Vehicle Technology informs the people forging these transformations in vehicle safety, productivity and convenience."

For more information, please contact: Kevin Jost, Editorial Director ([email protected]); Matt Fasang, National Sales ([email protected]); or, Harper Henderson, Publisher ([email protected]).

About BNP Media: BNP Media is one of the country's leading business-to-business media companies serving industry professionals across 50+ industries through magazines, custom media, e-newsletters, websites, conferences, events, continuing education and market research. BNP Media is committed to helping professionals across the world succeed in business by providing superior information. Founded in 1926, BNP Media is a fourth-generation, family-run business headquartered in Troy, Michigan with regional offices around the country. To learn more, visit www.BNPMedia.com.

SOURCE BNP Media
MASON CITY | Cerro Gordo County supervisors on Tuesday asked state officials to reconsider the state's master matrix for evaluating concentrated animal feeding operations.

The county is the 11th to write to the governor and Legislature seeking changes "to assure that current environmental concerns are being met," according to a resolution unanimously approved by the board.

The matrix is a set of standards established by state law governing construction use of CAFOs. It is used for scoring operations, which are approved on a points-based system. It does not allow for local control even when county officials see potential health hazards.

"I'm a big supporter of agriculture," Supervisor Tim Latham said, "but it's time for the governor and state Legislature to take a look at this."

Supervisor Chris Watts said, "This is not about agriculture. It's about a good neighbor policy."

After the meeting, Supervisor Casey Callanan said, "I voted today to join with the other two supervisors to ask the state to revisit the master matrix. This was going to pass regardless of how I voted. However, this non-binding resolution will have no beneficial impact whatsoever."

He said solutions in government are best addressed in working with all parties involved. "I hope to work with our state association, Legislature, and constituents to come up with a reasonable solution. I have been in contact with Speaker Linda Upmeyer, who fully appreciates people's concerns and is sympathetic to them."

The state matrix was established in 2002. The supervisors said the number of CAFOs has increased statewide far beyond what legislators anticipated 15 years ago.

In Cerro Gordo County, supervisors said they have submitted reports to the Department of Natural Resources raising concerns about CAFO construction, impacts on drainage, road infrastructure, residential development and environmental concerns.

The DNR has consistently overruled local concerns and granted CAFO permits because the applicant has met the state matrix requirements.

Concerns about the matrix have been raised by county officials for the past several years without the Legislature acting on them.

Asked if he thought Cerro Gordo County's resolution would make any difference, Watts said, "If all 99 counties passed resolutions, it might make a difference."

Last year, the Environmental Protection Commission Board denied Cerro Gordo County's appeal to stop construction of a hog confinement facility near Ventura.

The county appealed to the commission after the DNR approved a permit request that county officials had rejected.

At issue was a proposal from River Edge Farms, LLC to build a facility to house 4,992-head of finish hogs on 300th Street, about a half-mile east of Balsam Avenue north of Ventura.

On Aug. 16, 2016, supervisors held a public hearing in which 23 people spoke, 20 of whom opposed the application.

The supervisors said they knew the application met all the requirements in the state matrix. But they were concerned about environmental impact because of the proposed sites proximity to homes and nearby wildlife areas. So they voted unanimously to oppose the application.

Neither Watts nor Latham were on the board at the time of that vote.

The DNR rejected the county's recommendation because the application met state matrix requirements.
HOUSTON, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP (NYSE:BWP) will report its first quarter 2017 earnings on Monday, May 1, 2017. A conference call for analysts and investors will begin at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time and will be hosted by Boardwalk's Chief Executive Officer, Stan Horton, and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Jamie Buskill. Boardwalk will issue its earnings news release before the market opens on Monday, May 1, 2017.

The news release and a live webcast will be available online at the Boardwalk website (www.bwpmlp.com). Please go to the website at least 10 minutes before the event begins to register and to download and install any necessary audio software. Those interested in participating in the question and answer session of the conference call should dial (855) 793-3255 for callers in the U.S. or (631) 485-4925 for callers outside the U.S. The Conference ID for the call is 5389383. Following the call, an online replay will be available on Boardwalk's website.

About Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP

Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP (NYSE: BWP) is a midstream master limited partnership that primarily transports and stores natural gas and liquids for its customers. Additional information about the Partnership can be found on its website at www.bwpmlp.com.

CONTACT:

Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP



Molly Ladd Whitaker, 866-913-2122

Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

SOURCE Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP

Related Links

http://www.bwpmlp.com


CHICAGO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Brunswick Group, a leading corporate advisory firm, today announced the expansion of its U.S. footprint with the opening in Chicago of its fifth American office.

Brunswick's Chicago office will serve as its Midwestern hub, providing senior counsel to the Midwest's leading regional and global companies on critical issues and stakeholder relations, including mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, employee engagement, crisis, litigation, and executive transitions.

Jayne Rosefield, previously a Partner in the New York office, will head up the Chicago office. Rosefield joined Brunswick in 2005 from JP Morgan and has driven the growth of Brunswick's U.S. Consumer Industries offer. Her transaction highlights include AB InBev's $107bn acquisition of SABMiller; Kraft's $20bn acquisition and integration of Cadbury plc and $55bn merger with Heinz to become Kraft Heinz; Burger King's $11bn acquisition of Tim Hortons to become Restaurant Brands International and Sysco's $8.2bn proposed acquisition of U.S. Foods.

Rosefield said: "Chicago's diverse network of global businesses and forward-thinking leaders make it a natural choice in which to establish a Brunswick presence. It is my privilege to open the firm's fifth American office in such a vibrant and important market."

Joining Rosefield in Chicago is Christopher Hannegan, a Partner who heads Brunswick's global employee engagement offer. This specialist offer helps CEOs and board members address people-related critical business issues including leadership, talent, culture, and strategy execution. Hannegan has nearly 25 years of experience, most of it spent in Chicago where he has advised over 100 companies in the Chicagoland and Midwest regions.

Susan Gilchrist, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: "With so many of the world's great companies based in the Midwest, we wanted to have a strong presence here too, supporting our clients on their biggest issues."

About Brunswick Group

Brunswick is an advisory firm specializing in business critical issues. We help clients navigate the interconnected worlds of finance, public affairs and society to build trusted relationships with all stakeholders. For more information, visit: www.brunswickgroup.com.

Contact:

Cecilia Arradaza

Tel: (202) 393-7337

[email protected]

SOURCE Brunswick Group

Related Links

http://www.brunswickgroup.com


DENVER, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The fast approaching debut of The Showroom @Furniture Row has created quite a stir both inside and outside the design community. Promising a fine furniture shopping and luxury design experience like no other, the 170,000 square foot complex will prominently showcase thirty individual galleries with curated collections by Baker, Marge Carson, Christopher Guy, Hancock & Moore, and Bernhardt, to name a few.

Internationally acclaimed designer Christopher Guy comments, "Both myself and everyone at Christopher Guy are absolutely delighted to hear about our opening in Denver, Americas fastest growing city. The venue is simply outstanding!"

Amy Foster is the lead buyer and official spokesperson for The Showroom @Furniture Row. Recently, Foster attended two major interior design shows in Paris and Cologne. "There are very few design shows in the world that celebrate creativity and push the design community to new understanding like the Maison & Objet and International Interiors Show," says Foster.

On the heels of these European shows, Foster traveled to New York for the 2017 Architectural Digest Show. "The information and inspiration we take away from these shows can have a direct impact on our plans for The Showroom @Furniture Row," states Foster. "The New York show created many opportunities to share our vision with industry peers and interior design leaders. Of the many unique features inside The Showroom, the dedicated, individualized galleries for each furniture brand generated the most excitement."

Next up for Foster is this month's High Point Market, in North Carolina. The world's largest furnishings industry tradeshow will be an excellent venue to introduce the interior design community to The Showroom @Furniture Row. "This year will be especially exciting for Christopher Guy as he unveils a new showroom in downtown High Point," says Foster. "It's a privilege to attend the grand opening of such an important partner of The Showroom @Furniture Row."

The Showroom @Furniture Row has also extended its reach with an all-out push in social media. Regular updates leading up to the grand opening can be found by visiting Facebook , Twitter, Instagram , Snapchat , and YouTube  use handle @theshowroomfr.

About Furniture Row Companies -The specialty stores of Furniture Row include Denver Mattress, Sofa Mart, Oak Express, and Bedroom Expressions. Family-owned and operated with more than 330 stores in thirty states, Denver-based Furniture Row is one of America's largest furniture and bedding retailers. Visit www.FurnitureRow.com.

Diane Morrow

[email protected]

800.927.1517

SOURCE The Showroom @ Furniture Row

Related Links

http://www.FurnitureRow.com


NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomberg announced today that Capital Group has selected Bloomberg's Evaluated Pricing Service (BVAL) to benchmark and corroborate end-of-day values of its municipal bond positions.

Capital Group is one of the world's largest and most respected asset managers with more than $1.4 trillion in assets under management. Capital Group selected BVAL for its broad coverage of municipal bonds, access to in-house evaluator teams and the transparency Bloomberg provides into its pricing models through the Bloomberg Terminal.

"Capital Group maintains a disciplined approach to managing our funds that is based on rigorous research and high-conviction investment strategies," said Noelle Aiello, VP in Global Securities Operations at Capital Group. "It is imperative that we have access to best-in-class solutions for valuing municipal bonds and BVAL offers the level of quality and service that we require."

Bloomberg draws on market data from a wealth of sources, including contributed observations, to produce credible, defensible and independent valuations for more than 2.5 million fixed income securities and over-the-counter derivatives. Today, BVAL prices nearly one million municipal bonds daily and simplifies comparisons for thinly traded instruments by reviewing a number of characteristics ranging from issuer, call protection and coupon-size among other factors.

"We have made strategic investments in the quality and coverage of our evaluated pricing because we recognized early on the vital role valuations play in a firm's investment strategy and regulatory compliance process," said Varun Pawar, global head of Bloomberg's evaluated pricing service. "BVAL uses rigorous and transparent pricing models that draw from a wealth of data sources. This helps our customers remain competitive in the market but also confident about meeting regulatory and investor demands."

The key to BVAL's methodology is real-time access to market observations from a wealth of contributed sources. This accumulated mass of market data is the main driver of an innovative and quantitative approach that first corroborates market levels on actively traded bonds and then derives a comparable relative value price for securities that are less liquid. Since prices are derived algorithmically using the most recent market data, BVAL's prices track current market conditions and consistently stand-up to rigid quality tests.



In addition, BVAL is the primary pricing source for the Bloomberg Barclays municipal bond indices, which are widely recognized industry benchmarks.

To learn more about Bloomberg's evaluated pricing service, or BVAL, please visit www.bloomberg.com/professional/product/pricing-data/

About Bloomberg

Bloomberg, the global business and financial information and news leader, gives influential decision makers a critical edge by connecting them to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas. The company's strength  delivering data, news and analytics through innovative technology, quickly and accurately  is at the core of the Bloomberg Professional service. Bloomberg's enterprise solutions build on the company's core strength: leveraging technology to allow customers to access, integrate, distribute and manage data and information across organizations more efficiently and effectively. For more information, visit www.bloomberg.com or request a demo.

About Capital Group

Since 1931, Capital Group, home of the American Funds, has been singularly focused on delivering superior results for long-term investors using high-conviction portfolios, rigorous research and individual accountability. Today, Capital Group manages more than US $1.4 trillion in long-term equity and fixed-income assets for millions of individual and institutional investors around the world.*

The Capital Group companies manage equity assets through three investment groups. These groups make investment and proxy voting decisions independently. Fixed income investment professionals provide fixed income research and investment management across the Capital organization; however, for securities with equity characteristics, they act solely on behalf of one of the three equity investment groups.

*As of December 31, 2016

SOURCE Bloomberg

Related Links

http://www.bloomberg.com


MIAMI BEACH, Fla., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, a world-class beachfront boutique hotel and luxury spa in Miami Beach, today announced that leading wellness clinician Adonis Maiquez, M.D., ABAARM, will join the Carillon. In his capacity, Dr. Adonis Maiquez will provide Carillon residents and guests with access to premier medical advice and will serve as a resource for achieving total wellness through proven medical practices to bring the body into complete balance.

Dr. Adonis Maiquez will begin his residency on April 19, 2017. In addition to clinical practice, he will host regular seminars and talks with residents and guests at The Spa at Carillon Miami, the resort's 65,000 square-foot integrated wellness space that features spa, medical, wellness and fitness programs. Prior to joining the Carillon, Dr. Adonis Maiquez was a key member of the medical team at the Miami Institute for Age Management and Intervention at the Four Seasons. Certified by the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Adonis Maiquez is also a trained Neurosurgeon and is well-known in Miami for his work on a broad spectrum of wellness topics, including the restoration of body chemistry affected by the aging process. He is an active member of the Institute for Functional Medicine and the American Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine.

"We are thrilled that Dr. Adonis Maiquez is joining our team and together we are committed to cementing Carillon's status as a world-class wellness resort," said James Zenni, Chairman of Carillon Miami Wellness Resort's Board of Directors and President and Chief Executive Officer of Z Capital Partners. "Dr. Adonis Maiquez brings to Carillon Miami unparalleled experience in the wellness space, and we are confident that our guests will appreciate his deep knowledge about achieving total wellness. This is an important step in continuing to improve the guest and resident experience and provide them access to premier medical professionals across an array of specialties, including orthopedics, reconstruction, dentistry, functional medicine and other areas of interest."

Dr. Adonis Maiquez was a post-grad and fellow in the Department of Surgery and Neurosurgery at the University of South Florida in Tampa, where he developed expertise in neurosurgery, neuro-oncology and neuro-endocrinology. In addition, Dr. Adonis Maiquez has pursued advanced training in pain management and family and preventive medicine. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is a portfolio company of Z Capital Partners, L.L.C.

ABOUT CARILLON MIAMI WELLNESS RESORT:

Located along the white sand shores of Miami Beach, Carillon Miami Wellness Resort presents an authentic and specialized approach to health, wellness and complete well-being. Exuding the "luxury of wellness," the resort focuses on aligning physical, mental and spiritual health by offering a comprehensive retreat, the largest spa in the region (65,000 sq. ft.), a one-of-a-kind Thermal Experience and an integrative medical wellness center. The resort features 150 spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, ranging in size from 720  1,200 sq. ft. An array of recreational activities are at guests' fingertips, with over 200 fitness classes offered each week, access to the resort's two-story indoor rock wall and four pools located throughout the property: the Sunrise Pool, Cabana Pool, Sunset Pool and the adult-only rooftop Atlantic Pool. Serving fresh, locally-sourced, cuisine, the resort features four dining venues including Thyme, Carillon Lounge, The Cabana, and the Juice Bar. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort promotes a path to discovery and provides tools for a healthier lifestyle extending beyond each guest's stay. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and Leading Spas. For more information, please visit www.carillonhotel.com.

ABOUT Z CAPITAL PARTNERS

Z Capital Group, L.L.C. is a leading alternative asset management firm with $2.3 billion in regulatory assets under management across complementary private equity and credit businesses. Z Capital manages both opportunistic, value-oriented private equity and credit funds with offices in New York, NY and Lake Forest, IL.

Z Capital's investors are some of the largest and most sophisticated global institutional investors in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East including, public and corporate pension funds, university endowments, foundations, sovereign wealth funds, central banks, and insurance companies. For more information, please visit www.zcapgroup.net.

Media Contact:

Julie Oakes / Tim Ragones / Kate Clark

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

212-355-4449

SOURCE Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

Related Links

http://www.carillonhotel.com


LONDON, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The global carnauba wax market size is expected to reach USD 334.9 million by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to witness high growth owing to increasing use of the product as a food glazing agent which provides a superior shine, thus improving its aesthetic ability. Carnauba wax market is highly influenced by the favorable regulations enforced by the regulatory agencies such as European Union (EU) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The industry is highly dependent on the raw materials which form a major part of the operational cost for the manufacturers. The raw material is supplied majorly by the farmers and landholders, employing primitive techniques for wax extraction. However, in some cases, the manufacturers may be backward integrated to the extraction of raw materials.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4394773/



The manufacturing of the product is limited to Brazil due to the exclusivity of the Brazilian palm tree to the region. The production is dominated by four wax manufacturers namely Brasil Ceras, Carnauba do Brasil, Foncepi, and Pontes. The companies in the market resort to external third party distribution channels to sell their product in the international market while the domestic distribution is carried out through the company established distribution channels. The industry is characterized by the presence of a number of suppliers and distributors spread across the major carnauba wax consuming regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.



The investment feasibility for the market declares the low-profit margins for the raw materials suppliers and the manufacturers, and a relatively higher margins for the suppliers and the wholesalers. The price of the product is lower in North America and Europe, but higher in Asia Pacific. The product is manufactured solely in Brazil, leading to a comparatively lower cost in Central and South America as compared to North America and Europe. The prices significantly vary across region owing to transportation cost. As a result, the prices in North America are significantly lower as compared to the cost in Asia Pacific.



Further key findings from the report suggest:



Cosmetics accounted for over 24% of the consumption volume in 2015 due to high demand for the wax as a glazing agent in lip colors, lip gloss, conditioners, and hair gels. Growing demand for the product in manufacturing cosmetics owing to its organic nature is expected to drive the industry growth.



Pharmaceutical use of the product is expected to account for over 7% of the industry revenue due to increasing use of the product as a coating agent in pharmaceutical drugs. Also, growing demand for time-release drug delivery systems such as capsules coupled with favorable regulations pertaining to the use of the product for medical applications.



Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 4% from 2016 to 2024 due to rapid industrialization in the developing economies such as China and India. Increasing disposable income coupled with the changing consumer preference in the region is expected to drive the demand. The growth of the confectionery industry in the aforementioned economies is expected to benefit the market growth.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4394773/



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com



For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

Related Links

http://www.reportbuyer.com


NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential securities fraud at China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited ("China Unicom" or the "Company") (NYSE:CHU).

The investigation focuses on whether the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by failing to disclose that some of the Company's executives might have been involved in bribery and corruption while performing their duties.

Specifically, on December 28, 2015, BBC News announced that Chang Xiaobing, the former Chairman of China Unicom from 2004 to 2015, had been placed under investigation by the Communist Party's anti-corruption agency. Then, on July 12, 2016, South China Morning Post reported that China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection had accused Xiaobing of taking bribes, interfering in the anti-graft agency's inspection, and violating state-owned enterprise corporate governance rules.

Most recently, April 18, 2017, The Standard reported that Xiaobing admitted at trial that he had accepted bribes worth more than 3.76 million yuan during his 14-year tenure at the Company. On this news, China Unicom's American Depositary Receipt price fell, damaging investors.

Request more information now by clicking here: www.faruqilaw.com/CHU. There is no cost or obligation to you.

Take Action

You can also contact us by calling Richard Gonnello toll free at 877-247-4292 or at 212-983-9330 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding China Unicom's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.



FARUQI & FARUQI, LLP

685 Third Avenue, 26th Floor

New York, NY 10017

Attn: Richard Gonnello, Esq.

[email protected]

Telephone: (877) 247-4292 or (212) 983-9330

SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP

Related Links

http://www.faruqilaw.com


The Smart World launch event will be held in association with the BuiltWorlds Summit , and will be attended by architecture, urban planning, and construction industry leaders, city officials, academic experts, Smart City solutions providers, real estate professionals, investors, media, civic data scientists, and tech lovers. The company is honored to be joined by an esteemed lineup of expert speakers for the afternoon. Opening remarks commence at 3 pm CST.

Opening Remarks and Welcome Keynote:

Mr. Gordon Feller, Founder, Meeting of the Minds

Keynote Address:

Mr. Michael Jansen, CEO, Cityzenith

Special Guest Speakers:

Mr. Tom Schenk, Chief Data Officer, the City of Chicago

Mr. John Kizior, Global Director, Project Technologies, AECOM

Mr. Tom Coleman, Manager of Technology Integration, WSP-Parsons Brinckerhoff

Smart World Product Demo:

Mr. James Fee, CTO, Cityzenith

From the creators of Google Earth, Cityzenith's award-winning 5D Smart World software platform, a next-generation City Information Modeling (CIM) tool, revolutionizes the way AEC and building professionals design, collaborate, analyze, present, and operate their projects unlike any other tool in the market today.

Smart World models are used by both architects and planners for individual building, campus, and town planning projects of any scale. Users drag and drop their BIM project models into interactive, content-rich 3D city model environments right in their own web browsers, and can find any data relevant to their projects, ask any questions, run any analysis (solar, shadow, microclimate, traffic, LEED, et al), and collaborate with any team members anywhere in the world, all in real time.

Smart World is the Holy Grail of contextual project information and analysis CIM platforms for architects and planners. Users enjoy many transformational benefits:

avail of immediate access to terabytes of project data content including, dozens of free and premium analytics tools, 100's of 3D city models, and 1000's of curated public and commercial data services

enjoy savings from a reduction in man-hours for time allocated to project research, team communication, and design time

eliminate spend on subscriptions for legacy software tools and web services

Smart World city data layers include: curated open data and data services, 3D buildings and other infrastructure layers, satellite imagery, road networks and traffic, weather, environmental, and premium IoT services. Cityzenith is pleased to share that Smart World will soon also make accessible real-time sensor data from the Current, powered by GE CityIQ IoT platform, where available. Current's CityIQ intelligent nodes are embedded with multi-functional sensors deployable on city street light poles that collect metadata including pedestrian flow, vehicular movement, environment, and other valuable information. Served up through Smart World, this metadata will equip architects and planners with up-to-the-minute data essential for today's big-dollar design decisions.

AEC technology experts are talking about CIM:

"CIM offers new and enhanced opportunities for planners and other professionals working in the urban environment. Particularly, in relation to the deployment of real time data into the analysis of the conditions in which key planning and resource allocation decisions are made and the appreciation of the longer-term impact of such decisions." (Thompson, et al, Urban Planning, 2016)

"A CIM model could enable city-wide simulation (for architects and planners) of various aspects such as traffic, congestion, energy, impact of natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes, flood control, etc." (Khemlani, AECBytes 2016).

About Cityzenith

Cityzenith's 5D Smart World software platform, a next-generation City Information Modeling (CIM) tool, revolutionizes the way building professionals (AECO) use data to design, collaborate, analyze, present, and operate their projects. The company is based in Chicago with an office in London. www.cityzenith.com

SOURCE Cityzenith

Related Links

http://www.cityzenith.com


SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloudwords, a software provider for global content localization, announced today it has partnered with Lilt, an AI-infused translation platform, to deliver an end-to-end localization solution that incorporates the best of both Cloudwords' and Lilt's technology solutions: Cloudwords software speeds global marketing workflows and Lilt's interactive Machine Translation (MT) and CAT software boosts translator productivity. Together, Cloudwords and Lilt will offer multinational organizations with high volume, complex localization demands the ability to shorten localization turnaround times, reduce cost and increase quality for multilingual content. The joint solution further enables global marketers to more quickly and efficiently create and deliver localized marketing campaigns and content at scale.

"With Lilt's technology as part of our solution offering, Cloudwords is further positioned as the preferred technology choice for global enterprise marketing teams who want to get an edge on the competition. Cloudwords offers customers a complete solution to both speed the localization workflow and shorten translation turnaround times, enabling marketers to significantly accelerate go-to-market launch timelines," said Richard Harpham, CEO at Cloudwords.

Lilt's technology enables a human+machine partnership to accelerate human translation and improve machine translation quality. As users translate on Lilt, the system offers translation suggestions and learns from human feedback. Lilt is the first production MT system that learns from that feedback in real-time, eliminating lag time for system re-training, which typically takes days or weeks. The system increases the productivity of a translator by 2-3 times, and improves overall localization quality and message consistency.

"We started Lilt to help people transcend language barriers to information access. Global businesses rely on Cloudwords to manage their multilingual content. By supercharging their workflows with Lilt, companies can now imagine delivering all of their content to more customers in more markets faster," said Spence Green, Lilt CEO and Co-founder.

Enterprise organizations with large internal translation teams will benefit from Lilt's interactive MT and CAT software, which improves translator productivity to shorten translation turnaround times. Cloudwords' partner ecosystem, which includes nearly 500 professional language service providers (LSPs), can leverage the joint solution to further increase the efficiency of the translation process for Cloudwords' customers.

Lilt's interactive MT and CAT software is available now for all Cloudwords customers. To learn more, schedule a consultation with a Cloudwords representative.

About Cloudwords

Cloudwords software speeds time to market for global campaigns and localized content. By connecting marketing systems and automating project workflow, Cloudwords eliminates time-consuming tasks and delivers unprecedented visibility into the localization process. With Cloudwords, marketers realize the global value of their marketing technology stack, enabling the delivery of more personalized content, in more languages, to more customers at a speed, quality and scale impossible to achieve with manual processes. Visit www.cloudwords.com to learn how global brands like Amazon Web Services, CA Technologies, McDonald's, Marketo, Oracle, Hubspot and Iron Mountain use Cloudwords. Headquartered in San Francisco, Cloudwords is backed by Storm Ventures, UMC Capital and Marc Benioff, founder of salesforce.com.

SOURCE Cloudwords

Related Links

http://www.cloudwords.com


(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 )



Cold insulation is a low temperature application insulation, which is used to improve energy efficiency. It is used in numerous applications operating at temperature below the ambient range and requiring protection against heat. Cold insulation material acts as a barrier to heat flow and closed structure is used to avoid wicking in a system where it is installed. These materials are adopted in various applications to maintain low temperature for process control, avoid surface condensation, and conserve refrigeration. The types of materials used for cold insulation are fiber glass, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, phenolic foam, and others. These are used in oil & gas industries, cold stores & marine applications, building & construction, and others.

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The growth of the global cold insulation market is driven by the increase in its demand in various applications such as refrigeration, HVAC, oil & gas, chemicals, and others. The usage of cold insulation has increased due to their ability to protect the environment from greenhouse gases and increase the efficiency of the system. These factors are further expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities to the market players in the near future. However, lack of awareness about cold insulation materials could hamper the market growth during the forecast period.

Polyurethane foam is the leading segment in the global market, as polyurethane exhibits unique properties such as lightweight, low thermal conductivity, low water absorption, good strength, and high chemical resistance. It is suitable for handling low thermal conductivity and substances stored at below freezing temperature.

The oil & gas application segment dominated the global market, with almost two-seventh of the global market share in 2016. In oil & gas industry, cold insulation is used to address relative designs, materials, procedures, and standard installation necessities for oil & gas infrastructure such as pipelines, vessels, and tanks.

Key Findings of the Cold Insulation Market

In 2016, Asia-Pacific dominated the global market, with around half of the market share in terms of revenue.

dominated the global market, with around half of the market share in terms of revenue. The polystyrene type segment is estimated to witness the highest growth rate, in terms of revenue, registering a CAGR of 7.9% from 2017 to 2023.

Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 7.7% in terms of revenue.

is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 7.7% in terms of revenue. In 2016, China dominated the Asia-Pacific cold insulation market, accounting for around one-third share, in terms of both revenue and volume.

dominated the cold insulation market, accounting for around one-third share, in terms of both revenue and volume. The refrigeration application segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 7.9%, in terms of revenue.

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In 2016, Asia-Pacific dominated the global market in terms of both revenue and volume, owing to increase in disposable income, growth in building & construction, and high demand for air conditioning devices due to the warm climate in this region. Furthermore, Asia-Pacific is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 7.7% followed by Europe with 7.5% from 2017 to 2023.

The key companies profiled in the report include BASF SE, Dow Chemical Company, Huntsman Corporation, Bayer Material Science, Armacell International S.A., Evonik Industries, Aspen Aerogels, Dongsung FineTec Co., Ltd., Certain Teed Corporation, and Kingspan Groups PLC.

About Us:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

Contact:

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#205, Portland, OR 97220

United States

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Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com

Blog: https://blog.alliedmarketresearch.com/

SOURCE Allied Market Research
MASON CITY | A Mason City man shot with a Taser during a police investigation on Saturday has been arrested.

A Mason City police officer deployed the weapon on John Espinosa, 33, about 10:30 p.m. in the 1300 block of North Madison Avenue.

Investigators were originally called to a residence on that block for an alleged domestic assault.

Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley said Espinosa was hit once with the Taser because he was yelling and refusing to comply with officer's orders.

"He wasnt doing what the officers asked him repeatedly to do," Brinkley said.

Espinosa was evaluated by a Mason City Fire Department ambulance crew and then taken to the Cerro Gordo County Jail.

He was booked on a misdemeanor charge of interference with official acts.

There were no charges from the initial complaint.

It was the Mason City Police Department's first Taser deployment of 2017, Brinkley said.

He said the incident involving Espinosa, as with all uses of force by officers, will be reviewed in accordance with department policy.

Espinosa has been released from jail pending his next court appearance.

-- Molly Montag
SEATTLE, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- College Spark announced $1.3 million in Community Grants with projects ranging from efforts to support the Highline Public Schools as it strengthens its current Advanced Placement (AP) program to better support low-income students, to work at two-year colleges around the state who are redesigning their systems of remedial coursework to empower students to enter and succeed in a program of study quickly.

The annual, competitive statewide Community Grants Program focuses on building the effectiveness of grantees working with low-income students in middle school, high school and college by funding new and promising practices that help students become college-ready and transition successfully to college.

"Education is not only about equal access, it is about equity," said Christine McCabe, Executive Director at College Spark. "These programs were selected because they have the potential to improve persistence and completion rates for low-income students, addressing barriers that poor, first-generation, and minority students face in school."

This year's 10 grantees will measure results using at least one of the following indicators of future college success:

Middle School Math : Improve math achievement in middle school, one measure of which is the rate of students earning a three or higher on the Smarter Balanced Assessment.

: Improve math achievement in middle school, one measure of which is the rate of students earning a three or higher on the Smarter Balanced Assessment. Early Warning Indicators : Decreasing the number of middle school students who trigger two of three early warning indicators: five or more absences per semester, course failure, or suspension or expulsion.

: Decreasing the number of middle school students who trigger two of three early warning indicators: five or more absences per semester, course failure, or suspension or expulsion. Remedial Education : Decreasing the percentage of students who are required to enroll in remedial, noncredit-bearing courses in college.

: Decreasing the percentage of students who are required to enroll in remedial, noncredit-bearing courses in college. College Math and English: Increasing the percentage of students who earn their first college-level credits in English or Math.

For example, Glover Middle School in Spokane will work to reduce early warning indicator rates by developing systems for analyzing student data, reforming school policy to limit the use of suspension practices, and teaching emotional-regulation strategies or dispute resolution skills for students. Yakima School District will design and implement professional development for all middle school math teachers to improve math outcomes for students, particularly for English Language Learners (ELL). Training will focus on improved conceptual understanding of mathematics and integrating ELL supports and growth mindset practices into their daily routines.

The projects focused on increasing first college-level credits in English and math are making campus-wide changes to the structure of their developmental education sequences and gatekeeper courses. Bellingham Technical College plans to convert all of its developmental math classes to flipped classrooms, which deliver lecture content online outside of class time and use the classroom for practicing skills. Both Clark College and Everett Community College will condense their pre-college math sequences in addition to contextualizing remedial math courses to specific programs of study in order to better connect required math content to student academic and career goals.

Since 2005, College Spark's Community Grants Program has awarded more than 100 Community Grants totaling more than $17 million.

College Spark Washington funds programs across Washington state that help low-income students become college-ready and earn their degrees. Grantees include community-based organizations, K-12 schools and districts, community and technical colleges, four-year colleges and universities, educational nonprofits, and public agencies. College Spark began supporting access to higher education in 1978 and, since 2005, has awarded more than $50 million to college readiness and degree completion programs throughout the state.

Contact: Thai Craig

[email protected]

206-282-4528

SOURCE College Spark Washington
ICE partnered with Colling Media to create a business and recruiting website to showcase its portfolio to existing and prospecting partners and also drive their recruiting and expansion efforts. The site needed conversion points focused on acquiring new key client relationships and increasing its U.S. and international staff by 25 percent to support its growth. Being the leader in the travel and leisure industry with partner brands including American Express and Sears, the site needed to represent the organization's brand, products and services while increasing brand appeal in order to attract top talent. The new ICE site increased conversion rates by 350 percent. As more future employees, partners and prospects are sent to the site daily, organic and referral traffic continue to climb.

On receiving AZIMA recognition, Colling Media CEO Brian Colling said, "We are honored to help ICE create a website promoting its outstanding travel services with global brands including Sears, USAA and American Express among others. Thank you AZIMA for this award and we look forward to seeing the site produce long-term benefits for ICE."

Michelle Spatafore, Director of Corporate, Recruiting and Retention Marketing at ICE adds, "we knew the Colling Media Team would be the perfect fit with our organization. They bring unparalleled passion and pride to their work - demonstrating strong market knowledge and keen design skills. We are proud of our partners on this project and congratulate them on this prestigious recognition!"

ICE & Colling Media are currently integrating cutting edge lead generation and sales acquisition strategies with advanced technology integration & advertising strategies.

About Colling Media

Colling Media is a technology infused, results driven advertising agency. Companies hire Colling Media to produce tangible ROI they can count on. Every result driven multi-media team member offers unique talents blending together creating an unparalleled level of expertise in the advertising space. Colling Media provides these core services: Strategy Development, Media Buying, Digital Advertising, Lead Generation and Branding.

About International Cruise & Excursions, Inc. (ICE)

International Cruise & Excursions, Inc. (ICE), is a leading international travel and lifestyle organization with a network of premier corporate, leisure, and affinity-based alliance partners reaching around the globe. ICE offers a unique portfolio of services and innovations - known to disrupt and replace dated industry trends. Leveraging the innate power and appeal of vacations and unique leisure related products and services, ICE provides scalable new business opportunities and significant new revenue streams to some of the most respected global brands. Unmatched in delivering powerful marketing and technology solutions, ICE creates and manages private-branded vacation programs for successful corporate brands; servicing more than 55 million consumers worldwide, in over 12 different languages, from its 11 global offices across the US, Mexico, UK, Europe and Australia.

SOURCE Colling Media
RESTON, Va., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- comScore today announced the introduction of Facebook demographic metrics to the validated Campaign Essentials (vCE) campaign measurement suite. Beginning next month, vCE will include measurement of both display and video ads that run on desktop and mobile platforms on Facebook, Instagram and the Facebook Audience Network.

The availability of these new metrics -- including demographics, reach, frequency and GRPs -- comes in addition to viewability reporting for Facebook campaigns, which comScore introduced in vCE last year.

"The addition of demographic reporting for Facebook ads in vCE marks another step forward in providing advertisers and agencies with transparent, uniform measurement across all platforms and devices," said Gabe Goldstein, senior director of product management at comScore. "We're also pleased to offer both demographic and viewability metrics for Facebook and Instagram campaigns  a testament to our goal of easing the complexity of campaign measurement for our clients."

In addition to the inclusion of Facebook demographic and viewability data, comScore has made several other significant advances in its vCE offering in the past year. These advancements include enhancing sophisticated ad fraud prevention, expanding reporting capabilities, and earning third-party accreditations, all with the goal of providing greater transparency in the digital advertising ecosystem.

To learn more about vCE, please visit http://www.comscore.com/Products/Advertising-Analytics/validated-Campaign-Essentials-2.

Note that Facebook-related metrics in vCE are not accredited by the Media Rating Council (MRC).

About comScore

comScore is a leading cross-platform measurement company that measures audiences, brands and consumer behavior everywhere. comScore completed its merger with Rentrak Corporation in January 2016, to create the new model for a dynamic, cross-platform world. Built on precision and innovation, our data footprint combines proprietary digital, TV and movie intelligence with vast demographic details to quantify consumers' multiscreen behavior at massive scale. This approach helps media companies monetize their complete audiences and allows marketers to reach these audiences more effectively. With more than 3,200 clients and global footprint in more than 75 countries, comScore is delivering the future of measurement. Shares of comScore stock are currently traded on the OTC Market (OTC:SCOR). For more information on comScore, please visit comscore.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains 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, including, without limitation, comScore's expectations as to the financial and operational effects of validated Campaign Essentials (vCE) and its entire suite of advertising products. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, comSore's ability to project the financial impact of changes in its vCE offering or comScore's ability to achieve its expected financial and operational results. For additional discussion of risk factors, please refer to comScore's respective Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Reports on Form 10-K and other filings comScore makes from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which are available on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov).

Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements are made. comScore does not intend or undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or new information after the date of this press release, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

SOURCE comScore

Related Links

http://www.comscore.com


AMSTERDAM, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Constellium N.V. (NYSE and Euronext Paris: CSTM) will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) to announce its first quarter 2017 financial results. The press release will be sent before market opening.

The conference call will be hosted by Jean-Marc Germain, Chief Executive Officer, and Peter Matt, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Details of the conference call, webcast and accompanying presentation will be available on the Constellium Investor Relations page at:

http://www.constellium.com/aluminium-company/finance/financial-results-and-presentation

The information can also be found on Constellium's investor relations app, which is available for download on Apple Store and Google Play.

The webcast can be accessed live at:

https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/999/20567

To participate by telephone, please dial the following number and ask to be connected to the Constellium earnings call:

USA : 1 866 376 8056

: 1 866 376 8056 France : 0 805 102 319

: 0 805 102 319 Germany : 0 800 589 5393

: 0 800 589 5393 Switzerland : 0 800 246 787

: 0 800 246 787 United Kingdom : 0 800 279 9489

: 0 800 279 9489 Other: 1 412 902 4221

An archived recording of the conference call will also be available at www.constellium.com for three weeks.

About Constellium

Constellium (NYSE and Euronext Paris: CSTM) is a global sector leader that develops innovative, value added aluminium products for a broad scope of markets and applications, including aerospace, automotive and packaging. Constellium generated 4.7 billion of revenue in 2016.

www.constellium.com

SOURCE Constellium

Related Links

http://www.constellium.com


MORGANTON, N.C., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- International technology company Continental today announced a more than $40 million investment to expand its Morganton Plant, which manufacturers state-of-the-art automotive brake systems. The expansion is expected to be completed in early 2018. As recently announced by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Continental has been awarded a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) to support the expansion, which will create approximately 160 new jobs over the next five years, adding to the facility's more than 400 full time employees.

"We're always encouraging our existing manufacturing partners to expand right here in North Carolina," said Governor Cooper. "And we feel confident that Continental will be able to find the skilled workforce they need to enhance their footprint in the beautiful mountain gateway of Morganton. The addition of these good-paying jobs will mean more money in the pockets of Burke County residents."

The expansion will add production floor space to meet the growing demand for Continental's next generation MK C1 integrated brake system. It will also extend the warehouse and supporting areas to accommodate increasing production and logistics. The facility currently produces Continental's MK 100 brake systems and has started production of the new MK C1.

"The Morganton Plant has a proven record for producing the current brake system and is a natural fit for expansion to meet the production needs of our newest product," said Samir Salman, CEO of Continental, North America. "Continental is working to make mobility safer, more efficient and convenient and the MK C1 makes a major contribution to safe and dynamic driving, as well as energy efficiency."

The MK C1 "brake-by-wire" design enables 100 percent recuperation of braking energy. Further benefits include an approximate 30 percent weight reduction of the system and remote control and efficient braking dynamics in a compact unit. The innovative electronic brake system integrates the brake actuation, brake booster and control systems (ABS and ESC) into a compact, weight-saving one box design module.

Continental's MK C1 can build up braking pressure in 150 ms (time-to-lock), which is twice as fast as conventional systems today. In addition, the system meets the requirements for a recuperative braking system without any additional measures, while providing a high level of comfort. Continental supplies Alfa Romeo with its MK C1 for the new Giulia.

Continental recently won a 2017 Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award for its MK C1 integrated brake system. The PACE Awards are recognized around the world as industry benchmarks for innovation.

Continental's Chassis & Safety division develops and produces integrated active and passive driving safety technologies and products supporting vehicle performance dynamics, such as sensors and advanced driver assistance systems.

About Continental

Continental develops intelligent technologies for transporting people and their goods. As a reliable partner, the international automotive supplier, tire manufacturer, and industrial partner provides sustainable, safe, comfortable, individual, and affordable solutions. In 2016, the corporation generated sales of 40.5 billion with its five divisions: Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tires, and ContiTech. Continental currently employs more than 220,000 people in 56 countries.

Links

For the latest Continental news and information, follow us on:

Facebook www.Facebook.com/ContiPress

Twitter www.Twitter.com/ContiPressNA

SOURCE Continental
ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Converde Energy USA, Inc. ("XFUL"), (OTC Markets OTC Pink: XFUL), is pleased to announce it has entered into a contract and partnered with the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation ("EPCAMR") to engage the Susquehanna River Basin Commission ("SRBC") in a multi-phase study of the Mocanaqua Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) Tunnel. This project, if successful, may lead to the supply of millions of gallons of treated mine influenced water during low flow conditions into the local watershed that feeds the Susquehanna River (Pennsylvania).

The Mocanaqua AMD Tunnel mine is believed to be a significant mine pool of isolated mine water. The mine pool size is thought to exceed 500 billion gallons of water. This static mine pool should be adequate to support the SRBC's criteria for an augmentation source. EPCAMR is currently digitizing, geo-referencing, and delineating underground mine pool boundaries for the Mocanaqua AMD Tunnel in Phase I of the project. There are around 15 grid sections with an average of 6 coal veins to each grid to review and add elevation data for an estimated 90 mine maps from the Office of Surface Mining Folio Map Series. The coal veins in the southern tip of the northern anthracite coalfields in the lower Wyoming Valley are the Baltimore Vein, Top and Bottom Ross, Top and Bottom Red Ash, and the Red Ash. Data collected will be used to create a 3D Model of the surface and underground mine pool complexes and multi-colliery hydrologic units within the project area to more accurately calculate the potential mine pool storage volume potential within the project area by EPCAMR. Specific areas will then be drilled for more detailed in-situ mine pool monitoring of chemistry and elevation changes in the mine pool and at strategic surface monitoring locations within the Black Creek watershed and in several surface water-filled stripping pits. Data collected, under an approved State Forest Research Agreement, will be used by EPCAMR, SRBC, and XFUL and the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, who own the Pinchot State Forest.

Mr. Domitrovitsch, Chairman & CEO, stated, "We are very excited to be working with EPCAMR's talented staff at their regional non-profit professional environmental organization, with over 20 years of experience in abandoned mines across PA. The Executive Director, Robert E. Hughes has made it possible for us to execute on our first augmentation project that we anticipate will prove out HCPA's conveyance methodologies."

About EPCAMR & The SRBC

The purpose of EPCAMR is to encourage the reclamation and redevelopment of land affected by past mining practices. This includes reducing hazards to health and safety, eliminating soil erosion, improving water quality [and] returning land affected by past mining practices to productive use, thereby improving the economy of the region. Formed in 1995 by concerned conservation districts, EPCAMR represents a coalition of watershed organizations and reclamation partners. Members range from individuals, to the active anthracite mining industry and co-generation power plants, to non-profit organizations, 16 county conservation districts and other organizations in the anthracite and bituminous coal region of eastern Pennsylvania that are involved with abandoned mine reclamation issues. http://epcamr.org/home/

The mission of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), which is defined in the Compact, is to enhance public welfare through comprehensive planning, water supply allocation, and management of the water resources of the Susquehanna River Basin.

To accomplish this mission, the SRBC works to: reduce damages caused by floods; provide for the reasonable and sustained development and use of surface and ground water for municipal, agricultural, recreational, commercial and industrial purposes; protect and restore fisheries, wetlands and aquatic habitat; protect water quality and instream uses; and ensure future availability of flows to the Chesapeake Bay.

The SRBC is uniquely qualified to carry out this mission. As a federal-interstate compact commission, its focus is defined by the natural boundaries of the river basin rather than the political boundaries of the member states. As such, the SRBC serves as a forum to provide coordinated management, promote communication among the members, and resolve water resource issues and controversies within the basin. http://www.srbc.net/

About XFUL



XFUL's group of companies focus on providing solutions in the space where energy production and water meet technology. Our subsidiaries are engaged in the energy sector as well as design, build and operate regional water treatment facilities that serve the industrial, energy and government sectors.

Hydration Corporation of PA, LLC ("HCPA"), a subsidiary of XFUL is engaged in the businesses of water exploration, water augmentation, and the treatment of impacted waters. Through its subsidiaries and partners, we design, build, and operate regional water treatment facilities. HCPA is a leader in water-neutral energy solutions, as well as providing waste water technologies specifically designed to improve the impaired water disposal process.

The Company's IP delivers one of the highest energy yields from a broad range of water-bearing assets, with one of the lowest capital expenditures of any other known water processes.

HCPA offers a range of low cost attractive modular systems or fixed facilities via its water conveyance methodologies, which produce low cost water solutions in partnership with select small to large-size industrial energy users, government agencies, and non-profit watershed groups in target markets.

For additional information visit our website at: http://americanenergy-inc.com/

Safe Harbor

This press release contains forward-looking statements, particularly as related to, among other things, the business plans of XFUL, statements relating to goals, plans and projections regarding AEPI's financial position and business strategy. The words or phrases "would be," "will allow," "intends to," "may result," "are expected to," "will continue," "anticipates," "expects," "estimate," "project," "indicate," "could," "potentially," "should," "believe," "think", "considers" or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements fall within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934 and are subject to the safe harbor created by these sections. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, involve known and unknown risks, a reliance on third parties for information, transactions or orders that may be cancelled, and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in our industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results include risks and uncertainties related to the fluctuation of global economic conditions, the performance of management and our employees, our ability to obtain financing, competition, general economic conditions and other factors that are detailed in our periodic reports and on documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements made herein are as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as of any subsequent date. XFUL cautions readers not to place undue reliance on such statements. XFUL does not undertake, and XFUL specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences, developments, unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statement. Actual results may differ materially from XFUL's expectations and estimates.

Company Contact:

Brad Domitrovitsch

[email protected]

+1-610-217-3275



SOURCE Converde Energy USA, Inc.
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Corporate Whistleblower Center says, "We are urging a physician with proof a hospital or pharmaceutical company is bribing medical doctors to get more of their business to call us. As we would like to explain anytime at 866-714-6466 special incentives for physician or physicians from a hospital or drug company may be violations of the Stark Anti-Kickback Laws and this information could be very valuable for the whistleblower as we would like to discuss." http://CorporateWhistleblower.Com

MD

The Corporate Whistleblower Center is urging a physician with proof of major Stark Anti-Kickback Laws to call them anytime about possible rewards if they have the following types of information:

A healthcare or insurance company is purchasing medical practice groups and giving the physician full replacement value for their medical equipment or office furniture even though the personal-property has been fully depreciated.

A healthcare or insurance company is overpaying for a medical practice group-based on future business/admissions as opposed to the revenue being currently generated by the medical practice group.

A pharmaceutical company offers put a physician on 'speakers tour' as long as they continue to prescribe certain drug products at high volumes. Frequently these 'speaker fees' include expensive trips that include airfare, luxury hotels, and four-star dining.

In July of 2016 the Department of Justice announced a healthcare provider had agreed to pay $17 million to resolve allegations that it violated the Physician Self-Referral Law (the Stark Law) and the False Claims Act by maintaining improper financial arrangements with 28 physicians.

The United States alleged that the healthcare provider entered into asset purchase agreement for the acquisition of physician practices or employment agreements with 28 physicians that violated the Stark Law because the healthcare company took-into-account the volume or value of physician referrals, were not commercially reasonable or provided compensation in-excess of fair market value.

In this instance-the whistleblower received approximately $4.5 million.

According to the Corporate Whistleblower Center, "If you are a medical doctor and you have proof a healthcare company, a pharmaceutical company or an insurance company is engaged in kickbacks to physicians-please call us anytime at 866-714-6466. We would like to explain how the whistleblower reward program works and what type of proof is needed to get rewarded. As we would like to discuss in some instances an eyewitness to the Stark Anti-Kickback Law violations might be proof enough to get rewarded-as an eyewitness account might allow us to build out the facts related to the wrongdoing. Why sit on a potentially winning lotto ticket without ever knowing what it could have been worth?" http://CorporateWhistleblower.Com

Simple rules for a whistleblower from the Corporate Whistleblower: Do not go to the government first if you are a major whistleblower. The Corporate Whistleblower Center says, "Major whistleblowers frequently go to the government thinking they will help. It's a huge mistake. Do not go to the news media with your whistleblower information. Public revelation of a whistleblower's information could destroy any prospect for a reward. Do not try to force a company or individual to come clean Stark anti-kickback laws. Come to us first, tell us what type of information you have, and if we think it's sufficient, we will help find the right law firms to assist in advancing your information."

The Corporate Whistleblower Center wants to emphasize there are high quality whistleblowers in every state including California, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Washington, or Alaska.

The Corporate Whistleblower Center is the premier advocate for whistleblowers in the United States. Unlike any group in the US, they can assist a potential whistleblower with packaging their information and providing the whistleblower with access to the most accomplished whistleblower attorneys in the nation. For more information, potential whistleblowers can contact the Corporate Whistleblower Center at 866-714-6466 or visit http://CorporateWhistleblower.Com.

For attribution please refer to the Department of Justice press release about the Stark Anti-Kickback whistleblower reward. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/south-carolina-hospital-pay-17-million-resolve-false-claims-act-and-stark-law-allegations

Contact:

Thomas Martin

866-714-6466

[email protected]

SOURCE Corporate Whistleblower Center
A 21-year veteran of the housing industry, Smoke is skilled in translating data and trends into relevant, actionable insights. Most recently, Smoke served as Realtor.com's chief economist. Prior to that, he was the chief economist for Hanley Wood, a media and market intelligence company, and also served in a variety of roles at Beazer Homes, including senior vice president of strategy and innovation.

"Jonathan will provide a fresh perspective as he offers analysis on the automotive industry and the economic and market trends that affect our clients' business," said Sandy Schwartz, president, Cox Automotive. "Many parallels exist between the automotive and real estate industries, and Jonathan is perfectly positioned to offer actionable intelligence that will benefit our clients."

Last year, Smoke was named one of "the 21 most interesting people in real estate" by Inman News and was the only economist to make the list. He is frequently quoted in national news outlets and has published more than 150 original articles. Smoke will continue to blog regularly and will tweet using his new Twitter handle @SmokeonCars to share his industry insights. Smoke holds a bachelor's degree in economics and religious studies from Rhodes College and a master's degree in business from The University of Texas at Austin.

"I've spent my career working with data to improve the understanding of market trends and how demand and supply come together in purchases that represent the largest investments most consumers make," said Chief Economist Smoke. "I will help the company lead the industry with data-driven insights into what is happening and what the future holds. From wholesale to retail, new to used, manufacturer to dealer to consumer, I couldn't ask for a better venue for visibility into the automotive marketplace."

Cox Automotive creates economic industry insights office

Charlie Chesbrough is joining Cox Automotive as senior economist and senior director of industry insights. Chesbrough previously served as executive director and senior economist for Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). Prior to joining OESA, Chesbrough was the senior principal economist and director of industry analysis at IHS Automotive, where he was responsible for developing and integrating statistical models and economic scenarios into global automotive forecasts.

Chesbrough brings more than 25 years experience in market planning, demand forecast modeling and consumer research for Fortune 500 companies across many industries. Reporting to Smoke and based in Detroit, he will assist in the creation and development of the new Cox Automotive economic industry insights office. In addition, he will direct the company's automotive forecasts as well as manage the economic industry insights related to the new car sector of the automotive market.

The economic industry insights office was created to capitalize on Cox Automotive's unique visibility into the car business and expand upon the data the company has already delivered to the automotive industry. The team will be responsible for creating and delivering industry-leading data and insights that empower its clients to thrive in the rapidly-changing automotive marketplace.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. is transforming the way the world buys, sells and owns cars with industry-leading digital marketing, software, financial, wholesale and e-commerce solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the overall automotive ecosystem worldwide. Committed to open choice and dedicated to strong partnerships, the Cox Automotive family includes Autotrader, Dealer.com, Dealertrack, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, NextGear Capital, vAuto, Xtime and a host of other brands. The global company has 33,000 team members in more than 200 locations and is partner to more than 40,000 auto dealers, as well as most major automobile manufacturers, while engaging U.S. consumer car buyers with the most recognized media brands in the industry. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., an Atlanta-based company with revenues of $18 billion and approximately 60,000 employees. Cox Enterprises' other major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Media Group. For more information about Cox Automotive, visit www.coxautoinc.com.

SOURCE Cox Automotive

Related Links

http://www.coxautoinc.com


VANCOUVER, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - CRH Medical Corporation (TSX: CRH) (NYSE MKT: CRHM) (the "Company"), plans to release its unaudited results for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, on Wednesday, April 26, after market close.

The Company's executive management will discuss the results during a conference call on Thursday, April 27 at 11:00 am Eastern Time/8:00 am Pacific Time. To participate in the call, please dial 1-800-319-4610, or (604) 638-5340.

An audio replay will be available shortly after the call by dialing 1-855-669-9658 or (604) 6748052 and entering access code 1307. The replay will be available until May 11, 2017.

About CRH Medical Corporation:

CRH Medical Corporation is a North American company focused on providing gastroenterologists throughout the United States with innovative services and products for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. The CRH O'Regan System is a single-use, disposable, hemorrhoid banding technology that is safe and highly effective in treating all grades of hemorrhoids. CRH distributes the O'Regan System, treatment protocols, operational and marketing expertise as a complete, turnkey package directly to gastroenterology practices, creating meaningful relationships with the gastroenterologists it serves. CRH's O'Regan System is currently used in all 48 lower US states.

In 2014, CRH acquired Gastroenterology Anesthesia Associates, LLC ("GAA"), a full-service gastroenterology anesthesia company that provides anesthesia services for patients undergoing endoscopic procedures. Since then, CRH has incorporated ten additional acquisitions to its anesthesia business. CRH Anesthesia now services 27 ambulatory surgical centers in seven states and performs approximately 170,000 procedures annually.

SOURCE CRH Medical Corporation

Related Links

www.crhmedcorp.com


MAUMEE, Ohio, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Incorporated (NYSE: DAN) today announced that the company recently earned major supplier awards from Manitou Group, John Deere, Hyster-Yale, and AGCO, recognizing the company's commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. Together, these four original-equipment manufacturers represent 16 brands across the construction, agriculture, forestry, and material-handling markets.

"Dana's strategic commitment to growing our business through customer centricity is evident in our highly-valued relationships with vehicle and equipment manufacturers," said Aziz Aghili, president of Dana Off-Highway Drive and Motion Technologies. "These awards are proof that Dana truly collaborates with global companies that share our mission to lead the industry with innovative technology that improves vehicle performance and buyer satisfaction."

Manitou Group

During the company's yearly supplier meeting in Nantes, France, Manitou Group recognized Dana as the "Best Supplier of 2016" out of more than 1,600 companies that supply components to the off-highway vehicle manufacturer. This award acknowledges Dana's product quality, timely delivery, extended warranty services, global supply chain support, and close engineering relationship.

"We have worked with Dana on product developments for the past five years, and we have built a truly collaborative and efficient relationship," said Laurent Gobinet, VP Sourcing for Manitou Group. "Dana's performance as a supplier fully aligns with the Manitou Group's vision, values, and expectations. Together, we are now in a position to share strategic approaches in order to create more value for our customers, and we look forward to partnering with Dana into the future."

John Deere

At John Deere Supplier Day events, Dana facilities in Crescentino, Italy, and Gravatai, Brazil, were awarded "Partner-Level Supplier for 2016" in the John Deere Achieving Excellence Program. This recognition signifies the company's highest supplier rating, indicating that the plants go above and beyond performance standards, reach world-class levels, and demonstrate a measurable effect on customer satisfaction.

Dana's Crescentino facility supplies driveshafts for the construction and forestry divisions of John Deere, while Dana's Gravatai plant produces modular axles for agriculture equipment.

Hyster-Yale

Hyster-Yale recognized Dana with the company's "Continuous Improvement Award," which recognizes suppliers who are actively engaged in quality improvement, have shown a significant or sustained improvement during the past year, and are committed to prevention of recurrence. In 2016, Dana delivered zero defective parts per million, a significant achievement given the complexity of the products supplied.

AGCO

At AGCO's recent European Supplier Day, Dana was recognized for "Logistics Performance," acknowledging the company's commitment, flexibility, and proactive approach in the region. Dana supplies axles and driveshafts to AGCO for agricultural equipment produced under the Challenger, Fendt, GSI, Massey Ferguson, and Valtra brands.

About Dana Incorporated

Dana is a world leader in highly engineered solutions for improving the efficiency, performance, and sustainability of powered vehicles and machinery. Dana supports the passenger vehicle, commercial truck, and off-highway markets, as well as industrial and stationary equipment applications. Founded in 1904, Dana employs approximately 27,000 people in 34 countries on six continents who are committed to delivering long-term value to customers. The company reported sales of more than $5.8 billion in 2016. Based in Maumee, Ohio, the company's operations were selected as a 2017 "Top Workplace" in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan by The (Toledo) Blade. For more information, please visit dana.com.

SOURCE Dana Incorporated

Related Links

http://www.dana.com


HAMPTON | The Korner Bakery in Hampton will remain open with limited hours after an outpouring of support.

Earlier this year, owners Clifford and Jane Huff said they wanted to retire and sell the bakery after 34 years of business.

The Huffs said they would close if the business wasnt purchased soon.

People dont shop at bakeries like they used to, Jane told the Globe Gazette in February.

This month, Hampton Iowa Facebook page announced the bakery would remain open due to an overwhelming response to the closing of the Korner Bakery.

The bakery will be open 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The couple have been in the baking business for more than 50 years and recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

Clifford, a Mason City native, found himself in the baking business along with several of his seven brothers when he returned from military service in Korea and Japan in 1958.

The couple moved several times. Clifford baked in Iowa Falls, Ames and elsewhere before settling in Hampton.

Most of the baking and kitchen equipment came with the building when they purchased it and is still in use, including a machine that dates back to 1925.

Clifford, 81, begins working at 9 p.m. to run the oven and prepare baked goods to sell. Jane begins icing orders at 3:30 a.m.

The couple does almost everything by hand and doesnt have a lot of automatic machines, Jane said.
AUSTIN, Texas, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DockerCon --

News Summary:

{code} by Dell EMC announces REX-Ray 0.9 and security enabled by default

REX-Ray managed plugins are now in the Docker Store as Docker Certified for Amazon EBS/EFS, Dell EMC ScaleIO/Isilon, Google Compute Engine PD and any S3-compatible storage

Polly, the open source volume scheduler, will see its controller features integrated with REX-Ray

New updates and features contribute to enterprise readiness, as {code} by Dell EMC through REX-Ray and libStorage works with industry organizations to ensure long-lasting interoperability of storage in Cloud Native through a universal Container Storage Interface

Full Story

Dell Technologies today announced the latest updates in a series of open source contributions from {code} by Dell EMC, including trust and security enhancements to REX-Ray in 0.9, the newest version of the leading container storage orchestration engine. Additionally, REX-Ray is now shipping Docker Certified managed volume plugins for cloud and storage platforms available in the Docker Store. The Docker Certification Program, a framework for partners to integrate and certify their software for the Docker Enterprise Edition (EE) commercial platform. Other announcements include collaboration on a universal Container Storage Interface and unification of Polly's features and roadmap into REX-Ray.

Container technology has made strides since last year's DockerCon, but there are still barriers to organizations consuming them in an enterprise environmentand that means it's time to put industry-standard architectures and security measures in place for this technology. Mitigating the risks of adopting containers for critical cloud native persistent workloads has proved to be a significant challenge, and REX-Ray 0.9 addresses this challenge through its controller model that ships with security enabled by default. REX-Ray is able to run from anywhere while protecting sensitive credentials, encrypting communication, and performing per-client authentication.

The Docker Store is the enterprise user's go-to destination for trusted, enterprise-ready Docker containers, plugins and editions. Support for storage platforms that work with Docker is made available through Docker Certified managed volume plugins. These plugins greatly enhance the user experience in ensuring integration to orchestrate persistent applications with external storage. The Docker Certified REX-Ray plugins include Amazon EBS/EFS, Dell EMC ScaleIO/Isilon, Google Compute Engine PD, and any S3-compatible storage.

"Demand for storage with containers is being driven by organizations looking to use containers for all applications. Docker Enterprise Edition platform and its pluggable architecture is the enabler of a new opportunity for storage in the enterprise. REX-Ray through its features and security is a great vehicle to ensure interoperability for many storage platforms," said Marianna Tessel, EVP Strategic Development at Docker.

Polly, named for "polymorphic volume scheduling," is an open source volume scheduling service centrally working with container schedulers to provide volume resources when requested. The introduction of Polly's scheduling services inside of REX-Ray's centralized controller will enable users to deploy a single storage service that provides governance and security for critical storage services. Additionally, through its experience in building libStorage with Polly, the {code} team is collaborating with industry leaders on a Container Storage Interface initiative through the Cloud Native Computing Foundation to ensure container orchestrators, storage controllers, and agents have a universal way of interoperating in the future.

"Containers have come a long way towards becoming enterprise ready with the addition of enterprise-grade features such as security and more common interfaces. Our work with the CNCF ensures that, once the Container Storage Interface is ready, REX-Ray will bring support quickly to existing storage drivers and we can start building long lasting value on top of this work. Collaborative projects only benefit the enterprise if users can actually consume it, and that's the thinking behind our direction and updates through libStorage and REX-Ray 0.9," said Josh Bernstein, VP of Technology at Dell Technologies.

In addition to the project updates, {code} by Dell EMC recently discussed community momentum, including the state of the {code} Catalyst program. Read more here.

Dell EMC

Dell EMC, a part of Dell Technologies, enables organizations to modernize, automate and transform their data center using industry-leading converged infrastructure, servers, storage and data protection technologies. This provides a trusted foundation for businesses to transform IT, through the creation of a hybrid cloud, and transform their business through the creation of cloud-native applications and big data solutions. Dell EMC services its customers  including 98% of the Fortune 500  with the industry's broadest, most innovative infrastructure portfolio from edge to core to cloud.

SOURCE Dell EMC

Related Links

https://www.emc.com


The new "The Whole Story" campaign includes three 30-second spots that follow the lives of three families during those special life moments that include starting a business, financing a car and purchasing a new home, which may in some cases lead to life-changing moments like marriage and babies.

"The inspiration for the campaign came from the insight that Delta Community is truly committed to helping its members worry less about finances," said Cheryl Maher, SVP client service, SCOUT. "They're more than just checking and savings, they're about improving people's lives. We took that insight and created stories to bring those special moments to life."

The three spots help tell the story that Delta Community is everything your bank should be, guiding its members in making smart family decisions throughout their lives  from financial classes to starting savings accounts to starting a business to buying a home or car.

The new campaign is running through December 2018 on top-ranking Atlanta broadcast TV stations, as well as on cable networks in the metro Atlanta area. It can also be viewed online on YouTube and in digital ads.

"Serving our members where they live and work is extremely important to us," said Eve Nimkar, VP, Marketing & Communication. "We're committed to being everything your bank should be, making it easy for our members to get the financial services they need in a way that's most convenient for them. "

All three spots can be viewed on YouTube: The Whole Story, The Whole Story Home Loan, The Whole Story Car Loan.

CREDITS

Client: Delta Community Credit Union

Agency: SCOUT Atlanta

Campaign: The Whole Story

Personnel

SCOUT

Bob Costanza, Principal, Chief Creative Officer

Travis Sharp, VP, Creative Director

Betsy Morrison, Creative Director

Cheryl Maher, SVP, Director of Client Services

Emily Enderson, Account Director

Molly Wright, Account Supervisor

Nancy Landesburg, Producer

Matt Maggart, Production Assistant

Production Company, Mad Hat

Jonathan Hayes, Director

Paxton Greene, Executive Producer

Stephanie Martucci, Producer

Misha Mazor, Color/Online

Audio/Music, Soundbyte

John Roberts, Composer

About SCOUT:

Independently owned and operated for over 17 years, SCOUT is a full-service integrated agency with three offices across the United States  in Atlanta, Chicago and San Diego. Serving clients in consumer/B2B and healthcare, SCOUT brings leading companies bold, brave thinking that creates value for its clients' brands. Learn more at www.findscout.com.

About Delta Community Credit Union

Delta Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with a mission of providing consumers better service and value on the deposit, loan, investment and insurance products they use to manage their household expenses and save for the future. Delta Community was founded in 1940 and has become Georgia's largest credit union with more than $5 billion in assets and 26 convenient branch locations. The Credit Union now welcomes residents of 11 metro Atlanta counties and employees of more than 150 businesses, including Chick-fil-A, Delta Air Lines, RaceTrac and UPS. Visit www.DeltaCommunityCU.com to learn more about opening an account at Delta Community or follow the Credit Union on Facebook at www.facebook.com/deltacommunity and Twitter at @DeltaCommunity.

SOURCE SCOUT

Related Links

http://www.findscout.com


LONDON, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dermal fillers are implants classified as medical devices by US FDA and are used in aesthetic procedures such as anti-aging, aesthetic corrections and facial contours. Dermal fillers are used for anti-aging practices for removal of wrinkles and folds in nasolabila, volume loss in chin and cheek area, lines and wrinkles around eye. Dermal fillers considered in the report include absorbable dermal fillers and non-absorbable dermal fillers depending upon their bio-degradability after injecting inside the dermal area below skin.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4598085/



Based on the material used, there are five types of dermal fillers considered in the report which include hyaluronic acid (HA) based, poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) based, calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) based, collagen based and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) based. Among those five types considered first four are absorbable while PMMA is non-absorbable. All the absorbable fillers are ingredients naturally present in the body and hence get broken down after certain period of time (3 to 24 months). The absorbable fillers may be animal derived, plant derived, bacteria derived or chemically derived. The non-absorbable fillers are chemically derived and last for up to five years. The quantity required for achieving the desired result varies, depending on type of filler and application area.



In terms of revenue, the North America and Europe dermal filler market is projected to register a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period and is expected to be valued at US$ 2,800.4 Mn by the end of 2026.



Rising demand for non-invasive aesthetic procedures and an increasing ageing population is driving the growth of the North America and Europe dermal filler market



Growth of North America and Europe dermal filler market is primarily driven by reasons such as aging population, increasing expenditure by public and private sources on healthcare, rising demand for non-invasive aesthetic procedures, introduction of novel application areas beside anti-aging like treatment of HIV induced facial lipoatrophy and enhancement of dorsal area of hand are expected to drive the North America and Europe dermal filler market. However, higher cost associated with the dermal filler procedure, patch up or reinjection needed for achieving the desired facial rejuvenation for absorbable dermal fillers and some post procedure complications associated with dermal fillers like bruising, redness and granulation are some factors expected to hamper growth of the North America and Europe dermal filler market over the forecast period.



Market Segmentation



By Product type

- Absorbable

- Non-Absorbable



By Ingredient

- Hyaluronic Acid

- Poly-L-Lactic Acid

- Calcium Hydroxylapatite

- Polymethylmethacrylate

- Collagen



By Distribution Channel

- Retail Pharmacies and Drug Stores

- Clinics and Hospital Pharmacies

- Online Pharmacies



By Region

- North America

- Western Europe

- Eastern Europe



Absorbable dermal filler product type segment dominated the North America and Europe dermal filler market in 2015



Absorbable filler product type segment is expected to witness relatively higher growth in terms of value in the North America and Europe dermal filler market over the forecast period. Also, in terms of revenue share, absorbable dermal filler product type segment dominated the North America and Europe dermal filler market in 2015 and is expected to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period.



Hyaluronic acid material type segment is expected to register a high CAGR during the forecast period



In terms of revenue share, hyaluronic acid material type segment dominated the North America and Europe dermal filler market in 2015 and is expected to maintain traction by 2026 end, registering a high CAGR as compared to other segments.



Clinics and hospital pharmacies distribution segment is the most popular and has a higher revenue share



Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into retail pharmacies and drug Stores, clinics and hospital pharmacies and online sales. Currently, clinics and hospital pharmacies distribution segment accounts for relatively higher revenue share, followed by retail pharmacies and drug stores.



North America is expected to be the dominant regional market by 2016 end



The North America and Europe dermal filler market is segmented into three major regions: North America, Western Europe and Eastern Europe. In terms of value, North America is expected to be the dominant regional market by 2016 end, and is expected to register a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period. Western Europe is expected to be the fastest growing market in terms of revenue growth in the North America and Europe dermal filler market, registering a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period. Eastern Europe dermal filler market is expected to witness a CAGR of 5.1% over the forecasted period.



Key market players are focussing on expanding their geographic reach to enhance their market share



Some key players in the North America and Europe dermal filler market included in this report are Allergan Plc., Galderma Pharma S.A., Sinclair Pharma S.A., Anika Therapeutics Inc., Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA, Suneva Medical Inc., Teoxane Laboratories Inc., Prollenium Medical Technologies Inc., Laboratoires Vivacy S.A., Adoderm GmbH. Key players are focusing on establishing distribution agreements to increase their geographic reach. Moreover, companies are targeting small and local manufacturers of dermal fillers to increase their product portfolio and strengthen their geographic footprint. Also, new applications such as fillers for enhancement of dorsal area of hand and paralysed vocal cords treatment are influencing companies to adopt new strategies to enhance market share. The top companies dominating the North America dermal filler market are Allergan Plc., Galderma S.A, and Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA, who collectively contribute around 85% of the market.

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4598085/



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com



For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

Related Links

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SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DesignCon, the premier conference for chip, board and systems design engineers in the high-speed communications and semiconductor communities, announces the recipients of its Best Paper Awards following a successful DesignCon 2017 in Santa Clara, CA, on January 19-21. The winners are recognized for their outstanding contribution to the diverse educational goals of DesignCon. To view the full list of winners, visit: http://ubm.io/2pvrEHk

The 2017 DesignCon Best Paper Award winners have been selected through a two-step review process. First, the DesignCon Technical Program Committee, which is comprised of leading experts in the electronic design space, reviewed all papers for impact, relevance, quality, and originality. The first-round finalists were then judged based on attendee feedback, collected at DesignCon 2017, on the impact of their presentation.

"Congratulations to all finalists and winners of this year's Best Paper Awards. UBM is pleased to recognize these outstanding papers as the best of the excellent content that DesignCon offers its attendees," said Naomi Price, DesignCon Conference Content Director. "Each year, this awards program inspires engineers to strive to produce ground-breaking, top-tier content for the technical sessions at DesignCon."

Winning papers cover four categories of design: Chip-Level Design, Board/System-Level Design, Serial Link Design, and Power & RF Design. A list of the winners is below:

Chip-Level Design  Characterizing and Selecting the VRM

Steve Sandler, Picotest



Board/System-Level Design  FastBER: A Novel Statistical Method for Arbitrary Transmitter Jitter

Yunhui Chu, Intel Corporation

Alaeddin Aydiner, Intel Corporation

Kai Xiao, Intel Corporation

Beomtaek Lee, Intel Corporation

Dan Oh, Samsung Electronics

Oleg Mikulchenko, Intel Corporation

Adam Norman, Intel Corporation Rob Friar, Intel Corporation

Charles Phares, Intel Corporation



 Non-Destructive Analysis and EM Model Tuning of PCB Signal Traces using the Beatty Standard

Heidi Barnes, Keysight Technologies

Jose Moreira, Advantest

Manuel Walz, Advantest



 RX IBIS-AMI Model Silicon Correlation Metrics and Model Development Methodology

Masashi Shimanouchi, Intel Corporation

Hsinho Wu, Intel Corporation

Mike Peng Li, Intel Corporation



Serial Link Design  Exploring Efficient Variability-Aware Analysis Method for High-Speed Digital Link Design Using PCE

Jan B. Preibisch, Technische Universitat Hamburg-Harburg

Torsten Reuschel, Technische Universitat Hamburg-Harburg

Katharina Scharff, Technische Universitat Hamburg-Harburg

Jayaprakash Balachandran, Cisco Systems Inc.

Bidyut Sen, Cisco Systems Inc.

Christian Schuster, Technische Universitat Hamburg-Harburg



 Investigation of Mueller-Muller CDR Algorithms in PAM4 High speed Serial Links

Yuhan Yao, Oracle Corporation

Xun Zhang, Oracle Corporation

Dawei Huang, Oracle Corporation

Jianghui Su, Oracle Corporation

Muthukumar Vairavan, Oracle Corporation

Chai Palusa, Oracle Corporation



 PCIe Gen4 Standards Margin Assisted Outer Layer Equalization for Cross Lane Optimization in a 16GT/s PCIe Link

Mohammad S. Mobin, Broadcom Ltd

Haitao Xia, Broadcom Ltd

Aravind Nayak, Broadcom Ltd

Gene Saghi, Broadcom Ltd

Christopher Abel, Broadcom Ltd

Lane Smith, Broadcom Ltd

Jun Yao, Broadcom Ltd



Power & RF Design  Cost-effective PCB Material Characterization for High-volume Production Monitoring

Yongjin Choi, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise

Christopher Cheng, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise

Yasin Damgaci, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise

Nagaraj Godishala, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise

Yuriy Shlepnev, Simberian



 Overview and Comparison of Power Converter Stability Metrics

Joseph 'Abe' Hartman, Oracle

Alejandro 'Alex' Miranda, Oracle

Kavitha Narayandass, Oracle

Alexander Nosovitski, Oracle

Istvan Novak, Oracle



 RFI and Receiver Sensitivity Analysis in Mobile Electronic Devices

Antonio Ciccomancini Scogna, Samsung Electronics Mobile Division, HE Group

Hwanwoo Shim, Samsung Electronics Mobile Division, HE Group

Jiheon Yu, Samsung Electronics Mobile Division, HE Group

Chang-Yong Oh, Samsung Electronics Mobile Division, HE Group

Seyoon Cheon, Samsung Electronics Mobile Division, HE Group

NamSeok Oh, Samsung Electronics Mobile Division, HE Group

Dong Sub Kim, Samsung Electronics Mobile Division, HE Group





To view the entire list of recipients, including individual researchers, please visit: http://designcon.com/santaclara/conference/paper-award-winners

DesignCon 2018 Call for Papers

DesignCon returns to the Santa Clara Convention Center on January 30- February 1, 2018. Call for Papers will begin in mid-May with submissions due by the mid-July, 2017 deadline. To stay updated on next year's event, visit: designcon.com

Follow DesignCon online: facebook.com/DesignCon, @UBMDesignCon, flickr.com/photos/designcon

About DesignCon

DesignCon is the world's premier conference for chip, board and systems design engineers in the high-speed communications and semiconductor communities. DesignCon, created by engineers for engineers, takes place annually in Silicon Valley and remains the largest gathering of chip, board and systems designers in the country. This three-day technical conference and expo combines technical paper sessions, tutorials, industry panels, product demos and exhibits from the industry's leading experts and solutions providers. More information is available at: designcon.com/santaclara. DesignCon is organized by UBM Americas, a part of UBM plc (UBM.L), an Events First marketing and communications services business. For more information, visit ubmamericas.com.

About UBM Americas

UBM Americas, a part of UBM plc, is the largest business-to-business events and trade show organizer in the U.S. Through a range of aligned interactive physical and digital environments, UBM Americas increases business effectiveness for both customers and audiences by cultivating meaningful experiences, knowledge and connections. UBM Americas has offices spanning North and South America, and serves a variety of specialist industries with dedicated events and marketing services covering everything from fashion, tech and life sciences to advanced manufacturing, cruise shipping, specialty chemicals, powersports and automotive, concrete, hospitality, cargo transportation and more. For more information, visit: www.ubmamericas.com.

SOURCE UBM Americas

Related Links

http://www.ubmamericas.com


SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DigiSight Technologies, a digital health company developing telehealth solutions for healthcare teams, announced today that it has launched Paxos  a telehealth solution that enables healthcare teams to collaborate and make informed decisions at the point-of-care  at thirteen Banner Health facilities across Arizona.

The Paxos telehealth solution enabled Banner Health to launch a teleophthalmology program that allows emergency room doctors to capture the image of a serious eye injury or other vision disorder, and digitally transfer that image for review to EyeNet, a Phoenix-based group of ophthalmology experts, in real-time. The Paxos technology uses a specialized adapter (FDA Class II registered) that takes pictures of the front of the eye and retina using a smartphone, and includes cloud and mobile-phone based HIPAA-compliant software to allow secure transmission of various vision and ocular tests.

In emergency rooms around the country, patients with serious eye injuries or disorders generally wait hours to receive care from an ophthalmologist or, alternatively, are transferred by ambulance to another facility closer to where an ophthalmologist practices  which can be expensive.

"Sight is one of life's precious gifts, and it can be seriously impaired or stolen from us due to trauma or disease," said Pravin Dugel, MD, physician executive director at Banner  University Medical Center Phoenix Eye Institute and managing partner at Retinal Consultants of Arizona based in Phoenix. "Emergency rooms are very good at treating and stabilizing many serious health issues, but unfortunately they are not equipped with imaging equipment nor ophthalmology expertise to quickly assess sight-threatening conditions."

The teleophthalmology program for emergency eye care continues Banner Health's initiative to provide quality care while reducing costs via telehealth technologies that connect providers in efficient and collaborative workflows.

"This program will help us reduce the time it takes for our patients to have specialist eye care expertise in our emergency rooms," said Deborah Dahl, patient care innovation vice president at Banner Health and recipient of the American Telemedicine Association Industry Leader Award in 2016. "Paxos is a cost-efficient and very mobile enterprise solution that enables us to capture and share the specific information needed for remote ophthalmic consultations."

About DigiSight Technologies

DigiSight Technologies, Inc., based in San Francisco, is a digital health company developing HIPAA-compliant telehealth solutions for healthcare teams to examine eye health and coordinate patient care in real-time. Developed by renowned ophthalmologists, DigiSight is led by a team of health care and technology veterans and backed by blue-chip investors. For more information, please visit www.digisight.net.

About Banner Health

Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country. The system owns and operates 28 acute-care hospitals, Banner Health Network, Banner  University Medicine, academic and employed physician groups, long-term care centers, outpatient surgery centers and an array of other services; including Banner Urgent Care, family clinics, home care and hospice services, pharmacies and a nursing registry. Banner Health is in six states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit www.BannerHealth.com.

About Retinal Consultants of Arizona

Retinal Consultants of Arizona (RCA), established in 1980 in central Phoenix, is one of the nation's leading Retina & Vitreous clinical research and patient treatment facilities. RCA has grown to include more than 35 locations throughout Arizona, providing improved access to the highest quality medical care.

SOURCE DigiSight Technologies, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.digisight.net


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CX Insurance Services, Inc. (CXIS) reports that P&C insurers are averaging a 2-3% increase in retention through its Retention Improvement Program. Due to lower switching costs and what many see as advancing commoditization in some lines of business, consumers are more likely than ever to change insurers at renewal. The CXIS Retention Improvement Program enables P&C insurers to identify at-risk policy renewals and retain them. Using a proprietary combination of web-based automation, P&C licensed services, and advanced modeling, the new CXIS program is delivering results for companies spanning $18 billion to $100 million in direct written premium in 50 states.

For some carriers, the results have been transformational. Rick Mason, Senior Vice President at Le Mars Insurance, a Donegal Insurance Company quotes "Our work with CX Insurance Services has resulted in more than a six point increase in policyholder retention." Kurt Seelbach, President & CEO of Armed Forces Insurance further indicates "Working with CXIS and the Retention Program has been very productive. The customer insights we receive pre-renewal are actionable."

CXIS President Joseph Serrano continued on "While analytics grow on trees these days, our program is a different blend of data aggregation and tactical business process. Data on its own can be somewhat useless - it helps to actually do something with it. Our retention program is delivering results for P&C companies because it's a balance of targeting, predicting, and tactical policy retention. We've fused technology & service together in a simple monthly subscription model, and the ROI for clients has been compelling. So in other words, things actually get done."

Retention has long been a critical component of insurer profitability, as it costs less to retain existing customers than to acquire new ones. Insurers also benefit from potential cross-sell and up-sell opportunities with existing policyholders. However increasing competitive pressures and rapidly evolving online capabilities are creating retention headwinds for many P&C companies. As in other industries, it's relatively easy for consumers to compare, price shop, and switch insurance companies in today's online environment. Web-based insurance purchasing has evolved beyond personal auto into small business commercial and other lines of business, and many predict the trend will only continue.

As an innovative P&C operational support and revenue growth company, CXIS helps P&C companies fill operational gaps and boost retention or policy growth. Those interested in the Retention Program or any of the other CX Insurance Services offerings can learn more at http://cxis.com.

About CX Insurance Services, Inc.:

CX Insurance Services provides 100% on-shore business process outsourcing, retention, and policy growth services to P&C insurance companies. CXIS is led by a team of former P&C carrier executives with a combined 75+ years' experience in P&C product, underwriting, sales, claims, & customer service functions. 100% of CXIS associates are P&C insurance certified.

Contact Info:

Name: Joseph Richard Serrano

Organization: CX Insurance Services, Inc.

Address: St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Phone: 1-855-676-2947

Related Links

Video - P&C Retention Improvement

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYdSd_YmO88

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE CX Insurance Services

Related Links

http://cxis.com


MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") (OTCQX: SABK), parent of South Atlantic Bank, today reported net income of $686,133 or $0.17 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $496,913 or $0.14 per diluted share reported for the same period a year ago. Net income increased 38.1 percent from March 31, 2016 to March 31, 2017.

Financial Highlights

The first quarter 2017 was the Company's 25 th consecutive profitable quarter. The streak dates back to the first quarter 2011.

consecutive profitable quarter. The streak dates back to the first quarter 2011. Credit quality remains strong with no net charge-offs and nonperforming assets to average total assets of just 0.09 percent as of March 31, 2017 .

. Noninterest income grew 18.7 percent for the first quarter.

The net interest margin improved to 3.99 percent as of March 31, 2017 .

. Total loans grew 22.7 percent, from $329.9 million at March 31, 2016 to $404.9 million at March 31, 2017 .

at to at . Total deposits grew 14.3 percent, from $362.8 million at March 31, 2016 to $414.8 million at March 31, 2017 .

at to at . Total assets grew 15.5 percent, from $418.2 million at March 31, 2016 to $482.8 million at March 31, 2017 .

"The year is off to a good start for South Atlantic Bank," said K. Wayne Wicker, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the Company. "Double digit growth in the loan portfolio, combined with solid gains in mortgage loan and merchant fee income, fueled the 38 percent increase in net income. All branches in our geographic footprint contributed to this outstanding performance," Wicker said.

In other news, South Atlantic Bank recently received FDIC approval for its seventh full-service location and second in the Charleston market. The new office will open on East Bay Street in late May 2017. Construction continues on the building that will serve as the company's regional headquarters on Johnnie Dodds Boulevard in Mount Pleasant, with completion expected in July of this year. Additionally, the Company completed a $20 million capital raise on March 29, 2017, with the sale of 1.63 million common shares at $12.25 per share, bringing the total number of common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2017 to 5,463,976.

About South Atlantic Bank

South Atlantic Bank, the subsidiary bank of South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX: SABK), is a $488.8 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.

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, 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 beliefs 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.

Information contained herein, other than information at December 31, 2016, and for the twelve months then ended, is unaudited. All financial data should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Company and South Atlantic Bank as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, as contained in the Company's 2016 Annual Report located on the Company's website.

Member FDIC

South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc. Selected Financial Highlights

















For the

For the

For the



Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Twelve Months Ended



March 31, 2017

March 31, 2016

December 31, 2016













Year End/Quarter End Balances (in thousands)











Total assets $ 482,811 $ 418,159 $ 444,533 Investment securities

43,341

41,572

43,633 Loans, net of unearned income (total loans)

404,850

329,890

368,991 Deposits

414,839

362,831

382,263 Shareholders' equity

57,183

36,499

37,440













Average Balances (in thousands)











Total assets $ 453,870 $ 397,820 $ 430,655 Earning assets

427,557

371,181

399,829 Investment securities

43,904

44,709

41,914 Loans, net of unearned income

376,275

317,514

340,892 Deposits

393,743

339,263

382,537 Shareholders' equity

38,391

36,329

37,554













Earnings Breakdown (in thousands)











Total interest income $ 4,479 $ 3,914 $ 16,513 Total interest expense

404

320

1,432 Net interest income

4,076

3,594

15,081 Total noninterest income

698

588

3,005 Total noninterest expense

3,734

3,346

13,873 Provision for loan losses

120

150

615 Income before taxes

920

687

3,598 Taxes

234

190

995 Net income

686

497

2,604 Diluted earnings per share

0.17

0.14

0.66













Selected % Increases

(March 2017 compared to March 2016) (December 2016 compared to December 2015) Total assets

15.46

17.22

11.07 Total interest earning assets

17.32

16.43

11.97 Total loans

22.72

22.49

17.52 Total deposits

14.33

12.51

13.31 Interest income

14.44

16.20

16.81 Interest expense

26.13

20.49

23.30 Noninterest income

18.70

(14.55)

14.15 Noninterest expense

11.60

10.49

13.04 Net income

38.08

2.99

16.20













Selected Ratios (year-to-date)











Return on assets

0.61

0.50

0.60 Return on equity

7.25

5.50

6.93 Interest income to total average assets

4.00

3.96

4.13 Interest expense to total average assets

0.36

0.32

0.36 Net interest income to total average assets

3.64

3.63

3.77 Loan loss reserve to total loans

0.90

0.92

0.96 Nonperforming assets to total average assets

0.09

0.10

1.07 Net charge-offs to total average loans

0.00

0.00

0.00 Net interest margin

3.99

4.02

3.85

SOURCE South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc.

Related Links

http://SouthAtlantic.bank


"At Edward Jones, we view technology as a way to enhance the relationship with our clients by making their experience outside our branch offices just as emotive and productive as it is when they visit a financial advisor for a face-to-face meeting in a branch," said Ferrari. "Our relationship with SixThirty gives us an opportunity to look outside the firm for the best ideas in financial technology to help us achieve our goals."

SixThirty invests in eight to 10 FinTech start-ups each year from a globally diverse pool of more than 325 companies that seek investment. As part of the investment, the start-ups participate in the business development program focusing on mentorship and networking opportunities with some of the leading financial services institutions in the region and across the country.

As part of the partnership with SixThirty, Frank LaQuinta, a general partner with Edward Jones, has joined the organization's Investment Committee which evaluates the investment pipeline and selects FinTech startups that SixThirty invests in.

Atul Kamra, SixThirty's managing partner, noted St. Louis has established itself as one of the fastest growing startup cities in the US, thanks in part to corporate partners who recognize the potential to attract entrepreneurs to the city. When that happens, he said, the local talent pool is strengthened, jobs are created, innovation blossoms and economic growth accelerates.

"SixThirty is building on what makes us (our region) unique: the breadth and depth of our financial services, and a culture that notices and nurtures founders," Kamra added. "Edward Jones is a leader in financial services and synonymous with nurturing talent, consistently being recognized as among the best places to work in the US. We look forward to working with them to attract and grow the most promising FinTech ideas and, in turn, sustain our competitiveness in an industry in which we have inherent strength."

About Edward Jones

Edward Jones, a FORTUNE 500 firm, provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work. The firm's 13,000-plus financial advisors work directly with nearly 7 million clients. Edward Jones, which ranked No. 10 on FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For 2016," is headquartered in St. Louis. The Edward Jones Web site is located at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting Web site is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

About SixThirty

SixThirty is a global FinTech seed fund that invests in financial technology-based startups and provides them with mentorship and connections to the leading financial services companies in the country. The startups receive up to a $100,000 investment in exchange for a negotiated percentage of equity. SixThirty's portfolio companies receive individualized attention. The commitment of mentors and partners to work in the trenches with founders on their business models and accelerate their commercialization continues to be a differentiator for SixThirty. For more information please visit www.sixthirty.co.

SOURCE Edward Jones

Related Links

http://www.edwardjones.com


NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) announced today that it will receive an $8 million gift from the Open Society Foundations (OSF), a longtime funder of PHR's crucial work in harnessing the powerful voices of science and medicine to prevent and investigate human rights atrocities worldwide. The contribution, spaced over four years, will power a new era in the 30-year-old organization's history, allowing the New York-based PHR to make critical investments in its work and to expand the network of health professionals and human rights advocates globally.

"We are incredibly honored to receive this grant from the Open Society Foundations and are humbled to work in partnership with OSF to further the cause of human rights," said PHR's executive director, Donna McKay. "We already pride ourselves on being nimble and adaptive  a lean organization with an outsized footprint  and this transformative gift will allow us to build a global network of health professionals committed to advancing human rights at a time when evidence-based advocacy and scientific expertise is needed more than ever."

PHR also announced today it will embark on a $16 million fundraising campaign that will help the organization vastly increase the number of health professionals working to further human rights protections in the United States, East and Central Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere. The OSF gift to PHR is structured as a challenge grant  meaning that OSF will donate one dollar for every two dollars in new funding PHR can raise over the next four years. The entire effort will allow PHR to invest in new technologies and train more health professionals to use their medical and scientific expertise to present evidence that speaks truth to power.

"Health professionals play a vital role in securing freedom, peace, and justice for people around the world," said Chris Stone, president of the Open Society Foundations, who will formally announce the gift at tonight's PHR gala in New York City. "Physicians for Human Rights is a powerful institution that prioritizes partnerships and engagement with local communities to help them become part of a global movement. We are proud to support PHR's path-breaking work."

The gift stems from OSF's goal to strengthen critical institutions that promote values like justice, truth telling, and openness  and to invest in organizations with strong leadership. In recent years, PHR has provided forensic evidence from mass graves that helped convict former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic for war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity; spearheaded efforts to release an imprisoned human rights defender in Turkey; led a 13-year campaign against the complicity of health professionals in the post-9/11 torture program in the United States; and documented more than 1,200 attacks on medical workers and medical facilities in Syria since March 2011, all of which are classified as war crimes.

Among the organization's accomplishments, Physicians for Human Rights shared the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for its work as part of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. PHR investigated the devastating effects of landmines, mobilized the health community, and participated in meetings that led to the international Mine Ban Treaty. PHR also spearheaded the exhumation and forensic examination of human remains from mass graves in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia in cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunals for those countries.

"For the past five years, I've been honored to lead PHR into a new era in its history," PHR's McKay said. "The timing of this gift couldn't be more critical, both as PHR grows and as the world becomes more chaotic and more dangerous. We face a refugee crisis of unprecedented proportions, conflicts rippling across the Middle East and North Africa, dictators and tyrants thirsting for power rather than doing what's right. With this gift and the contributions to come, we at PHR will stand as a bulwark against impunity and lawlessness and as a force for propagating the core values that animate health professionals and human rights advocates worldwide."

Photos of PHR's work worldwide:

A Syrian physician being trained by PHR to document evidence of torture

A group of protesters from New York City's medical and human rights communities take part in a PHR "die-in" to protest the targeting of health professionals and medical facilities in Syria

medical and human rights communities take part in a PHR "die-in" to protest the targeting of health professionals and medical facilities in PHR Executive Director Donna McKay (right) after the trial of Turkish human rights defender and long-time PHR partner Dr. Sebnem Korur Fincanc (left) in 2016

(right) after the trial of Turkish human rights defender and long-time PHR partner Dr. Sebnem Korur Fincanc (left) in 2016 The director of PHR's Program on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones, Karen Naimer , speaks with Dr. Desire Munyali Alumeti, a pediatric surgeon and forensic doctor at Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

, speaks with Dr. Desire Munyali Alumeti, a pediatric surgeon and forensic doctor at Panzi Hospital in the PHR Asylum Network member Dr. Katherine McKenzie demonstrates torture documentation at her clinic at the Yale Center for Asylum Medicine

PHR partners from the Afghanistan Forensic Science Organization take part in a grave exhumation exercise in Bamyan province, Afghanistan

PHR researcher Christine Mehta (far right) speaks with family members of people killed by Turkish security forces in the country's southeast

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is a New York-based advocacy organization that uses science and medicine to prevent mass atrocities and severe human rights violations. Learn more here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephen Fee, media relations manager, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR); [email protected]; +1 917 679 0110

SOURCE Open Society Foundations

Related Links

https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org


TORRANCE, Calif., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Emmaus Life Sciences Inc. announced today that the Oncologic Drug Advisory Committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set a date of May 24, 2017 to review the Company's New Drug Application (NDA) for its orally-administered pharmaceutical grade L-glutamine product (Endari), for the treatment of sickle cell disease.

"The Advisory Committee meeting is an important step forward in the review process for this promising therapy," said Yutaka Niihara, MD, MPH, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Emmaus Life Sciences. "We look forward to engaging in a productive discussion with the Advisory Committee members and continuing to work closely with the FDA throughout the regulatory process."

If approved, Endari would be the first FDA-approved treatment for pediatric patients with sickle cell disease, and the first new treatment in nearly 20 years for adult patients. Endari has received Orphan Drug designation in the U.S., Orphan Medicinal Product designation in the EU and Fast Track designation from the FDA.

The Company's NDA for Endari was accepted for review by the FDA in early November 2016 with a target action date under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act set for July 7, 2017.

About Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder characterized by the production of an altered form of hemoglobin which polymerizes and becomes fbrous, causing red blood cells to become rigid and change form so that they appear sickle shaped instead of soft and rounded. Patients with sickle cell disease suffer from debilitating episodes of sickle cell crises, which occur when the rigid, adhesive and inflexible red blood cells occlude blood vessels. Sickle cell crises cause excruciating pain as a result of insufficient oxygen being delivered to tissue, referred to as tissue ischemia, and inflammation. These events may lead to organ damage, stroke, pulmonary complications, skin ulceration, infection and a variety of other adverse outcomes. Sickle cell disease is an orphan disease, affecting approximately 100,000 patients in the U.S. and millions worldwide with significant unmet medical needs.

About Emmaus Life Sciences

Emmaus Life Sciences is engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative treatments and therapies for rare diseases. The company's research on sickle cell disease was initiated by Yutaka Niihara, MD, MPH, Chairman and CEO of Emmaus, at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. For more information, please visit www.emmauslifesciences.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, regarding the research, development and potential commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from current expectations. Additional risks and uncertainties are described in reports filed by Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Emmaus is providing this information as of the date of this press release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For more information, contact:

Media: Jim Heins

Senior Vice President

ICR Healthcare

203-682-8251

[email protected] Investors: Charles Butler

Senior Vice President

ICR Healthcare

415-430-2079

[email protected]

SOURCE Emmaus Life Sciences

Related Links

http://www.emmausls.com


OSAGE | Multiple North Iowans were vaccinated for rabies after someone was bitten by a cat infected with the virus.

The exposure happened earlier this month in rural Mitchell County.

Veterinarian Dennis Riley said the animal was brought in for examination at Osage Veterinary Clinic, where it was euthanized due to its deteriorating condition and suspicion of rabies.

He said the owners took the animal's body to the State Hygienic Lab in Iowa City, where test results confirmed it was positive for rabies.

"It was a semi-feral cat  they fed it outside  and went out to feed it and it just out of the blue, no provocation or anything, (it) jumped up and bit (the person) in the hand and in the leg," Riley said.

Rabies virus attacks the nervous system. It is fatal if untreated.

The person who was bitten and others who may have been exposed underwent post-exposure anti-rabies vaccinations, or prophylaxis, Riley said.

An estimated 400 Iowans undergo post-exposure vaccinations annually, but Iowa Department of Public Health Veterinarian Ann Garvey said actual infections are rare.

"We don't have Iowans that come down with rabies often at all," she said. "Our last known rabies case occurred in 2002 and that was an individual that was infected with rabies that came from a bat, and prior to that we haven't had a case in Iowa since 1951."

Garvey and Iowa Department of Public Health Spokesperson Polly Carver-Kimm would not comment on the Mitchell County exposure.

Citing department policy, they would not confirm the exposure happened, how many people were exposed or if anyone sought medical treatment.

Officials at Mitchell County Home Health Care & Public Health also wouldn't release information about the incident.

Reports of infected animals and possible exposures are reported through Iowa's public health system.

Skunks and bats are the primary carriers in North Iowa, but cats, dogs and other domesticated animals, including livestock, can become infected and transmit the disease to humans.

It's typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal.

That's usually through a bite, but infection also can spread if the sick animal's saliva gets into an open wound or mucus membranes in the eyes, nose and mouth, Garvey said.

It also can be spread through the neurotissue of an infected animal.

Nineteen animals tested positive for rabies in Iowa in 2016.

Riley urged people to vaccinate their pets and livestock against the virus. Semi-feral or stray animals that arent vaccinated should be watched for severe behavior changes.

He recalled another case where an infected cat, like the one in this month's incident, launched a violent, unprovoked attack on a person. It then acted as if nothing had happened.

"They're not the same animal," Riley said. "They act just completely different."

Other signs include weakness, paralysis, seizures, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing and excessive salivation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

Iowa law requires vaccinations for dogs. There is no law for cats.

Rabies vaccines for animals are very effective and typically last 1 to 3 years, depending on if the animal is getting its first set of shots or a booster, Riley said.
As end users in a wide range of markets  from insurance and legal to healthcare and finance  move to the cloud, it is critical to integrate a secure document management system. The Epson DS-780N provides a new level of network security, including user authentication, which allows control over who can use the scanner. In addition to simply controlling access, the DS-780N can define where documents are stored, encrypted, and named to easily monitor and control the availability of sensitive scanned documents. The DS-780N is also the first Epson document scanner that includes a built-in LCD touch screen panel and the first to have built-in network functions. Businesses can leverage the scanner's built-in network interface 4 for easy sharing among multiple workstations.

"Our customers count on us to provide the most reliable and impactful document management solutions to meet their needs today and in the future, and having the best hardware partners is critically important," said Levi Longmore, president, Scanner One. "We've always been able to count on Epson to deliver document scanners with the speed, connectivity and features our customers need to increase productivity and efficiency  and with Epson's new three-year warranty, we know they stand behind their products."

The Epson DS-780N, DS-770 and DS-575W color document scanners are versatile workgroup sheet-fed scanners, and offer varied feature sets and pricing options:



DS-780N DS-770 DS-575W Speed 45 ppm/90 ipm1 45 ppm/90 ipm1 35 ppm/70 ipm1 Peak Daily Duty Cycle 5,000-sheets2 5,000-sheets2 4,000-sheets2 ADF Capacity 100 pages 100 pages 50 pages Networking Wired (RJ45) Optional Wireless LCD Touch Screen Yes No No Price $1,099 MSRP $999 MSRP $449 MSRP

Designed for greater efficiency in heavy-use environments, the Epson DS-780N and DS-770 deliver scan speeds of up to 45 ppm/90 ipm1 plus a 100-page ADF with a robust peak daily duty cycle of 5,000 sheets2. The DS-780N and DS-770 also offer enhanced features, including a slow speed mode for wrinkled and fragile documents. In addition, the DS-780N's built-in LCD touch screen panel offers access to up to 30 pre-defined jobs available for each workstation, and can be programmed for different scanner settings (e.g., color and B&W, resolution, and text enhancement), and different destinations (e.g., folders, cloud storages, or email attachments). Any of the defined jobs can be selected and commanded from the scanner touch screen.

Rounding out the line is the Epson DS-575W, delivering high-quality scan speeds of up to 35 ppm/70 ipm1 with the ability to scan both sides of one sheet in just one pass. A step-up from the recently introduced Epson DS-530, it features a 50-page ADF with a robust peak daily duty cycle of 4,000 sheets2. In addition, the DS-575W offers wireless capabilities for scanning to smartphones, tablets, computers, or online storage accounts5.

"Epson expanded its commercial document scanner line to ensure that businesses of all sizes have the tools required to increase their employees' productivity and efficiency in the office," said Mark Pickard, senior product manager, Scanners, Epson America, Inc. "With innovation for the end user in mind, we not only look to increase security functions, scan speeds and peak daily duty cycle, but also offer additional flexibility for connectivity  whether wireless or networked  to keep business moving forward."

Additional features of the DS-780N, DS-770 and DS-575W include:

Scan to online storage accounts 6 or searchable PDFs: scan to Evernote  , SharePoint  , Google Drive or editable files; OCR software included

scan to Evernote , SharePoint , Google Drive or editable files; OCR software included Advanced color and image adjustments made simple: auto crop, skew correction, blank page and background removal

auto crop, skew correction, blank page and background removal Versatile paper handling: scan business/ID cards, single sheets and folded pages up to 11" x 17"7

Availability and Support

The Epson DS-780N network ($1099), DS-770 ($999) and DS-575W wireless ($449) color document scanners will be available in June through select value added resellers, distributors nationwide, e-tailers and the Epson online store. The scanners feature a three-year limited warranty with advance exchange service, including next business day replacement for users who call in by 3 p.m. EST. For more information, please visit https://epson.com/Support/sl/s.

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 73,000 employees in 91 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts.

Epson America, Inc., based in Long Beach, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/EpsonAmerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica).

 Based on previous models at the same price point.

1 Based on letter-sized scans at 300 dpi using the USB interface.

2 Peak daily duty cycle is the highest recommended number of scanned sheets per day. For best results, do not exceed the peak daily duty cycle. Calculations based on a scanning speed of 45 ppm and an assumed daily use time.

3 Expedited shipping not available in all areas. Road Service orders must be in by 3 p.m. Eastern Time for Next-Business Day delivery.

4 With Epson Document Capture and Epson Scan software installed on the connected Windows PC or Mac. Internet connection is required.

5 Wirelessly scan to smartphones or tablets (Android/iOS devices) via the Epson DocumentScan app; wirelessly scan to the cloud, PCs or Macs with Epson Document Capture software, installed on the connected Windows PC or Mac.

6 With Epson Document Capture software installed on the connected Windows PC or Mac.

7 Carrier sheet required

EPSON is a registered trademark, EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark and Better Products for a Better Future is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Drive is a trademark of Google Inc. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2016 Epson America, Inc. CPD-52037 9/16

SOURCE Epson America, Inc.

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INDIANAPOLIS, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Firestone Building Products Company, LLC, a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-performing building product solutions, announced today their top firms that earned the 2017 Master Contractor award. This highly-regarded award program recognizes the most outstanding contractors in the commercial roofing industry. These top-tier companies are among the top 5 percent of Firestone Building Products Red Shield Licensed Roofing Contractors and were selected for their exemplary installation, quality of work and customer service.

This year holds a special distinction, as 2017 commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Master Contractor Program. For its 30th year, Firestone Building Products announced new specifications for achieving Master Contractor status and qualifying for the various levels within the Master Contractor program.

The Master Contractor Program recognizes three levels of achievement: Silver Master Contractor, Gold Master Contractor and Platinum Master Contractor. Firestone Building Products offers these three categories to recognize increasingly-difficult levels of accomplishment. In addition to these three levels, Firestone Building Products also recognizes Master Contractors with the highest level of quality installations with the Inner Circle of Quality award.

"For 30 years, our contractors continue to prove they're among the best in the industry. The Master Contractor award reflects their hard work and attention to detail," said Tim Dunn, president of Firestone Building Products. "This esteemed Master Contractor distinction is among the longest running and most desirable recognition in the commercial roofing industry, and we're honored to be partnered with these reputable firms."

All Master Contractor award recipients were selected based on total square footage installed and quality points accumulated for outstanding inspection ratings on systems covered by the Firestone Building Products Red Shield Warranty. Those include: RubberGard EPDM, UltraPly TPO, asphalt and metal roofing systems.

In the sustainability category, the program recognizes Firestone Building Products SkyScape Vegetative Roof Systems and SunWave Daylighting System.

Requirements include completing a minimum of eight Red Shield warranted jobs during the 2016 calendar year, being in good financial standing with Firestone Building Products, and having a Preferred Quality Incidence Rating (QIR) that does not exceed 2.5 times the average QIR for Red Shield Licensed Roofing Contractors. QIR is determined by the annual number of quality incidents per million square feet of roofing under warranty.

The Master Contractor 2017 award categories and qualifications include:

Silver Master Contractor

This highly regarded award represents the top 5 percent of Firestone Building Products contractors who have mastered quality commercial roofing solutions and who exemplify the hard work, determination and entrepreneurial leadership that defines Firestone Building Products.

Gold Master Contractor

In order to earn Gold Master Contractor status, the contractor must be in the top 2 percent of Firestone Building Products Master Contractors who accrued the highest number of quality points for superior inspection ratings and total square footage of Firestone Building Products Red Shield warranted roofing system installations.

Platinum Master Contractor

Platinum Master Contractor award winners include the top 1 percent of members who accrued the highest number of quality points for superior inspection ratings and total square footage of Firestone Building Products Red Shield warranted roofing system installations completed during the past year.

Inner Circle of Quality

Master Contractors were eligible for the Inner Circle of Quality award by maintaining at least 2 million square feet of Firestone Building Products roofs under warranty and achieve an annual Quality Incidence Rating (QIR) of 1.0 or less.

This year's Master Contractor award presentation was held Feb. 19-22 at the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui, Hawaii.

Please visit the Firestone Building Products website for a complete listing of Master Contractors.

About Firestone Building Products Company, LLC (www.firestonebpco.com):

Firestone Building Products Company, LLC is a leading manufacturer and supplier of a comprehensive "Roots to Rooftops" product portfolio for commercial building performance solutions. By taking the entire building envelope into consideration, Firestone Building Products meets individual customer and project needs for roofing, wall and lining solutions. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company also offers outstanding technical services, an international network of roofing contractors, distributors and field sales representatives, and superior warranty protection. Products include: commercial roofing systems, roofing accessories, green roofing systems and daylighting systems, vegetative roofing systems, metal wall panels, insulation, cavity wall construction, pond liners and geomembranes.

Contact:

Sarah Flagg Kelly Bradley CBD Marketing CBD Marketing 312-661-1050 312-661-1050 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Firestone Building Products Company, LLC

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"This is a very historic occasion, an amazing achievement, and an exciting time for the Kurdish people," said Dr. Carl Moeller, CEO of Biblica. "Imagine not having the Bible in your language! Most of us can't. But for the Kurds, that has been a reality. Until now."

Translation work on the Kurdish Bible began back in the 1850s but was postponed on multiple occasions because of wars and instability in Kurdistan  a large, autonomous region stretching across parts of Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria. Biblica's translation team started their project in the early 1990s.

Biblica was honored on April 3 to present the Kurdish people with their first full Bible. In attendance at the launch celebration in Erbil were representatives from various denominations of the Kurdish Christian Church, along with members of the government of Kurdistan. The audience also included many Kurdish Muslims.

"This is the first time in history such a thing has happened," the Area Executive Director of Biblica's Middle East/North Africa region said, referring to the enthusiastic acceptance of the new Bible by the Muslim community.

"This translation is the result of many, many years of prayers, a great deal of sacrifice by our translation team, and is a wonderful reminder of God's great faithfulness," said Dr. Moeller. "He is doing awesome things in Kurdistan. Our prayer is that this Bible will be a blessing to the Kurdish Church, help Kurdish believers grow in their faith, and be used by God to draw many Kurds into relationship with Jesus Christ."

Biblica's Sorani Kurdish Bible translation is also now available on YouVersion and BibleGateway, providing access for those who can't afford, don't have access to, or can't read printed Bibles.

About Biblica

Biblica is committed to providing the Bible in accurate, contemporary translations and formats so that more people around the world will have the opportunity to be transformed by Jesus Christ. We do this through translation and publishing, by making the Bible accessible, and with innovative Bible engagement programs like Community Bible Experience. To learn more about our ministry and how you can partner with us to share God's Word with people around the world, go to www.biblica.com.

SOURCE Biblica

Related Links

http://www.biblica.com


LOWELL, Mass., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Megan's House, a long-term residential treatment home for young women recovering from addiction, recently launched a raffle for a new home in Dracut, MA to raise funds, awareness and provide the community with the opportunity of a lifetime!

Megan Grover Brand new home being raffled.

Beginning last Friday, April 7th, Megan's House began offering $100 raffle tickets for a beautiful newly-constructed, 2,000 square foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath Colonial situated on a quiet, residential street in Dracut, MA. To date, more than $40,000 has been raised with a goal of $500,000 to be reached by June 14, 2017. The winning ticket will be drawn on June 21, 2017 at Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut, Massachusetts. In addition to the house raffle, numerous other items are available to win as well, including a 7 Night Stay in Costa Rica at Tres Regalos Beachfront Resort, a Roomba 980 by iRobot and a New Orleans style doll house.

Tim Grover, Megan's father and the Founder of Megan's House, purchased the building that is now Megan's House as well as four nearby lots with the hope that his daughter would always have a place to stay while recovering from addiction. Sadly, Megan lost her battle on December 30, 2014. Grover closed on the property that would become Megan's House on January 6, 2015, the same day as his daughter's funeral.

Megan's House is a comprehensive residential treatment home for young women between the ages of 18 and 26 who are struggling with addiction and other co-occurring disorders.Megan's House provides a long-term, multifaceted and holistic approach to treatment. This program includes evidenced-based services aimed at improving the quality of life and the provision of life skills for the residents. Massachusetts Lt. Governor Karyn Polito had a chance to visit Megan's House and spoke with the residents and said, "Megan's House is unique. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts needs to figure out how to create more homes like Megan's House to help individuals with long-term recovery."

"My goal was to develop the lots next door to Megan's House and sell them to help fund our treatment programs," said Grover. "We are excited to give our many supporters in the community the opportunity to participate in this raffle and win this beautiful new house, while also making a difference in the lives of these young women."

To purchase raffle tickets, please visit our website at www.themeganhouse.org

PRESS CONTACT:

Nancy Michaels

617-905-4711

[email protected]

SOURCE Megan's House
In his practice, Davis focuses on complex patent litigation in a range of technical areas, including chemistry, biotechnology, medical devices, and mechanical and electrical engineering. Experienced in all phases of litigation, he regularly leads cases in federal district court, at the International Trade Commission, and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (where he clerked after law school). He is the firm's leading attorney for matters in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (where he also clerked after law school).

Davis is a member of the firm's Management Committee and national chair of Fish's Diversity Initiative. Outside the office, he is a regular speaker on patent issues, and is an instructor for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. He received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 1999, his M.S. in chemistry from Emory University in 1996, and his B.S., cum laude, in chemistry from Morehouse College in 1994.

Fellowship in the LCA is highly selective and by invitation only, with Fellows selected based upon excellence and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation. Established as a trial and appellate lawyer honorary society reflecting the American bar in the twenty-first century, the LCA represents the best in law among its membership. The number of Fellowships has been kept at an exclusive limit by design, with recognition of excellence in litigation across all segments of the bar.

Fish & Richardson is a global patent prosecution, intellectual property litigation, and commercial litigation law firm with more than 400 attorneys and technology specialists in the U.S. and Europe. Fish is the #1 U.S. patent litigation firm, handling nearly three times more cases than its nearest competitor; a powerhouse patent prosecution firm; a top-tier trademark and copyright firm; and the #1 firm at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, with more cases than any other firm. Since 1878, Fish attorneys have been winning cases worth billions in controversy  often by making new law  for the world's most innovative and influential technology leaders. For more information, visit https://www.fr.com or follow us at @FishRichardson.

Contact: Amy Blumenthal or Kelly Largey

Blumenthal & Associates

Fish & Richardson

617-879-1511

800-818-5070

[email protected]

[email protected]

SOURCE Fish & Richardson

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LONDON, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Flat steel market is projected to reach USD 757.15 billion by 2026

The flat steel market is projected to reach USD 757.15 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2016 to 2026. Increasing urban population, rapid industrialization, and increase in infrastructure investments are driving the demand for flat steel products. However, volatile prices of raw materials is expected to restrict market growth.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4458252/



Based on type, the plates segment of the flat steel market is estimated to grow at a high rate during the forecast period

Plates are widely used for heavy and industrial activities such as construction of buildings, bridges, dams, ships, offshore structures, hydro power stations, storage tanks, boilers, pressure vessels, and machinery. Growing investments in building & infrastructure in emerging economies is expected to propel market growth for the plate segment of the flat steel market. In addition, introduction of high strength steel plate grades has increased the use of steel plates in the automotive sector.



Asia-Pacific projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The Asia-Pacific flat steel market is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR between 2016 and 2026. Growth of this market can be attributed to the increasing demand for flat steel from China and India. China, with growth in construction and automotive industries, is a major consumer of flat steel in the Asia-Pacific region. The India flat steel market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.



BREAKDOWN OF PROFILE OF PRIMARY PARTICIPANTS:



- By Company Type: Tier 1  59%, Tier 2  18%, and Tier 3  23%

- By Designation: C Level  45%, Director Level  23%, and Others  32%

- By Region: Asia-Pacific  53%, Europe  21%, North America  16%, and Middle East & Africa  10%



Major companies profiled in this report are ArcelorMittal (Luxembourg), POSCO (South Korea), Voestalpine AG (Austria), Essar Steel (India), ThyssenKrupp (Germany), United States Steel Corporation (U.S.), Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (Japan), Allegheny Technologies Inc. (U.S.), SSAB (Sweden), Hyundai Steel Co., Limited (South Korea), Tata Steel Limited (India), SAIL (India), and Essar Steel (India).



Research Coverage

This report offers an overview of market trends, drivers, and challenges with respect to the flat steel market. It also provides a detailed overview of the market across five regions, namely, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. The report categorizes the flat steel market on the basis of type, end user, and region. A detailed analysis of leading players, along with key growth strategies adopted by them is also covered in the report.



Reasons to buy the report

This report covers the following key aspects:

- Market size by 2026 and its growth rate

- Key market trend

- Factors expected to drive the market

- Challenges that are expected to impact market growth

- Key players in this market

- Global report covers key regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, including major countries in these regions such as the U.S., China, India, Russia, and Germany



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4458252/



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com



For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

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FORT WORTH, Texas, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world of TV on demand and drive-thru lattes, instant gratification has become the norm in modern life. But a "fast food" mentality should not apply when it comes to having plastic surgery, says Fort Worth board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Emily J. Kirby. She wants prospective patients to know that a safe procedure, excellent results, and positive experience with plastic surgery requires thoughtful planning, including a realistic timeframe for surgery and recovery.

"In my practice, I have noticed a growing number of patients who are under the impression that it is possible to complete a consultation and surgery in a matter of a few weeksor even less. However, highly experienced, sought-after surgeons typically have schedules booked up for several months," states Dr. Kirby, who has been named a Fort Worth Magazine Top Doctor for the last 3 consecutive years.

Dr. Kirby says that the plastic surgery processfrom researching potential plastic surgeons to getting back to one's full routine after surgerycan take at least 6 months and warns that rushing the process in order to get results quickly can lead to compromises that jeopardize a patient's health or leave her with subpar results.

"Plastic surgery should be taken seriously as any other medical procedureit is worth the wait to get in with a highly experienced, board certified plastic surgeon whose work you love," stresses Dr. Kirby.

To help patients better plan for their cosmetic procedures, Dr. Kirby recently published a guide outlining typical timeframes for the plastic surgery process. She highlights four key phases:

1 to 2 weeks to research plastic surgeons and finalize a list of those with whom you wish to consult . Dr. Kirby notes that patients should make sure any plastic surgeon they are considering is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and experienced in the procedures they are seeking.

. Dr. Kirby notes that patients should make sure any plastic surgeon they are considering is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and experienced in the procedures they are seeking. Up to 6 weeks to get a consultation appointment. Reputable plastic surgeons are often booked for several weeks out at any given time. Patients hoping to meet with multiple surgeons may need additional time to complete all consultations.

Reputable plastic surgeons are often booked for several weeks out at any given time. Patients hoping to meet with multiple surgeons may need additional time to complete all consultations. 4 to 10 weeks between consultation and surgery. It is common for a plastic surgeon's first available date to be many weeks after a consultation. Dr. Kirby adds that some patients may need additional time to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, to minimize risks and ensure optimal healing.

It is common for a plastic surgeon's first available date to be many weeks after a consultation. Dr. Kirby adds that some patients may need additional time to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, to minimize risks and ensure optimal healing. Time for recovery, including 1 to 2 weeks of downtime following surgery. Most patients require at least 1 week away from work, driving, and other daily activities. Results are typically considered "photo-ready" no sooner than 3 months after surgery.

Dr. Kirby stresses that patients who want to be healed and look great for a special occasion, as well as those who have a small window of available time for surgery and downtime, should start the consultation process as early as possibleup to a year in advance is not too soon.

"The best way to get the ideal surgery date for your schedule, with the plastic surgeon you prefer, is to start the consultation process at least 6 months prior. The more time between your consultation and desired surgery date you allow, the more likely it is that your plastic surgeon will be available at a time that works well for you," advises Dr. Kirby.

Those who wish to learn more about Dr. Kirby's recommendations for plastic surgery timing should contact Kirby Plastic Surgery at 817-292-4200 or visit kirbyplasticsurgery.com.

About Kirby Plastic Surgery: Dr. Emily J. Kirby is a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures as well as non-surgical treatments. Her practice is located at 7250 Hawkins View Drive, Suite 412, Fort Worth, TX 76132. For more information, visit kirbyplasticsurgery.com or read some of Dr. Emily Kirby's reviews.

Media Contact: Randol Kirby, 817.292.4200

SOURCE Kirby Plastic Surgery

Related Links

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RESTON, Va., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- FranConnect (www.franconnect.com), the leading provider of franchise management software, has released FranConnect Sky: Polaris edition  the latest version of the company's cloud-based software platform. The release comes with over 100 new capabilities, including a business intelligence suite, enhanced integrations with Intuit's QuickBooks Online and Google Gmail, and improvements to the FranConnect Sky Training module.

"Our customers consistently tell us one of their biggest challenges is system-wide performance visibility and accurate financial reporting," said Mike Morper, Senior Vice President of Product Management. "Now that FranConnect Sky is integrated with QuickBooks Online, franchise owners can easily deliver required P&L information to the brand, and brand CEOs benefit by having normalized system-wide financial data that can then be correlated with other key business metrics stored within the FranConnect Sky platform."

FranConnect Sky: Polaris edition includes five major new capabilities:

FranConnect Sky Insights  FranConnect Sky Insights, the latest addition to the FranConnect Sky suite, is a business intelligence tool built specifically for franchising, allowing franchisors to make better business decisions with real-time information and correlate data across their entire franchise system.

Intuit QuickBooks Online  FranConnect Sky Finance is now deeply integrated with QuickBooks Online to create the most comprehensive franchise accounting software in the market. Brands can collect normalized P&L financial information from all unit owners, eliminating manual handling of system-wide data.

FranConnect Sky for Gmail  With a newly added Google Chrome extension for Gmail, customers can create and edit contact information directly from their Gmail accounts, as well as save all outbound emails directly to the system. Without leaving the Gmail platform, employees can keep their franchising system of record current.

FranConnect Sky Training  The user interface of FranConnect Sky Training has been completely reimagined, and franchisors and franchisees can now create training plans that guide employees through a curriculum and accelerate education. Beautiful, easy-to-read dashboards provide an overview of individual and team performance.

SMS Campaigns  SMS campaigns automate the delivery of text messages and will improve engagement through FranConnect Sky CRM or Sales with targeted texting drip campaigns. With the power of FranConnect Sky's Workflows, messaging can be automated with event-based triggers.

Other enhancements include:

Send multiple FDDs to leads interested in opening units across multiple brands

Send email campaigns based on the recipient's time zone

Gain better insight to local marketing performance with the enhanced marketing dashboard

Touch ID login for FranConnect Sky Mobile Apps

About FranConnect

FranConnect provides proven franchise management software to more than 600 brands and 110,000 franchisees including multi-unit operators and area developers. The company's customers rely on FranConnect to grow the number of units and make them more successful. Only FranConnect comes with Franchising Built-In  exclusive functionality and best practices for the entire franchise lifecycle  so franchisors can more effectively manage, track, and run their business.

SOURCE FranConnect

Related Links

http://www.franconnect.com


MALVERN, Pa., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Frontline Education has acquired Teachers-Teachers, a national job search resource that connects more than 2,000 educational organizations nationwide with the best of more than one million candidates. This marks the sixth acquisition in 18 months for Frontline, making it the nation's leading education software company, now serving more than 9,500 K-12 organizations across the country.

"The current education landscape and pervasive teacher shortage has increased districts' need to recruit and retain educators using more efficient and proactive methods," said Frontline Education CEO Tim Clifford. "This acquisition is timely, not just for the height of the educator recruiting season, but for the ongoing advancement of the Frontline Recruiting and Hiring Solution."

Frontline Recruiting and Hiring is a core solution within the Frontline Insights Platform and Frontline's industry leading job search resource, K12Jobspot, currently lists more than 90,000 jobs from over 3,500 districts nationwide. Teachers-Teachers increases efficiencies in recruiting for education organizations by offering one of the most proactive and user-friendly web-based applications for recruiting and hiring.

While district recruiters can actively reach out to qualified candidates with unlimited job postings and national job board aggregations, applicants can expand their job search and increase their visibility with hiring professionals across the country using Teachers-Teachers free and efficient service.

"We are excited to join the Frontline Education team and trust that our solutions and core capabilities can work together to provide the most comprehensive and intuitive Recruiting and Hiring portfolio available," said Teachers-Teachers President and CEO Jason Froelich. "We look forward to providing exceptional service and job search resources to K-12 education on a much larger scale."

The acquisition will extend the resources and reach for Teachers-Teachers while enhancing the Frontline Recruiting and Hiring solution for educators and administrators through one-click application and targeted, proactive recruitment of millennial teachers  a historically difficult segment to attract.

Teachers-Teachers was advised in this transaction by Berkery-Noyes.

About Teachers-Teachers:

Teachers-Teachers is a job search resource dedicated to elevating the quality of education worldwide by efficiently connecting outstanding educators with school systems. This service is provided at no cost to candidates seeking jobs as educators, administrators or related services personnel and provides an effective way to find great education jobs nationwide. There are over 2,000 school systems across the country currently using the Teachers-Teachers solution to recruit qualified education personnel. Since launching in 1999, Teachers-Teachers' educator recruitment platform has grown to more than one million registered teachers.

Learn more at www.Teachers-Teachers.com

About Frontline Education:

Frontline Education is an integrated insights partner serving more than 9,500 K-12 organizations and millions of educators, administrators and support personnel in their efforts to develop the next generation of learners. With more than 15 years of experience serving the front line of education, Frontline Education is dedicated to providing actionable intelligence that enables informed decisions and drives engagement across school systems. Bringing together the best education software solutions into one unified platform, Frontline makes it possible to efficiently and effectively manage the administrative needs of the education community, including their recruiting and hiring, employee absences and attendance, professional growth and special education and interventions programs. Frontline Education corporate headquarters are in Malvern, Pennsylvania, with offices in Andover, Massachusetts, Rockville Centre, New York and Chicago, Illinois.

Learn more at www.frontlineeducation.com

SOURCE Frontline Education

Related Links

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DENVER, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Gates Corporation, a global diversified manufacturer of industrial and automotive products, announced that its Gates de Mexico division is the recipient of the 2016 Gold Award for Outstanding On-Time Shipping Performance from General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales, the automaker's automotive parts and service operation. The Gold Award recognizes key suppliers that have achieved 99 percent or better on-time shipping performance over the preceding 12 months.

"Gates Mexico is honored to be part of this group of exclusive suppliers selected to receive the 2016 GM Gold award. It represents 12 months of exceptional work, dedication, and discipline from the entire team," said Victor Mendoza, Gates Mexico Commercial Vice President.

General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales has very high standards for on-time shipping and customer service. This award recognizes Gates' commitment to providing the high levels of product quality and reliable service that GM expects.

For more detailed information about Gates Corporation, please contact [email protected] or visit Gates.com.

About Gates Corporation

Gates Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer of power transmission belts and a premier global manufacturer of fluid power products. Our highly engineered products are critical components used in diverse industrial and automotive applications where the cost of failure is very high relative to the cost of our products. We provide a differentiated value proposition to our customers by offering a complete portfolio of premium product and service solutions for both replacement and first-fit applications across our targeted end markets, which encompass process and specialty, construction, agriculture, energy, transportation, and automotive. We sell our products globally under the Gates brand, which is recognized by distributors, original equipment manufacturers, and installers as the premium brand for quality and technological innovation, a reputation which we have built for over a century since our founding in 1911.

As an engineering leader with a strong foundation in research and development, Gates is committed to advancing the science of motion performance by developing safe, forward-thinking products, services, systems, and solutions, as well as fostering long-term customer and employee relationships. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Gates employs over 14,000 people across 106 locations in 30 countries.

If it moves you, there's a good chance Gates has a part in it.

Gates. Powering Progress.

SOURCE Gates Corporation

Related Links

http://www.gates.com


RICHMOND, Va., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) today announced it would issue its earnings release containing first quarter results after the market closes on May 2, 2017; the earnings release and quarterly financial supplement will be available through the company's website, http://investor.genworth.com at the time of their release to the public. Due to the pending sale to China Oceanwide, the company does not plan to host an earnings call.

About Genworth Financial

Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) is a Fortune 500 insurance holding company committed to helping families achieve the dream of homeownership and address the financial challenges of aging through its leadership positions in mortgage insurance and long term care insurance. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Genworth traces its roots back to 1871 and became a public company in 2004. For more information, visit genworth.com.

From time to time, Genworth releases important information via postings on its corporate website. Accordingly, investors and other interested parties are encouraged to enroll to receive automatic email alerts and Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds regarding new postings. Enrollment information is found under the "Investors" section of genworth.com. From time to time, Genworth's publicly traded subsidiaries, Genworth MI Canada Inc. and Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia Limited, separately release financial and other information about their operations. This information can be found at http://genworth.ca and http://www.genworth.com.au.

SOURCE Genworth Financial, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.genworth.com


SANTA CLARA, Calif. and SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Gigamon Inc. (NYSE: GIMO), the industry leader in traffic visibility solutions, announced today that the Gigamon Visibility Platform for Amazon Web Services (AWS) is now available in the AWS Marketplace. Organizations can access Gigamon's visibility delivery solutions with the full knowledge and confidence that the tools meet AWS' exacting requirements and integrate into the greater AWS ecosystem. Gigamon also achieved elevated Amazon Partner Network (APN) and Public Sector Partner Program statuses, which expand the company's reach with AWS partner communities.

Gigamon's new AWS Marketplace listing makes it more accessible for customers to find, subscribe to and deploy Gigamon's solutions. With increasing volumes of data traversing to public clouds, the Gigamon Visibility Platform delivers automated visibility into AWS workloads while accelerating the scale, performance and effectiveness of existing network security and monitoring toolsets.

To achieve APN Advanced Technology Partner status, Gigamon underwent rigorous evaluations to meet the stringent APN technical validation criteria for reliability, security, performance and product architecture, including live customer deployments. The designation demonstrates the company's ability to deliver faster, improved and more secure application workload performance in AWS.

Gigamon also pursued Public Sector Partner status by satisfying requirements around dedicated experience and readiness to support government, education and nonprofit entities. Private sector and state and local government and education (SLED) organizations can gain increased visibility in AWS while meeting strict security, compliance and regulatory standards.

"With Gigamon's Visibility Platform now available in the AWS Marketplace, cloud and security operations teams can gain deep visibility to traffic traversing hybrid clouds," said Ananda Rajagopal, vice president of products at Gigamon. "The achieved awareness gained provides real-time insights so that organizations can take action to securely manage mission-critical workloads and protect sensitive data whether in physical, virtual and cloud environments."

Gigamon expanded its growing security eco-system with new technology partner, Vectra Networks, whose solution provides visibility and automated detection of advanced attacker behaviors on the network. Together, the companies offer a combination of network intelligence and threat detection that allows businesses to successfully leverage cloud strategies within their public infrastructures. The Vectra partnership and recent customer wins, including Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group , fuel the adoption of Gigamon Visibility Platform for AWS.

"Vectra partnered with Gigamon to bring our AI-based automated threat-hunting capabilities to the public cloud, giving enterprises real-time visibility of advanced attackers throughout their extended networksfrom users to data center to cloud," said Kevin Kennedy, vice president of products at Vectra.

Join Gigamon at the AWS Summit on April 18-19, 2017 to learn more about the Gigamon Visibility Platform for AWS at Booth #1813, Moscone West, San Francisco.

About Gigamon Visibility Platform for AWS

Gigamon Visibility Platform for AWS is the industry's first pervasive Visibility Platform that provides consistent visibility into data in motion across the entire enterprise: on-premise, remote sites, public cloud, private, and hybrid architectures. Organizations can create a comprehensive visibility tier on an AWS VPC with one consistent way to access, categorize and consolidate the delivery of network traffic to out-of-band security and performance management tools.

Resources

Gigamon Visibility Platform for AWS product web page

Gigamon Visibility Platform for AWS  AWS Marketplace

Best Practices: Securing, Analyzing and Mitigating Threats to Your AWS Applications webinar

GigaTalks AWS Cloud with Mike Clayville video

Gigamon

Gigamon (NYSE: GIMO) provides active visibility into physical, virtual and cloud network traffic, enabling stronger security and superior performance. Gigamon's Visibility Fabric and GigaSECUREO, the industry's first Security Delivery Platform, deliver advanced intelligence so that security, network, and application performance management solutions in enterprise, government, and service provider networks operate more efficiently and effectively. See more at www.gigamon.com, the Gigamon Blog, or follow Gigamon on Twitter, LinkedIn , or Facebook.

Legal Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains 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. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to the potential benefits of new product offerings and solutions, and goals for our AWS Marketplace listing, Gigamon Visibility Platform, and joint solutions with Vectra Networks. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results in future periods are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks include our ability to continue to deliver our products and general market, political, economic and business conditions. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016 and most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Gigamon as of the date hereof, and Gigamon disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

SOURCE Gigamon

Related Links

http://www.gigamon.com


NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This report analyzes the worldwide markets for Patient Scales in US$ Thousand by the following Product Segments: Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales. The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of World. Annual estimates and forecasts are provided for the period 2015 through 2022. Also, a six-year historic analysis is provided for these markets. Market data and analytics are derived from primary and secondary research. Company profiles are primarily based on public domain information including company URLs.



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04484193/Global-Patient-Scales-Medical-Equipment-Supplies.html





The report profiles 35 companies including many key and niche players such as -



Algen Scale Corp.

Detecto Scale Company

Doran Scales, Inc.

Natus Medical Incorporated

Pelstar, LLC



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04484193/Global-Patient-Scales-Medical-Equipment-Supplies.html





I. INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & PRODUCT DEFINITIONS

Study Reliability and Reporting Limitations

Disclaimers

Data Interpretation & Reporting Level

Quantitative Techniques & Analytics

Product Definitions and Scope of Study

Floor Scales

Infant & Baby Scales

Chair Scales

Under Bed Scales



II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



1. INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Market Outlook

Regional Market Analysis

Analysis by Segment

Strategic Markets for Patient Scales

Scales - A Preventive Tool

Causes of Weight Problem

Problems with Obesity

Scales Aid in Prevention of Issues with Weight



2. MARKET TRENDS AND DRIVERS

Digital Scales Gain Market Share over Mechanical Scales

Have Mechanical Scales Lost Favor?

Balance Beam Scales - Still the Popular Patient Scale

Comparison of Key Commercial Balance Beam Scales

Need for an Effective Portable Weighing Device

Greater Benefits and Features Form the Trend

Scales Go Hi-Tech

Value Addition

Improvements in Load Cell Technology Enhance Reliability

Pediatric Scales Witness Continued Design and Technology Improvements

Baby Scales See Significant Advances

Bariatric Scales - A Testimony to Technological Advancements in Scales

Major Features of Modern Bariatric Scales

Demand for Bariatric Scales on the Rise

Protection from Nosocomial Infections - A New Dimension to Patient Scales

Growing Obesity Levels Drive Weight Related Ailments; Contribute to Growth in Demand for Scales

Table 1: World Obesity Prevalence (2015 & 2022): Percentage of Obese Population for Leading Ten Countries (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Burgeoning Geriatric Population and Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases to Buoy Demand

Table 2: Percentage Growth of 65+ Population in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 3: Global Population Statistics for the 65+ Age Group (2015) (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 4: Comparison of Aging Population by Country (1980, 2015 & 2050): Percentage Share of Population Aged Above-65 Years of the Overall Population for Select Countries (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 5: Life Expectancy for Select Countries in Number of Years: 2015E (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Rising Healthcare Expenditure in Developing Countries Induces Momentum in the Market

Table 6: Healthcare Spending as % of GDP by Region (2016E) ( includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 7: Healthcare Spending as a Percentage of GDP in Select Countries (2014) (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)





3. PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Definition

Types of Patient Scales

Balance Beam Scales

Digital Scales

Infant Scales

Specialty Scales

Chair Scales

Under Bed Scales

Heavy-Capacity Scales

Built-in Floor Scales

Sling Scales

Platform Scales

Body Fat Scales



4. PRODUCT INNOVATIONS/INTRODUCTIONS

SR Instruments Introduces Autodesk Revit 3D Rendering in Scales

Detecto Launches icon Range of Eye-level Physician Scales

Detecto Rolls Out apex Eye-Level Digital Clinical Scales

SR Instruments Launches SR411i Patient Floor Scale

SR Instruments Launches SR585i Stand-on Scale

DETECTO Introduces MB130 Digital Pediatric Scale

Pelstar Launches Digital Wet Diaper/Lap Sponge/Organ Scale

Health o meter Professional Scales Launches G6 Series BCA Scales

Health o meter Professional Scales Rolls Out 880KL Digital Floor Scale

Tanita Unveils TBF-400 Body Composition Analyzer

Detecto Introduces solo Digital Physician Scale

NHG Introduces Steiss CS300 Digital Chair Scales

SR Instruments Launches SR7010i Multi-purpose Scale

Health o meter Professional Scales Releases Updated SDK

Omron Healthcare Launches Smartphone-connected Weighing Scale

Tanita Introduces WB-800plus Professional Scales

QARDIO Rolls Out QardioBase Smart Scale

Pelstar Introduces Wireless Connectivity for Existing EMR Scales

Health o meter Professional Scales Launches New Antimicrobial Scale

Marsden Introduces New Portable Medical Scales



5. RECENT INDUSTRY ACTIVITY

Detecto Secures Clearance to Ship OIML EC Class III Scales

Hill-Rom Acquires Welch Allyn

Welch Allyn Acquires Scale-Tronix

A&D Medical Introduces Connectivity of Bluetooth-enabled Weight Scales to Health App

Health o meter Professional Scales Enters into Group Purchasing Deal with Premier

Welch Allyn Partners with seca





6. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS

Algen Scale Corp. (US)

Detecto Scale Company (US)

Doran Scales, Inc. (US)

Natus Medical Incorporated (US)

Pelstar, LLC (US)

seca GmbH & Co. Kg. (Germany)

SR Instruments, Inc. (US)

Tanita Corporation (Japan)

Wedderburn (Australia)

Welch Allyn, Inc. (US)





7. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

Table 8: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 9: World Historic Review for Patient Scales by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 10: World 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 11: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Floor Scales by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 12: World Historic Review for Floor Scales by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 13: World 14-Year Perspective for Floor Scales by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 14: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Infant & Baby Scales by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 15: World Historic Review for Infant & Baby Scales by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 16: World 14-Year Perspective for Infant & Baby Scales by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 17: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Chair Scales by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 18: World Historic Review for Chair Scales by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 19: World 14-Year Perspective for Chair Scales by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 20: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Under Bed Scales by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 21: World Historic Review for Under Bed Scales by Geographic Region - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 22: World 14-Year Perspective for Under Bed Scales by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Latin America and Rest of World Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)





III. MARKET





1. THE UNITED STATES

A.Market Analysis

Current & Future Analysis

US Healthcare Industry - A Brief Profile

Aging Population Fuel Demand

Table 23: North American Elderly Population by Age Group (1975-2050) (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Obesity Crisis Unfolds Opportunities for Growth

Table 24: US Obesity Prevalence by Segment: 2009-10, 2011-12 and 2013-14 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 25: Obesity Prevalence in the US Adult Population by Age Group: 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 26: Obesity Prevalence in the US Adult Population by Race: 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 27: US Adult Obesity Rates by State: 2015 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 28: Obesity Prevalence in the US Youth Population by Race: 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Child Obesity in the US

Significance of Weight Monitoring in CHF

Product Launches

Strategic Corporate Developments

Key Players

B.Market Analytics

Table 29: US Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 30: US Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 31: US 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)





2. CANADA

Market Analysis

Table 32: Canadian Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 33: Canadian Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 34: Canadian 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)





3. JAPAN

A.Market Analysis

Current & Future Analysis

Aging Population to Drive Growth

Table 35: Aging Population Trend in Japan from 1995 to 2015 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Product Launches

Key Player

B.Market Analytics

Table 36: Japanese Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 37: Japanese Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 38: Japanese 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)





4. EUROPE

Market Analysis

Table 39: European Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Geographic Region - France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 40: European Historic Review for Patient Scales by Geographic Region - France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 41: European 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 42: European Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 43: European Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 44: European 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)



4a. FRANCE

Market Analysis

Table 45: French Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 46: French Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 47: French 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)



4b. GERMANY

A.Market Analysis

Current & Future Analysis

German Healthcare System

seca GmbH & Co. KG. - A Germany-Based Global Leader in Medical Scales

B.Market Analytics

Table 48: German Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 49: German Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 50: German 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)



4c. ITALY

Market Analysis

Table 51: Italian Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 52: Italian Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 53: Italian 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)



4d. THE UNITED KINGDOM

A.Market Analysis

Current & Future Analysis

Healthcare Market Scenario

Product Launches

B.Market Analytics

Table 54: UK Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 55: UK Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 56: UK 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)



4e. SPAIN

Market Analysis

Table 57: Spanish Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 58: Spanish Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 59: Spanish 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)



4f. RUSSIA

Market Analysis

Table 60: Russian Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 61: Russian Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 62: Russian 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)



4g. REST OF EUROPE

A.Market Analysis

Current & Future Analysis

Overview of Healthcare Markets in Select Countries

Hungary

Switzerland

One of World's Best Healthcare Systems

B.Market Analytics

Table 63: Rest of Europe Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 64: Rest of Europe Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 65: Rest of Europe 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)





5. ASIA-PACIFIC

A.Market Analysis

Current & Future Analysis

Rapid Growth of the Healthcare Industry

B.Market Analytics

Table 66: Asia-Pacific Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Geographic Region - China, India and Rest of Asia-Pacific Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 67: Asia-Pacific Historic Review for Patient Scales by Geographic Region - China, India and Rest of Asia-Pacific Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 68: Asia-Pacific 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for China, India and Rest of Asia-Pacific Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 69: Asia-Pacific Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 70: Asia-Pacific Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 71: Asia-Pacific 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)



5a. CHINA

A.Market Analysis

Current & Future Analysis

Mounting Pressure for Improved Healthcare

Market Structure

B.Market Analytics

Table 72: Chinese Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 73: Chinese Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 74: Chinese 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)



5b. INDIA

A.Market Analysis

Current & Future Analysis

Surging Demand for Quality Care

B.Market Analytics

Table 75: Indian Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 76: Indian Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 77: Indian 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)



5c. REST OF ASIA-PACIFIC

A.Market Analysis

Current & Future Analysis

A Focus on Major Healthcare Markets in the Region

Australia

An Overview of Australian Healthcare Industry

Korea

Healthcare Services Market

New Zealand

Healthcare Market - An Overview

Sri Lanka

Healthcare System - An Overview

Taiwan

Healthcare Sector - Marked by Structural Changes

Vietnam

Key Player

B.Market Analytics

Table 78: Rest of Asia-Pacific Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 79: Rest of Asia-Pacific Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 80: Rest of Asia-Pacific 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)





6. LATIN AMERICA

Market Analysis

Table 81: Latin American Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Geographic Region - Brazil and Rest of Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 82: Latin American Historic Review for Patient Scales by Geographic Region - Brazil and Rest of Latin American Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 83: Latin American 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Brazil and Rest of Latin American Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 84: Latin American Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 85: Latin American Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 86: Latin American 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)



6a. BRAZIL

Market Analysis

Table 87: Brazilian Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 88: Brazilian Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 89: Brazilian 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)



6b. REST OF LATIN AMERICA

Market Analysis

Table 90: Rest of Latin American Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 91: Rest of Latin American Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 92: Rest of Latin American 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)





7. REST OF WORLD

Market Analysis

Table 93: Rest of World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2015 through 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 94: Rest of World Historic Review for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures in US$ Thousand for Years 2009 through 2014 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)

Table 95: Rest of World 14-Year Perspective for Patient Scales by Product Segment - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales for Floor Scales, Infant & Baby Scales, Chair Scales, and Under Bed Scales Markets for Years 2009, 2016 & 2022 (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)





IV. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Total Companies Profiled: 35 (including Divisions/Subsidiaries - 43) The United States (26) Canada (1) Japan (2) Europe (8) - France (1) - Germany (1) - The United Kingdom (3) - Rest of Europe (3) Asia-Pacific (Excluding Japan) (6)

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04484193/Global-Patient-Scales-Medical-Equipment-Supplies.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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LONDON, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- About Yacht Battery



Yachts are recreational boats designed with luxury amenities, and are purchased by individuals belonging to the high-income group. Yachts with a length greater than 24 feet are known as luxury yachts, superyachts, mega yachts, or large yachts. They are segmented based on size and propulsion, and are largely used for recreational purposes. The global yacht battery market is mainly driven by the increase in sales of leisure boats due to the rising popularity of boat shows in the US, Europe, and ROW. Leisure boat sales in the US is estimated to increase with the recovering economy. With the increase in disposable income in households, customers in the US are replacing their leisure boats.





Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4828784/





Technavio's analysts forecast the global yacht battery market to grow at a CAGR of 2.54% during the period 2017-2021.



Covered in this report

The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global yacht battery market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the number of yachts sold.



The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:

- Europe

- ROW

- US



Technavio's report, Global Yacht Battery 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

- Saft

- Exide Technologies

- GS Yuasa



Market driver

- Growth of boating industry

- For a full, detailed list, view our report



Market challenge

- Increasing sales of pre-owned boats

- For a full, detailed list, view our report



Market trend

- AGM batteries replacing lead-acid batteries

- For a full, detailed list, view our report



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?



You can request one free hour of our analyst's time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report.



Methodology

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4828784/



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com



For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

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Goodman has secured a seven year lease from an online supplier of automotive parts on the first of three logistics facilities currently under construction at the Goodman Logistics Center Santa Fe Springs. Spanning 53 acres, the three building logistics campus is strategically positioned within Los Angeles' infill logistics market, located less than two miles from the I-5 and I-605. It is also 22 miles from the Port of Los Angeles Long Beach and 15 miles from Downtown Los Angeles. The customer is scheduled to take occupancy in the summer of 2017.

Two additional logistics facilities are currently available for lease and provide flexible and sustainable design options for customers requiring space ranging in size from 165,000 to 910,098 square feet. These facilities will be completed in Q4, 2017.

Anthony Rozic, CEO of Goodman North America said: "As online purchasing volumes increase, our customers want and need to be closer to their own customers and are focusing on last mile delivery. The Goodman Logistics Center in Santa Fe Springs is a high quality, Class A property, ideally suited to ecommerce providers and general logistics companies due to its location in the gateway city of Los Angeles  home to a growing population of 18 million people.

This property is a clear demonstration of Goodman's Gateway City strategy, focused on investing in and developing high quality industrial properties in strategic locations, in and around major gateway cities globally."

Thaddeus McCormack, City Manager at the City of Santa Fe Springs welcomed the latest development from Goodman. "The City is excited to see the site developed into a positive contributor to the local economy. We applaud Goodman for its partnership with the City and for its diligence and persistence in bringing this complex project to fruition."

Goodman's partnership with the city of Santa Fe Springs continues to grow and extends beyond this project to include the recent acquisition of a six building logistics campus, totaling approximately one million square feet over 75 acres.

The Goodman Logistics Center in Santa Fe Springs is one of a number of projects in Goodman's US$2.3 billion identified US development pipeline, which will provide 17.7 million square feet of Class A logistics space in the key logistics and industrial markets of Inland Empire, Greater Los Angeles, Northern New Jersey and Central Pennsylvania.

Over the last 18 months, Goodman has completed 3.3 million square feet of Class A development product in these key logistics markets, with a further 2.6 million square feet currently under construction. This is consistent with Goodman's ongoing commitment to servicing the needs of its global customer base through the development of modern, well-located properties for long-term ownership.

An onsite event will be held June 21, 2017 to celebrate completion of all pre-development works to rejuvenate the site and the commencement of the construction phase.

About Goodman

Goodman Group is an integrated property group with operations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom, North America and Brazil. Goodman Group, comprised of the stapled entities Goodman Limited and Goodman Industrial Trust, is the largest industrial property group listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and one of the largest listed specialist investment managers of industrial property and business space globally.

Goodman's global property expertise, integrated own+develop+manage customer service offering and significant investment management platform ensures it creates innovative property solutions that meet the individual requirements of its customers, while seeking to deliver sustainable long-term returns for its Partners.

www.goodman.com

SOURCE Goodman Group

Related Links

http://www.goodman.com/


SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Google Inc. and a proposed class of AdWords advertisers, represented by the law firm of Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP, today announced that they have reached a proposed $22.5 million settlement of claims related to Google's placement of their ads on parked domains and error pages.

Plaintiffs alleged that from July 11, 2004 through March 31, 2008, Google failed to disclose to its AdWords customers that it placed their ads on websites known as parked domains and error pages. Parked domains are websites with little or no content, and error pages are websites that users visit when they enter an unregistered address into their web browser. Google denied these allegations.

"We are gratified by this excellent result for millions of AdWords advertisers," said Noah Schubert of Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe, Lead Counsel for the Class, "It has been a hard-fought nine-year case including an important victory in the Ninth Circuit."

On March 9, 2017, U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Davila granted preliminary approval of the proposed settlement. If the settlement is finally approved, Google will pay $22.5 million into a settlement fund. Under its terms, class members who submit claims will receive payment in proportion to the amount they spent on ads on parked domains and error pages during the class period.

If, during the period from July 11, 2004 through March 31, 2008, you were a United States resident who had a Google AdWords account and were charged for clicks on advertisements appearing on parked domains or error pages, you are a class member and may be entitled to a settlement payment.

For additional information about the settlement and to claim your payment, visit the settlement website at www.AdWordsClassAction.com or contact the settlement administrator toll-free by phone at 844-798-3628 or by email at [email protected]

Class Counsel may also be reached by contacting Noah Schubert at the law firm of Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe by phone at 415-788-4220 or by email at [email protected].

About Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe

Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe has extensive experience prosecuting claims on behalf of shareholders, employees, and consumers against corporate defendants across the nation. It also represents investors in shareholder derivative actions against corporate directors and officers.

SOURCE Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP

Related Links

https://www.adwordsclassaction.com/


DETROIT, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WDIV-Local 4 is being honored, above all local broadcast stations in the country, with the National Association of Broadcasters Service to America Award. The prestigious award recognizing WDIV's ongoing commitment to outstanding community service will be presented by the NAB Education Foundation on Tuesday, June 20, in Washington, D.C.

The NAB Service to America Award recognizes the efforts of the entire station as a leader in serving the public with significant contributions from every department.

Hallmarks of this station-wide commitment:

Year-long coverage of the Flint Water Crisis which included an unwavering news focus, a primetime special and travel to Washington, D.C. to cover developments on Capitol Hill. Using the power of local television and the support of a strong and caring community, the station organized the Flint Water Crisis 4 Our Families statewide telethon and raised $1.13 million .

which included an unwavering news focus, a primetime special and travel to to cover developments on Capitol Hill. Using the power of local television and the support of a strong and caring community, the station organized the and raised . Help Me Hank: The School Project is a commitment to improve the physical environment of Thurgood Marshall Elementary-Middle School in Detroit. The station's consumer unit, Help Me Hank , partnered with the Detroit Public School Community District to identify a school that was in crucial need of building renovations.

is a commitment to improve the physical environment of Thurgood Marshall Elementary-Middle School in Detroit. The station's consumer unit, , partnered with the Detroit Public School Community District to identify a school that was in crucial need of building renovations. Arab in America with Sandra Ali is a series of news reports showcasing the personal stories of Arab Americans in Metro Detroit.

is a series of news reports showcasing the personal stories of Arab Americans in Metro Detroit. True Blue is a series of stories dedicated to showing life as a police officer and putting a face with the badge. The Local 4 Defenders are trying to bridge the gap between police and the community to stop future violence.

is a series of stories dedicated to showing life as a police officer and putting a face with the badge. The are trying to bridge the gap between police and the community to stop future violence. Support of The Heat and Warmth Fund, Komen's Race for the Cure, Red Cross, JDRF, Bookstock and other community organizations.

Strong locally produced long and short-form programming that showcases the heart of our community. Highlights include the North American International Auto Show, America's Thanksgiving Parade, Live in the D, The Ford Fireworks, Flashpoint and the Local 4 Film Challenge.

"This award reflects the hard work and contribution of every single member of our WDIV/ClickOn Detroit team. I couldn't be more happy and proud of what we do here at this station," said Vice-President and General Manager Marla Drutz.

In the NABEF's press release announcing the award recipients it was stated, "Through news coverage, philanthropy, and community service, WDIV puts the needs of viewers first."

Other finalists for the Service to Community award included television stations in Baton Rouge, LA; Boston, MA; Orlando, FL; and Atlanta, GA.

About WDIV-Local 4

WDIV-TV is the authentic, local voice that celebrates Detroit and is honored to be recognized as Station of the Year by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. Local 4 News is currently the No. 1 newscast at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. in Nielsen ratings for the Detroit television market. WDIV is the No. 1 NBC affiliate in the top 13 LPM markets. In addition, Local 4's ClickOnDetroit.com is a leading breaking news and weather website in Michigan.

About Graham Media Group

Graham Media Group (www.GrahamMedia.com), a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC), owns seven local TV stationseach in a top-70 market and all recognized as news leaders: KPRCHouston, WDIVDetroit and WSLS-Roanoke (NBC); KSATSan Antonio (ABC); WKMGOrlando (CBS); WJXTJacksonville (fully local), and WCWJ-Jacksonville (CW). The stations also broadcast digital channels focused on classic television and operate market-leading websites, mobile sites and mobile apps that deliver breaking news, weather and community news, reaching millions of users across each platform. Graham Media Group owns SocialNewsDesk, a leading provider of social media software solutions used in more than 600 newsrooms worldwide.

SOURCE WDIV-Local 4
ALPHARETTA, Ga. and NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that managing principal Gregg Bundschuh and client executive and professional services risk consultant Kent Collier of Greyling Insurance Brokerage  a Division of EPIC, are among the featured risk management and insurance professionals presenting at two high profile events targeting the needs of large Construction and Design firms.

Greyling's Bundschuh will present at the exclusive EFCG CFO Conference for Engineering & Consulting Firms, taking place at the New York Yacht Club and Harvard Club on April 20th and 21st, 2017. The event has been held annually for the past 16 years to educate invitees on the most important issues facing a CFO in the Construction and Design industry. Bundschuh will share his experience and knowledge on the increasing risks related to foreign and domestic terrorism, including cybercrime.

Collier will present at the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law, being held in Washington, D.C. April 20th  22nd, 2017. His session, "A Risky Proposition: The Ever Changing Role of Insurance in the Current Construction Climate  Need-to-Know Trends for In-House and Outside Counsel," will help attendees understand insurance coverage issues confronting owners, contractors and design professionals  including emerging risks impacting construction projects, such as cybercrime and terrorism.

About Gregg Bundschuh, J.D., Managing Principal, Greyling Insurance Brokerage  a Division of EPIC

Gregg Bundschuh, J.D. is a co-founder and an equity partner of Greyling Insurance Brokerage. He is nationally recognized for his active role in addressing emerging issues that affect the construction, design, and development communities. He advises clients of the firm on their insurance programs and risk management strategies. He also provides guidance to industry organizations such as the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Bundschuh's unique perspective on risk and insurance issues reflects his background as a construction lawyer, a general counsel to an international design firm, and an insurance broker and risk consultant.

Bundschuh's experience includes design of customized insurance policies for risks associated with building information modeling (BIM) and integrated project delivery (IPD). He has developed insurance and risk management programs for domestic and international firms in a wide range of industries. In addition, he has spoken before dozens of national and international gatherings concerned with design, construction, risk management, and insurance matters. His publications include An Owners' Guide to Construction Risk Management & Insurance; the insurance chapter of the New York Construction Law Manual; and The Design/Build Deskbook.

Prior to Greyling, Bundschuh was a senior executive and leader of the Global Construction Practice with Marsh Inc. Before that, he had been general counsel for an international architecture and engineering firm and had practiced construction law with an Atlanta law firm. He is a member of the board of governors and a fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers.

Bundschuh is a 1982 graduate of Wake Forest University and holds a law degree from the University of Georgia.

About Kent Collier, J.D., CRIS, Client Executive and Professional Services Risk Consultant, Greyling Insurance Brokerage  a Division of EPIC

Kent W. Collier, J.D., CRIS, is Associate Client Manager at Greyling Insurance Brokerage. Collier provides daytoday service to Greyling clients by identifying, addressing, and mitigating insurance and risk issues in the architecture, engineering, construction contracting and development, environmental, and legal service fields. He advises clients on professional liability claim recognition and reporting, and he helps clients manage claims, including periodic review of outstanding and past claims. He is also responsible for drafting and negotiating professional service contracts.

Collier performs risk management consulting for clients including preparation and presentation of educational seminars, compilation and analysis of risk surveys, recommendation of and coordination with legal counsel, and answering various client questions concerning legal, insurance, and risk issues impacting the construction and engineering industry. He has experience presenting continuing education training to staff regarding risk management, contract negotiation, and insurance.

Prior to joining Greyling, Collier was a practicing attorney for over 8 years at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP in Atlanta, focusing on construction litigation and transactions. He represented architects, engineers, EPC and general contractors, owners, and specialty subcontractors in litigation across the country regarding issues such as insurance coverage, delay and lost productivity, construction defects, design errors and omissions, product liability, surety bonding, and lender liability on diverse projects including high-rise condominiums and hotels, casinos, power plants, industrial and chemical processing plants, civil and underground work, schools, and hospitals. He is a licensed attorney in Georgia, New York, and Florida, where he is a Board Certified Specialist in Construction Law. Collier was named as a "Rising Star" in Construction Litigation by Georgia Super Lawyers from 2012 through 2015.

Collier is a 2002 graduate of the University of Virginia and received his law degree in 2005 from Emory University. Collier is active in several industry organizations including the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law and the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). He is a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction. Collier also holds the Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation from the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI).

About Greyling Insurance Brokerage  a Division of EPIC

Greyling is designed for construction and design professionals. Our leadership includes attorneys, engineers, environmental experts, and risk specialists who are veterans of the insurance and construction industries. We take a proactive, multi-focal view of risk to help develop solutions that lower cost and minimize exposure. That's why the management at many of the world's leading construction and design firms our clients sleep well at night.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has 1,100 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With roughly $280 million in run rate revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit www.epicbrokers.com.

About the EFCG CFO Conference for Engineering & Consulting Firms:

EFCG's CFO Conference has been held in early April over the last 16 years. This 1 1/2 day conference, held at the New York Yacht Club and Harvard Club, is intended to identify and provide insight into the most important issues facing a CFO in the "A/E/C" industry. Participation is limited to 150 and is by invitation only. To learn more about EFCG please visit http://www.efcg.com/

About the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law

The ABA Forum on Construction Law is the largest organization of Construction lawyers in the United States, and indeed in the world. The Forum's roughly 6,000 Members and Associates are drawn from all types of Construction practice  law firms large and small, solo practitioners, in-house and government counsel, as well as construction professionals and the public sector. Forum members represent all segments of the Construction industry: owners, developers, design professionals, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, construction managers, lenders, insurers and sureties. Learn more here: http://www.americanbar.org/groups/construction_industry.html

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Dave Hock, of EPIC

650-295-4608

[email protected]

Nicole Conley

408-295-4309 x104

[email protected]

PHOTOS:

(1) Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0418s2p-Bundschuh-300dpi.jpg

(2) Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0418s2p-collier-300dpi.jpg

This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com

SOURCE EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants

Related Links

http://www.epicbrokers.com


ALPHARETTA, Ga., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Halyard Health, Inc. (NYSE: HYH) will webcast its conference call discussing financial results and business highlights for the first quarter 2017 on Tuesday, May 2 at 9 a.m. ET. The company will issue a news release detailing its results before the market opens that same day.

The conference call will be hosted by Robert Abernathy, chairman and chief executive officer, and Steve Voskuil, chief financial officer.

To join the live conference call, dial 877-240-5772 in the United States. A simultaneous webcast of the call and a related presentation will be accessible via the Investors section of the Halyard Health website, https://halyardhealth.investorroom.com/.

A replay of the conference call will be available May 2 at noon ET by dialing 877-344-7529 in the United States and entering passcode 10104850. It will be available for one week. A replay of the webcast also will be accessible in the Investors section of the website, approximately one hour following the completion of the conference call.

About Halyard Health:

Halyard Health (NYSE: HYH) is a medical technology company focused on eliminating pain, speeding recovery and preventing infection for healthcare providers and their patients. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Halyard is committed to addressing some of today's most important healthcare needs, such as reducing the use of opioids while helping patients move from surgery to recovery and preventing healthcare-associated infections. Halyard's business segments - Medical Devices and Surgical and Infection Prevention (S&IP) - develop, manufacture and market clinically superior solutions that improve medical outcomes and business performance in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.halyardhealth.com.

SOURCE Halyard Health, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.halyardhealth.com


SAN FRANCISCO, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Earth Day, Tripifini (www.tripifini.com), a new platform that connects travelers to boutique local operators in more than 50 countries around the world, today announced a commitment to donate 5% of proceeds from their Earth Day collection to support wildlife conservation efforts. The Earth Day collection features 15 once-in-a-lifetime trips to Alaska, Costa Rica, Nepal, Uganda, Indonesia, the Galapagos, Belize, and Mexico. Every Tripifini trip -- including from the Earth Day collection -- can be customized by date, budget, travelers, and activities.

"Travel and conservation are inextricably linked and now - perhaps more than ever - travelers understand their responsibility to support conservation efforts in the places they visit, on Earth Day and everyday," said Mike Gerrity, CEO of Tripifini. "The fact is, there are several places on our travel bucket lists that might not be the same 10 or 20 years from now. As a brand we are focused on incredible experiences, but we want to highlight the commitment required to make sure these destinations are preserved for generations to come."

Founded by a group of travel industry veterans and enthusiasts based in San Francisco and London, Tripifini (rhymes with epiphany) is a new way to discover and book customized experiential trips with best-in-class local tour operators. The site is different from the traditional travel agent or travel site because it connects travelers directly to the operator, resulting in a superior itinerary and cost savings that can range from 15-40%. By going straight to the source, traveler's get authentic local advice, a completely customized travel plan, and eliminate layers of cost associated with traditional middlemen.

In addition to the Earth Day collection, Tripifini features more than 50 destination pages where travelers will find unique insider travel tips, country highlights, inspiring customizable itineraries, and gorgeous travel photos. When travelers have a good sense of where they want to go, Tripifini matches them to hand picked local operators who will build a custom end to end itinerary based on their specific travel preferences (accommodation style, interests, group dynamics, budget, travel ages, etc.). Once finalized, the entire trip is easily booked on Tripifini's secure US-based platform. Since launching at the end of 2016, Tripifini has helped travelers create bucket-list adventures ranging from culinary tours of Italy, to trekking the Inca Trail in Peru, to camping in a yurt in Mongolia, to wildlife safaris in Africa and India.

Tripifini's Earth Day promotion includes any custom trip inspired by the Earth Day collection on the website, and lasts from today (April 17, 2017) until July 1st, 2017.

About Tripifini

Tripifini (www.tripifini.com) is a new way to discover and book experiential travel with best-in-class local tour operators. The site features more than 50 destination pages where travelers will find unique insider travel tips, country highlights, inspiring customizable itineraries, and gorgeous travel photos, empowering travelers to discover, book, and experience the best trips in the world with draining their time, energy, or bank account.

SOURCE Tripifini

Related Links

http://www.tripifini.com


AUSTIN, Minn., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) recently awarded 89 suppliers with a 2016 Spirit of Excellence Award for their roles in the company's continuous improvement process throughout the last year. These suppliers are from a variety of areas including contractors, pork procurement, provisions, ingredients, packaging and transportation.

"The suppliers that have earned our Spirit of Excellence Award truly go above and beyond in helping us produce high-quality products for consumers around the world," said Curtis Southard, director of purchasing at Hormel Foods. "We are proud to partner with these outstanding suppliers and congratulate them on this achievement."

Suppliers that qualified for the Spirit of Excellence Award maintained a minimum supplier rating index score of 92 throughout a 12-month period. This score is determined by a universal measurement system that began in 1990 to ensure each supplier is held to the same standards. Award criteria include meeting performance requirements, making on-time deliveries and providing high-level customer support.

The suppliers receiving a 2016 Spirit of Excellence Award are listed below.

Contractors (25)

A.J. Lysne Contracting Corporation

Allweather Roof

Avure Technologies, Inc.

Busch, LLC

Cybertrol Engineering, LLC

East Penn Manufacturing

Environmental Land Management, LLC

Evapco, Inc.

Fehr Solutions, LLC

Fox Electric

Gleeson Constructors & Engineers, LLC

Harty Mechanical, Inc.

Hybrid Mechanical, LLC

Hyster Company

Jasper Engineering

John Bean Technologies Corp.

Kestner Electric

KOFAB

Lou Rich, Inc.

Multivac, Inc.

Nikkel & Associates, Inc.

Rockwell Automation

The Joseph Company, Inc.

Weber, Inc.

Werner Electric

Provisions (4)

Amick Farms

Nebraska Beef

Taurus Food Products

Landmark Foods

Procurement (23)

Country Pork LLP

Daryl Muilenburg

Donkers Farms LLC

Donley Farms Inc.

Ephriam Baer

Gary Anderson

Honeysuckle Farms LLC

Hufco LLC

Hufford Bros

Jim Huper

Josie's Pork Farm Inc.

K B Q Inc.

Kevin Remund

LB Pork Marketing LLC

Lenort Pork

New Fashion Pork LLP

New Horizon Farms LLP

Rebco Pork Inc.

Roe Farms Inc.

Spring Valley Farms LLP

Spronk Bros III LLP

Wayne Maloney

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Airlite Plastics Co.

Ball Food and Aerosol Packaging

Bemis North America

Birdsong Peanuts

Bunzl Processor Division

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Coveris

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DXP Enterprises Inc.

Gamer Packaging, Inc.

Hydrite Chemical Co.

International Paper

JM Swank LLC

Kalle USA Inc.

Menasha Packaging Company, LLC

The Meyers Printing Company Inc.

MPI Label Systems

Multisorb Technologies Inc.

Newly Weds Foods

Palleton Inc.

ProAmpac

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Red Arrow

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Sealed Air - Food Care Div.

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ICS Logistics

About Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $9 billion in annual revenues across 75 countries worldwide. Its brands include SKIPPY, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly Guacamole, Hormel Black Label and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of "The 100 Best Corporate Citizens" by Corporate Responsibility Magazine for the eighth year in a row, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. In 2016, the company celebrated its 125th anniversary and announced its new vision for the future - Inspired People. Inspired Food. - focusing on its legacy of innovation. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and http://2015csr.hormelfoods.com/.

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation

Related Links

http://www.hormel.com


AUSTIN, Minn., April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods (NYSE: HRL) today announced the advancement of Karen Wiernik, senior director of innovation and business development for CytoSport, Inc. (Walnut Creek, Calif.), to senior vice president of marketing, CytoSport.

"Congratulations to Karen on her advancement," said Greg Longstreet, CEO of CytoSport. "She has made a significant impact on the CytoSport business since joining the team, and I am confident her experiences will serve her well in this new role. We look forward to her continued leadership and expertise as we continue to grow our brands and our business."

Wiernik

Wiernik began her career with Hormel Foods in 2004 as a brand manager in meat products marketing at the Corporate Office (Austin, Minn.). In 2013, she advanced to senior marketing manager for Specialty Foods. Wiernik was promoted to director of brand marketing for CytoSport in 2014 and assumed her current role as senior director of innovation and business development in 2016.

About Hormel Foods  Inspired People. Inspired Food.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $9 billion in annual revenues across 75 countries worldwide. Its brands include SKIPPY, SPAM, Muscle Milk, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly Guacamole, Hormel Black Label and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of "The 100 Best Corporate Citizens" by Corporate Responsibility Magazine for the eighth year in a row, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. In 2016, the company celebrated its 125th anniversary and announced its new vision for the future - Inspired People. Inspired Food. - focusing on its legacy of innovation. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and http://2015csr.hormelfoods.com/.

Contact: Kelly Braaten

Hormel Foods

[email protected]

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation

Related Links

http://www.hormel.com


ARMONK, N.Y., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- During the Business of Blockchain conference in Cambridge, MA today, Gurvinder Ahluwalia, CTO, Technical Solutioning, IBM, will speak at MIT Technology Review and the MIT Media Lab Digital Currency Initiative's first ever fintech conference examining the future of commerce.

Ahluwalia will be speaking on a panel at 2 p.m. EDT April 18 on how industries around the world are considering the potential applications and influence of blockchain. The panel will explore how blockchain impacts trust and transparency in global trade along with panelists Jalak Jobanputra of FuturePerfect Ventures, Lawrence Orsini of LO3 Energy and James Allen Regenor of Moog Aircraft Group.

As the Chief Technology Officer for Private Cloud at IBM's Western US Region, Ahluwalia is an expert on the creation of cloud and blockchain architectures. He chairs the Working Group on Cloud Business Patterns, a 200 company industry body of customers called the Cloud Standards Customer Council and is widely known for his technical perspectives on private, hybrid and public cloud, blockchain, cognitive computing, devops and workload analysis and migration.

The Business of Blockchain conference will bring together senior executives tasked with driving strategic innovation and leaders in the blockchain field to discuss how the technology can be used securely and efficiently. IBM is a sponsor of the Business of Blockchain conference.

About IBM Blockchain

IBM (NYSE: IBM) is the leader in secure open-source blockchain solutions built for the enterprise. As an early member of the Linux Foundation's Hyperledger Project, IBM is dedicated to supporting the development of openly-governed blockchains. IBM has worked with more than 400 clients across financial services, supply chains, IoT, risk management, digital rights management and healthcare to implement blockchain applications delivered via the IBM Cloud.

For more information about IBM Blockchain, visit www.ibm.com/blockchain.

CONTACT: Hannah Slocum, 978-877-0105, [email protected]



SOURCE IBM
LOS ANGELES, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - INNOVA Gaming Group Inc. ("INNOVA" or the "Company") (TSX: IGG) acknowledges the announcement made by Pollard Banknote Limited ("Pollard Banknote") that it intends to launch an unsolicited take-over bid to acquire all of the common shares of INNOVA (the "Shares") for cash consideration of $2.10 per Share.

As previously announced on March 31, 2017, the special committee (the "Special Committee") of the board of directors of INNOVA (the "Board of Directors") had engaged in discussions with Pollard Banknote and determined that Pollard Banknote was not prepared to improve its proposed offer price of $2.10 per Share sufficiently for the Special Committee to be in a position to recommend a transaction with Pollard Banknote. As a result, the Special Committee gave its financial advisors a broad mandate to manage a process of exploring and considering strategic alternative transactions that might be available to the Company (the "Strategic Review Process"), including, but not limited to, soliciting expressions of interest regarding an acquisition of all of the Shares.

The Strategic Review Process remains ongoing and will continue during the offer period provided for under Pollard Banknote's take-over bid, which Pollard Banknote has announced will continue until 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on August 3, 2017, unless its offer is extended or withdrawn.

Shareholders are urged to defer making any decision in respect of Pollard Banknote's offer until the Special Committee and the Board of Directors have had the opportunity to fully review and evaluate such offer and to make a formal recommendation as to its merits. Shareholders will be promptly notified of any recommendation made by the Board of Directors through a news release and a director's circular that will be prepared in accordance with applicable securities laws.

INNOVA's largest shareholder, Amaya Inc. ("Amaya"), has entered into a support agreement (the "Support Agreement") with Pollard Banknote that sets out the terms and conditions pursuant to which Amaya is prepared to support Pollard Banknote's offer. Amaya has the right to terminate the Support Agreement if a cash offer greater than $2.10 per Share is made for the Shares that Pollard Banknote does not match within five business days by amending its offer. As a result, if the Strategic Review Process generates a proposed acquisition of all of the Shares for cash consideration greater than $2.10 per share, Amaya will have the right to terminate the Support Agreement and vote in favour of, or tender its Shares to, such superior transaction, provided that Pollard Banknote does not exercise its right to match such superior transaction within five business days. There can, however, be no assurance that the Strategic Review Process will result in an alternative transaction that is superior from a financial point of view to Pollard Banknote's offer.

About the Company

INNOVA develops unique games and products for the global gaming industry, with particular focus on state and provincial lotteries. Through INNOVA's wholly-owned subsidiary, Diamond Game Enterprises, the Company focuses on enhancing the revenues of government-sponsored lotteries and other regulated operators by offering its unique "extended play" products in traditional and non-traditional gaming venues. The Company's primary product is its third generation Lucky Tab machine, an instant ticket vending machine that dispenses tickets while simultaneously displaying the results of each ticket on a video monitor in an entertaining fashion. For more information, please visit www.innovagaminggroup.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made and information included in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management and the directors of INNOVA at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, regulatory and competitive uncertainties, contingencies and risks that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein reflect INNOVA's current views with respect to future events, and except as required by law, the Company does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect, in particular, new information or future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE INNOVA Gaming Group
LA JOLLA, Calif., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Gene Synthesis Consortium (IGSC), an organization of the world's leading gene synthesis companies, today announced that it has increased its membership to support its mission to establish, practice and promote best gene synthesis biosecurity policies and practices.

Since establishing as a not-for-profit U.S. corporation in April 2015, the IGSC has added the Genome Foundry at the University of Edinburgh, Bioneer, the leading gene synthesis company in Korea, and BGI Bio-Solutions, the gene synthesis company of BGI in China. The new and current IGSC members work together with governments, NGOs, law enforcement, the synthetic biology community and other stakeholders to safeguard biosecurity and advance the beneficial applications of gene synthesis technology. By screening the sequences of ordered genes and vetting customers, IGSC members help to ensure that scientists, researchers and industry practitioners can realize the many benefits of gene synthesis technology while minimizing risk.

"The IGSC, through its established onboarding process and under its corporate bylaws, is pleased to welcome the Genome Foundry, Bioneer and BGI to its membership," said Todd Peterson, chief technology officer of Synthetic Genomics Inc. and current board chair of the IGSC. "This expanded operating footprint and framework for productive interactions globally will help advance the international nature and important implementation of the IGSC's shared screening protocols, common database and best practices supporting our biosecurity mission."

Hongqi Wang, chief business officer at BGI, commented, "BGI is pleased to join the IGSC given its strong leadership in gene synthesis biosecurity at this key time of market growth and important application development in synthetic biology within the developing bioeconomy in China and throughout Asia."

Patrick Yizhi Cai of the University of Edinburgh added, "The Genome Foundry recognized the IGSC's established customers and gene sequence screening tools and procedures, and proactively applied to join the IGSC becoming the Consortium's first academic member and paving the way for membership from developing gene foundries at other academic institutions."

The IGSC encourages other gene synthesis companies and institutions with common biosecurity goals to join. IGSC voting membership is available to gene synthesis companies, while associate membership is available to smaller companies, not-for-profit entities, and academic institutions.

"I am sure our new relationship with the IGSC will allow us to provide biosecurity across synthetic gene products and services for our customers in accordance with the IGSC's mission and objectives," said Han-Oh Park, chief executive officer of Bioneer.

About the IGSC

The IGSC was founded in 2009 by the world's leading gene synthesis companies as a trade organization to advance biosecurity across the industry. In 2015, following an initial period expansion of industrial members, the IGSC was established as a not-for-profit California Corporation. The IGSC's goals are (a) to educate gene synthesis companies and the public regarding sequence and customer screening of synthetic gene orders; (b) to identify and prevent the unauthorized synthesis and sale of inappropriate sequences; and (c) to coordinate development of ongoing best practices. For more information about membership or the IGSC screening process, please visit www.genesynthesisconsortium.org.

SOURCE International Gene Synthesis Consortium

Related Links

http://www.genesynthesisconsortium.org


DALLAS, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE: INVH) ("Invitation Homes" or the "Company") today announced that it will release its first quarter 2017 financial and operating results on Thursday, May 11, 2017, after the market closes. The Company will host a conference call on Friday, May 12, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time to review first quarter results, discuss recent events, and conduct a question-and-answer session.

The conference call will be available via webcast on the Invitation Homes Investor Relations website at ir.invitationhomes.com.

To participate in the live telephone conference call:

Domestic Dial-in Number: 1-888-317-6016

International Dial-in Number: 1-412-317-6016

Passcode: 5027416

To access a telephone replay of the call:

Domestic Dial-in Number: 1-877-344-7529

International Dial-in Number: 1-412-317-0088

Passcode: 10105700

Date Accessible Through: June 12, 2017

About Invitation Homes:

Invitation Homes is a leading owner and operator of single-family homes for lease, offering residents high-quality homes in desirable neighborhoods across America. With nearly 50,000 homes for lease in 13 markets across the country, Invitation Homes is meeting changing lifestyle demands by providing residents access to updated homes with features they value, such as close proximity to jobs and access to good schools. The company's mission, "Together with you, we make a house a home," reflects its commitment to high-touch service that continuously enhances residents' living experiences and provides homes where individuals and families can thrive.

Investor Relations Contact:

Greg Van Winkle

Phone: 844.456.INVH (4684)

Email: [email protected]

Media Relations Contact:

Claire Parker

Phone: 202.257.2329

Email: [email protected]



SOURCE Invitation Homes Inc.

Related Links

http://www.invitationhomes.com


SALT LAKE CITY, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ivanti, a leader in integrating and automating critical IT tasks, today announced new Cloud Best Practice Guides which outline the architecture and support of Ivanti DesktopNow, powered by AppSense, for hosting in Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS). The new resources showcase how to move on-premises DesktopNow server infrastructure into the cloud for optimizing and securing Windows desktops of all types: physical, virtual and Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS).

According to Gartner, by 2019 50% of new Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) users will be deployed on DaaS platforms.1 To support this active move to the cloud, Ivanti DesktopNow uniquely provides desktop management in the cloud while also automating migration to cloud infrastructure and supporting hybrid models. With the ability to move users between on-premises and cloud environments at will, DesktopNow gives IT control and optimization of Windows desktops everywhere, using the most cost-effective and secure deployment model.

"Ivanti DesktopNow, powered by AppSense, is already a proven cloud-era technology architected using web services that has delivered scalable, enterprise-ready solutions for many years. It's a natural extension to support our customers and partners as they move this infrastructure to the cloud," said Jon Rolls, Vice President of Product Management, Ivanti. "With these Best Practice Guides, IT can provide a controlled and optimized experience to desktop users without additional on-premises infrastructure."

Ivanti DesktopNow supports the following desktop models:

DaaS and Virtual Desktops in the Cloud  Supporting both virtual desktops (VDI) and published desktops in the cloud, DesktopNow services can be hosted in the same cloud infrastructure to smooth onboarding and maximize user acceptance.

 Supporting both virtual desktops (VDI) and published desktops in the cloud, DesktopNow services can be hosted in the same cloud infrastructure to smooth onboarding and maximize user acceptance. IaaS for Hybrid Desktops  With the DesktopNow infrastructure hosted in Azure or AWS, all desktops securely communicate with a scalable, highly available cloud service that protects and optimizes the user on physical and virtual desktops, no matter where they are.

 With the DesktopNow infrastructure hosted in Azure or AWS, all desktops securely communicate with a scalable, highly available cloud service that protects and optimizes the user on physical and virtual desktops, no matter where they are. Citrix Cloud Implementations  DesktopNow also supports Citrix Cloud and Citrix Lifecycle Manager (CLM). A launch partner for Citrix Cloud CLM, Ivanti technology allows automated creation and deployment of best practice blueprints for Citrix Cloud CLM.

Ivanti DesktopNow Plus is a workspace management solution that simplifies desktop deployments and administration, increasing productivity to reduce IT costs and secure endpoints. With DesktopNow Plus, IT organizations can deliver a personalized, compliant desktop regardless of user location or device. The solution also eases Windows 10 migrations and enables secure file sync, sharing and data access.

The DesktopNow Cloud Best Practice Guide for Microsoft Azure can be downloaded here. The DesktopNow Cloud Best Practices Guide for AWS can be downloaded here. The DesktopNow Citrix CLM (Smart Tools) Blueprint is available to Citrix customers using Smart Tools to automate deployment.

About Ivanti

Ivanti is IT evolved. By integrating and automating critical IT tasks, Ivanti helps IT organizations secure the digital workplace. For more than three decades, Ivanti has helped IT professionals address security threats, manage devices and optimize their user experience. From traditional PCs, to mobile devices, virtual machines and the data center, Ivanti helps discover and manage your IT assets wherever they are located, improving IT service delivery and reducing risk. Ivanti also ensures that supply chain and warehouse teams are effectively leveraging the most up-to-date technology to improve productivity throughout their operation. Ivanti is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has offices all over the world. For more information, visit www.ivanti.com.

Copyright  2017, Ivanti. All rights reserved.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Press Contacts

Leslie Bonsteel

Ivanti

+1 801-208-1773

[email protected]

Erin Jones

Avista Public Relations for Ivanti

+1 704-664-2170

[email protected]

1 2016 Gartner Market Guide for Desktop as a Service (DaaS), August 2016

SOURCE Ivanti

Related Links

https://www.ivanti.com


Mr. Young claims that he has stuck to, and held, the same sustained vision of the sales and marketing industry for over 12 years. He concedes that there were times early on where his backing for the industry didn't look like it was going to pay off.

"At first it was a bit of a gamble for us. We believed in the recession-proof systems we had in place, but we were conscious of the fact that the majority of Fortune 500 companies wanted high customer lifetime values that were difficult for us to predict," said Young.

While only time may tell if the pipelines and systems employed by Mr. Young's business models are as 'recession-proof' as he suggests, the sales figures he divulged to the room certainly added an air of credibility to his assertions. One of his businesses, Credico, the self-proclaimed global leaders of outsourced sales, acquired a net figure of around 1,100,000 customers from just their South Africa operations back in 2016.

Naturally, this prompted a flurry of questions from current and prospective wide-eyed business owners. Mr. Young stated that he revealed the figures  which represented a 20 percent increase from the previous year to grow optimism within the face-to-face sales and marketing industry on a global scale.

Disputing accusations that the rise and popularity of digital marketing channels will continue to be a large obstacle standing in the way of Mr. Young's vision moving forward, the American investor stated, "as more companies turn to online channels to market themselves, the key differentiator for the successful ones will be their ability to maintain a face-to-face connection with customers now that digital avenues have become saturated and impersonal."

SOURCE Credico

Related Links

http://www.credicousa.com


NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kate Spade & Company (NYSE: KATE) today announced results for the first quarter ended April 1, 2017.

Net sales for the first quarter of 2017 were $271 million, a decrease of $3 million, or 1.2%, compared to the first quarter of 2016. For the first quarter of 2017 on a GAAP basis, the Company recorded income from continuing operations of $1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, including $7 million of pretax store impairment charges and $2 million of pretax fees and expenses related to the Company's ongoing review of strategic alternatives. Income from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2016 was $11 million, or $0.08 per diluted share. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2017 were $0.01 using a normalized tax rate and including $0.04 of after tax impact from the previously noted charges, fees and expenses, compared to $0.05 for the first quarter of 2016. Adjusted EBITDA was $30 million for the first quarter of 2017, including the previously mentioned fees and expenses of $2 million related to the Company's ongoing review of strategic alternatives, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $35 million for the first quarter of 2016.

Craig A. Leavitt, Chief Executive Officer of Kate Spade & Company, said: "Despite a challenging retail environment and the later Easter holiday, we achieved yet another quarter of double-digit eCommerce comparable sales growth, which helped offset softness in bricks and mortar stores. Against this backdrop, we delivered strong gross margin expansion while working to drive profitable growth across our categories and channels. At the same time, our Board of Directors, together with management, continue to evaluate strategic alternatives to further maximize value for our shareholders."

George Carrara, President and Chief Operating Officer of Kate Spade & Company, added: "We delivered over 140 basis points of gross margin expansion in the first quarter driven by operational efficiencies and our continued focus on quality of sale amidst a highly promotional environment. In addition, we continued to generate robust cash flow over the past twelve months and ended the quarter with $422 million in cash. We delivered these solid results despite the factors that negatively impacted our first quarter performance."

REVIEW OF STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES

On February 16, 2017, Kate Spade & Company announced that its Board of Directors, together with management and in consultation with Perella Weinberg Partners as its financial advisor and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison as its legal counsel, is conducting a process to explore and evaluate strategic alternatives to further enhance shareholder value. The Board is proceeding in a timely manner, but has not set a definitive timetable for completion of this process. There can be no assurance that this review process will result in a transaction or other strategic alternative of any kind. The Company does not intend to disclose developments or provide updates on the progress or status of this process or discuss with investors the Company's results of operations until it deems further disclosure is appropriate or required. No forward-looking guidance will be provided at this time. Due to the ongoing review process, the Company will not host an earnings call or webcast for its first quarter results.

FIRST QUARTER RESULTS

Overall Results

Net sales for the first quarter of 2017 were $271 million, a decrease of $3 million, or 1.2%, compared to the first quarter of 2016. First quarter 2017 direct-to-consumer comparable sales declined (2.4)%, or (8.1)% excluding eCommerce. Comparable sales per square foot for kate spade new york stores were $1,516 for the latest twelve months, compared to $1,557 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2016.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 63.2% for the first quarter of 2017, compared to 61.8% for the first quarter of 2016.

Selling, general & administrative expenses were $165 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $152 million in the first quarter of 2016, or 60.7% and 55.3% of net sales, respectively, including $7 million of store impairment charges and $2 million of fees and expenses related to the Company's ongoing review of strategic alternatives.

Income from continuing operations was $1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $11 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2016. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2017 using a normalized tax rate were $0.01, compared to $0.05 in the first quarter of 2016.

Segment Highlights

Kate Spade North America net sales for the first quarter of 2017 were $217 million , a decrease of $1 million , or 0.6%, compared to the first quarter of 2016. Kate Spade North America Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $23 million (10.5% of net sales) for the first quarter of 2017, compared to $25 million (11.2% of net sales) for the first quarter of 2016.

net sales for the first quarter of 2017 were , a decrease of , or 0.6%, compared to the first quarter of 2016. Kate Spade North America Segment Adjusted EBITDA was (10.5% of net sales) for the first quarter of 2017, compared to (11.2% of net sales) for the first quarter of 2016. Kate Spade International net sales for the first quarter of 2017 were $49 million , flat compared to the first quarter of 2016. Kate Spade International Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $8 million (15.9% of net sales) for the first quarter of 2017, compared to $9 million (17.5% of net sales) for the first quarter of 2016.

net sales for the first quarter of 2017 were , flat compared to the first quarter of 2016. Kate Spade International Segment Adjusted EBITDA was (15.9% of net sales) for the first quarter of 2017, compared to (17.5% of net sales) for the first quarter of 2016. Adelington Design Group net sales for the first quarter of 2017 were $5 million , a decrease of $2 million , or 29.3%, compared to the first quarter of 2016. Adelington Design Group Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $1 million (10.5% of net sales) for the first quarter of 2017, compared to $2 million (31.8% of net sales) for the first quarter of 2016.

Store Count Information

























Q1 2017









Q4 2016

Net Store Openings

Q1 2017

North America Owned Stores













Specialty

108

1

109

Outlet

68

-

68

Total North America Owned Stores

176

1

177

Average Square Feet (in '000s)

409





411

















International Owned Stores













Specialty

25

2

27

Outlet

14

-

14

Concessions

54

(1)

53

Total International Owned Stores

93

1

94

Average Square Feet (in '000s)

87





88

















Total Owned Store Count

269

2

271

Average Owned Square Feet (in '000s)

496





499

















Partner Operated Stores

105

-

105

Greater China Joint Venture Stores

45

2

47

Total Partnered Store Count

150

2

152

















Total Store Count

419

4

423

















Total Licensee Operated Partnered Stores

29

-

29

















Total Store Footprint

448

4

452



PRESENTATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND KEY OPERATING METRICS

The income from continuing operations for 2017 and 2016 is presented on a GAAP basis and also adjusted by multiplying pretax income by a normalized tax rate. The Company presents the below-described Adjusted EBITDA measure and the 2017 and 2016 results using a normalized tax rate because it considers them important supplemental measures of its performance and believes they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in its industry.

The attached table, captioned "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information," provides a full reconciliation of actual results to the adjusted results. The Company presents Adjusted EBITDA, which it defines as income from continuing operations, adjusted to exclude income tax provision, interest expense, net, depreciation and amortization, net, non-cash impairment charges, losses on asset disposals, non-cash share-based compensation expense and unrealized and certain realized foreign currency transaction adjustments, net. The Company presents non-GAAP financial measures because it uses such measures to monitor the performance of its business on a comparable basis and to determine certain levels of compensation. The Company believes the presentation of these measures enhances the ability of its investors to analyze trends in its business and provides them with a means to compare periods that may be affected by various items that might obscure trends or developments in its business.

The Company evaluates comparable sales productivity based on comparable net sales per average square foot, which is defined as net sales divided by the average of beginning and end of period gross square feet and excludes e-commerce net sales. The Company's policy regarding its calculation of comparable direct-to-consumer net sales is discussed in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section of its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 23, 2017. The Company presents the above described key operating metrics because it considers them important supplemental measures of its performance and believes they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in its industry.

ABOUT KATE SPADE & COMPANY

Kate Spade & Company (NYSE: KATE) operates principally under two global, multichannel lifestyle brands: kate spade new york and Jack Spade New York. The Company's four category pillars  women's, men's, children's and home  span demographics, genders and geographies. Known for crisp color, graphic prints and playful sophistication, kate spade new york aims to inspire a more interesting life. The kate spade new york collection includes the Madison Avenue, Broome Street and on purpose labels. Jack Spade New York offers a timeless and versatile assortment of bags, sportswear and tailored clothing founded on the aesthetic of simple, purposeful design. The Company also owns Adelington Design Group, a private brand jewelry design and development group. Visit www.katespadeandcompany.com for more information.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this press release, future filings by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and oral statements made by, or with the approval of, our authorized personnel, that relate to our plans and expectations for future periods are forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "intend," "expect," "contemplate," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "forecast," "target," "aim," "project," "on track," "are positioned to," "estimate," "may," "will," "should" and variations of such words and similar expressions and phrases are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, as they are not guarantees of performance or results. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these expectations may not prove to be correct or we may not achieve the financial results, savings or other benefits anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are simply estimates reflecting the best judgment of our senior management and involve, and are subject to, a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks are more fully discussed in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 23, 2017 and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the matters addressed herein and attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are qualified by these cautionary statements. We may change our intentions, beliefs or expectations at any time and without notice, based upon any change in our assumptions or otherwise. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

KATE SPADE & COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (All amounts in thousands, except per common share data)































Three Months Ended







Three Months Ended









April 1, 2017

% of

April 2, 2016

% of



(13 Weeks)

Sales

(13 Weeks)

Sales

























Net Sales

$ 271,225

100.0 %

$ 274,422

100.0 % Cost of goods sold



99,763

36.8 %



104,941

38.2 % Gross Profit



171,462

63.2 %



169,481

61.8 % Selling, general & administrative expenses



164,580

60.7 %



151,768

55.3 % Operating Income



6,882

2.5 %



17,713

6.5 % Other income (expense), net



607

0.2 %



(247)

(0.1) % Interest expense, net



(4,545)

(1.7) %



(4,996)

(1.8) % Income Before Provision for Income Taxes



2,944

1.1 %



12,470

4.5 % Provision for income taxes



1,750

0.6 %



1,554

0.6 % Income from Continuing Operations



1,194

0.4 %



10,916

4.0 % Discontinued operations, net of income taxes



165









720





Net Income

$ 1,359







$ 11,636































Earnings per Share:























Basic























Income from Continuing Operations

$ 0.01







$ 0.09





Net Income

$ 0.01







$ 0.09































Diluted























Income from Continuing Operations

$ 0.01







$ 0.08





Net Income

$ 0.01







$ 0.09































Weighted Average Shares, Basic



128,387









127,931





Weighted Average Shares, Diluted



128,954









128,636







KATE SPADE & COMPANY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in thousands)





















April 1, 2017

April 2, 2016

Assets













Current Assets:













Cash and cash equivalents

$ 422,332

$ 260,647

Accounts receivable - trade, net



64,336



68,626

Inventories, net



215,097



220,666

Other current assets



36,871



33,793

Total current assets



738,636



583,732

















Property and Equipment, Net



159,395



175,290

Goodwill



52,173



52,315

Intangibles, Net



85,881



87,285

Other Assets



56,020



53,279

Total Assets

$ 1,092,105

$ 951,901

















Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity













Current Liabilities:













Short-term borrowings

$ 3,701

$ 3,638

Other current liabilities



198,204



218,566

Total current liabilities



201,905



222,204

















Long-Term Debt



388,878



391,317

Other Non-Current Liabilities



65,005



70,839

Stockholders' Equity



436,317



267,541

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$ 1,092,105

$ 951,901



KATE SPADE & COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (All amounts in thousands)





















Three Months Ended





April 1, 2017

April 2, 2016





(13 Weeks)

(13 Weeks)

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:













Net income

$ 1,359

$ 11,636

Adjustments to arrive at income from continuing operations



(165)



(720)

Income from continuing operations



1,194



10,916

















Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities:













Depreciation and amortization



12,459



11,539

Loss on asset disposals and impairments, including streamlining initiatives, net



6,767



206

Share-based compensation



6,199



7,910

Foreign currency transaction gains, net



(3,924)



(4,325)

Equity losses of equity investees



260



1,241

Other, net



5



31

Changes in assets and liabilities:













Decrease in accounts receivable - trade, net



13,752



29,279

Increase in inventories, net



(46,261)



(26,306)

Increase in other current and non-current assets



(9,727)



(448)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable



800



(9,589)

Decrease in accrued expenses and other non-current liabilities



(21,517)



(33,368)

Net change in income tax assets and liabilities



(226)



462

Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations



(71)



(119)

Net cash used in operating activities



(40,290)



(12,571)

















Cash Flows from Investing Activities:













Purchases of property and equipment



(9,903)



(11,822)

Proceeds from sales of joint venture interests, net







(2,350)

Investments in and advances to equity investees







(6,500)

Payments for in-store merchandise shops



(1,664)



(660)

Purchase of trademarks







(1,200)

Other, net



(11)



45

Net cash used in investing activities



(11,578)



(22,487)

















Cash Flows from Financing Activities:













Repayment of Term Loan



(1,000)



(2,000)

Principal payments under capital lease obligations



(138)



(123)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options



810



65

Payment of deferred financing fees



(171)



(315)

Withholding taxes on share-based compensation



(5,344)



(761)

Net cash used in financing activities



(5,843)



(3,134)

















Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents



1,507



988

















Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents



(56,204)



(37,204)

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period



478,536



297,851

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

$ 422,332

$ 260,647



KATE SPADE & COMPANY RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION (All amounts in thousands, except per common share data)





















Three Months Ended





April 1, 2017

April 2, 2016





(13 Weeks)

(13 Weeks)

















Total Net Sales

$ 271,225

$ 274,422

KATE SPADE North America



217,398



218,677

KATE SPADE International



48,976



48,883

Adelington Design Group



4,851



6,862

















Gross Profit



171,462



169,481

















SG&A



164,580



151,768

















Operating Income

$ 6,882

$ 17,713

















Other income (expense), net



607



(247)

Interest expense, net



(4,545)



(4,996)

Provision for income taxes



1,750



1,554

Income from Continuing Operations

$ 1,194

$ 10,916

















Discontinued operations, net of income taxes



165



720

















Net Income

$ 1,359

$ 11,636

















Basic Earnings per Common Share from Continuing Operations

$ 0.01

$ 0.09

Diluted Earnings per Common Share from Continuing Operations

$ 0.01

$ 0.08

















Reconciliation of Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations:













Net Income, per above

$ 1,359

$ 11,636

Less: discontinued operations, net of income taxes



(165)



(720)

Adjustment to benefit (provision) for income taxes



372



(4,028)

Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations (a)

$ 1,566

$ 6,888

















Adjusted Basic Earnings per Common Share from Continuing Operations

$ 0.01

$ 0.05

Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Common Share from Continuing Operations (b)

$ 0.01

$ 0.05

































Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA:













Net Income, per above

$ 1,359

$ 11,636

Adjustments:













Depreciation and amortization, asset impairments and losses on asset disposals, net (c)



18,252



10,927

Share-based compensation



6,199



7,910

Foreign currency adjustments, net



(1,665)



(1,135)

Interest expense, net



4,545



4,996

Provision for income taxes



(1,750)



(1,554)

Discontinued operations, net of income taxes



(165)



(720)

Adjusted EBITDA

$ 30,275

$ 35,168

















Adjusted EBITDA













Reportable Segments Adjusted EBITDA (d):













KATE SPADE North America

$ 22,788

$ 24,587

KATE SPADE International (e)



7,778



8,537

Adelington Design Group



507



2,185

Other (f)



(798)



(141)

Adjusted EBITDA

$ 30,275

$ 35,168

















Adjusted EBITDA Margin













KATE SPADE North America



10.5 %

11.2 % KATE SPADE International (e)



15.9 %

17.5 % Adelington Design Group



10.5 %

31.8 % Kate Spade & Company



11.2 %

12.8 %

______________________________ (a) Adjusted amounts for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 represent pretax income multiplied by a normalized tax rate of 40.0%, plus $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions. The normalized tax rates were derived by reference to statutory tax rates in the regions in which the Company operates, without giving effect to the impact of income tax consequences of share-based compensation, the Company's valuation allowance or potential use of its net operating loss carryforwards. (b) Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 are based on 128,954 shares outstanding and 128,636 shares outstanding, respectively. (c) Excludes amortization included in Interest expense, net. (d) Segment Adjusted EBITDA excludes (i) depreciation and amortization and (ii) losses on asset disposals and impairments. The costs of all corporate departments that serve the respective segment are fully allocated, other than non-cash share-based compensation expense. The Company does not allocate amounts reported below Operating income to its reportable segments, other than equity loss in its equity method investees. The Company's definition of Segment Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. (e) Amounts include equity in the losses of equity method investees for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 of $260 and $1,241, respectively. (f) Amounts represent Other expense, net as shown above, net of foreign currency transaction adjustment of $(1,665) and equity in the losses of equity method investees of $260 for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and Other expense, net as shown above, net of foreign currency transaction adjustment of $(1,135) and equity in the losses of equity method investees of $1,241 for the three months ended April 2, 2016.

SOURCE Kate Spade & Company
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kellogg Company (NYSE: K) plans to issue its 2017 first quarter financial results at approximately 8:00 am EDT on Thursday, May 4, 2017.

The following documents will be available on the website, http://investor.kelloggs.com, at 8:00 am EDT: Press release, financial tables, GAAP reconciliations, and presentation slides.

The company will also host a public conference call / webcast during which Kellogg executive management will review and discuss these results. Speaking on behalf of Kellogg Company will be John Bryant, Kellogg Company chairman and chief executive officer, Fareed Khan chief financial officer and Paul Norman president Kellogg North America. A question and answer session with analysts and investors will follow. A transcript of the conference call will be posted on the company website within 24 hours of the event.

Live Conference Call

Date: Thursday, May 4, 2017



Time: 9:30 am  10:30 am EDT



Teleconference Number: (855) 209-8258 in the U.S.

(412) 542-4104 outside the U.S.

Dial-in available beginning at 9:15 am EDT, no access code needed.



Presentation Slides: Printable slides available at approximately 8:00 am EDT on Thursday, May 4 at http://investor.kelloggs.com.



Webcast: Live audio webcast with or without slides is available at http://investor.kelloggs.com.



Participation by the press in the live Q&A session is in a listen-only mode.

Rebroadcast

Webcast: Available beginning at 1:00 pm EDT Thursday, May 4, and for at least

90 days thereafter at http://investor.kelloggs.com.



Podcast: MP3 audio file (podcast) available for download beginning at about 1:00 pm EDT on Thursday, May 4, at http://investor.kelloggs.com .



Telephonic: Available beginning at 1:30 pm EDT Thursday, May 4,

until Thursday, May 11, 2017.

(877) 344-7529 in the U.S., access code # 10104122

(412) 317-0088 outside the U.S., access code # 10104122

About Kellogg Company

At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), we are driven to enrich and delight the world through foods and brands that matter. With 2016 sales of more than $13 billion, Kellogg is the world's leading cereal company; second largest producer of cookies and crackers; a leading producer of savory snacks; and a leading North American frozen foods company. Every day, our well-loved brands nourish families so they can flourish and thrive. These brands include Kellogg's, Keebler, Special K, Pringles, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Pop-Tarts, Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Kashi, Cheez-It, Eggo, Coco Pops, Mini-Wheats, and many more. To learn more about our responsible business leadership, foods that delight and how we strive to make a difference in our communities around the world, visit www.kelloggcompany.com.

K-FIN

Kellogg Company

Financial News Release

SOURCE Kellogg Company

Related Links

http://www.investor.kelloggs.com


All of us have so much to learn about sexual assault on college campuses. Why are complaints rising? How can we prevent the crimes? Just how big is the problem?

At Iowa universities, the subject is a big question mark. The regents and lawmakers can ensure we start to get answers.

Sex-offense reports tripled at the University of Iowa, from 16 in 2015 to 49 in 2016, a new report to the Iowa Board of Regents shows. That includes 19 forcible rapes. But none of the cases led to an arrest.

The increase is due in part to how UI reports such offenses to the regents. The numbers now include "third-party reports," such as incidents reported to resident assistants, employees or others outside campus public safety.

That's how universities are supposed to report sex offenses, according to the federal Clery Act.

In their report to the regents, however, Iowa State and Northern Iowa officials disclose only sex-offense reports made to their public safety departments. So sex offenses appear to be flat over the last four years on those campuses.

Regent Sherry Bates, who leads the campus safety and security subcommittee, asked university officials last week to "all get on the same page," according to a story in the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

Jan Hanish, UNI interim vice president of student affairs, objected to sharing third-party numbers with regents. "We don't want to overburden with overreporting," she told the subcommittee. She said the universities will report valid and "realistic" information.

How difficult is it for an institution of higher learning to accurately report data, especially if that information is already collected for federal officials?

If regents can't get complete information, then state lawmakers may need to intervene. In Minnesota, a 2015 law requires all post-secondary institutions to report sexual-assault complaints.

The law includes private colleges, which had some of the highest rates of sexual-assault complaints in 2015, according to the first report required by the law.

The report reveals some of the tip-of-the-iceberg problem of campus sex crimes. Of the 294 sexual-assault complaints on Minnesota campuses, only 55 were reported to law enforcement, and only about half resulted in a formal investigation on campus. In many situations, complainants chose not to cooperate, so charges were dropped.

The report certainly doesn't answer all questions, but it provides health, education and law enforcement officials more information to begin to address the issue.

Members of Congress are also hearing the call for more transparency and accountability on campus. A bipartisan group of eight senators, including Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, have introduced the Campus Accountability and Safety Act. "For the first time, students at every college and university in America would be surveyed about their experience with sexual violence to get an accurate picture of this problem," its sponsors say. The bill would also require specialized training for campus employees and would stiffen penalties for violations of the Clery Act, among other measures.

"Our bill has provisions to ensure that colleges treat sexual assault cases with the seriousness they deserve," Grassley said.

Only then will survivors of sexual assault begin to feel more comfortable reporting crimes against them, and only then will we get a true picture of the problem.

This editorial appeared in the April 13 edition of the Des Moines Register.
CINCINNATI, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced Angel Colon has been promoted to senior director of diversity. He has been serving as the company's director of multicultural development for merchandising since 2008.

Mr. Colon succeeds Rueben Shaffer, who retired at the end of March, as Kroger's head of diversity and also assumes the responsibilities for the company's strong supplier diversity program.

"Angel has been on the leading edge of Kroger's multicultural merchandising initiatives, as well as our internal resource groups supporting and promoting the needs of our diverse workforce, for nearly a decade," said Tim Massa, Kroger's group vice president of human resources and labor relations. "We look forward to his continued leadership in his new role, where he will be responsible for Kroger's diversity efforts while also continuing to shape and influence our multicultural efforts."

Mr. Colon has held a variety of leadership roles in the grocery industry for 27 years, including product management, direct store delivery merchandising, category management, promotions, sales leadership, broker management, regional marketing, customer marketing and ethnic marketing. He joined Kroger in 2008 in his current role, where he established the company's Multicultural Department and strategic direction. Mr. Colon was also a founding member of the KEPASA Associate Resource Group at Kroger's general office, which is an affinity group that empowers, supports and advocates for Hispanic and Latino associates.

Mr. Colon earned an MBA and lives in Cincinnati with his wife. They have three children.

Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Million Dollar Club. Earlier this year, Kroger was named one of the top eight U.S. corporations for inclusion by Omnikal (formerly Diversity Business).

Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 443,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,796 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger and its subsidiaries operate an expanding ClickList offering  a personalized, order online, pick up at the store service  in addition to our 2,255 pharmacies, 784 convenience stores, 319 fine jewelry stores, 220 retail health clinics, 1,445 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Kroger is recognized as one of America's most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

Related Links

http://www.kroger.com


PHILADELPHIA, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kudos and Editage have partnered and announced the launch of a new co-branded website. Through this partnership, subject-matter experts from Editage will create plain language summaries to help broader audiences find, understand, apply, and cite research. Kudos' tools allow researchers to measure the performance of their publications and track the effect of their efforts to improve visibility. Increasing global research output and popularity of digital media have made it essential for researchers to enhance the discoverability of their research. This partnership between Kudos and Editage aims to address the post-publication needs of scientists worldwide.

Kudos Logo (PRNewsfoto/Kudos,Editage)

Charlie Rapple, co-founder of Kudos, explained the background to the partnership: "Although our tools are free, quick, and easy to use, we know that some researchers are still not confident about explaining work in plain language. We are very pleased to partner with the experts at Editage, to give researchers a new option for writing plain language summaries." Explaining Editage's interest in this partnership Nikesh Gosalia, Director, Academic and Publisher Relations at Editage, said, "We are trusted advisors to researchers worldwide in their pre-publication journey. Our proximity to authors endows us with the privilege to understand and address their needs. Every researcher wants their published research to reach as many people as possible. Our plain-language summary service makes research understandable to a broad audience. We are excited to partner with Kudos because their tools will help authors promote their research and increase the visibility of their publications."

Kudos has been addressing the growing demand for plain language summaries to help mobilize knowledge since 2013. New services available at http://editage.com/kudos will assist scientists and academics with explaining and sharing their work to ensure the broadest possible impact of their research, within and beyond academia.

About Kudos

Over 125,000 researchers have signed up to use Kudos' free platform, which provides a rich understanding of which channels and activities are most effective for broadening reach and impact. Kudos has over 100 organizational customers around the world, including Wiley, Taylor & Francis, the Association for Computing Machinery, the London School of Economics and Political Science and ETH Zurich. Recent analysis of Kudos data indicates that full text downloads on the publisher site are 23% higher when the Kudos toolkit is used. Kudos won the 2015 ALPSP Award for Innovation in Publishing.

About Editage

Founded in 2002, Editage (a division of Cactus Communications) is a fully integrated, global scholarly communications company with offices in Japan, South Korea, India, China, and the United States. Employing a global workforce of over 600, Editage has served 193,930 authors and has edited 741,340 papers across 1,200 disciplines to date. Editage aims to help scholars break through the confines of geography and language, bridge the gap between authors and peer-reviewed journals, and accelerate the process of publishing high-quality research. Editage is also dedicated to author education through its comprehensive author resources site Editage Insights. Please visit www.editage.com to learn more.

Media contact:

Hridey Manghwani

Manager, Corporate Communications, Editage/Cactus Communications

Phone: +1(877)334-8243

Email: [email protected]

Charlie Rapple

[email protected]

+44 1865 872527

SOURCE Kudos; Editage

Related Links

http://editage.com/kudos


ORANGE, Calif., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, the makers of the LA VICTORIA brand, known for its authentic, flavorful salsas, taco sauces, enchilada sauces and chiles, are celebrating a delicious culinary tradition: the 100th anniversary of salsa as we know it in America. As the pioneer of jarred salsa in the U.S., the makers of the LA VICTORIA brand have kept the Mexican tradition alive and well in the hearts and bellies of today's consumers for a century while using field-to-jar tomatoes in its salsas.

"This year, we proudly celebrate 100 years of providing authentic Mexican salsas and sauces in the U.S., and inspiring people with distinctive flavors that allow them to snack well and make delicious meals at home," comments LA VICTORIA Brand Manager Sebastian Friedman.

Known for its exciting flavor innovations that complement the modern, West Coast lifestyle, the LA VICTORIA brand has been a household name in the western United States for 100 years. The LA VICTORIA brand was founded in 1917 by the La Baca family, who emigrated from Mexico to Los Angeles with the mouth-watering recipe for the now famous SALSA BRAVA jarred salsa that gave them their start in America. The La Bacas created and marketed SALSA BRAVA products as the first jarred Mexican sauces in the U.S. because they wanted to share their family tradition and taste of home with their newfound neighbors in California. The LA VICTORIA brand was eventually sold to Henry Tanklage, who, along with his son Bob and grandson Jon, kept the salsa-making tradition alive, while operating the company for decades.

With historical roots dating back as far as the ancient Aztecs, salsa has evolved to become one of America's favorite condiments. In 2013, salsa famously overtook ketchup as the No. 1 condiment1, and today people spend more on salsa than they do on ketchup2.

The LA VICTORIA brand will commemorate its 100th anniversary by hosting modern West Coast-inspired dinner parties in four cities. Utilizing historic locations in key coastal markets  San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland  as the event backdrop, the makers of the LA VICTORIA brand will invite 100 fans and VIPs to experience a cultural celebration featuring art, music and dishes made with LA VICTORIA products. To pay homage to its Mexican heritage and the modern West Coast lifestyle, the makers of the LA VICTORIA brand will partner with local chefs, artists and musicians to help bring the celebration to life in each city.

"Our communal dinner parties celebrate everything that modern-day Mexican has to offer, from freshly-picked, simple ingredients in the meals to interesting local art and music," adds Friedman. "Additionally, we're proud to give back to the local communities that have been a big part of our history by awarding talented artists in each city the chance to win a grand prize and other exciting gifts."

In support of the local arts community in each market, the makers of the LA VICTORIA brand will host an art contest offering a chance to win a $7,500 grand prize, as well as additional monetary gifts and salsa prize packages. Five finalists in each market will be selected to create one additional work featuring the LA VICTORIA brand that illustrates what the "Modern West Coast Lifestyle" means to them. The grand prize winner will be selected among the five finalists at the celebration dinner. The multi-city tour will spotlight LA VICTORIA products as authentic additions to any modern Mexican meal.

For more information about the centennial celebration and/or LA VICTORIA foods, please visit www.lavictoria.com/100years or contact the brand at [email protected].

ABOUT LA VICTORIA BRAND

Established in 1917 on the West Coast of California, LA VICTORIA Brand was the first to make jarred salsa and is an original maker of Mexican sauces. LA VICTORIA brand products include salsa, taco sauce, enchilada sauce, chiles, peppers and fruit-flavored salsas. The line is known for its bold, robust flavors and is easily identifiable in the grocery aisle by its iconic jars. The LA VICTORIA brand operates under MegaMex Foods LLC, a maker of a comprehensive portfolio of products that resonate with Mexican-American and mainstream consumers of Mexican foods. For more information about the LA VICTORIA brand visit www.lavictoria.com or follow LA VICTORIA brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LaVictoriaBrand.

1 Associated Press, October 2013

2 52 weeks ending 12/25/16  IRI Data on Dollar Sales

SOURCE LA VICTORIA Brand

Related Links

http://www.lavictoria.com


HERNDON, Va., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Lancashire, UK) expanded implementation of Harris Healthcare's QCPR clinical health documentation solution to include QCPR's Integrated Medication Management (known as EPMA, Electronic Prescribing Medication Administration in the U.K.). Lancashire Teaching Hospitals (LTH) is now fully relying on the Harris Healthcare Electronic Health Record (EHR) QCPR as their enterprise-wide system of record. In addition, patient monitoring data from vital signs monitors is now automatically transferred to the EHR including the calculation and tracking of the National Early Warning Score.

The first electronic prescription and administration of medicines at LTH.

Harris Healthcare's QCPR integrates all aspects of patient care into a single, confidential, computer-based patient record, reducing errors and improving work flow processes throughout the organisation. The Integrated Medication Management module within QCPR improves patient safety, provider efficiency, and cost-containment by streamlining the entire medication delivery process. Dynamic clinical decision support and a robust drug knowledge vendor reference software help prevent errors and adverse medication events by providing checks and critical information to ensure the appropriateness of medications ordered.

Harris Healthcare also integrated LTHs' patient monitoring solution (Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd) with the patient's EHR enabling real-time upload of the patient's vital signs into the record. The data captured is used to calculate the National Early Warning Score whiteboard report to assess and respond to acute illnesses, as recommended by the Royal College of Physicians. Automatic input of this critical data into the patient's health record eliminates data transcription errors and enhances LTHs' reporting capabilities.

LTHs' Chief Clinical Information Officer, Nick Wood, said, "We have had a great collaboration with Harris Healthcare's clinical and technical teams to examine and evaluate our hospital workflow processes so that we not only improve the patient care experience, but streamline our clinical practices. By eliminating manual entries, our nurses can spend more quality time with patients and are made aware of critical changes in the patient's status. The early warning score data will allow LTHs' Critical Care Unit outreach team to be alerted and subsequently tend to patients' urgent needs faster."

With these enhancements, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one step closer to achieving their vision of a completely paperless documentation system by 2020. Executive Vice President for Harris Healthcare Clinical Solutions, Santina Allen, said, "It's our honor to work with Lancashire and ensure staff continue to see real results from the QCPR enterprise-wide solution." A case study providing more detail on the Harris Healthcare solution at LTH is available on the company's website.

About Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest and highest performing National Health Service trusts in the United Kingdom. General services are provided to 370,000 people in Preston and Chorley, and specialty care to 1.5M people across the Lancashire and South Cumbria regions. Royal Preston Hospital has 1,000 beds across two hospital sites and provides a full range of clinical and emergency services, as well as several regional specialty services including cancer, neurosurgery, vascular surgery and specialist rehabilitation. It is also the major trauma center for Lancashire and South Cumbria with a 34-bed critical care unit. www.lancsteachinghospitals.nhs.uk/

About Harris Healthcare:

With a 30-year history as a healthcare IT provider, Harris Healthcare delivers a fully-integrated solution set to hospitals and clinics throughout North America, Europe and the Persian Gulf. We streamline processes, increase productivity and drive positive clinical outcomes. Harris Healthcare includes 900 professionals who support clients at more than 1,200 healthcare facilities. For more detail, please visit our website: www.harrishealthcare.com.

Media contact:

Miranda Hahn

[email protected]

231.360.7063

SOURCE Harris Healthcare

Related Links

http://www.harrishealthcare.com


BOSTON, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Risk management experts from Liberty Mutual will present two educational sessions at the upcoming RIMS annual conference that help mid-size and large insurance buyers  and the brokers and agents who support them  better address key risk management challenges:

Environmental Disaster: The Overlooked Cyber Threat



Examine environmental pollution as an underemphasized, dangerous and costly potential consequence of cyber-attacks. Analyze enhanced assessments of properties and facilities with environmental exposures and other tools that can help mitigate the environmental impact of a cyber-attack.



Presenter  William Bell , senior vice president, Environmental, LIU



Monday, April 24 , 2:30 - 2:55 p.m. , RIMS Hub Booth #1427

Cover Yourself With Wearables: Harness the Technology While Managing Its Risks



As fitness bands, smart watches and embedded sensors become a routine part of business, employers gain new access to data on health, safety and productivity. But these data collectors also represent significant riskswith variable accuracy among devices and lack of industrywide standards. Learn how to assess if wearables might improve safety and productivity, select the right technology, and build a four-step plan for effectively integrating appropriate wearables into your workplace while managing their corresponding risks.



Presenters:

As fitness bands, smart watches and embedded sensors become a routine part of business, employers gain new access to data on health, safety and productivity. But these data collectors also represent significant riskswith variable accuracy among devices and lack of industrywide standards. Learn how to assess if wearables might improve safety and productivity, select the right technology, and build a four-step plan for effectively integrating appropriate wearables into your workplace while managing their corresponding risks. Presenters: Eric Sachleben , manager, Risk Control, Liberty Mutual Insurance

, manager, Risk Control, Liberty Mutual Insurance

Alexi Carli , vice president, Global Health and Safety, UPS

Tuesday, April 25, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Room: 120AB

"The educational sessions at RIMS are a great way for risk managers and intermediaries to explore key risk management issues," notes Jeffrey McFarland, senior vice president and manager, Distribution, Liberty Mutual National Insurance, which provides a full range of insurance products and services to mid-size and larger buyers through brokers and agents. "We welcome the opportunity to share our expertise to help buyers, brokers and agents better manage and mitigate these important exposures."

RIMS 2017 takes place April 23  26 in Philadelphia.

About Liberty Mutual Insurance

Liberty Mutual Insurance helps people preserve and protect what they earn, build, own and cherish. Keeping this promise means we are there when our policyholders throughout the world need us most.

In business since 1912, and headquartered in Boston, Mass., today Liberty Mutual is a diversified insurer with operations in 30 countries and economies around the world. We are the fifth largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. based on 2015 direct written premium data as reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. We also rank 73rd on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the U.S. based on 2015 revenue. As of December 31, 2016, Liberty Mutual had $38.3 billion in annual consolidated revenue.

Liberty employs more than 50,000 people in over 800 offices throughout the world. We offer a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, accident & health, commercial automobile, general liability, property, surety, workers compensation, group disability, group life, specialty lines, reinsurance, individual life and annuity products.

You can learn more about us by visiting www.libertymutualinsurance.com.

CONTACT: Richard Angevine, 617-574-6638, 617-833-0926 [email protected]

SOURCE Liberty Mutual Insurance

Related Links

http://www.libertymutualinsurance.com


"This is a unifying campaign. We truly believe that by appreciating life's simple pleasures and committing to seeing the good in the world, we can change the conversation," explained John Jacobs, Chief Creative Optimist and Life is Good co-founder. "We have heard countless stories over the years of people overcoming great adversity simply by choosing to focus on opportunities versus obstacles. Now we're bringing them all together to inspire optimism in others."

Numerous celebrities have already joined the community, each with their own unique approach to inspiring others to focus on the good. World Champion gymnast Aly Raisman, for example, is on a mission to celebrate and empower women and girls; New England Patriots Malcolm Mitchell has been helping kids reach their full potential through his "Read with Malcolm" literacy program; and, Mario Lopez exemplifies optimism in action through his work with the Boys & Girls Club where he inspires kids to be the best they can be through fun fitness activities.

Raisman, who helped design a new line of inspirational Life is Good T-shirts promoting authenticity, kindness and courage that will be available this month, explained, "Optimism is a choice. People choose to exercise, they choose a team to root for and they can choose to see the good in life. Faces of Life is Good is a powerful platform that unifies people from all walks of life." She added, "Especially when life throws you challenges, it's important to remember that choosing optimism takes practice!"

Life is Good invites optimists to join the Faces of Life is Good movement and share what optimism means to them by visiting www.lifeisgood.com/thisisoptimism and using the hashtag #ThisIsOptimism across social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Faces of Life is Good gallery will also allow viewers to shop for merchandise seen in member photos.

For more information on the campaign, visit: www.lifeisgood.com/thisisoptimism

ABOUT THE LIFE IS GOOD COMPANY

The Life is Good Company is a $100 million lifestyle brand dedicated to spreading the power of optimism. The company donates 10 percent of its net profits to help kids in need through the Life is Good Kids Foundation. To date, the foundation has positively impacted 8,000 childcare providers who care for over one million kids every year, many of who are facing early childhood trauma. Life is Good is a registered trademark of The Life is Good Company. Please visit LifeisGood.com for more details, find a store near you at lifeisgood.com/storelocator, and follow Life is Good on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT LIFE IS GOOD KIDS FOUNDATION

The Life is Good Kids Foundation is an accredited 501(c)(3) that partners with organizations serving the most vulnerable children to improve the quality of their care. The Foundation's Playmaker program connects with schools, hospitals, camps, and a variety of social service agencies to give childcare professionals the resources they need to make a positive, life-changing impact at a pivotal time in a child's development. For more information please visit LifeisGood.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Mark Ballard

646-391-0453

[email protected]

Kelsey Cycan

410-627-5948

[email protected]

SOURCE Life is Good Company

Related Links

http://www.lifeisgood.com


PeopleStrong is one of the fastest growing HR Technology and Solutions companies in India, with over 175 customers spread across all major industries. Its key offerings include SaaS based HR Technology PeopleStrong Alt, powered by a Mobile App and Artificial Intelligence and BPaaS based recruitment process outsourcing and human capital management. The Company has an order book of Rs 500 Cr+ and has been growing at a CAGR of 60% for over a decade. This is one of the largest deals in the fast-growing HR technology industry in India, both in size and scope.

Multiples is a leading India focused private equity firm with over US$1 billion under management. Some of Multiples' current investments include multiplex company, PVR, e-tailing focused logistics company, Delhivery, apparel brands and textiles major, Arvind, housing finance company, Vastu and leading power exchange, Indian Energy Exchange.

Pankaj Bansal, Founder and CEO at PeopleStrong, expressed excitement to partner with Multiples, stating, "We at PeopleStrong have always been committed to customer satisfaction and technology innovation. With this round of investment, we embark on the next level of growth towards creating version 3.0 of PeopleStrong and we are all excited to have Multiples and HDFC fund with us as we go ahead."

Pankaj further shared, "Team Lincoln not only brought in the market intelligence in the engagement but also gained in-depth understanding of our business, which is a unique combination to find. They worked as an extended arm of our team; while not being natives but the experts who could advise us the best."

Sandeep Sinha, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Lumis, commented, "Lumis first invested in PeopleStrong in 2011 and it has been an incredible journey for us. The outstanding leadership team at PeopleStrong achieved a growth of over 10x in five years, a reality which is unheard of in the HCM space. As Lumis exits PeopleStrong, it hands over the baton to Multiples and wishes them the best for taking PeopleStrong to the next level. Team Lincoln with its reach and expertise delivered a fabulous outcome."

TN Giridhar, CEO and Managing Director of Lincoln International's India practice, commented, "We are happy to have had the opportunity to work with PeopleStrong, globally renowned in this space and a clear market leader in HR tech and services in India led by a visionary and dynamic management team. The Multiples team has been a pleasure to work with on this transaction, and we look forward to more such opportunities. This transaction is an excellent milestone for Lincoln International as we continue building a strong franchise in Technology and Business services vertical in India and globally."

Shivani Nagpaul, India Head of Lincoln's Technology and Media Group, commented, "It has been very rewarding to work alongside PeopleStrong's founders and management for this transaction which provides liquidity for shareholders and secures an excellent partner to support the Company's future growth. This transaction is also special as it relates to working with new age delivery models based on BPaaS and SaaS. We look forward to working with similar Technology companies with exciting growth profiles."

Lincoln acted as the exclusive financial advisor to PeopleStrong and its shareholders, namely Lumis, HDFC and Withya HR Fund, etc. This included providing advisory expertise and managing the preparatory, marketing, negotiation, due diligence and closing phases of the transaction. Lincoln market leading deal credentials in SaaS and Human Resource Services globally and this transaction saw co-operation between Mumbai, Chicago and UK offices to market the transaction across globally.

For more information on Lincoln's Global Business Services Group Leadership Team, please visit http://www.lincolninternational.com/industries/business-services/.

For more information on Lincoln's Global Technology & Media Group Leadership Team, please visit http://www.lincolninternational.com/industries/technology/.

About Lincoln International

Lincoln International specializes in merger and acquisition advisory services, debt advisory services, private capital raising and restructuring advice on mid-market transactions. Lincoln International also provides fairness opinions, valuations and joint ventures and partnering advisory services on a wide range of transaction sizes. With eighteen offices in the Americas, Asia and Europe, Lincoln International has strong local knowledge and contacts in key global economies. The firm provides clients with senior-level attention, in-depth industry expertise and integrated resources. By being focused and independent, Lincoln International serves its clients without conflicts of interest.

More information about Lincoln International can be obtained at www.lincolninternational.com

Media Contact: Heidi Becker

[email protected]

(312) 506-2739

SOURCE Lincoln International LLC

Related Links

http://www.lincolninternational.com


It is thus only natural that L'Officine Universelle Buly should reconnect with its Art Deco past as it sets up shop exclusively inside Bergdorf Goodman, with a spectacular shop bedecked in ivory-colored cracked lacquer with brass accents located on the Beauty Level.

The store's furniture was entirely manufactured in France by the finest craftspeople, armed with the know-how of that era, and later shipped to the USunder the care of its French makers, who then supervised its on-site assembly. To mark the occasion, L'Officine Universelle Buly has also sent to New York one of Buly's original, monumental advertising posters from the 1920s, plucked from its private collection.

A striking exemplar of L'Officine's long, rich and varied history, this shop is also an aesthetic manifesto, against the contemporary tendency to cover the whole globe with stores that share the same architecture and design.

In opposition to the standardization of the world, L'Officine Universelle Buly advocates for a solid mooring in local cultures and respect for local history.

About L'Officine Universelle Buly:

L'Officine Universelle Buly was recently awoken from a century long slumber by Ramdane Touhami and Victoire de Taillac-Touhami, and now offers a range of formulations and tools encompassing skin and body care, fragrance and grooming.

Formulated in a French laboratory, Buly products draw on the latest advances in contemporary cosmetics while remaining true to the teachings of ancient recipes  containing no parabens, phenoxyethanol or silicone. To ensure that all scents remain pure, no glycerin or alcohol is ever added.

As a universal broker of beauty secrets, L'Officine also offers its customers a selection of the best of raw materials from across the globe.

Most loved products include Pommade Concrete, Eau Triple, Huile Antique & marble encased scented candles

About Bergdorf Goodman:

A New York landmark since 1901, Bergdorf Goodman represents the global pinnacle of style, service and modern luxury. With its rich history of showcasing leading and emerging designers, the iconic store at 5th Avenue and 58th Streetthe crossroads of fashionis a singular destination for discerning customers around the world. BG.com expands on Bergdorf Goodman's heritage, showcasing coveted collections for men and women in an unparalleled online shopping experience. Bergdorf Goodman is part of Neiman Marcus Group.

SOURCE LOfficine Universelle Buly
NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Logicalis US, an international IT solutions and managed services provider (www.us.logicalis.com), announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Logicalis to its 2017 Tech Elite 250 list for the seventh consecutive year. This 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 scaled to their company size.

As enterprise and mid-market organizations continue along the path toward digital enablement, the key to success in the IT department no longer lies simply in the technology it provides, but more importantly in the user experience IT is able to deliver. As CIOs focus less on technology and more on becoming internal service providers, they are relying more heavily on solution providers to guide them in the right direction to achieve their organization's business goals, something which significantly raises the bar for solution providers when it comes to certifications and real-world expertise.

"Being recognized by CRN and included in the Tech Elite 250 for the seventh year in a row provides an important acknowledgement of Logicalis' extensive capabilities," says Mike Martin, Senior Vice President of Solutions and Services, Logicalis US. "By building strong relationships with our partners, investing in the development of our solution architects and consultants, and taking the time and effort to attain the highest levels of technical expertise and certification possible, Logicalis has proven itself to be a worthy digital enablement partner and a trusted advisor to our clients. We are honored that CRN has recognized these efforts and has once again included Logicalis among this elite group of solution providers."

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. Companies who have obtained these elite designations  which enable solution providers to deliver premium products, services and customer support  are then selected from a pool of online applicants.

"This exclusive, ambitious group of solution providers boast some of the most advanced IT certifications available from top technology suppliers," says Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. "They have adapted impressively to major changes in the IT channel, especially 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 designationthe CRN Tech Elite 250."

Coverage of the Tech Elite 250 will be featured in the April issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/techelite250.

Want to Learn More?

The shift toward digital enablement has changed the perception of IT as organizations work to become more service-defined. Find out why every CEO wants to lead a service-defined enterprise, and why the CIO needs to make it happen: http://ow.ly/dBNY30ayw6G.

As the pace of digital transformation gathers speed, what issues are most important to CIOs around the world? Logicalis' fourth Global CIO Survey, "Digital Enablers: The Challenges Facing CIOs in an Age of Digital Transformation," reveals important insights: http://ow.ly/yIAX30ayxou.

CIOs and other business leaders must drive innovation to realize the goal of becoming a truly digital-enabled enterprise. Logicalis CEO Vince DeLuca offers insight and best practices in this WatchIT video: http://ow.ly/7KBQ30ayxKj.

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

About Logicalis

Logicalis is an international multi-skilled solution provider providing digital enablement services to help customers harness digital technology and innovative services to deliver powerful business outcomes.

Our customers cross industries and geographical regions; our focus is to engage in the dynamics of our customers' vertical markets including financial services, TMT (telecommunications, media and technology), education, healthcare, retail, government, manufacturing and professional services, and to apply the skills of our 4,000 employees in modernizing key digital pillars, data center and cloud services, security and network infrastructure, workspace communications and collaboration, data and information strategies, and IT operation modernization.

We are the advocates for our customers for some of the world's leading technology companies including Cisco, HPE, IBM, NetApp, Microsoft, VMware and ServiceNow.

The Logicalis Group has annualized revenues of over $1.5 billion from operations in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa. It is a division of Datatec Limited, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the AIM market of the LSE, with revenues of over $6.5 billion.

For more information, visit www.us.logicalis.com.

Business and technology working as one

To learn more about Logicalis activities through a variety of social media outlets, click here.

Media Contacts:

Karen Franse, Communication Strategy Group for Logicalis US

[email protected]

866-997-2424 x222

www.gocsg.com

Arthur Germain, Communication Strategy Group for Logicalis US

[email protected]

866-997-2424 x101

www.gocsg.com

Melanie Turpin

The Channel Company

(508) 416-1195

[email protected]

SOURCE Logicalis US

Related Links

http://www.us.logicalis.com


SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Haven, a technology company transforming the logistics industry with its global shipping platform, today announces the launch of Haven TMS, a groundbreaking end-to-end logistics management platform for managing large international supply chains.

With Haven TMS, Haven evolves from a logistics quote marketplace into a full-featured transportation management system (TMS) with collaboration, procurement, and analysis modules.

"At Haven, we optimize the entire logistics process by enabling direct contact between global producers, and logistics providers," said Matt Tillman, co-founder and CEO of Haven. "We have essentially created the Salesforce for logistics, capturing the end-to-end workflow of shipping cargo."

Haven TMS allows users to manage the entire transportation logistics workflow on one platform and streamline critical processes. With features such as collaborative booking, a tracking notification system, and full document management capabilities, Haven TMS allows users to pull data out of siloes and turn logistics into a competitive advantage. And, with views into both their own rate cards and prevailing spot rates all in one place, users can connect with best-in-class providers, ultimately finding the most appropriate partner for their needs.

In a step which modernizes booking services, all communication occurs directly through the platform. Without Haven TMS, a typical company's booking workflow requires about 67 emails per single trade. However, using Haven's comprehensive solution, customers may fully manage their entire transportation logistics workflow, without sending files back and forth or getting lost in email. The result: Customers save extensive time, reduce operating costs, and improve profit margins by up to 30%.

"Supply chain technology has not been overhauled in 20 years, so Haven TMS is not only timely, but also revolutionary when it comes to simplifying trade and connecting customers through one user-friendly platform," added Mr. Tillman. "Haven TMS's functionality rivals that of SAP's Logistics Network and GT Nexus."

Haven facilitates the shipment of $3.5 billion in cargo value each year and services the majority of the world's largest commodity trading firms through Haven TMS. One firm doubled profit margins after switching from the antiquated system of email to Haven TMS.

About Haven

Founded in 2014, Haven is a venture-backed company with offices in San Francisco, Singapore and Switzerland. For more information, visit us www.haveninc.com or email [email protected].

Media Contact:

Amiee Watts

[email protected]

973.850.7312

SOURCE Haven

Related Links

http://www.haveninc.com


Irving, Texas, April 17, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Metroplex Management Group of Dallas Texas became the model marketing firm, raising the bar by utilizing their innovative training initiative and proving their ability to deliver results beyond measure for their multi million dollar clientele.

Offering exponential career growth and upward mobility, Metroplexs business model attracts competitive, confident and self-motivated individuals across the nation. One individual in particular throughout the last fiscal year proved to be an unparalleled asset to the company and their clients growth.

C.J Young of Atlanta, Georgia began the year overseeing three campaigns across the southern U.S. Within the matter of 10 months, C.J more than quadrupled his clients national standing ending the year with 14 office oversights nation wide.

Metroplex Management Groups Director of Operations, Bill Bishop explains, The amount of dedication it takes to grow our clients footprint that vastly in such a short period of time is something that we do not see everyday. It is commendable and something we wanted to highlight and congratulate in front of nearly 600 of CJs peers.

At Metroplex Management Groups national meeting in Dallas in March, Directors, Brand Managers and associates gathered at the Gaylord Texan Hotel for their annual conference. C.J was called to the stage and handed, not only a $157,000 over ride check, but also the keys a brand new 2017 Mercedes C43 AMG Coupe.

The award sent shock waves through the organization. As the crowed began to settle, Bill addressed the managers and closed with saying, Our last national conference in Las Vegas included a presentation by motivational speaker, Les Brown. Les explained the best way to motivate and drive productivity is to incentivize beyond expectation. C.J not only willingly stepped into a leadership role among his peers, but he successfully spearheaded test campaigns resulting in a new and permanent client for our organization. In the last year, C.J completely reinvented himself. Dedication as deep-seeded as his, deserves to be awarded. This will certainly be the first of many extravagant awards given to leaders that prove their dedication.

For more information on the award and how to join Metroplex Management Groups award winning team, visit www.MetroplexManagementGroup.com and the company Facebook page.
NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- LuckyDiem, the first multi-tiered Online-to-Offline (O2O) marketing platform with complete advertising attribution launched today at TechDay New York (#TechDay) with over 100 local businesses on Manhattan's Upper East Side. LuckyDiem is reinventing mobile search by giving consumers an exciting new way to discover local businesses with enhanced listings that include instant discounts, prizes and a game-based loyalty program.

While the platform has been used nationally, LuckyDiem now enables small businesses to compete with national brands by removing all the wasted time and money associated with digital marketing. "Most of today's 26M small businesses simply lack the time, skill and resources to implement a digital marketing strategy," says Andrew Landis, CEO of LuckyDiem. "Attribution, the ability to tie online ad spending to offline sales, is the number one challenge facing the digital marketing industry, but is particularly poignant for small businesses given how consumers find a new business today," says Landis. While over 70% of local businesses are discovered through online search (Local Search Association, 2016) and 4 out of 5 mobile searches end in a purchase (comScore, 2016), only 6% of small businesses advertise with paid search. (Manta Research, 2017). "LuckyDiem builds upon its successful white-labeled platform for national brands such as La Quinta Inns & Suites which saw its loyalty membership grow by over 500% and sales by 206% versus the control group," says Landis.

LuckyDiem enables businesses to sign up without adding any hardware, software or minimum fees. Businesses join LuckyDiem in less than ten minutes to receive a suite of services including local search, mobile payment, a game-based loyalty platform with enhanced branding capabilities, and even a turnkey, integrated sweepstakes platform for their customers to win VIP tickets to major sporting events and concerts. "Businesses only pay a fee on completed sales, enabling retailers to calculate an absolute ROI for online-to-offline promotions with variable incentives for the very first time. Mobile payments' slow adoption by consumers may also get a boost through LuckyDiem which enables users to simply sign up, enter their payment information and automatically receive the discounts they've earned by paying with their smartphone," adds Landis. In addition, with every shared reward, LuckyDiem will donate to Hope & Heroes, a childhood cancer nonprofit at Columbia University Medical Center.

"Duke's is very excited to be part of LuckyDiem," says Michael Schatzberg, Managing Partner at Branded Restaurant Holdings. "Online marketing is time consuming and nearly impossible to measure at retail. LuckyDiem members can now find Duke's and use LuckyDiem to instantly win free drinks or earn discounts on their checks, turning them into loyal customers. Its loyalty program is fun for customers, but more importantly it's integrated and helps us accurately identify and reward our best customers. It's easy to implement and gives me absolute ROI on my marketing spend. LuckyDiem is a no-brainer."

To Search, Spin and Win, visit LuckyDiem.com.

SOURCE LuckyDiem
SEOUL, South Korea and SAN JOSE, Calif., April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MagnaChip Semiconductor Corporation ("MagnaChip") (NYSE: MX) will hold a conference call Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 5 p.m. EDT to discuss the Company's first quarter 2017 financial results. Participating in the call will be YJ Kim, MagnaChip's CEO and Jonathan Kim, Executive Vice President and CFO. The earnings press release will be issued after the market closes that day.

The conference call will be webcast live and also is available by dialing toll-free at 1-844-536-5472. International call-in participants can dial toll-free at 1-614-999-9318. The conference ID number is 8267197. Participants are encouraged to initiate their calls at least 10 minutes in advance of the 5 p.m. EDT start time to ensure a timely connection. The webcast and earnings release will be accessible at www.magnachip.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available the same day and will run for 72 hours. The replay dial-in numbers are 1-404-537-3406 or toll-free at 1-855-859-2056. The access code is 8267197.

About MagnaChip Semiconductor

MagnaChip is a Korea-based designer and manufacturer of analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products for high-volume consumer, communication, industrial and computing applications. The Company's Display Solutions, Power Solutions, and Foundry Services Groups provide a broad range of standard products and manufacturing services to customers worldwide. MagnaChip owns a portfolio of more than 3,500 registered and pending patents, and has extensive engineering, design and manufacturing process expertise resulting from its 30-year operating history.

For more information, please visit www.magnachip.com. Information on or accessible through, MagnaChip's website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this release.

CONTACTS:

In the United States: In Korea: Bruce Entin Chankeun Park Investor Relations Director, Public Relations Tel. +1.408.625.1262 Tel. +82.2.6903.3195 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE MagnaChip Semiconductor Corporation

Related Links

http://www.magnachip.com


SAN JOSE, Calif., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Many companies are unprepared for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), but most executives at those companies realize that the future of their business depends on it, according to a new study just released by the Business Performance Innovation (BPI) Network.

The study also suggests that large-scale integrators and other channel partners will be among the biggest IIoT beneficiaries over the next several years. They will likely play a significant role in planning and implementation at many companies due to major internal gaps in the technical skills and management know-how needed to deploy and integrate IoT into operations and new products.

The new report, "The Impact of Connectedness on Competitiveness," was developed by the BPI Network in partnership with the CMO Council, Penton's IoT Institute and The Nerdery, a leading digital strategy, software engineering and design firm. The study was based on a global survey of some 350 global executives and interviews with innovation leaders at large global enterprises, including companies such as Airbus, Balfour Beatty, Embraer, Philips Lighting, Whirlpool, LafargeHolcim, TVH, Hitachi and others.

"Executives are telling us that IIoT technologies are about to play a significant role in business and industrial performance, delivering significant improvements in operational efficiency and uptime, as well as growth from new business models, products, services and customer experiences," said Dave Murray, Head of Thought Leadership for the BPI Network. "Nevertheless, less than 2 percent of large companies say they have a clear vision for how to move forward or have large-scale implementations underway. That dichotomy suggests we are experiencing the lull before the storm of IIoT transformation. This is an opportunity for real competitive differentiation and advancement."

Among key findings of the IIoT survey:

52 percent of executives at large enterprises  and 41 percent of executives at all companies  expect IIoT to have a significant or major impact on their industry within three years.

Some 55 percent of all executives say IIoT is gaining adoption within their industries, including both pilots and larger-scale adoption.

However, just 1.5 percent of executives at large companies say they have a clear vision with implementation well underway, while another 57 percent are either beginning implementation, have pilots underway or are committed and in the planning stages.

New products and services lead as the area most companies say they will focus their IoT investments (35 percent), followed by customer touchpoints (29 percent), and manufacturing (23 percent).

More cost-efficient operations (47 percent), product and service differentiation (36 percent), and improved customer engagement and satisfaction (34 percent) are seen as the top benefits of IIoT.

Security and data privacy are seen as top concerns by executives, followed by the cost and complexity of IIoT adoption and the need for new management and workforce skills and training.

To download the full report, please visit http://www.bpinetwork.org/industrial-connectedness-report

"For industrial companies, staying competitive requires embracing IIoT. There really is no plan B. Implementing IIoT, however, means not just navigating uncharted waters, but also keeping track of an array of technologies, workforce challenges, security concerns, and unprecedented business considerations," says Brian Buntz, Editor of IoT Institute.

"The tidal wave that is connectedness and IIoT is building rapidly and it is unavoidable," said Chris Locher, Vice President of Software Development at The Nerdery. "Companies see massive opportunities to increase efficiency, gather data in new ways and pivot into new business models. The challenge of the IIoT revolution is that it is accompanied by a great deal of white noise and confusion. How will companies capture those opportunities? How do companies avoid the risk of a failing at an IIoT initiative? How do you find employees with the skill to do it? The sheer scale and implications of IIoT can lead to information overload, create analysis paralysis, and confusion for business leaders. The key to moving confidently into this new space is starting with small, focused efforts or bringing experts to start to build the required skills, behaviors, and business models."

IIoT Readiness Lacking

Making the transformation to IIoT-enabled businesses will clearly require new skills and mindsets. Chief among those requirements, according to executives, are new technical skills (51 percent), better data integration and analytics capabilities (41 percent), and rethinking the business model (33 percent). Most executives, however, say their companies have significant gaps in these areas.

Some 31 percent of executives say their organizations face a "major skill gap" in their IIoT readiness, while another 31 percent say the talent gap is "large, but improving somewhat." Twenty percent say their IoT skills are quickly improving, while another 7 percent believe they have most of the skills in place.

Similarly, just 12 percent give their company an "excellent" rating in their capacity to develop and deploy applications that utilize real-time insights and systems monitoring. Another 25 percent rate their capacity as good, while one-third say their corporation's ability in this area is moderate and improving.

"Global businesses are clearly working to put the needed skills in place to address the opportunity of connected, intelligent products and machines, but those talents are in short supply," the BPI Network's Murray explained. "We can expect for the time being that system integrators, consulting and software engineering firms with the right skills in connectivity, sensor technology, data analytics and complex integration will benefit from the race to keep pace with IIoT enablement."

Creating IIoT Value

Interviews with executives at large businesses that are deploying or planning for IIoT applications underscore the wide range of benefits and scenarios represented by these technologies.

Embraer, the world's largest regional jet maker, for example, says new jets that integrate sensors to identify and predict maintenance needs now have a remarkable 99.5 percent dispatching rate, in which less than 0.5 percent of planned take-offs are affected by unexpected maintenance issues, according to Alexandre Baule, Vice President of Information Systems at Embraer. Embraer and its partners are also working toward an IoT-enabled, customized experience for passengers, in which each person's favorite movies, music and even temperature settings are available before they take their seats.

Airbus, one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers, is also integrating sensor technology to improve the predictability and safety of its aircraft, but also envisions widespread use of IoT technology in its Factory of the Future platforman approach that will include cyber-physical systems, 3D printed prototypes, open robot interfaces and advanced data analytics to increase the quality and productivity of its manufacturing processes. Factory workers use smart glasses and advanced image processing to track problems, tools and solutions in real time, while exoskeletons are developed to reduce risk and enhance human capabilities.

To learn more about the findings of the report and read about other companies who are advancing their IIoT capabilities, visit http://www.bpinetwork.org/industrial-connectedness-report to access your copy.

About the BPI Network

The Business Performance Innovation (BPI) Network is a peer-driven thought leadership and professional networking organization reaching some 50,000 heads of IT transformation, change management, business re-engineering, process improvement, and strategic planning. It is dedicated to advancing the emerging roles of the Chief Innovation Officer and Innovation Strategist within today's enterprise. The BPI Network brings together global executives who are champions of change within their organizations through ongoing research, authoritative content and peer-to-peer conversations. These functional area heads (operations, IT, finance, procurement, sales, marketing, product development, etc.) and line-of-business leaders are advocates for innovation as a fundamental discipline and function within 21st Century organizations. They seek to demonstrate where and how new inventive solutions and approaches can advance business value, gratify customers, ensure sustainability and create competitive advantage for companies worldwide. For more information, visit www.bpinetwork.org.

About the CMO Council

The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council is dedicated to high-level knowledge exchange, thought leadership, and personal relationship building among senior corporate marketing leaders and brand decision-makers across a wide range of global industries. The CMO Council's 12,500-plus members control more than $500 billion in aggregated annual marketing expenditures and run complex, distributed marketing and sales operations worldwide. In total, the CMO Council and its strategic interest communities include more than 30,000 global executives in more than 110 countries covering multiple industries, segments and markets. Regional chapters and advisory boards are active in the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, India and Africa. The council's strategic interest groups include the Coalition to Leverage and Optimize Sales Effectiveness (CLOSE), Mobile Relationship Marketing (MRM) Strategies, LoyaltyLeaders.org, CMOCIOAlign.org, Marketing Supply Chain Institute, Customer Experience Board, Digital Marketing Performance Institute, GeoBranding Center and the Forum to Advance the Mobile Experience (FAME). For more information, visit www.cmocouncil.org.

About the Penton IoT Institute

The IoT Institute connects professionals in the IoT ecosystem and inspires them by providing real-world, actionable information on the latest IoT trends, analysis, and use-case studies for smart cities, the Industrial IoT, smart buildings and energy, and the innovators creating the IoT infrastructure.

Through ongoing research with our strategic partners like BPI Network and the Industrial Internet Consortium, the IoT Institute provides thought leadership and unique insight into the state of IoT implementation and challenges and opportunities for key players. For more information, visit www.ioti.com.

About The Nerdery

The Nerdery builds more than software, crafting digital products, services and experiences that better people's lives and in doing so, drive business forward. Headquartered in Minneapolis with offices in Chicago, Kansas City and Phoenix, The Nerdery's core services are digital transformation consulting, mobile applications, web applications, websites and systems integration. Founded by three programming pioneers in 2003, The Nerdery has made Inc. Magazine's list of fastest growing private companies for the past nine consecutive years. The Nerdery was built on the belief that passionate Nerds are the driving force behind business breakthroughs. For more information, visit www.nerdery.com.

SOURCE Business Performance Innovation (BPI) Network

Related Links

http://www.bpinetwork.org


STARKVILLE, Miss., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MaxxSouth Broadbanda local telecommunications provider in Mississippiwas presented with two Starkville Readers' Choice Awards this year: Best TV Provider and Best Internet Provider.

Wendi McMinn, classified and legal representative for the Starkville Daily News, presenting the award to Tonya Thompson, regional general manager at MaxxSouth Broadband.

"Our team at MaxxSouth wants to thank the community for nominating and ultimately awarding MaxxSouth as the Best TV Provider and the Best Internet Provider in the community," said Peter Kahelin, president and CEO of MaxxSouth Broadband. "As a local provider, we take great pride in serving our community. We know that our neighbors, our friends and our family benefit from the work we do."

Each year, the Starkville Daily News holds the Best of Starkville Readers' Choice Award. In February and March, voting is available in distinct categories for both individuals and businesses. The varied categories include automotive groups, food and dining, retail, services and others.

"The purpose of the award is to thank and recognize the people and businesses serving our community," said Wendi McMinn, Classified and Legal Representative for the Starkville Daily News. "We want everyone to know they are appreciated."

Candidates are first chosen through a nomination process by community members. After reaching four or five nominations under each category, voting begins. The ballot for participants to vote is printed in the paper for about three weeks. This year was the first time online voting was available, and it was immensely popular among voters.

MaxxSouth competed against big names such as Cspire and AT&T.

"We are so excited that [MaxxSouth] won both the TV Provider and Internet Provider awards," said McMinn. "It made me so happy to see how excited MaxxSouth's Starkville manager was. I can tell she and her team in the office really take pride in their job, and that is obviously why their customers chose them as the best."

About MaxxSouth Broadband:

MaxxSouth Broadband's service area for video, high-speed internet and digital phone stretches more than 200 miles and includes 20 counties and 61 communities in northern Mississippi and Alabama. The company currently has approximately 85,000 subscribers for broadband services and passes 110,000 homes. Operating as a subsidiary of the reputable and diversified media holding company Block Communications Inc., MaxxSouth Broadband continues to expand and enhance its state-of-the-art broadband network in the communities it serves. For more information, visit MaxxSouth.com.

Media Contact:

Chelsea Oldroyd

Relic

435-216-9418

[email protected]

SOURCE MaxxSouth Broadband

Related Links

http://MaxxSouth.com


NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 14, 2017, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York unsealed a False Claims Act qui tam case against HSBC BANK USA, N.A. ("HSBC") alleging Small Business Administration (SBA) loan fraud and the United States Attorney's Office for the SDNY simultaneously filed a complaint in intervention and announced the settlement of the entire civil fraud lawsuit, which is captioned United States of America ex rel. Jane Doe, v. HSBC Bank USA, N.A., case no. 11 Civ. 2968 (LGS).

As part of the settlement, HSBC agreed to pay the United States $2,118,861.36. The bank also admitted in the settlement agreement that it had sought reimbursement from the SBA on defaulted SBAExpress loans without revealing it had information suggesting the borrowers had submitted false information to HSBC to obtain the loans, or the fact that HSBC had included the loans on an internal list of fraudulent or potentially fraudulent loans.

The case was initiated by a former HSBC employee who will receive 17% of the settlement amount.

The whistleblower was represented by Manhattan-based whistleblower attorney Timothy J. McInnis, who thanks his client and the Government for bringing to light a fraud that would have otherwise remained undetectedat the expense of the U.S. taxpayers.

For additional information, contact Timothy McInnis of McInnis Law at (212)292-4573.

SOURCE McInnis Law
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the world's leading organizations representing clinicians, laboratory researchers, and physician-scientists committed to improving patient care, we support the March for Science and its nonpartisan call for the appreciation of scientific evidence, education, and investment. Science has no political agenda but gives us the tools to find the truths about our world and then implement informed policies to enrich our communities.

Fundamental appreciation for scientific evidence is vital, and it begins with access to science education that highlights critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making. Americans need access to education that inspires them to question the world around them and develop new technologies and solutions.

Science is vital to our health, as an understanding of human biology is essential to stimulating discoveries that lead to cures for devastating diseases. Every day, physicians make the best patient-care decisions they can by relying on science-based tools. Clinicians prevent disease by administering immunizations, and they manage disease by providing therapies that have been thoroughly and scientifically vetted for optimal outcomes. This science-based care saves lives, decreases human suffering, and reduces unnecessary costs.

Therefore, it is critical that we protect federal investment in our health. Over the past several decades, research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has yielded significant advances across all fields of medicine. Today, diseases with previously grim prognoses are treatable. We have powerful therapies that engage the patient's own immune system to conquer cancers and non-malignant diseases. And, genome editing is showing early promise in curing and even preventing debilitating genetic conditions.

We rely on evidence from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to address patient safety, quality of care, efficiency, and access in our health care system. Research supported by the agency has prevented the spread of infections in hospitals and improved access to health care for patients in rural areas. And, through its surveillance programs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has played an important role in preventing and controlling inherited and communicable disease as well as dangerous outbreaks. Without the CDC, outbreaks would spread, food-borne illness would go undetected, and chronic diseases would have a higher human and monetary cost.

Scientific progress and support of vital federal research programs have led to major advances in our health. We hope patients, their families, and everyone committed to advancing health care will join us in celebrating the value of scientific evidence in our everyday lives.

American Academy of Dermatology

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 19,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow the AAD on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin), or YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]

American Academy of Family Physicians

Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 124,900 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the only medical society devoted solely to primary care. Family physicians conduct approximately one in five office visits -- that's 192 million visits annually or 48 percent more than the next most visited medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America's underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine's cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care. To learn more about the specialty of family medicine, the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, and for downloadable multi-media highlighting family medicine, visit www.aafp.org/media. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP's award-winning consumer website, www.familydoctor.org (www.familydoctor.org).

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephanie Wilken, [email protected]

American Academy of Ophthalmology

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]

The American Academy of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery

The American Academy of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery is the world's largest organization representing specialists who treat the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy represents approximately 12,000 otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons who diagnose and treat disorders of those areas. The medical disorders treated by our physicians are among the most common that afflict all Americans, young and old. They include chronic ear infection, sinusitis, snoring and sleep apnea, hearing loss, allergies and hay fever, swallowing disorders, nosebleeds, hoarseness, dizziness, and head and neck cancer. The AAO-HNS Foundation works to advance the art, science, and ethical practice of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery through education, research, and lifelong learning.

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]

American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 66,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org and follow us on Twitter @AmerAcadPeds.

American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is the national medical specialty organization representing more than 10,000 physicians who are specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). AAPM&R serves its member physicians by advancing the specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation, promoting excellence in physiatric practice, and advocating on public policy issues related to persons with disabling conditions. PM&R physicians, also known as physiatrists, treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Physiatrists utilize cuttingedge as well as timetested treatments to maximize function and quality of life. For more information about AAPM&R, visit www.aapmr.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]

American Association of Cancer Research

Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world's first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 37,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 108 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 30 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with nearly 21,900 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes eight prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight of team science and individual investigator grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and other policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit www.AACR.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Rachel Salis-Silverman, [email protected]

American Association for Social Psychiatry

The mission of the American Association for Social Psychiatry is to study, teach, and promote consciousness of how social factors contribute to the maintenance of psychological well-being, and to promote the understanding that social factors are core to all behavioral health issues. These include issues of increasing violence in our society and the world; religious, racial, gender and cultural differences that are expressed as intolerance; our relation to our planet; and the benefits and problems that science and technology offer. www.socialpsychiatry.org.

American College of Chest Physicians

CHEST is the global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research, and team-based care. Its mission is to champion the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication, and research. CHEST serves as an essential connection to clinical knowledge and resources for its 19,000 members from around the world who provide patient care in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. For more information about CHEST, visit chestnet.org.

American College of Physicians

The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States. ACP members include 148,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on Twitter and Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACT: Steve Majewski, [email protected]

American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 80,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. For more information, visit www.facs.org.

American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (The College), a 501(c)(3) organization, is the nation's leading group of physicians providing health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 58,000 members, The College strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women's health care. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a 501(c)(6) organization, is its companion organization. www.acog.org

MEDIA CONTACT: Megan Christin, [email protected]

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association is a national medical specialty society whose more than 37,000 physician members specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses, including substance use disorders.

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]

American Psychoanalytic Association

The American Psychoanalytic Association is a professional organization of psychoanalysts with approximately 3,000 members. The Association is comprised of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, educators, researchers and students who have an interest in psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic therapy. Visit apsa.org for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT: Wylie Tene, [email protected]

American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry

The American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry serves as a professional network for its members and a specialized community dedicated to education development and advocacy for adolescents and the adolescent psychiatric field.

American Society of Clinical Oncology

Founded in 1964, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO) is committed to making a world of difference in cancer care. As the world's leading organization of its kind, ASCO represents more than 40,000 oncology professionals who care for people living with cancer. Through research, education, and promotion of the highest-quality patient care, ASCO works to conquer cancer and create a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy. ASCO is supported by its affiliate organization, the Conquer Cancer Foundation. Learn more at www.ASCO.org, explore patient education resources at www.Cancer.Net, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Narod, [email protected]

American Society of Hematology

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) (www.hematology.org) is the world's largest professional society of hematologists dedicated to furthering the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood. For more than 50 years, the Society has led the development of hematology as a discipline by promoting research, patient care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology. ASH publishes Blood (www.bloodjournal.org), the most cited peer-reviewed publication in the field, which is available weekly in print and online. In 2016, ASH launched Blood Advances (www.bloodadvances.org), an online, peer-reviewed open-access journal.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephen Fitzmaurice, [email protected]

American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) membership includes over 2000 members dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and adolescents and with blood disorders and cancers. The Society works to actively advance programs and initiatives in professional education, scientific and clinical research, training, and practice issues. For more information, visit www.aspho.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Judith Greifer, [email protected]

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the world's largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons. Representing more than 7,000 Member Surgeons, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. ASPS advances quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery.

American Urological Association

Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, and has more than 21,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy.

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]

Association of American Cancer Institutes

The Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) comprises 96 premier academic and freestanding cancer research centers in the U.S. and Canada. AACI is dedicated to reducing the burden of cancer by enhancing the impact of the leading academic cancer centers.

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Zurawsky, [email protected]

Endocrine Society

Endocrinologists are at the core of solving the most pressing health problems of our time, from diabetes and obesity to infertility, bone health, and hormone-related cancers. The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest and largest organization of scientists devoted to hormone research and physicians who care for people with hormone-related conditions. The Society has more than 18,000 members, including scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in 122 countries. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site at www.endocrine.org. Follow us on Twitter at @TheEndoSociety and @EndoMedia.

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]

Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer

The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) is the world's leading member-driven organization specifically dedicated to improving cancer patient outcomes by advancing the science and application of cancer immunotherapy. Established in 1984, SITC, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, serves scientists, clinicians, academicians, patients, patient advocates, government representatives and industry leaders from around the world. Through educational programs that foster scientific exchange and collaboration, SITC aims to one day make the word "cure" a reality for cancer patients everywhere.

MEDIA CONTACT: Julie Frinzi, [email protected]

Society of Interventional Radiology

The Society of Interventional Radiology is a nonprofit, professional medical society representing more than 7,000 practicing interventional radiology physicians, trainees, students, scientists and clinical associates, dedicated to improving patient care through the limitless potential of image-guided therapies. SIR's members work in a variety of settings and at different professional levelsfrom medical students and residents to university faculty and private practice physicians.

MEDIA CONTACT: Elise Castelli, [email protected]

Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Founded in 1964, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 7,200 cardiothoracic surgeons, researchers, and allied health care professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lung, and esophagus, as well as other surgical procedures within the chest. The Society's mission is to enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research, and advocacy.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer Bagley, [email protected]

SOURCE American Society of Hematology

Related Links

http://www.hematology.org


COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mindstream Interactive, a full-service digital agency based in Columbus, Ohio, has announced its partnership with Visit California, a market leader within the travel and tourism space. This partnership with Visit California on their B2B website marks major changes for the Visit California brand, as well as for the entire travel and tourism space.

Mindstream Interactive was hand-selected from a nationwide agency search and public RFP response to fit the distinct needs of Visit California's new B2B brand experience goals. This new partnership is groundbreaking for Mindstream Interactive as they continue to add to their roster of distinguished and nationally recognized brands such as Bed Bath & Beyond, AARP, Pure Silk, and Brisk.

"As a full-service digital agency, we've had the amazing opportunity to work with client partners across all verticals," Mindstream Interactive President Steve Agganis said. "But this exciting new partnership with Visit California has allowed us to immerse ourselves even deeper within the travel and tourism space, a space our teams and myself included get really enthusiastic about. And it's a very exciting time to be working within that space in particular as digital continues to dominate the travel and tourism experience. Our rich experience within the B2B and retail spaces will help Visit California get ready for the future of travel and tourism from all angles. We're thrilled to officially announce this partnership and look forward to continuing to shape brands working in the travel and tourism space, driving experiences that go far beyond just branded websites."

This partnership marks not only a purposeful shift for the Visit California brand, but a revitalization for the travel and tourism industry as Mindstream Interactive aims to use their digital expertise to push Visit California to even greater heights.

About Mindstream Interactive

Mindstream Interactive is a full-service digital marketing agency located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio. Mindstream Interactive helps clients define, design, develop, and market impactful digital experiencesincluding search marketing, digital and social media, websites, and mobile apps. The agency has been rooted within Columbus for over 15 years, starting out as the digital core within the esteemed SBC Advertising, now serving as the go-to digital agency within the Eastport Holdings network.

About Eastport Holdings

Eastport Holdings owns and operates a diversified portfolio of companies with a focus on the advertising and media industry. The experience of the principals of Eastport Holdings was developed over 30 years of media and advertising experience and 25 years of direct investments and corporate finance. The principals of Eastport Holdings work together combining their years of media and financial experience, access to capital, and extensive contact base to aid service, media and advertising companies by sharing with them their most valued assets.

SOURCE Mindstream Interactive

Related Links

http://www.mindstreaminteractive.com


GREENFIELD, Mass., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The more than 200 registered nurses of Baystate Franklin Medical Center, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, have issued a 10-day informational picket notice, alerting the hospital to a public event on April 27 at which nurses and community supporters will advocate for a fair contract that protects patients and respects nurses.

What: Baystate Franklin Medical Center RN Informational Picket

When: Thursday, April 27 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Where: Outside BFMC at 164 High St. in Greenfield, MA

"Nurses will join with the community on April 27 to show Baystate we are united for safe patient care," said Donna Stern, a psychiatric RN and chair of the BFMC RN Bargaining Committee. "Nurses are being pushed beyond our ability to safely care for our patients. If we have too many patients at one time, how can we provide high-quality care? If we work 12 hours without a break or are forced into illegal, mandatory overtime, how can we be sure our patients are getting the best possible care?"

Nursing schedules recently issued by Baystate management demonstrate that on a regular basis the hospital is not scheduling enough nurses to provide safe patient care. Over a six-week period, from February 26 to April 8, the hospital left at least five RN shifts open on the schedule 50 percent of the time on just one medical-surgical unit. On 14 days of 42 days, there were six open shifts and on two days there were seven open shifts.

"The hospital is failing to provide core nurse staffing from the very start when it issues schedules," said Jillian Sicard, RN and junior co-chair of the BFMC RN Bargaining Committee who works on the medical-surgical unit. "The hospital is scrambling to try and fill many open shifts, or is leaving them unfilled, to the detriment of patient care. Baystate forces unsafe patient assignments and unsafe working conditions on nurses. We cannot provide the high quality care our patients deserve when we have too many patients at one time, are fatigued and undernourished because we must work through our breaks, and are being mandated to work overtime despite a state law against it."

For example, on March 10 the hospital did not schedule nurses to work seven of the 27 shifts that day on the medical-surgical unit, meaning 26 percent of the nurse shifts necessary for core staffing  for maintaining safe patient care  were not filled by management when it made the schedule.

For a copy of the nurse schedules, contact Joe Markman at 781-571-8175 or [email protected].

BFMC nurses have been bargaining with Baystate since November 2016. In recent weeks, nurses voted 93 percent to authorize a one-day strike, filed six unfair labor practice charges against Baystate with the National Labor Relations Board and participated in several community events. Bargaining is over a new contract to replace the agreement that was scheduled to expire Dec. 31, 2016. There have been 16 sessions held to date. A federal mediator joined the bargaining process in February.

Key outstanding issues include safe patient limits for nurses targeted to BFMC patient needs, security improvements and making sure Baystate does not erode nurses' health insurance benefits and working conditions.

For more details on the unfair labor practice charges, see this previous release: www.massnurses.org/BFMCcharges or click here for more information on the strike authorization vote.

Contact Joe Markman at 781-571-8175 or [email protected] for a copy of the NLRB charges, scheduling documentation, state Department of Public Health mandatory overtime reports or dozens of text messages from BFMC management requesting nurses come to work when they were scheduled to be off because of staffing shortages.

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


NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Africa mobile phone accessories market offers great opportunities to manufacturers owing to a large number of mobile device users and a substantial growth in the adoption of smartphones and tablets. Revenue generated by the Africa mobile phone accessories market is estimated to reach US$ 4,060.2 Mn by 2026, registering a CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period.



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04394396/Mobile-Phone-Accessories-Market-Africa-Industry-Analysis-and-Opportunity-Assessment.html



Key factors and trends impacting the market





Rapid urbanisation and increasing popularity of music, videos, and games are factors that will drive the demand for mobile phone accessories in Africa. Demand for mobile phone accessories in Africa is strongly associated with a rapid growth of the smartphones market. Chinese manufacturers have established a strong base in many parts of Africa to meet the demand for low cost mobile phone accessories. As these low cost accessories are of poor quality and come with a short life, consumers seek better alternatives. This is expected to drive growth of the Africa mobile phone accessories market over the forecast period.



High demand for low-priced accessories and poor economic conditions in Africa are the main challenges faced by mobile phone accessories providers. Major opportunities for growth in the Africa mobile phone accessories market lie in an increase in brand awareness among consumers coupled with a rising disposable income. Prominent market players are focusing on entering regional markets by localising their products. Over the past few years, companies such as Case-Mate, Muvit, Mozo Accessories, and Energizer have significantly increased their footprint in the Africa mobile phone accessories market.





Market forecast





The Africa mobile phone accessories market is segmented on the basis of  Type (Power banks, Batteries, Chargers, Protective Cases, Headphones & Earphones, Portable Speakers, Memory Cards, Other Accessories); Price (Low, Mid, Premium); and Distribution Channel (Multi-brand store, Single brand store, Online store). The Batteries segment type was valued at US$ 228.8 Mn in 2015 and is expected to register a CAGR of 5.7% to reach US$ 418.2 Mn by 2026. The Multi-brand store segment dominates the distribution channel segment owing to the fact that consumers are offered a variety of options and brands under one roof.



Among the different types of mobile phone accessories, the protective cases segment is estimated to account for a maximum market revenue share by 2026, owing to the fact that it helps protect the phone and is also a style statement. Demand for power banks is estimated to witness the highest growth rate by 2016, owing to the frequent power cuts that take place in some parts of Africa. In the price segment, the mid-priced accessories segment is estimated to increase at the highest growth rate during the forecast period, followed by low-priced accessories. Mid-priced accessories are affordable and are of a better quality with a longer life, hence consumers are likely to spend on mid-priced accessories than low-priced ones.



Of the chief regions in Africa (East Africa, West Africa, South Africa, and Rest of Africa), the Rest of Africa region is expected to be the largest revenue generator for mobile phone accessories by 2016, accounting for a revenue share of 44.1% by the end of 2016. The South Africa market segment in the Africa mobile phone accessories market was valued at US$ 595.5 Mn in 2015 and is expected to register a CAGR of 6.3% to reach US$ 1,157.2 Mn by 2026.



africa mobile phone accessories market_Image for Preview Analysis



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04394396/Mobile-Phone-Accessories-Market-Africa-Industry-Analysis-and-Opportunity-Assessment.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





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Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

http://www.reportlinker.com


WASHINGTON, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This year, NASA will celebrate Earth Day, April 22, with a variety of live and online activities Thursday and Friday, April 20-21, to engage the public in the agency's mission to better understand and protect our home planet.

Earth Day in the Nation's Capital

Thursday, April 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Union Station main hall at 40 Massachusetts Ave. NE in Washington

NASA Hyperwall and Science Stories, hands-on activities and demonstrations. NASA scientists will give talks April 20 at the Hyperwall stage following the opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Meet former astronaut Scott Altman from 12 to 1 p.m.

Hayden Planetarium Special Event: Earth Day Celebration in New York

Friday, April 21, 7 p.m.

American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York

The program will celebrate Earth Day with a visually stunning tour of our dynamic planet. Beginning with the Earth's rise above the moon, first seen by the Apollo 8 astronauts and the original inspiration for Earth Day, the program will explore the many ways scientists use satellite instruments and computer models to monitor global change. NASA climate scientist Benjamin Cook, from the agency's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, will co-lead the program using OpenSpace, a new NASA-funded, real-time visualization platform.

"Adopt the Planet" Online Activity

Ongoing

NASA invites the public to learn about our global environment by "adopting" a small part of our home planet. Participants will receive a personalized adoption certificate for their unique, numbered piece of Earth (approximately 55 miles wide) to print and share on social media. The certificate features NASA Earth science data collected for that location.

https://climate.nasa.gov/adopt-the-planet

NASA uses the vantage point of space to increase our understanding of our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. The agency develops new ways to observe and study Earth's interconnected natural systems with long-term data records, shares this unique knowledge, and works with institutions around the world to gain new insights into how our planet is changing.

For more information about NASA's Earth science activities, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/earth

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


CHICAGO, April 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and PepsiCo kicked off this years PepsiCo/SWE Student Engineering Challenge, an annual competition that challenges undergraduate students to deliver innovative ideas and technical solutions in response to real-life business challenges. Teams will be competing for cash prizes and the opportunity to present their ideas in Austin, Texas at WE17, one of the largest professional development and networking conferences for women in engineering.



Each year, the students who participate in the PepsiCo/SWE Student Engineering Challenge are given a unique opportunity to apply what theyve learned and help shape the role engineering plays in supporting actual business needs, said Kevin OSullivan, senior vice president, Functional Capability  Beverages R&D: Product, Ingredients, Flavor and Applications, PepsiCo. Every day, R&D is helping drive PepsiCos business by providing unrivaled technical skills and solutions to offer more enjoyable and nutritious foods and beverages to more people, in more places. Now in our third year, partnering with SWE enables us to connect with the future generation of female engineers and through this years challenge, we continue to welcome their fresh approaches to improving our operations.

From now through July 17, 2017, undergraduate teams comprised of up to four participants are encouraged to participate in the PepsiCo/SWE Student Engineering Challenge by responding to one of the following challenges:

Water : Consider how water is used at different points along the life cycle of PepsiCo products and propose how we can lessen our net environmental, water extraction or overall usage.

: Consider how water is used at different points along the life cycle of PepsiCo products and propose how we can lessen our net environmental, water extraction or overall usage. Packaging : Present a sustainable packaging solution applicable to a food or beverage product.

: Present a sustainable packaging solution applicable to a food or beverage product. Equipment: Design what the next core category of PepsiCo beverage equipment will look like to accompany our current offering of coolers, fountains and vending machines.

Among the total submissions across all three categories, the top three teams overall will be selected as finalists and will be invited to present their submissions to a judging panel of PepsiCo R&D leaders at WE17. Winners will officially be announced among WE17 attendees during SWEs Celebrate SWE! event. To learn more about the PepsiCo/SWE Student Engineering Challenge, including submission rules, deadlines and judging criteria, please visit http://pepsicostudentchallenge.swe.org/.

The innovation we see each year with the PepsiCo/SWE Student Engineering Challenge entries is profound, said Karen Horting, executive director and CEO at SWE. These students are the future of engineering, and we look forward to welcoming them to our community and seeing where their creativity and brilliance takes them this year.

More than 11,000 women engineers are expected at WE17. The conference and career fair is an opportunity for the PepsiCo/SWE Student Engineering Challenge participants to explore graduate school opportunities with leading universities, meet hiring managers from major engineering companies and engage in educational and interactive discussions and events to help women on their career path in engineering.

For more information about the Society of Women Engineers, visit www.swe.org. For more information on PepsiCo and its longstanding commitment to STEM, please visit www.pepsico.com.

About SWE

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE), founded in 1950, is the worlds largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. The not-for-profit educational and service organization is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women. To ensure SWE members reach their full potential as engineers and leaders, the Society offers unique opportunities to network, provides professional development, shapes public policy and provides recognition for the life-changing contributions and achievements of women engineers. As a champion of diversity, SWE empowers women to succeed and advance in their personal and professional lives. For more information about the Society, please visit www.swe.org or call 312.596.5223.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated approximately $63 billion in net revenue in 2016, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCos product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose  our fundamental belief that the success of our company is inextricably linked to the sustainability of the world around. We believe that continuously improving the products we sell, operating responsibly to protect our planet and empowering people around the world is what enables PepsiCo to run a successful global company that creates long-term value for society and our shareholders. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanford Heisler, LLP, one of the country's leading civil rights firms, announced today that former Chief U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee, Kevin H. Sharp, will join the Firm as a named partner and managing partner in its new Nashville office. The Firm will be renamed Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP.

Judge Sharp was nominated to the Middle District of Tennessee by President Barack Obama in November 2010 and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in May 2011. Judge Sharp most recently served as Chief Judge from 2014 until April 2017. During his tenure, Judge Sharp presided over nearly 3,700 civil cases and 363 criminal cases. He also conducted 75 trials and 60 contested evidentiary hearings concerning complex, multi-party commercial litigation, class action matters, intellectual property disputes, criminal prosecutions, and law enforcement's use of excessive force. Prior to his nomination, Judge Sharp was a partner at several Nashville law firms, where his practice focused on representing individuals and businesses in state and federal litigation involving employment and qui tam claims.

Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP is a public interest class-action litigation law firm with offices in New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Nashville, and San Diego. The Firm specializes in civil rights and public interest cases, representing plaintiffs with employment discrimination and wage and hour violations. In addition to its class actions, the Firm has successfully represented many C-suite executives, attorneys, and In-house counsel in individual employment disputes and severance negotiations.

Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP looks forward to expanding its civil rights and public interest practice into the South with the opening of its Nashville office. Among other matters, Judge Sharp will join Mr. Sanford as counsel on the gender discrimination suit against Chadbourne & Parke and an ERISA class action against Morgan Stanley.

Regarding his decision to step down, Judge Sharp said, "I would not have left the bench for just any firm. I was proud to have been selected by President Obama to serve in the judiciary. However, David Sanford and I have been friends for more than a decade and have done a trial together. The firm that David Sanford and Jeremy Heisler have built is the best in the country at what they do. The chance to be a part of a group of smart, talented, and, above all, dedicated individuals working towards social justice was an opportunity I could not let pass."

Sanford Heisler Chairman David Sanford said, "We are proud to have Judge Sharp join our firm. Kevin brings a unique perspective as a practitioner and judge, along with a sensitivity to social justice. Judge Sharp will be invaluable as counsel in our gender discrimination suit against Chadbourne & Parke. With his keen awareness of the legal marketplace in the South, he will help enormously in our fight for gender equity in the legal profession."

Among his current representations, Firm Chairman David Sanford serves as lead counsel in gender discrimination class action suits against Biglaw giants Sedgwick and Chadbourne & Parke. Mr. Sanford previously served as lead counsel representing approximately 7,000 female employees in Velez v. Novartis. After a seven-week trial, Mr. Sanford secured the largest gender discrimination employment verdict ($253 million) in United States history. The presiding federal judge described the case as having been "brilliantly tried" and the result as "extraordinary" and "one of a kind." Mr. Sanford has been inducted into the National Law Journal's Elite Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame, and he has been recognized as a "Top Employment Lawyer" by American Lawyer, Corporate Counsel, and the National Law Journal. Law 360 also named Mr. Sanford an Employment Lawyer MVP in both 2014 and 2015, and as "Titan of the Plaintiffs' Bar."

Jeremy Heisler, Managing Partner of the Firm's New York office, serves as lead counsel on a class action suit against the nation's largest insurance company MetLife, Inc., alleging that the company owes its employees more than $50 million in unpaid overtime wages. Mr. Heisler's most recent victory came in In Re Novartis Wage and Hour Litigation. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that sales representatives at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation were entitled to overtime pay under federal and state laws. Novartis and plaintiffs reached a $99 million class-wide settlement, the largest wage and hour settlement in 2012. Jeremy Heisler was also instrumental in spearheading a $28 million settlement in a suit charging that three AT&T subsidiaries wrongfully denied overtime pay to a class of First-Level Managers.

In addition to its labor and employment practice, the Firm has a robust whistleblower practice led by D.C. Managing Partner Vince McKnight, Jr., New York Partner Ross Brooks, and Whistleblower Chairman Cleveland Lawrence. Recoveries from the Firm's whistleblower cases total more than $1 billion from civil settlements and fines.

The Firm also pursues an active Financial Services practice, dedicated to protecting individuals from unscrupulous companies and investment advisers that take advantage of them in securities and other financial services transactions, whether through purposeful misrepresentation, poor decision making, inappropriate or exorbitant fees, investment misconduct, or other abusive behaviors. Current cases include a $150 million ERISA class action against Morgan Stanley on behalf of more than 60,000 plan beneficiaries. Kevin Sharp will enter that matter as class counsel.

Nashville will be the firm's fifth office in the United States, joining its locations in New York, Washington, DC, San Francisco and San Diego.

About Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP

Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP is a public interest class-action litigation law firm with offices in New York, Washington, D.C, Nashville, San Francisco and San Diego. Our attorneys have graduated from the nation's top law schools, clerked for judges throughout the United States, and amassed extensive experience litigating cases that have earned over one billion dollars for our clients.

The Firm specializes in civil rights and general public interest cases, representing plaintiffs with employment discrimination, labor and wage violations, predatory lending, whistleblower, consumer fraud, and other claims. Along with a focus on class actions, the firm also represents individuals and has achieved particular success in the representation of executives and attorneys in employment disputes. For more information go to http://www.sanfordheisler.com/ or call 202 499-5200 or email [email protected]. For the latest news visit our newsroom or follow us on Twitter at @sanfordheisler

For more information call Jamie Moss, newsPRos, 201-788-0142 or [email protected], or Madelaine Strauss at [email protected]

SOURCE Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP
PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Weinberger Law Group, New Jersey's largest divorce and family law firm, announced today that it is evolving its name to Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group. The name change reinforces the firm's exclusive practice of family law and its commitment to clarity, innovation, strength and authenticity in representing divorce and family law clients.

Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group founder and managing partner, Bari Z. Weinberger, Esq.

"Our firm has been exclusively dedicated to the practice of family law, including divorce, since its very beginning. We are a powerful team of family law and certified matrimonial attorneys dedicated to protecting our clients' children, securing their assets, and safeguarding their future. Our name now embodies all of thisand lets people know at a glance exactly who we are and what we do," said Bari Z. Weinberger, founder and managing partner of Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group.

The family law firm's focus is on just that: family. Protecting their clients by leveraging their powerful team and trusted experience; creating peace of mind through their masterful knowledge and do-right attitude; and providing clarity and closure for clients by empowering them and securing their future is the firm's mission. Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group has also unveiled a new tag line which encompasses this philosophy and speaks to clients going through the chaos of change: Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group is The Bright AnswerO.

"When people are going through a divorce or dealing with a family law matter, they are vulnerable and exposed at a time when they need protection, clarity and peace of mind. We understand that finding the right legal counsel adds to the confusion, darkening their situation even more. Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group is the bright answer, and now it will be that much easier and convenient for people to recognize that we provide the trusted help and guidance they need," adds Weinberger.

Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group's family lawyers are comprised of hardworking, dedicated attorneys, including several Certified Matrimonial Law attorneys. The firm's lawyers are regularly named to the Super Lawyers and Rising Star attorney lists, and Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group has been recognized as a "Best Place to Work in NJ" for four years running.

The new firm name is effective immediately.

Founded in 2008, Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group represents clients throughout New Jersey, with offices in Parsippany (headquarters), Bedminster, Cranford, Hackensack, Freehold, and Mount Laurel. Matters represented by the firm include: divorce, child custody, child support, alimony and post-divorce issues, domestic violence, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, adoption, LGBT family matters, and all other family law-related matters.

Attorneys and paralegals interested in joining the dynamic Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group team are encouraged to submit their credentials to [email protected].

Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group offers free confidential attorney consultations at all of its locations. To learn more about Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group, visit www.WeinbergerLawGroup.com or contact the firm at (888) 888-0919.

Media Contact:

Bari Z. Weinberger

[email protected]

+1 (888) 888-0919

SOURCE Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group

Related Links

http://www.WeinbergerLawGroup.com


BOSTON, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MassSolar joined solar advocates, environmental experts, and nonprofit organizations devoted to serving low-income communities in Massachusetts warned the Baker administration today that its new Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program could damage key portions of the solar industry and be disastrous for solar power in low-income communities throughout the state.

Advocates praised the extensive and thoughtful process the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has engaged in over the past year to develop the new program. However, they expressed alarm at the potentially devastating effects this new program could have on the continued expansion of solar in Massachusetts, and in particular on the ability to offer residents in low-income communities access to affordable solar power and the savings that come with it.

"Homeowners, tenants and businesses throughout our neighborhood want to adopt solar power, both for the savings on their electric bill and for the chance to help fight climate change," said Gail Latimore, Executive Director of the Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation in Dorchester, which is currently developing community solar projects on 18 of its buildings in consultation with its Eco-Innovation District Initiative. "SMART could be a positive development for solar, but without a program that expands sharing and offers a fair compensation for solar production, many in our communities, especially the low income tenants we serve, will be left behind by the solar revolution."

Mark Sandeen, co-founder and president of MassSolar, said, "MassSolar works to expand access to solar for everyone in the Commonwealth, including low-income communities. We are concerned that the SMART program as currently proposed, may impose administrative hurdles and set compensation rates so low that continued development of low-income solar will become impossible. We need to make it easier, not harder for low-income communities to go solar."

When the legislature passed solar legislation in 2016, lawmakers directed DOER to address the concerns of low-income solar. While the Baker administration has stated a desire to increase access to low-income solar, the SMART program, as currently designed, misses that mark, making it impossible to offer solar savings to most affordable housing projects and their tenants.

"Solar energy is helping us clean up our air and water and fight climate change, and all of us stand to benefit when everyone in Massachusetts has the opportunity to switch to solar," said Ben Hellerstein, State Director of Environment Massachusetts. "But the devil's in the details. Access to solar for low-income communities will be severely limited if the Baker Administration doesn't fix shortcomings in the SMART program. We urge the Administration to fix SMART to help put renewable energy within reach for all Massachusetts residents."

Elyse Cherry, CEO of Boston Community Capital, agreed. "Massachusetts citizens love solar. They want to see more not fewer solar developments across the state. They want solar not just for their own homes, but for business and government as well. They want the good paying jobs that solar has brought to the Commonwealth. And they want savings from solar to be accessible by all. SMART needs to be fixed, or we risk leaving low-income residents and communities behind."

Media Inquiries:

Sonya Levitova

646-517-1823

[email protected]

SOURCE MassSolar
BEAVERTON, Ore., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tektronix, Inc., a leading worldwide provider of test, measurement and monitoring solutions, today introduced a new arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) that offers high signal fidelity and scalability at an affordable price point to meet demanding signal generation needs in advanced research, electronic test, and radar and electronic warfare (EW) system design and test.

The new Tektronix AWG5200 series offers an impressive set of capabilities not previously available in the market all in one instrument, including a 10 GS/s sample rate, 16-bit resolution and up to 8 channels per unit along with support for multiple unit synchronization. It includes a flexible waveform generation plug-in suite with comprehensive coverage for a wide variety of standards and digital modulation techniques.

The new AWG5200 series offers an impressive set of capabilities not previously available in the market all in one instrument, including a 10 GS/s sample rate, 16-bit resolution and up to 8 channels per unit along with support for multiple unit synchronization. It includes a flexible waveform generation plug-in suite with comprehensive coverage for a wide variety of standards and digital modulation techniques. It also lowers the cost of ownership for complex multi-signal environments starting at a list price of about $11,000 per channel for the 8 channel instrument.

"Signal generation has been a major problem for RF designers and researchers for some time now, and it is only getting worse as their needs have grown more complex. The high-performance AWGs that potentially could meet their needs are expensive and inflexible, and in many cases still fall short of meeting fidelity and scalability requirements," said Jim McGillivary, general manager of RF and Component Solutions at Tektronix. "The AWG5200 is the first signal generator to solve these challenges with superior signal generation fidelity, built-in scalability and much lower overall cost compared to having to literally acquire dozens of individual AWGs and attempting to get them to work together."

At the heart of the AWG5200 series instruments are new high performance digital-analog converters (DACs) that offer a mix of speed and resolution within a fully-integrated product package. With its powerful DAC cores, the AWG can directly generate highly detailed RF/EW signals or the complex pulse trains used in advanced research. The 16-bit vertical resolution is the best fully-integrated AWG available in the industry compared to alternatives at 14-bits resolution.

RF/Radar/EW Signal Generation

Engineers developing radar/EW systems and components require high-fidelity, tightly synchronized multi-channel signal generation to stimulate radar receivers for design, troubleshooting and operational testing. The AWG5200 provides 8 independent channels with better than 10 ps channel to channel skew. Each of the AWG5200's channels have independent paths out, individual amplification, separate sequencing, up-conversion, dedicated memory and can be controlled independently without cross talk or limitations on any channels performance. The only common factor is that all channels share a common clock or, if the users chooses, can input an external reference clock.

This level of independence and flexibility along with 16-bit resolution, less than 2us latency & fast rise times make the AWG5200 an excellent source for generating complex, real-world environments, testing phased arrays, simulating objects of interest or replacing older equipment with new COTS (commercial of the shelf) solutions.

It also allows RF designers to consolidate signal generation using direct signal generation techniques and eliminating the need for specialized  and costly  signal generation equipment. RF designers can also leverage a growing library of plugins for generating waveforms, predistort waveforms for optimal performance or automate tests using Matlab scripts. The AWG5200 is also code compatible with previous generation Tektronix AWGs.

Quantum Computing and Advanced Research

Signal generation is becoming increasingly important in a range of advanced research applications including quantum computing, nano/micro technology development, biomedical and physics. However, high performance signal generators are expensive, inflexible, and often still cannot meet fidelity, latency, and synchronization needs. In response, some researchers have turned to home-built equipment that is uncalibrated, unstable, and lacks support. And none of the current alternatives can scale without additional effort or money.

In quantum computing, for example, scalability is a key requirement as researchers need the ability to send dozens of synchronized signals to quantum compute cores. Each AWG5200 can be equipped out-of-the-box with up to 8 synchronized channels. For additional scalability, multiple units can be synchronized to provide unlimited channel count. By reducing the time and stress involved with scaling experiments, researchers are freed up to focus on iterating their design and thus can more quickly realize breakthroughs.

Pricing & Availability

The AWG5200 is available for order now with delivery beginning in Q2, 2017. The 8 channel instrument with 2.5 GS/s and up to 10 GS/s performance has a starting price of $82,000 US MSRP. To learn more, go to www.tek.com/AWG5200 or contact your local Tektronix account manager.

Wondering what else Tektronix is up to? Check out the Tektronix Bandwidth Banter blog and stay up to date on the latest news from Tektronix on Twitter and Facebook.

About Tektronix

Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix delivers innovative, precise and easy-to-operate test, measurement and monitoring solutions that solve problems, unlock insights and drive discovery. Tektronix has been at the forefront of the digital age for over 70 years. Join us on the journey of innovation at TEK.COM.

Tektronix is a registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

SOURCE Tektronix, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.tektronix.com


AUSTIN, Texas, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fugacil Lab (http://www.fugacil.com) has revealed that the Korean Health Office will head a significant research project on its scientifically advanced medication, Fugacil, with a view to approving it for use by the country's residents.

As part of a mission to bring relief to the 300 million individuals across the world who suffer from onychomycosis, a type of fungal infection of the nails, this medical company is pleased to share the news that it is making strides in continuing to pioneer its products in Asia.

"We are thrilled to announce that we are continuing our foray into the Asian market with Fugacil," stated Dr. Kim Zeichner, President of Fugacil Lab. "We are planning the expansion of these regulatory filings across the globe, including in other Asian nations, and we are also aiming to focus on forging mutually beneficial affiliations in the process."

Fixing fungal infections

Nail fungus, which tends to affect the toenails more than the fingernails, is characterized by aesthetically displeasing yellow or brown discoloration and/ or split nails that can become unattached from the nail bed. While onychomycosis generally does not cause pain, it can affect a person's self-esteem as a result of its appearance. The aforementioned was a core motivating factor behind the creation of Fugacil.

This product is a technologically advanced drug that works by honing in on affected fungal cells after a negative electrical charge has been applied to the nano-particles in the healing agent. These nano-particles then fuse to the fungal infection, tearing down its membrane walls and eradicating its cells. The attack occurs with speed and efficiency in specific problem areas and is so effective that it minimises the period of time it takes for the body to heal later on.

Conversely, the current anti-fungal medication available for purchase is generally much less quick, allowing the infection the opportunity to build up immunity from the antibiotics.

Effortless application

The application of Fugacil also bolsters its effectiveness. As it is a formula that can be placed directly on the fungal infection, after cleansing the area in question with soap and water, it is effortless to use, encouraging patients to apply it with regularity. The liquid seeps into the nail plate through to the nail bed in impressively large amounts, allowing it to treat the fungal infection without needing to expose the affected area.

Experienced medics from the American Academy of Dermatology have warned that shying away from treatment can have even more of an adverse effect on nail fungus and can mean wearing footwear causes unnecessary pain.

A worldwide issue

The results of research by the World Health Organization demonstrate that approximately 1 in 10 people have experienced onychomycosis across the globe. As Lorizzo and Piraccini (2007) explained, the rapidly rising appearance of the disease has increased alongside the spike in diabetes, immunosuppression and aging populations. The latter has had a particular influence on the increase of fungal diseases as these infections are more likely to affect elderly individuals. In fact, despite onychomycosis only appearing in around 2.6% of children younger than 18 years, it impacts a significant number of older people: approximately 9 out of 10. It is Fugacil Lab's mission to rectify this problematic statistic.

About Fugacil Lab

Biopharmaceutical firm Fugacil Lab is a force to be reckoned with in the field of nanomedical technology, manufacturing innovative and improved drugs to treat all manner of illnesses. The firm predominantly focuses on furthering its research and producing medication to target infectious diseases.

Contact:

Company Name: Fugacil Lab

Full Name: Mary Benoit

Email Address: [email protected]

Website: www.Fugacil.com

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Fugacil

Related Links

http://www.Fugacil.com


EAST HANOVER, N.J., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Novartis announced today that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to CTL019, an investigational chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy, for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory (r/r) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), who have failed two or more prior therapies. This is the second indication for which CTL019 has received this designation; the first being for the treatment of r/r B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in pediatric and young adult patients.

"At Novartis, we are eager to unlock the full potential of CTL019, including the potential to help patients with r/r DLBCL," said Vas Narasimhan, Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. "We look forward to working closely with the FDA to help bring this potential new treatment option to patients as soon as possible."

CAR-T cell therapy is different from typical small molecule or biologic therapies currently on the market because it is manufactured for each individual patient. During the treatment process, T cells are drawn from a patient's blood and reprogrammed in the laboratory to create T cells that are genetically coded to hunt the patient's cancer cells and other B-cells expressing a particular antigen.

CTL019 was first developed by the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). In 2012, Novartis and Penn entered into a global collaboration to further research, develop and then commercialize CAR-T cell therapies, including CTL019, for the investigational treatment of cancers. Through the collaboration, Novartis holds the worldwide rights to CARs developed with Penn for all cancer indications. In March 2017, Novartis announced that the FDA accepted the company's Biologics License Application filing and granted priority review for CTL019 in the treatment of r/r pediatric and young adult patients with B-cell ALL.

The Breakthrough Therapy designation is based on data from the multi-center Phase II JULIET study (NCT02445248), which is evaluating the efficacy and safety of CTL019 in adult patients with r/r DLBCL. JULIET is the second global CAR-T trial, following the Novartis ELIANA study (NCT02435849) investigating CTL019 in r/r B-cell ALL. Findings from JULIET are expected to be presented at an upcoming medical congress.

"We are encouraged by the FDA's recognition in the potential of CTL019 for this indication, which follows our promising studies of this therapy for ALL and the FDA filing by Novartis in pediatric and young adult ALL that received priority review," said the Penn team's leader, Carl June, MD, director of the Center for Cellular Immunotherapies in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. "Work with our collaborators at trial sites across the world is paving a path to bring personalized cell therapies to more patients with these devastating blood cancers."

According to FDA guidelines, treatments that receive Breakthrough Therapy designation are those that treat a serious or life threatening disease or condition and demonstrate a substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints based on preliminary clinical evidence. The designation also indicates that the agency will expedite the development and review of CTL019 in adults with r/r DLBCL. This marks the 14th Breakthrough Therapy designation for Novartis since the FDA initiated the program in 2013, underscoring an emphasis to develop innovative treatments in disease areas with significant unmet need.

DLBCL is the most common form of lymphoma and accounts for approximately 30 percent of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases1. Ten to 15 percent of DLBCL patients fail to respond to initial therapy or relapse within three months of treatment, and an additional 20 to 25 percent relapse after initial response to therapy2.

Because CTL019 is an investigational therapy, the safety and efficacy profile has not yet been established. Access to investigational therapies is available only through carefully controlled and monitored clinical trials. These trials are designed to better understand the potential benefits and risks of the therapy. Because of the uncertainty of clinical trials, there is no guarantee that CTL019 will ever be commercially available anywhere in the world.

Disclaimer

The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by words such as "Breakthrough Therapy designation," "investigational," "potential," "expected," "eager," "look forward," "priority review," "upcoming," "encouraged," "promising," "yet," "will," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals for CTL019, or regarding potential future revenues from CTL019. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that CTL019 will be submitted or approved for sale in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that CTL019 will receive regulatory approval or be commercially successful in the future. In particular, management's expectations regarding CTL019 could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the company's ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; general economic and industry conditions; global trends toward health care cost containment, including ongoing pricing and reimbursement pressures; safety, quality or manufacturing issues, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Located in East Hanover, NJ Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is an affiliate of Novartis which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales of USD 48.5 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 118,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis and @NovartisCancer at http://twitter.com/novartiscancer

For Novartis multimedia content, please visit www.novartis.com/news/media-library

For questions about the site or required registration, please contact [email protected]

References

American Society of Clinical Oncology. Lymphoma - Non-Hodgkin: Subtypes ( Dec. 2016 revision). http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lymphoma-non-hodgkin/subtypes. Accessed March 2017 . Sehn, L. Paramount prognostic factors that guide therapeutic strategies in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Hematology, December 2012 ; 1; 402-409.

Novartis Media Relations Central media line: +41 61 324 2200 E-mail: [email protected]

Eric Althoff Novartis Global Media Relations +41 61 324 7999 (direct) +41 79 593 4202 (mobile) [email protected] Rosemarie Yancosek Novartis Oncology Communications 1 862-778-9043 (direct) +1 862-505-9021 (mobile) [email protected]

SOURCE Novartis

Related Links

http://www.novartis.com


DANBURY, Conn., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, a leading residential real estate brokerage company in Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, announced today it has acquired the assets of West Haven Regional, Inc. and Westville Regional, Inc. in New Haven, Connecticut, which until recently conducted business as a Weichert franchisee under the banner of Weichert, Realtors Regional Properties, and has served homebuyers and sellers in New Haven, Middlesex and eastern Fairfield Counties since 1993.

The company has approximately 90 affiliated sales associates and two offices located at 236 Boston Post Road in Orange, and at 2440 Whitney Ave in Hamden  both of which will operate as Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. This acquisition further builds on Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage's momentum in Connecticut after acquiring another residential real estate firm in Branford in November 2016.

Westville Regional Properties broker-owner Clement Fucci, along with broker co-owners Thomas Cavaliere and Nicholas Mastrangelo, will affiliate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in a sales capacity.

QUOTES:

"This acquisition further expands our market presence in an important Connecticut marketplace and will strengthen our foothold in New Haven and surrounding communities. We are very pleased that this well-respected company has aligned its business with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, and we are very excited to welcome their talented team of sales professionals."

- Joseph Valvano, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Connecticut and Westchester County, New York

"Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is known for its emphasis on providing exceptional educational opportunities and access to cutting-edge technology and resources that equip real estate sales professionals to succeed. We are confident that our sales associates and ultimately our customers and clients will greatly benefit from this new strategic direction for us."

- Clement Fucci, former broker-owner of Westville Regional Inc.

About Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, a leading residential real estate brokerage company in Connecticut and Westchester County, N.Y., operates approximately 51 offices with more than 2,200 affiliated sales associates serving the communities of Connecticut and Westchester County, N.Y. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is part of NRT LLC, the nation's largest residential real estate brokerage company. For more information, please visit ColdwellBankerHomes.com.

Media Contact:

Roni Boyles

781.684.5462

[email protected]

SOURCE Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Prior to joining Oblon, Alex has served in various leadership roles at other prestigious global law firms including as Co-Chair of a firm's Intellectual Property practice, Chair of the ITC Patent Litigation practice, and Co-Chair of the Technology Industry Practice. Alex has also served as lead counsel in many notable cases before the federal district courts and the ITC. Alex has been recognized as a leading intellectual-property litigator by top law-industry reviewers including Chambers USA , Chambers Global , Legal 500 , IAM Patent 1000 , Super Lawyers, and his legal work has been lauded by The Washington Post. "I am thrilled to join Oblon. With its outstanding reputation and its deep expertise across critical IP subspecialties, it is well-positioned to thrive in today's demanding IP litigation marketplace," said Alex.

"Alex brings an impressive depth of IP litigation experience to Oblon," said Bradley Lytle, Oblon's Managing Partner. Lytle adds, "Alex's skills at trial as well as his leadership in first-chair situations and at prior firms, will make Alex a great addition to our Litigation and Post-Grant teams, and we are excited to have Alex come on board and continue to serve innovation and technology-focused clients in a counseling capacity as well as in litigation settings." Scott McKeown, Oblon's PTAB Trial Practice Chair added, "Alex gives us added capability to handle the increasing number of competitor disputes now straddling the PTAB and district courts, his administrative law experience at the ITC ideally suits him to complement a number of key positions on our team."

About Oblon

Assisting clients for nearly 50 years, Oblon is one of the largest intellectual-property law firms in the United States. Oblon's 120+ legal professionals provide a full range of intellectual-property services to some of the world's leading innovators. The firm is headquartered within steps of the United States Patent and Trademark Office with an affiliate office in Tokyo, Japan.

SOURCE Oblon, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, L.L.P.

Related Links

http://www.oblon.com


WHAT: In celebration of Administrative Professionals Week (April 23-29, 2017), OfficeTeam is offering a complimentary 60-minute webinar, "Emotional Intelligence: Why You Need it Now." The following topics will be covered:









 What exactly emotional intelligence is



 Why it's important for workers to have a high emotional quotient (EQ)



 How to become more emotionally intelligent



 Tips for showcasing your EQ at work and when applying for jobs







WHO: Sarah Jubinville, practice director, OfficeTeam



Joshua Freedman, CEO, Six Seconds EQ Network



Joan Burge, founder and CEO, Office Dynamics International



Kemetia Foley, coordinator, research, American Staffing Association







WHEN: Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at 11 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. CDT/2 p.m. EDT






CHICAGO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Oranj has completed its acquisition of a majority interest in TradeWarrior Software, a provider of institutional-grade investment rebalancing and model management software for financial advisers. The merger will provide independent RIAs, broker-dealers, and enterprises with the opportunity to offer state-of-the-art rebalancing functionality for advisers and their clients as part of the Oranj digital advice platform. Deal terms were not disclosed.

To learn more about these platforms, as well as details around the acquisition, please visit http://www.runoranj.com/tradewarrior.

"We continue to enhance our digital advice platform with additional functionality for advisers to deliver a customized wealth management experience, which helps them better serve clients and forge stronger connections with prospects," said David Lyon, CEO and Founder of Oranj. "This acquisition enables us to offer advisers the unique combination of Oranj's user-friendly and modern front-office capabilities that enhance client interaction, and TradeWarrior's sophisticated back-office support that streamlines the implementation of investing strategies."

Layton, Utah-based TradeWarrior brings to Oranj an institutional-grade trading and rebalancing platform that has an intuitive interface enabling advisers to efficiently and accurately execute trades across multiple custodians. TradeWarrior's algorithms monitor households and accounts, identify tax-loss harvesting opportunities, provide real-time alerts, and support integrations with other industry software providers and custodians.

"TradeWarrior has worked closely with us to simplify trading and rebalancing across our practice, and their technology and support have been key drivers of our ongoing growth," said Christopher M. Lee, CFP, Senior Adviser and Co-Owner of New England Capital Financial Advisors. "We are excited about Oranj's acquisition of TradeWarrior because we now have the opportunity to optimize our front office as well as our back officeby using Oranj's cutting-edge digital advice platform to better engage with clients and prospects about strategies that TradeWarrior's institutional-grade software helps us seamlessly execute."

"TradeWarrior and Oranj were both started by former advisers who wanted to provide members of the industry with powerful, intuitive, and user-friendly technology solutions to improve their ability to service clients and optimize their businesses," said Damon Deru, Founder and President of TradeWarrior. "We look forward to working with Oranj to bring our tax-efficient rebalancing software to a broader community of independent advisers."

Mr. Deru will continue to lead the TradeWarrior business as President. Mr. Lyon will continue as CEO of Oranj, and take on CEO responsibilities for TradeWarrior.

About Oranj

Oranj is focused on creating the world's best digital experience for enabling financial advisers to help clients effectively manage their financial lives and personal goals, and empowering investors to make smart financial decisions, connect with financial professionals, and pursue better investing outcomes. To achieve this, Oranj builds software for servicing, collaborating, managing, and connecting, which utilize user-friendly applications for a fully interactive human-driven, technology-assisted experience. The Oranj platform offers a secure document vault, client collaboration tools, aggregated data from more than 25,000 institutions, online account opening/transfer capabilities, real-time activity notifications, extensive data analytics, and an archive of adviser/client communication going back to the prospect stage. For more information about Oranj, please visit www.runoranj.com or follow @runoranjdotcom on Twitter.

About TradeWarrior

TradeWarrior Software, Inc. was founded by investment advisers with the vision of bringing exceptional software to the financial services industry. Frustrated by the lack of intuitive trading and rebalancing software available to advisers, its founders developed their own solution to the problem and launched TradeWarrior in 2010. TradeWarrior is the product of years of in-depth research into the logistics of portfolio trading and rebalancing, and was designed to meet the real-world needs that advisers and brokers face. TradeWarrior offers all investment professionals the opportunity to utilize powerful portfolio management tools at an affordable price.

For more information about TradeWarrior, please visit www.tradewarriorsoftware.com or follow @TradeWarrior on Twitter.

CONTACT:

Andrew Jennings

JConnelly

(973) 224-7152

[email protected]

SOURCE Oranj
NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I., April 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence today announced it is setting the stage for HxGN LIVE 2017, Hexagons international conference, at the luxury Venetian Resort Hotel, Las Vegas, NV from June 13  16, 2017. Professionals from around the world attend this four-day event showcasing the latest data-driven developments enabled by Hexagon's newest metrology and manufacturing solutions for the Smart Factory. This year's theme the Shape of Potential sets the stage for attendees looking to re-engineer product development from concept to reality in a connected world where data informs the process every step of the way. The conference's centerpiece is The Zone, which displays more than 50,000 sq. ft. of Hexagon technologies and more than 60 exhibiting sponsors. To register or for more information, visit www.hxgnlive.com.



The Manufacturing Intelligence track will address the most pressing questions for manufacturers who want to leverage the benefits of Smart Factory practices. How can factories become more connected and work smarter? What is data-driven manufacturing? The speaker line-up of Hexagon customers, partners, special guests and in-house experts will answer those questions and present compelling stories about automation, process control, closed loop manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT), and other successful data-driven applications addressing all aspects of industrial manufacturing. Attendees will have access to Hexagons metrology, statistical process control, sheet metal design and costing and CAD/CAM solution portfolios and experience live demonstrations with experienced and knowledgeable product developers and application engineers.

HxGN LIVE has become a standout industry event showcasing how leading manufacturers are enabling the digital thread through metrology, said Norbert Hanke, President of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. At this conference, our valued customers and guests step into our world and discover how quality-driven productivity can have a major impact on their bottom line. HxGN LIVE attendees get to see firsthand the important touchpoints across the production lifecycle, where Smart Factory principles and the power of connected data, upstream and downstream, ensure speed and confidence in everyday manufacturing operations across many industrial applications.

About Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence helps industrial manufacturers develop the disruptive technologies of today and the life-changing products of tomorrow. As a leading metrology and manufacturing solution specialist, our expertise in sensing, thinking and acting  the collection, analysis and active use of measurement data  gives our customers the confidence to increase production speed and accelerate productivity while enhancing product quality.

Through a network of local service centers, production facilities and commercial operations across five continents, we are shaping smart change in manufacturing to build a world where quality drives productivity. For more information, visit HexagonMI.com.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence is part of Hexagon (Stockholm:HEXA-B) (hexagon.com), a leading global provider of information technologies that drive quality and productivity across geospatial and industrial enterprise applications.

Link to press release: http://www.hexagonmi.com/en-US/about-us/news/media-releases/2017/april-2017/hexagon-manufacturing-intelligence-sets-the-stage-for-hxgn-live-2017
EXTON, Pa., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When Pennsylvania's Health Care Connect (HCC), an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC), surveyed its members to understand what areas of clinical training was most important, the top answer was wound care education. To address this response, HCC is collaborating with Wound Care Education Institute (WCEI) to offer a four-day, onsite Skin and Wound Management course in Exton, Pennsylvania. The course, which begins on May 8, 2017, is funded in part by a grant from Chester County Workforce Development Board/PA Department of Labor and Industry.

HCC is composed of over 60 organizations in Southeastern Pennsylvania, including hospitals, continuing care retirement communities, home health companies, acute rehabilitation facilities, educational institutions, and county development offices. The collaboration of organizations shares the goal of improving the quality of health care delivery.

WCEI Co-Founder/Clinical Instructor Nancy Morgan, RN, BSN, MBA, WOC, WCC, DWC, OMS shared her excitement, saying, "WCEI is honored to teach our comprehensive Skin and Wound Management course in Exton next month. Our goal is for the clinicians to leave the course with improved clinical skills needed to deliver quality care and, most importantly, to help their patients to heal."

WCEI offers the Skin and Wound Management course online or in a live classroom setting. Upon completion of the course, those who meet the eligibility requirements and successfully pass the national board certification exam by the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO) will become board certified in wound care, earning the WCC (Wound Care Certified) credential. Over 20,000 health professionals have taken the steps to obtain the prestigious WCC certification.

About Wound Care Education Institute (WCEI)

WCEI is the leading national educational center of excellence for wound care and ostomy education. WCEI's mission is to develop multi-disciplinary wound care professionals by offering training programs based on current standards of care and evidence-based research. WCEI has trained thousands of wound care physicians, therapists, nurses and sales and marketing professionals through webinars, seminars, and the Wild on Wounds (WOW) national conference.

About Health Care Connect (HCC)

HCC, previously known as The Chester County Health Care Partnership (CCHCP), was formed to address the regional workforce needs in healthcare. HCC shares best practices, talent development/recruiting information, program ideas, and training grants to stabilize and strengthen the local workforce and enhance patient care.

SOURCE Wound Care Education Institute

Related Links

http://www.wcei.net


NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Paintzen, the only painting company to combine an online booking engine with local market paint services for both homes and businesses, has officially launched their Los Angeles, Portland and Dallas/Fort Worth market operations, it was announced today by Mike Russell, CEO of Paintzen.

Paintzen offers the only market solution to the myriad customer painting needs by providing on-demand, start-to-finish products and services including:

Color consultation and sampling as well as online paint purchase and delivery

Instant digital quotes plus the ability to book and schedule online

Highly vetted and fully-insured paint crews with industry leading customer service ratings

Ability to start projects within 2-days of booking, including the delivery of all paint and supplies

The launch of these markets - which join New York Metro, San Francisco, Washington DC Metro, Chicago and Boston - comes during a time of enormous growth with Q1 of 2017 surpassing Q1 of 2016 in year-to-date booking by 400%. Additionally, over the past calendar year, Paintzen has increased its average job size by over 95% and grown its staff by 80%.

Additionally, the company continues to innovate and stay ahead of customer demand with such services as the recently launched color consultation and sampling program and digital color selection tools with plans for even greater expansion in 2017.

"Los Angeles, Portland and Dallas are key to Paintzen's growth and we are proud of the partnerships we have developed in each of these markets that enable us to serve both new clients and existing national accounts, while continuing to stand behind our 100% satisfaction guarantee," said Russell. "Not only are we building a clientele in each of the 8 markets in which we operate, we are also building intelligence specific to each one. The more we learn about the aesthetic preferences and environmental demands of each city, the better we can advice and service our growing roster of residential and enterprise clients."

Some market intelligence gathered, includes the most popular paint colors in each (click to preview color):

Paintzen is the easiest way to paint a residence or business bringing simplicity, automation and assurances to the $40 billion U.S. painting industry. Inspired by the desire to free clients from the stresses of finding painting solutions, Paintzen manages the entire process by providing instant price quotes, a sophisticated interface for easy color selection, an inspiration gallery, fully-vetted and insured crews, a 100% guarantee, and expert project managers to help customers select the perfect paint from exclusive partner, Benjamin Moore's, 3,500+ colors.

About Paintzen

Launched in late 2013, Paintzen, Inc. is a New York City-based tech company that has transformed the way people paint their homes and business spaces. It is the only company providing a truly seamless painting experience from start to finish, offering instant online quoting and booking capabilities, complimentary color consultations and selection tools, highly vetted, fully-insured paint crews, and onsite delivery of paint and supplies, paired with industry leading customer satisfaction ratings. For more information, please visit www.Paintzen.com

Media Contact:

Loren Pomerantz

917-902-0219

[email protected]

SOURCE Paintzen

Related Links

https://www.paintzen.com


SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Park Systems, world-leader in atomic force microscopy (AFM) recently announced the opening of their European Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany and appointment of Ludger Weisser as General Manager. Park Systems is a publicly traded company listed on KOSDAQ since 2015 where they received "AA" from two separate rating agencies on advanced technologies, becoming the first company listed that year through the special technologies IPO program. Dr. Sang-il Park CEO and founder of Park Systems was an integral part of the group at Stanford University that first developed AFM technology.

"We are very excited to open our European Headquarters and to create closer relationships with our valued customers in Europe," states Dr. Sang-il Park, Park Systems Founder and CEO. "The appointment of Ludger Weisser as European General Manager demonstrates our commitment to provide best-in-class technical sales support and technology collaboration with our customers to provide unique customer-driven Atomic Force Microscopy solutions."

The opening of the European Headquarters will provide support for the vast network of highly skilled Park AFM distributors already established throughout Europe. Park Systems European distributors include Schaefer Technologie GmbH in Germany, Elexience inFrance, LOT-Quantum Design in the UK, ST Instruments B.V. inBeNeLux, Gambetti Kenologia Srl inItaly, and Biometa Tecnologia y Sistemas inSpain. To find a distributor location for Park AFM near you, go to: http://www.parkafm.com/index.php/company/locations

Ludger Weisser brings over twenty years of experience in management positions with Atomic Force Microscopy companies, including Director of European Sales with Asylum Research and Managing Director at Atomic Force F&E GmbH, an advanced metrological instrumentation organization for the European research community. His extensive background includes a degree in Physics from the University of Heidelberg, university research on polymer surfaces and work with Digital Instruments, later acquired by Veeco where he was a sales manager.

"The fast-paced European scientific and industrial markets continue to make significant advancements in all areas of nanotechnology," says Ludger Weisser, General Manager for Europe. "Park Systems has a long history as a leader in atomic force microscopy, providing unsurpassed nanoscale advances in continuous pursuit of the latest AFM innovations." The Park Systems European Headquarters is launching a focused effort to develop close relationships with European thought leaders within the scientific and manufacturing communities and develop products that meet their needs.

Park Systems is a leading innovator in nanoscale microscopy and metrology and continues to invest in the development of emerging technology. They now have regional headquarters in Korea, United States, Japan, Singapore, China and Germany. As the nanoscale microscopy demands more effective AFM technology, Park Systems is focused on developing revolutionary breakthroughs for the best AFM products for both scientific research and industrial quality control.

Park Systems was founded in 1997 and holds over 32 patents related to AFM technology, including True Non-Contact Mode using decoupled XY and Z scanners, PTR measurements for data storage application, NX-Bio technology using Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) on live cell, 3D AFM, and fully automated AFM operation software (SmartScan).

About Park Systems

Park Systems is a world-leading manufacturer of atomic force microscopy (AFM) systems with a complete range of products for researchers and industry engineers in chemistry, materials, physics, life sciences, and semiconductor and data storage industries. Park's products are used by over a thousand of institutions and corporations worldwide. Park's AFM provides highest data accuracy at nanoscale resolution, superior productivity, and lowest operating cost thanks to its unique technology and innovative engineering. Park Systems Corporation. is headquartered in Suwon, Korea with its Americas headquarters in Santa Clara, California. Park's products are sold and supported worldwide with regional headquarters in the US, Korea, Japan, and Singapore, China and Germany and distribution partners throughout Europe, Asia, and America. Please visit http://www.parkafm.com or call 408-986-1110 for more information.

SOURCE Park Systems

Related Links

http://www.parkafm.com


NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity firm focused on growth investing, today announced the appointment of Paul Maritz as an industry advisor in its Technology, Media and Telecommunications ("TMT") Group. In this role, Mr. Maritz will work with Warburg Pincus to explore investment opportunities in enterprise software, including the application of cloud computing and machine learning to business problems.

Mr. Maritz has 35 years of experience as a leading software executive. He is currently Executive Chairman of the Board of Pivotal Software, which he co-founded in 2013 and ran as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") until 2015. Mr. Maritz previously served as CEO of VMware from 2008 to 2012. During his tenure at VMware, he led the transformation of the company and grew revenue by over 300 percent. Mr. Maritz remains a member of VMware's board of directors.

Prior to joining VMware, Mr. Maritz was the founder and CEO of Pi, which was acquired by EMC. Before founding Pi, Maritz spent 14 years working at Microsoft, where he served as a member of the five-person Executive Committee and was responsible for the product development and marketing of most of the company's products at the time, including Windows, Development and Database tools and Internet Explorer.

"We are thrilled to be working with Paul again," said Cary Davis, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus. "Paul was an advisor to Warburg Pincus fifteen years ago, and then we jointly financed Paul's vision for Pi. Machine learning is the next frontier in computing, and we hope to make several investments together." Mr. Maritz will also be advising Warburg Pincus more broadly on software investments.

Mr. Maritz commented, "I am excited to work with Warburg Pincus again. The team has great values, a sterling track record, and we share the same commitment to innovation and growth. I look forward to applying my experience and industry knowledge to exploring new and exciting investment opportunities."

Warburg Pincus

Warburg Pincus LLC is a leading global private equity firm focused on growth investing. The firm has more than $44 billion in private equity assets under management. The firm's active portfolio of more than 140 companies is highly diversified by stage, sector and geography. Warburg Pincus is an experienced partner to management teams seeking to build durable companies with sustainable value. Founded in 1966, Warburg Pincus has raised 16 private equity funds which have invested more than $60 billion in over 780 companies in more than 40 countries. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Mauritius, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Shanghai and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.warburgpincus.com.

Contact:

Mary Armstrong / Christopher Beattie

(212) 878-9207

SOURCE Warburg Pincus

Related Links

http://www.warburgpincus.com


SHENZHEN, China, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --PAX Technology (HKEx: 00327) (PAX GLOBAL), a global leader in the provision of secure electronic payment terminal solutions, has successfully hosted its 2017 Worldwide Partner Conference in Guangzhou between 9-13 April 2017.

With a theme of "Leading the Change", over 100 partners and industry leaders from all over the world gathered to discuss the future of payments, with PAX unveiling a new impressive product roadmap.

Innovations showcased at the PAX event this year included the new Q-Series (state-of-the-art countertop and mobile terminals), the beautifully designed integrated retail E-Series solutions based on Android as well as future models of the SmartPOS A-Series. To complement this move toward Android, PAXSTORE was launched, a already fully functioning app-store suite which will allow acquirers, processors and payment service providers to create their own market-places within which merchants will be able to download value added applications on their terminals. Similar to the concept of the Apple AppStore or Google Play, PAXSTORE opens up new revenue streams for global development community to offer value added services and share revenue streams with payment service providers and acquiring banks. The new PAXPAY payment gateway service was also unveiled, designed specifically for new forms of mobile payments, such as Alipay, WeChat Pay and QR Code.

Mr. Jack Lu, CEO of PAX stated: "We were delighted to see more and more partners join our conference this year. The ability to be both agile and innovative is a critical success factor in today's fast-changing payment industry. Our mission is to continue working closely with our global customers to accelerate the pace of innovation and stay ahead in the competition."

About PAX (www.paxglobaltechnology.com)

PAX Technology is an innovative global provider of electronic payment solutions, offering world-class, cost-effective and superior quality products. Building on its service excellence and proven leadership position, PAX is one of the fastest growing payment industry suppliers with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, excellent R&D capabilities and a worldwide network of sales and channel partners. PAX is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange as PAX Global Technology Ltd. (0327.HK).

SOURCE PAX Technology Limited

Related Links

http://www.paxglobaltechnology.com


CALGARY, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Pembina Pipeline Corporation ("Pembina" or the "Company") (TSX: PPL; NYSE: PBA) will release its first quarter 2017 results on Thursday, May 4, 2017 after markets close. A conference call and webcast have been scheduled for Friday, May 5, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. MT (10:00 a.m. ET) for interested investors, analysts, brokers and media representatives.

The conference call dial-in numbers for Canada and the U.S. are 647-427-7450 or 888-231-8191. A recording of the conference call will be available for replay until May 12, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. ET. To access the replay, please dial either 416-849-0833 or 855-859-2056 and enter the password 15480289.

A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed on Pembina's website at www.pembina.com under Investor Centre, Presentation & Events, or by entering: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1307553&s=1&k=AB5E15E3786D8EB4AE79BCA104ECFE1C in your web browser. Shortly after the call, an audio archive will be posted on the website for a minimum of 90 days.

Annual General Meeting Information

The Company will hold its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders ("AGM") on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. MT (4:00 p.m. ET) at the Metropolitan Conference Centre, 333  4th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

A live webcast of Pembina's AGM presentation can be accessed on Pembina's website at www.pembina.com under Investor Centre, Presentation & Events, or by entering: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1346919&s=1&k=4A258BF189ABB38A8CD0BEF7AFF390AC in your web browser. Participants are recommended to register for the webcast at least 10 minutes before the presentation start time.

About Pembina

Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Corporation is a leading transportation and midstream service provider that has been serving North America's energy industry for over 60 years. Pembina owns and operates an integrated system of pipelines that transport various products derived from natural gas and hydrocarbon liquids produced primarily in western Canada. The Company also owns and operates gas gathering and processing facilities and an oil and natural gas liquids infrastructure and logistics business. Pembina's integrated assets and commercial operations along the majority of the hydrocarbon value chain allow it to offer a full spectrum of midstream and marketing services to the energy sector. Pembina is committed to working with its community and aboriginal neighbours, while providing value for investors in a safe, environmentally responsible manner. This balanced approach to operating ensures the trust Pembina builds among all of its stakeholders is sustainable over the long-term. Pembina's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under PPL and PBA, respectively. For more information, visit www.pembina.com.

SOURCE Pembina Pipeline Corporation

Related Links

http://www.pembina.com


CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Deputy Secretary Glenn Miller visited the Coyle Free Library to celebrate Pennsylvania's One Book, Every Young Child Month, recognize National Library Week, and receive an update on the library's renovation project from staff.

Miller, who is the deputy secretary for commonwealth libraries, serves as the state librarian.

During the visit, Miller read the book, Daniel Finds a Poem, to a group of preschool age children. The book is the 2017 selection for the commonwealth's One Book, Every Young Child celebration, which is a literacy initiative to highlight the importance of early literacy development in children ages 3 to 6. It is a collaboration between PDE's Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL) and the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).

"Pennsylvania's public libraries are valuable community resources," Miller said. "Libraries offer programs from One Book to financial literacy classes, and bringing children to their local library early on can spur a lifelong interest in reading, and help introduce children to the many resources a library can offer them as they grown up."

During the visit, Miller also met with library staff to discuss the progress on the library's renovation project and to share with them the Wolf Administration's goal of promoting libraries and increasing the number of annual visits to libraries around the state.

Governor Tom Wolf's Administration recently announced that Coyle was one of 27 libraries across Pennsylvania to be awarded a Keystone grant. Coyle is using the grant to partially fund the renovation project that will help the library serve the Chambersburg community.

For more information about Pennsylvania's education policies and programs visit the Department of Education's website at www.education.pa.gov or follow PDE on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cheryl Bates-Lee, 717-783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us


DALLAS, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Permian Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE: PBT) ("Permian") today declared a cash distribution to the holders of its units of beneficial interest of $0.056259 per unit, payable on May 12, 2017, to unit holders of record on April 28, 2017.

This month's distribution increased from the previous month due to an increase in both the net production of oil and gas and in the pricing of oil and gas production for the Waddell Ranch properties. On January 15, 2017, a fire occurred due to a lightning strike on the Tubb McKnight Water Station which disrupted production of both oil and gas. There were no injuries relating to this incident. The resumption of production on those properties did not resume until January 31. Most of those wells are back on production as of February 28, and will continue to be producing. The Waddell Ranch Properties contributed $1,621,188 to this month's distribution.

The Texas Royalty Properties had an increase in oil and gas production, along with a slight increase in pricing of oil and gas production. The Texas Royalty Properties contributed $976,573 to this month's distribution.

Capital expenditures on the Waddell Ranch continue to be lower than previous months, with it being mostly facility projects for the remainder of the year. However, additional expense will be incurred bringing the Tubb McKnight Water Station back on line of approximately $1,228,000 (gross) to the entire project of working interest owners. It is not clear at this time as to what the cost to Trust will be until it is incurred and charged to the Trust.

WADDELL RANCH

Production for the underlying properties at the Waddell Ranch was 54,502 barrels of oil and 299,656 Mcf of gas. The production for the Trust's allocated portion of the Waddell Ranch was 25,250 barrels of oil and 140,438 Mcf of gas. The average price for oil was $49.02 per bbl and for gas was $3.31 per Mcf. This would primarily reflect production and pricing for the month of February for oil and the month of January for gas. These allocated volumes were significantly impacted by the pricing of both oil and gas.

This production and pricing for the Underlying Properties resulted in revenues for the Waddell Ranch Properties of $3,632,153. Deducted from these would be the Lease Operating Expense (LOE) of $1,153,396, taxes of $238,694, and Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) of $78,480 totaling $1,470,570 resulting in a Net Profit of $2,161,584 for the month of March. With the Trust's Net Profit Interest (NPI) of 75% of the underlying properties, this would result in a net contribution by the Waddell Ranch Properties of $1,621,188 to this month's distribution.



Underlying Properties Net to Trust Sales





Volumes Volumes Average Price

Oil (bbls) Gas (Mcf) Oil (bbls) Gas (Mcf) Oil (per bbl) Gas (per Mcf) Current Month











Waddell Ranch 54,502 299,656 25,250 140,438* $49.02 $3.31** Texas Royalties 24,135 28,523 22,928 27,097* $48.74 $4.63**













Prior Month











Waddell Ranch 44,448 296,857 19,994 133,872* $48.47 $3.30** Texas Royalties 21,756 24,107 20,669 22,902* $48.37 $5.58**



*These volumes are the net to the trust, after allocation of expenses to Trust's net profit interest,

including any prior period adjustments. **This pricing includes sales of gas liquid products.

TEXAS ROYALTY PROPERTIES

Production for the underlying properties at the Texas Royalties was 24,135 barrels of oil and 28,523 Mcf of gas. The production for the Trust's allocated portion of the Texas Royalties was 22,928 barrels of oil and 27,097 Mcf of gas. The average price for oil was $48.74 per bbl and for gas was $4.63 per Mcf. This would primarily reflect production and pricing for the month of February for oil and the month of January for gas. These allocated volumes were impacted by the pricing of both oil and gas.

This production and pricing for the underlying properties resulted in revenues for the Texas Royalties of $1,308,535. Deducted from these would be taxes of $164,454 resulting in a Net Profit of $1,144,081 for the month of March. With the Trust's Net Profit Interest (NPI) of 95% of the Underlying Properties, this would result in net contribution by the Texas Royalties of $1,086,877 to this month's distribution.

General and Administrative Expenses deducted for the month were $93,706 resulting in a distribution of $2,622,181 to 46,608,796 units outstanding, or $0.056259 per unit.

The worldwide market conditions continue to affect the pricing for domestic production. It is difficult to predict what effect these conditions will have on future distributions.

Permian Basin Royalty Trust, as it does after the end of each year, had a year-end Reserve Report prepared in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission's requirements. This report provides an evaluation of the estimated asset value as of December 31 of each year, which can be used to estimate the remaining life of the Trust.

The estimated net proved reserves, as of January 1, 2017, attributable to the Trust from the properties appraised are approximately 4.5 million barrels of oil and 8.5 billion cubic feet of gas with a future net value of approximately $188,269,000 with a discounted value of $98,077,000.

With the estimated quantities of this year's reserve estimate of 4.5 million barrels of oil and 8.5 billion cubic feet of gas remaining, it could be estimated that the Trust still has a life span of 9 to 10 years. The report is an exhibit to the Trust's Annual Report on Form 10-K that was filed on March 10, 2017 and is available to all unitholders at this time on the SEC website.

Permian's cash distribution history, current and prior year financial reports and tax information booklets, a link to filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission and more can be found on its website at http://www.pbt-permian.com/. The new toll free customer service number for the trust is 1-855-588-7839.

SOURCE Permian Basin Royalty Trust

Related Links

http://www.pbt-permian.com


NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Philip R. Shawe, co-CEO of TransPerfect, the world's largest privately held provider of language and technology solutions, announced that 240 student teams from law schools around the United States have agreed to submit their best arguments as part of The Philip R. Shawe Scholarship Competition. Shawe, on his own, launched the competition to award grants totaling $100,000 to law school students for preparing the most intriguing argument to the United States Supreme Court for reversing the affirmed decision of the TransPerfect case in the Delaware Chancery Court that seeks to force a sale of the highly profitable company and potentially risk the jobs of nearly 4000 employees.

In 2016, Delaware Chancellor Andre Bouchard decided for Elizabeth Elting, TransPerfect's co-CEO, and it was appealed in January 2017 to the Delaware Supreme Court. The appeal affirmed Chancellor Bouchard with one justice of five dissenting. Shawe intends to petition the United States Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari to reverse the decision. The competition was established to help stir the minds of law students, by giving them a case that is simply mind blowing; never before has a successful company that is not under threat of default or bankruptcy, been forced up for sale, in opposition of a majority of its shareholders.

The competition is open to all second- and third-year law school students, and focuses on the TransPerfect case, (In re: TransPerfect Global, Inc.," Civil Action No. 9700-CB and "Elizabeth Elting v. Philip R. Shawe, et al." Civil Action No. 10449-CB) in which the Delaware Chancery Court, to create a non-negotiated exit strategy for one of the company shareholders, has ordered the unconstitutional taking of property from the two other shareholders without due process.

Judge Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick, (Ret) Senior Associate Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, Justice Melvin Schweitzer, (Ret) New York State Supreme Court, Commercial Division, Professor Alan Dershowitz (also legal counsel to Shirley Shawe), and Joseph D. Hansen, former Director of Interns for Justice Schweitzer, New York State Supreme Court, Commercial Division will be deciding the winners of the writing and oral competition (the "Panel").

Professor Dershowitz said, "We are happy to see the level of participation of law students from all over the country concerned with the important issues that this case raises. We expect to see some persuasive arguments, and, by doing so, help to promote justice."

Contestants' briefs address the U.S. constitutional implications of the Delaware courts' powers to adopt a forced sale remedy when shareholders of a highly profitable privately-held corporation are deadlocked. Following the preparation of a Bench Memorandum by attorneys with Lateral Link Group, Inc. on the issues being put before the United States Supreme Court - due process and unconstitutional takings - the submitted briefs will be judged first by a group from Lateral Link to narrow the field. The top graded 25 briefs will then be ranked by the panel of distinguished judges with extensive experience in constitutional law and business/corporate law in the United States.

The judges will select the top three contestants who will also prepare their arguments as if they were going before the United States Supreme Court. The three contestants will present their oral arguments to the judges, and the scholarships will be given to the top three ranked oralists in the following amounts: First place will be awarded $65,000, second place $25,000, and third place $10,000.

A program is being planned for May 2017, where the contestants will offer the oral arguments, and an award ceremony and reception will follow. The date and time will be announced shortly.

To enter, entrants only have a short time remaining, and must submit their briefs by 11;59PM on April 20, 2017. For full competition rules and to enter, students can visit philshawescholarship.com or lawschoolchallenge.com email [email protected].

NEWS PROVIDED BY: Philip Shawe

SOURCE Philip Shawe

Related Links

http://lawschoolchallenge.com


NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pi Capital International LLC ("Pi Capital") is pleased to announce that it was the exclusive financial advisor and placement agent to Money360, Inc. for a structured debt facility of up to $250 million. The financing vehicle is designed to allow Money360 to employ funding as it provides commercial real estate loans to its U.S. client base. The fund provides Korean investors with a short-duration, high-yield fixed-income instrument.

"A central tenet of Pi Capital's strategy is our ability to access deep pools of alternative capital around the world and especially in Asia and the Middle East. These pools provide attractive capital raising arbitrages for U.S. companies and we look forward to bringing more of these options to our clients," said Steve Carlson, Managing Partner of Pi Capital.

"We have been present in Korea for almost a decade and the depth of our local relationships helps to provide that essential bridge between local investors seeking global yield but wanting the benefit of locally established structures," said Matt Yoon, Pi Capital's Head of Asia. "This is the investment and advisory model we seek to replicate across the region."

"The fund raise by Pi Capital will allow us to substantially increase our assets under management," said Evan Gentry, M360 Advisors' CEO. "We believe this gives us a competitive advantage with an anticipated $250 million investment from one of South Korea's most reputable financial institutions."

About Money360, Inc.

Money360's vision is to transform commercial real estate finance into a fast, transparent, and reliable marketplace for borrowers and investors. Money360 is a direct lender that offers borrowers speed, convenience and reasonable terms on small- to mid-balance commercial real estate loans. Money360 operates a marketplace lending platform that caters to institutional and accredited retail investors, providing direct access to attractive fixed income investments secured with a first-priority lien against income-producing commercial real estate. Money360 also operates an investment management company, M360 Advisors, LLC, which manages diversified fund vehicles on behalf of institutional and accredited retail investors.

Further information on Money360 is available at www.money360.com.

About Pi Capital International LLC

Pi Capital provides financial advisory services to corporations, governments and financial sponsors enabling its clients to make and execute the strategic decisions needed for success in domestic and global markets. Pi Capital's services include advising on mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations and restructurings, and raising private capital. The firm's global network of clients and capital providers spans North America, Asia, Latin America and EMEA. Pi Capital's team consists of experienced international bankers, familiar with cross border complexity and cultural nuances, delivering transaction, sector and product expertise. Pi Capital offers access to alternative investment and non-traditional pools of capital. Today, Pi Capital focuses on the financial institutions, industrials, automotive and energy sectors. All regulated activities are conducted through Marco Polo Securities Inc. (member FINRA/SIPC).

Further information on Pi Capital is available at www.picapitalllc.com.

About Marco Polo Securities, Inc.

Marco Polo Securities Inc. is a U.S.-registered broker dealer offering global execution, regulatory and distribution capabilities. Marco Polo was the pioneering platform in building cross border electronic trading infrastructure to enable global institutional flows and the firm's regulatory and distribution partnership with local securities firms currently encompass 80 countries. Marco Polo provides a unique distribution and regulatory network for capital raising and wealth management in the global markets. Marco Polo is a member of FINRA, NFA and SIPC.

Further information on Marco Polo is available at www.mpsecurities.com.

CONTACT:

Pi Capital International LLC

Taylor V. James

Chief Administrative Officer

(347) 670-1530

[email protected]

Marco Polo Securities, Inc. is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, CRD number 46561.

SOURCE Pi Capital International LLC

Related Links

http://www.picapitalllc.com


AUSTIN, Texas, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Platform Partners LLC ("Platform"), a private company headquartered in Houston, announced that it completed the acquisition of Beneplace, LLC ("Beneplace"), a leading marketer and distributor of voluntary employee benefits and employee discount programs serving Fortune 1000 companies, large associations and government agencies.

Founded in 1995, Beneplace is one of the fastest-growing voluntary benefit companies and currently serves employers and institutions in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Along with a comprehensive voluntary benefits offering that includes auto and home, critical illness, dental, disability, group legal, long-term care, and other voluntary benefits, Beneplace offers an employee discount platform for well-known products and services such as consumer electronics, vacations, automobiles, tax preparation and many others. Beneplace offers its products and services to over nine million employees across multiple industry sectors.

"Beneplace has been a pioneer in voluntary benefits and employee discount products programs," said Fred Brazelton, President & CEO of Platform. "We look forward to partnering with the entire management team to continue developing innovative solutions for employers focused on providing valuable savings to their employees."

Beneplace's management team, led by President Rusty Stein, will continue to manage the business. "We have built an unmatched suite of products and services for large employers and government agencies and are confident that Platform's expertise will help our business continue to grow and thrive," said Stein.

In addition to Platform and the management team, Galtney Partners LP, led by Will Galtney, a successful owner and investor in numerous insurance and healthcare companies, invested alongside Platform.

Focus Strategies, LLC acted as financial advisor to Beneplace and Hogan Lovells LLP acted as legal counsel in connection with the transaction.

About Beneplace, LLC

Beneplace, LLC is one of the fastest-growing voluntary benefits companies in the industry, managing customized voluntary benefits and discount programs for Fortune 1000 companies and government institutions. Beneplace is available to nine million people among employers and institutions in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Headquartered in Austin, Beneplace delivers carefully curated, intelligent and complete voluntary solutions and employee discount programs that meet their customers' specific goals. Beneplace knows that growing employee acquisition, retention and satisfaction is the ultimate goal of any HR team, and they're committed to providing the solutions, services and support to exceed this goalall while keeping things simple for the customer's HR team. For more information, visit www.beneplace.com.

About Platform Partners LLC

Platform Partners LLC is a private company based in Houston that makes investments in middle-market companies with the intent of growing these businesses into industry leaders through a combination of organic and acquisition growth. For more information about Platform Partners, please visit www.platformllc.com.

Media Contact:

Ann Corrigan

Platform Partners LLC

(713) 335-2320

[email protected]

Related Links

Platform Partners Completes Acquisition of Beneplace, LLC

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SOURCE Platform Partners LLC

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HUNTSVILLE, Ala., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced the opening in Huntsville, AL, of PCI Aviation, a new cutting edge aviation company whose core mission is to keep U.S. military aircraft working efficiently and safely in an ever-changing environment. The Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting for this new office was at 9 AM on April 19, 2017.

Formed by highly respected leaders in the aviation industry, PCI Aviation will initially specialize in the fabrication of cables and wiring harnesses which must be manufactured to very precise specifications and perform essential functions in extremely sophisticated aircraft.

PCI Aviation's CEO, Mal McGhee said, "Our Tribe is extremely proud that our new company will support our war fighter and military aviation. As is the case with PCI's other commercial enterprise Muskogee Technology, PCI Aviation will be operated to the highest of standards. We are ever mindful that each part that we produce is critically important to ensuring that our military's aircraft and the men and women who serve on them are effective and safe."

Mr. McGhee went on to say, "The fabrication of wiring harnesses is just the initial step in achieving our overall goals. Ultimately, our goal is for PCI Aviation to become a world-class aviation company performing maintenance and modifications on all types of military aircraft  always using the highest quality standards. Our military aircraft continue to age and will require technology updates to ensure that they continue to be the most effective aircraft possible to support the men and women in our military. I want PCI Aviation to be at the forefront of performing these technology upgrades." Poarch Tribal Chairwoman Stephanie Bryan said, "Our Tribe's Muskogee Technology enterprise has earned a reputation for excellence in CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) Manufacturing. That success, combined with our commitment to helping our country's military, propelled us to explore other ways we could contribute in an industry that is vitally important to our country's security."

McGhee is joined at PCI Aviation by two leaders in the aviation industry; Darrell Harrison and Don Bullock, who have a combined 70-plus years of experience in the defense and aviation marketplace.

PCI Aviation is a SBA certified 8(a) minority-owned company formed by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Council in June of 2016.

About the Poarch Band of Creek Indians

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized Indian Tribe in the state of Alabama, operating as a sovereign nation with its own system of government and bylaws. The Tribe operates a variety of economic enterprises, which employ hundreds of area residents. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is an active partner in the state of Alabama, contributing to economic, educational, social and cultural projects benefiting both tribal members and residents of these local communities and neighboring towns.

SOURCE Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Related Links

http://www.poarchcreekindians.org


"We are pleased to partner with entrepreneurs focused on building impactful technologies. PowerPost is garnering significant attention for its innovative approach to brand marketing in an environment that is more and more driven by social media," said Pete Reinecke, Managing Director of ACM. "Several of the investors in our fund have particular expertise in marketing technology and we look forward to providing Dan, Paul, and the team at PowerPost with their insight and experience."

Recently celebrated by Inc. Magazine as the #1 tool in its category, PowerPost revolutionizes brand marketing by automating content publishing to easily create and distribute content across social and web channels. "PowerPost is a disruptive platform that advocates for brands to take control of their content and become power publishers," said Curran. "For the first time, brands can increase market share by accelerating their output of content. PowerPost expedites this entire process."

PowerPost serves enterprise brands in the financial, hospitality, manufacturing and retail sectors. Ad agencies can also leverage the platform to better equip themselves in servicing their customers and automating the content publishing process. PowerPost also provides market intelligence, help desk concierge services and a full-service creative studio to further assist brands in garnering market share. Clients include Marriott, Ty, AmericInn, Frisch's Big Boy, Cannon Safe and Kent Foods.

"Content marketing is a top priority for modern marketers," says Curran. "According to the Content Marketing Institute, 70% of B2B marketers plan to create more content in 2017 compared to 2016. With the proliferation of content comes the need to better organize and distribute. PowerPost brings order to a very chaotic marketing problem."

About PowerPost and PowerPost Studio: PowerPost software turns brands into instant publishers by automating content marketing. For the first time, brands can organize, schedule and distribute content with the ability to collect leads. PowerPost also features a unique agency newsroom of skilled writers, visual artists and social media experts to assist its clients.

For more information and a free trial check out www.powerpost.digital and connect with PowerPost on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to sign up for PowerPost's Power publishing webinar here.

http://www.inc.com/ilya-pozin/9-tools-to-simplify-and-automate-social-media.html

SOURCE PowerPost

Related Links

https://www.powerpost.digital


KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Orchestra  the world-renowned children's, maternity and childcare fashion brand has officially launched in the United States. Orchestra's first English language website launches today with access to all of the brand's hip infant/toddler and children's fashion products. In late May 2017, Orchestra is also slated to open its much-anticipated first U.S.-based newborn/children's fashion retail store at one of the largest malls in the country, King of Prussia Mall, 25 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

Shop us.shop-orchestra.com for stylish affordable newborn, toddler, kids and junior clothing.

The 23-year-old family-owned company, which now boasts stores in over 40 countries, is known for its playful and innovative designs, quality, and family friendly service. Orchestra brings its high-quality, glamorous, ultra-comfortable clothing and shoes for children (newborn to size 14) to the U.S. for the first time.

"We are thrilled to finally introduce our unique and fashionable brand of children's clothes and footwear to U.S. customers," said Orchestra Director and Vice-Chairman, Agathe Boidin. "Orchestra has experienced enormous success around the globe and we are looking forward to launching the brand in the United States."

Agathe Boidin joined Orchestra in 2000 as a Chief Financial Officer before eventually being appointed CEO in 2012. She served as CEO until March 2016, when she became Vice-Chairman of the Board and took charge of development in North America.

With the launch of Orchestra's first English language website, us.shop-orchestra.com, shoppers in the U.S. will be able to browse all of Orchestra's designs for the early years of childhood. The website will also offer membership to Orchestra's Club loyalty program which gives valued customers access to exclusive savings.

About Orchestra

Orchestra, a family-owned company since 1995, was created by Chantal and Pierre Mestre to design and produce a fun and affordable children's clothing brand. Their experience as merchants in the textile industry and as parents to their own little ones, led them to develop a diverse fashion collection, ranging from newborn babies to young pre-teens.

Over the years, the brand has developed a unique distribution model that blends product groups and services. More than 3,000 designs are produced in a season and over 100 new items can be shipped to stores each week. The business has expanded its product offerings to include maternity fashion and childcare products and has introduced new shopping channels, particularly through its online store. Orchestra has become a unique "one-stop shop" for parents and expectant mothers, selling more than 80 million pieces a year. Orchestra strives to bring value, service and quality to its customers. Today, Orchestra, the leader in children's clothing in France, is the 6th largest children's clothing retailer in the world and operates 700 stores in 40 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Agathe Boidin, Orchestra Director & Vice Chairman

Ms. Boidin started her career as a Financial Auditor in the consultancy firm Coopers and Lybrandt (now PwC), before becoming the Financial Controller at DIM (Hanes apparel Group). In 2000, she joined Orchestra-Premaman as Chief Financial Officer before becoming Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Orchestra-Premaman's operations in 2010. Ms. Boidin was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in 2012, following the acquisition of the Belgian group Premaman and served in the position until becoming Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors in March 2016. Most recently, Ms. Boidin has been appointed CEO of Orchestra Premaman USA and taken charge of the development of the group for North America. She now lives in Philadelphia with her husband and three children.

Media Contacts:

Beyond PR Group

Beth Feldman | [email protected] | 917-797-8054

Lisa Hanlon | [email protected] | 914-954-1553

SOURCE Orchestra
NEWARK, N.J., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Public Service Enterprise Group's (PSEG) success in adjusting to changing market dynamics and customer demands has produced strong financial results, PSEG Chairman, President and CEO Ralph Izzo told shareholders at the company's annual meeting, held today in Newark.

Izzo outlined the company's $15 billion, five-year capital spending program, which will upgrade the company's energy infrastructure. This program includes spending $4.7 billion during 2017 to improve the efficiency and reliability of the company's utility, Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G), and its wholesale generator, PSEG Power. This capital expenditure represents a record amount for PSEG to invest in any one year.

Izzo said these investments are being made as the utility industry is evolving due to the low cost of natural gas, the continued growth of renewables and changing customer demands.

"In response, we have increased investment in our utility and regulated assets, increasing PSE&G's percentage of our 2016 earnings," Izzo said. "Today, the utility represents more than 60 percent of earnings, and its share is forecast to continue to grow this year."

Izzo told shareholders that the company's strategy and the strength of its financial position successfully delivered double-digit growth in rate base and earnings in 2016 at PSE&G.

"Our results once again reflect the strength and stability of our business model," he said. "We are executing well on our capital investments, to the benefit of customers, shareholders and New Jersey's economy."

Strong financial performance has also allowed PSEG to steadily increase its dividend. In February, the company raised its indicative annual dividend to $1.72 per share for 2017, from $1.64 per share in 2016. PSEG has now paid dividends for 110 consecutive years  putting it among a select group of companies.

Significant utility investments include the Gas System Modernization Program, which replaces aging cast-iron and steel gas mains, and the Energy Strong program implemented after Superstorm Sandy, which fortifies PSE&G's electric and gas distribution systems against the next damaging storm. In October, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved an $80 million extension to PSE&G's Solar 4 All program, allowing an additional 33 megawatts of solar development on landfills and brownfields. Utility investments account for more than 80 percent of PSEG's planned capital expenditures over the next five years. The utility's investment program is expected to yield 7% - 9% growth in rate base through the end of the decade.

Growth of the utility is offsetting the challenges to PSEG Power, which are primarily due to falling electricity prices, Izzo added. The company is monitoring the impact lower wholesale electricity prices, resulting from persistently low-priced natural gas, are having on the finances of the company's nuclear facilities.

"Our management team is committed to the continued implementation of disciplined cost control at these facilities and advocates for policies that recognize nuclear power as a source of safe, clean energy and an essential piece of a diverse, reliable energy portfolio," Izzo said.

To read the speech in its entirety, please click here.

About PSE&G

Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE: PEG) is a publicly traded diversified energy company with annual revenues of $9.1 billion. Its operating subsidiaries are: Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), PSEG Power, and PSEG Long Island.

From time to time, PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power release important information via postings on their corporate website at http://investor.pseg.com. Investors and other interested parties are encouraged to visit the corporate website to review new postings. The "Email Alerts" link at http://investor.pseg.com may be used to enroll to receive automatic email alerts and/or Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds regarding new postings.

Forward Looking Statements

The statements contained in this communication about our and our subsidiaries' future performance, including, without limitation, future revenues, earnings, strategies, prospects, consequences and all other statements that are not purely historical, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such statements are based on management's beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. When used herein, the words "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "believe," "expect," "plan," "should," "hypothetical," "potential," "forecast," "project," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ are often presented with the forward-looking statements themselves. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements made by us herein are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and available on our website: http://investor.pseg.com/sec-filings. All of the forward-looking statements made in this communication are qualified by these cautionary statements and we cannot assure you that the results or developments anticipated by management will be realized or even if realized, will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us or our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements in making any investment decision. Forward-looking statements made in this communication apply only as of the date hereof. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements from time to time, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even in light of new information or future events, unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG)
NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Eric Berlin, professional puzzle constructor and author of the "Winston Breen" series of children's books, has just launched Puzzle Your Kids, a new subscription-based service that provides one free puzzle for kids each week. Berlin also offers a $5-per-month subscription, which provides two puzzles a week, special supporter-only contests, and previews of new puzzles. These creative pencil puzzles are perfect for kids age nine and up.

The Puzzle Your Kids word puzzles are at a level of quality of comparable to the New York Times crossword puzzle, but with words and clues that are entirely kid-friendly. The puzzles themselves are much more varied, going far beyond the standard crossword.

Children love puzzles of all kinds. They are fun and educational, teaching kids critical vocabulary, reasoning, and problem solving skills. But there are astonishingly few quality puzzles available for children. Puzzle Your Kids aims to fix that, with puzzles that reinforce the full range of a child's vocabulary as well as teach new words. The vocabulary used in the puzzles covers a wide variety of subjects, from science and sports, to mythology and movies, plus much more.

"Completing these word puzzles offers more than just fun and new vocabulary: They also help to reinforce a child's self-esteem. When a solver finally gets the answer and has that "aha moment", the joy they feel and sense of accomplishment can't be beat," says Berlin. "It's a great confidence booster as well as an engaging learning tool."

Berlin also offers educational presentations, activities, and exciting puzzle hunts at schools and local libraries. For more information, and to sign up to start receiving free puzzles for kids, visit PuzzleYourKids.com.

About Puzzles Your Kids

Puzzles Your Kids provides expertly crafted pencil puzzles for kids created by Eric Berlin, professional puzzle constructor and the author of the "Winston Breen" series of children's books.

Contact Information

Eric Berlin

[email protected]

Related Links

Website

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Puzzle Your Kids

Related Links

http://www.puzzleyourkids.com


GREEN BAY, Wisc., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen College, a regionally accredited private college, today announced its Professional Nursing Associate's degree programs in Green Bay and Wausau, Wisc. have earned programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).1 Accreditation signifies the Green Bay and Wausau nursing programs have met or exceeded standards and criteria for educational quality in nursing curriculum and preparation for nursing students to work successfully in the profession.

"Rasmussen College is committed to delivering the highest standard of education across all of our nursing programs," said Dr. Joan Rich, vice president of nursing at Rasmussen College. "The accreditation process through ACEN is a rigorous, voluntary and faculty-driven process that often takes more than a year to complete. Successfully fulfilling ACEN's requirements and achieving accreditation signifies the College is delivering on our responsibility to offer exceptional nursing education for our Green Bay and Wausau students."

About the Rasmussen College ACEN-Accredited Nursing Programs

The Rasmussen College Professional Nursing Associate's degree program offers a path to a career as a registered nurse (RN). It can be completed in as few as 18 months.2 Upon graduation, nursing students are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam.

In addition to its Professional Nursing program, Rasmussen College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program with three entrance options. The RN to BSN Entrance Option is for students who already have obtained their RN license through an associate's degree program (or diploma and/or certificate) and are looking to advance their nursing careers by earning their BSN degree. The option is offered fully online and can be completed in as few as 12 months.2 Additionally, Rasmussen College offers two accelerated, pre-licensure entrance options for its BSN degree. These entrance options are designed for students who are committed to the nursing profession and eager to launch their careers as quickly as possible. Depending on whether a student already has a bachelor's degree, they can earn their BSN in as few as 18 to 33 months.2 The Rasmussen College BSN degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).3

"All of our nursing courses are taught by experienced nurse faculty. Students are also exposed to simulation experiences in state-of-the-art nursing labs and have access to a variety of clinical opportunities throughout the Green Bay and Wausau areas," said Robert Muster, northern regional dean of nursing, Rasmussen College. "Also, with no waiting lists for qualified students and four start dates per year, students can start sooner and launch their nursing careers faster. We are thrilled to earn ACEN accreditation and be recognized for the quality nursing education we provide our students and the caliber of our graduates who go on to fill open positions and care for our communities."

To learn more about the Rasmussen College School of Nursing or apply for the summer term, please visit http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/.

1The Rasmussen College Professional Nursing Associate's degree program in Green Bay and Wausau, WI is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850

Atlanta, GA 30326

Phone: 404-975-5000

acenursing.org

2Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and courses completed each term.

3The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530

Washington, DC 20036

Phone: 202-887-6791

www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation

ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE:

Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college and Public Benefit Corporation that is dedicated to changing lives and the communities it serves through high-demand and flexible educational programs. Since 1900, the College has been committed to academic innovation and providing a high standard of education while empowering students to pursue a college degree. Rasmussen College offers certificate and diploma programs through associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online and across its 22 Midwest and Florida campuses. A pioneer in online education, the College is helping lead advancements in innovations such as competency-based education and comprehensive student support services that help working adults advance their careers. The College is also committed to providing a positive impact on society through public service and a variety of community-based initiatives. For more information about Rasmussen College, please visit www.rasmussen.edu.

Contact: Molly Andersen

Phone: 952-844-5647

Mobile: 903-920-4366

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Rasmussen College

Related Links

http://www.rasmussen.edu


WALTHAM, Mass., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) will issue its first quarter 2017 earnings news release at 7 a.m. EDT Thursday, April 27, 2017. The release will be posted on Raytheon's website.

The first quarter 2017 earnings results conference call will be at 9 a.m. EDT Thursday, April 27, 2017. The call will be audiocast on the Internet at www.raytheon.com/ir. Charts to be referenced during the call will be available on the website for printing prior to the call.

Participants are urged to check the website ahead of time to ensure their computers are configured for the audio stream. Instructions for obtaining the required downloadable software are posted to the site.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2016 sales of $24 billion and 63,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 95 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Follow us on Twitter.

Investor Relations Contact

Todd Ernst

+1.781.522.5141

Media Contact

Corinne Kovalsky

+1.781.522.5899

SOURCE Raytheon Company

Related Links

http://www.raytheon.com


PLEASANTON, Calif., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Reach150 (www.reach150.com), a referral management platform focused on relationship businesses which was recently acquired by SmartZip, announced today a partnership with Cloud CMA, a cloud-based reporting system for real estate professionals that automatically creates comparable market analysis (CMA) reports on residential real estate. With the partnership, subscribers to both Reach150 and Cloud CMA are now able to see all of their Reach150 testimonials in the Cloud CMA-generated reports. This merge of information further strengthens the professional's credibility and presentation using the power of recommendations from their past clients.

"We partner with companies where we can lend to the cause of helping real estate agents elevate their brand, generate referral business and close new customers," said Dan Hodges, Founder of Reach150, a SmartZip company.

Reach150 has a systematic and simple way to help real estate agents grow their business through referrals. It includes an intuitive mobile app that easily requests, reviews and publishes recommendations from past clients, turning them into powerful online advertising campaigns directed at their sphere of influence as well as to residents in their local area. The system also includes branded profile pages that are continually updated with the new recommendations, which strengthens the user's online reputation, enhances search engine rankings and can ultimately yield more clients.

Cloud CMA is a web-based, report generating application designed for real estate professionals to create custom client handouts for buyers and sellers. Report sets include a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), Buyer Tour, Property Report, and Flyers. Cloud CMA merges data from the MLS with various web sources such as WalkScore, Yelp, Panaramio and more to generate content rich reports. Reports can be printed or viewed as an interactive iPad presentation.

"The CMA is such a big part of an agent's listing presentation and we believe Cloud CMA provides the best in class solution. We are also big fans of Reach150 and have seen each system produce success for our agents. We're thrilled they have partnered together. They are two remarkable companies enhancing the value of both of their products," said Tom Tognoli, founder, President and CEO of Intero Real Estate Services.

"Reach150 has done a stellar job at taking what agents have been doing offline for decades  gathering client testimonials  to a strategic and systematic online approach. Reusing their persuasive testimonial content in our CMA reports adds to our end goal of getting agents to a signed listing agreement," said Greg Robertson, co-founder and President of W+R Studios (creators of Cloud CMA).

SmartZip recently announced the acquisition of Reach150. SmartZip is working on folding the Reach150 referral marketing tools and content into its SmartTargeting predictive marketing platform, giving users an easier way to leverage user-generated testimonials and referrals to accelerate their business.

ABOUT REACH150, A SMARTZIP COMPANY

Reach150 is the leader in referral management, providing relationship businesses with a systematic and simple way to generate more referrals and close more business. Ninety-two percent of individuals trust referrals from people they know and are six times more likely to do business with them.

Reach150 helps people grow their business by proactively building their online reputation, promoting proof of their excellent service, and nurturing their most important relationships.

ABOUT SMARTZIP ANALYTICS, INC.

SmartZip Analytics is a national leader in predictive marketing solutions for real estate, lending and related home service industries. Using patent-pending home intelligence, predictive analytics and automated marketing campaigns, SmartZip's SmartTargeting platform offers an integrated solution that can identify top home seller prospects accurately, engage them through targeted online and offline marketing campaigns, and help close more business with smart nurturing and prospecting tools. In addition, leading national real estate and financial companies, including ZipRealty.com, foreclosure.com, HomeSnap, Envestnet|Yodlee, RealtyStore.com and others rely on SmartZip's best-of-breed analytics for their products and online businesses.

SmartZip is backed by Intel Capital, Claremont Creek Ventures, Crest Capital, Javelin Venture Partners, Cue Ball Capital, Toba Capital and ORIX Growth Capital, and is headquartered in Pleasanton, CA.

ABOUT W+R STUDIOS

Founded in 2008, W+R Studios is a privately held web software company located in Huntington Beach, California. The company focuses on creating the next generation of web-based software solutions for the real estate industry. By providing a "less is more" approach to software design, elegant user interfaces, and using the latest in agile programming, W+R Studios' software applications are at the same time powerful, yet accessible to everyone. Co-founders Dan Woolley and Greg Robertson have over 24 years of experience each developing and marketing real estate software solutions.

SOURCE SmartZip Analytics, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.smartzip.com


July 4, 2017 Payment Date Following June 12, 2017 Record Date

Quarterly Dividend of 48 Cents per Share Declared by Board

TORONTO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Rogers Communications Inc. ("Rogers") announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend totaling 48 cents per share on each of its outstanding Class B Non-Voting shares and Class A Voting shares.

The quarterly dividend declared today will be paid on July 4, 2017 to shareholders of record on June 12, 2017. Such quarterly dividends are only payable as and when declared by Rogers' Board and there is no entitlement to any dividend prior thereto.

About Rogers:

Rogers is a leading diversified Canadian communications and media company that's working to deliver a great experience to our customers every day. We are Canada's largest provider of wireless communications services and one of Canada's leading providers of cable television, high-speed Internet, information technology, and telephony services to consumers and businesses. Through Rogers Media, we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, sports, televised and online shopping, magazines, and digital media. Our shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).

SOURCE Rogers Communications Canada Inc. - English

Related Links

http://www.rogers.com


LONG BEACH, Calif., April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SCAN, a leading senior-focused organization with the mission of keeping seniors healthy and independent, has announced a charitable contribution of $40,000 to Long Beach State University's College of Health & Human Services. The gift recognizes SCAN's 40th anniversary and its four decades of commitment to meeting the needs of seniors in Long Beach and beyond. The donation was unveiled at a colloquium held April 12 at the Walter Pyramid on the Long Beach State University campus, entitled, "Aging Reimagined: A Community Approach to Health and Independence."

"We are extremely grateful to SCAN for this generous gift and its ongoing collaboration with the College of Health & Human Services," stated College Dean Monica Lounsbery. "SCAN has long been recognized, locally and nationally, for its dedication to meeting the needs of seniors, and we congratulate the organization on achieving this milestone of 40 years of service to older adults in our communities."

The charitable contribution is designated to support four key university initiatives: faculty research, the colloquium on aging, campus wellness week activities and the Dean's Excellence Fund, which may cover student scholarships, research and future innovation challenges within the College of Health & Human Services.

"As an organization started by Long Beach seniors four decades ago, we can't think of a more appropriate way to mark and celebrate our anniversary than this gift to one of our long-time partners, Long Beach State University," noted Chris Wing, CEO of SCAN. "Our legacy of cooperation with the university and others in the community who share our commitment to mobilizing experts, thought leaders and academics to address the needs of seniors, has been vital to SCAN's success and growth. We very much look forward to the next 40 years of enhanced service and support, enabling seniors to remain independent as they age."

The colloquium, which was cohosted by the City of Long Beach and Long Beach State University, was a full day of educational and engaging sessions. It featured panel discussions and presentations led by prominent industry leaders, educators, city officials and healthcare experts who presented leading research and data, and discussed best practices for supporting seniors in today's world. The goal was to collaborate on how best to provide a community-based, comprehensive network of care and services for seniors.

"Aging Reimagined was an expansive and valuable event focused exclusively on the needs of today's seniors and their caregivers," said Wing. "Together with our partners at the City of Long Beach and Long Beach State University, we look forward to bringing this constructive information to the broader community and identifying opportunities for continued collaboration to improve the lives of our oldest residents."

For more information about the colloquium, visit www.scanhealthplan.com/agingreimagined. To learn more about SCAN, please visit www.scanhealthplan.com/about-scan.

About SCAN

SCAN is a not-for-profit organization committed to keeping seniors healthy and independent. That's been our mission since our founding in 1977. Today we deliver on that mission through SCAN Health Plan, one of the largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plans in the nation. Independence at Home, a SCAN community service, provides vitally needed services and support to seniors, disabled adults and their caregivers. SCAN also offers education programs, community funding, volunteer opportunities and other community services throughout our California service area. To learn more, visit scanhealthplan.com or facebook.com/scanhealthplan or follow us on twitter @scanhealthplan.

About the College of Health & Human Services, Long Beach State University

The College of Health & Human Services at Long Beach State University will be nationally and internationally recognized as an innovator and leader in community connections, the discovery of knowledge and educating diverse students in the health and human services professions. Our national and international reputation will attract and retain a richly diverse, high-quality faculty whose students-centered teaching, research and collaborations in the campus and global communities will be well recognized and rewarded. Through our richly diverse and highly qualified faculty, we strive to be leader in connections to the community, collaboration with other universities, research, community service, number of active centers and number of students seeking professional careers.

Y0057_SCAN_10240_2017 IA 04132017

SOURCE SCAN

Related Links

https://www.scanhealthplan.com


NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited ("China Unicom" or the "Company") (NYSE: CHU). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980.

The investigation concerns whether China Unicom and certain of its officers and/or directors have violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

[Click here to join a class action]

On April 18, 2017, media outlets reported that Chang Xiaobing, China Unicom's former chairman, admitted at trial in China that he had accepted bribes worth more than 3.76 million yuan during his 14-year tenure at the Company.

On this news, China Unicom's American Depositary Receipt price has fallen as much as $0.61, or 4.45%, during intraday trading on April 18, 2017.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Florida, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 70 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Related Links

http://www.pomerantzlaw.com


FILES NI 43-101 TECHNICAL REPORT ON CUSI MINE IN MEXICO

TORONTO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Sierra Metals Inc. (TSX: SMT) (BVL: SMT) ("Sierra Metals" or "the Company") is pleased to report first quarter 2017 production results featuring the highest level of throughput and metal production to date from the Yauricocha Mine.

Results are from Sierra Metals' three underground mines in Latin America: the Yauricocha polymetallic Mine in Peru and the Bolivar copper and Cusi silver Mines in Mexico.

First Quarter 2017 Production Highlights

Total tonnes processed of 529,695; an 11% increase over Q1 2016

Silver equivalent production of 3.0 million ounces; a 28% increase from Q1 2016

Copper equivalent production of 26.1 million pounds; a 28% increase from Q1 2016

Increase of 54% in silver equivalent production and 21% increase in throughput at Yauricocha during Q1 2017 vs Q1 2016

During the first quarter of 2017, consolidated metal production increased 28% compared to Q1 2016. The increase in metal production was due to higher throughput, higher silver, copper and zinc head grades as well as higher recoveries for all metals, except gold, at Yauricocha. Additionally, the Company saw higher throughput and recoveries of all metals at Bolivar but this was partially offset by lower throughput, head grades and recoveries of all metals at Cusi.

"Sierra Metals reported a solid improvement in metals production and tonnage processed in the first quarter of 2017 lead by the Yauricocha Mine which recently completed key aspects of a successful restructuring and rehabilitation program" commented Gordon Babcock, Chief Operating Officer of Sierra Metals. "We continue to work at all of our mines to improve operations, best practices, introduce modern equipment as well as improve grade. Management believes that these changes will serve to increase production and improve grade for 2017 and the years to come."

Alonso Lujan, Vice President Exploration stated: "Exploration remains a key aspect of the improvement programs being implemented at all three of our mines and we are very optimistic that these brownfield exploration programs will continue to add high value tonnage going forward. Examples of this can be seen at Yauricocha with the Esperanza, Cuye-Mascota zones, at Bolivar with the Bolivar West and Northwest zones as well as at Cusi with the recently announced Santa Rosa de Lima Zone." Gordon Babcock concluded, "When combined with our continued production optimization program it will lead to substantial growth, not only in production with lower costs, but most importantly in shareholder value."

Consolidated Production Results

Consolidated Production 3 Months Ended 2017 Guidance

Q1 2017 Q1 2016 % Var. Low High











Tonnes processed (mt) 529,695 476,220 11%





Daily throughput 6,054 5,443 11%



























Silver ounces (000's) 698 588 19% 2,987 3,485 Copper pounds (000's) 7,290 5,836 25% 31,050 36,200 Lead pounds (000's) 9,143 8,255 11% 31,100 36,300 Zinc pounds (000's) 18,137 10,919 66% 61,800 72,100 Gold ounces 1,777 2,236 -21% 7,800 9,100











Silver equivalent ounces (000's)(1) 3,050 2,375 28% 11,534 13,454 Copper equivalent pounds (000's)(1) 26,086 20,309 28% 98,642 115,066



(1) Silver equivalent ounces & copper equivalent pounds were calculated using the following metal prices:

$19.50/oz Ag, $2.28/lb Cu, $0.85/lb Pb, $1.05/lb Zn, $1,369/oz Au.



Yauricocha Mine, Peru

The Yauricocha Mine processed a quarterly record of 251,180 tonnes in Q1 2017 representing a 21% increase compared to Q1 2016. The 54% increase in metal production in Q1 2017 was driven by higher plant throughput, higher silver, copper and zinc head grades, and higher recoveries of all metals, except gold. The Company continues to see improvements in metal production as a result of the installation of a higher capacity hoist and the positive impact of the operational improvement program implemented at the mine during the past year.

Continued production from higher grade ore zones, including the Esperanza Zone and the Cuerpos Chicos, has allowed the Company to continue to increase throughput and improve head grades, resulting in higher silver and copper equivalent metal production. The Company also saw an increase in the production of all metals, except gold, with increases in production of silver (76%), copper (49%), zinc (73%), and lead (21%). Management believes throughput and metal production will remain stable throughout the year.

A summary of production from the Yauricocha Mine for Q1 2017 has been provided below:

Yauricocha Production 3 Months Ended

Q1 2017 Q1 2016 % Var.







Tonnes processed (mt) 251,180 207,580 21%

Daily throughput 2,871 2,372 21%









Silver grade (g/t) 81.37 74.21 10%

Copper grade 0.81% 0.75% 8%

Lead grade 1.76% 2.29% -23%

Zinc grade 3.60% 2.68% 35%

Gold Grade (g/t) 0.56 0.63 -11%









Silver recovery 75.95% 57.19% 33%

Copper recovery 62.00% 54.23% 14%

Lead recovery 85.96% 66.17% 30%

Zinc recovery 89.12% 83.98% 6%

Gold Recovery 17.25% 25.33% -32%







Silver ounces (000's) 499 283 76% Copper pounds (000's) 2,783 1,863 49% Lead pounds (000's) 8,382 6,944 21% Zinc pounds (000's) 17,774 10,281 73% Gold ounces 779 1,062 -27%







Silver equivalent ounces (000's)(1) 2,202 1,432 54% Copper equivalent pounds (000's)(1) 18,829 12,246 54%



(1) Silver equivalent ounces & copper equivalent pounds were calculated using the following metal prices:

$19.50/oz Ag, $2.28/lb Cu, $0.85/lb Pb, $1.05/lb Zn, $1,369/oz Au.



Bolivar Mine, Mexico

Bolivar had another quarter of consistent plant throughput in Q1 2017 with 243,974 tonnes processed which was an 11% increase when compared to Q1 2016. The higher throughput and recoveries of all metals helped offset the lower head grades encountered and resulted in a 9% increase in copper equivalent production compared to Q1 2016. Plant improvements completed at Bolivar during the second half of 2016, including the installation of a new vibrating screen and cyclones which contributed to the improvement in recoveries of all metals during Q1 2017.

Copper production of 4.5 million pounds increased 13%, silver production of 94,000 ounces decreased 3% and gold production of 840 ounces decreased 2% in Q1 2017 compared to Q1 2016.

The Company's focus at Bolivar during the remainder of 2017 will be on improving production volume through the procurement of new equipment including Jumbos, Scoops and Trucks expected to arrive in stages with full delivery complete by the end of the second quarter with the intention of moving more material from available production stopes within the mine.

A summary of production for the Bolivar Mine for Q1 2017 has been provided below:

Bolivar Production 3 Months Ended

Q1 2017 Q1 2016 % Var.







Tonnes processed (mt) 243,974 218,886 11%

Daily throughput 2,788 2,502 11%









Copper grade 1.03% 1.06% -3%

Silver grade (g/t) 15.25 18.37 -17%

Gold grade (g/t) 0.20 0.27 -23%









Copper recovery 81.49% 77.69% 5%

Silver recovery 78.95% 75.40% 5%

Gold recovery 52.49% 45.99% 14%







Copper pounds (000's) 4,508 3,973 13% Silver ounces (000's) 94 97 -3% Gold ounces 840 859 -2%







Silver equivalent ounces (000's)(1) 680 622 9% Copper equivalent pounds (000's)(1) 5,820 5,323 9%



(1) Silver equivalent ounces & copper equivalent pounds were calculated using the following metal prices: $19.50/oz Ag, $2.28/lb Cu, $0.85/lb Pb, $1.05/lb Zn, $1,369/oz Au.



Cusi Mine, Mexico

Total ore processed of 34,541 tonnes during Q1 2017 decreased 31% compared to Q1 2016. Lower head grades and recoveries for all metals contributed to the 48% decrease in silver equivalent production.

Silver production of 104,000 ounces decreased 50%, gold production of 159 ounces decreased 49%, lead production of 0.8 million pounds decreased 42%, and zinc production of 0.4 million pounds decreased 43% compared to Q1 2016.

Despite the decreases in tonnage and metal production at Cusi it is very important to note that the Company is currently re-evaluating its development plan at the mine following a successful reinterpretation of the mine's geology. Management are very encouraged by data from a recently completed 15,000-metre drilling program that was focused on the high-grade Santa Rosa de Lima zone with a goal of increasing tonnage and grade at Cusi, which was not included in the recently released Mineral Resource Estimate at Cusi (please see news release dated April 13, 2017). Drilling in this area is based on a new conceptual interpretation of the Santa Rosa de Lima structure at the Cusi Mine. This interpretation is based on exploration drilling of the NW-SE regional structural system and demonstrates that mineralization is consistent across the assessed area.

Management plans to focus on improving head grades and maintaining production at a rate of approximately 400tpd, while stockpiling ore at the plant and producing it in batches. The Company will be drifting on the Santa Rosa de Lima zone in an effort to improve head grades as well as focus on the reinterpretation of geology at Cusi.

A summary of production for the Cusi Mine for Q1 2017 has been provided below:

Cusi Production 3 Months Ended

Q1 2017 Q1 2016 % Var.







Tonnes processed (mt) 34,541 49,753 -31%

Daily throughput 395 569 -31%









Silver grade (g/t) 146.13 174.38 -16%

Gold grade (g/t) 0.25 0.29 -16%

Lead grade 1.25% 1.41% -12%

Zinc grade 1.26% 1.38% -9%









Silver recovery 64.18% 74.16% -13%

Gold recovery 57.87% 66.84% -13%

Lead recovery 80.22% 84.92% -6%

Zinc recovery 37.91% 42.02% -10%







Silver ounces (000's) 104 207 -50% Gold ounces 159 314 -49% Lead pounds (000's) 761 1,312 -42% Zinc pounds (000's) 363 638 -43%







Silver equivalent ounces (000's)(1) 168 320 -48% Copper equivalent pounds (000's)(1) 1,437 2,740 -48%



(1) Silver equivalent ounces & copper equivalent pounds were calculated using the following metal prices: $19.50/oz Ag, $2.28/lb Cu, $0.85/lb Pb, $1.05/lb Zn, $1,369/oz Au.



Sierra Metals announces filing of NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Cusi Mine in Mexico

Sierra Metals has filed a technical report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") on the Cusi Mine (the "Report"). The Report supports the disclosure made by the Company in its news release dated April 13, 2017 entitled "Sierra Metals Updates Mineral Resource Estimate for Cusi Mine, Mexico." and there are no material differences in the mineral reserves and resources contained in the Report from those disclosed in the news release.

The Report includes Resources for the Cusi Mine with:

Total Indicated Mineral Resources of 1,990,000 tonnes averaging 237 g/t silver, 0.53% lead, 0.53% zinc, 0.16 g/t gold, 283 g/t AgEq and 18.3 Moz AgEq

Total Inferred Mineral Resources of 1,200,000 tonnes averaging 305 g/t silver, 0.51% lead, 0.64% zin, 0.14 g/t gold, 354 g/t AgEq and 13.7 Moz Ag Eq

Notes on Reserve and Resource Estimate

The effective date of the mineral resource statement for the Cusi Mine is January 31, 2017. Details of the Resource estimate are provided in the Company's April 13, 2017 press release. A NI 43-101 compliant technical report to support the estimate has been filed on SEDAR on April 17, 2017.

Metal price assumptions considered for the calculation of the cut-off grade and equivalency are: Silver (Ag): US$/oz 18.30, Lead (US$/LB 0.93), Zinc (US$/lb 1.15) and Gold (US$/oz 1,283.00.

Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

For a specific breakdown of each category of resources (indicated and inferred), please refer to the Report.

The Report dated April 14, 2017 was prepared by SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc. and is entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources Cusi Mine, Mexico" and was prepared by independent "Qualified Persons" (as that term is defined in NI 43-101) under the direction of:

Matthew Hastings, MSc Geology, MAusIMM (CP), Senior Consultant (Resource Geology)

Daniel H. Sepulveda, B.Sc. Metallurgist, SME-RM

Mark Willow, MSc, CEM, SME-RM

The Report is available for review on both SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and the Company's website (www.sierrametals.com).

Quality Control

All technical data contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gordon Babcock, P.Eng., Chief Operating Officer and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Sierra Metals

Sierra Metals Inc. is Canadian based growing polymetallic mining company with production from its Yauricocha Mine in Peru, and its Bolivar and Cusi Mines in Mexico. The company recently completed a very successful operational improvements program at it Yauricocha mine and is now focused on completing a similar program at its Mexican operations to increase production volume, recoveries and modernize operations. Sierra Metals continues to grow its mineral resources with several exciting brownfield opportunities such as the Esperanza Zone at the Yauricocha Mine which went from first discovery to mining in less than one year. The Company has several other brownfield exploration opportunities at all three Mines in Peru and Mexico within or very close to the existing mines which its actively exploring and hopes to daylight in the short-term. The company has large land packages at all three Mines with several regional highly prospective targets providing longer term exploration upside and mineral resource growth potential.

The Company's shares trade on the Lima Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Valores de Lima) and on the TSX under the symbol "SMT".

Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address estimated resource quantities, grades and contained metals, possible future mining, exploration and development activities, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices for metals, the conclusions of detailed technical analyses, lower than expected grades and quantities of resources, mining rates and recovery rates and the lack of availability of necessary capital, which may not be available to the Company on terms acceptable to it or at all. The Company is subject to the specific risks inherent in the mining business as well as general.

Continue to watch our progress at:

Web: www.sierrametals.com

Twitter: sierrametals

Facebook: SierraMetalsInc

LinkedIn: Sierra Metals Inc

SOURCE Sierra Metals Inc.

Related Links

www.sierrametals.com


NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Silipos - www.SILIPOS.com/Active - the global leader in gel technologies and manufacturer of products for the active lifestyle today announced a new partnership with Running Room, Canada's largest running and walking retailer with 117 stores.

Running Room will offer a group of products from Silipos Active, a line with focus on the outdoor, active lifestyle recently launched in March 2017 and is designed to prevent and relieve pain associated with a variety of common ailments.

Silipos Active Line to be offered at Running Room retail stores

"The partnership with Running Room is an exciting step for the Silipos Active line, which is designed specifically for the needs of runners and walkers, as well as cyclists, skiers and other people living active lifestyles," said the president and CEO of Silipos, Josh Margolis. "We feel Running Room's commitment to this market and their role within the community align with the Silipos brand."

The Silipos Active line includes 16 different products that help prevent and treat a variety of issues such as corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, blisters, bunions, Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, sprains, and general foot pain.

Silipos is the original manufacturer of podiatry TPE gels, which are made under the strictest quality guidelines with a proprietary formula of medical-grade mineral oil. Silipos' gels are soft and stretch with the foot, absorbing force, pressure, and vibration. The gels contain mineral oil that gradually diffuses into the skin to help prevent against calluses and dryness while reducing scarring. Silipos Active products can be washed and reused while retaining all of their unique benefits, and are odorless, latex-free, antimicrobial, vegan, and hypoallergenic.

"We're pleased to offer Silipos Active products to our customers," said Matt Norminton, Purchasing and Sponsored Athlete Program Lead, Running Room. "As runners and walkers ourselves, we know what it's like to be sidelined from a sport you love. With Silipos products people can get back to enjoying the outdoors."

About Silipos:

Founded in 1989, Silipos is the global leader in gel technologies across a wide range of industries including orthopedics, prosthetics, skin care, and health and beauty aids. Silipos is committed to continually improving people's lives with new and innovative gel solutions. Many of Silipos' gels are developed and manufactured at the company's headquarters in New York State. Learn more at http://www.SILIPOS.com and connect with us on Instagram @siliposusa.

About Running Room:

Running Room is proudly a family-owned company. It originated in 1984 out of founder John Stanton's wish to purchase quality running shoes from someone knowledgeable about the sport. New to the sport of running, John had a thirst for knowledge as well as a desire to buy the right product. This entrepreneurial retailer decided to fill a niche in the marketplace by opening a small one-room store in the renovated living room of an old house in Edmonton, hence the name, "Running Room." The concept was highly successful, and the stores have since expanded to 117 locations across Canada and the United States. More at: https://www.runningroom.com.

Silipos Media Contact:

Matt Bennett

[email protected]

303-909-0530

Running Room Media Contact:

Jarina Yeung

[email protected]

SOURCE Silipos, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.silipos.com/


MENLO PARK, Calif. and NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Silver Lake, the global leader in technology investing, announced today that it has raised $15 billion for Silver Lake Partners V, enhancing its capacity to pursue large-scale investment opportunities in technology and technology-enabled industries in geographies around the world. The firm secured limited partner capital commitments of $14.5 billion, surpassing its $12.5 billion target, as well as approximately $500 million from the general partner. The firm now manages about $39 billion in combined assets under management and committed capital.

"We recognize and take seriously our responsibility to serve as stewards of capital for our limited partners and their beneficiaries in an international investment environment characterized by growing complexity, disruption and change." said Managing Partners Mike Bingle, Egon Durban, Ken Hao, and Greg Mondre. "We remain intensely focused on Silver Lake's differentiated strategy of global technology investing, which positions us to partner with the world's premier management teams to leverage deep domain expertise, tap extensive industry relationships and drive innovation to achieve long-term value."

"We are excited by the strong investor demand for our fifth fund and are deeply gratified by the confidence our limited partners have demonstrated in Silver Lake," the Managing Partners added. "We are very appreciative of the continued support of our long-term investors and pleased to welcome new investors to the fund."

Silver Lake invests across the broad spectrum of technology, technology-enabled and related growth industries, ranging from semiconductors, software, cloud computing, transaction processing, and IT infrastructure to cybersecurity, e-commerce and vertical specific technology investments in the energy, healthcare, financial services and media sectors. Silver Lake's diverse ecosystem of portfolio companies collectively generates more than $140 billion of revenue annually and employs more than 300,000 people globally.

Investors in Silver Lake Partners V include public and corporate pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations, funds of funds, family offices, technology industry leaders and individual investors across North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

"What resonated with investors in this fundraise is what resonates with industry CEOs: Silver Lake's flexible investment structures, conservative use of leverage, and an intensive focus on growth," said Susannah Carrier, Managing Director and global head of fundraising and investor relations. "Under the leadership of the Managing Partners, Silver Lake continues to strive for a culture of excellence and an alignment of interests with our limited partners to deliver superior investment performance. These goals have defined Silver Lake since its inception eighteen years ago and will continue to guide the firm in the years ahead."

About Silver Lake

Silver Lake is the global leader in technology investing, with about $39 billion in combined assets under management and committed capital and a team of approximately 100 investment and value creation professionals located in Silicon Valley, New York, London, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Silver Lake's portfolio of investments collectively generates more than $140 billion of revenue annually and employs more than 300,000 people globally. The firm's current portfolio includes leading technology and technology-enabled businesses such as Alibaba Group, Ancestry, Broadcom Limited, Cast & Crew, Ctrip, Dell Technologies, Fanatics, Global Blue, GoDaddy, Motorola Solutions, Red Ventures, Sabre, SoFi, SolarWinds, Symantec, and WMEIMG. For more information about Silver Lake and its entire portfolio, please visit www.silverlake.com.

Media Contact:

Patricia Graue

212-333-3810

[email protected]

SOURCE Silver Lake

Related Links

http://www.silverlake.com


MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Singularity University (SU), a global community with a mission to educate, inspire, and empower leaders to apply exponential technologies to address humanity's grand challenges today announced the second annual Exponential Manufacturing Summit taking place at the Westin Waterfront Hotel in Boston, May 17-19, 2017.

The event is expected to attract over 500 global executives, entrepreneurs, investors, government, and policy leaders. The conference will showcase and discuss disruptive advances in eight areas that are fundamentally changing manufacturing today, including: artificial intelligence and machine learning, bio manufacturing, energy, additive manufacturing, augmented reality, IoT, and advanced and collaborative robotics. These exponential technologies are rapidly changing how we make resource and maintenance decisions; design and develop customer-centric product lines; add flexibility and speed to our production processes; and improve our ability to store, pick, ship, and sell orders of all sizes to retailers and individual purchasers alike.

Exponential Manufacturing is one of three Exponential Summits each year devoted to a vertical industry with the other two dedicated to Exponential Finance and Exponential Medicine. SU also hosts an annual Global Summit and a growing number of International Summits. These Summits foster technology innovation and the real-world applications that drive global good. To date the Summits have attracted over 4,000 attendees from 85 countries who network with each other and domain experts in exponential technologies and thinking. During these unique events, attendees gain actionable knowledge and skills along with a network of industry contacts to help them navigate how these disruptive technologies can be incorporated into and benefit their organizations.

Specific to this year's Exponential Manufacturing, the focus will be on:

How new regulations and the new Administration will affect R&D, jobs and trade

How to increase workforce productivity with the use of AI and advanced robotics

How machine learning is changing everything we know about decision making

How digitization, autonomous factories, and virtual and augmented reality will change your entire retail supply chain

How digital platforms and 3D printing help small companies go from art to part faster

How large organizations can learn to pivot with the speed of a start-up

"This year we'll share SU's unique insight on recent advances in exponential and converging technologies, but we'll also go deeper than ever before into how these technologies are affecting specific manufacturing functions and the strategic decisions leaders will need to be prepared to make right now," said Will Weisman, Executive Director, Summits.

Among the topics and presenters addressing this year's Exponential Manufacturing Summit:

Jay Timmons , President of the National Association of Manufacturers on the Trump Administration's policies and programs that impact manufacturing

, President of the National Association of Manufacturers on the Trump Administration's policies and programs that impact manufacturing Dr. Ray Kurzweil , Co-Founder & Chancellor of SU and Director of Engineering at Google

, Co-Founder & Chancellor of SU and Director of Engineering at Google Megan Brewster , former Sr. Policy Advisor for Advanced Manufacturing in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

, former Sr. Policy Advisor for Advanced Manufacturing in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Deborah Wince-Smith , President & CEO of the Council on Competitiveness on the global outlook for the industry

, President & CEO of the Council on Competitiveness on the global outlook for the industry Jay Rogers , Local Motors Co-Founder & CEO on the future of transportation

, Local Motors Co-Founder & CEO on the future of transportation Trisa Thompson , Dell's SVP & Chief Responsibility Officer on Impact Manufacturing

, Dell's SVP & Chief Responsibility Officer on Impact Manufacturing Rodney Brooks , Rethink Robotics Founder, Chairman & CTO on partnering with robots

, Rethink Robotics Founder, Chairman & CTO on partnering with robots Dyan Finkhousen , GE Director of Open Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing on crowdsourcing and open innovation

, GE Director of Open Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing on crowdsourcing and open innovation Bill McInnis , Vice President of Reebok Future on process transformation and the liquid factory, and

, Vice President of Reebok Future on process transformation and the liquid factory, and Erin Bradner , Autodesk Sr. Principal Research Scientist on generative design, to name a few.

There will also be a hands-on Innovation Lab for attendees to see demonstrations of the latest advanced manufacturing innovations.

Exponential Manufacturing is produced with generous support from Deloitte, Platinum Partner of Singularity University Summits, as well as from the following Exponential Manufacturing partners: GE Ventures, BD and AutoDesk. Registration, full speaker lineup and working agenda are available at: https://su.org/summits/exponential-manufacturing/

Press inquiries? Ask questions or register here: www.exponential.singularityu.org/manufacturing/press/

ABOUT SINGULARITY UNIVERSITY (SU)

Singularity University is a global learning and innovation community using exponential technologies to tackle the world's biggest challenges and build an abundant future for all. SU's collaborative platform empowers individuals and organizations across the globe to learn, connect, and innovate breakthrough solutions using accelerating technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital biology. SU was founded in 2008 by renowned innovators Ray Kurzweil and Peter H. Diamandis and is partnered with leading organizations including Google, Deloitte, Genentech, and UNICEF. To learn more, visit SU.org, join us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @SingularityU.

Contact: Anna Roubos, [email protected]

SOURCE Singularity University

Related Links

https://su.org


This new Advanced Clinical Spa opens, in partnership with esteemed board certified dermatologist Jerome Potozkin, located in Danville, CA. Dr. Potozkin, who is specially trained in dermatological surgery, ensures that every patient receives optimal care with state-of-the-art technology, including Fraxel Dual, Fraxel Repair, IPL Photorejuvenation as well as the latest in injectables, in combination with personalized at-home skincare regimens.

"You can't expect to achieve superior results in just one office visit," Dr. Potozkin said. "Time coupled with a rigorous skincare regimen is necessary to complement procedures for the best outcome. This is why we are thrilled to be partnering with SkinCeuticals in the opening of our Advanced Clinical Spa. SkinCeuticals products are truly the gold standard of the industry. Each of their product innovations are at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, which aligns perfectly with our mission at Potozkin MD Skincare Center to always offer the latest and greatest advances in products, technology and technique."

Dr. Potozkin continues, "When I am training other dermatologists on the latest techniques for injectables and lasers, I always recommend SkinCeuticals vitamin c serum C E Ferulic and Resveratrol B E as a post-laser antioxidant regimen. These two products work to provide protection against environmental aggressors caused by free radicals and help repair skin post-laser. I recommend the new hyaluronic acid serum H.A. Intensifier to all my patients getting injectable hyaluronic acid fillers."

Specifically formulated for use before, during and after in-office procedures, SkinCeuticals offers premium products that offer both immediate and long-term benefits. Of the partnership, Brenda Wu, SkinCeuticals US General Manager, says, "We are beyond thrilled to partner with Potozkin MD Skincare Center. Dr. Potozkin's dedication to promoting healthy skin and providing a holistic skincare regimen is perfectly aligned with SkinCeuticals's ultimate goal to achieve optimal results through in-office procedures and a dedicated at-home skincare regimen. We look forward to supporting Dr. Potozkin to provide the best possible results to his patients."

ABOUT SKINCEUTICALS

Founded in Dallas, TX in 1997, SkinCeuticals discovers, develops, and delivers an advanced line of scientifically backed cosmeceutical treatments. As leaders in antioxidant and sun protection technology, SkinCeuticals products have been shown to dramatically improve skin health by protecting skin from environmental damage and visibly improving skin clarity, tone, and texture to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For more information, visit the brand on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or at www.skinceuticals.com.

Contact: Laura Cummins at SkinCeuticals: (212) 984-4907 / [email protected]

SOURCE SkinCeuticals

Related Links

http://www.skinceuticals.com


MIAMI, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mi9 Retail is pleased to announce that Spencer Gifts LLC has selected Mi9 Merchant, the Mi9 Retail flagship merchandising platform, to function as the backbone of its enterprise retail system. Spencer Gifts operates Spencer's, a North American mall retailer with over 600 stores in the United States and Canada, as well as Spirit Halloween, the largest Halloween specialty retailer in the world.

Spencer Gifts sought to replace its legacy merchandising system  one that had been customized over many years to support the unique, complex characteristics of its business. Spencer Gifts selected Mi9 Merchant because it offers both breadth and depth of "best of breed" functionality in a single solution, including advanced allocations. Mi9 Merchant is also a modern, scalable platform that will allow Spencer Gifts to successfully run its business for many years to come.

"After an exhaustive search of the enterprise retail systems market, we selected Mi9 Retail to be our core provider for merchandising," said Carey Lowrey, CIO at Spencer Gifts.

Spencer Gifts knew they needed a technology partner that understood their business and had the experience to deliver a solution they could depend on. Mi9 Merchant is built to manage the significant transaction volumes and inventory diversity of large, complex retailers like Spencer Gifts. Mi9 Retail was recently ranked #1 among software vendors for Tier One retailers in the 2016 RIS Software LeaderBoard.

"Mi9 Merchant is unique because it will support the intricate business requirements of Spencer Gifts and Spirit Halloween on the same core system that is deployed by all of our other Mi9 Merchant customers," said Neil Moses, CEO of Mi9 Retail. "Given that we maintain a single code base, Spencer Gifts is assured of an upgrade path and the ability to benefit from our ongoing investments and enhancements to our product."

About Mi9 Retail:

Mi9 Retail is passionate about helping retailers create great experiences for their customers - online, in-store, and on any device. We know that great retail experiences happen when optimized inventory management intersects perfectly with well-executed customer engagement strategies to deliver higher customer loyalty, better margins, and a more engaged workforce. Our solutions for merchandise management, digital commerce, and store operations are used by leading retailers across the globe. The company is headquartered in Miami, FL, with operations in North America, Europe and Asia. Visit www.mi9retail.com to learn more.

SOURCE Mi9 Retail

Related Links

http://www.mi9retail.com


RACINE, Wis., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 8, the 150th birthday of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright will be celebrated, and design enthusiasts around the world are preparing for special events to commemorate and honor one of America's most innovative architects.

Less than an hour from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the SC Johnson world headquarters is home to two Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildingsthe Administration Building (opened in 1939) and the Research Tower (opened in 1950). Both buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places and open to the public for free tours.

Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Research Tower on the Racine, Wisconsin world headquarters campus of SC Johnson Scientist in the Research Tower circa 1951 Raid, Glade, OFF! and Pledge were developed in the Research Tower in the 1950's The "square" floor level The open round mezzanine level situated above the square floor enabled communication between scientists on the two floors The Research Tower has 15 floors and more than 17 miles of Pyrex glass tube windows

The 15-story Research Tower is the birthplace of some of the company's most iconic, trusted brands; like Raid, Glade, Pledge and OFF!. While it hasn't been in active use for 30 years, the Research Tower still remains a visible reminder of the great spirit of innovation that continues to drive the company.

In 2013, the Research Tower went through an extensive 12-month restoration, which involved both exterior and interior updates. The Research Tower was opened for free public tours in spring 2014.

More than 7,000 Pyrex glass tubes are featured throughout the Tower to construct the building's numerous windows. If the glass tubes in the Tower were laid end to end they would span 17 miles, roughly the size of 586 stacked Research Towers.

When it opened, there was nothing in place to shade the building from light. It is said that it was so bright in the early days that scientists were issued sunglasses until window shades could be installed.

There are 15 stories and 232 stairs. The Tower consists of a series of square floors accompanied by round mezzanine levels. The mezzanine levels were not enclosed, which allowed for easier communication between the scientists.

The Research Tower is one of the tallest structures ever built on the cantilever principle. It stands 153 feet tall and its central core, which is 13 feet in diameter, extends 54 feet into the ground. All 15 floors of the Research Tower are supported by the "taproot" core; much like a tree supports its branches.

The Johnson family's commitment to innovation and Frank Lloyd Wright's visionary design have gone hand in hand for nearly 80 years. At our campus, visitors can experience a rich history of exploration and innovation in architecture that has drawn increasing global interest.

In 2016, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail was established, connecting many of Wright's architectural sites across Wisconsin to make it easier for tourists from around the globe to experience and enjoy Wright's legacy in his home state. The Trail includes five stops between Racine and Spring Green, Wis.

SC Johnson will be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial and is providing $2.5 million for the event. The Biennial is an international exhibition of contemporary architecture drawing participants from more than 30 countries. More than 500,000 architecture professionals, students, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world attended the 2015 Biennial, and SC Johnson will again be offering free tours of its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings during the run of the event. The Biennial will take place from September 16 through December 31 in 2017.

SC Johnson welcomes visitors to experience our Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings Thursday through Sunday. While the tours are free, reservations are required. To learn more about SC Johnson's free tours and to make a reservation, visit www.scjohnson.com/visit

About SC Johnson

SC Johnson is a family company dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, pest control and shoe care, as well as professional products. It markets such well-known brands as GLADE, KIWI, OFF!, PLEDGE, RAID, SCRUBBING BUBBLES, SHOUT, WINDEX and ZIPLOC in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including AUTAN, TANA, BAMA, BAYGON, BRISE, KABIKILLER, KLEAR, MR MUSCLE and RIDSECT. The 131-year-old company, which generates $10 billion in sales, employs approximately 13,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world. www.scjohnson.com

SOURCE SC Johnson

Related Links

http://www.scjohnson.com


DENVER, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SPYR, INC. (OTCQB:SPYR), a holding company with wholly owned subsidiaries in both the mobile game & app development and publishing industry, and in the restaurant industry, today announced a formal action by the Company's Board of Directors to initiate the legal and regulatory steps necessary to spin-off the Company's restaurant division, Eat at Joe's as a separate publicly traded company.

The spin-off company, currently operating under the name Eat at Joe's, will focus on the licensing or possibly franchising of the Eat at Joe's name and concept and will also include the manufacture and distribution of branded foods. The company plans to achieve its goals related to branded foods in part by acquiring companies with new and interesting food concepts.

In approving the action, the Board determined that "spinning off" its restaurant division would enable management to focus its attention on SPYR's core digital gaming business, while at the same time, providing its restaurant business with the necessary resources and management attention to separately develop and realize its full shareholder value. Further, spinning-off the restaurant entity will allow SPYR and Eat at Joe's to separately raise capital and seek financing, which should allow each to do so more effectively and efficiently.

The Company will soon complete the necessary steps to organize Eat at Joe's as a separate entity. Then, SPYR and the new Eat at Joe's entity will complete the regulatory components required to establish Eat at Joe's as a separate public company; registering Eat at Joe's common stock on Form 10; and, thereafter, filing an information statement and ancillary documents necessary to complete the spin-off transaction.

As consideration for the spin-off transaction, SPYR shareholders of record as of May 19, 2017, will receive one share of Eat at Joe's for every share of SPYR common stock that they own.

"We are very excited about the prospects of the spin-off for our shareholders and the resultant separately trading public companies," said SPYR CEO & President, James R, Thompson. He continued: "Each company will be able to enjoy a separate identity, thereby allowing each to maximize value for its shareholders."

SPYR will advise its shareholders of the process required to receive the dividend shares in Eat at Joe's.

About SPYR

SPYR, INC. is a holding company that through its wholly owned subsidiary SPYR APPS, LLC, is engaged in mobile application and game publishing and development. SPYR, INC. also owns and operates an "American Diner" theme restaurant located in the Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania called "Eat at Joe's" through its other wholly-owned subsidiary, E.A.J.: PHL Airport Inc. The Company is currently exploring opportunities for additional acquisitions in these and other verticals, including mobile application and game development, in order to expand its holdings, to drive and increase revenue and to generate profits and build value for shareholders.

Safe Harbor Statement:

This release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations or beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions about future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, we can give no assurance or guarantee that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of words like "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to: adverse economic conditions, competition, adverse federal, state and local government regulation, international governmental regulation, inadequate capital, inability to carry out research, development and commercialization plans, loss or retirement of key executives and other specific risks. To the extent that statements in this press release are not strictly historical, including statements as to revenue projections, business strategy, outlook, objectives, future milestones, plans, intentions, goals, future financial conditions, events conditioned on stockholder or other approval, or otherwise as to future events, such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. Readers are advised to review our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that can be accessed over the Internet at the SEC's website located at http://www.sec.gov, as well as SPYR's website located at http://www.spyr.com, and SPYR's community channel on Twitter located at https://twitter.com/spyrinc.

Contact:

Investor Relations

Marlin Molinaro

Marmel Communications, LLC

(828) 669-0616

[email protected]

Stanley Wunderlich

Consulting for Strategic Growth 1 Ltd.

Tel: 800-625-2236 ext. 7770

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE SPYR, INC.

Related Links

http://spyr.com


NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Ball is Europe's largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser and perhaps the most extravagant party in the world. The event is held in Vienna's iconic City Hall and brilliantly combines the most creative and talented facets of fashion, art and music.

After a year-long hiatus, the Life Ball is back and bigger than ever. Steele Luxury Travel is honored to be the exclusive U.S. travel partner for The Life Ball for the seventh consecutive time.

This year's Life Ball will take place on Saturday, June 10. In addition to providing individual event tickets, Steele Luxury Travel is also offering a limited number of weekend packages. The exclusive three-day adventure includes, a unique roundtrip flight experience from JFK to Vienna, airport transfers, a two-night stay at the 5-star luxury hotel, The Ring, a lavish dinner at the ultimate supper club, Alerbtina Passage, and exclusive tickets to walk The Life Ball red carpet.

Known to be one of the world's best parties, Life Ball's colorful and glamorous events attract high profile celebrities and notable luminaries from around the world including, Elton John, Charlize Theron, President Bill Clinton and Jean Paul Gautier. Debuting in 1993, the Life Ball has become a highly coveted and meaningful event. Raising awareness for the fight against AIDS & HIV, The Life Ball additionally focuses on eliminating taboos and addressing socio-political issues around the virus.

A ticket to Life Ball gives you access to walk the red carpet with international super stars dressed in chic black tie or explicitly to the theme. You will be given access to the globally televised opening ceremony replete with fashion shows, performance art, and musical productions.

All inclusive weekend packages start at just 3,100 per person and are of limited availability. To learn more and secure your spot to this year's event, please email Steele Luxury Travel at [email protected] or call 646-688-2274.

Media Contact: Dane Steele Green, Steele Luxury Travel, 646 688 2274, [email protected]

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE Steele Luxury Travel

Related Links

http://www.steeletravel.com


CHICAGO, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Stout Risius Ross, LLC, a leading independent advisory firm, announced today that it will now go to market under the "Stout" brand. Its investment bank, Stout Risius Ross Advisors, LLC, will also leverage the new brand.

"Our firm has progressed in many ways over the last 26 years," said Craige Stout, CEO. "The new Stout brand reflects how the firm has evolved and enhances our position as market-leading experts in Investment Banking, Valuation Advisory, Dispute Consulting, and Management Consulting services."

"We're moving into the future with a new brand while holding fast to our core values and client service model that have defined our firm since it was founded in 1991," said co-founder and head of client service, Jeff Risius. "Through our dedicated colleagues' incredible effort and discipline, we have built a solid reputation for very high-quality work, combined with exceptional client service."

Co-founder John Ross added, "We want our brand to communicate the blend of relationship-driven qualities and global partnerships, while reflecting our forward momentum. We are excited about introducing our clients to the new brand."

The new brand will be promoted through advertising, sponsorships, and digital marketing and will be reflected on office signage and in marketing materials. In the coming weeks, the firm will also launch a new website, stoutadvisory.com, which will deliver a mobile-friendly experience that showcases Stout's thought leadership, expertise, and experience across practice areas and industries.

About Stout

Stout is a leading independent advisory firm specializing in Investment Banking, Valuation Advisory, Dispute Consulting, and Management Consulting. We serve a range of clients, from Fortune 500 corporations to privately held companies in numerous industries around the world. Our clients and their advisors rely on our premier expertise, deep industry knowledge, and unparalleled responsiveness on complex financial matters. For more information visit www.stoutadvisory.com.

Stout is a trade name for Stout Risius Ross, LLC, and Stout Risius Ross Advisors, LLC, a FINRA registered broker-dealer and SIPC member firm.

SOURCE Stout Risius Ross, LLC

Related Links

http://www.stoutadvisory.com


BOSTON, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Savory waffles sold from a food cart, a cinch-locking bag that deters theft of package deliveries, and a children's book about a guppy who tries too hard to fit in are three of the latest Suffolk University student-run ventures that launched crowdfunding campaigns April 7. Suffolk's Sawyer Business School introduced one of the nation's first experiential courses on crowdfunding in fall 2016. The acclaimed course is now in its second semester.

Waffleholics: Carmen Reddick and Max Taylor aim to start a food cart business focused on waffles. The Waffleholics campaign can be found at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1381621398/welcome-waffleholics-where-savory-meets-sweet?ref=user_menu. Christopher Hassapis is crowdfunding to support publication of his children's book "Claude and the Magic Garden." Chris' campaign can be found at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/168715581/claude-and-the-magic-garden.

"Crowdfunding is shaping up to be an important factor for startup success," said Sawyer Entrepreneurship Professor Chaim Letwin. "To run a successful campaign one must be passionate about their venture. That is why it is important to not only teach our students why some campaigns are successful while others are not."

The crowdfunding course came out of conversations between Letwin and Professor Jenni Dinger, a colleague in the Sawyer Business School. Dinger and Letwin co-teach the course and both research crowdfunding.

This semester's ventures include:

Waffleholics, founded by Carmen Reddick and Max Taylor , aims to create the most delicious sweet and savory waffles, starting with a Boston food cart business.

founded by and , aims to create the most delicious sweet and savory waffles, starting with a food cart business. Beyond Borders is a full-length political documentary film by David Apostolides and John Moran .

is a full-length political documentary film by and . Baggabox prevents package theft by securing deliveries to your door in a cut-resistant, cinch-locking bag. The Baggabox team includes Jamie Manning , Faisal Janahi and Alonso Villarreal .

prevents package theft by securing deliveries to your door in a cut-resistant, cinch-locking bag. The Baggabox team includes , Faisal Janahi and . Goliath Gallon, founded by Zack Smith , makes a reusable, BPA-free and easily cleaned gallon bottle.

founded by , makes a reusable, BPA-free and easily cleaned gallon bottle. Cosmic Eye , founded by Ashton Viqueras-LaRochelle, utilizes augmented reality technology to enhance what you see through a telescope.

, founded by Ashton Viqueras-LaRochelle, utilizes augmented reality technology to enhance what you see through a telescope. Kwapis Can't Hang is a children's book by Dana Prandato about a guppy that enters a new bowl and pretends to be someone she is not in a misguided attempt to fit in.

is a children's book by about a guppy that enters a new bowl and pretends to be someone she is not in a misguided attempt to fit in. Claude and the Magic Garden is a children's book by Chris Hassapis that tells a magical story of two brothers living in a foreign land and trying to fit in.

is a children's book by that tells a magical story of two brothers living in a foreign land and trying to fit in. Pup Picnic, founded by Joe Tassinari , is a 2-in-1 dog bowl with a water bottle attachment.

More information on student crowdfunding campaigns from earlier this year can be found at www.suffolk.edu/business/undergraduate/71487.php

Suffolk University, located in historic downtown Boston, with an international campus in Madrid, is a student-centered institution distinguished by excellence in education and scholarship.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Gatlin: 617-573-8428, [email protected]

SOURCE Suffolk University Center for Entrepreneurship
"Act! has been the trusted solution of entrepreneurs, sales teams, and small and mid-sized business owners for more than 30 years," said H. John Oechsle, CEO of Swiftpage. "This milestone is extremely significant when you consider the fact that the average lifespan of a business is just 10 years  we are honored to celebrate it with our employees, customers, partners and all of Swiftpage Nation."

Act! pioneered the CRM software industry 30 years ago when the first version of the solution launched in April 1987. The software quickly became the number one best-selling contact and customer manager and has earned over six million users across hundreds of thousands of businesses since entering the market. The famously loyal Act! user base trusts the CRM software solution to help them better understand and connect with their customers, close sales, drive productivity and make informed business decisions.

Since acquiring Act! in 2013, Swiftpage has invested significantly in R&D, resulting in an accelerated feature deployment cadence. Significant releases and features include the launch of Act! Premium Cloud, embedding emarketing directly into the software, deploying an open API and integrating Act! with hundreds of the most popular business applications.

The latest release of Act!, version 19, provides users with Act! Companion  a purpose-built mobile application, and more robust integrations and compatibility with many popular third party business optimization tools they use every day in order to maximize user subscription value and productivity.

Learn more at http://act.com.

Social Media and Website Links

About the Act! Portfolio

Act! has been a pioneer and an innovator in the CRM space for over 30 years. The award winning solution helps businesses to actively manage their customer relationships, market effectively, close more sales, work efficiently, and make insightful business decisions. Over six million users have trusted Act! to grow their business.

2017 Swiftpage ACT! LLC. All rights reserved. Swiftpage, Act!, and the Swiftpage product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of Swiftpage ACT! LLC, or its affiliated entities. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Press Contacts  North America

Mallory Bowers

Swiftpage

(720) 490-4332

[email protected]

Dave Feistel

LF|PR

(949) 502-6200 x 224

[email protected]

SOURCE Swiftpage

Related Links

http://www.swiftpage.com


Visitors to the exclusive 800-acre island will enjoy a four-night experience on a two-mile stretch of award-winning spectacular "best beach" while fusing the mind, body and soul through yoga practice, workshops, and meditation. There will also be ample time for exploring and snorkeling, relaxing and even a day of mission with a local children's organization. Attendance is limited to 12 people.

To register by May 25 for the ideal health and wellness retreat, call 339-788-7476 or email [email protected]

A price of $1,733 US dollars per person (dbl occupancy) includes beach-front accommodations from June 25-29, a welcome gathering, breakfast and dinner daily at the highly reviewed Bistro restaurant, mid-afternoon refreshments, arrival/departure taxi and boat transfers from Providenciales to Pine Cay, non-motorized water sports, eight yoga sessions, three workshops, four meditations, a picnic lunch on volunteer day, a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival, snorkel excursion and more.

Yoga, workshops and meditation geared towards all experience levels, will be led by licensed Yogi, Maggie Grace. Having trained under Pat Bruno, aka Swami Padmananda, she has studied yoga for wellness along with certifications focusing on a wide range of medical conditions. Maggie specializes in meditation, chakras balancing, vinyasa flow, and chair, intimate, corporate, senior and children's yoga. She is also certified in Reiki Level 1, personal training, yoga and chakra balancing, and group exercise. Through practice and mission, Grace aims to leave guests in a state of higher awareness, able to let go and free up space to share their souls.

At Pine Cay, you'll leave behind your need for television, clock radios, and locks on the doors. A short private boat ride from the bustle of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Pine Cay is a prestigious yet unassuming destination for a romantic getaway, special celebrations, family reunions, retreats, corporate incentives and events, or exceptional wedding venue on one of the finest beaches in the Caribbean.

SOURCE The Meridian Club, Turks and Caicos

Related Links

http://meridianclub.com


FORT WORTH, Texas, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, American Humane, the country's first national humane organization and the world's largest certifier of animal welfare and well-being, announced that the Fort Worth Zoo achieved certification by the global American Humane Conservation program. The Fort Worth Zoo passed a rigorous third-party audit to earn the prestigious Humane Certified seal of approval, joining an elite group of only seven such institutions in the United States.

The American Humane Conservation program is the first-ever certification program solely devoted to helping verify the humane treatment of animals living in zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers across the globe. The program enforces rigorous, evidence-based standards of comprehensive animal welfare, developed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee comprised of world-renowned leaders in the fields of animal science, animal behavior, animal ethics, and conservation.

"American Humane is thrilled to recognize the Fort Worth Zoo with its prestigious Humane Certified seal of approval, demonstrating to the public Fort Worth Zoo's leadership as a responsible, humane steward of the thousands of animals living in its care," said American Humane President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert. "The certification of the Fort Worth Zoo by the American Humane Conservation program demonstrates their commitment to meeting the highest standards of humane, verifiable, and transparent animal care."

"We are honored to have achieved this prestigious certification from an organization recognized for its tireless dedication to animal welfare," said Michael Fouraker, Fort Worth Zoo executive director. "Our staff provides the paramount care for our animals, and to have that validated by a third party  and to be placed among the most elite zoos is the country  is a distinction of which we are proud."

The American Humane Conservation program's extensive criteria exhaustively verifies the many dimensions of animal welfare and well-being, with areas of evaluation including: excellent health and housing; positive social interactions within groups of animals, as well as between animals and handlers; safe and stimulating environments, with concern for factors such as appropriate lighting, sound levels, air quality, and thermoregulation; and evidence of thorough preparation and protocols established to prevent and manage medical or operational emergencies.

For added rigor, the Fort Worth Zoo's compliance with the American Humane Conservation standards was verified through an independent audit.

You can read more about the American Humane Conservation program here: http://humaneconservation.org/

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, American Humane is the country's first national humane organization. For more information about American Humane, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org.

About the Fort Worth Zoo

The Fort Worth Zoo is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that currently houses 542 unique animal species and welcomes more than 1 million visitors annually. The mission of the Fort Worth Zoo is to strengthen the bond between humans and the environment by promoting responsible stewardship of wildlife and ensuring diverse, high-quality educational and entertaining family experiences through effective and efficient management of its resources. The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo most recently was ranked the No. 4 zoo in the country by USA Today. Learn more at www.fortworthzoo.org.

SOURCE American Humane

Related Links

http://www.americanhumane.org


WASHINGTON, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Organization of Iranian American Communities (OIAC), representing Iranian Americans in 40 states, including Arizona, lauds Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, for his April 14 visit to Tirana, Albania, where he met thousands of members of the Iranian opposition.

During the visit, Senator McCain also met with Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and discussed the Iranian regime's threats and its meddling in the region.

On behalf all Iranian communities, OIAC extends its gratitude to Senator McCain for his invaluable endeavors, including the introduction of legislation and holding hearings on the plight of thousands of Iranian opposition members in Camp Liberty, Iraq, and for his insistence that the United States must uphold its commitment to protect them.

Mrs. Rajavi expressed her appreciation to the Senator for his unrelenting efforts in support of relocation of the members of Iranian opposition out of Iraq.

"Today, there is a consensus in the Middle East about the clerical regime's destructive role and that the religious fascism ruling Iran is the primary source of war, terrorism and crisis in the region," she said. Praising the perseverance of Camp Liberty residents in the face of attacks and hardships, Senator McCain said, "There is no doubt that people in this room have suffered not only themselves, but in the loss of their loved ones because of the Iranian tyranny. You have stood up, fought, and sacrificed for freedom, for the right to live free, for the right to determine your future, for the right that is God given," he said, adding, "I thank you for being an example; an example to the whole world that those people who are willing to fight and sacrifice for freedom."

"Someday Iran will be free and someday we will gather in freedom square in Tehran," the Arizona Republican emphasized.

SOURCE OIAC

Related Links

http://www.oiac.org


NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Value Engineers (www.thevalueengineers.com) has announced the opening of a Santa Monica, California office and the appointments of Scott Davis and Krishna Kabra as Executive Vice Presidents.

Alex Waters, President of The Value Engineers ties the expansion to the company's founding philosophy, "We were established 30 years ago as one of the first strategic brand consultancies. We recognized the toughest marketing challenges could not be solved by communications alone. We believed a more holistic approach centered on brand and innovation was required to solve complex issues. This still holds true today."

As Keith Higbee, EVP & General Manager of Santa Monica explains, "Our Westward expansion not only helps us better serve our clients, it entrenches us in one of the great cradles of progressive thinking and innovation. It is a first step in a larger growth strategy."

The appointments of Scott Davis and Krishna Kabra represent the next step. "Scott and Krishna were recruited for their depth of knowledge and respective experience in digital strategy and innovative research techniques," says Mr. Waters.

Scott brings 17 years of experience leading digital transformation and brand marketing at Nickelodeon and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts where he helped both businesses evolve and grow in an increasingly digitized world.

Notably, Scott developed the early go-to-market strategy for Walt Disney World's MyMagic+ and MagicBand RFID wristband, and established a new positioning to broaden perceptions of Disney vacations beyond theme parks into future-forward leisure experiences.

Krishna has 20 years of insights experience, starting her career as an econometric modeler for MindShare Worldwide. Later, she helped establish BrainJuicer North America's offices in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Krishna brings forward-thinking research approaches to inspire innovation. She states, "Insights and innovation are passion points for me. They require large doses of brilliance, creativity, and a wide field of vision to do well."

Scott adds, "The Value Engineers have a history of helping clients maximize their brands and innovate from the core. We look forward to building upon this history and creating something truly special."

The Value Engineers:

A strategic brand and innovation consultancy that strikes the perfect balance between strategic rigor and applied imagination. Engineering value for brands by blending customer experience, innovation, and branding to address the toughest marketing challenges.

For more information, visit: www.thevalueengineers.com. Or, contact Alex Waters +1.914.574.7704.

SOURCE The Value Engineers

Related Links

http://www.thevalueengineers.com


AUSTIN, Texas and NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Torchy's Tacos, a fast-casual restaurant serving untraditional tacos, announced today a significant minority investment from General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity firm. General Atlantic joins the five founding partners of the restaurant chain as shareholders.

Torchy's was founded in Austin in 2006 by former corporate chef Michael Rypka, who was inspired by a love for tacos and a passion for experimenting with food to bring an untraditional taco experience to the people of Texas. Born out of a food truck, the concept was welcomed with enthusiasm by taco lovers in the Austin market. To help cultivate the dining experience and expand the business, Michael was then joined by Farrell Kubena, Vice President of Business Development, Rebecca Kubena, Vice President of Finance, Jason Wald, Vice President of Operations, and Alfonso Angelone, Vice President of Technology. Today, Torchy's serves innovative, untraditional tacos to customers in 46 locations across three states, offering a unique and edgy dining experience.

"Thanks to all of our taco junkies, Torchy's has experienced incredible growth in the past 11 years," said Michael Rypka, Founder and Vice President of Marketing & Culinary at Torchy's. "We are excited about how the partnership with the General Atlantic team will help us continue to grow our business while staying committed to doing what we do best, which is to serve our guests 'Damn Good Tacos'."

Torchy's has received numerous awards and rankings, including being named in the top 20 of Restaurant Business Magazine's annual "Future 50" ranking of the fastest-growing small chains in the U.S.in 2015, as well as a top five placement in The Daily Meal's list of the Best Tacos in America in 2014.

"We are excited to partner with Torchy's to continue to cultivate and expand the beloved brand's passionate customer base," said Andrew Crawford, Managing Director and Global Head of General Atlantic's Retail & Consumer sector team. "We admire the management team's deep ambition and believe the authenticity of Torchy's uniquely positions the concept to be successful across a wide-ranging demographic of customers and geographies."

"Torchy's Tacos' innovative flavors and food combinations have enabled the company to reach a growing market of fast-casual diners," added Shaw Joseph of General Atlantic, who leads the firm's efforts in restaurants. "We believe that the combination of GA's industry resources and expertise, as well as our global brand-building experience, will help us to grow Torchy's into a category leader, while still remaining true to the original mission of the brand."

In conjunction with General Atlantic's investment, Todd Diener, restaurant industry veteran and former President of Chili's, a leading brand of Brinker International, one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies, will join the Torchy's Board of Directors. Andrew Crawford and Shaw Joseph, both senior leaders on General Atlantic's Global Retail & Consumer sector team, will also join the Board. Torchy's founder and partners will collectively remain majority shareholders in the company.

General Atlantic was advised by Financo and Torchy's was advised by North Point Advisors. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter.

About Torchy's Tacos

Torchy's Tacos started in 2006 with a mobile trailer, a little red Vespa, and a man with a passion for good food. The founder, Michael Rypka, left an executive chef position to chase his dreams by investing everything he had into Torchy's Tacos. With a new, experimental menu ready to serve but no mouths to feed, Rypka jumped on his Vespa and started throwing out samples in an attempt to draw customers to his trailer. Before he knew it, people were rallying beside the taco stand hollering, "damn these tacos are good!" and thus, the Torchy's legacy began. Today, Torchy's Tacos operates over 46 locations in three states. www.torchystacos.com

About General Atlantic

General Atlantic is a leading global growth equity firm providing capital and strategic support for growth companies. Established in 1980, General Atlantic combines a collaborative global approach, sector-specific expertise, long-term investment horizon, and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great management teams and build exceptional businesses worldwide. The firm's global Retail & Consumer sector team has a differentiated track record of partnering with leading brands such as Barteca Holdings, Joe & The Juice, Too Faced Cosmetics, Tory Burch, and Zimmermann. General Atlantic has more than 100 investment professionals based in New York, Greenwich, Palo Alto, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, London, Munich, Amsterdam, Beijing, Hong Kong, Mumbai, and Singapore. www.generalatlantic.com

Media Contacts

Ashley Bowles

Edelman for General Atlantic

212.642.7737

[email protected]

Stacey Floberg

Torchy's Tacos

813.404.6108

[email protected]

SOURCE Torchys Tacos

Related Links

http://www.torchystacos.com


NORTH READING, Mass., April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TraceLink Inc., the World's Largest Track and Trace Network for connecting the life sciences supply chain and eliminating counterfeit prescription drugs from the global marketplace, today announced that it hosted a successful meeting for the Open Serialization Communication Standard (OPEN-SCS) Working Group. The meeting was held April 11  13, at the TraceLink U.S. headquarters in North Reading, Massachusetts.

OPEN-SCS is an initiative designed to enable implementation of efficient, flexible and scalable track & trace programs that can be seamlessly integrated across diversified serialization systems and intelligent devices by leveraging the use of global standards from GS1, ISA and OPC Foundation. Driven by pharmaceutical manufacturers and the serialization solution providers supporting them, the goal of the standard is to enhance interoperability across serialization activities and the systems performing these activities from the equipment level (L1) and packaging line (L2) to site operational management (L3) and enterprise serialization functions (L4).

The OPEN-SCS organization was founded by a noted group of global pharmaceutical manufacturers and serialization technology solution providers, including Abbott, Advanco, Antares Vision, OCS Checkweighers, Omron, Optel Vision, Roche, Systech International, TraceLink, Teva and Werum.

During the meeting, the workgroup continued detailed technical work in preparation for the release of the v1.0 OPEN-SCS standard, including complete user and functional specifications. In addition, the group collaborated on the following:

Developing information models and testing plans for key use cases including serial number provisioning, unused serial number returns, master data exchange and serialization event reporting;

Developing 2017 launch and market education plans for initial release of the standard;

Defining subsequent phases and additional use cases for highly efficient, standardized data exchange between L2, L3 and L4 serialization layers.

"Discussions from our meeting at TraceLink headquarters were imperative in further advancing the v1.0 OPEN-SCS standard and determining plans and prototypes for the four different use cases for serialization that we are currently working on," said Marcel de Grutter, Executive Director, Open-SCS and Liaison Regulatory and Government Affairs at Abbott. "As a collaborative group working towards the same goal of standardization and interoperability, we are well on-track to meet our goals for the year."

Interoperability standards form an integral part of the TraceLink Life Sciences Cloud, the only secure and validated cloud solution with a proven network model designed specifically for life sciences companies. Built on the Amazon Web Services global cloud infrastructure, the Life Sciences Cloud supports a variety of widely adopted standards, such as GS1 EPCIS, designed to reduce risk and speed time to compliance for all members of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

To learn more about TraceLink's standards-based and flexible serialization, track and trace, and reporting platform for the U.S., the EU, China, Brazil, South Korea, India, Turkey, Argentina and other countries, please visit www.tracelink.com.

About TraceLink

TraceLink is the World's Largest Track and Trace Network for connecting the Life Sciences supply chain and eliminating counterfeit prescription drugs from the global marketplace. Leading businesses trust the TraceLink Life Sciences Cloud to deliver complete global connectivity, visibility and traceability of pharmaceuticals from ingredient to patient. A single point and click connection to the Life Sciences Cloud creates a supply chain control tower that delivers the information, insight and collaboration needed to improve performance and reduce risk across global supply, manufacturing and distribution operations. A winner of numerous industry awards including Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 (ranked number 149 in 2016), the Amazon AWS Global Start-Up Challenge Grand Prize, and the Edison Award for Innovation in Health Management, the Life Sciences Cloud is used by businesses across the globe to meet strategic goals in ensuring global compliance, fighting drug counterfeiting, improving on-time and in-full delivery, protecting product quality and reducing operational cost. For more information on TraceLink and our solutions, visit www.tracelink.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

TraceLink is funded by Goldman Sachs, FirstMark Capital, Volition Capital and F-Prime Capital.

About OPC and OPEN-SCS

OPC is the interoperability standard for the secure and reliable exchange of data in the industrial automation space and in other industries and is technology of choice for Internet of Things. It is platform independent and ensures the seamless flow of information among devices from multiple vendors. The OPC Foundation is responsible for the development and maintenance of this standard.

OPEN-SCS is a commercial open source member subscription, combining the advantages of open source and the group membership allows members to efficiently and rapidly develop technology to deliver independent and open solutions. OPEN-SCS was founded with the mission of enabling member organizations to benefit from the open source ethos of non-proprietary open standards and specifications built on innovation, independence and an open architecture.

For more information visit the OPEN-SCS page at https://opcfoundation.org/open-scs-working-group/

SOURCE TraceLink

Related Links

http://www.tracelink.com


PITTSBURGH, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, United States Steel Corporation (NYSE: X) issued the following statement regarding the process release at U. S. Steel's Midwest Plant in Portage, Ind., on April 11 and subsequent facility restart.

The company's statement follows:

"The controlled, phased and highly monitored restart at our Midwest Plant, which began on Friday, April 14, is now complete. At present, we have encountered no additional issues. All water sampling and visual inspections performed during the restart process at and around the outfall where the process release occurred, within Lake Michigan, including the public water intake, and adjacent shorelines have shown no elevated hexavalent chromium levels."

"We take all incidents very seriously and are fully committed to investigating additional corrective actions we can take to prevent a future occurrence. We remain committed to protecting the environment, to the communities in which we operate and to the safety of our employees."

SOURCE United States Steel Corporation

Related Links

http://www.ussteel.com


David Wolfe, President and Co-Founder, UCBC, says this new offering is indicative of the company's efforts to expand its growing customer base. "From a brewing perspective, we've been primarily focused on offering our traditional, true-to-style European beers (our Reverence Series) and our modern, American craft beers (our Revolution Series), but Underdog sits somewhere in between," he cites. "Urban Underdog, as an American lager, has a wider 'built-in' appeal than our core offerings. And by packaging this beer style in these uniquely finished Ardagh cans, we're utilizing the can's surface to feature our brand with a simple design and shiny-yet-matted finish that provides the great product inside the can with an eye-appealing, stand-alone delivery vehicle - the beverage can."

Claude Marbach, CEO, Ardagh Metal - Beverage North America, says the company is excited to support Urban Chestnut in its expansion efforts. "Growth in the craft beer market is being fueled by success stories such as Urban Chestnut," he says. "The Urban Chestnut team is creating unique offerings of quality and taste that are increasingly finding an audience and beverage cans are a great option in reaching a wider market. Growing brands also benefit from the beverage can's strong environmental advantages such as having the highest recycle rate of any beverage package."

UCBC's Urban Underdog compliments an array of craft beer offerings that include more than 30 products. Each beer is brewed under the guidance of Co-Founder and Brewmaster Florian Kuplent, who brings more than two decades of artisan brewing experience to the company. From serving as a brewer's apprentice in a small German brewery to developing award-winning beer recipes for one of the world's largest brewers, Florian now shares his distinctive brewing creations with the craft beer enthusiast customers of Urban Chestnut.

Urban Underdog in special 16 oz. Ardagh beverage cans with matte finish are available in restaurants and bars in St. Louis, but, according to David, they may ultimately appear in the off-premise as well. "This unique package and limited market approach is intended to explore the overall demand with the very large audience of American Lager drinkers in St. Louis," he says. "If the market is what we believe it to be, we anticipate our Urban Chestnut products being available in fine regional grocery and liquor stores very quickly."

About Urban Chestnut Brewing Corporation

Urban Chestnut Brewing Corporation is a St. Louis-based regional craft brewer launched in 2010 by David Wolfe and Florian Kuplent. The company has more than 120 employees and has grown its business from 1,500 barrels of beer in its first year to currently more than 1,500 barrels per month. Urban Chestnut's mission includes efforts to be positive local and global citizens, while adhering to sustainability methods during the brewing process that has a concerted emphasis on aiding local not-for-profit community support organizations.

About Ardagh

Ardagh Group is a global leader in glass and metal packaging solutions, producing packaging for most of the world's leading food, beverage and consumer care brands. We operate 109 facilities in 22 countries, employ 23,500 people and have global sales of approximately Eur 7.7 billion. For more information, please visit www.ardaghgroup.com.

Contact:

David Wolfe Jennifer Cumbee Urban Chestnut Brewing Company Ardagh Group (314) 308-6471 (773) 399-3035

SOURCE Ardagh Group

Related Links

http://www.ardaghgroup.com


CLEVELAND, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- US demand for natural gas is forecast to reach 20.0 trillion cubic feet in 2021, according to Natural Gas: United States, a report recently released by Freedonia Focus Reports. Growth in demand for natural gas in the industrial market is projected to outpace that of all other discrete market segments and surpass the electric power market as the largest segment. Increases in manufacturing, mining, and agricultural activity will drive greater demand for energy in the industrial sector.

Growing exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) will drive expansion as producers convert supplies of natural gas into LNG for shipping. While liquefaction of natural gas for export will exhibit the fastest rate of growth among industrial applications, chemical feedstocks are expected to account for the largest volume increase over the forecast period.

These and other key insights are featured in Natural Gas: United States. This report forecasts US natural gas demand and production in cubic feet to 2021. Total demand is segmented by market in terms of:

electric power

industrial

residential

commercial

other markets such as lease, plant, and vehicle fuel.

Reported demand figures reflect the volume of natural gas delivered to consumers, in addition to that consumed as lease fuel, plant fuel, and for pipeline and distribution use. Production refers to dry natural gas production, also known as consumer-grade natural gas. Dry natural gas production excludes natural gas liquids such as plant liquids and lease condensate that are removed from the gas stream at processing plants.

To illustrate historical trends, total demand, total production, the various segments, and trade are provided in annual series from 2006 to 2016.

More information about the report is available at https://www.freedoniafocusreports.com/Natural-Gas-United-States-10775025/

About Freedonia Focus Reports

Each month, The Freedonia Group  a division of MarketResearch.com  publishes over 20 new or updated Freedonia Focus Reports, providing fresh, unbiased analysis on a wide variety of markets and industries. Published in 20-30 pages, Focus Report coverage ranges from raw materials to finished manufactured goods and related services such as freight and construction. Additional Energy & Resources reports can be purchased at www.freedoniafocusreports.com or marketresearch.com.

Analysis is intended to guide the busy reader through pertinent topics in rapid succession, including:

total historical market size and industry output

segmentation by products and markets

identification of market drivers, constraints, and key indicators

segment-by-segment outlook in five-year forecasts

a survey of the supply base

suggested resources for further study

Press Contact:

Corinne Gangloff

+1 440.684.9600

[email protected]

SOURCE The Freedonia Group

Related Links

http://www.freedoniagroup.com/


VICTORIA, British Columbia, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Victoria Distillers announces an upcoming release of a new spirit, inspired by the renowned tea and cocktail programs of the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria. The companies share similar philosophies, exemplified in the commitment to exceptional products and experiences, a desire to blend the traditional and contemporary and a commitment to sustainable operations.

Established in 2008, Victoria Distillers recently collaborated with the iconic Fairmont Empress to create a premium cocktail spirit that reflects a sense of place. Well known in British Columbia as the producer of Canada's first premium gin, Victoria Distillers' creative efforts are rooted in Canada's West Coast culture and history.

In 1908, the historic Empress Hotel opened its doors in one of the busiest trading outposts in the Pacific Northwest  Victoria, BC. Today, the newly restored Empress is heralded for its tea program and cocktail culture reflecting British sensibilities, ranking among the gems of iconic hotels. It is also a recipient of the 5 Green Key award through the Green Key Eco-Rating Program. The 5 Green Key rating exemplifies the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility throughout all areas of operations. The hotel embraces local and sustainably sourced cuisine, as well as green policies, and programs that set the international standard for sustainable hotel operations.

With a commitment to green technology and sustainability, the Victoria Distillers' still runs on ocean based geothermal energy for cooling. This unique system provides over one billion BTUs of heating to the local neighborhood while saving almost one million liters of water each year.

"It is an exciting time for all of us in the craft spirits sector as we have the ability to create innovative products that captivate consumers around the world," stated President of Victoria Distillers, Peter Hunt. "With our commitment to excellence in product development as well as operations, we found great inspiration in our relationship with the Fairmont Empress, and look forward to bringing our new brand to the global marketplace."

About FMG: Foundations Marketing Group (FMG) is a New York based, brand development agency representing Victoria Distillers. Offering foundations to help brands achieve their potential, FMG anticipates new trends and opportunities in today's rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Contact:

Bettina Elling

[email protected]

212-537-9363

www.fmg.nyc

SOURCE Victoria Distillers
"We are pleased to welcome Del to Virginia Commonwealth Bank," noted Greene. "Del's extensive experience in commercial banking and leadership roles combined with his ability to contribute to successful growth and development makes him an excellent addition to our ever-expanding commercial lending team as we grow our organization and achieve service excellence for our customers within the Richmond market."

Mr. Ward joins Virginia Commonwealth Bank with more than 29 years of banking experience specializing in both retail and commercial banking in the Richmond region. Mr. Ward most recently served as Senior Vice President in commercial banking with Village Bank after spending over nine years with First Capital Bank.

In accepting this position as Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking, Mr. Ward stated, "I really look forward to helping the newly combined banks build a strong Richmond presence for small business owners. Only a truly committed community bank can meet the needs of small business owners by empowering its bankers and having the flexibility of being able to tailor its products and services and VCB is that bank. I am glad to be working with experienced local bankers that understand what it takes to serve the small business customer."

Virginia Commonwealth Bank continues to expand its team of seasoned professionals in the Richmond market. During 2016, Bank of Lancaster grew its total assets by over 18.8% and its loan portfolio by 18.9%, and is rapidly becoming a bank of choice in the Richmond market proven by the vote of RTD's "Best Bank in Richmond" Award.

About Bay Banks of Virginia

Bay Banks of Virginia, Inc. is the bank holding company for Virginia Commonwealth Bank and Bay Trust Company. Founded in the 1930's, Virginia Commonwealth Bank and formerly Bank of Lancaster, are now combined and headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. With nineteen banking offices located throughout the Richmond market area, the Northern Neck region, Tri-Cities area of Petersburg, Hopewell and Colonial Heights, Middlesex County and Suffolk - the bank serves businesses, professionals and consumers with a wide variety of financial services, including retail and commercial banking, investment services, and mortgage banking. Bay Trust Company provides management services for personal and corporate trusts, including estate planning, estate settlement and trust administration.

For further information, contact Randal R. Greene, President and Chief Executive Officer, at 800-435-1140 or [email protected].

SOURCE Bay Banks of Virginia, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.baybanks.com


BALTIMORE, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the United States, today announced $1,000,000 in grants to support 41 summer programs as part of the $3 million Baltimore Summer Funding Collaborative. The initiative was created to fund high-quality summer programs that serve low-income Baltimore City youth.

The Summer Funding Collaborativein addition to the Weinberg Foundationincludes the Abell Foundation, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Clayton Baker Trust, Family League of Baltimore, France-Merrick Foundation, Joseph & Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds, Lockhart Vaughan Foundation, The Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation, and Under Armour.

Despite individual missions and priorities that include literacy; science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); youth employment; environmental education; sports; and the arts, all 11 members of the Collaborative share the same goal: to reduce summer learning loss and ensure more youth have the chance to reach their full potential during the summer and beyond.

"Research shows us that youth in low-income families, unlike their peers from higher-income families, often lack access to activities that keep their minds engaged over the summer," said Donn Weinberg, Weinberg Foundation Trustee and Executive Vice President. "This funding is a tangible investment in improved academic and life outcomes for thousands of young people in Baltimore City."

The following organizations will be funded specifically by the Weinberg Foundation:

Access Art

Afya Baltimore

Art with a Heart

Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School

The Baltimore Youth Alliance

The Be. Org

Beat the Streets  Baltimore

Bon Secours Community Works

The City Neighbors Foundation

Civic Works

Code in the Schools

Community Law in Action

Family League of Baltimore

Fund for Educational Excellence

Green Street Academy

Hampden Family Center

Harlem Lacrosse  Baltimore

Higher Achievement

Humanim

Koinonia Baptist Church

Liberty Elementary School

Living Classrooms Foundation

Maryland Out of School Time Network

MdBio Foundation

Next One Up Foundation

Parks & People Foundation

Patterson Park Public Charter School

Play On Purpose (P.O.P.)

Playworks

Reconstruct & Rebuild

Saint Ignatius Loyola Academy

Smart Steps Youth Services

Soccer Without Borders  Baltimore

Southeast Community Development Corporation

St. Francis Neighborhood Center

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore

of Summer Head Start Collaborative

Village Learning Place

Wide Angle Youth Media

The YMCA of Central Maryland

Young Audiences of Maryland

While each funder made its own internal funding decisions, all 11 funders shared the same application process and review strategy. The shared application has made it easier for organizations to apply for funding from multiple organizations while also facilitating more efficient and impactful funding decisions. Similarly, by using an objective scoring tool and common evaluation, the funders have a uniform framework to assess program quality and alignment with funding priorities.

This is the fourth year of summer youth-funding provided by the Weinberg Foundation, the third year as part of the Collaborative. Last summer, the Weinberg Foundation approved $770,000 in funding to 29 organizations. In 2016, the Summer Funding Collaborative, as a whole, served approximately 12,000 students. Several of the programs, which the Foundation supported in previous years as part of the Summer Funding Collaborative, are now supported through the Foundation's regular grantmaking process.

About The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private charitable foundations in the United States, provides approximately $100 million in annual grants to nonprofits that provide direct services to low-income and vulnerable individuals and families, primarily in the US and Israel. Grants are focused on meeting basic needs and enhancing an individual's ability to meet those needs with emphasis on older adults, the Jewish community, and our priority communities of Maryland, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Chicago, and Hawaii. The trustees, some of whom also serve as executive officers of the Foundation, are Alvin Awaya, Donn Weinberg, Robert T. Kelly, Jr., Fay Hartog-Levin, and Chair Barry I. Schloss. Rachel Garbow Monroe serves as the Weinberg Foundation's President and Chief Executive Officer. For more information, please visit www.hjweinbergfoundation.org.

Media Contact: Craig Demchak, 443-738-1159

[email protected]

SOURCE Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

Related Links

http://www.hjweinbergfoundation.org


LEXINGTON, Ky. and TAMPA, Fla., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of Kentucky, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), announced today it will award $20,000 in grants to support community efforts across Kentucky to reduce tobacco use and promote smoke-free environments.

The investment, announced at today's annual Kentucky Center for Smoke-Free Policy conference hosted by the University of Kentucky College of Nursing's BREATHE team, marks the first time WellCare, the state's largest Medicaid managed care organization, has earmarked community grants to solely target one health issue.

Kentucky has the highest rate of smokers in the country

Nearly 26 percent of adults in Kentucky smoke  one of the highest rates in the U.S.  meaning one out of four Kentuckians has a higher risk of tobacco-related conditions such as heart diseases including high blood pressure and heart attack, stroke, asthma and emphysema, and most cancers including lung cancer. Exposure to secondhand smoke is a cause of heart and lung diseases and lung cancer and also is associated with higher rates of ear infections and asthma attacks, particularly in infants and children.

Local programs are effective in influencing smoking policies

Even small infusions of financial support can energize local efforts to reduce tobacco use and secondhand smoke. Through a pilot grant in 2016, WellCare funded a program in Adair County designed to influence local policies on tobacco use. As a result, the Smoke Free Adair County Coalition was able to purchase local advertising and marketing materials to raise awareness about the need for a smoke-free ordinance in the county.

"We are grateful for WellCare of Kentucky's visionary support and collaboration as we work together to develop new ways to meet specific health needs in our local communities," said Jelaine Harlow, a health educator with the Adair County Health Department. "These grants will not only support innovative new programs, but will help protect families across Kentucky from the harmful impacts of smoking."

WellCare provides similar, small grants of $1,500 or less twice a year in Kentucky. These grants support organizations working to improve health outcomes in their communities and are meant to help provide niche services or seed money for programs with a potential lasting impact.

"I applaud WellCare for motivating local advocates to take bold community action to address the enormous health and economic toll from tobacco use," said Ellen J. Hahn, PhD, professor and director of UK's BREATHE team. "100 percent smoke-free workplace laws are the most effective way to immediately save lives and money. Making Kentucky a better place to breathe will help reverse the cycle of sickness that is killing our loved ones and impoverishing our state."

"As the state's largest provider of Medicaid health care services, we see the devastating impact tobacco use has on smokers and non-smokers alike. WellCare understands that reducing exposure to hazardous tobacco smoke will improve health across Kentucky, and this grant program is a step toward reaching that goal," said Terri Flanigan, vice president of field health services, WellCare of Kentucky. "Tailored health advocacy efforts in individual communities can be incredibly powerful, and these funds will enable community health leaders, volunteers and student groups to implement strategies in their hometowns to reduce the impact of smoking across our state."

How to apply

WellCare's smoke-free investments may support efforts to:

Create tobacco-free school campuses

Promote smoking cessation programs

Prevent teen smoking or tobacco use

Support smoke-free workplace ordinances

Promote other innovative plans to reduce the impact of smoking

Qualifying organizations can apply by completing a short application online at http://www.thecommunitycommitment.org/micro-grant-request-submission. The application period is open until May 15, 2017. Awardees will be notified in June. For more information about the micro-grants, email [email protected].

As of Dec. 31, 2016, WellCare serves approximately 440,000 Medicaid members, 9,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 20,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Kentucky. To learn more about how WellCare cares for Kentuckians, watch Brandi Logan's member story at http://youtu.be/YwOw5EgeSYo.

About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. WellCare serves approximately 3.8 million members nationwide as of Dec. 31, 2016. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.

SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.wellcare.com


A recent Liquid Web survey shows strong demand for managed WordPress hosting among designers, developers and digital agencies, with 78% building websites on WordPress. In addition, the top three criteria these customers look for in a managed WordPress product are performance guarantees, simple installation and automatic backups. These key criteria drive some of Liquid Web's latest WordPress product updates and continued innovations.

"Despite the demand, there have been few innovations to managed WordPress hosting in the last few years," said Chris Lema, vice president of products and innovations, Liquid Web. "At Liquid Web, we believe that when our customers trust us to host their WordPress site, we have a duty to keep giving them the most value possible. That means adding new features and never ceasing to innovate."

Visual comparison tool

Liquid Web is rolling out a unique new visual comparison tool, which gives customers more control over plug-in installations. When a new plug-in is ready, the feature automatically takes snapshots of your website before and after installation to see if it changes how the site looks. If there is no visual change, the plug-in automatically installs. However, if there is a difference, the update is rolled back and the customer receives an email asking them to review those changes, with the option to manually install the plug-in.

"This is a compelling addition. We're automatically upgrading sites, but validating the upgrade by comparing before and after photos," Lema said. "This allows us to make sure the plug-in isn't going to alter the look of the website, while also ensuring you have the latest code on your site."

Other new default features include:

SSL certificate  Keeps all data passed between the web server and browsers private; while not a new feature, SSL certificates now come standard and free for every site hosted by Liquid Web

Varnish for site performance  Helps sites perform quicker by delivering saved versions of the requested pages to customers without having to go back to the server

Helps sites perform quicker by delivering saved versions of the requested pages to customers without having to go back to the server PHP7 checker  Scans the site for potential PHP7 conflicts. If any plug-in or theme on your site isn't compatible with PHP7 , it gives the option to upgrade anyway or open a support ticket. If no conflicts are found, the site will be upgraded to PHP7 instantly with no support ticket needed

Stencils feature  Allows people to use a snapshot of one site to quickly create another based on it

Allows people to use a snapshot of one site to quickly create another based on it Tagging and filtering  Helps site owners manage multiple sites in the management interface; sites can be tagged so you can group "friends" sites, "business" sites and "ecommerce" sites

"Many companies would charge for these service, yet with Liquid Web, they're all rolled in for free," Lema said. "By continually adding new capabilities to our managed WordPress hosting, we're putting out the word that we're not done trying to move the needle in this space. We are innovating and delivering value in a crowded market with a clear sense of the features that set us apart."

About Liquid Web

Liquid Web powers content, commerce and potential for entrepreneurs and the designers, developers and digital agencies who create for them. The $100 million web hosting and cloud services provider known for its high- performance services and exceptional customer support delivers reliable, highly-available, secure and hassle-free hosting backed with a human touch. Liquid Web offers a broad portfolio designed so customers can choose a hosting solution that is hands-on or hands-off or a hybrid of the two. The company owns and manages its own data centers, providing a diverse range of offerings spanning from bare metal servers and fully managed hosting to managed WordPress and continues to evolve its service offerings to meet the ever-changing needs of its web-reliant, professional customers. With over 30,000 customers spanning 150 countries, the company has assembled a world-class team, global data centers and an expert group of 24/7/365 solution engineers. As an industry leader in customer service*, the rapidly expanding company has been recognized among INC Magazine's 5000 Fastest Growing Companies for the last ten years. Liquid Web is part of the Madison Dearborn Partners family of companies. Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC ("MDP") is a leading private equity investment firm based in Chicago. For more information, please visit www.liquidweb.com, or read our blog posts at http://www.liquidweb.com/blog. Stay up to date with all Liquid Web events on Twitter and LinkedIn.

*2016 Net Promoter Score of 71

Media Contacts:

Liz Pandzich

Phone: 248-304-1444

Email: [email protected]

Terry Trout

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Liquid Web

Related Links

http://www.liquidweb.com


BOISE, Idaho, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington State University (WSU) College of Pharmacy and Albertsons Companies, with permission from the Idaho Board of Pharmacy, collaborated on the first pilot program in the U.S. to expand patient access to health care services through immunization training for pharmacy technicians. The pilot led to the first law to allow technicians this expanded capability and to an Albertsons Companies pharmacy technician being the first technician in the nation to administer an immunization.

The Idaho Pharmacy Technician Immunization Training Pilot was developed by WSU College of Pharmacy to address some of society's most complex issues, specifically efforts surrounding developing practical solutions to challenging problems in health care delivery, health care access and disease prevention.

The pilot started in December 2016 with WSU working with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and Idaho Board of Pharmacy. Through a shared connection, Albertsons Companies became engaged in the program and provided a grant to develop and deliver the four-hour professional education to interested pharmacy technicians in Spokane, Washington and Boise, Idaho.

"WSU faculty colleagues Kyle Frazier, Linda Garrelts-MacLean, and I trained 25 Albertsons and Safeway technicians and are collecting data on how many immunizations they give between December 2016 and May 2017," said Kimberly McKeirnan, Clinical Assistant Professor, WSU College of Pharmacy. "The data collected will be used to show how expanding the number of health professionals trained to immunize patients can increase immunization rates, better utilize the skills of pharmacy technicians, and ease the time burden on pharmacists."

In March 2017, this pilot prompted the state of Idaho to pass a law, the first of its kind in the United States, to allow Idaho pharmacy technicians to undergo the pharmacy board-approved training to administer immunizations to pharmacy patients.

"Pharmacy technicians are integral to our business," said Mark Panzer, SVP of Pharmacy, Health and Wellness. "We are proud to embrace the changing role of pharmacy technicians and partner with WSU to expand access to health services in Idaho. We couldn't be prouder than when our very own Samantha Thompson, a Safeway Pharmacy Technician in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, became the first pharmacy technician in the country to administer an immunization."

More training is currently planned for other technicians in Idaho who are interested in pursuing this additional responsibility.

About Albertsons Companies

Contact: Jennifer Rapley

[email protected]

Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with both a strong local presence and national scale. We operate stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 19 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs. Albertsons Companies is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2016 alone, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the company gave nearly $300 million in food and financial support. These efforts helped millions of people in the areas of hunger relief, education, cancer research and treatment, programs for people with disabilities and veterans outreach.

The Washington State University, College of Pharmacy

Kimberly McKeirnan, WSU Pharmacotherapy Clinical Assistant Professor

[email protected] | 509-358-7720

Lori Maricle, WSU College of Pharmacy Communications

[email protected] | 509-368-6679

The WSU College of Pharmacy was founded in 1891 and has been accredited since 1912. We are a graduate and professional education college. Our main degree programs include the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and Doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Ph.D.).

The College relocated from Pullman to the WSU Health Sciences campus in Spokane in December 2013, but has been heavily involved in the Spokane health care community since the 1970s through our internships, experiential rotations, and pharmacy residency programs. We currently have just over 500 student pharmacists and graduate students, and about 2,950 alumni. As of 2014, the WSU College of Pharmacy is ranked 35 out of 97 ranked pharmacy schools in the country. 2016 marked the college's 125th Anniversary.

SOURCE Albertsons Companies
HOUSTON, April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- W&T Offshore, Inc. (NYSE: WTI) announced that Thomas F. Getten, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of W&T Offshore has retired and has been succeeded by Shahid A. Ghauri, who joined the Company in March 2017.

Tracy Krohn, W&T Offshore's Chairman and CEO, stated, "We appreciate Tom's guidance and dedication to W&T since he joined the Company in 2006. We wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement. We also welcome Shahid Ghauri to the W&T team and believe he will be a great asset to the company."

Previously, Mr. Ghauri served as a partner with Jones Walker, where he focused primarily on business and commercial transactions in the oil and gas sector. Prior to that, Mr. Ghauri was the Assistant General Counsel of BHP Billiton Petroleum, where he managed the legal team responsible for unconventional resource plays. Prior to joining BHP, he worked in private law practice as an oil and gas lawyer with top tier law firms. Before earning his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, he was employed as a wireline logging engineer for Schlumberger.

Mr. Ghauri also received a B.S. and M.S. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a member of the State Bars of Texas and Pennsylvania, the Houston Producers' Forum, the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators.

About W&T Offshore

W&T Offshore, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas producer with operations offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and has grown through acquisitions, exploration and development. The Company currently has working interests in approximately 52 fields in federal and state waters (50 producing and two fields capable of producing) and has under lease approximately 750,000 gross acres, including approximately 490,000 gross acres on the Gulf of Mexico Shelf and approximately 260,000 gross acres in the deepwater. A majority of the Company's daily production is derived from wells it operates. For more information on W&T Offshore, please visit the Company's website at www.wtoffshore.com.

CONTACT: Lisa Elliott Danny Gibbons

Dennard Lascar Associates SVP & CFO

[email protected] [email protected]

713-529-6600 713-624-7326

SOURCE W&T Offshore, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.wtoffshore.com


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Fedora Update Notification

FEDORA-2017-e15e37b689

2017-04-18 12:16:29.569433

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------





Name : proftpd

Product : Fedora 24

Version : 1.3.5e

Release : 1.fc24

URL : http://www.proftpd.org/

Summary : Flexible, stable and highly-configurable FTP server

Description :

ProFTPD is an enhanced FTP server with a focus toward simplicity, security,

and ease of configuration. It features a very Apache-like configuration

syntax, and a highly customizable server infrastructure, including support for

multiple 'virtual' FTP servers, anonymous FTP, and permission-based

directory

visibility.



This package defaults to the standalone behavior of ProFTPD, but all the

needed scripts to have it run by systemd instead are included.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Update Information:



Current upstream maintenance release for the 1.3.5 series. Includes fix for

CVE-2017-7418, where not all path elements were checked for symlinks when

using

a chroot, so attackers with local access could bypass the AllowChrootSymlinks

control by replacing a path component (other than the last one) with a

symbolic

link.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



References:



[ 1 ] Bug #1439693 - CVE-2017-7418 proftpd: AllowChrootSymlinks control

bypass

https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1439693

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------





This update can be installed with the "dnf" update program. Use

su -c 'dnf upgrade proftpd' at the command line.

For more information, refer to the dnf documentation available at

http://dnf.readthedocs.io/en/latest/command_ref.html#upgrade-command-label



All packages are signed with the Fedora Project GPG key. More details on the

GPG keys used by the Fedora Project can be found at

https://fedoraproject.org/keys

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

_______________________________________________

package-announce mailing list -- package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org

To unsubscribe send an email to package-announce-leave@lists.fedoraproject.org


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, April 13 : The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday issued fresh summons against Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh for questioning in a money laundering case after he failed to appear before it during the day, an official said.

The senior Congress leader had allegedly avoided earlier summons to get recorded his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He is said to have excused himself by referring to his official commitments.

The ED has already questioned his wife Pratibha Singh and son Vikramaditya Singh in the case.

In the first week of April, the Enforcement Directorate attached Virbhadra Singh's Delhi farmhouse worth Rs 27.29 crore.

The agency's move came after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a charge sheet against Virbhadra Singh and others last month for allegedly amassing assets worth Rs 6.03 crore.

The ED had filed a criminal case under the PMLA against Virbhadra Singh, his wife Pratibha, Life Insurance Corporation agent Anand Chauhan, his associate Chunni Lal, Joginder Singh Ghalta, Prem Raj, Lawan Kumar Roach, Vakamullah Chandrashekhara and Ram Prakash Bhatia in 2015 following the CBI's FIR dated September 23, 2015.

The case was registered after a preliminary inquiry found that Virbhadra Singh, as Union Minister from 2009 to 2012, allegedly accumulated assets worth Rs 6.03 crore, which were disproportionate to his known sources of income.

After his Delhi farmhouse was attached, the Chief Minister accused the central government of harassing him and destabilising the state government, alleging that central agencies like the ED and CBI were being misused against political opponents.
Paris, April 14 : French investigators have requested the European Parliament to waive the immunity of far-right presidential hopeful Marine Le Pen in a probe over her alleged misuse of European Union funds to pay for party assistants, the media reported on Friday.

According to reports, Paris's prosecutor's office launched an investigation in 2015 to look into the EU parliamentary assistants fraudulently paid for their services with EU funds while working for Le Pen's National Front (FN) party.

In particular, Le Pen's personal assistant had reportedly received about 340,000 euros ($360,000) of EU money, Europe 1 broadcaster reported.

The request for waiving Le Pen's parliamentary immunity was filed in the European Parliament in late March.

The National Front leader described the move as "normal".

"It's a totally normal procedure, I'm not surprised," she told France Info radio.

Their request is unlikely to be approved by European lawmakers before the two-round presidential election.

The EU body had demanded her to repay almost A300,000 ($318,000) by January 31.

Le Pen has denounced since the beginning a "political operation", mounted in particular, according to her, by former European Parliament President Martin Schulz.

Last month, European lawmakers lifted her immunity in a separate case which concerns her tweeting pictures of Islamic State violence.

She is one of the frontrunners in the first round vote to be held on April 23.

Opinion polls show her coming first or second and qualifying for a crucial second round on May 7, said reports.
Mumbai, April 14 : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a new set of enabling provisions to resolve the problem of banks' mounting non-performing assets (NPAs), or bad loans.

Through the notification titled "Revised Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework for banks", the RBI has said the new set of provisions, effective from April 1, override the existing PCA framework, and are based on the financials of each bank as of March 2017. The new framework will be reviewed after three years.

Under the revised framework, if a bank crosses the third level of risk threshold (where a bank's common equity tier I capital falls below the threshold of 3.625 per cent by 3.125 per cent, or more) it will either be amalgamated or merged, or taken over by another entity.

"Breach of 'risk threshold 3' of CET1 (common equity tier 1) by a bank would identify it as a likely candidate for resolution through tools like amalgamation, reconstruction, winding up etc," the notification said.

The apex bank also said that in case a "bank defaults in meeting the obligations to its depositors, possible resolution processes may be resorted to without reference to the PCA matrix".

"A bank will be placed under PCA framework based on the audited annual financial results and RBI's supervisory assessment. However, RBI may impose PCA on any bank during the course of a year, including migration from one threshold to another, in case the circumstances so warrant."

The revised PCA framework is applicable to all banks, including small and foreign banks.

The new framework also places capital, asset quality and profitability as the key areas for monitoring. Besides, the over-riding indicators tracking capital, asset quality and profitability will be capital to risk assets ratio (CRAR), CET1 ratio, met NPA ratio and return on assets, respectively, the notification said.

A bank's "leverage will be monitored additionally as part of the PCA framework and any breach of any risk threshold will result in invocation of PCA," it added.

If a bank breaches the risk levels or leverage levels, RBI said "promoters/owners/parent in the case of foreign banks" will have to bring in capital to meet the special supervisory requirement.

Breach of risk threshold 2 will attract restrictions on branch expansion, as well as domestic and overseas higher provisions, as part of the coverage regime, RBI said.

Breach of risk threshold 3 will invite mandatory actions of threshold 1 and 2, along with restrictions on management compensation and directors' fees and any other corrective actions such as removal of officials and supersession or suppression of the board.

At its first monetary policy review of the fiscal on April 6, the RBI said it would come out with a revised PCA framework.

The NPAs of state-run banks at the end of last September rose to Rs 6.3 lakh crore (almost $100 billion), as compared to Rs 5.5 lakh crore at the end of June 2016.
Ankara, April 16 : Voting began on Sunday in Turkey in a landmark referendum that will determine whether President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be granted new powers, the media reported.

Erdogan is seeking to replace Turkey's parliamentary system with an executive presidency, the BBC reported.

A "yes" vote could see Erdogan remain in office until 2029 and would give him vastly enhanced powers to appoint cabinet ministers, issue decrees, choose senior judges and dissolve parliamen.

On Saturday, Turkish politicians made their final appeals to voters preparing to cast their ballots on one of the most sweeping programmes of constitutional change since Turkey became a republic almost a century ago.

Some 55 million Turkish voters are eligible to cast their ballots, according to Hurriyet Daily News.

The referendum is expected to attract a high turnout, with 1.2 million young people eligible to vote for the first time.

The Supreme Board of Election has announced that 167,140 ballot boxes will be ready for voters; another 461 boxes have also been set up in prisons.

The election process for Turkish citizens living abroad ended on April 9. Over a million registered citizens voted at 120 foreign missions in 57 countries.

For those who have missed the two-week election period, 120 boxes at 31 customs gates will be open for Turkish citizens living abroad until 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The campaign for the referendum was launched last October.
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Bhubaneswar, April 16 : Keeping its thrust on development agenda, the BJP has embarked on a mission to retain power in 2019, fine-tuning its strategy to woo the poor and a section of Muslims to expand its base.

On the concluding day of the two-day National Executive meet, the BJP political resolution indicated that it would focus on adding new socio-groups into its fold even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi tried to attract some in the Muslim community, especially women and the poor.

Dubbing Triple Talaq a "bad social practice", Modi said such things can be ended by social awakening but stressed that the Bharatiya Janata Party didn't want a conflict on this issue.

Modi's observation came at his concluding remarks.

"As far as social justice is concerned, our Muslim sisters should also get justice. There should not be injustice to them. No one should be exploited," Union Minister Nitin Gadkari quoted Modi as saying.

Modi added: "We should not allow conflict in the society. We don't want any conflict in Muslim society over the issue. We need to end such bad practices by awakening the society."

Earlier, making an intervention during the discussion over the resolution passed on a new OBC Commission, Modi said even Muslims have backwards and marginalised and the government must address their concerns.

BJP sources said Modi asked the party leaders and workers to hold district-level meetings over the issues of backward Muslims and women.

Modi also expressed his desire to rid India of social and economic inequities.

Accusing the opposition of concocting issues, Modi said: "It seems the opposition manufactures these issues in some factories. During the Delhi election, Church attacks was highlighted and during the Bihar polls 'Award Wapsi' was the issue. And right now it is EVM."

The Prime Minister told party workers to stick to "positive approach".

Earlier, two resolutions were passed by the National Executive focusing on the poor and backward communities in the society.

Coming down heavily on the Congress and other opposition parties for blocking in the Rajya Sabha a bill to grant constitutional status to the OBC Commission, the BJP accused them of depriving the poor of their benefits.

Human Resource and Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said: "These parties have always suppressed the interests of the backward classes and only given them false hopes."

He said the manner in which the bill was opposed exposed their attitude towards backward classes.

The resolution was moved by BJP's OBC MP Hukumdev Narayan Yadav and seconded by Chief Ministers like Raghubar Das of Jharkhand, Shivraj Singh Chouhan of Madhya Pradesh and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The BJP's focus on OBCs and Modi's remarks on the backwardness of Muslim society and Triple Talaq is seen as the party's effort to woo these social groups ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The BJP also has to face assembly elections in Gujarat, Himachal, Karnataka and Odisha. BJP President Amit Shah has begun micro management for these contests.

Where the BJP is not a major player, it is targeting new social groups.

Shah has asked party workers to go the extra mile to strengthen the party in 120 Lok Sabha constituencies where it is weak.

Noting that Modi had worked hard and translated his words into action, the political resolution said: "The BJP calls upon the people of our country to take a pledge to form a government under the leadership of Narendra Modi in 2019 in order to have the continuity of development and welfare policies for all."
Jammu, April 17 : Pakistan Army on Monday resorted to firing and mortar shelling at Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

"Pakistan Army initiated indiscriminate firing and shelling on our positions on the LoC in the Naushera sector," Defence Ministry spokesman Manish Mehta told IANS.

They are using small arms, automatics and mortars, he said.

"The firing started at 8 a.m. Our forces are effectively retaliating," Mehta added.

Firing exchanges are still continuing.
Seoul, April 17 : US Vice President Mike Pence on Monday said that his country's "era of strategic patience" with North Korea is over and warned Pyongyang not to test the resolve of the US.

Speaking in Seoul, Pence linked recent US military strikes in Syria and Afghanistan with the situation in North Korea, saying they showed the "strength and resolve of our new President."

Pence arrived in Seoul on Sunday, hours after North Korea carried out a failed missile launch, CNN reported.

"We will defeat any attack and we will meet any use of conventional or nuclear weapons with an overwhelming and effective response," Pence said, adding that when it came to North Korea "all options are on the table".

On Monday, the US and South Korea launched a joint air force military exercise to ensure readiness against North Korea, according to the South Korean media.

Tensions on the peninsula have ratcheted up in recent weeks, amid tit-for-tat sabre-rattling from the US and North Korea and analysts' warnings that North Korea was preparing for a sixth nuclear test, CNN reported.

Amid concerns the US might launch a preemptive strike on North Korea, Pence said Washington would "closely consult" with Seoul "as we make decisions moving forward."

Earlier in the day, Pence visited the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ), which he described as the "frontier of freedom", according to the report.

The DMZ is the highly-fortified de facto border between North and South Korea.

Speaking alongside South Korea's acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn later, he said North Korea had conducted nuclear and missile tests as the previous US administration had observed a policy of "strategic patience", but this was now over.

He reiterated US support for South Korea, telling his host: "We are with you 100%".

Hwang hailed the early deployment of the controversial US missile defence system (known as THAAD) designed to protect against threats from North Korea.

Pence said he was disappointed that China had taken retaliatory actions against South Korea in response to the move.

The US has leaned on China -- North Korea's main ally -- to apply pressure on Pyongyang to curtail its nuclear ambitions.

At the same time, the US has increased its military footprint in the region by deploying a naval carrier strike group to waters off the Korean Peninsula.

Pence said on Monday that Trump was "very hopeful that China will take actions to bring about a change of policy in North Korea. An abandonment of its nuclear weapons programme and its ballistic missile programme."

The US Vice-President will leave for Japan on Tuesday. His trip includes visits to Indonesia and Australia.
Miami, April 17 : US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, along with two of their children, attended an Easter service at an episcopal church in Palm Beach, Florida.

Wearing a black suit and red tie, and with Melania dressed in white, and accompanied by his younger daughter Tiffany and the couple's son Barron, the first family visited the Bethesda-by-the-Sea church on Sunday morning, Efe news reported.

Donald Trump and Melania were married in this church in 2005 and have observed other important holidays there.

Also with the group, which entered the Gothic style church by a side door, were Melania's parents.

A nearby street was closed to vehicular traffic starting early Sunday morning, the South Florida daily Sun Sentinel reported, publishing a photo of the president greeting the public near Bethesda-by-the-Sea, which opened its doors for Mass at 10.30 a.m.

Other people attending the service had to pass through a metal detector at the entrance and later, inside the church, Trump gave a thumbs-up to some of them.

At about 12.15 p.m., shortly before the service ended, Trump and his family left the church to take part in the traditional Easter egg hunt.

Joining the president at Mar-a-Lago mansion were his sons Eric and Donald Jr., and their families.

Earlier on Sunday morning, Trump sent out a "Happy Easter to everyone!" message on Twitter.

Trump and the First Lady will participate in the traditional White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, which Melania will host in a century-old tradition to be attended by thousands of children.
New Delhi, April 17 : Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari arrived here on Monday on a five-day visit to India at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee.

This is Bhandari's first foreign tour after assuming office in October 2015.

She is accompanied by a 33-member delegation that includes Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat and Peace and Reconstruction Minister Sita Devi Yadav, five women MPs and senior officials.

Bhandari will be given a ceremonial reception and accorded a guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.

Also on Tuesday, she will pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and visit the Yamuna Biodiversity Park.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Susham Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will call on the visiting dignitary.

Vice President Hamid Ansari will also call on Bhandari at the Rashtrapati Bhavan where she will stay. She will call on President Mukherjee and attend a banquet hosted by him.

"Neighbourhood first," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted, announcing the President's arrival.

On Sunday, Sudhakar Dalela, Joint Secretary (India and Bhutan) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said India's ties with Nepal were people-centric and focused on improving connectivity between the neighbours besides improving energy infrastructure.

The visit reflects "the priority India attaches to further strengthening the age-old unique partnership with Nepal and our shared historical and cultural linkages and strong people-to-people connection", he said.

Though wide-ranging discussions are expected to be held on bilateral issues, no agreement is expected to be signed.

Bhandari will visit Gujarat and Odisha on Wednesday and Thursday before leaving for Kathmandu on Friday.
Berlin, April 17 : The German government on Monday urged Turkey to hold "respectful dialogue" with different political factions in the country after the narrow referendum win backing constitutional changes.

In a joint statement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said the outcome of the vote had indicated a "deeply divided" Turkish society, Xinhua news agency reported.

Therefore, "the German government expects the Turkish government to look for a respectful dialogue with all political and social groups in the country", said the statement.

It also stressed the importance of political talks between Turkey and the European Union regarding the implementation of the constitutional changes.

During Sunday's vote, about 51.35 per cent backed the constitutional changes, compared to 48.65 per cent for the "no" side.

The constitutional reforms were set to grant more power to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The amendments to the constitution are likely to allow Erdogan to hold office for two more terms until 2029.

Many of the votes are coming from the Turks residing overseas in Germany, reportedly at 1.6 million.

Berlin has been critical of the referendum and somehow sees it as an undemocratic move. Some German states and cities have blocked campaigns on their soil before Sunday's vote, severely straining the ties between Ankara and Berlin.
New Delhi, April 17 : Hours after AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dinakaran's close aide Sukesh Chandrasekar's arrest, Delhi Police on Monday went from one court room to another but couldn't find a judge in a court here to seek his arrest in a case of attempt to bribe Election Commission officials.

Since Chandrasekar was arrested from a south Delhi hotel on Sunday night allegedly with Rs 1.3 crore that was meant for bribing the officials, it was presumed he would be presented before the Patiala House court for his remand proceedings.

Along with journalists, Crime Branch sleuths of the police waiting for his custody were at the city court complex to attend the remand proceedings. But that was not to be.

A police officer told reporters that the accused would be presented in Tis Hazari Courts, forcing journalists to rush there along with men from the Crime Branch.

At 4.40 p.m., police brought Chandrasekar before Special Judge Poonam Chaudhary in court room number 25. But the concerned judge was on a half-day leave.

The accused was then taken to link court room number 313 of Special Judge M.K. Nagpal. Here, too, luck didn't favour the police. The judge was not available.

The accused was brought to court room number 139 of Special Judge Hemani Malhotra. Alas! She was also not there.

The police then decided to knock at Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Satish Kumar Arora's doors in room number 38. Same fate as the magistrate was unavailable.

It went on for about 30 minutes before the police finally decided that the accused would be taken to the residence of the concerned judge to seek the custody of the 27-year-old suspect who has reportedly confessed he was playing the middleman for Dinakaran to bribe poll officials to reclaim the AIADMK's disputed and now frozen "two leaves" symbol.

Finally, Judge Chaudhary remanded him to eight days' police custody.
New York, April 18 : A group of Hispanic students living in California is designing a camping tent that can use solar energy to meet the electricity needs of the homeless.

"Our camping house is made with special materials, where we're going to have solar panels, ... (and) LED lights, so that the person can see inside when it's dark," Kenia Shi, a high school student, was quoted by Efe news agency as saying.

These students are also going to have a way to clean the house with ultraviolet lights, which kill bacteria.

The installation of miniaturised solar technology in a mobile tent is the project being pursued by 12 Latino students at the San Fernando Magnet school in Los Angeles County, for which they received a $10,000 grant from the Lemelson InveTeam organisation at the MIT School of Engineering.

"When we were introduced to the programme and they told us that we had the chance to make an invention that could change something in our community, we thought that making a ... (solar) tent was best," Shi said.

The daughter of immigrants from El Salvador, Shi intends to study mechanical engineering at the University of California San Diego.

Statistics from 2016 compiled by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority show that in Los Angeles County there are 43,000 people who live in shelters or in tents on the streets.

The annual tally, which does not includes figures from Pasadena, Glendale or Long Beach, found that the homeless population is 39 per cent African American, 27 per cent Latino and 26 per cent white.

"It's very nice to be able to say that you're helping these people who often the government and the public ... almost ignore," said Araceli Chavez, the daughter of Mexican immigrants.

Fifteen US schools won the engineering grants from Massachusetts Institute of Technology to develop things such as "tents with solar energy" that the students will display at the EurekaFest fair on June 15-17 on the MIT campus.

The students' solution is to install a small solar panel and a light with an energy storage element, so that the accumulated electricity can be transferred to other appliances, among other innovations.
Jammu, April 18 : An Indian Army soldier was killed in Pakistan firing on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, police said on Tuesday.

The soldier was killed in Mendhar sector of the LoC in a sniper fire from the Pakistani side late on Monday evening, police sources told IANS here.

Pakistan Army had also continued indiscriminate firing and mortar shelling in Naushera sector of the LoC in Rajouri district on Monday.

Dozens of cattle were killed on the Indian side in the indiscriminate shelling and firing.

The Indian Army had retaliated strongly.

Exchange of fire between the two sides which started at 8 a.m. on Monday had continued till late evening, defence sources said.
New Delhi, April 18 : Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari was accorded a ceremonial welcome on Tuesday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Bhandari. She was then accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

"Special honours for a close neighbour," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted while announcing her ceremonial welcome.

Later in the morning, she paid her tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will call on the visiting dignitary on Tuesday.

Bhandari will call on President Mukherjee and attend a banquet hosted by him.

The Nepal President arrived here on Monday on a five-day visit to India at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee.

This is Bhandari's first foreign tour after assuming office in October 2015.

She is accompanied by a 33-member delegation that includes Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat and Peace and Reconstruction Minister Sita Devi Yadav, five women MPs and senior officials.
I am offering the solution to a problem most Republicans don't know they have -- that they can be outmaneuvered and thrown on the defensive endlessly, on nearly any issue, because they accept as true Democrat lies about the Republican Party. To correct that misperception and to help the Republican Party get 'back to basics' is why I'm a man on a mission.

A few years ago, after one of my speeches, a man told me "Do you know what your problem is? You're too far ahead of your time!" My efforts to show Republicans how they would benefit from celebrating the heritage of our Grand Old Party have been arduous, but if this were easy someone else would have already done it.

Among my speech topics are Reconciling the Tea Party and the GOP; Barack Obama, the Worst President Ever; Socialism, the new Slavery; Appreciating the Heritage of our Grand Old Party; Returning to the Founding Principles of the United States; The Womens Rights Achievements of our Grand Old Party; Abraham Lincoln, Republican; Frederick Douglass, Republican; Martin Luther King and the Republican Civil Rights Legacy.
Jammu, April 18 : An Indian Army soldier was killed in accidental firing in the border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir, an official said on Tuesday.

Earlier, it was reported that the soldier died in Pakistan sniper firing late Monday evening on the Line of Control (LoC) in Mendhar sector of Poonch.

But defence spokesman Lt. Col. Manish Mehta denied that there was any firing from the Pakistani side on Monday in Mendhar.

"There had been no ceasefire violation (from Pakistan). It was one casualty due to accidental discharge," Lt. Col. Manish Mehta told IANS here. He gave no further details.

The spokesman, however, said the Pakistan Army fired and launched mortar shells indiscriminately at Indian posts in Naushera sector of the de facto border in Rajouri district on Monday.

The Indian Army retaliated strongly, he said.

Dozens of cattle were killed on the Indian side.
Accra, April 18 : Mali offers good opportunities and prospects for Indian entrepreneurs and investors in the gold mining and food processing space, among others, the Indian Embassy in capital Bamako has said.

"Mali is Africa's third-leading gold producer (after South Africa and Ghana) and has an estimated reserve of 600-800 tonnes. There is considerable scope for joint ventures between the two countries for the production of gold and fabrication and marketing of jewellery in Mali," the embassy said in an email interaction with IANS.

The West African country currently produces 60 tonnes of gold per year.

"For Indian businessmen, Mali has great scope of investment especially in the field of agriculture (cotton, food processing, abattoirs and tanneries); mining (gold, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, bauxite, zinc, manganese, tin and copper); automobile (two-wheeler segment), and pharmaceuticals (generic drugs)," the embassy said.

With a population of around 15 million exposed to tropical diseases, Mali is also a good market for Indian generic medicines and pharmaceutical products.

"There is already an awareness of our capabilities and competitiveness in this area, the Embassy said, adding that this needed to be translated into commercial contracts for Indian companies."

"Malian economy is primarily based on agriculture and livestock husbandry which together account for almost 50 per cent of the country's GDP," the embassy said, adding that "Mali is the second largest producer of long staple cotton in Africa, after Egypt."

It said the country is also one of the largest producers of mangoes in Africa but lacks processing facilities.

"Mali also has one of the largest livestock in Africa with 35 million cattle heads inclusive of eight million cows, 26 million sheep and goats and approximately one million camels," the embassy said, adding that this provided opportunities in the food processing sector, including meat -- processing and setting up of modern abattoirs."

The Malian government also welcomed investments in modern tanneries.

"India's total trade with the West African country has grown steadily over the past few years culminating in $350.72 million for the 2015-16 financial year. It represents 64.87 per cent increase over the previous year's $212.72 million," the embassy said.

It said India's exports during 2014-15 totalled $134.12 million, whilst imports from Mali accounted for $78.59 million.

During 2015-16 however, Indian exports slumped to $107.93 million whilst imports suged to $242.78 million.

The trade figure for the first 10 months of 2016-17 is at $167.54 million, with India's exports at $87.13 million and imports at $80.41 million.

The Malian government is keen to undertake exploration and exploitation of its mineral resources and has formally offered the rights on lease to the Government of India or government-designated companies, said the Embassy.

"This provides our public as well as private companies with ample opportunities to exploit the rich mineral resources of Mali," it added.

Businessman Seydou Brahima said: "Most businessmen would want to do business with India, but the fact that we are a Francophone country has been a challenge."

"A few of us have tried to get into business with Indian partners and the response has been good."

(Francis Kokutse can be contacted at fkokutse@ians.in)
London, April 18 : Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for defaulting on bank loans, has been arrested here, informed sources said on Tuesday.

Mallya was taken into custody by Scotland Yard and could be extradited to India, the sources said.

British authorities have informed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) about the arrest, the sources said.
Chennai, April 18 : Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Tuesday ruled out any unity in the AIADMK until the now jailed V.K. Sasikala and her family was ousted from the party.

Speaking in Perikulam in Theni district, about 520 km from here, Panneerselvam said there cannot be any unification talks if Sasikala and her family members remained party members.

"Our stand is Sasikala and her family members should not be in the party," he said.

Panneerselvam said AIADMK founder, the late M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), and the late J. Jayalalithaa were against any family controlling the party.

He said there was no change in his fundamental stance that the party and the government should not be under the control of one family.

According to him, MGR never involved his brother in party affairs when he founded the AIADMK and went on to rule Tamil Nadu for a decade until his death in 1987.

Panneerselvam said Jayalalithaa admitted only Sasikala into the party and none from the latter's family.

He also said that doubts regarding the death of Jayalalithaa, who passed away on December 5 while holding the post of Chief Minister, had to be cleared.

Asked if he would allow K. Palaniswami, a Sasikala backer, to remain the Chief Minister if the AIADMK unites, Pannerselvam said there was no point in talking about things that would not happen.

The AIADMK split into two after Jayalalithaa's death. One faction is led by Sasikala and the other by Panneerselvam.

Meanwhile, Sasikala faction legislator Vetrivel questioned how a group of ministers discussed a patch-up without the consent of party Deputy General Secretary T.T.V. Dinakaran, a nephew of Sasikala.

On Monday night, several ministers discussed the issue of a patch-up with Panneerselvam.

Vetrivel told reporters in Chennai that the meeting of the ministers was "unofficial" and only those meetings held at the party office were "official".

Delhi Police have slapped a case against Dinakaran on charges of trying to bribe the Election Commission over the now frozen AIADMK election symbol and arrested one of his aides in Delhi with unaccounted money.
New Delhi, April 18 : Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan on Tuesday refused to comment on charges that he was a Khalistan backer and said he was proud to have been born in India.

"I have been given many labels through my life," Sajjan said, when he was asked about allegations that he was a Khalistan supporter.

"I don't want to be sucked into the internal politics of a province of a nation. My goal is to build relationships. I am proud of the fact that I was born here," he said.

Sajjan arrived in India on Monday on a week-long visit. He will visit Punjab too.

Sajjan was dubbed a Khalistan sympathiser by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who has said he would not meet the Canadian minister.
Thrissur, April 04 : KPCC interim president M M Hassan has urged K M Manis Kerala Congress (M) to return to the UDF fold in the wake of the coalitions stellar win in the by-poll to the Malappuram lok sabha constituency.

Speaking to reporters in Thrissur on Tuesday, Hassan said that all the constituents of the UDF coalition desired KC(M)s return to the front, adding that the Malappuram by-poll result had created a conducive situation for the same.

There is consensus in the UDF that Mani should return to the front. Mani wasnt expelled from the front, but chose to go of his own volition. Hes at liberty to return anytime, Hassan told reporters.

He also said that Mani hitting the campaign trail in Malappuram for Kunhalikutty contributed to the latters decisive victory.

To a question whether he would take the initiative in holding talks to pave the way for Manis return, Hassan said that the UDF meeting scheduled for Friday would consider the matter.

Later in the day, opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala echoed Hassans sentiments, saying that K M Mani could return to the UDF fold anytime.

I have already voiced my opinion on this. Manis free to decide when to return to the UDF. There are no obstacles to the KC(M) returning to the UDF, Chennithala said.

However, K M Mani refused to budge from his stated position, telling reporters on Tuesday that no plans were afoot for the KC(M)s return to the UDF for the time being.

The KC(M) had neither blind opposition nor excess affection towards anybody. The party would take stands on issues based on merit, Mani clarified.

The KC(M), which has six MLAs in the assembly, sits as a separate block in the assembly after the party at its Charalkunnu camp in August last decided to sever its over-three-decade old ties with the UDF.
New Delhi, April 18 : A court here on Tuesday reserved its order on a CBI plea for permission to conduct lie-detector test on Jagdish Tytler and arms dealer Abhishek Verma in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Shivali Sharma fixed May 9 for delivering order on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) petition.

Tytler, a senior Congress leader, has refused to undergo a polygraph test in the anti-Sikh riots case.

His counsel said that the CBI had not given any specific reason in its application seeking a lie-detector test of his client.

The CBI had sought the court's permission for conducting polygraph tests on Tytler and Verma in the case in which Tytler is accused of leading a mob in Pul Bangash area in 1984 that led to the killing of three Sikhs.

The agency's move came after Verma, listed as a witness in the 1984 anti-Sikh riot case, alleged that Tytler tried to influence a witness, Surender Singh, with money and promised to send his son Narender Singh to Canada.

Verma told the court that he was ready for the polygraph test if provided adequate security, as he apprehended threat to his life as well as to his family.

The premier investigating agency had earlier given a clean chit to Tytler in the case but reopened the investigation following a December 4, 2015, court order in the wake of Verma's allegations.

The court had also directed the agency to find out whether Verma's statement was authentic.

In September 2016, the agency had filed its investigation report in the case which would also be heard on the next date of hearing.
London, April 18 : Prime Minister Theresa Mays first public meeting after declaring general election on June 8 will be a Baisakhi reception she is hosting at 10 Downing Street, her official residence.

The British media is eagerly waiting for the speech she will deliver at the event later on Tuesday. Prominent members of the Indian community like Rami Ranger CBE, a staunch supporter of the Conservative Party, will attend the reception.

In the last general election, the Indian community, especially the Sikhs, supported the Conservative candidates despite the controversy over the Thatcher administration's role in Operation Blue Star -- the 1984 storming of the Golden Temple by the Indian Army to flush out separatist Khalistani militants.

Prime Minister David Cameron then took a series of visits to gurudwaras at major Sikh habitats to regain support.

The support of the 1.5 million strong Indian community is very crucial for winning the marginal seats.

The race will be three-pronged as the recharged Liberal Democrats are seeking votes on a Brexit agenda. Sikhs are crucial in many constituencies.

British Indians, along with other minority communities in Britain, have historically voted for the Labour Party.

In 2010, for instance, 61 per cent of the Indian-origin votes went to Labour candidates in the general election.

But one recent report by the British Election Study said that in 2014 only 18 per cent of Indian-origin voters identified with the Labour Party, compared to 77 per cent in 1997.

Another survey found that 50 per cent supported the Conservative Party in 2015 while 38 per cent supported Labour.

Along religious lines, nearly 49 per cent Hindus and Sikhs favoured the Tories as compared to 41 per cent for Labour. That is why Prime Minister May is making it a point to laud Sikhs.

"As Sikhs across the globe take part in spectacular processions, and neighbourhoods and gurdwaras burst forth with colour, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the immense contribution British Sikhs make to our country," May said in her Baisakhi message.

"Whether it's in the fields of business, the armed forces or the charitable sector, you consistently follow the pillars of your faith and in so doing set an example to us all."

"Your values -- of equality and respect, of fairness and helping those less fortunate than yourselves -- are values we need more than ever, as we forge a new, ambitious, role for Britain in the world," the Prime Minister said.

"I am determined to build a country that works for everyone; a country where no matter who you are, you can achieve your goals, and the Sikh community is a vital part of that mission."

By choosing the Sikh community to deliver the first policy speech after declaring general election, May shows the importance of Sikhs in the diversified tapestry of Britain.

(Anasudhin Azeez is Editor of Asian Lite. He can be reached at md@asianlite.com)
Rome, April 18 : Turkey's accession to the European Union is "not on the agenda", Italy's Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano said on Tuesday in wake of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's victory in a referendum that gave him sweeping new powers.

"Turkey's entrance to the EU is not on the agenda," Alfano told Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

In Sunday's referendum, Turkish electors voted 51.4 per cent in favour of constitutional changes that will turn Turkey into a presidential republic similar to the United States and France could enable Erdogan to stay in power until 2029.

After the result, Erdogan said he would reintroduce the death penalty if it was backed in a referendum or a bill was submitted to him through parliament, a move the EU says would put paid to Turkey's long-stalled negotiations to join the bloc.

"Any decision to reintroduce the death penalty would take Turkey further away (from joining the EU)," said Alfano.

Erdogan also said after his victory on Sunday that Turkey could hold a referendum on its EU membership bid.

But Alfano warned against isolating Turkey over the referendum result, which international monitors and the Turkish bar association have called into question and which European leaders say exposes deep splits in Turkish society.

Lying between East and West, Turkey has a "crucial" role to play in the fight against terrorism and in military security cooperation, Alfano said.

"I hear calls to isolate Turkey.

"But quite simply, this is not in our interests. We need to be realistic," he said.
New Delhi, April 18 : Rejecting allegations that he supported Khalistan, Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan on Tuesday said: "I don't promote the breaking up of any country."

"I don't want to be sucked into the internal politics of a province of a nation," he told the media when he was asked about allegations that he was a Khalistani supporter.

"My goal is to build relationships. I am proud of the fact that I was born here."

Sajjan arrived in India on Monday on a week-long visit. He will visit Punjab too.

The Sikh politician was dubbed a Khalistan sympathizer by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who has said he would not meet the Canadian minister.

Sajjan spoke at an event organised by Observer Research Foundation.

Pressed about Amarinder Singh's allegation, Sajjan said: "I am not gonna get into petty politics of one CM or anybody.

"My reason for going into Punjab is to pay respect to Harminder Sahib... I want to pay respect to the village I was born. I am very very proud of my roots.

"Captain is Chief Minister and it is my responsibility to offer a meeting."

Sajjan said the Chief Minister was free to decide whether he wanted to meet him or not.

"The relationship between Punjab and Canada is based on its people. No one can take away my village, my home, from me."

On the Ontario assembly passing a resolution calling the 1984 anti-Sikh riots a genocide, Sajjan said: "We are a federation and the Ontario legislature is democratically elected. A private member moved a motion and that's all it was."

Earlier, Sajjan met his Indian counterpart Arun Jaitley.

Speaking on their discussion, Sajjan said: "We had some very fruitful discussion ... on the great relationship that Canada and India has and how we can further this relationship."

Talking about the possibilities in defence cooperation, he said: "India's defence ties with Canada may be at a nascent stage but we certainly stand to benefit from your technological skills, your considerable aerospace technologies, simulation and modelling technologies, cold climate expertise, your culture of research and innovation.

"All are areas that suggest possibilities where Canadian defence manufacturers can become an active part of the Make in India initiative."

A veteran of Afghanistan and Bosnia, Sajjan, a decorated soldier, spoke about the Taliban and how to deal with extremist violence.

"Taliban is a small entity ... radical thinking that has sucked in a generation of young men into their ranks."

Pressed on Afghan peace efforts, Sajjan said: "It is up to the Afghan government to have formal discussions with the Taliban about reducing the conflict. It is their choice to make.

"But if you don't have discussion, they may be dealing with the conflict for a very long time."
Chennai/Mumbai, April 18 : Fuel bunks in seven states and Puducherry will be shut every Sunday starting May 14, it was announced on Tuesday, to protest the public sector oil companies' failure to hike dealer margins.

The decision will cover Haryana, Maharashtra and the entire southern region -- Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala as well as Puducherry.

There are some 56,000 petrol bunks across the country. At present, many outlets are open between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. while some operate round the clock.

Spokespersons for the dealers' associations are, however, portraying it as a move aimed at saving fuel and foreign exchange for the country.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people to follow traffic rules and also save petrol and diesel. So we have decided to declare a holiday on Sundays as it will save fuel and foreign exchange," K.P. Murali, President of the Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers Association, told IANS.

"On an average the daily sales of fuel is for around Rs 153 crore. While exact figures are not available on sales on Sundays, it will be around 20 per cent less," he said.

Murali said the Sunday-holiday decision will save around 20 per cent fuel burned in the country.

"We are within our right to declare Sunday a holiday. All these days we have been paying workers double wages," he said. The outlets will have one staffer on Sundays to supply fuel in an emergency.

In Mumbai, the President of the Federation of All Maharashtra Petrol Dealers Association, Uday Lodh, said the move was in support of various demands with the oil marketing companies.

He added that petrol pumps in the seven states and Puducherry will work from May 15 only on single shift -- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"We are operating on extremely low margins, selling high-tech unleaded petrol-diesel products in which the evaporation rate is very high, resulting in huge losses," Lodh told IANS.

Additionally, the need to pay a certain minimum salary to the staffers at petrol pumps "has become unaffordable due to the low operating margins", he said.

Ashok Nareddi of the Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association told IANS that the move will hugely save energy, slash electricity consumption and help the dealers to better use their manpower.

"It may take two to three weeks for people to adjust to the new schedule," he said.

Nareddi said trucks, other four wheelers and bikes have sufficient fuel tank capacity to store fuel for a travel of 300 to 500 km. "So those who buy diesel or petrol a day in advance will have no problems."

Petroleum dealers in Haryana said the holiday move followed a decision of the Consortium of Indian Petroleum Leaders (CIPD) to observe a one-shift sale model.

The dealers have decided to intensify their agitation as the three public sector oil companies have not reviewed the dealer margins since 2011.

The CIPD, which represents nearly 55,000 petroleum dealers across India, met last week in Kurukshetra.

A.B. Sathyanarayan, National President of CIPD, said that the "indifferent" attitude of the top management of the oil companies forced the association to take the decision.

Haryana's Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies Karan Dev Kamboj, a petroleum dealer himself, said the demands of the petroleum dealers were genuine.

M. Radhakrishnan, Secretary of the Kerala State Federation of Petroleum Traders, said the decision had evoked a mixed reaction.

A former President of the Federation, Alex Valakallil, said the idea was not feasible. "It is not a feasible idea."
New Delhi, April 18 : Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Tuesday called on her Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee ahead of a banquet hosted in her honour.

"A relationship marked by strong people to people connections. President Bidya Devi Bhandari meets Rashtrapati ji at @RashtrapatiBhvn," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.

Among those present at the banquet hosted by Mukherjee in the honour of the Himalayan nation's President were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar, JD-U chief Sharad Yadav and veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani.

Modi, who called on Bhandari late Tuesday afternoon, said he had "fruitful talks" with her during the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Bhandari was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan here. Later, she paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Following this, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the visiting dignitary.

The Nepal President arrived here on Monday on a five-day visit to India at the invitation of President Mukherjee.

This is Bhandari's maiden foreign tour after assuming office in October 2015.

She is accompanied by a 33-member delegation that includes Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat and Peace and Reconstruction Minister Sita Devi Yadav, five women MPs and senior officials.

She will also visit Gujarat and Odisha before returning to Kathmandu on Friday.
Bhubaneswar, April 18 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Benerjee on Tuesday met ailing Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay, who is currently undergoing treatment at a city-based private hospital while under arrest in the Rose Vally chit fund scam.

Banerjee, who arrived in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday evening on a three-day tour to the state, went straight from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Apollo Hospital here to meet Bandyopadhyay.

"Our MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay is unwell. I have come to see him," she told reporters here.

The Chief Minister said Bandyopadhay has broken down both physically and mentally. "He has lost 16-17 kilos. The doctors are very much worried about his health condition. He was crying. I have given him an exercise book and asked him to record his pain there."

She claimed that Bandypadhyay has never committed any wrong.

Bandyopadhyay, a four time Lok Sabha member and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare in the Manmohan Singh cabinet between 2011 and 2012, has been under arrest since January 3, when he was taken into custody by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for his alleged links with the Rose Valley scam.

Another Trinamool MP Tapas Pal, also arrested by the CBI in the chit fund scam, is also admitted in the same hospital.

Banerjee also said that she would meet Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik if time permits.

"I also wish to visit Puri to pay obeisance to Lord Jagannath," she added.

The West Bengal Chief Minister will visit Srimandir on Wednesday morning.
New York, April 19 : A day after North Korea said it would regularly test missiles, the US military is considering shooting down the missile tests to pressure the country into denuclearisation.

According to a report in Guardian on Tuesday, the US is exploring ways short of war to pressure the country into denuclearisation, particularly if Pyongyang goes forward with a sixth nuclear test.

The military has not decided to intercept a test missile but the US defense secretary James Mattis has briefed Congress on the option.

Earlier, US vice-president Mike Pence warned North Korea against testing Trump's "resolve", and said that former US President Barack Obama's "strategic patience" policy had ended.

North Korea will continue to test missiles on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis, Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-ryol said.

He said that an "all-out war" would result if the US took military action.

Former US officials speculate that the shoot-down strategy would risk an escalation that Washington might not be able to control.

"I would see such an action as escalatory, but I couldn't guess how Kim Jong-un would interpret it," the report quoted Abraham Denmark, a senior official in Barack Obama's administration, as saying.

"But I would be concerned he would feel the need to react strongly, as he would not want to appear weak," Denmark added.

According to the report, the military might attempt a missile shoot-down with an Aegis missile-defense system aboard a US navy destroyer.

There are also chances that US might convince Japan to use its own missile-defense capabilities against a ballistic missile test traversing Japanese waters.

"The USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group, which includes Aegis-equipped destroyers, is headed for the Korean peninsula," the report noted.

But officials at Pentagon are believed to be unsure how North Korea would respond if US the shoots down a test missile.

"We are exploring a new range of diplomatic, security, and economic measures and all options are on the table," Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, said.

The probability of Aegis interceptors missing a North Korean target would be embarrassing for the US and embolden Pyongyang. US officials believe that this factor also complicates the shoot-down strategy.

According to Patrick Cronin, senior director of the Asia-Pacific Security Programme at the Centre for a New American Security, the failure to bring down a missile would give North Korea a "psychological advantage".

North Korea has accelerated its nuclear and missile tests in recent years, despite international condemnation and UN sanctions.

Its aim is to be able to put a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile that can reach targets around the world, including the US.

US President Donald Trump has said that will not happen, and stepped up pressure on the isolated North.

Despite the tension, North Korea may carry out a sixth nuclear test soon, observers say. It test-fired a missile on Sunday that exploded within seconds of launch, following a grand military parade on Saturday.
1736 Family Crisis Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency dedicated to serving vulnerable community members in the greater Los Angeles area. Our ultimate goal is to end this terrible problem that affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in Los Angeles over their lifetimes. This grant will help support our efforts to reach that goal. Carol Adelkoff, CEO

The Tesoro Foundation recently awarded 1736 Family Crisis Center (1736 FCC) a Public Safety Grant of $300,000 to promote a safer community through the expansion of a Domestic Violence Outreach, Training and Prevention Program in greater Los Angeles.

1736 FCC is deeply appreciative of the grant from the Tesoro Foundation and for the Foundations partnership in efforts to improve awareness, knowledge and positive action toward domestic violence in our community, said Carol Adelkoff, Chief Executive Officer of 1736 FCC. Our ultimate goal is to end this terrible problem that affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in Los Angeles over their lifetimes. This grant will help support our efforts to reach that goal.

1736 Family Crisis Center, Tesoro and City of Los Angeles Councilmember Joe Buscaino, 15th District, will be among the primary partners to improve police training and response to domestic violence victims of all ages and ensure that citizens can live safer lives, with the mutual goal of decreasing the incidence of domestic abuse. General public education offered by the Domestic Violence Outreach, Training and Prevention Program stresses the importance of recognizing warning signs and seeking help from the local police when necessary.

The Tesoro Foundation is proud to support 1736 FCC in its heroic efforts to alleviate and eradicate domestic violence in the Los Angeles community, said Ken Dami, Director of Southern California Public and Government Affairs at Tesoro. It takes programs that provide training, education and support and strong partnerships between local governments, non-profits and organizations to make an impactful difference in our communities.

The program includes a Domestic Violence Response Team (DART) collaboration with the Los Angeles Police Department and Mayor Eric Garcettis office. As part of DART, 1736 FCC Advocates accompany police officers on domestic violence calls and provide on-site victim support, counseling and safety planning. 1736 FCC Advocates also offer specialized training in domestic violence for law enforcement and violence prevention education for the general public.

As a former LAPD officer, I saw firsthand the devastating impacts of domestic violence, said Councilman Joe Buscaino. 1736 Family Crisis Center has been a leading service provider in Los Angeles for many years and this grant will allow them to grow their vital program in Council District 15 and our neighboring cities.

1736 FCC invites local business and organizations to join this collective effort to help victims of domestic violence and others in need. 1736 FCC provides professional counseling, legal services, 24-7 shelter care for those in need, five 24-hour helplines, Veteran support, specialized services for children, job development and educational support. Please contact Senior Director Tobi Quintiliani at 310-678-0483, Senior Director Debbie Nelson at 310-940-6633, or visit http://www.1736familycrisiscenter.org/ for more information.

1736 Family Crisis Center  1736 Family Crisis Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency dedicated to serving vulnerable community members in the greater Los Angeles area. Its mission is to comprehensively help children, women, men, and families through crisis circumstances, including domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, and post-traumatic stress disorder, improving their prospects for long-term housing, financial stability, and success. Through operation of 13 program sites located in six cities (Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Long Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Santa Ana), three LA City Council Districts (10th District Herb Wesson, 11th District Mike Bonin, and 15th District Joe Buscaino), three Supervisorial Districts in LA County (First District, Supervisor Hilda Solis; Second District, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas; and Fourth District, Supervisor Janice Hahn), and one Supervisorial District in Orange County (First District, Supervisor Andrew Do), 1736 Family Crisis Center manages a wide range of life-saving programs for vulnerable populations throughout the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. The agency has 160 employees who are dedicated to helping save lives around the clock and providing culturally-competent services to homeless and at-risk children and youth, adult and child victims of commercial sex trafficking and labor trafficking, homeless Veterans and their families, and victims of domestic violence. Supported by more than 200 volunteers and university interns, these professionals provide legal, mental health, shelter and other supportive services to more than 6,000 individuals annually. Through its DART (Domestic Abuse Response Team) collaboration with Mayor Eric Garcettis Office and the Los Angeles Police Department, agency staff stationed at the LAPDs Harbor Division accompany and assist police officers responding to domestic violence calls in Wilmington and San Pedro, providing support and counseling to victims thereby allowing the police to focus on their investigative work.
The company attributes much of its success and growth to partnerships with well-known equipment dealers, hard-working sales and technical teams, and a dedication to employee wellness.

To kick off 2017, Pacific Office Automation held its annual meeting to review results of the previous year and plan for the year ahead. Over the past 40 years that Pacific Office Automation has been in business, it has reached a value of $285 million. In 2016 alone, the office solutions industry leader experienced 11% growth. The company attributes much of its success and growth to partnerships with well-known equipment dealers, hard-working sales and technical teams, and a dedication to employee wellness.

Pacific Office Automation considers its equipment dealers a major asset to the business, allowing sales reps to offer top of the line printers and copiers as well as IT and cloud services to its business customers. The companys newest partner, Pitney Bowes, will help to further expand product offerings with postage meters and shipping solutions.

With Pitney Bowes, well be able to provide better solutions so our customers dont have to spend time in post office lines, said Pacific Office Automation president Doug Pitassi. Were excited to have them on board.

Internally, Pacific Office Automation will also be focusing efforts in 2017 on employee health and happiness. As part of a new health initiative, the company will give out 800 fitness trackers printed with Be Legendary, the theme of the year. Were hearing good feedback about this, said Pitassi. We hope to make this aspect of our culture a selling point for prospective employees.

Pacific Office Automation is on an upward trajectory and looking forward to another successful year. To learn more about careers at Pacific Office Automation or to partner with the company as a business, visit POAs website today.

About Pacific Office Automation

Pacific Office Automation (https://www.pacificoffice.com) is a leader in managed printing solutions and document management software. Since 1976, POA has grown to become the industrys largest independent dealership with 18 locations throughout Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho and Colorado. The company is also one of the largest independent distributors, carrying brands such as Sharp, Konica Minolta, Toshiba, Ricoh, Lexmark, Xerox, Muratec, Canon and HP copiers, printers, faxes and multifunctional devices. POA believes in providing custom print solutions that are fast, efficient and secure so customers can confidently say, Problem Solved.

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Advania Thor Datacentre in Iceland We are most likely creating the most environmentally-friendly visual effects in the world - Benjamin Bohn, CEO & Managing Director at RVX

RVX, a leading VFX and VR studio, has selected Advanias Datacenters in Iceland to host their VFX and VR platform. RVX produces world-class visual effects for film, TV, gaming, and virtual reality projects. Since 2008, they have delivered over 20 projects that have captured global attention, including Hollywood blockbusters such as Gravity, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, 2 Guns, Contraband, and Australia, as well as the virtual reality experience Everest VR.

By selecting Advania datacenters to host their VFX and VR platform, RVX has access to Advanias experienced HPC engineering and support team, while leveraging additional HPC resources as needed through Advanias new HPC as a Service on-demand, high-performance computing clusters.

Secure and sustainable

With built-in operational redundancy, Advanias datacenters are also compliant with and certified to highest security standards, and have the advantage of running on 100% sustainable energy, offering very energy-efficient operations (PUE from 1,03).

We are most likely creating the most environmentally-friendly visual effects in the world, says Benjamin Bohn, CEO & Managing Director at RVX. The stability of the hosting environment is what matters to our operations, and after evaluating the options, we decided to go with Advania where the datacenter reliability was certainly one of the big factors, but also the capabilities that we have available if needed from Advania to support our operations.

Increasing VFX demands call for more compute power

As visual effects become more elaborate and require more computing power in production, RVX has seen a dramatic increase in infrastructure demands.

Upfront investment to meet these growing workloads can be very high. Rather than over-investing in hardware that may not be fully utilized, RVX searched for a solution that can accommodate their base infrastructure needs with the option to access additional resources on-demand when they are needed.

Advania has built up a highly experienced datacenter team that can deliver world class hosting environment that companies with high demands like RVX can rely on to support their operations as needed, says gir Mar Thorisson, CEO of Advania Iceland. We are proud of our team that has built up a very strong infrastructure to deliver hosting to the highest standard to serve global needs.

About Advania

Advania is a leading Nordic IT company offering diverse services and solutions that include software, ERP systems, consulting, hardware, IT operations, hosting and data center services. Built on a solid foundation spanning 70 years of technology services, Advania has over 10,000 clients in public and private sectors in the Nordics and Europe.

Advanias staff of 1100 employees across 17 offices located in three countries is committed to providing customers with the best possible service. Operations are certified according to international quality and security standard ISO 27001.
Burnett & Williams, one of Virginias oldest and most experienced personal injury law firms, is pleased to welcome Matthew E. Bass as a new attorney in its Leesburg office. After 5 years of general practice with an increasing focus on personal injury, Bass will represent victims of personal injury exclusively at Burnett & Williams.

Asked about the change, Bass said, "I am excited to join some of the best personal injury lawyers in Virginia at a firm that has decades of experience representing injured clients, and shares my belief that the client always comes first." In addition to the Leesburg office, Matt will be working with clients at Burnett & Williams offices in Reston and Winchester.

A 2012 graduate of the David Clarke School of Law, Bass was recognized there for his advocacy and writing skills in winning both the prestigious Earl H. Davis Advocacy Award and the LeClerq Best Brief Award for Legal Writing.

Senior Burnett & Williams principal, Peter Burnett, said, "Matt is not only a talented lawyer but also a person who cares deeply about the rights and welfare of his clients. He is a terrific addition to our growing practice, and I look forward to working with him."

As a native of Berryville, Bass is actively engaged in community affairs, including service as a member of the Berryville Area Development Authority. He and his wife, Kelbi, also a Clarke County native, still live in Berryville, and are the proud parents of a 7 month old daughter.
The 9th Annual Mid-Atlantic Energy Technology & Sustainability Forum has announced five companies that will present to a panel of nationally acclaimed investors. The five finalists represent innovative companies within the energy technology, clean tech, AgBio and sustainability industries. The finalists include:



Compact Membrane Systems  Compact Membrane Systems is an advanced separations company with meaningful new technology for separating and concentrating olefins, the building blocks of the petrochemical industry. Our technology creates a range of performance, efficiency, and environmental gains for refiners, chemical manufacturers and newly emerging sustainable technologies.

OxiCool OxiCool is a technology company that has developed energy-efficient air conditioning solutions for transportation, residential, and commercial applications. The technology takes advantage of the inherent molecular attraction between a water vapor molecule and a synthetic molecular sieve. The technology does not use any harmful ingredients and eliminates usage of harmful refrigerants. The Companys initial focus is on air conditioners for the sleeper cabs of heavy-duty trucks (branded as TruckCool).

Powerhouse Dynamics  Powerhouse Dynamics provides an enterprise energy & asset management platform, SiteSage, that helps multi-unit restaurants, retail and convenience store chains reduce energy costs and better manage equipment and operations. The cloud-based system connects, monitors, analyzes and controls equipment to effectively manage energy, equipment repair & maintenance, and other operational costs across thousands of locations.

RePipe4710  RePipe4710 is an innovative water pipe replacement solution specifically engineered to deliver Americas water with safety and reliability. It takes advantage of existing pipes to put a new pipe in place without requiring an entire street to be dug up to renovate the system below.

Sustrana LLC  Sustrana LLC is a software company that provides sustainability management solutions by allowing companies to build highly effective sustainability programs in less time for less money. Its breakthrough software makes strategic sustainability management affordable and actionable for organizations of all sizes.

We have featured some of the most state-of-the-art companies in the energy & sustainability technology industry throughout the nine years of this conference, said Kevin Brown, Cofounder and Chairman of Cleantech Alliance Mid-Atlantic (CAMA) and Senior Partner of Executive Search firm Hobbs & Towne. This years finalists are some of the most forward-thinking companies in the Northeast and we look forward to their presentations in front of our esteemed panel of investors.

The Forum will be held on May 9 at The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. To register, please visit http://www.pepperlaw.com/events/9th-annual-mid-atlantic-energy-technology-sustainability-forum-2017-05-09/.

About the Mid-Atlantic Energy Technology & Sustainability Forum

The event, presented by Pepper Hamilton LLP and the Cleantech Alliance Mid-Atlantic, features experts and thought leaders sharing their perspectives on trends in venture and corporate investment, in energy technology, clean tech, AgBio and sustainability. The Forum also showcases leading-edge Mid-Atlantic energy & sustainability companies. Attendees can expect in-depth discussions about the future of energy & sustainability technologies, the impact of new technology on industry trajectory, and the related investment climate. To attend, please visit https://pepper-hamilton.ticketleap.com/9th-annual-energy-technology-forum/.
M-Files Corporation, a provider of solutions that dramatically improve how organizations manage documents and other information, today announced that Finavia, the largest provider of air traffic services in Finland, is leveraging M-Files as the company's document management and case management solution.

Finavia, a public limited company wholly owned by the Finnish State, provides airport services and air navigation system to a network of 21 airports in Finland. Finavia's operations are closely monitored by regulators who conduct periodic internal and external audits.

Finavia has implemented M-Files as its case management and document management system to ensure strict controls on information pertaining to important cases, as well as to make sure that documents and files are accessible anywhere and anytime to authorized individuals within the company. For instance, all the information related to the construction of the new terminal building at Helsinki-Vantaa airport reside within M-Files. In addition, Finavia manages its quality management and auditing processes with M-Files.

"We handle all kinds of cases at Finavia, from zoning and construction to procurement -- and there is a substantial volume of reports and statements that must be managed for each case," says Heli Makinen, IT Systems Specialist at Finavia. "All the information and documentation related to our cases are securely stored and managed within M-Files, and all our employees can quickly find the information they need. Furthermore, M-Files provides a full audit trail that verifies to auditors that our employees have read required quality and safety documentation."

In addition to case management, Finavia leverages M-Files as their equipment identification register. All instructions and regulations regarding the Finavia Corporation, airports, safety procedures and air traffic systems are stored in M-Files. Each vehicle or equipment is connected to a certain unit or airport. With M-Files, Finavia can quickly and easily produce reports related to equipment data and different airports.

"We're thrilled that Finavia chose M-Files as their case and document management solution to improve and simplify the way they manage information," said Miika Makitalo, CEO of M-Files. "Finavia produces a massive amount of documentation and their ability to deliver critical services to the airports they serve relies on fast access to accurate information. M-Files enables Finavia's employees to quickly find the right information when they need it, while ensuring the highest levels of security and quality.

About M-Files Corporation

M-Files enterprise content management (ECM) solutions eliminate information silos and provide quick and easy access to the right content from any core business system and device. M-Files achieves higher levels of user adoption resulting in faster ROI with a uniquely intuitive approach to ECM that is based on managing information by "what" it is versus "where" it's stored. With flexible on-premises, cloud and hybrid deployment options, M-Files places the power of ECM in the hands of the business user and reduces demands on IT by enabling those closest to the business need to access and control content based on their requirements. Thousands of organizations in over 100 countries use the M-Files EIM system as a single platform for managing front office and back office business operations, which improves productivity and quality while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards, including for companies such as SAS, Elekta and NBC Universal. For more information, visit http://www.m-files.com.

M-Files is a registered trademark of M-Files Corporation. All other registered trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Strategies Group, Inc., a leading software consulting firm in the construction industry, is proud to be a Gold Sponsor for the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) Southeastern Regional Conference. The conference is being held May 4-5, 2017 in Chattanooga, TN.

The CFMA Southeastern Construction Regional Conference is designed for CFOs, controllers, and financial managers in the construction industry; construction CPAs; banking and financial service professionals; insurance professionals; surety underwriters; attorneys; and other construction industry specialists. For more information, please visit: http://www.southeastern.cfmaregional.org

We are proud to show our support of CFMA as a gold sponsor at this important conference, said Randy Collins, President of Strategies Group. As Dexter + Chaneys southeast Business Partner, we want to invite everyone to attend Dexter + Chaneys educational session on the latest advancements in construction technology and to also stop by our booth for a demonstration of Spectrum Construction Software.

2017 Construction Technology Update Presented by Dexter + Chaney:

Representatives from Dexter + Chaney will present the educational session on Friday, May 5 from 10:20  11:10 AM. Attendees will learn about the latest advancements in technology for the construction industry. The session will offer tips on how to evaluate current systems and how to identify and rank needs. Attendees will learn how to select their first project, gain tips on creating the project team and learn critical elements to include in establishing a decision matrix. The session will also focus on the challenges and opportunities in implementing change in an organization.

About Strategies Group:

Strategies Group is a leading provider of construction ERP software and has helped more than 2,000 construction companies implement new solutions. Founded in 1992, Strategies Group is based in the metro Atlanta area with offices in Pensacola, FL and Charleston, SC. Strategies Group represents Spectrum Construction Software in Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. Strategies Group has been the recipient of numerous industry software awards and has been chosen as a top 100 Value Added Reseller by Accounting Technology Today magazine for three consecutive years. For more information about Strategies Group please visit: http://www.strategiesgroup.com.
We align ourselves with the values and quality of service that RelaDyne provides and we are looking forward to adding our great operation to the RelaDyne footprint.

RelaDyne is proud to announce the recent acquisition of Hager Oil Company, located in Jasper, Alabama. This acquisition will solidify RelaDynes footprint in Alabama, creating a regional density that will largely expand its robust offering of products and services in the area.

Hager Oil Company has been serving Northern Alabama from Jasper, Alabama, since 1954. The company has prided itself on offering a wide portfolio of products including lubricants, greases, hydraulics, antifreeze, fuels, alternative fuels, and chemicals.

As one of the nations leading providers of lubricants, fuel, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), and industrial reliability services, RelaDyne is equipped to maintain and expand the current customer base of Hager Oil Company while upholding the local culture and the industry expertise that Hager is historically known to provide.

The Hager Oil Company acquisition is a great addition to our recent geographical expansion to Alabama, says RelaDyne CEO, Larry Stoddard. RelaDyne is proud to continue to bring our suite of products and services to more and more customers in the Southern region. We welcome the addition of all of the Hager Oil Company associates to RelaDyne. The result of this acquisition will diversify and expand our product and service offerings to the Hager Oil customer base.

We align ourselves with the values and quality of service that RelaDyne provides and we are looking forward to adding our great operation to the RelaDyne footprint, states James Eidson, President of Hager Oil Company. The entire Hager Oil team is excited for the opportunity to join RelaDyne, and we look forward to continuing to serve our great customers.

RelaDyne continues to be the Acquirer of Choice in the lubricants, fuel and reliability segments. We continue to focus on acquiring great companies with great people. Distributors with great people are the best businesses in our industry, and that is why we are so excited to welcome Hager Oil Company to the RelaDyne family, says RelaDyne CSO, Jeff Hart, who leads RelaDynes M&A activities. We started RelaDyne in 2010 with 10 locations in 5 states and have grown to over 50 locations in 18 states. We focus on adding new geography, new capabilities, and more density within our current footprint as we continue to create a national distribution platform.

About RelaDyne

RelaDyne, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is one of the nations leading providers of lubricants, fuels, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), and reliability services for industrial, commercial, and automotive businesses in the United States. RelaDyne was formed in 2010 by the combination of four well-established industry-leading companies and has since grown to more than 50 locations by strategically acquiring other industry leaders in the lubricant, fuel distribution and industrial service segments. For more information, visit http://www.RelaDyne.com.
Passengers can enhance their Myanmar tour with luxury cruising on the Irrawaddy. Cabin suites are enhanced with the latest technology, such as individually-controlled air conditioning, and each of the suites have the services of a round-the-clock butler while on board.

Goway is pleased to expand its boutique cruise offerings to include the iconic Strand Cruise, an extension of the newly-renovated Strand Hotel, Yangon, founded in 1901.

Starting from US $902 / CA $1213, the Strand Cruise is the ideal offering for 4-star and 5-star passengers on a weeklong Myanmar tour, sailing the Irrawaddy River between the ancient capitals of Bagan and Mandalay, with custom land arrangements on either end of their cruise.

The 28-cabin luxury ship was completed in 2015 and was designed to encourage social interaction that originally made the Strand Hotel so famous, with comfortable and spacious public areas, frequent cocktails and social events, and long tables in the restaurant to allow for communal dining. Cabin suites are enhanced with the latest technology, such as individually-controlled air conditioning, and each of the suites have the services of a round-the-clock butler while on board.

The Strand Cruise has access to private moorings in prime locations along the Irrawaddy, allowing more time for tours and cruising on the river. Aside from a private, air-conditioned mini bus for a long tour, all other means of transportation are local and diversified, characterizing traditional Myanmar life. This includes everything from tuk tuks in Mingun to horse-drawn carts in Ava.

Since 1970, Goway has been providing unforgettable travel experiences to Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Central & South America, Idyllic Island destinations and Europe. Today Goway is recognized as one of North America's leading travel companies for individuals, families and groups to select exotic destinations around the globe. Goway has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Manila, and Sydney, Australia.

For reservations and information, visit http://www.goway.com, or call 1-800-387-8850.
ASAP Talent Services Cybersecurity has become the number one boardroom concern, topping its list of worries in 2017.

The landscape of business challenges faced in 2017 by Public Companies and their Board of Directors is different and ever changing, compared with the board of directors of the 20th century. Public companies are clearly on notice that the SEC means serious business when it comes to corporate data breaches and the threats they pose to investors, the consumer and the stock markets. Furthermore many companies are seeing a huge benefit to a concerted effort to diversify their workforce at all levels including their Public Board of Directors, to include Chief Information Officer or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) representation.

Below are 5 key considerations for the 2017 Board of Directors

1. Male/Female Diversity

2. Cultural Diversity

3. Age Diversity

4. Chief Information Officer (CIO) Representation

5. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Representation

Many Fortune 500 Public Board of Directors have tried to evolve in the past decade to be more inclusive of women, but women still are underrepresented. Many boards lack in cultural diversity and are comprised many times, mostly of male professionals over the age of 58. While its apparent those with such tenure have great experience to help lead a company, its also true that there is great benefit in diversity that reflects the employees and consumers of any given company. A diverse board is more likely to engage in vigorous debate to the overall benefit of the company and its shareholders.

As a recent study by FTI Consulting confirmed, Cyber-security has become the number one boardroom concern, topping its list of worries in 2016. This concern is only growing in 2017 and beyond. Because of the significance and future trend of how technology impacts virtually all areas of business and the growing threat of cyber-threats, we also see a growing demand for Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) representation on Public Boards of Directors. The CISO role is now among the fastest growing positions in the C-suite. Chief Security Officers are finally being granted long overdue oversight and authority, as corporate leaders begin to recognize that cyber-security is a corporate-wide threat posing enormous risk to their brand. The role of CISO has quickly evolved from that of a Director, IT Security reporting to a CIO in the late 90s and in the Y2K era.

Today, the CISO often is a peer to the CIO reporting to the CFO or Chief Risk Officer and likely presents to the Board of Directors once per quarter. CISOs now have a much deeper and broader set of interrelated tasks involving risk and governance. In 2017, the CISO does not only defend against breaches  but also is involved in creating crisis management plans and ultimately protecting the value of the company and its brand after an incident. A CISO will help the board exercise informed business judgment in evaluating the adequacy of the companys data security.

Whether your board has a sitting CIO or CISO represented on your Public Board of Directors or the corporate CIO/CISO presents to the board quarterly, it is imperative that their voice be heard. For companies in the retail industry, healthcare industry, financial services industry or any vertical where the company is entrusted with personal and financial consumer data the threat of data breach is very real. When one considers sensitive employee information, retirement and 401K information, I.T. Security really is a huge issue facing all business. "There has been a significant increase in requests from our clients to help recruit and hire cybersecurity experts at all levels including CISO and for diversity CIO and CISO Board of Directors search," says Jeremy Sisemore - President of ASAP Talent Services. He went on to say, "after a recent national diversity CISO search for a major retailer, we wanted to expand our services in this critical area immediately."

About ASAP Talent Services

ASAP Talent Services is one of the leading SAP focused Executive Search Firms in North America. ASAP Talent specializes in placing CIO, CISO, SAP & Cybersecurity experts at all levels including Public Board of Director searches for many of the worlds leading Fortune 500 companies.
Timesheet Mobile, the leading provider of GPS-enabled time tracking and scheduling software, announced that a partnership has been established with GenieBelt, the leading project management software provider for the construction industry. The partnership provides mutual customers with a complete workforce and project management solution, by giving businesses full visibility of construction projects and matching these against employee hours and availability.

GenieBelt provides construction businesses with a birds eye view of all projects in real-time, including status, workflows, as well as employees and contractors allocated to job sites. Timesheet Mobile, which delivers time tracking and scheduling applications to a variety of industries, including construction, compliments GenieBelts software to provide greater depth into employee hours to help companies manage their workforce and project costs.

At GenieBelt, we were impressed with Timesheet Mobiles global footprint, its deep expertise in workforce management and its steadfast commitment to delivering easy-to-use tools, said Gari Nickson, co-founder and CMO of GenieBelt. In the rapidly changing construction industry, companies need to have the right information at their fingertips to optimize their workforce and projects, while supporting their business goals.

We quickly recognized that GenieBelt and Timesheet Mobile have a shared focus in upending manual, tedious processes with modern, cost-effective technologies to our customers, said Bob Drainville, President of Timesheet Mobile. As how, when and where we work continues to evolve and become more complex, particularly with the rise of more mobile workers and independent contractors, the availability of cloud-based systems will be paramount in helping businesses get the job done.

For further information go to: http://www.timesheetmobile.com/construction-apps

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About Timesheet Mobile

Timesheet Mobile is the leader in GPS-enabled time tracking and scheduling software. Using geofencing technology, businesses can create a virtual boundary to make it even easier for a worker to accurately punch in and out of a job site. Whether its an employee tracking hours, a manager overseeing a workgroup, an administrator processing payroll or a business owner assessing their overall costs, Timesheet Mobile unifies and connects companies with their workforce. Timesheet Mobile is used by thousands of businesses in 13 countries worldwide. Learn more at http://www.timesheetmobile.com.
Melissa Rulli, franchise founder This is a Blue Ocean opportunity not filled. There are thousands of second homes across the nation that do not have any support when their owners are not present.

Eye On Your Home, the leader in the second home property management business, now has territories available nationwide. Specializing in watching over and caring for second homes for absentee owners. With thousands of second homes across the nation -- Eye On Your Home offers a unique opportunity to tap into and profit from this huge industry.

A chance to turn adversity into opportunity inspired realtor Melissa Rulli to create this innovative franchise opportunity, Eye On Your Home.

Melissa Rulli, founder and owner, has more than seven years' experience in this niche business, operating Eye On Your Home since 2010. Prior to starting the business, she worked as a North Carolina real estate broker. When the real estate market took a tumble during the later years of the last decade, Melissa created this opportunity for success, first for herself, and now for others with the Eye On Your Home franchise opportunity.

This is a Blue Ocean opportunity not filled, Melissa said. There are thousands of second homes across the nation that do not have any support when their owners are not present. Owners are looking for a company with consistent service, systems, and core values that support their valuable investment. Now with Eye On Your Home territories available nationally, absentee owners can have that kind of support.

Eye On Your Home is the FIRST second home property management company that is a trademarked brand for the industry. Franchises are sold by territory, based on miles or demographics, which are evaluated and determined.

This niche market has very little support, Melissa said. The few mom and pop operations that try to serve the market do not have the same broad support for emergencies, maintenance, concierge and even remodels. There is nothing that Eye On Your Home cannot facilitate for a client. Our Motto is What can we do to make your life easier? We take the stress and burden of owning a second home off the owners shoulders, so they can show up, turn the key, and enjoy.

Eye On Your Home has expanded operations to support all home ownership, from vacant for sale, homes in trust, local owners, builders and VRBOs. For franchisees, Eye On Your Home is a proven, successful company that will train, mentor, and support a franchisee with knowledge, systems, training and experience.

A mentor/protege relationship is what buying an Eye On Your Home franchise all is about, Melissa said. Well get your business up and running faster, smoother and more efficiently than starting from scratch. You will always have a mentor who cares and is invested in your success.

Melissas goal is for each and every franchisee to feel like family and for them to know she is 100% invested in her vision to provide a consistent, trained and supported model to the clients out there that need an Eye.

An Eye On Your Home franchise is a modest investment, home based, flexible, community integrated business that has grateful clients, untapped income potential, and little or no overhead, Melissa said.

A great fit for an Eye On Your Home franchisee is someone who has the following skillsets: task management abilities, macro vision, networking strengths, business know-how, strong communication skills, creativity, tenacity, innovation and a can-do mentality. You do not need a real estate license to do this work, since it does not handle sales or tenancy.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity to be a part of the FIRST Second home property management company available, getting in on the ground floor please contact Melissa Rulli at MR(at)EyeOnYourHome.net or visit the website at EyeOnYourHome.net.

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Now more than ever, creating connections and establishing an open dialogue with international students is critical.

As international student-focused institutions navigate the ever-evolving landscape of higher education in the United States, two leaders in the field are joining together in a partnership to benefit international students.

CollegeWeekLive, a unique virtual engagement platform where students and colleges meet online, and U.S. News Global Education, which supports international students and their families in finding the right universities through analysis and insights, have joined forces to better serve students worldwide. This partnership will enable international students to connect virtually with the colleges and universities that best meet their educational needs and goals.

Now more than ever, creating connections and establishing an open dialogue with international students is critical, said CollegeWeekLive President Sumant Mauskar. To meet the increasing need for information and guidance in the international student community, we knew it was essential to partner with U.S. News Global Education due to their impressive reputation as a comprehensive resource for international students.

This collaboration enables both organizations to enhance their offerings to the international student community and in turn, will better inform and educate international students about global education opportunities.

CollegeWeekLive has an incredibly vibrant online platform, and we are thrilled to contribute our wealth of research, analysis and information to international students and their families as they navigate the college admissions process. This partnership will optimize what we can provide to the greater international community, says U.S. News Global Educations Managing Director, Michael Huckaby. Working in a dynamic industry, its exciting to partner with CollegeWeekLive to offer even more support to international students around the world.

The new collaboration kicks off with an event serving international students interested in studying abroad, CollegeWeekLives International Students Day, which will take place in the form of a free, virtual college fair on May 10, 2017 from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT.

About CollegeWeekLive

Students, parents, and counselors visit CollegeWeekLive to engage directly with universities at every stage of the enrollment process. Through online chats, webcasts, and virtual college fairs, they have live, candid conversations with admissions counselors and current students from hundreds of colleges and universities to explore their degree programs, financial aid opportunities, career paths, campus life, and much more. For more information, please visit http://www.collegeweeklive.com.

About U.S. News Global Education

U.S. News Global Education combines U.S. News authoritative rankings with international student expertise to support students seeking higher education in the United States. International students and their families have access to insights and analysis in order to make better, more informed university selections. U.S. News Global Education also supports international students through the research and application process by providing immediate access and enrollment. For more information, please visit http://www.usnewsglobaleducation.com.
Excellence based on Experience Companies are now legally required to perform Food Defense vulnerability assessments and take steps to protect their food from terrorists and other threats.

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA, 2011) is composed of seven foundational rules. One of the seven is Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food against Intentional Adulteration, commonly known as Food Defense. Preventive Controls and Foreign Supplier requirements receive a lot of press, but Food Defense has largely run under the radar. However, this is a dangerous risk for companies, who are legally required to perform a vulnerability assessment and take steps to protect food that is considered at-risk for intentional adulteration, such as bulk storage and shipments.

Food Defense was enacted to prevent events such as disgruntled employees returning to their former employers to wreak havoc. An effective vulnerability assessment from an experienced provider can reveal areas of the facility that are open to attack, whether from terrorists, disgruntled employees or people out to hurt others. Doors propped open, which are supposed to remain locked from the inside, are a primary source of entry. Contractors or visitors that are not authorized to enter sensitive areas, but steal or use another persons access card are another potential source of trouble.

Often these potential areas of concern go unnoticed because they become part of the landscape, and no longer stand out. As every victim of an armed robbery or workplace shooting can tell you, nothing bad ever happens, until it does. Employees may get lulled into a false sense of security because their plant is located far from the nearest neighbors, but these remote locations are ideal for armed robberies because emergency personnel cannot respond in a timely fashion, so the bad guys are long gone before the cops arrive. Taking steps to protect a company and all the employees can go a long way towards effectively addressing an emergency when it does arise.

Do you know what your local police would tell you if you had a bomb threat and called to ask them for help? On private property, without a history of previous violence, they would probably tell you to call back if something explodes. Does your receptionist know how to handle a caller making a threat to the company? What would your employee do if they opened an envelope which contained white powder and a threatening note made from cut-out letters? These situations can and do happen in the real world, and a simple training session can be the difference between life and death or between containing a threat versus allowing it to escalate. These examples demonstrate just a few situations where Food Defense training is crucial for front line employees.

D. L. Newslow & Associates, Inc. is pleased to have partnered with Mr. Rod Wheeler to offer this specialized training. Rod Wheeler is regularly featured on Fox Business as an expert on homeland security and defense. He has over 20 years experience as a beat cop in high-crime Washington, D.C. combined with his specialized work for Homeland Security. He is now in the private sector and is available for vulnerability assessments at your location. He can tell you how to use just 8 cameras to effectively protect your entire facility by placing them in the most critical locations. Rod can keep your company from spending excessively on ineffective protection mechanisms that create a false sense of security.

If Rod cannot come to your facility in person, D. L. Newslow offers public Food Defense courses where you can learn from Mr. Wheeler in an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. His workshops focus on the needs of the attendees and include breakout sessions with a vulnerability assessment conducted on the training facility by attendees. His classes are engaging and exciting, and he uses videos and real-life stories to demonstrate the importance of Food Defense.

Call D. L. Newslow & Associates, Inc. at (407) 290-2754 to sign up for a Food Defense course in New Orleans, Louisiana or Orlando, Florida, or to arrange a site visit and vulnerability assessment from Rod Wheeler. Check out our website at https://newslow.com/registration/food-defense for course information and registration. We also offer training in Preventive Controls for Human and Animal Food (PCQI), Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP), Sanitary Transportation and much more!
Clayman Plastic Surgery Dr. Loren Claymans giving spirit translates to his patient care in both his surgery center and medical spa.

Dr. Loren Clayman and the staff at Dr. Claymans Plastic Surgery Center & Miracle Spa are excited to share their recent award for Companies with Heart with their local community, a recognition bestowed to the surgeon and his practice by 904 Magazine. The award is presented to for-profit businesses that, throughout the year, go above and beyond to offer charitable donations to non-profit organizations.

Although philanthropic efforts are common amongst corporations, the Companies with Heart award emphasizes those who place giving above the bottom line. Particular business owners prioritize their ability to be charitable, and Dr. Clayman is one of them, donating to various food banks and sponsoring local schools and churches.

In addition to his active participation in his community, the team at Dr. Claymans Plastic Surgery Center & Miracle Spa maintain relationships with the City Rescue Mission, Hubbard House and the Clay County Humane Society. They volunteer resources to the local Boys & Girls Club and continue to allocate their time and involvement in non-profit organizations.

From a distance, the for-profit and non-profit business models seem to contrast one another substantially, making it difficult for the two to merge and provide mutual benefits. Its when for-profit companies can support non-profit organizations that the entire community benefits as a result. The Companies with Heart campaign aims to encourage charitable giving to help expand the reach of non-profits and further benefit their missions.

Dr. Clayman is honored to accept such a recognition and looks forward to furthering contributions and involvement in his community with his staff.

About Dr. Loren Clayman and the staff of Dr. Claymans Plastic Surgery Center & Miracle Spa

Dr. Loren Claymans giving spirit translates to his patient care in both his surgery center and medical spa. Together with his son, Dr. Mark A. Clayman, he performs surgical and nonsurgical procedures for patients in Jacksonville and surrounding communities.

Dr. Loren Clayman graduated from Tufts Medical School and trained at Harvard University. Soon after, he underwent surgical training at St. Elizabeths Medical Center and interned at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his otolaryngology residency at Jefferson Medical Center, along with a second residency in plastic surgery at the University of Florida in Jacksonville.

With each procedure that he performs, Drs. Loren and Mark Clayman have a goal to create enhancements that complement the patients natural beauty. The personal attention that he gives to his patients along with his avid regard for continuing education has led to additional awards such as Best in Jax for 22 years in a row and Bold Citys Best Plastic Surgery Center Practice.

Dr. Loren Clayman is currently a member of American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He is also the only plastic surgeon in Northeast Florida that is double board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

For more information about Dr. Clayman and Dr. Claymans Plastic Surgery & Miracle Spa, visit https://jacksonvilleplasticsurgerycenter.com/ to learn more.
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Announces Study Abroad Grant Recipients Study abroad offers students a valuable learning experience. Phi Kappa Phi is pleased to help open doors to expanded global knowledge." Dr. Mary Todd - Phi Kappa Phi Executive Director

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nations oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society, today announced the Session A recipients of a 2017 Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant. The $1,000 grants were awarded to 50 students across the nation.

Awarded twice a year, the grants are designed to support undergraduates, both members and nonmembers from campuses that have Phi Kappa Phi chapters, as they seek expanded knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad.

Study abroad offers students a valuable learning experience with a culture other than their own, said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. Phi Kappa Phi is pleased to help open doors to expanded global knowledge and meaningful engagement with different cultures through our study abroad grants.

The selection process for a study abroad grant is based on the applicants academic achievement, campus and community service, relation of travel to academic preparation and career goals, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and acceptance into a study abroad program.

Established in 2001, the Study Abroad Grant Program has awarded more than $775,000 to undergraduate students. In addition to these grants, the Society awards $1.4 million each biennium to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, member and chapter awards, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

For the complete list of recipients from Session A of the program, please visit http://www.phikappaphi.org/studyabroad. The application process for Session B will open July 1, 2017.

About Phi Kappa Phi

Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in North America and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." For more information, visit http://www.phikappaphi.org.
"With a great many of our students becoming instructors to begin their professional aviation career, this program helps OAS deliver on our vision - an aviation job for every graduate."

Air Georgian Limited has signed a pilot recruitment agreement with Ottawa Aviation Services (OAS). The agreement will provide a gateway for pilots who work as flight instructors for OAS to be hired by Air Georgian as CRJ 100/200 First Officers.

Air Georgian operates under the Air Canada Express banner for Air Canada, flying to 31 domestic and transborder destinations from bases in Toronto and Calgary. Air Georgians fleet of CRJ aircraft is located in Toronto primarily serving markets in the United States providing 6th freedom connections to Air Canada's growing international network.

OAS has been offering flight training, maintenance and other aviation services for more than 15 years. OASs Flight Training division provides professional pilot trainees with efficient training to type rating.

Advanced ground school instruction including crew resource management and modern jet operation, coupled with modern glass cockpit, multi-engine and aerobatic aircraft, simulators and airline partnerships, OAS trains pilots in the skills and proficiency necessary to allow them to operate confidently in an airline environment such as Air Georgian.

This is an exciting program that will provide benefits to everyone involved, said Julie Mailhot, Air Georgians Chief Operating Officer. We expect OAS to see improved instructor retention while Air Georgian benefits from having a dedicated stream of candidates. The pilots benefit by having a clear gateway from their job as an instructor to a First Officer position flying jet aircraft with an Air Canada Express partner. Once meeting the minimum experience requirements while at Air Georgian, the pilots will have an opportunity to partake in the Pilot Mobility Agreement where they receive an interview with Air Canada.

The program is designed to provide OAS with highly predictable and timed attrition by providing the instructors a conditional offer of employment and clear visibility regarding their career progression with an entry point into the Air Canada system. Those hired under the gateway program will be given a number of paid days over their first two years of employment with Air Georgian to return to OAS and provide mentorship to instructors and students.

"We are very pleased to establish this program with Air Georgian, said Cedric Paillard, President & CEO, Ottawa Aviation Services. With a great many of our students becoming instructors to begin their professional aviation career, this program helps OAS deliver on our vision - an aviation job for every graduate.

We look forward to working with OAS, and continuing to expand on the gateway programs for which Air Georgian is known, said Julie Mailhot.
Argos Risk, specialists in providing universal solutions for managing and monitoring B2B health and credit risk, today announced it has entered into a business partnership with ThirdPartyTrust of Chicago, IL. This partnership enables ThirdPartyTrust to incorporate from Argos Risk key business health information into ThirdPartyTrusts SaaS-based vendor management platform.

Subscribers to ThirdPartyTrust will now be able to access and evaluate business health information as well as security audits, insurance certificates and compliance documentation of their key trading partners and suppliers via their vendor profile within the ThirdPartyTrust network.

With this partnership, ThirdPartyTrust deepens their commitment to automating and easing the regulatory burden for its customers that are already under increased regulatory scrutiny. This important business health information is one more of the puzzle pieces that make up the complex puzzle that constitutes vendor risk management.

"We are excited about the opportunity to increase the value of the analytics and insights delivered by our Argonomics algorithms by incorporating them into the ThirdPartyTrust vendor profiles. Their unique social-centric model is not only innovative, but provides a great deal of value for their subscribers, said Lori Frank, Argos Risk President and CEO.

"We can now provide an even better view of the enterprise's vendor landscape, providing true vendor intelligence. This intelligence is what helps our customers answer the key questions that the C-suite and Board room is asking, 'Can you trust your Vendors?'" said Anders Norremo, ThirdPartyTrust Founder and CEO.

About Argos Risk

Argos Risk, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializes in web-based technology solutions for B2B credit risk management, enabling companies of all sizes to proactively manage and monitor risk. The Company's solutions assess the credit risk and business health of clients, vendors, partners, and competitors, powered by their algorithm, known as Argonomics, to deliver data via real-time dashboards and daily alerts. Argos Risk monitors thousands of companies for clients in a broad array of industries including financial institutions, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and businesses of all types. For more information, visit http://www.argosrisk.com.

About ThirdPartyTrust

ThirdPartyTrusts vendor management platform, VISION, measures and monitors vendor risk and related cyber threats. Enterprises require their vendors to create a ThirdPartyTrust profile, which includes security audits, insurance certificates and compliance documentation in a central repository. Vendors can share their ThirdPartyTrust profile with all their enterprise clients and CISO's and the C-Suite have the ability to manage and mitigate risk across the organization. For more information, visit http://www.thirdpartytrust.com.

Media Contact: Jean Golden/Golden Publicity/612-385-2324/jean(at)jeangolden(dot)com
Wines of Greece announces 11th annual Road Show event to be held on Tuesday, May 9, at City Winery in New York City. This event will highlight Greece's wine, gastronomy and culture with a focus on the nations top wines and culinary delicacies to media, trade, and consumers. The Wines of Greece tasting aims to celebrate the rising growth of Greek wine consumption in the U.S. The second and third Roadshow events will take place in Chicago and Houston on May 11 and May 16 respectively.

During the New York event, members of the wine trade and press will be invited to the walk-around tasting with over 40 Greek wineries. In the evening, by popular demand, Wines of Greece will host the 3rd Annual Taste of Greece celebration. This ticketed event is open to the public and will feature winemakers showcasing their best wines, as well as some of NYCs finest Greek restaurants including Amali, Avra, The Greek Tribeca, Molyvos and Thalassa. Ticket holders to Taste of Greece will have the opportunity to attend this spectacular Greek affair and taste through the extensive offering of wine and small bites while they are getting a crash course education on the indigenous Greek grapes and more.

All proceeds of the Taste of Greece NYC will benefit Boroume, a non-profit organization committed to reducing food waste and the distribution of surplus food to the needy throughout Greece. These events are produced with the support of the European Union and Greece.

The two new Winemaker Roadshow events, heading to Chicago and Houston, will be exclusively for members of the media and trade. The Houston tasting will also host a workshop featuring Greeces major winemaking regions led by James Tidwell, MS and Evan Turner, Beverage Director of the Helen Restaurants.

Todays Greek winemakers are crafting world class wines from indigenous and some international varieties with a true sense of place and excellent ratio of price to quality, explains Sofia Perpera, Director of the Greek Wine Bureau for North America. With the increasing popularity of Greek wines in the U.S., we are excited to head back to New York and also explore other important U.S. wine markets, Chicago and Houston.

To register for the Wines of Greece Roadshow media and trade events, please visit:

New York: tastofgreecegrandtastingny.eventbrite.com

Chicago: greecegrandtastingchicago.eventbrite.com

Houston: greecegrandtastinghouston.eventbrite.com

To purchase tickets for the for the Taste of Greece event, please visit tasteofgreecenyc.eventbrite.com.

Follow Wines of Greece on Facebook at Facebook.com/NewWinesofGreece and Twitter at @DrinkGreekWine. The hashtag for the event is #TasteofGreece.

About EDOAO (Wines of Greece)

Wines of Greece is the national umbrella organization representing the wineries of Greece in their international efforts to introduce, educate and promote the modern revival of the Greek wine sector.

About Boroume

Meaning, we can in Greek, Boroume is a communication hub between food donors and welfare organizations creating bridges between those who have surplus food and wish to donate it and those who need it. More than 2 million meals of surplus food have been donated to welfare organizations, to date.
Just about as fast as Helena-area homes are being listed for sale, those priced right are quickly getting buyers attention.

Nearly 41 percent of the 349 homes listed in early April through the Helena Multiple Listing Service (MLS) are under contract, according to Shaun Moore, an appraiser with the Moore Appraisal Firm in Helena that was founded by Jack B. Moore in 1965. Two sons, including Shaun, a daughter and a grandson are continuing the family business that serves area communities.

The percentage of total homes in the process of being sold is the highest that Shaun Moore said hes seen in a long time.

He calls it a sellers market because there arent enough homes for sale. When those homes under contract are removed from the total, only 206 remained for buyers to choose from.

The Moore Appraisal Firms data come from an area extending from the base of MacDonald Pass on the west to Canyon Ferry Lake on the east. The North Hills and Clancy on the south complete the boundary.

On the companys website, www.mooreappraisalfirm.com/market-statistics, is lots of information that builds on nine years of sales statistics, according to the 2016 market report.

Sellers wondering how long theyll wait for a deal can plan on an average of 94 days, according to data as of April 3. On April 11, 2016, a sale took an average of 153 days.

The data uses the median price, which is the number in the middle of the high and low prices, when evaluating changes in what buyers are willing to pay. The median price as of April 3 for homes under contract was $259,900, compared to $244,900 a year ago, a little more than 6 percent greater than a year ago.

Inventorys way down right now, said Mark Stahly, broker/owner of Big Sky Brokers in Helena, who grew up in Helena and has been selling real estate full-time here since 1997.

This time of year inventorys usually down some, but the demands really high and the inventory is lower than usual right now," he added.

Homes that are priced correctly are flying off the shelf, he said. Were seeing multiple offers.

If youre overpriced, youre not going to sell as fast, Stahly added.

The price range that a home is in also affects the attention that buyers give it. Those priced at $400,000 and greater sell at a slower pace than homes costing less, he said.

A lot of people that are in that price range will end up building to get what they want, he offered.

Its a smaller part of the market. Theres not as many buyers in that price range, but theres a fair amount of listings, he explained.

Back in the day when bigger was better, there were a lot of nice big, homes built, he said of those built from about 2000 to perhaps 2006. And now a lot of those homes are on the market and theres not as much demand for them.

Larger homes that were built on acreage in the Helena Valley and recreational properties on the lake also became less popular when prices fell but have not yet fully recovered.

In a 20-mile radius from Helena, there were 451 homes on the market as of mid-April, according to an MLS report.

The mid-April MLS data also showed that while one home sold after one day on the market and another had been for sale for 1,449 days, the median was 67 days and the median home list price was $289,000.

National real estate forecasters look for the trend in appreciating property values to increase this year, he said, adding I think were still on an upward trend in terms of prices.

Its hard to find an average sized home for under $200,000 anymore. And that kind of feels like the last boom to me because that was the price point, where you couldnt get under $200,000.

So if you want a 2,000-square-foot minimum, three bedroom with a double garage, youre pretty much going to be over $200,000, he continued.

Youre hard-pressed to find your average house for under $200,000.

Homes in the mid-$200,000 range and those up to and in the $300,000 bracket are selling. Sales for homes in the $300,000 range were slow until about three years ago, he noted.

Theres less big money from out-of-state, which contributes to the stability of the Helena market compared to other Montana cities, Stahley said, noting that perhaps the large government workforce helps local real estate prices avoid drastic swings.

Real estate is local yet Andy Onushco, a broker/Realtor with Keller Williams Capital Realty in Helena, sees regional pressures helping to shape the market.

Onushco, who has been an investor in real estate for more than 20 years and licensed to sell for seven years, said If you look at the regional market, Helenas really looking like a bargain for somebody in Seattle or Denver or Las Vegas, even Boise these days. Our markets been a little sleepier, and historically we lag behind the national trends.

If someone has a half of a million dollar condo in Seattle, they can buy a very nice home in Helena for less than that, upgrade their housing and still have some money left in their pocket. A lot of those people are telecommuters and just need a strong Internet connection and they can work remotely for a job somewhere else," he said.

Regionally were still considered affordable, even compared to Bozeman, Onushco said.

He, like Stahly, sees the local economys reliance on government workers playing a role in real estate prices.

Since our local economy is more stable, that makes our housing market more stable, he explained.

But the shortage of homes available for buyers leads Onushco to conclude Nows a great time to list your house because we have plenty of buyers but there arent that many sellers.

Home prices have risen above the peak before they declined in 2009 and 2010, Onushco said, noting that properties that are priced accurately seem to be going under contract in less than a month.

Right now, anything under $220,000 is selling very quickly. And there seems to be a lot of demand for affordable homes," he said.

We are starting to see multiple offers and some bidding, Onushco said, and he explained this too is a result of a large number of buyers and a low inventory of homes on the market.

Technology has changed the way real estate is marketed and given buyers more freedom.

People find out whats for sale sooner now than they used to because they can go online to almost any real estate website and see whats there, said Stahly.

Technology is impacting our business and how we operate just like it is every other business, said Onushco, who leads a team at Keller-Williams of three agents who help buyers while he focuses on marketing properties.

And with a few keystrokes and the click of a computer mouse, Onushco begins an online three-dimensional tour of a house.

You can show a home without ever setting foot inside, he said as he demonstrated an online virtual tour.

This type of technology is less disruptive for a homeowner than in-person showings, and it also allows a potential buyer to better gauge interest in a property, Onushco explained.

Digital signature and online tours and walk-throughs, those things are really changing the nature of our business," he said.

Onushco is a fan of the citys older properties and owns three that date to before the turn of the century.

Helenas really a gem with all of this local history. And some of the architecture here is really classic," he said.

Feeling that much history when you walk into a place, when you walk into a home, it just gives you a real connection to the town, to the place. You feel like youre part of history today, of something that dates back over 100 years. Its one of the things that makes Helena special," he said.

An 1896 mansion, complete with third-floor ballroom, in the citys mansion district can be purchased for roughly $650,000, Onushco said.

A smaller mansion, perhaps not inside the mansion district, could be purchased for $350,000, he added.

There can be challenges adapting a historic home to a modern lifestyle. Wardrobes can exceed closet space and the kitchen may not offer the open floor plan thats now popular.

Nevertheless, these houses have withstood the test of time, Onushco said, and have a real majestic feel to them.
The claim costs and other metrics of 18 state workers compensation systems are analyzed in depth in a new series of studies, CompScope Benchmarks, 17th Edition, released by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI).

The research can help policymakers and other stakeholders identify current cost drivers and emerging trends in a wide variety of workers compensation system components, said Ramona Tanabe, WCRIs executive vice president and counsel.

The studies examine trends in workers compensation medical and indemnity payments in a number of states with significant changes, either through new laws or through court rulings. They also examine how income benefits, medical payments, duration of disability, litigiousness, and benefit delivery expenses changed over time, and they compare how these measures differ from state to state.

The following are sample findings for some of the study states:



California: Total costs per claim remained stable between 2010 (claims with experience through March 2013) and 2013 (claims with experience through March 2016), likely reflecting the impact of Senate Bill 863.

Florida: Total costs per claim grew moderately from 2010 to 2015, but two 2016 Florida Supreme Court decisions are expected to increase workers compensation system costs.

Illinois: Total costs per claim decreased 6.4 percent since 2010, reflecting the impact of a 30 percent reduction in fee schedule rates for medical services.

Indiana: Total costs per claim decreased 4 percent from 2014 to 2015, the result of a nearly 10 percent decrease in medical payments, partly offset by a nearly 5 percent increase in indemnity benefits per claim. Those changes are likely related to provisions of House Enrolled Act 1320, which enacted a hospital fee schedule and increased income benefits paid to injured workers.

North Carolina: Total costs per claim remained steady since 2009, a contrast from earlier years, following several fee schedule changes and House Bill 709 in 2011, which focused on income benefits.

CompScope Benchmarks, 17th Edition illustrates the performance of 18 state workers compensation systems over time and how they compare. In addition to the states mentioned above, WCRI is also publishing studies for Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The state studies explore the time from injury to first indemnity payment, the average total cost per claim, the average payment per claim for medical care, and the average payment per claim for indemnity benefits.

For more information on these studies, visit https://www.wcrinet.org/reports/compscope-benchmarks-17th-edition.

The Cambridge-based WCRI is recognized as a leader in providing high-quality, objective information about public policy issues involving workers' compensation systems.

ABOUT WCRI:

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Cambridge, MA. Organized in 1983, the Institute does not take positions on the issues it researches; rather, it provides information obtained through studies and data collection efforts, which conform to recognized scientific methods. Objectivity is further ensured through rigorous, unbiased peer review procedures. WCRI's diverse membership includes employers; insurers; governmental entities; managed care companies; health care providers; insurance regulators; state labor organizations; and state administrative agencies in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
TRAXXALL Technologies, providers of an innovative aircraft maintenance tracking and inventory management system, today announced that it has opened a new office in Wichita, Kansas.

The continued growth of TRAXXALLs client base has provided this opportunity for strategic expansion.

TRAXXALL veterans and Wichita residents Jeff Rians and Robert Peterson will be joined by the following new members of the TRAXXALL team:

James Carter. Formerly with the US Air Force, stationed at McConnell AFB, James has 14 years of aviation experience and holds a Masters degree in Aeronautical Science and Technology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Christopher Mercer. Previously a Logistics Analyst with Boeing, Christopher also served in the US Air Force for 20 years. He holds a Master's Degree in the Science of Management from Friends University.

Coby Smith. Most recently, a Supervisor with Hawker Beechcraft, Coby spent 10 years at Cessna and began his career in the US Air Force. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering Technology from Purdue.

TRAXXALL is also pleased to welcome Elijah Stepp to its team. Elijah will remain based in Las Vegas, NV. He has more than 35 years of aviation industry experience, most recently as a Sales Manager at Satcom Direct and previously as a Field Service Representative with CAMP Systems.

We are pleased to be opening an office in Wichita and wish to welcome all new employees to the TRAXXALL team, says Mark Steinbeck, President, TRAXXALL. Our continued growth has given us the opportunity to expand. We targeted Wichita because it is a world-class aviation capital  home to Beechcraft, Bombardier Learjet, Cessna, among others, and a rich community of talented aviation and maintenance tracking experts. It is an honor for us to join Wichitas storied aviation community where we expect to create a total of 10 to 15 new jobs by year end.

In addition to our office in Jacksonville, FL, we also have professionals in Dallas, Denver, Long Island, Charleston, Raleigh, Scottsdale and Philadelphia. In short, we are very well represented across the country and able to deliver top quality service and support to our clients in all regions and time zones, adds Mr. Steinbeck.

About TRAXXALL Technologies

TRAXXALL delivers the most innovative aircraft maintenance tracking and inventory management system on the market today. Founded in 2013, TRAXXALL is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with offices in Jacksonville, FL; Wichita, KS and London, UK. For more information, please visit http://www.traxxall.com.

Media Contact: Mark Lowe, PRagmatic Communications for TRAXXALL.

mark(dot)lowe(at)pragcom(dot)com / (514) 499-9632 / (514) 576-2519
Wireless Zone, the nations largest wireless retail franchise offering exclusive Verizon products and services, celebrated the opening of a new era of growth following its landmark merger with The Cellular Connection (TCC) at its annual franchise convention, held this year in Orlando, Florida from March 12-14. Franchisees, vendors, employees and the brands corporate team not only met to celebrate 2016s successes, but also awarded a number of hard-working franchisees that helped to make the new growth possible.

A franchise brand is only as good as the franchisees that make up its system, said Dave Staszewski, Wireless Zone Executive Vice President. Were extremely proud to have so many dedicated franchise owners, and thrilled to get the chance to recognize how vital they are to our brands success. Wireless Zone wouldnt be where it is today without its franchisees, and together, we stand poised to enter an incredibly exciting new chapter in our brands growth.

TCCs recent acquisition of Wireless Zone was an energizing theme running through the entire convention. TCCs more than 700 locations across 38 states now combined with nearly 400 franchised Wireless Zone locations have created a partnership unmatched anywhere else in the wireless industry. The merge, paired with the rapid growth that Wireless Zone multi-unit franchisees saw in 2016, created fresh momentum as the brand planned for 2017 and celebrated its franchisees.

Each year, the convention includes an annual awards ceremony recognizing Wireless Zones top-performing franchisees as well as franchisees with extraordinary service to the brand. This year, three franchise owners set the bar for rookie year performance. Steve Nowak, a franchisee based in Connecticut, had nine top 10 performances across the Wireless Zone system in total new activations. The other winners, James Altiery and Robby Page of Texas, achieved close to $1 million in gross profit in their first full year.

These two pairs of franchisees come from two different parts of the country and two paths to store ownership, but both celebrated nearly identical top-of-the-charts performance, said Staszewski. They are a perfect example of how many ways there are to be successful under the business model weve developed.

Todd Bender, a franchisee based in New York, took home the esteemed Spirit of Wireless Zone Award. A 10-store owner, Bender has made a significant impact on his market over the past few years. In addition to his top-performing stores, Bender also showcased a community-first mentality by collaborating with and giving back to local organizations.

The Spirit of Wireless Zone Award is given to an owner who has a proven track record of outstanding sales performance, Staszewski said. Each year, our winner is an avid supporter of the Wireless Zone system, taking every opportunity to provide input and sales ideas for the benefit of all. They must exhibit a commitment of giving back to the community and serve as an example for the rest of the organization. We couldnt think of a more deserving person than Todd to receive this award. He exemplifies the definition of a locally-focused small business owner. And, he understands the value of giving back and being connected to his community.

The brands highest award, Franchisee of the Year, was awarded to Deborah Peterson, franchise owner of seven stores across Michigan, all of which are consistently ranked at the top in nearly every Wireless Zone and Verizon Wireless metric. Peterson is also committed to giving back to the communities surrounding her stores and to providing a dedicated staff of wireless experts. Peterson offers each of her employees a comprehensive benefits package including 401k and paid time off.

Finally, the brand honored Scott Gladstone of Connecticut with the 25 Year Tenure Award for his outstanding service and commitment to the Wireless Zone brand dating back nearly to its founding.

With more than 370 locations across the country and additional owners expected to sign on to develop more stores in new key development markets by the end of the year, Wireless Zone continues to rely on the strength of its system to propel the brand forward to even bigger heights. Franchisees like those celebrated during the annual convention are poised to make 2017 the best year yet for the brand.

The franchisees we highlighted this year are perfect examples of why the Wireless Zone system works so well, said Staszewski. Demand for mobile phones has never been higher, and consumers are always going to be on the lookout for the next upgrade. Thats why were looking forward to welcoming even more operators into our system in the years to come. Theres a real need for the expertise Wireless Zone provides in the wireless industry, and we want to continue to solidify our firm position as the brand leading the way into the future.

ABOUT WIRELESS ZONE

Founded in 1988 as "The Car Phone Store," the Wireless Zone system has become the nation's largest wireless retail franchisor and was ranked the No. 1 franchise in its category by Entrepreneur magazine. Most stores are independently owned and operated, exclusively offering Verizon Wireless products and services. In 2012, the company grew to more than 450 locations thanks to its recession-friendly and finance-friendly model. The Wireless Zone system is franchised and operated by Automotive Technologies, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.wirelesszone.com.

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Our four banking systems were connected to the CRM system in six months, which is one of the shortest implementation periods weve ever heard of for a CRM project of this complexity -- David Arrowsmith, VP of Business Solutions, First West

Doxim (http://www.doxim.com), a leading provider of customer engagement software for the financial services industry, is pleased to announce First West Credit Union has rolled out Doxim CRM.

First West recently launched the system at the 54 branches and 39 insurance offices of its four divisionsEnvision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings, and Enderby & District Financial. This complex implementation of CRM will enable First Wests regional brands to deliver an enhanced member advisory experience by building more accurate member profiles and more closely connecting all lines of business. The organization will also benefit from significant technology cost savings.

First West is Canadas fifth-largest credit union, with nearly $11 billion in assets, close to 250,000 members, and more than 1,700 employees. The credit union was created through the coming together of four local financial co-operatives. As a result of these mergers, First West is able to offer members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extensive branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a grassroots approach to service. The mergers also brought the opportunity for First West to move towards consolidated and streamlined back office systems.

With four back office processes and 11 different systems performing CRM functions, getting a complete view of a members activities was challenging, said David Arrowsmith, Vice-President of Business Solutions at First West. If a member had business with more than one of our branches, divisions, or lines of business, we couldnt immediately see it. We needed a single view of a member across all our systems  a unifying platform. Additionally, we needed to implement a consistent set of member advisory processes across our organization as well as the ability to share intelligence across brands and lines of business, including insurance and wealth management.

In 2015, First West completed a comprehensive position paper outlining its CRM strategy including goals for system rationalization and process harmonization. With this blueprint in place, the credit union started to review potential CRM partners. An earlier proof of concept with Doxim CRM, plus enthusiastic feedback from fellow credit unions that were already customers, showed First West that Doxim CRM had all the features and functions required for an enterprise CRM, including integration with banking systems and other mission critical systems.

Initially, First West ran a pilot program with Doxim CRM. Several branches per region used the CRM for selected sales processes. Then First West moved to a full rollout, which was a resounding success.

Employee feedback is very positive, said Arrowsmith. Were extremely pleased with the speed of our implementation. Our four banking systems were connected to the CRM system in six months, which is one of the shortest implementation periods weve ever heard of for a CRM project of this complexity.

First West now has Doxim CRM rolled out to over 1,100 users. And, the credit union anticipates substantial benefits as a result of system harmonization it has achieved.

Eliminating so many competing systems will bring significant process, time and cost savings to First West, said Arrowsmith. We now have simpler and more consistent processes for recording member interactions and tracking referrals which will allow us to provide a high quality advisory experience for our members, across all lines of business.

Mergers and acquisitions are a commonplace occurrence in the credit union industry, explained Chris Rasmussen, president and CEO of Doxim. So, many credit unions find themselves contending with managing multiple legacy back offices that are expensive to maintain and difficult to integrate.

First Wests implementation of Doxim CRM shows how CRM can be used at an enterprise level to create integration and rationalization of systems, and federate multiple user groups. This harmonization will result in improved efficiency and simplicity for staff and members, and help the credit union uncover new sources of sales revenue as well. Were proud to have worked alongside First West on this project, which represents a significant milestone for both organizations.

About Doxim

Doxim is a leading provider of SaaS-based customer engagement software for banks, credit unions, and wealth management firms. Doxims Customer Engagement Platform helps financial institutions transform their client experience, communicate more effectively throughout the client lifecycle and improve cross sell and upsell activities that drive increased wallet share. The platform addresses key digitization challenges, from automated account opening, through improved, personalized communications to anytime, anywhere content access, tailored to a clients channel preferences. This eliminates costly traditional paper-based, manual processes and enables cost-effective provision of an omni-channel experience that delights customers and improves their long-term loyalty. Find out more at http://www.doxim.com.

About First West Credit Union

First West Credit Union offers members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extended branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a unique grassroots approach to service. Led by Launi Skinner, First West is British Columbias third-largest credit union with $11 billion in assets under administration, nearly 250,000 members and more than 1,700 employees. It operates 54 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial, Valley First, Enderby & District Financial and Island Savings brands. Visit firstwestcu.ca for more information on First West Credit Union.
Grand Vision Gaming (GVG), a leading manufacturer of video gaming devices headquartered in Billings, MT, announced that they have signed a patent cross-licensing agreement with IGT. GVG will pay licensing fees to IGT and under the agreement can offer patented game features from IGT, holder of the largest slot game feature patent portfolios in North America.

About GVG

Grand Vision Gaming (GVG), LLC designs and manufacturers Class III video gaming machines for licensed operators in legalized gaming jurisdictions within the United States. Established in 2008, GVG boasts a development team responsible for creating revolutionary gaming products that employ state of the art technology, highly interactive and imaginary game themes and proprietary cabinetry. The principals of GVG have combined industry experience of nearly 100 years, with extensive experience in the manufacture and operation of gaming devices throughout the Montana and Nevada markets, as well as the licensed jurisdictions of South Dakota, Louisiana, West Virginia and Native American properties.
FlyEx App Screenshots FlyEx combines artificial intelligence, incredible travel industry partnerships and the power of the sharing economy.

The FlyEx team has been working in stealth mode to create a mobile application that can offer the worlds lowest fares on flights and hotels, customized and on-demand. Theyve reached that goal and are now ready to revolutionize travel forever! Long gone are the days of searching multiple websites to find the best travel deals. FlyEx is here to change all of that.

Launched officially at SXSW 2017 last month, FlyEx combines Artificial Intelligence, incredible travel industry partnerships and the power of the sharing economy to offer unbeatable travel deals unmatched in the industry. FlyEx, unlike other consumer travel apps, is a two sided travel marketplace similar to Airbnb and Uber.

With FlyEx, users register and are immediately assigned an Aviator, a handpicked human travel expert with intimate knowledge of the travel industry and destinations worldwide. The Aviator can not only assist users with information about their flight, hotel or destination, they have the power to customize fares and hotel prices to meet the travelers budget, on-demand and in real-time. For the first time, millions of travel consumers can get personalized fares and hotel prices to meet their exact travel needs. On the Aviator side, once signed up, Aviators earn every time a traveler makes a travel booking. Instead of one Expedia, FlyEx is creating a million Expedias, each with intimate knowledge of their customers and the destinations they love to visit.

FlyExs Artificial Intelligence is equally exciting. Officially called ABHI, the FlyEx AI can assist customers while working hand in hand with FlyExs expert Aviators. ABHI can recommend travel times, dates and other suggestions based off relevant data. ABHI can also recommend tours and excursions, cruises and more, all in real time!

FlyExs VP of Engineering, Tom Jay, has over 20 years experience working with industry leading companies like Intel and Verizon focused on mobile technologies. Tom had this to say about the FlyEx product, Ive never been so excited to push a product to market in my entire career. Were seeing FlyEx Travelers saving hundreds on flights and hotels at the same time Aviators are enjoying significant earnings helping Travelers.

To learn more please visit http://www.flyex.com or download the app from the iTunes App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/flyex-travelers/id1181108711

About FlyEx:

FlyEx is a revolutionary new travel app that connects travelers looking for the lowest airfare and hotels with FlyEx Aviators, personal handpicked travel advisors standing by to help plan trips. The FlyEx Travel Chat platform allows Aviators to customize fares and hotels for users in real time and on-demand. Aviators can assist app users with questions about flights, hotels or destinations, and can also offer exclusive discounts in real time. Need a discount off the price of a flight to be able to buy it right away? Ask your Aviator! Sign up, search, find the travel deals you want and message your Aviator to get the best deals on travel, ever. Learn more at FlyEx.com or download the app today to see for yourself.
The PPA Group, a multi-family focused commercial real estate investment and development firm, has acquired Citation North Apartment Homes in partnership with a private Israeli investment company. Grandbridge Real Estate Capital facilitated the deal. The 236-unit class C residence is located on eight acres in North Houston. Under its new ownership, the property will be renamed Highland Cross Apartments.

The acquisition is evidence of increasing international investor interest in Texas multifamily real estate in response to global macroeconomic factors and the robust economy in the United States.

"The current economic climate is driving a need for more affordable multifamily housing in Houston," said John A. Latham, CIO of The PPA Group. "We've been noticing this trend for nearly a year now. It's no surprise the international community is seeing it, too."

According to research released December 2016 by Greater Houston Partnership, from 2010 to 2014 Houston added nearly half a million jobs. The city has continued to post 12-month net job gains throughout 2015 and 2016. The service industry is among the largest growing sectors, with four out of five workers in the Houston area employed in a service field.

At the same time, homeownership is down nationwide in response the recent recession and real estate market crash. In 2015, the U.S. Census Bureau reported the share of the U.S. population who own homes had slid to 63.4 percent  a 48-year low. Millennials have contributed in large part to this decrease by renting 2.6 years longer on average than earlier generations according Zillow real estate data.

The combination of these key factors in has resulted in an increase in demand for Class C apartments in the local market and attracted global investors to Houston area real estate opportunities.

In the months following the acquisition, Highland Cross is poised to become even more attractive to the influx of Houstonians in search of affordable housing. The PPA Group plans to create value for both residents and investors by quickly and efficiently renovating units, addressing deferred maintenance, and upgrading the current amenity package. CLEAR Property Management will oversee all Highland Cross initiatives.

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About The PPA Group

Austin, Texas based The PPA Group began in 2002 with a vision to help individual investors build wealth through commercial real estate investments. Founder and CEO Monte K. Lee-Wen built The PPA Group and turned it into a successful multi-faceted commercial investment and servicing corporation in just 15 years. Despite the changes in the financial markets, The PPA Groups family and its portfolio of clients continue to grow. The PPA Group ranked 11th in INC. Magazines annual ranking of the Fastest Growing Real Estate Companies in the country in 2011, climbing up from 47th place in 2010. As the parent company of a property management firm (CLEAR Property Management) and discretionary funds firm (Casoro Capital), The PPA Group is in a position to create opportunities for investors to enjoy all the benefits of multifamily real estate ownership. For more information, visit http://www.ThePPAGroup.com.

Media Contact

Christopher Ruth

Leverage PR

Chris(at)Leverage-PR(dot)com

512.502.5833
Changing the Face of Beauty and Toddler Monitor announce a strategic partnership in the launch of DECCO the Toddler Monitor, a motion-sensor device designed to alert a parent if their toddler has left their bedroom or safe space. Parents simply hang the device on a doorknob and activate it from a smartphone. If a toddler opens the door, the device senses the motion of the door and sends an alert via the Toddler Monitor App.

Changing the Face of Beauty is a non-profit corporation that is

committed to equal representation of people with disabilities

in advertising and media worldwide. Its goal is to empower people living with disabilities by advocating for inclusive marketing imagery, thus changing perceptions and igniting futures in the media and advertising industries.

Partnering with groups on their communications campaigns is critical to achieving our goals, and Toddler Monitor was a perfect partner. This product helps to ensure the safety of all children, says Changing the Face of Beauty's Kristin Malek. Not only are we working together on the campaign, but Toddler Monitor is generously donating $2 per unit to help advance our mutual visions for inclusion and safety.

The Toddler Monitor is useful for all children that are on the move, but can also very helpful for children and people with special needs such as Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Dementia or Alzheimers, where wandering can be a pervasive challenge.

We have had so much fun working with Changing the Face of Beauty, says Toddler Monitor Co-founder Krista Teare. Our model, Jordan Grace, was an absolute star and clearly loved being in front of the camera. Her energy really comes across in the photos and all the kids had a lot of fun together at the photo shoot.

Toddler Monitor will be funding the manufacturing of its first run of product by crowdfunding on Kickstarter.

Two dollars from each device purchased will be donated to Changing the Face of Beauty.

For more information or to book media interviews, contact Krista Teare at krista.teare(at)toddlermonitor.com or CTFOB contact Kristin Malek at kristin(at)changingthefaceofbeauty.org.

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Toddler Monitor (http://www.toddlermonitor.com) is a start-up based in Calgary, AB, Canada. Co-founded by Krista Teare and Lisa Ruigrok, two moms and management consultants, the company was born out of their own need to monitor the movements of their toddler-aged children. Surprised to find that there was nothing on the market to reliably monitor children past infancy, they created an adorable motion sensor device that hangs on a door and a supporting phone application that is simple to use, travelable and can be easily set up to monitor toddlers.

Changing the Face of Beauty empowers people living with disabilities by advocating for inclusive imagery, thus changing perceptions and igniting futures in the media and advertising industries. Changing the Face of Beauty will be achieved through partnerships with both private and commercial retailers, penetrating the creative and business world.
NEWSCYCLE Solutions announces that the Bay Area News Group, a Digital First Media property, is live on the NEWSCYCLE Circulation platform hosted in NEWSCYCLE Cloud. The new platform manages the groups end-to-end circulation, subscription and distribution operations.

Bay Area News Group is the largest media outlet in the San Francisco Bay Area and has a weekly audience exceeding five million readers. The group uses NEWSCYCLE Circulation to extend marketing efforts, build readership and retain subscribers. The systems campaign management tools and real-time customer account data empowers the group to create targeted offers, providing greater revenue potential at Bay Area News publications.

NEWSCYCLE Circulation supports PCI tokenization, which protects customer credit and debit card details through the integration with payment gateways and hosted order pages.

The NEWSCYCLE Advertising platform is also in operation at the groups properties, and both systems are deployed in NEWSCYCLEs cloud-hosting environment.

Bay Area News Group properties include: The Mercury News in San Jose, CA; East Bay Times in Contra Costa/Alameda, CA; Marin Independent Journal in Marin, CA; and the Santa Cruz Sentinel in Santa Cruz, CA.

About NEWSCYCLE Solutions

NEWSCYCLE develops and delivers software technology that empowers the global news media industry. Our editorial, advertising, circulation and mobile solutions enable publishers to drive profitability, accelerate digital business models and optimize core print operations. We help our clients create stronger, better-informed communities while safeguarding the integrity of news, advertising and customer information. NEWSCYCLE is a trusted partner serving over 1,200 media companies with 3,000 properties producing more than 8,000 titles in 30 countries. Our company is headquartered in Bloomington, MN and has U.S. offices in Florida, Michigan and Utah; with international offices in Denmark, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Canada and the United Kingdom. Please visit newscycle.com for more information or write to us at info(at)newscycle.com.

Media Contact:

Lisa Speth

NEWSCYCLE Solutions

Marketing Communications Manager

lisa.speth(at)newscycle.com
At inaugural science, technology, engineering and math event, "A Day In Space," plenary speakers include former NASA astronauts Jose Hernandez and Mark Kelly; Diana Trujillo, Mars Curiosity Mission Lead-NASA JPL and Will Pomerantz, Vice-President Special Projects, Virgin Galactic; Emcee, Kim Baldanado, NBC4 Southern California, plus breakout sessions and interactive space fair.

WHO:

Generation 1st Degree-Pico Rivera will launch its inaugural A Day In Space event to promote the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Last year when Generation 1st Degree-Pico Rivera hosted NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez as a guest speaker, you could hear a pin drop in the school auditorium because students' ears were hanging on to Joses inspirational story of how he rose to the stars through his studies and dedication to get into NASA, said Jacki Cisneros, president and founder of Generation 1st Degree-Pico Rivera. When we saw this intense interest from our Pico Rivera students, we knew we had to continue the momentum of inspiring them to explore engineering and the aerospace industry. This time we wanted to bring something to the community that would captivate even the youngest Pico Rivera resident.

The FREE community event will take place on Saturday, April 22, 2017 in Pico Rivera, California and will invite and engage local students and families, age 0-100, to participate in a fun, inspiring, interactive and educational event to learn about the importance of science, technology, engineering and math and its application to careers in aerospace.

WHAT:



The day will begin with a morning plenary session. Emcee Kim Baldonado, news reporter for NBC4 Southern California, will lead the discussion between NASA Astronauts Jose Hernandez and Mark Kelly, Diana Trujillo, Mars Curiosity Mission Lead-NASA JPL and Will Pomerantz, Vice-President Special Projects, Virgin Galactic on their personal journeys to their careers in space.

Immediately following, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in intimate break out sessions, including: Women in Space, Careers in Aerospace, and a Q&A with an Astronaut.

The Interactive Space Fair will allow guests to explore the many STEM-inspired exhibits, such as:

--Touch, feel and take a closer look at astromaterials from space, as well as a full-scale inflatable display by NASA JPL.

--Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math activities for early preK learners by Los Angeles Universal Preschool.

--Test your rocket science at Cal State Fullertons Aerospace Society table hosting an interactive and educational display.

--Build your very own Cubesat (i.e. miniature satellite) complete with an Arduino microcontroller and space sensor board at the Northrop Grumman booth. Then use the luminosity sensor to learn how astronomers detect exoplanets using the transiting planet method.

--Learn more about Play-Well TEKnologies and their Lego-inspired engineering classes for grades K-8.

--Giveaways for the first 500 attendees!

Keeping with Generation 1st Degree-Pico Riveras mission of one college degree for every Pico Rivera household, the Fair will also host a college row of University and Cal State booths with representatives from their engineering programs.

WHY:

The event is designed to inspire each studentfrom the preschooler pretending to blast off into space to students eager to learn more about centripetal force and gravityto walk away from A Day In Space eager to build their own educational road map to reach the career of their dreams.

ABOUT:

Generation 1st Degree-Pico Riveras mission is to help provide support services for students at El Rancho High School, in the hopes that one day every child has the opportunity to obtain a college degree. Our nonprofit provides seven different university-focused preparation programs to help students become better prepared for a higher education. For more information about Generation 1st Degree-Pico Rivera, please visit: http://g1dpicorivera.org/
Actionable Personal Air Quality Data Actionable information could be a valuable tool in educating the public about reducing exposure to harmful airborne chemicals, particularly during the most vulnerable stages of life.

AerNos, Inc, and Findability Sciences, LLC today announced that they have entered into an agreement to provide consumers with personalized, actionable health and wellness information based on individual exposure to harmful chemicals in the air, the companies announced today. With more than 90% of urban populations exposed to unhealthy air quality, the collaboration will combine the technology innovations and expertise of both companies to provide solutions to a serious public health issue.

Scientific research links air pollution exposure to a wide range of longterm health effects including asthma, lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, brain disorders and other illnesses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), children and the elderly are most vulnerable to health damage caused by harmful gases. Scientists are also concerned about exposure to fossil fuels and other common pollutants during pregnancy and early in life, which can lead to brain development issues, especially in fetuses and young children. Actionable information could be a valuable tool in educating the public about reducing exposure to harmful airborne chemicals, particularly during the most vulnerable stages of life.

AerNos and Findability Sciences will use a real-time secure data-sharing connection to transfer air quality data quickly and safely. This information will include geolocation based gases, their concentrations and other location based micro environments. Carbon monoxide, ozone, formaldehyde, gas leaks, indoor VOCs and other major indoor and outdoor air quality gases will be processed by the Findability Platform, a proprietary solution combining the power of big data, cognitive computing and AI. Findability platform architecture and framework will integrate AerNos Multi Sensor Delivery PlatformTM (AX-MSDP) gas data along with consumer health profiles and data from other sources to provide specific individualized actionable content. Findability Sciences is a partner with IBM and uses IBM Watson APIs. These APIs will support creating a robust technology offering able to detect personal gas exposures, predict outcomes, and provide solutions to prevent or minimize health and wellness impacts.

Sources of harmful gases include vehicle emmissions, fuel burning combustion appliances, household cleaning products, personal care products, furniture, fireplaces, gasoline stations, industrial facilities, power plants, wildfires, vegetation, gas leaks and many more.

Most of us have no idea what chemicals we are exposed to, or its implications to our health, said Sundip R. Doshi, Founder and CEO of AerNos. By teaming up with Findability Sciences, we are taking a giant step towards actionable solutions that is personalized to the air you are breathing.

Delivering predictive analytics and actionable information to improve health is a wonderful fit for congnitive computing and artificial intelligence solutions, said Anand Mahurkar, CEO of Findability Sciences. We are thrilled to be working with AerNos to bring our predictive capabilities to support the efforts of families that want to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals in the air.

AerNos nano gas sensors are tiny, detect multiple gases simultaneously and are low powered System on Chip (SoC) designed to easily integrate into the Internet of Thing (IoT) devices. These sensors can detect gases and their concentration for various applications including environmental monitoring, food safety and spoilage, homeland security, industrial and manufacturing and healthcare applications. The collaboration between AerNos and Findability Sciences paves the way for intelligent actionable outcomes for applications far beyond environmental monitoring.

About Findability Sciences

Boston headquartered Findability Sciences is a leading boutique big data and cognitive solutions company with its flagship offering of Findability Platform. Findability Platform is a leading big data and cognitive architecture from Findability Sciences and since 2010 it is used by many industry verticals to solve unique business challenges by harnessing volume, velocity and verity of big data.

About AerNos

La Jolla, California based AerNos develops application specific nano sensors based on its breakthrough and proprietary AerCNTTM Technology to detect harmful gases in the environment. AerNos nano gas sensors are designed to be easily integrated into consumer and commercial product lines such as standalone monitoring devices, non-stationary devices (drones, industrial robots, construction equipment, etc.), modes of transportation, wearables, smartphones and the Internet of Things (IoT).

For more information, please visit AerNos.com or findabilitysciences.com. You may also contact us at media(at)AerNos(dot)com or info(at)findabilitysciences(dot)com.
P600+ Centrifugal Compressor

FS-Elliott, a leading manufacturer of oil-free, centrifugal compressors, will exhibit at Reliable Plant Conference and Exhibition held April 25-27, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. This years event will include more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space and over 90+ learning sessions aimed at covering every facet of industrial lubrication, oil analysis, and equipment reliability over the course of three days.

At FS-Elliott booth 810, visitors will have an opportunity to experience the operation of a centrifugal compressor on the exposition floor. Demonstrations will feature FS-Elliotts P600+ compressor, allowing participants to see a 360-degree virtual view of the equipment in operation. Industrial compressed air experts will be on hand to share best practices for compressed air system operation and discuss how to calculate compressed air costs with FS-Elliotts AirCompare compressor life-cycle calculator.

For those interested in learning how to optimize their compressor room, Sue Benes, Polaris+ Product Marketing Manager will be presenting an educational session How to Make Your Compressor Room Work for You on Wednesday, April 26. With over 20 years of experience in manufacturing, Sue focuses on educating customers on their compressor life-cycle costs to maximize efficiencies throughout their plant. Her session at Reliable Plant 2017 will take attendees through a real-world situation where a manufacturer improved the efficiency of their compressor room. Maintenance and reliability professionals will walk away with a thorough understanding of how they can improve their compressor rooms, which in turn will allow them more time to dedicate to other areas of their plant.

To learn more about FS-Elliotts presence at Reliable Plant and for a complimentary registration pass, please visit http://www.fs-elliott.com/reliable-plant-2017.

About FS-Elliott Co., LLC

FS-Elliott is a global leader in the engineering and manufacturing of oil-free, centrifugal compressors with operations in over 90 countries. Building on a 50-year tradition of excellence, FS-Elliott combines an unwavering commitment to quality with the desire for advancing technology to bring value to our customers, allowing them to increase their productivity and lower system operating costs. For more information, please visit http://www.fs-elliott.com.
SourceAmerica and National Industries for the Blind, central nonprofit agencies supporting the U.S. AbilityOne Program, have entered into an agreement that will result in better service to federal government customers and a more collaborative approach to manufacturing and development contracts with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center.

SourceAmerica is looking forward to a renewed joint effort with NIB regarding manufacturing and development projects, SourceAmerica President and CEO Steve Soroka said. The agreement will place emphasis on the needs of our federal customer and focus on increased employment for people who are blind or have disabilities.

NIB also recognizes the importance of formalizing an already strong partnership in support of the organizations mutual mission to create employment opportunities.

NIB is pleased to formalize this win-win partnership to benefit our military customers and create employment opportunities for people who are blind or have significant disabilities, NIB President and CEO Kevin Lynch said. This agreement will assist NIB and its associated nonprofit agencies as we continue to deliver cutting-edge products to keep our warfighters safe and combat effective.

The memorandum of understanding, signed by Soroka and Lynch, names customer service as a number one priority for customers, factoring in response time, quality and delivery speed.

Sean Murphy, Natick branch chief, says the agreement is a boon to the centers contracts.

Im pleased that NIB and SourceAmerica have come to an understanding in support of the Armys M&D Agreement. It will ensure maximum participation in Army contracts by people with disabilities to include wounded veterans and guarantee that the warfighter is equipped with the supplies they need in a timely and cost-effective manner, Murphy said.

Additionally, the agreement calls for close coordination between NIB and SourceAmerica in support of AbilityOne projects, and encourages each organization and its nonprofit agencies to attend the others meetings and events.

We are excited about this partnership and look forward to developing innovative solutions for our federal customers, Soroka said.

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About SourceAmerica

Established in 1974, SourceAmerica creates job opportunities for a skilled and dedicated workforce of people with significant disabilities. SourceAmerica is the vital link between the federal government and private sector organizations that procure the products and services provided by this exceptional workforce via a network of more than 1,200 community-based nonprofits. Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, SourceAmerica provides its nonprofit agency network with business development, contract management, legislative and regulatory assistance, communications and public relations materials, information technology support, engineering and technical assistance, and extensive professional training needed for successful nonprofit management. SourceAmerica is an AbilityOne-authorized enterprise.

About National Industries for the Blind

Since 1938, National Industries for the Blind has focused on enhancing the opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and its network of associated nonprofit agencies are the nations largest employer of people who are blind through the manufacture and provision of SKILCRAFT and other products and services of the AbilityOne Program. For more information about NIB, visit NIB.org.
Alisa Wright, founder and CEO of Singota Solutions, has received one of the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Awards from the Purdue College of Pharmacy in Lafayette, Indiana.

The Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 1984 to honor alumni of the Purdue Pharmacy Program for achievements in their careers and other scientific endeavors.

Wright began her career in the pharmaceutical industry with firms such as Eli Lilly & Co., Cook Pharmaceutical Solutions, and Baxter Pharmaceutical Solutions. During her 25 years of experience, she identified many industry gaps; in response, she founded Singota Solutions, formerly BioConvergence, to help advance medical products, bring them to market faster, and improve the lives of patients who need better healthcare solutions. Singota is in its 11th year of service.

Wrights roles in the industry have included bench-level scientist, project and business unit manager, president and most recently, Chief Executive Officer. Each of these opportunities resided in Indianaa state full of opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the life sciences area.

The ceremony was held March 31, and included a panel with this years recipients and current students of the school. Three other distinguished alumni recipients were recognized at this ceremony including Angela M. Falzone (Janssen Pharmaceuticals), S. Suresh Madhavan (School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University), and Q. May Wang (Hutchison MediPharma). In addition, the 2017 Career Achievement Award was presented to Steven W. Leslie (The University of Texas System).

About Singota Solutions

Singota Solutions is a service provider to the pharmaceutical, animal health, and medical device industries. Founded in 2006 as BioConvergence, the company is a woman-owned business operating in a 72,000-square foot facility in Bloomington, Indiana. The companys service lines include supply chain operations, drug formulation development, analytical methods development and testing activities, labeling and kitting operations, and aseptic manufacturing services. For more information, visit http://www.singota.com.
After 65 years and nearly six-and-a-half decades of giving children and families the specialized medical care they need, Shriners Hospitals for Children  Los Angeles will be moving to a brand new state-of-the-art medical center located in Pasadena. Shriner for Children Medical Center is the first facility in the Shriners Hospitals for Children network to be created specifically to meet the rigorous demands of our rapidly-changing health care system. Opening mid-summer 2017, the new medical center represents a significant departure from the concepts that define traditional hospitals.

To celebrate the transition, the Los Angeles Shriners Hospital leadership, national and local patient ambassadors alongside the California Grand Lodge, Imperial Board and the Chairman of the Board performed a traditional cornerstone ceremony. A Masonic cornerstone ritual is probably the only Masonic ritual that the public will ever see conducted. The dedication ceremony is the symbolic laying of the cornerstone, that which supports the entire structure.

**For highlights of the event click here**

Its a culmination of a ten year effort for us to build a new facility and we bring a $100 million dollar project to this community with the desire to help kids in need and to see that no child goes untreated, said Chairman of the Board David Doan. It is a fantastic feeling to have finally accomplished that and know that in this hospital; thousands of children will have their lives changed for the good by the work of our doctors.

Members of the Board presented a time capsule that contained several newspapers from the original dedication ceremony of the Los Angeles Shriners Hospital back in 1952. Along with these items from 1952 we now place new items in our time capsule including photos, memorabilia and patient stories from our Los Angeles Patient Ambassadors and National Patient Ambassadors.

Rachel Roitman, Los Angeles patient ambassador articulated how she never once felt afraid or discouraged thanks to the care she received from her surgeons and staff. Over the past sixteen years of my life, Ive spent countless days at Shriners Hospital receiving IV treatments having physical therapy, clinic appointments and surgeries with hospital stays. Ive only recently realized how fortunate I am to have such a positive experience as a person with a chronic disability. Im amazed when I hear stories of kids being frightened or depressed when theyre in the hospital, as that was the farthest thing from my reality when I was at Shriners Hospitals for Children  Los Angeles. Rachel, Brock, Marius and Karolina, patient ambassadors, placed their stories in the time capsule in hopes that when it is open everyone who reads it is made aware of what great philanthropy Shriners Hospitals for Children really is.

Our Administrator closed out the ceremony by saying we all know children are precious and the truth is the entire medical center-this entire effort-is because of the children. The truth is that without children, our fundamental component of our mission for Shriners Hospitals for Children could not happen without children.

About Shriners Hospitals for Children  Los Angeles

Shriners Hospitals for Children Los Angeles is a specialty hospital for orthopaedic conditions, prosthetics and orthotics, hand disorders, burn scars, and cleft lip and palate. We provide world-class care to children under 18 regardless of the families' ability to pay.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501  (3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by laws. For more information, please visit the hospital website at SHCLA.org.

About the Masons of California

Masonry is the worlds first and largest fraternal organization, based on the belief that a man who strives to improve himself can also improve his community and the world at large. The Masons of California have more than 60,000 members and over 340 lodges located throughout the state. The California Masonic Foundation is committed to making a profound difference for our communities, and touches the lives of thousands of Californians each year. Learn more at freemanson.org/discoverMasonry.

For more information please contact Mayra Pereyra at mpereyra(at)shrinenet(dot)org or calling 213.434.6713
We continue to advance Perceptive Content to meet the ever evolving needs of our existing customers and anticipating the needs of new customers.

Kofax, a leading provider of software to simplify and transform the First Mile of business, today announced the availability of a new and enhanced 7.2 version of its market leading Perceptive Content TM software.

Perceptive Content is a scalable content services platform designed to meet complex enterprise level requirements. It features a broad range of content services and application solutions to help organizations manage, process, collaborate and share the many formats and versions of their content.

Perceptive Content also offers an integrated set of related services and capabilities to support modern enterprise content use cases. Available services include document management, search, indexing, capture, version control, workflow, records management and content analytics.

Perceptive Content manages the entire content lifecycle, providing users with relevant business context applicable to the precise task at hand.

Key features of Perceptive Content 7.2 include:



Thin client content applications. Content applications support specific vertical market and horizontal solution needs for healthcare, higher education, accounts payable automation and other use cases. All are constructed to drive user productivity and efficiency by placing content in context with simple and intuitive usability.

Bridging the gap between traditional one-size fits all clients and Java-based browser clients such as WebNow, content applications support HTML5 and can be accessed across all major browsers as well as iOS and Android mobile devices.

Enterprise File Synch and Share (EFSS). An EFSS service between Perceptive Content and Perceptive WorkplaceTM allows users to push documents directly into Perceptive Workplace, enabling sharing and collaboration with non-users of Perceptive Content. Perceptive Workplace content can also be submitted into Perceptive Content, allowing users to share information and collaborate with a user not on the platform.

Subscription services. Users can manage communications between Perceptive Content and other systems that subscribe to event-triggered push notifications, enabling active content capabilities in third-party solutions, encompassing both case management and content management capabilities on the Perceptive Content platform.

Kofax was recently recognized as a leader in The Forrester Wave: Enterprise Content Management  Transactional Content Services, Q2 2017, and was noted for providing rich transactional content services, enhanced by acquired products.

Supporting Quotes

This latest release of Perceptive Content is the answer weve been waiting for and supports our campus needs for a WebNow alternative" said David Turner, Senior Imaging Application Administrator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This latest version gives users across campus easy access to the content and capabilities they need, positively impacting the productivity of our staff.

"We continue to advance Perceptive Content to meet the ever evolving needs of our existing customers and anticipating the needs of new customers," said Reynolds C. Bish, Chief Executive Officer of Kofax. With these enhancements, were well positioned to remain a leading provider of content services and capabilities designed for the businesses of today and tomorrow.

Supporting Resources

Manage Content and Communications web page

Bentall Kennedy success story

Five Critical Success Factors for Easy Content Management article.

About Kofax

Kofax is a leading provider of software to simplify and transform the First Mile of business. Success in the First Mile can dramatically improve the customer experience, greatly reduce operating costs and increase competitiveness, growth and profitability. Kofax software and solutions provide a rapid return on investment to more than 25,000 customers in financial services, insurance, government, healthcare, higher education, supply chain, business process outsourcing and other markets. Kofax markets its solutions via a direct sales and service organization, along with a global network of more than 1,000 authorized partners in more than 70 countries throughout the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific.

For further information contact Rachel Spear, (913) 227-6237, rachel.spear(at)kofax.com.

# # #

 2017 Kofax, Inc. Kofax, Kofax Perceptive Content, Kofax Perceptive Workplace and Kofax TotalAgility are registered trademarks and First Mile is a trademark of Kofax Limited.

Source: KOFAX
Dr. Karen Parvin Invites Patients for Gentle Laser Gum Disease Therapy in Chesapeake, VA

People who suffer from gum disease can now visit Dr. Karen Parvin with or without referrals for laser dentistry in Chesapeake, VA. Dr. Parvin has recently started using the SIROLaser Xtend and is currently accepting new patients to her practice, Coastal Smile Design, for laser gum surgery. This revolutionary treatment protects against various risks of periodontal disease, including tooth and bone density loss, in addition to sparing patients from unnecessary discomfort and complications.

By using the SIROLaser Xtend, Dr. Parvin can directly target gum disease while leaving healthy gum tissue in place to support and protect the teeth. The laser is extremely precise, so no excess tissue is lost. This minimally-invasive approach allows patients to enjoy shorter recoveries; many people who visit Dr. Parvin for laser dentistry in Chesapeake, VA, can even resume their regular activities the day after treatment. Laser gum surgery also lowers the risk of negative side effects, such as bleeding and infection, both during and after treatment.

Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can have irreversible negative effects on the health of the gums, teeth, jaw bone and other connective tissues that hold the teeth in place. Therefore, Dr. Parvin encourages patients to seek professional treatment at the first sign of this condition. Early symptoms may include inflammation or bleeding of the gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth and changes in the size of the pockets between the gums and the teeth. Specifically, gum pockets that measure four or more millimeters deep during a dental checkup may indicate that gum disease is developing.

People who notice symptoms of periodontal disease or believe they need to visit Dr. Parvin for laser dentistry in Chesapeake, VA, are encouraged to schedule consultations. Patients may do so by visiting the website of Coastal Smile Design at http://www.coastalsmiledesign.com or by calling the practice at (757) 214-6585.

About the Doctor

Dr. Karen Parvin is a general dentist offering personalized dental care to patients in Chesapeake, VA. Dr. Parvin and the entire Coastal Smile Design team take pride in offering individualized, compassionate care to each patient with the latest dental advancements. Coastal Smile Design was voted the Virginian-Pilots Best Dentist of Chesapeake in 2015. Dr. Parvin is a Navy veteran who has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education courses and was awarded a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. To learn more about Dr. Parvin or the services offered at Coastal Smile Design, please visit their website at http://www.coastalsmiledesign.com or call (757) 214-6585 to schedule an appointment.
EPS Instruction and Intervention, a division of School Specialty (OTCQB: SCOO), today announced that Wordly Wise 3000 4th Edition (print) and Wordly Wise i3000 (digital), are now available for pre-order for the 2017-2018 school year.

The Wordly Wise 3000 programs provide engaging, direct academic vocabulary instruction to develop the critical link between vocabulary and reading comprehension. Peer sharing opportunities and differentiated reading passages for each lesson meet the needs of todays diverse student populationallowing students to have successful encounters with grade-level vocabulary instruction and practice.

Wordly Wise 3000 is a popular and proven resource for teachers who want to help their students build the strong vocabulary skills requisite for success in school, college and career, said Bodie Marx, senior vice president, School Specialty Curriculum. With these new editions of Wordly Wise 3000, teachers now have access to more activities with more engagement to reach more students.

Wordly Wise 3000 4th Edition provides new engaging, research-based activities that have been expanded and updated to increase variety and student success. The multiple exposures and critical practice provide a deep understanding of new vocabulary, helping students improve reading comprehension and increase test scores. New Turn and Talk activities encourage peer-to-peer interaction, which allows students to apply the word knowledge they have learned throughout each lesson, and own their individual vocabulary.

The digital program, Wordly Wise i3000, includes practice activities that are self-paced and automatically scored, saving valuable time for teachers. There are multiple social sharing opportunities, providing engagement and peer learning opportunities. Once students have shared their work, they are able to view peer responses. Wordly Wise i3000 provides educators with real-time progress monitoring, and administrators with critical data about student engagement and mastery, as well as teacher productivity.

Amy Holland, who teaches eighth grade English Language Arts at Bunsold Middle School in Marysville, Ohio, has used Wordly Wise in her classroom for the past five years and says her students are excited to find the program is applicable in and out of the classroom.

My students love to bring me examples of Wordly Wise 3000 words they find in text in other classes, shows they watch or books they read outside of class, said Holland. One student told me they appreciate how much Wordly Wise has helped them in their everyday life. The structure of Wordly Wise gives students multiple opportunities for interaction and exposure to a word, which helps them to know it well and know it deeply. Truly, the content of Wordly Wise is perfect for eighth graders.

Wordly Wise 3000 has partnered with Quizlet, an online platform that provides engaging game and study activities to practice new vocabulary. In both programs, students and teachers can choose from seven available study and game modes (flashcards, learn, spell, test, match, gravity and live) to practice and master the vocabulary they are learning.

To pre-order Wordly Wise 3000 4th Edition and Wordly Wise i3000 for the 2017-2018 school year, visit epsbooks.com/WW3000.

About EPS Instruction and Intervention

EPS Instruction and Intervention provides K12 blended-media solutions that build core skills and close the achievement gap in reading and math. With powerful instructional tools and high-quality materials, the companys reading and math intervention solutions are proven to help struggling students. EPS offers an integrated approach to effective teaching and learning.

For more information on EPS and its proven programs Wordly Wise 3000, S.P.I.R.E., Academy of READING, Academy of MATH, MCI, Explode The Code and EPS Custom Learning, visit http://epsbooks.com

About School Specialty, Inc.

School Specialty is a leading distributor of innovative and proprietary products, programs and services to the education marketplace. The Company designs, develops, and provides educators with the latest and very best school supplies, furniture and both curriculum and supplemental learning resources. Working in collaboration with educators, School Specialty reaches beyond the scope of textbooks to help teachers, guidance counselors and school administrators ensure that every student reaches his or her full potential. Through its SSI Guardian subsidiary, the Company is also committed to school, healthcare and corporate workplace safety by offering the highest quality curriculum, training and safety and security products. Finally, through its SOAR Life Products brand, the Company offers thousands of products that sharpen cognitive skills and build physical and mental strength in fun and creative ways. From childhood through adulthood, they help individuals live life to the fullest  engaged, happy and well. SOAR Life Products is a customized offering for hospitals, long-term care, therapeutic facilities, home care, surgery centers, day care centers, physician offices, and clinics. For more information about School Specialty, visit http://www.schoolspecialty.com.

@SchoolSpecialty

Connect with School Specialty on social media; search School Specialty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. For ideas and resources, educational trends and inspiration for todays educators  visit the Schoolyard blog.
Prashant Kaushik MD I know through personal experience that AMI Meditation and its allied disciplines can relieve and prevent physician burnout.  Prashant Kaushik MD

To inspire other physicians who are experiencing the painful effects of stress, Dr. Prashant Kaushik will chronicle his own journey from burnout to homeostasis at the 9th annual CME Conference on Meditation and Yoga as Mind/Body Medicine, October 24-28, 2017 at the Cranwell Resort and Spa in Lenox, Massachusetts. Hosted by the American Meditation Institute and entitled The Heart and Science of Yoga, this comprehensive 30 credit-hour mind/body training on meditation, gentle yoga and diaphragmatic breathing, accredited through the Albany Medical College Office of Continuing Medical Education, is designed to help physicians and other healthcare professionals prevent and relieve burnout.

Board-certified Rheumatologist Prashant Kaushik, MD knows all too well how the demands and stress of the medical profession can have a profound effect on the personal and professional lives of physicians and their patients. As a healthcare professional dedicated to expanding the current medical paradigm to include self-care, Dr. Kaushik will reveal how stress negatively affected his physical and mental wellbeing, and how he was able to transform his life with powerful AMI Meditation practices that reduce stress and enhance resilience and effectiveness.

According to Dr. Kaushik, Simple techniques like AMI mantra meditation, one-pointed attention, diaphragmatic breathing and easy-gentle yoga have been used for millennia to transform the debilitating nature of stress. When the practical tools of Yoga Science as mind/body medicine are incorporated into everyday life, physician burnout can be reversed dramatically and eliminated in many circumstances.

AMI faculty member Prashant Kaushik, MD received a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery degree from the All India Institute of Medical Services, New Delhi. As a board-certified Rheumatologist, Dr. Kaushik serves as Lead Rheumatologist at the Albany VA Medical Center, Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine Albany Medical College, and is a member of the AMI Department of Medical Education. Dr. Kaushik is the 2015 recipient of the Albany Medical Colleges Residency Teacher of the Year award.

Defined as a state of vital exhaustion by the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition, burnout in the medical profession has become a serious public health problem over the past decade. According to a March 2017 paper published on the National Academy of Medicine website, 54 percent of all physicians experience burnout (3040 percent of employed physicians and 5560 percent of self-employed physicians). Students, interns, and residents are close behind them, experiencing burnout at a rate of 2040 percent.

Recognizing this alarming trend, The American Meditation Institute is offering this unique mind/body medicine conference to help physicians alleviate their pain and enrich their health and wellbeing. Now in its ninth year of providing continuing medical education credits, the five-day retreat is carefully structured to optimize the experience of attendees. Each lecture is designed to reduce their allostatic loadthe physiological consequences of chronic exposure to fluctuating or heightened neural or neuroendocrine responses resulting from chronic stress.

The 30-hour CME comprehensive curriculum includes an in-depth study of the historical, philosophical and scientific nature of Yoga Science. Practical yogic skills will be taught to all attendees to expand their knowledge of and experience with health-affirming, yogic practices. Topics will include mantra-based AMI meditation, diaphragmatic breathing, Yoga Psychology, the chakra system as a diagnostic tool, mind function optimization, neuroplasticity, trauma, PTSD, Functional Medicine, Epigenomics, Ayurveda, nutrition, easy-gentle yoga and lymph system detoxification.

An outstanding team of dedicated, enthusiastic, skilled health and wellness professionals, who draw on many years of experience in their respective fields, the AMI faculty will create a dynamic and interactive program for all attending medical professionals. In addition to Dr. Kaushik, this years presenters will include Leonard Perlmutter, AMI founder, philosopher, meditational therapist and award-winning author of The Heart and Science of Yoga; Mark Pettus MD, Director of Medical Education and Population Health at Berkshire Health Systems; Anthony Santilli MD, board-certified in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; Sara Lazar PhD, neuroscientist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and instructor at Harvard Medical School; Susan Lord MD, a private practice holistic physician focusing on prevention and treatment, and former course director for the The Center for Mind-Body Medicines Food As Medicine program in Washington, DC; Jesse Ritvo MD, Assistant Medical Director, Inpatient Psychiatry, University of Vermont Health Center; Beth Netter MD MT, holistic physician and acupuncturist, Albany, NY; Jyothi Bhatt BAMS, Ayurvedic practitioner and faculty member of Kripalu School of Ayurveda and Physicians Assistant at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center; and Jenness Cortez Perlmutter, senior faculty member of The American Meditation Institute.

According to Pamela Shervanick MD, who is a board certified psychiatrist

in Barrington, Rhode Island and a recent AMI conference participant, This conference has been life changing! Everyone in every facet of life should experience this. Im so grateful for you and your institution and all involved for bringing truth to doctors with love and compassion. This is a light the world needs to see.

In addition to Dr. Shervanick, numerous medical pioneers and healthcare professionals such as Mehmet Oz MD, Dean Ornish MD and Bernie Siegel MD have also endorsed AMIs core curriculum. Previous conference attendees have also noted that the material presented has made a beneficial impact toward their personal and professional efforts at self-care.

About the American Meditation Institute

The American Meditation Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization devoted to the teaching and practice of Yoga Science, AMI meditation and its allied disciplines as mind/body medicine. In its holistic approach to wellness, AMI combines the healing arts of the East with the practicality of modern Western science. The American Meditation Institute offers a wide variety of classes, retreats, and teacher training programs. AMI also publishes Transformation a bi-monthly journal of meditation as holistic mind/body medicine. Call (518) 674-8714 for a mail or email subscription.

Media Contact:

Robert Washington

60 Garner Road, Averill Park, NY 12018

Tel: 518-674-8714

Fax: 518-674-8714
Dogs Dressed to the K-9s Will Attend Camp Canines Anniversary Celebration to Benefit Homeless Pets. Photo by Ashley Moore, Classic Kids Dress your dog in his or her party best, owner Tania Isenstein said, encouraging dog owners to outfit their pets in black tie, tux or cocktail chic to walk the red carpet for the puparazzi and compete in best dressed contests.

Every dog has its day, and April 28 will be that day for the dogs at Camp Canine. The premier pet care facility, located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a posh Pawty and fundraiser to benefit the homeless pets from Muddy Paws Rescue.

Upper West Side resident and owner Tania Isenstein is inviting dog owners to bring their pets to Camp Canine, located at 46 West 73rd Street for a pawsitively fun doggie daycare party, complete with dog-friendly cake and champagne, games, give-aways and photos. Muddy Paws rescue dogs will also be in attendance to celebrate. All dogs must have advance reservations.

Dress your dog in his or her party best, Isenstein said, encouraging dog owners to outfit their pets in black tie, tux or cocktail chic to walk the red carpet for the puparazzi and compete in best dressed contests. It is a party, after all, and were planning to get pictures of the dogs celebrating with us. On this day, the campers will be truly party animals.

Camp Canine will donate 50% of the proceeds from its anniversary event to Muddy Paws Rescue of New York City. The festivities will include gourmet treats, swag bags, fun activities and all the standards canine guests have come to expect even when its not a special occasion  caring, one-on-one attention from professional pet care providers, secure indoor play areas, a clean, safe and odor-free environment, grooming and training services and upscale amenities such as gourmet treats, soothing music and tuck-in service.

Isenstein left her career as a Wall Street lawyer in order to purchase Camp Canine in 2012 and has transformed it into New York Citys premier pet care facility for dogs and cats. The luxury facility provides daycare, lodging, training, grooming, long walks in Central Park and a variety of pampering amenities for its four-legged guests.

Pampering pets is a growing trend in the United States and the pet industry continues to grow. Americans will spend $62.75 billion dollars on their pets this year and $5.4 billion on services such as boarding and grooming, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.

Camp Canines commitment to saving homeless animals is a year-round endeavor, with several foster dogs always staying in their care while awaiting their forever homes. Since 2012, Camp Canine has hosted and helped find homes for over 150 homeless dogs, and their photos adorn the facility with a Rescue Dog Wall of Fame.

Dogs enjoying daycare at Camp Canine are grouped by size, age, activity and socialization levels and placed together in safe and fun play areas with access to outdoor walks throughout the day. The spacious overnight accommodations are used only for feeding and night-time sleeping or rest periods.

To ensure safety and a pleasant stay for all, dogs must be screened before visiting Camp Canine. The process includes an interview to assess temperament and social skills and a review of health records to make sure vaccinations are up to date.

Isenstein hasnt looked back since leaving her lucrative job with Goldman Sachs: I found a way to follow my passion when I purchased Camp Canine. I love caring for our clients beloved pets, and the good fortune of giving pets a second chance at life through our rescue and foster efforts. And Isenstein doesnt just sit on the sidelines. She recently returned from a trip to Puerto Rico with six homeless foster dogs in tow.

To sniff out more on Camp Canine, visit http://www.nycampcanine.com or or call (212) 787-3647.

ABOUT MUDDY PAWS RESCUE

Muddy Paws Rescue is 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing adoptable dogs from high kill shelters and placing them into wonderful forever homes. Support is provided to adopters throughout the application process and post-adoption to help facilitate the transition for both the dog and the adopter. Muddy Paws Rescue promotes a welcoming, warm community for potential adopters and volunteers. For more information, visit: http://www.muddypawsrescue.org.

ABOUT CAMP CANINE

Camp Canine is New York Citys premier pet care facility located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The luxury, full-service facility is privately owned by Tania Isenstein and provides overnight lodging for dogs and cats, doggie daycare, grooming, training, long walks in Central Park, and a variety of pampering amenities for its four-legged guests. Camp Canine is also committed to actively supporting the animal rescue community. To sniff out more about Camp Canine, call 212-787-3647 or visit http://www.nycampcanine.com .
WASHINGTON -- There are lots of public policy problems that, even with the best of political goodwill, cannot be easily solved. They're just inherently tough. Fixing airline overbooking is not one of them.

As proposed by Harvard economist Greg Mankiw on his blog, the solution is straightforward: Make the airlines pay when they overbook. When they do, "they should fully bear the consequences. They should be required (by government regulation) to keep raising the offered compensation until they get volunteers to give up their seats," writes Mankiw. "If $800 does not work, then try $1,600 or $8,000."

Mankiw adds, somewhat gratuitously, that he's "sure volunteers will appear as the price rises."

The fundamental problem is that the airlines have sold -- or committed -- more seats than they have. The object is to buy back those nonexistent seats.

Consider a simple example.

Suppose that the airline has 100 seats and has sold 104 tickets. Under Mankiw's proposal, the airline would have to offer passengers enough money so that four of them would decide to take the money or some combination of a free ticket and cash. Let's assume that two passengers require $1,000 plus a free ticket, a third accepts a $1,200 buyout and the last sets a price of $1,500.

I would tweak Mankiw's proposal by requiring that all the bumped passengers receive the highest payment. In this case, it's $1,500. (On this issue, it's not clear where Mankiw stands.) So the airline's total cost would be $6,000, plus the cost of vouchers for new tickets. I would also put an upper limit for each passenger, calculated as some multiple of a full ticket price, but it would be high.

This system would modify existing government regulations that the Wall Street Journal's travel columnist Scott McCartney characterizes as giving fliers "few rights." If asked to deplane, they must comply for safety reasons. Under certain circumstances, bumped passengers are entitled to vouchers and the cost of a hotel. Under my proposal (and presumably Mankiw's), the safety mandate would remain, but it would not extend to passengers bumped due to overbooking.

What we have here is a good example of how government regulations on bumping -- adopted by the Department of Transportation -- would further a free-market solution -- creating an auction system to balance the number of passengers with the number of seats. Making airlines pay more for overbooking would, almost certainly, make them more careful in their scheduling, while also more adequately compensating inconvenienced passengers.
CallTower, an industry-leading unified communications (UC) and collaboration company, has been awarded Channel Partners 2017 Next-Gen Solution Provider.

Channel Partners program recognizes IT and telecom channel leaders who help their partners create business value for customers with their vision, innovation, and advocacy of the channel during transition and convergence. CallTower is the first provider to be honored with the Channel Influencer award for Next-Gen Solution Providers.

It is a great honor to be distinguished with the Channel Partners 2017 Next-Gen Solutions Provider award, says CallTower Chief Product Officer, Shaun Chambers. As a result of being one of the first hosting providers to launch enterprise voice capabilities and feature set on a Skype for Business platform, we have been able to further enhance the product offering with deep integration with contact center, CRM and workforce optimization. We are the only organization that can deliver a voice enabled Microsoft Skype for Business solution which is native with Office 365 and provide a full UC solution powered by Cisco. In January of this year, we developed a solution that delivers interoperability between Cisco and Microsoft Skype for Business. This is a game-changer in the industry.

About Channel Partner

Channel Partners is the undisputed leader in providing news and analysis to alternate distribution channels serving the communications industry.

About Channel Partners

CallTower exists to enable people to easily connect to transact business communications. Since its inception in 2002, CallTower has become a leading provider of cloud-based, enterprise-class Unified Communications solutions for growing organizations worldwide. CallTower provides, integrates and supports industry-leading, cloud-based, Unified Communications and Collaboration solutions, including Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Microsoft Skype for Business, Office 365 and Adobe Connect services for business customers. CallTower enhances our clients strategic and operational capabilities by integrating VoIP service, mobile applications, email hosting, unified messaging, instant messaging, audio, web and video conferencing, collaboration tools, contact center, cloud services and global networks solutions into one reliable platform.
Acne Studios Signs With Centric Software We wanted to collaborate better, spend less time on administration tasks and spend more time developing better products.

Centric Software announces that Acne Studios, the Swedish high-fashion brand, has selected Centric Software to provide its product lifecycle management (PLM) solution. Centric Software is the leading PLM solution for fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor and consumer goods companies.

Acne Studios began in 1996, when founder and Creative Director Jonny Johansson made 100 pairs of jeans with unique red stitching and gave them away to people in the Stockholm art and fashion worlds. The jeans took off and today Acne Studios is a multi-disciplinary fashion house with 50 stores in 13 countries, including flagship stores in fashion capitals Paris, New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles and London.

Acne Studios had been using a custom in-house product data management (PDM) system to manage the design and production of their clothing lines but the rapid growth of the company soon outstripped the systems capabilities. In early 2016, they began the selection process to find a PLM system that would support their expansion as well as their creative and collaborative approach to design.

We have felt for some time now that for us to continue growing, we needed proper infrastructure to communicate between departments, says Mattias Magnusson, CEO of Acne Studios. We had our in-house PDM and a web of Excel sheets that different people used. It was difficult to have all the information updated in one place for everyone to view and that made it time-consuming to develop a collection. We wanted to collaborate better, spend less time on administration tasks and spend more time developing better products.

After a long selection process, Acne Studios selected Centric Software to implement its PLM solution. Acne were impressed by Centrics helpful, knowledgeable approach and the systems capabilities.

As Magnusson explains, Centric is focused on fashion and retail businesses. They understand us as a company and we know we can build great things together. We can learn a lot from best practices and improve our processes from those learnings. Also, we dont have to customize the system. We can just use it straight out of the box and configure it as we like.

Magnusson emphasizes that Acne Studios positive relationship with Centric was key to their decision to invest in the system.

Centric had been in contact with us quite early, before we had started our selection process, he explains. They have been there all along and are always available when we have questions. Its a very good relationship. Centric team members are positive, always available, always proactive and constantly have new ideas and features coming up. Also, its very beneficial to have someone available locally and to be able to meet with people from Centrics Sweden office.

Were very pleased to announce that Acne Studios is our newest customer in the Nordic region, says Chris Groves, President and CEO of Centric Software. Acne Studios collaborative approach to creative fashion is fresh and is aligned to our approach to innovation. We look forward to partnering with Acne Studios now and as they keep growing.

Acne Studios (http://www.acnestudios.com)

Acne Studios is a Stockholm-based fashion house with a multidisciplinary approach. Through founder and Creative Director Jonny Johanssons interest in photography, art, architecture and contemporary culture, an alternative path has been found, turning Acne Studios into a well-respected creator of ready-to-wear, magazines, furniture, books and exhibitions.

The collections are defined by Jonny Johanssons signature juxtaposing design and attention to detail, with an emphasis on tailoring and an eclectic use of materials and custom-developed fabrics. The collections cover mens and womens ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories and denim.

Acne Studios is housed within a historic building at Lilla Nygatan 23 in the heart of Old Town in Stockholm. In addition to the Stockholm headquarters, Acne Studios has flagship stores in Paris, London, New York City, Los Angeles and Tokyo.

Centric Software (http://www.centricsoftware.com)

From its headquarters in Silicon Valley and offices in trend capitals around the world, Centric Software builds technologies for the most prestigious names in fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor, and consumer goods. Its flagship product lifecycle management (PLM) platform, Centric 8, delivers enterprise-class merchandise planning, product development, sourcing, business planning, quality, and collection management functionality tailored for fast-moving consumer industries. Centric SMB packages extended PLM including innovative technology and key industry learnings tailored for small businesses.

Centric Software has received multiple industry awards, including the Frost & Sullivan Global Product Differentiation Excellence Award in Retail, Fashion, and Apparel PLM in 2016 and Frost & Sullivans Global Retail, Fashion, and Apparel PLM Product Differentiation Excellence Award in 2012. Red Herring named Centric to its Top 100 Global list in 2013, 2015, and 2016.

Centric is a registered trademark of Centric Software. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

(end)

Media Contacts:

Centric Software

Americas: Jennifer Forsythe, jforsythe(at)centricsoftware.com

Europe: Kristen Salaun Batby, ksalaun-batby(at)centricsoftware.com

Asia: Lily Dong, lilydong(at)centricsoftware.com
Were encouraging young people to explore the importance of the WWII Japanese American veterans experience in todays world, Mitchell T. Maki, GFBNECs President and Chief Executive Officer, said.

Go For Broke National Education Center (GFBNEC) today announced its annual essay, poetry and video competition for high school and college students, which focuses on the relevance and impact of the Japanese American WWII veterans experience.

The contest is open to high school (grades 9-12) and college (undergraduate and graduate) students with the option to write an essay, poem, or produce a short video. Cash prizes will be awarded to 12 winners: $1,000 (each) to the top six winners and $200 (each) to six second-prize winners. All winners will receive two complimentary tickets to attend GFBNEC's 16th Annual Evening of Aloha Gala Dinner on Sept. 23, 2017 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in downtown Los Angeles.

Students may write an essay, write a poem, or create a short video on one of two topics:



The Japanese American WWII veteran experience is still relevant to our society today. Explore one of the ways this is true.

Japanese American WWII veterans not only had the courage to fight against the enemy abroad; they fought for their civil rights at home. Our Missions of Courage and Compassion program seeks to preserve the WWII Japanese American veteran legacy of standing up for equality through projects that address contemporary issues of equality. Explore how you stand up for equality as inspired by the WWII Japanese American veterans.

Were encouraging young people to explore the importance of the WWII Japanese American veterans experience in todays world, Mitchell T. Maki, GFBNECs President and Chief Executive Officer, said. Last year, GFBNEC received entries from around the country and overseas. We look forward to expanding our Nisei vets story of commitment and sacrifice to a national and international audience in 2017.

Essays should be between 250 to 500 words in length. Poems should be no longer than three typed pages. Videos should be between three and five minutes in length. A panel of educators will serve as judges. The winners will be presented in a booklet at the Evening of Aloha Gala Dinner and posted on GFBNEC's website, http://www.goforbroke.org.

Deadline for submissions is June 30, 2017; winners will be notified by August 5, 2017. Students are urged to submit their essays, poems, and videos to tessa(at)goforbroke.org. For full contest rules, please visit http://www.goforbroke.org or contact Tessa Cencula at (310) 222-5711.

Note to Media: Go For Broke was the motto of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a segregated Army unit composed of Japanese Americans from Hawaii and the mainland. The term was Hawaiian slang for shooting the works, or risking everything for the big win in gamblingas the Nisei soldiers did while fighting in the field in WWII and facing prejudice at home in the U.S.

About Go For Broke National Education Center

Go For Broke National Education Center (GFBNEC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that educates the public on the valor of Japanese American veterans of World War II and their contributions to democracy. Our goal is to inspire new generations to embody the Nisei veterans core values of courage, sacrifice, equality, humility and patriotism. Founded in 1989, GFBNEC maintains the Go For Broke monument and the interactive Defining Courage exhibition in downtown Los Angeles, as well as extensive oral histories and archives, education and training programs, and other initiatives. For more information, please visit http://www.goforbroke.org.

Media Contact:

Pauline Yoshihashi

Strategic Communications

For GFBNEC

323/683-8191 Direct

pyoshihashi(at)earthlink.net

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Photo: On Windstar, small ships explore the hidden gems and marvels of Europe.

"Never have I ever heard the visceral roar of the Monaco Grand Prix from premier grandstand seats, or mingled with the 'glitterati' of Monte Carlo before retiring to my yacht. Never have I ever watched a live Russian ballet performance actually in Russia. Never have I ever chased shots of ouzo with plates of mezes in Greece, paired with an epic cerulean sky. Never have I ever taken an intimate, small-ship cruise that brings me to the best, most exclusive, and off-the-beaten-path locations in all of Europe."

Today, Windstar Cruises announces its new Have You Ever campaign focusing on a Europe 2017 summer sale, aimed at turning these never have I evers into yes, I haves with prices from $1,299 per guest. More than 20 voyages in Northern Europe, Italy, Greece, and the Mediterranean are included in the sale.

Windstar simply does Europe differently than other cruise lines. In addition to the unique itineraries, the ships are so small, they actually engage in picturesque cruising along Europes most scenic shorelines (like the stunning Stockholm Archipelago). More time in port means more time to explore local culture and cuisines, and Windstars small-group shore excursions give guests a more authentic Europe experience, one that connects them in meaningful ways with the people and cultures they encounter.

A sampling of Windstar European shore excursions include:



Ephesus and Private Lunch in Sirince Village (Kusadasi, Turkey)  Cruisers explore the ruined city of ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the glorious Celsus Library facade and Temple of Hadrian to the newly excavated Terrace Houses. This shore excursion is complimentary on all Treasures of the Greek Isles voyages.

Dinner at a Local Family Village Home (Dubrovnik, Croatia)  Travelers head to the fertile Konavle Valley where their gracious host and chef prepares local specialties. Available on Venetian Passageways, Quintessential Croatia, Marvels of the Croatian Coast & Greece, and Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast.

Kayak in the Finnish Archipelago (Helsinki, Finland)  Participants tour the sights of Helsinki before paddling their own sea kayak through the scenic and wildlife-rich Finnish Archipelago on Baltic Delights.

Mountains & Fjords (Alesund, Norway)  Guests climb the famous Trolls Road with its exhilarating hairpin bends, pausing to admire the incredible mountains, gorges, and waterfalls along the way on Lands of the Midnight Sun.

Of course, no trip to Europe would be complete without dining like a European, and on Windstar, every effort is placed upon using fresh, local ingredients, with the cruise line recently becoming the official cruise line of the venerable James Beard Foundation. With fresh gravlax while sailing through Norwegian fjords, local cheeses in France (paired with amazing wines), osso bucco in Italy, or souvlaki in Greece, these Have You Ever gastronomic questions can all be answered with a resounding, Mmmm, yes, I have after joining Windstar in Europe.

Rates for Windstar European summer sailings start at $1,299 per person, double occupancy including Have You Ever inspired journeys such as the following:

Glitter & Glam of the Rivieras  on the voyage from Barcelona to Rome (or reverse), this glamorous sailing stops along the French and Italian Rivieras, including Port Vendres, Sanary-Sur-Mer, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Portofino, and Portoferraio. There are 12 sail dates to choose from, starting at $1,299 per person.

Gaelic Explorers  traveling from Edinburgh to Dublin (or reverse), this unique Windstar itinerary heads from the hills to the highlands, with port in Isle of Man, Portrush, Tobermory (Isle of Mull), Portree, Kirkwall, and Invergordon. There are six sail dates to choose from, starting at $2,499 per person.

For a full listing of Have You Ever Europe sale voyages, visit http://bit.ly/HaveYouEverCruise.

For additional information on small ship cruising with Windstar, contact a travel professional or Windstar Cruises by phone at 877-958-7718, or visit http://www.windstarcruises.com.
Available only during the month of April, Sake Lab at EAST, Miamis Sugar bar, is a five-course culinary experience featuring Sugars signature Asian-inspired menu items paired with crisp and rich sake.

The lushly landscaped and expansive outdoor lounge SUGAR offers guests a variety of indoor and outdoor social gathering spaces to lounge, entertain, drink and dine. Building on the brands signature EAST hotel rooftop space overlooking the skyline and harbor views of Hong Kong, Sugar Miami features views of downtown Brickell and Biscayne Bay.

The tasting is priced at US$180 for two people and the five-course experience includes:

Course 1

Hakutsuru Excellent Junmai Sake and Wok Tossed Edamame

Course 2

Hakusuru Superior Sake Junmai Ginjo and Salmon Crunch Roll

Course 3

Nirgori Sake Sayuri and Tuna Tartare on Rice Krupuc

Course 4

Soto Sake Super Premium Junmai Daiginjo and Sashimi (tuna, hamachi, salmon)

Course 5

Hakutsuru Plam Wine and Mochi, ice cream wrapped with rice dough.

To make a reservation, please click here.

Address:

EAST, Miami, 40th Floor

788 Brickell Plaza, Miami, FL 33131

Restaurant Hours:

Sun  Wed: 4 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Thu  Sat: 4 p.m. - 3 a.m.

(Food menu until 11 p.m. Sun  Wed, until 1 a.m. Thu  Sat)

About Swire Hotels and Swire Hotel Restaurants

Swire Hotels has been created to manage soulfully individual hotels in Hong Kong, Mainland China and the USA, providing a characterful experience for well-traveled, individually minded travelers who seek originality, style and personalized service. We create distinctive hotels with a sense of place that break with convention.

The companys first hotel, The Opposite House in Beijing, opened in 2008 and was followed by The Upper House, Hong Kong, and then by EAST, Hong Kong and EAST, Beijing. The Temple House in Chengdu opened in July 2015 and EAST, Miami opened in May 2016.

A restaurant division was set up in 2013 to manage the companys stand-alone restaurant operations. Our first restaurant, Plat du Jour, opened in November 2013 followed by Public and Ground Public in Quarry Bay. The Continental in Pacific Place opened in October 2014 and Mr. & Mrs. Fox in Taikoo Place in 2015. Our latest addition, the second Plat du Jour, opened in Pacific Place in January 2016.
JMR - axel Video Solution Providing axle 2017 in turnkey packages for video editing along with JMRs successful line of Mac Pro/Thunderbolt certified products provides customers with award-winning media management at very low user cost

JMR Electronics, Inc. a leading design center and manufacturer of scalable storage systems and axle Video, the leader in affordable, storage-agnostic media management software, today announced that they will be demonstrating an end-to-end workflow solution highlighting JMRs latest LightningTM product offerings for the Mac Pro and SHARE file server integrated with axle 2017, the latest edition of axle Videos award winning media management software.

The demonstration will take place in the JMR booth SL9027 at this year's National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 24  27, 2017. axle Video will showcase its latest products in booth SL13609.

The joint ingest-to-post-to-delivery demonstration features axle 2017 media management software loaded onto a Mac Pro residing inside the JMR Lightning LTNG-XQ Tower; cataloging media files stored in a high-performance networked JMR SHARE unit. The software, which includes axle's media management browser interface and ingest clients, can quickly find, organize (comment, mark, approve, and annotate) and share media assets from any location. The browser interface will be running on Mac and PC laptops and workstations as well as an iPad via Wi Fi.

Using axle 2017 installed on the Mac clients and GbE or 10GbE network connections to the JMR SHARE file server (3U rackmount, up to 160TB native capacity per unit) allows an unlimited number of users to share files and work on them simultaneously or sequentially with a host of features rivaling far more costly solutions.

Providing axle 2017 in turnkey packages for video editing along with JMRs successful line of Mac Pro/Thunderbolt certified products provides customers with award-winning media management at very low user cost, said Josef Rabinovitz, president and CEO of JMR. Combined with JMRs line of Thunderbolt-attached and Network-attached RAID storage systems offers users unparalleled performance-to-cost ratio with browser-based ease of use. axle 2017 also offers integration with Adobe Premiere Pro CC and Apple Final Cut Pro X, two of the leading NLE software packages on the market.

Combining axle 2017, our latest media management software with JMRs unique Thunderbolt product offering for the Mac Pro coupled with their high-performance SHARE server affords users unprecedented enterprise level production acceleration to manage assets across the network at a very low cost point, added Sam Bogoch, CEO of axle Video. The combination of high performance and flexibility at an extremely affordable price is a win-win for all.

The JMR Lightning family of Thunderbolt products includes six models that contain the users Mac Pro (Gen 6) computer, providing all I/Os from the Mac as well as four PCIe x16 (physical) expansion slots for peripheral cards  along with the easiest integration process of any Mac Pro expansion product in the world. Using two (or optionally, three) Thunderbolt-2 bus connections to the Mac provides dual 20 Gb/s I/O connections to four internal PCIe expansion slots and offers 3-drive (3.5 HDD) or 8-drive (2.5 SSD) RAID mass storage with onboard native storage capacity up to 32TB. The products are available in free-standing and rackmount versions, and offer a number of storage, I/O and network configurations to maximize the expandability of the Mac Pro platform.

The Lightning LTNG-XQ family is available without onboard mass storage or with the 3-drive or 8-drive RAID storage systems, and all are available in whisper-quiet desktop/tower or 4U rackmount configurations

axle 2017 is the latest edition of axle's award-winning media management software, now optimized for media libraries with up to 2 million+ assets. Simply point axle at the media files you want to manage and it automatically creates low-bandwidth proxies you can then access from any web browser. Using our simple browser interface, it's easy to search, comment, mark, approve, and annotate your assets from any location. Your storage can be a SAN, a NAS or just a local RAID, and can be running in a Mac, Windows or Linux environment  all axle needs is to be able to read the file system. For optimal system performance, we recommend running axle on a Mac Pro; all systems must be quad-core or larger. Our new plug-in panel for Adobe Premiere Pro CC, included with every axle 2017 system, enables editors to search, see previews and begin working on footage without leaving their favorite NLE software.

About axle Video

axle Video is the pioneer in developing radically simple software for media management and capture. Its solutions help small to mid-size organizations improve the way they gather, share and archive digital video content, with media management solutions that are easy to install, use and afford. Its radically simple media software uniquely addresses a burgeoning need and has caught on rapidly among video professionals in post-production, education, broadcast, corporate, sports, house of worship, non-profit, advertising-marketing, and government organizations worldwide. At its introduction, axle Video's software was recognized with the IBC 2012 Best of Show award and at NAB 2013 with the prestigious DV Magazine Black Diamond and Post Picks awards. axle Video is a privately held company; its founders have extensive industry experience in media asset management for creative applications. Learn more at http://www.axlevideo.com or call 617-262-9222.

About JMR Electronics

JMR is a leading value provider and systems integrator of scalable storage systems for high performance and capacity driven applications for multiple markets including; video and post-production, military and government, education, VOD, DCC, gaming, security, medical imaging, HPC and Web 2.0. Since 1982, JMRs reliable and innovative RAID systems are proudly made in the U.S.A., manufactured entirely from their Chatsworth, California facilities. JMRs complete line of affordable Lightning storage products; SilverStor SMB focused products, and BlueStor Cloud-ready rackmount and desktop solutions are built to handle the most demanding project needs for A/V centric markets. Reliability. Innovation. Performance. This is JMR. For further information, please visit http://www.jmr.com; or contact sales(at)jmr(dot)com or call 818-993-4801.
Our combination of 8(a) certification and HUBZone status opens the door for even larger opportunities, especially when paired with the fact that we are a world-class cyber security company.

Etica, Inc. dba VM Racks is proud to announce that it has been awarded HUBZone status by the U.S. Small Business Administration and re-certification by the 8(a) Business Development Program.

The Historically Underutilized Business Zone program (HUBZone) is designed to empower communities by awarding contract set-asides and sole-source opportunities to small businesses that are physically located in qualified census tracts, provided that 35% of the firms total workforce resides in that zone. The U.S. government awards 3% of all dollars for federal prime contracts to HUBZone certified small business concerns.

The 8(a) program offers a broad scope of business assistance, including counseling and marketing assistance, to small, disadvantaged businesses which are owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Were extremely proud of achieving both HUBZone status and 8(a) certification. We have been in business for 20 years and these programs allows us to partner and compete for government set-aside and sole-source contracts that many larger companies usually win, says Gil Vidals, CEO of Etica, Inc. Our combination of 8(a) certification and HUBZone status opens the door for even larger opportunities, especially when paired with the fact that we are a world-class cyber security company.

As VM Racks, Etica, Inc. has established itself as an enterprise-level managed services company specializing in HIPAA Compliant Hosting and Managed Security Services (MSSP).

For federal agencies or potential business partners seeking HUBZone or 8(a) certified contractors, either for teaming, joint ventures, or mentor-protege relationships, Etica, Inc. provides a depth of knowledge and superior managed services while providing the added benefit of being a low-cost leader.

NAICS 518210 / SBA 8(a) 306508 / CAGE 6KKB2 / DUNS 847209848 / CA DBE 42400 / CA SBE 6699

About Etica, Inc:

Etica, Inc. dba VM Racks is a leading provider of HIPAA compliant solutions that enable government agencies, healthcare providers and business organizations around the world to secure their protected health information from data breaches, threats, and security vulnerabilities. At the core of VM Racks business is the managed solutions architecture that is included with every product and service. Advanced security measures are needed to ensure HIPAA compliance, and customers trust VM Racks to mitigate risk, actively monitor and protect their infrastructure and ensure that systems stay online at all times. VM Racks provides a portfolio of HIPAA compliant and managed cloud solutions. Visit, call, or follow VM Racks: http://www.vmracks.com
Medic-CE, a Career Step company and leading provider of online continuing education for EMS and firefighting professionals, is proud to announce that it is a Friend Sponsor of EMS On The Hill Day hosted by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). EMS On The Hill Day will be held April 25, 2017, with event headquarters at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn in Key Bridge, Arlington, Virginia.

EMS On The Hill Day is a great opportunity for hundreds of leaders in our nation and members of the EMS profession to come together and collaborate on the needs of our community, said Judson Smith, Career Step Vice President of Continuing Education. The event gives each attendee an opportunity to have their voice heard by members of Congress. It empowers EMS professionals to provide feedback on legislation that will directly affect them.

EMS On The Hill Day gives individuals in the EMS profession the opportunity to discuss and educate members of Congress on the vital role of EMS and the challenges they face in providing quality patient care. The goal is to help member of Congress better understand the industry as they work to create legislation that is in the best interest of the profession and the patients it serves.

As a leading education company, we feel a responsibility to encourage those in EMS to educate our leaders on the issues facing our industry, said Andrew Steward, Career Step Director of Continuing Education. We would like to visit the representatives for each state and make sure our voices are heard all across the nation.

Medic-CE is one of the only education companies with a complete learning platform solution for EMS and fire. The company offers departments and agencies three training options: hosting their own curriculum through the powerful learning platform; choosing from Medic-CEs library of prebuilt, NREMT-approved and CAPCE-accepted courses; or building a hybrid solution that combines both options.

For more information about Medic-CE and its programs, visit Medic-CE.com.

About Medic-CE

Medic-CE, a Career Step company, provides accredited online continuing education for EMS and firefighting professionals. Founded in 2006, the company currently serves over 124,000 learners and 250 fire/EMS/ambulance agencies. More than 250 hours of continuing education are available through the companys powerful learning management system. The company also offers the Code3 CME Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) Solution and the option for agencies to add their own in-house continuing education and instructor-led courses to its sophisticated and robust learning platform. More information is available at Medic-CE.com or 1-844-800-2304.

About Career Step

Career Step is an online provider of career-focused education and professional training. The company has trained over 100,000 students for new careers, has more than 150 partnerships with colleges and universities nationwide, offers a variety of continuing education courses for healthcare professionals and has educated more than 100,000 healthcare professionals. Career Step provides training for several of the largest and most respected healthcare employers in the nation and is committed to helping students and practicing healthcare professionals alike gain the skills they need to be successful in the workplaceimproving lives, advancing careers and bettering business results through education. More information can be found at http://www.careerstep.com or 1-800-246-7837.
The annual Global Wellness Summit has proven to be the premier convener of health and wellness thought leaders from around the world.

The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) today announced that an all-star lineup of integrative medicine leaders will present at the 2017 conference: Dr. Richard Carmona (former U.S. Surgeon General), Elissa Epel, PhD (telomeres research pioneer, UCSF), Dr. Paul Limburg (Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic), Dr. Mehmet Oz (Professor of Surgery, Columbia University and host, The Dr. Oz Show), Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier (Professor of Medicine, University of Arizona and UCSF), Dr. Michael Roizen (Chief Wellness Officer, The Cleveland Clinic) and Dr. Andrew Weil (founder, University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and renowned alternative medicine expert).

Together, this heavy-hitter roster of experts has transformed the way the world thinks about both wellness and medicine, leading the charge for more holistic, preventive approaches that - as chronic disease and healthcare costs soar - represent one of the most critical trends in the world today. They span celebrity doctors who have brought the wellness message to hundreds of millions of people worldwide to doctors who are spearheading a new focus on wellness and prevention at revered medical institutions like the Mayo and Cleveland Clinics. The 2017 Summit theme is Living a Well Life, focusing on how new wellness concepts will impact every aspect of an individuals life. And these leaders, who impact countless individuals lives, will keynote on everything from the latest in mind-body medicine and sleep science to the coming wave of personal biomarker and DNA testing. The 11th-annual conference is being held at The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida from October 9-11, 2017.

"The annual Global Wellness Summit has proven to be the premier convener of health and wellness thought leaders from around the world, said Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, and 17th Surgeon General of The United States. This years unprecedented meeting in Florida will define the essential role of wellness in a world desperately in need of health innovation and disruption."

This may be the most influential, inspiring and diverse group of medical-wellness pioneers ever assembled on a conference stage, noted Susie Ellis, GWS CEO and chairman. And delegates will have the opportunity to interact with them one-on-one during the many networking sessions, lunches and roundtables where casual discussions take place. It will be unprecedented access, something the Summit is known for.

More on the presenters:

Richard H. Carmona, MD, M.P.H., FACS, was the 17th Surgeon General of the United States. He is also a combat decorated U.S. Army Special Forces Veteran and a Distinguished Professor at the University of Arizona, with a wide range of training and experience in healthcare management, clinical care and research. Hes currently the Vice Chairman of Canyon Ranch, President of the Canyon Ranch Institute, and serves as Director on several large, publicly traded corporate boards and several private companies.

Elissa Epel, PhD, is Professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), with a research focus on how chronic psychological stress accelerates biological aging; the interconnections between emotions, eating, metabolism and weight; and the effects of mindfulness. A member of the National Academy of Medicine, she has won many awards for her research. Epel co-wrote (with Nobel Laureate, Elizabeth Blackburn) The Telomere Effect: The New Science of Living Younger Longer, a 2017 New York Times bestseller.

Paul Limburg, MD, M.P.H., is Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and consultant in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology. He also holds a joint appointment in the division of preventive, occupational and aerospace medicine and serves as medical director for several business units at Mayo Clinic responsible for defining or delivering health and wellbeing expertise within and beyond the organization.

Mehmet Oz, MD, is Professor of Surgery at Columbia University and has won seven Daytime Emmy Awards for The Dr. Oz Show. He directs the Complementary Medicine Program at New York Presbyterian Hospital; participates in 50 heart surgeries a year; has authored over 400 publications, including seven New York Times bestsellers; has received numerous patents; and hosts the internationally syndicated Daily Dose in 134 radio markets and a newspaper column in 175 global markets. He has received numerous global accolades, from being named one of TIME magazines 100 Most Influential People to a Global Leader of Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum.

Kenneth R. Pelletier, PhD, MD, is Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona and the University of California, San Francisco. At UCSF, he is Director of the Corporate Health Improvement Program (CHIP), a collaborative research program between CHIP and 15 of the Fortune 500. He is Chairman of the American Health Association; medical and business consultant to high-profile organizations like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization; and has published over 300 professional articles on behavioral and integrative medicine, disease management, worksite interventions, and epigenetics. The author of 13 books, his next, Change Your Genes, Change Your Life, will be published this year.

Michael Roizen, MD: Since 2008, Dr. Roizen has served as Chief Wellness Officer at Cleveland Clinic, the first such position at a major U.S. healthcare institution. Hes also Chairman of the Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic; has published 175+ peer-reviewed scientific papers, 100 textbook chapters, and four medical books; received 13 U.S. (and many foreign) patents; and hosted six PBS specials. His RealAge and YOU series of books have sold millions of copies, have been translated into 44 languages, and resulted in four #1 New York Times bestsellers (more than any other physician).

Andrew Weil, MD, is Founder and Director of (and Clinical Professor of Medicine at) the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, the leading global effort to develop a comprehensive curriculum in integrative medicine. He is editorial director of the popular website, Dr. Weil.com; has appeared in numerous PBS programs; and is founder of the Weil Foundation, Healthy Lifestyle Brands, and True Food Kitchen restaurants. An internationally recognized expert on medicinal plants, alternative medicine, and medical education reform, hes authored many scientific articles and 15 popular books - and Oxford University Press is currently producing the Weil Integrative Medicine Library, a series for clinicians in various medical specialties.

For more information, contact Beth McGroarty: beth.mcgroarty@globalwellnesssummit.com or (+1) 213-300-0107.

For info on attending the 2017 Summit: http://www.globalwellnesssummit.com/2017-summit/

About the Global Wellness Summit: The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) is an invitation-only international gathering that brings together leaders and visionaries to positively shape the future of the $3.7 trillion global wellness economy. Held in a different location each year, Summits have taken place in the U.S., Switzerland, Turkey, Bali, India, Morocco, Mexico and Austria. The next will be held at The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida from Oct. 9-11, 2017.
J. Paul Robinson, PhD SVM Professor of Cytomics, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University

A number of new instruments have recently emerged to accommodate different applications and highlight new technological advances. This webinar, which is part of the Protein and Cell Analysis Education Webinar Series, will focus on advances in the Invitrogen Attune NxT Flow Cytometer and outline where this technology fits in current and future applications.

Many flow cytometers have unique capabilities and the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer is no exception. For example, the combination of traditional hydrodynamic focusing and acoustic-assisted hydrodynamic focusing allows the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer to achieve some unique tasks such as very high sample flow rates with exceptional CVs.

Webinar attendees can expect a thorough discussion on the development and evolution of the core acoustic focusing technology used in the instrument. Additionally, the discussion will also include a comparison of hydrodynamic and acoustic-assisted hydrodynamic focusing in key flow cytometry applications, highlighting the unique benefits provided by the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer.

Dr. J. Paul Robinson, SVM Professor of Cytomics and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University will be the speaker for this informative webinar.

Dr. Robinson received his doctorate in Immunopathology from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. He is currently the Director of the Purdue University Cytometry Laboratories at Purdue University. He is a past President of the International Society for Advancement of Cytometry, is the Editor- in-Chief of Current Protocols in Cytometry and Associate Editor of Histochemica et Cytobiologica.

LabRoots will host the webinar May 3, 2017, commencing at 10:00 a.m. PDT (1:00 p.m. EDT). To learn more about this event, the continuing education credits offered, or to register for free, click here.

For Research Use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $18 billion and more than 55,000 employees globally. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands  Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services  we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive support. To learn more, please visit http://www.thermofisher.com.

About LabRoots

LabRoots is the leading scientific social networking website, which provides daily scientific trending news, as well as produces educational virtual events and webinars, on the latest discoveries and advancements in science. Contributing to the advancement of science through content sharing capabilities, LabRoots is a powerful advocate in amplifying global networks and communities. Founded in 2008, LabRoots emphasizes digital innovation in scientific collaboration and learning, and is a primary source for current scientific news, webinars, virtual conferences, and more. LabRoots has grown into the worlds largest series of virtual events within the Life Sciences and Clinical Diagnostics community.
BILLINGS  Education is wrapping up a high-profile turn in national politics, between the replacement of No Child Left Behind last year and the contentious nomination process for Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.

Both candidates for Montanas lone U.S. House seat said that education is one of the most important issues to Montanans, although the topic hasnt appeared in their ads.

Television and radio advertising from Democrat Rob Quist, Republican Greg Gianforte and third-party groups in advance of the May 25 special election highlights public lands, gun rights, health care and personal finances. But the likes of school choice, standardized testing or special education funding are nowhere to be found.

In interviews, Gianforte said education is in the top list for Montana voters.

Quist said that along with public lands, it was the topic he and Gianforte differed most on.

Quists campaign website has a two-paragraph blurb on public education and another on higher education, while education isnt mentioned under Gianfortes issues section.

There are significant differences between the candidates. Quist says hes an automatic "no" on any school choice proposals that would direct public money toward private schools. Gianforte supports school choice, but was wary of federal proposals.

Gianforte is a notable supporter of private education in Montana. His foundation funds Petra Academy, a Christian private school in Bozeman, and he is a major contributor to a scholarship program for private schools. But he said that options like tax credits, vouchers and education savings accounts, which all use public money to subsidize private education, have their limits.

I am a fan of parental choice in education, but it should be done at the state level, Gianforte said. Parental choice works in our larger communities. The economics dont support multiple schools in rural Montana.

Montana public school advocates have vehemently opposed school choice initiatives.

President Donald Trump proposed a $20 billion school choice plan on the campaign trail that lacked specifics, and his budget proposal outlined increased funding for existing charter school programs and created a new school choice program. It's still unclear how that would be implemented on a federal level.

***

National scene

If the November House race was a barometer of educations importance to Montana voters, they didnt buy what two-term Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau was selling. Her opponent, now-Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, defeated her by almost 80,000 votes  a difference of 15 percentage points. Juneau did outperform Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Montana by about 28,000 votes.

Quist said he thought education issues were overshadowed by the presidential race and that Juneau did well.

This is a case of the voters not really paying attention, he said. Quist optimistically described Juneau's result, saying that she "almost won."

Montanas congressional delegation has been involved in education politics in recent months.

Sen. Steve Daines proposed sweeping changes to the Every Student Succeeds Act. The proposal, known as the A-PLUS Act, would have allowed states to opt out of federal accountability programs and receive their federal funding in the form of block grants. It would have allowed schools to spend the money with greater discretion. Federal funds are often tied to specific programs. Daines suggestions were shot down by higher-ranking Republicans.

Sen. Jon Tester has introduced proposals to help recruit educators to rural and reservation schools. Testers plans have languished without serious discussion.

Both Quist and Gianforte said theyd work toward fixing teacher shortages that have grown progressively worse in rural Montana.

Quist said hed work to support Tester's proposals that offer financial incentives to teachers to work in rural or reservation schools.

Gianforte said that teacher salaries need to be higher, and that cutting bureaucratic costs in education could help free up funding. He also said rural communities need to have stronger economies to contribute to local education taxes and boost student enrollment.

***

ESSA

Montanas next congressman will likely have the opportunity to review new regulations ESSA, which is the law replacing No Child Left Behind. Congress rejected some of the regulations proposed by the Obama-era Education Department in mostly party-line votes.

Republicans argued that regulations went beyond the intent of the law, prescribing how states identify and improve struggling schools and what information should be public. Democrats argued the regulations were guardrails ensuring schools devote resources to students with disabilities and poor or minority students.

Gianforte repeatedly emphasized the importance of local control.

I have faith in parents and local school boards over bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., he said.

Quist said hes concerned that rescinding federal standards could water down education.

We definitely have to prepare students for college. Thats going to be a key role, he said.

Both candidates said they support standardized testing, which ESSA mandates, but they had reservations.

Standardized testing is one way you bring accountability, Gianforte said. But the candidate also mentioned concerns about strings attached from the federal government. Im a fan of standardized testing at the state level, he said.

Quist worried about penalizing students who come from different backgrounds; some research has shown that some standardized tests inherently disadvantage poor or minority students.

***

Special education

Montana school administrations often seek federal funding for students with disabilities. The federal government has never fully funded the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act since it was passed in 1975.

When asked if theyd support a tax raise to increase funding, Gianforte said he flatly opposes tax raises, although he believes public schools have an obligation to support students with disabilities. He suggested packaging money into more flexible block grants for schools. The school he funds, Petra Academy, doesn't accommodate students with "severe learning disabilities or those who have trouble behaviorally."

Quist was non-committal.

Thats something Id have to take a look at a little more in depth, he said. There can always be more in terms of providing special education.

Parts of the candidates' education stances reflect their background. Gianforte, a tech entrepreneur, spoke of the need to better align Montana-specific workforce needs with education.

In certain cases (students) are pursuing degrees that wont result in jobs in the state of Montana, he said.

Quist highlighted his own Montana-centric education; he graduated from Cut Bank High School and attended the University of Montana, but didn't graduate.

I think that Im a real success story when it comes to our public education, he said.
Were very selective about our hosting partners. Reliability, scalability, and security are critical to the needs of our users who range in size from independent developers to large enterprise applications.

Jelastic Inc., cloud provider that delivers PaaS, CaaS, Docker containers and Elastic VPS solutions within a single management platform, has launched the first cloud-hosting partner on the West Coast, Opus Interactive.

Opus Interactive is an Oregon-based cloud hosting and collocation company that specializes in delivery of customized IT solutions. The company will provide Jelastic cloud hosting services from its data center in Hillsboro. The Tier III facility is owned by Infomart and was recently selected as the flagship datacenter for LinkedIn based on sustainability, security, and energy savings advantages.

Were very selective about our hosting partners. Reliability, scalability, and security are critical to the needs of our users who range in size from independent developers to large enterprise applications, says Ruslan Synytsky, CEO and Co-founder at Jelastic. Were excited for the partnership with Opus Interactive. Theyve been in the industry since 1996, and have a proven track record for customer service that they deliver from world class facilities.

Opus Interactive's Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), powered by Jelastic, lets developers and companies benefit from the wide set of platform features, such as:



Vertical and horizontal auto-scaling

Intuitive application topology wizard

Zero downtime deployment with automated traffic distribution

One-click installation for popular applications

Easy creation of dev, test, production environments

Integrated CI and CD tools for automation

Opus Interactive will be Jelastics first datacenter partner in the Pacific Northwest, an area labeled The Silicon Forest whose datacenter draw includes the likes of Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. Low cost power, connectivity, and direct access to undersea cable links to the Asia Pacific market are huge attractors.

Connectivity between people, places, and things is quickly being adopted. Gartner predicts that by 2020, 21 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices will be connected. In tandem, the demand for hosted apps that enable that connectivity and the development platforms they stem from is also rising. Developers want a reliable platform that gives them flexibility and visibility that they can manage from inception to end-user adoption. And they want it to be simple.

Understanding the start to finish needs of agencies and developers was baked into our service offering from the beginning. We launched our company out of an IT department in a creative agency 20 years ago, said Eric Hulbert, CEO of Opus Interactive, Obviously a lots changed in the way services are delivered, but what has stayed the same is  whether its Java, Ruby, Python, or something else, it still needs a reliable platform that will grow to support the uptake. The simpler the better: Jelastic is the all-in-one streamlined service the developer community has been waiting for.

Opus Interactive`s platform, powered by Jelastic, provides highly available hosting on top of up-to-date blade servers from HPE. All customers are welcome to try easy installation, deployment and management of applications for a free 14 day trial.

About Jelastic

Jelastic is a cloud platform for hosting applications that can be deployed on bare metal hardware or any IaaS. Currently, it is running as public, private and hybrid cloud on top of more than 50 data centers worldwide. The platform provides certified containers for Java, PHP, Ruby, Node.js, Python and .NET and the ability to use custom Docker containers. Jelastic offers agile deployment models without coding to proprietary APIs, flexible automatic scaling for stateless and stateful applications, collaboration, access control, monitoring, backup and disaster recovery, built-in billing and business analytics tools, while driving down TCO with high density and hardware utilization.

For more information, visit us at https://jelastic.com/

About Opus Interactive

Founded in 1996, Opus Interactive provides cloud hosting, managed services and collocation from Tier III+ data centers in Hillsboro, Portland, Silicon Valley, and Dallas.

Through close partnerships with industry-leaders and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Opus Interactive has earned a reputation for customized IT solutions that fit unique requirements for equipment, scalability, budget and future growth needs of its customers.

Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Opus Interactive is an accredited member of the International Managed Services Provider Alliance and is PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and SSAE16 audited.

More information at http://www.opusinteractive.com/
Caption: Castello Banfi received the Best winery of the year - Gran Vinitaly 2017 "After receiving the results from 5StarWines, we sold 900 bottles to a completely new customer from Japan within half an hour from the opening of Vinitaly 2017." speaks Valentina Marrone proudly.

Italian native grapes once again shined bright at this years 5StarWines, the evolution of Vinitalys annual international wine selection, held March 31st to April 2nd in Verona. In the run-up to the worlds largest wine event, over 2,200 wines from around the world were present, and were judged on a 100-point scale, and those that received a score of 90 points or more will be published in the new 5 Star Wines - the Book.

The selected wines represented the best of the international wine market, including 16 wines from Ningxia, China, a large boost in comparison to last year. The selection also revealed that Italian native grapes are the source of some of the country's most compelling wines. Banfi of Montalcino was honored Best winery of the year - Gran Vinitaly 2017.

Under the guidance of Vinitaly International Managing Director Stevie Kim and Vinitaly International Academy Scientific Director Ian DAgata, the international team of judges was led by an expert panel of General Chairmen: 2013 Worlds Best Sommelier Paolo Basso; Bernard Burtschy, president of the French Wine Press and columnist for Le Figaro; Robert Joseph, Editor at Large for Meininger's Wine Business International; and Pedro Ballesteros Torres, a Master of Wine from Spain. Any wines that received an initial score of 90 or above were re-tasted by the General Chairmen. This panel was specially selected for their deep knowledge of Italys native grapes, explains Ian DAgata. (For the complete list of all 78 judges, please see: http://www.5starwines.it/giuria/ )

Numerous wines made with Italian native grapes Cagnulari, Cannonau, Freisa, Grignolino, Moscato Bianco, Moscato Giallo, Vermentino and Vernaccia di Oristano were selected. DAgata expresses, "I am really excited about this year's results as there is a fantastic diversity in the types of wines and grape varieties present, which is really Italy's greatest ace in its sleeve when it comes to wine. This is precisely what 5 Star Wines-The Book set out to accomplish, that is recognition for Italy's many lesser known grape varieties.

Pedro Ballesteros adds, I had the pleasure to find a more than decent average quality with a high concentration of top quality in classic appellations: Brunello, Barolo, Franciacorta. But the most unforgettable feature that gave me the feeling of being exposed to the unexpected was the infinite Italian diversity with so many unknown varieties coming to the fore.

Barolo DOCG Bussia 2013 of Agricola Gian Piero Marrone, from La Morra, frazione Annunziata, run by three young sisters was selected as one of the Best Italian Wines. We are absolutely delighted by the results because our wines have been highly recognised not just from former customers who have curiously followed the evolution of style, but also from new customers. After receiving the results from 5StarWines, we sold 900 bottles to a completely new customer from Japan within half an hour from the opening of Vinitaly 2017. This represents our continuous increase in the quality of wines, and it was a great satisfaction and success for all of the family, speaks Valentina Marrone proudly.

5 StarWines-the Book will be an unique guide also because of the special feature Wine Without Walls, solely dedicated to a selection of the worlds best natural wines. Wines belonging to this category are ones without added sulphites, or with a total quantity of sulphites (naturally produced and added) not higher than 40mg/l. Chaired by Alice Feiring, American journalist and author of Naked Wine, the section of the guide aims at giving recognition to the growing importance of these wines. Feiring was joined by fellow judges Pascaline Lepeltier, Master Sommelier and beverage director of Rouge Tomate in New York USA, Sebastien Milleret, Enoteca O Vins DAnges of Lyon, France, and Italian restaurateurs Pietro Vergano, co-creator of Ristorante Consorzio in Torino and Diego Sorba from Il Tabarro in Parma.

No other wine guide starts from the point of view that there are better ways to assess a wine than just by the color, aroma and structure. states, Alice Feiring. We had a very interesting assortment of wines which ranged from what people might call hard core to more wines that anyone could love and appreciate. I am grateful for Vinitaly Internationals recognition of wines that often break the mold, and their understanding that winemakers who insist on organic agriculture and minimal intervention are an essential part of the wine conversation.

Pascaline Lepeltier raises an interesting point, The future of viticulture will need to pay more attention to farming, to reconsider biodiversity, to observe the plant in order to create a balance between the vine and its environment - not only it will be better to fight against the problem of monoculture (like disease pressure), but it will also allow not to have to use additives in the winemaking.

Caption: Castello Banfi received the Best winery of the year - Gran Vinitaly 2017

This group of famous judges, a unique team of MWs, MSs, Michelin starred sommeliers, wine journalists, bloggers and winemakers give this guide immense credibility and standing. The Book will be a compilation of 441 wines selected for 5StarWines, in addition to selection of 17 wines for Wine without Walls. The complete list of the wines can be found on: http://www.vinitaly.com/globalassets/pdf/concorsi-enologici/5-stars/classifica-ita_definitiva.pdf. 5StarWines the Book 2017 will be published both in print and digital versions by the summer, and will be spread widely during exhibitions, B2B meetings, tastings, and Vinitaly International initiatives abroad.

About:

Veronafiere is the leading organizer of trade shows in Italy including Vinitaly (http://www.vinitaly.com), the largest wine and spirits fair in the world. During its 51th edition Vinitaly counted more than 4,270 exhibitors on a 100,000+ square meter area and 128,000 visitors from 142 different countries with more than 30,000 top international buyers (up by 8%). The next edition of the fair will take place on 15 - 18 April 2018. The premier event to Vinitaly, OperaWine (http://www.operawine.it) Finest Italian Wines: 100 Great Producers, will unite international wine professionals on April 14th in the heart of Verona, offering them the unique opportunity to discover and taste the wines of the 100 Best Italian Producers, as selected by Wine Spectator. Since 1998 Vinitaly International travels to several countries such as Russia, China, USA and Hong Kong thanks to its strategic arm abroad, Vinitaly International. In February 2014 Vinitaly International launched an educational project, the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) with the aim of divulging and broadcasting the excellence and diversity of Italian wine around the globe. VIA this year launched the third edition of its Certification Course and today counts 79 Italian Wine Ambassadors and 7 Italian Wine Experts.
We cant wait for the chance to make more Chuys fans here in Cincinnati.

The new location of Chuys officially opens in West Chester today at 11:00 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance. The Austin, Texas-based restaurant is located at 9598 Civic Center Boulevard in the Streets of West Chester shopping center.

Chuys has built a reputation for flavorful Tex-Mex dishes served up in a fun and eclectic atmosphere. The West Chester restaurant is the third location in the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky region and the fifth to open in Ohio. Ohios first Chuys opened in Madeira in August of 2013, followed by locations in Dayton, Beavercreek, and Columbus.

Ohio has welcomed Chuys with open arms, said Doug Scherbauer, Chuys Area Director. People here really appreciate fresh, flavorful food and love our authentic Tex-Mex recipes. West Chester is such a great community, and we cant wait for the chance to make more Chuys fans here in Cincinnati.

For more than 34 years, Chuys has specialized in made-from-scratch recipes using only the freshest ingredients. The menu includes dishes made with hand-rolled tortillas, cooked on a traditional comal in the dining room, and homemade signature sauces ranging from mild Tomatillo to their spicy Hatch Green Chile.

The West Chester store is located at The Streets of West Chester, a vibrant outdoor shopping center located at the Union Center interchange on Interstate 75. Chuys will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner: from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For updates and giveaways, visit the Chuys West Chester Facebook page Facebook.com/ChuysWestChester.

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ABOUT CHUYS

About Chuys Founded in 1982 in Austin, Texas, Chuy's serves authentic Tex-Mex food in an eclectic atmosphere full of color and personality. The menu offers family recipes from south Texas, New Mexico and Mexican border towns, all made to order from the freshest ingredients. Chuy's has the reputation as the most fun and friendly spot to eat real Tex-Mex at a great price. For more information visit http://www.chuys.com.
Microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners, and microchipped cats are more than 20 times as likely to be reunited with their owners.

In honor of National Pet Identification Week, which runs from April 16-22, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) urges people to use identification devices on their pets to increase the likelihood that lost pets return home. One in three pets gets lost in their lifetime, making it imperative to take preventative measures such as using regular and digital identification tags, microchips and/or tattoos.

A collar with an identification tag provides physical proof of ownership, informing a person who finds the pet that it has a home. Digital identification tags are growing in popularity among pet owners as many people own mobile devices. Digital identification tags store phone numbers and email addresses of veterinarians, pet sitters, family members and friends.

Ultimately, the most effective form of identification is a microchip, a permanent identification device the size of a rice granule inserted under the pets skin. Microchips significantly increase the chance of a lost pet reuniting with their owner. In fact, microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners, and microchipped cats are more than 20 times as likely to be reunited with their owners. However, microchips are only effective with up-to-date registration information in the microchip registry. When microchipped pets are not returned home, it is typically because of incorrect or missing owner information in the microchip registry, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and HomeAgain.

A microchip that has not been registered is useless because no address or phone number is linked to its unique identification number, and there is no way to return the animal home, said Kira Ramdas, DVM, a TVMA member who practices at Just Cats Veterinary Services in The Woodlands, Texas. Similarly, it is important to update contact information in the registry after a move or a transfer of ownership.

To update the pets registration records, pet owners will need the microchip number and to create an account with their manufacturer to access registration information in the future. AVMA recommends pet owners make sure all of their information is correct, specifically their phone numbers and addresses. For pet owners who dont have their pets microchipped, AVMA and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) encourage scheduling an appointment with a family veterinarian for the procedure.

While a microchip is no guarantee your lost pet will be brought home, it is a form of insurance that every shelter and veterinary clinic evaluates for when a stray or found pet arrives at our doors, Dr. Ramdas said.

Have questions about your pets health while not in the veterinary clinic? TexVetPets.org brings the pet owner-veterinarian relationship online by offering information that is written and reviewed by Texas veterinarians. For more information on microchips, please visit https://www.texvetpets.org/article/microchip-old-block.

About the Texas Veterinary Medical Association

Founded in 1903, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association is a professional association composed of more than 3,700 veterinarians committed to protecting public health, promoting high educational, ethical and moral standards within the veterinary profession and educating the public about animal health and its relationship to human health. For more information, call 512/452-4224 or visit http://www.tvma.org.
The new ParkRight app is a powerful mobile platform customized to our citys specifications.

The City of Westminster and Passport today announced the launch of the new ParkRight parking app that will improve the way drivers pay for parking throughout Westminster.

The refreshed ParkRight app was developed by global transportation software leader, Passport, and was designed in order to refine the Westminster parking payment experience. With Passports expertise, the ParkRight app is premiering a new user-friendly app flow, including an enhanced find parking feature and improved payment process. With these updates, ParkRight will better meet the needs of residents, visitors, and city officials.

ParkRight is symbolic of the next chapter in Westminster parking, said Kieran Fitsall, Head of Service Improvement & Transformation and City Management & Communities of the City of Westminster. The new ParkRight app is a powerful mobile platform customized to our citys specifications. The new system will ensure an easier process for finding and purchasing parking, while also providing our officials with the data to make more informed decisions. Passports leadership in private label parking applications has made them an ideal partner for the City of Westminster.

Passport is very excited to collaborate with the City of Westminster on this new technology initiative, said Khristian Gutierrez, Chief Business Development Officer at Passport. Our applications are designed to address the needs of each city we work with, which will be apparent in the new ParkRight app. Users will find that searching for, purchasing, and managing their parking are now seamless processes. We look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with the City of Westminster as we expand the new apps functionality to fit the communitys needs.

The update of ParkRight signals the Citys desire to bring the latest in technology and have a platform that will help future proof them in the years to come. The initial launch will support availability at all Westminster on-street parking bays.

With the new ParkRight app, users can:

Search and find available parking

Pay for parking

Monitor their parking session

Extend parking (up to the maximum allotted time)

Receive email receipts

The new ParkRight app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play. Users can take advantage of the app where ParkRight signage is displayed.

For information, visit https://www.westminster.gov.uk/parkright.

About Passport

Passport is the industrys leading mobile technology company specializing in enterprise business applications and payments for the public and private sector. Passport's product lines--parking payments, transit payments, enforcement and permit management--collectively serve to deliver dynamic tools for agencies to better connect with their communities. Its services have been adopted by over 300 agencies on over 3,000 locations globally including Chicago, Toronto, Boston, Portland, Westminster and Miami. Passports mission is to reduce operational complexity and deliver intelligent data to improve decision making for its clients.

Passport is backed by a group of investors, including Grotech Ventures, Relevance Capital, and MK Capital. For more information, please visit http://www.passportinc.com.

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Haivision's Makito X HEVC decoder The Makito X series continues to be the industrys go-to encoding and decoding platform for high quality, low latency video backhaul.

Haivision, a pioneer in high performance video streaming, announces the latest addition to the Makito X series  the Makito X HEVC video decoder  bringing end-to-end transport of secure, high quality, live HEVC/H.265 and AVC/H.264 video over any network at extremely low bit rates.

Available as a single or dual channel appliance, the Makito X HEVC decoder delivers HD digital video to 3G-SDI and HDMI interfaces, supporting all HD standards up to 1080p60. The Makito X HEVC decoder is a perfect match for the Makito X HEVC encoder, together delivering HEVC or H.264 1080p60 video with an extremely low end-to-end latency.

By using Haivisions end-to-end video streaming workflows with Makito X HEVC encoders and decoders, broadcasters can reduce Opex for live video workflows by reducing bandwidth requirements by up to 50 percent, while maintaining video quality when compared to H.264 workflows. The award-winning features of the Makito X platform, combined with the power of HEVC encoding/decoding engines, create the ideal solution for broadcasters to future proof live, interactive and bandwidth-constrained backhaul and distribution applications.

Makito X HEVC encoders and decoders are powered by Haivisions SRT protocol, bringing secure end-to-end 128/256 AES encryption, resiliency and dynamic endpoint adjustment based on real-time network conditions to deliver the best video quality at all times. With SRT, users can optimize video streaming across unpredictable networks, like the internet, by assuring quality-of-service when faced with packet loss, jitter, latency, and fluctuating bandwidth. SRT is included at no charge within all of Haivisions products, including the Haivision Media Gateway for stream management and distribution, on premise or in the cloud.

The Makito X series continues to be the industrys go-to encoding and decoding platform for high quality, low latency video backhaul, said Peter Maag, chief marketing officer, Haivision. Now with an end-to-end HEVC video workflow and our SRT protocol, broadcasters can realize even more benefits for low cost video transport over any bandwidth constrained network, including public internet.

Haivision is also offering an attractive upgrade program for Makito X users to migrate to the HEVC version. A key benefit of both the Makito X HEVC encoder and decoder is that they offer the exact same H.264 performance as the base Makito X systems with the additional HEVC capabilities.

Haivision will be at the 2017 NAB Show showcasing how Makito X HEVC encoders and decoders power end-to-end HEVC workflows at their booth at the Renaissance Hotel (Ren Deluxe B), steps away from the Las Vegas Convention Center. To learn more or book a demonstration, visit haivision.com/NAB.

About Haivision

Haivision, a private company founded in 2004, provides media management and video streaming solutions that help the worlds leading organizations communicate, collaborate and educate. Haivision is recognized as one of the most influential companies in video by Streaming Media and one of the fastest growing companies by Deloittes Technology Fast 500. Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago, with regional offices located throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and South America.

Learn more at haivision.com.
Help Holly Help Logo Holly Geraci's Help Holly Help Grant Challenges are intended to raise money and awareness to St. Martin de Porres House of Hope's mission.

The St. Martin de Porres Grant Challenge started off with a bang. In just over 48 hours, St. Martin de Porres House of Hope raised nearly $1,200. The contributions have come in all shapes and sizes, but each dollar will be matched during the grant challenge period. Holly Geraci's Help Holly Help Grant Challenges are intended to raise money and awareness to St. Martin de Porres House of Hope's mission, which is to create "a safe, healing community where women and their children recover from substance abuse, address trauma and deal with mental illness." The grant challenge will run until May 15, 2017.

At the end of the challenge Holly Geraci and her husband, Attorney Peter Francis Geraci, will match all donations up to $10,000 during the grant challenge period. St. Martin de Porres was selected due to their work helping women suffering from substance abuse problems. The cost for care, at other treatment facilities, can run anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. St. Martin's provides care at no cost, making contributions important.

To have your donation matched, you can visit http://www.helphollyhelp.com and enter your donation amount. St. Martin de Porres House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) organization, so all donations are tax deductible up to IRS allowances.
Its a highly interactive, engaging way for industry leaders to connect with one another and to learn about what works and what doesnt when it comes to driving innovation.

Digital Scientists is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Innovation Leader. Through the collaborative partnership, Digital Scientists will host an interactive session Approaches to Rapid Prototyping and Product Development, during Innovation Leaders Field Study Atlanta event scheduled for April 25-27, 2017.

Field studies are immersive experiences pioneered by Innovation Leader. The Atlanta Field Study will feature site visits to leading local firms such as Google Atlanta, Delta Airlines, Home Depot, and Porsche. Attendees are also invited to attend over a dozen Interactive Whiteboard Sessions, focused, off-the-record conversations surrounding Atlantas growing technology and innovation sector. Other notable sessions include Internal Competitions: Inside Southern Companys SO Prize hosted by the Southern Company, Innovation Through Creative Partnerships, hosted by UPS, and Managing the Innovation Pipeline, hosted by Humana.

Digital Scientists CEO Bob Klein explains, The Innovation Leader Field Study is a unique event in Atlanta. This event is focused on supporting innovation leaders, not on selling or giving presentations. Its a highly interactive, engaging way for industry leaders to connect with one another and to learn about what works and what doesnt when it comes to driving innovation.

Innovation Leader is an independent information service focused on helping leaders in innovation deliver real impact within their organizations. Run by journalists, analysts, entrepreneurs, and tech professionals, the IL organization provides professional resources and sponsors innovation events around the country.

Metro Atlanta is home to some of the most innovative companies in the United States says Klein. This area has all the right ingredients to support innovation and transformation. We are grateful to be part of the innovation community and to be able to participate in the Innovation Leader Field Study event. Digital Scientists is an Atlanta-based software innovation lab partnering with forward-thinking businesses to create custom mobile apps, websites, ecommerce stores and internet of things (IoT) applications.

Digital Scientists interactive session will take place on Thursday, April 27th at 1:00pm. To join the waiting list for Field Study Atlanta, please contact Innovation Leader via email frank(at)innovationleader(dot)com.

Those interested should reach out to Digital Scientists for a partnership discount code on an Innovation Leader membership at http://www.digitalscientists.com/contact.

To find out more about Digital Scientists capabilities or their three locations throughout the southeast, visit http://www.digitalscientists.com or call 404.800.9751.
John Heath, Directing Attorney of Lexington Law Firm gives blood with his wife and Lexington Law employees at the Be a Hero, Honor a Hero Blood Drive, launching Lexington Law's new three-year partners We are honored to support our servicemen and servicewomen through donations of money and blood to the Red Cross. - Heath

Lexington Law announced a new national, three-year partnership with the American Red Cross that will provide ongoing support for veterans and those who are valiantly serving America in the US military. Lexington Law Directing Attorney John Heath made the announcement on April 10, 2017 at a Heroes Luncheon sponsored by the Greater Salt Lake Chapter of the American Red Cross at the Little America Hotel.

Lexington Law, a consumer advocacy law firm and leading provider of credit report repair services, will support the Red Cross in several ways, including an annual employee giving campaign (which will be matched up to 10 percent by Lexington Law); quarterly blood drives in Lexington Law office communities; and a unique offer of credit report repair services at no cost for veterans and enlisted men and women.

We are honored to support our servicemen and servicewomen through donations of money and blood to the Red Cross, said Heath. The goal for our partnership is to help get service members back on their feet physically, emotionally and financially while theyre serving our country. Its the least we can do. And, because those who serve, too often find themselves struggling financially and combating bad credit, were offering our respected credit report repair services to them, as well.

As part of the kick off for the partnership, Lexington Laws North Salt Lake, Utah location is inviting its over 400 employees and their friends and families, and the public, to be heroes by donating blood in honor of Americas veterans and military heroes. A Be a Hero - Honor a Hero blood drive will be held Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center, 6616 South 900 East, Murray, Utah. Appointments are encouraged, and will save donors time. For more information, visit http://www.redcrossblood.org or http://www.lexingtonlaw.com; or call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross provides a continuum of care for service members and their families through a global network of more than 12,000 volunteers in the U.S. chapter network and on military installations around the world. The agencys work focuses on emergency services, building families resiliency and hospital programs for more than 1.3 million active duty members of the U.S. military, 900,000 members of the U.S. National Guard and Reserve, 21.2 veterans and three million military family members.

Lexington Law provides multiple service levels for its clients. Lexington Law acts as a consumer advocate, fighting for every clients legal right to a fair and accurate credit profile.

For more information, visit https://www.lexingtonlaw.com.

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About Lexington Law

Lexington Law Firm is a consumer advocacy law firm that focuses its practice in the area of consumer credit report repair. Lexington has helped hundreds of thousands of Americans work to improve their credit. The firm is comprised of dedicated attorneys and paralegals who deliver professional services to its clients on a daily basis. By leveraging consumer rights, Lexington Law Firm works to ensure that client credit reports are fair, accurate and substantiated. For details about Lexington Law Firms services or attorneys, please visit http://www.LexingtonLaw.com.

Media Contact

Celeste Edmunds

Director  Corporate Communications & Community Relations

(801) 657-9088
Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce the expansion of the firms Phoenix office with the addition of five new attorneys in the past month.

Joining the Phoenix office are new members Ronald Hatcher, Timothy McCulloch, Thomas Nolasco, and Edward Teddy Eynon. Attorney Carlos Gutierrez joins the Phoenix office as Of Counsel. The addition of the five lawyers further solidifies Dickinson Wrights Phoenix footprint and strategically places the firm in seventeen major commercial markets in the United States and Canada.

Phoenix has been a key part of Dickinson Wrights national strategy as we continue to expand the expertise of the office, said Stephen Richman, based in Phoenix and member of the firms Governance committee. This is an ideal opportunity to deepen the bench strength of our full-service firm in the Phoenix market by adding five attorneys to our team. This expansion also increases our practice offerings for businesses in Arizona and provides our clients with better nationwide coverage.

Ronald Hatcher is a Member in the firms Phoenix office. He has been representing national, regional and local clients in all aspects of real estate transactions, development and financing for nearly 20 years. He maintains an active national real estate and financing practice; he has handled real estate deals in nearly every state with a significant volume in Arizona, California and Texas in particular. His experience includes leasing, purchase and sales, entitlement work, landlord-tenant negotiations, reciprocal easement agreements, joint ventures, development agreements, alternative energy issues, and related matters. Mr. Hatcher also helps clients with real estate financing and has experience with construction and permanent loan transactions, acquisition loans, refinancings, and loan and lease modifications. His clients include Fortune 500 companies, individuals, national and regional commercial retail and residential developers, and national lending institutions. Mr. Hatcher received his B.S. from the University of Arizona and his J.D. from the IIT Chicago-Kent School of Law.

Timothy I. McCulloch is a Member in the firms Phoenix office. He focuses his practice in business and commercial litigation with particular emphasis on the aviation industry. He represents numerous commercial aircraft operators, flight schools, fixed-based operators and airport sponsors. He also represents banking institutions seeking to judicially or non-judicially foreclose upon aircraft loans. He has defended aircraft operators, fixed-based operators and airport sponsors against negligence claims, and has first-hand experience with airport land use, Part 16 complaints, permitting, noise, hangar condominium development, environmental, and grant assurance compliance issues. He has litigated disputes between competing fixed-based operators spurred by allegations of procurement code and federal grant assurance violations. He also represents commercial aviation interests and is experienced in corporate aircraft ownership, aircraft management and leasing structures. He has substantial experience with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). He has negotiated Letters of Agreement (LOA) for near airport operations and consulted with UAV and UAS operators in obtaining Section 333 waivers, COAs, and SACs as well as FAA regulatory compliance. Mr. McCulloch received his B.A. from the University of California, Irvine and his J.D. from the University of California, Davis.

Thomas Nolasco is a Member in the firms Phoenix office. He assists clients in a wide variety of areas including breach of contract, real estate, cannabis, products liability, intellectual property, creditor/debtor and international disputes. He defends claims against professionals including lawyers and accountants, directors and officers, architects and engineers, bankers, and real estate agents, brokers and appraisers. He also represents manufacturers, distributors and suppliers in disputes arising from allegations that a product caused harm or death. Mr. Nolasco regularly intervenes when business owners fight with their partners or third parties. In disputes between business partners, he often tackles issues involving compensation, accounting, theft and control of the business. To resolve these disputes, he routinely helps his clients with judicial dissolution, appointment of receivers, buyouts and related settlement arrangements. Mr. Nolasco received his B.A. from DePauw University, his J.D. from Marquette University, and his M.B.A. from Thunderbird, The School of International Management.

Carlos Gutierrez is Of Counsel in the firms Phoenix office. He helps clients effectively resolve commercial and employment-related disputes. He handles a wide range of issues, including cases involving aviation law, civil malicious prosecution, construction law, contracts, conversion, copyright infringement, employment law, enforcement of judges, fraud and fraudulent transactions, joint ventures, landlord-tenant, partnerships, real estate law, successor liability, tax appeals, trade secrets and unfair competition, and tortious interference. Mr. Gutierrez received his B.S. from Arizona State University and his J.D. from Arizona State University College of Law.

Edward Teddy Eynon is a Member in the firms Phoenix and Washington, D.C. offices. He represents clients in a wide range of matters related to government relations and public policy at all levels of the federal government, including: energy and environment, budget, defense, healthcare, financial services, transportation and infrastructure, congressional investigations and oversight, and homeland security policy. As Deputy Chief of Staff to former Arizona Congressman John Shadegg, Mr. Eynon has a comprehensive understanding of the legislative process, which enables him to effectively assist clients in developing strategies for promoting, defeating or providing input on pending legislation. He regularly monitors and analyzes federal and state legislative and regulatory processes, leveraging this knowledge to formulate strategies that aid in the enactment of state and congressional legislation. Mr. Eynon received his B.A. from Denison University and his J.D. and LL.M. from Pace University School of Law.

About Dickinson Wright PLLC

Dickinson Wright PLLC is a general practice business law firm with more than 450 attorneys among more than 40 practice areas and 16 industry groups. Headquartered in Detroit and founded in 1878, the firm has seventeen offices, including six in Michigan (Detroit, Troy, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Saginaw) and ten other domestic offices in Austin, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Lexington, Ky.; Nashville and Music Row, Tenn.; Las Vegas and Reno, Nev.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and Washington, D.C. The firms Canadian office is located in Toronto.

Dickinson Wright offers our clients a distinctive combination of superb client service, exceptional quality, value for fees, industry expertise and business acumen. As one of the few law firms with ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification, Dickinson Wright has built state-of-the-art, independently-verified risk management controls and security processes for our commercial transactions. Dickinson Wright lawyers are known for delivering commercially-oriented advice on sophisticated transactions and have a remarkable record of wins in high-stakes litigation. Dickinson Wright lawyers are regularly cited for their expertise and experience by Chambers, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and other leading independent law firm evaluating organizations.
Local Roofers take on new storm season! Our growth is and always has been centered around making people feel more secure in their homes.

This month, bonded and trusted Aloha Construction, Inc looks forward to yet another roofing and siding season with many areas in Northern Illinois already having dealt with extremely dangerous hail, high winds, and storms. Since opening their doors, the local siding contractors and roofers have seen positive growth. Now proudly serving all of Illinois/Southern Wisconsin and with a new website meant to get homeowners expert help in less clicks, Aloha Construction, Inc. looks to fulfill their promise of building quality homes through the launch of an interior restoration service set to be announced early May.

David A. Farbaky, President/CEO of Aloha Construcion, Inc., says, In 2013, we were so ecstatic about having completed 7000 projects in the State of Illinois. We broke 20,000 this year. In 2015, we were focused on providing quality service to the people of Southern Illinois through our [at the time] new Bloomington office. Its since taken on almost as big a workload as our Lake Zurich

location.

This year is all about making life easier for the residents of the Midwest says Farbaky: Our growth is and always has been centered around making people feel more secure in their homes. Continuing down that path, we are proud to announce a new branch of the Aloha Builds network. One that will focus on interior restoration, remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, basements, water extraction, natural disaster aide, and clean-up!

Farbaky adds, While weve provided remodeling services since [opening in] 2008, it was really just something we offered homeowners our team was already working with in passing. Having done hundreds of kitchen and bathroom remodels since then, we feel we are ready to put a standalone team of experts out in the field.

The plan is for this new brand to launch early May with an office near their Lake Zurich Headquarters.

For more information and to stay up to date with the announcement, stay tuned to Aloha Constructions website; specifically their local roofing news section.

ABOUT ALOHA CONSTRUCTION, INC.

Aloha Construction, Inc. is a family-owned company of bonded and insured General Contractors providing services for all of Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. They proudly assist those in Lake, McHenry, Cook, and DuPage counties via their Lake Zurich location and in the McClean, Peoria, Washington, Tazewell, and Champaign Counties via their Bloomington office.

With over 18,000 completed projects in Gurnee, Grayslake, Round Lake, Lake Villa, Mundelein, Lake Zurich,Round Lake Beach, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Lindenhurst, Palatine, Wauconda, Hoffman Estates,Bloomington, Normal, Peoria, Washington, Pekin, Morton, and Mahomet; theyve got the Midwest covered.

To learn more about Aloha Construction, please visit their new website alohaconstructioninc.net. Call 847 540 7711 for an free expert roof inspection.

Being roofers who finance, Aloha Construction, Inc. is fully licensed and insured and offers a 10 year craftsmanship warranty.

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B2BGateway, a leading global EDI and automated supply chain solution provider, will celebrate its 15th year anniversary as NetSuites integrated EDI partner at SuiteWorld.

B2BGateway first partnered with NetSuite back in 2002 when NetSuite was licensed by Oracle and known as The Oracle Small Business Suite. After the Oracle licensing period expired, the organization became NetLedger, before eventually being renamed as NetSuite. As avid ERP software followers will know, the wheel has turned full circle as Oracle purchased NetSuite in October 2016 for $9.3 billion. Both B2BGateway and NetSuite have seen tremendous growth over the past 15 years with B2BGateway expanding internationally to become one of the worlds foremost global EDI solution providers and NetSuite has established itself as the worlds Number 1 cloud based ERP solution provider.

At the beginning, it wasnt all plain sailing, recalls Kevin Hoyle, CEO of B2BGateway, Back in 2002 it was very difficult to sell a pure cloud based ERP system, many CFOs and indeed CEOs were hesitant to put their financial data in the cloud. However, as confidence in security systems grew and people realized the wonderful benefits of anytime, anywhere access to their data regardless of device. Cloud ERP has become the ERP platform of choice, and NetSuite has left many of its desktop ERP competitors struggling in their wake. B2BGateway is delighted to have played a part in this wonderful success story and we look forward to partnering with NetSuite for many more years to come.

This year at SuiteWorld, B2BGateway will celebrate 15 years of partnering with NetSuite, providing cloud based, fully integrated EDI solutions to over 500 NetSuite clients throughout the globe. SuiteWorld is NetSuites annual celebration of customers and partners who run remarkable businesses through the power of the NetSuite platform. 2017 marks the 7th year of the SuiteWorld conference and will bring 6,000 of NetSuite clients, partners, prospects, consultants and industry analysts together in one place.

The simplicity and benefit of the B2BGateway and NetSuite EDI integration is highlighted by mutual client Mark Wainwright of Kitchen Food Company. Downloading orders and uploading the purchase order acknowledgements and invoices to the Coles Retail Portal, and importing/exporting the same documents in NetSuite was killing us. Since going live with B2Gateway, were saving about 2 days a week in manual labor processes.

Guido Haarmans, Vice President Developer Programs at NetSuite, states, B2BGateway has been a NetSuite Partner since 2002 providing quality SaaS based EDI solutions to our clients. We are delighted with the suite of data integration solutions that B2BGateway delivers to our clients.

About B2BGateway: B2BGateway is a leading global EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) solutions provider with offices in North America, Europe, Australia and China. B2BGateway is a GS1 Accredited solution provider and offers 24/7 customer support to all clients. B2BGateway EDI solutions are simple to use, competitively priced, highly effective and can increase profitability by reducing costs associated with manual data entry. For further information, please visit http://www.B2BGateway.Net or call +1 401 491 9595

About NetSuite: In 1998, NetSuite pioneered the Cloud Computing revolution, establishing the worlds first company dedicated to delivering business applications over the Internet. Today, NetSuite provides a suite of cloud-based financials / Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and omnichannel commerce software that runs the business of more than 40,000 companies, organizations, and subsidiaries in more than 100 countries. Learn more at http://www.netsuite.com
We work with several electronic door lock companies and dormakaba is the best in my opinion. I have learned to trust the high quality of their products, and they consistently provide everything we need to finish our installation projects on deadline. Past News Releases RSS Le Pavillon Hotel Implements...

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York Access Control, a wholly owned subsidiary of York Industries, Inc., installs thousands of electronic door locks for dozens of major-brand properties each month. Its five install teams are experienced with all lock brands and manage projects across North America, Hawaii and the Caribbean. We work with several electronic door lock companies and dormakaba is the best in my opinion. I have learned to trust the high quality of their products, and they consistently provide everything we need to finish our installation projects on deadline, said Christopher T. York, president of York Access Control.

dormakaba provides installation and service for the Saflok and Ilco brands of electronic door locks. The company is a service focused best-in-class global leader that combines innovative solutions and professional services to provide the worldwide hospitality industry with electronic locking solutions. Click here for information on electronic door locks from dormakaba.

When we first started our business, we installed primarily for builders at new construction hotel projects. Today, most of our projects are property lock system transitions from magstripe reader technology to the newest RFID chip and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) solutions for mobile access, York said. The largest chains are quickly moving into BLE. We are heavily involved in dormakabas mobile access rollout with these companies and having great results!

York said that each hotel project is unique. Retrofit installations are challenging because most properties remain open during the project to maintain full cash flow. We always accommodate guest and staff needs first while we are upgrading a propertys lock system, York said. dormakaba is the best at supplying everything we need to finish our projects as scheduled. Plus, dormakabas service and tech support is the best in the industry. They have an excellent toll-free support number to help their strategic partners like us provide consistently great installs and customer satisfaction. I have seen dormakaba do the right thing for their customers many times, and worry about the costs later. That says a lot to me.

Price is often a major factor in a propertys lock equipment decision. We do not partner with some lock providers. Although their product may be somewhat comparable or even slightly lower in cost initially, they will charge customers much more for after-market components once the installation is completed, York said. We also find that the lowest priced, imported locks are not currently cost effective because their lower quality undercuts operational reliability. We often replace these locks after a short time for customers that try them. dormakabas lock systems are well built and reliable and they treat their customers very well. I value that greatly for my customers.

Alastair Cush, SVP Global Business Owner, Lodging Systems for dormakaba, said, York Access Control is a trusted strategic partner for dormakabas hospitality industry installations. Its field service teams are professional and Yorks repair work is always done to high standards. Their 25 years experience with dormakaba and our mutual client properties benefits every hotel company they work with.

About dormakaba

dormakaba is one of the top three companies in the global market for access and security solutions. With strong brands such as Dorma and Kaba in our portfolio, we are a single source for products, solutions, and services related to doors and secure access to buildings and rooms. With around 16,000 employees and numerous cooperation partners, we are active in over 130 countries. dormakaba is headquartered in Rumlang (Zurich/Switzerland) and generates an annual turnover of over CHF 2 billion.

SIX Swiss Exchange: DOKA (formerly: KABN / KABNE) Further information at http://www.dormakaba.com

About York Access Control

York Access Control is a wholly owned subsidiary of York Industries, Inc. of Corpus Christi Texas. The company is a group of experienced Access Control Systems professionals with business integrity grounded in Christian principles and based in the Texas, California and South Carolina regions.

It has provided high quality access control systems installation & implementation to the Hospitality and Military industries for over 25 years in North America and the world. Yorks business mission is honest & simple. We strive to obtain customer satisfaction every time by providing high quality services performed by seasoned professionals who value honesty & integrity above all. http://www.yorkaccesscontrol.com
Dr. James Romanelli, a Long Island plastic surgeon, announces a $2,500 scholarship contest for first-year medical students in New York.

Long Island plastic surgeon Dr. James Romanelli (http://www.jrcs.com) is proud to announce a $2,500 scholarship contest open to first-year students accepted to an accredited New York medical school.

"I want to support the training of New York's next generation of physicians," Dr. Romanelli says. "This contest is designed to have students think about the big picture of what it means to be a doctor. As a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, I enjoy introducing medical students to the art and science of surgery."

Dr. Romanelli, whose cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery practice on Long Island is in Huntington, N.Y., earned his medical degree from State University of New York at Downstate in Brooklyn and he is Chief of Staff at Huntington Hospital. His roots in New York medical community are deep.

The contest is open to students 18 and older who have recently been accepted to one of the 14 medical school programs in New York accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. The winner must be preparing to start medical school in 2017.

"This scholarship contest encourages students embarking on the first step of their medical career to consider how they can make a difference through medicine," Dr. Romanelli says.

The contest rules are straightforward: Submit a video that answers the question, "What would you like to achieve as a physician?" The video shouldn't be longer than 3 minutes and students must upload the video to YouTube. The first 100 eligible videos received will be in the running for the $2,500 prize.

We want to encourage entrants to be creative and imaginative in their video presentations, Dr. Romanelli says. We want to see their personality and passion shine through.

Students can submit videos through May 31 or until it has received 100 eligible entries, whichever comes first.

Dr. Romanelli and his team will view all of the videos between June 1 and June 11 (the "judging period") and select 5 finalists. The 5 finalist videos will be featured on the practice website, and the public will be invited to vote for their favorite. The open voting occurs from June 12 to June 26, and the winner will be announced on June 30.

The practice will send the $2,500 for tuition directly to the winners school on their behalf.

A complete guide to the contest, including all the rules, can be found on Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery's

website.

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Dr. James Romanelli (http://www.jrcs.com) is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body, face, and breast enhancement. He practices with Dr. David Pincus, a young gifted plastic surgeon who joined the practice in 2015. After earning his medical degree from SUNY Downstate, Dr. Romanelli undertook 8 years of postgraduate specialty training in general surgery, plastic surgery, and hand surgery. He serves as Chief of Staff at Huntington Hospital Northwell Health, in addition to providing a full range of procedures through his cosmetic surgery practice on Long Island.
Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLPs Rick L. Shackelford will be speaking at the Beard Group Inc.s Class Action Money & Ethics Conference which is being held May 1, at the Harmonie Club in New York City.

Shackelford, co-chair of the Greenberg Traurig Food & Beverage Group, co-chair of the firms Class Action Litigation Practice, and co-chair of the Los Angeles Litigation Practice, will address the primary jurisdiction doctrine and the likely impacts of pending Food and Drug Administration guidance on the use of the term natural, the measurement of common impact and economic damages in consumer fraud matters, the likely impact of the Ninth Circuits ConAgra opinion addressing a separate administrative feasibility prerequisite to class certification, and labeling omissions and the failure to warn.

The Beard Group Inc., publishes Class Action Reporter, the oldest and most comprehensive daily source of news and information about class action and complex litigation proceedings. According to the event organizers, this event will bring together class action professionals from a variety of disciplines for a one-day conference in Midtown Manhattan to discuss economic and ethical considerations in class actions, and to provide valuable networking opportunities among top-tier professionals. The Beard Group plans to host the conference on an annual basis.

Shackelford is recognized for defending high-profile food and beverage clients and has established precedent in this ever-changing and litigious industry. An experienced trial litigator, his practice is focused on consumer class actions, false advertising, and consumer product liability, including Prop 65 claims. He represents food and beverage companies in consumer class and individual actions alleging deceptive trade practices and false advertising, including challenges to nutrition, ingredient, and health claims made in a variety of media. Shackelford was recently selected by Law360 as MVP for Food & Beverage.

About Greenberg Traurigs Class Action Litigation Practice

Greenberg Traurigs class action attorneys are at the forefront of class litigation in federal and state courts throughout the United States, at both the trial and appellate levels. The groups experience includes serving as national coordinating counsel for some of the worlds largest companies in defending class actions in approximately 15 jurisdictions. The firms Class Action Litigation Practice brings together more than 70 trial lawyers from across the country with class action experience spanning a wide variety of substantive areas and industries.

About Greenberg Traurigs Food & Beverage Group

Named a Law360 2016 Food & Beverage Group of the Year, Greenberg Traurigs Food & Beverage Group represents a multidisciplinary practice in which members leverage deep experience in the industry to advise clients on transactional, litigation, and regulatory matters. Our team serves the food, beverage, supplement, agribusiness, and agtech industries. Transactional areas range from product development and distribution, to M&A deals and commercial contracts, patent and trademark issues, as well as import and export agreements. Clients regularly turn to Greenberg Traurig to lead them through bet-the-product and bet-the-company litigation, including claims involving false advertising, consumer protection violations or class actions, and intellectual property disputes. The team also assists clients with advice on compliance for product labeling, safety, recalls, and advertising and marketing reviews.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GTLaw) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. One firm worldwide, GTLaw has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the second largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2016, and among the Top 20 on the 2016 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.
HOUSE OF CRY by Linda Bleser In this enchanting and thoughtful book, a secret room transports a woman to alternate realities of her life  spiritual voyages of discovery that offer unexpected answers about her family, herself, and her true destiny.

In this enchanting and thoughtful book, a secret room transports a woman to alternate realities of her life  spiritual voyages of discovery that offer unexpected answers about her family, herself, and her true destiny.

On Jenna Hall's thirteenth birthday, her mother committed suicide, a tragedy that continues to haunt the young woman twenty years later. Now, on her thirty-third birthday, Jenna's pain over her mother's death and abandonment is tempered by her hopes for a brighter future-of a happier life in the new home she's buying with her beloved sister, Cassie.

While touring the house, Jenna finds a secret room  a portal that magically transports her to an alternate reality in which her mother is still alive. It is the first of many alternate existences Jenna will experience in which she discovers a different version of herself and the people she knows, both the living and the dead. Accompanying her on these mystical journeys is her ever-present guardian angel.

In House of Cry (April 18, 2017; E-Book; ISBN 9780062677341), as Jenna travels through alternate realities, she uncovers a long-lost sibling, learns about her mother's past, reconnects with a childhood best friend, and meets her soul mate. Along the way, she discovers newfound courage, confidence, forgiveness, and love  for herself, those around her, and those who are gone.

About the Author

Linda Bleser is the author of traditional women's fiction with the twist of a "what if" in each story. She started her career writing short stories for women's literary magazines and is the author of numerous women's fiction, romance, and thriller novels. Linda lives near Tampa, Florida. Visit her at http://www.lindableser.com.

About HarperLegend

HarperLegend is a new line of eBooks from HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. We seek to discover and publish authors of visionary and transformational fiction in digital first format. For more information, please visit http://www.harperlegend.com.
In Ancient Egypt, the falcon was a symbol of power. Horus was the god of the sky and was often pictured as a falcon. Egyptians worshipped the sun, and to them, no other living thing came closer to the sun than the falcon. There was a divinity associated with being high up in the sky. We [metafalcon] see this as having a higher perspective. In other words, we see the falcon as a symbol for wisdom. Many companies have many different guiding principles, but ours is simply to do our job as wisely as possible. - Owner explains the origin and mythology of metafalcon.

What does a wisely done SEO (Search Engine Optimization) job look like? In a few words: solid foundational work with an eye towards the future. SEO is an ever-changing landscape. Google is constantly updating its algorithm to stop those who are gaming the system. This means that cheap tricks are for kids. Techniques that increase rankings in one day can create ranking penalties the next. As the Amish say, A fence that goes up fast falls down fast. It pays off to use strong foundational strategies that mimic real businesses.

Metafalcon, a strong proponent of the foundational approach, is a newly minted SEO company from the Rochester, NY region. Their website can be found at http://metafalcon.com. Many business owners are unsure of what factors affect search engine results. The new website offers some quick tips on what to look for as well as a discovery form for any businesses looking for additional help.

Search is getting bigger every year. Businesses that can stay at the top of the rankings end up with the most customers.
The AWSS provides real-time feedback regarding the accuracy and effectiveness of the pilots performance while in flight.

SABRE Ballistics, a Sydor Technologies Company, is beginning in this fiscal quarter the shipment and installation of the first of four site installations of the SABRE Air Weapons Scoring System (AWSS). The AWSS provides interactive air force pilot training by utilizing real-time feedback regarding the accuracy and effectiveness of the pilots performance while in flight. This interactive feedback improves pilot training and allows instrument tuning that provides a significant economic return from the reduced number of sorties and flying hours. The AWSS consists of transportable camera sensor arrays focused on a bomb court and acoustic sensor arrays focused on the strafing court. These sensor arrays stream processed data to command centers, which communicate in real time with the pilots. As part of the contract, SABRE Ballistics is also supplying the turnkey installation of command viewing and equipment towers. The system utilizes a configuration similar to SABRE Ballistics land based Mobile Artillery Scoring System (MASS).

The AWSS contract was previously announced just under a year ago. After the commercial aspects were completed SABRE immediately began diligent work to ensure all milestones were achieved well within the customers expected delivery dates. Executing on this contract is a major project for SABRE and our SABRE team has developed a great synergy with our outsource partners to stay very aligned on the complex, turnkey details of an installation in a typically remote base location, stated Glenn Hopkinson, Vice President, UK Operations, SABRE Ballistic Division.

About SABRE Ballistics

SABRE Ballistics, a Sydor Technologies Company, (http://www.sabreballistics.com) is a global leader in providing ballistic and impact testing solutions for the defense and security industries. SABRE Ballistics provides turn-key solutions that conform to international standards. The companys expertise includes developing project specifications, range designs and construction, containerized ranges, equipment, installations, technical support and training. In addition to setting up various types of land-based ranges and facilities, the company also provides complete airborne, artillery and marine scoring systems. With more than 30 years of experience, SABRE Ballistics has provided solutions to customers in 33 countries.

About Sydor Technologies

Sydor Technologies (http://www.sydortechnologies.com) is a global leader in providing comprehensive, customized solutions for the most complex measurement challenges that include applications demanding mission critical results. Sydors two primary operating divisions supply the research, defense, energy, and security industries. Sydor Instruments specializes in sub picosecond imaging, streak cameras, and HV electronics applications applied to fusion, X-ray synchrotrons, dynamic compression and more. SABRE Ballistics specializes in ballistic and impact test systems used in military, law enforcement, university research and more.
Our projects with the Cornell detector group continue to address the needs of worldwide scientists and state-of-the-art light source requirements.

Sydor Instruments, a Sydor Technologies Company, announced today that it has been awarded a $223,861 STTR Phase I grant from the Department of Energy, Office of Science. Sydor Instruments will use this grant in collaboration with Cornell University to commercialize an ultra-wide dynamic range X-ray detector, the Sydor MM-PAD. Traditional X-ray detectors cannot accommodate the large dynamic range of collected X-rays. When a detector is out of the required dynamic range, fundamental scientific questions go unanswered or the beam line must employ multiple tests, multiple sensors and the additionally complicated analysis. The Sydor MM-PAD also solves the tradeoff between dynamic range versus resolution by employing a mixed mode analog/digital capability that maintains the single X-ray sensitivity in the analog mode and extends the dynamic range by utilizing an in-pixel digital overflow counter.

Mark Katafiaz, Vice President of US Operations, commented, Sydor is pleased to be chosen again by the DOE for commercialization of another of the Cornell PAD sensors, the MM-PAD. Our projects with the Cornell detector group continue to address the needs of worldwide scientists and state-of-the-art light source requirements. We are proud to leverage our two New York State entities that are delivering new capabilities to the worldwide science community.

About Sydor Instruments

Sydor Instruments, a Sydor Technologies Company (http://www.sydorinstruments.com), is a global leader in providing comprehensive solutions for high-speed imaging and diagnostics. The company provides customers with custom diagnostics and ultrafast imaging systems for a variety of applications in science and industry where the highest resolution and accuracy is required. Sydor Instruments supplies state-of-the-art technology for streak cameras, x-ray detectors, image intensifiers, photomultipliers, HV pulsers and more.

About Sydor Technologies

Sydor Technologies (http://www.sydortechnologies.com) is a global leader in providing comprehensive, customized solutions for the most complex measurement challenges in the defense, energy, security and research industries. The company has two primary operating units, Sydor Instruments that specializes in high-speed imaging systems and diagnostics, and SABRE Ballistics that specializes in ballistic and impact test systems. Sydor Technologies operates in 33 countries with its world headquarters in Rochester, NY.
The New Mozee Holster Line from Handeholder Products Inc. Weve engineered our new Mozee Holster line to offer the utmost reliability in function, material, and value.

Handeholder Products, Inc. today announced the release of their latest Mozee Holster line (http://www.handeholder.com/Mozee_holsters-main.html), a functional series of holders for mobile Point-of-Sale (POS) payment devices. Currently, the holster line is available to fit the Ingenico Groups iSMP4, and the Verifone e355. Holsters for other mobile payment device models and brands are in development.

Versatility and Ease of Use

Payment device holders are usually either permanent attachments to another item, wearable, or they stay individually hand-held, said Mike Burns, President, Handeholder Products, Inc., Our new holster family gives you all these features in one easy to use form.

Each Mozee Holster has an integrated belt clip. It is this belt clip, coupled with the included Universal Mozee Mount (http://www.handeholder.com/Mozee_accessories.html), that makes the holster so versatile. Unclip the holster from a belt and move it instantly to a tablet by locking it into the attached mount piece. Move the holster to other locations with additional mount pieces; for example; to a wall, countertop, vehicle dash, clipboard, cash register, back of a cellular phone, or any other required location. Each universal mount piece fastens to the back of a hard surface using secure foam tape strips.

Durability, Reliability, and Secure Fit

Each holster is molded from a blend of Hytrel plastic thats reliable and strong, while still somewhat flexible. This flexibility allows for needed bend to provide comfort when worn on a belt, and to easily remove the POS device when necessary. Additionally, the shape is custom molded to exactly fit the device, holding it in place securely within the holster during use with no fear of it accidentally popping out.

One thing our clients expect from all our products is quality and reliability, said Neal Glazebrook, Director of Operations, Handeholder Products, Inc. Weve engineered our new Mozee Holster line to offer the utmost reliability in function, material, and value.

Pricing and Availability

The Mozee holsters are available now at http://www.handeholder.com, or by calling 734.665.7052. Pricing starts at $19.99 for a package of one holster and one mount piece. The following bundles are also available; a 5-unit Small Business Bundle, 10-unit Medium Business Bundle, and 25-unit Enterprise Bundle. Additional individual Universal Mozee Mounts are priced at $2.00, and have the same bundle options.

About Handeholder Products, Inc.

Handeholder Products, Inc. is a Michigan-based company that provides their signature Handeholder tablet hand strap device and various associated accessories for both consumer and business customers. In addition, the company specializes in providing holding solutions for mobile Point-of-Sale payment devices to small and large companies through their Mozee line of products. For more information visit http://www.handeholder.com.
Mike Robbins, President and CEO of Robbins Media Group (RMG), recently opened a new call center in Grayson, KY, for selling STARKART, the largest local advertiser grocery cart network in the United States and Canada, and its sister company, the NALA, a boutique marketing agency. The new office is located at 222 State Highway 1947, Suite 5, in Grayson.

This is a great opportunity for salespeople to sell STARKART and the NALA nationally, while bringing much-needed income into this economically challenged community, said Robbins. Both companies are ideal for small businesses that want and need exposure with shopping cart advertising through STARKART and hands-on marketing assistance for their businesses via the NALA.

RMG is a privately held, Charlotte, NC-based media company that specializes in the sale of advertising placement to the local business community. Robbins has over 40 years of sales and management experience, with the last 26 years spent providing local business owners effective and affordable advertising solutions. RMGs Executive Vice President, Blake Allen, has been selling advertising to local business owners for more than 15 years and has managed and directed outside sales teams throughout the southeast for over a decade.

RMGs new Grayson, KY, office will be managed by Brad Robertson, a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelors of Finance degree and former police officer with the Lexington Police Department. In 2008 Robertson was introduced to the B2B advertising sales industry when he joined the team at RMG, and in 2017 was promoted to regional manager of the new Grayson sales office.

RMG offers complete sales training, base salary, commissions, bonuses, 401K with company matching, and health, life and disability insurance, as well as rapid advancement to management. People interested in working at the Grayson, KY, call center should call 800-368-6841 ext. 1002, for more information.

About Robbins Media Group

Robbins Media Group, headquartered in the Lake Norman area of Charlotte, NC, is committed to providing unlimited opportunity for sales professionals to reach their financial and professional goals by supporting their effort to provide local business owners effective and affordable advertising solutions designed to increase name recognition of their business in the community they serve. For more information, please call 800-368-6841 ext. 1002, or visit http://www.robbinsmediagroup.com.

About STARKART

STARKART has the largest shopping cart advertising network in the United States and Canada offering grocery cart advertising that reaches a network of thousands of locations. It offers small businesses the chance to appeal to exactly the type of customer or client they wish to reach in a grocery store.

About the NALA

The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers through new media. As a single-agency source, the NALA helps businesses flourish in their local community. The NALAs mission is to promote a business relevant and newsworthy events and achievements, both online and through traditional media. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361.
Isaac E. Sasson, M.D., Ph.D., Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania Physician and Chesterbrook Medical Director As we expand our practice through the Pennsylvania region, we are able to better serve our patients by increasing access to world-class fertility services.

Shady Grove Fertility, a respected leader in the fertility community that has helped bring more babies into the world than any other center in the nation, in order to keep up with the patient demand, continues to grow its presence in the greater Philadelphia region with the addition of three new physicians to the Pennsylvania medical team in 2017.

New to the practice in 2017, Kara D. Nguyen, M.D., M.P.H joined Abraham Munabi, M.D., in the Shady Grove Fertility Reading, PA office. Dr. Nguyen is one of only a few physicians who is triple-board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and medical genetics. She earned her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College and her Masters in Public Health from John Hopkins University. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Christiana Care Hospital in Delaware and her subspecialty training in medical genetics at the National Institutes of Health.

Ryan Martin, M.D. joined Isaac Sasson, M.D., Ph.D., in Shady Grove Fertilitys Bala Cynwyd, PA office. Dr. Martin earned his medical degree from the Yale University School of Medicine and completed his Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He pursued his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Yale University. Dr. Martin is the recipient of multiple teaching awards and was an instructor at the Yale University School of Medicine.

Caleb Kallen, M.D., Ph.D., FACOG brings his extensive background in biomedical research to the medical team at Shady Grove Fertilitys Chesterbrook, PA office. Dr. Kallen earned his medical degree and doctorate in philosophy (Molecular and Cellular Biology) from the University of Pennsylvania. He went on to complete his residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Dr. Kallen completed his subspecialty training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Most recently, Dr. Kallen served as the Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Thomas Jefferson University.

Shady Grove Fertilitys continued innovation, successful clinical outcomes, exceptional physician expertise, and state-of-the-art fully accredited facilities have earned them the distinction as a Center of Excellence for Infertility by Optum. Optum, through its rigorous evaluation process, has developed Centers of Excellence networks that provide access to clinically, cost-effective health care.

As we expand our practice through the Pennsylvania region, we are able to better serve our patients by increasing access to world-class fertility services. While the size of our practice continues to grow, our mission of the patient comes first remains at the core of who we are. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional medical care, while never compromising on our commitment to provide the most responsible and compassionate care for our patients, said Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania Physician and Chesterbrook Medical Director, Isaac Sasson, M.D., Ph.D.

The practice now has seven reproductive endocrinologists and five locations in Pennsylvania with plans to expand its services to new growing markets in Lancaster and Warrington this year. To schedule an appointment call 1-877-761-1967.

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.
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News

From Bulgaria

BICA Wants Bulgaria to Request Single Gas Price for the EU from Gazprom

Energy minister said that state-run Bulgarian Energy Holding and its subsidiaries Bulgargaz and Bulgartransgaz are analyzing the sugestions by Gazprom and their estimated effect on Bulgarias existing contracts with the Russian gas giant

AUTHOR: publics.bg



 Gazprom



A single natural gas price from Gazprom for the EU, solely differing by transport costs from country to country, should be backed by the Bulgarian government in the EU-Gazprom antimonopoly negotiations, the Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association (BICA) said in a statement on Tuesday.

The BICA statement was sent to the interim ministers of energy and economy and comes as a response to a letter by energy minister Nikolay Pavlov to BICA, asking for an opinion.

Meanwhile interim PM Ognian Gerdzhikov met with representatives of New Republic party on the matter. Minister Pavlov who was also present at the meeting informed that state-run Bulgarian Energy Holding and its subsidiaries Bulgargaz and Bulgartransgaz are analyzing the sugestions by Gazprom and their estimated effect on Bulgarias existing contracts with the Russian gas giant. It is possible that they request an extension of the reply period, a statement following the meeting said. Bulgaria is expected to present its opinion on May 4.

Representatives of the three state-run companies are to attend an international natural gas forum on Wednesday in Warsaw organized by the Polish energy ministry.

Bulgaria and Poland are among eight Eastern European countries which fall within the scope of the EUs antitrust probe against Gazprom.
Sourcebooks has just released the first in a trilogy of picture books, The Dragon Hunters by James Russell and illustrated by Link Choi, that aims to enhance the conventional reading experience through the use of technology. The picture books  The Dragon Hunters (April), The Dragon Tamers (June), and The Dragon Riders (August)  are self-contained stories about two brothers who share an island with dragons; they can be read on their own, but readers have the option of downloading the AR Reads app on their iPhone or iPad that makes the maps of the island setting on the books endpapers come alive in three dimensions when held above the endpapers. Its reminiscent to some degree of Pokemon Go.

It lets you take a step back and get an overview of the island and its inhabitants, said Steve Geck, editorial director for childrens books at Sourcebooks. Its like a 3-D map. You see the dragons and where the boys live. You are up above the island, getting a view of all of it.

The series creator, a journalist in Auckland, New Zealand. with an interest in augmented reality, initially wanted to entertain his two sons by developing the idea that became the Dragon Hunters trilogy. He wanted to add something special: he wanted to develop a whole world, Geck said. The trilogy originally was self-published in traditional picture book format in New Zealand, where it sold 30,000 copies. When Russell and Link realized how entranced readers were with the maps of the island, they added the augmented reality content.

A year ago, Russell attended the Bologna Book Fair in search of a global publisher to take the series to the next step. It was serendipity that he stopped by the Sourcebooks booth despite not having an appointment, Geck recalled, [Sourcebooks publisher] Dominique Raccah responded really positively to the books. [She] herself is an entrepreneur and she admires that entrepreneurial spirit in others. Sourcebooks released its edition of Dragon Hunters with a 55,000-copy initial print run.

Unsurprisingly, Russells U.S. seven-city book tour of bookstores and school visits this month includes an interactive component, with participating booksellers offering dragon egg hunts in their stores during his appearances. Sourcebooks is providing booksellers with golden eggs filled with prizes to hide for the hunt, Dragon Hunter bandanas, and an activity kit with clues and maps. The tour began in Huntingdon Beach, Calif. on April 4 and ends in Studio City, Calif. on April 15, with stops in Denver, New Orleans, San Antonio, St. Louis, and Chicago in between.

From all accounts, the tour so far has been a hit with booksellers, who have praised Russells presentation, which includes stories about his young sons and a display of a dragon they once encountered, which in reality was a crab. James presents not just his book, but his own life with the children, Denvers Book Bar bookseller Marilyn Robbins said, I loved watching James with the young readers. He is what is right with this world, bridging the long distances from different countries and continents with a simple story that is filled with adventure, love, and a disgusting sandwich of roast beef and lemon zest.

Anastasia McKenna at San Antonios Twig Bookshop was even more effusive, asking Sourcebooks to send him here again and start working on getting him to present at TLA 2018. His app is absolutely mind-blowing. His technology is going to change childrens books forever: I am so blown away!
The ninth annual Sharjah Childrens Reading Festival kicks off in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, April 19 and runs through April 29. It is the largest reading festival catering to children in the Gulf, with more than 120 exhibitors and some 2,100 events. Last years event drew 254,000 visitors.

This years theme is Discover Beyond and the programming has put a special emphasis on innovation and creativity. To that end, the SCRF has instituted a new Little Innovators Cafe, which offers a program specifically for accomplished children and teens to interact with festival guests and explore their interests in literature, sports, science. and art.

The festival will educate and entertain, said Ahmed Al Ameri, chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority, which oversees the festival.

Among the festivals highlights this year is Brain: The Inside Story, an installation held in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History in New York, which allows visitors to journey visually through the organ in question.

Al Ameri noted that children and families remain interested in print books and the festival emphasizes illustration as a key element of storytelling for children. Like Bologna, Sharjah hosts an annual exhibition of childrens book illustrations, which this year featured 303 works by 90 different artists.

Among those participating in the festival are nearly 200 foreign guests from some two dozen countries. Six countriesChina, Germany, Japan, Kuwait, Bahrain and Moroccoare represented for the first time. Americans giving presentations include Gayle Forman, author of Just One Day; Amy Plum, author of Die for Me; and Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander, author of He Said, She Said.

We want to build, enhance and promote knowledge among the new generations, said Al Ameri, who is also overseeing the launch of Sharjah Publishing City, a 200,000-sq.-ft. facility in the city offering an administrative base for publishers to work in the Gulf. Knowledge cannot achieve its objectives and play its pivotal role in our lives without the adventure of inquiry, the pleasure of research and the joy of discovery. When our children are armed with knowledge and fortified with intellect, they are protected against all forms of ignorance.
Christian publishers tend to lean one of two ways: addressing politics head-on, or avoiding the subject. This season is no exception, with many publishers pursuing authors who can contribute to national debateson topics including immigration, race relations and health careamid changes in the White House.

Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.long a stronghold for scholarship and theologyhas a number of books that address current hot-button issues born out of the Trump administration. Just Immigration: American Policy in Christian Perspective (May) by Mark Amstutz, professor of political science at Wheaton College, offers an overview and assessment of current immigration policy. It argues for an approach to the complex issue grounded in Christian political thought, which entails applying the Christian worldview and values to government and society. For example, Christians are called to love and care for refugees and the disadvantaged, while also caring about the nations integrity and rule of law in relation to its borders.

While we were not predicting a Trump victory when we acquired Just Immigration, we were definitely aware of how divisive the issues of immigration had become, and how desperate the refugee crisis was becoming, said Lil Copan, Eerdmans senior acquisitions editor.

Eerdmans is also publishing Migrants and Citizens: Justice and Responsibility in the Ethics of Immigration (Aug.) by Tisha M. Rajendra, asst. professor of theological ethics at Loyola University in Chicago. It reframes the confused and often heated debate surrounding immigration and develops a Christian ethic that can address questions about citizens responsibility to migrants. And two more books with strong political messages are planned for spring 2018 (working titles): Matthew Kaemingks Christian Politics and Muslim Immigration: Hospitality in an Age of Terror and David M. Crumps I Pledge Allegiance: Kingdom Citizenship in a Fallen World.

Were actively seeking and acquiring books that speak to this time and political climate that we feel also stand the test of time, said Copan.

InterVarsity Press (IVP) is delving into politics and culture with books such as The Myth of Equality: Uncovering the Roots of Injustice and Privilege by Ken Wytsma (May) and White Awake: An Honest Look at What It Means to Be White by Daniel Hill (Sept.).

It is never a wrong time to address issues of injustice and inequality, and doing so has always been part of our identity as a mission-driven publisher, said Helen Lee, director of marketing for IVP.

Though IVP hasnt yet contracted a book specifically about the new political realities, relevant topics are shaping books already in the pipeline, especially related to justice issues and local activism.

Some of our authors were already writing about seeking the good of their communities or raising ones voice on behalf of others, said Al Hsu, senior editor, IVP Books. Even without explicitly naming names, its implicitly clear why such issues might take on greater importance now.

Other books from IVP include (working titles) Reading Scripture Through Mexican Eyes by Noel Castellanos, a community activist in Chicago, and Brown Church by UCLA professor Robert Chao Romero, which unpacks the Latino/Latina Christian heritage of social activism. Publication dates for both titles are to-be-determined.

Charisma House and its FrontLine imprint hasnt shied away from political issues either, especially with the February release of Todd Starnes The Deplorables Guide to Making America Great Again and Fault Line: How a Seismic Shift in Culture is Threatening Free Speech and Shaping the Next Generation by Billy Hallowell, which was published in March with a foreword by Sean Hannity.

Our corporate mission is to inspire people to radically change their world, said Marcos Perez, publisher and executive v-p of Charisma House. We believe our FrontLine imprint delivers in a culturally meaningful way by addressing the concerns that many Christians share and believe in, and by offering practical ways for them to make their own voices heard.

In May, Multnomah will publish Break Open the Sky: Saving Our Faith from a Culture of Fear by Stephan Bauman, former president of the Christian relief organization World Relief, which speaks to fear related to terrorism, racism, refugees and political vitriol.

Also in May, Moody Publishers is releasing Strange Days: Life in the Spirit in a Time of Upheaval by Mark Sayers. The book encourages readers to follow God with wisdom in a world of terrorist attacks, refugee crises, tension with Russia, and an uncertain economy. Moody is also seeing renewed interest in its backlist title, Seeking Refuge: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis (2016) by Bauman, Matthew Soerens, and Dr. Issam Smeireach a staff member at World Relief. The book offers a portrait of the plight of refugees and how readers can help.

Seeking Refuge guides us to practice the compassion of Christ without getting sidelined by the politicization of this theme, said Paul Santhouse, v-p and publisher at Moody. Our goal is to encourage all of us to put our convictions into practice.

Political and social issues are also breathing new life into other backlist titles. Tyndale recently updated 2015s Counter Culture: Following Christ in an Anti-Christian Age by David Platt, president of the Southern Baptist Conventions International Mission Board, to reflect issues such as immigration and the refugee crisis. In spring 2018, Tyndale will address racial tension in the U.S. with the release of 13 Days in Ferguson, the memoir of Captain Ron Johnson of the Missouri Highway Patrol. In it, Johnson recalls how he bridged the racial divide between the African American community and the police force following fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown by local police in August 2014.

We are always looking for opportunities to publish books that lead national discussions on key issues, said Tyndales Farrar, said Jon Farrar, senior acquisitions editor at Tyndale.

Brazos Press, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is promoting the new paperback edition of Americas Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America (Feb.) by Jim Wallis.

Jeremy Wells, director of marketing for Baker Academic and Brazos, addresses the role of publishing in this political climate. I see publishing as a more nuanced and sustained form of discourse than the headline-driven, 24-hour news cycle. Unfortunately, during the past year and continuing on into the new administration, there seems to be little interest in nuance or discourse, he said. I think the nature of the ongoing public discourse around politics has hurt thoughtful and nuanced contributions in the form of books. We are trying to bring insight and reflection on contentious issues.

Brazos will also give a second push to 2016s Public Faith in Action: How to Think Carefully, Engage Wisely, and Vote with Integrity by Miroslav Volf and Ryan McAnnally-Linz when it releases in paperback in September.

We intentionally timed [Public Faith in Action] for the election year, said Wells. Wallis was less intentionally timed, but its a topic has been especiallyand unfortunatelyrelevant since its release.

Although several houses are publishing books with a political bent, Bethany House, Kregel Publications, B&H Publishing are among those forgoing books that directly address political issues.

We want to keep the focus on helping people grow deeper in their faith through the timeless truths of Gods word, and we feel that getting into the political fray could distract from that mission, said Andy McGuire, senior acquisitions editor at Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

According to Dennis Hillman, publisher for Kregel, We dont see our books as partisan tools in the political debate. We focus on resources that equip and encourage individuals and faith communities to develop all aspects of human flourishing: physical, spiritual, and social wholeness.

Nevertheless, the national mood puts all religion publishers in a unique position for potential growth. Whether its hard-hitting books on public policy or encouraging teachings from Scripture, there are several new publishing opportunities following the 2016 presidential election.

We, as Christian publishers, can either retreat, resigning ourselves to pessimism about whats happening in our nation and around the world, or we can take risks, said Tyndales Farrar. We believe taking risks for publishers means seizing opportunities.
A team from Purdue University, including Carlos Corvalan (from left), Osvaldo Campanella, Martin Okos and Amudhan Ponrajan, has developed a lightweight food extruder for NASA that could have immediate benefits in African countries. (Purdue Agricultural Communication photo/Tom Campbell)

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  The same piece of Purdue University-developed technology that may one day feed astronauts on Mars is being adapted to improve production of instant porridges and other ready-to-use products in several African countries.

NASA commissioned Purdue University researchers to develop a scaled-down version of an extruder that could be used to process various grains, including soybeans, during a mission on Mars. Many puffed cereals and snacks, as well as pastas and pet foods are made through extrusion.

Purdues device uses friction to heat and cook the soybeans, and then separates oil from the soybeans, creating a rope-like substance that can be dried to make flour or combined with other products to make pastas and snacks. The soybean oil can be used for salad dressings or for other cooking needs.

NASA wanted a way to process food on Mars because it is so expensive to ship food there, something like $200,000 per kilogram, said Martin Okos, a professor of agricultural and biological engineering and one of the projects leaders. The biggest challenge we faced was scaling down, but we developed an extruder that is down to about 60 pounds per hour. NASA would like an extruder to be 100 times smaller, however more research is needed to reach that goal.

Before the extruder makes its debut on the red planet, however, it is being used to improve food production capacity in Niger, Senegal and Kenya. After working on the NASA prototype, Okos and graduate student Amudhan Ponrajan modified the extruder to work with other types of grains, including pearl millet, teff, corn, rice, wheat, sorghum, chickpeas and lentils, which are more widely grown in developing countries.

Those grains can be milled/ground, mixed with water and pushed through the extruder, which uses a screw to force the product through a channel where friction heats and cooks the grain. The rope-like product that results, can be dried and ground into flour that, when mixed with water, results in an instant porridge.

Many traditional African porridges made from those grains can be labor-intensive to make. In urban areas, consumers are looking for more convenient alternatives, and the only ones in market are imported and expensive. The extruded grain products can be dried and packaged as just-add-water versions of traditional meals.

The processors have a big demand for these products, but they cannot meet the demand, said Moustapha Moussa, a Purdue doctoral student in food science who is one of the leaders of the effort to introduce this technology to African markets. With this equipment, we think it is going to scale up that production significantly. The product will be available for consumers who need it, and for the producers who have more efficiency to meet the demand.

In West African urban areas, labor-intensive efforts to make products like couscous could be drastically shortened. It can take a crew of 10 women in Niger an entire day to create 30 kilograms of couscous using current methods. With the extruder, the same crew could make 300 kilograms in a day.

The modified extruder for Africa was designed to be relatively inexpensive. Large-scale extruders in U.S. production facilities today cost up to $200,000 and can process hundreds of kilograms per hour. The Purdue-modified extruder can produce 35 kilograms per hour, but it costs only $20,000.

In addition to cost reductions, the extruder had to be modified to work with various grains grown by African farmers. The speed and size of the screw components in the device determine how much heat is created through friction. Soybeans are high in oil content, so they need more friction to cook them. Millet, sorghum and maize are low in oil, so the same amount of friction would burn the grains.

You want to make sure youre cooking the product, but at the same time you want to make sure youre not burning the product, Ponrajan said. There are formulations now for grains grown in Ethiopia, Ghana and Pakistan.

Moussa, Ponrajan, and Bruce R. Hamaker, distinguished professor of food science at Purdue, are working with entrepreneurs in those countries and others, including Senegal, Niger and Kenya, to teach them how to use the device and secure funding to purchase them. They also are testing the market, which so far indicates that consumers are willing to accept the porridges and other products that come from the extruder. They also may be willing to pay more for it when compared to traditional porridges, though the extruded products would cost less than imported instant products.

More market research is needed, and researchers are working to identify formulations that will allow the extruder to be used with more grains. The device meant to feed astronauts on years-long journeys to Mars may one day set off into space, but its impact will likely be felt on Earth much sooner.

The overarching goal is to improve markets for local farmers growing traditional grains and meeting the changing demands of consumers, Hamaker said. This has the potential to improve the lives of entrepreneurs and expand the market for healthy cereal grains.

Writer: Brian Wallheimer, 765-532-0233, brian.wallheimer@gmail.com

Contact: Shari Finnell, 317-201-2345 (m), sfinnell@purdue.edu

Sources: Martin Okos, 765-494-1211, okos@purdue.edu

Bruce Hamaker, 765-494-5668, hamakerb@purdue.edu

Amudhan Ponrajan, Amudhan.Ponrajan@gmail.com

Moustapha Moussa, mmoussa@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;

Shari Finnell, Manager/Media Relations and Public Information, sfinnell@purdue.edu

Agriculture News Page
DECATUR -- New development in Decatur that ranges from road work to signage and private development all received a green light Monday night from the Decatur City Council.

The council voted unanimously to approve a plan that calls for developer MDA Properties to spend more than $2 million on properties in the 100 block of West Wood Street, 100 block of West Main Street and 100 and 200 blocks of South Church Street to transform them into new residential apartments and office/commercial development; with an additional, estimated $302,000 to be spent on public infrastructure improvements.

The streets surround One Main Place, 101 S. Main St., on three sides.

In exchange for the investment, the city will release a mortgage lien it has held on One Main Place since 1998, when the property belonged to a different owner.

Council members took turns praising the development, which they see as another step toward revitalizing the downtown area.

Development leads to new developments, Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said after the meeting. Were thrilled about this project.

The developer is represented by Tim Raycraft of Main Place Properties, who said Friday that redevelopment could begin as early as this week.

Included in the development will be a new bar and grill, dance studio, office space and at least five residential apartments.

The developer also will repair the retaining wall to the west of the property at 151 W. Wood St., demolish the east center section of a building at 142 W. Wood St., redevelop the second floors of buildings at 155 W. Main St. and 150 W. Wood St. to add at least five residential units; and address environmental concerns in the area that were identified by a previous study.

All that work is set to be finished by the end of the year, per the agreement approved Monday night.

The only question from the council came from councilman Bill Faber, who asked Assistant City Manager Billy Tyus about the amount of the lien that the city will release.

The lien on the property at 101 S. Main St. stems from a 1998 agreement with its previous owner, Real Estate Investors of Decatur LLC, according to city documents. The city at the time agreed to provide Community Development Block Grant funding of not more than $1.4 million to redevelop the site and placed a lien on the property to ensure that the agreed-upon development took place.

Real Estate Investors of Decatur made payments totaling $754,000 to the city through 2006, when the LLC was involuntarily dissolved.

Tyus said officials believe the value of the development will be in excess of the lien.

In other business, the council approved more than $4 million in bids for street work, with more than $3 million coming from proceeds from the local motor fuel tax.

A large amount of the work is aimed at various residential streets through the city, as well as mill and overlay work for 5.46 lane miles of Mound Road from Woodford Street to Illinois 48. Crack sealing projects also are planned in other areas of the city.

The streets are chosen for repairs based on assessments by the citys Public Works Department, according to the city documents. Employees evaluate half of the streets in Decatur each year and enter their observations into a computer database that is designed to predict future conditions.

City officials have created a website, buildingdecatur.com, to track the local motor fuel tax proceeds and resulting street work.

The council also gave its approval to the corridor monument installation project which would add entryway signage, landscaping and way-finding signage along U.S. 51 and U.S. 36/Eldorado Street.

Along with signage that highlights the growing number of local landmarks, the entryway signage will be backlit so the letters and other sign elements are illuminated at night.

Officials have targeted the two entryways into the city for years as a way to assist visitors in finding locations and make the entrances into the city more visually appealing. During this time, officials have had discussions with the state of Illinois regarding design, engineering and review to accommodate state-required changes.

Council members were mostly positive about the plan, with councilwoman Lisa Gregory saying she was looking forward to having a more uniform signage system in place that would look professional and welcome visitors to the city.

The total project cost will be $677,466, with 80 percent covered by a federal grant. The other $135,493, as well as $14,507 in contingency, will be covered by the citys professional services line item, with full payment made over two budget years.

The plan was approved by a 6-1 vote, with councilman Pat McDaniel the lone no vote.

In other business, the council voted unanimously to cancel an engineering agreement with AECOM for engineering work for the Brush College Bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railyard just south of Faries Parkway. The city plans to move more than $2 million that was tabbed for that project toward the purchase of rights-of-way for the Brush College Road/Faries Parkway project.

The hope is the reallocation and focus on the project will aid in future attempts to acquire federal funding.

The beltway, which has been discussed for more than a decade, would eventually connect Interstate 72 and U.S. 51 via improved roads and bridges that would take traffic around Decatur and Mount Zion. The beltway is seen as a way to provide jobs and a boost to the local economy as it aids economic development efforts.

The council went over numbers that had been requested during its meeting earlier this month, showing the number of accidents at the intersection and the Brush College underpass near where the money was originally allotted. The underpass has had 17 accidents over the past five years, according to data compiled by the Decatur Police Department; whereas the intersection has had 66 accidents over the same period of time.

Monday night also marked the final council meeting for council members Jerry Dawson and Chris Funk, both of whom chose not to run for re-election this year. Dawson has served on the council since 2009, while Funk was appointed to the council in 2015.

Their seats will be filled during the councils next meeting by Chuck Kuhle and David Horn, who along with McDaniel were elected during April 4 consolidated election.
NEW YORK -- Arconic officials on Monday morning announced that Klaus Kleinfeld, by mutual agreement with the Arconic Board of Directors, had stepped down as chair and chief executive officer of Arconic and resigned as a board member.

David P. Hess, a current Board member, was appointed interim CEO of Arconic and will remain on the Board. Patricia F. Russo, Arconics current Lead Director, was named interim chair of the board.

Formerly known as Alcoa, Arconic has a major production facility in Davenport. Arconic's annual stockholders meeting is planned May 16.

The move came after the board of directors discovered Mr. Kleinfeld sent a letter to Arconic's largest shareholder, activist investment firm Elliott Management, without telling them. Arconic said that was "poor judgment" but didn't say what was written in the letter.

The board is focused on hiring a world-class CEO to lead Arconic into its next chapter," said Ms. Russo. "(Mr.) Klaus led a complex and highly successful transformation of Alcoa Inc. that culminated in the launch of two strong, standalone companies  Alcoa Corporation and Arconic."

In a release, Arconic said the decision was not made in response to the proxy fight or Elliott Managements criticisms of the companys strategy, leadership or performance and is not in any way related to the financials or records of the company.

"The board continues to believe that, under Mr. Kleinfelds leadership, the company successfully executed a transformative vision and improved business performance amid a complex market environment, and the board reaffirms the strategy developed under Mr. Kleinfelds leadership and shared with our investors, customers and employees," the release stated.

Mr. Hess joined the Arconic Board in March and served in numerous leadership roles over his 38-year career at United Technologies Corporation, most recently UTC Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for Aerospace. Ms. Russo is chair of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. and has served on the Arconic obard as Lead Director since the company was launched as a standalone entity. She joined the Alcoa Inc. board in 2008.
A pre-trial hearing has been set for an Ohio man facing cannabis charges in Henry County.

At Monday's preliminary hearing, Illinois State Police Sgt. Sean Veryzer said that, on April 1, he stopped Tyler J. Sweeney, 24, of Mentor, Ohio, on Interstate 80 for going four miles per hour over the speed limit. Sgt. Veryzer said that while Trooper Matt McFall wrote up a warning ticket, he led his K-9 around the vehicle for a free-air sniff.

Sgt. Veryzer said the dog alerted on the passenger side rear bumper and cannabis in vacuum-sealed packages of various sizes and weights were found in the spare tire, under the rear bumper of the vehicle, and in the rear doors.

Sgt. Veryzer said Mr. Sweeney told him he was traveling from Redding, Calif., back to Ohio. The sergeant estimated the street value of the cannabis at $68,000.

Mr. Sweeney is charged with Class X cannabis trafficking, Class X possession with intent to deliver and Class 1 possession. Judge Jeffrey O'Connor found probable cause to believe a felony was committed wet and a May 18 pre-trial hearing was set. Mr. Sweeney remains in the Henry County Jail on $200,000 bond.
CHICAGO (AP)  Thousands of high school juniors in public schools across Illinois will also get to take the ACT college entrance exam courtesy of their districts in addition to the free SAT.

According to ACT Inc., New Trier Township High School, Lyons Township High School District 204, Adlai Stevenson and Warren Township are among about 30 public school districts and private schools giving the ACT to their students.

ACT Inc.'s contract ended with Illinois public high schools after 15 years, the Chicago Tribune reported. The College Board's SAT won a multimillion-dollar contract from Illinois to give its exam to more than 140,000 juniors starting this spring.

But educators say the history and connection to the ACT didn't go away as students in many district had taken precursor tests in earlier grades to pave the way for the ACT as juniors.

"So we've started them on the path to the ACT, but the state decided to go with the SAT in the middle of all this and we didn't feel it would be fair for our students to not have a test they were familiar with," said Scott Eggerding, director of curriculum and instruction at Lyons 204.

Adlai Stevenson spokesman Jim Conrey says the district also wanted to honor its commitment to students who had received ACT-focused training.

"We will not be providing the ACT after this year because next year's juniors will have had one year of SAT preparation under their belts," Conrey said.

Not all districts can afford the nearly $60 per student price tag, exacerbating the already large gaps in revenues and spending in various districts.

According to ACT, other districts providing the ACT for free at school include Joliet Township District 204, Riverside Brookfield High School District 208, the Illinois State University Laboratory Schools as well as several other downstate districts, and Catholic and other private schools.
CHARLESTON -- There was hardly a moment of doubt for Eastern Illinois University leaders that an Illinois state budget would be passed and passed relatively soon back in 2015.

Even though a budget was not passed by the end of the legislative session May 31 that year, EIU President David Glassman said it was not a worry just yet.

That is not the first time, for the state, that they haven't completed a budget by the end of the session, Glassman said. So, I wasn't particularly concerned because that has happened before.

In 2007, the state lawmakers and the governor at the time, Rod Blagojevich, were at odds, unable to pass a budget for a six-week stint.

The assumption is that it would get done in the next month or couple of months, and then we would have our budget and everything would run as it normally has, Glassman said. We just always assumed a budget would come.

Even for state leaders, the expectation was that it would happen relatively soon.

"I always had it in the back of my head that, you know, it was not going to play out the way it would play out," State Rep. Reggie Phillips, R-Charleston, said. "I always thought, somehow, that we would get some sort of budget."

But days passed, then months and Illinoisans had yet to see their lawmakers pass a budget.

There would be various deadlines that we would hear about, Glassman said. Those deadlines kept getting extended and extended.

State lawmakers said it would be the next month. Then, they would say it would come by the end of the year, but the impasse continued.

And still today, state lawmakers and the governor have yet to come to an agreement on a budget  one year and nine months into the budget impasse, making this not the first, but the longest time the state has taken to hammer out a budget.

As each month passed, budget tightening at state universities became more frequent.

EIU responded fairly quickly to the news that money would not be coming down the pipeline. After the budget failed to make it through, Eastern furloughed 222 administrative and professional employees.

Soon after, development projects on the campus were halted and layoff notices went out. It would not be until January 2016, though, when the big cuts came. As tuition dollars started running thin and the state seemed none too eager to pass a budget, Eastern leaders made the decision to cut an estimated 200 positions.

This news prompted activism among many people in Charleston and started one of the bigger rallies, of which there have been many now, calling for the state to fund the universities as well as sparking a funding effort to aid laid off workers.

Soon after employees were laid off, a Charleston area group, Support EIU Employees, began to collect funds for those recently laid off employees to pay bills and other necessary items.

After a couple fundraising efforts, the group amassed $16,000 for EIU employees in need.

Andy Eggers, Support EIU Employees member, said it was a swell of surprising support from the community that made the funding efforts possible.

It was impressive to me -- the idea that everyone in the community was a part of it, Eggers said.

Made me realize how many people are dependent on EIU and how many people realize that, he continued.

The group still has funds they are willing to distribute. Leaders have now opened up their parameters to include any EIU employee, former or otherwise, who has fallen on hard times. They can be contacted through their Facebook page.

Another group, Fund EIU, sought to work on state funding for the university. The initial Fund EIU rally on Eastern's campus, along with other rallies at places struggling more at the time, such as Chicago State University, garnered significant media attention and shone a spotlight on what the budget standoff, just months in, had done to universities that rely on state funding.

Universities have yet to receive additional funding beyond what was given to them by the end of the year.

While Eastern officials have made no mention of cuts either in the near future or down the road, other universities such as Southern Illinois University have taken such steps. SIU officials recently announced $30 million in potential cuts to the university to offset the lack of state funding, according to the Southern Illinoisan newspaper.

Another school, Northeastern Illinois University, has been temporarily furloughing employees numerous times in recent weeks, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Today, state leaders are still sparring over the details of Gov. Bruce Rauner's agenda, which includes items such as term limits and worker's compensation reform, and the long-term budget impasse appears to have no end in sight.
RAILWAY public-private partnerships (PPP) in emerging markets can broadly be divided into three main categories: network rehabilitation, mine to port schemes, and urban rail projects.

Rehabilitation projects involve taking existing railways, which may be in generally poor condition, and upgrading infrastructure and rolling stock, as well as extending lines, to adequately meet freight and passenger demand.

Traffic may have moved away from the railway due to long-term lack of investment leading to unreliable or non-existent services. The Rift Valley Railway project in Kenya and Uganda is a good example of this type of project, albeit one which has been beset by a series of problems over the years. The proposed concession of the existing narrow-gauge network in Nigeria would be a project of a similar scale and nature.

Mine to port projects are mostly driven by mining companies or specialist logistics providers, and often involve the construction of new lines and associated port infrastructure to access landlocked natural resources.

A good example is Vales Nacala project, linking its Moatize coal mine to a new port, via a combination of new and upgraded railways through Malawi and Mozambique. Other planned projects include the new railway and port infrastructure developments required for Sundances Mbalam/Nabeba iron ore mines in Cameroon/Congo-Brazzaville and for Rio Tintos Simandou iron ore scheme in Guinea.

Urban rail projects are more likely to be greenfield in nature, and therefore will be less at risk from existing asset conditions; but these projects are likely to have greater technical complexity due to their close interaction with the urban environment and the greater safety requirements for rapid passenger movement.

To date, there are limited examples of existing urban rail or metro projects in Africa. Gautrain in South Africa provides a good example of a greenfield inter-urban railway. Addis Ababas new light rail system which opened in 2015 was conceived with the assistance of Chinese export finance, but not structured as a long-term PPP concession. A less-successful example is the Blue Line metro project in Lagos, Nigeria, with its repeatedly postponed opening dates and consequential uncertainty over the operational concession arrangements.

Difficult

While a PPP procurement model may be regarded as a necessary step to bring in much-needed private finance, it cannot create an affordable project where none fundamentally exists. It is very difficult to make greenfield metro projects self-funding, even in developed countries, and virtually all demand-risk passenger rail projects have failed to meet their original traffic projections.

Decision makers are well advised to take with a grain of salt any traffic forecast that does not explicitly take into account the risk of being very wrong, says Professor Bent Flyvbjerg, professor of major programme management at Oxford Universitys Said Business School. For rail passenger forecasts, and especially for urban rail, a grain of salt may not be enough.

Nevertheless, this assumption could be challenged by developments in some cities in Africa, where an urban metro scheme would offer significant time benefits against chronic congestion, and where passenger numbers may be high enough to secure appropriate financing even with relatively low fares.

For projects underwritten by freight and commodity projections, the structuring must take into account their sensitivity to changes in market movements and the ability of the project participants to pass on these costs to users.

In the case of a new line serving an iron ore mine, the cost of the infrastructure is likely to represent a large proportion of the final sale cost of the product, which is at the mercy of global price setting. Similarly, with a new or expanded freight service, investors should not underestimate the ability of road hauliers to vigorously compete or lobby against it.

As noted by Pozzo di Borgo (2010), there may also be an inherent imbalance where governments saddle concessionaires with both the cost of rail maintenance and rehabilitation, while road users should pay no more than a mere portion of the cost of road maintenance. Accordingly, governments may have to look more broadly at how they can support these projects to make them successful through taxation, subsidies, or other measures.

It is possible to mitigate project demand risk by giving a level of guaranteed return of capital investment. The Rift Valley Railway project, for example, achieves this to a degree by running a notional asset value account and providing for a guaranteed payout of unamortised expenditure at the point of termination.

Many other emerging-market projects across different infrastructure sectors also recognise that a guarantee of senior debt is required for bankability purposes. Examples can be seen in Global Infrastructure Hubs PPP Risk Allocation Matrices published last year. Sadly, there is little consensus as to how many other important key risks are allocated, such as political force majeure events and changes in law, and even within a single jurisdiction one can find as many different formulations as signed projects. This increases the time taken for due diligence and negotiation which hinders the orderly development of new projects.

A PPP in an emerging market is also likely to create a new type of project for that country, where the governments role and mind-set will need to change from being an operator and self-regulator to become an independent regulator of user pricing, safety and operations. Without a track record of managing long-term PPPs or acting as an independent regulator, any bankability review will need to take into account the risk of government interfering in, or simply mismanaging, the intended operation of the contract.

Inexperienced

The private sector should not be given a free ride either; part of the problems on the Rift Valley Railway concession were attributable to inexperienced management on the concessionaires part. If a project is not well-structured by the government, it may find it is unable to attract the most suitable operators for what is likely to be an extremely challenging endeavour.

Even where a project is well-structured, the risk of political fall-out and lack of support looms large. Prospective PPP investors in Nigeria, for example, may see the lengthy legal disputes on the Lagos Airport domestic terminal as a warning that even where a binding court judgment is achieved, it does not quickly translate into redress if the government party is not willing to pay. It is also a stark reminder of the value of political risk insurance. A better solution will of course be part prevention and part cure.

Finally, a projects sponsors have a key role to ensure that politically sensitive issues such as increased tariffs, and potentially necessary hardships such as re-settlement of people and redundancy of inefficient staff, are handled with tact and transparency to maximise the chance of long-term acceptance and stability of the project.
The locomotives will be built at the Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) in Varanasi and deliveries will be completed by next year.

The order is being financed through a line of credit agreed by the governments of Sri Lanka and India in 2011.

For detailed data on locomotive and rolling stock orders around the globe subscribe to IRJ Pro.
Contractor Parsons announced that the McKinley Village Way Underpass in Sacramento, Calif. has been honored by the American Society of Civil Engineers, Sacramento Section, with the 2016 Outstanding Urban Land Development Project Award.

The award recognizes urban or land development projects focused on providing value and benefit to the community.

The project includes a new Union Pacific Railroad bridge over the underpass, which connects East Sacramento to McKinley Village, a new upscale housing development. With allowance for future tracks, the bridge features compound curves at both abutments and the bent, allowing for the best match in roadway alignment and improved aesthetics.

Parsons used staged construction and shoo-fly tracks for Stage 1 construction to avoid disrupting the Union Pacific schedule. The underpass features multicolored LED lights that illuminate the underpass for bicyclists and pedestrians, serving as a gateway and first piece in a planned McKinley Village Art Walk.

This unique project combines innovative bridge design with thoughtful lighting to create a piece of art, said Mike Johnson, Parsons Group President.

Parsons provided professional engineering services, developing plans, specifications, and estimates as well as quality control, utility coordination, and construction support.

McKinley Village is a progressive urban village of 336 homes co-developed by The New Home Company and Riverview Capital Investments, designed to foster connectivity and healthy living with a wealth of parks, common greens, public art, and a wide array of homeowner amenities. It opened in September, 2016.

For more information on rail projects around the world, subscribe to IRJ Pro.
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Last week's missile strikes against a Syrian government airbase in response to a horrific chemical weapons attack against civilians is becoming the latest Rorschach test for U.S. regional policy. For those backing stronger U.S. intervention in Syria, these strikes mark the beginning of more forceful American efforts to oust Syrian President Bashar Assad from power, either directly or by driving a wedge between Russia and Assad. Others see the strike as a deterrent against future chemical weapons use by Assad and possibly even a deterrent to other regional actors like Iran.

The mixed messages coming from various Trump administration officials only encourage observers to see what they'd like, fostering unrealistic expectations about what a limited military strike can achieve. The reality is that very little on the ground in Syria has changed in the aftermath of the missile strikes and what appears to be the Trump administration's newly hostile stance toward both Assad and his Russian backers following the attack.

Let's start with the most basic objective of the strikes  to deter Assad from future chemical weapons attacks. No one knows for sure how Assad thinks, but we can be pretty certain that survival is his main goal. The strike did not threaten his survival, as he was quick to demonstrate with nearly immediate Syrian government attacks against rebel areas launched from the very site hit by U.S. missiles. Without credibly threatening the regime's survival, it's not clear whether the U.S. strikes will be enough to deter Assad from future chemical attacks if he finds them useful for terrorizing the population as he seeks to regain control over the country.

Assad also has the assurance that the Trump administration, just like former President Barack Obama, will need to factor in a broader confrontation with Russia if its ultimate objective is to remove him from power. Despite the hopes of some American and other Western officials that Russia might come to its senses and finally cut Assad loose, Russian president Vladimir Putin has demonstrated few signs of doing so, continuing to double down in defense of Assad at the United Nations and countering mounting evidence that Assad was responsible for the chemical attack. Assad's other backer, Iran, has followed Russia's lead and may see even greater stakes in preserving Assad's survival for its regional ambitions.

Despite statements from some administration officials like U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley suggesting Assad's days are numbered, other U.S. officials have insisted U.S. Syria policy is unchanged as the focus remains degrading the Islamic State group, not eliminating Assad. The Russians weren't happy about the attack, but their ultimate objective of protecting the Syrian regime does not appear to be threatened.

As satisfying as a military strike might have been, it hasn't fundamentally changed the dynamics of Syria's brutal six-year war.

Meanwhile, the strikes have not altered Assad's willingness and ability to continue massacring civilians through conventional means  this in a conflict that has already killed over 400,000 Syrians and forced the displacement of half of the country. As satisfying as a military strike might have been to hold Assad accountable for his atrocities, this action has not fundamentally changed the dynamics of Syria's brutal six-year civil war. And the increased tension with Russia that has resulted may make future cease-fires, and ultimately finding a political settlement to end the war, more difficult.

In order to translate the U.S. military action into achievable policy gains, it will be necessary to follow up on the missile strike with increased diplomatic coordination with international partners and institutions. It will also be important to recognize that adversaries like Russia and Iran will not simply bend to U.S. demands because of an airstrike, and will remain critical to finding a political solution to end the Syrian war whether we like it or not.

In the nonproliferation arena, past experience with countering unconventional weapons suggests a multilateral approach, and a combination of military and non-military tools, is most effective to reduce and ultimately eliminate these dangerous capabilities.

For example, the creation of the U.N. Special Commission after the Persian Gulf War did as much to expose and eliminate Iraq's chemical and biological weapons as military strikes during the war. The large arsenal of weapons discovered after the war ended demonstrated the need for a sustained on-the-ground presence of international inspectors to fully address this threat. Despite former Iraq leader Saddam Hussein's repeated attempts to obfuscate the efforts of international arms inspectors, the Special Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency succeeded in destroying Iraq's chemical weapons production and much of its unconventional arsenal during the 1990s. This and other cases have shown that military options for destroying such heinous weapons are limited.

Following military strikes with a concerted and sustained international effort is far more likely to achieve success, not to mention bring more legitimacy and resources to nonproliferation efforts. If the American unilateral strikes in Syria are not followed by such a sustained effort, future unconventional threats from Syria will likely resume.

Much of the hard work ahead is diplomatic, particularly difficult when the State Department is dramatically understaffed. The Chemical Weapons Convention, which Syria was forced to join following the 2013 agreement to eliminate its chemical weapons arsenal, should be bolstered. The U.S. and others should invest resources into the Organization for the Protection of Chemical Weapons that implements such agreements.

Additionally, the U.S. could work with its allies and put more pressure on Russia to hold Assad accountable for the 2013 agreement it helped broker. It is one thing for Russia to back the survivability of the Assad regime, but it is another for Russia to be complicit in flagrant violation of international arms control agreements it has supported. As long as prohibited chemical weapons remain in Syria, the possibility that Assad might resort to their use again cannot be ruled out.

Beyond nonproliferation concerns, the U.S. will need a strategy that includes international partners as well as engagement with Russia to end the conflict in Syria. American and Russian interests in Syria are likely to remain at odds, but exploring common interests in even limited cease-fires to prevent further destabilization could set the stage for broader plans to end the war. There is little indication that the quick decision to strike Syria was made in the context of such a broader strategy. And unfortunately this strike alone may only complicate rather than accelerate the U.S.-led coalition fight against the Islamic State group.

So yes, cheer for the notion that war crimes should trigger a response. But temper expectations that a limited U.S. military strike can solve Syria.

Dalia Dassa Kaye is the director of the Center for Middle East Public Policy and a senior political scientist at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation.

This commentary originally appeared on U.S. News & World Report on April 14, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
IRIN, April 13, 2017

By Ali M Latifi

Afghan refugees pressured by Pakistan to return to their volatile homeland where they face hunger and homelessness should be patient, according to an official who said his government plans to eventually offer more support.

The UN says more than 600,000 Afghans returned last year from Pakistan, where rights groups documented a campaign of harassment by the authorities. Pakistan suspended its repatriation plan in December, but resumed it on 3 April and returnees and advocates say the harassment has begun again.

A similar influx of returnees this year would further strain the capacity of the Afghan government, which is already unable to deal with those who came back in 2016. In addition, the UN says a record 400,000 people were displaced by war inside Afghanistan last year.

A recent UN survey found that 46 percent of returnees around the capital, Kabul, were severely food insecure. The figure was 30 percent in Nangarhar, a province bordering Pakistan. Of those surveyed in both locations, 63 percent listed employment as a priority need.

Another primary concern is that many returnees have no home to return to. Land would not only give them somewhere to build a house; it would also allow them to farm, which would cut down on hunger and unemployment.

Hafiz Ahmad Miakhel, a spokesman for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, said the government is working on a land distribution programme. But he said it was a slow process due to factors including the need for various ministries to coordinate, and the time it takes to register all returnees and determine whether its safe for them to return to their homes districts.

People have to be patient, he told IRIN.

Little support

Patience is in short supply among those who are struggling to survive with little help.

The government of Afghanistan keeps saying for people to come, but does nothing to support them, said Amanullah, 19, who was deported from Pakistan in November and has been selling soup on the street since then in the town of Daronta, in Nangarhar.



A girl stands with her family's possessions which they've brought to Afghanistan's Nangarhar province after leaving Pakistan in August 2016. (Photo: Jim Huylebroek/NRC) A girl stands with her family's possessions which they've brought to Afghanistan's Nangarhar province after leaving Pakistan in August 2016. (Photo: Jim Huylebroek/NRC)

The government gives each returnee $50, while the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, provides registered refugees with another $200.

That money disappears quickly, returnees said. Most have to rent houses at a cost of $75 to $100 a month.

I wish we could say we spent it on a luxury, but it all went to rent and to feed our families, said Akbar Khan, who has been unable to return to his home in Paktika Province because the security situation is so poor.

Humanitarian groups like the Norwegian Refugee Council [NRC] provide support to some returnees, including building shelters, but most receive little help. The $200 cash grant provided by UNHCR is half of what it was last year.

The government and humanitarian agencies asked for $550 million to fund programmes in 2017, of which only 21 percent has been committed or delivered so far.

As aid agencies there is only so much we can do with the budgets and resources were given, said Mohammad Nader Farhad, a spokesman for UNHCR. There are some institutional matters that different ministries of the Afghan government will have to work on as well.

The inability of ministries to coordinate and provide long-term solutions, such as land distribution, has bedeviled the government for years.

A year ago, Amnesty International reported that the government had failed to implement a national policy to provide basic living conditions for displaced people. Amnesty found many were living on the brink of survival.

That situation is worse now, since 2016 saw record numbers of both returning refugees and people displaced by fighting. And it could get even more desperate as Pakistan ramps up its repatriation efforts, even as the war in Afghanistan intensifies.

Harassment again

There are still more than two million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, about half of whom Pakistan has refused to register officially. Will Carter of the NRC has been interviewing people crossing into Afghanistan.

Unregistered returnees that I spoke with at the border crossing over the past few days expressed that the main reason they returned was because of increases in harassment and detention of family members, he told IRIN.

Although Pakistani officials have repeatedly denied that authorities were purposefully harassing Afghan refugees, such reports became common during the second half of last year, when most Afghans returned.

Returnees told IRIN that Pakistani police repeatedly arrested family members, and offered 10,000 rupees [$95] to people to report the whereabouts of Afghans.

Afsad, who spent his entire life in Pakistan, said his family finally decided to leave after neighbours whom theyd lived beside for decades reported them.

They would say, Leave your livestock, your vehicles, your motorcycles. Even on our way out, people were taking advantage of us, said Afsad.

Like many returnees, Afsad and his family had a relatively comfortable life in Pakistan. Now they are forced to start again in a country where the economy has collapsed, a record number of civilians died last year, and the government seems unable to support even their basic needs.
BBC Persian (Translated by RAWA), April 16, 2017



Mariam weeps over her daughter, Najiba, 13. Najiba, who had been married six months, claimed that her mother-in-law doused her with gasoline and set her on fire, though her mother, and other nurses in the hospital, were skeptical of her story, and suspected she might have burned herself in an attempted suicide. (Photo: Lynsey Addario/New York Times) Mariam weeps over her daughter, Najiba, 13. Najiba, who had been married six months, claimed that her mother-in-law doused her with gasoline and set her on fire, though her mother, and other nurses in the hospital, were skeptical of her story, and suspected she might have burned herself in an attempted suicide. (Photo: Lynsey Addario/New York Times)

Officials in Herat Hospital have reported that 25 people have been admitted in the hospital for suicide attempts in the past three days.

Aziz ul Rahman Jami, head of the emergency department said that 90% of these people were women and all the people were below thirty in age. According to him, one woman lost her life and three people are in critical condition.

Poverty and domestic violence are pointed at as the main causes behind suicide attempts in Herat province.

Mr. Jami told BBC that most people have attempted suicide by taking toxic substances and drugs.

According to official statistics, last year about 700 people, most of them women, attempted suicide in Herat province. 33 of these attempts had led to death.

The people had attempted suicide by hanging themselves, taking poisonous substances, and self-immolation.
DECATUR  Not many young faces stopped to talk to members of HSHS St. Marys Hospitals Spiritual Care Team in the main lobby on Tuesday, but they need to, according to hospital chaplain Karla Thornton.

The spiritual care team was there to assist with questions and completion of advance directive paperwork, including power of attorney for health care, living will and do not resuscitate (DNR)  responsibilities many dont think about until its too late.

Anyone over the age of 18 needs to have this in place, without a doubt, Thornton said. It gives us direction as a health care facility how to care for you, who to call and what your decisions are.

At the event, which was part of National Healthcare Decisions Day, the team distributed the publication: A Personal Decision: Practical Information About Determining Your Future Medical Care, with information and forms for a living will, power of attorney for health care and a DNR.

I cant stress enough how important it is to have this form, Thornton said. You can go to a lawyer and have these forms filled out, but its going to cost you $100 to $150. If you come here, its free.

A health care power of attorney document allows a person to appoint someone to make health care decisions if theyre unable to make them for themselves. A living will is a guide for a doctor that tells them what an individual wants in the event of a terminal illness and the loss of the ability to speak for themselves.

If an individuals wishes arent in writing, Illinois permits using a health care surrogate  a spouse, adult child, relative or friend  to make decisions.

The government specifies the order it goes in if theres not power of attorney, Thornton said. A lot of the times, its really not who the patient would want it to go to, for whatever reason.

Advance directive paperwork also includes a DNR order, which states that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) will not be started if an individuals heart or breathing stops.

Thornton said its not an easy subject for a lot of people.

Its facing your mortality and the reality that anything can happen at any time  thats kind of a tough one to face, Thornton said.

Barbara and Wayne Collins spoke with St. Mary's Spiritual Care Team staff for several minutes, and each took home the advance directive forms, which they plan to fill out and return.

Were to the point where we want to get our ducks in a row if anything happens, said 74-year-old Barbara Collins. We dont want our kids to have to worry about that in a crisis situation. We dont want to wait until its too late to figure out how to handle it.

Germaine Parker, 46, said after he checked out the publication and forms, it sparked an interest.

Im going to fill these out, Parker said. You have to plan ahead. Im looking out for my kids and making sure they have it easier when its time for me to go. Whatever happens, I want things in order and for everyone to know what I want.

Sandy Bean, 66, had been wondering how to get medical power of attorney for her son, who is disabled, and was able to take home the proper form.

We just have to take it to his doctors office and have him sign it, said Bean, who was at the hospital with 41-year-old Angela Baker. Im glad we stopped by there before we left.

Rowena Pfeffer, 65, said shes filled out advance directive paperwork before, but is planning to update the information. She picked up forms for herself, and for her mother and sister.

In case, God forbid, an emergency happens, I think everyone should know what your wishes are. Otherwise you chance there being a fight where the kids disagree over what to do.

Its better to have your wishes spelled out.

For more information on advance directive paperwork, call St. Marys Spiritual Care Services at (217) 464-2045.

Decatur Memorial Hospital offers advance directive paperwork through its Decatur Area Center for Living Wills. For more information, call DMH at (217) 876-4310.
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Carlos Santiaguin, left, Nikolas Murgia, and Jared Padilla, right, took first place in the 2017 Chevron Design Challenge Regional Competition in Bakersfield and will head to San Diego for the state competition on May 6.
LG and Panasonic are looking to revive their fortunes in India by building local insights into their new products.

IMAGE: India is a very diverse market and it has become imperative for brands to innovate and make products keeping in mind the needs of locals, says Gaurav Minocha, head, home appliances, Panasonic India. Photograph: Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters.

Japanese multinational Panasonic launched a washing machine with a curry button for the Indian market last month.

For a fringe player in the Rs 145-billion washing machine market in India, its new product is a classic case of customisation designed to position itself as a problem solver and appeal afresh to consumers.



According to the company, it has over five per cent market share in the segment, and aims to double it to 10 per cent in 2017-18.

Gaurav Minocha, head, home appliances, Panasonic India, says the new StainMaster washing machine was developed after conducting extensive research and development for over two years on the ingredients that go into curries throughout India.

It was a response to high demand from consumers finding it difficult to eliminate tough stains. Panasonics global as well as Indian teams studied the lifestyles of locals to understand consumer needs and behaviour for the launch of this model.

"As part of the development, we analysed what went into a typical Indian household curry and tried different combinations of water temperature and flow to remove stains including traces of hair oil.





IMAGE: The Panasonic washing machine with a curry button. And a sari cycle, too. Photograph: Kind Courtesy: Panasonic.

Since its entry into the market, the new model has sold 5,000 units in the first two months and the company aims to sell 30,000 units in this fiscal. Panasonic has planned similar machines for other parts of Asia to tackle stains specific to the countries.

India is a very diverse market and it has become imperative for brands to innovate and make products keeping in mind the needs of locals, points out Minocha.

We have learned that the products which work well in the international markets might not work for Indians. As the market is also changing at a fast space, we constantly innovate and reinvent ourselves with a greater focus on technology and consistency in our outcomes. Aligning ourselves with the government as well as the industry, Panasonic is working towards making India a strategic hub and presenting an opportunity to maximise localisation.



Similarly, in the consumer durables space, South Korean major LG recently claimed to be the first manufacturer to shift its entire line of split air-conditioners to inverter ACs. Last month, the company formally launched its dual inverter AC series priced between Rs 34,000 and Rs 54,000, about 12-15 per cent higher than split ACs.



Vijay Babu, LG India business head, AC, says, For the last six months, the star ratings under inverters were going up, because customers were thinking there is huge savings in them. Also, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (under the power ministry) has been promoting energy efficiency. So, in this period the overall consumer behaviour veered more towards energy-efficient products. So we felt, why not make the transition?

He adds that with the government planning to strictly enforce the Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio -- a new star rating for ACs -- from January 2018, LG sought to be a first mover.

If you are driving a car in heavy traffic, you tend to start and halt repeatedly whereas in an express highway you only change your speed, and so your fuel consumption will be less. That is the major difference between on-off ACs and inverter ACs. So, keeping in mind government plans, we took it up as a challenge.



With the new series of ACs promising to cool up to a temperature of 52 degree Celsius, LG has been able to introduce them globally after the India launch in other tropical regions, thereby making huge savings in research and development.



Babu argues that for a 1.5-ton dual inverter AC, a customer can recover the higher price compared to other ACs by saving up to 1,000-odd units annually. Quoting market research firm GFK, he says since the introduction of the product in December 2016, LGs share in the inverter AC segment has risen from 19 per cent to 33.5 per cent last month. Once you give a good product to the consumer, it's not a question of what price you are charging, he adds.



Industry experts believe customisation across categories is only going to increase in future as companies make strong attempts to differentiate at a time products are becoming increasingly generic.

N Chandramouli, CEO of Trust Research Advisory, cautions, Over-customisation is a problem, because if you do so you will have to have that many stock-keeping units, therefore standardisation of manufacturing assembly line becomes a bit of a difficulty. Nevertheless, customisation is always a welcome move to address a target audience and it makes buyers keener.



While companies are always on the lookout for customisation, doing so for products which are utilitarian are all the more challenging and necessary.



Abdul Majeed, partner at PwC India, says in the automobile sector every manufacturer tends to customise vehicles built in India for consumers here, keeping in consideration local sensibilities around family (hence, the thrust on space), legroom and boot space, comfort for the elderly and modifications of the headlamps in view of poor road lighting, etc.

But going forward, we expect more customisation in the sense more manufacturers will look at the customer type  female, male, age group  rural, urban markets, etc in order to meet customer aspirations of different categories.
LIC contested the insurance claim. Consumer activist Jehangir B Gai tells you how this claim was won.

Penti Surender held 10 life insurance policies issued by the Life Insurance Corporation of India. The total sum insured was Rs 19.75 lakh.

In January 5, 2007, Surender, along with his motorcycle and mobile, went missing. A police complaint was lodged. Later, his dead body was recovered on April 18, 2007.

According to the police investigation, Surender had an extra marital affair which the woman's husband objected to. Subsequently, the woman and her husband constructed a temporary bathroom without light and ventilation.

When Surender went to the woman's house on January 5, 2007, they confined him in the bathroom and subjected him to LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), thereby killing him.

Then, his belongings were stolen and body concealed in a manhole of a septic tank. The criminal case was pending in the sessions court.

Surender's family comprising his parents, widow and children lodged a claim with LIC, which paid the sum insured, but refused to pay the accident benefit on the ground that the death was due to murder and not accidental.

Aggrieved, the Penti family filed a complaint before the district forum, which was contested by LIC.

LIC challenged the order, but its appeal was dismissed by the Andhra Pradesh state commission.

LIC then filed a revision petition. It relied on the Supreme Court's judgment in Rita Devi Vs New India Assurance, where it was observed that murder is usually an intentionally committed crime with a motive.

In contrast, if the murder was originally not intended, but was caused in furtherance of some other criminal act, it would be accidental.

LIC contended that Surender's murder was pre-planned due to his own provocative conduct of having an illicit relationship, so it could not be considered an accidental death.

It was argued that the claim for accident benefit had been rightly rejected.

The Penti family relied on the National Commission's judgement in Maya Devi Vs LIC of India. It was argued that there was no conclusive proof of Surender having an illicit relationship.

It was not clear whether he had gone on his own to the murderer's house or he had been called by them.

The National Commission considered the terms of the policy, which provided that an additional amount equivalent to the sum insured, but not exceeding Rs 5 lakh, would be paid if the life assured sustained any bodily injury resulting from an accident caused by outward, violent and visible means within 180 days of its occurrence.

But this additional amount would not be payable if the injury is intentionally self-inflicted or under the influence of intoxicating substances or while committing a breach of law.

The Commission observed that going by this clause, the claim was payable and it did not fall under any of the exclusions mentioned in the policy.

The Commission also noted that an accident would have to be considered from the insured's point of view.

Since the insured did not expect to be murdered, his death would be considered as being accidental.

Accordingly, by its order of March 23, 2017, delivered by B C Gupta for the bench along with Prem Narain, the National Commission directed LIC to pay Rs 5 lakh as per the policy along with 9 per cent interest.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Mads Johansen/Wikimedia Commons
At least 30,000 growers are hedging for their produce through farmer producer organisations

An increasing number of farmers in the country are using the commodity futures market, with help from both non-government bodies and some major corporate groups.

According to the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), at least 30,000 growers are actively hedging for their produce through farmer producer organisations (FPOs).

Reliance Foundation, philanthropy arm of Reliance Industries, has formed 16 FPOs in 13 states. One of these, with 2,200 farmers, has been active on NCDEX over the past year. The foundation has also educated some of its FPOs on value addition in pulses.

We started it as part of a rural transformation programme, planned for 26 clusters across India, to increase the production and income of farmers, said Nitin Sharma of Reliance Foundation. On use of the NCDEX by one FPO, he said, farmers there had seen a 10-15 per cent rise in income. We will extend it to other FPOs, he added.

Jeevika Women Agri Producer Company, formed by Technoserve India with the help of a non-government organisation (NGO), Jeevika, in Bihars Purnea, was making losses for three years.

In 2016-17, after participating in the futures market, it made a profit of Rs 900,000. The FPO traded about 1,000 tonnes of maize on NCDEX. Jeevika has funding from the Tata Group and the Gates Foundation. It plans a maize processing unit.

To raise farmers earnings, multiple tools are required; the futures platform is one. Apart from the plan for maize processing units, we have joined hands with Reliance Fresh and Big Bazaar, said Debranjan Pujahari, associate practice leader at Technoserve India.

NCDEX is working with these companies and NGOs to increase farmers participation on its futures platform. It says it is providing knowledge about the system and on how to hedge.

Futures are an important tool for managing price risk. It is heartening to see farmers make judicious use of this tool and see an increase of 15-20 per cent in their realisations, said Samir Shah, managing director.

From about 30,000 farmers active on NCDEX, the bourse says it aims to raise this to over 100,000 by the end of this year.

Apart from trading, several FPOs are also focusing on value addition and direct marketing. Souvik Dhar, project executive at Srijan, said: We are working with soyabean farmers in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Recently, we tied up with New York-based Bunge Ltd to provide soyabean. And, we will start trading of mustard on the futures platform in this year.

Photograph: PTI Photo
India had given a formal extradition request for Mallya as per the Extradition Treaty between India and the UK through a note verbale on February 8

Embattled Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya, who has been declared a proclaimed offender, was on Tuesday arrested in London by Scotland Yard on India's request for his extradition on fraud charges.

Senior Indian officials described his arrest as the first salvo in the case, which will now involve a legal process in the United Kingdom to determine if Mallya can be extradited to India to face charges in Indian courts.

The arrest comes weeks after Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had indicated that Mallya's extradition would feature in his talks during his visit to the UK.

The 61-year-old liquor baron, wanted in India for defaulting on loans, was arrested after he appeared at a central London police station on Tuesday morning.

The flamboyant businessman, who once called himself 'The King of Good Times", was released on bail a few hours later.

He was released after providing a bail bond worth 650,000 pounds.

Until his next hearing on May 17, Mallya must follow Britain's extradition rules, which include a requirement that he remain at the address provided to the court.

The Indian government had revoked Mallya's Indian passport last year. He must surrender that revoked travel document and is also forbidden from possessing any international travel documents, according to well-placed sources in the UK.

Mallya has also been directed by the court that he remain in contact with UK authorities, with his mobile phone accessible at all times.

"Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit this morning arrested a man on an extradition warrant. Vijay Mallya was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud," Scotland Yard said.

The Metropolitan Police said Mallya was arrested after attending a central London police station.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London and was seen walking out with his legal team a few hours later after being granted bail.

"It was a voluntary action. He will be out in a few minutes," said a member of Mallya's team at the court, without giving any further details of the bail conditions.

"Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected," Mallya tweeted soon after getting the bail.

In New Delhi, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar said, "We are now assessing the facts how we can bring him back into the country and start judicial proceedings against him."

The government, he said, will leave no stone unturned to bring to justice anyone indulging in financial irregularities.

The external affairs ministry said that India is in touch with the United Kingdom on the issue of extradition of Mallya.

Holding that Mallya's arrest in London by Scotland Yard was in connection with the request by the government to the UK authorities for his extradition, external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said legal process in this regard is underway in the UK.

"The two governments are in touch in this context," he added.

Mallya, whose now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to various banks, had fled India on March 2, 2016.

The Indian government has since revoked his Indian passport but he has repeatedly dismissed all charges against him.

In January, an Indian court ordered a consortium of lenders to start the process of recovering the loans.

India had given a formal extradition request for Mallya as per the Extradition Treaty between India and the UK through a note verbale on February 8.

Earlier in January this year, a Central Bureau of Investigation court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Mallya in the Rs 720-crore IDBI Bank loan default case. He is the owner of a Formula One team.

While handing over the request, India had asserted that it has a "legitimate" case against Mallya and maintained that if an extradition request is honoured, it would show British "sensitivity towards our concerns".

Mallya's hearing is set to begin within weeks, with a date for the next hearing to be confirmed soon.

The UK Home Office declined to comment on "individual cases" but said that Mallya's case will be handled under Part 2 of the UK's Extradition Act 2003.

The long-drawn procedure begins with an arrest, following which an extradition hearing is held before the District Judge at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

The judge must decide whether any of the statutory bars in the Act apply in the case, including health and human rights grounds.

"If none of these bars apply in the case, the Judge will send the extradition request to the Secretary of State for approval," the Home Office said.

Last month, setting in motion the process of extradition of Mallya, the British government had certified India's request and sent it to a district judge for further action.

The extradition process from the UK involves a number of steps including a decision by the judge whether to issue a warrant of arrest.

In case of a warrant, the person is arrested and brought before the court for preliminary hearing followed by an extradition hearing before a final decision is taken by the secretary of state.

The wanted person has a right to appeal to the higher courts against any decision all the way up to the supreme court.

Under the 2003 Act, British Secretary of State Amber Rudd may only consider four issues when deciding whether to order a persons extradition.

They are whether the person is at risk of the death penalty; whether specialty arrangements are in place; whether the person concerned has previously been extradited from another country to the UK and the consent of that country to his onward extradition is required; and whether the person has previously been transferred to the UK by the International Criminal Court.

Photograph: PTI Photo
Analysts say that Republic TV has to hit the top spot in the shortest possible time if it has to make a dent in the ad market and break even, writes Vanita Kohli-Khandekar.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

S A Hariharan of Thanthi TV was one of Tamil news televisions star anchors. When he was offered a job at Arnab Goswamis much-talked-about and yet-to-be-launched Republic TV, an English news channel, he was hesitant because of his Tamil accent.

But Goswami was insistent because we want journalists from all over the country, not just Mumbai and Delhi. Republic TV is about the emergence of a new generation of content creators, says he. It is a point the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Republic TV emphasises while talking about how the channel will be different.

It will need to be if it is to make a dent in the Rs 3,500-crore, hyper-competitive Indian news broadcasting market. Republic TV, being launched by ARG Outlier Media sometime over the next four-five weeks, will join over 390-odd news channels broadcasting in India, the worlds most overserved news market.

The digital brand, Republic World -- website and mobile app, will be launched concurrently, says Chief Executive Officer Vikas Khanchandani.

To start with, the free-to-air channel will target Indias 180 million TV homes. There are, however, plans to take it across the world -- to west Asia, the United Kingdom and the United States, among other countries.

The company has already hired 300 people, of whom 215 are on board. A state-of-the-art-studio is being built in Mumbais Lower Parel area.

According to the estimates, the company has raised Rs 150-200 crore from a bunch of big and small investors (Goswami retains majority control, according to company sources). A senior news broadcasting person estimates Republic TVs capital cost at Rs 50-75 crore and operating costs in the first year at Rs 50-60 crore.

Analysts reckon that Republic TV has to hit the top spot in the shortest possible time if it has to make a dent in the ad market and break even.

Typically, the top two channels in a genre make money; the number three just about survives.

This then raises three questions about Republic TVs ability to crack the Indian news broadcasting market.

One is distribution.

If Republic TV gets its distribution right, it has every chance of becoming number one, says the head of a TV research firm.

It costs anywhere between Rs 25 and 35 crore a year to get cable companies to carry a channel across India.

DDs Freedish, Indias largest DTH service, charges a minimum price of Rs 4.3 crore to carry a news channel. Each of the private DTH operators charges Rs 3.5 crore. Add it all up and there is no way their carriage fee will be less than Rs 30-40 crore, says the former CEO of a news broadcasting firm.

Those costs dampen most networks, which have several channels and, therefore, better negotiating power. For a standalone channel, they can be killing.

Khanchandani refuses to share details on which operators have signed on. All he says is that the firm is in talks with everybody. If we had a network distribution would have been easier, but it is not impossible because there is a big void in the market, he says.

The second question then, is of the market opportunity. English news is a tiny proportion of the news TV Indians watch.

It reached an average of 4 million people every day, compared to 117 million people that Hindi news reached in 2016, going by the Broadcast Audience Research Council data.

Advertisers spent an estimated Rs 700 crore reaching those 4 million people. This tiny market already has 10 serious players with Times Now, CNBC-News18 and India Today TV in the lead.

Here too, like in any genre, it is a question of content, says Shailesh Kapoor, CEO, Ormax Media, a consulting firm.

The difference that Republic brings is Goswami and his blustering style, which has a fan following that gave Times Now its numero uno status.

People like my journalism. There is a want/desire for this kind of news, says Goswami. I dont agree that media is a challenged industry if you look at the viewership we got at Times Now. The channel made 20-25 per cent (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) and ad rates were 50-60 per cent of the Indian Premier League," he adds.

It is true that Times Now ruled the English market in viewership and revenues, thanks in large measure to Goswami. But it is part of the Times Group, one of Indias largest media firms. Its network (Zoom, ET Now, Movies Now, etc) and distribution and marketing strength made Goswami as much as Goswami made the channel. Note that Times Now continues to be the number one English news channel. It seems, then, that the company has weathered the storm of losing its star anchor.

That brings in the third question around Republic TV. Isnt it too dependant on Goswami?

"Yes, Arnab is larger than life. Republic TV is leveraging on Arnab to start with. But eventually content, anchors, format everything will get built up. We will have to work hard to build the brand. But the star will always be Arnab, says Khanchandani.

He points out that without spending too much money, the channel has got huge amount of publicity purely on the back of Goswamis equity. Arnab has travelled for events to Chennai, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Mumbai, etc. The buzz is overwhelming, says Khanchandani. At the under-25 convention in Bengaluru this January, Goswami got a demi-god like reaction.

He has a cult following with youngsters, even the ones who are not into news follow him, says Khanchandani. That will be a lever with advertisers who are obsessed with the young.

Going by the empirical evidence, news channels take four-five years to break even. How much time Republic TV has depends on the tolerance of its investors, says another analyst. If it was private equity investors, with a mandate to exit in four-five years, the pressure is greater.

But, if it is a political investor or a semi-political one who is not seeking economic returns, they will be more tolerant to the channels losses, reckons the person.

Republic TVs investors are a mixed bag, including MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar and businessman T V Mohandas Pai, known as supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

My investors are my viewers. They have invested in my brand of journalism, says Goswami.

Khanchandani seems confident of meeting expectations on break-even and returns based on his discussions and deals with advertisers so far.

So far, Republic TV is coasting on hope and adrenaline. Its real test begins once it goes on air.
'The Dancing Girl is only one of the many symbols they threaten today.'

'Our country is changing.'

'Elements that ought to have remained on the fringes have been handed power and control of a state on a platter.'

'With this, the party that persistently wooed us with its development agenda has arrogantly taken its mask off,' says Veenu Sandhu.

I must have been in Class VI when I met the Dancing Girl for the first time. It was the history period and we were waiting for the teacher to turn up.

Instead, to my horror, the school principal, Sister Linda, a terrifying nun, walked in. I could feel everybody around me freeze, as did I.

She had the history book in her hand and without preamble she opened it and told us to turn to the chapter on the Indus Valley civilisation.

It is a lesson I have not forgotten.

As she went through the chapter, Sister Linda seemed to transform before my eyes. We were on the finds from the archaeological site of Mohenjo-daro and she was telling us about the Dancing Girl when, suddenly, she put the book down, stood in front of the class and started enacting the bronze statuette of the girl: Chin thrust out, eyes closed, right hand on the hip, left hand resting on the leg.

I looked down into the book, my eyes wide, at the picture of the girl who had transmogrified our frightening principal into someone like her -- a dancing girl -- and my heart filled with admiration for her.

It would be many years before I would meet the Dancing Girl face-to-face at the National Museum in Delhi.

Her size left me stumped; she was not even double the height of my thumb.

This little girl had survived the ravages of time -- thousands of years. No wonder she still stood with such impudence, as though mocking the world. My admiration for her multiplied.

Today, attempts are being made to trap this masterpiece from a lost civilisation in restrictive labels.

The fate of the Dancing Girl is as though being steered in the direction that politics in the country is taking, which is allowing religion to creep into everything.

In December, a retired professor of the Banaras Hindu University claimed that the Dancing Girl is, in fact, Parvati, the wife of Shiva.

Right-leaning thinkers have for long maintained that Shiva was worshipped by the inhabitants of the Indus Valley civilisation, or the Harappan civilisation, to which the Dancing Girl belongs.

The professor, while making this assertion in a research paper published in the Hindi journal of the Indian Council of Historical Research, argued that the statuette had to be of Parvati because 'where there is Shiva, there should be Shakti (Parvati is believed to be one of the many forms of Shakti).' That was supposed to be a scientific enough explanation.

Unsurprisingly, this issue of the journal was published under ICHR Chairman Y S Rao, a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana, which is a subsidiary organisation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

While that claim stands, another demand has cropped up: The Indus Valley civilisation should be renamed as the 'Sarasvati river' civilisation.

This is the demand of the Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board, which is chaired by none other than Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

I wonder where this will leave the 'Indus Dancing Girl'. Why not simply let her be the Dancing Girl, free of religious associations and, therefore, not confined by them?

Incidentally, for a while now, Pakistan, too, has been staking claim on the Dancing Girl, but then Pakistan's demands we can simply ignore.

It is the forces within that are the worry. And they seem to be only getting bigger and more ominous.

The Dancing Girl is only one of the many symbols they threaten today.

Our country is changing. Elements that ought to have remained on the fringes have been handed power and control of a state on a platter.

With this, the party that persistently wooed us with its development agenda has arrogantly taken its mask off.

There are times I feel my shoulders slumping. I can't say which direction we are heading in anymore.

Will we come out of this still celebrating the all-inclusive, all-embracing idea that is India?

Or will that idea succumb to the tides that are determined to drown us if we dare swim against them?

Then I think of that little, four-inch girl who has survived it all. And I feel my shoulders straighten again and I know that if she were in my place, this is what she'd say: 'Bring it on.'

IMAGE: A replica of the Dancing Girl in the Mumbai museum. Photograph: Kind courtesy Joe Ravi/Wikimedia.org
Days ahead of the Delhi municipal polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday expelled its Narela ward candidate Savita Khatri and cancelled her candidature for allegedly allowing sacked Aam Aadmi Party minister Sandeep Kumar to campaign for her.

Kumar, a former minister in the Arvind Kejriwal government, was sacked from the party last year over a sex tape purportedly featuring him.

BJPs national vice president Vinay Sahastrabuddhe announced the partys decision at a press conference at the Delhi BJP office, saying the party has taken a firm stand.

There is no place in the BJP for the criminal elements of the Aam Aadmi Party against whom there is a serious allegation of rape and exploitation of women.

The party will not tolerate any kind of association or connivance with any such element from the AAP, he said.

The move comes a day after the party came under attack from the AAP for allegedly inviting Kumar to campaign for Khatri, who was fielded from Ward number 1 of Narela in north-west Delhi of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation.

There is no place in the party for such persons who may in any way associate with criminal elements, Sahasrabuddhe said.

Those who do not respect women and people who seek support of such persons, have no place in our party. Such persons never had a place and they will never have it (in the BJP), he said.

BJP member Shazia Ilmi later said that the party had taken a moral stand.

I left the party because of bad elements in the AAP, and our party (BJP) did the right thing today. Because of Kumar, Khatri had to pay, she added.

The decision also comes in the wake of the AAP and the BJP sparring over the presence of Kumar during Khatris campaign.

AAP legislator Alka Lamba had on Monday hit out at the BJP for inviting Kumar to campaign for its candidate.

The BJP has been defaming AAP by taking Kumars name on radio (commercials). Now, they are even using him in their campaign, she alleged on Twitter.

The BJP has denied the charge, saying Kumar was not invited by the party for campaigning and alleged that it was the AAP which had hatched a conspiracy to defame the saffron party.

A video clip had recently surfaced purportedly showing Kumar slamming Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and extending his support to Khatri.

Incidentally, the BJP has fielded only fresh faces in the civic polls due on April 23.

Of the total 272 wards, NDMC and SDMC have 104 seats each while EDMC has 64.

Former AAP leader Sandeep Kumar. Photograph: PTI Photo
Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who was arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly taking money from All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader TTV Dinakaran to bribe Election Commission officials in getting his party the poll symbol of two leaves, is an accused in several cheating cases.

IMAGE: Officials of Delhi Police Crime Branch escort Sukesh Chandra, the middleman accused of receiving a bribe after promising to retrieve the party symbol for AIADMK, in New Delhi. Photograph: PTI Photo

He is also known as a flamboyant conman having a fetish for luxury cars.

At the age of 27, Chandrashekhar has cases of cheating and illegal money laundering against him in the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Chennai Police and the Bengaluru Police, a senior Delhi police officer said.

He was arrested on Sunday from a five-star hotel.

He claimed that he has known AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dinakaran for the last four years and had told him that he would get a favourable verdict from the Election Commission in the party symbol case, the officer said.

Chandrashekhar had allegedly told Dinakaran that he has contacts in the EC and they will help the Sasikala faction to get the AIADMKs poll symbol of two leaves in the by-election to the R K Nagar assembly seat in Tamil Nadu.

Police got on Chadrashekhars trail after they received a tip-off from an informer about a certain EC official being approached.

We were having some information that Dinakaran is trying to reach out to the EC through a middleman, who was later identified as Chandrashekhar, he said.

It has been learnt that the conman had struck a deal for Rs 50 crore for helping the AIADMK (Amma) faction to keep the two leaves symbol, said an officer privy to the probe.

IMAGE: Two luxury cars which were recovered along with cash of Rs 1.5 cr from middleman Sukesh Chandra. Photograph: PTI Photo

Till now, he had got Rs 10 crore of the amount and the remaining was to be given to him in a time-bound manner. On Sunday, police recovered Rs 1.30 crore in cash and two luxury cars -- a BMW and a Mercedes -- from him.

One of the cars also had MP written on it, thereby hinting that he used to pose as a Member of Parliament to dupe the gullible people.

It has been found that he was getting money through a Chandni Chowk-based hawala operator. Police also has some phone conversations between the AIADMK leader and Chandrashekhar, sources said, adding that some part of the money was also paid in Kochi.

It is also being probed whether Chandrasekhar had any links with any Election Commission officials.

The official said that the man is known for his conversation skills and used to drive around in cars with red beacon to show people that he exercises influence in political circles.

He claimed that he knew a political leader and used his name to con people.

Chandrashekhar also claimed that he is married to actress Leena Maria Paul, who had also acted in a film Madras Cafe, and arrested in 2013 here by a team of Delhi and Chennai police.

He and Leena were arrested on the charges of duping Canara Bank in Chennai of Rs 19 crore, the officer said, adding that he had allegedly duped the bank by posing as an IAS officer and Leena as his aide.

While Leena was arrested from Delhi, Chandrashekhar was held from Bangalore in connection with the case after the actress gave the police a tip-off about his whereabouts.

She, at that time, had claimed that he had befriended her on the pretext of getting her modelling offers.

Chandrashekhar is an alumnus of the Bishop Cotton School in Bengaluru and an MBA dropout. He had floated a company King Investment and allegedly made Rs 2,000 crore by duping people through the firm.

While in Bengaluru, he had even posed as the grandson of Dravida Munnetra Kazagham chief M Karunanidhi and conned people. He used to buy luxury cars through the money he earned by conning people.

He has conned more than 100 people till now and has more than 15 FIRs lodged against him, the officer said.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday rapped the army asking why it had maintained silence over allegations of rape and murder against its personnel in Manipur and questioned the state government for not proceeding with these cases against them.

The apex court asked the Manipur government to explain whether it was a "sheer helplesness" on their part or a "tacit understanding" that they would not proceed against the army personnel despite there being serious allegations of rape and murder against them.

"You may have two alleged rapists. Why you have kept quiet," a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and U U Lalit asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, who was appearing for the army and the Assam Rifles.

Responding to the query, the Attorney General said, "These are allegations only. The question is whether rape was committed by the army personnel".

The court posed this query to Rohatgi after it was told that there were allegations against two army personnel that they had raped a 15-year-old girl in 2003 following which she had committed suicide.

The bench was also told that an inquiry commission report had also indicted some officials of Assam Rifles in a separate case in which a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted before being shot dead in Manipur.

When Rohatgi said an inquiry was conducted on the allegations of rape, the bench shot back, "We would want to know what kind of inquiry you have conducted. We would like to see the inquiry report also".

The Attorney General also said that state government had set up commission to inquire into these matters but it had no power to do so.

During the hearing, the counsel appearing for Manipur told the bench that "in cases where personnel of armed forces are involved, we have stopped from proceeding ahead".

To this, the bench said, "The reports clearly suggest that the girl was subjected to rape. You are creating a stonewall and you do not want to break that stonewall. You have not tried anything. You have not asked the army to handover the custody of the alleged culprits".

"Is it just a sheer helplesness or is it a tacit understanding that you will not proceed against the army personnel. You see, she was a young girl and there are no allegations that she was an insurgent. She was working in a farm where two people came and raped her. She committed suicide and you are saying what can we do. Are you saying that let army people come and rape," the bench said.

The court is hearing a PIL seeking probe and compensation in alleged 1,528 extra-judicial killings in Manipur from 2000 to 2012 by security forces and police.

During the hearing, the court was told that there were 265 cases of deaths which have to be examined and there were various reports of the commission of inquiry in which serious allegations have been levelled against armed forces personnel.

Dealing with a murder case of a woman, who was allegedly subjected to sexual assault by army personnel, the bench asked the Centre as to whether it was their case that "alright some army personnel have committed the murder, so what".

The Centre's counsel said it was not their case and they have also given Rs 10 lakh compensation to the victim's family as per the apex court's order.

"Don't you want to inquire even if somebody makes such allegations against your people (army personnel)? Are you saying whatever was done was legitimate," the bench asked.

Responding to this, the Centre's counsel said, "It was a bonafide military operation based on intelligence input. The army is not averse to conducting an inquiry."

He claimed that allegation of sexual assault was not substantiated during the inquiry and it was found that there was some violation of laid down procedure in conducting the operation.

On the issue of payment of compensation by the Centre, the bench asked whether the government was supposed to pay Rs 10 lakh as compensation for violation of procedure.

"Government of India do not have so much money that they can say okay, there is some violation of procedure, so we will pay the compensation. Rs 10 lakh is a big amount," the bench said.

The apex court had earlier asked the Centre to segregate the cases related to the armed forces from the list of 265 incidents of extra-judicial killings in Manipur, which it would deal with first on a plea seeking probe into such alleged fake encounter killings.

It had also asked the Manipur government to distinguish among these the cases related to the state police.

There are 35 matters related to commission of inquiry and 37 cases of judicial inquiry or high court matters. Similarly, 23 matters of National Human Rights Commission would be heard along with 170 cases based on written complaints.

The Centre had said that out of the 282 cases, which were referred to it for verification, 70 matters were found to be related to the army and Assam Rifles while the rest may be concerning the state police.

In July last year, the apex court had directed a thorough probe into the alleged fake encounter killings in Manipur saying that the use of "excessive or retaliatory force" by the armed forces or police was not permissible in 'disturbed areas' under the controversial Armed Force Special Powers Act.
General McMaster reffirms India's Major Defence Partner status.

The Trump administration reaffirmed the Major Defence Partner status granted to India as its National Security Adviser Lieutenant General H R McMaster met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held talks with his counterpart Ajit Doval in New Delhi on Tuesday, April 18.

During the meeting between Modi and General McMaster, views were exchanged on how India and the US can work together to effectively address the challenge of terrorism and to advance regional peace, security and stability, a PMO statement said.

General McMaster, whose trip marks the first visit by a top official of the Trump administration, shared his perspective with the prime minister on the security situation in the extended region, including Afghanistan, West Asia and North Korea.

The US NSA conveyed President Trump's greetings to Modi, the PMO said about the meeting in which Doval, Foreign Secretary Dr S Jaishankar and other key officials were present.

'NSA McMaster emphasised the importance of the US-India strategic relationship and reaffirmed India's designation as a Major Defence Partner,' said a statement issued by the US embassy in New Delhi.

India was granted the Major Defence Partner status by the Barack Obama administration in December.

Modi recalled his 'positive telephonic conversations' with Trump that 'reaffirmed the importance attached by both sides to the strategic partnership and to stepping up India-US engagement across the board,' the PMO said.

General McMaster also met Dr Jaishankar.

'The two sides discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues, including their shared interest in increasing defence and counter-terrorism cooperation,' the US embassy said.

Describing the meetings as 'productive,' the embassy said, 'The visit was a part of regional consultations that included stops in Kabul and Islamabad.'

Earlier, General McMaster and Doval held detailed discussions on India-US relations, especially the security aspect of the ties, sources said.

The US NSA arrived in Delhi from Pakistan where he met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and some top officials.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US National Security Adviser Lieutenant General H R McMaster in New Delhi, April 18, 2017. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
'Who would have thought that Brexit would take place or Donald Trump would become US president or Kim Jong-un's madness could bring the prospect of nuclear war over Asia?'

'It is the time of the unexpected; the French elections should perhaps be seen in this perspective,' says Claude Arpi.

IMAGE: French President Francois Hollande.

France is no longer in a revolutionary mood. During the last five years, a weak presidency has demoralised the nation further. Photograph: Geoffroy Van der Hasselt/Reuters

The world is going through strange times.

Is it not odd that so many unexpected things keep happening?

Who would have thought a few years ago that Brexit would take place or Donald Trump would become the US president or Kim Jong-un's madness could bring the prospect of a nuclear war over Asia?

Indeed, it is the time of the unexpected; the French elections should perhaps be seen in this perspective.

Though 11 candidates are fighting hard to reside for the next five years in the Elysee Palace, only one of them will ultimately make it.

Most electors agree that the 'times are difficult' for the nation which gave the triple mantra of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity to the world (and to the Indian Constitution); today France has doubts about its future, 'the blues,' one could say in Frenglish.

France is no longer in a revolutionary mood.

During the last five years, a weak presidency has demoralized the nation further.

Francois Hollande, whose popularity had beaten records, now has the lowest rating for any president of the Fifth Republic.

This is mainly due to his lack of charisma and some of his goof-ups (for example, getting caught by the paparazzi on a scooter visiting his girlfriend).

General Charles de Gaulle's 'grandeur de la France' (France's greatness) has long gone!

Will France find a real leader to give again the nation a position in the world?

Another factor, which is not limited to France, but has appeared elsewhere on the planet, is that the differentiation between the political 'right' and the 'left' does not mean much anymore.

It is symbolic that the candidate, projected by the French media as the next president -- Emmanuel Macron -- refuses to carry a 'rightist' or 'leftist' label.

Regarding the opinion polls, there is today quasi unanimity in the French public that they are manipulated either by the large 'press groups' or 'influenced' by powerful political parties; it is a fact the media today is unable to project what will happen on April 23.

I asked a mathematician friend, who has worked on this issue, why the surveys were often 'statistically' wrong (Brexit, US elections, recent German by-elections, etc).

It was not the 'fault' of the theoricians, my friend said; but simply that the electors do not decide till the last minute for whom they are going to vote.

Days before the first round on April 23, which will select the two candidates for a final round on May 7, 40 per cent of French voters are still 'undecided'.

Further, the mathematician argues that in the recent elections, electors often change their preference at the last minute (this probably happens less in India).

IMAGE: A voter in Saint Andre de La Roche, near Nice, April 10, looks at campaign posters of the 11 candidates in the French presidential elections.

The first round of the elections to pick the two final candidates will take place on April 23.

Photograph: Eric Gaillard/Reuters

One particularity of the present French presidential elections is that the 'primaries' were organised to select the candidates who will represent the 'left' and 'centre/right'.

On the socialist side, Benoit Hamon emerged the winner, by defeating Hollande's Prime Minister Manuel Valls.

Unfortunately for Hamon, the two candidates from the 'left' who refused to participate in the primaries are now far ahead in all polls.

First, Jean-Luc Melenchon, a hard core Communist who believes that Xi Jinping and modern China are examples to follow for France.

His popularity has seen an unexpected surge, primarily because he is a good orator and having never been in power, has not been caught in any financial scams. Some are now projecting him to reach the second round for 'la lutte finale' (the final struggle). His present surge is probably boosted by the lack of credible candidates.

Macron is the other candidate who refused to stand in the primaries. (In the French political system, anybody who manages to collect 500 signatures from locally or nationally elected representatives can register his candidature.)

Macron -- Hollande's 38-year-old former economy minister who earlier worked as an investment banker for Rothschild -- wants to 'bring optimism' to the country.

His party, 'En Marche!' ('On the Move!'), challenges the entire political system.

Though a pure product of the establishment, having worked first with Nicolas Sarkozy, then with Hollande, Macron projects himself the anti-establishment candidate.

Will he be the next French president? Millions already see him in the Elysee Palace with his wife, who is 20 years older than him.

Cleverly, he has managed to remain vague on his programme, trying to please the 'right' and the 'left' at the same time.

Macron is a fervent 'European', contrary to several other candidates who argue for a 'Frexit' or at least surgical reforms for the European Union.

Macron's candidature has created a lot of confusion for the already confused left; Defence Minister Le Drian recently joined him, hoping to get a job in May.

President Hollande is also said to be inclined to vote 'Macron' though the latter 'deserted' his cabinet last year and subsequently criticised his government.

During the primaries of the 'right', Francois Fillon, who served as prime minister under Sarkozy, defeated the 'hyper' former president and Alain Juppe, the mayor of Bordeaux, who served as prime minister in the past.

Each candidate has his own recipe to take the country out of the current depressing slump.

The problem is in France -- like in India or the US -- will it be the candidate who makes one remember what he promised during the campaign? Doubtful.

Macron is more honest; his promises are so vague that nobody can attack him later if he becomes president.

After the two 'primaries' most of the observers thought that it was 'done'; Fillon would be the next president.

His intentions of introducing drastic cuts in the bureaucracy to reduce the budgetary debts had made him rather popular, but the satirical weekly Le Canard Enchaine published documents showing that for more than 30 years, Fillon's wife, Penelope was employed by him as a parliamentary secretary -- while she was not working.

It is practically impossible for the former prime minister to come fully clean now; a small mercy for him.

His direct opponent, Marine Le Pen, faces the same accusations of having created 'fictive' jobs as a European parliamentarian.

She has claimed parliamentary immunity and refused to appear before the judiciary. Like Fillon, she also believes in a 'Black Cabinet' theory, which probably exists in a form or another (has any Indian leader in power snubbed the use of the IB or other agencies to promote their political purpose?).

While millions of voters apprehend Le Pen's xenophobic policies, many are attracted by her anti-migrant rhetoric. But can she expel all the illegal migrants or take France out of Europe?

The difficulties facing France in the volatile banlieux (suburbs) and the wave of terrorist attacks in the name of Islam, not only in France, but also Germany and more recently Sweden, will get her votes in plenty. Can she do it during Round 2 is the question that nobody can answer today.

It is why I say strange.

There is even a candidate, Francois Asselineau, president of the Union Populaire Republicaine (Popular Republican Union) who speaks of Sri Aurobindo.

Unfortunately, he does not seem to have grasped the integral philosophy of the Rishi; Asselineau has just one obsession -- Frexit.

Foreign policy has figured nowhere in the campaign.

If Fillon or Le Pen pass, there will certainly be a rapprochement (a 'rebalancing' would be more correct) with the Russians.

During Hollande's presidency, Putin was made a demon. Fillon asserted that it was 'ridiculous to portray Putin as a monster with hands full of blood.' Filon and Le Pen would see Putin more as an 'ally' against Islamic State in Syria.

What about India?

India figures nowhere in the French periscope though the sale of 36 Rafales brought some cheer in the morose economic landscape. What is happening in the subcontinent is of no interest of the electorate.

After winning the first round of the primaries, Fillon spoke of completely changing France's 'software', but the hardware needs to be updated too.

This will be the job for the next president. It is not clear who can undertake this task.

Claude Arpi, who was born a Frenchman, has lived in India for more than 40 years.
In 2016, the Tamil Nadu railway police rescued 2,128 children; nearly six children a day, or a child every four hours.

Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar reports..

IMAGE: The railway police in Tamil Nadu keep an eye out for runaway and lost children. Image only used for representational purposes. Photograph: Reuters

When you step into the bustling railway station in Chennai, you will probably not spot them.

They are not on your agenda, neither the police nor the children.

Yet, day in and day out, amid the rush of people that is part and parcel of life in a major railway station, the railway police in Tamil Nadu keep an eye out for runaway and lost children.

In 2016, they rescued 2,128 children; this averages out to nearly six children a day, or a child every four hours.

1,594 of the rescued children were from Tamil Nadu; the rest from other states. Only 20 families had filed missing reports.

The reason Chennai has managed so many rescues are the child help desks at the city's long distance railway junctions, Central and Egmore.

Their success rate has inspired the railway department to situate six more such desks at Madurai and Coimbatore and four in Kerala.

IMAGE: Photoraphs of missing persons at the railways police station in Chennai. Photograph: A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com

Superintendent of Police Sundar of the Government Railways Police works out of Tamil Nadu's busiest station, Chennai Central, from where you can catch a train to almost every part of the country.

"We rescue children found loitering alone on the railways platform. We also check on children who seem like they are accompanied by someone who seems like a broker and rescue them if needed. We try and locate the parents by talking to the child," Sundar tells Rediff.com

If they are unable to find the parents within a couple of hours, they hand the child over to the child welfare officer appointed by the government. "These officers keep the children in government-run homes until the parents are located," Sundar adds.

He suggests I speak to K Manimegalai, the lady police officer assigned with the responsibility of rescuing children.

IMAGE: Lady police officer K Manimegalai is assigned with the responsibility of rescuing children at Chennai's Central station. Photograph: A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com

Manimegalai, who joined the railways police three years ago, was assigned to duty at the Central station nearly two months ago. In 24 days, she says she has rescued 22 children.

"Most of them are poor and belong to Tamil Nadu. Sometimes, they come with brokers who promise them work," she says.

When such a child is found, the brokers are arrested. "Child labour is a crime in India. The children are sent back to their parents or handed over to the ChildLine representatives present at the station," Manimegalai adds.

The ChildLine helpline is run by an NGO and funded by the Union ministry for children and women.

"A 15-year-old girl I rescued on January 1 is still here," says Manimegalai. "She arrived on the Andaman Nicobar Express (which runs from New Delhi to Chennai) from Haryana."

Manimegalai tried speaking to her with the help of a policeman who speaks Hindi, but could not convince the girl to return home.

"We handed her over to the ChildLine representatives after preparing a memo and taking her photograph," she says.

"If there is someone who seems below the age of 18 loitering on the platform, I question them and, if necessary, bring them in," she adds.

She does not wear a police uniform because "it scares children. I don't want them hiding from me, which will make my job harder," she explains.

When she is off duty, her colleagues keep an eye out for runaway and lost children. "They will wait for me or hand them over to ChildLine and later inform me. The child is safe as long as s/he does not leave the platform."

IMAGE: A Malini is the ChildLine coordinator at Chennai's Central station. Photograph: A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com

A Malini, a rather determined looking young woman, is the ChildLine coordinator at Central station.

"There are 12 of us, including counselors, operators and coordinators," she says. "We work in shifts. Between us, we are available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year."

Malini has been working with ChildLine for two years.

The ChildLine desk is a large cabin with two rooms, provided with bunks that remind you of the ones you see in two-tier compartments on long-distance trains. This is where the ChildLine employees rest.

There is a phone helpline (1098 caters to both children and women) that is manned round the clock.

Like Manimegalai, ChildLine coordinators make rounds of the railway station every day.

"I know which child is lost by the look in their eyes," says Malini. "I can spot a broker immediately. If I suspect a child is not with a parent or a close relative, I immediately take the assistance of the police to arrest the broker while we rescue the child."

She too speaks about the runaway girl from Haryana, who she has now sent to a government home. "She says her father comes home drunk and beats her and her mother. She has an elder sister who is married and a brother who drives an auto. She wants to stay and study here."

In this case, the child welfare officer will get in touch with the child welfare officer in Haryana and the girl will be sent to Haryana.

"If the girl doesn't want to go home she can stay at the government home in Haryana and they will provide for her education till she is 18," says Malini.

She also points out a seven-year-old boy who, she says, was abandoned by his parents a few hours ago.

He seems poor and is holding on tightly to a bundle of clothes and a backpack that he says belongs to his family.

He told Malini that he has a baby sister. Apparently, his parents had a fight and his mother ran out of the station carrying the baby. His father went chasing after her. They were yet to return.

The boy, who only speaks Hindi, told Malini he was not hungry or thirsty.

"We cannot remove him from here (they are waiting at the spot where they found the boy) as his parents might come back, so we are keeping him company. We will send him to the government home if his parents don't return by the end of the day."

The boy's eyes moistened when we spoke to him, but he did not cry. They didn't waver from the entrance of the station, through which his quarreling parents had disappeared a few hours earlier.

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Meet Anand Kumar, a government clerk who transformed into a real estate and hospitality baron.

Amit Agnihotri and N Sundaresha Subramanian report.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati says she may join hands with like-minded parties in opposing the Bharatiya Janata Party's alleged tampering of electronic voting machines to win the 2017 assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.

The BSP chief was the first to question the massive mandate for the BJP, which won 312 of the 403 assembly seats in UP, alleging EVM tampering.

After having refused to join a 2015 Bihar-like alliance in UP, where the Samajwadi Party and Congress came together to fight the BJP, the BSP could win only 19 seats in the state she ruled as chief minister between 2007 and 2012.

Congress and SP sources said the BSP joining them would be a welcome step whether guided by Mayawati's political compulsion or her desperation to stay relevant in the crucial state.

Mayawati also faces heat over a recent probe ordered by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over her decision when in power to sell 21 sugar mills at allegedly throwaway prices and build memorials.

The decision to sell the mills was a collective decision of the state cabinet, she said in her defence, as Adityanath said he sniffed a Rs 1,100 crore (Rs 11 billion) scam in the decisions.

Amid rising concern over an uncertain future for the Mayawati-centric party, the BSP supremo also unveiled a succession plan by appointing her younger brother, Anand Kumar, as party vice-president, with a rider that he would not become an MLA, MP, minister or chief minister.

The decision, she explained, would allow her to spend more time in Lucknow, while Kumar would sign the official papers in Delhi.

Over the past decade, Kumar, who worked as a government clerk in Noida, has transformed into a real estate and hospitality sector baron, with properties in Mussoorie, Siliguri, Mumbai and Kolkata.

He had remained away from the limelight till recently when the Enforcement Directorate said it had detected that Rs 104 crore (Rs 1.04 billion) cash was deposited in two accounts, including one belonging to Kumar and another of the BSP.

Income tax authorities are probing the extraordinary profits his companies have made.

The BJP is using agencies like the ED, Central Bureau of Investigation and income tax department to harass her kin, to settle scores with her, Mayawati alleged.

Kumar will continue with his business interests as before, said Mayawati, adding that he need not depend on anyone financially.

Kumar and his wife Vichiter Lata have hogged the limelight for their corporate interests.

As on date, the couple are on the board of directors of 10 companies and a limited liabilities partnership called V&A Ventures LLP.

These companies own assets worth hundreds of crores and most of these are profit-making even as some have been the subject of investigation by central agencies.

A clerk with the Noida Authority, Kumar's fortunes turned during Mayawati's third stint as chief minister in 2002-2003, which lasted slightly longer than her earlier months-long stint in the 1990s.

According to corporate records, Lata was the first to enter the corporate world as a director of Hotel Library Club in April 2003. This hotel in Mussoorie was the family's first corporate asset. Kumar joined the board three years later.

Kumar consolidated his holdings following the BSP's massive victory in the 2007 elections. Several new ventures were floated, mostly in real estate.

In 2009, Kumar entered two new ventures -- Isha Properties and Sachi Properties. These companies now operate as investment firms and have made several significant investments.

Kumar and Lata are shareholders in both these companies. Kumar holds a 97.22 per cent stake in both firms and has taken over the board from 2014.

Sachi Properties' net profit stood at Rs 1.57 crore (Rs 15.7 million) and revenue at Rs 2.5 crore (Rs 25 million) in FY15. The company had accumulated reserves worth Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion).

Isha Properties reported a profit of Rs 91.9 lakh (Rs 9.19 million) in FY16 on a revenue of Rs 1.9 crore (Rs 19 million). It had reserves of Rs 69.8 crore (Rs 698 million).

Both companies had invested in debentures of Aakriti Hotels, which owns a high-end property in Greater Noida's Institutional Green Area. Sachi owns debentures worth Rs 55 crore (Rs 550 million) while Isha has an exposure of Rs 10 crore (Rs 100 million).

Besides, Sachi has investments of about Rs 2 crore (Rs 20 million) in the shares of Moran Plant and Machinery, Yogita Developers, Pawanputra Advertising and Facor Technologies.

It has debentures of Rs 20 crore (Rs 200 million) in Facor Technologies. It owns shares worth Rs 25 crore (Rs 250 million) in a listed company called Globus Constructor and Developers.

According to Isha's financial statements, the debenture holdings in Aakriti Hotels are 'optionally fully convertible,' suggesting the investors could take control of the company at their will since the equity base is Rs 3.6 crore (Rs 36 million).

Isha also holds equity shares worth Rs 25 crore (Rs 250 million) in Globus Power generation, which is into clean energy.

Kumar and Lata have entered Naveen Infra developers and Engineers last year.

The companies, however, did not respond to e-mails sent in March.

Naveen Infra owns an office space in the posh Sardar Patel Road, not far from Mayawati's residence.

Sachi and Isha Properties have moved their offices from Connaught Place to Naveen's property recently.

Kumar is also a proprietor of V&A trading, a sole proprietorship.

Mayawati, one of the richest politicians in the country, has assets worth over Rs 111 crore (Rs 1.11 billion), declared at the time of her nomination to the Rajya Sabha in 2012.

Much of her wealth is in real estate, with the residential building in Delhi's diplomatic enclave alone accounting for Rs 61 crore (Rs 610 million).

Her Mall Avenue residence in Lucknow is worth Rs 16 crore (Rs 160 million). Commercial spaces in Connaught Place are worth about Rs 19 crore (Rs 190 million) and the rest in banks and jewelleries. She did not own shares and other corporate assets according to her affidavit.

Companies in which Anand Kumar and Vicheter Lata are directors:

Isha Properties Private Limited

Sachi Properties Private Limited

DIA Realtors Private Limited

DLA Infrastructures Private Limited

Tamanna Developers Private Limited

Harmony Real Developers Private Limited

Om Projects Private Limited

Hotel Library Club Private Limited

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A few showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 67F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

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A few showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 67F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Court upholds life sentence for Kyrgyz journalist and activist Azimjon Askarov

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 24 January 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Court upholds life sentence for Kyrgyz journalist and activist Azimjon Askarov, 24 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6057211.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.

New York, January 24, 2017  Kyrgyz authorities should immediately release journalist and human rights activist Azimjon Askarov and drop all charges against him, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Kyrgyzstan's Chui Regional Court today upheld a September 2010 life sentence against Askarov on charges of complicity in murder and inciting hatred for reporting on fatal ethnic violence in June of that year. The journalist's son, Sherzod Askarov, told CPJ that Askarov would appeal the verdict and that he had gone on hunger strike.

Journalist and human rights activist Azimjon Askarov looks through bars at his retrial near Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, October 11, 2016. (AP/VladimirVoronin)

Askarov's retrial began October 4, 2016, following the UN Human Rights Committee's March 31, 2016, finding that the journalist had been arbitrarily detained, tortured, mistreated, and that he had been prevented from adequately preparing his defense. During the retrial, the court dismissed several requests from his defense team, including that the journalist be freed during the retrial to enable him to seek medical care. Several defense witnesses told the court they were threatened during the first trial, and said they feared for their safety if they defended Askarov again.

"We are appalled by today's verdict to uphold Azimjon Askarov's sentence to life in prison," CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon said. "Askarov should not have spent a day behind bars for reporting on human rights violations, yet more than six years after his unjust imprisonment, he continues to be held on patently political charges."

Reuters reported today that U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid bin Ra'ad al-Hussein called the verdict "deeply troubling" and said it was "truly unfortunate" the court had not considered allegations that Askarov had been tortured.

Askarov is a 2012 recipient of CPJ's International Press Freedom Award. CPJ has advocated for his release since he was arrested in June 2010.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Libyan TV journalist arrested without charge

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 25 January 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Libyan TV journalist arrested without charge, 25 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6057311.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.

Washington, D.C., January 25, 2017  Libyan security forces should charge or release Wiem Ben Zabia, a cameraman for the Libya Panorama Channel (LPC), the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Security forces detained Ben Zabia at a checkpoint near the eastern Libyan city of Derna on January 14, according to his employer, sister, and a video of the incident.

A soldier loyal to Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar sits outside the Zueitina oil terminal, west of Benghazi, Libya, September 15, 2016. (Reuters/Esam Omran Al-Fetori)

The security forces were under the command of Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, the head of the armed forces of the internationally recognized government in Tobruk. LPC is frequently critical of Haftar.

Ben Zabia's sister, Gehan, told CPJ she learned of her brother's arrest when she saw a video recording of the incident at the Ras Lahlel checkpoint near Derna on social media websites and on the pro-Haftar satellite broadcaster Libya's Channel. She said neither she nor his employer had been able to locate him since. The video shows a man in civilian clothing interrogating Ben Zabia about any links to terrorists he might have in the area. The man told Ben Zabia that he would get a fair judicial process, and that he would be freed if no evidence was found against him.

"If Libyan Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar's security forces have any credible evidence that Wiem Ben Zabia is guilty of any crime save working for a TV channel that has criticized Haftar, let them produce it immediately and allow him access to a lawyer and his family, or free him without delay," said CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour. "We call on all parties in Libya to allow journalists to work and travel freely and without fear of reprisal."

Omar Abdel Fattah, the head of LPC's social media department, told CPJ that Ben Zabia was arrested without charge simply because security forces found his LPC identification card as the journalist passed through a checkpoint on the way into Derna, his hometown, where he planned to attend a relative's funeral.

"He was not on an assignment. He doesn't even work for us outside the studio," Abdel Fattah said. "We tried to reach those who arrested him to inquire about any possible charges against him, but received no response."

In a January 16 statement, the advocacy group the Libyan Center for Freedom of the Press called Ben Zabia's arrest politically motivated. "His only charge is that he worked with an outlet that opposes the political position of those arresting him," the statement said.

Haftar supporters on social media accused LPC of being a mouthpiece for the Muslim Brotherhood and called Ben Zabia a terrorist. Abdel Fattah and Gehan Ben Zabia denied both allegations.

"He is a peaceful man who has lived in Tripoli since 2013," Gehan Ben Zabia said of her brother.

Despite a long siege and continuing air strikes, Haftar's forces have been unable to take control of Derna from the Derna Mujahideen Shura Council, an alliance of local militias that in April 2016 wrested the city from the control of the Islamic State group's affiliate in Libya, according to news reports.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Videographer and blogger detained in Vietnam

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 26 January 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Videographer and blogger detained in Vietnam, 26 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6057413.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.

Bangkok, January 26, 2017  Vietnamese authorities should unconditionally release videographer Nguyen Van Hoa and blogger Tran Thi Nga, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Vietnamese environmental activists protest an industrial accident that caused tons of fish to wash up on Vietnamese shores at an August 10, 2016, demonstration in Taipei, Taiwan. Detained videographer Nguyen Van Hoa published online videos of similar protests in Vietnam. (AP/Chiang Ying-ying)

"Vietnam should stop treating journalists like criminals," said Shawn Crispin, CPJ's senior Southeast Asia representative. "Nguyen Van Hoa and Tran Thi Nga should be freed immediately, and without charge."

Hoa's family on January 11 reported that the journalist, a videographer with the U.S.-government-funded Radio Free Asia's Vietnamese language service, was missing from his home in the central coastal province of Ha Tinh, Rohit Mahajan, RFA's director of public affairs, told CPJ in an email. On January 23 police informed Hoa's family that the journalist was "temporarily detained" under article 258 of the penal code, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison for "abusing democratic freedoms," according to Mahajan. The RFA spokesman also said that police beat Hoa and confiscated his equipment, including a mobile phone and camera, while he was on assignment in November.

Hoa also published online videos of 2016 protests against an industrial accident that killed tons of fish and devastated fishing communities in Vietnam's central coastal region in his capacity as a citizen journalist, Mahajan told CPJ. Hoa is detained in Ky Khang Commune, in Ha Tinh province's Ky Anh District, Mahajan said.

On January 21, police in Vietnam's northern Ha Nam province arrested blogger and rights activist Tran Thi Nga at her home, according to news reports. Nga, who blogs about human rights issues under the pen name Thuy Nga, is held on suspicion of violating article 88 of the penal code, which allows for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for "conducting propaganda against the state," the reports said.

Vietnam held at least eight journalists behind bars when CPJ conducted its annual global census of jailed journalists on December 1, 2016. The country has consistently ranked among the 10 worst jailers of journalists in the world, CPJ research shows.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Bangladeshi journalist fatally shot covering street battles

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 3 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Bangladeshi journalist fatally shot covering street battles, 3 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6057613.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.

Washington, D.C., February 3, 2017  Bangladeshi authorities should vigorously investigate and bring to justice those responsible for killing Abdul Hakim Shimul, a journalist for the daily Samakal newspaper, who died today from gunshot wounds sustained while covering political unrest yesterday, according to news reports.

Violence broke out yesterday between rival factions of the ruling Awami League, namely supporters of the mayor of the northern Bangladeshi city of Shahjadpur and his opponents from another faction of the party, according to news reports. Some 15 people were injured in the fighting.

Shimul was shot in the head and face while covering the incident for his newspaper, according to news reports, which said that police seized the weapon and identified its owner. Shimul was taken first to a local clinic for treatment, and died while being moved to a hospital in the capital, Dhaka.

"This shooting took place before many witnesses, and police have reportedly seized the weapon and identified its owner," said Steven Butler, CPJ Asia program coordinator. "There can be no excuse for failing to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice."

Journalists gathered at the nearby Ullapara Press Club today called for Shimul's killer to be executed, according to Samakal . The journalists also called for a general strike in Shahjadpur on Saturday.

Since CPJ began keeping records in 1992, at least 20 journalists have been killed in Bangladesh in direct relation to their work. In addition to Shimul's death, CPJ is investigating the deaths of another nine journalists to determine whether they were related to the journalists' work.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Assailants try to cut out Peruvian journalist's tongue

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 8 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Assailants try to cut out Peruvian journalist's tongue, 8 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6057713.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.

New York, February 8, 2017  Peruvian authorities should swiftly bring to justice all those responsible for a brutal attack against broadcast journalist Marco Bonifacio Sanchez, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Unidentified assailants tried to cut off the journalist's tongue as he walked home in the northern Peruvian town of Cajamarca late in the night of February 3, colleagues and friends told CPJ.

Bonifacio, the host of the radio and television program "El Canillita," broadcast on Turbo Mix Radio y Television, is in hospital with injuries to his mouth, according to press reports and Bonifacio's friends and colleagues. A close friend of Bonifacio's, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, told CPJ that the journalist was walking home with a group of friends when unidentified assailants beat him and attempted to cut out his tongue. Bonifacio's friend, who has visited him in the hospital, told CPJ that the journalist's injuries to his mouth made it difficult for him to speak on the phone.

"Peruvian authorities should swiftly bring to justice all those responsible for the horrific attack against Marco Bonifacio Sanchez," Carlos Lauria, senior coordinator for the Americas program at CPJ, said. "Impunity in cases of attacks against the journalists undermines the Peruvian news media's ability to report the news freely."

Bonifacio's friend told CPJ that the journalist had been attacked on at least four previous occasions, stretching back at least three years, and that she believed the attacks were related to his work as a journalist.

CPJ's calls to the police station in Cajamarca were not answered.

Bonifacio often interviewed residents about problems they faced  such as difficulty in accessing medicine or government services  and would try to help solve those problems, according to colleagues at the radio station. He was known for his confrontational style and criticism of local authorities and institutions, Ronal Tiper, the press director of Grupo Turbo Mix, told CPJ.

Tiper said the journalist had been threatened many times over the years. He said Bonifacio received a threatening letter roughly 18 months before the attack, without elaborating on the contents, but told CPJ that he could not remember any more recent threat.

Bonifacio also ran for mayor of Cajamarca in 2014, according to colleagues and press reports at the time.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Cameraman murdered in Pakistan

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 13 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Cameraman murdered in Pakistan, 13 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6057813.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.

New York, February 13, 2017  Pakistani authorities should bring to justice all those responsible for the murder of Taimoor Khan, a cameraman for the private TV channel Samaa TV, who was fatally shot last night while covering the aftermath of an attack on a police vehicle, according to news reports.

People remember a 2014 attack on a school in Karachi, December 16, 2016. (Reuters/Akhtar Soomro)

Khan, who was also called Taimur Abbas in press reports, and colleagues were arriving to cover the aftermath of a grenade attack on a police vehicle in the North Nazimabad district of Karachi that hurt no one when gunmen on a motorcycle began shooting at their van, according to press reports. Khan was shot in his head and chest, and died while being treated in a nearby hospital, according to news reports. The group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack both on the police vehicle and on the Samaa TV van, according to news reports.

Militants in Pakistan have repeatedly staged secondary attacks to target people rushing to the scene of a first attack. Such secondary attacks put journalists, who often cover the aftermath of bombings, at special risk.

"Taimoor Khan's murder while reporting underscores the grave risks Pakistani journalists face reporting on the effects of political violence, particularly from secondary attacks," said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon. "Reporters should exercise utmost caution when approaching the site of an attack."

Police have begun an investigation into yesterday's attacks, according to media reports. Police chief Muqaddas Haier told the English-language newspaper Dawn that police suspect that the gunmen attacked the police vehicle to attract the media's attention. Police arrested some 30 suspects during raids across Karachi today, according to press reports. Government officials, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting, and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb, have condemned Khan's murder and have vowed to safeguard journalists.

Khan was at least the second journalist killed in Pakistan this year. Unidentified attackers on January 12 fatally shot Muhammad Jan, a reporter for the daily newspaper Qudrat, in Balochistan. CPJ is investigating that murder to determine whether it was related to his journalism.

Pakistan ranked eighth on CPJ's 2016 Impunity Index, which highlights countries where journalists are murdered and their killers go free. In a 2014 meeting with a delegation from CPJ, Prime Minister Sharif committed to address violence directed at the media and to speed up the prosecutions of those who kill journalists. In March 2016, a court sentenced one defendant to life in prison for the 2013 shooting of crime reporter Ayub Khattak.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This text has been updated throughout to use the name Taimoor Khan, as his employer and Pakistani government officials do.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Editor arrested in Kazakhstan

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 13 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Editor arrested in Kazakhstan, 13 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6057913.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.

New York, February 13, 2017  Kazakh authorities should immediately release Zhanbolat Mamay, editor of the independent newspaper Sayasi kalam/Tribuna, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Police arrested Mamay, an outspoken government critic, in the capital Almaty on February 10, on suspicion of money laundering, Kazakh and regional media reported.

A full moon rises behind a statue of Vladimir Lenin in Kazakhstan, November 13, 2016. (Reuters/Shamil Zhumatov)

Mamay stands accused of illegally receiving funds from opposition leader and former head of BTA Bank Mukhtar Ablyazov, who faces similar charges in absentia from his exile in France, according to media reports and Kazakh government websites. A February 10 statement published on the Kazakh National Anticorruption Bureau's website identifies Mamay as an "accomplice" of Ablyazov and accuses him of "laundering finances stolen by BTA Bank through financial operations of the newspaper Sayasi kalam/Tribuna" over the course of 2005-2009. If found guilty, Mamay faces up to seven years in prison.

On February 11, 2017, the Medeu Regional Court in Almaty placed the journalist under arrest for two months while the investigation continues, Kazkh media reported. In a statement Mamay gave to his lawyer, subsequently published by the human rights advocacy group Adil Soz, Mamay denied the charges and called the case "politically motivated" and an "an attempt to close the newspaper," one of the last critical media outlets in Kazakhstan.

"Kazakhstan's authorities have systematically cleansed the country's news media of dissenting voices, and the arrest of Zhanbolat Mamay is one more step in that direction," said Nina Ognianova, CPJ's Europe and Central Asia Program coordinator. "Kazkhstan should release the editor without delay and cease harassing him for his work."

Mamay, who has written about official corruption and other sensitive issues, told the U.S.-government funded broadcast Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Kazakh-language service before his arrest that he was being followed, RFE/RL reported.

Ablyazov, who is wanted in Kazakhstan on charges of laundering some US $6 billion while he was the head of BTA Bank, today wrote on Facebook called the charges against Mamay "absurd," noting that he had never met the journalist, "who was 17-20 years old in the period of 2005-2009, when the money laundering allegedly took place." The opposition leader denies the charges against him as well, and has for years fought Kazakhstan's requests to extradite him.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
TV reporters attacked while covering Indonesia protest

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 13 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, TV reporters attacked while covering Indonesia protest, 13 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6057a13.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.

Bangkok, February 13, 2017  Indonesian authorities should identify and bring to justice those responsible for assaulting two journalists with broadcaster Metro TV at a February 11 demonstration in the capital Jakarta, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Protesters leave after praying at Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque, February 11, 2017. (Reuters/Beawiharta Beawiharta)

Metro TV reporter Desi Fitriani and cameraman Ucha Fernandez told CPJ that participants in the demonstration by Islamist groups calling for a Muslim to be elected governor of Jakarta yelled at the two journalists and grabbed Fernandez by the arms to prevent him from filming at Jakarta's landmark Istiqlal Mosque. Fernandez told CPJ that protestors drove him and Fitriani from the site, shouting "liars" and "go away," and that he was beaten and kicked in the abdomen, back, neck, and legs, and that protesters hit him with plastic water bottles. Fitriani told CPJ that a protester hit her on the head with a bamboo pole.

Soldiers eventually escorted the reporters and a member of their security team to a nearby church, Fernandez said. The journalists sustained minor injuries that did not require medical attention, they said.

"Indonesia should prosecute all of those involved in the attack on Metro TV reporters Desi Fitriani and Ucha Fernandez to the fullest extent of the law," said Shawn Crispin, CPJ's senior Southeast Asia representative. "President Jokowi Widodo should send a strong and clear message that his government will protect journalists from mob violence."

Fitriani and Fernandez said that they reported the incident to police later that day, and that they were told they were investigating the incident. Police had not yet identified suspects or arrested anyone, the reporters said. The journalists showed CPJ five photographs of the incident taken by other journalists who were also covering the demonstration.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Mob attacks Lebanese TV station

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 15 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Mob attacks Lebanese TV station, 15 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6057b13.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.

New York, February 15, 2017  Lebanese authorities should immediately investigate yesterday's attack on the independent TV channel Al-Jadeed, bring those responsible to justice, and take steps to ensure the safety of journalists operating in the country, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Workers remove broken glass from the windows of broadcaster Al-Jadeed's office in Beirut, February 15, 2017. Some 300 people attacked the building the previous night. (Reuters/Mohamed Azakir)

A crowd of approximately 300 people, some waving flags of the Lebanese political party Amal, surrounded Al-Jadeed's office in Beirut early yesterday evening and attacked the building with fireworks, firebombs, and rocks, the news website Ya Libnan reported. At least one police officer was lightly injured dispersing the crowd, according to press reports. Video footage posted to YouTube by Al-Jadeed journalist Ramez El-Kadi showed the building's smashed front windows smashed and debris scattered around the entrance, as well as the remains of firebombs.

"Those who perpetrated the shameful attack on the broadcaster Al-Jadeed's Beirut office should be brought to swift justice to show that attacks on the media will not be tolerated in Lebanon," CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour said from Washington, D.C. "Lebanese authorities should take steps to ensure the safety of journalists, and political leaders should unequivocally condemn any and all attacks against the press."

Members of the crowd also hung posters depicting Lebanese Parliament Speaker and senior Amal Party leader Nabih Berri and Amal Party founder Imam Musa Al-Sadr, who went missing after a visit to Libya in 1978. Another video posted to the internet by El-Kadi, shows Amal Party supporters in front of the building chanting, "Here we are, Nabih."

Al-Jadeed had on February 12 aired an episode of the satirical program "Douma Crazy" that referenced Al-Sadr's disappearance. The episode featured a puppet caricature of Berri implying that the speaker had information on his disappearance. Former Lebanese lawmaker Hassan Yaaqoub was a guest on the episode. Yaaqoub's father, Sheikh Mohammed Yaaqoub disappeared with Sadr, and Yaaqoub himself is a political opponent of Berri and has frequently been critical of him.

The episode sparked calls for a boycott from supporters of Berri and the Amal Party, the news website Al-Bawaba reported, with Amal Party lawmaker Hani Qobeissi accusing the channel of having insulted Al-Sadr.

Last night's attack was not the first on Al-Jadeed. In July 2016, unknown assailants shot at the building. In 2012 a group of people burned tires on Al-Jadeed's property.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
O Globo and Folha de S.Paulo ordered to remove reports about Brazil's First Lady

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 15 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, O Globo and Folha de S.Paulo ordered to remove reports about Brazil's First Lady, 15 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6057c13.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.

Sao Paulo, February 15, 2017  A judge ordered two of Brazil's biggest national dailies, Folha de S.Paulo and O Globo, to remove stories from their websites about a court case of a hacker convicted of attempted blackmail of Brazil's first lady, Marcela Temer, according to reports in both papers.

Brazil's President Michel Temer and his wife, Marcela, pictured in October 2016. Two papers were ordered to remove reports on the trial of a hacker who targeted the first lady. (AFP/Money Sharma)

Both dailies complied with the order that a judge in Brasilia granted February 13, after lawyers for President Michel Temer's wife, Marcela, filed a request for an injunction on February 10, arguing that the reports violated her privacy, the press reported.

"The judicial decision that forced the Brazilian newspapers Folha de S.Paulo and O Globo to remove content is an act of censorship and should be reversed on appeal," said Carlos Lauria, CPJ's senior program coordinator for the Americas, from New York. "Brazilians have the right to be informed about issues of clear public interest."

The injunction centered on reports about a court case of a Brazilian found guilty in October of attempting to extort Marcela Temer after hacking her cell phone in April 2016, according to press reports. The court documents were placed under a secrecy order, known as "Segredo de Justica" often used in sensitive cases in Brazil, press reports said. After that type of order is lifted, the information becomes public.

When the order in the court case was lifted, Folha de S.Paulo and O Globo published details about it, including WhatsApp messages between the blackmailer and Marcela Temer, according to The Intercept.

Folha de S.Paulo received a judicial order over its coverage on February 10, the same date it published a report on the case. O Globo reported on February 13 that it had removed an article about the court case after receiving a judicial order.

The judicial order requires the newspapers to refrain from publishing any future material about the case, including details of the blackmail messages sent to Marcela Temer, according to press reports. The newspapers were told if they continued to publish they could face a fine of R$50,000 (around US$16,300), Folha de S.Paulo said in an article about the case.

According to the Associated Press, Folha de S.Paulo's legal director Orlando Molina said he will appeal what he described as an attack on freedom of speech. O Globo will also appeal the decision, according to reports.

When the blackmailer approached his wife, Temer was acting president and poised to take over the presidency, according to The Associated Press. At the time, Brazil's parliament was debating impeaching his running mate, then President Dilma Rousseff.

Temer denies that the injunction amounted to censorship, his spokesman said. The spokesman told reporters the president has a "permanent and unwavering" commitment to a free press, according to O Globo.

Several of Brazil's press groups, including the Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism, the National Association of Magazine Editors, the Brazilian Association of Radio and Television, the National Association of Newspapers, and the Brazilian Press Association, decried the decision as dangerous and unwarranted censorship.

The Intercept reported about the injunction and published extracts from the court hearings, saying that the public deserved to know details of the case. The outlet vowed to fight any take down requests.

"We regard judicial orders directing newspapers to delete their news reporting, obtained by a political official, to be as grave a threat to press freedom as can be envisioned, and we would fight it to the fullest extent possible," The Intercept's Glenn Greenwald, told CPJ.

UPDATE: An appeals court overturned the injunction against Folha de S.Paulo late on February 15, 2017, according to O Globo.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Ukraine: Crimean journalist faces trial on separatism charges

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 16 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Ukraine: Crimean journalist faces trial on separatism charges, 16 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6057e13.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.

New York, February 16, 2017  Authorities in Crimea should immediately drop all charges against Mykola (Nikolai) Semena and allow the journalist to work unobstructed, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. A preliminary hearing in Semena's trial on charges of separatism is scheduled for tomorrow, according to his employer.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (center), head of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov (left), and then-Sevastopol Acting Governor Dmitry Ovsyannikov, take part in a video conference in Moscow, December 27, 2016. (Sputnik/Alexei Druzhinin/Kremlin via Reuters)

Semena, a contributor to Krym.Realii (Crimea Realities), the local service of the U.S.-government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), faces up to five years in prison on charges of making "calls to action aimed at violating the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation," in connection with an article he wrote in 2015, according to his employer. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

"Criticizing authorities is not a crime," CPJ's Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. "Security services should stop harassing journalists in Crimea, and should drop all charges against Mykola (Nikolai) Semena."

The Zheleznodorozhny District Court in Simferopol, the Crimean regional capital, is expected to begin hearing the journalist's case tomorrow, RFE/RL reported. Semena has been subject to a travel ban since Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers briefly detained him in April 2016, following a raid of his home. The journalist suffers from heart problems, but officials in Simferopol have denied his appeals to be allowed to travel to the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, for surgery, according to the news website Detector.

In a September 2016 statement, RFE/RL President Thomas Kent called the case against Semena "part of a concerted effort by Russian and Russian-backed authorities to obstruct RFE/RL's journalistic mission to provide an independent press to residents of Crimea." The previous month, RFE/RL reported that internet users in some parts of Crimea were unable to access Krym.Realii's website.

In a January 24 statement regarding the deterioration of media freedom and journalists' safety in conflict zones in Ukraine, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic demanded that all accusations against Semena be dropped.

Crimean journalists exiled in Kiev in July 2015 told CPJ that harassment and politicized prosecutions have effectively silenced critical reporting or commentary in the region.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Ecuadoran TV journalist receives mail bomb

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 17 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Ecuadoran TV journalist receives mail bomb, 17 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6057f13.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.

New York, February 17, 2017  The Ecuadoran National Police should swiftly bring to justice whoever sent award-winning TV journalist Janet Hinostroza a makeshift explosive device, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. The attempted attack took place days before general elections scheduled for February 19.

Janet Hinostroza, poses for a photo at her offices on December 7, 2015 (AP/Dolores Ochoa)

Hinostroza, a journalist for the television station Teleamazonas, yesterday received a package in the mail containing a DVD labeled "Who is behind the corruption?" she told CPJ. She said she was unable to open the DVD case but could see wires in the package and alerted colleagues, who called the police. According to press reports, the National Police confirmed the package contained a detonator. CPJ honored Hinostroza with its 2013 International Press Freedom Award for her courageous investigative reporting into politics and corruption.

"Ecuadoran authorities should thoroughly investigate this serious incident and prosecute all those responsible," said Carlos Lauria, CPJ's senior program coordinator for the Americas. "In the days leading up to the presidential elections it is critical that journalists are able to report on the problems facing Ecuador without fear."

"I'm very concerned about what is happening in our country. These are the consequences of the level of violence and confrontation that we've gone through in these years. It is a clear threat that I forcefully reject," Hinostroza told CPJ. "Fear is precisely what they want us to feel. I'm going to try to go on with my life as normally as possible. We must not lose heart. The country needs us."

On February 15, the president of the National Assembly, Gabriela Rivadeneira, also received a package thought to contain an explosive device. Police said they could not yet confirm whether the incidents were related, according to El Telegrafo.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Philippines: Ex-police official admits role in Filipino radio journalist's murder

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 21 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Philippines: Ex-police official admits role in Filipino radio journalist's murder, 21 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6058013.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.

Bangkok, February 21, 2017  Former Philippine policeman Arturo Lascanas in a news conference yesterday acknowledged his role in the September 2003 assassination of radio journalist Juan "Jun" Pala, a crime he claimed was ordered and paid for by then Davao City mayor, now President Rodrigo Duterte.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (left), then mayor of Davao, inspects an assault rifle with Regional Police Chief Miguel Abaya (center) in the late 1980s. (Reuters/Renato Lumawag)

Lascanas also said he was involved in a Davao City "death squad" that carried out extrajudicial killings on Duterte's orders, according to news reports. The statements, made at a press conference at the Philippine Senate in Manila, reversed testimony Lascanas gave under oath last October in which he denied the existence of the death squads, media reports said.

"This is the real truth in the Pala murder case," Lascanas was quoted as saying. "I am one of those who murdered him." He said he was paid the equivalent of US $60,000 for the killing, the reports said.

"We call on authorities to reopen the investigation into the murder of Philippine radio broadcaster Juan 'Jun' Pala based on this new information," said Shawn Crispin, CPJ's senior Southeast Asia representative. "Former policeman Arturo Lascanas' allegations that President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the killing should be taken seriously, fully investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Lascanas' claims were consistent with previous testimony linking Duterte to Pala's murder, news reports said. Edgar Matobato, a self-confessed assassin and Davao death squad member, told a Senate panel last October that Duterte ordered Pala killed for his critical radio commentaries, the reports said.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the allegations had been proven false by various independent agencies and called Lascanas' remarks a "character assassination" and "vicious politics," reports said. Duterte has consistently denied allegations that he ordered any extrajudicial killings or oversaw death squads while he served as Davao City's mayor.

Pala, a radio commentator on DXGO radio in Davao City, was shot and killed while walking home with a bodyguard and a friend on September 6, 2003, CPJ reported at the time. He had survived a shooting attack that April, CPJ reported at the time. News reports at the time noted that his radio show was known for its fiery criticism of communist rebel groups and allegations of corruption.

Police had earlier attributed Pala's killing to a communist rebel hit squad, though the case remains unsolved, reports said.

Duterte, speaking in July 2016 about "corrupt" journalists, cited Pala specifically, calling him a "rotten son of a bitch" and saying "he deserved it," according to Philippine media reports. "Of course I know who killed him," the Philippine broadcaster GMA News quoted him as saying. Duterte has, however, repeatedly denied playing any role in the journalist's murder.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
China: Hong Kong daily Sing Pao says its journalists and website are under attack

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 22 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, China: Hong Kong daily Sing Pao says its journalists and website are under attack, 22 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6058113.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.

New York, February 22, 2017  The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on Hong Kong authorities to investigate the harassment of journalists at the daily Sing Pao. Sing Pao Media Enterprises, which owns the paper, released a statement yesterday saying that staff have been followed and harassed, and that the newspaper's computer system was attacked.

A man spins a wheel during new year festivities to predict the winner of Hong Kong's chief executive election. The daily Sing Pao says its staff are being harassed because of its critical coverage. (AFP/Anthony Wallace)

The company statement said it believes the harassment is connected to a series of Sing Pao columns criticizing outgoing chief executive Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong's top leader, and the Chinese government's Liaison Office, Beijing's top representative body in Hong Kong, in the run up to the chief executive election on March 26.

"Journalists in Hong Kong should be able to do their jobs without fear of reprisal, particularly in these crucial days leading up to the chief executive election," said Robert Mahoney, CPJ's deputy executive director. "We call on Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident and prosecute those responsible for the cyberattacks against Sing Pao and the harassment of its staff."

Since mid-February, a number of unidentified people have been seen outside the newspaper's office in Hong Kong or been seen following staff and taking their photos, according to the statement and an article published in Sing Pao today. The media company said that the paper's website came under digital attack and was down temporarily on February 18 and 19, and there are signs that the company's computer and email system were attacked in an attempt to steal information about the company.

Flyers containing threatening language and showing a photograph of a Sing Pao manager were also posted near the employee's residence, the company said, without naming the employee. Sing Pao said that the flyer photograph appeared to be the same one used for the manager's "Home Return Permit," a document issued by Chinese police that allows Hong Kong residents to travel to the mainland. The media company said that photographs for the travel permits should be possessed only by the issuing agencies.

Hong Kong police told the news website Hong Kong Free Press that the manager reported the incident to them.

CPJ was not able to immediately contact Sing Pao for comment.

Sing Pao is known in Hong Kong as a pro-Beijing publication, but in recent months it has run anonymous commentaries denouncing Leung and the Liaison Office. In October, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that Gu Zhuozheng, chairman of Sing Pao Media Enterprises, was wanted by police for allegedly being involved in a corruption case on the mainland. Gu denied the accusations, and said he had been under a "revenge-driven political attack," according to news reports. Gu issued a statement yesterday condemning the threats to Sing Pao staff.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Togolese journalist beaten, victim of hit-and-run

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 22 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Togolese journalist beaten, victim of hit-and-run, 22 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6058213.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.

Lagos, Nigeria, February 22, 2017  Togolese authorities should ensure the safety of a journalist beaten by security forces and should fully and credibly investigate that assault, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Robert Avotor, a journalist for the biweekly newspaper l'Alternative, told CPJ that a vehicle intentionally hit him on February 19, in what he believes was retaliation for his legal complaints against the officers he accuses of beating him.

Avotor left his house by motorcycle to buy bread at around 7:15 p.m. when he was hit by a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

"I saw the vehicle coming up behind me at full speed. I left the pavement for the sidewalk, but the four-by-four vehicle...knocked me over. I have a stitch on my head and scrapes on my forearm," he told the news website iciLome. He said that he hoped to catch a view of the vehicle's license plate number, but that the street was deserted when he managed to get to his feet.

Avotor told CPJ that he believes he was targeted for attempting to file two criminal complaints with the state public prosecutor against security forces who he said handcuffed and beat him on February 7 as he reported on evictions in the village of Akato-Viepe, just outside the capital Lome.

Ferdinand Ayite, the director of l'Alternative, told iciLome that prosecutors had initially refused to accept Avotor's complaints. The journalist said he met with Togolese Minister of Security and Civil Protection Yark Damehane on February 20, informed him of the initial assault and the subsequent hit-and-run, and that Damehane promised to apprehend and punish his attackers, according to media reports.

Damehane today told CPJ that the head of the team that Avotor said handcuffed and beat him had been arrested, and that the results of the ministry's investigation into the case would soon be made public.

"Togolese authorities should ensure the safety of l'Alternative journalist Robert Avotor as he pursues justice for the assault he suffered simply for doing his job," said CPJ West Africa Representative Peter Nkanga. "We call on prosecutors to fully investigate that attack, bring his assailants to justice, and to ensure that he is protected from any attempts at retaliation."

Avotor said that anonymous callers had repeatedly threatened him and demanded that he cease pursuing his criminal complaints. "We will show you what we're capable of," one of the callers told him, according to iciLome. An unmarked car went to his neighborhood to identify his house, the journalist said.

"I am traumatized and fear for my life," Avotor told CPJ.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Sri Lankan military intelligence officers suspected in journalist's murder

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 23 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Sri Lankan military intelligence officers suspected in journalist's murder, 23 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6058313.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.

New York, February 23, 2017  Sri Lankan authorities should fully investigate the 2009 murder of an editor and bring his killers to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Five military intelligence officers were arrested this week in connection with the murder of Lasantha Wickramatunga, the editor-in-chief of the weekly Sunday Leader and a fierce critic of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, according to news reports.

Media rights activists light candles in front of the portrait of slain Sri Lankan newspaper editor Lasantha Wickramatunga during a silent vigil to condemn his killing in Colombo, January 15, 2009. (Reuters/Buddhika Weerasinghe)

Sri Lankan police arrested an army major and two soldiers on Saturday and two additional soldiers on Sunday, according to media reports. The five men were initially taken into custody on suspicion of having played a role in the 2008 abduction and assault of columnist Keith Noyahr, but during the investigation, police found evidence that the men might also be linked to Wickramatunga's murder, according to media reports. A magistrate's court ordered police to hold the five men until March 3 for questions.

"Any real progress in the investigation into the murder of Sri Lankan editor Lasantha Wickramatunga would be welcome news," said CPJ Deputy Executive Director Robert Mahoney. "We call on police and prosecutors to leave no stone unturned in their quest to make sure the perpetrators of this crime are brought to justice."

Wickramatunga was on his way to work in January 2009 when eight helmeted men on four motorcycles beat him with iron bars and wooden poles on a busy street outside Colombo. He died in a local hospital a few hours later. Police in September exhumed Wickramatunga's body for a new post-mortem examination.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Defamation suit in Thailand restricts BBC reporter's freedom of movement

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 28 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Defamation suit in Thailand restricts BBC reporter's freedom of movement, 28 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6058513.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.

Bangkok, February 28, 2017  A court in Thailand has seized the passport of BBC reporter Jonathan Head in response to a criminal defamation suit filed by a Thai lawyer over a news report on alleged fraud committed on the tourist island of Phuket. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the restrictions on the reporter's freedom of movement and calls for an end to the use of criminal defamation complaints against journalists in Thailand.

According to press reports, Head faces a potential five years in prison if found guilty of criminal defamation and a related charge for circulating the report online. Head reported in September 2015 that two foreign retirees were scammed out of properties they had purchased in Phuket. Thai lawyer Partuan Thanarak, who filed the case, claimed he was "defamed, insulted, and hated" by the BBC report, news reports said.

Head and a codefendant featured in the report pleaded "not guilty" to the charges during a court hearing on February 23, according to news reports. Under Thai court rules, Head was required earlier this month to surrender his passport to prevent him from fleeing Thailand while the trial continues, the reports said. News reports estimated the trial could last as long as two years.

"The BBC stands by its journalism and we will fight the allegations made against our correspondent by these proceedings," a BBC spokeswoman told CPJ. "We have full faith in the Thai justice system, and we intend to clear the name of our correspondent."

A BBC second representative told CPJ by email that Head must give the Phuket court a five to seven day notice period to request permission to leave the country for reporting and other purposes  a time-consuming requirement that will restrict the reporter's ability to cover breaking regional news events.

Head's current press credentials are scheduled to expire in May, after which he will be required to apply for a court visa that must be renewed every one or two months in the southern province of Phuket, a one-hour flight from Bangkok, where Head lives and works, the BBC representative told CPJ. Because of strict contempt of court laws in Thailand, the representative requested anonymity.

"The use of criminal defamation complaints in Thailand has a chilling effect on journalists who fear being bogged down in time-consuming and expensive litigation," said Shawn Crispin, CPJ's senior Southeast Asia representative. "We call on Thai officials to drop the unwarranted charges against BBC reporter Jonathan Head and to immediately return his passport so he can resume his work as a regional correspondent. We further call on Thai legislators to strike criminal defamation from the books."

Government officials and private individuals have used criminal defamation and computer crime complaints to stifle critical press reporting. In 2013, the Royal Thai Navy filed criminal defamation charges against two journalists with the local Phuketwan news website for republishing a Reuters special report that claimed Thai naval forces profited from trafficking ethnic Rohingya.

Both journalists were acquitted of the charges in a September 1, 2015, court decision after nearly two years of time-consuming trial proceedings. Alan Morison, one of the charged reporters, told CPJ he spent nearly one-third of his work time preparing his defense in the case and that local advertisers stopped taking placements in Phuketwan for fear of official reprisal. The publication was forced to close for financial reasons during the trial, news reports said.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Russian security forces raid journalist Zoya Svetova's home

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 28 February 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Russian security forces raid journalist Zoya Svetova's home, 28 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6058613.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.

New York, February 28, 2017  Russian authorities should cease harassing journalists and allow them to work unimpeded, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Security forces today searched the Moscow home of prominent journalist and human rights defender Zoya Svetova, according to press reports and Svetova's lawyers.

Russian journalist and human rights activist Zoya Svetova speaks to the press after security forces searched her apartment in Moscow, February 28, 2017. (Vasily Maximov/AFP/Getty)

Roughly 10 security officials  including representatives of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, which probes serious crimes, and the Federal Security Service (FSB)  raided the journalist's apartment at around 11 a.m. local time today, Anna Stavitskaya, one of Svetova's lawyers, reported on Facebook. The officers were acting on a search warrant linked to a larger investigation into the alleged embezzlement of state money by exiled Russian businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Stavitskaya wrote.

"We call on Russian authorities to stop harassing Zoya Svetova and allow her to continue her work as a journalist and human rights defender unobstructed," CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. "Russia has notoriously used its law enforcement as a weapon of intimidation against critics and opponents. We call on the Investigative Committee to drop this shameful tactic once and for all."

A spokesperson for the Investigative Committee, Svetlana Petrenko, was quoted by the Russian newspaper RBK as saying that the agency had received information that Svetova was keeping documents in her house that investigators believe contain details of wire transfers of allegedly embezzled money they suspect Khodorkovsky and "his accomplices" sent back into Russia. Stavitskaya wrote on Facebook that after hours of searching, security forces had found no such documents. The newspaper Novaya Gazeta reported that officers copied data from all electronic carriers in Svetova's home, including her iPad, her husband's mobile phone, and her family's computers.

"The statements of the Investigative Committee have no bearing in reality," Sergei Badamshin, another of Svetova's lawyers, told RBK in response.

Svetova is known for both her journalism and her activities as a human rights defender. She has worked as a correspondent and editor for a variety of independent Russian media outlets, including the newspapers Novaya Gazeta, Kommersant, and Russky Kuryer, the radio station Ekho Mosky, and the newsmagazines The New Times and Yezhenedelny Zhurnal. She has investigated corruption and wrongdoing in the justice system, and has reported on conditions in Russian prisons.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Egyptian parliamentary leaders file criminal complaint against editor

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 1 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Egyptian parliamentary leaders file criminal complaint against editor, 1 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6058713.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.

New York, March 1, 2017  Egyptian lawmakers should immediately withdraw their criminal complaint against Ibrahim Eissa, editor of Al-Maqal newspaper, and should stop harassing and threatening journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Ibrahim Eissa, editor of Al-Maqal newspaper, gestures in his office in Cairo, November 10, 2016. (AP/Amr Nabil)

Speaker of the Parliament Ali Abdel-Aal and other leading lawmakers yesterday filed a complaint with Egypt's general prosecutor asking the state to investigate Eissa on charges of "insulting the parliament" in a series of satirical headlines published in Al-Maqal the previous day lambasting the parliament and government over its economic and foreign policy decisions, according to news reports. Article 184 of Egypt's penal code allows for fines of between 5,000-10,000 Egyptian pounds (US $309-$618) for insulting the parliament or other state institutions. Eissa's lawyer, Essam Abu Eissa, told CPJ that to his knowledge prosecutors had not yet acted on the complaint.

"Instead of pursuing charges against journalists for criticizing their performance, Egyptian lawmakers should uphold constitutional guarantees of freedom of the press by striking laws criminalizing 'insulting the parliament' from the books," CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour said from Washington, D.C. "The speaker of the parliament's lodging of a criminal complaint against Ibrahim Eissa serves only to make the government appear thin-skinned and foolish."

Eissa suspended his TV talk show last month, citing unspecified "pressure," according to news reports. He did not elaborate on the reasons for the decision, but shortly before suspending the show, he had criticized laws conscribing church construction, criticism that similarly resulted in legal threats from Abdel-Aal, according to media reports. The journalist has repeatedly faced legal action for his sharp and often irreverent criticism of authorities over his decades-long career, according to CPJ research.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Azerbaijani blogger sentenced to prison for alleging abuse

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 3 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Azerbaijani blogger sentenced to prison for alleging abuse, 3 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f60588c.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.

New York, March 3, 2017  Azerbaijani authorities should immediately release blogger and press freedom advocate Mehman Huseynov, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. A court in Baku today sentenced Huseynov to two years in prison on defamation charges for alleging that police beat him, according to his lawyer and media reports. CPJ called on prosecutors not to contest Huseynov's appeal.

In this screen grab, Mehman Huseynov reports from the villa of a senior Azerbaijani official.

Five plainclothes policemen dragged Huseynov  who runs a widely read Facebook page with a history of critical reporting on Azerbaijan's government and who runs the advocacy group the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety  into an unmarked vehicle the night of January 9, according to media reports, human rights groups, and his lawyer, Elchin Sadygov. The following day, the Nasimi District Court in Baku fined him 200 Azerbaijani manats (US $112) on charges of resisting police, CPJ reported at the time. Award-winning journalist Khadija Ismayilova told CPJ that the blogger's face was bruised and his shirt was covered in blood when he was released from the courthouse.

During his January 10 trial, Huseynov told the judge that police had beaten him, put a plastic bag over his head, and tasered him, Sadygov, his lawyer, told CPJ. The judge ordered prosecutors to investigate the allegations, but prosecutors in Baku on February 1 refused to accept his criminal complaint against the police, according to local and regional media reports. Prosecutors did, however, act on a January 12 criminal complaint from Musa Musayev, chief police officer for Baku's Nasimi district, charging Huseynov with defamation for saying he had been beaten in custody. In a January 13 press release, the Interior Ministry said Huseynov's allegations were "groundless" and "cast a negative light on the police."

Huseynov began serving his sentence for defamation today, and would appeal the verdict, his lawyer told CPJ.

"Defamation should never be a criminal matter, but jailing Mehman Huseynov for saying police brutally abused him is a particularly obscene and cruel travesty of justice," said CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova. "We call for Huseynov's immediate release and for an end to the grotesque prosecution of the blogger and press freedom advocate."

Huseynov has frequently reported on official corruption and police brutality on his Facebook page, which more than 300,000 people follow, and other social media platforms. Shortly before his January 9 detention, he published a series of video reports on Azerbaijani officials' opulent villas. On February 27, he published a video report critical of the appointment of Mehriban Aliyeva, President Ilham Aliyev's wife, to the newly created position of first vice president.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Mexican journalist shot dead in Guerrero state

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 3 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Mexican journalist shot dead in Guerrero state, 3 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f60589c.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.

New York, March 3, 2017  Mexican authorities must conduct a credible and rigorous investigation into the killing of Cecilio Pineda Brito, a journalist who contributed to several outlets and published crime stories on social media, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. The 38-year-old reporter was shot dead yesterday in the municipality of Ciudad Altamirano, in Guerrero state, according to press reports and a colleague of the journalist.

At the time of the attack, Pineda was in a hammock at a car wash waiting for his vehicle, according to press reports. At around 7 p.m. at least two gunmen on a motorcycle stopped at the car wash and shot repeatedly at Pineda, the Mexican daily El Universal reported.

Pineda died while receiving first aid, Agence France-Presse said. A colleague of Pineda, who is familiar with the case and who spoke with CPJ on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said that Pineda was shot at least 10 times, including once in his neck.

"Deadly violence against the press is severely restricting the Mexican media's ability to report the news," said Carlos Lauria, CPJ's senior program coordinator for the Americas. "Mexican authorities must investigate this crime exhaustively and prosecute anyone who had a role in the murder of Cecilio Pineda Brito."

Pineda contributed to outlets including El Universal and La Jornada de Guerrero, and had founded the weekly publication La Voz de la Tierra Caliente a few years ago. The publication went out of circulation last year, his colleague said. The journalist continued to cover crime, social issues, and corruption through posts on his Facebook page, Cecilio Pineda, Las Noticias al Instante (Cecilio Pineda: The Instant News). His reporting attracted weekly threats sent via social media, his colleague told CPJ. The colleague did not give details about the threats.

In September 2015, attackers attempted to target Pineda outside his house, according to AFP. The colleague said the attack appeared to be connected to his reporting and that Pineda survived because an assailant's gun failed to go off.

Patricia Corchero, head of the federal protection mechanism for journalists, told CPJ that Pineda was known to be at risk. She said that the agency offered to relocate him and his family, but Pineda said he wanted to stay. Pineda had two young daughters.

Roberto Alvarez, a spokesman for the Guerrero state security department, said on his Twitteraccount that the state attorney general's office is investigating the murder. The Federal Special Prosecutor for Crimes Against Freedom of Expression told CPJ today that it will investigate the case.

Mexico is among the most dangerous places in the Americas to be a journalist. At least 37 journalists and four media workers have been killed in the country for their work since CPJ began keeping records in 1992. Another 49 journalists have been killed for unclear motives, according to CPJ research. In Ciudad Altamirano, where Pineda lived and worked, heroin-producing poppy crops are grown, which has led to gang warfare, according to The Associated Press.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Chad journalists in hiding after threats

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 6 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Chad journalists in hiding after threats, 6 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6058ac.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.

Abuja, Nigeria, March 6, 2017  Chadian domestic intelligence officers should cease harassing and attempting to intimidate journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. At least two journalists have gone into hiding following harassment from National Security Agency (ANS) officers in recent weeks, and another was detained and forced to apologize for his work.

Chadian President Idriss Deby sits in the presidential palace in N'Djamena, December 29, 2017 (Reuters)

"Harassment from Chadian National Security Agency officers has created such fear among the press that journalists are going into hiding," said CPJ West Africa Representative Peter Nkanga. "Authorities should ensure that all journalists, including Eric Kokinague and Malachie Mbaigara, are free to report without fear of reprisal."

Eric Kokinague, the publisher of the newspaper Tribune Info, which publishes three times a month, went into hiding on February 25 after receiving a warning that armed and masked ANS officers were at his house looking for him, he told CPJ by phone from an undisclosed location.

Kokinague told CPJ that the agents searched the house and demanded from his wife his phone and laptop, which she did not have, and that they left having confiscated only copies of the newspaper's past editions. Kokinague said that he fears for his life and that he believes the ANS is seeking to punish him for an article in the February 22-28 edition of the newspaper, in which contributor Daniel Ngadjadoum wrote an article calling President Idriss Deby a liar for going back on his promises not to run for office again. Deby was reelected for a fifth term in 2016, following a constitution amendment that allowed him to run again.

ANS officers detained Ngadjadoum on February 26, as he left church, and released him on March 1, after a state prosecutor ordered him released without charge, according to media reports. Ngadjadoum told Agence France-Presse that he wrote an apology letter to the government under threat from General Ismat Acheik, the director-general of the ANS, who questioned him about his writing on Deby, the reports said.

Malachie Mbaigara, the publisher of the weekly Mutations newspaper, also went into hiding after ANS officers detained him from his office in the capital N'Djamena on February 21 and held him for several hours of questioning, according to media reports and Belngar Larme, the president of the Union of Chadian Journalists. The officers questioned him over the paper's pledge in a previous edition to publish the names of journalists on the payroll of the domestic intelligence agency, the reports said. Larme told CPJ that Mbaigara did not publish the names after his meeting with ANS officers.

General Ismat Acheik, the director general of the ANS, refused to speak with CPJ when reached by telephone. Madeleine Alingue, minister of communications, told CPJ that she was unable to comment.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Libyan authorities in Tobruk knock radio station off the air

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 6 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Libyan authorities in Tobruk knock radio station off the air, 6 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6058bc.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.

New York, March 6, 2017  Libyan authorities in Tobruk should immediately allow privately-owned Al-Wasat radio to resume broadcasting and should allow all news media to operate freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

A boy celebrates the sixth anniversary of the Libyan revolution in Benghazi on February 17, 2017. Libya is divided between two rival governments. (Reuters/Esam Omran Al-Fetori)

Security forces on February 27 seized the radio station's transmitter and sealed its office, Mahmud Shammam, chairman of Al-Wasat's board, wrote in a statement published to Facebook the same day.

Shammam told CPJ that news media aligned with the government in Tobruk had recently been consistently critical of the station's coverage. Libya is currently divided between two rival governments, one based in the western city of Tripoli and one in the eastern city of Tobruk.

Mohammad al-Najm, executive director of the Libyan Center for Freedom of the Press, an advocacy group, told CPJ that authorities in Tobruk gave "signal interference" as the official reason for the station's closure, a reason he described as "illogical and unlawful."

"If Libyan authorities in Tobruk see compelling technical, rather than editorial, problems with Al-Wasat Radio's broadcasts, they should make every effort to resolve these in cooperation with the radio station," CPJ Deputy Executive Director Rob Mahoney said. "Sending in security forces to raid and seal Al-Wasat radio's office gives the appearance of censorship."

Authorities in both regions of Libya have arrested journalists, according to CPJ research. Continued fighting in the country continues to pose severe risk of abduction, injury, or death to journalists covering the conflict.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Mexico: Ex-police commander jailed for 30 years for murder of Oaxaca journalist

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 6 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Mexico: Ex-police commander jailed for 30 years for murder of Oaxaca journalist, 6 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6058ca.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.

New York, March 6, 2017  A court in the Mexican state Oaxaca convicted Jorge Armando Santiago Martinez of murdering Marcos Hernandez Bautista, a reporter for the daily Noticias, Voz e Imagen de Oaxaca. The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomed the March 3 conviction and called on authorities to prosecute all involved in the crime.

Marcos Hernandez Bautista was shot dead in January 2016. A court has jailed a former police commander for his murder. (Noticias)

The court in Puerto Escondido sentenced Santiago Martinez, the former commander of the Santiago de Jamiltepec municipal police, at the same hearing to 30 years in prison for shooting Hernandez multiple times outside a bar owned by the journalist on January 21, 2016, according to a statement by Oaxaca's attorney general's office. Santiago Martinez was ordered to pay 178,000 Mexican pesos (US$9,100) in damages to the journalist's family, according to the statement.

"We applaud Mexican authorities for this conviction in the murder of journalist Marco Hernandez Bautista," said Carlos Lauria, CPJ's senior program coordinator for the Americas. "While this is an encouraging first step toward addressing anti-press violence, justice will remain incomplete until the mastermind has been apprehended. We urge Mexican authorities to identify and prosecute the intellectual author of the crime and break the cycle of deadly violence against the media."

Authorities arrested Santiago Martinez on February 25, 2016 and charged him with murder on July 15, 2016, according to local news reports. The statement by Oaxaca's attorney general's office did not include any information about the motive for the crime. The office did not immediately respond to a phone call from CPJ.

Hernandez, who was also a freelance correspondent at La Ke Buena radio in the municipality of Pinotepa Nacional, reported on social issues and had written about protests over a planned hydro-electric dam, according to press reports. His editor at Noticias, Voz e Imagen de Oaxaca, Maria de los Angeles Velasco, told CPJ that he also denounced officials for land theft and corruption.

Velasco said that Hernandez was murdered a few days after a fake story was published on Facebook. The fake report about an alleged land grab was styled to look like a Noticias story. Hernandez, who had no involvement in the story, began receiving threatening phone calls, said Velasco and colleagues of the journalist, who spoke with CPJ on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Hernandez was also a municipal official responsible for culture in Santiago Jamiltepec and was active with the left-wing opposition political party Morena, according to Ismael Sanmartin Hernandez, the editorial director of Noticias, Voz e Imagen de Oaxaca.

CPJ has documented at least 37 journalists killed for their work in Mexico since 1992, including 34 murdered in direct retaliation for their reporting. Before the March 3 conviction, in 88 percent of the murder cases, there is complete impunity. In another 9 percent of cases, at least one individual is convicted but not everyone involved in the crime has been brought to justice. CPJ is investigating the cases of at least 49 other journalists to determine if they were killed for their work.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Zimbabwean journalists charged with insulting Mugabe

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 6 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Zimbabwean journalists charged with insulting Mugabe, 6 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6058dc.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.

New York, March 6, 2017  Zimbabwean authorities should immediately drop all charges against News Day editor Wisdom Mdzungairi and reporter Richard Chidza, and should cease threatening journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe speaks to supporters gathered to celebrate his 93rd birthday near Bulawayo, February 25, 2017. (Reuters/Philimon Bulawayo)

Police initially asked Mdzungairi and Chidza to identify the sources of a March 2 article headlined, "Mugabe in fresh health scare," Mdzungairi told CPJ. When they refused, police arrested and charged the two with undermining or insulting the country's president, their lawyer, Obey Shava, told CPJ. If convicted, the two face a maximum sentence of one year in prison. After hours of questioning and paperwork, police released the journalists into Shava's custody on March 2 pending trial, the lawyer told CPJ.

"For too long governments have used laws on sedition, libel, and insult to try to limit legitimate reporting," CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal said. "Zimbabwean authorities should immediately drop the charges against Wisdom Mdzungairi and Richard Chidza and should stop hiding behind bad laws designed to muzzle the press."

Zimbabwe's constitution expressly protects journalists from being forced to expose their sources.

Chizda told CPJ that police called the two again today to ask them to reveal their sources, and that they again refused.

"The arrest itself is part of government scare tactics," Mdzungairi told CPJ, adding that he believed the government was trying to limit criticism ahead of presidential elections scheduled to take place next year.

"They wanted to know why we had written that story," Chizda told CPJ. "Zimbabwe is going through a transition and I think I have a role to play...The president is a public figure, and I think the country has a right to know what is afflicting the president."

Zimbabwean government spokesperson George Charamba did not respond to CPJ's repeated phone calls and text messages requesting comment.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Russian security services detain journalists in border city, order them to leave

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 7 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Russian security services detain journalists in border city, order them to leave, 7 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6058ee.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.

New York, March 7, 2016  Russian security services should stop harassing and obstructing journalists and should allow them to work unimpeded, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Security services have detained at least three journalists who had traveled to report from the northwestern city of Svetogorsk, on Russia's border with Finland, in the past two days.

Protesters in St. Petersburg hold a banner reading "Love is stronger than war," May 1, 2014. The mayor of the nearby border city of Svetogorsk's assertion that there were no homosexuals in his town drew reporters seeking follow-up stories. (Reuters/Alexander Demianchuck)

Russian Security Service (FSB) officers today detained Igor Zalyubovin, a reporter with the Moscow-based independent news magazine Snob, and Vladimir Yarotsky, a Snob photographer, at the building where the journalists had rented an apartment for the duration of their assignment reporting on daily life in the city, Snob said in a statement. The article was planned as a response to Svetogorsk Mayor Sergey Davydov's March 1 claim that there were no homosexuals in the city, and that it was a "city without sin," according to press reports.

The FSB officers took Zalyubovin and Yarotsky to a nearby detention center, where they were charged with crossing into a border zone without permission and were ordered to leave Svetogorsk, according to their employer.

It was the second time in as many days that journalists were detained and prevented from reporting from the city. Yevgeniya Zobnina, a correspondent for the Moscow-based independent television channel Dozhd TV, traveled with rights activists to the city yesterday, also to follow up on Davydov's claims, according to press reports. Zobnina planned to report on a meeting the activists sought with the mayor, Dozhd TV reported.

Instead, FSB agents took Zobnina and the four activists to a local police station for questioning. The officers asked the journalist why she was doing the report, and for whom, before issuing the group a warning for crossing into a border zone without permission and releasing them, Dozhd TV reported.

"Russia's security services must let go of their toxic habit of obstructing journalists who report on issues they would prefer to sweep under the rug," CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. "We call on authorities in Svetogorsk to allow journalists to work in the city without fear of reprisal."

Svetogorsk is a town of 15,000 people, located roughly 200 kilometers from St. Petersburg and one kilometer away from the border with Finland. To visit requires either a Shengen visa to enter via Finland, an invitation from a local resident, or a special permit from the FSB, according to 2014 legislation. Snob's editor-in-chief, Yegor Mostovshikov, told the news website Meduza today that his outlet did not apply for a permit from the FSB "because it takes up to 30 days to get it."

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalist severely beaten, hospitalized in Albania

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 9 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalist severely beaten, hospitalized in Albania, 9 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6058f13.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.

New York, March 9, 2017  Albanian authorities should thoroughly investigate yesterday's attack on investigative journalist Elvi Fundo and swiftly bring those responsible to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Two unidentified assailants beat Fundo, who runs the news website Citynews.al and Radio Best, with crowbars near a train station in the capital, Tirana.

Fundo was hospitalized with severe injuries, Citynews.al and the website Lapsi.al reported. Albanian Interior Minister Saimir Tahiri visited the journalist in the hospital following the attack, and said the police had launched an investigation, according to media reports.

"We are appalled by yesterday's assault on Elvi Fundo," CPJ Deputy Executive Director Robert Mahoney said. "We call on authorities to consider Fundo's journalism as a possible motive in the attack, and to bring his attackers to justice to send a clear message that journalists cannot be attacked with impunity."

Following the incident, the journalist wrote on his Facebook page that the assault was "not a political act, but a crime [carried out] by corrupt media clans with ties to the drug mafia," but did not elaborate. The Albanian Union of Journalists said the attack was likely a reaction to Fundo's recent stories "about corruption and corrupt affairs." Citynews.al did not immediately respond to CPJ's request for further information.

The Audiovisual Media Authority, a broadcast regulatory body, called the attack a "grave act and a direct threat to media freedom and freedom of expression."

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama likewise condemned the attack, calling for "those [responsible] for this crime [to] be exposed immediately."

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Newspaper columnist murdered in the Philippines

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 13 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Newspaper columnist murdered in the Philippines, 13 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6059011.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.

Bangkok, March 13, 2017  Philippine police and prosecutors should credibly investigate today's murder of newspaper columnist Joaquin Briones and should swiftly bring all those responsible to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Assailants on motorcycles shot Briones, a columnist who wrote about local news for the tabloid newspaper Remate, four times in the back at around 8:45 a.m. in Milagros, a town in the island province of Masbate, according to news reports. He died on the spot, the Philippine News Agency reported. Police Chief Inspector Malu Calubaquib said the killers fled the scene of the crime, near the town's Bombon Bridge in the Bacolod district, the reports said.

Briones previously hosted a hard-hitting radio program, "Dos por Dos," which also discussed issues of local concern, and published the now-defunct Masbate Tribune newspaper, according to media reports. The Presidential Task Force on Media Security, established last year by President Rodrigo Duterte to protect journalists and to bring those who kill them to justice, said it had launched an investigation into Briones' murder, according to reports. Police Inspector Anselmo Prima from Milagros said police suspected either local politics or personal grudges as possible motives for the crime, reports said.

"We strongly condemn the brazen murder of Joaquin Briones and call on authorities to identify and bring all those responsible to swift justice," said Shawn Crispin, CPJ's senior Southeast Asia representative. "President Rodrigo Duterte must send a clear signal that his administration will not condone the murder of journalists."

Briones was at least the second journalist to be killed in the Philippines since Duterte assumed elected office in June 2016, according to CPJ research. In December 2016, assailants riding motorcycles fatally shot newspaper publisher Larry Que in Virac, Catanduanes Province, CPJ reported at the time. CPJ is investigating both murders to determine whether they were related to the journalists' work.

The Philippines ranked fourth on CPJ's 2016 Impunity Index, which tracks where journalists are killed and the killers go free. More journalists have been killed in direct relation to their work in the Philippines than anywhere apart from Iraq and Syria since CPJ began keeping detailed records in 1992.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Syrian journalist killed by airstrike in Daraa

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 13 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Syrian journalist killed by airstrike in Daraa, 13 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f60591c.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.

Washington, D.C, March 13, 2017  Yesterday's death of freelance journalist Mohamed Abazied in an airstrike on the southwestern Syrian city of Daraa highlights the dangers that journalists and all civilians face in Syria's long-running conflict, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Abazied was killed while reporting on Russian and Syrian military airstrikes on the city yesterday, according to his employers and other news reports.

Smoke rises over the southwestern Syrian city of Daraa, March 10, 2017. (Reuters/Alaa Faqir)

Abazied, also known professionally as George Samara, contributed to the pro-opposition satellite station Nabd Syria and the Syria Media Organization (SMO), which also is sympathetic to the Syrian opposition. Both reported that he was covering the airstrikes at the time of his death, and the journalist posted live video of the attacks on his Facebook page just before his death.

"Mohamed Abazied's death reminds the world of the risks Syrian journalists continue to take to report on the conflict there," CPJ Middle East and North Africa Coordinator Sherif Mansour said. "We urge all sides to make every effort to guarantee the safety of all civilians, including journalists."

In the video he posted to Facebook just before his death, Abazied appears in an abandoned building and describes what he says are the sounds of Russian and Syrian planes bombing civilians in the area. Another person briefly appears in the video to warn him of an approaching fighter plane ready to attack.

"Let them go ahead," he responds. "Death is better than humiliation."

The London-based regional news website Al-Arabi al-Jadid reported that a rocket hit the area where Abazied was broadcasting as he was preparing to leave, killing him immediately.

Abazied, 40, lived in Daraa for six years prior to his death. His own home was destroyed in an airstrike last year, according to local news reports. In his reports for SMO and Nabd Syria, he covered the civilian casualties, the destruction of residential buildings and infrastructure, and the plight of those forced to flee the conflict in Daraa.

On March 10, Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoy, chief of the Russian General Staff Main Operational Directorate, told reporters in a press briefing that Russian aircraft had carried out 452 airstrikes to support the Syrian government's push to retake eastern Aleppo province the previous week alone.

Syria was the deadliest country in the world for journalists last year. At least 107 journalists have been killed while working there since the uprising began in 2011, according to CPJ research.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Iranian journalists arrested ahead of elections

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 15 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Iranian journalists arrested ahead of elections, 15 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f60592c.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.

New York, March 15, 2017  Iranian authorities should immediately release Ehsan Mazandarani, Hengameh Shahidi, and all journalists jailed for their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. The arrests come ahead of presidential elections scheduled for May.

A guard stands in a hallway in the women's section of Tehran's Evin Prison, June 13, 2006. Journalist and activist Hengameh Shahidi was transferred to the prison last week. (Reuters/Morteza Nikoubazi)

Security forces detained Mazandarani, a reporter for the reformist daily newspaper Etemad and the former editor of the daily newspaper Farhikhtegan, from his home in Tehran on March 12, according to media reports. The reasons for Mazandarani's latest detention were not immediately clear, the reports said. The reformist website Kalame reported that Mazandarani phoned his family from Tehran's Evin Prison to say he was beginning a hunger strike.

The journalist was released from prison on February 11, having served 15 months of a two-year prison sentence on charges of "propagandizing against the state" and "collusion against national security."

Security forces in the northern Iranian city of Mashhad on March 9 detained Hengameh Shahidi, who also contributes to Etemad and the news website Gooya, according to media reports, which said she had traveled to Mashhad to attend her grandmother's funeral.

Mostafa Turk Hamedani, Shahidi's attorney, told the official ILNA news agency that he had requested permission to visit his client, but needed court approval first, because she is being charged with unspecified "national security crimes."

In addition to her work as a journalist, Shahidi is a member of the National Trust Party. In 2009, she was an adviser to opposition presidential candidate Mehdi Karroubi, who has been under house arrest since 2011.

"Ehsan Mazandarani and Hengameh Shahidi are journalists, not criminals. They should be freed without delay," CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour said from Washington, D.C. "If Iran wishes the coming presidential elections to be seen as free and fair, it must release its hold on the media and allow journalists to work without fear of reprisal."

In a separate incident, officers assaulted imprisoned journalist Issa Saharkhiz on his hospital bed in Tehran Heart Center on March 11, Mehdi Saharikhiz, the journalist's son, told CPJ. Mehdi Saharikhiz told CPJ that two officers overturned his father's bed as they searched underneath it.

"After my father protested, the officers physically assaulted him," Saharkhiz said.

Issa Saharkhiz was arrested in November 2015, three months before parliamentary elections. In September 2016, he was sentenced to 21 months in prison for "insulting the Supreme Leader."

Iran is scheduled to hold presidential elections in May. Iranian authorities have cracked down on independent or critical journalists ahead of past elections, CPJ research shows.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Russia: Journalist arrested in Moscow on Belarusian extradition request

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 15 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Russia: Journalist arrested in Moscow on Belarusian extradition request, 15 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f60593c.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.

New York, March 15, 2017  Russian authorities should immediately release Yuriy Baranchik, chief analytical editor of the pro-Kremlin Russian news agency Regnum, and allow him to work unobstructed, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Security forces arrested Baranchik, a Belarusian citizen, in his Moscow apartment today at the request of the Belarus authorities, according to Russian and Belarusian news reports. If extradited and convicted, the journalist faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison on charges of "inciting ethnic hatred," the reports said. Regnum reported that Baranchik had asked Russia to grant him political asylum following his arrest.

In a statement published on its website today, Belarus' Investigative Committee, a law-enforcement agency, confirmed Baranchik's arrest in Moscow and accused him of having commissioned and paid for articles by Regnum contributors Sergey Shiptenko, Yuriy Pavlovets, and Dmitry Alimkin, whom Belarusian security forces arrested in December 2016 on similar charges. The journalists, whom the Investigative Committee called a "criminal gang," were also critical of Lukashenko's policies. They are jailed in Belarus pending the conclusion of the investigation, according to media reports.

Belarusian state media today claimed that Baranchik, Shiptenko, Pavlovets, and Alimkin "denied in an insulting manner that Belarus is a sovereign state, that Belarusian is a national language," and that they had "tried to create aggression toward the Russian diaspora."

"Yuriy Baranchik's only 'crime' is to have reported critically on the administration of one of the most authoritarian countries in Europe," CPJ Deputy Executive Director Robert Mahoney said. "Russian authorities should release him immediately and refuse to send him back to Belarus where he would face unjust imprisonment."

Baranchik's work for Regnum often criticized Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and argued for a greater Russian influence in Belarus.

Modest Kolerov, Regnum's editor-in-chief, called the accusations against Baranchik "unscrupulous and far-fetched" and the case "politically motivated" in an article published by Regnum's website today. Following the December arrest of the three Regnum contributors, Kolerov called the journalists "political prisoners."

Lukashenko's wide-ranging anti-press tactics have included broad legal restrictions on the press; politicized prosecution of journalists; imprisonments; travel bans against critical reporters; debilitating raids on independent newsrooms; and the wholesale confiscation of newspapers and seizure of reporting equipment.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
India: Police prevent journalists from attending press conference in Kashmir

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 17 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, India: Police prevent journalists from attending press conference in Kashmir, 17 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f60594a.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.

Washington D.C., March 17, 2017  Police in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir should allow journalists to work without harassment, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today, and should take disciplinary action against officers filmed attacking journalists yesterday.

In this still image created from a video, a police officer grabs AFP photographer Tauseef Mustafa by the throat on March 16, 2017, in Srinagar, India.

Tauseef Mustafa, a photographer for Agence France-Presse, Shuaib Masoodi, a photographer for the Indian Express, and Umar Sheikh, a videographer for the English-language news channel Times Now, were trying to cover a meeting of separatist leaders in Srinagar, the largest city in the state, when police assaulted them, according to media reports. One officer grabbed Mustafa, the AFP photographer, by the throat, video and photographs of the attack show. According to a report in the English-language daily newspaper Greater Kashmir, the officer also threatened to kill the photographer.

"Police in Jammu and Kashmir should protect journalists doing their jobs, not grab them by the throat," CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Steven Butler said. "The officers responsible for this attack should be disciplined to send a clear message that the police respect the freedom of the press."

The local director general of the police, GH Bhatt, told CPJ that police launched an investigation into the incident based on media reports, and that anyone found guilty would be disciplined. He said that police asked the journalists to lodge a formal complaint, but that they have not yet done so.

Local professional and political organizations condemned the attack on the press, according to statements published in news reports.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Libyan TV channel attacked, burned

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 17 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Libyan TV channel attacked, burned, 17 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6059511.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.

New York, March 17, 2017  Armed men attacked the Tripoli office of the Libyan TV channel Al-Nabaa and set the building on fire, according to journalists for the station, news reports, and the Libyan Center for Freedom of the Press, an advocacy group. The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on authorities in Tripoli to investigate the assault, bring the perpetrators to justice, and to safeguard the station's employees.

Flames from a battle between rival armed groups are seen from a distance in Tripoli, Libya, August 24, 2014. (Reuters/Ismail Zetouni)

The attackers fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the office at around 1 a.m. on March 15, then stormed the building and set it on fire, Adnan Darwish, a journalist with the station, told CPJ. He said the attackers also stole administrative records pertaining to station employees.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, and the motives behind it were not clear. The station briefly went off air after the incident, according media reports and an emailed statement from Al-Nabaa, which said that no one was injured.

Libya is currently divided between two rival governments, one in the western city of Tripoli and one in the eastern city of Tobruk. Al-Nabaa's coverage is generally sympathetic to the Tripoli faction.

Hours after the attack, the Libyan TV channel Al-Raseefa, which is generally sympathetic to the Tobruk faction, published on its Facebook page the names and salaries of Al-Nabaa employees, calling the station "terrorist media." An Al-Nabaa journalist, who asked not to be identified for fear of his safety, said that the TV station's employees have been repeatedly threatened since the attack, and that some were not sleeping at home.

"The assault on Libya's Al-Nabaa television channel was an assault on press freedom," CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour said. "We call on authorities in Tripoli to bring those responsible to justice and to protect the station's employees from future violence. We further call on Libyan media to cease putting other journalists in danger by posting their personal information online."

On March 9 Al-Nabaa broadcast a leaked audio recording of a conversation between Mahmoud al-Misrati, the owner of the daily newspaper Libya al-Jadeeda, and an unidentified aide to Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, the head of the armed forces government in Tobruk. In the recording, the two discuss a campaign to portray groups that recently seized control of eastern Libyan oil facilities as terrorists. In a call with an Al-Nabaa reporter also broadcast on March 9, Al-Misrati confirmed the authenticity of the audio recording and accused Al-Nabaa of being run by terrorists.

Armed groups attacked Al-Nabaa last year because of its support of the Tripoli-based government, CPJ reported at the time.

Last week, authorities in Tobruk shuttered a radio station there after the station aired critical coverage of the Tobruk government. At least 11 journalists have been killed in Libya since conflict erupted there in 2011.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Mexican journalist Ricardo Monlui Cabrera murdered in Veracruz

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 20 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Mexican journalist Ricardo Monlui Cabrera murdered in Veracruz, 20 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6059611.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.

Mexico City, March 20, 2017  Mexican authorities should undertake a credible and thorough investigation into the murder of journalist Ricardo Monlui Cabrera, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Monlui was shot to death yesterday morning in the municipality of Yanga, in the eastern state of Veracruz, as he left a restaurant where he had eaten with his wife and son. He was 57.

A relative of one of the men found buried in an unmarked grave in the Mexican state of Veracruz prays at a meeting in Palmas de Abajo, March 16, 2017. The state has for years been the site of violence between organized crime syndicates. (Reuters/Carlos Jasso)

Monlui, a resident of the city of Cordoba, was the editorial director of the Cordoba-based El Politico newspaper and author of "Crisol," a column that regularly appeared in the newspapers El Sol de Cordoba and Diario de Xalapa. He was also the president of Cordoba's local journalists' association and a spokesperson for the National Union of Sugar Cane Producers. He had been a journalist for more than 30 years.

According to news reports, Monlui left a restaurant in Yanga with his wife and son at approximately 10 a.m. yesterday, when unknown assailants riding a motorcycle fired at him three times, killing him on the spot. Jorge Morales, executive director of the Veracruz State Commission for the Care and Protection of Journalists (CEAPP), told CPJ that the victim was instantly killed by a bullet wound to the head. He also said that Monlui's wife and son were unharmed, and that they were returned to their home in Cordoba under police protection.

Veracruz is a hotspot for violence against journalists. Under former governor Javier Duarte, who is currently a fugitive facing charges related to alleged connections to organized crime, at least six journalists from Veracruz were murdered between 2010 and 2016 in direct retaliation for their work, while another 10 were murdered in circumstances where the motive has not yet been established, according to CPJ research. Another three are missing. Miguel Angel Yunes Linares became governor in December 2016.

"Investigators should consider Ricardo Monlui Cabrera's journalism as a possible motive for his murder and bring all those responsible for this heinous crime to justice," Carlos Lauria, senior program coordinator for the Americas said from New York. "Veracruz became the deadliest place in the Western Hemisphere for journalists under former governor Javier Duarte. The government of Miguel Angel Yunes Linares should oversee a credible investigation in cooperation with federal authorities to prove that he is committed to a different legacy."

The office of the Veracruz state attorney general released a short statement on Facebook yesterday afternoon, in which it confirmed that police were investigating the murder and that no motive, including Monlui's work as a journalist, had been discarded.

CPJ was unable to reach Veracruz state attorney general Jorge Winckler for further information. Jaime Cisneros, the state special prosecutor in charge of handling crimes against journalists, told CPJ in a telephone conversation that he was unable to give further details, citing the ongoing investigation. He did, however, confirm that Monlui's wife and son have been provided with police protection at their home.

In his most recent columns and other articles, Monlui mostly wrote about regional politics and the sugar cane industry, one of the largest economic engines of the region surrounding Cordoba. Violence related to the sugar cane industry is common in the Cordoba region. According to Vicente Osorio, a journalist for El Sol de Cordoba and a friend of the victim, the vast economic interests in the industry sometimes lead to violent clashes between farmers and trade unions. On February 24, the leader of a local sugar cane farmers group was killed in a riot in Cordoba, according to news reports.

Monliu's work as a spokesman for the National Union of Sugar Cane Producers and his journalism deeply embedded him in the industry, journalists in the region told CPJ.

Osorio told CPJ that he was did not know of any threats against Monliu before the journalist's death. He also said that he was unaware of any conflicts in the sector that might have sparked animosity against the journalist. Morales, of CEAPP, told CPJ that Monliu had not been enrolled in any state or federal protection program for journalists.

Violence against journalists in Veracruz takes place against a backdrop of battles between powerful organized crime groups in the state over lucrative drug and human trafficking routes.

More than 1,300 people were killed in the state in 2016, according to news reports  the vast majority of them in execution-style murders. The area surrounding Cordoba is one the state's most violent, according to journalists CPJ spoke to yesterday in the wake of Monliu's murder. Morales told CPJ that the security situation in the region is "extremely complicated."

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Former AFP photographer arrested in Bahrain airport

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 22 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Former AFP photographer arrested in Bahrain airport, 22 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6059711.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.

New York, March 22, 2017  Bahraini authorities should immediately release Mohammed al-Shaikh, a photographer who worked for Agence France-Presse, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Al-Shaikh was arrested at Bahrain International Airport in the capital, Manama, yesterday and was transferred to the country's Criminal Investigation Unit, according to Bahraini journalist Nazeeha Saeed and a statement AFP emailed to CPJ.

Mohammed al-Shaikh, a former AFP photographer pictured while covering protests in Manama in 2013, is detained in Bahrain. (AFP/STR)

Al-Shaikh, an award-winning Bahraini photographer who was arrested on his return from a vacation in India, has not been allowed access to a lawyer or told the reason for his arrest, according to Saeed, who says she spoke with al-Shaikh.

The photojournalist worked for AFP until last August, when authorities refused to renew his press license, AFP said in its email.

"Bahrain's draconian journalist licensing law has already cost Mohammed al-Shaikh his job. Now he's been robbed of his freedom," said CPJ Deputy Executive Director Robert Mahoney. "It is outrageous that he should be detained on his return from vacation and denied access to a lawyer. The authorities should free him immediately."

When CPJ contacted the Embassy of Bahrain in Washington, D.C. via telephone for comment about al-Shaikh's arrest it was told to contact the Bahraini ambassador. The ambassador's office did not immediately respond to CPJ's request for comment via email.

Al-Shaikh covered Bahrain for AFP for four years and won the 2014 Bayeux-Calvados prize for his coverage of protests that began in the country in 2011. He left the agency last year when authorities did not renew his license. Bahrain's press and publications law requires all journalists working with international media to obtain a license from the Information Affairs Authority. The license has to be renewed annually.

The Ministry of Information has refused to renew licenses for at least four journalists, including al-Shaikh and Saeed, according to a January statement by the nonprofit Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy. The journalists worked for Reuters, AFP, and The Associated Press, the institute reported.

Seven journalists were imprisoned in Bahrain at the time of CPJ's most recent prison census. The government crackdown on the press began in the wake of the 2011 protests. In January, CPJ documented how authorities shuttered the independent Bahraini outlet Al-Wasat for "inciting division, jeopardizing national unity, and disrupting public peace." CPJ issued a joint statement last year calling attention to the kingdom's continued repression of journalists.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Dozens of journalists obstructed from covering Belarus protests

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 23 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Dozens of journalists obstructed from covering Belarus protests, 23 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f60598f.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.

New York, March 23, 2017  Belarusian authorities should immediately drop all charges against journalists prosecuted for covering a wave of nationwide protests and should cease interfering with journalists doing their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Security forces have detained or otherwise obstructed at least 32 journalists in an effort to censor coverage of protests against the introduction of a new tax on the unemployed.

Belarusians protest in the eastern city of Bobruisk, March 12, 2017. (Reuters/Vasily Fedosenko)

Security forces in the southwestern Belarusian city of Pinsk yesterday detained Viktor Yaroshuk, a freelance journalist working with the independent satellite television station Belsat, as he walked down the street, according to media reports and the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ). Hours later, a court ordered him to pay 920 Belarusian rubles (US $486) in fines for "violating regulations on manufacturing and distributing [illicit] mass media materials," BAJ reported. Belsat reported that authorities did not tell Yaroshuk what mass media materials he had distributed.

Also yesterday, security forces briefly detained freelance Belsat correspondents Andrey Tolchin and Konstantin Zhukovsky as they filmed a factory in the southeastern city of Dobrush. They were released after a document check, local media reported. Police also detained Zhukovsky for more than four hours on March 18 as the journalist travelled to the southeastern city of Mozyr, where he planned to cover anti-government protests.

Police yesterday detained Belsat TV freelancers Lyubov Luneva and Olga Davydova for about an hour yesterday as they interviewed wives of jailed activists outside a prison in the capital Minsk. The women were also detained. Police searched the phones of the journalists and released them without charge, Belsat reported.

Belarusians have demonstrated since early February to protest the imposition of a tax of the equivalent of US $250 on Belarusians who have been unemployed for more than six months and who have not sought work at government job centers, under the slogan, "We are not parasites," a reference to President Aleksandr Lukashenko's 2015 introduction of the tax to fight "social parasitism."

In February 2017, nearly 500,000 Belarusians were informed that they must pay the tax because they had worked fewer than 183 days in 2016. More than 150 protesters have been arrested since March 1, and dozens have been fined or sentenced to up to 15 days in jail for participating in the protests, according to media reports.

"Journalists have a right to cover the protests sweeping Belarus," CPJ Deputy Director Robert Mahoney said. "We call on Belarusian authorities to drop all charges against journalists detained covering the demonstrations and to cease harassing, detaining, and charging journalists for covering events of international interest and importance."

At least eight other journalists were obstructed from covering the protests on March 18, according to media reports.

In the southwestern city of Kobryn, Belsat correspondents Ales Levchuk and Milana Kharitonova were detained for three hours after they covered the protests, local media reported. They were accused of "violating regulations on manufacturing and distributing [illicit] mass media materials" and released pending trial. Kharitonova told the Belarusian service of the U.S.-government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, locally known as Svaboda, that police broke their mobile phones and confiscated their camera and microphones pending the conclusion of their trial, the date for which has not been set, Svaboda reported.

Also on March 18, in Borisov, not far from the capital Minsk, security forces accosted Belsat correspondents Olga Chaychits and Sergey Kovalyov during a live broadcast and detained them for hours for a "document check," news media reported. They were released without charge.

The same day in the southeastern city of Gomel, police detained freelance journalist Larisa Schirakova for several hours as she tried to drive to a protest in Mozyr, according to media reports. Police said they believed she was driving a stolen car.

Also on March 18, police in the northeastern region of Vitebsk detained Belsat journalists Sergey Rusetsky, Vladimir Lunev, and Elena Stepanova as they traveled to cover a protest in Novopolotsk. Police searched them, their vehicle, and checked their papers, then released them. Rusetsky and Lunev had also been obstructed from covering a March 12 protest in Vitebsk, according to media reports.

On March 17, authorities charged Svetlana Tishko, editor of the news website Kraj, with violating regulations on mass protests by "publishing information about an upcoming protest not sanctioned by the authorities," according to media reports.

The day prior, a Minsk court acquitted Diana Seredyuk, a correspondent for the online news agency Eurobelarus, on charges of "participating in unsanctioned protests" after she showed the judge video of her interviewing protesters rather than chanting slogans, as prosecutors alleged she had done, according to local media reports.

On March 12 alone, security forces obstructed at least 19 journalists from covering protests in various cities.

That day, police detained Svaboda correspondent Halina Abakunchyk in the middle of her live broadcast of a protest in the eastern city of Orsha, and held her overnight. Abakunchyk's phone was confiscated, and she was questioned for six hours. The following day, a local court found her guilty of "participating in an unsanctioned rally" and ordered her to pay the equivalent of a US $300 fine, her employer reported.

Also on March 12, police detained Belsat journalists Aleksandr Borozenko and Katerina Bakhvalava as they broadcast live from a protest in the northeastern city of Orsha. Bakhvalava spent the night in jail, was tried and convicted the following day on charges of "manufacturing and distributing [illicit] mass media materials," and fined the equivalent of US $690, according to media reports. Borozenko was ordered to pay a fine of the equivalent of US $529 for parking illegally, according to BAJ.

The same day, police detained Adarya Gushtyn, a correspondent for the news agency BelaPan; Sergey Gudilin, a photographer for the independent weekly newspaper Nasha niva; Sergey Serebro, the editor of the independent regional website People's News of Vitebsk; Tatyana Matveyeva, a correspondent for the news website Tut.by; and Igor Matveyev, a photographer for Tut.by, for a "document check" at the railway station in Orsha. They were released only after the protests ended, BelaPan and Tut.by reported.

Also on March 12, in Gomel, freelance journalist Anatoliy Gotovchits was briefly detained on the charge of "participating in unsanctioned protests" after covering the March 12 rally in the southeastern city of Rahachow.

Freelance journalist Larisa Schirakova, who also covered the March 12 protests in Rahachow, stood trial on March 14 for "participating in unsanctioned protests" and was ordered to pay a fine the equivalent of US $85. She told Svaboda that authorities demanded that she stop practicing journalism and threatened to strip her of custody of her son "because [she had] several administrative penalties."

Belsat's Chaychits and Kovalyov, along with their colleagues Evgeny Merkis and Sergey Kozel, were also detained on March 12 while they traveled to cover protests in Rahachow, according to media reports. All were released two hours later, after the protests had ended. Merkes is awaiting trial on charges of "manufacturing and distributing [illicit] mass media products."

BelPan photographer Andrey Shavlyuga and blogger Anastasiya Pilyugina were also detained before reaching the protest site in Rahachow that day, according to media reports.

Dmitry Gorbunov and Sergey Petrukhin, video bloggers who were planning to livestream March 12 rallies in Brest, near Belarus' border with Poland, on their YouTube account, were detained and sentenced to 15 days in jail for "participation in unsanctioned protests," according to local reports.

BAJ reported that police prevented Igor Kazmerchak, editor of the regional news website orsha.eu, from leaving his house to cover the protests in Orsha on March 12. According to media reports, police searched the house of Artyom Sizintsev, a journalist for Belarusian Radio Racyja the same day.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Mexican journalist shot dead in Chihuahua

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 23 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Mexican journalist shot dead in Chihuahua, 23 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f60599c.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.

New York, March 23, 2017  Miroslava Breach Velducea, a correspondent for the national newspaper La Jornada from the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, was murdered this morning in the eponymous state capital.

Luz Maria Davila, whose son was killed in gang violence in Chihuahua state, holds a ticket to attend a mass led by Pope Francis in the state, February 11, 2016. (Reuters/Jose Luis Gonzalez)

Breach, 54, was shot eight times by a gunman as she was leaving home in her car, accompanied by one of her three children, shortly after 7 a.m., according to press reports. The child was not injured, but Breach died while being transported to the hospital. Breach covered, among other subjects, politics and crime. Breach was the third journalist to be killed in Mexico this month. CPJ has determined that Cecilio Pineda Birto was murdered for his journalism, and is investigating the motive for the killing of Ricardo Monlui Cabrera.

"We are shocked by the brutal killing of Miroslava Breach," said Carlos Lauria, CPJ's senior program coordinator for the Americas. "This wave of violence threatens citizens' right to access vital information, and harms Mexico's democracy by limiting public debate. We urge the Mexican federal government to put an end to this violence by bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice."

Nahum Pedro Zarate, deputy general director of the federal Special Prosecutor for Attention to Crimes against Freedom of Expression (FEADLE) told CPJ that a federal investigation has been opened.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Two bloggers detained for 'propagandizing against the state' in Vietnam

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 23 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Two bloggers detained for 'propagandizing against the state' in Vietnam, 23 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6059ac.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.

Bangkok, March 23, 2017  The Committee to Protect Journalists called today on Vietnam to immediately and unconditionally release bloggers Phan Kim Khanh and Bui Hieu Vo.

An Internet user looks at a Facebook page in an internet cafe in Hanoi, November 27, 2013. (Reuters/Kham)

The government announced on its official Facebook page yesterday that both had been detained on charges of "propagandizing against the state," which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison under Article 88 of the penal code, according to news reports.

Khanh was arrested on March 21 in the Cam Khe district of the northern Phu Tho province, where he lives, according to news reports. The government statement said that Khanh had posted "fabricated and distorted" information against Vietnam on two blogs, three Facebook pages, and two YouTube channels, reports said.

Khanh established and managed two pro-democracy news websites, Vietnam Weekly and Anticorruption Newspaper, according to reports. Vietnam Right Now, an independent news website, reported that Khanh had recently posted allegations of official corruption on one of his blogs.

Vo, known as "Hieu Bui" on his Facebook page, was arrested on March 17 in the Go Vap district of Ho Chi Minh City, the commercial capital, reports said. The government claimed Vo had "fabricated [and] distorted...information" against the government, including incitement to violence against leaders of the ruling Communist Party, the state, and police. Many dissident Vietnamese bloggers use Facebook as a platform in an effort to circumvent censorship.

The government statement also claimed both bloggers were affiliated with the pro-democracy Viet Tan, an outlawed political party the government considers a terrorist group.

"We call on Vietnam to release bloggers Phan Kim Khanh and Bui Hieu Vo and to drop any charges against them," said Shawn Crispin, CPJ's senior Southeast Asia representative. "If Vietnam wants to be considered a responsible member of the international community, it should stop treating journalists as criminals and punishing criticism as a crime against the state."

The bloggers' arrest comes amid rising government pressure on social media platforms to censor content deemed as critical of the government.

Authorities have over the past month called on Vietnamese companies and international companies with operations in Vietnam to stop advertising on Facebook, YouTube, and other social media sites until they remove "toxic" information and criticism of the government published mainly by diaspora Vietnamese dissidents, according to news reports.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Nigerian blogger, publisher jailed on defamation charges

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 24 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Nigerian blogger, publisher jailed on defamation charges, 24 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6059ba.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.

Abuja, Nigeria, March 24, 2017  Nigerian authorities should immediately and unconditionally release blogger Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo and newspaper publisher Samuel Welson, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. The two have been held in a maximum security prison for more than a week as they await trial on charges of defamation and publishing false news.

Police on March 13 arrested Omololu-Olunloyo, who runs the blog HNN Africa, at her house in the southwestern city of Ibadan, for publishing on Instagram a letter purportedly from a churchgoer accusing a woman of using juju to convince a pastor and other men to sleep with her and to give her gifts, according to media reports. The post has since been removed from Instagram, but a legal document CPJ has reviewed indicates it was published first "on or about" February 17. When she published the letter, Omololu-Olunloyo wrote that neither the pastor nor the woman had responded to her request for comment.

Police on March 15 arrested Welson, the publisher of the Port Harcourt tabloid newspaper Rivers Today, after the newspaper republished the letter, according to Phoebe Fawehinmi, who is representing both journalists. The legal document lists the date Rivers Today published the document as "on or about" February 20.

On March 15, police drove Omololu-Olunloyo more than 600 kilometers (373 miles) across the country, from Ibadan to Port Harcourt, where a court ordered her and Welson jailed in a maximum security prison, pending trial on charges of criminal defamation and false news, according to news reports and the legal document.

"Defamation allegations should never be a criminal matter," CPJ West Africa representative Peter Nkanga said. "We call on Nigerian authorities to release Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo and Samuel Welson without condition or charge, and to cease prosecuting journalists on charges of defamation or publishing false news."

Fawehinmi, the journalists' lawyer, told CPJ that a bail hearing yesterday was postponed until March 30. "The court did not seat because we were told the magistrate was sick. So now they will have to remain in prison for another week," she said.

Nnamdi Omoni, a police spokesman in Rivers State, where Port Harcourt is located, referred CPJ to the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit, where an officer declined to comment.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Police search Brazilian blogger's devices in morning raid

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 24 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Police search Brazilian blogger's devices in morning raid, 24 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6059ca.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.

Sao Paulo, March 24, 2017  A police search of Brazilian blogger Carlos Eduardo Cairo Guimaraes' residence and electronic devices to uncover the sources for a story he had published was an alarming violation of journalists' right to protect their sources, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Police on March 21, 2017, searched blogger Carlos Eduardo Cairo Guimaraes' electronic devices on suspicion that he had alerted suspects in a wide-ranging corruption investigation that police would question them. Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, shown here at a March 24, 2017, event in Sao Paulo, was among those police questioned in the probe. (Reuters/Nacho Doce)

Police raided Guimaraes' home in Sao Paulo early on March 21 and confiscated his laptop, mobile phone, and his wife's mobile phone before escorting him to the Federal Police headquarters for questioning regarding his sources for a February story in which he reported that police were planning to question former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in connection with a wide-ranging corruption investigation.

Police also suspected that the blogger  who publishes the leftist blog Blog da Cidadania and who unsuccessfully ran for the Sao Paulo city council last October as a member of the Communist Party of Brazil  had alerted suspects in the case in advance that the police were planning to detain them for questioning. In a March 21 statement, Brazil's Public Ministry alleged that the blogger had "directly informed suspects of judicial measures that were secret and about to be implemented."

Article 5 of Brazil's constitution affirms journalists' right to protect their sources.

"A journalist's right to protect sources for a story is one of basic tenets of the profession, and is enshrined in the Brazilian constitution," Carlos Lauria, CPJ's senior program coordinator for the Americas, said from New York. "We are concerned that the raid on the home of Carlos Eduardo Cairo Guimaraes could send a chilling message to journalists."

Brazilian journalists' unions and advocacy groups reacted angrily to the move. The National Federation of Journalists called it "a violation of rights inspired by the era of military dictatorship." Others, including the Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism and the advocacy group Article 19, likewise called detaining Guimaraes and searching his electronic devices attacks on freedom of speech and journalism.

Guimaraes' lawyer, Fernando Hideo Lacerda, said that the search warrant and compulsory questioning were "clearly illegal" and a "violation of [Guimaraes'] right to freedom of expression and to protect sources...which are constitutionally guaranteed and necessary for the work of journalism," in remarks reported by the Brazilian press. He said that police offered him no information about his client's whereabouts and began the interrogation without waiting for Lacerda to arrive.

The office of Judge Sergio Moro, who is spearheading the corruption investigation, yesterday acknowledged the concerns about freedom of speech and journalists' right to protect their sources.

In a statement sent to CPJ, the office said Moro had had reviewed his position "to better frame the object of the case," and that any evidence obtained while searching Guimaraes' home or electronics related to identifying sources of information "should be excluded from the case."

In the statement, Moro, who maintained that Guimaraes was not a journalist but a politician and businessman who used his blog to publicize his political views, claimed Guimaraes willingly gave up his sources when interviewed by police, but said that the testimony about the blogger's sources would be excluded from evidence.

In a statement sent to CPJ yesterday, Lacerda denied that Guimaraes had given up his sources in questioning.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists detained covering Russia protests

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 27 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists detained covering Russia protests, 27 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6059d102.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.

New York, March 27, 2017  Russian security forces should cease harassing and obstructing journalists covering protests and other events, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Russian media reported that at least 11 journalists were detained yesterday while reporting on nationwide protests. All have since been released.

Security forces arrest a protester in Moscow, March 26, 2017. (Reuters/Maxim Shemetov)

Thousands of people protested alleged government corruption in 99 cities across the country yesterday. According to press reports and the Glasnost Defense Foundation (GDF), a press freedom advocacy group, riot police prevented journalists from covering protests in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Saratov, and Makhachkala. In all but 17 of the cities where they took place, the rallies were not approved by the government, and were therefore considered illegal or "unsanctioned," The New York Times reported.

"We call on Russian authorities to cease detaining journalists to prevent them from covering demonstrations," CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. "Obstructing journalists trying to cover protests is crude censorship, and a clear violation of Russians' right to receive information of significant national and global interest."

Among the journalists detained by police in Moscow while reporting on the largely peaceful protest there were Aleksandr Plyushchev, a correspondent with the Moscow radio station Ekho Moskvy; freelance journalist Denis Styazhkin; Timofei Dzyadko, a reporter with the daily newspaper RBK; and Alec Luhn, a correspondent for The Guardian, according to local press reports. Luhn described his detention in The Guardian today.

In St. Petersburg, police detained Nadezhda Zaitseva, a reporter with the national daily Vedomosti; Artyom Aleksandrov, a journalist with the local publication Delovoi Peterburg; and Sergei Satanovsky, a correspondent with the St. Petersburg edition of the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, according to Russian press reports.

In Makhachkala, the regional capital of Russia's Dagestan republic, police detained Kommersant daily correspondent Sergei Rasulov; Faina Kachabekova, of the regional news website Kavkazskaya Politika; and Vladimir Sevrinovsky, a correspondent with the local news website Eto Kavkaz, according to GDF and media reports.

In the Volga River city of Saratov, GDF reported, police detained Aleksandr Nikishin, a correspondent for the online television channel Otkryty Kanal.

All journalists detained yesterday were held on suspicion of participating in or organizing an unsanctioned rally, and have since been released, GDF reported. It remains unclear whether authorities will prosecute any of the journalists.

Police across the country detained some 1,400 protesters at yesterday's protests, which were the largest in Russia since 2012, the English-language daily newspaper The Moscow Times reported, citing the monitoring organization OVD-Info.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
TV news channel suspended in Thailand

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 27 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, TV news channel suspended in Thailand, 27 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6059e3d.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.

Bangkok, March 27, 2017  Thai media regulators should immediately reverse their suspension of the operating license of Voice TV and should allow the media to broadcast and publish freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Media regulators today suspended the channel's operating license for seven days.

A military officer watches a television screen showing Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun speaking after he accepted an invitation from parliament to succeed his late father at the Dusit Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, December 1, 2016. (Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha)

The state National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission ordered Voice TV, a satellite channel which is aligned with the elected government ousted in a 2014 military coup, to cease broadcasting for a week, saying the station had shown "bias" and had made "unjustified criticisms" in several of its news programs, according to news reports.

Lt. Gen. Phirapong Manakit, an NBTC member, was quoted in news reports as saying that the station had been warned several times but had continued to make the same "mistakes." He said the station had violated both the NBTC Act, a media regulation law, and orders from the military government that broadly restrict media criticism, including of military rule. Phirapong did not indicate in the news reports which specific reports had motivated the suspension.

"Thailand's military government has consistently said it is preparing to restore democracy but it continues to censor the media in a crude, authoritarian fashion," said Shawn Crispin, CPJ's senior Southeast Asia representative. "We call on regulators to reverse the week-long suspension of Voice TV and to stop censoring and harassing the media."

The news website Khaosod English reported that the ban was in response to the station's reporting on the killing of an ethnic Lahu activist by a soldier at a military checkpoint last week in the northern province of Chiang Mai. The report also cited Voice TV's coverage of the government's seizure last week of an arms cache authorities claimed was owned by a fugitive activist aligned with the former government ousted in the 2014 military coup.

"The reason we were suspended was due to the NBTC's claim that we have repeatedly committed violations that affect national security and have presented one-sided reports, of which we beg to differ," Prateep Kongsib, the station's director of content and news, was quoted as saying by Khaosod English. "This is because we believe opinion is not a threat to national security as long as it is factual."

Voice TV said they would challenge the ban and would continue broadcasting online during the suspension period, news reports said. The station was not immediately available for comment.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha's military-backed government, known as the National Council for Peace and Order, has imposed measures that give it broad authority to muzzle the media. Military orders 97/2557 and 103/2557 respectively ban news reporting that could "create confusion, instigate unrest, or deepen divisions among people," or could be considered "malicious" or "misleading" about the NCPO.

Executive order No. 41/2559, passed in July 2016, empowered the NBTC to shutter media outlets for reasons of national security, without the right of appeal, and to block the broadcast of any news or information it deems "detrimental to the political system, or [that] may destabilize national stability or damage the moral values of the people."

The regime has singled out Voice TV for harassment, including a month-long ban in the direct aftermath of the May 2014 coup. In August 2016, Voice TV political program hosts Nattakorn Devakula and Atukkit Sawangsuk were suspended for 10 days for their critical coverage and analysis of a referendum on a military-backed constitution that was passed amid restrictions on free expression.

Nattakorn's news programs have been suspended at least four times since the military takeover, most recently last month, according to news reports and interviews with CPJ.

CPJ sent an open letter to Prayuth on February 3 calling on him to repeal all military orders that restrict media freedoms and to scrap pending draft legislation that aims to institutionalize government controls on private media, including a proposed new licensing regime for journalists.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
At least eight journalists still jailed for reporting on Belarus protests

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 28 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, At least eight journalists still jailed for reporting on Belarus protests, 28 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f6059f13.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.

New York, March 28, 2017  Belarusian authorities should immediately release all journalists jailed covering protests and should cease obstructing reporters in an effort to keep news of the protests out of media reports, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Belarusians protest against the government of President Aleksandr Lukashenko in the capital Minsk, March 15, 2017. The sign reads "Lukaeshenko, stop picking the raisins out of the bread." (Reuters/Vasily Fedosenko)

According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), security forces have detained, beaten, or otherwise harassed more than 100 journalists since nationwide protests began in February. On March 23, CPJ reported on the obstruction of at least 32 journalists. The weekend of March 25-26 alone, media reported nearly 60 additional incidents of attacks on the press around the country. Courts in Belarus' capital, Minsk, and in the northeastern city of Vitebsk sentenced eight journalists to prison, according to BAJ, which keeps a detailed record of attacks on the press.

"Locking journalists in jail will not make the discontent in Belarus disappear," CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. "We call on Belarusian authorities to take the first step in reversing its long record of repression and censorship by immediately and unconditionally releasing all journalists in prison for covering protests."

On March 27, Minsk's Moskovsky District Court sentenced Aleksandr Borozenko, a cameraman for the independent online television station Belsat, to 15 days in prison on charges of hooliganism, according to media reports. He announced he would go on hunger strike to protest the verdict, according to media reports. Minsk's Sovetsky District Court sentenced freelance journalist Marina Kastilyanchenko to 15 days in prison on charges of disobeying police, according to the human rights organization Vesna. Courts in Minsk also sentenced Sergei Kiyko, a freelance journalist, to 12 days in prison on charges of participating in an unsanctioned protest; Roman Protasevich, a blogger and contributor to the Russian daily newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda, to 10 days in prison on charges of hooliganism; and Denis Ivashin, editor of the news website InformNapalm, to five days in jail on charges of participating in an unsanctioned protest, according to BAJ.

In the northeastern city of Vitebsk, courts jailed freelance journalists Leonid Svetik and Konstantin Mordvintsev for 15 days each on charges of participating in an unsanctioned protest. A court sentenced Radio Racyja journalist Artyom Sizintsev to 10 days in prison on the same charge, according media reports.

Police beat Belsat TV's Katerina Bakhvalava, Olga Davydova and Igor Ilyash while they covered protests in Minsk, according to BAJ. British freelance photographer Filip Warwick and French freelance reporter Olga Morva were also beaten, Warwick told CPJ. Police subsequently held the photographer for more than six hours before releasing him without charge, he said.

According to media reports and human rights organizations, more than 700 people were detained during the March 25-26 rallies, and dozens of journalists were briefly detained or otherwise obstructed in Minsk, Vitebsk, Brest, Grodno, and Gomel.

Protests erupted in February after the imposition of a new tax on Belarusians who have been unemployed for more than six months without seeking work at a government job center, but have since developed into broader protests against the 23-year rule of President Aleksandr Lukashenko. March 25 is the day Belarus marks the creation of the Belarusian People's Republic in 1918, known locally as Freedom Day.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Mexican newspaper editor shot and wounded in Veracruz

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 29 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Mexican newspaper editor shot and wounded in Veracruz, 29 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f605a013.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.

Mexico City, March 29, 2017  Mexican authorities should credibly and thoroughly investigate today's 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.

Images of murdered journalists are seen at this protest in front of the government of Veracruz building in Mexico City, February 11, 2016. (Reuters/Edgard Garrido)

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.

"Today's 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, CPJ's 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. CPJ's attempts to reach the newspaper for comment were unsuccessful.

The Veracruz state attorney general's 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 victim's 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 government's 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 Mexico's 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.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Belarus police raid offices of TV station Belsat, detain cameraman

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 March 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Belarus police raid offices of TV station Belsat, detain cameraman, 31 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f605a1116.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.

New York, March 31, 2017  Belarusian authorities should cease harassing Belsat TV and all news media in an effort to censor coverage of opposition protests and should immediately release all journalists detained for their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Police today raided two of the channel's offices in the capital Minsk, confiscated the broadcaster's equipment, and detained cameraman Aleksandr Lyubenchuk, according to media reports and a Belsat journalist.

A Belarusian Interior Ministry official films journalists reporting on a police raid of one of Belsat TV's offices in Minsk, March 31, 2017. (AP/Sergei Grits)

Belsat TV, a Belarusian-language satellite television station that broadcasts from Poland under the umbrella of Polish public broadcaster TVP, has a large network of correspondents within Belarus who have intensely covered the wave of protests against President Aleksandr Lukashenko's 23-year rule that have spread across the country since February. The pretext for today's raid was a "violation of the trademark use regulation," Aleksandr Dikavitsky, head of Belsat's news department, confirmed to CPJ. Belsat later reported that police had released Lyubenchuk, but that he was scheduled to answer disorderly conduct charges on April 3.

"Today's raid on the office of Belsat TV  one of the few alternatives to state-controlled media left in Belarus  is a blatant attempt to silence independent journalism in the midst of nationwide unrest," CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. "This new attack on Belsat TV is a prime example of Belarusian authorities' long history of using flimsy pretexts to silence critics. We call on officials to allow the station and all journalists in Belarus to work without obstruction."

In 2014 the Belarusian Supreme Court ruled that Belsat TV's logo and name violated trademark rules because it resembled that of the Belarusian company BelsatPlus, which sells satellite TV equipment, according to media reports. Belsat TV disputed that ruling on several grounds, according to a statement published to its website at the time.

"It is obvious that the main purpose of today's raid is to paralyze our work," Aleksei Minchonok, the broadcaster's spokesman, said in a statement published on Belsat's website today.

"The attack on Belsat is only part of a new wave of repressions against independent journalists," Andrei Bastunets, the head of the Belarusian Association of Journalists, said in a statement today. BAJ has document more than 100 cases of police obstructing journalists in their work since the protests began.

Police have detained, beaten, and otherwise obstructed Belsat reporters and freelance contributors in the last month, according to BAJ and news reports. One of the station's cameramen, Aleksandr Borozenko, is serving a 15-day sentence on charges of hooliganism because of his reporting at Minsk rallies, and has been on hunger strike since March 27, Belsat reported.

In response to the latest crackdown, CPJ has issued a set of recommendations to journalists reporting on the protests. The safety advisory is available in Russian and English.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Indian journalist charged under Official Secrets Act

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 3 April 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Indian journalist charged under Official Secrets Act, 3 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f605a213.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.

New Delhi, April 3, 2017  Authorities in India should immediately drop all charges against Poonam Agrawal, a journalist for the English-language news website The Quint, the Committee to Protect journalists said today.

Indian Army recruits in ceremonial uniform graduate from a 49-week training program in Rangreth, Jammu and Kashmir, March 5, 2016. Journalist Poonam Argawal faces charges for an undercover investigative report alleging senior officers near Mumbai improperly ordered subordinates to carry out personal errands on their behalf.

Police in Nashik, roughly 170 kilometers (105 miles) northeast of Mumbai, on March 28 opened a criminal case against Agrawal on charges of spying and criminal trespass under the Official Secrets Act, a 1923 anti-espionage law. They also charged her with criminal defamation and abetment of a suicide under the Penal Code, according to the journalist and media reports. If convicted of all charges, she faces a maximum sentence of 29 years in prison.

The charges stem from Agrawal's reporting on senior army officers' alleged improper use of subordinate soldiers for personal work. In a video report The Quint published on February 24 but since removed from its website, Agrawal is seen entering an Army camp in the state of Maharashtra, where Nashik is located, allegedly without permission, filming the premises, and using a hidden camera to record conversations with soldiers, according to media reports. One of the soldiers she taped, Roy Matthews, was found dead on March 2, in what police have determined was a suicide, according to media reports.

"Charging journalists with serious crimes for reporting on the military risks having a chilling effect on press freedom," CPJ Program Director Carlos Lauria said from New York. "We call on Indian authorities to drop all charges against Poonam Agrawal and direct their attention to reforming outdated laws on espionage that are easily abused to intimidate critics."

Col. Aman Anand, a public relations officer for the Indian Army, did not respond to CPJ's questions emailed to him on March 31.

"This is nothing but an attempt by the Indian Army to shut up journalists from exposing wrongdoings in the institution," Agrawal told CPJ. "It will set a very bad precedent, because in future, an editor or reporter will think twice before raising their voices against the Army."

India's Official Secrets Act has been used against journalists before. In 2002, CPJ wrote a letter to Lal Krishna Advani, then India's minister of home affairs, expressing concern about the use of the Official Secrets Act to justify the arrest of Kashmir Times journalist Iftikhar Gilani on charges of possessing classified information.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
AFP photographer repeatedly harassed by Libyan security forces

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 4 April 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, AFP photographer repeatedly harassed by Libyan security forces, 4 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58f605a313.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.

New York, April 4, 2017  Security forces in Benghazi should stop harassing AFP photojournalist Abdullah Doma and ensure that he can work safely and without fear of reprisal, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Security forces in the eastern Libyan city have twice detained Doma in the last week, according to AFP and other news reports.

Libyans attend a candlelit concert in Benghazi to mark "Earth Hour," on March 25, 2017. Security forces have detained AFP photographer Abdullah Doma twice since he covered the event. (AFP/Abdullah Doma)

Security forces detained Doma at his home on March 28 after the journalist photographed an "Earth Hour" event the Ministry of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs had criticized as "offensive" to Islam because it allowed mixing of men and women, according to press reports.

The photographer was released some 24 hours later, but officers from the Interior Ministry's Department of Homeland Security detained him again on April 1, according to The Libya Herald, an English-language news website. According to that report, members of rival security forces disagreed over who should take him into custody.

Doma was again released the following day, April 2, according to AFP, but was required to return to the Interior Ministry's counterterrorism unit yesterday. There officers confiscated his identification card and instructed him to sign a series of documents without allowing him to read them, according to his employer. Libyan special forces from the eastern authority intervened and allowed the journalist to leave the building, AFP reported.

The news agency cited an unnamed official as saying that high-level authorities in eastern Libya had ordered all criminal proceedings against Doma to be dropped, but that some members of the security services appeared to be "out of control."

"His situation remains highly uncertain," AFP reported yesterday.

"We call on security forces in eastern Libya to stop harassing photojournalist Abdullah Doma and allow him and all journalists to work freely," CPJ Program Director Carlos Lauria said. "Journalists in Libya take immense risks every day. Security forces should be there to protect them, not to terrorize them further."

Libya, now under the control of rival governments based in the capital Tripoli and the eastern city of Tobruk, remains a dangerous place to be a journalist. Last month armed men attacked the Tripoli office of the Libyan TV channel Al-Nabaa and set the building on fire, CPJ reported at the time. Authorities in the eastern city of Tobruk on February 27 took the radio station Al-Wasat's transmitter and sealed its office, CPJ reported at the time.

Authorities in both regions of Libya have arrested journalists, according to CPJ research. Continued fighting in the country continues to pose severe risk of abduction, injury, or death to journalists covering the conflict.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
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Cambodian immigration officials will repatriate 26 Montagnard asylum seekers to Vietnam this weekend to comply with a request by the United Nations refugee agency, the head of the Interior Ministrys refugee department said Tuesday.

Tan Sovichea said that the Montagnards who failed to obtain refugee status from the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) are voluntarily returning to their homeland.

The government isnt deporting them because they have volunteered to return with the UNHCRs cooperation, he told RFAs Khmer Service.

Before sending the Montagnards back to Vietnam, Tan Sovichea said immigration authorities took a husband and his wife to two separate facilities to prevent them from escaping to Thailand where many Montagnards have sought refuge.

We arent stopping them, but we just took them to separate locations so they cannot contact each other because they are among the group of Montagnards who have volunteered to be repatriated to Vietnam, he said.

About 91 Montagnards are living temporary residencies in the capital Phnom Penh, while 50 others have already escaped to Thailand.

Vivian Tan, senior regional public information officer at the UNHCR, told RFA via email that some asylum seekers have been detained, though the refugee agency does not support the move. She said the UNHCR is working with the Cambodian government for their release.

Tan also said she has yet to learn about the exact number of Montagnards who will be repatriated to Vietnam.

A Montagnard representative based in Thailand said the 26 Montagnards are not happy about returning to Vietnam and are concerned that the Vietnamese government will imprison them or restrict their religious, freedom and political rights.

Dozens of Montagnard asylum seekers, many of whom are Christian, have fled Cambodia to Thailand in recent weeks amid fears of forced repatriation to Vietnam, where they complain of discrimination and persecution at the hands of local authorities, according to U.S.-based rights group Montagnards Assistance Project.

Thailand is not a signatory to the U.N.s 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees or its 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees and, as in Cambodia, the Montagnards have no rights regardless of their registration with the UNHCR.

Reported by Tha Thai for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Sarada Taing. Written in English in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Cambodia National Rescue Party president Kem Sokha (L) and party vice presidents Pol Ham (2nd L), Mu Sochua (2nd R) and Eng Chhai Eang (R) at an extraordinary congress in Phnom Penh, March 2, 2017.

Cambodias main opposition party will hold a party congress next week to amend a crucial bylaw that allows the selection of three vice presidents in another bid to placate the countrys Ministry of Interior which rejected the party's previous method of naming party leaders, a party official said Tuesday.

The Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) will choose one vice president and further amend its bylaws when the congress is held on April 25 in Phnom Penh, Pol Ham, one of the CNRPs current three vice presidents and the partys acting president, told RFAs Khmer Service on Tuesday.

The clash between the CNRP and ministry over the CNRPs leadership selection process began in March after former party president Sam Rainsy resigned.

Pol Ham, said that the opposition party does not want any trouble with the ministry and that after April 25 congress, the CNRPs steering committee members will be able to select the other two vice presidents.

He also said the congress will not affect the partys internal regulations.

What we are doing is meant to ease the procedures because of the Ministry of Interior, he said. The ministry said we didnt do it right the last time, so we will do it again.

We just want to make sure things go smoothly and are accepted by the Ministry of Interior, Pol Ham said.

Pol Ham also said the CNRP will amend some articles in the party bylaws at the congress to make them clearer and prevent them from being misinterpreted.

We need to have clear bylaws so that no one can over-interpret them, he said.

Absolute majority

On Monday, the CNRP decided to amend Article 47 of its internal regulations a second time, after an initial change at another congress in March, and submit the changes to another congress for approval, The Cambodia Daily reported.

The CNRP amended the article to state that if there is no vice president, the steering committee has to choose new vice presidents from its members by an absolute majority of votes of 50 percent plus one to assist the president until the end of the mandate, the report said, quoting Pol Ham.

If the congress approves the change, the steering committee can choose the vice presidents and would select the same three lawmakers for the role, Pol Ham said.

On March 31, the CNRP notified the Ministry of Interior of amendments to its party bylaws after the ministry had declared the oppositions appointment of Kem Sokha as president illegitimate, throwing its participation in the upcoming elections into question.

The ministry had claimed that the appointment during a March 2 extraordinary congress ran afoul of the CNRPs statute, based on documentation the party filed in 2013, requiring a moratorium on electing a new president for 18 months after the post was vacated.

The CNRP had amended the statute at the congress before appointing new leadership.

Then earlier this month, the CNRP notified the Ministry of Interior that it had re-endorsed its leadership and removed a slogan to comply with newly amended party bylaws.

It submitted a letter to the ministry informing it that Kem Sokha remained the president of the party along with the three same vice presidentsPol Ham, Mu Sochua, and Eng Chhai Eang.

The CNRP also said it had removed its slogan Replace the commune chiefs who serve the party with the commune chiefs who serve the people in the run-up to local elections on June 4.

The CNRP is one of 12 political parties competing for 1,646 commune council seats on the June 4 ballot that many see as a bellwether for general elections in 2018.

Observers believe that the CNRP could give the Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP), which has ruled Cambodia for more than 35 years, a run for its money in the June elections.



Reported by Vanndeth Van for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Sarada Taing. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
As Hong Kong property mogul Li Ka-shing predicts that the price of homes in the city look set to stay high for at least two years, pressure is mounting on chief executive Carrie Lam to make more homes affordable for ordinary citizens amid a growing Chinese investment presence.

"I cannot see how property prices would fall in the coming one to two years," the 88-year-old head of Cheung Kong Property Holdings and CK Hutchison Holdings told a news conference last month.

"The force from buyers is very strong," he said.

But local people said there is more at work in the market than just strong demand.

"Of course, property prices are high, because of the amount of speculation there is," a 20-something Hong Kong resident surnamed Choi told RFA, adding that the private landlord sector has had a similar impact on rents.

"Some people have government flats, but they don't live in in them themselves; they rent them out, which is very unfair on a lot of people," Choi said.

"I and my family have been waiting for a government flat for years, but we haven't managed to get one yet," he said. "We have been renting in the private sector instead. I hear that there's a seven-to-eight-year waiting list to get a government flat now, at least."

"They should be coming up with some policies [to fix this]," he said.

And an octogenarian Hong Kong resident surnamed Tai said she is currently in housing that is inappropriate for her needs, but that attempts to find better housing have been in vain.

"Of course, people can get a place if they are rich, but most Hong Kong apartments are out of reach of ordinary people," she said.

Beijings preferred candidate

Lam was Beijing's preferred candidate for the job, and was voted in last month by a 1,200-strong election committee packed with supporters of the ruling Chinese Communist Party.

Pro-democracy campaigners said her election was "regrettable" and said she couldn't be trusted to put the interests of residents ahead of ties with Beijing.

Hong Kong's housing secretary Anthony Cheung admitted on Tuesday that government attempts to cool the market enough, using tax regulations, for ordinary citizens to have access to affordable homes seem to be having little effect.

Meanwhile, some commentators are pointing to a political dimension to the problem, citing incoming Chinese developers who are increasingly major players in the sector amid falling profit margins in their traditional stamping ground.

According to a report from property consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle in 2016, one in 10 Hong Kong families will be living in homes built by mainland developers by 2019, as mainland developers buy up land aggressively at periodic land auctions.

"The administration of Carrie Lam faces not only the rapacity of local property developers, but also the wealth and power of Chinese state-owned enterprises," political commentator To Yiu-ming said in a recent commentary broadcast on RFA's Cantonese Service.

In mainland China, prices have soared in recent years to 20,000 yuan (U.S. $2,900) per square foot in some regions.

Now, rising prices in Hong Kong having "a seriously negative impact on social stability," To wrote.

"The monumental challenge now facing Carrie Lam is whether or not she can employ special measures to cap residential property prices, perhaps even shrug off the interests of Chinese state capital, perhaps by not allowing them to buy land or invest in the sector at all," To said.

He said curbing state-owned Chinese enterprises could prove difficult, however, given the huge political clout that they wield with the backing of the ruling Chinese Communist Party.

Demand remains high

Housing secretary Cheung said prices are high because demand remains high, despite the fact that investment sales fell from 30 percent of total properties sold to just six percent at the end of last year.

He appeared to blame social activism for the lack of supply of new apartments.

"There is overall a lack of social determination to increase supply ... which is a pity given that the whole of society is very concerned about high property prices and high rents," Cheung said.

"When we try to push forward with a lot of housing projects, we run into difficulties in many areas, with people putting forward various reasons, like there is too much density, or there are environmental or traffic impacts, which makes for delays and difficulty in promoting the project," he said, citing a six-to-four ratio of demand to supply in the sector.

A realtor who gave only his surname Yan said prices of homes in Hong Kong are also based on the psychology of the market, however.

"[Demand remains strong] because nobody knows how high prices are going to go," he said. "And investment landlords are likely to be much more ruthless at sticking to their asking price than residential owners."

"The landlords tend to put their prices up by around 10 percent as soon as the government brings out a new set of policies [to tackle the problem]," Yan said.

Youths play basketball in front of residential homes at a public housing estate in Hong Kong, April 1, 2017. Credit: AFP Dont bother fixing it

But a public housing tenant surnamed Wat said the government shouldn't bother trying to "fix" the market.

"The Hong Kong government's policies are all totally wrong," Wat said. "Shortly after the 1997 handover, [then] chief executive Tung Chee-hwa said building more residential properties was a good thing, so why didn't they?"

"The government tried to find developers, but the scarcity of land was a big problem, which made prices rise. What can you do? Demand outstrips supply," he said.

"I don't have money to invest in property, but I know people with money who do, and you can't stop people doing what they do, because it's a free market," he said. "The only solution is to build more housing units, including public housing."

According to To, Lam's administration is unlikely to want to upset major Chinese state-owned enterprises with policies that curb the profits they can reap in Hong Kong.

He citing the signing of huge public infrastructure contracts in recent years by Chinese state-owned firms and consortia that were involved in a lead-poisoned drinking water scandal in 2015 and linked to worker deaths in the construction of the massive Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai Bridge.

"Mainland Chinese companies were involved in all of these cases, but there has been no sign of any disciplinary measures against these companies from the government," To wrote. "It's hard not to conclude that the government has set public welfare to one side, and is letting these contractors off lightly."

To said Beijing's political influence and economic interests in Hong Kong are substantially more than they were five years ago, sparking political and social tensions.

"Carrie Lam is right to say that the responsibility of the chief executive is to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and also to the central government in Beijing," he wrote.

"But this grandiloquent statement suggests she is trying to be all things to all people. It's probably more accurate to say that she's being somewhat disingenuous, if not trying to evade the issue altogether," To said.

Reported by Wen Yuqing and Dai Weisen for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Alleged Laotian drug kingpin Xaysana Keopimpha is escorted to a custody cell before appearing at Bangkok North Criminal Court where he pled not guilty to charges against him, April 18, 2017.

A Laotian man described as a major drug lord in Thailand and elsewhere in Southeast Asia pleaded not guilty Tuesday in a Bangkok court to charges that could carry the death penalty, including smuggling and possession.

Xaysana Keopimpha, 41, had been dubbed an ASEAN Drug Lord and Thai authorities said he headed a network that supplied caffeine-laced methamphetamine tablets known as yaba, which were produced in Myanmar, throughout the Mekong River region.

Xaysanas Thai lawyer, Vorakorn Pongthanakul on Tuesday promised a strong defense of his client that would include challenging an earlier confession. Vorakorn said his client confessed to a police investigator because while Thai and Lao are similar languages, Xaysana does not understand it or the countrys laws.

The lawyer said his client was worried because he had never been convicted of any crime. As for possible bail, family members in Laos are going to decide whether to apply.

Now Xaysana is indicted and is becoming a defendant ... he and I, as his lawyer, agreed that he would plead innocent and we will fight all the charges, Vorakorn said following the arraignment in Bangkok North Criminal Court. I felt somewhat heavyhearted because the charges carry the death penalty.

The last execution in Thailand for any crime was in 2009.

Xaysana was arrested Jan. 19 at Bangkoks Suvahnbhumi Airport following a five-year investigation and a tip from Laos officials, according to Lt. Gen. Sommai Kongvisaisuk, who heads the Thai polices Narcotics Suppression Bureau.

A Malaysian suspect who was arrested by police in Malaysia in February, Kamarudin Bin Awang, was a trade partner of Xaysana, Thailands counter-narcotics chief said back then, Sommai said at the time.

Assets seized

Xaysana led a flamboyant lifestyle prior to his arrest, hanging out with Thai celebrities and a soap opera star, according to reports. Lao authorities seized his assets including nine luxury vehicles, five houses and a 475-acre rubber plantation.

Following his January arrest, Sommaly Thammavong, the daughter-in-law of former Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong distanced herself from rumored ties, saying that a photo showing her and Thammavongs son with Xaysana was taken by accident.

The photo that circulated widely on Facebook shows only a casual social connection among the three, Sommaly Thammavong said at the time.

We have not done any business with him, and we didnt know what he was involved in, she said.

Arrest details

The Golden Triangle which straddles Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, was notorious for opium and heroin, but recently methamphetamine overtook production in the region, mostly in Myanmar and to a lesser degree in Laos. Police officials allege that Xaysana himself distributed the drug in Thailand and had a network of dealers peddling yaba in other countries.

Thai police in 2016 captured four members of Xaysanas alleged drug network, seizing more than 5 million yaba pills, officials told reporters on Jan. 20, the day after they captured the alleged kingpin. Police arrested Xaysana and three associates after they arrived in Bangkok following a visit to the southern Thai resort town of Phuket.

During that press conference, Sommai thanked Lao law-enforcement authorities for providing information that helped lead to the arrest.

Lao authorities said to us that if we couldnt arrest him here, they wouldnt be able to do anything in Laos, Sommai said.

Xaysana has enormous assets in Laos, he said, adding, I dont know whats going on over there.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
Farmers involved in a land dispute in Vietnams capital Hanoi freed 15 riot police Tuesday held in the aftermath of a clash with authorities over the weekend and said they are preparing to release around 20 additional local officials, according to state media.



On the morning of April 15, police clashed with residents of Dong Tam commune, in Hanois My Duc district, who say the government is seizing 47 hectares (116 acres) of their farmland for the military-run Viettel Groupthe countrys largest mobile phone operatorwithout compensating them.



Police arrested four farmers for allegedly causing social unrest, and other farmers responded by detaining as many as 38 police officers and local officials, and threatening to kill them if security personnel attack again. Some of the farmers who were arrested have since been released.



The official Tuoi Tre newspaper cited deputy director of the Hanoi police department Bach Thanh Dinh as saying that as of Tuesday afternoon, 15 police officers had been freed by the villagers, while three others managed to escape by themselves.



Twenty people are still being held in Dong Tam and should be released as soon as possible, Dinh said, adding that authorities had made no compromises with the farmers and those responsible for detaining the police officers and local officials would be dealt with according to the law.



Reuters, which reported that the farmers are detaining 21 people, quoted a representative from My Duc named Bui Viet Hieu as saying they were ready to free all officials on Tuesday and are waiting for authorities to come and receive them.



The Hanoi government has gradually increased a security presence around Dong Tam, while electricity and wireless phone networks have been cut off in the area, leaving residents unable to communicate with the outside world.



State media had cited the farmers as saying they are treating the detainees well, though rights group Defend the Defenders said in a statement Sunday that the farmers were keeping them in a closed room and were prepared to burn them with petrol if authorities attack the village.



The farmers have demanded that the government give up its plan to take their farmland without compensation.



Activists around the country have called on Hanoi to withdraw security forces from the area, for the farmers to release the police officers, and for both sides to settle the dispute peacefully.



On Monday, lawyer Tran Vu Hai, who is advising the farmers, told RFAs Vietnamese Service that Hanoi mayor Nguyen Duc Chung had spoken with the Dong Tam farmers by phone and pledged to visit the commune to meet with them the next day.



On Tuesday, however, Hai wrote on his Facebook page that Chung denied having promised to do so, and attempts by RFA to reach the mayor by phone went unanswered.



According to the Hanoi Communist Party Organization's propaganda department, the land in Dong Tam has been reserved to build a military airfield since 1980 and was recently awarded to Viettel to build a defense-related project, Tuoi Tre reported Tuesday, adding that farmers had illegally occupied it.



While all land in Vietnam is ultimately held by the state, land confiscations have become a flashpoint as residents accuse the government of pushing small landowners aside in favor of lucrative real estate projects, and of paying too little in compensation to those whose land is taken.



Many petitioners who seek justice and demand adequate compensation for their land have been beaten and imprisoned by authorities on allegations of causing public disorder under Article 245 of Vietnams Penal Code.



Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Viet Ha. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Serbian students renewed their protests on April 18 against the election to the presidency of Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, alleging there were major irregularities -- including the muzzling of the media, voter intimidation, and bribery.

The first-round election victory on April 2 for the 46-year-old Vucic gives his Serbian Progressive Party control over the entire legislative and governing process.

Some critics have warned that such a concentration of power could push the Balkan country back into the autocracy symbolized by former leader Slobodan Milosevic during his decade in power.

Once an ultranationalist, Vucic has solidified his grip on power by reinventing himself as a reformer committed to Serbia's drive toward European Union membership.

He has strengthened his party's position through the ballot box, calling and winning two early parliamentary elections since 2014.

Although Vucic once opposed integration with the EU, he is now pledging to prepare the country and its 7.3 million inhabitants for EU accession by 2019.

The protesters, however, allege that Vucic and his Serbian Progressive Party are corrupt and stole the election.

Protests have been staged on a daily basis since the election, except during the Easter weekend.
Isa Yamadayev, who seven years ago accused Chechen Republic head Ramzan Kadyrov of ordering the murders of his brothers Ruslan and Sulim, has been charged in absentia with plotting the revenge killing of Kadyrov, according to the news portal Rosbalt.

Kadyrov's own press spokesman had dismissed the initial reports of such a plot as "untrue from beginning to end," and details that subsequently emerged are fragmentary and in some cases contradictory.

First to break the "plot" story was the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, which for 15 years has doggedly researched and publicized reports of arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings allegedly perpetrated at Kadyrov's behest. In a lengthy article on October 3, the paper chronicled how, after the May 2004 death of his father, Akhmed-hadji, Kadyrov consolidated his position as one of the most powerful men in Russia. In the course of that process, Kadyrov systematically sidelined or neutralized all potential rivals, including Ruslan and Sulim Yamadayev, both trusted colleagues of his late father. (From 2002  2007, Ruslan headed the Chechen chapter of the United Russia party.)

Ruslan, the eldest of the Yamadayev brothers and a former Russian State Duma deputy, was shot dead in his car in Moscow in September 2008. Sulim, commander of the notorious Vostok battalion that was directly subordinate to the GRU (Russian military intelligence) and that participated in the brief Russian-Georgian war in August 2008, was killed in Dubai in March 2009. The Dubai police apprehended two men in connection with that shooting, one of them a groom who cared for Kadyrov's Dubai-based racehorses. They also issued an arrest warrant for Adam Delimkhanov, one of Kadyrov's closest associates, whom they suspected of masterminding the assault. (As a State Duma deputy, Delimkhanov enjoys diplomatic immunity.)

According to a follow-up article Novaya Gazeta published in late January, there was indeed a plot to kill Kadyrov in the spring of 2016 that involved above all members of his own large Benoi teyp (clan), including some members of the republic's elite, who stockpiled quantities of weaponry and explosives to that end. The plot came to light after Valid Yakhikhanov, a relative of Kadyrov's cousin Islam Kadyrov, who heads the presidential administration, purloined from him the number of Kadyrov's private mobile phone and gave it to a fourth Yamadayev brother, Badrudi.

Under interrogation, Yakhikhanov reportedly divulged details of the planned assassination. Several dozen men from the southeastern Kurchaloi, Gudermes, and Nozhai-Yurt districts were arrested, but all public mention of those arrests was suppressed in the run-up to Kadyrov's reelection in late September for a third term as republic head. The fact that Islam Kadyrov had both wrists in casts in early summer 2016 gave rise to speculation whether he, too, was implicated in, or at least ungently questioned about the intended killing of Kadyrov.

The charge against Isa Yamadayev of seeking to kill Kadyrov in revenge for the death of his two brothers is, however, based on the testimony of three men who the head of the Chechen Interior Ministry's Counter-Extremism Center says were arrested in Gudermes on January 23, 2017. All are former Vostok battalion members and one, Aziz Aldiyev, is a former bodyguard of Isa Yamadayev. (Aldiyev testified in the trial in 2009 of Khavazh Yusupov, whom Isa claimed Kadyrov had dispatched to Moscow to kill him. Yusupov told the court that Kadyrov had threatened to have his entire family killed if he refused to shoot Yamadayev. A Moscow court jailed him for 8 1/2 years for having tried unsuccessfully to do so.)

Questioned about the purported plan to assassinate Kadyrov, Aldiyev claimed to have had a conversation at some point in May 2016 with Isa Yamadayev, who he said asked him to recruit men to kill Kadyrov who he promised would be paid $100,000 each if they succeeded. But Yamadayev left Russia in early 2016. (He too is believed to have taken refuge in Dubai.)

Other aspects of Aldiyev's imputed confession are similarly dubious. First, Aldiyev is said to have spent the months of May-September in Chechnya seeking prospective killers. But Rosbalt points out that in light of his role in securing the conviction of Yusupov, he would almost certainly have been apprehended if he tried to return to Chechnya. Rosbalt also quoted acquaintances of Aldiyev and his alleged fellow conspirators as saying they suspect the men were snatched in Moscow last summer and brought to Chechnya for interrogation.

And second, given the risks involved, $100,000 is a paltry sum to offer for the murder of Kadyrov. (The main "evidence" against Aldiyev, the news portal Caucasian Knot reported on April 1, is that he had $200, construed as a down payment, in his possession at the time of his arrest.)

Moreover, according Novaya Gazeta, it is Badrudi Yamadayev, not Isa, whom Kadyrov considers his most dangerous enemy. Kadyrov and Isa Yamadayev formally announced their reconciliation in August 2010, just months after Isa accused Kadyrov of giving orders for the murders of Ruslan and Sulim. And the two men are said by Novaya Gazeta to have had "a peaceable phone conversation" after Yakhikhanov divulged details of the assassination plot last summer that presumably convinced Kadyrov that Isa was not part of that conspiracy.

If one discounts the possibility of two separate conspiracies organized by Badrudi and Isa respectively, the question thus arises: are the Chechen authorities so supremely confident of their impunity that they made no attempt to ensure that the criminal case against Isa Yamadayev was watertight, or at least consistent with earlier statements? Yamadayev, who is still a serving member of the Russian military, has reportedly addressed a formal complaint to Investigative Committee head Aleksandr Bastrykin and Prosecutor-General Yury Chayka about the warrant issued for his arrest, Caucasian Knot reported on April 1, citing Rosbalt.

(The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL.)
A leading reporters' advocacy group has called on Russian authorities to do more to investigate threats against a newspaper for its reporting about gay men allegedly being rounded up in Chechnya.

The April 17 call by the U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) came amid mounting concern about the newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, and the reporter who broke the story earlier this month, Yelena Milashina.

Milashina's article asserted that authorities in Chechnya had detained dozens of men that had been accused of being gay, and tortured some of them.

The Kremlin said it has no information on the reported disappearances, but RFE/RL last week corroborated in part some of the paper's reporting.

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov denied Novaya Gazeta's report, and a group of religious leaders later vowed retribution.

In a statement, Nina Ognianova, the CPJ's Europe and Central Asia coordinator, called on Russian authorities "to act swiftly, decisively, and effectively to rein in all those responsible for threatening [Yelena] Milashina and other Novaya Gazeta journalists for the newspaper's work."


A court in Moscow has ordered the pretrial detention of a ninth suspect in connection with the April 3 suicide bombing of a St. Petersburg subway train that killed 15 people and injured 45 people.

The ruling came after 26-year-old Abror Azimov pleaded partially guilty on April 18, saying he had "followed commands" of other people "without realizing that it was a part of preparation of a terrorist attack."

The court order remands Azimov in custody until June 3.

Azimov, a Russian citizen of Central Asian origin, was detained on April 17 in the Moscow region's Odintsovo district.

His arrest came several days after Russian authorities arrested eight other people from Central Asia in St. Petersburg and Moscow on suspicion of being involved in the attack.

Akbarjon Jalilov, a 22-year-old Kyrgyz-born ethnic Uzbek man with Russian citizenship, has been identified by Russian authorities as the suicide bomber.

Based on reporting by tvrain.ru and Interfax
ASTANA -- A six-year prison term handed down to former Kazakh Journalists' Union chief Seitqazy Mataev has been shortened by two years and eight months.

Mataev's lawyer, Madina Bakieva, said on April 18 that her client's jail term was cut under an amnesty that was announced in December to mark the 25th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence.

Mataev, 62, was found guilty of tax evasion and embezzlement in October and sentenced to six years in prison.

His son, Aset Mataev, who was director of the private KazTAG news agency before his conviction, was found guilty of embezzlement and sentenced to five years in prison.

Both have denied the charges, and rights groups say Seitqazy Mataev was prosecuted on trumped-up charges in response to his work as head of the journalists union.

With reporting by KazTAG


BISHKEK -- Lawyers and relatives of three Kyrgyz opposition politicians are protesting their convictions on charges of plotting to overthrow the government.

Attorneys and family members told journalists in Bishkek on April 18 that Ernest Karybekov, Kubanychbek Kadyrov, and Bektur Asanov would appeal their verdicts and long prison sentences handed down a day earlier.

A Bishkek court found the three politicians guilty of planning to seize power by force. Karybekov was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while Kadyrov and Asanov received prison sentences of 12 years.

A fourth politician, Dastan Sarygulov, was sentenced to four years in prison, of which three years were suspended.

The politicians were arrested and charged in March 2016, after an audio recording circulated on the Internet with voices discussing ways to overthrow the government.

Asanov told RFE/RL before his arrest that the tapes had been doctored and that they were posted on-line in "an attempt to blackmail the opposition."


Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has said he hopes the United States will not take what he called "very risky" unilateral military action against North Korea as it did recently in Syria.

Lavrov was responding on April 17 to Vice President Mike Pence's statement earlier in the day that the "era of strategic patience is over" with regard to North Korea's efforts to build nuclear weapons.

"In the past two weeks, the world witnessed the strength and resolve of our new president in actions taken in Syria and Afghanistan," Pence said.

"North Korea would do well not to test his resolve, or the strength of the armed forces of the United States."

Lavrov condemned North Korea's "reckless nuclear actions," but said that if Pence's words could be understood as a threat to take unilateral action against North Korea, "then this is a very risky path."

"We find Pyongyang's adventurous missile launches unacceptable as they are a violation of the UN Security Council resolutions... But that does not mean that others can violate international law in response and use military force," Lavrov told reporters in Moscow.

"I hope that there will be no more unilateral actions like the one we have recently seen in Syria," he said, referring to the U.S. military's missile strikes on a Syrian airbase on April 7.

Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, TASS, AFP and Interfax


Demonstrators chanted anti-European Union slogans as they took to the streets of Skopje again on April 18 in a protest against the proposed inclusion of ethnic Albanian parties in a governing coalition.

Thousands of demonstrators stopped outside of the parliament in Skopje demanding new elections and denouncing plans by the coalition partners to institute Albanian as the country's second language.

They also cheered President Gjorge Ivanov for reportedly refusing to meet with Carl Bildt, the co-chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations, during his April 18 visit to Skopje.

Bildt's visit was aimed at trying to help Macedonia resolve its two-year political crisis.

The ruling VMRO-DPMNE party for weeks has successfully blocked the coalition from forming a new government and electing a speaker of parliament.

The protesters, who have gathered for almost two months, have lionized Ivanov as a hero for having refused to give the coalition a mandate to form a new government, even though it holds a majority in parliament.

The United States and European Union have called on the VMRO to stop its obstruction tactics, which have prolonged the country's long-running political crisis.

Based on reporting by RFE/RL's Balkan Service
The names are in, but in Iran just registering your candidacy is not enough to actually participate in a presidential election.

Now it's time for the biggest hurdle, as the Guardians Council -- the 12-member body at the heart of the Islamic republic -- vets all applications and comes up with a final list of candidates. In the course of days, nearly all of the hundreds of registrants will be rejected, leaving voters around half a dozen handpicked names to choose from on election day (May 19).

As the sifting gets under way, labels will be flying as domestic and foreign media alike try to categorize potential candidates into one of Iran's various political streams. Ultimately, most will be deemed to be incompatible with the state's Islamic values, meaning those who are closest to the Western idea of reform have little chance of advancing.

But while the names that make the final list can be assumed to be acceptable to the clerical establishment, that does not mean there are not bona fide differences among them. But what, exactly, is a reformist, a conservative, or a hard-liner?

There are overlaps between camps, of course: some conservatives, for example, hold more liberal views on, say, the economy. But in lieu of actual parties (there are none in Iran) or self-identifying factions, a handful of terms do serve to delineate the strands of loose political ideology around which Iranian politicians cluster.

Reformists: International media often portray this group as Iran's great hope of freeing itself from the tyranny of the supreme leader and his acolytes. But the term is, in itself, inadequate. First, being a "reformer" in the Iranian context means something entirely different than what would be considered a progressive in the West -- we are not talking about people advocating for gay marriage here. There are also two distinct types of reformists in Iran.

Seditionists: The first distinct branch within the reformist camp is comprised of opposition supporters who are seen as the "seditionists" by their foes. For the most part, the seditionists are the leaders and backers of the Green Movement who took to the streets en masse to protest Mahmud Ahmadinejad contentious reelection to a second term in 2009. The conservative media labeled the uprising the fitna (meaning "sedition").

These people -- notably Mir Hossein Musavi, the second-placed finisher who lost a tight race due to what his supporters claimed was electoral fraud -- have long since been ostracized from Iranian politics. This group believes in the predominance of elected institutions over unelected -- a contentious idea in a system in which the clerical establishment plays a dominant role in steering the country -- and argues for the direct election of the supreme leader, the highest authority in the Islamic republic. It is perhaps the hardest camp to define, considering that another stream, the conservative hard-liners, label anyone with even the slightest reformist bent a "seditionist." In their purest form they will play little part in the election, although there are questions whether their most ardent followers could affect the outcome by refusing to vote or by other means.

Moderates: The second "reformist" group is the moderates, which remain firmly within the clerical establishment but also believe that a liberal society with increased participation of the people are in keeping with the Islamic Revolution.

This camp's great hope was once Mohammed Khatami, who served as Iran's president from 1997-2005. Khatami exhibited his desire for reform by extending an olive branch to the United States in 1998 with his then-unheard-of call for a "dialogue of civilizations," and at home by allowing many newspapers to open up.

But key to the moderates, while allowing for some liberalization and greater public participation, is ensuring the continued success of the Vilayat-e Faqih -- the so-called Rule of the Jurists. This political philosophy, developed by the Islamic republics founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, holds that those best fit to govern are those most equipped to interpret Gods law -- namely, Irans clerics. During the last election, Mohammed Reza Aref, Khatamis vice president from 2001-2005, represented this group until he withdrew to allow Rohani a better chance of winning. This year, Mostafa Kavakebian, Tehrans representative in the Majlis (Iranian parliament), best embodies this faction.

The Principlists/Hardliners: Known in Iran as the Osul-Garayan, this group congregates around the supreme leader -- currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This group is guided by an unswerving belief in the ideological principles of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. They have a loose manifesto based on loyalty to the fundamental pillars of the Islamic Republic of Iran: Shi'a Islam, the 1979 Islamic Revolution, loyalty to the Supreme Leader, and an unquestioning acceptance of the Vilayat-e Faqih. They are above all suspicious of "cultural invasion" -- what they term Westoxification -- Western social influence that must be resisted at all costs. They fear the West's soft power -- and its possible influence on the population -- at least as much as its hard power, if not more. They believe that Iranians should be ascetic -- material development is treated with suspicion and must be subordinated to the importance placed on spiritual development. This year their most prominent candidate is Ebrahim Raisi, custodian and chairman of the Astan Quds Razavi, the organization that manages several of Irans holiest sites.

Pragmatic Conservatives: This group is again comprised of people firmly within the Islamic Republic's clerical establishment. Pragmatic conservatives believe that the Vilayat-e Faqih is the institutional pivot upon which the entire political system should turn, but also that economic reforms are necessary. People should be allowed to get rich; the economy should open up to the world. Perhaps the best exemplar of this camp is Ali Larijani, the current chairman of the Majlis and former secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. Larijani believes utterly in the Islamic Revolution, but also that it must be tempered with economic pragmatism. This year their most prominent potential candidate is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the mayor of Tehran.

Pragmatists: This group forms a bridge between the hardliners and those more moderately-inclined. Again, they are deeply embedded within the established elites but believe that Iran must open up more to the West, both economically and diplomatically (though they also fear its cultural influence). The undoubted head of this faction is President Hassan Rohani (often described as a relative moderate following the demise of the moderates-turned-seditionists), who faces strong opposition from hard-line elements within the state as he seeks reelection this year. His cause will not be helped by the death earlier this year of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani -- one of the most prominent figures in the history of the Islamic Republic and a quasi-mentor of Rohani, who also benefitted from Rafsanjanis political networks.

The Wildcard: On 11 April, former President Mahmud Ahmadinejad surprisingly registered as a candidate, despite Khamenei's express wishes that he do no such thing. Ahmadinejad was once close to the supreme leader and was considered a hard-line principlist. But he was and remains a populist, drawing the majority of his support from Iran's lower classes. It may well be that the Guardians Council keeps him off the final list of candidates, but it would do so at the risk of alienating many voters. And if he does manage to get through (or if the attention he attracts helps boost the chances of his former vice president, Hamid Baghaei) Iran's carefully managed elections may yet throw up one more surprise.

David Patrikarakos is a contributing editor at The Daily Beast and the author of Nuclear Iran: The Birth Of An Atomic State. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, The Guardian, Politico, Foreign Policy, The Spectator, The New Republic, The New Statesman, and many others.
Pakistans National Assembly passed a unanimous resolution on April 18 condemning what it called the barbaric and cold-blooded murder of a university student by other students who accused him of blasphemy.

A group of students at the Abdul Wali Khan University in the conservative northwestern city of Mardan beat and shot Mashal Khan dead within the university premises on April 13, accusing him of sharing blasphemous content on social media.

The resolution by lawmakers demanded that government officials at the federal and provincial levels take quick action against those responsible for the murder.

This House unanimously condemns the barbaric and cold-blooded murder of Mashal Khan and resolves to ensure that strong safeguards be inserted into the blasphemy law to prevent its abuse through such atrocities in the future, including by mobs involved in such crimes, the resolution said.

This House condemns all those who take the law into their own hands and engage in vigilantism, resulting in loss of innocent human lives.

Police have arrested eight Pakistanis allegedly involved in the attack. They have been charged with murder and terrorism.

Based on reporting by BBC, Dawn.com, and ARY News
U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan has confirmed that communication channels between the United States and Russia remain open despite the war in Ukraine, the BBC reports.

Sullivan, speaking in New York on November 7, said it was "in the interests" of Washington to maintain contact with the Kremlin.



Sullivan's comments came after a report in The Wall Street Journal on November 6 that he had held undisclosed talks with top Russian officials in the hope of reducing the risk the Russian invasion of Ukraine spills over or escalates into a nuclear conflict.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

A previous media report, in The Washington Post, said Washington was privately encouraging Ukraine to signal an openness to negotiate with Russia, as the State Department said Moscow was escalating the war and did not seriously wish to engage in peace talks.



The Washington Post, citing unnamed sources, said the request by U.S. officials was not aimed at pushing Ukraine to the negotiating table, but a calculated attempt to ensure Kyiv maintains the support of other countries.

Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, told RFE/RL it was absurd to suggest that Western countries that are supplying Ukraine with weapons would push Kyiv to negotiate on Moscow's terms.

"Ukraine receives from its partners, first of all from the United States, quite effective weapons," he said. "We are pushing the Russian Army out of territory. And against this background, forcing us to the negotiation process, and in fact to recognize the ultimatum of the Russian Federation, is nonsense! And no one will do that."

He said suggestions the West was pushing Ukraine to negotiate were part of Russia's "information program," though he did not directly rebut a report in The Washington Post.

Zelenskiy said in his nightly address on November 7 that he was open to talks with Russia, but only "genuine" negotiations that would restore Ukraine's borders, grant it compensation for Russian attacks, and punish those responsible for war crimes.



Zelenskiy signed a decree on October 4 formally declaring the prospect of any Ukrainian talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin "impossible" but leaving the door open to talks with Russia.



Sullivan told a public event in New York that the Biden administration had "an obligation to pursue accountability" and pledged to work with international partners to "hold the perpetrators of grave and grotesque war crimes in Ukraine responsible for what they have done."



Sullivan did not elaborate on the communication channels that Washington and Moscow maintained, but insisted that U.S. officials were "clear-eyed about who we are dealing with," the BBC reported.



Sullivan travelled to Kyiv on November 4 and pledged Washington's "unwavering and unflinching" support for Ukraine.



His unannounced visit coincided with an announcement the same day by the U.S. Defense Department of another shipment of weapons to Ukraine worth $400 million.



"I was just in Kyiv on Friday and I had the opportunity to meet with President [Volodymyr] Zelenskiy and my counterpart Andriy Yermak, with the military leadership and also to get a briefing on just what level of death and devastation has been erupted by Putin's war on that country," Sullivan was quoted by the BBC as saying on November 7.



White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre declined to comment on the U.S. media reports.



"I've seen those reportings. So, you know -- and, look, people claim a lot of things about conversations that we -- that the United States has or doesn't have," Jean-Pierre told a news briefing on November 7. "I don't have any specific conversations to read out to you."



The secretary of Ukraine's Security Council, Oleksiy Danilov, said on November 8 that the "main condition" for the resumption of negotiations with Russia would be the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity.



Danilov said on Twitter that Ukraine also needed the "guarantee" of modern air defenses, aircraft, tanks, and long-range missiles.



According to the report in The Wall Street Journal, Sullivan held confidential conversations in recent months with Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov and Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev that were not disclosed publicly.



Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on November 7 that while Russia remained "open" to talks, it was unable to negotiate with Kyiv due to its refusal to hold talks with Russia.

With reporting by Reuters
10 A group of ethnic Hungarian young men dressed in folk costumes splash water on a girl in the Transylvanian village of Csikmindszent, or Misentea in Romanian. According to an old Hungarian tradition, young men pour water on young women on Easter Monday. The women in exchange present their "sprinklers" with hand-decorated hens' eggs. (epa/Nandor Veres)
A senior Russian lawmaker has called RFE/RL, Voice Of America, and CNN part of an American system of pressure targeting Russia.



Leonid Levin, chairman of the committee on information policy in Russias lower chamber of parliament, made the remarks during an April 18 committee hearing examining whether the three U.S. media outlets are in compliance with Russian laws.



The hearing comes amid heightening tensions in already frayed relations between Moscow and Washington following the Kremlins alleged meddling in last years U.S. presidential election and an escalating standoff over the civil war in Syria.



Russian lawmakers ordered the probe last month after U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat-New Hampshire) introduced a bill that would empower federal authorities to investigate RT, Russias state-backed international news network, for possible violations of U.S. law.



Levin called RFE/RL, VOA, and CNN part of a broader, wide-reaching American system of pressure on our country.



But he said his committee would not formally ask federal authorities to check whether the outlets are complying with Russian law, the Interfax news agency reported.



Putin and senior Russian officials have long accused the U.S. government of trying to stoke political unrest by funding watchdog groups and other nongovernmental organizations. Washington has repeatedly dismissed the allegations.



Both RFE/RL and VOA are overseen by the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), a U.S. agency that supervises civilian government broadcasting and media operations. VOA is a federal entity, while RFE/RL is a private, nonprofit organization funded by a grant from the U.S. Congress.



With reporting by RFE/RLs Russian Service, Interfax, and TASS
Mijat Lakicevic, a Belgrade-based journalist, writing recently on the independent web portal Pescanik, put forward a provocative proposal.



We should build a monument to the victims of the Serbian Academy of Arts and Sciences, he wrote.

Lakicevic is referring to the infamous Memorandum, a 1986 manifesto seen as promoting Serbian nationalism that was signed by a number of prominent Serbian academics. In the eyes of many, it marked the beginning of the drawing of ethnic lines in Yugoslav societies and served as a prologue to the wars of the 1990s.

His idea is in reaction to a serious initiative by Russias state-backed Sputnik media outlet to build a monument to the victims of the 1999 NATO bombing of Serbia.



According to Lakicevic, it was the 1986 Memorandum that turned Serbs against their neighbors and, indeed, against the rest of the world.



The harm done by that ideology [expressed in the Memorandum] is far greater than the damage caused by the war against NATO, Lakicevic writes.



The wars that preceded the 1999 intervention led to the exodus of hundreds of thousands of educated young people and incalculable economic loss -- a national catastrophe, according to Lakicevic. And that is without even mentioning the evil wrought upon other [neighboring] peoples."

Lakicevic says he does not expect many public figures to back his proposal, which is what one might call an intellectual exercise rather than a serious proposal. He will certainly be unable to compete with the long list of prominent individuals, politicians, and celebrities supporting the Sputnik proposal, which is seen as an attempt by Moscow to further discourage Belgrade -- the Kremlins closest ally in the Balkans -- from pursuing closer ties with the West, including membership in NATO.



Apart from Prime Minister and now President-elect Aleksandar Vucic, who said that Serbia will fulfill its duty toward innocent victims of aggression, a number of public figures have pledged their support, including some signatories of the 1986 Memorandum. Serbian film director Emir Kusturica is one of the most outspoken supporters of the Sputnik initiative.



Kusturica said the proposed monument should stand as a reminder that everything that befell the Serbian people in the last century was part of a project aimed at its destruction.

Kusturica has been a vocal critic of the West and is a known cheerleader for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Two years ago, he facetiously claimed that World War III would likely begin with the U.S. bombing of state-backed Russian TV channel RT, since it was the only outlet challenging the spread of U.S. propaganda.

It should be noted that there are already several monuments to victims of the NATO intervention in Belgrade and other Serbian cities, including the 30-meter-high Eternal Flame in Belgrades Friendship Park. Historian Ljubinka Trgovcevic fails to see the urgency behind erecting another one.



She also points out that no one involved in the Sputnik idea is mentioning the Albanian victims of the war.



[Ethnic Albanian victims] are considered citizens of Serbia by the constitution, and yet they are excluded from outpourings of public empathy, which only shows this governments hypocrisy, Trgovcevic said in an interview with RFE/RLs Balkan Service in Belgrade. On the one hand, they continue to lay claim to Kosovo and its territory as part of Serbia, and on the other they do not count [ethnic Albanians], including those who died [as a result of NATO bombing] among the citizens who deserve to be honored. I see absolutely no reason for the monument, and I am decidedly against it.

According to information gathered by the Humanitarian Law Center NGO, 758 people died during the NATO bombing campaign from March to June 1999. Of those, 453 were civilians, including 220 ethnic Albanians -- almost half of the total -- 202 Serbs, and 28 others. The majority of the victims (448), including military casualties, were killed on the territory of Kosovo.



The figures are based on almost 1,500 documents and more than 500 statements from witnesses and victims relatives.

The manipulation of historical memory for political gain is nothing new in the Balkans. What seems to have been forgotten in all public memorialization of the NATO intervention is the context of the confrontation with forces loyal to former Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic.



NATO air strikes began on March 24, 1999, only after months of failed peace talks, broken promises by the Milosevic government, and, finally, a new wave of repression against ethnic Albanians by the Serbian military and police.



No one can doubt the large-scale human rights violations, expulsions, and war crimes [perpetrated by the Serbian forces in Kosovo] -- all of which are ignored in this [Sputnik] initiative,Jelena Krstic of the Humanitarian Law Center told RFE/RL.



Her response to Vucics statement that Serbia is obliged to fulfill its duty to the victims of the NATO bombing is that we also have to show respect for the victims whose deaths we are responsible for.



Trgovcevic sees the Sputnik initiative as a distraction from Serbias current problems.



We have many other much more pressing problems, including high unemployment and the exodus of young people from this country, and yet we are dreaming up pharaonic monuments to serve the needs of those in power, she laments.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL.
Relatives say the 18-year-old son of a former police colonel who joined the extremist group Islamic State (IS) has been arrested.

Behruz Gulmorodov's relatives told RFE/RL on April 17 that he was detained three weeks ago and is being held incommunicado.

They said they have received no explanation of the arrest, which could not be independently verified.

Behruz Gulmorodov's father, Colonel Gulmurod Halimov, was commander of the Tajik Interior Ministry's special forces, known as OMON.

He went missing in April 2015 and later appeared on the Internet, saying he had joined IS.

Last August, the U.S. State Department called Halimov a key member of IS and offered a $3 million reward for information on his whereabouts.

Western media reports quoted Iraqi officials on April 14 as saying that Halimov was killed in an air strike in Mosul.
Tajik and Uzbek authorities have given contradictory explanations for the killing of a Tajik man on April 15 along the border between the Central Asian nations.

Tajikistan's Border Guard Service told RFE/RL on April 17 that Uzbek border guards illegally entered Tajik territory, fatally shot a Tajik man, and wounded another Tajik national.

Uzbekistan's State Border Protection Committee said earlier that Uzbek border guards had to fire shots in self-defense after three Tajik shepherds attacked them.

According to the Uzbek officials, the shooting took place on April 15 after the Tajik shepherds and their livestock had illegally gone 50 meters inside Uzbek territory.

About one-fifth of the 1,400-km Tajik-Uzbek border has not been delimited.

Violent incidents occur with some frequency along the borders of the former Soviet republics of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.


ON MY MIND

According to a report by the Moscow Higher School of Economics (featured below), some 16 percent of Russians are now living below the poverty line and 41 percent say they are struggling to afford basic necessities like food and clothing.

Less than one year before an election, this should be devastating news. And it would be in a country where elections are actually elections. But in Russia, elections are not elections. They are coronations. And next March, President Vladimir Putin is expected to easily win a fourth term.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Aleksei Navalny is acting as if he is running for president. He's travelling around Russia and setting up regional campaign offices, even though it is abundantly clear that he won't be allowed on the ballot.

As Marc Bennetts notes in another piece featured below, Navalny is successfully tapping into a growing groundswell of discontent with the authorities.

Recent polls show that 38 percent supported nationwide anticorruption protests that Navalny organized and two-thirds hold Putin responsible for official graft.

Will this matter? Despite growing deprivation, the television still appears to be beating the refrigerator in the battle for Russian hearts and minds. And despite growing anger over corruption, Russians are still willing to give their support to Putin.

But in authoritarian regimes like Russia, leaders don't just need to win fixed elections by large margins. They need to fight for and win their legitimacy every day. Any sign of weakness or vulnerability could be lethal.

Navalny appears to understand this. He seems to grasp that sooner or later, the Putin bubble will burst. He says he is planning to run in the March 2018 presidential election. But he is actually trying to win a much broader election by chipping away at the Putin regime's legitimacy bit by bit.

IN THE NEWS

The International Court of Justice says it will issue a ruling on April 19 on Kyiv's bid to block Russia from sending money, weapons, and troops to eastern Ukraine.

The United States has voiced concern over the reported persecution of gay men in Chechnya and urged officials in the Russian region to investigate, while a senior lawmaker called on President Vladimir Putin to make clear that violence based on sexual orientation is unacceptable.

The U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists has called on Russian authorities to do more to investigate threats against a newspaper for its reporting about gay men allegedly being rounded up in Chechnya.

Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has said he hopes the United States will not take what he called "very risky" unilateral military action against North Korea as it did recently in Syria.

A Kremlin spokesman is distancing Moscow from an incendiary commentary on Russian state TV that alleged U.S. President Donald Trump is more dangerous and unpredictable than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Russian security agents have detained a ninth person in connection with the St. Petersburg subway train bombing that killed 15 people and injured 45 people on April 3.

A delegation from Russia's upper house of parliament, the Federal Council, have met in Riyadh with Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud for talks about the war in Syria.

U.K. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has called Syrian President Bashar al-Assad an "arch-terrorist" and said Russia still has "time to be on the right side of the argument."

WHAT I'M READING

The LGBT Community In The Donbas

In Republic.ru, Mikhail Tishchenko looks at the plight of the LGBT community in the Russian-held areas of the Donbas.

Russia's Eurovision Ploy

Anton Shekhovtsov explains how Eurovision became the Kremlin's mousetrap for Ukraine.

The Navalny Threat

In Newsweek, Marc Bennetts, author of the book I'm Going To Ruin Their Lives: Inside Putin's War On Russia's Opposition, asks: Is Aleksei Navalny the Kremlin's kryptonite?

Russia's Standard Of Living

The Moscow Higher School of Economics has issued a report on the socioeconomic conditions of the Russian population.

Report On Russian-European Relations

The Rand Corporation's new report, "European Relations With Russia

Threat Perceptions, Responses, And Strategies In The Wake Of The Ukrainian Crisis."

The Shrinking Russophone Zone

The Financial Times examines the decline of the Russian language in the former Soviet space.

Bannon And The Russians

In Newsweek, Owen Matthews looks at White House strategist Steve Bannon's ideological ties to Russia.

The Love Lives Of Bolsheviks

In the New York Times' Red Century series, Yuri Slezkine, a history professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and the author of the forthcoming book The House Of Government: A Saga Of The Russian Revolution, looks at The Love Lives Of Bolsheviks.

What Ukrainians Think

The International Republican Institute has released its annual municipal survey tracking the views of more than 19,000 Ukrainians in twenty-four cities. The poll shows that Ukrainians are still hungry for change, but are seeking it at the local level.
Thousands of people took to the streets of Istanbul and other Turkish cities to protest the results of a referendum that narrowly granted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan greater powers.

At least 1,000 protesters thronged Besiktas on the European side of Istanbul late on April 17, while on the Asian side, around 2,000 demonstrators marched through Kadikoy, another secular, anti-Erdogan neighborhood.

Smaller protests were held in Ankara, Izmir, and other Turkish cities. Turkish media reported that 13 people were detained in a protest in the Mediterranean city of Antalya.

The protesters expressed anger about last-minute changes to the referendum voting procedures and an electoral board decision to allow as valid more than a million ballots cast without the official stamp.

Those irregularities were also singled out for criticism by European voting monitors and the U.S. State Department, though Turkish authorities insisted the referendum was conducted cleanly.

Hayir Besiktas, the group that called for the demonstration, said "We are against fraud, injustice, and stolen votes."

The main opposition Republican People's Party and the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party said they would challenge the results, with the Kurdish party saying it has complaints about unstamped ballots affecting 3 million voters -- more than twice the margin of Erdogan's victory. The April 16 referendum passed by 51.4 percent.

"Thief, murderer, Erdogan," the protesters in Kadikoy chanted, as they marched towards the offices of the Supreme Election Board. "We will not make you president" and "We are shoulder to shoulder against fascism."

Protesters carried signs saying "The 'No' is not finished" and "'No' has won."

In homes lining the route of the protest, people bashed pots and pans with kitchen utensils from the windows of their apartments to show solidarity.

Police generally kept a low profile on the sidelines of the protest, but warned against using offensive slogans.

Erdogan in a speech at the presidential palace in Ankara mocked the protesters' banging on pots and pans, and said most people were satisfied with the referendum results.

The protests came as Turkey's Council of Ministers moved to extend for another three months a state of emergency declared in the wake of a failed July 2016 coup.

Government spokesman Numan Kurtulmus said the extension would go into effect on April 19, when the previous state of emergency is scheduled to expire.

The extension first must go to parliament, however, for approval. The state of emergency grants greater powers to security forces to detain people perceived to be working against the government, including journalists, judges, and academics.

Erdogan has used the state of emergency to crack down on supporters of U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom he accuses of orchestrating the July 15 coup attempt. Gulen denies any involvement.

With reporting by AP, AFP, dpa, and Reuters


Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev and Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov have signed a strategic partnership treaty that Kazakhstans president says will resolve all border disputes between the two countries.

Interfax reports that the signing took place on April 18 in Kazakhstans capital, Astana, during the first day of a two-day visit by Turkmenistans president.

Nazarbaev called the accord a vital treaty of strategic partnership and the beginning of a new stage of development.

Interfax quoted Nazarbaev as saying that Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan will be the only two countries in the Central Asia region that will not have border problems.

Turkmenistan temporarily closed its border with Kazakhstan on several occasions during the summer of 2016 for what Turkmen authorities said were security concerns.

Those closures came after deadly attacks on police stations in Kazakhstan earlier in the summer that officials blamed on terrorists.

During the Turkmen presidents two-day visit to Astana, Berdymukhammedov and Nazarbaev also were expected to sign eight other documents -- including agreements on border demarcation, an intergovernmental commission, mutual protection of classified information, and cooperation between foreign ministries.

An agreement on combatting illegal money laundering and the financing of terrorism also was expected to be signed.

Berdymukhammedov told reporters on April 18 that Turkmenistan supports Kazakhstan's domestic, regional, and international initiatives. But he did not get into specifics.

With reporting by Interfax, Tengrinews and Kazinform
The trial of RFE/RL contributor Mykola Semena, a Crimean journalist who is fighting what he says is a politically motivated separatism charge on the Russian-controlled peninsula, has been adjourned until May 3 after a brief hearing on April 18.



A single witness for the prosecution testified in the latest session of the start-and-stop trial in the Crimean capital, Simferopol, while two other prosecution witnesses failed to appear.



Semena faces up to five years in prison if convicted by Russia, which has jailed several Crimeans who have opposed or criticized Moscows 2014 seizure of the Black Sea peninsula from Ukraine.



The charge against 66-year-old Semena stems from an article he wrote for RFE/RL's Krym.Realii (Crimea Realities) website in 2015. The Kremlin-installed authorities in Crimea have charged that the article called for the violation of Russias territorial integrity.



Semena contends that he is innocent, saying that he has the right to openly express his opinions and that Crimea's status was and remains in dispute.



Semena told RFE/RL on April 17 that the charge against him is "not legal but political." He said that while the Russian Constitution guarantees the freedom of expression, "in fact people are being prosecuted for that."

Witness



The witness who appeared in court on Aprill 18, Yulia Kozhemyakina, testified that she had seen the article that led to the charges against Semena. She had been enlisted by investigators to be present as a witness when they were examining the article on a web page.



But a lawyer for Semena, Emil Kurbedinov, said that Kozhemyakina was unable to answer some of the questions from the defense and did not appear to fully understand the witness statement that she had signed.



When we asked, Do you know what this technical term means?' the witness said [she] did not," Kurbedinov said.



Two other prosecution witness failed to show up for the court session.



The United States, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and international media watchdogs have expressed concern about Semenas prosecution.



Activists say his trial is part of a persistent Russian clampdown on independent media and dissent in Crimea since Moscows takeover.



Russia seized control of the Ukrainian region in March 2014 after sending in troops, engineering a takeover of the administration, and staging a referendum that has been denounced as illegal by Kyiv, the United States, and a total of 100 UN member countries.



In March, the European Parliament called on Moscow to free more than 30 Ukrainian citizens who are in prison or face other conditions of restricted freedom in Russia, Crimea, and parts of eastern Ukraine that are controlled by Russia-backed separatists.



The European Parliament has urged Russia to allow Semena and the others listed to travel freely. Semena is barred from leaving Crimea and must seek permission from the Russian-imposed authorities to travel outside Simferopol.



In September, RFE/RL President Thomas Kent described the case against Semena as "part of a concerted effort by Russian and Russian-backed authorities to obstruct RFE/RL's journalistic mission to provide an independent press to residents of Crimea."



Semenas trial began on March 20, but was swiftly adjourned until April 3 and was then adjourned again until April 18. The next trial date, May 3, is the UN-designated World Press Freedom Day.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has called for coordinated diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons program. Pence was speaking in Tokyo on April 18, two days after a failed North Korean missile launch raised tensions over Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions. Following a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Pence said he had reassured Japan of U.S. commitment to a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. (Reuters)
The United States has voiced concern over the reported persecution of gay men in Chechnya and urged officials in the Russian region to investigate, while a senior lawmaker called on President Vladimir Putin to make clear that violence based on sexual orientation is unacceptable.

"We continue to be disturbed by reports of kidnapping, torture, and murder of people in Chechnya based on their sexual orientation," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on April 17.

"If true, this violation of human rights cannot be ignored," she said. "Chechen authorities must immediately investigate these allegations, hold anyone involved accountable, and take steps to prevent future abuses," Haley added.

"We are against all forms of discrimination, including against people based on sexual orientation," she said.

Human rights groups and a Russian newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, say that gay Chechens have been rounded up because of their sexual orientation, beaten, blackmailed, and in some cases killed.

Three gay Chechen men have given accounts of their escape from abuse in the mostly Muslim North Caucasus republic.

Haley, who holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, said that on April 18 she would lead the council's first-ever meeting on human rights "to underscore our commitment to addressing human rights abuses wherever they threaten international peace and security."

Haley's statement came after former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on April 7 urged the White House to prod the Kremlin to intervene and stop the reported abuse. In dismissing the reports, authorities in Chechnya have not focused on the allegations of abuse, instead claiming that there are no gay men in the region.

Meanwhile, more U.S. lawmakers spoke out against the reports of abuse.

Senator Ben Cardin said he was "gravely concerned" about threats facing gays in the northern Caucasus region.

Cardin, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, laid blame on Chechnya's Kremlin-backed strongman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov.

"The calloused, inhuman behavior of...Kadyrov is well-known, and he has created an atmosphere of terror" for gays and bisexuals, Cardin said.

While Haley's statement made no specific mention of Russia or its leadership, Cardin said that "in the Russian Federation, the buck stops with President Vladimir Putin -- who must immediately signal that any violence against individuals on account of their sexual orientation or gender identity is unacceptable."



Republican U.S. Senator Thom Tillis called Kadyrov a "Putin loyalist" and accused Putin of denying that "shameful" human rights violations are occurring in Chechnya.

"Chechnya officials are kidnapping and torturing gay men. I condemn this gross violation of human rights," Tillis said on Twitter.

Kremlin critics say Putin has long given Kadyrov free rein to rule the region with violent, abusive, and unconstitutional methods in exchange for suppressing separatism and insurgency in the wake of two devastating wars since the Soviet collapse of 1991.

The state-run Russian news agency RIA reported on April 17 that regional prosecutors in Chechnya will investigate the reports of persecution of gay people.

With reporting by AP, AFP, Time.com, and Advocate.com
Like the ring left by a beer glass without a coaster, wineries, craft breweries and craft distilleries are leaving their mark on Richmond and elsewhere across the state.

And if you want to know whats new and whats coming  or simply whats here now  join those in the know during the Richmond Times-Dispatchs 2017 Speaker Series from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25. The event will be at the Virginia Historical Society, 428 N. Boulevard.

The topic is Beer, Wine and Spirits in Virginia, and speakers include Alexander Morgan, general manager at James River Cellars Winery; Dave Cuttino, co-founder of Reservoir Distillery; An Bui, owner of The Answer Brewpub and Mekong Restaurant & Bar; and Will Correll, founder and chief executive officer of Buskey Cider Co. Times-Dispatch Dish columnist Karri Peifer and wine and spirits columnist Jack Berninger will moderate.

Each industry  wine, beer and spirits like whiskey  is distinctly different, and each has its own challenges and opportunities in this vast new landscape of Richmonds beverage scene, some of the panelists said last week.

Morgan of James River Cellars said the winerys 16 years have been fruitful  no pun intended. The winery, located along U.S. 1 just south of Ashland, is expanding its tasting room and offering space to rent for special occasions. Looking toward the future means getting involved in tourism opportunities that promote the entire Richmond region and even the state as a wine destination. Although more wineries might be viewed as competition, he said, for James River, it helps.

Virginia is succeeding in wine ... because its not petty, he said, referring to the relationships and strategic thinking that occur among wineries in the area. They share information such as vineyard practices, he said, because of that, theyre collectively selling the state as a wine destination rather than just touting their individual products.

California is the enemy; Europe is the enemy, Morgan said. (Local wineries) down the street, theyre not the enemy.

With clusters of wineries throughout the region, you can draw people to the city and pitch it as culture and an experience, he said, and it benefits everybody.

On the other hand, when youre the only spirits distillery this side of Kentucky making premium bourbon  and youre subject to much heavier regulations than your craft brew and winery neighbors  your challenges and opportunities are of a different nature.

A former chemical engineer and bond trader, Reservoirs Cuttino and his partner, James Carpenter, formed Reservoir in 2008, were fully licensed in 2009 and sold their first bottle in 2010. Theyre located in Scotts Addition, surrounded by a growing list of craft breweries, a cidery and even a meadery (mead is a beverage made from fermented honey and water). However, unlike their beverage neighbors that operate businesses with much less state oversight and regulations, Reservoir is a manufacturer that puts its products in the hands of distributors that then take them throughout the Mid-Atlantic region as well as around the world. Limited tasting hours at the distillery are available throughout the week.

Reservoirs Rye Whiskey won the Local Food and/or Beverage Product of the Year award during the 2017 Elbys in February. The Elbys honor the best of Richmonds local food and beverage industries.

We learned to make something that we were really behind and that we enjoyed, Cuttino said, and as theyre finding, Richmond is behind them, too. In some cases, negative perceptions toward spirits that linger from as long ago as Prohibition days are beginning to dissipate as new waves of consumers  perhaps riding the tides of the renewed interest in craft beverages of all kinds  recognize the value of a high-quality product and are willing to pay for it.

Bourbon is just a beautiful spirit and so complex, he said, adding that the cool thing about Richmond is how much people that live here are into local businesses (and are) willing to support them.
Hopewell police are looking for thieves who stole cash, an iPhone and a .45-caliber pistol, among other items, from unlocked vehicles in several city neighborhoods early Wednesday.

Police said thieves struck vehicles in:

* the 3200 block of Clay Street;

* the 3200 block of Saint Charles Street;

* the 3900 block of Gloucester Drive;

* the 3900 block of Galena Avenue;

* the 800 block of Appomattox Street; and

* the 400 block of Canterbury Street.

Police said the thieves targeted unlocked vehicles that had valuables in clear sight.

Three males were caught on surveillance footage as they were being picked up by a newer-model vehicle after they had rummaged through unlocked vehicles in the 3900 block of Gloucester Drive, police said.

Anyone with information about the thieves is asked to call Officer Joshua Adams at (804) 541-2222 or Hopewell/Prince George Crime Solvers at (804) 541-2202.
The U.S. Department of Education has launched a civil rights investigation of Richmond Public Schools at the request of advocacy groups that say the districts disciplinary policies discriminate against black students and students with disabilities.

The decision was announced Monday by the Legal Aid Justice Center and the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, which received word last week that the federal agencys Office for Civil Rights would investigate concerns the organizations submitted in August.

Among them: Black students with disabilities were nearly 13 times more likely than white students without disabilities to receive short-term suspensions, Virginia Department of Education data from the 2014-15 academic year show.

We have high expectations of our public schools and we certainly expect them to meet those expectations with limited resources, said Rachael Deane, legal director for JustChildren, the Legal Aid Justice Centers child advocacy program. We are not placing the blame for this at teachers feet ... but we can do better.

In a 28-page indictment of the divisions practices submitted last year, lawyers for two named students detailed inconsistencies arising from subjective interpretations of a student code of conduct described as a disorganized and internally inconsistent assortment of narrative, lists and charts.

The complaint states that state data show the divisions broad policies and lack of meaningful alternatives to address bad behavior resulted in a perfect storm in which at least 1 in 4 students were suspended from eight Richmond Public Schools in the 2014-15 school year, including at two elementary schools.

Schools spokeswoman Kenita Bowers said the division was very concerned by disparities in student discipline and was working toward making necessary changes, including revising the student code of conduct, training staff on related issues and implementing a tiered model of intervention.

As part of these guidelines, faculty and staff now consider factors such as the nature/seriousness of the violation, the students age, the students previous disciplinary record and any other relevant circumstances when determining the most appropriate disciplinary interventions/consequences, Bowers said in a statement.

Although the Virginia Department of Education does collect self-reported student discipline data from school districts, it was unclear Monday whether Richmond Public Schools had been cited for issues of discipline inequity in recent years.

Public school systems for Chesterfield and Henrico counties have.

State Education Department spokeswoman Julie Grimes said the agency does not conduct investigations based on the data. The information is reported to the federal government for funding purposes.

In Chesterfield, black students with disabilities were about four times more likely to be suspended for more than 10 days than any other subgroup of students with disabilities during the 2014-15 academic year. African-American students with disabilities in Henrico were about 6.7 times more likely to be suspended long-term than their peers during that time.

In Richmond, more than 1 in 4 black students with disabilities were suspended short-term, compared with 1 in 10 for whites with disabilities.

The problems are stark in Richmond, said Leslie Mehta, legal director for the ACLU of Virginia. But unfortunately, Richmond is not unique; other districts have these problems as well.

Disparities in student discipline exist in big cities and small towns across the country, said Alethea Frazier Raynor with the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University.

We have really not been able to deal with this intractable issue of race in this country and the role that race plays in discipline, she said.

This is true even in majority-minority districts such as Richmond, where about 3 out of 4 students are African-American, she continued.

Teachers will say, Im not racist  thats not who I am, Frazier Raynor said. But people dont realize  regardless of their race  that they carry biases toward students.

In an environment where students are pushed out of classrooms over matters that once would have resulted in a trip to the back of the class or  maybe  the principals office, students are more likely to repeat bad behavior, she said.

Absent a meaningful intervention, they come right back into that same cycle, Frazier Raynor said. They can go round and round and round.

Bowers said the division is focused on developing meaningful strategies for improving outcomes with state and local partners.

RPS has and will continue to forge relationships with community partners to reduce suspensions but also to reduce office disciplinary referrals to enhance a school climate that is conducive to learning, she said.

Deane said the complaint focused on Richmond students in large part because those are the children she sees daily in the agencys office on Broad Street downtown.

Richmond Public School officials in August pledged to cooperate with the federal Education Department. School Board Chairwoman Dawn Page did not return an interview request Monday afternoon.
Richmond police have identified a suspect in a shooting that happened early Friday, a day after a Virginia Commonwealth University student was fatally shot two blocks away in the same neighborhood.

Police said Michael Fleming, 23, of the 1200 block of West Graham Road, has been charged with two counts of attempted robbery and two counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

The shooting occurred shortly after 5 a.m. Friday in the 1000 block of Bowe Street, which is four blocks north of VCUs Stuart C. Siegel Center and one block east of the Maggie L. Walker Governors School.

Police said officers in the 1300 block of West Clay Street heard a gunshot and responded to Bowe Street. The officers arrived on the scene to find two adult males  one of them with an apparent gunshot wound  in the road, struggling over a firearm. While aiding the man who appeared to have been shot, police were told that the shooting happened during an attempted robbery.

Police arrested Fleming. The victim was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

A day earlier, VCU student Samuel O. Kwarteng, 20, was slain in a shooting outside a home in the 1200 block of West Moore Street, which is two blocks away from Bowe Street.

Kwarteng, of Alexandria, was studying electrical and computer engineering at the university. Emmanuel E. Jordan, 20, a resident of the block where the shooting happened, was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Police said the two shootings are not related.

Anyone with information about the Bowe Street incident is asked to call Major Crimes Detective J. Higgins at (804) 646-7570.

You can also contact Crime Stoppers by calling (804) 780-1000, going online to www.7801000.com or sending a text message to 274637, using the keyword iTip followed by the tip.
Democrat Tom Perriellos fundraising haul of $2.2 million in the first three months of 2017, the highest among all candidates in Virginias governors race, was powered in part by several six-figure checks from outside the state, including $385,000 from billionaire investor George Soros and his sons and $200,000 from a New York-based nonprofit Perriello co-founded a decade ago.

Perriello, a former congressman and diplomat who shocked Virginias Democratic establishment by jumping into the governors race in January, raised more than Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam, his Democratic primary rival who took in $1.4 million between January and March, and Republican frontrunner Ed Gillespie, who raised nearly $1.9 million over the same period, according to reports that were due to the state Monday and compiled by the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project.

A former chairman of the Republican National Committee who more recently worked as a political consultant, Gillespies fundraising remained far ahead of his two rivals for the GOP nomination. Corey Stewart, chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, raised a little more than $300,000, while state Sen. Frank W. Wagner, R-Virginia Beach, took in just under $60,000.

As of March 31, Northam had roughly $3.3 million in cash on hand between his campaign and PAC accounts, while Perriello had $1.7 million. Gillespie had a little more than $3 million, compared with nearly $410,000 for Stewart and $372,000 for Wagner.

With polls showing a much tighter race between Northam and Perriello, the fundraising reports reveal new details about the national versus local contours of the Democratic primary, with Perriello looking to ride a broader wave of progressive energy fueled largely by opposition to President Donald Trump and Northam relying on in-state relationships built over a decade in politics.

Perriellos campaign has pointed to its strong fundraising quarter as a sign of growing momentum two months before the June 13 primaries, while Northams campaign has said the lieutenant governors numbers show strong grass-roots support despite Northam being barred from raising money during the 46-day legislative session earlier this year.

According to VPAP, 89.1 percent of Northams funding came from donors with a Virginia address, compared with 43.4 percent for Perriello.

When Perriello announced for governor on Jan. 5, Northam had already locked in the support of the states Democratic establishment, forcing Perriello to rely on a few deep-pocketed donors to raise money to get his campaign off the ground.

On the day he officially launched his campaign, Perriello received $200,000 from Avaaz, a globally focused online advocacy group Perriello helped launch in 2007 that described itself as a global web movement to bring people-powered politics to decision-making everywhere. An affiliated entity, the Avaaz Foundation, also made $12,570 in in-kind contributions, listed in the report as covering costs for the Perriello campaigns salaries, travel and meals.

Perriello, who grew up outside Charlottesville and represented Virginias central 5th District for one term before losing the seat in 2010, also received a $500,000 contribution from Charlottesville philanthropist Sonjia Smith on the day he launched his campaign, the largest donation Perriello received in the reporting period.

Perriellos second-largest contribution was the $250,000 from Soros, a major liberal donor viewed by the right as a shadowy benefactor behind a wide variety of left-wing causes such as the Center for American Progress, the liberal think tank Perriello worked for after leaving Congress. Perriello received an additional $125,000 from Alexander Soros and $10,000 from Jonathan Soros, who, like their father, have a history of contributing to progressive and Democratic endeavors.

Nearly half of Perriellos total came from his top four contributors.

Northams top donation for the period was $100,000 from Gov. Terry McAuliffes political action committee, Common Good VA, and he received five-figure checks from several other prominent Virginia-based Democratic donors, including $50,000 from Charlottesville investor Michael Bills, the husband of big Perriello backer Sonjia Smith.

Northam, a pediatric neurologist from the Eastern Shore who served in the state Senate before becoming lieutenant governor in early 2014, received roughly $16,000 from executives at energy giant Dominion Resources, including a $5,000 contribution from Dominion CEO Thomas F. Farrell II.

Perriello, who opposes the Dominion-backed Atlantic Coast Pipeline, has sworn off contributions from Dominion, the states top political donor, which regularly contributes to politicians from both parties.

Farrell also contributed $5,000 to Gillespies campaign.

An ex-aide to former President George W. Bush, Gillespie attended a Texas fundraiser with Bush in late March. Records show Gillespie received $25,000 from Bush and $25,000 from former Bush adviser Karl Rove.

Lieutenant governor

On the Republican side, state Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel of Fauquier County led Sen. Bryce E. Reeves of Spotsylvania County and Del. Glenn R. Davis Jr. of Virginia Beach in fundraising.

Vogel took in $209,367, including $100,000 from her father, William B. Holtzman. Her ending balance was $549,390.

Reeves took in $170,512. He transferred in $230,000 from his Senate campaign committee and transferred in $21,000 from his PAC, Revitalize Virginia, for a total intake, including interest, of $421,520. His ending balance for his campaign committee and PAC combined was $448,896.

Davis took in $45,880 and gave himself $83,300 in loans. His ending balance was $31,553.

On the Democratic side, former federal prosecutor Justin Fairfax took in $289,531 and had a balance of $145,682. Former lobbyist and party activist Susan Platt took in $136,805, which included a $20,000 loan from her husband. Her balance was $97,788.

Former federal prosecutor Gene Rossi took in $124,773, which included $50,000 in loans from himself and his brother. His balance was $62,626.

Attorney general

Attorney General Mark R. Herring, a Democrat, took in $406,736 for the reporting period and his political action committee, One Commonwealth, took in $116,165. His ending balance for both committees combined was close to $1.4 million.

He received $25,000 from Common Good VA and $10,000 from Dominions PAC.

Republican challenger John Adams, a lawyer with McGuireWoods in Richmond, took in $427,298 during the period. Of that, more than half  $250,000  came from the Republican Attorneys General Association. Adams had an ending balance of $560,530.
PORTSMOUTH  A woman who was sexually assaulted in a vacant house as a 12-year-old almost 40 years ago testified Monday that she did not see or hear the man who pleaded guilty to her rape.

Roy L. Watford III, 58, of Chesapeake says he knew the victim but had nothing to do with the attack on Sept. 14, 1977. He says he pleaded guilty to rape at the urging of his grandfather in exchange for a 10-year suspended sentence that enabled him to avoid jail and try to finish high school.

Just 18 years old in 1977, Watford now has no other criminal record and wants his name cleared. His lawyers filed a petition for a writ of actual innocence with the Virginia Supreme Court in August citing DNA evidence supporting his innocence claim.

The vacant house was next door to Watfords fathers house, where Roy Watfords brothers, Evelio and Anthony, lived. Roy Watford lived with his grandfather two streets away in Portsmouth.

The victim testified Monday that she knocked on the door of the vacant house, apparently looking for Roy Watford. Inside she saw Evelio Watford, among others. But she said her vision was immediately blocked by someone who threw a blanket over her head. And that was it, she said.

She said she did not know who, or even how many people, assaulted her. She said that she knew Roy Watford. Asked by his lawyer, Jonathan Sheldon, if she heard his voice among the assailants, she said, Cant say that I did.

Did you see Roy Watford at all that day? Sheldon asked. No, sir, she said.

She testified at an unusual evidentiary hearing before Portsmouth Circuit Judge Kenneth R. Melvin that was ordered by the Virginia Supreme Court. The justices said they needed more information before acting on the petition. The court asked Melvin to try to answer 17 questions, some of which were answered by the victim Monday.

However, other questions remain. Because Watford pleaded guilty, there is not a fuller trial record. Also, police files and some evidence cannot be located and a key detective involved in the case has died.

The Virginia Attorney Generals Office concedes the case is unsettling, but it is asking the Supreme Court to dismiss Watfords petition, arguing that the DNA evidence is not strong enough to meet the burden for winning a writ under the law.

Though none of the male DNA profiles identified match any of the three Watford brothers, only one profile  identified from a vaginal swab taken from the victim  can confidently be associated with the crime, said Alice Armstrong, an assistant Virginia attorney general. The other profiles came from a mattress believed involved in the assault, she said Monday.

The standoff between Watfords lawyers and the attorney general led the Supreme Court to order the evidentiary hearing to answer the 17 questions, among them several that could likely be answered only by the victim.

Records indicate the victim said she was raped by Watford and his two brothers.

Evelio Watford was found not innocent in juvenile court, and charges were dropped against Anthony Watford.

The DNA of several males was identified in semen recovered at the scene, but in 2010, DNA testing ruled out Watfords brothers, and more recent testing failed to find Watfords DNA in the evidence.

Among other things, the justices want to know to whom and under what circumstances the victim first reported the assault, the description of the assailants she gave police, and how certain she was of her identification.

The victim said Monday that when she left the vacant house no one was there. She went home and told her mother. She was taken to a nearby hospital where she was examined and interviewed by police. I cant even remember the people I talked to back then, she said.

Questioned by Armstrong, she said she could not recall what she told police in 1977, but said her recollection would have been better 40 years ago than it was on Monday.

Joseph Edward Brown III, who still lives on the street where the attack occurred, testified that he and a friend were walking by the vacant house when we heard a girl screaming. He said they went inside and saw the victim and some males he did not know. He knew the Watford brothers and said he was positive they were not among those inside.

We took the girl out of the house, he said. He said he told police the same thing in 1977 and testified to it at a preliminary hearing. Asked again if Roy Watford was there, Brown said, I did not see him in there. He was not there.

Watfords petition includes a declaration of support from Gregory M. Pomije, who prosecuted Watford in 1978 as an assistant commonwealths attorney and who later became Portsmouths commonwealths attorney.

Called by the state as a witness Monday, Pomije said he could not recall much about the case but did remember he had to ask the victim to put on a jacket or sweatshirt to hide a T-shirt she was wearing to court. The shirt said I like sex, Pomije said when asked by Sheldon. Pomije said he was horrified that the shirt was being worn by a 12-year-old girl.

Melvin has 30 days to report his findings to the Virginia Supreme Court. Further DNA testing will be conducted on two other suspects in the case, although according to authorities. their DNA is already in the state databank and it did not register a hit when the suspect DNA profiles were run.

Its got to be clear to everyone that Mr. Watford did not commit this rape, Sheldon said toward the end of the two-hour hearing.
The April showers are falling short of expectations so far.

The rain has come down in spotty fashion, and only 0.75 inches has made it into the rain bucket at Richmond International Airport during the first 18 days of April. That's less than half of the usual amount.

It's been a drier than usual year in general. Year-to-date precipitation is at 9.43 inches, about 2.4 inches lower than normal based on the 1981 to 2010 climatological period.

Most of the state is running some sort of deficit for 2017, with the most pronounced lack of rain in the Piedmont region. Only a small chunk of the New River Valley has experienced a surplus.

Occasional showers may yield 0.1 to 0.25-inch amounts on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Some substantial rainfall may be on the way this weekend. Low pressure will track through the Tennessee Valley and Mid-Atlantic between Saturday and Monday.

Somewhere during that time frame, 1 inch of rain could fall across much of Virginia. It's still uncertain whether there will be severe weather potential with that system. The most unstable air may be confined to the Carolinas.

The latest video on richmond.com/weather explores the local rainfall deficit with more maps and charts.
A man charged with fatally beating a Roanoke woman has been ordered held without bond.

That decision came Tuesday morning at a hearing in Roanoke Circuit Court, where James Kevin ODell had asked for release on $10,000 bail.

ODell, 39, was arrested this month after being indicted on a charge of second-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, Erin Nicole Marley.

Roanoke police have said officers responded Nov. 12 to a report of a fight at the Airport Plaza motel room ODell and Marley shared.

Marley, 34, was conscious and told police ODell had punched her in the face. She was hospitalized and underwent emergency surgery, but her condition worsened and she died about three weeks later, on Dec. 5.

According to a medical examiners report, the cause of Marleys death was blunt force trauma and the manner was homicide.

At Tuesdays bond hearing, Roanoke Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Chad Simmons said police body cameras had recorded both ODells and Marleys acknowledgment that he had hit her. Simmons said their fight began after ODell grew jealous of another man who was drinking in the motel room with them.

In the days after that incident, ODell was charged with assault and malicious wounding and was granted $5,000 bond on the condition that he live with his aunt and son in Collinsville. Those lesser counts were dropped after Marleys death and the second-degree murder charge was brought this month by Roanokes grand jury.

At Tuesdays bond hearing, defense attorney Richard West argued that ODell had known that more serious charges were likely and had remained in the area. He also pointed to ODells lack of felony convictions, but Judge Charlie Dorsey said ODell had not overcome the presumption against bond that comes with a murder charge.

ODells next court date is expected to be set on May 2.
Earlier this month, my wife and I had the unfortunate experience of having our Delta Airlines flights canceled. We sought refunds because Delta was unable to rebook the tickets for days.

It happened April 6 in the middle of a crisis for the airline caused by intense thunderstorms at Atlantas airport the day before. Those shut down Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for much of April 5, and the airlines problems continued through that weekend.

Delta cancelled 4,000 flights in all, said airline spokesman Anthony Black. (More about the apology we and others got from Delta is below.) Suffice it to say we werent the only Delta passengers in the Roanoke Valley inconvenienced. Others had it far worse.

Liz Wickens, 77, of Salem, got stranded in Atlanta that Thursday night with thousands of others.

My 3:30 p.m. flight on Thursday, canceled, then the last flight at 9:30 p.m., canceled. I can still see the face of the smiling Delta official as he said dont worry, well get you out of here tonight. 

It didnt happen. And the airport was a zoo. How I envied the younger and more agile as they slept in pretzel fashion, during my overnight stay, Wickens wrote.

If you couldve seen the lines for the help desks, you wouldnt question why no one could get through by phone. They couldnt either! And, their computers were locking up, Wickens said. There were no planes, no rental cars, and no hotels/motels within 20 miles of Atlanta.

Delta got Wickens home the next morning. Others had to wait a lot longer. Dan Phlegar, of Roanoke County, said his daughter and her two children spent nearly a week trying to get home.

She and our two grandchildren from Wyoming had been visiting since March 25, Phlegar wrote in an email. They were to return on April 4 but their flight was cancelled due to a mechanical problem.

Delta rebooked them for April 5, the day of the storms. That flight also was canceled. The airline re-rebooked them for April 7 but canceled that flight, too. Phlegar said he and his wife were willing to drive their daughter and grandchildren to airports as far away as Cincinnati to catch return flights, but anything that made sense already was booked.

After days of calling, standing in the airport line for hours and with very little cooperation from Delta, they finally took off the morning of April 10, Phlegar said. It cost his daughter, whos a registered nurse, a week of work.

Kathy Cole, of Galax, can empathize with living a long distance from grandchildren. Her only granddaughter, like my wife Donnas and mine, lives in Austin, Texas.

Ive seen her three times in her 15 months of life, Cole wrote. Thank God for video and Skype! Ive never had quite as frustrating an experience as yours, but I wont fly Delta again. I highly recommend American [Airlines] through Charlotte.

Cole raised an interesting question. How many others in the Roanoke region have grandchildren in Austin?

Do you suppose there are enough  that we can charter a plane or bus? she said. We could share mine is the cutest stories all the way down!

I also heard from retired chemical engineer Pete Hamilton, of Rockbridge County. He and his wife flew from Roanoke to Jackson, Mississippi, in late March. Their American Airlines flights were drama-free, but they had a different and costly kind of airport misadventure. Hamilton cheerfully acknowledges it was his own fault.

A few days prior to our departure, [my wife] fell and severely sprained her ankle, making it necessary for us to arrange for handicapped assistance in getting her through security and for boarding the plane.

Hamilton pulled his car up to the curb outside the airport door to help his wife inside. American Airlines, he said, was great about providing assistance.

They were so great Hamilton forgot all about his car parked in the unloading zone with its emergency flashers flashing. The story continues:

I neglected to put my car in long-term parking and left it instead in the temporary unloading, tow-away zone in front of the airport. I didnt even think of it until our plane was taxiing in Charlotte in preparation for takeoff, Hamilton told me.

That was a Wednesday evening. When they arrived in Jackson, Hamilton left a phone message with the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport Police. They called back the next day.

Hamilton learned his car had been towed that morning. He knew he was in for a hassle when he returned.

The towing company charged Hamilton $660, which he said included a $20 administrative fee and six days of storage at $50 a day. Hamilton also paid a $20 parking fine and $10 for a taxi to take him and his wife to the towing companys storage lot.

The company gave him a free jumpstart because his battery was dead from leaving his emergency lights on overnight, the night of their departure.

In all, that mistake cost Hamilton $690  almost equal to the total he and his wife paid for two round-trip tickets to Jackson.

Ill be sure to park my car properly on future flights, Hamilton said. Ruefully, he joked he should have chosen a career in towing rather than chemical engineering.

As for Delta and its apology to my wife and me, that came last week in an email from CEO Ed Bastian. The airline credited our frequent flier accounts with 20,000 miles each, worth a total of $400 in airfare. And we werent the only ones.

Significantly inconvenienced passengers who dont have a Delta frequent flier account were given $200 vouchers, said Black, the Delta spokesman.

Wickens received a $200 voucher. Dan Phlegars daughter received vouchers worth $600 in future travel on Delta, because she had two children in tow.

I reckon well use ours the next time we try to fly to Austin. But Phlegars daughter doesnt feel the same way.

She said she might never set foot on a Delta flight again, Phlegar said.
Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, held court, or at least a place above the trash bins, at a popular State Street restaurant, until spirited away into the night two weeks ago.

Through the Herculean efforts from both the staff at Parthenon Gyros, 316 State Street, and Madison police, the three-foot-high bronze statue was tracked to a Downtown resident, who couldn't remember how the goddess came into his possession.

Video showed him snatching the statue, leaving the thief very embarrassed and the restaurant staff very relieved when Aphrodite was returned, all in one piece and none the worse for wear.

"For years, she looked out over throngs of diners, many arriving at bar time," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain. "She bore witness to countless discarded tzatziki sauce-ladened plastic wrappers."

When Aphrodite was kidnapped, staff went to work trying to find out where she might be. Police were called.

"Video clearly showed a young man placing Aphrodite inside his jacket and walking out," DeSpain said.

Staff found a credit card receipt from around the time the statue disappeared, and even though the receipt didn't belong to the suspected thief, it did belong to one of his friends he had been dining with.

"An investigating officer ran the name on the receipt into databases and came up with contact information for the credit card's owner," DeSpain said.

The card owner was surprised police knew his name, what he had to eat and what he was wearing, but that's what surveillance video coupled with a credit card receipt can do.

"The officer told the card owner no one was in trouble because the Parthenon owners didn't wish to press charges, they just wanted Aphrodite returned," DeSpain said.

He was asked if he could contact those he dined with that early morning, and sure enough, the officer got a phone call about 10 minutes later, from the goddess grabber.

He told the officer he was in possession of the statue, but didn't know how or why.

"He said 'When I woke up on Sunday morning, I had no idea she was in my apartment or where she came from,'" DeSpain said.

The officer said the surveillance idea gave police a pretty good idea where the statue came from and who took it.

The officer drove over to the man's apartment to retrieve the goddess of love.

"He said he was very embarrassed," DeSpain said. "The officer talked to him about making good decisions in the early morning hours, and he assured the officer he would not be making such a mistake again."

Aphrodite was handed over to the officer, who belted her in so she could be safely returned to the Parthenon.

"The employees were in disbelief that Aphrodite was located and unharmed," DeSpain said. "The officer told the owners how sorry the man was for taking her, and was so thankful they weren't pressing charges."

Aphrodite was returned to her lofty position above the trash bins.

"The Greek goddess of love prevailed," the officer wrote in his report.
Former journalist and political newcomer Chris Hurst, who is opposing Del. Joseph Yost, R-Pearisburg, to represent the 12th District in Virginias House of Delegates, is one of the states top campaign fundraisers this quarter.

Hurst, a former reporter at WDBJ (Channel 7), raised $84,515 during the fundraising period that started Jan. 1  making him the third top fundraiser this quarter among new candidates and incumbents running for Virginias House of Delegates.

Two non-incumbent candidates in Northern Virginia topped Hurst, a Democrat, in their fundraising totals.

Yost raised $66,847  putting him just outside the top 10 House fundraisers this quarter, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. While Hurst raised more than Yost this reporting period, the incumbent still has more campaign funds because Yost had $48,000 leftover from previous re-election bids.

After first-quarter expenses, Yost has more than $117,000 remaining. Hurst has $69,529 in cash on-hand.

Hurst also had a fundraising head start on Yost because state law bars incumbents from seeking campaign donations until the close of the General Assembly session, which ended Feb. 25. Hurst announced his candidacy Feb. 11.

The former journalist said the attention paid to his departure from WDBJ likely boosted his fundraising totals, but Hurst said hes grateful for the groundswell of support from residents in the New River Valley and across the country.

We got attention for our race, for what were trying to do and the reasons were trying to do it, he said. That means that there are people around the country who want to help.

This is a great start, but the campaign still has a long way to go, he said.

Yost said he is comfortable with his first-quarter campaign totals. The campaign is on track to raise as much or more than it has in previous years, he said. In 2015, Yost out raised his Democratic opponent almost 3-to-1.

I think everything so far has been pretty reflective of how its been in previous campaigns, he said.

The 12th District is split fairly evenly between Republican and Democratic voters, which means significant amounts of money from both parties pour into the New River Valley nearly every election cycle.

During his campaign kickoff, Hurst announced he had raised $30,000 during the first week of his campaign, which stemmed, in part, from the national media attention garnered by his candidacy.

Hurst became the unofficial face of WDBJ after his girlfriend and co-worker, reporter Alison Parker, was killed during an on-air shooting in 2015. After the shooting, Hurst was interviewed dozens of times by national media outlets across the country, many of which followed with stories on Hursts political ambitions.

Most of the top donations made to Yosts campaign this cycle came from other Virginia delegates. Of the 19 contributors to Yosts re-election bid this quarter, Del. Greg Habeeb, R-Salem, and Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, each donated $10,000 of their campaign funds. Del. Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, contributed $25,000 and the House Majority Leaders political action committee pledged $10,000, according to VPAP.

In comparison, the 695 donations made to Hursts campaign were much smaller. A New York entrepreneur who was once named to Forbes 30 under 30 list, gave $5,000 to Hursts campaign  the largest donation he received.

Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, Sen. John Edwards, D-Roanoke, and Del. Marcus Simon, D-Fairfax, contributed a combined $1,000 to Hursts campaign.

Virginia election law stipulates candidates may use their campaign funds as they see fit. Oftentimes, lawmakers who dont face re-election opponents, such as Kilgore, Jones, Rasoul and Simon, will funnel some of their campaign funds to party members in contested House races.

Flippable  a political action committee founded by former Hillary Clinton campaign staffers  has deemed 20 Virginia House districts, including the 12th District, as ones that could flip from red to blue in the November election.
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi said Tuesday he wont run for governor in 2018, removing one of the most high-profile Democratic elected officials from the shortening list of Gov. Scott Walkers potential challengers.

In an interview Tuesday, Parisi said Walker is both vulnerable and strong, and could lose to the right person with the right message.

The right message is key, Parisi said. I think its important that we get back to the core message of being the party for hard-working and middle class people, who get up to work every day and are struggling to make ends meet, Parisi said. Unfortunately the Republican Party has co-opted that message when the Democratic Party will always be the party of regular people.

The right message includes supporting a higher minimum wage and increasing worker protections, he said.

Parisi declined to name other potential Democratic candidates who could be formidable against Walker, though he noted there are some whose names have not been floated yet.

He said the candidate will likely have to raise at least $10 million to win. He said fundraising wasnt a reason for his decision not to run.

Rather, Parisi said he believes he can have a greater impact as county executive, a job he still loves. He was just re-elected to his second full term without an opponent. He was first elected in 2011 in a special election to replace Kathleen Falk, who ran for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 2002 and 2012.

Parisi said Walkers strengths are his well-honed election machine and ability to raise money. The latest Marquette Law School Poll found 45 percent of registered voters approve of Walkers job performance, while 48 percent disapprove. Thats slightly better than it has been over the past two years since Walker mounted an unsuccessful presidential campaign.

Walker hasnt declared he is running for a third term, though he has dropped several strong hints he will.

Isnt it fitting that on Tax Day yet another top-tier recruit for the big government special interests decided not to run against Governor Walkers strong record of defending Wisconsins working families? Walker spokesman Joe Fadness said in response to Parisis decision. With the lowest unemployment rate since 2000, more people working than ever before, and a bright economic outlook for hard-working Wisconsin families, even a tax-and-spend Madison liberal knows these reforms are moving Wisconsin forward.

Democrats who have been floated as possible candidates in 2018 include Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, Rep. Dana Wachs, Rep. Gordon Hintz, Jefferson County District Attorney Susan Happ, former Democratic Party chairman Matt Flynn and Milwaukee businessman Andy Gronik.

Parisi joins a growing list of potential Democratic candidates who have ruled out a run including U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling, Rep. Cory Mason, former state Sen. Tim Cullen, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser and Madison businessman Mark Bakken.

Republican Party of Wisconsin spokesman Alec Zimmerman said in a statement Parisis exit is the latest sign Wisconsin Democrats are in total disarray.
Roanoke police are looking for two men suspected of stealing checks and money orders from 13 apartment complexes in the Roanoke Valley, according to a post on the departments Facebook page.

Checks and money orders have been taken from drop boxes at apartment complexes in Roanoke, Roanoke County and Salem since April 1, according to the post. The thefts occurred when offices at each complex were closed.

On April 3, two men were captured on surveillance video stealing from the drop box at Ferncliff Apartments. The video, shown above, was posted on the departments Facebook page.

Anyone with information about the thefts can call 344-8500. Tips can be left anonymously.
Business News Another Big U S Deal For China S Anbang Just Fell Through | RobinsPost News & Noticias

while a private survey of services activity fell into contraction in September. Read More The U.S. continues to hold tremendous economic and technological advantages over China, which, as Biden just signaled, Washington is becoming more willing to use against its Communist competitor. Read More Times have changed. In the last 10 years, the U.S. has come to see China as a competitor rather than a partner, bent on displacing the U.S. as leader of the global economic and geostrategic order. Read More Huadi Internationals shares soared 90% on Friday despite a lack of news from ... is really just an indicator of what the company is thinking rather than a specific plan. The big question ... Read More Theyre just some of the big names shutting ... Xi Jinpings desire for less dependence plus global tensions could see barriers rise further. Part of it is the US-China trade war initiated ... Read More The biggest deals this year include Changjiang Capitals US$1.57 billion bet on a high-end electric car startup founded by Renault China CEO Soh Weiming ... Behind the boom: ample state support, not ... Read More CHAOYANG, China  China's Chaoyang Long March Tyre Co. Ltd. has struck a deal with U.S. importer and distributor ... owns 51% of the venture through its Servis Tyres business unit. Salas owns another ... Read More ESPN has broadcast F1 in the U.S. since 2018 and the new deal ... another few seasons is really exciting for us, ESPN President Burke Magnus said. Were not going to let up. Were just ... Read More Then theres another possibility ... registration filing is really just an indicator of what the company is thinking rather than a specific plan. The big question is, what gave the company ... Read More
Business News Hawaii Near The Bottom In Terms Of Economic Outlook | RobinsPost News & Noticias

() - Hawaii has one of the worst business tax climates in the country, according to a new report. The state ranked in the bottom ten of the Tax Foundations index comparing states based on how well ... Read More The road to higher Hawaii auto sales in the near future appears rocky, but a new report on the local industry says there are two key positives that might stem a decline. Read More Factors That Will Impact the Economy ... business and advertising decisions. And lets not forget the R word. Some believe a recession is not an if but a when. The bottom ... Read More Drought to Continue for Parts of Hawaii Despite ... Administration's wet season outlook released Wednesday. La Nina, a cooling of Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures near the equator, is ... Read More Top industry experts from across the Calumet Region will forecast business conditions next year at the upcoming NWIBRT Business & Economic Outlook in Valparaiso. The Northwest Indiana Business ... Read More Thomson Reuters Corp kept its financial guidance for this year and next after a forecast-beating rise in third-quarter earnings on Tuesday, but warned any worsening of the economic outlook could ... Read More The road to higher Hawaii auto sales in the near future appears rocky, but a new report on the local industry says there are two key positives that might stem a decline. Hawaii Auto Outlook says in a ... Read More In the second quarter, she says, corporate commentary would be the key to watch out especially in terms of the demand outlook ... bottom-up stock picking will be the way to navigate the near ... Read More The two leaders addressed the topics during a news conference on the global economic outlook in Washington, D.C. Their comments also came as President Biden, in an interview with CNN, said if ... Read More Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo will share the Biden administration's plan to fight inflation and build a more resilient economy ... Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes ... Read More KUALA LUMPUR: Following are the highlights of the Economic Outlook, Fiscal Outlook and Federal ... at 4.4 per cent of GDP in the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework 2023-2025 The government may extend ... Read More
Health News An In Home Care Program For California S Elderly And Disabled Is Constantly At The Heart Of Budget Battles Here S Why | RobinsPost News & Noticias

The countys In-Home Support Services (IHSS) program provides long-term care to the elderly or those who are disabled throughout San Diego. Workers say they are helping these community members ... Read More Jennifer Kent, former director of the California Department of Health Care Services, which designed the CalAIM reforms, said while she strongly supports the program ... news and utility desks ... Read More A system of care in the home is the fastest way to do that, in my opinion. Heres what to know about home health ... Care for Elderly (PACE) PACE is a government program that provides ... Read More Throughout my over 25-year career in health care, my goal has been to keep patients from falling through the cracks. Never has this been more tested than during the past three years. Having ... Read More At-home health care is becoming progressively more common, and local medical professionals are adapting to where the trend could go in the future. Read More It is difficult to appreciate the toll of caring for an ailing, elderly relative until ... feel vital for both parties. Thats what makes home health care and other kinds of at-home support ... Read More But a few years later, Alice's health ... elderly dogs. We also put together a financial assistance program to help senior citizens with veterinary bills, and a temporary foster care program ... Read More The House Republican Commitment to America builds on these successes with a strong set of health care ... s New Majority Project) spent the summer talking to voters to determine why. Read More Health care  and how much ... the state of California put up $100 million to begin manufacturing its own insulin and sell it cheaply. Hows it going to work? (Is it going to work?) ... Read More Care-at-home models, however, allow providers to see and interact with patients in the context of their daily lives. With this more holistic understanding of a patients health, providers can ... Read More TRICARE, the health care program ... home, and 99.8 percent will have access within 30 minutes." The decision to drop smaller pharmacies from the network came after Express Scripts, TRICARE's ... Read More I didnt understand why ... and other health care providers to provide the whole-person support patients need in order to follow their care plan. We go to the patients home and look ... Read More
Politics News Trump Runoff Will Be A Win In Georgia Special Election | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Problems with voting machines and systems were sporadic as millions of Americans went to the polls, although glitches in some places, including Arizonas largest county, produced unsubstantiated ... Read More As recently as a few weeks ago, the Georgia Senate race seemed to be tipping toward incumbent Democrat Raphael Warnock. A string of controversies plagued the ... Read More Beyond that, the attorney general has an active role in setting state policy and can be an authoritative voice in setting the state's political agenda, in many respects. They are meant to uphold the ... Read More Heres your guide on how to follow results from races that may not be settled until later this weekor possibly even in December with a Georgia runoff election. Read More The Georgia ballot features races for U.S. Senate, Georgia governor, Congress, secretary of state, other statewide offices and the General Assembly. A number of local races and ballot issues will be ... Read More A highly competitive contest between Sen. Raphael Warnock and candidate Hershel Walker is shaping up in Georgia. How would a runoff election work? Read More Strategists are watching a few East Coast races that could be called early, offering a rough road map to the entire country. Read More For all of former President Donald Trump's efforts to defeat Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp during the primary, the Republican governor is loath to criticize his party's most influential figure ahead of next ... Read More Former President Donald Trump has headlined a string of rallies over the last month in battleground states, and plans four more stops through Nov. 8 in some of the most politically competitive places ... Read More Bitter contests across the country will determine the balance of power in Congress, state legislatures and governorships. Follow along as our reporters provide updates from across the country. Read More The race for control of the Senate is a toss-up, with key seats in Georgia, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Arizona and more at stake. Read More Long before Trump sought to undercut the legitimacy of the 2020 election, Republican officials at both the state and federal levels often made dubious claims of election fraud to ... Read More
Politics News New York Today A Holocaust Survivor S Story On Stage | RobinsPost News & Noticias

the former head of the Anti-Defamation League and a child survivor of the Holocaust, said at a panel discussion following the films screening last month at The Paley Center for Media in New York. I ... Read More As we confront Holocaust denialism, resurgent antisemitism, and renewed debates about how the Holocaust is taught in schools, we must prioritize these learning opportunities. Read More A McKeesport native now living in New York City has written a book about one teenager's experience during the Holocaust in the Netherlands. Author David Tabatsky recounts the true story of Salomon ... Read More Goslar, a Holocaust survivor and one of Anne Franks best friends, died at 93-years-old. Pick-Goslar died just two weeks before turning 94. She is survived by her three children, 11 grandchildren and ... Read More ROME (AP)  Italys Fascist past ... comment threads to stories from wire services such as the Associated Press, The New York Times, The Washington Post or Bloomberg News. Read More In the wake of the scandal involving Kanye West, also known as "Ye," we spoke with a granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor. Read More JERUSALEM For seven decades, survivor ... Jewish victims journal, called Eva.Stories, is generating buzz among the young. If we want to bring the memory of the Holocaust to the young ... Read More Because the news at the time ... hide and escape during the Holocaust. An issue that is not often touched upon in Holocaust stories is the notion of survivors guilt, a topic Elie Wiesel ... Read More Oz is a medical doctor but is not part of Fetterman's medical team. Stroke survivors who spoke to USA TODAY said they couldn ... Trump appeared to imitate New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski ... Read More 2022 [Yara Nardi/Reuters] Published On 13 Oct 202213 Oct 2022 The first session of the new Italian Parliament has opened with an emotional speech by a Holocaust survivor after a far-right party ... Read More ROME (AP)  Italys Fascist past and its future  which will governed by a party with neo-fascist roots  came to an emotional head Thursday when a Holocaust survivor presided over the ... Read More Italys Fascist past and its future governed by ... neo-fascist origins came to an emotional head Thursday when a Holocaust survivor presided over the first seating of Parliament since general ... Read More
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Politics News Leader Of Cal Exit Drops Bid For California To Secede Instead Moves To Russia | RobinsPost News & Noticias




A pair of state lawmakers tried to persuade a Senate committee Tuesday to approve a bill that would allow delivery robots to traverse Wisconsin sidewalks and crosswalks.

The measure would limit the robots to operating only on sidewalks and in crosswalks, impose an 80-pound weight limit as well as a 10 mph speed limit and require operators to control or monitor the devices. The bill would prohibit the robots from traveling in roadways and allow local governments to ban them if they so desire.

The bills Republican authors, Sen. Chris Kapenga and Rep. Mike Kuglitsch, told the Senate government operations and technology committee that the machines offer an innovative, cost-effective solution to delivery hurdles in the last few miles. Authorizing the machines would signal Wisconsin is a technology leader in the Midwest, they added.

We need to allow these vehicles on Wisconsin sidewalks and crosswalks, Kuglitsch said. I believe it is our job as legislators to allow innovation and emerging technologies to prosper and be welcome in our state.

The robots are essentially rolling coolers loaded with cameras and sensors that can scan the environment. Starship Technologies, a European company, began manufacturing them as an option for handling food takeout and grocery delivery.

An email alerts the customer when the robot reaches his or her door.

The machines weigh about 35 pounds, travel at a top speed of 4 mph and have a range of 2 to 3 miles. They can operate on their own  theyre programmed to stop whenever something is directly in front of them  or with a human at the controls.

The robots have been delivering food in Estonia, Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom since last year. Pilot delivery programs began in Redwood City, California, and Washington, D.C., in February. Virginia and Idaho have passed legislation similar to the Wisconsin proposal authorizing the robots to operate on those states sidewalks.

Starship Technologies spokesman David Catania said the company currently has about 150 machines operating around the world. Theyve traveled 30,000 miles without injuring anyone, he said.

The Wisconsin bill came about after Assembly Speaker Robin Vos saw a demonstration at a National Conference of State Legislatures meeting last year, Catania said. The speakers staff inquired with the company about bringing the robots to Wisconsin, he said.

Republican Sen. Duey Stroebel, the committee chairman, said he liked the concept but questioned whether the legislation was really needed. Kapenga responded that state laws tend to become murkier as new technology emerges and he wants to make sure any delivery robot company has a clear idea of Wisconsins legal landscape.

The hearing lasted less than 30 minutes. The panel wasnt scheduled to vote on the bill and no one spoke about the measure except for the authors and Catania.

Vos has identified the bill as one of Assembly Republicans key initiatives this session. Asked about the bills prospects in the Senate, Majority Leader Scott Fitzgeralds spokeswoman, Myranda Tanck, said Fitzgerald hasnt had a chance to discuss the proposal with the full Republican caucus.
Potus News On Election Day Trump Steps Up Attacks On Democratic Congressional Candidate In Georgia | RobinsPost News & Noticias

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Potus News Trump To Sign Executive Order To Buy American Hire American | RobinsPost News & Noticias

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Travel News Indiana Toll Road Travel Plazas Being Rebuilt For First Time | RobinsPost News & Noticias

(WANE)  The Indiana State Police Toll Road Post is investigating a two vehicle ... If the vehicle(s) involved are drivable, NEVER stop in the lane of travel. Vehicle(s) should be moved over ... Read More SHIPSHEWANA  A Florida man died as a result of being struck by his own vehicle on the Indiana Toll Road at about 9:30 ... NEVER stop in the lane of travel.  Vehicle(s) should be moved ... Read More So a huge part of the reason that America doesnt have stuff that old is that it was taken away and never allowed to grow and become old in the first ... travel? If this isnt the ... Read More The Association Les 3 Vallees announces today the launch of a new online travel agency  Les 3 Vallees Travel - to provide consumers globally a simple and direct way to book vacations to the ... Read More Travel in Asia-Pacific is soaring this year  restrictions were first eased in India and Australia, then Malaysia and Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations, followed most recently by Japan ... Read More A confession: The San Joaquin Hills toll ... time the debt to build the road was actually issued  totaling some $3 billion  the roads were slated to be paid off by 2040. Projected traffic ... Read More After all, whenever you're investing time and money into something, it's worth having a fallback in case things don't go as planned. That's when travel insurance can help. Travel insurance can ... Read More Editor's Note  Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel's weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations ... in order to crown a new winner. Time Out has released its annual list of the ... Read More The Ritz-Carlton, Amman is an exquisite new addition to the citys ever-expanding skyline, raising the luxury hospitality bar in Jordan Excitement is building as World Travel Awards (WTA ... Read More Fill out your trip information, including the dates of travel and destination, to view your options. Buying travel insurance is the easy part. It's picking the policy that can take time. Read More And prices for many travel expenses have actually begun falling. Airfare prices dropped 9% month-over-month, according to September Consumer Price Index data. Yet it could be some time before ... Read More (WNDU) - A Florida man is dead after a crash on the Indiana Toll Road Sunday night in LaGrange ... NEVER stop in the lane of travel. Vehicle(s) should be moved over to the shoulder or onto the ... Read More
Travel News Washington State Travel Alerts | RobinsPost News & Noticias

KING 5 has activated First Alert for this weather event, which could affect lives, property or travel in the Pacific Northwest region. Read More Interstate 90 is already congested in the Coeur dAlene metro area, and traffic volumes are expected to double by 2045. Read More A serious injury is involved, the State Road 80 westbound lanes are blocked and traffic is heavily congested in the area. Please avoid if possible or approach with caution. 7:38 A.M. Traffic ... Read More Heading into the general election Tuesday, Lincoln and Ferry counties have indicated no interest in reinstalling the device. Read More Oregon State Police found 83 pounds of suspected cocaine and a firearm during a traffic stop on I-5 after being alerted by a drug detection K9. Read More Oregon State Police found 83 pounds of suspected cocaine and a firearm during a traffic stop on I-5 after being alerted by a drug detection K9. Read More "Don't wait until the last minute: Travel insurance is intended to protect travelers against sudden and unforeseen events," the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking in Washington ... Read More backing up traffic for commuters in the Tacoma area. Washington State Department of Transportation Peter Talbot covers crime and breaking news in Pierce County. He started with The News Tribune in ... Read More The instant traffic ... news" in the lock screen summary, although some publishers share breaking news without explicitly using the term in the alert. Publishers such as Metro, Washington Post ... Read More WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 AM PDT FRIDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to 2 inches below 2,000 feet including downtown Spokane and 2 to 4 ... Read More Through this deal, you can fly from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood ... How to book: Directly through Plays website. Travel dates: Oct. 1 through Dec. 10; dates vary by destination. Read More
Travel News Washington State Travel Alerts | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Interstate 90 is already congested in the Coeur dAlene metro area, and traffic volumes are expected to double by 2045. Read More KING 5 has activated First Alert for this weather event, which could affect lives, property or travel in the Pacific Northwest region. Read More A serious injury is involved, the State Road 80 westbound lanes are blocked and traffic is heavily congested in the area. Please avoid if possible or approach with caution. 7:38 A.M. Traffic ... Read More While the U.S. midterm elections could change the political landscape in Washington, experts say they're unlikely to have much of an impact on Canada-U.S. relations  although they could shift the ... Read More Heading into the general election Tuesday, Lincoln and Ferry counties have indicated no interest in reinstalling the device. Read More WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 8 AM PDT FRIDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to 2 inches below 2,000 feet including downtown Spokane and 2 to 4 ... Read More But where does Washington fit in among these 50 states? According to APR Travel, the Evergreen State takes top spot as the most naturally beautiful state. Cue Washingtonians saying we know that. ... Read More Oregon State Police found 83 pounds of suspected cocaine and a firearm during a traffic stop on Interstate 5 Thursday afternoon after being alerted by a drug detection K9. At about 1 p.m., a senior ... Read More The instant traffic ... news" in the lock screen summary, although some publishers share breaking news without explicitly using the term in the alert. Publishers such as Metro, Washington Post ... Read More Oregon State Police found 83 pounds of suspected cocaine and a firearm during a traffic stop on I-5 after being alerted by a drug detection K9. Read More Through this deal, you can fly from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood ... How to book: Directly through Plays website. Travel dates: Oct. 1 through Dec. 10; dates vary by destination. Read More
Travel News Driving The Balkans Along The Adriatic Coast Tips And Travel Information | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Here Breaking Travel News takes a look at the new properties ... Featuring 608 guest rooms and suites along with ten enticing culinary concepts, it is poised to become one of the top leisure ... Read More lighthouses along the coast, and lobster boats and islands dotting the Atlantic below. Need to Know: You can drive or bike the six-mile, one-way road that traverses the peninsula, but theres ... Read More these tips can help you plan for a safe and healthy trip. Visit the CDC travel health website to learn about any health risks and to get the most up-to-date travel information and warnings in ... Read More Editor's Note  Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel's weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations opening, inspiration for future adventures, plus the latest in aviation, food and ... Read More A travel expert has shared the best days of the ... has previously also offered his top tips for those hoping to have a smooth journey. "Queues can quickly build up in security if staff must ... Read More Editor's Note  Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel's weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations opening, inspiration for future adventures, plus the latest in aviation, food and ... Read More And prices for many travel expenses have actually begun falling ... which has had the mathematical effect of driving up the relative value of points and miles.) The point is, its a good ... Read More But travel between November and ... we happen upon when we turn off the coast road temporarily forms a big draw. The glorious 17-mile scenic drive along the Monterey Peninsula toll road, passing ... Read More Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one ... having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems ... Read More Here are some of the top benefits often included in travel insurance policies that travelers should look for, according to SquareMouth: Fill out trip information (departure and return dates ... Read More Get started today! Fill out your trip information, including the dates of travel and destination, to view your options. Buying travel insurance is the easy part. It's picking the policy that can ... Read More This week in travel: some of the destinations in Asia with the most strict Covid policies are finally reopening, an annual ranking of the world's coolest neighborhoods provides inspiration for ... Read More
Travel News Dubai To Welcome Largest Arabian Travel Market Yet | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, the leading travel and tourism showcase in the Middle East which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 14 May 2023, will feature a sustainability ... Read More Full COVID-19 coverage on our News App He added: The cruise industry is ... s most sought-after travel destination. With the worlds top luxury liners heading to Dubai during the new cruise ... Read More Arabian Travel Market ... at the Dubai International World Trade Centre in United Arab Emirate (UAE). The statement disclosed that the conference in the Middle East, which is the largest travel ... Read More Dubai has long been home to some of the best ... the Worlds Leading Landmark Resort by voters at the World Travel Awards. Read More Women in Travel, the registered social enterprise focused on leveraging travel and tourism to economically empower women, is returning to Arabian Travel Market holding in Dubai, United Arab ... Read More Dubai to Bengaluru on the A380 India is a vast market with high demand for our services to destinations across our network, and we are especially pleased to extend our A380 offering to include an ... Read More Rents in Dubai have been increasing in 2022, however, there are certain areas in and around the emirate that have affordable housing. PowerHouse sales director Prince Ufuoma Eshalomi told Arabian ... Read More Dubai Metro plans could help alleviate pressure on the roads The Dubai travel time news comes after a notice published online revealed that the RTA is looking to significantly extend the citys Metro ... Read More Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 ... across ten halls at Dubai World Trade Centre.  TradeArabia News Service ... Read More ATM 2022 attracted over 24,000 visitors and hosted over 31,000 participants, including 1,600 exhibitors and attendees from 151 countries, across ten halls at Dubai World Trade Centre. Arabian Travel ... Read More
Us News Wisconsin Man Who Allegedly Mailed Trump Manifesto In Court I M Not Your Slave Man | RobinsPost News & Noticias

A Wisconsin man ... Court. "Make no mistake. What could have happened here was a mass shooting," Chief David Moore of the Janesville police department said. A 161-page manifesto that Jakubowski ... Read More A Wisconsin man was charged with a hate crime after allegedly cutting his neighbors ... because they don't speak English. J.L. and M.A. are not in the country illegally, according to police. Read More A California federal judge has found evidence that former President Donald Trump allegedly engaged ... he submitted to the court was accurate when he knew it was not." Trump's efforts to subvert ... Read More A Wisconsin man ... mask in court but removed it during his speech. Its important that you see me for who I am. No mask. For who I am. This is the moment for that. I pray that your eyes ... Read More A Wisconsin man has been charged with a hate crime after ... He said he then confronted his neighbors, who do not speak English, upstairs, but one pushed him down the stairs. Read More An Oshkosh man convicted ... The Wisconsin attorney general office says he acted as power of attorney for the victim and removed the money from bank accounts. Culver allegedly spent the money ... Read More The legal woes of investor Tom Barrack, accused of secretly lobbying for the Emirati regime, add to the image of a Trump circle beset by influence-peddling and corruption Trump is the man ... Read More I dont think hes man ... Trump has been ordered to turn over to the January 6 committee are all records of phone calls and texts sent or received by the former president on the day of the ... Read More And because I wrote about the news media, and Trump ... Im convinced that journalists  specifically those who cover politics  must keep a sharp focus on truth-seeking, not old-style ... Read More Trump Is Not 'Man Enough' to Testify in Jan. 6 Probe ... an allegation that has been dismissed by scores of court cases and audits. Nevertheless, Trump has maintained he did nothing illegal ... Read More House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that she doesn't believe former President Donald Trump is "man ... us had more respect for the office he held than he had." Michael Lee is a writer at Fox News. Read More
Us News Idaho Police On Frantic Search For Teen Who Vanished After Prom | RobinsPost News & Noticias

BOISE, Idaho  Boise Police are investigating ... similar group of teen suspects." Four juveniles are currently facing charges. One suspect was arrested Tuesday, Oct. 18, after an incident ... Read More A former longshot Idaho gubernatorial candidate was convicted Monday of kidnapping and killing a 12-year-old Colorado girl who went missing nearly 40 years ago. Jurors found Steve Pankey, 71, guilty ... Read More Parents discovered information that Korbyn intended to leave the area and contacted dispatch after she failed to return ... Korbyn may have been seen in Idaho Falls on Saturday morning (October ... Read More BOISE, Idaho  An Eagle teenager was ... the boy was pronounced dead shortly after arriving, according to ACSO. Eagle Police pulled the 70-year-old semi-truck driver by the Beacon Light, Linder ... Read More They requested additional help from other search ... News Reporter focused on the outdoors and wildlife in the western U.S. She graduated from Ohio University and previously worked at CNN, the ... Read More A U.S. veteran and former infantryman from Idaho died in Ukraine on Tuesday after suffering injuries during an attack by Russia earlier this month, his family said. Dane Partridge, 34, of Rexburg ... Read More As they did so, a heavy fish took Thomas bait, according to an Oct. 12 news release from Idaho Fish and Game ... told the state department. After a stressful minute or so, I reached ... Read More A dogwalker in Idaho made an unusual wildlife discovery after finding an alligator, and now officials are asking for help in finding out how the reptile got into the Gem State. The Idaho ... Read More
Us News Russian Bombers Fly Near Alaska Air Force Scrambles Jets | RobinsPost News & Noticias

The United States ... of fighter jets Monday to intercept two Russian bombers flying in international airspace off the coast of Alaska, U.S. military officials said. The U.S. Air Force F-16 ... Read More The Air Force dispatched two F-16 fighter jets to intercept a pair of Russian bombers that flew close to Alaska on Monday, the North American Aerospace Defense Command said in a statement. Read More 19 (UPI) --The United States sent two fighter jets to intercept two Russian bombers flying in international airspace off the coast of Alaska ... invaded Ukraine. Air Force Brig. Read More Although the Russian ... the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Two US F-16 fighter jets were dispatched to intercept a pair of Russian bombers that flew close to Alaska, the North ... Read More The US Air Force intercepted and escorted two Russian bomber jets flying near Alaska as tensions heighten with Moscow. The two Tu-95 Bear-H bombers were 'positively' identified flying in the ... Read More Two Air Force warplanes intercepted a pair of Russian bombers flying in international airspace near Alaska, the North American ... by a pair of F-16 fighter jets. "The recent Russian activity ... Read More Two US Air Force F-16 jets intercepted two Russian bombers near the state of Alaska, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) on Tuesday. The command said in a statement ... Read More US Air Force F-16 fighter jets intercepted two Russian Tu-95 Bear-H bombers that entered the Alaskan ... two Russian nationals landed at a beach on Alaska's St. Lawrence Island in the Bering ... Read More
Us News California Family Says Mountain Lion Sneaked Into Their Home Snatched Pet Dog From Bedroom | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Our guess is that the mountain lion ... California home, according to estimates. However, experts say the true number is unknown and difficult to calculate. Mitchell Willetts is a real-time ... Read More A disturbing home surveillance video shows a California family being ... and unfold right in front of us," homeowner Tamara Schlachter told Fox 11. The family's Nest security camera caught on ... Read More Southern California wildfires are squeezing the regions mountain lion population into smaller hunting spaces and pushing them toward increased run-ins with the human world, a joint study ... Read More The victims of a California kidnapping and murder ... One day, as the company owner instructed his family members to hold the door to their home open while he brought a new rug inside, Salgado ... Read More
World News Pence Calls North Korea S Failed Missile Test A Provocation But White House Sees No Need For A Response | RobinsPost News & Noticias

North Koreas military says its recent barrage of missile tests were practices to 'mercilessly' strike key South Korean and U.S. targets. Read More Its the latest in a spate of missile launches by North Korea in recent weeks. North Korea said Thursday that leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test-launches ... There were no reports of clashes. Read More The missile launch was North Koreas 26th weapons test ... that he felt no need for dialogue with Washington or Seoul. He also ordered his military to strengthen its nuclear response posture ... Read More North Korea has conducted yet another ballistic missile test ... response to what it calls a "military provocation" by South Korea. The missile appears to have landed in the Sea of Japan outside ... Read More A TV screen shows an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during a news ... test was most likely a propaganda and deception operation designed to focus regional and world attention on North ... Read More North Koreas first missile firing under a reservoir ... Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox ... Read More North Korea fired about 100 more artillery shells toward the sea Wednesday in response ... Korean missile tests that it calls simulated nuclear attacks on South Korean and U.S. targets. Read More A TV screen showing a news program reporting about North Korea's ... is no need to have dialogue with its adversaries. The KCNA report said the newly developed intermediate-range ballistic missile ... Read More North Korea fired dozens of missiles and flew warplanes toward the sea last week in protest of massive U.S.-South Korean air force drills that the North views as an invasion rehearsal. Read More South Korea's military said it detected a North ... the ire of world leaders by conducting its most powerful nuclear test, launching its first-ever intercontinental ballistic missile and ... Read More Despite Moons comments, some observers have said a portion of the Norths newly developed weapons  such as a highly maneuverable KN-23 missile ... (South Korea) but the entire world ... Read More
World News Pence All Options Considered For Dealing With North Korea | RobinsPost News & Noticias

A 2018 military agreement between North Korea and South Korea designed to prevent inadvertent clashes along their shared border may be at risk after the South accused the North of violating the deal ... Read More
World News Japan Could Rescue Nationals In Korean Crisis Defence Chief | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Sorry, but your browser needs Javascript to use this site. If you're not sure how to activate it, please refer to this site: https://www.enable-javascript.com/ The ... Read More NEW YORK  A new geopolitical crisis is ... North Korea, after a three-year pause in nuclear provocations, is gearing up for what intelligence agencies warn could be a seventh nuclear test ... Read More Japan will work with South Korea and the United States to enhance vigilance and surveillance activities, he said at a meeting of the House of Councillors' Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense ... Read More Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at an international fleet review Sunday said his country urgently needs to strengthen its military capabilities amid a worsening security ... Read More Japan, U.S. to Conduct Major Military Drill ... Chinese President Xi Jinping called for accelerating China's plans to build a world-class military and said his country would never renounce the ... Read More Travelers to Japan, from and through Japan are getting some big news today: Anyone can now travel ... to such favorite vacation destinations as Korea and Hawaii. Both destinations are now ... Read More Japan's public debt burden is the industrial world's heaviest at more than twice the size of GDP. Kishida's LDP has pledged to double defence spending ... Jiji news agency reported last month. Read More SEJONG -- The chief of the International Monetary Fund on Friday dismissed the possibility that South Korea would face a financial crisis ... nuclear reactors and defense-related industries. Read More 22 (UPI) --South Korea's former defense minister and the head ... vulnerable countries affected by climate change. World News // 3 hours ago Japan's naval exercise tightens bonds with allies ... Read More Joe Hinchliffe Queensland should join other Australian states and decriminalise public intoxication while removing criminal offences for begging and public urination, a parliamentary inquiry ... Read More
World News Trump Warns North Korea S Ruler Gotta Behave | RobinsPost News & Noticias

Former President Trump told Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward that he had good chemistry with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Woodward revealed in a clip from his new audiobook. In the clip, ... Read More (The Hill)  Former President Donald Trump ... the U.S., North Korea and South Korea. Trump also reportedly exchanged what he called love letters with the North Korean leader, who has ... Read More
World News Us National Security Adviser Discusses Afghanistan In India | RobinsPost News & Noticias

In recent statements, both the US and Pakistani officials emphasized the need to de-link Pakistan from both Afghanistan and India and ... decades, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan ... Read More The grouping of India ... administration's national security strategy, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said, "We are trying creative arrangements all over the world. Read More In recent statements, both the US and Pakistani officials emphasised the need to de-link Pakistan from both Afghanistan and India and ... decades, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan ... Read More "Intelligence Matters" is a weekly podcast about national ... News national security contributor Michael Morell. Each week, users can listen to conversations between Morell and some of the ... Read More US and India will work together ... the release of the document, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that this was a decisive decade for the world. In this period, the strategy ... Read More Expressing concerns over an increasing attempt towards removing women from public life in Afghanistan, India ... Security Council (UNSC) debate on women, peace and security said, "The world ... Read More Former Trump National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien reacted to the Heritage Foundation 2023 Index of US Military Strength ranking military branches like the Air Force as "very weak" and the Navy ... Read More We are now in the early years of a decisive decade for America and the world ... difficult and will require us to think and act in new ways. This National Security Strategy lays out our plan ... Read More The defending national champion Bulldogs led 27-6 before Tennessee scored its first touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Georgia put itself in position to move from No. 3 to the top spot in next ... Read More OSullivan and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan Conversation between MAP Partner Meghan L. OSullivan and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan Javascript must be enabled in ... Read More Many experts regard the UAE's military as the most powerful in the Arab world. (Parveen Negi/India ... with the United States has greatly benefited both countries in trade and security. Read More The Iraqi Foreign Minister had announced last Tuesday in the meeting of Iraqi parliament members that a delegation from that country headed by the National Security Advisor would travel to Iran and ... Read More
World News Archaeologists In Egypt Open Ancient Tomb Find 1 000 Statues | RobinsPost News & Noticias

The burial site of Egypts last pharoh, the famous Queen Cleopatra, may soon be revealed to the world. A tunnel  deemed a geometric miracle by archaeologists  has been found beneath the ancient ... Read More A century after the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb made headlines around the world, in the sweltering desert heat just outside Cairo, a small team is still ... Read More Archaeologists and port authorities in Nuweiba investigated a suspicious fruit ship and found over ... Red Sea, Egypts Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in an Oct. 23 news release. Read More An ancient falcon shine in Berenike, an old port city in Egypt, has flummoxed archaeologists ... In another room of the shrine, archaeologists found a stela, or pillar, with a Greek inscription ... Read More More info Ancient Egypt has drawn the focus of archaeologists ... As well as animals, the archaeologists also found the remains of women and children at the same burial site. Read More Uncovered coffins, papyrus documents and other artifacts have recently been found at the Saqqara site in Giza, Egypt. It coincides with a new accusation that jewelry was stolen from the site. Read More A group of archaeologists ... tomb has been found under a church in Turkey - some, 5,300 miles away from the North Pole. Experts claimed that his resting place was located in the ruins of an ... Read More Archaeologists were hard at work carefully cleaning the ancient preserved corpses found under the site ... Chavin de Huantar, declared a World Heritage Site in 1985, was the inspiration and ... Read More More info A shrine unearthed in the ancient Egyptian ... the main point of entrance into Egypt for trade coming from Arabia, Cape Horn and India. According to archaeologist Professor Joan Oller ... Read More "It's remarkable that the best-known ruler in all of ancient ... Egypt before her son, King Tutankhamun, lived around 3,300 years ago. Her tomb has never been found. Polish and Italian ... Read More
World News Report 669 Killed In Ethiopia Violence Since August | RobinsPost News & Noticias

The warring sides in Ethiopia's bloody civil war have reached an agreement to end hostilities, marking a significant step toward an official end to the fighting in humanitarian crisis-stricken Tigray. Read More NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Dozens of women and girls have been raped and hundreds of civilians killed during fighting in Ethiopias Tigray region, according to an official document seen by The ... Read More Even as Ethiopias warring sides attend their first formal peace talks in a devastating two-year conflict, witnesses in the countrys embattled Tigray region tell The Associated Press that forces from ... Read More World leaders and ordinary Ethiopians voiced cautious hope that a breakthrough deal between Ethiopia's government and Tigrayan rebels could signal a permanent end to the brutal conflict in Africa's ... Read More ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia ... to have been killed since the conflict broke out in November 2020. ___ An Associated Press reporter in Nairobi, Kenya, contributed to this report. Read More Dozens of women and girls have been raped and hundreds of civilians killed during fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray region, according to an official document seen by The Associated Press. Roughly 40 ... Read More
World News Story Report U S Considering Tougher Sanctions On Iran | RobinsPost News & Noticias

The United States on Thursday imposed fresh Iran-related sanctions, targeting individuals it said were linked to Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quods force, as well as a number ... Read More The United States on Thursday issued sanctions against an international oil smuggling network it accused of supporting Hezbollah and Iran's Quds Force, as Washington seeks to increase pressure on ... Read More The U.S. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control designated seven high-ranking leaders for financial penalties due to the shutdown of Iran ... the bloc was considering sanctions. Read More Swiss Considering Wider EU Sanctions ... Neutral Switzerland has already adopted some U.N. and EU sanctions against Iran imposed over the country's nuclear activities and human rights violations. Read More The US says it agrees with Western allies that Iran's supply of explosive drones to Russia violates UN sanctions ... pilots who flew suicide missions in World War Two. "It is our belief that ... Read More The United States on Friday sanctioned an Iran-based foundation that has issued a multi-million-dollar bounty for killing author Salman Rushdie. Read More The sanctions ... targets. Iran also sent trainers to occupied Ukraine to help Russians overcome problems with the drones purchased from Tehran, according to current and former U.S. officials ... Read More To read the original story from Reuters, click here. Four police officers have been killed in unclear circumstances in Irans Sistan ... are in violation of U.S. or EU sanctions, and RFE/RL ... Read More Gillian Keegan, MP for Chichester who was speaking on behalf of the foreign secretary, James Cleverly, said that the protests were a shocking reminder of the repression faced by women in Iran, and ... Read More "The introduction of the latest sanctions has actually deep-sixed any hope of reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Irans nuclear program that would lift the EU ban on ... Read More Iran has denied supplying Russia with drones for use in Ukraine. Send any friend a story As a subscriber ... according to three E.U. diplomats. The sanctions will target the company that ... Read More ZURICH (Reuters) -Switzerland is considering whether to ... has already adopted some U.N. and EU sanctions against Iran imposed over the country's nuclear activities and human rights violations. Read More
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) of India under the auspices of the Natural Diamond Monitoring Committee (NDMC) organised the second edition of Diamond Detection Expo & Symposium (DDES 2017) at Surat on April 14-15, 2017 to spreading awareness about synthetic diamonds and the steps for prevention of undisclosed mixing.The unique expo, a one-of-its-kind event, had all the leading gemmological laboratories and some technology companies showcasing the different types of machinery, equipment & technologies available to identify synthetic diamonds. Alongside the exhibition, a series of talks and panel discussions also took place.While inaugurating the event, Praveenshankar Pandya (Chairman, GJEPC) said, DDES is one amongst the several strategic initiatives to preserve global trade and consumer confidence in diamonds from India. We intend to modernize key jewellery manufacturing hubs across India and empower them by sophisticated detection tools & techniques to safeguard ourselves against undisclosed mixing of synthetics. Mixing in any form is unacceptable.He added that the GJEPC has been spearheading awareness with regard to synthetic diamonds since 2013-14 and has been proactively engaging all key stakeholders in this regard. The focus areas are Detection, Differentiation, Disclosures & Documentation.The presentations and panel discussions included a session on Impact of Synthetics on Diamond Industry in Surat moderated by Samir Joshi (ED, Indian Diamond Institute) with panellists including Praveenshankar Pandya, Ashish Mehta, Dineshbhai Navadiya and Keval Virani (Karp Impex).The findings of the study on the synthetic diamond landscape carried out by Bonas & Co for the GJEPCs Natural Diamond Monitoring Committee (NDMC) was released at the DDES 2017. The study estimates the current peak installed capacity of synthetic diamond manufacturers worldwide to be between 2.3 mn to 4.2 mn, or about 2-3% of total natural diamond supply.Ashish Mehta, Convener NDMC said, The committee has initiated a series of steps to facilitate fair trade and prevent any untoward instances that can damage reputation. The study by Bonas & Co, across four continents and four months, shows that synthetic diamond production through HPHT is growing faster while that through CVD is slower. China is the leader in HPHT production with Russia (larger pieces), while Singapore is the leader in CVD production. Synthetic diamonds have grown fast but not as much as what recent unconfirmed reports have indicated. There is no market impact but just a mentality impact. Today the natural diamond business has grown phenomenally due to the sustained marketing over the years. Synthetic diamond makers will take a long time to catch up.
Gem Diamonds has appointed Harry Kenyon-Slaney as a new independent non-executive director and chairperson to succeed Roger Davis who is stepping down at the companys annual general meeting on 6 June.

Slaney was currently a senior advisor to McKinsey & Co and had more than 33 years of experience in the mining industry, principally with Rio Tinto.

He was a geologist by training and had experience in operations, marketing, projects, finance and business development.

"I am delighted to be handing the chairmanship on to Harry Kenyon-Slaney whose experience, knowledge and contacts in the diamond mining world are perfectly suited to lead Gem Diamonds forward to what I am sure will be an exciting future, said the outgoing company chairperson Roger Davis.

It has been a great privilege to be chairman of Gem Diamonds and I wish him and the whole company every success in the future."

Gem Diamonds owns 70 percent of the Letseng mine in Lesotho and 100 percent of the Ghaghoo mine in Botswana.

Since Gem Diamonds' acquisition of Letseng in 2006, the mine had produced four of the 20 largest white gem quality diamonds ever recorded.

The Ghaghoo mine was recently placed on care and maintenance until market conditions allow for recommencement of production.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




A large collection of exceptional colored diamonds and gemstones will be offered for sale at Bonhams Hong Kong auction of Rare Jewels and Jadeite.

Titled The Jewels of the World collection, the stones have been chosen based on their exceptional quality, rarity and beauty, the auction house said.

"The selection includes Colombian emeralds, Burmese rubies and sapphires from Kashmir and Ceylon as these continue to be in the spotlight," Bonhams said. "It will also include gemstones from a number of other important regions that produce gems which are equally as beautiful and as rare. These regions include Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Mozambique, Brazil and Australia.

Among the top lots of the sale is a pair of earrings with two Namibian Asscher-cut fancy colored Intense yellow diamonds weighing 5.26 and 5.17 carats, VVS1 clarity.

Graeme Thompson, Head of Jewellery for Bonhams Asia, comments: Fancy Intense yellow diamonds are characterized by a highly saturated coloration that is evenly distributed throughout the entire stone. Pairs of Asscher-cut fancy intense yellow diamonds are very rare and, in addition, these earrings have a wonderful brightness, depth of color and exceptional clarity.

The sale will feature a total of 103 lots, and take place on May 31.



Theodor Lisovoy, Rough&Polished, Moscow




Brilliant Earth, the once online-only jeweler that built its brand on ethical sourcing, officially is open for business in San Diego.

The companys newest store is comprised of 2,000 square feet of retail space, including French doors that open onto a terrace with ocean views and a Southern California ambiance created by La Plazas spacious open design and Spanish-Moroccan architectural elements.

The space also provides a spa-like atmosphere, as is the same with the other Brilliant Earth showrooms, in which guests can enjoy a one-hour personalized consultation with a jewelry specialist.

Brilliant Earth has said before that customers most often visit its showrooms to use the create-your-own-ring process to build a custom piece. Customers can place their order while theyre in the showroom or after their appointment, online or with their jewelry specialist.

The company also has some items available for immediate purchase within the showrooms, including engagement rings preset with diamonds, vintage one-of-a-kind pieces and fine jewelry selections.

The company plans to open new locations in Washington, D.C. and Denver.




A delegation of ALROSA headed by the companys President Sergey Ivanov is on a working visit to Antwerp, the diamond capital of Belgium. The announcement came in a press release distributed by ALROSAs press service on Tuesday.

Sergey Ivanov visited the Antwerp World Diamond Center (AWDC), where he conducted negotiations regarding further development of bilateral cooperation between ALROSA and AWDC. Both sides also discussed the possibility of ALROSA's participation in the events dedicated to the celebration of the 570th anniversary of the Antwerp diamond trade slated for 2017-2018. Sergey Ivanov also met with the top management of Beurs Voor Diamanthandel.



Photo courtesy of AWDC



During the trip, Sergey Ivanov will also visit the Diamond Office, Belgiums customs service processing all the countrys export and import transactions involving rough and polished diamonds.

Belgium is one of the key trade and industry partners of ALROSA and one of the world's largest diamond trading centers. In 2013, ALROSA and AWDC, representing the interests of the Belgian diamond business, entered into a cooperation agreement. The agreement, in particular, provides for the promotion of diamond trade, interaction on the Kimberley Process, the implementation of educational programs and the exchange of information.


The bus from northern Isabela province was on its way to Ilocos Sur, a tobacco and rice growing region also in the countrys mountainous north, when it crashed shortly before noon. This was one of the countrys deadliest vehicular accidents in years but accidents frequently occur because passenger buses are poorly maintained and many roads have inadequate safety. Even the Senate in this country was concerned about the alarming and disturbing number of vehicular accidents in the country with the police recording more than 10,000 incidents in the first four months of 2016. Stricter regulations on road safety, and the inclusion of road courtesy and discipline in the Philippine basic education program are expected.
Richard Johnstone is the organiser of the Music on the Marr folk festival, which takes place in Cumbria each summer. Here he tells us why the hen harrier has been chosen as the symbol of this year's festival and how the artistic amongst you could see your very own hen harrier design emblazoned across the chests of hundreds of this year's festival goers.





Each year in late July, the lovely North Cumbrian village of Castle Carrock, nestled under the Geltsdale fells, hosts Music on the Marr, a three-day music festival showcasing outstanding folk and roots acts from near and far. The moors above the village partly comprise the RSPB's Geltsdale reserve, one of the very few recent breeding grounds of the hen harrier in Northern England.

Each year the festival produces a new commemorative T-shirt and has on this occasion decided to feature the hen harrier, partly to raise awareness of its endangered state and partly to welcome it as a neighbour of our festival. The T-shirt design is open to public competition, and the winner will receive two weekend passes to the festival on 21-23rd July this year. The competition is only open until Thursday 20th April though, so you'd better be quick! To read all the T&Cs and find out how to submit your entry, visit the Music on the Marr website here.

A female hen harrier at RSPB's Geltsdale, in 2016. (Mark Thomas: rspb-images.com)

This wonderful film shot at last year's event gives a flavour of the intimate and friendly nature of this event. Just as our area is visited by throngs of migrating birds at this time of year so the festival welcomes performers from such far flung places as the Congo, Zimbabwe and Senegal not to mention all parts of the UK.

The festival's motto, which the village's road signs helpfully reflect is "Please Dance", but this year we'll be changing it to "Please Sky Dance" for obvious reasons! So please visit the festival website and, even if no designs spring to mind take a look at the impressive array of acts lined up and perhaps plan a visit combining the joys of fine folk music with the beauty of RSPB Geltsdale, and who knows? Maybe even a glimpse of an elusive hen harrier...
MoneyGram International (MGI) announced Sunday that it has agreed to be acquired by Ant Financial Services Group. Ant increased its offer for the company to $18 per share in cash, from $13.25 per share.

MoneyGram gapped up sharply Monday and posted gains in early trade, before settling into a range. Shares finished up by 1.28 at $17.79 on above average volume. The stock broke out of a 1-month trading range and set a new high for the year.

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Business News
Post Holdings, Inc. (POST), a consumer packaged goods holding company, announced Tuesday preliminary second-quarter results, with net loss of approximately $4 million, adjusted EBITDA of approximately $228 million, and net sales of approximately $1.25 billion.

Looking ahead, Post management has affirmed its fiscal 2017 Adjusted EBITDA guidance range of $920-$950 million, excluding any contribution from Weetabix.

Further, the company said it has agreed to acquire Weetabix Limited from Shanghai based state owned enterprise Bright Food Group and an investment fund advised by Baring Private Equity Asia. The deal will be for 1.4 billion pounds on a cash free, debt free basis, subject to certain adjustments.

Post expects to fund the acquisition with a combination of cash on hand and through borrowings under its existing revolving credit facility and/or, subject to market conditions, a new senior secured term loan facility.

Post expects Weetabix to contribute approximately 120 million pounds of adjusted EBITDA on an annual basis before the realization of cost synergies.

The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to Post's Adjusted EBITDA margins and free cash flow, excluding one-time transaction expenses.

Weetabix is a UK- based packaged food company that primarily produces ready-to-eat cereal products.

At the closing of the transaction, Sally Abbott, Weetabix's Director of Marketing, will become Managing Director of Weetabix UK and Ireland and report to Rob Vitale. Giles Turrell, Weetabix's current CEO, will assume the newly created role of Chairman of Weetabix with responsibility for overseeing the integration of Weetabix into the Post portfolio. The other members of Weetabix's existing management team will continue to lead the organization.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the third calendar quarter, subject to the satisfaction of limited closing conditions, including the expiration of waiting periods under U.S. antitrust laws.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
The pound advanced against its key counterparts in the European session on Tuesday, trimming its early losses, as the U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May called for an early election in June amid divisions in the Westminister regarding the Brexit negotiations.

In a surprise statement, the Prime Minister announced plans for a general election to be held on June 8, with an aim to remove the uncertainty in the Brexit negotiations with the European Union.

May conceded that the opposition parties are opposing the government's Brexit plans, adding that it risks "our ability to make a success of Brexit and it will cause damaging uncertainty and instability to the country."

She will hold a vote in the House of Commons for the approval of an early election on Wednesday.

U.K. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn welcomed May's surprise announcement, saying that the decision will "give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first."

The pound showed mixed performance in the Asian session. While the currency fell against the franc and the greenback, it rose against the yen. Against the euro, it held steady.



After having fallen to a 4-day low of 1.2515 hit against the greenback at 5:15 am ET, the pound firmed to 2-1/2-month high of 1.2678. Continuation of the pound's uptrend may see it challenging resistance around the 1.28 region.

The pound advanced to an 8-day high of 138.10 against the Japanese yen, following a low of 136.15 hit at 5:45 am ET. The pound is seen finding resistance around the 140.00 level.

S&P Global Ratings maintained the sovereign rating of Japan at 'A+' with 'stable' outlook.

The rating agency said the 's strong external position, prosperous and diversified economy, political stability, and stable financial system balance its very weak public finances.

The pound reversed from an early weekly high of 0.8512 against the euro, rising to near a 2-month high of 0.8415. Further uptrend may see the pound challenging resistance around the 0.83 region.

The International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said that France's presidential election is adding to the existing political uncertainty worldwide as it raises several questions on the future of the euro area.

There is an uncertainty and growing concern about the outcome of the French election, Lagarde said in an interview to a group of European reporters.

Following a 4-day low of 1.2552 hit at 4:30 am ET, the pound spiked up to a 4-month high of 1.2701 versus the Swiss franc. The pound is poised to challenge resistance around the 1.28 mark.

Looking ahead, U.S. industrial production for March is due shortly.

At 9:00 am ET, Kanas City Fed President Esther George speaks before the Levy Economics Institute of Bard College's 26th Annual Minsky Conference.

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Forex News
Reflecting a substantial rebound in utilities output, the Federal Reserve released a report on Tuesday showing that U.S. industrial production increased in line with economist estimates in the month of March.

The report said industrial production climbed by 0.5 percent in March after inching up by 0.1 percent in February. The increase in production matched the consensus estimate.

Utilities output showed a significant increase, spiking by 8.6 percent in March after tumbling by 5.8 percent in the previous month.

The Fed said the rebound came as demand for heating returned to seasonal norms after being suppressed by unusually warm weather in February.

The report also said mining output edged up by 0.1 percent in March after jumping by 2.9 percent in February, while manufacturing output fell by 0.4 percent after rising by 0.3 percent.

The central bank said the pullback in manufacturing output was led by a large step-down in the production of motor vehicles and parts.

Capacity utilization for the industrial sector rose to 76.1 percent in March from a revised 75.7 percent in February. Economists had expected capacity utilization to climb to 76.2 percent.

While capacity utilization in the utilities sector jumped to 75.7 percent, capacity utilization in the mining and manufacturing sectors dipped to 81.9 percent and 75.3 percent, respectively.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Despite backing off a campaign pledge to label China a currency manipulator on his first day in office, President Donald Trump claims he has not softened his stance on the communist nation.

Trump suggested in an interview with "Fox & Friends" that he does not want to risk starting a trade war when China is providing assistance in dealing with North Korea.

"I haven't changed my stance. China's trying to help us," Trump said in the interview that was taped Monday and aired Tuesday morning.

He added, "I don't know if they are going to be able to or not, but do I want to start heavy, heavy trade or currency manipulation statements against someone who's out there trying to stop what could be a very bad situation?"

Trump offered praise for Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling him a "terrific person" and saying they "have a good chemistry together."

The president repeatedly attacked Chinese trade policies on the campaign trail but blamed the media for suggesting he has changed his position.

"Nobody's ever seen such a positive response on our behalf from China, and then the fake media goes 'Donald Trump has changed his stance on China,'" Trump said.

The comments from Trump come amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula, with North Korean Vice-Foreign Minister Han Song-ryol telling the BBC the country plans to conduct weekly missile tests.

Han also warned that the U.S. would face "all out war" if it responded to the continued missile tests with military action.

Vice President Mike Pence has said "all options are on the table" to address North Korea's missile and nuclear testing programs, declaring that "the era of strategic patience is over."

During the interview with Fox, Trump refused to provide details about his strategy to deal with North Korea, arguing that he does not want to telegraph his actions.

"I'm not like other administrations, where they say we're going to do this in four weeks. It doesn't work that way," Trump said. "We'll see what happens. I hope things work out well. I hope there's going to be peace."

(Photo: Gage Skidmore)

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Political News
Even as outrage continues over a man being forcibly removed from an overbooked United Airlines flight, news has emerged about another passenger being bumped off an overbooked Air Canada flight. But this time, the passenger is a ten-year-old boy.

The boy was due to travel on holiday with his family from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, to Costa Rica in March. His father, Brett Doyle, had booked four tickets for the trip in August 2016.

A day prior to the flight's departure, Doyle was unable to book a seat for his son, Cole, when he tried to check in his family online. The parents then went to the airport to sort out the problem, but was told the flight was oversold and their son had been bumped.

They were also told by the agent that even if one of the adults traveling with their party gave up their seat for the boy, it could not be guaranteed that the seat would go to the boy itself.

The family then scrambled to catch another Air Canada flight out of Moncton airport to meet the Costa Rica flight in Montreal, but the flight was later canceled. They were thus forced to drive to Halifax to catch a connecting flight and stay overnight in a hotel.

Air Canada has apologized to the Doyle family for the incident.

"We are currently following up to understand what went wrong and have apologized to Mr. Doyle and his family as well as offered a very generous compensation to the family for their inconvenience," a spokeswoman for Air Canada said.

The Doyle family was offered a C$2,500 voucher that expires in a year and was also told the airline may cover their expenses.

The incident highlights the airline industry's controversial practice of overbooking flights.

Last week, a video showing a passenger being violently dragged off a United Airlines flight sparked outrage on social media. Videos of the incident posted online by other passengers showed the passenger screaming and bleeding from the mouth as officers physically dragged him off the overbooked flight.

In another incident, United Airlines has bumped an engaged couple from a flight, while on their journey for their marriage.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Canadian stocks turned lower Tuesday, as miners and banks reversed strong gains from the previous session.

Winners booked profits amid lingering geopolitical tensions and a surprise political development in the UK, where Prime Minister Theresa May called for an early general election to be held June 8 to seek a strong mandate for Brexit.

It was a slow day for corporate news in Canada, leaving traders to worry about U.S.-North Korea tensions and other uncertainties.

The TSX Composite Index was down 71.11 points, or 0.45 percent, to 15,613 at last check.

Markets ignored some optimism from the IMF. Global economic growth is strengthening, thanks to a long-awaited cyclical recovery in investment, manufacturing, and trade, though downside risks remain, the International Monetary Fund said in a report released today.

Energy stocks fell despite a hopeful note from Citigroup.

"With a continuation of the OPEC and non-OPEC producer deal in the second half of 2017 and the expected associated inventory draw-down, we expect oil prices to move above $60 a barrel by the second half of the year," Citigroup said today.

May West Texas Intermediate crude shed 24 cents, or 0.5%, to settle at $52.41 a barrel.

A 10-year-old P.E.I. boy was bumped from an Air Canada (AC.TO) spring break flight. The airline apologized after embarrassing coverage of the incident. Shares were flat.

Anaconda Mining (ANX.TO) named Robert Dufour As CFO, Effective May 23.

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Business News


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By SA Commercial Prop News

Village View Shopping Centre in Bedfordview



This chic community centre continues to grow in popularity, with a track record of strong trading from its 40 hand-picked tenants, despite being in the shadow of retail giants Eastgate and Bedford Centre and in a node well served by retail.

Village View shopping centre in Bedfordview has created distinct market advantages in a highly competitive retail arena, according to research by retail property optimisation consultancy Fernridge.



Elsabe Griesel, portfolio manager for Village View owners The Cavaleros Group, believes the essential ingredient driving its success is knowing its customers and understanding how to meet their unique shopping and lifestyle needs.



To achieve this, Village View recently appointed Fernridge to discover what their patrons really want. The pleasing result is that most shoppers enjoy the centre exactly as it is, but want even more.



Fernridges research shows that half of Village Views shoppers come from upper- and middle-income households. A quarter of its shoppers represent some of SAs top earners.



We are fortunate the people living in our primary catchment area are both well educated and well heeled, says Griesel.



But Griesel points out that it takes more than household income to really understand consumers. We know that our clients are real go-getters. Most are professionals or entrepreneurs, and between 30 and 60 years old. We can also tell from their favourite shop, Woolworths, and restaurant, Tashas, that our patrons prize the best quality, service, innovation and convenience.



When it comes to convenience, Village View is one of only two centres in its primary catchment area hosting a national brand food anchor, and the only one with a Woolworths store. It central location and easy access, with generous parking, also contribute to shopping ease.



The centre also enjoys excellent support from its many surrounding business. It is a firm lunchtime favourite with Tashas, Nandos, Rodizio, Steers, Spur, Pigalle and its newest addition bakery Vovo Telo.



The success of its retail mix reflects in the remarkable loyalty of Village Views customers. Over 91% of Village Views shoppers visit this unique community convenience centre every week.



Soon Village View customers will have even more reason to shop and dine here.



Raising Village Views relevance to its shoppers, The Cavaleros Group is giving stylish Village View shopping centre in Bedfordview a R20 million makeover. Over 1,500sqm of the centre is being refurbished, including reconfiguration of space of almost 600 sqm to help accommodate the demand for retail space at the centre.



The redevelopment will enhance this distinctly popular centre with greater retail variety.



Building on its exceptional dining, Village View is adding a further two new restaurants to its menu mix. The new design will create a vibrant zone for food-on-the-go. In June this year Steers and Nandos both reopened in their new locations in the centre. Other exciting changes also include moving CNA to a more suitable position next to Clicks.



We will continue to seek new and innovative ways to boost the entire Village View experience and bring our stylish shoppers more of what they enjoy, says Griesel.
An Indian Army soldier was killed in accidental firing in the border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir, an official said on Tuesday.

Earlier, it was reported that the soldier died in Pakistan sniper firing late Monday evening on the Line of Control (LoC) in Mendhar sector of Poonch.



But defence spokesman Lt. Col. Manish Mehta denied that there was any firing from the Pakistani side on Monday in Mendhar.



"There had been no ceasefire violation (from Pakistan). It was one casualty due to accidental discharge," Lt. Col. Manish Mehta told media in Jammu. He gave no further details.





The spokesman, however, said the Pakistan Army fired and launched mortar shells indiscriminately at Indian posts in Naushera sector of the de facto border in Rajouri district on Monday.



The Indian Army retaliated strongly, he said.



Dozens of cattle were killed on the Indian side.
President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari was on Tuesday morning accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Bhandari, who is accompanied by a high-level 33-member delegation including Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat and Peace and Reconstruction Minister Sita Devi Yadav, five women MPs and senior officials, arrived in the national capital on Monday evening on a five-day state visit to India.



President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Bhandari. She was then accorded the ceremonial guard of honour.

"Special honours for a close neighbour," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted while announcing her ceremonial welcome.



Later in the morning, she paid her tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.



Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will call on the visiting dignitary on Tuesday.



Bhandari will call on President Mukherjee and attend a banquet hosted by him.



This is her first foreign tour after assuming office in October 2015. Besides meeting top Indian leaders, Bhandari will also visit Gujarat and Odisha.

She is staying at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi as a state guest.



Bhandari was scheduled to visit India in May last year but then Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli cancelled the visit at the last moment.



The then Nepal cabinet cancelled the visit following political upheaval in the Himalayan nation when Oli's government was nearly toppled by its Maoist ally.




Five persons, including two pedestrians, were killed and four others injured in a road accident near Panaji on Monday evening, police said.

The accident in Corlim village, about 10 km from Panaji, occurred after a car, bearing Maharashtra registration, crashed into an oncoming truck after hitting two pedestrians, Superintendent of Police Kartik Kashyap told reporters.



The deceased have been identified as Aida Queiroz, 55 and Louis Menezes, 48, both pedestrians and residents of Corlim and Natalia Pereira, 60, Manashri Bhoir, 4, and Vrushali Bhoir (age not known).



Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has expressed grief over the deaths.



"Deeply pained to hear about the loss of lives due to the tragic accident at Goa-Corlim highway. My heartfelt condolences to all affected by this tragedy," Parrikar said.



Four others injured in the accident, two of whom have received severe injuries, are being treated at the Goa Medical College hospital near here, police said.
In a late night meeting on Monday, senior Tamil Nadu ministers discussed the issue of having talks with rival faction led by former Chief Minister O.Pannneerselvam, said Finance Minister D.Jayakumar.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Jayakumar welcomed Panneerselvam's remark that he is open for talks if somebody comes with the plan to merge the two factions in AIADMK.



He said that Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M. Thambidurai also welcomed Panneerselvam's remark and the stand of the ministers is also the same.

The ministers belong to the faction led by AIADMK General Secretary V.K.Sasikala.
Saline County to illuminate buildings in support of veterans

Saline County Commission approved a measure that will illuminate its buildings green in support of military veterans.
Dear Editor,

Re: God is good, Jesus Christ I doubt

Very interesting and thought provoking opinion, which can only be good for our relentless search for the Truth.

My humble opinion is that the Bible is complete even though there are thousands of scrolls and documents stored away in the archives of the Vatican and other institutions.

It was God that guided those people who were putting the Bible together so anything thats not in the Bible is probably not relevant or inspirational enough to be a guidance of Christianity.

If the man was mischievous when he was young, well he eventually reformed himself to the Jesus Christ that we know today and that is good enough for me.

On a personal note, I believe in the Good News(Bible) but not church or religion. Thats because church and religion have used the Bible as a controlling and manipulative mechanism to control and keep the population subservient to a minority few and also, its the main reason for wars and atrocities in the world today eg, hrpp and government corruptions.

One thing we should always remember is that in Christianity, one can only be prosecuted by the principles of Christianity if he/she accepts the Good News and strive to live by its principles so wow to hrpp Christian corruption lovers.

Our forefathers were not under the law (Christianity) until the early 1800, if they were peaceful people which I believe they were apart from some sporadic periods of war due to some matai titles.

Then I honestly believe that the Christian God will have mercy on their souls because all evidence of communal support and sharing are all principle of Christianity

So I think its fair to say that our forefathers and community leaders were more righteous than our generation and government leaders because they (our forefathers) were more loving and caring which are in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Im going off topic now and there are few notable similarities between ancient Samoa and the ancient Israelite.

Many Pacific Island cultures would identify their ancestors as migrants from another civilization but we dont have that in our culture. We believe that we are the cradle of civilization with God Tagaloa just like the story of creation in the Bible.

Our ancestors also believe in 8 or 10 layers of heaven just like the ancient beliefs of the Jews in 7 heavens so could it be coincidence or there was an ancient connection between our ancestors and Judeo/Christian?

Le Mafa P
A man is lucky to be alive after his pick up truck flipped and landed upside down at Togitogiga on Easter Monday.

Police Spokesperson, Sua Tiumalu confirmed the incident during an interview with the Samoa Observer yesterday.

It was a very lucky escape, he said.

It could have been very serious but we are grateful that no one was killed.

An eyewitness told the Samoa Observer that the driver was seriously injured.

He was the only person involved because he was the driver of the crashed vehicle, the eyewitness said.

A police truck arrived immediately."

Another Toyota Hilux immediately unloaded their truck and helped carry the injured man on the back of their truck bed to rush them to hospital.

The eyewitness said alcohol is suspected.

Away from the crash, word from the Ministry of Police is that Good Friday and Easter holiday were relatively peaceful.

Nothing major has been reported in during the long holiday except the one crash at Togitogiga on Monday, Spokesperson Sua Tiumalu.

So far, it has been a peaceful holiday."

Thats the good news for us. We are grateful for everybodys cooperation. We believe safety is all about working together for a safer Samoa.
The Police hunt for an online blogger known as Ole Palemia has taken an interesting twist.

Last week, the Police arrested and accused a single mother in relation to the blog.

She was apparently held in custody for five days; two in Apia and three at Tafaigata Prison.

The woman is known online as Stoira. It was not possible to get a comment from yesterday.

Police Spokesperson, Sua Tiumalu, did not have details about the matter when he was contacted for a comment yesterday.

But the womans lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, confirmed the incident yesterday saying the Police have got the wrong person.

Unasa and her son who is also a lawyer, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, have offered to take on the case.

She was released from prison yesterday (Monday) and we are now looking into the matter, Unasa said.

In this case, a character posted a blog up by the name of O LE PALEMIA OLP. I dont know who he is but I think my client was held in custody because they thought it was her.

Unasa said they are trying to find what charges her client was held over.

The thing is while she was still inside (police custody) OLP was still posting, Unasa said. She didnt have her phone (with her at the time) but they basically arrested her.

They (police) mistakenly arrested and accused her of being OLP or O LE PALEMIA but shes not.

Unasa also told about the developments following the womans arrest.

On Thursday, the Registrar of the Court turned up and bailed her out. She was about to leave and she gathered her things. The Registrar had left.

But then the police came and rearrested her again (on Thursday) so she was in custody from Wednesday to Thursday (at Apia).

Unasa said she only found out about the matter on Friday.

I think the thing that really got me and my son Eliota involved, is the fact there is a five-year-old child here, Unasa said.

I mean a five-year-old needs his mother at home and thats how we got involved and we thought well weve got to stand up.

Then, I went over to Tafaigata, I went on Friday...but they said that no one is allowed...and of course, its such a bad time to arrest a mother.

The fact of the matter is - they said they arrested her on Wednesday released her on Thursday and rearrested her (Thursday).

Why did they arrest her if they hadnt completed their investigation? In fact, their investigations are no way near to complete.

The lawyer said the move by Police was totally dumb.

This is the most important weekend for the Christian Faith is Easter, she added.

But what happened. OLP is accused of the thing against stigmata whatever it may called, and so here we are, take the woman, lock her up and say ohh...sorry, we didnt complete our investigation, its so dumb!

The person accused as OLP was inside (custody) and she was still posting? I mean posting from your hands (while still in prison)...this is so dumb!

Whoever organised the arrest of this woman needs to really look at the process again...the power of the police are being abused and misused.

Last month, the Police opened an investigation to find Ole Palemia.

The search was initiated after former E.F.K.S Reverend, Opapo Oeti, lodged a complaint to the Police about allegations made by the blog against him, his daughter Toa Opapo Patrick and his family.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer at the time, Sua said the blog has done a lot of damage to Opapo and his familys reputation and they have been victimised because of what it contained.

Sua said such a crime falls under Article 219 of the Crimes Act 2013.

This falls under the utilising means of electronic communication section of the Crimes Act 2013.

According to Sua a person is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years who intentionally initiates any electronic communication, with the intent to harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to a person.
The Sa Moana Folauga or Moana Conservation Outreach is officially in motion.

Launched yesterday on the shores of Black Sand Beach in Apia, partners from the Conservation International (C.I.), Samoa Voyaging Society, the Government of Samoa were in attendance.

Over the next few weeks, Captain Fealofani Brunn, her crew along with a team of local environment and cultural educators will visit communities on the Gaualofa to host interactive training on basic coastal and marine management principles, Samoan traditional voyaging and cultural heritage site appreciation and preservation.

President of Samoa Voyaging Society, Schannel van Djiken yesterday illustrated the universally understood language of love, stewardship, culture and responsibility and how those duties are given to each of us to protect the environment.

This is in essence what this project is about. And doing it in a way that we used to do traditionally through the use of Gaualofa, the Polynesian sailing canoe.

We are doing a unique, never been done workshop and coming and approaching our communities with these values I just mentioned. With our partners, M.N.R.E., Ministry of Fisheries and National University of Samoa, we have a developed an outreach program that canters on three workshop stations that we will take out communities through.

Following the workshops, the team will host a free outdoor screening of Disneys hit film, Moana. Mr. Van Djiken explained the powerful effect the movie Moana has on the younger generation.

We feel Moana has taken the world by storm, and has inspired so much of our youth and the youth are being proud to be Polynesian."

Theres a lot they didnt know what Moana exposed to them and now theyre asking questions and their singing the songs. We want to showcase Moana in a way that will reach some of the people that may have not seen it. We see it as a wonderful tool, he said.

The Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Fiame Naomi Mataafa echoed the importance of government joining in on this unique initiative.

The role of government in joining with all the partners is to show our support, not only in joining in the ceremony; but also by the participation of two key ministries in the field, The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Minister of Minister for Natural Resources and Environment.

She spoke at length about the deep cultural attitude Samoans have towards the environment.

For instance, the cultural practice of the burying of afterbirth in the village that the child is born in highlights the significance that the environment plays in the everyday life of Samoans.

The environment is made of us, we are part of the environment and if we do not care for our environment we will be the worst for it, she concluded.

After the official launch, the crew set sail to Satitoa, Aleipata.

Over the next two weeks the crew will drop anchor at Poutasi, Manono, Salelologa, Fagamalo and Asau in Savai'i.
Taumeasina Island Resort was the place to be last Thursday.

It was where aspiring models and those already in the fashion industry had the opportunity to gain knowledge from international Model, Sam Tautua.

In an open and honest presentation, Mr. Tautua shared the ins and outs of the industry and things hes learned along the way.

Here are just a few key points he shared:

Just do it:

I do see in the world that people arent willing to take the risk and just do it. It really is that easy. The next step might not get you to your agent or get you to London Fashion Week but it might be the step that gets you to another producer or someone that can connect you. Every relationship is so important. I cant stress that enough.

Just dont let any sort of judgement and just do it. Every step will move you across whether its backwards, forwards it will move you. Moving somewhere is better than standing still.

Rejection:

Im Samoan. When I started modelling in Sydney Australia, my look wasnt out there. Our look wasnt out there. I remember when I was discovered , I found that when I was auditioning people would say to me, Oh you dont have the look we want, or your Polynesian look isnt out there and it doesnt sell.

You will get that. Rejection is part of the journey. You will meet all this rejection. Whether you are short or too tall, were in an industry today where theres all sorts of looks.

Professionalism:

I believe an Attitude of gratitude get you everywhere. If youre not grateful and youre one of those people who will whine, youre not going to make.

Remember people are watching you. People remember that. Producers remember that. They remember the energy and warmth that you give off. They talk and they can refer you to other producers.

Be on Time:

I dont know if island time still exist but be on time and dress impress. Pretend your Naomi Campbell or the Rock and get out there and do your best.

Branding:

You are youre own brand. You are your own label. You are your own sales person. You have to sell yourself to your agent to everyone and show you can sell this product.

You show that you can sell this product, a resort, a T.V., everything.

Strong Support System:

Having a family that is there when youre going through challenges in such a tricky industry. Its a very up, down, sideways industry. Its important to have a support system whether its your friends, your aunts and uncles. Having a network will help you.

If you have friends or family members who say, O oe faamagaia, who are you to be like this. Get rid of them; pop them to the side and create some space. You need positive energy around you to forge your career.

And as the world moves away from the standard 60, blue eyes, blonde hair models; Mr. Tautua believes the industry is ready to embrace Polynesians.

He said, Coming back to Samoa, I recognize that we dont have a lot of Samoans in the industry. Ive been in Hollywood for three in a half years and Ive not met another Samoan. The Rock is the only reference I have to someone whos a celebrity. Also Aulii (Caravahlo) shes signed with the same acting/modelling agency as me.

It tells me that the industry is ready for Polynesians. Hollywood is ready for Samoans.

Were so blessed to have a unique look thats not tapped into internationally. We can cross over to the Asian, Euro-asian, American markets. We have a mixed look and its unique. Use it to your advantage.
The San Diego Unified Port District has dropped plans for a replacement $44 million headquarters building as it finalized its selection of two developers to build hotels on Harbor Island.

Acting last week, the port board officially tapped OliverMcMillan and Sunroad Enterprises to recycle the old rental car lots on east Harbor Drive, which were vacated last year when a new rental car building opened on Pacific Highway.

Just before the meeting, both local companies signed exclusive negotiating agreements with the port that will guide their developments. Details are not expected for another six months.

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As port staff recommended, the board dropped plans for a new headquarters on Harbor Island, while tentatively approving the idea of building an estimated $10 million replacement harbor police headquarters on the man-made peninsula opposite Lindbergh Field.

The port selected the two companies out of a six-applicant field last year to build on 57 acres of land and water on the eastern arm of Harbor Island.

Both had submitted plans to take care of the entire site. The port board initially favored OliverMcMillan but Sunroad successfully argued that it had received port approval for a 325-room hotel on a 9-acre segment and that project is due for California Coastal Commission action next month.

OliverMcMillan now has to revise its original master plan to delete the Sunroad section and work out a way to coordinate infrastructure and design.

Port Commissioners Ann Moore and Dan Malcolm asked OliverMcMillan to come back as soon as possible to lay out what its revision might include.

That would be good because of the fact that so many changes were made to the program that they were proposing, Moore said, in reference to the boards action in October to accept both companies in the redevelopment effort.

OliverMcMillan originally proposed 1,500 hotel rooms, retail and office space, canals and water taxi stations in a project estimated at $978 million. Port staff said the company has not yet indicated how much the project might be downsized, if at all.

Port staff said a new headquarters does not make economic sense because its cost would not be offset by what their economic consultant, JLL real estate, considered the highest and best use  a parking lot  for the 1940s present building on Pacific Highway.

Parking could generate about $20 million in rent over 40 years but less would come from commercial office, hotel, cruise ship baggage screening or storage based on rental rates and site costs.

However, the harbor police move would make sense, since they would vacate a prime piece of Shelter Island. JLL said a 150-room hotel and 10,000-square-foot restaurant could be built and generate as much as $27 million in rent over a 40-year period. The police also would be moving out of a building elsewhere on Harbor Island.

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roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley
Two small San Diego County TV broadcasters have agreed to sell their airwave licenses to wireless operators following a Federal Communications Commissions incentive auction that wrapped up last week.

UCSD-TV, run by UC San Diego, inked a deal to sell its low-power broadcast spectrum for $24 million to the FCC, which in turn sold it to T-Mobile to enhance its mobile network.

The money will be invested in UCSDs academic programs and community outreach, said Mary Walshok, associate vice chancellor and dean of UC San Diego Extension.

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UCSD-TV will continue to operate and no jobs will be lost. Its programming will be distributed through Cox Communications and Spectrum Cable in San Diego, as well as online, where the academic-oriented content gets 5 million hits per month, said Walshok.

But the station will no longer be available over the air via an antenna. It has been broadcasting since 1993 with limited range. It sometimes faced interference from a full-power station in Riverside County.

KSEX-CD, also a low-power broadcaster found over the air on Channel 43, agreed to sell its licensed TV airwaves in San Diego for $34.7 million. An affiliate of Dish Network acquired the spectrum from the FCC in the two-phase auction.

Phone calls and emails to KSEX-CD owner DTV LLC were not returned. The Wyoming-based company indicated it will seek a channel sharing agreement with an existing broadcaster to keep its programming available over the air, according to FCC filings.

While 14 other licensed TV broadcasters in San Diego County chose not to sell their airwaves in the FCC auction, they still could see changes over the next few years.

To clear a block of airwaves for mobile operators, the FCC will move some TV stations to new channels over a 39-month period in a phased repacking plan.

The FCC has earmarked $1.75 billion to help broadcasters pay for new equipment required to switch channels.

But certain low-power stations dont qualify for funding under current rules. And their stations cant create interference with nearby stations with higher-tiered FCC spectrum licenses as part of the repack.

Some of these low power broadcasters, including Chula Vista-based KSDY Channel 50, fear that they may be forced to shut down because of costs and interference rules.

In March, the National Association of Broadcasters asked the FCC to reconsider the timeline and framework of the repack.

The FCCs complex, year-long auction process aimed to pry away valuable TV broadcast spectrum to ease mounting congestion on mobile networks. It raised $19.8 billion from bidders nationwide, with results announced Thursday.

Of that amount, about $10 billion has been pledged to TV stations that relinquished all or part of their broadcast airwaves so they can now be used by wireless outfits such as T-Mobile or Verizon. The remaining auction proceeds will flow into the federal treasury.

T-Mobile, Dish Network and Comcast were the big spenders in the auction, shelling out a combined $8 billion nationwide toward buying broadcast TV airwaves.

In the wireless world, the airwave bands used to deliver TV signals are prime real estate. Signals on these airwaves can travel long distances and through obstacles  like building walls  with relative ease compared with higher frequencies. This spectrum was earmarked for TV signals years ago, when inefficient analog technology brought shows to TVs equipped with rabbit ears.

Today, digital technology does a much better job of efficiently delivering video over these airwaves -- so TV broadcasters generally have plenty of spectrum to meet their needs.

In addition, many households these days get their shows delivered via satellite and cable instead of over the air.

That led the FCC to construct an auction to lure TV broadcasters into selling their spectrum rights so these frequencies could be deployed to ease traffic jams on wireless networks, where streaming video to smartphones is straining capacity.

Nationwide, 175 stations agreed to sell at least some of their spectrum. Of those, 133 aim to continue to operate through privately negotiated channel sharing agreements with other broadcasters that didnt sell. Another 30 stations are switching to new frequencies to stay on the air.

For most consumers, there shouldnt be a significant difference, even with the repack plan. Cable and satellite operators can easily keep channels in their same line-up and make the necessary changes behind the scenes, according to the FCC. Households that rely on over-the-air TV may have to re-scan to find local channels once the repack is complete.

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mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com;

Twitter:@TechDiego

760-529-4973
SeaWorlds 21-year-old female polar bear, Szenja, died unexpectedly Tuesday, leaving the San Diego marine park with just one other bear, currently on loan to the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Her death came following week-long symptoms of appetite and energy loss, but her passing remains unexplained. SeaWorld will be conducting a necropsy to determine the cause of death, park officials said. It will be several weeks before the necropsy results will be available.

Szenja was a beloved member of our animal family, so this is a very difficult day for all of us, said Al Garver, SeaWorld San Diegos vice president of zoological operations. Szenja not only touched the hearts of those who have cared for her over the last two decades, but also the millions of guests who had the chance to see her in person. Were proud to have been a part of her life and to know that she inspired people from around the world to want to protect polar bears in the wild.

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SeaWorlds only other polar bear, Snowflake, also 21, was shipped to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium at the end of February for breeding purposes, and there is no current return date, said SeaWorld San Diego spokesman David Koontz.

At the time it became known there were plans to send Snowflake to Pittsburgh, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals quickly voiced its objections.

In a Feb. 1 letter to SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby, PETA argued that moving Snowflake to Pittsburgh would leave Szenja sad and alone. The letter, signed by PETA President Ingrid Newkirk, said the two polar bears had been companions for 20 years.

Snowflake and Szenja have already been deprived of everything thats natural and important to them, Newkirk wrote. Please do not add to their suffering and sentence more polar bears to a dismal fate by moving forward with this ill-conceived plan.

SeaWorld explained at the time that it was participating in a national program to increase the numbers of the threatened polar bear population, which scientists estimate to be between 22,000 and 31,000.

PETA executive vice president Tracy Reiman said Szenjas death should be a wake-up call to SeaWorld to stop breeding animals.

Szenja died of a broken heart, Reiman wrote in an email. After losing her companion of 20 years when SeaWorld shipped Snowflake to the Pittsburgh Zoo in order to breed more miserable polar bears, Szenja did what anyone would do when they lose all hope, she gave up.

SeaWorld in recent years has been the target of heavy criticism, fueled in large part by the 2013 Blackfish documentary that raised concerns about the marine parks practice of holding killer whales in captivity.

As the parks continued to experience falling attendance and revenues, Manby announced last year that SeaWorld would end captive breeding of the orcas and that it would replace the longstanding theatrical Shamu show with an orca encounter highlighting the animals natural behaviors in the wild. San Diego will be the first park to debut the new attraction, scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend.

Szenja, born at the Wuppertal Zoo in Germany in October 1995, came to SeaWorld when the park opened its Wild Arctic exhibit two years later. Over the last week, Szenjas caregivers and veterinary staff had been monitoring her listless condition, but her passing nevertheless was unexpected, the park said.

Citing Polar Bears International, SeaWorld said polar bears typically have a life expectancy of 15 to 18 years in the wild, although some can live as long as 20 to 30 years.

In a news release, SeaWorld pointed out that for many years, Szenja served as an ambassador for arctic animals, raising awareness of polar bears among the nearly 50 million guests who have visited Wild Arctic.

She also has participated in various research studies related to polar bear hearing sensitivity, social habits, reproductive hormones and seasonal behavior patterns.

Staff writer Phillip Molnar contributed to this article.

Business

lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-2251

Twitter: @loriweisberg
Even after two years, the sound of the deadly earthquake still haunts Kathleen Kat Heldman. So too does the wall of snow and mud that swept over her.

Heldman survived the magnitude 7.8 quake that hit Nepal on April 25, 2015, killing nearly 9,000 people as it leveled buildings, triggered avalanches and smothered Langtang, a village she and her fellow climbers had just left a few hours earlier.

We were saved by two hours and two miles, Heldman said Monday. That whole town was wiped out.

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The 42-year-old Cardiff resident is among several quake survivors recounting their experiences in an hour-long documentary, Nightmare on Everest, set to air on the Smithsonian Channel at 9 p.m. Monday  the second anniversary of the deadly disaster. The film includes never-before-aired footage of the earthquake and aftermath.

Heldman, her husband Kevin Krogh, and their friends Oscar Olea of El Cajon and Brigida Martinez of San Diego were just a few days into a month-long expedition in Nepal when the ground shook beneath them in Kyanjin Gompa in the Langtang region. What followed were four days of fear and exhaustion.

The trip had begun joyously, with Heldman excited to tackle her decades-long goal of climbing a Himalayan mountain.

On the morning of April 25, the four friends hiked out of Langtang to get just a bit further up Mount Gangchenpo, the nearly 21,000-foot mountain they were there to scale.

They left at about 8:30 a.m. A few hours later, they checked into a little village tea house, a bare bones place to eat and sleep. Within 10 minutes, the shaking started.

It sounded like 20 peoples boots stomping on the floor (upstairs), Heldman said. I didnt know what it was. I looked at one of our guides. His eyes were bugged out. He just goes Earthquake! Run!

Rocks fell from the building as it shook, with no rebar to hold them in place. The group raced outside as the earth rolled. It was going on and on, Heldman remembers. It was like nothing I have ever experienced.

When the temblor stopped, everyone seemed fine. Then her husband began to yell, Look, look, look!

Avalanche.

It looked like the mountain (was) erupting, Heldman said. A giant cloud of snow and rock and ice and debris. In that moment, I thought We are dead.

As the initial blast hit, she crouched behind a rock wall, waving her hands over her face to create an air pocket as the snow rolled over her, turning everything black.

I thought This is where I die, she said. The sound of it was intense. Incredible whooshing sound as it comes down quickly. And then it stopped.

Still, the images remain.

What I remember really, really clearly is there was blood spattered all over the snow, she said. And there was wailing, screaming.

Frantically, they began to dig people out. Some were already dead. Others were injured, including a 3-year-old boy who was ripped from his mothers arms and had two broken legs.

It looked like the mountain (was) erupting. A giant cloud of snow and rock and ice and debris. In that moment, I thought We are dead.  Kat Heldman, on the avalanche triggered by an earthquake in Nepal in 2015

Desperate survivors from neighboring villages made their way to the camp. The four friends gave people their clothes, their food. Martinez, a registered nurse, tended to the wounded, including the little boy.

We did what we could with very meager (supplies), Heldman said. They needed the ICU and we had Gold Bond (powder) and Band-Aids.

They were unaware of the extent of the devastation.

We didnt know this happened to the whole country, Heldman said. We figured helicopters would start coming.  We have this Western idea that the Cavalry comes  but not in countries like Nepal. We were stranded for four days.

Back in Langtang, a landslide had smothered the village, burying nearly every building under mud, ice and snow. At least 200 people died, including two of the three young Nepalese boys whom Heldman had photographed that morning.

When a rescue helicopter finally carried them to safety, the San Diego travelers flew over Langtang. All that remained was a flat piece of mud, maybe one or two roofs sticking out, she recalled.

While Heldman and her friends were stranded in Nepal, her sister had started raising money at home to help with their rescue. Caroline Heldman said were able to use that money  $50,000  in additional ways, including relief efforts. It also went to pay all the medical expenses of the little boy with broken legs. He has had several surgeries, but he walks fine now, she said.

He goes to school and has a wonderful life and brags to peers about his American legs, Caroline Heldman said.

Its a bright spot in a tragedy, one with which Kat Heldman is still grappling. She raises funds for the continued recovery of the region. Maybe for the third anniversary, she will be emotionally ready to return to the site.

We were so lucky, just really, really, really lucky, she said. I dont take that for granted. That is a gift and I owe it to people who lost their lives to help.

teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT
The Otay Water Board on Monday passed a resolution to censure director Hector Gastelum  publicly condemning anti-Muslim and other derogatory comments made on his personal Twitter account.

The resolution was placed on the agenda by board members Tim Smith and Mitch Thompson. The board voted 4-1 with Gastelum opposed.

A censure is defined as a strong expression of disapproval and harsh criticism.

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Gastelum, 42, was elected to the board last year and is a real estate agent who lives in Chula Vista.

He came under fire in February on social media for tweeting: Lets pressure OUR Legislators to increase list of so-called #MuslimBan to prevent #SubHuman #Scum from #USA to #MAGA.

On Monday, Gastelum maintained his comments relating to subhumans are reserved for the worst of mankind like pedophiles, rapists, terrorists, the ones throwing gays from the roof, stoning women to death, decapitating people.

He said hes offered multiple heartfelt apologies and never painted anybody with the same brush.

More than 20 people who submitted speaker slips in favor of the resolution disagreed.

At a March 1 board meeting, Gastelum was given the opportunity to address the public and apologize.

Fayaz Nawabi, with the Council on American-Islamic Relations in San Diego, was at that meeting.

All we wanted was an apology and we would have walked away, Nawabi said Monday. But you didnt apologize, you asked us to raise our hand if we are against violence against women...that was appalling.

Many speakers also asked Gastelum to resign, including fellow board member Thompson.

You need to understand the impact of your comments, he said.

Gastelum said no.

Board President Mark Robak said the board doesnt have the authority to remove anyone who is elected to their position. Gastelum would need to voluntarily resign, or the public would need to petition for a recall.

The resolution, however, does directs Robak to conduct a review of Gastelums current committee assignments to determine whether a temporary or permanent removal of some or all of his duties is appropriate.
Theres no shortage of accolades and achievements for the Emerson String Quartet. Nine Grammys, including two for best classical album. Three Gramophones, one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. Ensemble of the Year by Musical America, the nations oldest classical music magazine.

The 40-year-old ensemble  violinists Eugene Drucker and Philip Setzer, violist Lawrence Dutton and cellist Paul Watkins  returns to San Diego on Saturday to close the La Jolla Music Societys Revelle Chamber Music Series. Its program will feature Mozarts String Quartet in D Minor, Shostakovichs String Quartet No. 4 and Dvoraks String Quartet No. 11, Op. 61.

Drucker, one of the founding members, answered some questions about the quartets momentous anniversary, the state of classical music and its new album, Chaconnes and Fantasias: Music of Britten and Purcell, which drops Friday.

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Q: On this the occasion of the Quartets 40th anniversary, what can people expect from you now and moving forward?

A: Well continue to perform many works from the whole spectrum of string quartet repertoire, including several works of carefully selected contemporary music, hoping to maintain a level consistent with the standards we set for ourselves throughout the preceding decades. Occasionally, well embark on special projects  for example, a theatrical work based on Shostakovichs longtime obsession with the Chekhov story The Black Monk. In the course of this production, which will premiere at the Great Lakes Festival in June, to be followed by Tanglewood in July and Princeton in September, well play the Fourteenth Quartet in its entirety, as well as excerpts of the Eighth, Fifteenth and other key quartets by Shostakovich.

Q: For people who arent familiar with the work and sound of the Emerson String Quartet, what would you say to describe it? Whats your elevator pitch, as they say?

A: Its hard to be objective about our work, but Ill venture a description, based partly on what Ive read and heard about us: We try to vary our style and sound depending on the works involved, of course, though theres probably a characteristic approach that is identifiable no matter what repertoire were engaged in. We aim to play with energy, emotional commitment, rhythmic drive, structural cohesion and tonal beauty when the music calls for it. Blend is important, but so is the projection of individual voices and personalities.

Q: How difficult is it to respect and pay homage to the music youre known for while at the same time working to stay relevant, especially in a music climate where audiences can be quite fickle?

A: Like many classical musicians and aficionados, we sometimes worry about the future of our art form and wonder whether there will be audiences to share this great legacy in generations to come. Coming back to the present: Developing ideas for concert programs and recordings, we think about what will appeal both to seasoned chamber music lovers and to potential listeners on the fringes, i.e. those who might have some prior exposure to classical music, but not to the full range of styles and genres. However, its important to us that we maintain our integrity and not do anything geared exclusively toward dwindling attention spans.

Q: Talk a little bit about your new album, Chaconnes and Fantasias: Music of Britten and Purcell. What was the genesis of this new project?

A: When Paul Watkins joined the quartet and moved to the U.S. from London in 2013, it was natural for us to explore several works of British music. We had previously played the second and third quartets by Benjamin Britten, but not that frequently and never both in the same season. So we had not shone a spotlight, so to speak, on this composer in our programming. Since Britten was inspired by his forebear Henry Purcell, we investigated that composers music for viol consort. We played Brittens edition of the impassioned Chacony, and four of the 4-part Fantasias. Not coincidentally, the last movement of Brittens Second Quartet is a chaconne, the emotional range of which clearly indicates the extent to which he had absorbed the implications and potential of this venerable 17th-century musical form.

Q: Did it come together effortlessly? Why or why not?

A: None of our recordings was made effortlessly. We always try to give everything our best shot, especially our recordings, knowing that they are documents of our interpretation of each work. The Purcell pieces are not that difficult to play, but we wanted to achieve the right sound  a quasi-authentic performance practice sound for the Fantasias and a more robust, mid-20th-century approach to the Chacony, reflecting the dynamics that Britten added to the score. The two Britten quartets are challenging instrumentally, especially for intonation and rhythm in certain sections, but beyond the technicalities, we wanted to do our best to convey the depth and passion of these significant statements in the history of the music of the past century.

Q: What do you find to be your biggest challenge these days as an ensemble?

A: Balancing our individual and collective commitments: In addition to what audiences have come to expect of us as the Emerson Quartet, we all maintain active schedules of both teaching and solo work (to varying degrees), some chamber music outside the quartet, and personal lives. Fitting it all together and living up to the standards we set ourselves can sometimes be a challenge.

Q: Theres a certain amount of trust when youre playing music as a group. Talk about that  is it hard work to ensure that synchronicity, or does it come naturally?

A: Some of the synchronicity for any long-standing professional group develops as a result of all the years spent rehearsing and performing together, but its never all so natural that we can take it for granted. From time to time, we have to review certain ensemble decisions from the point of view of cuing and unanimity of bow-strokes, in addition to the more purely musical decisions we make in the interpretation of each piece.

Q: Do you, as an ensemble, have a musical bucket list? A place you would love to perform at, or people/person you would love to perform with?

A: We have already performed in many great venues and with many inspiring guest artists, among them Mstislav Rostropovich, Menahem Pressler, Renee Fleming, Barbara Hannigan, Emanuel Ax and Yefim Bronfman, to name but a few. Next season, well tour with Evgeny Kissin. Of course, there are others with whom we could imagine enjoyable and fruitful collaborations.

Q: Whats the most challenging work youve performed as an ensemble, and how did you take it on?

A: Sorry not to get too specific, but there are many challenging works ranging from Haydn and Mozart through Beethoven and the Romantics up to and including the 20th-century classics and beyond. Some pieces, usually the more contemporary ones, are challenging when we first learn them  simply to be able to get through them without falling apart, especially when dealing with complex rhythms and meters. The earlier works, though easier to prepare for the first performance, often require more subsequent re-evaluation of our interpretive decisions. We must repeatedly face up to the challenges of playing with stylistic awareness, accuracy, transparency (particularly for 18th-century musical textures) and verve, hoping to achieve the kind of impact that is appropriate to the period, mood and style of each piece.

Q: If you could describe the Emerson String Quartet in a word, what would that be?

A: To describe us in literally one word seems impossible. Id say that were a bunch of serious guys, committed to our aesthetic and career goals, who maintain a healthy sense of humor and irony about ourselves.

Emerson String Quartet, presented by the La Jolla Music Society

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, with a pre-performance lecture at 6:30 p.m.

Where: La Jolla Presbyterian Church, 7715 Draper Ave., La Jolla

Ticket: $30-$80

Phone: (858) 459-3728

Online: ljms.org

Twitter: @outdoorlivingsd

michael.rocha@sduniontribune.com
Three hundred seventy-seven thousand two hundred minutes.

No, thats not how the lyric from that big song in Rent will go once the new presidential administrations funding cuts begin to downsize the arts. (There remain 525,600 minutes in a year, and in the opening line of Seasons of Love.)

It is, however, just about how long San Diego has left to wait until another massive phenomenon of a musical  a little thing called Hamilton  finally hits town.

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That translates to just under nine months before the smash-hit Broadway show that weds history to hip-hop (hist-hop? Is that a thing?) lands at the Civic Theatre on Jan. 3 for a monthlong run.

So in recognition of San Diegans pent-up demand for fresh word of Hamilton, weve launched this new Centerstage theater column for the sole purpose of counting down the minutes until the shows arrival.

And now its only 377,199!

OK, this could get boring.

So while were waiting, lets talk theater. Specifically, more Hamilton.

If youre wondering what date single tickets for the Jan. 3-28 Civic run will go on sale, the official answer is: It hasnt been announced yet.

But our best guess, based on a look at how things went with the current Hamilton run in San Francisco and the upcoming engagement in L.A., is: probably around late September.

Tickets for the San Francisco dates went on sale about three months before the run began in March; for L.A., where the show lands in August, theyre due to be available April 19 to American Express card-holders, April 30 for everyone else. (So yes, it may well help to get an AMEX card.)

You can still jump the line by purchasing a Broadway/San Diego season subscription that includes Hamilton and six other shows for about $253 to $603, but availability is getting very limited.

While most tickets for the entire San Francisco run sold out in 24 hours, there are tickets available on resale sites, but the cheapest seat listed on StubHub in a recent check was $299; dont expect any bargains for San Diego, either.

There is one other option worth noting: In both San Francisco and L.A., around 40 seats are being made available shortly before each performance via a digital lottery. And those tickets are just $10, in honor of the shows namesake, Alexander Hamilton  the $10 founding father (as the opening song has it) who was cut down in that unfortunate duel with Aaron Burr.

Maybe youll get luckier than he did.

Dramatic images

Speaking of history: There turns out to be a massive and fascinating stash of vintage Old Globe Theatre photos tucked away on a public website run by San Diego State University.

The Old Globe Theatre Photograph Collection (access it at https://digital.sdsu.edu/sdsu-collections) contains close to 3,000 images dating from the 1940s to the early 2000s.

And if you browse for a while, youll find plenty of familiar faces, and a few surprises.

Check out, for example, a young and rail-thin Christopher Walken in 1969 productions of The Comedy of Errors and Julius Caesar; a pre-The Office Rainn Wilson in The Taming of the Shrew from 2002; and lots of 1960s-70s-era shots of Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Reeve and Jon Voight doing various Shakespeares.

Given the Globes current production of Red Velvet, about the first black actor to appear as the lead in Othello on the London stage, its also fascinating to see a succession of the Globes own Othellos.

It appears the actor Douglass Watson played the role in at least semi-blackface there in 1967. By 1976, the African-American actor William Marshall  known for the film Blacula and, later, a role on the TV series Pee-wees Playhouse  was stepping into the role.

And maybe making (at least local) history the way Ira Aldridge does in Red Velvet.

(Got ideas and items for this column? Email jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com.)

Twitter: @jimhebert

jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com
Four years after a scathing federal report found that a child molester and other convicted criminals gained unfettered access to Navy bases through a popular background vetting service, officials have announced theyre phasing in a new I.D. system.

In an advisory last week, the Navy Installations Command in Washington, D.C., ordered commanders to immediately begin transitioning to the Defense Biometrics Identification Systems  called DBIDS  in a process expected to take six months to complete.

The move scraps the services use of the Rapidgate passes relied on by truck drivers, ship repair workers and other non-federal employees to quickly access Navy bases. By July 15, badge and decal offices in the continental United States, Hawaii and Guam must screen the backgrounds of all contractors and their employees routinely making unescorted trips to Navy bases for criminal convictions, active warrants and other disqualifying misconduct.

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The Navy will issue to qualified vendors a DBIDs paper pass good for 90 days. By Oct. 12, these cards will be replaced by DBIDS cards.

Derry Pence, President, Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association , estimated that about 10,000 employees of his organizations 160 members could be affected by the switch from the Rapidgate system. Instead of overwhelming each bases badge and decal office, Navy officials were reserving specific days for federal screeners to vet the contractors workers, he said. Pence urged employees with questions about the switch to DBIDS to talk to their bosses.

They seem to be trying to make this go as smoothly as possible so it doesnt impact us, he said.

Military officials in Washington did not respond to requests for comment for this story, but Navy Region Southwest security director Matthew Crews reported no problems with the initial roll out at the commands 10 installations in California and Nevada.

A late 2013 report by the Department of Defense Inspector General found that at two unnamed installations in Navy Region Southwest were accessed by 10 Rapidgate pass holders who should have been denied credentials because of prior convictions. The inspector general found that nationwide, 52 felons who routinely entered Navy installations over a span of 62 to 1,035 days before their criminal records were discovered. That put military personnel, dependents, civilians and installations at an increased security risk, the report concluded.

One of the unnamed felons had been convicted of taking indecent liberties with a child. Investigators concluded that due to the unreliable accuracy of vetting contractors through the Rapidgate system, the claimed reductions in security risk provided installation commanders with a false sense of security, leaving installations exposed to potentially hostile actions.

They recommended that the Navy halt the third-party verification service offered by Oregon-based Eid Passport, Inc., and replace it with a system that better followed federal vetting guidelines.

Under Rapidgate, vendors doing business on bases paid Eid Passport to run the background checks and issue the passes, displacing most costs to the private sector and not the armed forces.

Navy officials initially balked at the inspector generals advice, arguing in a written response to the findings that Rapidgate was superior to the system it replaced and that ending it would trigger long lines at Navy access points, resulting in productivity loss for contractors doing business on Navy installations, and would require hiring additional civil servants to work in base pass offices.

In 2015, Eid Passport changed its name to SureID.

In a written response to the Union-Tribune, SureID noted that the Navy non-concurred on every major finding in the inspector generals report. The company worked with the military to create and implement a new program that sifts vendor names through the National Crime Information Center, the Interstate Identification Index and commercial background checks, a level of security DBIBS does not offer.

SureIDs new vetting program likely will continue to be used by vendors seeking to enter Army, Marine Corps and Coast Guard bases nationwide. That system, SureID president James Robell told the Union-Tribune, had turned up about 600 felons who would have been overlooked by other background checks.

Thats 600 people who wouldve been able to go onto Navy installations with bad criminal backgrounds, Robell said. Thats a concern to us.

Robell said that the Navy failed to coordinate with SureID before the surprise Wednesday alert and left employees there scrambling to communicate with customers nationwide over a holiday weekend.

For contractors in the San Diego area, Robell said that the Navys decision likely will inconvenience vendors who also enter Marine Corps and Coast Guard facilities but were not sure exactly whats going to happen.

He questioned whether Navy bases were able to hire more employees to handle the influx of background checks and if the Pentagon will refund the fees customers already had paid to SureID to get the special access passes  a problem he suspects Capitol Hill might have to solve.The Union-Tribune found no hearings scheduled in the House of Representatives or Senate on the issue.

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cprine@sduniontribune.com
Nathan Damigo, the white supremacist who was captured on video Saturday punching a woman in the face and then running into the crowd during a violent confrontation in Berkeley, has military and criminal ties to San Diego County.

Depending on whom you asked at the showdown, Saturdays rally was billed as a free-speech demonstration by alt-right groups, as an anti-racism protest by liberals and as a face-off between supporters and critics of President Donald Trump who converged from around the country.

The woman punched by Damigo identified herself as Emily Rose, a feminist who came to the event nervous but ready to fight against her foes.

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On Monday, officials at California State University Stanislaus, where Damigo is attending school, said hes being investigated because of the punch incident.

The university has zero tolerance for the use of violence, and we will take all of the necessary legal and disciplinary measures to ensure that all students and everyone on campus have a safe and secure environment, university President Ellen Junn said in a statement.

Damigo couldnt be reached for comment Monday.

A native of the Silicon Valley, he attended a private Baptist school and then enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2004 at age 18. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton and deployed to Iraq for two combat tours.

In that war zone, he said, he saw firsthand the conflicts between the countrys ethnic and religious groups.

I said, This is dumb. Why dont ... each one of them have their own country and they can all express themselves and ... theyre not, you know, fighting with each other, he told the Los Angeles Times in December.

In November 2007, he had been home for a month after his second tour of duty and was suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder, drug and alcohol abuse and paranoia, according to San Diego County court records.

A few days after the anniversary of a friends combat death, he spent a night drinking and went for a walk with a gun. He came across a cab driver, put a gun to his head and robbed the man of $43, the court records show.

He was convicted of armed robbery and spent a year in county jail and four years in prison.

Damigo told the Times that he started reading books about race and identity while in prison. He was greatly influenced, he said, by My Awakening, the book by former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke.

Sometime after his release from prison, Damigo led the now-defunct National Youth Front, the youth wing of the nationalist American Freedom Party. The Southern Poverty Law Center describes the American Freedom Party as an organization founded by racist Southern California skinheads that aims to deport immigrants and return the United States to white rule.

Last year, Damigo established the white nationalist group Identity Evropa, which posts flyers around college campuses nationwide with slogans such as Lets Become Great Again and Protect Your Heritage.

The day after Trumps presidential victory, Damigo propped his cellphone up in his car, turned on the Periscope live-streaming app and started talking.

We as the alt-right are the reason why Trump won, the Times quoted him as saying.

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hieu.phan@sduniontribune.com
Allegedly ordered to hurry to North Korea as a show of force to deter despot Kim Jong-un from testing a nuclear weapon, the U.S. Navy Third Fleets Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group instead ended up near Australia last week  nearly 4,900 miles away from where it was officially supposed to be.

In fact, when the U.S. Pacific Command announced the North Korea mission on April 8, it said the San Diego-based aircraft carrier and its escort warships would skip a scheduled port call in Australia so they could move quickly from Singapore to the Yellow Sea  a journey expected to take about a week.

The apparent misunderstanding was compounded by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, which said last week that Tokyos warships would join the carrier strike group for maneuvers in the Western Pacific  relatively close to the Korean peninsula.

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In reality, the Carl Vinson flotilla isnt slated to arrive in the troubled region until late April. It apparently had been training off the coast of Australia while a war of words heated up between American and North Korean officials over the Asian nations atomic and ballistic missile programs.

The aircraft carriers real location was revealed over the weekend when a photograph, dated Saturday, was released by the ships public affairs office. The image showed the flattop transiting the Sunda Strait near Indonesia.

President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, Defense Secretary James Mattis and military officials had multiple chances to revise the Carl Vinson itinerary but instead seemed to stick to a narrative that the ship was heading toward North Korea or was already near there.

The fallout has triggered questions about whether the Navy failed to properly explain the Carl Vinsons travel timeline to the White House and then both parties decided to stay mum, or whether some leaders kept the American public in the dark as part of an information warfare campaign against Pyongyang.

Misinformation can be a critical part of 4D national security  defense, diplomacy, democracy and development  but the margin of error is razor thin when dealing with nations possessing nuclear weapons, said Shawn VanDiver, a former sailor who now helms the San Diego chapter of the Truman Project, a think tank based in Washington, D.C.

We dont know whether or not the White House and Department of Defense were on the same page or whether this was a bluff that couldve cost American lives, he added. This is just another example of the need for stronger and more comprehensive messaging toward broader strategic goals.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Pacific Command issued a new statement indicating that the Vinson was now truly heading toward North Korea.

After departing Singapore on April 8 and canceling a scheduled port visit to Perth, the strike group was able to complete a curtailed period of previously scheduled training with Australia in international waters off the northwest coast of Australia, the latest statement said.

When it made the initial announcement 1 weeks earlier, the command labeled North Korea as the number one threat in the region because of its reckless, irresponsible and destabilizing atomic and ballistic missile tests.

Three days later, on April 11, the Pentagons Mattis told reporters during a briefing that the Vinson was stationed in the Western Pacific for a reason  to operate freely up and down the Pacific, and shes on her way up there because thats where we thought it was most prudent to have her at this time.

On the same day, White House spokesman Spicer told journalists that when you see a carrier group steaming into an area like that, the forward presence of that is clearly, through almost every instance, a huge deterrence.

And then on April 12, Trump repeated to Fox Business News that the Navy had sent to the Koreas an armada, very powerful.

Now the White House is blaming the Pentagon for creating a false narrative about the Carl Vinsons travels, according to news media reports on Tuesday that quoted anonymous sources.

Defense News first reported the carriers odd path on Monday, pointing to the aerial photo shot near Indonesia.

A string of previous Navy photos posted on April 9-13 showed the Carl Vinson being somewhere in the South China Sea, which is far closer to the Yellow Sea than Australia.

The Point Loma headquarters of the Third Fleet continues to exert operational control over the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group. U.S. Pacific Command oversees the Third Fleet and the Japan-based Seventh Fleet.

After news of the carriers true whereabouts surfaced on Tuesday, North Korean officials remained silent, but fresh questions are being asked about whether they fell for it.

On Monday, Rodong Sinmun, the official publication of the Central Committee of the Workers Party of Korea, deplored the carriers deployment in the waters off the Korean peninsula as a reckless action of aggression at a tense time in the region.

The Pyongyang daily vowed that North Koreas people would remain unswayed by the threat and blackmail efforts of the Trump administration and threatened to retaliate, if attacked, with nuclear strikes.

While it remains unclear what operations the Carl Vinson strike group will perform when it reaches the Korean peninsula, on Tuesday night its commander, Rear Adm. James Jim Kilby, announced that his sailors deployment had been extended for at least a month to provide a persistent presence there.

While all of us look forward to being connected with our friends and families, our nation requires us to be its flexible force, the away team. And as we have done time and time again through history, we wont let her down now, Kilby said in a statement on the Carl Vinsons Facebook page. Our mission is to reassure allies and our partners of our steadfast commitment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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cprine@sduniontribune.com
The quest to save Mexicos vaquitas porpoise has involved scientists, environmentalists, and government agencies on both sides border. Yet the population has continued to drop: Today, fewer than 30 are believed to survive.

A new documentary, Souls of the Vermilion Sea, chronicles the extensive efforts to preserve the worlds most endangered marine mammal, a species endemic to Mexicos Upper Gulf of California. In doing so, the producers also examine at the impact of the crisis on the local fishing communities.

Wild Lens, a non-profit media company based in Boise, Idaho, has committed to telling the story of the vaquita, with all of its layers and complexities.

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While the final aim of co-producers Sean Bogle and Matthew Podolsky is to produce a feature-length film, they saw an urgent need to tell the story sooner  and are releasing a 30-minute documentary on Saturday, in time for Earth Day. Both are biologists as well as filmmakers.

Were trying to do it in real time, Bogle said. Our intention is to reach far and fast. The clock is ticking.

Bogle added that the storys not over. The final film will be released when we feel theres closure.

The greatest danger to the vaquita in recent years has been illegal nets set to catch totoaba fish, whose swim bladders command high prices in China and Hong Kong, where they are believed to help maintain a youthful appearance. Vaquitas end up drowned after becoming ensnared in the nets.

The Mexican governments two-year ban on gillnet fishing in the Upper Gulf  a measure aimed at protecting the vaquita  was to expire earlier this month, but was extended through May 31.

Mexico now has committed $3 million toward a plan to establish a sea pen sanctuary where captured vaquita would be protected until illegal fishing is abolished. An international coalition called VaquitaCPR has been formed to raise funds in support of the project.

Souls of the Vermillion Sea is scheduled for screening in Mexico, the United States and China over the next six months. Starting Saturday, it will also be available online at vaquitafilm.com.

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The U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program plans to send its dolphins to join the search next year for Mexicos endangered vaquita marina porpoise.

sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com

@sandradibble
When hundreds of activists on the left and the right converged here Saturday, things got ugly very quickly.

It was billed as a free speech rally by conservative activists, staged in one of Americas most liberal cities. But even before the event was set to begin, fists were flying and people were left bloodied. In the end, 21 were arrested and police confiscated an array of heavy sticks, knives, and Pepsi cans used as projectiles.

But what appeared to be a political event that devolved into violence was actually something more complex. The combatants on both sides were extremists who traveled from far and wide to make Berkeley their stage. Many freely admitted they were there to make trouble and that peaceful protest over President Trump and other issues really wasnt their goal.

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Much of the violence was captured on cellphone cameras and posted on social media, where each side offered supporters their narrative of what happened.

People have to start throwing [things] in order to protect themselves, said a feminist demonstrator who called herself Emily Rose as she and her bloodied companion caught their breath during the heart of Saturdays protest.

Her face was masked in a black-and-red bandanna, her small hands encased in black gloves on which was strapped a vial of pepper spray. Moments later, she was punched in the face during a fight with Nathan Damigo, a Cal State Stanislaus student, Trump supporter and founder of white nationalist organization Identity Evropa.

Alt-right organizers and the anti-fascist groups that oppose them have battled online and in person for a year, fueled by Trumps rise and the reaction to it. Both sides increasingly are coming to blows across the country, notably last year in Sacramento and a few weeks ago in Huntington Beach.

For reasons political and geographic, Berkeley has become a particularly common battleground.

Uncertainty and disillusionment in the current political climate has caused a deeper tectonic shift within political extremes, said criminal sociologist Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino.

They will glom themselves onto a tax day rally, a Trump rally, but there is a subgroup of extremists on both sides who are angling for a street battle, Levin said. Replayed to their audiences on social media, it goes viral.

 Pro-Trump rally in Berkeley

Saturdays demonstration was advertised as a Patriots Day rally by the Liberty Revival Alliance, promoted on Facebook but for which there was no permit. It was held at the Martin Luther King Civic Center park, nearly adjacent to the city police station. Nearby bank ATMs were boarded up and the downtown Starbucks restaurants, attacked during earlier battles, were evacuated.

The confrontation began two hours before the event and consisted largely of pushing and shouting matches interlaced with brief clashes of violence, pepper spray assaults and explosives. The attendees represented a spectrum of neo-conservative and alt-right groups, including members of the para-military group Oath Keepers from as far away as Missouri, followers of the Proud Boys and those with openly anti-Semitic and neo-Nazi slogans.

Several hundred counter-demonstrators showed up, including feminists, and those who identified with By Any Means Necessary and various anti-fascist organizations that have a stronghold in the Bay. Large numbers of demonstrators wearing black masks massed under the red-and-black flags associated with socialist ideology.

Similar confrontations occurred in Berkeley in March and in February, when demonstrators were able to shut down a planned speech by now-defrocked far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos.

The extremist groups have been around for years.

But now its burst out in multiple places, said Heidi Beirich, director of the Intelligence Project for the Southern Poverty Law Center, an advocacy group that monitors and opposes hate crimes. This is entirely new and theres been a ton of it lately, and it seems to be out of control.

The environment on college communities is especially heated, she said, and the center is advising student affiliates on how to avoid being drawn into confrontations she said are largely geared for generating publicity.

Dont even get near them, she said. Hold your own positive event, maybe on a different day.

The escalation in Berkeley causes concern among some of the college towns establishment.

To the extent Berkeley is supposed to be representative (of liberal movements) we are being used, said David Gottfried, part of a small group of local residents who set up an Empathy Tent at the edge of the demonstration and encouraged the shouting masses to consider listening and dialogue instead.

It wound up being hit by pepper spray.

There was hardly anyone from Berkeley there, except of course the police, said Gottfried, a self-employed artist who, at 58, is roughly twice the age of most of the combatants ignoring the tray of chocolates he held out.

Gottfried worried that the product of the day would be an escalation of extremism.

Tim Mueller, 50, was the lone farmers market merchant who kept his tables of organic vegetables and beef open during the Saturday demonstrations as an act of defiance and political statement.

Im not willing to cede the space to to this, he said, munching on a carrot as explosives went off down the street. Its testosterone poisoning on both sides. They come here to just start a fight.

Nearby, AJ Alegria, 31, of Sacramento ran from the crowd, blood streaming from his face, blinded by pepper spray.

Ultimately the goal is to stop this and get back to dialogue, he said. I thought we could pacify them, stop them. He admitted to using his fists, after they hit first.

Ultimately the goal is to stop this and get back to dialogue. I thought we could pacify them, stop them.  AJ Alegria, 31, of Sacramento

Damigo, the alt-right leader seen in videos and photos punching Emily Rose, was not among those arrested by Berkeley police. His Identity Evropa recruitment activities at Cal State Stanislaus have raised previous concerns. Campus administrators released a statement this week saying they were investigating his role in the Berkeley brawl.

The university has zero tolerance for the use of violence and we will take all of the necessary legal and disciplinary measures to ensure that all students and everyone on campus have a safe and secure environment, university President Ellen Junn said.

Damigo could not be reached for comment Monday.

Most arrested Saturday were from the Bay Area, but some accused of battery came from Palmdale and Huntington Beach, according to a list police released Monday.

Among them was Kyle Chapman, who was arrested on a warrant for an alleged assault at a violent protest in March. When officers grabbed Chapman from the crowd and cuffed him, alt-right blogger Baked Alaska launched a livestream feed denouncing the arrest.

When a reporter asked him to confirm what he had just witnessed, Baked Alaska bounced around and heartily announced he was about to become the subject of a hit piece by the fake news media.

There was heavy police presence throughout the day. At times, officers formed a barrier between the opposing, shouting sides; at others, they moved to the edges to contain or corral the crowd.

As the day wore on, police officers arrived from nearby Oakland. Berkeley Officer Jenn Coats said the department trying to keep up.

With each situation we learn and progress with our tactics, she said. Hopefully things will be better as we go forward. People have the freedom to express themselves.

Both sides tried to engage police in their fights, complaining loudly when officers stood back, even as many officers filmed the altercations with their own cameras. However, police waded in to make arrests when the most violent fighting broke out.

In late afternoon, when families with children arrived downtown and Berkeleys fine-dining scene kicked into gear, they marched in with shields and summarily sent the tired demonstrators home.

A half dozen demonstrators remained, standing on a downtown Berkeley street corner, shouting at one another as evening dinner patrons strolled arm-in-arm around and past them.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

paige.stjohn@latimes.com

Twitter: @paigestjohn

Times staff writer Hailey Branson-Potts contributed to this report.

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The suspect in a series of shootings in downtown Fresno wrote frequently about the conflict between whites and blacks and did not seem well in recent days, according to family members.

Kori Ali Muhammad, 39, has been arrested in the shootings, which killed three people. Police have not provided a motive in the attack. As he was taken into custody, he yelled out Allahu Akbar, Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said. But officials emphasized that they were not sure whether this was an act of terrorism.

According to his grandmother, Kori Muhammad changed his name from Kori Taylor to Kori Ali Muhammad when he was between 14 and 16 years old. He has at least one younger brother and was always considered the outlier in the family.

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Details of the Fresno shooting that killed 3 

He was a different kind of boy; he was different from all my kids, Glenestene Taylor said. I dont know why he got on this Muhammad stuff  he tried to tell me about it.

Though authorities say Muhammad was homeless, his grandmother said he actually had places to live.

He maybe would call himself homeless because he didnt have a place hes paying for with his name on it, but he always stays with some relative, Taylor said. He always knew he could come here if he needed to.

In fact, Taylor said, Muhammad dropped by her Fresno home Sunday. He came to pick up some things from the garage, then left. But even in the brief encounter, Taylor said she noticed Muhammad was acting out of sorts.

He didnt seem OK, she said. He was crying, acting different from how Kori usually acts.

In a span of a few minutes Tuesday morning, Muhammad, 39, fatally shot three white men he randomly encountered while walking through the streets of Fresno, police allege. The rampage was preceded by a deadly encounter Thursday night at a Motel 6, where police say Muhammad killed another white man  a security guard.

Together the killings were Muhammads contribution to a war he believed was ongoing between white and black men, said his father, Vincent Taylor.

A Facebook profile page for a Kori Ali Muhammad from Fresno paid homage to black pride and black nationalism, with images of the red, green and black Pan-African flag and images of a raised fist. The page listed him as a warrior for RBG Nation, referencing red, black and green.

He posted numerous photos of himself in traditional African garments.

In recent days, he repeatedly posted images to his Facebook page with the hashtag #LETBLACKPEOPLEGO. He referenced white devils and praised melanoma skin cancer. In a post Monday, he wrote in all caps: MY KILL RATE INCREASES TREMENDOUSLY ON THE OTHER SIDE ASE ALLAH U AKBAR.

Shortly before that, he posted: BLACK WARRIORS MOUNT UP AND RIDE OUT *ASE* #LETBLACKPEOPLEGO.

Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino, says many of Muhammads social media postings reference terms used by the Nation of Islam, which has been labeled a racist hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Pointing to Muhammads repeated references to white devils and Yakub, the villainous figure responsible for creating white people, according to Nation of Islam lore, Levin says it is likely Muhammad thought he was taking part in a race war.

Ase (pronounced ah-SHAY), Levin said, is a term from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, referencing a concept that there is power in our spirituality, words and feelings.

In February, Muhammad released an explicit, racially themed hip-hop album called True Story Kori under the name B-God MacSun. The cover shows him holding up a clenched fist.

Muhammad sings that he is an Asiatic black god, and repeatedly references violence between black and white people.

On a song called Black Father, he sings: Black father, the maker, the owner, the cream of the planet Earth. Asiatic black man, God of the universe. We didnt start as slaves. They really dont want us and our ancient ways.

In that song, Muhammad sings of a dysfunctional family and dealing drugs as a teenager and having a trigger finger for the haters that be flexin.

Lucky for me, I was born a black soldier, he sings.

In another song called U Gone Need Me, he sings of white devils, a murder squad, and the west side of Fresno. In a music video posted to YouTube last month, he sings and spins in circles near railroad tracks while holding a scepter and wearing an ornamental cross over his face.

Taylor now believes that she misread her grandsons tearful goodbye to her on Easter morning in Fresno.

I thought he was going to leave town  thats the impression I got, said Taylor, 81. I thought thats why hes upset, because he thinks of me as a mother. Hes always telling me, Ill take care of it. Ill protect you. Dont you worry about it. He really didnt want to go but he was going.

He was crying when he said bye. I havent seen him cry like that. That was unusual to me, Taylor said. He said he wasnt going to see me again. He was really upset.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

Twitter: @JosephSerna

hailey.branson@latimes.com

Twitter: @haileybranson

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UPDATES:

4:36 p.m.: This article was updated with more details from the suspects grandmother.

3:40 p.m.: This article was updated with an interview with Brian Levin and details about Muhammads hip-hop album.

This article was originally published at 3:10 p.m.
Kori Ali Muhammad told his family there was a war going on between blacks and whites in America.

On social media, he referred to white people as devils. Earlier in the year, he released a rap album replete with violent, explicit, racially-charged lyrics, including referring to himself in one song as a black soldier.

On Tuesday morning, police say Muhammad stalked the streets of downtown Fresno, fatally shooting three white men with a .357 revolver. Before surrendering to police, he allegedly shouted Allahu akbar and expressed hatred toward white people and the government, according to Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.

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Local authorities said they dont believe the attack was an act of terrorism but are investigating it as a hate crime.

Filled with hate, filled with anger: Anatomy of a shooting allegedly fueled by racial animus 

If in fact hes lashing out at white people  white males in this case  that would constitute a hate crime, Dyer said. We believe it is a hate crime, definitely a hate crime.

The chief said investigators dont believe Muhammad worked with anyone else in the attack, calling him an individual that is filled with hate, filled with anger.

The attack occurred over less than two minutes with Muhammad firing a total of 16 shots. Dyer said he surrendered to a responding officer without incident and later apologized to the chief.

In addition to Tuesdays killings, police said Muhammad was suspected in the fatal shooting of a security guard, also a white man, last week.

Muhammads father, Vincent Taylor, told The Times on Tuesday that his son believed that he was part of an ongoing war between whites and blacks, and that a battle was about to take place.

1 / 1 A street is blocked off in Fresno after a gunman shot and killed three people. (Scott Smith / Associated Press)

The attack began at around 10:45 a.m. in the 300 block of North Van Ness Avenue. Within a few seconds, a second burst of gunfire was heard, then a third and a fourth. Sixteen rounds were fired in four locations, Dyer said.

Who is Kori Ali Muhammad? 

After the shots were heard, Dyer said the driver of a PG&E truck arrived at the citys police headquarters to report that a passenger had been shot by a gunman who had approached them on foot.

After mortally wounding the truck passenger, Muhammad walked west on East Mildreda Avenue, where he came across a resident and opened fire but missed his target, Dyer said.

Muhammad continued walking on Mildreda and approached Fulton Street, where he fatally shot a second man before reloading his weapon, Dyer said.

He then headed toward Catholic Charities in the 100 block of North Fulton Street and fired another fatal volley of gunfire, killing a man in the parking lot.

An officer in the area spotted the gunman running south on Fulton. He then dove onto the ground and was taken into custody, the chief said.

As he was taken into custody, he yelled out, Allahu akbar,  Dyer said.

Allahu akbar roughly translates to God is great in Arabic and is a common positive refrain uttered by Muslims in prayer or in celebration. But the phrase has also been linked to terrorist attacks. The gunman who killed 13 people in a terror attack at Fort Hood, Texas, screamed Allahu akbar as he opened fire in 2009, and the phrase is often tweeted by social media accounts sympathetic to Islamic State and other terror groups.

A look at shooting suspect Kori Ali Muhammad 

The victims in Tuesdays attack were not immediately identified. In a statement released last week, Fresno police identified the security guard slain Thursday as Carl Williams. The unarmed 25-year-old was shot outside a Motel 6 on North Blackstone Avenue.

Muhammad had cut off his braids and shaved his face, significantly changing his appearance, after Fresno police put out a news release about that killing.

After learning of that media release, Muhammad made a decision to himself that he was not going to go to jail for shooting a security guard  that he was going to kill as many people as he could today, and thats what he set out to do, Dyer said.

The gunman did not make any references to race during last weeks attack, according to Dyer, who said investigators will need time to determine the exact motive in the shootings.

There was no statement made on Thursday night when he shot the security guard and killed him, Dyer said. There was no comments or no statements made at that time, so I am not certain why he said what he said today.

Muhammad legally changed his name from Kori Taylor when he was a teenager, according to his grandmother, Glenestene Taylor, who said Muhammad was acting strangely when he visited her Sunday. He was crying, but she believed he was simply going out of town.

I thought thats why hes upset, because he thinks of me as a mother, said Taylor, 81. Hes always telling me, Ill take care of it. Ill protect you. Dont you worry about it. He really didnt want to go, but he was going.

A Facebook profile page for a Kori Ali Muhammad from Fresno paid homage to black pride and black nationalism, with images of the red, green and black Pan-African flag and a raised fist.

The rambling profile includes militant and apocalyptic language and repeated demands to let black people go. He referenced white devils and praised melanoma skin cancer.

On Saturday afternoon, Muhammad posted a photo of himself in a colorful garment, with his head covered, and the words: LET BLACK PEOPLE GO OR THE DOOM INCREASES REPARATIONS & SEPARATION NOW.

On Monday he wrote: MY KILL RATE INCRESASES TREMENDOUSLY ON THE OTHER SIDE ASE ALLAH U AKBAR.

Brian Levin, director of Cal State San Bernardinos Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, said many of Muhammads social media postings make reference to terms used by the Nation of Islam, which has been labeled a racist hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Pointing to Muhammads repeated references to white devils and Yakub  the villainous figure responsible for creating white people, according to Nation of Islam lore  Levin said it is likely Muhammad thought he was taking part in a race war against whites.

Were living in an era of violent reciprocal prejudice, and there are references on his website to Fard Muhammad, the founder of Nation of Islam, and Nation of Islam uses the term white devils quite prolifically, as did this shooter, Levin said.

Muhammad also repeatedly used the phrase Black Dragon Lion Hawk in his Facebook posts, and Levin said such nods to warrior culture are common in black separatist circles.

But Glenestene Taylor said she didnt remember her grandson showing a racial bias, toward whites or anyone else, in all his years staying with her or during countless visits to her predominately white Fresno neighborhood.

He would say something derogatory about anybody, didnt matter about the color, she said. If he didnt like what they did, he didnt like what they did no matter the color.

Muhammad had run afoul of Fresno police before. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2005 for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm for drug trafficking and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, after a Fresno police officer searched his car and found two large bags of cocaine, a loaded handgun and two rifles, court records show. A federal judge later declared Muhammad mentally incompetent to stand trial.

He was deemed competent in August 2006 and pleaded guilty to the charges of cocaine possession with intent to distribute and a weapons charge. He ultimately served 92 months in federal prison, records show.

Hours after the shootings Tuesday, two shaken workers at the Catholic charity said they had ducked under yellow police tape to get out.

They said they were told not to talk to the news media. But one, a Vietnam veteran, said a person never forgets the sound of guns. He said that the charity gives away food every day and that families are allowed to come only once a week.

We feed a lot of children, so we have to make sure that the food gets spread around, he said.

This is a sad day for us all. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, Fresno Mayor Lee Brand said in a statement. None of us can imagine what they must be going through.

Vincent Taylor said he hopes his sons capture headed off any future bloodshed.

Im happy he was arrested, he said. I would hope that whatever Kori tells [police,] they take him seriously and they start following up.

Los Angeles Times staff writers James Queally and Richard Winton contributed to this report from Los Angeles; staff writer Melanie Mason contributed from Fresno.

Serna, Rocha and Branson-Potts reported from Los Angeles. Marcum reported from Fresno.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA

joseph.serna@latimes.com

Twitter: @JosephSerna

diana.marcum@latimes.com

Twitter: @DianaMarcum

hailey.branson@latimes.com

Twitter: @haileybranson

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Fewer shootings by police  thats the goal of new rules adopted by the L.A. Police Commission

UPDATES:

April 19, 7:10 a.m.: This article was updated with details of a news release police put out after the first killing.

7:40 p.m.: This article was updated with information about the suspect firing 16 shots.

7:15 p.m.: This article was updated with more information about the hate crime allegation.

6:15 p.m.: This article was updated with a new top and information about police saying they dont believe the shootings were an act of terrorism.

5:40 p.m.: This article was updated with additional information about Kori Ali Muhammads social media activity and background about another homicide police believe he was involved in.

4:25 p.m.: This article was updated with additional comments from Muhammads family and information about his criminal history.

3:25 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details from police and comments from an expert on black nationalism.

3 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Taylor and from the suspects social media posts.

1:40 p.m.: This article was updated with additional comments from workers at Catholic Charities.

1:10 p.m.: This article was updated with additional comments from Police Chief Jerry Dyer and a comment from PG&E.

This article was originally published at 12:55 p.m. April 18.
The Los Angeles Police Commission voted Tuesday to require officers to try, whenever possible, to defuse tense encounters before firing their guns  a policy shift that marks a significant milestone in the boards attempts to curb shootings by police.

The new rules formally incorporate a decades-old concept called de-escalation into the Los Angeles Police Departments policy outlining how and when officers can use deadly force. As a result, officers can now be judged specifically on whether they did all they could to reduce tensions before resorting to their firearms.

The revised policy  approved at a meeting where activists denounced the fatal police shooting of a 31-year-old man in South L.A. last summer  tells officers they must try to de-escalate a situation whenever it is safe and reasonable to do so by taking more time to let it unfold, moving away from the person and trying to talk to him or her, and calling in other resources.

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1 / 8 Mariella Saba gestures near several officers during her two minutes of public comment before the vote by the Los Angeles Police Commission to adopt new LAPD rules for use of deadly force. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 8 LAPD Chief Charlie Beck looks over documents with Police Commission Executive Director Richard Tefank before the commission voted to revise LAPD rules for officers use of deadly force. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 8 During the Los Angeles Police Commission meeting where commissioners voted on new deadly-force rules, tensions flare between family members and friends a of man killed by an LAPD officer. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 8 Wearing her "#FireBeck T-shirt, Melina Abdullah, an organizer with Black Lives Matter, records video during the public comments before the Police Commission vote. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 8 The Los Angeles Police Commission votes in favor of new LAPD rules for use of deadly force. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 8 LAPD officers line the walls during the Los Angeles Police Commission meeting. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 8 Police Commission President Matthew Johnson asks questions before the boards vote on new rules for use of deadly force. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 8 LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff and commission President Matthew Johnson meet before the vote.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Tuesdays unanimous vote is the culmination of a series of changes the Police Commission has made to reduce shootings by officers. For almost two years, the civilian board has pushed LAPD brass to provide officers with less-lethal weapons and more training that emphasizes avoiding force whenever possible.

This policy represents one of those key changes, said Matt Johnson, the boards president. It reaffirms the commissions and the departments commitment to de-escalating incidents without compromising officers safety or their ability to safeguard the community.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said the new rules would further embed the concept of de-escalation within the department.

Hopefully that will result in more lives saved, he said.

The union representing the LAPDs rank and file said the revised policy allows officers to protect themselves as well as the public.

Preserving innocent lives and de-escalating dangerous situations has always been, and will continue to be, a core value for Los Angeles police officers, the union said.

 The new rules formally incorporate a decades-old concept called de-escalation into the Los Angeles Police Departments policy outlining how and when officers can use deadly force.

Not everyone backed the new policy, however. The American Civil Liberties Union sent the commission a letter before Tuesdays meeting expressing concern that the revisions did not go far enough to explicitly state that de-escalation will be considered when determining whether an officers use of force was reasonable.

Without such language, the ACLU urged commissioners to refuse to accept the proposed revisions as complete.

One commissioner, Cynthia McClain-Hill, echoed some of the concerns noted in the letter, although she ultimately voted for the change.

LAPD brass, as well as the boards inspector general, said the new policy does allow commissioners to consider whether an officer tried to defuse a confrontation when they decide whether a shooting was justified or not. De-escalation, they said, will now be part of the review of whether an officers actions before a shooting contributed to the decision to pull the trigger.

As criticism of policing flared across the country, particularly after deadly shootings by officers, law enforcement agencies looked to de-escalation as a way to help restore public trust. Like the LAPD, other departments have emphasized the approach in training and policies.

The Seattle Police Department requires officers to attempt de-escalation strategies, such as trying to calm someone down verbally or calling a mental health unit to the scene. Santa Monica police have similar rules in place, telling officers to try to slow down, reduce the intensity or stabilize the situation to minimize the need to use force.

The focus on de-escalation represents a broader shift in law enforcement, said Samuel Walker, a retired criminal justice professor and expert in police accountability. Now, he said, theres an understanding that officers can shape how an encounter plays out.

This is absolutely the right thing to do, he added.

The move comes after a year in which the Police Commission ruled eight shootings by LAPD officers were unjustified  the highest number in at least a decade, according to a Times analysis of nearly 440 shootings reviewed since 2007.

At the same time, The Times found, commissioners more often faulted the tactics officers used before a shooting, such as forgetting to carry a Taser or splitting from a partner during a foot chase. Last year, the panel decided there were tactical errors in 50% of the 46 shootings it reviewed, up from 32% the year before.

But the panel has faced some criticism over police shootings from activists who regularly attend their meetings. On Tuesday, dozens gathered to protest the 2016 killing of Keith Bursey outside a liquor store in South L.A.

The LAPD said Bursey was shot after police patted him down and felt a gun in his waistband. Bursey ran and then reached for his waistband, the department said, prompting an officer to shoot.

His family and friends made emotional appeals to the panel, questioning why officers stopped him and saying they did not believe that he was armed. Mary Williams, Burseys grandmother, urged police not to target black men.

How can we educate the police officers, as opposed to militarizing the community and harassing young black males? she said.

Later, commissioners unanimously decided the officer was justified in shooting Bursey, but they faulted the tactics he and his partner used beforehand. In his report to the commission, Beck took issue with the officers failure to effectively communicate with each other throughout the encounter.

Bursey was one of 19 people killed by LAPD gunfire in 2016, according to a report the department released Tuesday detailing how and when officers used force last year.

The number of shootings by LAPD officers fell in 2016 to 40 from 48 the year before. The 19 people killed represented a slight decrease from 21 in 2015. Nine people were wounded in 2016, eight fewer than the year before.

In more than half of the shootings last year, police shot at someone who had a gun, according to the LAPDs report. Four more involved someone with a replica or pellet gun. Five others involved knives or some other type of edged weapon.

There were also signs that some troubling trends continued into 2016.

African Americans continue to represent a disproportionate number of the people shot at by officers. Nearly a third of the people shot at last year were black  a 7% increase from 2015. Black people make up about 9% of the citys population but 40% of homicide victims and 43% of violent crime suspects, the report noted.

The LAPD also topped a list of big-city agencies with the highest number of deadly shootings by officers. Police in Los Angeles fatally shot more people than officers in Chicago, New York, Houston and Philadelphia did, the report said. The L.A. County Sheriffs Department came in second, with 15 deadly shootings.

The number of incidents involving less-serious forms of force  such as when an officer grabs someone or uses a less-lethal device  rose by 100 last year, to 1,925. Officers used Tasers in 573 of those encounters  about 50 more times than in 2015.

The report outlined the efforts the LAPD has made in recent months to reduce police shootings: More Tasers have been deployed, and supervisors and officers with other less-lethal devices are now required to respond to calls reporting people armed with edged weapons.

More officers have also been assigned to mental health units, and supervisors must respond to calls with people who may be mentally ill. Only four of the people shot at last year showed signs of mental illness, a significant drop from 2015, when nearly a third of the 48 people fired upon showed such indications.

Capt. John McMahon, whose office compiled the report, said there were signs the LAPDs efforts are having an effect. He noted that fewer shootings involved people who were mentally ill or who had weapons other than guns.

McMahon said the LAPD would evaluate each shooting to ensure officers were correctly trying to de-escalate a situation.

If not, then weve got other issues weve got to deal with, he said. But I think when properly employed, according to our training, we will expect to see a reduction in those types of incidents that can be avoided.

kate.mather@latimes.com

cindy.chang@latimes.com

For more LAPD news, follow us on Twitter: @katemather and @cindychangLA

UPDATES:

8:00 p.m.: This article was updated with details about the commission meeting, the shooting of Keith Bursey and comments from McMahon.

1:03 p.m.: This article was updated with information from the LAPDs report on how and when officers used force in 2016.

This article was originally published at 12:05 p.m.
A malnourished baby bobcat adopted by Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine after being dropped off at a pet hospital in Rancho Bernardo wont be staying at an Alpine animal sanctuary after all.

Bobbi Brink, founder of Lions, Tigers & Bears, offered to take the emaciated cub in late March after experts determined that the animal appeared to be too domesticated to be released successfully into the wild.

As sick as the bobcat (named Diego) was, he did not exhibit any behavior typical of a wild bobcat and appeared to be accustomed to human contact, Brink said in a media statement. The sanctuarys mission is to ensure that every animal it takes is cared for through the remainder of its life.

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But that wasnt to be when the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which originally had given Lions, Tigers & Bears permission to adopt the cub, announced that it wanted to move the baby bobcat to a rehab facility in Northern California.

It had found another young bobcat there to pair with Diego, which is key in bobcat rehabilitation.

The departments goal is eventually to release him into the wild.

Brink cooperated and turned over Diego despite disagreeing with the decision. We do not believe that this is in the best interest of Diego or public safety, Brink said. Diego has no fear of humans and will approach humans for food.

She reiterates her plea to anyone who finds a similar animal in the wild: Leave it where it is and do not touch it, even if it is injured. The person should contact Lions, Tigers & Bears or a similar organization so that experts can move it in a way that will maximize its chances of being successfully returned to the wild.

Sign of times: The nonprofit community group working to preserve the open-air Starlight amphitheater in Balboa Park that closed in 2012 is on an urgent mission.

Some letters have disappeared from the main portico bearing the name of the former musical theater. Hence, STARLIGHT BOWL has become RLIGHT B.

The long-term goal of the Save Starlight group (www.SaveStarlight.org) is to return the former summer home of the San Diego Civic Light Opera to a functioning performance and arts education venue for community use.

Its immediate goal? To replace the missing STA OWL letters. Stephen Stopper, founder of Save Starlight, says theyve raised enough money to fabricate the letters and hope to mount them in a couple of weeks. He stresses that it is only a temporary fix.

This is a gift from the community. Its an eyesore to go by and see RLIGHT B, Stopper says.

On the move: Ricardo Flores, former chief of staff to Councilwoman Marti Emerald and opponent of Georgette Gomez in last falls City Council District 9 election, has a new title.

He took over April 3 as executive director of the nonprofit LISC San Diego (Local Initiatives Support Corporation).

So, although hes not sitting on City Council, hes helping community groups in City Heights and Greater Logan Heights find financing, grants and loans for neighborhood revitalization project.

diane.bell@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1518

Twitter: @dianebellSD

Facebook: dianebell.news
An activist with the local nonprofit Border Angels whose disappearance in central Mexico set off a binational search effort has been found alive, his family reported Tuesday afternoon.

Hugo Castro, 45, went missing after he filmed an unsettling video on Facebook live last Thursday reporting he was stranded on a highway outside Mexico City and his phone battery was about to die.

We communicate to our friends, family that Hugo was located alive. Thats what we are able to share. We are grateful to those who participated, Castros partner, Gabba Cortes, wrote on Facebook from Tlalnepantla, a city north of Mexico City. Earlier in the day she posted that she had arrived at the attorney generals office in Mexico City as part of the search.

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Castro, a U.S. citizen who lives in Tijuana, left home on April 9 to meet up with a group of Central Americans who are traveling through Mexico to ask for asylum in the U.S. The trip, called the Refugee Caravan, is organized by migrant activists and highlights the struggles of people from that region seeking refuge.

Castro had volunteered to drive a car to Mexico City but that fell through mid-trip because he doesnt have a drivers license, said Enrique Morones, founder of Border Angels.

Castro then apparently got on a bus. His last contact was Thursday on Facebook live from the side of a busy highway between Mexico City and Puebla. He asked for someone to pick him up, said a group of people had been following him and that hed been unable to use his American dollars.

The 20-minute video left many questions, leading to rampant speculation by those who shared his story on social media as to what might have happened to him.

In San Diego, supporters held prayer vigils over the weekend seeking his safe return and reached out to activist networks in the U.S. and Mexico.

Castro heads up the Border Angels efforts in Baja California, focusing on supplying Tijuanas many migrant shelters with donated food and other items, said Morones.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
A suspected gang member has been charged with stealing a trunkful of FBI gear  including a San Diego special agents gun, ammunition, badge, credentials and body armor.

The March 23 indictment comes nearly a year after the equipment was stolen from the agents vehicle as he went for a morning jog at Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail, near the FBIs San Diego headquarters.

Agents were able to track down the suspect within several hours, thanks to the agents cellphone signal, according to federal court records unsealed last week.

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Hoang Minh Nguyen, who, according to the FBI, is a suspected member of the Asian Crips and has a history of burglary and drug abuse, has pleaded not guilty and remains in jail.

The special agent parked his FBI-issued car at the trailhead on May 31, 2016, and secured the trunk with a chain and padlock, per FBI policy, according to court records.

When he returned about 40 minutes later, he found the drivers side front window had been smashed in, and the trunk was partially open but still secured by the chain.

The agents collapsible baton and a spare ammunition magazine were missing from the drivers side door storage compartment. From the trunk, three bags filled with gear were missing, apparently squeezed through the opening, according to court records.

Inside the bags were the agents Glock Model 22 .40-caliber pistol, two handheld radios from the FBI and Sheriffs Department, his cellphone, his FBI credentials and gold badge, an FBI access badge, green body armor, an unclassified thumb drive and his U.S. passport.

The agent asked Sprint to locate the cellphone via tower signals, which put the phone roughly near Miramar Road and Interstate 15.

The FBI then secured from a federal judge a warrant to allow the use of a law enforcement device that acts like a cellphone tower to pinpoint the phones location.

The data showed the phone traveled from there to University Heights to Mid-City to a home on Worthing Avenue in Mira Mesa.

By 3 a.m. the next day, FBI agents were standing in the homes driveway. They called the agents cellphone and heard it ring from inside the garage, according to a search warrant affidavit.

Agents and San Diego police served a search warrant at the house several hours later and recovered the agents phone on Nguyens nightstand in the garage, which he was using as a bedroom, as well as a knife and spotting scope, according to court records.

The gun, badge, armor, radios and other items were not found.

Nguyen, who lived with his parents, told an investigator that nobody had been in his bedroom that day and that if the government property was there, it must have been his, according to court records.

Investigators speculated in court records last year that the other missing equipment had been sold or handed to someone else for safekeeping, possibly at an illegal gambling establishment in Mid-City, where Nguyen admitted spending part of the evening the day of the theft. Nguyen is a known member of the Asian Crips, a street gang involved in gambling, prostitution, theft and drug trafficking, the affidavit said.

It was uncertain if any of the equipment has since been recovered.

Nguyen is also charged with being a felon in possession of another firearm in a December 2016 incident. Last week, a woman was also arrested in connection with that incident. No other details were released, other than it was a Glock Model 29 10 mm pistol.

The FBI did not immediately respond for a request for comment.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
Billionaire T. Denny Sanford announced Monday he is donating $28 million to the National University system to promote programs he helped create aimed at creating more harmony, inspiration and philanthropy in the world.

The bulk of the donation, the biggest ever to National University, will go toward expanding the Sanford Harmony Program, which already is in 2,700 schools and 21,000 classrooms in more than three dozen states.

The timing could not be better, Sanford said Monday about the donation. What weve done is run through the infant stage, and now were running at full speed. The acceptance of this program nationwide is absolutely unbelievable.

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While the Harmony program is aimed at children in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, Sanford said his original goal was to lower the nations divorce rate by helping men and women better understand one another from an early age.

With exercises aimed at empathy and communication, the program can help the world overall become a more harmonious place, National University system Chancellor Michael Cunningham said.

Sanford is strongly associated with National University, where the College of Education is named after him, but his public gifts have been relatively modest until now. He gave the school $1 million in January 2014 to launch the Sanford Education Center, while an anonymous donor that year gave the center $9.22 million to cover program costs and construction of the Torrey Pines headquarters.

In May 2015, an anonymous donor gave National University $20 million, the schools largest donation at the time, to expand the Sanford Harmony Program and the Sanford Inspire Program to create inspirational teachers from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Sanford, who made his fortune as owner of First Premier Bank and Premier Bankcard, has given more than $1 billion in donations, largely for medical research and childrens causes.

His idea for Sanford Harmony grew out of a meeting with Arizona State University President Michael Crow in 2008. Having gone through two divorces, Sanford told Crow that he would like someone to develop a program that would create better understandings between boys and girls, which would extend into adulthood.

That conversation led to five years of research and development at ASU to create the Harmony Program.

Along with Sanford Inspire, the two programs have reached more than 500,000 students from Los Angeles to New York City with curriculum distributed at no cost through National University.

Teachers are demanding it all over the country, and were trying to keep up with demand, Sanford said.

Scott Page, director of Sanford Harmony, said the program should be in 6,500 schools by the end of the year. The donation will help meet the goal of 1,000 new schools each year indefinitely, a goal the programs growth already is outpacing, he said.

Levels of Sanford Harmony are in each regional district of the New York City Department of Education, the largest school system in the country, where it is reaching more than 100,000 students.

The Los Angeles Unified School District has introduced the Harmony Program at early childhood/preschool programs for ages 3 to 4, with up to 12,000 children reached in its first year. The district plans to continue rolling out the program up to the fifth grade.

Locally, the program is in the Lakeside Union School District, some schools in San Diego Unified, several private and charter schools, and is in a pilot program in the Cajon Valley School District.

Nevadas Clark County School District, the fifth largest district in the country, has the Harmony Program in about 160 elementary schools and has a plan to expand it to 200.

Paul Hernandez, a coordinator in the education service division at Department of Education Options of Clark County, said the program has made a difference in behavior among students.

I looked at behavior referrals, and the schools that were in Harmony had a 9.8 percent decrease in behavior incidents from the year before, he said. I was incredibly happy.

Students learn about empathy, inclusion and diversity alongside math, English and science, which Hernandez said makes all the lessons appear equally important to students.

It makes the kids so much more worldly, he said.

Students who have meaningful classroom conversations with one another and learn about different perspectives are not likely to be bullies on the playground, he said.

David Miyashiro, superintendent of Cajon Valley School District, said the Harmony Program is in a pilot stage but will be introduced at all 20 elementary schools this fall.

The district has the largest population of Middle Eastern refugee students in the nation, Miyashiro said, and added that the Harmony Program will help American students embrace them and the refugee students embrace their new country.

Cunningham said the program also is being translated in Spanish and Portuguese to be taught in Brazil. A new app with the program makes it accessible to even more people, including parents who home-school their children, he said.

The end game is  I know this is a very wild and big, bodacious goal  but it is no less than being in every single school in the United States and beyond, Cunningham said.

The donation also will help the growth of the Inspire Program and the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy, which teaches nonprofits how to be more effective fund-raisers.

Cunningham said there are nine Sanford Institutes of Philanthropy operating at partner universities, with a plan to open four new ones each year.

The two levels of the Inspire Program also will expand, he said.

One level works with existing teacher programs and adds to their curriculum and the other provides 60 modules with lessons for educators to learn more about being inspiring teachers.

Right now were looking at 181,000 students introduced to these (Inspire) programs, he said. Theres over 25,000 teachers who have already accessed these modules, and our goals are to more than double that each year for the next three or four years.

Sanfords donation is among the largest ever given to local schools.

One of the largest came last month when Facebook pioneer Taner Halicioglu gave UC San Diego $75 million. The largest was a $110 million gift to UC San Diegos Jacobs School of Engineering from Irwin and Joan Jacobs in 2003.

In other large donations to schools, the Joan Kroc estate gave the University of San Diego $50 million in 2004 and Joan Kroc herself gave $25 million to the school in 1998 to establish the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice.

Ernest Rady/Rady Family Foundation gave UC San Diego Rady School of Management $30 million in 2004, and L.S. Sam and Arline Skaggs gave UC San Diegos Skaggs School of Pharmacy $30 million in 2004

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939
Eight in 10 Americans think marijuana should be legal for medical use, and nearly half  49 percent  approve of smoking pot for recreation purposes, according to a new poll designed to gauge the nations opinions about cannabis.

Commissioned by Yahoo! News and performed by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, the survey asked a representative sample of 1,122 adults nationwide via cellphones and land-line phones. It posed a series of questions delving into peoples feelings and perceptions about a plant that has increasingly gained public acceptance, with voters in a growing number of states approving various marijuana-use laws.

The drug remains classified as a controlled substance under federal law.

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While the Americans surveyed mostly supported use of medical marijuana, 69 percent said they didnt think pregnant women should partake.

Most respondents, 70 percent, said they believe marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol and tobacco cigarettes. And 67 percent said taking opioids such as Vicodin and OxyContin for controlling chronic pain was a larger health risk than relying on medical marijuana.

Only 26 percent of Americans said they had never tried marijuana while 52 percent said they have used it at least once. More than half said they believe marijuana is socially acceptable, and addiction did not rank very high on most respondents lists of concerns about weed use.

The biggest worry, expressed by 30 percent of those surveyed, was that marijuana is illegal. Even among those who had never used the drug, only 10 percent said they thought sinsemilla was addictive; 19 percent said they thought using the drug could lead to use of other illegal drugs.

Despite a growing scientific consensus that marijuana is is particularly risky for kids and young adults whose brains dont finish growing until they are in their 20s, 47 percent said doctors should be able to prescribe medical marijuana to children.

In February, the Trump administration signaled it would take a tougher stance toward enforcing federal drug laws than the Obama administration did, leading some to worry that states such as Denver, and now California, which have legalized pot for recreational use, will soon face a backlash. Doing so would seem to be an unpopular move, according to the poll results which show than only 20 percent of Americans thought the Trump administrations enforcement actions should be tougher than the Obama administrations for medical marijuana and 30 percent for recreational use. Everyone else said the feds should handle the issue the same as the Obama administration did or even more liberally.

Health Playlist On Now Video: Why aren't Americans getting flu shots? 0:37 On Now Video: Leaders urge public to help extinguish hepatitis outbreak On Now San Diego starts cleansing sidewalks, streets to combat hepatitis A On Now Video: Scripps to shutter its hospice service On Now Video: Scripps La Jolla hospitals nab top local spot in annual hospital rankings On Now Video: Does a parent's Alzheimer's doom their children? On Now Video: Vaccine can prevent human papillomavirus, which can cause cancer 0:31 On Now 23 local doctors have already faced state discipline in 2017 0:48 On Now EpiPen recall expands On Now Kids can add years to your life

paul.sisson@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1850

Twitter: @paulsisson
Since learning hed been pardoned by Gov. Jerry Brown on Saturday, Hector Barajas-Varela, a deported veteran of the U.S. Army, has more hope that one day he will be able to re-enter the country he considers home.

Browns pardon for Barajas-Varela and two others is the first time a governor has pardoned deported veterans. They are not yet allowed to come back to the U.S., but the pardons may help them make appeals to federal immigration authorities.

Barajas-Varela, 40, runs a shelter in Tijuana called the Deported Veteran Support House, better known as the bunker. He is well-known in the worldwide community of deported veterans, which includes at least 239 people in 34 countries, according to a report by the American Civil Liberties Union.

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It gives the guys a lot of hope, Barajas-Varela said in an interview at the bunker. Morale has gone up. I know mine did.

Barajas-Varelas case is part of a movement to help deported veterans return to the country they served.

In addition to Browns weekend pardons, advocates are pushing a bill in Congress that would keep noncitizen veterans from being deported.

The legislation would allow those who have been deported to come back to the U.S., as long as they didnt commit crimes of violence or crimes involving national security with sentences of five years or more. It has 40 co-sponsors including Juan Vargas, D-San Diego, and Scott Peters, D-San Diego.

Noncitizens who serve in the military are generally lawful permanent residents, or green card holders. They can be deported for committing a list of crimes set in immigration law, which range from certain drug offenses to murder.

Felix Peralta Jr., 54, one of the veterans who gets help from the bunker, said Barajas-Varelas pardon, and his persistence, give Peralta hope.

He doesnt stop knocking on that door, Peralta said. That keeps us alive.

Barajas-Varela came to the U.S. at age 7 from Mexico. He received a green card a couple of years later. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army from 1995 to 2001.

I think the United States is one of the best countries in the world, Barajas-Varela said. I lived the American dream.

At first, he thought joining the Army meant hed become a citizen, he said. Military members are uniquely allowed to apply for citizenship without any waiting period. They do have to fill out all the paperwork and take the tests, but that is not always clear to those who join, according to the report released last summer by the ACLU.

1 / 9 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico April 17th, 2017: | Deported Veteran Hector Barajas was pardoned by California Governor Jerry Brown on Saturday. Hector speaks to the media at the Deported Vets Bunker in Tijuana. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 9 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico April 17th, 2017: | Deported Veteran Hector Barajas was pardoned by California Governor Jerry Brown on Saturday. Hector speaks to the media at the Deported Vets Bunker in Tijuana. The medals on Hector Barajas uniform. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 9 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico April 17th, 2017: | Deported Veteran Hector Barajas was pardoned by California Governor Jerry Brown on Saturday. Hector speaks to the media at the Deported Vets Bunker in Tijuana. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 9 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico April 17th, 2017: | Deported Veteran Hector Barajas was pardoned by California Governor Jerry Brown on Saturday. Hector speaks to the media at the Deported Vets Bunker in Tijuana. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 9 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico April 17th, 2017: | Deported Veteran Hector Barajas was pardoned by California Governor Jerry Brown on Saturday. Felix Peralta Jr. 54, Army Veteran living at the Deported its Bunker in Tijuana. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 9 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico April 17th, 2017: | Deported Veteran Hector Barajas was pardoned by California Governor Jerry Brown on Saturday. Mario Rodriguez, 72, army veteran living at the Deported Vets Bunker in Tijuana. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 9 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico April 17th, 2017: | Deported Veteran Hector Barajas was pardoned by California Governor Jerry Brown on Saturday. Hector speaks to the media at the Deported Vets Bunker in Tijuana. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 9 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico April 17th, 2017: | Deported Veteran Hector Barajas was pardoned by California Governor Jerry Brown on Saturday. In the center Felix Peralta Jr. 54, army veteran and in the back Mario Rodriguez, 72, army veteran living at the Deported its Bunker in Tijuana. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 9 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico April 17th, 2017: | Deported Veteran Hector Barajas was pardoned by California Governor Jerry Brown on Saturday. Hector speaks to the media at the Deported Vets Bunker in Tijuana. Hector receives phone calls through-out the morning. | Alejandro Tamayo  The San Diego Union Tribune 2017 (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Barajas-Varela said his recruiter pushed the idea of citizenship as part of the perks of joining.

Once he realized he wasnt a citizen, Barajas-Varela said, he started the process in the late 90s, but never followed through. He takes responsibility for that, he said, but he wishes the military had better informed him about the process.

After he got out of the Army in 2001, it was a matter of months before he ended up in the criminal justice system taking a plea deal and serving three years in prison for shooting at a car.

I made bad decisions, Barajas-Varela said about that time in his life. I put myself in that situation... I wouldnt put myself in that situation again.

He was deported in 2004 after serving his sentence. He said he felt alone until years later when he found a support group for deported veterans. He founded the bunker in 2013.

I thought I was the only person going through that, Barajas-Varela said, adding that even when he was going through the court process, he thought he would be allowed to stay because of his service record. It was a rude awakening when I found myself in Mexico.

Even if hes allowed back into the U.S., Barajas-Varela said hes committed to running the bunker for at least another year.

We know this is not going to stop from one day to the next, he said.

Barajas-Varela has an 11-year-old daughter named Liliana who lives in Los Angeles. He talks with her frequently on Skype, he said, but he hasnt seen her in person since she came to see him about a year ago. He said if he does eventually get permission to come back to the U.S., the first thing he will do is visit her.

My daughter is the most important thing to me, he said. Thats what our fight is for, is to return to our families and our children.

He looks forward to taking her to school and helping her with her homework.

I want to catch up on everything that we lost, he said.

A Bernie Sanders fan, Barajas-Varela also looks forward to voting and to having a house, a bed and a career. For now, he sleeps on a cot in the office of the bunker while he fundraises for his nonprofit and supports the veterans in his care.

The push for change over the deported veterans issue has gained momentum in the last several years, Barajas-Varela said. When he first started trying to raise awareness, he said, no one would listen.

He credited his success to a coalition formed by former Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher of San Diego, who is a Marine Corps veteran, as well as the ACLU. He said he has plans to open another bunker in Ciudad Juarez and then in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

On Monday, Barajas-Varela fielded congratulatory phone calls as he worked through media interviews.

This pardon is not just for me, Barajas-Varela said to a fellow vet deported to Jamaica. Its hope for the rest of us.

Barajas-Varela has an application for citizenship pending, he said. A few weeks before his pardon, he received an email from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services saying that it would most likely be denied but giving him a chance to submit more information. He hopes the pardon will help his case, he said.

I think Im just as American as anyone back home, Barajas-Varela said.

The federal government recognizes pardons for convictions only in very limited circumstances in immigration cases, according to USCISs website. The circumstances are not spelled out.

A spokeswoman for USCIS did not respond to requests for comment.

kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate
Rep. Duncan Hunter, get ready to meet Duncan Thumper, a giant rabbit.

With two cute ears, a pair of beady eyes and a little white tail, Thumper is the anthropomorphic personification of Hunters pet rabbit, the one that took a cross-country flight paid for by the congressmans political campaign.

Thumper, it turns out, is really into politics. The rabbits likes voter registration more than carrots, shaking hands (paws?) with voters more than hopping. And more than anything else, Thumper likes talking about the campaign finance scandal that has hounded Hunter for the last year.

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Thumper will be the image of a political action committee, Bunny PAC, dedicated to focusing on Hunters campaign finance issues. Thumper also has a Facebook page, Twitter account, and website (the latter of which some of Hunters opponents in the 2018 election dont even have).

The guerrilla project is the work of Shawn VanDiver, a San Diego political activist, consultant, and adjunct professor in the San Diego State University national security program.

Its an androgynous rabbit. Hell be making an appearance at some point in the future, VanDiver said. The bunny wont speak. Ill probably be the bunnys translator.

Hunters campaign did not respond to a request for comment about this new adversary. But a campaign spokesman for the congressman told Roll Call that Hunter would have preferred a different fate for his childrens rabbit, rather than put it on a plane.

If Hunter had his way, it would have been used for soup long before that, the spokesman said in a statement.

VanDiver created Bunny PAC with inspiration from questions about campaign spending that triggered a federal criminal investigation. About $60,000 of Hunters campaign funds were used to pay for personal expenses, including tuition at his childrens schools, a purchase at a jewelry store during trip to Italy, and  here comes Thumper  $600 to bring his familys pet rabbit on a cross-country flight.

Hunter said the charges, rabbit included, were honest mistakes that happened when his campaign credit card was mixed up with his a personal credit card. He said he has done nothing intentionally wrong and has paid back any misspent campaign funds. The Justice Department is investigating.

VanDiver said he doesnt think it was so innocent.

People respond to ridiculousness, and this is ridiculous, he said. But so is spending campaign money on personal expenses.

He added: This is just my little effort to expose Duncan Hunters lies for what they are. This is the most ridiculous scandal I have ever heard of. Youre a five-term congressman. How do you mix up the blue cards and then blame your wife? VanDiver said.

Through the campaign season Thumper will be billed as a congressional ethics advisor, and, from the perspective of a rabbit, explain, one at a time, why it made sense to use campaign money on personal expenses and as well as other snafus that Hunter has been tied to.

Italian carrots are expensive. And when you take a trip to Italy, he can explain the hotel stay. He can talk about vaping, and first-class accommodations, VanDiver said.

Federal Election Commission documents show the PAC was created in late March, and it can accept contributions. VanDiver declined to say how much it has raised so far. At the very least, theyll produce web videos that he hopes will go viral.

Previously: Hunter

Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1841
It will cost an extra $3.3 million a year in staffing to resolve security risks caused by the design of the $555 million downtown county courthouse set to open this summer, county officials say.

They point, in part, to a cost-cutting decision not to build a $25 million tunnel under Union Street that would have allowed deputies to escort inmates directly from the Central Jail to the new Superior Courts building.

This design difference imposes a measurable and higher level of security costs, said a 2016 report by Sheriff Bill Gore and Helen Robbins-Meyer, the countys chief administrative officer.

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The San Diego County Sheriffs Department provides deputies and community services officers as security at the regions courthouses. The department said it needed 33 more positions on top of the 110 originally planned in order to safely move prisoners in and out of the new 22-story building, and to respond to any courtroom emergencies.

Those deputies have already been hired out of the sheriffs budget, but reimbursement is being sought from the state, a department spokesman said Friday.

If some, or all of this request is not approved, the sheriff will work with the Superior Court to adjust the overall countywide courthouse security plan accordingly, sheriffs spokesman Ryan Keim said in an emailed statement.

The tunnel from Central Jail to the new courthouse was part of the original construction plan, and Keim said the sheriff continues working with state and local leaders to get it built.

Without the tunnel, the plan is to bus jail inmates two blocks to a controlled entryway at the courthouse called a sally-port. Gore says the buses require extra supervision, as do extra holding cells added to the courthouse design.

Gores report, submitted to the state Department of Finance, said the new courthouses high-rise configuration significantly affects the ability of deputies to respond to security issues, dangerous incidents or emergencies.

He noted that a 2015 study showed an average of 16 such incidents per week at the current courthouse.

There will be up to four criminal trial courtrooms on each of 11 floors in the new building. The sheriff wants roving deputies available to run up or down stairwells to assist courtroom bailiffs in any emergencies. Using an elevator might actually be slower if deputies on multiple floors stop it to get on board, the report says.

Other rovers would keep an eye on large public spaces, including the lobby and food court. More deputies also are needed to run the five weapons-screening stations at the entrance.

Two felony arraignment courtrooms pose added concerns: They are on the first floor near the exit doors. That proximity, the sheriffs report says, presents an increased security risk for a successful escape of in-custody prisoners charged with serious felony crimes.

However, the report says the sheriff is not asking for additional staff for that. Keim said a solution has been worked out with the courts, but he declined to say what it was.

The sheriff has asked the state to cover the $3.3 million estimated annual cost of hiring 30 more deputies and community service officers, and three sergeants.

The request has not yet been approved.

Were still trying to get it, said San Diego County spokesman Michael Workman.

He said the state finance department is expected to issue a revised 2017-18 state budget in May. Currently, about $7 million is set aside for security improvements at a number of courthouses across the state.

Were not sure how much were getting, or if we will get any, Workman said. We need $3 million. If that doesnt happen, well have to determine what to do. It would probably have to come out of (the sheriffs) budget.

The new building, designed with 71 courtrooms, will consolidate operations at the 1960s-era downtown criminal courthouse on Broadway, Family Court on Cedar Street and the Madge Bradley Building on Ash Street. The 110 deputies and community services officers working at those three locations will be transferred to the new courthouse.

Construction delays have pushed back the opening several times. Now its scheduled for July. The move of services from the other courthouses will be staggered, with full operations expected in August.
A thief with a stolen pickup and credit card headed for McDonalds in Pacific Beach, where he didnt have a very happy meal getting arrested.

The truck owner called San Diego police about 5:45 a.m. Tuesday as he watched his Ford F-150 being driven away on Brandywine Street in Bay Park. His keys and wallet were in the pickup, police said.

A short time later, the owner found out his credit card was being used at the McDonalds less than a mile away, on Mission Bay Boulevard near Garnet Avenue, police Officer Billy Hernandez said.

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Officers went there and found a 36-year-old man in the stolen pickup about 6:30 a.m. He was arrested on charges including auto theft, unauthorized use of a credit card, and driving on a suspended license, Hernandez said.
Rep. Duncan Hunters campaign paid about $69,000 for legal services from three firms in the first quarter of this year, amid a federal criminal investigation into his campaign spending, according to a new report on file with the Federal Election Commission.

The report is the campaigns first disclosure for the 2018 election cycle. It is also the first report the campaign has filed since the U.S. House Committee on Ethics announced in March that it was holding off on its potential probe into Hunters campaign spending at the request of the Department of Justice.

Last year Hunter, R-Alpine, reimbursed his campaign some $62,000 for expenses it identified as personal, mistaken or insufficiently documented.

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The repayments came after the FEC and The San Diego Union-Tribune started questioning unusual campaign spending in April 2016. Expenses Hunter has reimbursed include video games, dance recitals, oral surgery, private school tuition, a garage door and unspecified items at a Coronado surf shop.

Federal law does not allow use of campaign funds for personal benefit, to protect against contributors such as defense contractors from having undue influence on someone like Hunter, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee.

Hunter has denied any involvement in criminal activity. He has told Politico he did not personally make any of the charges in question and attributed the spending to mistakes that were inadvertent and unintentional.

Hunter isnt the only person allowed to receive criminal defense funding at his campaigns expense, experts said.

In a long series of advisory opinions, the Federal Election Commission has held that campaign funds can be used to pay legal fees incurred in any proceeding involving allegations concerning the candidates campaign activities or duties as a federal officeholder, said Brett Kappel, an attorney at Akerman LLP in Washington, D.C., and a noted expert in campaign laws and ethics rules. That would include legal fees incurred by the candidate, campaign staff or even outside campaign consultants if they are alleged to have violated the Federal Election Campaign Act or FEC regulations.

The only limitation is that campaign funds may not be used to pay legal fees that an individual incurs irrespective of their status as a candidate or officeholder, Kappel said.

For example, campaign funds could not be used to pay legal fees related to a car accident that occurred while the candidate or officeholder was on vacation, Kappel said.

Elliot Berke of the Washington D.C.-based law firm Berke Farah LLC declined Monday to answer questions about legal fees on the report or Hunters legal situation. Berke Farah, which specializes in political law, has been paid by the campaign since spring 2016. The most recent report shows three payments totaling about $13,400.

The new financial report shows Hunters campaign raised about $146,600 and spent about $182,000 during the filing period. About $51,000 went to an attorney the campaign has never before reported paying, Christopher Amolsch in Alexandria, Virginia.

Amolsch provides aggressive federal and state criminal defense representation throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, according to his website.

On one occasion, he represented the son of a prosecutor in Prince William County, Va. The prosecutor was charged with obstructing justice for allegedly interfering with an investigation while he was in office. The U.S. Attorneys Office had subpoenaed prosecutors son to a grand jury. Amolsch successfully kept the son from having to testify in court against his father, who was later found not guilty.

Reached by phone Monday, Amolsch declined to name any of his clients, but said he is not representing Duncan Hunter, Margaret Hunter, campaign treasurer Chris Marston, the campaign itself, or any of the Hunters children.

Amolsch said he is being paid by Hunters campaign to represent some witnesses the government is looking to talk to, but who have not received letters informing them that they are targets in a criminal investigation. He said he was retained a couple of months ago to represent the witnesses, all of whom worked or work for Hunters campaign. Amolsch said he is focused on making sure his clients constitutional rights are protected if they are interviewed during a government inquiry.

Hunters campaign finance reports also show a $5,000 payment on March 10 to the law firm Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC. The campaign has never before reported paying the firm.

Mintz Levin has about 500 attorneys and offices in numerous U.S. cities, including Washington D.C. and San Diego, according to the firms website. It handles many kinds of cases, with attorneys specializing in everything from construction law to tax law to white collar defense, government investigations and enforcement.

Among the more high-profile clients represented by the firm was Ruth Madoff, wife of the convicted ponzi scheme architect Bernard Madoff. Ruth Madoff was never charged with a crime.

As of April 11, Hunter did not have a legal defense fund on file with the U.S. House of Representatives. A legal defense fund is separate from a regular campaign committee and can accept donations from corporations  but not certain other contributors, such as lobbyists. Candidates sometimes set up legal defense funds because they can accept contributions from donors who already gave the limit to the regular campaign fund.

Staff writer Sarah D. Wire contributed to this report.

Previously: Hunter

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morgan.cook@sduniontribune.com
After a 37-year-old job counselor was alleged to have randomly killed a 74-year-old with 10 children and 14 grandchildren and posted video of it on Facebook over the weekend, executives at the social-media giant and the billion people who use it every day are now wrestling with complex, emotional questions about live streamings place in society and what it portends for the future.

Steve Stephens allegedly posted two videos related to the killing then went live to confess it in a third video for all to see, and it took Facebook three hours to remove the initial video from the social networking site, according to The Associated Press. Facebook says his account and the videos on it were disabled about 23 minutes after the video of the shooting of 74-year-old Robert Godwin Sr. was reported by a user.

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After a massive manhunt, Stephens was tracked down by police on Tuesday before ending his own life with a gun, but Facebooks role in all this will remain a subject of debate for some time to come.

It was a horrific crime  one that has no place on Facebook, and goes against our policies and everything we stand for, Justin Osofsky, Facebooks vice-president of global operations said in a news release on Monday. As a result of this terrible series of events, we are reviewing our reporting flows to be sure people can report videos and other material that violates our standards as easily and quickly as possible.

The Wall Street Journal reports that at least 60 videos depicting murder, suicide or other sensitive material have been broadcast on Facebook Live since January. One of the most widely discussed was the beating and racial taunting of a young man in the Chicago area in January.

So when news of the Cleveland killing spread over Easter weekend, it was not the first time Facebook grappled with this. On Twitter, people have been debating the merits of Facebook videos and Facebook Live for days.

Maybe social media should take a step back and remove all of the live crap. It's done more harm than good. #Cleveland @facebook  limited edition (@A1984LTD) April 17, 2017

Ok so people are demanding the end of Facebook Live in reaction to the #Cleveland shootings but I haven't seen any calls to ban sale of guns pic.twitter.com/PiPg9ECIQt    (@adamkanzen) April 17, 2017

You don't blame the operating room for a surgeon's malpractice



You don't blame Facebook Live for a lunatic murderer#ClevelandManhunt  John Cardillo (@johncardillo) April 17, 2017

Zuckerberg is broadcasting Live Death for Profit.

Kill Facebook. #Cleveland  RockPrincess (@Rockprincess818) April 16, 2017

Heres how Facebook says it deals with these sort of situations.

First, its violence and graphic content policy says the site will remove graphic images when they are shared for sadistic pleasure or to celebrate or glorify violence.

Second, it relies on thousands of contractors around the world to review content, but Facebook Live footage is monitored by a smaller team based in the Bay Area. (Periscope, on the other hand, which streams video live to Twitter, sends messages to some viewers during live streams to ask whether content flagged by other users should indeed be censored.)

Its clear big social media companies are still working on the issue, and even Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg admitted on Tuesday the site has a lot more work to do.

Facebook CEO Zuckerberg on video of murder posted to the site: "We will do all we can" to prevent things like thispic.twitter.com/G7HXhEjA0S  Steve Kopack (@SteveKopack) April 18, 2017

He also said Facebook is working on developing artificial intelligence that will recognize sensitive or violent content on the site and self report videos.

What do you think about Facebooks efforts to monitor violent content? Have thoughts to share about the future of livestreaming?

Send them on Twitter to @sdutideas or to the email address below and we may add them to this page.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin
Voting is under way Tuesday for a congressional race in Georgia featuring 18 people on the ballot, one of whom  Jon Ossoff, a 30-year-old Democratic candidate  is being blasted by President Donald Trump and others on the right who want to protect the Republican majority in Congress.

Trump has been tweeting about the election all week, and the president sent out two more tweets Tuesday morning, urging Republican voters to get out and vote. He said Ossoff would be a disaster in Congress.

The recent Kansas election (Congress) was a really big media event, until the Republicans won. Now they play the same game with Georgia-BAD!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2017

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The super Liberal Democrat in the Georgia Congressioal race tomorrow wants to protect criminals, allow illegal immigration and raise taxes!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2017

With eleven Republican candidates running in Georgia (on Tuesday) for Congress, a runoff will be a win. Vote "R" for lower taxes & safety!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017

Democrat Jon Ossoff would be a disaster in Congress. VERY weak on crime and illegal immigration, bad for jobs and wants higher taxes. Say NO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017

Republicans must get out today and VOTE in Georgia 6. Force runoff and easy win! Dem Ossoff will raise your taxes-very bad on crime & 2nd A.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017

Why is Ossoff a threat to Republicans in Congress? Why does the president so inclined to tweet about it?

There are three main reasons why theres been so much focus on the seat recently vacated by Tom Price, Trumps choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services.

First, Ossoffs running ahead in polls in the race for Georgias 6th congressional district by more than 20 percentage points with support in the 41 percent to 45 percent range so hes the presumed frontrunner, according to Real Clear Politics poll tracking.

To win the election outright and avoid a runoff election on June 20, the winning candidate would need more than 50 percent of the votes. Working against that possibility for Ossoff are the sheer size of the field as well as questions about the outside funding of his campaign and the fact that he lives outside the district he aims to represent, not a disqualifying factor but certainly a thorny political one. Enter Trump and other critics.

Republicans have used those issues to criticize Ossoff and the attempt by Democrats to flip the 6th district in Georgia. On Tuesday, the hashtag #FlipThe6th began trending on Twitter as Democrats and Republicans encouraged voters to show up at the polls.

The Democrat Party and their candidate @ossoff are a joke!!! #FlipThe6th

He can't even vote for himself. Lol pic.twitter.com/RFVQb9GrHt  kerry  (@K1erry) April 18, 2017

We need Jon @Ossoff in Congress to stand up for decency, for diversity, for what binds us all together as people#VoteYourOssoff #FlipThe6th pic.twitter.com/PVa40gn0FW  Khary Penebaker, Fx (@kharyp) April 18, 2017

The second major reason the seat is attracting so much national attention? Republicans have held the seat since the late 1970s so a potential victory by Democrats has been decades in the making. Ossoff has used anti-Trump sentiment to power his campaign, which he bills as one to Make Trump Furious.

Buzz around Ossoff has focused largely on Republicans worry that his victory could have a chilling effect on congressional races in the midterm elections if Trumps approval ratings continue to stay low.

NPR ran the headline Republicans Look To Avoid A Political Headache in Georgia while the Guardian wrote Georgia special election is a test for the Republican brand in the Trump era.

With Ossoffs youth, the election has also put the focus on a particular demographic group  millennials  and made identity politics a subject of renewed debate.

27% of eligible voters in the #GA6th are millennials. Will they GOTV to put Ossoff over the top? https://t.co/9c1rR6VK4W  Clara Jeffery (@ClaraJeffery) April 15, 2017

Everybody thought a majority of white women would vote for Hillary. Beware making voting assumptions based on identity in GOTV strategy...  Grant Bubsey (@GrantBubsey) April 15, 2017

That brings us to the third reason for all the hullabaloo. Ossoff has also channeled brand power to attract young voters who want to challenge Trump. Hollywood celebrities like Samuel L. Jackson, Chelsea Handler and Alyssa Milano have publicly supported Ossoff and have emphasized the stakes in Georgias election.

On Monday, Handler used Twitter to encourage people to vote.

For everyone in Georgia's 6th district, tomorrow is a big day. Pls get out and #VoteYourOssoff. Let's send a message tomorrow.  Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) April 17, 2017

Last week, Jackson contributed to his campaign by recording a one-minute radio ad warning voters to avoid sitting out the election.

Remember what happened the last time people stayed home, Jackson says in the ad. We got stuck with Trump.

Hollywood actors Alyssa Milano and Christopher Gorham did their share by personally driving people to polls for early voting last month.

No joke. Call 678-636-9551 and @Alyssa_Milano and I WILL PICK YOU UP and take you to early vote! Now. @ossoff #Georgia6th pic.twitter.com/HA3nGuirQr  Christopher Gorham (@ChrisGorham) March 27, 2017

Had a wonderful time with @ossoff and his team. We are going to #flipthe6th. Thanks for your hospitality, Jill. pic.twitter.com/4kTZX8YEPT  Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) March 20, 2017

So what will happen in Georgia? And what will it mean for the country? Stay tuned.

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
Obituaries

David H. Esquivel, Sr.

David H. Esquivel, Sr., Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved family by his side on March 22, 2017.

He was born August 3, 1926 in Huetamo, Michoacan, Mexico. He came to the U.S. in 1953 and worked with fellow braceros picking oranges and staying at the campito in town.

Returning to Mexico to meet the love of his life Clementina, where they married on March 10, 1959. They traveled back to the U.S. and resided in the San Fernando Valley, where they began their family.

He began working for General Motors in Van Nuys, his next employment was a company named Mode a Day, cutting layers of fabric for womens fine apparel. Then in 1971, he moved his family to Fillmore to the housing units named El Campito next to the insectatary. Later moving to the old Rancho Sespe working as a ranch hand with the companys cattle of herd. After the owner sold Rancho Sespe, then purchasing his home in Fillmore in 1976. Eventually, finally being employed for Fillmore Piru Citrus Association until his retirement in 1991.

He enjoyed traveling with his Lovely wife to many places including, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, and Israel where both were baptized in the holy waters of the Jordan river. But home was where he wanted to be, watching his grandchildren play sports, and he never missed a game.
With their aircraft carrier still too far out to sea and the enemy closing in, Jimmy Doolittle made a daring decision that risked pilots lives, but notched an early victory for the U.S. in World War II.

Sixteen B-25 bombers on the USS Hornet, prior to the Doolittle Raid. (National Museum of the U.S. Air Force)

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Seventy-five years ago today, America launched the first of its World War II military operations that would ultimately lead to victory three years later.

After the attack at Pearl Harbor in 1941, America was in desperate need of heroes. Four months had passed since our Navy had been caught by the surprise attack, and the U.S. had yet to strike back at Japan. It would be months before our G.I.s would confront either Japanese or German troops and take the initiative in the war.

Fortunately, a hero emerged in April 1942, when Americans learned that the U.S. had struck a blow against the Japanese empire in downtown Tokyo. The hero was the man whod led the mission: General Jimmy Doolittle.

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President Roosevelt had been calling for some military action to boost the countrys morale and show Americas determination not to let the Pearl Harbor attack go unanswered. A successful retaliation, he reasoned, would also erode Japanese confidence in their government. The U.S. developed a plan to bomb Tokyo with 16 modified B-25 bombers launched from an aircraft carrier. It was a risky mission: none of the pilots had ever taken off from an aircraft carrier before, and there was no telling what sort of air defense the crews would face when entering Japan.



This news reel from 1942 shows footage of preparations for and aftermath of the Doolittle Raid. Castle Films. From the Pare Lorentz Center at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

The danger of the mission rose sharply on April 18, when the task force was sighted by a Japanese picket boat. The Americans correctly assumed the boat had alerted Tokyo of the approaching U.S. aircraft carrier.

Now the element of surprise was gone. Doolittles fliers were still 170 miles from their launch point. It would take another 10 more hours before they could reach a point from which the planes could fly to Tokyo and return  10 hours that would give the Japanese plenty of time to launch their fighter defenses.

Doolittle decided to start the mission. His crews would hit the target and, instead of vainly trying to return to the carrier, would keep flying west to China. There, they would try to find friendly air fields, or crash land, or simply have their crews bail out.

The 16 U.S. bombers entered Japanese air space around noon and dropped bombs on Tokyo and five other cities.

With Japan behind them, the crews were still not out of danger. One bomber, short of fuel, landed in Soviet Russia, and its crew was imprisoned. Two went down in the sea and were picked up by the Japanese. The crews were held as prisoners, and three officers were executed by the Japanese for war crimes.

Doolittle and the rest of the crews made it to China, where they were helped by civilians and soldiers back to Allied forces.

The damage of the Doolittle raid was, in military terms, light, though they destroyed oil tanks, a steel mill, power plants, and an aircraft carrier under construction.

Yet the mission was a success in two regards. Americans pride in their armed forces was restored, and Japanese faith in their military took a hit. Like the Germans, the Japanese had been assured by their leaders that they would never be bombed. And now the Americans were striking the homeland in broad daylight.

There was a third outcome that had broad consequences. Eager to prevent any more air attacks, the Japanese military decided to capture the Midway Atoll to prevent it from becoming an air base for U.S. bombers. This led to the pivotal battle of Midway, a decisive, hard-won victory for America.

Rough-On-Japs Doolittle by Lewis B. Funke presents Jimmy Doolittle as the hero America needed. What emerges from the story is a man who embodies all the qualities we want in heroes: modesty, fearlessness, intelligence, and a sense of humor.
Tabant, Morocco -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/18/2017 -- People who are looking forward to trekking in morocco can consider the services of Dr. Iglouane at the aforementioned website. He is a self-proclaimed trekking enthusiast who is well versed with the local language, Berber, along with English and others.



It is important to have a guide that is well versed with the local mountain ranges and who can ensure the safety of the trekkers. The Berber villages and mount toubkal trek have been a hot favorite for many trekkers from across the globe and the said website offers many guided tours in the area.



The website says, "We have an expert in our midst who understands trekking like none other and provides the best opportunities for the interested ones. We strive hard to make trekking in Morocco a memorable experience."



To obtain more information about the products, visit http://www.amazing-toubkal-trek.com/.



The website claims that there is a lot of information about the toubkal trek which can be perused by users without any hassles. It has been described as a comprehensive platform.



Media Contact:

Amazing Toubkal Trek, Dr.Iglouane

Address: Azilal, 22000 Morocco

Phone Number: +212652618904

Email: contact@amazing-toubkal-trek.com

URL: http://www.amazing-toubkal-trek.com/
Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/17/2017 -- Two of the biggest law firms in Singapore and Malaysia are combining together with one another, all in an effort to launch financial technology legal and consulting services  and it is making waves throughout the Southeast Asian economy already.



The Singapore-based Allen & Gledhill and Malaysian based Rahmat Lim & Partners are combining forces with one another to establish brand-new financial technology services for companies, entrepreneurs, and investors in both of these countries.



The new combination firm is designed to assist people and operations with the help they need to deal with financial regulatory issues, technology and intellectual property matters, as well as a whole host of business consulting issues and needs that may arise on a case-by-case basis.



These two firms have always been regarded as two of the most successful and prestigious law firms in Southeast Asia, and the combination of these operations definitely has been noticed by businesses throughout the area  large as well as small.



Financial Technology law firms are popping up all over the world



More and more legal offices are getting serious about diving headfirst into the world of financial technology, understanding that this is where the next big boom as far as the economy is going to come from and wanting to make sure that they are able to get in on the ground floor while the opportunity still exists.



Legal offices in the United Kingdom, the US, and around the rest of the world have been dedicating a considerable amount of resources to this kind of law, making sure that their clients are able to establish the businesses they have always dreamed of smartly, correctly, and in full compliance with all rules and regulations.



This kind of compliance often present a bit of a challenge to those that aren't deep down in the world of financial technology law on a day to day basis, as these rules and regulations are known to shift and change almost on a in businesses need to remain ever vigilant about how these kinds of changes may impact their day to day operation as well as how they hope to grow in the future.



Southeast Asia will be well supported by these operations



Businesses, boards, investors, executives, and entrepreneurs of every size are going to be very, very excited about the news of this new initiative by these two major law firms.



As we highlighted above, both of these companies are very well respected in the legal world and both of them have prestigious background that give them a lot of influence in Southeast Asia.



They already understand the "lay of the land", they have already been working with business owners and entrepreneurs for years now, and they have been elbow deep in the financial technology law right from day one  providing you with incredible insight, expert knowledge, and the kind of resources you need to navigate this often rocky landscape.



The activities of these law firms will definitely be closely monitored by those in Singapore, Malaysia, and the rest of the world for sure!



Contact:

Morris Edwards

Singapore Company Incorporation

Consultants Pte Ltd

Address: 10 Anson Road International Plaza #27-15, Singapore 079903

Telephone: +65 66531211

E-mail: info@companyregistrationinsingapore.com.sg

Website: www.companyregistrationinsingapore.com.sg
Bakersfield, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/18/2017 -- Lovie Johnson is all set to release the sequel of his most popular album #RNAR  Really Not a Rapper. Born Lovie Johnson, he grew up in Bakersfield, California along with his older brother Harlem and his local 925 crew. Lovie got the name Pezzy Montana from Harlem "because of his quick temper street demeanor and rowdy GET IT DONE hustler attitude". It is with this attitude he went on to partner with J-Diggs for his first ever album "Really Not a Rapper". The album was distributed through Rapbay/Urban Life and City Hall Records.



Pezzy Montana released his street single World Wide Mob that featured Joe Blow, Messy Marv, FedX and Ap9 of the Mobfigaz. The single went on to become an instant hit. In 2015, Lovie released his next album Montana Montana Montana on Empire Digital. With the help of valuable inputs from Mistah F.A.B., Joe Blow, Sleep Dank and Paige Raymond, the song was debuted at No.10 on iTunes charts of West Coast Rap. In 2016, Lovie released a compilation mixtapes, the 925Five Records on his very own label 925Five Records. Montana Montana Montana and SleepDank announced MACLAFORNIA, their group album on 925Five Records in the same year. The two single gained instant popularity in the Bay Area's rap top 20.



Follow @pezzymontana on twitter

Follow @925fiveRecords on twitter



To know more visit http://reallynotarapper.com/



About Lovie Johnson

Lovie Johnson aka Pezzy Montana is an American Rapper who was born and bought up on the edgy west coast of California. He became popular with his Really Not a Rapper #1 album which was released in 2014. The songs from the album became so popular that Lovie Johnson went on to work with top producers in the industry.



Contact:

Name: Lovie Johnson  Montana Montana Montana

Address: 6300 White Lane Suite D 101, Bakersfield, California 93309

Phone: 629-692-5925

Email: Info@reallynotarapper.com

Website: http://reallynotarapper.com/
Midway, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/18/2017 -- Stephen Hopkins was from Hampshire, England. He married his first wife, Mary, and resided in the parish of Hursley, Hampshire. They had three (3) children: Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles; all baptized there. It has long been claimed that the Hopkins family was from Wortley, Gloucester, but this was disproven in 1998 with the discovery of his true origins in Hursley.



http://mayflowerhistory.com/hopkins-stephen/



Stephen Hopkins went with the ship Sea Venture on a voyage to Jamestown, Virginia in 1609 as a minister's clerk, but the ship wrecked in the "Isle of Devils" (Bermuda). Stranded on an island for ten months, the passengers and crew survived on turtles, birds, and wild pigs. Six months into the castaway, Stephen Hopkins and several others organized a mutiny against the current governor. The mutiny was discovered and Stephen was sentenced to death. However, he pleaded with sorrow and tears. "So penitent he was, and made so much moan, alleging the ruin of his wife and children in this his trespass, as it wrought in the hearts of all the better sorts of the company." He managed to get his sentence commuted. Eventually the castaways built a small ship and sailed themselves to Jamestown. How long Stephen remained in Jamestown is not known. However, while he was gone, his wife Mary died. She was buried in Hursley on 9 May 1613, and left behind a probate estate which mentions her children Elizabeth, Constance and Giles.



Stephen was back in England by 1617, when he married Elizabeth Fisher, but apparently had every intention of bringing his family back to Virginia. Their first child, Damaris, was born about 1618. In 1620, Stephen Hopkins brought his wife and children Constance, Giles, and Damaris on the Mayflower (child Elizabeth apparently had died). Stephen was a fairly active member of the Pilgrim group shortly after arrival, perhaps a result of his being one of the few individuals who had been to Virginia previously. He was a part of all the early exploring missions, and was used as an "expert" on Native Americans for the first few contacts. While out exploring, Stephen recognized and identified an Indian deer trap. And when Samoset walked into Plymouth and welcomed the English, he was housed in Stephen Hopkins' house for the night. Stephen was also sent on several of the ambassadorial missions to meet with the various Indian groups in the region.



Stephen was an assistant to the governor through 1636, and volunteered for the Pequot War of 1637 but was never called to serve. By the late 1630s, however, Stephen began to occasionally run afoul of the Plymouth authorities, as he apparently opened up a shop and served alcohol. In 1636 he got into a fight with John Tisdale and seriously wounded him. In 1637, he was fined for allowing drinking and shuffleboard playing on Sunday. Early the next year he was fined for allowing people to drink excessively in his house: guest William Reynolds was fined, but the others were acquitted. In 1638 he was twice fined for selling beer at twice the actual value, and in 1639 he was fined for selling a looking glass for twice what it would cost if bought in the Bay Colony. Also in 1638, Stephen Hopkins' maidservant got pregnant from Arthur Peach, who was subsequently executed for murdering an Indian. The Plymouth Court ruled he was financially responsible for her and her child for the next two years (the amount remaining on her term of service). Stephen, in contempt of court, threw Dorothy out of his household and refused to provide for her, so the court committed him to custody. John Holmes stepped in and purchased Dorothy's remaining two years of service from him: agreeing to support her and child.



Stephen died in 1644, and made out a will, asking to be buried near his wife, and naming his surviving children.



BAPTISM: 30 April 1581 at Upper Clatford, Hampshire, England, son of John and Elizabeth (Williams) Hopkins.

FIRST MARRIAGE: Mary, possibly the daughter of Robert and Joan (Machell) Kent of Hursley, co. Hampshire, prior to 1604.

SECOND MARRIAGE: Elizabeth Fisher on 19 February 1617/8 at St. Mary Matfellon, Whitechapel, co. Middlesex, England.

CHILDREN (by Mary): Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles.

CHILDREN (by Elizabeth): Damaris, Oceanus, Caleb, Deborah, Damaris, Ruth, and Elizabeth.

DNA HAPLOGROUP: R1b-M269



Contact Adam Green!

c: 801-809-7766

e: g3president@comcast.net



Master Christopher Jones and several business partners purchased the ship Mayflower about 1607. Its origins prior to that remain uncertain. Its first documented voyage of record was to Trondheim, Norway, in 1609. Andrew Pawling hired the ship to take a cargo of London goods to Norway, sell them off, and buy Norway goods (lumber, tar, and fish) to return back to England. Unfortunately on the return voyage, the Mayflower encountered a severe North Sea storm and the master and crew were forced to toss most of Pawlings goods overboard to lighten the ship. The home of Master Christopher Jones: Harwich, co. Essex, England.



http://mayflowerhistory.com/



Following that, Christopher Jones seems to have stuck with safer trading routes. The Mayflower made numerous trips primarily to Bordeaux, France, returning to London with cargoes of French wine, Cognac, vinegar, and salt. The Mayflower could freight about 180 tons of cargo. The Mayflower also made occasional voyages to other ports, including once to Malaga, Spain, and twice to Hamburg, Germany.



Upon returning from a voyage to Bordeaux, France, in May 1620, the Mayflower and master Christopher Jones were hired to take the Pilgrims to Northern Virginia. This was the first recorded trans-Atlantic voyage for both ship and master, though Christopher Jones had several crewmembers, including pilot and master's mates John Clarke and Robert Coppin, who had been to the New World before.



The Mayflower was supposed to accompany another ship, the Speedwell, to America, but the Speedwell proved too leaky for the voyage so the Mayflower proceeded alone. Departing on 6 September 1620, the ship was at sea for 66 days, arriving November 9. The ship and crew overwintered with the Pilgrims and departed back for England on 5 April 1621, arriving back to England on May 6.



Christopher Jones took the ship out for a few more trading runs, but he died a couple of years later in March 1621/2. The ship was appraised for probate purposes in May 1624, and was referred to as being "in ruins." It was only valued at 128 pounds sterling, and was almost certainly broken up and sold off as scrap.



Midway, UTAH General Society of Mayflower Descendant, Adam Paul Green (Ancestor Stephen Hopkins / Gen.No. 86,723) Introduces New Geneology Support Website for Local Enthusiasts http://www.news.adampaulgreen.com



Adam Paul Green was born to a multi-talented beauty queen Mother and a Father who, in addition to being a US Army Spy and a Counter-Intelligence Special Agent, was also a highly accomplished entrepreneur. Adam was taught at a young age that, in both life and business, loyalty is a requirement for success. He's had the honor of working directly with his father in several of the family businesses. In fact, this is where he learned crucial entrepreneurial skills and honed his talents with international business strategies and venture capitalism. http://www.AdamPaulGreen.com , http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Adam earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in International Business and Marketing from the University of Utah. He was hand-picked by the President of the University's renowned School of Business to compete with dozens of other ambitious nationwide-graduates for the opportunity to secure a lucrative job within a prestigious Fortune 100 company. http://www.Twitter.com/AdamPaulGreen



Adam's hard work and creativity helped him land this job of a lifetime. He obtained incredible business experience there and spent years innovating, improving processes and setting sales records. Although this dream job in Traditional Corporate America was a fun challenge for him, and something he truly enjoyed mastering, Adam's natural entrepreneurial spirit kept nudging him to do something more significant with his time and talents. http://www.MyChocolatePod.com , http://www.Facebook.com/AdamPaulGreen



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About MayflowerHistory.com

MayflowerHistory.com, the Internet's most complete and accurate website dealing with the Mayflower passengers and the history of the Pilgrims and early Plymouth Colony. The website was first created back in 1994 (when the web was still mostly text!) as a simple, but complete, passenger list of the Mayflower. It has grown over the past twenty years as the author, historian Caleb Johnson, has researched and compiled material.



http://mayflowerhistory.com
New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/17/2017 -- Global consumption of sodium metal will grow at a sluggish CAGR of 3.3% through 2024, according to Persistence Market Research's report entitled, "Sodium Metal Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast, 2016 - 2024." In 2016, over 98,400 MT sodium metal was consumed globally, and it is estimated to surpass 127,400 MT by 2024.



Request to view Table of Content @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/sodium-metal-market/toc



The sluggish demand for sodium metal is attributed to hazardous effects of highly reactive sodium element. Challenges with handling and storage of sodium metal will continue to negatively impact the growth of the market. Further, limited availability of sodium metal on account of fewer players has resulted into introduction and use of alternatives, such as magnesium for use in industrial applications.



Key players in this market are concentrating on expansion of their production capacities and making long-term contacts with end-use industries, especially in near proximity, to incur growth opportunities. Manufacturers are also focusing on introduction to new grades of application-specific sodium metal. Inner Mongolia Lantai Industrial Co. Ltd. held the highest volume market share in 2015. Other leading players in the global sodium metal market include Wanji Holdings Group Limited, Shandong Moris Tech Co. Ltd., and MSSA S.A.S.



In terms of volume, chemical synthesis application of sodium metal held 70.4% share of the market in 2016; by 2024, this is expected to reach nearly 72%. Sodium metal is also used in the production of dyes, and it is projected that this application segment will grow at 4.7% CAGR in terms of volume through 2024. The weakness in demand will be offset to a certain extent by applications in chemical synthesis and textile industry.



Sample of this report is available upon request @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/14854



APAC is projected to be the most lucrative region for the global sodium metal market followed by North America and Europe. Asia Pacific forms a hub for textile industries owing to the ever-growing population and demand for a wide range of textiles, resulting in steady demand for sodium metal. Over 53,690 MT of sodium metal was consumed in APAC in 2016. The North America sodium metal market was around US$ 60 Mn in 2016, and it is expected to reach around US$ 80 Mn by 2024. Consumption of sodium metal in Europe, pegged at over 19,700 MT in 2016, is expected to surpass 24,200 MT by 2024.



To Buy Full Report for a Single User @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/14854



Key Market Drivers and Trends



-The demand for denim clothing has witnessed a robust growth in the recent past resulting in higher demand for sodium metal for textiles and apparels



-Sodium metal forms a key constituent in the manufacturing of indigo dyes



-Steady growth in global biodiesel production is one of the primary driving factors as sodium methylate is widely used as a catalyst for large-scale biodiesel production



-Application of sodium metal as a reductant in metals manufacturing and refining



-Global sodium market is characterized by competitive oligopoly, wherein few manufacturers hold major shares in the overall market supply



About Persistence Market Research

Persistence 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, PMR's engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.
According to new research, Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) are able to recognize their own bodies as obstacles to success in problem-solving, further strengthening evidence of their intelligence.

Elephants are well regarded as one of the most intelligent animals on the planet, but we still need more empirical, scientific evidence to support this belief, said Rachel Dale, a Ph.D. student at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria, and first author of a paper reporting the results in the journal Scientific Reports on April 12, 2017.

We know, for example, that they are capable of thoughtful cooperation and empathy, and are able to recognize themselves in a mirror. These abilities are highly unusual in animals and very rare indeed in non-primates. We wanted to see if they also show body-awareness.

Self-awareness in both animals and young children is usually tested using the mirror self-recognition test to see if they understand that the reflection in front of them is actually their own.

Only a few species have so far shown themselves capable of self-recognition  great apes, dolphins, magpies and elephants.

Critics, however, have argued that this test is limited in its ability to investigate complex thoughts and understanding, and that it may be less useful in testing animals who rely less on vision than other species.

One potential complement to the mirror test as a measure of self-understanding may be a test of body-awareness.

This test looks at how individuals may recognize their bodies as obstacles to success in a problem-solving task.

Such a task could demonstrate an individuals understanding of its body in relation to its physical environment, which may be easier to define than the distinction between oneself and another demonstrated through success at the mirror test.

To test for body-awareness in Asian elephants, Dale and her colleague, University of Cambridge researcher Dr. Josh Plotnik, devised a new test of self-awareness.

Adapting a recent study done with children, we designed a new body-awareness paradigm for testing an animals understanding of its place in its environment, they explained.

In this task, Asian elephants were required to step onto a mat and pick up a stick attached to it by rope, and then pass the stick forward to an experimenter.

In order to do the latter, the elephants had to see their body as an obstacle to success and first remove their weight from the mat before attempting to transfer the stick.

In one control arm of the test, the stick was unattached to the mat, meaning the elephant could pass the stick while standing on the mat.

The scientists found that the elephants stepped off the mat to pass the stick to the experimenter significantly more often during the test than during the control arm: elephants stepped off the mat an average of around 42 out of 48 times during the test compared to just three times on average during the control.

This is a deceptively simple test, but its implications are quite profound, said Dr. Plotnik, who is also an assistant professor of psychology at Hunter College, City University of New York and founder of conservation charity Think Elephants International.

The elephants understood that their bodies were getting in the way, so they stepped aside to enable themselves to complete the task. In a similar test, this is something that young children are unable to understand until they are about two years old.

This implies that elephants may be capable of recognizing themselves as separate from objects or their environment. This means that they may have a level of self-understanding, coupled with their passing of the mirror test, which is quite rare in the animal kingdom.

_____

Rachel Dale & Joshua M. Plotnik. 2017. Elephants know when their bodies are obstacles to success in a novel transfer task. Scientific Reports 7, article number: 46309; doi: 10.1038/srep46309

This article is based on text provided by the University of Cambridge.
NASAs Cassini spacecraft captured these images of Atlas, an inner satellite of Saturn, during a close flyby on April 12, 2017. These are the closest images ever taken of the flying saucer-shaped body  the spacecraft flew by about 7,000 miles (11,000 km) from Atlas to capture its appearance.

Atlas was originally discovered by NASA scientist Dr. Richard J. Terrile in 1980 in images taken by NASAs Voyager 1 spacecraft during its encounter with Saturn.

Also known as S/1980 S 28 and Saturn XV, this moon is approximately 19 miles (30 km) across.

Like Pan, Saturns second-innermost moon, Atlas has a distinctive flying saucer shape created by a prominent equatorial ridge not seen on other small Saturnian moons.

The small moon orbits 85,544 miles (137,670 km) away from, taking about 14 hours to complete its trip around the gas giant.

It orbits Saturn in a region called the Roche Division, between the gas giants A and F rings, at the outer edge of the main ring system.

In 2004 a temporary faint ring of diffuse material, designated R/2004 S 1, was spotted in Cassini images of the F-ring region in the same orbit as Atlas.
Los Angeles-based company Beyond Meat voluntarily recalled one of its vegetarian snacks after traces of unlisted peanuts were found contained in the product. The company is known for manufacturing food products that are plant-based often used by vegetarians as meat substitutes. Their products are made from a variety of ingredients like pea protein isolates, soy protein and yeast. Such products are available at Whole Foods Markets all over the country.

In a press release, Beyond Meat said they detected peanut traces in one of it products called Feisty Crumbles, according to Los Angeles Times. The recalled products consisting of five-pound and 11-ounce bags were sold in outlets in Southern California. The products were recalled considering that the peanut content was not listed and consumers who may have food sensitivities can suffer from an allergic reaction to peanuts. Those who will return the products can get a full refund from the company.

Beyond Meat recalled the peanut-contaminated snack products that belonged to three production lots. Among the Feisty Crumbles included in the recall are those with UPC Code 852629004415 Lot No. 20170202T and best before 2/3/2018,

2/2/2018, UPC Code 852629004613 Lot No. 20170202T and best before 2/2/2018, UPC Code 852629004415 Lot No. 20170209T and best before 2/9/2018. The recalled products, that were distributed to several stores and distributors in the area, will be destroyed. All other products manufactured by the company are not affected in the recall.

The company initiated the recall after they received an allergy-related complaint from a consumer, as per Beyond Meat. Aside from the recall, the company has immediately called for an investigation to determine the source of the contamination. It has assured consumers that this was an isolated incident and that all steps will be taken to ensure this will not happen again.

Peanuts are among the most common causes of food allergies. Such allergy can be fatal so those with allergic reaction to peanuts are advised to have access to an epinephrine auto-injector at all times. It is important to avoid products containing peanuts and to read the food labels to avoid peanut allergy.
Researchers have developed a new CRISPR-based genetic diagnostic tool that is designed to make fast and effective diagnosis of acute and chronic diseases like Zika, Ebola, cancer and other hereditary disorders. Application of CRISPR-based gene tools for the diagnosis of genetic disorders is not an entirely new concept. The CRISPR-Cas9 tools are already in use for the detection of diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and sickle cell disease. These tools use RNA sequences to target the specific DNA sequence, which are then cut with the help of the enzymes present in the tool.

The new SHERLOCK (Specific High-sensitivity Enzymatic Reporter unLOCKing) gene tool that was developed by a group of researchers from the Broad Institute in Cambridge in Massachusetts. It is highly sensitive and suitable for clinical applications.

According to Fierce Biotech, SHERLOCK targets the pathogenic/cancer RNA specific to the occurrence of diseases. It also employs the Cas13a enzymes for cutting the target as well as nearby RNA.

A similar Cas13a-based tool that was developed by CRISPR Therapeutics also focused on RNA detection. However, its low sensitivity, i.e., inability to detect low copy numbers of the targeted DNA, hindered its point of care applications in the diagnosis of diseases.

On the contrary, SHERLOCK can detect extremely low concentrations of Zika virus and cancer DNA in blood, urine and saliva samples. Feng Zhang and Jim Collins, the lead researchers of the study, described that their team used body heat to deliberately raise the levels of DNA/RNA and then subjected it to a second round of amplification.

This not only increased the RNA concentration but also multiplied the sensitivity of the test. In addition, the enzyme used in the test is designed to fluoresce upon detection of the target RNA, thereby facilitating easy diagnosis, Genetic Literacy Project reported.

SHERLOCK's high sensitivity makes it an appropriate tool for the tracking of outbreak of diseases such as Zika and Ebola in real-time conditions. Apart from this, the researchers also successfully checked the utility of the test in the identification of antibiotic resistance genes in micro-organisms such as Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria.
The giant tech company, Microsoft, recently announced that it will be hosting a software and hardware event this coming May 2, 2017, in New York. Fans are expecting that the company will reveal some of its flagship products for this year, especially the much anticipated Microsoft Surface CloudBook running Windows 10 Cloud.

The main focus of the event is on education. So it seems like the company will not reveal the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 or Surface Book 2. The two devices have been around the rumor mill for ages, and it is not expected to make its debut on the event either. The company could use the event to unveil a midrange laptop like the Microsoft Surface CloudBook.

According to Venture Beat, Microsoft Surface CloudBook could run on Windows 10 Cloud. The device could also run applications that can be found on Windows Store, unless the user changes certain preferences in its settings. This idea is expected to make the device more secure compared to any other Microsoft devices.

The main thing that separates a regular Windows from a Windows Cloud is that Windows Cloud will only be able to run apps downloaded from the Windows Store. The restriction is quite similar to what separated the old Surface tablets, Surface RT and Surface 2 from regular Windows computer. This feature could have a lot of advantages for Microsoft Surface CloudBook in the long run.

According to a Mashable report, the Microsoft Surface CloudBook is an inexpensive computer that is primarily designed to run application from cloud. The device is said to directly respond to the rapid rise of ChromeBooks nowadays.

Report claims that the Microsoft Surface CloudBook can also run Win32 applications. There is no doubt that the CloudBook will have an Intel chip, but Windows Cloud will have a setting where users can easily restrict apps to Windows Store only, which will be set to default.
After the massive success of Google's first Pixel range of smartphones launched last year, Google Pixel and Pixel XL, the search giant is now gearing up to roll out its second iteration. While nothing about the next-gen flagship possibly dubbed as Google Pixel 2's specs, features, release date or price has been officially announced, a number of rumors about the highly anticipated smartphone has already started making rounds.

According to The Christian Post, the upcoming Google Pixel 2 might come with a curved OLED display. Notably, rival Samsung's latest Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus smartphones also feature the stunning curved "Infinity Displays."

According to Forbes, South Korea's Electronic Times has reported that Google is currently in talks with LG for a mega $880 million deal. As part of the deal, LG will be required to supply a large number of flexible OLED displays that will be used in the upcoming Pixel smartphones to give them a new and stylish look. The report stated that Google is investing such a huge amount of money to ensure that Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL do not face any supply problems.

Talking about Google Pixel 2 specs, the next-gen smartphone is rumored to feature Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 835 Pro SoC processor, 6GB of RAM, X16 mobile LTE modem chip, Adreno 540 GPU clocked at at least 670 MHz, Android O out of the box, an IP68 rating and Qualcomm's QuickCharge 3.0 feature with USB-C. It remains to be seen if the next Google flagship smartphone will come with a headphone jack or not.

As far as camera is concerned, the current gen Pixel handsets already have "the best smartphone cameras ever made." So, the upcoming smartphones are expected to get revamped cameras with software tweaks and upgrades that will enhance the quality of the pictures taken in low light even further.

Google Pixel 2's release date is expected to get scheduled in October 2017. The current generation Pixel handsets were announced in the same month last year.

Nonetheless, Google has not officially announced anything about Google Pixel 2's specs, release date or price. So, it is advised that readers should take the information with a hefty pinch of salt.
Robert Mercer and his daughter, Rebekah, are two of the wealthiest supporters in Trump's camp, and they recently attended a conference for the Heartland Institute. The topic: climate change. Moreover, they talked about dismissing climate change, as well as the science that supported it.

Speakers at the International Conference on Climate Change denounced climate science and touted the cuts that President Donald Trump is making to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Myron Ebell, a former member of Trump's transition team on the environment, was given the "Speaks Truth to Power Award" at the conference. In his speech, he claimed that the people in attendance, as well as the Mercers, are the reason for the result of the election. He stated that the people who "worked persistently against global warming alarmism" helped Trump win the election.

However, the Mercers' attendance at the conference offers a tell-tale sign on the family's priorities. As President Trump is currently in office, financiers are now appearing as intent as the current administration on rolling back environmental regulations. Still, despite their attendance, their stance on the issue remains a mystery.

The Mercers have been a supporter of the Heartland Institute for a while now. News Max reported that the family's foundation gave the institute over $5 million in donations between 2008 and 2015. However, it has been noted that such donations dropped in recent years. In 2014, the contributions dropped sharply at $885,000 and even more in 2015 when the contribution only totaled to $100,000. During these years, it was noted that the foundation gave $500,000 to Berkeley Earth, an organization run by Richard Muller, a former global warming skeptic who changed his views in 2012.

In an interview with Muller, the physicist said that Robert Mercer contacted him after he gave a speech on big data and climate science at Mercer's hedge fund, Renaissance Technologies. He claimed that Mercer has been supportive of Berkeley Earth's work and that they are still receiving funding from the foundation.
San Diego's Alpine Beer Company is revered for its hop-forward West Coast IPAs, including Pure Hoppiness, Duet and Hoppy Birthday. Its latest year-round offering, Windows Up, takes a slightly different, but no less delicious, tack.

It's not a game-changer by any means: It's an aromatic IPA laced with Mosaic and Citra, two of the most popular hops in America. But where Windows Up succeeds is in the alchemy of the flavors: An initial wave of pineapple and mango is followed by grapefruit and a resiny dankness, finishing dry with just enough spicy, piney bitterness. It's all bound together by a sweet, caramel-like malt.

Beer writers and judges talk about balanced beers, and this one, to me, seems especially well-made: The competing flavors of tropical fruit and resin are woven together, yin and yang, into one package, with an underlying current of malt that keeps you from noticing the 7 percent alcohol by volume.

When I've been talking to friends and co-workers about Windows Up, the word that comes up most often is "solid." It's not a juicy IPA. It's not a dank hop bomb. It manages to find balance between the two, in a very enjoyable way.

- - -

Alpine Beer Company Windows Up IPA. alpinebeerco.com. $13-$14 for a six-pack of 12-ounce bottles.

If you like this, you should try:

Cigar City Jai Alai: A bright orange/tangerine flavor leads into rich malt and resiny bitterness.

Firestone Walker Union Jack: One of the great West Coast IPAs, with plenty of citrus over a malt backbone.

Triple Crossing Falcon Smash: The Richmond brewery's flagship IPA marries bright orange and citrus to a dank body.
The 10-storey, 326,800 sq ft headquarters will be located near the intersection of I-45 and the Grand Parkway in the Houston area. The building is due for completion at the end of 2018.

This is an important milestone in our 155-year-young history and reaffirms our commitment to Houston, said ABS Chairman, president and ceo Christopher J. Wiernicki. Working with our project partners, we have designed this building to create a collaborative environment that will facilitate communication and promote innovation in direct support of our safety-focused mission.
The processing platform is for the Bokor Phase 3 redevelopment project offshore Sarawak, East Malaysia.

MMHE said in a stock market announcement that the contract included the engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC) of the projects central processing platform (CPP).

The company said it expects to see first steel being cut in the third quarter of 2018 and the job was scheduled to be completed in the middle of the second quarter of 2020.

Upon completion, the new CPP will be installed at the Bokor field located in Baram Delta, offshore Sarawak, in a water depth of 70 metres, it said.

MMHE noted the project was awarded after going through a competitive bidding process. Even though the project was given to basically a sister unit in the Petronas group, it suggests some vigour seems to be returning to the Malaysian oil and gas (O&G) market and bodes well for the year ahead.

"Hence, the award of this project is a reflection of MMHEs improved competitiveness, thanks to a number of implemented cost-cutting strategies and efficiency initiatives combined with strong management focus on the heavy engineering business.

The company said the contract is expected to contribute positively to its future earnings.
Ypsilanti's new home base for creative professionals is now open for business. After passing its final inspections last week, Landline Creative Labs opened its doors at 209 S. Pearl St. to tenants, who started moving in on Monday.

Founders Mark Maynard and Jesse Kranyak spent 10 months converting the second floor of the onetime Michigan Bell Telephone Co. building into affordable office spaces for locals working in film, photography, design, illustration, and communications.

"I think we did pretty good for first-time developers," Maynard says. "It took a bit longer than we would have liked, but, when all was said and done, we came in pretty close to finishing within our budget and with commitments for nine out of 10 of our offices."

Among those commitments are 7 Cylinders Studio, Chris Stranad Photography, Invisible Engines, InMotion Studios, the Thriving Nonprofit, Desktop Dog Training and Development, and Silver Thumb Photography.

Maynard and Kranyak conceived the project more than five years ago before finally settling on a location and buying the building last year. Maynard says financial support in the form of grants from Ann Arbor SPARK and the Ypsi Downtown Development Authority, as well as an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act designation from the city, helped not only fund the $443,000 project but also validate the effort.

In addition to the one Landline vacancy, there's a sizeable undeveloped space on the building's first floor, which also still houses Frank D's barbershop and a motorcycle repair shop. The partners would like to see a restaurant open there and are talking with potential tenants now.

Maynard says the hardest part of the Landline project so far has been turning people away.

"Some really good people came forward and expressed interest, and we would have loved to have had them join us at Landline, but they just didn't fit," he says. "It's not just about filling offices. It's about building a community of entrepreneurs who are working in related sectors that can learn from one another and really grow an industry here in Ypsilanti."

The second hardest part may have been finding a couch for the lobby. Maynard says after all the framing, drywalling, ventilation, electrical, flooring, and painting, the only missing piece was that elusive, perfect sofa.

"We just had this empty lobby, and we struggled with it for a long time, driving around Michigan in a truck, looking at couches we'd found on Craigslist," he says. "Eventually, though, we just walked up the block to Salt City Antiques and talked with Carol, who had the perfect sofa just waiting for us. It's this lovely '60s piece from Denmark, and it just brought everything together. And it was kind of awesome that what we were looking for was right here in Ypsi all along."

Eric Gallippo is an Ypsilanti-based freelance writer.



All photos by Doug Coombe.
GORDON, TO BE COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER AT NEW ERA UNIVERSITY'S GRADUATION

Senator Richard J. Gordon will be the commencement speaker tomorrow at the 42nd graduation rites of the New Era University, the school run by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC).

No less than Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, INC's Executive Minister, chose Gordon to give the commencement speech at the graduation rites to be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan at 1 pm.

"We shall be honored if you will be our Commencement Speaker for this momentous occasion. No less than the Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, chose you to be with us in this capacity in our forthcoming Commencement Exercises," Nilo Rosas, University President, said in his letter.

A total of 2,499 students from fourteen degree programs are set to receive their diplomas during the ceremony, which will have the theme, "NEU: Onwards to Further Victories in Serving Humanity."
As a chaotic series of bloody brawls erupted in Berkeley over the weekend at a far-right rally in support of President Trump, hundreds of police officers were stationed nearby but didnt immediately jump into the melee.

The mostly hands-off approach marked the latest strategy by a police force dealing with violent demonstrations in a famously liberal city that has become ground zero for confrontations between supporters of Trump, including white supremacists, and opponents who want to shut them down.

But the response  one of the first big tests for Berkeleys new police chief and mayor  attracted criticism from some experts in police tactics.

Doing nothing empowers the miscreants, said Charles Sid Heal, a retired commander of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and the president of the California Association of Tactical Officers. The first and fundamental reason government exists is for protection. When government fails, the people take the matter in their own hands.

Berkeley police officials declined to comment Monday on their handling of the violence, while releasing a list of 20 people who were arrested Saturday on charges including assault with a deadly weapon, battery, inciting a riot and obstructing officers. Many were from Oakland and Berkeley, but three men were from Southern California.

Police had not arrested one of the organizers of the rally in Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park, white supremacist Nathan Damigo, despite the spread of a viral video showing him punching a woman in the face. Efforts by The Chronicle to reach Damigo, a Cal State Stanislaus student, were not successful. A police statement said investigators would continue to develop criminal cases.

At Berkeley City Hall, the police actions were met with praise by a range of elected leaders, who had to cancel a Saturday retreat when the violence broke out. Some defenders of the Police Department had strongly criticized the force for being too aggressive in December 2014, when officers shot tear gas into a Black Lives Matter demonstration.

Councilman Kriss Worthington said that while the city needs to figure out how to prevent dangerous confrontations, the police force was excellent in multiple categories.

Councilman Ben Bartlett hailed new Police Chief Andrew Greenwood, who assumed his position two weeks ago, for responding rationally to an irrational set of actors. Councilwoman Sophie Hahn said it was unfair to suggest police can be everywhere, all the time, breaking up skirmishes. And Councilwoman Linda Maio said that had police officers rushed into the fighting, they could have inflamed tensions and made the situation worse.

If the police went in more aggressively, more people couldve gotten hurt, said Mayor Jesse Arreguin, who emphasized that no bystanders were injured and that no major property damage was reported. We have to balance how we respond with the goal of trying to keep as many safe as possible.

Arreguin said, Outside groups have chosen Berkeley as the location for a violent confrontation.

The debate over tactics is important because Berkeley may face similar demonstrations in the future, with right-wing activists seeking to show that their freedom of speech is being attacked. The Berkeley College Republicans are hosting right-wing columnist and provocateur Ann Coulter for a talk on immigration on April 27.

Critics of Berkeleys handling of Saturdays rally-turned-street-fight say police should have done more, laying out a mobile, flexible crowd-control plan and calling in mutual aid from other Bay Area police agencies far in advance. Many Trump supporters showed up in helmets, and many opponents in all black with their faces covered. People carried sticks, knives and shields.

The Alameda County Sheriffs Office tweeted that it was sending deputies to help around 1 p.m., by which time numerous scuffles had already broken out. The pro-Trump rally was advertised to begin at noon.

Some observers say the department should have anticipated the bedlam after a series of similar episodes in Berkeley recently, including a pro-Trump rally in March in Civic Center Park and a riotous Feb. 1 protest on the UC Berkeley campus against right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos.

But on Saturday, many videos spread of men punching other men with no police officers in sight.

Theres no way to reconcile standing on the sidelines, getting five figures of pay and saying, Its not my job, its too dangerous, Heal said, adding that policymakers, not police officers, are the ones making strategic decisions. Sometimes retreating is a good tactical call, but were not allowed to flee and abandon the situation.

Although police made nearly two dozen arrests, detaining some individuals earlier could have set a different tone and quelled some of the mob, said Alex Vitale, an associate professor of sociology at Brooklyn College who advises human rights groups and law enforcement agencies about policing protests.

Many police departments have scant experience when it comes to dealing with warring political groups, Vitale said.

Political violence of this sort is very rare in recent history, so this is new territory in a lot of ways, he said. This is not part of the experience of most police departments. We should keep in mind that even a well-crafted police strategy is going to have limits when you have two groups intent on fighting each other.

Berkeley police confiscated numerous weapons, including a stun gun, Mace, knives, pepper and bear spray, an ax handle, and a can filled with concrete. Many of the seizures happened before protesters could enter Civic Center Park, where the opposing groups initially gathered.

Vitale said the Police Department could have done more enforcement both in the park  where plastic orange netting was erected to divide the two groups, with little success  and later when the demonstrations spilled onto city streets.

They couldve done more to create more barriers and greater distance between the two sides, he said. They couldve said, One group has a permit for the park and the other has to be on the other side of the street. They should have known this was a possibility.

Yvette Felarca, an organizer with the group By Any Means Necessary, which went to Civic Center Park to confront the pro-Trump demonstrators, said Berkeley has become a target because it acts as a stronghold for the left wing of this nation.

They were trying to terrorize this community because of everything positive about Berkeley and the Bay Area. Its because were strong that theyre terrorizing us, and because weve defeated them, Felarca said. If they try to come back, we are going to defend against them again.

Kimberly Veklerov and Filipa Ioannou are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov @obioannoukenobi

20 arrested in demonstration brawl

Berkeley police released the names of 20 people arrested at Saturdays pro-Trump demonstration and counterprotest that turned violent. The offenses listed are crimes alleged by police; Alameda County prosecutors must decide if charges are warranted. The following people were arrested:

Robert Rundo: 26, San Clemente (Orange County), battery on an officer and obstructing an officer.

Dennis Luke: 36, Huntington Beach (Orange County), assault with a deadly weapon.

Robert Peete: 51, Berkeley, assault with a deadly weapon.

Nicholas Ryan: 24, San Mateo, battery, violation of a city code.

Genevieve Jones: 27, Berkeley, battery, violation of a city code.

Robert Scott: 39, Oakland, battery, violation of a city code.

Jonathan Dalili: 32, Berkeley, battery.

Christopher Smith: 37, Martinez, battery.

Enrique Yarce: 22, Santa Rosa, battery, wearing a mask while committing a criminal offense, resisting arrest, violation of a city code.

Sean OBrien: 35, Oakland, violation of a city code.

Addae Reciado: 19, Richmond, obstructing an officer.

Rachel Schwarz: 33, Oakland, obstructing an officer, violation of a city code.

Levi Romero: 23, Palmdale (Los Angeles County), battery, violation of a city code.

Vincent Yochelson: 23, Oakland, violation of a city code, wearing a mask while committing a criminal offense.

Moira Vandewalker: 21, Albany, violation of a city code, wearing a mask while committing a criminal offense.

Allyn Jensen: 30, San Francisco, vandalism, wearing a mask while committing a criminal offense.

Lee Robinson: 68, Berkeley, public intoxication.

John Cookenboo: 27, Albany, inciting a riot, possession of a switchblade knife, wearing a mask while committing a criminal offense.

Kyle Chapman: 41, San Francisco, outstanding warrant alleging battery committed during a March 4 demonstration in Berkeley.

Unnamed: A 17-year-old female was arrested on battery charges.
Noah Berger/Special to The Chronicle

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Berkeley police on Monday released the names of those who were arrested in connection with a pro-Trump demonstration and counterprotest that turned violent Saturday in downtown Berkeley.

Only four of the 20 people are from Berkeley, according to police.

The chaos broke out at Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park, the site of a similar clash March 4.

The people arrested include:

 Kyle Chapman, 41, of San Francisco was arrested based on an outstanding warrant for battery allegedly committed during the earlier March 4 protest.

 Robert Rundo 26, of San Clemente, for battery on a police officer and resisting or obstructing a police officer.

Dennis Luke, 36, of Huntington Beach, for assault with a deadly weapon.

Robert Peete, 51, of Berkeley, for assault with a deadly weapon.

 Nicholas Ryan, 24, of San Mateo, for battery, and violation of a Berkeley municipal code.

 Genevieve Jones, 27, of Berkeley, for battery and violation of a Berkeley municipal code.

 Robert Scott, 39, of Oakland, for battery and violation of a Berkeley municipal code.

 Jonathan Dalili, 32, of Berkeley, for battery.

 Christopher Smith, 37, of Martinez, for battery.

 Enrique Yarce, 22, of Santa Rosa, for battery, violation of a Berkeley municipal code, wearing a mask while committing a criminal offense and resisting arrest.

 Sean OBrien, 35, of Oakland, for violation of a Berkeley municipal code.

Addae Reciado, 19, of Richmond, for resisting or obstructing a police officer.

Rachel Schwarz, 33, of Oakland, for for violation of a Berkeley municipal code and resisting or obstructing a police officer.

Levi Romero, 23, of Palmdale (Los Angeles County), for battery and violation of a Berkeley municipal code.

Vincent Yochelson, 23, of Oakland, for violation of a Berkeley municipal code and wearing a mask while committing a criminal offense.

 Moira Vandewalker, 21, of Albany, for violation of a Berkeley municipal code and wearing a mask while committing a criminal offense.

 Allyn Jensen, 30, of San Francisco, for vandalism and wearing a mask while committing a criminal offense.

 Lee Robinson 68, of Berkeley, for public intoxication.

 John Cookenboo, 27, of Albany, for inciting a riot, possession of a switchblade knife, and wearing a mask while committing a criminal offense.

A 17-year-old female juvenile was also arrested for battery but was not identified by police.

City spokesman Matthai Chakko said police will evaluate video evidence to identify additional perpetrators of violence.

Were going to be doing that again for this - using any and all video we can find to develop arrest warrants to arrest and prosecute anyone who is involved in violent crimes on Saturday said Chakko. Our investigation is by far not over.

Filipa Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com
Bottled water is starting to seem more like soda, and sometimes taste like it, too.

As bottled water surges in popularity, Coke, Pepsi and other companies are using celebrity endorsements, stylish packaging and fancy filtration processes like reverse osmosis to sell people on expanding variations of what comes out of the tap. Theyre also adding flourishes like bubbles, flavors or sweeteners that can blur the lines between what is water and what is soda.

For this years Super Bowl, PepsiCo even ran an ad for its new Lifewtr, promoting the drink in a spotlight typically reserved for sodas. Also running their first Super Bowl ads were Fiji and Bai Brands, which sell enhanced waters made with fruit juice and stevia sweetener.

Michael Simon, Bais chief marketing officer, says its drinks give people that healthy profile theyre looking for, but now they no longer have to sacrifice on taste with the neutrality of water.

Bottled water has been gaining ground for years, and overtook soda as the No. 1 drink in the U.S. by sales volume last year, industry tracker Beverage Marketing Corp. said. Some of the fizzy, sweetened drinks are considered water by the companies, or industry trackers in some cases, as the distinctions between them lose meaning. Companies arent as interested in the big, economy packs of plain bottled water that have been fueling the growth, says Ali Dibaj, a Bernstein analyst who covers the industry, since those are less profitable than sodas and are a horrible business to be in.

So Coke and Pepsi are focusing on pricier options that compete with brands like Evian and Perrier. And theyre introducing fizzy and fruity varieties to get a better foothold in an increasingly crowded marketplace where options like LaCroix and others are gaining popularity. Showing just how blurry the lines are getting, PepsiCo released a drink last week that it describes as sorta juice, sorta soda, sorta sparkling water. Such options can capture people looking to cut back on sodas or juices, and may get people who might buy lower-priced waters to upgrade.

You can get up the ladder in terms of water and get out of the categories that dont drive a lot of value, Coca-Colas incoming CEO James Quincey said in September.

Quincey cites Smartwater, which has enjoyed sales growth in North America, as a way for Coke to profitably expand its water business. The brand is billed as vapor distilled and features actress Jennifer Aniston in its ads.

He also said that in the crowded Chinese market, Coke is upgrading people to a water brand it markets as socially responsible with a different blend of minerals, which costs twice as much.

Exactly what makes water seem like its worth the extra money varies, but image is key.

PepsiCo had toyed with names like Qua and Om before settling on Lifewtr. The company points to the artwork featured on its bottles, and the reverse osmosis filtration the water undergoes, with electrolytes added for taste. This is where consumers are heading, said Todd Kaplan, vice president of marketing at PepsiCo, about lower-calorie drinks like Lifewtr.

Both Lifewtr and Smartwater, which account for a small portion of the overall packaged water market, are made with municipal water and were selling for $2.79 for a 1-liter bottle at a 7-Eleven in New York City. The convenience store chains private label brand was selling for $1.50 for the same size bottle.

The challenge for Coke and Pepsi is people like Andrew Allen. The New York City resident said he is trying to drink more water, but isnt loyal to a particular brand and buys whatever he can get a deal on.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

I just wanted to stop drinking soda  just give it up, Allen said.

Julie McKnight, who also lives in New York City, said the distinctions made by some bottled waters are not worth the extra price. It doesnt seem any different, she said. Mostly, McKnight said, she uses reusable bottles that she fills with filtered tap water.

To help address peoples concerns about the environment as well as paying for a variation of what they could get from the faucet, companies like Nestle have been light weighting the packaging to use less plastic and keep prices down.

In addition to the unflavored versions, Cokes Dasani and Pepsis Aquafina have been rolling out sparkling and flavored extensions. Such options are making it trickier to define drinks that may be fizzy and sweet, yet marketed as water. Beverage Digest, another industry tracker, counts flavored sparkling varieties in its water category, as well as Sparkling Ice, which is made with artificial sweeteners.

Someone could argue with a straight face that maybe those belong with sodas, executive editor Duane Stanford noted. But, he said, people drink Sparkling Ice with the mind-set that it is water.

Candice Choi is an Associated Press writer.
Bill Hutchinson / The Chronicle

Two men were arrested in Antioch after one of them fired a gun at police officers from a stolen car, officials said.

Three officers tracked down the carjacking suspects near Pittsburg-Antioch Highway around 4 p.m. Monday, police said. The driver of the car, who was not identified, pulled into a Costco on Verne Roberts Circle.
Bill Hutchinson / Bill Hutchinson /

A 63-year-old man was arrested Monday after he allegedly vandalized a mental health clinic in Santa Rosa and threatened to shoot a man there.

Santa Rosa resident Randy Sims was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism and making terrorist threats following an assault at the center in the 1000 block of Fourth Street, where police said he overturned picnic tables, pulled down canopies and claimed to have a gun.
A community of Orthodox Jews has arrived in one of the poorest South of Market areas, to assist in the building of a Jewish thoroughfare on Sixth Street, with kosher food, music and joy coming into the neighborhood, says Rabbi Yosef Langer of the Chabad Center.

Langer announced last week that the Koret Foundation is investing in the neighborhood with a $200,000 capital funds grant to the Chabad Center and SOMA Shul, a gathering/worshiping place for traditional Judaism. Its on Sixth Street between Mission and Howard, just across the street from Frena, the new kosher bakery.

Langer presides over Chabad, which says it offers Jewish education and a Hasidic synagogue for inspired worship. More than 100 people attended a recent seder there.

Positively Sixth Street is the name of its community-building project. Langer, a Hasid on a bicycle, says he is reaching out to longtime residents to forge mutually beneficial friendships and alliances. Our hope is that this center will be the lighthouse, he says.

I slipped away from the office Friday afternoon, April 14, to see Owsley Browns Serenade for Haiti, which is about the Ecole de Musique Sainte Trinite in Haiti and was showing at YBCA as part of the SFFilm Festival.

The earliest footage in Serenade, shot in 2007, showed the young students learning music of Haitian and European composers, expanding their worldviews and experiencing the bliss of being immersed in sound. That would have been sufficient for a documentary.

But Brown, a Louisville, Ky., native who lives in San Francisco now, didnt make that movie then. And in 2010, everything changed in Haiti. The filmmaker returned to Port-au-Prince after the quake, and shot the story of the school and its students in the aftermath of that disaster. Three hours after the quake, it was said, some children had returned to pick through the rubble looking for their instruments. And that would have been sufficient for a documentary.

But four years later, the filmmakers went back, said co-producer Christy McGill, who with co-producer Ann Flatte answered questions after the screening. By this time, in 2014, although political strife was rampant, the school had kept going, a tribute to Haitian resilience, said Haitian-born film-maker Guetty Felin, who worked on the project.

Its a story brimming with music. You may hear Mozart, said Feline, but theres a little Creole touch. The filmmakers, who will show the movie in Port-au-Prince in October, are looking for a national distributor.

If this sometimes seems a town full of lawyers, its even more a town filled with people who care about justice, and San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachis new movie, Defender, drew a large crowd at the Castro on Saturday, April 15. This was a free SFFilm Festival event, sponsored by the Center for Media Justice, Center for Asian American Media and the Asian American Bar Association. Adachi, who directed and stars in the documentary, stressed that its still a work in progress, and that he and his co-director would welcome criticism. But perfect or not, it was a perfect reflection of the state of criminal justice, a karmic sea of ugliness and heartache and stress, said Adachi.

The movie, with scenes shot as late as a few weeks ago, is about incarceration and immigration, two current focuses of the public defender. Its first half is about a young African American man thrown to the ground and arrested after being falsely accused of carrying a weapon. The second half focuses on a Mexican man without papers, arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more than a year. People represented by lawyers, said Adachi, are seven times as likely to be allowed to stay in the U.S. than people without. The last scenes in the movie are at a public hearing on funding for the public defenders; Adachis proposal got cut.

When I became a supervisor after the election, said Sandra Fewer during a post-screening panel discussion conducted by Willie Brown and Rachel Rosen, the first thing I approved on the board was a $32 million parking lot. And later, I thought ... here she paused, obviously emotional about the subject, these were human beings.

And then there was a closing-night film, The Green Fog, created by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson, with music played by the Kronos Quartet and written by Jacob Garchik. I may be a bum journalist to mention it, but Id be a bum mom not to. Emoji here!

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

Public Eavesdropping

I have a moral dilemma. I just found out my pot dealer voted for Trump!
To really appreciate The Lost City of Z, it would help not to consider its hero a complete idiot. True, my own impression of the British explorer Percy Fawcett was derived from the movie itself, from information that writer-director James Gray placed there. But that impression couldnt have been Grays intention. No one would make a 2-hour movie about an idiot, not even Jerry Lewis at his most grandiose.

Based on David Granns book The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession, the film tells the story of Fawcett, a British military officer who was sent to South America to chart the jungles along the Amazon. At the start of the film, Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam) is a young man with something to prove, and so he leaves his pregnant wife (Sienna Miller) for years and risks disease and cannibals to go off and make his name.

Grays presentation of the jungle is without doubt striking. To watch Fawcett and his small crew navigating the waters or hacking their way through the foliage is to feel as if you are there, and for many that will constitute a recommendation. In the end, it depends on just how much a viewer wants to feel stuck on a boat, in boiling heat, with your shirt stuck to your back and with mosquitoes swarming and arrows being fired at you. A case could be made in favor of such an experience, but it wont be made here.

While on that first expedition, Fawcett finds some pottery and carvings and leaps to the conclusion that he is on the verge of discovering ruins from an ancient and previously unknown civilization. This becomes the mission of his life. He goes back to London and tells everybody. Hes forceful. Hes certain. He is determined to go back and find something besides a broken pot.

With a movie about an obsessed and driven protagonist, it helps if the protagonists goal seems worth it. The movie makes a feint in the direction of egalitarianism, that Fawcett is out to discover that pre-Christian non-Europeans were capable of creating a sophisticated civilization. Fine.

But what would be the tangible good of finding such a civilization? For sure, it would be of considerable archaeological interest. At the same time, it would probably destroy every tribe and village near it and bring in a flood of European businesses to rape the environment. No wonder the first impulse of the indigenous residents is to fire arrows at his boat.

There is also the personal cost, which the movie is very good about showing. Imagine being married to this guy. Percy and his wife, Nina, start their life together with a lot of talk about equality between the sexes, and Miller, as the wife, plays that. She plays a woman radiant in her inner value and confident that she has a man who loves and respects her. But he loves and respects her so much that he disappears for years. He comes back just long enough to get her pregnant, then leaves for a few years, only to have to reintroduce himself to the latest children upon his return.

Again, if Fawcett were pursuing some noble end, then it might be worth our while to sit and watch his struggle. Or, conversely, were he some interesting form of lunatic, that might be something, too. But instead hes somewhere in between, a hero who is really not a hero. The last chapter of Fawcetts career, which I wont reveal, is selfish and irresponsible to an indefensible degree.

To his credit, Hunnam carries himself like a great man, so that we buy Fawcetts act for a while. Robert Pattinson, unrecognizable under a beard, plays Fawcetts faithful assistant. Its Miller, however, who gives the most affecting performance, in that we see the light fade from her eyes. What an awful thing this husband did to her  to praise her for courage and then use all her courage against her.

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

The Lost City of Z

Drama. Starring Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson and Sienna Miller. Directed by James Gray. (PG-13. 141 minutes.)

To see a trailer: https://tinyurl.com/lefefck
Its been nearly a month since scores of teachers filled the Board of Supervisors chambers to tell heart-wrenching stories of their living conditions in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Two- and three-hour daily commutes. In-law units with no kitchens. Couch surfing after an eviction.

City and district officials said they were moved by the teachers testimony and vowed to do better. They havent.

The teacher housing working group, composed of officials from the school district, teachers union and the Mayors Office of Housing, hasnt met since the hearing and has no meetings scheduled.

When they have met, sources in the room say theyre still hung up on whether its legal to build housing just for teachers under the federal Fair Housing Act. This, even though they touted former state Sen. Mark Lenos successful passage of a state bill clarifying it as legal  seven months ago.

The working group has looked seriously at two school district sites for housing. One is a 2.4-acre plot at Seventh Avenue and Lawton Street thats alternately used as a pumpkin patch, Christmas tree farm and dog park. The other is the Francis Scott Key Elementary School annex on 43rd Avenue between Irving and Judah streets.

But Olson Lee, director of the Mayors Office of Housing and a member of the working group, claimed he had no idea which sites are under consideration.

For us, were working on the concept right now, irrespective of the site, he said. With a summer deadline set by Lee himself for picking the site fast approaching, being stuck in the concept stage seems problematic. Lee has also said a request for proposals to develop the site will be issued by the end of the year.

Mayor Ed Lee, who isnt a member of the working group, said the slow progress of the teacher housing project is a little frustrating.

I think we need the school district to partner with the private sector and the city in a much more deliberate, strategic way, he said.

But in a sign of how poor the lines of communication are between the school district, city and teachers union, the mayor said the union doesnt even want teacher housing.

When we asked the teachers union, they werent interested in housing just for teachers, the mayor said. Theyre about housing all over the city.

He then segued into a pitch for the inclusionary housing legislation sponsored by Supervisors London Breed and Ahsha Safai, which would allot a bigger portion of the citys subsidized units to middle-income earners making up to $126,000 for a family of three. Two married teachers with a child would qualify for help under the legislation, while they wouldnt under a competing proposal from Supervisors Jane Kim and Aaron Peskin. The latter would keep more units available for low-income earners.

Obviously, teachers cannot pay market rate, so they have to be included in inclusionary housing, the mayor said.

Matthew Hardy, spokesman for the United Educators of San Francisco, said the teachers union actually backs the Kim/Peskin proposal because it wants more of its low-income students families and low-paid classroom aides to qualify for help. Also, the union very much supports a teacher housing complex, Hardy said.

We desperately want educator housing, he said, noting he was surprised the mayor suggested otherwise.

Then Hardy had a novel suggestion. You should come in and mediate this group, he told me.

Um, no thanks. Teaching calculus to second-graders would probably be an easier task.

Its possible that teacher housing help wont come from San Francisco at all  but from Sacramento. Assemblyman Evan Low, D-San Jose, was an aspiring teacher before he realized hed never be able to afford housing in that career. Now he has introduced a bill to help.

It would create and fund a pilot program for teachers in four of the most expensive counties in the state: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Clara and San Diego.

Run by the states Housing Finance Agency, the program would provide one-time down-payment assistance, up to 20 percent of the homes sales price. It would also provide rental stipends of up to $1,500 a month.

Due to be heard in the Assemblys housing committee on Wednesday, Low said teachers wouldnt start getting help for at least a year even if the bill passes.

We didnt get here overnight, and we wont fix it overnight, he said.

Lets hope this doesnt follow the timeline of teacher housing in San Francisco.

Fresh off her soda tax win in November, Supervisor Malia Cohen has a new health crusade. On Tuesday shell introduce legislation banning the sale of flavored tobacco in San Francisco.

The federal government in 2009 banned the sale of cigarettes flavored like cloves, candy or fruit. New York City has taken it further by banning the sale of flavored tobacco except for menthol cigarettes, the most popular.

Cohen wants to implement the nations strongest ban by prohibiting the sale of all flavored tobacco, including menthol cigarettes.

The tobacco industry has an established history of targeted marketing to children, young adults and people from vulnerable communities, Cohen said. They are not unlike the sugary drinks industry in this way. In fact, big soda got their playbook from big tobacco.

It seems Cohen now has a health-based playbook of her own.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Heather Knight appears Tuesdays and Fridays. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf
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The University of California regents will pay $1.7 million over 10 years to settle the lawsuit of a UC Berkeley employee who claimed that her boss  then dean of the law school  persistently hugged, kissed and touched her during 2014 and 2015, and that the campus did nothing to stop it.

The amount may be a record settlement for sexual harassment at UC, topping the $1.15 million won in January by a UC Santa Cruz student to settle her claim that a professor raped her when she was his student in 2015.

Under the new settlement, released Tuesday by the regents in response to The Chronicles Public Records Act request, the employee, Tyann Sorrell, will receive $8,048 a month from UC for a decade. In addition, the university will pay two lump sums: $250,000 to Sorrell, and $600,000 to Sorrell and her attorney, Leslie Levy of Levy, Vinick, Burrell LLP in Oakland. UC will also forgive Sorrells $12,000 student-housing debt.

Sorrell worked as an assistant to Sujit Choudhry, who was forced out of his position as dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law in March 2016 when Sorrell sued him and the university in Alameda Superior Court.

The suit shed light on what appeared to be UC Berkeleys soft treatment of the dean after campus investigators determined, 10 months earlier, that he had sexually harassed Sorrell. As discipline, Choudhry received a temporary dock in pay but was allowed to remain dean of the law school.

At the same time, Sorrell felt unable to continue working for the man who had harassed her and remained out of work for a year and a half. Under the settlement, UC admits no fault.

Spokespersons for the regents and UC Berkeley declined to comment.

This has been a long and challenging road for herself, her family and the campus community, Levy said of Sorrell, whose job with the law school was restored last fall.

The settlement prohibits Levy from discussing the contents of the settlement.

However, she said: Behavior doesnt stop until there are real consequences for those who engage in sexual harassment.

A separate settlement between Sorrell and Choudhry requires that the former dean pay $50,000 to charities that fight sexual harassment and $50,000 to Sorrells attorneys.

Under that settlement, Choudhry, who has been given no classes to teach since his demotion from dean, will remain as a tenured law professor earning $288,500  1.6 percent more than last years $284,000  until the end of this spring term. He will then begin a years unpaid sabbatical and be eligible to receive $97,210 in research funds and up to $10,000 in travel expenses. He will resign in good standing on May 31, 2018.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov
Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press

Since the American Revolution, our nation has naturalized noncitizens who served in our armed forces as a reward for their military service. Yet, at least 59 veterans who served have been deported in recent years by the country they swore to protect. Other noncitizen vets still in the United States fear deportation. This ugly truth was spotlighted when Gov. Jerry Brown wisely chose to exercise his pardon power before Easter Sunday for three veterans who now reside in Mexico.

The governor pardoned Hector Barajas Varela, Erasmo Apodaca Mendizabal and Marco Chavez. Each was honorably discharged and then committed crimes that landed them in a California prison. Each served his prison time and then was deported.
DOUG MILLS/NYT

A few weeks before his attempt to unravel the Affordable Care Act imploded, President Trump informed the nations governors, with evident surprise, that health care is an unbelievably complex subject. Like millions of Americans who spent the past few days puzzling over IRS forms, Trump is being reminded that much the same goes for the U.S. tax code.

Take the border adjustment tax that figures prominently in House Speaker Paul Ryans proposed tax reform, for which the Trump administration has expressed some sympathy. With a 20 percent levy on imports and a break for exports, the levy appeals to Trumps inclination to wall the country off from the world, physically and otherwise. And Ryan has proposed it as a means of enabling a corporate tax cut, a holy grail for Republicans and a sensible goal given high levels of avoidance and lower rates elsewhere.
Every day, millions of Americans of all faiths and none give thanks for our Constitutions guarantee of religious freedom. And when the news turns dark and violence leads the headlines, we reach out across religious lines, building friendships and partnerships as a bulwark against that darkness.

When we do this, we deny criminals like the Islamic State the division and discord that they crave. Responding to their hatred and terror and ignorance with love and increased cooperation starves them of the only fuel that can legitimize their power: fear.

But the Islamic State is stubborn. As Christians around the world observed Palm Sunday earlier this month, powerful bomb blasts struck packed Coptic Christian churches in Egypt in an assault claimed by the Islamic State. The timing and brutality of the attacks were particularly shocking, as they violated both the sanctity of Christian houses of worship and a holy day as well.

Islamic Networks Group and the San Francisco Interfaith Council joined Muslims, people of all faiths and leaders across the world not only to swiftly and vigorously condemn these attacks but also to reaffirm the long relationships and the commonalities among Christians, Jews and Muslims affirmed by many Quranic verses and the behavior of the prophet Muhammad.

The Islamic tradition of respect for religious pluralism, for example, is rooted in the Quran, which calls us all to accept diversity of belief, stating at one point that God deliberately made human beings different from each other to test our ability to get along.

The Quran refers to Jews, Christian and others as people of the book, guaranteeing that they have their reward with the Lord. It also requires Muslims to safeguard not only mosques but all houses of worship, including churches, monasteries and synagogues. Egyptian Muslims protested loudly that not enough was done to protect their Coptic Christian friends.

This kind of interreligious engagement and cooperation is at once extraordinary but also typical. In 2007, over 300 Muslim religious leaders signed A Common Word Between Us and You, an open letter to Christians based on the Quran. Last year, the Marrakesh Declaration on the Rights of Religious Minorities in Predominantly Muslim Majority Communities reconfirmed Islams respect for minority faiths in Muslim-majority lands.

Millions of Americans  here in the Bay Area and nationwide  are already modeling peace and interreligious friendship. We attend solidarity events with other faiths when their houses of worship are threatened or vandalized. We break bread with those who pray differently than us. We remind our elected officials  regularly  that the Constitution guarantees religious freedom.

In short, we never stop working toward a more perfect union. You can find further opportunities to pursue peace with the Islamic Networks Group at https://ing.org and San Francisco Interfaith Council at www.sfinterfaithcouncil. org. Join us.

Maha Elgenaidi is the executive director of Islamic Networks Group. Michael Pappas is the executive director of the San Francisco Interfaith Council.
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The As announced Monday that shortstop Marcus Semien will require surgery on his right wrist after a CT scane revealed a fracture to the scaphoid bone. The surgery will take place on Tuesday in Los Angeles, where Dr. Steve Shin of the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic will place a screw in the fractured area to help the healing process.

Semien was placed on the disabled list Sunday after getting his wrist checked out during the weekend, as first reported by The Chronicle. He will be re-evaluated in six weeks, and there is no timetable for his return.
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Berkeley police on Monday released the names of those who were arrested in connection with a pro-Trump demonstration and counterprotest that turned violent Saturday in downtown Berkeley.

Only four of the 20 people are from Berkeley, according to police.
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California water officials Monday awarded a $275 million contract to repair the troubled Oroville Dam to a subsidiary of one of the worlds largest construction companies that is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.

At $275.4 million, the bid from Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., a division of international firm Kiewit Corporation, came in about $1.5 million under a second bid and was the least expensive of three submitted.

Still, the winning bid was nearly $44 million more than the Department of Water Resources projection of $231.7 million.

The second-placed bid of $277 million was submitted by a subsidiary of Montana-based Barnard Construction Co. Oroville Dam Constructors, a partnership of California companies, bid $344 million.

The job involves mending two spillways that gave way in February, threatening to flood tens of thousands of homes. The work is complicated by the fact that the cause of the damage has yet to be determined.

Much of the construction will have to be done on the fly, state officials say, as the winning contractor works alongside government experts to probe deeper into the reservoirs problems and find ways to restore the spillways in time for possible outflows next winter.

Its scary when you say, Im going to tell these contractors to do it right this time, when you really dont know what right is, said Bob Bea, a professor emeritus and engineering expert at UC Berkeley. I dont think we have a clear vision of the long-term fix.

The state Department of Water Resources is dealing with an unprecedented infrastructure failure that has made it difficult to control water releases at the nations tallest dam. On Feb. 7, Lake Orovilles main spillway cracked amid heavy outflows, prompting dam managers to rely on an emergency spillway that also partially crumbled. Fears that water would rush uncontrollably down the Feather River prompted the evacuation of 180,000 people.

State officials have resumed limited releases at the reservoir, but they have not said what went wrong and have declined to make public the opinions of their consultants, citing security concerns.

On Monday, UC Berkeleys Center for Catastrophic Risk Management released a report authored by Bea that identified a host of problems.

First, Bea said, the main spillway at the 50-year-old reservoir was not designed to meet todays standards. For example, the concrete was too thin and not adequately anchored, according to the report. The finding is similar to what several state consultants said before officials started making their reviews confidential.

Second, the state failed to do adequate maintenance at the site, Bea said. For instance, he said, officials did not repair cracks in the spillway that allowed water to seep in and weaken the structure.

Complex systems fail in complex ways, Bea said.

State officials had originally estimated the cost of the construction at $220 million, before issuing a revised estimate Monday of $231 million.. That was up from a projected $100 million to $200 million when the reservoirs problems first surfaced.

The scope of the work is not entirely clear because the state has declined to release the contract that was put to bid, again citing security concerns.

The winning contractor, though, is expected to partially rebuild and stabilize both spillways before November. What isnt finished by the onset of the next rainy season will be done in the summer of 2018. The large fracture in the hillside along the main spillway where water continues to pour is also scheduled to be fixed next year.

The Department of Water Resources has not said where the money will come from for the repairs. The big agencies that buy water from Lake Oroville are likely to contribute a large portion of the funding, as is the federal government.

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
Rallies and protest events are a part of political life in the Bay Area. Heres a roundup of whats happening.

Wednesday

Town hall: Hosted by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, at 3 p.m. at Martinez City Hall, 525 Henrietta St. Thompson will also host a town hall from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Benicia High School gymnasium, 1101 Military West at West 11th Street in Benicia. For information, contact Catharine Way at catharineway@yahoo.com or (707) 567-8697.

ACLU event: The League of Women Voters hosts a discussion with Jay Laefer of the American Civil Liberties Union on safeguarding the rights of our entire community. The event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Woodside Road United Methodist Church, 2000 Woodside Road in Redwood City.

Conversation on Trump resistance: A new event series hosted by The Chronicle is called Chronicle Chats. This event, The Future of the Left: Can the Trump Resistance Grow Beyond Protest? will be moderated by columnist David Talbot and will feature a senior adviser to the Bernie Sanders campaign and other experts and leaders. The event is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave. in San Francisco. Tickets are available at: https://info.sfchronicle.com/chroniclechats.

Thursday

Peace vigil: A weekly vigil for peace supporters. The event is from noon-1 p.m. at the corner of Golden Gate Avenue and Larkin Street in San Francisco.

Anti-Trump show: The Museum of International Propaganda is hosting a pop-up art and poetry show called, Against Trumpism: The Art & Poetry of Resistance. Bay Area and national artists and poets will present their work through April 29. The opening reception is Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m., with a poetry reading at 7:30 p..m at 1000 Fifth Ave. in San Rafael. The event is free and wheelchair accessible. For more information, contact artofresistingtrump@gmail.com.

Science panel: A discussion on why science matters and the importance of the Science March that is happening nationwide on Saturday. The panel is from 7 to 9 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2444 Durant Ave. in Berkeley. For information: www.revolutionbooks.org/2017/04/science-why-it-matters-and-importance.html.

Immigration workshop: A panel discussion featuring lawyers and immigration experts on how to navigate immigration policies. The event begins 7 p.m. at Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St. in San Francisco. The event is free. Attendees must register: https://www.gracecathedral.org/events/immigration-now-what-you-need-to-know-what-you-need-to-do/.

Saturday

Town halls: Hosted by Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, at 10 a.m. in the gymnasium of Canada College, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd. in Woodside. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Dublin, will host a town hall at 4 p.m. at the Dublin High School student union, 8151 Village Parkway in Dublin.

Science march: Marches mark Earth Day. In San Francisco, a march begins at 11 a.m. at Justin Herman Plaza, Embarcadero Center at Market and Steuart streets, and ends at Civic Center Plaza. For information: http://bit.ly/2nAcLkN. A march in San Jose will be from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Details to be confirmed. For information: http://bit.ly/2oV8oSu. In Walnut Creek, a march from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. will start at Civic Park, 1375 Civic Drive. A Hayward march from 10 a.m.-noon begins at the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, 4901 Breakwater Ave. For information: http://bit.ly/2n7oonY.

Sunday

Town hall: Hosted by Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Fremont, at 1 p.m. at Newark Memorial High School, 39375 Cedar Blvd. in Newark.

Sexual assault conversation: Loosid Projects, Planned Parenthood and Bay Area Women Against Rape host a discussion called Locker Room Talk: Confronting Sexual Violence in the Age of Trump. The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. at 507 55th St. in Oakland. Tickets are $10 at the door. For information, contact info@loosidity.com.

Tuesday

Travel ban panel: A discussion hosted by the Iranian American Bar Association with lawyers and representatives from the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Asian Law Caucus. The discussion is from 6 to 8 p.m. at the law offices of Sheppard Mullin, 4 Embarcadero Center, 17th Floor in San Francisco. RSVP to northerncalifornia@iaba.us. For information: https://www.facebook.com/events/602894086575967/.

April 26

Environment discussion: Marin County Supervisor Kate Sears will discuss the recent findings of the BayWAVE Project, a study on sea levels and rising tides from Sausalito to Novato. Sears will discuss Marins vulnerability and list next steps for how to deal with issues associated with rising sea levels. The event is free, wheelchair accessible and begins at 7 p.m. It will be held at Drivers Market, 200 Caledonia St. in Sausalito. RSVP: www.driversmarket.com.

April 27

Comedy night: Hosted by the International Institute of the Bay Area, a Comedy Night for Immigrant Rights will feature Bay Area comedians Irene Tu, Johan Miranda and Zahra Noorbaksh. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at BATS Improv Theatre in Building B at Fort Mason in San Francisco. For tickets: www.iibayarea.org/comedy-night-event.
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Facebook's annual developers conference will kick off Tuesday in San Jose, after organizers said the event outgrew its old home at San Francisco's Fort Mason.

Downtown San Jose's McEnery Convention Center will host an estimated 4,000 people for F8 this year, a sizable increase from last year's 2,600, The San Francisco Chronicle reported in February.

Facebook isn't the only tech company choosing to leave San Francisco behind for the 2017 conference season. Google is planning their developers conference Google I/O closer to headquarters at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View in May (as the company did last year). In June, Apple is hosting its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose, also at the McEnery Convention Center downtown. This comes after 14 years of hosting the event in San Francisco, the Chronicle reported.

The move down south is great news for San Jose's local economy, and the exact opposite for San Francisco. The McEnery Convention Center told the Chronicle that conferences like Apple's WWDC bring in anywhere from $5 to $7.5 million in direct spending.

"This kind of trend moving from San Francisco is going to hurt," Rob Enderle with advisory services firm Enderle Group told the Chronicle. "San Francisco was perceived as very trendy at one time. It just isn't anymore."

On the official schedule for F8's San Jose debut are a host of talks and demonstrations related to the future of Facebook's technology. But many are hoping CEO Mark Zuckerberg will address recent controversies that have entangled Facebook.

In the weeks after the 2016 election, Facebook came under fire for not doing enough to stop the spread of fake news. At first, Zuckerberg said he thought it was "extremely unlikely hoaxes changed the outcome of this election," but then later released new Facebook features that allow users to flag fake news articles. Some argue the company is still not doing enough to stop the spread of misinformation.

More recently, a Cleveland man was accused of committing a murder, then uploading a video of the crime to Facebook. The video was online for three hours Sunday before it was taken down. The alleged murderer also posted a Facebook Live video, bragging about a dozen other killings, none of which have been verified. As of Monday evening, a manhunt for the suspect was still ongoing.

Zuckerberg has alluded to politics in the past, even taking a veiled shot at President Donald Trump last year, according to CNET. "I hear fearful voices calling for building walls and distancing people they label as others," Zuckerberg said.

Now that Trump is president, many tech companies are concerned that potential changes in the H-1B visa program could make it harder for them to hire needed talent.

Critics are calling on Zuckerberg to address these issues and more, and to discuss Facebook's larger role in the world, not just its latest technology, at the F8 conference.

F8 kicks off at 8 a.m. Tuesday morning. The first keynote address scheduled for 10 a.m.
Biochemists may have discovered a type of antibiotic that sounds like something out of a fairy tale: It is based on dragon blood.

Scientists from George Mason University recently isolated a substance in the blood of a Komodo dragon that appeared to have powerful germ-killing abilities.

Inspired by the discovery, they created a similar chemical in the lab and dubbed it DRGN-1.

Tests on mice that were given skin wounds infected with two types of bacteria showed that DRGN-1 had three valuable properties: It punched holes in the outer membranes of both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, it dissolved the biofilms that glue bacteria together, and it sped skin healing.

The researchers study was published last week in the journal Biofilms and Microbiomes. The work was paid for by the militarys Defense Threat Reduction Agency, but the discoverers are now seeking drug-industry backing, too.

The race to find new antibiotics has taken on great urgency as more and more bacteria develop resistance to existing drugs. In February, the World Health Organization ranked the most dangerous superbugs, calling for new tools against them.

The studys lead authors, Monique Van Hoek and Barney Bishop, study crocodilians and monitor lizards like the dragon because they can survive grievous wounds, including lost limbs, in filthy environments without getting infected.

It is unclear how dragons kill prey, Bishop said. They have serrated teeth and their mouths teem with bacteria, so it was long believed that sepsis caused by the bacteria weakened their larger victims, like deer.

But in 2009, Australian researchers discovered that the dragons also inject a shock-inducing venom.

Because Komodo dragons are endangered and considered divine in their native Indonesia, the researchers had to find one that lived in a zoo and was under the care of keepers brave enough to take blood samples without anesthesia.

In Florida, they found Tujah, a 100-pound male whose keepers distracted him while a blood sample was taken from his tail.

Tujahs blood is a rich source of potential antibiotics. Bishop and her colleagues are testing more than 40 other substances.

Wild dragons might have even more defenses against infection, but the researchers said they were unlikely to find out.

I wouldnt turn down wild dragon blood if it was sent to me, and I thought it was collected ethically, Bishop said. But Im not going to go out in the wild to try to get it.

Donald G. McNeil Jr. is a New York Times writer.
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Uber is packing new features into UberEats, its food-on-demand offering, even as UberRush, a delivery program for other businesses, has stopped serving restaurants.

Both services are part of the San Francisco companys push into logistics. For investors, seeing Uber expand beyond ride hailing helps justify its massive valuation of $69 billion, which makes it the worlds most valuable startup. But Uber faces plenty of competition as it moves from passengers to packages. Food delivery in particular is crowded with tech-enabled entrants including Caviar, DoorDash, GrubHub, Yelp Eat24 and Amazon Restaurants.

UberEats, which started in late 2015, now encompasses 46,000 restaurants in 71 cities worldwide, according to product managers Calvin Lee and Rachel Lin. Users already can order food with a tap of a smartphone, paying about $5 per delivery in San Francisco. Restaurants also pay an undisclosed service fee to Uber. The company would not disclose how much the food orders contribute to its revenue.

New features include recommendations for types of cuisine, speed of order and price, based on algorithms that examine user data like Netflix does for movies or Spotify for music, Lee said. It will help combat paralysis of choice, he said. The Eats app will also let users sort and filter restaurants, finding only those that have gluten-free or vegan options, for instance.

Customers can input more specifics about their address for drop-offs, including details such as whether they prefer a doorstep delivery or can meet the courier outside. Customers also can schedule orders up to one week in advance.

An order-tracking feature allows diners to see their couriers approach on a map, the same way they can with an impending ride-hail car. Uber is also touting the ability to order from its ubereats.com website.

Another Uber delivery service, UberRush, is phasing out restaurant deliveries in early May, as was first reported by Quartz.

UberRush, which started 18 months ago, about a month after UberEats, is a business-to-business service, meaning that merchants use it to request and track Uber couriers. Unlike UberEats, which has its own Uber-branded app for ordering, businesses build UberRush into their apps used by consumers.

Uber portrayed the ending of UberRush restaurant orders as a natural evolution into diverting food orders to UberEats.

We built UberEats to specifically meet the needs and support the growth of our individual restaurant partners, spokeswoman Laura Zapata said in an email. Moving forward, we will focus UberRush on powering backend delivery logistics for merchants and enterprises such as grocery stores and florists.

Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid
A gunman who apparently was driven by hatred toward white people went on a frenzied shooting rampage in downtown Fresno on Tuesday, killing three people and wounding another in less than 90 seconds, and then yelled Allahu akbar when police officers captured him, investigators said.

The suspect, Kori Ali Muhammad, 39, was already being sought for the killing of a security guard at a motel last week, police said. Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said officers were investigating the deaths of Tuesdays victims, all white men, as a hate crime and ruled out terrorism as a motive despite the suspects use of a phrase often invoked  to the chagrin of many Muslims  by terrorists.

Muhammad, who is black, had an extensive social media footprint on Facebook and Twitter, where he referred to white devils, threatened violence and advocated for black liberation.

This is not a terrorist crime, Dyer told reporters. This is solely based on race.

In addition to the three dead and one wounded, Muhammad also allegedly fired at another white man and missed  and police said he spared two Hispanic women he had locked in his crosshairs.

Dyer said Muhammad traveled 1 blocks and fired 16 times in the minute and a half before an officer arrived and the suspect dived to the ground and surrendered  and confessed.

I did it, Dyer said Muhammad told officers. I shot them ... you guys are looking for me.

By Tuesday evening, police had still not recovered the weapon used in the slayings, believed to be a .357-caliber revolver, and Dyer said someone may have snatched it off the street. Agents from the FBI are assisting in the investigation.

Dyer said Muhammad was homeless, but a network of shelters in Fresno said they had no record of him.

The shots erupted around 10:45 a.m., when a gunman walked up to a Pacific Gas and Electric Co. truck and fired several shots at a 34-year-old utility employee, killing him, authorities said. The gunman then walked to the citys police headquarters and shot at another man  missing his mark  before walking to nearby Fulton Street and shooting a 37-year-old man to death, police said.

Investigators said the gunman reloaded his weapon at a bus stop, then walked to the parking lot of a Catholic Charities office and shot a 58-year-old man to death.

Police began speeding to the scene within a minute of hearing the first blast on a ShotSpotter gunshot detection unit nearby, Dyer said. Cruisers skidded to a stop near the suspect moments after the final round was fired, and as Muhammad saw officers come toward him he dropped to the ground and surrendered. Shortly afterward, handcuffed in the back of a squad car, is when he yelled, Allahu akbar, Dyer said.

Dyer said Muhammad told investigators he used the term because he was pledging his allegiance to God for protection.

Police had been searching for Muhammad since Thursday in connection with a fatal shooting at a Motel 6 in Fresno. Motel managers asked Muhammad to leave a womans room, and in an ensuing argument he killed an unarmed security guard and fled, investigators said.

Dyer said Muhammad may have been spurred to the killing spree by seeing a bulletin online seeking his arrest in the motel slaying.

Muhammads Facebook page featured long strings of posts proclaiming support for black power and, at times, hostility toward white people. One post read, Death to white supremacy and their allies, and in one song he posted on Twitter he vowed to kill a racist devil dead ... put a bullet in their head.

He listed his occupation as CEO M$O Mastermind $ Organized and Warrior at RBG Nation.

Dyer said Muhammad apparently did not know his victims. The names of the dead have not been released.

Catholic Charities spokeswoman Teresa Dominguez said the last two people killed were clients of the nonprofit, which gives food and other aid to the disadvantaged. Dominguez said Muhammad didnt appear to have any connection to the center.

Muhammad has a lengthy criminal history and documented mental health problems, federal court records show. He was arrested in December 2004 in Fresno and charged with possessing three guns  a semiautomatic pistol and two high-caliber rifles  and selling crack cocaine.

After pleading guilty in July 2006 to being a felon in possession of a firearm and crack with intent to distribute, Muhammad was sentenced to more than nine years in prison. He was released with a reduced sentence and completed probation last year.

Reza Nekumanesh, director of the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno, said Muhammad had nothing to do with the center and that his alleged use of Allahu akbar was mortifying. The term invokes an ethic of peace, he said, and when it is used by people who enact terrible acts of violence or terror, the only thing it does is crush us, break our hearts.

Kevin Fagan and Michael Bodley are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: kfagan@sfchronicle.com, mbodley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KevinChron, @Michael_Bodley
Fitness personality Richard Simmons was admitted to an undisclosed hospital in California Monday after having trouble eating, according to multiple media outlets.

"After a few days of battling severe indigestion and discomfort while eating," Simmons' manager Michael Catalano told ABC News, "we agreed it was best for him to seek treatment." Simmons did not take an ambulance to the hospital.
President Donald Trump was an outspoken supporter of Amanda Knox while Knox faced murder charges in Italy, but he's apparently no longer a fan.

Hidden in a Saturday New York Times profile of George Guido Lombardi, the president's longtime neighbor at Trump Tower and potential European populist political power broker, is a reference to the now 29-year-old Knox when discussing Trump's interest in Lombardi's native Italy:

"Mr. Trump's interest centered on showing the innocence of Amanda Knox, an American college student accused of murder in Perugia. Mr. Trump often spoke out and posted on Twitter in support of Ms. Knox, and asked Mr. Lombardi to look into her case during a trip to Italy. Now, Mr. Lombardi said, the president is 'very upset' with the ingratitude of Ms. Knox, who supported Hillary Clinton."

In 2009, Knox and boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were convicted of murdering her roommate Meredith Kercher two years earlier, while Knox spent a year studying abroad. Knox and Sollecito were then acquitted in a second trial in 2011, and she was able to return to her native West Seattle. The pair was again convicted in 2013, but an Italian high court threw out the convictions after finding "stunning flaws" in the prosecution's case.

More for you Amanda Knox cleared of slandering Italian police

Trump repeatedly expressed support for Knox and disdain for the Italian legal system on Twitter during her trials. But during and after the 2016 presidential election, Knox denounced Trump, expressing her support for Hillary Clinton.

"In a time when my entire family had already tapped into their retirement savings and taken out second mortgages, we were grateful when any supporters, including Trump, donated to my defense and spoke out about my innocence," wrote in the West Seattle Herald. "And like some of my supporters, Trump had his own ideas and his own way; he called for the U.S. to sanction Italy until they released mea pronouncement which only amplified anti-American sentiment towards me in the courtroom. Even if Trump means well, his schemes tend to be blunt, selfish, and short-sighted, rather than nuanced, empathetic, and thought through."
UNITED NATIONS  U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said Tuesday that human rights violations have triggered conflict in Syria, stifled dissent in Burundi and led to repression in Myanmar  and the next international crisis could come from North Korea, Iran or Cuba where human rights are widely disregarded.

But Russia and China disputed her contention that human rights violations are a main driver of conflicts. And Human Rights Watch questioned the Trump administrations decision to focus on human rights at the U.N. Security Council in light of its own actions.

The United States holds the U.N. Security Council presidency this month and Haley was determined to hold a meeting to focus on the importance of human rights to international peace and security. It took place Tuesday after the U.S. addressed a key objection from Russia, China and other council members, and was the first meeting solely on human rights.

The United States initially wanted the debate under a new agenda item for the council entitled Human Rights and International Peace and Security  which would mean that item could be raised again and again in the council. But many council members didnt want the U.N.s most powerful body, which is charged with ensuring international peace and security, to also focus on human rights.

So in a compromise, the U.S. Mission agreed to hold the meeting under an old agenda item: Maintenance of international peace and security, with a focus on human rights and prevention of armed conflict. That still didnt leave at least half a dozen council members happy, which was reflected in their statements.

Russias deputy U.N. Ambassador Evgeny Zagaynov said the Security Council has no mandate to consider human rights which are discussed elsewhere at the United Nations.

He objected to the U.S. contention that rights violations are a main precondition for armed conflict and to its assertion that protecting human rights is a key instrument to prevent conflict.

Indeed prevention and settlement of armed conflicts are the main prerequisites for correcting human rights situations, and not vice versa, he said.

But Haley warned the council that if it fails to take human rights violations and abuses seriously, they can escalate into real threats to international peace and security.

Edith M. Lederer is an Associated Press writer.
1 Gang crackdown: Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday that the Justice Department will crack down on violent gangs. Sessions singled out one organization in particular, the MS-13 street gang. Its members are suspected in the killings of four people last week on Long Island, N.Y. Sessions said gangs like MS-13 represent one of the gravest threats to American safety. He also said tougher enforcement of immigration and border crimes will curb gang activity, and cities that protect people in the country illegally make efforts to fight gang violence more difficult. Sanctuary cities are aiding these cartels to refill their ranks, Sessions said before a meeting with federal law enforcement officials to discuss ways to combat organized crime.

2 I naug ural donations: President Trump raised $107 million for his inaugural festivities, nearly double the previous record set by former President Barack Obama eight years ago. Trumps inaugural committee, which is due to file information about those donors with the Federal Election Commission, said it doesnt need to publicly disclose how the money was spent. Trump placed no restrictions on the amount of money donors could give. Obama limited contributions to $50,000 in 2009 but lifted that cap four years later. After raising about $55 million in 2009, Obama used excess funds to help pay for the White House Easter egg roll and other events, said a former Obama official.
WASHINGTON  President Trumps most influential policy advisers are urging him to keep the United States in the landmark Paris climate accord of 2015, a move that would break one of his signature campaign promises and further downgrade the counsel of his senior strategist, Steve Bannon.

Trump plans to make a final decision on the fate of the Paris agreement before a meeting of the Group of 7 leading economies at the end of May, according to Sean Spicer, White House press secretary. A team of Trumps principal advisers was scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon at the White House to discuss the decision with the aim of recommending a path forward, but the meeting was canceled after some of the planned attendees flew with Trump to an event in Wisconsin, according to a White House spokeswoman.
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KENOSHA, Wis.  President Trump came to Wisconsins tool manufacturer Snap-on Inc. on Tuesday to tout manufacturing and sign an executive order as part of his Buy American, Hire American agenda.

Trumps executive order is designed to clamp down on guest worker visas and require agencies to buy more goods and services from U.S. companies and workers.

As Trump closed in on the first 100 days of his presidency, he returned to Wisconsin to cement ties with a swing state that delivered him an unexpected victory in the 2016 election.

Hes here today to highlight American manufacturing and put a spot light on Snap-on, said the firms chairman and chief executive officer, Nicholas Pinchuk.

These are great, great people and I love the workers, Trump said, speaking at a lectern, backed by an American flag made of tools.

Trump said no administration has accomplished more in the first 90 days, he said, adding that he was building on that optimism.

Air Force One landed at Milwaukees Mitchell International Airport at 1:21 p.m. under cloudy skies. Trump emerged from the aircraft, pumped his fists, then walked across the tarmac to speak with assembled guests, including Gov. Scott Walker.

Trump and his entourage were then whisked via helicopter to Kenosha. Joining Trump on the Wisconsin trip were top aides Reince Priebus, who grew up in Kenosha County; Kellyanne Conway; and Steve Bannon.

In an interview with WTMJ-TV, Trump promised to deliver on his $1 trillion infrastructure plan, praised Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and was confident of legislative victories in health care and tax reform.

Meanwhile, there was a palpable sense of excitement by those who waited in Kenosha for a glimpse of Trump.

Karen Gardella was among several dozen people staked out across the street from tool manufacturer Snap-on Inc. headquarters Tuesday, awaiting the visit by Trump.

I think hes trying very hard to do what he says hes going to do. He didnt even get the 100-day honeymoon, said Gardella, 57, a Pleasant Prairie resident who dressed in jeans and a T-shirt that said Basket of Deplorables, Wisconsin Division.

Nearby, Sharon Hart, 72, of Pleasant Prairie sat in a folding chair and watched the scene unfold outside the headquarters.

I love our president, Hart said. I think hes doing the best he can.

Jeff Schenning, a retired university housing director, said he has waited a lifetime for a businessman president.

The event is in the district held by Ryan, but the Janesville Republican is out of the country on a congressional trip to NATO countries.

Bill Glauber, Jacob Carpenter and Meg Jones are Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writers.
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The child custody battle of InfoWars host Alex Jones, already off to a raucous start after his attorney claimed Jones' radio appearances are simply "performance art," took an even stranger gastronomic turn Tuesday.

According to the attorney for Kelly Jones, ex-wife of the infamous radio host, Alex Jones said he couldn't remember "basic facts" about his children during a deposition because "he had a big bowl of chili for lunch."

The comment did not go quietly into the Twittersphere, where Jones was roundly mocked for his chili defense.

"I'm using this at work after lunchtime," one person tweeted. "'I'm unable to work right now. I had a big bowl of chili.'"

"Ah, yes. The lesser known cousin to meat sweats: the meat forgets," another chimed in.

Although the chili comment is certainly the strangest to emerge from the custody proceedings, it's been something of a circus in general. Jones, who is known for proliferating unfounded conspiracy theories like PizzaGate, is now arguing that his aggressive radio persona is merely for show.

"He's playing a character," Jones' attorney Randall Wilhite said. "He is a performance artist."

MORE: 'Infowars' host Jones disputes persona in custody dispute

Whether or not Jones is putting on an act, he's got one very important fan: the President of the United States. Donald Trump called into Jones' radio show during the Republican presidential primary to tell Jones his reputation is "amazing."

Kelly Jones is arguing that the InfoWars radio show demonstrates Alex Jones is "not a stable" father. Several clips from Infowars have been submitted as evidence.

Jonathan Tilove, who is covering the case for the Austin American-Statesman, reported that Kelly Jones' attorney stated that the children "were instructed by Alex Jones to record their mother for evidence against her in [the] custody case."

Kelly and Alex Jones have three children, ages 14, 12 and nine, who live with their father. Kelly Jones is trying to get full or joint custody of the children.
Two proponents for a controversial Calexit initiative called "Yes California" that would aim to separate the state from the union have backed away from the plan just three months after getting approval to begin collecting voter signatures.

On Monday, as the Los Angeles Times reports, Louis Marinelli and Marcus Ruiz Evans decided to "pull the plug" on the initiative. Evans contacted the secretary of state's office Monday in an effort to cancel the campaign, but hasn't yet turned in a signed letter that would make the cancellation official.

Marinelli's role in the campaign had come under scrutiny after it was revealed that the former San Diego resident now resides in Russia, and as of recently, is planning to stay there. According to Ruiz Evans, Marinelli's residency was enough to "spook" nine donors into backing away from the effort, fearing they would be implicated in ties to Russian Kremlin Vladimir Putin.

Marinelli, however, told the Los Angeles Times on Monday that the news media "simultaneously sensationalized, exaggerated, and dramatized information about our campaign and particularly about myself in an effort to delegitimize our effort and demoralize our supporters."

Ruiz Evans noted to the Sacramento Bee that the campaign would have had more success if it avoided "claims that something evil was going on backed by Russia."

Marinelli will reportedly stay on with Yes California, but Ruiz Evans will join a separate initiative pushing for an independent California, called the California Freedom Coalition. He aims to file a new Calexit proposal by May 1.

The passing of a Calexit campaign is highly unlikely. In order for it to succeed, a special election would need to take place within the state in March 2019  which the courts could block. Another avenue would require a new amendment to be added to the U.S. Constitution to permit the secession, since there's currently no law in place to allow for a state to leave the union. That means two-thirds of Congress and three-quarters of U.S. states  at least 38  would need to OK the creation of such an amendment.

Since the state of California is integral to the United States' economy, the latter method is a highly unlikely scenario.

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.


SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

Selling flavored or menthol cigarettes would be banned in San Francisco under legislation proposed to the Board of Supervisors today.

Flanked by about 40 supporters waving signs with slogans like "Protect Our Youth," San Francisco Supervisor Malia Cohen announced the proposed ordinance on the steps of City Hall this morning.

"The tobacco industry targets young adults, African Americans and LGBTQ people, deceptively associating these products with fruit, mints and candy," said Cohen, who is lead author of the legislation.

Mayor Ed Lee, who spoke at the event, has endorsed the proposed ordinance.

Cohen said tobacco companies focus on young people as a marketing strategy "to protect their bottom line by constantly cultivating new users."

"We want our communities to be healthy," Lee said. "Tobacco companies are trying to get vulnerable communities hooked. I look forward with eager anticipation to signing this (ordinance)."

The ordinance would ban the sale of products including cigarettes, cigars and e-products that are advertised as having a "characterizing flavor." Examples include hazelnut cigars and peach cigarillos.

A similar ordinance will be introduced to the Oakland City Council in May by Annie Campbell Washington, Oakland's vice mayor.

"We took on Big Soda and won. Now we're taking on Big Tobacco," Campbell Washington said at the rally.

She was referring to the fact that San Francisco, Oakland and Albany voters passed measures taxing soda to reduce consumption in November.

"This has been a long time coming," said Dr. Valerie Yerger, an associate professor at University of California at San Francisco.

Yerger said more than 80 percent of African American smokers use menthol cigarettes, and 45,000 African Americans die annually from tobacco-related diseases.

A coalition of advocates including Breathe California and the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council attended the rally, wearing black T-shirts with the classic red circle and slash over the word "flavor," with an image of a cigarette below.

Smoking flavored or menthol cigarettes wouldn't violate the ordinance, said Brittni Chicuata, a legislative aide to Cohen.

"It only bans their sale," she said.

Their are 852 tobacco retailers in San Francisco, and 99.7 percent of all tobacco retailers sell menthol cigarettes, Chicuata said.

She said San Francisco's tobacco retailers have been cooperative in the past and she foresees no problems should the ordinance pass.

"The (city's) Department of Public Health has done a tremendous job cultivating relationships with retailers," Chicuata said.

The ordinance would be enforced similarly to existing prohibitions against selling cigarettes to minors, she said.

The health department would contact retailers to tell them about the ban well in advance of its anticipated Jan. 1, 2018 start date, Chicuata said.
New Delhi, Apr 18 (IBNS): Union Minister for Finance, Defence and Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley, will leave on a five-day official visit to the US on Wednesday to participate in the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Finance Minister will reach Washington early on April 20.

On his arrival, he will be briefed by the Executive Director (Indian Constituency) of World Bank and Executive Director (Indian Constituency) of IMF.

In the evening, he is likely to hold a meeting with the Editorial Board of Washington Post and later in the evening, participate in a dinner hosted by the Heritage Foundation.

The official delegation led by the Finance Minister includes among others, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Shaktikanta Das, Chief Economic Adviser (CEA), Dr. Arvind Subramanian and a team of RBI officials led by RBI Governor, Dr. Urijit Patel.

On April 21, Arun Jaitley and RBI Governor, Dr. Urijit Patel will participate in the G-20 Meeting on Financial Sector Development and Regulations and other issues.

The Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shaktikanta Das will also participate in the said meeting.

In the afternoon, the Finance Minister along with Governor RBI and Secretary (Economic Affairs) will participate in IMFC Introductory Session on Global Development and Prospects.

Thereafter, the Finance Minister and RBI Governor will participate in IMFC Session on Early Warning Exercise.

In the evening, the Finance Minister along with Secretary (Economic Affairs) will hold a meeting with the CEOs. Thereafter, the Finance Minister will attend a dinner hosted in his reception by the Ambassador of India in the US.

On April 22, Arun Jaitley will participate in IMFC restricted Breakfast Session and thereafter, will participate in the IMFC Plenary Session along with Governor RBI and Secretary (Economic Affairs) among others.

Thereafter, the Finance Minister will hold a meeting with his US counterpart and US Secretary of Treasury.

In the afternoon, he will participate in the Development Committee Plenary Meeting of the World Bank.

In the evening, he will hold meetings with his Bangladesh counterpart and will also have a meeting with the President, World Bank.

On Sunday, April 23, the Finance Minister and Secretary ((Economic Affairs) will leave for New York and later in the evening, will participate in the dinner hosted by the President FICCI.

On April 24, the Finance Minister will interact with Council for Foreign Relations in the morning, followed by a meeting with Institutional Investors and a luncheon meeting with Long Term Investors.

Arun Jaitley is likely to meet the Editorial Board of New York Times before leaving for Moscow on April 24 evening.
The most compelling parts of Autobiography of a Terrorist are those in which an actor simply tells the audience a story. The shows writer, Said Sayrafiezadeh, is best known for his work in fiction and memoir, and onstage, those storytelling faculties find a natural home in monologue.

His premise in Golden Thread Productions world premiere is rich. An American playwright of Iranian and Jewish heritage revisits, through staging a play-within-a-play, the part of his childhood during the Iranian hostage crisis; racist casting calls he sits through as a young actor; and his moment-by-moment processing, from the Westside Highway, of the destruction of the twin towers.

The play makes the most out of that premise toward the end, as the playwright character, also called Said (Damien Seperi), tells an autobiographical tale of playground bullying. In this moment, his hitherto unruly ensemble of three (Patricia Austin, Cassidy Brown and Alan Coyne) does his bidding, acting out a scene that could also work on the page as a short story.

Here, the prose is spare and limpid, the imagery vivid, the insights bitingly honest: I was suddenly the dumb American in his eyes. And although it was just a role I was playing, I hated him for judging me that way. Above all, the anecdotes forward motion is inexorable: You can tell, almost from the storys first sparks of action, that the narrator is about to go from lifelong victim of ethnicity-based bullying to bully himself, and you simultaneously dread and yearn to find out how, exactly, that comes to pass.

Yet most of the rest of the play, which opened Monday, April 17, at the Potrero Stage, fails to build stakes. Part of the problem is that the collage of scenes that makes up the play-within-a-play lampoons the unchecked privilege of whiteness only bluntly and superficially, especially for any audience member whos already woke enough to see a play at a theater company thats dedicated to the Middle East. Just in case you didnt know this already, white Americans cant pronounce Iranian names or tell the difference among Middle Eastern countries. They assume that anyone whose skin is a certain shade, or whose last name sounds a certain way, is a terrorist. They grill Middle Easterners about 9/11 without examining, or even being aware of, their own culpability in deadly attacks on civilians by the U.S. military.

Still, these lazy jokes get some laughs thanks to thoughtful performances. Coyne milks a hangdog persona to riotous effect, and Brown finds whole comic arcs inside what would seem to be single jokes, punching individual syllables in a way that gives new edge to flat humor.

Yet when Autobiography of a Terrorist backs out of the play-within-a-play, to comment on the scenes Said and his troupe have enacted, the show falls apart. The director of the play-within-a-play, played by Brown, halts proceedings mid-scene, because mysterious government agents have deemed the show dangerous (even though it looks about as dangerous as a high school skit). For the rest of Autobiography, Brown as censoring director and Seperi as righteous playwright duke it out over who has control over each scene, but Autobiography director Evren Odcikin doesnt make the conceits rules clear. When one character succeeds in wresting control, its not clear why the other gives up  nor is it clear why they have to keep going to finish Saids collage of scenes in the first place. Why doesnt everyone just go home?

Autobiography attempts to preempt that criticism with self-awareness: Its not making sense to the audience. Were losing them, Said says at one point. Awareness alone, however, doesnt bring us back.

Lily Janiak is The San Francisco Chronicles theater critic. Email: ljaniak@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LilyJaniak

Autobiography of a Terrorist: Written by Said Sayrafiezadeh. Directed by Evren Odcikin. Through May 7. One hour, 45 minutes. $15-$36. Potrero Stage, 1695 18th St., S.F. www.goldenthread.org

To see a trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2fMvXu_cmk
SACRAMENTO  The man behind a campaign to have California secede from the nation asked the state Monday to withdraw the ballot measure from signature-gathering after he decided to seek permanent residency in Russia.

Louis Marinelli of the group Yes California has faced mounting criticism from backers of other secession efforts in the state, saying his involvement in Russia, where he previously said he was living temporarily while working as a teacher, has been a distraction. Those CalExit supporters questioned Marinellis motives and said they want nothing to do with a country accused of meddling in the U.S. presidential election.

Yes California co-founder Marcus Ruiz Evans said other supporters of secession efforts are planning to push for a ballot measure under a group not affiliated with Marinelli. Ruiz Evans said Monday that he left Yes California and joined the California Freedom Coalition, another campaign that wants California to become its own country through peaceful secession.

While a surprising number of Californians support secession  1 out of 3 in a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll in January  constitutional law experts say its virtually impossible for the Golden State to break away.

Marinelli and his group Yes California had been collecting petition signatures to qualify a measure on the 2018 ballot that would remove language from the state Constitution describing California as an inseparable part of the United States of America. If that measure had passed, a future ballot measure would have to ask voters whether the state should secede. The proposed 2018 initiative needed more than 585,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot. Its unclear how many signatures had been collected before the campaign was dropped.

A secretary of state spokesman says their office has been notified by Yes California of the intent to withdraw the measure from circulation and is awaiting a signed notice to officially withdraw it.

Marinelli said he will continue to advocate for Californias secession.

No other plan offers better solutions to the problems or alleviates the growing fears of tens of millions of people who live in California, Marinelli wrote in an email to Yes California supporters.

Marinelli wrote in the email that Yes California has seen significant growth since President Trump was elected in November and that the group now has nearly 100,000 people registered as supporters and 1,200 financial contributions. Marinelli blamed the media for sensationalized, exaggerated, and dramatized information about him and his groups efforts to have California break from the union. He said it was his own fight to have his Russian wife legally immigrate to the United States that forced him to move to Russia.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
When Andrea Nguyen, noted Asian culinary expert and cookbook author, left Los Angeles for Santa Cruz County 19 years ago, she was surprised to encounter a rather dispirited food scene.

Despite local farmers markets carrying the most vibrant of produce, the dining landscape was lackluster, dominated by the frozen, the fried and far too many flabby clam chowders.

But thankfully, times have changed  in the most delicious of ways.

Nguyen, who moved to Santa Cruz in 1998 when her husband, Rory OBrien, became a political science professor at Cabrillo College in Aptos, has witnessed this beach town grow into a true dining destination. New restaurants and purveyors have invigorated the area, thanks in part, she believes, to chef Kendra Baker opening the artisan Penny Ice Creamery in 2010.

She brought a higher caliber of food and service to this town, which needed enlightening and enlivening, says Nguyen, 48. I think she inspired more restaurateurs to come to town. Theres a new generation now breathing fresh air into what was once a tired food scene.

Nguyen took us on a tour, proudly showing off five new  and one not so new  places that showcase the breadth of dining now here. The Vietnam native may have authored five Asian cuisine cookbooks, including her latest that debuted in February, The Pho Cookbook (Ten Speed Press). But she jokingly admits even she cannot live on Asian food alone.

Bay Area freelance writer Carolyn Jung blogs at FoodGal.com and is the author of the San Francisco Chefs Table. E-mail: food@sfchronicle.com

Earth Belly

The flourish of fresh garlic and rosemary, not to mention the accompanying house-made aioli, on the hand-cut, impeccably crisp fries gives you an early indication that a practiced hand is at work in the kitchen. Indeed, chef and owner Chad Greer cooked for years at Aqua in San Francisco, before working for chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten in Manhattan, then opening his own farm-to-table restaurant in the Hudson Valley. In July 2016, he moved to Santa Cruz to open this airy, casual cafe that strives to serve entirely non-GMO, organic food such as a BLT piled on a pillowy house-made bun and crowned with an over-easy local Glaum Ranch egg; and the TriAthlete, a healthful mound of salad greens, kale, chickpeas, carrots, beets, sunflower seeds and hemp seeds  all drizzled with a ginger-avocado vinaigrette.

Theres a good selection of organic local beers. The bakery case brims with pecan pie bars made with Fair Trade chocolate. Earth Belly even sells 24-ounce bags of its own gluten-free flour mix for $8.95. Its my go-to place for lunch, Nguyen says. Everything is well sourced and well prepared.

Must order: The fish sandwich ($10.50) spotlights local rock cod slathered with lemon and caper aioli with pepper slaw on a house-made bun. 381 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, (831) 621-2248, eatearthbelly.com.

Mason Trinca/Special to The Chronicle

Mutari

Stephen Beaumier, a former cook at Cyrus in Healdsburg and Quince in San Francisco, traded a weary four-hour round-trip commute for a four-block one instead when he and his girlfriend Katy Oursler, an events planner, took over Santa Cruz Countys only bean-to-bar chocolate company a year ago. The two of them do it all themselves  from sourcing beans from eight regions of the world to producing about 100 pounds of single-origin chocolate each week. Made from beans that are largely organic and Rainforest Alliance Certified, the chocolate is fashioned into bars, as well as gourmet hot chocolate mixes.

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, they open their doors to their cafe there, serving a concise menu of intense sipping chocolate or dairy-free, vegan hot chocolate made with coconut milk that Beaumier whisks by hand at a vintage stove in front of visitors. They are so smart in how they make their chocolate and run their business, says Nguyen, who noted that Beaumier and Oursler rent their commercial kitchen in the back to other local food producers, which affords them more income to grow their own business carefully and slowly.

Must order: Nguyens favorite Hot Chocolate Flight ($10.50) comprised of a small cup each of Spicy Mexican, Single Origin Bolivia, and Himalayan Pink Salt. 504-A Front St., Santa Cruz, (831) 687-8141, www.mutarichocolate.com.

Mason Trinca/Special to The Chronicle

Shun Feng

At first glance of the menu, this may seem like any typical Chinese restaurant. But Stacy Liu, whose father, Baolin Liu, is the chef and owner, wants to show people that Chinese food is more than broccoli beef, and sweet and sour pork. Look more closely to discover more unusual dishes such as cubes of tofu fried in an addicting salt and pepper crust, zilan (cumin) lamb with a blaze of Szechuan peppercorns, and roast duck with taro cooked in a clay pot. Or do the clever thing Nguyen did, which is ask Liu, whose family immigrated from northern China and took over the restaurant three years ago, What do you like to eat? Thats how Nguyen found out about the restaurants International Students Menu, which is not printed, but just recited. On it are comfort food dishes like eggs gently cooked with tomato that the restaurant makes especially for home-sick students from China attending college in the Santa Cruz area. Nguyen considers it the best place in the county for Asian food.

Must order: Spicy and sour stir-fried potatoes ($9.95) off the International Students Menu. Hand-cut strands of potato are flash-cooked with vinegar and dried peppers for a tangy, smoky taste. Resembling noodles yet with an unexpected crunchy texture, this is potato prepared like youve never had before. 420 River St., Santa Cruz, (831) 423-9888, www.shunfengsantacruz.com.

East End Gastropub

This sister restaurant to the popular West End Tap & Kitchen on the other side of town opened a year ago. Co-owner and chef Geoff Hargrave came over from there to run the kitchen here, offering a smaller menu that changes more frequently. Sixteen beers are featured on tap, including East Ends own, plus ones from Hermitage and the Tied House. Take a seat at the long marble bar to enjoy an eclectic menu, featuring everything from Kentucky Fried duck leg with brie mac and cheese to Szechuan-cured pork belly baos. Nguyen appreciates that the restaurant takes the time to make its own pasta, including rye pappardelle and green-hued arugula manicotti. The portions are so generous, Nguyen says. The house salad could easily serve four people.

Must order: House-made gemelli pasta ($14) tossed with chorizo, kale and a creamy tomatosauce. 1501 41st Ave., Capitola, (831) 475-8010, www.eastendpub.com.

Jaguar

Owner Dina Torres serves alfresco food at her Cafe Campesino in Santa Cruz only when weather permits. But in January, she opened a second place that serves up provincial Mexican cuisine year-round. With its understated gray walls, muted striped banquettes, tables draped in white cloths and adorned with vases of fresh tulips, Jaguar is an elegant, stylish affair. You eat and its such a nice experience, Nguyen says. You dont feel weighed down afterward, either. Not with salads made with first-of-the-season local peas, baby spinach, queso cotija, and a serrano-lemon dressing or even house-made meatballs smothered in a chipotle-tomato sauce and served with house-made tortillas.

Must order: Torta de papa ($8), an appetizer of golden potato and queso fresco cakes reminiscent of tater tots. 1116 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, (831) 600-7428, www.jaguarrestaurantinc.com.

Mason Trinca/Special to The Chronicle

Home

In what was once an actual charming little 1950s house, chef Brad Briske is turning out world-class food like an artful octopus carpaccio that tastes like the perfect headcheese of the sea. Formerly the executive chef of the stellar La Balena in Carmel-by-the-Sea, he cures his own salumi, makes supple pastas, and even dries his own local seaweed to add an umami pop to the rice coating of his fried chicken. The restaurant, which opened in November, is dinner-only right now, but hopes to eventually fire up its pizza oven for weekend lunches on the expansive back patio planted with herbs, as well as kiwi, lemon and peach trees.

Must-order: They are really gutsy for serving whole bone-in fish, says Nguyen, who particularly loved a perfectly fried version on her first visit. Briske changes up the menu regularly, featuring whole fish cooked various ways, such as salt-crusted whole sea bass ($27), garnished with fennel, kumquat, blood orange and watercress. 3101 N. Main St., Soquel, (831) 431-6131, www.homesoquel.com.
1 Shark attack: A 17-year-old surfer was killed by a shark Monday off Australias south coast, police said. The girl was surfing with her father when she was attacked off Esperance in Western Australia state. She was taken in critical condition to a hospital, where she died. Police have not said what type of shark was responsible. Australia has averaged fewer than two deadly shark attacks per year in recent decades.

2 Acid attack: British police are investigating an acid attack at a London club that led to a mass evacuation. Police said Monday that 12 people were treated in hospitals for burns. None of the injuries were life-threatening. The incident at the Mangle nightclub in east London started with a dispute between two groups of people that escalated when a male suspect sprayed a noxious substance. Roads in the area were closed and a hazardous material response team rushed to the scene.
Mumbai, Apr 18 (IBNS): The BSE Sensex which gained 250 points during the day on Tuesday finally ended down 94.56 points at 29319.10 while NSE Nifty was down 34.15 points at 9105.15.

Market reports attributed the trend reversal to heavy selling in realty and metal stocks largely due to mixed global cues.

Key stocks that gained on Tuesday were NTPC, Wipro, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Hindalco, Maruti Suzuki and GAIL while Tata Steel, Ambuja Cements, Coal India, Sun Pharma, Asian Paints, Bharti Infratel and BHEL declined.

Meanwhile, according to media reports, former liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who left India a year ago for the UK, was arrested by the Scotland Yard on Tuesday.

Mallya, who has been accused of defaulting on loans worth crores of rupees, is expected to be produced before a metropolitan court on Tuesday.

India had requested extradition of Mallya in February, according to media reports.

The news of the arrest led to a fall in the shares of United Breweries and United Spirits, market reports said.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia  Secretary of Defense James Mattis arrived in Saudi Arabia Tuesday on the first stop of a week-long tour through the Middle East and Northern Africa.

The visit marks the first time he has visited Saudi Arabia as Pentagon chief.

During the trip, Mattis will meet with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as well as the defense minister, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud, and the interior minister, deputy crown prince Mohammed Bin Nayef.

Mattis said he plans to discuss the current security situation in the region and how the United States can deepen and broaden its relationship with Saudi Arabia.

Mattis will also likely address U.S. operations against the Islamic State in Syria, according to defense officials. In the past, Saudi Arabia has entertained committing some of its own troops to help with the upcoming battle for the terrorist groups de facto capital of Raqqa.

Mattis trip comes as the Pentagon considers ramping up support for the Saudi-led coalition fighting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The help would likely come through both U.S. advisers and new arms sales to assist Saudi and Emirati forces for a new offensive in southern Yemen.

When asked by reporters if the Trump administration had any plans to send additional aid to help Saudi Arabia turn the tide in Yemens more than 2-year-old civil war, Mattis wouldnt say.

Our goal ... is for that crisis, the ongoing fight, to be put in front of a U.N.-brokered negotiation team and try and resolve this politically as soon as possible, Mattis said.

This is something with the innocent number of people dying inside Yemen that has simply has to be brought to an end.

Thomas Gibbons-Neff is a Washington Post writer.
My favorite cubbies when I was little were in an antique mail-sorting unit in a neighbor's basement. Roughly one-and-a-half first-graders high and two first-graders long, its thin, imperfectly smooth boards intersected into 100 small letter boxes. My friend and I played satisfyingly tactile games of writing, folding, addressing, sorting and delivering pieces of paper there.

The modern US Postal Service is more sophisticated, as you can spend 10 minutes discovering on this video with a transfixed kid. The USPS delivers ... but significantly fewer letters than they used to: roughly half as many as 25 years ago.

Email accounts for much of this downturn, as a spring-break moment recently nailed. My children, niece and nephew sat around the kitchen table writing postcard thank-you notes to the owners of our rented house. I watched them from afar, computer on my lap, emailing a friend about our week. My laptop cord snaked over a book of Emily Dickinson's envelope poems.

The book includes facsimiles of envelopes on which Dickinson wrote poems and fragments. The delicate, ephemeral nature of the paper and handwriting is palpable even when reproduced. Reading them, I imagine the pencil and the hand that held it. I wonder about the letter each envelope contained in the first place.

Email doesn't do this. Its virtues are efficiency, expediency, immediacywords that end differently than nostalgic adjectives for letters. Can we be nostalgic for emails? What does nostalgia have to do with value, anyway?

I love handwritten letters, but I mostly write on computer. I haven't even sent a holiday card in three years. Spring break's newsy email? I copied it to send to two other friends. Is that super-lazy or super-productive? Which paradigm am I going by?

Meanwhile, I have drawers stuffed with decades of letters written, received, reheld and reread. Nostalgia and value are as bound as pen and ink. So even as I e-correspond, I worry about what's lostas do websites, blog posts, online newspaper pieces, and book projects bemoaning "the lost art of letter writing."

In a Guardian article, Jon McGregor writes about roles of letters as family archives, physical journeyers, mediators between past and present and agents of "forced patience." Unlike linear, legible emails, letters are as idiosyncratically disordered as only handmade things can be [see Emily Dickinson, envelope poems]. McGregor acknowledges the related worth of the tactile: "People really do like having something to hold."

I much prefer the feeling of paper to screenon both ends of correspondence. Having something to hold makes real the process of writing. And the process of writing a letter tells the story of someone, in a particular place, taking time to slow down, reflect and form words with mind and hand in synch.

It is a cultural moment, toowhether it's our grandparents' courtship, a 9-year-old's coerced gratitude, keepsake baby cards or memorized letters-in-song: "Take a Letter, Maria," "Famous Blue Raincoat," "Anchorage."

The British Telegraph recently reported letter-writing decline among teenagers. While the article does not comment on the anachronistic collision of a web-posted article about letter writing habits of a digital generation in a newspaper called The Telegraph, it does address literacy links.

Letter-writing kidsat a 2:1 ratio to non-letter-writing peersfeel better about writing in general, write above age/grade level, and consider written correspondence "fashionable." National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas notes, "Young letter writers are more likely to write every day outside school which improves their literacy, enabling them to do better in class and throughout their lives."

I love these kids weighing in on the fashionableness of letter writing! But the report's most relevant point, albeit unsurprising, is that literacy skills depend enormously on reading and writing children do outside of school.

When writing is valued only in school, its valuesand joysdon't extend beyond that threshold. But if boundaries between in-class and at-home literacy are blurred, then kids might border-cross more easily. Could letter-writing invite kids to meaningfully take literacy into their own hands?

I was pleased to find a non-British source about children and letter writing at PBS standby educational website Reading Rockets. It includes letter-writing activities for kids ages 5-9  from a guide for "Write a Letter Week," which happens in England.

US publications frame letter-writing benefits as tokens of healthy living. They make us feel positive and create memories, reduce stress and contribute to overall wellbeing. Articles link slowing down with creative expression and discuss the cognitive benefits of writing by hand.

American letter writing is an artisanal form of therapy. It's endorsed by Mental Floss"4 Benefits of Writing By Hand for National Handwriting Day"and a UCLA neuroimaging study"Putting Feelings Into Words Produces Therapeutic Effects in the Brain."

McGregor's Guardian piece prints a letter from writer George Saunders. Saunders riffs on the brain connection of writer and recipient at the moment of reading: "You now believe more fully in my existence and I in yours. We think more highly of one another. And we think better of everyone else, too. It seems more likely to us now that other people actually exist."

What is it about a personal letter, an artifact of time taken and thoughts transcribed, that might breed empathy? On the other hand, is there anything about such an intimate, hand-sorted piece of mail that would not make us acutely feel another's existence.

Empathy, literacy, mindfulness and behavioral healthletter-writing looks like a balm for kids of all risk levels. I used to think about a class on letters in which students would have to mail me every assignment. Maybe I should develop this.

Time magazine, alas, calls into question the "increased creativity, better critical thinking, boosted self confidence, and a correlated improvement in reading capability with writing prowess" that researchers have tied to writing by hand.

"We don't really have facts, we have evidence," says quoted Indiana University psychologist Karin James. "But it's highly suggestive evidence."

I'm good with that.

Letters themselves are excellent at being highly suggestive and evidential, whether commenting on landscape, love or historical events. One of the best plugs for them is sitting down to write one. The other is reading them, whether they arrive in a mailbox, a book or the box a relative didn't know what to do with.

I read over the postcards my niece, nephew, son and daughter left behind in their race to go swim. They ranged from a detailed vacation account to a simple thank you to scattered notes about random things: the name of the room my son slept in, cocodrilos, the pool, a turtle sculpture. My daughter simply wrote, "Love Uncle Eddie Aunt Abi Love Sylvia" with some fancy letters and hearts.

Letter writing doesn't have to be profound, although the novelty of sitting down with a pen and nice paper can make it feel like it does. The luxury of reading or writing a full-fledged letter is, well, noteworthy; but connections among mind, hand, pen and experience spark with a postcard, too.

The thing is connection. So for kidsand the adults they're watchingletter-writing habits can connect reading and writing to their own lives and people they love.

Santa Fe Reporter
US hedge fund Matrix Capital Management sold down its stake in Wellington-based software developer Xero, selling to Silicon Valley tech investor TCV.

Matrix sold 1.4 million shares, or about 1 percent of the company, to TCV at $20 apiece on April 14 in an off-market deal, for a total of $28.6 million, notices to the stock exchange show. That was a small discount to the $20.30 price the shares were trading at when the NZX closed for the Easter holiday, however Matrix first bought into Xero at $6 a share acquiring 11.5 million shares in late 2012, later topping up its stake with an additional 715,000 shares at $20 each. Matrix still holds 11.8 million shares, giving them an 8.5 percent stake.

Palo Alto, California-based TCV has invested more than US$9 billion across 200+ companies, including Airbnb, Facebook, Expedia, Netflix and Spotify. The Xero investment comes from the TCV IX fund, which raised US$2.5 billion last year to focus on mature firms that had proved themselves in the marketplace.

Boston, Massachusetts-based Matrix Capital was co-founded by David Goel, a former Tiger Management employee where he was mentored by retired US hedge fund manager Julian Robertson, a vocal advocate for New Zealand who was made an honorary knight companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2010 for his services to business and philanthropy.

Xero shares recently rose 0.3 percent $20.37, having gained 16 percent so far this year. The company passed its millionth customer milestone before March 31, and investors are expecting the software developer will achieve a maiden profit in 2019.

(BusinessDesk)

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New Zealand dairy farmers are likely to get a higher payout from milk processors next season as global output remains subdued while demand picks up in China, underpinning prices, according to agri banking specialist Rabobank.

The lender forecast a farmgate milk price near $6.25 per kilogram of milk solids for the upcoming 2017/18 season, ahead of Fonterra Cooperative Group's $6/kgMS forecast for the current 2016/17 season, it said in its recently released report titled 'New Zealand Dairy Sector - Out of the Woods'. Rabobank doesn't anticipate much upside to the farmgate milk price for the current season due to stronger than anticipated production from New Zealand, it said.

Global dairy prices have started to pick up this season as demand and supply come back into balance after record high prices in the 2013/14 season spurred farmers to ramp up production, causing an oversupply which led to two years of weak prices below the level required by most dairy farmers to break even. Despite the improved market balance, Rabobank said the possibility of further lifts to the current season farmgate milk price was limited.

The price rally experienced since the second half of 2016 has had some of the gloss removed with stronger than anticipated production from New Zealand impacting on prices. As a result we dont envisage much upside to $6/kgMS for the final farmgate milk price for the 2016/17 season, said report author, Rabobank dairy analyst Emma Higgins.

However, Higgins said greater market balance was likely to ensure a favourable farmgate milk price for next season.

Milk output around the globe continues to remain low. While the speed of decline in milk production is slowing, it will take until the latter half of 2017 for volumes available for export to increase. On the demand side, we expect a significant uptick in Chinese dairy import volumes across 2017 and this will help to underpin whole milk powder (WMP) markets," she said. These dynamics are set to keep global supply and demand largely in balance and, assuming a spot currency rate, we forecast the global market is in line to deliver a farmgate milk price near $6.25/kgMS.

The report said a milk price in this ballpark would allow New Zealand dairy farmers to emerge from the woods after a two-year period of depressed commodity pricing.

Fonterra paid farmers $3.90/kgMS for the 2015/16 season and $4.40/kgMS for the 2014/15 season.

Despite recent increases in farmgate milk prices, the cash-flow benefit has only just been realised in farmers pockets due to lower early-season advance payment rates and another profitable season in 2017/18 is crucial to boost confidence in the sector, Higgins said. Depending on cost structures, a milk price of $6.25kg/MS would be profitable for the majority of New Zealand farmers and would provide a second year of healthy farmer margins.

Farm inputs such as fertiliser and feed appear set to remain comparatively low, helping farm profitability, she said.

Still, risks remain to the more positive outlook, including the chance of increased milk supply out of Europe and currency shifts stemming from political uncertainties in Europe, she said.

The most significant upside to the banks outlook was the possibility of a sharp increase in New Zealand dairy exports to China.

Chinese production has been struggling to keep pace with our low consumption growth forecast of 1 percent and stock levels are now very low," Higgins said.

"We see import growth of 20 percent year-on-year as a possibility for 2017, which would barely restore inventory levels, she said. New Zealand is well positioned to play a lead role in providing product to China, particularly so in the event that other large WMP-producing countries struggle to increase their output over 2017.

Dairy products are New Zealand's largest export commodity and Auckland-based Fonterra is the world's largest dairy exporter.

(BusinessDesk)

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New Delhi, Apr 18 (IBNS): United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary, Patricia Espinosa, met the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Anil Madhav Dave, here on Tuesday.

During the meeting, Dave highlighted Indias Science Express Climate Action Special (SECAS) train being run as an ongoing climate change awareness programme for various sections of society, especially students.

The Environment Minister also emphasized the importance of sustainable lifestyles in addressing the climate change issues.

UNFCCC Executive Secretary praised Indias actions as an example for many other countries.

She emphasized the need to showcase these efforts on international platforms.

Earlier, in a meeting with the Secretary, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Ajay Narayan Jha, Espinosa acknowledged India as an important partner in pursuing the agenda of climate change and expressed interest in engaging with Indian institutions playing a major role in climate action in India.

She dwelt upon the synergy between the Sustainable Development Goals and climate actions.

Jha highlighted Indias actions to address climate change, including the goals to reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030, increasing the share of non-fossil fuel sources in the electricity mix, afforestation efforts and worlds largest renewable energy programme being pursued in India.

He also underlined the climate change governance structure to monitor climate change actions in India, which includes PM's Council on Climate Change chaired by the Prime Minister and Executive Committee on Climate Change, chaired by Principal Secretary to Prime Minister.

The issues of adequate means of implementation including climate finance, capacity building and technological support to developing countries were also flagged during the meeting. It was also highlighted that the core principles of equity and CBDR-RC need to be operationalized in the Paris Rule Book.

Espinosa is on a two-day visit on Apr 18-19, 2017. This is the first visit of UNFCCC Executive Secretary to India.


Washington, Apr 18 (IBNS): A new NASA-funded study has identified which glaciers in West Greenland are most susceptible to thinning in the coming decades by analyzing how theyare shaped.

The research could help predict how much the Greenland Ice Sheet will contribute to future sea level rise in the next century, a number that currently ranges from inches to feet.

There are glaciers that popped up in our study that flew under the radar until now, said lead author Denis Felikson, a graduate research assistant at The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) and a Ph.D. student in The University of Texas Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. Feliksons study was published in Nature Geoscience on April 17.



The Greenland Ice Sheet is the second largest ice sheet on Earth and has been losing mass for decades, a trend scientists have linked to a warming climate. However, the mass change experienced by individual coastal glaciers, which flow out from the ice sheet into the ocean, is highly variable. This makes predicting the impact on future sea-level rise difficult.

We were looking for a way to explain why this variability exists, and we found a way to do it that has never been applied before on this scale, Felikson said.

Of the 16 glaciers researchers investigated in West Greenland, the study found four that are the most susceptible to thinning: Rink Isbrae, Umiamako Isbrae, Jakobshavn Isbrae and Sermeq Silardleq.

Umiamako Isbrae, Sermeq Silardleq and Jakobshavn Isbrae are already losing mass, with Jakobshavn being responsible for more than 81 percent of West Greenlands total mass loss over the past 30 years.

Rink has remained stable since 1985, but through shape analysis researchers found that it could start to thin if its terminus, the front of the glacier exposed to ocean water, becomes unstable. This is a strong possibility as the climate continues to warm.

"Not long ago we didn't even know how much ice Greenland was losing, now we're getting down to the critical details that control its behavior," said Tom Wagner, director of NASAs cryosphere program, which sponsored the research.

The analysis works by calculating how far inland thinning that starts at the terminus of each glacier is likely to extend. Glaciers with thinning that reaches far inland are the most susceptible to ice mass loss.

Just how prone a glacier is to thinning depends on its thickness and surface slope, features that are influenced by the landscape under the glacier. In general, thinning spreads more easily across thick and flat glaciers and is hindered by thin and steep portions of glaciers.

The research revealed that most glaciers are susceptible to thinning between 10 and 30 miles inland. For Jakobshavn, however, the risk of thinning reaches over 150 miles inlandalmost one-third of the way across the Greenland Ice Sheet.

Jakobshavn is particularly vulnerable to thinning because it flows through a very deep trough that extends deep into the ice sheet interior, making the ice thick and the surface flat, Felikson said.

Felikson said these calculations will help identify which areas of Greenland may be most susceptible to melting and thus contribute most to future sea level rise. However, while the method can point out vulnerable areas, it cant predict how much mass loss is likely to occur.

BANNER IMAGE: Terminus of Kangerlugssuup Sermerssua glacier in west Greenland.

Credit: Denis Felikson, Univ. of Texas

Still, knowing which glaciers are the most at risk can help scientists allocate limited resources, said co-author Timothy Bartholomaus, an assistant professor at the University of Idaho. The approach we demonstrate here allows us to identify which outlet glaciers are not yet changing rapidly, but might, Bartholomaus said. With that knowledge, we can anticipate potential sea-level rise and set up the observational campaigns in advance to understand these glacier changes.

Among other sources of data, Felikson and his team used a bedrock topography map created with data from NASAs Ocean Melting Greenland project to determine the thickness of the ice and a digital elevation model from the Greenland Ice Mapping Project, which uses measurements from the Japanese-provided Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) instrument on NASAs Terra satellite, to separate glacier catchments.

Ginny Catania, an associate professor in the University of Texas Jackson School of Geosciences and research associate at UTIG, said the group has plans to apply the shape analysis technique to other glaciers. Our plan is to extend the analysis so that we can identify glaciers in Antarctica and around the rest of Greenland that are most likely to be susceptible to change in the future, she said.

Study collaborators include researchers at Icelands Institute of Earth Sciences, the University of Copenhagen, the University of California, the University of Kansas, Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. The research was funded by NASA and The University of Texas Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Department.



Image credit: Timothy Bartholomaus, Univ. of Idaho
Kolkata, 17th April (IBNS): 'Transformation', a novel on gender dysphoria written by Jaya Rajgopalan was launched at Oxford Bookstore in association with Power Publishers, a self -publishing company.



The book was unveiled by journalist and foreign correspondent Sujoy Dhar, senior assistant Editor of Deccan Chronicles, Ritwik Mukherjee and by actress Tista Das, also a transwoman.

The panel discussion was held on various topics to make the society and specially parents aware of certain issues that prevail in our society that includes gender inequality, child sexual abuse, issues in accepting transgenders and also regarding ways to deal with such issues.

Journalist Sujoy Dhar said, Diversity is a law of nature. We love the variety and diversity that exists in nature but when it comes to appreciating the diversity that exists in the human world, we can either be full of scorn or find it unnatural. If a man is comfortable and happy living with another man, and same goes for a woman then accepting it clearly gives a message that we are educated and make other people aware and be supportive about it."

According to senior assistant Editor of Deccan Chronical, Ritwik Mukherjee, "The divinity in religious fears is formed from the concept of Ardhanarishwar, where the unison of the male and female half form the supreme power. Hence there is no reason as to why the society should consider transgender who possess both male and female qualities, any less human."

Actress Tista Das said, Transgenders are no less than any other gender and thus we dont intend to harm anyone but the society is afraid to accept us. We also want people to accept us the way we are as we do have right to live our own life in our own way.

The book Transformation sheds lights on the issues that still exist in our society circling Transgenders.

Transgenders are subjected to ridicule and their behaviour is considered contemptuous and dismissive in the society, in most cases even by the family members. These problems can be solved if proper awareness is spread among all section of the society.

The book also highlights that gender dysphoria is not a disease or mental illness. It is a disorder, a mismatch between biological sex and gender identity.

The book edited by Liza Gomes and designed by Swarnava Bera will be available in all the leading Oxford Bookstore at Rs 140.

Also one can order a copy of the book through Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Infibeam and Ebay.


On April 2, 2017, Security Forces (SFs) killed three militants of the United Kukigram Defence Army (UKDA) in an encounter at Jullian village under the Manza Police Station of Karbi Anglong District in Assam. Another militant was injured during the encounter.

On March 30, 2017, two militants of the I.K. Songbijit faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB-IKS), identified as Lukash Narzary aka Langfa and David Islary, were killed during an encounter with SFs at Simlagri under the Amguri Police Station in the Chirang District of Assam. One INSAS Rifle with 10 rounds of live ammunition, one 7.65 mm revolver with three rounds of ammunition and one Chinese grenade were recovered.

On March 17, 2017, the dead body of a non-local civilian, identified as Ajay Kumar Shahu, was recovered from the Langol Games Village in the Imphal West District of Manipur. Later, on March 23, 2017, the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), in a statement issued to the Press, claimed that Shahu was eliminated, not because he was a non-Manipuri, but for his 'immoral activities'.

According to partial data compiled by the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), there have been 28 insurgency-related fatalities (10 civilians, three SF personnel, 15 militants) in India's Northeast in the current year (data till April 14, 2017) as compared to 53 such fatalities (18 civilians, three SF personnel, 32 militants) recorded in the region during the corresponding period of 2016. The dip witnessed in level of violence reaffirms the gains registered in 2016.

Through 2016, India's Northeast accounted for 160 fatalities (61 civilians, 17 SF personnel, 82 militants) as against 273 such fatalities (62 civilians, 49 SF personnel, 162 militants) recorded in 2015. In terms of overall fatalities, 2016 recorded the lowest ever fatalities in the State since 1992 [SATP data for the region is available only since 1992]. A previous low of 246 fatalities was recorded in 2011. Significantly, at the peak of insurgency the region saw 1,696 fatalities in 2000.

The Northeast comprises eight states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam , Manipur,Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Barring Sikkim which has had no insurgency in its history, all the others have seen enduring movements of armed violence, though their intensity and dispersal have varied across States and across time. With the exception of Assam, overall fatalities declined in all these States in 2016. In Assam, the death toll increased from 59 in 2015 to 86 in 2016. As in 2015, Tripura did not record a single fatality in 2016.

Year 2016 also recorded the lowest number of civilian fatalities (61) registered in the region since 1992. The previous lowest of 62 was recorded in 2015 and thus the declining trend continued. Fatalities in this category have been rising since 2011, with 79 civilians killed that year, as against 77 in 2010; rising to 90 in 2012 and further to 95 in 2013, to a massive 245 in 2014. At the peak of multiple insurgencies in the region, 946 civilian fatalities were recorded in 2000.

In 2016, civilian fatalities were not recorded in three States - Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Tripura, as against two such States in 2015 - Mizoram and Tripura. Among the States from where civilian fatalities were reported in 2016, with the exception of Assam, which registered a significant increase from 10 to 33, all the other States registered a fall in civilian fatalities.

The number of Districts from where fatalities were reported in 2016 stood at 31, as against 40 in 2015. The seven troubled States of the Northeast (excluding Sikkim) have a total of 108 Districts.

Other parameters of violence also witnessed improvements. As against 16 major incidents (involving three or more fatalities) resulting in 82 deaths in 2015, there were 10 such incidents resulting in 50 deaths in 2016. The number of explosions and resultant fatalities also recorded a decline, from 69 incidents and 14 killed in 2015, to 65 incidents and eight killed in 2016.

The SF:militant kill ratio for 2016 worked out at 1:4.76 against the militants, significantly better than 2015, at 1:2.16. 106 militant fatalities at the hands of SFs were recorded in 2015, out of a total of 162 killed; with the remaining 56 killed in factional clashes. Out of 82 militants killed in 2016, one was killed in a factional clash, while SFs eliminated the remaining 81.

Despite these gains, numerous challenges remain in a region that has seen cyclical surges and recessions in the levels of violence over decades. Never since 1992 have overall fatalities registered a decline, on year on year basis, for more than three consecutive years. This positive trend was achieved twice - between 2004 and 2006; and between 2009 and 2011. Fatalities increased for five consecutive years between 1993 and 1997, the longest span of continuously rising fatalities.

The region remains home to 13 of the 39 terrorist formations banned by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) as on November 19, 2015. According to the SATP database, apart from these 13 proscribed terror outfits, there are another 139 militant outfits that have operated in the region at one point of time or another. These include 19 militant formations which are still active; 97 that operated in the past but have seized operations; and another 23 which are at various stages of peace talks with the Government.

Reports also indicate that many of the militant groups in the region continue to operate in unison to fight jointly for the 'sovereignty' of their respective imagined states. After the November 19, 2016, attack at Pengaree near Digboi, Tinsukia District, Assam, in which three SF personnel were killed, the United Liberation Front of Asom - Independent (ULFA-I) faction claimed that this was a "joint operation" carried out by the its cadres and four members of the Manipur-based Coordination Committee (CorCom) - comprising the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF, the political wing of the People's Liberation Army, PLA), UNLF, People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and the progressive faction of PREPAK (PREPAK-Pro). The other two members of the CorCom, a conglomerate of six Manipur Valley-based militant outfits formed in July 2011, are the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL). The same group also carried out a second attack on the Army in the Chandel District of Manipur on November 26, 2016, and injured five SF personnel. The attacks, codenamed 'Operation Barak', were the first instance of Meitei groups carrying out strikes in Assam, and of ULFA-I operating in Manipur. On December 3, 2016, the 'commander-in-chief' of ULFA-I, Paresh Baruah, clarified that "Operation Barak, named after the Barak River that flows from Manipur to Assam, is a symbol of friendship between the two States."

Earlier, on April 17, 2015, the Khaplang faction of NSCN (NSCN-K) joined hands with three of the most active terror outfits in the Northeast: ULFA-I; NDFB-IKS; and Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), to form the United National Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFWESEA). The UNLFWESEA, headed by S.S. Khaplang, was formed with the objective of setting up a 'northeast government-in-exile', reportedly to be based in Myanmar. Another two outfits, the Tripura-based National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the Assam based People's Democratic Council of Karbi-Longri (PDCK) have also associated with UNLFWESA.

Despite the 'historic accord, signed between the Government of India (GoI) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) on August 3, 2015, to resolve the 'mother of all insurgencies' in the region, the Naga insurgency, the process has, so far, failed to bring the concerned parties to an agreeable settlement. The Naga problem retains the potential to derail the process of deepening peace in the region. Media reports indicate that numerous ambiguities remain in the 'framework agreement', making progress difficult. The NSCN-IM leadership is showing increasing signs of desperation, making allegations against the Union Government. In a media interview published on April 23, 2017, for instance, NSCN-IM 'commander-in-chief' Phunting Shimrang accused the Union Government of delaying the final settlement of the Naga issue and warned "even if only 30 to 100 people are left, we will start (the movement again). The Indian Army may be the biggest force in the world, but we are not scared. We will fight them."

Islamist terror groups backed by Pakistan's external intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), have been a challenge for peace in the region, though their 'effectiveness' has suffered over a period. Nevertheless, the threat exists. On July 24, 2016, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju thus observed,

Assam and the entire northeast are sensitive places. The region shares a major portion of the international border and so its vulnerability is high. It is also prone to jihadi activities. Steps have been taken and arrangements made to ensure the region's safety.

In the meantime, several other issues with a potential to undermine peace in the region remain unaddressed. Prominent among these are the issue of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 that has created troubles in Assam and Tripura; the decision to carve out new Districts from the existing nine districts in Manipur that had a cascading impact on the lives of people in the State as a result of a 139-day blockade; and the lingering issue repatriation of displaced Bru (Reang) refugees from Tripura. The Manipur blockade that began on November 1, 2016, ended with tripartite talks between the Centre, the Manipur Government and the United Naga Council (UNC) on March 19, 2017.

Crucially, the economic disparity that has existed in the region for long because of decades of neglect on the part of successive regimes, remains a major problem. Though the Government has now initiated some steps to address these disparities, the desired pace of development is far from being achieved. Indeed, of the 761 North Eastern Council (NEC) funded projects, with an approved cost of INR 7484.71 crores [INR 74.84 billion], currently under implementations, only 35 projects costing INR 554.40 crores [5.54 billion], sanctioned at different times, have been completed during the financial year 2016-17.

Peace in the region has also been compromised by its extensive, geographically challenging and troubled international borders, with continuous infiltration across a wide range of points and a multiplicity of relative safe havens still in existence, facilitating militant activities. All seven insurgency affected states share international border with one or more of four countries - Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar - all of which have, at some stage, provided refuge to militants operating in India's Northeast, including their top leadership. While the problem with Bhutan and Bangladesh is by no measure as severe as it once was, Myanmar and China remain a significant problem. L.R. Bishnoi, Additional Director General of Police, Assam, observed, on January 10, 2017, "Chinese intelligences have been helping, directly or indirectly various insurgent groups of the North-eastern region that have their bases and hideouts inside Myanmar. These groups are under increasing influence of the Chinese agencies, and ULFA [ULFA-I] leader Paresh Barua is among those top leaders who have been in regular touch with the Chinese liaison office in Ruili on the China-Myanmar border." According to reports, Paresh Barua has set up a base in Ruili, a Chinese town along the China-Myanmar border.

Securing the border is, consequently, of paramount importance. The Government has taken several steps in this direction. Border Outposts (BOPs) along the land border and floating BOPs in riverine segments have been established and strengthened periodically. Border guarding Forces are on round-the-clock surveillance, patrolling and laying nakas (checkposts) all along the land border. In the riverine segments, patrolling is done by water crafts/speed boats. Further, on November 22, 2016, the Government informed Parliament:

The total sanctioned length of fence along Indo-Bangladesh Border is 3326 km [kilometers], out of which 2731 km has been completed. The ongoing fence work along the complete Indo-Bangladesh border is targeted for completion by March 2019. Further, in the stretches in which site is not available, fence work will be completed in three yearsfrom the date of availability of site... A total of 9.12 km fencing along Indo-Myanmar Border in Moreh Sector (between Border Pillars 79-81), Manipur, was approved by Ministry and accordingly Phase-I construction of fencing commenced in the year 2010. The construction of the fence was however temporarily halted on 21.12.2013. At the time of stopping of work only around 3.47 km of border fencing work was completed. No progress on the work has been taken place thereafter. Construction of Border fencing of total length of 35.90 km along the Indo Bhutan Border has been approved by the Government. There is no fencing on Indo-China Border.

Clearly, a great deal remains to be done to make the border impenetrable.

At a time when the violence in the region is at its lowest, there are tremendous opportunities for a consolidation of governance, security and peace in India's Northeast.
On April 13, 2017, a 21,600-pound Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), also commonly known as the Mother of All Bombs, dropped by U.S Forces killed at least 94 terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State (IS, formerly, Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham, also Daesh) in a Daesh base in the Achin District of Nangarhar Province. Three tunnels used by Daesh fighters and as reservoirs of weapons and other equipment were destroyed in the attack. Later, the Nangahar Provincial Government disclosed that at least four key leaders of the group identified as Hamza Abu Bakar, Mohammad Ibrani, Hamid Kunari, and Walkin, were among those killed.

On April 12, 2017, the Nangahar Provincial Government stated that at least 49 Daesh terrorists, including three 'commanders', were killed during the preceding 24 hours in the vicinity of Achin District. Several weapons and other military equipment, including explosives, were also destroyed during the operations.

On April 10, 2017, at least 13 terrorists affiliated with Daesh were killed during the ongoing "Operation Hamza" in the vicinity of the Pekha area of Achin District in Nangarhar Province.

The 10-day "Operation Hamza" was launched on April 10, 2017, by Afghan Special Forces, in cooperation with foreign troops, to fully eliminate the insurgency led by Daesh terrorists and other insurgent groups, including Taliban, in Kot and Achin Districts of Nangarhar Province. Earlier, in another operation codenamed "Operation Shaheen-25" launched on February 10, 2017, to suppress the growing Daesh dominance in the Nangarhar Province, at least 150 loyalists of the group were killed or wounded over ten days.

According to partial data compiled by the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), 884 IS terrorists, including 768 in Nangarhar, 94 in Zabul, 15 in Uruzgan, five in Kandahar and two in the Herat Province, have been killed since the beginning of 2017 (data till April 16, 2017).

Reports of Daesh making inroads into Afghanistan had started soon after the June 2014 release of the terrorist formation's 'world domination map', which included Afghanistan in the projected 'Islamic region' of Khorasan'. In his address to the United States (US) Congress on March 25, 2015, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani had warned, "From the west, Daesh is already sending advance guards to southern and western Afghanistan to test for vulnerabilities." Daesh reportedly carried out its first terror attack inside Afghanistan on April 18, 2015. At least 33 people were killed and another 105 were injured in a suicide bomb blast outside a bank, where Government staff and military personnel were collecting their salaries, in the city of Jalalabad, the Provincial capital of Nangarhar Province. An April 14, 2017, media report put the number of Daesh fighters in Afghanistan at 600 to 800, most of them embedded in Nangarhar Province. US and Afghan militaries have overwhelmingly targeted Daesh Forces since their early emergence and consolidation in the region.

Within days of the declaration of the 'Caliphate' by Abu Bakr al Baghdadi on June 29, 2014, a splinter of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) announced itself as the Tehrik-e-Khilafat and declared allegiance to Daesh. In January 2015, Hafiz Saeed Khan Orakzai, a former TTP 'commander' and member of its Majlis-e-Shura (governing council), after a protracted leadership struggle within the organization, claimed to have been appointed as the head of Daesh's Khorasan chapter in Pakistan and Afghanistan. [Hafiz Saeed Khan was killed along with 30 other fighters in an airstrike in Afghanistan's Jalalabad province in July 2015]. Quickly, with no pattern or apparent material support, Daesh supporters in Pakistan announced themselves in Peshawar, Bannu, the Northwest, and Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Jundullah, another TTP fragment, also broke away and announced its support for Daesh on November 17, 2014. On July 31, 2015, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), with a powerful presence in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, declared fealty to Daesh. In Afghanistan, various splinters of the Taliban broke away transferring allegiance to Daesh, including the Heroes of Islam Brigade on September 30, 2014 and al Tawheed Brigade on September 23, 2014.

IS-K found initial and substantial support among disaffected Taliban and TTP cadres, establishing dominance in the Nangarhar Province, as well as a significant presence in Kunduz and Helmand, in Afghanistan. Wilting under the heat of operations by the Taliban, the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), private tribal militias and US Air support, IS-K was squeezed out of four of the Province's seven Districts, retaining a weakened presence in Achin, Nazyan and Deh Bala, and pushing into the neighbouring Kunar District under pressure. Daesh fighters were seen fleeing to the Kunar and Nuristan provinces along Afghanistan's western border with Pakistan, where they were just "trying to survive" at that stage.

After gaining early momentum in the eastern parts of Afghanistan, Daesh's capabilities and territorial dominance began quickly to wane, both as a result of disproportionate focus by the Afghan and Coalition militaries, and because the group, unlike the Taliban, is not seen as an indigenous entity, and has consequently failed to consolidate local support. Moreover, Daesh's practice of accusing fellow Muslims of apostasy for deviating from its own violent interpretation of Islam does has found few takers in Afghanistan's tribal cultures. Further, the Daesh leadership - whether its core in Iraq and Syria or its offshoot for Afghanistan and Pakistan - are not Afghans. Daesh was formed by breakaway members of the TTP, an alliance of extremist groups fighting to overthrow the Pakistani Government, and other foreign fighters. Daesh is consequently viewed as an outside force, and this perception has been compounded by its demonstrative brutality, as well as its ill-treatment of the local people and the lack of respect for their culture and history.

Some of Daesh's recent and major attacks include:

On April 12, 2017: A suicide attacker detonated explosives near the Administrative Office of the President and the Ministries of Defense and Finance in the Afghan capital, Kabul, killing at least five civilians and injuring 10. Daesh claimed responsibility via a statement released by the group's media wing, Amaq News Agency.

On March 8, 2017: Gunmen dressed in white lab coats stormed the Sardar Daud Khan Hospital in the centre of Kabul, firing shots, detonating explosives and then battling Security Forces for hours, resulting in the deaths of more than 40 people. Daesh claimed the attack.

On February 8, 2017, six employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) were shot dead by Daesh terrorists in the Qoshtapa District of Jawzjan Province. After the killing, ICRC suspended its operations in Afghanistan on February 9, 2017.

On February 7, 2017, at least 22 people were killed while more than 41 were injured in a suicide attack outside Afghanistan's Supreme Court complex in Kabul. Later, in a post on Twitter, Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack.

On November 21, 2016: IS carried out a suicide bomb attack inside a mosque in the sixth Police District of Kabul, which killed at least 30 people and left more than 70 injured. Children and women were among the victims.

On March 17, 2017, Esa Khan Zawak, the District Governor of Achin District, observed "Daesh was still firmly entrenched in the area where they had military bases, training centers, prisons and even a court. We are in offensive status and do not feel serious threats, but almost 80 percent of the fighters are foreigners." Earlier, on February 14, 2017, Nazifullah Salarzai, Deputy Permanent Representative of Afghanistan at the United Nations, speaking during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council noted, "The ongoing cycle of violence in Afghanistan is not, by any means, a homegrown phenomenon. Its roots lie elsewhere, outside Afghanistan," and added that the roots of violence emanated from a strategic design crafted "from within our region to advance an ill-fated political agenda, which serves no one, defies international law and constitutes a blatant violation of the very spirit and tenets of the UN Charter, including relevant counterterrorism resolutions of the General Assembly and Security Council."

Significantly, on May 30, 2016, the Afghanistan National Security Council (NSC) chaired by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani approved, in principle, the strategy to fight Daesh, as loyalists of the terror group were attempting to expand their foothold in the country. Further, on March 23, 2017, the Foreign Ministers of the Global Coalition against Daesh declared, "We commend the efforts of the Government of Afghanistan, along with its National Defense and Security Forces, in the fight against ISIS and in implementing its National Strategy against ISIS."

Reaffirming support to the Afghan Government and Security Forces, on March 18, 2017, the UNSC extended until March 17, 2018, the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), a political UN mission established on March 28, 2002, at the request of the Government of Afghanistan to assist it and the people of Afghanistan in laying the foundations for sustainable peace and development. Separately, reaffirming North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)'s continued support until peace and stability is ensured in Afghanistan, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, during a press conference following the NATO Foreign Ministerial meeting in Brussels, declared, on April 1, 2017, "NATO already plays a key role in the fight against terrorism. We have to remember that our biggest military operation ever, our presence in Afghanistan, is about fighting terrorism. It's about preventing Afghanistan from once again becoming a safe haven for international terrorism." Similarly, reaffirming the US support to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Rex Tiller also observed, "NATO's work in Afghanistan remains critical. The United States is committed to the Resolute Support Mission and to our support for Afghan forces."

The spread of Daesh was an ominous development for Afghanistan, which is going through a phase of increasing turbulence. There are several concerns over Daesh's presence and impact in Afghanistan. While the Taliban remains the Afghan Government's most pervasive foe, Daesh's presence has created another major challenge for the Afghan Forces.

Image: Wikimedia Commons
GUWAHATI: Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Paradip Port Trust and Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) for transporting imported crude oil from Paradip port in Odisha to Numaligarh in Assam for its proposed refinery expansion.



Under the NRL's proposed refinery expansion project from the existing three MMTPA to nine MMTPA, a 28-inch diameter 1400 km long crude oil pipeline of one MMTPA capacity will be laid for transporting six MMTPA of imported crude oil from Paradip port to Numaligarh.



The MoU provides for utilizing IOCL's spare capacity of existing SPMs (Single Point Mooring) at Paradip.



Paradip Port Trust will extend land space for installation of crude storage tanks, pump house and township at Paradip, a NRL release said today.



The tripartite MoU was signed between Paradip Port Trust Chairman Rinkesh Roy, NRL Director(Technical) B J Phukan and IOCL ED (Pipelines) A K Tiwari at Bhubaneswar yesterday in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari and Minister of State(I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan.



Assam Finance, Health, Education and Planning Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Commerce and Industry Minister C M Patowary, NRL MD P Padmanabhan and IOCL Director(Pipelines) IOCL Aneesh Agarwal were also present on the occasion, the release said.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Grymes Hill is bringing back the classics this week.

To honor the life and works of William Shakespeare, Wagner College and the Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre join forces to present the second annual Shakespeare Sonnet-Thon from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday.

"The 154 sonnets we celebrate with the Shakespeare Sonnet-Thon, sing to us of love," said Charlie Siedenburg. "They might have fallen out of fashion, but that is no reason to neglect these exquisite pieces."

Wagner students, faculty and staff are participating as well as interested members of the community. The college welcomes students and interested spectators for an afternoon of sonnet reading and reflection.

Here's what you need to know: The event takes places Thursday on the steps of Wagner's Main Hall. Readings are free and open to public: Rain or shine.

A QUICK HISTORY LESSON: The actual date of Shakespeare's death is a mystery, but it is commonly estimated to be April 23, based on the date of his funeral, April 25, 1616. His birth is thought to be the same date, based on his baptism record of April 26, 1564.



The Sonnets are Shakespeare's most popular works. A few of them, such as Sonnet 18 "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day," Sonnet 116 "Let me not to the marriage of true minds," and Sonnet 73 "That time of year thou mayst in me behold," have become the most widely-read poems in all of English literature.



Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets, likely composed over an extended period from 1592 to 1598. They were published in 1609. To this day, his works are still considered legendary.

Wagner College is located at 1 Campus Road in Grymes Hill. To become a sonnet reader, email charlie_siedenburg@yahoo.com.

MORE POETIC JUSTICE: April is a thriving month, as local writers can now enter the City of New York's #PoetweetNYC contest.

From April 17-21, eligible poems sent using the hashtag #PoetweetNYC on Twitter will be considered for the grand prize. The winner is awarded publication in Metro New York Poem in Your Pocket Day, landing on April 27.

Entries will be judged by an expert panel led by NYC's First Lady Chirlane McCray. This year, the contest coincides with Immigrant Heritage Week, so participants are encouraged to submit "poetweets" that celebrate New York's rich immigrant heritage.

Also on the list of judges: Nisha Agarwal, Commissioner, NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs; Tom Finkelpearl, Commissioner, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs; Jennifer Benka, Executive Director of the Academy of American Poets; Alice Quinn, Executive Director of the Poetry Society of America.

For more information, visit www.nyc.gov.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Picture the North Shore dotted with bicycles, placed here and there, resting against a tree, telephone pole or propped up outside the corner deli, ready for the taking -- a quick and easy bike share program that allows users to rent and unlock the bike's tires with a smart phone app.

That's the picture San Francisco-based Spin is painting, hoping to compete with the Citi Bike program, which offers bicycles limited to docking stations and not found on Staten Island or in the Bronx.

Spin was born last year and wants to bring their orange bicycles to New York City, and Staten Island's North Shore, specifically, charging a small hourly fee for riders to rent the bikes and drop them off wherever is convenient.

The company delivered bikes to Austin, Texas, for its South by Southwest festival last month "and will be launching in NYC soon, and are in talks with cities all around the country," according to a statement from the company.

It has an Indiegogo campaign for New Yorkers to request coverage in their neighborhood.

A 60-second ad shows Spin's orange bicycles being used by responsible riders, gently leaning them against buildings while using the "pick up anywhere, drop off anywhere" service.

But Borough President James Oddo paints a very different picture of the bike share companies, specifically those in China, that want to set up shop in New York City.

Calling them "rogue companies," the BP recently penned a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio, urging him to ban the entrepreneurs or heavily regulate them, should they come to New York City.

"I have grave concerns about the introduction of cheaply made, low quality bicycles onto our streets, and I ask you to take whatever appropriate pre-emptive action you can to ensure that these companies do not establish a foothold in the city," he wrote.

He sees visions of streets "littered with abandoned bikes" by Chinese companies like Ofo and Mobike.

"Do Staten Islanders really want to contend with the possibility of hundreds of poorly made bikes littering our streets, manufactured at the lowest possible cost by foreign companies with few or no safety regulations? I don't think we do, and yet that's a very real possibility," Oddo told the Advance.

Sharing some of his fear is Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez (D-Manhattan), who is working on a bill to regulate the companies.

A spokesman said the bill is "a response to the idea that there is this new wave of bike share coming into the city" and looking at how they operate elsewhere "we see bikes just piled on top of each other on sidewalks."

Citing "poorly made bikes," the spokesman said, "We just want to make sure that whatever bikes are operating in our city are doing so in partnership with the city."

Spin President Euwyn Poon said, "This isn't China, and we don't want foreign companies irresponsibly dumping bikes in our city. We support regulation that's created in an informed and transparent manner and look forward to working with neighborhoods, the DOT and City Hall to make that happen."

The city has other plans, it appears.

"While we are having informational meetings with companies, we have no plans to pursue arrangements with any company at this time," DOT spokesman Scott Gastel said.

The DOT provided the Advance with copies of letters it sent to Ofo and Mobike, informing them the city has heard of their plans to locate here, asking for details of its business operations, and adding "the city will actively enforce its local laws protecting the right of way."

The city agency wants to know how many bikes will be used and where they will be stored, secured and maintained, and details about the companies' liability insurance coverage.

A spokesman for the mayor, Ben Sarle, said the city is focused on expanding Citi Bike, not adding more options.

"We are excited about the upcoming summer expansion of bike share, which will bring the program into new neighborhoods in Queens and Harlem," he said. "It is part of an ongoing expansion that has been in the works for a long time -- Mayor de Blasio, along with the Department of Transportation, are constantly striving to improve and encourage bicycle infrastructure, convenience and safety in New York City.

Bike share companies have come on the city radar as Staten Island waits for Citi Bike to be expanded to the borough.

At a cost of $6,000 per bike added, that may not happen anytime soon.

While the City Council has asked the mayor to include $12 million in the 2018 budget to expand the bike program, it cites Brooklyn and Bronx neighborhoods, once again leaving Staten Island off the list.

Staten Island has gotten more bike lanes, and Sarle said,"we are continuing to have conversations with community leaders and City Council members to help even more New Yorkers access bike share in the future. We remain more focused on advancing current operations than adding new providers."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Of the 19 questions posed to Rep. Daniel Donovan on his telephone town hall Monday night, just one was critical for not holding an in-person town hall, while others asked about health care, transportation, the environment, North Korea, President Donald Trump's taxes and actions in Syria and Afghanistan.

The congressman held a tele-town hall in February after refusing to hold an in-person town hall since protesters shouted him down in Brooklyn earlier that month.

Health care was the most popular topic Monday night, the focus of seven questions, ranging from funding for Planned Parenthood, to the future of Medicare, to his planned vote on the repeal and replacement of Obamacare to the cost of pharmaceuticals and the disparity of the borough having no public hospital.

Donovan told the Advance in March that he planned to vote against the GOP replacement bill, in part because it would keep tax credits away from New Yorkers and make New York City pay more than its share of Medicaid expenses, while the rest of the state got tax breaks.

Caller Sandra asked Donovan whether he would compromise should a new Obamacare repeal and replacement comes up.

The congressman said, "Compromise is what gets things done," noting no Republicans supported Obamacare and no Democrats supported its repeal.

"I don't think health care is a partisan issue, it's an American issue."

David from Brooklyn, who described himself as a liberal Democrat, thanked him for voting against the repeal "and hopefully you'll keep in mind folks who really need this assistance."

Leslie from Brooklyn did the same.

None of the 19 people who asked questions were critical of his position.

Donovan's office auto-called thousands of registered voters, and people who knew about the tele-town hall ahead of time could ask to have their phone number added to the call list.

To ask a question, people were instructed to press *3 to enter a queue.

Jennifer from Bay Ridge asked the congressman why he is "unwilling to meet with us" at a town hall.

On this call, "you just scoop up whoever happens to be available" she said.

Since the Brooklyn event was interrupted by protesters, Donovan has been meeting with people individually and in small groups.

Protesters outside his office have called for a public town hall.

Answering the caller, Donovan said he won't do it "because they're disruptive forums."

He said more than 100 members of the Chamber of Commerce attended the Brooklyn meeting but didn't get to ask questions "because of the disruptions of the protesters."

He'll meet with anyone who schedules time with his office, he said.

"I find this to be a much more effective way of communicating."

Before taking his first question, Donovan talked up his Comprehensive Fentanyl Control Act bill that updates the criminal code to increase penalties for people who deal the deadly drug.

Shortly after finishing his pitch, Donovan took his first question from Denise, a "grieving mother."

She found her son dead of an overdose of OxyContin six years ago. She asked Donovan for harsher penalties, exactly what his bill would do.

A former district attorney, he talked about the various components of fighting the epidemic.

"Our drug problem is something we have to address with law enforcement, education and treatment," he said.

Asked about his position on deporting illegal immigrants who commit crimes, Donovan reiterated his stance.

He noted the two people ICE arrested on Staten Island were violent criminals.

"We are not going to punish a 20-year-old who 18 years ago their families brought them here," he said, adding that for the two men arrested on Staten Island "I am in favor of deportation."

He noted the op-ed in The Washington Post he co-authored with immigration activist Cesar Vargas, supporting a path to legalization for immigrants who don't commit crimes and who pay back taxes.

One caller asked Donovan to meet with Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to hash out a plan to connect Staten Island to Manhattan or Brooklyn through a tunnel and train line.

"The only way to get to Manhattan or Brooklyn is to take the ferry or drive your car," caller Michael said.

The congressman noted the express bus exists "and there's nothing express about it."

By the MTA studying a North Shore bus rapid transit and West Shore light rail, he hopes they have a good chance "to get our projects on the drawing board" for Trump's $1 trillion infrastructure spending plan.

Asked what the United States should do about its fear of nuclear war with North Korea amid that country testing missiles, Donovan said, "North Korea has to be dealt with."

Saying he'll rely on military experts to tell the United States -- and Congress, specifically -- what to do, he wants to see "a coalition of the countries around the world" influence North Korea, saying diplomacy would be ideal.

Having heard his moderate stances on some topics, caller Addie from Staten Island got the last question -- "Are you sure you're a Republican?"

Donovan laughed and agreed with her statement: "Wouldn't it be nice if there were no Democrats and no Republicans and just people who want to do the right thing for the country?"
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - One way or another, a Greek Republican will run for mayor, whether it's Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis or billionaire businessman John Catsimatidis, the Staten Island lawmaker said Tuesday.

Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn) said of a mayoral run, "I am thinking about it. Look, there's a been a number of people who have asked me to consider it."

It will come down to whether supermarket and oil magnate Catsimatidis, who ran in the 2013 GOP mayoral primary and won Staten Island, decides to enter the race.

He has kept his name out there but hasn't announced whether he'll run.

If he does, he's sure to get the support of conservative politicos, including former Congressman Vito Fossella who already said he would support him "in a heartbeat.'

If he doesn't run, Malliotakis will, she said.

The two are close, in part because of their shared Greek heritage.

Born in Greece, Catsimatidis came to the United States as an infant, and Malliotakis' father is from Greece.

"John is also considering it and we're going to be on the same page on this going forward," Malliotakis said. "He's still looking at the race and I respect that. We work as a team."

Pointed out that GOP mayoral candidates Paul Massey and Michel Faulkner have fundraising and name recognition advantage so far, she said if she does run, to make up for lost time, "I'm going to ask everyone I know to give me $178" and get matching funds from the city.

"There's other things obviously to consider but I do believe that we will see one of us jumping into this thing," Malliotakis said.

She and Assemblyman Ron Castorina Jr. have been involved in a lawsuit against the mayor for months, contending the IDNYC program should maintain personal documents for law enforcement purposes.

The city wants to destroy the records, arguing keeping them and making them subject to Freedom of Information requests would be a violation of privacy.

The lawmakers filed a second suit last week.

"I have been vocal in my opposition to many of the mayor's policies," Malliotakis said, criticizing him for his policies on property taxes, water bills, spending, his plan to open 90 homeless shelters across the city, and sanctuary cities, among them.

She blasted "the sanctuary policy of protecting individuals who are not just here illegally but committing crimes against our citizenry."

Residents feel like "second class citizens in their own city," she added.

Dan Levitan, a spokesman for the mayor's re-election campaign, said, "Mayor de Blasio expanded Pre-K for every 4-year-old and raised wages for tens of thousands of workers. Crime is at record lows, jobs are at a record high, and New York City is building affordable housing at a record pace. That is the mayor's record, and one that New Yorkers are rallying around."

This is not the first time Malliotakis has eyed a change of office. She tried to get party support to run for Congress in 2015 when Michael Grimm resigned and left a vacancy. But the party backed then-District Attorney Daniel Donovan, who won the special election and was re-elected in November.

She has been rumored to be eyeing Borelli's Council seat if he leaves for a job in the Trump White House but has denied those rumors.

The Post first reported Malliotakis' mayoral considerations.
Guwahati, Apr 18 (IBNS) : A hardcore ULFA (I) militant was killed in an encounter with security forces in Upper Assam's Tinsukia district on Tuesday morning.

The incident took place at Dirak Rangpuriya village near Kakopathar.

Following certain intelligence inputs, army personnel had launched operation in the remote village and came under attack of the ULFA (I) militants who were hiding in a house owned by one Ajit Baruah.

The army personnel retaliated in which a militant was killed.

Security personnel have recovered the body besides two pistols and , ammunition from the spot.

The slain militant is yet to be identified.



(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 45-year-old man is accused of repeatedly molesting a 13-year-old in Clifton, according to court documents.

The night of April 10 at approximately 10:30 p.m., Jose Jimenez allegedly approached a relative of his girlfriend and began rubbing her buttocks with his hands, according to a criminal complaint.

Then on April 12 at approximately 11:30 p.m. Jimenez allegedly grabbed the defendant and forced her up against a wall. He then proceeded to rub his genitalia on hers and touched her private parts, according to the complaint.

Jimenez is charged with seven counts of sexual abuse, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

His lawyer did not respond to a request for comment Monday night.
New Delhi, Apr 18 (IBNS): The Delhi High Court on Tuesday agreed to hear Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP's) plea asking that the Election Commission (EC) be directed to use VVPAT machines attached to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for the upcoming Delhi municipality elections, according to media reports.

The Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machine, when attached to an EVM, helps voters understand if their vote has been recorded against the candidate intended.

It is actually a printing machine that gives out a slip of paper with the name and poll symbol of the candidate in whose favour the vote has been recorded, according to media reports.

The urgency for the VVPAT machine surfaced soon after the recently held Assembly Elections, when many Opposition parties alleged the EVMs were tampered with in many places.

AAP and the Congress has been demanding that EC holds the Delhi MCD poll with paper ballots, media reports said.

After MCD confirmed that the Delhi poll will be held with EVMs, AAP has approached the Delhi High Court that EC uses VVPAT machines attached to EVMs.
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London, Apr 18 (IBNS): Absconding Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya, accused of financial irregularities worth Rs 9000 crore before fleeing to the UK, was arrested in London by the police on Tuesday, but a court granted him bail the same day.

Mallya , who is accused of defaulting on loans worth thousands of crores, was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in London. The UK had refused to deport Mallya last year after India wanted him to be extradited following his silence on summons by the Indian federal investigating body CBI and Enforcement Directorate.

However, reacting on the development, Mallya tweeted: "Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected."

Mallya, who is facing charges of money laundering and several warrants in India, fled to the UK last year and later claimed he is facing a "witch hunt" in India.

Earlier, confirming his arrest, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement: "Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit have this morning, Tuesday 18 April arrested a man on an extradition warrant."

"Vijay Mallya, 61 (18/12/1955), was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud," it said.

The statement further said: "He was arrested after attending a central London police station, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today, 18 April."

India had earlier asked the UK to extradite the liquor baron.

In a case of alleged violation of foreign exchange rules, a Delhi court had recently put out an open-ended non-bailable warrant against Mallaya.

Mallya's Kingfisher Airlines, which is now defunct, owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to various banks.
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Puri, Apr 18 (IBNS): Several sevaits have objected the entry of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to the shrine of Jagannath Temple because of her support to beef eaters.

Banerjee had planned to visit the temple during her three day visit to the state of Odisha, media reports said on Tuesday.

Following the objection, one sevait named Somanath Khuntia was detained by the police.

Khuntia said that the WB CM has hurt several Hindus' feelings by supporting those who eat cow and buffalo meat.

Mamata is scheduled to begin her three day visit to Odisha on Tuesday, primarily to meet Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandopadhaya who is presently in the custody of Central Bureau Investigation.

The TMC MP was arrested for his alleged involvement in Rose Valley scam and taken in CBI custody in Bhuvaneshwar.

While Khuntia was detained for his objection, many other sevaits said that they would welcome Banerjee to the temple.

Mamata has earlier accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in the different states of India for interfering into people's intake of beef following the ban on illegal slaughter houses of cow by UP government.

However, a leader of Odisha BJP said that the temple is for all Hindus.


An Ararat wind farm in Victoria is now generating enough power for 37,000 Canberra homes as the ACT continues towards its target of 100 per cent renewable energy.

The 75 wind turbines will generate 272,000 megawatt-hours, with the farm under contract to provide 40 per cent of generated power to the Australian Capital Territory.

Premier Daniel Andrews at the site of the Ararat wind farm. Credit:Paul Carracher

Overall, the turbines could power 120,000 homes.

The Ararat Wind Farm, operated by the Canberra-company Windlab, is the sixth large-scale renewable energy generator to be supported by the ACT government.
Sankalpa Mahatara listened to his lungs rumble as blood gushed from his ruptured chest onto the gravel road.

"I could feel the bubbles in my chest. It was rumbling, like how your stomach does when you're hungry," the 20-year-old said as he recalled the horrific April 7 morning.

The 20-year-old man was stabbed on the right side of his chest, in between his fourth and fifth rib.

"I didn't want to sit there laying in the gutter, just bleeding out.

"Adrenaline kicked in and I knew it was fight or flight."
The only warning was a "loud, awful crack", before the concrete pouring boom that had been sweeping across the construction site fell fast and hard towards the scattering workers in hi-vis, a court has heard.

Ben Catanzariti, who started work with Belconnen Concrete three weeks earlier, died when the boom hit him that Saturday, July 21, 2012.

Ben Catanzariti was killed at a Kingston foreshore worksite in 2012.

On Tuesday, nearly five years on, a long-awaited hearing into the 21-year-old concreter's death began in the ACT Coroners Court.

It is the job of Coroner Karen Fryar to investigate the cause of Mr Catanzariti's death, and identify and comment on any matters of public safety. She has the power to make recommendations for change.
A private investor has steamrolled the competition by snapping up the Coles Five Dock asset for $19.66 million with the yield of 4.89 per cent reflecting the demand for well-leased, City fringe properties. It was on the market for only three months and was the subject of strong competition, according to the agents advising on the sale, Colliers International's James Wilson and Alexander Elliott. Private investor: Coles Five Dock has been sold for $19.66 million. Credit:Airphoto Australia It was said the price was a record for a New South Wales-based strata titled supermarket. Mr Wilson, the director NSW retail investment services at Colliers International, said as the first full-line Sydney metropolitan supermarket brought to market since 2015, "we were inundated with established and emerging domestic and offshore investors".

"The yield achieved at Five Dock easily surpassed the previous NSW record which was set by the sale of a freehold Woolworths supermarket at Casula in 2015 on a yield of 5.11 per cent and also set a new national record for a strata titled supermarket. "The transaction of this strata supermarket highlights the maturity of Sydney's investment market to focus more on the underlying performance of the asset as opposed to its title. This is a positive sign for the maturing Sydney retail investment market and great news for mixed use developers looking to maximise their returns on Sydney developments." At Bondi, the owners of the commercial site at 128-132 Campbell Parade are also testing the investment market. As a guide last September, neighbouring Bates Milk Bar sold at auction for $19.12 million to Bondi aficionados Allen Linz's Rebel Property Group, Capit.el Group's Eduard Litver and Gil Baron, with local businessman Theo Onisforou fuelling the group's interest as the underbidder. Miron Solomons and Matt Pontey of Colliers International are advising on the latest sale which is a freehold property, consisting of 14 boarding rooms and two ground floor retail shops leased to Bondi Surf Seafoods and Souvenir Plus.
The City of Yarra's commercial hotspots in Cremorne and Collingwood are poised for even more intense growth with new projects covering up to 170,000 square metres proposed for the municipality.

A slew of buildings are on the drawing board  some in Fitzroy around the hospital and Australian Catholic University precinct. But many of the commercial projects under consideration are in the Cremorne and Gipps precincts where the City of Yarra rezoned former industrial space to Business 3 to allow for commercial redevelopment.

The second building in Richmond in which MYOB has taken office space for its workers.

Payments firm Assembly announced yesterday that its global headquarters will be in Cambridge Street, Collingwood, in the same precinct where vitamins giant Suisse and skin care outfit Aesop are anchored.

In Cremorne, the commercial precinct bordered by Church and Swan streets, Punt Road and the Yarra River, is fast approaching Silicon Valley status with a growing mix of creative, retail and technology companies, including Red Energy, Carsales.com, Uber and MYOB.
TPG shareholders have delivered a brutal verdict on its almost $1.3 billion splurge buying up 4G mobile spectrum to build a new mobile network wiping one-fifth from the company's share price in a single day.

The broadband internet and mobile provider last week agreed to pay $1.26 billion for a chunk of the nation's 4G mobile spectrum and revealed it would spend another $600 million building a mobile network to rival those operated by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.

TPG entered a trading halt last Wednesday, prior to the announcement, and detailed a $400 million share entitlement offer to fund construction of the new network.

Upon returning to trade on Tuesday morning, TPG shares plunged immediately. From a close of $6.54 per share before it entered the trading halt, TPG shares had dived to $5.42 by midday Tuesday - a drop of 17.8 per cent - before closing at $5.50. Over one billion dollars was wiped from TPG's market value, falling from $5.54 billion to $4.42 billion.
US specialty metals maker Arconic has announced that chief executive Klaus Kleinfeld resigned after it found he sent a letter in "poor judgment" to Elliott Management, with whom it is embroiled in a proxy war and which used the chance to again criticise the company's board.

Activist hedge fund Elliott said the letter "read as a threat to intimidate or extort a senior officer of Elliott Management based on completely false insinuations" and that it immediately informed Arconic's board of the letter.

Elliott said the letter "read as a threat to intimidate or extort a senior officer of Elliott Management". Credit:Bloomberg

Elliott has been in the news this month after putting pressure on BHP to shakeup the structure of the company.

Arconic said Kleinfeld resigned as he sent the letter - the content of which neither party made public - without consulting the board, and not in response to the proxy fight or Elliott' criticisms of the company's strategy, leadership or performance.
If Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd are anything to go by then hell has no fury like a prime minister who has been dumped and scorned.

While Mr Rudd remains the most effective political "white anter" this nation has produced to date, it is starting to look like a close run thing.

On current form the former Liberal PM, whose performance as opposition leader was credited with destroying the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd prime ministerships, may soon bring down another government.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on where you stand, it is Mr Abbott's own party's tenuous grip on power that is under threat.
London, Apr 18 (IBNS): After being arrested by the police in London, liquor baron Vijay Mallya tweeted saying the news of his arrest is similar to the usual hype of Indian media, on Tuesday.

Immediately after the news of his arrest broke, Mallya in a tweet said: "Usual Indian media hype. Extradition hearing in Court started today as expected."

Earlier, confirming his arrest, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement: "Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit have this morning, Tuesday 18 April arrested a man on an extradition warrant."

The statement further said: "He was arrested after attending a central London police station, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today, 18 April."

Reports said that he was given bail within ten minutes of court hearing.

Mallya , who is accused of defaulting on loans worth crores, was arrested by the Metropolitan Police.

Mallya, who is facing charges of money laundering and several warrants in India, fled to the UK last year.

"Vijay Mallya, 61 (18/12/1955), was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud," it said.

India had earlier asked the UK to extradite the liquor baron.

In a case of alleged violation of foreign exchange rules, a Delhi court had recently put out an open-ended non-bailable warrant against Mallaya.

Mallya's Kingfisher Airlines, which is now defunct, owes more than Rs 9,000 crore to various banks.


One hundred and two years on from the immortal landing by Australians at Anzac Cove, it is well and truly time that we grew up about Anzac Day.

That doesn't mean we stop commemorating the sacrifices made by our service men and women for our benefit. However, it does mean we need to abandon some of the myths which stand in the way of a proper appreciation of our history.

We can be proud of our Anzacs without diminishing the reputations of others, writes Bill O'Chee.

Without doubt, the biggest myth is that so many Australians died in the First World War - of the 331,000 Australians who served overseas, over 60,000 were killed - because British officers were incompetent, or worse still, indifferent to the fate of "colonials".

This is not only untrue, but grossly unfair. Without doubt, there were some generals who were better than others, but as the war went on, the poor generals were replaced, and by war's end, the quality of British and Australian leadership was largely very good. That is part of why we won.
That means media outlets have to rehash, rebrand, remould and reconceptualise news to convince you it's new. That's why the Daily Mail and news.com.au websites regurgitate articles from other sources and put salacious headlines on them. Barring that, they try to sell you "unique" opinions  or at least what passes for them. It often falls to panels of journalists to be roped in to become the experts when their only expertise is having read what everyone else has. Ironically, these "expert" journalists sit in judgment on the so-called insiders who have allegedly destroyed trust in democracy, when the panellists are in fact the discourse destroyers earning big bucks from being insiders. Such journalists have become individual brands competing in a media marketplace.

As such the opinion writing business in Australia has become even less about analysis and more about selling "me". No more the old adage that you never use "I" when writing, even about yourself. (Confession time: I use I all the time because I think I have something to say, but only you can decide if I do and I put yourself in your capable hands. Smileyface.) The "I" has become the key to opinion success for another reason as well. A good way I can achieve brand recognition out there in social media land is to promote myself by reminding you how clever I have been. Turns out writers like me who quote themselves tend to be much better off career-wise.

Don't just trust me on that. Scientific American reports that research into Norwegian databases of squillions of academic journals shows that on average every self-citation by an author yields 3.65 citations from other writers after three years. It's like twitter for nerds  male nerds, that is. Researchers at Stanford University, the University of Washington and New York University studied another database containing 8.2 million citations made from 1779 to 2011. They found one in 10 of them were self-citations. Of those, men cited their own work 56 per cent more often than women cited theirs. In the past two decades of the data men self-cited 70 per cent more than women. There's a reason. Psychological experiments over the decades show that self-promotion by men helps their chances of getting a better job  or in this era of redundancy, keeping the current one, which sounds fair enough to me. For women, though, being out there in pushing career attributes can be self-defeating. So the presentation of what is written and by whom it is written becomes more important than the actual content. That makes it difficult for writers who want to be known for good writing and interesting content.
The former Prime Minister Tony "no sniping, no undermining" Abbott has just celebrated his 20th month of sniping and undermining the current PM. And, amid this latest round of scheming, only Queensland backbencher Warren Entsch has publicly suggested that maybe, just maybe, it would be better for the former leader to leave Parliament altogether if he's not prepared to either give his sage counsel privately or, better yet, shut the hell up.

But let's focus on what's apparently the biggest issue here: that, as a former prime minister, Tony Abbott has the absolute right to destroy the Coalition government.

Tony Abbott has revealed he was advised against the super-ministry. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

It's weird that he wants to, of course, and you might think it's a stupid and self-defeating goal  but apparently the only issue under consideration is his right to an opinion.

On Monday Abbott had a little public holiday media blitz, publishing an opinion piece about where the government he used to lead is going wrong and also having a chat with new best pal Ray Hadley on 2GB.
Australian advisors have been caught up in a chemical weapons attack in the besieged Iraqi city of Mosul.

CBS reported overnight an Iraqi unit, which had Australian and United States advisors attached to it, was hit with mustard gas on Sunday, leaving 25 Iraqi soldiers requiring treatment.

None of the Australians or Americans were injured in the attack, although Brigadier General Yahya Rasool told the Associated Press that six Iraqi soldiers required treatment for breathing problems.

A spokesman for Defence Minister Marise Payne said the gas attack was aimed at Iraqi ground forces in Mosul.
Restaurateurs in Melbourne's 'Little Italy' fear the scrapping of 457 visas could strip Lygon Street of some of its unique cultural flavour.

The Turnbull government's announcement that it is abolishing the 457 visas and replacing them with stricter Temporary Skill Shortage visas worries Tony Cannata, owner of Wooodstock Pizza, which has four restaurants around Melbourne.

Mr Cannata, said he has about a dozen young Italians on 457 visas and they are vital to his success.

"Food is personal and when it comes to Italian food in particular, it's the way they make the gnocchi, the pizza, the fresh pasta, the beautiful Italian sauces. Italians have a certain touch and flair, and good knowledge of Italian ingredients that lifts the whole standard of the dish," he said.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un will not "willingly giving up his nuclear program" without a significant intervention from the rogue regime's powerful ally China.

In a bracing assessment of the tough choices faced by the United States and its allies, Ms Bishop and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull both escalated their rhetoric calling on Beijing to act on Tuesday.

Ms Bishop said that the US had put "all options on the table" but appeared to play down the prospect of any immediate military clash.

"I believe they mean it but I also believe they would use every other creative option, including putting pressure on China to take a role," she said of the Trump administration's plans.
Private schools would be able to create "satellite" Indigenous-only campuses that would reap hundreds of thousands in extra taxpayer funding under reforms presented to the Turnbull government.

As entirely Aboriginal campuses, the satellite schools would be eligible for maximum government subsidies, worth tens of thousands a year per student - regardless of the wealth of the parent school.

The idea is being pushed by the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia, whose chief executive Beth Blackwood played down concerns about segregation of Aboriginal students.

"It's not an isolationist approach. They do have opportunities to integrate with the wider school community," she told Fairfax Media, citing extra-curricular programs like sport and music.
After divorcing her first husband twice, Jana Pittman is now set to marry for the third time to a new partner she met just months ago.

The world champion hurdler announced her engagement to IT consultant Rajiv Chaudhri on Facebook over the Easter long weekend.

Jana Pittman won gold in the 400m hurdles at the 2007 world championships. Credit:Getty Images

Chaudhri is a board member of the Western Sydney Academy of Sport. They met a few months ago, shortly after she gave birth to her third child - her second by sperm donor - Jemima.

"It's been an incredible whirl wind the last few months with the birth of my daughter Jemima and now meeting my soul mate," she said.
"Earlier, when I started at the family court, we would receive seven to eight divorce and separation cases per week," said Rahima Rezaee, a senior Afghan judge who led the family court from 2006 to 2016. Since she has left, Rezaee said, "we've received seven to eight cases per day." "We are optimistic because now women have come out from behind the house walls and ask their rights, and now they know how to ask their rights and from where," Rezaee said. Since 2009, one non-government organisation, Justice for All, has provided legal advice to about 1,250 women seeking divorce across seven provinces, according to its executive director, Mahfuza Folad. In 2016 alone, another organisation, Medica Afghanistan, provided legal help to about 215 women seeking divorce in western Herat province, according to its provincial director, Jamila Naseri. As a divorced woman, to them you are a thing... like a pot without a cover.

Men, said Folad, "are used to the old lifestyle, so now they cannot tolerate that women can stand against them." If women "stand and ask their rights," she added, "men think it is shamelessness and think that they do not have authority on women, and there the problem starts." The most dangerous time for women may be when they seek to leave, but they also face a pervasive and persistent social struggle after divorce: The most mundane activities become daunting obstacles. Often, the easiest way is to hide the fact that they are divorced. "I did not tell anyone about my status - sometimes, I told them my husband is in Iran," said Zahra Yaganah, 32, an activist and writer who published her first novel last year. A mother of two teenagers, she has been divorced for about a decade. "But when people find out that I am divorced - I feel like a divorced woman is up for grabs for the men around her." Much of the harassment begins in government offices. One woman who turned to the government after exhausting traditional means to separate from her husband said the government lawyers became one of her biggest headaches.

She was being abused by her husband, and she had the physical wounds to show it. At first, the government lawyer assigned to her, a man in his 60s, asked for a bribe. She decided to pay for his phone credit and gas for his car. Then, even after she got her divorce and her husband was sentenced to three years in prison, the lawyer would not stop calling. The predatory behaviour became so overbearing that as soon as her case was settled, she quickly got married again. Yaganah recalled that in 2013, she had to go to the police to report a man who was harassing her and blocking her way at night. "Then the police station deputy became my problem," she said. "He called me every week and asked: 'Where are you? Are you at home? I want to come to your home to have tea together.' Sometimes at midnight, he would call me and say: 'Is there any problem? If there is anything, I will come.'" She changed both her cellphone and house numbers.

Yaganah said her divorced status followed her everywhere, from the office to her apartment block, with men thinking that she was an easy target. "As a divorced woman," she said, "to them you are a thing... like a pot without a cover." Men have approached her privately. Married senior officials have invited her on foreign trips. Two years ago, after a celebration for International Women's Day at her office, a male colleague she had worked with only for three days started sending her text messages. "He told me that, 'Your dress was beautiful. Let's we two have a celebration together tonight, and be with me all the night,'" Yaganah said. "I was in shock for three days." At public social gatherings, however, her closest male friends keep their distance.

"Sometimes when they see me, they ignore me or just say hi from afar," she said. "Then they write me that we did not come to you because people will start rumours because you are a divorced woman and people will think that we have a relationship." Perhaps the biggest challenge for divorced women like Yaganah and Saghari is navigating the neighbourhoods they live in. They have to constantly find a balance: fend off advances from male neighbours, yet go out of their way to declare their male visitors to avoid rumours. Even though renting a home remains a major hurdle because landlords require a man to sign, Yaganah has had a breakthrough. Loading "This year, I have an achievement: I signed the lease myself for the first time," she said. "But I told the owner of the house that my husband went to Germany as refugee - I did not tell him that I was divorced."
Now in its 139th year, the White House Easter Egg roll is an annual day of family fun and the rolling of eggs, organised by the US First Lady.

Under Michelle Obama, the event brought 35,000 visitors to the White House each year, including Beyonce, Reese Witherspoon, and the casts of Glee and Sesame Street.

But at Melania Trump's affair, the White House's South Lawn was decidedly less star-studded. Of the 21,000 attendees the biggest name present, besides the Trumps, was probably the Easter Bunny himself.

Luckily Mr Bunny did his fair share of event promotion, sending Twitter abuzz as people tried to find exactly the right words to caption the resulting shots of Donald and Melania Trump standing next to a giant, bespectacled rabbit with a permanently perplexed expression.
Kolkata, Apr 18 (IBNS): Kolkata Police on Tuesday arrested a man for allegedly threatening Bengali poet Mandakranta Sen with rape on social networking site Facebook, reports said.

According to reports, city police's cyber crime cell booked the accused, Raja Das, from his relative's place at Bagda area in Kolkata's neighbouring North 24 Parganas district.

Earlier on Mar 29, poet Mandakranta Sen lodged a complaint in city police's cyber cell alleging that Raja Das had threatened her on social networking site Facebook with gang-rape.

Days after several FIRs were lodged against poet Srijato Bandyopadhyay for allegedly hurting religious sentiment through his poem, Mandakranta Sen posted a status on Facebook in solidarity with Srijato.

The young woman poet from Kolkata claimed that the person, Raja Das, then threatened her with gang-rape for supporting Srijato and his poem.

Police have seized a mobile phone, two sim cards and a memory card from Raja Das's possession and sent them for laboratory tests, according to officials.

However, the man was produced in a city court later and was granted conditional bail.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)
More than half of all women and girls who end up in hospital being treated after an assault have been attacked by their partners.

The disturbing finding features in the latest snapshot of assault and other injuries suffered by tens of thousands of Australians each year.

Domestic violence was linked to most of the assault cases. Credit:Gabriele Charotte

Of the 20,000 people hospitalised after an assault between 2013 and 2014, nearly a third were women and girls, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) said in a report released on Wednesday.

Those aged in their early 30s had the highest rates of assault among the 6293 women and girls whose injuries were treated in hospital, while for males it was 20-24 year olds.
Sydney cancer specialist Dr Kiran Phadke has been cleared to return to work after spending almost 12 months at the centre of a gruelling investigation by health authorities.

Dr Kiran Phadke at the parliamentary hearing in March. Credit:Kate Geraghty

On Thursday, the chief executive of South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Gerry Marr, announced Dr Phadke's suspension had been lifted with immediate effect.

An investigation launched by the SESLHD found 14 haematology patients at the Sutherland and St George hospitals were harmed or vulnerable to future harm as a result of Dr Phadke's treatment decisions after probing a sample of his patient records.
The NSW health minister has hit out at parents who refuse to vaccinate their children, as the state grapples with a worsening measles outbreak in western Sydney.

"Parents who have children that they have failed to immunise really are being ... quite irresponsible," Brad Hazzard said in Sydney on Tuesday.

"[Our] short message to parents, to grandparents and carers is, get your children immunised, you could save their lives."

The minister's warning comes as the number of locally acquired measles cases in western Sydney rose to 16 over the long weekend after an infected man turned up to a Blue Mountains hospital on Good Friday.
A former federal Labor MP has told a Sydney court her son, who sexually assaulted another man despite him saying "no, no", has never been normal.

A jury last year found Janelle Saffin's 32-year-old son, Edward John Saffin, guilty of 13 offences relating to the sexual assault of a man on the NSW north coast in July 2015.

Janelle Saffin. Credit:James Brickwood

Ms Saffin told the Downing Centre District Court on Tuesday her son had suffered issues since primary school, became violent after using drugs in high school and was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

"He was never normal," Ms Saffin, who was the member for Page between 2007 and 2013, told the court during a sentencing hearing. "He was different, and it was visible before but the drug use exacerbated it."
A doctor travelling nearby and fast-acting police prevented more lives being lost in a fiery double fatality on the Bruce Highway, police say.

Two people died south of Maryborough on Monday in a crash a senior police officer described as one of the worst he had ever seen.

Acting Inspector Paul Algie said it was a miracle more people did not die when a northbound vehicle veered right, clipping another car before slamming head-on into a third, causing both to burst into flames.

The crash instantly killed a 30-year-old Brisbane woman and her 22-year-old brother travelling in the third car, leaving the woman's son on life support in the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.
The head of Queensland's electoral commission has told a Crime and Corruption hearing into the 2016 local government elections that he received "significantly more" complaints last year than he did in previous local government elections.

CCC chairman Alan MacSporran opened proceedings to examine allegations of corruption against candidates in last year's Queensland local government elections at the CCC's Fortitude Valley headquarters on Tuesday.

Over the course of the hearing, two federal MPs  former Turnbull government minister Stuart Robert and Labor frontbencher Shayne Neumann  along with mayors and councillors from three south-east Queensland councils will be called to give evidence.

Counsel assisting the hearing Glen Rice, QC, said the CCC would hear allegations that some council candidates had purported to be independent, but were part of a group of candidates that shared resources.
A man accused of raping his stepdaughter in a Queensland farm's pigsty and sheds would sexually abuse the girl when her mother was on night shift, a court has heard.

The 64-year-old pleaded not guilty to 26 charges of abuse on 13 occasions in the 1980s on the opening day of his trial in Brisbane District Court.

The man's alleged victim was between the ages of three and nine at the time of the abuse, the court heard.

It was despite allegations he confessed to the crimes to the girl and her mother.

The alleged victim, now 36, was aged between three and nine at the time of the abuse, prosecutor Melissa Wilson told the jury as she opened the crown case on Tuesday.
The Cha Cha ride at the Rye Carnival on Easter Monday. Credit:Courtesy of Seven News "I wasn't a 'wow, this is high, sort of thrill'. This was, 'I'm going to [fall out]'." Ms Lindquist said she reported the incident to WorkSafe and police. An aerial view of the Cha Cha ride at the Rye Carnival on Monday. Credit:Courtesy of Seven News WorkSafe said they conducted a "thorough" inspection of the Pirate Ship in December 2016.

"Following an anonymous complaint in late December from a member of the public, inspectors attended the following day and conducted a further inspection. The ride was again deemed safe to use." WorkSafe inspectors examine the Cha Cha carnival ride at Rye. Credit:Julian Smith/AAP One father, Sean, said he became concerned about the safety of the Cha Cha while his six-year-old daughter was on the ride on Sunday. "The whole ride made some horrible noises and the general attitude of the attendant was pretty laid back," he said. WorkSafe inspectors on the Cha Cha ride. Credit:AAP

"At one point the attendant stopped the ride to adjust the rope that seemed to be holding a safety barrier shut, it had come loose, but thankfully no one was in the seat at the time." However, Sean said the attendant was vigilant about the height restriction. "We've got a young son [and] he was really keen to go on, but the guy said 'no, no, you're too short'. There were a few young kids coming through and he was quite vigilant in checking their heights." Wittingslow Amusements said its carnival community was rallying around the family. "At the present time Wittingslow Amusements' focus and priority is with the family of the young boy involved in this accident," the carnival operator said.

"We would like to thank the staff and public who attended the scene, and offered assistance and support. "This has been a distressing situation for our small carnival community. The safety of our guests and staff has always been and continues to be of primary importance to Wittingslow Amusements." WorkSafe was at the scene on Monday night and issued a notice to ensure the scene was not disturbed so investigations could continue on Tuesday. 'A truly horrific, heartbreaking event'

Families at the carnival said they were traumatised by the horrific incident. One parent, who was on the ride with two children, told Fairfax Media the ride lasted about five minutes before the boy was flung out."The attendant announced it was the last ride of the day for the Cha Cha and there appeared to be a number of carnival workers and relatives of workers on the ride," the parent said. "Within about five minutes of the ride starting I heard a sickening thud and saw the boy laying motionless on the ground." The parent said they saw a man who appeared to be the boy's father run to the scene. "He [was] screaming and telling the attendant he had said he didn't want his kids on the ride.

"As we exited the ride I noticed a woman I assume to be his mother running over towards the scene screaming. She was intercepted by friends or relatives. "It was a truly horrific and heartbreaking event." The parent also said it appeared the child was not tall enough to be on the ride without an adult. "The young lad was clearly not over the height limit to be riding without adult supervision and should not have been allowed on," they said. "My heart is breaking for this young boy and his family. In the meantime, I'm having to try and help my kids deal with what they saw."My thoughts and prayers are with this young boy and his family."

The foreshore carnival opened on April 1 and ran throughout the Easter school holidays before closing on Monday. One mother told Fairfax Media her seven-year-old son had asked to go on the Cha Cha before they left the carnival at 5pm but she had refused after observing the speed at which the ride was travelling. "I witnessed the carnival workers, many of them had family members riding on the rides, throwing large toys at each other while on the Cha Cha," she said. She said she also saw a carnival worker slow down the ride so he could run and retrieve stuffed toys and throw them at the people on the ride. "It was the last ride and it was full of family members and workers," she said.

Investigation under way WorkSafe said investigations would focus on a number of issues, in particular the height requirements for riders, to determine if all safety procedures had been followed. Wittingslow Amusements' website says patrons must be more than 130 centimetres tall to ride the Cha Cha. In a statement, the Australian Amusement Leisure and Recreation Association said the incident was a "tragic time" for the industry. It said the operator of the ride was not a current member of the association.

"We are shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news about the young boy who has been critically injured after an accident involving a carnival ride on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula," it said. "Our industry strives every day to ensure that we are first and foremost safe so we can deliver the experiences we are known for." In 2011, Brittany Clemente was flung from a Cha Cha ride, operated by a different company, at the Lilydale Spring Show and the 13-year-old has been left with ongoing injuries. Her mother wants dangerous amusement rides banned. "It just got to a point where she just couldn't hold on, so she was flung from one side of the ride to the other and hit a fence," her mother Silvana Clemente said.

Brittany still suffers from migraines, anxiety and pain in her wrist that will likely never subside. In 2014, eight-year-old Adelene Leong died after being thrown from a high-speed ride at the Royal Adelaide Show. Premier Daniel Andrews said following the investigation into Monday's "very tragic accident", safety changes would be made if needed. "There's a proper investigation going on and we hope that they can conclude that quickly," Mr Andrews said on Tuesday. "Any learnings from that will be applied, not only at this particular site, but also at all similar rides."
A man has pleaded guilty to marrying a 14-year-old girl in a forced marriage, after a charge alleging he also had sex with her was withdrawn by prosecutors.

The 34-year-old man cried at times during his appearance before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday, when he admitted taking part in a forced marriage in Noble Park on September 29 last year.

The 34-year-old man appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court. Credit:Penny Stephens

The charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years in jail. But prosecutors withdrew two other charges, including a charge of sexual penetration of a child under 16, an offence which carries a maximum penalty of at least 10 years in jail.

Prosecutors had earlier alleged the man had sex with the girl in Springvale in the days after the wedding.
A man accused of urinating on a woman at a Spiderbait concert denies that he is the person captured on security footage after allegedly committing the crime, a court has heard.

Joel Morrison, 26, allegedly urinated on Belle Nolan at the Billboard Nightclub in Melbourne's CBD in February last year, and was later charged with displaying disorderly conduct, behaving in an offensive manner and unlawful assault.

He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Mr Morrison's lawyer, Michael McNamara, said that identity was an issue in the case, with police relying on video footage that allegedly showed his client being thrown out of the nightclub to prosecute him.
Mumbai, Apr 18 (IBNS): Yash Raj Films has been awarded the Most Trusted Film Production House in Asia by IBC Media, a global brand consultancy.

This honor was bestowed on YRF as part of Asias Most Trusted Brand Awards at a ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand.



These awards are driven by market research and consumer insights, Yash Raj Films said in a statement.

The company was also honoured with the Most Trusted Film Production House previously by IBC Media.




Short-stay website Airbnb says it has removed just 81 property listings in Victoria over the past year, despite horror stories of neighbours subjected to party houses listed for rent online.

But a group representing Melbourne apartment buildings wants stronger protections against owners and commercial operators who list properties on short-stay sites without regard for the wellbeing of neighbours.

Airbnb's head of public policy for Australia and New Zealand, Brent Thomas, told a Victorian parliamentary inquiry that the online operator had recently introduced a new online tool for neighbours to report problems .

The popular Airbnb site is among several other operators that allow people to list properties online for short-term tenants.
More than 20,100 people were hospitalised due to assault in Australia in 2013-14, a new report has revealed.

The number "probably" underestimates the total number of victims, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare says.

Credit:Bombaert

According to the institute, which published the report, some assault victims, such as those of domestic violence or sexual assault, are reluctant to reveal they have been assaulted.

"As a result, this probably underestimates the incidence of hospitalised assault," it said.
An autistic teenager who was bashed by a group of five thugs in Melbourne's west on the weekend says he is now too scared to leave his own house after the horrifying attack.

In an interview with radio station 3AW, the 17-year-old's mother said the youths, who she believed were Sudanese, approached her son while he was travelling on a bus at Tarneit on Saturday.

He said the youths demanded his mobile phone and sneakers.

"When he wouldn't hand them over, they attacked him," his mother told 3AW.
The 17-year-old surfer who died after being mauled by a shark near the WA town of Esperance on Monday has been identified as Laeticia Brouwer.

The teenager, along with her sister and father, were keen surfers from Singleton, near Mandurah south of Perth.

The family were in Esperance for the Easter long weekend when Laeticia was attacked, with police confirming her identity on Tuesday.

Laeticia was believed to have been unconscious when she was pulled from the water around 4pm local time at Kelp Beds - approximately three kilometres east of Wylie Bay.
Perth police are calling for information after the death of a man in Northbridge on Tuesday afternoon.

Police say at around 1:15pm officers were called to a residence on Newcastle Street where a man had been injured.

Police say a light skinned man who was seen in the area at the time and left on foot may be able to assist with their investigation. Credit:Marina Neil/Fairfax Media

They found the man had received a number of injuries and he was taken by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital, where he later died.
Since 2000, 19 people have been killed in shark attacks off the WA coast.

November 6, 2021: Swimmer Paul Millachip is killed in a shark attack at Fremantles Port Beach. The attack is witnessed by a group of teenagers on a boat, but the 57-year-olds body is never found.

November 22, 2020: A swimmer was killed after he was bitten on the hand and thigh at Broome's Cable Beach. The man was pulled from the water and treated by paramedics, however he died from his injuries.

October 9, 2020: Surfer Andrew Sharpe, 40, went missing at popular surf break Kelp Beds at Wylie Beach in Esperance, with authorities of the belief he was taken by a shark after widespread reports of a sighting at the beach and the recovery of his surfboard.

January 5, 2020: Experienced local diver Gary Johnson, 57, was scuba diving off Cull Island, about seven kilometres offshore from Esperance, with his wife Karen Milligan, when he was attacked by a great white shark.
Washington: US President Trump will sign a double-barreled executive order on Tuesday, US time, that will clamp down on guest worker visas and require government agencies to buy more goods and services from US companies.

Trump will sign the so-called "Buy American, Hire American" executive order during a visit to a factory in Kenosha, Wisconsin, said two senior administration officials who briefed reporters on the order on Monday. The officials spoke on condition they not be identified.

By combining aspects of immigration policy with federal procurement regulations, Trump is using executive action to advance his philosophy of economic nationalism without waiting for action from Congress. But like many of his previous executive orders, the order will largely call on cabinet secretaries to fill in the details with reports and recommendations about what the administration can legally do.

Specifically targeted is the H-1B visa program, which allows 85,000 foreign workers into the United States each year to take specific high-skilled jobs with US companies. The program is popular with the information technology industry, which Trump has accused of "importing low-wage workers on H-1B visas to take jobs from young college-trained Americans".
Bangkok: No visit to Thailand is complete without eating at street stalls. Papaya salads, braised duck, steaming noodles and grilled whole fish are among exciting and bewildering choices.

Ever tried giem ee, the hand rolled noodles doused in long-simmering chicken broth and topped with peanuts, julienned green beans and chicken wings braised overnight?

Lunch time: People eat noodles at a street food stall on Thonglor road, Bangkok, Thailand. Officials see street food as an illegal nuisance. Credit:AP

Now authorities have ordered the clearance of food stalls across the capital Bangkok by the end of the year.

"The street vendors have seized the pavement space for too long and we already provide them with space to sell food and other products legally in the market, so there will be no let-up in this operation," said Wanlop Suwandee, chief advisor to Bangkok's governor. "Every street vendor will have to move out."
One of the four pillars of the EU is the principle of free movement of labour. Britain will no longer agree to this. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Credit:Getty Images But millions of EU citizens work in the UK, many in key sectors such as healthcare. The government is considering a "barista visa", similar to the youth mobility visa currently available to Australians in Britain, under which young EU citizens could come for a few years and work. There has also been talk of a selective skills test for work visas. Beyond this, the government has been vague on how it will control its borders. And there are special problems between Ireland and Northern Ireland, where peace might be threatened by the return of border posts.

Though the rhetoric is about entry into Britain, it may instead just come down to who can legally work there  a bureaucratic exercise imposing new red tape on businesses. Labour's position on free movement into the UK for EU citizens is clear as mud. In January leader Jeremy Corbyn said "Labour is not wedded to freedom of movement for EU citizens as a point of principle, but I don't want that to be misinterpreted, nor do we rule it out". Many in Labour are opposed to an immigration policy that would sacrifice industry and the public sector for the sake of border control. Labour's official position is that it wants "fair management of migration in the interest of the economy and communities", rather than free movement per se.

EU Trade Before May's speech, there was wide speculation that Britain might stay a member - or at least an associate member - of the European single market, despite leaving the EU. She knocked this on the head. "What I am proposing cannot mean membership of the Single Market," she said. "European leaders have said many times that membership means accepting the 'four freedoms' of goods, capital, services and people. And being out of the EU but a member of the Single Market would mean complying with the EU's rules and regulations that implement those freedoms, without having a vote on what those rules and regulations are. "It would to all intents and purposes mean not leaving the EU at all."

Instead May wants a free trade deal with the EU  and if one cannot be struck before Brexit with the EU (which is notoriously slow to agree such deals), to fall back to WTO terms. It's a gamble. May herself, in a speech before the referendum, pointed out that WTO rules would oblige the EU to charge tariffs on UK exports  including 10 per cent on car exports. This would hurt British industry. And financial services may flee to the continent once they lose 'passporting' that allows them to work seamlessly across European borders. May wants a trade agreement to mirror the single market in some industries  she has cited automotive manufacture and financial services. Many Labour MPs oppose a hard Brexit from the single market, arguing it would lead to fewer jobs, less business investment, and hurt consumers through higher prices.

Corbyn says "unfettered access" to the markets of EU member states was "fundamental" for Labour. Global trade In her January speech, May sought to fudge the question on whether the UK would remain within the EU's Customs Union. Her government has repeatedly talked up the proposition of new trade agreements with countries outside Europe  including Australia. Full Customs Union membership would preclude such comprehensive trade deals, May said. So she does not want a common commercial policy, nor a common external tariff system with the EU. She wants Britain to be free to establish its own WTO tariff schedules.

However she does want, she says, "tariff-free trade with Europe and cross-border trade there to be as frictionless as possible". It's unclear how she can square this circle. She must conjure a new customs agreement, or remain a signatory to some elements of the Customs Union, but not others. "I have an open mind on how we do it," she said, optimistically. The reason she's keen to find a compromise is that industry groups are already howling about the damaging effect of reintroducing customs checks, which would be a likely consequence of leaving the Customs Union. They warn of slow queues of trucks at ports and reduced volume of trade, particularly affecting goods such as fresh food. The government's own statistics forecast a resulting 4.5 per cent hit to UK growth.

Labour MPs have argued the UK should remain in the customs union, as the benefits of new trade deals with other countries could not possibly make up for the extra cost of trade with its closest neighbours in Europe. Labour's official position, as set out by its leader, is that Brexit must deliver the "exact same benefits" as membership of the Single Market and Customs Union. Implementation At the end of March the government set out its plan for a "Great Repeal Bill"  which doesn't actually jettison all the hated EU legislation that Britain voted to reject. In fact it does the opposite. The government will ask parliament to import, wholesale, 40,000 legal acts, 15,000 court verdicts and 62,000 international standards: all the EU law that currently applies to the UK.
New York, Apr 18(Just Earth News): Young people from around the world on Monday joined United Nations staff and international dignitaries in Changsha, China, to show support for protecting and preserving the cultural heritage along the Silk Route.

The future of our remaining heritage will depend largely on the decisions and actions of the present generation of young people who will soon become the leaders and decision-makers of tomorrow, h the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said in a note about the week-long international youth forum.

About 80 men and women  aged between 18 and 30  gathered at the official opening of the forum, organized by UNESCO around the theme of "Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Road." On Monday fs event was held at the Yuelu Academy, which is now part of Hunan University but is believed to have been founded in 976.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova was among the speakers who opened the forum, which seeks to raise awareness among youth about the need to preserve heritage and cultural locations, as well as to help to shape a scholarship and training programme aimed at young people.

According to UNESCO, each participant is from a country along the Silk Road, which once stretched from China through India to the Middle East and Europe.

In addition to carrying merchandise and commodities, the constant movement and mixing of populations along the Silk Route galso brought about the transmission of knowledge, ideas, cultures and beliefs, which had a profound impact on the history and civilizations of the Eurasian peoples, h the Paris-based UN agency said.

The youth forum will travel later this week to Quanzhou, located at the south-east coast of China. A cultural heritage site, Quanzhou is also known for linking the gmaritime Silk Road h which fanned out to nearly 100 countries and regions, according to UNESCO.

Photo: UNESCO/Michel Ravassard

Source: www.justearthnews.com
Delhi: 'The stigma of AIDS' might sound like a phrase from another era but in India anyone who is HIV-positive or has AIDS continues to feel the whiplash of contempt and discrimination from the moment their condition is discovered.

To counter this treatment, the Indian parliament passed a new law last week that makes it illegal to discriminate against those with HIV/AIDS in jobs, housing, education, or in public life.

Children at the Desire Society's home for HIV/AIDS orphans in India.

India has 2.1 million people with HIV/AIDS. Although attitudes in the big cities such as New Delhi and Bombay have softened slightly as people become more aware and sensitive, deep fear, bordering on hatred, continues to be the norm in more socially conservative smaller towns and rural areas where attitudes tend to be based on ignorance and superstition.

The United Nationals program UNAIDS called the new legislation a landmark that will provide strong legal protection not just against discrimination in the workplace, schools and homes but also unfair treatment in access to shops, restaurants, hotels, and public facilities.
Mejorada del Campo, Spain: In February, Justo Gallego dug his own grave, literally, in the crypt of the church he has been building here, brick by brick, since the early 1960s.

Gallego, 91, also recently switched dwellings, moving from the nearby home of some relatives to the more spartan surroundings of his self-made temple. He wants to make certain he will die in the place that has become his life's mission.

The cathedral being built by Justo Gallego, 91, in Mejorada del Campo, Spain. Credit:New York Times

"This is where my vocation has taken me and this is where I'm prepared to suffer, just as Jesus Christ taught us to suffer for others," said Gallego, as he threw wood onto a stove by his rudimentary bedroom, next to the altar, where he sleeps on a plank without a mattress.

Gallego might be ready to confront death, but some residents here worry about what will happen to his extraordinary project without him. Gallego has never received a building permit or any public financing, but he has managed to erect a striking landmark in this otherwise non-descript town of 23,000 inhabitants on the outskirts of Madrid.
Bangkok: Malaysia's former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has filed a new legal challenge to his five-year jail sentence on sodomy charges that are widely seen as politically-motivated.

Mr Anwar's conviction in Malaysia's highest court in February 2015 barred him from running for office, in a crushing blow to the country's opposition alliance that has since splintered.

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, second from right, arrives with his wife Wan Azizah for the verdict in his final appeal against a conviction for sodomy at the federal court in Putrajaya in 2015. Credit:Reuters

The challenge comes after the country's embattled Prime Minister Najib Razak urged supporters of his ruling coalition to take to social media ahead of elections he is likely to call this year.

"We have long been in defensive mode. Enough. It is now time to attack," said Mr Najib, who has shrugged off his alleged involvement in a multibillion dollar corruption scandal.
A portrait of US President Donald Trump is displayed as South Korean protesters stage a rally denouncing the United States's policy against North Korea near the US embassy in Seoul, South Korea. Credit:AP Instead of steaming towards the Korea Peninsula, the carrier strike group was actually headed in the opposite direction to take part in "scheduled exercises with Australian forces in the Indian Ocean", according to Defence News, which broke the story. Neither Pacific Command nor the Pacific Fleet responded to requests for comment. US Navy aircraft carrier the USS Carl Vinson. Credit:AP On Monday, Pacific Fleet spokesman Commander Clayton Doss said only that the USS Carl Vinson and its escorts were "transiting the Western Pacific", declining to give a more precise location except to rule out the waters around South Korea or Japan.

The presence of the US carrier strike group, and the threat of a US military strike on North Korea, had weighed heavily on Chinese minds and in the media there. Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that "storm clouds" were gathering and the risk of conflict was rising. The news that the ships weren't where everyone assumed them to be was greeted with some glee in the Chinese media on Tuesday. "Tricked badly!" the Global Times exulted on its social media account. "None of the US aircraft carriers that South Korea is desperately waiting for has come!" Was it all a misunderstanding, or deliberate obfuscation? Cai Jian, an expert from the Centre for Korean Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, said the whole episode was part of an elaborate game of "psychological warfare or bluffing" by the United States, arguing that Washington never really intended to launch a military strike on North Korea right now.

"At the peak of the stand-off, psychological warfare is very important," he said. Ross Babbage, a non-resident senior fellow at the Centre for Strategic Budgetary Assessments, a Washington-based think tank that focuses on the military, said the move might be "military signalling" from the US "It's more than a bluff," he said. "A bluff suggests you're not serious. My understanding is that this US administration is dead serious; it's been 40 years of trying to get the North Koreans to back away from the nuclear weapons." Babbage said it was also possible the United States administration had decided to give China a little time to put its own pressure on North Korea before sending the carrier strike group north: Trump met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on April 6 and 7 and spoke by phone on April 11, and may have wanted to give the Chinese some breathing space before "rattling the bars", Babbage said. Nor should the aircraft carrier's presence, alone, be given too much weight, he added, since any early strikes on North Korea would most likely have been carried out by long-range aircraft.

While the belief that the Carl Vinson was heading towards the Korean Peninsula was reported as fact by media outlets around the world, there were hints it was perhaps not steaming there as fast as many supposed. On April 11, USNI News reported that, although the carrier had cancelled port calls in Australia, it had not cancelled training events to move faster towards the Korean Peninsula, and would still take more than a week to enter waters near Korea - a point that was lost amid heated talk of war. In any case, the carrier strike force may indeed be finally heading north now. The Korea Herald reported on Monday that the USS Carl Vinson is due to arrive in South Korea's eastern waters on April 25, in time for another important date in the North Korean calendar: the anniversary of the army's foundation. Quoting unnamed South Korean officials, the Herald said: "The strike group will join the South Korean Navy in a massive maritime drill designed to counter provocation from the North."
GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---On Friday, March 31, the Council of Ministers hosted an Information Session to the Secretaries General of the seven different Ministries and their Management Team, the Staff of the Ministers cabinet, and the Staff of the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.

The main agenda points of the session were the Governing Program; integrity and the plans of the Dutch Government towards establishing an Integrity Chamber on Sint Maarten and their recent appointment of a Dutch Integrity Quartermaster and an update on the budget 2017.

The Council found it essential to inform the key leaders and advisors of the organization in person about these key matters.

While the Prime Minister, William Marlin, spoke on the issues of the Governing Program and Integrity, the Minister of Finance, Richard Gibson Sr., elaborated on the budget.

At the same time, both Ministers stressed the importance of the role of each civil servant in the process of making Sint Maarten great. The session was well attended; the Council of Ministers will conduct similar information sessions in the near future to safeguard transparency and open communication with and within the organization.

Both the Council of Ministers as well as the ministers on an individual basis will ensure that the civil servants receive the required information necessary to fulfill their tasks and responsibilities.

The Prime Ministers intention regarding the topic of the Governing Program was not necessarily to explain what was in the Governing Program but to show to the audience how the Governing Program has come into existence, how the Government Program is to be used and what are the next steps to be taken.

He explained that the Governing Program Stability for Prosperity was the product of a workgroup consisting of members of the three different political parties - National Alliance, United Sint Maarten Peoples Party and the Democratic Party  which all want to address different issues in different ways.

The common ground among all three parties was identified and written down in the program. The Secretaries General of the different ministries and the cabinet members all provided their input in finalizing the program.

The Prime Minister stressed to civil servants present that the success of the Governing Program depends on all the civil servants acting as the managers of the process while focusing on certain priorities.

He stated: You are here because we want to emphasize that you are important in the execution of the Governing Program. It is about liking your job. We are already in March and we are already executing. It is a government for four years and we may begin in 2017 and certain things may run over in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

For now, the concentration is on what should be done in 2017 and this should be in sync with the Governing Program, but more important it should be in sync with your budget.

The importance of following up on advice and decisions taken by the Council of Ministers was elucidated upon. The progress has to be meaningful and important to you. You should follow up on decisions of the Council of Ministers, you should execute, you have to be proactive, Prime Minister furthermore stated.

While on March 23 a copy of the Governing Program was presented to Parliament via the Chairlady of Parliament, Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams, and the Vice Chairman, Member of Parliament Frans Richardson, a follow up Central Committee meeting of Parliament will take place on Tuesday, April 18, to present the year plans of the different ministries which are intertwined with the budget and the Governing Program.

In regards to the topic of Integrity, the Prime Minister explained that there is a major difference in interpretation of integrity and how to deal with it between Sint Maarten and the Dutch.

Integrity breach in the Netherlands is considered fraud by the Dutch while integrity breach in Sint Maarten is considered corruption by the Dutch. He furthermore stated that Sint Maarten wants discussion, not instruction. He stressed that Sint Maarten is only a country that is six years old and needs space, room and opportunity to handle the integrity issues her own way, respecting her circumstances and situation, learning along the lines.

He acknowledged that there are integrity issues on Sint Maarten, but Sint Maarten decides WHAT to accept in the issues with integrity and HOW to deal with unacceptable things. An Integrity Chamber should not be single-handedly imposed by the Dutch Government.

Management was urged to continue to provide service in an integer manner to the public of Sint Maarten.

The Minister of Finance continued the presentation on the budget of 2017. He personally thanked each civil servant for their contribution seeing that todays surplus in the budget would not have been possible without each one of them, yet stressed that a lot more work needs to be done.

He pledged financial assistance to the youth, the prison, the tax department and the Ministry of VROMI. In regards to the capital investment, Management present were tasked with the responsibility to prioritize their plans and projects for final decision making by the Council of Ministers.

The exercise is needed for Sint Maarten to take advantage of the opportunity to apply for a NAF. 30 million loans to be approved by the College financieel toezicht (Cft). This becomes the first time since 2014 that Sint Maarten can borrow capital expenditures and make investments so the Gross Domestic Product can grow, noted the Minister of Finance. He was confident that the future looked much brighter.

For more information on the Governing Program, both Facebook and the website StabilityForProsperity.sx can be visited.
PHILIPSBURG:---Detectives are presently investigating an incident of a shooting which took place on Friday April 14th at approximately 03.40 a.m. in Dominica Road. Patrols were sent to the scene where they spoke to the victim with initials D.S. who stated that he was awaken by several gun shots in the area. When he went and check what was going on he noticed that an unknown person or persons had fired shots at his vehicle causing damage to the windshield. He also stated that he has no idea who had caused this damage.

KPSM Press Release
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Pearl of China Project which was scheduled to start during the month of March 2017 has been delayed due to a clause that is in the deed for the land the developers purchased. SMN News learned that the original owner of the property Rudy Noos placed a clause (restriction) in the deed for the property where it states that no developer can construct more than a certain amount of units on the property.

According to information SMN News received is that the developer just recently discovered restriction that is in the deed and they are busy trying to work around restriction to see how quickly they could have the setback regulated in order for them to begin construction. The Chinese developers intend to build a hotel with 360 rooms and 450 apartment units along with a huge showroom where other Caribbean nations could see and purchase Chinese products at the China- Caribbean Pearl.

SMN News further learned that the developers invited Minister of Finance Richard Gibson to China to assist them in finding a solution to their predicament in order for them to move forward. It is understood that Minister Gibson will be traveling to China at the end of April to further discuss with the developers.

At the ground breaking ceremony on September 19th, 2016, the chairman of New Lifetown Shuqiang Cui aka Trey told reporters that they intend to create 400 stable and well-paid jobs for locals, while ensuring that they will do everything to protect the environment.

With the latest developments, it is not clear when the developers will manage to find a solution to the problems they have encountered and how soon the project will kick off.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher on Thursday explained that government has negotiated a new agreement with Sunwing Vacations/Airlines which will ensure the continuation of four weekly flights and we will maintain and even expand that crucial airlift out of the Canadian market.

The continuation of our partnership depended on a lot of parties meeting each other at a mutually beneficial point where St. Maarten could secure the airlift under a financially feasible arrangement. Sunwing, in turn, would get a little more support in terms of media and marketing support for the flights, the Minister explained.

She said Interim Head of the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Rolando Brison negotiated a proposal with Sunwing that would commit $325k spread over 2017 and 2018 (a period of 18 months) paid in increments. Sunwing will then match this amount which is why its called a matching cooperative marketing plan, the Minister said, adding that the proposed amount and incremental payment plan has been accepted by all parties involved and it now moves towards finalization by the Council of Ministers.

The strategies that will be outlined in the matching cooperative marketing plan, is designed to help in generating a greater awareness about the island, ultimately stimulating travel to the island. Sunwing currently services the destination with 4 flights weekly. Under the new agreement, parties will build towards re-instating a fifth flight which was pulled last year because of a gloomy economic outlook in the Canadian market. The extra marketing support should go a long way to negate these factors, the Minister said.

Canada remains a primary source market for St. Maarten for many years now. The Canadian market is traditionally a charter-driven destination to the Caribbean Region. The charter flights touch down in St. Maarten on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays or Sundays. Most Canadians travel to our region for a one week, all-inclusive vacation getaway from their bitter freezing cold winters.

Sunwing has a capacity of 189 seats to St. Maarten year-round from Toronto, Montreal during the summer and during the winter the airline adds a flight from Quebec City. In 2015, the island welcomed 44,329 stay over visitors and 57,000 in 2016 from the Canadian market. This amount accounts for 28% increase year over year within the Canadian Market.

In 2016, Sunwing Airlines/Vacations accounted for 50% or 28,347 Canadian visitors to the island. The 2014 Tourism Exist Survey carried out by the Department of Statistics with the support of the Tourism Department, captured the following data regarding the Canadian travelers:

- Average length of stay is 8.8 nights on the Southern Side of the island.

- Average daily expenditure per person is $81.31 with accommodations and food & beverages being the highest items they spent on.

- Average daily expenditure per travel party is $217.22 with accommodations and food & beverage being the highest items they spent on.

- 32% of these visitors to the island accounted for a gross annual household income of US$125K and over.

- 38% of these visitors to the island are married, notable the highest percentage when comparing to the other regions.

Other carriers that service St. Maarten from Canada are; Air Canada, Air Transat, Signature, nd West Jet. West Jet is the only service operating as scheduled/non-seasonal
Philipsburg, St. Maarten, April 18, 2017 - The kingdom law dubbed Van Oven law" finally saw its completion at the hands of former MP van Laar.

This law, often heralded by the Dutch Caribbean countries seeks to limit the issuance of general measures of the Kingdom government without a legal basis. In other words, no "higher supervision" can be imposed without a basis in or by Kingdom law. General Kingdom measures are issued by the kingdom government and do not require parliamentary approval.

There are 2 noteworthy facts relevant to this law.

1.This is the law that was used to propose an amendment allowing members of parliament of Aruba, Curacao or St. Maarten to initiate a kingdom law. (This amendment did not make it, but the Council of State did offer an interesting alternative.)

2. However by this law excluding general kingdom measures, which are mandated in the Kingdom charter, the imposition of higher supervision on the basis of article 51 of the charter, is NOT conditional upon a legal basis. This, in my opinion, is a pity. It is exactly that article 51 of the charter that is tied to the guarantee function of the Kingdom, laid down in article 43 of the charter. So the debate about kingdom intervention based on the so-called guarantee function is far from settled.

Nevertheless, the "van Oven/van Laar law has finally been passed and must now be accepted by the Caribbean countries. It is evident that changes to the charter of the Kingdom are tedious to come by and can take years.

This acceptance has to be done by national ordinance, so it has to be passed by the parliaments. Hence my questions to the Prime Minister regarding the status. Minister Plasterk has repeatedly stated that he has informed the government of St. Maarten of the passage of the law and is awaiting "our" reaction.

Contents of the letter from MP Wescot to the Prime Minister of St. Maarten:

---The Dutch Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations, Mr. R. Plasterk has repeatedly informed the Dutch parliament that he is awaiting the reaction of the Dutch Caribbean countries to the "van Oven/van Laar law", amending the Charter of the Kingdom.

Has the government of St. Maarten received this notification?

If so, what steps have been taken regarding this matter?

If so, can I be provided with these notifications by the Dutch minister?

As I consider this matter of critical importance, I kindly ask that you provide this information as soon as possible."
Fucking, Austria is a draw for English speaking tourists.

The Daily Mirror said it best: The village of Fucking, Austria, is especially popular with British tourists. As a local tour guide explained: "The Germans all want to see Mozart's house in Salzburg; the Americans want to see where The Sound of Music was filmed; the Japanese want Hitler's birthplace in Braunau; but for the British, it's all about Fucking."

Augustina Lindlbauer, the manager of an area guesthouse, noted that the area had lakes, forests, and vistas worth visiting, but there was an "obsession with Fucking". Lindlbauer recalled how she had to explain to a British female tourist "that there were no Fucking postcards."

All of this may change soon. Reportedly, residents who are tired of replacing stolen signs, are once again pushing to change the name from Fucking to something less controversial such as Fuking or Fugging.

Media reports said local residents in the town - whose name apparently derives from Adalpert von Vucckingen, who lived there in the 11th Century - had grown weary of tourists stealing town signs and striking indecent poses for photos.

"I don't know where this comes from in the international press," an annoyed-sounding Mayor Franz Meindl said by telephone in 2012 from Fucking, an Upper Austrian town near the German border. "This was discussed a few years ago but nothing came of it. It is certainly not under discussion now."

A resident of the village, Josef Winkler, attempted to cash in on the village's fame by setting up a website on which he sold T-shirts featuring the village road signs, with the slogan "I like Fucking in Austria" printed on them. According to Winkler, they were selling well, and he was in negotiations with Maxim regarding possible promotions, but was forced to stop his venture after being shouted at and threatened in the street. Winkler said, "It was a bit of fun that didn't hurt anyone, but I found out that in this region you just can't do something like that. The whole thing became a real trial for me and I had to stop. People are very traditional here."

"Fucking: Please, Not So Fast" warns the sign below a sign referring to Fucking, Austria. Like, so you don't hit the children. Well, what did you think it meant?

It is believed that the settlement was founded in the 6th century AD by Focko, a Bavarian nobleman. The Austrian region during this century was mostly under the domain of the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths, and was populated by a mix of Christians and Pagans, says Wikipedia.

The existence of the village was documented for the first time in 1070, and historical records show that some twenty years later, the lord was recorded in Latin as Adalpertus de Fucingin.

The spelling of the name has evolved over the years; it is first recorded in historical sources with the spelling as Vucchingen in 1070, Fukching in 1303, Fugkhing in 1532, and in the modern spelling Fucking in the 18th century, which is pronounced with the vowel oo as in book. The ending -ing is an old Germanic suffix indicating the people belonging to the root word to which it is attached, thus Fucking means "(place of) Focko's people." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fucking,_Austria
New York, Apr 18(Just Earth News): Underlining the importance of sustainable finance for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, senior United Nations officials on Tuesday called for stronger partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure that resource requirements are met.

In her opening remarks at the high-level event, SDG Financing Lab  How to finance the SDGs, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed recalled the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, which was adopted in 2015 at the UN Third International Conference on Financing for Development.

She said the agreement  which sets out a series of bold measures to overhaul global finance practices and generate investments for tackling a range of economic, social and environmental challenges  is a key component of the 2030 Agenda.

The Action Agenda provides the framework for global cooperation to finance and implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by mobilizing public and private sources, said Mohammed.

The deputy UN chief also noted that in addition to prioritizing domestic resource mobilization, aligning public spending with sustainable development and partnership with the private sector and businesses is equally important.

It is in the interest of all countries, companies and people to tap the wealth of good that sustainable development will bring in environmental, economic and social terms, she added.

In her remarks, Mohammed also noted that financial flows and investments are increasingly being aligned with the SDGs and said that with mobilization of large pools of capital such as pension funds and the insurance sector, greater wins for everyone can be realized.

The dividends will reverberate far and wide [] success on the SDGs will trigger beneficial results that will feed project pipelines leading to progress on gender, economic growth and climate action, she added, noting examples from around the world that have shown such benefits.

Mobilizing the right mix of resources vital  General Assembly President

Also speaking at the opening, the President of the General Assembly, Peter Thomson said that financing the SDGs could require some $90 trillion over the next 15 years and called for exponential transformation in the global financial system that taps into all sources of funding.

We are at a time when we must foment a global conversation bringing all stakeholders together to discuss how we can mobilize the right mix of resources to achieve the SDGs, he said.

We must distinguish between the various sources of capital and asset classes that they represent, and recognize their varying spheres of operation and influence  from multinational corporations through to grassroots small-holder farmers.

Thomson also said that efforts by governments, central banks and financial regulators are already leading to positive developments but multiplying these efforts to reach the scale needed to achieve the global goals remains the main challenge.

In particular, he underlined the need for reforming existing policy and regulatory frameworks to leverage public and private financing for the SDGs, and to contribute to sustainable development, including through local and regional capital markets.

If we are to succeed, on Tuesdays discussions cannot be a one-off occurrence. [It] will have to represent the start of an extended dialogue, the President of the General Assembly said.

In addition to senior UN officials, Mahmoud Mohieldin, the Senior Vice President for Partnerships at the World Bank Group, also spoke at the high-level event, which also featured a panel discussion on sustainable development financing, an inter-governmental plenary debate, and workshops showcasing approaches to finance specific groups of SDGs.

UN Photo/E. Debebe

Source: www.justearthnews.com
ECOC Conference heading to high-tech innovation hub Gothenburg, Sweden

Call for papers deadline of April 28 fast approaching for 43rd edition of the leading event

Gothenburg, Sweden. 18 April 2017: The European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC)  the largest conference of its kind in Europe  is heading to Scandinavia for its 43rd edition this year, taking place September 17th-21st in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Co-located with the ECOC Exhibition, the annual ECOC Conference offers unique insights into the top research advances and scientific discoveries in the field of optical communications, with exciting coverage of cutting-edge basic and applied research. Divided into eight areas, the ECOC technical program covers the full width of component, system and network technologies relating to fibre optic communications.

The 43rd edition is being held in Gothenburg, a pocket-sized metropolis located on the west coast of Sweden, a leading destination for sustainable meetings in the Nordic region and what locals refer to as little London. Scandinavia  a well-known hub of innovation  consistently showcases some of the highest broadband speeds worldwide.

We are delighted to be hosting the ECOC Conference in Gothenburg this year together with the highly successful ECOC Exhibition. With a global attendance and delegates from across five continents, we provide a unique opportunity to network that nobody should miss, said Dr. Per O. Andersson, General Chair at ECOC 2017. Sweden has the third fastest average internet connection speed in the world, with 94% of its population online, so we look forward to showcasing how we can replicate this success story globally.

Along with the conference, a special two-day pre-ECOC symposium will be hosted at the Technical University of Denmark in Copenhagen on September 14th, addressing major ECOC-related research efforts worldwide. This will include EU and overseas research strategies, and the symposium will also offer transport for attendees straight to Gothenburg after it ends.

We have already had a huge amount of interest in this event, with keynote speakers signed up and the exhibition experiencing unprecedented demand for space. We are confident this is going to be a year of great speakers and information for the optical networks industry, added Per.

Gothenburg is at the heart of Scandinavia, with a characteristic flair for architecture and even the worlds best social scene  come and see for yourself!

The ECOC Conference is organised jointly by Chalmers University of Technology, RISE Acreo and the Technical University of Denmark, with Ericsson and Telia Company as guarantors.

ECOCs final deadline for scientific paper submissions is April 28, 2017. If you wish to submit your paper to the ECOC technical program, please submit it before this deadline. Please visit the website for more conference topics and submission information www.ecoc2017.org.

If you are interested in sponsoring during the conference, please visit http://ecoc2017.org/sponsorship/.
Ray Wang Joins Line-up of Powerhouse Keynote Speakers at Host Analytics World 2017

REDWOOD CITY, CA  (Marketwired)  04/18/17  , a leading provider of scalable, cloud-based enterprise performance management (EPM) systems, today announced that Ray Wang is the latest addition to the heavy-hitting cast of keynote presenters at Host Analytics World 2017 in Nashville on May 16-19, 2017. Founder of Constellation Research, Inc. and best-selling author, Wang joins the lineup alongside the CEO of FUBU and New York Times best-selling author, Daymond John. Wang will address business strategy and disruption at the industrys premier cloud enterprise performance management (EPM) event.

Ray Wang is a Silicon Valley insider with a first-hand view into the changing nature of technology, said Dave Kellogg, CEO of Host Analytics. A savvy business strategist, Ray understands real disruption doesnt rely solely on technology. I cant think of a better speaker for our attendees to get insight on how disruptive technologies and new business models, such as digital transformation, are impacting the modern finance realm.

As the Principal Analyst, Founder, and Chairman of Silicon Valley based Constellation Research, Inc., Wang works with Global 2000 companies on business strategy and disruptive technology adoption. He is the voice of the popular business strategy and technology blog, A Software Insiders Point of View, and is the author of the best-selling book, Disrupting Digital Business, published by Harvard Business Review Press.

Wang has held executive roles in product, marketing, strategy, and consulting at companies such as Forrester Research, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Personify, and Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Host Analytics World is the premier industry event for professionals in the finance function. This years lineup of keynote speakers also includes entrepreneur, Shark and CEO of FUBU, Daymond John; Dave Kellogg, CEO of Host Analytics; and as outlined on the Host Analytics World site  customers including Swissport, Capitol Petroleum, Pinterest, LT Apparel, Colonial Pipeline, Grand Canyon University, and more. Event sponsors include Accenture, Bakerfield Solutions, Bright Point, Canopach, CFO Solutions, Cogenics, Deloitte, FP&A, Formos Consulting, RSM, and WG Consulting.

brings together Host Analytics customers and partners, as well as subject matter experts to share new ideas and strategies for leveraging technology in finance departments to help organizations drive peak performance. Customers and partners will share how they are leveraging cloud-based EPM solutions to automate the financial processes, accelerate execution, and align their organization. For more information, or to register, please visit the conference .

is the industrys leading provider of scalable, cloud-based enterprise performance management (EPM) systems. Companies of all sizes, from $10 million startups to $15 billion multi-nationals, rely on Host Analytics to provide financial planning, budgeting, modeling, consolidations, and reporting. More than 600 customers use Host Analytics including Bose, Boston Red Sox, FitBit, La-Z-Boy, Mayo Clinic, NPR, OpenTable, Peets Coffee & Tea, Pinterest, Swissport, TOMS Shoes, True Value, and Vitamin Shoppe. Host Analytics is a private company backed by leading venture capitalists and is headquartered in Silicon Valley with customers in over 90 countries.

For more information about Host Analytics, please visit

Read the Host Analytics blog at

Follow Host Analytics on LinkedIn: .

Become a fan of Host Analytics on Facebook:

MEDIA CONTACT:

Stefanie Maragna

Host Analytics

650-430-3667
Percona Announces Keynote Schedule for Sixth Annual Percona Live Open Source Database Conference

RALEIGH, NC  (Marketwired)  04/18/17  , the company that delivers enterprise-class MySQL and MongoDB solutions and services, today announced the keynote sessions for the sixth annual , taking place April 24-27, 2017, at The Hyatt Regency Santa Clara and Santa Clara Convention Center. This years conference features several exciting extracurricular events, including an opening reception sponsored by Booking.com, the MySQL Community Awards ceremony, and book signings hosted by OReilly featuring Sveta Smirnov, Laine Campbell, Charity Majors, Baron Schwartz, Peter Zaitsev and Vadim Tkachenko. for the conference are still available.

The Percona Live Open Source Database Conference 2017 is the premier event for open source software developers and users, as well as businesses that develop and use open source software. Topics for this years event focus on three key areas  MySQL, MongoDB and other open source databases. Other specialized tracks include Amazon Web Services, PostgreSQL, RocksDB, and time series data. In total, Percona Live Open Source Database Conference 2017 will feature 10 keynote addresses, 17 tutorials, 192 breakouts sessions, and two 101 crash courses, one on MySQL and one on MongoDB.

Welcoming Keynote  Peter Zaitsev, Percona

Continuent Is Back! But What Does Continuent Do Anyway?  Eero Teerikorpi and MC Brown, Continuent

Open Source Database Ecosystem  Paul Dix, InfluxDB; Tal Levy, Elastic Search; Bjorn Rabenstein, Prometheus; Justin Teller, Facebook; and Peter Zaitsev, Percona

SQLite: The Most Important Software Component That Many People Have Never Heard Of  Richard Hipp, SQLite.org

The Open Source Database Business Model is Under Siege  Paul Dix, InfluxDB

Keynote Panel  Colin Charles, Percona; Baron Schwartz, VividCortex; and MC Brown, Continuent

MySQL 8.0: Powering the next generation of Web, Saas, Cloud  Tomas Ulin, Oracle

The Future of Monitoring Is Distributed  Baron Schwartz, VividCortex

Closing Keynote  Peter Zaitsev, Percona

Monitoring Booking.com without looking at MySQL  Jean Francois Gagne, Booking.com

Community Award Ceremony

An Opening Ceremony featuring food and cocktails being sponsored by .

OReilly will host various special book signings. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the following books and have the authors sign them:

 by Sveta Smirnov

 by Laine Campbell, Charity Majors

 by Baron Schwartz, Peter Zaitsev, Vadim Tkachenko

Ceremony  Presented by Emily Slocombe, SurveyMonkey  The MySQL Community Awards acknowledge individuals and corporations for their contributions to the MySQL ecosystem. It is a from-the-community, by-the-community and for-the-community effort. Awards are given for Community Contributor, Application, and Corporate Contributor.

for Percona Live Open Source Database Conference 2017 are available and offer the opportunity to interact with DBAs, sysadmins, developers, CTOs, CEOs, business managers, technology evangelists, solution vendors, and entrepreneurs who typically attend the event. Current sponsors include:

 Continuent, VividCortex

 Amazon Web Services, GridGain Systems

 Clustrix, Grafana Labs, Yelp

 Altinity, ITSumma, OReilly, Pythian, ScaleArc, ScaleDB, SelectStar, Severalnines, SolarWinds, Uber, PingCAP, BitNine Global, Alibaba, Object Rocket, TimescaleDB

 Booking.com

 Facebook, MailChimp, Netflix, Google SQL Cloud

 CMSWire, Datanami, Database Trends & Applications, InsideBigData, InsideHPC, Opensource.com, Packt, Women Who Code

Percona Live is a must-attend event for anyone really engaged with the open source database community. Each year, we look forward to reconnecting with our peers, customers, and friends  the developers, architects, and managers who are charting the future of the high-performance data tier. Percona Live is where the community literally envisions and starts building whats next in databases, and where the open source and commercial ecosystems intersect. Our team is proud to be part of it, to learn, and to share best practices aimed at improving business outcomes through better understanding and visibility into database performance.

Continuent is very excited to once again be participating in Percona Live, the premier open source database conference. Two years ago, Continuent was acquired by VMware as the best-of-breed data services company to build their DBaaS solution. Changes in those plans led Continuent to be spun off back into an independent company. Continuent offers business-critical data replication and database clustering solutions. Our customers run billions of dollars worth of business on our multi-site/multi-master clusters and use our advanced replication solutions to replicate in real-time from MySQL and Oracle into Analytics/Big Data.

Visit the website for more information about the conference or to .

What:

Where: The Hyatt Regency Santa Clara and Santa Clara Convention Center

5101 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054

When: April 24-27, 2017

With more than 3,000 customers worldwide, Percona is the only company that delivers enterprise-class solutions for both MySQL and MongoDB across traditional and cloud-based platforms. The company provides , , , and to large, well-known global brands such as Cisco Systems, Time Warner Cable, Alcatel-Lucent, Rent the Runway and the BBC, as well as smaller enterprises looking to maximize application performance while streamlining database efficiencies. Well established as thought leaders, Percona experts author content for the and the draw attendees and expert technical speakers from around the world. For more information, visit .

Percona, XtraBackup, TokuDB and Fractal Tree are registered trademarks of Percona LLC or its subsidiaries. All other registered and unregistered trademarks in this document are the sole property of their respective owners.

Press Contacts

Brigit Valencia

For Percona

(360) 597-4516
Identillect to Offer a Suite of Cyber-Security Compliance Tools to NAPA Members

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA  (Marketwired)  04/18/17  Identillect Technologies Corp. (the Company or Identillect) (TSX VENTURE: ID)(OTCQB: IDTLF), a trusted leading provider of SaaS email security today announced a new service collaboration with the National Association of Professional Agents (NAPA), providing NAPA members access to the Companys suite of compliance tools, including the Identillect Delivery Trust email encryption service. These security solutions are designed to respond to agents need to successfully ensure or improve their HIPAA compliance. The requirement to be compliant with HIPAA is critical in the prevention of a data breach and HIPAA fines.

NAPA founder, Lou Marinaccio states, NAPA assists over 100,000 insurance agents across the U.S. with all facets of their business. We are proud to be working with Identillects security platform to provide another benefit to our members, while increasing their level of HIPAA compliance.

Identillect offers an array of secure, convenient and easy-to-use solutions which ensure regulatory compliance and provide the flexibility to adapt to ever-changing business needs, said Todd Sexton, Identillect CEO. This collaboration is about assisting NAPA members in delivering best-of-breed solutions in the area of HIPAA. Due to the fact customers only pay a flat subscription fee per user, the cost can be significantly lower than similar services. Many organizations can leverage their operating expense budget versus capital expenditures. NAPA members can also get their first 60 days free.

Delivery Trust is an email encryption solution being deployed by small businesses and enterprises at a monthly subscription fee. The multiplatform software is available for Gmail, Outlook, Microsoft 365, and web/mobile access making it a very simple solution for businesses with varying email platforms to use.

About NAPA

Since 1989, NAPA has offered access to a broad portfolio of insurance products and professional services including Errors & Omissions, Life, Health and dozens of ancillary offerings to over 100,000 NAPA Members nationwide. Many of the most prominent insurance and financial companies in the industry utilize NAPA as their voluntary benefits provider. NAPA specializes in building custom company-sponsored E&O and benefit programs tailored to meet the unique needs of a sponsoring companies distribution force. Visit to learn more.

About Identillect

Identillect (TSX VENTURE: ID)(OTCQB: IDTLF) is a leading provider of proprietary email encryption services. Identillects Delivery Trust email security technology platform empowers individuals and businesses of all sizes a cost effective way to create a more secure digital environment and protect against cyber security risks. Delivery Trust is the industries simplest plug and play security solution with a broad range of features including; state of the art encryption technology, restricting email forwarding and printing, receipt confirmation, limiting time available to view, and retracting sent emails. Delivery Trust is available for iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows and Mac PCs and Laptops and the webs most popular email platforms. Since commercializing the product, Identillect has quickly grown its subscriber base and is becoming recognized in the security industry as a top e-mail security provider. To get more information, visit ; follow us on Twitter or on Facebook @identillecttechnologies.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.

Contacts:

Identillect Technologies Corp.

Todd Sexton

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (949) 468-7878

Investor Relations:

Arlen Hansen

Kin Communications

1-866-684-6730
Askida Named SME of the Month for April as Part of the AQTs PME en Lumiere Initiative

MONTREAL, QUEBEC  (Marketwired)  04/18/17  Askida, a leader in custom software development and software quality assurance, is proud to announce that it has been named SME of the Month for April 2017 by the prestigious PME en Lumiere initiative.

Organized by the Quebec Technology Association (AQT) in collaboration with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), CGI and Videotron Business Solutions, PME en Lumiere is an initiative that seeks to promote Quebec technology companies that have distinguished themselves by their accomplishments and commercial successes.

Being named SME of the Month by PME en Lumiere continues whats been an incredible year for us so far, says Steeve Duchesne, Askidas CEO and cofounder. Its a tremendous honor for us that clearly demonstrates how hard our team has been working, which has allowed us to experience incredible growth in a market thats changing.

Askida is on an amazing run right now, adds Michel Lacasse, Askidas VP of Business Development. In 2016, Askida doubled in size and we feel that were in a very good position moving forward. Being named SME of the Month by PME en Lumiere motivates us to continue working hard to be a leader in software quality.

PME en Lumieres SME of the Month was selected by an independent jury composed of leaders and specialists in the Information and Communications Technology sector.

About Askida

Askida is a company specialized in software development and quality assurance whose aim is to enhance the competitive advantages of its clients while also reducing costs and risks. The company develops high-quality custom software solutions and guarantees the quality of existing software through its own ASKIDA solution. Located throughout Quebec and North America, its clients consist of innovative organizations that require top-of-the-line solutions that cater to their unique business processes and high standards of software quality.

Contacts:

Askida

Guillaume Morissette

Communications officer

Office: 514 286-9366 #256
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The 2017 Midsomer Norton Pride event will be bigger and better than last year, according to organisers.

This year they will be working closely with two of the secondary schools in the area, Somervale and Norton Hill.

This year the event will be held in the town on June 10.

Head organiser Nik Jovcic-Sas said: "As many gay and trans people are concerned with everything that's going on in America, our main drag and music night this year "Filth & Fame" takes inspiration from Hollywood.

"We're going to see the return of international Drag star Cheddar Gorgeous, accompanied by her Manchester sister Anna Phylactic, who describes herself as "a shock in a frock". We will also have music from Verdisa formerly known as Sam Evans Band. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the Russian LGBT network to support their work in Chechnya."

How can you get involved?

This year organisers are going to be running an art competition focused on "stigma" with in the LGBTQ+ community, and other minority groups. Pupils from Somervale and Norton Hill can enter pieces in any medium including painting, sculpture, photography, film, dance, music and the winner will receive a 100 voucher for a store/brand of their choosing.

There will also be a bake-off in Midsomer Norton Town Hall on June 10 during the day and a film screening the night before.

Nik added: "We also plan to have the high street decked out in rainbow colours.

"I originally came up with the idea for Midsomer Norton Pride last year in response to the difficult experiences I had as a gay teenager growing up in the area. Grant Johnson who helped me organise last year is also working on this year's event, alongside Lucy Miler, Sam Billet and Jake Bishop-Ponte."
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THE BIGGEST STORIES ACROSS TAUNTON IN YOUR INBOX

A man who ran over another mans leg, leaving him in agony on the ground with a bone sticking out of his ankle, was warned to expect a jail sentence when he appeared before Taunton Crown Court this morning.

Adam Watson, 27, of St Matthews Green, Bridgwater, admitted a charge of grievous bodily harm and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Prosecuting, Peter Coombe said Watson had a history of acrimony with his victim and on October 25 last year, the victim had a text message from his former partner, who had been involved in an argument with Watsons girlfriend.

She texted him later that day to tell him the argument was still ongoing and that Watson had threatened her with an iron bar.

The victim jumped into his car, driving to the scene to confront Watson, but saw his car in town and decided to give chase.

Eyewitnesses described seeing the pair driving dangerously through Bridgwater, driving through red lights and on the wrong side of the road, before the victim manoeuvred in front of Watsons car at The Clink, forcing him to stop.

The victim got out of his car, when Watson  who has previous convictions for assault and battery  drove the car at him, knocking him over and bending back the door of his car.

The car stopped for a moment, then the defendant drove over his legs, before driving off at speed, Mr Coombe said.

The victims ankle was severely injured.

Watson later returned to the scene with a female friend, before the entire group starting arguing.

One eyewitness said: "It was like the Jeremy Kyle Show in the street."

Judge David Ticehurst responded that he had "never watched that particular show".

Watson was described as being extremely angry and aggressive and had to be restrained by the police.

When his phone was examined by police, he had sent messages to friends saying that he would kill the victim if he saw him.

Adjourning the case so a pre-sentence report could be written, Judge David Ticehurst warned Watson that the "most likely outcome" for his actions would be prison.

He will be sentenced at a later date, with the defendant remanded in custody in the meantime.
Kabul, Apr 18 (IBNS): At least one security personnel was injured in an explosion in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Monday, media reports said.

Brig. Gen. Hamayoon Ainee, in charge of 119 police helpline, told Pajhwok Afghan News the explosion occurred at round 7:00am.

The condition of the injured person is said to be stable.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.




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Broadchurch reached a powerfully emotional and disturbing climax last night (April 17).

So now the series is over, what did we learn from the Q & A with writer Chris Chibnall and members of the cast in Bridport?

The vicar really is as harmless and nice as he seems!

Arthur Darvills vicar was often touted as an unlikely villain by Broadchurch fans  based on that old staple that the least likely person is often to blame for horrific crimes.

Some tweeted their apologies to the vicar for suspecting him, as in the end he emerged squeaky clean and even delivered words of wisdom about community togetherness to conclude the series.

Producers deliberately cast famous people because viewers think theyre famous, they might have done it

Lenny Henry and Charlie Higson, better known by some as comedians and writers, were deliberately cast by producers as national treasures to throw viewers off the scent of the real baddies.

It was a good point from the Broadchurch producer on stage who said psychologically we often suspect the famous folk  because if they are in it, surely they are really important to the story?

Julie Hesmondhalgh  or another woman  COULD be the next Doctor Who

One brave member of the Bridport audience asked writer Chris Chibnall about his next project  becoming showrunner of Doctor Who.

The question was  could Julie Hesmondhalgh be the next Time Lord in the TARDIS after showing off her amazing acting range?

Chibnall did not say she was not the next Doctor but that was because he declined to answer at all. He insisted this was his last night to talk about Broadchurch and Doctor Who talk was for another day.

Nevertheless, there was no clear ruling out of a female Doctor.

(Image: Getty)

Writers and producers usually have no say over the adverts shown during their shows

Another audience question was about an advert which sexualised women during a previous episode of series three.

This surprised the fan because of the shows sexual assault topic matter, which was so well handled in the storyline itself.

She asked Chibnall if the shows production team had any say over the content of the adverts  the answer was essentially, none whatsoever.

Chibnall often changed who did it as he wrote the scripts

For series one and three, Chibnall said he started writing Broadchurch with a culprit in mind.

However after getting feedback from his team, and developing the plot, on both occasions he changed who was behind the crime as the material evolved and spoke to him.

(Image: SWNS)

The cast only found out who was guilty script by script

A lot of questions were focused on the intense secrecy around Broadchurch. One audience member wanted to know if the cast only found out if their character was guilty script by script.

Excitingly the answer was yes  when each series started filming, everyone in the cast was in the dark.

Andrew Buchan, who played Mark Latimer, remembered reading a line from David Tennants character about Marks whereabouts in series one and briefly fearing his character was the murderer.

Key members of the cast were sometimes driven to locations in disguise

Joe Miller, who turned out to be guilty of Danny Latimers murder, needed to be kept under wraps during filming of the early series.

The cast and crew resorted to cloak and dagger methods to keep the shows secrets, often driving actor Matthew Gravelle to outdoor filming spots in a wig and glasses to throw onlookers off the scent.

Drones were behind that amazing final shot heading out to sea

If you watched last nights finale, you will have no doubt been impressed by the incredible final shot which zoomed over David Tennant and Olivia Colman, towards West Bays cliffs, and then out to sea.

How on earth did they pull off this long unbroken shot?

There was no computer trickery but drones were used to capture the effect. Chibnall was delighted it was possible, as he said the final shot of the series had always been in his mind.

(Image: Getty)

Chibnall uses his wife as a location scout  could this mean Doctor Who filming in Dorset?

Broadchurch has been good news for Dorset businesses reliant on tourism and perhaps another show could soon add to the areas appeal.

Chibnall revealed after Mondays finale that his acupuncturist lives in West Bexington and that is why Trishs bungalow was there.

And his wife spotted the waterfall in Little Bredy, which was used as the setting for the attack on Trish.

So with Chibnall now taking over control of Doctor Who, could his wife stumble across a quarry or spooky house which proves the perfect inspiration for his next venture?

Lets hope the West Country gets another moment in the limelight!

(Image: Getty)

Hesmondhalgh is not happy with the Government cuts to rape support services

The actress who played Trish had some strong words for the Government, as she revealed she has become a patron of the charity Dorset rape crisis this week.

She said it was up to ordinary people to keep the pressure on the powers that be. Funding such services was not a priority for them but pressure from below could show how important they are, she added.

The show grew out of a desire to contrast beautiful Dorset communities with horrific events

It was always about community for Chibnall and what happens to a small town after a terrible crime.

Throw in the Dorset locations he came to love after moving to the county in 2003 and you had a perfect drama for exploring the contrast between beauty and horror.

Millers part was written for Olivia Colman

From the beginning Chibnall said to himself the part of DS Miller would work well with someone like Olivia Colman.

He kept writing the scripts with this thought in mind but never imagined he would tempt her to the show.

Thankfully, he did!
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The Liberal Democrat candidate in Yeovil for the general election says she is ready to fight Marcus Fysh for his seat in parliament.

Theresa May announced this morning (April 18) that the government would be calling a snap general election.

Daisy Benson has been leading a Lib Dem fight back after the party was wiped off the political map in the South West at the 2015 general election.

She has said that the Lib Dems have been preparing for this and are ready to fight Mr Fysh for his seat.

She said: Bring it on. Weve been prepared a long time for this- what Yeovil needs is an MP who can stick up for the constituency.

Marcus Fysh took the seat off former Yeovil MP David Laws at the 2015 general election. He managed to overturn Mr Laws 13,000 majority in a shock result.

The general election is due to be held on June 8. A vote will be held in parliament tomorrow following Theresa Mays announcement.

Marcus Fysh said: "This is positive news for the South West and the country as a whole. For the last year there has only been one party looking to secure the best possible future for all of us and thats the Conservatives.

"Other political parties are trying to block the will of the people; the unelected Lords are doing the same.

"Theresa May is a strong and sensible leader and the country needs to come together behind her now as we forge a new relationship with our neighbours and maintain our global outlook. Locally only the Conservatives will keep delivering on our agenda for investment in infrastructure and jobs."
St. Joseph County voters cast ballots in midterm elections

Most vote centers in St. Joseph County are seeing numbers on par with their usual midterm levels as 2022 Election Day gets underway.
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Colombo, Apr 18 (IBNS): Over 1000 military rescue workers are still digging debris from the landslide which struck at the massive rubbish dump in the countryas capital a Colombo-, which buried 30 people alive on April 14.

It was the countrys New Year day noon when the 90-metre open rubbish dump, in which over 800 tonnes of garbage from the capital dumped daily, collapsed triggered by a fire at the part of the dump.

According to the Military Spokesman Brig. Roshan Seneviratne, the search and rescue operations are continuing while there is uncertainty about any survivors after the fourth day of collapsing the dump.

 We lack information about people present at the location at that time. Following some clues the rescue workers had to dig over 20-feet to look for survivors, he said.

There are six children among the dead who were buried alive. The Disaster Management Centre says that nearly 625 people of 180 families are displaced and 145 houses damaged due to the landslide.

Residents and survivors blaming the politicians for the tragedy urged politicians not to visit the area after the disaster.

 They come to see us now to get political mileages. Before the disaster happened, we protested several times but then they were deaf and blind, angry residents protested saying when the Minister of Law and Order Sagala Ratnayake visited the areas.

N. Keerthiratne, the Convenor of the 'People Movement Against the Meethotamulla Dump', said that he has lost the battle.

 I have lost my three children and wife. I have no place to live as my two story house is buried under rubble, he said adding that he is compelled to live as his grandson has survived.

The retired prison official, Keerthiratne, who was once remanded after leading a protest campaign against dumping garbage last year, cried.

Brig. Seneviratne told the India Blooms that survivals are very unlikely but until the military get instructions to half, the rescue operations will be continuing.

Following President Maithripala Sirisenas directives, the finance ministry has taken steps to pay compensation for the victims and also for the damages for properties.

Meanwhile, some residents accused the politicians in the area for engaging in garbage business as they some of them are owned the garbage trucks to deliver rubbish to the dump.

 There were over 60 good proposals submitted by various private companies to implement solid waste management projects to Colombos waste disposal problem. But they, including those politicians and some of the top officials, have blocked the projects as they have profits from the business, the Organizer of the Peoples Movement Lawyer Nuwan Bopage charged.
This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Space.com's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

Martin Rees is Emeritus Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics, at the University of Cambridge, the Astronomer Royal, a member of Britain's House of Lords, and a former President of the Royal Society. The following interview was conducted at Trinity College, Cambridge, by The Conversation's Matt Warren.

Into space

Q: How big is the universe  and is it the only one?

Our cosmic horizons have grown enormously over the last century, but there is a definite limit to the size of the observable universe. It contains all the things from which light has been able to reach us since the Big Bang, about 14 billion years ago. But the new realisation is that the observable universe may not be all of reality. There may be more beyond the horizon, just as there's more beyond the horizon when you're observing the ocean from a boat.

What's more, the galaxies are likely to go on and on beyond this horizon, but more interestingly, there is a possibility that our Big Bang was not the only one. There may have been others, spawning other universes, disconnected from ours and therefore not observable, and possibly even governed by different physical laws. Physical reality on this vast scale could therefore be much more varied and interesting than what we can observe.

Plenty more over the horizon. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

The universe we can observe is governed by the same laws everywhere. We can observe a distant galaxy and see that the atoms emitting the light are just the same as the ones in the lab. But there may be physical domains that are governed by completely different laws. Some may have no gravity, or not allow for nuclear physics. Ours may not even be a typical domain.

Even in our own universe, there are only so many ways you can assemble the same atoms, so if it is large enough it is possible that there is another Earth, even another avatar you. If this were the case, however, the universe would have to be bigger than the observable one by a number which to write down would require all the atoms in the universe. Rest assured, if there's another you, they are a very, very long way away. They might even be making the same mistakes.

Q: So how likely is alien life in this vast expanse?

We know now that planets exist around many, even most, stars. We know that in our Milky Way galaxy there are likely millions of planets that are in many ways like the Earth, with liquid water. The question then is whether life has developed on them  and we can't yet answer that.

Although we know how via Darwinian selection a complex biosphere evolved on Earth around 4 billion years ago, we don't yet understand the actual origin of life  the transition from complex chemistry to the first metabolizing, replicating structures. The good news is that we will have a better idea of how that happened within the next ten or 20 years and crucially, how likely it was to happen. This will give us a better understanding of how likely it is to happen elsewhere. In that time, we will also have technologies that will allow us to better search for alien life.

Intelligence has an uncertain future. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

But just because there's life elsewhere doesn't mean that there is intelligent life. My guess is that if we do detect an alien intelligence, it will be nothing like us. It will be some sort of electronic entity.

If we look at our history on Earth, it has taken about 4 billion years to get from the first protozoa to our current, technological civilisation. But if we look into the future, then it's quite likely that within a few centuries, machines will have taken over  and they will then have billions of years ahead of them.

In other words, the period of time occupied by organic intelligence is just a thin sliver between early life and the long era of the machines. Because such civilisations would develop at different rates, it's extremely unlikely that we will find intelligent life at the same stage of development as us. More likely, that life will still be either far simpler, or an already fully electronic intelligence.

On intelligence

Q: Do you believe that machines will develop intelligence?

There are many people who would bet on it. The second question, however, is whether that necessarily implies consciousness  or whether that is limited to the wet intelligence we have within our skulls. Most people, however, would argue that it is an emergent property and could develop in a machine mind.

Q: So if the universe is populated by electronic super minds, what questions will they be pondering?

We can't conceive that any more than a chimp can guess the things that we spend our time thinking about. I would guess, however, that these minds aren't on planets. While we depend on a planet and an atmosphere, these entities would be happy in zero G, floating freely in space. This might make them even harder to detect.

Q: How would humanity respond to the discovery of alien life?

It would certainly make the universe more interesting, but it would also make us less unique. The question is whether it would provoke in us any sense of cosmic modesty. Conversely, if all our searches for life fail, we'd know more certainly that this small planet really is the one special place, the single pale, blue dot where life has emerged. That would make what happens to it not just of global significance, but an issue of galactic importance, too.

And we are likely to be fixed to this world. We will be able to look deeper and deeper into space, but travelling to worlds beyond our solar system will be a post-human enterprise. The journey times are just too great for mortal minds and bodies. If you're immortal, however, these distances become far less daunting. That journey will be made by robots, not us.

Q: What scientific advances would you like to see over the coming century?

Cheap, clean energy, for one. Artificial meat is another. But the idea is often easier than the application. I like to tell my students the story of two beavers standing in front of a huge hydroelectric dam. "Did you build that?" asks one. "No," says the other. "But it is based on my idea." That's the essential balance between scientific insight and engineering development.

On expertise

Q: Michael Gove [the British politician who was a leader of the campaign for the UK to leave the EU] said people have had enough of experts. Have they?

I wouldn't expect anything more from Mr Gove, but there is clearly a role for experts. If we're sick, we go to a doctor, we don't look randomly on the internet. But we must also realise that most experts only have expertise within their own area, and if we are scientists we should accept that. When science impacts on public policy, there will be elements of economics, ethics and politics where we as scientists speak only as laymen. We need to know where the demarcation line is between where we are experts and where we are just citizens.

If you want to influence public policy as a scientist, there are two ways to do it. You can aspire to be an adviser within government, which can be very frustrating. Or you can try and influence policy indirectly. Politicians are very much driven by what's in their inbox and what's in the press, so the scientists with the greatest influence are those who go public, and speak to everyday people. If an idea is picked up by voters, the politicians won't ignore it.

Q: Brexit  good or bad?

I am surprised to find myself agreeing with Lord Heseltine [former UK Conservative government minister] and Tony Blair [former Labour prime minister], but it is a real disaster, which we have stumbled into. There is a lot of blame to be shared around, by Boris Johnson et al, but also by Jeremy Corbyn [leader of the UK Labour party] for not fighting his corner properly. I have been a member of the Labour Party for a very long time, but I feel badly let down by Corbyn  especially as Labour voters supported Remain two to one. He has been an ineffective leader, and also ambivalent on this issue. A different leader, making a vocal case for Remain, could have tilted the vote.

On the other side, Boris Johnson [now UK foreign secretary  who campaigned for Britain to leave the EU] has been most reprehensible. At least Gove has opinions, which he has long expressed. Boris Johnson had no strong opinions, and the honourable thing to do if that is the case is to remain quiet. But he changed his stance opportunistically (as in the Eton debating society) and swung the vote.

Boris Johnson: 'reprehensible.' (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Q: But why is it such a disaster?

My concerns are broad geopolitical ones. In the world as it is now, with America becoming isolationist and an increasingly dominant Russia, for Europe to establish itself as a united and powerful counterweight is more important than ever. We are jeopardizing something that has held Europe together, in peace, for 60 years, and could also break up the United Kingdom in the process. We will be remembered for that and it is something to deplore.

One thing astronomers bring to the table is an awareness that we have a long potential future, as well as the universe's long past  and that this future could be jeopardized by what happens in the coming decades.

Q: More broadly, how much danger is the human race in?

I have spent a lot of time considering how we as a species can make it into the next century  and there are two main classes of problems. First, the collective impact of humanity as its footprint on the planet increases due to a growing population more demanding of resources. Second, the possible misuse by error or design of ever more powerful technology  and most worryingly, bio-tech.

There is certainly a high chance of a major global setback this century, most likely from the second threat, which increasingly allows individual groups to have a global impact. Added to this is the fact that the world is increasingly connected, so anything that happens has a global resonance. This is something new and actually makes us more vulnerable as a species than at any time in our past.

Q: So terrorism will pose an even greater threat in the coming century?

Yes, because of these technologies, terrorists or fanatics will be able to have a greater impact. But there's also the simple danger of these technologies being misused. Engineering or changing viruses, for example, can be used in benign ways  to eradicate Zika, for example  but there's obviously a risk that such things can get out of control.

Bio-tech: one of the great threats. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Nuclear requires large, conspicuous and heavily-protected facilities. But the facilities needed for bio-tech, for example, are small-scale, widely understood, widely available and dual use. It is going to be very hard indeed properly to regulate it.

In the short and intermediate term, this is even more worrying than the risks posed by climate change  although in the long term, that will be a very major problem, especially as both people and politicians find it very difficult to focus on things further down the line.

I have been very involved in campaigns to get all countries involved in research and development into alternative, clean energy sources. Making them available and cheap is the only way we are going to move towards a low carbon future. The level of money invested in this form of research should be equivalent to the amount spent on health or defence, and nuclear fusion and fourth generation nuclear fission should be part of that.

Q: In the medieval world, people would start building cathedrals that only later generations would finish. Have we lost that long-term perspective?

That's right. In fact, one very important input behind the political discussion prior to the Paris climate agreement was the 2015 Papal Encyclical. I'm a council member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, which helped to initiate the scientific meetings which were important in ensuring that the encyclical was a highly respected document. Whatever one thinks of the Catholic church, one cannot deny its long-term vision, its global range and its concern for the world's poor. I believe that the encyclical, six months before the Paris conference, had a big impact on the leaders and people in South America, Africa and Asia. Religion clearly still has a very important role to play in the world.

Q: Have you ever encountered anything in the cosmos that has made you wonder whether a creator was behind it?

No. Personally, I don't have any religious beliefs. But I describe myself as a cultural Christian, in that I was brought up in England and the English church was an important part of that. Then again, if I had been born in Iran, I'd probably go to the mosque.

Martin Rees, Emeritus Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics, University of Cambridge

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Follow all of the Expert Voices issues and debates  and become part of the discussion  on Facebook, Twitter and Google +. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. This version of the article was originally published on Space.com.
Dark matter filaments bridge the space between galaxies in this false color map. The locations of bright galaxies are shown by the white regions and the presence of a dark matter filament bridging the galaxies is shown in red.

For decades, scientists have tracked hints of a thread-like structure that ties together galaxies across the universe. Theories, computer models, and indirect observations have indicated that there is a cosmic web of dark matter that connects galaxies and constitutes the large-scale structure of the cosmos. But while the filaments that make up this web are massive, dark matter is incredibly difficult to observe.

Now, researchers have produced what they say is the first composite image of a dark matter filament that connects galaxies together.

"This image moves us beyond predictions to something we can see and measure," said Mike Hudson, a professor of astronomy at the University of Waterloo in Canada, co-author of a new study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Dark matter, an elusive substance that is estimated to make up around 27 percent of the universe, doesn't give off, reflect, or absorb light. This has made it virtually impossible to detect, except for its effects when it exerts a gravitational tug or when it warps the light of distant galaxies in what is called gravitational lensing.

For their work, Hudson and co-author Seth Epps, who was a master's student at the University of Waterloo at the time of the research, employed a technique called weak gravitational lensing  a statistical measurement of the slight bends that occur in the path of light passing near mass. The effect produces illustrations of galaxies that appear slightly warped owing to the presence of celestial mass, such as dark matter.

In their paper, they explained that in order to study the weak lensing signal of the dark matter filaments, they required two sets of data: a catalog of galaxy cluster pairs that were lensed, and a catalog of background source galaxies with accurate distance measurements.

They combined lensing data from a multi-year sky survey at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope with information from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey that mapped luminous red galaxies (LRGs), which are massive, distant, and very old galaxies.

"LRGs are very bright galaxies," Hudson told Seeker via email. "They tend to be more massive than the average galaxy and live in more massive dark matter 'halos.' It's reasonable to expect that the filament or bridge between them might also be more massive than the average."

RELATED: The Andromeda Galaxy Could Be Buzzing With Dark Matter

Hudson and Epps combined or "stacked" more than 23,000 galaxy pairs, all located about 4.5 billion light-years away. This allowed them to create a composite image or map that shows the presence of dark matter between galaxies. Hudson told Seeker that the filament in their "image" is the average of all 23,000 pairs.

"The primary reason that we used these galaxies is that they had precise distances (as measured by another team)," Hudson explained. "These distance measurements allowed us to distinguish between pairs of galaxies that were actual pairs in 3D (meaning both are at the same distance from us) as opposed to two galaxies that appeared close on the sky but were actually at very different distances."

3D pairs would be physically close to each other and hence, will have a bridge whereas the second group are not physically close to each other, and so would not have a bridge between them. Hudson and Epps said their results show the dark matter filament bridge is strongest between systems less than 40 million light years apart.

"By using this technique, we're not only able to see that these dark matter filaments in the universe exist, we're able to see the extent to which these filaments connect galaxies together," Epps said in a statement.

RELATED: Camouflaged Dark Matter Galaxy Discovered

The Big Bang theory predicts that variations in the density of matter in the very first moments of the universe led the bulk of the matter in the cosmos to condense into a web of tangled filaments. To explain this, astronomer Fritz Zwicky first introduced the concept of dark matter in 1933, when his measurements of galaxies moving within a galaxy cluster showed they must have at least ten times more invisible matter than what is visible.

But it wasn't until the 1970s that dark matter was taken seriously. Vera Rubin and Kent Ford Jr. mapped the motions of stars within galaxies close to our own Milky Way, and they also concluded that each galaxy had to include enormous amounts of unseen matter, far more than all the visible matter. Later, computer simulations confirmed this and suggested the existence of dark matter, structured like a web, with long filaments that connect to each other at the locations of massive galaxy clusters.

In their paper, Hudson and Epps list dozens of previous studies that have attempted to measure and observe the dark matter web, and they say they hope their stacking techniques to measure the filaments between groups and clusters of galaxies can serve as a foundation for future filament studies. They hope upcoming surveys and telescopes will continue to further our understanding of dark matter.

Originally published on Seeker.
Is it possible that one of NASA's original astronauts mapped the site of a sunken treasure from orbit  and it remained a secret for nearly 55 years?

That is the premise behind "Cooper's Treasure," an eight-part documentary series premiering on Discovery Channel on Tuesday (April 18). The show follows shipwreck hunter Darrell Miklos as he attempts to piece together coordinates and other notations that were entrusted to him by the late Gordon Cooper, one of the seven Mercury astronauts.

"I think I'm the only man on the planet that, in the business I am  historical shipwreck recovery  received information from an astronaut [with] coordinates that he obtained on a spaceflight," said Miklos in an interview with collectSPACE. "I have to tell this story because if I don't, I don't think there is going to be anyone else who will be able to do so."

Cooper, who died in 2004 at age 77, became an astronaut in April 1959. He lifted off into space twice, first as pilot of the Mercury-Atlas 9 mission in May 1963, and then as the command pilot of Gemini 5 in August 1965. He was slated to also fly to the moon, but left NASA in 1970 before doing so.

In total, Cooper logged more than nine days in space. On his first mission, he became just the tenth person in history to fly into space and the last American to launch on a solo mission into orbit.

It was during his record-setting 34-hour Mercury mission, that Cooper is said to have noted down the coordinates for a series of targets, locations that he thought were possible sunken shipwrecks, which he detected while conducting a classified search for Soviet nuclear missile launch sites  or so the show suggests.

"This is a side of Cooper that nobody really knows," Miklos said.

Darrell Miklos works in his studio, from Discovery's new eight-part documentary series, "Cooper's Treasure." (Image credit: Discovery Channel)

'Finishing unfinished work'

As told in the first episode of "Cooper's Treasure," Cooper and Miklos first met in 1978, when Miklos was a teenager.

"I first met Gordon Cooper in the green room, backstage at 'The Merv Griffin Show.' My dad and he were on the show together, an episode about adventurers," Miklos said.

Miklos' father, Roger, was on the show to discuss his own exploits treasure hunting, a subject that Cooper had taken an interest in even before he became an astronaut.

"Even people in my industry did not know that astronaut Gordon Cooper was involved in this, but what you've got to remember is that Cape Canaveral is situated in a unique location; it is right off the Gold Coast of Florida," explained Miklos. "Huge discoveries were made right off of the coast from the launch pads, right there at Cape Canaveral. That is what piqued Gordon's interest."

"Right there, where they were practicing space exploration were historical shipwrecks, sunk right in Cape Canaveral. I think that is what pushed him forward," he said.

After that initial meeting, Miklos and Cooper crossed paths at events over the years until 1997, when they flew to the Bahamas together.

"We were there to start a project in the Bahamian waters, but it never came to fruition," Miklos recalled. "But I ended up renting space in his office because we became friends while in the Bahamas. The next thing I knew, we ended up being really close friends for seven years until he passed."

Miklos, who describes Cooper as "a father figure," in part because his relationship with his own father is "extremely strained" (an aspect that plays out on the show), said that he and Cooper had plans for several projects  including investigating the sites explored on the show  but they all ended when Cooper died.

"It's basically finishing the unfinished work that Gordon and I planned to do together. His demise stopped it dead in its tracks for all these years," said Miklos.

"I was completely saddened by his passing. He was a like a father to me. I didn't know what to do with this material and I also didn't want to screw it up and start at the wrong time. I know how difficult these projects are to put together and complete. So the timing then was not right. Now, it is right," he said.

Astronaut Gordon Cooper's view of Earth from on board Faith 7, his Mercury capsule, in May 1963. (Image credit: NASA)

Never told before

Cooper briefly addressed his interest in treasure hunting in his memoir, "Leap of Faith: An Astronaut's Journey into the Unknown (opens in new tab)" (2000, HarperCollins), but he does not mention Miklos or his spotting potential sites from orbit. (Miklos said he was behind convincing Cooper to publish the book and was going to pen it himself, but deferred to a professional co-author, Bruce Henderson.)

For his part, Miklos he said he kept the papers that Cooper gave him and the story behind them secret until now.

"I have never told anyone the story before. Even though I had gotten other TV offers to do things related to treasure hunting, I've never shared this story," he said.

In the first episode, Miklos meets and consults with some of the engineers who built Cooper's Mercury capsule, Faith 7, and explores a potential target, both from the air and by diving on the site, while sharing the background about his relationship with Cooper.

"That is what the show is about, watching the process of how do I take a bunch of pieces of paper that are basically files with information Cooper gave me and that we worked together on, which he obtained from space, and how I take that from paper to a real expedition," he said.

Cooper is represented on the show through reenactments and through vintage film clips from his 11 years as a NASA astronaut and his later appearances on video. In one such clip shown in the first episode of "Cooper's Treasure," he is seen commenting on his work in space. His same words, though, might apply to the premise of the show.

"Just as in all explorations in history," he says, "the biggest benefits have always been the hidden ones that were not known at the time of the explorations were going on."

"Cooper's Treasure" airs Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Discovery Channel.

Watch preview clips from Discovery Channel's "Cooper's Treasure" at collectSPACE.

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2017 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.
This Cassini radar image shows the Ligeia Mare sea on the Saturn moon Titan's north polar region. Various images of the region are shown in the square labeled "inset area" on the left. Taken during flybys by Cassini from April 2007 to January 2015, the images clearly show the appearance, and then disappearance, of a "magic island" on Ligeia Mare's surface.

Mysterious bright anomalies known as "magic islands" that wink in and out of existence on the seas of Saturn's largest moon, Titan, may be streams of bubbles, a new model suggests.

Such bubbles, each up to more than an inch (2.5 centimeters) wide, might complicate any future missions seeking to explore Titan's seas, to the study's researchers said.

Titan is bigger than the planet Mercury, making the natural satellite the largest of the more than 60 known moons orbiting Saturn. It is also the only extraterrestrial body known to regularly support liquid on its surface, with seas and lakes likely made of nitrogen, methane and ethane, researchers have said. [Titan in Pictures: Amaznig Photos of Saturn's Big Moon]

In 2013, using radar aboard NASA's Cassini spacecraft, researchers peered through Titan's thick, hazy atmosphere to analyze the second-largest sea on the moon, Ligeia Mare. Titan's seas and lakes usually appear dark, but Cassini detected bright anomalies in Ligeia Mare that mysteriously disappeared after subsequent observations.

"The physical process behind this strange behavior was, up to now, absolutely not understood," study lead author Daniel Cordier, a planetary scientist at the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne in France, told Space.com.

Previous research suggested these playfully named magic islands were not alien creatures or spacecraft, but potentially gas bubbles or floating solids. Now, Cordier and his colleagues suggest that these anomalies are due to fizzing in Titan's unstable seas.

To learn more about the magic islands, the researchers developed computer models of how gases and liquids might behave in the frigid seas of Titan. The scientists based their models in part on experimental data previously collected by the oil and gas industry about how similar fluids act under pressure when deep underground.

The new findings suggest that on Titan, surface fluids are usually mixtures richer in methane, while deeper fluids are mixtures rich in ethane. Since the surface fluids are in contact with Titan's nitrogen-rich atmosphere, they are rich in nitrogen as well, the study said.

The researchers suggested that wind, tides, or the effects of heating and cooling may force surface mixtures to flow downward. The liquids in these sinking mixtures then separate because of the increased pressure found at lower depths. Nitrogen gas bubbles released by these separating liquids then rise back to the surface. Bubbles are highly reflective to radio waves, and so look bright under radar scans, the researchers said.

The calculations suggest that the bubbles can reach up to 1.8 inches (4.6 cm) in width and likely form at depths of about 330 to 660 feet (100 to 200 meters). This bubbling is only temporary, which explains why the Cassini spacecraft did not always see it, the researchers said.

Cordier noted that if future missions seek to deploy submarines to Titan's seas, "possible instabilities of the liquid at the sea bottom have to be taken into account."

The scientists detailed their findings online (opens in new tab) Monday (April 18) in the journal Nature Astronomy.

Follow Charles Q. Choi on Twitter @cqchoi. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
The asteroid 2014 JO25 will fly safely past Earth April 19, coming within 1.1 million miles (1.8 million km) of the planet  about 4.6 times the distance between the Earth and the moon. This map shows the asteroid's locations as it passes through the sky April 19 to April 22  it will appear bright in the sky for small telescopes for a few days after closest approach. Its position will vary from location to location; you can calculate its position on <a href=" http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/horizons.cgi?find_body=1&body_group=sb&sstr=2014%20JO25">this NASA site</a>.

A huge, shiny, peanut-shaped asteroid will safely swing by Earth tomorrow morning (April 19), coming within a distance of 1.1 million miles (1.8 million kilometers) of the planet  about 4.6 times the distance from Earth to the moon.

The bright asteroid 2014 JO25 is coming toward Earth from the sun's direction and should be visible in the sky in small telescopes for a few days afterward as it fades from view. It will be at its closest point to Earth at 8:24 a.m. EDT (1224 GMT). You can see a video animation of the asteroid's orbit here.

Asteroid 2014 JO25 was first spotted in May 2014 by astronomers at the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona, and measurements from NASA's NEOWISE mission suggested it was about 2,000 feet (650 meters) across, according to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Radar observations from the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico suggest it could be as big as 4,270 feet (1.3 km) at its widest point.

The asteroid's surface reflects about twice as much light as the moon. Its approach marks the closest an object this large has come to Earth since the gigantic asteroid 4179 Toutatis tumbled by in 2004, within 4 times the distance from the Earth to the moon.

The Aricebo Observatory caught this radio image of the asteroid 2014 JO25 on April 17, 2017, as the large, peanut-shaped asteroid neared its closet approach to Earth. (Image credit: Aricebo Observatory/NASA/NSF)

Wednesday's approach is the closest 2014 JO25 has come in at least 400 years, and there's no known close approach coming through at least the year 2500. Although the asteroid's approach poses no risk to Earth  with a 0 percent impact probability  the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center still classified it as "potentially hazardous" because of its size and nearness to Earth. Researchers will have to keep an eye on it to see if it drifts closer over the centuries, the Minor Planet Center wrote.

Astronomers around the world will study asteroid 2014 JO25 during and after its approach, including skywatchers at Arecibo and NASA's Goldstone Solar System Radar in California, JPL officials said in the statement  making observations that can potentially reveal features just a few meters across.

"Using radar, we can illuminate a near-Earth asteroid and directly measure its features,"astronomer Edgard Rivera-Valentin, a planetary scientist with the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) at the Arecibo Observatory, said in a separate statement. That's how scientists pinned down the asteroid's peanut shape, he added.

The next close approach of a known giant asteroid will happen in 2027, when the half-mile-wide (800 m) asteroid 1999 AN10 passes by at about the distance from the Earth to the moon.

The asteroid 2014 JO25 will fly safely past Earth April 19, coming within 1.1 million miles (1.8 million km) of the planet  about 4.6 times the distance between the Earth and the moon. This map shows the asteroid's locations as it passes through the sky April 19 to April 22  it will appear bright in the sky for small telescopes for a few days after closest approach. Its position will vary from location to location; you can calculate its position on this NASA site (Image credit: Gianluca Masi (Virtual Telescope Project)/TheSkySixPro)

You can watch asteroid 2014 JO25's journey live on the Slooh online observatory's website starting at 7 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT) April 19, or on the Virtual Telescope Project's website starting at 3:30 p.m. EDT (1930 GMT). You can also seek it out in the sky using Virtual Telescope's celestial map, above, and a small telescope (although its position will vary, depending on your location).

While you're looking, keep an eye out for the comet PanSTARRS (C/2015 ER61), which will be visible in the dawn sky to observers with binoculars or a small telescope as it makes its closest approach of 109 million miles (175 million km).

Editor's note: If you capture a photo of asteroid 2014 JO25 through a telescope and would like to share it with Space.com, please send images and comments in to: spacephotos@space.com.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the Arecibo Observatory is in Chile; it is Puerto Rico.

Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
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Toronto, Apr 18 (IBNS): John Bishop was one of hundreds of Canadians, sixty-six years ago this month, who had fought to keep the South Korean city of Seoul from falling back into North Korean hands, media reports said.

I dont think Canada, no matter what we did or could do, would change the situation at all, Bishop said, after tensions had once risen in the Korean Peninsula, TorontoStarNews reports said.

About 41 percent of the North Korean population, estimated by some international aid agencies reports, were undernourished and roughly seven million people did not have access to clean drinking water.

Considering the suffering of the North Koreans and a similar risk for South Koreans if conflicts resume, Canada must act in order to keep up the legacies of sixty-six years back when 27,000 Canadians served in the war and 516 died, Doug Finney, Korean War veteran said.

I cant see us standing by now and not doing anything, Finney was quoted as saying by TorontoStarNews reports.

Marius Grinius, who had served as Canadas ambassador to both North and South Korea between 2005 and 2007, said he had been sharing all the information in Pyongyang with Canadian diplomats.

Although Canada cut off all diplomatic ties with North Korea during its previous Conservative government, Grinius said the legacy of Canadas wartime contribution is still alive in the U.N. Korea command.

We should be very interested in long term stability and security, he was quoted as saying by TorontoStarNews reports.

Tina Park, a longtime scholar of Canada-Korea relations, and co-founder and executive director of the Canadian Centre for the Responsibility to Protect and Canada said Canada does bear humanitarian obligations towards Korean Peninsula.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
Even the third argument against stopping negotiations has little traction -- namely ensuring that Erdogan doesn't withdraw from the refugee deal with Europe. One reason this argument doesn't work is that the closure to a large degree of the West Balkan route used by refugees to get to Central Europe has contributed at least as much to the reduction in refugees and migrants as has the deal the EU reached with Erdogan. Second, the deal comes with billions of euros in aid that are advantageous enough for Turkey that it wouldn't likely just walk away from the deal.

None of this means that the EU should suspend all efforts in working together with Turkey. But it should be more honest in the way it does so by communicating to Turkey that it is interested in deeper economic ties rather than EU membership for the country. That would likely create greater opportunities for the EU to assert political influence over Turkey, because Erdogan is in fact dependent on having good economic relations with Europe.
They haven't pushed back against those who have always dismissed them as "guest workers" or "migrants" who "should go back to where they came from." But it is precisely those individuals whom they should answer, self-confidently: We're also German -- we help shape the country, we participate in society, we help mold German -- that is, our -- society, because we like Germany, even if it isn't perfect. There is much to criticize in Germany and we also do that. But we value democracy and the fact that we even have the possibility of criticizing it without landing in jail.

A Vote for Autocracy

Instead they voted for autocracy in Turkey. Just imagine: The cities of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir all voted "no" on the referendum, but Berlin, Hamburg and Munich -- in fact all 13 cities in Germany where Turkish-Germans eligible to vote could cast ballots -- voted "yes."
Bir Lahlou, April 18, 2017 (SPS) - The Sahrawi President Brahim Ghali called Monday, the new Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres to intervene to guarantee the security and integrity of Sahrawi civilians victims of Moroccan repression because of their claim for their peoples legitimate right to self-determination and independence.

We urge you, Mister Secretary General, to urgently intervene for the United Nations to fully assume the responsibility to ensure the security of Sahrawi citizens by allowing them to quickly exercise their legitimate right to self-determination and independence just like all the colonial peoples and countries, in implementation of the provisions of the United Nations Charter, wrote the president of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in his letter addressed to Guterres, following the violent Moroccan repressions in the occupied cities of Western Sahara.

The UN cannot remain indifferent to the ongoing provocations led by the illegal occupation of the Moroccan State in violation of international law, the Sahrawi human rights through the plundering of Western Saharas natural resources, the expulsion of the MINURSO civilian component, the violation of the ceasefire agreement signed in 1991 between the Polisario Front and Morocco under the auspices of the United Nations and the Organization of the African Unity, said President Ghali cited by the Sahrawi press agency, SPS.

Through the regions expansionist and provocative policy, including drug trafficking and its role in the promotion and support of criminal gangs and terrorist groups, Morocco threatens the peace, security and stability of the whole region, said the Sahrawi president, also secretary general of the Polisario Front.

Brahim Ghali also called for the immediate and unconditional release of the all the Sahrawi political prisoners, and those of the Gdeim Izik group, and to shed light on the fate of more than 651 missing Sahrawis since the Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara. SPS

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A new deli inspired by the cuisine of South Americas Andes region has opened in the neighborhood of Norwalk Hospital, with its owner and chef previously with the local Garelick & Herbs chain.

Norwalk residents Wilson Ramones and Rosana Chacha opened Andes International Gourmet Deli the second week of April, selling prepared deli foods, sandwiches, salads and desserts all made on the premises. The deli also offers corporate catering services for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The opportunity surfaced for Ramones and Chacha following the retirement of the owner of Los Tainos, a Latin American restaurant at 47 Stevens St. where Andes International Gourmet Deli is now located. The deli has a 15-year lease.

We were looking around (southwestern) Connecticut, Chacha said Tuesday. There was an opportunity so we jumped.

Andes International Gourmet Deli is located a few blocks west of Norwalk Hospital, which they hope will increase its exposure to people throughout the city who visit the facility as well as workers there.

Ramones takes particular pride in dishes he concocts from melanges of organic vegetables and seasonings, with the cases of Andes International Gourmet Deli on Tuesday full of any number of options  tomato and corn salsa, butternut squash, asparagus with fennel and garlic, lemon salmon, walnut apple salad and shrimp gumbo to name a few. Chacha said the deli plans to rotate a fresh assortment of dishes daily.

Originally from Ecuador where he was a civil aviation pilot, while working in the Westport location of Garelick & Herbs Ramones trained immigrants from South America for available cooking jobs in southwestern Connecticut.

Garelick & Herbs similarly offers freshly prepared foods, with additional locations in Southport, New Canaan and Greenwich. Another recent arrival to the gourmet deli lineup is A&S Fine Foods in Westport on Post Road West just over the Norwalk line, which opened in late 2016.

Ramones said Andes International Gourmet Deli will have a website up in a few weeks with its menu and catering options; the deli can be reached at 203-822-3811.
STAMFORD  Outgoing Quinnipiac University President John Lahey ranks at the top of the class for his community service, according to the leaders of one of Stamfords major nonprofits.

The Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, which supports the development of cell and gene therapies for cancer, will recognize Lahey on Wednesday at its anniversary gala at the Harvard Club in Manhattan with the first Edward Netter Award for Business and Industry.

ACGT officials said Lahey, an ACGT board member since 2004, embodies the qualities valued by the late ACGT co-founder Edward Netter: intellect, creativity, tenacity, curiosity and compassion.

Im deeply honored to receive the first-ever Edward Netter Award for Business and Industry, Lahey said. Edward was a true visionary. He and his wife Barbara have made such an impact in this area of research. Im delighted that Ive been able to be a part of ACGT and help see their vision of successfully treating cancer advance so quickly.

ACGT co-founder and honorary chairman Barbara Netter will present the award to Lahey.

Im so thrilled to honor Dr. John Lahey, Netter said in a statement. He has worked closely with Edward and me over the years to guide ACGT and to fund some of the most innovative and breakthrough cancer research in decades. I know Edward would be extremely proud to know what ACGT has been able to accomplish these years under the stewardship of John Lahey.

Lahey is the eighth president of Quinnipiac. After arriving at the Hamden institution in 1987, Lahey started a planning process that resulted in the growth of student enrollment from 2,000 to nearly 10,000. He also expanded Quinnipiac from a college to a university, which offers more than 100 programs in its nine schools and colleges.

Last week, he announced his intention to retire next year.

Among the other gala speakers, ACGT research fellow Dr. Robert Vonderheide, of the University of Pennsylvania will discuss breakthroughs using immunotherapy for the treatment of solid cancers. Doug Olson will talk about his experience as one of the first three patients treated in the cancer immunotherapy CAR-T clinical trial developed by ACGT research fellow and Scientific Advisory Council member Dr. Carl June.

Since its founding in 2001, ACGT has provided nearly $27 million in funding for cancer cell, gene and immunotherapy research in North America. ACGT officials said the nonprofit has supported the underlying science that has led to the founding of four companies in the final stages of bringing new treatments to patients: Novartis, Ziopharm, Juno Therapeutics and Turnstone Biologics.

pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott
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It did not come to hell or high water, but after nearly two years of anticipation a new SoNo brew pub has switched out brown paper in its windows to reveal pub stools, a bar and gleaming copper tanks where it will crank out new beers.

Where should you go out in Connecticut?

The Hell or High Water Brewpub opened with little fanfare on Friday at 136 Washington St. in South Norwalk, offering eight beers brewed on the premises with another three in the works under Anderson Santanna Delima, head brewer.

Owned by Mayub Murshed, the brew pub also boasts a gourmet tavern menu, from local standards like oysters on the half shell, to nibbles like an artisanal cheese and meat platter, to unusual entrees like roasted bone marrow. Entrees run between $8 and $20.

The unabashed stars of the show are the beers, however  and Santanna Delima is more than happy to rattle off not just the brewing process for each, but their histories and antecedents. They range from Belgian-style Dubbel, Trippel and Red Strong Ale; to German Kolsch; to California Brown Lager, which prompts a retelling of the brews lore dating back to the California Gold Rush.

Hell or High Water brings a microbrewery back to South Norwalk two years after the closure of Sono Brewhouse on Marshall Street, along with the brief-lived Guvnors Brewery whose quarters have been taken by Hell or High Water. Prior to that, the storefront near the corner of Water Street was occupied by candy proprietor Sweet Rexies that had relocated to Southport.

Santanna Delima promises there will be more than enough at Hell of High Water to tempt the taste buds  the bar has eight taps through which he plans to rotate new beers regularly, with the tanks currently brewing a New England IPA, a Belgian-style Saison and a California lager. He hails from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and attended culinary school before a career in New York City and elsewhere (including one stop in 2012 where his bar was unable to hold back the rising waters of Sandy).

Hell or High Water has no plans for now to expand beer distribution beyond its walls in SoNo, but Santanna Delima believes plenty will visit to experiment with what he says will be an ongoing selection of new varieties.

I mill the grains myself, he said. Its a real brew pub.

 Kaitlyn Krasselt contributed to this report.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-354-1047; www.twitter.com/casoulman
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STAMFORD  A life spent helping others get back on track was flipped on its head after Morris Mendes suffered a stroke.

All of a sudden, I had a stroke and I had to recover, the former drug and alcohol counselor said. I lost my apartment. I didnt have a place to live.

But since 2015, Mendes, 62, has had a home at Fairfield Commons, an affordable development run by Mutual Housing Association of Southwestern Connecticut that serves low-income people who, because of drug addiction or health issues, need to live in supportive housing.

The nonprofit developer on Tuesday announced its ground-breaking on six new one-bedroom units in the 25-unit complex on Fairfield Avenue.

Theres a need for housing on so many levels, not only for people who may have some challenges that the rest of us dont share, but for lower-income folks to be able to have a safe, affordable place to live, Mutual Housing Authority CEO Renee Dobos said.

MHA partnered with Laurel House  a provider of addiction services  Supportive Housing Works and Stamfords housing authority, Charter Oak Communities, on the new units, which will be occupied by people who were once homeless. Nearly all the funding for the project comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Dobos said.

MHA has three other Stamford developments: Parkside Gables, Trinty Park and Friendship House, clustered within several blocks on the West Side.

Parkside Gables residents last year requested the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority Board review management practices at the 69-unit West Main Street development, complaining of questionable rent charges and quality-of-life issues.

MHA owns and operates 15 affordable developments in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Trumbull and Wilton.

The organization is separate from Charter Oak Communities, which has more than 20 affordable housing sites in Stamford. Last week, Charter Oak marked the opening of Summer Place, its newest development with 48 units for those 55-and-older. It replaces the Czescik Homes  which the city plans to raze  situated in a flood zone along the Rippowam River.

MHA is an important partner in creating affordable housing, which the city could not do on its own, Mayor David Martin said.

Were full of bureaucracy, regulation and red tape  it takes us longer and costs us more, he said. And most importantly, it comes down to actually delivering the services to individuals. Sometimes we cant see beyond the application to know who really benefits the most.

MHA purchased five historic homes that comprise Fairfield Commons in 2001 and 2002, and built its first new structure there in 2015.

The residents who move in next year will have access to on-site supportive services.

When people are living on the street for a very long time, its difficult to transition back, Dobos said.

Six units will make a small dent in a homeless population estimated at 300 people in Stamford and Greenwich, according to a 2016 count by the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness.

Fairfield County continuously struggles to keep up with demand for affordable housing in an area with a high cost of living.

We cant build them fast enough, Dobos said. The demand is great, especially in Fairfield County because incomes are so high.

eskalka@stamfordadvocate.com
T here's far more power in beauty marketing than you might think. One 30-second commercial that aired during the Super Bowl sent the message of diversity and inclusivity by way of hair products. A newspaper ad used bar soap as a means of getting its political point across.

Sometimes, unless you're claiming that you can solve the world's problems by handing over a Pepsi, advertising can be one of the most impactful ways to spread the word.

And iconic beauty brand Rimmel London understands that well.

Its latest campaign, called Edge Your Look, celebrates individuality, and features 17-year-old British beauty vlogger Lewys Ball (above, the brand's first male ambassador), "creative hustler" Portia Ferrari, and up-and-coming model Maddi Waterhouse (below, sister to Suki), among others, as the faces.

The idea is simple: Own who you are. No matter your gender, skin colour, age, or style, you're a badass. "This campaign important because it embraces the diversity of everyone's individual looks," Ferrari says. "Everyone has a different way."

Embracing what makes someone unique? Now that's the way to spread a message. "All of the influencers [involved in the campaign] had the same mentality of acceptance and love," Waterhouse said. "I also knew having Lewys involved would be such an amazing thing for people who felt the stigma of makeup being only for women. By such a big brand using a male model, I knew it would be a positive push in the right direction for society."

It's also made a huge impact for Ball (who happens to be the first male ambassador for the company).

"I know that if I had seen more males wearing makeup in the streets and on brand campaigns when I was younger, I would have felt more accepted as someone who loves and wears makeup," Ball says. "Everyone should feel confident wearing makeup  no matter their skill, how much they want to wear, or how dramatic it is."

The takeaway here? Live your truth loudly and proudly while supporting brands who are championing diversity and inclusivity.

Read more from Refinery29:

The new ethical beauty brand you need to know

We tried Kylie Jenner's 3 most famous makeup looks - and we're exhausted

Spring's newest hair colour trends
S enior politicians from across the spectrum are launching a major review to identify EU-originated red tape needlessly tying up British businesses that can be rapidly dumped post-Brexit.

Coordinated by former government policy minister Sir Oliver Letwin MP, the Red Tape Initiative will be made up of Remainers and Brexiteers from all parties, ranging from Conservatives Michael Gove and Theresa Villiers to Labours Liam Byrne, Frank Field and Stephen Timms and former Lib Dem MPs David Laws and Jo Swinson. Cross bench peer Robin Butler will be lending independent support in the Lords.

Archie Norman, the serial company director famed for running Asda, former Bank of England deputy governor Paul Tucker and journalist Charles Moore are also on the advisory panel.

The group has raised a fighting fund of 500,000 from business donors to work with firms to isolate unnecessary rules and regulations which can easily be scrapped with cross-party support.

The hope is that with political consensus, changes can be fast-tracked through primary or secondary legislation.

The point is to be very, very targeted, narrow and short lived. We will identify a few significant, quick wins that will boost jobs and prosperity in the UK immediately after Brexit, then disband ourselves at the end of this parliamentary term, said Letwin, famed for his free-market thinking.

We want to hear from anyone with a good idea, basically, of EU rules that we should get rid of in their industries.

He stressed the group would be staying away from the welter of controversial changes requiring lengthy parliamentary debate, or issues around trade that are to be fiercely debated during the Brexit negotiations.

The group will identify 10-12 areas to examine, starting with construction of housing and infrastructure and training.

Were going into this with a complete open mind. We dont know what we will discover, but we want to find ways to make life easier for British businesses, said Letwin.

An in-house team of five QCs and two solicitors will provide legal advice, while the initiative will be working with the TUC, the Home Builders Federation, the CBI, the Federation of Small Businesses and other bodies.

Letwin said he was keen to hear from chief executives of companies big and small, and not just those with big PR departments.

While the Prime Minister is not involved, Business Secretary Greg Clark has written a letter of support and offered the cooperation of his officials. Asked how he felt about the Brexit process, Letwin said: I was a remainer, but Im an optimist by nature. I just hope that sensible people will reach a sensible outcome for all sides.
T he boss of TSB has ruled out a bid for the beleaguered Co-op Bank, throwing fresh doubt on the sales process.

TSB was seen a while ago as a plausible bidder for the bank, but chief executive Paul Pester told BBC Radio 5 today he wasnt interested.

Weve not looked at it, he said. Were very busy bringing more competition to UK banking. Very busy growing TSB.

Co-op Bank said recently it had received a number of informal bids, both from strategic and financial bidders.

The strategic bids could come from Virgin Money and Clydesdale while Cerberus and JC Flowers are reported to be private equity firms checking the numbers.

Co-op Bank was rescued in 2013 by Wall Street hedge funds. The wider Co-op Group earlier this month cut its stake in the bank to zero.

Co-op Bank put itself up for sale in February after failing to satisfy watchdogs it had the capital to continue on its own.
U S cereals giant Post Holdings on Tuesday became the latest international firm to take advantage of the weaker pound with a 1.4 billion deal to buy UK breakfast favourite Weetabix.

Missouri-headquartered Post, whose brands include Raisin Bran, said it has bought 85-year-old manufacturer Weetabix from Chinas Bright Food Group and Baring Private Equity Asia.

Post boss Rob Vitale said combining the companies would bring much-loved brands to significantly more customers globally.

However, the focus is to keep Weetabix performing strongly in the UK, where it employs 1000 people.

Vitale added 20 million in annual cost savings his firm would seek from the purchase would come from factors such as shared administration services, rather than redundancies.

The deal for the business, which is also behind the Weetos and Ready Brek labels, comes months after Goldman Sachs was hired to handle the sale.

Shanghai-based Bright Food is understood to have struggled in its efforts to make Weetabix palatable to Chinese consumers, who typically prefer hot breakfast dishes.

Post is being advised by Barclays, Rabobank, Credit Suisse and Nomura. The deal is expected to complete in the third quarter.
C ressida Dicks promise today to bear down on violent crime, and knife and gun offences in particular, as the defining mission of her tenure as Met Commissioner is encouraging. It follows a disturbing recent rise in the number of fatal stabbings and shootings in the capital with the loss of many young lives.

Ms Dick, in her first interview since taking up her post as Scotland Yards first female leader, tells this newspaper that such deaths are an absolute tragedy and that she will pursue an end to end approach to addressing the knife and gun problem.

This will include better preventative work to deter people from carrying weapons, and, if necessary, more use of stop and search to target those who still do, especially habitual knife carriers against whom she promises really, really strong action.

All this is easier to say than do but the Commissioner is right to focus on deterrence as well as strong action against offenders. Parents and schools should help spread the anti-knife and gun message.

Ms Dick strikes a sensible balance in other areas too, indicating that there will be visible changes to improve the protection of crowded public places from terrorists, but no fortress London or dramatic rise in the number of armed police patrolling the streets.

On funding, she promises not to cry wolf over cuts, despite the likely loss of at least 400 million from her forces budget in the years ahead, but makes quietly clear that she will fight within Whitehall to ensure that the Met gets the resources it needs in what she admits are challenging times.

This, and her promise to encourage diversity, amount to a sensible agenda which Ms Dick, a determined woman, is capable of seeing through.

Events may make her task hard but this newspaper and all Londoners will wish her well.

Erdogans tainted victory

Donald Trumps phone call to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, congratulating him on his referendum victory, says much more about the strategic importance of Turkey in the region than about the constitutional changes he sought with this referendum, and the way the poll was run.

Mr Erdogan made much of his victory, but the outcome was compromised by the way the vote was conducted, as outside observers and opponents made clear. As for the constitutional changes it will bring about  unless the opposition succeeds in overturning the result  they confirm the autocratic nature of his Islamist regime.

The functions of prime minister and president would be combined and, for good measure, 12-year terms of office would allow little opportunity for democratic change.

This alarming move is of a piece with Mr Erdogans past record, and would allow for far more swingeing action against the Kurds and his other opponents.

It may also compromise Turkeys bid to join the EU, which would be no bad thing, but this could in turn mean Turkey abandoning its policy of retaining migrants who crossed the Mediterranean rather than sending them on to Europe.

A reversal of that policy would be disastrous for Europe  and that includes Britain.

Night-time for foodies

The Evening Standards London Food Month in June will feature hundreds of events including, as its centrepiece, a Night Market.

The best of Londons restaurants, markets and producers will be available to diners in Perks Field, close to Kensington Palace. It is not so long ago that London was seen as a gastronomic backwater; no longer.

The celebration of the citys gastronomic culture will allow us to taste and see how far we have come.
L ike all bad analysts, most of the worlds foreign policy commentariat have been in a state of perpetual surprise this past stormy year. They were surprised by the Colombian referendum on ending the war there, by Brexit, by the Italian referendum and above all else by the ascent to power of Donald Trump in the US.

Over this past year, to read most of the papers in this country is to dwell in a parallel universe, with all right-thinking people needing smelling salts to be revived, as the world, over and over again, did not behave as it ought to. Of course what was really happening was that an elite world view was dying, one that did nothing to explain the facts of political life as they were being lived.

Nowhere was this shock more evident than over the election of Trump, the first truly populist President to run the US since his hero Andrew Jackson, back in 1829-1837. But this past 10 days, a further shock has been in store for our befuddled commentariat, one of a more pleasant kind for them.

For reasons that still pass their (limited) understanding, the new regime has acted more like the well-regarded establishment Republicans of the past (Eisenhower, Reagan and George W Bush) and less like the fire-breathing Voldemort of opinion page nightmares. Uneasily, the raft of stories on this sea change make it clear that most of the writers have no idea why this happened, or for how long this pleasant shock can be maintained.

The primary answer to the riddle is there, in plain sight, but it requires a real study and understanding of American history, something I have always found surprisingly lacking in the foreign policy elites across the Atlantic. All that Trump has done can be put down to his heartfelt Jacksonianism, an American foreign policy school of thought that has been around for almost 190 years. But again, knowing this would require analytical knowledge of America and its history.

Jacksonians care deeply about the US and its welfare and only about the rest of the world insofar as it has a direct impact on the country

While many of the rest of us like Johnny Cash, Jacksonians are Johnny Cash. Jacksonianism  a minority view in first the Democratic and now Republican parties  finds its most vociferous adherents traditionally clustered in the lower-middle class in the south and the industrial Midwest. I have often called them Springsteen Democrats: think of one of the Bosss songs about the mill closing somewhere and the damage that has done and in your minds eye you will know who I am talking about.

Because so few Jacksonians are running around in elite policy circles  in my decade in Washington I never met one  they have been conveniently forgotten by US foreign policy thinkers, let alone foreign commentators. But in Trump, Jacksonians have found their champion. However he imbibed this world view (my guess is it came from working on building sites for his fathers company when he was impressionable) Trump is a true Jacksonian believer.

Jacksonians care deeply about the US and its welfare and only about the rest of the world insofar as it has a direct impact on the country. As such, their view of the American national interest is far narrower than almost every other US foreign policy school of thought.

A Jacksonians view of global warming is instructive. Jacksonians care less about whether the science underlying global warming is real, and wonder more why we are talking about islands in the Pacific sinking into the sea  only to be stopped by the US spending billions on foreigners  when the local mill has closed in Pennsylvania. It is the elites misplaced sense of priorities  whether the issue is transgender bathrooms or icebergs melting, rather than focusing on the massive dislocation of the American lower middle class  that angers Jacksonians, as for them the American elite has ignored them while worrying about peripheral issues.

Given this tight focus on an America-First view, Jacksonians have a transactional view of alliances in general, not valuing them for their own sake but readily accepting them if they obviously promote these sacred American interests. As such, as candidate Trump said, Nato  despite being the most successful military alliance in the history of the world  was past its sell-by date, as the allies shamefully free-ride off American and British defence spending.

On the other hand, after the US misssile strike on Syria two weeks ago Nato has value if it serves as a clubhouse to round up allied support for Washingtons actions. Likewise, the Chinese are the enemy if they militarise the South China Sea but can be an ally if they apply pressure to the North Koreans, as only they can. Yesterday, vice-president Mike Pence reaffirmed Americas commitment to Japan and South Korea  to wailing and gnashing of teeth in North Korea  allies who during the campaign Trump had suggested need to take care of their own defence. Likewise, the White House congratulated President Erdogan of Turkey for his tainted referendum victory giving him monarchical powers, as he is needed if Syria is ever to be stabilised. These are not contradictions but rather display the fixed Jacksonian ideologys penchant for being relaxed about tactical shifts as long as core and specific American interests are served.

The last major plank of Jacksonianism revolves around the use of force. With the end of the era of the draft, the children of Jacksonians do the fighting and dying in most modern American wars.

As such, Jacksonians, despite their hearts-on-sleeve patriotism, are very cautious about the use of force. For them it should only be used when it will lead to clear-cut victories. But when the decision has been made to go to war, Jacksonians are loathe to abandon a conflict short of total victory. They are the last ones in, the last ones out, as was shown in wars from Vietnam on.

Looked at through the Jacksonian prism, all that Trump has done with Syria, North Korea, Afghanistan, China and Nato suddenly makes sense. That is what an understanding of American history will do for you.
It's a season for unions as niche fashion labels look to department stores and online retailers to create limited-edition collections and plentiful shopping ops for spring thrill-seekers.

Heres a guide to three memorable partnerships.

Ganni for Net-A-Porter:

Entitled Stop and Smell the Roses, Gannis 12-piece collection with Net-a-Porter is what spring is all about. The Copenhagen brand combines its pretty yet understated take on femininity for a NAP shopper looking for an easy-breezy wedding solution. Available from May.

(330, Net-a-Porter.com)

Etre Cecile for Style.com:

Bringing together two of her great loves, Etre Cecile co-founder Yasmin Sewell is to launch an exclusive range of T-shirts and sweaters with Style.com  the online retailer of which she is director. With uplifting slogans and cheeky messages, top, the line is available this week.

(85, Style.com)

Etudes for Harvey Nichols:

Based in Paris and New York, design collective Etudes is all about urban living. In celebration, its exclusive pop-up  opening in Project 109 at Harvey Nichols  will feature a specially designed London T-shirt and tote bag. Because were are all Drifting in London right now.

(80, Harveynichols.com)
S alma Hayek may have rebuffed Donald Trumps advances in real life but her new film is set to show her clashing with a brash billionaire property developer over dinner.

The Mexican-American actress claimed the US president repeatedly asked her out on a date when he was still a reality TV star, even though he knew she had a boyfriend.

In Beatriz at Dinner, whose European premiere at the Sundance Film Festival: London in June was announced today, Hayeks Mexican immigrant character ends up coming to blows with a smug, self-satisfied businessman seen as a thinly-veiled portrait of Mr Trump.

The movies director Miguel Arteta said he never dreamed The Apprentice star would be elected president during the making of the film.

Thinly-veiled portrait: John Lithgow as a smug, self-satisfied businessman, which is thought to be inspired by Mr Trump

Mr Arteta said the film was meant as reflections of two points of view around the world that are getting farther and farther from each other.

He added: I hope the film reflects the frustrations we are experiencing as we watch our own species destroying our planet because greed and intolerance are things that are too inherent in our DNA. I hope Beatriz awakens and supports the compassionate side of our nature which needs to be heard now more than ever.

Mr Arteta said screenwriter Mike Whites script weaves some timely and potent political commentary and were especially excited to premiere the film to UK audiences at such a politically polarized time in world history.

He added: I cannot wait to see how audiences outside the United States will react.

Hayek, 50, who is reportedly looking for a new London home with her billionaire French fashion mogul husband Francois-Henri Pinault, 54, is due to attend the premiere at the Picturehouse Central, which will be the festivals opening night film. The four day event (June 1-4) is an offshoot of Robert Redfords Sundance Film Festival in Utah and is now in its fifth year in the capital.

John Cooper, Sundance Film Festival director, said Beatriz at Dinner was a standout at our Utah Festival in January and is a wonderful example of the continued innovation and creativity of our independent filmmakers that well showcase in London again this year.

For more information see picturehouses.com/sundance
Q ueen today announced a 24-date European tour which will include gigs at The O2 and Wembley arenas in December.

The tour, which will feature a spectacular new stage production, will mark the 40th anniversary of the 1977 album News Of The World which produced the hits We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions.

The tour features the two remaining original members of the band, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, and American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert, who began singing with the band in the place of late frontman Freddie Mercury in 2011. Bassist John Deacon retired from music in 1997.

May said: The general public knows the hits, so youve got to cater for that, but we can chuck in a few things that people really dont expect. Well do quite a bit more of that this time around.

Tickets go on general sale on Friday from livenation.com
B race yourself, West End: the Scottish schoolgirls are coming  and youve not seen anything like them. Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, a rollicking, hurtling musical about six convent-school choir-member teenagers from Oban let loose in Edinburgh for the day, was shortlisted for an Evening Standard Theatre Award last year for its run at the National Theatre and won Best New Comedy at this years Oliviers.

Its unlike any of the decorous female-led shows currently on offer  and is all the better for it. It should come as little surprise that the mischievous mastermind of creativity behind the project is Vicky Featherstone, taking time out from her day job as artistic director of the Royal Court.

Featherstone first fell in love with the idea of a stage adaptation of Alan Warners 1998 novel The Sopranos when she was running the National Theatre of Scotland, of which she was the founding artistic director. When Lee Hall, of Billy Elliot fame, came aboard, the scheme had lift-off.

Featherstone is effusive in her praise for Hall. He has populism with integrity. Its genuinely about making work that is open to the widest possible audience without aiming for the lowest common denominator, she says.

(Manuel Harlan)

The decision to have the six actresses playing all the characters, including the variety of dubious men they come up against, gives the piece its joyous burst of female agency. The gaze, how we look at women, ways of seeing: that has always been incredibly important to me, she says. When [the girls] look at us, the audience, in the eye, they dont want us to like them. They are totally owning their story.

Featherstone, a mother of two teenagers, was also attracted to the refreshing portrayal of young people in the piece. Teenagers today are so demonised, she says. Its very rare that they are put on stage in a way that unashamedly celebrates their right to be teenagers. This is not educational, so its a bit of a riot for that particular age group.

Shes surprised, but pleased, to have her work in a revitalised West End. It has come such a long way, she says. When I started off working in theatre, the West End was something I had absolutely no connection to at all. Now the best of the West End is about enabling audiences to see some of the best shows from the subsidised theatres. Its a place where some of the top work can get wider access. Its incredible.

Whenever there is a thought-provoking debate about theatre, or an attempt to hold the art form to account in some way, its virtually a given that Featherstone will be at the centre of it. Like the excellent Erica Whyman at the RSC, shes an inspiring crucible of forward-thinking ideas.

Last year she was involved in a fruitful debate about whether audience members  and especially critics  judge plays by and about women more harshly. Have things moved on since then? I think that things are moving quite quickly, she says. Were all of us very alert, arent we, to change, to the discussions we should be having. Once those discussions get put out there, I think people do respond.

On the issue of inclusion as a whole, she says: I think the awareness and desire to make fundamental change is greater than Ive ever known it. It doesnt feel like its a conversation that is just being had out of political correctness and will slide back again. Were looking for balance, but you dont need every single thing to represent every single possible aspect of balance all the time. You dont want one group dominant  thats the problem. Were fighting against years of white male dominance.

Does she aim for a conscious 50:50 gender split of actors, writers and directors at the Royal Court? Whats bizarre is that I absolutely no longer think about it but it always happens, because its automatic. Thats the whole point about who leads organisations. When people of colour run companies they dont need to think about diversity. When women run them they dont need to think about gender parity. So its really important who is in positions of power in theatre.

Featherstone is well and truly settled in after four years at the Royal Court  Im never leaving, by the way, she beams before I can finish my sentence  after a slow start.

When I began, I didnt realise that people would have such opinions about what they thought it should be. Its very similar, although hes had much more pressure, to how Rufus [Norris] was treated in his first year at the National. People are going, Why isnt it this and this? What youre doing is building up the thing you think it is.

Featherstone sounds irked for the first and only time during our meeting. But you cant programme like that. Its impossible. You need to have a set of conversations that result in things. She thinks that it took her at least 18 months to get into her stride.

Shes proudest, she says, of the Courts deep and rich ongoing relationships with a wide spectrum of writers, from the more populist to the fiercely experimental, and of the rapid expansion of the Young Court programme for young people.

Money, however, remains an issue, as it does for most theatres. A mere 380 seats in the main house means a limit to the amount of revenue that sell-out shows can generate, and the Court admirably refuses to set its ticket prices too high. A top seat in the stalls costs just 45, compared with a hefty 65 at the National. We believe that people should be coming here wanting to take a risk, she says firmly. So its really important that we reflect that in what people pay to see the work.

When I interviewed Featherstone previously, just as she was starting at the Court, she said she never wanted to let my soul get tired, a risk inherent in one of the most picked-over jobs in British theatre. The demands of the post very visibly crushed her outstanding predecessor, Dominic Cooke. The job is busy but I feel incredibly energised by it, she says. Having teenagers is a brilliant thing, because the energy required to connect with them and be in their orbit is enormous. So thats really healthy.

Earlier this month, Featherstone turned 50. I feel unbelievably excited about being 50 because I didnt realise it would feel so young. I feel as though I know all of this stuff, but I still feel like Im 25. I really committed to being a director around the age of 25, so theoretically Ive only done half a life  and thats so exciting. It also makes me feel a bit, Get on with it!

Those Scottish teenagers have certainly found an ebullient kindred spirit.

Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour is at the Duke of Yorks, WC2, May 9-Sept 2

Buy tickets for Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour with Evening Standard Tickets
N ew York Citys abundance of world-class restaurants is something to applaud. There are countless options to suit any occasion, which can leave even the most seasoned brunch-goer overwhelmed with choice.

Whether youre in the mood for a white tablecloth affair, consuming a promising concoction of superfoods, or lingering at a hipster hangout with Bloody Marys on tap, weve assessed the citys best brunch destinations that are well worth a slot on your weekend agenda.

Jacks Wife Freda

Despite its daunting crowds, Jacks Wife Freda is a reliable brunch spot to keep on rotation. The cantaloupe mimosas, shakshukas, and rosewater waffles justify the wait times.

jackswifefreda.com

Le Coucou

Le Coucou

Parisian savoir faire meets downtown cool at this incredibly photogenic SoHo bistro. Since opening last June, Le Coucou has become one of Manhattans most coveted (and hard to get) bookings. At brunch, French classics are served with a contemporary spin alongside freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolats, and a refreshingly unique cocktail menu  not a mojito in sight.

lecoucou.com

Cafe Gitane

Purveyors of what is quite possibly the best avocado toast in the world, Cafe Gitane is one of those gorgeous, authentic New York institutions that will never go out of style.

cafegitanenyc.com

Locanda Verde

This TriBeCa classic exudes a vibrant atmosphere around the clock, and although its technically a hotel restaurant (by way of the paparazzi-swarmed Greenwich Hotel), it certainly doesnt have that vibe. The exposed brick, wine-lined walls, and crowd-pleasing Italian dishes add to its downtown charm.

locandaverdenyc.com

Locanda Verde / Locanda Verde

The Smile

Located in an apres-ski-style, subterranean space on Bond Street, The Smile is the perfect place to hideout with hot coffee and eggs on a cold winter day.

thesmilenyc.com

Kaffe 1668

Good coffee in Manhattan is much easier to find now than it was ten years ago thanks to a wave of cafes that have mastered the art of espresso. Kaffe 1668 in TriBeCa is the number one place to go for a decent cappuccino. Its not a typical table-service cafe, but they offer all of the usual menu highlights: power bowls, eggs, avocado toast, and a cabinet full of semi-healthy snacks like matcha balls and wholegrain croissants. Ground Support, Laughing Man, Happy Bones, and Saturdays are also solid options for a good caffeine hit.

kaffe1668.com

Kaffe 1668 / Kaffe 1668

Five Leaves

Five Leaves was Heath Ledgers final business venture before his untimely death in 2008. The casual Brooklyn oyster bar/cafe/restaurant resembles a salvaged shipwreck with rustic, nautical decor and a bar thats fit for pirates. The Moroccan scramble, bruleed grapefruit, and ricotta pancakes are just some of the star dishes worth making the journey across the bridge for.

fiveleavesny.com

Cafe Cluny

Cafe Cluny is a quintessential West Village establishment full of character, embossed ceilings, and French accents. Its the perfect spot for a cosy brunch date before wandering around the village (or heading to Magnolia Bakery for dessert).

cafecluny.com

Sadelles

The bagel towers at Sadelles cannot be beaten  they have the whole operation down to a fine art. The Jewish staples on the menu (e.g. salami and eggs with mustard; matzo ball soup) are also pretty good, but you come here to stack up hot bagels with scallion cream cheese and super-thin smoked salmon.

sadelles.com

Sadelle's / Sadelle's

Two Hands

This Australian cafe serves a mix of healthy brunch hits in a bright space adorned with dreamy photos of Bondi Beach. The attractive waiters are also known to be a drawcard.

twohandsnyc.com

Rubys

As is the case with many Nolita cafes, you compromise personal space in favour of dependable brunch staples. On most occasions, Rubys makes it worth the squeeze.

rubyscafe.com

Ruby's / Ruby's

Balthazar

Although it opened in 1997, Balthazar has held on to its status as one of Manhattans most chic restaurants. The art deco space has hosted numerous celebrities and industry magnates over the years, which has in turn attracted hoards of tourists. Its ideal for occasion-based brunching, and, thankfully, its open on most public holidays.

balthazarny.com

Egg Shop

Supreme variations on egg sandwiches, bowls, scrambles, and benedicts can be found at this Lower East Side eatery.

eggshopnyc.com

Bluestone Lane

Bluestone Lane outposts are popping up all over the city, each bustling with massive crowds. The menus are seasonal, but retain classics like the avocado smash, granola, and rainbow bowls with kale and quinoa.

bluestonelaneny.com

Bluestone Lane

Normas

With an omelette featuring lobster and caviar on the menu, Normas is certainly classed on the fine dining end of the spectrum. The restaurant is located inside the luxe Le Parker Meridien Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

parkermeridien.com/eat/normas

Amy Harris is a freelance fashion, travel and lifestyle editor. Follow her on Instagram @amylouise_bailey or Twitter @ALB_editor.
G ibraltar, our rock, a little British outpost on the Southern tip of Spain.

To say the place has an identity crisis is a bit of an understatement. On the one hand, it has for much of the year the heat of the Mediterranean sun and the sparkling of its sea lapping up against it, cafes in the old town square and steep winding streets. On the other, it has a familiarity about it - a fish and chip shops and a Debenhams, an M&S and pubs galore. All that is reassuring, and yet a little strange.

It isnt full of Union Jack waving Brits, nor is it heavily Spanish. The Gibraltarians are their own people: refined, pleasant and friendly. If there is one compelling reason to go, it is to see the Rock itself, for its Barbary apes, its World War II tunnels and the caves that nature has carved out.

Where to stay

The Sunborn - when else do you get the chance to stay on a superyacht? Moored in the Ocean Village, on the north-west corner of Gibraltar, it has a five-star rating and Swarovski crystal chandeliers to match. Since opening three years ago, the Sunborn has certainly raised the standards of the local hotels. As well as beautiful rooms, with marble bathrooms and plush king size beds, it also hosts two restaurants, an infinity pool, a spa and gym and Gibs smartest casino.

Given the rather eccentric geography of the place, the Sunborn also within viewing distance of the airport runway strip. While this might sound unappealing, with only a dozen or so flights a day, it becomes a spectacle watching the planes come in over the heads of the boats bobbing the harbour.

The standard rooms have little balconies to look out on the sea. There are also penthouse suites with their own private decks, perfect for getting a taste of a real yacht.

For those not quite up to the Sunborns price tag- standard rooms start at around 200 a night - there are another ten or so hotels on the peninsula including an old favourite, the Bristol - old fashioned but perfectly pleasant with doubles from around 90 a night. But, with only 700 hotel rooms on Gibraltar, it is wise to book early.

Where to eat and drink

My first mission in Gibraltar was to find a pleasant coffee, and that I located at Cafe Modelo. It is one of a number of places on the main Casemates town square, within sight of the battlements and old gates to the town. In the tables lined up across the square locals drink their coffee, eat their country bread with tomato and olive oil and watch the world go by. It is run by Spaniards. I wont pretend it is the classiest joint in town but it does the job of a cafe as a hub of society perfectly.

Across the square, there is also a lovely Moroccan man with a stall selling baklava - worth visiting if you have a sweet tooth.

Two of the smartest restaurants in town are both on the Sunborn. Theres the Sky Restaurant and Bar on the top deck with stunning views out over the sea and a menu inspired by it. The day I went, I had delicious grilled king prawns, beautifully presented and served. Its menu is moving towards a pan-Mediterranean feel with elements of North African and Spanish cooking. Also on the yacht is La Sala, perfect for cocktails and a more intimate meal, perhaps just before a visit to the casino.

The newly built marina Ocean Village has, along with the Sunborn, some old favourite names like Pizza Express and Wagamama and an unusual Indian tapas bar. But the place to recommend in this area is just a short stroll from the waters edge: Gauchos on Fish Market Lane (+350 200 59700). It does epic steaks, and provide hot stones on the table if youve been a bit too adventurous when ordering rare and would like to cook them a little more yourself.

If what you are looking for is British fare, you cant go wrong with Roys Fish and Chips on Casemates Square. While chips might seem unusual in the heat, the Spanish do also have their patata bravas. And the sun doesnt always shine on Gib. The days I was there in early April were cool and gusty, just like a seaside day in Britain really, at which point you begin craving the fish.

What to do and see

The culture of Gibraltar is really its history. For this it is worth asking the Gibraltar Tourist Office for a guide to talk you through it, from the Rock being assigned to the British in a peace treaty in 1713, to the battlements and governor sleeping with the key to the old town gates under this pillow at night, through to World War II and the modern day.

The must-see is the Rock of Gibraltar itself. At the top is St Michaels Cave, formed naturally by the stalagmites and stalactites of the limestone rock. It is an awesome space, a natural Gothic cathedral, and it is now used for concerts and weddings alike, and open to tours.

The other must-see is to the old World War II tunnels. Gibraltars life has been heavily influenced the presence of the British military and here the stories are condensed by the knowledgeable guides. Over 55km of tunnels were built, at one point holding barracks for up to 18,000 soldiers, either defending the Rock against a possible German invasion, or passing through the Straits of Gibraltar to military assignments in the North Africa. It is a cold and damp reminder of the horrors of war, both for civilians and soldiers, many of whom lived largely in the complex for years on end.

The top 25 cheapest city breaks in Europe 1 /25 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

At both of these you will find yourself greeted by the Rocks unusual Barbary apes, small and occasionally impertinent animals who always on the lookout for a snack and a photo opportunity. There is also a culture of bird-watching in Gibraltar, plus and the opportunity to go out on boats looking for dolphins.

Details

easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways fly direct to Gibraltar from London airports.
P olice have launched an investigation after a driver hurled racist abuse and spat at a group of children as they walked home from a playground in north-east London.

Two 12-year-old boys and a 13-year-old girl were on their way home from Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, when a driver pulled up next to them in a white Volvo saloon, police said.

Scotland Yard confirmed all three children were black.

The male driver, described as Mediterranean, possibly Turkish, allegedly yelled at the group before spitting at them out of the window.

The man, aged in his 30s, with black hair, was also accompanied by a woman.

Detectives said the group were left shaken by the abhorrent attack which happened in Clissold Road between Stoke Newington School and Clissold Leisure Centre.

Scotland Yard detectives have now launched an appeal for witnesses who may have seen the car near the park around 6.30pm on March 11.

Detective Constable David Leitner said: "This was a shocking incident that has left the victims extremely shaken - the fact that this racial abuse was directed at children makes the offence all the more abhorrent.

"I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and witnessed the incident to contact police.

"I would also ask people who saw a car, described as a white Volvo saloon, driving in the vicinity of Clissold Park to get in touch - you may hold a vital bit of evidence that could assist us in identifying the person responsible.

"Equally if you are the individuals concerned, please contact police."

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call Hackney Community Safety Unit on 07500 850 625, or via 101, or by tweeting @MetCC.

To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
T he boss of a Formula One team has been arrested in London.

Business tycoon Vijay Mallya, who is team chief of F1 racing team Sahara Force India, was detained by Metropolitan Police officers on behalf of Indian authorities on Tuesday.

The 61-year-old has been arrested in relation to accusations of fraud, Scotland Yard said.

He handed himself in at a central London police station and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates court later on Tuesday as part of extradition proceedings.

The arrest comes after Indian authorities applied for Mallya to be extradited from the UK.

A Met Police spokesman said: Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Extradition Unit have arrested a man on an extraction warrant.

Vijay Mallya, 61, was arrested on behalf of the Indian authorities in relation to accusations of fraud.
A man has been arrested after allegedly trying to drugs to sell three off duty police officers in an affluent south-west London town centre.

It is claimed he was dealing drugs in front of the officers and approached them outside McDonald's in the Quadrant, Richmond, on Monday.

A man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply following the awkward encounter at about 11.40pm.

Richmond Police later posted a picture online of what is believed to be cannabis, two wraps of cocaine and a number of Xanax pills.

The suspect approached the off duty police officers outside McDonald's near Richmond rail station on Monday night / Google

On Twitter, an officer wrote: That awkward moment you try to sell drugs to three off duty #Police officers in #Richmond then drug deal in front of them.. male arrested.

A Richmond Police spokeswoman said: At this time the investigation is ongoing and enquiries continue.
T he mother of a ballet star killed in a motorbike crash said today that she feels sorry for the minicab driver who hit him as he has to live with the memory.

Jonathan Ollivier, 38, was knocked off his bike in Clerkenwell hours before he was due to give his final performance in Sir Matthew Bournes production The Car Man at Sadlers Wells Theatre. The father of two died almost instantly after suffering fatal head injuries.

Mercedes driver Abdul Qayyum, 45, was cleared at the Old Bailey last week of causing death by careless driving.

In emotional scenes in court, he addressed Mr Olliviers family in tears, telling them: It was a pure accident.

Speaking from her home in Northampton after the verdict, Mr Olliviers mother Paula said she was glad Mr Qayyum had not been jailed. She told the Standard: I feel very sorry for the man who did it, I really do. Hes got to live with it, and it was pretty grim.

He seemed like a nice man, he was absolutely distraught. Its not something you go out and do if youre a nice, normal person. Hes obviously a hard-working man, hes got four kids.

The court heard how Mr Qayyum, of Slough, was driving a passenger from Hackney to Heathrow on August 9, 2015, when he collided with Mr Olliviers motorcycle in Farringdon Road after pulling out of a side street. Mr Ollivier was travelling at about 50mph on the 30mph road, the jury were told. Mrs Ollivier said: I didnt want him to have a custodial sentence, I didnt wish that on him  but I wasnt in agreement with the verdict. But thats what the jurors thought. John wasnt a vindictive person. Im sure hed feel the same.

Born in Northampton in 1977, Mr Ollivier began his career at the Cape Town City Ballet in South Africa before spending eight years with the Northern Ballet Theatre between 1999 and 2007. He worked frequently with Sir Matthew, who described the dancer as an inspiration and role model to several generations of young dancers who strove to emulate his enviable technique and majestic stage presence. A memorial dance evening at Sadlers Wells, presented by Sir Matthew, was held last year to celebrate his life and raise money for his sons, Lucas and Isaac.

Mrs Ollivier revealed that her sons ashes had been divided up and sent to some of his favourite locations around the world, including the home of his ex-wife, ballerina Desire Samaai, in South Africa. The family are deciding where to spread the ashes in the UK.

The court heard from senior toxicologist Dr Rebecca Andrews of Imperial College London, who said Mr Olliviers body had traces of a by-product produced when the system breaks down cocaine. Although no cocaine was found in his body, the presence of the by-product meant Mr Ollivier had recently taken the drug, although not in the last three hours, and was in a comedown stage.
C ressida Dick has been in the job a week and already New Scotland Yard feels different.

The Total Policing signs  expressing might and ubiquity  have gone. The canteen culture has already changed. Dick sits there for a start.

She has an office but is happy for others to use it, preferring open-plan leadership.

She also seeks a more approachable relationship with the public and has been out on patrol getting to know Londoners.

Her message is that the police cannot beat crime and terrorism alone: We are all citizens and citizens can help the police and advise us.

The flowers laid in tribute to Keith Palmer at the police memorial are a reminder of the perils on the front line.

The Met Commissioners first day at work was spent at the funeral of PC Palmer, murdered by Khalid Masood in the Westminster terror attack.

It was a very, very sad day but a day also to make, certainly me, and the Met very proud of what Keith did and what he stood for; a fantastic officer, really nice guy who liked working with the public, liked locking up criminals.

She is heartened by the public goodwill towards the police following the attack and by the fact that Westminster Bridge is bustling on the day we meet.

People continue to believe that this is a safe city and, for now at least, they appear to trust the police. I am just saying to all our officers  lets build on this, something good must come out of all that horror, and one of the things we must build on is that goodwill.

Who is Cressida Dick? A look at the new Met Commissioner

Londoners have certainly felt reassured by the number of police on the streets since the Westminster attack but can the Met afford to keep it up?

Met Police commissioner Cressida Dick makes her way to Southwark Cathedral for PC Keith Palmer's funeral / PA

It wont be the same as immediately after the Westminster attack, but we will be keeping officers on the streets. We have a real commitment to our dedicated ward officers, but we are using more and more digital ways of engaging with people.

Her modernisation programme includes more electronic form-filling and data-based policing.

Dicks last role was in security at the Foreign Office and she has previously run the counter-terrorism unit at the Met.

So her experience is in intelligence-led policing.

Cressida Dick during PC Keith Palmer's funeral / Stefan Wermuth/Reuters

She says: The response to the Westminster attack was the result of an enormous amount of work over many years and partly the sad history of this country.

The nature of the threat has evolved. Tactics change but some of the aspects  how you respond and deal with victims  is a powerful national learning. We learn from these plots. Working now with the agencies is better than it has ever been.

We work across the spectrum  preventative work, intelligence, disrupting people, working overseas with other countries, being prepared for the worst. There is also how we, as a society, should protect ourselves and there is a lot of thinking going on about shopping centres and other crowded places.

Will added security change the character of London? Can we still boast that we are open?

New era: Cressida Dick, centre, with Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Mayor Sadiq Khan

My own view is that people like that man want to change our society forever in a way that absolutely the vast majority of people in this country do not want.

One of the things we do not want is to become a complete fortress. This is not going to happen with military on every street corner or armed police officers everywhere. We do not want that so we have to be intelligent in our response and to be proportionate in our response.

But I am sure that we will be seeing better protection for certain locations.

Her hope is that you can combine tough policing with approachability.

It is about policing with peoples consent and that people can very easily walk up to and feel at home with police officers. Our armed officers are fantastically professional.

They are actually extremely friendly. But I dont think the public wants to see loads and loads of firearms officers everywhere.

I really hope that we dont have in my lifetime a huge extra number of firearms officers, though we are in the middle of an uplift because of the terrorist threat.

The Met Commissioner is in favour of the Taser: It is a very powerful tool. It is not in my minds eye that all officers will be carrying a Taser but we should have people able to deploy it.

The start of Dicks five-year tenure coincides with a rise in knife and gun crime. Why is this happening?

Hard to say. There have been year-on-year reductions until recently.

My message is that London is very much safer than it was 10 years ago. It is a safe city. But knife crime strikes me as a really significant issue.

Cressida Dick joins a minute's silence for the victims of the Westminster attack / Jeremy Selwyn

We are seeing too many young people carrying knives feeling that it will protect them when it clearly doesnt and can be tragic for them and their families. I think we are now seizing guns at a very high level so there is clearly a problem with the availability of firearms which we will bear down on.

She talks of a beginning-to-end approach, from prevention to intervention.

She backs stop and search as part of this  an issue that has proved contentious with this Prime Minister.

You have to intervene really, really strongly with people who are habitual knife-carriers, that includes stop and search definitely, you have to keep them locked up.

She does concede that the Met will have to prioritise on crime, given finite resources.

There will be occasions when someone has suffered a crime where it is either obvious that they are not looking for an investigation or that there are no investigative opportunities and you just have to be up front about that. Violence, in all its aspects, is what these next five years are going to be about, from terrorism to hate crime, and definitely domestic violence and our ability to safeguard children.

The police commissioner outside New Scotland Yard (Charlotte Ball/PA ) / Charlotte Ball/PA

Dick, aged 56, was chosen over the other candidates for the job because she impressed the Mayor of London and the Home Secretary with her command and vision for openness and modernisation.

Yet her career trajectory has been chequered. She was turned down by Thames Valley Police after Oxford University and went into accountancy instead, but applied again to the police, standing at full stretch to make the 5ft 4ins required at the time.

I had to literally hang from the bannisters for a week and I have a feeling that the nurse who measured me may have done me a favour and I probably squeaked in at best.

She is not from a traditional police family; her father was a tutor at Balliol College Oxford and her mother was an historian. Yet she says the public service ethos in her family is a deep imperative.

I am a very happy person, I have a lovely life, very privileged. I came from a warm, close family who for generations were involved in public service. I joined the police because I wanted to be involved with a much wider range of people. I wanted to be in a team and doing something important.

Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick (right) and Deputy commissioner Craig Mackey / PA

I knew I wanted to do something that, when I came home at night, I knew I had made a difference.

Her partner, Helen, is a response team inspector at a police station in a busy south London borough, so she does not switch off when she gets home.

They do not relax by watching Line of Duty.

Dick does not have a television, preferring to listen to the radio, read biographies, or exercise along the river. She has been semi-vegetarian since she was in her 20s, allowing herself fish and dairy.

She also goes to church, a habit that began when she accompanied an elderly, disabled friend.

Her respect for faith echoes that of the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

I am not super-religious but I do go to church. I have worked closely with faith groups and they can be powerful in preventing crime and supporting the police. Westminster was a fantastic example of faith groups coming together, sending a wonderful message to the world.

An ethical gesture she made, which proved controversial, was to volunteer a cut in her salary.

She is entitled to 270,000 but accepted 230,000. In an age when politicians and public sector heads are attacked as venal, it should be a popular move.

However, the fact that Dick is a woman accepting less pay complicates matters.

Was she sending a signal that womens pay was not an issue?

It was a very personal thing. I was not trying to make a big statement.

We live in a world where nothing is private. I am not seeking to set a precedent or say to my senior team anything other than you are entitled to the money.

I was simply saying that for me, I dont need that money, my family do not need that money, and that this is a time of austerity and the Met is under pressure.

It has certainly been put to me, about women earning less. I have fought for equality and fair treatment throughout my working life. I joined the police, actually, to protect the weak from the strong and to make the world a better place.

I do believe that one of the great things that has happened in my working life is the extraordinary change in the position of women. However, that is not where it should be, yet. There is pay inequality. It was just not an issue for me. The Mayor offered it and wanted me to have the full salary.

Her modest demands extend to her car as well. Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe came in for some flak for choosing a 65k Range Rover. Dick says she has got a car from the pool.

I need to be professional about whats value for money for everybody.

The shadow over her otherwise distinguished career is her role in the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes in 2005, the innocent Brazilian mistaken for a suicide bomber by firearms officers under Dicks command.

She was cleared of blame by a jury in the 2007 health and safety criminal trial against the Met.

I have said many times that Jean Charless death was a terrible, terrible thing  something that everyone who was involved that day regrets and none of us can put ourselves in the shoes of a family. I can completely respect their right to think what they think and to say what they say.

I dont agree with them and, before I applied for this job, I thought deeply about it and spoke to lots of people. I think some  relatively few  had the view that it should stop me from having the job or doing the job.

I was sure that it did not inhibit me from being an effective police officer. I still think that. I would not have put myself up for the job if I did not think I could do 100 per cent.

Was she ever tempted to leave policing for good?

I think it is important as a leader where something has gone wrong that you stand up and give an account of yourself, that you explain yourself and continue to lead people and they see you are doing that and not running away.

The security of London is in the hands of two women  the Home Secretary and the Met Commissioner.

Dick hopes this may encourage other women into a male-dominated sector.

To change the whole face of the Met takes a long time. We should have higher rates of women  this is London. I want us to be leading in every way. I am just as interested in diversity of thought as I am on visible characteristics.

In some ways, she embodies that diversity. A police officer who is Oxford-educated, female, gay and experienced in new crimes such as cyber warfare. A thoroughly modern Met Commissioner.
T his is the shocking moment a woman was punched by a bouncer after lunging at him during a street brawl outside a bar in Liverpool.

The sickening video shows the woman in a tight-fitting dress and heels lunging towards the doorman in the city's Mathew Street.

The bouncer ducks under her swinging arm then lands a sharp right hook to her face, causing her to stumble backwards.

Shocking footage of the incident has been shared more than 150,000 times on social media.

Punch: the moment a bouncer landed a blow on the woman

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said they had received reports of an assault in Liverpool city centre on Sunday April 16.

They said: At about 6.50pm, a report was received that a woman had been assaulted by a man close to Hardys Bar on Mathew Street.

Officers attended and enquiries into the matter are ongoing.

Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A plane travelling from Canada to the UK miraculously managed to land safely at London Heathrow despite losing one of its wheels during take-off.

The Air Canada flight from Montreal lost its wheel as it taxied down the runway before take-off but the pilot is believed to have continued with the flight without noticing.

The plane, carrying almost 300 people, then arrived at Heathrow with one of the rear tyres missing but somehow managed to land without any complications.

An Air Canada spokesman said the wheel is believed to have fallen off the bearing on the runway in Montreal.

A shocked Heathrow worker told The Sun: Ive never seen anything like this in my life.

There is no way the plane would have taken off in Canada without someone doing the final checks on it and they would have noticed if a wheel was missing.

The proper checks could not have been carried out because these wheels are worth around 10,000 each and they dont simply just fall off.

None of the passengers knew what had happened and neither did the pilot, he was in shock when he landed and was told about the wheel.

The plane is now grounded at Heathrow while it is inspected and repaired.

A spokesman for Air Canada told the newspaper: Preliminary information indicates that a wheel separated from the aircraft while taxiing down the runway before take-off in Montreal and came to rest beside the runway.

As the landing gear is comprised of 8 wheels, this had no impact on the safe operation of the flight.

Flight AC864 an A330 with 294 passengers on board landed normally in London and taxied to the gate.

Passengers on the returning flight are being re-booked on other flights later today while the aircraft is being repaired.
T hick smoke billowed into the sky as more than 70 firefighters tackled a blaze at an Ibis hotel under construction in west London.

Emergency services raced to the scene of the fire at the Ibis hotel in Ealing on Tuesday morning.

London Fire Brigade said it received the first of more than 40 calls from members of the public about the blaze at 11.30am.

Ten fire engines and 72 firefighters and officers were sent to the scene in Uxbridge Road.

Blaze: Smoke pours from the roof of the Ibis hotel in Ealing / @Sanasiino

Images and video footage showed plumes of smoke pouring from the roof of the eight-storey building.

Witness Chris Perrin, who works on the tenth floor of a building opposite the hotel, saw flames engulfing the roof of the Ibis.

The project manager told the Standard: "The fire looked like it started on the roof or the top of the building. It quickly spread.

"The fire brigade, once on the scene, were very quick to act and put the fire out. Flames then reappeared but now appear to have been completely extinguished and there are a team of eight fire fighters now checking out all the damage.

Hotel fire: Smoke billows into the sky as more than 70 firefighters tackle a blaze at a new Ibis under construction / @losriley

"The roof of the hotel looks structurally sound from here as they are walking around on top."

Northolt councillor Bassam Mahfouz wrote on Twitter: "Uxbridge Road #Ealing closed off following fire at new building. @LondonFire @metpoliceuk @Ldn_Ambulance all on site."

Gregory Stafford, a councillor for the Hanger Hill ward, said: "I hope all those caught up in fire in #Ealing are okay. Many thanks to @LondonFire who are dealing."

Firefighters use an aerial ladder platform to tackle a blaze at the Ibis hotel in Ealing / @BassamMahfouz

Uxbridge Road was sealed off causing gridlocked traffic in the surrounding area. The fire was brought under control by 1.25pm and the road reopened shortly after.

According to the Ibis website, the hotel was due to open in June of this year.

Fire crews from Ealing, Acton, Southall, Chiswick, Park Royal, Wembley and surrounding fire stations were attending the blaze.

LFB said the cause of the fire is under investigation and that nobody was injured.

A spokesman for the hotel said: The fire is being managed by the emergency services, in conjunction with the current owners of the building.

"The hotel was due to open as an ibis Styles in June this year. We understand that the building was safely evacuated.
N ew Metropolitan Police boss Cressida Dick today pledged a five-year crackdown on violence to curb the rise in gun and knife crime in London.

Scotland Yards first female commissioner promised an end-to-end approach in tackling crime and a tough stance on violent offenders.

Speaking within days of three young men being stabbed to death in the capital, she said knife and gun crime were among the most significant challenges she faced.

She declared: I want to bear down on violent crime, in all its aspects from terrorism to sexual offences but definitely knife and gun crime, particularly as it affects young people.

Its an absolute tragedy losing young people in the way we have been to knife crime.

"We are seeing too many young people carrying knives feeling that it will protect them when in actual fact it clearly doesnt and can be incredibly dangerous and tragic for them and their families.

"Violence, for me, is what this next five years is going to be about.

"You have to prevent people getting involved and you have to intervene really, really strongly with people who are habitual knife carriers, and that includes stop and search, definitely.

In her first interview, she told the Standard she also planned to modernise the Met with a surge in digital policing to put people in closer touch with local officers.

The Commissioner has explained her reasons for taking a 40,000 pay cut / Jeremy Selwyn

She said: I want to see traditional policing with a modern flavour. I am completely committed to local, visible policing, but we have to modernise. There are such opportunities for people to interact with police through the digital sphere that we have not achieved yet.

She said more young people wanted to report crime online and officers were being equipped with tablets so they could spend more time on the streets.

Ms Dick, 56, spoke three days after attending the funeral last Monday of Pc Keith Palmer, 48, who was stabbed to death defending Parliament in the Westminster terror attack.

Sitting in the New Scotland Yard canteen, she said: Monday was a very, very sad day but a day also to make me, the Met and policing very proud of what Keith did and what he stood for.

Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick (right) and Deputy commissioner Craig Mackey at PC Keith Palmer's funeral / PA

She said she was proud of the Mets response to the attack on March 22, which also left four members of the public dead after fanatic Khalid Masood drove a car through crowds on Westminster Bridge.

She also discussed the positive reaction of the public, saying: Something good must come out of all that horror and one of the things is we must build on that goodwill.

In another interview with Nick Ferrari on LBC today, she also said she doubted that Pc Palmer would have been able to protect himself if he had been armed because of the speed of the attack.

Ms Dick, who left the Met in 2014 for an anti-terrorism role at the Foreign Office, told the Standard that since the atrocity a lot of work has been taking place on how to protect people in future.

She added: I dont think the public want to see loads and loads of firearms officers everywhere, what they do want to know is that we are able to respond well and prevent things and we will protect them properly.

However, she said that although she was against turning London into a fortress, some popular sites and crowded places would get increased security.

Ms Dick, who has already been on patrol with officers across the city, said she wanted to win the support of Londoners, including the hardest to reach communities.

She said: This is about getting communities involved in our work and feeling that this a police service that is protecting them, that is for them and one they want their children to join.

She dismissed suggestions of a link between the recent 600 million spending cuts and the rise in crime as ridiculous and simplistic saying there was a whole set of things going on.

However, she said cutbacks meant the force had to prioritise and we may have to stop doing some things.

Of the 40,000 salary cut she took on accepting the role, she said had not intended to make a statement or create a precedent. It was a very personal thing, she said.

I was simply saying that for me I dont need that money, my family do not need that money and this is a time of austerity and the Met is under pressure.

She told the Standard she is in a relationship with another Met officer and is incredibly well-supported. I am a very happy person.

In contrast with her predecessor, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, Ms Dick is using a pool car, rather than his 65,000 Range Rover, while her security assessment is completed.

She enjoys working in an open-plan office with her senior team, saying it creates a better dynamic.

She added: I am all about teams. I think I have probably got a reasonably relaxed style as a senior leader, I am pretty demanding, I am known as tough, not a soft touch, but I try to be friendly and I want my staff to feel they can come up and chat to me.

She also revealed she was turned down by Thames Valley Police after leaving Oxford University and spent a year doing accountancy before she joined the Met.

Ms Dicks appointment was criticised by the family of Jean Charles de Menezes, who was wrongly shot dead at Stockwell station during an operation she led in 2005 in the aftermath of the 7/7 London bombings.

She said she had thought deeply about the issue before applying but decided it would not inhibit her from doing the job.

It is important as a leader where something has gone wrong that you stand up and give an account of yourself.
A male cyclist was taken to hospital after a crash with a lorry on a busy high street in south London.

The collision happened at a junction along Peckham High Street, shortly after 11am on Tuesday.

A Met spokesman said: Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found the male cyclist with leg injuries.

His injuries are described as not life threatening.

Road closures were put in place but were lifted shortly after 11am.

A spokeswoman for the London Ambulance Service said the man was treated for leg injuries and taken as a priority to a major trauma centre.

The driver of the lorry stopped at the scene and is assisting police with their enquiries.
A survivor of the Westminster terror attack has described the moment he was thrown like a rag doll over the bonnet of Khalid Masoods car as he ploughed through pedestrians.

Travis Frain, 19, had been visiting parliament with university friends and was walking across Westminster Bridge when he was hit by the terrorist's 4x4 in March.

He told ITV's Good Morning Britain he was texting on his mobile phone when one shouted to him, Travis, look.

Mr Frain said: "I looked up and you don't have enough time to react. The fact that my body didn't tense up and was thrown almost like a rag doll over the bonnet.

"I landed on the left side and my head was actually cushioned by a friend, whereas obviously if it had landed on the concrete with the same force that the rest of my body had, we don't know what could have happened."

Westminster attack - Who the five people killed?

Mr Frain, who is studying politics and history at university in Lancashire, walked around in a "blur" immediately after the incident, calling his mother from the bridge to tell her was okay.

He suffered a fractured leg, fractured left arm, cuts to his thigh and two broken fingers and was visited by the Prince of Wales while he was recovering at King's College Hospital.

Mr Frain, who wants to become an MP, has been back to Westminster Bridge twice since the attack and said the incident had not left him with flashbacks or deterred him from visiting London.

London Terror Attack Floral Tributes at Westminster - 27 March 2017 1 /16 London Terror Attack Floral Tributes at Westminster - 27 March 2017 Hero MP Tobias Ellwood looks over the flowers left in tribute to the victims of the attack in Westminster Jeremy Selwyn He paused at the solemn scene in Parliament Square this morning Jeremy Selwyn Flowers from Prime Minister Theresa May amongst tributes to the victims of the Westminster terrorist attack outside the Palace of Westminster Jeremy Selwyn Two school children look at the floral tributes Jeremy Selwyn A woman observes the flowers pinned to the Carriage Gates where the attack took place Jeremy Selwyn Outpouring of support: flowers at the scene of the attack in Westminster Jeremy Selwyn Three police officers stand in front of the floral tributes Jeremy Selwyn A female police officer pays her respects at the scene Jeremy Selwyn A woman in jogging attire stops to remember the victims of the attack Jeremy Selwyn A man looks at floral tributes to the victims of the Westminster terrorist attack outside the Palace of Westminster Lauren Hurley/PA Police officers stand in front of the floral tributes Jeremy Selwyn Labour MP Hilary Benn passes floral tributes to the victims of the Westminster terrorist attack outside the Palace of Westminster Lauren Hurley/PA

He told GMB: "I wanted to see it again. It's not going to put me off London. As weird as it is, life goes on."

Masood, who had a history of violent crime, was shot dead by armed police after fatally knifing Pc Keith Palmer.

American tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, retired window cleaner Leslie Rhodes, 75, Spanish mother Aysha Frade, 44, and Romanian tourist Andreea Cristea, 31, all died as a result of his rampage.

The seriously injured wife of Mr Cochran, Melissa Cochran, has now returned home to the US, having been in London together to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary when the tragedy struck.
D avid Cameron has praised Theresa Mays brave decision to call a snap general election following her shock announcement this morning.

The former Prime Minister hailed her for making the brave  and right  decision adding in an tweet: My very best wishes to all Conservative candidates.

The Prime Minister made an announcement outside Downing Street shortly after 11am when she said: We need a general election and we need one now.

"I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead is to hold this election," she added.

Chancellor Philip Hammond also commended Mrs May for making the right decision, writing that it is in the national interest to call a general election, strengthening PMs negotiating hand in Europe.

early general election kate proctor explains

He added: PM's decision ensures strong leadership, certainty & stability.

Tory MP and former Cabinet minister Iain Duncan Smith joined in praising the decision and described the move as bold, strong [and] serious.

Shock announcement: Prime Minister Theresa May / Getty Images

He told the BBC the decision was not about Brexit" adding: "It's about electing a government with a strong mandate, to both get on with Brexit but also to carry on with normal domestic business.

"The Labour party has its own particular problems and I suspect there'll be a number of Labour MPs who will want also to see this general election for internal reasons.

"But the reality is for Theresa May this is a bold, strong, serious decision made by somebody who has complete confidence in their leadership."

Other Tory MPs backed the announcement and rallied around for campaign volunteers.

Tory MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire Stephen Crabb tweeted: Sun is shining. Perfect moment for an election. Let's go.

Another Conservative, Nadhim Zahawi, MP for Stratford-on-Avon, added: Parliament needs to be united behind our Prime Minister as she negotiates a great deal for the UK - this is the right decision.

The leader of the opposition and leaders of other political parties also joined in backing the snap election  due to take place on June 8.

Jeremy Corbyn released a statement saying he welcomed the decision and said: Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a Government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said the election would provide British people with a chance to change the direction of our country.

And Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas welcomed an early vote at a time when "Britain is at a crossroads" and promised the Greens would present a "bold, positive vision for a different kind of Britain".

Meanwhile a Twitter account for the Downing Street cat, Larry, posted: "Has anybody checked if David Dimbleby is actually free on the 8th June? #GeneralElection"

Shortly after the account shared a poster of Larry and wrote "The time has come - Larry for Prime Minister."
T heresa May will begin campaigning for the General Election with the largest poll lead of any Conservative prime minister in modern history.

The Conservatives currently lead Jeremy Corbyns Labour by an average of 17 points  with less than two months to go before the snap election on June 8.

At the same point in the 2015 general election campaign, David Camerons party were roughly two points behind Labour but went on to defy pollsters and win a majority.

This time the Conservatives look set to win a landslide victory with 44 per cent of the vote, according to the latest YouGov poll.

PM Theresa May calls for general elections on June 8

The Labour party would only win 23 per cent, while the Lib Dems would secure 12 per cent and UKIP 10 per cent.

The Prime Minister dropped the political bombshell on Tuesday morning when she called for a snap General Election in an announcement outside Number 10.

We need a general election and we need one now, she said.

At this moment of enormous national significance, there should be unity here in Westminster but instead there is division. The country is coming together but Westminster is not.

Jeremy Corbyn has welcomed the snap election / PA

The stunning statement left the political world dashing to prepare for seven weeks of frenetic campaigning.

Various polls suggest the Tories are likely to add 50 seats to the 331 secured in 2015, winning with a majority of more than 100 seats.

Around 50 per cent of people currently think Mrs May would make the best prime Minister, with Mr Corbyn languishing on 14 per cent. Some 36 per cent are not sure, according to YouGov.

A recent Ipsos MORI survey for the Standard similarly found that fifty three per cent of adults are satisfied with Mrs May as Prime Minister.

By contrast, Mr Corbyns net satisfaction rating has dropped marginally from minus 35 to minus 38 - his worst since last July.

Even among Labour supporters his net satisfaction rating is minus nine, compared with Mrs Mays plus 81 among Conservative backers.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats are hoping to seize on the election as an opportunity to further their own mini-resurgence.

Leader Tim Farron told voters: "This is your chance to change the direction of your country".

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron wants to build on his party's mini-resurgence / PA

And in the hour after the General Election was announced, his party said it had gained around 1,000 new members.

The Lib Dems have consistently called for a second referendum on the final Brexit deal Mrs May achieves after negotiations with the European Union, and want to keep the UK in the European single market.

The party suffered a disastrous election last time out, losing all but six seats. But since then a strong public stance on supporting membership of the European single market has seen their stock rise in polls.

"If you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit, if you want to keep Britain in the single market, if you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance, said Mr Farron.

"Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority."

early general election kate proctor explains

His statement stood in contrast to Mr Corbyns, which did not mention the EU or Brexit at all.

Instead, he said he welcomed the snap election and said Labour would be offering an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS.

This snap election comes just nine months after the EU referendum, and two years and one month after David Cameron won in 2015.
W hat is a snap General Election?

This is a General Election called earlier than expected and when not required by law. The next one was due in 2020.

When will it be?

Thursday June 8 in 51 days time.

How will Theresa May trigger it?

The Prime Minister will ask MPs to vote tomorrow for the snap election as she cannot trigger it herself. There are two ways under the Fixed Terms Parliament Act 2011 which early elections can be held:

* If a motion for an early general election is agreed either by at least two-thirds of MPs, or if a motion of no confidence is passed and no alternative government is confirmed by the Commons within 14 days.

Mrs May is going for the former.

Could Labour block it?

Yes, in theory. In practice, Jeremy Corbyn will accept it as otherwise he would look like he was running scared of the electorate. He will also stresss that Labour can win.

Was this a surprise?

Yes. Downing Street categorically denied that Theresa May would call an early General Election on March 20. Her spokesperson said: There isnt going to be one...There is not going to be a general election.

Why call it now?

Mrs May stressed that she wants the strongest possible mandate to negotiate Brexit. She also warned that some MPs and peers are trying to frustrate Britain quitting the EU and a big election win would give her a strong mandate to push ahead with it. She currently has a working Government majority of 17. However, snap elections are often seen as opportunistic and the Tories have a 21-point lead in the latest poll.

Who has called a snap election before?

In 1974 Edward Health called a snap election in an attempt to face down the miners strike with a bigger mandate. This resulted in a hung Parliament.

What about not calling a snap election?

Gordon Brown famously did not call a snap election in 2007 and was accused of bottling it.
W orking beyond the age of 68 would be too much for the current generation to bear, the Governments pensions expert told the Standard today.

With some women already facing an eight-year rise in the state pension age since they began their working lives, pushing the age limit to 69 or 70 could lead to burn-out, said John Cridland.

The stark message from the Governments independent reviewer of the state pension age comes as ministers prepare to announce the UKs new retirement age.

Mr Cridland, a former head of the Confederation of British Industry, said: Going beyond 68 would be too big a change for this generation to bear because for some women their expectations will have moved from 60 to 68 and for men from 65 to 68. Theres only so much one generation can bear.

Whatever age the Government decides upon, there will be some people who need extra support through the benefits system.

The Tories are expected to make their announcement on Friday May 5, the day after the local elections.

Although Mr Cridland is not against a rise beyond 68 in the future, he said those in their late thirties to sixties  the so-called Baby Boomers and Generation X  should not be expected to cope with rapid change.

He said flexible hours for older workers and a mid-life MOT paid for by the Government and private employers could help people prepare for their life in retirement.

The question becomes what roles can older workers do, he added. You dont see many people in their sixties on a London construction site or on a car plant line. I also identified that nursing and teaching can lead to burnout. Do you really want to be an A&E nurse at 3am on a Saturday when youre 69? Even though we are living longer the stress of working in your late sixties is very challenging.

You need to redesign roles and make them more relevant to the skills that they have.

Mr Cridlands study, Smoothing The Transition, is one of two reports the Government must assess before deciding on the new state pension age.

He suggests the Department for Work and Pensions make the retirement age 68 in 2039  seven years earlier than the Government originally planned.

The other report by the Government Actuarys Department report suggests a scenario in which the pension age would rise from 69 to 70 in the 2050s.

Mr Cridland said whatever the Government decides it must give people at least 10 years notice of any proposed changes.

Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green said: Reviewing the state pension age during each parliament is part of our commitment to creating a fairer society, helping to ensure that it is sustainable for future generations. These contributions and recommendations will provide important insight.
B ritain is launching a Brexit drive to sell more alcohol in Australia after discovering that drinkers there are shifting from quantity to quality.

Ministers say new markets are opening up for premium British beers and ciders as well as its unique spirits.

The Department for International Trade also highlighted a growing demand for gourmet and speciality food in Australia.

It recently published a guide to exporting Down Under which identified sectors where firms could expand as Britain quits the European Union.

It states: A segment of the alcoholic beverage market is migrating from quantity to quality and is becoming enthusiastic about premium products.

"Australians appreciate British alcohol products and there is considerable potential for growth in interesting beverages. These include premium and craft ales and ciders; unique malts, vodkas, gins and other spirits.

International trade minister Mark Garnier added: It seems there is an increasing thirst in Australia for quality alcoholic produce from the UK, such as specialist and craft beers.

Britain has long imported Australian beer brands such as Fosters and Castlemaine XXXX but now more specialist brews could be going in the opposite direction.

The Department for International Trade is also encouraging UK food manufacturers to look to Australia. There is an increasing appetite in Australia for a range of international, gourmet and speciality food and confectionery products, it states.

The ministry said that Australia is the fifth largest economy in the Asia-Pacific region, and the 13th in the world.

It has had 25 years of uninterrupted economic growth. Australias GDP per capita at current exchange rates make its citizens among the worlds top five wealthiest, it added.

Advice in other recent government export guides includes being punctual with the Germans, not using first names with the French, and discounting goods in India.

However, British firms could find doing business in Australia easier.

If your product or service is successful in the UK, theres a good chance youll be successful in Australia, adds the guide for that country.

The UKs biggest goods exports to Australia are cars (770 million), as well as medicines and pharmaceuticals (400 million).
T wo death row killers have been given stays of execution by judges in the US state of Arkansas.

Don Davis and Bruce Ward were due to be executed last night as the state sought to carry out lethal injections on seven prisoners before its supply of a drug expired.

Their lawyers had argued they were mentally unfit to face execution and were denied proper assessment.

But there was a victory for the state when a federal court lifted an order that blocked all seven executions because of suffering caused by the lethal injection.

Stay of execution: Don Davis / REUTERS

Arkansas wants to carry out the executions - its first since 2005 - before its supply of the lethal injection drug midazolam expires at the end of April.

Governor Asa Hutchinson said the state would continue to push for the other lethal injections to be carried out.

Two inmates are due to be put to death on Thursday.

While this has been an exhausting day for all involved, tomorrow we will continue to fight back on last-minute appeals and efforts to block justice for the victims families, Mr Hutchinson said.

Davis was given the death penalty for shooting a woman as he burgled her home, while Ward strangled a teenage shop clerk.

Critics have called the planned executions an inhumane assembly line.

The use of midazolam is controversial with opponents of the death penalty saying not effective at rendering the inmate unconscious.

It was used in executions in three US states in 2014 that took longer than usual.
T hree people have been shot dead in a Californian street by a gunman yelling Allahu Akbar, police say.

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer says the man went on a rampage in downtown Fresno shouted "God is great" in Arabic before the killings.

The police chief said the three victims were shot minutes apart near a Catholic Charities building in the downtown area.

A total of 16 shots were fired during the attack on Tuesday, it was claimed.

A 39-year-old man called Kori Ali Muhammad was arrested shortly afterward.

Police said he was already wanted over a separate killing last week, in which a Motel 6 security guard in Fresno was gunned down.
T he family of a 17-year-old Australian girl killed by a shark while surfing on an Easter family holiday today said she died doing something she loved.

Laeticia Brouwer was attacked yesterday as she surfed near Esperance, Western Australia, with her father while her mother and two younger sisters watched from the beach.

The shark mauled her left leg and Ms Brouwers father heard her screams and went to help her, along with another teenager.

She was unconscious as she was pulled on to the beach and had suffered severe blood loss.

Damage: the surfboard after the attack

An off-duty nurse performed CPR until paramedics arrived and took her to hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Reading a statement on their behalf, Ms Brouwers uncle, Steve Evans said: We are terribly heartbroken and saddened by this tragic accident.

We take comfort in the fact that Laeticia died doing something that she loved.

The ocean was her and her familys passion.
A merica today condemned increasing provocations by North Korea and reassured Japan of its determination to confront the pariah states nuclear weapons programme.

On a visit to Tokyo, US vice president Mike Pence stressed his country was fully behind Japan, one of its key allies in Asia, after tensions soared with North Korea.

He told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe: We appreciate the challenging times in which the people of Japan live with increasing provocations from across the Sea of Japan.

We are with you 100 percent.

Mr Pence had flown in from South Korea where he had visited the demilitarized zone dividing it from North Korea.

There, he bluntly warned North Korean leader Kim Jong-un that the era of strategic patience is over.

Donald Trumps administration has embarked on a more forceful US stance toward North Koreas recent missile tests and threats, including a warning from the president that the North Korean leader has gotta behave.

At the outset of his meeting with Mr Abe, Mr Pence said that while all options are on the table, Washington was determined to work with Japan, South Korea and other allies in the region to resolve the problem.

On a 10-day Asia trip that will also take him to Indonesia and Australia, Mr Pence stressed that the US hopes China will use its leverage to get its longtime ally North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons programme.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today made a new appeal for calm on the Korean Peninsula.

China banned imports of North Korean coal, its most important export, in February, and Chinese media have raised the possibility of restricting oil shipments to the North.

North Korea regularly threatens to destroy Japan, South Korea and the United States and it showed no let-up in its belligerence after a failed missile test on Sunday, a day after putting on a huge display of missiles at a parade in the capital Pyongyang.

Well be conducting more missile tests on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis, Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol told the BBC.

If the US is reckless enough to use military means it would mean from that very day, an all out war.

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Pyongyang has threatened a nuclear pre-emptive strike if the US presses ahead with military action.
H illary Clinton apologised to Barack Obama for her bruising US presidential election defeat moments before calling Donald Trump to congratulate the unlikely victor, a new book has revealed.

The humbled Democratic candidate said Mr President, Im sorry once it became clear she had lost.

As she took the call in a hotel anteroom, Mrs Clinton knew she had let her country down and that Mr Obamas legacy lay shattered at Donald Trumps feet, the book claims.

Minutes later Mrs Clinton called Mr Trump and suppressed the anger that touched every nerve in her body as she conceded.

She said: Congratulations, Donald. Ill be supportive of the countrys success and that means your success as president.

The drama of Mrs Clintons election in the Peninsula Hotel in Manhattan is detailed in Shattered: Inside Hillary Clintons Doomed Election Campaign which is out on Tuesday.

The Clinton campaign had been confident of victory but the first troubling signs came as early as 7.45pm, when Steve Schale, a Clinton campaign polling analyst, called the Peninsula Hotel to warn they were going to come up short in the key swing state of Florida

Unexpected win: Donald Trump (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) / Getty Images

As results in key states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin went against her, Mr Obama called Mrs Clinton and said: You need to concede.

Shattered says that Mr Obama was determined to make sure that his friend understood that the election was over and that she had to accept the loss with dignity to counter Mr Trumps attempts to undermine the electoral system.

Mr Obama said that he didnt see any point in prolonging the inevitable and did not want to turn the election into a recount mess.

The call worked and Mrs Clintons close aide Huma Abedin called Mr Trumps campaign manager Kellyanne Conway.

The two candidates were brought to the line and Mrs Clinton conceded.

The book says a second previously undisclosed phone conversation with Mr Obama crystallized everything for Hillary.

Hillary winces. She wasnt ready for this conversation. When shed spoken with Obama just a little bit earlier the outcome of the election wasnt final yet.

Now, though, with the President placing a consolation call, the reality and dimensions of her defeat hit her all at once.

She had let him down. She had let herself down. She had let her party down. And she had let her country down.

'Special relationship': Donald Trump and Theresa May hold hands 1 /17 'Special relationship': Donald Trump and Theresa May hold hands US President Donald J. Trump holds hands with British Prime Minister Theresa May EPA US President Donald J. Trump holds hands with British Prime Minister Theresa May EPA US President Donald J. Trump holds hands with British Prime Minister Theresa May EPA US President Donald J. Trump holds hands with British Prime Minister Theresa May AP Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump walk along the White House Colonnade PA British Prime Minister Theresa May laughs during a news conference with President Donald Trump AP Prime Minister Theresa May meeting US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office PA President Donald Trump reaches out to shake hands with British Prime Minister Theresa May AP Prime Minister Theresa May with US President Donald Trump during their joint press conference PA Prime Minister Theresa May meeting US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House PA Prime Minister Theresa May meeting US President Donald Trump by a bust of Sir Winston Churchill in the Oval Office PA Prime Minister Theresa May meeting US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House PA White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer posted this photo on Twitter. PA

Obamas legacy and her dreams of the Presidency lay shattered at Donald Trumps feet. This was on her. Reluctantly she rose from her seat and took the phone.

Mr President, she said softly. Im sorry.

The book also revealed how Bill Clinton told his wife its just like Brexit as he realised that she had lost to Mr Trump.

The former President felt that the British vote to leave the EU had been a harbinger for a kind of screw-it vote in the United States that helped Mr Trump to victory.

Mr Clinton correctly feared that his wifes campaign team never realised the danger that Mr Trump posed until too late, according to the books authors, political journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes.
A man arrested in Russia has admitted to being behind the St Petersburg metro bombing that left 14 dead and more than 50 injured.

Abror Azimov was the ninth person to have been arrested in connection with the attack on April 3.

Russian security services had previously informed the media Azimov was suspected of training the 22-year-old who carried out the suicide bombing - Akbarzhon Jalilov.

And, according to the BBC, Azimov's lawyer informed Russian journalists that he had "fully confessed" to organising the blasts after he was arrested on Monday.

Bombing: 14 people were killed in the explosion

Azimov, who was born in 1990 and is reported to be from Kyrgyzstan, was arrested after police went through the suicide bombers phone contacts.

Detained: Azimov was arrested after activating a new mobile sim card / EPA

He had bought two phones and on Monday but reportedly revealed his location when he activated one of the cards.

Russia President Vladimir Putin lays flowers at scene of blast in St Petersburg

Eight other people arrested in connection with the attack are also from Central Asia.
By Press Trust of India: Dehradun, Apr 18 (PTI) A court here has sentenced a city jeweller to two years rigorous imprisonment for stashing away unaccounted money in the Swiss bank.

Chief Judicial Magistrate (economic offences) Vivek Dwiwedi handed the sentence to owner of Punjab Jewellers Raju Verma yesterday after holding him guilty of not showing money stashed away in the Swiss bank in his Income Tax returns.

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He also slapped a fine of Rs 8 lakh on the jeweller, senior counsel of I-T department S M Jain said.

In his order, the CJM said the jeweller deposited Rs 92 lakh in the Swiss Bank in 1996 but did not show it in his ITR files.

The vigilance cell of the Income Tax department had detected the fraud during raids conducted at the jewellery outlet in year 2012, the IT department senior lawyer said.

Sixteen cases were lodged against Verma and court proceedings initiated against him in 2015.

The trial was completed in a record two years time and quantum of sentence pronounced, the senior counsel claimed.

It is the first case of black money anywhere in the country where hearings have been concluded and quantum of sentence pronounced within two years, he further claimed. PTI ALM ZMN

--- ENDS ---
The warring VK Sasikala, O Panneerselvam camps of AIADMK may merge to save the party from further disintegration. Leaders believe that corruption charges against Dinakaran has badly hurt the party's image.

The warring Sasikala, Panneerselvam factions of AIADMK believe that corruption charges against TTV Dinakaran has hurt party's image. (File Photo/PTI)

By India Today Web Desk: There is revolt in the making in the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (AIADMK) VK Sasikala camp as leaders of the faction want her and nephew TTV Dinakaran to step down from all party posts. Nearly 25 ministers and MLAs held a late night meeting on Monday to discuss possibility of a merger with rival O Panneerselvam camp. Whether the two camps would bury their differences and come together could be decided today.

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TTV Dinakaran, who was appointed AIADMK's deputy general secretary by Sasikala just hours before she surrendered before a Bengaluru court, was in Karnataka capital to meet Sasikala but returned to Chennai early today without meeting his aunt.

LATE NIGHT DRAMA IN CHENNAI:

Finance Minister D Jayakumar said modalities were being worked out to pave the way for the merger of the two factions. "Given the opinion (voiced by O Panneerselvam), modalities to strengthen the party and to run it with unity were discussed," Jayakumar told reporters, briefing them about the meeting which was attended by most of the ministers of E K Palaniswami government. Jayakumar said the aim was to get back AIADMK's 'two leaves' symbol, which was frozen by the Election Commission as both the warring factions claimed a right over it. On Panneerselvam's stand that Sasikala's family should not be a part of the party, Jayakumar evaded a direct answer and said, "The decision of the last party cadre is the decision of the party and all of us." According to sources, both the factions are working out a formula under which O Panneerselvam would return as AIADMK's general secretary replacing Sasikala. Edappadi Palaniswami will remain the chief minister. The minister said no decision was taken on Sasikala and Dinakaran but insiders said party leaders were unhappy at the way the 'Mannargudi family' has captured the party and want the members of the notorious family out from AIADMK. Party leaders believe that corruption charges against Dinakaran has hurt AIADMK's image. Dinakaran was booked by the Delhi Police on Monday (April 17) for trying to bribe Election Commission officials through a middleman to buy the two leaves symbol. Dinakaran, however, rubbished the charges against him. "I haven't bribed anyone. How can I do all this? I will face it legally if I get a summons," he said. There was reportedly unease in Tamil Nadu's ruling party ever since Income Tax officials raided Health Minister Vijayabaskar's premises and seized evidence of bribing voters for the bypoll to R K Nagar assembly seat. The election, scheduled for April 12, was countermanded by the Election Commission on April 9 amid allegations of rampant inducement and bribing of voters.

(With PTI inputs)

WATCH: AIADMK merger on cards? Tamil Nadu ministers hold late night meet ALSO READ:

Have Panneerselvam and Sasikala patched up? Decision on merger of AIADMK factions likely today

AIADMK's TTV Dinakaran charged with offering Rs 50 crore to middleman to buy party's 'two leaves' symbol

Sasikala in jail but 'mafia from Mannargudi' is here to stay. Who are they?

Sasikala's nephew Dinakaran takes charge as new deputy general secretary, opens the door for OPS

--- ENDS ---
The demands put out by O Panneerselvam for a merger with rival AIADMK faction may not be agreeable to all.

By Shalini Lobo: The Chennai heat and the current political scenario have one thing in common. People of Chennai want both the situations to end soon.

Monsoon and stability in Tamil Nadu government are two developments people in the state are waiting for.

On Monday night, talks of merger between the two rival factions of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) started doing rounds after a late-night meeting of AIADMK ministers.

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The meeting took place after former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam offered to discuss the reuniting the fractured party.

Earlier, the Delhi Police booked AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran for allegedly trying to bribe Election Commission to get the party's two-leaves symbol. OPS SEEKS CONTROL OVER PARTY

With Sasikala in jail and her nephew Dinakaran booked in a case, the Mannargudi family may find it difficult to hold on to the party's reins for a long time.

For AIADMK, a merger still remains iffy, and may not ensure a stable government in Tamil Nadu with the Panneerselvam camp seeking control of the party.

K C Palaniswamy, who is part of the O Panneerselvam faction, started the day by saying that "we are ready for a merger and willing to work together".

This was followed by the press conference by O Panneerselvam who made three demands for the merger.

1) Expel Sasikala and her kin. They will have nothing to do with the party and it's activities

2) A judicial probe into former Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa's death

3) By saying that the party has follow the path laid out by Jayalalithaa, Panneerselvam hinted at getting back the chief minister's post

FISSURES APPEAR

As the press conference ended, differences within the E Palaniswami-TTV Dinakaran camp started appearing.

AIADMK leader P Vetrivel questioned last night's meeting between AIADMK ministers. Vetrivel reportedly said that O Panneerselvam cannot make demands of expelling Chinnamma Sasikala and TTV Dinakaran from the party.

Once again, K C Palaniswamy spoke to media but this time his appearance was grim. "These were always our demands. O Panneerselvam will become party chief and chief minister of Tamil Nadu. We are sure of it," he said.

The Panneerselvam camp is likely to meet tonight to decide on their future course. There is no word from E Palaniswami on whether he is ready to step down as the chief minister and make way for O Panneerselvam.

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Tamil Nadu and its people, however, continue to reel under the heat.

ALSO READ:

CM has stressed for unity in taking govt forward: Sengottaiyan

Remove Amma betrayers Sasikala, Dinakaran from AIADMK: O Panneerselvam steps up attack

ALSO WATCH

--- ENDS ---
By India Today Web Desk: After the Khans, Khiladi Kumar is next in the line to enter the big 50 club. But unlike the Khans of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar is in no mood to have a big 50th birthday bash.

According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, Akshay, who turns 50 on September 9, wants to keep it a low-key affair. He doesn't want to invite the entire B-Town for his bash, but would want to spend time with his family on his special day.

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Akshay, who is currently shooting for Padman, is not a regular in party circles, but loves to spend more time with his wife Twinkle Khanna and two kids- Aarav and Nitara. And that is exactly what he wants to do on his birthday.

While the 49-year-old actor must have agreed for a low-key birthday bash, but he is currently busy making plans for mom-in-law Dimple Kapadia's 60th birthday bash. The report in the daily suggests that Akshay and Twinkle are planning something special for Dimple who turns 60 on June 8.

On the work front, Akshay will be seen in two films this year - Toilet Ek Prem Katha and 2.0.

ALSO READ: Khans, step aside, 2017 is Akshay Kumar 2.0's year

PHOTOS: Aamir to Akshay, B-Town's weird clauses while signing films that will stun you

ALSO WATCH: Akshay Kumar is the real 'Khiladi' of Bollywood

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Residents of an apartment complex gathered together, helping one another as a fire burned Monday.

"The fire was destructive, but the people were not," owner of the apartment complex, Colleen Erickson, said. "We have such nice people who live in our apartment building. They went around, helping people get out of their apartments. Young people were helping older people."

Though the fire that started in the carport of one apartment caused worry and concern for Erickson as she watched it burn and feared it would spread, she said she took comfort in seeing people helping each other.

Officials said 11 residents of the apartment complex, which is located behind Dad's Art and Frame at 710 E. Overland, were displaced after a fire damaged one of the apartments.

The fire started at about 11:46 p.m. Monday. Sgt. Steve Lopez said that arriving officers found a fully engulfed vehicle that had been parked in a garage located at the south end of the property. The fire spread from the vehicle to other vehicles and the apartment building.

Scottsbluff Fire Chief Dana Miller said that the cause of the fire is being investigated. He said that the fire was "suspicious in nature," starting in a vehicle that had not been started for some period of time. A deputy fire marshal from the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's Office and the Scottsbluff Police are investigating the fire.

Erickson and her son also live in an apartment in the building, which she has owned since 1980.

"My husband purchased this property because it was a dream of his," she said. "It was a business, a home and we had the apartments. ... I've lived here 37 years and this is the first time we have had anything like this."

Firefighters Ministry helped residents of the apartment with temporary accommodations. Carissa Smith, of Firefighters Ministry, responded to the fire and her father, Rich Schank, helped transport people to a hotel to stay.

Though only one of the apartments were fire damaged, Smith said residents of the other apartments were displaced because utilities to the building had to be shut off. The residents have been given vouchers for two nights at a local hotel as the investigation continues and utilities remain off. Two other apartments may have also sustained some smoke or other damage, Erickson said.

Cathy Lucke, one of the residents who lived in the apartment building, praised the police and firefighters, as well as Firefighters Ministry.

"There was one couple, they live next door to the apartment that the car was at, and the woman has a therapy dog. As she hurried out, she left her therapy dog behind and she didn't have any shoes on," Lucke said. "A police officer went into the apartment and got her therapy dog and her shoes."

Lucke said that some of the residents are on oxygen and elderly. She said that firefighters, police and Firefighter Ministry organizer Carissa Smith took good care of the group. Without the vouchers, toiletry kits and coupons that the Firefighter Ministry provided, people would have been left without a place to stay, supplies and meals.

"I think they all need to be commended," she said. "We are a real mix of people and we are not easy to have to take care of. It was a wonderful thing to see."

Lucke also praised the hotel staff where the residents have been placed, The Lamplighter Inn, and also Meals on Wheels. Many of the residents receive Meals on Wheels, she said, and the volunteers that deliver the meals changed delivery locations for them.

No injuries were reported.

Lopez said total damages in the fire have been estimated at $35,000. Gering Fire assisted and Valley Ambulance also responded. Responding units were on scene until 4:30 a.m., he said.
Maclaine Aaron Pahl, 41, passed away Monday, April 10, 2017 at his rural Alliance home.

He was born February 3, 1976 in Medford, OR to Terrance R. and Janet M. (Wait) Pahl. Following his graduation from Astoria High School in Astoria, OR he attended Oregon State University. He graduated from there in 1999 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. During his secondary education he served 2 six months internships with Freightliners in Portland and Hewlett-Packard in Corvalis, OR. After graduation he worked for Sony Corporation in Springfield, OR. In recent years he moved to Alliance and had worked for Railway Express.

He is survived by his mother, Jan Pahl and friend, Adolph Oborny of Garland, NE, his sister, Paige Pahl of Ocean Park, WA, his aunts and uncles, Margie Wait of Boulder, CO, Neel and Marilyn Pahl and Dale and (Bess) Pahl of Denver, CO.

He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents, Capt. Herschel and Bonnie Pahl and Herbert and Dorothy Wait.

Funeral services will be Thursday, April 20 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Tim Stoner officiating. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Alliance Volunteer Fire Department.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
By MARK EVANS STE. GENEVIEVE HERALD Scott Schmieder, county road and bridge foreman, reported to the county commission last Thursday that temperatures are getting too cold at night for much more asphalt work to be done. He said potholes had all been patched. His crews were working on Bodine Road and made call-ins to locate
An Army jawan was killed in accidental firing by his own rifle in Mendhar area of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir.

Picture for representational purpose only.

By Ashwini Kumar: An Army jawan has been killed in accidental firing in Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir.

The jawan was killed in firing from his own rifle.

The incident took place in Mendhar area of Poonch.

PRO Defence Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta said that the Army soldier died because of accidental firing from his service weapon.

Mehta denied media reports that it was a casualty due to violation of ceasefire.

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More details are awaited.

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The amendment of Turkey's Constitution following a referendum is this country's sovereign decision, said on Tuesday the Senate's President, Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, yet adding that the accumulation of power in one person's hand is worrying him.

"I'm always worried when an accumulation of power exists in the hand of one single person. Obviously, the formula the majority of Turkey's population has voted is not genuine. Presidential republics do exist in other parts of the world, too, but unlike the well-known formula, based on the balance of powers in the state I believe it is always preferable to the accumulation of all powers in one person's hand in the absence of offset mechanisms. But, at the end of the day it is Turkey's sovereign decision and considering that the democracy's standards are observed, I don't know if we have much to comment on this topic," said Tariceanu on Tuesday at the Senate's Seat.

The Supreme Electoral Council of Turkey (YSK) has announced on Sunday night the victory of the "Yes" side in the Constitution's amendment referendum.

agerpres.
By Press Trust of India: (Eds: Updating with fresh inputs)

From Natasha Chaku

Melbourne, Apr 18 (PTI) Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull today said his government will abolish a popular work visa used by over 95,000 foreign workers, majority of them Indians, to tackle the growing unemployment and replace it with a new programme requiring higher English-language proficiency and job skills.

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Turnbull, who visited India earlier this month, said Australia will adopt a new Australians first approach to skilled migration.

"We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains: Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs, so we are abolishing the 457 visa, the visa that brings temporary foreign workers into our country," he said.

The programme known as 457 visa allows businesses to employ foreign workers for a period up to four years in skilled jobs where there is a shortage of Australian workers.

The majority of the visa holders under this category were from India, accounting almost a quarter of the intake, followed by the UK and China at 19.5 per cent and 5.

8 per cent respectively, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

The business visa allowed people to live in Australia with their immediate family. It was designed to fill gaps in skilled labour but it had been criticised as being too accessible.

In 2016, the most 457s were granted to cooks, developers, programmers and medical workers.

"We will no longer allow 457 visa to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians," he said.

As at September 30 last year there were 95,757 workers in Australia on primary 457 visas and 76,430 secondary visa holders (members of their family), the report said.

The programme will be replaced by another visa programme, with new restrictions.

"It is important businesses still get access to the skills they need to grow and invest, so the 457 visa will be replaced by a new temporary visa, specifically designed to recruit the best and brightest in the national interest," Turnbull said.

Turnbull said the new programme will ensure that foreign workers are brought into Australia in order to fill critical skill gaps and not brought in because an employer finds it easier to recruit a foreign worker than go to the trouble of hiring an Australian.

The new visa will include mandatory criminal checks and tighter English language requirements.

The new Temporary Skill Shortage Visa programme will comprise two streams ? Short Term and Medium Term ? and will be underpinned by more focused occupation lists that are responsive to genuine skill needs and regional variations across Australia.

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Short term visas will be issued for two years, while medium term visas will be issued only for more critical skills shortages and for up to four years.

Both streams will include mandatory labour market testing with limited exemptions, a new non-discriminatory workforce test; mandatory criminal history checks, a market salary rate assessment and a new two-year work experience requirement.

Additionally there will be tightened English language requirements for the Medium Term Stream.

The new visa will also include a strengthened training obligation for employers sponsoring foreign skilled workers to provide enhanced training outcomes for Australians in high- need industries and occupations.

These changes will give Australian job seekers more opportunity to find work while finding the right balance so businesses can prosper by acquiring the expertise they need.

Turnbull stressed that migration was an integral part of the Australian story and its success had helped the nation to become the worlds most successful multicultural nation.

"There is no doubt foreign workers have played a significant role in the remarkable economic growth of the nation," he said.

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"More than 100,000 workers from 30 countries helped build the Snowy Hydro Scheme while John Howards (former Australian prime minister) decision to focus our permanent migration programme on bringing in skills has helped the nation enjoy more than two decades of continued economic growth," Turnbull added.

Implementation of the new visa will begin immediately, with full implementation to be completed by March 2018.

Australia India Business Council (AIBC) national chair Sheba Nandkeolyar said the news about 457 visa scrapping has come as a surprise.

"This may perhaps impact not merely Indian companies in Australia but also Australian companies - many of who tap into international skills in digital, analytical and engineering areas," Nandkeolyar said.

"However, the Prime Minister did advise that there will be a new visa category introduced for the critical skills shortage areas, and I hope this will impact positively on the Indian IT/ICT industry, among others," she said.

The 457 visa was introduced in the 1990s to quicken the entry of business professionals and highly skilled migrants but over time it was opened up for a broad category of workers.

The programme was hit by controversy with allegations that the visa was being misused by employers to import cheap workers who lack necessary skills.

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Turnbulls announcement comes days after he visited India where a rangeof issues, including national security, counter terrorism, education and energy, were discussed and six agreements were signed. PTI NC UZM AKJ AKJ

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Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Tuesday that the 457 visa programme, used largely by Indians in the country, will be scrapped.

By India Today Web Desk: The Australian government has abolished a visa programme used mostly by Indians in the country on Tuesday.

The 457 visa programme, used by over 95,000 temporary foreign workers in Australia, has been scrapped in an attempt to tackle the growing unemployment in the country.

"We will no longer allow 457 visa to be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Tuesday.

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"We are an immigration nation, but the fact remains, Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs, so we are abolishing the 457 visa, the visa that brings temporary foreign workers into our country," he said.

The 457 visa programme allowed businesses in Australia to employ foreign workers for a period up to four years in skilled jobs, where there was a shortage of Australian workers. Reports say that the majority of the 457 visa holders were from India.

TO BE REPLACED BY A NEW AND IMPROVED VISA PROGRAMME

PM Turnbull said Australia will adopt a new 'Australians first' approach to skilled migration. At the same time, he confirmed that the scrapped 457 visa programme will be replaced by a different one with new restrictions.

"It is important businesses still get access to the skills they need to grow and invest, so the 457 visa will be replaced by a new temporary visa, specifically designed to recruit the best and brightest in the national interest," Turnbull said.

PM Turnbull said the new visa programme will ensure that foreign workers are recruited in Australia to fill critical skill gaps, and not because it is easier to hire a foreign worker than an Australian.

The announcement of this visa programme aboloshment comes days after PM Turnbull's visit to India where a range of issues, including national security, etc. were discussed and six agreements were signed.

(With inputs from PTI)

Also read:

PM Modi and PM Malcolm Turnbull's day out in New Delhi: Metro ride, selfie, trip to Akshardham

Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull lauds PM Modi's leadership, says will work closely to deepen bond

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to arrive in New Delhi on 4-day visit

Also watch:

PM Modi and Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull visit Akshardham temple

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Updated at 5:13 p.m.

KENOSHA, Wis.  President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered a review of the U.S. visa program for bringing high-skilled foreign workers into the country, putting technology firms and the outsourcing companies that serve them on notice that possible changes may be ahead.

Seeking to carry out a campaign pledge to put "America First," Trump signed an executive order on the H-1B visa program. It was vague on many fronts, but in a press briefing and a fact sheet the White House pointed toward basic goals.

One objective, said Trump aides, is to modify or replace the current lottery for H-1B visas with a merit-based system that would restrict the visas to highly skilled workers. Indian nationals are the largest group of H-1B recipients annually.

Such a change could affect companies, such as Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., Cognizant Tech Solutions Corp. and Infosys Ltd., that connect Silicon Valley with thousands of foreign engineers and programmers. None responded to requests for comment.

Trump announced the order and made remarks at a visit to the headquarters of Snap-On Inc., a tool maker in Wisconsin.

In addition to addressing the visas issue, he also ordered a government review of government procurement rules favoring American companies to see if they are actually benefiting, especially the U.S. steel industry.

"With this action, we are sending a powerful signal to the world: We're going to defend our workers, protect our jobs and finally put America first," Trump said.

As he nears the 100-day benchmark of his presidency, Trump still has no major legislative achievements. With his attempts to overhaul healthcare and tax law stalled in Congress, Trump has leaned heavily on executive orders to change policy.

It was unclear whether the latest such order would yield immediate results. The H-1B visas section included no definite timeline, while the government procurement section did.

"We hope the goal of President Trumps executive order on the H-1B program is 'mend it, dont end it,' said Robert Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a major technology industry group.

Going to a more merit-based H-1B system could attract more people with advanced science and technology skills, he said in a statement. But he said some ideas could make the system ineffective, such as requiring advertisement of job openings for long periods to prove the unavailability of U.S. workers.

H-1B critics

Critics of the program say most H-1B visas are awarded for lower-paid jobs at outsourcing firms, many based in India. They say that takes work away from Americans and lowers wages.

"Right now, widespread abuse in our immigration system is allowing American workers of all backgrounds to be replaced by workers brought in from other countries," Trump said.

Tech companies have been bracing for Trump to make changes to the H-1B program. The visas are intended to go to foreign nationals in occupations that generally require specialized knowledge, such as science, engineering or computer programming. The government uses a lottery to award 65,000 visas yearly and randomly distributes another 20,000 to graduate student workers.

Critics say the lottery benefits outsourcing firms that flood the system with mass applications for visas for lower-paid information technology workers.

"Right now H-1B visas are awarded in a totally random lottery and that's wrong. Instead, they should be given to the most skilled and highest paid applicants and they should never, ever be used to replace Americans," Trump said.

More than 15 percent of Facebook Inc's U.S. employees in 2016 used a temporary work visa, according to a Reuters analysis of U.S. Department of Labor filings. Facebook did not respond to requests for comment.

Infosys, India's No. 2 IT services firm, has said previously that it is ramping up work on on-site development centers in the United States to train local talent in an effort to address the visa regulation changes under consideration.

It warned last week that onerous changes to U.S. visa rules could affect its earnings.

NASSCOM, the Indian IT service industry's main lobbying group, said it backs efforts to root out H-1B abuses, but said the idea that H-1B visa holders are cheap labor is inaccurate.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Washington in February to be open minded on admitting skilled Indian workers.
Last week, Missouri Governor Eric Greitens instructed the Department of Natural Resources to allow religious organizations to apply for and receive state grants, arguing that refusing to allow them to apply is prejudiced and just wrong.

But it's Greitens who is wrong in this case. The government should never take tax dollars from its citizens and give them directly to church groups to fund their programs.

Religious liberty is a founding principle of the United States of America. The Founders well understood the danger of allowing the government to become entangled with with religion. When this happens, either the government is harmed because a religious group begins to exert too much control over the lives of the citizens, or religion is harmed because the government uses its enormous power to benefit some religious groups and organizations over others.

Either way, religious liberty is threatened, because when the government is seen to endorse a particular religious perspective, those who take a different view are marginalized.

To maximize religious freedom, there must be extremely strict rules against the co-mingling of the government and religious institutions. This means the state should certainly not take money from taxpayers pockets and give it directly to religious groups they may not wish to support.

At issue is a landmark case out of Columbia, Mo., in which Trinity Lutheran Church applied for a state grant to receive tire scraps for its preschool playground in 2012.

The case is scheduled to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday. In advance of the arguments, Greitens ordered the state to reverse its position, allowing the grants.

Greitens decision is a dangerous threat to religious freedom.

By allowing religious groups to apply to receive grants from the government, it puts government employees in the impossible position of having to choose which religious organizations to support with taxpayers money.

There is not infinite money, so not all applications will be successful: the government will invariably be giving money, directly, to some religious institutions and not others. This advantages some religious groups over others, and can fairly be seen as an endorsement of those religious groups by the government.

Some argue that the programs these grants will support are secular in nature, even though they are run by and benefit a religious organization.

I can see why people might think that improving a schools playground, for instance, is a nonreligious project, and certainly it is a worthy one. But this argument is incomplete: religious organizations benefit from all sorts of tax breaks, and the programs they run directly  even ones which dont seem obviously religious  are often categorized as part of their ministry in order to take advantage of those.

This is true of Trinity Lutheran Church's preschool, which is considered officially as part of the churchs ministry, and therefore is a part of the religious purpose and programming of the congregation. There is no clear line to be drawn between a religious institutions religious programming and its secular work, so the government should refrain from giving tax money directly to these institutions.

Furthermore, any money the government gives to support a program run by a religious group frees up funds which can then be used elsewhere.

If a church receives a government grant to improve its playground, then it doesnt have to use any money donated by its members to do it.

The money saved can then be used by the church for any purpose  including proselytizing, printing worship materials, paying clergy, or getting amazing flower arrangements for Easter Sunday. The government has effectively donated to the church an amount equal to the grant it has given them: a clear infringement on the religious freedom of members of every other church, which didnt receive a similar donation.

When the government refuses to allow religious organizations to apply for grants funded through taxpayers money, by contrast, it is in no way discriminating against any religious group. The prohibition applies equally to every religious organization in the state (so no religious group is unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged), and the refusal of the government to fund church activities does not prevent any church from funding those activities itself. On the other hand, if the government does offer grants to religious organizations, it will discriminate between religious groups, because many will apply and only a few will receive money.

The way to avoid discrimination and to promote religious freedom for all Missourians  is to ensure the government is not picking and choosing between religious groups at all.

This is why I believe, as clergy for a historic St. Louis congregation, that Gov. Greitens is mistaken: allowing religious organizations to apply for these grants is just wrong.

Croft is the outreach director of the Ethical Society of St. Louis, a Humanist community. He is a regular Faith Perspectives contributor to STLtoday.com/religion
Bigg Boss 9 contestant Priya Malik, who's known for her brave and bold social media posts, has appealed to the government, to make sanitary pads tax-free.

By India Today Web Desk: Bigg Boss 9 contestant Priya Malik, who's known for her brave and bold social media posts, has appealed to the government, to make sanitary pads tax-free.

Bigg Boss 9 contestant Priya Malik, who recently went braless to protest the censoring of a bra scene in movie Baar Baar Dekho, has posted a series of tweets urging the Minister of Finance Arun Jaitley to make sanitary pads tax-free, as it will benefit millions of women.

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Using hashtag #LahuKaLagaan, the actor-turned-activist also says how could beedis be tax-free, when sanitary pads are not.

"Thanks to #LahuKaLagaan,88% of Indian women still use fabric, plastic, dry leaves and sand during their acche din," she writes in a tweet.

Listing more items that are tax-free which include contraceptives, Priya writes another tweet that goes: "Hi @arunjaitley when contraceptives are tax free then why not sanitary pads? Only 12% of Indian women can afford.

We can't agree with her more.

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ST. LOUIS  Catholic educators greeted a grim reality Tuesday at the start of their annual convention in St. Louis: They face a Catholic school enrollment that has shrunk 19 percent in a decade.

The National Catholic Educational Association convention, the largest private education gathering in the country, drew almost 8,000 attendees in St. Louis this week.

At a panel discussion on the state of Catholic education Tuesday morning, officials detailed statistics that illustrate the scale of steep nationwide Catholic school enrollment loss.

Today, about 6,400 Catholic schools educate 1.9 million students. Thats down by more than 441,000 students, or 19 percent, since 2007. Meanwhile, 19 percent of Catholic schools have closed or consolidated.

Dale McDonald, the associations director of public policy and educational research, said thats largely due to higher tuition costs, which have risen more than 40 percent since 2007.

McDonald also hinted at the associations hope that Washington will soon develop school choice programs that will aid Catholic schools. President Donald Trump has said he wants to spend $20 billion on school choice, but he did not indicate what that will look like.

We are hopeful, we are optimistic that there will be some program that will provide our parents with their fair share of the tax dollar, McDonald said.

Thomas Burnford, president and CEO of the National Catholic Educational Association, also emphasized good news about Catholic schools. Catholic schools have a 99 percent high school graduation rate, compared to 82 percent for public schools. About 85 percent of Catholic high school graduates attend four-year colleges, compared to 44 percent of public school students.

The convention comes the same week that the Archdiocese of St. Louis announced it will distribute $780,000 in innovation grants to fund 18 projects benefiting 47 schools and parish school of religion programs. The archdiocese has been infusing private money into its Catholic schools as a way to shore up enrollment declines.

Those innovation grants are in addition to $1.8 million in scholarships awarded to about 1,110 students for this school year as part of the archdioceses Beyond Sunday campaign. The $100 million campaign is funded by individual parishes.

Several of the projects that will receive innovation grant funding involve science, technology and engineering, such as a virtual reality classroom at Cardinal Ritter College Prep, new maker spaces and an outdoor classroom. One grant will also fund a program modeled after Parents as Teachers  dubbed Parents as Teachers in Faith  for Holy Trinity and St. Ann schools in north St. Louis County.

Almost 40,000 students attend more than 130 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, which spans 11 counties in eastern Missouri.

This weeks convention marks a homecoming for the archdiocese, which hosted the first National Catholic Educational Association convention 113 years ago at what used to be St. Louis Universitys location downtown.
BJP in its political resolution on Sunday had clearly defined the "urgency to reach out to every poor and marginalised, if the saffron party wishes to have its chief ministers in all states."

By Maneesh Pandey: Every time Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah mentioned Kerala at the national executive meeting in Bhubaneswar, it was not without a defined purpose and a cut-out plan.

With a clear direction from BJP's top leadership- reach the unreachable, knock every door with the centrally sponsored scheme, find every landless in Kerala and never bow down to "politics of murder" under the ruling Left government- the state BJP unit is all out to follow the central leadership by launching a mass campaign from the booths and shakhas level to penetrate aggressively in the Left-ruled Kerala.

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The campaign will begin at the two-day BJP state executive in Palakkad starting from Tuesday where we are going to spell out the five thrust areas- food, water, land, housing and employment- which need to be made available to every poor and downtrodden in Kerala, state BJP president Kummanam Rajashekharan told Mail Today in an exclusive talk in Bhubaneswar.

THE WIDE BJP RADAR IN KERALA

BJP in its political resolution on Sunday had clearly defined the "urgency to reach out to every poor and marginalised, if the saffron party wishes to have its chief ministers in all states."

"Land will be a big issue as there are nearly three lakh landless in Kerala, where there is excess land with some and none with others... There are nearly six lakh hectare of excess land under the control of a few people. Worst violators are the corporate companies holding on to the government land under long lease and some are holding on despite their lease ending long back, said Rajashekharan, adding, We are going to launch a big movement against those keeping excess land unauthorisedly."

Rajashekharan, who came to attend the national executive meeting here, was joined by the lone BJP MLA in Kerala O Rajagopala.

"The central leadership is very clear in its objective- make inroads and reach out to the every household in Kerala and take up their issues on larger public platform as the state executive, party forum meetings and strengthen booth level gatherings, which is also addressed by top central BJP leaders," said Rajagopala. The two leaders seem to have got a clear plan for saffron surge in Kerala.

"We will strengthen the booth level and take up the attacks on BJP workers."

MURDER POLITICS DOES NOT SCARE US: BJP

The Kerala government's "murder politics" won't deter us to raise our voice against the gross misgovernance and insecurity under the Left government. We have to work out a strategy to fight unemployment as there are nearly seven per cent unemployed in state despite 100 per cent literacy. Mass awareness is needed... We discussed this in Odisha," said Rajashekharan.

With 2.5 crore voters and nearly 15 per cent vote share in the state, BJP national executive meet discussed Kerala time and again as the "next thrust state where it wants its chief minister". Daunting task though as just a single MLA in the 140 Assembly seats and no Lok Sabha MP yet, but Rajasekharan seems unfazed: "Ground level work has started and the booth level workers attendance at any gathering is 90 per cent. We are spreading our cadre in all 20 parliamentary constituencies to take up local issues and also the one discussed at the Odisha meet," Rajashekhar said, adding, "Our increasing vote share is an encouraging sign."

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Also read: To win 2019 election, Modi government can fight war with Pakistan, says Digvijaya Singh

Also read: Why Narendra Modi was confused over Gujarati vs Hindi in Surat: 10 points

Also read: Narendra Modi: Triple talaq causing difficulties for Muslim women

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The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District wants to ask voters in St. Louis and St. Louis County to fund more stormwater projects.

MSD Executive Director Brian Hoelscher told contractors at a district event Monday that MSD plans to present a proposal to its rate commission early next year. The measure, which would likely go to voters in early 2019, would fund stormwater capital improvements, including creek bank stabilization and other issues caused by heavy rainfall.

MSD staff held community meetings to gather feedback on how to craft a stormwater funding mechanism. The rate commission would help decide whether it would be levied through a property tax or a fee based on the amount of concrete and roof space a property contains.

Residents near creeks in the region complain when flooding damages their property, and MSD often has to tell them that its not the districts responsibility or that theres not funding for bank stablization or new infrastructure.

Voters last year approved a change to MSDs stormwater property tax that allows the district to fund its existing system throughout St. Louis and St. Louis County. But the district says it still doesnt have money for new projects.
Modi's disclosure related to AK Infosystem Pvt Ltd, a company which was formed by liquor baron Om Prakash Katyal and his family in 2006 when Lalu was the Railway Minister.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi claims to have done an "expose" on RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his family members over the alleged benami properties and lands. The Bihar leader today disclosed the "modus operandi" behind Lalu's alleged turning of the black money into white through several shell companies.

Modi's disclosure related to AK Infosystem Pvt Ltd, a company which was formed by liquor baron Om Prakash Katyal and his family in 2006 when Lalu was the Railway Minister. Today, Lalu's family has complete control over the company.

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In support of his allegations, Modi presented documents to suggest that the sole purpose of forming AK Infosystems by the Katyal family was to acquire benami properties for Lalu and his family and later transferring the ownership of the firm to Lalu and family.

LALU'S MODUS OPERANDI AS CLAIMED BY MODI: AK Infosystems in March 2007 purchased approximately 31000 sq ft of land in Panapur (12500 sq ft) and Chitkohra (18500 sq ft) in Patna for Rs 39 lakh. Rabri Devi's brother Prabhunath Yadav, in 2006, gifted property worth Rs 14 lacs in Salempur Dumra to Tejaswi and Tej Pratap. After almost 4 years, this property was purchased by A.K Infosystems by paying a price five times higher at Rs. 70 lacs to both brothers. The payment to both brothers was made through cheque. In this way, not only did Tejaswi and Tej Pratap received Rs. 70 lacs for the gifted land but the owner of the land became AK Infosystems. In order to purchase the land owned by both brother, Katyal family gave a loan of Rs. 1.15 crore their company A.K Infosystems Pvt Ltd. In 2014, Katyal family separated themselves from this company and the shareholding was transferred to Lalu and family. Presently, Rabri Devi holds 85 per cent shares of this company while Tejaswi holds 15. Lalu's daughters Chanda and Ragini are the sole directors in this company now. Through this transaction, Rs 70 lakh was also received for the gifted land by Lalu's family and later AK Infosystems, the company which purchased the land was also transferred to Lalu's family.

Sushil Modi claimed that the Katyals, between 2000-2005 when Rabri Devi was the Chief Minister, had opened a liquor factory named Icebergs Industries Pvt Ltd in Bihta in Patna. In lieu of the government's assistance, he formed AK Infosystems to acquire benami properties for Lalu Prasad. Modi claimed that Lalu presently is owner of the benami property to the tune of Rs 1000 crore.

Modi has asked Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take cognizance of the matter and order a probe into this. He said if the Bihar government failed to take the necessary steps, he would be complaining to the Income Tax department, the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI on this issue.

ALSO READ:

Lalu Prasad Yadav counters charges on benami property, says Sushil Modi is a ghotalebaaz

Sushil Modi accuses Lalu Prasad Yadav of acquiring benami property worth Rs 950 crore

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By India Today Web Desk: Fans idolise Bollywood celebrities, but if a blog in BookMyBai.com is anything to go by, some of these actors should hardly be looked up to. The start-up which helps households find a trusted maid has put a blanket ban on all B-Towners, after a few alleged horrible experiences. Without naming actors, the blog, reportedly written by the company's CEO Anupam Sinhal, cites instances of food deprivation, verbal and physical abuse and refusal to pay by the celebrities.

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In the first instance mentioned by the blog, a female actor reportedly did not allow the help to attend his father's last rites in Bihar. She insisted on a replacement first, and by the time that was arranged, he missed the funeral.

Giving another example, the blog said, "BookMyBai has a 6-month replacement clause with the employers which means that if any domestic help leaves within the first 6-months, then we would provide a free replacement. The extent of torture and harassment to the maids was so high that we replaced maids 7 times. Each maid worked for 7-10 days before giving up and quitting. She drives a 3 crore car. Doesn't give food to her domestic help. NO FOOD!!! Really!! Drink tea and eat bread 3 times a day. Wow! (sic)"

In another case, a female celebrity reportedly subjected her maid to regular physical abuse. "When she (the maid) came to our office, we could see physical marks on her body of physical abuse. We supported her and wanted to file a complaint in the local police station. But she asked us to let it go. She didn't have the time to run to the police station every time the police calls her. Every time she would be summoned she would have to miss work and not get paid," the blog said.

ALSO READ: Locked for two days, minor maid escapes from Air India employee house in Delhi

ALSO WATCH: FIR registered against Vinod Kambli and wife for abusing domestic help

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PRIME Minister Theresa May has announced a snap general election on Thursday 8th June. The PM made the announcement on the steps of 10 Downing Street on Monday morning. Stratford-upon-Avon MP Nadhim Zahawi doubled his majority at the last general election in May 2015.

Its thought the PM has chosen to go for an early election because opinion polls have her ahead of Labour by as much as 20 points.

Reacting to the news Mr Zahawi told the Herald: "With many Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs and Members of the House of Lords promising to frustrate Brexit legislation in any way they can, and other parties like the SNP using Brexit to further their own political agendas, threats to a smooth and orderly Brexit are very real indeed.

"Our interlocutors in the EU will be looking for any divisions in the British Parliament that might give them an upper hand in negotiations. A General Election now, before the substantive negotiations begin, is the only way to stop this happening, return a united Parliament and allow our Prime Minister to achieve the best possible deal."

He also tweeted:

Louise Bennett, Chief Executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: Businesses have had to weather a great deal of uncertainty in the last 18 months or so, and have continued to drive forward our economy. That has to continue especially as Brexit starts to become a reality. A general election must not be allowed to derail what has been impressive progress, and our economic fortunes must not be hostage to political points scoring from the parties in the run up to the election.

For more on this story read this week's Stratford Herald.
The Ettington Park estate in Wellesbourne where police said the boy was approached.

A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy was offered sweets by a man in Wellesbourne on Tuesday morning.

Police said the boy reported that he was walking on Grantham Road when an unknown man got out of his car, offered him a sweet and engaged him in conversation.

The man is described as being white and in his late 50s or early 60s. He was driving a dark coloured car.

It happened at around 11.40am.

Grantham Road is on the new Ettington Park estate on the Wellesbourne to Ettington Road.

Detective Sergeant Cindy Stephenson said: "This is a concerning incident and we're keen to identify this man and establish his motives.

"We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area around Grantham Road at the time of the incident or saw anyone acting suspiciously in Wellesbourne around this time."

If anyone has any information that could help police with their enquiries they can call 101 and quote incident 125 of 18th April.

Information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org
A day after United States (US) National Security Adviser Gen H.R. McMaster urged Pakistan to indiscriminately fight all terror groups, the army's media wing issued a statement on a meeting between the US NSA and Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

During meetings in Afghanistan on Sunday, McMaster had hinted at the US taking a tougher line on Islamabad.

In an interview with Afghan news agency Tolo, McMaster had said: "As all of us have hoped for many many years, we have hoped that Pakistani leaders will understand that it is in their interest to go after these [militant] groups less selectively than they have in the past and the best way to pursue their interest in Afghanistan and elsewhere is through diplomacy not through the use of proxies that engage in violence."

US NSA meets COAS. "Pak itself is victim of state sponsored terrorism, it strongly rejects allegations of employing proxies from its soil". pic.twitter.com/xMjgM1uasi  Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) April 18, 2017

Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor on Tuesday tweeted a video of the meeting saying, "Pakistan itself is a victim of state-sponsored terrorism. It strongly rejects allegations of employing proxies from its soil."

US NSA ack Pak Army's efforts in eliminating Ts and their infrastructure, assuring US sp to bring peace & stability in the region and globe. pic.twitter.com/wGTbdgC0Pk  Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) April 18, 2017

The DG ISPR said that during the meeting between Gen Bajwa and NSA McMaster, "It was highlighted that distinguished feature of Pakistan's counter-terrorism effort is focused against terrorists of all hues and colours."

Maj Gen Ghafoor added that the US NSA had acknowledged the Pakistan Army's efforts towards elimination of terrorists and their infrastructure and had assured "US support to bring peace and stability in the region and globe."

A day earlier, McMaster held talks with top civilian and military officials, during which he was apprised of Pakistan's efforts and initiatives resulting in a marked improvement in the overall security situation.
More than a dozen Saudi military personnel have been killed when allied forces in Yemen shot down a Black Hawk helicopter taking part in Riyadh's military operation against the impoverished Arab country.

Saudi Arabia's SPA news agency confirmed the account on Tuesday. However, there was no comment on the reason behind the incident.

Earlier, military sources allied to Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement said the helicopter had been downed earlier in the day in Marib province in northeastern Yemen.

They said at least 13 people, including military personnel from Saudi Arabia and the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf region, were on board the copter when it crashed. The Saudi media said 12 troops were killed.

Military officials in Saudi Arabia swiftly confirmed the downing but said it was mistakenly targeted by a missile interception system in Marib that was operated by the United Arab Emirates. Yemenis said, however, that armed forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who is allied to Houthis, shot down the aircraft with surface-to-air missiles.

Riyadh said the fatalities included Saudi special forces and crew members. It said an investigation had been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Saudi Arabia launched its deadly campaign against Yemen in March 2015 with the alleged goal of pushing back the Houthis from the capital, Sanaa, and to reinstate a Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, the president who has resigned and is a staunch ally of Riyadh.

The campaign, which lacks any international mandate and has faced increasing criticism, has claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people, most of them civilians.

Saudis and allies have also suffered considerable casualties in the operation on Yemen as official estimates say more than 500 soldiers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have been killed since March 2015.

Yemenis said on Tuesday that more than 100 Saudi-backed militants were killed in an operation in the southern province of Taizz a day earlier. They said most of those killed had been hiding in mountainous regions near the port of Mokha.

Press TV
By Press Trust of India: From Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Apr 18 (PTI) Nepals largest Catholic Church was today vandalised by some unidentified persons who tried to set it on fire on the outskirts of Kathmandu, the church said.

The arson attack partially damaged the abode of pastor and western entrance of the Catholic Church which is located in Lalitpur districts Dhobighat area, about seven kms form Kathmandu, the church said in a statement.

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A car and two bikes parked inside the Assumption Church were gutted in the fire, police said.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Nepal Catholic Church has expressed deep sorrow over the incident and hoped that the government would conduct an impartial investigation into the incident.

The organisation reiterated that such inhumane activities at the holy place cannot falter it in its services.

The Assumption Church has also requested those involved in such violent activities to refrain from violence.

There is a small Christian community in Nepal. PTI SBP CPS ZH ZH

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The recommendations of a Parliamentary panel on making Hindi compulsory in CBSE schools has got the President's nod.

By Press Trust of India: Students of schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Kendriya Vidyalyas may have to compulsorily study Hindi till class X with recommendations of a Parliamentary panel in this regard getting the President's nod.

The HRD Ministry has also been instructed to form a policy in consultation with the state governments to make the language compulsory.

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"The HRD Ministry should make serious efforts to make Hindi language compulsory in curriculum. As a first step, Hindi should be made a compulsory subject up to standard X in all schools of CBSE and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan," the Presidential order said.

"The Centre should form a policy in consultation with state governments," it added.

The recommendations were made in the ninth report of the Committee of Parliament on Official Language.

CBSE had last year recommended a three-language formula - English and any two Indian languages - to be expanded to classes IX and X.

However, the HRD Ministry is yet to take a call on the suggestion.

Also read:

Australia to include Hindi language for pre-schoolers from next year

Why President, ministers may have to deliver speeches only in Hindi

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China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed China's stand on projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) saying they "had no relationship with the (Kashmir) dispute".

By Ananth Krishnan: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced today that India was among 92 countries that would send official representation to its May 14 Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, while he reaffirmed China's stand on projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) saying they "had no relationship with the dispute".

Defending the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, parts of which pass through PoK, the Chinese Foreign Minister said China's projects in the region had predated CPEC by many years and had no relation to the Kashmir dispute.

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"As for disputes in Kashmir, China's position has remained unchanged. The CPEC has no relationship with the dispute in certain regions. I want to reaffirm this to our Indian friends," he told a briefing in Beijing.

While Indian officials had previously said India was undecided on attending the "Belt and Road Forum" given its concerns on CPEC, Wang indicated China had been told of India's participation.

"Although the Indian leader will not be here, India will have a representative. We welcome the Indian representative as well as members of the business and finance community to take part in the summit," Wang said.

The Indian Embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his remarks.

CPEC NOT RELATED TO BORDER DISPUTES

Wang argued that the dispute in PoK predated CPEC - as did China's projects there, such as the Karakoram highway - and that it had no bearing on China's stand on Kashmir, that it did not take sides and was for India and Pakistan to resolve.

"I want to mention that the CPEC is economic, and for the purpose of serving economic cooperation and development. It has no direct link with political or border disputes," he said. "Certain sections of the CPEC have raised concerns on the Indian side but these disputes are not the result of the economic corridor and the economic activities in this region are not the direct result of CPEC. China has been providing support to Pakistan in these areas for many, many years. This is a contribution China is making for development of our neighbouring countries."

Wang added, "I want to say we welcome India's participation in the building of the Belt and Road. Both are developing countries and the most important task for us is to speed up development so that our peoples will live a better life. The Belt and Road is for the purpose of common development of all participants. We will provide opportunities for participants to build on their complementarity, including investments in infrastructure. So we welcome India to take an active part in building the Belt and Road."

28 HEAD OF STATES TO PARTICIPATE

Underlining China's success in pushing the "One Belt, One Road" (OBOR) initiative, which envisages building a land Silk Road economic belt to Eurasia and a Maritime Silk Road to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, Wang said 28 heads of state and government had already confirmed attendance, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Sri Lanka and seven out of 10 ASEAN countries, except Brunei, Singapore and Thailand.

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The list of confirmed leaders included the presidents of Argentina, Belarus, Chile, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Laos, Philippines, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Prime Ministers of Cambodia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Poland, Serbia, Spain and Sri Lanka would also attend, as also State Councillor Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi.

President Xi Jinping will open the May 14 Belt and Road Forum in Beijing

On India's attendance, Wang said, "If India wants to take part in the Belt and Road, there are many channels and ways."

"Our Indian friends also told us they believe the Belt and Road initiative is a very good initiative. India is taking part in this initiative in its own way. For example, we have the Bangladesh China India Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor which is one of the major economic corridors China is planning with neighbouring countries. India is part of that with Bangladesh and Myanmar. The four countries are ready to advance the economic corridor within the framework of Belt and Road."

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"We have taken note of India's positive attitude on this," he added. "In addition to this we can have further discussion and consultation on possible areas of cooperation within areas of the Belt and Road."

Also Read:

China accuses India of violating Tibet commitments, warns of actions

China ignores Indian Navy's role in joint rescue op amid Dalai Lama row

Nepal, China hold first-ever joint military exercise with special focus on combating terror

Also Watch: India and China strategic dialogue begins in Beijing; foreign secretaries discuss bilateral issues

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A new median house price record has been set for the combined Waikato/Bay of Plenty region, according to figures released by REINZ.

The median price is now $487,000, an increase of 17 per cent on last year  although properties in main centres such as Tauranga remain higher on average than this figure.

Sales volumes in the last month have increased by 44 per cent in Mount Maunganui/Papamoa, and 42 per cent in Rotorua.

The median price increase was much greater than the regional average for Rotorua, at 31 per cent, while Tauranga house prices have gone up 11 per cent since last month alone.

Nationally, the market reached its peak level of activity for the year so far as median house prices firmed and sales volumes rose strongly across New Zealand during March, which is traditionally the busiest month for real estate transactions across New Zealand.

The national median price rose $51,000 to $546,000 during March, an increase of 10 per cent on February and a new record median, while eight of 12 regions hit new record high median sale prices: Auckland, Northland, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu, Taranaki, Canterbury/Westland and Otago. On a seasonally adjusted basis the national median rose 2 per cent.

The number of sales for March 2017 was 8504, an increase of 36 per cent on February, although down 11 per cent compared to March 2016. On a seasonally adjusted basis sales for March rose 2 per cent compared to February, indicating an expected seasonal effect.
Stop/go traffic management teams are out in force today as road crews continue to clear slips left in the wake of ex-cyclone Cook.

Roads that were closed are now all open, but drivers on the Coromandel may face delays as there is stop/go traffic management in place on State Highway 25, on both sides of the peninsula.

The Thames Coast Road, which was closed because of slips, now has traffic management as crew work to clear slips north of Thames.

There is stop/go traffic signs at Whakatete Bay and at Ruamahunga, half way between Waiomu and Tapu.

SH25 is down to one lane about 1km north of Kirita Bay, due to a wash out.

The Kopu Hikuai Road is open with stop go traffic management in place on the Thames side.

On the Eastern side, the washout on Pumpkin Hill near the Sailors Grave turnoff has been cleared, but traffic management remains in place and there is a 30k speed restriction. A couple of kilometres further north there is again traffic management in place.

The Karangahake gorge is open with a 30km/h speed restriction and stop go traffic management due to slip clearing at the Karangahake end.

Highways in the Eastern Bay of Plenty are open apart from the section of SH2, between Awakeri and Taneatua, where the Pekatahi Bridge remains closed while a new deck is constructed.

The work is being delayed by Cyclone Debbies flooding last month, which washed away many of the materials. An update will be provided next week.

One Lane of SH30 is still closed on the western side of Ruato Bay, Lake Rotoiti.

The Lane is expected to remain closed for some time until the slip can be stabilised and fully cleared. Temporary stopping of traffic in both directions for about 10-15 minutes at a time will often be required. NZTA advises driver to allow an extra 15-20 minutes for the journey.
A man believed to be travelling with a pregnant woman is wanted by police.

Bay of Plenty Police have issued an appeal via its Facebook page for Sionne Sevaki.

The 26-year-old has a warrant out for his arrest. The details as to what he is alleged to have done have not been released.

He is believed to be travelling frequently between Opotiki, Rotorua and Taupo and may be travelling around with a pregnant female associate, says the post on Facebook.

If you have any information which will help us to locate Sevaki, please contact your local police station.

Information can also be provided anonymously via the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Yes, we need to keep it under control

No, we need to learn to live with it
Some of the health sectors lowest paid workers will share in a $2 billion pay equity settlement over five years.

More than 55,000 workers in aged and disability residential care, and home and community support services across New Zealand are set to benefit from the settlement announced by the government on Tuesday.

The wage boost follows the TerraNova pay equity claim brought by E tu, previously the Service and Food Workers Union, on behalf of care worker Kristine Bartlett.

From July 1, the predominantly female workforce who are mostly on or around the minimum wage of $15.75 per hour will go up to at least $19 per hour  a pay rise of 21 per cent. For a full-time worker, this means they will take home roughly an extra $100 a week, or more than $5000 a year.

This funding boost will also see wages increase from $19 to $27 per hour over five years.

Home and community support, disability and aged residential care workers are widely seen as amongst the most deserving of recognition as a pay equity case, says Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman.

It is an historic moment for the government to address this undervaluing with Ms Bartlett and the unions.

Existing workers will be transitioned to positions on the new pay scale which reflect their skills, and their experience. While new workers employed after July 1 wages will be based on an individuals level of qualifications.

A care and support worker on the minimum wage with three years experience and no qualifications will receive a 27 per cent increase in their hourly wage rate, moving from $15.75 to $20 per hour from July 1.

That rate would progressively increase to $23 by July 2021 and would rise further if they attain a higher qualification.

The $2 billion settlement over five years will be funded through an increase of $1.9b to Vote Health and $192 million to ACC. ACC levies are set for the coming years, but may possibly increase over the next decade to support this. However, that is not definite.

There may also be an increase in costs for people in aged residential care facilities, whose assets keep them above the subsidy threshold. This will be determined through the annual Aged Residential Care contract negotiations, adds Jonathan

To ensure the pay rises happen in the agreed manner, I will be introducing legislation to Parliament shortly.

The Human Rights Commission also describes Tuesdays settlement as historic and believes it will change the lives of thousands of mainly female, low-paid workers and their families.

Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue says the settlement is long-overdue and gives recognition to the hard work and efforts of rest home caregiver Kristine Bartlett and the E tu Union, and the strong advocacy by the Caring Counts Coalition, of which Dr Blue is Chair.

Kristine Bartlett has been courageous and determined in her journey to see pay equity realised within the aged care sector. It is fantastic to see her efforts recognised and her pay finally reflect the years of service she has provided.

While the situations of workers in other sectors such as education support still require review, todays settlement is a significant and important step forward in the journey towards pay equity in New Zealand.
An American traveller had her Easter visit to New Zealand cut short when she failed to declare a suitcase packed with fruit and vegetables.

Ministry for Primary Industries staff detected the goods during x-ray screening of the passengers bag after she arrived at Christchurch on a flight from Sydney on Saturday morning.

She was forced to return to Sydney the same day on the next available flight, after the matter was referred to Immigration New Zealand.

"The passenger admitted she was deliberately trying to smuggle the food into New Zealand. When asked why, she said didnt want to cause delays for her travelling companions and she wasnt sure what she could bring in," says Andrew Spelman, MPI Border Clearance Services Manager, Central and South.

"The suitcase included oranges, apples, avocados, sweet potato and carrots. Were talking potential host materials for a range of bugs could that devastate New Zealands horticulture sector.

"The deliberate and reckless nature of her actions forced our hand. They needed to be dealt with more severely than a warning or a simple infringement notice.

"The decision to refuse the woman entry shows both MPI and Immigration New Zealand are prepared to take a tough stance on biosecurity when required.
Election of party president is expected to be completed by October 15, sources in the party say. According to the schedule of organisational elections in the Congress, the poll to pick the next Congress president will be held between September 16 and October 15.

By Supriya Bhardwaj: Congress party is all set for a makeover in the months to come.

According to party sources, the schedule of Congress' tentative organisation polls in being circulated among the Pradesh Committees (State Units).

Election of party president is expected to be completed by October 15, sources in the party say.

The schedule of organisational elections is being circulated among the party's state committees by Congress' Central Election Committee, which is headed by chairman Mullapally Ramachandran.

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The schedule states that election to the post of Congress president will be held between September 16 and October 15. The polls will also be held for block Congress committees, district Congress committees, state Congress committees and AICC members.

CONGRESS WORKING COMMITTEE MEET IN EARLY MAY

The Congress Working Committee - the highest decision-making body in the party - is expected to meet early next month.

The organisational elections will be followed by a plenary meeting, the date for which is yet undecided but is likely to be held in Karnataka.

The party high command has also told the state committees to complete the membership drive by May 15.

Election Commission of India has asked Congress to complete its organisational elections before December this year.

Also read | MCD elections: Congress releases first of 3-part manifesto, aims to woo urban poor

Also read | Can Congress make up its mind whether EVMs were tampered or not?

ALSO WATCH VIDEO

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A few months ago, the Danish Association against Cancer launched a campaign aimed at the most popular holiday destinations for tourists from that country, including Spain, asking them to collaborate in preventing skin cancer statistics in Denmark from rising any higher.

The campaign, called Help a Dane (www.helpadane.com/spain) went viral and the Costa del Sol, where the health authorities have spent eight years working on a sun protection project, has responded by focusing its strategy this summer on Scandinavian tourists. As well as the Junta de Andalucia, the Danish consulate in Malaga and the town halls of Marbella, Manilva, Ojen, Torremolinos, Benahavis, Casares, Estepona, Istan, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Mijas will also be taking part.

The campaign is directed at Scandinavian residents as well as tourists, and it aims to encourage them to protect themselves against the sun, reduce the incidence of sunburn and ensure that cases of skin cancer are diagnosed early.

According to the official figures, Denmark has a rate of 19.2 cases of melanoma for every 100,000 inhabitants. It is followed by Norway (with 18.8), Sweden (18) and Finland (12.6). In Spain overall the rate is 6.9, although on the Costa del Sol it is higher, at 17.

The campaign will be carried out in places where it is easiest to reach the public and ensure that the message is direct and is taken on board. These include 14 health centres as well as the Costa del Sol hospital, the CARE in Mijas and the HAR in Benalmadena. The campaign will also be promoted in the Swedish schools in Fuengirola and Marbella, the Danish and Norwegian schools in Benalmadena and the Finnish school in Fuengirola. In addition, it will also focus on tourist offices, car hire offices, the media, Scandinavian airlines and tourism companies which work with clients from those countries and wish to take part.

What is the best way of getting the message about the risks of sunbathing across to tourists who are coming here precisely to spend a few days enjoying the climate?

That was one of the questions raised during the recent presentation of this campaign at the Andalucia Lab, which was led by the manager of the Costa del Sol hospital, Torcuato Romero, and Marbellas councillor for health, Ana Leschiera. Representatives of the public administrations and private entities associated with the foreign population who reside or spend the summers on the Costa del Sol were also present, and they asked several questions which the campaign will bear in mind.

In two or three days they want to get as much sun as possible, explained Juan Valentin, the representative of the Playa Senator hotel chain, which is the first to become involved in the hospitals sun protection campaign. It can be quite difficult to tell people about the risks of sunbathing, when that is exactly what they plan to do during their short stay.

Manilvas councillor for foreigners, Dean Tyler Shelton, said the message given by the hotels should be less direct and more subtle.

Participants Marisa Moreno, Danish consul in Malaga We have to give a positive message. Danish people spend six months in the dark and come here precisely to get some sun. Annete Skou,Coord. Mijas Foreign Res. Dept. Danish people are not aware of the risks from the sun. I see them spending hours and hours on the beach. This campaign is necessary. Juan Valentin,Playa Senator hotels It can be difficult to give a negative message about sunbathing to tourists who have come here for exactly that reason. Magdalena de Troya, Campaign director We have to maintain a balance between the need to give a warning message and the interests of the tourism sector. Jesper Petersen, President Costa Press Club We are not here to frighten anybody. This is a preventive campaign and the media should express that aspect of it.

Why dont you place an information sticker in the bathroom, beside the one asking people not to waste water? It would be quite subliminal, but the message needs to be got across because obviously anyone who is diagnosed with skin cancer isnt going to want to come back, he said.

A question of balance

Those responsible for the campaign stress that the strategy upon which they are working includes the need to balance the warning message with the interests of the tourism sector, as well as the scientific evidence of the benefits of the sun for body and mind, as Magdalena de Troya, the campaign director, explained.

We need the sun and there is no need to give a negative message about it. We have to provide advice from a positive point of view, she said.

It is important to remember that Danish people spend six months of the year in the dark. They come here for a bit of sunshine which their brain also needs, explained the Danish consul in Malaga, Marisa Moreno.

With these points in mind, tourism companies are now starting to see the problem and come up with ideas of raising awareness of the risks but without damaging their business. Manuel Martinez, who runs a luxury charter company, for example, explained that he is having discussions with a sun cream company about giving samples to his clients.

Danish people are not aware of the risks from the sun. I see them spending hours and hours on the beach. They are desperate for sunshine. Its a good idea to remind them that sunbathing is OK, but that they need to be careful. This campaign is necessary, said Annete Skou, who is Danish and the coordinator of the foreigners department in Mijas.

Jesper Pedersen, the president of the Costa Press Club, said the media has a role to play in giving positive messages.

Were not here to frighten anybody, because this is a preventive campaign, he argued, something with which the campaign coordinator, Nuria Delgado, strongly agreed.

We have to turn this campaign by the health authorities into something which becomes fashionable and well-accepted by the public, she said.
By Press Trust of India: Colombo, Apr 17 (PTI) The death toll in the collapse of a giant open garbage dump, burying dozens of houses, near the Sri Lankan capital climbed to 29 after rescuers pulled out more bodies from the rubble today.

At least seven children were among 29 people killed in the collapse of the garbage dump in Meetotamulla area in Kolonnawa near Colombo, local media quoted officials as saying.

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According to the Disaster Management Centre, at least 625 people belonging to 180 families had been displaced due to the tragedy, the report said.

The military said 1,000 security personnel, including police and special task forces, have been deployed for rescue operation. It said troops from the Sri Lanka Light Infantry, Commandos, Gemunu Watch and Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment were carrying out relief operations, the Colombo Gazette reported.

The National Building Research Organisation said the site of the accident be declared a "danger zone" and people living in over 130 houses in the area must be relocated for safety.

Officials said hundreds of people have been moved to temporarily shelters and the government will soon begin shifting more people.

Schools and others facilities will be moved as well, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harsha De Silva said.

He said the dumping of garbage at the site has been banned. Ironically, the government had signed agreements a few weeks ago to convert the waste into energy, he said in a post on Facebook.

Police were investigating whether the collapse of the 91 -metre open garbage pile could be a sabotage. A 10-member team of geologists, officials from mining and excavation divisions, have been sent to the spot.

More than 600 people had to flee in the aftermath of the mishap on Friday.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a statement has apologised for the delay in relocating the garbage dump.

The residents near the dump had been protesting for months, demanding that the garbage dump be relocated.

The authorities, however, claim that they had given enough warning to the slum dwellers to relocate themselves.

"We had even paid compensation to them to relocate," De Silva said. He said the state will bear the funeral expenses of the dead.

The massive garbage caught fire and collapsed on dozens of homes as the residents celebrated the traditional New Year. Police said the true scale of the damage remained unclear.

Sri Lankas Parliament was recently warned that 23 million tonnes of garbage at Kolonnawa dump was a serious hazard. About 800 tonnes of garbage were added to the dump daily. PTI UZM

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More than 10,000 polling stations will be set up in all the three civic bodies this year.

By India Today Web Desk: Delhi is heading for the elections to the three municipal corporations this Sunday (on April 23), the results of which will be declared on April 26.

Being in charge of providing basic services to the public, such as well-built roads, basic sanitation, etc., elections to the municipal bodies stand equally important as the general elections.

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Here are a few things you should know about the MCD polls:

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is one of the largest civic bodies in the world, directly governing a population of 1.90 crores. The civic bodies cover more ground than the Delhi government.

The total number of voters for the civic polls stands at 1,32,10,206 this year, with 34 counting stations and over 70,000 government employees engaged in the election work.

The number of seats categorically reserved for women in the three parts is 114 out of 272.

More than 10,000 polling stations will be set up in all the three civic bodies in Delhi for the elections to be held on April 23.

The BJP emerged as the single largest party in MCD 2012. The party has been in power of all the three civics bodies in Delhi for over a decade.

Voters at this year's MCD polls will be allowed to opt for the NOTA (None of the above) option for the very first time.

The Aam Aadmi Party will be contesting in MCD polls for the very first time this year. The newly-formed party of Swaraj India will also trying their luck in the elections, with low chances and apparently being refused by the Election commission of India for a common Election Symbol.

The State Election Commission has increased the expenditure limit for a candidate from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 5.75 lakh, at a time when the Congress party is alleging that the BJP has hijacked the thrones of Manipur and Goa using "money power.

The BJP, having had a strong hold over the three MCDs for over 10 years, is gearing up again this time to fight against the ruling party of the state, the Aam Aadmi Party, who wish to rule the capital in all aspects. Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress is putting all its force into the MCD polls in an attempt to regain some political power in the National Capital.

(Pic courtesy: Reuters)

ALSO READ:

Hey voter, here are 5 things you must know about NOTA

Hack an EVM challenge: Election Commission dares anyone to tamper voting device successfully

--- ENDS ---
By Priyanka Sharma: A sharp rise in Delhi's temperature in the month of April has triggered a rise in food and water-borne diseases that were earlier reserved for hotter months of May and June, with many people heading to the hospital emergency wards.

Doctors say that while cases of heatstroke are only a few till now, many people have been diagnosed with high fever, exhaustion and heat syncope, mostly due to intake of road-side food.

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On Monday, city's maximum temperature was recorded at 40 degree Celsius and the MeT department has warned of an intense heat wave starting this week. Doctors say they get around 50-60 patients with high fever in OPD daily complaining of summer-related complications.

Dr S P Boytra, head of internal medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said, "Cases of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat syncope have started along with gastrointestinal diseases such as typhoid, food poisoning, diarrhea and high fever. Such diseases were mostly seen in May-June, but this year the temperature is already on the higher side and we are getting more cases." He people should avoid roadside food and fruit juices to prevent infections, adding that it is mostly elderly, children and those who suffering from diabetes, heart diseases and other comorbidities who need to be extra careful. Doctors at Safdarjung, RML, BL Kapoor, and Fortis Hospitals confirmed this trend.

In the intense summer, heat can cause cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In heat exhaustion, patients suffer from rapid sweating when body touches high temperature which can lead to heat stroke, a medical emergency say doctors. Dr R K Singal, Head of Department in Internal Medicine at BLK Super Speciality Hospital said that people who are used to airconditioned offices and homes most of the time should be careful of sudden change in body temperature. Despite the heat, cases of mosquito-borne diseases are also on the rise. Municipal Corporations said that 24 dengue, 79 chikungunya and 13 malaria cases have been reported this year so far, the highest recorded in the corresponding period since 2012.

Also read: Orange alert issued in Ahmedabad as city reels under severe heatwave

Also read: My voice cannot be silenced by targeting my son: P Chidambaram

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Imagination on Monday announced that Apple would no longer use its intellectual property, and the companys stock sank faster than a bottomless boat on the news.

Apple planned to discontinue its use of the companys IP in new products in 15 months to two years, ending the license and royalty agreement between the companies, Imagination said.

Those royalties currently account for about half the revenue of Imagination, in which Apple has an 8 percent stake.

Imaginations technology and intellectual property is used in the graphics processor units in Apples phones, tablets, iPods, TV products and watches.

Following Imaginations announcement, Reuters reported the UK companys stock price fell 70 percent, to 76 pence, the lowest since 2009.

I cannot see how Imagination would survive this, given Apple is such a large customer, said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy.

Difficult to Cut Cord

Imagination cast doubt on Apples assertion that it could build a GPU with only its own intellectual property, however, contending that such an effort would e extremely challenging and might violate Imaginations intellectual property rights.

Imagination wants its investors to believe that Apple wont be able to totally cut it out of the picture, suggested Ben Bajarin, a principal at Creative Strategies.

It is certainly true that building a GPU from the ground up will likely require someones IP in some way for Apple, unless of course they acquired the IP they need via some other acquisition they have made, he noted in an analysis of the announcement.

Another possible scenario is that Apple will customize the Mali graphics solution offered by ARM, which Apple already is licensed to use, Bajarin said.

Heavy Customization

What many people dont realize is that Apple has been doing a great deal of customization of the Imagination GPU IP to fit its own needs, Bajarin explained.

Imagination provided the GPU core, but Apple began adding more and more of its technology and displacing Imaginations technology, observed Kevin Krewell, a principal analyst with Tirias Research.

It may have gotten to the point where Apple wasnt using enough of Imaginations technology to make it worthwhile to continue paying for it, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Imagination should have been prepared for Apples move, Krewell added.

The rumors have been floating around for a lot of years that Apple was developing its own GPU to replace Imagination, he pointed out. Apple has been hiring top GPU architects. There could only be one product they could be working on.

Important Step for Apple

Gaining control of the GPUs in its products is an important step for Apple.

Apple is putting themselves in a position to own their GPU solution and, as a result, not be beholden to the design direction of a third party whom they may not have total influence over, Bajarin wrote in his analysis.

This puts Apple in an incredibly strong position strategically to control their own destiny in hardware, software, and services  even more than they do today, he added.

Apple has been building out its silicon capabilities aggressively, explained Ross Rubin, principal analyst at Reticle Research.

It allows Apple to optimize chipset designs for its own purposes, he told the E-Commerce Times. It gives it more control, better integration and more potential optimization.

It is not certain that Apples decision will prove to be a wise strategy, though.

Time will tell how good of a move this was for Apple, Moor Insights Moorhead told the E-Commerce Times.

Apple has a good track record in silicon, but graphics are harder than CPUs, and Nvidia, Qualcomm and AMD holds most of the IP today, he pointed out.

Under Tim Cooks leadership, Apple has become a far more risk-averse company than it was during Steve Jobs tenure, noted Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

I cant imagination Apple stating such a decision unless they were fully prepared to move forward and execute it successfully, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Few Pacts Last Forever

Apple has had some stormy breakups with providers in the past. GT Advanced Technologies, which made sapphire screens, in 2014 blamed Apple for forcing it into bankruptcy, for example.

In business, few if any partnerships last forever, King observed.

Apple has a long history of leaving behind strategic relationships when they no longer suit its purpose, he said. If any Apple partners were unaware of that issue or unwilling to consider it seriously, todays announcement should inspire some serious soul-searching.

Imagination made a point of noting that it has reserved all its rights to its confidential information and would be protective of its intellectual property rights.

That could signal a court date with Apple.

Still, Apple is not the kind of company you want to go after unless youve got really big bucks, warned Jack E. Gold, principal analyst atJ.Gold Associates.

Based on past history, its hard to win lawsuits against Apple, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Even if you can, its a five-year or more effort. It takes forever because theyll appeal the heck out of it, Gold pointed out. If thats what youre relying on to stay in business, youre in big trouble.
The top-ten results for the keyword "DU" that appeared on a student's Twitter account included several 'clickbaits' to adult websites with graphic images and explicit messages

By Arpan Rai: Looking for an update on Delhi University's admission procedure on a social media site may leave you red-faced with embarrassment, as 21-year-old Aradhana Singh found recently.

The top-ten results for the keyword "DU" that appeared on Singh's Twitter account included several 'clickbaits' to adult websites with graphic images and explicit messages. Delhi University, like most educational institutions in the country, does not have an internet monitoring cell to prevent such offences or raise the issues at relevant platforms.

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DU officials will rather wait for a third party or a victim to flag the issue. "Currently, we do not have any official who can look after this kind of menace on social media, hence our hands are tied. There needs to be a complaint filed in the first place to raise the issue," Neeta Sehgal, proctor at Delhi University, told Mail Today.

A Twitter India official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said such misuse of a brand name must be brought to the notice of the company before it can take action or block the content.

REASON TO WORRY

"This appears to be a case luring traction on social media in the name of Delhi University's girl students. But we haven't received a single complaint as yet," the official said. Soon after the conversation, the search results for #DU keywords began to show considerable filtering. Mail Today, however, has screenshots of earlier 'clickbait' results. Some of these results read: "Delhi University Unseen Scandal", "Exposed Indian Cute Babe from Delhi University", "Sex with marge Delhi University nude girl", "#Delhi University nude girl", "#delhi university latest sex tubes online games to play for free for adults" along with obscene pictures and minute-long video clips. "It was so embarrassing to see such a clip playing randomly on my screen," Aradhana Singh recounted.

However, Singh said she would not like to take up this matter with either the police or the university.

According to cyber experts, such cases are complicated because two separate computers or mobile handsets, with different security settings, may throw up varying results for the same keyword. "Nevertheless, this can certainly hamper the reputation of DU as these are the results of a global search engine. The miscreants are using the hash tag concept to the fullest here by targeting words like #DelhiUniversity and #girls in this foul act," said Kislay Chaudhary, an ethical hacker and a technical advisor to Delhi Police.

"The university must red-flag such misuse, as this can be a harrowing experience for parents who are not well-versed with new technology," said Chaudhary. DU students' bodies were quick to condemn the misuse and squarely blamed university administration for not keeping abreast with the latest technology and its possible misuse. "We do not even have an official Delhi University (Twitter) handle which can bring this to the attention of authorities," said Akshay Lakra, president of Congress-backed National Students Union of India (NSUI).

MATTER OF UTTER SHAME: ABVP NATIONAL MEDIA CONVENER

"It is a matter of utter shame that porn clips targeting girls from DU are appearing on social media platform." The NSUI leader said it was about time that DU administered its official social media platforms like several other colleges and institutions do. The RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad felt the timing of such misuse of social media needed to be investigated. "This is particularly the time when students and parents actively search for updates on admission process. Such an experience can be very embarrassing," said Saket Bahuguna, national media convener of ABVP.

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Saket said his organisation will force Twitter to "immediately remove those obscene and misguiding search results". Calling it a flip side of technology which has given DU its once-in-a-while crisis, Miranda House professor Abha Dev Habib said such offences amount to a form of sexual harassment. "Even if the girls on DU's campus are not physically harmed, there is still ample reason for the officials to worry. We need to find out who is running such objectionable content and fix responsibility," Habib said.

Also read: How more and more Indian couples are live streaming sex to earn quick money

Also read: Hyderabad techie arrested for live streaming sex with wife on porn websites

--- ENDS ---

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Just as the Shadow Brokers hacker group started crowing about a dump of never-seen-before flaws in Windows, Microsoft announced it already had fixed most of the exploits.

Today, Microsoft triaged a large release of exploits made publicly available by Shadow Brokers, Microsoft Principal Security Group Manager Phillip Misner wrote in a Friday post.

Our engineers have investigated the disclosed exploits, and most of the exploits are already patched, he added.

Three of the dozen zero day vulnerabilities aired by the hackers, which they claimed were part of a large cache of data leaked from the U.S. National Security Agency, did not work at all on Windows 7 and above.

Customers still running prior versions of these products are encouraged to upgrade to a supported offering, Misner recommended.

As of the most recent patch cycle, no supported versions of Windows were vulnerable to the Shadow Brokers exploits, said Bobby Kuzma, a system engineer at Core Security.

In other words, he told TechNewsWorld, for the love of God get XP, Vista and 2003 Server off of your networks.

Irresponsible Action

Microsofts decision not to patch vulnerabilities affecting older versions of Windows that no longer are supported is understandable, but it doesnt make the situation less worrisome, said James Scott, a senior fellow at the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology.

Many systems used in homes, businesses and critical infrastructure run on versions of Microsofts operating system prior to Windows 7.

Microsofts decision to knowingly put these systems at further risk, for any amount of time  even the hours or days necessary for resource allocation and modernization  is irresponsible, Scott told TechNewsWorld.

Every business, individual and critical infrastructure operating an OS that precedes Windows 7 remains at risk of compromise and exploitation, he said.

Whats more, the disclosure has drastically increased this risk by making knowledge of the vulnerability and attack vector publicly available to unsophisticated script kiddies, cybercriminals, cybermercenaries, hail mary threat actors, cyberterrorists and nation-state APTs, Scott added.

Follow-Through Needed

Microsofts release of patches and disclosure of vulnerabilities is a good thing, but enterprises need to take the process to the next step, cautioned Leo Taddeo, chief security officer at Cryptzone and a former FBI special agent.

According to the 2016 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, most successful attacks exploit known vulnerabilities that have never been patched, despite patches being available for months or even years, he told TechNewsWorld.

So, while its important that Microsoft publicly disclosed the vulnerabilities and issued a patch, Taddeo continued, the challenge for enterprises is to update their infrastructure with the latest supported version of the affected products.

The same is true for consumers.

Microsoft did the right thing by patching Windows as quickly as possible and getting the patches to people, said Jack E. Gold, principal analyst at J.Gold Associates.

Whether they deploy them or not is a different issue, he told TechNewsWorld. Two-thirds to three-quarters of consumers dont even have up-to-date antivrus programs. If theyre not concerned about that, how concerned are they going to be about these patches?

Questions About Sourcing

Although Microsoft is usually very responsible about crediting sources who made the company aware about vulnerabilities in its products, that wasnt the case with the Shadow Brokers flaws.

That raises a number of possible scenarios, suggested Core Securitys Kuzma. Perhaps Microsoft found the vulnerabilities itself  or it may have purchased them from Shadow Brokers when the outfit put them up for sale on the Dark Web earlier this year. The Shadow Brokers may have pre-leaked the flaws to Microsoft, or perhaps the NSA passed them on to the company.

The timing of Microsofts action raises some questions, Scott White,director of the cybersecurity program at The George Washington University, told TechNewsWorld.

Microsoft had a ton of vulnerabilities in Windows, and it just found them a month before we were about to get a zero day attack? he asked. Were these patches discovered by Microsoft or was someone assisting Microsoft and letting them know of these vulnerabilities?

Potential Threat to Everyone

The Shadow Brokers flaws likely will impact businesses more than consumers.

The danger for consumers is limited as long as theyre keeping their security updated, said Mike Cotton, vice president of research and development at Digital Defense.

Microsoft has gotten good at ensuring that if youre behind a firewall or logging on to public WiFi, the network services that these exploits target are not exposed under most configurations, he told TechNewsWorld.

Most of the risks are on business networks because the way theyre configured those network services are exposed to these exploits, Cotton added.

As for the Shadow Brokers, their bark may be worse than their bite.

Theyre an irritant more than an absolute threat to our national security compared to the Russians or Chinese  but it doesnt make them any less criminal. They may be small fish in the pond, but theyre still fish, GWs White said.

The threat from this group derives from the fact they have some kind of source that is able to get them weaponized tools from the NSA, Cotton added.

The NSA is a tier-one cyberpower  maybe the preeminent cyberpower in the world, he explained, so if theres an inside source leaking tools to Shadow Brokers, the distribution of those tools poses a large threat to everyone.
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.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has entered more rarefied air, having leapfrogged billionaires Amancio Ortega and Warren Buffett to become the second wealthiest person in the world.

Bezos  chief executive of the e-commerce retailer and cloud services provider  last week enjoyed a jump of US$1.5 billion to $75.6 billion net worth, according to Bloomberg, after his company announced a deal to acquire Middle East online retailer Souq.com.

Also owner of The Washington Post and spaceflight firm Blue Origin, Bezos now trails only Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, whose net worth is about $86 billion, in terms of wealth.

Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, is the third-richest person in the world, with a net worth of $75.3 billion. Ortega, the founder of Spanish textile giant Inditex, is No. 4 worldwide and the wealthiest man in Europe, with a net worth of $73.3 billion. Coming in fifth worldwide is Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, whose net worth is $61.2 billion.

Betting on Others

From the standpoint of willingness to take risks to reap rewards, Bezos appears to be on solid ground. Amazon is the dominant e-commerce firm in the U.S. and has driven strong quarterly earnings consistently.

Bezos success is the result of a kind of risk taking that is highly praised, but relatively uncommon, observed Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

By making very early and large commitments to the Internet as a conduit for delivering information and retail products and transacting sales, Bezos was betting on the ingenuity and innovation of others, he told the E-Commerce Times.

His Own Rules

Bezos wealth is linked directly to the success of the company, said Jim McGregor, principal analyst at Tirias Research.

Bezos kind of has his own way of doing business and doesnt tie his behavior to outside demands, ne noted.

Jeff has traditionally ignored calls from Wall Street to return wealth to investors by aggressively investing in Amazon, and it appears that he has the same philosophy in his other ventures, McGregor told the E-Commerce Times.

Bezos has made investments in a number of other ventures. Bezos Expeditions last year joined Alphabet CEO Eric Schmidts Tomorrow Ventures and venture capital firms New Enterprise Associates and Rethink Education to invest $40 million into EverFi, an education software startup.

Led CEO Tom Davidson, EverFi specializes in developing technology skills for the next generation of students, including many in underserved communities.

Bezos sits on the board of Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a clean technology fund chaired by Gates, which plans to invest about $1 billion in clean technology.

The notoriously secretive Bezos is certain to come under additional public scrutiny as his personal portfolio grows. Amazon has come under fire in recent years as its ever-expanding logistics and distribution requirements have led it to open fulfillment centers in new markets, and propelled it into new competitive arenas  e.g., cargo aircraft, delivery drones and physical stores.

Personal Values

With greater wealth comes the greater likelihood that Bezos will figure in any debate over whether industry titans are taking adequate steps to lift all boats while their personal fortunes soar.

That the two wealthiest people in the world are now both tech leaders illustrates how profitable the tech sector has become, said Derecka Mehrens, executive director of Working Partnerships USA.

Yet the industry has left far too many people behind, she told the E-Commerce Times. As our country grapples with widespread economic insecurity, its in everyones interest to make sure such a dominant industry creates equity and opportunity  especially when this incredible wealth demonstrates thats possible.
It's the end of an era at Intel as the chipmaker on Monday announced that it was retiring its Intel Developer Forum (IDF), the company's bi-annual (as of late, anyway) technology conference.

Intel told Anandtech during a phone call that the main reason it cancelled the event was that it has been changing rapidly over the past three years or so, especially as they transition from a PC-centric to a data-centric company.

Elaborating a bit more, the rep said that with the rise of AI, FPGAs, Optane, IoT, wireless comms, automotive and the other new areas that Intel is moving into, they felt that IDF no longer fills the need when it comes to giving out information.

As such, they've decided to communicate with the media, developers and other companies via targeted events. Such gatherings could include things like the recent AI Day or Manufacturing Day, be connected to partner events or even consist of separate geocentric events.

Intel hosted its first developer forum way back in 1997. Since 2013, they've held one IDF event in China in the spring followed by another event in the summer / fall in San Francisco.

As was the case with Comdex, it's sad to see industry staples like this go. Speaking from experience with shows like CES, there's simply no substitute for live events in which you get to bump shoulders with people you work with throughout the year (the networking opportunities are priceless as well).

Hopefully Intel keeps its word and moves forward with targeted events to replace IDF.
Anticipation is high for the worldwide release of Samsung's next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S8, this Friday. Over in Korea, those who preordered the S8 and S8 Plus received them early, but it appears some people are finding an issue with the handsets.

ZDNet reports that images are appearing on local tech community sites Ppomppu and Ruliweb, as well as social media giant Instagram, showing the smartphone displays with an excessive red tint. "Galaxy S8 Red Screen" was one of the top search terms on Naver, South Korea's largest search engine, this morning.

Samsung has responded to the images; it told the Korean media that the red tint isn't a quality issue and it can be fixed by altering the phone's settings. But there have been unverified reports of customers visiting service centers to correct the problem and being told change their handsets.

Patently Apple reports that "the reddish tint may be caused by a color balance problem after Samsung used deep red AMOLED to strengthen the red," according to an unidentified industry watcher.

In other Galaxy S8 news, you probably know about the device's new digital assistant feature, Bixby. Samsung has so much faith in the AI that it added a dedicated button on the left side of the handset to active it. But for those who don't intend on using the assistant, the button's a waste of space. However, it was possible to remap it using a third-party app, but not anymore.

In an over-the-air update, Samsung has blocked the use of the button for anything other than Bixby. You can no longer remap it to launch another program - unless you root the device, of course.
Financial challenges are causing NASA to most likely postpone its first two exploration missions to Mars  EM-1 and EM-2. The impending delay was announced by the agency's Office of Inspector General.

NASA officials also state the agency's plan to send astronauts to Mars has met technical difficulties as well.

Initially scheduled for November 2018, the two launches of the Orion spacecraft aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) will probably have to wait a while longer, as NASA strives to overcome the hurdles of preparing for the intrepid journey to the red planet.

EM-1 And EM-2

The first exploratory mission to Mars, EM-1, is currently set to send the Orion capsule  which will be unmanned during its first mission  into lunar orbit next year, at the beginning of November.

The second trip beyond Earth's orbit, EM-2, is to follow it soon afterward. Scheduled for August 2021, this will be the first crewed mission of the Orion on the SLS mega rocket.

Nevertheless, a nine-month audit undertaken by NASA disclosed a series of predicaments connected with both the Orion and the SLS rocket, as well as associated ground systems at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

"NASA's initial exploration missions on its Journey to Mars  EM-1 and EM-2  face multiple cost and technical challenges that likely will affect their planned launch dates," NASA officials said in a statement.

Mars Mission Challenges: Software And Design Setbacks

The agency's report shows the technical problems are linked to the service module developed for the Orion capsule, which was supplied entirely by the European Space Agency. Work on the service module has been delayed, setting the entire mission off schedule.

In addition, the capsule's heat shield has suffered some design modifications. As per NASA's report, these changes can potentially pose a technical risk to the mission's success.

Another complication revealed by the audit is the lag in software development for the SLS  the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built. Software setbacks were also reported for the Orion and the ground systems.

"We are concerned NASA will not be able to resolve all necessary software validation and verification efforts in time to meet a November 2018 launch date for EM-1," the report said.

Financial Struggles Regarding The SLS And Orion Capsule

NASA's human exploration missions to Mars may also face budget and time constraints. Work on the SLS has already consumed nearly all of the 11 months of schedule reserve it originally had. The remaining 30 more days of scheduled work time may prove insufficient to meet the November 2018 launch date.

The total cost of the Orion, SLS, and ground systems is expected to reach $23 billion, while EM-2 alone will likely exceed the sum of $33 billion.

Furthermore, to achieve the goal of sending astronauts near Mars in the 2030s, NASA needs to complete the development of "a deep space habitat, in-space transportation, and Mars landing and ascent vehicles" during the next decade, the audit report notes.

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Even the tech world is not immune to the classic case of mistaken identity.

A week after Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel supposedly made a remark about the app not expanding to "poor countries like India," angry Indians decided to give the app one-star reviews. While it was the users' right to do so, they mistakenly rated the the wrong app: Snapdeal, an Indian e-commerce company that is battling other issues.

Indian Consumers Snap: What Happened?

This is how the confusion happened.

Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel allegedly made a bad remark about India. This was according to ex-Snapchat employee Anthony Pompliano.

"This app is only for rich people. I don't want to expand into poor countries like India and Spain," Spiegel allegedly said.

The "poor" India remark went viral and caused an uproar that was swift and angry. Indians expressed their feelings in many ways: many left one-star reviews in app stores; Twitter got flooded with #BoycottSnapchat tweets; while others went on to uninstall the app from their phones. Snapchat has denied the allegations, saying the remarks were not even made.

Pompliano recounted Spiegel's remarks in a statement for a lawsuit he filed against Snapchat, where he claims his former company fired him after he blew the whistle for manipulating its growth metrics. Snapchat has dismissed him as a "disgruntled employee fired for poor performance."

Pompliano says Snapchat inflated its IPO valuation with fake user statistics. Snapchat went public on March 2 and its value immediately soared to $28 billion as shares soared to 44 percent.

Snapdeal Got Caught In The Crossfire

Unfortunately for Snapdeal, the rage spilled into its backyard through no fault of its own except for having a similar name.

According to a report, irate users gave Snapdeal unflattering one-star reviews in the app store. Indians also called on for everyone to uninstall the app.

This is the second wave of angry customers that Snapdeal has to deal with. In 2015, customers were also up in arms against the online retailer's then-ambassador, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan. Khan voiced concerns about the rising intolerance in India. Snapdeal was forced to drop Khan during the controversy.

Also, Snapdeal's management has reportedly figured in a complaint filed by a businessman who claims that Snapdeal stole his idea. The Delhi court summoned the company's CEO, COO, and former CFO.

The management itself already has cracks as executives began leaving the company. On February, CEO Govind Rajan quit; he's the CEO of Snapdeal's mobile payments arm Freecharge, which was acquired by Snapdeal in 2015.

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The LG-made Nexus 5X can apparently support 4 GB of RAM with no troubles, although Google chose to equip it with half that amount.

Newer smartphones pack up to 6 GB of RAM and even midrangers now come with 3 GB or 4 GB of RAM, but it's not a rule and it certainly did not apply when the Nexus 5X hit the scene.

Google's great Nexus line - now rebranded as the Pixel line - has always comprised neat devices serving as launch vehicles for a new version of Android. That said, each Nexus was a treat for its time, but that's not quite true with the Nexus 5X.

Back in 2015, Google launched the LG-made Nexus 5X and the Huawei-made Nexus 6P, marking the first time it released two smartphones in the same year. The Nexus 6P was the higher-end of the two and it came with 3 GB of RAM, while the Nexus 5X was a midranger from the get-go, even by that time's standards, and it came with only 2 GB of RAM.

Nexus 5X Bootloop Issue

As it turns out, however, the Nexus 5X actually supports twice that amount of RAM, as one owner recently found out with the help of a repair shop in China. More specifically, XDA member Cathair2906 took their Nexus 5X to the repair shop to deal with the dreaded bootloop issue that's currently plaguing a slew of Nexus devices. LG even offered full refunds for the Nexus 5X last year because it didn't have the necessary parts in stock to fix it.

When Cathair2906 sent their Nexus 5X to the shop to fix the bootloop problem, the tech workers suggested upgrading the RAM as well while they were dealing with the processor.

Nexus 5X Upgraded With 4 GB Of RAM

Nobody knows exactly what causes the bootloop issue, but a poorly attached processor is believed to be among the possible causes. When Cathair2906 sent their smartphone to the shop, the repair process entailed removing the SoC first - the SoC is placed on top of the processor, and it also includes the RAM. While they were at it, why not tweak the RAM a bit too?

"[I] decided to send my 5x to China for CPU fixing, as the RAM is packed with the CPU together, the guy suggested me upgrading it to 3 or 4 GB RAM. That's how the 4GB RAM 5X comes out," writes the XDA user.

Surprisingly, things went smoothly and the Nexus 5X in question successfully rocks 4 GB of RAM instead of the 2 GB it came with. Cathair2906 says their Nexus 5X works perfectly fine with 4 GB of RAM, with no glitches or problems.

That's not to encourage Nexus 5X users to take their smartphones apart and start stacking more RAM, but it goes to prove that it's possible and the smartphone can support twice the RAM with no sweat.

Those who would like to upgrade their Nexus 5X with more RAM as well are advised to do so only at specialized repair shops familiar with the operation.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Intel is officially canceling its Intel Developer Forum, or IDF  an annual gathering of tech enthusiasts eager to hear what Intel is cooking up.

IDF began in 1997 as a wee event, nothing too sophisticated and grand, in Palm Springs, California. Over the years, the show acquired a larger following, owing in part to the boom in the PC market. Its expansion eventually propelled it to move to San Francisco, with the event increasingly accruing more sophistication and significance over time.

Why Is Intel Canceling Its Annual Developer Forum?

The cancelation, though a bit of a gut-punch for developers looking forward to it every year, paves the way for a more targeted series of events that's more evolved and specific. Speaking to AnandTech, an Intel spokesperson said the move signals Intel's expansion into other markets, ventures: it's no longer exclusively a PC staple with its chips because it's also moving toward other technologies, such as virtual reality, for instance.

"Intel has been transforming from a PC company and becoming much more diversified  we are in AI, 5G, autonomous driving," Agnes Kwan, an Intel spokesperson, told the Silicon Valley Business Journal. "The scope has really grown. As our business evolves, we need to reach new audiences and use different ways to reach them."

A Focus On Targeted Messages

To that end, big annual one-offs are no longer efficient for Intel in the efforts to spread its messages. Instead, as an attempt to communicate its technologies more effectively, it'll rely on more specific niche events that cater to specific audiences, such as those more keen on a particular category of devices or a specific Intel enterprise.

"Intel has evolved its event portfolio and decided to retire the IDF program moving forward," reads the official announcement.

This way, Intel can transition from compacting all the news it needs to share in one big event into parsing, dividing, and distributing its messages to the people who'll most likely listen.

It also helps Intel introduce products at any point of the year of its choosing instead of collating a few announcements, which runs the risk of a relatively "thin" event. This is because Intel's announcements and unveilings are less frequent than, say, Apple's. So scattered events would be more fitting for its overall schedule, since often there's just nothing new to announce.

It's worth noting that Intel's IDF is a major component of its ability to unveil developments in a grand way, so the impact of canceling it is hard to determine, especially if it has yet to share very detailed plans on how replacement events will be handled moving forward. Needless to say that you should expect to hear Intel news moving forward.

Instead of an array of news hitting you all at once, Intel will more economically slice the bulk as it sees fit, or at least that's the concept Intel is implying with its statement.

All told, the decision to nix IDF is not much of a shocker, since it closely mimics an increasing Silicon Valley trend where heavyweights such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft have steered away from one-off events toward divided affairs that involve unveilings and showcases of a particular product.

IDF has been Intel's home for high-profile announcements, ranging from CPUs, storage products, and networking fabrics.

Do you frequent Intel's annual IDF events? Troubled by its cancelation? Feel free to share why down in the comments section!

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A delegation led by France's Foreign Secretary Christian Massetat called on Fadnavis to discuss future of the project, proposed to be built by French company Areva.

By Kiran Tare: In a move to make the Jaitapur nuclear power project operative, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday directed officials to step up public outreach and ensure maximum employment to locals at the proposed site.

A delegation led by France's Foreign Secretary Christian Massetat called on Fadnavis at his official residence to discuss future of the project proposed to be built by French company Areva.

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"People have several misconceptions about the project," Fadnavis said. "To address these concerns a dialogue with local officials needs to be built. Information on security and safety aspects related to the project need to be given."

Fadnavis indicated that work on the project is likely to start as early as next year. "Once there is a clarity on rates of the power generated from the project, the schedule can be announced and local people can be involved to ensure the project gets completed early," he added.

Commenting on the project, Massetat said the project is very important for France and indicated that the work on the project will start by 2018, and the first reactor can get operational by 2025. All the six reactors can start generating power by 2027 and a total of 10,000 MW would be generated from the project.

He added that special security measures have been included in the project after studying nuclear disasters world over. Around 60 per cent of the supplies for the project would be procured locally and participation of local industry in developing the project would be ensured. He also assured that power rates too would be affordable.

Interestingly, Fadnavis had kept Industries Minister Subhash Desai from the Shiv Sena away from this meeting, taking into consideration the party's stiff opposition to the project. The Shiv Sena is of the view that the Jaitapur project should not be commissioned as it will have an adverse impact on the ecology and subsequently the local fishermen will lose their livelihood.

Also read: India flirts with nuclear firms facing financial ruin

Also read: Fukushima nuclear disaster: Residents to return after 6 years amid fear of radiation

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Google has reached a settlement deal with Russia that'll compel it to open up its Android operating system to competing search engines in the country, according to reports. The deal caps Google's two-year dispute with Russian competition authorities regarding its antitrust practices.

What The Deal Means For Google In Russia

Apart from paying a steep fine of $7.8 million, Google will also be ordered to allow Russian phone manufacturers to change the search engine on their handsets to anything other than Google. The manufacturers, therefore, won't be locked to Google's proprietary services if they produce Android-based devices moving forward.

As part of the deal, Google will also not be granted app exclusivity or be allowed to prevent preinstalled third-party apps on phones, the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia, or FAS, said Monday, April 17.

The deal marks a conclusion to the search company's perceived abuse of its dominant position. The claim stems from Google's restrictions on phone manufacturers of Android-based devices, the upshot of which, claims say, is to protect the company's own online search foothold.

Is Google Abusing Its Dominant Position? Russia Thinks So

Android, no secret, is an open platform. But while that's true, other parts of the OS aren't as open, such as the Play Store. This has allowed Google to implement tight conditions on manufacturers who want to have access to Google's colossal library of apps.

The FAS counted this as an abuse of Google's dominant position. To that end, the regulator has been scrutinizing, investigating, and suing Google for the past two years. The settlement is, of course, a culmination of this longstanding dispute.

"Implementation of the settlement's terms will be an effective means to secure competition between developers of mobile applications," said Igor Artemiev, head of FAS. "We managed to find a balance between the necessity to develop the Android ecosystem and interests of third-party developers for promoting their mobile applications and services on Android-based devices."

In addition to the aforementioned requisites, Google will also develop a tool that'll allow users to select which search engine on their Android devices best fits their needs. FAS says users can change the settings at any time.

Google has spoken about the settlement, saying it met the interest of all involved parties. Furthermore, the company also said it has reached a deal with Yandex, offering it opportunities to promote the search engine via Chrome browsers.

"We are happy to have reached a commercial agreement with Yandex and a settlement with Russia's competition regulator, the [FAS], resolving the competition case over the distribution of Google apps on Android."

Yandex is one of the biggest benefactors of the deal, and it was also one of the companies which gave the antitrust case legs, having launched a complaint against Google in the past. Yandex will now be able to enter talks with phone manufacturers and convince them to have its search engine preinstalled on their phones. Needless to say that this can slow down Google's growth in the country.

Google's Perceived Antitrust Behavior

But the deal has wider implications than Russia alone. In fact, other countries have also been investigating Google's antitrust behavior, as exemplified by Europe's Android probe. That, however, has been rebuked by Google, saying it preloads apps to compete with rival platforms.

Thoughts about Google's Russian setback? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!

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Minnesota is having a tough time dealing with the increasing number of measles cases. The disease is primarily affecting young children who are not vaccinated.

On April 14, Minnesota health officials recorded an additional five cases of measles affecting children in the Hennepin County, taking the total to eight.

According to a new report, health officials confirmed a ninth case of measles in Hennepin County. It is expected that the number will increase significantly in the near future.

Measles, which was reportedly eradicated from the United States in 2000, has seen a significant increase in the country over the past few years.

Measles Outbreak: Source And Main Reason

Most of the affected children belong to the Twin Cities Somali-American community and have not received proper vaccination in the past. According to reports, the infected children are aged between one to four years.

"Whenever you have an outbreak in unvaccinated kids, measles just has a field day. That is what is happening here," says Kris Ehresmann, director of the infectious disease division at the Minnesota Health Department.

According to Ehresmann, nearly 42 percent children in the Somali-American community received their first MMR shot at the age of two. However, according to health officials, MMR shots must be administered when a child is one.

A second MMR shot provides a child with higher immunity and must be given when he or she is entering the kindergarten phase. MMR vaccination is given to protect children from measles, rubella, and mumps.

Since 2011, where 26 infection cases were registered, this is the largest outbreak of measles in Minnesota.

Currently, the source of the latest outbreak has not been identified. However, reports suggest that tourists from other nations may have been the main carriers of the disease as it does not occur naturally in the United States anymore.

The Somali-American area of the state has been susceptible to measles because of the low vaccination rates. In 2011, an anti-vaccine advocate discouraged the community members that MMR was responsible for causing autism. However, scientific research has discredited this notion.

How Many Children Have Been Hospitalized?

According to Patsy Stinchfield, the senior director of infection control, the first case of measles was identified at the Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota. The physicians at the hospital initially thought that the child was suffering from an antibiotic-triggered skin reaction.

The Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota recorded five reported measles cases. These children were hospitalized and discharged soon after. Another three cases of possible measles infection are currently undergoing tests and the children have been hospitalized.

However, none of the reported cases have required the support of the hospital's intensive care unit.

Steps Being Taken To Counter Measles

In 2015, nearly 134,000 deaths due to measles were reported worldwide. Presently, many public health officials in Minnesota are interacting with the families of the affected children to ascertain the possible infection source.

Moreover, officials from local health departments are educating schools, clinics, and nearby Somali-American population about the symptoms of measles. They are also educating people on the importance of an MMR vaccination.

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An asteroid is set to have a close brush with Earth on Wednesday, April 19. NASA has assured that the space rock will safely pass by our planet, but what happens when asteroids do crash into Earth?

Asteroid Impacts As Depicted In Hollywood Movies

Hollywood depicts such asteroid impacts as a catastrophic event. The movies shows that when extraterrestrial rocks hit the middle of the ocean, they produce tsunamis that can wipe out coastal cities. New simulations, however, show that real asteroids do not create such as splash.

Asteroids are most likely to hit the ocean because our planet is mostly covered by water. To determine the possible impact of asteroids that can potentially crash into our planet, Galen Gisler, from Los Alamos National Laboratory, conducted 3D simulations that model wave formation from falling rocks of different sizes.

Real Asteroids Terrible At Producing Waves

After running 11 simulations of asteroids with diameters of less than 500 meters over a period of several months, he found that the waves that can be produced by smaller asteroids are comparable to landslide tsunamis on Earth.

Although space rocks can drop straight down into the ocean, there are high chances that these objects will get into the water at an angle. As a result, more water will be pushed in front of the object than behind it, and Gisler wanted to know how this would affect formation of waves.

The simulations revealed that asteroids are terrible when it comes to producing waves. The researcher discovered that 80 percent of the energy from the impact goes to vaporizing water and forming a crater. The rest of the energy is spent throwing most of the water up into the atmosphere, where this can potentially affect weather patterns.

Gisler estimated that only a tenth of 1 percent of the impact's kinetic energy is spent for wave formation. He noted that the waves can still be relatively massive albeit they can dissipate quickly.

Potential Impacts

Rocks that measure at least 140 meters are the ones that are most likely to cause significant problems. Larger rocks that measure about 300 meters can produce hurricane-force winds, localized waves, and shock waves in the air.

The space rock set to pass by Earth this week, dubbed Asteroid 2014 JO25, is estimated to be a little over 600 meters in size.

Gisler also added that if an asteroid impact occurs within 100 kilometers or so off the shore, it would have dramatic impact on the coast.

If the space rock splashes down farther from the coast, though, the waves that it would produce would quickly break up in the open ocean.

"If you're more than 100 kilometers from a shoreline, I would be tempted to say let the thing drop and study it," Gisler said.

Gisler compared this effect to waves generated by landslides around fjords in Iceland and Norway citing that materials that slide down the mountains into the long and narrow inlets produce massive waves that, although produce large local effect, do not spread very far.

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Netflix is on track to hit 100 million subscribers worldwide as soon as this week, if the video streaming company's projections are correct.

More than a personal success for Netflix, being on the brink of a subscriber count of such a scale highlights the whiz-bang of video streaming services and, in particular, the monthly subscription model Netflix employs.

Netflix Succeeds With Its Subscription Model

Long exhausted with the cost of paying steep prices for premium cable, a colossal number of people have found  are finding, still  Netflix as more palatable to their TV and movie-watching preferences, especially since it only requires a relatively low monthly fee for users to watch anything on its library, including award-winning original films and TV series.

Netflix made the prediction Monday, April 17, amid the release of its Q1 earnings for 2017. The streaming service was able to net 5 million more subscribers during the first three months of the year, ending March with 98.7 million paying customers globally under its belt.

An analyst from Wedbush Securities said that the boom of smartphones and tablet devices paved the way for people to watch and stream video anywhere, especially with the ability to download content for offline watching. But to him, that's only one part of what Netflix is going for.

"But Netflix clearly had a vision before those devices became so ubiquitous," the analyst said.

More than half of Netflix's total subscriber count hails from the United States, but it's expected that majority of the total subscribers will be from overseas by the end of 2017. For the record, Netflix's overseas subscriber count totaled nearly 48 million by the end of March.

The 100 million mark is "a good start," according to CEO Reed Hastings in a letter reviewing the company's Q1 results.

Netflix Plays Catch Up To HBO

Though its success is notable, Netflix, even if it reaches the 100 million subscriber count, will still play catch up to HBO's 134 million subscribers globally, which includes customers paying for an on-demand iteration of HBO, inspired by the success of Netflix's business model.

Netflix's weapon, as with any streaming service, is its trove of original content. Award-winning shows span its library: from House of Cards to Stranger Things to Orange Is the New Black to the controversial and polarizing The OA, in addition to previously released films populating the catalog.

The attractive thing about the model is the fact that users don't pay for individual shows or bundles of the shows. They pay a fixed amount each month, and that alone opens Netflix's gates, allowing customers to watch anything they set their eyes on, with no catches. There's no limit to how many shows one can watch in a month or any similarly restrictive rules. It's an honest-to-goodness pay-up-and-watch-till-you-drop model.

Will Netflix Raise Prices Again?

There is always, however, the question of whether Netflix will try to up the prices again as its original programming production costs spike. In fact, it's expected to spend $6 billion for it this year. A logical move, to be sure, but one that could lessen its attractiveness in international markets, especially with Amazon's own Prime Video service fighting to appeal to Netflix's user base.

It'll be a tricky balancing act for Netflix, but it has to hope its service, along with its original programming, are reasons enough for people to stay, even if prices tick up.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
LG To Soon Launch G6 In India | TechTree.com

It looks like the recently launched LG smartphone, the G6 is all set to be launched in India, as the company announces that prospective users in India can now register their interest for the companys new flagship device.

In other words, a sign-up page has just went live on the companys official website. However, it is worth noting that the smartphone is not yet up for pre-ordering or anything in that fashion. Its simply a way to register your interest in purchasing the phone, which hints at possible introductory offers available for users who actually registered their interests.

Having said this, it is worth mentioning that the company has not yet announced Indias launch date, though we believe it to be pretty near as registrations are up and going on. Also, there is no information available pertaining to the price point of the LG G6 smartphone.

However, it may be around Rs 50,000 according to a speculation made by Harish Jonnalagadda from Android Central.

TAGS: LG
Donald Trump will sign an order which will call for strict enforcement of all laws governing entry into the United States of labor from abroad for the stated purpose of creating higher wages and higher employment rates for workers in the United States.

By Reuters: US President Donald Trump will today sign an executive order directing federal agencies to recommend changes to a temporary visa program used to bring foreign workers to the United States to fill high-skilled jobs.

Two senior Trump administration officials who briefed reporters at the White House said Trump will also use the "buy American and hire American" order to seek changes in government procurement practices to increase the purchase of American products in federal contracts.

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Trump is to sign the order when he visits the world headquarters of Snap-On Inc, a tool manufacturer in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The order is an attempt by Trump to carry out his "America First" campaign pledges to reform US immigration policies and encourage purchases of American products. As he nears the 100-day benchmark of his presidency, Trump has no major legislative achievements to tout but has used executive orders to seek regulatory changes to help the US economy.

The order he will sign today will call for "the strict enforcement of all laws governing entry into the United States of labor from abroad for the stated purpose of creating higher wages and higher employment rates for workers in the United States," one of the senior officials said.

It will call on the departments of Labor, Justice, Homeland Security and State to take action to crack down on what the official called "fraud and abuse" in the US immigration system to protect American workers.

The order will call on those four federal departments to propose reforms to ensure H-1B visas are awarded to the most skilled or highest paid applicant.

FALL IN H-1B VISA APPLICATIONS

H-1B visas are intended for foreign nationals in "specialty" occupations that generally require higher education, which according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) includes, but is not limited to, scientists, engineers or computer programmers. The government uses a lottery to award 65,000 visas every year and randomly distributes another 20,000 to graduate student workers.

The number of applications for H-1B visas fell to 199,000 this year from 236,000 in 2016, according US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Companies say they use visas to recruit top talent. More than 15 percent of Facebook Inc's U..employees in 2016 used a temporary work visa, according to a Reuters analysis of US Labor Department filings.

But a majority of the visas are awarded to outsourcing firms, sparking criticism by skeptics who say those firms use the visas to fill lower-level information technology jobs. Critics also say the lottery system benefits outsourcing firms that flood the system with mass applications.

IN-HOUSE EMPLOYEES REPLACED

Both Democratic and Republican critics have argued that companies such as Walt Disney Co and Southern California Edison Co, a utility, have used the program to terminate in-house IT employees and replace them with cheaper contractors. Disney and Edison have said that they paid foreign contractors comparably with local staffers.

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The senior official said the end result of how the system currently works is that foreign workers are often brought in at less pay to replace American workers, "violating the principle of the program."

The order also asks federal agencies to look at how to get rid of loopholes in the government procurement process.

Specifically, the review will take into account whether waivers in free-trade agreements are leading to unfair trade by allowing foreign companies to undercut American companies in the global government procurement market.

"If it turns out America is a net loser because of those free-trade agreement waivers, which apply to almost 60 countries, these waivers may be promptly renegotiated or revoked," the second official said.

Also Read:

H-1B visa curbs coming soon, says Trump's pick for US attorney general

Trump rakes up H1B visa issue again, says 'won't allow foreign workers to replace Americans'

Trump vows 'tracking system' to deport everyone whose visa expires

WATCH VIDEO

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The world's largest forest must be protected through a coordinated, efficient, and active process, President Nicolas Maduro stressed. | Read More
A PIL was filed by Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking to set up special courts for speedy disposal of matters related to legislators and to further bar them from contesting elections for life.

By Anusha Soni: Opposing lifetime ban on convicted Member of Parliaments or of state legislative Assembly members, the Centre has vehemently opposed the suggestion of the Election Commission (EC) to bar the legislators, who have been convicted of criminal offences. Submitting its response to the public interest litigation, the Centre has argued that the current debarment for six years is in no way violative of Article 14.

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A PIL was filed by Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, lawyer and BJP leader, seeking to set up special courts for speedy disposal of matters related to legislators and to further bar them from contesting elections for life. Under the current Representation of People's Act, 1951, a person may contest elections after seven years. Earlier, submitting its response in the matter, the EC had supported the petitioner's request for lifetime ban on convicted MPs and MLAs. The Centre, however, took a stand in stark contrast.

The Centre in its affidavit has argued that MPs and MLAs cannot be barred for life as Constitution provides for different positions for legislature, judiciary and executive. The government has further argued that there cannot be a mandamus from the court directing the government to change a law in a certain manner, as it is strictly the domain of the legislature.

The plea had further sought to have an age bar and a bar with respect to educational qualifications. The Centre opposed any such move and has argued that this may disenfranchise a huge part of the population.

Even the bench led by Justice Gogoi hearing the case today questioned petitioner Upadhyay as to how can special courts be set up when there is no data available to find out how many such cases are pending. The bench further observed that earlier judgments of the Supreme Court have already dealt with the issue and asked for speedy disposal of such cases within a year.

With two key authorities taking contrary view, it will be worth watching what will be the stand of the Supreme Court when it hears the matter next on July 12.

Also read: Nothing can be done at the eleventh hour: Delhi High Court refuses AAP plea on EVM use with paper trail

Also read: Supreme Court notice to Election Commission, Centre on plea challenging use of EVMs without paper trail

--- ENDS ---
By Press Trust of India: in WB

Kolkata, Apr 18 (PTI) Fake currency notes each of Rs 2,000 denomination with total face value of Rs 1 lakh was seized by the BSF along the Indo-Bangladesh International Border in West Bengals Malda district today.

Around 12:45 PM a BSF patrol party found a packet in a mango orchard near the Churiantpur border post area of Malda during an operation to nab fake Indian currency notes (FICN) smugglers active along this border, officials said.

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While no smugglers were found in the area, they said the packet seized by the patrol party had 50 fake currency notes, each of Rs 2,000 denomination, with a total face value of Rs 1 lakh.

The seized fake notes have been handed over to the Kaliachak police. With this, the BSF has seized FICN with face value of Rs 22.98 lakh and apprehended two smugglers so far this year from the border area here, the officials said.

Kaliachak and Malda areas of West Bengal, which are along the border with Bangladesh, are notorious for fake Indian currency smuggling.

Last year, the BSFs South Bengal Frontier (comprising five border districts of West Bengal) had seized fake currency with face value of over Rs 1.47 crore and arrested 19 smugglers. PTI NES NSD

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By Press Trust of India: (EDs: UPDATING WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)

New Delhi, Apr 18 (PTI) The Delhi high court today said that it cannot issue directions for the use of VVPAT equipment attached to electronic voting machines in the upcoming MCD polls without any knowledge about its availability with the Election Commission.

Justice A K Pathak issued notices to the Election Commission of India and the Delhi state Election Commission asking them to file their responses on Aam Aadmi Partys plea for use of VVPAT (Voter-verified paper audit trail)-enabled Generation 2 or Generation 3 EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) in the MCD polls.

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The judge, however, observed that "at the eleventh hour, I cannot issue any direction to stall the MCD elections".

"We cannot interfere with the process when the machines are not available," the court said, asking the EC to inform it on affidvait within two days whether VVPAT equipments were available with them or not.

The court, which fixed the matter for further hearing on April 21, was hearing a petition, filed by Mohd Tahir Hussain, who is contesting in the MCD election, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging that in the recent past, the EVMs have been manipulated in various states.

VVPAT is an equipment which provides a feedback on paper to the voters about whom they have voted using the ballotless voting system.

The matter was listed for hearing after senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the petitioners, mentioned before a bench headed by acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal, to list the issue for hearing today on the ground of urgency.

The petitioner sought to know why the Delhi poll panel had asked for Generation-1 EVMs, which are the least secured with minimum security features, to conduct the MCD polls.

Advocate Sumeet Pushkarna, appearing for Delhi state Election Commission, opposed the petition saying there was a legal bar to their demand as only four days were left for holding the elections in the national capital.

"There is a speculative news of EVMs being hacked, which is totally false. MCD election at this stage cannot be interfered with or stalled," the state poll panel said, adding that these were the same EVMs used in the last assembly polls when the AAP came into power in Delhi.

Advocate Kushal Kumar, appearing for North Delhi Municipal Corporation, also objected to the maintainability of the petition filed by the AAP and its candidate Hussain who is contesting from ward number 59E of East Delhi.

The petitioners have strongly opposed the use of machines sourced from Rajasthan for the MCD election.

Recently, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also demanded withdrawal of the allegedly tampered EVMs brought from Rajasthan for the MCD polls and said only VVPAT equipped voting machines should be used.

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During the course of the arguments, the AAP submitted that there were around 15,000 VVPAT machines available with the Election Commission of India which was sufficient for the conduct of the municipal election.

It also submitted that the Supreme Court has categorically said that all elections should be held with VVPAT machines.

The petitioner sought to know why the commission did not make an attempt to procure the VVPAT machines.

Challenging the decision of the state Election Commssion to conduct the MCD election using Generation-1 EVMs, the petitioners contended that on four occassions in the past two years, during the pre-election trials, it was discovered that EVMs were tampered with to cast votes only for candidates of the BJP, regardless of any button being pressed on the machine. PTI PPS HMP RRT ARC

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By Press Trust of India: climate official

New Delhi, Apr 18 (PTI) A top UN climate official today expressed interest in "engaging" with Indian institutions working in the field of climate change while acknowledging India as an "important" partner in tackling the global issue.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa met Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave, who stressed the importance of adopting sustainable lifestyles to address the issue of climate change.

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Espinosa is on a two-day visit to India and this is her first visit to the country as the UNFCCC Executive Secretary.

During the meeting, Dave highlighted Indias Science Express Climate Action Special (SECAS) train being run as an ongoing climate change awareness programme for various sections of society, especially students.

"The Environment Minister also emphasised the importance of sustainable lifestyles in addressing climate change issues," it said.

Earlier, in a meeting with Environment secretary Ajay Narayan Jha, Espinosa acknowledged India as an important partner in pursuing the agenda of climate change.

"She expressed interest in engaging with Indian institutions playing a major role in climate action in India. She dwelt upon the synergy between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate actions," the official statement said.

She praised Indias actions as an example for many other countries and emphasised the need to showcase these efforts on international platforms.

Meanwhile, Jha highlighted Indias actions to address climate change, including the goals to reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 33-35 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, increasing the share of non-fossil fuel sources in the electricity mix, afforestation efforts and the worlds largest renewable energy programme being pursued in India.

He also underlined the climate change governance structure to monitor climate change actions in India, which includes the Prime Ministers Council on Climate Change chaired by the Prime Minister and Executive Committee on Climate Change, chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.

The issues of adequate means of implementation including climate finance, capacity building and technological support to developing countries were also flagged during the meeting.

"It was also highlighted that the core principles of equity and CBDR-RC (Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities) need to be operationalised in the Paris Rule Book," the statement said. PTI TDS SMN

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April 29 is a day when many folks will head out of town to major music festivals in New Orleans and Lafayette, but its also election day in East Baton Rouge Parish and the ballot will include just two items: property tax renewals dedicated to public schools.

The 4.98-mill tax and the 7.14-mill tax raise $17.7 million and $25.4 million a year, respectively. The former is for general aid to the East Baton Rouge Parish public school system and its nearly 41,000 students; the latter is earmarked to augment the salaries and benefits of the district's more 5,500 employees.

EBR voters will have two school property tax renewals on April 29 ballot Renewals of two property taxes that fund East Baton Rouge Parish public schools are headed t

The items will appear on the ballot parishwide, except in Baker, Central and Zachary, which all have independent public school systems.

The 4.98-mill tax is set to expire this year, and the 7.14-mill tax is expiring in 2018. Voters are being asked to renew them both for 10 more years. If voters say no, the school system will have to wait at least six months before it can try again to renew the taxes.

Homeowners in the parish with $200,000 homes that take homestead exemption pay $151.50 a year combined for both property taxes.

By state law, the school system can urge residents to vote, but cant suggest they vote yes or no. The school district has shared information with various stakeholders, including the board of directors of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and a local advisory group of religious leaders, said Adonica Duggan, a spokeswoman for the school system.

We have provided both groups with information on the necessity of maintaining a stable funding base to support existing programming and move the district forward in the future, Duggan said.

The $43.1 million the two property taxes generate represent about 10 percent of the schools general operating budget known as the general fund, which includes about three-quarters of school spending.

The 7.14-mill tax pays for an average of $4,500 per employee in salaries and benefits.

James Crochet, chief business operations officer for the school system, said he trusts voters will do as they have in the past and renew the taxes because the consequence of failure would be significant.

Id hate to think what would happen if they failed, he said.

Schools are also spreading the word as part of their general communications.

Principals are sharing the information with all employees and parents, Duggan said. We have not done any purchased media.

The school system also plans to send out a larger mailer to the households of all 41,000 students in the school system, updating them on a range of items, not just the April 29 tax renewal election.

Early voting starts Saturday for April 29 elections Early voting for the April 29 spring municipal elections kicks off Saturday in parishes thro

Early voting in that election began Saturday and is continuing through this coming Saturday. About 240,000 people are currently registered to vote in the April 29 election.

If history is any guide, turnout is likely to be low. A similar election held May 3, 2014 generated only 3 percent turnout among registered voters. The margin of victory was 70 percent yes to 30 percent no. School property tax renewals, however, can still win by solid margins in higher turnout elections. On Oct. 24, 2015, a day which included a governors election, 39 percent of the electorate in the school district voted by a margin of 60-40 to renew three East Baton Rouge school taxes.

Editor's note: This story was changed April 28, 2017, to correct an error. Homeowners in the parish with $200,000 homes that take homestead exemption pay $151.50 a year combined for both property taxes, not $51.50 as originally reported.
Louisiana moved one step further toward creating a special commission to address human trafficking prevention efforts.

Senate Bill 42 won fast-tracked approval in the Senate on Monday, making it one of the first pieces of policy legislation to move from the chamber in which it was proposed over to the other side of the State Capitol for vetting. The House and governor would have to sign off on it for the 17-member board to be created.

Sen. Ronnie Johns, R-Lake Charles, said his proposal to create the Louisiana Human Trafficking Prevention Commission and Advisory Board came from a recommendation from the Louisiana Law Institute as a way to keep up with best practices for combating human trafficking.

"None of the outside members will receive any compensation or per diem," he noted.

Like most of the Senate bills approved as the Legislature begins its second week of the regular session, SB42 generated no controversy and prompted little discussion.

Also among the legislation that is now heading to the House:

Report: Louisiana's rainy day account could keep state afloat about two weeks Louisiana's rainy day fund could keep the state afloat for just a fifth of the length of tim

Senate Bill 14 would expand definitions in state law to make up for technology in the life-saving epinephrine injectors for people with allergies.

Senate Bill 34 would bring state law in line with recommendations from the federal government regarding the classifications of ambulance services.

Senate Bill 611 would establish the Work Out Now: WON Louisiana Legislative Commission. The bill's sponsor, Senate Health & Wellness Committee Chair Fred Mills, R-Parks, said he hoped its creation would get more people involved in encouraging anti-obesity efforts.

"I would like to go house-to-house, neighborhood-to-neighborhood," Mills said.

Senate Bill 96, also sponsored by Johns, would bring state's prescription drug monitoring program up to the current federal standards. Johns, who as a member of the state House had helped pass the initial monitoring program legislation, said it's important to helping the state "try to get to the root of doctor shopping."

"It's an update of the monitoring program," Johns said of SB 96.

Wednesday is the final day for lawmakers to submit proposed legislation for the current session.

The Legislature had a short first week last week that was capped by the Easter holiday. Last week was marked by the governor's session-opening State of the State address and finalizing an initial round of agency budget hearings, while settling into the welcoming week's social activities in the evenings.

The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday is expected to hear public testimony on the budget, while its tax-focused counterpart Ways & Means Committee wades through a lengthy agenda of tax proposals.

The legislative session must end by June 8. In the meantime, lawmakers continue to try to reach an agreement on the budget that begins July 1 as their main priority, while also preparing for legislation that seeks to change the state's criminal justice laws. A bipartisan breakfast briefing on the criminal code effort is expected to take place at the downtown Hilton hotel Tuesday morning, ahead of a rally that will take place at the Capitol on Thursday in support of the criminal justice overhaul.
By Press Trust of India: From Youssra El-Sharakawy

Cairo, Apr 17 (PTI) The mega cultural festival India by the Nile will renew the relationship between India and Egypt in a contemporary way as both countries celebrate 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Indias envoy here has said.

"Both countries have civilisation contact since many years. We felt that it is also necessary to renew these relations with a contemporary flavour," Indias Ambassador to Egypt Sanjay Bhattacharyya said yesterday during a dinner organised for Indian artists who are attending the festival at the India House in Zamalek.

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"The fifth edition of the India by the Nile, which runs until April 27, is a very unique and special occasion as India is celebrating the 70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties with Egypt," the envoy said.

Bhattacharyya said that over the years, India by the Nile has gathered enormous momentum among the people of Egypt.

"We now say that it is no longer an Indian festival but an Egyptian festival," he said.

He also said that for many years it has been a big focus on Bollywood, so the festival is good opportunity to share with Egyptian people the wonderful culture that India has. PTI YES AJR ASK AJR

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Like many people on the Gulf Coast, I had a loved one on an oil rig the day the Deepwater Horizon exploded. It was my stepdads first job with
Heidi Cody's art, 'Climate Toothpaste,' attempts to connect people who care, but are not active on climate change, to climate advocacy groups that need help.
Scanning through today's story on proposed legislation to extend domestic violence laws to cover people in same-sex couples, I waited to get to the inevitable slippery slope objection. And indeed, there it was, courtesy of Gene Mills, president of the influential Louisiana Family Forum.

"It seems to be a backdoor attempt to redefine both marriage and family," Mills opined.

Can we finally consign that argument to history?

What Mills gets wrong here is that it's not the law that's redefining family. It's families. The Legislature's job is not to approve or disapprove, but to pass appropriate measures to fit the way people live.

Marrero Republican State Rep. Patrick Connick's House Bill 27, which seeks to change language defining domestic abuse as only between opposite-sex partners who have been married or lived together as spouses or who share children, is rooted squarely in reality. The existing language would appear to be moot anyway, since the U.S. Supreme Court has now recognized a constitutional right for same-sex couples to marry.

Baton Rouge and New Orleans have seen some high-profile killings involving same-sex couples in recent years, and domestic violence experts routinely see abuse that doesn't rise to the level of newsworthiness. Connick's brother, Jefferson Parish District Attorney Paul Connick, recommended the bill, and he doesn't exactly have a habit of going out on ideological limbs.

House Bill 223 by state Rep. Helena Moreno, a New Orleans Democrat, also has its roots in real life, and may well have a good shot of passing because lawmakers saw the implications of the current system up close.

Moreno wants to extend domestic violence laws to cover people in dating relationships.

If her proposal had been in place, former state Sen. Troy Brown could have been convicted under more severe domestic battery laws of physically attacking his girlfriend. Instead he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery conviction, so when he later admitted to domestic abuse of his wife, it counted as only his first instance and another misdemeanor. Brown tried to use that classification to justify remaining in the Senate before he finally resigned as it became clear that the Senate would vote to expel him.

Even then, it wasn't at all clear that Brown recognized the severity of what he'd done. The good news for those who support Moreno's bill that his colleagues couldn't help but get it.
Police in Maine searching for shooter after New Orleans man killed over weekend
The owner of a popular cafe and bar based at the Australian National University has accused the uni of acting unlawfully in terminating his lease ahead of the Union Court redevelopment.

The Gods Cafe and Bar owner Jaye Min has until July 3 to vacate the ANU's Arts Centre despite signing a lease with the university for his current site until 2018 with an option to extend to 2023.

Jaye Min, owner of The Gods Cafe. Credit:Jamila Toderas

Mr Min said a temporary site offered up until 2019 was about one-third the size of what the cafe currently enjoyed but would cost the same $75,000 per year in rent and bring fierce competition from larger commercial operators.

The final cafe space would be 200m, 96m smaller than its current site, and cost his business $150,000 per year plus about $500,000 to fit out.
Who would have predicted that Hawthorn would be propping up the ladder four rounds into the 2017 season?

This week on The Age Real Footy Podcast, Michael Gleeson, Caroline Wilson and Greg Baum discuss just what is going on at Hawthorn and put the focus on Collingwood as well.

There's also talk about the "Andos" (Richmond, Adelaide and Geelong, we're looking at you), Bob Murphy ahead of his 300th game this weekend, and the hope among Carlton fans.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Apr 18 (PTI) Four warships of the Indian Navy have arrived in Souda Bay in Greece on a three-day visit.

The ships -- INS Mumbai, INS Trishul, INS Tarkash and INS Aditya -- are part of the Indian Navys Overseas Deployment (OSD) to the Mediterranean Sea and the West Coast of Africa.

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The ships arrived in Souda Bay yesterday.

"The warships will engage with the Hellenic Navy during their stay in the country," the Navy said in a statement.

The four warships are part of the Indian Navys Western Naval Command and are based in Mumbai.

"The Task Group is headed by Rear Admiral RB Pandit, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, who is flying his flag on the indigenous guided missile destroyer, INS Mumbai.

"The current visit seeks to underscore Indias peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly and like-minded countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain," the Navy said.

An MoU for defence cooperation between India and Greece was signed in 1998. PTI MPB KUN

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Long before a man-sized lego man burst through the brick wall it was clear this event was no normal property world ribbon cut.

Yes with that gesture, the nation's biggest shopping centre, Chadstone, now has the nation's first Lego Discovery Centre. In fact it's the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

It's 2800 square metres of pure pester power complete with two million bricks and ride with laser tag style blunderbusses  CBD wishes that word could be used more often in this column.

On hand for the event was John Gandel who  as joint owner of the sprawling Shopopolis  knows a thing or two about bricks.
Iron ore prices are retreating again and the overall Chinese economy is growing less quickly, but one sector is skyrocketing: outbound tourism.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation preliminary 2016 scorecard has Chinese spending $344 billion as foreign tourists, a jump of 12 per cent in local currencies and more than double the splurge of the next biggest spenders, Americans.

And while the more mature Australian outward bound tourism market can't compete with those Chinese numbers, we still recorded one of the highest spending growth rates of 8 per cent as we left $35.6 billion behind us overseas.

The jump in Australian spending comes on top of a resurgence in domestic tourism despite dismal wages growth and many local retailers being squeezed. It looks like we're preferring to spend more money on experiences than things.
The most legitimate reason to overhaul the policy that grants visas to foreign workers is that it was so clearly rorted by unscrupulous elements of business. Experts have long said that one could drive a truck through the loopholes in this policy. The upshot was that workers were being shipped into Australia, underpaid and without proper employee protections by some businesses just looking for cheap labour. If the system worked as intended there would be no room for pay variations because legally 457 workers are paid the same rates as locals. And despite a couple of government attempts to improve the system, it was sufficiently damaged that it needed to be thrown out and replaced with a fresh policy. Not surprisingly, unions hated it because they (like many others in Australia) saw it was a means to take jobs from locals.

Bernardi and Hanson are in a different camp again  the nationalistic one that has no time for immigration generally  which has been garnering increasing appeal among a wider group. Those that supported 457 visas recognised that there were some legitimate shortages among some skilled occupations and that encouraging the very skilled professionals into Australia to work was a boon for innovation and therefore very positive for the economy. Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes has been one technology chief who has advocated fiercely for opening the doors to the very clever. The Business Council of Australia has been a strident supporters of skilled migration visas, saying there has been a genuine shortage of skills in some areas and to restrict entry of offshore would be bad for the economy. The recrafted temporary skilled migration policy will be more restrictive around which occupations will be eligible, work experience, English language proficiency, and the need for these roles to be first advertised locally.

But in reality there are plenty of similarities with the existing 457 scheme. And it's a scheme that has even been criticised by those in highly skilled areas. For example, the IT Professionals Association (ITPA) recently pointed to a problem with 457s, especially in relation to visa holders filling the entry-level tech support roles that would normally go to local IT graduates. The ITPA points out federal government data showing that while the overall number of 457 visas issued over the last decade (excluding IT) has risen by just 2 per cent, there had been a 136 per cent rise in 457 visas issued for IT workers. At the other end of the scale, a report in The Australian Financial Review outlined a group of Chinese workers brought into Australia to work as electricians and welders were paid no wages for months and forced to survive on a $15-a-day "food allowance" while housed in overcrowded accommodation in regional NSW. Taiwanese company Chia Tung Development underpaid 13 Chinese and 30 Filipino workers more than $873,000 for labour over six months to February this year. Chia Tung employs more than 4000 staff globally and has associated entities registered within Australia.
The new temporary visa program will carry over the worst aspect of the old 457 visa program.

The core problem with the 457 visa system is its failure to prevent overseas workers from being hired on cheap wages for jobs that Australians have the skills to fill.

Global companies have been criticised for paying overseas workers below Australian market rates in industries, including IT, that they would be hard-pressed to demonstrate had a genuine skills shortage.

But the need for independent labour testing was the one key issue Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull washed over when he announced the rebirth of the 457 visa system under a different name.
The brinkmanship stoking long-running tensions between China-backed North Korea and the US, South Korea and Japan has raised the spectre of nuclear strikes.

North Korea has been creeping towards intercontinental nuclear weapons capability for many years, in flagrant breach of its negotiated commitments and of international law. While the situation is opaque and unpredictable, it is at least clear the "strategic patience" long deployed by a US-led international community has failed to curb the rogue state's determination to become a nuclear power.

Kim Jong-un: Raising alarm. Credit:AP

It would be in no one's interests, particularly the long-deprived North Korean population, were dynastic despot Kim Jong-un to take the final steps to achieving that goal. He appears close; North Korea has developed missiles and nuclear weapons and now only needs to put them together, something it is vowing to do. Mr Kim sees it as the best way to safeguard his regime.

"Strategic patience" meant doing nothing militarily provocative, while applying economic sanctions and hoping the North Korean dictatorship might conclude that the costs of developing nuclear arms outweigh any benefits.
The growing divide between urbanites and rural residents is shaping politics everywhere, from Brexit to the rise of Donald Trump. On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received a mandate for more personalised rule from most of his country, but not from its big cities.

Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir are responsible for about 46 per cent of Turkey's economic output and just 23 per cent of its population. All three cities voted against the perpetuation of Erdogan's emergency powers, which made Turkey a strong presidential republic. Like presidents, Erdogan will be able to form Cabinets and nominate top judges while remaining a member of a political party.

Residents wave Turkish national flags in Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, where most voters chose 'No'. Credit:Bloomberg

The powerless anger at being outvoted by provincials is familiar to people in US big cities. After voting overwhelmingly against Trump last November, they took to the streets to protest  just as many residents of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir did on Sunday. The same story is unfolding in Warsaw (which voted against the nationalist PiS party in 2015) and London (which voted against Brexit).

If Marine Le Pen loses the upcoming French presidential election, France will join the club of countries where big cities' choices prevail. That happened in the Austrian presidential election in 2016 and in the Dutch parliamentary one last month: liberal candidates preferred by urbanites defeated nationalists with stronger provincial support bases.
Who can blame UK Prime Minister Theresa May for calling an election now, as her own Conservative party mandarins have been urging? Her party enjoys a 21-percentage-point lead in the polls. The opposition Labour Party is weak and divided, and the economy has yet to register the expected wobbles in the wake of last year's vote to leave the European Union. What better time to crush the opposition and beef up the Conservatives' 17-seat majority?

Yet her decision is as strategically flawed as it is tactically clever.

Prime Minister Theresa May calls a general election for the UK to be held on June 8. Credit:Dan Kitwood

First, she risks losing credibility. Having promised not to get distracted by an election campaign  working out the nuts and bolts of Brexit, after all, is hard work  before the current term expires in 2020, she's now reversed herself. Voters are accustomed to politicians who go back on their word, so she may be forgiven. But the volte-face won't be forgotten. Voters will wonder whether other pledges will be similarly rethought if there's political advantage to be gained.

Second, May risks offending the cherished British notion of fair play. She has fired the start gun before her competition has even rolled out of bed, let alone laced up for the race. She'll win, but she risks sparking a nascent sympathy vote for the first underdog to show some signs of life.
Years ago, I listened to a big and insufferable businessman in Ankara trying to impress his audience by talking about how he had once gotten into a fight with a leftist college student who had dared to contradict him in some political argument. "I told my guys to hold him on both arms and kicked the hell out of him," he said, passing off a pathetic act of violence as manliness. He was so blinded by his power that he failed to understand that the real hero in this story wasn't him, but rather, the young man who was on the receiving end of his attack. It was he, after all, who had chosen to speak his mind to a bully.

This memory informs how I view the results of Turkey's constitutional referendum. On the face of things, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has scored a big victory. But despite his limitless resources and his full control of media, despite the constraints imposed by a state of emergency and despite a myriad of constraints imposed on the opposition, Erdogan ended up scraping by with just 51 per cent support for his plans to expand his powers. Yes, Erdogan will run Turkey for the foreseeable future, and when he does so, he will have more power than President Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel combined.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressing his supporters. Credit:Yasin Bulbul

The reality, however, is that the country is divided down the middle. Erdogan lost all three of Turkey's big cities (Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir), and now he is stuck in a coalition with Turkish nationalists whose reactionary views threaten Turkey's future. This is, at best, a Pyrrhic victory.

Even with his new powers, Erdogan will still have to address the Kurdish issue, a possible quagmire in Syria, tensions with the West and a frail economy. He will have to think hard about why he lost the vote in all of Turkey's major cities and industrial centres. Polls indicate that as education and income levels rise, so does the number of naysayers  and no leader can be entirely happy about being disowned by the best and brightest. Erdogan will also have to live with another uncomfortable fact: Even though he imprisoned the co-leaders of Turkey's largest pro-Kurdish party, along with about a dozen of its elected deputies and roughly 85 of its elected mayors, most Kurds  who constitute a fifth of the population  still showed up at voting booths in heavily militarised zones and opted to vote "No".
The Turkish referendum is an internal political situation of a nation that has received a lot of attention from around the world. And why not? After all, Turkey is one of the fastest movers and shakers of this century. In just over a decade, it has joined the G20 richest industrial nations in the world.

Yet, despite this showing of economic strength, Europe has been slow to embrace Erdogan's legitimate rise to power.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan giving a referendum victory speech at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey. Credit:Getty Images

Turkey has been shunned by the EU on several occasions whereby its application has become a farce and the sincerity of the EU is in question, driving Turkey further and further away. It's not surprising Erdogan has looked for other options. At this stage, Turkey without EU membership is more likely to turn into an independent entity, bringing it closer to countries like China and Russia. It has the potential to become the main power both militarily and economically in the Middle East and to become a quasi-sheriff state, policing much of the issues in the volatile region.

Erdogan has carved his own name indelibly into Turkish history having successfully manipulated his party's political supremacy over four elections and his personal ascendancy as the president. One could argue he is the greatest leader the nation has known since Ataturk.
By Press Trust of India: Kathmandu, Apr 18 (PTI) Nepal Police today rescued an Indian teenager and arrested four persons for allegedly abducting him for ransom.

Pradeep Kumar Yadav, 16, who hails from Bihars Nirmali town, was abducted on April 5.

He was rescued early today from a house in Lahan Municipality-15 of Siraha district, about 242 kms from here, The Himalayan Times reported.

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Four suspects -- Ramesh Lama, Jayaram Yadav, Kishun Yadav and Deep Narayan Yadav -- have been arrested.

A joint team raided Lamas house where Yadav was held hostage, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hira Bahadur Pandey said.

The accused had demanded money from the boys father in Bihar for his safe release, the officer was quoted as saying by the report.

The boy will be handed over to his family after investigation, police added. PTI CPS

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The Turnbull government has cracked down on foreign worker visas and adopted an "Australians first" approach to skilled migration, scrapping the controversial 457 visa program and announcing a much stricter replacement.

Two new temporary skills shortage visas will impose tougher English language tests and stricter labour market testing, and require at least two years of work experience and a mandatory police check.

In an extraordinary piece of timing, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's announcement came hours before US President Donald Trump prepared to unveil a "buy American, hire American" executive order that will crack down on guest worker visas and require more US goods to be purchased locally - putting in to practice the "America First" rhetoric of the presidential election.

Both the Turnbull and Trump policy decisions will appeal to the nationalist wings of their respective centre-right parties.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Minister Stuart Robert during question time in Parliament House in February 2016. Credit:Andrew Meares Both Ms Boulton and Ms Stevenson ran as independents despite the support they got from the LNP, via Mr Robert. This has led to allegations the party was seeking to stack the council by stealth. Earlier, Ms Boulton - who was successfully elected to the council - gave evidence in which she said she believed the donations were coming from Mr Robert personally, rather than any party-affiliated body. The $30,000 accounted for two-thirds of all the donations she received in her election bid. But it was not until she came to do her disclosure returns she realised they were listed as "LNP" and "Fadden" donations.

"I was confused," she said. "It prompted me to call Stuart and ask what's going on? What does this mean, I thought you were funding my campaign. And he said, no it's the Fadden Forum." Ms Boulton, who worked for Mr Robert for nearly nine years, said she made the decision to run and was not encouraged to do so by her then boss. She made a point of campaigning on her status as an independent, even though was a former member of the Liberal Party and regarded herself as a conservative LNP supporter. Nonetheless, her opponents claimed she was an LNP "hack" or "stooge". She conceded the LNP funding could make it appear to the public that her independence had been compromised. "I can see that now. I certainly will be paying more attention in future," she said. Perhaps I've been a little naive."

Ms Boulton says she still did not understand how the Fadden Forum worked, despite almost a decade in Mr Robert's office. But Mr Robert says it would be hard for anyone to work for him and not gain an understanding of how the body works. He also said he made it clear to both women that the money would come from the body, not him. "It would be hard to be in my office for such a long time and not understand," he said. "It's a discussion that gets a lot of airtime in my office" Mr Robert gave a rare insight into how the fundraising vehicle - which he has recently renamed simply as The Forum - operates, revealing it charges $1000 a month for membership. He says the fund - which he describes simple as a "segment" of the LNP's bank account - raises more than he could ever need for his own re-election races, with the rest going to general party coffers.

He organisers events himself, manages the database of members and has a bookkeeper come into his office regularly to handle receipts and invoices. Mr Robert is regarded as one of the party's most effective fundraisers. Mr Robert said he originally intended to give Ms Boulton and Ms Stevenson $25,000 but when the former asked for another $5000 he arranged it for both in the interests of "equity". "It's a bit like buying a toy for one child and not the other one," he said. Mr Robert admitted there was some confusion about how to fill in the council candidate's disclosure returns, with both women asking him and him seeking advice from the party. He described it as a "journey of discovery". He agreed that the confusion surrounding where the money was actually coming from had created an impression that the women had been compromised in some way.
Jasmine and Leo. There was good news for Jasmine and Leo though. The staff at Masada gave her some confidence in dealing with the baby. She learned to tell the difference between a grizzle and a cry. Now he is sleeping, goodness, 11 or 12 hours a night, plus two naps during the day of two hours each. You've read all the baby books. You've talked to your mum. Your friends from mothers' group have given you their tips. Then the baby arrives. And you have no freaking idea. Crying. Not sleeping. More crying. More not sleeping. You look in the mirror and all you see is a zombie face. You can't actually remember why you wanted to have this little baby in the first place.

The theory of being a mother could not be more different from the reality of being a mother. At six weeks, you are exhausted. At eight weeks, you wonder whether your nipples will survive. At 10 weeks, you are pretty sure you don't even love your baby. By 12 weeks, you are crying almost every time your baby cries. That's nearly all day, every day. And some kind friend, or maybe your GP, or maybe your mum, suggests you get help. Real help. They might mention Karitane. Or Tresillian. Or Masada. Somewhere to stop you from feeling the way you do. "Ava cried all the time. All the time. Other babies were happy and smiling and she was always crying. "She was one of those refluxy babies and she'd have a feed and then vomit it back over both of us."

Ava cried between 12 and 15 hours a day. Every day. The best thing for Kelly Cheung, mother of that crying refluxy Ava, now five, was going in to Tresillian and seeing that there were so many others who felt just like she did. Her Facebook feed was filled with smiling babies, peaceful mothers. "I found Tresillian to be useful for me because I could see other women struggling. We weren't the only ones in this situation." What actually are those places like Tresillian, Karitane and Masada? Places you can live with your baby for a few days and get real, practical advice. They are mostly described as "sleep schools" but these days, they are so much more. Most not only have expert mothercraft nurses but a whole range of services to help you get your self and your baby sorted. Paediatricians, psychologists, nutritionists.

There is a boarding cost for the parent/s which includes the accommodation and food and that's around $40 a day but may vary from place to place. The baby is admitted either under Medicare or under private health insurance. And in most instances, you need to be referred by a health professional, usually your GP. People with expertise who don't have all those crazy hormones flooding through their bodies. People who can look after your baby so you can get some joined-up sleeping time. And people who can help you navigate the tricky path for settling babies. Jasmine Glover says: "There's a lot of negative chatter about sleep schools." But it worked for her and Leo. "I love routine and Leo does too." Nick Hopwood, a researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, has spent years researching residential mother and baby programs. Last year he followed 15 families, and he tracked from their first contact with some of these services, such as Karitane, Tresillian, or Northern Sydney LHD. He interviewed them and the person working with them at the end of the program and then contacted the parents again several months later.

"In many cases there were really transformative, lasting outcomes: parents who felt helpless and hopeless now had a new understanding of their children and a diverse repertoire of strategies to respond to them in a loving way." But during his research in Tasmania this year, he also found some parents are terrified of services like these. They may have had negative experiences with child protection or safety services in the past. And they worry their children will be taken away. He says that the best result for mothers and babies is one where the professionals work in partnership with parents, "respectfully negotiating the way through with, with unconditional positive regard". So how did it pan out for Ava and Kelly? "[There were] no Tresillian miracles in our house - I've heard some people do get them but that didn't happen for us. On our return, she continued to cry herself to sleep - often up to three hours of crying, before exhaustion took over, during her day naps.
The assassination of underworld figure Wally Ahmad was abandoned a day early after his killers spotted the well-known criminal sitting near police, investigators believe.

Instead, the gunman and getaway driver returned to Bankstown Central on April 29, 2016 and successfully carried out the hit, possibly with the help of up to two other people.

As the high-profile and unsolved murder approaches its first anniversary, new detail about the level of planning that went into taking out the crime figure can be revealed.

A review of hours of CCTV from in and around the shopping centre has led police to believe the murder may have been planned for a day earlier.
As a primary school student, Bex could not understand why she was constantly overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness.

"You're meant to be playing with dolls and scraping your knees falling over in the playground, not feeling sad all the time," she said. "Those feelings don't make sense to a little kid."

Now 19, the art student from Chippendale has been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and dissociation.

With new research showing almost one in four young Australians are likely to have a serious mental health problem, she believes more open discussion is vital.
In around February 2016, Ms Michael started dating Mr Townsend, 26, who also had a tough reputation. Both men had been members of the Finks Bikie Club, and Mr Townsend had just been released from prison, Ms Michael said in a statement tendered to court.

But Mr Townsend, unlike Mr Floyd, was trying to turn his life about, she said. He had converted to Buddhism in prison and was trying to make a new start, she said.

When Mr Floyd discovered Ms Michael was in a relationship with Mr Townsend, he became upset, repeatedly calling and texting her, even at one point asking for sexual favours, Ms Michael said.

She said that three days before his death, Mr Townsend became aware of new messages and called Mr Floyd, demanding that he leave Ms Michael alone.

"As far as I now know, this was the lead-up to what eventually happened between Stuart and Lachie. I can honestly say I did not see it coming and never imagined it would get to this stage," Ms Michael said.
United Energy have got back to us about the power blackout overnight on the Mornington Peninsula.

The company is still investigating the cause but United Energy spokeswoman Samantha Porter says the problem is a feeder fault.

She says that Greg, the driver who saw a bright flash, while driving through Rosebud and Frankston before power went out is pretty much on the money.

"When a feeder fault happens there is often a loud bang and it looks like an explosion of electricity," Ms Porter said.

She said it is the effect of the electricity escaping. She said the zig-zag effect doesn't seem as likely.

The fault is at Hughesville and 14 Pearcedale properties remain without power. It is expected to be back on by 10.30am.
Take any morning train from one of the commuter towns outside Melbourne and you'll notice long periods of silence, and not just on the quiet carriages.

Poor mobile phone coverage has plagued V-Line commuters for years, with less than 50 per cent of the rail corridors receiving service. But the state government says it's making headway on an improvement plan.

Mobile reception is set to improve on V-Line train services. Credit:Paul Jeffers

Neglected rail corridors to Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Traralgon and Seymour will move up to 95 per cent coverage, according to a new deal struck between the Andrews government and a telecom consortium of Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.

The $18 million scheme announced on Tuesday will include the construction of 35 new mobile towers, due to be finished in 2018. Work has also already begun to retro-fit metal Vlocity carriages with a in-train technology that will boost existing signals.
Surprisingly, while the police had been saying "he can't be traced", he was Sunday night killed in his own house at Hajin

By Shuja-ul-Haq : The killing of Abdul Rashid Parray commonly known as Rashid Billa by unknown militants Sunday has reminded people about the notorious era of Ikhwan in Kashmir. Billa was a former renegade of the infamous counter-insurgent militia force that had emerged in 90s. Stories of their terror are still recounted by many in the Valley. Billa was counted as one of the prominent named in that group. Those who know about that time say that his name used to send shivers among local people. He and his gunmen have allegations of being involved in several extra-judicial killings, rape, abductions and loot during the counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir.

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Among many cases, the one which haunted Billa till the end was the serial murder of seven people in a single day in 1996. On October 5, 1996, a group of Ikhwani's led by Billa barged into Sadrekoot-Bala. They killed four members of a family, including women. Then in the next house they shot dead another person named Saif-u-Din Dar.

WHO KILLED BILLA?

They didn't stop there. Two more villagers fell to his bullets that day. These murders were reportedly carried out right in front of other villagers. All these killings were done just to take personal revenge. An FIR stands lodged but no arrest was made for 21 years. It was only last year when the victims knocked the doors of the J&K High Court that some action was seen. The court directed police to produce Billa but they said he was missing. The HC also passed directions to seize his properties.

Surprisingly, while the police had been saying "he can't be traced", he was Sunday night killed in his own house at Hajin. Billa's son Fayaz Ahmad Parray claimed his two neighbours, along with two other masked armed persons, had come to their residence Sunday and killed his father. "Two neighbours came to our house and asked us to open the gate. There were two other youths with them, who were not from here. Their faces were maskmasked and they were carrying guns," he said.

Also read: CRPF video: The story of overstretched soldiers who showed extreme restraint

Also read: Plastic bullets to replace pellet guns for stone-pelters in Kashmir

--- ENDS ---
For as long as he can remember, Seb Abbott has had robots on his mind.

The year 8 Lilydale Heights College student wants to pursue a career in robotics and spent the school holidays assembling humanoid robots at his local tech school.

He was joined by a handful of classmates who tinkered with tools and computers and followed the detailed instructions.

"It was a lot of fun," he said. "It was interesting to see how they moved."
Toronto: SWIFT, the global bank messaging system, on Monday advised clients to pay close attention to security when selecting firms to help them access the network following the release of data that suggested the US government sought to spy on their clients.

"Customers should pay close attention (to) their own security and take security into consideration when selecting a service bureau and working with other third-party providers," SWIFT, also known as the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, said in a press release published on its website.

Cyber security experts said the US National Security Agency sought to monitor messaging traffic by hacking into firms that helped banks use the SWIFT system. Credit:AP

A hacking group calling itself the Shadow Brokers on Friday released files that cyber security experts said suggest the US National Security Agency sought to monitor messaging traffic by hacking into the networks of two firms in the Middle East and Latin America known as service bureaus, which help SWIFT clients access SWIFT.

The NSA has not responded to requests for comment on the Shadow Brokers' release but the data dumped by the group prompted bank security teams to work over the Easter weekend to learn more about hacking operations described in the documents and better understand attack code released with the file dump.
Cold as ice: Theresa May announcing snap election. Credit:Getty It was all, she made clear, about Brexit - and the difference between its success, and its failure. "At this moment of enormous national significance, there should be unity here in Westminster," she growled. "But instead there is division. The country is coming together. But Westminster is not." Her eyes glittered like ice. She wasn't merely announcing an election. She was launching a coldly furious political attack. Labour, the Lib Dems, the SNP, "unelected Lords" - all of them, glowered Mrs May, were hampering the chances of a successful Brexit. They and their "game-playing" could "grind the business of government to a standstill", "jeopardise the work we must do", "weaken the Government's negotiating position". A contender for PM? Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn Credit:Getty They could even (she did not specify how) "endanger the security of millions of working people". As a result, an election was essential.

Indeed, more than that: a thumping Tory win was essential. Essential to prevent rival parties foiling Brexit. Essential to strengthen Mrs May's hand in her negotiations with the EU. Essential to "secure the strong and stable leadership the country needs to see us through Brexit". She could hardly have been more blunt. Brexit would only be a success if the Tories won handsomely on June 8. The alternative was "a weak and unstable coalition government" - giving power to MPs who longed to stop Brexit altogether. She called her announcement "a challenge to the opposition parties". Yet it also felt like a challenge to the public. Or even a threat. Vote Tory - or on your own head be it. You - not just Labour, the Lib Dems, the SNP and the traitorous Lords, but you, the ordinary voter - will have undermined the Brexit negotiations, and put the future prosperity of the nation at risk. Be warned. After eight minutes, she brought this startling performance to a halt. "Thank you," she muttered, and strode back into Number 10.

She had thrown down the gauntlet. Not just to her opponents - but to us all. Throughout Westminster, MPs from other parties found themselves besieged with microphones. Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, informed Sky News that on June 9 Jeremy Corbyn would be prime minister. "Even as I speak," she proclaimed, "Labour is uniting." This came as news to Paul Abbott, political correspondent for ITV. At that very moment, he reported, backbench Labour MPs were meeting in secret - behind Ms Abbott's back. What a meeting that must have been. Imagine the mood. On the one hand, relief - election defeat would surely end Mr Corbyn's leadership. On the other hand, despair - it would see many of them out of a job, too. And in the meantime, how on earth were they supposed to campaign? Nine months earlier, four-fifths of them had demanded Mr Corbyn step down. What were they going to say to voters now? "We think Jeremy Corbyn is useless. Make him prime minister!" Two Labour MPs - Alan Johnson (Hull West & Hessle) and Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland) - hit on a way to avoid that problem. They announced that they wouldn't be standing.
SUV Offensive: Citroen Reveals The New C5 Aircross at 2017 Shanghai Auto Show

SHANGHAI - April 18, 2017: Following the C-Aircross Concept presented at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, heralding the C3 Aircross SUV in Europe for the end of 2017, Citroen is continuing its offensive in the SUV segment with the global reveal of the new C5 Aircross. Targeting global markets, this SUV marks a new stage in the deployment of the Brands product strategy. The SUV trend has swept the world to account for almost one-quarter of global vehicle sales today. SUVs meet universal expectations in an aspirational and strong way, suggesting freedom and reassurance and relying on evocating and clearly defined markers, such as large wheels, muscled and protective design and this king-of-the-road feeling. Citroen gets into this trend that is bringing growth in every market in complete harmony with its own DNA.

Attentive to the expectations of customers who no longer want to sacrifice convenience to image alone, Citroen is paving the way for a new generation of SUVs with more personality and ease of use for all passengers while maintaining all the conventional cues. With this car directly inspired from the Aircross Concept unveiled two years ago in Shanghai, the Brand is once again demonstrating its capacity to make a statement of its unique identity and to renew established cues in any segment: Citroen offers here a real signature in the universe of SUVs.

DESIGN: A DYNAMIC AND ASSERTED SUV



A car with a strong personality, the C5 Aircross stands apart for its unique, dynamic and confident stance, both outside and inside. Robust, muscular exterior lines avoid aggressiveness through a strong overall balance reflected in the high bonnet, 2.73 m wheelbase, short overhang, and flowing organic lines with strong graphic features. C5 Aircross conveys a bold and comforting identity that is unique in this segment. Inside, it instantaneously provides a sense of power and space, thanks to its robust dashboard with a horizontal layout for greater width, its welcoming seats, its wide and tall central console, and its soft and warm materials enhancing the feeling of protection and comfort.

COMFORT: A UNIQUE SIGNATURE AMONG THE SUVS

Modern and innovating, and representing a significant step in the Citroen Advanced Comfort program, the new C5 Aircross changes the rules of the segment, thanks to its comfort and inside space. Taking advantage of the EMP2 platform, it delivers intelligence of architecture and well-being on board. To go further C5 Aircross is the first vehicle to be equipped with the new Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension, improving damping quality for an exceptional level of ride comfort, that is typically Citroen.

On board, it is a genuine invitation to travel for every passenger: the space is clear and full of light thanks to the opening panoramic sunroof, the front seats have heating and massage functions, the welcoming rear seats offer leading leg room, and the atmosphere is purified thanks to air quality treatment. Equipped with a clear and understandable 12.3 TFT digital cluster and a capacitive 8 HD touchscreen, C5 Aircross features an array of cutting-edge driving aids, including Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with a Stop function... Endowed with Grip Control and Hill Assist Descent Control to strike off the beaten path in complete safety, the C5 Aircross will also be the first Citroen available with PHEV plug-in hybrid technology.

Unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, the C5 Aircross will be launched in China in October 2017. It is scheduled to be launched in Europe at the end of 2018.
By Anusha Soni: After much controversy around the picture and video of a Kashmiri civilian being tied to a jeep and used as human shield against stone pelters, the top law officer of the government has defended the security forces move in Jammu and Kashmir.

Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, defending the security forces told India Today TV that "peculiar situations require peculiar measures". He further argued that it was the best move to ensure no lives were lost as there was heavy stone pelting.

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Recently former Chief Minister of J&K and National Conference Party President Omar Abdullah had tweeted a picture which led to the army initiating an enquiry into the matter. "If you talk about this specific case (of a man being tied to a jeep) several hundred people surrounded the polling booth which had about twenty people. These were officials from Election Commission, J&K Police and other security personnel. If hundreds of people surround a polling booth, God knows what will happen," said Rohatgi.

THE KASHMIRI WHO WAS TIED SPEAKS

When questioned on the legality and various restrictions under the international convention, Rohatgi added "Booth and elections are a symbol of democracy. In this situation an SOS was sent to the army, a major was also sent. The move was the best way to diffuse the situation."

The man who was seen tied to the army jeep has been identified as Farooq Dar. He has refuted to be part of any stone pelting and said he was in fact out to cast his vote. Dar was tied to a jeep as the army moved into the village along with a convoy of jawans and some polling staff officials.

Also read: Viral video shows Kashmiri youth tied to the front of moving army jeep

Also read: Kamal Haasan on heckling of CRPF jawans in Kashmir: Shame on those who dare touch my soldiers

Also read: Kashmir: Valley begins to settle post Srinagar bypoll chaos; schools reopen, train services resume

--- ENDS ---
The plastic bullets will be used in place of the pellet guns in Kashmir Valley for crowd control.

By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Security forces in Kashmir Valley, under flack for use of force against civilians, have now been provided with plastic bullets. Largely untested, the new methodology is to have a non-penetrative mechanism for crowd control in trouble torn Valley.

The plastic bullet is aimed to reduce collateral damage, an option which was discussed even by the 7-member committee formed by the MHA to find alternative options to pellet guns. Sources said that as per the standard operating procedure, tear gas, PAVA shells and plastic bullets would be used before using pellet guns in the non-lethal category.

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A top officer of the MHA said, "We have conformed to highest standard by going with options mentioned in UN Pre-deployment Training (PDT) standard list. Our aim is to prevent any civilian casualty and minimise collateral damage."

According to sources, the non-lethal options were drawn by a committee from the list of non-lethal weapons approved by UN Peacekeeping PDT Standards report of 2015. However, the PAVA, as per sources, were tweaked after initial complaints which included late release of chemicals, use of metal giving stone-pelters time to either throw the PAVA back or cover it with cloth, making shells ineffective. The BSF Takenpur factory, which worked on PAVA, ensured there were perforations so that enough chemicals are released, metal holders were replaced with plastic which generated heat releasing chemicals immediately and a soft nozzle which gave it the precision.

PAVA (Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide) is a chilli-based ammunition that immobilises the target temporarily.

However, the ministry sources said that since safety of civilians was a key concern, other active non-lethal options available were using skunk water, laser dazzle and tazer guns. The trouble, however, is to find whether such chemicals are available in India, though the method has been used effectively by Israel against Palestinians.

Meanwhile, thousands of plastic bullets have been produced and sent to Kashmir Valley for use by law enforcement agencies, sources said. The plastic bullets are non-penetrative and can be fired from INSAS rifles.

Also read: Universities, colleges and higher secondary schools to remain shut in Kashmir today

Also read: Plastic bullets to replace pellet guns for stone-pelters in Kashmir

--- ENDS ---
CLEVELANDSoon after he shot 74-year-old Robert Godwinwho was walking down the street and picking up cans after eating Easter Sunday dinner with his familySteve Stephens posted video to Facebook of the murder that he just committed.

Then he kept posting his personal reasoning for his deranged behavior, explanations showed that there was a deep anger within this man that suddenly snapped.

I fucked up, he said, with little emotion on his face. Im at the point where I snapped I got a lot of built up anger and frustration.

All my life, Stephens continued, Ive been a monster.

Related: Facebook Killer Commits Suicide After Cop Chase

That line by the man now known as the Facebook Killer was shocking to many who heard him say it on social media, but not so much so for Tony Henderson. He lived across the street from Stephens for decadesthat line that this man was a monster didnt seem that crazy. The kid always seemed somewhat out there, Henderson said.

I never quite understood that kid through his entire life, because on some days he would talk to you, and then on others he would be mean and staring at you and very quiet, Henderson said. Its not like he was running around the street scaring old people when he was a teenager, but what he did on Easter Sunday doesnt surprise me.

On the Monday after the shooting that was getting worldwide attention, Henderson was cleaning up the vacant property next to his house, which is directly across the street from Stephenss mothers home. Police in two cars were staked out on the street to keep media and angry residents from causing trouble for the killers family. But for Henderson, 55, what he saw on television shows and online media reporting over the past day made more sense to him than most anyone.

How can I put this? he said, as he paused. That kid was not normal as we as normal people know it from the beginning. He was in his early teens when the family moved in there, and I was in my late twenties, but I could see something wasnt right. He was smart, but some days he seemed OK with talking to people on the street, but on other days he was staring off into space with a blank face. He was very up and down.

Then Henderson told a somewhat disturbing story.

He asked me to come in and see his pet bird, so I went in their house. He had a parakeet and he had that bird crawl from the cage and on to his finger. Then he slapped the bird as hard as he could with his other hand, and the bird was lying on the floor. The bird looked dead to me. I looked at him and he was smiling and laughing as he looked at me and that bird.

Hey, animals dont make you weird like that, Henderson said. He was that way before he got that bird. Heard he used to torture other pets he had. He was like that from the time I first met him.

An aggravated murder warrant has been issued, and police said early Monday that Stephens may have fled Ohio. Police warned residents of Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana, and Michigan to be on the lookout. The FBI is providing assistance to the Cleveland police and taking over the national manhunt. A $50,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his whereabouts.

Stephens has a valid concealed-carry gun permit, Cleveland police said at a news conference Monday morning. Police Chief Calvin Williams said guns were seized from a home in the city of Twinsburg, a suburb of Cleveland, that is listed in court records as the home occupied by Stephens and his girlfriend at the time, Joy Lane. Williams said he was unsure how many guns were seized and whether they were registered to Stephens.

Though Stephens also said on Facebook postings that his need to kill people came because of a breakup with Lane (who treats youths with various mental disorders for a company different from the one Stephens works for), it appears he might have been having more problems with his fiancee. The Cleveland Plain-Dealer reported that Stephens had been evicted from his suburban apartment this past January for failure to pay rent. Five months before that, he had been evicted from another suburban apartment complex, and the property-management company successfully sued him and began garnishing wages from his paycheck.

Stephens had also declared personal bankruptcy in January 2015, according to the report, and at that time, Stephens said he had worked for Beech Brook, a suburban-based social-services agency for six years. He declared his annual salary to be about $28,800, but his wages were also facing garnishment then as well, for unpaid credit-card debt that he had been sued over in court for.

In another Sunday Facebook posting, Stephens talked of his financial issues, blaming some of it on Clevelands Jack Casino, Ohios first casino, which opened in 2012.

The past years been really [expletive] up for me, Stephens said. You know, being with [his ex-girlfriend] drove me crazy, started making me gamble. I lost everything. I lost everything I have. I dont have shit. Im out of options.

Besides the craziness of this murderan employed man shooting an elderly man randomly and then posting it for all to see on social mediais how this murder does not fit in with all the other murders in Cleveland in recent years. There were 136 murders in the Cleveland in 2016, the highest number in 10 years. This high number of murders, despite the fact that Cleveland lost about 10 percent of its population (about 43,000) during those 10 years, has been linked to the citys high poverty rate. Based upon 2016 figures, Clevelands poverty rate of 34.7 percent is the 11th highest in the country among cities of at least 65,000 people.

Many of the murders in Cleveland are driven by gangs, which themselves are partly blamed on high inner-city unemployment. One of the most violent and powerful gangs has the ironic name Heartless Felons. In some of these killings, children lost their lives because they were playing in a park or on a front lawn when the killers drove by.

The street on which Godwin was killed ends at Interstate 90 about five miles east of downtown. It is an odd place to do a killing, given its off-the-beaten path and abutting a crowded highway. I dont think there is any rhyme or reason for this happening, Clevelands police chief said at the press conference Monday.

For those living on that street, the killing was not only horrific to see, but so bizarre that many are still shaking their heads. Thea, a 25-year-old who lives directly across the street from where Godwin died, said her family had about 20 people coming over for East Sunday dinner. The killing, which happened at about 2 p.m. Sunday, occurred about a half hour before people started to arrive.

This is a quiet street, said Thea, who didnt want her last name used. It ends at the freeway. So no one usually drives their cars down here because it is hard to turn around and get out.

But it was so weird, she continued. My mom was outside talking to our neighbor, and they were just doing what moms do, talking about the recipes they had cooked, and then both went back in their houses. About one minute after she came in, we heard a gun pop and went outside and saw that old man lying dead on the sidewalk right across the street from our house.

What would have happened if they were out there one minute later? Thea asked. He might have just shot that man and my mom and the neighbor, too. Thats all Ive been thinking about. How my mom might have been killed, too.
The villagers have also decided to impose a fine of Rs 11,000 on anyone who is found drunk from the Gujjar community.

By Hemender Sharma: Over 70 Gujjar villages in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh have pledged to impose complete prohibition of alcohol. The pledge was taken in the presence of Hairi Giri Maharaj-- a highly revered seer of the Gujjar community--on Sunday. The villagers have also decided to impose a fine of Rs 11,000 on anyone who is found drunk from the community. Also the villagers have decided to impose a fine of Rs 51,000 on any found indulging in the liquor trade.

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Anyone from outside the Gujjar community would, however, not be bound by the pledge. Neither would fines be imposed on anyone from outside the community.

The decision by the Gujjars in Morena to practice self imposed prohibition has come at a time when the state chief minister has announced implementation of ban on the sale of liquor in a phased manner.

The chief minister was forced to announce the phased implementation of prohibition after the clamour for ban on sale of liquor rose from various parts of the state.

It all started with the Supreme Court directive to ban sale of liquor within 500 meters of national and state Highways. The government tried to subvert the Supreme Court decision by denitrifying state and national highways. However, when it was not possible an attempt was made to relocate liquor shops outside the 500 meter boundary.

The villagers have decided to impose a fine of Rs 51,000 on any found indulging in the liquor trade.

"People could see through the government design and started protesting against relocation of liquor shops that were actually being shifted to residential areas. After the liquor lobby and the administration collided to subvert the protests, people demanded complete prohibition and the completely unorganised protests assumed the shape of a state-wide campaign against sale of liquor," said Dipti Singh of the Congress who is leading the campaign for prohibition in Bhopal.

MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had earlier announced ban on the sale of liquor within 500 meters of the banks of the river Narmada but had stopped short of announcing a complete ban saying, no new liquor shops would be opened in the state.

The liquor lobby has not taken kindly to the protests and have met the district administrators in various parts of the state. In Indore, the liquor traders have alleged that the politicians were blackmailing and extorting money from them by threatening protests.

In Vidisha, liquor traders have met the district administration demanding back their earnest money saying it was difficult to do business in the prevailing environment.

--- ENDS ---
Ten days after Tomi Lahren sued Glenn Beck and TheBlaze for wrongful termination, the right-wing media mogul and his network countersued Lahren, saying she is actually still employed by the company and that she has been nothing short of a nightmare employee.

Lahren quickly made herself into one of the most divisive people in media both to the general public and within TheBlaze organization, reads the lawsuit, filed Monday in a Texas court. Her claims are baseless.

The 24-year-old firebrand hosted a primetime commentary show for the Beck startupoften generating outrage for her pro-Trump rants about Muslims, Black Lives Matter, and liberal snowflakesuntil last month when finally went too far by expressing pro-choice opinions to The View.

Lahrens show was subsequently suspended, her Facebook platform silenced, and a vicious media war has ensued between both parties.

Lahren claimed she was fired for her speech, but Beck and TheBlazes attorneys say the company simply invoked a standard pay or play option where she gets paid while not appearing on their broadcast. Appearing on ABCs Nightline, Lahren indirectly pleaded with Beck: Let me go. Let me move on, adding that she feels lost after having her show and social media stripped from her.

TheBlaze, however, pointed to their claim that the network created her Facebook account and that they didnt take it away from herits theirs to keep.

As for Lahrens claim that her pro-choice views were the cause of her shows demise, the lawsuit claims she had become a problem for the network long before she ever came out in favor of legal abortion on national television.

Lahren allegedly treated her shows stage crew in an inappropriate and unprofessional manner and constantly complained about the production. Additionally, the lawsuit claims, Lahrens word choices on air had to be addressed repeatedly for bordering on the profane.

Advertisers allegedly reported that Lahren was difficult to work with and that their advertisements performed poorly on her show, the suit adds. And Lahrens incendiary, emotion-driven approach to content creation often turned off Lahrens colleagues, advertisers, and viewers.

Among the other allegations leveled against Lahren: she caused a human-resources hubbub by refusing to work one of the networks two full-time makeup artists; was overheard complaining about TheBlaze, claiming she would one day own the network; and violated her contract by publicly disclosing her network-provided wardrobe budget.

Finally, the lawsuit asserts, Lahren embarrassed the company and many of its staff and other personalities because her statements [on abortion] were uninformed and inconsistent. Her commentswhich were contradictory of her own previous statements on the subjectoffended the networks predominantly conservative audience and therefore reflected negatively on TheBlazes reputation.

The network seeks a court ruling declaring Lahren remain under contract at TheBlaze, an injunction against her for breach of contract, and a restraining order against her making any public appearances or statements without TheBlazes approval.
Groundhog Day on Broadway is having something of a Groundhog Day. This is not the first time that a musical on Broadway has become known more for all the song-and dance around it than the song-and-dance within it. Witness the injuries, technical snafus, and backstage drama that plagued Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark in 2010: a show where audiences went to see what could possibly go wrong during a performance.

On Friday night, this reporter was there when the star of Groundhog Day, the Olivier Award-winning and Tony-nominated performer Andy Karl, suffered a nasty injury onstage; and this after a set of preview performances marred by hitches around a technically-complex sequence involving a life-size model car and puppeteers commandeering toy-size cars.

This is not an exact stage replica of the 1993 movie starring Bill Murraysadly missing is the scene when weatherman Phil Connors kidnaps Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog, determined to kill them both. But we are never left in any doubt that Phil has reached the end of his tether having to live out the same day over and over again in a small Pennsylvania town, haunted by the specter of the squirrel-like creature who mocks him at every turn.

Karl already won the Best Actor in a Musical award at the Olivier Awards in Londonthe U.K. equivalent of the Tonyswhere the show itself won Best New Musical; its New York transfer should have capped these impressive laurels. But it has become an altogether more fraught run.

On Saturday, the shows matinee was canceled, while on Saturday night Karls stand-in, Andrew Call, stood in for him. Then on Monday, at a special opening night performance scheduled to begin at 5.59pmGroundhog Day for Connors begins at 5:59 a.m. every morningKarl returned to the stage to perform the show, and so this reporter went to see him do it all over again. (Even covering Groundhog Day has become a meta exercise.)

The question was whether the injury, which Karl has said was a tweak to his kneebut which looked dreadfully painful as he bravely carried on performing on Friday nightwas finally healed. Can Groundhog Day the musical escape its Groundhog Day curse?

Karl has torn his ACL, he revealed in an Instagram post before curtain-up on Monday. The high celebrity quotient and theatre power players present on Monday (Jesse Eisenberg and Michael Bloomberg among them) meant the opening night show began around twenty minutes late. When Karl appeared, the roar was pretty darn loud and he was limping, but it didnt initially look too painful. One sensed off stage there were many ice packs and a lot of Advil.

Right from the start, Karls Phil is very different from Murrays. Hes still the big-city weatherman dreading having to go to Punxsutawney to cover the annual groundhog festival. It is here, on February 2nd, a groundhog called Phil is said to predict the start of spring. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be another six weeks of winter weather; if he does not, then spring will come early.

Murray has an in-built comic mordancy to him which makes Groundhog Day the movie such a joy. He is almost a walking eye-roll. He had it in Ghostbusters, where it provided a bracing corrective to the broader comedy and action of that movie.

Karl does not have that same laconic impatience and archness. Instead, hes smarmy, scowling, snappy, and sarcastic about having to do the gig, and having to be around these annoying smalltown people.

He is alsoas a large Broadway stage demands in such circumstancesa bawdier comic performer than Murray, and this is an intensely kinetic stage version, as you might expect as it is overseen by the production team behind Matilda: The Musical (directed by Matthew Warchus, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, scenic and costume design by Rob Howell, choreography by Peter Darling, and illusions by Paul Kieve).

Technically, the show is a lot more stimulating to watchwith its set of jostling and upside-down houses to convey an upside-down kind placethan its far too dragged-out and circular story.

Warchuss directing challenge is to have the same day repeat itself, and yet advance the performance. Just as in the movie, there are quick cuts as we see the same situation played out on consecutive occasions. Phils multiple suicides (which always result in him waking up again as if nothing happened) are turned into visual gag-lines, just as in the film, and are a great testament to Kieves skills: we see Phil kill himself on one part of the stage, only to appear a split-second later on another. (The lady next to me gripped my arm and asked, How did they do that?)

The excellent Barrett Doss as Rita Hanson, Phils put-upon producer, makes more of a thankless role than Andie MacDowell bought to it. Shes thorny, funny, challenging, and more than Phils match when it comes to not taking his nonsense. Warchus briskly evokes the continually doomed-to-failure attempts Phil makes to seduce Rita, which end with a range of slaps and dismissals due to his crassness.

The songs, wittily scored and composed, can also be curious, especially Playing Nancy, sung by Nancythe attractive woman in town Phil uses the glitch in time to have sex withand which interrogates the supposed indignities of being a sexy woman. Its better to be leered at than be ignored, Nancy sings. Really? Really? She is as used by the musical as she is by all the men who have demeaned her.

The problem with Groundhog Day remains Phil, who is so relentlessly unpleasant you dont really care to spend a lot of musical time with him. You also dont care that he must live this endless day over and over again: the curse seems more than appropriate. You dont root for the romance between him and Rita either, because she can do so much better. The staging rather than the story is the anchor for the evening here.

Karls performing courage on Monday added inestimably to his performance overall. How will he do this eight performances a week? As Mondays performance continued, his limp became more pronounced. The lady next to me noted how much pain he seemed to be in. Can he carry on like this without doing real injury, I wondered. Thats the questionfor Tony nominations and beyond.

Through Mondays performance Karl gingerly negotiated the more physically demanding moments, and you winced for him when he had to kneel or drop and get up from the ground.

Phils escape from Groundhog Day is to acknowledge love, and become a halfway decent human beinga Christmas Carol relocated to Pennsylvania. Phil is only saved, and time can only move on again, when he becomes less of a jerk.

This embracing of convention which Groundhog Day ultimately proposes is wrapped in a familiar redemption story. Yet the best things about Groundhog Day the musical are when the strangeness of the town, and Phils extreme, snarled responses to it, are left on full, jangling boil. The musical is less convincing when it muffles itself to niceness; and it meanders far too lackadaisically to a conclusion.

But at its center is Karl, a newly-minted Broadway hero, bravely performing through his pain. The question is, can he do this without hurting himself further, and should the producers let him: human costs versus performing costs.

Karl fist-pumped the air, and the audience roared, at the end of the opening night show. He deserved the applause, and one can only marvel at his bravura determination, but one also hopes that Karl has calmer heads advising him about the best thing to do for his long-term health. The drama for Groundhog Day may be far from over.

Groundhog Day is at the August Wilson Theatre, 245 West 52nd Street, NYC. Book tickets here.
For ten years, Neha Rastogi says, she was abused by her husband, Abhishek Gattani. But despite her recordings recording some of that abuse, the Santa Clara District Attorneys office let him plead no contest to offensive touching and felony accessory after the fact and agreed to a deal in which he would serve less than two full weeks in jail. Here is Rastogis full statement, as written, that she read aloud while Judge Allison Marston Danner was on vacation, asking her to change the terms of the prosecutors deal:

Your honor,

I appreciate this opportunity given to me to speak about my abuse at the hands of Abhishek Gattani, I thank for this time given to me to voice my concerns, and requests to you and this court in the case of People vs. Abhishek Gattani. I apologize that my statement is a bit long but I've been effectively silenced since the day I married Abhishek and now throughout these criminal court proceedings and this is my one and only chance to speak  so please bear with me.

First Id like to bring to your attention a few facts, which I feel, have not been considered in this case while coming up with the plea deal granted to and accepted by Mr. Gattani.

1. I had been married to Abhishek Gattani for 10 years, and being battered by him for the entire duration. He hit me, multiple times during each incident on my face, arms, head, belly, pulled my hair and abused me and called me a bitch, whore, slut, bastard and much more in my language. Towards the last 4 years of our marriage he brainwashed me into admitting that I was a complete disgrace to him and the family we built and that if he was in my place, he would commit suicide out of shame, in other words telling me to commit suicide. He also started to threaten to kill me and when I expressed fear or feeling unsafe with him he called it my self inflicted depression. He was probably a few days away from killing me when I got out of this dangerous and abusive marriage  I had started getting my will done, my life insurance done, in other words started to prepare our childs future once he kills me. I even mentioned to him that what if this happen to our child if this happens and he said I will not leave you, I will kill you and then kill myself, our child (not mentioning her name here) is collateral damage. Abhishek  she is NOT collateral damage - She is the best thing that happened between us and will remain so.

2. Finally on 1st July 2016, I reported abuse to the authorities. Abhishek Gattani was arrested once before on 30 November 2013, as he was beating me punching me in the head and grabbing me from the neck, out in the open (on the street) when our mailman reported his abuse. He was convicted for this violence against me in this very court in 2014. His first arrest on felony battery charge was reduced to misdemeanor  disturbing the peace on account of POSSIBLE immigration consequences. The same reason being given by his defense attorney Mr. Paez (who I hired for Abhishek during the first case), this time around to enable reduction and leniency in the plea deal offered to this serial aggressor. I helped Abhishek escape a harsher punishment, because, being from India, I did not know better, I did not understand the American criminal justice system and above all I hoped like a fool that this might bring some change in him.

3. He was also required to take a 52-week anger management class as part of his previous sentence.

4. This time around there is evidence in the form of audio and video clips which clearly show and prove that Abhishek was hitting me (repetitively hitting me on the face and body), there are videos of him threatening to stab me 45 times and many of these videos show this abuse towards and happening in the presence of our then 2.5 year old child. There is also evidence in the form of pictures of bruises obtained from these beatings. There is also evidence of his parents confirming (over a video recording) to his physical abuse against them (both father and mother) as well as Abhisheks younger sister.

5. Abhishek and I have a now ~3.5 year old daughter together who has been exposed to and has been impacted from, his abusive  aggressive behavior.

YH, this is the second time his abuse towards me has been reported to the state, but it is not the second time he has committed these crimes. Our child (3.5 years now) and I have taken many years of abuse, of which 3 years of abuse post his conviction in the matter from 2013. I hoped that he could change his ways and that I could give a complete family to our child. That hope died on 30th June 2016 and I reported his violent abuse towards our daughter and me on July 1st of 2016.

In these past few months I have tried come to terms with the fact that the man I married  the father of my child  is a horrible human being, and didn't deserve my care or respect or love and now, he doesnt deserve another second of my mental space given the 10 years I have already wasted on him. He was a mistake and now I need to move on... but I find it difficult to move on when I feel wronged by the DA's office and this court. Honestly I feel fooled not just by a convicted criminal, aggressor, wife beater, batterer, that I unfortunately married - the worst mistake of my life but by this court as well. With all due respect to the system... I stand FOOLED, disgraced and ridiculed as a victim.

I wanted to speak up at the last hearing as well, but I was told today is the right time to do so. Honestly I am not sure why is it so, as it seems it's all done... what's the point of me speaking up now? I get heard to be ignored? to be told that the system understands the abuse and the impact it has had on our child and me but sorry it is what it is. I was told no jail, no classes, no penalties can change Mr Gattani. Is this the faith the DAs office and the court have in the justice being provided in this court? Is that the reason for leniency in such cases? Have we given up on justice? Is that the thinking behind giving him a charge which honestly doesnt add up to his crime AT ALL? I am no attorney but I can read and understand English. When I look up the charge: Felony  Accessory after the fact it means: Someone who assisted another 1) who has committed a felony, 2) after the person has committed the felony, 3) with knowledge that the person committed the felony, and 4) with the intent to help the person avoid arrest or punishment.

Please help me understand how is this a charge appropriate to the crimes he has himself admitted to in this very court. By taking the plea deal he has admitted to hitting me, he has admitted to threatening to kill me, he has admitted that he hit me and mentally tortured me throughout my pregnancy and his abuse resulted in me making multiple trips to the ER even as late as 8 months into my pregnancy. Please advise me how does accessory after the fact apply to a criminal like him? Who was he assisting while torturing me  who is that criminal, because if it wasnt him shouldnt this court be searching for that person. Please let me assure you as a victim of his abuse, you need to look no further  HE did it. His charge should be Felony  battery with the intent to harm if not kill.

The second charge on him is a Misdemeanor  offensive touching? I didnt even need to look this one up, as it made me laugh when then I realized that I was laughing at myself, I was the joke here. Offensive touching!!! Please explain me is it offensive touching when a 8 month pregnant women is beaten and then forced to stand for the entire night by her husband, is it offensive touching when a mother nursing her 6 day old child is slapped on her face by her husband because he thinks she is not latching properly with the child, is it offensive touching when a women is flung to the floor and repetitively kicked in her belly, is it offensive touching when a women is slapped 9 times by her husband until she agrees to everything he is saying and then gets hit again for not agreeing with it sooner  is it offensive touching - I call it terrorism  Thats how I felt  terrorized and controlled held hostage by the fear of pain, humiliation and assault on my being and my daughters.

I feel disgraced by the charges  3 years of abuse towards our child and 10 years of abuse towards me has equated to 15 days of his life in jail. The system has shown me that concerns over Abhisheks immigration status has completely trampled rights of my daughter and my own. How is it that this is the second time he has been convicted of Domestic Violence and this is the charge.

Between the prosecution and defense, I've been marginalized and honestly insulted. What I have suffered at Abhishek's hands has become insignificant in favor of considerations for Abhishek's job, immigration status. What about our child, what about me? We both experienced domestic violence from Abhishek, yet our voices cannot reach the authorities. The plea deal given to him is not punishment for his doings rather an encouragement for continuing his ways, with just one lesson to be learnt by him  to keep it under the covers next time and that he should silence the next victim and not just control her. He was shown leniency by this court in his previous case, but the same shown this time around, stands no basis. Seriously, how many chances does a grown up, educated, CEO of a tech startup need to understand that he is not to hit anyone or else he will have consequences like going to jail, or even being deported.

This person preys on the mere perception of weakness and thats what the system is exhibiting today. Multiple times in the past, Mr Gattani would come back home from Cuberon, his startup, after having an argument with his co-founder and tell me, you and my co-founder (who shall remain unnamed) are the same  lazy, empty promise makers, Positive fools, with no results. I cant trust him. Mr Gattani, had the same remarks about friends and even successful, accomplished people as the main investors in his very startup just because they would show empathy and not aggression when approaching a challenging situation, calling them free loaders and lucky by being at the right place at the right time. Who is the free loader today if not him, and who is offering this leniency  the judicial system. This to him isnt equality or rights but sign of weakness, which he takes advantage of. He has physically and mentally tortured his parents, his sister, his wife and now his 2.5 yr old daughter too  all because he looked at our values and morals and care for him as a sign of weakness, which he could misuse. He named our strength as our weakness and continuously took advantage of it. He will do the same here and I stand terrified of the consequences of that as a mother, as again a future victim and for all those who he would prey on in the times to come.

I am appalled by the sentence he is getting.

I believe justice will come to him, if not through this court then by God's decree on account of his doings but I do stand disappointed here as a law abiding citizen of the most powerful country in the world, feeling unprotected and ridiculed by a CRIMINAL who is here pleading guilty for the same crimes committed against the same victim in just 3 years of the first REPORTED incident while ON probation.

The reason I speak out now, is that, no anger management classes can help a man who doesnt think he did anything wrong when he HIT and ABUSED others to control them, once someone escapes their guilt the only thing that stops them is serious consequences  which is a rightful conviction. I see that the defense council has requested his felony charge to be reduced to a misdemeanor in the future. This is the same criminal who has already fooled the system for 3 years after being convicted for the same crimes. I can almost confirm he will do the same again.

I believe in God and I will pray that we don't come back here in this very situation because this court was lenient with this convicted felon with a criminal history... I pray that I am proven wrong as peace is cheap at such cost... but if I am proven right this moment will stand very dark and very heavy in the minds of all of us who could have done something to stop that from happening.

I dont understand the legal proceedings but I do seriously object to his request for getting to serve county jail post completion of the 5 month sheriffs program. Is this a joke?. This criminal is asking for a chance to wrap up his business???? Really are we enrolling him in a spa of giving him a punishment for abusing his wife and child for 10 years. We are looking for the convenience of this felon who forced me multiple times to resign from my job (all recorded and provided as evidence) or else he will continue his abuse in front of our then 2.5-year-old child and not allow her to go to sleep  this leniency for a person of his morals and virtues?

I cannot articulate my despair at this treatment of his crimes. Its as if we are giving him a slap on his wrist because he got caught  this is barely any consequence for him for ruining the childhood of our daughter and the 10 best years of my life. I believe you as the judge in this case have the power to rethink what is being given away here in the name of equal rights. Rights come with consequences too. I believe you have the power to stop any further leniency then already being given to him by the DAs office. I believe you have the power to restore some faith in my heart that I wasnt completely made a fool of, by this criminal and the judicial system.

I request you the following:

1. no jail credits are given to him and he serves full sentence of 30 days in county jail (CJ),

2. he be arrested today and made to serve his CJ sentence from right now; and

3. his Felony charge NEVER be reduced to a misdemeanor.

I request this to you knowing fully well that YOU have the power to do so . Rest, please do what you think is right and would help you sleep tonight.

Once again, thank you for this opportunity to state the facts and voice my disappointment. Thank you for listening to me everyone.
Stephen Colbert takes one week off and President Donald Trump decides to bomb Syria . Or was it Iraq?

Obviously, when youre bombing another country, thats a decision that you take very seriously, the Late Show host said in his first monologue back from break Monday night. So he did it in the Situation Room will all available intel. Colbert took a pause before adding, Im just kidding.

As we later found out from a hard-hitting interview with Fox Business host and noted Trump booster Maria Bartiromo, Trump shared news of the strike with Chinese leader Xi Jinping over the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake imaginable. When did you bomb those people, before dessert? Colbert asked, mocking Bartiromo. Whats the proper wine pairing with a cruise missile?

Yes, they were eating beautiful chocolate cake, classic war story, Colbert added, before imagining Winston Churchill eating sweets while preparing the British people for World War II. But worse than his focus on the cake was Trumps assertion that he had sent 59 Tomahawk missiles to Iraq. Bartiromo had to correct him, saying that the missiles went to Syria.

Whoopsie-bobsies, oopsie-cadabera! Colbert said in response. I got the wrong country. Hey, its adorable. Before the next war starts, he suggested South Korea break out the spray paint and tag The Good Korea (do not bomb) where Trump can see it.
The man Fresno, California police say killed three people in a shooting spree Tuesday railed against white devils online and talked about destroying the white mans world.

Kori Ali Muhammad, 39, was arrested by police outside Catholic Charities in central Fresno. Muhammads alleged victims were white men, including a fourth person who shot but is expected to survive. Last week, police say Muhammad was responsible for killing a security guard at a local motel.

Muhammad reportedly yelled out Allahu Akbar when he was tackled by police on Tuesday, but Police Chief Jerry Dyer said it was too early to say if Muhammads bloodshed was motivated by terrorism.

Certainly by the statement that was made it would give that indication, Dyer told reporters. Im not certain why he said what he said today.

Muhammad does not appear to be Muslim, according to his Facebook page, but rather an adherent of a fringe religious movement called the Moorish Science Temple. (Baton Rogue cop-killer Gavin Long was also an adherent.)

Dyer said Muhammad fired 16 shots within a one-minute span from a .357 revolver outfitted with speed loaders. (The shots were detected by sensors that instantly alerted authorities to four different locations, he said.)

We have not located that firearm at this point, Dyer said, noting that ATF and FBI agents were working with local authorities to track it down and run a check on its history.

Kori Muhammed walked up and fired into a PG&E truck at around 10:45 a.m., Dyer said. The shots struck a passenger in the truck. The driver sped away to police headquarters where he told cops what happened.

Muhammad then walked westbound toward Mildreda Street, according to Dyer, and encountered a resident in the area before he fired a number of rounds at that individual, but fortunately missed.

The gunman then paced towards Fulton Street where he fatally fired several rounds at another white male.

Muhammad then dropped the shell casings and reloaded with more ammunition at a nearby bus stop, Dyer said. Muhammad then made his way to Catholic Charities on North Fulton Street and when he spotted another white male in the parking lot. Dyer said Muhammad fired rounds at that individual, striking him; and that individual is deceased.

One policeman who arrived at scene positively identified Muhammad as the same man wanted for an April 13 murder at a local Motel 6, Dyer said. Muhammad also allegedly pulled a .357 caliber gun on two unarmed security guards, fatally shooting one of them multiple times. That victim Carl Williams died at the scene, according to The Fresno Bee. The other guard gave chase and was not shot. (Muhammads weapon was tossed, Dyer said.)

Dyer said Muhammad will likely be charged with four counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder between the two incidents. (The victims have not been publicly identified.)

Police researched Muhammads Facebook account and found he has some posts that says that he does not like white people, Dyer said, adding he also expressed some anti-government sentiments.

In one video, Muhammad looks into the camera and sings:

You may not want to destroy the white mans world, but we still do.

On a series of homemade videos published on YouTube as recently as last month, Muhammad rapped about fighting white people.

Police on my line cuz I bring that heat, he sang in one video.Im a black power rebel, fuck a white devil.Time to unite take flight on these devils.Their time is up time to take to another level.

In another track titled I Can See, Muhammad wears camouflage and makes a gun with his hand, points to the camera, and says, Mess around and Ill spray ya.

Muhammad made multiple statements on Facebook indicating his adherence to the Moorish Science Temple of America. Its believers share few beliefs in common with mainstream Muslimsin fact, the holy text of the Moorish Science Temple is a re-worked Koran where black nationalist Marcus Garvey appears as one of Islams prophets.

In many selfies, Muhammad refers to the lost found Asiatic black nation. It is an apparent reference to the Moorish Temples teachings where black people are part of a great Moorish, Asiatic race. Moorish Temple teachings tried to re-cast blacks in an Asiatic light in an effort to alleviate white racism.

In some Facebook photos, Muhammad shows Wallace Fard Muhammad, a co-founder of the Nation of Islam. Fard Muhammad is destroying these grafted white devil skunks, according to Muhammads overlaid text. Muhammad also refers to Fard Muhammad as the Mahdi or Islamic Messiah.

Muhammad was previously known as Cory Taylor, according to public records and his own social media.

For the record in 1994 while in high school my biology teacher confirmed that white people are grafted from Black People and that by the law of genetics white people only have recessive genes and cannot produce no other color, confirming my question about the origin of the white race taught by The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, Muhammad wrote in a rambling 2015 Facebook post. [M]y history teacher was very supportive of my decision to join the Nation of Islam and also pushed for my high school diploma to read Cory X Taylor.

Chief Dyer said Muhammads prior criminal history includes making terrorist threats, weapons violations, drugs, and false imprisonment. Muhammad may have ties to gangs, Dyer added, though he was recently homeless.

At one [Muhammad] point had posted on his Facebook that he was actually in Atlanta, Dyer said. We found out that to not be true.
Like many people I know, Amy Bohner has a bunch of bagels in her freezer. But these bagels are not destined for the breakfast table, nor will they ever get a schmear of cream cheese or a layer of lox. These bagels are destined for a higher purpose: whiskey.

While a number of vodka companies have rolled out donut-flavored spirits, Bohners plain, multigrain, sesame and poppy-seed bagels will be used to make the actual alcohol. It sounds crazy, but Bohner and her company, Alchemy Distillery, in Northern Californias Humboldt County, were inspired by the British brewery Toast Ale, which uses leftover bread to make beer. She approached local company Los Bagels and started getting its stale bagels, which had previously gone to feed pigs. (The animals still get the whole-wheat raisin, jalapeno, garlic, onion, salt, Parmesan and everything bagels.)

Once a week, Bohner collects 60 pounds of bagels and freezes them until there are enough for a run. The bagels are then ground up using a brand-new commercial-grade wood chipper, then fermented and distilled like corn, barley, or rye. The first batch is currently aging in a charred new American oak barrel and she is hoping to release the first bottles by Hanukkah. With any luck, the Boldt Los Bagels whiskey will become a part of the distillerys permanent portfolio.

While this project may seem a bit out there, Bohner belongs to a new generation of distillers that are experimenting with a range of ingredients and techniques to create a wide variety of whiskies that dont fit into traditional categories. This is the next frontier of American whiskey distilling.

Just down the coast from Bohner in Alameda, St. George Spirits has an equally creative project, Baller single malt whiskey ($65). Lance Winters, its wildly innovative and talented distiller, bills it as a California take on the Japanese spin on Scotch whisky. (A meta whiskey, if there ever was one.) The spirit, which was introduced last spring, is made exclusively from American barley and is aged in a combination of old bourbon barrels and French wine casks. But its also filtered through maple charcoal and then aged again in a barrel that had held a house-made Japanese-style plum liqueur. (Dont judge: The delicious 12-year-old Hibiki from Beam Suntory also includes whisky that has been aged in Japanese plum liqueur barrels.) Baller is available just in California, but a new batch is going to be released in a few weeks. While it has more than enough complexity to be sipped, it was made to be mixed in highballs and other cocktails.

Across the country in the heart of New England, Berkshire Mountain Distillers is taking its finished bourbon and aging it for a second time in a barrel that previously held smoky and peaty Islay single malt Scotch. The finished product is almost a hybrid of bourbon and Scotch. The name of the whiskey is, naturally, Smoke and Peat, and will be on shelves shortly and costs $60.

Hillrock Estate Distillery, which is just south of the Berkshires in the Hudson Valley and run by legendary distiller Dave Pickerell, is going even further and treating its barley with Scottish peat smoke. The distillery has put out a number of these Scotch-like single malts that cost around $100. Look out for its single malt that has been finished in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks and smoked for between eight and 12 hours. A few other companies have also produced some smoked American whiskies, like Balcones in Texas, whose Brimstone helped put the distillery on the liquor map.

One of the most interesting category-bending American whiskies to come out recently not only is influenced by old-world distilling traditions but was dreamed up by the Irish-based Connacht Whiskey Co. The aptly named Brothership is a blend of 10-year-old American whiskey and 10-year-old pot still Irish whiskey. (Its available in select markets and sells for about $50.) High West out in Park City, Utah, also makes an international blend. Its acclaimed Campfire ($70) is a mix of bourbon, rye, and Scotch. What seemed like a lark when it was introduced a few years ago, Campfire has now become one of the companys most popular spirits.

As the whiskey world grows ever larger, no doubt some of these experiments will become bar staples. But Im just hoping that the bagel whiskey is a sensation and it becomes its own category. Brunch will never be the same!
The good cop and the bad cop are headed to the border.

Homeland Security Sec. John Kelly and Attorney General Jeff Sessionsthe two men tasked with implementing President Donald Trumps immigration planswill visit San Diego and El Paso this week, on a road trip where their contrasting focuses and styles could stand in stark relief.

And though those differences areat this pointmostly stylistic, they indicate a worldview divide between the two on the issue of immigration. Though both men evince unflinching commitment to Trumps immigration priorities (and recently teamed up to defend the presence of ICE agents in courthouses), they talk about it in very different ways.

And their differences could already be impacting who gets deported and who stays in the U.S.

Sessions, who was one of the Senates most committed immigration hawks during his time there, describes illegal immigration as a threat to national sovereignty that must be blocked at all costs. Kelly, meanwhile, frequently expresses concern for migrants wellbeing.

On drugs, theres a parallel good cop-bad cop dynamic: Sessions emphasizes the violence of cartels, while Kelly always points out the culpability of American drug users in empowering those cartels. For Sessions, the drug war is us-versus-themAmerican law enforcement against cartel killers. But for Kelly, the relationship between the U.S. and those cartels as darkly symbiotic, with Americans responsible for financing violence and chaos in Central America and Mexico.

These differences were on clear display last weekend. On Saturday night, Sessions gave an exclusive sit-down interview to right-wing firebrand Jeanine Pirro for her Fox News show, Justice with Judge Jeanine. There, Sessions reiterated a promise he made the week before on his first trip to the border as attorney general: to take the Drug War fight to the cartels.

Were going to go after them, he said. We can defeat those gangs.

And he expressed incredulity that any undocumented immigrants in the U.S. would assume they wouldnt eventually get deported.

No person can come into the country illegally and not expect to be deported, he said. Where did this come from?

Sessionss message to Central Americans looking to enter the U.S. illegally is straightforward: If you come to the U.S., youll get caught. And if youre here without legal authorization, you should assume youll get deported. Every undocumented immigrant is an unacceptable affront to national sovereignty, he argues. Its simple.

Meanwhile, when Kelly warns undocumented immigrants against coming to the U.S., he says its because migration wouldnt be in their own best interest.

Many Guatemalans, and for that matter irregular migrants from any country, who make the journey north find themselves tortured, beaten, starved, raped or sold into the sex trade, he said at a press conference with Guatemalas foreign minister when he visited the country in February.

He added that migrants waste their money when they pay smugglers to bring them to the U.S.

You will be returned very quickly, he said.

And he characterized undocumented immigrants on this Sundays Meet the Press in a way Sessions never would: [T]he vast majority of them are good people from Central America, he said.

Another big contrast: While Sessionss comments on drugs focus on the threat cartel violence poses to the U.S., Kelly emphasizes the damage U.S. drug consumers do to Central America.

Kellys adolescence in Boston informed his view on drugs, according to a source familiar with his background. The source said many of his childhood acquaintances died in their teens from drug overdosesincluding overdoses on opioidsand that made the issue deeply personal to him. In public remarks and congressional testimony, Kelly blames drug users for the profits that leave Central American cartels flush with cash they use to buy off government officials. And he sees a Drug War victory as far beyond the scope of law enforcement.

The solution is not arresting a lot of users, he said on Meet the Press. The solution is a comprehensive drug demand reduction program in the United States that involves every man and woman of goodwill.

And unlike Sessionswho has long decried marijuana as a dangerous gateway drugKelly said on Meet the Press that marijuana was not a factor in the drug war.

All these differences arent just about style.

During his time in the Senate, Sessions was an avowed opponent of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) that then-President Barack Obama implemented. The program temporarily shielded hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants from deportation, all of whom came to the U.S. as children, got jobs or pursued higher education, and didnt commit crimes. Sessions argued the program was an executive amnesty that would encourage more migrants to come to the U.S. illegally. The fact that Trump hasnt rescinded DACA has disappointed many ardent immigration restrictionists.

But not his Homeland Security head.

According to a recent report, is unconcerned about it. NBC reported that Kelly told Democratic lawmakers in a meeting on Capitol Hill that he was the best thing that happened to DACA it is still on the books, and that he called DACA recipients the least of my worries.
LONDONIn truth, anything else would have been cowardice.

But for a woman who wants us to believe she is forged from the same metal as Margaret Thatcher, a snap election was a no-brainer.

Theresa May will be elected Britains prime minister in a landslide on June 8th.

She became PM by default last year in the tumultuous days after the Brexit vote and David Camerons resignation. Her Conservative challengers collapsed and she was ushered into the top job unopposed and unelected.

That democratic deficit would have weighed more and more heavily as Britain lurched through the damaging process of extricating itself from the European Union before the scheduled election in 2020. With a fragile majority in the House of Commons, she could even have faced a revolt by moderates in her own party over the terms of the Brexit deal.

The current shambolic state of the Labour Party now gives her an unprecedented opportunity to wipe out the opposition in a landslide and secure a mandate to negotiate Brexit on her own terms.

Despite opposing Britains exit from the union during the referendum campaign, May has embraced the result and wants to redraw Britain as a fiercely independent nation that is beholden to no one; whether that be trading partners, economic unions, or universal human-rights laws.

Much of the political elite in Westminster remains nervous about Brexit, and the Liberal Democrats and Scottish National Party have won plaudits for their vocal criticism of Mays rush to cut off European ties.

At this moment of enormous national significance there should be unity here in Westminster, but instead there is division. The country is coming together, but Westminster is not, said May, speaking from a podium outside No. 10 Downing Street. Our opponents believe because the governments majority is so small that our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change. They are wrong.

The lady wants you to know: She is not for turning.

Recent policy reversals caused by a Commons working majority of just 17 had begun to undermine that position. Once she has finished wiping the floor with Jeremy Corbyn and sent scores of Labour Members of Parliament to join the unemployment line in June, she wont have to turn for anyone.

Corbyn limply welcomed Mays announcement. Hes in that rare position of being an opposition leader who doesnt want an election, but of course he cant say that out loud.

In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country. We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain, he said.

Leaving aside the futility of claiming to a skeptical public that you are credible, Corbyn faces a stunning deficit in the opinion polls. In a head-to-head choice between May and Corbyn, the hard-left Labour leader scored just 14 percent in a poll over the weekend. He didnt even get a majority among Labour voters.

He has just six weeks to persuade Britons they should change their minds.

Corbyns position is further stymied by Labours uncertainty in dealing with the fallout from Brexit. The party has said it accepts the result of the referendum but its torn over how to push for more favorable terms in a negotiation.

The Liberal Democrats, who were reduced to a rump of just eight MPs in the 2015 election, have seized the opportunity to become the anti-Brexit party.

They will contest this election by telling 48 percent of voters who voted Remain in the referendum this is your chance to change the direction of your country.

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: If you want to avoid a disastrous hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the single market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance.

May telephoned Queen Elizabeth on Monday to inform her that she would announce her intension to hold an early election. Under the fixed terms parliament act that was passed by David Cameron in 2011, elections were supposed to be held every five yearsending the prime ministers traditional prerogative to call an election whenever it best suited him or her.

That supposedly historic change lasted just six years, as May paved the way for an election by asking opposition parties to vote for a dissolution of parliament.

Cameron said the rejection of his fixed terms, and calling of the election was braveand right.

For May, it is a gamble with no chance of defeat. Thats not bravery, its common sense.
Its early on a Thursday evening in April and a slightly nervous-seeming Moshe Kasher is making sure everything is ready to go before he tapes an upcoming episode of his new Comedy Central talk show Problematic. The host mingles with friends that include Nick Kroll, who will appear as a guest on the show, and comedian Ali Wong, whos there to watch and support from backstage. The studio audience is arranged in a full circle around the small set, only a few rows deep so that no one is too far from the stage.

Each episode of the new show will be dedicated to a singular problematic theme  the first one is cultural appropriation. Unfortunately, the ill-fated Pepsi protest ad had not yet debuted when Kasher taped what will be Problematics premiere episode. (Dont I wish, he jokes.) Instead, he talked to Black-ish creator Kenya Barris about what it means for white people to co-opt black culture.

The worry with a topic like that is that its so fraught with peoples ideological baggage that you wont be able to make it funny, Kasher tells me by phone the day before the shows April 18th premiere, but so far thats been the fun of the show.

Standing in front of a large screen, Kasher opens each episode with a multi-media monologue in the style of Full Frontal's Samantha Bee, but in his dogged efforts to get inside a specific issue, the late-night host he most resembles at the moment is John Oliver . Except instead of sitting behind a desk for 30 minutes, as that HBO host does, Kasher moves around  a lot.

Im definitely feeling like a plate-spinner up there, Kasher says, describing the challenge of trying to keep the conversations on the show both meaningful and funny at the same time. Its very hard to have your own show, he jokes.

The life of a talk show host is a new one for 37-year-old Kasher, who was born in New York but grew up in the Bay Area and now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and fellow comedian Natasha Leggero. After years of popping up as a guest on shows like Chelsea Lately and @midnight, Kasher is ready to show the world what his version of a late-night talk show is. It turns out, it looks a lot like a daytime talk show. As Kasher said when the show was first announced last fall, he sees himself as the Phil Donahue of the Internet Age.

With that role model in mind, Kasher ventures into the audience during each episode to hear from both invited experts and regular people who might have something to say about that episodes topic.

The biggest challenge is the audience interaction, which is also the most unique part of it, he says. If there is a screening process for this segment, it is going to need a bit more fine-tuning: most people Kasher walked up to on the night I visited either didnt have a lot to say or were trying to sell something.

Kasher says he thinks audience members could get more instruction ahead of time in terms of what makes a compelling comment or question on television. For sure thats the thing I can tell will get better, I knew that the first day, he says. How do you get people to understand that if they give a five-minute diatribe on the issue theyre most charged up about that probably its not going to make the cut?

For the taping of the premiere, Kasher invited a Native American community leader to come and talk about his experience with cultural appropriation. He gave this really beautiful, impassioned, powerful speech and then I, this white guy, had to ask him, Do you think you could just distill the last thousand years of native oppression and suffering into kind of a sound bite? That was a very weird position to be in, but it had to be done or that wouldnt have made the cut.

The decision to call the show Problematic stems from Kashers own experience being labeled that word by a supposedly liberal critic who took offense to several jokes in his 2012 stand-up special Live in Oakland. So what does problematic mean to him?

I think that the word means you have engaged in a behavior that I find worthy of shame, he says. The line of it is so wildly different for everybody. Thats why we wanted to call the show Problematic, because the whole thing is about the varying lines that we walk.

One of the main principles of the show is, just because you disagree with me doesnt mean I wont engage in the conversation with you, he continues. So hopefully the show will be problematic in a good way  engaging and challenging.

His fears that heavy topics like cultural appropriation will be too hard to make humorous are mostly unfounded in the first episode, thanks to Kashers uncanny ability to drop improvised jokes into the mix at every possible opportunity.

In the exclusive clip below from Tuesday nights premiere, his guest Kenya Barris talks about the experience of realizing that his own black-ish kids had white friends who were more black than they were. Kasher gets a laugh by simply pointing to himself and nodding in response.

In this time of heightened awareness of the various bubbles we live in, Kasher says he wants the show to help bridge those gaps in any ways it can. When people disagree with each other is when they stop talking. And I think thats actually the time for the conversation to begin, he says. But that doesnt mean hes out to start arguments.

My primary point of doing the show is not to find people that I can fight with, but in fact have conversations that I find interesting and substantive and fun, he adds. Its not like a Jerry Springer, mud-slinging show, as much as it is a deep dive into conversations.

But the tapings have produced some genuine Jerry Springer-esque moments, including when Kasher tried to talk to one woman in the audience but another man across the set kept yelling out his thoughts on the matter. For a moment, the comedian became part referee, part matchmaker, and you could feel some of the dynamic energy that can come from truly unscripted television.

Hopefully that will continue, Kasher says of the time he nearly lost control of his own show. Im still waiting for the moment I can kick someone out, that will just make my life.

For tonights taping, the topic is how the internet is changing our brains. Following a panel discussion that Kasher kept moving and alive with quick-witted jokes and a hilarious field piece in which he talked to post-millennial teens about their relationships with their phones, the show ends on a surprisingly sentimental note.

Kasher sits down for a sign language conversation with his mother, who is deaf. After an episode that mostly focused on the downsides of technology, we learn how much the internet has improved her ability to communicate. The short video makes us completely rethink everything weve just seen in a profound and unexpected way.

I feel like art and sentimentality is really missing from comedy, Kasher tells me, adding that part of the power of his memoir Kasher in the Rye, which tells the story of how he became a teenage drug addict, is that it doesnt shy away frightenedly from things that would make you feel stuff.

If Kasher can continue to present nuanced moments like this one, he has a better chance of getting people to think outside of their closed-minded bubbles on any number of issues plaguing our country right now than some of his more outraged late-night peers.

What is life if youre not laughing, thinking and feeling? he asks, optimistically. And hopefully my show will make you do all three.
CLEVELANDWhen news reached Cleveland that Steve Stephens had killed himself during a short police chase in Erie, Pennyslvania, the people that lived in the neighborhood where the Facebook Killer had horrifically shot 74-year-old Robert Godwin on Easter Sunday had no joy or comfort that a just ending had occurred.

His dying doesnt make any of us feel better, said Joe Tate, who lived directly across the street from where Godwin had been killed by Stephens. It was so weird on that day it happened, so strange where people are having family over for Easter Sunday dinner, and a good man is shot for reasons that we will never really know exactly. Sometimes, as horrible as violent crime can be, you can somehow understand why and it makes a little sense. But this makes no sense and never will.

All I know is that everyone in our familyall of our children and grandchildrenand everyone else in this neighborhood, has the same feeling, Tate continued. It could have been one of us if we had been outside at that time. I still cant get that out of my mind. Could have been me or my family or one of our neighbors.

Godwin, a retired foundry worker, had 10 children, 14 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. Some of his children were living in the area where he was killed and where he was visiting for Easter. Godwin would often go fishing on some of the nearby piers in Lake Erie whenever he was visiting his family in this east side part of Cleveland. He had been picking up soda cans while taking an after dinner walk when Stephens pulled up to him. Less than a minute later Godwin was dead. Laying on the sidewalk next to an eight-foot high chain link fence that blocked off about four acres of a vacant lot that used to house a public elementary school.

Since the murder on Sunday, the street where the killing occurred has seen non-stop traffic from media shooting film and the public attaching nearly 100 foil balloons to the fence Godwin lay next to bleeding to death.

We are glad it is over, said Anthony Whitmore, who lives a few streets over. It was so weird it happened on the religious day of resurrection, a day of us celebrating life, and then this was all about death. With the media and the curiosity seekers gone soon, the people on this street can now maybe go back to living their lives.

According to news reports, police began chasing Stephens in his Ford Fusion after he stopped at a McDonalds in Erie at about 11 am, where employees at the restaurant recognized him as he used the drive through to order food. The restaurants manager said in an interview with the New York Times that Stephens bought a 20-piece order of Chicken McNuggets and a large order of French fries for $5.35 at the drive-through. The restaurant employees recognized him and tried to stall him by withholding his order of large fries for a few minutes.

But Stephens left with only his McNuggets, perhaps sensing danger unfolding if he waited for his fries. But the restaurant had notified police, and after a short chase, police forced Stephens to stop his car. Stephens used a gun to end his life.

We are grateful this has needed  [but] there a lot of things about this [incident] we dont know right now, Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams told the press Tuesday afternoon.

Godwins family, though, still was forgiving of the man who killed their father and grandfather. In a TV interview Monday, several of Godwins children said they held no animosity against Stephens.

"Each one of us forgives the killer, the murderer, Godwins daughter Tonya Godwin Baines said.

Cleveland City Councilman Jeff Johnson, whose ward includes the street where Stephens shot Godwin, said the city is coming to grips with this shooting, so different from the usual. Cleveland had 136 murders in 2016the most in a decadeand many of the murders were gang-related where the killers knew the victims.

People in Cleveland were already aware of the high number of violent crime cases we have in this city, and sometimes the way people react in this area about murder, is that the business and political leadership try to keep the crime out of view, said Johnson, who is running for mayor. Maybe this horrible incident so many of us saw reminds people how precious life is and how we have to be made aware of all those killed in our city, how safety is so important because things can happen at random like this incident did.

Johnson said that investigators theorize Stephens chose the street where he killed Godwin because it was about a mile from where his former girlfriend, who he blamed for his anger, worked at a mental health services agency. Johnson said he was likely cruising the neighborhood streets after driving by her office and then happened on Godwin at random.

About two miles away on the street where Stephens was raised, the media was set up to get any reaction from the Stephens family about Steves suicide. One police car sat in front of their home to keep curious passersby from interrupting the quite.

Across the street, Tony Henderson sat on his front porch and said, Im tired of all this attention on our street, but thats what happens when bad things happen.

Henderson knew Stephens as a kid and told The Daily Beast how the future murderer killed a parakeet and laughed about it in front of him many years ago.

You could tell there was something wrong with him, and him killing himself isnt something anyone feel good about, Henderson said.

But there is truly some closure with [Stephens] ending his life, he continued. It almost like everyone can feel comfortable going back inside their homes and get some sleep. But a lot of us need some time on this. It was just too weird.
Ginsaunhau alias Haupu is an elected MLA from Singhat assembly seat in Churachandpur district of Manipur. Ginsaunhau is the second Congress MLA to defect to the BJP after Andro MLA Th Shyamkumar.

Ginsaunhau alias Haupu being welcomed into the BJP by Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh. Photo: Jit Ningomba.

By Manogya Loiwal : In the latest setback to the Congress party in Manipur, its MLA from Singhat assembly seat quit the party and has joined the BJP.

Ginsaunhau alias Haupu is an elected MLA from Singhat assembly constituency in Churachandpur district of the state.

Apart from Ginsaunhau, 14 other Autonomous District Council (ADC) members of Congress from Chandel district also joined the BJP this week.

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Everyone was accorded a warm welcome by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, BJP state president Kh Bhabananda, ministers and parliamentary secretaries among other party leaders.

Ginsaunhau is the second Congress MLA to defect to the BJP after Andro assembly constituency MLA Th Shyamkumar.

Ginsaunhau with Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh. Photo: Jit Ningomba.

SHYAMKUMAR LEFT CONGRESS TO JOIN BJP BEFORE GOVERNMENT FORMATION

Shyamkumar, in fact, had defected to the BJP even before the newly-elected MLAs of the 11th Manipur State Assembly Election were sworn in.

Chief Minister Biren Singh said, "Haupu joined BJP as he believes that the current coalition government led by us will deliver what it has promised. Just one month into office, the government has started taking serious measures to ensure transparency, bring equal development and welfare schemes for the people. His joining our party speaks for itself about how stable this government will be."

Reacting to the resignation letter tendered by Health Minister L Jayentakumar, the chief minister sought to downplay the issue, stating that the problem was nothing but a slight misunderstanding within the coalition.

Biren Singh added that more Congress MLAs would be joining the BJP in the days to come. He, however, declined to disclose their names.

(WITH INPUTS FROM JIT NINGOMBA IN MANIPUR)

Also read | Manipur: Health Minister L Jayentakumar resigns as BJP-led Biren Singh govt finishes a month in office

Also read | Manipur makes a fresh start as Nagas end 139-day economic blockade

--- ENDS ---
The search for the man who posted a video to Facebook this weekend showing himself fatally shooting an elderly man in Cleveland has finally come to an end.

Steve Stephens, 37, was found dead in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Two days earlier, Stephens published a horrifying video of him murdering Robert Godwin Sr., a 74-year-old father of nine and grandfather of 14.

According to Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams, shortly after 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Pennsylvania state police officers were informed that Stephenss white Ford Fusion was in a McDonalds parking lot near Erie. Cpl. Adam Reed of the Pennsylvania State Police said a citizen tipster led them to Stephenss location. When the cops responded, the vehicle fled the area. After a short pursuit, the chief said, the vehicle was stopped, [and] as the officers approached that vehicle, Steve Stephens took his own life.

During a press conference, police officials and the mayor of Erie all refused to discuss specific law-enforcement tactics involved in the pursuit. Police were not able to comment on how Stephens evaded police pursuit for nearly two full days.

I am incredibly grateful to the Pennsylvania State police for their bravery and vigilance in spotting and pursuing Facebook Live Killer Steve Stephens in Erie and acting without hesitation to keep others safe, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement. On behalf of all Pennsylvanians and Americans, I thank these state troopers, the entire State Police and all law enforcement involved for their heroism in protecting their fellow citizens.

Godwin was targeted at random by Stephens, who could be heard ranting in the video before opening fire.

Find me somebody Im about to kill, Im gonna kill this guy right here. The older dude, Stephens said after getting out of his car in Clevelands Glenville neighborhood on Easter Sunday. After approaching Godwin, who was walking home after a family meal, Stephens told him to do me a favor and say the name Joy Laneshes the reason this is about to happen to you.

Stephens then shot Godwin point-blank in the head.

Lane later confirmed that she was dating Stephens. I am sorry that all of this has happened, she said. Steve is a really nice guy He is generous with everyone he knows. This is a very difficult time for me and my family.

Facebook was criticized in the immediate aftermath of the killing because the video was left up for at least a few hours before Stephenss profile was taken down. The incident has raised new questions about Facebooks role in preventing these types of posts from spreading. In the meantime, Stephenss gruesome video went viral.

We know we need to do better, Justin Osofsky, vice president of global operations at Facebook, said in a statement on Monday. We disabled the suspects account within 23 minutes of receiving the first report about the murder video, and two hours after receiving a report of any kind.
A heated special election in Georgia is turning into a proxy battle between Republican forces loyal to President Donald Trump and a conservative group that has long been a thorn in his side.

The race to fill Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Prices Georgia House seat is pitting the Club for Growth, a free market group that has criticized Trump since he declared his candidacy for president, against a network of political committees, dark money groups, and seasoned Republican operatives loyal to the president.

The contest is an early test of the political apparatus seeking to keep Republicans in line behind Trumps agenda. But the candidates themselves are almost secondary to the outside groups sniping at each other in attack ads in the race.

The races war of words has produced an odd dynamic: outside spending groups are using candidates as vessels for their rivalry, instead of the other way around.

Republican businessman Bob Gray, one of the eighteen candidates in Tuesdays jungle primary in Georgias sixth district, has overtly aligned himself with the president on the campaign trail. He hired the Trump campaigns top Georgia operative, declared he would run on the Trump agenda, and filmed an ad in which he literally drained a swamp.

But Grays opponents have pointed to past criticism of Trump on social media, and his shifting positions on the American Health Care Act, the Trump-backed Obamacare repeal bill that GOP leaders pulled from the House floor last month after it failed to marshal sufficient Republican support.

Trump blamed the conservative Freedom Caucus bloc for sinking the bill. He privately told House Republicans that they would face political problems for opposing it.

Gray publicly criticized the legislation, even as he blamed Speaker Paul Ryan for its defects. Last month, he got the Club for Growths endorsement. Gray, the group said, has called for a full and immediate repeal of Obamacare, an allusion to conservative complaints that AHCA was a half-measure.

Trump and the Club have a history. When the group began running attack ads against him during the presidential campaign, Trump accused it of opposing him over his rejection of requests for a $1 million donation years earlier. The Club denied the claim, saying Trump offered the contribution, then rescinded it, in what amounted to a setup.

So when the Club got involved in the Georgia special election, leading pro-Trump political groups took notice.

One dark money group called the 45Committee began airing an ad last week attacking Gray over the Club for Growths support. They opposed the Republican plan to repeal Obamacare, the ad, titled Club for Gray, says. If Bob Gray stands with the Club for Growth, how can we trust him to fight for us?

Though the ad branded the Club a D.C. special interest group, public records reveal a web of Washington-area GOP consultants behind the 45Committee and groups to which it has ties.

According to Virginia incorporation records, the Committee is staffed by consultants from three different Washington-area firms. Its chairman and president, Brian Walsh, is a principal at media firm RedPrint Strategies, director Sara Fagen is a partner at DDC Public Affairs, and secretary Matt Well is a founding partner of the Herald Group.

Financed by deep-pocketed Republican donors Joe Ricketts and Sheldon Adelson, the Committee provided significant financial support for Trump last year. It spent nearly $15 million on anti-Clinton media, polling, and phone banking in the final week of the campaign, Federal Election Commission records show.

Thats more than half of what the groups super PAC arm, Future45, spent during the entire 2016 cycle.

Nonprofit dark money groups are not supposed to devote more than half of their spending to electioneering. The 45Committee has not yet filed annual tax forms with the IRS, making it impossible to know what portion of its annual budget was devoted to that last-minute anti-Clinton spending.

A pair of affiliated groups, the Ricketts-backed super PAC Ending Spending Action Fund and an affiliated dark money group, have also been involved in the Georgia special election. The ESA Fund has paid DDCs political advocacy arm on behalf of Gray rival Karen Handel.

The dark money arm, Ending Spending Inc., is helmed by 45Committee director Brian Baker and has steered money to the Committee in the past. Ending Spending reported a new $40,000 independent expenditure to DDC on Monday for phone-banking on Handels behalf, the latest of eight payments to DDC from Ending Spending, ESA, and the 45Committee.

The Ricketts network is a potent political force, but the Club is no shrinking violet. Its super PAC arm has spent nearly $600,000 in the Georgia contest, nearly all of it attacking Grays opponents.

The Club, a pioneer in post-Citizens United political spending, has also dropped significant sums since the failure of the AHCA attacking more moderate Republican House members for supporting Trumps unsuccessful Obamacare repeal effort.

Grays opponents in the Georgia race have criticized him for apparently changing his position on that legislation. But the outside groups running ads in the race seem more concerned with each others positions than those of the candidates they are backing or opposing.

As Trump seeks to rack up more policy wins after a legislatively disappointing first three months, the relative strengths of outside groups supporting and opposing the details of his agenda could sway key members of Congress on important votes.

Expect the House Freedom Caucus to keep a close eye on Tuesdays special electionand the various outside spenders on either side.
It is traditional in the United States that, after a presidential election, the losing candidate recedes from the public eye for a period of self-imposed exile.

After five of the Supreme Courts nine justices cast secondand far more consequentialvotes for George W. Bush in December 2000, soon-to-be ex-Vice President Al Gore disappeared from the public eye, returning nearly a year later sporting a Failure Beard and a few extra pounds. After losing to incumbent President Barack Obama in 2012, Mitt Romney emerged from isolation only long enough to be photographed in clothes hed clearly slept in, pumping his own gas. More recently, Hillary Clinton was spottedclad in mourning blackby an eagle-eyed hiker in the woods of upstate New York, a latter-day Hawthorne heroine banished to the glens of Chappaqua.

These post-election disappearances are vital for public healingallowing voters and candidates to put the campaigns in the rearview mirror.

But the Clinton clans relatively dignified exeunt from the political stage is about to be interrupted by the publication of an exhaustive postmortem examination of her fraught presidential run. Shattered: Inside Hillary Clintons Doomed Campaign, written by longtime Clinton chroniclers Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, aims to be the definitive answer to the question millions of hungover Americans asked on Nov. 9, 2016: What the hell happened?

Based on interviews with more than 100 unnamed sources from within Clintons orbiteach account given under the condition that the tales would be told only after the final ballot was countedthe 480-page report relays the behind-the-scenes drama behind many of the Clinton campaigns most embarrassing blunders and unforced errors. More damning than any anecdote of petty infighting or a deadly devotion to data, however, is the books verdict on the main reason for Clintons loss: Clinton herself.

Despite many obstacles beyond her controlincluding a bitter primary opponent who refused to concede long after all routes to the nomination had been exhausted, a Republican rival whose personal attacks shattered all established standards of decency, and a Kremlin-orchestrated operation to thwart her campaign and delegitimize her incipient administrationClintons race, Allen and Parnes report, was winnable.

But despite its buckets of money, its deep bench of supporters and surrogates, a general-election opponent in a constant state of implosion, and the imprimatur of a popular sitting president, Clintons campaign couldnt overcome its biggest obstacle. The variable she couldnt change, Allen and Parnes write, was the candidate.

Like other books about epic disasters (Sebastian Jungers The Perfect Storm, Jon Krakauers Into Thin Air, Erik Larsons Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania) the book is mostly a catalogue of avoidable missteps that killed Clintons campaign by a thousand cuts. The campaigns maladroit attempts at damage control, former campaign aides grumble in the book, often caused more damage than the inciting controversiesparticularly in the case of the never-ending scandal over Clintons use of private email servers during her time as secretary of state.

When The New York Times first reported on Clintons email servers in March 2015, the campaigns first response was to pretend it was no big deal. Im in this zen place now where Im focusing on the website and telling myself this is all background noise! emailed campaign manager Robby Mook.

Clinton herself was long oblivious to the maelstrom her email servers would eventually generate. After her first and what she presumed to be final public remarks on the issue, in which she was adamant that she never sent or received classified information on her personal email server, Clinton emailed campaign chairman John Podesta a thank-you for helping steer the ship thru our first choppy waters. Of course, those waters would later become a whirlpoolcaused, in large part, by the candidates claims, later revealed to be inaccurate, that she had neither sent nor received classified information.

As the scandal brewed and Clintons public insistence that shed done nothing wrong was picked apart, the campaigns communications team botched her first national television interview of the campaign by accidentally booking with CNNs Brianna Keilar, instead of Yahoo! News Bianna Golodryga, the wife of a former Clinton administration aide and Clintons choice for an interviewer.

The Keilar interview went poorly.

Allen and Parnes frame this and similar stories of Clintons insistence on trying every approach but confession and contrition as indicative of a Clintonian truth, universally acknowledged: that she is a terrible judge of how her actions could backfire and turn into full-blown scandals.

The denialism ran in the family, Allen and Parnes report, particularly with Clintons husband, former President Bill Clinton, who delivered what one aide called an ass-chewing tirade on a conference call with senior campaign staff about their supposed failure to articulate the campaigns message and bury the email scandal.

Neither Clinton could accept the simple fact that Hillary had hamstrung her own campaign, Allen and Parnes write.

The email scandal did more than just earn the ire of the vast right-wing conspiracy of Clintonian nightmaresit also hampered the campaigns ability to build a volunteer organization in early primary states at the same time Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders was riding the wave of anti-Washington populist sentiment that would later help deliver Donald Trump the White House. The caucus electorate, one campaign source is quoted as saying, is disproportionately watching cable news. And it was every day for six months.

Part of the problem, Shattered implies, was Clintons Cersei Lannister-like reliance on a cadre of informal advisers who offered counsel that was often equal parts sage and self-serving, in the hopes of maintaining close relations with the Clinton political dynastyor, better yet, undercutting a rival for her attention.

That same dynamic bled into the campaign apparatus, Allen and Parnes write, hampering efforts from speechwriting to debate prep as staffers feared undercutting protected members of the Hillaryland old guard. The candidates tendency to favor loyalty over competence turned the campaign into a popularity contest. Theres one goal here: to win the fucking election for president, said one speechwriting source. Its like, do you want to win the goddamn thing or are we in junior high school again?

It was this cacophony of contradicting information, Allen and Parnes report, that prolonged the Clinton campaigns struggles with recognizing an existential crisis in the candidates standing with working-class whites. When the former secretary of state was getting hammered in the leadup to the Michigan primary, primarily due to weakness among that cohort, Clinton floated the idea that the problem lay with her stance on guns. Meanwhile, the real culprither close, lucrative relationship with Wall Street bankswas staring her in the face at every Sanders campaign rally.

Even when she talked about the economy, one campaign aide said, it wasnt at all clear to them that she was on their side.

The Hillaryland Problem was nothing newthe Clintons had been insular and clannish since their early days in the White House, a habit they carried into the New York senators first run for president. But while the campaign was 2008 redux on some bad habits, other lessons from Clintons failed race for the Democratic nomination were apparently overlearned.

Shattered points to the muzzling of Bill Clinton as one major contributor to what its authors call the campaigns failure to read the national mood. While the former president with the silver tongue had been seen as running roughshod over her campaign in 2008, Bill kept himself on a shorter leash during the 2016 racethis time, to his wifes detriment.

The former president, a preternatural reader of crowds since his early days as a Democratic political wunderkind, saw in the Democratic and general electorate a resentfulness among the blue-collar whites that the rest of his wifes team didnt. A dyed-in-the-wool member of the white working-class, Bill saw the constituency's frustration with being "left behind" in the economic recovery as an opportunity for the populistsand a problem for his wife that needed to be addressed head-on.

But Mook, a dreamboat-for-politics who won Hillary Clinton over with his near-obsessive fixation on data-driven decisionmaking, instead focused on turnout among minority constituencies, a play that cost Clinton dearly both in the Michigan primary and, later, the general election.

Michigan really baked in this idea that we had pushed him to spend time in the African American communities when he should have been out pursuing white people, one aide said of Bill Clinton, according to the book. (As a result of the Michigan cataclysm, due in large part to faulty data showing Sanders behind, Mook would eventually be layered, a nicer way of saying that he was demoted while never losing the title of campaign manager, Allen and Parnes write.)

Of course, not all of Bill Clintons impulses were good ones. After his infamous tarmac chat with Attorney General Loretta Lynch led to Lynchs recusal from involvement in the investigation into Clintons use of private email servers, the response from both the White House and Clinton campaign officials was, according to one source, a unanimous what the fuck?

That misread of the electorates antipathy toward the establishment extended, most fatally, into the general election. Trump was recognized early as a potential threat to Clintons candidacy, according to Parnes and All, by one longtime adviser, with an early 2016 memo declaring FACT: Donald Trump can defeat Hillary Clinton and become the 45th president of the United States, cautioning Clinton not to underestimate his capacity to draw people to the polls who normally do not vote.

But that advisers warning to add three or four points to whatever Trumps polling numbers put him at was disregarded by a campaignand a candidatethat prized hard data over nebulous instinct, Allen and Parnes write. The campaigns faith in the so-called Blue Wall of 18 states and the District of Columbia that had voted Democratic in every election since 1992 led them to underestimate basic fact of the campaign: that Clinton could never cast herself as anything but a lifelong insider when so much of the country had lost faith in its institutions.

Eventually, even Clinton caught on to the chasmic breach between her own worldview and that of the electoratebut it was too late, according to Allen and Parnes.

I dont understand whats happening with the country, Shattered quotes Clinton as saying. I cant get my arms around it.

Shattered, for all its insidery venom and bitter backbiting, contains very little examination of the why behind what it frames as Clintons pitfalls as a candidate. Her clannishness, her reliance on close longtime advisers, her difficulty opening up to votersall are largely presented as problems without a solution, just facets of Clintons constitutional makeup to be overcome.

But weve known about these qualities for as long as Clinton has been in the public eyeas John Heilemann and Mark Halperin poetically observed in the seminal Game Change, ambition and caution were the twin totems of her psyche, and she was torn between them.

Clinton is framedin all senses of the wordas an impossibly flawed candidate who still could have won, had she been better versed in the populist shift of the country. But Allen and Parnes fail to answer whether recognition of the national mood could have done anything to change the political manifestation of that mood. Its not like Clinton could have, in the words of Allen and Parnes, become a torch-bearing outsider ready to burn the nations institutions to the ground, as was true of both her major opponents.

In the rush for lifeboats, campaign aides even criticize Clinton's fixation on the Flint water crisisif she'd spent more time courting suburban whites in Michigan than African-American voters who were already "in her pocket," they say, they could have wrapped up the nomination earlier and laid better groundwork for the general. Whether it would have been moral for a presidential candidate to cynically ignore inner-city blacks with a poisoned water supply in favor of suburban whites with "economic anxiety," however, is not addressed.

But for all its occasionally superficial readings of its main subject, Shattered is at its best in its closing chapter, with a stunning tick-tock of the final hours of the campaign.

Youre going to come up short, vote-counter Steve Schale told Clinton at around 7:45 p.m., pointing to a nascent tsunami of support for Trump in Florida that presaged a cataclysm in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

The candidates husband, Shattered reports, was furious; the candidate herself, inscrutable. Three hours later, after Fox News called Wisconsin for Trump, the White House called, urging Clinton to concede despite razor-thin margins.

POTUS doesnt think its wise to drag this out, White House political director David Simas told Mook.

But it wasnt until Clinton received a call from President Obama himself that reality hit.

You need to concede, Obama told her, before saying the same thing to Podesta.

After this, Clinton was done.

Give me the phone, she asked, before dialing her opponent. Congratulations, Donald.

After her concession call, Clinton made one more.

Mr. President, Clinton said softly, as it dawned on her that instead of that highest, hardest glass ceiling, it was the hopes of millions of supporters that were about to be shattered. Im sorry.
While working at a California homeless shelter, Marcela Heredia allegedly filed tax returns for multiple residentsnone of whom realized she was filing the forms on their behalf and pocketing the cash, prosecutors allege.

In addition to working as a tax examiner at the IRS office in Fresno, Heredia worked overnight shifts at the citys Transitional Living Center for five years, beginning in 2009. Her position at the centeryouth care specialistgave her access to the shelter residents personal information, including their full names, Social Security numbers, and birthdays. Court records show she allegedly used this information to file fraudulent tax returns around the beginning of 2011. Heredias attorney did not respond to a request for comment.

Many TLC residents had recently aged out of the foster care system, and relied on the shelter for job training and life skills workshops. As youth care specialist, Heredias responsibilities included providing crisis intervention services; inspecting residents rooms for cleanliness, safety, and contraband; facilitating workshops on independent living skills and other topics; and generally supervising the shelters young adult residents.

The Daily Beast reached out to the TLC regarding Heredias past employment but did not receive a response by press time.

According to an open job listing on the TLC website, one of the job responsibilities is preparing and maintaining files in a confidential manner.

In some cases, Heredia didnt even have to illegally obtain the residents information: According to court records, she allegedly offered to help multiple residents with their taxes, only to tell them they hadnt earned enough money to file a tax return. Then, prosecutors said, she would file fraudulent tax returns on residents behalf and have the funds deposited into accounts she controlled, including her personal checking account.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of California told The Daily Beast that none of the shelter residents interviewed by investigators were aware of the alleged fraud. If she couldnt talk people into letting them file their taxes for them, she could just use their information without their knowledge completely, she said.

Heredia allegedly listed false employers and wages the residents had never earned, court records show. On one tax return, Heredia allegedly claimed a shelter resident operated a business that didnt exist. Multiple tax returns allegedly listed certain residents as dependents of other residentsin most cases, these residents didnt even know each other.

According to court records, Heredia filed tax returns for one resident, identified as D.G., in both 2011 and 2012.

She falsely claimed more than $20,000 in tax returns over two years, prosecutors claim.

In addition to defrauding TLC residents, Heredia allegedly filed a fraudulent tax return in her own name. She claimed a disabled niece as a dependent on her 2011 return, but the child was not her niece, not her dependent, and was not disabled, according to court records.

Heredia was charged with seven counts of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and making a false tax return on April 6. She was released from custody on April 12 pending a trial on May 15. If she is found guilty, Heredia faces a $250,000 fine for wire fraud and up to 20 years in prison.

A spokesperson for the U.S. attorneys office said the $250,000 fine is the standard penalty in these cases.

The U.S. attorneys office indicted another Fresno-area IRS employee for tax fraud on the same day as Heredia. Pamela Pringle, who also worked as a tax examiner at the Fresno office, was charged with allegedly fabricating deductions on four peoples tax returns, as well as her own.

It hurts everyone who follows those rules when people submit fraudulent returns and claim taxpayer money to which they arent entitled, U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert said in a statement. This is doubly true when IRS employees use their knowledge of the system to cheat it and enrich themselves.

According to an IRS press release from January 2016, the agency stopped 1.4 million confirmed identity theft returns from being processed in 2015, as well as $2.9 billion worth of refunds in other types of fraud.

Last year, IRS Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Timothy Camus testified before the agencys Ways and Means Committee that some IRS employees can pose an insider threat to the agency by using their positions to file fraudulent tax returns and commit identity theft (PDF). According to Camus, the IRS still does not have adequate audit trails that would allow them to detect an employees unauthorized access to taxpayer information and would likely be able to until 2021 at the earliest.
Trumps decision on whether or not to release his tax returns is personal not legal. There is no requirement that a president must release his taxes, but there is also no law or regulation against releasing taxes that are under audit. Although the IRS routinely audits a presidents tax returns each year; all prior presidents for more than three decades have made public their returns. For Trump, either decision on his taxes could contribute to his impeachment.

Trumps refusal to release his tax returns creates the plausible inference that he has something to conceal from Congress and the American people. What matters for impeachment is what precisely he is hiding. Presume that the returns are only embarrassing politically, showing for example, that he paid little or no federal income taxes in some years. The wise course for the president would then be to release his returns, otherwise his credibility will suffer and impede his defense against any potential charges of impeachment.

During the campaign, Trump handily dismissed charges that he evaded taxes, even bragging that paying no tax makes me smart. He could survive similar charges as president, while clearing the air of suspicions about more serious revelations. And Trump would gain political capital for openness and transparency. Thousands of Americans recently took to the streets to demand that Trump release his tax returns. Polls show that more than two-thirds of the public agree that Trump should release his returns.

Presume, however, that the returns contain explosive information relevant to charges of impeachment. For example, his tax documents could reveal undisclosed financial ties to foreign governments or foreign controlled banks and corporations, leading to charges that he is violating the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution. This provision prohibits all federal officials, including the president, from receiving anything of value from foreign entities. The prohibition is absolute; no amount is specified, and a quid pro quo is not required to trigger a violation. Impeachment is the remedy for violating the Constitution.

The tax returns could conceivably reveal financial obligations to Russian oligarchs or Russian banks, even indirectly through companies in which Trump has a financial stake. Trump has said, I have no business there and no loans from Russia. But in 2008 his son Donald Jr. said, Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets; say in Dubai, and certainly with our project in SoHo and anywhere in New York. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.

If his tax returns contain such explosive information, Trump will likely decide to continue stonewalling in the hope that his taxes remain secret. However, the FBI and two congressional committees are investigating the possible involvement of Trump and his associates with Russias assault on our democracy during the presidential election. The FBI or either committee may decide to subpoena Trumps tax returns as relevant to their investigation.

Trump could resist a subpoena, but would then find himself caught in the Richard Nixon impeachment trap. In 1974, the House Judiciary Committees voted for an article of impeachment which said that Nixon had failed without lawful cause or excuse to produce papers and things as directed by duly authorized subpoenas issued by the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives.

The Article charged that the president was illicitly substituting his judgment as to what materials were necessary for the inquiry, interposed the powers of the Presidency against the lawful subpoenas of the House of Representatives. Among the many parallels between Trump and Nixon that I analyze in The Case for Impeachment, Trump has claimed absolute presidential authority and shown little regard for the constitutional separation of powers, as evidenced by his defense of his initial travel ban.

Trumps ongoing defiance of public opinion in concealing his tax returns may only reflect misguided political judgment. Or it may be a vain effort to conceal information that could contribute to his impeachment.

Allan J. Lichtman is Distinguished Professor of History at American University and author if The Case for Impeachment (Dey Street Books, April 2017)
Tanya Gersh answered a phone call from an unknown number. First, she heard silence, then gunshots.

A harassment campaign against Gersh and her family began last December after the mother of white nationalist Richard Spencer published a blog post accusing Gersh of harassment.

Sherry Spencer wrote Gersh threatened to drive down the property value of a building Spencer owns in Whitefish, Montana unless she agreed to sell the building, donate the money to a local human rights organization, and publicly denounce her son. Gersh, a real estate agent in Whitefish, has maintained that Spencer asked her to act as her realtor and later changed her mind.

A day after Spencers post went up, the publisher of neo-Nazi website the Daily Stormer published a call to arms against the Gersh family. Jews Targeting Richard Spencers Mother for Harassment and Extortion  TAKE ACTION! the websites publisher, Andrew Anglin wrote.

Are yall ready for an old fashioned Troll storm? Anglin continued . This is very important. Calling these people up and/or sending them a quick message is very easy. It is very important that we make them feel the kind of pressure they are making us feel.

Thats when the phone calls, emails, text messages, and tweets began, according to a lawsuit Gersh filed against Anglin. The suit was announced Tuesday morning by the Southern Poverty Law Center, which is representing Gersh.

In the old days, Anglin wouldve burned a cross on Tanyas lawn to intimidate her, Richard Cohen, SPLC president said on a call with reporters.

Anglin did not immediately respond to The Daily Beasts request for comment.

Gershs attorneys claim it was Richard Spencernot his motherwho published the blog post in December. Spencers mother lives in Whitefish part-time, and in January, locals drove him out of town after he harassed the towns 100 Jewish residents. The National Policy Institute, the white supremacist think tank Spencer operates, was based on Montana from 2013 to 2016.

Cohen said Anglin published 30 articles about the Gersh family on the Daily Stormer (some of them under a section called Jewish Problem) after Anglins first post in December. The most recent post under the Tanya Gersh tag, titled Rabbinical Council Gathers in Whitefish Montana To Fight Daily Stormer, was published on January 19.

According to the civil complaint against Anglin, Gersh and her family have received more than 700 harassing messages since December, and Gershs attorneys say this nearly endless barrage of threats was spurred by Anglin. We are going to ruin you, you Kike PoS, one alleged troll wrote. You will be driven to the brink of suicide. & We will be there to take pleasure in your pain & eventual end.

Shortly after the original Daily Stormer piece went up, a post was published about Gersh on a website called Shes a Homewrecker, according to the lawsuit. In the post, an anonymous user claimed that she and her husband hired Gersh as their realtor, and that Gersh had seduced her husband.

I was about to do his laundry and he had a womans fingernail in his back pocket? they wrote, Needless to say, I went to Tanyas office and inspected her hand, and yes, there was a newly replaced nail.

Gershs 12-year-old son was also targeted; one troll tweeted psst kid, theres a free Xbox One inside this oven, according to the lawsuit. Another user allegedly tweeted ask your mommy why she hates white people so much and runs an extortion racket. In the original post calling for a Troll storm, Anglin called Gershs son a creepy little faggot.

Gersh said her husband, Judah, was similarly targeted, and received phone calls both at home and at work. For a time, he had to shut down his legal practice.

The attacks were so often that our paralegals and secretaries werent able to conduct regular business hours or even answer the phone, Gersh told reporters.

As a result of the threats, Gersh has gained weight, lost hair, and has suffered joint pain, her attorneys said in a statement.

Im having anxiety I had never experienced before. Im having medical issues. Most importantly, I never feel safe, Gersh said.

Its possible that Anglin may defend himself by claiming he told his followers to refrain from violent threats. NO VIOLENCE OR THREATS OF VIOLENCE OR ANYTHING EVEN CLOSE TO THAT, he wrote in December, before publishing Gershs personal contact information and referring to her as a slut and whore.

No one would take that seriously. Its just an effort to cover his rear end, Cohen told The Daily Beast of Anglins warning against violence. You cant encourage people to harass and attack someone and say keep it clean and pretend as if you have no responsibly for it.
Prosecutors in a Brooklyn mob trial arent quite sure that jail guards can be trusted to keep their witnesses safe.

Eleven alleged mobsters and associates of the Bonanno crime family were charged last month with crimes ranging from attempted murder to arson conspiracy to loan sharking. The case is put together in part with help from two cooperating victims whose voices appear on 21 audio recordings. Defendants must review the recordings to prepare their defenses, but prosecutors said they worry the recordings may slip out of jail and endanger the victims lives.

At a hearing for Ronald Giallanzo, an alleged acting captain of the Bonanno family, and his associates, prosecutors said they did not trust corrections officers at scandal-plagued Metropolitan Correctional Center and Metropolitan Detention Center to safeguard the recordings.

You would basically be relying on the jail to make sure [the CDs with recordings] come back, Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Argentieri told Judge Dora Irizarry. She said its a risk too great when the cooperating victims are at risk, given the nature of the case and these defendants.

Instead, they insist the defendants should only be allowed to listen to the audios under the supervision of defense team staff.

The very jails that transported the defendants to a courtroom packed with friends and family on Monday can handle the audio evidence, defense attorneys said, though the judge remained skeptical.

Oh its a problem. It is a problem, Irizarry responded, adding that potential leaks wouldnt be the first instance of correction officer corruption within the MCC and MDC.

There are lots of levels of witness tampering, she went on. The concern is the ultimate level of witness tampering, where the witness dies.

The two detention centers house individuals awaiting federal trial in New York, as well as some serving short prison sentences. Although guards are occasionally arrested for smuggling and corruption at the jails, they also host some of the worlds most notorious accused criminals, including Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. The top-security wing at MCC has been referred to as tougher than Guantanamo Bay by a man whod been in both.

As part of a protective order in the Giallanzo case, attorneys and defendants will be prohibited from discussing what appears in discovery materials with other parties. All parties agree to that stipulation, but differ on whether the defendants should be allowed to access the audio files on their own in the law library. Many of their attorneys are solo practitioners who say they dont have paralegals to send out to babysit in-jail listening sessions, and that the risk of audio leaks from CDs or hard drives is much lower than that of paper documents.

To disseminate that would be very difficult. Each defendant gets stripped out every time they move, said Joseph DiBenedetto, an attorney for Nicholas Festa.

What would, no offense what would prevent a paralegal from leaving a CD with a defendant? Irizarry asked prosecutors.

The answer is, nothing, Argentieri responded.

But prosecutors insisted the extra layers of paperwork and screening would make the defense teams a safer bet.

[Otherwise], youre relying on those MDC guards to be perfect every time, Argentieri said. These lawyers, as officers of the court, and people who work for them, have a greater interest in career reputation and are less likely to put that on the line for one defendant.

And although the defendants will know the identities of the cooperating witnesses after they listen to the audio, Argentieri insisted that the damage, should they choose to violate the protective order, will still be greater if theyre able to get the audio out.

Theres a real difference between a defendant calling someone a cooperator, and being able to prove it by playing a tape, the Argentieri said.

The AUSAs also requested that even the defendants out on bond be required to travel to their attorneys offices to review the materials with their attorneys, which defense lawyers said was too strict for men charged with non-violent crimes.

Some of [the other defendants] have been charged with obstruction. Some of them have been charged with kidnapping. Some of them have been charged with attempted murder, Irizarry said. And that is concerning.

The defense attorneys said their woes go far beyond whether the jails can be trusted to let their clients review the case against them. The MDC has disabled all audio on their computers and it may only be played on headphones, said Michael Hueston, an attorney for Michael Palmaccio.

But theres a catch: There are no headphones available, Hueston said he was told.

One impediment after another, to do something as simple as listen to a tape, Hueston added, insisting the men have no incentive to interfere with the cooperating victims. If they witness tamper, Im sure the government is not shy, they will bring new charges, Hueston said.

Irizarry is expected to rule on the matter shortly, but she didnt seem fully convinced.
Business is tough when your competitor is the president of the United States. At least thats what hotel and restaurant operators are claiming in an updated lawsuit filed in conjunction with a government watchdog group.

It clearly creates a competitive disadvantage for the presidents competition, when someone can use the office of the presidency as a PR tool, sitting there talking about how great the chocolate cake is at his establishment while addressing the national press about an act of war , restaurateur and Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio told The Daily Beast.

In January, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a federal civil lawsuit against President Donald Trump, arguing that foreign dignitaries spending money at Trumps hotel and restaurant holdings worldwide would violate the Constitutions emoluments clause, which bars government officials from dispensing titles of nobility or from accepting any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.

But CREWs original filing had been on its own behalf, with the watchdog group making an untested case that it had standing because it has suffered harm by having to divert resources from other work to monitor and respond to Mr. Trumps activities.

Their amended complaint now says that competitors and employees of competitors of restaurants located in [Trump]s hotels and other properties ... have been injured by these payments due to lost business, wages, and tips and adds two new plaintiffs: an event booker at a D.C. hotel, and an advocacy group, Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, representing over 200 businesses including Colicchios.

Were extremely concerned that foreign ambassadors and dignitaries that frequent restaurants that our members work in seem compelled to use Trump Hotels in order to curry favor with the president in order to move foreign policy, instead of restaurants where they would usually eat, Saru Jayaraman, a spokesperson for ROC United, which advocates for employers and workers at over 200 restaurants, told The Daily Beast. For workers thats a loss of tips, and for restaurant owners thats a loss of business.

The revised suit claims dignitaries are already revising their hotel and dining arrangements to buy favor with Trump, citing a November Washington Post article in which a Middle Eastern diplomat claims of Trumps new Washington, D.C. hotel, believe me, all the delegations will go there.

The lawsuit also cites an Asian diplomat who told the Post, why wouldnt I stay at his hotel blocks from the White House, so I can tell the new president, I love your new hotel! Isnt it rude to come to his city and say, I am staying at your competitor?

Colicchio said Trumps continued stake in his businesses  now held in a none-too-blind trust being run by his family members  gives them an unfair edge.

Its a commercial. Weve seen him on the campaign trail with his steaks and water and everything else, Colicchio said. Theres never an opportunity that the Trump advantage hasnt taken advantage of branding. Its good business, but its a little different when youre president of the United States.

Colicchio said he would take no issue with Trumps self-branding if he werent president. (Thats capitalism, he said. Im a capitalist.) But Trumps new office makes his restaurant holdings a matter of Constitutional debate, he said.

Jill Phaneuf, an events booker for two Washington, D.C. hotels, said her qualms with Trumps hotels were all business.

This isnt about politics, Im a registered Republican and I believe nothing is more important that our Constitutional protections, Phaneuf said in a statement. I joined this lawsuit because the president is taking business away from me and others with unfair business practices that violate the Constitution.

Phaneuf, who has previously written social media posts supporting Trumps young presidency, says she joined the lawsuit because she believes Trump has used his office to cut into rival hotels business. Much of her income is commission-based, the lawsuit claims, and she specializes in booking functions for politicians and visiting dignitaries. But because Trump has promoted his properties, including specifically Trump International Hotel in Washington D.C. as a hub for the diplomatic community, Ms. Phaneuf will be injured due to loss of commission-based income, the lawsuit alleges.

The expanded lawsuit was filed Tuesday, days before the Department of Justice was expected to respond to CREWs initial filing. DOJ lawyers plan on rebutting CREWs claims that Trump illegally accepted payment from foreign governments by arguing that payments for hotel or restaurant books are not prohibited under the emoluments clause, the New York Times reports.

ROC and the restaurants they represent claim its just good business for Trump to distance himself from his businesses.

Most presidents have divested themselves from their business interests. Jimmy Carter sold his peanut farm, Colicchio said. The least we can do is make sure the president isnt beholden to any foreign countries and make sure hes not enriching himself in the office.
Three times in recent days, Donald Trump reiterated his utter contempt for his bosses, the American people, and for our Constitutional democracy.

I have argued for a long time that if you listen closely you will hear Trump talk in dictatorial terms, and his disregard for anything but his own power was on full display Sunday in a Tweet encouraging the anti-American belief that no one should question his conduct while in office:

Someone should look into who paid for the small organized rallies yesterday. The election is over!

Youll recall how after Barack Obama was elected, Trump said Obama was not rightfully president, that he had been born in Kenya and remained a closet Muslim, among other fact-free smears.

What upset our thin-skinned deceiver-in-chief on Easter Sunday were more than 100 marches in cities across America, plus at least five foreign cities, by people demanding that the president make public his tax returns.

Though they got under his thin skin, the protests were not aimed at Trump but at Congressional Republicans, and a few Democrats. The message: develop enough political spine to make Trumps tax returns public or face ouster in the 2018 elections.

So who paid for these rallies? Americans who gave online or dropped money into collection buckets, mostly one- and five-dollar bills, but some twenties, too.

At the San Francisco rally where I spoke along with Nancy Pelosi, the House minority leader, and Supervisor Jane Kim, I spent hours interviewing people across from City Hall and after the march at the foot of Market Street.

The protesters included a retired police commander and many veterans of the undeclared wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. I met lawyers and retail clerks, bus drivers and retirees, grammar-school teachers and business owners. Some people volunteered that they were Republicans, or did not like Hillary Clinton, and it was clear from where they lived that a number of the protestors were multimillionaires.

Trump inspired the largest protest marches in American history on the day after his inauguration when millions of women and some men marched across the country because of his boasts about sexual assault, part of a lifelong pattern of misogyny.

The tax marches were much smaller, yet they were remarkable for the number of them and the number of people who took part because they were highly focused on a single issue. That so many people showed up in so many places shows that there is no factual basis for Trumps assertion that only White House reporters care about his broken promise to release his tax returns.

Assembling peaceably to petition our government for a redress of our grievances is a First Amendment right, one Trump respects only when his fans march. The only trouble was in Berkeley, Calif., where a protest the same day not connected with the tax marches appears to have been riddled with agents provocateurs determined to foment violence.

That brings us to Trumps second un-American action, his latest claim that he is above the law. In court papers responding to a civil suit, Trump now asserts he is immune from suit because he is President of the United States.

Thats legal nonsense and while Trump may not know it his lawyers surely do. The Supreme Court ruled on this in cases involving Richard Nixon after he left the White House and Bill Clinton while he was there. In the Nixon case, the high court held that a president is immune from suits only if those involve his officials actions as president.

Trumps immunity claim was made in one of at least two federal lawsuits by people who, videotape shows, were assaulted by Trump supporters at campaign rallies. Trump in one videotaped incident urged violence and promised to pay the legal bills of anyone who would assault protesters, a promise I hope no one was foolish enough to believe given his history of reneging on monetary promises.

In another case, a defamation lawsuit brought by Summer Zervos, Trump also claims to above the law. In that New York state case, Zervos is suing Trump for saying that a dozen women, including her, who said that he had sexually assaulted them were all liars. John Dean, who was Nixons White House counsel, says Trump seeks to create a new exception that would let him duck lawsuits for so long as he remains in office.

The third example of Trumps contempt for our Constitution and the people it serves is his decision to not make White House visitor logs public, as President Obama did. While every White House has good reason to slip people unnoticed into and out of the White House, Trump promised voters one thing, transparency, and delivered something else, official secrecy.

Trump ran for office promising to be a champion of the people, to drain the swamp and to run an honest administration. In his inaugural address he declared, we are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people.

When will the news narrative on Trump shift from the efforts I see pundits making every day to divine Trump policy and doctrine into a recognition that the Trump Administration is all about power, not public service?
Supreme Court has rapped the Centre and the Manipur government for lack of investigation into the rape of a 15-year-old girl, allegedly by Army men in the state.

By Anusha Soni: Supreme Court on Tuesday slammed the Centre and the Manipur government for inaction in the case of a 15-year-old girl who was raped in October 2003. The court's comments came during hearings on extrajudicial killings in Manipur -- the case in which the top court had curtailed powers of security forces under AFSPA.

"The girl was definitely subjected to rape, medical reports confirm that. Did you close the case because you didn't get any help from army? Is it your helplessness or a tacit understanding with army to not to proceed?" said the bench while slamming the state and central governments.

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The court also ordered the Attorney General to produce detailed court of enquiry reports to substantiate what procedures had been followed, and whether any attempt was made to identify the rapists of the minor girl.

"Mr Attorney, you have two alleged rapists in your forces?" the bench told the Attorney General representing Indian Army.

"Were the steps taken to identify the culprits? Who was the commander under who these men were working? As a state have you discharged your responsibility? Or you simply let Army do what they want to do?" the court asked.

The 15-year-old girl was raped in October 2003, allegedly by Army men, while working at a rubber farm. Today's Supreme Court rap came after no proper investigation was conducted in the case, despite medical confirmation of rape.

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The 19-year-old Red Bull driver had accused the Williams veteran of wrecking his best lap in qualifying at the Bahrain Grand Prix

By Reuters: Max Verstappen apologised to Brazilian Formula One fans on Monday after a comment about Felipe Massa caused offence at the weekend. (Latest F1 stories)

The 19-year-old Red Bull driver had accused the Williams veteran of wrecking his best lap in qualifying at the Bahrain Grand Prix and was asked by reporters whether he would be speaking to him.

"Well, he's a Brazilian. So there's not much to discuss," Verstappen had replied. (Vettel wins Bahrain GP)

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The Dutchman, who won huge admiration for a stellar drive through the field to third place at a rainswept Interlagos circuit last year, took to Instagram to clarify remarks that went down badly in Brazil.

"Being a passionate racer, I was very disappointed with my last (qualifying) stint and gave an emotional reaction that was taken out of context," he said.

"By no means did I mean to insult the Brazilian people who I greatly respect and are always very nice to me when I visit the country.

"I would like to apologise to any Brazilian who feel offended and look forward to racing in your country again," he added, referencing Brazilian world champions Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi and Nelson Piquet.

Massa, the only Brazilian driver on the current starting grid, told UOL Esporte that he had spoken to Verstappen after the race and warned him to "be careful what you say because you're going to have to go to Brazil to race there".

Verstappen crashed out of Sunday's race at the Sakhir circuit after a brake failure.

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The Aam Aadmi Party had moved the Delhi High Court seeking direction to state election commission to conduct MCD election on EVMs linked to paper trail machines.

By India Today Web Desk: The Delhi High Court today declined Aam Aadmi Party's request to use VVPAT-linked electronic voting machines for the MCD election.

Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party had moved the high court seeking direction to the state election commission to conduct the election on second-generation EVMs with VVPAT machines.

VVPATs or voter-verified paper audit trail show voters a slip with the symbol of the party they voted for. After a short span, the slip falls into a sealed box.

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Justice A K Pathak refused immediate relief to the ruling party, saying that "nothing can be done at the eleventh hour". The MCD election are scheduled to take place on April 23.

"We cannot stay the election nor pass an order to use electronic voting machines which are not there," the court said while seeking a response from the Election Commission of India and the Delhi State Election Commission by Friday, the next date of hearing.

The state election commisison's counsel said the EVMs to be used in the civic polls are the same that were used in 2015 Assembly election which saw the Aam Aadmi Party riding to power in Delhi.

ARVIND KEJRIWAL vs ELECTION COMMISSION

Barely a week ago, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had written to Delhi State Election Commissioner S K Srivastava over alleged procurement of obsolete and discarded Generation 1 EVMs from Rajasthan for MCD election.

In the letter, Arvind Kejriwal had asked the state election commission as to why Generation 1 electronic voting machines (EVMs) were procured when they were not compatible with VVPATs.

Ahead of the MCD election, Arvind Kejriwal has repeatedly attacked the Election Commission over EVM tampering. He called the Election Commission "Dhritarashtra" who wanted to see his son "Duryodhana" grab power at any cost. The Delhi BJP lodged a police complaint against Arvind Kejriwal for the remark.

After the Election Commission threw an open challenge to hack its EVMs, Arvind Kejriwal in an interview to India Today claimed that there were 10 ways to hack the electronic voting machines.

The Election Commission had earlier turned down a request from Aam Aadmi Party to delay the MCD election till arrangements were made to procure VVPAT machines.

(Inputs from IANS)

ALSO READ:

Electronic Voting Machine: Here's all you wanted to know about India's EVMs

Opposition meets EC officials over EVM tampering, demand restoration of paper ballot

Arvind Kejriwal calls Delhi Election Commission 'spineless', after UP poll panel demands new EVMs for civic polls

ALSO WATCH

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Launching innovationwhy so difficult?

Finding the holy grail is a tricky business  sometimes marketers appear like modern day archaeologists, sifting the lives of their consumers for clues, hoping to find the next big idea

David McGowan Pi Global

Given that we are such a conservative industry, why do we find it so difficult to identify opportunities that resonate with our consumers? And when we do have an idea for launch, why does it takes us so long to take it to market?

Part of the issue is of course identifying those ideas that we think are clear winners  do we take the arguably easier option of building on what we know, launching flavour variants that represent the latest tastes or health options, hoping to steal sales from our competitors? Or do we try create a completely new market by launching a truly disruptive innovation?

History is littered with examples where we have chased the wrong optionwhich of us hasnt been involved with launching an alcohol brand aimed specifically at women? Products such as Animee, Copenhagen and Chick Beer have disappeared very quickly.

Whereas a quick trip to Belgium, where 33% of the women like to drink beer, would have shown that for beer to be an attractive choice of refreshment, it simply must taste great! Seen as a convivial drink, best enjoyed in great glassware, with friends, in a cafe. It is that simple (If only!)

What do we need to do to alter the course of history?

Well, I would argue that we need to keep it rigorously simple. Be dogmatic about what we launch & why we are doing itbut take the simplest route to prove the potential of those ideas we believe in.

Most critical is to truly identify the problem to be solved, the opportunity to be explored, the clear consumer need to be met and a profile of who we are targeting  without that our efforts are often unwittingly misspent.

We pour our ideas into our stage gate funnel, assess, score and prioritise them. Sometimes we ask our consumers, often we work with trend agencies. Then we trust on the emotionless spreadsheet to identify the ones to take forward. Is that what successful entrepreneurs do? I dont think so.

To deliver, we ask our teams to act like owners, demonstrate entrepreneurial behavioursbut those traits dont often fit within a large FMCG organisation.

Entrepreneurs have to be adaptable, multi task, manage risk, get their hands dirty, be resilient, learn from failure, make decisionswhereas FMCG have to deal with functions, egos, job descriptions, conflicting objectives and sometimes angry suppliers before then awaiting decisions from the monthly stage gate meeting. Of course entrepreneurs have the luxury of answering to themselves, passionate about their product; often having invested time, sweat and possessions on bringing their baby to market. They have a lot to lose - we often dont.

But as leaders we can of course influence the process & people that will make the significant difference.

On process, my packaging team and I once completed a Value Stream Mapping exercise on the development processmapping only the critical inputs and outputs that drove an action. Wonderful to discover that there were only a handful of people that critically had to be involved to get the product to market.

On people, key decisions can be made by those with the correct experience and behaviours  but critically with the clear support of a senior responsible stakeholder. Upon completing the VSM exercise with our supply base, we reduced time to market by approximately 50%. A few suppliers even found it refreshing to be asked what actions they could take to minimise lead time  without reducing their margins. With hindsight, I wish we had included a design agency into the process because I believe we could reduce even further. Perhaps a project for the future.

Most critical for me is to have an experienced project manager. I remember the times when the Innovation guy from head office would rock up out of the blue for production trials, boss us all around and expect an energised, motivated workforcelooking frustrated that no one was listening to the stranger with the funny accent (yes he was English). In truth, most of my team were just thinking of their next break! Something to be said about managing expectations and empathy when it comes to effective influencing.

And our industry is old. It is still possible to find employees who have followed in the footsteps of their fathers and mothers. It is a culture in which leadership skills simply cannot be underestimated.

Ultimately managing business expectations is critical. Trialling to learn is challengingbut there are few overnight successes that have not faced failure or change before becoming that big success  we tend to forget that products usually take between 5 to 10 years to gain critical mass, brand awareness and distribution.

The clear example of this for me is Hendricks Gin. A wonderful creation of smooth fruity product and theatrical packaging that personifies premium gin, it was launched in 1999 but took nearly 10 years to really succeed.

William Grants showed true insight about gin consumers and demonstrated the nurturing that is required for success. They deserve great respect for that. Often brands undergo a change of owner ship or Dragons Den support from an established corporation before finding true success. That seems a more common option these days, especially within the beer sector - If you cant create it, buy it!

So why dont we make it simple for ourselvesinvest in real insight, truly understanding the real opportunity that our consumers desireempower a small team of experienced experts that have the ability and power to make decisions, to push the boundaries, manage risks and possibly even to learn through failure. Then support them with unique creative skills to visualise their ideas, make fast decisions, test concepts and validate choices.

And motivate those with the ability to deliverour employees, our suppliers and our sales teams  by trusting them through involvement. Wise investment indeed.

David McGowan, Innovation Realisation Director at Pi Global - Brand Shaping Specialists.

18 April 2017
WGS acquires Tuthilltown Spirits

William Grant & Sons, independent family owned Scottish distiller, has announced the acquisition of Tuthilltown Spirits, New York State's first distillery since Prohibition.

Considered the inspiration of the American craft whiskey movement, Tuthilltown produces a number of craft spirits including Hudson Whiskey, which was acquired by William Grant & Sons in 2010.

Based in the Hudson Valley, William Grant & Sons has acquired the entire 36-acre Tuthilltown facility which includes the distillery that produces Hudson and a variety of other local craft spirits brands, the gourmet restaurant, visitor center and scenic grounds with riverfront views.

This acquisition will expand the William Grant & Sons reach into craft American whiskey distilling for the first time. William Grant & Sons chief executive officer, Simon Hunt comments: In 2010, William Grant & Sons bought the Hudson Whiskey brand as we were not only attracted to the possibilities within the American whiskey category but in particular, the authenticity of the Hudson brand and the excellence of the whiskey; the same is true of the distillery. The entire team at Tuthilltown bring an incredible passion to what they do and possess an entrepreneurial spirit that we will whole heartedly encourage.

In a short time, the craft distillery founded by Ralph Erenzo and Brian Lee quickly achieved acclaim having won industry accolades and, given its historic association with the Hudson brand, the acquisition of the distillery is a logical addition to William Grant & Sons operations in the US. Hunt continues: Ralph will still be very much involved in the business on a day to day basis collaborating and experimenting with our team of distillery experts and master blenders.

Erenzo comments: William Grant & Sons is a company that holds true family values and is home to a number of spirits brands we respect and admire. It is renowned for its excellence in distilling and we share similar. Weve been working with William Grant & Sons for a number of years and look forward to building on that relationship to help Tuthilltown fully achieve its potential.

The Hudson Whiskey range includes the flagship Hudson Baby Bourbon, as well as Hudson Manhattan Rye, Hudson Single Malt Whiskey, Hudson New York Corn Whiskey, Hudson Four Grain Bourbon and additional seasonal releases.

18 April 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor
Congress released its first in a three-part manifesto for MCD elections, snowballing its plans for urban poor.

By Mail Today Bureau: Reminiscent of ex-PM Indira Gandhi days, Congress on Monday played its socialist card by bringing out an MCD election manifesto for the 'urban poor.'

It is the first in a three-part manifesto, it said. A separate 'vision document' for urban infrastructure and youth will be released in the next two days.

Delhi State Congress president Ajay Maken, while releasing the manifesto, said a gigantic Rs 2,000 crore annual fund will be set up to improve slums and resettlement colonies. Also, a separate 'Delhi Urban Poverty Elimination Department' will be set up and granted Rs 5,200 crore.

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For daily wagers/labourers, a 'swasth bima' (health insurance) and 'durghatna bima' (accident insurance) will be arranged. The government will also support them for three months when they are out of job. Five lakh street vendors will be given license and salaries will be fixed for housemaids, it claimed.

WHAT IS CONGRESS AIMING AT?

Senior Congress leaders and former UPA government ministers Salman Khursheed, Shashi Tharoor, and Jairam Ramesh have helped prepare the manifesto, Maken said.

Separate road maps for sanitation, primary health and education services rendered by corporations, besides a blue print for their financial self reliance, have been framed, he added. Ajay Maken said the party is committed to make all the three corporations self-dependent in two years after coming to power through revenue generation from different areas including annual collections of Rs 500 crore from licence fees from vendors, Rs 1,600 crore from toll tax, utilisation of unused land and outdoor advertising.

"No new taxes will be imposed, rather the existing house tax rates could be lowered by uprooting corruption and efficient collection of other taxes," said Ajay Maken. The party manifesto also talks on regularisation and development of unauthorised colonies.

The JJ clusters too will be developed through in-situ rehabilitation, replacing the shanties by housing complexes, the manifesto promises. Also, all temporary sanitation workers in three MCDs will be regularised in two years, it says. "We are not making hollow promises as BJP did yesterday in its manifesto. They ruled corporations for 10 years and failed even to pay timely salaries to sanitation workers and teachers of municipal schools, how do they plan to fulfil tall promises made by them," Maken said on Monday.

Also read: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says will set up commission for SC/STs after MCD polls

Also read: MCD polls: AAP releases 'Most Corrupt Department' booklet to expose BJP's corruption

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A 38-year-old man died of a heart attack while fighting a College Station resident accused of assaulting his girlfriend, according to results from a preliminary investigation released Monday.

Initially, authorities said they were looking in to an unexplained death after being called to help an unconscious man at an apartment in the 2400 block of Bosque Drive at 3:25 a.m. April 11. Officers, then EMT's performed CPR on Ross Batten, who died a short time later.

Investigators learned later that Batten was called by a 26-year-old friend who said she and her live-in boyfriend, Tyrone Shephard, were in an argument and Shephard punched her, according to police. Batten rushed to their apartment, kicked in the front door and started a fight with Shephard, the police report states.

Batten fell to the floor and stopped breathing during the fight, prompting the woman to call police, authorities said.

Shephard was arrested and charged with a Class A misdemeanor of family violence, a crime punishable by up to 1 year behind bars if convicted. He was not charged in connection with Batten's death.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to call police at 979-764-3600.
Citing problems that include a leaky roof and asbestos-filled floors, the Bryan school board on Monday approved a $2.2 million plan to transform the district's technology building.

The building on Texas Avenue near Downtown Bryan houses textbooks and 60 employees who meet the district's day-to-day technology needs. Jeff Windsor, director of construction services, said the focus of the renovation is to turn the building's hodgepodge of rooms into practical office space.

"We're taking the building and we're revamping it so it works, as what happens in a lot of instances is people move in and they add an office here, and they add an office there, and there's no cohesive plan for the building to function properly," he said.

The district received four bids and chose the bid presented by Acklam Construction Co. of College Station. Acklam had the lowest bid among the three companies with the best past performance reviews.

Windsor said the district will add a new loading area, revamp air-conditioning and electrical systems, repair the leaky roof and remove asbestos.

The renovations mark a departure from plans outlined in the district's 2014 bond election, which included plans to move employees at the technology building to a new centralized location and potentially sell off the technology building property.

"The original intent was to try to get the technology people into the new [Stephen F. Austin Middle School] administration building. There never really was a suitable spot, and we're really not able to bring over the 60 employees they have at the building, so we looked at what it would take to make the building they are in acceptable for the long term," Windsor told school board members.

Brandon Webb, the district's director of communication, said the decision to stay was made in part because it would cost the district $1 million just to move the essential technology housed at the facility.

"In order to respect the budget that we told taxpayers that we would try to adhere to, we made the decision that that $1 million would not be well spent just to move the technology," Webb said.

Windsor said with the board's approval Monday, work will begin immediately to remove asbestos that has developed under the floor mats of an unoccupied part of the building by April 24. The construction will follow in two waves. While one half of the building is being renovated, employees will relocate to the other half.

Monday's school board meeting capped Christie Whitbeck's first day as the district's superintendent.
While the idea of unmanned aircraft taking to the skies may be the stuff of science-fiction nightmares for some, former drone pilot Michael Menard said the technology has the potential to be much more beneficial than it is often given credit for.

Menard, who serves as chief test pilot at the Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence and Innovation, spoke at Texas A&M's Bush School of Government and Public Service on Monday evening, sharing his insight into the role unmanned aerial vehicles are playing in both military and civilian realms.

"When most people think of a [UAV], they think of a Predator or a Reaper blowing something up somewhere in a war zone," Menard said. "They very rarely think of the utility and usefulness of how somebody could use it to increase public safety."

Danny Davis, a senior lecturer at the Bush School, said he invited Menard to the "Unmanned Systems: The Faceless Frontline" event, which was designed to explore the role of unmanned systems and robotics as well as how they are changing national security. Menard was joined at the event by explosive ordinance disposal expert Sgt. James Woodward of the College Station Police Department.

Davis, who teaches a course on cybersecurity, said it is important for those studying the field to be exposed to real-world perspectives and hear from someone in the field.

"[Menard] is at the forefront of UAV employment today," Davis said. "UAVs are just one example of the growing internet of things we are all exposed to."

For those preparing to join the workforce, Menard said, his advice would be to remember that UAVs are meant to be tools used to accomplish a job.

"It's a tool in your toolbox, not your job," Menard said. "You could be a police officer, Border Patrol, fire services, a variety of things. The key is to focus on what your job is and then figure out a way to use [the UAV] as a tool to enhance your job."

Menard said one of the biggest challenges facing the future of unmanned vehicles is a general lack of education among the public as to what they do and what their purpose is.

"We have to make sure people know that it's not there to harm you; it's actually there to help you," he said. "Education will help a whole lot, because people are often fearful of what they don't understand."

Instead of just being a tool for blowing things up or spying on neighbors, Menard said, there are a number of potential uses for UAVs, including in the fields of marine biology, forestry, law enforcement, agriculture and more.

"There are all kinds of different directions you could go with it," he said.

Menard said unmanned vehicles have hurdles to climb -- including the development of regulation and a continually developing understanding among the public -- but he expects to see a growing number take to the skies performing a variety of tasks.
August 1, 1940 - April 14, 2017

Joyce Ann DeVaney, 76, of Melrose, NM, passed away April 14, 2017 at the Zale Lipshy Hospital in Dallas, TX. Services will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at the Church of Christ in Melrose, NM under the direction of Steed-Todd Funeral Home.

Joyce was born August 1, 1940 to Elmer W. and Cecil B. (Pyburn) DeVaney on their homestead near Progresso, NM. She graduated from Corona High School and attended Eastern New Mexico University and the University of Arkansas before earning her PHD in Entomology from Texas A & M University in 1976.

Joyce worked for the USDA in Mission, Texas as part of the screw worm eradication program. She retired in 1991 from the USDA at College Station, TX then moved to Melrose, NM where she built a new home on 280 acres.

Among the many activities that filled her life after retirement was some extensive travel to places as far away as Thailand, Vanuatu, Korea, and Africa. Joyce was able to take her mother with her on several trips to see new places, family, and old friends. Joyce was involved in her church and community. She enjoyed helping the Aggies for Christ and many times provided visiting students a place to stay. Not only did she help the young, she often took elderly people to their doctor appointments or to get groceries, played cards with them, and cooked for others. She was a substitute teacher at the public school in Melrose and also served as a school bus driver. She loved watching the kids compete at school sports.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Elsie Cosby and husband, Gerald Cosby, and her brother, Dick DeVaney.

She is survived by three sisters, Helen Towell and husband, Delbert of Abilene, TX; Cleo Wersonick and husband, Ross of Rio Communities, NM; and Fern Snow and husband, Ronnie of Zephyr, TX. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Carolyn DeVaney of Melrose, NM, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, 2707 S Lamar St., Denver, CO 80227.
A distress call was received by the Mumbai Police Control Room from tugboat Sonika, which ran aground in the waters off Raj Bhavan during low tide.

A crew member on board tugboat Sonika being rescued by a Navy official.

By Vidya : Four crew members of a tugboat Sonika, who were stranded off Mumbai coast on Monday night, were rescued by Indian Navy Seaking42C helicopter.

A distress call was received by the Mumbai Police Control Room from tugboat Sonika, which ran aground in the waters off Raj Bhavan during low tide.

The site is in the vicinity of the area where the Shivaji Statue is planned to be built.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW While the Mumbai police rushed a boat from Mahim, it could not get to the point where the tugboat Sonika was lying stranded due to the rocks and shallow water there. Mumbai police then immediately contacted the Indian Navy for assistance and also the Joint Operations Center. At about 11.20 pm, a naval Seaking C helicopter, with divers on board, was launched from the naval airbase in Shikra. The helicopter was able to rescue all the four men stranded on the tugboat and returned to the base by 11.45 pm. "The rescued men were provided a medical check-up on arrival by doctors of INS Shikra. The crew members are safe and no injury was reported," said commander Rahul Sinha, Defense spokesperson in Mumbai. A tugboat is a boat that manoeuvres vessels by pushing or towing them. Tugs move vessels that either should not move by themselves, such as ships in a crowded harbour or a narrow canal, or those that could not move by themselves, such as barges, disabled ships, rafts or even oil platforms. Tugboats are huge in size and strongly built. However, the tugboat stranded off Raj Bhavan has not yet been brought back. The private company which is registered in Mumbai and owns the tugboat will now have to undertake this responsibility.

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Also read | Boat capsizes in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, 5 dead

Also read | Pakistan arrests over 100 Indian fishermen off Gujarat coast, seizes 19 boats

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Making a return to our two favourite summer locations, Mount Maunganui and Nelson in early January 2023, we've got whiff of the first release lineup and me oh my, yes boy
A total of 1,200 criminal cases were also registered during the water festival, Xinhua news agency reported.

By Indo-Asian News Service: A total of 285 people were killed and 1,073 others injured across Myanmar during a four-day water festival, media reports said.

This year's traditional Thingyan water festival ran from Thursday to Sunday. The deaths were 13 times more than that of last year's event.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,200 criminal cases were also registered during the water festival, Xinhua news agency reported.

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Among the deaths, 10 were in Nay Pyi Taw, 44 in Yangon, 36 in Mandalay, 26 in Sagaing region, 11 in Tanintharyi region, 37 in Bago region, 11 in Magway region, 20 in Mon state, 17 in Rakhine, 29 in Shan state and 28 in Ayeyawaddy region.

The criminal cases were related to murder, car accident, drug-use, theft, arm possession and group violence respectively.

During last year's water festival, a total of 272 people were killed and 1,086 others injured.

Also read:

Fate of 40,000 Rohingyas from Myanmar to be sealed soon

Two suspected ISIS agents nabbed at Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur

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Pakistan media claims that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is likely to meet his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, in June.

Reports in Pakistani media claim Nawaz Sharif is likely to meet Narendra Modi in June. (File Photo/PTI)

By India Today Web Desk: Tension between India, Pakistan is at a new high after Pakistan Army announced death sentence for Kulbhushan Jadhav , a former Indian Navy officer on charges of spying. The trust deficit between the two neighbouring nuclear nations increased manifold with Jadhav's sentencing which India has termed as "premeditated murder." Despite heightened hostility, Pakistan media claims there is a high possibility of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif meeting his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi soon.

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Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are likely to meet on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, in June, reports The Express Tribune .

Citing Foreign Office officials and diplomatic sources, the Pakistani newspaper said that the PMs of the two countries may hold talks on the sidelines of SCO.

"As has been the case in the past, the two nuclear-tipped neighbours may bring yet another surprise, as foreign office officials and diplomatic sources do not rule out the possibility of a meeting between the prime ministers of the two countries in June," the paper said.

"Diplomatic sources told The Express Tribune that influential countries in the SCO are pushing Pakistan and India to re-engage in order to ensure that the next summit is held in a conducive environment," it added.

'JINXED' PAST

Prime Minister Modi had met Nawaz Sharif in the margins of SCO Summit in Ufa, Russia in 2015 too.

Meeting of India-Pakistan PMs amid hostile environment is nothing new. In 1998, just months after both India and Pakistan conducted nuclear tests, the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee travelled to Lahore by bus in an apparent attempt to bring back the peace process on track. In 1999, Kargil happened derailing the process.

The 2001 Parliament attack brought India and Pakistan on threshold of a war. However, months later the then Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf was in India for Agra Summit. But the relationship nose dived further.

WATCH: Musharraf to India Today: On Kulbhushan Jadhav, Pakistan will bow down to nobody

ALSO READ:

India still to receive copy of Kulbhushan Jadhav judgment from Pakistan

Who is Kulbhushan Jadhav, the Indian sentenced to death in Pakistan?

From no talks to handshake in Paris to a warm hug in Lahore: What has changed between India, Pakistan

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By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Apr 18 (PTI) There is a need for focusing on diabetes in the young as it is a national priority considering the invaluable potential of the youth in the making of a new India, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said today.

Addressing a conference on non-communicable diseases here, Singh said the disease spectrum in India, over the last few decades, has shifted from communicable to non-communicable diseases as a result of which, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, heart disease and cancer have occupied the centre stage.

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"This has, at the same time, also resulted in huge social and economic burden on society which has more than 65 per cent of population below the age of 45 and, therefore, cannot afford any drainage or wastage of valuable youth potential," said Singh, Minister of State for Personnel. The minister, who is also a doctor, said the more serious concern is upsurge of diabetes in younger age groups and among hitherto lesser affected sections of the society and lesser affected parts of the country including rural areas and village folk.

This, he said, is also to a great extent, because of the breakdown of the rural-urban divide resulting in unhealthy lifestyle changes across all sections of society.

"Singh has called for focus on control of diabetes in young and said that this is not only a health priority but also a national priority considering the invaluable potential of the youth energy in the making of new India," an official release quoted him as having said. Making a strong plea for engaging in public-private partnership (PPP) modules, he said that government agencies, social scientists and health professionals will have to work in tandem to devise strategies for control and prevention of diabetes. Underlining the central governments concern and priority for health issues, Singh referred to the recent decision of the government to streamline and control the prices of cardiac stents used for heart patients. He also referred to the governments move for use of generic medicines and to introduce a comprehensive health policy under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Considering the topography of some of the far-flung and inaccessible areas of the country, Singh said, he had also proposed the idea of having "air-clinic" set up inside a helicopter with a specialist and requisite equipment as well as paramedics which could be used as an OPD at more than one place on a single day. PTI AKV KUN

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Hall County GOP members were among the first to hear from Bob Evnen after he announced his candidacy for Nebraska secretary of state on Monday morning.

Evnen, a Lincoln attorney and former State Board of Education member, announced his run nearly a year in advance of next Mays election. Incumbent John Gale announced last month he wont run for re-election in 2018.

I have a high regard for John in the way that hes run the office, Evnen said.

The newly announced candidate, also a Republican, spoke to about 15 area Republicans at a regularly scheduled meeting. After his announcement at the capitol, Hall County was the first stop of his announcement tour.

Evnen spoke about three main things he stands for:

- Voter ID.

- Public safety and the death penalty.

- Nebraskas exports.

He said though others may feel differently, he thinks everyone should have voter IDs to ensure that those who are lawfully entitled to vote can cast ballots. He cited Jane Kleeb of the Nebraska Democratic Party placing voter registration cards in welcome baskets for refugees, which he didnt agree with. Along with voter ID, Evnen also expressed concern with voter fraud and rolls not being cleared, claiming to know of two Somali refugees in Lexington who cast illegal ballots.

We really have to confront the fact that this is an issue here as well, Evnen said. Voter ID is just a common sense thing.

Evnen said we also have to do a better job of making sure those who vote are citizens. He said the sacredness of the secret ballot must be protected. He said only those who want to tell how they voted should do so.

As your secretary of state, Ill work to protect voting security, Evnen said, who as a State Board of Education member helped adopt more rigorous standards in reading, writing, math, science and social studies.

The death penalty is something Evnen also supports. He co-founded Nebraskans for the Death Penalty. Nebraskans reinstated the death penalty in Novembers election. The secretary of state sits on the Board of Pardons, which works with convicts and determines sentences and pardons.

Holding criminals accountable for their acts are the things that will inform my judgement on the Board of Pardons, Evnen said.

Evnen said most of Nebraskas exports are agricultural, which he hopes to expand. He said he looks forward to working with Gov. Pete Ricketts on expanding exports and growing the states economic future. Evnen said he wants economic investment in Nebraska and gave the example of the Kawasaki plant in Lincoln, which he said has created good jobs.
Nonprofit organizations in Hall, Howard, Merrick and Hamilton counties will get a big financial boost on May 3 from the fourth annual Go Big Give.

The event, which is organized by the Heartland United Way and the Grand Island Community Foundation, has a goal of raising $515,000 in one day. That money will benefit 110 nonprofit organizations that have signed up to participate.

Heartland United Way President Karen Rathke and Grand Island Community Foundation Executive Director Melissa DeLaet gave the Grand Island Rotary Club a preview of the upcoming event on Tuesday.

"Go Big Give is a one-day event where people can go online and give 24 little hours for 110 big reasons," Rathke said.

Beginning on April 26, people can go online at www.gobiggive.org and give a donation to one of the 110 nonprofit organizations. If done before May 3, the donation will go into effect on the day of the event. The minimum donation is $10, but people using a credit card are being asked to donate 5 percent more to cover the cost of the credit card service fee.

People can also give in person on May 3 as Go Big Give will be headquartered at the Conestoga Mall from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to receive donations.

On May 3, area businesses and individuals will give the event a boost by providing matching grants and incentive prizes to help the gifts grow, Rathke said.

"This is hugely important to these nonprofits because it is a great opportunity for them to raise dollars and get their name out in the community without having to put a lot of time and effort into a huge fundraiser," DeLaet said.

The event will offer a lot of new prizes to donors from supporters of the event, such as Idea Bank in Hastings, which is donating a social media star prize. There will also be a match minute for up to $4,000 for four minutes from 4:40 to 4:44 p.m. to celebrate Go Big Gives fourth anniversary.

Last year, the event raised about $510,000, along with $89,323 from matches and bonuses. In Hall County, there were 1,612 donors giving nearly $300,000 during the 24-hour event. Along with the bonuses, Hall County gave $358,328 to last years Go Big Give.

Eighty-seven percent of the donations were $100 or less. Education, human services, the arts and youth nonprofits took in 66 percent of all donations during the event.

Rathke said many of the nonprofits participating in Go Big Give work steadily for months getting in contact with supporters and asking them to donate during the event.

She said the beauty of the event is that its online and people can give from anywhere during the 24-hour event or during the pre-give period from April 26 through May 2.

"It really is a way for a lot of people who have a connection with a donor to reach out to them and ask them, on this one day, to give and watch it grow," Rathke said.

DeLaet said the participating nonprofits can seek out businesses or individuals prior to event who are willing to provide either challenge grants or incentive bonuses.

"I think we can hit our goal this year," DeLaet said. "Grand Island and our four-county area are a very giving community."

"They have big hearts," Rathke said.
Police/Sheriff

Anyone with information about any crime in the state may call the Grand Island-Hall County Crime Stoppers, (308) 381-8822. Callers will remain anonymous.

A reward of up to $1,000 will be paid after law enforcement agencies have determined the seriousness of the crime and the usefulness of the information.

Inmate custody status can be obtained by calling the VINE hotline at (877) NE 4 VINE or by visiting www.vinelink.com. Information is available 24 hours a day.

If you see a crime happening, call the Grand Island-Hall County Emergency Center  911.

Grand Island Police

The following felonies were reported:

- Alycia Adams reported an attempted scam Friday at 1414 St. Paul Road.

- Sarah Inness was arrested for possession of a controlled substance Saturday at North Walnut and West Eighth.

- Nathaniel Alvarez was arrested for tampering with physical evidence Saturday at Sylvan Street and Windolph Avenue.

- Tony Perez was arrested for third-degree domestic assault, strangulation, second-degree false imprisonment, third-degree assault and obstructing a peace officer Monday morning at 720 Ridgewood Ave.

- Shawn Scheer was arrested for second-degree assault Sunday and Ashley Scheer was referred Sunday night at 4309 Michigan Ave.

- Victoriano Samaniego reported a burglary and motor vehicle theft Saturday morning at 2107 W. Second St.

Hall County Sheriff

Law enforcement arrested eight people on warrants in 11 cases. There were 81 calls for service.

For more information visit www.hallcountyne.gov and click on the sheriff link.

One male was arrested for assault Saturday night at 200 E. Airport Road.

- Lindsay Plambeck reported theft Friday morning at Pilot Truck Stop, 11775 S. Highway 11.

Court report

Hall County Court

- Sarah J. Innes, 32, 958 10th Ave., Duncan, was charged with driving under suspension before being reinstated by the state, possession or use of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and possession of 1 oz. or less of marijuana, first offense, all on Saturday. Preliminary hearing set for 10:30 a.m. May 12.

- Nathaniel R. Alvarez, 26, 3033 W. Capital Ave., Apt. 32, was charged with being a fugitive from justice.

- Tony Perez, 28, 101 S. Hastings Ave., Hastings, was charged with third-degree domestic assault, strangulation, second-degree false imprisonment, third-degree assault and obstructing a peace officer, all on Monday.

- Shawn D. Scheer, 38, 4309 Michigan Ave., was charged with second-degree assault Sunday. Preliminary hearing set for 3:30 p.m. May 12.

Driving Under the Influence  Elias Ornelas, 30, Orange, Calif., $500 fine, seven days in jail, drivers license revoked six months.
Despite a threatened veto from Gov. Pete Ricketts, LB44 has the potential to give the state of Nebraska a way to collect sales tax revenue on online purchases.

The bill would encourage online merchants that do at least $100,000 in business or conduct at least 200 transactions in Nebraska to collect Nebraska sales tax on their sales and remit the money to the state. They would have the option to just report annually to the state and the customers how much sales tax is owed, but if they have to keep track of the taxes, it wouldnt be burdensome for them to go ahead and collect it.

The state would fine the online merchants for each transaction not reported, so the fines could add up quickly.

LB44 was approved, 28-13, in its initial vote on the floor of the Legislature, but two more votes will be required before the bill will be sent to the governor. Sen. Dan Quick of District 35 and Sen. Curt Friesen of District 34 both supported the bill in last weeks vote.

Senators opposing the bill warn of the possibility of it being challenged in court as unconstitutional. But Sen. Dan Watermeier, the bills sponsor, contends that his bill could survive a court challenge, since it gives merchants the choice of collecting sales taxes or reporting the amount due to the state and their customers.

Its estimated that the state is losing out on $30 million to $40 million each year in sales taxes on online transactions. This bill is being debated at a time when the Legislature is having to make a lot of very difficult decisions in order to deal with a $900 million budget shortfall.

The state asks its residents to self-report their online purchases and pay the sales taxes along with their income taxes, but few people actually do this.

Everyone knows they can just make their big purchases online and avoid sales taxes. That puts our local businesses at a disadvantage as local customers check out their prices and then go home to find the best buy online without being taxed.

State government has been talking about finding a way to collect these sales taxes for years. Its time that the Legislature stop doing without the tax revenue and begin requiring online merchants to do the same thing that main street businesses have always had to do.

The Legislature should pass this bill and mount the support to override a veto from the governor if necessary.
The Nebraska Legislature is scheduled to begin debate on LB461 later this week. Tucked within this compilation bill, posed to cut income and corporate tax rates, is a proposal to change the way agricultural and horticultural land is valued.

While this change in ag land valuation is positioned as the property tax relief Nebraskas agricultural community has been calling for, rural and urban residents alike should be wary.

Known as the Agricultural Valuation Fairness Act, ag land valuations would be shifted from a market-based assessment to one based on income potential, while also requiring valuations to fall within 55 to 65 percent of actual value. Statewide valuations would be capped at 3.5 percent over the prior year. If voted into law, the bill would be implemented in January 2018.

Even in summary, questions arise as to the bills ability to provide immediate and effective property tax relief. When will landowners begin to see reductions in valuations? How was it determined that a 3.5 percent cap in valuations would result in property tax savings? Will this change in valuation result in more tax relief than is currently offered through the property tax credit fund?

Beyond the mechanics of the bill remain the questions of the bills impact upon counties and schools. How will schools make up for the loss of revenue? If the state has not fully funded education in 12 of the last 15 years, will the state be able to do so after this bill passes? Will schools and counties turn to increased levies to meet current needs?

And there remains the question asked by ag landowners across the state, how will this legislation change my property tax bill?

Amidst the unknowns, one thing is evident, LB461 is not the property tax relief bill that Nebraskans have called for. While the current system is not working, passing LB461 will only exacerbate the overreliance on property tax by creating added gaps in funding. Nebraskas property taxpayers deserve better, and the Legislature can and must do so.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Apr 18 (PTI) Canadian Defence Miniser Harjit Singh Sajjan today said he has no interest in the "internal politics" of any nation, days after Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh termed him a "Khalistani sympathiser".

At a public event here, Sajjan said he has been given "many labels" in his life and that one should be judged by his actions.

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"What you are is determined by what you do. You look at my actions. I dont step into the internal politics of any one province or any one nation.

"My goal is to build relationships as representative of the Canadian government and that is what I am here to do and I am also very proud of the fact that I was born here," he said.

Ahead of Sajjans visit, the Punjab CM had said he would not meet him alleging that the Canadian minister is a "Khalistani sympathiser".

Canada has termed the allegation as "disappointing and inaccurate".

Addressing a seminar on Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping in a Changing World, Sajjan stressed that the military by itself cannot resolve conflicts.

Social factors have to be looked in for effective peacekeeping, he said.

Responding to a query on ISIS, he said grievances within the Sunni population in Iraq and Syria led to the rise of the terror group, and for it to be eliminated the "root causes", including that of recruitment into its ranks, must be addressed.

"We in Canada cannot be an island of stability in an unstable world, while civilians are getting killed," he said.

Sajjan, a Sikh with roots in India, also pitched for bilateral cooperation in the defence sector and the need for a cooperative approach by working with "our allies who share common values in the Asia Pacific".

The event was organised by the Observer Research Foundation based here. PTI SBR SC

--- ENDS ---
North Korea's deputy representative to the United Nations has accused the United States of pushing the world to the brink of nuclear war.

By Reuters: North Korea has yet again slammed the United States. In its fresh salvo, North Korea has accused the US of creating a 'situation where nuclear war could break out an any time'.

North Korea's deputy representative to the United Nations Kim In Ryong also said that Pyongyang's next nuclear test would take place 'at a time and a place where the headquarters deems necessary.'

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Meanwhile, US Vice President Mike Pence is expected to reassure Japan of the American commitment to reining in North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions, after warning that US strikes in Syria and Afghanistan showed the strength of its resolve.

Pence took off for Tokyo from a U.S. air base south of Seoul, where he assured leaders of the "iron-clad" alliance with the United States. He also warned the reclusive North, which has conducted a series of missile and nuclear tests in defiance of U.N. sanctions, that the "era of strategic patience" was over.

He is expected to discuss Korean tensions with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as well as hold economic talks with Finance Minister Taro Aso.

NORTH KOREA'S THREATS

North Korea regularly threatens to destroy Japan, South Korea and the United States and it showed no let-up in its defiance after a failed missile test on Sunday, a day after putting on a huge display of missiles in Pyongyang.

North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol told the BBC that missiles would continue to be tested on "a weekly, monthly and yearly basis".

South Korea's acting president, Hwang Kyo-ahn, told a cabinet meeting on Tuesday that South Korea would strengthen its alliance with the United States and closely cooperate with China to rein in North Korea.

"We should stay on our toes to protect our territory and people's lives," Hwang said.

The North has warned of a nuclear strike against the United States if provoked. It has said it has developed a missile that can strike the mainland United States, but officials and experts believe it is some time away from mastering the necessary technology, including miniaturising a nuclear warhead.

TOUGHER SANCTIONS

Pence said on Monday the world had witnessed U.S. President Donald Trump's resolve in the past two weeks, which saw a U.S. missile attack on a Syrian airfield and the dropping of a powerful non-nuclear bomb on Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan.

"North Korea would do well not to test his resolve or the strength of the armed forces of the United States in this region," Pence said.

The Trump administration has said military action remains an option for dealing with North Korea.

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But, mindful that this would likely trigger massive retaliation and casualties in South Korea and Japan, U.S. officials say the Trump administration's main focus is on tougher economic sanctions.

Trump, when asked on Monday if he was considering military action, told Fox News Channel he didn't want to "telegraph" his plans like the previous administration.

US officials say tougher sanctions could include an oil embargo, a global ban on North Korea's airline, intercepting cargo ships and punishing Chinese banks doing business with Pyongyang. They say greater Chinese cooperation is vital.

CHINA'S HELPFUL STEPS

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said China had taken some 'very helpful' steps, although it remained to be seen how effective these would be.

Susan Thornton, acting U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asia, said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and China's top diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, agreed in a phone call on Sunday on the need for strict enforcement of UN resolutions and for international action to press Pyongyang "to cease provocative actions and recommit to peaceful denuclearisation".

Thornton said any new North Korean nuclear test "would draw a pretty significant international response".Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi repeated China's standard line that the crisis could only be resolved by diplomacy.

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"I've seen that the United States has reiterated it is willing to use political and diplomatic means to resolve this, as this is their first choice," he told reporters in Beijing.

POLITICAL DIPLOMATIC FIRST CHOICE

"Of course I think that any country will feel that political diplomatic means are of course the first choice."Pence's economic discussions in Tokyo will be closely watched to see how hard a line Washington is prepared to take on trade. Trump campaigned on an "America First" platform, and has vowed to narrow big trade deficits with nations like China and Japan.

However, Trump has also shown willingness to link trade to other issues, saying he would cut a better trade deal with China if it exerts influence on North Korea.

China banned imports of North Korean coal, its most important export, in February, and Chinese media have raised the possibility of restricting oil shipments to the North.

Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-1953 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. South Korea hosts 28,500 U.S. troops to counter the threat from the North.

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Also read:

We need to talk about North Korea and the 1984-like situation there

North Korea displays 'new' missiles as US carrier group approaches

Chinese tabloid warns North Korea against nuclear and missile tests

WATCH | Mother of All Bombs dropped to deny operative space to ISIS: US

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin Gilang Kembara (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017

As the sound of engines from both the Su-27/30 and F-16 jet fighters roared over my house earlier this month, I couldnt contain my excitement over those maneuvering metal birds preparing for the Air Forces anniversary on April 9.

The wings of the motherland  swa bhuwana paksa as the Air Force motto goes  made me feel proud of having those pilots protect our great nation. However, I also feel a sense of concern and confusion over the Air Force.

It is no secret that the Air Force (and the Air Wing of other branches of the Indonesian Military or TNI) has had unfortunate incidents and accidents. Between 2015 and 2016 alone, the Air Force lost six fixed-wing aircrafts, mostly brand-new, straight-off-the-factory-floor, equipment. In addition, the controversy surrounding the acquisition of the Agusta Westland (AW) 101 caused much confusion, as the President made clear that the purchase of the helicopter had to be cancelled.

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Linkedin Eko NM Saputro (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017

A year full of bilateral engagements. This is a simple phrase to reflect the agenda of President Joko Jokowi Widodo at the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017.

The President closed his 2016 foreign policy agenda by visiting Iran and India and opened his 2017 international moves by visiting Australia before hosting a historic and entertaining visit by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia a couple of weeks ago. French President Francois Hollande also visited Jakarta  the first visit by a French president in more than 30 years. This is a prime time for bilateralism.

The Presidents decision to engage in bilateral engagements somehow anticipated recent political developments in several key states that will likely lead to more bilateral arrangements rather than multilateral ones.

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Linkedin Yoriko Yasukawa and Annette Sachs Robertson (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017

As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) approaches its 50th anniversary this year, a momentous milestone, the region is at a crossroads more than ever on several fronts, including the rights, health and wellbeing of millions of women and girls.

Policies and decisions taken now by individual countries and ASEAN as a whole can propel Southeast Asia toward greater prosperity grounded in human rights and genuine gender equality  helping fulfill the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) whose collective pledge is to leave no one behind.

Or, amid the growing tendency toward conservatism, and in some cases violent extremism, gains made in improving the health and fulfilling the rights of women and young people  especially girls  could be eroded.

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Linkedin Yury Fedotov (The Jakarta Post) Vienna  Tue, April 18, 2017

Somali piracy off the Horn of Africa was once estimated by the World Bank to cost global trade billions of dollars, and to harm the fragile economies of countries in the region.

These disastrous financial costs, at a time of painful global downturn, came alongside a raft of pain and suffering for those taken hostage, some of whom died due to desperate living conditions and a lack of medical treatment.

Now, in the last few weeks, Somali piracy is back: making headlines, boarding ships, and taking hostages. Since early March, there have been numerous successful attacks, including on April 1, when the cargo ship Al Kaushar was boarded.

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Linkedin Yang Wanli (China Daily/Asia News Network) Shenzen, China  Tue, April 18, 2017 16:28 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9a38b3 2 Lifestyle Shanghai,China,travel,traveling,tourism,#traveling,#tourism Free

Shanghai has ranked as the "most attractive" city for foreign residents for the fifth consecutive year due to its international atmosphere and multicultural environment, according to an annual survey.

Beijing, the nation's capital, remained second, thanks to its advantages in healthcare and educational resources, while Hangzhou, the so-called "Heaven on Earth" in Zhejiang province, held onto third place.

The rankings, released Saturday, were based on a survey of about 25,000 expatriates nationwide in December and January. The criteria ranged from the living environment and local culture to administrative services and favorable policies for foreign residents.

Read also: Shanghai may build new airport for business flights

The China Society for Research on International Professional Personnel Exchange and Development launched the annual survey in partnership with the International Talent magazine in 2010 as a way to promote the nation's cities.

One of the biggest changes in the top 10 was for Qingdao, a coastal city in Shandong province, which moved up two places to fourth, replacing Shenzhen, the southern metropolis, which slipped to sixth.

Qingdao scored much higher than Shanghai and Beijing in terms of air pollution and traffic congestion, as did Suzhou, a picturesque city in Jiangsu province, which placed seventh.

This year's survey also showed China's rapid economic growth and its future development potential are major draws for foreigners with a long-term plans to work or live in the country.

Read also: EVA Air launches new Sanrio-themed aircraft

More than half of all respondents said the environment was the most important factor when considering staying long term, while preferential policies also were a major concern.

Loic Bastard, a Frenchman who works for Envision Energy and has been based in Wuxi, another city in Jiangsu, for two years, said he enjoys living in his "clean" and "beautiful" adopted home.

"With easy transportation, good infrastructure and a good environment, smaller cities have gained more competitiveness compared with metropolises," he said. "With an increasing number of preferential policies from the local government, I think second- and third-tier cities will be attractive to more foreign expats."

Topics :

This article appeared on the China Daily newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 10:49 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde990e68 1 Art & Culture ardian-syaf,marvel,x-men-gold,comic-book,controversy,ahok,#comic,#controversy Free

Following his dismissal by Marvel Comics, illustrator Ardian Syaf says he does not want to drown in sadness.

I am very sure that there is an unknown blessing behind this event, Ardian said at his house in Tulungagung regency, East Java on Thursday, as quoted by Antara.

On Apr. 11, Ardian was fired by the publisher for religious references he had inserted in illustrations he drew for X-Men Gold #1a comic released on Apr. 5.

A post shared by Wade Willsun (@wadelives) on Apr 8, 2017 at 4:57pm PDT

Read also: Indonesian 'X-Men Gold' comic writer inserts anti-Ahok references in comic book, ignites controversy

The father-of-one drew QS 5:51 on a characters shirt and wrote the number 212 on a building in another picture. The numbers reportedly refer to, respectively, a verse in the Quran and the Dec. 2, 2016, rally, a protest event against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, who is accused of blasphemy. In a statement issued to comicbook.com, Marvel stated that it was not aware of the meaning of the references and that it would remove them from the comics upcoming batches.

The visual communication design graduate of Malang State University said he did not want society to think he was traumatized by being fired by the publisher, [Let] this be a lesson for me. Hopefully other [comic artists] will not do the same thing if they're not ready for this kind of risk.

Ardian said that he initially drew the QS 5:51 and 212 for fun. Prior to drawing the illustration, Ardian had just participated in the Dec. 2 rally, which had left a deep impression on him. This then led him to include the references in the X-Men Gold #1 comic.

This was not the first time Ardian inserted references to Indonesian politics in his drawings. In 2012, Ardian reportedly inserted a reference to President Joko Widodo in the Batgirl #1 comic. For this 'Easter egg', Ardian did not get into any trouble, he even received compliments.

However, such was not the case with his recent illustrations. The references he inserted created controversy and provoked discussion on social media.

When the controversy arose, I realized that it might lead to a critical situation [and] that it would lead to being fired by Marvel, he said.

Read also: 'My career is over,' says Indonesian comic artist Ardian Syaf

Despite deliberately inserting the religious references, Ardian denies he is a racist, anti-Christian or anti-Semite. Truthfully, I did not have any other intentions besides keeping the memory of 212 rally inside my work, he said.

Ardian also said that he didnt think that the references would cause a controversy and that it would lead to him losing his job with Marvel Comics. If I knew, I would not have inserted [the references], he said.

Ardian is currently taking a break from drawing comics, but he has received offers from local and foreign publishers. Among the interested publishers are medium and small-sized publishers in the United States and publishers from the Middle East. Ardian said his manager had been repeatedly contacted by publishers, but he had not accepted any of the offers. He said that he wanted to take a short break to calm down. He has not specified when he will be returning to work.

Many collectors have also shown an interest in Ardians original pencil-drawn illustrations for the comic that contain the QS 5:51 and 212 references. Despite the rising offers, Ardian has not replied to any of the collectors either.

My manager suggested selling the illustrations for US$ 3,000 each, but I have not decided on anything, he said.

Ardian wants to keep the work as memorabilia, as a story to be told to his children and grandchildren in the future. (mas/asw)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, April 18, 2017 13:41 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde999dde 1 Lifestyle Muslim-wear,fashion,#fashion,syari-muslim-fashion,#Muslim Free

Local Muslim fashion brand Sabila Syari Fash, by designer Tiara Syafruddin, made its debut at Modanisa London Modest Fashion Week at the Olympia exhibition center in London, United Kingdom, last weekend.

Antara news agency reported that during the two-day event, the brand showcased two collections, featuring glamorous Muslim wear and syar'i (sharia-approved attires) casual daily outfits.

Modanisa London Modest Fashion Week #lmfw #londonmodestfashionweek #london #modanisa #mmgwl A post shared by Syahmi Azman (@miesyahmi) on Apr 15, 2017 at 9:39am PDT

The collection, themed "Tropical Bali", received a positive response from the Muslim community in London.

Read also: Sportswear giant reveals first athletic hijabs for Muslim women

Tiara, the brands fashion designer, said she was surprised to see the positive response, with the syari outfits setting the brand apart from its competitors in the Muslim fashion industry.

Thank God, I feel happy to be able to join the exhibition for the very first time in London, she said.

[The Muslim community's] enthusiasm towards [Indonesian] Muslim fashion was amazing, said Tiara, adding that her goal of participating in the event was to introduce the brand. (jes/asw)
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Linkedin David Roman (Bloomberg)  Tue, April 18, 2017 18:01 2030 a291276806121264c0bd211cde9ad44a 2 Science & Tech Singapore,digital,technology,Asia,#singapore,#digital Free

Singapore ranks the highest in Asia in attracting and developing talent, reflecting not only its world-class education system but how its adapting skills in the digital era.

The city-state took the No. 2 spot behind Switzerland on the Global Talent Competitiveness Index, published on Tuesday by the French business school, INSEAD. Australia was the only other Asia Pacific country ranked in the top 10.

Read also: ASEAN can help lead the way to Planet 50-50 by 2030

The index assesses a countrys ability to enable, attract, grow and retain talent, as well as develop global knowledge and vocational and technical skills.(GTCI Index via Bloomberg/File)

The index assesses a countrys ability to enable, attract, grow and retain talent, as well as develop global knowledge and vocational and technical skills. High-ranking countries share some key advantages: employment policies that favor flexibility, good education systems and technological competence.

Singapores government is seeking to build the economy into a regional high-tech hub. Its helping small businesses adopt new technologies and supporting workers in getting re-skilled. With immigration curbs in place, the city state is pushing for automation of some low-skilled jobs, such as cleaners.

Digital technologies will help small and exposed economies like Singapore punch above their weight by creating means for their businesses and talent to reach out to the global market, said Su-Yen Wong, chief executive officer of the Singapore-based Human Capital Leadership Institute, which helped compile the index.

Some of Asias biggest economies ranked much lower on the index. Japan dropped three spots to No. 22 globally, while China was ranked at 54 and India at 92.

A big challenge for China and India lies in their ability to attract talent, and they both face the issue of local higher-skilled workers leaving to live and work abroad, said Bruno Lanvin, executive director of global indices at INSEAD and co-editor of the report. To improve their attractiveness, the countries can further boost their regulatory and market landscapes.

Malaysia had the highest ranking of upper middle-income countries and came in at No. 28 on the global index, beating wealthier nations such as South Korea, Spain and Italy. The Southeast Asian nation scores high because of its vocational and technical skills and being open to foreign talent, according to the study.

Read also: Singapore-based Ninja Express makes official entrance into Indonesia

High-ranking countries share some key advantages: employment policies that favor flexibility, good education systems and technological competence.(GTCI Index via Bloomberg/File)